HomeMy WebLinkAbout1974-09-10 Bd Comm minutesCITY STAFF PRESENT:
GUESTS:
Caroline Bassett
Patt Cain
Samuel Fahr
James Lindberg
Earle Murphy
Mary Neuhauser
Barbara Nicaiish
Dennis Kraft
Bill Neppl
Tony Osborn
Don Schmeiser
Loren Horton - State
Historical Society
The Riverfront CoRtnission met in Regular Session on August 29, 1974
with Chairperson Neuhauser presiding.
The minutes of the June 20, 1974 meeting were approved without change.
Bill Neppl reported on the status of the Iowa River Corridor Consultant.
Stanley & Associates of Muscatine, Iowa, was chosen to do the study. A
meeting between City officials and Stanley & Associates for the purpose
of negotiating a contract is planned during the week of September 2-6.
A sum of approximately $20,000 for this year has been budgeted for the
study.
Zhe scope of the study will include an area frau one mile south of Iowa
City to either one mile north of the City or all the way to the Coral-
ville Dam.
Chairperson Neuhauser suggested that the Omission meet with Stanley &
Associates, in special meeting if necessary, after the contract for the
study is approved.
Barbara Niccnish reported on the CmMission's July canoe trip. Two
major problems were detenni.ned. A bike trail would have to go over Rapid
Creek and under Interstate 80. Another problem was foreseen in regard
to whether or not the City would have any right of way on privately owned
riverfront property.
A trip was set up to view the southern portion of the river from the
Burlington Street Dam down past the Showers property. The trip was set
for Saturday, September 7 at 1 p.m. with the meeting place yet to be
determined.
Chairperson Neuhauser reported that the Showers property negotiations
are continuing.
Don Schn-eiser reported that an application was made to annex and zone 500
feet of land south of Iowa City. He suggested that the Comnission might
like to look at the sight and it was decided that that would be done in
ombi.nation with the scheduled canoe trip. The findings of the Com-
mission will be presented at the next meeting. A location map and a staff
report from the Planning.and Zoning Commission will also be presented at that
time.
The meeting adjourned at 4:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
® Ellen R. Flowers
Secretary
0
MINUTES`
Project Area Committee
July 1, 1974
Members Present:
Richard Feddersen, Henry Linder, Helen Louis, Russell Mann,
Ray Mossman, Byron Ross, Pearl West, Helen McGreevy.
Members Absent:
Kent Braverman, Patrick Carney, 'Valter Chudwick, Les Moore, Glen
Roberts, Thomas Wegman, George Crawford, John Williamson.
City Staff Present:
Jack Klaus, Pat Wilson
Guests:
Dick Pattschull, Ed Breese
Recommendations to City Council:
® 1. The PAC voted unanimously to recommend that the City Council
accept the proposal submitted by Ed Breese for development of
Disposition Parcel 93-4. Mr. Linder was authorized to so inform
the Council by letter.
Requests to the City Manager for Information or Staff -Assistance:
None
List of Matters Pending Commission -Council Disposition:
None
Summary of Discussion and Formal Actions Taken:
The meeting was called to order by Mr. Linder. Mr. Mossman moved,
seconded by Mrs. Louis that the minutes of the last meeting be approved
as read. Motion passed.
Mr. Linder turned the meeting over to Mr. Klaus who then gave the
background and statistics on the land being offered for sale and
development. Mr. Klaus informed the Project Area Committee of the
decisions and recommendations of the Design Review Committee, i.e.
landscaping be used to screen the parking on Court Street.
There was then a discussion of real estate ethics and the proper
method of assembling bidding documents.
Mr. Feddersen asked Mr. Breese why he hadn't bid on both parcels of
land and Mr. Breese replied that he felt the price for 93-3 was too
high and that he had no immediate need for that parcel.
Mr. Feddersen then moved, seconded by Mr. Mann that the offer made
by Mr. Breese be accepted. The motion passed unanimously. Mr.
Linder was authorized to notify the Council of the decision. Mr.
Ross suggested that, in the letter, there be a statement that the
procedures set forth in the bidding documents were followed. Discussion
then followed.
Mr. Klaus then gave an explanation of the amenities on Clinton and
Dubuque streets from Burlington to Court. Discussion by the PAC and
questions followed.
There was then discussion and explanation of HUD action and events
of the past 2 months -- i.e., the EPA activities, lawsuit and possible
expiration of the contract with Old Capitol. There was then a
discussion of citizen input and response to HUD.
Mr. Feddersen moved the meeting be adjourned and Mr. Mann seconded.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Pat Wilson for Patrick Carney, Secretary.
11
4. 151
Project Area
Committee,;,
July 1, 1974
_
®
® page 2
Mr. Mann then
asked what
the DRC had
recommended be done with the
other parcel
of land, 93-3.
Mr. Ross
asked if the bid was in accep-
table form and Mr. Klaus
replied that
it was.
There was then a discussion of real estate ethics and the proper
method of assembling bidding documents.
Mr. Feddersen asked Mr. Breese why he hadn't bid on both parcels of
land and Mr. Breese replied that he felt the price for 93-3 was too
high and that he had no immediate need for that parcel.
Mr. Feddersen then moved, seconded by Mr. Mann that the offer made
by Mr. Breese be accepted. The motion passed unanimously. Mr.
Linder was authorized to notify the Council of the decision. Mr.
Ross suggested that, in the letter, there be a statement that the
procedures set forth in the bidding documents were followed. Discussion
then followed.
Mr. Klaus then gave an explanation of the amenities on Clinton and
Dubuque streets from Burlington to Court. Discussion by the PAC and
questions followed.
There was then discussion and explanation of HUD action and events
of the past 2 months -- i.e., the EPA activities, lawsuit and possible
expiration of the contract with Old Capitol. There was then a
discussion of citizen input and response to HUD.
Mr. Feddersen moved the meeting be adjourned and Mr. Mann seconded.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Pat Wilson for Patrick Carney, Secretary.
11
MINUTES
IOWA CITY HOUSING COMMISSION
AUGUST 21, 1974
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE ROOM
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Branson, Bosserman, Sheets, White, Fountain, Retish
MEMBERS ABSENT:
McLaughlin
CITY STAFF PRESENT:
Seydel, Hillis
GUESTS PRESENT:
There were two guests present.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE CITY COUNCIL:
0 None
REQUESTS TO THE CITY MANAGER FOR INFORMATION OR STAFF ASSISTANCE:
None
LIST OF MATTERS PENDING COMMISSION -COUNCIL DISPOSITION:
Commission requires information -from Council on land
available -- see item 4 under Developers Packet.
SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION AND FORMAL ACTIONS TAKEN:
1. Branson called the meeting to order.
Bosserman motioned that the minutes of the August 6, 1974
meeting with the elderly and the regular meeting of August 7,
1974 be approved as written. Fountain seconded the motion.
Motion passed unanimously.
2. Public Discussion.
Guest, Alicia Claypool commented that she had been to the
last few meetings and she wanted to commend the Commission for
• the efforts they have made concerning the elderly housing. She
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has been impressed by how the Commission has responded to the
concerns of the elderly, who will be living in the new housing.
3. Coordinator's Report.
Seydel reported he had five new applications. Two of these
are from previous tenants.
Seydel reported he has six open leases, and two more which
will be open at the end of this month. These are leases which
can be assigned. His efforts to obtain new units are at a
standstill. Nothing is available now.
Seydel expects this to
continue for 30-60 days. He is now negotiating for two units
and will continue to look for more. Applicants on the waiting
list have been advised to assist in looking for units.
Retish asked how units are obtained. Seydel explained that
a daily check is made of newspaper ads, he has contacts with the
Board of Realtors and various landlords. Some of the managers
of the larger complexes used to call but they are all full right
now. Seydel has not advertised in the past and feels it would be
a waste of time right now.
Retish suggested a KXIC Public News Bulletin to help find
units. Seydel will check on this.
Seydel reported he has not heard from HUD on retaining the
reserve money from the last -fiscal year.
4. old Business.
Retish.wanted to know if
could be held up in the courts
gets the contract.
the building of the elderly housing
if old Capitol Investment Corp.
Seydel commented that there would be nothing to prohibit
from being built right now, if contracted. The court case is
against the City Council not the Housing Authority. They are
considered separate bodies although they are the same people.
Seydel stated that this is the City Attorney's understanding
the present time.
it
M9
Branson asked Retish if he wanted to suggest an alternative.
Retish answered that he wanted a recommendation so the housing
wouldn't be held up.
Branson asked the Commission members to think about alternative
ideas to be discussed at future meetings.
■
® -Branson informed the Co that the Compromise Housing
Bill passed the House. The final bill makes a revised Sections
23 Leasing Program the principal federal housing subsidy vehicle
while relegating conventional public housing to an insignificant
role; replaces most categorical community development programs
with an $8.6 billion system of block grants and extends the
Section 235 and 236 programs.
Sheets reported on the State Chapter of NAHRO Meeting held
in Des Moines on August 8 and 9. Sheets stated that it was
mostly review of things the Commission members had learned while
the developers packet was being put together. She attended one
meeting where Bruce Morgan, Commission on the Aging, spoke. This
meeting concerned the fact that the Federal and State Governments
are now looking for local support of projects and trying to find
local sources.
Developers Packet.
Sheets stated that there is an Interim Study Committee, which
is a group of legislators, who should be involved in reviewing the
housing proposals. She reported that Marsha Helem would be the
person to contact concerning this. Seydel will try and contact her.
A citizen has asked Sheets to ask the Commission to find out
from the City Council if they were willing to sell any of their
Urban Renewal land to a private developer.
Seydel said that if the land was part of the 11k acres it
could not be sold, but he doesn't know about the other land.
Sheets motioned that the Commission ask the City Council if
v they would be willing to sell City owned land to another developer
an to a ne what s'a_v_ailab.le. Retish seconded the motion.
Motion passec'-unanimously.
Seydel reported that the Developers Packet was submitted on
schedule on August 8. Verbal approval was received. The Notice
to Developers/Builders was approved as is and will appear in the
Press Citizen on August 23 and 26.
Minor modifications of the Developers Packet were requested.
Changes incorporated are as follows:
a. Paragraph 3q has been changed to satisfy HUD requirement
(FHA mortgage insurance).
b. Paragraph 3w, added (T.V. antenna).
c. Paragraph 3x, added makes air conditioning mandatory).
d. Air conditioning capability removed from list of items
to be viewed as positive factors.
Seydel explained that the completed proposal would contain
things such as an artist's concept of the outside of the building,
a floor plan, a statement as to the type of heating, and an
artist's concept of the furnishability of one of the units in the
building.
Branson suggested involving the Design Review Committee,
which is a City appointed group appointed to advise the Council,
in choosing proposals.
Alicia Claypool suggested consulting design expert, James
Harris.
Retish recommended that the Commission consult the Municipal
Transit Office. He understands they will be changing their
bus routes and this would be an -important consideration in site
selection.
Seydel reported that the public solicitation to interested
developers/builders will be in todays mail. An informal meeting
40 covering the Developers Packet will be held on August 28, at
1:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers. The Developers Packet must be
submitted prior to 2:00 P.M., September 25, 1974. Seydel thinks
that after the proposals are submitted, within a month one should
be chosen.
Alicia Claypool asked if there would be more meetings with
the elderly.
Branson answered that she hoped they could have several
meetings of smaller groups rather than one large meeting.
5. New Business.
The report of the Occupancy Audit has been received. Seydel
must reply within 30 days and is presently working on this. Seydel
feels that the auditors are public housing oriented and he disagrees
with some of their findings. Some of the things that will need
to be changed are the applications and the leases. These are things
that the Commission will be involved in.
6. white moved and_Sheets.seconded the motion that the
Approved
40
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70
I)
Tentative Agenda
Planning and Zoning Commission
Iowa City, Iowa
® September 10, 1974 -- 4:30 p.m.
Dept. Community Development Conference Room
A. Call to order by Chairman
B. Roll Call
C. Approval of Minutes
1. Meeting of August 26, 1974
D. Zoning Items:
1. Z-7414. Rezoning of tract of land belonging to Amerex
Corporation (vic. north and south of Haywood Drive and
west of Laura Drive). Rezoned RIA to R3A to satisfy
District Court order. Review of above rezoning with
desirability of rezoning to R3. Council referral:
7/18/74. Deferred by P&Z: 8/8/74.
2. Z-7415. Rezoning of tract of land containing old
Elks Country Club building, R1A to R3A (vic. end of
Taft Speedway). Property belongs to Jack I. Young
and Miriam J. Young and request made by Miriam Young.
Council referral. Date filed: 7/29/74. 45 -day
limitation: 9/12/74.
3. Z-7417. Amendment of Zoning Code to apply high-rise
provisions to CBS Zone. Council referral: 8/8/74.
Deferred by P&Z: 8/22/74.
4. Z-7419. Streb-National By -Products rezoning of tract
of land west of Iowa River and southeast of CRI&P
RR, all of the area being east of Riverside Drive.
Referred to P&Z by City Council for consideration of
rezoning from R1A to Planned Commercial (PC). Council
referral: 8/9/74.
E. Vacating Item:
1. V-7406. Vacation of Capitol Street south from Burlington
Street to Court Street. Required for implementation of
R-14 Urban Renewal plan. Deferred by P&Z: 8/22/74.
F. Discussion Items:
1. C-7401. Design Standards for Public Works Improve-
ments. Council referral: 8/27/74. 45 -day limitation:
10/11/74.
® 2.
P-7317.
Creation
of University Zone (U).
3.
Change
in meeting
date for P&Z.
G. Adjournment.
Regular meeting -- September 12, 1974
SUBJECT:
Z-7415. Council referral to
rezone the old Elks Club
property located at the
terminus of Taft Speedway
and along the Iowa River from an R1A Zone to an R3A Zone; date
filed: 7/29/74; 45 -day limitation: 9/12/74.
STAFF Prior to the annexation of
ANALYSIS: the subject tract in 1966 by
the City, certain rights
theretofore had been granted
to the Youngs, present owners of the tract, by the County. In
February of 1964, the property was rezoned from an RS Zone to
an R3A Zone to permit the remodeling of the old Elks Country
Club, purchased in May of 1964, into several apartment units.
In October of 1964, a building permit was granted to convert
the building to 18 apartment units as indicated in the letter
attached hereto.
When the subject tract was annexed to the City it was automatically
classified R1A. In July of 1967, an attempt was made to rezone
® a five acre tract near the west end of Taft Speedway from R1A to
R3B. The Planning and Zoning Commission suggested that the
petitioner, the Elks Club, "look into the possibilities of
rezoning to R3". Subsequently, in August of 1967, the Planning
and Zoning Commission recommended approval of an application sub-
mitted to rezone the subject tract and a three and one-half acre
contiguous parcel to an R3 and R3A Zone subject to the obtainment
of an easement for the continuation of Taft Speedway through
the subject tract. It was later discovered a legal description
of the property sought for rezoning was in error, and was,
therefore, never considered by the Council.
The subject tract is part of a near one -square -mile area enveloped
by the Iowa River on two sides, Interstate 80 on the north and
Dubuque Street on the east. The area is for the most part
unserviceable by sanitary sewer and for that reason virtually
undeveloped with the exception of an existing mobile home
park, an apartment complex, and a golf course.
Special consideration to the future land use of the area was
given in the development of the Preliminary Land Use Plan adopted
by the Johnson County Regional Planning Commission on May 16,
1973. Because of the area's relatively remote location in
terms of transportation access and utilities, low density
residential development (three units or less per acre) in the
vicinity of the Elk's Club golf course north to Interstate 80
and southwest to the end of the river peninsula is indicated.
-2 -
Future land however,
use plans, should not be made entirely on
the basis of streets and utilities without consideration for
various other planning elements. Because of the area's
relatively remote location due to the natural and artificial
boundaries which isolate it, the area should be planned and developed
as a complete neighborhood defined by the Urban Land Institute as
"the geographic area within which residents may all share common
services and facilities required in the vicinity of their
dwellings".
An important inevitable need within the neighborhood will be
an elementary school properly located to conveniently serve
an expected child population efficiently. For this reason,
the density of development and types of housing, which will
have an effect on the total child population, must be pre-
determined before an adequate land use plan of the neighborhood
can be developed. The street access and utilities must then be
programmed to serve the expected total number of residences
adjusted to adequately support the elementary school.
While it would appear that the City has an obligation to rezone
the subject tract to make conforming the use of the property
which was previously granted by due process, the staff would not
suggest rezoning the property to permit a higher density until
after a comprehensive study for development of the area has
been completed. The R3 Zone,
which would permit a total of
21 units on the subject tract, would appear to be the best
solution.
As was previously indicated, access will become a major consider-
ation in the future development of the area. Presently, Foster
Road and Taft Speedway provide the only access into the area.
Some thought has been given to extending Foster Road westerly
across the Iowa River to connect with Fifth Avenue in Coralville
or southerly across the Iowa River to connect with Rocky Shore
Drive. Foster Road should nevertheless be planned and designed
as a major access route to serve a major portion of the area.
The significance of Taft Speedway as a part of the future
street network is uncertain and may depend on its possible
extension through the subject tract. If extended, the roadbed
should be constructed above the flood plain to avoid washout
from flood water which, within the vicinity of the subject
tract, is located along very rugged topography. For this
reason, staff members are not in complete agreement as to
whether its cost of construction will be offset by its service-
ability. To make the extension of Taft Speedway possible,
should it be considered desirable or necessary, an easement should
be secured.
-3-
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ion
.ract
,I
ibject
DATE: July 31, 1974
TO: Planning and Zoning Commission
Attn: Don Madsen, Chairperson
FROM: Iowa City City Council
RE: Referral
At their regular Council meeting on July
City Council received and filed letters
and from Miriam Young concerning R3A zon
building property. The motion was adopt
to the Planning and Zoning Commission fa
Said letters are attached.
6fl4t,
Abbie Stolfus
City Clerk
30th2 1974, the Iowa City
from Attorney Dan Boyle
e for old Elks Club
ed to refer both letters
r recommendation.
:iU9J 'CT; Rezoning of gill .lnnexed hand to RIA _
• Old Elks Country Club Building on.Taft Speedway.
Over 10 years ago we purchased one and one -hall acres of
bind, then in the county, together with a very large building.
Our offer to buy thIF property was made subject to its being zoned
for apartments. This apartment zoning was granted by Johnson County,
there were no protests from any concerned adjacent property owners,
a building permit Has issued by the county,
and ;cork was started on the remodeling of the building into 18
apartments.
ale spent a great deal of money preparing this building for
these apartments. They are all roughed in, all of the plumbing
cork is done, and the large boiler for heating, Plus all of the heat
runs and radiators are all installed.
This building is approximately 50x100 feet, two stories, and
® contains approximately 10,000 square feet. It formerly
,l housed me _
of the party spots of the area and at the time of the county's
rezoning it to -R3A for apartments the.nelghbors were quite happy
and called it an improvement over previous uses.
We had proper legal zoning for these apartments, we acted in
good faith in all of the work done, we have spent a considerable
allount of money on all of the remodeling, the building is too large
for :Inything•bust apartments, and we ask for retention of our zoning
of R3A and permission to finish the work remaini.n� to be done.
Miriam Young .
1720 Muscati�ie Ave.
®W11.1.. iR ULP1LN
Y: u.LJnn V- Ilrl E-.LnN
WILI JAM M.T,.rKLR
n ANlr.i. W_ 1111YI.L
CIIAI'Lrr. A. MuJ-LCN
tiff. 1'N':N 1'. 1lmc..Hi
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SHULMAN, PHELAN., TUCKER, BOYLE & MULLEN
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
BREMER BUILDING
P. O; Box 2150
IOWA CITY. IOWA 52240
.July 29, 1974
Mayor and City Council
City of Iowa City,
Iowa 52240
In Re: Jack I. Young and Mariam J. Young -
Mass Zoning of Annexed Properties
Gentlemen:
TrJ_v -.o,m
337-.141
LAME. CODE JIQJ
This is to protest on behalf of the Youngs of the
re -zoning of their property, which is the Old Elks
Country Club building, to a RlA family zone. As the
Council undoubtedly knows, this building is being used
for multi -family purposes and the building is of such
a nature that more units are possible. The building
is somewhat isolated from other family dwellings, and
there appears no current reason why this property should
be turned into a non -conforming use.
When the building was originally purchased by the
Youngs from the Elks Club, the Johnson County Board of
Supervisors did zone the property for apartment units,
and the Youngs proceeded on the assumption that their
investment would be protected. It would appear to be
completely unfair to endanger the Young's investment by
making this a non -conforming multi -family structure in
an RlA district.
Under the circumstances, we request that the Council
remove the Young's property from the current re -zoning
ordinance, and that the property be zoned R3A.
Very truly yours,
r
Uanie j oyle
DIVB : mf
LE
JUL2 9 1974
ABBIE STOLFUS
CITY CLERK
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....... Elks County Club Description - _
77
In T. 79N., R 6V6 Sec• .4, 5th F'. Vii. , a parcel of laud
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therein described as follows:
Commencing at a point which -is n h9°''1' F.. , i;•1. 4 feet, and
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N 090 06' W. 60 feet, and S 830 '30' W. , 690. " feet, and
,
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S 69041' w., 52.88 feet of the E14 ( )rnor of said Sec. 4;
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Thence S 62° 39'30" W. , 645. 8 feet:
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Thence S 480 12110" W. , 123. 0 feet to the point of beginning;
Thence N 51° 58140" W. , 278. 3 feet:
Thence S 45° 11'30." W. , 229. 6 feet;
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Thence S 51° 45' 10" E. , 206. 7 feet to the lay.,a River;
Thence easterly along said River to a point bearint; S 51°58140•,'as.
t�
of the point of beginning;LO
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Thence to the point of beginning.
a.
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Said parcel contains approximately 1-1/2 acres.
SUBJECT:
National By -Products
Railroad, west of the
from an R1A Zone to
referral: 8/9/74.
E
STAFF REPORT
Planning & Zoning
September 12, 1974
Commission
Z-7419. Consideration of a
Council referral to rezone a
tract of land, commonly
referred to as the Streb-
property, located south of the CRI&P
Iowa River and east of Riverside Drive
a PC Planned Commercial Zone; Council
STAFF On November 14, 1973, an
ANALYSIS: application was submitted
by Alvin F. Streb and National
By -Products, Inc. to rezone
the subject tract from an R1A Zone to an Ml Zone. The staff
had indicated in a Staff Report dated December 13, 1973 that
because of the predominance of industrial and heavy commercial
uses in the area, the subject tract was more conducive to the
development of industrial uses. However, since zoning plays
an important part in preserving and stabilizing property values,
it was suggested that some means of protection be afforded to
the mobile home park immediately to the south.
® The PC Zone is intended to provide for the orderly development
of a shopping center. Uses permitted include those set forth in
the C1 Zone, excluding residential uses, and theaters, eating
establishments, and the sale of retail goods and products.
Before the rezoning of any tract to a Planned Commercial Zone,
a report concerning the economic feasibility of a PC Zone at
the location sought, the effect of a PC Zone on the surrounding
property, and impact of traffic on the surrounding streets must
be submitted.
It is not conceivable that a shopping center or commercial uses
in general would locate on the subject tract. The most important
considerations in the location of a shopping center are access
from major streets and a trade area within close proximity to
adequately support the businesses -- both lacking in the vicinity
of the subject tract.
From a planning standpoint, the location of commercial and
industrial areas must be carefully preconceived for the most
orderly development of the community. The South U.S. Highway
218 and Riverside Drive corridor is characterized as an
industrial area because of the predominance of industrial uses,
and unrelated uses, therefore, should be discouraged.
To resolve the dilemma confronting the City, the staff would
suggest that the following steps be taken:
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1. An ordinance be adopted instituting a RMH - Residential
Mobile Home Park Zone which would eliminate the provision that
mobile home parks be permitted only in a commercial zone. As
has been previously stated, mobile homes are residential uses
and should not be categorized as commercial uses. The staff
is presently developing a mobile home park zone which will be
completed by the end of September, 1974.
2. A subsequent ordinance be instituted which would include
provisions for effectively protecting any residential use in
a residential zone from the adverse effects of commercial and
industrial activity. Such provisions might include not only
a requirement for the installation of screening but also
restrictions in the location of parking, storage, and any other
industrial or commercial activity within a certain distance of
abutting residential zones. Since there are many areas of the
City where industrial uses have been located immediately adjacent
to residential development, the City may wish to consider making
such requirements retroactive.
3. The Zoning Code be amended to restrict the Ml Zone to only
industrial and similar uses and prohibit uses which might be
of conflict. Presently, the M1 Zone permits any use excluding
M2 uses, resulting in the possibility of industrial and
residential uses or other highly incompatible uses being located
within close proximity of each other.
4. The subject tract be rezoned to an M1 Zone.
The staff would not suggest rezoning the subject tract until
the above steps one through three have been accomplished.
STAFF
RECOMMENDATION:
It is the staff's recommen-
dation that the subject tract
not be rezoned to a PC Zone.
e
DATE= August 122 1974
TO: Planning, and Zoning Commission
Attention: Don Madsen, Chairperson
H.'O,'h: Iowa City City Council
fZc- Rc.Ferra1
At their special Council meeting on Augur: 9th, 1974,
the Iowa City City Council recieved and failed the report
from City Attorney Hayek regarding Streb National By -
Products Rezoning. The motion was adopted to refer the
report to the Planning and Zoning Commission .for con-
sideration and recommendation on Streb property as P. C.
zone.
L
Barbara Taylor
Daputy City Clerk
0
11
s
WILL .I. HAYEK
HAYEK, HAYEK & HAYEK
- -
JoH:r W. "4YEK -
ATTOP.NEYS AT LAW AREA roOE 319-'
110 EAST WASHINGTON STREET 337-9606
C. r•;re-,r HAYEK IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240
august 7, 1974
The honorable Mayor and
City Council of Iowa City
Civic Center
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Re: Streb By -Products Rezoning Options
Mayor and Council Members:
At ,your request I am reporting to you on the procedural options
available to the City Council in connection with the above matter. The
property is now zoned R -1-A and you will recall that Planning and Zoning
recommended an amendment to the zoning ordinance zoning the property
M-1. You have requested information as to what procedures could be
f•:)l towed to adopt an alternate zoning amendment.
The applicable statutes are as follows. Section 414. 5 of the 1973
Code of Iowa provides that all changes and amendments in a zoning
ordinance must meet the provisions of Section 414. 4 relative to public
hearings and official notice. Section 414.4 provides that no zoning regu-
:ation 1'... shall become effective until after a public hearing in relation
thereto, at which parties in interest and citizens shall have an opportunity
to he heard. At least fifteen days notice of the time and place of such
hearing shall be published in the paper of general circulation in such city
or town. " That section also provides that the city council of a city shall
provide for the manner in which zoning ordinances may from time to time
he amended. The Iowa City zoning ordinance contains specific provisions
with respect to its amendment. Section 8. 10. 32(A) provides in part that
''any proposed amendment, supplement, change, modification or repeat
shall first he submitted to the Commission for its recommendations and
report. " Section 8. 10. 32(B) provides that if the Commission recommends
against such proposed amendment or change, such amendment or change
shall not become effective except by a favorable vote of 3/4 of the members
of the Council.
In light of the above, it seems to me that the following procedural
statements can be made:
11
11
IIonorable Mayor and
City Council of Iowa City - 2 - August 7, 1974
0 J W T -I : vb
1. The Council will need to hold a public hearing after
published notice as required in Section 414. 4 of the
State Code on the specific amendment to the zoning
code that it proposes to adopt. For example, if Council
wishes to adopt a C-1 zone, a specific public hearing on
that proposed amendment should be lield. I see no
reason why the public hearing and the published notice
could not combine hearing on two or more specific
proposed amendments. For example;' one public
hearing could be held, in my opinion, which would con-
sider both the C-1 and the PC zoning categories. The
notice that would be published should specifically
mention both categories in that event.
2. Planning and Zoning must be asked to consider and
recommend for or against the specific amendment that
eventually is adopted. I understand from Dick Wollmers-
hauser that although Planning and Zoning did specifically
consider the C-1 zone and rejected it, no discussion was
had of the PC zone. Therefore if the Council wishes to
adopt a PC zone or to consider a PC zone, it should ask
Planning and Zoning to consider that proposed amend-
ment and report back. If P. and Z. recommends against
a specific zone, it would require four affirmative votes
on the Council to adopt the amendment.
3. Since P. and Z. has already considered the staff
recommendation for a C-1 zone and has rejected the
recommendation for that zone, Council could go ahead
and set public hearing before it on the C- 1 category and
following hearing adopt the C-1 category by four affirma-
tive votes, if Council chose. The four votes would be
required because Planning and Zoninf; has, in effect,
recommended against the C-1 zone.
Respectfully.submi�ted,
Hayek
I. Authorization - $8.4 billion, not to exceed
$2.5
in FY
175
$2.95
in FY
176
$2.95
in FY
177
II. Application
A. Summary of a 3 year C.D. plan identifying
1, community needs
2. strategy for meeting needs
3. specify long/short term C.D. objectives
developed in accordance with JCRPC
B. formulate program
1. showing activities to be undertaken to
meet C.D. objectives, estimated costs,
general location of proposed activities
2. indicate other resources to be used in
meetin g oTjectives.
3. consider "appropriate" environmental factors
C. describe a program designed to
1. eliminate slum and blight
2. provide improved community facilities and
public improvements
D. submit a housing assistance plan
1. survey of conditions of existing housing
and assess needs, especially of elderly and
low-income groups
2. specify an annual goal for number of d.u.'s
or persons to be assisted, including
a. relative proportion of new, rehabed
and existing d.u.'s
b. the sizes and types of housing projects
and assistance best suited to the needs
of lower-income persons.
C. assure the availability of public
facilities and services adequate to
serve proposed housing projects.
E. assure that program will be in conformance with
PL 88-352
and PL 90-234
M
F. assure, prior to .,submitting application that
1. citizens were provided with adequate info
regarding funds available for C.C. and housing
projects and range of activities to be under-
taken.
2. public hearings to obtain citizen imput have
or will be held
3. provide citizens opportunity to participate in
development of application.
HUD may accept a certification
have been complied with.
III. Eligible Activities
that E and F of the application
A. property and rights acquisition
B. acquisition and construction
site improvements.
1. neighborhood facilities
2. senior centers
3. historic properties
4. utilities
5. streets
6. street lights
of public works and
7. water and sewer systems
8. foundations for air rights sites
9. malls and walkways
10. pools, playgrounds, recreation areas
11. flood and drainage facilities
12. parking facilities
13 solid waste disposal facilities
14. fire -protection services
C. Code enforcement with project improvements
D. demolition and rehabilitation
E. special projects to remove barriers that restrict
the handicapped
F. payments to housing owners for loss of rent income
incurred in holding for temporary periods housing
units to be utilized for relocation
G. land disposition or retention
H. provision of public services not available in areas
where other C.D. activities are taking place, e.g.
employment services, drug abuse, etc.
I. payment of "local" share required in connection with
a federal grant program
L. activities necessary to
1. complete a comprehensive plan
2. develop a policy -planning -management
capacity to carry out C. D. activities
M. administrative costs incurred in connection with
above activities
IV. Allocation and Distribution of Funds
A. General - 800 of a F.Y. appropriation will go to
SMSA's. SMSA's entitled to annual grant which
may not exceed the greater of the "formula" amount
or the "hold -harmless" amount.
B. Formula - Grant will equal amount that bears the
same ratio to the allocation for all metro cities
as the average of the ratios between
1. popu ation of I.C. and the population of
all metro cities
2. extent of poverty in I. C. and the extent of
poverty in all metro cities (this is counted
twice)
3. the extent of housing overcrowding in I. C.
and the extent in all metro cities
If "formula" amount exceeds "hold -harmless" amount, in year 1,
city will receive the greater of 1/3 of formula amount or hold harm-
less. In the second year, the grant will be the greatest of 2/3
of the formula amount, the hold harmless amount or the grant in
year 1.
C. Hold -Harmless - this is an automotic entitlement
granted to cities with ongoing urban renewal pro-
grams to insure a smooth transition from the cat-
egorical grant to the block grant programs. The
amount is determined by adding together the average
of commitments for grants for urban renewal, open
space, water and sewer, model cities, neighborhood
development program, made between July 1, 1967 and
June 30, 1972. The hold -harmless grant will be
continuous for 3 years, then phased down by thirds
for the next 3 years. Cities will receive the greater
of the formula amount or the hold -harmless amount,
but not both.
I. Inlroductinn
The fund;imoni.ol purpose of the Iowa Gity Urban Uhsc.rvoLory will
be to explore the question of how cities and universities can actively
cooperate to address the mutual needs of both the community at large and
the university as an important part of that community. We are fully cognizant
of our role in this effort as partners with other cities and universities in a
larger demonstration program coordinated by the National League of Cities.
We will draw on past urban observatory efforts as much as possible. We
envision the Urban Observatory Program as addressing those needs in three
specific steps.
The first goal of the program will be to enhance active cooperation
and mutual understanding among the City of Iowa City, the University of
Iowa, and the Johnson County Regional Planning Commission. The first
critical step is to create viable institutional bridges between local government
and the university. .Iowa City is fortunate to the extent that some such
linkages already exist and have a long tradition of spirited cooperation.
There is coordination already in the use of transportation and recreational
facilities. Institutional arrangements for interchange of views already exist.
We are eager to improve upon those linkages and see this specific program
as ;n excellent opportunity for this purpose. The Urban Observatory will
provide a new and enlarged capacity for linkage between local government
and the university's research capabilities. In particular, we want to explore
ways of providing local government with data and research support for defining
versity resources can be placed at the disposal of local government for
understanding and solving community problems. The observatory will be
a center of communal efforts to rationally and systematically explore the
problems and prospects of our city. Many of these problems cannot be
adequately addressed without federal funding.
The second goal of the program will be to advance the capabilities
of both local government (at the city and county level) and the university
to define, analyze, and solve community problems. The urban university
really has two major functions. It is,of course, a institution for research
and teaching.
But it is also
a community institution
with
impact upon and
obligation to
its community.
The Urban Observatory
will
enhance both roles
of the university.
The university
should
perform an
innovative
or exploratory
function for local
government. In
doing
so, it will
act so as to
increase
effectively the management and performance capabilities of local government.
At the same time, the location of basic research in the university itself is
intended to ensure that the quality of policy and problem oriented research
will be such as to contribute to the general body of knowledge in urban
affairs. By doing so, the university will enhance its own research capabilities
in urban affairs.
The third goal of the program will be to use the new institutional
bridges and the enhanced capabilities of both local government and the uni-
versity to define and seek solutions to present and potential problems in city
M
government, community life, and the university as these problems interface.
The proposed organization and proposed research work program have been
consciously shaped to advance this particular goal in a systematic fashion.
The people of Iowa have a long tradition of community -university
cooperation in public affairs. The search for new and innovative solutions
to Iowa City's urban problems will be patterned in part on "Iowa 2000," an
ongoing statewide discussion of the perceived needs and hopes of the people
of Iowa as they move towards the year 2000. Governor Robert Ray asked
President Willard Boyd of the University of Iowa to direct and organize this
statewide examination of Iowa's problems, needs, and future. It must always
be kept in mind that it is not enough to define and solve today's urban problems.
We must as well anticipate the problems of the future. Continuing and active
citizen participation is crucial to this effort. When civic officials and
academic researchers are out of touch with the aspirations of the citizens,
neither funds nor talents are decently utilized. Cognizant of the fact that
hard-pressed public funds must be expended only on the enrichment of our
common life, we will strive to embody this ideal in all our activities.
II. Proposed Organization
The Iowa City Urban Observatory will be organized to encourage and
enhance the maximum utilization of the resources of all participating institutions
and interested citizens. An ongoing self-evaluation will insure to the maximum
extent possible that the primary objectives of the observatory program are
being met. We believe that our aims of civic enrichment, government-
university education in both the analytical and the practical aspects of urban
:affairs, and government -university education on concrete community problems,
will best be served by the organization set out in this section of the proposal.
A. The Iowa City Urban Observatory will be named "The Iowa City Research
Center. "
B. The University of Iowa will serve as the legal contracting agent on behalf
of the City of Iowa City, the University of Iowa, and the Johnson County
Regional Planning Commission. The Institute of Urban and Regional
Research, is an existing entity within the University having experience
in researching urban and regional problems, many of which are of local
concern. The proposed Iowa City Research Center will be within the
Institute and thereby build on prior research relationships . In addition,
the University's Institute of Public Affairs and the Iowa Community
Research Center provide additional strength in research and public
service to local government.
C. The fiscal agent for the "Iowa City Research Center" will be the Uni-
versity's Business Office.
D. The Urban Observatory Policy Board will be named "The Policy Board
of the Iowa City Research Center."
1. The Policy Board will consist of eight members, three from the
City of Iowa City, three from the University of Iowa, and two
from the Johnson County Regional Planning Commission.
2. The members of the Policy Board will be as follows:
City Manager
Council Member
Planning Director
Executive Director
Commission Member
Director
Director
Dean for Advanced Studies
Chairman, Graduate Program
City of Iowa City
City of Iowa City
City of Iowa City
Johnson County Regional
Planning Commission
Johnson County Regional
Planning Commission
Institute of Urban & Regional
Research
Institute of Public Affairs,
University of Iowa
Graduate College, University
of Iowa
Urban and Regional Planning,
University of Iowa
3. The Policy Board will advise all activities of the Iowa City Research
Center, including review of research projects not specified in this
proposal, budget, accountability to the National League of Cities
and the federal funding agency, and planning for continuance of the
joint endeavor after the termination of the three year contract period.
E. The Urban Observatory Administrative Staff will function as the coordir='ing
team for the various research projects of the Policy Board. The admini-
strative staff will be headed by a full-time project director who will
directly report to the Institute of Urban and Regional Research. The
project director will form a technical advisory or project committee, which
will- consist of
the heads of each university research project and a conterpart flaison
officer from each local government agency or university office affected
or involved.
HUD
I
National League of Municipalities
I
City of Iowa City The University of Iowa -•
(Contracting Agency)
Director of the Institute of Urban and
Regional Research
—� Johnson County Regional
Planning Commission
Policy Board of the Iowa City Project Director of the
Research Center Iowa City Urban
Observatory Program
Professional Secretarial Staff Technical Advisory
Staff or Project
Committee
lll. Urban Observatory Annual Administ.rritive
Staff Budget — 1975
Local Match
HUD
U of I CityCj RPC
Funds
Total
Director
$4,000.
$12,000.
$16,000.
Secretary
6,800.
6,800.
Fringe (15%)
600.
2,820.
3,420.
Supplies
500.
500.
Travel
600.
600.
Telephone
200.
200.
Postage
100.
100.
Xerox
200.
200.
Publication
200.
200.
Total Direct Costs
$4,600.
$23,420.
$28,020.
Indirect Costs (57.55%
of wages & salaries)
_ 2,300.
10,800.
13,100.
Total Administrative
Budget
$6,900.
$34,220.
$41,120.
The proposed research work program detailed below has been con-
sciously designed to enhance city -university recognition of present and
potential problems in city government, community life, and the university
as these problems interface. We have focused on two basic considerations
in designing a systematic and coordinated research work program. The
first consideration is to identify and design for the first year of the program
a set of important community problems that require analysis and will at the
same time form a solid data and research support foundation for further
studies in the second and third years. The second consideration is to use
the first year of the program to identify additional community problems to
be studied in the succeeding years. Where is Iowa City going? What future
problems must we anticipate? How can we best enhance the capability of
local government and the university to understand and handle those problems ?
The central focus of the Urban Observatory from the very start will
be on an integrated approach for evaluating the needs and preferences of
citizens for public services of various sorts, and the delivery or provision
of those services by local government. The demand for and supply of public
services — how to estimate demand, how to cost, how to design and evaluate
delivery — will be our central consideration. Both current and future provision
needs will be studied in depth. What kinds of research support can the uni-
versity provide to local government in this area? While researching immediate
problems, trends will be established and analyzed to identify future problems
that citizens are not now cognizant of, and to develop innovative means
or <loating with those problems.
The Urban Observatory will address itself in the first year to problems
that have already been identified as of great importance. We have identified,
in cooperation with city and county government, three specific research
projects for the first year that will have precisely this dual importance.
These three projects are intended to set the agenda for the identification
and analysis of the research projects for the second and third years.
The first basic project will be to review past and current analyses
of population growth, composition, and spatial distribution for the Iowa
City metropolitan region in conjunction to provide a basis for an analysis of
the housing market. To this study will be joined analyses of the economic
base of the community, focusing on the economic role of the university
vis-a-vis other economic activities and or the economic future of the
metropolitan region. We will investigate the implications for zoning and
subdivision regulation, and for the provision of public services by the city
and the county. Such a project is a necessary preliminary for estimating
demand for housing and public services, and for designing, casting, and
evaluating service delivery. A critical problem in this city is the impact
of the university's student and faculty population on the housing market and
the provision of public services. Hence, models of population growth,
composition, and distribution and the housing market must be developed, as
well as analytical tools for evaluating zoning and provision of public services.
7
POpulaLion growth, composition, and distribution have profound implications
Inr the houshig market, zoning and subdivision regulation, urhan-rural land
conversion at the city fringe, and provision of public services. The Iowa
City Research Center will attempt to synthesize a considerable amount of
prior work in this area by the City and by the Johnson County Regional
Planning Commission in order to identify areas where specific university
research can be focused.
Closely related to this first research project is the immediate need
for investigating the often overlapping provision of facilities for recreational
and leisure activities, transportation, health care, police and fire protection,
and other social services by the city government and the University. The
University is really a very substantial part of the community's population.
It provides for student and faculty the kinds of services provided for the
community by the city. In several cases, facility use is overlapping. We
want to estimate such overlap and determine the equity of distribution for
such services. Costs and benefits must be closely studied,not only to
establish equity but also to plan future facilities for these activitiPc. What
coordination can bc: achieved, with consequent reduction in service costs
and/or improvement in services.
Intergovernmental relations (city, county, and state) , as well as city -
university relations, must be studied for an assessment of public services
and other community needs. The University is legally an agent of the State
of Iowa. The county also supplies various public services and deals with
the urban problems of this smaller metropolitan area. There is, in addition,
ct,nsideroble pressure for urban -rural land conversion at the urban fringe
where city and county really meet. At the same time, of course, the city,
the county, and the University will conduct a coordinated investigation
into how to enhance the effectiveness of the management and implementation
of their basic urban planning functions.
IV. A. Itesu;irch Project 1 = "roundations for Gommunity k �se,Jrch
Polmlal.ion, Ilousing Market, rconomic 13;ise, and Provision
of Public Services in Iowa City"
1 . The problem to be studied in this research project is how
to determine and analyze the underlying trends which most
strongly affect the nature of urban problems in the Iowa City
metropolitan region. The underlying trends concern most
fundamentally the growth, composition, and spatial distri-
bution of population in the region, and the economic base
and future of the region. A large proportion of the commu-
nity's population consists of students, faculty, and univer-
sity staff. At the same time, however, Iowa City is a growing
industrial and commercial center. These trends have impor-
tant implications for the housing market and the provision of
public services (including location of public facilities).
What zoning and subdivision policies should local govern-
ment follow? What will happen to the provision of public
services and the location of public facilities? How can we
cost, design, and evaluate service delivery? What are the
probable effects on urban -rural land conversion at the city
fringe where city and county really meet? The purpose of
handling these particular questions is to develop the data
and research support necessary for examining specific public
2.
3.
services in detail in the second and third years of the con-
tract (fire and police protection, transportation, social ser-
vices, health care, recreational and leisure facilities, li-
braries, etc.).
This research project is clearly designed to address this
problem explicitly. In doing so, it will be of direct bene-
fit to the city, the metropolitan area, and the university.
We intend to study and synthesize prior studies for the city
and the metropolitan area the growth, composition, and spa-
tial distribution of population; the economic base and its
future trends; the housing market; zoning and subdivision
regulations; the costing, design, and evaluation of public
services in relationship to the demand for such services;
and the location of public facilities. All these issues
affect the city, the county, and the university at their inter-
faces. The research project would clearly enhance the
research capability of local government and the university
to define and analyze these kinds of issues. The entire
project is designed as a foundation for the study of the pro-
vision of specific public services, as outlined -ibove, in the
second and third years.
Major research tasks to be performed
a. Review and analysis of the economic base and future of
the region.
b. Review and analysis of the growth, composition, and
spatial distribution of population in the region.
c. Impact of population growth, composition, and spatial
distribution on the housing market.
d. Implications of housing market impact for zoning and
subdivision regulation, and for urban -rural land conver-
sion at the city's fringe which regulate in turn popula-
tion distribution.
e. Implications of local policies governing population dis-
tribution, demand for public services, and costs of
service delivery on program design and evaluation as
well as on location of public facilities.
Economic Base
1
Population Characteristics
_..._ - Housing Market
Urban -Rural Land Conversion
Zoning and - Population Distribution
Subdivision Regulation
Demand for Costs of
Public Services Service Delivery
y Provision of Public Services/
and Location of Public Facilities
1
Program Design
and Evaluation
Projects
(2nd, 3rd Years)
4. Principal Researchers
Population, Housing, Market,
Economic Base
Project Leader
Duane Windsor
11
V
Planning Legislation
Program Design (Zoning and Subdivision
and Evaluation Techniques Regulations)
Duane Windsor Steven Siegel
Donald F. Ma zziotti
Duane Windsor
Tra n sporta tion Health Care
Steven Siegel John Proe
Dougla s McKelvey
Brent Bair
Donald F. Mazziotti
Michael J. Pill
IV. B. Research Project 2 = "Sub -Area Housing Preference Study"
Iowa City is confronted simultaneously with a general housing
shortage and with local demands for zoning change which would have
the effect of reducing (or stablilizing) sub -area population densities.
In some respects the conflict is a classic one in local government: a
clash between general conceptions of a city-wide public interest and
the "interests" of residents in the City's several neighborhoods. What
is proposed is a study which probes the several dimensions of housing
preferences of residents in Iowa City "neighborhoods" in terms of (1)
neighborhood consensus-dissensus and their social, economic, and
organizational correlates and areal manifestations, (2) their stability
over time, and (3) the extent to which local residents disregard the
possible social and private costs of their preferences, if enacted into
IV.
zoning change, on other residents in the neighborhoos (both home-
own(,rs and renters) with divergent preferences and on other city
residents. Strategies for resolving intra- and inter -neighborhood
conflicts stemming from housing preference heterogeneity will be
proposed and, with City approval, pilot -tested.
C. Research Proiect 3: Intergovernmental Relations
If an urban observatory is to be useful, both to the city under
observation and the observing university, problems studies must be
both real and subject to amelioration. One problem area bound to be
important through this decade and the next is intergovernmental rela-
tions. It is hereby proposed that the Iowa City/University of Iowa
Urban Observatory proposal include a section on intergovernmental
relations.
The aim would
be to
hlep the city
be effective in
a changing
world. The
city's reward
would
be increased
effectiveness,
the uni-
versity's an opportunity to apply the abstractions of the political
economy and political organization of space literature to concrete
situations. Iowa City is, after all, one government among many. The
city's concerns transcend the limits of municipal power, both terri-
torially and functionally. For Iowa City, boundary problems, transfer -
once of funds among governments, and joint programs are all cogent
areas of concern in the realm of intergovernmental relations. The focus
would be on Iowa City and its relations with other governments, not a
focus on regional activity.
LJ
Many of Iowa City's problems, both for the present ,and the future,
are complicated by the territorial city limits. The functional require-
ments of a service may dictate consideration of areas beyond the city's
domain. Transportation is an excellent example of this: for buses,
roads, and traffic control. Iowa City must look beyond its own city
limits if the city hopes to cope. Iowa City's bus service extends to
University Heights and is linked with the Coralville and University of
Iowa buses. This requires jurisdictional coordination that would be
necessary under unified transportation control. Iowa City must be con-
cerned with both the effectiveness of such a service and the costs and
benefits accruing to Iowa City residents under such a structure. The
same is true of roads, whether one crossing municipal boundaries, e.g.
Melrose Avenue passing through University Heights, or one tied to state
and federal planning, e.g. Interstate 80. Likewise for traffic control, as
both Highway 6 and Melrose Avenue attest.
Drainage is another problem area complicated by boundary problems.
Obviously the city has little control over the flow of the Iowa River, but
it does have some control over the creeks that drain the city -- some
control rather than full control because state and federal governments
impose restrictions and because nature does not always cooperate. The
point is that the decisions of the city are tied to the decisions of other
units of government whether a neighbor or one up the administrative
hierarchy.
U
Boundaries are also a concern to Iowa City with regard to the
expansion of development. Among other things, urban development
i:: tied Lo Lh(! exLension of water and sewerage services. Where
should the city allow water and sewer lines? How much develop-
ment should there be, and of what kinds? And where? How does
fringe development affect redevelopment? In „ period likely to
have little net growth, all of these are important questions for Iowa
City, and all of them concern what is happening beyond the limits
as well as in them.
Boundaries, of course, are also of concern in the realm of con-
solidation and annexation. For various possible proposals, what
would be the calculus of costs and benefits to Iowa City, as well
as those in the areas under consideration? Would expansion of the
city limits alter the accessibility Iowa City residents have to their
city officials ?
All of these boundaries questions are important and will remain
important for Iowa City. An urban observatory, feeling the pulse and
complementing the city's own analysis, would make it easier for the
city to make knowledgeable, rational decisions in the interests of its
citizens.
TRANSPER OI' FUNDS, JOINT PROGRAMS
Fiscal questions and the operation of programs both tie Iowa City
to several other units of governments. The effective provision of ser-
vices requires keeping on top of changes in financing and providing
programs. Monitoring changes in citizen demands for services is
also necessary, of course. As new or altered state and federal pro-
grams come on line, how will Iowa City be affected? An urban
observatory could assist the city in its efforts to know its legal and
jurisdictional environment. What are the gains and losses from coop-
eration with the school district or the universx',y on re ..nation, trans-
portation, social services? What is the impact on Iowa City of Area
X programs, e.g. SEATS or Kirkwood Community College? An urban
observatory could also help Iowa City gather data to present to state
and federal officials so that the city may improve the impact of state
federal programs on the city. Urban Mass Transit and school finan-
cing measures come to mind.
OPERATION
This slice of an urban observatory would be fairly easy to operate.
The city would have to maintain files, keep a constant literature search,
especially of government documents, and continually define areas of
concern. The university, under the 'Institute for Urban and Regional
Research would: also search the pertinent literature to keep up to date
field check such changes as development decisions and use of facili-
ties; contribute to the city's fiscal analysis; and monitor government
decisions affecting the city, as well as those by the city. Thus the
urban observatory would facilitate effective municipal governance in
Iowa City. It would also bring the involved members of the university
out of the ivory tower, thus benefiting both town and gown.
An urban observatory program in the area of intergovernmental
relations would help the city make timely decisions -- timely because
the city sould obtain information more quickly, and the information
would be of a higher calibre. With better information, the city
could also take a look at longer time frames, enabling the city to con-
sider the social cost side-effects of policies Ln addition to the short
term costs.
In the 1st year of operation, the Urban Observatory should establish
a working group, staffed by the observatory, within JCRPC, to analyze
intergovernmental problems of a metropolitan nature. That working
group would identify the specific functions most in need of study. Work
could begin immediately on an analysis of the interplay between develop-
ment and redevelopment. Given the projected modest population and
economic growth anticipated over the next few years, development in
one area will reduce the likelihood of development in another. Given
the levels of development likely and the impact of development on both
the tax base of a municipality and the costs of providing services (given
the quality, type, and location of development) , the importance of
development and the intergovernmental nature of development control
become obvious.
The observatory would monitor on-going development in terms of
developers' decisions, changing land values, the fiscal consequences
of development decisions, and the roles of local governments in develop-
ment decisions. The latter point would include extension of water and
sewer lines, platting, preparation of sites, etc. The abandonment
and deterioration of buildings would also be analyzed. This analysis
would document the land economics of abandonment and deterioration:
eminent domain, redevelopment overhead (land assembly), and for-
feiture of capital improvements e.g. (water and sewer lines). The
focus would be the externalities involved ana opportunity costs of
development and redevelopment decisions in the Iowa City area.
IV. D. Research Project 4: Technology Assessment
Administrative Budget
Staff Salaries
Fringe
Other Direct Costs
Total Direct Costs
III. Consolidated First Year Budget
1975
Local Match _
U of I CitvCj RPC
$4,000.
600.
$4,600.
Combined Research Budgets
Staff Salaries $8,400. $2,800.
Fringe 1,260. 420.
Other Direct Costs
Total Direct Costs $9, 660. $3,200.
Total Direct Costs
Administrative Indirect
Costs
Research Indirect Costs
Total Indirect Costs
Grand Total
$9,660. $7,820.
2,300.
4,840.
$4,840. $2,300.
$14,500. $10,120.*
$2,800.
420.
$3,220.
$3,220
$3,220.
Funds
$18,800.
2,820.
1,800.
$23,420.
$24,000.
1,350.
1,630.
$26,980.
$50,400.
10,800.
13,800.
$24,600.
$75,000.
HUD
Total
$22,800.
3,420.
1,800.
$28,020.
$38,000.
3,450.
1,630.
$43,080.
$71,100.
13,100.
18,640.
$31,740.
$102,840.
*
Che City's Local Match consists of a $6,900.00 contract to the University for
one-quarter support of the Urban Observatory Director and $3220.00 for contributed
staff services for liaison and research participation.
Research Associates
Academic year (20%)
3 @ $14,000
Summer
3 @ $3,000
Combined Research Budgets
Local Match
U of I Citv JCRPC
$8,400.
HUD
Funds Total
$ 8,400.
$ 9,000. 9,000.
Research Assistants
3 @ $5,000. 15,000. 15,000.
Local Staff Liaison/
Participation (2)
20% of $14,000 -
contributed
Fringe 15%
Other Direct Costs
Survey Research, etc.
Total Direct Costs
Indirect Costs
UI - 57.55%
Total Research Costs
1,260.
$2,800.
420
$9,660. $3,220.
4,840.
$14,500. $3,220.
$2,800. 5,600.
420. 1,350. 3,450.
1,630. 1,630.
$3,220. $26,980. $43,080.
13,800. 18,640.
$3,220. $40,780. $61,720.
VII. Local Match
A. Sources of Local Match
11
Local
match
for the first
year
of operation consists of
contributed
staff time
to the
functioning
of the
Urban Observatory and
funds for
partial support of the Observatory's director. The University estimates
20% of three faculty for the academic year wirr b'e spent on Observatory
research projects. Similarly, the City and Johnson County Regional Plan-
ning Commission will assign a staff person each for research liaison and
participation in research. Finally, the City will contribute $6,900 to
share in the support of the Director.
1 . The Second Year
The City will assume an additional $4,650 of the Director's
salary during the second year. With frings and indirect costs, this
means an $8, 000 contribution from the City, which with the prior local
match continued will exceed the $33,000 required.
2. The Third Year
The University will contribute a one-half time research assistant
at $2, 600 which with fringe and indirect costs means a $4, 500 contribu-
tion. One-half research assistant will be removed from the budget and
will be made up with additional faculty participation. The City will
increase its participation in the support of the Director by $4, 650„again
meaning an $8, 000 cash contribution. The total effect is a shift of
$17,000 from HUD funds to local match.
3.
Summary of Costs
by Year
1975
1976
1977
U.I.
$14,500
15,400
20,900
City
$10,000
18,000
26,000
JCRPC
$ 3,200
3,400
3,600
HUD
$75,000
67,000
50,000