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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1974-12-30 Bd Comm minutesl MINUTES IOWA CITY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION DECEMBER 12, 1974 -- 4:00 P.M. CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS MEMBERS PRESENT: Madsen, Galiher, Henry, Horner, Cain, Ogesen MEMBER ABSENT: Larew STAFF PRESENT: Wollmershauser, Schmeiser, Child RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE CITY COUNCIL: 1. Not to recommend approval of Z-7424, the rezoning of a lot approximately 80' x 80', R3B to C2, (vic. in 100 block on North Linn Street, just south of alley). 2. Not to recommend approval of Z-7425, the rezoning of a plot of ground, R3B to C2, on the north side of Jefferson Street east of St. Mary's Church. REQUESTS TO THE CITY MANAGER FOR INFORMATION OR STAFF ASSISTANCE: None LIST OF MATTERS PENDING COMMISSION -COUNCIL DISPOSITION: ® 1. 73-785. Zoning Ordinance changes for High -Rise Apartment Houses - Creation of a U Zone. Pending before Commission. 2. 72-04. Board of Adjustment Appeal Amendments. 3. C-7403. Dr. George McCormick's letter regarding lot restrictions for multi -family zoning. Council referral: 10/4/74. 4. C-7404. Madison Street closure. Council referral: 10/17/74. SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION AND FORMAL ACTIONS TAKEN: Chairman Madsen called the meeting to order and asked if there were any corrections or additions to the minutes of the November 26, 1974 meeting. A motion made by Ms. Cain and seconded by Dr. Ogesen to approve the minutes as written carried unanimously. Z-7424. Rezoning of lot approximately 80' x 80', R3B to C2 (vic. in 100 block on North Linn Street, just south of alley). Request made by St. Mary's Church for purpose of constructing a parking lot. Date filed: 11/11/74. 45 -day limitation: 12/24/74. ® Chairman Madsen stated that the rezoning request made by St. Mary's Church had been referred to the City Attorney for an opinion regarding whether or not parking could be allowed without rezoning. He indicated that at the informal Planning ® and Zoning Commission meeting on Monday, December 9, 1974 the Commissioners expressed reluctance to rezone the property if another way could.be found to allow its use for parking. Chairman Madsen suggested the church ask the City's Building Official to reinterpret the Zoning Ordinance and then, if necessary, appeal to the City's Board of Adjustment. He further suggested that, as a final alternative, the church could request the Planning and Zoning Commission to consider making changes in the Zoning Ordinance. 11 A motion was made by Dr. Ogesen and seconded by Mr. Galiher to recommend to the City Council approval of Z-7424, the rezoning of a lot approximately 80' x 801, R3B to C2 (vic. in 100 block on North Linn Street, just south of alley). The motion failed to carry by a 0 - 6 vote, thereby constituting a motion of denial of Z-7424. Z-7425. Rezoning of plot of ground, R3B to C2, on north side of Jefferson Street east of St. Mary's Church. Request made by J. W. Glasgow. Date filed: 11/25/74. 45 -day limitation: 1/9/75. A motion was made by Mr. Galiher and seconded by Dr. Ogesen to recommend to the City Council approval of Z-7425, the rezoning of a plot of ground, R3B to C2, on the north side of Jefferson Street east of St. Mary's Church. The motion failed to carry by a 0 - 6 vote, thereby constituting a motion of denial of Z-7425. Making reference to the December 12, 1974 Staff Report, Commissioners stated that the subject request would appear to be a case of illegal spot zoning and they were not in support of a change in character of the proposed area. Z-7426. Rezoning of tract, CH to C2, requested by John Lee and Harding Construction Co. (vic. east side of First Avenue north of American Legion Road). Date filed: 11/26/74. 45 -day limitation: 1/10/75. Appearing on behalf of the petitioners, Mr. Philip Leff said the proposed C2 zoning change was being sought because C2 parking requirements are less stringent than the requirements under the present classification. Mr. John Lee spoke in favor of the rezoning. Commissioners Madsen and Galiher indicated they reviewing the Zoning Ordinance regarding parking rather than rezoning the subject property. would prefer requirements -3- A motion was made by Ms. Cain and seconded by Mr. Galiher to defer Z-74261 rezoning of tract, CH to C21 requested by John Lee and Harding Construction Company (vic. east side of First Avenue north of American Legion Road) until the Commissioners have an opportunity to review the parking requirements for retail stores. The motion carried unanimously. Mr. Leff stated that he would submit in writing a waiver of the 45 -day time limitation. A motion was made by Ms. Cain and seconded by Mr. Henry that the City Staff include in their analysis of the two commercially zoned areas at Scott Boulevard and West Benton Street, a re- evaluation of the Towncrest area. The motion carried 4-1 with Mr. Galiher voting no and Dr. Ogesen abstaining. V-7408. Closing of Madison Street between Washington Street and Iowa Avenue. Requested by University of Iowa. Council referral: 10/17/74. It was moved by Mr. Henry and seconded by Ms. Cain to defer action of V-7408, the closing of Madison Street between Washington ® Street and Iowa Avenue, and to request the City Staff to provide additional information on the effects which may be predicted to follow from the closing of a portion of Madison Street. Infor- mation is desired about the combined effect of this change and possible changes in the downtown area related to urban renewal and about what might be learned by the proposed experiment, alternate experiments or some combination. The motion carried unanimously. Mr. Dick Wollmershauser, Acting Director of the Department of Community Development, informed the Commission that a rezoning application had been filed by the Reverend Robert Welsh, First Christian Church, in regard to Housing for the Elderly, Project Ia. 22-2. Mr. Wollmershauser indicated that the request would not formally come before the Planning & Zoning Commission unless the First Christian Church/Knutson proposal would be selected by the City Council. Ms. Cain questioned how the rezoning, if appropriate to be considered by the P&Z Commission, would fit into the time schedule for submission to Housing and Urban Development. Mr. Wollmershauser indicated that the proposal was to be submitted to HUD by February 25, 1974. Chairman Madsen indicated that an informal meeting would be held ® Tuesday, December 17, 1974 for the purpose of discussing the Residential Mobile Home Ordinance. ® Chairman Madsen expressed appreciation for Mr. Lyell Henry's service on the Commission and noted with regret his leaving. He asked the City Staff to prepare a memo formally expressing this appreciation. The meeting adjourned. C J MINUTES ® RIVERFRONT COMMISSION DECEMBER 19, 1974 MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT: STAFF PRESENT: GUESTS: Caroline Bassett Patt Cain Loren Horton James Lindberg Mary Neuhauser Robert Plumb Samuel Fahr Bill Neppl Tony Osborn Don Schmeiser Dick Wollmershauser Rich Kellor Bill' Klatt SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION AND FORMAL ACTION TAKEN: The Riverfront Commission met in regular session on December 19, 1974 with Chairperson Neuhauser presiding. Cain moved and Horton seconded that the minutes of the November 21, 1974 meeting be approved with the following corrections: Page 2 -paragraph 6 -the Johnson County Regional Open Space Committee is not still working on the Kent Park matter. Page 2 -paragraph 7 -Pett Cain's term is not up. Members were reminded that there will be elections held in January to elect a new Chairperson and Vice Chairperson. Chairperson Neuhauser reported that Council has authorized the Stanley contract and welcomed two members of Stanley Consultants, Bill Klatt and Rich Kellor, to the meeting. Two new members to the Commission, Loren Horton and Robert Plumb, were introduced and given a brief orientation of matters with which the River - front Commission has been concerned. ® The meeting was then turned over to Bill Klatt and Rich Kellor who ex - planed that there will be three segments to the River Corridor Study (Program Outline attached). page 2 Riverfront Commission December 19, 1974 E a) An inventory analysis of the corridor (both land and water). This segment will end in April, 1975 with a formal presentation. It was indicated that there would be a minimum of one monthly meeting with the Riverfront Commission. b) The Plan for the corrodor-a physical plan considering land use and feature development to be presented in July, 1975. c) A Design Study for the Sturgis and Mesquakie Park area, the South 218 area and the City area. It was agreed that the first Thursday of each month during the Study will be held in reserve for any needed extra meetings with Stanley Con- sultants in addition to regular fdonthly Commission meetings. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Ellen R. Flowers Secretary C C 0 MINUTES - CITIZENS' STEERING COMMITTEE FOR THE HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACT December 9, 1974 MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT: OTHERS PRESENT: SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION AND FORMAL ACTIONS TAKEN: ��p Bolnick Winder McCall Dalrymple Amidon Baum Matson Rogers Sando Julie Zelenka Volunteers for community survey Instructions were given to the Committee members and volunteers who will be con- ductinq the community survey this week. Eash surveyor will be responsible for one block, the blocks having been randomly selected from 5 strata. Each surveyor will choose 15 households on his/her block, being certain that the interviewee is at least 18 years of age. The total target sample is 500 persons; Sheran Matson advised the Committee that a minimum of 400 returned questionnaires is needed for data analysis. All questionnaires are to be turned in at the Civic Center Infor- mation Desk by noon on Friday, December 13. They will be coded this weekend. The Committee heard a presentation by Jim Shank and Alma Morse of Goodwill Industries. They proposed the purchase by the City of the 8,000 sq. ft. property at 26 S. Van Buren --the old "Me Too". The estimated cost of purchase would be $60,000; and an additional estimated $15,000 is requested for remodeling of the building. The pur- pose of this purchase and remodeling would be the operation of a workshop center for "Skills Unlimited". According to Mr. Shank, the City's expenditure would be a one- time contribution, as "Skills Unlimited" is capable of operating on a self-sufficient basis through its retail outlets. The facility is needed, he said, because Goodwill is being forced by financial difficulties to vacate their retail facility downtown. In response to a Committee question, Mr. Shank stated that maintenance of the build- ing could either be the City's responsibility (if the City retained ownership) or that of Goodwill Industries (if the building ,were handed over to them). No formal actions were taken. Respectfully submitted, Ira Bolnick Committee Member MINUTES CITIZENS' STEERING COMMITTEE FOR THE HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACT ® December 11, 1974 -- Public Meeting MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT: Rogers Winder Amidon Bolnick Baum Matson Sando McCall Dalrymple The Committee members introduced themselves, and a background and brief summary of the Committee's task and the nature of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 were given by Ira Bolnick and Harry Baum. The meeting was then opened up to presentations from the floor. 1. School Recreation Facilities Dick Buxton spoke in favor of increased use of school recreational facilities after hours, stressing particularly the use of swimming facilities. He further proposed that the City subsidize the building of swimming facilities at the 3 ® high schools, which would increase the cooperative use of recreational facili- ties. 2. Removal of Architectural Barriers Brad Meyers spoke as a representative of the University of Iowa Veterans Asso- ciation for the Handicapped and of the Johnson County Commission on the Handi- capped. He spoke first of the need for removal of architectural barriers in Iowa City. Meyers specifically cited the need for better access to the Recrea- tion Center and to the City Park toilet facilities and pools. Parking accessibility was mentioned as another problem, as was the need for cutting of curbs to allow wheelchair traffic (especially at the corner of Iowa and Clinton). Secondly, Meyers stressed the need for more rational planning of any and all future building and remodeling in Iowa City. He asked that the Ecological Barriers Committee of the Johnson County Committee on the Handicapped be con- sulted before remodeling or construction is undertaken. It is particularly important, he said, that a regular liaison be established between said Committee and any Human Needs Planner hired by the City or by Johnson County. Jim Potter suggested that Title I funds be used to subsidize remodeling of Iowa City housing to accommodate the handicapped. Dick Gibson, University of Iowa, endorsed community attention to the needs of the handicapped. 3. Children and Family Resource Center Carol Fracassini, from the 4C (Community Coordinated Child Care) Committee, sub- mitted a proposal for acquisition of land and/or buildings for facilities for a Children and Family Resource Center. This center would focus on the delivery of health, education, day care and social services to children and their families. E Minutes December Page 2 11, 1974 It would house the Visiting Nurse Association (including Well Child Clinic), HACAP Neighborhood Services, and Head Start Preschool Center, and would provide services of other agencies on a scheduled basis. In addition, the proposal cites several new services that might flow from the joint use of facilities by the several agencies (e.g., nutrition demonstrations for parents using the day care program). The proposal cites the need for some 6,000 - 10,000 sq. ft. for the•proposed facilities and also requests the purchase of some 2,500 sq. £t. to be donated for an additional Neighborhood Day Care Unit in a high need area, which would utilize the services of the Children and Family Resource Center. Finally, the proposal calls a program for the Center in involved. This staff person opment might be the task of 4. Human Needs Planning for a part-time social services planner to develop conjunction with the 4C Committee and the agencies could be a separate position, or such program devel- a new Human Resources Planner (See below). Pat Hanrahan submitted a letter from United Way Planning Division, which proposes that the City apply for Advanced Planning funds under Title I, and that these funds to used in part for the hiring of a Human Needs Planner for the area. This person could be added to the City staff or to that of the Johnson County Regional Planning Commission. 5. Elderly Needs Mr. Hanrahan also submitted, on behalf of the Johnson County Task Force on Aging, that group's recommendations for priorities, as well as a report on the recent survey of senior citizens in Iowa City. Mr. Hanrahan stressed the need for removal of architectural barriers, for the provision of medical and dental clinics for the elderly, and for housing for low and middle income elderly citizens. The submitted material also endorses expansion of SITES and SEATS services, the pro- vision of legal services, improved mass transit service to the elderly, and emphasis upon senior citizens centers. 6. Housing Fredine Branson called attention to a letter submitted to the Committee by the Housing Commission, which calls for improved service to the elderly and the handicapped by the transportation system of this area. The letter also proposes the use of Title I funds for the rehabilitation of Iowa City housing units, with some provision for ownership. Additional units for the elderly and for low income citizens is proposed, although these would fall under Title II. 7. Mark IV Social Service Center Mark Jacobson presented a proposal by the Mark IV Social Service Center, which calls for funding of facilities for the center (either purchase of existing or building of new facilities). Some 4,600 sq. ft. are needed for office space, a multi-purpose area, and day care facilities for 30 children; in addition, play- ground facilities are needed. The facilities would be used for day care, an extension library, recreational activities for children, a Breakfast Program, and activities of senior citizens, single parents groups, etc. Hopefully, the expanded Mark IV Social Service Center could serve Hawkeye Apartments as well. Additional materials were submitted to the Committee. ® B. Ralston Creek and Sewers Ken Haldeman spoke on behalf of the Ralston Creek Neighborhood Associations. He called for a thorough cleaning of the Creek, including removal of blockages (concrete slabs, rocks, etc.) and dredging of the lower reaches of the Creek (from its mouth to the Benton Street bridge). In addition, the Neighborhood Associations recommend the hiring of an independent consultant to analyze the problems of the Creek and recommend remedial measures. This consultant, said Haldeman, should be responsible to the already existing Coordinating Committee, which includes representatives of the Neighborhood Associations, the City Council, and the City Staff. Approximate cost of cleaning, dredging, and con- sultant would be $100,000 for the first year. A more detailed proposal is forth- coming. Helen Marlas called for study and improvement of the sewer system to relieve backup problems in Iowa City. 9. Civil Rights Enforcement Mori Costantino, from the Human Relations Commission, called the Committee's attention to the activities of the Commission. She said that a proposal for funds and short-term staff assistance will be forthcoming. 10. Comprehensive.Plan ® Faith Knowler called attention to a letter submitted to the Committee by the League of Women Voters, in which several community needs were emphasized: (1) An Iowa City Comprehensive Plan, with emphasis on human needs; (2) Mass transit; (3) Parks and open spaces, especially along the Riverfront; (4) Housing for low income, elderly and handicapped citizens, Code enforcement, and Housing rehabilitation; (5) Flood control; (6) Sewage disposal; (7) Child care, including preschools, lunch-time and after-school care, and drop-in daytime care for all children, to be available on a sliding fee scale subsidized by government funds. Special priority was urged for a Comprehensive Plan, which would include provi- sions for the other items listed. 11. Rape Crisis Center and Drug Abuse Center 11 Mary Coogan of the Women's Resource and Action Center called for funding of the Rape Crisis Center. The Committee requested further details. Another person suggested that the Committee consider funding of a Drug Abuse Center for Iowa City. 12. Mass Transit Jim Lawler of ISPIRG (Iowa State Public Interest Research Group) urged top priority for development of Iowa City's mass transit system. Ira Bolnick pointed out that the City's Capital Improvements Plan calls for considerable development of the system. Minutes December 11, 1974 Page 4 ® 13. Health Care, Cable TV Bob Welsh suggested consideration of two areas that had gone unmentioned thus far: health care and broad band communications. The Committee requested more information from Rev. Welsh and the Cable Television Commission, and urged citizens to consider possible improvements upon health care in Iowa City. The Committee was referred to the Hoover Health Council, who we intend to contact for their suggestions. Other letters to the Committee will be compiled in a separate list, which is attached. Respectfully submitted, Ira Bolnick Committee Member Ll CORRESPONDENCE CDA Steering Committee 11/1 Ilene Greenwood (Comm. Cord. Child Care) -4C Daycare Subcommittee urges child care within Comprehensive plan 11/3 Clark & Betty Mighell (225 Koser) -Ralston Creek: dredge, concrete walls, proper care 11/21 Riverfront Commission -endorses Comprehensive Plan 12/6 Byron Ross (Chamber of Commerce) -(1) Mass Transit (2) Urban Redevelopment (3) Ralston Creek (4) Housing 12/6 Rochelle Tullis Emma Goldman Clinic for Women -strongly endorses Health Care Services at Mark IV and for senior citizens 12/7 A. C. Farwald (A.A.R.P.) -(1) strengthen Housing Commission; Rehabilitation (2) Comp. Plan, coord. (w/ Reg. Plan'g, Human Resources Center, County Services, United Way) (3) Senior Citizen's Needs Survey (4) Architectural barriers 12/7 League of Women Voters (1) Comp. Plan. - emphasis on human needs (2) Mass Transit (3) Parks & Open Spaces, esp. riverfront (4) Housing (low income, elderly & handicapped), code enforcement, rehabilitation (5) flood control (6) Sewage disposal (7) Child care=preschool; lunch & afternoon school-age; drop-in daytime care for all (sliding scale) 12/9 Board of Trustees, Iowa City Public Library -Survey of community informational, recreational, educational needs (as part of Comp. human needs .plan)= professional -consultant advice -Desire to be part of Neighborhood Center (Mark IV) 12/9 Esther Romine & Ruth Davis (711 Rundell) -Cleaning of Ralston Creek M 12/9 Site Council Dec. 9 Meeting -Mass transit (100 bus fare for elderly) (free parking for elderly in unmetered City lots) (shelters & benches) -Development of both sides of River into park from City Park to Sewer plant -Improvement of Senior Citizen building, development of Senior Center 12/9 John Harper (Citizen's for a Better Iowa City) ® -Top 3 priorities: (1) Mass Transit (2) Low Income Housing (3) Resolution of Ralston Creek Problem -Also, (4) Comp. Plan (5) Use of schools after hours Ll r1 L -2- 12/9 Della Grizel (1530 Sheridan) -Correct Sewage Backup in S.E. Iowa City (not part of Ralston Creek problem, but result of illegal connections to sewer system) 12/9 Jean Spector Volunteer Service Bureau -Use of schools after hours / Old Post Office or similar community agencies center 12/10 Nancy Seiberling (Project GREEN) (Comp. Planning, to include: urban development, trunk sewers, open spaces and natural resources, historic site preservation, recreational opportunities, beautification -Expanded trunk sewer system / Acquisition of land along Ralston Creek (Green Belt, flood control measure) / Acquisition of land along Iowa River / Development of parks and open spaces -Strengthening of City's planning staff 12/11 Marilyn Blake (AFSCME) -Mass Transit / Senior Citizen's Center with Medical facilities 12/11 United Way Planning Division -Advance Planning Money, especially for HUMAN NEEDS PLANNER 12/11 Fredine Branson (Housing Commission) -Rehabilitation of housing with provision for home ownership -Transportation usable by elderly and handicapped -Under Title II, additional units for elderly and low -rent housing 12/11 Human Relations Commission -Proposal forthcoming 12/4 Advisory Council on Historic Preservation -Mayor must give consideration to historic resources: (1) contact State Historic Preservation Officer (Mr. Adrian Anderson, Planner, State Conser- vation Commission, B-13 MacLean Hall, Iowa City, Iowa 52242) (2) Check Federal Register 12/12 Sue Futrell (ISPIRG Recycling Committee) -Solid waste resource recovery not urgently needed, but need to work toward (1) collection of glass and metal (2) treatment of same (3) estab- lishment of regional recycling system -Specific recommendations forthcoming in a few months ® MINUTES CITIZENS' STEERING COMMITTEE FOR THE HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACT December 16, 1974 Members Present: Members Absent: Others Present: Bolnick, Amidon, Winder, Baum, Sando, Dalrymple, McCall, Rogers Matson Julie Zelenka TO THE CITY MANAGER FOR Information is requested from the City Staff in the following areas: (1) Information regarding sewer studies and current plans for alleviating sewer backup, etc. Plastino is being invited to address this question; (2) Details on the City's Comprehensive Plan - Wollmershauser; (3) Details on substandard hous- ing and estimated costs of rehabilitation - Wollmershauser; (4) As mentioned above, advice on reallocation of general revenue sharing funds for social services operat- ing costs - Pugh; (5) Any details on cost of Old Post Office Building. SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION AND ACTIONS TAKEN: Ira Bolnick distributed a list of all correspondence to date, with Isa summary of the contents of each. This, combined with the minutes of the December 11 public meeting and a forthcoming summary of presentations to the Committee, should serve as the basis for a review of community input. The input from organizations and from the December 11 meeting should, in turn, be balanced against the results of the community survey (whose preliminary results will be reported on Wednesday, December 18) in determining this Committee's final recommendations. Bolnick called attention to a letter from the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, which cites the need for careful attention to historic re- sources in any comprehensive plan or use of Community Development money. It is the duty of the Mayor and/or Committee to consult the State Historic Preservation Officer regarding properties listed in the Federal Register and properties that are potential historic preserves, and to insure their viability in the face of community development activities. It is our understanding that the Old Capitol, the Lucas home, the old Morgan Optical building, and a stretch of Summit are currently listed in the Federal Register. The status of the Close Mansion is not known. Dan Rogers will contact Adrian Anderson, the State Officer, to check on these matters. Harry Baum summarized the City's proje-ted use of revenue sharing funds for 1975-1976, with an eye to freeing such funds for social services program costs. To our knowledge, the $105,000 for transit operating costs and the $75,000 for social services operating costs cannot be funded out of Title I funds. However, the following (we think) can be: Code Fnforcement ($15,000) and all proposed expendi- tures for the Capital Improvements Plan (Total $311,890), including Neighborhood park development; Public Safety headquarters study; Bikeways; Riverfront acquisition; Southside Park; and Public Library study. (The two studies could be funded as part of the Comprehensive Plan.) The Committee decided, therefore, to recommend that these expenditures come out of Title I Funds wherever possible, thereby freeing revenue sharing funds for social services program costs (and, if necessary, mass transit operating costs). It was decided that we would like the advice of Joe Pugh regarding such reallocations. ® MINUTES CITIZENS' STEERING COMMITTEE FOR THE HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACT December 16, 1974 Page 2 11 The expenditure of Title I funds for planning activities was also discussed. The Comprehensive Plan, Human Resources planning, Ralston Creek and sewer studies, and planning for a Children's and Family Resource Center Pro- gram were mentioned as a few of the proposals the Committee has heard. (Others included studies under Parks and Recreation, Human Relations Commission, etc.) It was agreed that the Human Resources Planner, whose addition to City or County staff we have already recommended, should be made responsible for as many of these tasks as possible. In general, this Planner would be responsible first for coordi- nating existing programs and delivery of their services, and secondly, for the planning of specific programs. We shall make every effort to arrive at a complete list of planning proposals by January 1. The Committee is beginning the process of seeking further informa- tion from the groups who have made specific proposals, in an effort to arrive at a realistic appraisal of costs wherever possible. Our general plan, as discussed at this meeting, is to report to the Council in three steps: (1) Summary and critique of community survey, which shall serve as the basis for general priorities; (2) Summary of presentations (i.e., proposals) from groups and individuals in the communi- ty; (3) Our recommendations, in light of priorities and specific proposals --this shall include emphasis upon priorities which have not received attention in the way of specific proposals. Hopefully, proposals to fill these gaps will be forthcoming in future months. Respectfully submitted, Ira Bolnick Committee Member `r`�. -I LLA MINUTES CITIZENS' STEERING COMMITTEE FOR THE HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACT December 16, 1974 MEMBERS PRESENT: Matson, Amidon, Winder, Baum, Sando, Dalrymple, Bolnick, McCall, Rogers OTHERS PRESENT: Dick Wollmershauser REQUESTS TO THE CITY MANAGER FOR INFORMATION OR STAFF ASSISTANCE: Thea Sando recommended, and the Committee endorsed, that the City investigate the possibility of setting up a County Housing Authority to administer housing rehabilitation loans for this area. Sharon Matson reported that, due to an emergency absence of the individual who is aiding in data interpretation, the survey analysis will not be ready until January 6. Therefore, the Committee requests an extension of its deadline for submission of recommendations until January 13. This should allow ample time to complete our report, as outlined in the minutes from the December 16 meeting. SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION AND ACTIONS TAKEN: Harry Baum reported that (1) the City Council had requested from HUD $50,000 in advanced planning funds, and (2) the Council had authorized the hiring of Stanley Consultants for the River Corridor Study, and had allocated $20,000 for this pur- pose. This leaves $29,000 to be funded for the study, possibly from Title I. Dick Wollmershauser, Senior Planner for the Department of Community Development, spoke to the Committee regarding several questions raised at our last meeting. First, in regard to substandard housing in Iowa City, Wollmershauser reported that specific survey data has been gathered but is as yet untabulated. Based on HUD figures on substandard housing in various other communities, however, Dick is able to estimate the costs of rehabilitation to be up to $120,000. He said that $100,000 would be sufficient to set up a loan/grant housing rehabilitation program for the City. The nature of such a program requires further study: whether loans or grants would be needed: whether the concept of a concentrated code enforcement area" could be combined with a rehabilitation loan program; whether the City or a bank would be given the task of accounting; etc. Thea Sando spoke of the possibility of setting up a counseling program for the elderly, under the auspices of the A. A. R. P., whose function it would be to counsel homeowners on the options available to them. She also mentioned the possibility of establishing an elderly volunteer service program, in which the homeowner would provide materials and elderly citizens with useful skills would provide the labor. Secondly, Wollmershauser reported that the City Council has just constituted a 40 Committee to oversee the development of a Comprehensive Plan, and has authorized the hiring of two planners for a total of approximately $27,000. Dick added that the City also could use two technicians at an additional cost of some $20,000 to aid in working up a Comprehensive Plan. Regarding the Human Needs Planner whose hiring has been recommended by this Committee, Wollmershauser said that such an 11 0 MINUTES CITIZENS' STEERING COMMITTEE FOR THE HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACT Page 2 individual's basic task would be that of coordinating social services. This would involve (1) monitoring of current services; (2) analysis of needs being met; (3) constructive planning to eliminate duplication and provide for unmet needs; (4) providing of linkages between agencies. These functions, he said, are to be distinguished from those of a Comprehensive Planner, who would provide linkages between services and physical resources and would be responsible for the projection and management of overall changes in the community. Wollmershauser said that under his projected plan, some $65,000 per year for two years would be needed for planners, technicians, and supportive services. Addi- tional funding would be needed for separate consultant studies, such as those contemplated for the Riverfront, Recreational services, Ralston Creek, and sewers. On the question of Ralston Creek, Dick said that the Soil Conservation Service has recommended diversion tunnels and impoundment reservoirs as solution to the flooding problem. The SCS and other previous studies have, however, each examined only one alternative, and an independent counsultant is needed for a comprehensive consideration of alternatives. Dick reported that there are plans to hire an inde- pendent consultant under the Public Works and Community Development Departments. He agreed that the consultant should work in cooperation with the Ralston Creek Coordinating Committee. Finally, Wollmershauser reported on current efforts to diagnose the difficulties of the City's sanitary sewers. He estimated the cost of locating the problems (specifically, those of illegal hookup of storm drainage) at $7,000; that of determining their severity at $750,000; and that of correcting the problems at $700 per house. Dan Rogers reported that he had contacted the State Historic Preservation Officer, and that a copy of the Federal Register and list of eligible properties in Iowa City was being forwarded to the Committee. A letter was submitted by James Harris, Professor of Urban and Regional Planning, regarding his recommendations for study of housing problems in Iowa City. A copy is being forwarded to the Housing Commission, and a summary of the letter will be included in the supplemental list of correspondence, which is attached. Finally, for the record, all minutes up to the December 16 meeting have been read and approved by the Committee. Respectfully submitted, Ira Bolnick Committee Member CORRESPONDENCE --SUPPLEMENT CDA STEERING COMMITTEE 12/12 Richard Bartel(Johnson County Board of supervisors) (1) Senior Citizens' Center is well established, but needs pool table, games, craft supplies, books, magazine subscriptions, window drapes (2) Close Mansion should be restored, but after repairs and remodeling, including: roof replacement, foundation repair, central heat/AC, and some interior remodeling (3) Recommend low cost daycare centers located throughout City (4) Preserve Donnelly's "as a fine old Irish bar" 12/13 Adrian Anderson (State Historic Preservation Officer) --Title I gives opportunity to develop preservation plan for the community's historic resources (This letter was sent prior to the Committee's contacting Mr. Anderson) 12/17 Dick Buxton (supplement to presentation at public meeting) --City should offer to share in construction of swimming facilities at City, west, Regina High Schools, providing health and recreational facilities for all Iowa Citians. The offer should be for (e.g.) 50% of the costs, with a maximum (e.g.) of $175,000/year for 3 years, as the City's share for each of the pools. 12/18 James Harris --Planning money should be earmarked for study and proposals concerning housing for those whose needs are not met by the private real estate market. These should include: (1) Evaluation of low and moderate income housing needs; (2) Evaluation of spatial distribution of housing, with effort to increase housing in central city --with local version of write down, use of eminent domain; (3) Use of Section 8 (H&CD ACT) for investigation independent of Housing Commission and City staff, in order to formulate citizen position; (4) Use of other federal subsidy programs (e.g., 202,236); (5) Investigation of needs of married students and of University's policy framework, with promotion of downtown married student housing; (6) Use of social services related to housing needs, delineation of new services to answer unmet needs; (7) Evaluation of feasibility of public assistance in housing re- habilitation. 12/18 Ralston Creek Neighborhood Association --Urge hiring of consultant for comprehensive Ralston Creek watershed management plan, to include interim and long-term solutions to flood- ing and sewer problems --Emphasis upon interim measures to be studied and implemented as soon as possible (e.g., dredging of accumulated sediment is desirable, should be quickly studied and implemented) --Ralston Creek Coordinating Committee should share the responsibility for formulating job description for consultant, interviewing applicants, is and making recommendations to City Council.