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CITY OF IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET
December 11, 2008
DECEMBER 16 SPECIAL WORK SESSION
IP1 Council Meetings and Work Session Agenda
IP2 Memorandum from the, Director of Public Works, Flood Recovery Assistants, and City
Attorney: Flood Update/Recovery and HMGP Buyout
MISCELLANEOUS
IP3 Letters from Mayor Bailey to area legislators: December 1 meeting at City Hall
IP4 Press Release: Governor Culver Announces "Jumpstart Express" to help Iowans
needing emergency repair funds
IP5 Memorandum from the Economic Development Coordinator: TIF report
IP6 Housing and Inspection Services Customer Service Survey -December 2008
IP7 Letter from Roger and Patrick Reilly to the City Manager: Customer Service
Letter from Mayor Bailey to Governor Culver: Jumpstart Iowa Program
[Distributed at 12/16 Work Session]
Iowa Recovery Times newsletter, December 2008 [Distributed at 12/16 Work Session]
DRAFT MINUTES
IP8 Human Rights Commission (amended): November 25, 2008
IP9 Historic Preservation Commission: November 13, 2008
IP10 Housing and Community Development Commission: November 20, 2008
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•~®~~~ CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org December 11, 2008
CEMBER 16 SPECIAL WORK SESSION
IP1 Council Meetings an Work Session Agenda /
IP2 Memorandum from the, Di ctor of Public Works, Flood Recovery sistants, and City
Attorney: Flood Update/Re very and HMGP Buyout
ISCELLANEOUS
IP3
Letters from Mayor Bailey to area legi ators:
Press Release: Governor Culver An o
needing emergency repair funds
Memorandum from the Economic Developm~
Housing and Inspection Services Custom
December meeting at City Hall
nces "J mpstart Express" to help Iowans
IP4
IP5
IP6
IP7
ordinator: TIF report
ice Survey -December 2008
Letter from Roger and Patrick Reilly to th City Manag :Customer Service
D T MINUTES
IP8 Human Rights Commission (a nded): November 25, 200
IP9 Historic Preservation Comm' sion: November 13, 2008
IP10 Housing and Community evelopment Commission: November , 2008
11-11-U2f
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,,,,~. City Council Meeting Schedule and
CITY OF IOWA CITY Work Session Agendas December 11, zoos
www.icgov.org
• TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16 Emma J. Harvat Hall
5:15p EXECUTIVE SESSION -Separate Agenda Posted
Special Work Session
• Planning and Zoning Items "d,e,f"
^ Council Appointments
Dinner Flood Recovery Update (reference IP2]
provided Inclusive Community Update
• Agenda Items
^ Information Packet Discussion (December4 and 11J
^ Council Time
• Schedule of Pending Discussion Items
^ Upcoming Community Events/Council Invitations
• Discussion of Meeting Schedules
7:OOp Formal Council Meeting
Continue Special Work Session if necessary
TENTATIVE MEETING SCHEDULE
SUBJECT TO CHANGE
• THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25
Christmas Day -City Offices Closed
• FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26
Christmas Holiday -City Offices Closed
• THURSDAY, JANUARY 1
New Year's Day -City Offices Closed
• MONDAY, JANUARY 5 Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:30p Council Work Session
• TUESDAY, JANUARY 6 Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:OOp Formal Council Meeting
• SATURDAY, JANUARY 10 Emma J. Harvat Hall
8:OOa - 3:OOp Special Work Session -Budget
• MONDAY, JANUARY 12 Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:30P Special Work Session -Budget
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' "'~'®'~~ City Council Meeting Schedule and
CITY OF IOWA CITY Work Session Agendas December 11, 2008
www.icgov.org
• THURSDAY, JANUARY 15 Emma J. Harvat Hall
1:30p - 8:OOp Special Work Session -Budget
• MONDAY, JANUARY 19
Martin Luther King Holiday -City Offices Closed
• WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28 Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:30p Special Work Session -Budget
Boards/Commissions/Community Events
• THURSDAY, JANUARY 29 Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:30P Special Work Session -Budget
• MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9 Emma J. Harvat Hall
TBA Special Council Work Session
• TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10 Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:OOP Special Formal Council Meeting
• MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16 Emma J. Harvat Hall
President's Day Holiday -City Offices Closed
• MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23 Emma J. Harvat Hall
TBA Special Council Work Session
• TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24 Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:OOp Special Formal Council Meeting
• TUESDAY, MARCH 10 Emma J. Harvat Hall
TBA Special Council Work Session
Special Formal Council Meeting
Continue Special Work Session if necessary
• MONDAY, MARCH 23 Emma J. Harvat Hall
TBA Special Council Work Session
• TUESDAY, MARCH 24 Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:OOP Special Formal Council Meeting
• MONDAY, APRIL 6 Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:30p Council Work Session
• TUESDAY, APRIL 7 Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:OOp Regular Formal Council Meeting
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
To: Michael Lombardo, City Manager ~ ~'~i-.
From: Rick Fosse, Public Works Director ~~~
Date: December 10, 2008
RE: Public Works Flood Update
IP2
Flood recovery remains a significant focus for the Public Works Department.
Repair of infrastructure, mitigation planning and coordination with outside
agencies and entities consume a considerable amount of our time and
resources.
We have recently completed working with FEMA's Long Term Recovery Group
developing strategies for the Dubuque Street Elevation/Park Road Bridge Project
and the relocation of the North Wastewater Treatment Facilities. We are also
coordinating with the University of Iowa and the Corps of Engineers as they
develop a hydraulic model of the river corridor and evaluate the statistical impact
of this year's flood on the estimated 100 and 500 year floods. We have attended
a Parkview Terrace Neighborhood meeting and will be on their January meeting
agenda to discuss mitigation options. Carol Sweeting is a member of the United
Way's Long Term Recovery Committee and I will be serving on the Iowa
Department of Natural Resources Floodplain Management Panel.
Outlined below is a brief summary of flood related activities organized by division.
Please let me know if you would like additional details about any of this work.
Engineering Division
Flood Damage Recovery Projects Eligible for FEMA funds:
o Iowa Avenue Siphon
^ Coordinating work with the University
^ Work will occur in Spring
^ Estimated damage = $1,060,000
o Streets
^ Coordinated damage assessments
^ Work will occur in Spring
^ Estimated damage = $35,000
o Parks
Sand removal from City Park complete
Coordinate with Parks for remaining work
o Trails
^ Coordinated damage assessments
^ Work will occur in Spring
December 11, 2008
Page 2
^ Bank stabilization along Iowa River Corridor Trail will be
done next three months
^ Estimated damage = $120,000
o Given support to other City staff with development of project
worksheets
o Surveyed amounts of flood debris to determine quantity
Flood Damage Recovery Projects Eligible for Federal Highway
Administration (FHWA) funds:
o Iowa Avenue Storm Sewer Repair
^ Work is complete
^ Damage = $60,000
o South Riverside Drive
^ Bid through Iowa DOT
^ Estimated Damage = $65,000
o Burlington Street Bridge
^ Bid through Iowa DOT
^ Estimated Damage = $33,000
o Highway 6 Bridge
^ Bid through Iowa DOT
^ Estimated Damage = $93,000
o Park Road Bridge
^ Look to see if funds can be reallocated to bridge
reconstruction
^ Estimated Damage = $140,000
o Dubuque Street
^ Look to see if funds can be reallocated to road elevation
^ Estimated Damage = $440,000
• Neighborhood Protection Options
o Stanley Report
^ Collected initial data
^ Reviewed identified options with respect to HMGP buyout
^ Neighborhood meeting will occur in January
• FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant (HMGP) Buyouts Technical Support
o Surveys
0 100 year flood plain determination
• FEMA Hazard Mitigation Plan Coordination
o ECICOG is developing the plan
o Having meetings with staff to identify hazards
o Meetings will public will be held in Spring
• FEMA Long-Term Community Recovery
o Met with the state and federal staff
o Helped develop the Recovery Strategy
o Will implement strategy to pursue funding
December 11, 2008
Page 3
• University of Iowa
o Coordinate flood profile modeling and frequency analysis.
o Worked through permitting procedure for emergency repairs
o Coordinating review with the University consultant
Wastewater/Landfill Division
North Plant work completed past 30 days:
• Replacement of central underground natural gas piping - $5,000
• Filter building boiler repair - $18,000
• Installation of 3 new electric heat and air units administration building-
$22,400
All heating systems are currently functioning at the Plant.
North Plant work still in progress:
All the electrical components listed are now on hand at a value of approximately
$20,000
• Influent Pump Building:
o Repair of flow meter devices #124, #125, #127 & #128
(experiencing difficulties with effective repairs to 20 year old flow
meter equipment.)
o Replacement of various 110V power outlets.
• Sludge Pump Building:
o Replacement three grinder control panels.
o Replacement sump pump control panel.
o Replacement of three gas monitoring equipment.
o Replacement of various 110V power outlets, solenoid switches, and
hand-off-auto switches.
• Filter Building:
o Replacement of mud well flow meter.
o Replacement of sump pump control panel.
o Replacement of various 110V power outlets and hand-off-auto
switches.
• Humus pumping station:
o Repair of 10 HP electric pump motor (second time).
o Replacement of sump pump control panel.
o Replacement of various 110V power outlets.
Collection System: River Siphon to be replaced -see Engineering Division
estimate
Landfill: 7,400 tons (40%) of stockpiled sandbags (18,500 tons total) moved
into disposal area and used as cover material.
December 11, 2008
Page 4
Work completed earlier:
Wastewater. Motor repairs - $20,000, Controls and misc electrical work -
$20,000, Lift Stations and storm water structures - $30,000, sinkhole on Iowa
Ave. - $60,000.
Landfill: 9,980 tons disaster waste handled. (plus sandbags)
Landfill claim submitted to FEMA: approx $702,000
Water Division
• All well sites have been re-graded and seeded.
• Access Roads/Trails: The wash out and damaged areas of the access
roads/trails at the Water Plant and Peninsula sites have been repaired.
o Cost -Approximately $37,500
• Silurian Well Site #1: Flood waters did not inundate the electrical switch
gear, transformer of controls. It did damage the meter head on the flow
meter;
o Damaged -Meter head
o Completed -Rebuilt meter head purchased and installed on 10-10-
08.
o Needs to be completed -Nothing further
o Hazard Mitigation Plan -None at this site
o Cost -Approximately $1,500
• Silurian Well Site #4: Flood waters inundated the electrical switch gear
and transformer at this site. No damage occurred in the well building to
controls or other equipment.
o Damaged -Medium voltage switch gear and transformer
o Completed -Switch gear and transformer were cleaned and
inspected.
o Needs to be completed -Nothing further
o Hazard Mitigation Plan -Reviewing through a study with a
consultant.
o Cost -Approximately $15,000 (does not include hazard mitigation
plan recommendations, i.e. raising of electrical switch gear &
transformer and hardening of building).
• Collector Well Site #3: Flood waters inundated the electrical switch gear,
transfer switch, transformer, dry step down transformer, and 300 HP
VFD's (2)
o Damaged -Medium voltage switch gear, transfer switch,
transformer, well house step down transformer, and 300 HP VFD's
(2)
December 11, 2008
Page 5
o Completed -Switch gear, transfer switch and transformer were
cleaned and inspected. Dry step down transformer was replaced.
VFD transformers were cleaned and baked for temporary repair.
o Hazard Mitigation Plan -Reviewing through a study with a
consultant. Replacing VFD's with new units that are raised 2-3 feet
from the floor will be a recommendation.
o Estimated Cost -Approximately $116,500 (does not include hazard
mitigation plan recommendations, i.e. raising of electrical switch
gear, transformer and hardening of building).
Collector Well Site #4: Flood waters inundated the electrical switch gear,
transformer, miscellaneous parts, and two 200 HP VFD's
o Damaged -Medium voltage electrical switch gear, transfer switch
and transformer, miscellaneous parts, and two 200 HP VFD's
o Completed -Switch gear, transfer switch and transformer were
cleaned and inspected. VFD transformers were cleaned and baked
for temporary repair.
o Hazard Mitigation Plan -Reviewing through a study with a
consultant. Replacing VFD's with new units that are raised 2-3 feet
from the floor will be a recommendation.
o Estimated Cost -Approximately $104,000 (does not include hazard
mitigation plan recommendations, i.e. raising of electrical switch
gear, transformer and hardening of building).
• Jordan Well Site #2: Flood waters inundated the louver controller,
butterfly control valve, and 460 volt 200 HP softstart.
o Damaged -Louver controller, butterfly control valve, 406 volt HP
softstart, and 200 HP electric motor.
o Completed -Louver controller has been repaired, butterfly control
valve replaced, and the 200 HP electric motor has been cleaned
and baked.
o Needs to be completed -Replacement of the 200 HP softstart and
replacement of the 200 HP electric motor
o Hazard Mitigation Plan -Reviewing through a study with a
consultant. Replacing the softstart with a new unit that is raised 3-4
feet from the flow will be a recommendation.
o Estimated Cost -Approximately $65,000 (does not include hazard
mitigation plan recommendations, i.e. hardening of building).
• Water Main (12") River Crossing at Old Plant Site: The 1970 vintage
river crossing at this site was undermined by flood waters.
o Damaged -River crossing water main (12") did not break but did
suffer scour and needs to be supported to maintain structural
integrity.
o Completed -Diver investigation is complete and extent of
undermining has been determined.
o Needs to be completed -Filling of areas of undermining.
December 11, 2008
Page 6
o Hazard Mitigation Plan -None further at this site.
o Estimated Cost - $85,000
• Water Main (12") River Crossing at Hwy 6 Site: The 1970 vintage river
crossing at this site was undermined by flood waters.
o Damaged -River crossing water main (12") did not break but did
suffer scour and needs to be supported to maintain structural
integrity.
o Completed -Diver investigation is complete and extent of
undermining has been determined.
o Needs to be completed -Filling of areas of undermining.
o Hazard Mitigation Plan -None further at this site.
o Estimated Cost - $85,000
• Water Meters: Approximately 275 Water meters in the Parkview,
Idyllwild, Taft and other flooded areas need to be replaced.
o Damaged - 275 water meters
o Completed -Approximately 135 have been replaced with new
meters.
o Needs to be completed -Approximately 140 remain to be replaced.
o Hazard Mitigation Plan -None for this project.
o Estimated Cost -Approximately $55,000 remaining.
Equipment Division
• Prepared a bid and awarded to Monroe Truck Equipment ($10.500.00) to
replace City units #892 and #949, damaged sanders at City Park.
$8,781.00 in FEMA funds and $1,719.00 in Equipment Replacement
funds.
• Ordered a replacement for a damaged Boss 8 foot snow plow from Future
Line for the Fire Department.
• Completed the replacement of the damaged Fuelmaster system at City
Park by Central Petroleum Equipment Company, $13,920.00.
• Continued to work with FEMA representatives updating/completing
documentation of payroll, purchases, work orders, equipment usage and
rental equipment used during flood fighting activities.
December 11, 2008
Page 7
Volunteer Cleanup Efforts
July 18 approx. 50 people 6 hours 300 hours
July 19 approx. 100 people 6 hours 600 hours
July 26 approx. 100 people 6 hours 600 hours
August 11 approx. 20 people 6 hours 120 hours
August 12 approx. 50 people, 3 hours 150 hours
October 25 149 people 3 hours 447 hours
November 2 115 people 3 hours 345 hours
Approximately 2562 volunteer hours were logged.
Cc: Ron Knoche, Engineering
Dave Elias, Wastewater & Landfill
Ed Moreno, Water
Tom Hansen, Equipment
Carol Sweeting, Public Information and Volunteer Coordination
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^.!~.®~r~ CITY OF IOWA CITY
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M Ego
Date: December 11, 2008
To: City Council
From: Nasseem Moradi, Flood Recovery
David Purdy, Flood Recovery
Re: Flood Recovery and HMGP Buyout Update
Jumpstart State
To date, we have committed and/or distributed $230,298 in Jumpstart State funds. The funds
are being distributed pursuant to the state required ratio of 80% to rehab, 10% to interim
mortgage assistance and 10% to down payment assistance. So far we have committed to
and/or assisted 10 households with Jumpstart State Funds and continue to contact applicants.
We are estimating that we will be able to assist between 16 and 20 households with Jumpstart
State funds before all of the funds are depleted.
Jumpstart Federal (CDBG)
We are currently processing income and asset verification forms for the first 35 applicants on
the list; we anticipate being able to provide some amount of assistance to each applicant who
qualifies for Jumpstart Federal (CDBG) funds; 54 households currently qualify.
After Mayor Bailey wrote to Governor Culver regarding the restrictions surrounding the federal
funds, the following changes were made:
1. Under a new program called "Jumpstart Express" we are permitted to engage in "sub-
activities" that provide for emergency repair and rehabilitation not to exceed $24,999.
We are no longer required to bring the entire home up to local housing code and lead-
based paint lead abatement does not apply to this new program; however, other less
restrictive lead-based paint regulations apply.
2. Down payment assistance and interim mortgage assistance are no longer tied to the
timing of the buyout.
Now that the Jumpstart Federal rules are more clearly defined we are able to direct applicants
to the appropriate program for their needs. Some applicants moved from Jumpstart State to
Jumpstart Federal which allows for a broader distribution of the State funds.
We are still waiting for Iowa Department of Economic Development to complete their duplication
of benefits analysis; until this is done we are not able to distribute funds. We are ready to issue
approximately $375,000 in CDBG funds, the majority of which will be used for rehabilitation and
repair.
Community Foundation Housing Assistance
There are currently 46 households eligible for the mortgage and rental payment assistance
being offered through the Community Foundation of Johnson County. We have contacted 17
households at this point and 9 of those households have responded by turning in mortgage and
rental payment verifications. The Community Foundation has committed $21,685.50 to these 9
households. At this time we estimate that 20-25 of the eligible households will receive
assistance before reaching the $50,000 maximum that is allocated for this assistance.
December 11, 2008
Page 2
Jumpstart Small Business
The Jumpstart Small Business Assistance Program began with an initial grant agreement for
$1,109,724 which has been amended to $2,219,448. The State of Iowa required each applicant
to have attained a loan for flood recovery from either the SBA or a conventional financial
institution. To date, the City of Iowa City has received 40 applications for assistance totaling
$1,082,536. 28 applications have been funded for a total of $677,536. Nine applications
requesting a total of $303,750 are pending, waiting for additional informational information. 3
applications did not meet application criteria.
The initial application period for Jumpstart Small Business Assistance closed on November 7
and we are in the process of reviewing program criteria and will reopen the application period
due to the increase in funding.
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
On December 5'h, a mailing was sent to homeowners interested in acquisition. It outlined the
process, timelines, duplication of benefits, and fair market value. It is anticipated the Hazard
Mitigation Grant Program (HMPG) application will be submitted to state HMPG officials in early
January. They have indicated the review can take 3-6 months, but are hoping it can be
completed in 3 months.
Currently, we have 42 homeowners interested in acquisition and 15 that have said no. That
could change slightly before the final application is submitted. I have attached a map of the
properties interested in being acquired.
Based on review of home sales in the area for the past 2 years, it was established that the fair
market value for the homes would be set at 112% of assessed value. This will serve as the
initial offer from the city of Iowa City. An appeals process has been drafted and will be sent to
homeowners in the next few days.
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857 Homeowner
$J ^ interested in L7uy-out
865 ^ Homeowner not
1 `69 interested in huy-out
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DATE: 12/10/2008
TO: CITY COUNCIL
FROM: ELEANOR M. DILKES, CITY ATTORNEY
RE: HMGP BUYOUT - HAGEN TRUST PROPERTY/ "SHOWERS ADDITION"
As you know, in October 2007 the City entered into an agreement with the Clarence Hagen Revocable
Trust to purchase the unimproved portion of the 53.6 acre parcel owned by the Trust known as the
Showers Addition located off Gilbert Street on the Iowa River west of Sand Lake. In addition, the
agreement gives the City afive-year option to purchase the remainder of the property or, in the
alternative, allows the property owner to compel the City to purchase the property within 3 years in the
event it can provide the property free and clear of all leasehold interests. In March of 2008 the City
closed on the purchase of the unimproved 32.63 acres. The purchase price for the remainder of the
parcel subject to the option, if exercised or compelled, is $356,387.17. In August when staff began its
initial review of properties that could be purchased with Hazard Mitigation Grant Program ("HMGP")
funding, the Showers Addition seemed to be a logical candidate.
The Hagen property is located partially in the City and partially in the County. The City limits are
immediately south of the McCollister Blvd. right-of-way. While some of the dwellings located on the
Hagen property are owned by the Hagens, most of the structures are owned separately by persons
who rent the land from the Hagen Trust. Staff has identified 18 separate addresses on the Hagen
parcel - 8 located in the City and 10 in the County. Of the 18 structures, only 4 in the northernmost
area remain occupied. All 4 of these are in the City; only 1 of these 4 is in the 100 year floodplain.
Although purchasing the property through the HMGP would mean FEMA would pay all the costs,
additional research and staff discussion has led staff to conclude that the Showers Addition should not
be included on the City's HMGP application for the following reasons:
When property is purchased with HMGP funds, the property must remain open space m
perpetuity with very limited exceptions. While much of the site would be for park use, a
portion is intended for improvement in connection with the Public Works facility to the
east. In addition, at this point it is unclear what access improvements would be
necessary. As you will recall, even a bike trail with a permanent surface cannot be
located on property purchased with HMGP funds.
2. It is unclear whether the City's option to purchase makes the property ineligible for
HMGP funding. 49 CFR 24.101(b)(1)(ii) provides that the "property to be acquired
[shall] not [be] part of an intended, planned, or designated project...." I have asked
FEMA for an opinion on whether this regulation applies to the City's option, and to date I
have not received a response.
3. Of the four structures that remain inhabited since the flood, only one is located within the
100 year flood plain. Similar to the situation at Idylwild, for the Hagen parcel to qualify
for HMGP buyout all structures located on the parcel must be within the 100 year flood
plain in order for the property to be eligible for an HMGP buyout.
4. My reading of the federal regulations suggests that only the owner of real estate (Hagen
Trust) must agree to the buyout. The State, however, takes the position that all tenants
must agree to be bought out. Finding all the tenants will be difficult. In addition, the
project could not proceed if only one tenant did not agree to be bought out. Although the
State's policy with respect to tenants seems contrary to FEMA's regulations, resolving
this issue with the State could take months.
In light of the above, staff's intention is not to include the Hagen property on the HMGP application that
will be presented for discussion and approval at your meetings on January 5th and 6th
Staff can address any questions you have at the work session on December 16th
Copy to:
Michael A. Lombardo, City Manager
Dale E. Helling, Asst. City Manager
Marian K. Karr, City Clerk
Jeff Davidson, Director of Planning and Coummunity Development
Rick Fosse, Director of Public Works
Steve Long, Community Development Coordinator
Ron Knoche, City Engineer
Nasseem Moradi, Flood Recovery
David Purdy, Flood Recovery
Sue Dulek, Asst. City Attorney
2
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Cl~ o IOWA `CITY (Letter sent to all area legislators attending)
www. icgov. org
CITY COUNCIL
Regenia Bailey
Mayor
December 4, 2008
IP3
Mike O'Donnell The Honorable XXXXX
Mayor Pro Tem
XXXXX
Connie Champion Iowa City, IA 52246
Amy Correia
Matt Hayek
Ross Wilburn
Dear XXX,
Mike Wright
I wanted to personally thank you for taking time to meet with us on Monday,
`' December 1, at City Hall.
The City Council appreciates you taking the time out of your busy schedules to
discuss legislative priorities for the coming session. It is useful to be able to share
our concerns, and hear your perspectives. We recognize that this has been a
challenging year and it will be a difficult legislative session. When you need
information about issues that impact the citizens of Iowa City feel free to contact
me, other Council members, or any City staff.
Again, thank you, not only for your attendance at the meeting, but for the time and
energy that you devote to this work year around to make our area, and our state, a
great place to live.
Happy Holidays,
council@iowa-city.org
410 E. Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
Regenia D. Bailey
' Mayor
Phone: (319) 356-5010
Fax: (319)356-5009
t r ~l ~'~
CITY of IOWA CITY (Letter sent to all area legislators not attending)
www.icgov.org
CITY COUNCIL
Regenia Bailey
Mayor
December 10, 2008
Mike O'Donnell
Mayor Pro Tem
Connie Champion
Amy Correia XXXXXX
Matt Hayek XXXXX
Ross Wilburn XXX~
Mike Wright
Dear XXXX:
I'm sorry that you were unable to meet with us on Monday, December 1, at City
Hall, however, I want to thank you for the work that you do to benefit our citizens.
Being a legislator takes an incredible amount of time and energy and we appreciate
your commitment to making our region and our state a great place to live.
I am enclosing copies of the handouts provided at the meeting. If there is ever any
information you need from us about issues that impact the citizens of Iowa City feel
free to contact me or any City staff.
Again, thank you, for all you do for Iowa City year around.
Happy Holidays,
Regenia D. Bailey
Mayor
Enclosure
council@iowa-city.org
410 E. Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
Phone: (319) 356-5010
Fax: (319) 356-5009
Pa e 1 of 2
IP4
Marian Karr
From: Press Release from Rebuild Iowa Office [PressReleases@rio.iowa.gov]
Sent: Wednesday, December 10, 2008 3:24 PM
To: Marian Karr
Subject: GOVERNOR CULVER ANNOUNCES "JUMPSTART EXPRESS" TO HELP IOWANS NEEDING
EMERGENCY REPAIR FUNDS
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
Governor Chet Culver * Lt. Governor Patty Judge
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 10, 2008
Contact:
Troy Price, Governor's Office
(515) 281-0173
t~.._price~o_ wa_,_gov
GOVERNOR CULVER ANNOUNCES
"JUMPSTART EXPRESS" TO
HELP IOWANS NEEDING EMERGENCY REPAIR
FUNDS
Governor Addresses the Iowa Disaster Recovery Conference
CORALVILLE -Speaking to a conference on disaster recovery, Governor Chet Culver today
announced steps to assist Iowans needing emergency repairs to their flood-damaged homes.
Called Jumpstart Express, the new process will get federal funds to Iowans with fewer
requirements.
"As much as possible, I want to streamline how we get money into the hands of Iowans in
need," said Governor Culver. "'Jumpstart Express' will allow affected Iowans who are eligible
for our current Jumpstart Iowa housing funds to receive help paying for home repairs related to
flood damage, but with fewer requirements."
The new process includes allowing homeowners to receive up to $24,999 in federal
Community Development Block Grant funds for emergency repairs without having to meet all
of the previous requirements, such as lead paint abatement, that were causing delays.
Changes also include not requiring homeowners to have a buyout offer in order to receive
either down payment or mortgage assistance.
Jumpstart Iowa is a state housing and small business recovery initiative, announced by
Governor Culver on September 12. The $85 million housing and small business assistance
program brings assistance to Iowans still feeling the effects of this year's natural disaster.
12/10/2008
Page 2 of 2
The Governor spoke to the Iowa Disaster Recovery Conference - an event sponsored by the
Iowa Department of Economic Development, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and
the Rebuild Iowa Office -where he also discussed the importance of addressing Iowa's
infrastructure needs.
"As Iowa rebuilds from last summers floods and storms, now is the time to be mindful of the
infrastructure needs of communities throughout the state," added Governor Culver. "This is not
a question of just bricks and mortar, but one of jobs and quality of life for all Iowans."
The Iowa Disaster Recovery Conference discussed a variety of issues in response to natural
disasters including basic health and safety issues, regulatory requirements and sustainable
design and planning reconstruction considerations. More than 250 people took part in the
conference, including architects, engineers, contractors, small businesses, industries, city,
county and community leaders, consultants and others involved with rebuilding efforts after a
natural disaster.
###
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12/10/2008
~~®~ CITY OF IOWA CITY IP5
EMURA
DATE: December 10, 2008
TO: City Council and City Manager
FROM: Wendy Ford, Economic Development Coordinator
RE: TIF report
The information below is an overview of Iowa City's use of TIF. Following this are the individual
TIF project status reports for each of the City's TIF rebate projects. It is notable that each is
performing to the standards set forth in their agreements and that the City has accomplished
several goals, most noteworthy of which, may be the 260% increase in taxable valuation
generated by these projects.
~.._ .-.~. wr~r. r~nnoCO~rv ~/AI I IGC TeYFR R RFROTES
1Ir• RCdH1
TIF C~7 Ilr IV~r/
Base '1 v.. .. ..~
2008 .,.r.. ~.~ •--•
Change in -•-• - -
2007-08 Property
2007-08 Property
2007-08 Property
Project Values Assessed Value Tax paid by Tax Rebated to taxes retained
Name (Pre TIF) Value assessment developer developer (TIF) (county, school &
(Increment) city jurisdictions)
Alpla $3,867,901 $6,842,210 $2,974,309 $222,714 $81,557 $141,156
UNFI $4,706,544 $13,094,510 $8,387,966 $529,783 $278,876 $250,908
OWenS-
Brockway
$30,010
$5,826,050
$5,796,040
$235,972 Final rebate
$29,871
$206,101
Pepperwood
Plaza
$8,745,932
$11,917,390
$3,171,458
$482,159
$105,442
$376,717
Plamor $972,150 $2,002,622 $1,035,870 $81,436 $34,600 $46,837
Seabury &
Smith
$264,520
$6,040,690
$5,776,170
$244,397
$115,224
$129,173
Sycamore
Mall
$4,662,900
$15,051,730
$10,388,830
$608,969
$345,399
$263,571
TOTAL $23,249,957 $60,775,202 $37,530,643 $2,405,430 $990,969 $1,414,463
The table below shows Iowa City's use of TIF in relation to the other communities in
Johnson County.
...,,,., ,..,~ ~~ITv
I Ir VJC 11 1 Jvn~wv~~ v vv... .
Percent of
Percent of
Base Values community's all
(before Values of total value Johnson population Value of
increments) in increments in Total Value in in TIF County TIF (2000 Increments
Munici ali munici alities TIF districts munici ali districts area census) er ca ita
Coralville $704,297,996 $473,852,243 $1,178,150,239 40.22% 63.32% 15,123 $31,333.22
Iowa City $2,453,820,284 $111,540,045 $2,565,360,329 4.35% 14.90% 62,220 $1,792.67
Lone Tree $23,498,712 $7,302,034 $30,800,746 23.71 % 0.98% 1,151 $6,344.08
North Liberty $335,149,577 $91,443,163 $426,592,740 21.44% 12.22% 5,367 $17,038.04
Oxford $10,377,688 $9,071,302 $19,448,990 46.64% 1.21% 705 $12,867.10
Solon $49,149,503 $13,144,047 $62,293,550 21.10% 1.76% 1,177 $11,167.41
Swisher $19,642,514 $6,778,819 $26,421,333 25.66% 0.91% 813 $8,338.03
Tiffin $22,406,964 $35,257,480 $57,664,444 61.14% 4.71% 975 $36,161.52
source: Johnson County 1/1/2007 taxable valuations for 2008/2009 tax levies.
^~®~ CITY OF IOWA CITY
7k ,.. ~wi~~ N D U Nl
EMORA
DATE: December 1, 2008
TO: City Council
RE: Alpla of Iowa Inc. Developer's Agreement Status
(Heinz Rd. Urban Renewal Area)
FROM: Wendy Ford, Economic Development Coordinator
Development Agreement: approved by resolution 03-89, 3/19/2003
Certification of Completion: recorded 10/22/2004, book 3808 page 230-232
Amendments: none
Performance Measures: Make improvements to existing 56,000 square foot plant through
construction of additional manufacturing, warehousing or distribution space totaling approximately
86,000 square feet. Increase the assessed value by 15% over 1/1/2003. From 3/1/2004 until
termination, maintain a minimum of 35 full time employment units. Pay all property taxes due
Rebate Schedule: 5Year -100%, Maximum $510,000 including the $35,000 Grant; final rebate, if
all performance measures met would be 6/1/2010.
Results: The January 1, 2008 assessment is an approximate $3.24 million increase over the
January 1, 2003 assessment - a 90% increase in taxable value. As of Nov. 2008, they confirm
employment of 262 full time equivalents with an average hourly wage of $15.07. Their total Iowa
City payroll exceeds $8.2 million per year.
Overview: The following table provides a review of the Alpla TIF project, associated property
values, taxes collected and taxes rebated. The agreement rebates the value of property taxes paid
in excess of the base year's assessed value. The January 1, 2003 assessment is the base year for
the Heinz Road Urban Renewal Area and this specific redevelopment agreement.
Valuation Fiscal Assessed Property Taxes Rebate Net Taxes
Year Year Value Taxes Paid Rebated Pay dates Paid
Jan-02 2003-04 $6,966 $150 NA NA
Jan-03a 2004-05 $3,594,340b $39,242 NA NA
Jan-04 2005-06 $6,358,420 $166,110 $87,049 6-1-06 $79,061
Jan-05 2006-07 $6,760,750 $199,652 $92,247 6-1-07 $107,405
Jan-06 2007-08 $6,760,750 $222,714 $94,815 6-1-08 $127,889
Jan-07 2008-09 $6,842,210 $222,714 $81,557 6-1-09 $141,156
Jan-08 2009-10 $6,842,210 $277,571 $97,697 6-1-10 $179,874
Sub total $453,365 $635,396
+ grant in fy04 $35,000
Total $488,365
Property Taxes Paid Include the City, County and School District. italics indicate estimates
Parcel #: 10-24-151-002
a Base year.
b Each year the base value is modified to remove value included in partial property tax exemption
(to avoid giving tax rebate on already exempted value) and to remove increased value over
proportion of the original investment. The original investment accounts for 56.53% of the full
assessed value.
Estimate. Calculated using ((6,842,210-3,867,901 )/1,000)* Est. 09-10 TIF Debt Levy of 32.8469).
~~®~ CITY OF IOWA CITY
~± :rm~,rlir"~,~
. ,~®.~-~ D U M
RA N
EEO
M
DATE: December 1, 2008
TO: City Council
RE: United Natural Foods Developer's Agreement Status
(Heinz Rd. Urban Renewal Area)
FROM: Wendy Ford, Economic Development Coordinator
Agreement: approved by resolution 03-205, 7/1/2003
Certification of Completion: recorded 10/25/2004, book 3809 page 233-235
Amendments: one, by resolution 06-105, 4/4/06
Performance Measures: Improvements to existing 120,500 square foot warehouse through construction
of additional warehousing and/or distribution space, totaling 140,000. Increase the assessed value by 15%
over 1/1/2003. Maintain minimum monthly average of 300 FTEs, with a minimum average hourly wage of
$11.75 and no less than $10.00 per hour, or be subject to reduction in rebate by $1667 per shortfall in
employment units. Pay all property taxes due.
Rebate Schedule: 6Year - 100% tax increment rebate; maximum $1,000,000. The original United
Natural Foods TIF agreement was to reach employment of 300 full time equivalents with an average wage
of at least $11.75/hour. Prior to the development project, they employed 218 full-time equivalents. The
agreement was amended on April 4, 2006, to a) extend the time frame to reach employment levels and b)
to institute a clawback provision if employment levels fell short of 300.
Results: The January 1, 2008 assessment is an approximate $8.4 million increase from the January 1,
2003 assessment. In Nov. 2008, UNFI certified 284 full time equivalents with an average $16.31 hourly
wage. Their total Iowa City payroll exceeds $9.6 million per year.
Overview: The following table provides a review of the United Natural Foods Inc. (a.k.a. Blooming Prairie)
TIF project, property values, taxes collected and taxes rebated. The agreement rebates the value of
property taxes paid (less protected school, city and county debt levy) in excess of the base year's
assessed value. The January 1, 2003 assessment is the base year for this agreement.
Valuation Fiscal Year Assessed Value Property Taxes Rebated Rebate Net Taxes
Year Taxes Paid Pay dates Paid
Jan-02 2003-04 $4,351,170 $142,426 NA NA
Jan-03 a 2004-05 $4,653,740 b $155,308 NA NA
Jan-04 2005-06 $6,203,550 $227,272 NA NA
Jan-05 2006-07 $12,947,600 $486,067 $169,784 ~ 6/1/07 $316,283
Jan-06 2007-08 $12,947,600 $494,932 $240,905 a 6/1/08 $261,856
Jan-07 2008-09 $13,094,510 $529,783 $278,876 a 6/1/09 $250,908
Jan-08 2009-10 $13,094,510 $531,211 $275,518f 6/1/10 $255,693
Total $965,082 $1,084,740
Property Taxes Paid Include the City, Co unty and School District. italics indicate estimates
Parcel # as of 2004: 10-24-178-012
a Base year.
b Each year the base value will be modified to remove the increased assessed value due to the original investment. The original
investment accounts for 35.94% of the full assessed value.
~ At the time of the first rebate in June, 2007, 100% of the rebate would have been $256,468, but actual employment was at 248.
clawback was instituted as per agreement: 300-248 = 52 x $1667 =reduction of 100% rebate by $86,684, for $169,784.
d At the time of the second rebate in June, 2008, 100% of the rebate would have been $267,576, but actual employment was at
284. clawback was instituted as per agreement: 300-284 =16 x $1667 =reduction of 100% rebate by $26,668, for $240,905.
e Does not include any clawback. That will be determined in June, 2008.
~ Estimate. Calculated (($13,094,510 - 4,706,544 [base))/1,000' Est. 09-10 TIF Debt Levy of 32.85). Estimate does not factor in
clawback.
~~,®~ CITY OF IOWA CITY
~w,.-~ u M
ND
RA
~o
ME
..~~_
DATE: December 1, 2008
TO: City Council
RE: Southgate Development Company (Pepperwood) Developer's Agreement Status
(Hwy 6 Commercial URA)
FROM: Wendy Ford, Economic Development Coordinator
Development Agreement: resolution 03-276 on 8-19-03; recorded 8-29-03 book 3627, page 537-574
Certification of Completion: 5-9-2007; recorded book 4161, page 760-763
Amendments: One, in November, 2008 changing process for exterior design changes to go through
Economic Development Committee.
Performance Measures: Increase assessed value of property beginning with the Jan. 1, 2005
assessment by at least 15% over that of Jan. 1, 2003. Occupancy rate of gross leasable square feet
must be at least 65% on 11-1-04, 75% on 11-1-05, and 80% on 11-1-06 for at lease 10 of the previous 12
months. The 1St amendment details expectations for pedestrian walkways to be separated from vehicle
traffic through landscaping, etc; that parking islands be curbed and landscaped; that the presence of the
building should be strengthened for visibility from Hwy 6; that the use of color, materials, mass, signage,
etc. should enhance the commercial environment; that awnings and signage should be integrated in the
design concepts, that vertical roof extension and sign panels should have a finished appearance and the
that material used within 5 feet of the finished grade be durable and resistant to damage (EFTS is not
recommended).
Rebate Schedule: 7Years -100%, $1,725,000 maximum.
Results: With the Jan. 1, 2008 valuation there has been an increase of $3.2 million in new taxable value
since the base year of 2003; a 37.8% increase in taxable value. Southgate has maintained a 99.5%
occupancy rate this certification year.
Overview: The following table provides a review of the Southgate Development Company's Pepperwood
Plaza TIF project, associated property values, taxes collected and taxes rebated. The agreement rebates
the value of property taxes paid (less protected school, city and county debt levy) in excess of the base
year's assessed value. The January 1, 2003 assessment is the base year for the Hwy 6 Commercial
Urban Renewal Area. The agreement states the City will rebate the taxes only on the Minimum
Improvements listed in the Developer's Agreement. Base value was adjusted in 2008, as the property
configurations were reconfigured. New base rate is $8,745,932.
Valuation
Year Fiscal
Year Assessed
Value Property
Taxes Paid
Jan-02 2003-04 $8,653,870 $322,328
Jan-03 a 2004-05 $8,677,520 $318,912
Jan-04 2005-06 $8,677,520 $332,830
Jan-05 2006-07 $10,896,530 $412,992
Jan-06 2007-08 $11,773,880 $450,066
Jan-07 2008-09 $11,917,390 $482,159
Jan-08 2009-10 $11,925,100 $483, 771
Totals
Property Taxes Paid Include the City, County and School District.
Taxes
Rebated Rebate
Pay dates Net Taxes
Paid
NA NA
NA NA
NA NA
$69,637 6/1/07 $343,355
$99,895 6/1/08 $350,171
$105,442 6/1/09 $376,717
$104,426 b 6/1/10 $379,345
$379,400 $693,526
italics indicate estimates
a Base year.
n Estimate calculated ($11,925,100 - 8,745,392/1000) xEst. TIF Levy 09-10 $32.8469
~~~®~ CITY OF IOWA CITY
M D RA
N[ E
~~
DATE: December 1, 2008
TO: City Council
RE: Sycamore Mall (MGD L.C.) Developer's Agreement Status
(Sycamore & First Avenue Urban Renewal Area)
FROM: Wendy Ford, Economic Development Coordinator
Agreement: approved by resolution 00-322, 9/19/2000, recorded 9/24/02 book 3385, page 385
Certification of Completion:
Amendments: #1 by resolution 04-87, #2 in May 2004, #3 by resolution 08-243 -each having to
do with transfer of ownership. The first amendment was executed in March, 2004 which allowed for
the dissolution of the owners' development entity, comprised of multiple parties, to divide into
individually owned L.C.s as tenants in common. The second amendment followed in May, 2004
when the group of individually owned L.C.s bought out Gerry Ambrose's interest in the mall. The
third amendment allows the individually owned L.C.s to transfer their interests as tenants in
common to three CORE Investment entities in order to reinvest in other local development
projects. Hodge Commercial Management continues to operate the mall and will receive the TIF
rebates if the performance terms of the agreement are met.
Performance Measures: Make improvements to existing mall to increase assessed value by at least
15% over assessed value on Jan. 1. 2000. Must have one anchor retail store of at least 40,000 square
feet and be 65% occupied by 11 /1 /2002. Must be 75% leased by 11 /1 /2003 and by 11 /1 /2004, 80%
occupied for 10 of 12 previous months for the duration of the agreement
Rebate Schedule: 7Years -100%, $2,000,000 maximum.
Results: After the adoption of the Sycamore and First Avenue Urban Renewal Area, over $7.1
million in building permits were issued for the Sycamore Mall. The January 1, 2008 assessment is
an approximate $10.3 million, or 288% increase over the January 1, 2000 assessment.
Overview: The following table provides a review of the Sycamore Mall TIF project, property
values, taxes collected and taxes rebated. The agreement rebates the value of property taxes paid
(less protected school, city and county debt levy) in excess of the base year's assessed value. The
January 1, 2000 assessment is the base year for this agreement.
Valuation Fiscal Assessed Property Taxes Rebate Net Taxes
Year Year Value Taxes Paid Rebated Pay dates Paid
Jan-98 99-2000 $9,879,450 $317,256 NA NA
Jan-99 2000-01 $7,500,000 $245,238 NA NA
Jan-00 a 2001-02 $4,662,900 $152,958 NA NA
Jan-01 2002-03 $4,662,900 $163,000 NA NA
Jan-02 2003-04 $10,168,280 $378,736 $167,957 6/1/04 $210,779
Jan-03 2004-05 $11,073,730 $406,796 $192,862 6/1/05 $213,934
Jan-04 2005-06 $11,457,180 $439,444 $213,971 6/1/06 $225,473
Jan-05 2006-07 $12,696,150 $481,200 $252,149 6/1/07 $229,050
Jan-06 2007-08 $14,610,400 $567,328 $320,926 6/1/08 $246,402
Jan-07 2008-09 $15,051,730 $608,969 $345,399 6/1/09 $263,571
Jan-08 2009-10 $15,051,730 $610,611 $341,241b 6/1/10 $269,370
Total Rebate $1,834,505 $1,658,579
Property Taxes Paid Include the City, County and School District. italics indicate estimates
Parcel #: 10-14-457-004
a Base year.
b Estimate. Calculated (($15,051,730-4,662,900)/1,000) xEst. 09-10 TIF Debt Levy of 32.8469).
~~®~ CITY OF IOWA CITY
RAN
MO
~E
DATE: December 1, 2008
TO: City Council
RE: Mercer (formerly Seabury 8~ Smith) Developer's Agreement Status
(Northgate Corporate Park Urban Renewal Area)
FROM: Wendy Ford, Economic Development Coordinator
Development Agreement: approved by resolution 01-236, 7/31 /2001, recorded 9/18/2002
Certification of Completion: not on file
Amendments: none
Performance Measures: Construction of a new office building of at least 46,000 square feet at a
$4,825,000 construction cost. Beginning 7/31/2003, maintain a monthly average of at least 202 full
time equivalents (FTEs) and 25 part time employment units. FTE hourly wage will be no less than
$11.30 and average no less than $15.70/hour and have competitive benefits. Part time employees'
average wage will be at least $8.00.
Rebate Schedule: 10 Year declining rate rebate; maximum $781,200. The tax increment rebated
declines from 100% in year one to 10% in year ten, as follows:
Year 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Paid in June of 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
TIF % 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10%
Results: The January 1, 2008 assessment is an approximate $5.8 million increase from the
January 1, 2002 assessment; a 2000% increase in taxable value. On Nov. 1, 2008, Mercer
certified 250 full time employees with an average wage of $21.15 per hour, indicating Mercer's
payroll is just over $10 million annually.
Overview: The following table provides a review of the Seabury and Smith (Mercer) TIF project,
associated property values, taxes collected and taxes rebated. The agreement rebates the value of
property taxes paid (less protected school, city and county debt levy) in excess of the base year's
assessed value on a declining scale each year. The January 1, 2002 assessment is the base year
for the Northgate Corporate Park Urban Renewal Area and this redevelopment agreement.
Valuation Fiscal Assessed Property Taxes TIF Rebate Net Taxes
Year Year Value Taxes Paid Rebated declining Pay dates Paid
scale
Jan-01 2002-03 $208,250 $9,248 NA NA
Jan-02 a 2003-04 $264,520 $9,852 NA NA
Jan-03 2004-05 $4,722,360 $173,554 $134,109 100% 6/1/05 $39,445
Jan-04 2005-06 $5,205,680 $199,666 $140,050 90% 6/1/06 $59,616
Jan-05 2006-07 $5,881,350 $222,910 $141,042 80% 6/1/07 $81,869
Jan-06 2007-08 $5,922,890 $229,988 $127,785 70% 6/1/08 $102,203
Jan-07 2008-09 $6,040,690 $244,397 $115,224 60% 6/1/09 $129,173
Jan-08 2009-10 $6,040,690 $245,056 $94,8656 50% 6/1/10 $150,191
Total $753,075 $562,497
Property Taxes Paid Include the City, County and School District. italics indicate estimates
Parcel #: 07-36-303-003, 07-36-303-004
a Base year
6 Estimate. Calculated ($6,040,690-264,520)/1,000) xEst. 09-10 TIF Debt Levy of 32.8469 x 50%
~,'_,--'.r,®~ CITY OF IOWA CITY
74 ~ ,,~,~W.~~ N o u M
Mo RA
~E
~~
DATE: December 1, 2008
TO: City Council
RE: Plamor property Developer's Agreement Status
(Sycamore & First Avenue Urban Renewal Area)
FROM: Wendy Ford, Economic Development Coordinator
Agreement: By resolution 02-318 on 9-10-2002; recorded 9-24-02 book 3385, page 418.
Certification of Completion: 11/7/2003; recorded 11/10/2003 book 3665, pages 132-134
Amendments: none
Performance Measures: Improvements to existing 23,000 square foot structure and construction of a
new approximate 4,600 square foot building for commercial use. Project must increase actual
assessed value of the development property by at lease 15% over assessed value on Jan. 1, 2002,
beginning Jan. 1, 2004. On Nov. 1, 2003 at least 65% of the gross leasable space must be occupied.
On Nov. 1, 2004, 75% must be occupied, and beginning Nov. 1, 2005 and each Nov. 1 until termination
date, must be at least 80% occupied for 10 of previous 12 months.
Rebate Schedule: 7Years -100%, $400,000 maximum
Results: The January 1, 2008 assessment is an approximate $1.06 million increase from the base
year 2002 assessment, a 107% increase in taxable valuation.
Overview: The following table provides a review of the Plamor property TIF project, associated
property values, taxes collected and taxes rebated. The agreement rebates the value of property taxes
paid (less protected school, city and county debt levy) in excess of the base year's assessed value.
Valuation Fiscal
Year Year
Jan-02 a
Jan-03
Jan-04
Jan-05
Jan-06
Jan-07
Jan-08
2001-02
2003-04
2004-05
2005-06
2006-07
2007-08
2008-09
2009-10
Assessed
Value
$951,973
$972,150
$966,070
$1,847,110
$2,008,020
$2,008,020
$2,013,840
$2,013,840
$36,210 NA NA
$35,504 NA NA
$70,848 $27,555 6/1/06 $43,293
$76,106 $32,514 6/1/07 $43,592
$77,972 $33,419 6/1/08 $44,553
$81,436 $34,600 6/1/09 $46,837
$81,656 $34,183b 6/1/10 $47,462
Total $162,271 $225,748
Property Taxes Paid Include the City, County and School District. italics indicate estimates
Beginning 2003- 2 new parcels created - 10-14-486-007 and 10-14-486-008
Property Taxes Rebate Net Taxes
Taxes Paid Rebated Pay dates Paid
a Base Year.
b Estimate. Calculated (($1,992,840 - 972,150)/1,000) xEst. 09-10TIF Debt Levy
(32.8469).
~~®~ CITY OF IOWA CITY
~- ~ ~®~~~ N D U M
MQRA
ME
DATE: December 1, 2008
TO: City Council
RE: Owens-Brockway (formerly Graham Packaging) Developer's Agreement Status
(Scott Six Urban Renewal Area)
FROM: Wendy Ford, Economic Development Coordinator
Agreement: approved by resolution 01-237 on 10/08/2001; recorded 9/18/02 book 3381, page 576
Certification of Completion: not on file
Amendments: none
Performance Measures: Owens Brockway agreed to maintain 22 full time equivalent positions at an
average of at least $13.43/hour plus competitive benefits.
Rebate Schedule: 5 Yrs - 100% with a $695,550 maximum
Results: The January 1, 2008 assessment is a $5.79 million increase over the January 1, 2001
assessment. At their final certification, in Nov. 2007, they employed 56 full time equivalents and the
average hourly wage was $16.75. Owens Brockway's annual payroll in Iowa City for the preceding twelve
months was more than $1.9 million.
Owens Brockway elected to forego the rebate for the January 1, 2002 assessment, as they had not
completed all proposed improvements. They requested that the 5-year 100% rebate apply to the full
value of the proposed Minimum Improvements. The contract specifies that the City will make five
consecutive annual payments commencing June 1, 2005.
Overview:
The following table provides a review of the Owens-Brockway (formerly Graham Packaging) TIF project,
associated property values, taxes collected and taxes rebated. The agreement rebates the value of
property taxes paid in excess of the base year's assessed value. The January 1, 2001 assessment is
the base year for the Scott Six Urban Renewal area and this redevelopment agreement.
Valuation
Year Fiscal
Year Assessed
Value Property
Taxes Paid Taxes
Rebated Rebate
Pay dates Net Taxes
Paid
Jan-01 a 2002-03 $30,010 $858 NA NA
Jan-02 2003-04 $2,398,650 $89,342 NA NA
Jan-03 2004-05 $5,037,870 $186,536 $150,656 6/1/05 $35,880
Jan-04 2005-06 $5,346,840 $205,080 $167,442 6/1/06 $37,638
Jan-05 2006-07 $5,471,100 $209,137 $170,786 6/1/07 $38,351
Jan-06 2007-08 $5,510,030 $210,625 $176,796 6/1/08 $33,830
Jan-07 2008-09 $5,816,790 $222,351 $29,871 b 6/1/09 $206,101
Jan-08 2009-10 $5,826,050 $236,348 $0 N/A $236,348
Total $695,550 $588,148
Property Taxes Paid Include the City, County and School District. italics indicate estimates
Parcel # 09-19-327-016
a Base Year.
b Final Rebate Estimate -the maximum rebate allowable without surpassing the cap of $695,550.
Iowa City Housing and Inspection Services 11P6$
Customer Service Survey ~ December 2008
NOW ARE WE DOING?
I have been very happy with all the inspectors who have looked at our apartment. They've all
be very easy to work with, very reasonable in their requests. Keep up the good work!
Professional. Fair to landlord. Polite. Prompt on appointment time.
On time. Flexible with what thing didn't pass -allowing me time to repair/replace.
Your inspectors always do a good job and are quite nice. Thanks.
Fair. Also helpful hints on taking care of your property.
Always on time. Very quick and efficient. Friendly to me and tenants.
Both Ms. MacKay and Ms. Kincade were friendly, courteous, and helpful during recent housing
inspections. Thanks!
Art is always helpful and understanding of my timeliness and obligations. Thanks.
LeeAnn did a good job and was considerate and fair.
Patricia is very personable, very easy to work with and very thorough. She is exact and specific
in her direction.
Art is professional and specific in his direction. Prompt and flexible in his scheduling. He is great
to work with.
Art is very thorough in his inspection and took the time to explain everything to me. As a new
landlord, I really appreciated that.
LeeAnn Kincade is very helpful and responsive. As an absentee owner that's a big help.
Doug: Art understands code well, is efficient, a pleasure to work with. Thanks.
hisadm/commentsl2-OB.doc
Stan is very nice and really works very good at inspections and public relations.
LeeAnn was very thorough and friendly. However, we were not given any specs on where to
place new smoke alarms -which would have been helpful.
Bob did great! Reasonable inspection with reasonable requests.
On 10/7 LeeAnn inspected several locations with me and was very thorough, efficient and was
very helpful assisting me to provide necessary info. Also, a personal thanks to her for providing
me resources and tips on the installation of my rain garden.
The housing inspector Bob Shaver did a great job. He was helpful and accommodating. His
main goal was to have the end result be great and he was flexible with his time to work with me.
Thanks.
Enjoyed working with Art Anderson at the 1015 W. Benton St. inspection. Thank you.
Great working with Bob Shaver on our inspection at Melrose on the Lake Condos.
We worked with Pat MacKay and she was really helpful, and worked to help set up a flexible
timeline that worked for us and our contractor. That made the whole process go so much more
smoothly: In fact, everyone we encountered at the city during our rental permit process was
really friendly and helpful.
Bob Shaver: prompt and friendly.
Norm was very friendly and had answers for all my questions. Thanks.
Stan Laverman was very professional and helpful. As a new landlord I had many questions. He
answered them clearly and quickly.
Pat was very precise. That can be both good and bad (there were a few very minor things which
could have been advised, but not written up), but overall a very competent inspector.
Bob was very fair and easy to work with. I appreciated his personable demeanor.
Mr. Cate inspected our 12 unit building recently. The manner of conduct on this occasion was
very professional and quite thorough. In units where tenants were home they were treated very
courteously and nicely. All units were entered except #3 for which we had no key. Please see
your permit listing only #1, 2, 3, 4 as being "accessible".
Hisadmlcomments.doc 2
IP7
146 Green Mountain DR
Iowa City, IA 52245-3816
November 19, 2008
Mr. Michael Lombardo
City Manager
410 E. Washington St.
Iowa City, IA 52240
Dear Michael:
On the evening of November 10, 2008, our son, Patrick inadvertently dropped his key
ring down a storm sewer. Knowing it was too dangerous to attempt to go into the storm
sewer to retrieve the keys, he called me to help him out of the predicament.
Although my initial thought was to pry the manhole off the storm sewer, I went with Plan
B and called our good friend, Marian Karr. Marian is always up for a challenge and did
not disappoint us! She went right to work and contacted Rick Fosse. Rick called and
assured us the keys would be retrieved within an hour. Knowing an impending rain was
forecast, Patrick and I were anxious to see if the keys could be retrieved timely..
Within 30 minutes a young man by the name of Justin (I failed to get his last name)
arrived on the scene with the proper tools and a flashlight. Taking less than five minutes,
the keys were plucked out of the storm sewer and Patrick was quite relieved.
To compensate the young man for coming out on the eve of a holiday (Veteran's Day), I
offered him a financial reward. He kindly refused the money and insisted he would be
paid by the City of Iowa City. After a few more attempts on my part to thank him with a
little extra spending money, Justin said "Thanks but no thanks". He wished us well and
headed home.
This incident is just another example of people helping people and another good reason to
live in Iowa City. Please pass on our heartfelt thanks to Marian, Rick and Justin.
Sincerely,
Ro er Billy
~~~
Patrick R. Reilly
1 r ,
_.- -~~
`' ~ ~"' ,~
-.~
CITY OF IOWA CITY
www. icgov.org
CITY COUNCIL
"" December 12, 2008
Regenia Bailey
Mayor
Mike O'Donnell The Honorable Chet Culver, Governor
Mayor Pro Tem
;' State Capitol
Connie Champion Des MOIneS, IA 50319
Amy Correia
Matt Hayek : SENT EMAIL; HARD COPY TO FOLLOW
Ross Wilburn
Mile Wright
Dear Governor Culver:
On behalf of our community, I want to thank you for your quick response to the
concerns we expressed regarding the State's Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) Action Plan for the Jumpstart Iowa program. The new emergency repair
program that will allow homeowners to choose emergency repair without going
through lead-based paint abatement or bringing their house up to current housing
code standards will enable more of our flood affected residents to address their
immediate housing repair needs.
We appreciate your continued advocacy and work on behalf of communities
affected by last spring's natural disasters. We here in Iowa City know that we have
many challenges ahead of us. We appreciate the State's partnership with us in
meeting these challenges and look forward to continuing to work with you, your
staff, and our State and Federal legislators to ensure that our citizens have the
support that they need to rebuild their lives.
Be egards,
R nia D. Bailey
Mayor
Emails only: Senator Charles Grassley
Senator Tom Harkin
Representative Dave Loebsack
Senator Joe Bolkcom
Senator Bob Dvorsky
council@iowa-city.org Senator James Hahn
Representative Mary Mascher
aio E. wasi,ingtoastreet Representative Dave Jacoby
Iowa City, IA s2240 Representative Vicki Lensing
Pnone: (319> 3s6-solo Representative Jeff Kaufmann
Fax: (319) 356-s009 Mike Tramontina, Director, Iowa Dept. of Economic Department
Metro Coalition
IOWA RECOVERY TIMES
GOVERNOR CULVER ANNOUNCES
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Pav~kev~sbuvg 2
lUhat z's the RIO? 2
Coping avitl~ Hol'day Suss 3
Clip ~' Save: Contacts 4
"JUMPSTART EXPRESS" TO HELP IOWANS
NEEDING EMERGENCY REPAIR FUNDS
peaking to a
conference on
disaster recovery,
Governor Chet
Culver announced steps to
assist Iowans needing
emergency repairs to their
flood-damaged homes.
Called Jumpstart Express, ~
the new process will get ,
federal funds to Iowans
with fewer requirements.
"As much as possible, I
want to streamline how we
get money into the hands
of Iowans in need," said
Governor Culver.
"`Jumpstart Express' will
allow affected Iowans who
are eligible for current
Jumpstart Iowa Housing
Assistance funds receive
~'
"Jumpstart Express" will help Iowans who need assistance pay for
flood-related home repairs.
help paying for home repairs
related to flood damage, but
with fewer requirements."
Jumpstart Express is a
new option to the
Jumpstart Iowa Housing
(Continued on page 2)
WHAT IS THE REBUILD IOWA OFFICE?
With record-setting floods
and storms causing billions
of dollars in damage, the
disasters of 2008 hit Iowa
with unprecedented
severity. Knowing that
such dire events needed a
strong response, Governor
Culver created the Rebuild
Iowa Office, a new state
office tasked with the
responsibility of helping
Iowans rebuild safer,
stronger and smarter.
Executive Order 7, signed by
Governor Culver on June
27, 2008, granted legal
authority to the Rebuild
Iowa Office (RIO) and
outlined its duties which
include inter-agency disaster
coordination, maximizing
federal assistance to the
state, securing efficient
delivery of state and federal
resources to recovery
efforts and ensuring that
resources are being
strategically applied
toward rebuilding a
stronger Iowa.
Staffed with more than
20 employees both hired
full-time and on loan
from other state agencies,
the RIO is located in the
Wallace State Office
Building in Des Moines.
U~ FEMA
Page 2
ISSUE 4
PARKERSBURG: SIX MONTHS LATER
-.~.
Parkersburg November 2008
~..~~~
Jumpstart Express (continued from page 1)
Assistance program. It is not a new
assistance program. Therefore,
individuals who have already received
Jumpstart Housing funds are not
eligible to apply.
The new option allows homeowners
to receive up to $24,999 in federal
Community Development Block
Grant funds for emergency repairs
without having to meet all of the
previous requirements, such as lead
paint abatement, that were causing
delays. It is a homeowner's decision
to choose Jumpstart Express or the
regular Jumpstart Housing program.
Applicants fill out the same
application for both programs.
Jumpstart Iowa is a state housing and
small business recovery initiative,
announced by Governor Culver on
Sept. 12. The $85 million housing
and small business assistance
program brings assistance to Iowans
still feeling the effects of this year's
natural disaster.
For more information on Jumpstart
Express and the Jumpstart Iowa
program, visit the Rebuild Iowa
Office's Jumpstart Web page at
www.jumpstart.iowa.gov.
Photos taken at the intersection of Highavay 57 and S. Johnson St.
Parkersburg May 2008
IOWA RECOVERY TIMES
Page 3
COPING WITH STRESS DURING THE HOLIDAYS
The flood waters have subsided and most
of the debris has been cleared away. For
many Iowans, the severe weather, flooding
and tornadoes that ripped through our
state this year are a memory. Those not
directly affected by the disasters have
moved on to preparations and celebrations
of the holiday season. But for others the
celebrations of the season are only a
reminder of their losses, and for those in
recovery from drugs or alcohol abuse each
day is another challenge.
The holidays are associated with
happiness, but they can also intensify
feelings of sadness and depression,
especially for those under stress. This
stress may be intensified for Iowans who
are still trying to put their lives back
together after this year's weather-related
losses: holiday ornaments and keepsakes
may have been destroyed and finances
may be tight. "While the holidays are
generally a happy time, for some, they can
lead to increased stress. It's important to
understand it's normal to feel emotional
during the holidays," said Iowa
Department of Public Health Behavioral
Health Division Director Kathy Stone.
"People respond to the increased stress of
the holidays in different ways."
There are many things you can do to help
cope with stressful events:
• Understand and accept that your
feelings are normal.
• Take time to resolve day-to-day issues
so they do not add to your stress.
• Find ways to relax and be kind to
yourself.
• Recognize that you cannot control
everything.
• Turn to family, friends or clergy for
support and talk about your
experiences and feelings with them.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Avoid increased use of alcohol.
Sometimes stress can affect your
relationship with your family and friends,
or your job. If you or someone you care
about is having a hard time handling the
stress of the holidays, or if their response
escalates to substance abuse, depression or
suicidal thoughts or feelings, they should
seek professional help from a health care
provider, local mental health clinic, or
substance abuse treatment program.
For more information on dealing with
stress, especially stress associated with
disaster recovery, visit the Iowa
Department of Public Health's Web site at
www.idph.state.ia.us
FEMA OFFERS TIPS FOR THOSE IN
MOBILE HOMES
For the 527 Iowans who have found
temporary housing in mobile homes
supplied by FEMA following the floods
of 2008, FEMA offers these tips to
improve indoor air quality: run the fan
constantly and ensure the air exchanger is
on a constant setting.
During the past few weeks
representatives from the Iowa
Department of Public Health have
provided consultations for mobile home
occupants to explain results of requested
indoor air quality tests. Officials have
noticed that the occupants may not
(continued on page 4)
IOWA RECOVERY TIMES
Page 4
REBUILD IOWA OFFICE
Wallace State Office Building
502 E. Ninth Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
Phone: 515.242.5004
To I I-free: 866.849.0323
E-mail: contact@rio.iowa.gov
FEMA Tips
(continued from page 3)
understand how to
properly operate their
heating and cooling
systems in order to
maintain the best air
quality possible.
"We encourage occupants
of our manufactured units
to let the fan run
constantly. It is a major
component of
maintaining good indoor
air quality," said FEMA
Federal Coordinating
Officer Bill Vogel. "Please
set the fan to the `on'
position," he said.
Occupants of temporary
housing units and park
models on commercial
park pads need not be
concerned that running
the fan constantly will
increase heating costs.
FEMA is picking up
utility costs for those who "The health and safety of
occupy units on those in our mobile
commercial pads. That's homes are a major
also important for concern, and we want all
occupants to know as the to take every step to best
colder weather ensure those concerns are
approaches. met," Vogel said.
I I
~ Clip & Save...
I
I
I
I
I Federal Agencies
I Iowa Contacts I
I
I
I General FEMAlnformation
800.621.FEMA(3362) I
For up-to-datedisasterand recoveryinformationvisittheRebuild
I TTY for hearing/speech impaired 800.462.7585 Iowa Office Web site atwww.rio.iowa.gov. ~
I To volunteer or make donations, contact: I
I FEMA Fraud Detection
I 800.323.8603 Iowa Concern Hotline 800.447.1985 I
National Flood Insurance Program 800.427.4661 If you have questions about consumer fraud, contact: I
Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division I
I TTY for hearing/speech impaired 800.427.5593 ggg.777.4590 or 515.281.5926 or I
I
I
I Social Security Administration 800.772.1213 www.state.ia.uslgovernmentlagl
I U.S. Small Business Administration
800.659.2955 Disaster Unemployment Information 800.JOB.IOWA I
I
I Internal Revenue Service 800
829
1040 Iowa Mortgage Help 877.622.4866 or
I
I .
. www.lowaMortgageHelp.com
I
TTY for hearing/speech impaired
I
800.829.4059 I
Rebuild Iowa Offce 866.849.0323 I
Tax-Related Disaster Relief
I
866.562.5227 I
Iowa Other Needs Assistance 800.659.2955 I
I Housing & Urban Development Hotline
800.669.9777 I
Other Needs Assistance 866.434.4692 I
~ Department of Veterans Affairs 800.827.0648
I
I
I I
Residents can take steps to increase the air quality in their FEMA
mobile homes like the one pictured here.
IP8
IOWA CITY HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
TUESDAY, November 25, 2008 AMENDED
LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL
Members Present: Joy Kross, Newman Abuissa, Eric Kusiak, Florence Ejiwale, Dell Briggs, Yolanda
Spears.
Staff Present: Stefanie Bowers.
Call to Order
Abuissa called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m.
Recommendations to Council (Become effective only after separate Council action): The by-laws be
amended.
Consideration of the Minutes of the October 21, 2008 meeting
Minutes approved 6-0. Motion: Kross, seconded Spears.
From the Heart Land to the Holy Land
Abuissa asked the Commission to co-sponsor this program which is being presented by The Middle
Eastern Law Students Association, The Arab Students Association,'and The Global Medicine Society.
The program will discuss the Israeli conflict. Motion: Kusiak, seconded Kross.
By-Laws
The Commission voted 6-0 to approve the changes, Bowers will forward to the City Council Rules
Committee. Motion: Ejiwale,. seconded Kusiak.
Programming 2008
The Commission discussed the Breakfast, Youth Awards and other programming planned for 2009.
The Breakfast of 2009 will be held at the hotelVetro.
Reports of Commissioners
Abuissa reported that the Arab Students Association is has secured a Middle Eastern music group to
play at the Old Brick on December 12,2008 at 6 p.m. there will also be a dinner served.
Adjournment
There being no further business before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at
7:57 p.m. Motion;: Ejiwale, seconded by Kusiak.
Board or Commission: Human Rights
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2008
(Meeting Date)
NAME TERM
EXP.
1/22
2/26
3/25
4/22
5/20
6/24
7/22
8/26
9/23
10/21
11/25
12/09
Florence
Ejiwale 1/1/09 X X X X X X X O X X X
Kate Karacay 1/1/09 X X X O X X X X X X O
Martha
Lubaroff 1/1/09 O X X X O X X X O X O
Newman
Abuissa 1/1/10 X X X X O X X X X X X
Joy Kross 1/1/10 X O X X O X X X X X X
Eric Kusiak 1/1/10 X X 0 X X O' X X X X X
Dell Briggs 1/1/11 O X X O X O X O X O X
Yolanda Spears 1/1/11 X O X X X X X O X O X
Corey Stoglin 1/1/11 X X X O_ X X X O X O O
KEY: X =Present ' -
O =Absent
NM = No meeting
NMNQ - No meeting, no quorum
BY-LAWS OF THE IOWA CITY HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
ARTICLE 1 THE COMMISSION
Section A. The name of this organization is the Iowa City Human Rights Commission, referred to in
these By-Laws as the Commission. The Commission is authorized by the City Council of the City of
Iowa City through Municipal Ordinance Number 03-4105, effective date December 16, 2003.
ARTICLE 2 PURPOSE
Section A. As stated in Section 2-1-2 of the City Code.
Section B. The purpose of the Commission is to provide for execution within the City of Iowa City, the
policies of the Iowa Civil Rights Act of 1965 and the Federal Civil Rights Act. The Commission also
promotes cooperation between the City of Iowa City and the State and Federal agencies... enforcing these
acts.
ARTICLE 3 DUTIES
Section A. Duties of the Commission shall include: 1) disseminate information, educate the public on
illegal discrimination and civil rights, and provide the enforcement necessary to further the goals of Title
2 of the City Code; 2) cooperate within the limits of any appropriations made for its operation, with other
agencies or organizations, both public and private, whose purposes are not inconsistent with those of
Title 2 of the City Code; 3) plan and conduct programs designed to eliminate racial, religious, cultural
and other intergroup tensions; and 4) educate the public on illegal discrimination.
ARTICLE 4 MEMBERSHIP
Section A. The Iowa City Human Rights Commission shall consist of nine (9) members, appointed by
vote of the City Council. All members sha11 be qualified electors of the City of Iowa City, Iowa, and shall
serve as such without compensation but shall be entitled to the necessary expenses, including traveling
expenses incurred in the discharge of their duties.
Section B. Appointments shall take into... consideration men and women of the various racial, religious,
cultural, social and economic groups in the City.
Section C. Members shall serve' for a term of three (3) years and thereafter until a successor has
been appointed.
Section D. Orientation fore-members, including functions, duties and responsibilities, shall be
conducted by the staff assigned to the Commission.
Section E. Commissioners are expected to attend twelve (12) regularly scheduled monthly meetings
during the calendar year. The Chairperson or Human Rights Coordinator shall be notified of an absence
prior to any meeting.
Section F. Three (3) consecutive, unexplained absences of a member from regular meetings shall
result in a recommendation to the City Council from the Commission to discharge said member and
appoint a new member.
Section G. Four (4) absences, unexplained absences in a 12 month period shall result in a
recommendation to the City Council from the Commission to discharge said member and appoint a new
member.
Section H. If a position becomes vacant by reason of resignation or otherwise and results in an
unexpired term of six months or less, the Council may choose to fill the unexpired term in such a manner
that the appointee shall continue in the position not only through the unexpired term but also through
subsequent regular term.
ARTICLE 5 OFFICERS
Section A. The Commission shall have three (3) officers: Chairperson, Vice Chairperson and
Secretary.
Section B. Officers shall perform the duties set forth. in hese by-laws.
Section C. The Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson shall be elected from the Commission's
membership at its regular January meeting for a one (1) year term.
Section D. The Secretary shall be selected at the January meeting for a one (1) year term. The
Secretary may, but need not be, a Commissioner.
Section E. The Commission shall fill vacancies. among its officers for the remainder of an unexpired
term.
Section F. Chairperson. The Chairperson, when present, shall preside at all meetings of the
Commission, appoint committees, call special meeting and in general, perform all duties incident to the
office of the Chairperson and such other duties as may be prescribed by the members from time to time.
Section G. Vice-Chairperson. In the absence of the Chairperson or in the event of his/her death or
inability or refusal`to act,: the Vice-Chairperson shall perform the duties of the Chairperson and when so
acting shall have all the' powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the Chairperson.
Section H. Secretary. The Secretary shall be responsible for keeping the official minutes of the
Commission, filing the minutes and official documents and such other duties as may be prescribed by
the members from time to time.
ARTICLE 6 MEETINGS
Section A. At least one (1 )'regular meeting shall be held each month.
Section B. The Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, or any three (3) Commissioners may call a special
meeting.
Section C. Meetings shall be held in an accessible, public meeting place. Notices of meetings
(agenda) for all regular and special meetings shall be posted and distributed to members and the media
at least 24 hours before any meeting is held. All provisions of the State Open Meeting Law shall be
followed. The Chairperson or a designated representative, together with appropriate members of the
City staff shall prepare an agenda for all meetings.
Section D. Commission officers shall set the agenda provided Commissioner suggestions are
considered•
Section E. A quorum shall consist of five (5) Commissioners. A majority of present and voting
members shall be necessary to pass a motion. The Chairperson shall vote as a member.
Section F. The rules in the current edition of Roberts Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern the
Commission in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these
bylaws and any special rules or order the Commission may adopt.
Section G. No formal action shall be taken on items not on the agenda.
Section H. Time shall be made available during all regular meetings for public comment on items not
on the agenda. Commentators shall address the Commission for no more than 5 minutes.
Commissioners shall not engage in discussion with the public concerning said items.
Section I. Time shall be made available during all regular meetings#or Commissioner reports of
items not on the agenda. Commissioners shall not engage in discussion with one another concerning
said reports.
Section J. The Commission's Secretary andlor designee shall record all activities and statements
made at Commission meetings, hereafter known as minutes of the meeting. All Commission records
shall be public except those excluded pursuant to' Iowa Code, Chapter 22; City Code, Section 2-2-4.
ARTICLE 7 SUBCOMMITTEES
Section A. Formation of subcommittees shall be by majority vote of the Commission in whatever
subject area, or whatever number of .committees, is deemed necessary. The committee(s) shall consist
of no more than four members.
ARTICLE 8 AMENDMENTS
Section A. The By-Laws can be amended. at any regular Commission meeting by a majority vote,
provided that the amendment has been submitted in writing to the Commission three (3) days prior to
the meeting at which it is to be acted upon and such amendment is not in conflict with the Human Rights
Ordinance, as amended.
IP9
MINUTES PRELIMINARY
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2008
EMMA J. HARVAT HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Thomas Baldridge, Lindsay Bunting Eubanks, Jim Ponto, Ginalie Swaim, Alicia
Trimble, Frank Wagner
MEMBERS ABSENT: Esther Baker, William Downing, Pam Michaud
STAFF PRESENT: Christina Kuecker
OTHERS PRESENT: Russ Arlen, Eric Waddell
CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Bunting Eubanks called the meeting to order at 5:57 p.m.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANYTHING NOT ON THE AGENDA:
There was none.
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS:
441 South Governor Street.
Kuecker said this application is for windows of a different size than what was previously approved. She
said that on August 28'h, the chair and staff conducted an intermediate review and approved a certificate
of appropriateness for the replacement of windows with Quaker Classic Fit double hung metal clad wood
windows of the same dimensions as the existing windows at 441 South Governor Street.
Kuecker said she had driven by the property to check on progress and noticed that the windows were
wider than proposed and that a mullion in between the windows had been eliminated on a few of the
windows. She said the applicant's contractor said the windows needed to be larger for egress windows.
Kuecker said that she has talked to the owner of the property, who has determined measurements of the
existing windows, and the measurements are just under what would be required to meet egress. Kuecker
said that the windows seen on the house are over what is required for egress, which is 5.7 square feet of
clear, openable space.
Kuecker said that guidelines state that when replacing a bedroom window that needs to be larger to meet
egress, the new windows must match the size, trim, use of divided lights, and overall appearance of the
previous bedroom windows. She said the guidelines also state that when one replaces new windows in
general, the new windows should match the type, size, sash width, trim, use of divided lights, and overall
appearance of the historic windows.
Kuecker showed the windows with a black, framed screen. She said the applicant painted the screens to
match the trim with the hopes of giving it more of the appearance of the mullion. Kuecker said it does
appear wider than the previous photos; however, it is still not the original, six-inch mullion.
Kuecker said that there are a few options available to meet egress. She said that one possibility would be
to make the windows larger as seen. Kuecker said there is at least one set of double windows in each
bedroom; however, in two of the bedrooms there is a single window that could change to meet egress.
She stated that in one bedroom there is only a set of double windows, so that bedroom poses the most
problems in that the double windows will have to be larger no matter what.
Kuecker said one other option that the Commission has approved in the past is the use of a casement
window instead of a double hung window to meet the egress requirements. She said this is probably not a
good solution for this project, as it would leave a casement window right next to a double hung window.
Kuecker added that the placement of the screens would end up looking odd.
Historic Preservation Commission
November 13, 2008
Page 2
Kuecker said another option would be to possibly use a different brand of windows, at least in the
bedroom where there is only the set of double hung windows. She commented that this is not a good
option, because many windows have already been ordered and replaced,'and there would be a mismatch
of windows.
Kuecker said that eliminating the six-inch wide mullion between the windows significantly changes the
character of the house. She said that asix-inch wide mullion is very typical of houses when there are two
windows beside each other. Kuecker recommended that all of the double windows keep the mullion. She
suggested that for the one instance where the windows have to get larger to meet egress, that the mullion
become smaller, but not as small as shown. Kuecker said this would cause the windows to not all match,
but there would only be a couple of inches difference between windows.
Bunting Eubanks asked Kuecker if she then recommends replacing the single windows with the wider
ones. Kuecker confirmed this and said she also then recommends on the other bedrooms replacing a
single window with a wide window that meets egress requirements and not disturbing the size of the
double windows.
Baldridge asked if there would then be only one instance in which in which the double windows have to
be larger. Kuecker said there would only be one instance in which the double windows need to be larger,
as she understands it. She said it wouldn't need to be as skinny as shown; it could be perhaps almost
two inches wider.
Kuecker said that none of the windows are on the front facade. She said the one window that would have
to be made larger is on the north side of the house, for the bedroom that only has the double window in it.
Kuecker said there is an instance on Washington Street on the corner of Lucas and Washington where
the upper windows do have a smaller mullion, probably to meet egress requirements.
Baldridge asked if this would then have a double window on the ground floor that would be what?
Kuecker said that is something the Commission would need to decide. She said she would recommend
that the bottom window have the same appearance as the original windows. Kuecker said there is no
reason for the double windows on the lower floor to be larger for egress.
Baldridge asked if it would be advisable aesthetically to have it not be like the original, wider. Kuecker
said the Commission would need to decide that.
Waddell said he owns Lite Window and Doors and supplied the windows for this project. Arlen said that
he is with Chelsea Homes Remodeling and is the contractor for this project.
Waddell said that he was not involved in this during the approval process but became involved once the
window issue was raised. He stated that he has been in the window and door industry in Iowa City for
eight years and has done a lot of historic jobs. Regarding this project, Waddell said that he has never
seen a homeowner go to more expense and care to do things to match historically. He said that not only
did the homeowners use a wood clad window but also went with an upcharge to do a black fascia and
another upcharge to do a different color frame around the windows.
Regarding egress, Waddell said he did not know where the line is drawn. He said this obviously needs to
meet egress. Waddell said that the upper window is in a bedroom and does not meet egress now, so
something has to change. He said that the last time he was before the Commission, casements were
absolutely not allowed. Waddell said the Commission has apparently changed that a little bit, in that a grid
down the middle can give the appearance of a double hung.
Waddell said that the only other option is to bring the windows together. He said he never gave it a
second thought, mainly because the windows seemed very appropriate to him. Waddell said he did not
see any issue with this at all. He said on the old windows, the mullion is not there for aesthetics, it's there
because that was the pocket for the weights. Waddell said if you want to match it that is fine, but you still
have to make it work for egress. He said that if one makes the window up top meet egress and then the
one below it four inches or six inches narrower, does that look better than matching them. Waddell said
Historic Preservation Commission
November 13, 2008
Page 3
he thinks that will look very strange, and the same thing, once you do one, why not carry it all the way
around the house.
Waddell said the primary reason with the no spread mulls, to him, was not to meet egress. He said it
needed to be done for egress, but to him, he never once has seen it be an issue. Waddell said it is more
of a clarification thing for him than anything else. He said that whatever needs to be done he can do, but
he thinks the bottom window, with the screens painted, looks really nice.
Arlen said the owner has gone to great expense to do this house. He said that the detail to be done on
the siding is amazing. Arlen said the reason they didn't go with inserts in the windows is that all the siding
was off anyway, so he thought he would give them all brand new construction windows. Arlen said the
mulling in the middle was never a big concern of his, because it was there for the weights.
Arlen said that if he spreads the windows out to get a mulling in, all the trim inside will be no good. He
said that then the trim inside would need to be redone. Arlen stated that the way the windows are set up,
he took the trim off on the inside, put the windows in, and the trim will go right back on.
Waddell said he saw the wording of "match the old window size." He said that in his mind, he matched the
old window size exactly. Waddell said that he looks at it more as the composite of the window as the one
window pane matching the old window, and it is matched within a quarter inch of what was there before.
He said that a different interpretation of that would be each individual section matches. Waddell said that
once that's there, where does one draw the line. He said that Kuecker had stated that it would be only a
couple of inches different if they were maybe mulled a little bit differently. Waddell said he would like to
know where the line is drawn for future clarification.
Bunting Eubanks said that this came up for an intermediate review only because it was going to be an
exact replica of a historic home. She said that in the future, the applicant should come before the
Commission for a full review if there is going to be any alteration in the appearance.
Bunting Eubanks asked if, for the other window where there is double windows and then a single, if it has
already been replaced. Waddell said that all of the windows have been delivered to the house, and some
have been installed. She asked how many would have to be taken down and what would be the effect, for
example if new windows would need to be ordered.
Waddell said that he would have to look at the square footage of the other singles, but probably not.
Bunting Eubanks asked if it would be a complicated thing to do the singles as egress. Waddell said he
was not certain.
Arlen said the way the windows were ordered was to make all the inside trim work. He said that therefore
any alterations would make the inside trim not work. Arlen said the owners are doing a lot of work on the
inside to make this historically correct. Waddell stated that any change in any window size would result in
reordering windows, whether it is a double or single.
Ponto asked to see the photograph of the street front. He said that looking at this from the street, it is just
on the second floor where the one double is really obvious, and less so on the sides and the back.
Baldridge said that there is no other window visible from this prospect.
Bunting Eubanks asked if the guidelines preference any particular side of the house when it comes to
changing or not changing. Kuecker said that in general, the Commission has looked at the street face as
the most important face, but one also has to consider how the property looks to the neighbors and the
historic integrity of the house.
Ponto asked if the double window on the front needs to be egress or if there is a different window in that
bedroom that could serve as egress. Arlen said he believes there is another window in that room.
Kuecker said that one of the owners informed her that only one of the rooms has just double windows.
She said that it is the one on the north side of the house.
Historic Preservation Commission
November 13, 2008
Page 4
Wagner asked if the problem is not so much on the exterior but the interior. Arlen confirmed this. Wagner
asked if it is painted or just the original stain. Arlen said it is currently painted, but the owners want to get
it back to the original stain. He said that is why getting the trim back on is a big concern. Arlen said that
the trim has all kinds of detail.
Bunting Eubanks asked if all of the windows needed replacing. Arlen said that they were all in very bad
shape. He said that when he got to the point of caulking, the windows were almost falling out. Arlen said
he blew insulation in the walls, and the owners decided to go with the extra expense for the windows,
which was huge. Bunting Eubanks asked if there was any way to repair the old windows. Arlen said that
the actual sashes were falling apart. He said it would have been more expensive, and there wouldn't have
been near the insulating values it will have now.
Trimble said the Commission cannot consider the inside of the house at all, although she said she
understood the comments about the trim.
Waddell asked Kuecker to show the photograph of straight on with the painted screen. Waddell said that
picture is one of the most historically accurate full frame replacement windows in a house in Iowa City,
with the black sashes and the different colored frames. He said the middle strip of beige is not as wide as
the one above it, but aside from that, he thinks this turned out amazing.
Bunting Eubanks said the Commission has to decide whether the architectural feature of the mullion is
worth saving. Ponto said that it is certainly significant, because that is where the weights were, and so
one would expect it to be that wide, because one would expect weights to be there. He said that not
having that automatically shows that this is a more modern window. Ponto said that all of the sides are
important, but the front is the highest priority. He stated that he would like to see the front view
maintained. Ponto said that certainly egress requirements do make changes, and they are obviously
important for safety.
Wagner said he is kind of leaning towards making the front window look the same. Ponto said that he
would like the front to look the same but would be more willing to compromise on the other sides of the
house. Bunting Eubanks said there is one bedroom where the Commission has to go with the alternative.
She said the question involves the other two bedrooms and the first floor.
Swaim said the staff report makes a good point about the Commission making sure it doesn't set a
precedent by eliminating the six-inch mullion. Bunting Eubanks asked if there is any other way to attach
the mullion onto the middle to get a better appearance. Waddell said that a spread mullion can be done;
he said it is just a block of wood that goes between the windows, and the mull cover is wide instead of
narrow. He said there is not room to do that in the existing opening with the existing trim and the egress;
there is just not room to do it. Waddell said it would be a lot less of an issue on one window, because it
would only affect one piece of trim. Waddell said there is a lot of work involved to that window, but it
would be a lot different with one window than with six.
Swaim asked if a spread mullion is superficial, rather than a structural change. Waddell said that basically
the window has a little U-shaped mull cover that holds it together; they're caulked and then there is a mull
cover. He said that one would have to tear that mull cover off, break the windows apart, and then put
something, such as a two by four or two two by fours, and then have a bigger mull cover in there.
Baldridge asked if it could be six inches. Waddell said that it could be done to be six inches.
Wagner asked if the owners could still use existing trim on the inside. Waddell said that it could not be
used, because the window would be wider. Arlen said that would involve putting a wider header in above
the windows, because the actual opening would be wider than the existing.
Kuecker said that for the windows that don't need to meet egress, the windows Wouldn't have to be
bigger. Waddell said that is true, although that would then require a major expense on someone's part.
Bunting Eubanks said the windows that don't require egress are the ones on the bottom, and Kuecker
confirmed this. Kuecker showed the location of where the only window is that the owner told her is
Historic Preservation Commission
November 13, 2008
Page 5
required to be bigger for egress. Waddell said the question then is if that is allowed to look like the bottom
on the top, does the Commission want asix-inch spread mull directly below that window. He said that
would look a lot stranger than just having a smaller space in there.
Ponto asked if there are any other double windows on that facade. Waddell said there are not. Ponto said
there is one double window on the front, two on the north side, and then the south side. Kuecker said
there are three sets on the south side with the bay. Ponto said the bay window is another case where that
is pretty common.
Bunting Eubanks asked which bedroom requires egress that doesn't have another option. Waddell
responded that it is the one where there is the replacement window down below.
Ponto said that in some ways it makes sense that if the top one has to be egress, with the narrower
mullion, the bottom one could match it, at least on that facade. Trimble said that if the applicant would
have come before the Commission with this, it probably still would have a wider mullion than what is
there, even if it isn't six inches. Bunting Eubanks asked if it is a possibility to make it a three-inch or four-
inch mullion. Waddell said it could not be done without interrupting the trim. He said that his question is if
it was six, and one can do five, or four, or three, there has to be a stopping point somewhere.
Trimble stated that the Commission has to follow the Secretary of the Interior Standards, but egress
trumps that. She said that in this case, it would be different because of safety, whereas in other cases,
the Commission must follow the standards. Bunting Eubanks said that basically the width is supposed to
stay at six inches, but this is one of the cases where the safety requirements weigh in.
Arlen asked what the factor is then of having the upper and lower match. Kuecker said that according to
the Secretary of the Interior Standards and the Iowa City Historic Preservation Guidelines, only the
windows that are required for egress should change. For example, she said that earlier this summer at
530 Washington the Commission approved casement windows but only for the windows that had to be
egress windows. Kuecker said there are examples where the mullions on the first floor and second floor
don't match; the one on the second floor is smaller to make the windows larger to meet egress
requirements.
Bunting Eubanks said the Commission could give the owners the option of which window they want to
meet egress, or it could ask to have the lower one be sustained, or it could concern itself with the front
facade. She asked if windows could be reordered that are the same size for the lower, and Waddell
confirmed this.
Bunting Eubanks said that she would be in favor of giving the owners the option of which one they want to
make egress and everything else staying the same. Ponto said the Commission should consider this as if
it were an application without the prepurchase of any windows and what the Commission would want if
this were in the planning stages.
Baldridge said the rationale of having the top match the bottom would make sense, but not necessarily
exclusively. He said it seems that in some houses there are cases where the top does not match the
bottom for whatever reasons. Baldridge said that if the egress requirement for the upper story dictates
that the upper story bedroom look different, then that's different. He said however, that he doesn't think
there will be cases of people walking around the house from one side to another noticing that the
windows look different.
Bunting Eubanks said the Commission needs to make sure that it is being fair and are upholding the
Secretary of the Interior Standards. She said that in a bedroom, egress trumps the Secretary of the
Interior Standards so that the Commission will have more freedom if it wants to give the owner options.
Arlen said that in general, he would like to be able to keep the front. He said he could go through the
problem with the header and splitting it and get the front facade the exact appearance. Arlen said he
would like to keep the windows as is on the sides, just for cost. He said that although the Commission
Historic Preservation Commission
November 13, 2008
Page 6
can't take into the account the inside, it should consider the homeowners also and what they are trying to
do. Arlen said that way they would only waste the trim on the one window.
Bunting Eubanks said the trim on the bottom wouldn't have to be wasted. She said the exact same size
windows on the bottom to replace could be ordered. Waddell said that would be $600 or $1,200 per
opening, so one would be better off getting new trim, so one would probably just end up getting the new
trim anyway.
Bunting Eubanks said that she is saying the owner needs to keep the mullion on the bottom, and the
owner could do the same size windows on the bottom if reordered. Bunting Eubanks said the problem is
that the process wasn't started before the work was done. Swaim said that it is most helpful if the owner
and the contractor can come before the Commission at the same time so that everything is very clear.
Regarding precedent, Waddell said he could probably look through his records and find over 20 projects
with two windows in a historic district with no spread mulls in them in the last eight years. Waddell said
that he knows a lot of the rules and regulations, and this is something that has never come up before.
Kuecker said that when staff and the chair reviewed the first certificate for the windows, these were
looked at as individual windows. She said that this is not one window opening; these are two individual
windows. Kuecker said that is what came through on the application, and that is what was approved -not
to remove the middle piece at all but to leave that in and just replace the windows.
Bunting Eubanks said that it is possible that other jobs have been completed that have gone under the
radar. Swaim added that the windows may have been on non-contributing properties. She said she
appreciates the owner trying to save money and the trim but knows that sometimes that can either be
obtained as salvage or can be made to duplicate the original look.
Ponto said that after discussion, he feels that the Commission is somewhat obligated to go with the
alternative motion.
MOTION: Ponto moved to deny a certificate of appropriateness for the window replacement at 441
South Governor Street that eliminates the mullion between the double windows that are not
egress. Swaim seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 6-0.
Regarding an alternative motion, Bunting Eubanks asked if the Commission wants to allow the owners to
choose the windows to be changed for the rooms that have egress requirements or if the Commission
wants to require the owners to make the single window bigger in the rooms with an egress requirement.
She said the Commission also needs to decide if it wants to ensure that the mullions are restored on the
bottom and on the front.
Swaim said she thinks that the single windows should be changed and the wide mullions preserved
Ponto asked, if an egress window is put on the second floor, what kind of outside structure is needed.
Waddell said the Code is designed more for space for a fireman to get in, rather than for someone getting
out. Ponto said he would not want to do something that would require an ugly, iron ladder up to the
house.
Bunting Eubanks asked Swaim if she is basically in favor of the alternative motion, and Swaim confirmed
this.
MOTION: Swaim moved to approve a certificate of appropriateness for the window replacement at
441 South Governor Street, with the following conditions: 1) the mullions in the double windows
being maintained, 2) the single windows being enlarged to meet the egress requirements where
feasible instead of double windows being enlarged, 3) any window that is not in a bedroom must
maintain the dimensions of the original window, and 4) staff approval of the locations and
dimensions of the egress windows. Ponto seconded the motion.
Historic Preservation Commission
November 13, 2008
Page 7
Ponto said the motion really doesn't address the one double window that has to be egress. Bunting
Eubanks said the motion refers to meeting egress requirements. She said that if the Commission
approves the motion, there is one window that can be the kind that was hung, and the other ones have to
be identical replacements with the mullions intact.
Waddell asked if the homeowners don't have the right to pick what window they want to be egress.
Bunting Eubanks said that is true if the motion is approved. Kuecker said that as long as there is a single
window that could be egress, then the double window needs to stay the same. Bunting Eubanks said that
in other words, the double windows need to be replaced as the original certificate allowed for, except for
the one bedroom with no single windows.
Waddell asked if the single windows would be exact replacements. Bunting Eubanks said that the singles
would be able to be larger to meet egress. Waddell said the owners would not get to decide that. Bunting
Eubanks said that is correct.
Kuecker said the motion adds that the owner or contractor will have to point out to her which windows are
going to become the egress windows. She said the owner or contractor could make a valid case that
shows that a single window is not feasible, and that is something she could consider, as the motion would
leave the location and dimensions of the egress windows up for staff approval.
Bunting Eubanks said that on the lower level, however, everything has to be the same as it was a year
ago. Waddell asked if the upstairs window on the one elevation would be egress and then be different
than the one directly below it. Bunting Eubanks confirmed this. Waddell asked, if the owners decide they
want the window below it to also have a spread mull put in so that they match, would it be okay. Bunting
Eubanks replied that all of the lower ones they have to have the mullion. She said the only one that is not
required to have the mullion in between the windows would be the one bedroom where there is only a
double window.
Bunting Eubanks said that in the other bedrooms there might be options if the single window would not
work for some reason. She said the fenestration would change so that the single windows would be
larger, and the other ones would be exactly the same as if the old windows were taken out and replaced
with windows of exactly the same size. Swaim added that the single windows would only be as large as
required for egress.
Bunting Eubanks said the issue, which the Commission has faced before, is that things were ordered and
money was spent without approval. She said that whenever there is an alteration on the structure, in this
case the mullions, there needs to be more consideration. Bunting Eubanks said that ultimately the reason
for that is the Commission wants these homes to stay on the National Register of Historic Places, so the
Commission wants to make sure the Secretary of the Interior Standards are followed in order to keep that
value, unless there is a safety concern. She said the Commission is not trying to be unfair, but if it is
going to make an exception, there has to be a safety reason or something of that nature.
Ponto said that he always feels bad when people have spent money to do something. He said he also
feels that the Commission is kind of stuck. Bunting Eubanks agreed and said the Commission is not trying
to be the bad guy. Swaim stated that the Commission is looking for ways to get the word out to
contractors and window supplies and such to err on the side of checking with the Commission before
doing work. She said at least that way it is less likely to progress to the point where money has been
spent.
Waddell said that he was informed that the windows had passed. He said he did not know how the inserts
passed. Waddell said he gave the owners one window that they wanted to take, and it was a bright, full
pane, double hung replacement window. He said he did not know how the insert ever went through.
Kuecker said it did not go through as an insert. She said the certificate stated that there would be no
exterior change except for trim color and an achievement of uniformity. Waddell said that it is probably an
interpretation issue. He said that the screens give the appearance. Bunting Eubanks said that it is still a
change, but it had been approved with the stipulation that there would be no change at all.
Historic Preservation Commission
November 13, 2008
Page 8
The motion carried on a vote of 6-0.
Bunting Eubanks said that the Commission is trying to get the word out about the guidelines and will be
holding a virtual forum over the winter. She said there will be a link on the website so that people can
watch and get information about windows in particular. Bunting Eubanks said this should help people
know what the standards are.
Kuecker said that the owners had told her that they liked the wide mullions, but were told that the
windows had to get bigger for egress.
Swaim asked Kuecker if the City reminds applicants that it is best for both the owner and contractor to
attend the meetings. Kuecker said she did do that, but the homeowners were unable to attend the
meeting. She said she sends the anyone listed on the application letters to remind them of the meeting
and to let them know that it is highly recommended that homeowners, contractors, and anyone who might
be involved in the project be at the meeting.
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES FOR OCTOBER 9, 2008 AND NOVEMBER 3, 2008.
MOTION: Swaim moved to approve the minutes of the Commission's October 9, 2008 and November 3,
2008 meetings, as written. Ponto seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 6-0.
OTHER:
Kuecker said the packet contains information regarding a historic preservation disaster recovery efforts
workshop in Cedar Rapids on November 15~h. She said she would be unable to attend, but the workshop
is free and there is no registration required. Kuecker said the City of Cedar Rapids is trying to get some of
its neighborhoods surveyed and trying to get more flood recovery money and would appreciate any
support. She said this is also a great, close-to-home learning experience.
Kuecker said that last week there was a Manville Heights Neighborhood meeting, and several
Commission members attended. She told Commission members not to be discouraged by comments at
the meeting. Kuecker said that about 20 people turned out for the volunteer training session on Saturday,
and there are at least six more volunteers waiting to be trained. She said there are people in the Manville
Heights Neighborhood who are excited about this and want to have the survey done.
Kuecker said that earlier in the day, the segment about the Wetherby House was filmed for the virtual
forum. She said there is about 55 minutes of footage to be edited down to just a few minutes.
Bunting Eubanks said she thought the awards ceremony went very well and was very impressive. Bunting
Eubanks said it took a lot of work, but it could provide about half the work needed towards the forum. She
said she plans to work with Kuecker to develop a dialogue of what the Commission is doing and add
details about the properties on the slides.
Wagner referred to a brick house on the southeast corner of College and Governor Streets. He said that
the storm windows on the house are gray and don't look right. Kuecker said that storm windows do not
require a building permit, nor does the Commission have any purview over color.
Kuecker said there is an opening on the Commission for a member from the Longfellow Neighborhood.
Baldridge said he thought the awards ceremony was very good publicity. He said the positive enthusiasm
that it generates in the people who have done work on their houses is a wonderful promotion. Ponto
suggested that people in the Longfellow Neighborhood who had received awards could be approached to
see if there is any interest in a seat on the Commission.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 7:02 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Anne Schulte
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MINUTES PRELIMINARY
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
NOVEMBER 20, 2008 - 6:30 PM
LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL
Members Present: Marcy DeFrance, Holly Jane Hart, Michael McKay, Rebecca McMurray,
Brian Richman, Michael Shaw
Members Absent: Steve Crane, Andy Douglas, Charlie Drum
Staff Present: Tracy Hightshoe, Steve Long
Others Present: Deb Briggs, Steve Rackis
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL (become effective only after separate Council action):
None.
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m.
APPROVAL OF THE OCTOBER 7, 2008 MINUTES:
McMurray motioned to approve the minutes with a name correction noted by Hightshoe;
McKay seconded. The motion carried 6-0 (Douglas, Crane and Drum absent).
PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
None.
STAFF/COMMISSION COMMENT:
Hightshoe noted that at the October 7`" meeting, the Commission reviewed a request by The Housing
Fellowship to amend the financing terms of their project. The October 7`" recommendation to the
City Council was fora 20-year loan deferral, 0% interest, with a balloon payment at the end of 20
years. On October 14`", the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) changed the qualified allocation plan,
which significantly raised the cost-cap for low-income housing tax-credit applications. The Housing
Fellowship revised their application based on the changes allowed by IFA. The new project cost for
The Housing Fellowship's project increased by 28%. THE submitted the revised application to IFA
on October 315`. Hightshoe said that on November 12`", she received project cost information from
The Housing Fellowship to complete the HOME agreement. In the revised budget there were some
significant increases over what was submitted to HCDC. Some items that had significant changes
include construction costs (increased by approximately $724,000), an increase in the developer fee of
$282,000, an additional $107,000 consulting fee, and a provision that The Housing Fellowship will
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
NOVEMBER 20, 2008
LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL
Page 2 of 11
now lease the land to the for-profit entity that serves as its limited partner for $13,000 per year.
Hightshoe noted that at the time of the HCDC meeting, the plan was for The Housing Fellowship to
lease the land for $1 per year. Hightshoe said that if she had been looking at the new budget at the
time of the previous meeting she may have made a different recommendation, based on The Housing
Fellowship's ability to repay the loan during the first 20 years. Hightshoe said that staff met with the
City's legal department and consulted CITY STEPS. Currently, CITY STEPS does not specifically
mention financing terms under substantial change or a change that would require additional action
such as HCDC or Council review. As there was no changes in the beneficiaries, number of units,
project location, or the amount of allocation, under CITY STEPS it most likely is not considered
"substantial."
Hightshoe said that because of this, she recommends reviewing and revising CITY STEPS so that
financing terms are considered and additional action required based on the type of change. Richman
summarized that when the Commission had recommended amending the terms of the allocation so
that no payment would be required of The Housing Fellowship until year 20, the primary reason
given was that there would not be adequate cash flow for project approval if such a payment was
required. Richman said that there now seems to be adequate cash flow to make a payment; however,
the Commission does not now have grounds to reconsider the matter because of the way CITY
STEPS is written. Hightshoe said that while staff and legal has reviewed this change and determined
it not to be substantial according to CITY STEPS, she recommends amending the document so that a
change in the financing or terms would be considered "substantial," and would therefore have to
come back for Commission review.
Richman asked if he was correct in understanding that the City Attorney's office did not believe the
Commission had the grounds to review this matter. Hightshoe said that the question to legal and
staff was if the change was considered substantial based on our Consolidated Plan (CITY STEPS).
The decision was that it was not substantial, thus the project proceeds without further review if the
original beneficiaries, allocation amount, project location, and number and type of units remain the
same. Shaw asked if it was correct that staff would have made a different recommendation if they
had been aware of the changes. Hightshoe said this was correct. Long pointed out that on a positive
note the City is still gaining 22 units of affordable housing and the City has been provided with an
opportunity to change its policy.
Richman suggested thinking about this issue more broadly, and to consider developing some sort of
paradigm for dealing with the complexities of low-income housing tax credits. He suggested the
possibility of making the relevant HCDC decisions closer to the time when projects have been given
approval by the relevant parties. Richman said that the Commission may have had more
information with which to make a better decision if they had been able to wait a couple of weeks
longer.
McMurray asked if The Housing Fellowship was surprised by the changes. Hightshoe said that the
IFA changes occurred on October 14`h, allowing for much higher cost caps per unit. DeFrance asked
when The Housing Fellowship added the $13,000 per year lease fee. Staff replied before October 31
when the application was submitted. Upon conversations with THF, they believe the changes are not
substantial and told HCDC that numbers continually change and that such changes were allowed
under IFA. Long noted that this was an unusual year for IFA, saying that a bill had been signed
allowing for eight times the normal number oftax-credits.
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McKay asked if there was a simple way to explain how an increase in cost-cap translates into an
increase in cash flow. Long said the rule change basically allowed The Housing Fellowship to ask
for more money per unit; which allows much more money to come into the project.
Shaw said that to be fair to The Housing Fellowship, it should be noted that the way in which The
Housing Fellowship had interpreted things actually was the reality of the situation. Staff agreed that
everything was completely legal and allowed by IFA. Shaw said that The Housing Fellowship was
only doing what businesses do, which is to take advantage of the processes available to them. Long
said it was simply a matter of it turning out that the project could have paid the City back in
installments prior to year 20.
Long said that on one hand an opportunity to reinvest that money into the community may have been
lost, but on the other hand, it is helping to sustain a community non-profit; there are pluses and
minuses in each case.
Richman requested that staff do some research on how other cities tend to deal with tax-credit
projects and issues such as this. Hightshoe stated she will survey the Iowa entitlement communities
and share that information with HCDC. Richman requested staff to proceed with wording on
amending CITY STEPS to consider financial terms and when further (Council and HCDC) action is
required and present it at the next meeting.
Flood Update:
Long gave a brief update on the flood. He said that damage estimates show that approximately 270
homes were damaged in the flood; the homes were valued at $52 million, and the damage to them
was estimated to be $26 million. Long said there were about 130 applications to the Jump Start
Programs; approximately $600,000 of the $680,000 in funds have been committed to 14 households;
which leaves a lot of households still in need of assistance. The City received about $2 million in
federal CDBG money for assistance, and the City is working with the Iowa Department of Economic
Development (IDED), along with Cedar Falls and Waterloo who share similar concerns, to iron out
some of the details of their program that are not favorable to Iowa City. Long said basically the
money is sitting there but IDED requirements are not allowing the City to spend it.
Long said that IDED rules are requiring homeowners to come up with any gap in funding on the
front end, prior to beginning rehabilitation project. Long said staff is asking the State to model the
current program after the first program, in which the City is allowed to get the basic systems of the
home running prior to the onset of winter -plumbing, heating, windows, etc. Long said part of the
issue is that they are really trying to craft policy to fit the whole state, when places like Iowa City
have much higher home values and the limit of $60,000 does not go as far toward rehabilitation.
Long said that the City is working with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
and the Governor's Office to try to get IDED to change some of its definitions and recommendations.
Long said that there are a lot of misconceptions out there about the people who were flooded in Iowa
City; many believe they were all wealthy. Long said it is a very difficult situation to see how many
people are struggling and facing dire financial situations that they would never have anticipated.
Long said there is also a misperception that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
has taken care of a lot of these people. Long said that out of 130 applications the City received, 52
applicants had received less than $10,000 from FEMA, 45 applicants had received less than $4,000.
Long said there is a lot of damage, a lot of people who are still in need, and winter is upon us.
DeFrance asked for an update on the buy-out. Long said there are 57 homes on the buy-out list; a
follow-up letter verifying who is still interested in the program went out November 20th. The
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application for the buy-out will be submitted in January. Long reminded Commissioners that the
buy-out must be completely voluntary. DeFrance asked how many people in the area are rebuilding.
Long replied that it was primarily people who have insurance, those mainly on the perimeter of the
area, nearest the river. Long said that out of the 57 homes he believed there were 14 building permits
taken out. He said he believed the primary reason was to get heat in the homes so that the foundation
is not damaged, in the event that the buy-out does not succeed. Long said that staff has been told
numerous times that there is enough money to buy out everyone who is eligible. Hightshoe said that
she was told by a FEMA representative that in buy-out situations up to 50% of the people ultimately
drop out of the buy-out due to the extended time period and/or desire to rebuild their home and
remain in that community. McMurray asked if the money then can be used to help someone else,
and Long replied that it then goes to another community. Long said there is a likelihood that if a levy
is built the people remaining on the other side of the levy will not be protected by the City.
Long said staff is also working with the Community Foundation, who raised over $50,000 toward
rental and mortgage assistance, one of the biggest needs. Long said 16 additional households were
then able to receive 3 months of mortgage/rental assistance, and that the Community ,Foundation said
they would continue to try to help in the future.
NEW BUSINESS:
Review and Discuss the Iowa City Housing Authority's Request to Amend the Down-payment
Assistance Program
Long said that City Council allocated the funds so that 70% of the funds were reserved for -
assistance to persons making below 60% of the median income; 30% of the funds were reserved for
those making between 61 and 80% of the median income. The original award was $187,500, about
half of which has been spent. Nine recipients have received $10,000 each in down-payment
assistance. So far the Iowa City Housing Authority (ICHA) has assisted 4 people below 60%, and 5
below 80%. The requested amendment is to waive the requirement to reserve a portion for those
under 60% of the median income. Because the beneficiaries of the program would be changing, this
would qualify as a substantial change and therefore must be reviewed by the Commission and City
Council.
Deb Briggs of the ICHA explained that in the upper income range, less than $10,000 in funding is
left; whereas, in the lower range, there is $91,250 remaining. Briggs said that she did not want a
waiting list to accumulate when there are so many funds left. Briggs said that ICHA had just
submitted an application for state funds and expects more money to come in. Because the ICHA's
allocation was merged with the funds given to Southgate, Briggs did consult with Southgate
regarding this change and was given their approval. Briggs said Southgate is not ready to move
forward on their project, and that part of the reason the funds are allocated in this manner is to try to
reserve additional funding that might help support their program. Steven Rackis added that
Southgate is aware that ICHA is also requesting state funds.
Hightshoe asked if Briggs knew why Southgate was not ready to proceed with their project. Briggs
said she did not know but that she imagined some of the issues were the difficulty in getting
secondary financing because of the amount of rentals there. Briggs said it is a very big financial
commitment, and while she would not speak for them, she does understand some of the challenges
they are facing.
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Briggs provided a spreadsheet demonstrating, by profession, who was helped by the funding. She
said awide-range of social service employees, who are greatly needed in this community, were
helped by the program.
Rackis said that his concern is that he would like to get these funds out into the community and
helping people, rather than building up a waiting list while there is still money available. He said
that ICHA felt it had a strong application for state funding, and hoped to bring those funds into the
mix.
Briggs asked if the Commission had any concerns about the change that she could address. Shaw
asked what Briggs saw as barriers to those below 60% of the median income in utilizing the program.
Briggs said that one major problem is that there are not enough homes in their price range.
Reserving the funds when the housing stock is not available is an issue, Briggs said. Briggs said
she had tried to do some outreach to hit that lower range client, but that most house prices are just out
of reach for them. Briggs said that these clients are not walking into financial institutions and
receiving financing based on the ICHA's down-payment assistance funding; in some cases, co-
signers or additional private loans/gifts have been required. Long pointed out that credit was more
difficult to get presently as well. Long reminded Briggs that ICHA had five years to spend HOME
funds, and noted that a change could be made that was limited to a 25% or less change in program
beneficiaries or approximately $46,875 (4 or 5 households) without going to City Council.
Richman asked what the pace of applications to this program has been for the last few months.
Briggs said she is still receiving them, but that she has not done a lot of marketing. She said her
focus has been more directed at lenders.
Shaw asked for clarification as to whether ICHA was asking for the Commission to remove barriers
to lower-income applicants or to shift more funds to the higher-income applicants. Briggs said she
was just asking to remove the distinction between the two income classifications. Rackis said that
basically the same eligibility requirements that apply to HOME funds would apply to this program.
Briggs said the stipulation dividing the funds is a little odd and has not been imposed before.
Richman posed the question: How important is it to spend the money quickly versus to spend the
money on the lower end of the spectrum? Shaw said it sounded like there is a possibility that the
money could be absorbed relatively quickly if it was directed to the upper incomes. Briggs said she
did not know, adding that if house prices do not decline it will not matter how much money is
available to the lower income range because they simply cannot afford homes at their current prices.
Hightshoe summarized three recommendations for the Commission: 1) leave the allocation at its
current terms and have the matter go before the City Council, 2) allow a change in beneficiaries up to
25%, an action that can be taken by the Commission without further Council approval, or 3) remove
the income restriction as requested by ICHA and have the matter go before the Council.
Briggs noted that if no change is made, the matter will not have to go before Council again. Rackis
noted that if the second option is chosen, ICHA will likely come back before the Commission with
the same request in January because the available funds will have been utilized.
Richman said that his inclination was not to completely second-guess the Council by removing the
income restriction as he did not know whether their motivation in implementing the restriction was
project-based or to target that population. Richman said he could certainly support moving some of
that $91,000 to the higher income limit, but maybe not all of it. Briggs noted that if ICHA's funds
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had been kept separate from Southgate's there would not have been any mandated split of the funds.
Long said that the project itself could not be targeted as there would be the potential to have to pay
for relocation costs to existing tenants. Hightshoe noted that CITY STEPS at the time had targeted
the 61-80% of median income population as a lower priority for home ownership than the under 60%
population.
Briggs explained that when Southgate proposed merging their project with the ICHA funding, the
City Council could not target a specific project, but could target aloes-income population. Rackis
said that at the time, Southgate anticipated selling their units at around $100,000; now, of course,
their project is on hold for the time being.
Richman stated that he believed it was more important to help some people below 60% of the median
income than it was to get the money spent quickly. He said he would like to see some of the money
stay at the 60% and below. Briggs noted that the funds would not actually be "moved" from one
population to the other, they would simply be made available to anyone under 80% of the median
income. She said the majority of the people that she works with are under the 60% income, but
simply cannot afford local home prices, or are working on credit issues. She said she nonetheless lets
them know the funding is available.
McKay asked Rackis if he was correct in his understanding that these funds could be increased in the
near future. Briggs explained that the application in question was for $200,000 in state funds which
would have the same 80% income cap, but could be utilized throughout Johnson County. Briggs said
she believed it was likely that ICHA would get these funds, and that the funds would often be
coupled with the USDA loan programs available to county residents.
McKay said he was trying to get an idea of the total amount of funds that would be available to low-
income residents in the area. Briggs said ICHA still had $98,000 of the HOME funds, and hoped to
inject another $200,000 from the state, for a possible total of $298,000. McKay said that removing
the barrier set by the Council would not then necessarily affect the lower income families. Briggs
and Rackis said that while they cannot guarantee they will receive the state funds, they believe they
have an extremely strong application. They will not hear if they are awarded the funds until March.
Richman suggested moving about $25,000 of the funds out of the under-60% income group for now,
which would presumably carry the program into March when more would be known about the state
funding.
Shaw said that he is leaning toward transferring a partial amount in order to both satisfy the ICHA's
request and respect the wishes of the Council. Richman said his sense of the issue is partially
influenced by earlier discussions, although he admitted they were not directly related. He said that
the information before the Commission is imperfect, and it may make sense to make a small change
now as opposed to making a big change and then regretting it. Briggs noted that opening the funds
up does not eliminate the possibility of someone below the 60% median income using the funds.
Briggs said she does not believe that it will be the case that all of the upper income applicants will
use the funds, leaving none for the lower-income applicants; she bases this on the fact that the funds
have to-date been used pretty evenly between the two groups. Rackis said that the only thing to
consider is the specter of a waiting list and the impact a waiting list might have on the financing
terms of those wishing to be helped. Rackis said he believed City Council knows that HCDC works
hard and uses solid rationale when making recommendations, and that he did not believe the Council
would view changes to the terms as undermining in any way. Shaw said that prior to removing all
barriers he would want to check with City Council on their rationale in dividing the funds to begin
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with. Shaw said it makes sense to reserve the~option to move more funds later, after further
consideration and more information is available.
DeFrance said that in awarding the money to begin with no restrictions were put upon it by HCDC,
and that the purpose of the award was to promote home ownership. DeFrance said she would like to
see more lower-income people be able to afford a house, but that she did not think that was going to
happen until more affordable units come on-line. Briggs said that one of the biggest restrictions on
the money is that it has to be used in Iowa City. She said that this is one of the most limiting factors
for those under 60% of the median income. If ICHA receives the state funds, Briggs said, the money
could be used anywhere in Johnson County, which will really open the market for the lowest income
groups.
McKay asked what the down-side would be in removing the barrier. Shaw said the potential is there
for those under 60% median income to be able to afford homes, and that removing the barrier may
use the funds up before those folks have the opportunity to make a purchase.
Shaw motioned to shift $40,000 into the 61-80% of median income category.
McMurray seconded.
Briggs asked if this would then have to go before City Council. Long replied that it would not as it
was less than 25% of the original $187,500 award. After some discussion, it was decided to amend
the motion to reflect the change in beneficiaries that would result.
Shaw amended his motion. Shaw motioned to move $40,000 or the equivalent of four
households to the 61-80% of median income category.
McMurray seconded.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 5-1; McKay voting against the motion.
McMurray had to leave at 7:45 p.m., and reminded Commissioners to discuss the issue of "double-
dipping" by agencies into both the Aid to Agencies funds and the public service funds.
Update on the Iowa City Housing Authority's Grant Application to the State for Down-
payment Assistance Funds
Briggs said that the update had essentially been included in the previous discussions. She noted that
a state-funded program, if awarded, would be run largely the same as the current one.
Update on the Iowa City Housing Authority 5-Year Annual Plan
Rackis stated that HUD requires housing authorities to submit a 5-Year Annual Plan that reflects the
goals, objectives, needs and concerns that are identified in CITY STEPS. CITY STEPS and the 5-
Year Annual Plan are on the same review cycle. At the time of the last submissions, joint public
hearings were held by ICHA and Community Development. Rackis noted that CITY STEPS is a bit
ahead of ICHA: ICHA submits in April 2010, and Community Development submits in December
2009. Rackis said his intention was simply to call attention to the upcoming process and state his
desire to partner with the Commission and Community Development in completing the process and
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the public hearings. Rackis distributed copies of the ICHA Annual Plan, and expressed his hope that
HCDC would be a large part in the development of ICHA's 5-Year Annual Plan.
Long said that a consultant will be hired to do Community Development's 5-year plan, and said the
consultant will be working with the Commission quite a bit over the next year.
Rackis noted a somewhat detailed explanation of the ICHA budgeting process on page 20 of the
Annual Plan. Rackis noted that the booklet could be very useful in helping to dispel common myths
about those using affordable housing. He gave an example in which he is frequently asked the
number of households in ICHA programs who are on welfare. He said that of 1,300 families using
Section 8 rental assistance and public housing, only 4% reported FIP/TANF ("welfare") as their sole
source of income. He said the vast majority of the clients served by ICHA programs are elderly
and/or disabled, or working families.
Discuss and Review FY10 CDBG/HOME Funding Process Timeline
Staff distributed timelines for the funding process for fiscal year 2010, and briefly ran through the
items on the timeline. Hightshoe asked people to consult their calendars for known conflicts with
meeting times. Hightshoe noted that there are also occasional (two days) site-visits over the noon
hour that a few Commission members are asked to attend if possible.
Review and Approve FY10 CDBG/HOME Application Materials
The application materials were mailed out with the November meeting packets for review.
Hightshoe noted that staff is anticipating less program income than last year and the same amount of
entitlement funds (although Congress has not yet indicated anything on entitlement funding).
Hightshoe said Community Development only has about $1,475,000 to allocate this year, which puts
a huge strain on public services. Hightshoe said there will only be about $10,000 to allocate to
public services. Hightshoe said that previous years have had a $1,000 minimum for public service
funds. Hightshoe said that a number of the smaller allocations are simply not capable of meeting all
of the federal requirements, and as a result, HCDC may want to consider instituting a $5,000
minimum, as many other cities do. It will also have to be decided if first priority is to be given to
those who do not receive Aid to Agency Funding.
Hightshoe stated HCDC should consider a few items that were issues from last year. Hightshoe noted
that last year there were prolific materials coming in after the application deadline, which created
difficulty for staff in ensuring Commissioners had the necessary materials. Hightshoe recommended
instituting a policy to address materials that are submitted after the due date. Hightshoe suggested
Commissioners consider whether or not they wish to add a disclaimer indicating that the terms
requested by the applicant may not be the terms recommended by the Commission.
Richman said that Andy Douglas had asked him to bring up the issue of whether the Commission
should be more focused on rental housing than owner-occupied housing, especially given the current
housing market. Long suggested putting a statement in the application materials stating that rentals
will be given preference. Hightshoe noted that in CITY STEPS rentals are a higher priority than
home ownership. Shaw agreed that not knowing what the financial housing markets will be like, it
might be wise to do more allocating on the rental side of things. Hart said looking toward affordable
rentals is a good thing, but she has some concerns about how that would be allocated and where it
would be allocated. She said that in general she likes the idea of a preference toward the rental
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market in the near future, but she would not want it to be completely wide open and would definitely
like to see a lot more discussion.
Richman asked what the advantage would be in putting something regarding rental preferences in the
application packet. Long said it would inform people who are applying and developers that the City
was trying to focus more on rental housing this year. Richman asked if there was a policy or political
advantage to doing that because he did not believe the projects coming in at this point would be
changed by that. Long said he believed there could be. Hightshoe suggested inserting a statement
that alerts applicants that projects will be evaluated based on the recent Housing Market Analysis
showing a large demand for affordable rental housing.
DeFrance asked how much of the $1,475,000 will be allocated to Aid to Agencies. Hightshoe said
that Aid to Agencies receives $105,000 every year.
Hightshoe summarized the three discussion points as:
1) Enforcing a firm application/materials deadline.
2) A disclaimer on the application stating that the terms will be determined by HCDC and City
Council and not necessarily as requested by the applicant.
3) Raising the minimum award amount for public services.
The Commission discussed whether those receiving Aid to Agencies should be able to receive
public service funds as well, and if so, if first priority should be given to those not receiving Aid to
Agencies. Richman said he does not wish to make that decision blindly, and would want more
information first. Shaw noted that larger agencies have the capacity to make up the funding in other
areas, whereas smaller ones may not. Long said there used to be an informal policy that an agency
could come to CDBG for three years, and then after that, the agency was on its own. Over the years,
that policy has disappeared. Hightshoe said that it was an option to implement no policy, and then
when considering allocations to also consider what the agencies receives through Aid to Agencies.
Shaw asked if it would be perceived as "blind-siding" agencies not to let them know on the front-side
that they may not be eligible for public service money in addition to Aid to Agency money. McKay
said he felt it all goes back to the bigger question of how the pool of money is being shared right
now, and how it can best be weighed when it comes to the tougher decisions. Shaw asked if the list
could be received sooner, and staff said it would not be available sooner. Hightshoe said she could
put last year's list in the December packet.
Richman asked if a $2,500 minimum for public service could be instituted. Hightshoe said that
would still allow for 4 projects (minimum), or possibly two $5,000 awards depending on who was
applying this year and actual allocations. There was a consensus to limit public services awards to
$2,500 or higher. Regarding the deadline issue, it was decided to more strictly enforce the application
deadline. Hightshoe reminded members that any information received by an applicant (if contacted
by an applicant outside of HCDC meetings) must be shared with all Commission members. If
anything is received, send to staff and staff will distribute. It was agreed to add a disclaimer
informing applicants that the terms requested may not be the terms awarded. It was agreed that a
brief sentence giving preference to rental projects but still allowing for flexibility would be added to
the application materials.
Hightshoe briefly ran through a number of wording changes to the application that had been made
from the previous year. All HCDC members were in agreement of the proposed changes, as
discussed, to the application and the changes to the application guide.
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Discussion of a HCDC Sponsored Event Focused on Affordable Housing
Long said there may be some funding available for this. Hightshoe said this could be done in
conjunction with the CITY STEPS process. It was generally agreed to pursue the idea.
OLD BUSINESS:
Annual Review of the 2008-2010 Consolidated Plan (a k.a. CITY STEPS) -Discussion and
Consideration of Proposed Amendments
Staff distributed a summary of comments gathered from past recipients and the public concerning
CITY STEPS. Hightshoe said that what she has noticed when seeking public input is that
employment training, transportation, affordable rental housing and daycare are many times repeated
amongst several clientele groups. Hightshoe said typically these four priorities are the ones to come
out of every meeting. These four issues are considered high priorities in CITY STEPS. Long said
that if anything stands out as far as public comment over the last year it is the desire to see change.
Shaw asked if "scattered site" housing was a topic of public comment this year and Hightshoe said
that it was not. Richman asked if CITY STEPS needed to be modified to reflect the Housing
Affordability Study, and Long said that it did.
McKay asked if anyone had ever been hired to help out staff. Long replied that the City hired two
people to assist with the buy-out application and the Jumpstart funds.
MONITORING REPORTS:
• Hawkeye Area Community Action Program -Housing (Douglas)
Douglas absent, no report.
• Arc of Southeast Iowa -Operations & Facility Rehab. (Crane)
Crane provided a report to Hightshoe who said that Bill Regan of the Arc stated that the security
lights have been installed and are a great improvement. Regan thanked the Commission for the
funding.
Isis Investments LLC -Rental Housing (Shaw)
Shaw spoke with Salome Raheim, who is currently residing in Connecticut, but is still interested
in applying for the next round of funding. Raheim said that two units are occupied with families
on Section 8 assistance. Yolanda Spears is serving as "properly manager plus" on the project
while Raheim is in Connecticut. Spears is providing additional services above and beyond that
of a traditional property manager and is using her skills as an M.S.W. in social work and a
family resource center coordinator to assist families. Hightshoe said that from staff's
perspective it has been a great project. They located two units immediately and leased both
units by September.
• FY08 Goodwill Industries -Facility Rehabilitation (Shaw)
Shaw was unable to speak directly with the contact at Goodwill Industries and so had nothing to
report.
ADJOURNMENT:
McKay motioned to adjourn. DeFrance seconded.
The motion carried 6-0 and the meeting was adjourned at 8:44 p.m.
Housing & Community Development Commission
Attendance Record
2008
Name Term
Expires AM
2/12 PM
2/12
2/20
3/13
3/27
4/17
5/15
7/17
8/21
9/18
10/7
11/20
Jerr Anthon 09/01 /08 O/E X X X X X X X X -- -- -- -- -- --
Steve Crane 09/01/09 O/E X X X X 0/E X 0/E X X X O/E
Marc De France 09/01/09 X X X X X O/E X X O X X X
And Dou las 09/01/08 X X X 0/E X X X 0/E X X O/E O/E
Charlie Drum 09/01/10 X X O/E X X X X O/E X X X 0/E
Holl Jane Hart 09/01/10 X X X X X X X X X X X X
Rebecca McMurra 09/01/08 X X X X X X X X O/E 0/E X X
Brian Richman 09/01/10 O/E X O/E X X X X X X X X X
Michael Shaw 09/01/09 X X X X X O/E X X O/E X X X
Michael McKa 09/01/11 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- X x x
Key:
X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = AbsenUExcused
NM = No Meeting
-- -- = Not a Member