HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-12-02 Bd Comm minutes4b 1
MINUTES FINAL
Iowa City Airport Commission
October 9, 2008
Iowa City Airport Terminal - 5:45 PM
Members Present: Greg Farris, Howard Horan, Randy Hartwig, John Staley
Members Absent: Janelle Rettig
Staff Present: Sue Dulek, Michael Tharp
Others Present: David Hughes, Dave Larsen, Harrel Timmons, Jay Honeck, Peggy
Slaughter
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL:
DETERMINE QUORUM:
The meeting was called to order at 5:50 P.M.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE SEPTEMBER 11 AND OCTOBER 1,
2008 MEETINGS:
Farris asked if anyone had any comments or questions regarding the minutes as
submitted. Hartwig suggested that on page 4, paragraph f, 2008 pavement rehab, that this
be given a heading to be the same as the agenda item. He also added that he was glad
Deb Mansfield took the time to come and talk to them. Hartwig moved to accept the
September 11 minutes, as amended, and the October 1 minutes as submitted;
seconded by Horan. Carried 3-0. (Rettig and Staley absent.) Staley arrived late. He
asked that Diane Lamb's title be changed to Nurse Manager. Horan moved to
reconsider the earlier motion to amend the September 11, 2008 minutes to reflect
Staley's comments; seconded by Hartwig. Carried 4-0. (Rettig absent.)
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
None.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION:
a. Aviation Commerce Park -Peggy Slaughter addressed the group, stating that
she is working on a possible 5-acre deal with a group. She further explained
Iowa City Airport Commission
October 9, 2008
Page 2 of 5
where this project is currently, and added that her only concern is the area
around lot 10 and a possible 2-acres being landlocked. Slaughter continued to
express her concerns and responded to Members' concerns, as well.
b. Dane/Larsen Land Sale Request -Members briefly discussed this item. It
was noted that the FAA was agreeable with the Commission using the
previous appraisal on this land. Tharp stated that this is at the edge of the
safety zone. He continued, noting that the FAA will most likely stipulate that
the funds will need to go to offset an upcoming grant. Hartwig asked what the
options would be for these funds, adding that he would like to know this.
Tharp suggested they approach the FAA and ask them their opinion. Dulek
agreed, stating that they would want to get the FAA's approval before taking
this offer to the City. Members agreed that they would like to get the FAA's
approval on this first, so they can get some idea of what they will be able to do
with the sale revenue. Farris asked Tharp if he had any specific ideas for this
revenue, and Tharp gave a few examples of projects they could address.
c. University of Iowa Aircare Facility -Staley noted for the record that he would
recuse himself from this item. Horan noted that the subcommittee met on this
recently, and that David Hughes with Earth Tech is reviewing the information
that they came up with. Horan continued, explaining the plans that they
reviewed for this facility. Hartwig added that they have a meeting set up for
later in the week to further discuss this with representatives of the University.
Tharp stated that the FAA has to review flight patterns and other details on
this project. Hartwig added that they hope to have more information soon.
d. Airport Safety -Traffic Pattern Operations -Hartwig noted that it is very
important that they get this information out to people who use the Airport, in
order to get a wide range of input on this possible change. He added that he
has heard both "for" and "against" on this idea from the people he has talked
to. Farris noted that Tharp has scheduled a public hearing on this for
November 13. The Members continued to discuss how they would get a
pattern change communicated to those who use the Airport. It was agreed that
they could add more public hearings as they progress through this process.
Consider a motion to adjourn to executive session to discuss strategy with
counsel in matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is
imminent where its disclosure would be likely to prejudice or disadvantage
the position of the governmental body in that litigation. Hartwig moved to
adjourn to Executive Session; seconded by Staley. Carried 4-0. (Rettig
absent.)
f. FAA/IDOT Projects -David Hughes stated that Earth Tech is now AECOM.
i. Runway 7/25 -Hughes stated that they have done punch lists and
are winding down on this project. Still lacking are markings on the
Iowa City Airport Commission
October 9, 2008
Page 3 of 5
reconstructed portion, and general cleanup. The lighting, as of this
afternoon, was all in place according to Hughes. He stated that
they still plan to open on the 20`h. Hughes added that they are
planning some type of ribbon cutting ceremony for this.
ii. South Aviation Development Study -Hughes stated that they met
with the City Manager and others recently for this meeting. They
did receive some minor requests on the study and he briefly
explained what those might encompass. Hughes added that they
received some comments from the FAA on a grass landing strip,
and he suggested the subcommittee meet on this. Farris stated that
they would need to reform such a subcommittee, and he asked for
anyone interested in reviewing this study. Hughes added that they
would need to do this soon, as they need to return comments to the
FAA.
iii. South Taxilane Rehab -Hughes stated that the contractor received
materials last week, but that they have held him off until the
tenants could be notified. It should take about a week to complete
this work.
iv. 2008 Pavement Rehab (North Taxilanes) -The IDOT funding was
received, according to Hughes. All of the existing pavement has
been removed, and grading should begin next week, right on
schedule, according to Hughes. Hartwig asked if this is going to
connect the pathway from Building D, and Hughes responded it
would.
v. Jet A Fuel System / AvGas Upgrade -Hughes said they now have
a draft version of the instruction manual and hope to close this
project soon.
vi. Obstruction Mitigation -Hughes stated that the contractor has
picked up speed on the hangar removal. He is hoping that this will
be in line with the runway opening. MidAmerican has also picked
up speed on their part of the project. Hartwig asked about the
fencing in this area, and Hughes stated that most of this is already
done.
vii. Building H -Farris stated that they hope to rebid this after the first
of the year, but that there is no new information right now.
viii. Corporate Hangar L -Farris stated that this is more of a budget
issue at this point.
g. Airport "Operations"; Strategic Plan-Implementation; Budget; Management -
Farris began the discussion, noting the corporate hangar project that they had
been discussing. He briefly covered the budgetary issues related to this,
stating that they are hoping to meet with the City Manager and Kevin
O'Malley from Finance on this. Hartwig asked what the timeframe is from
the State on this, and it was noted that they need to have it under contract by
July. Farris then stated that Rettig had asked him to bring up the overtime pay
Iowa City Airport Commission
October 9, 2008
Page 4 of 5
that showed up on the budget/expense reports this time around. Farris then
noted that Jerry will be retiring the end of November and Members briefly
discussed this situation. Hartwig added that this could be an opportunity to
redefine this job and look at the duties involved with it. The discussion
continued, with Members looking at how they may want to proceed with this.
h. Engineering Consultant Selection -Tharp stated that they have had some
pretty good feedback, and that proposals are due on the 23`d. He will let
Members know what they come up with. He added that there has been some
concern about the interview process, and Members briefly discussed this.
Farris added that the City's engineer, Sarah, will sit in on these interviews, as
well. Dulek responded to Members' concerns regarding this process.
FBO Staff Report -JetAir asked about getting a copy of the minutes, and
Dulek noted that the minutes are on the City's web site. Timmons gave the
Committee a quick update, noting that the pilot who recently crashed at the
Airport had to have facial surgery due to his injuries. Preliminary results
show that the elevation change may have played a part in this. Staley asked if
traffic is still up during home games at the University, and Timmons stated
that it's mostly smaller airplanes coming in. He added that he is looking
forward to the new runway being opened. Hartwig added that they will be
looking at having aribbon-cutting ceremony of some sort and that they will
let JetAir know what they plan.
j. Subcommittees' Reports -Farris spoke about the viewing area progress,
stating that they hope to get some concrete work done yet this season.
k. Commission Members' Reports -Hartwig thanked Deb Mansfield from the
City for meeting with them recently. He also noted that Jay's son is profiled
in the flight training this month. Horan stated that he had a good flight
yesterday, and that runway 7-25 looks good from the air. Farris stated that Jet
Air did a good job coordinating things when the recent accident occurred.
1. Staff Report -Tharp also thanked JetAir for their help during the recent
accident, adding that none of these accidents have been facility related, but
have been anomalies.
SET NEXT REGULAR MEETING FOR: November 13, 2008 at 5:45 P.M.
ADJOURN: Hartwig moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:28 P.M., seconded by
Horan. Carried 4-0.
CHAIRPERSON
DATE
Iowa City Airport Commission
October 9, 2008
Page 5 of 5
Airport Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2008
lMeetinu Datesl
NAME TERM
EXP. 1/10 2/14 3/6 3/13 4/10 4/28 5/8 5/22 6/9 6/13 7/10 7/24
Randy Hartwig 3/1/09 X X X X X X X X O/E X X Meeting
Cancelled
Greg Farris 3/1/13 X X X X X X X X X X X Meeting
Cancelled
John Staley 3/1/10 X X X X X X X O/E O/E X X Meeting
Cancelled
Howard Horan 3/]/14 X X --- X X X X X X X X Meeting
Cancelled
Janelle Rettig 3/1/12 X X X X X X X O/E X X X Meeting
Cancelled
(CON"1'.)
TERM.
EXP. 8/14 9/11 10/1 10/9
Randy Hartwig 3/1/09 X X X X
Greg Farris 3/1/13 O/E X X X
John Staley 3/1/10 X X X X
Howard Horan 3/1/14 X X X X
Janelle Rettig 3/1/12 X X X O/E
KEY: X =Present
O =Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = No meeting
--- = Not a Member
4b 2
MINUTES FINAL
Iowa City Airport Commission
October 30, 2008
Iowa City Airport Terminal - 5:45 PM
Members Present: Greg Farris; Randy Hartwig; Janelle Rettig; John Staley,
Members Absent: Howard Horan
Staff Present: Michael Tharp,
Others Present: Phillip Woolford, Harrel Timmons, Tim Busch, Randy Hartman,
Dan Yeager, John Ockenfels
DETERMINE QUORUM:
The meeting was called to order at 5:50 P.M. by Chairperson Farris.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION:
Airport Traffic Pattern -Proposed Right Traffic Patterns Listening Post -Farris opened
the meeting and asked for public input regarding the change of traffic pattern proposals.
Ockenfels asked for a summary of events that initiated a review of the patterns. Rettig
responded that this was originally a request generated by pilots using the University of
Iowa helipad during a previous discussion about the operations of the crop-dusters.
Ockenfels related areas of concern for the future development of areas west and
southwest of the airport where the new patterns would concentrate traffic operations.
Yeager expressed concerned regarding the information distribution of the traffic pattern
changes expressing concern for making sure that charts and directories are appropriately
updated. Staley arrived at 5:57pm
Rettig asked for a description of what a segmented circle was and associated costs.
Discussions continued regarding procedures for distributing information about the change
of traffic patterns. Yeager asked the commission regarding using the automated weather
equipment to record a message regarding traffic and preferred operations. Tharp and
Ockenfels acknowledged that the current equipment does not have a method of recording
that type of communication.
Timmons comment that operationally, a change in traffic patterns would not have an
impact.
Members then discussed ways to get information out to the public regarding the changes.
Ockenfels asked about comments from the FAA. Tharp related that he had sought
comments from state and federal officials but had only received a comment from state
officials. Rettig asked about the email comments. Tharp responded that he does have
some comments and that a summary would be given to the airport commission as these
discussions progress. Farris asked for any other public comments, hearing none closed
the listening post. Rettig motioned to adjourn, seconded by Hartwig. Motion passed
4-0
Iowa City Airport Commission
October 30, 2008
Page 2 of 3
ADJOURN:
Meeting adjourned at 6:18 P.M.
CHAIRPERSON
DATE
Iowa City Airport Commission
October 30, 2008
Page 3 of 3
Airport Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2008
(Meetinu Datesl
NAME TERM
EXP. 1/10 2/14 3/6 3/13 4/10 4/28 5/8 5/22 6/9 6/13 7/10 7/24
Randy Hartwig 3/1/09 X X X X X X X X O/E X X Meeting
cancelled
Greg Farris 3/1/13 X X X X X X X X X X X Meeting
cancelled
John Staley 3/1/10 X X X X X X X O/E O/E X X Meeting
cancelled
Howard Horan 3/1/14 X X --- X X X X X X X X Meeting
cancelled
Janelle Rettig 3/1/12 X X X X X X X O/E X X X Meeting
cancelled
(CONT.)
TERM.
EXP. 8/14 9/11 l0/1 10/9 10/30
Randy Hartwig 3/1/09 X X X X X
Greg Farris 3/1/13 O/E X X X X
John Staley 3/l/10 X X X X X
Howard Horan 3/1/14 X X X X O/E
Janelle Rettig 3/1/12 X X X O/E X
KEY: X =Present
O =Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = No meeting
--- = Not a Member
4b 3
MINUTES
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
October 8, 2008
FINAL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Margie Loomer; Ryan O'Leary, Matt Pacha, Jerry Raaz, Phil Reisetter
MEMBERS ABSENT: David Bourgeois, Craig Gustaveson, John Watson, John Westefeld
STAFF PRESENT: Michael Lombardo, City Manager; Bob Miklo Planning Dept.; Mike
Moran, Parks & Recreation; Terry Robinson, Parks & Recreation,
Terry Trueblood, Parks & Recreation; Sarah Walz, Planning Dept.
GUESTS PRESENT: Lucy Choisser, Sam Cochran, Diana Colgan, Tammie Cumming, Barb
Hanson, Anna Kann, Sue Kann, Marsha Karniski, Natasha Karniski,
Jason Lassner, Sue Longhurst, Barb Musson, Robert Musson, Margo
Schilling, Kay Seely, Michael Tharp, John Yeomans
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL:
Moved by O'Leary, seconded by Loomer to decline the proposal by Iowa Wireless to install
a monopole in Willow Creek Park at this time. Motion carried 4 to 1, with Pacha voting
no.
OTHER FORMAL ACTION TAKEN
Moved by Raaz, seconded by Reisetter, to approve the September 24, 2008 minutes as
written. Unanimous.
INTRODUCTION OF MICHAEL LOMBARDO, CITY MANAGER:
Michael Lombardo, City Manager, was present and introduced to the Commission who in turn
introduced themselves to Mr. Lombardo.
PRESENTATION OF CENTRAL DISTRICT PLAN (PLANNING DIVISION)
Bob Miklo and Sarah Walz from the Iowa City Planning and Community Development
Department were in attendance to give the presentation to the Commission of the Central
Business Plan, particularly those aspects pertaining to Parks and Recreation. Miklo noted that
this plan becomes part of the entire city-wide comprehensive plan. The comprehensive plan
contains documents that include policies regarding infrastructure, zoning, development,
economic development, and arts and culture. As this document is so broad, the Planning
Department decided to break it down into smaller districts of which there are ten. Miklo
reviewed the boundaries of the Central Business District. Handouts were provided to the
Parks and Recreation Commission
October 8, 2008
Page 2 of 6
Commission. This plan contains most of the older neighborhoods of the city with the exception
of Manville Heights. It does contain some newer neighborhoods by Regina and City High
Schools. During the planning process a number of issues were identified by those that attended
the sessions. These included the need for a positive quality of life, the desire for better streets
and transportation as well as enhancement or development of parks and open space. The broad
theme of this district plan is that there are areas that are appropriate for redevelopment. These
areas include the south side near the Gilbert Street commercial area to the river.
Sarah Walz' presentation of the plan followed. She shared an excerpt of the Parks and Open
Space and Trails section. She noted that they were fortunate to have many students attend their
planning sessions which enriched the discussion. She noted the deficit of open space in this
district, especially in the areas of South Johnson and South VanBuren Streets where there is so
much space used for parking and very little space for students to recreate. A number of people
who took part in the planning sessions suggested acquisition of the Chadek property located on
Friendship St. Walz mentioned that Willow Creek Park is a model of what a regional park should
be. She also spoke of some undeveloped lots near Woodlawn and property near the wastewater
treatment facility that could be developed. She noted that when there is a new subdivision being
developed they have to set aside land for open space or pay a fee. It was suggested that since
there is such a deficit of land to set aside in this area, that perhaps when using land in the Central
Business District that they pay a fee and that the money be used to provide amenities and
maintenance to existing parks. A lot of the longtime residents asked that there be more parkland
developed in this area for students. Walz also suggested that there be wireless zones in these
parks. It was suggested that the City make the most of the public space that is available, this not
being necessarily traditional space. Perhaps look at landscaping some of the islands in the streets,
consider designating certain streets as "festival streets," such as Linn Street which could be
easily blocked off for such events. There is also a desire to improve awareness and access to
Ralston Creek and the Iowa River. Another idea discussed was the possibility of running Amtrak
through the area or a commuter train between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City. Michael Lombardo
mentioned that there has been talk about adding a skating rink to the wastewater treatment area
as well as perhaps an amphitheater for outdoor events. He noted that despite challenges, he feels
that this plan is really going to bring forth some fun projects. The next step in this process is to
present the full plan to the City Council which is scheduled for October 21. Sarah also noted that
the full plan is available in the Planning Department or on-line.
CONSIDER PROPOSAL FROM IOWA WIRELESS TO INSTALL MONOPOLE IN
WILLOW CREEK PARK:
Trueblood noted that this proposal is now at a point where Iowa Wireless is ready to give a
presentation. A number of neighborhood residents have been notified of the proposal. Trueblood
has received a number of responses via email, all of which were shared with the Commission,
and there were a number of residents in attendance. Trueblood reminded those in attendance that
the Commission is a recommending body to the council; however, this particular proposal has a
few more steps. It will go from here to Joint Staff, from there to the Board of Adjustment and
then to City Council, if the Commission recommends approval. Bill McNally was present from
Iowa Wireless to give a Power Point presentation to the Commission and the public present. In
Parks and Recreation Commission
October 8, 2008
Page 3 of 6
summary, Iowa Wireless would like to locate a monopole in one of the city parks. He stated that
they investigated several sites before deciding on Willow Creek Park. He reviewed the two
proposed sites within the park. It is their preference to locate the monopole north and west of the
shelter. The pole itself would be a 100' monopole with a flush top so that no antennas would be
exposed at the top of the tower. At the bottom of the tower there would be a "compound"
approximately 15' by 28'. He mentioned that it could be made smaller but that the proposed size
could accommodate further equipment if needed. He discussed the city policy regarding cell
towers and said that while it did not match up perfectly to what Iowa Wireless wants, they feel
they can work with it and would not want to give up the location due to a policy difference.
Questions were then taken from the Commission members. O'Leary asked if Walden Square had
been considered as a location. McNally said that this is outside of the area they need. Pacha
asked Robinson how high the tallest trees are in this section of the park. Robinson indicated
approximately 50'-70' tall. Reisetter asked what the annual rental fee required is. McNally
reported that $15,000 was under discussion. Reisetter further asked if there had been an appraisal
done of this land. Trueblood reported that it was deemed not necessary as there had been an
appraisal done at City Park for a previous proposal, therefore, used this as a guideline. Loomer
asked if it would be necessary to remove any trees. McNally stated that it would be necessary to
remove some smaller trees but that Iowa Wireless would expect to replace those. O'Leary asked
if there is concern about the proximity to Mid American Energy. McNally said that this is not a
concern. Pacha asked about the color of the pole. McNally said that they are all manufactured in
one color (silver/gray) but that they can be painted any color. Raaz asked if it would be necessary
to construct a walkway to the tower. McNally answered no.
At this point Pacha turned the discussion to the public. Several people mentioned that this park is
very heavily used and that the placement of this monopole would not be aesthetically pleasing,
that it might present a safety hazard, and there was also concern about what this would do to
property values. Some stated, feelings that this is not an appropriate use for a park. It was felt by
the majority that the pictures shown in the presentation were not a true representation of how the
pole might look. For example, it was noted that the picture did not show the pole towering over
the trees when they believe, in fact, it would. One member from the public mentioned that he felt
the notification process of this proposal was lacking, that the letters should have gone out sooner
and to more residents. Pacha noted that the letters were not sent out sooner because there was not
sufficient information available to include in the letters. Trueblood further noted that 57 letters
were sent to area residents, and the agenda was posted and sent to the media as required by law,
and was posted on the website.
Michael Lombardo mentioned that perhaps the new radio towers to accommodate the new joint
communications center may provide a place for such antennae.
At this point discussion turned back to the Commission. Pacha gave the Commission Members
the option to delay a vote since there were four members absent. O'Leary thought perhaps the
Commission should look at forming a task force to further discuss, but this did not receive
support from other Commissioners. Reisetter proposed that the Commission move forward with
the vote tonight. Raaz noted his concern that if he were to vote for the monopole placement in
Parks and Recreation Commission
October 8, 2008
Page 4 of 6
the park he may later regret it if indeed the communications towers would provide a place for
such equipment and that he would like to find out more about that possibility.
_Moved by O'Leary, seconded by Loomer to decline the proposal by Iowa Wireless to install
a monopole in Willow Creek Park at this time. Motion carried 4 to 1, with Pasha voting
no.
Pasha indicated he voted no because the Commission had asked staff to look into this proposal,
indicating they would be willing to consider it. He didn't feel right about turning it down when
both staff and Iowa Wireless had done what they asked.
O'Leary noted that he did suggest that it be placed on the other side of the park and that he felt
the proposal should have presented more creative solutions such as placing it in a grove of trees
or place a light at the top of the pole to illuminate a ball field, etc.
UPDATE AND DISCUSSION OF MASTER PLAN:
Trueblood reported that Pat O'Toole, consultant from GreenPlay L.L.C., is scheduled to give a
30 minute presentation of the Master Plan at the City Council at their work session scheduled for
Monday, October 20 at 5:30 p.m. Trueblood did let O'Toole know that the Commission would
like to see some enhancements to the presentation. Trueblood encouraged commission members
to attend if possible.
COMMISSION TIME/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
Raaz noted that he had the opportunity to ride the new Court Hill bike trail from Creekside Park.
He said that there were 30-40 other people on the trail and that it is a wonderful addition to the
trail system.
Reisetter expressed his thanks to Terry Robinson and Parks staff for the wonderful job they have
done in cleaning the trails after the flood. Reisetter also asked if it may be possible to add bocce
courts to Mercer Park. Trueblood and Robinson reported that staff is in the process of discussing
that possibility.
O'Leary reported that he is happy to receive feedback from the community as we did this
evening.
Raaz mentioned that we need to better utilize our website and perhaps post notices at parks that
are involved in issues such as cell phone towers/poles.
CHAIRS REPORT:
Pasha updated commission on the progress of the Sand Lake Recreation Area fund raising effort.
He noted that the prospects have been identified. Gary Vance from Ad-Vanced Fundraising
Opportunity is putting together a Power Point presentation that members will use when meeting
Parks and Recreation Commission
October 8, 2008
Page 5 of 6
with prospective donors. Members will preview this as well as discuss marketing strategies at the
next meeting.
Pacha also reported that the Parks and Recreation Foundation will hold their annual meeting on
Thursday, October 9. He noted that, in accordance with the bylaws, the Foundation needs to have
three active Parks and Recreation Commission members on the board. As he will be ending his
position on the Commission later this year, he is looking for a volunteer from the Commission to
serve on the Foundation Board.
DIRECTORS REPORT
Trueblood reported on several items.
Court Hill Trail: Court Hill Trail is complete, and being used, but will be officially open at the
end of October.
U of I Boathouse: University of Iowa has again requested some changes in the plan for the
boathouse. They are changes to the inside of the facility, and Trueblood noted that the changes
will not affect the community use areas.
Bicycle Planning Meeting: Trueblood announced that JCCOG is holding a bicycling planning
session this evening at the Senior Center starting at 7 p.m.
CIP: CIP priorities and parks and recreation fees and charges will likely be discussed at the
November Commission meeting.
CAT Grant: Governor Culver has designated all CAT Grant funds be used for flood recovery for
2008. Hopefully, this will not affect the Sand Lake Grant proposal as this will take place in 2009.
It is hoped the Vision Iowa budget will be restored next year.
AllJOURNMENT
Moved by Loomer, seconded by Reisetter to adiourn at 6:45 p.m. Unanimous.
Parks and Recreation Commission
October 8, 2008
Page 6 of 6
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2008
NAME 1•ERM
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EXPIRES O
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David
Bour eois 1/1/11 O/E O/E O/E X X X X O/E X O/E
Craig
Gustaveson 1/1/] 1 X X O/E X O/E X O/E X O/E O/E
Margaret
Loomer 1/1/12 X X X X O/E O/E X O/E X X
Ryan
O'Lear 1/1/10 X X X X X X X X X X
Matt
Pacha 1/1/09 X X X X O/E X X X X X
Jerry
Raaz 1/1/12 X X X O/E O/E X X X X X
Phil
Reisetter I/ 1 /09 X O/E X X X O/E OlE X X X
John Watson
1/1/ll O/E O/E X X X O/E X X X O/E
__
John
Westefeld 1/1110 O/E X X X X X X O/E X O/E
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = No meeting
LQ = No meeting due to lack of quorum
4b 4
MINUTES APPROVED
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
OCTOBER 7, 2008 - 6:30 PM
PLANNING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE ROOM
2"`' FLOOR, CITY HALL
Members Present: Steve Crane, Marcy DeFrance, Andy Douglas, Charlie Drum, Holly Jane
Hart, Michael McKay, Rebecca McMurray, Brian Richman, Michael Shaw
Members Excused: Andy Douglas
Staff Present: Tracy Hightshoe, Steve Long
Others Present: Maryann Dennis, Charlie Eastham
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL (become effective only after separate Council action):
The Commission voted 7-0 (Douglas and Shaw not present) to recommend the request by The
Housing Fellowship to amend the financial terms of their FY08 & FY09 City HOME fund
allocation of $545,722. HCDC recommended the terms as requested: a 20-year deferred loan
at 0% interest with a balloon payment at year 20. The Housing Fellowship will develop 22
units of affordable rental housing and will apply for Low Income Housing Tax Credits to
secure a major portion of financing for this project.
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Brian Richman at 6:36 p.m.
APPROVAL OF THE AUGUST 18, 2008 MINUTES:
After some discussion, Hart motioned to approve the minutes with a correction to a misspelled
name; Drum seconded. The motion carried 7-0 (McMurray and Douglas not present).
PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
None.
STAFF/COMMISSION COMMENT:
Long stated that as of October 7`h, applications are available for Jumpstart, astate-funded flood relief
program. A Flood Resource Center has been opened in the Lobby Conference Room of City Hall,
and is operational from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Long said that a steady stream of people came to the Flood Resource Center all day on its first day of
operation. He said that unfortunately there is not enough money available right now to fill all the
gaps and needs that exist for flood victims. Long said the current allocation of funds is the first wave
of money, and that the City expects that there will be another two or three waves of funding.
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It was decided to move forward with The Housing Fellowship's Request and return to
Commission/Staff Comment afterward so that Michael Shaw, who had to leave at 7 p.m., could be
present for the discussions.
NEW BUSINESS:
• Review The Housing Fellowship's Request to Amend the Financial Terms for their FY08
&FY09 Affordable Rental Housin>; Proiect
Richman said that The Housing Fellowship was allocated $545,772 in HOME funds in fiscal years
2008 and 2009. The Housing Fellowship is now requesting an amendment to the terms of the loan.
Richman invited Maryann Dennis and/or Charlie Eastham to present the request in more detail.
Dennis said that the original term for the loan(s) required that the loan be amortized and repaid
during the first 30 years of the project at 0% interest. Dennis said that as the projects are put
together, the numbers are constantly changing. The Housing Fellowship is continuously trying to fit
the numbers together in different ways in order to make the project work properly in terms of cash
flow and meeting all of the underwriting criteria required by the different financing sources. If the
City is repaid during the first 15-20 years of the project as is required by the current loan terms,
Dennis said, then there is not enough cash flow to meet the underwriting criteria. Dennis said The
Housing Fellowship is requesting a deferred payment. At the end of 20 years, when the General
Obligation Bond financing passed by the City Council on October 6`h is repaid, The Housing
Fellowship would be able to retire that debt and be able to refinance to pay the City back a balloon
payment at the end. Dennis said that the loan had always been approved as a 0% interest loan.
The other significant change that comes into play is that the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA), who
administers the Low-Income Housing Tax-Credit program, has changed the per-unit cost cap and the
formula used to determine it. Dennis said that it had previously been the case that the cost of the land
could be excluded from the per unit cost calculation. This, Dennis said, is no longer the case. As a
result the plan now is for The Housing Fellowship to retain possession of the land and to lease it to
the limited partnership, as a way of remaining under the cost cap. Essentially, Dennis said, the City
HOME funds for the project are now coming to The Housing Fellowship, a private non-profit.
Because of this, the new terms may actually better fit with the City's investment policy than the
previous terms.
Eastham stated that this project has been developed under standards set by the City Council for
permissible and preferable affordable rental housing in Iowa City. Eastham said that the preferences
outlined by the City Council include scattered-site, single-family detached or townhome units such as
those being created by this project. In looking to build, The Housing Fellowship reviewed all
available sites and found mostly single-family detached sites to be available. Eastham said this
obviously increases the cost to the project. Eastham said that the request is being made to keep the
project under cost cap requirements set by IFA, to comply with the City Council's preferences for
newly constructed affordable rental housing, and to ensure that rents are kept as low as possible.
Eastham said The Housing Fellowship is finding itself having to borrow additional funds for the
project overall, as well as having to ask for deferred payment on some of the loans from different
funding sources in order to meet those goals.
Dennis said that the rents are set quite low, and that The Housing Fellowship has always believed
that it makes sense to put projects together that allow for rents that are affordable even to those who
are not receiving rental assistance. Dennis said that it is their hope that just as the City is investing a
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considerable amount of federal funding into the project, the State will also choose to invest a large
amount of federal funding. Dennis said that the rents could be raised, but then that would mean the
families living in the units would require a considerable amount of rental assistance to afford them.
Hightshoe asked what the utility allowance for the units would be based on the Iowa City Housing
Authority's (ICHA) standards. Dennis said that it was $158 for athree-bedroom unit.
Hightshoe told the Commission that when she was reviewing the project her initial preference was
for a payback at 0% over thirty years. As she examined the request, however, she noted that the
project had to substantially change: the developer fee went down almost $200,000 from its original
projection. Melrose Ridge had been the example foremost in her mind, however, it was structured
quite a bit differently than this project in that it was not scattered-site, there was no cost for land (the
County leased it to the Johnson County Permanent Supportive Housing LP for $1), and Melrose
Ridge did not have to install major infrastructure (this will be the first project by THE where they
will install the road, water, sewer, etc. for a new subdivision). Hightshoe said that given these
differences, she recommended to allow flexibility as unexpected costs will arise. Hightshoe said that
in speaking with the Planning Department in Sioux City, she learned that their policy for tax-credit
projects is a 0% loan that is deferred for 30 years. Hightshoe said she became a lot more
comfortable with the project and the request for deferred payment once she took all of these factors
into consideration.
Richman asked how rents of $775 and $550 compare to what The Housing Fellowship would be
allowed to charge by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Dennis said that
there are a number of different rents that come into play for this project. Because HOME funds are
being used for the project, the maximum HOME rent for athree-bedroom unit would be $943, from
which the $158 utility allowance must be subtracted. Dennis said that what happens is one division
of HUD administers Section 8 rental assistance and a different one administers the HOME funds. As
a result, often times the HOME rents take some time to catch up to the Fair Market Rents (FMR) set
for rental assistance. Dennis said that The Housing Fellowship cannot rely on a presumption that the
HOME rents will be increased to match the FMRs. Eastham said that IFA will require the maximum
rent for atax-credit three-bedroom unit in the state of Iowa to be set below $943 if the project is
receiving HOME funds. Dennis noted that the allowable IFA tax-credit rent with no HOME funds
associated with it is actually higher than that. Investing HOME funds requires following HOME
rules.
Richman said that his understanding is that this request states that the City will be repaid upon the
sale/refinancing of the project. Dennis explained that with the low-income housing tax-credit, huge
wealthy companies invest and it is these investors who receive the tax-credit. When the tax benefit
to the investor expires after ten years, there is no longer any motivation for these large companies to
own low-income housing. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has a law which grants the right of
first refusal to a qualified non-profit at the end of a fifteen year term of affordability. At that time,
the non-profit can purchase the project for $1 plus all of the debt that is due. Dennis said it has
always been The Housing Fellowship's plan to utilize that right of first refusal and then become the
owner of the property. Eastham said The Housing Fellowship would become responsible for the 20-
year balloon payment, which would actually reflect a rather low amount of debt at that time.
Richman asked what other possibilities there were for after year 20, beyond The Housing Fellowship
purchasing the property. Long stated that the affordability requirement for the property would
remain in place regardless, as the term of the affordability requirement is 30 years. Dennis stated that
it was not impossible that the City of Iowa City could forgive the debt at that time, as that occurs
from time to time. Dennis stated that the City of Iowa City takes no risk with these funds because
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they are HUD funds, and are not local tax dollars. Richman pointed out that the City has a limited
amount of dollars to invest in affordable housing in the community, and so there was risk in that
sense. Dennis conceded that point, and advised the Commission that The Housing Fellowship was
making the same request for the State's HOME funding. Eastham noted that a 30-year deferred
payment was not an uncommon term for the State.
Shaw stated that as far as he could tell there is no difference between the request made by The
Housing Fellowship and the recommendations made by staff. He asked if he was correct in this
understanding. Hightshoe replied that staff concurred with the recommendation.
Richman stated that he had thought The Housing Fellowship was requesting a 30-year deferred
payment and that staff was recommending a 20-year period. Dennis apologized, saying that the
confusion was the result of an error on her part as several different drafts of the same plan had been
discussed, but that the term being requested was 20 years.
Richman summarized his understanding of the proposal: in year 20, either The Housing Fellowship
would buy the project and refinance any existing debt (presumably the City and State HOME funds)
or the City Council could choose to forgive the loan. Eastham clarified that the sale of the project
would begin in year 16 of the project. Dennis added that the term of affordability would still be set at
30 years regardless of who owns the property. Long stated that the continued affordability of the
property is one of the most important part from the City's point of view.
Richman asked a question regarding the sources and uses. He noted that $830,000 of State HOME
funds are listed in the proposal, but $0 City HOME funds. Hightshoe explained that the City HOME
funds went toward land acquisition, and that because The Housing Fellowship will be leasing the
land to the investors, the land will be retained by The Housing Fellowship.
Hightshoe noted that the price per credit has gone down from $.81 to $.72, and asked if that would
continue. Dennis said that The Housing Fellowship does not know because they do not price the
credits, the syndicator does. Dennis said that one thing to keep in mind is that the equity from the
tax-credits will not come to the project until the homes are built and leased to qualified households.
The equity therefore should come into account in 2010, by which time it is hoped that the price will
be $.80. Eastham stated that the final price for the credits will not be known until that time. Eastham
added that IFA is well aware that national tax-credit prices have been decreasing, and noted that they
have set aside some of last year's tax-credits to pay for this year's projects. Eastham said it is very
difficult to predict what will happen with tax-credit prices.
Dennis said that she and Eastham believe not only that they have a very good project, but that they
have a very good chance to succeed at what is acknowledged to be a very risky endeavor, especially
for anon-profit. Dennis said that they are working with a very good consultant who can answer any
questions Dennis is unable to.
Dennis noted that IFA has implemented a disaster relief set-aside for the tax-credits for seven
counties, one of which is Johnson. Dennis said that as far as The Housing Fellowship knows, it is the
only project in Johnson County applying to the program. This gives them a pretty good chance.
Long pointed out that The Housing Fellowship did have 16 units in Coralville destroyed in the
flooding.
Shaw asked if any of the Commissioners had concerns about The Housing Fellowship handling the
banking and construction components of the project, which were some new areas for the agency.
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Dennis asked if he had a concern. Shaw clarified that he did not have a concern, but wondered if any
of the Commissioners did as he had not heard anything from them on the subject. Long said that he
would like to point out that this is The Housing Fellowship's third tax-credit project and they have
always been very well done. Long assured Shaw and the other Commissioners that if staff had
concerns or if there had been past issues, staff would certainly let the Commissioners know. Dennis
stated that the development team on all of the tax-credit projects had been very good, and very
important to their success. She noted that The Housing Fellowship is working with MMS
Consultants, John Shaw Architect, Selzer-Werderitsch Construction, a consultant from Omaha, great
tax attorneys, Michael Hugh and Jeremy Hagen from Bradley & Riley, and the syndicator. Shaw
reiterated that he was not hearing any concerns, but had wanted to check in with the Commission
members.
Richman said that he saw that the underwriting criteria required a debt coverage ratio of 1.15 to 1.40
and notes that The Housing Fellowship is very close to the upper limit at 1.40. He asked how it
would affect the Fellowship's tax-credit application if there was some repayment requirement to the
City that took the coverage ratio closer to 1.15. Eastham said that adding debt service would likely
negatively impact the application. Dennis said that the other thing to keep in mind is that the format
for the pro forma is required by IFA. Richman asked if the City's obligation were structured so that
a portion of surplus cash flow would go toward debt repayment (and if there was no surplus cash
flow there would be no repayment made) how would that be factored in. Eastham said it would
depend on how it was structured; if it was structured as a liability then that would be debt coverage
and would affect the ratios. Dennis and Eastham said that what they have learned is that the
"cleaner" these projects are kept in terms of their liabilities, the better chance for syndicator
approval; the more complicated they are made, the greater the chance for failure. Long said that if
this was strictly a HOME or CDBG funded project, the Commission would have a lot more
flexibility. Eastham said the Fellowship has done escalating debt service with CDBG funds before,
and it is hard to figure out what the conditions are going to be five and ten years down the road. He
said they have at times wound up with an obligation they could not meet. Richman pointed out that
under what he was proposing, this would not happen because if there is no excess cash flow there
would be no payment obligation.
McKay said that one of the things he picked up at a recently attended conference was that the market
for tax-credits is so bad at present that investors and syndicators are going over the proposals with a
fine tooth comb. From what he learned at the conference, it will become increasingly difficult to
place projects in the next five years. McKay said his understanding of what Dennis and Eastham
have said is that if they do not keep the project clean they will not be able to place it. Eastham said
he agreed with this assessment. Crane said that 1.15 debt service is pretty low and that this could
change to a l .25 in the near future, to be realistic. Dennis said it is not necessarily a bad thing that
the days of the 1.05 are gone.
Richman asked staff if they were comfortable with the precedent this sets and if the City would be
comfortable with this structure for future projects. Long said that there have been similar cases, but
that it is always best to look at things on a case by case basis. He said that there is an arrangement
with a transitional housing facility in which there is a 99-year term and payments are sometimes
made by lowering rents to the tenants and taking that off the debt; in that case the view is that
providing low-rent transitional housing better serves the City than that particular cash flow would
have. Long said that the City has worked with The Housing Fellowship very successfully on a
number of occasions and that he, Hightshoe, Dennis, Eastham, the Finance Director, the City
Manager and others have sat down and worked on this project many times over the last year to get it
to a place where everyone is comfortable with the terms. Long said the City has $830,000 invested
in this project when bonds are included, and they want to see it succeed.
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Dennis said that the waiting list for ICHA rental assistance is two years long, and that there are
families living in Iowa City that are on that waiting list and are perfectly capable of appropriately
taking care of a rental house if they could afford the rent. Dennis said the two-year wait is causing
some of these families to live doubled-up or in very small apartments with their children. Keeping
the rents low is one of The Housing Fellowship's biggest objectives, Dennis said. Richman said he
applauded those efforts. His objective is to determine if it is possible both for the rents to remain low
and for the City to be repaid some money in the interim. Richman said it sounded like the answer he
was hearing is that there probably is not a way for both of those things to happen, or if there is, there
is a risk to the project as a whole. Drum said he would rather see the City "repaid" in the broader
sense by having low-rents for the units then to have the City repaid with payments on the loan prior
to the 20-year deferment period. Eastham advised Richman that having a balloon payment in the
future such as The Housing Fellowship is requesting will allow the rents to remain low until the
refinancing period begins.
Hightshoe said that with low-income housing tax-credits the reserves and replacement reserves have
to be built into the project so that the units are properly maintained throughout. This lessens the
concern that once the affordability period expires, you will have a project that requires substantial
rehabilitation for which there is no funding. Long said this basically means that the project should
not be coming back to the City in 20 or 30 years asking for more money for rehabilitation purposes.
Dennis noted that even though The Housing Fellowship is the general managing partner on the
project, they cannot take funds out of reserves unless the syndicator approves it. Dennis said that the
oversight and compliance on the part of the syndicators is unbelievable. Hightshoe noted that better
quality products would be used to build these units and quite a bit of green is incorporated into the
plans. Dennis said that the Iowa Department of Economic Development now requires the submission
of a green development plan. She said that initially they were hoping to make this project the first
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified low-income housing tax-credit
project in the state of Iowa, but that it was not possible to do so and remain under the cost caps.
Eastham said it may be possible in the near future if there are more townhome units involved because
that lowers the costs. Richman asked what the cost cap is right now. Eastham stated that it is
$194,000, which is right where the project is presently. Hightshoe said that staff is comfortable with
the costs as planned.
Eastham said that if the Commission wants more money to flow back to the City, they should push
the City Council to rezone to allow for more townhome and duplex opportunities.
Richman asked if Commissioners had any more questions or comments. DeFrance said that she had
some concerns about the location of the new units, as it was her understanding that there were not to
be any more rental homes built south of Highway 6. Long and Dennis explained that The Housing
Fellowship had gone to City Council to get the site for this project approved. Hightshoe said that
staff went back and looked through all of Census Tract 18 and then looked further based on
subdivisions in Census Tract 18. When looking at the Mount Prospect subdivision (over 300 homes),
it was noted that only 1 % of the homes in that subdivision had been publicly subsidized with CDBG,
HOME or public housing dollars. Hightshoe said that when the 16 units being built in that
neighborhood for this project are added into that calculation the number is still less than 7%.
DeFrance asked if there would be a problem with that neighborhood accepting these rental homes.
She said that she had just taken a tour of the Dolphin Lake Point Enclave (formerly Lakeside) and
that she knows there are a lot of issues in that neighborhood concerning rental homes. Eastham
noted that all of the homes in this project are single-family detached homes. DeFrance said the ones
in the neighborhood she mentioned also were single-family detached, and that there are still a lot of
problems surrounding that area. She said she was discussing the area around Dolphin Lake Point
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Enclave, near Hollywood Boulevard and California Avenue, and the areas surrounding Grant Wood
School. She said that she understands that this is a good project, but that she is concerned that the
area in which it is to be located is one with a number of issues already.
Dennis said that The Housing Fellowship owns a number of single-family detached homes and
duplexes as rental units and that typically the policy has always been that the renter maintains the
yards and sidewalks. For this particular parcel, Dennis said, The Housing Fellowship will be taking
care of the lawns and the sidewalks. This is being done in order to ensure an acceptable appearance
for the properties at all times, as well as to maintain frequent contact with the properties from a
management perspective. Dennis said that The Housing Fellowship has one rental home on
California Avenue with which it has never had any problems. DeFrance clarified that she was not
implying that The Housing Fellowship itself was responsible for any of the concerns, but that it was
the addition of more rental properties to the general area which concerned her. Dennis asked if it was
the condition of the homes that concerned her. DeFrance replied that it was not just the condition of
the homes but also the frequency of police calls to the area. She said she was concerned for the
people that live in that area that actually own their homes; she said she was not sure that those people
would be as convinced about the wisdom of putting 16 more rental units in that area as the people in
the room seemed to be.
F,astham said that there are two approaches to addressing neighborhood concerns. One approach is
to provide good management, something which The Housing Fellowship does very well. The other
approach concerns location. Eastham said that the Fellowship has explored other locations for lots
on which to build rental housing in Iowa City, however, they can only build where land is available.
Eastham said the Fellowship is looking like crazy for additional locations throughout the Iowa City,
Coralville, and North Liberty areas. Eastham said that the Fellowship has not seen a strong
indication from renters coming to them that they by and large prefer to live somewhere else in Iowa
City. DeFrance said that her concern was not so much for the people wishing to rent homes, but for
the people who have already purchased them in the neighborhood. McMurray stated that she lives in
that general area and that she agrees that there is a perception that there is a lot of crime in that
neighborhood, but that if one looks at the actual data the problem is nowhere near the level that
perception leads one to believe. She said that as a resident of the area, she can say that these
additional rental units do not concern her. DeFrance said that she lives in the general area as well
and that she has a lot of people perceive her street as being in the "ghetto," something with which she
does not agree at all. She said she is simply saying that she does not even live in the neighborhood,
but that she often hears concerns about it. She said that she wants to see this plan succeed and that
she is in no way trying to be against the project, but that she has some concerns for its effect on
homeowners in the area.
Dennis asked if DeFrance's concerns were specifically for property values or if her concerns also
extended to other renters that live in the area. DeFrance said she was not concerned about the
renters. She said she was concerned about people who own homes in the area and believe that if
these rental homes are built in their neighborhood their own properties will be devalued. Dennis said
that this was a misperception, and that the data does not support that perception. DeFrance said that
she understands that, but that she has heard realtors and others saying that living next to subsidized
housing devalues your property. DeFrance said she was concerned about that because there seems to
be a large group of those kinds of homes in that area, including the Whispering Meadows and
Coneflower Court area. Hightshoe pointed out that the Whispering Meadows subdivision has a
subsidized rate of approximately 35% (includes both subsidized owner occupied and rental
properties). In her opinion, this level of subsidy in one immediate area is high and something she
would not recommend for future projects. The council has removed the restriction for site review on
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owner-occupied homes. The requirement for council review in areas not encouraged for affordable
housing remains a requirement for rental projects. The project in question, Hightshoe said, is in a
subdivision (over 300 homes) in which only 1 % of the homes are subsidized. Census Tract 18 has
one of the highest homeownership rates in the City.
Hightshoe said that there is a perception problem and that people think there is more of a
concentration issue of subsidized housing (CDBG, HOME and public housing) south of Highway 6,
but that that perception is not accurate. Long said that both he and Hightshoe live across the street
from Housing Fellowship properties and that the management of the homes are impeccable. He said
that in all honesty he would much rather live across the street from a Housing Fellowship home than
some of the student homes downtown. DeFrance said she has no problem with The Housing
Fellowship and that she has seen how well they have rehabilitated some of the homes on Taylor
Drive; she said her concern is for the overall neighborhood. Long said that he believes the concern
she is expressing are related to management more than to whether or not a property is subsidized.
Long said that the City as a whole answers a lot of questions on subsidized housing and that the data
that has been collected by Steve Rackis (Director of ICHA) and others demonstrates that perception
does not match the reality of the situation. Long said perception is hard to change, but that he
believes properties in the area, particularly Dolphin Lake Estates are working hard to change that
public perception. DeFrance said she thinks the project is a great idea, but that she just hopes the
neighborhood accepts it.
Long said that in talking with the school district on development issues, the idea of building another
school in that area is on the District's radar as a means of alleviating some of the pressure on Grant
Wood school. DeFrance said that this was another question she had had, as she was aware that the
school was at or over capacity already and that adding 16 homes to the area would intensify the
problem. Hightshoe said that of the twelve elementary school attendance-boundaries in Iowa City
only two are under capacity, and that is by minimal amounts. Shimek and Hoover are the only two
schools under capacity at present.
Dennis said that from The Housing Fellowships perspective, they have an all volunteer board that
consists entirely of Iowa City residents. The Housing Fellowship does not want to cause problems in
or for any neighborhood. Dennis said the Fellowship owns rental homes in 11 of the 13 Iowa City
elementary districts, and tries very hard to site rental homes in a way that will not illicit concerns
from the neighborhood. Having said that, Dennis noted, scattered-site housing is very important to
The Housing Fellowship, but is also very expensive. She said that they had considered trying to
rezone the land to allow multi-family units rather than single-family homes. However, as a Board
they decided not to attempt to rezone and proceed with single family homes. Dennis said that even if
the problem is one of perception, it is not one that can be easily changed. She said that it can only be
changed slowly by presenting the true facts to people and putting a real face on the people who need
these kinds of homes. By and large, Dennis said, the families that rent from The Housing Fellowship
are hard-working families whose kids are well-behaved and excel in school. Dennis said that they
are very cognizant of all of the concerns and perception problems DeFrance discussed. Hightshoe
added that people will not be able to tell that the proposed homes are subsidized.
F.astham noted that in terms of subsidized housing causing neighborhood schools to go over capacity,
the real source ofover-capacity problems is large scale development by big, for-profit developers.
DeFrance said that when she and her husband purchased their home, they were drawn by the
potential for a new school that had been planned in the area. She said that she was well-aware of the
very nice-looking Longfellow project that The Housing Fellowship had done. She said she had
merely been concerned for the perception that the neighborhood would have for such a project.
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Richman asked if there were other questions or comments. There were none.
Hart motioned to recommend to City Council the request by The Housing Fellowship to amend
the financial terms of their FY08 & FY09 City HOME fund allocation of $545,722. HCDC
recommended the terms as requested: a 20-year deferred loan at 0% interest with a balloon
payment at year 20.
Crane seconded.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 7-0 (Douglas and Shaw not present).
Long noted that the matter would be on the City Council agenda for their October 21s` meeting.
OLD BUSINESS:
• Review Timeline for the Annual Review of the 2006-2010 Consolidated Plans (a.k.a City
Ste s
Hightshoe stated that staff was behind on the review of CITY STEPS due to the high volume of
flood-recovery related work ranging from questions from the public and flood victims, to setting up
and operating the Flood Recovery Center, to making plans and working with state and federal
agencies to accept applications and allocate an additional $2,000,000 to be spent in the next few
months. Hightshoe said that staff plans to discuss the Annual Review at the next HCDC meeting on
November 20`". Hightshoe said there will be a public input meeting to review our current plan on
October 12`" at the Local Homeless Coordinating Board meeting. Hightshoe said she had also
contacted the ICHA to see if a public input session could be coordinated with one of the training
programs that they will be putting on in the near future. Before the November 20`" HCDC meeting,
there will be at least two meetings to gather public input. After those two meetings, Hightshoe will
summarize and put out an a-mail with the findings. Hightshoe said the timeline will be condensed
from the usual process due to time constraints. Long said that this year was unusual due to all of the
unexpected flood-related work, and he apologized for that. He noted that the City is in the process of
hiring someone full-time to take over flood-recovery programs. Hightshoe noted that their office is
not only administering the Jump Start assistance being offered by the state but also handles the
supplemental CDBG funding, the flood mitigation program and all flood buyout questions. Crane
asked if a lot of businesses had inquired into the Jumpstart Business program. Long said that they
had, but that there were more homeowners. Crane asked what is the cap for business assistance.
Hightshoe said it is 25% of the executed loan for damage repairs or flood related losses up to
$50,000; she said that banks would be notified of the program. She noted that businesses get a
month to apply for the funds whereas homeowners only have a week.
Long stated that it is time to do the new Consolidated Plan, a.k.a. CITY STEPS. Long said that for
the first time a consultant will be hired to handle that project due to the time constraints on staff.
Hightshoe noted that other entitlement cities have been very helpful in assisting in any way they can;
the city of Dubuque will be helping the City with its Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation
Report. Hightshoe said that HUD had given the City a waiver allowing it to have the report turned in
by December. Long suggested that the best way to get a hold of either one of them at this point was
via e-mail as his voicemail is full by 9:00 a.m. He said they expect the pace to continue for a few
more months, and he apologized for any effects that might have on the Commission.
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Richman said that in hearing of this heavy workload, he is wondering how confident staff is that
there will be enough staff resources to go through the allocation process as smoothly as usual when
that time comes in three months. Richman asked what was to be done in the event that staff was not
confident that the necessary staff time would be available. Long said that they are hopeful that hiring
an additional person will alleviate that concern. Long said the hiring process goes relatively quickly
and that there are excellent candidates for the position, although it will take some time to train them.
Hightshoe said that the person who is hired will be administering the new flood-related programs and
she and Long will go back to their old jobs. Richman said he just wanted to make sure that at least
one of them will be able to invest the amount of time that is needed to make the allocation process
work smoothly.
• Housing Conferences:
McKay said that as a newcomer to the Commission when he first entered the conference he felt as
though he had entered afull-immersion foreign language program due to all of the new terminology
and acronyms with which he was unfamiliar. He said he tried to skip around to different topic areas
to try to get a feel for the wider nature of the conference. He said what struck him the most was the
presentation outlining how grim the whole tax-credit area looks like right now. He said that
everything is tightening up in that market as the biggest investors in that arena had been Fannie Mae,
Freddie Mac, and Washington Mutual. With their collapse, 40% of the money usually invested in
tax-credits was instantly gone.
McKay said there was a good discussion on the green effort in affordable housing. He noted that
most of the builders said that the numbers simply did not work out at this point, although they do try
to get as energy efficient as possible while staying within the caps. McKay said even without going
fully green and implementing as many energy-savers as possible while maintaining affordability, the
cost of the project goes up by 5-10%.
McKay said he attended some sessions on homelessness that dealt a lot with the human and societal
side of the issue, but did not offer a lot of solutions from a housing standpoint. McKay said he used
the conference as an opportunity to learn and thanked the Commission for allowing him to attend.
Long noted that on October 10`h and 11`hthere is a symposium on the foreclosure crisis being held by
the University of Iowa as a part of the Forkenbrock Series. Jerry Anthony, longtime Commission
member and Professor of Planning at the University, is involved in the series. Long said that if
anyone on the Commission is interested there is a scholarship available for someone working at a
City office or working on a board or commission.
MONITORING REPORTS:
• Isis Investments LLC -Rental Housing (Shaw)
Shaw was unable to stay for the whole meeting and so was not available to report at this time.
• Twain Elementary -Playground Equipment (Drum)
Drum said that he had not had a chance to speak with Mary Bontrager about the playground, but that
he had taken some pictures which he would bring at a future date. He said that the playground has
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
OCTOBER 7, 2008
PLANNING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE ROOM
Page 11 of 12
been a wonderful addition to the neighborhood. The playground looks great and is in constant use by
neighborhood children. He felt the change was a very positive one.
• Dolphin International LLC -Down-Payment Assistance (DeFrance)
DeFrance said she had spent an hour and a half touring the buildings and discussing the changes with
the proprietor. She said 37 units had been contracted for purchase, although only 32 are presently
ready for sale. DeFrance said that the changes in the property are remarkable: each unit now has its
own mechanical room which has eliminated a persistent mold problem on the property; the units
have maple cabinets, granite countertops, hardwood floors, walk-in closets and soundprooting
qualities; the townhouses offer either one, two, or three bedrooms with first and second floors.
DeFrance said the proprietor shared some of the difficulties he has encountered in trying to overhaul
the property. She noted that he has proposed building at his own expense a police substation on the
west side of the property, and that he would like for the City to commit to a part of the funding. The
property manager believes that having a permanent police presence out there would make a huge
difference, although he did express gratitude for the support and patrols that the police already
provide. DeFrance said that the property manager has instituted atwo-strike policy for tenants found
to be engaged in certain illegal activities in which the second offense results in eviction. The
properly manager has also hired a private security company to come in and patrol the area. The
proprietor manager originally wished to gate the community to cut down on nuisance problems from
those not authorized to be on the property, but ultimately the City's Transit Department could not
support such a move. DeFrance said that the property owner is attempting to make the area more
positive by encouraging Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts troops to meet in the clubhouse, arranging to
have a polling place on site, and having a Veteran's Day ceremony on site. DeFrance lauded his
efforts.
Crane asked if the units are being sold on contract or with bank financing. DeFrance said she
believed they were financed by banks, and that less than half required down payment assistance.
DeFrance said that credit counseling is offered as a part of the sales process, and household
budgeting workshops are offered on a continual basis.
Hightshoe noted that this is great workforce housing as the property is located near many workplaces
as well as Kirkwood. DeFrance said the one-bedrooms begin in the $60-thousands, and the three-
bedrooms are around $107,000. McMurray asked if a playground had been built. DeFrance said that
it had not, but that the entire property will be fenced in and two of the streets leading into the
property will be closed to make the area safer for children. DeFrance again described the remarkable
improvements that had been made to the property and the positive changes that had been made to the
grounds. She noted that the property manager also has great relationships with the tenants.
• FY08 Goodwill Industries -Facility Rehabilitation (Shaw)
Shaw was not available to report at this time.
ADJOURNMENT:
Drum motioned to adjourn; DeFrance seconded.
The motion to adjourn was approved unanimously (Douglas and Shaw not present). The
meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Housing & Community Development Commission
Attendance Record
2008
Name Term
Expires AM
2/12 PM
2/12
2/20
3/13
3/27
4/17
5/15
7/17
8/21
9/18
10/7
Jer Anthon 09/01/08 O/E X X X X X X X X ---- X
Steve Crane 09/01/09 O/E X X X X O/E X O/E X X X
Marc De France 09/01/09 X X X X X O/E X X O X X
And Dou las 09/01/08 X X X O/E X X X O/E X X O/E
Charlie Drum 09/01/10 X X O/E X X X X O/E X X X
Hol>~Jane Hart
Rebecca McMurra 09/01/10
09/01/08 X
X X
X X
X X
X X
X X
X X
X X
X X
O/E X
O/E X
X
Brian Richman 09/01/10 O/E X O/E X X X X X X X X
Michael Shaw 09/01/09 X X X X X O/E X X 0/E X X_ - ___
Michael McKa 09/01/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- X
Key:
X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = No Meeting
-- -- = Not a Member
FINAL/APPROVED
POLICE CITIZENS REVIEW BOARD - ~~
MINUTES -October 28, 2008 4b 5
CALL TO ORDER: Member Donald King called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Janie Braverman (5:31), Greg Roth, Abbie Yoder
MEMBERS ABSENT: Michael Larson
STAFF PRESENT: Legal Counsel Catherine Pugh (5:34) and Staff Kellie Tuttle
OTHERS PRESENT: Captain Richard Wyss and Officer David Schwindt of the ICPD; and public,
Caroline Dieterle
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
None.
REPORT FROM NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Roth and King were appointed to the nominating committee at the September 9th
meeting. King reported that the committee had met and would like to nominate
Michael Larson for Chair and Donald King for Vice-Chair.
CONSIDER MOTION TO FIX METHOD OF VOTING
Motion by Roth, seconded by Yoder to prescribe the method of voting by a voice
vote and use majority vote for the basis for decision. Motion carried, 4/0. Larson
absent.
NOMINATIONS FOR OFFICE OF CHAIRPERSON
Motion by Roth, seconded by Yoder to nominate Michael Larson for office of
Chairperson as selected by the nominating committee.
MOTION TO CLOSE NOMINATIONS
Motion by Roth, seconded by Braverman to close nominations.
Motion carried, 4/0, Larson absent.
BALLOT OR VOTE
Motion carried to elect Michael Larson for office of Chairperson, 4/0, Larson absent.
NOMINATIONS FOR OFFICE OF VICE-CHAIRPERSON
Motion by Yoder, seconded by Roth to nominate Donald King for office of Vice-
Chairperson as selected by the nominating committee.
MOTION TO CLOSE NOMINATIONS
Motion by Braverman, seconded by Yoder to close nominations.
Motion carried, 4/0, Larson absent.
BALLOT OR VOTE
Motion carried to elect Donald King for office of Vice-Chairperson, 4/0, Larson
absent.
CONSENT
CALENDAR Motion by Braverman and seconded by Yoder to adopt the consent calendar as
presented or amended.
PCRB
October 28, 2008
Page 2
• Minutes of the meeting on 09/09/08
• Minutes of the meeting on 09/16/08
ICPD General Order #89-02 (Department Disciplinary Philosophy)
• ICPD General Order #99-01 (Police Vehicle Pursuits)
• ICPD General Order #99-10 (Domestic Violence)
• ICPD General Order #99-11 (Arrests)
• ICPD General Order #99-05 (Use of Force)
- Revised page 4, 3(a) changed "and" to "or"
• ICPD Quarterly/Summary Report (3~d quarter) - IAIR/PCRB, 2008
• Letter from Police Chief regarding Community Forum
Motion carried, 4/0, Larson absent.
Braverman asked if the color classifications on the general orders could be notated
on the Board copies. Staff receives the general orders in color, but the Board had
previously decided to receive them in black and white. Tuttle will notate the color
classification on the general orders and continue to distribute them in black and
white.
Braverman inquired as to the when the in-car recording devices are activated and if
there was a general order associated with that. Wyss responded that there was a
general order, but also that the in-car recording devices are automatically activated
when the red lights/emergency equipment are turned on. Officers are also
encouraged to activate the device on all calls. However there are problems with
mechanics on some of the machines and issues with range. Braverman asked if
there was any thought on looking into a more portable device with a battery pack that
the officers would wear to help with the range issues, instead of just having a mic
and the recording device running from the vehicle. Wyss thought that the technology
is probably out there, but whether there would be a problem with storage of all the
media. He said that it was something that could be looked into.
Braverman asked if Wyss could explain and categorize indictable offenses. Wyss
stated that in general an indictable offense is a serious misdemeanor or above. A
simple misdemeanor would be such as public intoxication or possession of alcohol
under the legal age. The problem with public intoxication is that when they're
arrested typically they can not take care of themselves, so it becomes a safety issue
where you have to take them into custody. Occasionally someone with a disorderly
conduct charge can be taken into custody if there is a threat that the behavior will
continue. Indictable offenses are mandated by State law that the subjects have to be
taken into custody and booked/processed. Those are higher level offenses such as
serious assault or assault with injury, possession of a controlled substance, etc.
NEW BUSINESS Follow up on Community Forum -The Board discussed what options they had to
forward on the information received at the forum or any recommendations they had
as a Board regarding that information. The Board agreed to form a subcommittee of
Braverman and Yoder to compile the information and form a
summary/recommendation that would be forwarded on to the City Council and/or the
Police Chief. The subcommittee will report back to the Board at the November
meeting.
PCRB
October 28, 2008
Page 3
Tuttle noted that at the forum during Captain Wyss' presentation, he made the
distinction that there was not an informal and formal complaint process through the
Police Department. It was more a matter of how the complaints are received and
followed up on, and the level of involvement from the complainant. Tuttle asked the
Board to take a look at the Information Sheet for Filing a Complaint to see if they
agreed that it was somewhat misleading. The Board agreed to have Tuttle and
Wyss work together to come up with draft changes for the next meeting.
OLD BUSINESS None.
PUBLIC
DISCUSSION Dieterle thanked the Board for the Public Forum and the discussions they're having
regarding passing the information on or making recommendations. Dieterle inquired
in regards to the Presidents power to sign Executive Orders, and the possibility of
him declaring Marshall Law, what happens with the Police Department's authority?
Wyss and Pugh were not aware of the consequences. Braverman requested that
Pugh take a look at that and report back at the November meeting.
Braverman inquired what the Board's role was when receiving the IAIR/PCRB
Quarterly/Summary reports from the Police Department. Pugh informed her that the
Board accepts them and files them in to the record. Braverman thought that she and
Yoder could look at those as a subcommittee and look into some type of registry per
the charge of the Board.
BOARD
INFORMATION None.
STAFF
INFORMATION Pugh informed the Board that she and Braverman had met the previous month.
Braverman had some legal questions as far as where has the Board been and where
they were at. What cases the Board relies on and refers to a lot, questions on open
meeting laws, or what the Garrity doctrine refers to, or why the Board handles the
investigations the way they do. These were things that in the early years of the
Board a great deal of time was spent on to figure out how the Board was going to
work and what the policies of the Board would be.
EXECUTIVE
SESSION Motion by Yoder and seconded by Roth to adjourn into Executive Session based on
Section 21.5(1)(a) of the Code of Iowa to review or discuss records which are
required or authorized by state or federal law to be kept confidential or to be kept
confidential as a condition for that government body's possession or continued
receipt of federal funds, and 22.7(11) personal information in confidential personnel
records of public bodies including but not limited to cities, boards of supervisors and
school districts, and 22-7(5) police officer investigative reports, except where
disclosure is authorized elsewhere in the Code; and 22.7(18) Communications not
required by law, rule or procedure that are made to a government body or to any of
its employees by identified persons outside of government, to the extent that the
government body receiving those communications from such persons outside of
government could reasonably believe that those persons would be discouraged from
making them to that government body if they were available for general public
examination.
PCRB
October 28, 2008
Page 4
Motion carried, 4/0, Larson absent.
Open session adjourned at 6:20 P.M.
REGULAR
SESSION Returned to open session at 7:07 P.M.
Motion by Roth, seconded by Yoder to set the level of review for PCRB Complaint
#08-06 to 8-8-7 (B)(1)(a), On the record with no additional investigation.
Motion carried, 3/0, Braverman abstaining and Larson absent.
Motion by Yoder, seconded by Roth to set the level of review for PCRB Complaint
#08-07 to 8-8-7 (B)(1)(a), On the record with no additional investigation.
Motion carried, 4/0, Larson absent.
Motion by Roth, seconded by Yoder to set the level of review for PCRB Complaint
#08-08 to 8-8-7 (B)(1)(a), On the record with no additional investigation.
Motion carried, 4/0, Larson absent.
TENTATIVE MEETING SCHEDULE and FUTURE AGENDAS (subject to change)
• November 18, 2008, 5:30 PM, Lobby Conference Rm
December 9, 2008, 5:30 PM, Lobby Conference Rm (RESCHEDULED TO 12116)
• December 16, 2008, 5:30 PM, Lobby Conference Rm
• January 13, 2009, 5:30 PM, Lobby Conference Rm
Motion by Braverman, seconded by Yoder to move the December 9th meeting to
December 16th
Motion carried, 4/0, Larson absent.
ADJOURNMENT Motion for adjournment by Braverman and seconded by Roth.
Motion carried, 4/0, Larson absent. Meeting adjourned at 7:12 P.M.
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4b 6
MINUTES APPROVED
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSON
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2008
EMMA J. HARVAT HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Esther Baker, Lindsay Bunting Eubanks, William Downing, Pam Michaud, Ginalie
Swaim, Alicia Trimble, Frank Wagner
MEMBERS ABSENT: Thomas Baldridge, Jim Ponto, Viktor Tichy
STAFF PRESENT: Christina Kuecker
OTHERS PRESENT: Helen Burford
CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Bunting Eubanks called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANYTHING NOT ON THE AGENDA:
There was none.
DISCUSSION OF PUBLIC FORUM:
Bunting Eubanks said that there is a virtual forum update in the Commission's packet. She said that perhaps the
Commission would want to have a 30-minute forum instead of an hour. Bunting Eubanks suggested the Commission
discuss what it wants to cover and then get help from Kuecker in building those segments.
Bunting Eubanks suggested a piece on the Salvage Barn or a segment on typical things that need to meet guidelines,
such as windows and siding, or a segment on introducing new guidelines. She suggested the Commission come up
with a list of items and then narrow it down to perhaps five segments with five minutes for each item on the list and
then perhaps five or ten minutes for questions and answers.
Kuecker said there was some concern about people not calling in with questions and having some dead space. She
said the idea was to have people submit questions beforehand and also have a live call-in segment at the same time.
Bunting Eubanks said that if there are more questions phoned in, the forum could stay available to answer questions
without being on the air.
Trimble suggested that one of the biggest issues with things being done correctly concerns windows. Swaim said
that another issue is the need to apply for a permit in the first place. Kuecker said the Commission wanted to include
a combination of naming things that must be done along with showing the best way to do them. She said that home
improvement tips will hold people's interest.
Swaim asked if there is any example of the process showing changes that a homeowner has made that would make a
very compelling case visually. Bunting Eubanks said the Commission had talked about using a historic preservation
award winner with before and after photographs. She said that might be a good thing to be done at the beginning,
with Commission members introducing themselves and talking about historic preservation successes in the City.
Downing suggested having a segment of the boundaries of current districts. Bunting Eubanks said Friends of
Historic Preservation could do a piece on its organization. Bunting Eubanks asked if Burford would be willing to
come and introduce herself and the organization on camera.
Kuecker said it would be most effective if Commission members help develop the segments. She said she is
available to help and do a lot of the work, but it won't be as effective if she does all the work versus the public
hearing the voices of people who live in the community and are on the commission.
Wagner asked, assuming there is a segment on how to restore something, if there could be a crew to come out and
film the process. Kuecker said it would be possible to have something pre-recorded.
Swaim asked if the Wetherby exterior is complete. She said that would be a good example that could be filmed.
Burford said there was a series of videos done by the Mount Vernon Historic Preservation Commission. She said
that once a year a specialist was brought in to do some kind of seminar, and they were videotaped over the years to
produce a library of preservation techniques. Swaim said that could give the Commission some topic ideas, but
Historic Preservation Commission
October 9, 2008
Page 2
noted that the examples shown should be local. Bunting Eubanks said that any in the field segment would be the first
thing to accomplish. Kuecker said she would contact the people working on the Wetherby House. Bunting Eubanks
said that the Wetherby House presents an interesting case that a lot of people have heard about.
Swaim said she likes the idea of having segments on a couple of different things, including different styles and ages
of houses. She said there will be a lot of opportunities for the Wetherby House to continue to be a storyteller. Swaim
said that if the Commission is trying to build an audience, a small old cottage may not appeal to someone with a
1920s house.
Bunting Eubanks suggested that segments could be done on both. She said there could be a segment on the
Wetherby house, a segment on typical housing styles in the area, a segment on the guidelines; a segment on the area
boundaries, a meet the Commission segment, and possibly questions for five to ten minutes. Bunting Eubanks said
she wanted it to be organized, and that more than five minutes on any one thing might lose the audience's interest.
Michaud said that in the beginning the Commission will want to have something visual that people can relate to. She
said it could be three examples of architecture or maps of neighborhoods. Michaud said that then it could move into
when a building permit must be applied for and then move on to guidelines or a before and after segment of
common repairs. She said there is a lot of material to be drawn from. Michaud said there could also be a reference
for getting information from Friends or the Salvage Barn.
Swaim said that, in terms of the guidelines, that could easily be boring. She suggested comments on what the basic
goals of the guidelines are and then information on how to access them. Kuecker suggested referencing the
guidelines on windows and then giving a tip on windows. She said the how-to should keep people's attention, and
then there could be a reference to the guidelines in between.
Michaud suggested the segments encompass the need for a permit; implications of a certificate of appropriateness;
the guidelines, specifically for windows and rooflines; the fact that there are many more points; and the fact that
help with the process is available. Bunting Eubanks said she likes the idea that the guidelines for windows can be
read and then an example can be shown so that the forum can focus on the guidelines that people have the most
problems with.
Kuecker said the issue of interior gutters has come up frequently and would be a good item to discuss. Michaud
added that with regard to windows, it could be pointed out that it is good not to just use plain sash, with comments
about muntin bars and design. Bunting Eubanks said there are a lot of examples in Iowa City to use. Regarding
guidelines, she said the forum could cover windows, siding, built-in gutters, and how the guidelines differ from the
Building Code.
Swaim suggested the forum also include some information on porches. She said that it is a very simple concept to
convey, in terms of scale and style, but she said it makes a big difference on the house. Kuecker agreed that
discussion and examples of windows, siding, built-in gutters, and porches would probably cover most of the
applications the Commission receives.
Bunting Eubanks said she liked Michaud's proposed order starting with inspirational photographs and then maps.
Swaim said this would point out how some changes improve and increase value for the whole community. Kuecker
said it will be important to keep the comments positive. Bunting Eubanks said there could be a link to the segments
of the forum on the website.
Kuecker said it might work to discuss gutters and roofs together. She said it could be pointed out that if a
homeowner goes below the shingles, a permit is needed.
Bunting Eubanks asked if there was enough information to cover without mentioning the Wetherby House. Swaim
replied that some of the points the Commission really wants to get across clearly might work well as bulleted points.
Bunting Eubanks said that it could be very simple. Swaim said that the Wetherby House could be discussed at a
future forum. Bunting Eubanks said that separate segments could be redone as needed over time, particularly the
question and answer session.
Historic Preservation Commission
October 9, 2008
Page 3
Bunting Eubanks stated that notification could be sent to area realtors. She suggested that the sessions be pieced
together, but the question and answer session would need to be live so that people could call in. Bunting Eubanks
said there would be the bullet points, the video, and then the live question and answer session at the end.
Michaud said there would need to be diagrams, particularly of something like built-in gutters and perhaps divided
light windows as well. Kuecker replied that staff is attempting to create illustrations as the guidelines are being
rewritten, so those illustrations would hopefully be done and available before the forum.
Bunting Eubanks suggested that there be a test run of the forum, perhaps at the Commission's January meeting. She
said that if all runs smoothly, the forum could be done in February. Bunting Eubanks agreed to help Kuecker with
the PowerPoint presentation. She said that if the Commission wants to do something onsite, such as the Wetherby
House, that will need to be done before the weather turns. Bunting Eubanks suggested something on the Wetherby
House be done now, and it could be used as filler if there isn't enough information for the entire forum.
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES FOR SEPTEMBER 11.2008
MOTION: Baker moved to approve the minutes of the Commission's September 11, 2008 meeting, as written.
Wagner seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 7-0.
SELECTION OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION AWARD WINNERS:
Kuecker stated that originally the Commission had felt that the award winners could be selected by staff and the
chair, but since then it was decided that it would be better to have the entire Commission participate. Kuecker said
that she had narrowed down the nominations to about 45 properties. She said that when she looked at the properties,
compared them to the guidelines, and determined when the projects were completed, she then was able to decrease
the number of properties to 30.
Kuecker said that it is okay if all of the 30 receive an award. She said there is no obligation to determine that one
paint job is better than another. Kuecker said she just wanted to introduce all of the nominated properties to the
Commission for input but did not feel the Commission would need to spend a great deal of time on any one
property.
The Commission discussed properties nominated for the historic preservation awards and selected the winners by
consensus.
Kuecker said she would be sending a letter to all of the owners to get information, including more before pictures
and to find out who did the work. She stated that the awards ceremony would be held on November 10`h
Kuecker stated that the Johnson County Historic Preservation Commission wanted to recognize a couple of
properties. She said the issues are whether they meet the standards and if it is something the Commission wants to
endorse. Kuecker pointed out that the awards ceremony is sponsored by Friends of Historic Preservation and the
Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission.
Kuecker said that one property had a restoration and addition. She said that owners of both of the County properties
wanted to recognize the use of recycled materials. Kuecker showed before and after photographs of the first
property. She said there has been an addition to the rear of the property and some dormer additions.
Kuecker said she feels strongly that the other property does not deserve a historic preservation award, but it may, if
the Commission wants to recognize the use of recycled materials, receive some type of award. Burford said that the
owners of this property really wanted to use recycled materials, and the contractor was very adept at using the
materials that had been collected.
Kuecker showed before and after photographs of a stable in Solon that was restored. Downing said he has seen this
property, and it is a striking restoration. Kuecker said there is some interest in making the building an art gallery.
Bunting Eubanks suggested the Commission, in order to keep a good relationship with the County, select one of the
three properties for an award. The consensus of the Commission was to select the third property for an award.
Historic Preservation Commission
October 9, 2008
Page 4
Bunting Eubanks said that a lot of the before and after pictures of the houses would go well with the forum in that
they show the progression of a project.
Burford said she thought it was good to recognize as many projects as possible because of the economy. She said
that money is so tight that next year there may be a real problem finding projects, but the awards encourage people
to do the work and spend time thinking about these things. Burford said the women who used the recycled materials
wanted to support a way for people who don't have money to consider repairs by putting sweat equity into the
material. Swaim said that the properties mentioned by Kuecker that reused materials -windows, siding, and
flooring, give an opportunity to mention recycling efforts.
Burford said there are many local examples of people using recycled materials for construction projects. She
suggested they be eligible for some type of commendation. Bunting Eubanks said the projects that used recycled
materials could receive some kind of green star. She said that when Kuecker contacts the owners, there could be a
question about whether or not they used recycled materials.
Burford said there were a few houses in Coralville for which no one responded, but they actually received some
funds from the state. She said that could be part of the presentation. Kuecker said the flooding could be mentioned,
but she didn't think too much time should be spent on that. She said it could be mentioned that the Ashton House is
a National Register property that is being restored with help from a grant by the State.
OTHER:
Summarv of Statewide Historic Preservation Conference.
Kuecker stated that Bunting Eubanks has requested a short presentation about the Conference in Sioux City.
Kuecker stated that this was one of the most organized, best presented conferences she has ever attended. She said
that the quality of speakers and the venues at the conference were interesting. Kuecker said the architecture left in
downtown Sioux City is amazing, and one of the greatest buildings she has seen is in Sioux City. Kuecker
proceeded to describe the sessions she attended and her impressions of Sioux City.
Bunting Eubanks said that one of the Commission members, Tichy, has attended only one meeting since being
appointed in March. She said that she and Kuecker have each e-mailed him regarding his term on the Commission,
but neither has received a response. Swaim said future a-mails could state that if there is no response within a certain
time frame, there will be an assumption that he is willing to resign. Bunting Eubanks said there is a letter that needs
to be sent to the Mayor to remove him from the Commission, and she wanted to ensure that was acceptable to the
other Commission members. The consensus of the Commission was to send the letter to the Mayor.
Kuecker said she was made aware of a project that was not being completed as approved. She said the homeowners
would like to come before the Commission, possibly at a second October meeting, in order to get their windows
replaced for winter.
Bunting Eubanks asked if it would likely be approved by the Commission. Kuecker said she had informed the
homeowners that the project would probably not be approved.
Kuecker said the owners applied to replace the windows on a house in a conservation district. She said she and
Bunting Eubanks reviewed the application as an intermediate review. Kuecker said the owners have now not
installed the windows as they said they were going to. She said there were two windows beside each other with a
four-inch mullion in between. Kuecker said the owners have eliminated that mullion, and the windows now butt up
each other with about aone-inch mullion in between. She said that the house now looks significantly different, and
the rhythm of the windows has been altered quite a bit. Kuecker said the owners state that they need the windows
this way for egress, but it is not likely that there is a bedroom in every location and there is no need for multiple
egress windows in each bedroom.
Swaim said that if the windows are not likely to be approved, there isn't a reason to waste staff s, the Commission's,
or the homeowners' time. Bunting Eubanks agreed she would not want to give the owners false hope. Bunting
Eubanks said that if an applicant is not going to follow the certificate that has been issued to him, that is his own
Historic Preservation Commission
October 9, 2008
Page 5
fault. Michaud said she did. not know what the recourse would be. Kuecker said the owners have the option of
putting in the windows as they were originally approved.
Kuecker said that the owners came through historic review but never got their building permit. She said that if the
homeowners would have received a building permit, they would have known which windows had to be egress
windows, and the Building Department would have had them come back to Kuecker and ask for what they wanted.
The consensus of the Commission was that this does not warrant a second October meeting. Kuecker said she would
notify the homeowners that they would be on the November agenda. She added that now the Building Department
will not issue a building permit until this issue is resolved with the Commission so that the owners cannot proceed
on any work for the time being.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 7:37 p.m.
Historic Preservation Commission
Attendance Record
2008
Term 1110 2128 3h3 4110 518 5122 6112 7110 7124 8/14 8128 9111 1019
Name Expires
Baldridge 3/29/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- X O/E X X X X X X X O/E
Baker 3/29/09 X X X O/E X X X X X X O/E X X
Brennan 3/29/08 X O/E O/E -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --'- '- -- -- -- -- -- -- -'
Downin 3/29/10 X X X O/E X X O/E O/E X X X O/E X
Eubanks 3/29111 O/E X X X X X X O/E X X X X X
Michaud 3/29/09 X X X X O/E O/E X X X X X X X
Ponto 3/29/10 X X O/E X X X X X O/E X 0/E X O/E
Swaim 3/29/09 X O/E X O/E X O/E O/E X X X X O/E X
Tich 3/29111 -- -- -- -- -- -- O/E X O/E O/E O!E O/E O/E 0/E O O
Toomey 3129/09 X O/E X X X X X -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Trimble 3/29/10 x O/E X X X X O/E X X X O/E X X
-- -- -- -- -- -- X X X
Wagner 3/29/09 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Weitzel 3/29/08 O/E X X -- -- -- -- -- ° -- -" -' -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Key:
X =Present
O =Absent
O/E = AbsentlExcused
4b 7
MINUTES
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2008
EMMA J. HARVAT HALL
APPROVED
MEMBERS PRESENT: Esther Baker, Thomas Baldridge, William Downing, Lindsay Bunting Eubanks,
Pam Michaud, Jim Ponto, Ginalie Swaim, Alicia Trimble, Frank Wagner,
MEMBERS ABSENT: none
STAFF PRESENT: Christina Kuecker
OTHERS PRESENT: Mary Ann Hendrickson, David Lacina, Mark Smith, Sonja Zeithamel
CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Bunting Eubanks called the meeting to order at 5:15 p.m.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANYTHING NOT ON THE AGENDA:
There was none.
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS:
524 North Johnson Street.
Kuecker said this application is to replace the standing seam metal roof on this building with a synthetic
wood shingle roof. She said the property is on the National Register and is also a local landmark. Kuecker
said that the building is the Czechoslovakian Protective Society's Meeting Hall and has been very
important to the history of the Goosetown Neighborhood and its Czech immigrants.
Kuecker stated that approximately ten years ago the applicant replaced the standing seam metal roof with
a new standing seam metal roof. She said the applicant has had problems ever since. Kuecker said that
approximately one to two years after the roof was installed it was leaking. She said the owners put a
protective coating on the roof, but another one to two years later it started leaking again. Kuecker said
that another protective coating was put on, but at the present time, a couple of years later, the roof is
leaking again. She said that the original contractor has gone out of business, and the new contractors that
have been contacted are not confident in another sort of sealant working.
Kuecker said the applicant has therefore looked at other solutions. She said that the owner said that
when the original metal roof was removed, there was a wood, shake shingle roof underneath it. Kuecker
said this and historic photographs have led the owner to consider using a synthetic wood shake style
shingle to replace the metal roof.
Kuecker said that she contacted Jack Porter of the State Historic Preservation Office and Marlys
Svendsen to get some historic preservationists' views on this. Kuecker said the consultants told her that
based on the two historic photographs, it is hard to tell that it was a wood shingle roof, but it is obvious
that it was not a standing seam metal roof. She said Porter stated that it was probably wood or possibly a
metal shingle roof, and he would recommend a wood, slate, or high quality asphalt shingle. Kuecker said
Svendsen noted that the previous standing seam metal roof had become a historic alteration that has
become acharacter-defining feature of the building, as it had been on the building, prior to its
replacement, for approximately 80 years.
Kuecker said at the time she spoke with Svendsen, she did not yet have the information about there
being a wood roof underneath. Kuecker said Svendsen stated that without knowing the previous material
choice, she would recommend the metal roof. Kuecker said the Commission needs to determine if the
standing seam metal roof is a historic alteration that is worth preserving or if it would be appropriate to
return it to the appearance of a wood shingled roof.
Kuecker showed some photographs of the interior damage. She said there is significant damage in the
auditorium, which is a significant part of the history of the building. Kuecker pointed out that a decision
must be made so that work can be done before further damage occurs. She showed a photograph of a
Historic Preservation Commission
November 3, 2008
Page 2
house with the same roofing material that is proposed and a photograph of a National Register property
with the same type of roofing material.
Smith, representing Smith and Wood Construction, said that he was contacted to submit a proposal to
replace the roof. He said he had two products available, one of which is the synthetic material shown in
the photograph of the National Register property. Smith said that it is a simulated wood shake that is
basically a plastic property with a UV protection and a 50-year warranty. He said he has used the product
before.
Smith said he also submitted a proposal using a couple of different asphalt products. He showed the
presidential series that has a 50-year warranty and said it is used frequently in applications such as this.
Smith said it is the heaviest asphalt shingle that has a simulated wood look. He showed another asphalt
product that is the same quality and weight of shingle and is also used quite often in this type of
application. Smith said that one has more of a slate look and is the type of shingle that is on Saint
Wenceslaus Church and Saint Mary's Church.
Bunting Eubanks said the application refers to the flashing being of high quality to make sure there are
not future problems. Kuecker said that both Porter and Svendsen stated, and she agreed, that in order to
ensure along-lasting roof, a high quality flashing material should be used. Kuecker said that oftentimes
the flashing is the component that fails first.
Smith commented that there is not a lot of flashing on this roof; there isn't any sidewall flash to speak of; it
is just a big hip roof. He said that at the base where the parapet roofs are, he proposed to use TPO, a
synthetic project used on commercial properties that is probably the best product for that application.
Baldridge asked about the cost variations of the products. Smith said the two asphalt products have the
same cost. Kuecker said the DaVinci shakes and the standing seam costs are in the packet but the
asphalt products are not. Smith said that the DaVinci shingles would be $83,480, and the asphalt shingles
would be $55,200.
Bunting Eubanks asked if the applicant has a preference about the material to be used. Hendrickson
replied that the Board of Trustees was running toward the DaVinci/shake look. She said that they did not
discuss the asphalt shingles. Hendrickson said the asphalt shingles have a 50-year guarantee, and it is a
good quality asphalt.
Zeithamel said that ten years ago when the standing seam roof was put on, it was installed incorrectly.
She said that was a huge expense for anon-profit organization. Zeithamel said they cannot do that
again, that they need to have the roof installed correctly.
Wagner said the presence of shingle roof could be found if one crawls into the crawl space, remnants of
the original roof will be found. He said the question then is not that originally it was a shingled roof.
Wagner said that as far as whether the roof is the DaVinci shingle or the asphalt it depends on what the
durability of the asphalt shingles versus the DaVinci, if there is a big hailstorm for example. He said that it
is guaranteed for 50 years, but if there is a big hailstorm one might actually weather a little bit better than
the other.
Smith stated that in his opinion, the DaVinci roof would hold up better through a hailstorm by virtue of his
having worked with the materials before. Michaud said that a windstorm is a little more common, and it
seems like that would be a little easier to blow off. Smith said they are warranted up to 90 miles an hour,
and he puts them on with stainless steel rim shank nails.
Wagner said the proposal says that with the metal roof, it is proposed to put on OSB sheeting, whereas
Smith has plywood CVX. Wagner said that that the CVX would be more durable and would be better for
the school in the long run.
Swaim asked where else Smith used the DaVinci roof. Smith said he only used the DaVinci shingles
once, up on Prairie du Chien Road. He said it is a fairly new product. Swaim said that up close, the
sample material looks very rubber like. She said that the appearance is important as well as the durability.
Smith said he has heard that they are molded from actual wooden shingles.
Historic Preservation Commission
November 3, 2008
Page 3
Ponto said Smith mentioned that the product has a UV protectant. He said one concern would be how
well the shingles would truly hold up for 50 years. Ponto said that plastics do tend to become brittle and
break. He said that he would like to have more information about longer-term durability, even though it is
not yet available for this fairly new product.
Michaud said that she would be concerned about uneven fade. She said there are four sides showing so
that one easily sees two sides at a time. Michaud said the material seems brittle.
Smith said it is a rigid plastic. He said it does not have any recycled rubber.
Downing asked when the original standing seam roof was put on over the shingles. Kuecker said she
believes it was done around 1914. Downing asked if the owner had considered a membrane roof, which
has battens on it to simulate the standing seam ridges. He said it is a vinyl, single-ply membrane roof
with vinyl battens glued on it to give the appearance of a standing seam roof. Smith said he was not
familiar with that type of roof.
Swaim asked Kuecker if she could explain Svendsen's point about historic alteration and if it means that
we're recognizing the historic integrity of the change. Kuecker said that is correct. She said there is the
original, and then there was an alteration to the building that has achieved a historic significance,
meaning that it is greater than the 50-year time frame and is also from the era when this building was
significant. Swaim and Bunting Eubanks said that makes this kind of a tossup.
Baldridge said that the second roof has a very poor track record. Downing said that the first metal roof
lasted 70 to 80 years, but the replacement did not last. He said that probably the shake roof flashing into
the vertical parapets on the corners didn't work. Downing said that now there is better flashing to handle
that situation.
Michaud said she has two concerns, one of which is that this scuffs readily. She said she can see fine
abrasions on it diagonally, and it is easy to scratch. Michaud said she does not believe the material is in
the Secretary of the Interior Standards for approved materials. Kuecker said that it is such a new material
that it has not been incorporated or even considered. Michaud said that since it is such a big question
mark, she did not know why someone would want to spend $30,000 more on it.
Bunting Eubanks agreed that the asphalt shingles are significantly cheaper. Kuecker pointed out that the
asphalt shingles are an approved Secretary of the Interior medium. She stated that Porter did make a
recommendation for asphalt shingles.
Bunting Eubanks asked Hendrickson if the Board of Trustees would be okay with using the less
expensive, asphalt material. Hendrickson confirmed this.
Baker said that in the past, when considering a new material, the Commission has spent some time doing
research on it. She said she was not certain that there was enough information to use the new product,
but there is not the luxury of time to do the research, because there is damage being done at this time.
Smith said that he would really like to propose the DaVinci shingles, because he has used them before
and thought it was a good product that would hold up well. He said, however, that 90% of the work he
does is with asphalt shingles, and he has no problem with that.
Baldridge asked Hendrickson if she has heard from the Board as to which of the materials it wants to use.
Hendrickson said that when the Board met, it discussed bids for the standing seam metal roof and the
DaVinci roof. She said just that day, Smith was asked about the asphalt shingles and the bid was
developed. Hendrickson said the Board discussed it and came up with the DaVinci as its first choice, and
the second choice was the asphalt. She stated that the Board really did not want to go with the metal roof.
Baldridge asked if it is incumbent upon the Commission to approve a specific material. Bunting Eubanks
responded that if the Commission finds either material acceptable, the choice can be left to the applicant.
She said if one of the choices is not acceptable, the Commission can specify.
Historic Preservation Commission
November 3, 2008
Page 4
Michaud said there is a huge difference between the materials. She said she had no confidence in a
decision to suddenly approve a PVC type product. Michaud said that it might seem more authentic, but it
is very regular, and cedar shakes were not regular or uniformly cut. She said there are other shingles that
look less jagged than that one that simulates cedar shakes.
Smith said that the shingles are shown in a straight line, but in installation, they can be staggered. He
said that would get rid of some of the uniformity of it. Smith said he proposed to install them with a slight
stagger.
Bunting Eubanks said that the issue with the metal roof seems not to be the roofing but the way it was put
on the building. She asked if there is a higher likelihood that the asphalt would be put on correctly
because of having more experience with the product. Smith stated that they go on the same as a wood
roof, which he has done a lot of.
Michaud asked if there are holes pre-drilled in the material for the nails so that there is no chance of it
splitting. Smith said there are not. He said he has been out in sub-zero weather with these trying to get
them to split, and they stay flexible in the cold weather. Smith said he has not had any trouble with nails
splitting the shingle. He said that there are designated spots on the shingles where they are supposed to
be nailed.
Swaim mentioned the Pueblo courthouse used as an example for the DaVinci product. Kuecker said the
building is on the National Register, but she did not know when that roof was installed. Swaim added that
the climate there is probably very different from Iowa's. Ponto said there is some precedence though that
the material was accepted for use on a National Register building.
Bunting Eubanks asked if anyone had an objection to either material. Hendrickson said the Board felt that
either product would work well but did not want to use the metal. She said the Board felt the new, shake
product looked more like the original than the standing seam. Hendrickson said the Board was trying to
find something the Commission would agree to. She said that the Board could save $30,000 by using the
asphalt. Hendrickson said the Board did not start with the asphalt, because it felt the two questions would
be between the standing seam and the DaVinci shingle.
Wagner said that one thing to keep in mind with the shake is what is the guarantee, particularly if the
roofer goes out of business, will the guarantee carry over. He suggested the Board consider exactly what
the guarantee would cover.
Smith said that both products have very specific warranties. He said he didn't think fading was covered
under either product. Smith said that it is mostly just blow off that is covered. He said that DaVinci is a
little bit better in that the guarantee covers material and labor, but the asphalt shingle warranty covers just
prorated material only. Smith said both products have transferable warranties whether his company is in
business or not.
Baldridge said he felt the Commission should approve both roofing materials and let the Preucil Board
make its own decision. Kuecker said the question is whether the new material meets the Secretary of the
Interior Standards. Baker said that when faced with a new material in the past, the Commission has spent
a month or more researching the material. Michaud said the fact that the product has been used once in
the area and once in the Southwest is not a very broad sample.
Bunting Eubanks asked if the Board would go for the asphalt if given a choice. Hendrickson said she
thought the Board would agree to that. Bunting Eubanks said she did not think it would necessarily cause
a conflict if the Commission only approved asphalt. Baldridge said the only thing is if the Preucil Board is
enamored of the shake appearance over the asphalt.
Hendrickson said that she is not worried about installation, because Smith has done good work on the
building before. Hendrickson said that it is probably down to which product will hold up the best, and she
is sure that if the Commission doesn't agree on the shakes, the asphalt will be fine, because that was the
second alternative.
Historic Preservation Commission
November 3, 2008
Page 5
Swaim said that since the Commission's job is to protect the building for the long-term and since the
record of the DaVinci material is unknown, she was inclined to think the asphalt is the best choice.
MOTION: Swaim moved to approve a certificate of appropriateness for an asphalt wood shake-
style shingle roof with a high quality flashing material for the roof for 524 North Johnson Street.
Ponto seconded the motion.
Downing said he is a little surprised that the Commission is throwing over a standing seam roof so easily.
He said the Commission and School should consider this alternative. Hendrickson said the problem with
that is that it would go way into next spring again. She said the building is incurring so much damage
right now.
Michaud said that since the first layer was cedar shakes, it seems quite legitimate to go back to that.
Wagner said that there is no telling that maybe over the cedar shakes there was some asphalt shingle
before the metal was put on.
Michaud asked if there would be any insulation added in the ceiling. Smith said that would not be part of
this project, as this is a ventilated attic space. Wagner said the important thing in the bid is that one is
putting the CVX, which is plywood, over the one by six, which adds strength. He said that sometimes
they pull out the one by and put the plywood down and it become wavy. Wagner said that for a heavy
shingle like that you need that extra support. Smith said that the majority of the nails would be going
through the plywood into the one by, which gives good nail holding power.
Wagner said that the other thing that is important for this is the ice guard along the edge. Smith said that
he plans to cover the entire roof with it. Wagner said that would be even better.
Ponto said that the DaVinci material seems promising, but he did not feel the Commission has quite
enough information yet to approve it. He said he is not necessarily skeptical, but he is just not confident,
given the available information.
Swaim asked if the little points up on the ends will be in place. Smith said he did not intend to. He said he
planned to just use the regular hidden ridge shingles, which would have been part of the original wood
roof.
Michaud said that she walked around the building and noticed the flare around the edge. She said that
flare would need to be maintained. Smith said that the flare would be maintained.
The motion carried on a vote of 9-0.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 5:56 p.m
Minutes submitted by Anne Schulte
s/pcd/mins/hpc/2008/hpc 11-3-OS.doc
Historic Preservation Commission
Attendance Record
2008
Name Term
Expires 1/10 2128 3/13 4110 5/8 5/22 6/12 7/10 7/24 8/14 8128 9/11 10/9 11/3
Baldridge 3129111 -- -- -- -- -- -- X 0/E X X X X X X X 0/E X
Baker 3/29/09 X X X O/E X X X X X X O/E X X X
Brennan 3/29/08 X O/E O/E -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Downin 3/29110 X X X 0/E X X O/E O/E X X X 0/E X X
Eubanks 3/29/11 O/E X X X X X X O/E X X X X X X
Michaud 3129/09 X X X X O/E O/E X X X X X X X X
Ponto 3129110 X X O/E X X X X X 0/E X O/E X 0/E X
Swaim 3129/09 X O/E X O/E X O/E O/E X X X X O/E X X
Tich 3/29111 -- -- -- -- -- -- 0/E X O/E 0/E O/E 0/E O/E O/E O O -- --
Toome 3129/09 X O/E X X X X X -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Trimble 3/29/10 x O/E X X X X O/E X X X O/E X X X
Wa ner 3/29/09 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- X X X X
Weitzel 3/29/08 O/E X X -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Key:
X =Present
O =Absent
O/E = AbsenUExcused
4b 8
MINUTES APPROVED
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
NOVEMBER 6, 2008 - 7:30 PM -FORMAL
CITY HALL, EMMA J. HARVAT HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Ann Freerks, Josh Busard, Charlie Eastham, Wally Plahutnik,
Tim Weitzel,
MEMBERS EXCUSED: Elizabeth Koppes, Michelle Payne
STAFF PRESENT: Karen Howard, Bob Miklo, Sarah Greenwood-Hektoen
OTHERS PRESENT: Scott Murray, Mark Hamer, Jim Greazel, Don Flannery, Noel
Bree, Craig Dahlen, Tom Huber, Isabella Vine, Greg Redlin, Lori
Dahlen, Bart Cramer, Janet Dahlen, Gregg Geerdes, Tim
Krumm, Joyce Barker
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL:
None.
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 7:33 p.m. by Chairperson Ann Freerks.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY_ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA:
None
ANNEXATION /REZONING ITEM:
ANN08-00001/REZ08-00009/ANN07-00001/REZ07-00006: Discussion of applications from the
Veronica Prybil Trust and the Iowa Interstate Railway for annexation and rezoning from County
Residential (R) to Interim Development Industrial (ID-I) for approximately 179 acres of property
located adjacent to 420`h Street, west of Taft Avenue, and for the Iowa Interstate Railroad right-of-
way between Industrial Park Road and Taft Avenue.
Busard announced before discussions began that he had worked with the property in question in his
professional role in the Planning and Zoning Department for Johnson County. As a result, he excused
himself from discussions and abstained from considering the matter.
Howard shared a graphic outlining the properties in question. The property is located near Scott
Boulevard, Taft Avenue, 420`h Street and Highway 6. Howard stated that the City is in the process of
purchasing the land owned by the Veronica Prybil Trust. She stated that there are three considerations
for annexing property into the City. The first consideration is whether the area falls within the adopted
long-range growth boundary of the City. The property in question is within the city-growth limit that can
be served by City water and sanitary sewer, an area generally determined by watershed. Howard said
that because this land is so close to the growth area limit, Staff had the City Engineer look at this property
Planning and Zoning Commission
November 6, 2008 -Formal
Page 2
and its topography in detail to make sure it all can be sewered and the City Engineer has confirmed that it
can be.
Howard said that the City's intention is to purchase this property from the Veronica Prybil Trust with the
goal of bringing it into the industrial tax-base for the city. Currently, Iowa City has a lack of industrial land,
particularly large parcels. Howard said that recent requests from large industries wishing to locate in Iowa
City had to basically be turned away for lack of an industrial parcel large enough to accommodate their
needs. Howard said that with that in mind the City Council and the City Manager saw this purchase as an
opportunity to acquire some land to increase industrial land in the area. In this way, the second
consideration for annexing land -fulfilling an identified need for the City --- has been met.
The third consideration for annexing land is whether control of the development is in the City's best
interest. The parcel falls within the long-range planning boundary of the City, fulfills an indentified need
for industrial land, has access to rail service (which is important for industrial development), and is located
near arterial streets. Staff feels that this annexation and rezoning is in compliance with the
Comprehensive Plan, as it is in the Southeast District of the City and is identified in the plan as an area of
potential industrial growth.
Howard said that the City has plans in its Capital Improvement Program to improve 420`n Street between
Highway 6 and Taft Avenue in the near future (FY09/10). Water service will be extended along 420`n
Street when the street improvements are made, and sanitary sewer service can be extended from a
branch from the Scott Boulevard Trunk Sewer. The sensitive areas map indicates that there are some
hydric soils in the area that will have to be taken into account prior to future development.
Staff recommends that the Veronica Prybil Trust land be annexed and rezoned to Interim Development
(ID-I) and the Iowa Interstate Railway land be annexed and rezoned to General Industrial (11 ). Howard
offered to answer questions from the Commission.
Eastham asked if Staff had any comments on the rationale for including the area south of 420`n Street in
this industrial zone. Eastham noted that there was a not a detailed District Plan for this area yet, and said
that he wondered if in the future there would be an interest in commercial or residential zoning in that
triangular parcel of land sandwiched between 420`n Street and Highway 6. Howard said that given the
small size of the area it would not be appropriate for residential as a buffer zone would be required
between industrial development and residential development. Howard noted that that piece of property
was not actually under consideration at the present, but that its zoning would be consistent with industrial
zoning already in the area. Miklo added that the pattern has been that anything west of Scott Boulevard
and north of Highway 6 is zoned industrial. Miklo noted that the land is also relatively flat, which is
desirable for industrial development.
The Commission had no further questions for Staff.
Freerks opened the public hearing
-Mark Hamer, 4569 Jenn Lane NE, Iowa City, identified himself as an attorney for Meardon, Sueppel &
Downer, and a representative of E&L Prybil Partnership. Hamer noted that E&L Prybil was not the
applicant. Hamer distributed maps to the Commission for consideration which showed an 80-foot tract of
land running through the Veronica Prybil property. On April 3, 2008, the E&L Prybil Partnership entered
into a purchase agreement with the Veronica Prybil Trust to purchase the 80-foot tract of land. The
purchase was subject to court approval, which was granted on August 7, 2008. Hamer said that his client
has an interest in that parcel. The purchase was also subject to an easement agreement, which the
purchase agreement required to be submitted within twenty days from April 3, 2008. Hamer said that the
easement agreement was submitted in the timeframe required by the purchase agreement. Hamer said
the easement was left with the Prybil Trust for review and consideration, and nothing more was heard
until October 27, 2008 - a date after the application for annexation and rezoning was filed. Hamer said
Planning and Zoning Commission
November 6, 2008 -Formal
Page 3
that his office and client have not had ample time to assess the impact of the revisions set forth by the
Trust. Hamer said he wished to make clear that at the time of the purchase agreement his client agreed
to be a cooperative co-applicant in the annexation/rezoning process; Hamer said that the fact that his
client is not listed on the application must have been an oversight. Hamer said that their easement
speaks in terms of the usage of this parcel, part of which may be impacted with the railroad crossing over
it. Hamer said that he fully anticipates agreeing to this annexation and rezoning, and to being a co-
applicant in the matter; however, given that his office has not had adequate time to assess the changes
made to the easement and how the annexation process might affect it, he asked that the Commission
defer the matter until their next meeting. Hamer noted that there is a court hearing set on the approval of
this sale on the 19"' of November, and that the next Commission meeting is November 20"'. Hamer said
he believed it would be appropriate for this matter to be deferred, and said that he would be happy to take
any questions.
Freerks asked if Staff was aware of the complication referenced by Hamer. Howard said that Staff and
the City were aware of these issues, and that the purchase agreement between the Veronica Prybil Trust
and the City was contingent on the 80-foot parcel (E&L Prybil Partnership's interest) also be annexed at
the same time. Howard said that the City has also been in conversations with E&L Prybil over the last
two years about annexing their property. However, Howard said that in the last 6 months the City has
had to turn away several interested industrial developments due to lack of available land. While the City
is interested in working with the E&L Prybil to annex their property, the City Manager and City Council
decided to move forward to pursue this opportunity to acquire land to meet the current need for industrial
land rather than wait until E&L Prybil were ready to annex. Howard emphasized that the City continues to
be interested in negotiating with them to annex their larger piece of property.
Eastham asked what larger piece of property Howard was referring to. Miklo said that E&L Prybil owned
property to the north and west of the Veronica Prybil Trust property, as well as property to the north of
429`h Street. Miklo said that he believed that one of the reasons E&L Prybil wanted to buy this piece of
property was to provide access to both sides of the railroad track. Hamer explained that E&L Prybil has
maintained an easement for many years with regard to the fields to the north and access to the south.
Hamer said that through discussions over time with the Prybil Trust an agreement was made to purchase
this 80-foot strip and provide an access easement back to the Trust. Hamer said that he wished to
reiterate that they fully anticipate cooperating and being a co-applicant with this annexation, but that the
problem was that they had not received the revised easement language until October 27"'. Hamer said
the deferral request is to give them time to sort out the changes made to the language since the
document was drafted six months ago, particularly with regard to when any type of utilities might be
added, the timing of crops, etc. Hamer said the request is simply for a deferral until the Commission's
next meeting.
Freerks asked Staff if there was any limitation date for the annexation. Howard replied that there is not.
Plahutnik noted that the applicant was the Prybil Trust who was asking the City to annex the property. He
asked if outside concerns such as the purchase, the courts, and the easement agreement are entirely
outside of the Commission's purview, or if it can be taken into consideration. Howard said that it is
certainly within the Commission's purview to defer the matter; however, whether or not the issues
mentioned are pertinent to the Commission's decision may be another matter. Howard said it certainly
would not be unusual for the Commission to take two meetings to consider the annexation.
Don Flannery, 2909 Gilmore Avenue, Des Moines, spoke on behalf of his mother who is the property
owner directly north of the Prybil Estate, from Taft Avenue west on the northern fence-line. Flannery said
that they stand opposed to the annexation and rezoning. Flannery said that the City did not disclose that
the proposed rezoning was inconsistent with the Johnson County-Iowa City Fringe Agreement, the
Johnson County Land Use Plan and the Iowa City Comprehensive Plan. Flannery said that these plans
make provisions for land east of Scott Boulevard and south of the railroad tracks as industrial zones; all
areas north of the railroad tracks are designated as low to medium density esidential. Flannery said that
Planning and Zoning Commission
November 6, 2008 -Formal
Page 4
if the City is changing the Comprehensive Plan and wants the Prybil property zoned industrial, then he
questions how other adjacent properties would be used in future zoning. Flannery said that he
respectfully asks the Commission to be cautious in considering this rezoning to industrial as it sets a
precedent counter to decades of prior zoning. He said that for decades, the railroad tracks have served
as a logical buffer zone between the industrial in the south and the residential in the north. Flannery said
the railroad tracks can be followed west from Scott Boulevard and all of the industrial uses will be found
on the south side of the tracks; north of the tracks is all residential.
Flannery said that they are very concerned that the development of the Prybil property will negatively
affect their farm's productivity. Specifically, Flannery said, drainage, run-off, disruption of existing the
lines and the natural flow of surface drainage are all concerns that he and his family have.
Jim Greazel, 4898 420"' Street, said that he had two concerns. His first concern was that in today's world
with its rising food costs, the land in question is very productive local farmland. His second concern was
that industry likes to have access to interstates more so than railroad tracks. Greazel said that Iowa City
has the luxury of good interstates in the area and that there is ample ground near those highways that
would be suitable for industry. Greazel said that this land is a good distance from the interstate and that
traffic is already bad in the area. Greazel said this decision would run counter to the City's long-range
plan of promoting good quality of life. He noted that if 420~h Street were improved to provide good access
to Interstate 80 for the industrial area, then it would wind up running right through a recently built, major
residential area.
There was no one else who wished to speak on this issue and the public hearing was closed.
Eastham moved to defer the item until the Commission's next scheduled meeting, November 20,
2008.
Weitzel seconded.
Eastham said he would like to have Staff comment at the next meeting on its views as to the natural
demarcation between this industrial zone and residential development to the north served by the railroad.
Plahutnik said he would also like Staff to review for the Commission the Fringe Agreement that was
pointed out by Flannery.
Howard said that Staff has a meeting with the Johnson County Board of Supervisors next week to discuss
this issue.
Weitzel asked if Staff could also address at that time transportation issues that had been brought up.
A vote was taken and the motion to defer was approved 4-0 (Busard abstained; Koppes and Payne
absent).
SITE PLAN REVIEW:
Review of a major site plan for Shelter House, 429 Southgate Avenue.
Miklo noted that before Staff went into a detailed review of the site plan, the Assistant City Attorney,
Greenwood-Hektoen, wished to clarify the scope of the Commission's considerations, and how it relates
to the Board of Adjustments. Miklo referred Commissioners to a memo prepared by Greenwood-Hektoen
on the topic.
Planning and Zoning Commission
November 6, 2008 -Formal
Page 5
Greenwood-Hektoen said that the scope of what the Commission is being asked to do in the site plan
review is pretty limited. Greenwood-Hektoen said that Commissioners were to examine the proposed site
plan and determine if it complied with the standards set forth in Iowa City Ordinance 18-3-2. Greenwood-
Hektoen said that she had listed out exactly what those standards are in her memo. Greenwood-Hektoen
said the Commission did not need to consider whether any special exceptions granted by the Board of
Adjustment had expired. Greenwood-Hektoen advised Commissioners to assume that the special
exception still exists and complies with standards set forth in that special exception. She said that if a
building permit is granted and that decision is appealed, the decision will return to the Board of
Adjustment who will then decide whether the special exception which they had granted continues to exist.
Greenwood-Hektoen said that if the Board of Adjustment decides that its special exception no longer
exists, then the Commission's approval of the plan will have no effect. She explained that the special
exception does not allow standards set below the minimum required by the code. Freerks asked for
clarification as to whether or not Greenwood-Hektoen was talking about things like the landscape buffer
that had been required. Greenwood-Hektoen said that this was correct, and would include screening and
parking requirements.
Greenwood-Hektoen acknowledged that there had been a lot of collateral issues with this case, such as a
boundary dispute, but advised the Commission that these were not things they needed to consider when
it came to determining whether this site plan complies with requirements of the code. She said that such
issues were private matters for the parties involved to work out on their own. Freerks asked if that would
be the same in any case and Greenwood-Hektoen replied that it would. She said that the Commission's
job is not to determine ownership of the land.
Greenwood-Hektoen advised that all comments from the Commission and the public should be limited to
the site plan review standards. The Commission's job is not to determine whether the use is appropriate
for this particular parcel, or whether or not the zoning is appropriate, Greenwood-Hektoen said. The sole
question is whether or not the site plan complies with standards.
Greenwood-Hektoen said there had been a question raised as to whether or not Commission member
Charlie Eastham had been conflicted out of consideration for this case. Greenwood-Hektoen advised that
it was the City Attorney's legal opinion that he does not have a conflict in this case. She noted that in the
July 14, 2004, Board of Adjustment meeting when they were considering whether to grant the special
exception, Eastham made a statement in support of the application. Greenwood-Hektoen said that the
issue before the Commission is totally separate from whether or not the special exception is appropriate.
She said that the issue is solely whether or not the site plan proposed meets the City's design standards.
She said that her understanding is that Eastham has no direct personal stake in the outcome of the
application, does not serve on the Shelter House Board, and does not feel personally biased one way or
the other in this matter. Eastham said he did not serve on any Shelter House Board or committee. He
acknowledged making a statement at the 2004 Board of Adjustment meeting, but said that it was a long
time ago and had to do with the appropriate use of this parcel for the purpose of a homeless shelter. He
said that it is his understanding that the matter before the Commission was simply one of compliance with
site plan review standards. Greenwood-Hektoen asked if Eastham felt he could be unbiased and
impartial. He replied that he could be as unbiased and impartial in this matter as he is with anything else.
Miklo briefed the Commission on the site plan review. He explained that the site plan standards are in the
city code and are what Staff uses to determine whether or not any site plan should be approved. In this
case, Miklo explained, the Commission is being asked to serve in that administrative role and make that
determination. Miklo said that there are 13 items in question. Miklo said Staff had received a site plan
on November 5`h that addressed the number of parking spaces, a major concern that had come up. The
plan has been revised to allow for four additional parking spaces, three on the west side of the driveway
and one on the north. Miklo pointed out that there are two parking spaces internal to the building. Based
on the newest site plan, Housing Inspection Services (HIS) has verified that the site plan does meet
minimum parking requirements. Miklo noted that the memo before the Commission lists the 13 items or
areas that are outlined in more detail in the code and are used to review site plan. Miklo noted a memo
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November 6, 2008 -Formal
Page 6
from the City Engineer's office in Public Works which finds the site plan in compliance with drainage and
utility connection standards. A memo from the Fire Marshall indicates that the site plan complies with fire
safety codes. Issues of erosion and sediment control, vehicle and pedestrian circulation, screening of the
outdoor dumpster area, exterior lighting, screening of equipment, screening of storage areas and general
parking areas, are all confirmed to be in compliance with the standards by Julie Tallman of HIS. The
removal of trees from the southern part of the property had been questioned by some as to whether or
not their removal complied with landscape preservation codes. Miklo explained that the trees were in the
drainage way easement on the southern side of the property and in an area identified in the concept plan
as a play area; at that time they were identified for removal so that the play area and fence-line could be
developed. Miklo said that normally when Staff reviews a site plan they point out any trees that can be
saved and still allow for development. Miklo said that Staff does not feel that trees were needlessly
removed in this case.
Miklo said that there are no issues concerning the sensitive areas ordinance as there are no sensitive
areas involved with this property.
Miklo said that the final item for site plan review is that the development complies with all other city, state
and federal regulations. Miklo noted that in this case, this would include whatever requirements the
Board of Adjustment had imposed. Miklo stated that all elements were in compliance.
Miklo said that Staff has determined that if they were in the role of reviewing this site plan they would find
that it now meets site plan requirements. Miklo offered to answer any questions the Commissioners
might have.
Freerks asked if it was typical for Staff to include the two spaces internal to the building as parking
spaces. Miklo said that it is not unusual, and that the parking requirement is for a total number of spaces,
not for surface parking.
Eastham asked about the exterior lighting standards. Eastham asked if Staff felt that the outside lighting
met the applicable standards and would not give off excessive light in neighboring properties. Miklo said
that Julie Tallman in HIS has expertise in lighting and reviews the lighting plans for all site plans, looking
at the wattage, the height, the amount, and other features of the lighting. She has determined that the
lighting plan meets the City's requirements.
Plahutnik said that generally the City's preferences for design have been a building near the street with
the parking tot screened by the building or behind it. He noted that this design standard does not seem to
be inn play here and wondered why. Miklo responded that the design preference to which Plahutnik
spoke is a requirement in some of the commercial zones and in the multi-family zones. It is not a
requirement or a stated preference in the CI-1 Intensive Commercial zone, the CC-2 zone, or the CO-1
zone, and as a result does not apply to this property.
Eastham stated that he received a call from the director of the Shelter House prior to the November 3`d
informal meeting. He said that the call discussed what procedures would be followed as it pertains to the
application, that there would be a public hearing and an open forum.
Plahutnik asked if Staff had reviewed the correspondence from Gregg Geerdes that had been received
November 5'h. Miklo said that they had, and that they believed the City Attorney memo addresses those
issues. Plahutnik asked if the requirement for a management plan had been fulfilled. Greenwood-
Hektoen stated that a management plan is required at the stage that an applicant is requesting a special
exception. Because this applicant had already received a special exception prior to that requirement
being added to the code, they were grandfathered in and, thus, no management plan was required of
them.
There were no further questions from the Commission and the public hearing was opened
Planning and Zoning Commission
November 6, 2008 -Formal
Page 7
Freerks asked that those who comment keep their comments focused on things which the Commission
can address. She noted that the Commission cannot address the appropriateness of the proposed use
and so this would not be the forum to make those arguments. She said that if the public had comments
within the scope of the items that the Commission would be considering, then they would love to hear
them.
Scott Murray, 605 Everett, Kansas City, Kansas, shared a power point presentation with the Commission.
Murray noted that the site plan that he had been working off of did not have enough parking to meet the
requirements, as it had only 18 of the 21 spots. He noted that the parking inside the building would be
occupied by Shelter House vans used to transport children to and from school. As a result, Murray said,
they should not be considered employee parking as there will be no employee cars in those spots.
Murray asked if the buffering rules and setback requirements were still being met with the new parking
spaces that had been added. He noted that there is no off-street parking on either of the two streets in
question. Murray said that they disagree that the parking issue has been resolved, and see it as still a
problem.
Murray said that he disagrees that the site management plan should be grandfathered in. He said that it
is a very, very important component of the site plan approval process. Murray said that according to the
City's nuisance code, the site management plan actually consists of four sub-plans: 1) litter control plan,
2) loitering control plan, 3) a plan for on-site security, and 4) a conflict resolution procedure. In his
presentation, Murray noted a wide area beyond the boundaries of the Shelter House property to which he
believed a site management plan should apply. He also proposed a large security fence to keep Shelter
House residents from infiltrating nearby homes and businesses. Murray said that a site management
plan is crucial to the success or failure of Shelter House. Murray said that his plan also proposes security
lighting, not just parking lot lighting, all around the site and possibly in the entryway to the trailer park. He
said that he would like to discuss the issue of installing security cameras to monitor who came and left the
facility as a way of helping to protect mobile home park residents.
Murray said that residents are very concerned about their safety and security and that they believe a site
management plan is crucial to helping to protect them. Without a site management plan, Murray said, the
City could be asking for trouble. Murray said that it may even be necessary to have security guards or
hired police in the area, especially on weekends. Murray said that Shelter House documents say that
there will be at least 70 people in the shelter at any one time, with enough square footage to hold 150.
Murray said that on cold, rainy nights it is possible that over-occupancy could lead some clients to search
for other places in the neighborhood to sleep. Murray asked what the plan was for holidays and Sundays
when no bus service is available. Murray said he had a petition signed by 92 people who are very
concerned about the site management plan and the safety and security of the area. He said they are
concerned about people walking up and down the area and about vandalism, petty thefts, break-ins and
large thefts. Murray said neighbors are concerned about the kind of people who sometimes inhabit
shelter houses.
Murray noted that the parking requirements are being set at current standards and so, he contended,
should be the site management requirement; it should not be grandfathered in. Murray said that the
neighborhood would like to come with a workable agreement for a site management plan before they
considered moving on with the project.
Murray explained the boundary-line dispute mentioned by Greenwood-Hektoen. He said that the
situation is one in which the term "adverse possession" is more applicable. At the southern boundary of
the property, there are three mobile homes encroaching on Shelter House land. Those buildings have
been there since the 1960's and 1970's. For dozens of years, the owners of Hilltop Mobile Homes have
been taking care of that property. Currently, Murray said, there is a 30-foot drainage channel easement.
Adverse possession would seek to move the property line, which in turn would move the drainage
easement, shrinking it to less than the 30-foot drainage setback requested by the Board of Adjustment.
Planning and Zoning Commission
November 6, 2008 -Formal
Page 8
Murray contended that the building would have to be either moved forward or shrunk to provide the
proper setback, and that would in turn change the current site plan.
Murray noted that at one point the engineering report mentioned that there could be as many as 20
employees, something not noted anywhere else. He also asked if an FAA approval was required; a
question put to city engineers for which he had received no response. Murray also noted that it had been
hoped that the landscape preservation ordinance would help to save the trees that had been cut back on
the south end of the property. Murray said that in light of the adverse possession situation, a matter in
which he will be filing alaw-suit, he had really hoped those trees would not be removed.
Murray said that there are serious issues involved in this application that are just not quite straight. He
said that he asked that there could be a time where everyone got together and came up with a more
workable solution. Murray asked that the Commission delay its decision making until some of the issues
regarding site plan, parking, and adverse possession are resolved.
Gregg Geerdes, 105 Iowa Avenue, #234, said that he is a lawyer representing the Dahlen family, who are
the adjacent property owners. He said that it was clear to him that the Commission is in a difficult spot.
On the one hand, Geerdes said, the Commission has the City and Shelter House telling them that
everything is fine; and on the other hand, the Commission is about to hear from a number of people
telling them that indeed things are not fine and that there are a lot of problems with the site plan that need
accommodations. Geerdes read from city code regarding the Commission's charge in this matter
(18.1.1 a): "to promote the most beneficial relation between present and proposed uses of land." Geerdes
said that this required the Commission's site plan review to accommodate existing uses as well as the
proposed uses. Geerdes said that this brings the issue of the facility's management plan which is lacking
from the site plan. Geerdes said that he adamantly disagrees with the representation made to the
Commission that a site management plan is somehow not applicable in this case. City code says that the
Commission is to "ensure compliance with this code as amended." Geerdes said that the flip side of this
is that the applicant wishes to use the current code for its parking standards but the previous code when it
comes to the site management plan requirement. Geerdes said that he knows of no other use in city
code which contemplates a site management plan other than a shelter. He said there is nothing else in
the code that talks about proactively addressing the concerns of littering, loitering, security and conflict
resolution. Geerdes said the code recognizes problems and concerns that need to be addressed as part
of the site management plan. Geerdes said that the code requires a site management plan to
accompany the application and to be submitted as a part of the site plan process. This, Geerdes said,
has not been done.
Geerdes said that he very much agrees with the analysis given to the Commission regarding the
boundary line dispute. Geerdes said that one of the things that the Commission is supposed to look at is
whether or not the requirements of the Board of Adjustment's special exception have been satisfied.
Geerdes said that he respectfully suggests that there is no possible way that they can be satisfied under
the current scenario. The Board of Adjustment instructed and ordered a wooden boundary fence
constructed along the south border of the property: an instruction which if fulfilled would put the fence
right through the heart of the three encroaching mobile homes. The Board of Adjustment also required
the 30-foot setback for the good reason of providing buffer for the mobile homes from the shelter.
Geerdes said that because of the adverse possession factor, that 30-foot requirement can no longer
exist.
Geerdes asked the Commission to apply good old-fashioned horse sense to the situation. He asked if
the Commission really wished to approve a site plan in which other people's homes were sitting right on
top of the project. He said that it would make no sense, and it is an invitation to a dispute that can be
resolved only through litigation. Freerks asked if Geerdes had any proof that the land is owned by the
mobile home residents. Geerdes explained that the concept of adverse possession means that if a
person openly and exclusively uses property as their own for aten-year period, it then belongs to them;
acquiring ownership from your neighbor through use. Geerdes said that for at least the last 35 years
Planning and Zoning Commission
November 6, 2008 -Formal
Page 9
there have been mobile homes encroaching on the original property line. Greenwood-Hektoen interjected
that the boundary issue was a private matter with which the City did not need to get involved. Freerks
stated that it was not part of what the Commission needed to discuss in its site plan review. Geerdes said
that it should be, and that he respectfully disagrees with the direction she and other Commissioners had
been given in what they could and could not consider. He said that City staff and the applicant have
vested interest in the outcome, and the Commission is playing the role of the judge. Freerks said that it is
pretty clearly defined and that the Commission is not a judicial body. Geerdes responded that it is the
Commission that needs to make a determination as to whether the site plan is in compliance. Freerks
asked Geerdes to continue with his comments.
Geerdes said that the parking issue had been discussed, but that the issue of where people coming to the
center for day-services would park had not yet been addressed. Geerdes said there are a lot of people
who use the Shelter House's drop-in services for laundry, mail, counseling, etc., and that no provisions
had been made for them to park. Geerdes said that Shelter House says there will be up to 20
employees, a direct contradiction to the maximum number of 14 that had been given to the Commission.
If there are 20 employees and 70 overnight residents, Geerdes stated, then the code requires 27 parking
spots.
Geerdes suggested that the Commission defer the matter until some of these concerns were addressed.
Geerdes said that the Commission was apparently presented with a site plan that he has not seen or had
a chance to review. As a result, he and his clients have not had a chance to review the parking
provisions and determine if they are adequate.
Tim Krumm, 4186 Prairie Meadow Court NE, identified himself as the attorney for Shelter House. He said
that he strongly agrees with the opinion of the Assistant City Attorney regarding the scope of the review.
Krumm said that the task of the Commission is to stand in the shoes of Staff and determine whether the
requirements for site plan approval have been met. Krumm said that he believes the requirements have
been met and will therefore not spend time going over that, but would like to primarily make himself
available for any questions. He introduced Tom Werderitsch from Selzer-Werderitsch Associates as the
construction manager on the project, Christie Canganelli, Executive Director of Shelter House, and
Dwight Doberstein, design professional, as being present to make themselves available to any questions.
Krumm said that Shelter House strenuously resists the notion that there should be a deferral on the
matter. Krumm said the construction of this shelter has already been deferred for about four and a half
years. He noted that many of the same issues brought before the Commission were the same questions
raised four and a half years ago. Krumm said there is clearly a desire for communication, and he said
that the shelter is ready and willing to communicate with its neighbors. However, he said that he did not
believe that that had anything to do with what the Commission was charged to do in this matter.
Krumm said that parking issues are clearly a proper subject for a site plan review, but that the parking
requirements have been met and there is not much more to say on the subject. Krumm noted that the old
parking standards actually required fewer spaces than the newer regulations, contrary to what Geerdes
had implied. Krumm said there will not be 20 employees in the building at any one time, and the
maximum number of staff present at any one time will be 14.
Regarding the site management plan that had been discussed, Krumm said that at the time that the
special exception was granted four and a half years ago there was absolutely no requirement that a site
management plan be submitted. Krumm said Shelter House was granted its special exception under the
rules in effect at that time and has spent the last four years in litigation trying to preserve that special
exception. Krumm said that the suggestion that Shelter House would be required to comply with new
requirements for what it takes to get a special exception is completely specious. Krumm said he did not
want the Commission to think anyone was trying to pull a fast one on them, or that they were missing
some requirement. Krumm said he understands that neighbors are concerned and he expressed his
desire to keep the communication with neighbors open, however, he said that imposing requirements like
Planning and Zoning Commission
November 6, 2008 -Formal
Page 10
security lighting, guards and cameras that neighbors would like to see is not something that code would
permit the Commission to do.
In regards to the boundary dispute, Krumm said he was not sure if one actually existed. Shelter House
surveyed the property in preparation for construction and discovered encroachment. Krumm noted that
just because the Board of Adjustment said there had to be a fence, does not mean that that fence has to
go directly up to the property line. Krumm said that if Shelter House does not prevail on the boundary
issue, then they will simply build the fence farther from the property line. Krumm also noted that there is
not a 30-foot setback requirement; rather there is a 30-foot drainage way easement. Krumm said that the
building would obviously not be constructed in the drainage way easement, and that it will be preserved.
Krumm stated that any boundary issues were private matters that hopefully could be resolved outside of
court, but that regardless, it was beyond the scope of the Commission's consideration.
Joyce Barker, 2018 Waterfront Drive #128, said that if Shelter House is acknowledging the current code,
then she believes that they should be held to that code. She said that they had had time enough to
redraw and resubmit plans for the extra parking spaces, so they should similarly be required to submit a
site management plan. Submitting a site management plan is not optional, Barker contended, but is a
requirement. Barker said she and her neighbors are extremely disappointed that Shelter House and city
staff did not even attempt to comply with this requirement.
Barker said that her mobile home park has 80-100 children in it. She said that her neighbors and
neighboring businesses take the issues of crime, vagrancy and loitering very seriously. As a resident of
the proposed neighborhood, Barker said, she has a right to expect the requirements of the nuisance code
to be followed. She said they have a right to learn how Shelter House expects to address loitering, noise,
conflict issues, and the flow of traffic. Further, Barker asked how Shelter House intended to deal with
those they turned away due to failure to treat their mental illnesses or abstain from drugs and alcohol.
Barker asked what the Shelter House's on-site security plan was. Barker said that the neighborhood
which Shelter House intends to be a part of should have input on any nuisance plan developed.
Barker asked how the Commission could be expected to approve a site plan that may have to be
redesigned when the adverse possession issue is ruled on. Barker said she believes it makes sense to
postpone approval until outstanding issues are taken care of.
Noel Bree, 1321 North Seventh, stated that he did not believe the Commission knew what it was getting
in to. He said that he worked at a homeless shelter for four years, starting off in security and moving up
to assistant case manager. He said that when he hears the word homeless shelter he thinks about the
homeless person; when he thinks about the homeless person he thinks about people who are dealing
with substance abuse problems, bi-polar disorder, people who are unpredictable. He said that the current
plan seems to be just to release 70 of these people into the community. He said that he just did not think
this was right. Bree said that it is a fact that homeless shelters bring about more loitering, more pan-
handling, more drug-use, more public intoxication and more prostitution. Freerks asked Bree to keep his
discussion to the issues that the Commission could rule on. Bree said that it seemed to him that there
should be some way to decrease the impact that this homeless shelter will have on the safety and
security of the community. He said that at 7:00 a.m. the "convicts" were going to be released into the
community with homes and businesses all around the shelter. Plahutnik interjected that he lives across
the street from a homeless shelter and he can assure Bree that at 7:00 a.m. his neighborhood is fine. He
added that the issues Bree was bringing up were not germane to the site plan review before the
Commission. Bree asked how the public was supposed to handle these concerns for neighborhood
safety and security. Plahutnik said he would like to handle a lot of issues regarding safety and security in
Iowa City but that they are outside his purview as a Planning and Zoning Commissioner. Bree said that
he just wished to reiterate that he did not believe the Commission knew what it was getting into it.
Craig Dahlen identified himself as one of the managers of the mobile home park. He stated that one of
his biggest concerns are the homeless camps in the woods and parks surrounding the mobile home park.
Planning and Zoning Commission
November 6, 2008 -Formal
Page 11
He said there are certain areas where the homeless do congregate, and that it was his wish to see a site
management plan that would address how such camps would be dealt with. He said that the camps
would only get bigger with a homeless shelter so nearby. He said that some of the camps are in wooded
areas near the river and in Napoleon Park and that he has several times had to remove homeless
persons from his property. The new shelter will increase the size of the camps due to its proximity. When
clients leave the shelter, Dahlen said, they will be going to those camps. A site management plan is
needed to address this issue.
Freerks asked Greenwood-Hektoen to take a moment to talk about the reason that parking standards
must meet the current code but the site management plan aspect of the current code is inapplicable.
Greenwood-Hektoen said she believed Krumm did a good job explaining that distinction. Greenwood-
Hektoen explained that a shelter site management plan is required at the time that a special exception is
applied for. Shelter House did not submit a site management plan at the time of its application because
such a requirement did not exist at that time. Because the Commission is not deciding whether or not to
grant a special exception, the new law is not applicable. Shelter House has essentially been
grandfathered in because their special exception was granted at a time prior to the new requirement.
Freerks clarified that the distinction lies in the requirements of a special exception versus requirements of
the basic code. Freerks said that comparing the parking code requirements and the site management
plan requirements is not really comparing apples to apples. Howard noted that when an application for a
special exception is made before the Board of Adjustment a specific site plan is not generally drawn up
because they are getting early approval for a specific use on the property. The Board does not look at
very specific details of the site because they have not yet been determined. Howard explained that
special exceptions require that at the time the building permit is issued, current code requirements will
have to be met. Howard said Shelter House is at that point now: having to meet current code
requirements with regard to parking, setbacks, screenings, etc. The Shelter House has already met all of
the approval criteria required by the Board of Adjustment to determine whether a specific use is allowed.
Therefore, Howard said, those criteria are not applicable at this time.
Tom Huber identified himself as an employee at Hilltop Mobile Home Park. Huber said that the park is a
clean one and that a lot of work has been done to make positive changes there. Huber said the park has
a mail-house in which many grade school kids wait for the buses between 7:00 and 8:00 a.m. Huber
noted that fences can be climbed. Huber said that he had twice fixed a concrete post on the property that
the homeless had ripped right out of the ground. He said that he believed it was very poor judgment to
put too many kids and too many people just getting out of prison in such a close proximity. Freerks asked
Huber to direct his comments to the issues of site plan review. Huber said he understood that, but did not
understand to whom he should direct his concerns.
Isabella Vine, 2018 Waterfront Drive, pointed out her home as one of the structures encroaching on the
Shelter House site. Vine questioned the logic of the Commission not being able to consider the boundary
issue as a factor in approving the plan. Vine said that the Commission cannot approve a plan that sits on
someone's home. She said there are issues to resolve first.
Vine said she was present when Tom Werderitsch came and began chopping down all of the trees. She
said that the original plan for Shelter House had retained the trees as abuffer in addition to the privacy
fence. Vine said her mother asked Werderitsch why he was cutting down the trees at the time, and he
replied that he had been ordered to by the courts. Vine said that this was not true. Vine said that
Werderitsch had actually petitioned the courts for permission to cut down the trees. Vine said Christie
Canganelli said that she did not know what was going on with the trees. The person they spoke with at
the City also did not know what was going on with the trees. Vine asked who did know what was going
on with this project, and accused Werderitsch of not being honest about the trees. Vine asked why it was
not important that her house was sitting on that property line. She asked Commissioners how they
thought they could approve a plan that was to be built on top of her house. Vine said she and her mother
asked on a Friday if Werderitsch would refrain from cutting down any more trees. The following Monday
Planning and Zoning Commission
November 6, 2008 -Formal
Page 12
they received a letter informing them that they had until December 31S` to cease encroaching on Shelter
House property. Vine said that such behavior was not respectful. Freerks said that she knew it was an
emotional subject but that she needed to ask that the tone of Vine's comments remain civil. Vine
reiterated that the plan must be adjusted so that it is not sitting on her house prior to approval by the
Commission; to fail to do so would be wrong and irrational.
Freerks asked if Greenwood-Hektoen would like to talk a little bit more about the scope of the
Commission. Greenwood-Hektoen said she believed it had been adequately addressed. Freerks asked
her to restate the issue. Greenwood-Hektoen said that title to land is not examined in site plan reviews.
Freerks added that anyone has the right to remove trees on their property. During redevelopment,
Freerks said, there are some issues when a stand of trees meets the definition of a grove. Miklo stated
that as long as the trees are not protected by the sensitive areas ordinance the property owner has the
right to remove them, so far as Staff is aware.
Tom Werderitsch, 3 Evergreen Place, said that he is sorry Vine thinks that he is a liar because he is not.
He said that he had never gone to any court to ask permission to remove trees, so he is not sure where
that idea came from. What he said to her when asked why he was removing the trees was that he
believed that in order to follow the letter of the law allowing Shelter House to proceed with construction,
he had to put the fence within three feet of the property line. To do that, the boundary line had to be
established and the trees had to be removed. It was his interpretation of the drawing from which he was
working that he did not have a choice in the matter. Werderitsch reiterated that the trees had to be
removes as a part of the process for establishing the lawful property line. Werderitsch stated that the
homes in question are actually encroaching on a city easement, not the lawful property line. He said he
just wished to clarify so that people understood that he did not lie.
Gregg Redlin, 2950 East Washington Street, said that he has a business at 515 Southgate Avenue.
Redlin has been in business since 1977, and built his building on Southgate Avenue in 1982. In 1983 he
purchased 505 Southgate, which is very near Shelter House. Redlin expressed his primary concern as
being what he would need to do to help his renters secure their businesses to ensure that they are not
broken into or vandalized. Redlin pointed out that at the Shelter House's current location at 331 North
Gilbert Street there is a neighborhood watching things at all times. Redlin said that when he leaves his
business at 7:00 p.m. and does not return until 7:00 a.m. the next morning, there is no one in the area to
keep an eye on things. He has had no problems in the area up until this point, but wants to know what he
is to tell those renting from him about the neighborhood's future. He is concerned that businesses in the
area will have to go to additional expense to secure their properties.
Lori Dahlen, 2018 Waterfront Drive, said she was thinking about the site management plan that they had
all believed was a required part of the process. She said that she had spoken with a resident of the
mobile home park whose daughter had worked at the HACAP Headstart which was behind the current
shelter house. The woman said there was a fence surrounding the preschool, but that people had
jumped the fence and that many mornings teachers had to pick up glass and beer cans from the play
area; she also said there were problems with people wandering in to the daycare. Dahlen said that her
concern was that if those things could happen there, what was preventing similar things from happening
at Hilltop. Dahlen said that as a manager at Hilltop she has worked with Werderitsch on the trees
somewhat and that she has found him to be nice. However, she said that the original proposal for the
project stated that the fence in combination with existing trees would provide the transition and buffer
between the two-story Shelter House and the one-story residences.
Dahlen read a letter from a resident of Hilltop Mobile Home Park who could not be present at the meeting.
The letter-writer identified herself as a mother of three children whose concern about the Shelter House
being located next door were: 1) how will Shelter House ensure that Hilltop residents are not harassed in
any way by shelter clients, 2) how will loitering be ensured against, 3) how will vandalism and theft be
prevented. The letter-writer said there are many concerns but that safety is the first issue.
Planning and Zoning Commission
November 6, 2008 -Formal
Page 13
Dahlen asked that the Commission hold off on approving the site plan until Hilltop, its residents and its
representation had a chance to look at the newest version of the site plan with its parking revisions.
Bart Cramer, 513 Center Street, Lone Tree, said that he was present as an observer. He directed his
question to Greenwood-Hektoen, asking if in the absence of a site management plan all of the nuisances
that are likely to occur will have to be dealt with ex post facto by residents seeking remedies after the
shelter is built. Greenwood-Hektoen acknowledged that this was the case.
Janet Dahlen, 4815 Southeast Sand Road, introduced herself as owning the Hilltop Mobile Home park in
conjunction with her husband for 23 years. Dahlen said that she has a responsibility to the people who
live there and who have put their trust in Hilltop to provide them with a safe and secure place in which to
raise their families. Dahlen said it is her responsibility to provide residents with continued safety and
security. She said she is greatly concerned with the impact the shelter will have on Hilltop. She asked
where people will go once they leave the shelter or are turned away from the shelter for being sex
offenders, drug addicts, and drunkards. Dahlen said there are 152 families living at Hilltop and
approximately 80-100 children. Dahlen said there is a daycare immediately across the street from the
shelter. Dahlen said she has never been able to get her concerns across to anybody, but that she is
very, very concerned. She thanked the Commission for listening.
Geerdes stated that the code section for site plan review is Chapter 18 of the code. The code states:
"The following factors shall be considered in arriving at a conclusion concerning proposed development
and property: zoning regulation at the time of the proposal." Geerdes said that he could not state the
matter any more clearly than that. Geerdes said that in regard to the boundary dispute, the Commission
would essentially be taking property that rightfully belonged to Hilltop and incorporating it into someone
else's project; a violation both of state law and of constitutional rights.
No further members of the public came forward and the public hearing was closed.
Freerks stated that the Commission had four options: 1) approve the site plan, 2) review and approve it
with conditions, 3) defer the matter, or 4) vote the measure down. Miklo explained that the 20-day period
for site plan review expires on November 13, 2008. As a result, the Commission could only defer to the
next scheduled meeting on November 20th with the permission of the applicant, or if they held a special
session prior to the expiration date.
Eastham motioned to approve the site plan submitted by Shelter House as of November 6, 2008.
Plahutnik seconded the motion.
Freerks invited discussion from the Commission
Eastham said he was going to vote in favor of the motion. He stated that it was his understanding that
the scope of review is strictly limited to elements of site plan review and the provisions of the zoning code.
Eastham said it was his opinion that requirements have been met. Specifically, parking requirements are
set not for the total number of employees, but for the maximum number of employees present on-site at a
given time; those requirements have been met. Eastham said that he did not believe he had any
authority to add requirements at this point that went above and beyond those in the code and the special
exception.
Plahutnik said he also is in support of approval. Plahutnik said that the Commission had been advised by
counsel not to take these other matters into consideration, and based solely on the site plan before the
Commission the requirements have been met. Plahutnik said he assumed there would be continued
attempts to stall this project in court, but that the process the speakers seemed to want the Commission
to revisit was the original zoning process and the special exception. Plahutnik said the Commission is not
there to reopen that process.
Planning and Zoning Commission
November 6, 2008 -Formal
Page 14
Weitzel stated that it is his understanding that the Commission's role was to take on the duties of Staff in
reviewing an application that was made in 2004. Weitzel said that there are 13 specific criteria for the
Commission to look at. Having looked at the site plan, the memos from the various departments stating
that the site plan meets requirements, and heard the testimony of the public, Weitzel said he believed all
criteria have been met.
Busard said that whether or not he is in favor of Shelter House is irrelevant. The time to debate the
zoning and use of the property was in the zoning and special exception phase. The site plan, Busard
said is in compliance.
Freerks said the Commission's focus was narrowed to the 13 items addressing site plan review. Freerks
said she allowed some conversation that given the narrow scope of the matter before the Commission
she might not normally allow; however, she said it is important that people feel they have a voice in these
things. She said conversation can be very helpful, and she hopes that people can be good neighbors to
one another. She said the Commission is not a judicial body and has very specific things that they can
look at in this matter, and that she feels the Commission has served its purpose. She said she has a
feeling this issue will probably continue on in other ways, but that Shelter House had to be treated just as
any other applicant would and so she must vote in favor.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 5-0 (Koppes and Payne absent).
CONSIDERATION OF MEETING MINUTES: October 13 & October 16. 2008:
Busard motioned to accept the minutes.
Weitzel seconded.
The minutes were approved on a vote of 5-0 (Koppes and Payne absent).
OTHER:
Freerks noted that there was an article in the newspaper about the County's justice center, and the
possible site locations. She asked if Staff had had any conversations about that. Miklo said there have
been discussions with the County Attorney's Office and the facility planners for the new addition. Miklo
said that it was Staff's understanding that the court house would be retained and used as court rooms but
that a new building would be built to the south of that. Miklo said the County is acquiring some property
from the City for that purpose. It has been expressed by Staff and City Council that there is a plan in
place for that area and that there are some design concerns. As a part of the purchase agreement, there
will be provisions for the County to make a good faith effort to follow those design plans and build an
attractive building that fits in with the streetscape concepts for the Near-Southside Plan.
ADJOURNMENT:
Weitzel motioned to adjourn.
Busard seconded.
The meeting was adjourned on a 5-0 vote (Koppes and Payne absent) at 9:22 p.m.
Planning and Zoning Commission
November 6, 2008 -Formal
Page 15
Iowa City Planning 81 Zoning Commission
Attendance Record
2008
Al AACCn~Ir_
Name Term
Ex ires
112
1117
3/20
413
4117
511
5115
6/5
6119
713
7117
817
8121
914
9118
10116
1116
Busard
J 05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --- -- -- -- -- -- -- X O/E X O/E X X X x x
.
C
Eastham 05/11 x X X X X X X X X X X X X x X X X
.
Freerks
A 05/13 X X X X X X X X X x X X X X X X X
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E
Ko es 05/12 X x X X X X x X X X X X O/E x X X O/E
.
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M 05/10 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- - -- -- -- O/E X X X O/E
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W Plahutnik 05/10 X X X X X O/E X O/E X X X X X X X O/E X
T. Weitzel 05/13 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- X X X X x X X X x x x x
A 1 AACCTI dI(_
Name Term
Ex ires
2/7
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4/14
5/12
6/2
6/30
7/14
8/18
9/15
10113
11/3
J. Busard 05/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- X X X X X X
C. Eastham 05/11 X X X X X X X X X X X
A. Freerks 05/13 X X X X X X X X X X X
E. Ko es 05/12 X X X X X X O/E X X X X
M. Pa ne 05/10 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- X X X X
W. Plahutnik 05/10 O/E O/E X X X X O/E X X X X
T. Weitzel 05/13 -- -- -- - -- -- X X X X O/E X X X
Key:
X =Present
O =Absent
O/E = AbsenUExcused
FINAL
MINUTES
Youth Advisory Commission
October ~, 2008
Lobby Conference Room, City Hall, 7:35 PM
Members Present: Diamitani, Malatek, Han, Nelson
Members Absent: Green
Others Present: City Council Liaison Wilburn, City Clerk Karr, Brett Vining
Recommendations to Council:
Call to Order: Motioned by Nelson, seconded by Han. Approved 4-0.
4b 9
AuUrove minutes: Nelson moved to approve the minutes. Malatek seconded. The minutes
were approved 4-0.
Goals and Planning for 2008; Youth Input and Involvement: There was further
discussion on the Youth Input sessions and related items. Malatek suggested that it would be a
good idea to have a youth survey. Han added that it might be a good idea also to include whether
they would be interested in attending a Youth Input session on the survey. Wilburn offered to
facilitate the discussion. Malatek voiced that it also might be a good idea to run a textbook
donation, similar to the computer and software donations already present. Han added that
schools often sell back older textbooks but also included that she might be able to talk to some
librarians to find out.
Diamitani brought up a new idea of doing a high school student senates-YAC sponsored
winter dance before winter break. He included preliminary information about some possible .
events and themes. Karr added that if there would be raffling there may need be State forms to
file. Location was also one of the questions Nelson put forth. Vining, who was also present,
voiced that the West High BPA club was also planning a similar event. Han and Diamitani
volunteered to form a subcommittee for further discussion and planning.
Citing a similar venue at West High school, Diamitani suggested a community wide
"heroes" project where youth could nominate each other. Nelson suggested that they could
utilize the YAC website to facilitate the nomination and selection process. Malatek suggested
that it might be added incentive if there was a scholarship prize and a certificate of recognition.
Han, Diamitani and Malatek volunteered for a subcommittee for further discuss.
Update on website: None
Youth Empowerment Grant: Because the winter break suggestion made in the previous
section (Goals and planning for 2008) would possibly utilize the grant through the individual
high school student senates, there was limited discussion. Vining asked for more information
about the grant and Diamitani gave a brief summary of the premise behind it.
2008-04 Subcommittee Reports: Other than the formation of two new committees and
mentioned above, there was no further discussion.
FINAL
Public Discussion: Karr asked Vining if there was anything he would like to add.
Student Citizenship Awards: Nelson mentioned that he would not be able to make it to the
October list presentation of the award to Weber Elementary school. Diamitani confirmed that
he would be able to be present at the presentation. Others verified that the information given in
the agenda was correct.
Staff update: Karr asked whether Vining would like to take an application to the YAC as he was
present.
Announcements~Invitations~Events/Opportunities: As these items were already
covered extensively, they were not discussed again.
Meeting Schedule: Malatek suggested that Sundays might be a better day for meetings as the
week is a very busy time for many. Nelson agreed. Karr and Wilburn both said that they would
be willing to arrange such a meeting schedule and all other members said that a Sunday date
would work. It was decided that the next meeting date would be on Sunday, November 211x.
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MINUTES 4b 10
Youth Advisory Commission
November 2, 2008
Lobby Conference Room, City Hall, 5:3oPM
Members Present: Diamitani, Malatek, Han, Nelson, Green
Members Absent: none
Others Present: City Council Liaison Wilburn, City Clerk Karr
Call to Order: Motioned by Nelson, seconded by Han. Approved 4-0. 5:32PM
Approve minutes: Minutes were not available at the time of printing.
Budget for FYio: The committee began to review the funding for the new fiscal year.
Diamitani asked if it would be possible to bring up something new related to the budget. He
asked if it would be possible to have a Youth Advisory funded dance and/or carnival and have it
be funded partially or wholly. It was noted that then the winter dance portion of the plan would
still be part of this year's budget and could not be funded. But it was also noted that the summer
carnival could be funded if the request was approved.
There was further discussion about the possible dance and rough cost estimations. The
primary discussion was around location. Diamitani said that he had called a couple of locations
and made tentative reservations at recreation centers, which cost around $500. He commented,
however, that the space maybe inadequate. Nelson asked if it could be held outdoors or at some
other location with discounts from the city and Karr said it might be possible. Green suggested a
hotel be used, such as the Marriot. Han commented that there most likely would not be room
there as reservations are filled quickly. Malatek then suggested that the IMU be used since it
would provide space and would be completely restored by the date. Green agreed that it was a
good idea. Han asked what the cost of renting space would be and also noted that it might be
hard to get a reservation secured. Nelson said that the cost would be high would have be looked
into beforehand.
Concerning the actual planning of the dance, many more specific suggestions were made.
Diamitani agreed that having a game section might not be as attractive but also said that the
date of February i4tn might be a good date. Others agreed that the i4tn would be a good day for
such dance. It was then asked how the three area high schools would work together and would
be integrated at the dance. Malatek suggested a competition between the schools and Han
agreed that it was a good incentive. Diamitani also suggested that there be a prize for the school
that wins from the money raised. Diamitani then also asked if there should be food. Green said
she thought food would be appropriate. Malatek suggested that we ask local food vendors to
possibly get donations for the food to alleviate some of the costs. Nelson offered that if the IMU
were to be used, there were strict regulations concerning outside food and so further discussion
was set aside for later.
Discussion then moved to the carnival. Karr asked Diamitani what exactly he had in
mind for the carnival. Diamitani gave the example of the last day of Northwest Jr. High when
FINAL
students go to the park and swimming pool for the afternoon. Green noted that it might be a
good idea to have some more events or attractions. Han also suggested that there be various
sports teams from the schools to attract more people and get more publicity at the same time.
Malatek agreed. Diamitani said that this could also be used to raise more money by having
events with the sports teams.
Returning to the original heading of the budget for FYio, Nelson commented that the
facebook advertisements were working well and it would be good to have some additional
funding to make it a request of $iooo. There was also an addition in a new category, for the
proposed summer event of the amount of $iooo. There were no changes made to the other
categories. Karr said that she would present the request the next day for approval.
Goals and Planning for 2008; Youth Input and Involvement: This was discussed in the
previous heading and was not discussed further.
Uudate on webste: None
Youth Empowerment Grant: None
2oo8-oA Subcommittee Reports: None
Public Discussion: None
Student Citizenship Awards: Green asked if Han could take her place at the first
presentation of awards as she would be unavailable. Han said she would be available to be there.
Staff update: None
Announcement~Invitations/Events/Opportunities: As these items were already
covered extensively, they were not discussed again.
Meeting Schedule: Han suggested that the committee meet either in late November or early
December. Green agreed. Han asked if certain days worked for other people, continuing with the
Sunday meeting schedule and two dates were suggested: November 24th and December 2°d. It
was decided that the November 24th date would be the primary date and the December date a
back up.
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