HomeMy WebLinkAbout1979-10-30 Bd Comm minutesI
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MINUTES
IOWA CITY PLANNING 1; ZONING COMMISSION
INFORMAL MENTING
OCTOBIiI[ 15, 1979 -- 7:30 1'.M.
CITY MANAGER'S CONFERENCE ROOM
MEMBERS PRESENT: Lehman, Jakobsen, Kammermeyer, Lundquist, Vetter, Ogesen
MEMBERS ABSENT: Blum
STAFF PRESENT: Boothroy
Public discussion of the vacation of right-of-way on the following two parcels:
(a) Grant Court between Grant Street and Rundell Street and (b) Sth Avenue north of
F Street to Muscatine Avenue.
(:a) A question was raised by Commissioner Kammermeyer as to whether or not the
right-of-way of Grant Court (if vacated) should be disposed. He suggested that
Grant Court be retained by the City for open space and to provide access to the
creek bank. Further discussion; no action taken.
(h) Discussion; no action taken.
Public discussion of rezoning the north 181 feet of a parcel of land located at the
northeast corner of the intersection of West Benton Street and Westgate Street from
RIA to R3.
Discussion; no action taken.
Public discussion of an ordinance amending Sections 8.10.3A.8, 147 and 8.10.8.1E,
and adding Sections 8.10.3A.64C and 8.10.8.4 to Appendix A of the Code of Ordinances
of Iowa City, Iowa, providing a definition for Rooming (louse and regulating its
permitted use.
Staff explained the intent of,the proposed amendment and indicated that further
revisions were necessary before the Commission would be able to take action.
Further discussion; no action taken.
I'uhlic discussion of a final plat of the resubdivision of Lot 90 Ty'n Cae, Part 2,
located cast of Mormon Trek Boulevard and north of Cae Drive; 45 -day limitation
period: 11/12/79, 60 -day limitation period: 11/27/79.
Staff indicated that the plat had been revised according to the deficiencies and
discrepancies listed in the Staff Report; no action taken.
Dick Gibson to present plans for the construction of a new sports arena.
Discussion; no action taken.
There being no further business, the
Prepare
meet -ng w. ad, ourned.
d by
Doug as Be hroy, P ann rogram Analyst p
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MINUTES
IOWA CITY PLANNING $ ZONING COMMISSION
OCTOBER 18, 1979 -- 7:30 P.M.
CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MEMBERS PRESENT: Lehman, Lundquist, Kammermeyer, Vetter, Jakobsen, Blum (7:SS)
MEMBERS ABSENT: Ogesen
S'T'AFF PRESENT: Boothroy, Wilkinson, Ryan
RECOMMENDATIONS 'TO '111E CITY COUNCIL:
1. That the right-of-way on Grant Court between Grant Street and Rundell Street be
vacated with the appropriate easements being maintained to allow for implementation
of the Stormwater Management Ordinance and the Ralston Crack Watershed Management
Plan.
2. That the right-of-way on Sth Avenue north of F Street to Muscatine Avenue be
vacated with the appropriate easements being maintained to allow for implementation
of the Stormwater Management Ordinance and the Ralston Creek Watershed Management
Plan.
3. That the final plat of the resubdivision of Lot 90 Ty'n Cae, Part 2, located
cast of Mormon Trek Boulevard and north of Cae Drive, be approved subject to
(1) the signatures of the utility companies and the registered land surveyor being
provided and (2) the legal papers being revised.
REQUESTS 1.0 '1111: CI'17 MANAGER FOR INFORMATION OR S'T'AFF ASSIS'T'ANCE:
None
SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION AND ACTION TAKEN:
Vice Chairperson Jakobsen called the meeting to order and asked if anyone present
wished to discuss any item not included on the agenda. No one responded.
She then called for consideration of the minutes of the meeting of September 21, 1979,
(special meeting). There being no additions or corrections, these minutes were
approved as circulated.
Public discussion of the vacation of right-of-way on the following two parcels:
(a) Grant Court between Grant Street and Rundell Street
(b) Sth Avenue north of F Street to Muscatine Avenue
Boothroy presented an overlay and a map of the area and explained that this site is
being considered for the possible location of two single-family dwellings (one facing
Grunt Street and one facing Rundell Street). lie further explained that Dick Plastino,
Direclur of Public Works, had indicated in his memo that both vacations to he con -
!:id( -red wore in compliance with the Ralston Creek Watershed Management flan. The
::Ia1'1' rerunmrondaliuu is that the right-of-way he vacated and that it he used for
residential housing.
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Planning and Zoning Commission
October 19, 1979
Page 2
Before opening the floor for public discussion, Jakobsen explained that the Planning
and Zoning Commission has no authority to determine the appropriateness of site
for public housing and is only considering the issue of vacating the street
right-of-way.
(a) Grant Court between Grant Street and Rundell Street
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Dave Deinos, 608 Rundell Street, explained that this space is enjoyed as a green
space by the residents and that if it is vacated it should be with the stipulation
that it be maintained as a green space. He later expressed his feelings that while
this is not a public street, limited access should be maintained for City maintenance
vehicles.
.Jerry Flanagan, 436 Grant Street, expressed his concerns that the storm sewer does
not handle all the water from storms at the present time and that if the right-of-way
is vacated for building purposes it will create more problems during storms. He
also indicated that HUD has stated that if wet basements occur after further
development in this area corrective actions would be taken.
Audrey Scott, 502 Grant Street, explained that this intersection is the lowest corner
of the area and that if this development is allowed it will create more of a flooding
problem. She further stated that she would not like to see the vacation done for
housing purposes.
'ferry Donnelly, 509 Rundell, stated that this area is enjoyed as it green, open space
and that if it is vacated that it would be better to stipulate that it not be built
on.
John Wakefield, 923 Iowa Avenue, stated that he has a friend who lives on Rundell
Street. He further stated that the houses are jammed in very tightly at this time
and that additional green space is appropriate.
Kammermeyer stated that he will vote against the vacation because he feels that the
City should hold onto this property with possible bikeways or other accesses being
constructed along Ralston Creek at a future date. He also expressed concern that
if the right-of-way is vacated the property will likely be disposed of.
Vetter explained that she shared Kammermeyer's concerns and further explained that
she would be interested in exploring the possibility of maintaining it as a mini
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park.
Kammermeyer stated that he would like to receive input from the Parks and Recreation
i Commission or from the Director of Parks and Recreation before voting on this vacation
item.
Kammermeyer moved, and Vetter seconded, that staff assistance be requested in obtaining
the Park and Recreation Commission's recommendation regarding the desirability of
having a mini park in this area, the question of maintenance if kept as a mini park,
1 and the possibility of keeping it as a green space with residents being responsible
for the maintenance. The motion failed 1-5, with Kammermeyer voting in favor.
Blum stated that he voted against the motion for staff assistance because he felt
that the Commission had been asked to look at a specific issue (the vacation of the
MICROFILMED BY
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Planning and Zoning Commission
October 19, 1979
Page 3
right-of-way) and he felt that the Commission should look at this issue as it is
intended rather than at possible alternatives for the future.
Lehman expressed his agreement with Mr. Blum and explained that he felt the residents
would do better to discuss their concerns regarding a green space with the City
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Council.
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Lundquist stated that he felt the input from the Parks and Recreation Commission
would still be valid and he would prefer to defer action until the next meeting.
Allen Wolfe, 1210 Grant Court, explained that he was concerned about the Grant Street
side and that he felt it was imperative to keep the access on the west side of the
street for improvements on Ralston Creek.
Lundquist moved, and Kammermeyer seconded, that action on this vacation item be
deferred until the next regular meeting (November 1). Motion failed 2-4, with
Kammermeyer and Lundquist voting in favor.
Lehman then moved, and Blum seconded, that the right-of-way on Grant Court between
Grant Street and Rundell Street he vacated with the appropriate casements being
maintained to allow for implementation of the Stormwater Management Ordinance and the
Ralston Creek Watershed Management Plan. Motion was approved 5-1, with Kammermeyer
against.
Blum explained to the residents present that from past experience the City Council
has preferred that the Planning and Zoning Commission not recommend any actions other
than those requested. lie further explained that the residents would do better to
present their concerns about green space to the City Council.
(h) Sth Avenue north of F Street to Muscatine Avenue
Boothroy presented an overlay and a map of the area. As in the previous item, Dick
I'lastino's memo indicated that this vacation is in compliance with the Ralston Creek
Watershed Management Plan.
There being no discussion on this item, Blum moved and Vetter seconded that the
right-of-way on Sth Avenue north of F Street to Muscatine Avenue be vacated with
the appropriate easements being maintained to allow for implementation of the Storm -
water Management Ordinance and the Ralston Creek Watershed Management Plan. Motion
carried unanimously 6-0.
Kammermeyer moved, and Vetter seconded, that the Planning and Zoning Commission
recommend to the City Council that based on staff input the northern part of the Sth
JAvenue right-of-way be maintained as a park. Motion failed 2-4, with Kammermeyer
and Vetter in favor.
Jakohsen turned the meeting over to Chairperson Blum.
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Planniui; and 7.oninl; Commission
October 18, 1979
Page A
Public discussion of rezoning the north 181 feet of a parcel of land located at the
northeast corner of the intersection of West Benton Street and Westgate Street from
RIA to R3.
Boothroy presented an overlay and site plan of the area and explained that the
area to the north and west is presently zoned R3, the area to the east is zoned 113A,
and the area to the south is zoned R1A. He further explained that Westgate Street
is constructed as a collector street. Boothroy also indicated that the proposed
rezoning is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
Ryan explained that for a development of 29 or more units or an area of more than
2 acres (this area is approximately 1.39 acres) a Large Scale Residential Development
plan would he required.
Before turning the meeting over to public discussion, Blum explained that the Commission
was not here to discuss the low income housing but merely the rezoning issue.
Valda Gebhart, 8 Westgate Circle, presented copies of a letter to the Commission
in which she explained her reasons for opposing the rezoning. She did explain that
the Melrose/Westgate/Emerald/West Benton area was "solid apartments" and that Horn
School has already gone through two expansions. She further cited increasing erosion
and runoff with the addition of more apartments. Mother concern expressed by Ms.
Cebhart was that the street is always littered with cars and that further construction
would take away an area for children to play. (Letter attached)
John Flack, North Liberty, explained that he owned a duplex in this area and that
further construction would cause more of a water hazard to his duplex during a storm.
Ile further stated that the creek can't handle the water at the present time.
Kathy Schrele, University heights, stated that she owned property on Westgate and
wits very much concerned about the fact that the sewers cannot handle the water during
storms now. She also referred to a Staff Report, dated October 26, 1972, in which
the staff recommendation has been for rezoning to R3. She stated that this rezoning
had not been clone at that time and was concerned about why it was being requested
again.
.Janet Abernathy, 6 Westgate Circle, stated that she felt that the request for rezoning
should be considered on its own merits rather than falling back on what the Comprehensive
Plan states. She further stated that she felt that the Comprehensive Plan was not
meant to be written in gold.
Paul Hoherz, Wheaton Road, explained that the area is saturated with water after
a storm. He further stated that he felt the area should not be developed.
Blum explained to the residents that the land cannot be developed unless it meets
the Stormwater Management Ordinance. When the residents stated that the ordinance
apparently was not being enforced in this area, Blum explained that most of the
development in this area had taken place prior to the adoption of the Stormwater
Management Ordinance but that future development must meet these requirements.
I I Tom Walz, 1 Westgate Circle, stated that he was against the rezoning for the same
reasons already expressed and further stated that he served as it First Aid station
tit that intersection. Ile also expressed concern about the increased traffic that
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Planning and Zoning Commission
October 22, 1979
Page 5
would be generated by further development.
Bud Gode, 918 Estron Street, stated that he was not concerned about the runoff but
was concerned that the Planning and Zoning Commission feels that the Comprehensive
Plan is carved in stone. Ile further stated that he felt any changes should be
considered on their own merits. Also mentioned as concerns were the parking on the
streets and the school density problems.
In answer to questions about why the Planning and Zoning Commission was considering
this rezoning request, Jakobsen explained that the request had come from the City
Council and was not a Planning and Zoning Commission initiated action. Blum also
explained that the Commission must determine if the rezoning is reasonable and if it
is in the community interest.
Jakohscn moved that the Planning and Zoning Commission recommend the rezoning of the
north 181 feet of a parcel of. land located at the northeast corner of the intersection
of West Benton Street and Wesgate Street from RIA to R3. Motion died for lack of
a second.
Vetter moved, and Kammermeyer seconded, that action on this item be deferred until
the next regular meeting. Motion carried 6-0.
Commissioners asked that staff prepare a formal staff report on this item and that
the minutes of the October, 1972, meeting at which this item was originally considered
be provided.
Public discussion of an ordinance amending Sections 8.10.3A.8, .47 and 8.10.8.1E,
and adding Sections 8.10.3A.64C and 8.10.8.4 to Appendix A of the Code of Ordinances
of Iowa City, Iowa, providing a definition for Rooming house and regulating its
permitted use.
Jakobsen moved, and Vetter seconded, that action on this item be deferred until the
next regular meeting in order to give the Commissioners a chance to review the
amendment that was distributed. Motion carried 6-0.
Public discussion of a final plat of the resubdivision of Lot 90 Ty'n Cae, Part 2,
located east of Mormon Trek .Boulevard and north of Cae Drive; 45 -day limitation period:
11/12/79, 60 -day limitation period: 11/27/79.
There being no discussion on this item, Blum called for approval of the final plat
of the resubdivision of Lot 90 Ty'n Cae, Part 2, located east of Mormon Trek Boulevard
and north of Cae Drive, subject to (1) the signatures of the utility companies and
the registered land surveyor being provided and (2) the legal papers being revised.
Motion carried unanimously 6-0.
Jakobson asked about the tower required by Cablevision. Boothroy stated that this
item was going to the Board of Adjustment on November 7.
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Planning and Zoning Commission
October 22, 1979
Page 6
Blum briefed the Commission on the activities at the Airport Commission meetings that
he had attended. He also indicated that he had presented the Planning unit Zoning
Commission's concern regarding tall structures.
Kammermeyer asked that the Commission appoint someone else to represent the City on
the Johnson County Land Ilse and Resource Conservation Committee. Staff was asked to
inform the Committee that at the present time the City would not have an active
representative but that the Planning and Zoning Commission would appreciate receiving
minutes of all meetings.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
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MICROFILMED BY
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CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES
The only acceptable reason to consider rezoning an area is if that rezoning
would be beneficial to the community. The recommendation to rezone the north
section of an area now owned by the University Baptist Church, located on the
NE corner of West Benton and Westgate Streets from RIA to R3 is contrary to
any benefit to the community.
There are many reasons this is an ill ndvlsed recommendation:
1. First and foremost is the increased crowding such a move would have on
Horn School. Iowa City is rapdily expanding on its western boundary and
this already has severe implications on school over -crowding. This is a
natural expansion and cannot be avoided. To purposely crowd from within
is unreasonable.
2. The density of the area immediately encompassing the proposed property is
already an example of city planning at its worst. The area involves a
territory of 5 to 6 blocks long and 1 to 2 blocks wide (encompassed by
Emerald, Melrose, Westgate and West Benton Streets) that is solid apartments!
The west side of Westgate Street has a large amount of duplexes which even
further adds to the density of the area. In good city planning a community
strives for a balance of housing types. There is no such balance in our
area now and to add another multiple dwelling unit will only further aggravate
the imbalance.
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4.
The current RIA zoning is the best possible zoning this area can have for
It is the ons zoning which will not add to an already serious problem of
excessive density. To rezone is to go against the best interest of the
community and to yield to special interest groups.
With the above mentioned density comes the problem of parking. Although
most of the apartments in this area provide for off-street parking, the
street is nevertheless congested with on -street parking. The problem on
Westgate Street becomes more severe in the winter due to snow and will be
an even greater concern now that Westgate Street has become a bus route.
With this density comes the additional problem of noise and an adequate
area for children to play without• being sent into the parking lots as now
occurs at the apartment buildings. This does not allow tranquility for Lhc
residents nor safety for the children.
5. The natural beauty of an area should certainly not come low on one's list.
The area suggested for multiple dwelling zoning is a particularly lovely
one with ninny trees and a charming creek to which everyone now has good
access. The size of the dwelling proposed for that area would virtually
have to be "squeezed" in, thereby ruining all view of the arca and access
to the creek. The creek which is now a benefit to the community will. then
become a danger for it will literally be at the doorstop of the multlple
dwelling.
MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS•DES MOINES
Iowa City too readily rezones it's properitcs at the first pressure of special
interests. Zoning becomes meaningless if it is changed at such folly. One feels
that though one .lives 1n a single family zoned area, one has no assurance that:
tomorrow he may not find plans for a factory next door! Rezuning is a serious
matter and should onIZ be done to serve the immediate community. As I have pointed
out, the only zoning to best serve this community is the zoning currently in effect.
With these points I have discussed zoning in general. Now I would like to address
the particular issue of the multiple dwelling public housing suggested for the
location discussed. In this matter, because it is public housing, the city has
direct control and the choice that i.t has made is most unwise.
The city has a given amount of units for which it is seeking locations. By all
good practices of city planning these units should be evenly distributed through-
out the city. There are many school districts that are low in students and these
are the areas to concentrate on when choosing locations for public housing. To
virtually "squeeze" this housing into a school district that is again threatened
with overcrowding even though it just recently dealt with the very same problem
by enlargening it's facilities shows very poor judgement indeed.
Even the esired aspect of even distribution is not met since we already have a
massive public housing project just blocks away from the site now proposed - this
is, Mark IV.
I am afraid that the road of least. resistance has been chosen in this matter. No
voice will be raised by the church which wants to sell the property. No voice will
ba"raised by the apartment dwellers immediately adjacent:for such is not generally
the. concern non -owners of property. Likewise, the duplexes on the west side of
Westgate street are largely rented.
Yet even in such a situation you -have a *responsibility to the community. Anyone
who passes through the.area can see that the good principles of city planning have
been set aside. The special interests of those wishing to develop the financially
rewarding multiple dwellings have been allowed to prevail:
Unfortunately,•many are not aware of city plans until they are actually executed
due to lack of knowledge of city, mechanics. ,They are in dismay when they find
an injustice done to their community, yet find it too late to act. This is the
''reason your decisions are so important. You are in a position to protect the
best interesis'of the community and it is your responsibility to do so.
I urge you to disregard all special interest and rule for the benefit of the
community. Demonstrate that zoning does have a meaning, that it will protect
the community and .that the area in question will remain R1A.
Thank you,
Mrs. Vnlda Ccbhart
8 Westgate Circle
Iowa City; Iowa 338-5110
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CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES
MINUTES
IOWA CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
SPECIAL MEETING
September 21, 1979 4:00 PM
Director's Office
MEMBERS PRESENT; Bartley, Dozanson, Gritsch, Hyman, Immermann, Zastrow,
Ostedgaard, Richorson
STAFF PRESENT: Eggers, Tiffany
HANSEN LIND MEYER: Loren Ellarson and ,John Benz
Meeting called to order at 4:15 PM by President Bezanson.
Summary of Discussion
The Director announced,that there had been a slight error in the interpre-
tation'of the bids for the new library building. The estimate of
$2,740,000 included 2 items which were excluded from the contract documents:
carpet and the electronic security system. By adding these two items
($80,000) on to the low bid of $2,664,000 the total cost is almost exactly
the same as the pre-bid estimate. The carpeting will be bid separately
by the interiors firm.
The total contract for $2,664.344 was approved unanimously. Bartley/Immermann.
Resolution attached.
Loren Ellarson of HLM discussed two concerns: 1. That the Board have a pre -
construction meeting with the contractor preferably next week. 2. How the
Board will organize to proceed during the construction phase.
It was decided that the pre -construction meeting with the contractor would begin
at 3:30 on Thursday, September 27th and then the regular Board meeting will
follow that. Both meetings will be held in the Director's Office.- At that time
the Board will appoint members to serve as representatives of the Board at
owner -architect -contractor meetings and make related decisions about the
construction phase of this project.
A testing surveyffirm must be hired for the purpose of concrete and soil
testing during construction. Benz and Ellarson stated that the cost could
run to $10,000 and that the cost would be similar from all testing agencies.
Ellarson said that the contractor must be informed as soon as the City all-
risk property insurance on the project has been secured. All-risk insurance
providos for the physical protection of the building during construction.
The contractor provides liability insurance. Ellarson and Benz suggested
that the Board might want to carry liability insurance also.
The Director discussed the following points:
1. The East planter at the front of the new library building extends
too far into College Street
2. Telephone System - A letter of intent was sent by Eggers. In order
to preserve the current price, contract must be signed by September
27th. Eggers will prepare a summary and present it at the regular
meeting on September 27th.
(OVER) as 9
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MINUTES
IOWA CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
SPECIAL MEETING
September 21, 1979
Page 2
3. 3M Security System - Price to increase by 9% on October 1. The
present cost is $10,000. A motion was made and seconded that
Eggers be instructed to proceed immediately before the cost
increase. Hyman/Immermann.
4. Ground breaking ceremony - The time will be set at next Thursday's
pre -construction meeting with the contractor.
Suzanne Richerson discussed the plans for the Library's part in Plaza
Dedication week. There will be tours of the library site, an easel for
the library plans and a covered scale model of the new building. Library
Board members will be assisting with the tours.
Eggers discussed the collective bargaining sessions -which will
be taking place this fall and suggested that the Board appoint one
of their members to attend all strategy sessions of the City Council.
The meeting adjourned at 5:35 PM.
Respectfully submitted.
Joan Jehle, Recorde
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