HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-05-21 Info Packet~ - 1
~ '~
"'" 1i'''~,~
,. ww®~~~
-•ti.aa~
CITY OF IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET
May 21, 2009
MAY 26 AND 28 SPECIAL COUNCIL WORK SESSION
IP1 Council Meetings and Work Session Agenda
IP2 Memorandum from the Interim City Manager: Budget Priorities/Adjustments
MISCELLANEOUS
IP3 Memorandum from the Senior Building Inspector: Life-safety requirements for existing
A-2 and B Occupancies with Alcoholic Beverage Division License (ABDL~.
IP4 Memorandum from the Director of Planning and Community Development: Update
Flood-related activities
DRAFT MINUTES
IP5 Board of Appeals: January 12, 2009
~ - i
"~~~~~'~ IP1
""`®'~~ City Council Meeting Schedule and
CITY OF IOWA CITY Work Session Agendas May 21, Zoos
www.icgov.org
• TUESDAY, MAY 26 Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:30p Special Council Work Session- Priority-setting
• THURSDAY, MAY 28 Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:30p Special Council Work Session- Priority-setting
TENTATIVE MEETING SCHEDULE
SUBJECT TO CHANGE
• MONDAY, JUNE 1 Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:30p Council Work Session
• TUESDAY, JUNE 2 Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:OOp Regular Formal Council Meeting
• MONDAY, JUNE 15 Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:30p Council Work Session
• TUESDAY, JUNE 16 Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:OOp Regular Formal Council Meeting
• MONDAY, JUNE 29 Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:30p Special Council Work Session
• TUESDAY, JUNE 30 Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:OOp Special Formal Council Meeting
• MONDAY, JULY 6 Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:OOp Regular Council Work Session
7:OOp Special Formal Council Meeting Emma J. Harvat Hall
Continue Council Work Session if necessary
• MONDAY, JULY 27 Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:30p Special Council Work Session
• TUESDAY, JULY 28 Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:OOp Special Formal Council Meeting
• MONDAY, AUGUST 17 Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:30p Regular Council Work Session
• TUESDAY, AUGUST 18 Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:OOp Regular Formal Council Meeting
~ - i
~; ~~~~~
' "'"'®'~~ City Council Meeting Schedule and
CITY OF IOWA CITY Work Session Agendas May 21, zoos
www.icgov.org
• MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:30p Regular Council Work Session
• TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:OOp Regular Formal Council Meeting
• WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 Johnson County Health and
4:OOp Joint Meeting Human Services Bldg
• MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:30p Special Council Work Session
• TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:OOp Special Formal Council Meeting
r IP2
~~Yh.p~~ CITY OF IOWA. CITY
~ ., , ., ~~
~~~oR~~v~u~
Date: May 21, 2009
To: City Council
From: Dale Helling, Interim City Manager
Re: Budget Priorities/Adjustments
You will find attached two separate documents. The first provides a list of budget reduction
measures that have been identified as part of a 1 %, 2% and 4% budget reduction exercise
undertaken by staff from all operations funded from the general fund. I have presented these in
a loosely prioritized order, based on my perception of needs across the entire organization.
However, those that are closely positioned should not be regarded as significantly higher or
lower in priority. Further, I suspect that there will be disagreement with some of my priorities.
Also included at the end of the priority list are some areas where further reductions might be
achieved. These are not specific recommendations and are in no particular order. My purpose is
to identify functions and services that are not mandated and over which Council has some
funding discretion. In presenting these, I make no assumptions regarding your individual or
collective willingness to make reductions in any given area. Certainly, there may be other
possible reductions or revenue sources that you may wish to raise for consideration as well.
The second document is a list of identified revenues. These are presented in the same manner
and intent as the reduction measures, also loosely prioritized and with additional suggestions for
other possible revenue considerations.
Department directors will be present at your meeting on May 26th to answer your questions and
provide clarification as needed. They can also address how citizens might find substitute or
alternative services that would result from some of the service reductions.
My Recommendation:
Each of the documents includes a subtotal line stating: "Above Recommended----------
$XXXXXX." If you were to approve the reduction measures as well as the revenue sources
above those lines on each list, the adjustments needed for FY10 would be satisfied. May I
suggest that you use this as a starting point for your priorities discussion.
For the purpose of making my recommendations, Ihave made the following assumptions:
Maintain General Fund Balance at 25%
Emergency Levy not increased
Residential Rollback will remain unchanged
27th payday in FY12 will be funded from the General Fund Balance: $1.4 million is the cost to
the general fund
Johnson Co. Emergency Communications Center transfers to County levy Jan. 1, 2010
May 21, 2009
Page 2
Wage/Salary increases for FY10 at 3.1 % or as recently negotiated
Health Insurance cost increases of 7% for FY10 and 5% for FY11
Dental Insurance cost increases of 5% for FY10 and 5% for FY11
Police/Fire Pension Fund (MFPRSI) at 17% for FY10; 25% for FY11; near 45% by FY13 or 14
Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS) contributions continue increases beyond FY11
The total for all reduction measures and revenue sources on the priority lists (not including
those listed under the "other possible" categories) is approximately $876,000. If all these were
to be approved, approximately $125,000 in additional revenues and/or reductions would still be
necessary to achieve the $1 million needed to correct the projected deficits in the FY11 budget
and beyond. If that is done only with reductions, it could involve the loss of two to four additional
positions. Those positions would come from across all general funded operations, conceivably
including Finance, Parks & Recreation, Planning & Community Development, Public Works,
Housing & Inspection Services, Police, Fire, City Attorney, and Administrative Offices. Further,
the $250,000 and $1,000,000 budget adjustments do not include funding for Fire Station #4
staffing and operations. That will require another $750,000 in service reductions, additional
revenue, or a combination thereof.
I believe that there are viable options presented that will allow us to defer most or all reduction
in force considerations until the FY11 budget. Thus I think it is premature to suggest what
specific positions would be involved. You may favor "other possible" reduction measures and/or
revenue sources that would allow us to lessen or even avoid staff reductions altogether. On the
other hand, if some of the reductions presented are not acceptable, additional staff reductions
would be necessary. These decisions will be finalized as part of the FY11 budget process that
begins in a few months.
I hope Council will begin FY11 and beyond discussion now, at least to the point of considering
possible new revenues as well as areas where you would not wish to make further reductions
for FY11, especially in the area of staffing. I would also like you to affirm or change any of the
assumptions we have made in formulating these recommendations. My goal is to receive as
much guidance from you as possible to assist me in putting the budget together in the Fall.
Finally, please note that the possible new revenue options presented include the gas and
electric franchise fee option that is included in the standings bill passed by the Iowa legislature.
We should know by your meeting on May 26th whether or not that provision remains in the
signed bill.
Please contact me if you have any questions. Also, remember that your meeting on Tuesday
will begin at 6:30 PM rather than at 5:30.
REDUCTIONS
Dept• Reduction FY10 FY11 +
H&IS Reduce ref material & books $2,500 $2,500
Reduce maintenance supplies $2,783 $2,783
Reduce misc. supplies $2,915 $2,915
PCD Reduce Bldg. Repairs (Property to $3,646 $3,646
be sold
Sen. Ctr. Discontinue "The Post" $5,500 $5,500
Plant Care -stop weekly service - $1,334 $1,334
staff takes over
Refuse Collec. & Hauling -Remove $2,208 $2,208
1 dumpster & replace w/ cardboard
recycling unit
City Attn. Charge 60% of research tools to $12,210 $12,210
Tort Levy
Fire Reduce training & travel by 20% $18,000 $18,000
Limit new uniforms $5,000 $5,000
Library Discontinue parking/transit subsidy $8,311 $8,311
to patrons (except summer reading
program)
Change vendor re: add-on product to $1,847 $1,847
library catalogue
Reduce adult/children's materials $19,301 $19,301
Program Reductions: Fri Nite Film, $4,618 $4,618
winter reading, etc.
Personnel Discontinue employee newsletter $2,300 $2,300
Discontinue monthly wellness news- $2,500 $2,500
letter
Library Reduce newsletter from four a year $11,082 $11,082
to two
PCD Discontinue "Public Art" program $18,208 $18,208
- op costs ($5458) and .15 position
to CDBG ($12,750)
Above Recommended ------$124,263
Parks &Rec Close Scanlon gym & Mercer pool $19,137 $19,137
At 8:00 PM instead of 9:00 PM
Police Eliminate one CSO position (retire- $27,352 $65,800
ment expected in January, 2010.
Fire Eliminate Capt/Inspector position $58,000 $58,000
Parks& Rec No pressure washing of C. Plaza $12,337 $12,337
Human Rts. Discontinue ads in DI, Gazette, and $5,000 $5,000
P.C. (re: housing discrimination)
-------
-------
-------
-------
$246,089 $284537
FY11 & Beyond
Library Reduce hourly/temp staff, esp. librarians $19,301
Programming & Printing -reduce programs $9,235
& printed materials & publicity; esp. Summer
Reading Program
Reduce collection maintenance: cut book binding $13,852
& reduce disc repair & routine cleaning. Do not
Replace circulating equipment
Parks &Rec Reduce mowing along Hwy 6 to once/month $16,750
Reduce contracted plant care in parks $5,736
Reduce contracted services in Forestry $8,540
Sen. Ctr. Advertising -eliminate ads in Gazette $2,000
Purchases for resale -Center promotional items $2000
City Clerk No temp employee for microfilm conversion $4,500
Reduce transcriptionist by one quarter $2,200
Parks & Rec End free program events (roller skating, winter $26,200
carnival, playgrounds, etc)
H&IS Reduce equipment rental (Building Div.) $1,978
Reduce misc. supplies (Building Div.) $2915
Fire Further reduce training/travel (to total of $30K) $12,000
Personnel Reduce by .2 FTE -not monitor community service, $12,000
limited coord. of projects (blood drives, United Way
campaign, bike to work, etc.), limit response to surveys,
etc.
OR
Reduce by .5 FTE -also: outsource Flex
program to outside admin., limit other
employee benefit service ($20,000)
Sr. Center Reduce "Program Guide" from four $3,900
publications a year to three.
Consultant Services discontinue goal-setting $2000
PCD Reduce payment to ICAD by 5% $5,000
Reduce payment to Englert by 5% $2,500
Police Eliminate work study ee in Records Div. $8,000
Eliminate second CSO $65,800
Doc Serv. Reduce Supv. to half-time & reassign to ITS $44,223
Accounting Charge back special financial report prep & grant $17897
reporting to user divisions =______
$288,527
TOTAL $573,064
OTHER POSSIBLE REDUCTIONS
(Full or Partial)
Discontinue P.I.N. Grants $15,000
Discontinue direct payment to ECICOG $20,000
Discontinue Deer Management program $55,000
Economic Development (Total $100,000 unallocated in ' 10 and ' 11 $100,000
unless allocated to City of Literature)
Aid to Agencies -Total general fund allocation for FY10 is $282,268
Event Funding -Total general fund allocation for FY10 is $85,162
4th of July Fireworks $25,000
Conv. & Visit. Bureau - 25% of Hotel/Motel Tax $181,000
Eliminate School Crossing Guard Program $63,422
REVENUES
Dept• Revenue Source Annual Revenue
H&IS Portion of Director's salary charged to the $25,000
Housing Authority
P. Works/ Increase chargebacks to CIP projects from $24,674
Engineering 25.5% to 28.75%
Sr. Center Raise membership fee by $5 (low income stays $5,200
at $ I 0/year)
Library Increased fine revenue (late returns, etc) $15,000
Airport Land Lease - S. Gilbert St. parcel $3,600
Revenue Increase NSF charge on utility bills from $3,300
$15 to $25.
Accounting P-Card Rebate program (split w/Purchasing) $5,000
Purchasing P-Card Rebate program (split w/Accounting) $5,000
H&IS New admin fee for complaint inspections $25,000
(similar to weed & snow/ice abatement fee)
P. Works/ New $50 non-refundable admin. fee for $25,000
Engineering excavation permits ($16,000 if MidAm
excepted due to franchise fee)
Above Recommended ---------$136,774
Fire Charge non-residents for vehicle fire response $2,500
Residential Structure Fire Fee $25,000
EMS Medical Service Fee $35,000
Commercial Fire Inspection Fee $30,000
Parks & Rec Increase fees: $68669
Cemetery $12,622
City Park rides $6,808
Park Shelter rental $14,388
Sports Field rental $14,500
Fees for space now provided
free to affiliate groups $20,351
Total = $68669
Personnel New 2% admin. fee to retirees for monthly $5,000
health & dental benefits
$302,943
OTHER POSSIBLE REVENUES
City Attn. Chargeback to Housing Authority for $20,677
special services
Chargeback to Community Development $15,280
for special services
Parking $1 of each parking fine of $10 or more to $ unk
Public Safety or Police
Gen. Fund Water/Sewer free to general fund users $120,000 ???
Gen. Fund Franchise Fees -Gas & Electric
1% on Elec = $490,000 1% on Gas = $360,000
First 1 % would offset local sales tax loss that
cannot be collected if there is a franchise fee.
Net 4% on Electric ---up to $1,960,000
Net 4% on Gas ---up to $1,440,000
~.!-r®~ C[TY OF [OWA C[TY IP3
®~~~ N D U M
EMO RA
Date: May 20, 2009
To: City Council
From: Tim Hennes, Sr. Building Inspector
Re: Life-safety requirements for existing A-2 and B Occupancies with Alcoholic Beverage
Division License (ABDL).
In July 2007 the City Council adopted an ordinance amending the International Fire Code to
require life-safety upgrades to existing A-2 and B Occupancies (restaurants and bars) with an
ABDL. Council recognized retrofitting existing A-2 and B occupancies with an ABDL would be
costly and an economic burden for some businesses. Therefore, a resolution was passed
approving Guidelines for the Fire/Life-Safety Improvement Loan Program for Existing A-2 and B
Occupancies with an ABDL, and authorizing the City Manager and City Attorney to implement
the Fire/Life-Safety Improvement Loan Program.
The Fire/Life-Safety Improvement Loan Program provides a loan fund of $1,000,000 on a "first
come basis" to eligible businesses. The enrollment period for the loan program was established
as 36 months (October 1, 2007 to October 1, 2010). The loan is not to exceed the cost of labor
and materials for the required Life-Safety improvements. The Guidelines establish 1 % interest
on loans paid back within 5 years or at the City's cost to borrow money for loans paid back after
5 years and before 10 years. If the business has a change of ownership, the loan is due and
required to be paid in full.
In an effort to summarize the adoptions process of the life-safety upgrades to existing A-2 and B
Occupancies this memorandum includes:
• An excerpt from Doug Boothroy's opening comments during the public hearing held April 16,
2007,
• Memorandum dated April 26, 2007 that has staff's response to City Council questions
concerning life-safety ordinance for A-2 Occupancies with an ABDL.
• Memorandum dated May 8, 2007 summarizing Council's suggested changes made to the
proposed A-2 occupancies with ABDL ordinance that requires life-safety upgrades.
• Memorandum dated June 13, 2007 listing proposed changes to existing A-2/B occupancies
with an ABDL.
• A list of the Required Life-Safety Upgrades for Existing A-2 and B Occupancies with State of
Iowa Alcoholic Beverage Division License.
• Guidelines; Fire/Life-Safety Improvement Loan Program for Existing A-2 and B Occupancies
with an ABDL.
Following is the status of the life-safety upgrade requirements:
1. A-2 occupancies with an ABDL and an occupant load over 299 are required have a fire
sprinkler system installed within 3 years. There were six places identified that fit in this
category.
• One has been completed with a city loan (20 S. Clinton, One-Eyed Jakes),
• One is under permit and has not requested a loan (115 Iowa Ave, Joe's Place)
• Four have not communicated their intentions (525 S., Gilbert St. Old Capitol Brew
Works; 330 E. Washington St., The Picador; 211 Iowa Ave, The Industry; and 121
College St., The Union Bar).
May 20, 2009
Page 2
2. A-2 and B occupancies with an ABDL located above or below the ground floor with an
occupant load of 298 or less are required have a fire sprinkler system installed within 6 years.
There were 11 places identified that fit in this category.
• Two have requested a city loan and are under permit for the life-safety upgrade (5 S.
Dubuque St., Dublin Underground; 126 Washington St., One Twenty Six),
• Two are under permit due to a change in ownership and are not eligible for a city loan.
• One has taken an application for a city loan and not returned it.
• Six have not communicated their intentions.
3. A-2 occupancies with an ABDL with an occupant load of 100 to 298 and single business,
single story, stand alone A-2 occupancies with an occupant load of 299 or more are required
have a fire sprinkler system installed with change of ownership. There were 29 places identified
that fit this category.
• One has been completed, to take advantage of a city loan, (405 5. Gilbert St., Sanctuary
Restaurant),
• One has taken an application for a city loan and has not returned a complete application.
• One has change ownership and remodeled such that the life-safety upgrade is no longer
required,
• Two have closed (1200 S. Gilbert Ct., LaCasa; 1250 Sturgis Ct., The Ground Round),
• 24 are not required to install the life-safety upgrades until there is a change in
ownership.
The amount of City funds expended or approved to be expended to upgrade the water service
lines in the public right-of-way is $63,594.14.
The amount of City loans expended to make the life-safety upgrades within the businesses is
$63,289.39.
The remaining loan amount available for life-safety upgrades within the businesses is
$936,710.61.
In February of 2010 a letter will be sent to the remaining eligible loan recipients reminding them
that the loan program ends October 1, 2010. After October 1, 2010 no further funds will be
borrowed from the Landfill Division to support this program.
Cc: Dale Helling, Interim City Manager
Doug Boothroy, Director, Housing and Inspection Services
Andy Rocca, Fire Chief
John Grier, Fire Marshal
Enclosures:
ITEM 20 AMENDING CITY CODE TITLE 7, ENTITLED FIRE
PREVENTION AND PROTECTION, AND TITLE 17, ENTITLED
BUILDING AND HOUSING TO ESTABLISH FIRE AND LIFE
SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW AND EXISTING GROUP
A-2 OCCUPANCIES.
a) PUBLIC HEARING
Wilburn: This is...we'll hear from staff and then we'll have, then I'll entertain
public discussion. Yep, go ahead.
Boothroy: I'd like to make a few comments before we do our PowerPoint
presentation this afternoon, or this evening. Um, before you, you have a
code amendment that deals with public health, safety in terms of fire
safety, for eating and drinking establishments. This particular amendment
amends the requirements for existing eating and drinking establishments,
and for new eating and drinking establishments, and I wanted to point this
out to you because during the public meetings that we've had -we've had
four public meetings -the issue, there has not been any issue with new
establishments. The focus of the discussion has been entirely with
retrofitting existing establishments with fire sprinklers and alarms, and
very specifically, the cost of those improvements as they impact those
particular businesses. So, I just kind of wanted to let you, to remind you
that the ordinance is a little bit broader than probably what the focus of the
discussion is going to be tonight. Um, we obviously feel very strongly
about this. Um, we're all here, the Fire Chief, the Fire Marshall, the
Deputy Fire Chief, the Senior Building Inspector, myself, to ask you to
consider this. We feel it's our responsibility as professionals in the area of
fire safety and life safety to bring this to your attention, to have this public
discussion, before the Council, but we've also had this public discussion at
four other meetings -two at the Board of Appeals, the second one is when
the Board recommended approval of the ordinance, and we had two public
meetings where we sent out letters to affected businesses. Actually, we
sent it out to all restaurants. This particular ordinance is only addressing
restaurant, eating and drinking establishments. That is, establishments that
have liquor permits, but we sent that out as a special invitation, a direct
mailing to everybody, and had two meetings at the Public Library. So,
we've made, I think, a concerted effort to get the information to the public.
We tried to be as transparent as possible with what we are proposing, and
we'll talk a little bit more about that in a minute. I would also like to say
that we believe that these are the minimum requirements necessary to deal
with the life safety issues that we see in eating and drinking
establishments, and the concerns that we've raised with this proposed
amendment. While we recognize the importance of those standards and
we feel very strongly about them, we also recognize that there is an
economic impact on businesses and therefore, we recommended that there
be a support program, an economic support program, so that a businesses
are more capable of bringing about these changes. It's our position, and
has been our position, that no business should be put out of business
because of the increased life safety standards. With that in mind, and that
discussion before the Board of Appeals, the Board of Appeals
recommended with regard to existing establishments, that it be applied,
that it be retroactively, but that the Council, I guess I should say, the
recommendation was contingent upon an economic support package that
would help businesses bring this about. So, we feel that package that we
put together addresses both of those issues. I think this public hearing is
to sort that out, figure out whether or not we're on the right track, find out
where you're all going with this, with these particular standards. This is a
public health issue because the sprinkler systems are the best means of
protecting the public in these types of establishments. It's the best means
of protecting people in the building where these establishments are
located. It's the best means of protecting neighbors in buildings that are
next door, particularly when you talk about the downtown and you've got
older buildings and the spread of fire can be quickly and catastrophic, and
can happen very fast, like in the Mondo's fire. It is a system that
historically is fail-safe and it protects our fire fighters when they're called
upon to enter these situations. Much like with the Mondo's fire, they were
up there within a few minutes, but the first thing they needed to do was to
enter those, that building while it was on fire and remove people, and with
the sprinkler system in place, the situation would have changed and their
lives, as well as the residents, would not have been at the same risk. So,
besides the public health and safety issue that we're dealing with, we're
also looking at the public welfare in the sense that with regard to
downtown in particular, these...many of these buildings are older
buildings, they're not built to present day standards, and if a fire was to get
loose, we would loose one building -possibly more -and it's a resource
that is not replaceable. It makes Iowa City unique, and it's something that
we should treasure and protect as we can. So, hopefully, what we've
proposed will help make this thing work for this community, that we can
go forward with this, and with that, I'd like to turn the presentation over to
Roger to go through some of the specifics.
/~~' ~ ~ ~ 2C7l~7 ~dN G!!~
~ r
--r ®~„~,
~; ='~ ~ ~
,~®,~~
CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM
Date: April 26, 2007
To: City Council
From: Doug Boothroy, Director, Housing and Inspection Services
Andy Rocca, Fire Chief
Tim Hennes, Sr. Building Inspector
Roger Jensen, Deputy Fire Chief
Re: City Council questions concerning life-safety ordinance for A-2 Occupancies with
Alcoholic Beverage Division License (ABDL)
Attached to this memorandum is staff's response to your questions about the ordinance
regulating A-2 occupancies with ABDL's.
April 26, 2007
Page 2
Responses to City Council Members' Questions.
Note: City Councilor questions are bolded; staff response follows each question.
Councilor O'Donnell's questions:
O'Donnell: First, I fully support Fire Department and respect the work they do. However,
I have some questions that I need to address before voting on the proposal.
What is this going to cost the taxpayers? Short run and long run.
Short Term: Approximately 54 structures x $20,000 Grant = $1,080,000
54 structures x $20,000 Loan = $1,080,000
Total Short Term = $2,160,000
Long Term: Total Short term less loan payback.
Total Short Term = $2,160,000
Less Loan Payback ($1,080,000)
Total long term = $1,080,000
O'Donnell: What buildings downtown do we deem most dangerous, or have the most
potential to have a fire?
Older buildings that are combustible, have a higher occupant load, and A-2 occupancies
(restaurants, taverns and bars) with Alcoholic Beverage Division License (ABDL).
O'Donnell: Is it wiring?
Wiring is only one of the hazards that makes a building susceptible to fire. .Other fire hazards
are combustible construction, occupancy (eg. A-2 with ABDL) and occupant loads.
O'Donnell: Age?
Again, only one of the hazards. Newer buildings are constructed to the most current code
requirements. Structures built prior to July of 1956 weren't regulated by a building code. Also,
systematic enforcement of the Building Codes, as we know it today, didn't really occur prior to
the 1970's.
O'Donnell: Why only bars and restaurants? All buildings burn. Afire in a building that is
not a bar or restaurant could affect a sprinkled building every easily.
It has been determined by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) _ standards and
National and International building and fire codes that existing and new A-2 occupancies with
ABDLs pose a higher fire and life safety hazard than other occupancies. The requirements
contained in the building and fire codes are generally based on the known properties of
materials, the hazards presented by various occupancies, and the lessons learned from
previous experiences, such as fires and natural disasters.
A-2 occupancies with ABDLs, by their nature, pose higher life-safety challenges. Typical
characteristics include large numbers of people, a high occupant density, and patrons
consuming various amounts of alcohol. Because of the large number of occupants and alcohol
consumption, evacuation of a building will take longer when compared to other occupancies.
The primary cause of death in assembly occupancy fires is delayed evacuations. As much as
three-quarters of the available evacuation time (fire ignites through that point in time when the
environment will no longer support human life) is wasted by individuals trying to decide what to
do. Alcohol consumption further impairs decision making in an emergency situation. No deaths
April 26, 2007
Page 3
have been reported in these types of establishments when automatic fire sprinkler systems
were present (National Fire Protection Association reports).
We support retrofitting all buildings with a fire sprinkler system but determined the best
approach would be to identify those structures. with occupancies that pose the highest fire and
life safety hazard as identified in International Fire and Building Codes adopted by the City. Our
approach uses the science and research that is incorporated in the National and International
Codes which would then be applied to existing buildings.
O'Donnell: Why not just (require) all of CB-5 because that is where most of the buildings
are joined.
We did consider requiring zone specific retrofitting. However, by making the retrofit requirement
zone specific it would not address the fire and life safety issues found in all A-2 occupancies
with an ABDL whether or not located dowrtown.
O'Donnell: Don't like the numbers game....regardless of occupancy. For instance Sky
Box may be small but why not consider fire safety there as well?
We are making a recommendation based on requirements of nationally recognized codes and
standards. A building's level of hazard is based on occupancy or use, size and number of
occupants or occupant load. The Sky Box, because of its size, has an occupant load of only 49
and therefore is classified as a B Occupancy. Other examples of B Occupancies are offices,
barber and beauty shops, animal hospitals and so on.
B occupancies that have an ABDL located above or below the ground floor present unique
life/fire safety hazards (i.e. evacuation), and therefore a revision to the proposed ordinance is
recommended.
~r Staff Recommendation: Require all B Occupancies with an ABDL when located above or
below the ground floor to be retrofitted with. same the life/fire safety requirements being
proposed for existing A-2 occupancies with an ABDL.
O'Donnell: In our figures also, do we have any idea how many of the businesses are
going to require upgraded water lines from the street to the building? Do we have any
way of knowing...
We don't have an exact number of businesses that would need to upgrade their water service
lines. We did look at the pedestrian plaza area and found two businesses that would need to
upgrade. In the area downtown other than the plaza and not on Iowa Avenue, we found that
there are possible nine businesses needing. to upgrade their water service. For businesses on
Iowa Avenue it appears from Public Works street design drawings that adequate water service
lines were provided outside the building for future installation of fire sprinklers.
Many A-2 occupancies outside the downtowr area probably would need to have their water
services upgraded.
Councilor Bailey's Questions:
Bailey: The 5 and 10 year terms seem incongruent with the concern for public safety.
Can you address that, because ten years down the road, that's a long time, if we have
public safety concern now. Can you talk a little bit about that? How you came up with
that length of time?
It is determined through NFPA standards and national and international recognized codes that
the A-2 occupancies with an ABDL and occupant loads of 300 or more are a higher hazard,
therefore requiring compliance within 5 years. A-2 occupancies with an ABDL and an occupant
load of 100 to 299 are a lower hazard and therefore given 10 years to comply. The two time
periods recognize different levels of risk (i.e. 300 or more vs. 299 or less) as well as financial
capability to comply.
April 26, 2007
Page 4
We recognized it would be impossible to get all- affected buildings upgraded with these life
safety requirements. in a limited amount of time (i.e. less than 5 years) because plans and
implementation will take time and there are a limited number of licensed sprinkler and fire alarm
installers in the area to do the work. Also, we understand this will be difficult for all businesses
because of the expense involved in complying with the life safety standards. Based on
experience enforcing City Codes, we have found that giving appropriate time to comply actually
brings about more timely compliance as it is less adversarial.
Bailey: Talk about how you assess the risks, and if there are other variables that we
should be looking at, because I ........looking at these time frames, I understand large
occupancy -need to get online, in. compliance faster -are there other variables that
should fall into that? Just, I mean, beyond large occupancies?
We are addressing life safety of the building occupants and fire safety for the structure.
Regarding retrofitting existing buildings with an A-2 occupancy, national and international codes
recognize high occupant density along with alcohol use as important factors in establishing the
hazard level for an occupancy. Use of alcohol impairs decision making and poses a significant
risk factors to patrons reacting in an emergency situation.
In requiring retrofitting of existing buildings with an A-2 occupancy and an ABDL, all three
criteria (life safety, fire safety and alcohol) must be present to determine that a higher hazard
exists.
Connectivity of the downtown buildings is a high concern but not all the downtown structures
meet all the criteria to require the life /fire safety upgrades. Also, there are buildings located in
areas other than downtown that do meet the criteria and therefore should require life and fire
safety upgrades. We could not conclude that because the structure is not located next to
another building that it is eliminated as a hazard.
Bailey: If the A-2 occupancy is located below grade or above grade and has an occupant
load lower than 100, it would have 10 years to comply?
A: Yes, as proposed, A-2 occupancy with and ABDL that is located above or below the level of
exit discharge they would have 10 years to comply if the occupant load is 299 or less. If the
occupant load was 300 or more they would need to comply within 5 years.
~~ Staff Recommendation: We would support an amendment that any A-2 or B occupancy with
an ABDL when located above or below the level of exit discharge be required to comply within
five (5) years. As mentioned earlier., uses located -above or below the ground floor are a higher
risk due to their location.
Councilor Champion's Question:
Champion: You said if somebody puts $25,000 investment in their business, that requires
a building permit. They'd be required to put in a sprinkler system. $25,000 is a small
amount of money. What do you see that. $25,000 doing? I mean, I put in windows in my
house and it cost me that much. Does that mean I have to put a sprinkler system in?
$25,000 is an amount determined by a couple of the cost estimates that were shared
with us for the upgrades to a few of the buildings. We felt that if there was $25,000 to
make improvements to the building that priority should be given to the life safety and fire
safety upgrades.
Staff Recommendation: We would support an amendment that stated cumulative permitted
improvements only apply to the interior of the business. Exterior work for re airs such as
reroofing or replacing a broken window should be exempt.
April 26, 2007
Page 5
Champion: How's the financing going to be put together?
The taxable value for the CB-10 zone, which is the downtown, is approximately $150 million
dollars. Assuming a $1 million investment by the City in the sprinkler and other related fire
safety improvements, it would amount to approximately 2/3 of one percent of the overall value of
downtown. Financing would be with General Obligation bonds.
Councilor Vanderhoef's Questions:
Vanderhoef: I don't know how you can put a lien on that building if they don't own it.
The loan would need to be secured either by a lien against the building where the business is
located or by other assets of the business owner, such as real estate, home equity, cash value
of life insurance, other investment assets, etc. How the loan is secured would be resolved as
part of the loan request.
Vanderhoef: What is the percent loss of business value when abar/restaurant is sold
without sprinkler retrofit?
Without knowing the business value and the cost to retrofit the life and fire safety requirements
this can not be accurately calculated. However, if we use assessed value and an estimated
cost for the retrofit we can determine the percentage of value the retrofit will be to the assessed
value.
Example:
1. Givanni's (109 E. College)
Total Assessed Value = $461,660
Estimated Retrofit = $30,000
Retrofit of $30,000 is 6'h % of the total assessed value
2. Micky's (11 S. Dubuque St.)
Total Assessed Value= $372,060
Estimated Retrofit. _ $27,000
Retrofit of $27,000 is 7 % % of the total assessed value.
The cost of the retrofit is a one time expense and its percentage of total assessed value
will change over time.
Additional Considerations:
1. Colonial Lanes is an A-3 occupancy and therefore would not be regulated under the
proposed ordinance.
2. Delete the requirement to comply with the life safety and fire safety standards because
of a change of ownership. It has been pointed out that this "change of ownership"
requirement triggering full compliance with life safety standards is too restrictive. Often
business ownership changes because of changes in financing, new partners, family
member is added to ownership, etc. We agree it's too restrictive, and now recommend
deleting the change of ownership criteria.
cc: Steve Atkins, City Manager
Hisadmin/A-2covermemo.doc
.^-i_.--r.®~
:rlu~~~~
~~.~~
~~_
Maf /Y, ~y`'
CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM
Date: May 8, 2007
To: City Council
From: Doug Boothroy,
Re: Changes to the A2
and~nspection Services
with ABDL Ordinance
The Council at its May 1, 2007 meeting suggested several changes to the proposed A2
occupancies with ABDL ordinance that requires life-safety upgrades in eating and drinking
establishments. Included in Council's packet is a more detailed description of the proposed
changes, as well as a revised ordinance that incorporates the changes.
In summary, the changes to the proposed ordinance are as follows;
1. New A2 occupancies with ABDL must comply with the life-safety upgrades. No
change in this requirement.
2. Existin A2 occupancies with ABDL with an occupant load of 300 or more. Change
the compliance time period from five years to three and exempt single businesses in
single-story stand-alone buildin s.
3. Existin A2 occupancies with ABDL and an occupant load of 100-299. Sin le
businesses in single story, stand-alone buildings are exempt. Compliance with life-
safety upgrades would be required at such time as cumulative permitted interior
improvements exceed $25,000 or there is a change in business ownership.
4. New and Existing A2 and B occupancies with an ABDL located above or below the
around floor. Compliance required within three years. No exemption for this category.
Council also directed that grants no longer be offered as a financial incentive to businesses for
life-safety upgrades. Council did indicate support for a loan program. Included in your packet for
discussion is a summary of several life-safety upgrade loan program options. In general, the
loan program could provide loans up to 100% of the life-safety improvement costs, low interest
rates based on the City's cost to borrow money, an option to subsidized interest by a point, up
to 10 or 20 year terms, and an enrollment period of five years from the effective date of the
adoption of the life-safety ordinance.
Hopefully, these changes will meet with your approval. We appreciate your consideration in this
matter.
hisadmlmem/A2-ABDL. doc
_~ r
~:~ °~`~~
,~®~~~
Date: June 13, 2007
To: City Council
~_
CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM
From: Doug Boothroy, Director of Housing and Inspection Services
Andy Rocca, Fire Chief ~.
Tim Hennes, Senior Building Inspector
Roger Jensen, Deputy Fire Chief
John Grier, Fire Marshal
Re: Revised Proposals Dated 6/7/07 for Life-Safety Requirements in Existing A-2 and B
Occupancies with Alcoholic Beverage Division License
Included in your packet is a revised ordinance dated 6/7/07 that we believe addresses the
concerns and agreements discussed at Council's last meeting held on 6/5/07. The revisions to
the Life-Safety requirements affect only existing A-2/B businesses with an ABDL. With regard to
new A-2/B occupancies with an ABDL, there have been no changes to the proposed ordinance
(i.e., voice alarms, sprinklers, illumination requirements, and exiting width are required as
originally proposed).
The proposed changes to existing A-2/B occupancies with an ABDL are as follows:
1. Voice alarm systems not required
2. Illumination to 10 foot candles at a height of 30" above the floor not required
3. Only A-2/B occupancies with ABDL are required to be sprinkled. For example, A-2/B
occupancies with an ABDL located above or below the ground floor are not required
to sprinkle a business located on .the ground floor. Specifically, the Sky Box and
Dublin Underground must be sprinkled because they are located above/below the
ground floor, but would not be required to sprinkle a business located on the ground
floor.
The changes to the proposed ordinance'have been reviewed by Leah Cohen (Bo James) and
Rebecca Needs (the Chamber of Commerce) as representatives of impacted businesses, and
they agree with the changes. Also, included in your packet is a summary of the proposed
ordinance changes and life-safety loan program.
hisadm/mem/lifesafety-revisions6-11.doc
Required Life-Safety Upgrades for
Existin A-2 and B Occupancies with
State of Iowa Aicoholi~ Beverage Division License (ABDL)
Requirements
1. A-2 Occupancies with an ABDL and an occupant load of 299 or more.
Automatic sprinkler system within 3 years.
Sprinklers
1. Joe's Place - 1 IS Iowa Ave.
2. Old Capitol Brew Works - 525 S. Gilbert St.
_ 3. One-Eyed Jakes* - 20 S. Clinton St.
4. The Picador - 330 E. Washington St.
5. The Que - 211 Iowa Ave.
6. The Union - 121 College St.
*Sprinkler system required only in the A-2 occupancy.
A-2 and B Occupancies with an ABDL located above or below the ground floor with an occupant load
of 298 or less.
Automatic sprinkler system within six years.
1. The Airliner - 22 S. Clinton St.
2. Atlas World Grill - 127 Iowa Ave.
3. Givanni's - 109 E. College St.
4. Iowa City Yacht Club* - 13 S. Linn St.
5. The Sky Box* - 124 '/z Washington St.
6. Dublin Underground* - 5 S. Dubuque St.
*Sprinkler system required only in the A-2 occupancy.
7. One Twenty Six - 126 Washington St.
8. Quinton's - 215 E. Washington St.
9. Restaurant Verde - ~o~ Gilbert St
10. Panchero's - 32 S. Clinton St.
11. Quality Inn & Suites - 2525 N. Dodge St. .
2. A-2 Occupancies with an ABDL with an occupant load of 100 to 298 and single business, single story,
stand alone A-2 occupancies with an occupant load of 299 or more.
Automatic sprinkler system with change of ownership.
1. 808 Restaurant/Nightclub - 121 Iowa Ave.
2. Bob's Your Uncle (VV) - 749 Mormon Trek Blvd.
3. The Deadwood - 6 S. Dubuque St.
4. ETC - 118 S. Dubuque St.
5. Farras - 320 Burlington St.
6. India Cafe - 227 E. Washington St.
7. Micky's - 11 S. Dubuque St.
8. Pagliai's Pizza - 302 E. Bloomington St.
9. Rick's Grill & Spirits - 1705 1st Ave.
10. Sanctuary Restaurant - 405 S. Gilbert St.
11. Studio 13 - 13 S. Linn St.
12. The Vine - 330 Prentiss St.
13. VFW Post - 609 E. Hwy. 6
14. Aoeshe - 624 S. Gilbert St.
15. American Legion - 3016 Muscatine Ave.
16. Carlos O'Kelly's - 1411 Waterfront Dr.
17. El Ranchero - 21 Sturgis Corner Dr.
18. Ellcs Club - 637 Foster Road
19. Fitzpatrick's - 310 E. Prentiss St.
20. Godfather's Pizza - 531 Hwy. 1 West
21. Grizzly's Pub & Grill - 1210 Highland Ct.
22. The Ground Round - 1250 S. Sturgis Dr.
23. Kandy Land - 928 Maiden Lane
24. Los Portales - 1402 S. Gilbert St.
25. Pizza Hut -1926 Keokuk St.
26. Eagles - 225 Hwy. 1 West
27. LaCasa -1200 S. Gilbert Ct.
28. The Mill - 120 E. Burlington St.
29. Wig & Pen - 1220 Hwy. 6 West
6/7/2007 9:09 AM Hisadmin/A-2 amendments-required upgrades.doc
7/17/07
GUIDELINES
Fire/Life-Safety Improvement Loan Program for Existing
A-2 and B Occupancies with an Alcoholic Beverages Division License (ABDL)
Total Funds Available
City to finance the Life-Safety loan program up to $1,000;000. These funds will be distributed on
a "first come basis" as loans to eligible businesses.
Eligible Businesses
Existing A-2~ and B occupancies with an ABDL (approximately 46 businesses) required to
upgrade Life-Safety systems.
Enrollment Period
^ Thirty-six months (3 years) from effective date determined by the City. C~T~ I , Znro~
• Work and construction contracts to be approved by the City prior to start of work.
^ Work started or signed construction contract within 36 months.
Eligible Fire and Life-Safety Improvements
The cost of materials and labor to install sprinkler systems.
Loan Program
Loan not to exceed cost of labor and materials for required Life-Safety improvements.
1 % interest 5-year loan, or 10-year loan with interest rate at City's cost to borrow money.
• Loan fully secured either by lien or letter of credit prior to loan approval.
• Cost of lien or letter of credit (e.g. origination fees, recording fees, etc.) to be paid by
property ownerlbusiness.
^ Change of ownership would require loan to be due and paid in full.
Distribution of Funds
Completion of work approved by the City.
Hisadm/lifesafety loan-grantdoc
r --
-,_,_, p~~ CITY C7 F I C~ 1N A CITY ~p4
~~
®,~~ ~E~CJR~~DI~M
Date: May 20, 2009
To: City Council
From: Jeff Davidson, Director of Planning and Community Development
Re: Update: Flood-related activities
Planning and Community Development:
• For the upcoming Business Rental Assistance Program, we have 34 applications
requesting approximately $500,000. The State is still waiting on HUD's approval of the
program. When that happens, we will get a contract with the State for this program and
be able to begin awarding funds.
• For the Jumpstart Small Business Disaster Recovery program, which closed on April 15,
we had 56 total applications. 51 were funded for a total of $1,241,288.
• Immediately after the flood, we partnered with the Chamber and Coralville to award
businesses up to $5,000 for flood clean up expenses. We awarded 18 businesses a total
of $74,432.
• Planning staff attended the HMGP Acquisition Award meeting on May 15, 2009 in
Urbandale. The City has made buy-out offers to 14 homeowners who indicated they
would like to proceed as quickly as possible. Once those are returned, the receipts for
repairs will be sent to FEMA for review. This could take 30-45 days. It is hoped that the
first closings will occur at the end of June.
• Iowa City should be receiving funds from the Community Disaster Grants by 5/26/09.
Iowa City can then schedule closings on property acquisitions; increase funds for
housing repair, and reimburse the city for flood related expenses not paid for by other
funding sources.
• A list of 71 properties in the Park View Terrace neighborhood was sent to the state on
May 19th to be included in the non-FEMA eligible acquisition program. It is hoped the city
will learn more about the guidelines and restrictions of the program over the next few
weeks. so that an application can be made by early summer.
• Jeff Davidson, Steve Long and David Purdy witnessed the signing of SF 474 (I-Jobs) by
Governor Culver on Thursday, June 14 at Rancher Auditorium. The I-Jobs bill will
provide funds for a number of programs in Iowa City including flood recovery, road
construction, affordable housing and possibly assistance with the construction of the
new facility for Shelter House.
• Staff met with lenders and builders/developers this week to discuss the Single-Family
Home Construction Program. This program will provide homebuyer assistance to 40
homeowners to purchase newly constructed homes in six subdivisions in Iowa City. The
program begins on Tuesday, May 26th. The Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County will
be assisting the City with the administration of the program. More information can be
found at www.icgov.orq/newhomes on May 26th.
• Staff met with representatives from Mullin & Lonergan Associates this week to discuss
the impacts of the flood on housing and community development programs and
specifically to talk about the future impacts as they prepare the five-year HUD
Consolidated Plan for Housing, Jobs and Services for Low-Moderate Income Iowa City
Residents (2011-2016 CITYSTEPS). This plan specifies the needs of the community
and sets funding priorities for HUD CDBG and HOME funds along with federal and local
funds for the next five years. A housing and community development needs survey can
be found at www.icgov.org/commdevsurvey
May 20, 2009
Page 2
Staff from PCD, Public Works, Chamber of Commerce and Dale Helling participated in a
conference call last week to discuss a flood recovery funding opportunity for economic
development planning available through the Economic Development Administration.
Public Works/Engineering Staff will be attending a meeting at the Coralville Marriott on
Friday, June 22 to gather more information about potential projects.
To date, staff has distributed nearly $1.5 million in State and Federal Funds for repair,
down payment assistance and interim mortgage assistance.
Staff is working to coordinate participation and observance of the 1-year flood event with
the University on June 15tH and Idyllwild and Park View Terrace neighborhoods on June
13tH
DRAFT
MINUTES
IOWA CITY BOARD OF APPEALS
MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2009
LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM, IOWA CITY CITY HALL
410 E. WASHINGTON STREET
IOWA CITY, IA
MEMBERS PRESENT: John Roffman, Steve Buckman, Andrea French, Scott
McDonough, AI Gerard
STAFF PRESENT: Tim Hennes (Sr. Building Inspector), Brian Greer (Fire
Inspector), Sue Dulek (Asst. City Attorney) and Jann
Ream (Code Enforcement Asst. acting as minute taker)
OTHERS PRESENT: Chad Campion (IBEW -International Brotherhood of
Electrical Workers)
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL:
Recommended by a unanimous vote (5-0) to proceed with the adoption of the
proposed amendments to the Iowa City trade licensing code that reflect the
changes and requirements of the State of Iowa trade licensing code and identify
the limits of a class "B" license.
Recommended to City Council by a unanimous vote (5-0) to proceed with the
adoption of the standards and amendments of the State Electrical Code and the
administrative and enforcement standards in Annex H of the 2008 National
Electrical Code with local amendments.
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairperson Roffman called the meeting to order at 4:07 PM
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES:
IP5
Minutes from the December 1, 2008 were reviewed. Roffman moved to approve
the minutes. Gerard seconded. Minutes were approved with a unanimous vote of
5-0.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS:
DRAFT
McDonough moved to elect John Roffman chairperson of the Board. Buckman
seconded. Roffman was elected chairperson with a unanimous vote of 5-0.
Roffman moved to elect Steve Buckman vice-chairperson of the Board.
McDonough seconded. Buckman was elected vice-chairperson with a unanimous
vote of 5-0.
Appeal withdrawal - 2401 Highway 6 East
Hennes explained that Dolphin Point at 2401 Highway 6 East had previously filed
an appeal to relieve them from sprinkling the multi-family buildings in order to go
through a condominium conversion. Since they now have applied for a permit to
sprinkle the units and plan to do so, they have withdrawn their appeal. Dulek
stated there was no formal action required by the Board as long as the minutes
reflect the withdrawal.
Final Approval - 110 Washington Street - Ginsbergs
Hennes explained that the final approval for this project had been continued
contingent on final staff approval. Hennes stated that a building permit had been
issued and an Affidavit of Use had been recorded that reflected all of the
conditions required by the Board.
MOTION: Gerard moved to approve the appeal as presented at the May 5, 2008
BOA meeting. French seconded.
VOTE: The Board voted 5-0 to approve the motion.
Discussion and possible recommendation to Council changing the Iowa City
trade licensing requirements to be in conformance with the State of Iowa
licensing requirements.
Hennes explained that the State of Iowa has taken over the licensing of
Electricians and is in process of establishing state licensing of Plumbers, HVAC
installers, Sewer installers, Gas Pipe installers, Fire Alarm and Fire Sprinkler
installers. This will affect our local licensing requirements and so the Iowa City
trade licensing ordinance will need to be amended to reflect the State's
involvement. Because the State is doing this in phases, the amendments will
have to be done in phases as well. The first amendment will affect the Electrical
licensing requirements. The State program has a Master class "A" and "B"
Electrical license and a Journeyman class "A" and "B" Electrical license. Iowa
City does not have "A" and "B" distinctions. In the early 1990's, Iowa City
administered their own local test in order for an electrician to obtain an electrical
license. So if an electrician had the correct number of years experience and
passed the local test, a license was issued. Some of those electricians are
practicing and are licensed in Iowa City today. Subsequently, Iowa City went to a
national proctored testing company and that test became the standard generally
across the State. The State is recognizing the local test as a Class "B" license
DRAFT
and the national proctored test as a Class "A" license -all classes still require
years of experience. However, if a local jurisdiction submits the questions of the
local test to the State Examining Board and they approve it (which they have
done in Iowa City's case), then a State Class "A" license can be issued to that
electrician. Hennes explained that staff wants to keep things as close to current
licensing as possible. In other words, Class "A" licensees would be able to work
in Iowa City and electricians who had previously held an Iowa City license prior to
December 31,2008 and currently have a State Class "B" license would also be
able to work in Iowa City.
That way all electricians who had been previously licensed in Iowa City would be
able to continue as usual but any electrician who not previously met the Iowa City
standards for an electrical license could not now come here with a Class "B"
license and do work.
Hennes introduced Chad Campion who is on the State licensing board (and
whose term on the Board of Appeals had expired) in case there were any
questions. Campion explained some of the issues the licensing board has had to
work through to be fair to electricians across the state. He explained that
anybody taking and passing the 3~d party proctored test now (with years of
experience) would get a Class "A" license.
Hennes explained that several Iowa jurisdictions are getting their old local tests
approved so probably within the next year many of the "B" licenses will become
"A" licenses.
MOTION: McDonough moved to recommend to City Council the approval of the
proposed amendments to the licensing code submitted by City staff in order to
reflect the new changes and requirements of the State of Iowa licensing code
and to identify the limits of a Class "B" license. Gerard seconded.
VOTE: The motion was approved unanimously with a 5-0 vote.
Discussion and possible recommendation to Council changing the Iowa City
Electrical code to be in conformance with the State of Iowa Electrical Code.
Hennes explained that the State of Iowa has adopted the 2008 National Electrical
Code (NEC). The City of Iowa City is currently under the 2005 NEC. The State
code allows for jurisdictions to have their own electrical code but that jurisdiction
cannot be less restrictive than that of the State. Staff recommends that the City
adopt the 2008 NEC so that there is eventual consistency across the State in the
code being enforced. The State code does eliminate many of the current local
amendments adopted by Iowa City. Hennes stated that the State code (2008
NEC) did make one amendment concerning the new requirements for GFCI
circuits. The State took out that section in the 2008 NEC and inserted the current
requirements of 2005 NEC so that nothing would change. The 2008 NEC does
require Arc Fault circuit interrupters on all circuits not protected by a GFCI
breaker. This is a change from the 2005 NEC. The other major change is that
receptacles are required to be tamper resistant. These changes cannot be
amended out because the City cannot be less restrictive than the State.
Discussion occurred concerning what arc fault and ground fault entail.
DRAFT
MOTION: Gerard moved to recommend to City Council to proceed with the
adoption of the standards and amendments of the State Electrical Code as
adopted by the State of Iowa and the administrative and enforcement standards
in Annex H of the 2008 National Electrical Code with local amendments to Annex
H as adopted by the City of Iowa City. Buckman seconded.
Discussion occurred about the wording of the proposed recommendation and if
Council would have to look at Article 80 (Annex H) as a local amendment.
Hennes said that Annex H is the administrative section of the code, such as
permits and stop work orders. Hennes stated that when the code is adopted, staff
would like it worded so that the City does not have to come back to Council every
time the State updates to the next electrical code cycle. It would just happen
automatically when the State adopts the new code.
VOTE: The motion was approved unanimously with a 5-0 vote.
OTHER BUSINESS: The next meeting was scheduled for February 2, 2008.
Hennes explained how the State electrical inspections would be done through
out the state.
ADJOURNMENT: Gerard moved to adjourn the meeting. Roffman seconded.
The meeting adjourned at 4:55 PM.
John Roffman, Chairperson
Date
Board of Appeals
Attendance Record
2006
NAME TERM EXPIRES Jan-09 Feb-09
Steve Buckman 12/31/2011 x
Andrea French 12/31/2012 x
John Roffman 12/31/2007 x
AI Gerard 12/31/2010 x
Scott McDonough 12/31/2011 x
KEY
X =present
O =absent
O/E = absent/excused
NM = No meeting
= not a member
Mar-09 Apr-09