HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-01-31 Info Packeti � 1
CITY 01 10VVA CITY
www.icgov.org
City Council Information Packet
IP1. Council Tentative Meeting Schedule
February 51 Work Session
January 31, 2019
IP2. Work Session agenda
IP3. Memo from City Manager: FY20-21 Aid to Agencies (A2A) Recommendation
IP4. Pending Council Work Session Topics
M iiseellllaneous
IPS. Email from Council member Cole: Drink Specials
IP6. Copy of article from City Manager: Growth of electric cars could jeopardize
Iowa's road fund
IP7. Memo from Historic Preservation Planner: Downtown District Survey
Recommendations
IP8. Letter from Downtown District Executive Director: National Register Historic
District nomination
IP9. Memo from NDS Code Enforcement Specialist: Request for Information - 225
& 229 N. Gilbert Street
IP10. Memo from MPOJC Assistant Transportation Planner and Director of
Transportation Services: Update on regional transit system discussions
[Previously distributed in the 1/10/19 1 nfo Packet, I P4.]
IP11. Copy of news release: City Council Listening Post - February 11
IP12. Economic Development Committee: October 29
IP13. Invitation: League of Women Voters Event- February 14
Draft Minutes
IP14. Parks & Recreation Commission: January 9
IP15. Public Art Advisory Committee: January 10
January 31, 2019 City of Iowa City Page 1
Item Number: 1.
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CITY Ok IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
January 31, 2019
Council Tentative Meeting Schedule
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Council TentaLive Meeting Schedule
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City Council Tentative Meeting
Schedule
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Subject to change
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CITY IOVVA CITY
January 31, 2019
Date
Time
Meeting
Location
Tuesday, February 5, 2019
5:00 PM
Special formal/Executive Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
Work Session
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
5:00 PM
Iowa City Conference Board
Emma J. Harvat Hall
Work Session
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Tuesday, March 12, 2019
5:00 PM
Work Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Tuesday, April 2, 2019
5:00 PM
Work Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Monday, April 15, 2019
4:00 PM
Reception
ICCSD
4:30 PM
Joint Entities Meeting
TBA
Tuesday, April 16, 2019
5:00 PM
Work Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Tuesday, May 7, 2019
5:00 PM
Work Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Tuesday, May 21, 2019
5:00 PM
Work Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
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CITY Ok IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
January 31, 2019
Work Session agenda
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Work Session agenda
Item Number: 2.
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1826
(3 19) 356-5000
(319) 356-5009 FAX
www.icgov.org
Special Formal / Executive Session 5:00 p.m. - separate agenda posted
City Council Work Session Agenda
Tuesday, February 5, 2019
Emma J. Harvat Hall - City Hall
Following 5:00 p.m. Special Formal
• Joint Meeting With Housing & Community Development Commission
• Clarification of Agenda Items
• Information Packet Discussion [January 24, January 31]
Council Direction needed on the following items:
1. (1/31) I P7, I P8: Downtown District Survey Recommendations
2. (1/31) I P9: Request for Information - 225 & 229 N. Gilbert Street
• Council updates on assigned boards, commissions, and committees
Item Number: 3.
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CITY Ok IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
January 31, 2019
Memo from City Manager: FY20-21 Aid to Agencies (A2A)
Recommendation
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Memo from City Manager: FY20-21 Aid to Agencies (A2A) Recommendation
CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM
Date: January 31, 2019
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Geoff Fruin, City Manager
Re: FY20-21 Aid to Agencies (A2A) Recommendation
Introduction:
Each year the City of Iowa City provides operational support to local non -profits through our Aid
to Agencies (A2A) program. Funding for the program comes from the City's General Fund, federal
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) dollars, and assistance from our public utility
accounts. After an open application period, the Housing and Community Development
Commission (HCDC) reviews submittals and forwards a funding recommendation to the City
Council based on the program's budget. The City Council then has final authority to approve the
funding disbursements for the program.
At the January 17, 2019 HCDC meeting the Commission heard concerns from a few non-profit
agencies about the funding level of the program, which has been flat for several years. In
response to those concerns, the HCDC opted not to provide recommendations within the City's
budget amount for the program. Instead they made the recommendation to fully fund the requests
of the `Legacy Agencies', which are those agencies that have historically relied on A2A funding.
This recommendation exceeds the City's proposed FY 20 A2A budget by $251,500. The HCDC
also requested to hold a work session with the City Council to discuss this recommendation.
A2A Funding Background:
The A2A program relies on three separate funding sources. General Fund support of $250,000
has been provided for the last several years (in FY15 the General Fund contribution increased to
$268,810 to meet a critical service request from Elder Services). Similarly, the City's utility
contribution of $28,700 has been flat for many years. The CDBG funding varies from year to year
based on congressional allocations. Generally, CDBG funds have provided $100,000 in annual
A2A funding but that amount has varied between $97,700 and $113,000 in recent years. FY20
CDBG funds have not been announced yet and will not likely be known for at least a month.
While the City has not increased the $250,000 General Fund contribution, the City's support for
non -profits has grown considerably in a more targeted fashion. In the last five years the City
contributed $100,000 ($20,000 per year for five years) to the 1105 Project, supporting several
agencies that locate in that facility. We have also supported the temporary winter shelter by a
minimum of $20,000 per year. The City's spending on affordable housing has been well-
documented and has included between $650,000 to $1,000,000 in new annual contributions that
have helped numerous non-profit agencies.
2018 A2A Funding Allocation Changes:
Upon the HCDC's recommendation, the City Council approved changes to the Aid to Agency
funding process on July 17, 2018. The changes aimed to provide stable funding for those 'Legacy
Agencies' that have historically relied on A2A funding, but also aimed to provide funding for
'Emerging Agencies' that have not historically received A2A funding. Further the process set a
guideline for distributing 70% of funds to high priorities, 25% to medium priorities and 5% to low
January 29, 2019
Page 2
priorities. The priority level is determined by the five-year City Steps plan that we file with the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Another significant change was moving from an annual application to a two-year funding cycle for
Legacy Agencies. This year's applicants are applying for FY20 and FY21 funds. The FY21 award
will be based on the FY20 allocation. Recipients may be subject to a prorated increase or
decrease based on the actual funds available in FY21.
The 2018 changes to the process were very clearly intended to provide funding to a larger number
of non -profits. This was evident through the decision to set-aside some A2A funding ($19,000 in
FY20) for new, Emerging Agencies and through intently targeting medium and low priority
applications. Without increasing the program budget, it is clear that some Legacy Agencies will
necessarily see reductions in their annual funding through this new process. The problem will
likely compound over time as new Emerging Agencies may eventually qualify for Legacy Agency
status. This could happen as soon as FY 22 and further dilute the program funding among
agencies.
FY 20 Funding Decision:
At their January 17, 2019 meeting, HCDC considered funding recommendations from the Legacy
applicants. The City received 19 applications requesting $625,500 in funds. HCDC will consider
a recommendation for the Emerging Agency applicants in March. There were six applicants
requesting $78,165 in Emerging Agency funds. Total funding for Emerging Agencies is set at
$19,000.
HCDC recommended that Council fully fund all the Legacy Agency application requests, totaling
$625,500 for both FY20 and FY21 by a vote of 7-0. This would be an increase of $251,500 over
the estimated total A2A FY20 budget. There was not discussion on requesting a higher budget
amount for the soon to be discussed Emerging Agency allocations.
The City must allocate the public service funds available through the A2A process by March 21.
A portion of these funds are included the Annual Action Plan required by HUD as almost $100,000
of the A2A budget are CDBG funds. To meet HUD's deadlines, the City posts the draft Annual
Action Plan for 30 days in April for approval at the City Council's first meeting in May. The final
CDBG contribution will not be determined until Congress approves a budget.
The City Council has the authority to modify the FY 20 budget as it deems appropriate. If the
Council desires to increase FY 20 it must think carefully about our ability to provide a two-year
commitment and allocate the same higher amount for FY 21. While there is any number of funding
scenario options the Council may choose, here are a few options to help guide your discussion:
1. Keep the budget at the proposed FY 20 amount and request HCDC make
recommendations to meet this budget at their February meeting. Staff will then work with
individual agencies to ensure that any reduction in funding does not prevent them from
accessing federal grants that have historically aided their operations.
2. Increase the FY 20 budget approximately $37,000 to ensure that Legacy Agencies receive
the same allocation in FY 20 that they received in FY 19. The exact amount of the funding
increase will depend on the final CDBG allocation. This would also preserve the $19,000
set aside for Emerging Agencies.
3. Accept the HCDC recommendation and increase the FY 20 budget for A2A by $251,500.
If Council wants to pursue this option, then staff recommends using one-time reserve
funds and cancelling the second -year (FY 21) commitment. The FY 21 allocation would
then be conducted separately based on proposed funding levels. Staff does not view an
increase of this magnitude as a being a viable sustainable option given other financial
demands on the City budget.
January 29, 2019
Page 3
In my view, option two appears to be a reasonable compromise that will ensure some level of
stability for local non -profits that have been historically reliant on these local funds. The increase
is also an amount that staff would be comfortable working into the FY 21 budget so the two-year
funding cycle can be maintained. As we look beyond FY 21, staff could aim to set a goal of
increasing A2A funding by 3% annually to help recognize increasing expenses and growing
service demands. However, as previously mentioned in this memo, the new A2A structure is now
designed to continually expand the number of agencies accessing funds. Thus, even with modest
annual percentage increases in program funding some individual agencies could see a decrease
over time.
As the City Council considers this request, it is important to reiterate that making commitments to
grow this budget in the future will compete with other City Council priorities as well as core service
demands on our many operating departments that rely on General Fund support.
Staff will be happy to answer questions at your February 5th joint work session with HCDC.
Attachments
• Signed A2A Resolution and Supporting Memos from July 2018
• A2A History of Agency Requests and Allocations
• 1-17-19 draft HCDC meeting minutes
Prepared by: Kirk Lehmann, Neighborhood Services, 410 E Washington St., Iowa City, IA 52240 (.19) 356-5230
RESOLUTION NO. 18-214
Resolution adopting the Aid to Agencies process
Whereas, the Iowa City Housing and Community Development Commission formed a
subcommittee to discuss past and current practices and policies for the Aid to Agencies process
of funding public service providers; and
Whereas, the Iowa City Housing and Community Development Commission wishes to better
balance stable funding for existing agencies with funding for developing agencies and/or
agencies that have not historically received funding; and
Whereas, the Iowa City Housing and Community Development Commission also wants to
improve the Aid to Agencies process itself; and
Whereas, the City solicited input from agencies, and held public meetings during which they
discussed the Aid to Agencies process; and
Whereas, the Aid to Agencies Process Recommendations dated July 10, 2018 is attached
hereto as Appendix A; and
Whereas, the Iowa City Housing and Community Development Commission has recommended
that Appendix A be approved; and
Now, Therefore, be It resolved by the City Council of the City of Iowa City, Iowa, that:
1. The Aid to Agencies Process Recommendations dated July 10, 2018, containing changes
to the Aid to Agencies process and attached hereto as Appendix A, is hereby approved
and adopted.
Passed and approved this 1 r day of July, 2018.
Attest:
Deputy"' -C4 Clerk
IF
Mayor
City Attorney's office
jo
Resolution No.
Page 2
18-214
It was moved by Bo tchway and seconded by
Resolution be adopted, and upon roll call there were;
AYES:
NAYS: ABSENT:
x
Botchway
xCole
x
Mims
x Salih
x
Taylor
x
Thomas
x
Throgmorton
Mims the
Appendix A
"Emerging" Agency Funding. HCDC will set aside 5% of A2A funds for "emerging" agencies,
defined as any agencies that have not existed as a legal entity for at least 2 years or have not
received A2A funds in any of the last 5 years. These funds will have a $5,000 funding minimum
and will be allocated annually to help new organizations develop. This source should not be
expected to become permanent. Applications will be separate from the United Way Joint
Funding Process, allowing them to be smaller and more customized. Applications will be due at
the same time as the City's HOME/CDBG funding round in December, awarding funds closer to
the reception of funds. Two years from the year they were funded, an Emerging Agency can
apply for Legacy funding, so if an agency was awarded Emerging funds in 2019, they could
apply for Legacy funding in 2021. Unused Emerging Agency funding may be shifted to Legacy
Agencies.
"Legacy" Agency Funding. All remaining funding will be available to "legacy" agencies, defined
as agencies that have existed as a legal entity for at least 2 years and have received AZA
funding in any of the last 5 years. This funding is not guaranteed but will provide a minimum of
$15,000 each year over 2 years (funding may be subject to a prorated increase or decrease
depending on annual funding amounts). Legacy agencies will use the United Way Joint Funding
Process application and will submit regular reports to HCDC to ensure accountability. If an
agency does not perform to a minimum standard after its first year of funding, funds may be.
revoked.
HCDC will strive to apportion funds using the following guidelines: 70% of funds to High
priorities, 25% to Medium priorities, and 5% to Low priorities. This will help spread funding
between priority groups and reduce competition for high-priority designations. Staff will
recommend an agency's priority level based on its central mission, and HCDC will approve. If
HCDC determines a priority level does not have appropriate applications, funds may be moved
between priority groups.
mr p A CITY OF IOWA CI
REPbLL
COUNCIL ACTION
July 17, 2018
Resolution adopting the Aid to Agencies process
Prepared By:
Kirk Lehmann, Community Development Planner
Reviewed By:
Erika Kubly, Neighborhood Services Coordinator
Tracy Hightshoe, Director of Neighborhood and Development Services
Fiscal Impact:
None
Recommendations:
Staff. Approval
Commission' Housing and Community Development Commission
(HCDC), approval 8-0
Attachments:
Resolution
HCDC Memo Aid to Agencies Process Recommendations, dated July
10, 2018
Executive Summary:
After its May 24, 2018 HCDC meeting, HCDC reviewed the Aid to Agencies (A2A) allocation
process. Historically, A2A provided predictable funding for nonprofits, but it also has funded new
and developing agencies. The subcommittee developed recommendations to balance both
functions of A2A funds while improving the allocation process. HCDC voted to send the
recommendations to City Council for consideration after discussions on June 21 and July 10.
Background/ Analysis:
The attachment discusses the background, solutions and recommendations made by HCDC
regarding the Aid to Agencies process. A summary of the recommendations is as follows:
°Emereina° Funding. HCDC will set aside 5% for "emerging" agencies, defined as any agencies
that have not existed as a legal entity for at least 2 years or have not received A2A funds in any
of the last 5 years. These funds, allocated at a $5,000 minimum increment, will be allocated
annually to help agencies develop. Applications will be simplified and separate from the United
Way Joint Funding Process. They will be due at the same time as the City's HOME/CDBG
funding round. Two years from the year they were funded, an Emerging Agency can apply for
Legacy funding (i.e. an agency awarded funds in 2019 could apply for Legacy funds in 2021).
"Leaacy° Fundinsa. All remaining funds are reserved for "legacy" agencies, defined as agencies
that have existed as a legal entity for at least 2 years and have received A2A funding in any of
the last 5 years. These funds, allocated at a $15,000 minimum increment, will be provided each
year over two years (though funding may be subject to a prorated change depending on annual
funding amounts). Applications will be through use the United Way Joint Funding Process.
Regular reports,will be required, as will a minimum standard of performance. Ranking criteria
will also be used to make the funding process more transparent and objective.
HCDC will aim to apportion 70% / 25% / 5% of funds to High / Medium / Low priorities to spread
funding between priority groups and reduce competition for high-priority designations. Staff will
recommend an agency's priority level based on its central mission, and HCDC will approve.
r CITY OF IOWA CITY
COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
HCDC recommends that City Council consider and approve these changes to the Aid to Agency
process. Once Council completes its review, staff will send a memo to applicants summarizing
changes made to the A2A process, along with the rationale, to help set expectations.
r
,.�, CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM
Date: July 12, 2018
To: Iowa City City Council
From: Housing and Community Development Commission
Re: Aid to Agencies Recommendations
Introduction:
Following the May 24, 2018 Housing and Community Development Commission (HCDC)
meeting, a subcommittee reviewed the Aid to Agencies (A2A) allocation process. Historically, A2A
provided predictable funding for nonprofit agencies. More recently, it has also provided new and
developing. agencies flexible funding. The subcommittee developed the following
recommendations which seek to balance both functions of A2A funds, as well as improve the
allocation process. HCDC voted to send the recommendations to City Council for consideration.
History/Background:
Several policies have been developed in the past to prioritize agencies for the funding allocation.
• Legacy Agencies: In the past, agencies who continually receive funding each year were
prioritized in funding allocations. This process provided a consistent source of funding for
these agencies, allowing them to retain staff and anticipate budget amounts year-to-year.
However, it made it difficult for new agencies to benefit from the program.
• Priority Needs: The prioritization of agencies into low, medium, and high based on
population served was developed to ensure funds had the greatest impact and is required
by CITY STEPS. The current use of these categories in the allocation process tends to
be ineffective because nearly all agencies attempt to meet the high priority category.
• Minimum Threshold: A minimum funding threshold of $15,000 is set to allow for funding
of a half-time or quarter position at an agency. The amount of staff time required to
administer each grant and level of community benefit were also considered when the
minimum threshold was implemented.
An HCDC subcommittee solicited feedback from agencies and met June 7 and June 15, 2018 to
identify ways to improve the A2A allocation process. The subcommittee drafted
recommendations, which were reviewed by the full committee on June 21 and July 10.
Discussion of Solutions:
The subcommittee received comments from multiple A2A recipients, many of which echoed
previously mentioned feedback. The following themes to improve the process were developed:
• Enhance objectivity: Multiple agencies mentioned a desire to increase objectivity in
allocating funds. They were supportive of objective criteria in evaluating applications.
• Avoid duplication of work: HCDC should be careful about how to fund agencies thatare
doing the same work because they don't want to duplicate services with limited funds.
• More clarity in expectations. Several agencies were confused about the process and
exactly how HCDC chose to allocate funds. Understanding was also lacking on which
agencies got to present to HCDC. Clearer expectations with agencies need to be set.
• Minimum funding: Some saw a minimum funding amount as arbitrary. However, it makes
the review process more manageable for HCDC and provides greater certainty for staffing.
Based on this feedback, the subcommittee tried to balance stable funding with opportunities for
new agencies. Recommendations primarily focus on sustainable funding for agencies, but they
also provide funds for new agencies. The following summarizes general recommendations:
July 12, 2018
Page 2
"Emerging" Agency Funding. HCDC will set aside 5% of A2A funds for "emerging" agencies,
defined as any agencies that have not existed as a legal entity for at least 2 years or have not
received A2A funds in any of the last 5 years. These funds will have a $5,000 funding minimum
and will be allocated annually to help new organizations develop. This source should not be
expected to become permanent. Applications will be separate from the United Way Joint Funding
Process, allowing them to be smaller and more customized. Applications will be due at the same
time as the City's HOME/CDBG funding round in December, awarding funds closer to the
reception of funds. Two years from the year they were funded, an Emerging Agency can apply
for Legacy funding, so if an agency was awarded Emerging funds in 2019, they could apply for
Legacy funding in 2021. Unused Emerging Agency funding may be shifted to Legacy Agencies.
"Legacy° Agency Funding. All remaining funding will be available to "legacy" agencies, defined as
agencies that have existed as a legal entity for at least 2 years and have received A2A funding in
any of the last 5 years. This funding is not guaranteed but will provide a minimum of $15,000 each
year over 2 years (funding may be subject to a prorated increase or decrease depending on
annual funding amounts). For the first round, funding will be randomly staggered to spread
applications between years. Legacy agencies will use the United Way Joint Funding Process
application and will submit regular reports to HCDC to ensure accountability. If an agency does
not perform to a minimum standard after its first year of funding, funds may be revolted.
HCDC will strive to apportion funds using the following guidelines: 70% of funds to High priorities,
25% to Medium priorities, and 5% to Low priorities. This will help spread funding between priority
groups and reduce competition for high-priority designations. Staff will recommend an agency's
priority level based on its central mission, and HCDC will approve. If HCDC determines a priority
level does not have appropriate applications, funds may be moved between priority groups.
Financial Impact:
These recommendations will have no fiscal impact on the City. Fiscal impacts for agencies may
include more evenly distributed funding around agencies and greater levels of transparency.
Recommendation:
HCDC recommends that City Council consider and approve these changes to the Aid to Agency
process. Once Council completes its review, staff will send a memo to applicants summarizing
changes made to the A2A process, along with the rationale, to help set expectations.
FYIS-21 Leeacv Aid to Aeencies Reauests/Allocations with Priorities
AgencyRequest
FY15 FY26 FY17
Allocation Request Allocation Request Allocation
FYSB
Request Allocation
FY19
Request Allocation
FY20
Request Allocation
FY21
Request Allocation
Staff Assigned Main Priority
4 C's Community Coord. Child Care
$10,000
$5,000
$15,000
$0
$41,750
$15,000
$17,000
$14,909
$20,000
$15,000
$20,000
$20,000
$0
High
Child Care Services
Are of Southeast Iowa
$5,000
$5,000
$5,000
$0
$15,000
$0
$15,000
$0
$15,000
$0
$20,000
$20,000
$0
Medium
Disabilty5ervices
Big Brothers/Big Sisters
$35,200
$30,000
$33,500
$30,000
$33,000
$25,000
$30,000
$14,909
$25,000
$15,000
$25,000
$25,000
$0
Medium
Youth Services
Crisis Center of Johnson County
$49,540
$40,000
$52,973
$40,000
$55,825
$40,000
$47,450
$39,756
$48,268
$40,000
$66,000
$66,000
$0
High
Food Banks
Domestic Violence Intervention Program
$50,000
$45,000
$52,000
$45,000
$48,000
$40,000
$50,D00
$39,756
$50,000
$40,000
$50,000
$50,000
$0
High
Domestic Violence Services
Elder Services Inc.
$50,000
$30,010
$55,000
$30,000
$50,000
$25,000
$75,000
$24,849
$50,000
$20,000
$40,000
$40,000
$0
Medium
Senior Services
Free Lunch Program
$2,000
$5,000
$15,000
$15,000
$18,000
$16,000
$16,000
$15,903
$16,000
$15,000
$16,000
$16,000
$0
High
Food Banks
HACAP*
$28,000
$12,000
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$20,000
$15,000
$25,000
$28,000
$0
High
Childcare Services
Housing Trust Fund of JC
$24,000
1 $24,000
1 $24,000
$24,000
$24,000
1 $24,000
$24,000
$23,855
$24,000
1 $24,000
$30,000
$30,000
$0
High
Affordable Housing
Inside Out gentry Community
$0
1 $0
1 $0
$0
$0
$0
$59,168
$14,909
$20,000
$15,000
$30,000
$30,000
$0
High
Homeless5ervices
Iowa City Free Medical/Dental Clinic
$7,500
1 $7,500
1 $15,000
$15,000
$15,000
$15,000
$20,000
$14,909
$15,000
$15,000
$17,500
$17,500
$0
Medium
Health Services
Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity
$10,000
$5,000
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$25,000
$25,000
$0
Low
Homeownership Assistance
Neighborhood Centers of JC
$60,000
$50,000
$75,000
$50,000
$50,000
$43,700
$65,000
$43,434
$65,000
$34,300
$55,000
$55,000
$0
High
Childcare Services
Pathways Adult Day Health Center
$15,000
$5,000
$15,000
$15,000
$15,000
$15,000
$15,000
$14,909
$25,000
$15,000
$25,000
$25,000
$0
Medium
Senior/Disability Services
Prelude Behavioral Services*
$20,000
$15,000
$20,000
$15,000
1 $25,000
$15,000
$25,000
$14,909
$20,000
$16,000
$20,000
$20,600
$0
Medium
Substance Abuse Services
Rape Victim Advocacy Program*
$12,000
$10,000
$15,000
$15,000
$17,500
$15,000
$20,000
$14,909
$22,000
$20,000
$23,000
$25,000
$0
High
Mental Health Services
Shelter House
$64,500
$45,000
$47,500
$45,000
$65,000
$50,000
$70,000
$49,696 1$50,000
$50,000
$85,000
$85,000
$0
High
Homeless Services
Table to Table"
$0
$0
$25,000
$0
$10,000
$0
$10,000
$0
$23,000
$15,000
$20,000
$23,000
$0
High
Food Banks
United Action for Youth
$72,000
$49,000
$65,000
$39,700
$52,391
$40,000
$43,380
$34,788
$38,246
$27,400
$33,000
$33,000
$0
Medium
Youth Services
Total Request:
$567,Z40 $397,510 $731972 1$378,700 $580,466 $378,700 1$800,998 1$376,400 1$757,715 1$391,700 1$625,500 $355,000 $634,100
$0
FY35 Budget FY16 Budget FY17 Budget FY38 Budget FY19 Budget FY20-FY21 Per Year Budget
General Fund $268,810 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000
CDBG $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $97,700 $113,000 $95,300
Utility User Fees 528.700 528.700 528.700 528.700 S28.700 528.700
Note: This table only shows the history of I Request Budget
agencies requesting funds for FY2421; it Legacy Funding 95% $625,500 $355,000
excludes agencies who were funded or High 70% $420,000 $248,500
requested funds if they have not applied for a Medium 25% $180,500 $88,750
FY20-21 funds. However, total request F° tow 5% $25,000 $17,750
amounts include requests and allocations for Emerging Funding 5% TBD $19,000
all agencies, including those not shown.
* Requested different funding in FY21
MINUTES
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
JANUARY 17, 2019 — 6:30 PM
SENIOR CENTER, ASSEMBLY ROOM
PRELIMINARY
MEMBERS PRESENT: Megan Alter, Mitch Brouse, Charlie Eastham, Christine Harms, John
McKinstry, Maria Padron and Paula Vaughan
MEMBERS ABSENT: Vanessa Fixmer-Oraiz
STAFF PRESENT: Kirk Lehmann, Erika Kubly
OTHERS PRESENT: Kristie Doser, Lauri Mitchell, Christi Regan, Ellen McCabe, Sara Barron,
Barbara Vinograde, Susan Gray, Ron Berg, Brian Loring, Becci Reedus,
Genevieve Anglin, Mark Sertterh, Jamie Kearney, Jenny Winegarden,
Nicki Ross, Sara Barron
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL:
By a vote of 7-0 the Commission recommends to City Council funding the full requested amount of
Legacy Aid to Agencies applications as shown below for FY20 and FY21, and that Council invite HCDC
to discuss this recommendation at their soonest available work session.
Agency
Request
4 Cs Community Coordinated Child Care
$20,000
Arc of Southeast Iowa
$20,000
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Johnson County
$25,000
Crisis Center of Johnson County
$66,000
Domestic Violence Intervention Program
$50,000
Elder Services Inc.
$40,000
Free Lunch Program
$16,000
HACAP
$25,000
Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County (HTFJC)
$30,000
Inside Out Reentry Community
$30,000
Iowa City Free Medical Clinic/Dick Parrott Free Dental Clinic
$17,500
Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity
$25,000
Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County
$55,000
Pathways Adult Day Health Center/ Aging Services, Inc.
$25,000
Prelude Behavioral Services
$20,000
Rape Victim Advocacy Program
$23,000
Shelter House
$85,000
Table to Table
$20,000
United Action for Youth
$33,000
Total
$625,500
Housing and Community Development Commission
January 17, 2019
Page 2 of 12
CALL MEETING TO ORDER:
Vaughan called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM.
APPROVAL OF THE DECEMBER 20, 2018 MINUTES:
McKinstry noted that Eastham is active member of the Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition but
not a member of the Board as listed on page 5.
Eastham moved to approve the minutes of December 20, 2018, with correction. McKinstry seconded. A
vote was taken and the motion passed 7-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT FOR TOPICS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
Becci Reedus (Crisis Center) appreciates the effort of the Commission as this is her 101h year of
application cycles. In those 10 years the allocation from the Crisis Center has gone from $40,000 to
$39,000 and hasn't seen any increases. In 2008, pre -flood numbers for food services at the Crisis Center
was about 32,000 for the year and this year they will see about 54,000 to 55,000 and the $40,000
allocation is slipping in terms of its impact for the agency. Reedus noted that each agency could talk
about how the impact and the dollars received is not growing and that is concerning. Reedus noted she
sits on the steering committee for the Access Center and greatly supports it but is concerned by the
number of dollars that is being considered for its support. For example, the City is proposing to raise the
utility tax to support the Access Center but Reedus wonders why the City cannot raise the utility tax to
support nonprofits in the community. She attended Council's budget work session and asked some
councilors if they get requests for increased nonprofit funding and the answer was no. There was no
information in the budget workshop information that indicated there was communication at all from this
Commission to City Council to alert them nonprofits are falling behind. Reedus has seen the growth in the
budget and city population, and is concerned that with that growth comes more problems, more people
that need to be fed each year, and more people relying solely on the food bank for food. Other issues the
City talked about were the closing of Proctor & Gamble which also concerns the Crisis Center. There is
not a lot of corporate support in Iowa City, there are not a lot of big foundations to turn to, and nonprofits
trying to increase their budgets are doing so using development staff who need to be paid well. Reedus
feels this Commission could help nonprofits advocate to City Council for additional money each year.
Council even talked about a local option sales tax which Reedus supports, but Council is not talking about
any of that additional income going towards nonprofit funding. Nonprofits address needs that exist in the
community, they do not create the need, and without addressing the need, problems will be even greater
in this community. She thinks the Commission needs to address this with City Council.
Vaughan thanked Reedus for her comments and asked Staff to put this item on next month's agenda.
Sara Barron (The Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition) will be resuming their community
meetings on the fourth Friday of every month presenting housing topics of interest to people. The topic in
January will be Habitat for Humanity sharing initiatives they are working on as well as talking about the
new interfaith committee that they are developing. The meeting is at noon on Friday, January 25 at the
Johnson County Health and Human Services Building.
MONITORING REPORTS:
Kristie Doser reported on the Domestic Violence Intervention Program (FY19 Aid to Agencies). She noted
CDBG and Aid to Agencies funding supports their shelter services, specifically staffing so they can have
additional support for individuals staying in the shelter. She shared a couple of stats on shelter services
for FY18, they housed 298 individuals and children in the shelter (pretty much a 50/50 split on adults and
Housing and Community Development Commission
January 17, 2019
Page 3 of 12
children), they are full 100% of the time and therefore also sheltered 72 adults and children in hotels for
short periods until space opened in the shelter. Doser noted they had 170 families that contacted them
that they were not able to house when needed and therefore had to negotiate with those families about
their safety, and work on options with them on how to respond to their situation. Doser noted that about
five years ago services for domestic violence and sexual violence in Iowa was restructured, which
reduced domestic violence shelters from 26 to 8 in the entire state. Therefore, CDBG money is incredibly
important and allows DVIP to do support services for victims such as support groups, counseling, and
advocacy in court and help victims work with DHS and other systems within the community. Doser noted
they are looking to expand nights of safety services, last year they served 13,030 nights (meaning for
every person that stayed at the shelter, they calculated how many nights they stayed there), which is
higher, meaning the average length of stay in shelter is growing, which relates to resources that are or
aren't available. The average night length of stay has been as low as 21 nights per family to the current
average of 26 nights. That means they lose resources in the community, or housing is difficult to find, so
they stay in shelter longer and fewer people can get in. The 170 families not able to get in would have
equated to 4,470 nights needed. Doser gave an example of how devastating domestic violence is and
how much a dollar can leverage. When people think of domestic violence, the first question is "why did
they stay". She says the question is what would it take for a person to remain safe from the one person
that knows everything about them including their home (does the partner have access to it), the children,
the car, money, the job, etc. For domestic violence, perpetrators have more leverage than most criminals,
so the amount of impact they can have on a victim's life is tremendous. On average, perpetrators will stalk
their partners for 21 months, that is almost two years of harassment that affect your job, children, school,
etc. These services are immediate and urgent and that is why the funds are so important to DVIP.
Eastham asked to see what a fully funded DVIP program would look like in the future. Doser said she
would be happy to have that conversation. Eastham stated he has heard a major issue is placing people
from DVIP into housing and wonders what types of available housing are needed. Doser noted their
services are in no way comprehensive, they are crisis intervention solely and the care and healing they
must give to the victims and how to support them moving forward.
Mark Sertterh reported for Shelter House (FY17 Cross Park Place, FY19 A2A & Rental Acquisition). He
began with the Cross Park Place project which funded land acquisition for the new facility at 820 Cross
Park Place. It just held its open house and will have 24 units of permanent housing for the chronically
homeless. The land was purchased in April 2016 and individuals should be able to move in at the end of
this month. With FY19 Rental Acquisition funds, they are looking to purchase a fourth house for
permanent housing but are still finding other funding streams to buy a home. If they cannot obtain the
additional funding they will then go to a bank to see about a possible mortgage to proceed. Sertterh
noted with the Aid to Agencies money is used for staff support at the emergency shelter, which provides
for the immediate needs of people in housing crisis. They serve more people every year, last year they
served over 900 people in shelter. Aid to Agencies provides staff support for people's needs and safety.
He noted that DVIP and Shelter House have partnered in the past couple years for Rapid Rehousing
dollars from HUD to help people who experiencing homelessness. It has been a win/win for both
agencies.
Eastham asked for clarification on how the Rapid Rehousing money from HUD is used. Sertterh said the
money is for anyone who is literally homeless and on the streets or in shelter to be used for short-term
rental assistance (up to one year).
Vaughan expressed congratulations as she attended the open house for the new facility.
Eastham made the same request to Shelter House he made for DVIP, if they could provide what a fully
funded program would look like. Sertterh agreed it would be a great discussion to have.
Ron Bera from Prelude gave an update on their project (FY19 Rental Rehab). The CDBG funds are to
replace a hot water heater at their 12 unit transitional housing complex. They expect to have the bid
documents out for that project in the next couple of weeks.
SusanGra from 4Cs presented an update on their project (FY19 Daycare Technical Assistance). She
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January 17, 2019
Page 4 of 12
noted all agencies do amazing work and it is hard to compete with domestic violence, free medical or free
lunch programs and other first level of needs for families to survive, but if the community doesn't support
childcare no one has an opportunity to break out of the cycle of poverty. They just received the CDBG
funding in November but Johnson County Empowerment funding allowed them to fund their project
before the CDBG funding. The 4 C's program works with childcare providers that serve at least 51 % of
children on childcare assistance, that is, lower income and at -risk children. Currently, they actually serve
100% of children with childcare assistance which shows the lowest income providers (87.5% of the
providers) participating in this program are at 0-30% income. Last year there were 17 on the program and
they now have 21, 12 of which have their first language as something other than English and the other 9
are English speaking but serve minority children. 18 of the 21 have become registered with the Iowa
Department of Human Services and 2 more are ready to submit. Gray noted last year they worked really
closely with 5 providers to get them registered which was a lot of work. Another issue the providers work
with is that everyone in the child's family needs a physical which requires to educating them on cultural
differences that doctor visits are needed when healthy as well as when sick. The program helps childcare
providers become more financially viable with their small business. Gray noted that childcare assistance
is a huge problem in Johnson County due to childcare fees being so much higher and they struggle to
find places for children. CDBG funding helps increase the opportunities for childcare and it is critical that
young children receive good quality care and are well nurtured to have a better chance in school. 4C's
motto is to support the providers until the work is done. A challenge of the past few months has been
when providers must move from one apartment to another due to landlord issues and they can lose the
DHS funding during the move time. 4C's held a meeting recently at the Neighborhood Centers with 100%
of the providers and they are incredibly appreciative of the support and are excited to learn more. This
meeting on business practices, keeping records up-to-date, and other business tips was well received.
Harms asked how many children are in each of the 21 providers. Gray said the immigrant family childcare
providers can have up to 6 children, but those in apartments will usually have 3 or 4. Other home
facilities can have 12 children with 2 providers and 4 extra after school. Overall Gray feels around 200
children are impacted.
Harms asked for an estimate in Johnson County for the number of children ages 0-5 who need childcare
versus number of available slots. Gray does not have that statistic, but noted that Johnson County is not
as bad as other areas in Iowa. She noted there is a difference in slots available in childcare centers
versus homes, home childcare is now down to 10% which may be impacted by places such as North
Liberty that have centers with 200-300 slots in one center.
Lehmann noted these were CDBG Economic Development dollars and is technical business assistance
for low income children providers. This comes from a different pot of funds than Aid to Agencies.
UPDATE ON ARTHUR STREET HEALTHY LIFE CENTER PUBLIC FACILITY PROJECT:
Lehmann noted the presenter had a conflict with students so she was not able to get away. She instead
sent a brief written statement. The Arthur Street Healthy life Center is still working to engage stakeholders
for the building purchase. The proforma for the clinic practice looks promising and potential partners
looked at the building last week. She would like to be able to give another update at the next meeting.
Eastham asked if there was a deadline they were working against for using the funds allocated.
Lehmann said the deadline was originally June 30 but the fact that they haven't signed an agreement
means another deadline in March will be initiated as half of their funds should be expended per HCDC
policy. Lehmann said it is a local deadline based on fiscal years and can be flexible as long as other
CDBG projects are expending funds.
DISCUSS FY2020-2021 LEGACY AID TO AGENCIES FUNDING REQUESTS AND CONSIDER
BUDGET RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL:
Lehmann asked if the Commission wanted to discuss the priorities first or go off the points allocated. The
Housing and Community Development Commission
January 17, 2019
Page 5 of 12
priorities come into play in the point totals and based on their allocation targets.
Vaughan suggested starting with the priorities because that will determine the funding. Based on the
initial allocations most Commissioners agreed with a few exceptions.
For 4C's Harms had a different priority. Harms noted at the last meeting, HCDC decided to determine the
priority based on the use for funding requested. She changed her priority to medium because it is
employment training to certify caregivers and not as much childcare services. Padron asked if they are
ranking based on the mission of the whole agency or just the project because the Commission needs to
be consistent. Vaughan noted they clarified last time they would rank based on the project. Alter offered a
counter perspective that there is such a need and it is difficult to get certified this type of training, so it
creates better quality childcare and therefore should be a high priority. Padron agreed it should be a high
priority as the training is necessary for quality childcare. Brouse stated the intent of the program is to
create more caregivers through the training which will help people sustain a job and have a career.
Harms agrees to the consensus of a high priority.
Vaughan noted Arc of Southeast Iowa is next, which is evenly divided as a medium or high priority.
Padron added her priority of medium. Brouse noted he originally had it as a medium but after HCDC's
conversation last meeting, it seemed to him they intend to spend the money on a daycare program so he
switched it to high. Padron noted it is not daycare of everyone but for special needs and that is why she
ranked it medium for disability services. Harms admitted she was unsure but feels it could be a high
priority because it is for childcare, and while it is not impacting many people it is so specialized and so
needed because it is difficult to find this type of childcare. Vaughan agreed with Harms but agrees it could
be high priority. It was decided to leave it as a Medium/High category.
Vaughan moved on to Big Brothers Big Sisters, most Commissioners ranked it as medium but a couple
said high. Alter ranked it as high because of the mental health services aspect of the children served, the
kids come from homes with single parents, parents in jail, substance abuse, have many siblings and
underlying mental health issues that are sometimes overlooked by parents and schools. A lot of these
children can feel overlooked and no one takes the time to do anything about it. This organization can spot
some of these issues and pair children with caregivers and bring stability into their lives. Vaughan and
Padron both chose medium priority as it is a youth service, the majority agreed.
Elder Services was majority of medium but Alter also gave that a high priority because it is Meals on
Wheels and transportation which are both high priorities. Vaughan noted the majority of the Commission
ranked it medium and with no further discussion it would remain listed as medium.
Vaughan moved on to The Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County (HTFJC), everyone else listed it as
high priority, Vaughan ranked it low because it would be used for operations rather than direct services.
McKinstry noted that with HTFJC many municipalities designate certain projects with their funding and
therefore HTFJC is limited on how they cover operating expenses. Additionally HTFJC multiplies by many
times the money that is given to them through other sources (federal funds, tax credits, etc.) and for that
reason he feels it is a high priority. Vaughan concurred with the group and agreed it could be a high
priority. Harms noted the impact HTFJC is huge.
Next discussed was Inside Out Reentry. Vaughan also noted she was the only one that ranked it as low
since it was to be used for services and administration but again consented to the majority of high priority.
Vaughan moved along to Neighborhood Centers and noted she ranked it medium because it was listed
as indirect costs but is okay with high priority if that is the rank of the group. McKinstry noted it will go
directly to subsidized childcare and Vaughan agreed that was a high priority.
Prelude was next, Alter feels they are addressing the homelessness and mental health, many of their
clients have mental health issues that result in substance abuse which results in homelessness, a lot of
these clients have worn out their welcome with friends, family and because of their issues with mental
health they turn to alcohol and drugs and are put out on the street. Harms agreed and would be willing to
change her ranking to high. Padron understands that everything is high priority but they cannot rank
everything high priority, Harms understands and notes everyone's heart says high but the reality is they
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January 17, 2019
Page 6 of 12
cannot all be. Alter agreed and is fine with a medium priority ranking.
Finally was United Action for Youth, Alter felt it was a high priority as it funded homelessness and mental
health for the youth. Teenagers have a child, their parents kick them out, they have nowhere to go, and it
is a big issue and needs to be addressed. Vaughan also rated it high because of the homelessness
piece. Padron agreed it should be high. The consensus of the group was to change it to a high priority.
Vaughan thought moving to allocations they would start with low priority allocations, as there is only one
agency that scored as a low priority, the Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity. Eastham noted 5% of the total
allocation was targeted to low priority activities and there is a minimum of $15,000 for any agency.
Eastham therefore he feels Habitat should be allocated $15,000. The rest of the Commission agreed.
Next agencies with a medium priority ranking were discussed. Everyone assigned the Iowa City Free
Medical Clinic $15,000. Vaughan suggested funding $15,000 to all medium priorities to see how funding
played out. The Commission agreed.
That left high priority agencies to discuss, the highest ranked was the Crisis Center followed by Shelter
House. Vaughan noted some of the average allocations came in below the minimum of $15,000 so they
either need to be raised to $15,000 or not given any funding. Padron said they should be moved to
$15,000 because all the ones in the medium category below a $15,000 average were moved to $15,000.
Brouse noted the Crisis Center ranked the highest and the average allocation was $33,500. Eastham
supported the Crisis Center having a higher allocation because it emphasized shelter and food services.
Brouse agreed and had a higher allocation as well. HCDC decided to round the average of the
Commissioner's individual funding down to the nearest $1,000 and see what the tally looked like. That
brought the total allocation to $368,000 which was $13,000 over the total funds to allocate. Discussion
began on how to reallocate to stay within budget. Vaughan suggested taking $1,000 off of each of the
high priority categories that are above the minimum which left HCDC $6,000 over budget.
Eastham asked about Habitat and why they have not received funds the past few years. Lehmann noted
they received CDBG/HOME funds for specific projects but not funding for operating funds since FY15.
Eastham suggested allocating zero dollars to Habitat and redistribute that it to cover the overage and use
the $9,000 to support other agencies. Vaughan noted no one in the low category would receive funding.
Harms noted that the Commission agreed that whatever is allocated this year to an agency, the same
amount is guaranteed next year, so agencies can have some consistency. That would mean if nothing
was given to an agency this year, such as Habitat, then they would also not receive any funding next
year. Lehmann said Habitat would no longer be eligible for legacy Aid to Agencies but could apply for
emerging funds if that happened.
Padron stated while it is a low priority on the list, it is still a high priority in the community as
homeownership is important.
McKinstry agreed that homeownership an important part of overall services in the City but understands it
doesn't score as high on priorities, but the Commission also committed to fund lower priority agencies.
Eastham feels Habitat will continue to function without funding and the $9,000 should be allocated to
Shelter House which does provide homes to people who are in dire straits.
Becci Reedus (Crisis Center) asked to have all the priorities read to the audience as well as the
allocations from the previous year. Lehmann read through the spreadsheet which totaled up to $361,000,
$6,000 over budget as follows:
Recommended
FY19
FY20-21
Priority
allocation
allocation
Iowa City Free Medical Clinic/Dick Parrott Free Dental Clinic
Medium
$15,000
$15,000
Prelude Behavioral Services
Medium
$16,000
$15,000
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January 17, 2019
Page 7 of 12
Elder Services Inc.
Medium
$20,000
$15,000
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Johnson County
Medium
$15,000
$15,000
Pathways Adult Day Health Center/ Aging Services, Inc.
Medium
$15,000
$15,000
Arc of Southeast Iowa
Medium
$0
$15,000
Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity
Low
$0
$15,000
Crisis Center of Johnson County
High
$40,000
$33,000
Shelter House
High
$50,000
$47,000
HACAP
High
$15,000
$15,000
Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County
High
$34,300
$25,000
Domestic Violence Intervention Program
High
$40,000
$27,000
4 Cs Community Coordinated Child Care
High
$15,000
$15,000
Rape Victim Advocacy Program
High
$20,000
$15,000
Table to Table
High
$15,000
$15,000
Free Lunch Program
High
$15,000
$15,000
Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County (HTFJC)
High
$24,000
$15,000
United Action for Youth
High
$27,400
$19,000
Inside Out Reentry Community
High
$15,000
$15,000
Reedus questioned if the Crisis Center was the highest scorer in the highest category then why aren't
they receiving a bigger allocation than others. She would like to have justification so she can relay that
back to her board of directors.
A member of the audience asked if there was less funding this year than allocated last year. Vaughan
stated the allocation was $391,000 last year and $355,000 this year. Lehmann noted part of the change is
splitting off money for emerging agencies.
Eastham responded to Reedus' question on the Crisis Center allocation, he acknowledged it was a good
point, the average ranking for the Crisis Center was 58 which was the highest ranking and is willing to
revise the allocations to reflect the higher ranking.
Vaughan noted since they are already over the budgeted allocation, they would need to figure out a way
to allocate more to higher ranked agencies. The first discussion is whether to keep the allocation to the
low priority, it was decided that the Commission would fund low priorities at an earlier meeting.
Alter stated she was for funding it initially but after listening to the discussion about the long-term
repercussions she would be okay with reallocating that $15,000 to other agencies. Vaughan asked for the
consensus of the Commission to drop the low priority category and to allocate those funds elsewhere.
Brouse would be in favor of taking the $9,000 from the allocation and giving $3,000 to Shelter House to
get them to $50,000 and the other $6,000 to the Crisis Center. That would put Crisis Center at 59% of the
funding they asked for and the Shelter House at 58% of the funding they asked for.
Eastham supports that reallocation, but notes the ranking scores rest on several considerations not all of
which strictly applicable to his thinking of the need for the specific kind of service the application is for and
the need for that service and activity. He is inclined to support a higher dollar allocation to Shelter House
than Crisis Center at this point. It is his assessment that sheltering people is a bit of a greater need than
food distribution, which is also a big need.
Genevieve Anglin (United Action for Youth) noted that it is understood there are limited dollars but part of
what was discussed was the need of nonprofits in the community to have reliable funding from year to
year and while she doesn't want to take money away from Crisis Center or Shelter House but they are
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January 17, 2019
Page 8 of 12
getting close to what they got last year whereas UAY is going down by $8,000 which is less than 1/3 of
what they received this year. In the last five years their allocation has reduced more than 50%.
Padron stated the Commission talked about giving new agencies money so it is hard to fulfill every need.
Padron wanted to hear from the Shelter House as to why they asked for $35,000 more this year than last.
Mark Sertterh (Shelter House) stated the amount of services they are providing is exponentially more with
the new services and new project they have coming online with the Cross Park Place building and will be
doing more services for the community.
Becci Reedus (Crisis Center) asked if there was no chance for the Commission to go to Council and ask
for more money to fund nonprofits. Lehmann stated the Commission could request additional funding
from Council with their allocation recommendation. Eastham agreed the Commission should do so.
Lehmann noted some preliminary allocations made here may change based on unknown federal CDBG
allocations. Lehmann said they are using a conservative estimate at this time because last year's funding
was so unusual. Eastham noted that the Johnson County Board of Supervisors is now awarding $1.5
million to basically this same group of service providers.
Kristie Doser (Domestic Violence Intervention Program) shared that because they received reduced local
and state funding over the past five years they are in jeopardy of losing federal funding which would be a
loss of $200,000 to $400,000. She knows they are not the only program dealing with this issue.
Eastham asked for the timeline for these recommendations. Lehmann said it is taken to Council in May
when CDBG/HOME allocations are made. He added the next two Commission meetings will be used for
question and answer for CDBG/HOME applications and for allocating CDBG/HOME funds.
Vaughan noted that when the Commission makes a recommendation tonight they can also request more
funding from Council. Lehmann agreed, noting the Commission makes recommendations while Council
makes the final allocation decision.
Eastham stated that if Council were to allocate an additional $270,000 to the Aid to Agency budget it
would allow the full requests from all applicants. The full request total is $625,500, the current budget is
$355,000 so an additional $270,500 would meet the requests. Padron agrees with Eastham to ask for the
full amount. Alter added that Council is discussing the FY20 budget right now so it is urgent to ask for
additional funding now rather than waiting. Eastham noted at the budget meeting last week the City
Manager pointed out that Council had $2.5 million in funds from this current fiscal year that is available for
a variety of purposes and the City Manager suggested four of five specific allocations for those funds.
$1.5 million or so of those funds was for a reserve fund to build another repair/maintenance facility which
the City needs, but that reserve funding can also come from bonding so he is suggesting to taking
$270,500 from the reserve fund to cover the nonprofit allocations.
Lehmann said the Commission could recommend what they want Council to consider in the motion, he
suggests they make allocations based on the amount they have been given and suggest that additional
funds be awarded to meet the agency requests. Lehmann said they did not need to specifically state
where they want the funds to come from. Kubly agreed they didn't need to say where the money would
come from.
McKinstry suggested sending along a statement that says with the funds that have been allocated the
allocations are as such, but with shrinking funds over the past several years and the needs are
increasing, and additional funding should be considered because agencies need some relief.
Lehmann stated they could defer the recommendation. Eastham stated he thinks it should be on the
agenda as soon as possible because it seems to take Council time to absorb recommendations from this
Commission.
Ellen McCabe (Housing Trust Fund Johnson County) mentioned that if the Commission were to submit
the table showing full recommendations along with requested amounts perhaps a column should be
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January 17, 2019
Page 9 of 12
added to show the net impact from current allocations. Vaughan agreed showing the Council all the
information is important.
Ron Berg (Prelude) noted if the trend continues as it is currently it won't be long before every agency is
just getting $15,000.
Eastham feels if a recommendation is made to Council for allocations that total $355,000 he would vote
against that as he doesn't want Council to be able to start off their discussion that option. He wants them
to have the $625,500 as the option to consider. He feels this needs to go before Council sooner rather
than later and that membership from this Commission should be present at the meetings where these
allocations are discussed as well as the agency representatives.
Kubly noted that the Council agenda is already set for the next meeting, if a letter was to be drafted from
HCDC it could go in next week's Council information packet. Eastman added Council will have to vote on
the FY20 budget in March so he would want this on their agenda before the March budget vote.
McKinstry asked if they were to send a letter to Council from this meeting that requests full funding for
A2A, if Council comes back and states HCDC only has the $355,000 to spend will there be time for the
Commission to make those allocations. Lehmann said they might have to add in a special meeting.
Padron noted the Neighborhood Centers scored pretty high and the first three agencies are around 58%
of ask and the Neighborhood Centers is less than 50%.
Alter feels it is best to table the discussion on the allocations, send in the recommendation request for full
funding and see what Council does.
Barbara Vinograd (Iowa City Free Medical Clinic) acknowledged the Commission has an impossible task,
but wanted to note that had she known there was a possibility of getting more than the $17,500 she would
have asked for more, she made a small request knowing in the past how small the allocations had been.
If the City really has money available many of the agencies would advocate for more.
Eastham moved to recommend that City Council fund the full requested amount of Legacy Aid to
Agencies applications as shown below for FY20 and FY21, and that Council invite HCDC to
discuss this recommendation at their soonest available work session. Harms seconded the
motion.
Agency
Request
4 Cs Community Coordinated Child Care
$20,000
Arc of Southeast Iowa
$20,000
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Johnson County
$25,000
Crisis Center of Johnson County
$66,000
Domestic Violence Intervention Program
$50,000
Elder Services Inc.
$40,000
Free Lunch Program
$16,000
HACAP
$25,000
Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County (HTFJC)
$30,000
Inside Out Reentry Community
$30,000
Iowa City Free Medical Clinic/Dick Parrott Free Dental Clinic
$17,500
Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity
$25,000
Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County
$55,000
Pathways Adult Day Health Center/ Aging Services, Inc.
$25,000
Prelude Behavioral Services
$20,000
Housing and Community Development Commission
January 17, 2019
Page 10 of 12
Rape Victim Advocacy Program
$23,000
Shelter House
$85,000
Table to Table
$20,000
United Action for Youth
$33,000
Total
F $625,500
Eastham strongly suggested that Vaughan, as chair of HCDC, contact the Mayor and discuss the results
of this meeting and let him know HCDC would like to come to the next available work session to discuss.
Vaughan agreed to reach out.
Kubly added that anyone can go to the Council meetings and talk during the "items not on the agenda"
public comment portion of the meeting. Eastham stated he doesn't like that opportunity because he feels
Vaughan needs to talk directly to the Mayor.
Sara Barron (Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition) asked if the funding for Habitat for Humanity
is included in recommendation to Council. Eastham agreed it would be included in the recommendation.
A vote was taken and the motion passed 7-0.
OVERVIEW OF HOUSING PRO FORMA TEMPLATE:
Lehmann gave an update on the Housing Pro Forma noting it only affects rental housing projects, though
HCDC will have expected rents and sales prices for owner -occupied projects from the application.
Lehmann explained various items on the Pro Forma. The Pro Forma spreadsheet has instructions which
explains each line item and what they need. Generally when looking at rental projects, costs are
anticipated to increase faster than rents, so the City assumes 2% rent and 3% expense increases. The
Gross Amount of Income is revenue coming in from rents based on the HUD -allowable rent times by the
number of units. There is a line for other income, but it is almost never used because it can be difficult to
anticipate what that income might be, usually it's things like money -operated laundry machines, etc.
Tenant Contribution is other payments like parking or storage space. Gross revenue is all those items
added up. For vacancy loss, we generally assume 5% but it can be higher depending on demographics or
clientele. Revenue minus vacancy creates the Effective Gross Income which is the amount of revenue
expected in a given year. Expenses are pretty straightforward; insurance, maintenance and structural
repairs (which is generally around 1 % of the price of the property), management fees (usually between
5% and 7% but some nonprofits don't charge management fees), miscellaneous expenses (accounting,
legal, advertising, etc.). Lehmann noted the City bases their estimates on the Iowa Finance Authority.
With regards to property taxes, a lot of nonprofits do not have to pay property taxes other than the first
year which may result in a negative cash flow that year. The actual cash flow is revenue minus expenses.
Operating reserves should be no less than $350 per unit, it is better to see more as IFA has higher
reserve requirements than the City. Finally the debt coverage ratio is important, a 1:1 debt coverage ratio
means the operating income exactly matches operating expenses. The City needs to see a minimum of
1.2:1 by year three to show enough cash flow to support the project in case something not anticipated
occurs. Some affordable housing lenders use a debt coverage ratio of 1.15.
Vaughan thanked Lehmann for the information as it is very helpful.
Eastham feels the City should follow IFA levels, that their standards are currently different. Lehmann
agreed and will double check that for the future to make sure the City is lined up with IFA for consistency.
STAFF/COMMISSION COMMENT:
Lehmann announced that Bob Lamkins has officially resigned from HCDC due to time constraints. The
vacancy will be announced on January 22 and per bylaws, the preference is for someone who is
Housing and Community Development Commission
January 17, 2019
Page 11 of 12
receiving rental assistance or for someone with a financial background
Lehmann noted the next meeting is February 21. The agenda will include monitoring reports, CDBG/
HOME application question and answer session (applications are due January 18), the emerging funds
applications and the fair housing study. Regarding emerging applications Lehmann wanted to know the
Commission's preference on doing a question/answer period or just allocating amounts due to the small
funding. The consensus of the Commission was to see how many applications and if there were more
than 5 applications to do two sessions, but if under 5 then review at the next meeting with the
CBDG/HOME applications. Brouse noted that if the deadline for applications has to be flexible so more
agencies can get them submitted they should extend the deadline. Currently there is only one application
Lehmann has talked to others so thinks there are a few more applications in process; he will extend the
deadline if they don't receive at least 3 applications.
Lehmann passed out to the Commission an Income by Age, Race, and Location table that the City put
together after receiving questions, he thought the Commission might be interested in the data.
The Request for Proposals is out for the Consolidated Plan so that review will begin shortly. The City is
also reviewing affordable housing programs and staff will bring it to the Commission when it is complete.
Eastham asked about the Housing Pro Forma template and if there would be a rental table included.
Lehmann confirmed it is included in the application.
Eastham noted the Council decided not to follow HCDC's recommendation to allocate an additional
$200,000 to the NEX Project to further reduce rents. He stated the project will build 32 units termed
"affordable" and they provided a rent table for each of those units. He examined the rent table from the
perspective of a tenant making $18,000 annually, which is higher than the average income for the City's
Section 8 program, and within the range of households with rent costs more than 50% of their income
(called high cost burden households). When reviewing the proposed rents from that perspective, 27 of the
32 so-called affordable units would require more than 50% of the income of the tenants. He wanted
HCDC to be aware that low income housing tax credit (LIHTC) projects are not automatically an avenue
for low cost burden rental housing. In fact most LIHTC projects' proposed rents provide high cost burden
housing. That is why he requested HCDC to ask Council for additional funds. The Council declined the
request in part because they interpreted $200,000 resulting in only an increase of three units having very
low rents over the one unit in the developer's original proposal. The reason Council thought $200,000
would not "buy" enough additional low rent units was because in the developer's scenario presented to
Council, the $200,000 would reduce the commercial borrowing and the debt from the commercial
borrowing by about $12,000 per year but the $200,000 would be paid back to the City at 1 % over a 17
year period which would be additional debt service. Eastham feels Council did not get accurate and
complete information on HCDC's wishes to understand how much that $200,000 would decrease rents
over how many units. Looking at the letter the developer wrote to Council with their suggestion, they did
not have all the information and didn't realize they didn't have to pay that $200,000 back and it would not
increase their debt service. Eastham proposes that future LIHTC applicants be instructed better on
measures to decrease their proposed rents down to a level that is actually affordable to low income
households. He added that just using 40% or 60% of the AMI as a rent guide is not actually affordable as
most rent prices are well above what can be afforded at the average medium income. It is important to
look at what the rents are, not want the percent of AMI is and if the Commission is going to negotiate with
Council we need to make sure Council understands clearly what is being negotiated.
McKinstry acknowledged it was good Eastham brought this topic up and that the Commission made that
recommendation because it is a process of education for Council, the Commission, and the applicants.
ADJOURNMENT:
Brouse moved to adjourn. Alter seconded. Passed 7-0
Housing and Community Development Commission
January 17, 2019
Page 12 of 12
Housing and Community
Development Commission
Attendance Record
Name
Terms Exp.
7/10
9/20
10/11
11/15
12120
1/17
---
= Vacant
Alter, Megan
7/1/21
X
X
X
X
X
X
Brouse, Mitch
7/1/21
X
X
X
X
X
X
Eastham, Charlie
7/1/20
X
X
X
X
X
X
Fixmer-Oraiz, Vanessa
7/1/20
X
O/E
X
X
X
O/E
Harms, Christine
7/1/19
X
X
X
X
X
X
Lamkins, Bob
7/1/19
O/E
O/E
X
O/E
O/E
McKinstry, John
7/1/17
X
X
X
X
X
X
Padron, Maria
7/1/20
X
X
O/E
O/E
X
X
Vaughan, Paula
7/1/19
X
X
X
X
X
X
• Resigned from Commission
Key:
X
= Present
O
= Absent
O/E
= Absent/Excused
---
= Vacant
Item Number: 4.
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CITY Ok IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
January 31, 2019
Pending Council Work Session Topics
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Henning Uouncil Work Session Topics
I � 1
"° MAN
' "W'm'41T
-....�__
CITY OF IOWA CITY
UNESCO CITY OF LITERATURE
PENDING CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION TOPICS
January 31, 2019
Strategic Plan Actions Requiring Initial City Council Direction:
1. Through cooperation with the Iowa City School District, Iowa Workforce Development, Kirkwood
Community College, Iowa Works, and others, increase opportunities for marginalized populations and low-
income individuals to obtain access to skills training and good jobs
2. Improve collaborative problem -solving with governmental entities in the region on topics of shared interest
3. Explore expanded use of a racial equity toolkit within City government, embedding it within city
department and Council levels
4. Review the preliminary traffic accident analysis and related set of recommendations and hear from
University of Iowa Professor Jodi Plumert on her related research. Discuss approach to on -street parking
regulations for narrow streets.
Other Topics:
1. Joint meeting with the Telecommunications Commission
2. Review alternative revenue sources
3. Consider a plan for rubberized surfacing at park playgrounds and develop strategies to address equity gaps
noted in the Parks Master Plan and plan for the equitable distribution of destination parks within an easy and
safe distance of all residents. (request Parks Commission to discuss first)
4. Review of RFC Form Based Code, including density bonus provisions and height allowances
5. Discuss future City actions in response to the home at 101 Lusk
6. City Conference Board (Jan 22 and Feb 19)
7. Discuss staff memo regarding regional transit service
8. Review the Johnson County Fringe Area agreement
Item Number: 5.
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www.icgov.org
January 31, 2019
Email from Council member Cole: Drink Specials
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Email Irom Council member Cole: Drink Specials
Kellie Fruehling
From: Rockne Cole <rocknecole@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, January 30, 2019 4:01 PM
To: Kellie Fruehling
Subject: Packet
Kellie,
Please place in packet. For public notice purposes, I would like to make a brief statement during my council time
reference the drink specials last night.
Rockne
Kellie Fruehling
From: Rockne Cole <rocknecole@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, January 30, 2019 5:44 PM
To: Kellie Fruehling
Subject: drink specials
Please place in packet. For work session topics, I will be asking for support for work session on drink specials.
RC
Rockne Cole
Attorney at Law
Cole Law Firm, PC
209 E. Washington St., Suite 304
Iowa City, IA 52240
(319)519-2540
(319)359-4009 FAX
E-mail is not a secure mode of communication and may be accessed by unauthorized persons. This communication
originates from the law firm of Rockne Cole, Attorney at Law, and is protected under the Electronic Communication
Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. §2510-2521. Such communication may be confidential and/or privileged and is intended only for
the party to whom addressed. It is prohibited for anyone else to disclose, copy, distribute or use the contents of this
communication. Personal messages express views solely of the sender and shall not be attributed to the law firm. If you
received this communication in error, please notify the sender immediately by e-mail or by telephone at (319)519-2540.
Item Number: 6.
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www.icgov.org
January 31, 2019
Copy of article from City Manager: Growth of electric cars could
jeopardize Iowa's road fund
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Copy of article from City Manager: Growth of electric cars could jeopardize Iowa's road fund
Growth of electric cars could jeopardize Iowa's road fund I The Gazette Page 1
Submitted by City Manager Fruin
Growth of electric cars could
jeopardize Iowa's road fund
Impact small now but predicted to increase to some
$240M by 2040
DES MOINES In about 20 years from now, the
growing use of electric vehicles could take a quarter -
billion -dollar -a -year hit on a state fund relied upon to
finance better roads, the Iowa Department of
Transportation said Tuesday.
Iowa's motor fuel tax revenue is falling as average
fuel efficiency is increasing and as more Iowans
choose electric vehicles, Iowa DOT Director of
Planning, Programming and Modal Division Stuart
Anderson told members of the House
Transportation Committee. For the current fiscal
year, fuel taxes are expected to generate $656
million.
Legislation approved last year directed the Iowa
DOT to assess the impact of electric vehicles on the
Road Use Tax Fund, a pool of money that comes
primarily from taxes drivers pay at the gas pump
and also from vehicle registrations.
Money from the fund is used to help pay for
improvements to Iowa's primary, secondary and
farm -to -market roads, and to make grants to
municipalities for local road improvements.
There are about 800 battery electric vehicles in Iowa
now, Anderson said, and about 1,900 plug-in hybrid
electric vehicles.
https://www.thegazette.comisubject/news/government/growth-of-electric-cars-could jeopa... 1/30/2019
Growth of electric cars could jeopardize Iowa's road fund I The Gazette Page 2
While those numbers are relatively low now, he
expects them to grow as the availability of all -
electric and hybrid models and more charging
stations increase.
Today, the impact on the transportation fund is only
about $300,000, Anderson said. Next year, the Iowa
DOT estimates, it will increase to a range of
$488,000 to $564,000 bpsed on national "low loss"
and "high loss" scenarios. Then the losses to the fund
are expected to increase to somewhere between
$349 and $241 million in 2040.
ARTICL&CONTINUES BELOW ADVERTISEMENT
Anderson and Iowa DOT Director Mark Lowe cautioned that
forecasts for electric vehicle use vary widely.
The Energy Efficiency Administration projects that by 2050,
electric vehicles will account for 14 percent of new vehicle sales.
On the other hand, both Bloomberg New Energy Finance and
Energy Innovation estimate about 60 percent of new vehicle sales
will be electric models by that time.
To mitigate the predicted revenue loss from the transportation
fund, Iowa DOT is recommending the state add a 2.6 -cent per
kilowatt-hour excise tax for non-residential charging stations.
That tax would capture revenue from vehicles passing through
Iowa that stop to recharge, Anderson said.
In addition, to capture revenue from Iowa electric vehicle owners,
the Iowa DOT is proposing a $130 -per -year fee be added to
battery electric vehicle registrations; $65 a year for plug-in hybrid
vehicle registrations and $9 a year for electric motorcycle
registrations.
1 Comments: (319) 398-8375; james.lynch@thegazette.com
https://www.thegazette.com/subject/newslgovernmentlgrowth-of-electric-cars-could jeopa... 1/30/2019
Item Number: 7.
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www.icgov.org
January 31, 2019
Memo from Historic Preservation Planner: Downtown District Survey
Recommendations
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Memo from Historic Preservation Planner: Downtown District Survey Recommendations
Q Iowa City
®®- Historic Preservation Commission
City Hall, 410 E Washington Street, Iowa City. IA. 52240
Memorandum
Date: January 30, 2019
To: Geoff Fruin, City Manager
From: Jessica Bristow, Historic Preservation Planner
Re: Downtown District Survey Recommendations
Introduction:
Following the completion of the 2018 Survey and Evaluation Update: Iowa City Central Business
District, by Alexa McDowell of AKAY Consulting, the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) hosted a
public presentation of the results on October 22, 2018 followed by a presentation to City Council at a
work session on October 23, 2018. During the work session, Council directed HPC to review the
recommendations included in the report portion of the Survey and to provide information on the process
for implementing each one with recommendations on proceeding.
Background:
During the December 13, 2018 HPC Meeting the recommendations from the survey were presented
and discussed in preparation for making a recommendation to City Council to proceed. The
memorandum to HPC that guided the discussion is attached [Attachment 1]. In addition to the memo,
the Commission Chair had also submitted a letter to HPC with the goal of including his opinions so that
he could focus on facilitating the discussion during the meeting [Attachment 2]. The discussion began
with a staff presentation outlining in a brief overview each of the recommendations individually. This
presentation was followed by public comments and then HPC discussion of the recommendations as a
group. The minutes from the meeting are included [Attachment 3].
Public Discussion: Two members of the public commented and added to the discussion of the
recommendations. Ginalie Swaim spoke representing Friends of Historic Preservation (FHP) as a new
board member. She noted that urban renewal is a large part of Iowa City History and thought the larger
district boundary area was appropriate and a "wise and respectful way to look at the history of the
community" and that the Commission should begin this process. She discussed the importance of the
historic character of downtown and stressed that the "Downtown District is Iowa City's largest cultural
asset in built form." She emphasized the importance of education, outreach, and the dissemination of
information by digitizing historic resources, all recommendations included in the report. She stated that
FHP will help with education as is possible. She also supported several other elements discussed in the
presentation: finding time and money for staff to be able to implement recommendations, Kevin Boyd's
idea of creating a working group, and the designation of a local district when that eventually moves
forward. She concluded by pointing out that while a residential district is mostly the concern of owners
and residents, the downtown is also about the users. She and FHP support nomination of a National
Register Historic District and then designation of a local district.
Nancy Bird, Executive Director of the Iowa City Downtown District (ICDD) spoke next. She said that the
National Register District sounds like a really good idea but is also very complex and requires
significant educational outreach. She said the ICDD would be a partner in that process. She cautioned
about moving too quickly on the local district designation because it may discourage some people. Bird
was supportive of a steering committee to consider the local ordinance issue because, similar to
Iowa City
Historic Preservation Commission
City Hall, 410 E Washington Street, Iowa City. IA. 52240
involving additional City staff time, it also involved more staff time for each property owner. In her
discussion, preservation did not seem to be the crux of the issue, it was more about time -commitment
and resources for property and business owners. Bird also stressed that the ICDD had completed an
involved process to develop their 2015 Iowa City Downtown District Storefront and Signage Guidelines
and felt that this would be a good starting point for the development of district review guidelines. Bird
concluded by stating that the National Register is a great first step but that communication with property
owners about their issues and building maintenance will be a very important part of the process.
Commission Discussion:
Following a brief discussion of the timeline for a National Register District Nomination and local
designation processes, a consensus was noted for pursuing a National Register District with the urban
renewal period included. While one commissioner proposed adding the qualification that a local district
would not be discussed until the National Register District was completed, others felt that was too
restrictive. The Chair felt that the proposed steering committee could ensure that the appropriate
communication could occur prior to the committee recommending the commencement of a local district.
He also felt that the steering committee could work to develop a plan moving forward to investigate
financial and non-financial incentives. The importance of developing incentives was echoed by other
commissioners. The Chair also called for the recommendation on digitizing resources to be added to a
future agenda for investigation and discussion. The final approved Motion (9-0, Kuenzli absent) is as
follows
The Historic Preservation Commission recommends the City Council direct staff to
immediately pursue a National Register nomination, which will include public outreach, a
formal opinion from the State Historic Preservation Office, and hiring a consultant to
begin the National Register Nomination.
Implementation:
Staff has already sought a formal opinion from the state on the inclusion of urban renewal in the
National Register District boundary. That opinion should be available in early February. A National
Register Nomination process will need to meet several key deadlines with the State Historic
Preservation Office (SHPO). At this point, it is unknown if a consultant would be able to meet the first
deadline of April 1, 2019. If this is possible, the district could be through the state process by mid-
October 2019 and a final designation from the National Park Service could be available in December
2019. If this first deadline is not met the next deadline could result in a designation in May 2020. The
Commission and the Downtown District appear to be prepared to form a steering committee and begin
conversations immediately which could coincide with the hiring of a consultant and the beginning of the
Nomination Forms. As the Nomination proceeds through the process, the steering committee could
look at other recommendations and facilitate education and communication with owners and the public.
A potential local district could be developed based on these discussions and the early feedback from
SHPO on the Nomination during their reviews.
Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends pursuing a formal estimate from Alexa McDowell of AKAY Consulting for the
preparation of the National Register Nomination Forms. Initial estimates in the $12,000 to $15,000
range and could be refined following the receipt of a formal opinion on the urban renewal context in the
next 10 days. If the estimate is as expected it is recommended to implement a consultant contract and
develop the steering committee to proceed immediately, determining the timing and specifics of a local
district at a later date.
2
Attachment 1
F Iowa City
Historic Preservation Commission
City Hall, 410 E Washington Street, Iowa City. IA. 52240
Memorandum
Date: December 5, 2018
To: Historic Preservation Commission
From: Jessica Bristow, Historic Preservation Planner
Re: Downtown District Survey Recommendations to City Council
Introduction:
In 2017 and 2018, the City of Iowa City worked with Alexa McDowell of AKAY Consulting to update the
2001 Survey and Evaluation of the Iowa City Central Business District. The resulting Survey and
Evaluation Update: Iowa City Central Business District, was released to the public in October and a
public presentation was given on October 22, 2018 followed by a presentation to City Council at a work
session on October 23, 2018. This report and additional materials have been posted on the City's
website at this location: https://www.icgov.org/project/downtown-historic-survey.
During the work session, Council directed the Commission to review the recommendations included in
the report portion of the Survey [Attachment 1] and to provide information on the process for
implementing each one and recommendations on proceeding. The recommendations are discussed
here in the order they were presented in the report.
A. Consultant Survey Recommendation: National Register District
Preparation of a Nomination of the Iowa City Central Business District with the boundaries to include
the resources of the urban renewal period is strongly recommended [Attachment 2]
Process:
A National Register Nomination of the Central Business District would include several stages:
Public Information and Education: While National Register Listing does not impose any
regulation or requirement on a property or business owner, a large percentage of property
owners must support the Nomination for it to be approved by the National Park Service. Staff
recommends obtaining support for the National Register Nomination prior to proceeding with the
Nomination.
Staff and the HPC Chair attended a meeting convened by the Iowa City Downtown District on
Wednesday, November 28. Several downtown properties owners attended the meeting, as the
focus of the meeting pertained to the downtown Survey and the recommendations related to
pursuing a National Register District and a Local Historic District. Although there were several
concerns expressed regarding the creation of a Local Historic District, the property owners in
attendance were comfortable with moving forward with a National Register Nomination. For a
more detailed summary of the meeting please see Attachment 3.
Pursuing a National Register Listed District will require additional outreach with property
owners. At minimum, staff would recommend notifying every property owner by mail, continued
A F Iowa City
Historic Preservation Commission
City Hall, 410 E Washington Street, Iowa City. IA. 52240
coordination with the Iowa City Downtown District, and hosting at least one public open house
or meeting on the Nomination.
Obtaining an Opinion of Eligibility from the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO): If the City
were to apply for a State or Federal grant for the nomination process, a formal opinion on the
eligibility of the district from SHPO would be required. There have been some concerns voiced
by local preservationists about the viability of a District Nomination that includes urban renewal
because of its notoriety earned by destroying historic buildings and its relatively recent
implementation. Obtaining a formal opinion of eligibility from SHPO on a District that includes
the pedestrian mall, something that could be done but is required if a grant is sought for the
project, would alleviate these concerns. While AKAY consulting did provide an alternative
district boundary excluding the urban renewal/pedestrian mall area, staff recommends pursuing
that boundary only if SHPO does not find the larger district eligible. The larger district provides
the greatest benefit to the greatest number of property owners and more -completely reflects the
history and unique historic character of our community. Any properties outside either chosen
district that are individually eligible for the National Register could be Nominated for listing in the
National Register of Historic Places if those individual property owners were interested in
proceeding with a Nomination.
Hiring a Consultant for the Nomination Process: It is likely that the National Register Nomination
for a Historic District (not any individual properties outside a district) will cost an estimated
$12,000-$15,000 (even more if the chosen consultant is not familiar with the area, its history
and the proposed boundary and justification). Because the Nomination is a formal process that
concludes with the National Park Service (NPS), a qualified consultant must meet NPS
professional standards. AKAY Consulting, who completed the recent Survey and Evaluation
Update and has a complete understanding of the proposed district boundaries could be
contracted to prepare the Nomination and represent the project through the process.
Alternatively, the City could issue a request for quotes from qualified consultants in the Mid -
West.
As mentioned, it is possible to apply for a grant for the nomination process. While there is no
guarantee that a grant will be awarded, staff has been successful in seven of the last eight grant
applications. A grant from the Historical Resource Development Program could provide 2/3 of
the project cost or $8,000-$10,000. Grant applications are due April 2019.
Nomination and Approval: A National Register Nomination for a Historic District is a lengthy
process that includes formal deadlines. Once a consultant is hired, additional research and
documentation would occur. The Draft Nomination Form would be completed, reviewed by staff
and a sub -committee of the Commission, and revised prior to being submitted to SHPO by one
of their review deadlines. Following this submittal, the Nomination is presented, reviewed, and
revised prior to being potentially approved by the National Park Service at least 10 months after
first draft submittal. If the process began Spring 2019, it would not be complete until at least the
second half of 2020.
Benefits and Concerns:
Listing Iowa City's Central Business District in the National Register would be a benefit to any owners
of Contributing Historic Properties in the District in that, without any regulation or restriction on their
property, they would be eligible for the following: State and Federal historic tax credits, property tax
2
Iowa City
Historic Preservation Commission
City Hall, 410 E Washington Street, Iowa City. IA. 52240
exemption on increased value after rehabilitation, and potential grants. Owners could use their listing to
market their property or as a draw for tourism. Similarly, the acknowledgement that comes from a listing
in the National Register could be used by the community for increased cultural heritage tourism and
community education.
Because of the lack of regulation or requirements of property owners, there are few concerns with this
process. Educating owners and the community on the differences between National Register and Local
District designations and processes would go a long way toward addressing any concerns that exist
amongst them. Obtaining a formal opinion of eligibility from SHPO would also alleviate any concerns on
the potential boundary. This process would require staff time in the following areas:
• Educating the public and hosting meeting(s)
• Seeking and hiring a consultant
• Applying for a grant (optional)
• Managing the Nomination project and the grant, if awarded
• Serving as a resource for fellow staff and the public about the District.
B. Consultant Survey Recommendation: Local Overlay District
Designation of a local overlay district that follows the boundaries of the National Register district and
provides the protections available by local ordinance is recommended
Process:
The process for local historic district designation would begin with extensive public outreach and
education. Major topics of discussion would be district boundaries, benefits of designation, other
incentives, design review process and associated guidelines, and regulations. Boundary discussions
would likely begin with the proposed National Register Nomination boundaries which would be adjusted
through the process until a suitable local boundary was determined. The development of any additional
incentives (discussed under a separate recommendation below) would need to be completed in
advance of the process. A design review process involving a design review committee following the
Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation or a set of separate commercial guidelines would
need to be developed. Development of commercial guidelines could be a lengthy process and would
require contracting with an experienced consultant. Education on how the Secretary of the Interior's
Standards are used for design review could create a scenario where they are used temporarily while
commercial design guidelines are developed, similar to the way they were used for residential design
review prior to the development of our residential guidelines.
A proposed local district follows the rezoning process. For historic district overlay rezonings, the
rezoning is reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission, the Planning and Zoning Commission,
and the State Historic Preservation Office. Ultimately, the rezoning overlay is reviewed and adopted by
the City Council.
Benefits and Concerns:
The designation of a local downtown historic district would benefit the community by preserving our
cultural heritage and the unique character of our downtown. While our downtown has an eclectic mix of
buildings from a variety of eras, that only remains a fact if the bulk of the existing historic structures are
maintained. Once they are gone they cannot be replaced and the downtown becomes increasingly new
and less diverse. Despite that, the many concerns of the public and property and business owners
3
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Iowa City
Historic Preservation Commission
City Hall, 410 E Washington Street, Iowa City. IA. 52240
show that completing many of the additional recommendations prior to beginning this process may help
alleviate some of these concerns.
A local historic district would be challenging to implement and regulate under current staffing. The
creation of a local historic district would require extensive community outreach and coordination with
the Iowa City Downtown District. In addition, it would require development of design guidelines, which
would require managing a consultant contract, reviewing and providing feedback on proposed
guidelines, and vetting the draft guidelines publicly. Once adopted, staff's review of historic district
applications for exterior modifications could increase significantly depending on the size of the district.
In addition, commercial properties will likely undergo more frequent changes than residential properties.
C. Consultant Survey Recommendation: Individual Local Landmarks
Immediate designation of C/I (Individually Eligible) resources as local landmarks and Immediate
consideration of C/K (key contributing) resources for landmark designation
Process:
Much like the local district process, the local landmark process begins with owner education and
outreach. AKAY Consulting found 11 properties individually eligible for listing in the National Register of
Historic Places and therefore eligible for local landmark designation. An additional 21 properties were
determined to be key contributing properties, possibly not individually eligible for listing in the National
Register unless further research is completed but likely eligible for local landmark designation. Each
property would need to be evaluated and outreach and education would occur with the owner of each
property. The rezoning application would be filed for each eligible property which would then proceed
through the rezoning process.
Benefits and Concerns:
Individually landmarking all or some of the eligible properties would provide incentives for property
owners (e.g., state tax credits, zoning incentives, and eligibility for the City's Historic Preservation Fund)
and would preserve many individual properties for the future, but would not preserve the neighborhood
context for all. While this approach could preserve the most important elements in the downtown area,
pursuing this large number of local landmarks in its entirety could .be seen as a second choice if a local
district is not possible. Therefore, unless a local historic district is never pursued or is not successful, it
is unlikely that the community would pursue all of these individual landmarks. Each property would
need to be considered individually which would stretch Commission resources and require additional
staff time. If, however, individual property owners were interested in pursuing local landmark
designation, the process could allow them to be eligible for State tax credit benefits more quickly than
waiting for the completion of a National Register District Nomination. The Commission could evaluate
individual requests for local landmark designation from property owners at any time. Similarly, for any
eligible properties that would be outside potential district boundaries, local landmark designation may
be appropriate to pursue at any time and should be pursued when a local district is pursued if not
before.
D. Consultant Survey Recommendation: Staffing
Provision of a full-time City Staff person with dedicated responsibility for overseeing the downtown
historic resources is recommended. Said staff should possess knowledge of local design review as it
relates to downtown resources and a thorough understanding of financial incentives for historic
preservation, (i.e., historic tax credit programs)
M
.:,.� :��
Iowa City
Historic Preservation Commission
City Hall, 410 E Washington Street, Iowa City. IA. 52240
Discussion:
Pursuing any of the recommendations from the Survey and Evaluation Update: Iowa City Central
Business District without an increase in staff time would place a burden on existing projects and the
ability to provide positive customer service to those already in Local Landmarks, Historic Districts, and
Conservation Districts.
E. Consultant Survey Recommendation: Online Resources
Establishment of a collection of topical digital resources accessible from the City website
Discussion:
The City has valuable resources and information on historic properties in several different formats and
locations. Currently the ability for the public to access this information is dependent upon the format of
the information and staff time to assist in accessing the information. Digitizing hardcopy information and
combining it in with existing digital information in a searchable online database would make this
information about city history more available for property owners and researchers. Over the past few
years, the Commission has included a goal to create a digital library in their annual planning report.
Recent staff discussions have also included attempting to combine this digital library with GIS property
information. In order to proceed in either or both directions, staff would need to begin to investigate the
benefits and concerns in these and other approaches to disseminating information through a
searchable format. While it is possible to apply for an HRDP grant to implement the creation and
population of an online resource, the first step would be to select a format and coordinate with other city
staff for a plan for development. Maintaining this resource would also be an on-going task but could
possibly be completed by interns or through periodic staff involvement. Working with a sub -committee
of the Commission to determine types of information and resources to include could be an initial step in
a long-term project.
F. Consultant Survey Recommendation: Iowa City Downtown District
Continued partnership with the Iowa City Downtown District to actively engage business owners in the
historic rehabilitation of buildings with an understanding that current business trends may sometimes
require adaptation of buildings to meet those challenges
Discussion:
The Iowa City Downtown District (TCDD) was formed from the downtown business association in 2015.
They have worked with the City in the past on projects such as the 2016 Storefront and Signage
Guidelines. Increasing the open communication between the ICDD and the Historic Preservation
Commission could benefit both entities whether a National Register or local Downtown District is
pursued or not.
G. Consultant Survey Recommendation: Development Policy
Immediate development of a clearly delineated policy aimed at addressing the pressure for increased
density and contemporary design within the proposed historic district.
Discussion:
Additional development policies should be explored if a local historic district is not pursued. Some
alternatives to a local historic district include form -based regulations or the creation of a design review
5
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Iowa City
Historic Preservation Commission
City Hall, 410 E Washington Street, Iowa City. IA. 52240
overlay. More research would need to be conducted for any of these alternatives. Furthermore, the
creation of new zoning regulations would require extensive community outreach, coordination with the
Iowa City Downtown District, and hiring a planning consultant with experience working in historic
communities.
H. Consultant Survey Recommendation: Financial Incentives
The City should pursue and promote other financial incentives for owners of historic properties that
seek historic rehabilitation including, but not limited to, tax exemption from Johnson County.
Discussion:
Preservation Communities across the United States provide a variety of incentives to promote the
protection of historic properties. Financial incentives currently include the following:
• State and Federal Tax Credits and a property tax exemption based on increased value following
historic rehabilitation.
Iowa City also currently has a Historic Preservation Fund to help homeowners in our, primarily
residential, historic and conservation districts and local landmarks with costs for repairs and
rehabilitation. Grants and/or loans are available for projects that meet the Iowa City Historic
Preservation Guidelines, the Secretary of Interior Standards, and generally involve the
restoration or repair of original materials. The maximum matching grant/loan amount is $5,000
per project and the total annual fund amount is $40,000.
The City's Tax Increment Finance (TIF) Policies could provide economic development
incentives to properties owners looking to rehabilitate historic properties. [Attachment 4]
Lastly, the City's Economic Development Division is re -opening a limited financial assistance
program called "Building Change". This is a loan and grant program that would help to revitalize
older buildings in the downtown and northside community. Eligible activities are focused on
fagade renovations; entryway modifications, elevators or other accessibility improvements; and
renovations of underutilized spaced, such as unused upper levels. Grants will be awarded for
up to 50% of the project cost, up to $50,000. The minimum project cost is $50,000. Loans will
be awarded at an interest rate of 2% for a 5 -year term for up to 50% of the project cost. The
loan maximum is $30,000 and the minimum project cost is $10,000.
Additional financial incentives could be beneficial for the discussion of a local downtown district. With
the wide range of possible incentives already in use in other communities, research into the details,
processes and viability of these incentives would be necessary prior to a recommendation for the
development of new financial incentives.
I. Consultant Survey Recommendation: Non -Financial Incentives
The City should actively promote non-financial incentives to property owners who wish to undertake the
historic rehabilitation of buildings.
Discussion:
In the Survey report, this recommendation included a discussion of the International Existing Building
Code (IEBC). Depending on the invasiveness of the construction work, the IEBC is available to
developers reusing historic buildings so that the amount of destructive work needed to bring a historic
property into code compliance is reduced. In Iowa City the IEBC is underutilized by developers.
Building officials could promote its use more extensively. The ability to use this code could be included
n.
.:,.� :��
Iowa City
Historic Preservation Commission
City Hall, 410 E Washington Street, Iowa City. IA. 52240
automatically in correspondence with developers working with historic properties. Additionally, the
current zoning code that allows the Board of Adjustment to waive parking for designated historic
properties and additional zoning benefits could be promoted with educational materials.
Other non-financial incentives could be developed to promote the use of historic buildings over
demolition and redevelopments. Building reuse is a key component of common sustainability initiatives.
In this way, sustainability and historic preservation often work hand-in-hand to retain historic materials
and reduce landfill waste. Regulating demolition of historic properties so that they are deconstructed
and their materials are available for reuse is one tactic that several communities are utilizing to reduce
landfill waste. Many other elements of historic architecture are also elements of sustainable design
such as the shading deep porches and overhanging eaves provide on residential properties.
Highlighting these elements of sustainability in the Historic Preservation Handbook (guidelines) would
help educate the public and designers on these dual interests. Working with the Sustainability
Coordinator could bring to light additional sustainable preservation practices that other communities
utilize.
Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends moving forward with the National Register nomination immediately. This will require
some additional public outreach, acquiring a formal opinion on the district boundaries from SHPO, and
hiring a consultant to begin the Nomination process.
Staff further recommends pursuing a local historic district after the completion of the National Register
Historic District. This effort will require coordination with the Iowa City Downtown District, downtown
property owners, and other stakeholders. Staff also recommends creating a steering committee that
consists of preservationists, property owners, and business owners. The development of a local
historic district will also require hiring a qualified consultant to develop local commercial guidelines and
the exploration of financial and non-financial incentives. Lastly, this process will also include the
exploration of local landmark designation of key properties outside of the local historic district boundary.
Recommended Motion:
Move that the Historic Preservation Commission recommend that the City Council direct staff to
immediately pursue a National Register nomination, which will include public outreach, a formal opinion
from SHPO, and hiring a consultant to begin the National Register Nomination process.
7
Survey and Evaluation Update Attachment 1
Iowa City Central Business District
4.2.c. Historic Preservation Overlay Zones
Iowa City's zoning ordinance provides special protection for properties that qualify either as a
local historic district or a historic landmark under the designation "historic preservation overlay"
zone (OHP). All areas identified as eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
individually or as a historic district qualify for local designation and protection. It is
recommended that, through time, the Historic Preservation Commission seek designation of all
properties identified as National Register eligible in the amendment to the Multiple Property
Documentation Form, "Architectural and Historical Resources of Iowa City Central Business
District (1855 - 1984)." Highest priority should be given to designating individually eligible
properties with particular attention to any identified as threatened. Further, resources designated
as key contributing in the potential historic district should be designated as local landmarks
* 1 4.3 Recommendations
The Iowa City CBD has seen many changes over the course of its 170 -year history. The
magnitude of those changes is evident by reviewing the extensive collection of historic images
held by the State Historical Society of Iowa in Iowa City, the Iowa City Public Library, and the
University of Iowa Special Collections. Evolution of a downtown is far from unusual - it's to be
expected. It is in the examination of what has been lost that we can begin to value the importance
of protecting what remains.
• Preparation of a nomination of the Iowa City Central Business District with the
boundaries to include the resources of the urban renewal period is strongly
recommended.
• Designation of a local overlay district that follows the boundaries of the National
Register district and provides the protections available by local ordinance is
recommended.
• Immediate designation of C/I (individually eligible) resources as local landmarks.
• Immediate consideration of C/K (key contributing) resources for landmark designation.
• Provision of a full-time City staff person with dedicated responsibility for overseeing the
downtown historic resources is recommended. Said staff should possess knowledge of
local design review as it relates to downtown resources and a thorough understanding of
financial incentives for historic preservation, (i.e., historic tax credit programs).
• Establishment of a collection of topical digital resources accessible from the City
website.
October, 2018 42
Survey and Evaluation Update
Iowa City Central Business District
• Continued partnership with the Iowa City Downtown District to actively engage business
owners in the historic rehabilitation of buildings with an understanding that current
business trends may sometimes require adaptation of buildings to meet those challenges.
Immediate development of a clearly delineated policy aimed at addressing the pressure
for increased density and contemporary design within the proposed historic district.
Development of that policy should seek out successful models for responding to
development pressures, particularly related to the impact of height, massing, and
materials of new construction as well as the growing trend for adding stories (housing or
terraces) to existing historic buildings. The process should consider existing policy and/or
planning tools (e.g., form -based zoning, TIF, local landmark ordinance, etc.) to determine
how to create a comprehensive approach to the protection of the downtown historic
resources while promoting economic viability and downtown vitality.
The City should pursue and promote other financial incentives for owners of historic
properties that seek historic rehabilitation including, but not limited to, tax exemption
from Johnson County.
• The City should actively promote non-financial incentives to property owners who wish to
undertake the historic rehabilitation of buildings.
One means of promoting historic rehabilitation of downtown buildings relates to the
International Existing Building Code (IEBC), which is "intended to provide requirements for
repair and alternative approaches for alterations and additions to existing buildings." As such,
it is commonly used in historic rehabilitation projects where retention of historic features
may be in conflict with standard building codes. While the City currently defers to the IEBC
in some cases, it remains underused.
The City should proactively promote the use of the IEBC in historic rehabilitation, including
information regarding the IEBC in communications with potential developers and individual
property owners.
Further, the City should promote the flexibility that exists in the current zoning code that
allows the Board of Adjustment to waive parking for buildings that are listed on the National
Register of Historic Places, either as part of a district or individually. The waiver is also
available for buildings designated as local landmarks regardless of their National Register
status.
Promotion of historic rehabilitation as an environmentally friendly approach to development
is another important way of considering and supporting historic preservation. Promotion of
the benefits of green construction should be incorporated into the larger effort to promote
historic rehabilitation of downtown resources.
October, 2018 43
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ATTACHMENT 3
Summary of Iowa City Downtown District Meeting
Wednesday, November 28, 2018
Attendees: Nancy Bird, Director, TCDD; Kevin Boyd, HPC Chair; Anne Russett, Senior Planner,
City of Iowa City; Several downtown property owners
Purpose of meeting: Discuss the recommendations outlined in the Downtown Survey,
specifically a National Register Nomination and a Local Historic District
Brief Summary of Comments:
• After an explanation of the National Register of Historic Places District was
provided, there was not any concern expressed about moving forward.
There are several concerns about moving forward with a Local Historic District.
The three main questions/concerns are:
1. Will the rules affect development potential and the ability to redevelop
upward?
2. Will the rules affect the ability to allow changes to storefronts over time?
3. What will the timing of the review and approval process be? The HPC
currently meets monthly, commercial property owners may expect a quicker
turnaround.
• More than anything, the group discussed concerns related to property taxes and
the cost of maintaining older buildings. The group discussed financial incentives,
such as property tax freezes, TIF, grants, etc.
• One regulatory incentive was mentioned: parking reductions.
• The group discussed convening a committee consisting of Historic Preservation
Commission members, downtown property owners, and City staff.
TIF policies I approved Nov. 21, 2017 1 Page 1
r Attachment 4
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
UNESCO CITY OF LITERATURE
Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Policies
City of Iowa City's Strategic Plan
Alignment with the City's Strategic Plan will provide the first indicator about whether a project may be
eligible for TIF. To the extent that a project helps achieve the City's Strategic Plan objectives and is
located within an established Urban Renewal Area (Exhibit A), it may be eligible to be considered for TIF.
2016 — 2017 City of Iowa City Strategic Plan
The Strategic Plan intends to foster a more inclusive, just and sustainable Iowa City
a) Promote a strong and resilient local economy
b) Encourage a vibrant and walkable urban core
c) Foster healthy neighborhoods throughout the City
d) Maintain a solid financial foundation
e) Enhance community engagement and intergovernmental relations
f) Promote environmental sustainability
g) Advance social justice and racial equity
In addition, the City will continue to seek projects that diversify existing uses in the given urban renewal
area. Such projects may include Class A office, hotel, entertainment, and residential uses, provided
market studies and financial analysis support such investment.
Sustainability
New office and mixed-use building projects receiving TIF in any urban renewal area shall be certified
Silver or better under the LEED for New Construction Rating System current at the time of design
development. New Residential projects shall be certified Silver under the National Green Building
Standard or the LEED Green Building Rating System appropriate to the building type. Further, for LEED
projects, at least 8 points shall be awarded for the LEED-NC Optimize Energy Performance credit to
ensure that TIF projects help meet the City's carbon emission reduction goals.
This requirement does not apply to renovation projects.
Downtown building heights and character
Applications for TIF support for downtown projects must indicate how the proposed project will help
fulfill the overall vision of the downtown portion of the Downtown and Riverfront Crossings Plan, "to
preserve and enhance the historic buildings and character of Downtown, while encouraging appropriate
infill redevelopment with a mix of building uses." (p. 18, Downtown and Riverfront Crossings Master
Plan.)
Except under extraordinary circumstances, applicants seeking TIF should ensure that their projects fall
within the Desired Height ranges shown on the Downtown and Riverfront Crossings Master Plan's
building heights diagram shown on p. 106 of the Plan (Exhibits C and D of this document). The height
considerations shall only apply to area inside the border of Iowa Avenue, Gilbert, Burlington and Clinton
Streets.
Deviations from the Downtown and Riverfront Crossings Plan's guidelines shown on p. 56 and the
Desired Building Height map (p. 106 of the Plan and Exhibit C, following) may be considered if the
TIF policies I approved Nov. 21, 2017 1 Page 2
applicant demonstrates that 1) the proposed building and uses will help fulfill the overall vision of the
Plan by facilitating — architecturally, materially, and/or financially —the preservation and enhancement
of adjacent or nearby historic structures, if applicable, and 2) that the proposed building will provide
exceptional public benefits.
Exceptional public benefits are ones that go well beyond what is required by other sections of this
policy, and which advance the City's vision of fostering a more inclusive, just, and sustainable city.
These public benefits may include:
1. innovative building design which produces affordable housing for long-term residents and/or
affordable retail space for locally -owned businesses;
2. attractive public space that is available and easily accessible to all city residents;
3. good job opportunities for low-income youth;
4. carbon -neutrality, or achievement of LEED Gold or higher certification; and
5. public display of paintings, photographs, sculpture, poems, and other visual and literary art,
maps, or historical artifacts that express how diverse groups have contributed to (and are
contributing to) the unique character and identity of contemporary Iowa City community and
culture.
This list is not intended to constrain the developer's ingenuity in proposing public benefits that clearly
help foster an inclusive, just, and sustainable city.
For a proposed project which would be located on a street with a substantial number of buildings
eligible for historic landmark designation, the tallest portion of the project must be stepped back from
its street frontages far enough to produce "no significant impact" on the existing historic character of
the street fronts when seen from the public right-of-way.
The provisions of this section will apply until a Downtown Form -Based Code or urban design plan is
adopted.
Historic preservation
Properties in the downtown area are designated one of four ways. Those that are:
a) on the National Register of Historic Places,
b) individually eligible (for the National Register of Historic Places)/key properties,
c) contributing properties (those that add to the historical integrity or architectural qualities to
make a local and/or national historic district significant), and
d) non-contributing properties.
New construction requiring the demolition of structures on the National Register of Historic Places, or
those identified as individually eligible for the National Register of Historic Places or those identified as
key properties are not eligible for tax increment financing. Further, all rehabilitation to these structures
shall be done in such a manner as to preserve or restore any historic structure to productive use. The
guidelines for determining if rehabilitation does preserve or restore the structure shall be those set forth
in the 1990 revised edition of the Secretary of Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for
Rehabilitating Historic Buildings.
All additions to buildings on the National Register of on the National Register of Historic Places or those
that are individually eligible for the National Register of Historic Places or are key properties shall be
developed in such a manner as to be architecturally compatible with existing development.
(Amendment #9, 2001 City -University Project 1 Urban Renewal Plan.)
TIF policies I approved Nov. 21, 2017 1 Page 3
Properties designated contributing may be eligible for tax increment financing and any redevelopment of
contributing properties should preserve and enhance the historic character of the block
Historic preservation projects may be eligible for TIF funding via district -wide TIF, to incentivize historic
renovation projects that may not add enough taxable value to rely solely on the subject property's
increment.
Affordable housing
TIF projects in any urban renewal area with a residential component as part of the project must provide
a minimum of 15% of the units as affordable to tenants at or below 60% AMI (area median income). If
those housing units are for sale, units will be targeted to households at or below 110% AMI. The City
may require a lower AMI for rental units.
Developers may be eligible to negotiate a fee -in -lieu of providing on site affordable housing, or to
provide affordable housing elsewhere in the community, subject to the City's sole discretion.
In part, in exchange for the increased density created for the Riverfront Crossings (RFC) zone, any
project with housing in the district, regardless of whether it is a TIF project, must include 10% affordable
housing. TIF policy in the RFC zone is that any financial gap due to affordable housing created by zoning
requirements (10%) is the responsibility of the developer and that affordable housing above the
required 10% in RFC could be TIF eligible, if the financial analysis determines a gap.
Economic Justice
The City will not contract with or provide any economic development incentives to any person or entity
who has participated in wage theft by violation of the Iowa Wage Payment Collection law, the Iowa
Minimum Wage Act, the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) or any comparable state statute or local
ordinance, which governs the payment of wages. Misclassification of employees as independent
contractors is a violation of the FLSA and is included in the definition of wage theft.
Development Agreements for TIF projects shall include in the contract for the construction of the
Minimum Improvements, between the Developer and the General Contractor, the following written
provisions, proof of which must be provided to City prior to the start of construction:
a) Agreement by the General Contractor to comply with all state, federal and local laws and
regulations, including, but not limited to the requirements of Iowa Code Chapter 91C (Contractor
Registration with the Iowa Division of Labor), Iowa Code Chapter 91A (Iowa Wage Payment
Collection Law), Iowa Code Chapter 91D (Minimum Wage), the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act, and
the Internal Revenue Code.
b) Agreement by the General Contractor to provide to the Developer and the City no later than the
filing of an application for issuance of a building permit, the names and addresses of each
subcontractor and the dollar value of the work the subcontractor is expected to perform.
c) Demonstration by the General Contractor that it has the capacity to meet all performance, and labor
and material payment, bonding requirements relative to the Minimum Improvements.
d) Providing to the City a certificate by the General Contractor's insurer that it has in force all insurance
coverage required with respect to construction of the Minimum Improvements.
TIF policies I approved Nov. 21, 2017 1 Page 4
e) Demonstration by the General Contractor that it has required all subcontractors to agree, in writing,
that the subcontractor will comply with all state, federal and local laws and administrative rules and
regulations, including, but not limited to the requirements of Iowa Code Chapter 91C (Contractor
Registration with the Iowa Division of Labor), Iowa Code Chapter 91A (Iowa Wage Payment
Collection Law), Iowa Code Chapter 91D (Minimum Wage), the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act, and
the Internal Revenue Code.
Quality jobs
When a TIF project is based on the creation or retention of jobs, certain wage thresholds must be met to
help ensure the City's financial participation only serves to increase the average area wage. This policy
does not require that every job associated with a TIF project, such as those that might be created by the
addition of a new retailer in a building, or the construction jobs required to build a TIF project, meet
these standards. Rather, as a policy to incentivize the addition of high paying jobs to the local economy,
a jobs -based TIF incentive would be structured using the thresholds of the State of Iowa High Quality
Jobs Program.
Other Public Interests
Recognizing that some non-profit activity and/or investment in public infrastructure may influence
additional private economic development activity, TIF may be an appropriate tool to further investment
in Iowa City's cultural and/or natural assets. Understanding that TIF is made possible by the increased
value in real property, and that most cultural organizations and public lands are generally tax exempt, a
TIF project would only be possible by using increment from the district. Examples include:
a) Arts and cultural activities or facilities
b) Historic preservation
c) Public improvements that serve as a catalyst for the economic development of the urban renewal
area
Underwriting and Application
The following policies are designed to provide a consistent and transparent process for the review and
analysis of all applications for TIF assistance.
a) Complete application submission.
b) But for" standard: Each project must demonstrate sufficient need for the City's financial assistance,
such that without it, the project would not occur. Every other financial piece of the project must be
in place prior to the consideration of TIF. TIF assistance will be used as gap financing as determined
through gap analysis.
c) Method of TIF financing: The City reserves the right to determine the method of TIF financing that is
in the best interests of the taxpayer. As such, the City strongly prefers the use of TIF rebates over
the shortest term possible.
d) Developer equity: Developer Equity must be equal to or greater than City funding. TIF assistance
shall not exceed the amount of equity provided by the Developer. Equity is defined as cash,
unleveraged value in land, or prepaid costs attributable to the project.
e) Project based TIF: TIF for private developments must generate TIF increment sufficient to be self-
supporting. Only in exceptional cases, will the City consider using district -wide increment.
TIF policies I approved Nov. 21, 2017 1 Page 5
Exhibit A
Urban Renewal Areas Enabling Tax Increment Financing
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December 6, 2018
Fellow Commissioners,
Attachment 2
Iowa City
Historic Preservation Commission
City Hall, 410 E Washington Street, Iowa City. IA. 52240
As we navigate how to address the recommendations from AKAY Consulting in the Evaluation
Update: Iowa City Central Business District, I'd like to suggest an approach that I wanted us to
consider in advance of the December 13 meeting.
I propose we create a working group that includes members of the Historic Preservation
Commission and the Downtown District to address some of the recommendations.
In listening to the council work session on the results of the Downtown Survey, I am left with
two key take-aways from the Council. First, move forward and work through these
recommendations and the second, to include more voices. The working group brings more voices
to the table and allows us to address the recommendations.
We've started a conversation about additional tools that the City might be able to provide to the
stewards of these historic assets. We began with a discussion of transfer of development rights.
But that is just one potential tool. There are others. The City of Cedar Rapids recently passed a
property tax break for some historic properties. Cities across the country have come up with
creative ideas to pair preservation with some additional tools to continue to utilize these historic
structures in modern ways. We need to better understand what tools help meet the needs for our
community.
With the help of the Downtown District, I met with several Downtown property owners at the
end of November to begin these discussions. While the meeting couldn't address everything, it
began a productive conversation and I think it should continue in a more structured way through
this working group.
Our historic districts in Iowa City are largely residential. Those neighborhoods are largely used
as they were when they were built — as neighborhoods. Our commission is set up to represent
those neighborhoods — many of us represent our specific districts. But historic buildings in
commercial districts seem to me to have different needs and potential different approaches to
preservation. I think adding voices helps us better understand those needs.
I think the working group could be small — perhaps 6 members, 3 from the commission and 3
from the Downtown District that would represent different interests and come up some unifying
ways of moving forward.
Looking forward to our discussion Thursday evening.
Thanks,
Kevin Boyd
Chair, Historic Preservation Commission
Attachment 3
MINUTES
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
EMMA J. HARVAT HALL
December 13, 2018
APPROVED
MEMBERS PRESENT: Thomas Agran, Kevin Boyd, Zach Builta, Helen Burford, Gosia
Clore, Sharon DeGraw, G. T. Karr, Cecile Kuenzli (arrived late, left
early), Quentin Pitzen, Lee Shope
MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT: Jessica Bristow
OTHERS PRESENT: Joe Coulter, Jan Full, Carl Klaus, Nancy Bird, Ginalie Swaim
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL:
By a vote of 10-0 the Commission recommends approval of the local landmark designation for
the property at 1818 North Dubuque Street.
By a vote of 10-0 the Commission recommends approval of the local landmark designation for
the property at 416 Reno Street.
By a vote of 9-0 (Kuenzli absent) the Commission recommends that City Council direct staff to
immediately pursue a National Register nomination, which will include public outreach, a formal
opinion from the State Historic Preservation Office, and hiring a consultant to begin the National
Register nomination process.
CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Boyd called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANYTHING NOT ON THE AGENDA:
There was none.
PUBLIC HEARING LOCAL LANDMARK DESIGNATION:
1818 North Dubuque Street — Dr. H.H. and Sylvella Jacobsen House.
Bristow noted this house is at the intersection of North Dubuque Street and Foster Road and its
extension. The site wraps around the bluff.
Bristow displayed the view normally seen of the house as you drive by on Dubuque Street,
nestled up in the trees or, during the summer, not being able to see it at all.
The owner, Joe Coulter, is the applicant. He has requested local landmark designation for the
property.
Bristow said the house is extremely intact. It has all its architectural features and much of its
furniture and interior fixtures.
The house was built in 1929. It is an example of Arts and Crafts architecture. Arts and Crafts
developed after the Industrial Revolution when architects and artists were interested in getting
back to a hand craft type of architecture and design. It was an organic development of space
and architecture which is evident in the front fagade of the house. The house is clad in field
4 pages edited from minutes at this point for simplification
DOWNTOWN DISTRICT SURVEY RECOMMENDATIONS:
Boyd noted that he included a letter on this subject since it's hard to both weigh in on his opinion
and facilitate discussion.
Bristow said she would go through the recommendations from the consultant briefly, outlining
what was in the staff report, as well. Bristow went through recommendations in the order they
were presented.
Recommendation A: The National Register nomination of the Central Business District with
boundaries to include the resources of the urban renewal period.
Bristow said all recommendations would begin with public outreach and education. She said the
first thing is to make sure that the public and any property and business owners understand
there is a very distinct difference between a National Register Historic District and a local
historic district. She said the National Register Historic District is basically an honorarium. It
includes the whole neighborhood in a listing in the National Register of Historic Places and
opens these properties up for the possibility of state and federal tax credits, property tax
exemption if they do a substantial rehab, and other financial incentives that would be available
from the state and federal level.
Bristow noted two options for this historic district were included in the downtown survey. She
said that was done because the recommended option is for a larger boundary that includes our
urban renewal area - the pedestrian mall and some of the other buildings that were built around
that time. This area was included because urban renewal changed the way the buildings and
people relate to the street. Instead of having cars traveling down the street and people walking
only on the sidewalks adjacent to the building, with the pedestrian mall filling that space, it's a
pedestrian only area, and the ability to see and interact with the buildings completely changed.
The use of the automobile in the area has also changed.
If we did not include urban renewal as an important part of the story of our downtown, that area
would not be eligible for listing on the National Register. Urban Renewal was very controversial,
and it significantly changed downtown and how Iowa Citians and visitors interact with
downtown.
There was an option to do a smaller district that did not include the pedestrian mall. The
consultant did not recommend doing that, partly because it would be discounting part of the
story of Iowa City. Staff felt it also would limit the amount of property owners who could benefit
from tax credits and grants available through a National Register Historic District.
Bristow said staff recommends going with the larger district, both for the ability to benefit the
greatest number of owners and the ability to really talk about the story of Iowa City.
Bristow said there has been some discussion from local historians about whether the National
Register would accept this recommendation because of urban renewal's contentious
relationship with historic preservation, and because it happened right at the cutoff for our 50 -
year mark that we use when talking about things being historic.
For that reason, the nomination must use criterion consideration G for eligibility of the Urban
Renewal area. Criterion Consideration G allows eligibility for the National Register, even though
it's relatively recent.
Bristow said the second step for the National Register Nomination is obtaining an opinion of
eligibility from the State Historic Preservation Office. If the HPC sought a grant for this
nomination, it would have to obtain that opinion. Staff feels that opinion of eligibility should be
sought right away.
Bristow said the next step would be to hire a consultant for the nomination. After the nomination
form is complete there would be the nomination approval process, which is lengthy and likely to
go into 2020.
Bristow said benefits include tax credit eligibility, property tax exemption, and potential grants.
She said the City, the community, and property and business owners could use this for
advertising — the City would have this historic cultural district that's also listed on the National
Register.
Bristow listed potential concerns. There should be few concerns for property and business
owners because there are no regulations or restrictions tied to a listing in the National Register.
If a building is listed, owners do not have to do anything different than what they have been
doing so far since have owned the property. It just opens it up to benefits for them. She said
there is a need to educate the public on the difference between this and a local designation. As
with all the recommendations, this process will require some additional staff time.
Recommendation B, designation of a local overlay district, would follow the boundaries of the
National Register District.
Bristow said the process for this would require even more extensive public outreach. She said
this will be a process which would include individual and public discussions with the property
owners, business owners, the Iowa City Downtown District, and the public about the local
district process.
The boundaries for a local district do not need to be the same as for the National Register
Historic District. Because of confusion about the difference between those two designations, the
State really likes them to be the same, but there is no requirement.
Bristow said the City would likely begin with the National Register District, but would work with
the public and business and property owners to determine what boundaries work for our
community. Similarly, the Commission would probably work on developing additional incentives.
A design review process for commercial buildings would need to be developed and the area
would also go through the formal rezoning process.
Bristow said benefits to this would include preservation of our cultural heritage and the unique
character of downtown. Many people talk about the diversity of our downtown and the
juxtaposition of old and new. The only way to maintain that diversity, though, is by keeping the
historic buildings we have. Once they start to go away it becomes less and less diverse and is
suddenly just a new downtown. Bristow said there would be benefits from City programs such
as the Historic Preservation fund, professional assistance with rehab project planning, etc.
For concerns, Bristow again noted the need for extensive outreach. She said there is a need for
development incentives. The Commission would want the property and business owners to also
feel that this is a benefit to our community and a benefit to them. Bristow said developing the
design guidelines prior to implementation is also a concern. It would require the hiring of a
consultant, a professional who is experienced in developing these guidelines. Bristow said it
would be a big challenge to regulate a new historic district of this size under current staffing.
Recommendation C: Individual Local Landmarks
Bristow said this recommendation included any properties that were either individually eligible or
key contributing properties. She said it would be the same process used recently for local
landmarks. Public outreach and communication with property owners would be needed. Each
property would be evaluated to see if it met our criteria for a landmark designation. She said it
would come with additional incentives, a design review process, and a formal rezoning process.
Bristow said benefits of individual local landmarks would be state tax credit eligibility, zoning
incentives, historic preservation fund eligibility, and it would preserve important individual
properties.
Bristow said a concern is the time needed for extensive outreach and education and the
development of incentives. She noted while this would preserve key individual properties, it
would not preserve the historic neighborhood context for all properties.
Recommendation D: Staffing
Bristow said this would add a full-time City staff person with dedicated responsibility for
overseeing the downtown historic resources. Increasing current staffing to full-time would be an
important first step.
Recommendation E: Online Resources
Bristow explained this would establish a collection of topical digital resources accessible from
the City website. She said it has long been a Commission goal to have something digital and
searchable that would provide information currently found only in file cabinets or available to
researchers. She said staff would like to develop a database tied with GIS mapping.
Bristow said making this information easily accessible to property owners and those with an
interest in historic preservation would be a major benefit. It may also reduce the load on staff,
who currently must field requests for information and then track things down. This would be
offset by the staff time to maintain it.
Recommendation F: Working with the Iowa City Downtown District
Bristow pointed out the need for continued partnership with the Iowa City Downtown District to
actively engage business owners in the historic rehabilitation of buildings. She said this would
play an instrumental part in any of the recommendations presented. Forming a committee that
combines members of this Commission with property and business owners, or others who are
otherwise involved in the Iowa City Downtown District, is very important. Boyd also made this
point in his memo.
Recommendation G: Development Policy
Development of a clearly delineated policy aimed at addressing the pressure for increased
density and contemporary design within the proposed district.
Bristow said such development policies might keep some of the historic character of our
downtown and that staff would explore this option if a local historic district is not pursued. She
said alternatives could include form -based regulations and a new design review overlay. Bristow
said there would be a lot of community outreach because this could potentially be something
new, coordinating with the Downtown District, and probably ultimately hiring a planning
consultant.
Recommendation H: Financial Incentives
This was a recommendation to pursue and promote other financial incentives for owners of
historic properties that seek historic rehabilitation. She said property owners currently have state
and federal tax credits and property tax exemption on increased value following rehabilitation.
Other incentives include the Iowa City Historic Preservation Fund, the Iowa City TIF policy, and
this Building Change Program that is discussed in the staff report, as well.
Bristow stated while the City does have a number of financial incentives, there is always the
possibility for others. This would need to be researched to determine the possibilities. She said
looking at what other communities have utilized for financial incentives would be a good way to
start and see how they might work for our community.
Recommendation I: Non -Financial Incentives
Bristow said the City could promote nonfinancial incentives for owners of historic properties that
seek historic rehabilitation.
The consultant had talked about the use of the International Existing Building Code (IEBC).
Bristow said on an existing building, this code allows developers to meet codes that provide for
life safety, but they might not need to meet the same code requirements put on a new building.
Currently developers can use the IEBC, but sometimes they don't know about it or maybe it's
not mentioned to them. Promoting the use of the IEBC is what the consultant was talking about
in her recommendations.
Bristow stated the City could promote the use of historic buildings for sustainability. Rehabbing
an existing building might be more affordable than building a new building, and it would keep
demolition debris out of the landfill.
Bristow said the staff recommendation is pursuit of a National Register District immediately,
following the process that was outlined. She said staff believes in the idea of pursuing an
overlay district at a later date and coordinating with the Downtown District and the stakeholders,
creating a steering committee, hiring a consultant to develop guidelines and explore incentives
and, at the same time, the local landmark designation of properties that are outside whatever
the local district boundary would be.
Kuenzli left the meeting at 6:25.
Public Comment:
Swaim said it was gratifying to see more landmarks coming down the pike. She noted urban
renewal is a huge part of Iowa City history and thought the larger district boundary area was
very appropriate and was a very wise and respectful way to look at the history of the community.
As a new board member speaking on behalf of Friends of Historic Preservation, she stated the
downtown is really the heartbeat of the community. When we look at neighborhoods, we think
this is an asset to the people who live there or own property there. In terms of the downtown,
the human scale and the historic character of our downtown appeals strongly to people who
frequent there because they live there, they shop there, they work, they dine, they socialize,
they seek education, art, meaning, and entertainment in their lives.
Swaim said the Downtown District won't stay the way it is on its own. She believed the
Commission was the appropriate body to get historic designation started. She stated the
Downtown District is Iowa City's largest cultural asset in built form. She said the
recommendations clearly spell out the need for education and outreach. She said these things
are needed constantly, but especially when taking on a preservation project that has such a
community -wide impact as downtowns do. She said the Friends of Historic Preservation will try
to assist in every way with the education and outreach as that is part of their mission.
Swaim was also glad to see the recommendation to digitize historical resources. She said in the
long run that, too, is part of education and outreach and noted it may cut down on staff time.
She said it is something the public deserves, and it would benefit the community interest in
preservation and historians in multiple ways.
Swaim pointed out districting will take more staff time but said it must be done. She said we
need to figure out a way to find the time and the money to make it happen for staff.
Swaim said Friends also supports a local district, when that part comes up. She said comparing
to Iandmarking individual buildings, a local district will increase the positive impact of a historic
downtown and maintain the context or the big picture of our built past. She believed the local
district was a wiser way to go than individual landmarks. She thought the City's reopening of the
Building Change Program was an excellent step.
Swaim thought Boyd's idea of creating a working group was very good because it would add
more voices. She said he makes a good point that the Downtown District is quite different from
a residential district. It has different concerns, different constituents, different opportunities, and
it's also different from a residential neighborhood because a neighborhood is generally the
concern of the owners and the residents, but the downtown is also about the users, and that's a
lot more, so we need more voices on such a group.
Swaim closed, stating the downtown is a thread through all our history — it will continue to be.
She said this is a huge opportunity. She and Friends of Historic Preservation support going
forward with the National District and then a local district.
Next to speak was Nancy Bird, Iowa City Downtown District:
Bird thanked the Commission and staff for their thoughtful conversation and for all the work and
the survey that's been prepared to -date. She said she has had a number of conversations with
property owners about this process and had a couple key points.
Bird said the National Register District, for the most part, sounds like a really good idea. She
said the issue is so complex, especially in a commercial district, and we need to make sure
there is educational outreach. She said the Downtown District is a proud partner in that process.
She was concerned about moving too far ahead with the local district as it may discourage or
frighten certain people; that maybe the City is moving more quickly than they are ready.
Bird liked the idea of a steering committee or some sort of joint committee to look through all the
elements that go along with a local ordinance, especially when it pertains to all the things that
were not in the presentation. She noted that while there is additional staff time that's added and
a cost for the City, there is also additional staff time for each property owner and costs that go
with it. She said that's usually where the crux of the matter is. It's not over preservation. Bird
said all the private owners downtown have stewarded these buildings for a very, very long time
and they understand them intimately and care about the buildings. She thought the idea of a
steering committee was a really great idea.
Bird said the Downtown District was has been instrumental in putting together a set of design
guidelines for downtown. She said four years ago they hired a consultant in partnership with the
City as a joint effort. She said a consultant was used that understood the retail environment and
also understood historic districts. They used the Secretary of Interior's standards when they
created the design guidelines for the downtown area. She said the Downtown District has been
using them as a guide for new businesses that come in who might really understand a flower
shop, but do not understand how to treat the exterior of the store front. She said it was a good
way for us to suggest how to really relay your business brand and preserve or consider the
architecture as you do that.
Bird said it was her understanding that those guidelines have also been used by the
Commission but have never been formally adopted and were not really considered at all in the
packet. She wondered why we needed a whole additional step rather than looking at the
document they have on hand to see if it could work. She said the study wasn't cheap and she
believed it was well done, targeting the need for pedestrian oriented signage and human scale
and when a new development is coming in, ensuring that the bays kind of match so you don't
have the standard zoning, but you're matching up to the older buildings that are there. She
hoped the study would be given some consideration and looked forward to working with the
City. She said she did understand that the guidelines might not go far enough.
Bird again stated the National Register is a great first step. She encouraged the Commission to
reach out to property owners downtown rather than talking about it amongst themselves and
historians. She said questions should include asking property owners how they manage and
maintain their buildings. Ask what issues they are seeing. Bird said the maintenance piece is the
biggest one. She said a lot of these buildings share a wall so, if they want to fix up their interior
or they want to do something to the building, they are also impacting their neighbor. This leads
to nothing being done, which has fostered deferred maintenance over time. She said these cost
issues were quite large and looming in a lot of ways. She thought adding another layer of
regulation would become a concern.
Boyd asked if any other members of the public cared to speak. Seeing none, he said it was time
for the Commission to talk about the process.
Public Comment Period Closed
Agran asked for a better understanding of the timeline. He wondered if the Commission made
this recommendation and started the National Register process, which would include hiring
someone, etc., what would be the expected end date and when would staff recommend that the
local landmark status nomination start. He wondered if it would start before the end of the
National Register process, if it would be queued up to follow shortly thereafter or would that be a
separate motion made after everything was signed and sealed.
Bristow said without any input from the public it would be very hard to start the local landmark
process before the National Register process is finished. For that reason, the recommended
motion was written only for the National Register at this time. She said The National Register
process will involve seeking the opinion from the State. That will take a minimum of 45 days.
She noted someone would need to be hired to write the nomination. She said if the City puts out
a call for consultants it may take more time than if the City hired the consultant we already used,
who is well versed in this story. She noted there are deadlines for the draft submittal that pertain
to when the final review meeting would be. Bristow said it would be early to mid -2020 before it
was completed, and before the National Park Service came back and said we have a National
Register listed historic district. It would be over one year.
Karr asked if the Commission could include in the motion something stating the City would not
pursue any local overlay district until the National Registry decision was known. He thought by
only pursuing the National Registry at this point, the Commission may receive more active input
and conversation from the downtown property owners.
Boyd noted broad consensus for Recommendation A. He asked that Recommendation E be
added to a future agenda since it would be of interest to all properties, not just the downtown.
Boyd said the Commission should partner with the Downtown District and other stakeholders
and work through the recommendations. He believed part of the Commission's job was to figure
out what tools and resources the City might be able to provide to property owners to preserve
their buildings for another 100 or 200 years. He wanted the working group to discuss incentives
and protections and to look for creative solutions.
Karr agreed that collaboration with property owners is important, finding incentives for property
owners who want to be good stewards but are concerned about the cost. He again expressed
his concern with the local overlay, wanting to make sure it didn't just get pushed through,
catching people by surprise.
Boyd thought the working group would make some recommendations and the Commission
would act on them.
Burford thought it was important to look at Recommendations H and I and to show the
community how the Commission could facilitate the process. She wanted to engage people and
show how they would be supported so they understand the true benefits and would really want
this.
Boyd stated the Commission should set a future agenda item to talk about Recommendation E,
as well as seek some examples of site inventory forms to then be discussed as a future agenda
item. He felt there was broad consensus for Recommendation A. He wanted to put some
structure behind the working group. He said he would work with stakeholders and make a more
specific recommendation about what the structure might look like and bring that back to the next
meeting for approval.
DeGraw asked Bird if she had a couple recommendations of business owners to speak with.
Bird said she would share all the property owners that came to a recent meeting. She said some
had historic buildings and noted they were a productive group that cares and would provide
good feedback.
DeGraw asked if any were out-of-state.
Bird said yes, but her list would be all local.
DeGraw asked if out-of-state property owners would be a hurdle.
Boyd said it would be a challenge, but a local group would be a good place to start. He noted
while each individual has different ideas, hopefully local representatives could identify the
interests of property owners in general. He asked for a motion on Recommendation A.
MOTION: DeGraw moved that the Historic Preservation Commission recommend the
City Council direct staff to immediately pursue a National Register nomination, which will
include public outreach, a formal opinion from the State Historic Preservation Office, and
hiring a consultant to begin the National Register nomination process. Clore seconded
the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 9-0.
Agran requested visual mapping for property owners showing what property they own and in
what part of the district, as well as which owners live in the community and which ones are not
in the community. He wanted to understand the voices at the table.
REPORT ON CERTIFICATES ISSUED BY CHAIR AND STAFF
Certificate of No Material Effect — Chair and Staff Review.
802 North Dodge Street — Brown Street Historic District.
The flat, shingled porch roof was replaced to match the existing.
1044 Woodlawn Avenue — Woodlawn Historic District.
This property had a new metal roof put over the porch before roofs were regulated in the historic
district. They will be doing the same with the main roof. They build a system of wood members
over the existing metal roof and attach the new flat panel, standing seam over the top of that.
They will be putting on new, larger, half -round gutters. It will raise the roof about 2 inches. It will
not impact the crown molding around the top edge of the roof or anything because the metal
flashing will just cover the roof edge.
Minor Review — Staff Review
819 Iowa Avenue — College Hill Conservation District.
This house has an odd, yet somewhat historic one-story flat addition. It had a railing around the
top that was removed and needed to be replaced. The roof also needed to be replaced on that
flat area. Some of the siding needed to be replaced on that, as well.
1033 Woodlawn Avenue — Woodlawn Historic District.
Additional pages removed from minutes for simplication
Item Number: 8.
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CITY Ok IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
January 31, 2019
Letter from Downtown District Executive Director: National Register
Historic District nomination
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Letter from Downtown District Executive Director: National Register Historic District nomination
WICRItilllHI 1IISi10
DOWNTOWN 10WACITY.COd7
January 21, 2019
Mayor Throgmorton and City Council Members
City of Iowa City
410 E. Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Mayor Throgmorton and Council
On behalf of the Iowa City Downtown District (ICDD) board of directors, please accept this letter
of support for the National Register Historic District nomination for the properties downtown
identified as eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places in the City's 2018
Survey and Evaluation Update (Survey) of the Central Business District (CBD). This support is
informed by a meeting on November 28, 2018 with 14 local property owners, City staff, and the
Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) Chair and the discussion at the December 13, 2018
HPC meeting.
Specifically, the ICDD supports nomination of the boundary identified as Figure 03 in the Survey
(and any later refinements to it), which includes the urban renewal period that created and
includes the pedestrian mall. The nomination of this district, which does not change local
zoning and is honorific in nature, is an important step in obtaining access to both state and
federal historic tax credit programs for those who choose to renovate to the Secretary of
Interior's Standards for historic buildings.
We also want to thank the HPC for its commitment to establish a multi -disciplinary committee of
its members, downtown property owners, builders, tax experts, and City staff to explore the local
historic district ordinance recommended in the Survey so that a collective recommendation can
be made to Council at a later date.
We applaud the HPC Chair, Kevin Boyd, for his support of a unifying approach to historic
preservation downtown and look forward to working with the HPC in the near future.
Sincerely,
L&444�_D JAIL— 66r ---4-,e
Michelle Galvin Nancy Bird, AICP
Board President Executive Director
Iowa City Downtown District Iowa City Downtown District
Iowa City Downtown District 103 E. College Street, Suite 200, Iowa City, IA 52240 319-354-0863
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CITY Ok IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
January 31, 2019
Memo from NDS Code Enforcement Specialist: Request for Information -
225 & 229 N. G i I bert Street
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
(Memo from NDS Code Enforcement Specialist: Request for Information - 225 & 229 N. Gilbert
Street
Ib
~•-4� CITY OF IOWA CITY
T4 MEMORANDUM
Date: January 31, 2019
To: Geoff Fruin, City Manager
From: Lucy Joseph, NDS Code Enforcement Specialist
Re: Request for Information — 225 & 229 N. Gilbert Street
Introduction:
The City of Iowa City recently purchased two single-family homes at 225 & 229 N. Gilbert Street
with a goal of preserving the structures. 225 & 229 N. Gilbert are located on the southwest
corner of Gilbert and Bloomington in the Northside Marketplace district. The properties are
surrounded by retail, medical, office and auto repair uses, and are zoned CB -2 which permits a
variety of commercial uses. Both properties were previously residential dwellings and would
require some level of improvement for code compliance to be used for non-residential uses.
In addition to initiating the process of considering local historic landmark designations, the City
solicited statements of interest for the possible future uses of these properties from individuals,
businesses, and non-profit organizations through a Request for Information (RFI). Complete
letters of interest were received from the Community Foundation of Johnson County and Public
Space One. A third abbreviated response was received after the January 10th deadline from
Little Village. All three responses are attached to this memo.
Summary of Submissions:
Community Foundation of Johnson County — 229 N. Gilbert Street
The Community Foundation of Johnson County expressed interest in the purchase of
229 N. Gilbert Street. Their intent is to maintain and preserve the home's charm and
character, and utilize it as office space for their organization. The additional space will
allow them to add staff and internship opportunities. The home's original layout will
support their operational needs so they do not foresee changes to the historic design of
the home.
The Community Foundation of Johnson County has resources available through their
Operational Endowment Fund and General Operating Fund for the purchase. They have
access to a loan through a local financial institution for the purchase as well as a line of
credit to support updates. Several donors have also expressed interest in supporting the
purchase and preservation of this home. They anticipated establishing a fund for long-
term maintenance of the structure.
Public Space One — 225 & 229 N. Gilbert Street
Public Space One (PS1) submitted a letter of interest for both 225 & 229 N. Gilbert
Street. At 229 N. Gilbert, PS1 proposes an intimate community art space for exhibits,
education, and other events on the first floor, artist studios on the second floor, and
potential studio or workshop space in the attic/basement. They propose using 225 N.
Gilbert as a visiting artist residency house in partnership with the Englert and FilmScene.
January 31, 2019
Page 2
PS1 indicates that it does not have the financial capacity to purchase a property with
traditional financing. Instead they intend to fundraise through a capital campaign and
proposes a one to two-year lease -to -purchase agreement. They would request a City
contribution to the renovation of the properties, which they would also support through
in-kind work and donations.
Little Village — 225 & 229 N. Gilbert Street (late submission)
Little Village, LLC expressed interest in 225 & 229 N. Gilbert Street. Their intent is to
use the spaces as a permanent home for their organization, an independent journalism
and media production company, and as residency space for visiting artists in
collaboration with arts organizations such as FilmScene, Public Space One, the Englert
Theatre, and the Iowa Writer's House.
The letter of interest includes a proposed sale of the property to Little Village for
$435,000, through a loan payable over 30 years at 3.8% interest and $0 down.
Additionally, Little Village requests to be able to use the properties for residential rentals
for up to 3 years, only maintain them in a historically sensitive manner for a minimum of
ten years and be given the ability to lease to commercial or non-profit endeavors at its
own discretion.
Staff Recommendation:
Staff requests authority to negotiate a purchase agreement with the Community Foundation of
Johnson County for 229 N. Gilbert Street based on their financial capacity, intended use of the
property and desire to preserve it in a historically sensitive manner. This proposal best aligns
with the City's goals for the property, assists a local community -minded non-profit in establishing
a permanent and affordable home in the core of our community, and is also the strongest from a
financial perspective.
Staff would further like to explore the use of 225 N. Gilbert with Public Space One. Specifically,
we would investigate whether they have continued interest in the property and if there are ways
in which the City and other interested stakeholders can develop a more refined financial plan to
support the long-term needs of Public Space One and the physical structure itself.
If no possibilities emerge for 225 N. Gilbert, the property could be renovated under the
UniverCity program as originally intended and sold to an income eligible homebuyer.
_ )mmunity
Of
Johnson County
Executive Director
Shealy Mahar y
President
Sarah Maiers
Board of Directors:
Michael Beaming
Laura Berges
Susan Brannan
Tit& Coffouln
Casey Cook
Robert Dvorsky
Bart Floyd
Janet Godwin
Put Heiden
Todd Jacobson
Keith Jones
Nate Kaedmg
Sarah Joan Leonard
Art Nowak
Charles Nusser, v.p.
Dean Price, Tress.
Sarah Richardson, Seo.
Anna Moyers Stone
]sson Wagner
Pallia Waigd
Mary Westbrook
January 8, 2019
City of Iowa City
City Clerk's Office
Attn: Ms. Lucy Joseph
410 E Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Dear Ms. Joseph,
On behalf of the Community Foundation of Johnson County Board of
Directors, I submit this letter expressing interest in the purchase of the
city owned property located at 229 N. Gilbert Street. It is our intention to
have this beautiful historic structure become the permanent home of our
organization for all of Johnson County to enjoy for generations to come.
The Community Foundation of Johnson County was founded nearly 20
years ago on the premise that by bringing together passionate, generous
people from all walks of life to meet the needs of the community, all our
residents would benefit. As we look to the future, what better way to
bring people together than within the walls of a home. Our vision is for
this home to serve as a comforting place for donors to express their
charitable aspirations, for nonprofits to collaborate and grow and for our
staff to development new and creatine ways to address community needs
and promote charitable giving In Johnson County.
We are excited to explore with purchase of 229 N. Gilbert with the City of
Iowa City. I look forward to working together to make our vision a
reality.
Sincerely yours,
'4
Shelly Ma arty, MPA
Executive Director
Email: shelly@communityfoundationofjohnsoncounty.org
Connecting those who care with those who need
325 E. Washington St. Suite 100! lowe (7.1y, IA 522401 telephone: 319.337.04831 fax: 319.338.9958
www.communityfoundationofjohnsoncounty.org
Proposed Future Home of the
Community Foundation of Johnson County
1
Community Foundation of Johnson County
Request for Information Submittal — 229 N. Gilbert Street
Request for Information Submittal Requirements
229 N. Gilbert Street
2. Background and related qualifications of the individual or organization making
the submittal
At the Community Foundation of Johnson County, we are honored to advance
philanthropy by connecting those who care with those who need. The Community
Foundation administers over $29 million in charitable assets and has distributed more
than $14 million in grants to nonprofit organizations since 2001. Through our work,
CFJC supports more than 200 nonprofit organizations, family and business charitable
giving funds, community endowment funds and charitable giving circles to grow
philanthropy for the greater good throughout Johnson County.
Most recently, the Community Foundation awarded $320,956 in grant funding to 64
nonprofits organizations working every day to make Johnson County the very best place
in Iowa to live, give, work and play.
Community Leadership: For more than 15 years, the Community Foundation has been
working closely with donors, local leaders and hundreds of nonprofit organizations. We
strive to be a community convener and catalyst on issues important to Johnson County
communities and leverage our resources with others to support crucial community
needs and initiatives.
Giving Support to Nonprofit Orcianizations: The Community Foundation provides
leadership by financially supporting local nonprofits through competitive grants and
building the capacity of nonprofit organizations through training opportunities such
grant writing workshops and board development trainings. The Community
Foundation also provides significant funding to projects that strengthen Johnson
County through our Community Impact Grants which support current and future needs
of the community.
3. Relevant experience on similar projects or business / nonprofit endeavors
A previous building project the Community Foundation helped launch was the 1105
Project, which brought together multiple nonprofits into one location. We helped
successfully execute a $1.25M capital campaign to renovate the 1105 Project Building to
accommodate the Crisis Center of Johnson County, DVIP, Free Lunch Program and
NAMI into one location.
2
Community Foundation of Johnson County
Request for Information submittal — 229 N. Gilbert street
Since the start of our organization, the Community Foundation has always subleased
office space from the Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce. Purchasing this properly
would allow us to create our own freestanding location for the first time.
4. Description of interest in one or both of the properties. In addition to the
description of the proposed use, this section shall include whether the individual
or organization is interested in one specific property or both properties
The Community Foundation of Johnson County has interest in purchasing only the
home located at 229 N. Gilbert Street. Our intent is to maintain and preserve this
historic home's,charm and character and utilize it as office space for our organization.
The home's original design and layout will support our operational needs and we
foresee no need to remove/add walls or otherwise alter the historic design of the home.
The additional space this home will provide allows us to add additional staff and
internship opportunities.
S. Statement of available financial resources to achieve the vision. This shall
Include a statement on the individual or organization's ability to purchase the
property from the City, make any needed renovations for the proposed use and
maintain the property in a historically sensitive manner in the future. Any
anticipated need for City assistance should be described in this section,
The Community Foundation of Johnson County can utilize resources we have available
to support the purchase from our Operational Endowment Fund and General Operating
Fund.
We have strong working relationships with many of our local financial institutions (US
Bank, Hills Bank, Great Western Bank, MidWestOne Bank and UICCU) and intend to work
with one of these partners to obtain a loan to purchase the property. If needed, we
would establish a line of credit to support the updates to HVAC, electrical and other
needs.
While the purchase of this property is not dependent on donor gifts, several donors
have expressed interest in making gifts to support the purchase and preservation of this
beautiful home and see it become our permanent location.
3
Community Foundation of Johnson County
Request for Information Submittal — 229 N. Gilbert Street
After the home is purchase, we will create a CFJC Maintenance Endowment Fund to
support the long-term maintenance needs of the structure.
G. Proposed project schedule Including anticipated dates for purchase/lease,
renovation, occupancy
Below is a summary of anticipated next steps for the purchase of 229 N. Gilbert should
the City of Iowa City wish to pursue our interest further.
Property Inspection including sewer scoping (January- February)
e Purchase agreement submitted (February)
e CFJC presentation to City Council, if needed (February)
e Real Estate Appraisal - likely needed for loan approval (February)
e Proposed Closing Date: March/April
We are anticipating the home will need to have updated HVAC and electrical work
before we can relocate into the building. Additional improvements may be needed
following information available in the inspection report. We must also explore ADA
compliant access into the rear of the home. Updating the first -floor bathroom facilities
will likely be needed prior to move in.
CFJC currently subleases space from the Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce located
at 325 E. Washington Street. We have been informed the owners of the building intend
to dose t".- location for renovations in December 2019. ` ve intend to continue renting
our existing space on a month-to-month basis until 229 N. Gilbert is ready for
occupancy.
7. Additional considerations
The Community Foundation wishing to be the long-term steward and caretaker of this
beautiful historic structure. We wish to maintain a close working relationship with the
Iowa City Preservation Commission and nonprofit organizations such as Iowa City
Friends of Historic Preservation ensuring the structure is appropriately preserved.
The improvements to the home may be eligible for State and Federal Historic
Rehabilitation tax credits, which we plan to explore further following the purchase.
4
Community Foundation of Johnson County
Request for Information Submittal — 229 N. Gilbert Street
The home currently has vinyl siding which is not historically appropriate for the time
period of the home. CFJC will explore grant opportunities (fagade improvement funds)
to remove the vinyl siding, repair the wood siding likely underneath the vinyl and paint
the home in a historically appropriate color scheme.
CFJC will seek the guidance of the University Neighborhood Partnership Program to
obtain referrals to businesses providing the skilled labor that will be required to
complete the building improvement projects. We intend to use local (Johnson County)
contractors and businesses whenever possible.
For reference, the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines is located in the
historic Finkbine Mansion on Grand Avenue in Des Moines. They enjoy their location
embedded within the community and their donors appreciate their efforts to maintain
and preserve the historic home.
Thank you for your time in reviewing our proposal. Please contact us to obtain any
additional information that may be required.
Shelly Maharry, MPA
Executive Director — CFJC
shelly@communiWoundationoflohnsoncounly.org
319.337-0483
0
Community Foundation of Johnson County
Request for Information submittal -- 229 N. Gilbert street
AAA PUBLIC SPACE ONE
720 N. Dubuque St.
Iowa City, IA 52245
VVV
POSSlAKITY publicspaceone.org
Dear City of Iowa City,
<L_�M
January 10th, 2019
This letter is submitted to express our interest in the properties at 225 & 229 N. Gilbert St on behalf of
the Iowa City arts nonprofit Public Space One (PSI).
We applaud the City of Iowa City for acknowledging the impact that arts have on our community and for
setting out a blueprint for increasing this impact in the coming years through items in the
comprehensive plan. After serving the Iowa City community for well over a decade through making the
most of unusual spaces and the energy of volunteers, in recent years PSI has made concerted efforts
towards long-term stability and sustainability, including a permanent home. Our 2018-2020 strategic
plan, upon the basis of which we were awarded a Capacity -Building Grant by the Iowa Arts Council,
aligns with a number of goals and objectives identified in the City's Comprehensive Plan. We outline
these briefly in the enclosed documents, following a proposal for the properties in response to the City's
RFI.
We believe the enclosed information not only represents a move forward for our organization, but one
that sits squarely within the arts ecosystem, social justice initiatives and neighborhood planning of Iowa
City. We were excited to learn of the RFI and believe this is an opportunity for the City to encourage long
term, impactful visual arts programming in Iowa City, to truly make it "the greatest small city for the
arts." We look forward to future conversations and answering any questions and comments around this
bright future.
On beha!f of the Public Space One board, we will act as principal representatives of PSI and submit this
RFI for full consideration.
Sincerely,
John Engelbrecht, Director
319.331.8893
john@publicspaceone.com
'l -K
Kalmia Strong, Program Director
917.703.1350
kalm!a@publicspaceone,com
BACKGROUND AND QUALIFICATIONS
Public Space One has been a homegrown Iowa City arts institution for 16 years. What began as j
student -run space has evolved into a nationally recognized arts nonprofit with a strong track record of
producing culture and supporting many disciplines of arts in Iowa City, from visual to performance to
literary and beyond through both providing accessible community space and resources and producing
innovative programs.
The broad range of activities and services that occur because of PSI include: the only solely -dedicated
visual art gallery in Iowa City, the only community -accessible printmaking shop in the state of Iowa (the
Iowa City Press Co-op (ICPC)), a nationally -recognized residency program for artists of color (The Center
for Afrofuturist Studies (the CAS)), five artist studios, a performance area, three program ming/cu rating
entities (the gallery team, the PSI board, and the ICPC membership), and an infrastructure/operating
ethos that allows community members an easily accessible entry point into bringing forth their own
creative endeavors.
We have grown immensely in the past seven years-- moving from a <$5000 annual budget to one just
shy of $100,000, and from a raw, bare -bones gallery and performance space to a thriving facility with a
community -access printmaking studio and workshops; private artist studios; and exhibitions,
residencies, public projects, and performances with both local and national artists --while remaining
centered around providing an accessible, all -ages space for community members to "go public" with
their creativity.
PSI serves and engages professional, emerging, and amateur artists, writers, and performers;
undergraduates, graduate students, faculty, and staff from area colleges and universities; children and
youth; cultural organizations (such as Dreamwell Theatre) and ad hoc groups; organizers and activists;
and others of diverse ages and backgrounds with an interest in the arts.
PSI has collaborated with many local organizations including the Iowa Youth Writing Project, the
University of Iowa Schools of Art & Art History and Urban and Regional Planning, Hancher Auditorium,
Mission Creek Festival, the University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art, KRUI, PAN, and the Iowa City
Downtown District. Our programming has been supported by the National Association of Latino Arts and
Culture, the Iowa Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Community Foundation of
Johnson County, the City of Iowa City Public Art Program, and the Black Art Futures Fund. PSI is
governed by a diverse board of directors representing various sectors of the Iowa City community and
with expertise including historic preservation, education, and community organizing, and we count
among our dedicated supporters downtown small business owners, architects, educators, and, of
course; artists.
In early 2017 we began working with the Iowa City Downtown District to lay groundwork for the next
evolution of our space with the aim of increasing our visibility, offering more space to our programs,
PUBLIC SPACE ONE I an artist -leo, community-arivcn contemporary art center
including The CAS and the 1CPC, and further supporting the local art community through providing
additional studio and workshop space. Through this process we have created plans and envisioned
various -types of additional space from larger workspaces outside of downtown Iowa City to storefront
locations on the Ped Mall.
In Spring 2018 we realized the possibility of a properly zoned house as a second P51 location would
address the growing needs of our organization by: a) providing additional studio and workshop space in
both location b) increasing the visibility of our work in a memorable locale, c) ability to hold more
intimate programming and fundraisers, and d) offering a permanent home and residency solution for
one of our largest programs, The CAS. Our proposed use of 225 and 229 N. Gilbert Street would be
additional (not replacement) space for PSI. It would fulfill many of our organization's growth needs
while significantly contributing to preserving and enhancing the character of the Northside
neighborhood and expanding the scope of the Iowa City arts community.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE WITH SIMILAR PROJECTS OR NON PROFIT ENDEAVORS
We have leased approximately 4,000 sq ft at the Wesley Center for the past 6.5 years. While not owners,
we have made a considerable investment into our space there through remodelling and upkeep and
forged a tight -knit relationship with the building owners, The Wesley Foundation (a relationship we
mention as going beyond your typical leasee/leasor as it has often involved building challenges and
changes).
We have worked with subleases in renting out studio space as well as organizations large and small in
hosting events. In the six years of renting out studios, we have never had a lapse greater than 1 month
in our studio leases, proving a viable need that we are meeting in the community. A survey we
conducted in 2017 of 75 artists likely to seek studio space in Iowa City provided further insight into this
business model as it would extend to the Gilbert St houses. We have also had to lease additional space
outside the Wes!ey Center for Mousing artists we bring to town, a number that tops 20 different artists
over the past three years.
Our vision for expanding capital ownership and our business model is a logical step determined by the
needs of the community of artists and citizens we have come to serve in over the past 16 years. That
community includes many who consider the services we provide crucial to the vibrancy and livability of
Iowa City, not just for the services themselves, but for the structure and community we have created in
offering, them. This is not something quantifiable as a bullet point in a proposal, but of major relevance
to the success of our nonprofit and support we have accrued over the life of the organization.
Our experience in managing a nationally -recognized residency program coupled with the day-to-day
operations and engagements with area artists (and audiences), makes us a great candidate for this
project. The past 18 months have primed us for this endeavor, from creating business plans for various
long-term space solutions (from retail space on red Mall to other real estate locations), as well as
PUBLIC SPACE ONE an artist -led, community -driven contemporary art center
putting together a strategic plan and board of directors ready to take our accumulated knowledge and
lead the next phase of our growth with this type of expansion.
PROPOSAL
We can envision many fine uses for the two buildings, both in concert with each other and the
surrounding neighborhood — uses that build a walkable, arts -centric neighborhood, while maintaining
the distinct identity and scale of the Northside. We would welcome and accentuate (and be accentuated
by!) neighbors such as Artifacts, Riverside Theatre, The Haunted Bookshop, and the Iowa Writers' House
(with whom we already have positive relationships). There is a tradition and precedent for older homes
in the area being used in this way (such as the International Writing Program and Iowa Writers' House)
where that architecture speaks very literally to the "home" for the organizations' mission. With that
preface, our proposal suggests an ideal scenario for both houses, along with an alternative for just one,
but we remain flexible and willing to negotiate and/or collaborate.
Our primary interest in the additional house space is for gallery, workshop, studio, and visiting artist
space. The increased visibility one or both of these houses would provide will strengthen all of those
offerings, and they would provide PS1 with a permanent homebase. There are several ways in which we
can figure (or reconfigure) our space.
229 N. Gilbert: Public Space One house annex
1st floor: An intimate community art space for exhibitions, education, and other events.
• two adjoining rooms on the south side of the house would be fitted for gallery walls and
a large table and would host art workshops and exhibitions.
large room on the north side of the house would house a reading room and archive for
the Center for Afrofuturist Studies, providing a permanent, publicly -accessible home for
this important program which currently lacks dedicated space.
• kitchen, with renovation, would serve as a multi-purpose space needed to support
events and a communal space for studio renters.
• install an external ramp (probably on the southwest entrance to the house) to make the
public space fully accessible.
2nd floor: artist studios
The 4 bedrooms on the second floor of 229 N. Gilbert would function as 4 artist studios renting
at between $100-300/month depending on size (rates based on what we currently rent studios
for at our Wesley Center space, as well as responses from our 2017 local artist studio demand
survey). This use would require minimal renovation to the second floor. These studios would
provide stable revenue, serve a demonstrated community need for affordable studio space, and
contribute to the "life" of the building.
PUBLIC SPACE ONE I an artist -led, community -driven contemporary art center
Basement and attic: With renovation and depending on code requirements, one or both of
these spaces could potentially be used as additional studio or workshop space.
Through studio rentals and programming, we anticipate being able to generate $24,000 in
annual revenue operating this space, not including additional organization -wide fundraising that
would also sunnnrt it.
225 N. Gilbert: Iowa City visiting artist residency house
We propose that the house at 225 R. Gilbert operate as a City -sponsored or otherwise
cooperatively -owned artist residency home that would be developed in partnership with multiple local
arts organizations, including PSI, the Englert and FilmScene (per the goal stated in their Strengthen •
Grow a Evolve capital campaign statement), who have a need to host visiting artists and mutual goals to
establish a permanent space to meet that need.
This house requires significantly more work, and because of its layout is not conducive to a shared
retail/residential use, but is spacious enough that it could serve as an excellent artist residency house
with ample private studio space for visiting artists.
The merits of this scenario are significant in that occupying these adjacent properties with allied arts
purposes will allow a symbiosis between the two buildings, enabling meaningful activation of the shared
exterior space (for a pocket park, community event and performance space, etc.) that will benefit the
neighborhood and greater community.
Alternatives:
Should only one house be available, we would still very much be interested in 229 N. Gilbert, and would
amend the plan above only by exploring the possibility of renovating a portion of the second floor to
create a code -compliant single private residence for visiting artists. This would support the Center for
Afrofuturist Studies and other visiting artists to PSI (and collaborating organizations). This would impact
the number of studios available to local artists as well as renovation timeline and layout. A strong driver
of our intention in this expansion is to create more space for The CAS residency program, so creating a
permanent space to host visiting artists is important to our vision.
Our motto is "Possibility" and we take that to heart. in many ways, this flexibility is what has sustained
us in our 16 years: by being able to creatively adapt to the space and opportunities available. The
scenario offered above reflects our tangible intention and a vision we are poised to pursue. But we'd
also like to note our openness to partnering with other organizations and developing one or both the
properties into permanent arts space.
PUBLIC SPACE ONE an artist -led, community -driven contemporary art center
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL RESOURCES & ASSISTANCE
PSI has grown into a sustainable nonprofit organization through diverse revenue streams that balance
earned income, fundralsing, and grant support. In addition to renting out studio and event space, we
generate revenue through workshops and member dues at the Iowa City Press Co-op, grants from local
and state entities for our programs, a sustaining membership program, and operating a large, national
annual art auction fundraiser. Our business model utilizes project grants for major programming while
operational expenses are covered through community use and fundraising. In this manner we have a
system that supports innovation (projects) while the community (through participation) supports us.
Ideally, PSI would purchase 229 N. Gilbert within the next year, though we do not have the capacity to
immediately purchase the property with traditional financing. We have talked with and explored
commercial property purchases with our bank, MidWestOne, and understand where we need to be to
take this on financially, hence the creation of a new line in the PSI FY2019 budget, described next
paragraph.
One scenario (as described in the schedule below) would be to fundraise prior to occupancy, with
needed renovations done in parallel, Our 2019 budget includes a line for a $10,000+ "opportunity fund"
intended for a capital project such as this, and should this proposal move forward, we would also
undertake a capital campaign towards the end of raising the funds needed for a down payment and
needed, work. The capital campaign (which we have already done planning work towards in anticipation
of a similar opportunity) would reach out to both local current and new supporters as well as to national
funders that have a particular interest in the development of the CAS program and/or nonprofit growth
through capital projects. Historically, our audience has generously stepped up to support large-scale
endeavors such as the launch of our community print studio in 2012, and we anticipate that this would
be matched with the scale of this proposed project. We would also explore the possibility of financing
through a nonprofit lender such as MN -based Propel Nonprofits, with whom we already have a
relationship.
Another possibility would be to develop a 1 -to -2 year lease -to -purchase agreement which would
leverage PS1's demonstrated strength at activating spaces towards the fundraising needed to complete
the purchase.
We would request a City contribution to the renovation of the properties (TBD depending on the needed
work and whether both or only one of the properties are included), however, we also anticipate that we
would be able to support a portion of this through in-kind work and donations. Several of our members
have professional skill sets or experience with basic construction, which allowed us to complete a
community -powered renovation of our gallery in the Wesley Center this past summer.
In addition to the earned income built into our plan for the property (a modest estimate is $20,000
annually), we anticipate that the growth in activity and visibility afforded by these houses would yield a
increased level of fundraising in our annual budget which would allow us to support the costs of
PUBLIC SPACE ONE I an artist -led, comm unity -driven contemporary art center
maintaining the property in the future. (As v side note, one of our board members brings extensive
historic preservation experience and a strong understanding of what is and isn't possible and/or
appropriate in regards to maintaining the integrity of a contributing property, as well as the ways in
which it might be further restored as part of the ongoing maintenance of the structure.)
PROPOSED SCHEDULE
Given the differing scenarios offered, we offer a most general timeline, in which we aim for occupancy
and ownership of 229 N. Gilbert in January 2020.
Jan 2019 - Proposal to City Hall
Feb -May - Feedback and negotiations to develop final plan for 229 renovation and
purchase; initial fundraising; planning with collaborating organizations
June -Dec - Additional fundraising, renovations and enhancements; development of memorandum
of understanding with collaborating organizations regarding 225
Dec 2019 Purchase of 229 by PSI
Jan 2020 1 Occupancy of 229 by PSI
March 2020 229 Open to public
TBD - Occupancy of 225
PUBLIC SPACE ONE I an artist -led, community -driven contemporary art center
APPENDIX: RELEVANT GOALS & OBJECTIVES FROM CITY PLANNING DOCUMENTS
By expanding onto Gilbert Street, PSI would help fulfill the following goals and objectives from the City's
Comprehensive Plan and Central District Plan. We also feel that the properties serve as an ideal bridge
between the residential and commercial uses of the Northside, and would be a good use of proactively
rezoning to CN -1. The CN -1 description has also been included as reference.
IOWA CITY COMPREHENSIVE PIAN
Section 9 Arts and Culture
Under Arts & Culture Goals and Strategies:
+ Increase visibility and awareness of Arts and Culture Programs
This is an opportunity for PSI to add a dedicated visual arts space to street level and
"out of the basement." This is something many visual arts organizations have been
unable to do over the past several decades in Iowa City, which suggests the need for City
partnership to make this possible.
• Explore opportunities for new Arts and Culture venues that will attract visitors to Iowa City
Authentic and culturally -active spaces such as would be PSI at 229 N. Gilbert are
memorable entities that "people write home about." Iowa City has lost several similarly
unique retail sites near the core downtown over the past decade, and this would be a
move to help preserve our town's homegrown character along with the structures
themselves. The venue would attract visitors through intimate events and workshops and
by creating an engaging exterior and outdoor space that balances public art with
preserving the integrity of these historic homes.
+
Support Arts and Culture programs that reflect and serve Iowa City's changing demographics
One of PS1's major and highly -successful programming initiatives over the past three
years is the Center for Afrofuturist Studies (the CAS), which provides safe and productive
working spaces for artists of color and opportunities for diverse local audiences to
engage with their future -oriented work. The CAS currently lacks a dedicated space, and
creating a permanent site that would, in part, host the program would enhance and
support the City's aim to reflect and serve these changing demographics.
Seek the participation of diverse populations when developing cultural programs
Since at least 2012, we have sought a range of partners in helping to develop cultural
programs inclusive to Iowa City's diverse populations. Invisible Faces (a year-long series
of art workshops acid exhibitions engaging the eastern Iowa Latino community) and The
Center for Afrofuturist Studies are a few tangible examples of this initiative, not to to
mention that diversity is also structurally and purposefully manifested in our board
makeup and strategic plan. The benefits to PSI and our programs that would come with
,PUBLIC SPACE ONE, an ertist-led, community -driven con' cmporaryart center
this opportunity would make us a stronger, more stable partner that can help the City
meet this goal.
Collaborate ... to promote development of venues that provide students with alternatives to
alcohol use.
This is something PSI has prided itself on since its inception as a vibrant, but
alcohol -free, all -ages space.
• _:Explore the creation of a community arts center
In many ways, Public Space One now serves as a community arts center. This is a way for
the City to start supporting this initiative now instead of waiting for something much
larger to come around. This acknowledgement of PSI as a community arts center would
both reframe the conversation that the City is taking proactive steps towards this while
also allowing dreams of a much larger space set forward by Arts Iowa City/Artifactory to
continue.
• Support non -profits involved in arts programming
PSI is a 501(c)3 arts nonprofit, which hosts hundreds of arts -related events annually
along with providing a plethora of opportunities for arts engagement and resources for
local artists.
The City's support for PS1's acquisition of a major asset (229 N. Gilbert) would be
significant contribution towards ensuring the future of an arts non-profit that has made
many contributions to our community, and the establishment of a collaborative arts
residency house at 225 would support many entities in the Iowa City nonprofit arts
community.
FROM OTHER SECTIONS OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN:
Section 3 Growth and Land Use
From the Vision: City will protect and promote the character and integrity of existing neighborhoods
PSI would serve as a resource to, expression of, and fertilizer to the Northside's artistic
community/identity. The N. Gilbert St houses would be additional site for our
organization providing an increase in Northside space dedicated to arts purposes. The
Iowa Writers' House and Haunted Bookshop have both voiced approval of this potential
and would lend support in the project to make this a reality.
Under Land Use Goals and Strategies
• Provide appropriate transitions ... between commercial areas and residential zones.
The proposed use of 225 & 229 by PSI would establish a Neighborhood Commercial
Zone (CN -1) buffer.
PUBLIC SPACE ONE an artist -led, community -driven contomporary art center
• Maintain a strong and accessible Downtown that is pedestrian oriented with a strong and
distinctive cultural, commercial, and residential character.
• Encourage continued investment in the Downtown to assure its place as the center of arts,
culture
Under How We Grow:
• Participants... consistently describe a community that offers big -city culture and diversity with
the charm and convenience of small-town living.
• __District Plans focus on the creation of neighborhoods that provide ... a mix of land uses... public
spaces that provide a focal point for the neighborhood ... accessible open space for ... social
interaction.
Section 8: Parks and Open Space
introduction asserts that "areas within the Central Planning District and Downtown do not have
adequate open space. ""The Central District Plan looks to pocket parks and alternative green spaces,
such as areas within the right-of-way..."
Under Parks and Open Space Goals and Strategies:
• Formulate incentives or other means to encourage construction of functional private open space
PSI would activate the outdoor space around these properties through creative
landscaping and building that could function as an unconventional pocket park, site for
public art, and community/gathering event space that would serve Northside
neighborhood residents as well as visitors and other organizations.
An example of how the corner space might function:
http://www.cityrepair.org/sunnyside-piazza/
Points from the Central District Plan that would be supported by PSI's proposed use of these
properties:
From Planning for the Future, Subarea A
• Incentives or programs to maintain, improve, and generally reinvest in the older housing stock
a The City should continue to partner with neighborhood associations to monitor and improve
neighborhoods, to promote good neighbor relations, and foster neighborhood identity through
... public art and shared spaces.
• Enhancement and creative use of the parkways and medians along area streets would add to the
livability of these neighborhoods
From Housing and Quality of Life — Goals and Objectives:
• Encourage a diverse range of businesses that provide essential services
PUBLIC SPACE ONE, an artist-lod, community -driven contemporary art centor
• Provide for an attractive and functional transition between residential areas and adjacent
commercial areas
From Northside Marketplace Goals and Objectives:
• Preserve and promote unique aspects of the Northside Marketplace
• Encourage area businesses and residents to participate in events, activities, and associations that
-foster a sense of identity and create a vibrant level of commercial activity
Sf]�rll►�I�I��I�Ja
Neighborhood Commercial Zone (CN -1): The purpose of the neighborhood commercial zone (CN -1) is to
promote a unified grouping of small scale retail sales and personal service uses in a neighborhood
shopping area; encourage neighborhood shopping areas that are conveniently located and that primarily
serve nearby residential neighborhoods; promote pedestrian oriented development at an intensity level
that is compatible with surrounding residential areas, and promote principles of site design, building
articulation, scale and proportion that are typical of traditional main street design. Allowed uses are
restricted in size to promote smaller, neighborhood serving businesses and to limit adverse impacts on
nearby residential areas. CN -1 zones are generally located with direct access to an arterial street.
PUBLIC SPACE ONE an artist -led, community -driven contemporary crt canter
I
LV
January 18, 2018
Dear Sir or Madam:
This letter is to express Little Village, LLC's interest in working with the city to develop a plan to transition
the properties at 225 and 229 N Gilbert St into sustainable arts and culture assets for the Northside
neighborhood. I, Matthew Steele, owner and publisher of Little Village, will act as the contact for the
organization.
We intend to use these spaces as a permanent home for Little Village, an independent journalism and
media production company, and — when available — as a residency space for visiting artists in
collaboration with arts organizations such as FilmScene, Public Space One, the Englert Theatre, and the
Iowa Writers House. Little Village has been in business since 2001, and we are in a sufficiently strong
financial position to oversee this project under the following conditions:
• The City of Iowa City sell both properties to Little Village for a combined total of $435,000
(pending inspection), payable over 30 years at 3.8% interest, and $0 down.
• We propose a closing date of July 1, 2019.
• Little Village must be permitted to maintain the properties as residential rentals for a reasonable
period (up to 3 years) until commercial code compliance improvements can be completed.
• Little Village commits to managing and maintaining the properties in a historically sensitive
manner for a minimum of ten years before any sale.
• Little Village must have the freedom to lease the space to any commercial endeavor, nonprofit or
otherwise, at its own discretion.
A proposed timeline is as follows:
• March 1—June 30, 2019: Inspections and planning of zoning update projects
• July 1, 2019: Closing date
• August 1, 2019: Occupancy by residential tenants
• July 1, 2019—June 30, 2022: Grace period to complete improvements
• July 1, 2022: Occupancy by Little Village and/or other related enterprise
Please forgive the brevity of this proposal. If Little Village is the kind of operation the city would like to see
utilizing and programming these spaces, we will be happy to discuss the opportunity in more detail.
Sincerely,
Matthew C. Steele
Item Number: 10.
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January 31, 2019
Memo from MPOJC Assistant Transportation Planner and Director of
Transportation Services: Update on regional transit system discussions
[Previously distributed in the 1/10/19 Info Packet, IP4.]
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Memo from MPOJC Assistant Transportation Planner and Drector of Transportation Services:
Update on regional transit system discussions [Previously distributed in the 1/10/19 1 nfo Packet,
I P4.]
�.® CITY OF IOWA CITY
Z"
MEMORANDUM
Date: January 8th, 2019
To: Geoff Fruin, City Manager
From: Brad Neumann, MPOJC Assistant Transportation Planner
Darian Nagle-Gamm, Director of Transportation Services
Re: Update on regional transit system discussions
At their December 18th meeting, the City Council requested information on past discussions
regarding the creation of a consolidated transit system. Over the years, the Metropolitan
Planning Organization of Johnson County (MPOJC) Policy Board has discussed both regional
and consolidated transit systems on multiple occasions. At each discussion, MPO staff shared
with the Policy Board some examples of various consolidated systems across the state. These
examples included:
Regional Transit Authority (RTA) - A consolidated system with a Policy Board made
up of representatives from each entity and taxing authority. The Dart system in the Des
Moines metro area is an example. The Cities of Des Moines and Cedar Rapids are the
only two metropolitan areas in Iowa that currently meet the minimum population
threshold of 175,000 for establishing a RTA, therefore this is not an option for the Iowa
City metropolitan area at this time.
• Consolidated system without taxing authority - While there is not a current example
in the state, this type of system could be formed via a 28E Agreement. The agreement
would outline funding participation by each entity. The consolidated system would then
be governed by a Policy Board made up of representatives from each entity.
City -University system - The Ames Cy -Ride system has been operating as a joint
government run transit system since 1981. Ames consolidated with Iowa State
University's transit system, which was relatively simple in that there was only one
municipality (with a much smaller metropolitan population) involved.
The three local transit agencies in the Iowa City metropolitan area currently have a combined
total of 52 buses running at peak time on 33 bus routes. Funding for the three operations come
from a combination of sources, varying across entities:
• Local Transit Levy (max rate is $0.95/$1,000 valuation)
• Local General Fund (Iowa City and Coralville)
• Student and Parking Fees (Cambus)
• Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5307 and 5310 funding
million/year which is apportioned by MPOJC)
• State Transit Assistance funding (approximately $1.5 million apportioned
Department of Transportation/year)
• Fare Revenue (Iowa City and Coralville - Cambus does not have a fare)
• Contract Revenue (includes Iowa City Transit's service in University
Coralville Transit's North Liberty service)
• Other Revenue (includes Intermodal Facilities in Iowa City and Coralville)
(about $2.5
by the Iowa
Heights and
January 8, 2019
Page 2
In each of the previous discussions at the MPOJC Policy Board level, local governments
ultimately had their own reasons for not pursuing a consolidated system, reasons included:
• Loss of control & identity over one's own transit system/service
• Different wage rates and different unions for each system
• Different transit levy rates (Iowa City can't go higher than their current $0.95/$1,000
valuation rate - Coralville is at $0.71/$1,000)
• Skepticism about actual cost savings through consolidation
• New bus facilities (Coralville) vs. the need for new bus facilities (Iowa City and
CAMBUS)
• Feeling that service already covers the urbanized area and that there is not much
overlap of service
• Misconceptions that a consolidated organization would provide service to the entire
county
The current transit service in the metropolitan area continues to be very successful. The metro
area has some of the highest ridership per capita in the country. That said, in FY2018 overall
ridership in the metro area was just over 5.7 million, down from 7.2 million rides in FY2015.
Decreases in ridership is a nation-wide trend most likely due to an increase in transportation
options and low gas prices. While a consolidated transit system may not increase ridership,
there could certainly be some benefits to the public, including:
• Reduced confusion resulting from three distinct bus services
• Streamlined trip planning in the metro area
• Consistent rider passes and reduced pass program eligibility between communities
• Direct routes between communities eliminating the need for transfers
• Comprehensive implementation of targeted transit service programs, such as ride -to -
work or late night service
A consultant would need to be hired to study the organization and finances necessary to create
a consolidated transit system. In addition, a technical service/route study would be needed to
determine how to best integrate each agency's routes into a comprehensive metro area system.
We would be happy to discuss this issue in more detail if desired.
cc: Kent Ralston, MPOJC
Item Number: 11.
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January 31, 2019
Copy of news release: City Council Listening Post - February 11
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Copy oi news release: City Council Listening Post - February 11
Kellie Fruehling
From: City of Iowa City<CityofTowaCity@public.govdelivery.com>
Sent: Tuesday, January 29, 2019 2:31 PM
To: Kellie Fruehling
Subject: Come to the next City Council Listening Post at the IMU
_ - _-_--- .._,.. __
(p sHPokE Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.
city Of IOWA CITY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 01/28/2019
Contact: Kellie Fruehlinq, City Clerk
Phone: 319-356-5041
Come to the next City Council Listening Post
Join Iowa City Council members at their next community listening post from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on
Monday, Feb. 11, 2019, at the Iowa Memorial Union (IMU) Black Box Theater, Room 360, located
at 125 N. Madison St.
Council listening posts provide opportunities for the community to engage with City leaders on
topics that are important to them in an informal setting. Two members attend each event and report
back to the entire Council on what they have heard from the community during their discussion. All
residents are encouraged to stop by to discuss any issue. No formal agenda or presentation is
planned.
RSVP to the Council Listeninq Post event on Facebook for updates and reminders. Individuals with
disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa -sponsored events. If you are a person
with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program,
please contact The University of Iowa Student Government in advance at (319)-335-3860
or uisgCa)uiowa.edu
For additional information, questions, or suggestions on future locations for listening posts, contact
City Clerk Kellie Fruehling at kellie-fruehling(c)-iowa-city.org or 319-356-5041.
■ R Questions?
Contact Us
CITY OF IOWA CITE'
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City of Iowa City •410 E Washington Street • Iowa City, IA 52240 Pfflamw
Item Number: 12.
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January 31, 2019
Economic Development Committee: October 29
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Economic uevelopment Committee: October 29
�.®ir CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM
Date: January 29, 2019
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Wendy Ford, City Council Economic Development Committee
Re: Recommendation from City Council Economic Development Committee Board
At their October 29, 2018 meeting the City Council Economic Development Committee made
the following recommendation to the City Council:
Throgmorton moved to consider recommending an Agreement with the Englert Theater
and FilmScene for $1 million capital campaign request.
Cole seconded the motion.
The motion carried 3-0.
Additional action (check one)
No further action needed
Board or Commission is requesting Council direction
x Agenda item was prepared by staff for Council action Nov. 6. 2018.
S:RECform.doc
EDC October 29, 2018 1
APPROVED
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
OCTOBER 29, 2018
EMMA HARVAT HALL, CITY HALL, 11:00 A.M.
Members Present: Rockne Cole, Susan Mims, Jim Throgmorton
Staff Present: Wendy Ford, Simon Andrew, Geoff Fruin, Eleanor Dilkes, Ashley Monroe
Others Present: Amy Hospodarsky (Englert Theater), Laura Burgess (FilmScene), Andre
Perry (Englert Theater), Joe Thiefenthaler (FilmScene), Curt Nelson,
(Entrepreneurial Development Center, Inc.)
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL:
Throgmorton moved to consider recommending an Agreement with the Englert Theater
and FilmScene for $1 million capital campaign request.
Cole seconded the motion.
The motion carried 3-0.
CALL MEETING TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 11:02 A.M. Chair Mims then asked those present to introduce
themselves for the minutes.
Mims noted that they would begin with Item 2 because Curt Nelson from the Entrepreneurial
Development Center had called to say he would be a few minutes late.
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE NOVEMBER 27, 2017 ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING:
Cole moved to approve the minutes from the November 27, 2017 meeting.
Throgmorton seconded the motion.
The motion carried 3-0.
Cole moved to approve the request for FY20 of $25,000 for the Entrepreneurial
Development Center.
Throgmorton seconded the motion.
The motion carried 3-0.
Cole moved to recommend a change to the sidewalk retailing ordinance.
Throgmorton seconded the motion.
The motion carried 3-0.
Throgmorton moved to recommend solicitation of proposals for a retail recruitment firm.
Cole seconded the motion.
The motion carried 3-0.
Consider recommending Agreement with Englert Theater and FilmScene for $1 million
capital campaign request:
EDC October 29, 2018 2
APPROVED
Ford noted that the City staff has been working with the Englert and FilmScene boards on how
the City could be a part of a capital campaign that has been named "Strengthen * Grow *
Evolve." The vision of these two organizations is to help Iowa City be `the greatest small city for
the arts in America' with a plan that includes strengthening, growing, and evolving both
organizations to realize the vision. She briefly explained each of the pieces of the plan, noting
that for the Englert it would be historic renovation of their facade, windows, marquee, roof,
HVAC, sound, and audio — all critical elements to the full function of their facility going forward.
For FilmScene, she noted that they also need upgrades to their Scene One operations, at a
lower price tag. Of the $10 million campaign approximately $5.1 million will go towards the
`strengthen' component of the campaign, which involves investments in the physical plants of
each. Today's funding request of $1 million would go towards the `strengthen' component of the
campaign
To fund the $5.1 million, the Englert has been working with federal and state entities to qualify for
Historic Tax Credits for their project which would cover a sizeable portion of the needed funds --
approximately $1.7 million. The Historic Tax Credits would be coupled with approximately $2.4
million in private donations and the City's $1 million, to bring the total for the `strengthen'
component to $5.1 million.
The City's portion would come from the tax increment generated by the entire downtown urban
renewal area. Ford outlined an agreement between the 'Strengthen * Grow * Evolve' campaign
and the City detailing four distributions of $250,000 over FY19 and FY20, and the milestones
required for those distributions.
Council then discussed the request. Throgmorton asked for clarity on a few points. First, he
asked about the TIF funds, specifically, how much is in this fund in order to be able to provide the
requested amount. Ford stated that she did not have that figure available.
Andrew also spoke to this type of request and how the tax increment funds would be tapped.
Fruin then added that there are no competing projects for these dollars. Throgmorton asked
additional questions of Ford regarding the funding, and she responded. Mims declared support
for the funding, adding that she believes these projects add to the vitality of the downtown and
that it is critical. Perry briefly responded to Throgmorton's question around the `evolve' portion of
this campaign. Cole also voiced support, noting the historic preservation piece of it. He also
praised both entities for what they contribute to the community.
Throgmorton moved to consider recommending an Agreement with the Englert Theater
and FilmScene for $1 million capital campaign request.
Cole seconded the motion.
The motion carried 3-0.
Update and request for FY20 funding for $25,000 in assistance for Entrepreneurial
Development Center, Inc. in Cedar Rapids:
Nelson thanked the Committee for prior support, noting that the Center has been in operation for
15 years. He stated they have raised approximately $12 million over those 15 years, of mostly
private funding to run the operation. He also spoke about some of the organizations they have
worked with in the past and continue to do so now. Mims noted that the Committee appreciates
receiving the report and getting an update on EDC's work. Throgmorton asked if the EDC has
worked specifically with the various immigrant communities in the area. Nelson stated that they
gladly engage with anyone requesting their assistance, and pointed out the women and minority-
owned businesses highlighted in the letter of request for continued financial support.
EDC October 29, 2018 3
APPROVED
Cole moved to approve the request for FY20 of $25,000 for the Entrepreneurial
Development Center.
Throgmorton seconded the motion.
The motion carried 3-0.
Consider recommendation to change sidewalk retailing ordinance:
Ford introduced the discussion of a change to the sidewalk retailing ordinance stating that for
decades the ordinance has allowed merchants to put racks out on the sidewalk from Thursday
through Sunday during the hours of 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Iowa City Downtown District (ICDD)
has requested the change to allow this every day of the week. The four-day timeframe was likely
a holdover from Sidewalk Sale Days which historically ran from Thursday through Sundays.
Mims asked about sidewalk space and how this would be handled, especially in areas where the
space is limited. Andrew responded, noting that retailers must ensure there is a minimum of 8 -
feet of pedestrian walkway on the sidewalk.
Cole moved to recommend a change to the sidewalk retailing ordinance.
Throgmorton seconded the motion.
The motion carried 3-0.
Consider recommendation to solicit proposals for retail recruitment firm:
Ford stated that this idea started months ago when then Councilman Botchway suggested hiring
a retail recruitment specialist to help fill in some of the empty storefronts in town. Staff did some
research to see how they might be able to help the City and Ford said companies could do
essentially two things — perform a market analysis to see where there is retail leakage or
saturation — in other words, where people go elsewhere to find goods (referred to as leakage) or
if there are enough options (referred to as saturation) for their shopping needs. Staff then put
together a request for proposals noting different retail areas and the hoped-for improvement in
retail mix. Ford then asked the Members if this is something they would like staff to move
forward with. Mims stated that she would, because she believes they have some huge gaps in
Iowa City retail. Throgmorton added that they need to be careful in this and not invite
competitors to existing businesses that are doing moderately well, but that he agrees there are
gaps in their retail offerings. Members continued to discuss this issue, with Ford responding to
questions and concerns.
Throgmorton moved to recommend solicitation of proposals for a retail recruitment firm.
Cole seconded the motion.
The motion carried 3-0.
STAFF REPORT:
Ford stated that the Building Change program will be made available again this year. The City
will make $150,000 in grant funds available in a competition for downtown business facade
improvements.
A second part of the program will include a partnership with Hills Bank, Midwest One, and the U
of I Credit Union, where each institution will contribute equally, up to $50,000 each, funds to
make low-interest loans to downtown businesses with smaller projects. This could then be
coupled with a new grant program being presented by the Downtown District.
EDC October 29, 2018 4
APPROVED
COMMITTEE TIME:
None.
OTHER BUSINESS:
None.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mims moved to adjourn the meeting at 12:03 RM.
Cole seconded the motion.
Motion carried 3-0.
EDC October 29, 2018 5
APPROVED
Council Economic Development Committee
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2017-2018
Key:
X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
TERM
`
R
o
o
NAME_
EXP.
w
cn
�
�
s
w
o
�
o
_
_
_
m
V
V
-4
V
V
-4
i
V
V
co
Rockne Cole
01/02/20
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Susan Mims
01/02/20
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Jim
01/02/20
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Throgmorton
Key:
X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
Item Number: 13.
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January 31, 2019
Invitation: League of Women Voters Event - February 14
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Invitation: League of Women Voters Event- February 14
Kellie Fruehling
From: Syndy Conger <syndymc67@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, January 30, 2019 4:10 PM
To: Council
Subject: Members are cordially invited to Feb. 14 League of Women Voters Event
Attachments: 2019 - LWVJC Birthday Bash includes performance art - 021419.docx
On February 14, 2019, the LWV and the local League of Johnson County will be celebrating their
99th year.
To get members and friends in the spirit of the year to come which will see 19th Amendment
and League events all over the state, this year Johnson County League has invited Ames
Professor Emeritus, actress, and playwright to present Carrie Chapman Catt, suffragist and the
first president of the newly founded League of Women Voters.
Doors at the Terry Trueblood Park Lodge open at 5:30 for a reception, the program begins at
6:15 and ends by 7:30.
If the weather cooperates, we'll have a memorable Valentine's Day.
Press release attached.
League of Women Voters Johnson County
News Release
Jan. 30, 2019
LWVJC birthday bash includes performance art
IOWA CITY - Signaling the upcoming centennial anniversary of the League
of Women Voters of Johnson County will host a birthday bash at the Park
Lodge at Terry Trueblood Recreation Center, 2401 Scott Blvd., Iowa City,
on Thursday, Feb. 14, the recognized anniversary of the founding of the
LWV.
The celebration will feature a performance by Iowa State University
professor emeritus Jane Cox, who will present and perform her one -
woman play, The Yellow Rose of Suffrage. The performance is open to the
public.
Doors
open at 5:30 p.m. with the program running from 6:15 - 7:30 p.m. Appetizers and wine will be
served. A $10 admission payable at the door will help the League defray the cost of this special evening.
The play is the first in a series of LWVJC activities celebrating the 100th anniversary of the founding of
the LWV in 1920. Professor Cox wrote the play concerning the life and words of Iowan and founder of
the League of Women Voters, Carrie Chapman Catt, after receiving funding from the Liberal Arts and
Sciences College at Iowa State.
Ms. Cox completed her undergraduate work at ISU and has been on the ISU faculty for more than 20
years. She is a full professor and stage director for the ISU Theatre where she has been involved with
more than 350 productions as an actress, designer or director. Her one -woman shows have been
performed in 25 states as well as the Kennedy Center and the Smithsonian.
Ms. Cox has performed the first one -woman show, The Belle of Amherst which toured Iowa, other states
and Russia. Her scripts have been performed on three continents. Her latest project, a book "Heroes
Among Us" deals with the lives of Iowa men and women in World War II. She was commissioned by the
Blue Ribbon Foundation of the Iowa State Fair to develop Love and Honor: Iowa in the Civil War, Living a
Blue Ribbon Life; Fields of Endless Days, which starred Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee; A Woman's Place,
concerning the life of suffragist Lucy Stone; and scripts for musical plays based on the lives of Clara
Schumann, Johannes Brahms and Nadia Boulanger. Her one -woman plays include The Promised
Land about homesteading in the late 1800's and The Longing to Understand, the story of Barbara
McClintock, a winner of the Nobel Prize in medicine.
She teaches a wide variety of theatre classes for university students, children, and seniors and has
received numerous awards for her work including The Faculty Citation, the College of Liberal Arts and
Sciences Excellence in Artistic Creativity Award, a Master Teacher Award and a Commendation from
former Gov. Terry Branstad.
The League of Women Voters Johnson County is a nonpartisan political organization founded in 1920
and dedicated to keeping an informed electorate through advocacy and community events. The local
League is a member of the National League of Women Voters, consisting of 50 state Leagues and 803
local chapters, and a member of the Iowa League of Women Voters. Local League members are planning
a series of events in 2019 and 2020 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the League.
CONTACTS: Co -presidents, Syndy Conger, co -president, syndymc67@gmail.com or 358.7019, Cathy
Eisenhofer, cathyeisenhofer@gmail.com, 319.338.7595 and Gaylen Wobeter, League of Women Voters
of Iowa Board member, gaywob@live.com or 338.5218
SOURCE: Linda Schreiber, Inschreiber@gmail.com or 319.936.8600.
Item Number: 14.
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CITY Ok IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
January 31, 2019
Parks & Recreation Commission: January 9
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Narks & Kecreation Commission: January 9
IOWA CITY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES PRELIMINARY
JANUARY 9, 2019
RECREATION CENTER — MEETING ROOM B
Members Present: Steve Bird, Luke Foelsch, Cara Hamann, Ben Russell, Angie Smith, Jamie
Venzon, Joe Younker
Members Absent: Suzanne Bentler, Brianna Wills
Staff Present: Brad Barker, Zac Hall, Juli Seydell Johnson
Others Present: None
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Younker called the meeting to order at 5 p.m.
INTRODUCTION OF NEW MEMBER:
Younker introduced Lucas Foelsch as the newest member appointed to the Commission. Foelsch shared
that he is currently a graduate student in the U of I Urban Planning Program and is currently interning with
the Iowa City Neighborhood Development Services Department. He has lived in Iowa City since 2001 and
is excited to be a part of the Parks and Recreation Commission,
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (to become effective only after separate Council action):
Moved by Hamann, seconded by Russell, to approve the Parks and Recreation fees and charges for
FY20 as proposed. Motion passed 7-0 (Bentler and Wills absent).
OTHER FORMAL ACTION:
Moved by Venzon, seconded by Smith, to approve the December 12, 2018 minutes as written.
Passed 7-0 (Bentler and Wills absent).
PUBLIC DISCUSSION
None
ELECTION OF OFFICERS — JOE YOUNKER
Bird nominated Joe Younker to serve as Chairperson of the Parks & Recreation Commission.
Moved by Bird, seconded by Hamann, to elect Joe Younker as the Chairperson for the Parks and
Recreation Commission for 2019. Motion Passed 7-0 (Bentler & Wills absent).
Smith elected Cara Hamann to serve as Vice -Chair of the Parks & Recreation Commission.
Moved by Smith, seconded by Venzon, to elect Cara Hamann as the Vice -Chair of the Parks and
Recreation Commission for 2019. Motion passed 7-0 (Bentler & Wills absent).
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
January 9, 2019
Page 2 of 5
PARKS & RECREATION REVIEW OF FEES & CHARGES — BRAD BARKER
Barker presented the Parks and Recreation proposed user fees and charges matrix to Commission for their
review. He reminded Commission that in 2018 they approved a 3% increase to most of the departments
program fees for FYI 9. Therefore, very few changes are proposed for FY20. Staff is proposing a drop in
the registration fee for adult sports programs from $90 to $30 per participant. He noted that it has become
a national trend where adults prefer drop-in programs versus team sports. He pointed out that the line item
for City Park Rides has been removed from the matrix since the rides were removed. He also explained that
a correction was made to the FYI proposed fees for the Farmers Market, however, no fee changes for the
market are proposed for FY20. Venzon said she is anxious to see if the decrease in fees encourages more
adults to participate in the sports programs. Bird asked what activities will be offered. Barker said they will
include activities such as futsal, broom ball, and 3 on 3 soccer, to name a few. Barker announced that the
department will be partnering with the Iowa Sports Foundation Corridor Games to test a variety of adult
sport programs.
Moved by Hamann, seconded by Russell, to approve the Parks and Recreation fees and charges for
FY20 as proposed. Motion passed 7-0 (Gentler and Wills absent).
REPORT ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF
Parks & Recreation Director — Juli Seydell Johnson:
• Budget: Council will review the CIP budget with staff on Wednesday, January 16. Seydell Johnson
noted that there were no significant changes to the proposed operating budget.
• Miscellaneous: Seydell Johnson shared that there have been a couple of recent patron issues at the
Recreation Center, however, both were taken care of at the staff level.
Recreation Division Superintendent — Brad Barker:
• Special Olympic Winter Games: 26 athletes will compete at the Special Olympics Winter Games
in Dubuque on January 11-13.
• Swim Lesson Program: As part of the Parks & Recreation Master Plan, recreation staff are
making efforts to teach more kids to swim. Beginning in January, staff will partner with the
College of Public Health to offer both an educational and activity component to students from
Alexander Elementary and Faith Academy. Staff will be able to teach 100 (75 from Alexander,
25 from Faith Academy) students how to swim during this six-week program.
• Riverfront Crossings Grand Opening Celebration: Barker, along with Lyndsey Kent, the
department Communications & Marketing Program Supervisor, are beginning the planning for
this event which is scheduled for July 20, 2019. Commission members are invited to submit any
ideas they may have for the celebration.
• Summer Planning: Recreation staff will begin work on the summer activity guide soon. The
summer hiring process will begin soon as well.
Parks Division Superintendent — Zac Hall
• Staffing: Hall noted that Parks staff has also begun their summer hiring process by posting
summer positions for the Parks/Forestry Division. This is the earliest that positions have been
posted. Staff will also take part in jobs fairs hosted by the University of Iowa and Kirkwood
Community College.
• Assistant Parks Superintendent: Tyler Baird has been hired for the new position of Assistant
Parks Superintendent. Baird previously held the position of Horticulturist for four years. Baird
has experienced working with both state and national park systems. He is a great resource and
brings lots of energy to the position.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
January 9, 2019
Page 3 of 5
• Winter Tasks: With the continuation of good weather, staff have been working towards clearing
out invasive species and tree scrubs from around the city trails.
• Hickory Hill Park: Work continues at Hickory Hill Park and will continue throughout the winter.
CHAIRS REPORT:
Younker asked Commission members for future agenda items. Commission members had no items.
COMMISSION TIME:
Hamann expressed that she and her son really enjoy the playgrounds at Glendale Park, pointing out that
they are perfect for very small/young children and she hopes that they will not be replaced. Seydell
Johnson noted that while the master plan showed potential changes to the park (trail, shelter and new play
equipment), it is not budgeted for another 4 or 5 years. Hamann encouraged staff to consider keeping, or
replacing with, similar play equipment for the younger child.
Smith noted that with the great weather of late, the parks, specifically Terry Trueblood Recreation Area,
have been very busy.
Bird expressed his concern regarding the removal of waste receptacles at City Park and suggested that
staff consider replacing some near the dog waste bag dispensers. Seydell Johnson said that staff will
follow up.
ADJOURNMENT:
Moved by Hamann, seconded by Smith, to adjourn the meeting at 5:25 p.m. Motion passed 7-0
Gentler and Wills absent).
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
January 9, 2019
Page 4 of 5
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
KEY: X = Present O = Absent O/E = Absent/Excused
NAME
00
o
00
°,�°
00
000
000
°?
00
°�°
°�°
°�°
a
TERM
0
0
•-�
EXPIRES
o
Suzanne
12/31/20
X
X
O/E
NM
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Bentler
Steve Bird
12/31/21
X
O/E
X
NM
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Wayne Fett
12/31/18
O/E
X
X
NM
X
O/E
X
X
O/E
X
X
Lucas
12/31/22
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
x
Foelsch
Cara
12/31/19
X
X
X
NM
X
X
O/E
X
O/E
X
O/E
X
Hamann
Lucie
12/31/18
X
O/E
X
NM
X
O/E
O/E
X
X
X
O/E
Laurian
Ben Russell
12/31/21
O/E
X
X
NM
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Angie Smith
12/31/21
X
O/E
X
NM
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
Jamie
12/31/20
X
O/E
X
NM
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
Venzon
Brianna
12/31/22
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
O/E
wills
Joe Younker
12/31/19
X
X
X
NM
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
NM= No meeting LQ = No meeting due to lack of quorum
* = Not a member now
Item Number: 15.
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CITY Ok IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
January 31, 2019
Public Art Advisory Committee: January 10
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
RUNIC Art Advisory Committee: January 10
PRELIMINARY
MINUTES
PUBLIC ART ADVISORY COMMITTEE
JANUARY 10TH, 2019 — 3:30 PM
LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM — CITY HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Vero Rose Smith, Steve Miller, Ron Knoche, Juli Seydell Johnson,
Andrea Truitt, Eddie Boyken
NOT PRESENT: Wendy Brown
STAFF PRESENT: Marcia Bollinger, Erika Kubly, Kumi Morris
PUBLIC PRESENT: Tim Adams, Sherry Adams
ELECTION OF OFFICERS: CHAIRPERSON AND VICE CHAIRPERSON
Marcia Bollinger asked the Committee if any member would like to nominate a chairperson. Juli
Seydell Johnson nominated Vero Rose Smith as chairperson. Andrea Truitt seconded the
nomination. Motion passed unanimously.
Bollinger asked if any member would like to nominate a vice chairperson. Ron Knoche nominated
Steve Miller. Rose Smith seconded the nomination. Motion passed unanimously.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA
There was no public discussion of any item not on the agenda.
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 6 2018 MEETING
Knoche moved to approve the December 6, 2018 minutes. Seydell Johnson seconded. Motion
passed unanimously.
CITY HALL LOBBY STAIRWELL ART PROJECT: TIM ADAMS
Tim Adams stated that there are a couple of items that still need to be decided regarding the City
Hall lobby project. Adams asked the Committee if they want to be able to make the lighting behind
the piece multi -colored and if they want to be able to adjust the color as they see fit. Adams also
mentioned that Committee members has requested that the light be dimmed as well, which
Adams stated could be done. Adams stated that the blue color had been selected initially because
it tends to reflect well and evenly, but that the color can be changed whenever with the new multi-
colored lights. Adams stated that the multi -colored lights carry extra wattage and will cost more
than the individual color lights. Seydell Johnson stated that she believes the Committee should
chose the multi -colored lights for the sake of having more options. Bollinger stated that the
subcommittee met and had also decided multi -colored lights are the best choice. Bollinger stated
that some people had also asked if the color of the lights could be dimmed and softened. Adams
responded that he can configure the LEDs so that they are more evenly spaced, which would
dictate the distribution of light on each panel. Bollinger also asked if there is a chance there could
be more color options to choose between. Adams replied that yes, that is possible. Bollinger
asked if there is a white light option currently. Adams replied that there is not a white light option,
as that would require an additional set of LEDs, and that the closest the multi -colored lights could
get to a white is a washed-out light blue or yellow.
Adams asked Bollinger if she had requested there be more branches featured in the piece.
Bollinger responded that she had but the specifics of how they appear are up to Adams. Adams
suggested several ways by which they could achieve a stronger branch patterns. Adams
mentioned that he had designed the dates to be cut thinly and appear subtly. Bollinger asked the
Committee their thoughts on the dates because at one point they had decided that they did not
want the dates to be too obvious. Seydell Johnson mentioned that she likes how they are
designed because it will allow people to discover them the longer they look at the piece. Bollinger
stated that she agrees, and therefore thinks they should be designed smaller. Adams stated that
the smallest number he can cut with accuracy is about an inch and the smallest thickness is
around a sixteenth of an inch. Bollinger asked if the dates could be engraved. Adams responded
that would be possible but difficult because the pieces are so large.
Vero Rose Smith asked if the Committee needs to approve the plan. Bollinger responded that,
yes, the Committee needs to approve the plan as presented or with some approved
contingencies.
Adams asked the Committee if they have any changes they would like to make to the plan before
it is approved. Adams mentioned that there were some questions about the way the flaps of metal
are cut to mimic the shagbark hickory. Adams stated that he had formed the U -shape by pixelating
and vectorizing a photo of shagbark hickory until it had simplified into that abstract shape. Adams
ask the Committee what direction they preferred the metal flaps to peel away. Bollinger mentioned
that there may be more light coming through the piece if they peel away from the bottom. Rose
Smith agreed that she likes the way it appears in the sample because it allows the light to come
through.
Adams mentioned that he had also designed a way to allow the panels to be removed for cleaning
of them and the wall. Bollinger asked Adams to tell the Committee about the transformer. Adams
informed the Committee that the transformer should be about the size of one used for outdoor
light landscaping and gave the Committee details on how the wiring could be run through the
piece. Adams also gave details as to how the piece would be mounted on the wall.
Seydell Johnson motioned to approve the design as shown on Tim Adam's plans. Knoche
seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
PUBLIC ART PROGRAM FUNDING PROPOSAL DISCUSSION
Bollinger provided the memo presented to the City Council on December 18, 2018 by Thomas
Agran and mentioned that Agran was encouraged to do so before the Council started formal
discussions regarding the budget. Bollinger stated that it was unclear during the presentation
whether the memo had been reviewed by the Public Art Advisory Committee and at no point had
anyone said the memo was formally adopted by the Public Art Advisory Committee. Bollinger
stated that the Council did discuss increasing the Public Art budget by $25,000 for the next fiscal
year. Bollinger stated that the City Manager and the Council members would like to see a strategic
plan from the Public Art Advisory Committee prior to making the final allocation of funds. Bollinger
stated that she is confident the Committee or a subcommittee could draft quickly, given the
number of materials already created for this purpose. Bollinger stated that she thinks there needs
to be correspondence with the City Council that suggests that the memo did not receive the full
approval of the Public Art Advisory Committee but that the Committee plans to create a strategic
plan to present to the Council in the near future. Seydell Johnson stated that she would add that
it is not from the funding source as recommended, but from the fagade-change program, a
program where Downtown and North Marketplace businesses can apply for loans for half the
expense of making facade improvements. Seydell Johnson stated that it is part of Economic
Development funding, rather than the Hotel/Motel tax, because they wanted a more sustainable
long-term source of funds. Seydell Johnson asked if it was necessary for the Committee to specify
that Agran is not a member of the Committee. Bollinger replied that they can specify that the
Public Art Advisory Committee will take the lead. Seydell Johnson suggested mentioning that the
Committee will be working in conjunction with Thomas Agran. Seydell Johnson also mentioned
that she understood that Council was also interested in the funding being used more widely
throughout the community rather than being focused within Downtown, so the idea was that the
Downtown would have its own funding for art and that this funding received by the Committee is
to be used elsewhere, to encompass all the other neighborhoods and districts.
Rose Smith asked what the timeline on producing the correspondence with Council would be.
Bollinger responded that the sooner the better. Knoche stated that his understanding of the
situation is that the $50,000 will be a part of the budget proposal that Council will move forward
with, but that the money will not be able to be allocated until the strategic plan is developed by
the Committee, and that the strategic plan not only has to address public art but also the Council's
strategic plan that they have in place.
Rose Smith stated that a subcommittee had already been formed to discuss funding earlier,
composed of Steve Miller, Eddie Boyken, and herself, and that they could continue that
subcommittee. Knoche stated that it is important that the strategic plan drafted by the
subcommittee comes back to the Committee before it is presented to Council. Bollinger asked if
a motion needed to be made for the Committee to communicate with City Council regarding the
status of this situation, because she feels that it would be wise to inform Council that the memo
did not come from the Public Art Advisory Committee, that the Committee is appreciative of
Council's consideration to increase the budget, and that the Committee will also be working on a
strategic plan to present to Council. Seydell Johnson stated that her understanding is that Council
would like the strategic plan to be presented to them in a work session, which she believes the
full Committee should attend.
Rose Smith confirmed that the Committee needs to make a motion to approve that the Committee
did not create the proposal, explain in a correspondence to the Council that the Committee has
formed a subcommittee to continue forward with this initiative, and that the Committee will make
another presentation to the Council in a work session after the Committee has completed and
submitted a strategic plan. Seydell Johnson stated that she would add that once the
subcommittee has drafted the strategic plan it will be brought to the full Committee for approval.
Seydell Johnson motioned for staff to create a memo based on the points previously stated by
Rose Smith to present back to the Council. Boyken seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Steve Miller arrived at 4:20 p.m.
COMMITTEE ANNOUNCEMENTS OR REPORTS:
There were no committee announcements or reports.
STAFF REPORTS:
Bollinger stated that information about Poetry in Public was sent out prior to the holidays and that
the deadline is February 1. Bollinger asked the Committee if any member was interested in serving
on the Poetry in Public Selection Committee this year. Rose Smith mentioned that she volunteered
last year and enjoyed the process. Bollinger mentioned that she will try to arrange the meeting
before Spring Break, that it usually occurs on a weekday and lasts around two hours, and that the
selection committee usually meets at Prairie Lights. Bollinger mentioned that there are usually
representatives from the University of Iowa, the UNESCO City of Literature Board, the Iowa City
Public Library, Prairie Lights, and Iowa Book. Truitt volunteered to serve as representative from
the Public Art Advisory Committee.
ADJOURNMENT:
Knoche motioned to adjourn. Seydell Johnson seconded. Meeting Adjourned at 4:30 p.m.
Public Art Advisory Committee
Attendance Record
2018-2019
Key:
X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
--- = Not a member
Term
Name
Expires
5/3
6/7
7/12
8/2
9/6
10/4
11/1
12/6
1/10
Wendy
Brown
01/01/20
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
O/E
O/E
Erin
Fitzgerald
01/01/20
x
x
x
x
x
x
--
--
--
Ron
Knoche
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Juli
Seydell-
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Johnson
Vero
Rose
Smith
01/01/21
x
O/E
x
O/E
x
x
x
x
x
Steve
Miller
02/01/21
x
O/E
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Andrea
Truitt
01/01/22
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
x
x
Eddie
Boyken
01/01/221
--
--
--
--
--
X
Key:
X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
--- = Not a member