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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-09-20 Info Packet 1r == + City Council Information Packet wr®c September 20, 2018 CITY OE IOWA CITY www.icgov.org IP1 Council Tentative Meeting Schedule Miscellaneous IP2 Copy of article from City Manager: First Homes Being Built with Housing Trust Fund IP3 Email from Carol deProsse: Inquiry [Staff response included] IP4 Email from Virginia Miller Biking on Sidewalks [Staff response included] IP5 National League of Cities — City Fiscal Conditions 2018 IP6 Invitation: State of Poverty in Johnson County— October 12 IP7 Invitation: Mental Health First Aid Classes — October, November, December, January 2019 Draft Minutes IP8 Board of Adjustment: August 8 IP9 Planning and Zoning Commission: September 6 r I_ City Council Tentative Meeting Schedule -� Subject to change Harvat Hall CITY IOWA CITY September 20, 2018 Date Time Meeting Location Tuesday, October 16, 2018 5:00 PM Tuesday, October 2, 2018 5:00 PM Work Session Emma J. Harvat Hall Harvat Hall 7:00 PM Formal Meeting Monday, October 15, 2018 4:00 PM Reception Emma J. Harvat Hall 4:30 PM Joint Entities Meeting Tuesday, October 16, 2018 5:00 PM Work Session Emma J. Harvat Hall 7:00 PM Formal Meeting Tuesday, November 6, 2018 5:00 PM Work Session Emma J. Harvat Hall 7:00 PM Formal Meeting Tuesday, November 20, 2018 5:00 PM Work Session Emma J. Harvat Hall 7:00 PM Formal Meeting Tuesday, December 4, 2018 5:00 PM Work Session Emma J. Harvat Hall 7:00 PM Formal Meeting Tuesday, December 18, 2018 5:00 PM Work Session Emma J. Harvat Hall 7:00 PM Formal Meeting Kellie Fruehling -WNT- a - IP2 From: Geoff Fruin Sent: Monday, September 17, 2018 2:58 PM To: Kellie Fruehling Cc: Simon Andrew; Ashley Monroe Subject: FW: First Homes Being Built with Housing Trust Fund Kellie — Can you please place this email and the linked report in the IP this week? Thank you - Geoff Fruin City Manager NATIONAL LOW INCOME HOUSING COALITION National Low Income Housing Coalition View this email in your browser 1`Like 10TH NLIHC Releases Getting Started: First Homes Being Built with Housing Trust Fund Awards 1 NLIHC released today a new report, Getting Started: First Homes Being Built with 2016 National Housing Trust Fund Awards. The report details how the first national Housing Trust Fund (HTF) dollars are being put to use to build, rehabilitate and preserve homes for extremely low income households, especially for seniors, people with disabilities, the homeless, and those at risk of homelessness. The report also clearly lays out the GETTING STARTED: First Homes Being Built with 2016 National Housing Trust Fund Awards need for a much greater investment in the Impm $umnwy Report HTF. NLIHC urges all organizations and elected officials to join over 1,500 others in signing onto a letter calling for an investment of at least $3.5 billion annually in the HTF. Read the report here and sign the letter here. The HTF provides block grants to states to build, rehabilitate, and preserve housing affordable to extremely low income (ELI) households, those with incomes at or less than the poverty level or 30% of the area median income. There is a national shortage of 7.2 million rental homes affordable and available to ELI households — for every 100 such households, there are only 35 affordable and available apartments. Eight million of the lowest income households in America spend more than half of their incomes on housing, leaving them few resources for food, healthcare, and other necessities and at great risk of homelessness. The Getting Started report summarizes information from 42 states that have made grant awards of 2016 HTF money to build or preserve more than 1,500 rental homes for extremely low income households in 129 projects across the country. States are prioritizing projects that will serve people experiencing homelessness, people with disabilities, elderly individuals, veterans, and other special needs populations. Read the full Getting Started: First Homes Being Built with 2016 National Housing Trust Fund Awards report at: http://nlihc.org/sites/defaulVfiles/NHTF Getting -Started 2018.pdf Read and sign the letter to Congress at: http://cgreengage.com/nlihc/app/sign- 2 petition?1 &engagementld=297914 To see if your organization is already signed on, please see our most recent list here: http://nlihc.org/sites/default/files/HTF Defense Letter and List 091218.pdf JOIN NLIHC TODAY! NATIONAL LOW INCOME HOUSING COALITION The National Low Income Housing Coalition is dedicated solely to achieving socially just public policy that assures people with the lowest incomes in the United States have affordable and decent homes. Established in 1974 by Cushing N. Dolbeare, the National Low income Housing Coalition is dedicated solely to achieving socially just public policy that assures people with the lowest income in the United States have affordable and decent homes Contact Us: National Low Income Housing Coalition 1000 Vermont Avenue, NW, Suite 500, Washington DC 20005 202-662-1530 x247 www.nlihe.org Copyright © 2018 National Low Income Housing Coalition, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in to receive updates and emails from the National Low Income Housing Coalition. Our mailing address is: National Low Income Housing Coalition 1000 Vermont Avenue, NW Suite 500 Washington, DC 20005 Add us to your address book unsubscribe from this list update subscription preferences GETTING STARTED: First Homes Being Built with 2016 National Housing Trust Fund Awards NATIONAL LOW INCOME HOUSING COALITION W Interim Summary Report, September 2018 Ed Gramlich, Senior Advisor National Low Income Housing Coalition T -i WN -M Project funded by the Housing Trust Fund in Brattleboro, Vermont GETTING First Homes Being Built with 2016 National i Award g Trust Fund STARTED ABOUT NLIHC: Established in 1974 by Cushing N. Dolbeare, the National Low Income Housing Coalition is dedicated solely to achieving socially just public policy that assures people with the lowest incomes in the United States have affordable and decent homes. NLIHC educates, organizes, and advocates to ensure decent, affordable housing for everyone. Learn More about the National Housing Trust Fund and Implementation Plans in Your state at http://nlihc.org NATIONAL LOW INCOME HOUSING COALITION NLIHC BOARD OF DIRECTORS Greg Payne, Chair, Portland, ME Dara Baldwin, Washington, DC Russell "Rusty" Bennett, Birmingham, AL Delorise Calhoun, Cincinnati, OH Emma "Pinky" Clifford, Pine Ridge, SD Yanira Cortes, Newark, NJ Lot Diaz, Washington, DC Chris Estes, Washington, DC Daisy Franklin, Norwalk, CT Dora Leong Gallo, Los Angeles, CA Deidre "Dee Dee" Gilmore, Charlottesville, VA Aaron Gornstein, Boston, MA Moises Loza, Alexandria, VA Rachael Myers, Seattle, WA Marla Newman, Winston-Salem, INC Karlo Ng, San Francisco, CA Ann O'Hara, Boston, MA Nan Roman, Washington, DC Chrishelle Palay, Houston, TX Robert Palmer, Chicago, IL Eric Price, Washington, DC Shauna Sorrells, Kensington, MD Michael Steele, New York, NY Martha Weatherspoon, Clarksville, TN Sim Wimbush, Richmond, VA NLIHC STAFF Sonya Acosta, Policy Analyst Andrew Aurand, Vice President for Research Victoria Bourret, Housing Advocacy Organizer Josephine Clarke, Executive Assistant Dan Emmanuel, Senior Research Analyst Ellen Enrico, Creative Services Manager Justin Godard, Housing Advocacy Organizer Ed Gramlich, Senior Advisor Paul Kealey, Chief Operating Officer Mike Koprowski, Director, Multisector Housing Campaign Joseph Lindstrom, Manager of Field Organizing Lisa Marlow, Communications Specialist Sarah Mickelson, Senior Policy Director Khara Norris, Director of Administration The National Low Income Housing Coalition Catherine Reeves, Development Coordinator 1000 Vermont Avenue, NW • Suite 500 Debra Susie, Disaster Housing Recovery Coordinator Washington, DC 20005 Elayne Weiss, Senior Policy Analyst 202-662-1530 • www.nlihc.org Renee Willis, Vice President for Field and Communications C 2018 National Low Income Housing Coalition Diane Yentel, President and CEO Design and Layout by Ellen Enrico, NLIHC Creative Services Manager. TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION..................................................................1 Background...................................................................1 Timeline forthe Inaugural Year .................................................. 1 Synchronizing the HTF with Other State Resource Allocation Cycles .................. 2 Interim Conclusions............................................................ 2 OVERVIEW OF FINDINGS ..........................................................2 Targeted Populations...........................................................2 HTF Used in Conjunction with Other Resources .................................... 3 SUMMARY STATUS OF 2016 HTF AWARDS: .......................................... 3 STATES THAT HAVE MADE 2016 HTF AWARDS ....................................... 4 STATUS OF REMAINING STATES .................................................... 4 TARGETED POPULATIONS.........................................................5 Homeless..................................................................... 5 Disabled...................................................................... 5 Elderly....................................................................... 5 Veterans......................................................................5 Re-Entry......................................................................5 Domestic Violence............................................................. 5 Diversion From Incarceration.................................................... 5 At -Risk Women With Young Children ............................................. 5 Native American...............................................................5 Family Or Individual............................................................ 5 TYPE OF PROJECT................................................................ 6 OTHER RESOURCES IN HTF-ASSISTED PROJECTS .................................... 6 NUMBER OF PROJECTS BY STATE .................................................. 6 AMOUNT OF 2016 HTF AWARD PER PROJECT ....................................... 7 NUMBER OF HTF-ASSISTED UNITS BY STATES ....................................... 7 SCALE OF PROJECTS............................................................. 7 PHOTOS OF HTF PROJECTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY: ................................ 8 F� q jx A u• 1 .. "IV Project funded by the Housing Trust un in C=helsea, Massachusetts Getting Started: First Homes Being Built with 2016 National INTRODUCTION As of the date of this Interim Report, 36 states have awarded all of their 2016 national Housing Trust Fund (HTF) allocations, and another 5 states have awarded some of their 2016 allocations. Since the 2016 allocations were announced, National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) staff have established working relationships with staff of HTF "state -designated entities' (SDEs). The statute creating the HTF requires states to designate such entities; most are state housing finance agencies, while some are state departments. At this stage, HUD only reports aggregate amounts of 2016 HTF money that a state has obligated and committed. Starting in 2000, NLIHC was instrumental in advocating for the creation of the HTF. Therefore, NLIHC has a strong interest in the success of the HTF as it is now being implemented. To that end, NLIHC staff have contacted SDEs to learn about the status of their 2016 HTF allocations and to obtain information about projects awarded 2016 HTF money. A standard list of questions is posed to SDEs in order to obtain basic project characteristics. This interim report is based on information provided to NLIHC by SDEs. "The national Housing Trust Fund (HTF) is a new program that provides block grants to states to build, rehabilitate, or preserve housing affordable to extremely low income households..." BACKGROUND The national Housing Trust Fund (HTF) is a new program that provides block grants to states to build, rehabilitate, or preserve housing affordable to extremely low income households, those with incomes at or less than 30% of the area median income or less than the federal poverty line. The statute authorizing the HTF requires 90% of the funds awarded to a state to be used for rental NATIONAL LOW INCOME HOUSING COALITION Trust Fund Awards September 2018 housing. The amount of HTF resources awarded to a state is determined by a formula established in the statute. The formula is based principally on the shortage of rental homes affordable and available to extremely low income renter households and the extent to which such households are spending more than half of their income for rent and utilities. In 2017, there was a national shortage of 7.2 million rental homes affordable and available to extremely low income households. Another way of expressing this national gap is that for every 100 extremely low income renter households, there were only 35 affordable and available apartments. Lewiston, Maine TIMELINE FOR THE INAUGURAL YEAR A variety of factors led to states making their 2016 HTF allocation awards in late 2017 or mid - 2018. Although authorized in the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 on July 30, 2008, HTF resources did not become available to states until May 2016. Due to the financial crisis in the fall of 2008, the then -director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), Ed DeMarco, held up the 4.2 basis point assessments that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were to devote to the HTF. By December of 2014, the new FHFA Director Mel Watt concluded that Fannie and Freddie were in stable financial condition, lifted the suspension on the 4.2 basis point assessments, and directed Fannie and Freddie to begin applying the assessments starting on January 1, 2015. After December 31, 2015, Fannie and Freddie had 60 days to determine the amounts they collected for the HTF and forward those amounts to a HUD Started. First Homes Being Built with 2016 National account; the total was $174 million. HUD then had to use the statutory formula to determine how much HTF each state would receive and publish those amounts in the Federal Register, which occurred on May 5, 2016. The statute established a $3 million minimum for states. Given the relatively small initial HTF amount for 2016, 28 states received the $3 million minimum. For 2017, $219 million was available to states, and $266.8 million is available for 2018. The authorizing statute also required each state to develop a draft annual HTF Allocation Plan and seek public input before submitting a final Allocation Plan to HUD for approval. For the first two years, HUD Headquarters staff were involved in reviewing and approving Allocation Plans; the intent was to ensure that inaugural Allocation Plans complied with the law and regulations, thereby setting a standard for the future. No state's Allocation Plan was approved by HUD on first submission. For some, the issues were easily cured by rephrasing or augmenting detailed rehabilitation standards. For other IF Trust Fund Awards September 2018 specific programs. Those other resources have long- established application cycles (some as infrequent as annually). Therefore, states chose to synchronize awarding HTF money to existing award cycles, primarily LIHTC cycles, but also specific HOME or state HTF cycles, as well as special award cycles targeted to special needs projects. INTERIM CONCLUSIONS It is too soon to make conclusions about the use of the HTF during its inaugural year. It is always difficult for key actors to learn about a new program and figure out how to best utilize it. The HTF presented some states and some developers with a steep learning curve because of the HTF's focus on creating apartments affordable to extremely Fargo, North Dakota states, substantial improvements were required and, in the opinion of NLIHC staff, warranted. For example, many states failed to adequately indicate priorities for awarding funds to projects, as required by statute. States could not publish requests for proposals (RFPs) until their 2016 HTF Allocation Plans were approved by HUD. For a number of states, plans were not approved until the fall of 2017. SYNCHRONIZING THE HTF WITH OTHER STATE RESOURCE ALLOCATION CYCLES Although a valuable resource, to date the HTF is still a very modest one. States have long, well- established processes for awarding other resources to affordable housing projects, resources such as the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), the federal HOME Investment Partnerships program (HOME), state Housing Trust Funds, and other state - low income renters. Nonetheless, it appears that as the year progressed those key actors became more comfortable with the unique character of the HTF. In future years, it is likely that states will be able to make awards more expeditiously, and that more developers will seek access to this valuable new resource intended to address the tremendous gap in apartments both affordable and available to extremely low income households. OVERVIEW OF FINDINGS NLIHC has project information from the 42 states that have made awards. To date, 129 projects have been awarded 2016 HTF money, with about 1,500 HTF-assisted units anticipated to be constructed or rehabilitated (Maryland units TBD). TARGETED POPULATIONS States are utilizing most of their HTF resource to target projects that will serve people experiencing homelessness, people with disabilities, elderly people, or other special needs populations. For example, 443 HTF-assisted units are to serve homeless populations, 347 units are to serve people with disabilities, and more than 244 units are targeted to elderly people. In addition, there NATIONAL LOW INCOME HOUSING COALITION Started: First Homes Being Built with 2016 National Housing Trust Fund Awards September 2018 are projects that intend to serve some combination of homeless and/or disabled people; for example there are to be 56 units serving disabled and/or elderly people. (See "Targeted Populations" below.) Nine projects with 88 HTF-assisted units are slated to serve veterans. Another 7 projects with 46 HTF- assisted units are targeted to people re-entering the community from the criminal justice system. More than 456 units are not designated for special needs populations. HTF USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH OTHER RESOURCES Knowing about other major sources of project financing is not essential but is informative. NLIHC does not have complete information from all reporting states; it is the most difficult information to obtain from SDEs in part because it takes extra time for busy SDE staff to respond. Another reason for the difficulty expressed by a few SDEs is that key components of a project's financing had yet to be fully determined when NLIHC requested the information. The Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LI HTC) is a key financing component of 88 HTF-assisted projects. On the other hand, 35 projects are clearly not dependent on the LIHTC. The HOME program contributes gap financing in 49 projects, while the Federal Home Loan Banks' Affordable Housing Program (AHP) provides gap financing for 21 projects. State or local Housing Trust Funds are used in 26 projects, while other state programs are used in 54 projects. SUMMARY STATUS OF 2016 HTF AWARDS: Grand Forks, North Dakota St. Peter, Minnesota NATIONAL LOW INCOME HOUSING COALITION Lebanon, New Hampshire I I Chelsea, Massachusetts Getting Started: First Homes Being Built with 2016 National Housing Trust Fund Awards September 2018 STATES THAT HAVE MADE 2016 HTF AWARDS State Number of Number of State Number of Number of Projects HTF Units Projects HTF Units Alabama (partial) 1 13 Nebraska (partial) 1 4 Alaska 3 6* Nevada 2 30 Arizona 1 30 New Hampshire 2 27 Colorado 3 16 New Jersey 6 20 Delaware 2 40 New Mexico 1 16 Florida 3 24 North Carolina 4 65 Georgia 1 50 North Dakota 3 47 Hawaii (Kauai) 1 11 Ohio 7 144 Idaho 2 9 Oklahoma 4 40 Illinois 1 25 Pennsylvania 5 32** Indiana 4 53 Rhode Island 1 30*** Iowa 1 24 South Carolina (partial) 1 6 Kansas 7 29 South Dakota 6 25 Kentucky 2 24 Tennessee 4 75 Louisiana 5 16 Texas 4 50 Maine 4 27 Utah 3 39 Maryland 3 TBD Vermont 7 17 Massachusetts 7 88 Virginia 5 36 Minnesota 1 16 Washington 2 88 Mississippi 4 108 West Virginia 2 22 Montana (partial) 1 32 Wyoming (partial) 1 11 TOTAL: 129 projects with about 1,500 HTF-assisted units (Maryland units TBD) AK made Anchorage a $545,085 subgrantee. Anchorage is waiting for HUD to approve the Substantial Amendment to its 2016-2017 Action Plan. " PA made 2 awards fall 2017. In spring 2018 five awards were made with remaining 2016 funds along with 2017 funds. For the purpose of this 2016 Summary, NLIHC arbitrarily assigned three projects to 2016. *** RI awarded 2016 and 2017 HTF allocation at same time. State prefers to not designate one project as "2016" or "2017". For the purpose of this 2016 Summary, NLIHC is only reporting the Crossroads project in the 2016 summary because it utilizes $2.5 million in HTF, virtually the entire 2016 allocation. STATUS OF REMAINING STATES State/ Jurisdiction Projected 2016 Awards State/ Jurisdiction Projected 2016 Awards 2016 & 2017 awards,late summer Arkansas Fall 2018 Michigan 2018 California 2016 & 2017 awards, Missouri End of the year, 2018 end of the Year, 2018 New York End of the year, 2018 Connecticut End of the year, 2018 Made 2016, 2017 & 2018 awards in August; District of Continues to make the HTF available Oregon designate 2016 projects mid-September Columbia through RFPs Wisconsin End of the year, 2018 4 NATIONAL LOW INCOME HOUSING COALITION Getting Started: First Homes Being Built with 2016 National Housing Trust Fund Awards September 2018 TARGETED POPULATIONS Note: Some projects will serve mixed populations of families without special needs, as well as homeless households and/or households with someone who has a disability. HOMELESS 37 projects, 443 HTF-assisted units, in 18 states. These include: • Chronic homeless: 9 projects, 139 units, in 8 states • Homeless women specifically: 1 project, 11 units, in Massachusetts • Homeless veterans: 1 project, 12 units, in Massachusetts (This project also listed under "Veterans") • Homeless elderly: 2 projects, 13 units, in Indiana and Maine (These projectsalso listed under"Elderly") • Mentally ill homeless: 1 project, 50 units, in Georgia (This project also listed under "Disabled') • Homeless youth: 3 projects, 34 units, in 3 states (One of which also addresses youth who are pregnant or parenting and youth exiting foster care) • No distinction indicated: 21 projects, 198 units, in 13 states DISABLED 39 projects, 347 HTF-assisted units, in 22 states. These include: • Chronic mental disability: 3 projects, 26 units, in 3 states • Mentally ill homeless: 1 project, 50 units, in Georgia (This project also listed under *Homeless') • Developmental disability: 5 projects, 22 units, in 3 states • Severe traumatic brain injury: 1 project, 14 units, in Utah • Disabled veteran: 1 project, 13 units, in Virginia (This project also listed under "Veterans") • Disabled or veteran: 3 projects, 30 units, in 3 states (These projects also listed under "Veterans') • Disabled elderly: 1 project, 16 units, in Mississippi (This project also listed under "Elderly") • Disabled or elderly: 4 projects, 51 units, in 4 states (These projects also listed under "Eldedy ) • Preference for disabled or elderly: 1 project, 5 units, in Idaho • No distinction indicated: 16 projects, 114 units, in 9 states ELDERLY 27 projects, 244+ HTF-assisted units, in 21 states. These include: • Frail elderly: 1 project, 9 units, in Massachusetts • Homeless elderly: 2 projects, 13 units, in Indiana and Maine (These projects also listed under "Homeless") • Disabled elderly: 1 prot1ect, 16 units, in Mississippi (This project also listed under'Disabfed") • Elderly or disabled: 4 projects, 51 units, in 4 states (These projects also listed under 'Disabled') • Preference for elderly or disabled: 1 project, 5 units, in Idaho • No distinction indicated: 17 projects, 145+ units, in 13 states VETERANS 9 projects, 88 HTF-assisted units, 8 states. These include: • Veterans exclusively: 2 projects, 13 units, in Louisiana and New Hampshire • Homeless veterans: 1 project, 12 units, in Massachusetts (This project also listed under "Homeless") • Disabled veterans: 1 project, 13 units, in Virginia (This project also listed under "Disabled') • Veterans or disabled: 4 projects, 40 units, in 4 states (These projects also listed under 'Disabled') RE-ENTRY 7 projects, 46 HTF-assisted units, in 4 states (Oklahoma project exclusively for women) DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 1 project, 5 HTF-assisted units, in Maine DIVERSION FROM INCARCERATION 1 project, 13 HTF-assisted units, in Oklahoma AT -RISK WOMEN WITH YOUNG CHILDREN 1 project, 20 HTF-assisted units, in North Dakota NATIVE AMERICAN Two projects in South Dakota will have a total of 11 HTF-assisted units (and NAHASDA funds), and one project in North Dakota will have 5 HTF-assisted units. FAMILY OR INDIVIDUAL 37 projects, 456+ HTF-assisted units, in 20 states NATIONAL LOW INCOME HOUSING COALITION 5 Started: First Homes Being Built with 2016 National TYPE OF PROJECT New Construction: 73 projects, 686+ HTF-assisted units, in 33 states New Construction and Demolition: 3 projects, 9 HTF-assisted units, in Maine and Vermont New Construction and Refinance: 1 project, newly construct 6 HTF-assisted units and refinance 8 HTF-assisted units. New Construction as part of Rental Assistance Demonstration: Arizona (Will construct 30 new units for chronically homeless people, and will relocate 70 existing public housing units and convert them to Project -Based Rental Assistance under RAD. 30 HTF-assisted units) Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) Preservation: 7 projects, 170+ HTF-assisted units, 5 states Preservation: 18 projects, 212 HTF- assisted units, in 10 states Rehabilitation with New Construction: 2 projects, 14 units, in Massachusetts and Virginia Rehabilitation: 13 projects, 146 HTF- assisted units, in 4 states Trust Fund Awards September 2018 Acquisition Only: 1 project in Utah, 17 HTF- assisted units OTHER RESOURCES IN HTF-ASSISTED PROJECTS (Not all states provide details about other sources) Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTCs): 88 projects, 974+ HTF-assisted units, in 31 states 35 projects, 437 HTF-assisted units in 19 states clearly not using LIHTC HOME: 49 projects in 29 states (South Dakota, Pennsylvania, and Vermont are biggest users) Affordable Housing Program (AHP) of Federal Home Loan Banks: 21 projects in 15 states (Vermont has 4 projects using AHP) Kuna, Idaho Acquisition and Rehabilitation: 8 projects, 51 HTF- assisted units, in 7 states Acquisition and Conversion: 2 projects, one converting 4 market -rate one -bedroom rental units to new one -bedroom units for chronically homeless people, and one converting commercial space to 20 single room occupancy units (SROs) in Nevada Rehabilitation of Historic Buildings: 2 projects, 5 HTF-assisted units, in Louisiana and Vermont Adaptive Reuse: • a former warehouse in Indiana, 27 HTF-assisted units • a former junior high school in North Dakota, 12 HTF-assisted units State/Local Housing Trust Fund: 26 projects in 16 states (Ohio using its HTF in 6 projects) Other State Program: 54 projects in 23 states (Massachusetts and Vermont each invest state resources in 7 projects) NUMBER OF PROJECTS BY STATE As the chart on page 4 shows, the number of 2016 HTF projects approved by states ranged from one project to 7 projects. Notably, 8 states devoted their entire 2016 HTF allocation to a single project: Arizona (30 HTF units), Georgia (50 HTF units), Hawaii (11 HTF units), Illinois (25 HTF units), Iowa (24 HTF units), Minnesota (16 HTF units), New Mexico (16 HTF units) and Rhode Island (30 units). The Arizona project includes most of the state's 2017 HTF allocation as well. At the other end of the range, 4 states invested their 2016 HTF allocations in 7 projects: Kansas, Massachusetts, Ohio, and Vermont. Among the other states that awarded all of their 2016 HTF allocation, 2 states made 6 awards, 3 NATIONAL LOW INCOME HOUSING COALITION Getting Started: First Homes Being Built with 2016 National Housing Trust Fund Awards September 2018 states made 5 awards, 7 states made 4 awards, 6 states made 3 awards, and 5 states made 2 awards. AMOUNT OF 2016 HTF AWARD PER PROJECT The amount of a 2016 HTF awarded per project varied considerably: 49 projects were awarded HTF amounts of $500,000 or less across 15 states. Kansas and Massachusetts had the most "small" awards at 7, followed by Ohio at 6, and Louisiana, South Dakota, and Vermont at 5. 47 projects were awarded HTF amounts greater than $500,000 but equal to or less than $1 million across 21 states. New Jersey had 5 "medium" awards, followed by Maine and North Carolina, and Tennessee at 4, with Colorado, Indiana, Mississippi, and Utah at 3. 23 projects were awarded HTF amounts greater than $1 million but equal to or less than $2 million across 14 states, with Florida and Texas each making 3 "large" awards and Kentucky, New Hampshire, North Dakota, and West Virginia making 2. (Nevada and Washington made one award close to $2 million and one just under $1 million.) States with RAD projects, such as Mississippi and Ohio,reportthat their four HTF projects will result in 59 and 93 HTF-assisted units, respectively. The range of total number of HTF-assisted units per state are: • 5-10 units per state: 2 states • 11-20 units per state: 7 states • 21-30 units per state: 12 states • 31-40 units per state: 5 states • 41-50 units per state: 3 states • Beyond 50 units: Indiana 53, North Carolina 65, Tennessee 75, Massachusetts 88, Washington 88, Mississippi 108, Ohio 144, SCALE OF PROJECTS The sizes of projects awarded 2016 HTF money vary greatly. New Jersey, which focused on small- scale projects primarily intended to serve 9 states made jumbo" awards Iowa greater than $2 million per project: Arizona, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, New Mexico, and Rhode Island. NUMBER OF HTF-ASSISTED UNITS BY STATES For states that have awarded all of their 2016 HTF allocations, the number of HTF-assisted units awarded by a state varies greatly. Illinois and Iowa invested their entire 2016 HTF allocation in a single project, with 25 and 24 HTF-assisted units, respectively, while Kansas and Vermont spread their 2016 HTF allocations over seven projects, which will yield 27 and 17 HTF-assisted units, respectively. people re-entering communities after incarceration, financed projects that ranged in size from 2 units in total to 8 units in total, with the HTF assisting all units in a project except the larger 8 -unit project. At the other extreme, City, Iowa Ohio has three large projects with relatively modest HTF financial infusion: two RAD projects have 255 total units (52 HTF-assisted, $500,000 HTF) and 203 total units (41 HTF-assisted, $500,000 HTF), and a non -RAD Project -Based Section 8 preservation project with 101 total units (21 HTF-assisted units, $313,000 HTF). Mississippi also has three large projects, a 152 -unit RAD project (31 HTF-assisted, $750,000 HTF), a 100 -unit Project -Based Section 8 property (20 HTF-assisted units, $500,000 HTF), and a 144- unit property (29 HTF-assisted units, $535,579 HTF). Several other states have used their 2016 HTF allocations in large projects but report far fewer HTF-assisted units. For example, South Carolina NATIONAL LOW INCOME HOUSING COALITION 7 Getting Started: First Homes Being Built with 2016 National Housing Trust Fund Awards September 2018 will construct 113 new units and invest $700,000 and Hawaii will invest all $2.7 million in HTF to in HTF dollars, yielding 6 HTF-assisted units; Texas construct 134 units, yielding 11 HTF-assisted units. will construct 174 units and invest $1.5 million The range of total units in a project are: in HTF dollars, yielding 16 HTF-assisted units; 2-8 units: 18 projects 71-80 units: 12 projects 10-20 units: 16 projects 81-90 units: 1 project 21-30 units: 19 projects 91-100 units: 4 projects 31-40 units: 14 projects 101-150 units: 7 projects 41-50 units: 13 projects 151-200 units: 2 projects 51-60 units: 7 projects 200+ units: 3 projects 61-70 units: 11 More general HTF information is on NLIHC's website, http://niihc.org/issues/nhtf, as is additional state - specific information on the NLIHC website. For example, state staff names and contact information is provided along with HTF Allocation Plans. PHOTOS OF HTF PROJECTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY: Poultney, Vermont Millstone, New Jersey Wichita, Kansas Auburn, Maine St. Peter, Minnesota NATIONAL LOW INCOME HOUSING COALITION Getting Started: First Homes Being Built with 2016 National Housing Trust Fund Awards September 2018 `O Derby, Kansas Illinois Lewiston, Maine E Lebanon, New Hampshire Marshfield, Vermont Fargo, North Dakota Brockton, Massachusetts NATIONAL LOW INCOME HOUSING COALITION 9 IONAL LOW INCOME HOUSING COALITION 1000 VERMONT AVENUE, NW SUITE 500 WASHINGTON,DC 20005 202-662-1530 • NLIHC.ORG 09/12/2018 -6§,M -,Tr IP3 Kellie Fruehling From: Carol deProsse <lonetreefox@mac.com> Sent: Wednesday, September 19, 2018 11:16 AM To: Jody Matherly Cc: Council; Geoff Fruin Subject: Re: Inquiry Jody, I obviously don't get downtown that often. Thanks for the picture. Carol On Sep 18, 2018, at 3:16 PM, Jody Matherly <Jodv-Matherly@iowa-citv.org> wrote: There are many signs as seen on the attached displayed throughout downtown. Bikes are legal to ride in the alley's. <image001.png> <image002.jpg> <image003.png> From: Carol deProsse [mailto:lonetreefox@mac.coml Sent: Tuesday, September 18, 2018 11:01 AM To: Jody Matherly <Jodv-Matherlv@iowa-citv.ora> Cc: Council <Council(c@iowa-citv.or¢>; Geoff Fruin <Geoff-Fruin(miowa-citv.org> Subject: Re: Inquiry Thank you, Jody. Your reply proves to me how glad I was when you were appointed Chief. One other quick question? Are there signs posted downtown that say "no bicycle riding on sidewalk in the downtown area" (or similar)? I ask, because there are a fair number of bikers in the alleys. Is it legal to ride them in the alleys? On Sep 18, 2018, at 10:47 AM, Jody Matherly <Jody-MatherIYaiowa-city.org> wrote: Carol, Thank you for contacting us. During the time periods you inquired about, there were ten Bicycle on Sidewalk citations issued September, October, November 2017 and one issued April, May, June, 2018. The Iowa City city code regulates the operation of bicycles with a sense of safety in mind. It is legal to ride bicycles on most sidewalks when done in a prudent and careful manner. However, in the downtown area, the law changes. City code does prohibit riding bicycles on sidewalks in the central business district as defined in section 9-8-1. In addition, under 10-5-3 it is illegal to ride bicycles in the City Plaza, also known as the ped mall (the area on College between Clinton and Lynn and Dubuque between College and Washington). 9-8-1: OPERATION OF BICYCLES E. Riding On Sidewalk: 1. No person shall ride a bicycle upon a sidewalk in the central downtown business district. The central downtown business district is the area bounded by and including Capitol Street to the west, Burlington Street to the south, Gilbert Street to the east, and Jefferson Street to the north. 2. Whenever any person is riding a bicycle upon a sidewalk, such person shall yield the right of way to any pedestrian and shall give audible signal before overtaking and passing such pedestrian. 10-5-3: BICYCLE AND NONMOTORIZED VEHICLE RESTRICTIONS: A. Bicycles: No person shall ride a bicycle within the City Plaza; no bicycles shall be left unattended within City Plaza unless located in a bicycle rack; no bicycle shall be locked or affixed to any post or structure other than a bicycle rack. Regarding the fine for that violation, it is $15. However, citations include a 35% surcharge ($5.25) and court costs ($60), which brings it to a total of $80.25. Per Iowa Code, the city receives 90% of the $15 fine ($13.50) and 5% of the surcharge, which goes into the city's General fund. It does not go directly into the police department's budget. The city council ultimately decides which laws and fines are contained in our city code. Respectfully, <image001.png> <image002.jpg> <image003.png> From: Carol deProsse [mailto:lonetreefox@mac.com] Sent: Saturday, September 15, 2018 9:23 AM To: Jody Matherly <Jodv-Matherlv@iowa-city.org> Cc: Council <Council@iowa-citv.ore>; Geoff Fruin <Geoff-Fruin@iowa-citv.org> Subject: Inquiry Jody, Is there a way to retrieve citations issued by the ICPD for bicycling on a City sidewalk for the months of September, October, and November of 2017 and for the months of April, May, and June of 2018? And will you cite me the section of the IC Code that prohibits bicycling on City sidewalks? I am interested in acquiring this information because of the recent arrest of Ryan Hall by one of the department's officers. During his encounter with the police the officer said that "many" citations for riding a bike on the sidewalk were issued by officers and I would like to know how "many" is defined by him by the actual number written up. Each citation apparently carries a fine of $82, and the officer said that not one penny goes to the police department. Is this accurate? I have been under the impression for years that some portion of many fines did accrue to the City. If the money doesn't go to the City, where does it go? Can you enlighten me on this, please. Also, who or what body establishes the fine for such an offense? Thank you, Carol deProsse 1401 Burry Drive Iowa City Disclaimer The information contained in this communication from the sender is confidential. It is intended solely for use by the recipient and others authorized to receive it. If you are not the recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or taking action in relation of the contents of this information is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. <DT bike signs.JPG> ON SIDEWALK " I I DOWPOWN -n -n -f>- IN Kellie Fruehling From: Kellie Fruehling Sent: Wednesday, September 19, 2018 3:21 PM Cc: Council Subject: FW: biking on sidewalks [Staff response included] Previously distributed in the 9/17 late handouts. = IOWA CITY • UNESCO CIIr OF UrERAEUEE Kellie Fruehling City Clerk office: 319-356-5041 410 E Washington St, Iowa City, IA 52240 WWW ICGOV ORG 0400 From: Jody Matherly Sent: Thursday, September 13, 2018 4:38 PM To: 'virginiamiller@uwalumni.com' <virginiamiller@uwalumni.com> Cc: Council <Council@iowa-city.org> Subject: FW: biking on sidewalks Virginia, Thank you for contacting us regarding riding bicycles on sidewalks. We are glad to hear that you and your family are experiencing the joys of bicycling and the benefits it brings. The Iowa City city code regulates the operation of bicycles with a sense of safety in mind. It is legal to ride bicycles on most sidewalks when done in a prudent and careful manner. So riding on the sidewalks from your home to downtown is legal. However, once you reach downtown the law changes. City code does prohibit riding bicycles on sidewalks in the central business district as defined in 9-8-1. In addition, under 10-5-3 it is illegal to ride bicycles in the City Plaza, also known as the ped mall (the area on College between Clinton and Lynn and Dubuque between College and Washington). So, when you reach the intersection of Burlington St. and Capitol St and do not desire to ride on the street with traffic, you have a couple of options to comply with the law: 1) dismount and walk your bicycle to the library 2) To continue to ride on sidewalks, cross Burlington St at Madison St, ride the sidewalks to Court St and then to Linn, St, then to Burlington St. That is just a couple extra blocks and then a very short walk to the library. 9-8-1: OPERATION OF BICYCLES E. Riding On Sidewalk: 1. No person shall ride a bicycle upon a sidewalk in the central downtown business district. The central downtown business district is the area bounded by and including Capitol Street to the west, Burlington Street to the south, Gilbert Street to the east, and Jefferson Street to the north. (Ord. 97-3788, 6-3-1997) 2. Whenever any person is riding a bicycle upon a sidewalk, such person shall yield the right of way to any pedestrian and shall give audible signal before overtaking and passing such pedestrian. (1978 Code §23-64; amd. Ord. 97-3765, 1-14-1997) 10-5-3: BICYCLE AND NONMOTORIZED VEHICLE RESTRICTIONS: A. Bicycles: No person shall ride a bicycle within the City Plaza; no bicycles shall be left unattended within City Plaza unless located in a bicycle rack; no bicycle shall be locked or affixed to any post or structure other than a bicycle rack. If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact us. Jody z. Aa:hery Chief of Police 19 Iowa City, Iowa Fair o- 319-356-5271 gewmsi e Professional From: Virginia Miller<virginiamiller@uwalumni.com> Sent: Thursday, September 13, 2018 9:02 AM To: Council <Council@iowa-city.org> Subject: biking on sidewalks Hello IC council - I have a question: lately when my kids want to go to the library we have been riding our bikes to get there. We make the trip 1-2 times per week. My 8 year old rides on his own bike, and my 5 year old rides behind me on a tagalong. We ride on the sidewalks the entire trip from our house in University Heights, down Melrose, across the pedestrian bridge (where we dismount and walk) and then up the hill to downtown. It is not safe for us to ride in the street. We aren't traveling fast enough to keep up with car traffic and my kids are not smart or coordinated enough to keep clear of cars. I see that yesterday Ryan Hall was issued a citation for riding on the sidewalk, which makes me concerned for our own trips downtown. I don't want to be cited for riding on the sidewalk, but it isn't safe for us in the streets. What would you recommend we do? Thanks, Virginia Miller msw� rt Iloilo M 1. I II 11 ltr ltlluy u •yf0 : NLC 0 �g IP5 NATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES CENTER FOR CITY SOLUTIONS c I"i��4\\�•`' 1111111 �������• III I I11'� !111!111 III 111 I III11 11 1111111[1 Ilill 11 11 111 11 1 11111 11 1111 111 IIIII 1 11 IIIII !! 11 III II 1 off,11 11 111 111 1 1i111 1111 •1 r.t 1 111,1 11 1! 1 111. X1111 11 11 I I I U I I 11111 11 111 I1) 1 111111 !! 1■ 111 111 I IIIII 11 ■ 111 111 I 11111 11 111 I r Joel r,�iil : /■r iis'. uewmu w -ICI iyu — w Iy a IU PIu IeuI Iy -Ih— m mei Imo U UNPut I III sy, leadership, and governance. NUC is a resource and advocate for more than 1,600 member cities and the 49 state municipal leagues, representing 19,000 cities and towns and more than 218 million Americans. NLCs Center for City Solutions provides research and analysis on key topics and trends important to cities, creative solutions to improve the quality of life in communities, inspiration and ideas for local officials to use in tackling tough issues, and opportunities for city leaders to connect with peers, share experiences and learn about innovative approaches in cities. About the Authors Christiana McFarland is research director in the Center for City Solutions at the National League of Cities. Michael A. Pagano is dean of the College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs and director of the Government Finance Research Center at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Acknowledgements The authors would like to acknowledge the respondents to this year's fiscal survey The commitment of these finance officers to the project is greatly appreciated. The authors are also grateful to Farhad Naas Omeyr and Xiaoheng Wang, doctoral students in the Department of Public Administration at the University of Illinois at Chicago, for collecting general fund data on nearly 200 of the nation's largest cities. The authors would also like to thank the following National League of Cities colleagues for their research support and keen insights'. Brian Egan, principal associate, Finance, Administration and Intergovernmental Relations, Anita Vadavalli, program director, City Fiscal Policy, and Spencer Wagner, research intern. Photo credits All photo Images credited to Gem Irnwes. 2013. Q 2018 National League of ones. AI Rights Reserved. 1 Executive Summary 3 Meeting Fiscal Needs 7 Factors 11 Revenue and Spending Trends 13 Tax Revenues 15 Fiscal Policy Actions 19 Impact of Federal Tax Reform on City Finances 21 Beyond 2018 The 2018 City Fiscal Conditions survey indicates that slightly more finance officers than last year are optimistic about the fiscal capacity of their cities. However, the level of optimism is still far below recent years. Furthermore, tax revenue growth is experiencing a year -over - year slowdown, with the growth in service costs and other expenditures outpacing it. Taken together, the survey results suggest that cities are approaching the limits of fiscal expansion. ■ Finance officers from the smallest cities are least likely to report that their cities are better able to meet the fiscal needs of their communities this year over last (63%). Meanwhile, finance officers from cities in the South are most likely to report feeling confident this year (81%). ■ General fund expenditures are outpacing revenues, a trend anticipated to continue into next year Although revenues are not in decline, they grew only 125 percent in FV 2017, and are expected to stagnate in FY 2018. Expenditures grew 216 percent in FV 2017, with growth for FY 2018 budgeted at 197 percent. ■ All major tax sources grew slower in FV 2017 than in FY 2016, and all are expected to grow less than one percent in FV 2018. In FV 2017'. • Property tax revenues grows 6 percent compared to 43 percent in FV 2016 • Sales tax revenues grew 1.8 percent, compared to 37 percent in FV 2016 • Income tax revenues grew 13 percent compared to 2 4 percent in FV 2016 ■ Cities continue to rely on the same revenue generating actions as they have in the past, namely increasing service fee prices (41%) and property tax rates (28%). This year, fewer cities are instituting new types of fees (18 percent this year versus 26 percent last year). ■ Employee wages (88%), public safety (78%) and infrastructure (71%) are the most common areas for which cities increased spending. Fewer cities this year are contracting or privatizing city services and more are increasing spending on personnel and workforce expansion. ■ By and large, it is too soon to tell specifically how provisions of the Federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 will impact city finances, except for advance refunding bonds. Thirty-five percent of city finance officers are already seeing negative fiscal impacts associated with the elimination of tax-exempt advance refunding bonds. Sixty one percent report that the loss of this fiscal tool will have negative impacts on future fiscal health. These trends come at a time when cities have not yet regained losses from the Great Recession and face uncertainty from federal and state partners. Despite these challenges, cities continue to balance their budgets, remain resilient and serve as engines of national economic growth. What is the City Fiscal Conditions Survey? The City Fiscal Conditions Survey is a national online survey of finance officers in U.S. cities conducted in the spring and summer of each year. This is the 33rd annual edition of the NLC survey, which began in i986. Last year we noted the start of a downward trend in finance officer optimism, with a significant increase in the percentage reporting that their cities were less able to meet the financial needs of their communities than the year before.' This was the result of a culmination of challenges facing cities in 2017, including threats to Community Development Block Grant funding, uncertainty about the federal infrastructure plan and rising costs of providing services. Slightly more city finance officers feel optimistic this year than last, with nearly three in four (73%) confident in the fiscal position of their cities (see Figure 1). When examining regional differences, finance officers in cities in the South are the most likely to report that their communities are better able to meet fiscal needs (see Rgure2). When examining responses by city size, finance officers in cities with fewer than 50,000 residents are least likely to report being better able to meet their financial needs (see Figure 3) Larger cities, on the other hand, have been experiencing faster economic growth and expanding tax bases. They are also typically better able than smaller communities to reap benefits from their tax bases due to greater access to fiscal tools, including taxing authority Percent of Cities "Better Able/Less Able" to Meet Financial Needs 808381 75 73 58 65 68 68 6 s o 63 65 70 J3 6g J3 54 56 57 • 0 • 0 45 43 33 34 0 37 36 31 33 0 19 getter 13 13 Able(%) Less Able (%) • • 2019 19 00 25 • 33 31 37 • 9 37 0 30 • 38 31 37 46 43 44 a 43 • • 55 • 67 66 63 64 79 78 • 00 88 87 ou Each year, respondents are asked whether various factors that determine revenue performance, spending levels and overall fiscal conditions increased or decreased from the previous year, as well as which three had the most positive and negative influences on their cities' overall fiscal health. Like previous years, finance officers report that state (25%) and federal (19%) aid have decreased the most over the past year (see Figure 4). Wages (945), prices and costs of providing services (92%), and infrastructure (86%) top the list of expenditures that have increased. A notable change from last year is the rising global price of gas and oil, which has affected city budgets. Seventy eight percent of finance officers indicate that their gas and oil prices have increased over the past year (compared with only 28 percent reporting increased prices in 2017)? Change in Selected Factors 8• Decrease Increase (Y.) (%) Wages I nfrestructu re Prices/Costs Public Safety Health Benefits fa lax Base k'N Pensions L 9r Population Rl Local Economic Health IF Human Services State Mandates Federal Mandates • 27 State Aid 25 • • 24 Federal Aid 19 b • 14 Oil Prices • 94 • 86 • 92 • 84 • 85 • 84 • 77 • 68 • 72 • 60 • 48 • 78 8 City Fiscal Conditions 2017 When we examine the magnitude of these changes, we find that, consistent with recent years, the overall value of the local tax base (81%) and health of the local economy (80%) have had the most favorable impacts on city budgets (see Figure 5). Compared to 2017, however, gas and oil prices, and the costs of providing services, are no longer viewed by a large share of finance officers as having a positive impact on city budgets. State (18%) and federal (13%) aid have surfaced as two of the top five most positive budgetary impacts this year However, these numbers are similar to those reported in 2017 (13 percent and 11 percent, respectively). The top five negative factors— infrastructure needs (57%), public safety needs (49%), the cost of employee/retiree pensions (40%), the cost of employee/retiree health benefits (36%) and employee wages and salaries (35%) — are unchanged from last year However, this year, fewer finance officers report health benefits (45 percent in 2017) and wages/salaries (44 percent in 2017) as pressing budgetary challenges. Most Positive and Negative Factors pent 13 percent In 11 Changes in general fund revenues are typically a good proxy for local economic and fiscal conditions. General fund revenues are derived from property, sales, income, utility and other taxes, user fees and shared revenues. General fund expenditures provide funding to cities' general operations and constitute, on average, more than 55 percent of total city spending. This analysis exam i nes yea r -over -year growth of general fund expenditures and revenues, adjusts for inflation (constant dollars) and utilizes fiscal data over several years including:' ■ FV 2016'. the prior year ■ FV 2017'. the fiscal year for which finance officers have most recently closed the boob (and therefore have verified the final numbers) ■ FV 2018'. the current fiscal year for which budget data is still being estimated a 0 2 3 q s 6 In constant dollars, general fund revenues grew 125 percent in FV 2017 (see Figure 6). The revenue growth peak was in FV 2015, which means revenue growth has been slowing for two consecutive years. Finance officers have budgeted even less growth heading into FV 2018 (0.37%). Itis typical for finance officers to be conservative when estimating revenue growth for the upcoming fiscal year Although actual growth is likely to be slightly higher when finance officers close the books on FV 2018, given recent growth trends, we do not anticipate revenues to outpace those in FY 2017 For the same reasons, once the fiscal year ends, actual expenditures will likely be less than budgeted expenditures FV 2017 expenditure growth was 216 percent and is budgeted at 197 percent growth for FV 2018. Expenditures have continued to grow above two percent for the past few years and are outpacing revenues. This trend is expected to continue into FV 2018. Year -to -Year Change in General Fund Revenues and Expenditures @ e change in CorsGnt Haler l eeenue (6enemi Fund) 0 v Change in Comtant Dollar FX{ nd i (General Fund) leo 1990 19. 2000 2005 2010 2015 201 12 We analyzed the performance of each major revenue source in terms of year-over-yeargrowthand inflation-adjusted dollars using data from FY 2016, FY 2017 and FY 2018 (estimated). Our findings reveal that those sources that are more responsive to economic conditions — such as sales and income tax collections— hit their growth peaks in 2015, while property tax revenues—which lag economic conditions— hit a growth peak in 2016 (see Figure 7). All major tax sources grew more slowly in FY 2017 than in FY 2016, a trend expected to continue in FY 2018 The behavior of property, income and sales taxes influences the growth of overall general fund revenues. While nearly all cities have access to a local property tax, more than half are also authorized to collect local sales taxes, and some cities (fewer than 10 percent nationally) are authorized to collect local income or wage taxes. PROPERTY TAXES. Local property tax revenues are driven by the value of residential and commercial property, with property tax bills determined by local governments' assessment of property values. They are considered more inelastic — or less responsive — to economic changes than other tax sources. Because of assessment practices, property tax revenues typically reflect the value of a property anywhere from 18 months to several years prior to collection. (For more on the lag that takes place between economic changes and city revenues, see page 23 ) Property tax revenues have been growing steadily since FY 2013. Between FY 2016 and FY 2017, however, property tax revenue growth slowed to 2.6 percent. Property tax collections are expected to slow further heading into FY 2018, with less than one percent growth budgeted. SALES TAXES. While propertytax revenues are considered a lagged indicator of economic changes, sales taxes are elastic- or more responsive to economic changes - and often better reflect fiscal shifts. This is because people tend to spend more on goods and services when consu mer confidence is high. When a city is economically healthy, city g ovem ments with the authority to collect sales tax revenues reap the benefits. Sales tax revenues grew only] 8 percent in FY 2017, and are expected to stagnate in FY 2018, with just 02 percent growth. INCOME TAXES. Like sales taxes, income taxes are a more elastic source of revenue At the city level, income tax revenues are driven primarily by income and wages, rather than by capital gains (New York City is a notable exception). Income tax receipts grew] 3 percent in FY 2017, with an anticipated growth of 066 percent in FY 2018. Year-to-year Change in General Tax Receipts (Constant Dollars) 8% 6 4 2 O 2 4 6 8 10 1996 2000 2005 2010 2. (eu 2013 as1� ,x es) •Pmrem*a:(%) a ncoi �(%) Cities anticipate changes in the economy, service needs and other costs, and actively adjust revenues and expenditures to balance their budgets. To better understand this practice, we asked city finance officers about local fiscal policy responses in 2018. As has been the case for much of the past two decades, the most common action taken to boost city revenues, regardless of broader economic trends, has been to increase fees charged for services. About two in five (41%) city finance officers report that their cities have raised fee levels (see Figure 8). Although the percentage reporting that their city has increased fee levels has remained consistent, fewer cities report increasing the number of fees applied to city services (26 percent in 2017 versus 18 percent in 2018). In some places, adding new fees may not be a politically feasible policy option, while in others the city may have already levied fees on all applicable services. 1919 City Revenue Actions Fee Levels Property Tax Rate Level of Impact Fees No of Fees OtherTax Rate Sales Tax Rate Tax Base No. of Other Taxes Income Tax Rate Fewer cities report increasing the number of fees applied to city services. This year, 28 percent of cities increased their local property tax rates. Since the mid-1990s, irrespective of economic conditions, the percentage of city finance officers reporting increases in property taxes has remained almost unchanged. This reflects the state- and voter -imposed restrictions on local property tax authority, as well as the political challenges associated with raising property tax rates. Increases in sales (4%), income (1%) or other types of tax rates are even less common. Cities also adjust expenditures to help balance their budgets. In 2018, most cities report increasing employee wages (88%), public safety expenditures (78%) and infrastructure spending (71%) (see Figure 9). Compared with last year, fewer cities report increasing spending on contracting city services and privatization (20 percent in 2017 versus 11 percent in 2018). Studies have shown that cities are less likely to contract out and more likely to provide services in-house when revenue growth is slowing or declining° More cities have increased spending on personnel (46 percent in 2017 versus 53 percent in 2018) and health plans (35 percent in 2017 versus 44 percent in 2018). YJ City Expenditure Actions Infrastructure spending Human services spending Public Safety spending Education spending Spending on other city services Privatization/Contracting out services Number/Scope of inter -local agreements/cost-sharing Personnel/Size of municipal workforce Employee wages Employee/retiree pension plans Employee/retiree health plans Number/Scope of capital projects Fewer cities report increasing spending on contracting city services and privatization. This year, NLC asked city finance officers a series of questions pertaining to the impact of the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 on fiscal health. These questions focused on the current and anticipated impacts of tax reform provisions including'. ■ The $10,000 capon the state and local tax (SALT) deduction ■ The elimination of tax-exempt advance refunding bonds ■ Taxability of local governments' contributions to capital made to corporations5 ■ The elimination of tax credit bonds Across the board, respondents feel it is "too soon to tell" how these four provisions impacted cities' financial needs in the current fiscal year (see Figure 10). The one exception is the elimination of tax-exempt advance refunding bonds. The advance refunding bond was a tool that enabled cities and other public issuers to issue another tax-exempt bond to refinance existing debt. Thirty five percent of officers note a negative impact. It will take a few years to fully understand how tax reform will affect local governments. However, we asked officers how they "anticipated" the provisions would impact their cities' ability to meet financial needs beyond this fiscal year Roughly one in three respondents foresee negative impacts resulting from most of the tax reform provisions, while about one in ten foresee positive impacts from tax reform overall Strikingly, 61 percent of finance officers report the elimination of tax- exempt advance refunding bonds will have a negative impact on future fiscal health. 20 CURRENT FUTURE Reported Impact of Tax Reform Impact ® The elimination inat of tax -credit bonds Cities' Current and Future Ability to Meet Financial Needs (%) ■ (%) POSITIVELY 3® 0 Taxability of local governments' corporations(ons ocapital to 18) corporations (Section 11m (%) NEGATIVELY ■ (%) NO OBSERVED CHANGE/ NO ANTICIPATED CHANGE (%)NOT FAMILIAR WITH THIS PROVISION 5 5 The elimination of tax-exempt advance refunding bonds $10A00 (SP [ state and a local tax00 (SALT) deduction state 4 ®• The passage of tax reform (H.R. 1) in its entirety 20 This year's analysis demonstrates decelerating fiscal growth in cities across the country Cities' revenue growth — including all three major sources of tax revenue — isslowing. Growth of expenditures is outpacing revenues, and fewer finance officers are confident in the fiscal positions of their cities. Although fiscal health is not yet declining, these conditions echo several cautionary signals from previous economic downturns. These trends also come at a time when cities are still recovering from the Great Recession and face potentially countervailing long-term effects from several recent major federal actions. Two key examples of such actions are the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in South Dakota v Wayfair(2018) and the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. The Wayfair ruling is significant because it overturned precedent that allowed certain remote retailers — withouta physical presence in the state — to avoid collecting state and local sales taxes. While the exact impact of this ruling has yet to be determined, it is generally expected to improve sales tax collections and increase the fiscal health for any state or local government that levies a sales tax. Estimates indicate that the inability to collect taxes on certain remote sales cost state and local governments nationwide nearly $26 billion in 2015 in foregone tax revenues Shortly after the decision, Moody's Investors CC Service labeled the ruling as "credit positive for state and local governments, particularly states that rely heavily on sales tax revenues to support their operations` Meanwhile, of the many provisions in last year's Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the elimination of tax- exempt advance refunding bonds appears to be the biggest threat to cities now and in the future. Advance refunding bonds allowed cities to respond to, and take advantage of, market fluctuations, achieve lower interest rates responsibly save local taxpayer dollars, and free up capital to make needed infrastructure improvements. In 2017, advance refunding bond volume was $842 billion, resulting in savings for taxpayers of over $25 billion a Tax reform removed this tool from cities' already limited fiscal toolboxes. Cities can best meet the needs of their residents when their fiscal systems and current conditions are stable, fair and aligned with thei r u keenly ng eco no mies,a Looking beyond 2018, the confluence of economic trends and decisions from other levels of government will create challenges as cities continue to provide sound infrastructure, public safety, pensions, healthcare and other critical services. Nevertheless, even when faced with present levels of uncertainty, cities are resilient. They balance their budgets each year and make critical decisions that affect the economic future of their cities and the nation. Estimates indicate that the inability to collect taxes on certain remote sales cost state and local governments nationwide nearly $26 billion. City Fiscal Conditions 2018 The Lag between Economic and City Fiscal Conditions In economic terms, the "lag" refers to the amount of time between economic conditions changing and those conditions having an impact on city revenue collections. In general, cities seem to feel the impacts of changing economic conditions quite early However, because most fiscal reporting occurs on an annual basis, those impacts tend not to become evident until some point after they have started to occur The lag can last anywhere from 18 months to several years and is largely related to the timing of property tax collections. Because property tax bills are calculated based on property assessments from a previous year, dips in real estate prices rarely occur simultaneously with economic downturns. Sales and income tax collections also exhibit lags due to various collection and administrative issues, but such lags typically do not last for more than a few months. Figure 7 shows year-to-year changes in city general fund revenues and expenditures. It includes markers for the official US. recessions from 1991, 2001 and 2007, with low points, or "Troughs," occurring in March 1991, November 2001 and June 2009!0 When we overlay data from NLCs annual surveys, we find that the low points for city revenues and expenditures lag about two years behind the onset of recessions. For instance, the low point for the 1991 recession occurred in 1993, approximately two years after the trough (the recession took place between March 1991 and March 1993). Additionally, during the 2001 recession, that low point occurred in 2003, approximately 18 months after the trough (that recession lasted from November 2001 to April 2003). It should be noted, however, that because the annual NLC City Fiscal Conditions survey is conducted at slightly different times each year, there is some degree of error in the lengths of these lags. For instance, had the survey been conducted in November 1992 rather than in April 1993, we might have seen the effects of changing economic conditions earlier Nevertheless, the evidence suggests that it takes 18-24 months for the effects of changing economic conditions to become evident in city budgets. Home Values Lag Period Property Tax Decrease Collection Northeast City 12% Home 'nmmuuuuw uuuuuun .nu. mnmuuu values Lagnmeona-zamonths Midwest due to property assessment 239o schedules 126 About the Survey The City Fiscal Conditions survey is a national email survey of finance officers in US. cities conducted from May to July of each year Surveys were emailed to city finance officers from 983 cities with populations greater than 10,000. Officers were asked to give their assessments of their cities' fiscal conditions. The survey also requested budget and finance data from all but nearly 200 of the largest cities, data for these cities were collected directly from online city budget documents. In total, the 2018 data were drawn from 341 cities and yielded a response rate of 35 percent. The data allow for generalizations about the fiscal conditions in cities. Much of the statistical data presented here must also be understood within the context of cross -state variations in tax authority, functional responsibilities and accounting systems. The number and scope of governmental functions influence both revenues and expenditures. For example, many northeastern cities are responsible for funding not only general government functions but also public education. Additionally, some cities are required by their states to assume more social welfare responsibilities or traditional county functions. Cities also vary according to their revenue - generating authority Certain states— notably Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania — allow their cities to tax earnings and wages. Meanwhile, several cities — such as those in Colorado, Louisiana, New Mexico and Oklahoma — depend heavily on sales tax revenues. Moreover, state laws vary in how they require cities to account for funds. When we report on fiscal data such as general fund revenues and expenditures, we are referring to all responding cities' aggregated fiscal data. Therefore, the data are influenced by relatively larger cities that have more substantial budgets and that deliver services to a preponderance of the nation's residents. When we report on non -fiscal data —such as finance officers' assessments of their cities' ability to meet fiscal needs, or factors they perceive as affecting their budgets—we refer to the percentage of officers responding in a particular way Each city's response to these questions is weighted equally, regardless of population size. 300,000+ 5717X Northeast City 12% Revenue 106 About the Survey The City Fiscal Conditions survey is a national email survey of finance officers in US. cities conducted from May to July of each year Surveys were emailed to city finance officers from 983 cities with populations greater than 10,000. Officers were asked to give their assessments of their cities' fiscal conditions. The survey also requested budget and finance data from all but nearly 200 of the largest cities, data for these cities were collected directly from online city budget documents. In total, the 2018 data were drawn from 341 cities and yielded a response rate of 35 percent. The data allow for generalizations about the fiscal conditions in cities. Much of the statistical data presented here must also be understood within the context of cross -state variations in tax authority, functional responsibilities and accounting systems. The number and scope of governmental functions influence both revenues and expenditures. For example, many northeastern cities are responsible for funding not only general government functions but also public education. Additionally, some cities are required by their states to assume more social welfare responsibilities or traditional county functions. Cities also vary according to their revenue - generating authority Certain states— notably Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania — allow their cities to tax earnings and wages. Meanwhile, several cities — such as those in Colorado, Louisiana, New Mexico and Oklahoma — depend heavily on sales tax revenues. Moreover, state laws vary in how they require cities to account for funds. When we report on fiscal data such as general fund revenues and expenditures, we are referring to all responding cities' aggregated fiscal data. Therefore, the data are influenced by relatively larger cities that have more substantial budgets and that deliver services to a preponderance of the nation's residents. When we report on non -fiscal data —such as finance officers' assessments of their cities' ability to meet fiscal needs, or factors they perceive as affecting their budgets—we refer to the percentage of officers responding in a particular way Each city's response to these questions is weighted equally, regardless of population size. 300,000+ 5717X Northeast 41 12% 100,000-299,999 106 31% Midwest 77 239o 50,000-99,999 126 37% South 115 34% 10,000-49,999 52 15% West 108 32% 24 City Fiscal Conditions 2018 References 1 Although the opinion of finance officers is a sim- ple perception indicator, it represents the informed opinion of those who manage budgets year-round. Finance officers see firsthand the fluctuations in revenues and expenditures, and the impacts budget decisions have on residents. Their response to "ability to meet fiscal needs" has historically tracked well with more quantitative fiscal measures. 2 Although the opinion of finance officers is a sim- ple perception indicator, it represents the informed opinion of those who manage budgets year-round. Finance officers see firsthand the fluctuations in revenues and expenditures, and the impacts budget decisions have on residents. Their response to "ability to meet fiscal needs" has historically tracked well with more quantitative fiscal measures. 3 "Constant dollars" refers to inflation adjusted dollars. "Current dollars" refers to non -inflation-ad- justed dollars. Constant dollars are a more accurate source of comparison over time because the dol- lars are adjusted to account for differences in the costs of state and local government To calculate constant dollars, we adjust current dollars using the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis National Income and Product Account estimate for inflation in the state and local government sector 4 Levin, Jonathan, and Steven Tadelis. "Contracting for Government Services: Theory and Evidence from US Cities" The Journal of Industrial Econom- As, vol 52, no.3 (Sept. 2010). pp. 507-541. web. Stanford edu/-jdlevin/ Papers/Citiespdf, Keetch, Cristiane Carvalho, "Trends in the Contracting out of Local Government Services" (2013). Graduate Theses and Dissertations. http://scho Is rcom mons. usfadu/etd/4705 5 This provision, Sec 118, refers to contributions to a corporation by a government entity, including - economic development incentives such as land or infrastructure improvements. Previously, these "contributions to capital' were not included as to able gross income for the corporation, but are now subject to federal income tax For more informa- tion, read https//wwwbna. com/state tax incen- Fives -n73014473881/. 6 "Uncollected Sales and Use Tax nom Remote Sales: Revised Figures." National Conference of State Legislatures and International Council of Shopping Centers, March 2017 http://wwwefair- Less org/files/ Updated %2Oda les%20Tax%20 Loss%20Report cot 7 Tumult Brian. "Supreme Court's e com merce sales tax ruling clears the mist" Bond Buyer, June 22, 2018https//www bond buyer comnews/e commerce tax -rulingcredit-pos- Five -lessens -need -for -congressional -action 8 Government Finance Officers Association calcu- lations of Thomson Reuters data 9 For example, see 2018 Brookings report that ex- amines constraints on city fiscal behavior, including the alignment of a citys fiscal architecture with its underlying base: Michael A Pagano and Christo- pher W Hoene, "Cit budgets in an era of increased uncertainty at https//wwwbrookingsedu/re- search/city-budgets-roan-era-of-increased-uncer- tainty/ 10 National Bureau of Economic Research. US Business Cycle Expansions and Contractions, http//wwwnberorg/cycles. html Data Tables Figure 6: Year-to-year Change in General Fund Revenues and Expenditures Ymr 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 cnen, ue 418% 034% 4% 055% -021% 053% 018% 055% 093% 1.25% 285% 143% 214% 011% 097% -058% 025% fce-1 Fi q 377% -011% 197% -046% 204% 078% -073% -077% 054% 152% 386% 137% 131% 109% 076% 196% 333% Ymr 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018(budgeted) cnen?.a e -101% -159% 158% 1 -0 .85% 22% 118% -275%-450%-179% -153% 208% 0.86%326% 261% 1.25% 037% M—mi no, -149%-103%004%1.88% 264%037% 050%-510% 349%-0.84%146% 117% 310% 218% 216% 197% Figure 7: Year -to -Year Change in General Tax Receipts (Constant Dollars) vmr 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 e K 36% 34% 60% 24% 28% -53% 34% 32% 1.0% 05% 30% -03% ceibawm -01% 1.2% 42% 09% 01% -02% -51% -47% -23% -11% 23% -25% c'e rg— 13% 20% 15% 14% 10% 20% 44% 06% 33% 22% 4.0% 63% vmr 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 (budgeted) e K 23% -6.6% -84% 1.6% 62% 59% 31% 50% 37% 1.8% 020% C,K -25% 13% -10% -25% 44% 36% -17% 54% 24% 13% 066% c'e rg— 63% 6.2% 20% 39% 04% 08% 24% 33% 43% 26% 089% i� NATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES NATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES iZ: NLCNATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES IP6 Kellie Fruehling From: Geoff Fruin Sent: Wednesday, September 19, 2018 2:50 PM To: Kellie Fruehling Subject: FW: Johnson County invites you to The State of Poverty in Johnson County public forum: Friday, Oct. 12 Attachments: State of Poverty in Johnson County invitation.pdf For the IP w/ attachment. Thank you Geoff Fruin City Manager From: Kelli Andresen [mailto:kandresen@co.johnson.ia.us] Sent: Wednesday, September 19, 2018 1:47 PM Subject: Johnson County invites you to The State of Poverty in Johnson County public forum: Friday, Oct. 12 Johnson County invites you to participate in a public forum, The State of Poverty in Johnson County. The forum will take place from 9 a.m. to noon on Friday, Oct. 12, 2018, in the Johnson County Health and Human Services Building, Room 203, 855 S. Dubuque Street, Iowa City. More than 25,000 of your Johnson County neighbors live in poverty. Another 25,000 are struggling to make ends meet while working. In Johnson County, 31.5 percent of children were eligible for free and reduced school lunch last year. Poverty stretches across all generations and cultures in our community. The forum will include presentations by state and local experts, including the Child and Family Policy Center, Iowa Policy Project, Iowa Women's Foundation, and United Way. The event will kick off a series of action planning meetings focused on collaboratively developing strategies to address issues of poverty in our community. All are welcome to attend. Space is limited. Please RSVP at https://stateofpovertyinoohnsoncounty.eventbrite.com. More information is available at www.mohnson-county.com/poverty. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all Johnson County -sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, contact Kelli Andresen, Communications Assistant, Johnson County Board of Supervisors Office, in advance at 319-688-8011 or kandresen@co. iohnson. ia. us. Thank you, Kelli Kelli Andresen Communications Assistant Johnson County Board of Supervisors Office 319-688-8011 kandresen@co.iohnson.ia.us www. iohnson-co untv.com More than 25,000 of your Johnson County neighbors live in poverty. Another 25,000 are struggling to make ends meet while working. In Johnson County, 31.5 percent of children were eligible for free and reduced school lunch last year. Poverty stretches across all generations and cultures in our community. Johnson County invites you to participate in a forum on the state of poverty in our County. Hear presentations by state and local experts, including the Child and Family Policy Center, Iowa Policy Project, Iowa Women's Foundation, and United Way. The event will kick off a series of action planning meetings focused on collaboratively developing strategies to address issues of poverty in our community. All are welcome to attend. Space is limited. Please RSVP at https://stateofpovertyinjohnsoncounty.eventbrite.com. More information is available at www.johnson-county.com/poverty. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all Johnson County -sponsored events. If you are o person with a disability who requires a reasonable accomodation in order to participate in this program, contact Kelli Andresen, Communications Assistant Johnson County Board of Supervisors Office, in advance at 319-688-8011 or kandresen@co.johnson.io.us. os--0-Tg— IP7 Kellie Fruehling From: Sarah Cupp <smcupp09O2@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, September 17, 2018 9:21 PM To: Peggy Loveless Subject: Fall Mental Health First Aid Classes Attachments: Youth January 2019.pdf, MHFA October Dubuque 2018.pdf: December 2018 MHFA Adult.pdf; MHFA November Maricon-Cedar Rapids.pdf: Overview MHFA Class.doc Three upcoming Adult Mental Health First Aid Classes in October, November, and December and one Youth Mental Health First Aid Class in January, 2019. We are excited to be offering a class in Dubuque in October and Marion/Cedar Rapids area in November. The Youth class (in January) is for adults to take that work with or support youth. Please sign up in advance if you plan to attend by emailing <mhedspecialistsna)gmail.com>. Classes are offered at no cost thanks to support from the from the Mental Health & Disability Services of the East Center Region. Classes are 2 -days in the afternoon, lunch is NOT provided. Please see attached flyer and help us by sharing this information/flyer with others who may be interested. Peggy generally teaches in the Iowa City area, so please help us share this info with others who could be interested in the Dubuque or Marion/Cedar Rapids areas. Please email the instructor Peggy Loveless to sign up at <mhedWecialistsna,Qmail.com>. Continuing education credits or CEUs are available upon request, please contact Peggy about those as well. October Class What: Adult Mental Health First Aid Course When: Monday, October 151 and Tuesday, October 16d' Time: 12:00 pm — 5:00 pm Where: Dubuque County Emergency Responder Training Facility 14928 Public Safety Way, Dubuque, IA 52002 November Class What: Adult Mental Health First Aid Course When: Tuesday, November 13' and Thursday, November 15th Time: 12:30 pm — 5:30 pm Where: Marion Public Library 1095 6th Ave, Marion, IA 52302 December Class What: Mental Health First Aid When: Tuesday, December 41 from 12:30 pm — 5:30 pm and Thursday, December 61 from 11:30 am — 4:30 pm. ***Please note that the second day starts one hour earlier, lunch is NOT provided. Where: Coralville Public Library 1401 5th St, Coralville, IA 52241 January 2019 Class What: Youth Mental Health First Aid Course (for adults who work interact with youth) When: Wednesday, January 23'� and Friday, January 2511 Time: 12:30 pm — 5:30 pm Where: Coralville Public Library 1401 5th St, Coralville, IA 52241 More Information -- https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.orgl Thank you, Peggy Loveless, Ph.D. Mental Health Education Specialists Mental Health First Aid Trainer Show your support by liking our facebook page 2 What is Mental Health First Aid? The Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) program is an interactive 8-hour certification class that introduces participants to risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems, builds understanding of their impact, and overviews common treatments. Specifically, participants learn: • The potential risk factors and warning signs for a range of mental health problems, including: depression, anxiety/trauma, psychosis and psychotic disorders, eating disorders, substance use disorders, and self-injury, • An understanding of the prevalence of various mental health disorders in the U.S. and the need for reduced stigma in their communities, • A 5-step action plan encompassing the skills, resources and knowledge to assess the situation, to select and implement appropriate interventions, and to help the individual in crisis connect with appropriate professional care, • The appropriate professional, peer, social, and self-help resources available to help someone with a mental health problem. Similar to CPR, you will become certified as a Mental Health First Aider. Who should become a Mental Health First Aider? All of the following will probably be in church congregations — so all applyl Rather than list all below, I would say— everyone from your church/synagogue/temple%tc. because they include (use following list) Participants for each training vary, but include hospitals and federally qualified health centers, state policymakers, employers and chambers of commerce, faith communities, school personnel, state police and corrections staff, nursing home staff, mental health authorized support staff, young people, families, and the general public. MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID CLASS You are more likely to encounter someone in an emotional or mental crisis than someone having a heart attack. Anyone can take the Mental Health First Aid course — from professionals to caring community members. Sometimes, first aid isn't a bandage, or CPR, or the Heimlich, or calling 911. Sometimes, first aid is YOU! Someone you know could be experiencing a mental illness or crisis. You can help them. Mental Health First Aid teaches a 5 -step action plan to offer initial help to people with the signs and symptoms of a mental illness or in a crisis, and connect them with the appropriate professional, peer, social, or self-help care. Anyone can taka Mental Health First Aid including primary rare professionals, nurses, educators, nurse educators, social workers, state policymakers, volunteers, families, and the general public. Sometimes, the best first aid is you. Take the course, save a life, strengthen your community. SWWOF WIN MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID October 2018 Training Dubuque County Emergency Responder Training Facility Monday, October 15 & Tuesday, October 16; 12:00pm-5:00pm — CEUs available! Attendance at all classes are required to be certified and earn CEUs Instructor: Peggy Loveless, Ph.D., Mental Health Education Specialists PRE -ENROLLMENT IS REQUIREDIII Contact: Peggy Loveless: �• mhedspecialists(Warr aiLcom; e Phone: 319.530.9847 NO COST TO PARTICIPANTS — SPONSORED BY Mental Health/Disabilities Services of the East Central Region - Assess for risk of suicide or harm I,Listen nonpdgmentally IF Give reassurance and information i& WEncourage appropriate professional help Encourage setl-help and other support strategies FULL ATTENDANCE AT BOTH CLASSES IS MANDATORY TO EARN A CERTIFICATE OR CEUs. CEUs/CEHs: Approved for nurses 0.89 CEUs through Kirkwood Community College, IBN Provider #30. Social workers will receive a certificate of completion for 8.9 contact hours. Other allied health professionals are advise to consult the governing rules of their boards to determine if appropriate subject matter criteria will apply. A course evaluation will be available upon program completion. MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID CLASS You are more likely to encounter someone in an emotional or mental crisis than someone having a heart attack. Anyone can take the Mental Health First Aid course — from professionals to caring community members. Sometimes, first aid isn't a bandage, or CPR, or the Heimlich, or calling 911. Sometimes, first aid is YOU! Someone you know could be experiencing a mental illness or crisis. You can help them. Mental Health First Aid teaches a 5 -step action plan to offer initial help to people with the signs and symptoms of a mental illness or in a crisis, and conned them with the appropriate professional, peer, social, or self-help care. Anyone can take Mental Health First Aid including primary care professionals, nurses, educators, nurse educators, social workers, state policymakers, volunteers, families, and the general public. Sometimes, the best first aid is you. Take the course, save a life, strengthen your community. SA I MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID November 2018 Training- Marion Public Library Tuesday, Nov 13 & Thursday, Nov 15; 12:30pm-5:30pm — CEUs available! Attendance at all classes are required to be certified and earn CEUs Instructor: Peggy Loveless, Ph.D., Mental Health Education Specialists PRE -ENROLLMENT IS REQUIREDIII Contact: Peggy Loveless: mhedspecialists�gmail.com; Phone: 319.530.9847 NO COST TO PARTICIPANTS — SPONSORED BY Mental Health/Disabilities Services of the East Central Region k-, n 4 Assess for risk of suicide or harm Listen nonjudgmentally Give reassurance and information Encourage appropriate professional help Encourage self-help and other support strategies FULL ATTENDANCE AT BOTH CLASSES IS MANDATORY TO EARN A CERTIFICATE OR CEUs. CEUs10EHs: Approved for nurses 0.89 CEUs through Kirkwood Community College, IBN Provider #30. Social workers will receive a certificate of completion for 8.9 contact hours. Other allied health professionals are advise to consult the goveming rules of their boards to determine if appropriate subject matter criteria will apply. A course evaluation will be available upon program completion. MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID CLASS You are more likely to encounter someone in an emotional or mental crisis than someone having a heart attack. Anyone can take the Mental Health First Aid course — from professionals to caring community members. Sometimes, first aid isn't a bandage, or CPR, or the Heimlich, or calling 911. Sometimes, first aid is YOU! Someone you know could be experiencing a mental illness or crisis. You can help them. Mental Health First Aid teaches a 5 -step action plan to offer initial help to people with the signs and symptoms of a mental illness or in a crisis, and connect them with the appropriate professional, peer, social, or self help care. Anyone can takr Mental Health First Aid including primary care professionals, nurses, educators, nurse educators, social workers, state policymakers, volunteers, families, and the general public. Sometimes, the best first aid is you. Take the course, save a life, strengthen your community. S� I MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID 2018 MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING Dec 4 - 12:30 to 5:30; Dec 6 —11:30 to 4:30; Coralville Public Library Attendance at all classes are required to be certified and earn CEUs Instructor: Peggy Loveless, Ph.D., Mental Health Education Specialists PRE -ENROLLMENT IS REQUIREDIII Contact: Peggy Loveless: mhedspe Phone: 319s 30.984 il.com; Phone: 379.530.9847 NO COST TO PARTICIPANTS — SPONSORED BY ` Mental Health/Disabilities Services of the East Central Region ®F. 41` 4 FL45 Assess for risk of suicide or harm Listen nonludgmentally Give reassurance and information Encourage appropriate professional help Encourage sell -help and other support strategies FULL ATTENDANCE AT BOTH CLASSES IS MANDATORY TO EARN A CERTIFICATE OR CEUS. CEUs/CEHs: Approved for nurses 0.89 CEUS through Kirkwood Community College, IBN Provider #30. Social workers will receive a certificate of completion for 8.9 contact hours. Other allied health professionals are advise to consult the governing rules of their boards to determine if appropriate subject matter criteria will apply. A course evaluation will be available upon program completion. YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID CLASS You are more likely to encounter someone in an emotional or mental crisis than someone having a heart attack. Anyone can take the Youth Mental Health First Aid course - from professionals to caring community members. Sometimes, first aid isn't a bandage, or CPR, or the Heimlich, or calling 911. Sometimes, first aid is YOU! Someone you know could be experiencing a mental illness or crisis. You can help them. Mental Health First Aid teaches a 5 -step action plan to offer initial help to people with the signs and symptoms of a mental illness or in a crisis, ant connect them with the appropriate professional, peer, social, or self-help care. Anyone can take the Youth Mental Health First Aid course, but it is ideally designed for adults who work with young people, ages 12.18 — teachers, nurses, educators, nurse educators, coaches, leaders of faith communities, social workers, and other caring citizens. Sometimes, the best first aid is you. Take the course, save a life, strengthen your community. MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING January 23 & 25, 2019; 12:30 to 5:30; Coralville Public Library Attendance at all classes are required to be certified and earn CEUs Instructor: Peggy Loveless, Ph.D., Mental Health Education Specialists PRE -ENROLLMENT IS REQUIREDIII Contact: Peggy Loveless: mhedspecialists(aD-lamail.com; Phone: 319.530.9847 NO COST TO PARTICIPANTS — SPONSORED BY Mental Health/Disabilities Services of the East Central Region �LGEE, the Mental Health First Aid Action Ran Assess for risk of suicide or harm CONTINUING EDUCATION APPROVAL STATEMENT Osten nonjulgmentally Give reassurance and information Encourage appropriate professional help Encourage seB-help and other support strategies Nurses: 8.0 contact hours awarded by Kirkwood Community College, IBN Provider #30. Social workers: 9.6 CEHs approved by Kirkwood Community College Continuing Education. Other allied health professionals are advised to consult the governing rules of their boards tt determine if appropriate subject matter criteria will apply. A course evaluation will be available upon program completion. -07-m- &- IP8 MINUTES PRELIMINARY BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT AUGUST 8, 2018 — 5:15 PM EMMA J. HARVAT HALL, CITY HALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Gene Chrischilles, Connie Goeb, Ryan Hall, Tim Weitzel MEMBERS ABSENT: Bryce Parker STAFF PRESENT: Susan Dulek, Luke Foelsch, Sarah Walz OTHERS PRESENT: Barik Kuku, Kirsten Frey, Brian Skay, Dawn Skay, Tim Lehman CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 5:15 PM. ROLL CALL: A brief opening statement was read by Chrischilles outlining the role and purpose of the Board and the procedures that would be followed the meeting. CONSIDER THE JUNE 13, 2018 MINUTES Goeb moved to approve the minutes of June 13, 2018. Hall seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion carried 4-0 SPECIAL EXCEPTION ITEM EXC18-00006 Discussion of an application submitted by Sudanese Community Center to locate a General Community Service use in the Intensive Commercial (CI -1) zone at 536 Southgate Avenue. Walz noted this item is a continuation of the public hearing from the June 13, 2018, meeting. She wanted to make a few points to refresh the Board on the key items of this application. The purpose of the Intensive Commercial (CI -1) zone is to provide areas for the sales and service functions for businesses whose operations are typically characterized by outdoor display and storage of merchandise, by repair and sales of large motor vehicles, by outdoor commercial and amusement recreation activities, or by activities or operations conducted in buildings or structures not completely enclosed. Uses allowed in the Intensive Commercial (CI -1) zone include building trade uses (an example would be a plumbing supply company), wholesale operations, warehouse storage and vehicle and equipment repair. CI -1 zones tend to be dominated by these uses because they are not typically located in highly visible areas or on main commercial corridors. Walz noted that the CI -1 zone does allow other uses, retail sales, personal services uses (ex. spas or salons), office uses, and restaurant uses. The community service use is allowed in the CI -1 zone only by special exception. The application submitted by the Sudanese Community Center focuses on teaching classes and Board of Adjustment August 8, 2018 Page 2 of 12 providing a level of counseling or other forms of assistance to recent immigrants and refugees such as group discussions and a library. The application does not mention large gatherings or other large group events. That was an issue that was much discussed at the June meeting. If a regular, or principal use, of the building was to be events or gatherings or celebrations this application would not fall under the community service classification. For example, if they were to use the building to rent out for ceremonies or regularly have large parties that strays into another use category, which is religious or private group assembly and that is a use that is allowed in this zone, but requires quite a bit more parking. Walz noted one member of the Board observed at the June meeting the Sudanese Community does occasionally hold large events from time to time and those events have been held at public facilities like the rec center. That is appropriate because those centers provide a great deal of parking and have all the other facilities that are meant to handle such events. Walz reiterated that these sorts of large events were not listed in the Sudanese Community Center's request. Walz stated that after the June meeting Staff met with the applicant to ensure that community service was the use they meant to apply for. They had long discussions regarding parking and the needs for parking, and how the building would be used. With those discussions it was clear the representative made clear that they intend to use the building for classes and those types of services, not large group events. Walz noted one of the issues that was raised at the June meeting was parking, the subject property is able to meet its required parking of seven spaces, however when there is overflow it is somewhat of a challenge as parking is prohibited on Boyrum and Southgate Streets. The applicant could request the City lift the prohibition of parking on either street since they are 36 -foot wide streets. However, on Southgate the Bicycle Master Plan calls for bicycle lanes, so parking would not be lifted there. If parking were to be lifted on part of Boyrum Street that would have to be approved by City Council. Walz noted the occupancy load for the Sudanese Community Center is 40 people and that is based on the square footage of the building. That square footage and occupancy load is also the number used for the rationale for the parking requirements. Neighboring property owners did question how such an occupancy limit would be enforced and most likely the City would become aware of overuse of the building by complaints from the public and enforcement would be handled through a municipal infraction process. The City does handle these types of complaints in housing and with bars and restaurants on a regular basis. Such infractions can result in fines and court costs not only for the applicant but also the property owner. Staff believes it is reasonable to allow for occasional events that would draw more than 40 people, but that would only be allowed through the temporary use permit process to give the City better opportunity for enforcement. Staff did discuss the temporary use permit process with the applicant and that it would require the applicant to come up with a plan to deal with parking and to control litter. A temporary use permit can impose a limit on the size of the event and if events are not managed in accord with the temporary use permit, new permit requests can be denied at the discretion of Staff. Walz noted the Board asked how many events could be held with a temporary use permit and there is no rule, however Staff believes that more than four events begins to stray into an area of being a different use. The principal use of the property is meant to be smaller, less intense uses (teaching of classes, counseling, occasional group discussions) but not for larger gatherings. At the June meeting it was discussed that the use of the backyard of the property, especially if the use involves children or young people, may be of a concern. This is due to the use and materials of the neighboring property as well as due to folks who might stray across the property line and that is why Staff suggest the condition of enclosing the property with a fence limiting Board of Adjustment August 8, 2018 Page 3 of 12 access to the backyard from the street frontage. Staff recommends approval of EXC18-00006, an application for a General Community Service Use in the Intensive Commercial (CI -1) zone at 536 Southgate Avenue, subject to the following conditions: • Large gatherings (more than 40 persons) may only be held on an occasional basis (less than four times per year) and require a temporary use permit as follows: o Any event that will be attended by more than 40 people requires a temporary use permit. o The permit application must include a plan for how to address parking, transportation, and, in the event of outdoor activities, litter/recycling collection. • A 6 -foot fence must be installed to enclose the open space to the rear of the building (east, west, and north sides). • Installation of required bicycle parking (4 spaces). • Restriping of the parking area to provide 7 parking spaces. Goeb asked if there was any discussion regarding the maximum number of persons allowed at the temporary use permit events (up to four times per year). Walz said not at this time, when the applicant applies for the temporary use permit they will have to indicate size of event and staff can discuss at that time and approve if staff feels there is a plan to accommodate the number of people requested. Walz noted that typically the number for occupancy for gatherings is one per seven square feet, but will depend on plan for parking. Dulek stated that for each event there would need to be a separate temporary use permit application. Weitzel asked for this use if there were any requirements for lighting. Additionally, how the control for littering and trespassing would be handled. Walz said staff addressed the concern regarding trespassing with the requirement for the fence so people would have to enter the property from the front. Dulek said if someone thinks people are trespassing illegally on their property a notice would be given to make them aware of the trespassing and then after that if the trespassing continues they could prosecute. Goeb asked if six feet is the maximum height for a fence. Walz said six feet is not the maximum, but to go higher than six feet would require a building permit. Walz noted the fence height was discussed with the applicant. Hall noted that with activities such as soccer, a six-foot fence may not be all -containing and perhaps there needs to be some good -will between the neighbors regarding items that may enter into neighboring yards. Goeb asked for clarification on the process if there were complaints. Dulek explained there are different processes depending on the complaint. Littering is dealt with on an individual basis but if there is an issue, then the next time the applicant applies for a temporary use permit Staff can decide to deny it based on past issues. Chrischilles noted that parking seems to be an issue in this application, and asked if Staff has come up with any concrete solutions or provisions for the large gatherings. Walz reiterated that parking right now is prohibited on both Southgate Drive and Boyrum Street, City Staff would evaluate any request to lift the prohibition on parking. On Southgate it is unlikely to be lifted due to the Bicycle Master Plan. However, Boyrum Street might be an option, but that is something Board of Adjustment August 8, 2018 Page 4 of 12 the applicant would have to request. That request doesn't change Staffs recommendation with regards to large events, if they would like to make it easier for overflow on regular events they could request parking on Boyrum Street. Chrischilles feels the parking issue would be good to resolve before the Board votes on this application because, if a temporary use permit is requested, how parking would be evaluated. Walz replied that in the case of special events that require a temporary use permit the applicant could, for example, ask neighbors for use of their parking lots during off hours, and that could meet the City's requirements. Walz reiterated the Board should focus on the Community Service Use of the property. If the Board is uncomfortable with the options for large gatherings they can make a condition that no large gatherings will be allowed. Chrischilles asked if the Board stated no large gatherings and one was held would the applicant lose their special exception. Dulek explained they would not, what would happen is the City would file a municipal infraction, a civil citation, which could ask for a civil penalty, the landlord could be held responsible, or go so far as to get a court order. It is dealt with like any other zoning code violation. Barik Kuku (Sudanese Community Center) noted that at the last meeting he asked for more time in the location before being judged for the activities of the Center. Since the June meeting he has been communicating with his community and they all have been grateful to learn from the City Staff about the community and the people of Iowa City. He stated they have handled the large capacity of people and parking issue and assure the Board they will not have any large gatherings and will not disturb the neighbors. If they do have any large events they will rent another facility for that event such as the Rec Center. With regards to the trespassing and littering his people have been made aware of the concern and paying close attention to not go near the neighboring buildings. Kuku also noted that the yard space is very small and they will not play soccer or any sport back there, they have also removed the volleyball net. Kuku stated they are focusing on the building which will hold teaching classes for language and other cultural needs. He noted they have also talked with the neighbor with regards to installing a fence and added that there are a lot of pedestrians in that area and the trespassing may not be his folks, but others. Goeb asked if there have been any incidents between the June meeting and today with conflicts or trespassing or litter, etc. Kuku is not aware of any. He had spoken with the neighbor and had promised him they would be good neighbors and have good relations. When they had one event, a barbeque, he noted the neighbors waved friendly to them. Chrischilles asked about activities at the Center and if Kuku would be okay with the Board granting the exception with the condition of no large gatherings. Kuku said large gatherings would be an issue not only for the neighbors but for the police driving by and for the Center for having to go through the application process. Therefore, they realize if they want to have a large gathering they will think of other options for locations. Kirsten Frey (920 South Dubuque Street) is an attorney in Iowa City and represents Dawn and Brian Skay, owners of Skay Automotive Services, Inc., located at 1936 Boyrum Street. Frey submitted a letter to the Board (included in the agenda packet) regarding this application and wanted to respond to comments raised this evening. With regards to trespassing or parking on her client's property or a violation of the zoning ordinance it has been stated that the clients could just complain and it be handled through a municipal infraction process. That line of thinking concerns Frey for two reasons. First, the purpose of today's decision before the Board Board of Adjustment August 8, 2018 Page 5 of 12 is if this use is acceptable or not because it is not an appropriate use under the current zoning. And to permit this use the Board must make a determination that the use does not adversely impact the surrounding property owners. How this use affects her client's property is directly before the Board and Frey states the Board has to make a determination that this exception will not adversely impact her client's property. Frey states that by saying if an infraction happens there is a mechanism in place to deal with that shows why the use is not currently allowed in the zone without a special exception. Second, in this case there is not currently a special exception in place and while the applicant is going through the process of the request, knowing the questions and issues, there are still concerns with problems of trespassing, large gatherings with tents set up and clearly more than 60 chairs set up, and if ever one was to be on their best behavior to follow all the conditions of the special exception the time to do so would be while the application is pending and that has not been the case. Hall stated that the photos that were taken were not of the Sudanese Community and wanted the speaker to assure all in the room that none of the assumptions being made are racially motivated. Frey acknowledged that none of the claims are racially motivated, however there is no way of knowing those causing the infractions are not of the Sudanese Community. The pictures of the installation of the fence on her client's property are of members of the Sudanese Community. She noted her clients have stated, as did the applicant, the conversations between her clients and the applicant have been pleasant and not incredibly hostile and it is absolutely not racially motivated. The concern is that her client runs an automobile repair shop, consistent with the rights and obligations of the zoning, which means sometimes there are vehicles in his parking lot that are either damaged or in disrepair (they may be leaking fluids, broken glass, etc.) and that is a huge liability concern for her client. Frey noted her client does not want people walking around in an area that may not be safe for people to be in, the area in not intended for people to be walking around in. Hall interrupted that the intent of the Sudanese Community Center is not to have folks trespassing on other's property. Walz spoke, noting that the time was now to allow those with concerns about the application to share their concerns and that the board should then discuss or ask questions about which, if any of the concerns shared, were valid in terms of the special exception. Dulek offered a reminder to the board and the public that zoning is about what, not about who. The focus on the use of the property, not specifically who is using the property. Frey agreed this is absolutely about the what and not the who, this is an area where large flatbed trucks come in, there are inoperable vehicles and she does feel that is a good area for children to be playing and it is not an area to be having picnics and large gatherings. Frey would also raise the issue that the applicant has indicated that many of the activities at the Center take place at nights and weekends and even the City (Walz) is suggesting the Center use the neighbor's parking lots for their overflow. Frey feels if businesses are not open, people will park in the lots, including her clients, after hours for weekend or night activities. Frey noted that is concerning to her client. Goeb asked for specific incidents Frey's clients have encountered while this application has been pending. Frey noted her client would have to answer that as they are there and she is not, however she does know when the Sudanese Community Center came and told her client's they were going to put up the fence her client's indicated that was fine but asked they not trespass Board of Adjustment August 8, 2018 Page 6 of 12 onto her client's property and they did. The large tent gathering was before the June meeting. Hall asked if the Board was to remove the condition around allowing large events to ever take place there would her client be amenable to the special exception. Frey said there would still be concerns because the Sudanese Community application states they have 75 current active members. Chrischilles questioned how the Sudanese Community members being in the area were any different than residents of the Shelter House who also walk around in the area. Frey said the difference is at the Shelter House the people are using the services and they are out, whereas at the Center there are congregations of people, hanging out in the area, whether that be barbeques, classes, or community events. The other significant issue is her clients are not at their business on nights and weekends to ensure the property is safe and the vehicles are not being tampered with. Weitzel asked if Frey would have the same issues if the use was a spa or a bank. Frey said with a spa or a bank, one goes into the business, conducts the business, and leaves. There are not picnics in the back yard. Chrischilles said the focus is on the primary use of the property, the concerns are with secondary possible uses of the property. Frey said the secondary use is the large gatherings in excess of 40 people, so a barbeque with 30 people or a class with 35 people it is under the primary use. She reiterated that is different than the use of a bank where people go in, do their business, and leave. This is a community gathering space and that is not an appropriate use in a commercial intensive zone. Brian Skay (1936 Boyrum Street) owns the business next door to the Sudanese Community Center and added since the June meeting it has been relatively calm next door to his business, they have removed the volleyball court, and he feels that is all for the reason so they can get this application to pass. Skay reiterated that when Mr. Kuku told him they would be working on the fence Skay reminded him to not trespass on his property and they disrespected that and trespassed they very next day. The fence that was constructed, the fence posts are over 7' tall and the fence itself is 6', Skay called the City and was told according to Code that is not legal, the fence posts cannot be any taller than the fence without a permit. The back fence is only 4' tall and should be 6'. Goeb asked if other than the fence incident has there been any other incidents of concern. Skay confirmed that was correct. Chrischilles asked if the trespassing occurred when they were installing the fence. Skay replied that yes, they went onto his property to roll out the fence, establish the fence polls, there were ladders on his side after he reminded them not to be on his property. Chrischilles asked if Skay is in favor of a fence being there and Skay agreed he was, however he is in favor of a fence that is correctly built. Dawn Skay (1936 Boyrum Street) also owns the business next door to the Sudanese Community Center wanted to add that her business serves many different people in the community, all different races, they communicate with everyone, they are not biased. They just take a lot of pride in their business and have spent a lot of money on creating and maintaining their business and communication is very important. They continue to try to communicate and work with the Sudanese Community Center but want to make sure the integrity of the area is Board of Adjustment August 8, 2018 Page 7 of 12 kept, there is currently a chair with caution tape just sitting outside to mark the parking lot. Skay noted they do not have Shelter House residents walking through their property. She reiterated that communication is very important and she feels it is failing currently. Hall noted his comment about race was only to ensure this conversation would be the same regardless of what community the center was representing. Chrischilles closed the public hearing. Hall stated he wants to make sure the conditions placed upon this application are favorable to both the Sudanese Community Center and to the neighbors (Skay Auto). He noted that Kuku stated there is no intent for the Center to have large gatherings at the location so questions whether the condition to allow large gatherings with the permit process should remain or be removed. Goeb feels overall this is not an appropriate use for this property at all in this location. Weitzel stated they are looking a zoning code and looking at a use that is allowed by special exception and need to determine whether that exception is allowable in this case given the particular facts of the matter. He feels in general, other than the incident with the fence, there would not be any questions. He also noted that whether the use is appropriate is not based on the tenant using it. Does this building hold the number of people allowed, yes, are there the right number of parking spaces for the use, yes, and so forth. Chrischilles agrees with Weitzel and feels the general use of the property is appropriate and as such there is no reason why the building cannot be used as a community center. He does feel the problems and oppositions to this center are regarding large gatherings and feels perhaps a compromise of allowing the community general service use but not allowing any large gatherings at all. Hall noted in the Comprehensive Plan it speaks to encouraging more locally owned businesses and mixed uses, and although there is an argument this center does not fit the current landscape of the zone it will most definitely serve as a resource for the community and fall in line with the Comprehensive Plan. The Board reviewed the standards for this exception. First, the specific standard of the proposed use will not significantly alter the overall character of the zone and will not inhibit future development of uses for which the zone is primarily intended. The Board will consider such factors as size and scale of the development, projected traffic generation, and whether adequate transportation, transit, and pedestrian facilities exist to support the proposed use. Weitzel is prepared to adopt the findings of the fact in the Staff report for this standard. Hall, Chrischilles and Goeb agreed. Next general standards. The specific proposed exception will not be injurious to the use and enjoyment of other property in the immediate vicinity and will not substantially diminish or impair property values in the neighborhood. Hall is prepared to adopt the findings of fact in the Staff report for this standard. Weitzel agreed and added the use on one property does not determine the safety on another property. If it is unsafe to walk across the neighbor's property, it is not the fault of this property. Chrischilles said that only applies to the large gatherings. Weitzel disagreed and said large gatherings do not create the dangerous situation. Goeb noted her primary concern on this whole application is she does not feel this zone is appropriate for a community gathering spot and suited for this use. That could fall under the Board of Adjustment August 8, 2018 Page 8 of 12 standard of endangering the public health if the community, including young children, will be gathering in an intensive commercial zone. Goeb said she is not just concerned about large gatherings, it is the everyday use and the space will be used for small gatherings and that is not appropriate. The specific proposed exception will not be injurious to the use and enjoyment of other property in the immediate vicinity and will not substantially diminish or impair property values in the neighborhood. Goeb noted her concern can also be placed under this standard. Chrischilles noted the Staff report states the space may be incompatible with outdoor activities in terms of safety, especially for activities that involve children and sports and that is why the recommendation of installing a 6' fence was added as a condition. The second aspect of the finding is with regards to large gatherings with the stipulations of a temporary use permit process. Weitzel, Hall and Chrischilles have no oppositions to this finding. Establishment of the specific proposed exception will not impede the normal and orderly development and improvement of the surrounding property for uses permitted in the zone in which such property is located. Chrischilles noted if the predominate use of the property remains as stated in the application's proposal it should not cause problems. Adequate utilities, access roads, drainage and/or necessary facilities have been or are being provided. Yes, all necessary utilities and other facilities are already in place for this property and the neighborhood. Adequate measures have been or will be taken to provide ingress or egress designed so as to minimize traffic congestion on public streets. Chrischilles noted they have an adequate parking lot for the intended usage. Weitzel agreed. Except for the specific regulations and standards applicable to the exception being considered, the specific proposed exception, in all other respects, conforms to the applicable regulations or standards of the zone in which it is to be located. The Staff report notes bicycle parking is lacking and that adding bicycle parking will be a condition of approval. The parking is non- compliant as it is now, however that cannot be changed to meet the standard due to size and layout, however there will be a condition of the parking lot being restriped to distinguish the seven parking spots. The proposed use will be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, as amended. Hall agrees the proposed falls in line with the Comprehensive Plan. Weitzel and Chrischilles agree. Chrischilles stated he feels it is a good compromise to allow the general community service function at this building but thinks it is best for all parties involved that no large gatherings are allowed, period. Weitzel moved to approve EXC18-00006, an application for a General Community Service Use in the Intensive Commercial (CI -1) zone at 536 Southgate Avenue, subject to the following conditions: • No large gatherings of more than 40 people allowed. • A 6 -foot fence must be installed to enclose the open space to the rear of the building (east, west, and north sides). • Installation of required bicycle parking (4 spaces). • Restriping of the parking area to provide 7 parking spaces. Hall seconded the motion. Board of Adjustment August 8, 2018 Page 9 of 12 A vote was taken and the motion carried 3-1 (Goeb dissenting). Chrischilles stated the motion declared approved, any person who wishes to appeal this decision to a court of record may do so within 30 days after this decision is filed with the City Clerk's Office. SPECIAL EXCEPTION ITEM EXC18-00007: Discussion of an application submitted by Public Space One for a special exception to allow 2,900 sq. ft. of retail space and a reduction in the minimum off-street parking requirement for property located in the Mixed Use (MU) at 117 N. Van Buren St. Foelsch showed a map of the area and pictures of the area. The zoning map of the area noted it is in an historic district, the Jefferson Street Historic District, and in the MU (Mixed Use) zone. Directly to the east is a CO -1 zone (Commercial Office), and CB -2 (Central Business) to the northwest and ARM -44 (Multifamily Residential) to the southeast. The purpose of the Mixed Use Zone is to provide a transition from commercial and employment centers to less intensive residential zones. The MU zone limits the size of sales oriented retail to 2,400 square feet. Additional square footage may be approved by special exception. The building includes 2,900 feet of gross floor area and thus an exception is necessary to allow the additional 500 feet. The Zoning Code does allow up to 5,000 square feet in this Zone by special exception. The applicant is also seeking a reduction in the required parking for the use. The minimum parking requirement for Sales Oriented Retail uses in the MU zone is 1 space per 300 square feet of gross floor area. The property at 117 N. Van Buren has 2,900 square feet of floor area and therefore would be required to provide 10 parking spaces in addition to a minimum of 4 bicycle spaces. Because they are in the Jefferson Street Historic District, and considered a key contributing property, it is eligible for up to a 100% reduction in parking however they are only asking for a reduction, not a 100% reduction. The applicant is Public Space One, it is an artist run community driving nonprofit organization. The proposal is to use the space at 117 N. Van Buren as a complimentary venue, their main event space is three blocks to the west on N. Dubuque Street (The Wesley Center). The Wesley Center will remain the primary exhibit and group gathering space for the organization with the property at 117 North Van Buren being used principally for individual artist studio space with gatherings and exhibits being a secondary use. The ground floor will be used as an art gallery and common space for meeting and office use. Occasional (2-4 per month) special events will be held in the early evenings such as fundraisers, readings, and artist presentations. Seven artist studios will located be on upper floors and basement. Foelsch noted the proposed use is somewhat difficult to categorize, but most closely aligns with the definition for Retail Use, which is a provisional use allowed in the MU zone. More specifically, it would fall under the Sales Oriented Retail use classification, as artist/artisan studios are considered to be a "cottage industry" component or retail. However this property will be at a lower intensity then a traditional Sales Oriented Retail. The applicant foresees the space being open about 12 hours total per week and while all studio spaces will be able to be used 24 hours each will be assigned to an artist and not general public. With regards to the increase square footage request, the standard states the increase increased floor area will be supportable primarily by residents of the surrounding area. Foelsch noted the increase requested is relatively small and the surrounding area is pretty dense, it is primarily residential and a student population. Board of Adjustment August 8, 2018 Page 10 of 12 With regards to the parking requirements Foelsch noted the property is in a particularly walkable area of the city: near Downtown, close to campus, and is well served by bike facilities and transit routes. This use in this neighborhood won't necessitate a large supply of parking. Hours of operation will not be traditional 9 to 5. They will be hosting infrequent large events (fundraisers, artist showcases) a couple times per month and that will generate the largest amount of traffic but will be during evenings and weekends when street parking isn't as congested and metered parking available. Staff recommends approval of EXC18-00007, a special exception to allow 2,900 square feet of retail use in the MU zone at 117 N. Van Buren St and a 60% reduction in required vehicle parking, subject to the following conditions: • Installation of no fewer than 4 bicycle parking spaces on the property. • Construction of 4 conforming vehicle parking spaces to the rear of the building, one space being a handicapped space. • Installation of ADA accessible entry from the rear of the site with approval from the Historic Preservation Commission. • The Use is limited to non-profit visual arts programming and artist studio space only. • Common gathering space shall be limited to the ground floor of the building; all other spaces are for individual studio space, office, and storage space. • Use of kilns, torches, or other heat -generating tools is prohibited. Hall asked about the residential units in the building, currently there are 5 to 7 residents living in the space. Foelsch said the property is for sale and there will be no residential in the future, rooms are being converted to studio spaces. Chrischilles noted that area also has on -street parking. Hall asked about constructing the parking spaces in the rear and Foelsch stated there is enough room back there to fit the proposed spaces. Chrischilles opened the public hearing Tim Lehman (70 Sturgis Corner) is representing the applicant and noted the applicant does plan to charge artists to use the rooms so is questioning the condition of the use is limited to non- profit visual arts programming. Walz stated that is fine, the condition is for the waiver of parking. Lehman also noted that most of the artists will bicycle or walk to the space, very little vehicle traffic. The owners of the property, Ralph and Larry Ramer, have used the house as an owner - occupied rooming house. The property cannot be sold as a rental space as no new rental permits are allowed for the area. Lehman also noted this is not a done deal, Public Space One has to raise the money for the down payment for the purchase of this property. Chrischilles closed the public hearing. Goeb stated this seems a reasonable use for the property. Weitzel agreed, other houses in the area are used for other uses rather than residential. Hall said it does fit the landscape. Hall moved to approve EXC18-00007, a special exception to allow 2,900 square feet of retail use in the MU zone at 117 N. Van Buren St and a 60% reduction in required vehicle parking, subject to the following conditions: • Installation of no fewer than 4 bicycle parking spaces on the property. • Construction of 4 conforming vehicle parking spaces to the rear of the building, Board of Adjustment August 8, 2018 Page 11 of 12 one space being a handicapped space. • Installation of ADA accessible entry from the rear of the site with approval from the Historic Preservation Commission. • The Use is limited to non-profit visual arts programming and artist studio space only. • Common gathering space shall be limited to the ground floor of the building; all other spaces are for individual studio space, office, and storage space. • Use of kilns, torches, or other heat -generating tools is prohibited. Weitzel seconded the motion Weitzel stated that regarding agenda item EXC18-00007 he concurs with the findings set forth in the staff report of August 8, 2018, and conclude the general and specific criteria are satisfied So unless amended or opposed by another Board member he recommends that the Board adopt the findings in the staff report as our findings with acceptance of this proposal. A vote was taken and the motion carried 4-0. Chrischilles stated the motion declared approved, any person who wishes to appeal this decision to a court of record may do so within 30 days after this decision is filed with the City Clerk's Office. BOARD INFORMATION: Walz anticipates a September board meeting ADJOURNMENT: Goeb moved to adjourn this meeting. Weitzel seconded. A vote was taken and the motion passed 4-0 BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT ATTENDANCE RECORD 2017-2018 NAME TERM EXP. 7/12 10/11 12/11 2/14 5/09 6/13 8/18 CHRISCHILLES, T. GENE 1/1/2019 X X X X X X X GOEB, CONNIE 1/1/2020 O/E X X O/E X X X HALL, RYAN 1/1/2023 X X X X PARKER, BRYCE 1/1/2022 O/E X X X X X O/E SOGLIN, BECKY 1/1/2018 X X X WEITZEL, TIM 1/1/2021 X X X X X X X KEY: X=Present O = Absent O/E = Absent/Excused --- = Not a Member MINUTES PRELIMINARY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 6,2018-7:OOPM—FORMAL MEETING EMMA J. HARVAT HALL, CITY HALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Larry Baker, Mike Hensch, Phoebe Martin, Mark Signs, Billie Townsend MEMBERS ABSENT: Carolyn Dyer, Max Parsons STAFF PRESENT: Sara Hektoen, Anne Russett OTHERS PRESENT: Thomas Agran RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL: By a vote of 4-1 (Baker dissenting) the Commission recommend adoption of the following proposed amendment to 14 -2G -7G-6 of the Iowa City Code by the Iowa City City Council. The proposed text would be: Height Bonus For Public Art: One additional floor of building height may be granted for a contribution to the city's public art program equal to one percent (1%) of threshold value of the project. Threshold value is the sum of all construction costs shown on all building permits associated with the project, including site preparation. For alterations to existing development, the threshold value is the sum of all construction costs as defined above plus the value of existing improvements to the property, as listed in the city assessor's records. Funds contributed shall be used by the city for public art within the riverfront crossings district subNisWst& where thesabjeGt building is leGate as approved by the public art committee. CALL TO ORDER: Hensch called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA: None. ZONING CODE AMENDMENT ITEM (ZCA18-00002): Discussion of Amendments to Title 14, Zoning of the Iowa City Code related to Public Art In - Lieu Fees in Riverfront Crossings. Russett noted this is a proposed amendment to the zoning code related to Public Art Fees in the Riverfront Crossing District. When the Riverfront Crossings Master Plan was adopted it included a public art framework element and identifies several locations throughout the Riverfront Crossings District as possible Public Art locations. After the Master Plan was adopted the City developed a form -based code to implement the Plan and included in the Code Planning and Zoning Commission September 6, 2018 Page 2 of 7 a bonus height provision for projects that provide various public benefits, one of which is Public Art. Development projects that provide one percent of their project cost to the City's Public Art Fund receive an additional story in height on their development projects. The Code requires the funds to be spent within the same subdistrict as the subject building. Russett stated that to date the City has had one project that has utilized this Public Art bonus provision (at 707 S. Dubuque Street). That project contributed one percent of the project costs to public art to receive a height bonus of one story. The total amount contributed to the City's Public Art Fund was approximately $73,000. Currently the Public Arts Committee is working to relocate the Snelson sculpture which is located on N. Dubuque Street to the Riverfront Crossings Park and the Public Arts Fund would help with this relocation. Russett pointed out on the map the proposed new location of the Snelson sculpture. The proposed amendment is to amend the form -based code to allow public art funds received for height bonuses to be spent anywhere in the district, including the park, as opposed to only within the same subdistrict as the project that requests the bonus. The Riverfront Crossings Master Plan identifies areas within the district appropriate for public art. The largest area identified is the Riverfront Crossings Park, which is identified as "public parks and open space' on the regulating plan — not a subdistrict and therefore excluded from public art bonus provisions. The amendment would keep the funds within a defined area, but provides more flexibility in the use of the funds for the benefit of the entire district. Russett stated the Public Art Committee discussed this amendment at their meeting this afternoon and unanimously recommended approval of the amendment. Staff recommends that the Planning and Zoning Commission recommend adoption of the following proposed amendment to 14 -2G -7G-6 of the Iowa City Code by the Iowa City City Council. The proposed text would be: Height Bonus For Public Art: One additional floor of building height may be granted for a contribution to the city's public art program equal to one percent (1%) of threshold value of the project. Threshold value is the sum of all construction costs shown on all building permits associated with the project, including site preparation. For alterations to existing development, the threshold value is the sum of all construction costs as defined above plus the value of existing improvements to the property, as listed in the city assessor's records. Funds contributed shall be used by the city for public art within the riverfront crossings district subs subjeGt bu#GiQg is-lecated as approved by the public art committee. Baker stated he has some misgivings about this proposed amendment. He asked if no public arts funds could be spend in the park or just the funds generated by the height bonus. Russett confirmed the funds generated by the height bonus provisions in the subdistricts cannot be spent in the park. Baker asked if there were any other funds available to use for artwork in the park. Russett stated she understands the City allocates a flat amount every year in the budget for public art but is unsure of the exact amount but it would not be enough to move the Snelson sculpture. Baker asked how much it will cost to move the sculpture and Russett replied there is an estimate from a consulting firm for relocation at around $90,000. Baker asked the value of the art piece and again Russett was unsure of the exact amount but knows it is one of the more valuable pieces in the City's collection. Baker said in his research he does not find any high figures for any of Snelson's art. Baker also inquired about the repair needed for the sculpture Planning and Zoning Commission September 6, 2018 Page 3 of 7 and who has been responsible for the maintenance of the art. Russett stated it is the City's responsibility for the maintenance of the art pieces and the repair is due to the exposure to the elements. Baker asked why the amendment now. Russett explained that often regulations are adopted when creating new Code and Districts and it isn't until those regulations are used that it is understood it will not work very well and changes are needed. In this case, money was generated from a project and the regulation says the money must be spent within a very defined area and at this time there are no locations within that defined area to provide public art. Baker questioned the idea that there is no location for any art within that subdistrict, yes the Snelson sculpture may not fit but other art could be installed. Russett said the public art would need to be located on public lands and there is no public lands currently in this subdistrict. Baker asked if the Public Art Committee initiated this proposed amendment or City Staff. Russett stated the Committee has been working on identifying funds to move the Snelson sculpture and that is when it became apparent to City Staff on the Public Art Committee that there were Public Arts Funds that had to be spend in the specific defined area. The Committee wanted to relocated the Snelson sculpture to the Riverfront Crossings Park and but could not use the funds available to do so due to the current Code language. Russett added the Public Art Committee has stated they do not like the current location the Snelson sculpture is located, ii is not in a prominent location and in the new location it would be more visible. Martin acknowledged the area where the sculpture is currently located is very overgrown. Hektoen reminded the Commission this particular sculpture and location is one specific situation, the ordinance and proposed amendment is to acknowledge the City has this park district and the Code was inadvertently drafted with the bonus height provision excluding the park from being the beneficiary of those funds. Baker asked if there was a location along N. Dubuque Street that the Snelson sculpture could be given more prominence. He feels the N. Dubuque Street entrance to the City is to be a highly prominent location and the artwork should be there. Russett reiterated that the Public Art Committee feels this particular piece should be moved to the Riverfront Crossings Park. Baker asked if there was any other discussion about having other art along N. Dubuque Street. Russett can look into that question. Baker asked when the original resolution was made, was it intended that the funds created by the bonus provision were to be used for new art pieces to increase the art stock of Iowa City. Russett said the ordinance does not state the art has to be new. Baker noted the City used to have a fund based on a certain percentage of bonds sold to generate money for art purchases, has that fund disappeared. Russett noted her understanding is the only money available for public art is money generated from this height bonus provision and the annual allocation from the City Council. Hensch opened the public hearing Thomas Agran (512 N. Van Buren Street) is an artist and also works for the Iowa City Downtown District as the Public Art Director for that district. Agran noted he was intimately involved in a lot of the conversations with the Public Art Advisory Committee and can speak to how the Committee came to this proposed amendment. He stated the Snelson sculpture is the most Planning and Zoning Commission September 6, 2018 Page 4 of 7 valuable piece of public art in the City's collection, that may not be evident based on the current location, especially now that Dubuque Street has been raised, and that is part of the reason the conversation to have the sculpture moved began. When the sculpture was bought in 1975 it was a joint effort with Project Art, the City and private donations and in today's dollars would have cost $500,000. The sculpture is literally sitting in mud right now and appears to be neglected and there has not been any funds established to maintain the art pieces. Baker agreed the sculpture does appear to currently be neglected and asked if the Public Arts Committee has approached the City to try to get funds for the repair. Agran is unsure, he does not sit on the Public Arts Committee. Agran notes there are spots designated in Riverfront Crossings for public art, one of which is in the park, however the City allocated no funding for that location. Because there is no funding allocated for the park the Public Arts Committee saw an opportunity to move a piece of art from a location where it is being neglected and put it in a more visible location and celebrates the piece. More so Agran wanted to use his time in front of the Commission to talk about public art funding. From 1999-2001 the budget for the City's Public Art Fund was $100,000 per year, in today's dollars adjusted for inflation that would be $147,000 per year. The population in 1999 was approximately 61,000 which averages out $1.97 spend on art per person in the City. Today we have a population of almost $75,000 and a budget of $25,000 (which is actually a recent increase, it has been lower) and that averages to $0.33 per person. He feels as the city flourishes this is time to invest more in art and the community and public art returns tangible and intangible values into quality of life which increases the tax base ultimately. Agran stated when looking at the Zoning Code he sees bonuses as significant trade-offs and in every district there is an agreed upon level of appropriate building size to encourage healthy communities, healthy and productive development, reduces speculation of property values, and through bonuses we trade away elements of those standards for something else. It is essentially a bride whereby community assets (whether they be public art or historic properties) are held hostage and now beg for those things not from the City but from developers, things we value as a community. The wealth is given to the developers in the currency of square footage. The Code is to be the rules and incentives are setup to break those rules. For some pittance we will forgo the rules. Agran noted in this situation for $72,000 a developer could buy their way out of the rule of five stories and get six stories increasing the square footage of a property by 20% - 20% rentable every year for the life of that building. All of that said, Agran requested the Commission approve the proposed amendment for flexibility of public art into Riverfront Crossings District and also encourages the City to spread the wealth throughout the City to create a more robust art program that can reach more people. Agran stated as the Code is currently written it is basically a regressive art program, where the areas of highest investment and highest wealth reap the benefits of the investment. Seattle is a city that a while back divorced it's one percent for the arts program from the geographic requirement and as a result they can direct the funding to areas of the city that are often overlooked and under resourced rather than as in this instance the most resourced part of the city. All areas of the city are appropriate for public art. Agran noted that lots of programs use a one percent of the capital improvements fund for public art and if the City looked at fiscal year 19 capital improvement budget of $28.5 million in projects, even at half a percent the Public Arts Fund would receive over $142,000. Agran noted the Commission does not write the City budgets or fund the Public Arts but wanted to say those types of changes can be started here in Planning and Zoning and they will use this moment as a catalyst to a broader conversation of how public art contributes value to the community, if Planning and Zoning provides the outlines of how best a city should develop to be healthy, a place people want to be, then he encourages the Commission to draft one percent rules that Planning and Zoning Commission September 6, 2018 Page 5 of 7 benefit all districts in the City. Agran understands that untying funding from its original geography may be a complex thing to implement, but rather than shrug at the established law, he hopes the bureaucratic challenge galvanizes this Commission and City Staff and Council as a way to approach public art in a way equability. If one looks at what is proposed for the Pentacrest Apartments, would send a million dollars into the Public Art Fund but only in this district and if this proposal is not approved, only in this subdistrict. A million dollars could be set up as an endowment to the Public Arts Fund. There are 171 potential development sites at the time the Riverfront Crossings Code was written so there is going to be a lot that happens in this area and could amount to an unbelievable windfall for public art funding. Baker clarified he is not hostile to this amendment, in fact he also questions why not spend this money anywhere, not just in the Riverfront Crossings Park. He feels we should not be robbing Peter to pay Paul for art. He also feels there should be more art throughout the City, not just one area. He agrees the City is underfunding art in this community. He does not understand why we are taking money to move old art when it could be used to purchase new art. Agran said the sentiment from the Public Art Committee is to not spend more money on new art when we cannot maintain the current art we have. Martin asked why the Public Art Committee specifically chose this language for this district and not all of Iowa City. Russett is not aware if the Public Art Committee was involved in the writing of the language in the Riverfront Crossings Master Plan. Hensch closed the public hearing. Martin moved to approve adoption of the proposed amendment to 14 -2G -7G-6 as written in the September 6, 2018 staff report. Signs seconded the motion. Hensch remembers the Snelson sculpture being downtown at one time. He feels it was simply an oversight during the draft of the original ordinance that parks and recreation areas were not included in the subdistricts and therefore the money cannot be spent for them. He feels it is reasonable to clean up that language for the one percent raised for art with the bonus height because there is a serious need for art in the community, there does need to be greater public funding of art, but this is a method to at least get some money. However, he does agree with the idea of keeping it within the district because they are trying to focus improvements in certain areas, his fear would be if it were allowed to be spent outside the district there may be some preferred areas that would get all the art. He agreed there is definitely a problem in this community that some areas do not get the attention that others do. Martin agreed with Hensch and supports the amendment as written in the Staff Report. Signs is intrigued by the notion that the City is potentially generating a huge amount of money to be spent in this one relatively small district but does see the risk of the other extreme and all public art is put someplace else. He feels it is a bigger discussion than this Commission and encourages those discussions to happen. He also agrees that the height bonuses appear to be a bribe for money, the City spends a lot of time making plans and codes and then come up with ways to get around them. Hensch agrees and said they need to vote on the question at hand, all government progress is incremental and this is a step in the right direction. Signs also stated he likes the Snelson sculpture and does feel it is not in a great location Planning and Zoning Commission September 6, 2018 Page 6 of 7 currently and supports moving it. Hensch noted the location is not the question at hand. Townsend asked if moving this sculpture to the Riverfront Crossings Park would leave enough space for other functions of the park. Russett showed some diagrams of the park and how everything is able to fit. Townsend's other concern is kids climbing on the sculpture since it will be in a park space. Hensch doesn't feel it will be harmed and perhaps it was designed as interactive art. Hektoen noted those are concerns that will be addressed by the Public Art Committee and the Parks and Recreation Division. Baker noted he will be voting no against this amendment, he does not want the vote to be unanimous as he wants the Council to understand there is an underlying larger issue about funding art. He also prefers that art piece stay somewhere more visible then this park and this is a problem created by limited resources. A vote was taken and the motion passed 4-1 (Baker dissenting). CONSIDERATION OF MEETING MINUTES: AUGUST 16, 2018 Signs moved to approve the meeting minutes of August 16, 2018. Townsend seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion passed 5-0. PLANNING AND ZONING INFORMATION Russett gave one update regarding the discussion at the last meeting regarding the impact of zoning regulations on the development community, financial impacts in particular, and she informed the Commission this topic is something of interest to the City Council, the City Council approved an affordable housing action plan and one of the items staff is tasked to look into is regulatory barriers. Russett said the Neighborhood Services department is working with the City Manager's office and she will bring any updates back to the Commission. Baker invited the Commission to Prairie Lights next Tuesday to listen to a writer of a biography of Leonardo DiVinci. Baker also mentioned the movie reviews inside the planning magazine the Commission receives, recently they reviewed a movie called The Little Pink House, which is a movie regarding the controversy around imminent domain and he rented the movie and it was a good dramatization of all the issues within planning and zoning of cities. Adiournment: Signs moved to adjourn. Martin seconded. A vote was taken and the motion passed 5-0 PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION ATTENDANCE RECORD 2018 KEY: X = Present 0 = Absent O/E = Absent/Excused -- = Not a Member 1/18 2/15 311 (W -S) 3112 3/15 M.S.) 412 415 (W -S) 4/16 4/19 5/3 5/17 617 6121 715 8116 9/6 BAKER, LARRY -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- — -- — -- — — -- -- -- — -- -- -- -- -- — X O/E X DYER, CAROLYN X X X X O/E X O/E X X X X X 0/E X 0 O/E FREERKS,ANN O/E X X X X X X X X O/E X X X I-- -- --- --- HENSCH, MIKE X X X O/E O/E X X X X X X X X X X X MARTIN, PHOEBE X X X O/E X X X X X X X X X X X X PARSONS, MAX X O/E X X X X XX X X X X X X X O/E SIGNS, MARK X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X THEOBALD, JODIE X O/E X X X X X X X X X X O/E TOWNSEND, BILLIE — — — -- -- — — — X X X KEY: X = Present 0 = Absent O/E = Absent/Excused -- = Not a Member