HomeMy WebLinkAbout1973-01-23 Council minutes• MINUTES OF A REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY ,16, 1973
The City Council of Iowa City, Iowa, met in regular session
on the 16th day of January, 1973 at 4:00 o'clock P.M. in the
Council Chambers of the Civic Center.
Members present: Brandt, Connell, Czarnecki. Absent:_
Hickerson,, White. Mayor Brandt presiding.
It was moved by Connell and 'seconded by Czarnecki to con-
sider'the amount read to be a full reading and to approve the
minutes for the regular Council meeting of January 9, 1973,
subject to correction. Motion carried.
The Mayor announced the retirement of Irene Shalla, who
has worked for the City since 1953 and presentedher with a,
pin denoting the 20"years 'of meritorious service. It was moved
by Connell and seconded by Czarnecki to adopt the Resolution
of'Commendation. Upon roll call Brandt, Connell and Czarnecki
voted 'aye', Hickerson and' :White absent. Motion carried.
— Public Discussion: Bill Nerad, representing the Golden
Age Club, inquired if the Council had made a''decision on their:
request for parking. The Mayor'stated that it would be dis-
cussed under Item, 20 later in the meeting.
It was moved by Connell and seconded by Czarnecki to receive'
the minute's of the Housing Commission meeting of December 13;
Charter Committeemeeting of January 10; CATV Committee meeting
of January 5;, Planning &;Zoning Commission meeting of January
11; and Regional Planning Commission meeting of December 20, 1972.
Motion carried
It was moved by Connell and seconded by Czarnecki_ to adopt
the Resolution to 'Approve the Class C Beer & Liquor Control
License application for RAB Inc. dba/The Pub, 330 E. Washington.
Upon roll call Brandt, Connell and Czarnecki voted 'aye','Hick-
erson and White absent. Motion carried.
It was moved by Connell and seconded by Czarnecki that the:
letter from Raymond Sloan, Jr., attorney representing Robert
Johnsons, requesting two readings of ,the Ordinance vacating
alley between 'Holt Ave. and Templin Road be received and filed'.
Motion carried.
It was moved by Connell and seconded by Czarnecki that the',
letter from Robert Wright, Office for Planning & Programming,
concerning area meeting on Community Development be received
• and filed. Motion carried.
,;
•
COUNCIL MINUTES
-2- JANUARY 16, 1973
•
It was moved by Connell and seconded by Czarnecki that
letter and petition from
the the Calvin Knights and residents
of Lee Street area, requesting that parking ar retained on
Lee Street, be received andfiled, Motion carried; The Mayor
stated: that an alternative bus route would be discussed when
the parking report comes up for discussion.
It was moved by Connell and seconded by Czarnecki that
d Br ants,
concurring with the position
on
the 'letter ,from Donal Y Lee
stated in the petition. to retain 'parking on one side of
Street, be received and filed. Motioncarried.
The City Attorney gave the first reading of the Ordinance
Vacating a Portion of Burlington Street. He also gave the
first reading of the Ordinance Vacating the Alley, between
Holt 'and Templin Road, Black's Park Addition.
It was moved by Connell and seconded by Czarnecki to adopt
the Resolution Granting Easement 'along the East side of the
i
_''University of Iowa.
Water Plant on Davenport Street for the ' Upon roll call Connell, Czarnecki & Brandt voted 'aye', Hick-
"erson'and White absent. Motion carried.
Director of Public Works Ralph Speer explained the tapping
• fee for the Arbor Drive Relief Sewer for property north of
Court St. and on both sides of Scott Blvd. and recommended
establishing a connectionlfee of $150.00 per ,acre. it was,
moved by Connell and seconded by Czarnecki to adopt the Resolu-
tion Establishing the Fee. Upon roll call Czarnecki,' Brandt,
and Connell voted 'aye', Hickerson and White absent.' Motion
carried.
It was moved by Connell and seconded by Czarnecki to adopt
the Resolution Accepting the Work for the Linn St./maiden Lane/
Gilbert Street Improvement Program, Division I, Metro Pavers,
Inc., as recommended by the Staff. Upon roll call,Brandt,
onnell & Czarnecki voted 'aye', Hickerson and White absent.
Cotien carried. The Council discussed the condition of the
railroad crossings. The City Attorney advised ,that he had filed
suit and is arranging preliminary hearing.
Director of Public Works Ralph Speer outthe 1973
Sanitary,Sewer Improvement Project #1, one 'sewer on Bjaysville
Lane and, one 500" west Prairie du.Chien,Road, to be assessed
owners; the sewer requested by property onwers &ed.
to property l and second
P nnel
Co
Johnson ,C o. Health Dept. It .was moved Engineer.
by Czarnecki to adopt the Resolution Designating g
Upon roll call White & Hickerson absent, Brandt, Connell and
• Czarnecki voted 'aye'. Motion carried. It was moved by Connell
and seconded by Czarnecki to adopt the Preliminary Resolution
for Construction of Sanitary Sewers. Upon roll call Brandt,
y
J I �yT
-3 CUUNCIL MINUTES
• JANUARY 16, 1973
Connell & Czarnecki voted 'aye', Hickerson and White absent.
Motion carried. It was moved by Connell and seconded by Czar-
necki to adopt the Resolution Fixing Value of Lots. Upon roll
call Connell, Czarnecki and Brandt voted '''aye',Hickerson and
White absent. Motion carried. It was moved by Connell and
seconded by Czarnecki to adopt the Resolution Adopting Preliminary
Assessment Plat & Schedule. Upon roll call Czarnecki, Brandt
and Connell voted 'aye', Hickerson and White absent. Motion
carried. It was moved, by Connell and seconded lby,Czarnecki
to adopt the Resolution Setting Public Hearing on Resolution
of 'Necessity for February`, 6, 1973. Upon roll call Hickerson
and White 'absent, Brandt,` Connell and Czarnecki voted 'aye
Motion carried.
DirectorofPublic Works Ralph Speer outlined the William
White Blvd'.IStorm Sewer Project, and discussed; alternatives.
lie recommended setting public hearing to get citizen-imput.'.
It was moved, by Connell and seconded by Czarnecki to adopt the
Resolution' Designating Engineer. Upon roll call 'White and
Hickerson absent, Brandt,:Connell and Czarnecki voted 'aye'.
Motion carried. It was moved by Czarnecki and seconded by
Connell to adopt the Preliminary Resolution for Construction
of the Storm Sewer. Upon roll call Brandt, Connell and Czar-
necki voted 'aye', Hickerson and white absent. Motion carried.
• It was moved by Czarnecki and seconded by Connell to adopt
the Resolution Fixing ,Value of Lots. Upon roll call Connell,
Brandt and Czarnecki voted 'aye', Hickerson and White'ab.sent.
Motion carried. It was moved by Czarnecki and seconded by
Connelltoadopt the Resolution Adopting the Preliminary Plan
and Schedule. Upon roll call Czarnecki; Brandt and Connell
voted 'aye', Hickerson & White absent. Motion carried. It
was moved by Connell and seconded by Czarnecki to adopt the
Resolution Setting Public Hearing on Resolution of, Necessity
for February 6, 1973. Upon roll, call Hickerson & White absent,
Brandt, Connell and Czarnecki voted 'aye'. Motion carried.
It was moved by Connell and seconded by Czarnecki to adopt
the Resolution Approving Contract Amendments for, the Business
Relocation Mall, City-University Project Iowa R-14 for Park
Fair,':Inc.; an extension of time for completion, addition of
$10,205:for alterations and reduction of $471. for less work
in one 'unit. Upon roll call White and Hickerson' absent, Brandt;
Connell and Czarnecki voted 'aye'. Motion carried.
It was moved by Connell and seconded ,by Czarnecki to adopt
the Resolution Accepting the Work on the South Riverside Dr.
Sanitary Sewer & Lift Station Expansion Project by Dave Schmitt
Const.. Co,, as recommended by the Staff, & Directing the Engineer
r
to Prepare Final Assessments. Upon roll call Brandt, Connell'
and Czarnecki voted 'aye', Hickerson and 'White absent. Motion
carried.
-4- • COUNCIL MINUTES
JANUARY '16, 1973
It was moved by Connell and seconded by Czarnecki to adopt
the Resolution Adopting & Levying the Final Schedule of Assess-
ments & Providing for the Payment Thereof for the South River-
side Drive Sanitary Sewer & Lift Station Expansion Project,
as recommended by the Staff. Upon roll call Connell, Czarnecki
& Brandt voted 'aye',, "Hickerson and White absent. Motion
carried.
City Attorney; Hay Honohan requested that a public hearing
on disposal of certain parcels of land be reset for February
6, 1973.It was moved by Connell and seconded by Czarnecki
to set the public hearing on disposal of certain parcels of
land 'on February 6, 1973, at 4 PDL Motion carried.
The,Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of
the proposed Ordinance on Zoning' for Newly 'Annexed Lands. The
City Attorney advised that 'he could have the change they recom-
mended incorporated in the Ordinance and recommended setting
the public'` hearing. 'It was moved by Connell and seconded by
Czarnecki to set a public hearing on the Ordinance, as amended,
:on February 13, 1973 at 4 P.M. Motion' carried.
Concerning the report from Planning & Zoning Commission.
on the 'proposal to rezone a land parcel at the NW corner of
• Dover Street & Bradford Drive, some members of the',Planning
& Zoning Comm. met with members of the Housing Comm. and the
'Council at the 'informal noon session for discussion. -Special
Use Category within the Zoning Ordinance was also discussed.
The Council discussed the request from the Golden Age Club
for'free parking at the Recreation Center, and decided to
rescind Resolution #771. The Mayor announced that the members
would have free parking, the,City Manager presenting:one pro-
posal and the Mayor presenting another.
The Mayor 'appointed Roberta Jacobs and Linda Dole to three
year terms on the Johnson Co'. Regional Planning Commission.
It was moved by Connell and seconded by Czarnecki that the
Mayor's appointments be approved. Motion carried.
The, Mayor proclaimed the week of January 21-27 as Jaycee
Week and January 21, 1973 as World Religion Day.
The City Manager Ray Wells requested authorization for the
City Attorney to negotiate a lease for the Hotel adjacent to
the Civic Center to be used for housing the Urban Renewal offices,
necessitated by, future demolition of their present` building.
It was moved by Connell and seconded by Czarnecki that the City
• Manager and the City Atty. be authorized to negotiate and accept
a lease for this property to be used for Urban Renewal Office.
Motion carried.'
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COUNCIL UMC
Z
L MIND
TE
S
• JANUARY 16, 1973
Councilman Czarnecki questioned when the Noise Ordinance
would be again discussed. The Mayor referred to the list of
priority items discussed at the informal meeting.
The Mayor requested that the City Attorney's report and
recommendation concerning the Parking Ramp Bond Ruling by the
Court be deferred for discussion when all the Councilmen could
be present. Councilconcurred'.
City Attorney Jay Honohan discussed the delay in the storm
sewer project on Brookside Dr.
It was moved by Czarnecki and seconded by Connell to defer
the executive session to 'consider fair ;market value for parcels
in the Urban Renewal Acrea until the next meeting. Motion carried.
Public Discussion: Linda Fisher, 941 S. Van Buren, appeared
concerning bus schedules not being kept, suggesting more buses
acquired to fill i
be
'n
for breakdowns and more mechanics to
keep up with repairs. The City Manager commented on the problems.
It:was moved by Connell and, seconded by Czarnecki that the
meeting be adjourned. Motion carried:
•
• INFORMAL COUNCIL DISCUSSION
January 16, L973
The Iowa City Council met in informal session at 12:30 o'clock P.M.
on, Tuesday, January 16, 1973 in the Conference Room at 'the Civic Center.
Councilmen present were: 'Brandt, Connelly Czarnecki and Nickerson.
Absent: White. Others' present: Wells, Honohan, Stolfus, Kraft, Seydel,
Klaus, Pugh, Palmer, Whitted.
The meeting was set for discussion of housing for the elderly with
representatives from the Housing Commission and the Planning & Zoning,,
Commission. P&Z'members 'present: Davidson, Henry., Housing Comm. members
present: Stier, Frimml, Hamer, White, Duncan.
Mayor Brandt asked for discussion on the application, criteria,
feasibility of downtown site, effect of, the President's freeze. Director
of Community. Development Dennis' Kraft presented a memo on housing in
the Central Business District. He outlined the previous studies, applica-
tions,,'& action taken'. Councilman Czarnecki requested explanation of
the financial arrangement between developer, City'&subsidy by;the ,govern-
ment. Housing Coordinator Lyle''Seydel explained the leasine'agreements.
The Mayor stated that previously when discussing the housing proposal,
it was the concensus of the Council not to remove property from the tax
rolls. The`Leasing 23 program keeps the land on the tax rolls. The City
I• Manager advised that the general national trend is toward elimination of
non-taxable 'properties.',
Dennis Kraft explained the conditional or;special 'use permit concept,
that elderly housing could be allowed in a certain zone provided certain
findings were made; location not adversely affecting',property values, on
public health, safety, ,appearance; general prosperity',ot area. The City
Attorney explained previous policy, since;declared illegal. by the Supreme
Court of Iowa, and present policy wherein we set out requirements and
zones limited to,' as 'for hospitals, mobile home courts, & high-rise apart-
ments.
In ,answer to Councilman Hickerson's request for P&Z members personal
reaction, Penny Davidson responded that the Commission was not aware of
the 'specifics 'for leasing programs, and had not had time to 'digest the
total problem or the sites, or the legal problems; all information verbal..
Lyall Henry stated altho-there could, be problems' with special designations,
they would review, and also cited lack of written Staff presentation as''
a problem.
The Mayor indicated that he was still concerned over housing on the
Peripheral, & if we had exhausted all resources for the decision against
a Central Business District site. Discussion followed, & the need for
additional programs later was mentioned. James Stier advised that by
'• using the point system formula, the Bradt,rd/Dover'site rated highest,
even over urban renewal site. The City Manager commeited that frustration
over housing problems was country -wide, and reminded the Council that
concerning the sale of urban renewal land, the City makes up 25% of the
• difference, between what 'we,pay and what we sell the land for, & cautioned the
Council to plan carefully when talking about waiving of taxes.
Councilman Hickerson responded that the question was, what can the City and
the Housing Commission do to lay the ground work for a next project consistent
wi.th everything that has been said. Councilman Czarnecki asked why the Council
didn't go under the other assumption,!that no money was coming --period. As
alternatives besides the revenue sharing money and Public 23. Housing, he suggest-
ed fraternity or sorority houses that, are on the market.He asked for more
information on what the elderly pay for housing now, what subsidy we give &
what social security counts'. Lyle Seydel responded thatrsocial security is
counted as income, some elderly pay as low as $8, some as high as $64; an
efficiency apartment averages $29. for housing recipients, average cost to
Clic City, $85; a one -bedroom averages $32. for recipient, $109. for City.
Dennis Kraft proposed another option could be a real not-for-profit corpor-
aCion,' such as a church 'organization, .that is willing, to amortize the building
out over a period of 35 to 40 years, and go into it with the idea of not making
a profit but to really provide housing. Councilman' Connell commented that
lie would like to have the Bradford/Dover site investigated.
Councilman Czarnecki suggested that the City 'could lget into the real estate
business by buying properties proposed in the Flood Plain Ordinance. "Dennis
Kraft commented that concerning fraternity buildings, they are on the 'tax roils.
James Stier proposed that a possible site be picked out, material be sent to
prospective developers, send out rent, subsidies, then pick out a developer for
• Clio project, submit the proposal and wait for approval, if and when anything
opens up. ,Councilman Hickerson agreed that this made sense, as an interim
step. ,'Councilman Czarnecki stated he, had no objection to the Bradford/Dover
site but was opposed to the 'American -Legion/Willow site, and also after following
up on Mr. Stier's proposal, to pursue alternatives -revenue sharing bit, & he
had no 'hang up about taking property off tax rolls, or using property already
off tax rolls such as Univ: or church property. Answering the question about
tile Jefferson Hotel, the Attorney said that the first two floors are taxed, the
others are not.
The Mayor stated that the Council would await Planning & Zoning Commission's
decision. Discussion' followed on which item P&Z was to ..report on. The decision
was that P&7 should make a report concerning special use permit.
Mayor Brandt announced his list establishing priorities for discussion
of items at informal sessions as l) New concept of Urban Renewal, 2) Park and
Recreation Fees, 3)Capitol Improvement Program, 4) Revenue Sharing, 5) EEOC,
or whenever we hear from Kansas City, 6) Parking Report, 7) Street Parking
Rumoval (bus routes, bicycles) 8) Joint Facility -County Board,' 9)' Annexation
Ord., 10) Building Code. Councilman Czarnecki questioned annexation provision on
voluntary, & if Home Rule changed involuntary procedure. The City Attorney
explained voluntary procedure and that Home Rule will change involuntary
procedures.
The Mayor announced that Hickerson and White would be absent from the 4:00
meeting, and requested that concerning the District Court ruling, all members
of the Council be present for discussion & wanted to defer it to the next
meeting. Council '&'Attorney concurred.
INFORMAL COUNCIL DISCUSSION
JANUARY 23, 1973
The Iowu' City Council met in informal session oc 1,2:30 o'clock P.H.
on Tuesday, January 23, 1973 in the Conference Room at the Civic Center.
Councilmen present were, Brandt, Connell, Czarnecki, Uickerono and White.
Absent: None. Others present: Klaus, Hayek, Bowers, Uouohuu, 0pecr,
Kraft, Pugh, Ahhuct^
� The meeting was set for discussion of Urban Renewal. Before discussion
`
started, Atty. John Hayek presented a picture toLoren Hickerson depicting.
a scene from the First Alumni Tour to the Rose Bowl. �
�
�
. City Manager Day Wells commented that a periodical report was made to
�
the Council to keep them informed of the progress in Urban Renewal. Mayor �
�
Brandtreported on the meeting i� nCbiva&o of sLaff and developers, the
� general conclusion was that the city should get out of the development
�
business. He also stated that the new concept was being accepted by the
downtown businessmen he had talked with. �
�
The Council discussed the timetable for o package; development of 13 �
acres.or transition zone dependent on nature & extent of downtown .money;
allcity meetiu&s.aud transactions are public record; u moratorium on
�
�
individual site development; area south of Burlington; Council Bluffs and
Sioux City plans; no large corporation with driving interest incommunity �
� to serve as focal point; if package deal put together now, a year away �
� fromstarting construction; biggest hurdle is appraisals; flexibility �
�
of plan;' 'need for plan change fromresidential bank to commercial;
demolition contracts, city owned buildings; Breeze property; mass transit,
accommodate Medical Center, major terminal underground.
The second item discussed was the Building Code. DennisKraft, Director
�
of Cnuououity Development outlined the reasons why the workable program was not
reoert1fi`d. To rectify this be off 'red two uptinos, adoption of the State
Building Code Package o making amendments to the State Plumbing Code, An
Atty. General's opinion has been asked for cnuc~oiu& city inspection of state
�
buildings, fees and permits involved. Council discussion included the following:
�
implications of city staff size; HUD preference,' adopt State Building Code;
�
�State Building Code Official &SCote 'Building Code Committee, 7 persons
�
appoioted bythe Governor, one from Iona City in Earl Yoder; arguments for
or against plastic pipe;,difference in cost between plaotic& copper pipe �
`
inhome building, $400 to 8500,; Rumex vs conduit; if builders want the nbuoQe;
if the use of plastic pipe is pointed out to the purchaser, (no); status of
Jefferson Building, lot two floors are inspected; any recommendations from
our 9lumbioQ:Doord? Mr. Kraft proposed to check with DDD to see if their
requirements are metby the City's adoption of the Uniform oid&, Code in its
'
entirety, &tn check if there is any conflict with the State Code. Mc.
Bowers was directed to get i ut from our Plumbing Board, before the
Council � makes
u decision. �
�
• The City Attorney reported on the pa
kin
g
r
em
P
case
and
the
additional
io
nal
conclusions of Law., The League. of Municipalities is considering fiLing,a brief on
behalf of the League in support of our position if we appeal. if the ruling
is correct, Sioux City* Des Moines and Dubuque', parking ramps could be invalid
too. Concerning revenue from the system paying a portion of street main-
tenance from road use tax funds, all other cities do exactly as we do. All
Ordinances agree also that revenue from the entire system pays for a facility.
The League is 'concerned that only parking meter receipts, not sticker or gate
revenue can, be used, most ramps are gate type.
The Council then discussed the following: Previous bond issues, recom-
based on Judge Vietor's
mendations from bonding consultants and attornies
a facility out the facility
ruling on University case, that you must pay for en
itself; implications if City does not appeal, anyone 'could challenge future
Judges findings; meters -a traffic control
issues; feasibility of following
device not a revenue'device; Home Rule basis for financing revenue bond is
entirely different; decision affects revenue bonding, that we have indirectly
financed revenue bonds by road use tax money; effect of ruling if Home Rule
Finance section is adopted, doesn't change opinion now given; time period -
will ask Chief Justice for special assignment because of public question in-
volved, decision could be June or July.
Councilman White stated there were obviously some questions to be answer -
clarification could be obtained by legislative ruling.
ad, and felt that
he appeal, our system provides for ultimate
Councilman Hickerson supported t
• decision at the State level.