HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-04-03 Info Packetr ~~~~
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET
April 3, 2008
MISCELLANEOUS
IP1 Council Meetings and Work Session Agenda
IP2 Memorandum from the Recycling Coordinator: Furniture Project hiatus
IP3 E-mail from Michael Richards (x2): Third Street Streetscape Timeline
DRAFT MINUTES
IP4 Board of Adjustment: March 12, 2008
IP5 Airport Commission: March 13, 2008
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City Council Meeting Schedule and
CITY Of IOWA CITY Work Session Agendas April 3, 2008
www.icgov.org
• THURSDAY, APRIL 10 City Manager's Conference Room
7:OOp Special Formal Council Meeting -Separate Agenda Posted
Executive Session -City Manager Search
Special Work Session -City Manager Search
• MONDAY, APRIL 14 Emma J. Harvat Hall
5:30p Special Work Session
7:OOp Special Formal Council Meeting
Continue Special Work Session if necessary
• THURSDAY, APRIL 24 Emma J. Harvat Hall
4:30p Special Formal Council Meeting -Separate Agenda Posted
Executive Session -City Manager Search
Special Work Session -City Manager Search
• FRIDAY, APRIL 25 Emma J. Harvat Hall
4:30p Special Formal Council Meeting -Separate Agenda Posted
Executive Session -City Manager Search
Special Work Session -City Manager Search
TBD Meet and Greet -City Manager Candidates Public Library Meeting Room A
• MONDAY, APRIL 28 Emma J. Harvat Hall
5:30p Special Formal Council Meeting -Separate Agenda Posted
Executive Session -City Manager Search
6:30p Special Work Session
• TUESDAY, APRIL 29 Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:OOp Special Formal Council Meeting
• WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30 Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:30p Special Work Session -Snow removal discussion
• FRIDAY, MAY 2 Emma J. Harvat Hall
2:30p - 8:30p Special Formal Council Meeting -Separate Agenda Posted
Executive Session -City Manager Search
Special Work Session -City Manager Search
• SUNDAY, MAY 4 Emma J. Harvat Hall
2:OOp - 5:OOp Special Formal Council Meeting -Separate Agenda Posted
Executive Session -City Manager Search
Special Work Session -City Manager Search
All meetings are tentative and subject to change.
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CITY OF IOWA CITY 1P2
MEMORANDUM
Date: Thursday, April 3, 2008
To: City Council
From: Jen Jordan, Recycling Coordinator`
Re: Furniture Project hiatus
The Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center and JCCOG Human Services have
determined that to best meet the Furniture Project's double mission of waste reduction
and human services, the program needs to be completely restructured. Until a new
format is in place, the Furniture Project will be on hiatus for both receiving and
distributing furniture.
While we are not sure how the new Furniture Project will look, we are gathering input
from the referring human service agencies to ensure the new program will meet their
clients' needs as well as make the program more efficient and more effective for the
agencies. The ultimate goal for anewly-restructured Furniture Project is to increase both
the amount of furniture diverted from the landfill and place more furniture in needy
homes.
In the meantime, the Furniture Project link on the City website will direct telephone calls
to the landfill for more information and encourage citizens to utilize one of numerous
other reuse options in town, including the second-hand shops and consignment stores.
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What : Ce I e b rate Earth Day with the Iowa City Landfill & Recycling
Center, Restore, Salvage Barn, Iowa Global Warming, Sierra Club, and more!
Where: East Side Recycling Center at 2401 Scott Blvd. SE
When: Tuesday, April 22, noon to 6:00 p.m.
Planned to date:
• Iowa City Community Compost give-a-way from the Iowa City Landfill and
Recycling Center (bring your own bucket!)
• Purchase aback-yard compost bin for $35 (limited supply; first-come, first
serve!)
• Booths for recycling education and future plans for the East Side Recycling
Center
• Special store hours (noon to 6 p.m. )and sales at the Restore, including new
do-it-yourself kits for birdhouses, bat houses and cold frames
• Friends of Historic Preservation/Salvage Barn will give away materials that
can be used to create garden benches and will show how other salvaged
material can be refashioned for yards and outdoor living spaces
• Bring your recycling to the drop-off bins on site 24 hours
Environmental groups are welcome to set up educational booths or activities.
Please contact Jennifer Jordan at iennifer-iordan(a~iowa-city.orq
or 887-6160 for more information or to RSVP.
Sponsored by the Iowa City Landfill & Recycling Center, Restore and Salvage Barn
Document Destruction
& Recycling
Book &
Textbook Recycling
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What: Document Destruction & Recycling
Book & Textbook Recycling
When: Wednesday, April 9, 2008
2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Where: Robert A. Lee Community Center
220 S. Gilbert Street in Iowa City
Why: Safely and responsibly recycle outdated
private documents, books and textbooks
Materials for document destruction and recvcling will be collected at the event and shredded off-site
by Document Destruction and Recycling Services from Cedar Rapids.
United Way is partnering with the Federal Reserve Bank in order to facilitate document destruction and recycling for citizens'
privacy. Up to sixty pounds of documents will be accepted from each household and will be shredded off-site and recycled.
Money Smart Week is coordinated by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, which serves all of Iowa and hundreds of partner
organizations dedicated to financial literacy. It is designed to educate consumers about money management and generate
awareness of financial education available on a wide range of topics such as saving, investing and using credit wisely.
Books and textbooks will be recycled by North Cedar Recycling from Stanwood.
The Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center is coordinating this event as a way for citizens to recycle old books and textbooks,
which are often difficult items for which to find a reuse or recycling option.
Please contact the city's recycling coordinator at 887-6160 or Jennifer-iordanCa~iowa-city.org for more information.
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United
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IP3
Marian Karr
From: Soyawax@aol.com
Sent: Saturday, March 29, 2008 8:07 AM
To: info@hooverassociation.org; annette.wetteland@lib.state.ia.us; info@hacap.org; info@crma.org;
info@friendsof theimmigrant.org; mstoffregen@iowacityarea.com; Council;
churchesunited@yahoo.com; welcome@chsfs.org; Janet@freedomfestival.com; civilrights@cedar-
rapids.org; chamber@cedarrapids.org; catherinemcauley@quest.net; wjohnso@dhs.state.ia.us;
president@accessiowa.org; lavrenzr@trinity.org; brmanard@solon.k12.ia.us;
cilavely@regina.pvt.k12.ia.usnhobbs@marion.k12.ia.us; tmcgraw@aea10.k12.ia.us;
Itiemann@gwaea.org; dwhitehead@ccs.k12.ia.us; pvincent@cc-amana.k12.ia.us;
dmarkward@cr.k12.ia.us; jbrady@cr-cath.pvt.k12.ia.us; linsey-abbot@uiowa.edu; marcella-
david@uiaowa.edu; info@kirkwoood.cc.ia.us; benesh1@iastate.edu
Subject: Third Street Streetscape Timeline
Dear Friends;
A complete Third Street Streetscape will provide great impetus for effective marketing of Downtown
Housing to young professionals in Cedar Rapids A vital Art and Cultural District within a sustainable,
pedestrian friendly urban village is exactly what the young professional demographic is looking for.
It is time for the City of Cedar Rapids to take bold action, not a timid piecemeal "single block" approach that
would actually be a serious setback for a cohesive, integrated neighborhood esthetic. There is still time to
avoid such a major error in urban design.
Third Street Streetscape Timeline
2001-2005; Hundreds of Cedar Rapids citizens participated on site in neighborhood planning meetings.
Over one thousand citizens participated on line to submit ideas for RiverRun and the later Cedar Bend urban
development proposals. Volunteers spent thousands of hours during this four year community process.
A Wisconsin based consulting group was paid nearly $200,000 to lead this public planning process. One
consistent theme that had consensus support during these several years of neighborhood planning was that
Third Street S.E. should be designated as a pedestrian friendly art and cultural district that is culturally
diverse and inter-generational in appeal.
2002, The Third Street Corridor is recognized nationally as a National Historic District; The Bohemian
Commercial Historic District.
2004 The Third Street Corridor is named "New Bohemia" and the New Bohemia Group is incorporated.
2004 The New Bohemia Group first publicly calls for an end to Heavy Truck Traffic on the Third Street Art
and Cultural Corridor to be consistent with the plan for a pedestrian friendly art and cultural district. One
child is injured during this time as a wake up call for community action.
March 11, 2004: quote from Gazette Article by David De Witte: City Community Development Manager
Richard Luther met with the New Bohemia group Wednesday to lend support. He said the group will be
consulted on impending streetscaping improvements that could include new sidewalks,
street lights, benches, and refuse containers. The Downtown Renaissance Group also is offering
assistance. It hopes to include the neighborhood in the state's upcoming Imagine Iowa's Future tour.
March 23, 2004, Michael Richards, one of the New Bohemia founding board members and chairperson of the
Third Street Infrastructure and Streetscape Committee schedules the first formal streetscape planning
meeting. Richard Luther and Jennifer Pratt from the CR Dept of Development bring Ruth Fox and Stacey
3/31/2008
Page 2 of 4
Moore (OPN Architects) to the committee meeting. They have prepared base air photos so that we can discuss
overlay sketches.
March 28, 2004
The New Bohemia Group researches the Cedar Rapids City Code and discovers that illegal truck traffic has
been putting neighborhood children at risk and damaging the third street pavement for over ten years with the
tacit approval of City Council.
2005; Thousands of citizens participate in the 15 in 5 planning process; The Third Street Art and Cultural
Corridor is listed as #1 in the 15 ideas for community improvement.
2006, The City of Cedar Rapids pays Ament Engineering and OPN Architects $200,000 to carry out
engineering and design work for the Third Street Streetscape from 8th Ave to 14th Ave. This was in
addition to the $200,000 already paid several years earlier for neighborhood planning consultants from
Wisconsin that resulted in identification of the Third Street Corridor as a priority for action. New Bohemia is
integral to the Downtown Planning Process that has taken place over 10 years with a public cost of $2
million. It is time for action rather than continuous studies by out of town consultants with a lot of duplication
of effort. Local neighborhood people understand our needs much better than any out of town consultant ever
can. We need to harness our local creativity and passion for civic improvement.
2006, The Third Street Streetscape Public Design Charrette takes place over a several month period.
About 100 citizens participate in this public planning process. Gradually, this community process leads
to consensus on the design as a Contemporary Art and Cultural District Streetscape.
2006, The New Bohemia Group unanimously vote to support of the Streetscape Design from OPN
Architects.
2006, The New Bohemia Streetscape and Infrastructure Committee secures 132 signatures on the public
petition to support the OPN Streetscape Design. This formal petition is entered into the City Public Record
of the City of Cedar Rapids.
2006 The City Government decides to put the Third Street Streetscape construction schedule on hold, even
though it has been publicly stated that "the funds to carry out streetscape construction are in place". Mayor
Halloran sends out a personal letter to all citizens that participated in the Third Street Streetscape Design
Charrette, stating that the construction delay on Third Street is "temporary".
2007; The New Bohemia Group appears before the City Council to call for an end to the 12 years of illegal
heavy truck traffic that endangers neighborhood children, and that has left Third Street as a patchwork of
potholes and cracked pavement that has been left in horrendous condition for a several decades.
In December of 2007, all illegal heavy truck traffic on Third Street ends.
2007; New Bohemia/Third Street Streetscape/Czech Village is officially recognized as a Cultural District
by the Iowa State Department of Cultural Affairs.
March of 2008, 8 years after the active citizen planning process for The Third Street Streetscape started, The
City Government has now made a unilateral announcement without the benefit of citizen input or consultation
with the New Bohemia Group or the Oakhill Jackson Neighborhood ASSN. that "one single block" from
9th Street to 10th Street in front of OSADA will have "new streetscape"
This public announcement of a "one block island" has brought forth a local outcry of dismay about how such
a poor street design decision can be made. Rather than let this citizen discontent fester under the surface in
our neighborhood, the New Bohemia group is making this known publicly and openly. We expect a public and
open response from the City Council in return. .
Mayor Halloran sent all citizen Charrette participants a personal letter in 2006, stating that the delay of the
entire 3rd Street Streetscape construction from 8th AVE. to 14th AVE. was temporary. During the New
Bohemia public appearance and petition to end illegal truck traffic on Third Street in 2007,
Councilman Brian Fagan stated publicly and on record during formal council session that "the funds for fhe
Third Street Streetscape are still on hold and available for such use. " We now ask: Where are the
3/31/2008
Page 3 of 4
Streetscape funds being redirected, and why are these funds not being applied to complete the Third Street
Streetscape as designed and paid for with $200,000 of public design and engineering funds? We must call
on our mayor and councilman to be accountable to follow up on such written communication and public
statements. To make such statements and then not take action seriously erodes the public trust.
To now announce in 2008 that "one single block" of Third Street Streetscape will be carried out
seriously erodes the public trust with the New Bohemia Neighborhood. We have had 8 years of public
participation in planning the complete Third Street Streetscape. To call for such extensive public input and
then ignore that public input is a serious insult to the citizens of Cedar Rapids. The elected officials and city
staff have only one source of accountability; the citizens that elected them. A healthy city requires
substantive citizen participation, not a long series of meaningless token public forums that go on for years,
only to be ignored.
Streetscaping one single block is an aberration of all intelligent urban design principles; the new
Streetscape for one single block creates an "island" not a cultural district. An island builds in a physical
separation, not a physical demonstration of neighborhood unity and cohesiveness.
With the act of finishing one single block, the City Government anchors this separation in the very design
of neighborhood infrastructure. With this shortsighted act, The City Council also gives a strong public
message that it listens to the one single developer of the OSADA building, and snores the input of hundreds of
citizens over almost a decade. Such short sighted action does not instill trust, participation and community
cohesiveness. The new Streetscape on one Island in front of one building, creates a message that the
residents of that building are different and apart from the rest of the neighborhood, not an integral part of the
entire neighborhood community. Such a shortsighted action would be very poor urban planning.
The completion of the entire Third Street Corridor Streetscape would rather create a community message
of cohesiveness, unity, and welcoming participation.
The decision to create a one block island is a really bad design decision.
If the City Government has specific larger plans in the works for the Quality Chef and Iowa Steel properties
along the Third Street Corridor, then it is much better to communicate such plans clearly and in their entirety to
create a process of transparent, participatory community planning. In the absence of such
open communication, there is distrust, misunderstanding and a large group of citizens that feel that their many
years of diligent work are given no value by this City Council.
The New Bohemia Board of Directors are intelligent, reasonable people. If there is a larger plan in the works
for this area and we are provided the real facts to understand the full context, you will receive agreement and
total cooperation. Without a clear understanding of a total development plan for the New Bohemia Art and
Cultural District, completing a new streetscape design on one single block appears to be patently absurd
and counterproductive to both design principles and community cohesion. Such action is a very serious step
backward after years of building community cohesion all along the Third Street Corridor. Why build a one
block island that actually disrupts such community cohesion and an integrated sense of urban design?
As a National Historic District, visitors from all over the USA come to Third Street to see The Bohemian
Commercial Historic District. As an official State of Iowa Cultural District visitors from all over Iowa come
to see New Bohemia. When all of these out of town visitors arrive, they find a totally disgraceful condition; a
depressed neighborhood where the streets and infrastructure have been neglected for decades. The lighting on
Third Street is very poor, and the streets and sidewalks are a public disgrace. How much longer will the
citizens of City Rapids and the City Council leave this historic district in this dismal condition? The condition
of Third Street Streetscape is an enduring physical monument to a total lack of civic pride.
I challenge the Council and the citizens of Cedar Rapids to find any other National Historic District and State
Cultural District where the street and sidewalks are left in this seriously deteriorated condition. Can you name
a single city other than Cedar Rapids, Iowa where such a condition of neglect exists and persists over
decades?
Cedar Rapids is at a major crossroads; This city can become a great city or remain a mediocre city.
A closed approach, without transparent, active citizen participation and open communication will keep this city
3/31 /2008
Page 4 of 4
mired in mediocrity. With an open, inclusive, transparent community planning process, then we can move
on toward building a great city.
Which community planning approach do you choose?
There is a very long tradition in Cedar Rapids where a very small oligarchy calls the shots while the majority of
citizens remain very passive and then complain for years. The New Bohemia Group is changing that long and
damaging tradition by performing as active citizens that expect and demand transparency, accountability
and full citizen participation in all civic affairs. This open civic process is called democracy and it can start
in our own community of Cedar Rapids.
On Thursday, March 27th, 2008, a motion was put forward, seconded and approved unanimously at the
monthly Board Meeting of the New Bohemia Board of Directors to submit the attached Third Street
Streetscape Timeline in writing and in person during the Public Comment time at the City Council Session
on Wednesday, April 9.
A neighborhood planning session will take place one hour before City Council convenes. Council members
and City staff are also invited to this neighborhood meeting. This will take place at the Matyk Building at the
corner of Third Street and 11th AVE. at 5 pm April 9. All interested citizens of Cedar Rapids are invited to
attend this open and public neighborhood meeting. This inclusive citizens group and the The New Bohemia
Group will then go to make a formal presentation of this Third Street Timeline to the Council at 6 pm the
same evening to call for completion of the entire Third Street Streetscape.
submitted by;
Michael Richards, President, Oakhill Jackson Neighborhood ASSN.
(a founding board member of New Bohemia, and chairperson of the Third Street Streetscape Committee.)
Third Street Streetscape Timeline
Create a Home Theater Like the Pros. Watch the video on AOL Home.
3/31 /2008
Page 1 of 2
Marian Karr
From: Soyawax@aol.com
Sent: Sunday, March 30, 2008 10:57 AM
To: info@hooverassociation.org; annette.wetteland@lib.state.ia.us; info@hacap.org; info@crma.org;
info@friendsof theimmigrant.org; mstoffregen@iowacityarea.com; Council;
churchesunited@yahoo.com; welcome@chsfs.org; Janet@freedomfestival.com; civilrights@cedar-
rapids.org; chamber@cedarrapids.org; catherinemcauley@quest.net; wjohnso@dhs.state.ia.us;
president@accessiowa.org; lavrenzr@trinity.org; brmanard@solon.k12.ia.us;
cilavely@regina.pvt.k12.ia.usnhobbs@marion.k12.ia.us; tmcgraw@aea10.k12.ia.us;
Itiemann@gwaea.org; dwhitehead@ccs.k12.ia.us; pvincent@cc-amana.k12.ia.us;
dmarkward@cr.k12.ia.us; jbrady@cr-cath.pvt.k12.ia.us; linsey-abbot@uiowa.edu; marcella-
david@uiaowa.edu; info@kirkwoood.cc.ia.us; benesh1@iastate.edu
Subject: City Council ready for decision; Third St. Streetscape in New Bohemia
Dear Friends;
The City Council is ready to make a decision about completing the Third Street Streetscape in the New
Bohemia Art and Cultural District.
If you can, please send Letters to the Editor and send a mail to the City Council. Please ask your friends and
associates to do the same. (you can forward all of the a mail links below)
A Letter the Editor must be short (200 words or less) You can simply state that after 8 years of planning and
expensive consultants, it is~time to complete the entire Third Street Streetscape in New Bohemia
send your letter by a mail to:
editorial~a gazettecommunications.com
You can send your a mail to the Mayor, each Council Member by clicking on this list;
NAME/email link
POSITION/contact link
MaXor Kay_H_alloran
Council_Member_at lame Brian Fayan
Council Member at large Tom Podzimek
Council_M_ember at large Pat Shed
District 1 Council Member Kris Gulick
District 2 Council Member Monica_Vernon
District_3_Council_Member Jerry._ McGrane
District 4 Council Member Chuck Wieneke
District 5 Council.._Membe__r Justin Shields
City Manager Jim Prosser
3/31/2008
Page 2 of 2
City Council ready for decision; Third St. Streetscape in New Bohemia
Art and Cultural District/Cedar Rapids
Create a Home Theater Like the Pros. Watch the video on AOL Home.
3/31 /2008
IP4
MINUTES PRELIMINARY
IOWA CITY BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
MARCH 12, 2008 - 5:00 PM
EMMA J HARVAT HALL -IOWA CITY/CITY HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Michelle Payne, Edgar Thornton, Ned Wood
MEMBERS ABSENT: Karen Leigh (recused)
STAFF PRESENT: Sarah Walz, Sarah Holecek
OTHERS PRESENT: Bob Miller
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL (becomes effective only after separate Council action):
NONE.
CONSIDERATION OF THE FEBRUARY 1.3. 2008 MINUTES:
Wood asked if there were any corrections to the February 13, 2008 meeting minutes. Walz noted
that Leigh (who had recused herself due to conflict of interest) had called her with the changes
she had for the minutes, and Walz shared those with the Board. On page 2, in the middle of the
page where there are the three standards, the second one should say, "...for more than 45 days,"
instead of "forme." Also, a correction on page 6, the last sentence of the first paragraph,
"...people cane easily," should be "...people can easily... ". On the same page, last paragraph,
2"d to last sentence, where it says, "The first is because site is fronted..." would sound better as,
"The first is that the site fronts on two streets." On the next page, page 7, 4th paragraph, "She aid
adequate utilities..." should say, "She said adequate... ". Thornton noted that on the second to
the last page, 4th paragraph down, "Thornton asked about disability...." This should be switched
around, "Thornton asked about accessibility for the disabled... ". He also noted that on the next
page back, 4th paragraph down, where it says, "She aid adequate utilities..." should be, "She said
adequate... ". Wood noted that on the second to last page, 4 h paragraph, last sentence, should
read, "...and that she planned to vote in favor... ".
Motion: Thornton moved to accept the minutes of the February 13, 2008 meeting as corrected;
seconded by Payne. Motion carried 3-0. Leigh not present.
SPECIAL EXCEPTION:
EXC08-00005: An application submitted by Mercy Hospital for a special exception to reduce the
principal building setback on the north side of the property, located in the CO-1 zone at 500 East
Market Street.
Walz addressed the Board Members on Special Exception EXC08-00005. She noted that Mercy
Hospital occupies basically the whole two-block street frontage along Bloomington Street, and
that they are in a situation currently where they need to install a new elevator in order to meet
International Building and Safety Code. This code requires that the hospital have an elevator that
is able to accommodate a gurney. After the Hospital's architect reviewed this situation, it was
determined that this elevator could not be accommodated in the interior of the building and would
need to be added to the exterior of the hospital structure, which means they will come further into
the required 10-foot setback. Therefore, Mercy Hospital was requesting the special exception.
Walz showed the board members a photo of the existing outside portion of Mercy Hospital.
There is a covered stair entry currently in the location being proposed for this new elevator. This
Board of Adjustment
March 12, 2008
Page 2
entry would be removed in order to install the elevator. Walz noted that the property line is about
4' from the sidewalk. She noted that the proposed project will not change the function of this
exterior side of the Hospital in terms of more traffic coming in and out at that location. Walz then
showed a slide with a rendering of what the proposed addition will look like. She noted that the
setback reduction would continue all the way up the height of the building, and that it will be set at
the property line, which is about 4 feet from the sidewalk.
Walz then reviewed the standards regarding Section 14-2C-46-5, Adjustments to the Principal
Setback Requirements in Commercial Zones. The first is that the situation is peculiar to the
property. She noted that staff does find the situation is peculiar, because in this case it is a single
building, occupying almost an entire two-block area, and is already slightly within the required
setback, and the fact that this required elevator cannot be incorporated into the interior of the
building. Second, there is practical difficulty complying with the setback standards. Walz noted
that this is a necessary addition that must be made to the building in order to meet international
building codes and life safety codes. Walz stated that the architect has found that this elevator
"cannot practically occur on the interior of the building."
Third, Walz stated that they also look at whether the special exception will be contrary to the
purpose of the setback regulations. Walz noted that the purpose of the setback regulations are to
maintain light and air, separation for fire protection, provide opportunities for privacy between
buildings, reflect the general building scale, and placement of structures in the City's
neighborhoods; promote a reasonable physical relationship between buildings and residents; and
provide flexibility to site a building so that it is compatible with buildings in the vicinity. In this
case, Walz noted that this is a relatively small portion of a very large building, and that it is on a
rather wide right-of-way of 80 feet, which is approximately 20 feet larger than most rights-of-way.
Walz noted that to the west of this block, there is a commercial zone where buildings may be
located up to their property lines. She noted that the extra-wide right-of-way provides the access
for light and fire protection to this area.
Walz then addressed the General Standards: 14-46-3, Special Exception Review Requirements.
She stated that: 1) This specific exception will not be detrimental to or endanger the public health,
safety, comfort or general welfare. She noted that, again, because there already is an extra wide
right-of-way, and because the project does not change the exterior function of the Hospital or
generate additional traffic, there will not be any effect on the health, safety, comfort or general
welfare of the public. 2) The specific exception will not be injurious to the use and enjoyment of
other property in the immediate vicinity and will not substantially diminish or impair property
values in the neighborhood, and again for the same reasons, Walz stated that staff finds this will
not. 3) The establishment of the specific proposed exception will not impede the normal and
orderly development and improvement of surrounding properties for uses permitted in the zone in
which it is located. Walz stated that, again, the properties across the street from the Hospital are
in the CO-1 zone and this project will not affect their ability to redevelop. 4) Adequate utilities,
access roads, drainage and/or necessary facilities are already being provided to the building and
this will not change. 5) Walz stated that ingress and egress are not an issue, as this project is not
bringing additional traffic to this portion of the Hospital. 6) Except for the specific regulations and
standards applicable to the exception being considered, Walz stated that this exception meets all
other aspects of the code. She noted that a final site plan and elevations for the addition must be
reviewed by the Building Department to ensure that all lighting and other features are compliant
with current code standards. Walz wrapped up this portion of her presentation, stating that the
proposed use will be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, as amended, and that the
Comprehensive Plan recognizes Mercy Hospital as an important institutional use in the
community. Walz stated that the only concern in the Comprehensive Plan was the parking
demand generated by the hospital, but that this special exception would not change parking
demand.
Board of Adjustment
March 12, 2008
Page 3
Walz noted that staff recommends that EXC08-00005, an application for a setback reduction from
10 feet to 0 feet along Bloomington Street be approved, subject to substantial compliance with
the site plan submitted.
Payne noted that in the General Standards, number 3, where the line begins, "Streets. Because
setback reduction is limited to a small portion of the building and will alter the..." that this should
say, "...and will not alter the...". Walz agreed with this correction. Payne then asked if the
current doorway is used very often, and Walz stated that it does not appear so, that the main
entrance for the building is on the other side of the block, and the Emergency entrance is on
Gilbert Street.
Wood asked if the applicant wanted to address the Board. Bob Miller, Director of Environmental
Services with Mercy Hospital, responded to Payne's question, stating that this entrance is more of
a convenience entrance and exit, rather than a main entrance. Miller responded to the Boards'
questions, explaining how this elevator addition would be used, stating that the main reason for
having this is to meet the international codes and life safety codes. Thornton asked how long the
Hospital has been out of compliance with this regulation. Miller stated that they have not been
non-compliant, but that this is due to new hospice unit that they plan to put on the fifth floor of the
North Building.
Wood closed the public hearing
Motion: Thornton moved to approve EXC08-00005: An application submitted by Mercy Hospital
for a special exception to reduce the principal building setback on the north side of the property,
located in the CO-1 zone at 500 East Market Street. Holecek asked for clarification, restating that
the application is for a setback reduction from 10 feet to zero feet, for the modifications along
Bloomington Street, subject to compliance with the design presented. Payne seconded the
motion.
Payne started with the Findings of Fact, stating that the situation is peculiar to the specific
property in that Mercy Hospital is the only structure on this frontage, and it does occupy the entire
length of two full city blocks, and according to the architect, they cannot retrofit the interior of the
building to accommodate the elevator. There is practical difficulty in complying with the setback
standards, in again that they cannot provide this elevator that they need unless they do so on the
exterior of the building. Payne noted that the Special Exception will not be contrary to the
purpose of the general setback regulations in that it will still allow for the maintenance of light, air,
separation for fire protection, access for firefighting; it will be at the property line, which is
approximately four feet from the public sidewalk, so it will not be all the way up to the sidewalk; it
is mid-block, near the intersection of Van Buren and Bloomington, which are both wide rights-of-
way; there will still be privacy between all buildings because of the large right-of-way; and it is
only a small portion of the building - 40 to 45 feet. It will reflect the general building scale and
placement of other structures in the neighborhood. Payne continued, stating that most of the
building is set back at least 9 feet from the property line. It is a 600-foot building, so it is quite
large, making this addition a very small percentage of the building that will be on the property line.
It will promote a reasonable physical relationship between other buildings, again, due to the large
right-of-way in the area and the small footprint of this project. This exception will also be
compatible with other buildings in the vicinity, for the reasons already stated.
Under the General Standards, Payne noted that it will not be detrimental to or endanger the
public health, safety, comfort, or general welfare. It will not impede on other buildings in the area
due to the small percentage of the overall building that this exception encompasses, and the fact
that this is still more than 20 feet from the street. It will not substantially diminish or impair
property values in the neighborhood, or be injurious to the immediate vicinity. Payne noted that
the hospital's main entrance is on Market Street, and that this entrance will not change its
function once it is altered. The special exception will not impede the surrounding properties or
Board of Adjustment
March 12, 2008
Page 4
other possible development. Adequate utilities and roadways, etc., are already being provided.
There will be no additional vehicle access along this side of the hospital, so the proposed addition
will have no impact on ingress or egress to the site. The final site plan must be approved by the
Building Department to insure that all lighting and other features comply with current standards.
As for the Comprehensive Plan, Payne stated that Mercy Hospital is an important institutional use
in the community, and the plan acknowledges that conflicts have arisen in the past with regards
to parking demand created by the hospital, but since this proposal does not change the use of the
entrance, the proposal will have no impact on parking or other issues that have arisen in the past.
Payne then stated that she would vote in favor of granting the Special Exception to Mercy
Hospital.
Thornton stated that he concurred with Payne's statements. One item he stated he would like to
add is that yes, the property is peculiar and that due to the nature of the facility and the nature of
the hospital trying to address the elevator and become complaint with international regulations,
and because it will not be detrimental to the community, but will in fact be an improvement, he
would vote in favor of the exception, as well.
Wood stated that he did not have much to add, that both of his colleagues had been very
thorough. He stated that bringing the hospital up to international building codes and life safety
codes is important, and that he would also vote in favor of this exception. He then asked for a roll
call. Motion carried 3-0. Leigh recused.
OTHER:
Walz noted that she left information on workshops for the Board, and she will email them in a few
days to see what the Members are interested in. She stated that they could go over a CD
together at an upcoming meeting. Thornton asked if he could attend one of the workshops in
another area, and Walz stated they are standard presentations.
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT INFORMATION:
Holecek noted that they finally have the Supreme Court decision on Shelter House.
ADJOURNMENT:
Motion: Payne moved to adjourn, seconded by Thornton. Wood adjourned the meeting at 5:25
PM.
Board of Adjustment
Attendance Record
2008
NAME TERM
EXP. 2/13 3/12
Caroline Sheerin 01/01/13 --- ---
Ka ren Leigh O l /O l /09 X O/E
Ned Wood Ol/Ol/10 X X
Michelle Payne Ol/01/11 X X
Edgar Thornton O1/Ol/]2 X X
KEY: X =Present
O =Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
--- = Not a Member
IP5
MINUTES DRAFT
Iowa City Airport Commission
March 13, 2008
Iowa City Airport Terminal - 5:45 PM
Members Present: Greg Farris, Randy Hartwig, Howard Horan, Janelle Rettig, John
Staley
Staff Present: Sue Dulek, Michael Tharp
Others Present: Jennifer Nolan, David Hughes, Minnetta Gardinier, Greg
Zimmerman, Al Wells, Dean Thornberry
DETERMINE QUORUM:
Rettig called the meeting to order at 5:45 P.M.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS:
Rettig nominated Farris for Chair of the Airport Commission, seconded by Horan.
Motion carried 5-0.
Farris then asked for nominations for Secretary. Hartwig nominated Rettig for Secretary
of the Airport Commission, seconded by Staley. Motion carried 5-0.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE FEBRUARY 14 AND MARCH 6, 2008
MEETINGS:
Farris asked if anyone had any amendments to the minutes. Tharp noted that on page 4
of the February 14 minutes, about halfway through the Public Hearing on the United
Hangar, it states, "Horan then closed the public hearing." This should be removed, as
this was not the actual spot where he closed the meeting. Staley moved to accept the
February 14 and March 6, 2008 minutes as amended above; seconded by Rettig.
Motion carried 5-0.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
None.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION:
a. Aviation Commerce Park - Al Wells of 3791 Cottage Reserve Road,
Solon, addressed the Commission, stating that today he made an offer to
purchase Lot 1 and that this will be going through the channels at the City,
but he wanted to ask that the offer include the restoration and taking of the
United Hanger off the Airport's hands, and after restoring the hangar, he
would place it on Lot 1. He noted that due to the fact that the demolition
of this hangar is fast approaching, he wanted to bring this to the
Commission's attention. Hartwig asked some questions of Wells
regarding his plans, but Wells stated that a lot of this information is part of
his offer, but that his main goal is to save the hangar. The Members
discussed the fact that the runway cannot open until this hangar is
removed, and they asked Hughes to address this issue, as well. A brief
discussion ensued on the necessary items that still need to be completed
before the runway can be opened. Wells was asked if he had any specific
timeframes in mind, to which he stated that he was awaiting approvals on
his proposal before he firmed up any timeframes, but that once he had the
go-ahead, he approximates that it would take him one week to remove the
United hangar.
Dulek then spoke about Mr. Wells' offer, stating that she spoke to Peggy
Slaughter who will be presenting the offer to Helling tomorrow. Dulek
explained the process from that point and that the offer would proceed if
accepted by the city manager. Rettig then asked to look at a map to see
exactly what areas would be affected by this proposal. She stated that
Wells would need access, at some point, to the airfield if he is planning to
have planes use this hangar. Members continued to discuss his proposal,
and Wells explained that he is open to whatever the Members want to
consider.
A question was asked of the Commission regarding the cost to have the
United hangar removed. Dulek stated that it's around $103,000. Horan
added that this includes taking out the concrete base, as well. Rettig
explained that the money for this is coming from a grant. The discussion
continued with Members stating that they would like to see something
done with this hangar; however, they need to further discuss all of the
issues involved, and need to see the offer that Mr. Wells has made.
Rettig asked Wells if he has considered a lease for Lot 1, versus buying
the lot. Wells stated that he did some research into this, and he briefly
explained what his goal for the lot is. Farris ended the conversation
stating that they will wait to see the offer and will then discuss things
further.
Tharp stated that he received the updated numbers on the tax revenue from
the sold lots with building improvements -- $304,000 per year. Rettig
stated that Peggy Slaughter had told her that some of the sub-contractors,
2
who will come to the area with the proposed business, are now starting to
look at lots, as well. Hartwig stated that he believes it would be useful to
sit down with the City Manager or someone at City Hall and discuss
where they are headed from here. Horan agreed, stating that they need to
make sure they are all "on the same page" when it comes to the selling of
the remainder of Aviation Commerce Park.
b. FAA/IDOT Projects -Earth Tech
i. Runway 7/25 -Hughes stated the FAA has some runway funding
available, and grants have to be in place by June 13`". He stated
that with the snow this season, and the delays from such, he will
have to ask the Commission to hold some special meetings in order
to meet this deadline.
ii. South Aviation Development Study - On hold due to weather.
iii. South Taxilane Rehab - On hold due to weather.
iv. North Taxilane Rehab - On hold due to weather.
v. Jet A Fuel System / AvGas Upgrade -Hughes stated this is up and
operational for helicopters currently. He stated that they are
working with the contractor on a flow problem. He added that he
also has a call into the pump manufacturer to see if he can get
some needed help.
vi. Terminal Apron Rehab - On hold due to weather.
vii. Obstruction Mitigation - On hold due to weather.
viii. United Hangar -Hughes stated they have five bids thus far,
ranging from $103,000 to $125,000. Hughes stated that in light of
this evening's conversation with Mr. Wells, he needs to contact the
FAA and discuss their options on this hangar. The bids are good
for 60 days, according to Hughes, so they do not have to make a
decision immediately. Members discussed the need to get all
questions regarding Mr. Wells' offer to Tharp as soon as possible.
c. Airport "Operations": Strategic Plan-Implementation; Budget; and Airport
Management -Rettig noted that she had no highlights this month. Tharp
stated that the snow removal budget is quite high this season. This led to a
brief discussion of monies available for asphalt and crack sealing, and
what projects will need to be done once the weather clears. Tharp then
responded to questions from Farris regarding when the next updates will
be needed for the Strategic Plan. Rettig brought up the fact that there are a
lot of extra cars in the parking lot again, and she suggested they review the
agreement with Hertz. She also noted that both gates are being left
completely open, and that this needs to be a priority in keeping the airfield
secure. Hartwig noted that they probably should review access to the
airfield and that Jet Air should be part of this discussion.
d. FBO Staff Report -Nolan from Jet Air told the Commission that the Jet A
fuel system has been a good thing, especially for the helicopters, and that
3
they have had quite a few sales. She noted that everything else is going
well, and they are anxiously awaiting the spring weather.
e. Subcommittees' Reports -Farris reported on the viewing area project, and
shared some conceptual drawings with the Members. He noted that he
met with Iowa City Landscaping recently and that he went over the
proposed plans that they have outlined so far. Farris explained how they
believe the viewing area will be laid out, noting some of the interest points
they hope to achieve. This led to a brief discussion of possible fundraising
possibilities to help finance this proposed viewing area, as well as City
funds.
f. Commission Members' Reports -Hartwig noted that he was at last
Tuesday's City Council meeting and that he spoke to the proposed
$10,000 cut in the Airport budget. He noted that also at this meeting were
two reps from ITC Midwest, the company buying the three lots, and that
they expressed their excitement in their upcoming project. Farris
welcomed Horan back to the Commission. Hartwig noted that they had
another applicant, and that perhaps they should approach him about other
ways to become involved in the Airport. Staley noted a recent Gazette
article on the Airport, and asked if they could have a link to the article on
their web page. He also suggested making copies of the article for people
to take and read. Members agreed that they need to keep a collection of
articles such as this. Farris noted that they had an "angel flight" that came
from Casper, Wyoming to the Hospitals and that several news media were
present for a story. There was also a "wings of hope" flight from the south
at the same time. Farris spoke briefly to the Members about the "angel
flight" program and how it works. Farris stated that he went with Tharp to
the "day on the hill" event, and that it was an enjoyable day.
g. Staff Reports -Tharp spoke to the Members about grant funding issues,
stating that the likelihood that they will get the amounts they want is pretty
low this year. Members spoke briefly about their options and space needs,
agreeing that they need to further discuss these issues now and go after
whatever grant funds they possibly can.
SET NEXT REGULAR MEETING FOR: April 10, 2008, at 6:30 P.M. Rettig noted
that she will be late to this meeting, but is unsure what time. Staley suggested starting at
6:30 PM, to which Members agreed.
ADJOURN: Meeting adjourned at 7:17 P.M.
4
Airport Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2008
(Meetinu natel
NAME TERM
EXP. 1/10 2/14 3/6 3/13
Randy Hartwig 3/1/09 X X X X
Greg Farris 3/1/13 X X X X
John Staley 3/1/10 X X X X
Howard Horan 3/1/14 X X --- X
Janelle Rettig 3/1/12 X X X X
KEY: X =Present
O =Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = No meeting
--- = Not a Member