HomeMy WebLinkAbout1979-12-04 Info PacketNovember 21, 1979
Mr. Richard Y. Blum, Chairman
Planning & Zoning Commission
2041 Rochester Ct.
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Dear Mr. Blum:
The City Council, as the Public Housing Authority, is having
difficulty selecting appropriate sites for public housing. Because
of the recent recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission
regarding property located on Westgate Street, the Council requests
that the Commission provide criteria which can be used in evaluating
these sites. The relationship of these sites to the Comprehensive
Plan is also an important consideration.
The Commission's assistance in the above matter will be greatly
appreciated.
Sincerely yours/,
Robert Vevera
Mayor
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cc: City Council
City Clerk
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City of Iowa CI%#f
MEMORANDUM
DATE; November 30, 1979
To: Chairpersons, Boards and Commissions
FROM: Robert A. Vevera, Mayor
RE: Annual Meeting of City Council and Chairpersons of Boards and Commissions
The annual meeting between the City Council members and the chairpersons
of all boards and commissions has been planned for December 13, 1979, at
3:30 P.M., at the Highlander Inn.
The boards and commissions chairpersons should be prepared to give a short
presentation on the accomplishments of their board/commission and the goals
and objectives for the next fiscal year.
A dinner is planned for 6:00 P.M. More details will be given in a later
memorandum.
Please contact Lorraine Saeger (354-1800, extension 200) concerning your
attendance at this meeting.no later than December 6, 1979.
cc: City Council
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City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
DATE: November 30, 1979
TO: City Council
FROM: Cit Manager
RE: Informal Session, December 3, 1979
At the informal session on December 3, 1979, Mr. Don Zuchelli will be
present to discuss the recommendations for the redevelopment of Block
64. Mr. Zuchelli's report supporting the desirability of an additional
major retailer is enclosed. In addition, we will discuss information
relating to the ability to rent existing space in the central business
district. A staff report on that subject also is enclosed.
Lastly, on Monday we would like to complete the discussion of the
prospectus. Mr. Zuchelli will review with you the changes which were
made in the prospectus since the last bidding, such as the issuance of
tax exempt bonds and the design standards related to hotel construction,
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City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: Novem er 30, 1979
To: City ouncil
From: Cit anager
Re: Board of Electrical Examiners & Appeals Meeting of
October 17, 1979
On October 17, 1979, the Board of Electrical Examiners and Appeals and
various staff members met for the purpose of resolving several outstanding
issues. The City Manager indicated that a follow-up report would be
prepared for City Council's review.
1. Minutes
The minutes of the Board of Electrical Examiners and Appeals in the
future will be prepared in accordance with the procedures of the
Rules Committee adopted June 20, 1975. In order to insure that the
minutes are comprehensive, additional clerical support will be
provided to the Board of Electrical Examiners and Appeals. Although
the electrical inspector will continue to serve officially as the
board secretary, the actual minutes will be prepared by the clerical
person.
2. Recommendations to City Council
It appears that perhaps communications between the staff and the
Electrical Board have not been as complete as they should be
particularly when recommendations are made to the City Council by the
Electrical Board. and/or the staff. Therefore, in the future, any
recommendations relating to code changes or matters related to the
Board of Electrical Examiners and Appeals will be sent to the members
of the Board, the staff and the City Council simultaneously.
3. Licensed Journeymen
The code provides that a licensed journeyman should be present on
electrical jobs at all times. The Board felt there have been
instances where this provision has not been followed. It was agreed
that the Board of Electrical Examiners and Appeals would meet with
electricians at an early date to discuss whether or not this rule
should be absolutely enforced or whether there are other reasonable
procedures that might be followed.
4. Unlicensed Advertising
It was stated that unlicensed persons advertise in a local newspaper
to do electrical work in Iowa City. A monitoring of the press -
Citizen since the Board meeting did not reveal any unlicensed
advertisers. However, the staff will continue to monitor this and
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has suggested that the Board bring to the City's attention any
violation.
5. Unlicensed work
It was stated that, at times, the contractor who might accomplish
unlicensed work is unknown and that it may be necessary to file
action against the property owner. However, it was indicated that
there were very few instances of this nature brought to the attention
Of the staff.
6. Licensing Procedures
There was discussion concerning licensing procedures. It is a
recommendation of the City Manager that the Board adopt detailed
rules and procedures for licensing and that experience and licensing
elsewhere should be used as the criteria for determining whether a
I person is qualified to take Iowa City's examinations. Mr. Flannery
made a statement which supported utilizing experience and licensing
as criteria for qualifying for an examination. The processing of
licensing applications should be carried out by the inspector and the
exam should be prepared, administered and certified by a party
independent of the Board of Electric Examiners and Appeals.
7. Board Correspondence
It was agreed that all Board correspondence would be signed by the
chairman of the board.
B. Electrical Inspections
There was some question as to who should carry out electrical
inspections when the electrical inspector is not available. This
matter will be pursued further
the Board. in discussion between the staff and
9. Plan Review
There was discussion as to the extent of plan review on electrical
work. A Board suggestion was made that more detailed plans should be
provided for all electrical work. Additional information is being
required at this time. However, as complete plans require added
expense by the electrical contractor, it was agreed that this matter
would be discussed in a meeting with the electricians.
10. Fee Permits
There was discussion about the permit fees perhaps being too high.
However, there is also a feeling that apartment houses should be
charged commercial fees rather than residential fees. This would
result in a substantial increase in the fees for apartments.
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11. Releases for Services
It was mentioned that there were some problems in releases for
services. The director of the department indicated that Mr. Bowers
had taken action to expedite this matter with Iowa -Illinois and that
in the future, whenever a notice for release was provided to Iowa -
Illinois, a copy would be provided to the applicant so there could be
immediate follow-up.
12. Board Chairman
It was department would eed h
wouldmeet with at the lthe rnew lb and chairman to establish board
procedures and that mail directed to the chairman would not be
processed by the staff.
13. Appeal s
Mr. Flannery suggested that electrical contractors should be present
whenever -an appeal is heard. The Manager agrees strongly with this
recommendation.
14. Formal Procedures for Action Against Contractors
The Manager recommends that the Board of Electrical Examiners and
Appeals adopt formal procedures relating to actions initiated
against contractors.
15. Conflict of Interest
There have been questions raised concerning the appearance of a
conflict of interest and unresolved conflict of interest situations
relating to the Board of Electrical Examiners and Appeals and in
other instances in City government in recent years.
The City Manager strongly recommends that the City Council establish
a commission whose task will be to recommend to the City Council the
adoption of a specific code of ethics for all appointed and elected
officials and employees. This commission would be comprised of
Councilmembers, staff members, board and commission members,
employee representatives and citizens.
cc: Board of Electrical Examiners & Appeals
Mike Kucharzak
James Hynes
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City of Iowa ChgF
MEMORANDUM
FrVTrCom:
te: November 30, 1979
: City (Council
City' anager
Re: Limitations on the Growth of Government
On November 17, I participated in a panel discussion as part of a
+ conference sponsored by Drake University's Local Government Finance
Education Project entitled "Limitations on the Growth of Government." The
moderator of the panel was Marvin Selden, former State Comptroller. Other
participants were Jean Oxley, Linn County Supervisor; Ted Davidson,
Executive Director of the Iowa Association of School Boards; Ken Pfile,
President of the Iowa State Education Association; and Don Anderson,
Executive Director of the American Federation of State, County and
Municipal Employees in Iowa. The morning
ries of
speakers primarily discussing tax limits rand avar�ous means to d of a econtrol
government expenditures. One of the other speakers was Paul Epstein from
HUD. For some time we have been working with Paul on a publication for the
Department of HUD relating to efficiency and effectiveness in local
government.
i
At the conference I also had an opportunity to talk to Bob Harpster,
Director of the League of Iowa Municipalities, concerning possible
i
legislative action in the coming session.
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City of Iowa Chy
MEMORANDUM
Date: November 21, 1979
To: City Council
From: Cit�anager
Re: Private Streets
Recently we received an inquiry from residents of Court Street Place
as to whether or not the City could provide snow plowing service on
their street. I have had the Public Works Department review this
matter.
Bella Vista, BluffwoodgLane �, CherryeLane, eCourt ets nStreet Plthe acel,cErnest
Street, Hanover Drive, Nnoiiwood Drive, Lucon Drive, Melrose Circle,
Memler Court, Northwood Drive, Oak Park Court, South Riverside
Court, Stonewall Court, Triangle Place, Woodlawn Avenue, Woodside
Drive Extended (Melrose Lake) and Consamus Court. The attached
memorandum from the Director of Public Works indicates why we do not
believe it would appropriate for the City to undertake the plowing of
private streets.
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CIty of Iowa Cl.y
MEMORANDUM
Date: November 21, 1979
To: Neal Berlin, City Manager
From: Dick Plastino, Director of Public Works
Re: Snow Plowing on Private Streets
i
Public Works recommends against the plowing of private streets for legal
and operational reasons.
I
The legal consideration is that Section 312.6 of the Code of Iowa allows
Road Use Tax to be spent only on public right-of-way. It would be an
illegal use of public funds to plow private streets.
Operationally, private streets present many difficulties not present on a
public street. As shown on the attached photos, there are no curbs and
gutters. Therefore, the plow driver will frequently wander onto lawns,
flowerbeds and roadside improvements, thereby causing damage.
The many private streets are built to extremely low standards with very
thin asphalt overlays. The plow blade and weight of the truck may or may
not cause damage, depending on the particular subsurface conditions.
i
Many private streets are not built to City -required width nor are cul-de-
sacs present. The lack of adequate space makes it extremely difficult and
i time consuming to maneuver in these areas. There is difficulty in plowing
the snow to a spot where it will not hinder anyone, since many private
streets end in a private driveway.
There is no difficulty in concluding that the City should not plow a
private driveway or even a driveway that serves two or three houses. The
same conditions apply to a private street except that there are several
houses along the private street. They are private property and the City
should not and cannot legally expend public funds maintaining these
streets.
cc: Chuck Schmadeke
Gene Dietz
Bud Stockman
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City of Iowa C"Iv
MEMORANDUM
Date: November 27, 1979
To: City C uncil
From: Cit anager
Re: Spouse Abuse Contract
An agreement has been reached between the City and the Spouse Abuse
program concerning a contract for the purchase of a Spouse Abuse Shelter.
When the City Council originally talked about this project, it was assumed
that the City would purchase the building. As indicated in the
Environmental Review Record provided to you at the end of September, it
now is being recommended that the property be purchased by the Spouse
Abuse program. The contract language will offer the City assurances of an
ongoing program.
This change has been undertaken because of Federal regulations which
require the City to comply with the Uniform Relocation Act whereas the
Federal regulations do not require conformity to those regulations by a
non-profit organization. Therefore, the purchase of the property by the
Spouse Abuse program could conceivably save a considerable amount of money
and might also expedite the project.
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CITU OF
r l(( ( ENTER 410 E WASHINGTON ST
November 28, 1979
OWA CITY
IOWA CII Y IOWA 52240 (319) 354.180D
Mr. Douglas Wright
Office of the Secretary of Transportation
NASSIF Building - 10200
400 7th Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20003
Dear Doug:
When we talked last week in Burlington, I was pleased with the concern
which you and Secretary Goldschmidt showed about Iowa City's transit
situation. I said that 1 would send you a follow-up letter detailing
what the problem is.
Iowa City has recently been declared an S.M.S.A., which, as you know,
Puts us in a new category for the allocation of funds in several federal
programs. Our greatest need for funds is in transit. However, the
D.O.T. will not certify us until after the results of the 1980 census have
definitely established the "urbanized area." It looks to us as if this
will be two years down the pike.
Since there is apparently no legislative mandate that an "urbanized area"
be established after the census, we are appealing to the Secretary either
interimto grant exception
a wato grant us
fundingtoms
maintain theexcelleruling r
nttransit to dsystem which, since 1973,
we have struggled to fund without any federal operating subsidy.
From our discussions with other cities which have attained 50,000 population
in the last few years, we are the only one which can demonstrate a success-
ful, full-scale operation with tremendous community support. Iowa City
received an award from the State of Iowa this year for having the best
system in the State, and our transit manager received a similar award. Our
ridership increased by one-third in the last two years. We estimate that
we will carry close to 2,000,000 riders in FY 80, which is approximately
40 trips per capita.
Our ridership is no accident, because we have been totally committed to
transit. We have kept fares as low as we can at 25 cents and subsidize the
cost with $450,000 almost entirely from property tax and revenue sharing.
We have reduced long-term parking in the downtown to almost none in order
to promote transit and have based our whole downtown redevelopment program
on a complementary relationship between the strong central core and a transit
system which radiates from it.
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Mr. Douglas Wright
November 28, 1979
Page 2
We believe that there is a huge latent demand for transit, since there
is overcrowding on more than half of our routes. However, we have
reached the end of our capability to extend the system to meet the need
which we have, frankly, helped to create by making transit very attractive.
We have carried efficiency about as far as it can go: Operating cost is
less than 60 cents per passenger. To extend service and, in fact, just to
maintain the present system, we are going to have to have more money to
obtain six buses for our immediate rush hour needs and the personnel to
run and service them.
When you begin to fund an operation you would and should require planning
to take place. We have just received a phone call saying that our local
regional planning comnission will receive money for transportation planning
as soon as the State D.O.T. approves it. We appreciate this, because we
recognize the need for ongoing planning. We have undertaken planning for
transit for several years with only local funding and have recently updated
our five-year transit development plan and a regional transit development
plan. Without the past planning and present commitment we would not have
the model system we have today.
As you know, Iowa City is perfect for transit. Our major employer, the
University of Iowa, is downtown and near downtown. The streets are good
for a radial system. The downtown has a new pedestrian mall, new transit
staging area (all locally funded) with adjacent enclosed shopping mall
under construction and new library also under construction. We are com-
mitted to a strong downtown with a multitude of uses to discourage urban
sprawl. To do this we must maintain our fine transit system, but we do
need your help and we need it now.
This letter has been somewhat lengthy, but I did want you to understand
the whole situation. If, however, I have left out anything and you need
more information, please give me a call or call Neal Berlin, our city
manager, or Hugh I1ose, our transit manager.
Sincerely,
Mary C,�'yj�ljeuhauser
Council ember
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City of Iowa Cit
MEMORANDUM
DATE: November 27, 1979
TO: Abbie Stolfus
FROM: John W. Hayek
RE: Steve Cook
Dear Abbie:
Enclosed please find a copy of a letter to William
Sueppel under date of November 27, 1979, in reference
to the Steve Cook matter. Would you please make copies
of this letter and see to it that the members of the
City Council each receive one.
Thank you.
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WILL J. HAYEK
JOHN W.HAYEK
C. PETER HAYEK
C. JOSEPH HOLLAND
HAYEK, HAYEK & HAYEK
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
110 EAST WASHINGTON STREET
IOWA CITY. IOWA 52240
November 27, 1979
Mr. William Sueppel
Attorney At Law
122 South Linn
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Dear Bill:
As we discussed on the telephone the other day,
Steve Cook has contacted the City Council about a pro)
he is having concerning an easement across his properl
I have reviewed information that I have received from
Dennis Kraft, Don Schmeiser, and Gene Dietz, all with
reference to this matter and would be very happy to me
with you to discuss the situation further.
Please let me know if you would like to meet on 1
matter.
JWH:pl
cc: City Council
very truly yours,
John W. Hayek
.SPY FORWARDED TO A
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337.9606
City of Iowa Cit
MEMORANDUM
DATE: November 28, 1979
TO: City Council of Iowa City
FROM: John Hayek, City Attorney
RE: Removal of Commission Members
At the City Council meeting on November 20, 1979, members of
the Council asked for a report from the City Attorney concerning the
authority of the City Council to remove members of boards and com-
missions, specifically the Airport Commission. This memorandum sets
out my report on this subject.
Section 5. 02 of the Iowa City Charter and Section 2-100 of the Iowa
City Code cover removal of members of boards and commissions. The
City Charter section provides in part; "The Council shall establish con-
ditions for the removal of members for just cause, consistent with State
law." Thus the Charter provision establishes a just cause requirement
and refers us to State law.
The Airport Commission is established under the provisions of
Chapter 330 of the Code of Iowa. Section 330. 20 of the Code of Iowa
provides for appointment of members of the Airport Commission by the
City Council for a speciftc term of years. Section 330.21 of the Code
vests broad administrative and legislative powers in the Airport Com-
mission for managing the airport.
Excluding civil service employees, there are two statutes in the
Iowa Code dealing with removal of officers and employees. Section
372. 15 of the Iowa Code provides as follows:
Except as otherwise provided by state or city
law, all persons appointed to city office may
be removed by the officer or body making the
appointment, but every such removal shall be
by written order. The order shall give the
reasons, be filed in the office of the City Clerk,
and a copy shall be sent by certified mail to the
person removed who, upon request filed with
the Clerk within 30 days of the date of mailing
the copy, shall be granted a public hearing
before the Council on all issues connected with
the removal. The hearing shall be held within
30 days of the date the request is filed, unless
the person removed requests a later date.
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Section 66. 1 of the Code of Iowa provides as follows:
Any appointive or elective officer, except such
as may be removed only by impeachment, holding
any public office in the state or in any division or
municipality thereof, may be removed from office
by the district court for any of the following
reasons:
1. For willful or habitual neglect or refusal to
perform the duties of his office.
2. For willful misconduct or maladministration
in office.
3. For corruption.
4. For extortion.
5. Upon conviction of a felony.
6. For intoxication, or upon conviction of being
intoxicated.
7. Upon conviction of violating the provisions of
Chapter 56 [dealing with campaign finance dis-
closure].
These two statutes appear to be in conflict and the question of which statute
would apply needs to be determined. Following the principle of construction
set out in Section 4. 7 of the Code of Iowa to the effect that a specific statute
is to be given effect over a general statute, it is my belief that Section 66. 1
governs the removal of any appointive officer holding any "public office".
In this respect please note that Section 372. 15 is expressly made subject to
other provisions of State law. We need therefore to distinguish between an
appointive officer holding "any public office" and all other persons appointed
to City office.
iThere are of course many different types of employees and officers
of a municipality. A chief of police, city manager, city attorney, secretary,
commission member, and council member are all City employees and/or
appointed or elected to City "office". However, the law makes a distinction
between "public office" and general public employment. As stated in 63
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AmJur 2d, Public Officers and Employees, Section 11:
Briefly stated, a position is a public office when
it is created by law, with duties cast on the in-
cumbent which involves some portion of the
sovereign power and in the performance of which
the public is concerned, and which also are con-
tinuing in their nature and not occasional or
intermittent; a public employment, on the other
hand, is a position in the public service which
lacks sufficient of the foregoing elements or
characteristics to make it an office. However,
even where the appointment is in the nature of
an employment, the appointee may be a public
officer if the necessary elements of an office
are present.
The office of Airport Commission member meets all of the criteria set
out above for finding it to be a "public office." The office is established
by state law, for a fixed or definite term, and involves the exercise of a
portion of the sovereign power and in the performance of which the public
is concerned. In like fashion members of the Iowa City Library Com-
mission would also be considered, in my opinion, public officers, as that
term is used in Section 66. 1. An interesting question exists as to whether
or not, for example, a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission or
Parks and Recreation Commission would be subject to removal under
Section 66. 1 or Section 372. 15. Arguably members of those commissions,
as distinguished from the airport and library situation, are vested with
less of the sovereign authority possessed by the government. On the main,
their authority is limited to recommendations to the Council and hence
their function is more advisory than governmental. It is beyond the scope
of this memorandum to attempt to resolve, however, that question. Although
a chief of police, city manager, city attorney, city clerk, or other similar
officer can certainly be considered a public officer, they would be, in my
opinion, subject to removal under the provisions of Section 372. 15. The
Iowa Supreme Court has, for example, recently held that a chief of police
maybe removed pursuant to 372. 15. See LaPeters v. City of Cedar Rapids,
263 N. W. 2d 734 (Iowa 1976).
It is therefore my opinion that removal of an Airport Commission
member is governed by the terms and provisions of Chapter 66 of the Code
of Iowa. Parenthetically it should be noted that even if Chapter 66 did not
cover the situation a commission member could clearly not be removed
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without "just cause" as that term is used in the Iowa City Charter. Under
Chapter 66 only the district court of Iowa can order the removal of such
an officer. The court acts upon the petition of the Attorney General of the
state or the petition of five qualified electors of the municipality or the
petition of the County AEtorney. Where a petition for removal is filed by
anyone other than the Attorney General or the County Attorney a bond for
costs is required. In the event the action for removal is unsuccessful an
award for defense costs can be made. The action in the event filed by
five qualified electors would be prosecuted by the County Attorney under
the statute.
In conclusion no member of a board or commission can be removed
except for just cause. Further, members of certain commissions, because
of the independent authority vested in them by state law, can only be removed
under the procedure established in Chapter 66 of the Code of Iowa and then
only for the specific reasons set out in Section 66. 1. I hope that this memo-
randum answers the questions that the Council members had. I would be
happy to discuss this with you further at your convenience.
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City of Iowa
MEM
s immti..
Date: November 27, 1979
To: City Council
I
From: Richard Plastino
Re: City Fountain Lumegai e
The City fountain lumenaires and t City fountain itself were designed by
Planned Environments under separate contract.
As is typical with most lighting installations, a catalog is used to
determine allowable loading. Bob Satter advises that the lumenaire
loading on these poles falls within the manufacturer's specifications.
cc: City Plaza Fountain File
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City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: November 29, 1979
To: City Council Members
From: Lori Benz, Project Specialist, Senior Center
Re: Data Concerning Agencies Serving Elderly at Senior Center
Attached are program statements describing activities and services of
primary agencies which will serve the elderly at the Senior Center.
These statements explain the purpose and benefits of each service, how
it is carried out, how it related to the Senior Center's goals and
function, and the agency's relationship to other Center activities.
In addition, a statistical profile for each agency has been assembled
reflecting financial allocations for services to the elderly and their
potential impact on service delivery and staffing at the Senior Center.
The amount of space allocated to each agency and the cost of constructing,
equipping, and maintaining the space is also identified.
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S. E. A. T. S.
Pro ect Goals: To provide a coordinated and economical means of transpor-
tation for elderly persons so that they may participate more fully and
independently in the life of their community and the general area.
Area Served: Johnson County.
Background: S.E.A.T.S. provides transportation to all persons age 60 or
older, adults with mobility impairments, and handicapped. Approximately
75 percent of all riders are elderly. Five types of service are
available:
1. Demand response service for elderly and handicapped.
2. Transportation for Congregate Meals.
3. Fixed route work transportation (to Goodwill).
4. Shopper escort service.
5. Transportation for Johnson County area care Xenter.
Five vans are currently in operation. The rural route is a five day
service from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The urban route is a seven day service
from 8:00 a. m. to 9:00 p.m.
Pro'ect Description: The basic nature of the S.E.A.T.S. service may
remain unchanged when the Senior Center opens. However, the new Senior
Center and nearby senior housing should significantly increase the demand
for service due to the concentration of activities and participants.
Priorities of improvement for the S.E.A.T.S. program include:
1. Replacement of the existing fleet - one or two of these replacement
vehicles should be lift -equipped.
2. Addition of new vehicles to meet increased service demands.
3. Acquisition of a radio dispatching center.
Relationshi to Other Center Activities: As a specialized transportation
system. S. .A.
A.T.S. coordinates w th various senior service providers and
organizations, particularly Congregate Meals, Johnson County Council on
Aging, and Johnson County Social Services. With the development of the
Senior Center, the potential of physical and communicative links provided
by S.E.A.T.S. could greatly broaden. Innovative, far-reaching plans
appealing to the largest group possible will fail or succeed depending on
whether the elderly are able to easily and safely reach the site.
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CONGREGATE MEALS
project Goals: To provide one nutritionally sound meal a day to
n v dua s 60 years or older who cannot afford to cook adequate meals,
lack skills in preparing nourishing meals, or have limited mobility for
shopping and cooking. Besides nutrition, the meals provide an opportunity
for socialization and exchange of information.
Asea Served: Johnson County.
Background: Congregate Meals, which includes home -delivered meals,
operates a seven day lunch program through an alternating service at five
sites in Iowa City. Programs addressed to nutrition and health education
are coordinated with the luncheon program. Special diets are available
if ordered by a physician but are limited to bland, basic diabetic diets,
and no added salt. Congregate Meals is a non-profit program supported by
Title VII, federal funds and funding from the Johnson County Board of
Supervisors. In addition, it receives voluntary contributions from
participants.
Project Description: Congregate Meals will operate a centralized service
M
the benior Center. Some sites could be eliminated due to increased
dining space and a more efficient kitchen at the Center. As a result,
increased transportation to the Center may be needed. If there is
sufficient funding to staff additional services, Congregate Meals would
consider expanding their present program to include: assistance with food
stamps and surplus commodities, emergency food pantry, food cooperative,
gardening and preserving food, meal planning and preparation, and the
addition of an evening meal.
Relations hi to Other Center Activities: The Congregate Meal program
works with many community agencies which have contact with the elderly.
Their closest relationships are with Council on Aging, Visiting Nurses
Association, S.E.A.T.S., and Johnson County Department of Social
Services. The opportunity to develop and utilize joint services with
these and other agencies should be enhanced at the Senior Center.
JOHNSON COUNTY COUNCIL ON AGING
Proect Goals: To address unmet needs relevant to individuals 60 years or
o der to the community. Through its programs of advocacy, information and
referral, outreach, and supportive services, Council on Aging attempts to
maintain and promote dignity, independence, and freedom of choice in the
lives of older people.
Area Served: Johnson County.
Background: The Council on Aging is a non-profit volunteer organization
which provides a variety of services including assistance with rent and
property tax rebate forms, shoppers aid, telephone reassurance, friendly
visting, handyman and chore services, and special development projects.
This is in addition to the services mentioned above.
MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
cCnAR RAPIDS -OCs Mnlacs
V_. '
3
Project Description: The Council on Aging serves as the umbrella agency
for primary direct services and projects relating to the elderly. Through
its information and referral service, it is able to link the elderly with
resources in the community and identify unmet needs. It seeks to fill
those needs either through services originating in the agency or by
advocating with other agencies, organizations, or individuals to provide
those services. The Council on Aging services will be especially
important at the Senior Center where expectations of the elderly of
available, easily accessible services will be high.
Relationshi to Other Center Activities: Council on Aging will maintain
a broad rage o working re ationsh ps with agencies, organizations, and
individuals that relate to concerns and programs for the elderly. The
concentration of elderly and close proximity of other program services at
the Senior Center should promote coordination and communication among
these agencies while increasing usage of the services.
VISITING NURSES ASSOCIATION OF JOHNSON COUNTY
Promo ect Goals: VNA accepts responsibility to promote health by
identr ifying individual and community health problems, working toward
possible solutions, assisting in community health problems, and working
cooperatively with other organizations and services.
Area Served: Johnson County.
Back round: VNA is a voluntary, non-profit agency which provides direct
c iint services in a variety of settings: homes, clinic, and group
gatherings. VNA intervenes for purposes of group care and treatment,
teaching client and/or family, and monitoring diseased states while
promoting client independence. Over 50 percent of VNA clients are 60
years of age and older and are predominantly female. Three program
categories address health needs of the elderly population:
1. Home health - professional services and disease control; i.e.,
nursing care, occupational, physical, or speech therapy.
2. Elderly health services - counselling, screening, and education.
3. Home health aid services.
Project Descn: VNA has been actively involved in planning the
hea tritioh p ase an program for the Senior Center. In the development and
provision of health services within the Senior Center, VNA would
interface with a variety of other community resources and could provide a
range of services. The complexity and degree of availability of services
depends on increased funding to have staff available for planning,
implementing, and monitoring programs. Health screening services and
educational programs are currently proposed.
MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS.DES 110111ES
�
4
Relationshi to Other Center Activities: Currently, VNA works closely
w th Counc 1 on g ng, Congregate Meals, and Johnson County Social
Services. The greater concentration of elderly at the Center along with
the coordination of services provided to the elderly should encourage
greater use of their services.
INFORMATION AND REFERRAL
Project Goals: To link older people in the community with existing
teir needs and roble, instruction
lsery ocate eservice,Ih wotohre ch an agency and the person to contact. where to
Area Served: Johnson County.
Background: The Johnson County Council on Aging operates an information
and referral services for the elderly. The Heritage Agency on Aging funds
this service and subcontracts with the Council on Aging to provide it.
The sfree telephone ne number iseavailable ts per o residents of the counp. m. A
county.
toll
Proiect Description: This service should be one of the strongest
components o t e Senior Center. Presently, it suffers from underfunding,
understaffing, and lack of office space for staff. The Center should
provide information and referral with adequate space, and promote the
visibility and accessibility it is lacking. Both service providers and
participants should find information and referral services beneficial in
coping with the fragmentation and frustration caused by the lack of
coordination among programs.
Relationshi to Other Center Activities: Information and Referral serves
as the central referralorganization for all services and community
resources available that address the needs of the elderly.
r" -
MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS -DES 1101DES
AGENCY FUNDING BUDGET
SCUrRCE(S) FY80 FY81
V.N.A.
UNITED
1'1'Ali!
NCY--
40,500
JOHNSON
]CUN'FY
87,275
91,775
ITHER(FEE
52,766
TO
16
MEDICARE
ETc.)
126,415
135,656
RES. FUND
CARRIED.
2,291
15,731
RES. DOHA—
338
33
TIONS
DESIG. BY
BOARD
20 , 500
0
TOTAL 1274,069 I 284,000
AMT. BUDGETED # CF STAFF r CF SER- _ STAFF #SERVICE
SERVICES TO 7LDEPS.Y ALLOCATED VICE CCN— DRCPOSED HOURS,
FY 80 FY81 TO ELDERLY TATS F.'ITzT FCR SR. AT SR.
PROFFAMS ELDERLY CEVTER CENTER
94,712 104 995 8.85 11,645 UNKNC10 UNKNOWN
(53%) I (52.9%) I (1978) I
CONGRE-
GATE
1'1'Ali!
NCY--
127,636
155,455
X27,636
155,455
21
52,766
TO
16
45.5
HR.�WiC,
VMLS
LE VII
(MEALS
KIND
11-9-79)
ATED
VICES
239040
24,000
S.E.A.T.ETA
12, 469
NOT AVAI
- 66,180
NOT
- 7TIIME
(ONEZWAY
TIME FULL-
W0•HRS,/
. REHA
. 85
ABLE
3 PART
RIDES IN
3 PART -
T GRAN
IRANS.
12,612
TIME
1978)
TIME
L TAX
UND
975
ITAGE
-%
NCY
NT
1,910
IES
35,625
ES
9,136
G. MEA
4,192
CO
-
TRACT (GO
-
ILL)
17
91 I}5
THER MIS
8
OHY.SON C
20,890
-
TOTAL
1C7,400
3
NO CURRENT
4 (INCLUDE
40 HR,/
COUNCIL
OWA CITY
NOT AVAII
- N.A .
I.A.
N.A
REPORT AVA
L' IA R)
ON AGING'
ITED WA
ABLE
Co.
_ I.
MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS -DES IICIIRES
AGENCY
V.N.A .
D
CONGREGATE
MEALS
SPACE ALLO-
CATION IN
SENICR CTR.
DIRECTOR'S OFFICE
FIRST AID ROOM
EXAM ROOM
INTERVIEW ROOM
(FUTURE DENTAL EXAM
ROOM)
TOTAL: 762 SQ. FT.
DIRECTORIS OFFICE
KITCHEN 321x62.51
DINING ROOM
411x62.51
BATHROOM
LOADING DOCK
ADD1L STORAGE IN
BOILER ROOM
TOTAL: 4562 SQ.
SENIOR CENTER EX?EN-ITITRE SUA4:AFY
FURNITURE FURNITURE/ SPACE CON -
FURNITURE
ALLOCATION EQUIPMENT ST3hC'PION* (EST.)
DESK -1
z
i
DESK CHAIR -1
's
y
SIDE CHAIR -4
ARM CHAIR -1
I
I
SPACE ALLO-
CATION IN
SENICR CTR.
DIRECTOR'S OFFICE
FIRST AID ROOM
EXAM ROOM
INTERVIEW ROOM
(FUTURE DENTAL EXAM
ROOM)
TOTAL: 762 SQ. FT.
DIRECTORIS OFFICE
KITCHEN 321x62.51
DINING ROOM
411x62.51
BATHROOM
LOADING DOCK
ADD1L STORAGE IN
BOILER ROOM
TOTAL: 4562 SQ.
SENIOR CENTER EX?EN-ITITRE SUA4:AFY
FURNITURE FURNITURE/ SPACE CON -
FURNITURE
ALLOCATION EQUIPMENT ST3hC'PION* (EST.)
DESK -1
4017.28
37,825.66
DESK CHAIR -1
SIDE CHAIR -4
ARM CHAIR -1
WRITING TABLE -1
LOUNGE COT -1
PAMPHLET RACK -2
BASE CABINET -1
DISPLAY CABINET -1
EXAM TABLE -1
EXAM STCCL-1
TREATPIENT CABINET -1
1n1ASTE RECEIVER -1
GOOSENECK LAMP -1
BLOOD PRESSURE SCOPE -1
OTO SCOPE -1
DOZER DESK XAGNIFIER-2
OPTHALMOSCOPE-1
FILES (3 -DRAWER )::2
WASTE BASKET -3
FULLY EQUIPPED KITCHEN''
T C HED
PPEITDIX FOR
DINING ROOM:
KITCHEATTACHED
OST
TABLES --
4g11-6
9143.00
226,457.60
36x72"-6
36x361t-9
CHAIRS -150
CHAIR CARTS -6
TABLE CARTS -4
CLOCKS -2
DIRECTOR'S CFFICE:
DESK -1
DESK CHAIR -1
SIDE CHAIR -1
WASTEBASKET -1
"SEE ATTACHED APPENDIX
+`w%.c.64/SQ. FT.
MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS -DFS IIOIIIES
PACE
PERA-
ION &
HINT.
EST.)
,67
I
AGENCY
! S.E.A.T.S.
i
COUNCIL CN
AGING
MULTI-
PURPOSE
AGENCY USE',
L
SPACE ALLO-
CATION I1)
SENIOR CTR.
OFFICE AREA
(L -SHAPED)
STORAGE IN BOILER
ROOM
TOTAL: 306 SQ. FT.
RECEPTION AND
SECRETARIAL AREA
DIRECTORIS OFFICE
INTERVIEW RCOM
704 SQ. FT.
I&R OFFICE
120 SQ. FT.
TOTAL: 824 SQ. FT.
OFFICE AREA
TOTAL: 458 sq. FT.
ADD+L SPACE BY
APPOINTMENT:
CONFERENCE ROOM
INTERVIEW RCOM IN
HEALTH SUITE
I& R SPACE ( IF NOT
STAFFED BY COA)
DINING RCOI i
CLASS ROOM
EQTJI PKENT/
FURNITURE
ALLOCATION
DESKS -2
DESK CHAIR -2
SIDE CHAIR -2
WASTE PA SKETS-2
DESKS -7
DESK CHAIRS -7
END TABLE -1
ARM CHAIR -4
SIDE CHAIR -7
TABLE -1
14ASTEBASKET-7
DESK -2
DESK CHAIR -2
FILES (3 -DRAWER) -6
14ASTE BASKET -2
MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS -DES 1101HES
SENIOR CENTER EXPENDITURE SUMMARY
FURNITURE/ SPACE CON- PACE
EQUIPMENT STRUCTION* (EST.) OPERA
-!-
PION &
INT.
(EST.)
1023.52 15,189.84
306
4891.32
2249.52
40,°03.36
22,735.12
*0.64/SQ. FT.
City of Iowa Cit
MEMORANDUM
DATE: November 30, 1979
TO: City Council
FROM: Patricia S. Brown, Director, Human Relations Departmentlt}Ylt�.-/
RE: Appointments to the Human Rights Commission
At the monthly meeting on November 28, 1979 ,
the Human Rights
Commission members discussed the three vacancies on the Commission.
Commissioners are interested that capable and concerned individuals
continue to be appointed by the City Council. Because of this
concern, the Human Rights Commission would like the opportunity
to present some input to the City Council members for your review
and consideration prior to making the appointments.
The Commission requests that Council appointments be postponed
from December 11 to December 18. This will enable the Commission
to review the applications, determine each applicant's interests
and capabilities, and submit a recommendation. The Commission's
recommendation would be an additional resource for the City
Council to consider when making appointments. The Commission
trusts you will give its request to postpone making the appoint-
ments serious consideration and awaits your reply.
MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS -DES n01nES
aa39
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
DATE: November 30, 1979
TO: City Council
FROM: Dennis R. Kraft, Director of Planning f, Program Development
RE: CDBG Progress Report - October 1979
Attached is a copy of the CDBG Progress Report for the month
of October, 1979.
DRK/ssw
Attachment
MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS•DES MONIES
aavo
I
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM
MONTHLY PROGRESS REPORT
OCTOBER 1979
Prepared: November 1979
Department of Planning & Program Development
MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS•OES FIOIIIES
If
i
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM
MONTHLY PROGRESS REPORT
OCTOBER 1979
Prepared: November 1979
Department of Planning & Program Development
MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS•OES FIOIIIES
■
9
PROGRESS REPORT: OCTOBER 1979
CDBG PROGRAM
I. CDBG Program Administration
Work in Progress:
1. Received printed Housing Information Pamphlet.
2. Initiated Small Cities project acquisition process - solicited pro-
posals for appraisal services.
3. Completed final draft of Small Cities project Environmental Review Record.
Work Planned:
1. Distribute Housing Information Pamphlet by 11-15-79.
2. Complete and publish Small Cities project ERR by 11-30-79.
3. Hold public meeting on 2nd year (FY81) Small Cities grant proposal: 11-28-79
4. Hold public meetings for Northside and Hickory Hill residents on proposed
NSI revisions by 11-29-79.
II. Housing Rehabilitation
Work in Progress:
1. Completed all FY79 emergency weatherization/rehabilitation cases.
2. Developed draft FY80 rehabilitation program manual.
Work Planned:
1. Continue to administer rehabilitation of Summit Street coop. apts. -
completion: spring 1980.
2. Review and process multi -family rehabilitation proposal (Iowa Apts.) for
funding under HUD 312 program by 11-30-79.
3. Distribute FY80 rehabilitation program manual for review by City Council,
CCN, and Housing Commission by 11-21-79. (Program to be initiated by
December 1)
III. Neighborhood Site Improvements
See separate detailed report.
IV. Ralston Creek Flood Control•
Work in Progress:
1. South Branch Dam
a,
Established just compensation and initiated negotiations on land to be
acquired.
MICROFILMED BY
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CEDAR RAPIDS•DES MOINES
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Work Planned:
1. South Branch Dam
Continue acquisition procedures with goal of awarding construction
contract in February or March 1980.
2. North Branch Dam
a. Continue final design and plans - complete by January 1980.
b. Contract for soil testing services by 11-15-79.
V. Housing Code Enforcement
Work in Progress and Planned:
f
Continue minimum housing code inspections and compliance follow-up in CDBG
project area -- 149 structures (est. 450 dwelling units) inspected during
October 1979.
c
VI. Aid to Victims of Spouse Abuse
Work in Progress:
a
1. Obtained HUD release of funds.
2. Prepared draft contract between City and AAVSA.
Work Planned:
1. Complete final contract between City and AAVSA by 11-30-79.
2. Maintain liaison with AAVSA to identify potential shelters for spouse
abuse victims (continuing).
VII. Senior Center
Work in Progress:
1. Hired program specialist.
2. Received initial construction cost estimates from independent source.
Work Planned:
1. Revise project design based on independent cost estimates by 11-15-79.
2. Update construction cost estimates (continuing).
3. Submit plans for independent review by 11-30-79. Revised goal for
awarding construction contract is February 1, 1980.
4. Develop contracts with service providers (continuing).
5. Revise contract with architectural firm by 11-15-79.
MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS•DES MOINES
.,
VIII. Comprehensive Plan
Work in Progress and Planned:
1. Continue review of revised zoning ordinance; complete by December 1979.
2. Continue developing area studies - first draft of Foster Road area study
completed.
3. Review draft Bikeway Plan with Riverfront, Resources Conservation,
Parks & Recreation, and Planning & Zoning Commissions.
4. Outlined annexation study to be completed this fiscal year.
IX. Energy Conservation
Work in Progress:
1. Reviewed applicants to receive grants under pilot solar demonstration project.
2. Initiated review of zoning and subdivision ordinance for proposed energy
conservation measures (continuing).
Work Planned:
1. Select recipients of pilot solar demonstration awards by 11-15-79.
2. Solicit bids for work under pilot solar demonstration project by 11-30-79.
3. Weather permitting, initiate heat loss identification program during
November 1979.
9 X. River Corridor Improvements
Work in Progress:
v
r, 1. Completed boat ramp project ERR.
2. Obtained memorandum of understanding with Airport Commission to build
boat ramp at Sturgis Ferry Park.
3. Submitted applications for river encroachment to Corps of Engineers, Iowa
x; Natural Resources Council, and other agencies.
Work Planned:
1. Develop final plans for boat ramp - complete by 12-21-79.
2. Publish ERR and required notices by 11-23-79. Release of funds anticipated
12-14-79.
3. Continue Riverfront Commission review of River Corridor Overlay Zone during
November 1979.
XI. Urban Redevelopment:
Work in Progress and Planned:
1. Continue Block 83 parking ramp construction - anticipate partial opening
11-21-79; final completion spring 1980.
2. Decide on award of contract to construct Block 64 parking ramp by 11-13-79
in order to begin construction by 11-26-79.
3. Complete Streetscape Phase II -A construction by 11-30-79.
MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS -DES 110111ES
-4-
4. Prepare Streetscape Phase II -B design and plans (continuing).
5. Monitor preparation of Block 64 hotel site disposition prospectus -
complete by December 1979.
Z
XII. Neighborhood Park Improvements
j Work Planned:
Obtain LWCF matching grant - application under review until 12-15-79.
MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS.DES M0INES
n
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT
NEIGHBORHOOD SITE IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM
MONTHLY PROGRESS REPORT
OCTOBER FY -80
Prepared: November 1979
Bruce Knight, Planner/Program Analyst
Pat Keller, Planner/Program Analyst
Department of Planning & Program Development
MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS•DES MOINES
PROGRESS REPORT
NEIGHBORHOOD SITE IMPROVEMENTS
1. Playground Equipment
Through the Neighborhood Site Improvements Program, five neighborhood parks:
College Green, Creekside, Hickory Hill, Oak Grove and Mark Twain were to be
enhanced by the addition of new equipment.
This project has been completed except for the installation of shelters at
Mark Twain School and Oak Grove Park. These are expected to be in by Novem-
ber 21.
Financial Status
Budget Allocation: $17,500.00
Encumbered: $13,615.50 (5,469.50 + 8,146.00)
Expended: -0-
2. Bus Stop Equipment
Three areas in the Neighborhood Site Improvements Program selected bus stop
equipment to be placed throughout their neighborhoods. Longfellow, Creek -
side, and Northside opted for a variety of equipment to be installed.
Activities Schedule
Order equipment August 17
Receive equipment October 5
Install shelters and benches November (13-23).
Financial Status
Budget Allocation
Encumbered:
Expended:
Completed Delayed
X
X
$24,500 (equipment, $19,500/installation, $5,000)
$11,186.00
-0-
Bus stop equipment has arrived, and residents have been contacted to insure
<< that there are no objections to having a shelter or bench placed adjacent
to their property. Arrangements are currently being made to hire a con-
tractor to install the equipment during November.
i;
'.i
MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS•DES I10IIIES
M I
-. ^
-2-
3. Tree Planting
All of the areas in the Neighborhood Site Improvements Program are involved
in the tree planting project. Residents were to be responsible for planting
trees in the public grass strips in front of their homes.
Activities Schedule Completed Delayed
Receive trees November 1-3 X
Plant trees November 3 X
This project is now completed. A total of 361 trees were distributed and
planted.
Financial Status
Budget Allocation: $21,000.00
Encumbered: $18,276.55
Expended: -0-
4. Beautification
The beautification project of the Neighborhood Site Improvements Program
addresses two specific areas of concern. These are: (1) the intersection
of Muscatine and Burlington and (2) the division of commercial and residential
areas between Highland Court (commercial) and Keokuk Court (residential).
A. Court and Muscatine:
This project includes the planting of trees along Muscatine Avenue be-
tween Court and Burlington Streets. Planting behind the barricade at
Burlington and Muscatine is also scheduled.-:_
Activities Schedule Completed Delayed
Award contract October 30 X
?j Plant trees November 15
B. Commercial and Residential:
Along the border between Diana Street and Highland Court, residents
have complained that the commercial properties along Highland Court
create visual and noise problems for the residents. Consequently,
evergreens will be planted northward along the border of residential
and commercial areas from Diana Court.
Activities Schedule Completed Delayed
i;
Order trees October 15 X
Plant trees October 30 X
i
MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS -DES 110NES
M ,
s
1 -3-
Financial Status (both activities)
Budget Allocation: $4,500.00
Encumbered: $4,500.00
Expended: -0-
Specific tree locations on Beautification Project B are still being negotiated
with residential and commercial property owners. However, general locations
have been picked and the trees for this project have been purchased in the
overall tree planting project.
5. Alley Graveling
Through the Neighborhood Site Improvement Program, alleys in four areas:
Hickory Hill, Creekside, Highland and South Central were to be graded,
graveled and rolled. Since funding was sufficient, it was decided that the
gravel alleys in the Northside area should also be done.
This project has been closed out. Any alleys which may have been missed
originally are currently being gravelled using excess gravel which was stock-
piled.
Financial Status
Budgeted: $39,250.00
Encumbered: $39,250.00
Expended: $34,907.31
s 6. Alley Paving
:S
w� Two alleys are to be paved through the Neighborhood Site Improvements Program.
The two alleys are both in the Northside area and each services a church
zj which is a congregate meal site.
Activity Schedule
Completed Delayed
_?
Contract awarded October 2 x
( Pave alleys October 2 -November 15
�y
Financial Status
Budgeted: $30,000.00
(•; Encumbered: $23,808.41
Expended: -0-
The deadline for completing this contract has been set at November 15. At
this point in time, both alleys have been paved, and the contractor is com-
pleting clean-up work. This project is in the process of being closed out.
i`
MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOInES
I
r
f
7
-4-
Special Alley Project
This project concerns the north -south alley which runs from the Burlington
Street -Muscatine Avenue intersection to the Court Street -Oakland Avenue inter-
section. $8,020 was originally set aside for a partial closing (southern
half) and the replacement of the broken concrete surface (northern half) of
the alley. Two surveys of neighborhood residents have been conducted, and a
neighborhood meeting was held. Residents of the immediate area generally
favor erecting signs at the alley for one-way traffic from north to south,
and placing an asphalt topping over the broken concrete. CCN concurs with
this recommendation as it will reduce traffic hazards at the Burlington -
Muscatine intersection.
Activity Schedule Completed Delayed
Repair of alley by Streets Department November 30
Erection of signs making alley one-way south
November 30
Financial Status
Budgeted: $ 8,020.00
Encumbered: -0-
Expended: -0-
Although original plans included an asphalt overlay for this alley, engineer-
ing staff has recommended that patch work be done instead. The driveway
leading into the northwest end of the alley does not have enough grade to
allow an asphalt overlay without creating drainage problems for the resi-
dent. Arrangements have been made for the Public Works Department to do
Patchwork on this alley and install the appropriate signs.
ev�.._
MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS -DES 110InEs
FJ
,_.
-5-
Two areas have an asphalt overlay project carried out through the Neighbor-
hood Site Improvements Program: In Hickory Hill, the one block of East
Washington east of Muscatine; in Highland, as much of Highland Avenue as
Possible, with the funding available (this segment has been left to the dis-
cretion of the Engineering Department).
This project has been completed and is now closed out.
Financial
Budgeted:
Encumbered:
$28,500.00
Expended:
$28,738.95
$27,103.94
9. Pedestrian Crosswalks
It was decided in the Highland Area that the feasibility of installing
trian cycles in the traffic lights
pedes-
at Highway 6 and
Sycamore should be investigated. If the
Keokuk and
Highway 6 and
pedestrian
they would then be ordered and installed through the
ment Program.
cycles were warranted,
Neighborhood Site Improve-
Activity
Completed
Delayed
Do pedestrian counts July 15-20
Prepare report on feasibility August 1-15
If feasible
X
X
send request to IDOT August 15-31
Receive approval (or disapproval) from
X
IDOT September 30
If approved order equipment October 1
X
Receive and install equipment November 1-15
X (Dec. 1)
Financial
X (See below)
Budgeted: $2,800.00
Encumbered: _0
Expended: _0_
Approval was recently received from IDOT for a pedestrian cycle at the inter-
section of Highway 6 and Sycamore. This project may run a little over the
original estimate, although it may be possible to divert some of the money
budgeted for the Kirkwood Avenue curb and gutter project (see project number 12).
Work will begin on this project as soon as possible.
In regards to the pedestrian cycle at the intersection of Keokuk and Highway 6,
the matter was discussed at the October CCN meeting. CCN recommended that
Public Works continue to investigate the possibilities at this intersection
to determine if something can be worked out.
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10. Curb Ramps
The curb ramp program was developed using a combination of Architectural Barrier
Removal and Neighborhood Site Improvements funds. The curb ramps were located
through suggestions from handicapped interest groups and residents present at
the Neighborhood Site Improvement neighborhood meetings.
Activity Schedule Completed Delayed
Award contract October 2 X
Carry out project October 5 (in progress)
Financial Status
Budgeted: $57,250 (Architectural Barrier, 50,000/NSI, 7,250)
Encumbered: $48,423.60
Expended: -0-
Curb ramps have been completed at several locations (e.g., the intersection
of Highland Avenue and Keokuk St.). The bulk of the work will be completed
next spring.
11. Sidewalk Repair
Five neighborhoods were scheduled to be involved in a sidewalk repair project
#'( through the Neighborhood Site Improvement program: Northside, Longfellow,
Creekside, South Central and Hickory Hill. Two of these areas, Northside
and Hickory Hill, were set up to include the use of NSI funds as well as
k; property assessments. The other three neighborhoods will be done strictly
through NSI funding.
a�
Activity Schedule Completed Delayed
Award contract October 23 X
Carry out project October 30 . . .
Financial Status
Budgeted: $157,000.00
Encumbered: $ 85,394.40
Expended: -0-
A contract has been awarded for the sidewalk repair program in the Long-
fellow, Creekside and South Central areas. It is unlikely that work will
actually begin this fall which is probably for the best since salt is very
damaging to the surface of new concrete. Therefore work will begin as soon
as possible next spring.
The sidewalk repair program in the Northside and Hickory Hill area will be
inspected and bid next spring (pending the outcome of residents meetings to
be held in these two areas).
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r.'
12. Curb Repair
The Highland Area requested to do curb and gutter repair along Kirkwood Avenue
through the NSI program. This project was to include repairing the curb and
installing curb cuts on Kirkwood Avenue from Webster Street to Lower Muscatine.
Financial Status
Budgeted: $32,000.00
Encumbered: -0-
Expended: -0-
Comments:
Through recent conversations with the Engineering Department, it has become
apparent that this project is not economically feasible with the current
budget. It has been determined that by replacing the curb and gutter along
Kirkwood Avenue, the curb would be higher than the sidewalk. Since most of
the street is relatively flat, it would not be possible to drain the water
off the sidewalks. Therefore, it would be necessary to replace most of the
sidewalk as well as the curb and gutter, making this project overly expen-
sive for the benefit received. For this reason, the staff recommends drop-
ping this project and replacing it with something else.
This information will be presented to CCN for a recommendation at their next
meeting.
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The proportion of money unencumbered to money budgeted is currently about 64%.
This figure has almost doubled since the end of September due to contracts being
awarded on the following projects: Tree Planting, Beautification, three areas
(Northside, Creekside and South Central) of the Sidewalk Repair, Asphalt Over-
lay and Curb Ramps.
In order to update the residents of the Neighborhood Site Improvements areas on
the progress of all the projects, staff currently plans to send out a newsletter
to the residents of all areas. This newsletter will be sent out during the month
of November.. Also, meetings are scheduled with the residents of the Northside and
Hickory Hill areas at the end of November. These meetings will be for the purpose
of discussing alternatives to the sidewalk repair program for these two areas.
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FINANCIAL SUMMARY - NSI
PROJECTS
Project
Total Budgeted
Encumbered
Expended
1.
Playground Equipment
$ 17,500.00
$ 13,615.50
$ -0-
2.
Bus Stop Equipment
24,500.00
11,186.00
-0-
3.
Tree Planting
21,000.00
18,276.55
-0-
4.
Beautification
Court & Muscatine
2,500.00
2,500.00
-0-
Commercial & Residential 2,000.00
2,000.00
-0-
1.
Alley Graveling
$ 39,250.00
$ 34,907.31
$ 39,250.00
2.
Alley Paving
30,000.00
23,808.41
-0-
3.
Special Alley Project
8,020.00
-0-
-0-
4.
Asphalt Overlay
28,500.00
28,738.95
27,103.94
5.
Pedestrian Crosswalk
2,800.00
-0-
-0-
6.
Curb Ramps
57,250.00
48,423.60
-0-
7.
Sidewalk Repair
169,500.00
85,394.40
-0-
8.
Curb Repair
32,000.00
-0-
-0-
TOTAL
$422,820.00
$273,193.41
$ 62,011.25
The proportion of money unencumbered to money budgeted is currently about 64%.
This figure has almost doubled since the end of September due to contracts being
awarded on the following projects: Tree Planting, Beautification, three areas
(Northside, Creekside and South Central) of the Sidewalk Repair, Asphalt Over-
lay and Curb Ramps.
In order to update the residents of the Neighborhood Site Improvements areas on
the progress of all the projects, staff currently plans to send out a newsletter
to the residents of all areas. This newsletter will be sent out during the month
of November.. Also, meetings are scheduled with the residents of the Northside and
Hickory Hill areas at the end of November. These meetings will be for the purpose
of discussing alternatives to the sidewalk repair program for these two areas.
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MEMORANnUM
Date: November 29, 1979
To: City Council
From: Dennis R. Kraft, Director,
Dept. of Planning & Program Development
Re: Environmental Review Record for Small Cities Project
Attached for your information is a copy of the Environmental Review
Record (ERR) for the Small Cities/Lower Ralston Creek Neighborhood
Revitalization Project. Environmental Review is a required and
fundamental step in the application process for Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds from the Department of Housing
and Urban Development. The findings of the Environmental Review have
been discussed with the Committee on Community Needs (CCN) and with
neighborhood residents, and the ERR document has been thoroughly
reviewed by staff.
The legal notices required by HUD (see Appendices H, I, and J of the
ERR) are scheduled to be published on December 10, 1979. The
official public comment period will be from December 10 - December
26, 1979. The Request for Release of Funds and Certification (see
Appendix K of the ERR) for this Project will be sent to HUD on or
about December 18, 1979.
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.1
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
RECORD
FOR
LOWER
RALSTON CREEK NEIGHBORHOOD
REVITALIZATION PROJECT
1,
City of Iowa City
Department of Planning & Program
Development
NOVEMBER 1979
':CRL1;1"i:.
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ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW RECORD
AND
— NOTICE OF INTENT NOT TO FILE
AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
FOR
LOWER RALSTON CREEK NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATIONAMALL CITIES PROJECT
I
Prepared by:
City of Iowa City
Department of Planning and Program Development
—� Dennis R. Kraft, Director
James A. Hencin, CDBG Program Coordinator
R. Michael Flaherty, Project Director
Kevin Laverty, Environmental Review Planner
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Purpose
of Environmental Review Record.
I.
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. 3
II.
Project Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. 5
A. Location and General Setting
B. Goals and Objectives
C. Project Elements
D. Implementation Schedule
E. Project Budget
F. Relationship to Other Projects
G. Departmental and Agency Responsibilities
III.
Environmental Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. 19
A. Physical Environment
B. Social and Economic Environment
C. Aesthetic Environment
IV.
Environmental Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. 32
V.
Evaluation of Impacts and Assessment of Alternatives . . . . .
. 40
A. Evaluation of Adverse Impacts
B. Enhancement of the Environment
.,
C. Consideration of Alternative Projects and of No Project
D. Steps Planned to Minimize Adverse Impacts
VI.
Level of Clearance Finding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. 52
'!
VII.
Notices and Reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. 53
i1
VIII.
Further Reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. 55
,.
IX.
Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. 56
A. Site Visit
B. Historic Review
C. Land Use Survey
D. Comprehensive Plan Goals and Policies
E. Early Public Review
F. Presentation to Committee on Community Needs (CCN)
G. Discussion of Environmental Review at Neighborhood
Meeting
H. Notice of Action Affecting a Flood Plain
I. Notice of Finding of No Significant Effect Upon
the Environment
—
J. Notice to Public of Request for Release of Funds
K. Request for Release of Funds and Certification
X.
References and Contacts for the Environmental Review . . • • •
• 95
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ABSTRACT
This document constitutes the official Environmental Review Record for
the Lower Ralston Creek Neighborhood Revitalization/Small Cities Project.
The Record focuses on the goals and objectives of the Project, assesses
the potential impacts of the Project on the physical, social, and
aesthetic environment, and considers alternatives to the Project.
The City of Iowa City concludes that there will be no significant adverse
environmental effects caused by this Project.
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PROJECT NAME: Lower Ralston Creek Neighborhood Revitalization Project
CDBG Number: B -79 -DN -19-0048
SUBMITTING AGENCY: Department of Planning 6 Program Development
Citity
CivioCenter,f Iowa C410
cE. Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
PURPOSE:
This Environmental Review Record (ERR) has been prepared in order to
record, display, and evaluate all impacts that the Small Cities/Lower
Ralston Creek Neighborhood Revitalization Project will have on the
social, physical, and aethestic environment of the Lower Ralston Creek
area. In accordance with HUD regulations --contained at 24 CFR 58.5(d) --
the City of Iowa City must determine the nature, magnitude and extent of
all environmental impacts; and must evaluate changes or alternatives in
the Project that would eliminate or minimize adverse impacts.
This ERR will lead to the "level of clearance" finding, i.e., the
determination of whether the Project will significantly affect the
quality of the human environment. If there will be a significant effect,
an Environmental Impact Statement is required.
Finally, the ERR will be made available for public review and comment
before HUD will approve the release of any funds for the Small Cities
Project.
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SUMMARY
Ralston Creek flooding has historically created threats to life,
health, and property. The Ralston Creek channel improvements which
are part of the proposed $2,000,000 Small Cities/Lower Ralston Creek
Neighborhood Revitalization Project -- which will contain a flood as
large as the 100 -year frequency event between Gilbert Street and
Kirkwood Avenue -- will be a major public facilities improvement in
the development of Iowa City.
This Environmental Review of the Small Cities Project shows that no
significant negative effect on the quality of the human environment
will be produced by the Project, and that activities proposed as part
of the Project will not require preparation of an Environmental
Impact Statement. The Project provides for implementation of a
portion of the Storm Water Management Plan for Ralston Creek, and
property disposition will be carried out to conform with the
Comprehensive Plan Map and a wide range of adopted goals and
Policies.
On the other hand, the Project does not completely measure up to all
HUD policies nor to specific goals of the Iowa City Comprehensive
Plan relating to housing opportunities and the preservation of low
and moderate income residential areas. (See pages 34-39 of this
document). In an attempt to avoid these adverse impacts, the
Environmental Review has examined a variety of alternatives to the
proposed Lower Ralston Creek Project. None of these alternatives can
offer a practicable means of avoiding these adverse impacts while
providing protection from Ralston Creek flooding.
The most important aspect of the Small Cities/Lower Ralston Creek
Neighborhood Revitalization Project -- in terms of environmental
effects, planning, and expenditure funds -- is the control of Ralston
Creek flooding. Impacts upon the physical, social and aesthetic
aspects of the human environment will be long-term and extremely
beneficial. In addition to protection of individual residential and
commercial properties, public facilities -- including drainage,
sanitary sewer, and major streets -- will be greatly improved.
Approximately 12 residential structures in several locations in and
around the Small Cities Area will no longer be in the floodplain and
will then become eligible for housing rehabilitation under Federal
dispn
laced by the Small 'Cities CitiesrProject happear cto be substandard, and
the residences in the southern half of the Project Area are likely to
becandwill continue Mtonbeunder the impacted bytth'e effectseofZarterialdstreets
and/or train noise.
The major adverse effect of Project activities is the net loss of
housing units in the Small Cities Area. The relocation of owner -
occupants and renters must be carried out with extreme diligence and
care. Five of the units that may be displaced are owner -occupied
single-family homes. Replacement housing at anywhere near the
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current assessed values of these homes is not likely to be found in
Iowa City. It is important to note that the removal of seven housing
units on the 900 block of South Dubuque Street and the 200 block of
East Benton Street (as well as two commercial structures) is not
necessary to make the Ralston Creek channel improvements nor to
remove the parcels from the floodplain. The City's application to
HUD proposes that these structures will be removed so that parcels
can be assembled by the City and sold to private concerns. The City
Council has approved a schedule for appraisals of and offers to
purchase all properties, in three stages. Under consideration are
alternatives that would grant life estates to certain owner -
occupants and/or relocate suitable structures.
Although the disposition element of the Project is consistent with
the Comprehensive Plan Map, the current designation for land
consumptive use should be considered further. Based upon land
available for disposition, general commercial use may be a more
suitable land use designation.
In addition, there are opportunities available to enhance the
environment which have not been addressed in the Small Cities Project
as proposed. These might be considered as detailed budgets are
prepared. The most significant of these opportunities are:
1. provision of housing beyond levels stated in the pre -
application,
2, utilization of Ralston Creek channel improvements as a park or
park -like setting,
3, construction of bicycle/pedestrian paths along the west bank of
Ralston Creek and across the Creek at Lafayette Street, and
4, encouragement of small locally -owned businesses which could not
otherwise enter the market through the formation of a Small
Business Investment Corporation.
In the analysis of alternatives, it has been determined that none of
the alternatives considered in depth (see Section V C. of the ERR)
would result in a significant negative impact upon the environment.
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II. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
A. LOCATION AND GENERAL SETTING
The Lower Ralston Creek Neighborhood (Small Cities CDBG Project
Area) covers approximately 10 square blocks immediately to the
south of the east one-half of downtown Iowa City. As shown in
Figure 1 the boundaries of the Project Area are Court Street on
the north, Gilbert Street on the east, Kirkwood Avenue on the
south and Dubuque Street on the west.
A major feature of the Project Area is the lower reach of
Ralston Creek, which enters the Iowa River approximately one-
quarter mile downstream (southwest) from Kirkwood Avenue.
Ralston Creek and its branches drain a total of 5,500 acres,
which include Iowa City's downtown and most eastside
residential areas, plus extensive agricultural land.
The Project Area is a diverse area of mixed residential and
commercial land uses. It is thoroughly discussed in Sections
III.A.3. and III.8.1. of this report.
5
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Figure 1
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.N.1BENTON ST I LEGEND
aBENTON
I
STREET
Boundaries of
r
a &gnWl Cltlee ArN
W „
KIRKWOOD
CITY OF IOWA CI
" SCAIE1I'•100'
REVISID.
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B. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Goal:
To eliminate blight and the causes of blight and to encourage
private reinvestment in the Lower Ralston Creek Neighborhood.
Project Objectives:
1. To eliminate the threat of flooding in the Lower Ralston
Creek Neighborhood through channel improvements designed
to contain one hundred year frequency floods throughout
the reaches of the project area.
2. To reduce flooding in Iowa City's central neighborhoods
through the contraction of the flood plain resulting from
channel improvements.
3. To eliminate blight by allowing for the use of housing
rehabilitation assistance to dwelling units previously
ineligible for such assistance due to their location
within the floodplain.
4. To eliminate the health and safety hazards of current
substandard housing units by relocating residents to
decent, safe and sanitary housing units in a non -flood
prone area.
5. To assemble fragmented parcels of appropriate size to be
sold for redevelopment with uses as specified in the
Comprehensive Plan, thereby promoting more rational land
use.
Short-term Objectives:
1. To acquire 21 complete parcels and small portions of four
additional parcels along the west bank of Ralston Creek,
between Harrison Street and Kirkwood Avenue, in order to
facilitate Ralston Creek channel improvements, remove
deteriorated structures, and allow for the assembly of
parcels for resale and reuse.
2. To provide financial and relocation assistance to 16
households and 6 businesses which will be displaced by the
Project.
3. To remove 18 primary and 7 accessory structures in order to
facilitate proposed Ralston Creek improvements, to remove
blighting influences from the neighborhood, and to begin
preparing for resale and redevelopment.
- 4. To alter the Ralston Creek channel in order to provide
sufficient capacity to contain one hundred year frequency
7
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floods throughout the channel reach from Harrison Street
to Kirkwood Avenue.
5. To prepare a site suitable for development of housing to be
used by low-income residents.
6. To provide technical and financial assistance to home
owners rehabilitating and flood proofing houses formerly
in the flood plain.
7. To administer the Small Cities program, insuring that it
complies with state, federal and local policies and
regulations; and to monitor the project to assure comple-
tion in
a satisfactory manner within the allotted time.
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C. PROJECT ELEMENTS
1. Land Acquisition
a. Property Proposed to be Acquired
The real property to be acquired in the Lower Ralston
Creek Neighborhood is identified on the Land
Acquisition Map (see Figure 2). Properties are
identified for acquisition as follows:
(1) properties which encroach on the Ralston Creek
floodway,
(2) properties which are required in order to make
the necessary channel improvements.
(3) properties which are now and will continue to be
subject to flooding,
(4) properties necessary to assemble land into
parcels of adequate size to allow for
redevelopment in accordance with the objectives
of this plan, the Iowa City Comprehensive Plan,
and the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Iowa
City.
b. Conditions Under Which Pro arty not Designated for
Acquisition may be Acquiri9d
Property not designated for acquisition may be
acquired by the City of Iowa City if the acquisition
of such property is necessary for one or more of the
purposes set forth above at Paragraph 0, 1, a.
u C. Conditions Under Which Property Identified to be
' Acquired may be Exempted from Acquisition
Properties presently designated for acquisition but
which are not otherwise necessary to accomplish the
objectives of this neighborhood redevelopment plan
may be exempted from acquisition by the City of Iowa
City at any time, without entering into any agreement
with the owner(s), if such exemption is determined by
the Iowa City City Council to be in the best interest
of the project.
2. Relocation
To insure that the acquisition of commercial properties
and homes does not cause unnecessary hardship for
businesses and residents displaced by the project, the
City of Iowa City will provide relocation benefits and
assistance according to the requirements of the Uniform
g
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ACQUISITION MAP
PROPERTY TO BE ACQUIRED
l
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STREET CLOSED TO TRAFFIC
VACATED STREETS
00 BLOCK NUMBER
-r a PARCEL NUMBER
CITY OF IOWA CITY
' SCALE
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3.
i
4.
■
Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Act of
1970 and applicable State and local laws.
Demolition and Clearance
Property identified on the Land Acquisition Map, Figure 2,
will be cleared of all improvements for one or more of the
following purposes:
a. to facilitate Ralston Creek improvements,
b. to remove blighting influences from the neighborhood,
C. to allow for private redevelopment or construction of
public improvemetns or facilities.
Public Improvements
The Ralston Creek channel will be improved in order to
contain 100 -year frequency floods throughout the project
area (see Figure 3). The proposed improvements include
the following:
a. Channel Improvements
(1) To excavate and expand the west bank of Ralston
Creek from Gilbert Street to Kirkwood Avenue.
To place and compact fill along the west bank
and at low areas along the east bank.
(2) To stabilize creek banks with rip -rap and sod.
(3) To install sheet piling on the east bank of the
creek between Lafayette and Benton Streets.
b. Ma.ior Structures
(1) To construct a new railroad bridge and railroad
bed at Lafayette Street.
(2) To construct a new culvert on the west side of
the existing Benton Street culvert.
C. Interior Drainage
(1) To install storm water pumping stations on
either creek bank at Benton Street.
5. Housing
The project will provide expanded opportunities for low
and moderate income households in the following manner:
11
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Figure 3
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MPARR-
DISPOSITION
r / . i RALSTON CRFFK IMPROVIMENT1
O ASSISTED HOUSING SITE
- .Sr HOUSING
'fir✓ 1 Q REHABILITATION
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PROJICT
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�. BOUNDARY
STREET CLOSED TO TRAFFIC
MR
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•' �1-j�L� 00 ROCK NUMBER
PARCEL NUMBER
CITY OF IOWA CITYn
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17
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i
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i
—
i
i
a
a. Housing Site Location
To provide a site suitable for development of up to
ten units of traditional public housing or federally
assisted housing (see Figure 3). The number of units
which can be provided on this site depends upon how
much land is available after creek improvements, and
upon the possible vacation of at least a portion of
the Harrison Street right-of-way.
b. Housing Rehabilitation
To offer technical and financial assistance to
homeowners with the purpose of rehabilitation and
floodproofing homes formerly in the floodplain (see
Figure 3). All improvements will be made in
compliance with the Building Code of the City of Iowa
City and all rehabilitated units will, as a minimum,
meet HUD Section 8 Existing Housing Quality
Standards.
6. Disposition
Disposition of all properties acquired for the project
will for either of the following purposes: (see Figure 3)
a. To be dedicated or sold for construction of public
improvements or facilities as described above at
Paragraphs D, 4 and D, 5, a.
b. To be sold for private redevelopment in accordance
with land use designations of the Iowa City
Comprehensive Plan.
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D. IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE
FY80 FY81 FY82
I i
Oct!Jan-Apr-July / Oct,Jan-Apr!July / OctyJan-Apr-July
ACQUISITION
I i
RELOCATION
i
DEMOLITION 6 CLEARANCE
RALSTON CREEK
CHANNEL IMPROVEMENTS
I
� � I
HOUSING REHABILITATION I I
I
LAND DISPOSITION I I F—ij
I
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ADMINISTRATION I
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E. PROJECT BUDGET
1. Budget Summary
PROJECT
Acquisition
21 parcels including structures and portions of four parcels.
Relocation*
Moving expenses for families $ individuals
(16 households)
Replacement housing for homeowners (6 households $ 8,000
)
Replacement housing for renters (10 households 90,000
Relocation payments to businesses (6) ) 40,000
j
Total relocation benefits 60,000
Demolition and Clearance
18 primary and 7 accessory structures
Ralston Creek Improvements**
Demolition and construction of a new railroad
bridge trestle at a higher elevation at
Lafayette Street and raising and rebuilding
the railroad bed from Gilbert Street to
Dubuque Street.
Excavation and expansion of the Ralston Creek
west bank and replacement and compaction of
fill on adjacent land south of the railroad
tracks.
Excavation and expansion of the Ralston Creek
west bank and replacement and compaction of
fill on adjacent land.
Replacement of rip -rap and sod on Ralston
Creek banks.
Enlargement of Benton Street culvert and
reconstruction of street segment.
Installation of stormwater pumping station
at Benton Street.
General landscaping including sidewalk
replacement.
Reconstruction of water and sewer utilities.
Total
Housing Programs
Site preparation for subsidized new
construction housing
Housing Rehabilitation and floodproofing
Total
Program Administration and Staffing
$132,000
150,000
100,000
62,000
250,000
60,000
14,000
7,000
incl, above
$ 50,000
ESTIMATED COST
$ 660,000
198,000
75,000
775,000
50,000
242,000
TOTAL PROJECT COST
$2,000,000
*Uniform Relocation Assistance E Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970
**Shoemaker G Haaland, Professional Engineers, Storm Water Management Plan Ralston
Creek Watershed
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2. Annual Increments
IST FUNDING YEAR
Administration
Acquisition
Relocation
Total 1st year budget
2ND FUNDING YEAR
Administration
Acquisition
Relocation
Demolition
Ralston Creek Improvements
Total 2nd year budget
3RD FUNDING YEAR
Administration
Ralston Creek Improvements
Housing Rehabilitation
Total 3rd year budget
TOTAL PROJECT COST
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$ 60,000
370,000
100,000
$ 90,000
290,000
88,000
75,000
232,000
$ 92,000
553,000
S0,000
$ 530,000 —
775,000 -.
695,000
$2,000,000
I
1
i
I
1
I
■
-" F. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER PROJECTS
The Lower Ralston Creek Neighborhood Revitalization project has an
important complementary relationship with three major on-going City
activities: 1) Storm Water Management for the Ralston Creek Watershed, 2)
Comprehensive Planning and Economic Development, and 3) the provision of
safe and decent housing for all Iowa City residents.
1. Storm Water Manaaement for Ralston Creek
The City has budgeted nearly $1.5 million in Community Development
Block Grant funds for Ralston Creek improvements, including the
construction of dry dams above urban development on both the north
and south creek branches. Detention made possible by these dams,
detention on private sites mandated by the City's Storm Water
Management Ordinance, and channel improvements included as part of
the Small Cities project are the major elements in an overall
solution to Ralston Creek flooding problems.
2. Comprehensive Plan
The Small Cities Project Area south of the main Rock Island Railroad
tracks is indicated for land consumptive commercial use in the Iowa
City Comprehensive Plan. Flood proofing the area through channel
improvements, and disposition to private individuals that assemble
parcels of land will help to attract businesses into the Small Cities
_ area which are not suitable for location in the CBD. Such activity
is also consistent with the City's Economic Development Program.
3. Housing
The Comprehensive Plan designates high density housing for the Small
Cities Area north of the railroad tracks. An assisted housing site
will be located in this area through the Small Cities project. !
Furthermore, due to a reduction of the extent of the Ralston Creek
floodway, eight existing residential structures will become eligible
for housing rehabilitation for the first time.
17
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G. DEPARTMENTAL AND AGENCY RESPONSIBILITIES.
Department of Planning and Program Development.
The Department of Planning and Program Development is responsible
for the planning and overall administration of the Small Cities
Project. The Department will prepare the Redevelopment (Chapter
403) Plan, Relocation Plan, and Environmental Review Record. The
Department will also administer property appraisal, acquisition
procedures, and relocation of residents (owners and renters) and
businesses; will oversee property disposition; and monitor
construction activities for compliance with applicable federal
regulations.
Department of Public Works.
The Department of Public Works will oversee the development of final
construction drawings for channel improvements and will be
responsible for construction of channel improvements and relocation
of water, utility, storm sewer, and sanitary sewer facilities.
Department of Parks and Recreation.
The Department of Parks and Recreation will be responsible for
maintenance of the newly landscaped west bank of Ralston Creek.
Department of Housing and Inspection Services.
The Department of Housing and Inspection Services will be involved in
any assisted housing projects which are developed in the Small Cities
Area, and will administer housing rehabilitation activities that are
a part of the Project.
Appraisers.
One or more independent real property appraisers will inspect prop- M
erties to be acquired, and will state professional opinions of
current fair market values.
Engineering Consultants.
i
An engineering consulting firm will prepare detailed engineering
drawings and data for the Ralston Creek channel improvements.
In
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III. Environmental Setting
This section describes environmental conditions in the Lowei c lston
Creek Neighborhood. This is the record of existing conditions and
that can be Creekton
s Project werenottcarrieded to out develop A listif the ings ofereferencesLower sand
contacts for this section of the ERR is contained in Section X.
A. PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
1. Land ani to
The Lower Ralston Creek Neighborhood Revitalization
Project Area is dominated by Ralston Creek and its flood
plain. The extent of the Ralston Creek flood plain is
shown in Figure 4. The southern half of the Project area
is generally level except for the banks of th^ Ralston
Creek channel. In the northern ardl of tay he
a ethe he land
slopes much more sharply p
particularly from the ridge along the west side of the
creek which separates the Ralston Creek and Iowa River
watersheds.
The project area contains three major soil series: Down
Silt Loam (162), Fayette Silt Loam (163), and Colo -Ely
Complex (11). These three soils are generally well-
_.. drained (Colo -Ely being the poorest)nd characterized
hen by
moderate permeability, high productivity
managed, and the need for careful protection against
erosion.
Immediately along Ralston Creek, soils consist of thin
bands of silty clay loams of the Colo -Ely Complex
underlain by alluvial desposits of sand, gravel and
approxim
approximately 30- a60 feet beedar low Olimestone lies
w thefloor.
Creek
The Iowa City area experiences climatic conditions typical
of the upper
nd cold
winters. Average annual V
alpreciphot
summers
itati nis36.22a
inches,
with most precipitation occurring in the summer months.
Averaaverage daily high lall is and lowatemperatures arinches.
28degrees
Fahrenheit and 11 degrees Fahrenheit in January, and 85
derees Average mean rtemperature is 49 enheit and 65 dedegrees ees Fahrenheit in July.
Fahrenheit.
The most significant effect of climate upon the Small
Cities Area is flash flooding caused by summer or spring
storms. Heavy rainfall insome storms can literally be
limited to the Ralston Creek watershed. An accurate
_. prediction of runoff volumes or conditions using bench
marks such as 100 year frequency rainfall events is
difficult indeed.
19
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Ix
W
O
J
ill �a.� 111
IN
I
A
rim
20
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CEDAR RAPIDs.DEs 1011IEs
Floodplain Boundaries
� 10 year
beef' 100 year
1 CITY OF IOWA CITY
suu. 1',1001
Vegetation, Wildlife and Natural Areas
The entire Project area has seen extensive urban
development, and "natural areas" are not present per se.
Vegetation consists of cultivated species in yards and
gardens; and trees, shrubs and annual and perennial plants
that have become established incidental to the urban
environment. The banks of Ralston Creek and adjacent
flood plain areas contain plant communities that include
trees and shrubs such as sumac, silver maples, mulberry,
and willow and herbacious species such as giant horseweed,
burrweed, foxtail, mullein, red clover and various
grasses.
Because Ralston Creek virtually stops flowing during
extended dry periods, the aquatic community is limited to
a few invertebrates, although shiners and creek chubs have
been observed about h mile upstream from the Small Cities
Area,
The overgrowth of Ralston Creek banks provides cover and
habitat for rodents and other small mammals such as
squirrels and rabbits. Numerous species of birds also
find habitat in the trees and brush. There are no
endangered or threatened species that are known to exist
in the Project Area.
3. Development, Land Use and General Physical Character
The Small Cities Project Area is immediately south of downtown Iowa
- City and the Urban Renewal Project Area. The major natural and "man-
made influences upon the Area are the proximity to downtown, Ralston
Creek and its flood plain, and the Rock Island Railroad tracks.
The Project Area has been thoroughly overlain with urban
development, mostly of one- and two-story buildings. The area land
use map (Figure 5) indicates the juxtaposition of commercial and
residential parcels.
An examination of specific land uses indicates a wide variety of
commercial and semi -industrial uses, as well as single-family and
multi -family housing. The majority of the area's residents live in
the northern half of the Project Area, particularly in three newer
apartment buildings and in one older apartment building. Several of
the businesses in this part of the Project Area have yards and trees
that give them a residential -like appearance.
The southern part of the Small Cities Area is a mixture of old houses
and generally newer commercial structures. Other commercial areas
include businesses adjacent to Ralston Creek along Prentiss Street
and Harrison Street, and businesses along Gilbert Street.
A detailed parcel -by -parcel land use survey of the Small Cities Area
has been conducted. Appendix C of this Environmental Review Record
contains the block summaries of the survev.
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CEDAR RAPIDS•DF.S 110111[5
0
0.
0
0
IW
0
Z
A
_ Figure 5
BURLINGTON
I
_ c/)' - 1=
COURT
ST.
r`.
DcF1EE . I„�� III
ST.
0
HE
5Aa:v
SCHOOL Z) i4,1
0 0 ” L ..._:
~ z ST m
z m
BENTON
STREST
PARK
KIRKWOOD
I•
: II II-
r<
i �
cr
Z)
m
ST. LEGEND
r _ LAND USE MAP
f= RESIDENTIAL
EED COMMERCIAL
SCHOOL
I C� VACANT
��. PROJECT BOUNDARY
STREET
� tiRtFT CLOSED TO TRAFFIC
VACATED STREETS
00 MOCK NUMBER
PARCEL NUMSER
SCALE:
No REVISED.
97
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Ralston Creek and its flood plain are the dominant natural features
of the area. The channel itself varies in width from approximately
10-20 feet throughout this reach. The flood plain is fairly narrow
-, in the northern end of the area, particularly near Prentiss Street
and the main Rock Island Railroad tracks, where the land rises very
sharply between Linn Street and Dubuque Street. South of the
railroad tracks the land is much more level and the flood plain is
very broad as Ralston Creek approaches the Iowa River.
4. Physical Infrastructure
a. Drainage
As discussed earlier under "land and climate", Ralston Creek is
the primary natural drainage feature for all of Iowa City on the
east bank of the Iowa River. Drainage interior to the Lower
Ralston Creek Area is carried to Ralston Creek over streets and
through storm sewers.
b. Transportation
Three of the boundary streets in the Small Cities Area are part
of Iowa City's secondary arterial street network: Gilbert
Street (from Court Street to Kirkwood Avenue), Court Stret
(from Dubuque Street to Gilbert Street), and Dubuque Street
(one block only, the one-way from Kirkwood Avenue to Benton
Street).
The main tracks (Des Moines Street) and a major spurline
(Lafayette Street) of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific
Railroad cross the Small Cities Area. The former passenger
depot is just west of the area on Wright Street and the
switching yards are just east of the Small Cities Area.
i
C. Sewers and Treatment
The entire Small Cities Area is served by Iowa City's municipal
sewer system. Flood waters in the area sometimes enter the
sewer system through manholes, creating sewer surcharging into
basements and streets. Iowa City's current treatment plant is
located about two blocks southwest of the Small Cities Area. A
new plant will be built a mile or so to the south within 5-10
years, replacing the current plant.
d. Water
Iowa City's municipal water system supplies all residents and
businesses of the Small Cities Area. The water treatment plant
is north of downtown, at Bloomington and Madison Streets.
e. Utilities
Gas and electric service is provided by Iowa -Illinois Gas and
Electric. Telephone service is available through Northwestern
Bell Telephone Company.
23
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_..'
5. Air Quality
Air monitoring facilities for suspended particulates and sulfur
dioxide are located at the Medical Laboratory Building of the
University of Iowa. In 1975, the annual geometric mean of suspended
particulates for Iowa City was 66 micrograms per cubic meter, which
is in compliance with the national primary standard of 75 micrograms
per cubic meter. The 1975 arithmetic mean for sulfur dioxide in Iowa
City was 11.4 micrograms per cubic meter, which was substantially
below the national primary standard of 80 micrograms per cubic meter.
The sewage treatment plant southwest of the Small Cities Area is a
source of disagreeable odors, depending upon wind direction. A new
sewage treatment plant will be constructed about one mile to the
south within the next 5-10 years.
6. Water Quality
Public water supply for the City of Iowa City is drawn from the Iowa
River upstream from the confluence with Ralston Creek; thus
activities in the Small Cities Area will have no effect upon local
water supply or quality. The flood -associated problem of sanitary
sewer surcharging - that is, the mixing of sewage and storm water
runoff - can result in some organic pollutants emptying into Ralston
Creek and into the Iowa River as it flows to the south.
7. Noise
Studies of the incidence of noise in the Small Cities Area or in Iowa
City as a whole have not been carried out. Any detailed noise
studies of the Small Cities Area would be expected to show, in
addition to the general urban pattern of traffic noises and short-
term construction noises, a significant source of potential impacts
in the trains which sound their horns as they cross streets at grade.
The noise of the trains is intense and seems to occur with each of
the 30-40 different train crossings per day in the Small Cities Area,
most of which are in the hours between 8:00 A.M. and 12:00 midnight.
The environmental significance is: 1) planned land uses that might
be noise -sensitive should consider mitigating measures and effects
that will continue to be present, and 2) certain noise -generating
activities, such as daytime construction, may cause less impact
(compared to the impact of similar activities in other areas) because
of noise -sensitive people or activities tending not to locate there.
24
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W
B. SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT.
1. Community Description and Identity.
The Small Cities Area is part of an area south of downtown Iowa
City which developed during the past century under large
influence of its proximity to the railroad and downtown. The
developed area has always included a mixture of residences,
commerce, and manufacturing.
Until the past 20 years, with the building of the U.S. 6 -Bypass
and the development of urbanization to the south, the lower part
of Ralston Creek was as far south as Iowa City went. The
expansion of Iowa City as an urbanized area, and downtown
development and urban renewal activities, including the removal
of housing to the north and west of the Small Cities Area, have
helped to create the current land use mix.
The Project Area is characterized by interspersed commercial
and residential development of various types; in the 10 -block
area residential structures are present on 8 blocks, while
commercial uses are present on 9 blocks.
In the entire area, there are only two significant groupings of
residences: (1) on the west side of the 500 block of S. Linn
Street and (2) on the block which includes the south side of the
200 block of E. Benton and the east side of the 900 block of S.
Dubuque Street.
Many residences in the surrounding area have been removed over
the past ten years through redevelopment and the realignment of
Gilbert Street. An important part of the community is the
proximity to downtown and to other community services and
facilities such as St. Patrick's School, the HACAP offices, the
Close Mansion (housing the Council on Aging), the train depot,
and the National Guard Armory. Community services and
facilities are discussed on page 26.
One important community resource, the Hy -Vee grocery store at
the corner of Kirkwood Avenue and Gilbert Street, is scheduled
to be closed within two years. The property will be sold with a
covenant that no other grocery may operate there.
Commercial uses are varied -- including offices, retail outlets
for a variety of goods, and facilities for several contractors.
Most commercial establishments appear to draw from a city-wide
(as opposed to neighborhood) service area.
Surveys of residents by the City indicate that the proximity of
the University, Downtown, and neighborhood businesses con-
tribute to the community identity. The residential areas
themselves are somewhat "out of the way" as far as most other
residents of town are concerned, which has been mentioned as a
strong point. Negative features include crime and threats of
25
MICROFILMED BY
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crime (i.e. poor lighting, blighted conditions, and businesses
such as massage parlors and bars), Ralston Creek flooding, and
train noise.
2. Population Characteristics.
Precise population data (totals or reliable demographic
characteristics such as age, income, or occupations) for the
Small Cities Area are not available because area boundaries
include only portions of four census enumeration districts.
From the land use survey and the survey of area residents,
however, total population can be estimated. Assuming occupancy
factors of 2.5 for single family houses and 1.5 for apartment
units, the estimated population of the Small Cities Area is 224
persons. -
General population characteristics can be inferred from the
survey of area residents and from census enumeration district
data. The Small Cities Area contains a greater percentage of
low-income and elderly people than does Iowa City has a whole.
The percentage of female -headed households and of minority
individuals is also higher than the City-wide percentage.
i
There is a great deal of diversity among the population. It
seems that the residents of older houses have generally lived at
the same locations for a much greater length of time (in some
cases, 30-40 years) than the average household in Iowa City.
The residents of the three newer apartment buildings in the
north end of the Project Area are overwhelmingly single and
mostly University students or former students.
i
3. Community Services and Facilities.
i Services and facilities within the Small Cities Area include:
HACAP (Hawkeye Area Community Action Program), 620 S. Dubuque
Street.
St. Patrick's School (Iowa City Catholic Grade School), 229 E.
Court Street.
State of Iowa Parole Office and Community Court Services, 409 S.
Gilbert Street.
i
The Small Cities Area is close to Downtown and as such is close
to a variety of community, governmental, and cultural
facilities. Services and facilities nearby the Small Cities
Area include:
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Parks
Elm Grove Park -- corner of Clinton and Benton.
Government Services and Facilities.
Iowa City Civic Center -- 410 E. Washington Street.
Iowa City Animal Shelter -- 110 Kirkwood Avenue.
Iowa City Sewage Treatment Plant -- South of intersection of
Clinton Street and Kirkwood Avenue.
Johnson County Courthouse -- 417 S. Clinton Street.
Johnson County Health Department -- 438 S. Gilbert Street.
Johnson County Council on Aging -- 438 S. Gilbert Street.
Iowa National Guard Armory -- 925 S. Dubuque Street.
U.S. Post Office and Federal Building -- 400 S. Clinton Street.
University of Iowa.
Main campus is centered within six blocks of the north end of
the Project Area.
Schools.
Henry Sabin School -- 509 S. Dubuque Street.
This elementary school was closed in May, 1979, but the
building will continue to serve as an educational facil-
ity, being occupied by People's School No. 4 (PS. B4) --
" the district -operated alternative junior high school
and the Community Experimental Education Center (CEEC) --
f the district's alternative high school. These programs
previously operated out of storefronts within the Small
Cities Area boundary, at 409 and 529 S. Gilbert Street,
respectively.
4. Economics.
The Small Cities Area contains a wide variety of commercial
activities, most of which are on a fairly small scale. Some
commercial activities are neighborhood -oriented while others
serve a community- or area -wide market. A complete listing of
commercial activities would include restaurants and bars, real
estate offices, insurance offices, a paint store, a veterinary
clinic, construction contractors and suppliers, a medical
supplier, a massage parlor, bookstores, photography and
barber/hairhics eStylists,a a bicycle
tural foods store, a /cooperative
27
MICROFILMED BY
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natural foods warehouse, a retail meat outlet, an auto salvage
yard, an auction house, a gas station, and a retail tire outlet.
The area south of the railroad tracks is zoned M-1 (Light
Industrial). Under Iowa City's current Zoning Ordinance, this
zone allows light industrial, commercial and residential uses.
The parcels which currently have residential and neighborhood
commercial land uses (see page 22) will be non -conforming under
a revised Zoning Ordinance currently scheduled to be effective
in 1980. Parcel by parcel redevelopment and acquisition of
parcels with the intention of assembling a larger parcel for
commercial development have taken place.
The commercial tax base is kept somewhat low by the blighting
influence of Ralston Creek.
en
ri
11
krl
MI
Mf
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C. AESTHETIC ENVIRONMENT.
1. General Setting.
~ The Lower Ralston Creek Project Area is, on the whole, less
attractive than most older Iowa City neighborhoods. This is
generally the result of the proliferation of commercial and
semi -industrial land uses, a scarcity of trees, and poor
maintenance of some residential and commercial structures and
lots.
The most aesthetically pleasing areas are generally isolated,
such as:
West side of 500 block of S. Linn Street -- cluster of resi-
dences, small houses, shady street.
East side of 900 block of S. Dubuque Street -- several large
yards with attractive gardens.
Ralston Creek banks -- overgrowth.
2. Historic Buildings, and Other Aesthetic Buildings or Groups.
The Iowa State Historical Department, Division of Historic
Preservation, has made a field check of the Small Cities Area
property to be acquired and has determined that no structures
are eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic
Places.
Only one structure located immediately adjacent to the Small
I Cities Area, the Close Mansion, 538 S. Gilbert Street, is on the
National Register.
I
3. Natural Features.
Ralston Creek is the dominant natural feature of the Project
AreaThrough decades of development, dumping, and fill the
original state of the channel has been altered considerably
(see Figure 6).
The Ralston Creek channel has become overgrown with a variety of
small trees, shrubs, and annual planta and weeds, common to the
region.
The steep hills on Prentiss Street (Linn to Dubuque) and
Harrison Street (112 block west of Linn, closed to traffic) as j
well as the gentler hill on Dubuque Street (Benton Street north
to the main railroad tracks) mark the historical west bank of
the Ralston Creek flood plain. j
29
MICROFILMED BY
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-N
Figure 6
Historic Ralston Creek Channel
0 0 L L E ti c
p�f%rnggr/vnrr � I I ;/ 4..11! / a<�J tjfl Ir Ttl
rr=nl jl z r I i Alurkll
42 -.
- .r (n I t �I »m rr r, • r I r i 6 1 t ,rr J✓ J t! J I r f
B U R L I N G T O N
Qq/� �•k"1 %r LI'/r{Inn . m .f I r J I I
rwu J I II f
Z.
I 1 IIOIIL9
t
a b 12 .t ' •' I , L"I i 28 / 6 37
• J .rolir
9.yjj I�, i:T - - -
/- -,r fY � - •+ f _ yi r
t-4�rlllo •'-. Iv II i afi z ,, Ir.,,,• i�'t sr2 �•�
Al R I t� f�3 O N
-0 I
to
20
:.P R E N T 1 8 p• I r dr s< r to ....-„d: .; '.�- ..
'° ✓ 1 --- r ! • — - I.Z BOWERY x—!rt'•_y . .
J
Wi r 4.1
91
J J J 4 i + J.• •`F� ' F,'.'LI'an 4 1
zi
Wi pAlz I ; All 8 `Ar {qM
b. 1 J s .1 6• �;:' J 22_. G_I -, _ IIOwp orp U/f`} .n
or
LLLA__ F A Y E T T E
t >
U#1
U29f -5 J I f.F_ ..y j.. .� r -dP• %u..RS..
1
B E N T 0 Nr i BENTON ”
IF, �.4
'C
i
source: J.H. Millar, "Iowa City and Its Environs" (map). 1854.
30
MICROFILMED BY
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4. Visual Quality of the Site.
The Small Cities Area contains a number of attractive buildings
and sites, but these are impacted by undermaintained properties
and incompatible land use activities to an extent that the
overall impression is one of little visual appeal.
Ralston Creek itself is quite attractive at many spots,
inrmanylarly areasas a whereotherto overgrowthlofwell-maintained yards,
summer covers debris and
and
fill.
31
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IV. ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
This section is a listing and explanation of the projected effects of
the Small Cities/Lower Ralston Creek Neighborhood Revitalization
Project. Environmental criteria have been compiled from the
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, HUD regulations and
guidelines, and goals and policies adopted in the "Iowa City
Comprehensive Plan for Land Use, Trafficways, and Community
Facilities (For a listing of Comprehensive Plan references, see
Appendix D.
In the Environmental Effects table which follows, the criterion to be
examined is listed in the left-hand column. The impact of the
Project in terms of each criterion is described as beneficial,
neutral, or adverse. Each impact is footnoted, and an evaluation of
the impact follows the chart. Each beneficial or adverse impact is
shown as either short-term or long-term. Short-term impacts are
generally associated with construction; long-term impacts are
permanent changes to the environment. Direct impacts are
specifically attributable to the Project; indirect impacts are the
result of an interaction between project effects and
activities and policies. other
i
I
f
I
i
i
i
j
r
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ENVIRONMENTAL CRITERION
FIICROFILMED BY
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ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECT
x(9)
X(11)
1.
Land
a. Erosion
7
b. Flood control
1
c. Soil suitability
2.
Vegetation, wildlife and natural areas
3.
Water supply and quality
4.
Air quality
a. Odors
b. Dust
c. Chemical content
S.
Infrastructure
i
6.
Noise
J
SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT
1.
Community identity
2.
Community services and facilities
1
3.
Public health and safety
4.
Hazards, nuisances
AESTHETIC ENVIRONMENT
_
1.
Effect upon historic properties
2.
Natural features
i
3.
Visual quality of site; vistas from site
33
FIICROFILMED BY
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ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECT
x(9)
X(11)
34
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECT
X(15) X(14 IX
IIX X
X(16)
X(10)
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X(17)
X X X
X X
X X
X I X
1
ENVIRONMENTAL CRITERION
HUD POLICY OBJECTIVES
1.
"Supports realistic and attainable strategies
for expanding low and moderate income housing
I
opportunities."
i
ACQUISITION AND DISPOSITION ELEMENTS
CIIANNELIZATION ELEMENT
2.
"Promotes more rational land use."
3.
"Corrects deficiencies in public facilities
which affect the public health and safety,
especially of low and moderate income persons.
i
SMALL CITIES PROGRAM DESIGN CRITERIA
1.
"Benefits low and moderate income persons by
removing slums and blight."
2.
"Supports comprehensive neighborhood stabili-
zation and/or revitalization in low and
moderate income areas, or conserves the
housing supply for low and moderate income
persons."
ACQUISITION AND DISPOSITION ELEMENTS
CHANNELIZATION ELEMENT
3.
" ..supports other federal programs being
undertaken in the community."
4.
"Resolves a serious threat to the health or
safety of low and moderate income persons."
34
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECT
X(15) X(14 IX
IIX X
X(16)
X(10)
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X(17)
X X X
X X
X X
X I X
1
ENVIRONMENTAL CRITERION
IOIVA CITY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR
LAND USE TRAFFICWAYS, AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES
GOALS AND POLICIES
Physical Environment
1. Land use
a. Locational suitability
b. Adequate choice of sites for development
needs
c. Minimize negative impacts of incompatible
land use
2. Development --energy efficient patterns
3. Relocate incompatible and obsolete land uses
4. Acquire and redevelop land for residents'
health and safety
S. Higher density housing adjacent to core areas
6. Mass transit, bikeways, and walkways
7. Tra£ficway improvements
8. Commercial activity in existing cores
9. Neighborhood parks
Social and Economic Environment
1. Tax base
2. Variety of housing types --owner occupied and
rental
3. Maintenance, rehabilitation, and reinvestment
in housing
ACQUISITION AND DISPOSITION ELEMENTS
CHANNELIZATION ELEMENT
4. Established neighborhoods
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN MAP
35
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECT
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�
a
�
F
u
U
N
U
w
0
ani
m
N
d
L
>
X(19)
X
X
X(20)
X
X
X(21)
X(22)
X
X
X(23)
X
X
X(24)
X
X
X(25)
X(26)
X(27)
X
X
X(28)
X
X
X(29)
X
X
X(30)
X
X
X
X (311
X
X
X(15)
X(14)
X
X
X
X
X
X(8)
X
X
X(32)
X
X
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EXPLANATION OF NATURE OF ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECT
1. The Ralston Creek channel improvements will result in containment of
flood waters of up to 100 year frequency storms. This will result in
long-term improvement in the conveyance of stormwater and control of
erosion.
2. The suitability of soils for development or other purposes will be
unaffected by project activities.
3. Existing vegetation, wildlife, and "natural" areas along Ralston
Creek will suffer disruption during the construction of channel
improvements. This negative effect will be short-term, since the new
west bank will be sodded and trees will be planted, resulting in a
reestablishment of a quasi -natural environment.
4. The Project will have no effect upon the water supply of Iowa City
nor of other municipalities or private individuals.
5. Construction and other activities will not produce unusual odors nor
release chemical substances to the atmosphere.
6. Ralston Creek channel improvements, as well as demolition and "
clearance activities on acquired parcels, will generate negative
dust and noise impacts. These impacts will be temporary, ceasing
when construction is finished.
7. Storm drainage facilities are a major consideration in the
evaluation of infrastructure. The Ralston Creek channel
improvements will keep floods from 100 -year frequency storms within
the reconstructed Creek banks. The problem of sanitary sewer
surcharging will be dealt with concurrently. An indirect benefit in
terms of Iowa City's infrastructure is less frequent flooding of
streets in the Small Cities area, particularly Dubuque Street and
Benton Street.
8. The Project will remove most of the residential properties south of
the main railroad tracks. This will further weaken the identity of
the residential element which will continue to exist in this part of
the Small Cities area and in other mixed-use areas, to the west and "
to the east. ,
9. Existing community facilities and services will be unaffected by the
Project. New facilities or services are not planned as part of the
Small Cities project.
! 10. Significant public facilities deficiencies --namely flooding of
streets and of residential and commercial properties, and sanitary
sewer surcharging --will be corrected by Ralston Creek channel
improvements.
11. The Division of Historic Preservation, Iowa State Historical
Department, has surveyed the structures or parcels to be acquired and
cleared through the Project and has determined that none of these
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structures are eligible for inclusion in the National Register.
There will be no effect upon other historical properties.
12. Ralston Creek is a "natural feature" whose course has been altered
considerably in the past as the result of urban development. The
- channel improvements will include resodding and the planting of
trees, which will provide for long-term attractiveness.
13. Channel improvements will accomplish a great deal of "cleanup" of
Ralston Creek; however, the improved channel will be in the rear of
commercial lots, and opportunities for enjoying the visual quality
or vistas will be minimal.
14. Acquisition and disposition will --taken as isolated elements of the
Small Cities Project --reduce housing opportunities. Up to five
units of owner -occupied housing and 12 rental units will be lost.
There are at least six residential units that do not have to be
removed for channel improvements but will be acquired for resale for
land -consumptive commercial use. In addition, the loss of these
residences will have an indirect negative effect upon the remaining
houses in the Small Cities area and on adjacent lots due to the loss
of neighborhood identity.
15. The improvements to the Ralston Creek channel will indirectly expand
housing opportunities and act to promote neighborhood stabilization
and conserve the housing supply. Eight houses will no longer be
subject to inundation by floods of 100 year frequency, and these
structures will be eligible for housing rehabilitation grants for
the first time. The overall effect will be the encouragement of
rehabilitation and reinvestment in property and in structures.
16. Property acquisition in the Small Cities area will remove two
groupings of houses and only one "isolated" residence, but there will
still be several houses surrounded by commercial activity. To the
east and west of the Small Cities area the mixture of residences and
commercial activity will continue to exist.
17. Ralston Creek flooding is a major blighting influence in the area;
one or two parcels and buildings could be described as slums or
blight. However, most of the low and moderate income persons who are
affected will have their properties acquired and will be relocated,
so the benefit is extremely questionable.
18. The Small Cities area is a part of the larger target area for the
Community Development Block Grant Program. Other activities which
are Rehabilitation,
Housby heal
Housing Code Enforcement, Neighborhood Housing
Improvements, and upstream stormwater detention projects on Ralston
Creek.
19. The disposition of Small Cities property for land -consumptive
commerciHowever,al use c onforms with o
in termsof a variety of accepted planniComprehensive planning
density housing and intense commercial activity are also well-suited
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for locations near Downtown, and land -consumptive commercial
activity is best located at the fringe of the urban area.
wa
ty
for
20. The most pressing req Theement Smallfor choice of Cities programtes willnreosultiin asloss
affordable housing.
of housing units and housing sites.
ndicate
tle
21 concern aboutfrom
incompatible land use.neAssurveys
The returns mixturof� residencesand
commercial activity will continue to exist in the Small Cities area
and in surrounding areas.
22. Energy efficiency is impacted negatively --and indirectly --because
land -consumptive commercial activity will take place in an area
which is more suited to intense commercial activity or high density
housing on the basis of distance from arterial
downtown. However,
streets and the railroad are major locational factors which should
also be considered.
ll
es
rea will
come
23. Residences in tunderhe u the proposed Zoningthen half of the aOrdiinainceA and Zoning Map. "
nonconforming
Displaced residents will be relocated to residential areas.
24. Ralston Creek flooding poses a distinct threat to residents' health
and safety. The acquisition of properties is intended to allow for
that threat to be corrected.
inn and Harrison)
25 pIf terovhdessfor six orAsiste�more�units�utheretwillbe no corner Ladverse effect in
terms of high density housing.
26. There will be no effect upon mass transit, bikeways, or walkways
through the Small Cities project.
27. Trafficway improvements will be affected indirectly thro aough year
the
prevention of street flooding in storms or up
frequency. Currently, almost all of the Small Cities area is subject
to flooding.
re
y proviig an
28 The mall Cites Project areasadjacentito Downtown swhich twill ebeoredeveloped bpriimarilynwith
service uses related to Downtown.
29. The loss of housing units in the southern part of the project area,
plus the construction of publicly -assisted housing at thecorner of
Harrison and Linn Streets, will result in an overall poorer
ss
and proximity to neighborhood parks. This is due to the existence of
a neighborhood park (Elm Grove) at the corner of Clinton and Benton
Streets (one-half block west of the Project area) and the lack of
park facilities proximate to the Assisted Housing site. However, it
should be noted that Elm Grove Park will likely be at least partially
phased out by the end of 1980.
M.
r... -
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30. The redevelopment activities to occur in the Small Cities area will
put more commercial property on the tax roles. Control of Ralston
Creek flooding will indirectly increase property valuos on the
market, and presumably, assessed valuations as well.
31. The residential properties to be acquired are on the low price end of
Iowa City's housing market. Despite this several are well -kept and
have large attractive yards. In addition, it must be admitted that
"substandard housing" fulfills the requirements of some people. The
residences to be acquired are largely elderly- and female -headed
households.
32. Property disposition that will take place is in conformance with the
City's Comprehensive Plan Map.
D
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V. EVALUATION OF ADVERSE IMPACTS AND ASSESSMENT OF ALTERNATIVES
In the previous section the range of of alterations to the environment --
expected to result from the Small Cities/Lower Ralston Creek Neigh-
borhood Revitalization Project --has been laid out. The next step is
to analyze these environmental alterations by addressing alterna-
tives and considering the impacts --negative as well as positive --of
these alternatives.
The four subsections which follow carry out the analysis by examining
the following:
1. Negative impacts and the project element(s) that would be
impacted by possible alterations or mitigating measures.
2. Opportunities to enhance the quality of the human environment
that are not included in the proposed project.
3. Discussion of alternative courses of action (including the
alternative of no project) that would reduce negative environ-
mental effects or enhance the environment.
4. Steps planned to minimize the adverse impacts that can be
expected from the project as proposed.
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i
-
-
A. EVALUATION OF ADVERSE IMPACTS
This subsection examines adverse environmental impacts that can be
expected to arise from the Lower Ralston Creek Neighborhood Revital-
ization Project. Short-term negative impacts (i.e. those arising
from construction activities and/or not of a permanent nature)
displayed in the Environmental Effects Table are all relatively
minor and are not discussed here.
For each long-term adverse impact, the chart which follows displays
the environmental criterion or criteria upon which the adverse
impact is based and the program element responsible for the impact.
"Possible project modification" lists possible courses of action to
mitigate the impact. The impact of any possible modification (in
terms of effect upon the environment and/or upon the design and cost
of the program) is described briefly.
EVALUATION OF ADVERSE IMPACTS
a. NEIGHBORHOOD PRESERVATION
Environmental Criteria for Determining Negative Impact:
1. Community identity
2. Supports comprehensive neighborhood stabilization and/or
revitalization of low and moderate income areas, or
conserves the housing supply for low and moderate income
persons (Small Cities Program Design Criterion)
3. Maintenance, rehabilitation and investment in housing
(Iowa City Comprehensive Plan Housing Goals and Policies)
4. Established neighborhoods (Iowa City Comprehensive Plan
Housing Goals and Policies)
i -
Project Elements Which Are Responsible for Im act:
1. Acquisition
2. Disposition
Possible Project Modification to Alter Impact:
1. Do not make channel improvements.
Houses would remain, the threat of flooding would still
exist.
Houses and businesses would be under -maintained because of
continuing flood threat.
Houses would not be eligible for rehabilitation under
federal programs.
2. Do not acquire and clear property that is not necessary for
the channel improvements.
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Land cannot be re -sold for commercial use.
Loss of disposition income and tax receipts.
Housing would be a non -conforming use in the southern half
of the project area.
3. Move houses from acquired parcels to individual available
sites or to a concentrated site in or near the
neighborhood.
Suitable site must be found and acquired.
Additional expense of moving houses and repair after move.
HOUSING SUPPLY
Environmental Criteria for Determining Negative Impact:
1. Supports realistic and attainable strategies for expanding
low and moderate income housing opportunities (HUD Policy
Objective)
2. Adequate choice of sites for development needs (Iowa City
Comprehensive Plan Land Use Goals and Policies)
Project Elements Which are Responsible for Impact:
1. Disposition
Possible Project Modification to Alter Impact:
1. Rezone one or more parcels for multifamily housing.
Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Map would have to be
changed.
Land use compatibility problem remains, due to surrounding
land uses, noise from trains, and arterial streets.
2. Provide more housing assisted by the public sector.
Needs of residents and suitable housing type must be
identified.
Suitable site must be found and project initiated.
Additional expense.
3. Do not acquire and sell property that is not necessary for
the channel improvements.
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Land cannot be resold for commercial uses.
Loss of disposition income and of tax receipts.
Housing would be non -conforming use in the southern half
of the project area.
C. ENERGY
Environmental Criteria for Determining Negative Impact:
1. Development -- energy efficient patterns (Iowa City
Comprehensive Plan Goals and Policies)
i
Pro'ect Elements Which are Responsible for Impact:
1. Disposition
Possible Pro ect Modification to Alter Impact:
i
1. Sell land for multi -family housing rather than land
consumptive commercial use.
Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Map would have to be
changed.
j Land use compatibility problem continues.
Less land consumptive commercial area near downtown.
' r
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I_.
--,
B. ENHANCEMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT
n
The purpose of the Environmental Review is not merely to evaluate
negative impacts, but also to identify opportunities to enhance the
quality of the human environment. The previous subsection has
evaluated mitigation measures and possible program modification to
lessen negative impacts arising from the Lower Ralston Creek
Neighborhood Revitalization Project.
In this subsection, opportunities for enhancement of the environment
are examined. In these instances, no mnea impacts have been
identified, but modification of the Project could result in further
beneficial impacts in terms of the criteria used in Section IV.
1. Railroad Infrastructure
The main Rock Island tracks (Des Moines Street) and the
Lafayette Street spur are completely incidental to existing
land uses. The tracks and trains do not benefit current uses,
and serve only to generate noise impacts and to block traffic on
Dubuque Street and occasionally on Gilbert Street.
Commercial uses for the property to be re -sold could be selected
so as to utilize the existing railroad infrastructure. In
addition, the railroad depot (on Wright Street just west of the
600 block of South Dubuque Street) has important potential if
the Federal or State government were to make a commitment to
revitalizing the system for intercity passenger travel by
train.
2. Visual Quality of Improved Ralston Creek Channel
Although Ralston Creek channel improvements will include the
removal of obsolete structures and debris and will result in a
general cleanup, and although the new west bank will be sodded
and landscaped, the overall visual affect will be neutral. This
will be primarily because of surrounding land -consumptive
commercial uses that will probably back onto the Creek.
Ralston Creek could be a positive element in urban design, much
as has been accomplished in other cities. One way to allow eM1
people to appreciate the improved creek channel would be to
establish a park at some point along the creek or make the west "
bank of the creek a linear park with a walking/bicycle path as
recommended in the Comprehensive Plan. Another possibility
would be to encourage commercial activity, such as a restaurant
with an outdoor patio, that would value the creek and its visual
quality.
3. Pedestrian and Bicycle Transportation
The new west bank of Ralston Creek would be a logical location
for a bicycle trail for both recreation and transportation
purposes. In addition to serving as an off-street pedestrian
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and bicycle link for the Small Cities Area and neighborhoods to
the east and west, such a facility could link Downtown with the
bicycle path that is planned as part of the relocated Gilbert
Street, approximately one-quarter mile south of the Small
Cities Area.
Another opportunity for improved bicycle and pedestrian
transportation would be to include a lane as part of the design
of the new railroad bridge to be constructed at Lafayette
Street. There has not been a safe crossing for pedestrians of
the Creek at this point since the roadway was taken out.
4. Commercial Land Use and Tax Base
Once the City has acquired the designated parcels and the
Ralston Creek improvements have been made, the properties to be
resold should be disposed of for the "highest and best use".
Land consumptive commercial activities, while increasing the
value over current use, would not generate as much tax revenue
or bring as high a sale price as would other commercial
activities.
One of two courses of action could result in a more favorable
situation. First, the land to be sold could be put on the open
market so as to get the best return, without restriction as to
use. Second, the City could encourage the establishment of
small locally -owned businesses or types of businesses that do
not currently exist in the community.
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C. Consideration of Alternative Projects
The consideration of alternative projects is a crucial component of
the City's Environmental Review. A wide range of alternatives should
be considered and the benefits and impacts of these alternatives
compared with the Small Cities Project as proposed.
Alternatives to the Proposed Lower Ralston Creek/Small Cities Project
1.
Do
nothing.
2.
Alternative creek design -- east bank acquisition.
3.
Housing alternatives.
a.
Retain houses not needed for creek improvements.
b.
Acquire all designated parcels, but offer life estates to
owner -occupants of houses not necessary for channel
improvement.
C.
Rezone an area for multi -family residential use.
d.
Move displaced houses to a concentrated site.
e.
Build additional housing through public programs.
f.
Encourage possible housing sites.
(1) Southeast corner of Harrison and Linn Streets
including adjacent street rights-of-way.
(2) South of railroad tracks and west of Ralston Creek.
(3) East side of Elm Grove Park.
4.
Alternative commercial use.
a.
Land intensive commercial use.
b.
Opportunities for small, locally -owned businesses.
5.
Street improvements.
a.
Rebuild Lafayette Street auto bridge.
b.
Construct grade separations at railroad crossings.
C.
Improve existing at -grade crossings.
d.
Realign one-way couplet which circles Armory block as two-
way street to the south and west of the Armory.
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6. Bicycle and pedestrian facilities.
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a. Pathway included as part of rebuilt west bank of Ralston
Creek. (This
could also function as a maintenance path)
b. Lafayette Street crossing as component of new railroad
bridge.
7. Parks.
a. Linear park along Ralston Creek.
b. Neighborhood park utilizing Ral'ston Creek as a boundary.
Alternatives Considered in Depth
1. Do nothing.
The alternative of not carrying out Project activities must be
considercarrying
the CSmall
out t he Citiess/LowerenRalstonssCreek process. Neighborhood
Revitalizationthe broad a which
exists at the
sportion
present time�;lanlopportunity for impleeave
menting arone
of the Ralston Creek Storm Water Management Plan
would be lost.
Economic development and assisted housing activities would also not
be
carried out. Existing trends indicate that the identity of the
residential
area in the south part of the Project area would continue
to be eroded.
2. Housing.
a. Do not acquire parcels not necessary for channel improvements.
Four houses on the 900 block of South Dubuque Street and two
houses in the
200 block of East Benton Street --as well as the
t
corner commercial property --do not have to be removed for the
construction of Ralston Creek
channel improvements, according
to the Storm Water Management Plan for Ralston Creek. If these
—remain,
houses were to they would be out of the 100 -year flood
plain and rehabilitation. d be s
Thisalternative issdparticularlytattractive
because replacement housing in a comparable situation for
several long-term elderly residents would be hard to locate.
If this alternative is chosen, the residents will face an
„
expected breakdown in neighborhood services (closing of Sabin
Elementary School
and closing of a neighborhood grocery). In
addition, residences which remain in the area
will be subject to
the effects of permitted uses. Conversion from residential to
commercial uses has occurred and will continue to occur. Not
acquiring all
properties would make it more difficult to
assemble parcels for land consumptive use or
other general
commercial uses.
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Even though the City would not go through condemnation
procedures, an offer to purchase could be extended to all owners
of parcels in this block. Any parcel which was not purchased
would mean less expenditure on acquisition and relocation. The
land could not be resold for commercial uses, but could be
retained for public open space.
b. Provide an expanded site for assisted housing.
Housing availability, particularly for low and moderate income
persons, is a cause for concern in Iowa City. The Small Cities
Project as proposed would result in a net loss of up to 13-15
housing units. Providing additional housing, either privately
or through the public sector, should be carefully considered.
Much of the Small Cities Area is unsuitable for federally- —•
assisted housing because of zoning, train noise impacts,
arterial street impacts, and the decline of neighborhood
services. One specific problem is the relocation of residents _.
to be displaced by the Project. The site on the southeast
corner of Harrison and Linn Streets is designated for assisted
housing, either Section 8 New Construction, or Traditional
Public Housing. These units could be used for the relocation of
persons displaced by Small Cities land acquisition. The
elderly residents of housing to be acquired by the Project could
also be relocated to federally -assisted housing for the elderly
now under construction just north of the Project Area at Court
and Dubuque.
C. Move displaced houses to a concentrated site or to indivi
Several of the houses to be acquired appear to be structurally
sound and could be moved to vacant lots in residential areas.
The moved houses would be a replacement option for displaced
persons which could be rehabilitated and used for public
housing; or the City could purchase and resell the houses for
residential or other uses.
Moving houses is generally feasible from a technical
standpoint, but creates additional costs of property -
acquisition, site preparation, and structural repair after the
move. If current residents were relocated with the structures,
temporary housing would have to be obtained. _.
3. Alternative Commercial Land Use.
Designation of land consumptive commercial use for the part of the
Small Cities Area south of the railroad tracks follows the adopted
Comprehensive Plan Map. However, the parcels which will remain for
resale on blocks 18 and 28 will be quite small. Also, the area may be
more suitable for more intense commercial use after channel
improvements and fill are in place.
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More intense commercial use could be expected to bring greater
disposition income when the property is sold, and would generate
greater property tax receipts. Certain types of use would also have
the effect of increasing vehicular traffic in and around the area.
Another alternative is the encouragement of small locally -owned
businesses which might not be able to enter the market under normal
conditions. The City is specifically able to assist in the formation
of a Small Business Investment Corporation or local development
corporation to effect community economic development or neighborhood
revitalization activities under the Community Development Block
Grant program.
Bicycle Path along Ralston Creek.
A bicycle path along Ralston Creek is designated as a long-range
facility in the draft Bikeways Plan. The planned reconstruction of a
wide west bank at a 2.5:1 slope will provide an excellent opportunity
to construct a bicycle facility in the Small Cities Area which can
also serve as a path along the Creek channel for maintenance
vehicles. (Similarly, a bicycle/pedestrian lane could be provided
when the new railroad bridge at Lafayette Street is constructed.)
The Ralston Creek bike path would serve as a transportation alterna-
tive to using Gilbert Street, as well as being available for
recreational riding. The path would link up with other proposed bike
routes on Prentiss Street, Benton Street, and Dubuque Street, and to
the south could be connected to the South Gilbert Street bike path.
The path would also be used by bicyclists who use and will continue
to use streets such as Linn Street and Court Street which have no
formal designation as bike routes.
Constructing a bike path as part of the channel improvements would
increase the cost of the Project element somewhat, but would not cost
as much as constructing such a path at a later date. Maintenance
activities and costs will also have to be faced. The major construc-
tion problem would be locating the path under the high railroad
bridge and at any spots where the wide west bank is not to be
constructed.
Street Improvements.
There are a number of street improvement projects that could take
place in the Small Cities Area, including rebuilding the as ayette
Street auto bridge or rebuilding the Prentiss Street bridge to
prevent inundation and backwater at that site. Major construction
projects such as these are quite expensive and would probably require
commitment of funds through the Capital Improvements Program with
other than Small Cities CDBG funds.
One street improvement that would be relatively inexpensive and
would benefit auto drivers --as well as bicyclists --would be recon-
structing the at -grade railroad crossings on Dubuque Street. The
crossings are currently extremely rough and possibly discourage
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traffic which might otherwise be attracted to local commercial
establishments.
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D. STEPS PLANNED TO MINIMIZE ADVERSE IMPACTS.
Previous sections have examined the full range of potential impacts
more or less in isolation from one another. The following items,
which are included in planned Project Activities will have the effect
of minimizing or mitigating identified adverse impacts:
1. Assisted Housing.
A site for assisted housing will be prepared at the southeast
corner of Harrison and Linn Streets. Its Zoning allows both
residential and commercial land uses. If parts of the street
rights-of-way are utilized for this site, up to ten units of new
housing could be constructed.
Other housing opportunities, including two developments for
elderly persons currently or soon to be under construction,
scattered site Traditional Public Housing and Section 8 rent
subsidies, will be available to persons who are relocated by the
i
Project.
2. Construction Activities.
A number of short-term adverse impacts have been identified
that will result from construction activities, including the
channel improvements to Ralston Creek. Construction activities
should be limited to daylight hours, and should be carried out
with an awareness of potential noise and dust impacts.
Ralston Creek channel improvements should preserve as much
existing vegetation as is feasible.
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VI. LEVEL OF CLEARANCE FINDING
WHEREAS, the City of Iowa City, applicant for assistance under Title
I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, Public Law 93-353,
has carried out the prescribed Environmencal Review Procedure as required —
and has completed the steps applicable to process directed by law, and
WHEREAS, a review of the information in the Environmental Review
Record has shown that the project will not have a significant
environmental effect;
IT 15 HEREBY FOUND by the applicant that the request for release of "a
funds for the project is not an action which may significantly affect the
quality of the human environment.
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT µ
ZIZL
Dennis ra t,!recto
i
Qticwc�,�., •_,
a es . encln, CD8G Program !rector
Dated:A
nev!n Laverty, Envirdnmental Review anner
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VII. NOTICES AND REVIEWS
A. LOCAL REVIEW
The Small Cities Grant Pre -Application and Application and the
Lower Ralston Creek Neighborhood Redevelopment Plan (pursuant
to Iowa Chapter 403) have been discussed at public hearings
before City Council and the Planning and Zoning Commission.
The Project has also been presented to two citizens advisory
groups, the Committee on Community Needs and the Ralston Creek
Coordinating Committee. A number of meetings with area residents
_ and property owners have also been held to discuss specific
aspects of the Project. These meetings and the monthly newsletter
for the Lower Ralston Creek Neighborhood are intended to
foster as much awareness and discussion of the proposed Project
as possible.
B. EARLY PUBLIC REVIEW -- FLOOD PLAIN IMPACT
Early public review of the Small Cities Project (as an action
having an impact upon a floodway) was carried out in accordance
with 24 CFR 58.23(a). The notice in Appendix E was published
in the Iowa C�
1979, nPress-Citizen on June 28, 1979. On July 26,
a sow sent Lo
ot ce wes the following community
organizations and Regional State and Federal agencies:
Committee on Community Needs
Ralston Creek Coordinating Committee
Johnson County Regional Planning Commission
East Central Iowa Council of Governments
State Of Iowa, Dept. of Environmental Quality
_ State of Iowa, Natural Resources Council
State of Iowa, Office for Planning and Programming
- Iowa Geological Survey
HUD Area Office
EPA Regional Office
Area Office, Soil Conservation Service, U.S. Dept.
of Agriculture
U.S. Geological Survey
C. PUBLIC REVIEW OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PROCESS
1. Environmental Review discussed with Committee on Community
Needs (CCN) at public meeting, September 5, 1979 (see
Appendix F).
2. Environmental Review discussed with residents, property
owners and other interested citizens at public meeting,
September 12, 1979 (see Appendix G).
3• Environmental Review Record presented to City Council at
public meeting, December 3, 1919.
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4. Notice of Action Affecting a Floodplain published, Dec. 10, 1979,
(see Appendix H). This notice was concurrently sent to _
the organizations and agencies listed above.
5. Notice of Level of Clearance Finding published, Dec. 10, 1979,
(see Appendix I). This notice was concurrently sent to
the organizations and agencies listed above.
i,
6. Notice of request to HUD for release of Title I funds
published, Dec. 10, 1979 (see Appendix J). This notice
was concurrently sent to the organizations and agencies
listed above.
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7. Request for release of Title I funds and Certification
sent to HUD, Dec. 18, 1979, (see Appendix Q.
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VIII. FURTHER REVIEWS.
Iowa Natural Resources Council -- Approval required prior to
construction of-cTiannel mmprovements.
Application for Council approval (INRC Form No. 1 APPLICATION FOR
APPROVAL OF CONSTRUCTION IN OR ON ANY FLOODWAY OR FLOOD PLAIN) will
have to be made. This application will take at least 30-60 days to
process, and must include Creek and valley cross-sections, engineer-
ing data, and drawings of improvements.
Division of Historic Preservation, Iowa State Historical De art-
ment -- Review 5T pro ect as necessary.
Should review any items of historical or archaeological interest
which are discovered by Project activities, and any new historical
data that come to light about properties in the Project area.
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IX. APPENDIX
A. Site Visit
B. Historic Review
C. Land Use Survey
D. Comprehensive Plan Goals and Policies
E. Early Public Review
F. Presentation to Committee on Community Needs (CCN)
G. Discussion of Environmental Review at Neighborhood Meeting
H. Notice of Action Affecting a floodplain
I. Notice of Finding of No Significant Effect Upon the Environment
J. Notice to Public of Request for Release of Funds
K. Request for Release of Funds and Certification
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IX. APPENDIX
A. Site Visit
B. Historic Review
C. Land Use Survey
D. Comprehensive Plan Goals and Policies
E. Early Public Review
F. Presentation to Committee on Community Needs (CCN)
G. Discussion of Environmental Review at Neighborhood Meeting
H. Notice of Action Affecting a floodplain
I. Notice of Finding of No Significant Effect Upon the Environment
J. Notice to Public of Request for Release of Funds
K. Request for Release of Funds and Certification
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APPENDIX A
SITE VISIT AND COMMENTS
LOWER RALSTON CREEK NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION PROGRAM
June 12, 1979
The Small Cities Program Area is a ten block portion of Iowa City lying to
the south of the eastern half of the CBD. The area is diverse and in
places run-down. The Program Area contains the second -to -last a mile
reach of Ralston Creek. The Creek, the steep bluff to the west of the
Creek from Court Street to Lafayette Street, the street pattern, and the
Rock Island Railroad tracks (the main line at Des Moines Street and a spur
line at Lafayette Street) are the principal physical features of the area.
Single-family houses, multi -family buildings, and a wide variety of
commercial land uses are mixed throughout the area.
On-site review of the Program Area indicates that, although several
houses, yards, and commercial sites were extremely well-maintained and
well -kept, the general level of exterior maintenance of both residences
and businesses is below average for Iowa City. This is particularly true
for structures in the Ralston Creek flood plain. Structural deficiencies,
_ some accumulated trash, and junk cars are all in evidence.
There are no extensive neighborhoods, nor is there an apparent focus for
community activity in the Lower Ralston Creek Program Area. There is no
contiguous area containing more than ten structures, and it appears that
the overall trend is towards more commercial development.
Commercial activity is varied, including building contractor supplies and
warehouses, a gas station, an auto junk yard, a laundromat, two
restaurants, two book stores, a natural foods store, a tire shop, and
several offices. Most of these establishments do not appear to generate
significant traffic.
Ralston Creek is in some places quite attractive, and the trees which line
its banks are much more visible than the creek itself. The creek is quite
obviously strewn with the general debris, broken concrete slabs, old
retaining walls, etc. The banks are in most places stabilized by small
trees which have grown subsequent to the most recent changing of the
channel.
The railroad main line crosses Dubuque Street at grade, and the Lafayette
Street spur crosses Dubuque Street, Gilbert Street and an alley at grade.
Dubuque Street traffic (and to a lesser extent, traffic on Gilbert) is
blocked by trains many times each day. The noise from the trains is quite
obviously obtrusive to anyone living nearby.
evl vin Laverty, nv ronmenta ev ew Planner
-� Henc n, Program oord nator
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APPENDIX B
DIVISION OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION
IOWA STATE HISTORICAL DEPARTMENT
ADRIAN D. ANDERSON. DIRECTOR
STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICER
August 10, 1979
Mr. Kevin Laverty
Planner/Program Analyst
City of Iowa City
`
Civic Center — 410 E. Washington St.
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Re: Acquisition, demolition, and clearance of 19 parcels along the lower reach
of Ralston Creek as part of the Lower Ralston Creek Neighborhood Revitalization
Project --City Iowa
of City, Johnson County, Iowa.
uv
Dear Mr. Laverty:
Based on the information provided on structures proposed for acquisition, demolition,
and clearance in
your letter of July 10, 1979, our records show no sites with historic
values that we think would be
affected in the project area. However, if the proposed
work discovers an item or items that
may be of historic or archaeological interest
or if important new historical data comes to light about
¢I
properties in the project
area, the work should be delayed sufficient time to notify our office so that
the
significance of the discovery can be determined.
el
Your assistance and cooperation in completing the review of the proposed project is
greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
r
NN D.QI�S OIC/� Y/
Adrian D. Anderson, Directo
n
State Historic Preservation Officer
ADA/Iv
M.
26 EAST MARKET STREET . IOWA CITY. IOWA 52240
TELEPHONE (310) 353.4166/353.6941)
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APPENDIX C
LOWER RALSTON CREEK NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION PROJECT
LAND USE SURVEY -- BLOCK INFORMATION
I
_ Ralston Creek A Floodplain:
Not in this block
J
Block Number: 1
Location: South of Court Street; west of Linn Street;
north of Harrison Street and Harrison Street right
of way; east of Dubuque Street.
Description of Land
and Development: Nest half consists of 3 houses,
2 apartment buildings and a vacant lot; east half
is St. Patrick's School and parking lot; southeast corner
slopes very steeply to Ralston Creek floodplain; just
south of Urban Renewal area and just east of Federal
Building and Post Office.
Number of Structures
Commercial: 0
Residential: 5 residential, 3 accessory
Streets: Harrison Street does not go
through from alley east by Linn because
of a steep hill.
jAlleys: North -south alley is one way north.
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Sidewalks: Along Court Street, Dubuque
Street, Harrison Street and Linn Street
(about 4-10 foot elevation above)
Railroad Lines:
None.
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Court St.
P.
Harrison St.
LOWLR RALSTON CREEP: NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION PROJECT
LAND USE SURVEY -- BLOCK INFORMATION
Block Number: 19
I — _
Location: South of Court Street; east of Linn Street;
north of Harrison Street; west of Maiden Lane.
Description of Land
and Development: This block has three large
structures: a house, an apartment building, and
the auction house. an
it is open with
evidence of filled dumping.
4.1
Numbe�tructures
Commercial: 2
Residential: 2
Ralston Creek A Floodplain:
Ralston Creek flows to the south of this
block; all of the block except northwest
corner is in the 100 -year floodplain.
I
Streets: Court Street - 2 lane, secondary
arterial; Linn Street - 2 lane; Harrison
Street - 2 lane.
Alleys: Maiden Lane - gravel surface
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Sidewalks: Along Court Street, Linn Street,
and Harrison Street.
Railroad Lines: None.
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Court St.
Harrison St.
LOWER RALSTON CREEK NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION PROJECT
LAND USE SURVEY -- BLOCK INFORMATION
Block Number: 2
Location: South of Court Street; west of Gilbert Street;
north of Ralston Creek (Harrison Street right-of-way);
east of Maiden Lane.
Description of Land
and Development: North half consists of commercial
buildings which completly occupy lots; south half
is vacant.
i
Number of Structures
II
Commercial: 5
i
Residential:
"l
Ralston Creek d Floodplain:
All of this block is in 100 year floodplain
Streets: Court Street - 2 lane, secondary
_ arterial, Gilbert Street - 4 lane secondary
arterial
Alleys: Maiden Lane - gravel surface
Sidewalks: Along Gilbert Street and Court
Street - very narrow attached to street
surface along Court Street and at Gilbert -
Railroad Lines: -Court corner
None.
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Court St.
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LOWER RALSTON CREEK NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION PROJECT
LAND USE SURVEY -- BLOCK INFORMATION
Block Number: g
S7 Location: South of Harrison Street and Harrison
Street right-of-way; west of Linn Street; north of
Prentiss Street; east of Dubuque Street.
w
o •�
m ((((n����Z Si m Description of Land
and Development: This block slopes sharply from
IUB the west to the Ralston Creek floodplai
West half of block consicommercial structures n to the east.
sts of
which have a residential Of
(due to large
trees and building design) and an apartment building. '
East half is mostly single family houses. A lot of
new trees on the whole block.
FI
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Number of Structures
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Commercial:
�.r
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Residential: s
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Ralston Creek 8 Floodplain:
i
East half of block is in the 100 year floodplain. F'
Harrison St. t�.;
Streets: Dubuque, Prentiss and Linn Streets 1.
are two lane; Harrison Street - 2 lane from 6
Dubuque Street to alley, does not go through
from alley to Linn Street because of steep
hill. 2 6 n
Alleys: North -south alley from Harrison
Street south dead ends, southern end has
been vacated.
Sidewalks: Along Linn Street, Prentiss
Street, Dubuque Street and Harrison Street
Ilailro db Liinesuque to alley east of alley is an
None. overgrown footpath).
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Prentiss St.
e
a
LOWER RALSTON CREEK NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION PROJECT
LAND USE SURVEY -- BLOCK INFORMATION
Block Number: 20
Location., South of Harrison Street; east of Linn
Street; north of Prentiss Street; east of Maiden
Lane.
z FSTm Description of Land
z__j and Development: This block is low-lying and
o D split by Ralston Creek; many trees along Ralston
�.. Creek; small house on northwest corner
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A Number of Structures
Commercial: 1
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Residential: 4 - 1 Storage building
Ralston Creek A Floodplain:
- Ralston Creek flows from northeast to southwest
entire block is in 100 year floodplain.
Streets: Harrison Street - 2 lane, Linn
Street - 2 lane, Prentiss Street - 2 lane
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! Alleys: Maiden Lane - gravel (does not cross
I_ Ralston Creek)
Sidewalks: Along Harrison Street, Linn Street
(in front of houses only), Prentiss Street
Railroad Lines: None
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Harrison St.
Prentiss St.
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LOWER RALSTON CREEK NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION PROJECT
i LAND USE SURVEY -- BLOCK INFORMATION
a
Ralston Creek 8 Floodplain:
Block Number: 5 (north)
W
Location: South of Harrison Street right-of-way;
west of Gilbert Street; north of Prentiss Street;
east of alley (Maiden Lane)
w
Description of Land
0
and Development: Older brick and stone buildings
A
generally built to lot lines, Ralston Creek passes
•,
through parcel R1
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Number of Structures
Commercial: 5
Residential:
Ralston Creek passes through northern "
part of this block, buildings are not in Harrison St.
floodplain.
Streets: Gilbert Street - secondary arterial
4 lanes 2 u
Alleys: Maiden Lane, gravel e
7
Sidewalks: Along Gilbert Street and Prentiss Prentiss St.
Street
Railroad Lines:
None.
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Alleys: Maiden Lane, gravel e
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Sidewalks: Along Gilbert Street and Prentiss Prentiss St.
Street
Railroad Lines:
None.
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LOWER RALSTON CREEK NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION PROJECT
LAND USE SURVEY -- BLOCK INFORMATION
1 •n
Block Number:1_ 0
Location: South of Harrison Street; west of Ralston
Creek (Linn Street right-of-way); north of main Rock
Island tracks (Des Moines Street); east of Dubuque
Street.
Descri ti f
P on o Land
CD and Development: Land slopes sharply from west to
Ralston Creek floodplain on east; land uses consist of
a variety of commercial activities except for a few
apartments on north end of the block.
1 Number of Structures
Commercial:
i
Residential: One mixed residential and commercial
iRalston Creek A Floodplain
Y
i Ralston Creek flows just east of this block
approximately the eastern half is in the
100 year floodplain.
Streets: Dubuque Street and Prentiss Street -
2 lane.
I
Alleys: North -south alley is gravel surface and
runs from Prentiss Street to railroad tracks
Sidewalks: Along Dubuque Street and Prentiss
Street
Railroad Lines: Main Rock Island Railroad
_ tracks border this block on the south
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Prentiss St.
t L
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7 6 de
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1 main RR tracks 1
LONER RALSTON CREEK NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION PROJECT
LAND USE SURVEY -- BLOCK INFORMATION
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Ralston Creek 8 Floodplain:
Block Number: 21
Location: South of Prentiss Street; west of alley
(Maiden Lane); north of Rock Island tracks; east
of Ralston Creek
Description of Land
and Development: The northern part of the block
along Prentiss Street has two newer commercial
structures. The southern part had been recently
filled and graded.
Number of Structures
Commercial: 2
Residential: 0
Ralston Creek is immediately west of this
block in City right-of-way (Linn Street)
Structures are currently in 100 year
floodplain.
Streets: Prentiss Street - 2 lanes
Alleys: Maiden Lane - gravel surface
Sidewalks: None, area along Prentiss
Street is taken up by parking
Railroad Lines: Rock island main line
south of this block
I / Prentiss St.
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LOWER RALSTON CREEK NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION PROJECT
LAND USE SURVEY -- BLOCK INFORMATION
Block Number: 5 (south)
Location: South of Prentiss Street; west of Gilbert
Street; east of alley (Maiden Lane)
Description of Land
and Development: Land slopes steeply west along
Prentiss Street; gently south along Gilbert Street;
north half of block has commercial development; south
is vacant and grassy
Number of Structures
Commercial: Z
Residential: 0
—� Ralston Creek 8 Floodplain
This block is not in the floodplain
J
Streets: Gilbert Street - 4 lane, secondary
- arterial; Prentiss Street - 2 lane
Alleys: Maiden Lane - gravel surface
Side4aalks: Along Gilbert Street and Prentiss
- Street; part of segment along Prentiss is
missing
Railroad Lines: None
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Prentiss
St.
LOWER RALSTON CREEK NEIGHBORHOOD
DCREVITALIZATION PROJECT
LAND USE SUR
Ralston Creek b Floodplain:
Block Number: 18
Location: South of Rock Island tracks (Des Moines
Street); west of Ralston Creek; north of Lafayette
Street; east of Dubuque Street
•
Description of Land
and Development: Block is flat and in floodplain
except for an extreme part, west half is mixed commercial
and residential; east of alley is industrial (junk yar'
and metal shop)
Number of Structures
Commercial: 5
Residential: 2
Ralston Creek flows just east of this block all
except parcel 1 and part of parcel 2 is in
floodplain
Streets: Dubuque Street - 2 lane; Lafayette
Street - unpaved
Alleys: North -south alley runs north from
Lafayette Street; it is unpaved and in poor
condition
Sidewalks: Along Dubuque Street and Lafayette
Street (cast of alley it disappears)
Railroad Lines: Two tracks on north boundary
single track on south side of Lafayette Street
is Rock I sland which connects with Crandic
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main RR tracks
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lafavette St.
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LOWER RALSTON CREEK NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION PROJECT
LAND USE SURVEY -- BLOCK INFORMATION
- LL7 H -
P F-1
' Number of
II Structures
Commercial: I
Residential: I House, I Garage
I --
Ralston Creek d Floodplain:
Ralston Creek flows along west edge of this
block.
J j
r Streets:
.y
MI Gilbert Street -- 4 lane secondary, arterial;
Lafayette Street -- 2 lane, does not cross
Ralston Creek.
Alleys: None.
Sidewalks: Along Gilbert Street and
along Lafayette but not cross creek.
Railroad Lines:
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Block Number: 22
Location:
Description of Land
and Development:
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LOWER RALSTON CREEK NEIGIIBORIIOOD
LAND USE REV17AL12AT]ON PROJECT
SURVEY -- BLOCK INFORMATION
Block Number: 28
Location: South of Lafayette Street; ue
east of Dubuque
Street; north of Benton Street; west of Gilbert
Street
Description of Land
and Development: East half is
quite a few trees- west hmostly open with
residential use half is mixed commercial and ^
Number of Structures
Commercial: S
�J Residential: 2
Ralston Creek 8 Floodplain : 1 mixed commercial and residential
Ralston Creek flows from north to south just
west of the Linn Street right -Of -way -
entire block is in the 100 year floodplain
Streets: Dubuque -Lafayette St.
2 lane q Street and Benton Street -
cross Ralston eCreektrect - 2 lanette , does not
1 " S
Alleys: North -south alley is unpaved and
has many holes
Sidewalks: Along Gilbert Street, Benton
Street and Dubuque Street
Railroad Lines: One set of tracks along
Lafayette Street and across Ralston Creek
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LOWER RALSTON CREEK NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION PROJECT
LAND USE SURVEY -- BLOCK INFORMATION
Block Number: 4
Location: South of Benton Street; east of Dubuque
Street; north of Kirkwood Avenue; west of Gilbert
Street
Description of Land
and Development: Low lying area bisected by Ralston
Creek; northwest is primarily residential with trees
and yards; southeast corner is a parking lot; creek
is lined with dense trees
j� Number of Structures
Commercial: 3
I
Residential: B houses, 5 accessory buildings
1 Ralston Creek d Floodplain:
Ralston Creek flows from northeast to southwest; the entire block is currently in the
100 year floodplain'
Benton 'St.
t a
Streets: Benton Street - 2 lane; Dubuque Street;
secondary arterial, 2 lane (one way northbound); •3.
Kirkwood Avenue - secondary arterial- 4 lane; 9 10
Gilbert Street - secondary arerial - 4 lane 4
s
Alleys: North -south alley from Benton Street
deadends it
H 6
Sidewalks: Separated from the street, completely W :'12
surrounding this block
0
Railroad Lines: None o' r
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APPENDIX D
Following is a listing of the Comprehensive Plan Goals and Policies used
in compiling the Environmental Criteria used in Section IV. Environmental
Effects of this ERR.
PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT:
1. Land Use
Land Use Goal No. 2. To maximize the locational suitability of land
uses according to existing land uses, soils, topography, vegetation,
distance from core areas, trafficways, physical barriers and
utilities.
Land Use Goal No. 3. To provide an adequate choice of sites for -
existing and future development needs, which minimize the negative
impacts of incompatible land uses.
2. Development
Land Use Goal No. 4. To achieve a land use distribution which
encourages energy efficiency.
Economic Goal No. 2. To promote energy efficiency in the location of
Iowa City business and industry.
Land Use Policy No. h3. Encourage energy efficient development
practices and patterns.
Economic Policy No. 3. Where possible locate commercial and
industrial activities in such as way that energy resources are
conserved.
3. Relocate imcompatible and obsolete land uses.
Land Use Policy Aal. Encourage the relocation of incompatible and
obsolete land uses.
4. Acquire and redevelop land for residents' health and safety.
Land Use Policy No. al. fncouarge the relocation of incompatible and ~
obsolete land uses.
Land Use Policy No. a4. Acquire and redevelop areas where change is
imperative to residents' health and safety.
5. Higher Density Housing.
Land Use Policy No. c2. Provide higher density housing opportunities
adjacent to core areas. -•
Housing Policy No. 3. Allow higher density housing in proximity to
existing core areas.
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6. Mass Transit, Bikeways and Walkways.
Transportation Goal No. 4. To increase use of mass transit, bikeways
and walkways.
w- Transportation Policy No. al. Encourge to the maximum extent
possible the use of the mass transit system.
Transportation Policy No. dl. Develop a safe, continuous bikeway
system which will encourage the use of the bicycle for transportation
and recreation by all age groups.
Transportation Policy No. d2. Assure the provision of adequate
sidewalk and walkways to allow the safe movement of pedestrians
throughout the city.
Community Facilties Policy No. 2. Establish a system of bikeways and
walkways in Iowa City.
Environmental Policy No. 7. Encourage the use of mass transit,
bicycles and walking by providing appropriate services and
facilities in order to reduce pollution from motor vehicles.
7. Trafficway Improvements.
Transportation Policy No. bl. Provide trafficway improvements which
will facilitate a safe uncongested flow of traffic.
8. Cowercial Activity in Exi- sting Cores.
Economic Policy No. 1. Encourage commercial activity to take place
i in existing core areas or neighborhood commercial centers and to
discourge the proliferation of new major commercial areas.
9. Neighbhorhood Parks.
Community Facilities Policy No. 4. Locate neighborhood parks within
walking distance of all residents living in the areas where housing
densities are greater than two dwelling units per acre.
SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT:
1. Tax Base.
Economic Goal No. 1. To maintain the economic viability of Iowa City
by insuring sufficient employment opportunity and shopping
facilities, and by expanding the tax base.
Economic Policy No. 2. Expand the non-residential tax base in Iowa
City by seeking new industries and other major employers.
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2. Variety of Housing Types.
Housing Goal No. 1. to provide a variety of housing types which will
meet the needs of city residents.
Housing Goal No. 2. To meet the needs of both renters and owner -
occupants in housing development and redevelopment.
Housing Policy No. 1. Conserve the diverse needs of renters and -
homeowners in making residential development decisions.
3. Maintenance, Rehabilitation and Reinvestment in Housing. _
Housing Goal No. 3. To encourage the maintenance, and where
necessary, the rehabilitation of the existing housing stock.
Housing Policy No. 5. Encourage rehabilitation and reinvestment in Y
existing neighborhoods to maintain the existing housing stock and
preserve desirable neighborhood characteristics.
4. Established Neighborhoods.
HousingGoal No. 4. To
preserve the character of established
neighborhoods where desirable and possible.
Housing Policy No. 5. Encourage rehabilitation and reinvestment in a
existing neighborhoods to maintain existing housing stock and
preserve desirable neighborhood characteristics.
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APPENDIX E
NOTICE
(Pursuant to 24 CFR 58.23 - Impact on Floodplains and Wetlands)
The City of Iowa City has applied for Federal funding to carry out the
Lower Ralston Creek Neighborhood Revitalization Project under the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development's Small Cities Block Grant
Program. The major element of this project is improvement to Ralston
Creek to prevent flooding in the Creek's lower reach, from Gilbert Street
to Kirkwood Avenue. Flooding problems have historically threatened life,
- property and public health and safety along Ralston Creek. The proposed
project will remove blighting influences and stimulate private
reinvestment in the area.
Further information on the City's proposal is contained in the Small
Cities Comprehensive Grant Application and the Citizen Participation
Plan, both of which are available at the City Clerk's desk at the Iowa
City Civic Center and at the Iowa City Public Library. Any comments on
this proposal should be submitted by August 20, 1979.
City of Iowa City
Civic Center
410 E. Washington St.
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Neal G. Berlin, City Manager
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APPENDIX F
city UC I;.Awn city
i
Date: September 6, 1979
To: Dennis Kraft, Director, Department of Planning and Program
Development I
From: Marianne Milkman, Planner/Program Analyst rff
Re: CCN Discussion of Small Cities ERR
At the CCN meeting on Wednesday, September 5, 1979, Kevin Laverty
presented an outline of the Small Cities Environmental Review Record (see
attachment).
Discussion centered on the parcels to be acquired which are not essential I
for the Ralston Creek channel improvements. These parcels include most of
the 900 block of South Dubuque Street and most of the 200 block of East
Benton Street. The Committee felt that residents should only be displaced I
if absolutely essential to reduce flooding. At neighborhood meetings Inez
Foster, Marie Alexander and Jim Croker (insurance business) in
particular, had expressed a desire to remain at their present location.
Staff pointed out that some of the amenities making that area convenient I,
for residents (Hy -Vee and laundromat) would soon be gone, and that the
area was slated for land consumptive commercial use on the City's I•
Comprehensive Plan. Any remaining dwelling units in the area would
therefore become nonconforming uses under the new zoning ordinance.
CCN members suggested that retaining these housing units would decrease I
the chief adverse impacts of the project, namely net loss of dwelling
units. CCN members also agreed that the property on the corner of
Harrison and Linn Street should be acquired (particularly since the owner
appears to wish to sell) even though it is not essential to channel
improvements, since it is important to retain a site for assisted housing.
Another reason for not acquiring other non-essential parcels in the area I
was the suggestion that the property owners might be able to get a better
price than the current fair market price for their properties, after creek
improvements have been made and the area is more attractive to commercial
enterprises. Final recommendation to City Council from CCN: "That
properties on the 900 block of South Dubuque Street and the 200 block of
East Benton Street which are not necessary for channel improvements, not I'
be acquired unless the property owners wish to sell."
In addition, there was a consensus of the Committee that the Small Cities I.
Project as currently described,. does not have a significant adverse
environmental impact.
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MINUTES
COMMITTEIE ON COMMIINTTY NEIEDS
Slil'TEMBIER 5, 1979 -- 12:1111 NITON
RECREATION CEENTIER -- MEETING ROOM B
MEMBERS PRESENT: Swisher, Amidon, Hall, Pecina, Owens, Ilorton, Clark (1:10),
Casserly, McCormick (12:30)
MEMBERS ABSENT: Johnson, Patrick, Lampe, Barfuss
STAFF PRESENT: Milkman, Wilkinson, Hencin, Laverty, Flaherty
REECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL:
Neighborhood Site Improvement Project:
1. That immediate action is needed on the Sidewalk Improvement project which is
part of the Neighborhood Site Improvement Program that has been lagging for
three years, and that the Committee is very concerned that costs are continually
increasing and less and less can be achieved with the available funds.
FY80 CDBG Budget:
2. That the FY80 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) budget be accepted
as revised and distributed to the Committee.
PY80 (lousing Rehabilitation:
3. That the City's Minimum Housing Code be used as the standard for housing rehabili-
tation (rather than HUD's Section 8 Minimum Housing Standards).
j4. That assistance for Housing Rehabilitation be provided in the form of 5 year
forgivable loans.
S. That priority for loans be given equally to low income elderly, low income
handicapped individuals, and low income families.
6. That as much money in the form of 312 loans be captured as is feasible with the
available staff.
Small Cities Program:
7. 'chat the budget for the Small Cities project be approved as distributed.
8. That properties on the 900 block of S. Dubuque Street and the 200 block of
E. Benton Street which are not necessary for channel improvements, not be
- acquired unless the property owners wish to sell.
SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION:
Chairperson Swisher called the meeting to order and asked for consideration of the
minutes of the July 25 meeting. Horton asked that the typographical error in the
discussion on Energy Conservation (page 2) be corrected so that the amount reads
$7,400 in both places. Horton then moved, and Amidon seconded, that the minutes
be approved as corrected. Motion carried unanimously.
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Committee on Community Needs
September 5, 1979
Page 2
Discussion of CDBG carryover funds and 5th year amended budget:
.Jim Hencin, CDBG Program Coordinator, discussed the FY80 budget amendments and
explained the reasons for each. He explained that most of the amendments simply
involve the carry-over of unexpended FY79 funds and that no new or different
projects are proposed. lie further explained that this was an accounting procedure
to extend unused funds into the accounting system for this fiscal year.
A lengthy discussion about the sidewalk improvement program followed. Committee
members expressed much concern about the continuing delays in this phase of the
program and asked that staff continue to work on the project. Pecina moved, and
Amidon seconded, chat immediate action is needed on the Sidewalk Improvement Project
which is part of the Neighborhood Site Improvement Program that has been lagging
for three years, and that the Committee is very concerned that costs are continually
increasing and less and less can be achieved with the available funds. Motion
carried unanimously.
Pecina moved, and Hall seconded, that the FY80 Community Development Block Grant
((:[)BG) budget be accepted as revised and distributed to the Committee. Motion
carried unanimously.
Discussion of recommendations for 5th year Housing Rehabilitation program:
Milkman explained that the Committee must make recommendations on how the $70,000
allocated for rehabilitation projects in the Sth year should be spent.
The following decisions are to be made:
a. Whether to use HUD's Section 8 Housing Standards or Iowa City's more stringent
Minimum Housing Code standards for Housing Rehabilitation.
After a brief discussion, Owens moved and Morton seconded that the City's
Minimum Housing Code be used as the standard for housing rehabilitation
(rather than HUD's Section 8 Minimum Housing Standards), Motion carried
unanimously.
b. Whether assistance should be provided in the form of direct grants (up to
$S-10,000) or as low interest loans.
After a brief discussion, McCormick moved and Hall seconded that assistance M
for Housing Rehabilitation be provided in the form of S year forgivable loans.
Motion carried with a vote of 7-1 (Swisher opposed).
c. Whether priority should be given to the elderly or other specific low income
groups in the CDBG area.
Casserly moved, and McCormick seconded, that priority for loans be given equally ~
to low income elderly, low income handicapped individuals, and low income
families. Motion carried unanimously.
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Committee on Community Needs
September 9, 1979
Page 3
d. Whether the City should be encouraged to capture 312 funding.
After some discussion, McCormick moved and Owens seconded that as much money in
the form of 312 loans be captured as is feasible with the available staff.
Motion carried with a vote of 7-1 (Pecina opposed),
Review and discussion of the budget and draft Environmental Review Record for the
Small Ces Pro'ect.
Mike Flaherty, Planner/Program Analyst, explained the budget for the Small Cities
project and also explained the adjustments that had been made to comply with
HUD recommendations. After a brief discussion, Horton moved and Hall seconded
that the budget for the Small Cities project be approved as distributed.
carried unanimously. Motion
Jim Hencin, CDBC Program Coordinator, explained the purpose of the Environmental
Review Record. After a brief presentation by Mr. Hencin, he turned the program
over to Kevin Laverty who presented a slide show of the project area. Following
the slide show, he explained the various maps showing the effect of the proposed
improvements to the area and answered questions from Committee members. Laverty
also briefly explained the outline environmental review distributed to CCN members.
_ 'rhe discussion centered on the parcels to be acquired, which are not essential to
I
the Ralston Creek Channel improvements. These parcels include most of the 900
block of S. Dubuque and most of the 200 block of E. Benton Street. The Committee
felt that residents should only be displaced if absolutely essential to reduce
"j flooding.
Staff pointed out that some of the amenities making that area convenient for
residents (Hy -Vee and laundromat) would soon be gone, and that the area was slated
for land consumptive commercial use on the City's Comprehensive Plan. Any remaining
dwelling units in the area would therefore become non -conforming uses under the new
zoning ordinance.
adverse impacts of the project, namely net loss of dwelling units.
CCN members suggested that retaining these housing units would decrease the chief
also agreed that the property on the corner of Harrison and Linn Stir CCN members
eets should be
acquired (particularly since the owner appears to wish to sell) even though it is
not essential to channel improvements, since it is important to retain a site for
assisted housing.
Another reason for not acquiring other non-essential parcels in the area was the
suggestion that the property owners might be able to get a better price than the
current fair market price for their properties, after creek improvements have been
made and the area is more attractive to commercial enterprises.
Following this discussion, Casserly moved and Pecina seconded, that properties on
the 900 block of S. Dubuque Street and the 200 block of E. Benton Street which are
not necessary for channel improvements not be acquired unless the property owners
wish to sell. Motion carried unanimously.
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Committee on Community Needs
—
September 5, 1979
Page a
Swisher also suggested the possibility of using funds not required for acquisition
for improvements
on the Prentiss Street bridge to reduce the flooding in that
area.
Horton inquired whether the presence of historic structures had been investigated,
as well as the presence of any endangered species in the area,
_
In addition, there was a consensus that the Small Cities project, as currently
described, does not have
a significant adverse environmental impact.
Other Business:
Swisher expressed the Committee's appreciation to Eve Casserly who has served
a,
faithfully on the Committee.
Ile also asked that Committee members consider the place, time and day for future
4,
meetings. It appears that another time and day might be more convenient for
'I
Committee members.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
c.,
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Sandra Wilkinson, PPD Secretary
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APPENDIX G
City olr Iowa Ch,
MEMORANDUM
Date: September 21, 1979
To: Small Cities File (Citizens' Participation)
From: Michael Flaherty, Planner/Program Analyst
Re: Neighborhood Meeting
A neighborhood meeting for the Lower Ralston Creek Neighborhood was held
on Wednesday, September 12, 1979 at 7:30 PM in the National Guard Armory.
Staff present: Hencin, Laverty, Milkman, Flaherty.
CCN member: Johnson
Residents and property owners: Gillespie, Busch, Graham, Alexander,
Foster, M. Jones, C. Jones, H. Adair, J. Adair, Petersen.
This informal meeting was called to discuss the Environmental Review of
the Lower Ralston Creek/Small Cities Project. Staff explained the federal
requirements concerning environmental assessment and presented a summary
of the Lower Ralston Creek/Small Cities Environmental Review Record. A
meeting agenda and an outline of the presentation is attached.
Questions and concerns expressed by residents and property owners
included the following:
Ron Johnson, 219h E. Benton Street, pointed out that the project
preapplication had indicated that fill was required over the area in
the 900 block of S. Dubuque adjacent the creek.
Staff responded that the Ralston Creek Storm Water Management Plan,
which was completed after the preapplication was submitted,
recommended the construction of an earthen dike along the creek's
west bank rather than filling the area.
2. Clark Jones, 930 S. Dubuque Street, asked if engineering studies were
complete and accurate in showing which properties would need to be
acquired for creek improvements.
Staff replied that the engineering for the Small Cities Project was
done in conjunction with the Storm Water Management Plan for the
Ralston Creek watershed, prepared by Shoemaker b Haaland. The
improvements proposed for the Small Cities Project are a part of the
recommended improvements of this plan and are accurate to the best of
our knowledge.
3. Ron Johnson said he felt that property owners and residents are
uncertain about the project because the City seems uncertain about
what property should be acquired.
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2
Staff pointed out that while the application called for the
acquisition of all properties adjacent to the creek on the 900 block
of S. Dubuque, concerns for displacing residents from properties not
actually needed for creek improvements had been expressed in the
environmental review, by CCN and the City Council. As a result of
these concerns, City Council has directed staff to pursue alter-
natives to acquiring and displacing owner -occupants.
One alternative might be to acquire only those structures actually
needed for creek imarovements, allowing time and market pressures to -
replace the remaining residential uses. A second alternative would
be to purchase the structures but allow residents to continue
occupancy under life estate arrangements.
4. John Gillespie, 1027 Hollywood, owner of commercial property at 311
E. Harrison Street, expressed the concern that he could not relocate
his business at what the City would pay him for his present property.
Staff responded that until appraisals are made, no determination of
just compensation could be made, and that he would be assisted in 1
locating a replacement site. Staff will work with him and others
displaced, determining what is available and suitable to their
needs.
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5. Gillespie also stated that a similar problem would exist in
relocating homeowners.
Staff replied that while values of residential property in the
project area might be lower than values on a city-wide basis, until
appraisals are made, we won't know how great the spread is. The
federal requirements of the Uniform Act allow the City to provide up
to $15,000, in addition to the acquisition price, in the form of a
replacement housing payment to displaced home owners. City Council
has also indicated that, if necessary, that the City may exceed this
$15,000 maximum as allowed under CD8G programs.
6. Gillespie stated that he felt the life estate arrangement for owner -
occupied residents was a good idea.
7. Ron Johnson suggested that we ask property owners present at the
meeting if they were willing to sell their property.
Staff replied that while this could be done, that at a later date
people might feel differently.
8. Inez Foster, 916 S. Dubuque Street, said that she would like to sell ~
her property at 926 South Dubuque, but that her aunt, Marie
Alexander, 916 South Dubuque would like to retain her property if
possible.
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Staff replied that Mrs. Alexander would be able to continue to live
in her home if she desired.
9. Ron Johnson asked that if one or more residential properties remained
on the 900 Block of South Dubuque, wouldn't it be more difficult to
resell for commercial use?
Staff replied that it would be, however, the first priority of the
project is to be flood control. Commercial redevelopment is a lesser
priority. City Council has indicated that home owners should be
permitted to continue residing in their homes if that is their
preference. Staff pointed out that the neighborhood had lost much of
its residential character and that the closing of the Hy -Vee store
would diminish its residential character further. Eventually,
market factors are likely to replace residential uses in the area.
10. Johnson stated that he had originally purchased his property because
of the M1 zoning, and that he had intended to eventually convert his
properties to commercial use. Johnson also pointed out that the area
was the only available commercial area that remained near the
downtown, and that because of the rising cost of automobile
transportation, commercial development in this area would be
particularly important. Johnson also pointed out that because of the
demand for housing in Iowa City, particularly after the down zoning
of the north side, the development of housing in the area should be
considered.
Staff pointed out that in order for the land to be developed for uses
other than land consumptive commercial the Comprehensive Plan would
have to be changed. However, in the process of developing the City's
new Zoning Ordinance, some changes could possibly be expected. Staff
suggested that Mr. Johnson become involved in the development of the
new Zoning Ordinance.
11. Johnson asked if it were possible for current property owners to
retain ownership while improvements were made, or if not, to purchase
the property after improvements were made.
Staff replied that federal requirements would not permit public
improvements of this nature on private property. In reselling the
property the City must follow State law which requires a bidding
process. Current owners could bid on property but could receive no
preference.
12. Johnson asked if the land would be resold in small parcels or as a
package, stating that if the land were resold in large parcels small
businesses would effectively be eliminated from bidding and that
large developers would benefit.
Staff responded that the disposition plan for the project has not
been established but that his observation was probably valid.
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13. Johnson asked if the current commercial property not needed for creek
improvements could be retained by current owners.
Staff responded that purchase offers would be extended to all
property owners. Any additional changes in the original plan to
acquire properties would have to come from City Council.
14. Denny Petersen, 932 Oakcrest, owner of commercial property on
Lafayette Street, asked what a Small Business Investment Corporation
would do.
Staff explained that a SBIC was a non-profit organization that would
provide incentives, in the form of low interest loans, for small and
minority businesses to be initiated in the area. This concept could
be developed and carried out using CDBG and SBA funding as seed
money.
15. David Busch, 223 East Benton Street, asked about the bike path
mentioned in the environmental review.
Li
Staff replied that a bike path could be constructed in the area along
the newly constructed west bank of the creek. The Comprehensive Plan
encourages this use. The construction of a bike path would also
facilitate access needed to maintain the creek and the creek bedding.
16. John Gillespie stated that he would prefer to see the area developed
as a park rather than for commercial use. -'
Staff replied that a bike path would in effect provide a linear park,
and that some commercial uses might even benefit from having such a
use in their backyards.
17. Josephine Graham, 205 E. Benton St., suggested that the creek should
be deepened rather than widened and that banks be stabilized with
brick. —.
Staff pointed out that the creek will be dredged in some area, but
that in order to provide sufficient capacity the width of the west
bank would have to be increased.
18. Several residents stated that they were much more comfortable with
the project as it now was stated.
Attachments: 1. Agenda
2. Outline of Environmental Review Record
cc: Neal Berlin, City Manager
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Neighborhood Meeting to discuss the Environmental Review for the Lower
Ralston Creek/Small Cities Project
Iowa National Guard Armory
925 S. Dubuque Street
Wednesday, September 12, 1979 - 7:30 PM
AGENDA
1. Status of Lower Ralston Creek/Small Cities Project
2. Purpose of the Environmental Review
3. Probable Environmental Effects of the Lower Ralston Creek/Small
Cities Project
4. Opportunities for enhancement of the environment
I
5. Alternatives considered in depth
6. Steps required to complete the Environmental Review
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OUTLINE OF EL':L..;'ENTAL REVIEW RECORD
I. Probable ervironnrental effects of the Lower Ralston Creek/Small Cities
Project
a, beneficial effects
1) protection of houses and businesses from Ralston Creek flood-
ing and sewer surcharging
2) eliininate disruption of auto, bus, and pedestrian traffic
due to flooding
b. adverse impacts
1) loss of existing housing units and effect upon remaining
residential area
2) net loss of housing due to Project activities w.
2. Opportunities for enhancing the environment
a. additional low- and moderate -income housing
b. encouragement of small, locally -owned businesses -- Small Business
Investment Corporation
C. bicycle and pedestrian path along rebuilt west bank of Ralston
Creek and across Creek at Lafayette Street
3. Alternatives considered in depth
a. do nothing (note: HUD explicitly requires us to consider the
alternative of no project)
b. housing alternatives
1) do not acquire parcels not necessary for Ralston Creek channel V
improvements
2)acquire all designated parcels but grant life estates to owner-
-occupants of residential properties not necessary for Ral-
ston Creeek channel improvements
3) provide an expanded site for assisted housing
4) move displaced houses to individual available parcels or
to a concentrated site
c. alternative commercial land use
1) more intense commercial activity "
2) Small Business Investment Corporation
d. bicycle path along Ralston Creek and bicycle/pedestrian crossing
of Creek at Lafayette Street
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STLPS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
i
I. Presentation of Environmental Review Record toCit Council at
ub-
lic meeting. �
2. Publish notice of finding of no significant impact upon the environment.
This notice will specify the "official" time period for submitting
written comments to the City concerning the Environmental Review
(15 day review period).
3. ublish notice of re uest to HUD for release of funds. This notice
will specify a period during which written comments may be sent
directly to HUD. The only grounds upon which HUD will accept an
objection to release of funds deal with narrowly defined procedural
matters (15 day review period).
Department of Planning and Program Development
September 12, 1979
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APPENDIX H
NOTICE OF ACTION AFFECTING A FLOOD PLAIN _
(as Required by Executive Order 11988)
Date: December 10, 1979
City of Iowa City
410 E. Washington St.
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
(319) 354-1800
TO ALL INTERESTED AGENCIES, GROUPS AND PERSONS:
The Lower Ralston Creek Neighborhood Revitalization
Project will be carried out by the City of Iowa City
using Title I CDBG funds from the U. S. Department
of Housing and Urban Development. The primary
element of the project is the control of Ralston
Creek flooding. Channel improvements to Ralston
Creek will be made in the area shown on the attached
map.
The scheduled channel improvements are part of Iowa
City's Storm Water Management Plan for Ralston
Creek. The Lower Ralston Creek Neighborhood
Revitalization Project will involve deepening and
widening the Creek, the placement of fill and the
construction of land forms and retaining walls.
These actions are intended to contain the base
flood (100 -year flood) within the reconstructed
channel banks, and to protect existing houses and
businesses.
Because of the nature of the Project there is no
practicable alternative to construction in the
existing Ralston Creek flood plain. The channel
improvements to be constructed through the Lower
Ralston Creek Neighborhood Revitalization Project
conform to applicable State and local flood plain
protection standards.
The alternative of not making the channel
improvements has been considered by the City of
Iowa City and is discussed in the Environmental «�
Review Record for this Project. This Environmental
Review Record is on file at the above address and is
available for public examination and copying, upon
request.
Individuals or agencies wishing to comment upon
this Project should do so in writing before
December 26, 1979.
City of Iowa City
Neal G. Berlin, City Manager
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APPENDIX I
NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT
EFFECT ON THE ENVIRONMENT
_ Date: December 10, 1979
City of Iowa City
410 E. Washington St.
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
(319) 354-1800
TO ALL INTERESTED AGENCIES, GROUPS AND PERSONS:
The City of Iowa City proposes to request the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development to
release federal funds under Title I of the Housing
and Community Development Act of 1974 (PL 93-383)
to be used for the following project:
LOWER RALSTON CREEK NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION
PROJECT
PURPOSE: Ralston Creek flood control
LOCATION: Iowa City, Johnson County, Iowa
ESTIMATED COST: $2,000,000
It has been determined that such request for
release of funds will not constitute an action
significantly affecting the quality of the human
environment and, accordingly, the City of Iowa City
has decided not to prepare an Environmental Impact
Statement under the National Environmental Policy
Act of 1969 (PL 91-190).
The reasons for such decision not to prepare such
.i Statement are as follows:
I
The Project will relieve serious flooding problems
within the Lower Ralston Creek Neighborhood.
Project activities are a part of the Storm Water
Management Plan for the Ralston Creek watershed.
Residents and businesses who must be moved because
of Creek improvements are eligible for relocation
benefits, and extensive relocation planning is
underway.
An Environmental Review Record respecting this
Project has been made by the City of Iowa City which
documents the environmental review of the Project
and more fully sets forth the reasons why such
Statement is not required. This Environmental
Review Record is on file at the City Clerk's office
at the above address and also at the Iowa City
Public Library. It is available for public
examination and copying, upon request, during
normal business hours.
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No further environmental review of this Project is
proposed to be conducted, prior to the request for
release of Federal funds.
All interested agencies, groups and persons
disagreeing with this decision are invited to
submit written comments for considera
City of tion by the
Iowa City to the address indicated below.
Such written comments should be received on or
before December 26, 1979- All such
received will be fcomments so
Iowa City. ully considered by the City of
City of Iowa City
Neal G. Berlin, City Manager
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APPENDIX J
NOTICE TO PUBLIC OF REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS
Date: December 10, 1979
City of Iowa City
410 E. Washington St.
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
(319) 354-1800
TO ALL INTERESTED AGENCIES, GROUPS AND PERSONS:
On or about December 18, 1979, the City of Iowa City
will request the U.S. Department of Housing and
Urban Development to release Federal funds under
Title I of the Housing and Community Development
Act of 1974 (PL 93-383) for the following project:
LOWER RALSTON CREEK NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION
- PROJECT
PURPOSE: Ralston Creek flood control
LOCATION: Iowa City, Johnson County, Iowa
ESTIMATED COST: $2,000,000
An Environmental Review Record respecting this
Project has been made by the City of Iowa City which
documents the environmental review of the project.
This Environmental Review Record is on file at the
above address and is available for public
examination and copying, upon request.
The City of Iowa City will undertake the project
described above with Block Grant funds from the
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD), under Title I of the Housing and Community
' Development Act of 1974. The City of Iowa City is
certifying to HUD that the City of Iowa City and
Neal Berlin, City Manager, in his official capacity
as chief executive officer, consent to accept the
_ jurisdiction of the Federal courts if an action is
brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to
environmental reviews, decision making and action;
and that these responsibilities have been
satisfied. The legal effect of the certification
is that upon its approval, the City of Iowa City may
use the Block Grant funds, and HUD will have
satisfied its responsibilities under the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969. HUD will accept
an objection to its approval of the release of
funds and acceptance of the certification only if
it is on one of the following bases: a) that the
certification was not in fact executed by the chief
executive officer or other officer of applicant
approved by HUD; or b) that applicant's
Environmental Review Record for the project
indicates omission of a required decision, finding
91
MICROFILMED BY
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CEDAR RAPIDS -DES b10111ES
or step applicable to
environmental the project iu the
prepared and submitted
process. Objections must be
required submitted in accordance with the
procedure (24 CFR
addressed to HUD Part 58), and may be
at HUD Area Office, Univac
Building, 7100 West Center Road, Om
68106. Objections to aha, Nebraska
other than thosethrelease of funds on bases
considere Stated above will
ed by HUD. No objection received be
December 26, 1979, will be considered by HUD.
f
City of Iowa City
Neal G. Berlin, City Manager
92
MICROFILMED BY
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CEDAR RAPIDS -DES 110JI1ES
APPENDIX K
U. 5. D6PARTMINT OF HOUSING �NO URBAN CIVELOOMENT COMMUNITT DEVELOPSIBMT BLOCK OnANT OOFIAM
REQUEST FOR AND RELEASE OF FUNDS
CERTIFICATION
(pursuant to Section 104 @) of Ttde 1 of the 9outinl and Cotnntunhy DeveloPM1111 Act of 1911)
ENVIRONMENTAL
1. NAME OF AFFLICANT
Farre APPra+a
OMB No. 63•R•1606
roved grant funds for the following project is requested:
S. REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS. Release of app
GRANTEE
(1f 0ther Than Annficanf)
PROJECT
i
6. CERTIFICATION. With reference to said project it is hereby certified:
That the applicant has at least five (5) days prior to submitting this request for release of funds and certification, published
Jspaper of general circulation in the community affected, a notice to the public (a copy of which is attached hereto)
n a new
in accordance with 24 CFR 58.30 (a);
That the applicant has Polly carried out it's responsibilities for environmental review. decision-making and action pertaining
to the project named in the above request for release of funds;
That the level of environmental clearance carried out by applicant in connection with said project M did O did not require
the preparation and dissemination of an environmental impact statement;
w rn.in, a . • r, r I,,
93
MICROFILMED BY
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CEDAR RAPIDS -DES 110INES
Papa 2 of 2 Pages—
That
ages
That the dates upon which all statutory and regulatory time periods for review, comment, or other response or action in
regard to the aforesaid clearance commenced and expired as indicated below; that all such dales which are applicable to the
aforesaid clearance are indicated below; and that with the expiration of each of the time periods indicated below, applicant
6 in compliance with the requirements of 24 CFR Part 58;
ITEM
Commenw
MOIDAYlYR
Expire
MO/DAY/YR
Notice of Finding of No Significant Environmental
Impact: Publication.
Same: Comment period
Notice of Intent to File EIS: Publication
...............
...............
Draft EIS: Comment period
Same: 90 -day period (CEQ)
Final EIS: 30 day period (CEQ)
5 -Day Notice to Public: Publication
Other: (Specify)
That the undersigned officer of applicant is authorized to, and does, consent to assume the status of responsible federal
official, under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, insofar as the provisions of said Act apply to the HUD
responsibilities for environmental review, decision-making and action assumed and carried out by the applicant; that by
so consenting, the undersigned officer of applicant assumes the responsibilities, where applicable, for the conduct of
environmental review, decision-making, and action as to environmental issues, preparation and circulation of draft and
final environmental impact statements, and assumption of lead agency responsibilities for preparation of such statements
on behalf of Federal agencies other than HUD when such agencies consent to such assumption;
That the undersigned officer of applicant is authorized to consent, personally, and on behalf of the applicant, to accept the
jurisdiction of the Federal courts, for the enforcement of all the aforesaid tesponsibilities; and that the undersigned does so
consent, on behalf of applicant and'of the undersigned, in the official capacity of the undersigned.
ISignarure, Title and Adders of Offlcer of Applicant)
WARNING - Section 1001 of Title III of the United Stales Code and Criminal Procedure shall apply to the foregoing certdlmticn.
Title 18 provides, among other O.ings, that whoever knowingly and willfully makes or uses a document at writing containing any false.
Dclitioua, or fraudulent statement if entry, in any matter within thejurisdletion of any department or agency of the United States, shall
be Med not more than $10,000 or LmptWoned not more than flea years or both.
i
HUD•7015A 5 111.7
94
MICROFILMED BY
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X. References and Contacts for the Environmental Review
References:
Iowa City Plan: Community Facilities Report. August, 1977.
Iowa City Plan: Report on Economics. November, 1977.
Iowa City Plan: Report on Population. July, 1976.
Iowa City Plan: Report on Utilities. May, 1977.
Iowa City Plan: Trafficways Report. April, 1977.
Iowa City Plan: 1976 Land Use Summary.
Lafore, Laurence, American Classic. Iowa State Historical Society,
1975.
Lower Ralston Creek Neighborhood Revitalization Project, Citizen Survey,
December, 1978 and August, 1979.
Lower Ralston Creek Neighborhood Revitalization Project, Land Use Survey.
July, 1979.
Lower Ralston Creek Neighborhood Revitalization Project, Site Visit and
Comments. June, 1979.
D.B. MacDonald Research, Inc., An Assessment of Wildlife and Wildlife
Habitat in the Ralston Creek Waters ed. January, 1977.
Sanborn Map 8 Publishing Company, Insurance Map of Iowa City, 1883,
1888, 1892, 1899, 1906, 1912, 1192. —
Shoemaker & Haaland, Professional Engineers, Storm Water Management Plan,
Ralston Creek Watershed. March, 1979.
Contacts:
State of Iowa
Department of Environmental Quality
Iowa Geological Survey
State Historical Department, Division of Historic Preservation
U.S. Government
Department of Agriculture, Johnson County Extension Service
Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service
U.S. Geological Survey, Water Resources Division District Office
95
MICROFILMED BY
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Other
Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Company
Iowa -Illinois Gas & Electric
Iowa State Historical Society
Northwestern Bell Telephone Company
Shoemaker & Haaland, Professional Engineers
96
MICROFILMED BY
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CEDAR RAPIDS•DES IIOIRES
"I C POF IUdf:D 9,
J RM MCROLABI.
""'t' 26 November 1979
TO: City Manager's Office
Attn: Lorraine sus�Ecr: Joint Meeting with City-
County Officials
Please advise the council members that there will be a joint meeting
of the United Way Planning & Allocations divisions with the City and
the County at 3 p.m. Wednesday, December 12, 1979, in the lower meeting
room at St. Paul Lutheran Chapel,
Thank you.
aas�C;.
MICROFILMED BY
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CEDAR RAPIDS-DES MOINES
CITY OF IOWA CPPY ft101011T FOR S[?PTFMRRR
Willow Creek Neighborhood Center, Lnr,.
Group work has a large emphasis at the Center. Some of the groups
and their environments are discussed below.
September started out with a trip by the Senior Citizens to historical
Southeast Iowa. Here we spent a whole day looking at buildings from the
1800's. The Senior Citizens continue to play an active role inthe Community
Center. Several do Tolunteer work at the Center. This shows up in time spent
on committees such as the Library Committee and the Board of Directors and
hours spent answering phone and taking messages.
Boys and girls club continue into September too. Girls club took a
sack lunch and a hike to colorful Hickory Hill Park. The girls meet every
Tuesday afternoon at 3.30. Attendance is generally between 8 and 12. New
members are joining every week.
Boys club also meets weekly on Tuesday afternoon. Attendance for this
group ranges from 15 to 25. Royal Benjamen, a volunteer from Youth Guidance,
leads the boys in outside sports and games. Football games are top on the
list.
Th^ young women's group program has also grown at the Center. A housing
specialist came and talked about tenant and landlord rights. Problems were
discussed and written in the form of questions. Further meetings with property
manager, Bob Johnson, and HUD Representative, Mark Smart, were discussed and
organized. Other activities that this group did during September was to tour
Plum Grove. The women enjoy a chance to meet and "get away" from the regular
routine. Besides, several members do not own cars and feel locked in.
A Latch Key worker was hired at the center this month. Stella Tucker
with a B.A. in Recreation is also a graduate student in the recreationrprog-
ram at U of I. Stella will be working in the afternoons organizing activi-
ties with the children.
October was a month of meetings and planning.
The Library Committee decided to write a grant from the RIF program.
Carol Spaziani said the City Library Board may even have funds to help out.
Pottery classes began on Tuesday mornings at the Center. Many talented
renidents took part in making bowls, coffee pots, cups and dishes. Brad,
an art education student from U of I encouraged the class on. This wa.s one
of the Center's more creative programs. Another art class started to October.
This class is a drawing class and taught by an art education student.
Several parties were organized at the Center in October.
The Senior Citizens took a walk through Hickory Hill Park and admired
the colorful fall leaves.
A canoe trip from Iowa City to Hills sent 15 boys club members into a
fun afternoon of adventure. Girls club organized a pizza party at Debbie's
house,. Ten girls crowded into Debbie's Volkswagen and headed for the Hillsl
A Halloween party for the teens was planned by the guys at the Center.
A Social Work student brought in his stereo equipment and the party began.
About 20 kids ages 12 and ever danced the night away. The younger kids
painted pumpkins for their party at the Center for Halloween. 30 kids came
to the Center and had funl / BEST
I)OCUMENT
AVAILABLE
aa�3
MICROFILMED BY
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CEDAR RAPIDS -DES ?101r1ES
M
Meetings were held on Wedne:iday nighl, with nob Johnson, property manager
of Touny Tucker and Marll,yn IlerdLiska, •n site Mark N manager. Over 50
adult resiientn turned out to dlseusn the prop*sed rent increase. The
three hour meeting was a Pirnt or its kind in two years that residents had a
chance to voice their opinions.
MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS -DES 110INES
S
m
T
W
TH
F
S
2
3
4p
6
7
BAM-Magistrates
2ConfrjEonijt�nom�o
LOAM -Staff Meeting
BCourtg(Chambers)
Court (Chambers)
(Conf Room)
1:30PM-Informal
3PM-Revenue Sharin
2noon-CCN (Rec Ct
7:30PM-Formal P&Z
council (Conf Rm)
Public Hearing
(Chambers)
2noon-Police Trng
(Chambers)
7•90PM-In�o�ma1
P&Z &
(Chambers),
(Con
7:30PM-Council
•30PM-ElOusing
(Chambers)
Comm (Conf Room)
'
:30PM-Bd of Ad7'us
ment (Chambers)
9
10
11
12
13
14
ting
8Magistrates
8AM-Magistrates
(Conftaff Room)Couee
Court (Chambers)
Court (Chambers)
4:30PM-Resources
7 ;30PM-Riverfront.
8AM-Housing Appeal
1:30PM-Informal
Conservation Comm
Comm (Conf Room)
Board (Conf Room)
Council (Conf Rm)
(Conf Room)
•3OPM-Parks & Rec
3:3OPM-Annual Mtg
7:30PM-Council
Comm (Rec Center)
of Council/Boards
(Chambers)
& Commissions
(Highlander Inn)
7130PH Mty w/ evel
55 Cham
r ,
6
17
18
19
20
21
22
BAM-Magistrates
q.3 PM -Broadband
LOAM -Staff Meeting
(Conf Room)
SAM -Magistrates
Court (Chambers)
Court (Chambers)
Telecom Commissio
(Conf Room)
12noon-Police Trng
4PM-Library Board
1:30PM-Informal
(Chambers)
(Lib Auditorium)
Council (Conf Rm)
7:30PM-Informal
7;30PM-Council
(Chambers)
7:30PM-Senior Ctr
7;3OPM-Airport
P&Z (Conf Room)
Comm (Conf Room)
Comm (Conf Room)
7PM-Human Rights
7:30PM-JCRPC Mtg
7:30PM-P&Z Formal
Conn (Eng Conf Rm
(First Christian
Church)
(Conf Room)
_
23
24
25
!6
LOAM -Staff Meeting
27
28
29
(Conf Room)
Court (Chambers)
7PM-Housing Appeal
HOLIDAY
HOLIDAY
Board (Conf Room)
30
31
BAM-Magistrates
Court (Chambers)
FI ICROFILMED BY
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E.EDAR RAPIDS.DES '10111ES
1979
Researcher's Digest
1_,
NEWS IN REVIEW November
John M. Capozzols, Editor
Free Bargaining
Is Better System
THE Michigan Municipal League has
sued An Analysis of Michigan's Ex•
Parlance with Final Offer, Compulsory,
Binding Arbitration of Police and Fire.
lighter Labor Disputes (1675 Green Road,
P.O. Box 1467. Ann Arbor 40106, 1979,
60 pages(. The study, by Eugene F. Bar•
rodin and Raymond Jones, presents an
interesting contrast to the New York ex.
perience with conventional tripartite
by Doherty and Gallo (see the REVIEW,
October 1979, page 513). The report con•
cludes that a Iree collective bargaining
Process is preferable to the statutory Im•
position of binding arbitration, even II
some strikes by public employees result.
The report stales that the experience has
been difficult and quite costly to both
public employers and taxpayers.
Michigan's legislature enacted an ex•
perimental, conventional, compulsory ar•
bitration *statute In 1969 which was
amended in 1974 to Institute a "final•
offer" process. No statutory expiration
date was Imposed. During the period 1969
to 1973, the statute had delegated wide
discretion to arbitrators to Issue their
awards based on the equities of the situa•
lion, as perceived by the third -party neu•
tral. The awards soon generated a spate
of classic criticisms that arbitrators tend.
ed to compromise the opposing positions
by "splitting the differences."
To cope with these objections, the stat•
ute was amended to require each party
to submit a final position on each "eco.
nomic Issue;' with the arbitrator then
obligated to choose the precise posi•
tion (without modification( of one of the
parties. The intent was to avoid the com-
promising tendencies of arbitrators and,
more important, to encourage both par•
lies to seek agreement without resort to
arbitration. According to some observers,
the more risk that an arbitrator might
choose the other parry's after spurred the
free collective bargaining process and
facilitated the preparation of a "reason•
able position." If the parties were deter•
mined to risk the arbitration showdown.
The league study, however, stresses
that the statute, as adopted, departed
tram the more common approach to final
offer arbitration, wherein each party
submitted a "total package" comprising
its "lest best offer" with the arbitrator
constrained to select the entire package
(without change) of the union or the am.
Player. Ostegsibly, when the legislature
deviated from this classic approach, If
took the heart out of the process and
enabled arbitrators to spill their deal•
slons, as they did under the original stat•
ute which provided for conventional arbl•
tration.
The study also concludes that the "final
offer" process has not mel the test of
timeliness or efficiency. It quotes another
study to make the point that compllca-
tions result from the process, which now
takes more than a year. Beyond the fact
that both sides are confronted with uncer-
tainties, it generates difficulties in financ•
Ing retroactive Increases, and the em•
ployees do not receive Interest (and thus
suffer losses) even when a retroactive
increase Is achieved.
Many of the arguments raised In the
study are the standard ones. It is con•
tended that compulsory arbitration re-
moves responsibility from the bargaining
parties to settle their differences and
Places It in the hands of private parties
(arbitrators) who are not accountable to
the taxpayers. The (apart stales that it Is
the police and firefighter unions which
profit at the expenw of the taxpayer. In
support of this, the point Is made that, In
all but one case, It Is the unions, not the
MICROFILMED BY
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CEDAR RAPIDS -DES 10111E5
employers, which have demanded Com-
pulsory arbitration. The assumption Is
made, a priori, that, if the process were
really viewed as equitable by the parties.
both employers end unions would initiate
the process from time to hme.
Ths etudy is based on an analysis of 153
compulsory arbitration awards issued
since the amended law became effeclive,
In 1973. In essence, the report says that
the league's experience with the statute
to date confirms its earlier apprehension.
(The league objected to the imposition of
compulsory arbitration before the original
bill was enacted in 1969.) In 1979, the
league argues that there were very few
police or firefighter strikes prior to com-
pulsory arbitration, "and it is not likely
that there would be many such strikes if
(the lawl were rescinded"
aaql�
DO('
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DORM MICROLAH
I
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■
BUDGET PREPARATION,
194194 lowa Cill,. /uwa (50.000) has established a more
effective' budgeting process, with improvements
covering the stages of preparation, City Council
review and approval, and monitoring. In its budget-
ing and goal sitting prognim. annual goals and
objectives are set by the City Council eat provide the
basis for the goals and objeclives set by individual
city divisions. 1'hc financial budget is then prepared
using a modified icro-base budgeting, program bud-
s gcting format. Now the City Council and citizens
are supplied with well-defined programs for each city
division, ulliih stipulate the level oI service to he
rendered: and the council has the necessary tools to
enable it to nit nitur performance and completion of
objectives during the budget year. Although budget
i preparation is more lime -consuming, the benefits arc
overriding: not only has the council and public
become better informed about city services, but
! fundingdccisioro made during the budget review pro-
cess are more sit,aightforward.
i
��-- CITIZEN RELATIONS
i
i1980 census
195 The 19.P0 census, the 20th decennial census of
population and housing, will officially begin nn
Tuesday. April 1. 1980. 1'o help ensure complete and
accurate statistics, the Census Bureau has established
two major nationwide activities that will focus on
approximately )9,01)0 governmental units throughout
the nation. 'I he Local Review Program will invile the
assistance of local government officials in spotting
possible errors in the pre -census and post -census
counts of addresses. The Complete Count Commit-
tees will consist of citizens appointed by the
principal elected officials in the states, counties, and
municipalities to help encourage public cooperation
with the census. More than half the questions in the
1980 Census will focus on the nation's projected
86 million housing units—their condition, value.
energy usage, and other subjects of statistical impor-
tance for the planning and management decisions
that confront government .and the private sector.
These statistics will guide local, state, and federal
agencies' decisions about urban renewal, water and
sewage availability, new school openings and closings,
mortgage assistance programs, the control of
resi-dential growth, and mass transportation needs.
MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES
Rosemary Vito
Finance Director
410 E. Washington SI.
Iowa City, IA 52240
13191354-1000
Census Bureau
Public Inlormsllon OIIIce
Washington. 0. C. 20233
13011 588.1200
r
DISASTER CONTROL
218 The township of /.nwrener, New (22,500)
revitalised its civil defense/disaster control operation.
After a severe snow storm and two major floods
exposed the lack of a sound plan for responding to
natural catastrophes, the civil defense division and
the public works depmtrnent had a communication
systcnr installed. 'Ibis .system includes nwbilc radius
in cscry vehicle. remote base units in every major
olficc, and u new tower. Then civil defense/public
works established an emergency operation center
(FOC), dubbed SNOW DESK during snow removal
operations. The FOC filled the vacuum of a central
control point for mobidiring fire, rescue, police, or
public works forces. For the first time, accurate
records arc being kept on all manpower and
equipment hours, increasing efficiency and, in turn.
productivity.
SEWER AND WATER
emergency water supply
219 IlicginsviNr, Alissouri (5,000) has constructed an
emergency water supply system for use during
periods of drought. The system consists of a 12'
pipeline running from the Missouri River to the
Iligginmille Reservoir, a river intake structure, and a
pumping facility. Because of its cost, a concrete
intake structure, placed in the river at the terminus of
the intake line, was not built and a 10' suction hose
wan substituted. class 50 ductile iron pipe was
in%tallcd a compromise between the nmreexpensive
class 52 ductile ironand the cheaper class 200 plastic—
at a cost of S871,465. The system is now a backup
source for the chyli two impoundment reservoirs.
storm water detention
220 Iowa Cirv, Iowa (50,000) has taken an extra step to
prevent property damage and to control erosion and
sedimentation caused by storm water runoff. New
subdivision developments were causing an increased
flow of water into established downstream areas.
Now, all new residential subdivisionsand commercial
developments over two acres in size are required to
temporarily store rainfall runoff and release it at a
very low rate. The storm water detention areas do
increase the cost of new building lots, and land
des'edapers have objected to the detention require-
mcros. But through the construction of the detention
structures, downstream flows have been reduced and
adverse reaction from property owners downstream
--has been mitigated.
MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS -DES iaolilE,
PUBLIC WORKS
Thomas L. Evens
Director of Public Works
2207 Lawrenceville Rd.
P.O. Boa 8008
Lawrenceville, NJ 08848
(809) 898.9400
Howard A. Goring
Supervisor
Water and Wastewater
Municipal Utilllies
P.O. Bax I10
Hlgglnsville, MO 04037
1818) 584.2108
Richard J. Pbatlint.
Public Works Director,
410 E. Waahinglon SI.
Iowa City, IA 52240
13191354-1800. ext. 251
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f.EIIAR RAPIDS -H', 'tolllfS
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MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
f.EIIAR RAPIDS -H', 'tolllfS
aa•4 7
WATCH FOR LONGER LIBRARY
HOURS IN JANUARY
Savings of staff time from computeri-
_
zation of the library's checkout opera-
j
tions will allow us to re -open 'til 9 PM
<
a
on Thursday evenings and from 1 to 5 PM
Sunday afternoons beginning next month.
HOLIDAY HELPERS FROM THE LIBRARY
Recipe Exchange: Bring your favorite
holiday recipe to pin on our bulletin
board and copy any there that appeal to
you. (This year the Exchange features
recipes from many countries.) While
you're here, borrow one of the library's
cookbooks with luscious, special dishes
for holiday entertaining.
Holiday Records and Books: A special
collection of recordings of holiday
music, annuals, and books of plays,
songs, customs and crafts is displayed
on the North balcony landing.
Mail Order Catalogs: Interesting catalogs with all kinds
of things to order for gifts are available in the Consumer
Center on the first floor.
Holiday Films: Phone 354-1264 to reserve any of these films
for one -day use at family holiday gatherings or programs.
Most are suitable for all ages:
i - THE BEAR'S CHRISTMAS
A CHRISTMAS CAROL - (Animated version of the
Dickens classic)
MOLE AND THE XMAS TREE
PLUTO'S CHRISTMAS TREE
THE ROBOT
SANTA'S TOYS - (Classic Disney toys come to life)
MR. MAGOO'S CHRISTMAS CAROL
SPECIAL HOLIDAY CHILDREN'S PARTY
Spanish Singers & Pinata Party - Saturday, December B
at 1:30 PH in the Storyhour Room.
•PON
1W
O
OfFus eMOI Sj!j UM0j �]
jaajj4 asaI103 Jsr,-j Lo£ U
,fan.igi7 pi jqnd Sj!j nmol 7 I
^!ICROEIEMED By
DORM MICROLAB
ue:: .,nf 1:�,•:n ,Cn
Library Hours Iowa City
Th"-- "I This Month at the LibraryPublic
Thursday 10-6 Library
Friday 10-6
Saturday . 9-6 307 DECEMBER 1979 35544-12640 lege
"ICR0FIC4FD B,
JORM MICROLAB
-MON D•
10:30 AM -
DISPLAYS TRIS MON NORTH CASE: No
Iiday ornaments fror I many countries
' Storyhour
HAPPY
HOLIDAYS:
SOUTH CASE: In
ernational holiday recipe exchange
2:00 PM -fila
Old Sheepdog,
`�• SOUTH READING R
M: Art work by stadents from Central
Junior High
Adventures,
,!
NORTH READING R
OM: Art work by s ents from Southeast
Junior Nigh
chicken Spun
with Rice
Library is
Zclosed
�
3
10:30 AM -
4 Storyhour
� 10:30 AM -
Storyhour
� 10:30 & 1:30
Children's
longs 0-30 with
�
Drollinger
8:55 AN Library's
3:00 PM - Films:
films: Lend a Paw
PM - FRIENDS
FreewayNew Phobia;
Little Gra Neck,
Spanish Singe:
ARNA-93.5FFM
f I
Ling Board
Ride Em Cowboy
Russian Rooster,
&Pinata Parte
Me
Meeting
(40 minutes)
Mole & the Christ
1:30 in the
meas Tree
st
9 Library i8
' O
' 1
1 2
1 Storyhour
■children1s30
■ 5 HANUKKAH
Soryhour
closed
3:00 PM - Films:
films: Hamster
10:30 AM -
8:55 AM Library's
THURSDAY DEC94-
Dragon Stew, Jung
a from Hamsterdam,
Soryhour
New Book Program,
BER 4:00 PM
Cat of the Amazon
Big Red Barn, Tal
2:00 PM -
M NA - 93.5 FM
Building Commi.tt
e(40 minutes)
to the Animals,
Repeat of
-Library B
of Trustees Htg,
Santa's Toys
Friday's films
16ib�•F,/ is
1 / �/
17closed
30 Am -1#2
18IStoryhour
•9
20Peterr Huyck
��Children's30
2Z
flannelboard storl
films: Grandfather's
2:00 PM -
THURSDAY-DECEMBE
8:55 AM Library's
f the Nativity
Mittens, Custard
Films -
Nem Book Program,
20TH - 4:00 PM
:00 PM - Films:
the Dragon, Pluto's
Repeat of
XRNA - 93.5 FM
Library Board of
Pluto's Christmas
Christmas Tree,
Friday's
Trustees Regular
Tree, Doughnuts From
Madeline & the
films
LIBRARY TS CLOSED
24 FOR THE
i
CHRISTMAS
ewt7� Room.
ice.
a Hat.
•��10:30 At
Z3 Library
25 DAY
meV
x,710:30 AM -
2810:30 & 1:3
to hour
closed.
3O ,
LIBRARY CLOSED
"� i
:00Storyhour
:00 PM - Films:
Children's films:
Really Rosie, Three
2:00 PM -
8:55 AM Library's
LIBRARY CLOSES
POR HOLIDAYS"x
�W�.; (.,.
!
Films -
New Book Program,
AT 5:00 PM on
inter of the Witc
,Little Pigs
Repeat of
ARNA - 93.5 FM
December 31st.
iTla�t': �, IIra
Sleeps over
Friday's
HAPPY NEW YEAR r
` �, . ��l
(35 minutes)
films DFCUA211
"ICR0FIC4FD B,
JORM MICROLAB
"!1CROF ILMED D�
JORM MICROLAB
NORTHSIDE
Neighborhood Site Improvements
**UPDATE**
INTRODUCTION
During the spring of 1978, the Department of Planning and Program Development initiated
a Neighborhood Site Improvements (NSI) Program. This program was established for the
Purpose of revitalizing the older areas of Iowa City through physical improvements
using Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. Meetings were held with
residents of the Northside Area in order to get ideas for neighborhood projects.
Through this process, three projects were selected to be funded out of a budget of
$75,00(). 'These included sidewalk repair, alley repair and bus stop facilities and
equipment. An additional project which was developed for the entire CDBG project
arca was tree planting. The initial start-up phase of the project required more time
than was originally unticipnted, however the project did acquire momentum this summer.
The following is an update of the progress nude on the Northsido NSI projects, rand u
time schedule for those projects remaining to be completed.
BUS STOP LiquipMBNT
The residents of the Northside Area selected the installation of bus stop equipment
(benches and shelters) as one of their projects. The project was allocated a budget
of $4,500. Using suggestions from the resident meetings, several sites were selected
which were high traffic areas. These sites were: Dubuque and Church (bench), Gilbert
and Church (bench), Governor and Market (bench), Van Buren and Market (shelter), and
Church and North Dodge (shelter).
The shelters and benches for this project have been purchased and arrangements to
install them are currently being made,
ALLEY RI'PAIR
Two valleys in the Northside Area were scheduled to be paved through the NSI program.
The alleys are located in the two blocks bounded by Johnson, Dodge, Fairchild and
Bloomington Streets. Both of these alleys receive a high amount of traffic ill)
week due to the activities (including Congregate Meals) scheduled at Zion Lutheran
Church and St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church. Both of these alleys have recently been
paved and clean -tip work is currently being completed.
i
Although it was not originally scheduled, the gravel alleys in the Northside Area
received a coat of gravel. This opportunity became possible when extra money became
available in the NSI program.
SIDEWALK
The sidewalk repair program in the Northside Area was originally designed to involve
a combination of property assessments and grant assistance to lower income residents.
However, after many attempts to make this program succeed, it became obvious that
it would be necessary to revise it to make it workable. City staff therefore proposed
:a new program which was simply to repair as much sidewalk as possible with the money
:available. The budget allocated to this program was $40,000.
If the program is revised in a manner consistent with the staff recommendation, the
available money would be used to repair "high priority" sidewalks (based on the
location of public facilities such as schools and churches, the amount of pedestrian
traffic on sections of sidewalk, and the condition of the various sections of sidewalk).
The following would therefore be the process used to repair the sidewalks in the
Northside Area:
I. All sidewalks would be inspected to determine how much repair is needed,
Z. A system of priorities would be developed for the area to determine which
sections of sidewalk should be done first (including suggestions from residents).
3. Plans and specifications would be drawn up based on current cost estimates (with
the option to add more sidewalk if it is economically feasible),
4. The project would be bid, and once an actual price was received, a determination
could be made as to whether additional sidewalks could be repaired,
5. The project would he carried out and completed by the end of next stammer.
J7..
MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS.OES r101a Es
If the above process is used, it is anticipated that this project could be bid early
next spring, and completed by the end of next summer. In order to proceed, another
residents' meeting will be held to allow the residents to comment on this proposal.
At that time, the opportunity will also exist to either modify the program outlined
above or to possibly pick another project.
TREE PLANTING
Since tree planting was a major concern in all the areas involved in the NSI Program,
a special tree planting program was set up. This program was allocated a budget of
$21,000 for the purpose of planting trees in public medians throughout the CDBG area.
Residents in each of the NSI areas were sent an application form which they could
fill out and send in to request a tree. Billie Hauber, the City Forester, then in-
vestigated each site to determine if space was available for a tree in accordance
with the City Tree Ordinance. Once locations were selected, trees were then purchased
anti delivered to the residents. It was the residents' responsibility to plant the
tree. Assistance was provided by Camp Fire Girls to those elderly anti handicapped
residents who requested assistance. The trees were delivered on November 2 and 3
and have all been planted.
PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE
'HIE CITY OF IOWA CITY PLANNING STAFF IS SPONSORING A PUBLIC MEETING ON THE NOR711SIDE
NEIGHBORHOOD SITE IMPROVEMENT SIDEWALK REPAIR PROGRAM. THE MEETING WILL BE HELD ON
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 7:30 P.M., AT THE HORACE MANN SCHOOL.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS CALL BRUCE KNIGHT OR PAT KELLER AT 354-1800, EXTENSION 317.
SSI TN Au ,
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MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDs•DE1 .'lOI:F.S
OVZZS VI `1110 VM01
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- 1
CITY OF IOWA CITY
CIvIC CENTER 410 E. WASHINGTON ST IOWA CITY IOWA 52240 (319) 354.180D
AGENDA
Iowa City Airport Commission Special Meeting
City Manager's Conference Room
Civic Center
Nov. 27, 1979
7:30 P.M.
1. 7:30 P.M. Call meeting to order
2. Discuss McCrabb's Lease
3. Discuss Iowa City Flying Service's Lease
4. Adjournment
MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS -DES hI01MES
aa�SB'
W
November 19, 1979
Evelyn Weeber, President
Pilot International
Iowa City Chapter
Scheuerman-Richardson, Inc.
510 South Clinton Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Dear Mrs. Weeber:
I am certain that I speak not only for the City Council but also for
all of the citizens of our community in offering a very special
"Thank you" to you and all of the members of the Pilot Club for your
effort in obtaining the twelve passenger van for the transportation
of our handicapped and senior citizens to community recreation
activities. This unit will help us provide additional recreational
opportunities for a very deserving group of citizens in our
community.
An undertaking of this magnitude involves the unselfish giving of
individual time, effort, and financial support by many persons. I
gratefully acknowledge those who contributed financially. In
addition, I believe that special recognition and appreciation are
due the members of your organization in view of your willingness to
pursue this project to its obviously successful end.
Please accept my sincere congratulations on behalf of all Iowa
Citians for a job well done. I wish you every success in all of your
future endeavors.
Sincerely yours,
Robert A. Vevera, Mayor
bdw/sp
cc: City Council
Iowa City Parks 6 Recreation Commission
MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOVIES
aa4SG
I
Summary of Annual Conference of
International City Management Association
October 21-25, 1979
Phoenix, Arizona
Recently the City Manager attended the annual conference of the
International City Management Association in Phoenix, Arizona. The
following information summarizes some of the sessions.
One of the keynote speakers was the futurist Alan Toffler who spoke at an
opening session about his belief that we will increasingly see the breakup
of industrial society as we know it today. There will be decentralization
with increased diversity in all areas of society, including economics and
government. This will lead to a breakdown of consensus on most issues
both nationally and locally. In the years immediately ahead it will be
necessary for government to develop a process for dealing with this
increased diversity. This will be apparent both in budget techniques and
program execution at the local level.
A major theme of the conference was managing with less. One of the
principal speakers in this area was Alan K. Campbell, Director of the U.S.
Office of Personnel Management. He indicated that in the years
immediately ahead there will be major opportunities for citizens to take
on responsibility for performing part of the services currently provided
by local government. There has to be greater managerial discretion and
more incentives built into the system together with the removal of
negative controls. Employees must be stimulated to chance change in city
government.
Public reporting basically is the reporting of negative antidotes.
Increasingly there will have to be positive reporting and development of
information which will provide citizens with a clear understanding of the
capabilities and the progress of local government.
Another session was entitled "Learning From Business" with experts in
marketing and finance. Cities must be more conscious of getting back in
touch with what people really need. The best way to meet the needs of the
organization is to understand and meet the needs of the public which is to
be served. A variety of ideas were suggested for communicating with the
public. An emphasis was placed upon clearly taking into account the needs
and attitudes of the public in development and execution of city programs.
A properly executed marketing program for city services results in
increased citizen satisfaction. The other participant primarily reviewed
the positive and negative characteristics of city ownership versus
leasing of equipment.
The conference also included a number of workshops. One of the workshops
attended by the City Manager was Manager -Staff Relations: Developing a
Team Approach." Several mechanisms were discussed for utilizing
management personnel on a team basis. Some of the suggestions mentioned
are procedures already utilized by Iowa City. However, there are always
other opportunities.
=qyD
MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS•DES !10111ES
E
The development of the staff as a team is not always easy going primarily
when we have very strong willed individuals. One of the areas that we
plan to utilize is the increased involvement of department personnel in
the selection of new employees. We have used department and division
heads increasingly this year in the assessment of capital improvement
projects and the department heads will be developing proposals on long-
term city space needs.
One of the more interesting sessions was how to cope with a divided city
council. While there were not many solutions, there was a great deal of
discussion and story telling.
At one of the sessions, three managers were interviewed by a consultant on
management styles. It is clear that management style, to some extent,
must be situational and will tend to vary depending upon the nature of the
staff, the city council and the community. However, running through the
situational nature are certain overriding consistencies in an
individual's role.
There also was a session with university communities. There was
discussion about parking, housing and coordination with the university.
Chapel Hill, North Carolina, is utilizing a permit parking system in
residential neighborhoods. Corvallis, Oregon, has developed a monthly
meeting with representatives of the university, the city, the county, the
Chamber of Commerce and the student government. Perhaps we should think
of a broader effort. Gainesville, Florida, has a landlord licensing
ordinance which controls rentals in single family residential districts.
They also have a university community council consisting of students,
faculty members, administration, city and community leaders.
Phoenix is an example of a dead central business district and the result
of sprawl. The central business district consists of government offices,
several hotels, a civic center and virtually nothing else. On evenings
and weekends the central business district is dead.
MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAR
CEDAR RAPIDS -DES Ma1REs
HAP PROBLEMS COST YOUNGSTOWN,
OHIO. LOSS OF ACTION GRANT ELIGIBILITY
1'uungstncn. Ohnl, has loot ik eligi biliry. N apple for urban
dcvclopmmnt union grant funds because of its failure fit meet
lower-income housing Foals.
The cits's entire fifth -mfr community development block
grant of S?.s million also has been withheld hr HUD for the
same reason.
The onh other cities 10 Ina nclion grant eligibility have been
I'hil;ldclpllia and San Francisco.
A letter front Assig;nn Scaclary for Com munil)Planning
and Octclupmenl Robert C. Embn,.lr.. to Yooncsto"n MaYor
.I. Phillip Richlc) sass file cil)'s cheibilitp Has rescinded
because it has failed lu achieve dcmnn.straied results in
providing housing for In -and modcr:moincume persons. "The
department docs recogniic that under )our adminiuralion the
city has initi.iled a program to implement the Of'v's housing
assistance plan (I IAI')," Fmbry wrote. "llnnncr, file actual
progress of the cil) under your administration in achieving its
amended 197h IIAV goals, particularly fur Ninily and large
family remers requiring assistance has not resulied in iheprovi•
.ion of a sincic unit of new construcliun."
In addition, the October 22 letter charged that because (here
has been era lieu construction of;misled units outside oke areas
of concentralion of Losse -income and minurill. persons. IIUD
has hccn "unable to determine that the cil% has demonstrated
rendts in providing equal opportmity in housing for Inv and
modes Ic-income persons and for members of minority.
groups.
'I lie dcpmy dirceor of Youngemnn's eunuuunite develop.
umm departocnl. if"I'm .Iackimostiu, told I IDR he i.e "dccP-
I) disappointed" in Ill lb's decision• and said Ibe cily is work-
,,. 11.17.79 Coprnpht ' 1979 fly The Bull,
"•��'r M916999,79
1' problems slMigltlermJ uul as snot as
mg hard W Fcl its IIA
passihlc
1 be letter (runt 1:1111m said 111;1) Hill continue to process an
SR711.(NMI angram application graapplication to help a tucking cuntpan) i
cspand its facilities which Has given preliminap' approval 1ns1
nwnth. Youngstown already hod received an anion gram of
S7j11,(MRI in January which is being used to help reopen a rubber
hose nnamdanuring plant.
A thiol :glplicatiup has hccn submitted t. 11111) for a S1.5 :
milhun onion gruel 11, help file ('umtnulcr ,\irertt Corpora• i
❑no build it new Plum near the 1'oungvtonn airport. In order w
sore the pnljcn,.lad.ipulw ict said. tom nearby lawn of Warren.
Ohio. has agreed to FileIbe sante ;Ipphc;ninrl..'f he uirryml Is
ocated uWsiJe the YnunF6lowp city Innlh nalhin the
l
)'uungstown-\\;uteri %INmdard nteUupuDl an +I alistie;J arca.
aa48 E
MICROFILMED BY
J JORM MICROLAB
I CEDAR RAPIDS -DES 11011IES
MINUTES OF STAFF MEETING
November 7, 1979
Referrals from the Council informal and formal meetings of November 5 and
6 were distributed to the staff for review and discussion (copy attached).
Appointments to the special task committee of the School District were
deferred until the meeting of November 13. The Director of Parks and
Recreation suggested that a member of the Parks and Recreation Commission
serve in the capacity of administrator for the Iowa City appointments to
this committee. The Director will also attend the meetings. The City
Manager's Secretary was requested to add a note to the agenda of November
13 to this effect.
The City Manager advised that the Council will meet in informal session
next Monday, November 12, even though the day has been designated as a
holiday. The opening of the parking ramp and the contract for the second
ramp will be discussed.
Items for the agenda of November 13 include:
Awarding contract for parking garage
Resolution adopting Ralston Creek Watershed Management Plan
Ordinance dedicating certain property which will straighten up
the boundaries of the cemetery and Hickory Hill Park. This
item should be scheduled for informal discussion and the Director
of Parks and Recreation will prepare a detailed memorandum to go
in the Council packet.
Two public hearings vacating the right-of-way on Grant and the
right-of-way on 5th Avenue
Final reading of Tyn Cae
Revenue projections for FY 81 were briefly discussed. It was the concensus
that this will be the cutback year. The staff was asked to have in mind
what the next level of reduction will be.
Prepared by: /
Lorraine Saeger
ww F
MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS•DES M0111E5
Informal Council Meeting
November 5, 1979
1
DEPARTMENT
REFERRALS
MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS -DES �IOIIIEs
O
W
DATE
REFERRED
DATE
COMMENTS/STATUS
SUBJECT
RECD
TO
DUE
W
Sod on corner in front of Seaton's
Muscatine and Court
11-5
Public Wks
being run over by vehicles, etc.
Replace with concrete. Mr. Seaton
Attend Board of Adjustment hear. ;g
CATV
on 11-7-79 - present view of
Cable TV Tower Site
11-5
Specialist
p
Commission.
Asst. City
Contact Dick Buxton re. his
City -School District Swimming Pool
11-5
Manager
availability to serve on this
committee.
Committee
Advertise 3 vacant positions and
City
Asst. Cit
send letter to applicants for other
Resources Conservation Commission
11-5
Manager
commissions.
Re. letter from Della Grizel.
Parking prohibitions
11-5
Public Wks
Discuss with Council at informal
meeting of 11-12-79 the total
implications of her proposals in
the letter.
Clean out ditch and advise residents
to modify grade in rear yards. If
Spruce Street Drainage
11-5
Public Wks
this does not work, the City will
install the drain Pipe as Proposed—.
Asst. City
Copy of Section 307A(5) of Iowa Code
University of Iowa Sports Arena and
11-5
Manager
to Council.
Access Road
Discuss University of Iowa
11-5
Public Wks
proposal with City Manager
MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS -DES �IOIIIEs
Informal Council Meeting
November 5, 1979
Page 2
DEPARTMENT REFERRALS
MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS.DEs nolnEs
O
SUBJECT
DATE
REFERRED
DATE~
DUE
COMMENTS/STATUS
RECD
TO
I
W
Preliminary resolution on Council
University of Iowa Sports Arena and
11-5
Asst. City
agenda for meeting of November 13.
Access Road
Manager
Coordinate with Max Hawkins.
Wastewater Treatment Plant
11-5
Report to Council on status of
IP&PD/c
PubliWks
land acquisition.
Snow Removal
11-5
Parks & Rec
Coordinate on snow plowing
Public Wks
priorities - parks to be plowed
after strepts.
Sidewalk Snow Removal
11-5
H&IS
Assess maximum cost and fees. Attem
to implement with present employees.
No assessment for low income
charge for elderly or handicapped
who are able to pay. Submit criteria
re. above to Council as soon as
Sidewalk Snow Removal - Publicity
11-5
H&IS
Publicize program as experimer.l
1who
based on demand. Advise people
will be away to arrange for
snow removal on their sidewalks.
Make it clear that the ordinance
will be enforced against negligent
r n s La2m
and news releases and solicit
assistance from School District
disseminating information.
Provide Council with general
information re. potential tax
Lower Ralston Creek CDBG Project Area
11-5
POD
revenue increase in this area after
ro'ect Com letion. Could this be
MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS.DEs nolnEs
Informal
November Council Meeting
Page 3 5, 1979
SECT
Appointments
Injured employees
•• •
11�30, I 1w=_
• s
11-5 II Lorra i ne
Asst City
11-5 Manager
MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS -DES NOIRES
Place appointments on7Di
agenda for City-Schools~�mm�n9 pool committeDraft letter from Mainjured police officeo
1
�
Regular Council Meeting
November 6, 1979
DEPARTMENT
REFERRALS
SUBJECT
DATE
RECD
REFERRED
TO
DATE
DUE
O
W
P
W
OOMMENTS/STATUS
Transit routes and schedules
11-6
Public Wks
Include in informal discussion
addition of additional buses or
a north -south route on the
1602 Dover. '
Parking ramps
11-6
Public Wks
Will there be "handicapped"
stalls on first level?
r ,,,
MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS -DES 110!11ES
MINUTES OF STAFF MEETING
November 14, 1979
Referrals from the City Council informal and formal meetings of November
12 and 13 were distributed to the staff for review and discussion (copy
attached).
I A memorandum regarding the use of electric heaters in City buildings was
distributed to the staff and briefly discussed.
i
j Items for the agenda of November 20 include:
Resolution setting rates in the parking ramp
Resolution awarding contract on modular building renovation
A memorandum to the City Council regarding the Ad Hoc Rehab Advisory
Committee will be included in the packet.
The subject of changing the time of the informal Councilmeetings was
briefly discussed. The staff was asked to inform the City 14anager of any
suggestions.
Prepared by:
Lorraine Saeger
a2q?r
MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS -DES Mo1MEs
f`
'
"Informal
November
Council Meeting
12, 1979
DEPARTMENT
REFERRALS
SUBJECT
DATE
REFERRED
MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS -DES I101nEs
/STATUS
n Leach
Sting
Revenue
meeting
and also"
a ry 1. `.
ty of Iowa
way 6
es to
rk Road/
rrent traffi
Shore?
iiscussion.
is b�,.;g
ling
lutions to
osion of
ssion from
&Z
and how
fmmprp—
SUBJECT
DATE
REFERRED
DATE
Rt;c o
TO
DUE
E P
COMMENTS,
w
W cr
Legislative Committee Meeting
11-12
Asst. City
Arrange meeting with Ji
to discuss transit
Manager
oper
assistance and General
with State legislators
rUniversitywa
a meeting prior to Janw
Coordinate with Univers'
Sports Arena
11-12
Public Wks
on configuration of Higt
intersection as it relat
t rouqtrafficp
Rocky Shore. What is cu
count on Park Road/Rocky
Spruce Street Drainage
11-12
Assistant
Reschedule for informal
Cit Mana er
Police Protection - Mark IV Apartments
11-12
Police
Mark IV security guard ni
employed. What policing
done of this area?
Creek Branch - north of Benton
11-12
Public Wks
Report on status of floor
potential and possible
near
West ate
sc
excessive flooding and er
Public Housing sites
11-12
POD
Draft letter to P&Z Commi
City Council requesting P
criteria for these sites
hensive Plan.
MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS -DES I101nEs
/STATUS
n Leach
Sting
Revenue
meeting
and also"
a ry 1. `.
ty of Iowa
way 6
es to
rk Road/
rrent traffi
Shore?
iiscussion.
is b�,.;g
ling
lutions to
osion of
ssion from
&Z
and how
fmmprp—
Informal Council Meeting
'November 12, 1979
Page 2
DEPARTMENT REFERRALS
—
0
w
SUBJECT
DATE
REFERRED
DATE
DUE
P
COMMENTS/STAWS
RECD
TO
w
W 2
Ensure that the Housing Commission
Storm Window Appeal
11-12
MIS
is
is in contact with Mr. Johnson,
and Campus Manager.
Implement as directed by Counc'
Snow Emergency Signs/Parking Prohibition
11-12
Public Wks
and monitor for any problems --
regarding signing.
Investigate possibility of
Temporary Parking area
11-12
Public Wks
using Washington Street between
Clinton and Capitol during
Christmas shoppinll.
I
I
MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES
B
Regular Council Meeting
November 13, 1979
DEPARTMENT REFERRALS
i
MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS -DES IIORIES
O
DATE
DEFERRED
DATE
a
M W
COMMENTS/STATUS
SUBJECT
RECD
m
DUE
W
W CC
Include Code problems and dis-
State Housing Code11-13
Assistant
crepancies in meeting with area
City Mgr
legislators.
Explore possibility of enactin!
Local Weapons Ordinance
11-13
Legal/Police
stricter laws re. carrying wea1._.s,
especially knives.
Letter to Dick Buxton re. appointmen-
Swimming Pool Committee
11-13
Lorraine
When will Commission meet to review
Housing Commission Meeting
11-13
HUS
housing code provisions? Include
Balmer
bedroom size provision.
Coordinate with contractor of
Downtown parking
11-13
Public Wks
Ramp B for maintenance of as many
spaces as for as long as
possible
---*Lie near construction
�'„
Report to Manager on condition Ie.
time schedule in contract for "
completion. Investigate possibility
Daddy's lot to downtown.
Advertise ride and shop and park and
Downtown Parking
11-13
Public Wks/
shop programs and provide maps to
Finance
motorists showing other lots
Lease Grand Daddy's lot and contact
Downtown Parking
11-13
Finance
Ernie Lehman re. proposed signs for
Ram A.
i
MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS -DES IIORIES
Regular Council Meeting
November 13, 1979
P 2
DEPARTMENT REFERRALS
age
SUBJECT
DATE
RECD
REFERRED
TO
DATE
DUE
O
~
w
w �
COMMENTS/STATUS
Landscaping
11-13
POD
What is status of funding on
Washington Street and Capitol
Street projects?
Cemetery Land
11-13
Parks &
Rec
I
Report to Council on how much
unused cemetery land will rema`l.,
after dedication of 80 acres to
loarkland.
I
i
MICROFILMED BY
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CEDAR RAPIDS -DES 110111ES
IOWA CITY ELECTRICru. LICENSE
RENEWAL
All licenses sh+Ill uxpirc on ,January
1 of each year. Any license that has
expired may be reinstated within sixty
(60) days after the expiration date
upon payment of a reinstatement fee.
After the expiration of the afore-
mentioned sixty (60) day period, no
license or certificate shall be re-
newed except upon recommendation of
the Board.
1980 TEST DATES
All Functions To Begin At 7:00 P.M.
February
20, 1980
Application
March 5,
1980
Tests
March 12,
1980
Oral
May 21, 1980
Application
Application
June 4, 1980
Test
Tests
June 11,
1980
Oral
August 20, 1980
Application
September 3,
1980
Test
September 10,
1980
Oral
November 19,
1980
Application
December 3, 1980
Test
December 10,
1980
Oral
L
)V1vd 'sn
M'If18
STATISTICS
BUILDING INSIIECTION
During the month of October, 1979,
96 Building Permits, 25 Mechanical
Permits, 32 Plumbing Permits, and
61 Electrical Permits have been
issued by the City. The total
value of all October construction
in Iowa City is $2,990,179. There
was 1 demolition permit and 1 mov-
ing permit issued.
DOUSING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
During October, 1979, 18 units
were brought into the Section 8
Program.
Total Units, Section 8 = 356.
MICROFILMED B•
JO RM MICROLAB
Opgry VMG('AU'rma
LIWQS N01`JWHSVM ' 0 {
mom," NOUSUSN .1 owi) INy
ALJ VM01 ipAJV
The
Bull ding Line
Volume 26
NEWS RELEASE
The Department of Housing and Urban
Development has recently published a
"NOTIFICATION OF FUND AVAILABILITY FAMILY
HOUSING - NON -METROPOLITAN AREA". Pro-
posals may be submitted any time during
the 1980 Fiscal Year. Proposals will be
accepted for projects of 36 or more family
units (two -three-four or more bedrooms
per unit). However, if conventional
financing is proposed, projects will be
accepted with a minimum of 12 living units
These units may be located anywhere within
Iowa City or Johnson County. Proposals
may be submitted by Private Owners or
Public Housing Agencies.
This procedure is a departure from past
procedures where proposals were accepted
for only a specific number of units and
a specific time period. Under this new
procedure, proposals may be submitted at
any time and the HUD Field Office will
batch and rank proposals received by the
close of business the last day of each
month beginning November 30, 1979. When
sufficient proposals are received to use
available contract authority, the Field
Office will withdraw the Notification.
Appropriate instructions, forms, and
other program information are contained
in a Developer's Packet which may be
obtained by writing to the Department
of Housing and Urban Development, Room
259, 210 Walnut Street, Des Moines, Iowa
50309, or telephone (515) 284-4687.
SOLAR ENERGY GRANTS
The City will soon be soliciting bids
and proposals for installing solar col-
lectors on several homes (collector is
defined broadly), At least two grants,
of up to $3,500, will be awarded during
November or December to homeowners to in-
stall either active or passive solar heat-
ing to supplement their space heating
and/or domestic hot water heating.
To contract for the work you must be able
to supply the names and addresses of at
least two residential solar collector in-
stallations that you have completed, to
demonstrate past experience with solar
energy,
If you are interested in the program,
please call Roger Tinklenberg at
354-1800, Ext, 205,
November 1979
NEW PLAN REVIEW PROCESS
The Building Inspection Division
has initiated a new plan checking
process. Under the new system,
individual inspectors, including
housing, plumbing, electrical and
zoning will be involved in review-
ing the plans.
The revised system has been initi-
ated following discussions with the
Electrical Board at which time it
was suggested that a more detailed
plan checking process could elimi-
nate costly construction corrections.
Under the new system, an applicant
will continue to submit two sets of
plans and complete a building permit
application form. The permit appli-
cation, plans and specifications
will then be contained in a file
which will be routed and reviewed
by a variety of inspectors. Plans
requiring review by the Fire Marshal
will also be included in the routing.
Each inspector will indicate any
violations in the code noted on the
plans and will sign the prints in-
dicating a review.
The new system is designed to achieve
three goals. First is to improve up-
on the record keeping system such
that the print review status of any
application is known at any point in
time, secondly, we are trying to min-
imize code violations that may occur
due to misinterpretations or areas
of omission which,, when not discover-
ed until construction is underway,
often are very costly if not diffi-
cult to correct. Thirdly, it is ex-
pected that after some reorientation
of the staff and the contractors
through the new system, that not only
accuracy but a quicker turnaround
time on the permit application will
be realized.
IOWA CITY ELECTRICAL LICENSE
Final 1979 Test Dates
December 5, 1979 Tests
December 12, 1979 oral
•!CAn!n.W., j•
JORM MICROLAB
i
^9CROF ILHFO By
JORM MICROLAB
/�
City of lows City
MEMORANDUM
TO: City Council
FROM: City Manager
DATE: November 30, 1979
RE: Informal Agendas and Meeting Schedule
uecember 3; 1979
1:30 - 5:00 P.M. Monda
1:30 P.m. - Downtown Redevelopment - Don Zuchelli, Planning and Program
Development
2:45 P.M. - Council agenda, Council time, and Council committee reports
3:15 P.M. - Budget Process'- City Manager
3:30 P.M. - Executive Session - Pending Litigation/Collective Bargaining
4:45 P.M. - Consider appointments to the Riverfront Commission, Board of
Appeals, Board of Electrical Examiners and Appeals, Board
of Examiners of Plumbers, Senior Center Comnission, Housing
Commission and Board of Adjustment
7:30 P,M. - Regular Council Meeting - Council Chambers
uecembe�O"
1:30 - 5:00 P.M.
1:30 P.M. -
2:00 P.M.
2:30 P,M. -
3:30 P,M, _
4:15 P.M. -
4:45 P.M, -
Review zoning applications
Council agenda, Council time, and Council committee reports
Transit Routes and Schedules - Public Works
Review Senior Center plans and specifications - Senior Center
Staff
Financial
Report -
Consider appointments ntocDirector
the Resources Conservation Commission,
Committee on Community Needs, Board of Adjustment, and
Human Rights Commission
7:30 P.M. - Regular Council Meeting - Council Chambers
ber 13, 1979
3:30 P.M. -
Annual Meeting of the City Council and Chairpersons oftheBoards and Commissions - Highland
PENDING er Inn
Northside Study
Area Transportation Study AAVSA Contract - December 17
Discuss Major City Projects APpointment.to,Resources Conservation
Streetscape Phase II -B Commission - January 8
Voluntee A
r ssistance Program - Slide Presentation
Airport Commission Funding Request
Undergrounding of Services in CBD
Spruce Street Drainage Problem
MICROFILMED BY
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i
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: November 29, 1979
To: Neal Berlin, City Manager C
I
From: Larry Chiat, Acting Development Coordinator'
Re: Potential Vacancies in Selected Buildings in the Central
Business District
The staff has completed an informal survey to identify present and
anticipated vacancies in 14 selected retail and office buildings
in the Central Business District. The first part of this memorandum
will report specific information concerning the buildings surveyed. The
second part will discuss the general comments and feedback given to the
staff concerning redevelopment.
I. SPECIFIC FINDINGS
A. Presently Occupied Buildings
1. Younker's Department Store Building
(Contact Person: Don Crum, Younker's Store Manager)
This building has two floors plus a basement with a total
size of approximately 38,000 square feet. The building
is leased by Younker's, which has a lease on the building
for another ten years and has renewal options that it may
exercise thereafter. Younker's will be responsible for
subleasing this building to a new tenant(s), with
possession to be after Younker's moves into Old Capitol
Center. Mr. Crum indicated that there is no lease
commitment at this time, but stated that Younker's was
fully confident that the building will be occupied by a
future tenant(s) within a reasonable time after the space
becomes available. He predicted a variable period of up
to 12 months during which the building would not be open
for business so as to allow for remodeling of the building
as necessary. Mr. Crum indicated that Younker's will be
selective in their recruitment of a future tenant(s) and will
only sublease to quality businesses which will contribute
to the attractiveness of the downtown.
2. J.C. Penney's Department Store Building
(Contact Person: Roy Koza, Owner of Building)
This building has one floor plus a basement with a total
size of approximately 33,000 square feet. The building
is owned by Roy Koza and is leased to Penney's through
1983. Penney's also will be moving into Old Capitol
Center. Mr. Koza indicated that he and his son will be
directly involved in leasing the building to a new
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2
tenant(s). He has no actual lease commitment at present but
he does not foresee any major difficulty in leasing the
space. He has had some inquiries about the space but believes
that it is somewhat premature at this time to begin any
active solicitation of a new tenant(s).
3. Osco's Drug Store Building
(Contact Person: Robert Fox, Owner of Building)
This building has a ground floor area of 6,000 square feet.
The building is owned by Robert Fox and the retail space
is currently leased to Osco Drug. According to Mr. Fox,
Osco's lease for the retail space will expire shortly after
Osco moves into Old Capitol Center. As of now, there is no
new tenant with a lease commitment, but Mr. Fox is talking
to interested prospects and does not expect any major
difficulty in leasing this space.
4. Enzler's, 116 E. Washington Street
(Contact Person: Ernest Lehman)
This building has one floor plus a basement with a total
size of 4,000 square feet. The building is owned by F&S
Properties and is leased to Enzler's Inc, through 1981,
with a five year renewal option thereafter. Mr. Lehman
stated that Enzler's plans to move into the former Roshek's
site by March, 1980. There is presently no lease commitment
for a new tenant to succeed Enzler's at 116 E. Washington,
but several prospects are talking to the building owners.
Mr. Lehman indicated that there has been plenty of interest
expressed in leasing this space. He stated that Enzler's
will be involved in approving the selection of a successor
tenant, and will only agree to terminate their lease when
a quality tenant is secured. He expects a new tenant to
be open for business at this location by July or August,
1980.
5. St. Clair Johnson, 124 E. Washington Street
(Contact Person: Donald Hebert)
This building has a ground floor area of 2,100 gross
leasable square feet. The building is owned by 124
Building Corporation and the ground floor retail space is
leased to St. Clair Johnson through August, 1981. Mr. Hebert
indicated that St. Clair Johnson plans to move into the
former Roshek's site by April, 1980. He indicated that
there is presently no new tenant committed by lease to
succeed St. Clair Johnson, but that there have been many
inquiries that he has forwarded on to the building owners.
Mr. Hebert expects that the building owners will have no
difficulty in leasing this space.
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6. Perpetual Savings & Loan Association, 132 E. Washington
St.
(Contact Person: George Dane, Iowa State Bank & Trust
Co.)
This building is owned by the Bremer Trust, with Iowa
State Bank acting as trustee and building manager. The
building is currently leased to Perpetual Savings and
Loan Association. A new tenant, American Federal Savings
and Loan Association, is committed by lease to move into
the building after Perpetual moves to its new location at
the corner of Burlington and Clinton.
7. Jefferson Building
(Contact Persons: George Dane and Richard Gibson, U of I
Facilities Planning)
This building is owned by the University of Iowa Foundation.
The first floor of the building is used primarily for
retail shops and is fully leased. The basement of the
building is presently available for lease. The rest of
the building is utilized by the University of Iowa,
primarily the College of Education. Mr. Gibson indicated
that the University will continue usage of the building
for the foreseeable future. Once the College of Education
moves out of the building, other University departments
will move in.
8. Plaza Centre One
(Contact Person: Jack Klaus, Old Capitol Associates)
This building is owned by Old Capitol Associates and
contains five floors plus a basement. The building
contains 64,000 square feet of gross leasable area. This
is divided into 14,000 square feet for retail use, and
50,000 square feet for office space. At this time the
building is 98% leased.
9. Savings and Loan Building, 101 College Street
(Contact Person: Jay Oehler)
This building is owned by Investments Incorporated and
consists of three floors plus a basement, with a total
area of approximately 14,500 square feet, primarily used
for offices. Mr. Oehler indicated that the building is
now fully leased. The McGladrey CPA firm recently moved
to Plaza Centre One, but their former space has been
leased. There is presently no committed tenant for the
space on the first floor which will be vacated by First
Federal Savings and Loan Association in Fall, 1980.
However, Mr. Oehler stated that there are prospects
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interested in this space and he expects no difficulty in
leasing the First Federal space.
B. Renovated Building
1. 118 S. Clinton Street (formerly Roshek's)
Contact Person: Ernest Lehman
Mr. Lehman indicated that this entire building has been
leased by Enzler's Inc. from the Carl F. Strub heirs.
Enzler's is currently remodeling the building. Dee
Gosling and Co, is subleasing the entire second floor
from Enzler's. The first floor and basement will be
shared by Enzler's and its sublessee, St. Clair Johnson.
The building is expected to be fully occupied by April,
1980.
C. New Buildings
I. Mod Pod Building (Burlington and Dubuque Streets)
(Contact Person: Wesley Fotsch)
This building was recently completed and is owned by Mod
Pod, Inc. The building contains 2 floors plus a basement
and has 5,600 square feet in gross leasable space. Of
this amount, only 600 square feet is still available for
lease. This space is just now being finished off and
Mr. Fotsch expects to have this remaining space leased
and occupied by January, 1980.
2. Perpetual Savings & Loan Association (Burlington & Clinton
Streets)
(Contact Person: David Hintze, Perpetual Savings & Loan)
This building is nearing completion and will house the
new offices of Perpetual by January, 1980. Mr. Hintze
indicated that the entire building will be utilized by
Perpetual, so no leasable space will be available.
3. First Federal Saving & Loan Association,(Court & Dubuque
Sts.)
(Contact Person: Donald Duncan, First Federal)
Construction of this building is underway with completion
expected in the fall of 1980. The building will have two
floors and a basement, and will be used principally for
office space. First Federal will occupy approximately
5,000 square feet of the approximately 13,000 square feet
in gross leasable area. Mr. Duncan stated that none of
this additional space is now committed by lease but there
are prospective tenants for 2,700 square feet and he does
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not anticipate any difficulty in leasing the balance of
the building by Fall, 1980.
4. Old Capitol Center
(Contact Persons: Jack Klaus and Donald Scatena
Old Capitol Associates)
This enclosed retail shopping center is being developed
by Old Capitol Associates. The building will have two
floors and a partial basement with a total of approximately
200,000 square feet in gross leasable area. Mr. Klaus
and Mr. Scatena indicated that approximately 62% of the
gross leasable space is actually under lease at the
present time with another 20% of the gross leasable space
committed but not yet secured with executed leases.
Thus, Old Capitol stated that a total of 82% of the gross
leasable area is now committed. Mr. Klaus and Mr. Scatena
further indicated that they have had more than enough
interested prospects for the remaining available space,
but are now holding off from making additional lease
commitments so as to be very selective and thus assure
the proper "mix" of retail tenants in the center.
D. Summary
Of the 14 buildings surveyed by the staff, four buildings are
fully leased and can be expected to remain so: present Perpetual
S&L, new Perpetual S&L, Savings and Loan Building, and the
former Roshek's building. In addition, four buildings are
leased to a substantial degree with good prospects for being
fully leased in the near term: Jefferson Building, Plaza
Centre One, Mod Pod, and Old Capitol Center. Of the other six
buildings, five are fully leased at present and are expected
to continue to be fully leased in the future by new tenants
who will replace these current tenants: Younker's, Penney's,
Osco's, Enzler's, and St. Clair Johnson. The sixth building,
the new First Federal building, will be completed in fall,
1980, at which time it is expected to be substantially occupied.
II. GENERAL FINDINGS
The persons contacted for this survey were all receptive and quite
cooperative in offering specific information to the staff about their
buildings. Many individuals also took considerable time to comment
in general terms about the redevelopment of downtown Iowa City. The
consensus expressed to the staff conveyed a high degree of optimism
about the future of downtown.
The individuals contacted identified a "pent up" demand for additional
retail and office space by both existing downtown businesses and
firms which desire to locate downtown. In recent years, opportunities
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for expansion and for new businesses downtown have been very limited.
The persons surveyed welcomed the addition of more commercial and
office space downtown. There was recognition that there will be
temporary vacancies created as existing downtown businesses relocate
elsewhere in the downtown to better suit their needs, but this was
viewed as a vital and healthy process which will eventually "shake
down" into a stable downtown with expanded opportunities for shoppers.
It was mentioned by several individuals that having a small,
continuous amount of vacant space downtown will promote competition
among building owners to maintain and improve their buildings, whereas
a situation without available vacancies allows certain owners to
minimize their investments while charging rents that the market
is forced to bear. The individuals who commented expect greater
competition in the rental rates offered downtown and also expect a
range of rents to be available so that diverse enterprises can select
locations which correlate to their ability to pay.
There was a strong belief among many individuals contacted that a
significant number of new businesses can be expected to locate in
downtown Iowa City in the next several years as more leasable
space becomes available. This belief was based on actual contact
between these individuals and prospective new businesses. Apparently,
there has been an ongoing flow of unsolicited inquiries for the rental
of space downtown by prospective tenants. The individuals who commented
recognized this and welcomed the addition of new businesses downtown.
While agreeing that the location of new businesses downtown will serve
to promote competition with existing businesses, the individuals who
commented believe that this greater diversity of shopping opportunities
will markedly increase the capability of the downtown to attract
and draw more shoppers from both within and without Johnson County
in the years ahead.
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C F n\ ZUCHELLI, HUNTER & ASSOCIATES, INC.
M E M O R A N D U M
T0: Neal Berlin
FROM: Zuchelli, Hunter & Associates, Inc.
RE: Iowa City Retail Analysis
DATE: November 27, 1979
In order to determine whether or not a third department
store will cause adverse effects on existing downtown merchants
in non -department store operations, Zuchelli, Hunter & Associates,
Inc., was assigned the task of evaluating the market for a third
major department store in Iowa City's downtown area. To carry
out this assignment, considerable amounts of statistical data
from a variety of sources was collected and analyzed. Supple-
menting this statistical examination of the market, a series
of interviews with downtown business leaders was conducted by
city staff personnel.
This analysis is structured according to a normal progres-
sion of nine distinct tables. Tables 1 through 5 derive the
amount of net new supportable square footage of shoppers goods
from 1980 to 1985, and Tables 6 through 9 refine that figure
to reflect net new department store square footage supportable
for 1980 to 1985.
Table 1 estimates retail expenditure levels for Johnson
County based on population, number of households, and average
disbursable household income for the years 1975 through 1990.
The table indicates that, in 1975, the retail expenditure
level in Johnson County was approximately $159.2 million, and
by 1990 will have increased to approximately $324.3 million.
As would normally be expected, Table 1 shows that as aver-
age household income increases, that portion of household income
going to retail expenditures decreases. Furthermore, Table 1
indicates that at lower levels of household income a greater
portion of retail expenditures is accounted for by convenience
goods expenditures than is the case at higher -income levels.
Generally speaking, Table 2 is a continuation of Table 1.
Where Table 1 derived shoppers and convenience goods expendi-
ture levels, Table 2 starts with that information and, in con-
junction with retail sales volumes,shows that portion of market
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-2-
ZUCHELLI, HUNTER & ASSOCIATES, INC.
MEMO --Mr. Berlin November 27, 1979
area retail sales to market area residents and consequently the
level of resident expenditures outflow.
TABLE 1
RETAIL EXPENDITURES
JOHNSON COUNTY, IOWA
1975-1990
1975 1977 1980 1985 1990
Population 74,900 79,500 80,000 85,400 91,300
Households 24,900 27,200 28,700 31,700 35,400
Average Household Income $ 13,900 $ 15,900 $ 18,900 $ 23,900 $ 28,900
Total Household Income ($000's) $346,110 $432,480 $542,430 $757,630 $1,023,060
I
j Retail Expenditures ($000's)
Shoppers Goods $ 77,377 $ 92,559 $106,380 $134,531 $ 162,155
Convenience Goods 81,834 95,570 108,965 136,701 162,155
Total $159,211 $188,129 $215,345 $271,232 $ 324,310
Source: Zuchelli, Hunter 6 Associates, Inc.
TABLE 2
EXPENDITURE DISTRIBUTION
JOHNSON COUNTY, IOWA
1975-1990
($000's)
Source: Zuchelli, Hunter 6 Associates, Inc.
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1975
1977
1980
1985
1990
Shoppers Goods Expenditures
$77,377
$92,559
$106,380
$134,531
$162,155
Sale of Shoppers Goods
To Market Area Residents
$47,039
$60,304
$ 65,855
$114,755
$139,291
To Outside and Transient
3,003
3,849
4,204
8,637
10,484
Total
$50,042
$64,153
$ 70,059
$123,392
$149,775
Resident Expenditure Outflow
$30,338
$32,255
$ 40,525
$ 19,776
$ 22,864
Convenience Goods Expenditures
$81,834
$95,570
$108,965
$136,701
$162,155
Sale of Convenience Goods
To Market Area Residents
$65,309
$86,736
$100,663
$127,269
$151,615
To Outside and Transient
2,020
3,614
4,194
5,303
6,317
Total
$67,329
$90,350
$104,857
$132,572
$157,932
Resident Expenditure Outflow
$16,525
$ 8,834
$ 8,302
$ 9,432
$ 10,540
Source: Zuchelli, Hunter 6 Associates, Inc.
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�� ZUCHELLi, HUNTER & ASSOCIATES, INC.
-3-
MEMO--Mr. Berlin November 27, 1979
Table 2 indicates that in 1975 the level of shoppers goods
expenditure outflow in Johnson County was 39..2 per cent. In
other words, 39.2 per cent of that portion of the household
income of market -area residents spent on shoppers goods was
spent outside of the market area. By 1977, shoppers goods
expenditure outflow had dropped somewhat to 34.8 per cent, but
is expected to rise to 38.1 per cent by 1980 as a result of
new shopping center development in Cedar Rapids. Between 1980
and 1985 with the opening of the downtown shopping center in
Iowa City and the addition of approximately 266,250 square feet
of new, first -quality shoppers goods space (assuming development
of the third department store as proposed), resident expenditure
outflow will fall below 15 per cent.
Table 3 calculates the change in retail sales levels that
will be realized between 1980 and 1990 based on Table 2 above
for both shoppers goods and convenience goods.
Shoppers Goods
TABLE 3
CHANGE IN RETAIL SALES
JOHNSON COUNTY, IOWA
1980-1990
($000's)
Change
1980-1985
$53,333
Change
1985-1990
$26,383
Change
1980-1990
$79,716
Convenience Goods
27,715
25,360
53,075
Total
$81,048
$51,743
$132,791
Source: Zuchelli, Hunter & Associates, Inc.
The table indicates that given the development of the pro-
posed new space, shoppers goods retail sales volumes will increase
in excess of $53 million between 1980 and 1985.
Table 4 transforms this increase in shoppers goods sales
into net new supportable square footage by applying sales -per -
square -foot levels to the expected increase in sales.
In order to maintain a conservative estimating posture,
a sales level of $90 per square foot for shoppers goods was
assumed for the years between 1980 and 1985. This procedure
resulted in the conclusion that between 1980 and 1985, the market
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ZUCHELLI HUNTER & Assr�CIgTES INC
MEMO --Mr. Berlin
-4-
November 27, 1979
will be able to support 592,600 square feet of net new shoppers
goods space.
TABLE 4
NET NEW SUPPORTABLE SQUARE FOOTAGE
I
Change Change
1980-1985 Change
'
198_ 1980-1990
Shoppers Goods 592,6001/ 201,400/
I 794,000
Convenience Goods 121,6003/4/
- 76,400— 196,000
I
I Total 719,200
277,800 990,000
2� $90 per square foot. '
3/ $131 per square foot.
4/ $228 per square foot.
$332 per square foot.
Source: Zuchelli, Hunter & Associates, Inc.
Table
hopers go
square footage afrom a1980tes tto 1985he gbylbeginningawithn supprtblesthepfigureods
I of 592,600 square feet of supportable space yielded in Table
j 4 and deducting from that number the square footage in the new
i downtown center, the new TG&Y store in Coralville,the proposed
third department store, and the space to be vacated by Younkers
and Penney's assuming (however unlikely) that they will remain
in shoppers goods usage.
TABLE 5
CHANGE IN SHOPPERS GOODS SQUARE FOOTAGE SUPPORTABLE
1980-1985
592,600 SF Supportable 1980-1985
-191,250 SF in New Center
401,350 SF
- 50,000 SF in New TG&Y in Coralville
351,350 SF
-75-,000 SF in Proposed Third Department Store
276,350 SF
45,000 SF in Younkers & Penneys, Assuming Continued Usage
231,350 SF
Source: Zuchelli, Hunter & Associates, Inc.
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�\ ZUCHELLI, HUNTER & ASSOCIATES, INC.
MEMO--Mr. Berlin November 27, 1979
Table 5 indicates that after deducting these proposed new
spaces from the amount of space supportable in the market, an
additional 231,350 square feet of supportable space will remain.
Table 6 refines shoppers goods sales levels from Table 2
by breaking out that portion of shoppers goods sales that are
general merchandise sales assuming the 1975 through 1977 market
share, and, further, breaking out that portion of general mer-
chandise sales that are department store sales assuming market
shares for the same years.
TABLE 6
DEPARTMENT STORE SALES
1975-1990
($000's)
1975 1977 1980 1985 1990
Shoppers Goods Sales $50,042 $64,153 $70,059 $123,392 $149,775
General Merchandise Sales $26,772 $34,322 $37,482 $ 66,015 $ 80,130
(53.5% of Shoppers Goods.
Sales)
Department Store Sales $23,211 $29,757 $32,497 $ 57,235 $ 69,473
(86.7% of General
Merchandise Sales)
Source: Zuchelli, Hunter 6 Associates, Inc.
The table indicates that in 1975 department store sales
were approximately $23.2 million, and that by 1985 they will
have increased to over $57.2 million, assuming development of
the new downtown center and the proposed third department store.
Table 7 calculates the change in department store sales
from Table 6 for the years 1980 through 1990 and reveals that
from 1980 to 1985 department store sales will increase by
approximately $24.7 million.
Source: Zuchelli, Hunter & Associates, Inc.
MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES
TABLE 7
CHANGE IN
DEPARTMENT
STORE SALES
($000's)
Department
Store Sales
Change
1980-1985
$24,738
Change
1985-1990
$12,238
Change
1980-1990
$36,976
Source: Zuchelli, Hunter & Associates, Inc.
MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES
ZUCHELLI, HUNTER & ASSOCIA E -6
MEMO -Mr. Berlin
November 27, 1979
The $24.7 million increase from Table 7 is translated into
net new supportable department store square footage by applying
the previously discussed level of shoppers goods sales per square
foot.
TABLE 8
NET NEW DEPARTMENT STORE
SUPPORTABLE SQUARE FOOTAGE
1980-1990
Chancre in Square Footage
1980-1985 274,900
1985-1990 93,400
f 1980-1990 368,300
Source: Zuchelli, Hunter s Associates, Inc.
This process results in the conclusion that from 1980 to
1985, 274,900 square feet of net new department store space
can be supported in the market area.
new departmentTable
st9deducts fh
orespacethespacein the enew fcenter rtobbe
occupied by Younkers and Penney's, the new TG&Y in Coralville,
space in the proposed third department store and space to be
vacated by Younkers and Penney's when they move to the new center.
This assumes, of course, that the vacated Younkers and
i
Penney's space will remain in department store usage. However
unlikely this may be, this assumption was employed in order
to maintain a conservative estimating posture.
Table 9 indicates that even if the vacated Younkers and
Penney's stores remain in department store usage, and if the
proposed third department store is developed, there will be
excess demand for nearly 5,000 square feet of department store
space in the market while still maintaining the market shares
that existed in the years between 1975 and 1977.
MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS -DES Id01NEs
�L n \ ZUCHELLI, HUNTER & ASSOCIATES, INC.
MEMO --Mr. Berlin
-7-
November 27, 1979
TABLE 9
CHANGE IN DEPARTMENT STORE
SQUARE FOOTAGE SUPPORTABLE
1980-1985
i
274,900 SF Supportable, 1980-1985
-100,000 SF Younkers and Penney's
174,900 SF
- 50,000 SF TG&Y in Coralville
124,900 SF
- 75,000 SF in Proposed New Department Store
49,900 SF
45,000 SF Existing Younkers and Penney's Assuming
They Will Remain Department Stores and
the Likelihood of This Taking Place Is
Minimal
4,900 SF Excess Supportable Department Store Space
While Maintaining 1975-1977 Department
Store and Other Shopping Goods Market Shares
Source: Zuchelli, Hunter & Associates, Inc.
FI ICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS•DES MOINES
C__r-tr�\ ZUCHELLI, HUNTER & ASSOCIATES, INC.
MEMO --Mr. Berlin
APPENDIX
November 27, 1979
Appendix Table 1 is provided as support documentation.
While not designed to be a definitive analysis, it does point
out the trend of high levels of expenditure outflow. Appendix
Table 1 shows general merchandise sales, population, and general
merchandise sales per capita for six metropolitan areas in Iowa
for the years 1975, 1977, and 1978.
APPENDIX TABLE 1
IOWA METROPOLITAN AREA
COMPARISON OF GENERAL MERCHANDISE SALES PER CAPITA
General Merchandise Population General Merchandise Sales
Sales ($000's) (000's) Per Capita
1975
I Cedar Rapids
$101,000
165.0
$612
Des Moines
197,000
329.0
599
Dubuque
63,000
91.0
692
Sioux. City
67,000
119.0
563
Waterloo
83,000
132.0
629
i Iowa City
$ 27,000
75.0
$360
1977
Cedar Rapids
$123,000
170.0
$724
i Des Moines
244,000
334.0
731
Dubuque
77,000
96.0
802
Sioux City
83,000
124.0
669
Waterloo
104,000
136.0
765
Iowa City
$ 34,000
79.0
$430
1978
Cedar Rapids
$136,000
170.0
$800
Des Moines
269,000
334.0
805
Dubuque
90,000
97.0
928
Sioux City
90,000
123,0
732
Waterloo
120,000
137.0
876
Iowa City
i!
$ 39,000
80.0
$487
Source: Sales &
Marketing Management Magazine; Zuchelli, Hunter &
+' Associates, Inc.
I
The table
indicates that
in all
three years, general mer-
chandise sales
per capita were
considerably
below those levels
in the other Iowa
metropolitan
areas.
This suggests that Iowa
City residents
were spending their
general
merchandise dollars
elsewhere and
supports the conclusion
of the preceding section
concerning the
high level of resident
expenditure outflow char-
acteristic in
the market.
MICROFILMED BY
JORM MICROLAB
CEDAR RAPIDS -DES 110RIES