HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-01-27 Info PacketCITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET
January 16, 1998
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MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
Memorandum from City Manager: University Property/Melrose and Mo,,,,on
Trek
Memorandum from Assistant City Attorney Mitchell: Deer Management Update
Memorandum from Administrative Assistant: Deer
Memorandum from Sr. Civil Engineer Winstead to City Manager: Railroad
Crossings - Update
Memorandum from Planning and Community Development Assistant Director:
Summary of City Council Decision Making - South Gilbert Street Commercial
Corridor
Memorandum from JCCOG Solid Waste Planner to City Manager:
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility
Permanent
Memorandum from Community Development Coordinator: 1998 CDBG and HOME
Allocations
Memorandum from Community Development Coordinator: Summary of
Community Housing Forum Report [report included in Council packets only]
Memorandum from Police Chief to City Manager: Domestic Violence
Letter to Police Officer Mebus: Assistance
Building Permit Information - December 1997
Release: Paver Brick Sale
Release: Martin Luther King Jr. Day Schedule
Agenda: January 15 -Johnson County Board of Supervisors Meeting
Memorandum from Finance Director: City of Iowa - 1998 $10,500,000 General
Obligation Bonds
Demographic Report for Iowa City Community School District.
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: January 8, 1998
To: City Council
From: City Manager
Re: University Property/Melrose and Mormon Trek
I am sure most of you are familiar with the large tract of land owned by the University on the
northwest comer of Melrose and Mormon Trek. For some time, the University has discussed
possible recreation and other related uses for that location. Apparently they are now proceeding
with a serious formal planning process for that site. We have been asked to participate in
discussions concerning their plans. To the best of my knowledge they will likely be planning
swimming pools, recreation fields, etc. The City of Coralville will likely be invited to participate in
these discussions.
I wanted to let you know that we will be involved and the outcome of which, whether it has been
determined already or not I simply don't know. Will keep you informed.
Im~nen~a 1-8.doc
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: January 16, 1998
To.'
The Honorable Mayor Naomi Novick and Members of the City Council
Dennis Mitchell, Assistant City Attorney ~
Re.'
Deer Management Update
Lisa Handsaker, Misha Goodman-Herbst, Judy Rhodes, and I met informally with Department of
Natural Resources ("DNR") staff on Tuesday, January 13, 1998 to discuss the City's proposed Deer
Management Plan. The informal meeting provided us with the opportunity to answer any questions
the DNR had about the Plan. As a result of the meeting, we will amend our Petition for Rule
Making to provide more specifics, such as: no sharpshooting will occur within 200 yards of a
building without the consent of the owner and occupants; that deer which are killed will be properly
field-dressed; etc. Because we did not have a model or sample to work from, it was hard to gauge
exactly how much detail to include in the Petition.
The City's Petition for Rule Making will be discussed by the Natural Resources Commission at
their meeting on February 12, 1998. Prior to that meeting, the DNR will submit a staff report to the
Commission which contains their comments and recommendations regarding the City's Petition. I
will have the opportunity to respond to the DNR's comments at the meeting.
If you have questions, please do not hesitate to give me a call.
Cc-'
Eleanor Dilkes, City Attomey
Steve Atkins, City Manager
Marian Karr, City Clerk
Lisa Handsaker, Administrative Assistant
Misha Goodman-Herbst, Animal Shelter Supervisor
R. J. Winkelhake, Chief of Police
Lt. Ron Fort, Police Department
Judy Rhodes
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
RE:
City Council
Lisa Handsaker
January 16,1998
Deer
Senator Bob Dvorsky called the City Manager's Office this morning to invite City
representatives to meet with the Iowa Senate Natural Resource and
Environment Committee. The Committee is comprised of 15 senators. Dennis
Mitchell, Misha Goodman-Herbst, and I will represent Iowa City on Tuesday,
January 20 in Des Moines.
It is my understanding from Senator Dvorsky that the Committee would like to
discuss the process municipalities encounter when trying to solve their local deer
overpopulation problems. Senator Dvorsky was aware of the response from
State DNR officials to our proposal. AI Fards from the DNR will also be invited to
attend. I will keep you informed of our progress.
Date:
To:
From:
Re:
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Here is an update of railroad work completed in 1997 and an approximate schedule and cost for
work in future years:
Work comoleted in 1997
Burlington Street - just east of the river (CRANDIC Railway): City crews made repairs to
all four sidewalk approaches. City cost was approximately $200.
South Capitol Street -just north of Benton (CRANDIC Railway): Railroad and City crews
made temporary repairs in September. City cost was $1,908.42.
Gilbert Street -just north of Benton (CRANDIC Railway): Railroad and City crews
completely reconstructed this crossing in September using "Iowa Grade Crossing Surface
Repair Funds" with the typical 60% State, 20% Railroad, 20% City split. Final cost is
being audited by the I.D.O.T. City cost is expected to be approximately $12,500.
Greenwood Drive - between Benton and Myrtle (IAIS Railroad): Staff hired a contractor
to "mill" the approach pavement in December. This work created a smoother vehicle ride.
City cost was $700.
Iowa Avenue Bridge - (CRANDIC Railway): City crews installed advance warning low
clearance chains in April. The Railroad then hired a contractor to paint over the graffiti.
Waterfront Drive - Signals (CRANDIC Railway): The Railroad's contractor installed new
automatic flashing light signals with motion sensors in September. The $5,700 City
share is being paid by Hy-Vee per a conditional zoning agreement.
Future Years
Highway 6 - near Country Kitchen (CRANDIC Railway): This crossing is scheduled for
complete reconstruction in 1998. Surface Repair Funds will be used with the State of
Iowa paying the 20% City share. The City's involvement will be to coordinate a suitable
detour route with the I.D.O.T. This is a difficult issue and needs to be resolved in the
very near future.
South Clinton Street -just north of Benton (CRANDIC Railway): This crossing is
scheduled for complete reconstruction in 1998 using Surface Repair Funds. Railroad and
City crews will perform the work. City cost is estimated at $7,500.
January 12, 1998
Page 2
South Capitol Street - just north of Benton (CRANDIC Railway): Funding was applied for
in July 1994 and will most likely be available in 1999. City cost is estimated at 915,000.
Benton Street -just east of the river (CRANDIC Railway): Funding was applied for in April
1997 and will most likely be available in 2002. City cost is estimated at 915,000.
South Dubuque Street - just north of Benton (CRANDIC Railway): Funding was applied
for in April 1997 and will most likely be available in 2003. City cost is estimated at
911,000.
South Dubuque Street - top of the hill (IAIS Railroad}: Funding was applied for in October
1997 and will most likely be available in 2004. City cost is estimated at 913,000.
South Clinton Street - top of the hill (IAIS Railroad): Funding was applied for in October
1997 and will most likely be available in 2004. City cost is estimated at 915,000.
Greenwood Drive - between Benton and Myrtle (IAIS Railroad): A request has been made
to the Railroad to sign the "Notice of Intent Form" in order to get in line for funding.
Funding may be available in 2004. City cost is estimated at 912,000.
The City will continue to work closely with the Railroad Companies in the interim to keep these
crossings in decent shape. City crews have always been willing to participate in the repair
process. FYI, the I.D.O.T. has typically been able to program 9900,000 each year for railroad
surface repair projects. Currently 98.3 million in projects are "in line".
CC:
Rick Fosse
Don Yucuis
Bud Stockman
Dennis Mitchell
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date:
To.'
From:
Re:
January 15, 1998
City Council
Jeff Davidson, Asst. Director, Dept. of Planning & Community Development
Summary of City Council decision making
South Gilbert Street commercial corridor
At your Monday, January 12 work session we discussed issues related to traffic on South
Gilbert Street between Stevens Drive and Benton Street. It was agreed that safety concerns
resulting from an increasing traffic accident rate in this corridor have led to the need to evaluate
the various altematives for improving the corridor. You directed us to evaluate a project
consisting of a continuous center left tum lane and better organization of driveways in the
corridor, as well as lesser-impact improvements which could be done altematively.
We will be hidng a private engineering firm to assist us with a concept design plan for the center
left turn lane/driveway consolidation project. This will help us assess what the specific impacts
would be to properties along the corridor. I have been contacted by several Gilbert Street
property owners since the January 12 work session, none of whom have argued that there is
not a problem, but all of whom are concemed about the impact on their property. We will also
take a look at lesser-impact solutions such as intersection improvements and left turn
prohibitions. We hope to come back to you with additional information in approximately six
months. We will keep property owners in the corddor apprised of what is going on.
cc: Steve Atkins
Karin Franklin
Chuck Schmadeke
Rick Fosse
South Gilbert Street mailing list
Im~'~em~d ~ -15.doc
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: January 14, 1998
To: Steve Atldns
From: Brad Neuman~~/
Re: Permanent Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility
At your request, I would like to provide further information on the proposed permanent household
hazardous waste (HHW) collection facility for Iowa City and Johnson County. The idea behind a
permanent HHW facility is that material can be collected throughout the year rather than just once
a year, for about the same amount of money. We have been concerned about the risk of
establishing a permanent HHW facility due to the possibility of losing a large part of our waste
stream to out-of-state landfills, thus losing revenue to pay for a HHW facility. To date we have not
seen a lot of waste leaving the county, and with the proposed reduction in landfill fees we should
be able to maintain control over most of the waste stream.
The facility itself would be available to any resident of Johnson County, Kalona, or Riverside on an
appointment basis. The fadlity would be open 2 to 3 days per week. Staff would take
appointments, accept waste, bulk the material for shipping, and staff the material give-away
center. The types of materials that would be accepted at the facility include paint products,
automotive fluids, pesticides, herbicides, poisons, batteries, and light tubes. Money will be saved
by giving reusable materials away to local residents. This type of give-away program is very
popular in other similar facilrde. s.
Operating funds would come from the toxic waste cleanup fee ($1.75/ton) that is part of the landfill
tip fee. Funds have been earmarked to build the facility as part of the Capital Improvements
Program. The facility location has not been decided, but will likely be either the landfill or the
proposed public works facility site. The building itself will need to be about 2,000 square feet in
area. A special storage building will also be required. The total cost of the facility will range from
$100,000 to $150,000.
Let me know if you need more informalion.
Jeff Davidson
Chuck Schmadeke
Dave Elias
IrrNnem~ 1-14.doc
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date:
To:
From:
Re:
January 14, 1998
City Council
Maudce I. Head, Community Development Coordinator
1998 CDBG and HOME Allocations
We have received our 1998 (FY99) CDBG and HOME allocations from the Department of
Housing and Urban Development. The overall 1998 CDBG and HOME allocations are slightly
higher than the 1997 allocations as shown below:
Pro~ram FY99 Allocations FY98 Allocations Decreases and Increases
CDBG $938,000 $971,000 ($33,000)
HOME $597,000 $552,000 $45,000
The 1998 CDBG allocation represents approximately a 3.5% reduction from last year. The
reduction can be contributed to federal funding levels remaining the same while more cities
became eligible for CDBG as Entitlement Communities. In contrast, the HOME allocation is
about 8% higher due to an increase in the federal funding level for this program. The net
increase for the1998 Community Development Program is $13,000. A schedule for the 1998
CDBG and HOME allocation process is attached for your review.
Im~nlemVnh 1-14.doc
,Proposed
FY99 CDBG & HOME PROGRAMS
ALLOCATION TIMELINE
December 22
January 15
February 3
Feb. 9 or 23
February 18
February 19
March 5
March 12
April 6
April 16
April 21
May 5
FY99 CDBG~IOME applications available to the public
HCDC Regular Meeting
FY99 CDBG~!OME applications due by noon
Possible HCDC discussion with Council on priorities for FY99 funding
And HCDC memo regarding Council comments
HCDC meeting - public presentation of applications
HCDC meeting - public presentation of applications
HCDC meeting - general discussion and tanking projects
HCDC meeting to make FY99 funding recommendations
Council work session on FY99 CDBG~IOME budget re~:ommendations
HCDC Regular meet~tg - recommend FY99 Annual Action Plan
Council holds public hearing on FY99 Annual Action Plan
Council approves FY99 Annual Action Plan
1-14-~8
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date:
To:
From:
Re:
January 12, 1998
Maurice I. Head, Community Development Coordinator
Summary of the Community Housing Forum Report
Background
On October 23, 1996, lhe City of Iowa City in conjunction with the Home Builders Association and the
Chamber of Commerce sponsored the first Community Housing Forum to obtain public input on
housing issues and solu'dons. This forum rapresented the most diverse group of residents to ever
come together and discuss housing issues in Iowa City. The in'Fdal forum attracted 75 persons from
non-profit agencies, hanks, neighborho(xls, major employers, builders, developers and city and
county govemments. This effort grew into an intense citizen participation process and three
subcommittees were started in January 1997 to invesl~ate innovative solutions to address housing
affordability problems in Iowa City. The subcommittees were the Target Group and Goal Setting
Subcommittee, the Funding Mechanisms Subcona~ittee and the Development and Regulatory
during a nine-month period.
The subcommittees looked at new funding sources, reviewed lhe city's development and regulatory
process and identified population groups that rmcd diverse housing options. Each subcommittee
developed a set of recommendations that have been inccxporated into ~ Community Housing
Foram Housing Report. A summary of the report is as follows:
Target Groups and Goal Setling
Four target groups have ~ identified as needing some level of assistance to obtain suitable
housing to rant or own. The target groups are categorized based ort HUD's median income figures
for Iowa City. The four target groups are as follows:
* Target Group I
* Target Group II
* Target Group III
* Target Group IV
-eams 0 - 30% of the median income
-eams 31 - 50% of the median income
-eams 51 - 80% of the median income
- earns 81 -100% of the median income
This report also articulates a set of goals and policies for increasing housing opportunFdes for Iowa
City residents in each income group as shown above.
Funding Mechanisms
The report examines possible alternatives for funding affordable housing projects and meeting the
individual financing r'~'cds of low and moderate income households. The report promotes the idea of
developing moderately priced housing through incentives and other implementation techniques, and
encourages add'dJonal low and rncx~rate income housing development through public-private
partnerships.
Summary of the Community Housing Forum Rfix~t
January 14, 1998
Bank finandng for favorable construclk)n loans and mortgage finandng that includes rehabilitation
assistance are two private sector affordab~ housing in' '($~ves. Assistance for gap financing,
implemented by the City. AJso, usin9 the interest from rent deposits is a potential funding source for
oonsidemUon are as follows (see Appendix A of the report for Budget Irnpac~ - Cost/Benefit
Analysis):
· Affordab~ Housing Funding Pool
· Low Interest ~1 Obligation Bond
· Financial Institutions - Combination Morlgage and Rehabilitatio~ Program
· First Home Program
· Housing Fund Program
· Community Housing Linked Deposit Program
· Housing Rehabilita6on Program Expam
Development and Regula~ry Bea~ures
In examining Ihe factors that affect housbg costs, the regulatory process plays a major role in
determining the cost of ho~ng deve~oment This report iden6fies several local government
regulations that are required for development of housing, as well as possible reform measures that
may reduce the overall cost and increase the supply of affordable housing in Iowa City.
Redudng lot sizes and associated infrastruclure can have an overall effect of reducing housing cosL
Allowing well thought-out developments to move quickly lhrough the development process can
provide significant cost savings to housing projects. Combine this with flexibility in the development
code (relaxed setback requirements. narrower slreets, etc) and cost should be reduced even further.
LasUy, incentives to developers such as density bonuses for new neighborhoods can help Iowa City
in promoting mixed housing types and diverse neighborlxxxJs. The specific projects proposed for
Cily Council consideraUon are as follows:
· Small Lot Zoning
· Redm of Lot Widths
· Redudng Infrastructure Cost
· Fast Track for Affordable Housing
· Density Bonuses for Affordable Housing
NeighborlxxxJ Standards
· Neotrad'tdonal Development
· Study to Analyze the Development Code
Developmen~ and Irlfill Projects that Match
RecommendaUons
Staff recommends that Council enckxse the housing concepts presented in the Community Housing
Forum Report and direct staff to begin implementalion of ~ housing strategies.
Hopefully, Council will find Ihe attached report a valuable tool in addressing Ihe following issues:
· Determining City govemment's role in assudng affordable housing for Iowa City residents.
· Developing specific policies lhat reflect lhe City's role in assudng affordable housing.
· Determining lhe level of financial resources the City will invest in affordable housing efforts.
IOWA CITY COMMUNITY HOUSING
FORUM REPORT
HOUSING
ISSUES AND SOLUTIONS
Prepared For:
City Council of Iowa City
December 1997
Iowa City
Community
Housing Forum
Participants
Target Groups and
Goal Setting S,,hcommittee
Heather MacDonald, University of Iowa Urban and
Regional Planning
Wendy Burns, Hawkeye Area Community Action Program
Mary McCue, Grant Wood Area Education Agency
David Purdy, Housing & Community Der. Comm.
John Shaw, Wehner Pattschull and I:;;;;.er Architects
Larry Wilson. University of Iowa Campus Planning
Kathy Minette, National Computer Systems
Bob Elliott, ACT
Mark Hall, King's Material Inc.
Mary O'Neill, Hawkeye Area Community Action Program
Jason Chen, Chinese Church of Iowa City
Gail Francis, Affordable Housing Advocate
Keith Ruff, Connor Center for Independent Living
Kevin Burt, Connor Center for Independent Living
Funding Mechanisms Subcommittee
Linda Murray, University of Iowa Hospital School
Amy Correia, University of Iowa Graduate Student
Ellen McCabe, Crisis Center
Bill Stewart, Housing & Community Dev. Comm.
Rick House, Residential Mortgage Network Inc.
Tamra Bokal, Iowa State Bank & Trust Co.
Skip Wells, University of Iowa Community Credit Union
Maggie Van Oel, University of Iowa Residence Services
Jodi-Beth McCain, University of Iowa Graduate Student
Allan Axean, Hawkeye Area Community Action Program
Ken Gaffin. ACT
Elizabeth Swenson, Swenson & Associates
Development and
Regulatory Measures Subcommittee
Jennifer Williams, Pepperwood Neighborhood Association
Joni Kinsey, University of Iowa Art and Art History
Wayne Petersen, Natural Resources Conservation Se~ice
Jayne Sandler, First National Bank
Ernie Galer, Lepic Kroeger Realtors
Joe Bolkcom, Johnson County Board of Supervisors
Glenn Siders, Southgate Development
Gretchen Schmuch, Housing & Community Dev. Comm.
Chadie Eastham, Greater Iowa City Housing Fellowship
Steve Johannes, Home Builders Association of Iowa City
Sue Licht, Architect
Wendy Wyant, Hawkeye Area Community Action Program
C~ty Staff
Karin Franklin, PCD Director
Maudce Head
Steve Long
Steve Nasby
Bob Miklo
Jonathon Bez
Kim Moeller
Facilitators
Jeff Zacharakis-Jutz, ISU Extension
Pain Barnes
Marcia Klingaman
Scott Kugler
Melody Rockwell
Linda Severson
Julie Tallman
John Yapp
Steve Schomhorst
Housing Issues and Solutions
Table of Contents
Chapter
Page
Introduction
2
Goals, Objectives and Policies for Target Populations
3
Funding Mechanisms
8
Development and Regulatory Measures
17
Conclusion
26
Appendices:
A. Budget Impact- Cost/Benefit Analysis
B. Timetable for Program Implementation
C. Monitoring
D. Informational Material
E. Department of Housing and Urban Development Income
Guidelines
INTRODUCTION
In order to fulfill the need for citizen input on housing issues and solutions, City staff organized
the Iowa City Community Housing Forum in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce and
the Home Builders Association on October 23, 1996. The purpose of this meeting was to provide
residents an opportunity to participate in a community discussion conceming housing issues and
needs in Iowa City. Participation came from a broad segment of the Iowa City population and
approximately 75 residents attended the first meeting. A partial listing of housing organizations,
private businesses and governmental entities participating in the first meeting follows: City of
Iowa City, Johnson County Council of Governments, Greater Iowa City Housing Fellowship,
Hawkeye Community Action Program, Habitat for Humanity, Iowa City Housing Authority,
First National Bank, Hills Bank, Iowa State Bank, Iowa City Area Association of Realtors,
Home Builders Association, Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce, University of Iowa,
National Computer Systems, ACT, Crisis Center, Heartland Candleworks, Emergency Housing
Project, Mayor's Youth Employment Program, Shimek Neighborhood Association and many
other residents concerned about housing issues. The Iowa City Community Housing Forum
represented one of the most diverse groups of residents to ever come together and discuss afford-
able housing issues in Iowa City.
A number of people who attended the Community Housing Forum agreed to continue meeting in
order to fully explore the complex issues of affordable housing and to develop a set of possible
solutions to present to City Council. Community Housing Forum volunteers made a commitment
to address community-wide housing issues and to facilitate housing options for all Iowa City
residents. Based on the issues raised at the Community Housing Forum, it was clear that the
main focus of this group centered around three primary areas: funding, regulatory reform and
goal setting for target populations. Participants of the Community Housing Forum and other
residents of Iowa City were asked to participate on one of the three subcommittee areas to
discuss in more detail problems and solutions to affordable housing in Iowa City. The three
subcommittees - Funding Mechanism Subcommittee; Development and Regulatory Measures
Subcommittee; and Goal Setting and Target Group Subcommittee - have met over the past nine
months to discuss the various aspects of their topics. Each subcommittee developed a set of
recommendations which have been incorporated into this report for City Council review.
The Community Housing Forum recommendations are for consideration by the City Council,
Iowa City Housing Authority, Home Builders Association, financial institutions and other parties
interested in participating in an affordable housing agenda in Iowa City. It is hoped that this
housing document, produced by the Community Housing Forum, can assist local government
and businesses in developing affordable housing policies that benefit the Iowa City community.
2
TARGET GROUP I
APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS. 4,226 Households (0-30% of Median Income)*
Affordsbillty Maximum
Type of Housing Aulstance
Income Levels** Purchase Amount*** Currently Avellsble
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment
Partnership Funds (HOME); Low-Income Housing Tax Credits;
$266/month $32,040 The Iowa City Housing Authority annually provides certificates, vouchers,
and houses for 1,1 $4 households; this represents about 27% of income
group.
Exsmple~ of Households Who Comprise This Group
Family of three with one small child; mother with severe diabetes; father is the caretaker.
Single mother with two children on one year waiting list for public or Section 8 housing; working at minimum wage for a business in Iowa City.
Recent high school graduate looking for temporary living arrangements; working full-time at a local restaurant.
(Of the 4,226 households, approximately 62% (2638) are non-elderly and unrelated,)
30% of median income =
$5.12/hour or
$10,650/year
TARGET GROUP II
Income
50°,/0 of median income =
$8.53/hour or
$17,750/year
APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS - 3,279 Households (31-50% of Median Income)*
Affordability Purchase
Levell** Amount***
Type of Housing Assistance
Currently Available
CDBG and HOME funds; Low-Income Housing Tax Credits; lender
financing
$443/month $53,250
Examples of Hou.holds Who Comprise This Group
Family of four with both adult wage-earners receiving minimum wage working at a retail store.
Recent college graduate with degree in social work; working at a local non-profit agency helping others to find affordable housing.
Recently divorced; working as a bank teller; while paying for child care and retraining for a higher paying position,
'Based on 1990 Census information
*'The maximum amount of rent or mortgage payment the household could pay without exceeding 30% of income for housing costs
'**The maximum purchase amount representing three times the annual income of the household (generally 2,5 to 3 times income is standard depending
on interest rates)
4
TARGET GROUP III
Income
80% of median income =
$13.65/hour or
$28,400/year
APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS - 3,910 Households (51-8(P/, of Median Income)*
Affordability Puroha~e Type of Housing A~latance
Levels" Amount*** Currently Available
Mortgage Credit Certificate Program (MCC) & Iowa Housing Assistance
Program (IHAP) programs;
$710/month $86,200 CDBG and HOME funds; Low-Income Housing Tax Credits; and lender
financing.
Examples of Households Who Comprise This Group
An elementary school teacher whose spouse is at~ending UI; struggling to meet monthly mortgage.
A person who is elderly and living alone on a pension experiencing steadily declining health.
A computer analyst laid off due to company down-sizing and living off of savings.
TARGET GROUP IV
APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS - 1,883 Households (81-100% of Median Income)*
Income
100% of median income =
$17.07/hour or
$35,500/year
Affordability Purchase
Levels" Amount*"
Type of Housing Aulatance
Currently Available
$887/month
$106,500 Lender financing; MCC & IHAP programs
Examples of Households Who Comprise Thla Group
Small business owner attracted to Iowa City's expanding economy and quality of life hoping to become a first-time home-buyer.
Self-employed commissioned insurance salesperson with no health insurance and a homemaker with three children, one of whom has
chronic ear infections.
Retired professor who needs assisted living rental arrangements in order to maintain independence.
*Based on 1990 Census information
**The maximum amount of rent or mortgage payment the household could pay without exceeding 30% of income for housing costs
***The maximum purchase amount representing three times the annual income of the household (generally 2.5 to 3 times income is standard depending
on interest rates)
HOUSING GOALS:
Provide opportunities for low-income households to obtain decent, safe and sanitary
rental housing.
Increase the availability of home ownership opportunities for low and moderate income
households.
Create/enhance public-private parmerships and coordination between various community
entities such as non-profits, developers, neighborhoods, etc.
Increase public awareness of existing services and housing options through counseling
and access to public resources and information.
OBJECTIVE:
To provide affordable housing for renters in Target Groups 1 and 2.
Target Group I
Target Group II
0 - 30% of median income
31- 50% of median income
POLICY STATEMENTS:
Improve access to rental housing through financial assistance with security deposits, utility
deposits, and creating an emergency fund to prevent eviction with stipulations of automatic loan
payments and require mandatory counseling, such as household budgeting.
Identify current regulations/codes that may hinder quality, safety and housing accessibility for
persons with disabilities and explore the use of Universal Design accessibility standards.
Increase the amount of CDBGXHOME funding for housing by applying for State HOME funds
and encouraging the reuse of local CDBG and HOME dollars.
Identify new funding sources for the construction and/or rehabilitation of affordable housing
projects, e.g., State funds, revolving loan funds, foundations, local lenders and other untapped
or underutilized sources of funds from the community.
Preserve existing affordable housing through supporting housing rehabilitation programs and
developing a public\private rehabilitation loan pool.
Develop a parmership with the University of Iowa to study the impact of students on housing
costs.
Achieve lower rents or mortgage payments through incentives such as CDBG and HOME funds,
density bonuses, General Obligation Bonds, other governmental incentives.
6
To provide affordable housing ($53,000 to $106,000) for homebuyers and
homeowners in Target Groups 2, 3 and 4.
Target Group 11
Target Group Ill
Target Group IV
31 - 50% of median income
$1 - 80% of median income
81-100% of median income
POLICY STATEMENTS:
Establish a program to improve access to home ownership with funds for counseling, homebuyer
education, credit enhancement, and foreclosure prevention.
Create moderately-priced housing through direct acquisition and/or disposition of !and with the
stipulation of long-term or permanent affordability.
Encourage moderately-priced housing by creating incentives for developers to provide diverse
housing types and price ranges through using density bonuses, modifying development
regulations, and streamlining the development review process.
Identify private funding sources for moderately-priced housing, e.g., encourage financial
institutions to finance both the acquisition and rehabilitation of existing housing to preserve older
homes and to keep neighborhoods from declining.
To promote/provide a diversity of housing options for all residents of
Iowa City.
All Target Groups
POLICY STATEMENTS:
Create or enhance parmerships between the City, County, University, local businesses and
surrounding communities to promote countywide housing policies.
Provide incentives, such as reducing infrastructure costs and relaxing development regulations
for developments that propose acceptable higher densities and mixed uses.
Create housing that is well-designed and affordable to those relocating to Iowa City by
encouraging a mix of housing size, price, and type.
Increase public awareness of existing housing options and resources by creating a one-stop
service to provide access to housing information.
FUNDING MECHANISMS
The flow of capital from both the public and private sectors is the life blood for affordable
housing development. By encouraging the availability of capital and incentives, for the
construction of new housing units and the permanent financing of existing dwelling units,
housing can be more affordable to all segments of the population. Financial institutions play a
major role in the availability of capital in the market place. By taking more initiative measures,
and developing parmerships with local organizations and government, financial institutions could
broaden the resources available to all segments of the population they serve.
The public sector also plays a role in influencing housing construction. This can be accomplished
through modifying development standards, directing existing resources to public and private
housing developers and identifying new funding resources.
Iowa City's major employers must also have a stake in the housing market. Only by having a
diverse, affordable housing market that provides a cross-section of housing options at all income
levels, will they be able to attract new employees and keep their existing employee base. Tradi-
tionally, major employers have been observers in the housing market and not active participants.
Major employers must be involved in solutions to housing options.
Housing cost and household income are the two primary factors affecting the affordability of
housing. The focus of this section is on methods to increase the availability of housing resources.
As such, financing tools may be the most important aspect of any strategy affecting affordability.
The Funding Mechanism Subcommittee has discussed a series of public and private financial
tools that could be used in Iowa City to make housing more affordable.
1.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING FUNDING POOL
The limited supply of affordable housing units is one of the greatest obstacles to housing options
in Iowa City. Low vacancy rates, high rents and high downpayment requirements
disproportionately impact low income residents. These obstacles can be greatly reduced by
increasing the production of units affordable to low and moderate income households. The
Affordable Housing Funding Pool could provide gap funding to increase the production of
affordable housing.
Increasing the supply of affordable housing is the main objective of the Affordable Housing
Funding Pool. The City would be the primary sponsor of the program. Public and private funding
sources would provide the initial seed money. This program would provide the City and non-
profit housing developers with the option of producing affordable housing stock through land
acquisition and housing construction. The City would be able to respond to affordable housing
proposals and opportunities throughout the year and not just during the CDBG and HOME
allocation process in March of each year.
8
Priority Project
Starter homes
HOW o Steps to implement:
a.
bo
h.
Status:
Timing:
Monitoring:
Popnlation ~_roqp Served
Groups HI and IV
1-year Goal
10 housing units
Provide low cost gap funding to initiate the project. Budget $300,000 per year for the
next three years from HOME ($150,000) and the City's General Fund ($150,000).
Obtain State and private funds to match City funds.
Identify possible housing sites for purchase and to provide permanent affordability.
Develop specifications for prototype housing units with two, three and four bedrooms.
Examine new and innovative techniques to lower housing construction costs.
Attempt to deliver affordable single-family housing (if attached, no larger than 2 units)
for a cost up to $86,200 per housing unit.
Consider leasehold !and to homeowners for permanent affordability (limited apprecia-
tion).
Recapture initial investment by establishing a revolving fund.
Initiate program.
This is a new program that would be operated by the City.
The program could be implemented in FY99.
This program should be reviewed annually.
2.
LOW INTEREST GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND
Bonds issued by local governments and their agencies can provide a valuable source of funds for
the development of affordable housing. General Obligation Bonds can be for permanently
affordable housing development. They are secured by the project's revenue and the full faith and
credit of the government issuing the debt.
The cost of issuing bonds is substantial. Government issuers usually will pool together several
projects, fund them with proceeds from a common issuance, and split the issuing cost amount to
the borrowers. This enables the community to access large amounts of capital often 1-3 per-
centage points below private market rates. For example, the City is currently issuing General
Obligation Bonds at 5.5%. This rate is approximately 2 - 2.5% less than the private market
lending rate. On a $1,000,000 investment the interest cost savings would be about $300,000 over
the 20 year period.
Priority Project
Long term financing
for housing developments
HOW - Steps to implement:
a.
go
Status:
Timing:
Monitoring:
Population group Served
Groups I and II
l-year Goal
I0-20 housing units
The City Finance Department would perform a cost benefit analysis of using bond
funding to provide permanent financing for affordable housing projects in the amount of
$1,000,000.
Review project criteria with appropriate staff, HCDC and City Council
Survey the interest of local banks and employers to purchase bonds for permanent
housing financing projects.
Identify examples ofprojects that could benefit from this type of financing.
Review program feasibility with bond counsel.
Develop a schedule of potential projects for bond financing.
Initiate program.
This is a new program that would be operated by the City.
The program could be implemented in FY99.
This program should be reviewed annually.
3. FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS - COMBINATION MORTGAGE AND REHA-
BILITATION PROGRAM
Many of the City's existing older housing units are affordable to low and moderate income
households. Of the 742 Iowa City homes that sold in 1996, 293 or 40% sold for under $100,000.
Although this housing is affordable to several of the target groups, in many cases the homes suf-
fer from functional obsolescence and need repair. Once a homeowner purchases housing, there is
little money available to address housing repairs. In some cases, older affordable housing is not
desirable to low and moderate income households, because of the additional cost of repairs after
purchase.
Increasing the flexibility for mortgage lending is a key component of this program. The mortgage
would include a fixed percent of the loan that could be used for rehabilitation cost. The rehabili-
tation cost would be wrapped into the first mortgage, This program would allow the homeowner
to incorporate long term improvements and pay for them over the 30 year term of the mortgage.
A program of this type gives the homeowner the opportumty to address housing improvement
needs immediately. In most cases, financial institutions would hold these loans in their
portfolios.
10
Priority Project
New Mortgage Financing
HOW - Steps to implement:
a.
b.
C.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
Status:
Timing:
Monitoring:
Popnlation gro~o Served
Groups III and IV
1-year Goal
10-20 housing units
Identify financial institutions that have an interest in the program.
Survey the market for potential home buyers of older housing.
Gain financial commitment fi'om local lenders.
Establish a mortgage funding level orS1-2 million to initiate the program.
Establish a group representing financial institutions, City staff and citizens to design the
criteria and guidelines for the program.
Develop a publicity campaign and homebuyer counseling class for the program.
Plan to recapture the initial investment by establishing a revolving fund.
Initiate program.
This is a new program that would be operated by financial institution(s).
The program could be implemented in FY99.
This program should be reviewed annually by the City and financial institution(s).
4.
FIRST HOME PROGRAM
Many potential home buyers are locked out of the market because they lack the necessary down
payment required by lenders or secondary market. The City of Iowa City will work to obtain
public and private dollars to establish a revolving fund for down payment assistance for house-
holds that earn less than 80% of the HUD median income figures for Iowa City.
Major employers could also play a role by providing seed money for this program or by
establishing their own program using the City's program as a model. In the City's program, a
second mortgage is held on the property, which is repaid upon the sale of the home or in monthly
installments. The homeowner has an incentive to put down as much of their own funds as
possible at closing, due to the fact that they receive a proportionate amount of the equity when
the house is sold if the loan has been paid down or property increases in value. The money
provided by the City will be paid back to the "fund" once the home has been sold or transfer of
the title has taken place. This will keep affordable housing dollars in a revolving fund and
available to Iowa City residents on an ongoing basis.
11
PrioriW Prqject
Downpayment Assistance
Population _proRp Served
Groups II and HI
1-year Goal
20 housing units
HOW - Steps to implement:
a. Allocate $50,000 of the City's HOME funds for this type of activity.
b. Apply for future State HOME funds to continue the program.
c. Request money from major employers and foundations.
d. Revise existing program to make assistance in the form of low or no-interest loans with a
monthly payment schedule or shared-equity proportional to City assistance when
repayment is not possible.
eo
Develop a joint promotional campaign between the City of Iowa City and local lenders to
reintroduce the downpayment assistance program to the public.
go
Require all applicants to complete a housing counseling program to be established
through a non-profit agency.
Establish a referral process for applicants applying to the program.
h. Initiate program.
Status: This is an existing program that is operated by the City, but it could be operated
by a non-profit agency.
Timing:
The program could be implemented in FY99.
Monitoring: This program should be reviewed annually by the City.
5.
HOUSING FUND PROGRAM
The Housing Fund Program could be used for a variety of housing activities. The program
objective could be to write-down the cost of land to allow low and moderate income households
the oppommity to have a variety of housing options to meet their needs. This program could also
assist landlords with rental rehabilitation and repairs to older housing units.
The funding to finance the Housing Fund will come from interest on rent deposits held by
landlords and local banks. The interest on rent deposits could provide a good source of new
funding to rehabilitate existing rental properties, to help renters become homeowners and to
assist others in obtaining adequate housing. It is estimated that enough funding could be
generated annually fi'om interest on rent deposits to establish the Housing Fund Program in Iowa
City. For example, the City has approximately 13,737 rental units with 95% occupancy this
equals 13,000 occupied rental units. If the average rental deposit was $500 per unit there would
be $6,500,000 in rental deposits. If the $6,500,000 were deposited in an interest bearing account
for 1 year at a yield of 4.6% it would generate $299,000.
12
Priority Project Population Groqp Served 1-year Goal
Assistance to landlords and tenants Groups I, II, I~ and IV
20 housing units
HOW - Steps to implement:
Review State law to determine the course of action needed to allow the use of rent depos-
its for a Housing Fund Program.
b. Determine the appropriate action required.
c. Work with landlords and financial institutions to organize the funding pool.
Establish criteria for the Housing Fund Program with representatives from lending insti-
tutious, tenant-landlord associations, landlords, City and non-profit developers.
e. Advertise and promote program.
f. Initiate program.
Status:
This program is new. It will be administered by the City.
Timing: The program could be initiated in FY00.
Monitoring: This program should be reviewed annually by the City.
6.
COMMUNITY HOUSING LINKED DEPOSIT PROGRAM
A local linked deposit program seeks to correct a shortage in available capital which has con-
strained the opportunities of targeted groups. Most linked deposit programs connect
government timds already deposited in a bank with the bank's promise to lend the money
according to a specific criteria (e.g., affordable housing). In a locally designed program, money
deposited in a bank would provide non-profit housing developers with lower cost financing to
build affordable owner or renter-occupied housing.
The City would provide some financial support, but the majority of funding for the deposits
would come fi'om organizations in the community (non-profit groups, churches, major employers
and individuals) interested in supporting affordable housing activities. Often, the government and
others participating in a linked deposit program, subsidize the borrowers by purchasing a certifi-
cate of deposit (CD) from the bank or in this case a housing CD for a period of one to two years.
The housing CD holders will get their normal interest rate return. For the commitment of a
housing CD the bank will loan the money to a developer for 6% to 7% for affordable housing
which is 2% less than normal construction financing.
Priority Project
Population group Served
1-year Goal
Lower Cost Financing
Groups I, II and Ill
25 housing units
13
HOW o Steps to implement:
a. Identify a lead non-profit agency to coordinate the program.
b. Identify financial institutions that have an interest in the program.
c. The City would commit a 25% match not to exceed $500,000 for every local dollar put
into the Linked Deposit Program.
d. Set a goal of $2 million from local organizations and major employers.
e. Establish a group representing financial institutions, City staff and local organizations to
design the criteria and guidelines for the program.
f. Gain a finn commiunent from lenders.
go
Develop a publicity campaign to recognize those businesses and organizations partici-
pating in the program.
h. Initiate program.
Status:
This is a new program that would be operated and coordinated by a local non-
profit agency.
Timing: The program could be implemented in FY99.
Monitoring: This program should be reviewed annually by the non-profit agency, City and
bank.
7.
HOUSING REHABILITATION PROGRAM EXPANSION
The City of Iowa City began the Housing Rehabilitation Program in 1977. This program is
designed to provide services to low income homeowners in need of comprehensive rehab,
emergency repair, exterior repair, mobile home repair and residential accessibility. Housing
rehabilitation programs annually assist 40-50 households in Iowa City. However, there is
presently an 18-month waiting list for rehabilitation assistance.
Financial support for this program primarily comes from Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) and HOME Investment Parmership (HOME) funds. Most assistance is in the form of a
low interest or no interest loan which is repaid to the City in installments or at the time a home is
sold or rented. To meet the demands of this program, additional sources of funding are necessary,
such as applying for State funding and leveraging private funding from local banks.
Priority Project
Population Group Served
l-year Goal
Comprehensive Rehab
Groups I, II and III
10 housing units
14
HOW - Steps to implement:
ao
f.
g.
Status:
Timing:
Monitoring:
Identify additional funding sources.
Identify financial institutions that have an interest in the program.
The City would apply for $250,000 of State HOME funds to expand the program.
Work with rehab clients to determine their financial needs.
When applicable, obtain a financing commitment fi'om lenders.
Review and revise, if needed, the guidelines for the Rehab program.
Expand program upon receipt of State HOME funds.
This is an expansion of an existing program.
The program could be implemented in FY98.
This program is reviewed by the Housing and Community Development
Commission.
15
Funding Sources for Implementing
Affordable Housing Programs
Proposed Programs:
Affordable Housing
Funding Pool (R) (O)
Low Interest Local
Revenue Bonds (R)
Financial Institution
Combination Mortgage & Rehab
Loan (0)
Housing Fund (R) (0)
Linked Deposit Program CR) (O)
Existing Programs
First Home Program (0)
Rehabilitation Program (0)
CDBG HOME City State
X X
X
Non-
Profit
X X
X X X
X X X
Local
Bank
X
X
Private
Source
X
X
Renter
Owner
16
DEVELOPMENT AND REGULATORY MEASURES
Many factors affect the cost of housing: the economy, interest rates, land and construction costs,
market pressures, as well as cost associated with complying with government regulations. Local
governments have little control over many of these variables. However, the cost associated with
land use and development regulations are clearly under local government domain and can have a
major effect on land and construction cost.
The Development and Regulatory Measures Subcommittee discussed and reviewed six regula-
tory areas that affect land use and development cost in Iowa City. They include:
Zoning Ordinance, which governs density and the placement and mix of residential, com-
mercial, industrial and other uses.
Subdivision Regulations, which establishes minimum standards for roads, water, sewer
and parks.
Building Codes, which requires that newly constructed buildings meet minimal structural,
fire, plumbing and electrical standards.
Environmental Regulations, which controls development on slopes, sensitive areas and
flood plain management.
Historical Preservation Requirements, which seeks to protect significant buildings and
neighborhoods by encouraging property owners to maintain the integrity of historic struc-
tures and areas.
Pertnit and Paperwork Procedures, which controls the development review and
regulatory process, like obtaining rezoning or subdivision approval and submitting design
and engineering plans for approval.
From this exhaustive review, the Subcommittee believes that local government can affect the
cost of development in land cost, developer cost and site improvement cost. Following are some
implementation techniques that may reduce the overall cost of developing housing in Iowa City.
I1.
Small Lot Zoning
The reduction in size of housing lots, can have a major impact on the size, shape, look and cost
of housing. This type of zoning necessitates community acceptance of a more urban
environment.
The cost of land can constitute up to 25% of the cost of a newly constructed single family home
in Iowa City. Land prices, as a general role, escalate when the demand for development is high
and land supply is limited. Developable land supply can be limited through regulatory constraints
17
such as large minimum lot sizes in some neighborhood areas. Any rise in the cost of land clearly
will cause a rise in the overall development cost.
Priority Project
Population groqp Served
1-year Goal
Small lot development
Groups II, HI and IV
5 - 10 housing units
HOW - Steps to implement:
ao
Staff will develop regulatory language to amend the Zoning Ordinance to allow for small
lot development. The zoning amendment would permit a lot size in the range of 4,000 to
4,500 square feet for housing development in the City.
bo
Staff will develop design criteria for small lot development to ensure compatibility with
surrounding neighborhoods.
Co
A staff recommendation for small lot zoning would be presented to the Planning and
Zoning Commission for their review and recommendation.
d. The zoning amendment would be presented to City Council for approval.
e. Initiate strategy.
Status:
This is a new !and use strategy that would be administrated by the City.
Timing:
The strategy could be implemented in FY99.
Monitoring: This strategy should be reviewed annually.
2.
Reduction of Lot Widths
This particular technique will help in developing land on narrow lots in newly developing areas.
The Subcommittee also discussed this technique as a possible opportunity for developing infill
lots in existing older neighborhoods.
Reducing lot widths may encourage the construction of smaller single family homes, zero lot
lines, duplex and townhouse units. With narrow lots, design issues need to be addressed, other-
wise, the street appearance could be one of a continuous row of garage doors and paved drive-
ways. This can be addressed by providing for garages to the rear of the properties through shared
driveways or alleys or recessing the garage behind the front plane of the house.
Priority Project
Population group Served
1-year Goal
Townhouse development
Groups II, lII and IV
5 - 10 housing units
18
HOW o Steps to implement:
Staff would develop regulatory language to amend the Zoning Ordinance to allow for
new small lot districts and greater flexibility in existing small lot districts (RS-8 and RS-
12). The zoning amendment would permit lot widths of 2545 feet for housing
development in new districts. Staff would also investigate mechanisms for allowing
single family housing on narrow lots in the RS-8 zone and look at reducing the width
allowed for townhouses in the RS-12 zone.
bo
Staff will identify the location of the new small lot districts for outlying areas and appro-
priate infill areas.
Co
The proposed zoning amendment for small lot districts would be made available for pub-
lic comment.
A staff recommendation for small lot districts would be presented to the Planning and
Zoning Commission for their review and recommendation.
e. The zoning amendment would be presented to City Council for approval.
f. Initiate strategy.
Status:
This is a new land use strategy that would be administrated by the City.
Timing: The strategy could be implemented in FY99.
Monitoring: This strategy should be reviewed annually.
3.
Reducing Infrastructure Cost
Inherent in the development of higher density communities is the reduction of infrastructure
costs. It is generally the case that cost will increase as a development increases in land size.
Longer roads, more pipes, extra wiring all increase the price of housing. Therefore it follows that
there is a natural incentive to save on costs by intensifying land uses, but resistance to increased
densities may occur. However, reducing infrastructure cost through regulatory changes that
promote compact well-designed neighborhoods could act as an incentive to build quality
moderate priced housing.
Reduce pavement widths and allow non-concrete alleys for City and utility services -
Iowa City currently requires that local residential streets be paved to a width of 28 feet.
There has been a recent trend among cities to reduce residential streets to 24-26 feet. A
26- foot wide street allows for two 9-foot wide travel lanes and one 8-foot wide parking
lane. Pavement cost is one of the highest costs in developing a new subdivision. An
added benefit to narrower streets may be the reduction in the speed of traffic in residential
streets. In addition, allow for garages to be placed in the back of homes off an asphalt or
gravel alley or driveway which may also provide access to utility easements.
19
Decrease setback requirements and con.~ider new street design - Reducing setback
requirements and allowing zero lot line development in typical subdivisions gives devel-
opers more flexibility in designing good affordable housing projects. Also, investigate
changes in street design like use of roll over curbs.
Priority Project
Lower development cost
HOW - Steps to implement:
a.
Population group Served
1-year Goal
Groups II, [] and IV
5 -10 housingunits
Staff would develop regulatory language to amend the Subdivision Code to allow for a
26-foot street and consideration of 22 foot wide pavements for short no through streets.
b. Staff would also prepare a resolution to change the Public Work's Infrastructure
Standards to allow 26-foot wide streets in new subdivisions.
do
Staff would prepare information to amend the Zoning Code to allow reduced setback
requirements and zero lot-lines for small lot developments.
Staff would develop language to amend the Zoning Ordinance for reduced setback
requirements.
New street design standards like roll over curbs, would be considered by staff.
Staff would encourage shared utility services in rear of properties with access by alleys.
Staff would present these regulatory changes to the Planning and Zoning Commission for
their review and recommendation.
ho
Status:
Timing:
Monitoring:
These regulatory changes would be submitted to City Council for approval.
Initiate strategy.
This is a new land use strategy that would be administrated by the City.
The strategy could be implemented in FY00.
This strategy should be reviewed annually.
4.
Fast Track for Affordable Housing
One idea for creating more affordable housing has been to create an incentive for builders by re-
ducing the governmental processing time for project approval. Approval time for affordable
housing could be reduced by making these projects top priority in the development review proc-
20
ess. Reduction of time would result in quicker output of new housing, and would provide
developers a quicker return on their investments.
Mandatory pre-developrnent meeting - There would be a required meeting for anyone
going through the City's development review process. Staff would walk customers
through the specific requirements in the process that are applicable to their applications.
Project scheduling and timelines would be clarified at this stage in the process.
Checklist for development review process - A checklist detailing the requirements for
each development process (zoning amendment, annexation, subdivision review, site plan
review, etc.) would be provided to developers. The checklist would describe the
informational needs of the City and the time required to process the request. The checklist
would provide guidance to developers, consultants and others interested in meeting City
requirements to provide housing. This checklist would be part of the application with
appropriate sign-off from developers, engineers and others acknowledging that the
application is complete and ready for City review. The checklist sign-off could speed-up
the process and avoid the need to review a project several times because of omitted
information and other problems that delay the project. A clear set of instructions for both
developers and City staff could be beneficial in processing housing applications.
Priority Project
Streamline development
review
HOW - Steps to implement:
Streamline development process - Final plats are currently reviewed by both the Planning
and Zoning Commission and City Council, whereas the State Code only requires Council
approval. Most design decisions that the Planning and Zoning Commission are concerned
about are addressed at the preliminary stage. To streamline the review process, final plats
could be submitted directly to Council without Planning and Zoning Commission review.
This could shorten the review period by four to six weeks. Streamlining the subdivision
development review process could be implemented to save time and money for the City
and developers.
Population group Served 1-year Goal
Groups I, If, III and IV 15 -20 housing units
ao
Mandatory pre-development meetings and checklists for project review could be devel-
oped and implemented administratively within the Planning and Community Develop-
ment and Public Works Departments.
Staff would develop regulatory language to amend the Subdivision Ordinance to allow
final plats to be approved by the City Council to streamline the development review proc-
ess and to be in line with current State Code.
This subdivision amendment for final plat approval would be made available for public
comment.
do
A staff recommendation for this regulatory change would be presented to the Planning
and Zoning Commission for their review and recommendation.
21
e. Final approval for the subdivision amendment would be submitted to City Council.
£. Initiatc strategy.
Status:
This is a new !and use strategy that would be administrated by the City.
Timing: The strategy could be implemented in FY99.
Monitoring: This strategy should be reviewed annually.
5.
Study to Analyze the Development Code
There have been several issues raised concerning the requirements and steps necessary to file and
complete a land use application. Many feel that the process is cumbersome and very time con-
suming. Yet on the other hand, neighborhood groups often express concern that sufficient time
and scrutiny is not given to review of projects that will have a long term effect on their neighbor-
hoods. A review of current regulations to look for opportunities to consolidate procedures, sim-
plify the process and clarify vague or broad development review criteria for ease of use would be
one of the main purposes of the study.
The other goal of the study would be to examine specialty ordinances which create additional
development cost, e.g., storm water retention, sensitive areas and park land dedication and other
specialty ordinances. Obviously, the City's goal would be to simplify the process without com-
promising the quality or safety of the development product. A balance of development review
streamlining and community standards would be a major challenge in completing the develop-
ment code analysis. By reviewing the City's processes, hopefully they would become more user
fi'iendly with improved customer service characteristics.
PrioriW Project
Population group Served
1-year Goal
Streamline regulations
Groups I, II, III and IV
Completed study
HOW - Steps to implement:
Planrang and Community Development will assemble a team from the Home Builders
Association and other appropriate groups to develop parameters for the study.
b. Community organizations and others will give input into the design of the study.
c. Solicit consulting services locally or nationally.
Planning and Community Development, Home Builders Association, neighborhood
representatives and other appropriate groups will review Consultant proposals and make
recommendations to the City Council.
e. Hire a consultant to complete the study.
22
Status:
Timing:
Monitoring:
This is a new program to be coordinated by the Planning and Community
Development Department.
The project could be initiated in FY00.
The information should be updated every five years.
e
Density Bonuses for Affordable Developments and !nf'fil Projects that Match Neigh-
borhood Standards
A density bonus is utilized as an incentive to housing developers as a reward for developing in
the interest of the community; in this case, developing housing to meet the targeted income
groups in this report.
Density bonuses should be encouraged to increase affordable housing opportunities in the City.
These bonuses can help offset any reduction in profits to developers by providing additional
market rate housing in a development. In order for density bonuses to be effective, the bonus
must be great enough to balance the risk assumed by developers in providing a mix of housing
options.
In this case, density bonuses would serve two purposes. First, they would provide incentives to
build more affordable housing units and second, the bonus would allow higher densities which
lowers the average cost of homes in a development. Currently, density bonuses are offered in the
PRM zones for design considerations and provision of affordable housing.
Priority Project
Increase affordable
housing
Population group Served
Groups II, III and IV
l-year Goal
5-10 housing units
HOW - Steps to implement:
ao
Encourage all residential projects to provide housing for low and moderate income fami-
lies. Developers would receive a bonus of one conventional trait for every low to moder-
ate income unit provided (A low to moderate income unit is affordable to households at
50% to 80% of median income).
Staff would develop regulatory language to amend the Zoning Ordinance and PDH Ordi-
nance to allow density bonuses for affordable housing development that is compatible
and consistent with existing and historical neighborhoods.
Co
Public comment would be solicited for the zoning amendment that would provide a den-
sity bonus to increase affordable housing opportunities.
do
A staff recommendation for density bonuses would be presented to the Planning and
Zoning Commission for their review and recommendation.
23
e. The recommendation would be submitted to City Council for approval.
f. Initiate strategy.
Status:
This is a new !and use strategy that would be administrated by the City.
Timing:
The strategy could be implemented in FY99.
Monitoring: This strategy should be reviewed annually.
7. Neotraditional Development
The neotraditional concept comes from the desire to replicate the characteristics of older tradi-
tional neighborhoods. For many people, these neighborhoods are viewed as being the most
desirable places to live. These neighborhoods are known for their diversity of housing types and
price ranges, streetscapes and parkways, neighborhood stores and shops and most importantly for
their sense of neighborhood identity. Neotraditional neighborhoods tend to use land more
efficiently and therefore !and cost and infrastructure cost may be reduced. In sharp comparison,
suburban neighborhoods lack many of these qualities. For this reason, many cities are now trying
to incorporate the planning principles that produce neotraditional neighborhoods.
The peninsula site provides an opportunity for the City to use the principles of neotraditionalism
that highlights affordable housing as an element in the concept. The peninsula site is one of the
few large undeveloped tracts in the City that has the size to bring together many of the principles
of the traditional neighborhood.
Priority Project
Population Group Served
1-Year Goal
Increase affordable Groups II, III and IV 15-20 housing units
housing
HOW - Steps to implement:
ao
do
Encourage the peninsula site project to include a certain percentage of residential units for
low and moderate income housing. Non-profit and for-profit developers could receive
incentives for providing low and moderate income housing in the project.
Staff would hire a consultant to help with developing neotraditional concepts and
parameters for the peninsula site.
A "Request for Proposal" would be developed with the elements of neotraditionalism to
solicits developer proposals.
Staff would develop regulatory language, if needed, to amend the Zoning Ordinance to
allow the flexibility to develop the peninsula site with the essential components of a
neotraditional development.
A staff recommendation for the peninsula site as neotraditional development would be
presented to the Planning and Zoning Commission for their review and recommendation.
24
f.
g.
The recommendation would be submitted to City Council for approval.
Initiate strategy.
Status:
Timing:
Monitoring:
This is a new concept for land use development that would be coordinated by the
City.
The strategy could be implemented in FY99.
This strategy should be reviewed in two years.
25
CONCLUSION
The Iowa City Community Housing Forum Subcommittees examined, discussed and debated a
myriad of issues which exist in the community that make it difficult for residents to obtain and
maintain suitable housing. The Community Housing Forum attempted to match housing needs
with resources, programs and local capacity to outline a direction for increasing affordable
housing availability in Iowa City. Additionally, the Forum hopes that the City Council can use
this report as a framework for developing a comprehensive policy and implementation strategy
for the City.
In order for the recommendations in this report to be successful, the full support and
collaboration among City Council, the Home Builders Association, financial institutions,
developers, neighborhoods and residents of Iowa City must come together to promote
economically diverse housing opportunities. The City Council has a pivotal leadership role in
directing the course of affordable housing policies and programs presented in this report. The
Community Housing Forum recommends this report to City Council in deciding future housing
policy.
Hopefully, City Council will find the Housing: Issues and Solutions Report a valuable tool in
addressing the following issues:
Determining City govemment's role in providing affordable housing for Iowa City
residents.
Developing specific policies that reflect the City's role in assuring affordable housing
options.
Deciding the level of financial resources the City will invest in affordable housing efforts.
26
APPENDIX A
Programs
Affordable Housing
Funding Pool
General Obligation Bond
Financial Institutions--
Combination Mortgage
and Rehab Loan
First Home Program
Housing Fund Program
Funding Mechanisms Housing Strategies
Budget Impacts--Cost/Benefit Analysis
ObJectives Met
Target Groups III and IV
Target Groups I and II
Target Groups III and IV
Estimated Public Cost
$300,000 to initially establish
the funding pool; $150,000
from City's HOME funds and
$150,000 from General Fund
(3 years x $300,000 =
$900,000 for program)
No direct cost to the City;
housing projects to cover cost
of bond financing of $1 million
No direct cost to City
Staff Time
750 hours to establish
criteria, analyze projects,
process applications for
approval through the
Housing and Community
Development Commission
160 hours to establish the
program and identify
appropriate projects.
120 hours to assist
financial institutions as
needed
Target Groups II and III
$50,000 of HOME funds from
City's annual allocation
125 hours to work with
applicants and complete
program
Target Groups I, II, III,
and IV
No direct cost to City
240 hours to research
strategy, survey landlords,
and develop an action plan
Bonofits
30 affordable housing units
at $30,000 per unit for gap
financing.
Permanent financing for 20
rental housing units at
$50,000 per unit
10 households could
receive combination
mortgage and rehabilitation
loans
20 households; could
receive downpayment
assistance for home
purchase based on $2,500
per loan
Potentially $300,000 in
rental deposit interest that
could be used for
affordable housing
activities
plxlcdbgrnsg$lrat.doc 1
Programs
Community Housing
Linked Deposit Program
(Housing Certificates of
Deposit)
Housing Rehabilitation
Program Expansion
Objectives Met
Target Groups I, II, and
III
Target Groups I, II, and
III
Estimated Public Cost
No direct cost to City
$250,000 from State HOME
funds requested by city to
expand this program
Staff Time
160 hours to help establish
criteria and program design
working with local banks
588 hours to process
applications, perform work
write-ups, and monitor the
completion of all repairs
25 construction loans for
affordable housing units
could be financed at lower
interest rates in exchange
for Housing CD deposited
in banks by the City,
businesses, and other
organizations
10 households; could
receive assistance based
on $25,000 per grant for
comprehensive housing
repairs
ppdcdbgrnsgslrat.doc 2
Development and Regulatory Measures
Housing Strategies
Budget Impact -- Cost/Benefit Analysis
Current
Regulation
Minimum Lot Size
5,000 sq. ft.
Minimum Lot Width 45
feet
Residential street
paved to a width of 28
feet and front yard
residential set-back
requirement of 20 feet
Proposed
Regulation/Project
Small lot zoning (4,000 to
4,500 sq. ft.)
Small lot zoning with 25-
45 foot lot width and
investigate allowing
single family or narrower
lots in the RS-8 zone and
reducing lot widths for
townhouses in the RS-12
zone
Reduce residential
streets pavement widths
to 26 feet and allow
flexible front yard
setbacks
Objectives Met
Target Groups II, III
and IV
Target Groups II, III
and IV
Target Groups II, III
and IV
Estimated
Public Cost
No direct cost to City
No direct cost to City
No direct cost to City
Staff Time
40-80 hours to
research and draft
zoning amendments
40-60 hours to
research and draft
zoning amendments
40-60 hours to
research and make
appropriate changes
Benefits/Addti'~:~.' !i
ValUe
Would allow more
compact development
and more housing units
per acre
Would allow more
compact development
and more housing units
per acre
Reduces development
cost and may make
housing more affordable
plxIcdbg/regumeas .doc 3
Current
Regulation
Encourages pre-
development meetings,
no checklist for
development review,
and Planning & Zoning
approves final plat
N/A
Density bonuses
offered in PRM zone
for design
considerations and
provision of affordable
housing.
N/A
Proposed
RegulatlonlProJect
Requires pre-
development meetings,
incorporates a checklist
for development review,
and final plats approved
only by City Council
Study to Analyze the
Development Code
Amend zoning ordinance
and PDH ordinance to
allow density bonuses for
affordable housing
(developer receives one
conventional unit for
each affordable unit
offered)
Neotraditional housing
development -- hire a
consultant to develop
neo-traditional design
elements and criteria for
"RFP" and to develop a
public process for
participation
Objectives Met
Target Groups I, II,
III and IV
Target Groups I, II,
III and IV
Target Groups II, III
and IV
Target Groups II, III
and IV
Estimated
Public Cost
No direct cost to City
$20,000
No direct cost to City
$50,000
StaffTime
40-60 hours
20-40 hours
60-80 hours
80 hours
Reduce time required for
review process
Streamlined
development process
Provides incentive to
produce affordable
housing in new housing
developments
Will lead to a model
neighborhood with a mix
of housing types
ppdcdbg/regumea-.doc 4
APPENDIX B
IOWA CITY COMMUNITY HOUSING FORUM
TIMETABLE FOR PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION
PROGRAMS
Affordable Housing Funding Pool
- Request HOME funding from HCDC
- Develop program criteria
- Implement program & review
applications
General Obligation Bond
Develop program objectives
& criteria
Meet with Council to discuss
implementation plan
Identify possible projects
Implement project
Financial Institutions -Combination
Mortgage and Rehab Program
Meet with lenders and non-profit to
discuss and develop program
Provide technical assistance
as needed
Monitor program
First Home Program
Request funding from HCDC
Make any program changes
Begin implementing program
Housing Fund Program
Research strategy
Determine landlords interest
Submit implementation plan to
Council
J
F M
A M
1998
j!
iJ
A
S
0 N
D J F
1999
M A M J J
A
0
N D
Pl~lCdbg/llmetbl.doc 1
PROGRAMS
- Propose legislative changes
Community Housing Linked !~el~o$/t
Program
- Meet with lenders, non-profit
groups and others to discuss
program criteria and mechanics
- Develop criteria for group
consensus
- Survey major employers and others
that would participate
- Advertise & implement program
Housing Rehabilitation Program
Expansion
Submit State HART Application
Submit full application to State for
Rehab Funding
Start program
J
F M
A M
1998
J J
N D
F M
1999
J J
A S'6
~ D
plXlcdbg/t~metbl.doc 2
PROGRAMS
Small Lot ,7oning
Develop design criteria for small
lot developments
Develop regulatory language
Planning and zoning review
Amend zoning ordinance
Reduction of Lot Widths
Identify areas for small lot
districts
Research allowing single family
or narrower lots in RS-8 zones
and reducing lot widths for
townhouses in RS-12 zones
Planning and zoning review
Amend zoning ordinance
Reducing infrastructure Cost
Staff consensus on reducing
pavement widths and non-
concrete alleys
Develop regulatory language to
promote new street designs for
appropriate projects
Planning and zoning review
Amend subdivision ordinance
Fast Track for Affordable Housing
Initiate mandatory
predevelopment meeting
Develop checklist for
development review process
Planning and zoning review
Amend zoning ordinance
J F M A M
1998
J J
A S
O N
D J F M
1999
A $
o N
ppdcdl)g/l,melbl.doc 3
PROGRAMS
Study to Analyze the Develol~rnent
Apply for CDBG or local funds
Develop request for proposal
Select consultant
Complete study
Density Ronuses for Affordable
Develol~rnent and Infill Projects
Research and develop regulatory
language for incentive
Planning and zoning review
Amend zoning ordinance
Neotraditiona/ !~eve/ol~rnent
Invite qualified consultant to
submit proposals to help design
and develop criteria for Peninsula
site
Select consultant
Develop design concept
Request proposals from
developers
Begin construction of Peninsula
development
J F M
A M
1998
J J
A $
0 N
D J
F M'A
M
1999
J iJ
A!S O
;
N D
ppdcdbglttmet~l,doc 4
APPENDIX C
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
10.28.97
To:
From:
Re:
Community Housing Forum Participants
John F. Shaw, Target Groups and Goal Setl~ng Subcommittee
'Housing Issues and Solutions': Momtormg slrategies
It is necessary to have a means to mark and measure progress, or lack thereof.
When applicable, and to the greatest practical extent:
Utilize existing statistics to develop a 'base !me' which can be used to mark the current status of
those measurable entities defined or implied by the goals, statements of policy, objectives, or
implementation steps contained within the Iowa City Community Housing Forum Committee
Report, 'Housing Issues and Solutions.' When statistics are not available, compile the necessary
information to record the current status of those entities that can be quantified.
For those goals, statements of policy, objectives or implementation steps which do not afford
quantification, develop a verbal statement that records accurately and as objectively as possible
the cun'ent status. Keep records of the criteria used to develop these verbal assessments.
At regular intervals, perhaps six months, review and chronicle current status of the above
mentioned items against previous status. Schedule a report of this review every six months as an
information or discussion item for City Council. Momtor progress for a three to five year period.
Adjust and redirect efforts and strategies as necessary to affect thc desired change.
APPENDIX D
Providing Affordable Housing by U 'tdizing Small Lots and'
s'-m-aii' Units ("Zoning News," American Planning Association,
February 1991)
Providing Affordable Housing by Utilizing Small Lots and Small Units ("Zoning News," American
Planning Association, February 1991).
Qno ~-technique uaod to encourage lower-cost units is to include in the zoning code a diaixlct-
~hat permits lots smaller than the local standard. For example, Wallkill, New York has a minimum
lot size requirement of 6,000 square feet in its affordable housing district. Arlington, Texas permits
zero-lot-line homes on 5,000-square-foot lots, while conventionally sited houses require at least
6,000 square feet.
These lots may seem small, but the McGill University School of Architecture in Montreal proposes
even smaller units. The Grow Home, a small house designed at that school, is a two-story row house,
14 feet wide, with a 1,000-square-foot footprint. Lots as small as 1,500 can accommodate a Grow
Home with a small backyard gardem
A San Francisco developer, Donald MacDonald, has designed even smaller single-family detached
units with only 300 to 900 square feet of living space. Included in the two-story unit are two
bedrooms, a loft, living and dining areas, and a kitchen. San Francisco zoning regulations require
that these units be built on land zoned for apartment units and lots cannot be subdivided.-The houses
are two inches apart and am gold individually, but the land beneath each house must be owned
jointly as part of a condominium. This would not be the case if cities began adopting cottage zoning
districts with a minimum lot size of 1,000 square feet.
Despite their small size, Grow Homes and MacDonald houses are designed to be sold at market
rates, targeted to buyers at the lower end of the economic spectrum.
While few communities have chosen to allow mails as small as Grow Homes or MacDonald houses,
some communities have provided for a variety of housing types by allowing smaller than standard
lots. Standard lot sizes in San Antonio are 6,000 square feet, which is considered the bare minimum
for single-family lots in other parts of the country.
Another method of encouraging the development of affordable housing is the pmvision__pf ~sity
bonuses. Localities are passing ordinances that allow developers to build at densities~,'~0 ~ercent""'x
higher than those previously allowed. Aside fi'om permitting smaller lots, such an ordinance can also
allow a few single-family attached units in zones where only detached units had been built.
An effective way of reducing building costs is to reduce the cost of surrounding infrastructure.
Smaller lot sizes c, an help accomplish this without any reduction in infi'astructure standards because
pipes and roads need not stretch so far. Also, houses can share pipe lines, plastic pipes can be used
instead of copper, neighborhood streets should not be too wide, and sidewalks should only be
installed where well used.
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: November 13, 1997
To: Robert Miklo, Senior Planner
From: John Yapp, Associate Planner
Re: Alleys in New Subdivisions
The question of whether the introduction of alleys would increase the amount of
paving in new subdivisions came up during the development of the Sans/tire Areas
Ordinance, and again with the draft/owe City Comprehensive P/an, both of which
encourage the use of alleys in compact neighborhoods. It is true that alleys in
conventional single-family subdivisions with lot widths of 60 feat or more, would -
increase the amount of pavement per lot. However, alleys in combination with
narrower lots and slightly narrower streets will use less pavement per lot than a
conventional design.
If designed properly, alleys can be a valuable amenity to a neighborhood. Benefits of
alleys include:
· W'~h garages off the alley there will be fewer curb cuts on the street, and
none of the front yard would need to be paved.
· V~F~h local traffic using the alleys, the street will carry less traffic.
· Alleys can serve as the location for utility services and service vehicle
accoss. . -
· In more dense neighborhoods with smell houses, locating the garage to
the rear helps improve the residential appearance of the street.
The following table helps to illustrate how the use of alleys. in compact
neighborhoods, results in less paved area per house when compared to conventional
subdivisions. In general, the narrower the lot the less pavement per lot there will
be, regardless of how deep the lots are. It should be noted that the most likely land
uses in compact neighborhoods with narrower lots will be zero-lot line, townhouse,
and small single-family dwellings.
Street Width, Lot Size, and Pavement per Lot
Street Alley Lot
Width Width WlO~h
28' 0' 60'
25' 16' 40'
25' 16' 30'
25' 16' 25'
Pavement/
Lot
1,E80 ~f Conventk)nal/ot
1,640
1.025
f:~heted~ocd~alley2.
IOW~I ~.,ILy I"1'e55 t.,ll. izeft -JUly 'l, I~
OaknoR:
Bond best
for funding
apamnents
B~ Jmm#w BIw
UNWERSTTY HI~AITS --
To ~ ~ ~ ~
~,~1 ~~
~e is ~ Umive~
~1 ~.~ m ~ 14
~ MI ~ ex~ ~ ~-
~lm. ~1 ~1 ~ fm=
~. ~ ~ · ~ of
~.
~ ~- ,
co~sider~
O~t~oll ~ ~~d
~o~rofi~.
~ ~ ~ r~m7
projects, ~. 1~
proj~ al ~
Univ~si;y Hei~ ~yor
"1~'8 ~ ~, ~
Oaknoll
Iowa Coalition for Housing and th.e Homeless
20S-tSthStreet · DesMo e AS0309-340S S S-288-S02Z
1998 State Legislative Agenda
LETTt R )
1) Dedicate Real Estate Transfer Tax for local housing and homeless programs.
The Iowa Department of Economic Development has estimated that there are over 188,000 low
and moderate income households in Iowa who are in need of housing assistance. An estimated
three billion dollars would be necessary to address this need. Over one third of all Iowa renters
are spending over one third of their income on housing cost. Over 70% of households at 50% of
median income or below are expending over one third of their income on housing. A dedicated
revenue source, controlled at the local level would provide a reliable source of funding which
would be used to leverage private dollars for much needed affordable housing development.
2)
Provide a 2 million dollar general appropriation for the Homeless Shelter
Operations Program.
There over ig,000 homeless in Iowa. Over half are children. Most are part of a homeless family
headed by a single parent. Approximately 3000 shelter beds are available on any give night in
Iowa. Many families are forced to live in abandoned buildings, in cars and on the street. Iowa is
simply not doing enough to empower the non-profit community to address this crisis.
Investments to move individuals from the streets to short term shelters, through transitional
housing programs and into market housing are cost effective and the morally right thing to do.
Ignoring this issue is a huge cost to Iowa in the long run.
3)
Provide a 2.5 million dollar appropriation for the Emergency Assistance Program,
in addition to 2.5 million in federal TANF dollars. Turn over administration of EAP
from the Department of Human Services to the Community Action Agencies.
The Emergency Assistance Program (EAP) provides up to $500 a year in emergency assistance to
families with children under the age of 18. EA funds are available to a family once during any
consecutive twelve months. Resources are targeted to families who are homeless or at a direct
risk of becoming homeless. Assistance may include rent, utilities, house payments or repair. All
other resources, including General Relief must be exhausted before assistance can be provided.
This program saves the state the much higher cost associated with providing supportive services
to homeless families. It is much cheaper to prevent homelesshess that it is to cure homelessness.
Over 77% of families who utilize EAP funds have never accessed this program before. This
program is underfunded and thus shuts down after a little over three months of operation every
year
4) Reform Landlord/Tenant/Mobile Home Law
For years the iowa legislature has been confronted with horror stories of tenants trashing property
and dealing drugs. In response, the legislature has shortened the eviction process and given
landlords new tools to evict tenants. This has unfortunately made it easier for unethical landlords
to exploit tenants. While strengthening landlord fights, nothing has been done to empower
tenants to deal with the reality of slumlords, absentee landlords and unethical conduct.
A)
Require landlords to show good cause (non-payment of rent, damage to
property, unruly behavior, etc.) for eviction from a mobile home park.
Landlords may now evict mobile home owners by giving a 60 day notice without having to have a
reason for the eviction. The cost of moving a mobile home exceeds $ i 500, assuming an owner
can find another location for their home. This has resulted in wide spread abuses of the 60 day
no-cause eviction. When confronted with a no-cause eviction notice, low-income tenant/owners
are forced to leave their mobile home and lose possession of it, ot~en to the landlord. Most states
require good cause to evict fi'om mobile home parks.
B)
Require state to send notice stating alternative tax computation on annual
mobile home owners tax (Iowa Code section 435.22).
Just like other home owners, manufactured housing owners pay an annual tax. Iowa code
provides exemptions and lower tax computations for certain classes of mobile home owners
(students, low-income). However, mobile home owners are not informed of the alternative
computations and are billed at the higher rate, causing tens of thousand of mobile home owners to
over pay their annual mobile home tax.
c)
Require landlord to offer manufactured home owners a 5 year lease,
including limits on lot rent increases.
Because of the high cost of moving a mobile home, owners are committed to living in the park
their home is located. The immobility of manufactured homes give the park owner extraordinary
leverage once the home is installed. Frequently, large and unpredictable rent increases are one of
the of the most pressing problems facing a mobile home owner. They cannot simply move if
landlords unreasonably raise the rent. Mobile home owners have no recourse. Owners should at
least have the option of a long-term lease which spell out rent increases.
D)
Give judicial discretion to allow reasonable time to remove mobile homes
under Iowa Code section 648.22.
Because of the time and money involved with transporting a manufactured home, a judge should
have discretion to give a mobile home owner a reasonable amount of time to move a mobile home
from the park. Currently, a judge can by law can only give the owner three days. it is impossible
to move a mobile home in three days Unethical landlords can use this to gain title to the mobile
home without having to pay the mobile home owner anything tbr the property Judges should be
able to take into account the unique circumstances or'each individual case Give judges the
discretion they deserve
E) Amend double deposit law to include pre-paid rent.
Prior to 1994, Iowa landlords could charge up to the equivalent of two months rent as a security
deposit and in pre-paid rent prior to a tenant moving into a rental unit. By accident or design a
change in the law that year eliminated any cap on pre-paid rent. So while there is a cap on how
much a landlord may demand up fi'ont for security deposit, there is no cap on pre-paid rent, so
landlords can now demand any amount in advance.
F) Provide statutory damages for illegal evictions and utility shut-offs.
Currently, low-income tenants who are victims of illegal actions by landlords may collect "actual
damages", meaning in court they must produce receipts for expenses incurred as a result of the
illegal action by the landlord. While a middle income family may stay in a hotel a~er being
illegally evicted, a low-income family moves onto the street or into a shelter and because they are
poor have no "expenses", thus statutory damages are needed to deter the illegal actions of
unethical landlords.
G) Prohibit discrimination based on source of payment.
Low-income families sometimes need temporary assistance with a rent payment and may timely
offer the landlord a check from a local church or a general relief or emergency assistance voucher.
Landlords should not be able to evict tenants for non-payment of rent when the landlord has
refuse to accept a rent payment based on the source.
H) Require a notice of opportunity to cure in clear and present danger evictions.
Landlords may evict tenants under an expedited three day eviction procedure if the tenant creates
conditions which are a clear and present danger to other tenants or the landlord, such are violent
behavior or drug dealing by the tenant or a guest of the tenant. In domestic abuse cases, violence
by a spouse against the other is grounds for evicting the entire family. However, the victim may
obtain a no-contact order to prevent the abuser from returning. This action prevents'eviction if
the landlord is notified in writing by the victim. Because there is no requirement that the tenant be
informed of the opportunity to "cure" the clear and present danger, many domestic abuse victims
are evicted simply because they did not know that they needed to inform the landlord in writing
that they had "cured" the problem.
l)
Utilize interest from tenant's rental deposits for affordable housing and
homeless programs.
Landlords in Iowa are allowed to keep the interest from a tenant's rental deposits. Advocates
have proposed that for-profits landlords with four or more rental units be required to turn over
the interest earned on those accounts. This program would operate similar to the real estate
escrow account system and !OLTA, (the system to collect interest from lawyers trust accounts).
· New Haven ·
· Loan Fund ·
The purpose of the
Greater New Hmen Community
Loan Fund, Inc. is to provide
resources for affordal~ housing
and community developmenL
As a vehicle for lending and
investment, the Fund can be a
catalyst for creating and
sustaining vibrant neighbort~ods.
In order to accomplish
its mission, the Greater New
Haven Community Loan Fund:
Provides low interest
financing for projects which:
· Enlarge the stock of
affordable housing
· Revitalize or stabilize
neighborhoods
· Foster community
Provides a financially
sound opportunity for individuals
and organizations to make
socially responsive investments
in housing and community
Provides technical
assistance and information to
non-profit developers, community
and religious groups, go~q, nment
agencies and others in the region
which work to create and sustain
vigorous neighborhoods.
First Loan Made
Number of Loans
Number of Borrowers
Number of Units
Number of individuals served
Total Money Loaned
Total Project Dollars Leveraged
Total Loss
August 1988
43
23
635
1000+
$%089,204
$41,000,000
$ 0
L
"THEY HAVE BECOME
THE 'GLUE' TH~,T HELPS
PILDJECT~ GO FOR.~/~,P~D.
THEY SEI~VE ~,N
I/V~ PO!~T~NT FUNCTION
~ L~E~GING ~E
PUBLIC FUNDJ ~TH
P~V~TE ~E~O~ ~PIT~L.
THI~ I~ E~PECI~LLY
~ICNIFI~NT TOD~Y ~
~TE ~ND FEDE~L
~U8~IDIE~ FO~ HOUSING
~D NEIGHBORHOOD
D~ELOP~E~ DI~PP~"
Ro~ Ka~o~ Dir~1o~
F~nie M~ CT Pa~p Office
The Loan Fund seeks
socially responsible investments to
increase the financing capacity of
the Community Pool. The terms
of an investment may vary
depending on each party's needs
and wishes. There is a minimum
amount of $Z,000 for one year
with a return of 0-3%, which is
paid on a quarterly basis. An
investor is encouraged, whenever
possible, to place a loan for a
longer term and in most cases,
loans are renewed for additional
terms. Locally and nationally,
individuals, churches and
synagogues, and private
corporations and businesses have
infused the Community Pool with
capital that is made available to
finance affordable housing
projects. The GNHCLF sees each
investment as an essential
partnership in helping to build
strong and safe communities.
Loans are available to
non-profit developers and
neighborhood-based organizations
for building affordable housing
and community development for
the low-to-moderate income
population of the Greater New
Haven and Lower Naugatuck
Valley regions. Applications are
suDmitted with detailed
information about the project, the
applicant and the applicant's
financial security. After initial
review and analysis by GN HCLF
staff, the application is passed to
the committee members of either
the Community Pool or the AHBP
(depending on the size of the
project and loan request) who
determine its viability. True to the
mission of the Loan Fund,
underwriting for a loan is
financially prudent, flexible and
supportive of the project from
beginning to end. The staff works
closely with the borrower,
providing technicaJ assistance if
necessary in order to structure the
loan request to best suit both the
borrower and the Loan Fund.
Because each loan bridges the gap
of other financing resources that
go towards the project, it in fact
leverages several times the
original loan amount, ensuring the
completion of the deal.
in the 1980s, New Haven
faced a crisis in the availability of
affordable housing. A small group
of Interfaith Coa~rative Ministries
(ICM), identified the problem
underlying the crisis as urban
disinvestment and the lack of
affordable, flexible financing for
the construction of affordable
housing and rehabilitation
projects. Their solution was the
Greater New Haven Community
Loan Fund, incorporated in 1988
as a not-for-profit alternative
financial institution.
The mission of the new
organization was - and is - to
homele~ of Gmat_ New Have~ This
low-interest loans to nonprofit
developm s and neighborhood-
based organizations who seek gap
financing for affordable housing
projects that promote resident
participation, neighborhood
stability and revitalization.
anywhere between $~.,000 to
$75,000 - for the purpose of gap
financing, constn~ion financing,
land acquisition, or cash flaw.
These loans require great flexibility
to meet the needs of the ~
often a grass-roots agency looking
for the final piece of financing to
The suc_r_ess of the
Community Pool enabled the Loan
Fund to expand its lending capacity
through the creaUon, in 19q3, of
another pool of fund~ Through this
pool, called the Affordable Housing
Bank Pool (AHBP), eight regional
banks provide a range of
$100,000 to $2 million loans that
finance construction of large-scale
affordable housing developments.
The participating banks have
made significant financial and
staff commitments to this Pool,
~ing their performance
under Federal Community
Reinvestment Act requirements and
their ties to the area's not-for-
profit housing developers. This
partnership has resulted in
millions of dollars of financing for
affordable housing.
What has bee,q a valuable
aspect of the AHBP, aside from the
millions of'dollars it has loaned to
"TO DATE THE AHBP H;~,J AN EXCELLENT TP..~,CK IkEC01kD OF
/,4AKING LOANS TO BUILD OIL. ikEHABILITATE ~FFO~BLE
HOUSING UNIT~ IN THE ~ ~EB~E~ B~NK IS P~UD TO
BE P~ OF THI~ O~G~NI~TION, ~INCE ~E ~DVO~TE
PUBLIC/P~V~TE INITIATIVES ~UCH ~ THE LO~N FUND."
Eli~ A. TillS, V~ ~ ~ ~ C~r ~ ~ AHBP c~
"THI~ l~lE~v' HAVEN LOAN
FUND .... H~J ~E~DILY
GILD~/N IN SIZE AND
EFFECT!VENESL ~ H~
~DE POSSIBLE
~FFO~LE HOUSING
IN DIVE~E ~ OF
THE C~ ~CION BOTH
THOUGH ~ELL
CON~IDE~D LO~N~
~D~O~ COUNSELING TO
THE CO~UN~-B~ED
C~UP~ ~D NON-P~F~
D~ELOPE~... ~
FUND-~I~ED P~JE~
~OULD NOT H~VE BEEN
UNDEr. KEN O~
COMPLETED ~ FO~ THE
~PIT~L ~ND ~DVICE
~DE ~V~I ~BLE
THE FUND."
J.B. G~, GNHCLF
several different projects, is its
increased _acc_~sibility to rmmpmfit
deeiolx'rs w~o would not otherwise
have the means to apply for bank
loans. The GNHCLF has made this
possible, bringing together the
conventional lending system and the
nor~ro~t community.
The Loan Fund
continues to be affiliated with
ICM, as one of its social service
programs. It is also a member of
the National Association of
Community Development Loan
Funds (NACDLF), an association
of 48 not-for-profit, alternative
lenders throughout the country.
The NACDLF promotes strong,
quality lending practices by
providing many technical and
programmatic services to its
member organizations.
Chapter 2. Trust Fund Revenue Sources
Th~ sale escrow deposit mentioned briefly in the previous
chapter represents only one among numerous revenue
soua ces that could capitalize a housing or community eco-
nomic development trust fund. Trust fund revenue sources
nually renewable and predictable in amount, or it is a one-
time or periodic allocation. Second, the revenue source may
derive from privately held, market-based funds or from
publicly raised and allocated monies. Both categories are
cross-cutting; that is, a private, market-based source may
be either annually renewable or a one-time conh'ibution.
State legislatures have to pass ~nablin~ legislation to allore
housing trust funds to drma tht, ir camtal from market-bated
The same is m~e of publidy declicat~l revenues. The r~venue
sources discussed below are groulx'd in the two c~t~gories
of market-bas~l or public funds.
MARKET-BASED REVENUE SOURCES
IOLTA and sale escrow revenues both derive from pri-
v'ate, market-ba.~! funds. The~ two types of funds am held
b~ a privat, r~'tor trust~ or fiducia~ and ~ with
a financial institution--in these ca~ predom/nanfly with
commercial banks. Ther, two'revenue sources are held b~
private-sector third parties who have no claim to the funds'
interest-earning capacity. Yet the third party benefits from
the interest income generated by the funds, either directly or
inclL, ectl~,. The finan,~i institution profits from the float in-
come on such ftmds. The fun&' trustees typically benefit
from cl/scounted finandal services provided to them by their
bank in exchange for depositing the monies with the bank.
Both the IOLTA and initial sale escrow housing trust fund
~ue proposals sparked ~ in seve~ ~ con-
cemi~ other market-based funds, wNch, due m their
nominal amount or short-term deposit duration, canno~
practicably earn ~ for their dep~___'tors. A variety of
F-rinds ar~ routine~ held in escrow for short periods of
time while ~ property sales ax~ completed. Escrow
deposits a~ held for all categories of Meal estate sales:
scribed' above. Uy ag~x~e~atin$ these ~tnds in an
U _'_o,t~_ States, the term'escrow a,~.ount" mha's both to es-
to accounts used in connection with t~ payment of mort-
~a~ loans. ~ost mort~a~s require the monthly payment
dition to the~ and int~est paym~t. "Escrow' or
associat~l with ~ property saks and to "mortgage es-
T~ ~ o~ inm~t ~ on escrow dopos~
g~nerally proNbit~ by state law f~om earning inm.~t on
deposit~ ar~ not. As a resu]L those Financial ~ons
holcl~r~ escro~v deposits r~nain the principal
or tax services in exchange for the tmvilege o~ holding--and
or mor~ m'~ not uncommon. Tire escrow periods for non-
residential ~ a~ likely to be loner still. At closin~ the
buyer is r~quir~ to deport the e~tir~ down payment. plus
closing costs. with the escrow a~ency. This deposit may be
made one to three days be~or~ closir~. Finally. the loan pro-
c~.ds (i.e., the entir~ balance of the sale price) is deposited
in the escrow account in some states immediately befor~
dosinS and befor~ distribution of the sale proceeds.
to t-,~ perm~ of the sales price, or as much as ~.0 percmt (or
even the entir~ down payment) in the case of mor~ expen-
short-t~m natu~ of dosing escrow deposits (down pay-
ments), the property buyer is admin~-atively prevented
fxom m-nh~ inten~t on the one- to thrt~--dax cleposit. The
income. ^housing Irust fund can earn ~ on these
Some eviclence from the IOLTA program s,,~sts that, as
tlmt c~nnot ef~.ctively earn ~ for the depositor will
sale escro~v cklx~ts to earn substantial sums for trust 6~d
and sale esaow deposRs as a practical revenue so~c~ for
escrow rev~me estimates ~)r Oregun ranged from a low of
ha~ a million dollars a ye~to a high c~ $1 mil]im~ Estimates
for sak escrow inm-est ~ in Delawa~, a much
smaUer state, ranged from a low o~ hal~ a n~lion do!la~ to
enne ransi~ born S3.! nu'I!ion to ~.,t mi/lion ar~maIly.
mates for 1984 in California rang~! from S'LI miRion to 532
not only fxom state to state, but fxom y~ar to y~tr as busi-
deposit: Maryland, Washington, and Iowa. 'they hav~
passed enabling lexislat~on to allow housing trust funds to
draw capital born ma,,-ket-based r~m~tes. In ~.986, IOLTA
agers ma~,u~n their aa:ounts at do~.~ito, y '~ that,
under Maryland law, enioy the privOeg~ of pro 'f~ing from
sale esaow doposit float income. While ~w ~,
as the fiduciaries r~ponsible for sale escrow doposi~s,
banks ar~ not. Thus, the Maryland program r~ies upon
Realtors and other escrow manage~ to ~ their bank's
intrust earn~ voluntarily to the ~ Hous~
Corporation. It is ar~._cipated that Maryland's program will
generate S! minion a year ~or new r~ntal housing construc-
tion and rehabilitation, with larger amounts po~ble as the
real estate co.,.,~,it~, o~ the State Real Estate Co-,-- ' '-t,-
W. -~L~t~n n enacmt its housin~ n'dSt fund prusru~
f~r low-income housi~ r~nvutnunt. The states Eave
~ ~counts into a statewkle housing m~st ~und that
would then reinvest the funds in low-income housing con-
struction, rehabilita~on, and f'inan~.' Revenue estimat~
~ fTOm SlO0 million annually in New York State to
o~ money, typically ~ to one month's runt, as security
ira:true can be dk.d.;.ety ~ax.d ~ eaber ~ or state
APPENDIX E
TABLE OF INCOME GUIDELINES AND DEFINITIONS FOR IOWA CITY
Effective December 27, 1996
30% Median 60% Median 60% Median 8096 Medlen Median
Houeehold Income Income Income Income Income
Size (Poverty Level) (low Income)
1 $10,650 $17,750 $21,300 $28.400 $35,500
2 12.180 20,300 24,360 32.450 40.600
3 13.680 22.800 27.360 36,500 45.600
4 15.210 25,350 30.420 40.550 50,700
5 16.440 27.400 32.880 43,800 54.800
6 17,640 29,400 35,280 47,050 58,400
7 18,870 31,450 37,740 50,300 62,900
8 20,070 33,450 40,140 53,550 66,900
TO:
FROM:
RE:
DATE:
Steve Atkins, City Manager
R. J. Winkelhake, Chief of Police J~ I~'
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
January 13,1998
In July of 1997 Officer David Brucher was assigned as the Domestic Violence
Investigator which is funded by a grant. When the grant was wdtten the department
had some expectations of the workload and impact the position would have upon the
operation of the department. However, the workload exceeds the level we believed it
would be at this point in the grant year. The data that the investigator is collecting from
the work he is doing ought to serve the department well when we need to submit a
grant proposal for the next fiscal year.
Officer Brucher prepared the attached report, which reflects the activities of his position
broken into five sections, which also provide an insight into the breath of the activities
involved in the grant. We fully expect that the amount of time devoted to training for the
department and time devoted to the caseload will increase while the training for the
investigator will decrease. We also expect a decrease in the time needed to compile
the statistics part of the grant as he becomes more familiar with the methods of
gathering the necessary data. We expect the time devoted to meetings and outside
training to remain fairly consistent.
/-/~
VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN GRANT REPORT
FIRST AND SECOND QUARTER FFY 1997
JULY 21sr THROUGH DECEMBER 31s?
The following information concerns the activities of the Domestic Abuse Investigator since
the appointment of that position on July 21st, 1997 until December 31, 1997.
This report covers five main areas of work which have been conducted dudng that time.
Those areas are:
Casework
Meetings and training outside the department
Training within the department
Training for the Investigator
Tracking and documenting statistics for grant reporting
I. CASEWORK
Since July Ist the police department received 292 calls for service which were identified as
domestic disturbances. Following investigation, 139 of those reports were forwarded to the
domestic abuse investigator for review. 67 incidents were identified as needing follow-up
investigation. Consideration for follow-up included: repeat offenders, arrests and need for
risk assessment based on the reporting officers' recommendation. Of the 67 incidents
needing follow-up, there have been contacts made with 45 victims. Many victims have not
been reached because they are not available or are unwilling to speak with the police.
Scheduling conflicts have created difficulties in reaching victims as well. Casework makes
up the largest segment of the investigator's job, about 68.1%.
TOTAL INCIDENTS REPORTED 292
REPORTS FORWARDED TO INVESTIGATIONS 139
REPORTS TAGGED FOR FOLLOW-UP 67
TOTAL FOLLOW-UPS AS OF 12-31-97 45
II. MEETINGS AND TRAINING OUTSIDE THE DEPARTMENT
An important part of the grant work is to work with outside agencies within our community.
This outside work establishes our part in the overall community response to domestic
violence. Contact with outside agencies, such as the Domestic Violence Intervention Project
and the Batterer's Education Program, also provides information to them about our project.
The Domestic Abuse Investigator attended meetings with groups and members of other
agencies or presented training for those groups on 41 different occasions. These meetings
or training sessions represent a commitment of 89 hours. These meetings and training make
up about 10.9% of the total time spent working by the investigator.
MEETINGS / TRAINING
TOTAL TIME
41 hours
89 hours
IIl. TRAINING WITHIN TIIF~ IOWA CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT
Training for in-service officers has become an essential component in the domestic violence
grant. Officers must conduct competent on-scene investigations in order to make follow-up
investigations effective. Available time to train officers has been difficult to arrange. Staffing
shortages in the patrol division has curtailed the availability of officers to attend training
outside the department. Squad room briefings have allowed some time for updating our
training and for introducing new report forms. A few officers have been able to attend
advanced training through the Batterer's Education Program, but the majority of officers have
not received training outside the yearly MATS training and what they received at the
academy. This portion of the investigator's duties comprises about 3.6% of the total time
available.
TRAINING FOR OFFICERS
29 hours
TRAINING FOR THF. DOMESTIC ABUSE INVESTIGATOR
In order for the Domestic Abuse Investigator to effectively present training, both inside and
outside, of the department he must first be trained. The last several months have provided
two courses for this position. Instructor Development was a one-week course presented by
the FBI. Violence Against Women training was a three day course presented by the Iowa
Law Enforcement Academy. At the Violence Against Women training our investigator was
certified by the state academy to be an instructor in violence against women issues. The
investigator spends about 7.4% of his time at training.
DOMESTIC ABUSE INVESTIGATOR TRAINING 60 hours
V. TRACKING AND DOCUMENTING STATISTICS FOR GRANT
During any review of domestic abuse reports the investigator compiles statistics on victims,
perpetrators, dates, times, and locations of these incidents. Other information, such as
arrest charges, are also documented. New reporting requirements were implemented during
the month of October. New report forms were introduced to assist in the prosecution of
these cases. A complete account of time spent on the grant work is not available, but a
review of time spent since November 20th suggests that about 10% of the investigator's total
time is spent tracking and documenting reporting information.
AVAILABLE DUTY TIME
Personal Training
7.4%
Grant Work
10.0%
Dept. Training
3.6%
· Casework
· Outside Trg/Mtgs
13 Grant Work
· Personal Training
· Dept. Training
Outside Trg/Mtgs
10.9%
Casework
68.1%
De~r officer Meb~s:
It's been about
have a lot to tell you about my life and how it has changed. First of all, I am
still at Scott Communi~ College and working hard as ever to get good
grades. I have attached a copy of my final grades from the last two semesters
at Scott. I would ~1.~ !~e you to know that £econd
class, I had to do a tn'bute speech. The speech had to be about someone that
has helped or made a big difference in your life. Most students chose their
parents, but I chose you. I gave the speech to the class and told them how you
saved my life and what happened to me. I told them what you did, as a police
officer, and how I nearly died of alcohol poising if it wasn't for you. I also
told them the many problems I had to face incb_ut/ng the financial and le~l
m~c~rs.of what I did. The class was shocked and a little startled after
listening to my ~h. Many of the students were very interested in what I
had to say and asked many questions after my sp~. The class thought I
she could record and replay my speech to other classes. Isn't that great. A lot
of students will be able to hear my speech and maybe even learn fxom my
Besides school my life is going quit well. Over the summer I took a big
step and moved out. Man, was that a ~roh move. I enjoyed the freedom and
the ~axs~j.', but it was hard paying the bil!.~ all by myself. I never
re~liTed.how muc&' time,' mo!~3~ and effort it takes out ofyou when your on
eleven m6~~ce you have last heard from me. I
over I decided to move back home. School was going to start again and I
wanted to colg~mlrate on that more than anything. I knew that my thfid
semester classes where going to be hard. Many of my friends told me I was
stupid for taking the classes I took together. They said that it would be and
over load and I would probably get Ix)or grades. I told them well just wait
and see. As you can see by my report card, I reeeived all A's and one B+,
which means I made the Dean's list. I knew I could do it. It just took a lot of
time and efforC That's the last time they told me I couldn't do something.
Besides school and moving out, my life has stayed pretty much the
same. Of com~, I still have stomach problems from time to time, but it's my
fault and I have to deal with it. I guess my stomach problems are to remind
me of my stupid decision. I feel over these last couple of months I have
matured and learned a lot more about life. Life is a wilgling that has maily
turns and twists in it I have just started my journey in life. If it wasn't for
you, who knows where I would be fight know. I just want you to know I still
thank you for saving my life.
For my spring semester classes I took Intw to data processing, U.S.
Histoq~, Geology, and Cou~ra~ Health issues which is 13 credit hours.
Recently, I just got a new job at payless shoes and I w~l be working 30 hours
a week while in school. I got my work cut out for me, but I know I can do it.
__
Steve Atkins
CITY OF I0 WA CITY
BUILDING PERMIT INFORMATION
DECEMBER 1997
KEY FOR ABBREVIATIONS
Type of Improvement:
ADD Addition
ALT Alteration
DEM Demolition
GRD Grading/excavation/filling
REP Repair
MOV Moving
FND Foundation only
OTH Other type of improvement
Type of Use:
NON
RAC
RDF
RMF
RSF
MIX
OTH
Nonresidential
Residential - accessory building
Residential - duplex
Residential - three or more family
Residential - single family
Commercial & Residential
Other type of use
Page: 1
D~ce: 01/07/98
Frc~:
TO..: 12/31/97
CITY OF IO~% CITY
~'~%CTIO~ OF BUILDING P~J~T DATA FOR
CENSUS BUREAU REPORT
Permit Applicant na~e Address Type Type Stories Units Valuation
No. Impr Use
BLD97-0883 HYV~E 1201 N DODGE ST ADD N0~ 1 0 $ 28000
C~q ~D~PTI~ ADOITIOf~
ADD NO~ permits: I $ 28000
BLD97-0881 633 PARTIeRS 509 S LINN ST ADD RMF
25 X 31 T~O STORY ONE DiaLLING ONIT ADDITIC~ TO EXISTING SIX ~IIT
IqO~TIFA~qlLY D~ELLING t~ITS.
2 1 $ 91760
BLD97-0893 633 PARTNERS 618 E COURT ST
21 X 30 FIVE BEDROO~D~IELLING~NITADDITION
~ RMF 2 I $ 66896
BLD97-0875 TIM DICKENS 221 S SUg~ilT ST ADD ~ 0 0 $ 2130
~.~'I-~KIOR WOO{) STAIR~
ADD RMF permits: 3 2 $ 160786
BLD97-0912 MISSY MOI/.ES'IIIq & 825 N GII.BER? ST
JIM TH I BODEU
16 X 18 TWO STORY ADDITION
BLD97-0870 T~q & PATRIC~ 520 BRC~4q ST
CARROLL
16'8' X 15'4' SUNRO(XM ADDITION
~LD97-0911 JULIE NIEI2~qD 3369 LOitER WEST BR~d~CH RD
20 X 26 FAMILY R0~M ADDITION AND KITCHEN P.I~WODEL
~LD97-0914 LARRY FRANTZ 1606 HI(IIiLAIiD AVE
14 X 26 FAMILY ROOM ~ 26 X 26 CmARAC, E ADDITION
~LC97-0906 ELIZABETH AUBREY 35 N LOWELL ST
15 X 8 KITCIi~N ADDTION
BLD97-0908 ~LVIN ~ 1108 VILLAGE FARM CT
22 X 20'-4' GAR~E AND SUNROOM ADDITION
BLD97-0733 C. DENDY GARRETT 3122 MAPLEWOOD LI~
13'-5# X 16' THR~E $EA-~ON PORCH
~LD97-0889 DENNIS LANGENBURGE 1224 PINE ST
22' X 16' ATTACHEDGARAG£
5L:97-0365 GR~G & W~a.Ry TIMLIN 2419 PRINCETON
12' X 16' SCREEIq PORCH WITH 20' X 24' DECK
ADD RSF 2 0 S 63000
ADD RSF 1 0 $ 55000
ADD RSF 1 0 $ 50000
ADD RSF i 0 $ 37000
ADD R~F 1 0 $ 25000
ADD RSF 2 0 $ 22375
ADD RSF 1 0 S 10000
ADD P. SF 1 C S 1000C
ADD RSF 1 0 $ 720:
Pa9e: 2
F~e: 01/07/98
From: 12/01/97
To..: ~2/3~/9~
CITY OF IO~ CITY
aAisACTION OF BUII,DII~ PERMIT DATA FOR
Ci~iSUS BUREAU R~PORT
Permit ~plicanc name Address Type Type Stories Units Valuation
No. Ialpr Use
BLD95-0478 PEGGY O°NEIL 1220 0AK(~.EST AVE
2-TIER IRREGULAR SHAPED DECK
ADD RSF 1 0 $ 5000
BLD96-0477 TERRY &
SCREEN PORCH
2149 RUSSELL DR ADD R.SF 0 0 $ 3600
BLD95-0333 J/M~S SANG~i~K 3574 VISTA PARK DR
10' X 14' SCReeN PORCH
ADD RSF i 0 $ 3000
BLD97-0141 JIM & CIq~DI KOE!iI~ER 2205
SCREEN Ut~DER SIDE OF DECK
~)D RSF 0 0 $ 998
BLD96-0306 BILL NARD 1522 BROADWAY ST ADD RSF 1 0 $ 400
4.5' X 14' NOOO DECK
ADD P. SF pez-mits: 14 $ 292373
BLD97-0904 HI~!~ INC. 2525 N DODGE ST ALT MIX 0 0 $ 610061
INTERIOR P.~ODF. L OF HOTEL
ALT MiX pemits: 1 $ 610061
BLD97-0837 GRANDVIEW PARTNERS 2346 MORMON TREK BLVD
1282 S.F. INTERIOR OFFICE FINISH
BLD97-0909 SOiITHGATE/SUSHI PO 725 MORMON TREK BLVD
PO
1836 S.F. I~IOR RESTAURANT FINISH
ELD96-0560 MCI 1925 BOYRUM ST
BP. EAKR0~M EXPANSION
2LD97-0121 GREG ~-DEL 41 HIGHMAY 1 WEST
INSTALL TWO HANDICAP BATHRO(~S IN CO~%~0N CORRIDOR
BL~97-0925 MCGLADREY & pU~.Y.~ 125 S DUBI~UE ST
4TH FLOOR, NORTH ~ OFFICE AREA P. EMODEL
BLD97-0927 AIR FORCE RECRUITING 1114 N DODGE ST
OFFICE
855 S.F. I~r£kIOR FINISH
~L~97-0897 ~ T. MARLA~, 132 S CLINTON ST
CHRIST MARI,AS
RE~40VE AND RELOCATE WALLS FOR SPACE EXPANSION
ALT NON 0 0 $ 23000
ALT NON 0 0 $ 15000
ALT NON 0 G $ 12000
ALT NO~ 0 0 $ 700¢
ALT NON 0 0 S 600D
ALT NON C 0 $ 2500
ALT NCN C C $ 2CCC
Fage: 3
D~te: 01/07/98
TO..: 12/31/97
CITY OF IO~A CITY
r.~lKACTION OF BUII~DING PERMIT DATA FOR
CENSUS BUreAU REPORT
Petit Applicant ~ ~zidress Type T~pe Stories Units Valuation
No. l~pr Use
BLD9~-0434 CXTY ELECTRIC SUPPLY 315 PR~gTXSS ST ALT ~ i 0 $ 1800
RELOCATE DO0~S
ALT 1~ permits: 8 $ 69300
BLD97-0922 ~KICREEDY TAYLOR INC. 1545 NCKINLEY PL
580 S.F. BAS!/I~I~T FINISH
ALT RMF 0 0 $ 6000
BLD97-0885 MIDTOWN PARTNERS 1024 HASHINGTON ST ALT
L.C.
REMODEL ~ASI~gT APARTMENT. C(~[~ON LAUNDRY ROOSt AND ~'rlLI17 RO(]t
RMF 0 0 $ SOO0
BLD97-0900 BYRON OLSO~ 1S43 ~2KINLEY PL
580 S.F. BASEMENT FINISH
ALT RMF 0 0 $ 4000
BLD97-0890 H & H PROPERTY 711 E BURLINGTON ST ALT RMF 0 0 $ 2000
INTERIOR P.~0D£L TO CONVERT b4qIT #'S THREE AND FIVE TO ONE THREE BEDRO0~
UNIT.
ALT RMF permits: 4 S 17000
BLD97-0920 KEVIN & ADRXANA 1131 DEERFIELD DR
DONLY
892 S.F. BASEMENT RECREATION AND BEDROOW FINISH
ALT RSF 0 0 S 10000
BLD97-0915 ALVIN & EARIE SEALS 1328 DOVER ST
CONVERT GARAGETOTNO BEDRO0~4S AND HALF BATH.
ALT RSF 0 0 $ 7S00
BLD97-0926 DORIS M THO~%%E 1 KIRKWOOD CIR
FRAME NEW HIP ROOF OVER ~XISTING ~ PITCH ROOF
ALT RSF 0 0 $ 3856
BLD97-0877 C~RIS WEATHERFORD 54 HERON CIR
FINISH BASID~IT BI~DRO0~ AND BATHRO0~4
ALT RSF 0 0 S 3000
BLD97-0699 LARRY OBER~ 151 FRIENDSHIP ST ALT RSF
REPLACE WIND~S IN T~O BEDRO(IMS TO MEET EGRESS REQUIR]~S
C 0 S 1500
BLD97-0531 KEVIN KEYSER
£~I~ESS WINDO~
411 EL~IDGE AVE ALT RSF 0 0 $ 1000
BLD97-0892 JAMES & NI PETRAN 410 MAGO~AN AVE ALT RSF C 0 S 10GC
INSULATE AND FINISH BASEMENT ROO!~
ALT RSF permmts: 7 $ 27856
Pa~e: ·
?.~e: 01/07/98
Fro~: 12/01/97
To..: 12/11/97
CITY OF IO~A CITY
EX~IO~I OF BI/ILDING PERMIT DATA FOR
CENSU~ BUREAU REPORT
Permit Applicant nas~ Address Type Type Stories Units Valuation
No. I=pr Use
BLD97-0882 STR. EB C~!~TRI~CTIOH 21C014qERCIAL DR NEd NON 1 0 S 55000
CO. INC.
S0 x 85 MAREHOi~SE
N~W NO~ petits: I $ 55000
BLD97-0884 lARRY D ~TH 1104 MARCY ST
32' X 26' DL~JUi311~GARAb-'E
NEW RAC ! 0 S 13000
BLD97-0445 NICK b DAN CIL~K 182 ~ SIDE DR NEW RAC I 0 $ 800
10 X 18 A~I~.SSORY BUILDING
NEW RAC permils: 2 $ 13800
BLD97-0878 JIM ~'~ 821 l~AJ~(]~ PL ~ RDF I 2 S 216701
D~PLEX #ITIiTWOCAR GAR~-q
~ RDF permits: 1 2 $ 216701
BLD97-0898 FR~ COI~STRUCTION 1641 SO~ET LI~
TI~ D~IT CO!~INItl~ #I11{ T~O CAR GA]~
306165
BLD97-0899 FR~/TFZ CO~L.~'~R. 1661 S(~R~ET Llq NEW ~ I 3 $ 306165
~ UNIT CO~ID(I~INIII~ #111{ ~ CAR C, ARASF~
~ RMF pez~its: 2 6 $ 612330
BLD97-0866 ~ THOMOPt~LOS 75 S~$BI~RK CT
$.F.D. WI~A%~4REE CAR C, AP, A~'~
BLD97-0887 RUPP BUILDERS 30 SHA/iBARK CT
S.F.D. WITH TWO CAR GARAGE
BI~97-0876 b-r~'E b ~RRI L~ON 1321 GOLDENROD DR
S.F.D. WITH T~O CAR GARSg3E
BLD97-0867 FR~Z CONSTRUCTION 40 C_~ PL
S.F.D. #ITH A TWO CAR ~
BLD97-0895 FRA~ITZ CONST 10 PEMBROKE
S.F.D. WITH A TWO CAR GARAGE
~L297-0894 FRANTZ CONST 3182 WEL.'.INGTON DR
$.F.D. WI~ A TMO C3%R C~GE
375000
NL~ R~F 1 1 $ 24450C
NEW RSF 2 1 S 177335
NEW RSF i i $ 175522
~ RSF 1 i $ 132000
NEW RSF 2 1 $ 13C50:
Page: 5
Dace: 01/07/98
Fro~: 12/01/97
To..: 12/31/97
C~TY OF IO~A C~TY
B~'TRACTIO~' OF BUILDING PERMIT DATA FOR
CENSUS BUREA~ REPORT
Permzt Applicant name Address Ty~e Type Stories Unius Valuation
No. Impr Use
BLD97-0901 DEI~F/S SPENCER 1259 EMILY CT
S.F.D. WIT!{ A T~O C/~ C, AR~GE
NEW RSF 2 1 $ 125177
BLD97-0896 D~NNIS SPENCER 1248 ENIL¥ CT ~ RSF 2 I $ 118076
S.F.D. WITH A TWO CAR GARAGE
NEW RSF permits: 8 8 $ 1478110
BLD97-0919 TRINITY EPISCOPAL 320 COLLEGE ST PEP NON 0 0 $ 33716
~4URCH
REROOF WITH ~ · A · SHINGLES
PEP NON permits: i $ 33716
BLD97-0886 RIC~IARD WA~N~R 1117 CO~ ST PEP RDF 0 0 $ 500
PEPA/R EXTERIOR STAIRS TO Im~l~l CODE RE~UI~
REP RDF permits: I $ 500
5LD97-0693 E~ COURT 535 ~ ST
APART~I~rr
REPLACE 28 ~'T~RIOR E~IT STA/RS A~D LANDINGS
BLD97-0917 VALLEY AV]~N~E 1064 NEWTO~ RD
INVESTORS
REROOF WITH CLASS "A~ FIBERGLAS SHINGLES
BLD97-0916 ALPHA EPSILO~ pT 339 N RIVERSIDE DR
FRATERNITY
PEPAIR U~D~RLAYI!~3 FELTS AND TILE
BLD97-0913 GEORGE M LAI~CE 935 COLL£GE ST
REROOF WIT~ CLASS "A" FIBERGLAS SHINGLES
BLD97-0729 AUR APART~ A~CY 517 FAIRCEILD ST
REROOF, SIDING, SOFFIT WORK
BL297-0872 AUR APARTMENTS 917 COLLEGE ST.
REROOF WIT~ CLASS "A" FIBERGLAS SHINGLES
EL£.97-0873 AUR APART~S 923 COLLEGE ST.
~E~OOF WIT~ CI,~SS "A" FIBERGLAS SHINGLES
BL197-0874 AUR APARTMENTS 927 COLLEGE ST
REROOF WIT]{ CLASS "A" SHINGLES
PEP RMF 0 0 $ 20000C
PEP ~ 0 0 S 18500
PEP RMF 0 0 $ 10000
PEP R~ 0 0 $ 7195
PEP RMF 0 0 $ 500C
PEP P. MF 0 C $ 500C
REP RMF 0 0 $ 5000
REP RMF C 0 S 50CC
Pa9e: 6
Date: 01/07/98
~om: ~2/01/97
To..: 12/31/97
CITY OF IC~A CITY
EXTRACTION OF BUILDING PERMIT DATA FOR
CEI~US BUREAU REPORT
Permit l~Dplicant name Address Type Type Stories Units Valuation
No. Impr Use
REP RMF permits: 8 $ 2S5695
BLO97o0585 .SAR~ PITTS 2710 FRIENDSHIP ST
FOi!iOA?I011 REP~
REP RSF 0 0 $ 2500
BLD97-0499 JIM HUDACH~K
DECK REMCN)EL
1503 %r~lE~-~- ST REP RSF 1 0 $ 2000
BLD97-0258 L[~T.T~ LYNCH 676 S GOVERNOR ST
REPAIR DECK FLOOR STRUCTURE
PEP ]~SF 0 0 $ 1500
BLD97-0827 LDL PARTNERSHIP 715 MALNDT ST
REPAIR OF [1TERIORAND INTERIOR STAIRS AND DECKS TO INCLUDE
REP RSF 0 0 $ 1000
BLD97-0923 F~.~II~ O RO[~'II~ 725 DAVENPORT ST REP RSF 0 0 $ 300
REPAIR DECK GIIARDRAIL. illill)RAIL AND STAIRS
REP RSF permits: S $ 7300
18 $ 3878528
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date:
January 14, 1998
Re: Paver brick sale
Contact Person: Iowa City Landfill 356-5185
Beginning January 26, 1998, the City of Iowa City will begin selling their stockpile of old street
paver bdcks at the Iowa City Landfill. These bricks were originally used on Iowa City streets that
have since been replaced with a newer surface. Many bricks may have concrete or asphalt
stuck to them so they may require some cleaning. The cost for the bricks will be 4 cents per
pound, cash or check will be accepted. Each brick weighs about 8 pounds. This sale will be
conducted on a first come, first served. basis. There is no limit. Residents may load their own
bricks from a designated pile after weighing in their vehicle at the landfill scale house. Each
vehicle will also be weighed on the way out to determine the cost of the bricks. You will not
need to count the bricks when loading. Bricks may be purchased at the landfill Monday through
Saturday, 7am to 4:30pm, beginning January 26. Call the Iowa City Landfill with questions, the
phone number is 356-5185.
Im~mmml~ I-9.d0c
MEDIA RELEASE
January 14, 1997
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY SCHEDULE
Contact: City Manager's Office
356-5010
Administrative offices at the Civic Center will be closed Monday,
January 19, 1998, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. A schedule of
City services is as follows:
. Iowa City Transit Buses
will operate hourly between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
· Parking Meters
will be enforced.
· Ramp Parking
will be charged.
· Iowa City Public Library
will be open regular hours.
· Senior Center
will be open holiday hours (10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.). Meals will be served.
· Iowa City Recreation Center
offices will be closed. The pool, gym, and game room will be open regular hours.
· Iowa City Landfill
· Refuse, Recycling, and Yard Waste
will not be collected on Monday, January 19. Residents on the Monday route should
place refuse, recycling, and yard waste at the curb by 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 20.
Residents on the Tuesday through Friday routes should have refuse, recycling, and yard
waste at the curb by 7:00 a.m. on their regular collection day. The City cannot determine
exactly when items will be collected. In add'~ion, Christmas tree collection will continue
throughout the month of January. Trees should be placed at the curb on the regular
collection day by 7:00 a.m. There should be no lights on the trees as well as bags or
stands.
81/14/98 18:46:84 319-345-4213 -> 319~.~i~ lind{ i:IT'l' CLE~ l'ag~ 881
Joe Bolk¢om, ~
Charles D. Duffy
Joriallure Jordahl
Stephen P. La¢ina
Sally Slulsman
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
January 15, 1998
FORMAL MEETING
1. Call to order 9:00 a.m.
Agenda
2. Action re: claims
3. Action re: formal minutes of January 8th
4. Action re: payroll authorizations
5. Business from the Cmmty Auditor
a) Action re: permits
b) Action re: reports
1. Clerk's December monthly report
c) Other
6. Business from the Planning and Zoning Administrator
a) Second and final consideration of application Z9752 of Cy-I-Iawk Corp.
b) Final consideration of application Z9754 of Calvin Yoder.
c) Final consideration of application Z9755 of Elsie Tomash.
d) Final consideration of application Z9756 of Jean and Kevin Biennann.
e) Motion setting public hearing for various zonings and plattings.
Other
913 SOUTH E)UBUQUE ST. P.O. BOX 1350 IOWA CFFY, IOWA 52244-1350 TEL: (319) 356-6000 FAX: (319) 356-6086
81/14/'J8 18:46:38 319-345--4213 -> 319'~ I1~ CITY t~.~,um~ Page 882
Agenda 1-15-98
Page 2
7. Business from the Assistant Planning and Zoning Admini.~trator
a) Discussion/action re: the following Platting applications:
Application S9782 of Calvin M. Yoder requesting prel'mfinaty and
final plat approval of Flint Ridge Estates, a subdivision described
as being locatedin the SE 1/4 of Section 32; Township 78 North;
Range 8 West of the 5th P.M. in Johnran County, Iowa. (This is a
1-lot, 1.99 acre, residential subdivision, located on the north side of
Johnson Washington Road SW, approximately 1.0 mile west of its
totersection with Derby Avenue SW in Washington Twp.)
b) Other
Business from the Cmmty Attorney
a) Report re: other items
Business from the Board of Supervisors
a)
b)
c)
d)
Application S9764 of Joe Lawton requesting prel'u-ninary and final
plat approval of Woolaroo Subdivision, a subdivision described as
being located in the NE 1/4 of Section 29; Township 80 North;
Range 6 West of the 5th P.M. in Johnson County, Iowa. (This is a
3-1or - 2 residential with I outlot, 14.53 acre, residential
subdivision, located on the west side of North Liberty Road NE,
approximately 1/2 of a mile north of Coralville, Iowa in Penn Twp.)
Action re: resolution transferring from the General Basic Fund to the
Conservation Trust Fund.
Action re: purchase of a 1998 Case 9030B excavator from
Construction Machinery, Inc. to replace a 1993 Cat 320L excavator.
Cost to be $65,000.00 with trade m.
Discussion/action re: contract between Aanestad Construction and
Johnson County Board of Supervisors for the first floor courtroom and
office renovations.
81/14/~J 19:47:85 319-345-4213 -> 319:T_&5[SJ9 il]WI C!~ ~ Pa.q~ 883
Agenda 1-15-9~
10. Adjourn to informal meeting
Page3
a) Discussion re: agenda items for the Elected Official and Department
Head meeting.
b) Discussion re: role of Human Resource with the Department of Human
Services Labor Management Committee.
Inquiries and reports from the public
d) Reports and inquiries from the members of the Board of Supervisors
e) Report from the County Attorney
g) Discussion re: collective bargaining strategy for Sheriff's units.
(Executive Session)
1 l. Adj(mFnmcnt
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date:
To:
From:
Re:
January 16, 1998
City Council and City Manager
Don Yucuis, Finance Director ~
City of Iowa City- 1998 $10,500,000 General Obligation Bonds
Attached you will find a list of the Fiscal Year (FY) 1998 Capital Improvements Program (CIP)
that are planned to be funded from a March 1, 1998, General Obligation Bond issue. The CIP
budget originally called for a $10,100,000 GO bond issue but did not include funding for the
downtown streetscape or the Willow Creek Trail bridge over the Iowa River. Two projects, the
Dodge Street-Governor to Dubuque Road and the Library carpeting have been deferred until
FY99 and will be included in a bond issue at that time. These reductions allow for the addition of
some funding for the Willow Creek Trail bddge over the Iowa River at Napoleon Park (which is
planned to be bid with the Willow Creek sewer project) and some for the downtown streetscape.
I will be asking for authorization from you to issue up to $10,500,000 of GO bonds. This does
not mean that we will actually sell that amount of bonds dght away, as alter the January 29,
1998 City Council CIP budget meeting these amounts may be adjusted upwards or down. By
authorizing $10.5 million in GO bonds the City can sell up to that amount in a 12-month period.
This will allow us to break the $10.5 million into two sales for those projects requiring further
justification to the City Council.
The tentative schedule is as follows:
January 27, 1998, set public hearing for February 10, 1998.
· February 10, 1998, hold the public hearing and approve the resolution authorizing staff to
proceed.
· March 10, 1998, sell bonds and approve the resolution authorizing the issuance of the
bonds.
· March 24, 1998, approve Tax Exempt Certificate, Continuing Disclosure Certificate and the
final bond resolution.
· March 31, 1998, file tax levy resolution with the County Auditor in order to levy a debt
service tax for this bond issue.
Please call me if you have any questions 356-5052.
Attachment
hnadmYnem~1-16.cloc
FY 98 Capital Improvements Program -
Obligation Bond Issue
Project Description
117 Airport- Master Plan Improvements
122 Benton St (Ned Ashton) Park
127 Captain Irish Parkway-Phase Ill-ACT to Dodge
134 Court St Extended Phase I
135 Dodge St-Act/Old Dub Rd Intersection
136 Dodge St-Govemor to Dubuque Rd.-Property Only
151 Highway 1- Sunset Right Turn
154 Hwy 6-Lett Turn at First
158 Iowa Ave. Streetscape
159 Iowa River Trail-Burlington to Napoleon Park
167 Library-Carpeting and HVAC
175 Montgomery/Butler House
179 Napoleon Park Renovation including Napoleon Lane
182 Parks-Central Maintenance Facility
188 River Street-Riverside to WooIf
200 South Site Soccer Fields
201 Southgate Ave. Extension
206 Sycamore S. Regional Stormwater Detention
216 Water Front Drive-N. of Soulttgate Ave.
227 WooIf Ave Bridge
Willow Creek Trail-Bridge over Iowa River @ Napoleon
Park
Downtown Streetscape
SubTotal
Issuance Costs
Grand Total
Funded from March 1998 General
Feb/Mar '98
GO Bonds
169,517
35.0O0
500,000
755,000
300,000
275,000
75,000
75,000
150,000
1,429,410
453,250
64,485
700,000
1,478,200
400,000
300,000
1,166,600
200,000
969,000
9,995,462
104,538
10,100,000
Desc of
Revisions Revisions
(275,000) Move to FY 99.
(245,140) Move to FY 99.
200,000
720,000
399,860
399,860
Revised
Amount
169,517
35.000
755,000
300,000
75,000
75,000
150,000
1,429,410
208,110
64,485
700,000
1,478,200
400,000
300,000
1,166,600
200,000
969,000
200,000
720,000
10,395,322
104,678
10,500,000
DEMOGRAPHIC REPORT FOR THE
IOWA CITY COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Projections by Grade for School District 1998-2002
and for Individual Schools for 1998-2002
Prepared by:
Gerard Rushton
Jayajit Chakraborty
Amy J. Ruggles
Matthew S. Airola
December 8, 1997
Department of Geography
The University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa 52242
Section !: District-wide Enrollment Projections, 1998-2002
Note: In the discussion that follows, age-grade projections are for resident students. They do not
include special education students or non-resident students
E!ementa .rv Enrollmints (K-6)
The current projections show that the number of Elemental' School students will decline vet3.'
slowly over the next five years (see Table !, page 2).
Junior High Enrollments (7-8)
We project that enrollment will decline slightly m the next three years, and then pick up about 100
students m 2001 and 2002.
High School Enrollments (9-12)
High School enrollments, which declined m the late 1980s, and increased m the past seven years,
will continue to increase to 3,043 m the year 2000, before beginning a small decline in 2001 and 2002.
Total Enrollment in the District (K-12)
Enrollment m all grades is projected to grow by approximately 50 students m the next two years
with total enrollment declining by approximately 300 students over the five year period.
Discussion
The future elementary school enrollment totals depend on total births m the District five years
earlier and on the proportion of those births that are subsequently found in the Kindergarten class. This
proportion vanes a little from one year to the next. In the past year it was close to its lowest value since
1983 compared with 1994-95, when it hit a 15 year high. We will watch this statistic closely in the coming
years. Since 1990, Johnson County births have declined to near i 983 values, and this trend is reflected m
the projections (see Table 3, page 7).
We project 785 Kindergartner students in 1998 but expect smaller classes of around 750 m the five
year period (see Table 4, page 8). The projected Kindergarten enrollments are shown in Table 4, page 10.
An important factor accounting for elementary enrollment change in the i 980s was systematic
increases m the grade progression rates. Throughout the 1980s, the attrition of students from one grade to
the next higher grade in the succeeding year was less than in the 1970s. This pattern continues to exist.
This ratio of the number of children m any grade to the number of children in the previous year's next lower
grade is called the grade progression rate. It is a critical part of the methodology for making projections. In
these projections, the average of the grade progression rates for the past three ),ears (1994-1996) was used
(Table 5, Page 8). Grade progression rates in 1996-97 were high, reflecting a growing region.
Table 1. Iowa City Community School District Projected Enrollments, 1998-2002
Actual ProjecHons
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
K 793 795 785 756 738 747 747
I 832 791 789 778 750 732 741
2 811 822 775 773 763 735 717
3 739 803 803 757 755 745 718
4 769 734 796 796 751 748 739
5 768 744 729 791 791 746 743
6 764 752 732 717 778 778 733
7 764 759 753 733 718 779 779
8 781 782 776 770 749 735 797
9 764 804 784 778 772 751 736
10 772 743 792 773 767 761 . 741
11 696 754 726 775 755 749 744
12 636 664 730 702 749 731 725
K-6 5476 5441 5409 5368 5326 5231 5138
7-8 1545 1541 1529 1503 1467 1514 1576
9-12 2868 2965 3032 3028 3043 2992 2946
TOTAL 9889 9947 9970 9899 9836 9737 9660
Note: The projections are for Iowa City. resident students, not including Special Education students.
Table 2. Current and Projected Elementary School Enrollments
School Name 1997-98 1998-99 1999-2000 2000-2001 2001-2002 2002-2003
Coralville Central 384 402 4 ! 4 436 454 457
HilLs 170 167 172 181 188 191
Hoover 294 276 256 241 216 190
Ernest Horn 322 290 276 246 2 ! 6 197
Kirkwood 361 37 ! 377 393 407 416
Lemme 290 269 235 205 175 162
Lincoln 188 ! 69 ! 50 136 120 106
Longfellow 306 301 309 309 308 3 ! 3
Lucas 415 400 384 374 361 344
Horace Mann 233 233 230 226 215 205
Penn 349 355 371 381 394 403
Roosevelt 354 365 375 381 384 386
Shimek 235 234 212 200 ! 85 171
Mark Twain 350 352 350 340 332 322
Grant Wood 410 400 409 4 i 4 420 4 i 2
Weber 401 41 i 418 425 414 405
Wickham 380 414 428 439 443 456
TOTAL 5441 5409 5368 5326 5231 5138
Current and Projected Secondary School Enrollments
School Name 1997~8 1998-99 1999-2000 2000-2001 2001-2002 2002-2003
Sou~east 766 748 717 692 694 710
Northwest 775 781 786 775 820 866
TOTAL 1541 1529 1503 1467 1514 1576
West High 1373 1450 1470 1535 1520 1521
CiwHigh 1592 1582 1558 1508 1472 1425
TOTAL 2965 3032 3028 3043 2992 2946
GRAND TOTAL 9947 9970 9899 9836 9737 9660
Note: The numbers of this table include regular, resident students only. The tables for secondary schools
include PS#4 and C.E.C. students.
Section 2: School Building Enrollment Projections, 1998-2002
Methods
Making reliable enrollment projections for individual buildings is most difficult at the elementary.
level where attendance areas are small and new residential developments can have major impacts. Equally
important is the tendency for attendance areas that experienced large residential developments in the past to
change their age mix of students.
There have been substantial revisions in the method we use to make building-based projections
since 1990. We have matched the addresses of children in the district (who are assigned a grade) for the
past nine years, 1989-1997, to a digital street map of the County, using a computer program designed for
this purpose. From this data we are able to compute the grade progression rates for very small areas
(census blocks) within the district. We use a computer file that contains a geographical description of each
block containing all addresses that are located within it. This is a copy of the geographic base file (TIGER)
developed bv the U.S. Bureau of the Census to conduct the 1990 Census of Population which we have
updated (as of October, 1997) and corrected.
The location of each student is determined by matching official enrollment records to this TIGER
file using specialized soRware. The results of each match are tabulated and stored on a computer. When
address matching failures occur, an effort is made to determine and correct the problem that caused it. By
aggregating the successful address matches for each year in the analysis, a table is created that contains the
number of students, by grade, for each of the 1187 census blocks in the district. (In urban areas each
census block is approximately the size of a ciW block). These highly disaggregated data serve as the basis
of the projection_method. For the 1999 enrollment data, 99.06% of all student addresses were successfully
address-matched. Comparable percentages for earlier years were 98.7% in 1996. 96.6.6% in 1995, 96.4%
in 1994, 95.9% in 1993, 90% in 1991, and 87% in 1987. The increase since 1991 reflects an increasing
proportion of students in the district who are using regular addresses and an increased number of addresses
in the District contained in the digital street file (TIGER file). Further details can be found in Table 7 (page
15).
Before describing the results, some details about definitions of students and their allocation to
individual school buildings should be noted. There are differences betwcen the current enrollments by
school building in the Districts' Official Enrollment Record and those used in these projections. The
differences are small and are caused primarily by the fact that we project the enrollment of individual
schools by projecting the numbers of students living in the official catchment area of the school. We do not
project transfers within the district of students living in one school's catchment area who attend some other
school in the district.
The method we use to make school building projections is designed to project enrollments as
accurately as possible within the Dismet area. it is not designed to make Distriet-wide projections. For that
purpose the traditional cohort-component method for the Dismet as a whole, as described earlier, and
shown in Table 1, was used. For this reason, results from the geographic method were "raked" to ensure
that the totals projected for each grade each year summed to the same totals as the Distriet-wide method.
A more complete description of the method used for making the small-area student enrollment
projections can be found in a Technical Report available from the authors of this report.
Projections of Kindergarten Students
The Kindergarten enrollments for each individual school are obtained by summing the
Kindergarten projections of each census block in the official catchment area of each school. The projections
for each census block are made by determminE the change in Kindergarten students over the past four years
for a sufficiently large region (a region that contains an average of at least 30 students per grade and year)
surrounding the block in question and determining the annual rate of change for that region. The predicted
change in numbers of Kindergarten students for the region is then allocated to the block in question
according to its share of Kindergarten students in the region.
Summary of Projection Results
For each school, projections of enrollments by grade have been made by year (see Table 6.1
through 6.7, starting on page I l). Totals by school for all elementat3.' grades are shown in Table 2, p. 5.
The methods, materials and assumptions used in making these projections are discussed below. In all cases,
the projections are based on the official attendance areas that will be in effect from September 1997,
including the areas from which students are bussed to individual schools.
Elementary School Projections
To understand better broad regional shifts in elementary enrollment by grade we illustrate recent
past changes and projected future changes of primary enrollment by the South East and Northwest
attendance areas. Total elementary enrollment by students in the attendance area of Northwest Jumor High
exceeded elementmy enrollment by students in the attendance area of South East Jumor High for the first
time in 199 I. The difference is projected to grow as enrollments in the attendance area of Northwest grog'
in the coming five years and elementan' enrollments in the attendance area of South East decline (Table 8.
page 15).
:3
These same trends concerning stronger enrollment growth in the Northwest attendance area than in
the South East attendance area are also found in recent and projected data for high school enrollments as
noted below.
Junior High School Projections
The total enrollment in the two Jumor Highs is expected to decline slightly in the next three years
and then pick up about ! 00 students in the next two years. Northwest is expected to increase in enrollment
by about 10 students by 1999 and South East is exq~ected to decline by about 50 students by 1999
(compared with 1997-98).
High School Projections
Projected enrollments are expected to increase in West High and decline in Cid' High till the year
2000. West High will continue to grog' in enrollment from 1,373 students in 1997-98 to about ! ,535
students by the year 2000.
6
Table 3. Johnson County and Iowa City Births, 1971-1996
Kindergarten Enrollment 1979-1997 and Its Relation to Births Five Years Earlier
Year Johnson City
County Bi~hs
Births
Kindergarten Percent of births 5
Enrollment years earlier
1997 795 58.499
1996 1272 793 58,395
1995 1258 832 59,175
1994 1288 841 64,842
1993 1337 797 59,925
1992 1359 * 794 61,790
1991 1358 762 816 63.850
1990 1406 780 857 64.630
1989 1297 718 816 62.481
1988 1330 739 844 67.305
1987 1285 748 804 61.894
1986 1278 729 827 61.259
1985 1326 750 810 63.480
1984 1306 735 728 59.283
1983 1254 745 670 57.265
1982 1299 742 717 62.456
1981 1350 775 623 59.390
1980 1276 712 640 63.179
1979 1228 731 598 56.098
1978 1170 708
1977 1148 672
1976 1049 620
1975 1013 607
1974 1066 693
1973 954
1972 1079
1971 1226
,~,ource: Vital Statistics of Iowa. Iowa State Department of Health, Division of Records and Statistics.
Notes: Average Percent of births five years earlic~ was 58.499 for the three years, 1994-1996.
* not available.
7
Table 4. Projected Kindergarten Enrollments for the Iowa City Community School District 199%
2O02
ActualEnrollments
1991 816
1992 794
1993 797
1994 841
1995 832
1996 793
1997 795
Projections
1998 785
1999 756
2000 738
2001 747
2002 747
Note: Kindergarten projections 1998-2000 are based on the relationship between the size of Kindergarten
Class and Johnson County births 5 years earlier (58.499%). Kindergarten projections for 2002 are based
on the expectation that births in Johnson CourtW in 1997 will be the same as 1996, and that the rate of
Kindergarten to County births five years earlier will stay at the 58.499 percent level. (see Table 3)
Table 5. Iowa City Community School District Three Year Grade Progression Rates
Grade
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
1975 1977 1979 1981 1983 1985 1987 1989 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997
0.9723 0.9658 0.9735 0.9909 0.9663 0.9770 0.9650 0.9892 0.9919 0.9979 0.9951 0.9947 0.9919
0.9646 0.9754 0.9755 0.9454 0.9522 0.9627 0.9654 0.9807 ¢}.9853 I}.9755 0.9775 0.9769 0.9801
0.9571 0.9682 0.9663 0.9863 0.9964 !.0070 !.0145 1.0122 0.9831 0.9855 0.9891 0.9766 0.9763
0.9764 0.9840 0.9464 0.9629 0.9982 1.0019 0.9804 0.9859 0.9911 0.9719 0.9698 0.9742 0.9917
0.9805 0.9938 0.9810 0.9783 0.9764 0.9946 0.9884 0.9831 0.9940 0.9893 !.0000 0.9983 0.9935
0.9853 0.9841 0.9903 1.0032 0.9922 0.9970 0.9892 !.0095 0.9926 0.9931 0.9926 0.9875 0.9835
0.9123 0.9240 0.9077 0.9399 0.9455 0.9775 1.0016 0.9991 0.9895 0.9833 0.9878 0.9943 1.0017
0.9827 1.0024 0.9746 0.9834 0.9968 0.9935 0.9894 0.9891 I.¢~99 !.0079 1.0156 1.0224 !.0224
0.9883 0.9913 0.9796 1.0011 0.9894 1.0013 0.9905 0.9911 0.9979 !.0103 1.0069 0.9996 1.0026
0.9875 0.9691 0.9732 0.9904 !.0160 0.9989 0.9886 1.0143 0.9774 0.9772 0.9714 0.9918 0.9855
0.9781 0.9638 0.9563 0.9868 0.9785 0.9658 !.0045 ¢}.9848 0.9966 0.9912 0.9910 0.9790 0.9775
0.9433 0.9628 0.9792 0.9921 1.0299 0.9901 0.9854 0.9802 0.9692 0.9713 0.9900 0.9818 0.9673
Mean 0.9690 0.9737 0.9670 0.9801 0.9865 0.9889 0.9886 0.9933 0.9895 0.9879 0.9906 0.9898 0.9895
8
Table 6.1 Elementary School Enrollments, 1997-98
School Name K ! 2 3 4 5 6 TOTAL
Coralville Central 71 49 69 49 43 55 47 384
Hills 28 33 17 21 18 22 30 170
Hoover 34 25 52 49 4 ! 47 47 294
Ernest Horn 31 50 41 52 53 38 58 322
Kirkwood 62 55 51 47 42 55 48 361
Lemme 27 37 30 49 50 55 42 290
Lincoln 18 29 24 27 26 31 33 188
Longfellow 46 44 50 38 45 35 48 306
Lucas 53 56 65 59 56 63 62 415
Horace Mann 34 37 38 38 26 31 29 233
Penn 57 52 56 49 48 39 47 349
Roosevelt 59 58 64 53 47 35 38 354
Shimek 29 28 36 37 35 46 25 235
Mark Twain 55 56 44 51 49 48 46 350
Grant Wood 62 52 72 54 53 49 68 410
Weber 58 81 57 62 47 47 48 401
Wickham 71 47 57 66 55 51 32 380
TOTAL 795 791 822 803 734 744 752 5441
Secondary School Enrollments, 1997-98
School Name 7 8 9 I 0 ! I 12
Southeast 385 381 766
Northwest 374 401 775
TOTAL 759 782 1541
West High 404 322 348 299 1373
Ci~ High 400 421 406 365 1592
TOTAL 804 743 754 664 2965
GRAND TOTAL 9947
Note: The numbers of this table include regular, resident students only. The tables for secondary schools
include PS#4 and C.EC students.
Table 6.2 Projected School Enrollments, 1998-99
School Name K ! 2 3 4 5 6 TOTAL
Coralville Central 71 70 48 67 49 43 54 402
Hills 29 27 32 17 21 18 22 167
Hoover 32 33 24 51 49 41 46 276
Ernest Horn 29 30 49 40 52 53 37 290
Kirkwood 63 62 54 50 47 42 54 371
Lemme 25 26 36 29 49 50 54 269
Lincoln 16 ! 8 28 23 26 25 31 169
Longfellow 47 46 43 49 38 45 34 301
Lucas 52 53 55 63 59 56 62 400
Horace Mann 33 33 36 37 38 25 31 233
Penn 58 57 5 ! 55 49 48 38 355
Roosevelt 60 58 55 61 52 46 33 365
Shimek 28 28 27 35 37 35 45 234
Mark Twain 53 55 55 43 51 49 47 352
Grant Wood 63 62 51 70 54 53 48 400
Weber 56 59 8 i 57 63 48 47 411
Wickham 71 71 46 56 66 54 50 414
TOTAL 785 789 775 803 796 729 732 5409
Projected Secondary. School Enrollments, 1998-99
School Name 7 8 9 I 0 1 ! 12
Southeast 354 394 748
Northwest 399 382 781
TOTAL 753 776 1529
W~tHigh 401 398 315 336 1450
CiwI-!igh 383 394 411 394 1582
TOTAL 784 792 726 730 3032
GRAND TOTAL 9970
Note: The numbers of this table include regular, resident students only. The tables for seconda~ schools
include PS#4 and CE.C. students.
10
Table 6.3 Projected School Enrollments, 1999-2000
School Name K I 2 3 4 5 6 TOTAL
Coralville Central 70 71 69 47 67 48 42 414
Hills 29 29 27 31 16 21 18 172
Hoover 29 32 33 24 50 48 40 256
Emest Hom 27 29 30 48 40 51 52 276
Kirkwood 62 63 62 53 50 46 4 ! 377
Lemme 23 25 26 35 29 48 49 235
Lmcoln 14 16 18 28 23 26 25 150
Longfellow 46 46 45 42 48 37 44 309
Lucas 50 52 52 54 63 58 55 384
Horace Mann 31 32 33 35 37 37 25 230
Penn 57 57 56 51 54 48 48 371
Roosevelt 59 57 55 52 58 52 42 375
Shimek 26 27 28 27 35 36 34 212
Mark Twain 49 52 54 54 43 50 48 350
Grant Wood 62 62 61 50 70 53 52 409
Weber 52 56 59 80 58 64 49 418
Wickham 70 71 69 45 55 64 53 428
TOTAL 756 778 773 757 796 791 717 5368
Projected Secondary School Enrollments, 1999-2000
School Name 7 8 9 I 0 11 12
Southeast 351 366 717
Northwest 382 404 786
TOTAL 733 770 1503
West High 383 396 387 304 1470
CiwHigh 395 377 388 398 1558
TOTAL 778 773 775 702 3028
GRAND TOTAL 9899
Note: The numbers of this table include regular, resident students only. The tables for secondary. schools
include PS#4 and C.E.C students.
11
Table 6.4 Projected School Enrollments, 2000-2001
School Name K I 2 3 4 5 6 TOTAL
Coralville Central 70 70 70 67 47 66 47 436
Hills 30 29 28 26 3 ! ! 6 20 181
Hoover 27 29 31 32 23 50 48 241
Ernest Horn 25 26 28 29 48 39 5 ! 246
Kirkwood 61 6 i 62 6 ! 53 50 46 393
Lemme 21 23 24 25 35 29 48 205
Lmcoln ! 2 14 16 i 7 27 23 26 136
Longfellow 47 46 46 44 42 48 37 309
Lucas 49 50 5 ! 50 54 63 57 374
Horace Mann 29 29 3 ! 31 34 36 36 226
Penn 57 58 57 55 52 53 49 381
Roosevelt 59 57 55 52 51 57 50 381
Shimek 24 25 27 27 26 35 36 200
Mark Tw-ain 47 48 50 52 53 41 49 340
Grant Wood 61 61 61 59 50 69 53 414
Weber 49 54 57 60 80 60 65 425
Wickham 70 70 70 68 45 55 63 439
TOTAL 738 750 763 755 751 790 778 5326
Projected Secondary School Enrollments, 2000-2001
Schoo!Name 7 8 9 10 11 12
Sou~east 332 360 692
Northwest 386 389 775
TOTAL 718 749 1467
West High 403 375 384 373 1535
Cid, High 369 392 371 376 1508
TOTAL 772 767 755 749 3043
GRAND TOTAL 9836
Note: The numbers of this table include regular, resident students only. The tables for secondary schools
include PS#4 and C.EC. students.
12
Table 6.5 Projected School Enrollments, 2001-2002
School Name K I 2 3 4 5 6 TOTAL
Coralville Central 72 69 67 68 66 46 65 454
Hills 32 30 29 28 25 30 15 188
Hoover 26 27 29 30 32 23 49 216
Ernest Horn 23 24 26 28 29 47 39 216
Kirkwood 64 62 60 60 60 52 49 407
Lemme 20 21 22 24 25 35 29 175
Lmcoln 11 12 14 15 17 27 23 120
Longfellow 49 43 45 44 4 i 41 45 308
Lucas 49 48 49 50 50 53 62 361
Homce Mann 29 29 28 29 3 ! 34 35 215
Penn 59 57 58 58 56 53 53 394
Roosevelt 61 57 55 53 52 51 56 384
Shimek 23 24 25 26 27 26 34 185
Mark T~ain 46 47 47 48 51 52 41 332
Grant Wood 64 61 60 59 59 49 68 420
Weber 49 52 53 57 61 81 61 414
Wickham 72 69 68 68 67 45 54 443
TOTAL 747 732 735 745 748 746 778 5231
Projected Secondary School Enrollments, 2001-2002
School Name 7 8 9 I 0 I I 12
Southeast 352 342 694
Northwest 427 393 820
TOTAL 779 735 1514
West High 388 397 365 370 1520
City High 363 364 384 361 1472
TOTAL 751 761 749 731 2992
GRAND TOTAL 9737
Note: The numbers of this table include regular, resident students only. The tables for secondary schools
include PS#4 and C.E.C. students.
13
Table 6.6 Projected School Enrollments, 2002-03
School Name K I 2 3 4 5 6 TOTAL
Coralville Central 73 71 68 65 67 66 46 457
Hills 33 30 27 26 25 23 27 191
Hoover 25 26 27 28 30 3 ! 23 190
Ernest Horn 22 23 24 25 27 29 47 197
Kirkwood 65 63 60 58 60 60 5 ! 416
Lemme 18 19 20 22 24 25 34 162
Lmcoln 10 i ! 12 14 15 17 27 106
Longfellow 50 48 45 44 44 41 40 313
Lucas 49 49 47 48 49 50 52 344
Horace Mann 28 29 28 27 29 3 ! 33 205
Penn 60 59 57 58 59 57 53 403
Roosevelt 62 60 56 55 53 51 50 386
Shimek 22 23 23 24 26 27 26 171
Mark Twain 44 43 43 45 48 49 50 322
Grant Wood 65 63 60 59 59 58 49 412
Weber 47 52 52 53 57 62 82 405
Wickham 73 71 68 66 67 67 44 456
TOTAL 747 741 717 718 739 743 733 5138
Projected Secondary School Enrollments, 2002-2003
School Name 7 8 9 I 0 I 1 12
Southeast 349 361 710
Northwest 430 436 866
TOTAL 779 797 1576
West High 394 385 390 352 1521
City High 342 356 354 373 1425
TOTAL 736 741 744 725 2946
GRAND TOTAL 9660
Note: The numbers of this table include regular, resident students only. The tables for seoondary schools
include PS#4 and C.E.C. students.
14
Table 7. Statistics on Address Matching Rates in the Iowa City Community School District Database
for the Period 1987-1997
Yea/
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
Address Matched Non Address Total Number of
Records Matched Records Matched
7,435 (87%) 1,066 (13%) 8,501 (100%)
7,561 (88%) 1,054 (12%) 8,615 (100%)
8,010 (91%) 830 (9%) 8,840 (100%)
8,360 (91%) 883 (9%) 9,243 ( ! 00%)
8,364 (90%) 90 ! (I 0%) 9,265 (100%)
9,186 (97%) 319 (3%) 9,505 (100%)
9,305 (96%) 425 (4%) 9,730 (I 00%)
9,440 (96.4%) 353 (3.6%) 9,793 (100%)
9,763 (96.6%) 342 (3.4%) 10.105 (I 00%)
10,158 (98.7%) 132 (I.3%) 10,290 (100%)
10.283 (99.06%) 98 (0.94%) 10.381 (100%)
Note: The totals in this table include the K-12 students (Resident and non-resident) who attend the 15
elemental', 2 jumor high, and 2 senior high schools.
Table 8. Current and Projected Elementary Enrollments in the Attendance Areas of South East and
Northwest Junior High Schools, 1997 - 2002
Year SouthEast Northwest
1997 2344 3097
1998 2278 3132
1999 2199 3169
20O0 2124 3203
2001 2033 3199
2002 1946 3192
15
,.
County, city, school board consolidate servic""e
tial of saving taxpayers hundreds
of thousands of dollars each year
by eliminating duplication and
taking advanlagc of mass pur-
chases. "Ils amazing how many
positive opporlunities we have,"
Norman said.
"When wc came logether, we
discovered there wcrc a Iol of
similarities between our enlJ-
ties. That's the exciling part
about coming Iogelher -- see-
ing what benefits Ihcrc really
are out Ihcre."
The program builds upon two
longslanding business principles:
consolidalion culs cxpcnscs and
the more you buy, the less you
pay.
Administrators from Ihc
county, City of Brooksville, and
Ihc scbu~l district set out to docu-
ment the areas of similarities be-
Iween the enlJlies. There were
direct matches, such as the need
for truck loads of copy paper each
year. And there were not-so-di-
rect matches. such as placing
school bus drivers on pothole pa-
trol for the depa~dngu! of public
works. Belief roads make for
lower maintenance costs.
The two most immediate mar-
riages came in the a~as of librar-
ies and parks.
With limited funds filtering
down from the state, school and
In any community. Ihere are
bound Io be terrilorial lines drawn
belween elected government ca-
lilies. Counly government is ex-
pcclcd to deliver certain services.
a cily government a cerlain sel of
,~¢rvices and a school board dis-
ling Ihe ~cparalc a~cncic~ In work
~11~ can ,*hen hc hkc mixing
ml and
Bul when il ~-omc~ to ~t~englh-
cn~ng Ihc h~qt~*m linc. Ilcrnando
('~unly {l:la I ha~ found Ihat ~c-
ducin~ ~hc ~axpaycr'~ hutden
more imp~*rtanl Ihan prolecling
c~,t~ralion. three local blanches
~1 government came Iogcl~r re-
t rally Io ~harc puhlic a~et~ and
resources. and lower the co&l of
public
The pr~ram
(ToFclh~ W~ Improve Through
('oo~rativc Ef[orl~). ~c pro-
s~ci~c areas: purchasing. K~I
hu~ routc~cbedulc5 in relation
to Iraf~c ~ow: parks and ~rc-
alion; libra~/m~ia center ~r-
vices; lad
Coordinated by Assistant
Coualy Admiaislr~tor
projed ~ ~ rottuna. 'd~-~ ~ .~
county libraries have begun re-
viewing each other's book lists
to climinale costly duplication.
in development is u cross-sys~
ten drop-off program to en-
hance the exchange of materi-
als between the public library
system and the schools.
There arc continued talks
about allowing the general pub-
lic access to school libraries
when school i~ nol in session.
School sites are greater in num-
ber and generally closer to the
community than the public li-
brary sites. With the improve-
ments in technology, citizens
could actually have access to
the public library system at the
local school silt and be able to
request the delivery/pick-.p ser-
vice without driving to the uc-
t.al library site.
Recreational leaders are look-
ing for a way to curb the high
cos~ofdeveloping and maintain-
ing parks and athletic fields.
S~hool spofis Ig~ms alr~dy
use a number of county facilities
for INletice, gam~ and meets at
· o cha~e Io the scheol disIcier.
But until now, the public has had
limited access to school facili-
ties. When school is nut in zes-
sion, ball rmlds ~d uther facili-
ties go unused. if the public were
allowed to use those facilities,
the coouty could avoid building
new ones. 'Why use twice the
land if we don't have to? School
said.
Jointly developed and main-
mined sports fields have
cussed for futu~ investmeut~ al-
lowing bMh the county and
schools to maximize the use of
~f cooperation that rarely esisled
hefo~ between the entities. Both
staffs seem eager to see the pro-
cess through. After all. everyone
henefils. 'I've enjoyed the c60t-' '
danalion we've had." said Charlie
CascioRa, coordinator of
ary curriculums. "The faculty is
escited about it. Wc want to he
more in touch with each uther's
systems. i'm sur~ that this is go-
ing to work."
in a spirit of con~ the
scbonl board, the conmy cammis-
sioners and d~ city --,.,,~cil all
recognize that if they arc aMe to
combine efforts, nmximize ~he mi-
lanlion of the taxpaycn' dollars
· and 'think out of the box' for
service delivery alterlalives, it
will he a wit-win for evesyone.
The community will he bdte~
served and all agencies will he
able to continue to provide high
quality services with fewer fund-
ing resources.
These interested in oMaioing
additional information on the
TWICE Project can dimc~
ques~ to: Bn:nda FTaxi~, onm-
munity relations coordiualor,
Hemundo County Board of
County Commissioners, ~O~N.
Main St., Ronm 461, Br0Mr3villc,
FL 34601; IMmno: 352/7~M-4002;
c-mail: ndmiugco. he/iaido.
fi.us. or visit the conroy's .We~
Site at kttp:/~s~.¢o. kermmdo.
]/.ns aud select the "TWICE
Project.'
~ldminialr,,ee~ /M'
c..,,o .~,~ *~*
mi~ioner~.) ......... "".", 0, ·
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET
.January 23, lgg8
IP1
IP2
IP3
IP4
IP5
IP6
JANUARY 26 'WORK SESSION
Memorandum from Council Member Norton: Comments and Suggestions about Council
Procedures
Memorandum from City Clerk: Organizational Issues
Materials: Iowa City Conference Board Annual Meeting
Memorandum from Parking and Transit Director. Transit Building - Methane Problem
Memorandum from Council Members Vanderhoef and Thomberry: SEATS
Memorandum from Parking and Transit Director. SEATS Reports
IP7
JANUARY 29 ~RrORK SESSION
Memorandum from Library 'Director and Community & Audio Visual Services Coordinator:.
ICN Meeting Room Consideration
IP8
IP9
IP10
IP11
IP12
IP13
IP14
IP15
MISCEU.ANEOUS ITEMS
Memorandum from City Clerk:
Memorandum from City Clerk:
Memorandum from City Clerk:
Memorandum from City Clerk:
National League of Cities/Congressional City Conference
January 10 Council Work Session
January 12 Council Work Session
January 13 Council Work Session
Memorandum from Parking and Transit Director. Summary
Memorandum from Public Works Project Coordinator to City Manager. Agenda Items
Agenda: January 21 - Johnson County Board of Supervisors Meeting
Agenda: January 22- Johnson County Board of Supervisors Meeting
Agenda for the 1/16/98 meeting of the Board of Supervi'sors.
Agenda for 1/27/98 meeting of the Board of Supervisors.
Memo from Jccog Human Services Coord. regarding Aid to Agencies Funding
and Jccog Services Directory.
January 23, 1998
Info Packet
page 2
Agenda for the 1/28/98 Mettings of the Board of Supervisors.
Information regarding the Iowa Apprenticeship conference Coalition: A Viable Alternative.
March 3-4 Cedar Rapids.
Article: Cotati board members will get free day care.
Copy of the South District Plan (adopted December 1997).
Copy of the Iowa City Comprehensive Plan 1997 (adopted December 1997).
Comments and Suggestions About Council Procedures
Councilor Dee Norton
Janua~ 22, 1998
A. Regarding Emie's Memo
Sharing in Discussion: I strongly agree that once a council member has commented on an
issue, other council members should have an oppommity to add their remarks before the
first speaker re-enters the discussion. Of course, a council member who has posed a
question, or responded to a question, should have the prerogative of a short follow-up but
should be careful not to abuse this custom.
Limits on Debate: We nil want our meetings to move along at a reasonable pace but I
think we should be very careful about closing debate too abruptly, even when there is a clear
majority for a certain action. Most 'cctizens will not be familiar with the deliberations at our
work sessions so it is important that discussions at our formal meetings be sufficiently
substantive to convey the rationale behind our individual and collective decisions.
Oncidentally, a two-thirds vote is required to close debate, not just a "call" fxom the chair or
any other member.)
Agenda Item Comments: I think there are risks in trying to summarize the staff-prepared
comments. As noted in the preceding paragraph, the formal meeting may be the only
opportunity for most citizens to learn just what we are doing on their behalf. On certain
items a very brief summary may be sufficient but on key items I believe the full text should
be read. Indeed, on these items it often may be desirable to have additional background
information and explanation. I propose, therefore, that we spend some time at each work
session briefly reviewing not only the P&Z items but also the key uou-P&Z items on the
upcoming agenO. This would provide an opportunity for the Council to consider what
additional clarification would be desirable, and to identify who - staff or council member -
will be prepared to provide that clarification. Of course, at the formal meeting every
councilor will have an oppommity, if they choose, to add their particular perspective.
Courtesy during Meetings: I fully support the mayors' call to avoid personal attacks, to
stay on the is..~es before us, and to speak one at a time I believe the chair can help us
achieve these goals by more clearly and more systematically recognizing members, and by
gently seeing to it that the "floor" is passed around fairly.
Response to Public Comments: I agree that public comments may occasionally call for a
brief and courteous rebuttal or clarification, usually by the mayor but possibly by another
councilor at the explicit request of, or with the explicit approval of, the mayor. We certainly
don~ want any unseemly public arguments. But on the other hand, there have been several
times in the past when one or more council members have had useful exchanges with a
citizen at the podlure I trust the mayor will recognize those occasions and allow the council
a little leeway. Maybe we need a signaling system!
Development and Review of Agenda: I think that the council should take primary
responsibility for setting agendas, both short term and long term, of course working
closely with the city manager. I agree that it would be useful, at the end of each work
session (definitely not at the formal), for the manager to review the status of pending
items. The council should then either reaffam~ existing directions and prior/ties or
appropriately modify them. I assume that in developing agendas, the mayor and the
manager will reflect the views expressed by a majority of council members.
B. Regarding K~ren's Memo
1. I agree that we should have a goal setting session soon.
2. I'm not keen on facilitation skills training; HI leave it to the judgment of our leaders.
3. I support the suggestion for off-week Monday evening informal work sessions, each
focused on a particular important topic.
4. I am uncertain about the virtue of rotating the position of facilitator at our informal
meetings. It could unneces~ complicate things.
The mayor should recommend committee assignments, for formal approval by the council. I
assume the mayor will make assignments a~er considering carefully the interests and skills
of particular councilors, the desirable balance of viewpoints on the committee, and current
workloads and availab'dity.
Meetings with other entities should be on a more systematic schedule but we need more
effort from all participants - and from their respective staffs - to generate solid agendas..
Maybe we should consider pre-planning by designated representatives of the entities. We
certainly also need to do more follow-up on ideas generated at these sessions. And how do
such meetings avoid overlap with JCCOG?
Council committees and representatives should indeed report periodically, probably not just
during council time but as an agenda item in a work session. Brief memoranda may be
desirable at times.
8. My comments regarding the role of the mayor are expressed in Section A. above.
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
RE:
January 22, 1998
Council
Mayor and City ~
Marian K. Karr, City Clerk
Organizational Issues
The following items have been furnished by Council Members as items to be
discussed at your work session on Monday:
· Summer Schedule
· Work Session starting time
· Legislative Committee functions
· Goal Setting session
OFFICE OF TH~
IOWA CITY ASSESSOR
.1OHNSON COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
DAN L HUDSON
ASSESSOR
~ BALINUD~
DEPUTY
CAROLYN BURKE
DEPUTY
January 21, 1998
Dear Conference Board Member:
The annual meeting of the Iowa City Conference Board for the consideration of
the Iowa City Assessor's FY 1999 budget is scheduled for Monday, January 26,
1998 at 7:00 P.M. at the Iowa City Civic Center. Enclosed, so you may review
the information before the meeting, are:
1. The Agenda.
2. The Proposed Budget.
3. The 1997 Annual Report which includes the program division statement.
4. A copy of February 24, 1997 minutes.
5. Results of 1997 Customer Survey.
6. Board of Review applications.
There is a slight increase in the smount to be raised by taxation for the
Assessment Expense Fund from 18~ year's nmount. This increase is ]ess than
usual due to replacing a long term employee with a new person at a lower
salary. The increase consists o~
a. $ 540
b. 4,020
c. 6,850
increase in FICA and IPERS.
for a 4% increase in s~!sries and longevity.
for the biennisl assessment rolls and postage.
$11,410 Total Increase
This increase is offset by the following decrease:
d. $ 7,801 increase in the unencumbered balance.
$ 7,801 Total Decrease
$ 3,609 Net Increase
The expense fund levy rate will be decreasing from .19946 to .19461, a decrease
of more than 2%.
I am al~o ad&ing another $1,500 to the office car replacement fund which is
part of the SpeciAl Appraisers Fund. Also continuing the funds started last
year, I Am adaing $2,500 to the leave contingency fund. Thlg fund was used
thi.~ year with the retirement of our plat supervisor. I am also repleni.~hing the
computer replacement fund so we can replace two more obsolete computers next
fiscal year. I would like to add $150,000 to the mass re-appraisal fund and
hope to select a firm later thig year. The new values will go on the books for
2000 and 2001, with residential and commercial being split for those two years.
The new construction that will be taxed for the first time in FY '99 will produce
over $6,000 for the City Assessor Expense Fund which more than covers the
wage increase requested, and approximately $3,850 for the Spe_~l Appraisers
Fund.
If you have any specific questions or wish to look at any of the supporting
documents for thi.~ budget, feel free to call me at work at 356-6066 or at my
home at 338-6176.
Sincerely,
Dan L. Hudson
Iowa City Assessor
913 SOUTH DUBUQUE STREET * POST OFFICE BOX 1350 · IOWA CITY IOWA 52244
TELEPHONE 319-356-6066
January 21, 1998
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
The Iowa City Conference Board will meet at 7:00 P.M. on Monday,
January 26, 1998 at the Iowa City Civic Center. The purpose of this
meeting is to discuss the Iowa City Assessor's proposed budget for fiscal
year 1999.
AGENDA:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Call meeting to order.
Roll call by taxing body.
Act on minutes of February 24, 1997 Conference Board Meeting.
Assessor presents proposed bud~t.
Discuss proposed budget.
Conference Board acts on proposed budget.
Set date for pubhc hearing.
Appointment of Board of Review member.
Other business.
10. Adjourn.
Dan L. Hudson
Clerk, Conference Board
CB-AG26
ITEM #
33
34
34
37
37
37
33,34,37
ITEMIZED BUDGET -
S,~,ARIES
City Assessor
First Deputy
Second Deputy
Office Manager
Clerk
Appraiser/Clerk
Longevity
Total Salaries
ASSESSMENT EXPENSE FUND
FY '98
$ 54,350
46,710
43,970
32,960
28,205
23,020
2,825
$ 232,040
FY '99
$ 56,530
48,580
45,730
34,280
23,400
25,140
.2,400
$ 236,060
36
38
39.
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
5O
51
52
53
54
55
56
OTHER EXPENDITURES
Board of Review
Employer Share: FICA
Employer Share: IPERS
Health Insurance
Mileage & Auto
Office Supplies & Postage
Telephone
Publications, Subscriptions & Dues
Bonds & Worker's Compensation
Equipment Mnlnten~nce
Appr~ir. al Service
InRurance
Continuing Education
Appezl.~ to Court
Schools & Conferences
Legal
Unemployment
Conference Board
Examining Board
Computer Charge
Total Other Expenditures
TOTAL BUDGET
UNENCUMBERED B,~,I,ANCE
TO BE RAISED BY TAXATION
$ 9,000
18 440
13 350
28 000
1 600
7 700
1 100
1 400
8O0
200
4O0
3,500
2,200
25,000
3,800
2,000
2,000
0
30
8,800
$129,320
$ 361,360
- 43,090
$ 318,270
$ 9,000
18,750
13,580
28,000
1,600
14,550
1,100
1,400
8O0
20O
4OO
3,500
2,200
25,000
3,800
2,000
2,000
0
3O
8,800
$136,710
$ 372,770
-50,891
$ 321,879
BUDGET - SPECIAL APPRAISERS FUND
FY '98
Mapping & Appraisal
Car Replacement
Re.Appraisal Fund
Leave Contingency
Computer Replacement
$ 25,500 $ 25,800
4,500 6,000
50,000 200,000
2,500 2,500
5,O00 5,000
$ 87,500 $ 239,300
- 34,666 - 54,943
$ 52,834 $ 184,357
$ 371,104 $ 506,236
TOTAL
UNENCUMBERED BALANCE
TO BE RAISED BY TAXATION
GRAND TOTAL TO BE RAISED BY TAXATION
MAXIMUM I.]WY ,~L~OWED
Maximum Assessment Expense Fund 1,653,962,869 x .00027
IPERS & FICA Funds
Unemployment Compensation & Tort Liability
M~im~m for Assessment Expense Fund
Mwrimum Speci~'~! Appraisers Fund 1,653,962,869 x .000405
Ma~mum allowed without State approval
Maximum Emergency Fund 1,653,962,869 x .00027 (Which requires State Appeal Board Approval)
Maximum that could be raised by t~T~tion for FY '99
= $ 446,570
= 32,330
= 2,800
= $ 481,700
= $ 669,855
= $1,151,555
- $ 446,570
= $1,598,125
I,EVIES AND RATES SINCE 1980
Fiscal Year Amount Levied Levy Rate
1979-80 $ 146,050 .26746
1980-81 175,930 .29593
1981-82 184,145 .30081
1982-83 192,960 28004
1983-84 201,186 .27000
1984-85 200,278 .22454
1985-86 181,958 .18905
1986-87 186,780 .17616
1987-88 149,491 .13953
1988-89 218,823 .19279
1989-90 191,619 .16666
1990-91 234,390 .19498
1991-92 252,789 .20574
1992-93 242,474 .18729
1993-94 228,690 .16688
1994-95 316,002 .22132
1995-96 303,281 .20446
1996-97 319,513 .20450
1997-98 318,270 .19946
1998-99 321,879 .19461
Amount Levied
61,000
15,000
98,868
73,890
75.000
45000
75 000
120 000
78 000
64 000
30 000
17 000
52,834
184,357
.09592
.02177
.13000
.08284
.06416
.03743
.O6104
.09269
.05845
.04482
.02023
.01088
.03311
.11146
CITY CONFEKENCE BOARD
FEBRUARY 24, 1997
City Conference Roard: February 24, 1997, 7:03 P.M. in the Council Chambers at the
Iowa City Civic Center. Mayor Naomi Novick presiding.
Iowa City Council Members Present: Baker, Kubby, Lehman, Norton, Novick.
Johnson Coamty g~ipervisors Present: Duff3t, Lacina, Stutsman.
IC gchool Roard Members Present: Matheson, Left.
Others Present: Hudson, Atkinz, Helling, Holecek, Karr.
T~pe Recorded: Reel 9%38, Side 2.
Chair Novick called the meeting to order and Clerk Hudson called roll and stated that a
quorum was present.
The City moved to accept the minutes of the last Conference Board meeting, January 27.
1997. County seconded, and the motion carried, 3/0.
Chair Novick declared the public hearing open. There being no comment from the
public, the public hearing was declared closed.
The City moved to modify the ,~lary increases to 3% and the County seconded. After
discussion the motion failed, 2/1. City - Yes,'County - No, School - No.
The County moved to adopt the proposed budget with 4% salary increases as published
in the Iowa City Press Citizen on February 12, 1997, it was seconded by the School.
Motion carried, 2/1. City - No, County - Yes, School - Yes.
Assessor Hudson described the lat~ tactic by some apartment owners to reduce their
property tax burden. This is to convert their apartments into condominiums, thereby
receiving the residential rollback. Until the rollback rises back up, there will be a loss of
property tax base in jurisdictions Where this occurs. It would take legislation to close
this loophole.
There being no further business, it was moved by the City, seconded by the Count).' to
adjourn at 7:27 P.M. Motion carried unanimously, 3/0.
Dan L. Hudson
Clerk, Iowa City Conference Board
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SURVEY
During the summer and fall of 1997, approximately 150 surveys
were prepared and distributed to a representative sample of people who had
used the services of the assessor's office in recent months. Surveys were
sent to one-fourth of the 114 people who appeared before the 1997 session
of the Board of Review, along with people who had filed for homestead
credits, frequent visitors and callers to our office, and people who had a
recent visit to their property by an employee of the Iowa City Assessor's
Results of the survey are tabulated and comments listed on the
following pages. The cartoon below seems appropriate to this process when
dealing with those who appealed to the Board of Review. There were
several negative comments as a result of the appeal process, but overall,
most of the survey results were positive.
There were comments, mostly fi'om realtors and appraisers,
suggesting more information should be available on-line or by fax. We
have been working with a computer consultant to the Iowa City Board of
Realtors to download some of our computerized information into their
system.
you ~. ~. ~ w®'d l® yo~J
Iowa City City Assessor's Office 1997 Customer Survey Results
1. Reason you were in the ~r's Office:
2__7 To file homestead or vetwans exemption
38 To look up iwupefiy or sales information
1_~9 To file an assessment appeal
7 I wasn't in the office-an assessor's employee visited my
propmy.
Dkl the person you contacted Ilsten to you and uderstand your questions?
74-DEFINITELY 9-MOSTLY I-NOT REALLY 3-DEFINITELY NOT
4-DOES NOT APPLY
3. Did he/she take the time to explain clearly the answers or responses to your questions?
68-DEFINITELY 9-MOSTLY 5-NOT REALLY 4-DEFINITELY NOT 5*DOES NOT APPLY
4. Was he/she eourteons and attentive?
72-DEFINFTELY 1 I-MOSTLY 4-NOT REALLY 3-DEFINITELY NOT I-DOES NOT APPLY
S. Did he/she assist you in an timely manner?
74-DEFINITELY 9-MOSTLY 2-NOT REALLY 5-DEFINITELY NOT !-DOES NOT APPLY
6. Did he/she provide the service or assistance you needed?
73-DEFINITELY ! !-MOSTLY 3-NOT REALLY 3-DEFINITELY NOT i-DOES NOT APPLY
7. If the Assessor's offHe couM not help you, were you directed to the proper Jocation for assistance?
o
28-DEFINITELY 5-MOSTLY 2-NOT REALLY
Is the aceess to the assessor's offMe convenient?
4 I-DEFINITELY 42-MOSTLY I-NOT RE.AIJ,Y
2-DEFINFIT=LY NOT 54-DOES NOT APPLY
2-DEFINITELY NOT 5-DOES NOT APPLY
9. What if anything, would you like the City Assessor's offMe to be doing that it is not now doing:
Have public records available via compute~.
Info put on MLS computer for realtors
Be able to immediately fax information to our office.
Remote computer access to re~xsrds
Being accessible past 4:00 p_m.
The assessor's office is exc__-,Mingly helpful and courteous
Expand parking
I think they do a good job. Perhnps mot~ information could be given out in a more timely manner in reference to
assessment uppers.
Assess all property equally. They cannot be assessed just by the books. I realize it would be at an expense but all
property should be gone through and assessed by upkeep etc.
Have the information available through the computer.
Disband
To go and look at a property if requested by the owner to do so. No one has looked a property in years in some areas of
the city.
Be on line.
Putting all info on the net
Fax informalion on request.
I of~m feel as if l'm put~ng someone out by asking for help or inform~on
Computer records and sell to the public.
Lower our taxes?
On line with the real estate offices
I call in constantly for assessed values, parcel #'s etc. on the property that we sell through our office and your service
has always been helpful and prompt.
I am a rultor and computer access would be greta and I believe it would help the assessor's office also.
I am a realtor. It would be super if we could have access to the assessor's public records via the computer.
Stay open till $:00. Also, I wish I could call and have them fax me property info as a realtor it would save a lot of time
for me..
Be 8bJe to fax informalion on hard ~ds to me.
As ~ everyone in the connty ~ilding I always feel tha~ serving the public comes as an inconvenience to the
person behind the counter.
Put all record "on line" with access over the Inu:rncL Get with it! Fairly appraise property.
lax information when requested and be abJc to chargc it to our acconms.
Implement tax !ink so wc could occess our selves and poss~ly · '!nnin~e the time ~ on personal com~-t.
/:or persons who arc just I~/ing a house, to explain wha~ the hom_,~___~_ is and what ~ abo~
Have hours on Saturday.
Provide on line computer ~ccess to records. Provide copies of pages of honk on counter (sales) for just the price of
copying page. Not hiMher fee as currently charged.
Make their records on line so I could take the info from my computer so I wouldn't have to drive over there.
No complaints al this time.
10. What services now provided by the City Assessor's office would you not like to see discontinued:
I don't think I'd like to see any of the services discontinued - they are most helpful in providing complete information
Info provided on property - ie, sq fL -lot size- price etc
Please do not discontinue any services. They are a gr~at bunch of people and do an excellent job.
I like the piTsent information cards much better than the county assessor's.
I would like everything to stay the same
As a Realtor I find the city assessor's office very helpful. All the information provided is important.
I would like to see all of its services discontinued.
The card file.
There should be additions nothing discontinued. Get out and inspect some of these properties.
The Assessor and his staff have always been helpful and coufieous and personable. It's the most enjoyable
county/city assessor's office in the five county area.
I either call or visit the office personally to ol~aln informmion pertinent to my real came business. They arc,w~out
fait, friendly and helpful.
I received excellent and very ~endly, helpful service! Thank yon!
Everyone tha~ I have been in contact ~ a~ the assessor's office is GREAT!
I find the people who I most often ~ with to be extremely helpful and efficient. I would say they are doing a much
better than average job smisfying consumer needs.
I think your office is efficient and courteous. Keep up the good work!
I wish the conference board would ask for a survey on the u'easurers office. It's better lately but still needs
improvement.
As I said before i am always calling to get inform~on and I am always treated very professionally and nicely. J have
never felt that ! could not call yOUF Office. I am always treated very well. Thank you for asking.
You can always change hours and never please everyone. I would like to see the whole administration building operate
under the same hours!
The as~sor~ office provides ~xce!!mt service and information.
I! would b~ most helpful if the infmmalion wer~ availabk on the compul~r so wc would not have to physically come to
the office.
I would like the office hours extended to 5:00 p.m. I would like easier acceas to sales information and more routine
updates of reports would be helpful. It would be helpful for this office to have its own fax machine instead of going
through the auditors ofFace.
Current information on assessor's card is much more complete than county assessor's office.
The city and county assessor's offices sometimes react rudely to questions asked of them which fall under the
jurisdiction of the other office. ! was shocked to find out that they are next to each other since they act as though they
are not even in the same building.
The a.~essor'$ office is'always a friendly and anentlye place to visit. I do hope that its information will soon be
accessible by computer.
On a previous occasion ! called the assessor's office re: my tax valuation. The person I spoke with was brusque and
said the property must be worth what it was assessed at. Did not give information on appeal process, made it appear an
appeal would be useless.
Board of Review 1997 Customer Survey Results
The following quintiota N~ply only to those pe~om who filed an assessmint appeal with the Board of
Review: (19 rmpomes)
9. Did your contact person in the msessor's offwe explain the appeal process and provide the necessary
forms and instructions?
!!-DEFINITELY 3-MOSTLY 2-NOTREALLY i-DEFINITELYNOT 0-DOES NOT
APPLY 2-NO RESPONSE
10. If you bad an ond beating befo~ the Board of Rrview, ald the Board give you the oppommity to
present arguments and evidence in support of your appeal?
9-DEHNITELY 2-MOSTLY 0-blOT REALLY 0-DEFINTTELY NOT 4.DOES blOT
APPLY 4-NO RESPONSE
11. My appeal ~o ~he Board was:
7-DEbllED 2-GRANTF. D 7-G~ IN PART 3-blO RESPONSE
12. Were you satisfied tha~ the Board of Review made an informed decisiou based on all the information
presmted?
2-DEFINITELY S-MOSTLY 4-blOT REALLY 5-DEFIblH'ELY blOT !-DOES blOT
APPLY 2-blO RESPOblSE
COMMENTS ABOUT BOARD OF REVIEW OR APPEALS: (! 0 had no commen~)
No idea is given ofwha~ evidmce is ac~ptable. The house in b~'~ ~ of me which is identical was on fi~e
market at 10,000 less than my assessment. ffthat's not evidence, what is evidence needs to be specified.
My Imprmsion is that the appeal process was designed to give the appearance of fairness where there is
none.
I represented an elderly man in the appeal process - we had a nice visit but not good results.
I am still flabbergasted that propertyis"not valued"in its condition outhe in of every year. Itis
discretionary by this office - not by our state law. This is B.S.*.
Appeal process appeared to me to be a kangaroo court. My very recent mortgage appraisal was apparently
ignored and my property appraised at probable 20% above likely sale price on the current rnm'ket.
Close up shop and merge with County Assessor and use savings to modernize and computerize records etc.
Board tends to rubber stamp Dan Hudson's views.
Very much took the assessor's side.
Survey ~ continu~
A young fellow in the office was very courtcorn to get ~he info I wanted. But an older assessor sitting
there informed him they w~ assessed pmper~ etc. The first thing this second fellow says "will you s~11
yourpro!~xy for the assessexi valuation? What a question and how mde. Iceminlywoulds~!!allifl
could get that much. This young fellow very nicely informal me of the ones that sold in the ar~as which
not agree on increasing th~ valuation ~ ~ year, which has put an incr~se in taxes w/thin anyone
seeing the ~. Ther~srelotsofbasementsFm~ed, updating etc. my~arenot. Valued the
The assessor's office and appeal board ar~ out.~udding examples of excellence in govmunent.
I feel they follow the assessor's recommendation completely and meeting with them is a waste of time.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
ADVISORY BOARD/COMMISSION
/L PLICATION FORM
Individuals serving on Boards/Commissions play an important role in advising the Court~l on metters of interest
to our community and its future. Applicants must reside in Iowa City. <"
After a vacancy has been announced, the Council reviews all applications during the work session. The
appointment is made at the next formal Council meeting. Appointees serve as unpaid volunteers.
PLEASE USE A BLACK INK PEN. Return the application to City Clerk, 410 E. Washington St., Iowa City,
Iowa.
THIS APPLICATION IS A PUBLIC DOCUMENT AND AS SUCH CAN BE REPRODUCED AND DISTRIBUTED FOR THE
PUBLIC. THIS APPLICATION WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR THREE MONTHS ONLY AND AUTOMATICALLY
CONSIDERED FOR ANY VACANCY DURING THAT TIME.
ADVISORY BOARD/COMMISSION NAME ./~L ~-//¢:u[ .... TERM
NAME /~.¢.~J-/~ ~-~. !,!c~,~ HOME ADDRESS ~ 7// ~[¢~z~,_
Is your home address (li~ed a~ve) w~hin the co,rate lim~s of Iowa C~? ~ Yes __ No
OCCUPATION ~:~ EMPLOYER
PHONE NUMBER: HOME ~.~ ~- ~Y~ BUSINESS ~
E""=.RIENCE AND/OR ACTIVITIES WHICH YOU FEEL QUAUFY YOU FOR THIS POSITION:
R rt
WHAT IS YOU~ PRESE~ KNOWLEDGE OF THIS ADVISORY BOARD?
"' ~ v ~ ~- V ~ - ~"
WHAT CO~RIBUTIONS DO YOU FEEL YOU CAN MAKE TO THIS ADVISORY BOARD (OR STATE R~SON FOR
SPECIFIC ATTENTION SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO A POSSIBLE CONFUCT OF INTEREST. PLEASE UST ANY
PRESENT AFFIUATIONS YOU HAVE WITH AGENCIES WHICH MAY APPLY FOR FUNDING FROM THE CITY.
AFFIUATION MEANS BEING A BOARD MEMBER OR EMPLOYEE OF THE AGENCY. OTHER TYPES OF
AFFILIATION MUST BE EXAMINED ON A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS BY THE CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE.
IF YOU ARE UNCERTAIN WHETHER OR NOT A POTENTIAL CONFUCT OF INTEREST EXISTS, PLEASE UST THE
AGENCY AND THEN CONTACT THE CITY A'I-TORNEY'S OFFICE.
IF YOU ARE NOT SELECTED, DO YOU WANT TO BE NOTIRED? ~/ YES NO
:)0 YOU CURRENTLY SERVE ON ANOTHER IOWA CITY BOARD OR COMMISSION? YES y' NO
(It has been Council policy not to permit an individual to serve on two Boards or Commissions at the same time.)
August 1996
IOWA CITY
CITY ASSESSOR'8 OFFICE
1997 ANNUAL REPORT
1997 REPORT
OFFICE OF IOWA CITY ASSESSOR
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents ................................................................................1
Iowa City Conference Board ............................................................2
Staff of Iowa City Assessor's Office
Members of Board of Review
Members of Examining Board ...........................................................3
Report of City Assessor ....................................................................4-6
Abstract for 1997 Iowa City Assessments .........................................7
Exempt Property as of July 1, 1997 ...................................................7
Comparison of Values with Rollback Applied ..........................8-10
Comparison of Residential, Commercial and
Industrial Values ......................................................................11-12
Top Taxpayers for Iowa City ............................................................13
Comparative Millage Rates ............................................................14
Iowa City Assessor's Program Division Statement FY '99 .........15-22
1997 IOWA CITY CONFERENCE BOARD
IOWA CITY CITY COUNCIL
Naomi Novick, Mayor
Larry Baker
Karen Kubby
Ernie Lehman
Dee Norton
Dean Thomben~
Dee Vanderhoef
IOWA CITY COMMUNITY SCHOOL BOARD
* Marvin Lynch, President
Ernie Galer
Alan Left
Linda Levey
Susan Mims
Cindy Parsons
* Peter Wallace
*Conference Board Designee
JOHNSON COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Sally Stutsman, Chairperson
Joe Bolkcom
Charles Duffy
Jonathan Jordahl
Steve Lacina
IOWA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE AND FINANCE
Gerald D. Bair- Director, Iowa Department of Revenue and Finance
1997 STAFF OF IOWA CITY ASSESSOR'S OFFICE
MEMBERS OF BOARD OF REVIEW
AND EXAMINING BOARD OF IOWA CITY, IOWA
IOWA crrY ASSESSOR'S OFFICE
Dan L. Hudson
City Assessor
Dennis J. Baldridge
first Deputy
Carolyn R. Burke
Second Deputy
Jerry L. Denison
Plat Super~,isor
Patricia Kuhns
Clerk
Mark Fedler
Appraiser/Clerk
Appt. 1996 through 2001
Date of Employment:
Date of Employment:
Date of Employment:
Date of Employment:
Date of Employment:
Date of Employment:
1 Aug. 1977
12 Ju1,1982
8Oct, 1979
20 Oct, 1980
26 Sep, 1988
20 Jun, 1994
IOWA CiTY BOARD OF REVIEW
Janice E. Sweet, Chairperson
Haywood Belle
Ernie galer
Keith Wymore
Jack Yanaush
Norwood C. Louis, Clerk
Appt.
Appt.
Appt.
Appt.
Appt.
1996 through 2001
1997 through 2002
1995 through 2000
1992 through 1997
1994 through 1999
IOWA CITY EXAMINING BOARD
John McDonald for City
Jerald L. Palmer for School
Patricia Sueppel for County
Appt. 1994 through 1999
Appt. 1994 through 1999
Appt. 1992 through 1997
LEGAL COUNSEL
Eleanor Dilkes - City Attorney
Sarah E. Holecek - Assistant City Attorney
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
Members of the Iowa City Conference Board
Dan L. Hudson - Iowa City Assessor
1997 Annual Report - Issued December 30, 1997
The following report covers the activities of this office from January 1, 1997
to date of issue.
VALUATIONS
Since 1997 was a real estate revaluation year, there were increases in assessments
to meet the statutory level as monitored by the Iowa Department of Revenue and
Finance. Increases in assessments from revaluation were approximately 90 million
dollars for residential and 49 million dollars for commercial. New construction also
added approximately 26.5 million dollars to residential, 19.8 million dollars to
commercial, and 0.8 million dollars to industrial for 1997.
The 537 residential deed sales for the first 11 months of 1997 give us a median ratio
(assessed value vs sale price) of 93.2% as compared to 91.2% for the whole year
of 1996. Factoring in the 6.5% average residential increase in the assessment for
1997, this shows that the selling prices of homes have continued to increase. If this
trend continues during 1998, there will have to be, once again, an increase in
assessments for 1999. Iowa City"s overall level of assessment was once again
substantiated by the department of Revenue and Finance as shown by the fact
that Iowa City received only equalization orders on agricultural property for 1997.
It should be kept in mind that when a jurisdiction is at the State mandated sales ratio
level of 1[X]%, a full one-half of home sales will be for less than the assessed value.
Sales for less than the assessed value generally result in appeals to the Board of
Review.
COURT CASES
There were six properties appealed to District Court in 1997. Four appeals were for
commercial properties, and two for residential properties. One commercial case
has been dropped, and word of settlement has been received on another
commercial case. Since we had no pending cases, that leaves four cases to be
dealt with.
BOARD OF REVIEW
The Board of Review was in session from May ! through May 23, the day of
adjournment. The Board had 114 protests filed, with 49 being upheld and 65
denied. The total value of real estate being protested was $94,666,170 with a
total requested reduction of $15,167,682. The Board also reduced 9 additional
properties on their own volition or at the request of the assessor. The Board
allowed a total reduction of $2,920,610.
EQUITY VERSUS MARKET IN ASSESSMENT
It is difficult to be both equitable among assessments and in tune with the
market. Similar properties do not always sell for similar prices, so the market is
not always equitable and some times a long way from it. Most assessors would
lean toward equity if they could choose between the two. Our first priority is
equity since it is not always possible to have every sale match the selling price.
Our statistics show that we are doing a good job in this regard.
ROLLBACKS
The residential rollback has dropped from 58.8% for the current taxes to 54.9%
for next year"s taxes. This will once again create a shift of the tax burden to
commercial property. Commercial property will once again receive a small
rollback of 97.4%. The League of Municipalities has been trying to get
legislation passed to stop this decrease in the residential tax base. Iowa City's
residential tax base has not actually decreased because of our increase in
market value and new constnJction. Never the less, the shift of the tax burden
should be of concern. The tables on pages 11 and 12 illustrate this shift.
Commercial property has become a smaller percentage of the total value,
but a larger percentage of the taxable value. Several apartment complexes
have been converted to condominiums to take advantage of the tax savings
provided by the lower residential rollback.
NEW LEGISLATION
HF 4:
Amends law which required a city of more than 125,000 population to
have a city assessor, it is now an option like it is for cities of less than
125,000.
HF 495:
Amends M & E assessments to allow M & E purchased before 1982 to
receive the same exemption phase out and reimbursement as property
acquired after 1982.
5
CONTINUING EDUCATION
Continuing education is a requirement for the assessor and deputies for
their reappointment to their positions. I feel it is also good for the other
employees to attend some classes so they can adequately respond to
inquiries and queslions.
The Assessor attended the following courses and conferences during
1997:
LSAA Annual School of Instruction
IAAO Annual Conference
13 C.E. hrs.
The First Deputy attended the following courses and conferences during
1997:
ISAA Annual School of Instruction
NCRAAO Conference
Basic Legal Description Workshop
13 C.E. hrs.
9 C.E. hrs.
15 C.E. hrs. T
The Second Deputy attended the following courses and conference during
1997:
ISAA Annual School of Instruction
NCRAAO Conference
13 C.E. hrs.
9 C.E. hrs.
APPRECIATION
My staff and I would like to thank the Conference Board, the Board of
Review, the City Attorney and her assistants, and the City Staff for their
assistance, cooperation and confidence during the past year. I would
also like to recognize and thank my staff at this time for their part in
establishing and maintaining the professional standards of the office.
6
1997 ABSTRACT OF ASSESSMENTS FOR IOWA CITY
Value of Agricullural Land and Structures
Value of Residential Dwellings on Agricullural Realty
Value of Residential Lots and Buildings
Value of Commercial Lots and Buildings
Value of Industrial Lots and Buildings
Value of Industrial Machinery and Commercial Equipmenl as Real Eslale
Actual Value of All Real Estate*
$ 2,024,905
1,402,930
1,499,358,470
709,209,833
42,415,010
55,638,669
$2,310,049,817
*All the above values are ~ on lh~ 1997 abstract as reported to the Iowa
Depa~'nent of Revenue and finance on July !, i 997. The values for Railroad and Utility
Property are supplied to the Audito~ by the Iowa State Department of Revenue and
Finance. The value of uh'lilies and railroads in Iowa City foe- 1996 was $59,806,867.
EXEMPT PROPERTY IN IOWA CiTY FOR 1997
Religious Institutions
Charitable and Benevolent Societies
Educational Institutions
Low Rent Housing
Associations of War Veterans
Forest and Fruit
Partial Industrial & Urban Revitalization
Sub-Total
University of Iowa (As Reported by SUl for 1994)
TOTAL
$ 46,433,290
66,129,430
456,060
3,751,260
344,810
511,403
5,441,350
$123,067,603
729,599,949
$852,667,552
7
YEAR
STATE
ORDER
VALUE COMPARISONS WITH ROLLBACKS APPLIED
STATE
TYPE VALUE ROLLBACK
ADJUSTED
VALUE
1986
Agricultural $ 3,289,203 1.000000
Ag Dwelling 1,208,010 .773604
Residential 734,394,558 .773604
Commercial 376,014,043 1.00(X)00
Industrial 31,458,600 1.000000
M & E 32,720,338 1.000000
TOTAL
$1,179,084,752
$ 3,289,203
934,521
568,130,568
376,014,043
31,458,600
32,720,338
$1,012,547,273
1987'
-15%
Agricultural $ 2,815,775 1.000000
Ag Dwelling 1,208,010 .805966
Residential 745,381,060 .805966
Commercial 396,742,189 1 .[XX](XX)
Industrial 31,296,340 1.000000
M & E 38,819,952 1.000000
TOTAL $1,216,263,326
$ 2,815,775
973,615
600,751,791
396,742,189
31,296,340
38,819,952
$1,071,399,662
1988
Agricultural $ 2,740,854 1.000000
Ag Dwelling 1,130,020 .80~1
Residential 758,164,620 .806384
Commercial 40 1,581,399 1.000000
Industrial 31,730,750 1.000000
M & E 40,119,662 1.0(XXX~
TOTAL
$1,235,467,305
2,740,854
911,230
611,371,819
401,581,399
31,730,750
40,119,662
$1,088,455,714
1989'
-13%
Agricultural $ 2,659,169 1.000000
Ag Dwelling 1,1 63,090 .798471
Residential 808,471,670 .798471
Commercial 418,611,709 1.000000
Industrial 32,321,290 1.00(XXX)
M & E 43,925,077 1.000000
TOTAL
$ i ,307,152,005
2,659,169
928,694
645,541,183
418,611,709
32,321,290
43,925,077
$1,143,987,122
8
YEAR
VALUE COMPARISONS WITH ROLLBACKS APPLIED - CONT'D
STATE STATE ADJUSTED
ORDER TYPE VALUE ROLLBACK VALUE
1990
Agricultural $ 2,206,484 1.000CKX) $ 2,206,484
Ag Dwelling 1,163,090 .794636 924,233
Residential 830,877,911 .794636 660,245,500
Commercial 428,045,979 1.000000 428,045,979
Industrial 33,242,630 1.0[XXXX) 33,242,630
M & E 49,473,401 1.0000(X) 49,473,401
TOTAL
$1,345,009,495
$1,174,138,227
1991'
Agricultural $ 2,082,540 1.000000 $ 2,082,540
Ag Dwelling 1,159,280 .730608 846,979
Residential 924,095,521 .730608 675,151,580
Commercial 469,155,456 1.000000 469,155,456
Industrial 34,390,300 1.000000 34,390,300
M & E 54,708,712 1.000000 54,708,712
TOTAL
$1,485,591,809
$1,236,335,567
1992
Agricultural $ 1,977,575 1.0(XX)00 $ 1,977,575
Ag Dwelling 976,430 .726985 709,850
Residential 948, i 62,720 .726985 689,300,075
Commercial 483,983,100 1.000000 483,983,100
Industrial 36,088,910 1.000000 36,088,910
M & E 59,612,801 1.000000 59,612,801
TOTAL
$1,530,801,536
$1,271,672,311
1993*
Agricultural $ 1,865,755 1.00CKX]0 $ 1,865,755
Ag Dwelling 1,124,020 .680404 764,788
Residential 1,088,592,820 .680404 740,682,909
Commercial 54 1,066,293 1.00[XX]O 541,066,293
Industrial 37,640,010 1 .(XX]000 37,640,010
M & E 55,181,660 1.000000 55,181,660
TOTAL
$1,725,470,558
$1,377,201,415
9
YEAR
VALUE COMPARISONS WITH ROLLBACKS APPLIED - CONT'D.
STATE STATE ADJUSTED
ORDER TYPE VALUE ROLLBACK VALUE
1994
Agricultural $ 1,884,736 1.000000 $ 1,884,736
Ag Dwelling 1,22.4,510 .675074 826,635
Residential 1,135,164,290 .675074 766,319,898
Commercial 555,664,033 1.000000 555,664,033
Industrial 37,584,600 1.000000 37,584,600
M & E 63,678,377 1.000000 63,678,377
TOTAL
$1,795,200,546
$1,425,958,279
1995' +10%
Agricultural $ 2,038,805 1.000000 $ 2,038,805
Ag Dwelling 1,466,630 .593180 869,976
Residential 1,342,714,470 .593180 796,471,369
Commercial 632,219,253 .972824 615,038,063
Industrial 41,717,330 1.000000 41,717,330
M & E 64,300,377 1.000000 64,300,377
TOTAL
$2,084,456,865
$1,520,435,920
1996
Agricultural $ 2,118,889 1 .OCt0000 $ 2,118,889
Ag Dwelling 1,449,530 .588284 852,735
Residential 1,380,932,970 .588284 812,380,771
Commercial 648,238,303 1.000000 648,238,303
Industrial 42,041,700 1.000000 42,041,700
M & E 56,962,378 1.000000 56,962,378
TOTAL
$2,131,743,770
$1,562,594,776
1997 +8%
Agricultural $ 2,186,897 .964206 $ 2,108,619
Ag Dwelling 1,402,930 .549090 770,335
Residential 1,499,358,470 .549090 823,282,742
Commercial 709,209,833 .973606 690,490,949
Industrial 42,415,010 1.000000 42,415,010
M & E 55,638,669 1.000000 55,638,669
TOTAL
$2,310,211,809
$1,614,706,324
The adjusted values given are not exact but are meant to give a representation of the
growth of Iowa City's tax base. *Reassessment Year
10
COMPARISON OF RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL
YEAR
RESIDENTIAL
APARTMENT OTHER
COMMERCIAL ~_ COMMERCIAL %
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
758,164,620
808,471,670
830,877,911
924,095,521
948,162,720
1,088,592,820
1,136,388,800
1,344,181,100
1,382,382,500
1,500,761,400
60.9
61.7
61.8
62.2
62.0
63.1
63.3
64.5
64.9
65.0
ASSESSED
162,923,079 13.1 238,824,33019.2
166,829,929 12.7 251,781,78019.2
169,428,179 12.6 258,617,80019.2
180,660,316 12.2 288,495,14019.4
187,803,160 12.3 296,179,94019.3
215,508,613 12.5 325,557,68018.9
220,464,483 12.3 335,199,55018.7
247,749,743 11.9 384,469,51018.4
252,376,673 11.8 395,861,63018.6
270,554,593 1 1.7 438,655,24019.0
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
611,371,819
645,541,183
660,245,500
675,151,580
689,300,075
740,682,909
767,146,533
797,341,345
813,233,510
824,053,077
55.7
56.2
56.2
54.6
54.2
53.8
53.8
52.4
52.1
51.0
TAXABLE
162,923,079 14.8 238,824,330 21.8
166,829,929 14.5 251,781,780 22.0
169,428,179 14.5 258,617,800 22.0
180,660,316 14.6 288,495,140 23.3
187,803,160 14.8 296,179,940 23.3
215,508,613 15.7 325,557,680 23.6
220,464,483 15.5 335,199,550 23.5
241,016,896 15.9 374,021,167 24.6
252,376,673 16.2 395,861,630 25.3
263,413,575 i 6.3 427,077,374 26.5
II
AND INDUSTRIAL VALUES
TOTAL
COMMERICAL
INDUSTRIAL
OTHER
VALUES
401,747,409 32.3
418,611,709 31.9
428,045,979 31.8
469,155,456 31.6
483,983,100 31.6
541,066,293 31.4
555,664,033 31.0
632,2 ! 9,253 30.3
648,238,303 30.4
709,209,833 30.7
74,706,504
73,597,442
73,198,642
79,879,255
84,743,1 40
80,274,334
86,882,374
93,423,546
89,741,281
92,194,909
6.0
5.6
5.4
5.4
5.5
4.6
4.8
4.5
4.2
4.0
10,501,754
10,357,933
12,886,963
12,461,577
13,912,576
15,537,111
16,265,339
14,632,966
11,381,686
7,883,675
0.8
0.8
1.0
0.8
0.9
0.9
0.9
0.7
0.5
0.3
VALUES
401,747,409 36.6
418,611,709 36.5
428,045,979 36.5
469,155,456 37.9
483,983,100 38.1
541,066,293 39.3
555,664,033 39.0
615,038,063 40.5
648,238,303 41.5
690,490,949 42.8
74,706,504
73,597,442
73,198,642
79,879,255
84,743,1 40
80,274,334
86,882,374
93,423,546
89,741,281
92,194,909
6.8
6.4
6.2
6.5
6.7
5.8
6.1
6.1
5.7
5.7
10,240,392
10,123,537
12,648,106
12,149,276
13,645,996
15,177,879
16,265,339
14,632,966
11,381,686
7,811,196
0.9
0.9
1.1
1.0
1.0
1.1
1.1
1.0
0.7
0.5
12
1997 TOP TAXPAYERS
Excluding Utilities Assessed by the State
RANK
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
2O
NAME
TAXABLE VALUES
Procter & Gamble
Old Capitol Mall
James & LoreHa Clark
Soulhgate Development
American College Testing
NCS Learning Corp.
Release International
Holiday Inn
United Technology Automotive
Gillette Canada
Edwin & Ethel Barker & Barker Partnership
Moore Business Forms
Sycamore Mall
Hy Vee
Rrst National Bank
Lakeside Apartments
Mercy Facilities Inc.
Hawkeye Real Estate Investment
Iowa State Bank & Trust
Highlander Partnership
$ 24,285,925
20,256,106
20,156,675
18,413,987
16,537,059
16,172,207
13,754,729
13,009,577
12,747,887
! 2,348,84O
11,919,917
9,737,685
9,618,692
8,733,571
7,290,405
7,009,642
6,832,099
6,790,483
6,760,679
6,235,830
13
COMPARISON OF TAX RATES FOR CITIES WITH THEIR OWN ASSESSORS
SORTED BY 1997-98 ASSESSOR LEVY
LEVY
NAME CITY COUNTY SCHOOL ASSESSOR OTHER TOTAL
IOWA CITY 12.79617 5.12191 12.22016 0.23257 0.65998 31.03079
MASON CITY 10.17958 4.93858 14.41913 0.23978 0.61716 30.39423
DUBUQUE 11.40112 5.54113 12.03974 0.27000 0.75514 30.00713
CEDAR RAPIDS 12.07416 5.61839 12.50172 0.29831 0.62725 31.11983
MARSHALLTOWN 16.11316 6.80708 15.43195 0.33748
i .08522 39.77489
DAVENPORT 13.96012 4.19239 15.19448 0.34669 0.62748 34.32 i ! 6
AMES 10.19221 6.04529 13.46356 0.35489 0.11741 30.17336
SIOUX CiTY 15.30439 6.64317 15.21554. 0.41 087 0.67783 38.25180
CUNTON 13.12522 5.64787 14.86264 0.45303 0.67215 34.76091
14
IOWA Crl'Y ASSESSOR'S PROGRAM DIVISION STATEMENT FY '99
DIVISION PURPOSE:
The purpose of the Iowa City Assessor's Office is to find, list and value for tax
purposes, all real estate properly in Iowa City and maintain records for all
parcels in Iowa City.
DIVISION GOALS:
To establish values according to Iowa law on all commercial, industrial,
agricultural and residential property wilhin lhe City of Iowa City in the most
equitable manner based on actual physical aspects of the property and all the
pertinent sales data available: to improve the efficiency by which these
assessments are made; to provide prompt and courteous response to all
inquiries for information.
GENERAL DIVISION OBJECTIVES:
1. Receive calls and inquiries and dispense information efficiently and on a
timely basis.
2. Complete all daily record changes and related duties as received.
On a quarterly basis, review in the field all new construction and demolition,
and by January 1, 1999, make final review of said construction and
demolition.
4. Prepare forms and get signatures for all new homestead and military credits
by July 1, 1999.
5. Remove all homestead and military credits from the permanent file for those
who are no longer eligible to receive the credit by July 1, 1999.
6. Prepare and get signatures on all other new annual forms, making sure they
are in compliance with all laws and rules, by their statutory dates.
15
GENERAL DIVISION OBJECTIVES CONT'D.
e
Be
Accept formal written protests for the Board of Review from
April 16 to May 5, 1999 and coordinate the Board of Review
meeting during May 1999.
Hold preliminary meetings and public heatings to adopt the
annual budget by March 15, 1999.
Prepare and submit annual abstract by July 1, 1999.
Prepare and distribute to Conference Board members the
annual report by December 31, 1998.
NEW DIVISION OBJECTIVES:
1. Enter building sketches on our new appraisal system.
o
Review sales as they occur for all classes of property so we
may complete our biennial reassessment for 1999, making
sure our values stay at the mandated level.
Continue to use the appraisal system to review assessments
and sales by neighborhoods and other criteria to be
established during the studies.
Work with the Johnson County Assessor and Auditor to
develop our new computer generated mapping system.
Look into the use of a G.I.S. system which would utir~ze
these maps.
o
Continue a program to review all of the quality grades on
residential property to enhance our equity, along with
physical inspections of properties whose sales fall outside
certain parameters.
Look into a future mass re-appraisal. While our statistics
show we are still one of the more accurate assessors offices
in Iowa, many home sales reveal changes in property listing
which have been done without building permits. The only
way to discover these changes is by an interior inspection of
each property. Outside help or additional staff would be
needed for this project.
16
PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS:
The median sales ratio (median) is the middle sales ratio and a measure of
the percent of our assessment to the actual sales prices. The coefficient of
dispersion {C.O.D.) is a measure of assessment uniformity based on the
degree to which individual sales ratios vary from the median sales ratio. The
goal of the Iowa City Assessor is to keep this C.O.D. below 10. A C.O.D. of 10
is considered excellent and was attained in 1996 by only 6 of the 109
assessing jurisdictions in Iowa. The following table shows the median, C.O.D.,
and the number of deed sales for Iowa City residential property since the
assessments went to the 100% level in 1975.
YEAR MEDIAN C.O.D # OF SALES
Assessment Year
1975 87.10 10.36 682
1976 76.30 11.38 681
1977 65.10 12.10 840
Assessment Year
State Orders
1978 74.70 9.83 639
1979 91.80 9.40 551
1980 87.85 8.69 394
Assessment Year
1981 88.90 8.74 393
1982 87.30 9.38 299
Assessment Year
1983 94.00 7.19 544
'1984 92.80 8.03 451
Assessment Year
1985 96.15 8.27 448
1986 95.30 9.02 513
Assessment Year
1987 94.90 9.26 522
1988 93.60 9.34 555
Assessment Year
1989 91.80 9.80 538
1990 87.05 9.75 608
Assessment Year
1991 90.40 8.49 659
1992 85.00 9.88 688
Assessment Year
1993 90.80 8.57 65 I
1994 84.10 9.59 627
Assessment Year
1995 91.20 8.48 595
1996 91.20 9.59 636
Assessment Year
· 1997 93.17 8.79 537
*Data Based on Firsl I I Monlhs only
17
MEDIAN SALES RATIOS BY QUARTER
I I I I I I 1
9 9 9 9 9 9 9
8 8 8 9 9 9 9
5 7 9 I 3 5 7
YEAR BY QUARTER
MEDIAN RATIO STUDY
This graph best illustrates the changing market we have experienced in Iowa
City. The median ratio for each quarter is found by calculating the assessed
value to selling price ratio for each sale, sorting those ratios in ascending order,
and identifying the middle ratio. There has been a definite trend downward in
the quarterly ratios since 1985, with a large drop beginning in late 1989. This
trend has nearly leveled off during the last year. This downward trend would
have been much worse if not for the increase in residential assessed value in
1989, 1991,1993, 1995 and 1997 which averaged over 5% in 1989, nearly 10% in
1991, over 12"70 in 1993, over 15% in 1995, and over 6% in 1997. Since our assessed
values have not declined in the time period, the trend is measuring the increase
in selling prices of properties.
The Iowa Department of Revenue and Finance requires that the assessed value
be adjusted January 1, 1999 to within 5% of full value. If the trend shown in the
chart for 1997 continues in 1998, values will need to be raised slightly in 1999.
18
The following statistics are for residential sales, and below are tables of the ranking
of Iowa City in comparison to the other 108 assessing jurisdictions in Iowa. For
brevity, only the top 10 are shown. Data is for 1996 sales which is the last complete
year available.
These tables show that Iowa City is still one of only a few jurisdictions in Iowa with a
C.O.D. of less than 10. The average sale price of a home in Iowa City is among the
highest in Iowa, topped in 1996 only by the suburbs of Des Moines in Polk County.
Iowa City also has a large number of sales as could be expected by it's size and
mobile population.
SORTED BY COD
NO. JURISDICTION MEAN MEDIAN WGHTD COD REGR INDEX
1 AMES CITY 90.93 91.40 91.59 7.30 99.27
2 POLK 90.67 90.30 91.32 8.19 99.28
3 JOHNSON 91.10 91.10 91.10 9.06 100.00
4 LINN 90.70 90.30 91.06 9.21 99.60
5 IOWA CITY 91.12 91.20 90.24 9.59 100.97
6 SCOl'E 90.60 90.55 90.90 9.74 99.66
7 CEDAR RAPIDS CITY 91.40 91.10 92.20 11.66 99.13
8 STORY 91.14 90.25 89.96 11.96 101.31
9 WINNESHIEK 92.52 92.40 92.88 12.69 99.61
10 JACKSON 85.45 86.30 85.85 12.72 99.53
SORTED BY AVERAGE SALE PRICE
NO. JURISDICTION NO. SALES TOTAL PRICE AVG PRICE
1 POLK 2254 290,475,827 128,871
2 IOWA CITY 636 76,999,785 121,069
3 SCO'rr 690 80,855,133 117,181
4 AMES CITY 433 49,512,795 114,348
5 JOHNSON 373 39,626,457 106,237
6 LINN 596 60,340,244 101,242
7 DALLAS 419 41,479,824 98,997
8 CEDAR RAPIDS CITY 1811 176,609,325 97,520
9 DICKINSON 160 14,331,705 89,573
10 WARREN 393 35,047,989 89,181
19
SORTED BY NUMBER OF SALES
NO. JURISDICTION NO. SALES TOTAL PRICE AVG PRICE
1 DES MOINES CITY 2738 179,786,580 65,663
2 POLK 2254 290,475,827 128,871
3 CEDAR RAPIDS CITY 1811 176,609,325 97,520
4 BLACK HAWK 1403 93,283,027 66,488
5 DAVENPORT CITY 1310 99,012,173 75,582
6 SIOUX CITY 1120 84,565,275 75,505
7 POl'I'AWA'rI'AMIE 852 52,644,974 61,790
8 SCOTT 690 80,855,133 117,181
9 IOWA CITY 636 76,999,785 121,069
10 DUBUQUE CITY 597 51,979,505 87,068
The regression index is an indicator of the degree to which high value properties are over
or under assessed in relationship to low value properties. An index of 100.00 indicates no
difference in assessments of high value properties in comparison to low value properties
based upon that year's sales. An index over 100 indicates that high value properties are
under assessed in relation to low value properties. As you can see in the following table,
Iowa City's regression index is still close to the ideal 100.00 level. Again, for brevity, only
the top 25 are shown.
SORTED BY
REGRESSION INDEX
NO. JURISDICTION MEAN MEDIAN WGHTD C O D REGR INDEX
1 GRUNDY 81.79 76.35 83.93 23. i 6 97.45
2 DALLAS 90.42 90.00 92.38 14.27 97.87
3 DICKINSON 88.96 86.60 89.95 16.29 98.89
4 CEDAR RAPIDS crP( 91.40 91.10 92.20 11.66 99.13
5 AMES crrY 90.93 91.40 91.59 7.30 99.27
6 POLK 90.67 90.30 91.32 8.19 99.28
7 JACKSON 85.45 86.30 85.85 12.72 99.53
8 UNN 90.70 90.30 91.06 9.21 99.60
9 WINNESHIEK 92.52 92.40 92.88 12.69 99.61
10 SCOTI' 90.60 90.55 90.90 9.74 99.66
11 IOWA 85.17 85.60 85.41 21.21 99.71
12 JOHNSON 91.10 91.10 91.10 9.06 100.00
13 WARREN 89.76 91.60 89.16 14.80 100.67
14 MARSHALLTOWN crrY 90.20 89.65 89.57 13.50 100.70
15 MILLS 86.11 86.50 85.46 14.71 100.76
16 POWESHIEK 86.33 85.80 85.66 16.56 100.78
17 CHEROKEE 84.77 82.80 84.07 19.67 100.83
18 IOWA CITY 91.12 91.20 90.24 9.59 100.97
19 OSC EOLA 95.48 95.80 94.29 14.24 101.26
20 STORY 91.14 90.25 89.96 11.96 101.31
21 HENRY 91.95 89.65 90.74 13.21 101.33
22 DELAWARE 93.87 94.10 92.59 14.83 101.38
23 PLYMOUTH 87.02 86.90 85.74 15.66 101.49
24 MARION 90.36 88.80 88.78 14.00 101.77
25 CARROLL 92.20 90.85 90.54 16.00 101.83
The table below shows the top 10 jurisdictions for commercial sales. The commercial
C.O.D.'s vary from under 1 to over 94 with a median of over 29 for all of Iowa, while the
residential C.O.D.'s vary from 7 to 39 with a median of just under 20 for all of Iowa. Also
shown are the top 5 jurisdictions which had at least 5 commercial sales. This data is a
little more significant since a few sales can skew the statistics in both directions.
COMMERCIAL SALES SORTED BY C O D
NO. JURISDICTION I,,IO. SAI~ TOTAL PRICE AVG PRICE MEDIAN COD
1 IDA 250,3(]025, i 50 96.70 0.62
2 MILLS 2 70,000 35,000 122.60 6.11
3 AMES CITY 14 3,176,598 226,900 85.30 8.49
4 EMMET 3 209,000 69,667 117.30 15.37
5 IOWA CI1'Y 24 7,832,745 326,364 89.50 15.78
6 ALLAMAKEE 13 684,400 52,646 84.20 16.27
7 JEFFERSON 9 867,674 96,408 84.00 16.61
8 FREMONT 3 141,000 47,000 166.30 16.91
9 MARSHALLTOWN CITY 11 1,131,775 102,889 98.10 17.13
10 FRANKLIN 3 101,500 33,833 71.20 17.42
MINIMUM 5 COMMERCIAL SALES SORTED BY C O D
NO. JURISDICTION NO. SAII~ TOTAL PRICE AVG PRICE MEDIAN COD
1 AMES CITY 14 3,176,598 226,900 85.30 8.49
2 IOWA CITY 24 7,832,745 326,364 89.50 15.78
3 ALLAMAKEE 13 684,400 52,646 84.20 16.27
4 JEFFERSON 9 867,674 96,408 84.00 16.61
5 MARSHALLTOWN CITY 11 1,131,775 102,889 98.10 17.13
The following is a tabulation of the commercial properties for the same period as
described at lhe top of Page 17. Because of lhe small number of sales, one or lwo
bad sales can greatly influence the performance measurements, therefore creating
more fiucluation in the measurements. See data above to illustrate this and
to show Iowa City's standing.
21
YEAR MEDIAN C.O.D. # OF SALES
Assessment Year
Assessment Year
Assessment Year
Assessment Year
Assessment Year
Assessment Year
Assessment Year
Assessment Year
Assessment Year
Assessment Year
1975 84.30 -19.75 14
1976 72.30 13.19 18
1977 62.90 28.20 27
1978 84.60 13.49 12
1979 78.00 16.66 15
1980 80.85 22.69 12
1981 87.55 10.07 14
1982 78.00 10.25 8
1983 87.85 10.58 26
1984 76.80 18.30 13
1985 82.00 12.63 16
1986 98.20 14.21 15
1987 87.65 17.27 16
1988 95.40 19.77 20
1989 94.40 13.81 13
1990 89.60 19.53 13
1991 87.85 8.38 8
1992 89.90 14.86 21
1993 90.35 14.24 26
1994 87.90 12.44 24
1995 90.10 12.76 22
89.50 15.78 24
Assessment Year
1996
* 1997
* Data Bosecl on Ft~st 11 Monlhs Only
81.43 12.39 21
DIVISION ANALYSIS:
While the program division statement is on the fiscal year, the remainder of
the annual report is based on the assessment year which is the calendar year.
The annual report has more meaning when based on the assessment year,
since the state equalization orders come in a different fiscal year than the
biennial reappraisal which the orders are to equalize.
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
To: Steve Atldn.% City Manager
From: Joe Fowler, Director Parking & Transit
Reference: Transit Building - Methane Problem
We have received a final report from Terracon Environmental, Inc. addressing the
continuing problem of methane abatement at the transit building. In summa~, the building
is a safe work site and can remain so, but we must aggressively address the issue of
methane abatement. Following is an brief description of the problem and a summary of
the recommended corrective action.
The transit building is built on p'dings, suspended over an old landfill site. There is a clay
cap between the building and the landfill. In addition, the original construction specified
that a venting system be installed between the two to provide an escape route for any
methane that penetrated the clay cap. It was anticipated that the landfill material would
continue to settle and a void would develop under the building. The site has settled. The
area around the building has settled several feet. This is in part attributed to the weight of
the transit and public works vehicles which operate around the building. There has been
settling under the building. This varies from several inches to 18 inches. This uneven
settling causes the gases being generated at the site to accumulate under the building.
An additional problem that has devdoped with the transit building is the failure of the sub
floor mechanical system~ floor drains and exhaust vents. These failures provide an
alternate route for gasses under the building and can result in methane entering the work
site. The original floor venting system in the mechanics pit has been sealed and a
substitute system installed. All floor drain breaks have been repaired where they are
accessible. Drain breaks away from the floor connections have not been repaired as there
is no access to them. The flow from these broken drains will eventually wear the cap and
the additional moisture increases decomposition and gas production.
The building interior has been monitored and there is no problem in the building at this
time.
The original building venting system has been supplemented with booster fans. With this
addition the system would be adequate to vent the gasses if there were no mechanical
failures. Because of these failures an additional venting system needs to be installed below
the clay cap. This will reduce the methane that can accumulate under the building floor
thus reducing the future risk to employees.
Terracon recommends a horizontal boring under the clay cap and piping the gas to an off-
site collection point. At that point the gas would be burnt. Burning was recommended to
avoid creating an odor problem. The estimate for this project is S230,000 to $300,000
plus the operating expense of the disposal site.
To date we have spent $20,000 of $100,000 in emergency funds to address this problem.
A methane monitoring system will also be purchased with these funds. The remainder can
be used for repairs. We will apply for additional funds to complete the project but have no
assurance that they will be available. It is likely we will need to expand the landscaped
area around the building in order to allow some methane to rise from the landfill through
the soil.
This proposal will require an amendment to our capital plan and a redirection of our
federal grant application.
997 Su' sur_-hce Study
3%
.3%
35%
34%
0- 1.3 feet
.I -.7 feet
1.5 - 4 feet
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date:
To:
From:
Re:
January 22, 1998
city Counci
Dee Vanderhoef and Dean Thombeny
SEATS
We have spent many hours with staff and representatives of Johnson County attempting to
reach an agreement for continuation of paratransit service provided by SEATS. A multi-year
agreement has been a priority. While some of our meetings have resulted in agreement on
some points, we are disappointed that we cannot agree on all issues. We believe it may be
substantially due to the fact that as a public service, paratransit appears to be better suited as a
part of the current, more comprehensive City-sponsored program of transit services. These
circumstances are not unlike what we hoped to accomplish by the merger of Parking and
Transit into one operating department in order to better coordinate our overall transportation
policies. This operaUng coordination of like-services has allowed us to better serve our
community. While we have been sewed satisfactorily by the County, we believe that our future
rests in a change in this public transit strategy.
From the beginning there have been several key issues which we have not been able to resolve
to our complete satisfaction and thereby serve as a guide to our recommendations to the City
Council. You are aware this contract involves an expenditure of $600,000 of Iowa City funds for
a mandated public service, and that public service is substantially outside of our direct control,
both from policy and management. We believe our discussions demonstrated a substantial
difference of philosophy conceming the provision of this public service. The management
information provided identifies an allocation of operating costs and other administrative matters
which we believe are better directed by City Council policy and City department support. These
are not new concerns, and historically have been issues for the past 15+ years. We believe the
time has come for better coordination and direct involvement of the City in this mandated public
service and, therefore, we believe paratransit services should be incorporated directly within the
City transit organization and under the direct policy and administrative guidance of the City
Council and City staff.
2
There are many reasons, beyond the policy and management issues we have identified, that
lead us to our recommendation. They include some of the following:
As we understand it, Johnson County pays the rural portion of paratransit service from their
general fund. These are tax dollars that come from every property tax payer in Johnson
County, including Iowa City. We would contend that Iowa City residents are receiving
sewice by way of the SEATS contractual cost and are also being taxed by the County. Iowa
City property tax payers are taxed 95¢ per $1,000 of property value for transit services. In
addition, our citizens also contribute monies from the City's general fund and parking system
to support our transit operations. The use of debt service is expected in the future. Iowa City
residents pay taxes to the County to support SEATS service and also pay a transit levy as
well as general fund and parking fund support.
In 1994, social service agencies indicated they would substantially reduce their
transportation expenses in that they felt their clients qualified for a City-provided service (the
contract with SEATS) under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. This
position was agreed to by Johnson County and the Iowa City City Council. The decision
resulted in revenue loss of approximately $75,000 per year to Johnson County SEATS.
Systems Unlimited pays for service, but at a reduced rate. The rides are now considered
Iowa City rides and Iowa City is assessed for the cost. This decision has had major
implications on both Iowa City and Johnson County. As Johnson County is a major funding
source for social service agencies, any operating savings that they can achieve could
directly affect the County general fund. Iowa City is aware that any increase in the cost of
transportation to Systems Unlimited would likely be passed on by them to Johnson County.
We believe there are efficiencies to be gained and that this service is best resolved by
separate contract.
The future cost of paratransit service continues to raise many questions. Our City transit
staff believes the proposed cost of paratransit service for FY98 is comparable to what it
would cost Iowa City to operate a similar paratransit service. The representatives of Johnson
County have contended that the cost is understated, and they would intend to increase it
over the next three years in a multi-year agreement. This would result in a 9% increase in
FY99 and a 4% increase in FY00. These increases would result in an operating cost higher
than our projections. It is also notable that the overall paratransit ridership attributed to Iowa
City is down 19%.
The Iowa City City Council has had to make difficult decisions with respect to paratransit
service. The results of these decisions have been a reduction in aldership; however, there
3
has been no corresponding decrease in operating cosL The City has consistently invested in
the fixed route system and will encourage its use by all citizens that can use these services.
We believe with the control of transit policy, which includes paratransit, the City Council can
in'~ate changes in policy and cause changes to be implemented more rapidly.
Looking at these issues as a whole rather than trying to address each individually has resulted
in our conclusion that it is in the best interest of the citizens of Iowa City that we begin
performing our own paratransit service. We have weighed the issues, made judgments
concerning the costs, and in particular we believe we have looked into the future. We believe
we can provide paratransit at least as good as, if not better, than we have enjoyed in the past
due to our direct policy and management control.
Bringing the operation of paratransit in-house (within the City organization) would allow for the
coordination of transit programs, and we would hope to actually increase transportation options
for the community within the resources to be assigned. Special time of day deviated fixed route
buses and expanded taxi service am but two examples. The clear intent of the ADA and thereby
the policy of our nation is to mainstream persons with alisabilges. Our continued investment in
our fixed route system by way of lift equipment is clearly a step in that direction.
The negative side of this recommendation could involve the crossing of jurisdictional
boundaries. We believe this to be resolvable and will depend upon the desire of the County to
continue its rural paratransit services and what are the interests of the City of Coralville. They
may choose to provide their own service, contract with the County, and/or contract with the City.
The 28E agreement process between these jurisdictions would be an instrument to resolve any
such concerns.
Our local transportation systems are not only a means of assuring that our citizens can move
safely and efficiently throughout our community, but also provide economic and social support.
Our city govemment has made choices, and they include to go beyond with all applicable state
and federal laws as they relate to paratmnsit, and offer a comprehensive transportation package
of services. Incorporation of paratransit into our package of services, we believe, is in our
community's best interest. For these reasons we recommend that the Iowa City City Council
continue to contract with Johnson County SEATS for the remainder of FY98, and at the end of
that contract period or as soon thereafter as practical we would recommend that the Iowa City
Department of Parking and Transit, through policy support of the Iowa City City Council, begin
the provision of paratransit services in Iowa City.
I
IP1
IP2
IP3
IP4
IP5
IP6
I
IP7
I
IP8
IP9
IP10
IP11
IP12
IP13
IP14
IP15
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET
January 23, lgg8
JANUARY 26 '~rORK SESSION
Memorandum from Council Member Norton: Comments and Suggestions about Council
Procedures
Memorandum from City Clerk: Organizational Issues
Materials: Iowa City Conference Board Annual Meeting
Memorandum from Parking and Transit Director:. Transit Building - Methane Problem
Memorandum from Council Members Vanderhoef and Thomberry: SEATS
Memorandum from Parking and Transit Director. SEATS Reports
Memorandum from
ICN Meeting Room Consideration
Memorandum from
Memorandum from
Memorandum from
Memorandum from
Memorandum from
Memorandum from
Agenda:
Agenda:
Agenda
Agenda
JANUARY 29 WORK SESSION I
Library 'Director and Community & Audio Visual Services Coordinator:.
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
City Clerk:
City Clerk:
City Clerk:
City Clerk:
I
National League of Cities/Congressional City Conference
January 10 Council Work Session
January 12 Council Work Session
January 13 Council Work Session
Memo from Jccog Human Services Coord.
and Jccog Services Directory.
Parking and Transit Director. Summary
Public Works Project Coordinator to City Manager. Agenda Items
January 21 - Johnson County Board of Supervisors Meeting
January 22- Johnson County Board of Supervisors Meeting
for the 1/16/98 meeting of the Board of Supervi'sors.
for 1/27/98 meeting of the Board of Supervisors.
regarding Aid to Agencies Funding
January 23, 1998
Info Packet
page 2
Agenda for the 1/28/98 Mettings of the Board of Supervisors.
Information regarding the Iowa Apprenticeship conference Coalition: A Viable Alternative.
March 3-4 Cedar Rapids.
Article: Cotati board members will get free day care.
Copy of the South District Plan (adopted December 1997).
Copy of the Iowa City Comprehensive Plan 1997 (adopted December 1997).
Comments and Suggestions About Council Procedures
Councilor Dee Norton
January 22, 1998
A. Regarding Ernie's Memo
Sharing in Discnssion: I strongly agree that once a council member has conunented on an
issue, other council members should have an oppommity to add their remarks before the
first speaker re-enters the discussion. Of course, a council member who has posed a
question, or responded to a question, should have the prerogative of a short follow-up but
should be careful not to abuse this custom.
Limits on Debate: We all want our meetings to move along at a reasonable pace but I
think we should be very careful aborn closing debate too abruptly, even when there is a clear
majority for a certain action. Most 'crdzens will not be familiar with the deliberations at our
work sessions so it is important that discussions at our formal meetings be sufficiently
substantive to convey the rationale behind our individual and collective decisions.
(Incidentally, a two-thirds vote is required to close debate, not just a "call" from the chair or
any other member.)
Agenda Itm Comments: I think there are risks in trying to sunmmrize the staff-prepared
comments. As noted in the preceding paragraph, the formal meeting may be the only
opportunity for most 'citizens to learn just what we are doing on their behalf.. On certain
items a very brief summary may be sufficient bm on key items I believe the full text should
be read. Indeed, on these items it often may be desirable to have additional background
information and explanation. I propose, therefore, that we spend some time at each work
session briefly reviewing not only the P&Z items but also the key non-P&Z items on the
upcoming agenda. This would provide an opportunity for the Council to consider what
additional clarification would be desirable, and to identify who - staff or council member -
will be prepared to provide that clarification. Of course, at the formal meeting every
councilor will have an opportunity, if they choose, to add their particular perspective.
Courtesy during Meetings: I fully support the mayors' call to avoid personal attacks, to
stay on the issues before us, and to speak one at a time I believe the chair can help us
achieve these goals by more clearly and more systematically recognizing members, and by
gently seeing to it that the "floor" is passed around fairly.
Response to Public Comments: I agree that public comments may occasionally call for a
brief and courteous rebuttal or clarification, usually by the mayor but possibly by another
councilor at the explicit request of, or with the explicit approval of, the mayor. We certainly
don't want any unseemly public arguments. But on the other hand, there have been several
times in the past when one or more council members have had useful exchanges with a
citizen at the podium. I trust the mayor will recognize those occasions and allow the council
a little leeway. Maybe we need a signaling system!
6. Devdopment and Review ofAgenda: I think that the council should take primary
respons~b'dity for setting agendas, both short term and long term, of course working
closely with the city manager. I agree that it would be useful, at the end of each work
session (definitely not at the formal), for the manager to review the status of pending
items. The council should then either reaffgm existing directions and priorit/es or
appropriately modify them. I assume that in developing agendas, the mayor and the
manager will reflect the views expressed by a majority of council members.
B. Regarding Kareu's Memo
1. I agree that we should have a goal setting session soon.
2. I'm not keen on facilitation skills training; Pll leave it to the judgment of our leaders.
3. I support the suggestion for off-week Monday evening informal work sessions, each
focused on a particular important topic.
4. I am uncertain about the virtue of rotating the position of facilitator at our informal
meetings. It could unnecessarily complicate things.
The mayor should recommend committee assignments, for formal approval by the council. I
assume the mayor will make assignments after considering carefully the interests and skills
of particular councilors, the desirable balance of viewpoints on the committee, and current
workloads and availab'dity.
Meetings with other entities should be on a more systematic schedule but we need more
effort from all participants - and from their respective staffs - to generate solid agendas..
Maybe we should consider pre-planning by designated representatives of the entities. We
certainly also need to do more follow-up on ideas generated at these sessions. And how do
such meetings avoid overlap with JCCOG?
Council committees and representatives should indeed report periodically, probably not just
during council time but as an agenda item in a work session. Brief memoranda may be
desirable at times.
8. My comments regarding the role of the mayor are expressed in Section A. above.
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
RE:
January 22, 1998
Council
Mayor and City ~
Marian K. Karr, City Clerk
Organizational Issues
The following items have been furnished by Council Members as items to be
discussed at your work session on Monday:
· Summer Schedule
Work Session starting time
· Legislative Committee functions
· Goal Setting session
OFFICE OF THE
IOWA CITY ASSESSOR
JOHNSON COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
DAN L HUDSON
ASSESSOR
DENNIS BALDRIIX~
CAROLYN BURKE
Dl~.rrY
January 21, 1998
Dear Conference Board Member:
The annu~d meeting of the Iowa City Conference Board for the consideration of
the Iowa City Assessor's FY 1999 budget is scheduled for Monday, January 26,
1998 at 7:00 P.M. at the Iowa City Civic Center. Enclosed, so you may review
the information before the meeting, are:
1. The Agenda.
2. The Proposed Budget.
3. The 1997 Annus] Report which includes the progrsm division statement.
4. A copy of February 24, 1997 minutes.
5. Results of 1997 Customer Survey.
6. Board of Review applications.
There is a alight increase in the ~mount to be rained by taxation for the
Assessment Expense Fund from ls~t year's smount. Thi~ increase is less than
usual due to replacing a long term employee with a new person at a lower
sslsry. The increase consists of:
a. $ 540
b. 4,020
c. 6,850
increase in FICA and IPERS.
for a 4% increase in sslsries and longevity.
for the bienninl assessment rolls and postage.
$11,410 Total Increase
This increase is offset by the following decrease:
d. $ 7,801 increase in the unencumbered bslsnce.
$ 7,801 Total Decrease
$ 3,609 Net Increase
The expense fund levy rate will be decreasing from .19946 to .19461, a decrease
of more than 2%.
I am sl~o adding another $1,500 to the office car replacement fund which is
part of the Spe~isl Appraisers Fund. Also continuing the funds started last
year, Ism adding $2,500 to the leave contingency fund. Thi.~ fund was used
thi~ year with the retirement of our plat supervisor. I am silo replenishing the
computer replacement fund so we can replace two more obsolete computers next
fiscal year. I would like to add $150,000 to the mass re-appraisal fund and
hope to select a firm later thi~ year. The new values will go on the books for
2000 and 2001, with residential and commercial being split for those two years.
The new construction that will be taxed for the first time in FY '99 will produce
over $6,000 for the City Assessor Expense Fund which more than covers the
wage increase requested, and appro~mately $3,850 for the Spe~io! Appraisers
Fund.
If you have any specific questions or wish to look at any of the supporting
documents for thi.~ budget, feel free to call me at work at 356-6066 or at my
home at 338-6176.
Sincerer,
Dan L. Hudson
Iowa City Assessor
913 SOUTH DUBUQUE STREET * POST OFFICE BOX 1350 · IOWA CITY IOWA 52244
TELEPHONE 319-356-6066
Janus~ 21, 1998
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
The Iowa City Conference Board will meet at 7:00 P.M. on Monday,
January 26, 1998 at the Iowa City Civic Center. The purpose of this
meeting is to discuss the Iowa City Assessor's proposed budget for fiscal
year 1999.
AGENDA:
1. Call meeting to order.
2. Roll call by taxing body.
3. Act on minutes of Februa~ 24, 1997 Conference Board Meeting.
4. Assessor presents proposed budget.
5. Discuss proposed budget.
6. Conference Board acts on proposed budget.
7. Set date for public hearing.
8. Appointment of Board of Review member.
9. Other business.
10. Adjourn.
Dan L. Hudson
Clerk, Conference Board
CB-AG26
ITEM #
33
34
34
37
37
37
33,34,37
ITEMIZED BUDGET -
SALARIES
City Assessor
First Deputy
Second Deputy
Office Manager
Clerk
Appraiser/Clerk
Longevity
Total Ss!Aries
ASSESSMENT EXPENSE FUND
FY '98
$ 54,350
46,710
43,970
32,960
28,205
23,020
2,825
$ 232,040
FY '99
$ 56,530
48,580
45,730
34,280
23,400
25,140
.2,400
$ 236,060
36
38
39.
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
OTHER EXPENDITURES
Board of Review
Employer ShAre: FICA
Employer Share: IPERS
Health Insurance
Mileage & Auto.
Office Supplies & Postage
Telephone
Publications, Subscriptions & Dues
Bonds & Worker's Compensation
Equipment l¥[Aintella~lce
Appraisal Service
Continuing Education
Appeals to Court
Schools & Conferences
Legal
Unemployment
Conference Board
Examining Board
Computer Charge
Total Other Expenditures
TOTAL BUDGET
UNENCUMBERED BALANCE
TO BE RAISED BY TAXATION
$ 9O00
18440
13 350
28 000
1 600
7 700
1,100
1,400
8O0
20O
4OO
3,500
2,200
25,000
3,800
2,000
2,000
0
3O
8,800
$129,320
$ 361,360
-43,090
$ 318,270
$ 9,000
18750
13580
28000
1 600
14 550
1 100
1400
8OO
200
4O0
3,500
2,200
25,000
3,800
2,000
2,000
0
3O
8,800
$136,710
$ 372,770
-50,891
$ 321,879
Mapping & Appraisal
Car Replacement
Re-Appraisal Fund
Leave Contingency
Computer Replacement
TOTAL
UNENCUMBERED BALANCE
TO BE RAISED BY TAXATION
BUDGET - SPECIAL APPRAISERS FUND
FY '98
$
~,500
50,000
~-,500
5,000
$ 87,5O0
GRAND TOTAL TO BE RAISED BY TAXATION $ 371,104
$ 25,8oo
6,000
200,000
2,500
5,000
$ 239,300
- 54,943
$ 184,357
$ 5O6,236
MAXIMUM L~v'Y ALLOWED
Mnximum Assessment Expense Fund 1,653,962,869 x .00027 =
WEltS & FICA Funds =
Unemployment Compensation & Tort Liability =
Maximum for Assessment Expense Fund =
Maximum Speei.! Appraisers Fund 1,653,962,869 x .000405 =
Maximum allowed without State approval =
Maximum Emergency Fund 1,653,962,869 x .00027 =
(Which requires State Appeal Board Approval)
Maximum that could be raised by t~T-tion for FY '99 =
$ 446,570
32,330
2,800
$ 481,700
$ 669,855
$1.151,555
$ 446,570
$1,598,125
LEVIES AND RATES SINCE 1980
Fiscal Year Amount Levied Levy Rate Amount Levied
1979-80 $ 146,050 .26746 $ ----
1980-81 175,930 .29593 ----
1981-82 184,145 .30081 61,000
1982-83 192,960 .?,8004 15,000
1983-84 201,186 .27000 98.868
1984-85 200,278 ,22454 73,890
1985-86 181,958 .18905 ....
1986-87 186,780 .17616 ......
1987-88 149,491 .13953 .....
1988-89 218,823 .19279 ......
1989-90 191,619 .16666 75,000
1990-91 234,390 .19498 45,000
1991-92 252,789 .20574 75,000
1992-93 242,474 .18729 120,000
1993-94 228,690 .16688 78,000
1994-95 316,002 .22132 64,000
1995-96 303,281 .20446 30,000
1996-97 319,513 .20450 17,000
1997-98 318,270 .19946 52,834
1998-99 321,879 .19461 184,357
.09592
.02177
.13000
.08284
.06416
.O3743
.06104
.09269
.05845
.04482
.02023
.01088
.03311
.11146
CITY CONFERENCE BOARD
FEBRUARY 24, 1997
City Conference Board: February 24, 1997, 7:03 P.M. in the Council Chambers at the
Iowa City Civic Center. Mayor Naomi Novick presiding.
Iowa City Co, mcii Members Present Baker, Kubby, Lehman, Norton, Novick.
Johnson County g,lpervisors Present: Duffy, Lacina, Stutsman.
IC School Roard Members Present: Matheson, Left.
Others Present: Hudson, Arkira, Helling, Holeeek, Karr.
Tq~ Recorded: Reel 97-38, Side 2.
Chair Novick called the meeting to order and Clerk Hudson called roll and stated that a
quorum was present.
The City moved to accept the minutes of the last Conference Board meeting, January 27,
1997. County seconded, and the motion carried, 3/0.
Chair Novick declared the public hearing open. There being no comment from the
public, the public hearing was declared closed.
The City moved to modify the salary increases to 3% and the County seconded. After
discussion the motion failed, 2/1. City - Yes,'County - No, School - No.
The County moved to adopt the proposed budget with 4% salary increases as published
in the Iowa City Press Citizen on February 12, 1997, it was seconded by the School.
Motion carded, 2/1. City - No, County - Yes, School - Yes.
Assessor Hudson described the latest tactic by some apartment ownera to reduce their
property tax burden. This is to convert their apartments into condominium% thereby
receiving the residential rollback. Until the rollback rises back up, there will be a loss of
property tax base in jurisdictions Where this occurs. It would take legislation to close
this loophole.
There being no further business, it was moved by the City, seconded by the Count3' to
adjourn at 7:27 P.M. Motion camed unanimously, 3/0.
Dan L. Hudson
Clerk, Iowa City Conference Board
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SURVEY
During the summer and fall of 1997, approximately 150 surveys
were prepaxed and distributed to a representative sample of people who had
used the services of the assessor's office in recent month~. Surveys were
sent to one-fourth of the 114 people who appeared before the 1997 session
of the Board of Review, along with people who had filed for homestead
credits, frequent visitors and callers to our office, and people who had a
recent visit to their property by an employee of the Iowa City Assessor's
Results of the survey are tabulated and comments listed on the
following pages. The cartoon below seems appropriate to this process when
dealing with those who appealed to the Board of Review. There were
several negative comments as a result of the appeal process, but overall,
most of the survey results were positive.
There were comments, mostly from realtors and appraisers,
suggesting more information should be available on-line or by fax. We
have been working with a computer consultant to the Iowa City Board of
Realtors to download some of our computerized information into their
system.
you go, Mr. ~ we'd Ik® yo~
lows City City Assessor's Office 1997 Customer Survey Results
1. Renson you were in the Assessor's omce:
2~7 To file homestead or v~erans ~emption
38 To look up ~ or sales information
19 To file an assessmint appeal
7 I wasn't in th~ office-an assessor's employee visited my
prop~y.
Did the person you contacted Ilsten to you and understand your questions?
74-DEFINITELY 9-MOSTLY I-NOT REALLY 3*DEFINITELY NOT
4-DOES NOT APPLY
3. Did he/she take the time to explain clearly the answers or responses to your questions?
68-DEFINITELY 9-MOSTLY 5-NOT REALLY 4-DEFINITELY NOT 5-DOES NOT APPLY
4. Was be/she eoarteons and attentive?
72-DEFINITELY 1 !-MOSTLY 4-NOT REALLY 3-DEFINITELY NOT !-DOES NOT APPLY
5. Did he/she assist you in an timely manner?
74-DEFINITELY 9-MOSTLY 2*NOT REAI.I.Y 5-DEFINITELY NOT I-DOES NOT APPLY
6. Did be/she provide the service or assistance you needed?
73-DEFINITELY ! I-MOSTLY 3-NOT REALLY 3-DEFINITEL, Y NOT !-DOES NOT APPLY
7. If the Assessor's office couM not help you, were you directed to the propeF Io~tion for assistance?
28-DEFINITELY 5-MOSTLY 2-NOT REALLY
Is the access to the assessor's offHe convenient?
41-DEFINITELY 42-MOSTLY I-NOT REALLY
2-DEFINITELY NOT 54-DOES NOT APPLY
2-DEFINITELY NOT 5-DOES NOT APPLY
9. What if anything, would you like the City Assessor's offace to be doing that it is not now doing?
Have public records available via computers.
Info put on IV!LS computer for realtors
Be able to immediately fax informalion to our office.
Remote computer access to records
Being ac__,'essible past 4:00 p_m.
The assessor's of~cc is ex¢__-~edingly helpful and cotuteons
Expand parking
I think they do a good job. Perhaps more information could be given out in a more timely manner in reference to
Assess all property equally. They cannot be assessed just by the books. I realize it would be at an expense but all
property should be gone through and assessed by upkeep etc.
Have the information available through the computer.
Disband
To go and look at a property if requested by the owner to do so. No one has looked a property in years in some areas of
the city.
Be on line.
Putting all info on the net
Fax infmmatioa on request
I ot~m feel as ifl'm putting stoneone out by asking for help or infmmafion
Computer records and sell to the public.
Lower our taxes.'?
On line with the real estate offices
I call in constantly for asseszeal values, parcel #'s etc. on the property that we sell through our office and your service
has always been helpful and prompt.
I am a realtor and computer access would be great and I believe it would help the assessor's office also.
I am a realtor. It would be super if we could have access to the assessor's public records via the computer.
Stay open till $:00. Also, I wish I could call and have them fax me properly info as a realtor it would save a lot of time
for me..
Be able to fax infofination on hard cards to me.
As with everyone in the county building I always feel that serving the public comes as an inconvenience to the
person behind the coonter.
Put all record "on line" with access over the InterneL Get with it! Fairly appraise property.
Implement mx !ink so we could access our selves and posa~!y eliminate the thnc wasted on personal contact.
For persons who are just buying a house, to explain what the homestend is and what its about.
Have honr3 on Saturday.
Provide on line computer access to records. Provide copies of pages of book on counter (sales) for just the price of
copying page. Not hieher fee as currently charged.
Make their records on line so I could take the info from my computer so I wouldn't have to drive over there.
No complaints at this time.
I0. What services now provided by the City Assessor's offtee would you not like to see discontinued:
I don't think I'd like to see any of the services discontinued - they are most helpful in providing complete information
Info provided on property - ie, sq ft. -lot size- price etc
Please do not cliscon6nue any services. They are a great bunch of people and do an excellent job.
I like the present information cards much better than the county assessor's.
I would like ever~ing to stay the same
As a Realtor I find the city assessor's office ve~ helpful. AH the information provided is important.
I would like to see all of its ses~ces discon~nued.
The card file.
There should be additions no*hing discontinued. Get out and inspect some of these properties.
The Assessor and his staff have always been helpful and cottacons and personable. It's the most enjoyable
county/city assessor's office in the five county area.
I either call or visit the office pe!~mally to obtain information pertinent to my real estate business. They are,without
fail, friendly and helpful.
I received excellent and very friendly, helpful service! Thank yon.*
Everyone that I have been in contact with at the assessor's office is GREA~
I find the people who I most often deal with to be extremely helpful and efficient. I would say they are doing a much
better than average job satisfying consumer needs.
I think your office is efficient and couru~us. Keep up the good work!
I wish the conference board would ask for a survey on the treasurers office. It's better lately but still needs
improvement.
As I said before I am always calling to get information and I am always treated very professionally and nicely. I have
never felt that I could not call your office. I am always Ireated very well. Thank you for a~king.
You can always change hours and never please everyone. ! would like to see the whole administration builclin~ operate
under the same hours!
The assessors office provides excellent sendce and infonuafion.
It would be mo~t helpful if the infmmation were available on the computer so we would not have to physically come to
the of~fice.
I would like the office hours extended to $:00 p.m. I would like easier access to sales information and more routine
updat~ of r~-ports would be helpful. It would be helpful for this office to have its own fax machine instead of going
Current information on assessor's card is much more complete than county assessor's office.
The city and county assessor's offices sometimes react rudely to questions asked of them which fall under the
jurisdiction of the other office. I was shocked to find out that th~ are next to ~ach othm' since they act as though they
arc not even in the same building.
The assessor's office is'always a friendly and _~__~tiv¢ place to visit. I do hope that its information will soon be
access~le by compuler.
On a pr=vions occasion I called the assessor's office r=: my lax valuation. The person I spoke with was brusque and
said the pmim~y mus~ be worth wha~ i~ was assessed ~ Did not ~ive infonmaion on appeal process, made i~ appear an
appeal would be useless.
Board of Review 1997 Customer Survey Results
The following questions apply only m those persore who filed an assessmint appeal with the Board of
Review.' (19 respotato)
9. Did your contact person in the assessor's of~ce explain the appeal process and provide the n~_-'ssary
forms and inslructiom?
!I-DEFINITELY 3-MOSTLY 2-NOTREALLY !-DF_.FIN[~.J. YNOT 0-DOES NOT
APPLY 2-NO RESPONSE
10. If you had an oral hearing before the Board of Review, did the Board give you the opportunity to
present arguments and evidence in support of your appeal?
9-DEFINITELY 2-MOSTLY 0-NOTREALLY 0-DEIriNITELYNOT 4.DOES NOT
APPLY 4-NO RESPONS£
I!. My appeal 1o the Boani was.'
7-DENIED 2-GRANTED 7=GRANTED IN PART 3-NO RESPONSE
12. Were you satisfied that the Board of Review made an informed decisio~ based on aH the information
presented?
2-DEFINITELY 5-MOSTLY 4-NOT REALLY 5-DEFINITELY NOT !-DOES NOT
APPLY 2-NO RESPONSE
COMMENTS ABOUT BOARD OF REVIEW OR APPEALS: (10 had no comments)
No idea is given of what evidence is acceptable. The house in back of me which is identical was on the
market at 10,000 less than my assessment. fflhat's not evidence, what is evidence needs to be specified.
My Impression is that the appeal process was designed to give ~hc appearance of fairness where there is
Bone.
I represented an elderly man in the appeal process - we had a nice visit but not good results.
I am still fiabberga~ed~hntPr°pertyis"n°t valued"in its c°nditi°n°n~he ! '~ of every year. Iris
discretionary by ~ office - not by our s~ate law. This is B.S.!
Appeal process appeared to me to be a kangaroo coup. My very _p"cent mortgage appr~i~! was apparently
ignored and my property appraised at probable 20% above h~ely ~ale p~ice on the currein market.
Close up shop and merge with County Assessor and use savings to moderniz~ and computerize records etc.
Board tends to rubber stamp Dan Hudson's views.
Very much took the assessor's side.
Survey results continued.
A young fellow in the of~ce was very courteous to get ~h¢ info I wanted. But sn older assessor sitting
there informed him they we~ assessed ~ etc. The first thing Ibis second fefiow says "will you sell
your property for~heassessedvaluatkm? Whataques~mmdhowruc~. Icer~nlyw~s~llallifl
could get that much. This young fellow very aicely informed me of~he o~es that sold in the areas which
seeing the im~. There are Iolsofbasanmtsfmished,~getc. mylm~pertiesmnoc Valued the
The assessor's office and sppeal board are outstanding examples of excellence in government
I feel they follow the assessor's recommendation completely and meeting with them is a waste offime.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
ADVISORY BOARD/COMMISSION
/t ~PLICATION FORM
Individuals serving on Boards/Commissions play an important role in advising the Courtr~l on matters of interest
to our community and its future. Applicants must reside in Iowa City. ~"
After a vacancy has been announced. the Council reviews all applications during the work session. The
appointment is made at the next formal Council meeting. Appointees serve as unpaid volunteers.
PLEASE USE A BLACK INK PEN. Return the application to City Clerk. 410 E. Washington St.. Iowa City.
Iowa.
THIS APPLICATION IS A PUBUC DOCUMENT AND AS SUCH CAN BE REPRODUCED AND DISTRIBUTED FOR THE
PUBLIC. THIS APPLICATION WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR THREE MONTHS ONLY AND AUTOMATICALLY
CONSIDERED FOR ANY VACANCY DURING THAT TIME.
ADVISORY BOARD/COMMISSION NAME ~ ~- ~-)Z~/~¢ u~ ....
NAME /~ ~/~ ~--~. (/! t~ HOME ADDRESS
Is your home address (listed above) within the corporate limits of Iowa City?
OCCUPATION /~:~^: ~/~ EMPLOYER ~
PHONE NUMBER: HOME ~ .Sj ,~- ~_,c-'Z) ~ BUSINESS ~
TERM (~ tt.-~
-2 7 / ~' 7,~,,~,-,,z,,. ,~.~.,,.
V/ Yes No
E"~C-RIENCE AND/OR ACTIVITIES WHICH YOU FEEL QUAUFY YOU FOR THIS POSITION:
,- { - ..,. ,, ~'.__ ..
-~_. > ,,,.), .,.,.,,~ ,~,~., :...,,. ,~-,/.,.,,//,, ~,..~,z,,,,,-...,.e :~... +,",.,~..,,.,x.
WHAT CONTRIBUTIONS DO YOU FEEL YOU CAN MAKE TO THIS ADVISORY BOARD {OR STATE REASON FOR
SPECIFIC ATTENTION SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO A POSSIBLE CONFUCT OF INTEREST. PLEASE UST ANY
PRESENT AFRUATIONS YOU HAVE WITH AGENCIES WHICH MAY APPLY FOR FUNDING FROM THE CITY.
AFFIUATION MEANS BEING A BOARD MEMBER OR EMPLOYEE OF THE AGENCY. OTHER TYPES OF
AFFILIATION MUST BE EXAMINED ON A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS BY THE CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE.
IF YOU ARE UNCERTAIN WHETHER OR NOT A POTENTIAL CONFUCT OF INTEREST EXISTS, PLEASE UST THE
AGENCY AND THEN CONTACT THE CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE.
IF YOU ARE NOT SELECTED, DO YOU WANT TO BE NOTIRED? ~/ YES NO
DO YOU CURRENTLY SERVE ON ANOTHER IOWA CITY BOARD OR COMMISSION? YES ~/ NO
(It has been Council policy not to permit an individual to serve on two Boards or Commissions at the same time.)
August 1996
IOWA CITY
CITY ASSESSOR'80F1;1Cg
1997 ANNUAL REPORT
1997 REPORT
OFFICE OF IOWA CITY ASSESSOR
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents ................................................................................1
Iowa City Conference Board ............................................................2
Staff of Iowa City Assessor's Office
Members of Board of Review
Members of Examining Board ...........................................................3
Report of City Assessor ....................................................................4-6
Abstract for 1997 Iowa' City Assessments .........................................7
Exempt Properly as of July 1, 1997 ...................................................7
Comparison of Values with Rollback Applied ..........................8-10
Comparison of Residential, Commercial and
Industrial Values ......................................................................11-12
Top Taxpayers for Iowa City ............................................................13
Comparative Millage Rates ............................................................14
Iowa City Assessor's Program Division Statement FY '99 .........15-22
1997 IOWA CITY CONFERENCE BOARD
IOWA CITY CITY COUNCIL
Naomi Novick, Mayor
Larry Baker
Karen Kubby
Ernie Lehman
Dee Norton
Dean Thomberry
Dee Vanderhoef
IOWA CITY COMMUNrrY SCHOOL BOARD
* Marvin Lynch, President
Ernie Galer
Alan Left
Linda Levey
Susan Mirns
Cindy Parsons
* Peter Wallace
· Conference Board Designee
JOHNSON COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Sally Stutsman, Chairperson
Joe Bolkcom
Charles Duffy
Jonathan Jordahl
Steve Lacina
IOWA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE AND FINANCE
Gerald D. Bair- Director, Iowa Department of Revenue and Finance
2
1997 STAFF OF IOWA CITY ASSESSOR'S OFFICE
MEMBERS OF BOARD OF REVIEW
AND EXAMINING BOARD OF IOWA CITY, IOWA
IOWA CITY ASSESSOR'S OFFICE
Dan L. Hudson
City Assessor
Dennis J. Baldridge
First Deputy
Carolyn R. Burke
Second Deputy
Jerry L. Denison
Plat Supervisor
Patricia Kuhns
Clerk
Mark Fedlet
Appraiser/Clerk
Appt. 1996 through 200 !
Date of Employment:
Date of Employment:
Date of Employment:
Date of Employment:
Date of Employment:
Date of Employment:
1 Aug. 1977
12 Jul, 1982
8 Oct, 1979
20 Oct, 1980
26 Sep, 1988
20Jun, 1994
IOWA CITY BOARD OF REVIEW
Janice E. Sweet, Chairperson
Haywood Belle
Ernie Galer
Keith Wymore
Jack Yanaush
Norwood C. Louis, Clerk
Appt.
Appt.
Appt.
Appt.
Appt.
1996 through 2001
1997 through 2002
1995 through 20(]0
1992 through 1997
1994 through 1999
IOWA CiTY EXAMINING BOARD
John McDonald for City
Jerald L. Palmer for School
Patricia Sueppel for County
Appt. 1994 through 1999
Appt. 1994 through 1999
Appt. 1992 through 1997
LEGAL COUNSEL
Eleanor Dilkes - City Attorney
Sarah E. Holecek - Assistant City Attorney
3
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
Members of the Iowa Cily Conference Board
Dan L. Hudson - Iowa City Assessor
1997 Annual Report - Issued December 30, 1997
The following report covers the activities of this office from January !, 1997
to date of issue.
VALUATIONS
Since 1997 was a real estate revaluation year, there were increases in assessments
to meet the statutory level as monitored by the Iowa Department of Revenue and
Finance. Increases in assessments from revaluation were approximately 90 million
dollars for residential and 49 million dollars for commercial. New construction also
added approximately 26.5 million dollars to residential, 19.8 million dollars to
commercial, and 0.8 million dollars to industrial for 1997.
The 537 residential deed sales for the first 11 months of 1997 give us a median ratio
(assessed value vs sale price) of 93.2% as compared to 91.2% for the whole year
of 1996. Factoring in the 6.5% average residenlial increase in the assessment for
1997, this shows that the selling prices of homes have continued to increase. If this
trend continues during 1998, there will have to be, once again, an increase in
assessments for 1999. Iowa City's overall level of assessment was once again
substantiated by the department of Revenue and Finance as shown by the tact
that Iowa City received only equalization orders on agricultural property for 1997.
It should be kept in mind that when a jurisdiction is at the State mandated sales ratio
level of 100%, a full one-half of home sales will be for less than the assessed value.
Sales for less than the assessed value generally result in appeals to the Board of
Review.
COURT CASES
There were six properties appealed to District Court in 1997. Four appeals were for
commercial properties, and two for residential properties. One commercial case
has been dropped, and word of settlement has been received on another
commercial case. Since we had no pending cases, that leaves four cases to be
dealt with.
4
BOARD OF REVIEW
The Board of Review was in session from May 1 through May 23, the day of
adjournment. The Board had 114 protests flied, wilh 49 being upheld and 65
denied. The total value of real estate being protested was $94,666,170 with a
tolal requested reduction of $15,167,682. The Board also reduced 9 additional
properties on their own volition or at the requesl of the assessor. The Board
allowed a total reduction of $2,920,610.
EQUITY VERSUS MARKET IN ASSESSMENT
It is difficult to be both equitable among assessments and in tune with the
markel. Similar properties do not always sell for similar prices, so the market is
not always equitable and some times a long way from it. Most assessors would
lean toward equity if they could choose between the two. Our first priority is
equity since it is not always possible to have every sale match the selling price.
Our statistics show that we are doing a good job in this regard.
ROLLBACKS
The residential rollback has dropped from 58.8% for the current taxes to 54.9%
for next year's taxes. This will once again create a shift of the tax burden to
commercial property. Commercial property will once again receive a small
rollback of 97.4%. The League of Municipalities has been trying to get
legislation passed to stop this decrease in the residential tax base. Iowa City's
residential tax base has not actually decreased because of our increase in
market value and new construction. Never the less, the shift of the tax burden
should be of concern. The tables on pages 11 and 12 illustrate this shift.
Commercial property has become a smaller percentage of the total value,
but a larger percentage of the taxable value. Several apartment complexes
have been converted to condominiums to take advantage of the tax savings
provided by the lower residential rollback.
NEW LEGISLATION
HF 4:
Amends law which required a city of more than 125,0(]0 population to
have a city assessor, it is now an option like it is for cities of less than
125,000.
HF 495:
Amends M & E assessments to allow M & E purchased before 1982 to
receive the same exemption phase oul and reimbursement as property
acquired after 1982.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
Continuing education is a requirement for the assessor and deputies for
their reappointment to their positions. I feel it is also good for the other
employccs to attend some classes so they can adequately respond to
inquiries and questions.
The Assessor attended the following courses and conferences during
1997:
ISAA Annual School of Instruction
IAAO Annual Conference
13 C.E. hrs.
The first Deputy attended the following courses and conferences dudng
1997:
ISAA Annual School of Instruction
NCRAAO Conference
Basic Legal Description Workshop
13 C.E. hrs.
9 C.E. hrs.
15 C.E. hrs. T
The Second Deputy attended the following courses and conference during
1997:
ISAA Annual School of Instruction
NCRAAO Conference
13 C.E. hrs.
9 C.E. hrs.
APPRECIATION
My staff and I would like to thank the Conference Board, the Board of
Review, the City Attorney and her assistants, and the City Staff for their
assistance, cooperation and confidence during the past year. I would
also like to recognize and thank my staff at this time for their part in
establishing and maintaining the professional standards of the office.
1997 ABSTRACT OF ASSESSMENTS FOR IOWA CITY
Value of Agricultural Land and Structures
Value of Residential Dwellings on Agricultural Realty
Value of Residential Lots and Buildings
Value of Commercial Lots and Buildings
Value of Industrial Lots and Buildings
Value of Industrial Machinery and Commercial Equipment as Real Estate
Actual Value of All Real Estate*
$ 2,024,905
1,402,930
1,499,358,470
709,209,833
42,415,010
55,638,669
$2,310,049,817
*All the above values are based on the 1997 abstract as reported to the Iowa
Department of Revenue and Finance on July I, 1997. The values far Raikoad and Uhlity
Property are suppl'~-~d to the Auditor by the Iowa State Department of Revenue and
Finance. The value of uhlties and railroads in Iowa City for 1996 was $59.806,867.
EXEMPT PROPERTY IN IOWA CITY FOR 1997
Religious Institutions
Charitable and Benevolent Societies
Educational Institutions
Low Rent Housing
Associations of War Veterans
Forest and Fruit
Partial Industrial & Urban Revitalization
Sub-Total
University of Iowa (As Reported by $UI for 1994)
TOTAL
$ 46,433,290
66,129,430
456,060
3,751,260
344,810
511,403
5,441,350
$123,067,603
729,599,949
$852,667,552
7
YEAR
STATE
ORDER
VALUE COMPARISONS WITH ROLLBACKS APPLIED
STATE
TYPE VALUE ROLLBACK
ADJUSTED
VALUE
1986
Agricultural $ 3,289,203 1.000000
Ag Dwelling 1,208,010 .773604
Residential 734,394,558 .773604
Commercial 376,014,043 1.000000
Industrial 31,458,600 1.000000
M & E 32,720,338 1.000000
TOTAL
$1,179,084,752
$ 3,289,203
934,521
568,130,568
376,014,043
31,458,600
32,720,338
$1,012,547,273
1987'
-15%
Agricultural $ 2,815,775 1.0CKX]00
Ag Dwelling 1,208,010 .805966
Residential 745,381,060 .805966
Commercial 396,742,189 · 1.000000
Industrial 31,296,340 1.000000
M & E 38,819,952 1.000000
TOTAL - $1,216,263,326
$ 2,815,775
973,615
600,751,791
396,742,189
31,296,340
38,819,952
$1,071,399,662
1988
Agricultural $ 2,740,854 1.000CK)0
Ag Dwelling 1,130,020 .806384
Residential 758,164,620 .806384
Commercial 401,581,399 1.000000
Industrial 31,730,750 1.000000
M & E 40,119,662 1.000000
TOTAL
$1,235,467,305
2,740,854
911,230
611,371,819
401,581,399
31,730,750
40,119,662
$1,088,455,714
1989'
-13%
Agricultural $ 2,659, i 69 1 .(X)00(X)
Ag Dwelling I, 1 63,090 .798471
Residential 808,471,670 .798471
Commercial 418,611,709 1.000000
Industrial 32,321,290 1.000000
M & E 43,925,077 1.000000
TOTAL
$1,307,152,005
2,659,169
928,694
645,541,183
418,611,709
32,321,290
43,925,077
$1,143,987,122
8
YEAR
VALUE COMPARISONS WITH ROLLBACKS APPLIED - CONT'D
STATE STATE ADJUSTED
ORDER TYPE VALUE ROLLBACK VALUE
1990
Agricultural $ 2,206,484 1.000000 $ 2,206,484
Ag Dwelling 1,163,090 .794636 924,233
Residential 830,877,911 .794636 660,245,500
Commercial 428,045,979 1.000000 428,045,979
Industrial 33,242,630 1.000000 33,242,630
M & E 49,473,401 1.000000 49,473,401
TOTAL
$1,345,009,495
$1,174,138,227
1991'
Agricultural $ 2,082,540 1.000000 $ 2,082,540
Ag Dwelling 1,159,280 .730608 846,979
Residential 924,095,521 .730608 675,151,580
Commercial 469,155,456 1.000000 469,155,456
Industrial 34,390,300 1.0(XXX)0 34,390,300
M & E 54,708,712 1.000000 54,708,712
TOTAL
$1,485,591,809
$1,236,335,567
1992
Agricultural $ 1,977,575 1.000000 $ 1,977,575
Ag Dwelling 976,430 .726985 709,850
Residential 948,162,720 .726985 689,300,075
Commercial 483,983,100 1.000000 483,983,100
Industrial 36,088,910 1.000000 36,088,910
M & E 59,612,801 1.000000 59,612,801
TOTAL
$1,530,801,536
$1,271,672,311
1993'
Agricultural $ 1,865,755 1.000000 $ 1,865,755
Ag Dwelling 1,124,020 .680404 764,788
Residential 1,088,592,820 .680404 740,682,909
Commercial 541,066,293 1.000000 541,066,293
Industrial 37,640,010 1.000000 37,640,010
M & E 55,181,660 1.000000 55,181,660
TOTAL
$1,725,470,558
$1,377,201,41 5
9
YEAR
VALUE COMPARISONS WITH ROLLBACKS APPLIED - CONT'D.
STATE STATE ADJUSTED
ORDER TYPE VALUE ROLLBACK VALUE
1994
Agricultural $ 1,884,736 1.000000 $ 1,884,736
Ag Dwelling 1,224,510 .675074 826,635
Residential 1,135,164,290 .675074 766,319,898
Commercial 555,664,033 1.000000 555,664,033
Industrial 37,584,600 1.000000 37,584,6(X)
M & E 63,678,377 1.000000 63,678,377
TOTAL
$1,795,200,546
$1,425,958,279
1995* + 10%
Agricultural $ 2,038,805 1.000000 $ 2,038,805
Ag Dwelling 1,466,630 .593180 869,976
Residential 1,342,714,470 .593180 796,471,369
Commercial 632,219,253 .972824 615,038,063
Industrial 41,717,330 1.00(X]00 41,717,330
M & E 64,300,377 i.00(X)00 64,300,377
TOTAL
$2,084,456,865
$1,520,435,920
1996
Agricultural $ 2,118,889 1.000000 $ 2,118,889
Ag Dwelling 1,449,530 .588284 852,735
Residential 1,380,932,970 .588284 812,380,771
Commercial 648,238,303 1 .(XXX)(X) 648,238,303
Industrial 42,04 i ,700 1.000000 42,041,700
M & E 56,962,378 1.000000 56,962,378
TOTAL
$2,131,743,770
$1,562,594,776
1997 +8%
Agricultural $ 2,186,897 .964206 $ 2,108,619
Ag Dwelling 1,402,930 .549090 770,335
Residential 1,499,358,470 .549090 823,282,742
Commercial 709,209,833 .973606 690,490,949
Industrial 42,415,010 1.000000 42,415,010
M & E 55,638,669 1.000000 55,638,669
TOTAL
$2,310,211,809
$1,614,706,324
The adjusted values given are not exact but are meant to give a representation of the
growth of Iowa City's tax base. *Reassessment Year
I0
COMPARISON OF RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL
YEAR
RESIDENTIAL
APARTMENT OTHER
COMMERCIAL ~_ COMMERCIAL %
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
758,164,620
808,471,670
830,877,911
924,095,521
948,162,720
1,088,592,820
1,136,388,800
1,344,181,100
1,382,382,500
1,500,761,400
60.9
61.7
61.8
62.2
62.0
63.1
63.3
64.5
64.9
65.0
ASSESSED
162,923,079 13.1 238,824,330 19.2
166,829,929 12.7 251,781,780 19.2
169,428,179 12.6 258,617,800 19.2
180,660,316 12.2 288,495,140 19.4
187,803,160 12.3 296,179,940 19.3
215,508,613 12.5 325,557,680 18.9
220,464,483 12.3 335,199,550 18.7
247,749,743 11.9 384,469,510 18.4
252,376,673 11.8 395,861,630 18.6
270,554,593 11.7 438,655,240 19.0
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
611,371,819
645,541,183
660,245,500
675,151,580
689,300,075
740,682,909
767,146,533
797,341,345
813,233,510
824,053,077
55.7
56.2
56.2
54.6
54.2
53.8
53.8
52.4
52.1
51.0
TAXABLE
162,923,079 14.8 238,824,330 21.8
166,829,929 14.5 251,781,780 22.0
169,428,179 14.5 258,617,800 22.0
180,660,316 14.6 288,495,140 23.3
187,803,160 14.8 296,179,940 23.3
215,508,613 15.7 325,557,680 23.6
220,464,483 15.5 335,199,550 23.5
241,01 6,896 15.9 374,021,167 24.6
252,376,673 16.2 395,861,630 25.3
263,413,575 16.3 427,077,374 26.5
I1
AND INDUSTRIAL VALUES
TOTAL
COMMERICAL
INDUSTRIAL
OTHER
VALUES
401,747,409 32.3
418,611,709 31.9
428,045,979 31.8
469,155,456 31.6
483,983,100 31.6
541,066,293 31.4
555,664,033 31.0
632,219,253 30.3
648,238,303 30.4
709,209,833 30.7
74,706,504
73,597,442
73,198,642
79,879,255
84,743,140
80,274,334
86,882,374
93,423,546
89,741,281
92,194,909
6.0
5.6
5.4
5.4
5.5
4.6
4.8
4.5
4.2
4.0
10,501,754
10,357,933
12,886,963
12,461,577
13,912,576
15,537,111
16,265,339
14,632,966
11,381,686
7,883,675
0.8
0.8
1.0
0.8
0.9
0.9
0.9
0.7
0.5
0.3
VALUES
401,747,409 36.6
418,611,709 36.5
428,045,979 36.5
469,155,456 37.9
483,983,100 38.1
541,066,293 39.3
555,664,033 39.0
615,038,063 40.5
648,238,303 41.5
690,490,949 42.8
74,706,504
73,597,442
73,198,642
79,879,255
84,743,140
80,274,334
86,882,374
93,423,546
89,741,281
92,194,909
6.8
6.4
6.2
6.5
6.7
5.8
6.1
6.1
5.7
5.7
10,240,392
10,123,537
12,648,106
12,149,276
13,645,996
15,177,879
16,265,339
14,632,966
11,381,686
7,811,196
0.9
0.9
1.1
1.0
1.0
1.1
1.1
1.0
0.7
0.5
12
1997 TOP TAXPAYERS
Excluding Utilities Assessed by the State
RANK
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
2O
NAME
TAXABLE VALUES
Procter & Gamble
Old Capitol Mall
James & Loretta Clark
Southgate Development
American College Testing
NCS Leaming Corp.
Release International
Holiday Inn
United Technology Automotive
Gillette Canada
Edwin & Ethel Barker & Barker Partnership
Moore Business Forms
Sycamore Mall
Hy Vee
First National Bank
Lakeside Apartments
Mercy Facilities Inc.
Hawkeye Real Estate Investment
Iowa State Bank & Trust
Highlander Partnership
$ 24,285,925
20,256,106
20,156,675
18,413,987
16,537,059
16,172,207
13,754,729
13,009,577
12,747,887
12,348,840
11,919,917
9,737,685
9,618,692
8,733,571
7,290,405
7,009,642
6,832,099
6,790,483
6,760,679
6,235,830
13
COMPARISON OF TAX RATES FOR CITIES WITH THEIR OWN ASSESSORS
SORTED BY 1997-98 ASSESSOR LEVY'
LEVY
NAME CITY COUNTY SCHOOL ASSESSOR OTHER TOTAL
IOWA CITY 12.79617 5.12191 12.22016 0.23257 0.65998 31.03079
MASON CITY 10.17958 4.93858 14.41913 0.23978 0.61716 30.39423
DUBUQUE 11.40112 5.54113 12.03974 0.27000 0.75514 30.00713
CEDAR RAPIDS 12.07416 5.61839 12.50172 0.29831 0.62725 31.11983
MARSHALLTOWN i 6.11316 6.80708 15.43195 0.33748 1.08522 39.77489
DAVENPORT 13.96012 4.19239 15.19448 0.34669 0.62748 34.32116
AMES 10.19221 6.04529 13.46356 0.35489 0.11741 30.17336
SIOUX CITY 15.30439 6.64317 15.21554 0.41 087 0.67783 38.25180
CUNTON 13.12522 5.64787 14.86264 0.45303 0.67215 34.76091
14
IOWA CITY ASSESSOR'S PROGRAM DIVISION STATEMENT F'Y '99
DIVISION PURPOSE:
The purpose of the Iowa City Assessor's Office is to find, list and value for tax
purposes, all real estate property in Iowa City and maintain records for all
parcels in Iowa City.
DIVISION GOALS:
To establish values according to Iowa law on all commercial, industrial,
agricultural and residential property within the City of Iowa City in the most
equitable manner based on actual physical aspects of the property and all the
pertinent sales data available; to improve the efficiency by which these
assessments are made; to provide prompt and courteous response to all
inquiries for information.
GENERAL DIVISION OBJECTIVES:
1. Receive calls and inquiries and dispense information efficiently and on a
timely basis.
2. Complete all daily record changes and related duties as received.
o
On a quarterly basis, review in the field all new construction and demolition,
and by January 1, 1999, make final review of said construction and
demolition.
4. Prepare forms and get signatures for all new homestead and military credits
by July 1, 1999.
5. Remove all homestead and military credits from the permanent file for those
who are no longer eligible to receive the credit by July 1, 1999.
6. Prepare and get signatures on all other new annual forms, making sure they
are in compliance with all laws and rules, by their slatutory dates.
I$
GENERAL DIVISION OBJECTIVES CONT'D.
e
e
e
Accept formal wrifien protests for the Board of Review from
April 16 to May 5, 1999 and coordinate the Board of Review
meeting during May 1999.
Hold preliminary meetings and public hearings to adopt the
annual budget by March 15, 1999.
Prepare and submit annual abstract by July 1, 1999.
Prepare and distribute to Conference Board members the
annual report by December 31, 1998.
NEW DIVISION OBJECTIVES:
1. Enter building sketches on our new appraisal system.
Review sales as they occur for all classes of property so we
may complete our biennial reassessment for 1999, making
sure our values stay at the mandated level.
e
Continue to use the appraisal system to review assessments
and sales by neighborhoods and other criteria to be
established during the studies.
Work with the Johnson County Assessor and Auditor to
develop our new computer generated mapping system.
Look into the use of a G.I.S. system which would utirr~e
these maps.
e
Continue a program to review all of the quality grades on
residential property to enhance our equity, along with
physical inspections of properties whose sales tall outside
certain parameters.
Look into a future mass re-appraisal. While our statistics
show we are still one of the more accurate assessors offices
in Iowa, many home sales reveal changes in property listing
which have been done without building permits. The only
way to discover these changes is by an interior inspection of
each property. Outside help or additional staff would be
needed for this project.
16
PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS:
The median sales ratio (median) Js the middle sales ratio and a measure of
the percent of our assessment to the actual sales prices. The coefficient of
dispersion (C.O.D.) is a measure of assessment uniformity based on the
degree to which individual sales ratios vary from the median sales ratio. The
goal of the Iowa City Assessor is to keep this C.O.D. below 10. A C.O.D. of 10
is considered excellent and was attained in 1996 by only 6 of the 109
assessing jurisdiclions in Iowa. The following table shows the medJan, C.O.D.,
and the number of deed sales for Iowa City residential property since the
assessments went to the 100% level in 1975.
YEAR MEDIAN C.O.D # OF SALES
Assessment Year
1975 87.10 10.36 682
1976 76.30 11.38 681
1977 65.10 12.10 840
Assessment Year
State Orders
1978 74.70 9.83 639
1979 91.80 9.40 551
1980 87.85 8.69 394
Assessment Year
1981 88.90 8.74 393
1982 87.30 9.38 299
Assessment Year
1983 94.00 7.19 544
· 1984 92.80 8.03 451
Assessment Year
1985 96.15 8.27 448
1986 95.30 9.02 513
Assessment Year
1987 94.90 9.26 522
1988 93.60 9.34 555
Assessment Year
1989 91.80 9.80 538
1990 87.05 9.75 608
Assessment Year
1991 90.40 8.49 659
1992 85.00 9.88 688
Assessment Year
1993 90.80 8.57 651
1994 84.10 9.59 627
Assessment Year
1995 91.20 8.48 595
1996 91.20 9.59 636
Assessment Year
'1997 93.17 8.79 537
*Data Based on ~ ! 1 Months only
17
MEDIAN SALES RATIOS BY QUARTER
100.00
-_l. ql.i.
90.00 ·
I I
.oo 111111 _
I I I I II
75.00 ~
IIIIIIII II1'
70.00 ................... , ...................... , , ...... , , , . . , : . ~ ~-
1 1 I I I I 1
9 9 9 9 g 9 9
8 8 8 9 9 9 9
5 7 9 I 3 5 7
YEAR BY QUARTER
MEDIAN RATIO STUDY
This graph best illustrates the changing market we have experienced in Iowa
City. The median ratio for each quarter is found by calculating the assessed
value to selling price ratio for each sale, sorting those ratios in ascending order,
and identifying the middle ratio. There has been a definite trend downward in
the quarterly ratios since 1985, with a large drop beginning in late 1989. This
trend has nearly leveled off during the last year. This downward trend would
have been much worse if not for the increase in residential assessed value in
1989, 1991,1993, 1995 and 1997 which averaged over 5% in 1989, nearly 10% in
1991, over 12% in 1993, over 15% in 1995, and over 6% in 1997. Since our assessed
values have not declined in the time period, the trend is measuring the increase
in selling prices of properties.
The Iowa Department of Revenue and Finance requires that the assessed value
be adjusted Januap/1, 1999 to within 5% of full value. If the trend shown in the
chart for 1997 continues in 1998, values will need to be raised slightly in 1999.
18
The following statistics are for residential sales, and below are tables of the ranking
of Iowa City in comparison to the other 108 assessing jurisdictions in Iowa. For
brevity, only the top 10 are shown. Data is for 1996 sales which is the last complete
year available.
These tables show that Iowa City is still one of only a few jurisdictions in Iowa with a
C.O.D. of less than 10. The average sale I:xice of a home in Iowa City is among the
highest in Iowa, topped in 1996 only by the suburbs of Des Moines in Polk County.
Iowa City also has a large number of sales as could be expected by it's size and
mobile population.
SORTED BY COD
NO. JURISDICTION MEAN MEDIAN WGI-ITD COD REGR INDEX
1 AMES CITY 90.93 91.40 91.59 7.30 99.27
2 POLK 90.67 90.30 91.32 8.19 99.28
3 JOHNSON 91.10 91.10 91.10 9.06 100.00
4 LINN 90.70 90.30 91.06 9.21 99.60
5 IOWA CITY 91.12 91.20 90.24 9.59 100.97
6 SCOTT 90.60 90.55 90.90 9.74 99.66
7 CEDAR RAPIDS CITY 91.40 91.10 92.20 11.66 99.13
8 STORY 91.14 90.25 89.96 11.96 101.31
9 WINNESHIEK 92.52 92.40 92.88 12.69 99.61
10 JACKSON 85.45 86.30 85.85 12.72 99.53
SORTED BY AVERAGE SALE PRICE
NO. JURISDICTION NO. SALES TOTAL PRICE AVG PRICE
1 POLK 2254 290,475,827 128,871
2 IOWA CITY 636 76,999,785 121,069
3 SCO'I'I' 690 80,855,133 117,181
4 AMES CITY 433 49,512,795 114,348
5 JOHNSON 373 39,626,457 106,237
6 LINN 596 60,340,244 101,242
7 DALLAS 419 4 ! ,479,824 98,997
8 CEDAR RAPIDS CITY 1811 176,609,325 97,520
9 DICKINSON 160 14,33 1,705 89,573
10 WARREN 393 35,047,989 89,181
19
SORTED BY NUMBER OF SALES
JURISDICTION NO. SALES TOTAL PRICE AVG PRICE
DES MOINES CiTY 2738 179,786,580 65,663
POLK 2254 290,475,827 128,87 I
CEDAR RAPIDS CITY 1811 176,609,325 97,520
BLACK HAWK 1403 93,283,027 66,488
DAVENPORT CITY 1310 99,012,173 75,582
SIOUX CITY 1120 84,565,275 75,505
POITAWATTAMIE 852 52,644,974 61,790
SCO1'r 690 80,855,133 117,181
IOWA CITY 636 76,999,785 121,069
DUBUQUE CITY 597 51,979,505 87,068
The regression index is an indicator of the degree to which high value properties are over
or under assessed in relationship to low value properties. An index of 100.00 indicates no
difference in assessments of high value properties in comparison to low value properties
based upon that year"s sales. An index over 100 indicates that high value properties are
under assessed in relation to low value properties. As you can see in the following table,
Iowa City's regression index is still close to the ideal 100.00 level. Again, for brevity, only
the top 25 are shown.
SORTED BY
REGRESSION INDEX
NO. JURISDICTION MEAN MEDIAN WGHTD C O D REGR INDEX
1 GRUNDY 81.79 76.35 83.93 23.16 97.45
2 DALLAS 90.42 90.00 92.38 14.27 97.87
3 DICKINSON 88.96 86.60 89.95 16.29 98.89
4 CEDAR RAPIDS CITY 91.40 91.10 92.20 11.66 99.13
5 AMES CITY 90.93 91.40 91.59 7.30 99.27
6 POLK 90.67 90.30 91.32 8.19 99.28
7 JACKSON 85.45 86.30 85.85 12.72 99.53
8 UNN 90.70 90.30 91.06 9.21 99.60
9 WINNESHIEK 92.52 92.40 92.88 12.69 99.61
10 SCOTt 90.60 90.55 90.90 9.74 99.66
11 IOWA 85.17 85.60 85.41 21.21 99.71
12 JOHNSON 91.10 91.10 91.10 9.06 100.00
i 3 WARREN 89.76 91.60 89.16 14.80 100.67
14 MARSHALLTOWN CITY 90.20 89.65 89.57 13.50 100.70
15 MI~I-~ 86.11 86.50 85.46 14.71 100.76
16 POWESHIEK 86.33 85.80 85.66 16.56 100.78
17 CHEROKEE 84.77 82.80 84.07 19.67 100.83
18 IOWA CITY 91.12 91.20 90.24 9.59 100.97
19 OSCEOLA 95.48 95.80 94.29 14.24 101.26
20 STORY 91.14 90.25 89.96 11.96 101.31
21 HENRY 91.95 89.65 90.74 13.21 101.33
22 DELAWARE 93.87 94.10 92.59 14.83 101.38
23 PLYMOUTH 87.02 86.90 85.74 15.66 101.49
24 MARLON 90.36 88.80 88.78 14.00 101.77
25 CARROLL 92.20 90.85 90.54 16.00 101.83
The table below shows the top 10 jurisdictions for commercial sales. The commercial
C.O.D.'s vary from under 1 to over 94 with a median of over 29 for all of Iowa, while the
residential C.O.D.'s vary from 7 to 39 with a median of just under 20 for all of Iowa. Also
shown are the top 5 jurisdictions which had at least 5 commercial sales. This data is a
little more significant since a few sales can skew the statistics in both directions.
COMMERCIAL SALES SORTED BY C O D
NO. JURISDICTION NO. SAII~ TOTAL PRICE AVG PRICE MEDIAN COD
1 IDA 250,30025,1 50 96.70 0.62
2 MILLS 2 70,000 35,000 122.60 6.11
3 AMES CITY 14 3,176,598 226,900 85.30 8.49
4 EMMET 3 209,000 69,667 117.30 15.37
5 IOWA CITY 24 7,832,745 326,364 89.50 15.78
6 ALLAMAKEE 13 684,400 52,646 84.20 16.27
7 JEFFERSON 9 867,674 96,408 84.00 16.61
8 FREMONT 3 141,000 47,000 166.30 16.91
9 MARSHALLTOWN CITY 11 1,131,775 102,889 98.10 17.13
10 FRANKLIN 3 101,500 33,833 71.20 17.42
MINIMUM 5 COMMERCIAL SALES SORTED BY C O D
NO. JURISDICTION NO. SAII~ TOTAL PRICE AVG PRICE MEDIAN COD
1 AMES CiTY 14 3,176,598 226,900 85.30 8.49
2 IOWA CiTY 24 7,832,745 326,364 89.50 15.78
3 ALLAMAKEE 13 684,400 52,646 84.20 16.27
4 JEFFERSON 9 867,674 96,408 84.00 16.61
5 MARSHALLTOWN CITY 11 1,131,775 102,889 98.10 17.13
The following is a tabulation of the commercial properties for the same period as
described al the top of Page 17. Because of the small number of sales, one or two
bad sales can greatly influence the performance measurements, therefore creating
more fluctuation in the measurements. See data above to illustrate this and
to show Iowa City's standing.
21
YEAR MEDIAN C.O.D. # OF SALES
Assessment Year
Assessment Year
Assessment Year
Assessment Year
Assessment Year
Assessment Year
Assessment Year
Assessment Year
Assessment Year
Assessment Year
1975 84.30 .19.75 14
1976 72.30 13.19 18
1977 62.90 28.20 27
1978 84.60 13.49 12
1979 78.00 16.66 15
1980 80.85 22.69 12
1981 87.55 10.07 14
1982 78.00 10.25 8
1983 87.85 10.58 26
1984 76.80 18.30 13
1985 82.00 12.63 16
1986 98.20 14.21 15
1987 87.65 17.27 16
1988 95.40 19.77 20
1989 94.40 13.81 13
1990 89.60 19.53 13
1991 87.85 8.38 8
1992 89.90 14.86 21
1993 90.35 14.24 26
1994 87.90 12.44 24
1995 90.10 12.76 22
89.50 15.78 24
Assessment Year
1996
'1997
· Data Based on first 11 Months Only
81.43 12.39 21
DIVISION ANALYSIS:
While the program division statement is on the fiscal year, the remainder of
the annual report is based on the assessment year which is the calendar year.
The annual report has more meaning when based on the assessment year,
since the state equalization orders come in a different fiscal year than the
biennial reappraisal which the orders are to equalize.
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
To: Steve ^ridre, City Manager
From: Joe Fowler, Director Parking & Transit
Reference: Transit Building - Methane Problent
We have received a final report from Terracon Environmental, Inc. addressing the
continuing problem of methane abatement at the mm~t building. In summary, the building
is a safe work ske and can remain so, but we must aggressively address the issue of
methane abatement. Following is an brief description of the problem and a sunnnary of
the recommended corrective action.
The transit building is built on p'dings, suspended over an old land~11 site. There is a clay
cap between the building and the landfill. In addition, the original construct/on spec/fied
that a venting system be installed between the two to provide an escape route for any
methane that penetrated the clay cap. It was anticipated that the landfill material would
continue to settle and a void would develop under the building. The site has settled. The
area around the building has setfled several feet. This is in part attributed to the weight of
the transit and public works vehicles which operate around the building. There has been
settling under the building. This varies from several inches to 18 inches. This uneven
settling c~,,~es the gases being generated at the site to accumulate under the building.
An additional problem that has developed with the transit building is the failure of the sub
floor mechanical system; floor drains and exhaust vents. These failures provide an
alternate route for gasses under the building and can result in methane entering the work
site. The original floor venting system in the mechanics pit has been sealed and a
substitute system installed. All floor drain breaks have been repaired where they are
accessible. Drain breaks away from the floor connections have not been repaired as there
is no access to them. The flow from these broken drains will eventually wear the cap and
the additional moisture increases decomposition and gas production.
The building interior has been monitored and there is no problem in the building at this
time.
The original building venting system has been supplemented with booster fans. With this
addition the system would be adequate to vent the gasses if there were no mechanical
failures. Because of these failures an additional venting system needs to be installed below
the clay cap. This will reduce the methane that can accumulate under the building floor
thus reducing the future risk to employees.
Terracon recommends a horizontal boring under the clay cap and piping the gas to an off-
site collection point. At that point the gas would be burnt. Burning was recommended to
avoid cr~tin~o an odor problem. The estimate for this project is $230,000 to $300,000
plus the operating expense of the disposal site.
To date we have spent S20,000 of S100,000 in emergency funds to address this problem.
be used for repairs. We will apply for additional timds to complete the project but have no
assurance that they will be available. It is likely we will need to expand the landscaped
area around the building in order to allow some methane to rise f~om the landfill through
This proposal will require an amendment to our capital plan and a redirection of our
federal grant application.
997 Su'>sur -hce Study
3%
.3%
35%
!...':. .~::.~:i:i;~i~i.:;ii:ii!i.ii:~:!:~.i.::;~:i::~i.:.~..~ii.::~::~.:.:!:...ii......: . ..-.:::..::.
,'....... . ;..'.'..'.':~':,:'..~.~.:.~.:.?,..."...','.::...'....'.;..'.,...,~'..:'.:~'.. '..:'%>. '.., . .'..:' ...... ... .':.~' ,;.....,..'..
; '.".'"' · '. ~" ....~..~.;..:...:~.~...;..:;.......~...~....~....':.~....?..~.....~.~........~..... '.' '.':' ,' ' ' .' .'.'." '". .' '. "'." ".' ".".\';'v,
::;"--;,' ' ~,,-.' .:'." :~:{::{'.'~...¢~;.' i~:.:.:'.'~:'i.:~.":","~.. ~,~: ',~-' ~ .. :,-.-'. :: ':,-~.': ::.:.
.:~..:.....: . ....: ..: .:....:...¢.¢.?...~.:..i..::..~,:..:,;.:;.~',,.':,": .. ,.... ,. ?, ......,.....:.......'. :......':. :.': .....'.. :..~:..:.:..?¢.~.
, :.'
...... ~6,~,~+.e~e~,I
· ......~!
0- 1.3 feet
.I -.7 feet
1.5 - 4 feet
Ii - 23 feet
-- ,May
.... ~ 'August
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date:
To:
From:
Re:
January 22, 1998
city Counci
Dee Vanderhoef and Dean Thomberry
SEATS
We have spent many hours with staff and representatives of Johnson County attempting to
reach an agreement for continuation of paratransit service provided by SEATS. A multi-year
agreement has been a priority. While some of our meetings have resulted in agreement on
some points, we are disappointed that we cannot agree on all issues. We believe it may be
substantially due to the fact that as a public service, paratransit appears to be better suited as a
part of the current, more comprehensive City-sponsored program of transit services. These
circumstances are not unlike what we hoped to accomplish by the merger of Parking and
Transit into one operating depa,~,.ent in order to better coordinate our overall transportation
policies. This operating coordination of like-services has allowed us to better serve our
community. While we have been served satisfactorily by the County, we believe that our future
rests in a change in this public transit strategy.
From the beginning there have been several key issues which we have not been able to resolve
to our complete satisfaction and thereby serve as a guide to our recommendations to the City
Council. You are aware this contract involves an expenditure of $600,000 of Iowa City funds for
a mandated public service, and that public service is substantially outside of our direct control,
both from policy and management. We believe our discussions demonstrated a substantial
difference of philosophy conceming the provision of this public service. The management
information provided identifies an allocation of operating costs and other administrative matters
which we believe are better directed by City Council policy and City department support. These
are not new concems, and historically have been issues for the past 15+ years. We believe the
time has come for better coordination and direct involvement of the City in this mandated public
service and, therefore, we believe paratransit services should be incorporated directly within the
City transit organization and under the direct policy and administrative guidance of the City
Council and City staff.
2
There am many reasons, beyond the policy and management issues we have identified, that
lead us to our recommendation. They include some of the following:
As we understand it, Johnson County pays the rural portion of parabansit sewice from their
general fund. These are tax dollars that come from every property tax payer in Johnson
County, including Iowa City. We would contend that Iowa City residents are receiving
service by way of the SEATS contractual cost and are also being taxed by the County. Iowa
City property tax payers are taxed 95¢ per $1,000 of property value for transit sewices. In
add'~don, our citizens also contribute monies from the City's general fund and parking system
to support our transit operations. The use of debt service is expected in the future. Iowa City
residents pay taxes to the County to support SEATS sewice and also pay a transit levy as
well as general fund and parking fund support.
In 1994, social sewice agencies indicated they would substantially reduce their
transportation expenses in that they felt their clients qualified for a City-provided sewice (the
contract with SEATS) under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. This
pos'dJon was agreed to by Johnson County and the Iowa City City Council. The decision
resulted in revenue loss of approximately $75,000 per year to Johnson County SEATS.
Systems Unlimited pays for service, but at a reduced rate. The rides are now considered
Iowa City rides and Iowa City is assessed for the cost. This decision has had major
implications on both Iowa City and Johnson County. As Johnson County is a major funding
source for social service agencies, any operating savings that they can achieve could
directly affect the County general fund. Iowa City is aware that any increase in the cost of
transportation to Systems Unlimited would likely be passed on by them to Johnson County.
We believe there are efficiencies to be gained and that this sewice is best resolved by
separate contract.
The future cost of paratransit sewice continues to raise many questions. Our City transit
staff believes the proposed cost of paratransit sewice for FY98 is comparable to what it
would cost Iowa City to operate a similar paratmnsit service. The representatives of Johnson
County have contended that the cost is understated, and they would intend to increase it
over the next three years in a multi-year agreement. This would result in a 9% increase in
FY99 and a 4% increase in FY00. These increases would result in an operating cost higher
than our projections. It is also notable that the overall paratransit ridership attributed to Iowa
City is down 19%.
The Iowa City City Council has had to make difficult decisions with respect to paratransit
sewice. The results of these decisions have been a reduction in aldership; however, there
3
has been no corresponding decrease in operating cost. The City has consistent~ invested in
the fixed route system and will encourage its use by all crdzens that can use these sewices.
We believe with the control of transit policy, which includes paratransit, the City Council can
initiate changes in policy and cause changes to be implemented more rapidly.
Looking at these issues as a whole rather than trying to address each individually has resulted
in our conclusion that it is in the best interest of the citizens of Iowa City that we begin
performing our own paratmnsit sewice. We have weighed the issues, made judgments
concoming the costs, and in particular we believe we have looked into the future. We believe
we can provide paratmnsit at least as good as, if not better, than we have enjoyed in the past
due to our direct policy and management control.
Bringing the operalion of peratmnsit in-house (within the City organization) would allow for the
coordination of transit programs, and we would hope to actually increase transportation options
for the community within the resources to be assigned. Special time of day deviated fixed route
buses and expanded taxi sewice are but two examples. The clear intent of the ADA and thereby
the policy of our nation is to mainstream persons with disabilities. Our continued investment in
our fixed route system by way of lift equipment is clearly a step in that direction.
The negative side of this recommendation could involve the crossing of jurisdictional
boundaries. We believe this to be resolvable and will depend upon the desire of the County to
continue its rural paratransit sewices and what are the interests of the City of Coralville. They
may choose to provide their own service, contract with the County, and/or contract with the City.
The 28E agreement process between these jurisdictions would be an instrument to resolve any
such concems.
Our local transportation systems are not only a means of assuring that our citizens can move
safely and efficiently throughout our community, but also provide economic and social support.
Our city govemment has made choices, and they include to go beyond with all applicable state
and federal laws as they relate to peratransit, and offer a comprehensive transportation package
of sewices. Incorporation of paratmnsit into our package of sewices, we believe, is in our
community's best interesL For these reasons we recommend that the Iowa City City Council
continue to contract with Johnson County SEATS for the remainder of FY98, and at the end of
that contract period or as soon thereafter as practical we would recommend that the Iowa City
Department of Parking and Transit, through policy support of the Iowa City City Council, begin
the provision of paratransit sewices in Iowa City.
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Janual2t 19, 1998
To: Steve Atkins, City Manager
From: Joe Fowler, Director Parking & Transit
Reference: SEATS Reports
I have reviewed the reports supplied by Johnson County SEATS for December 14 to 20,
December 28 to Januao] 3, and January 4 to 10. While there are still some minor details I
believe they are representalive of the current service by SEATS to all of the county.
Specific reports for only the City of Iowa City are not now available..
The reports show that between the hours of 7:00 and 9:00 AM and again at 3:00 PM the
vehicles are very busy with passengers. Eight or nine vehicles are usually used at 7:00 and
increased by one vehicle at 8:00. The average vehicle lead at 7:00 is in excess of four
passengers per hour. 8:00 and 9:00 the average lead is in excess of 3 passengers per hour.
At 3:00 there are ten to twelve vehicles in operation. The average passengers per hour is
in excess of four and at times is in excess of five. Most SEATS vehicles are designed to
carry ten to twelve passengers.
Between the hours of 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM there is a si~,nificant decrease in passengers
per hour but there is no decrease in vehicles operating. Ten or eleven vehicles are usually
assigned to operate during these hours. The average passenger lead drops to about two
per hour. It is not unusual for one or more vehicles to go over an hour without a
passenger. The highest number of idle vehicles reported occurred January 2 and 8 when
four vehicles did not have a ride during a one hour time slot. The information shows that
three vehicles without an assigned ride is not unusual during mid day.
During the mid day it is not unusual for two to four vehicles to have one passenger per
hour yet the staffing and the number of vehicles is at its highest point.
The reports verify Iowa City's concerns that the number of vehicles operated by Johnson
County mid day are too high. A reduction in the number of vehicles.would directly result
in lower annual cost to Iowa City. It would be my estimate that the number of vehicles
operated mid day could be reduced to four. These are currently schedule and management
issues beyond our control.
Reviewing the management information reports raises operational questions that have
been touched on in the past but we have never been able to address without these reports.
The following are some issues that I believe have a direct impact on the cost to the City
for paratransit service.
1. A reduction in mid day vehicles does not have to have an adverse effect on the
passengers. Iowa City has a supplemental contract with Yellow Cab to provide
paratransit service. The average cost of a on a recent bill for a taxi ride was less than
$7.00. A SEATS ride averages $15.00. Substantial savings cotfid be achieved by
increased use of this service for SEATS passengers. In order to improve the taxi contract
service, the County could supply the taxi company with a lift equipped vehicle as Cedar
Rapids has done. This would increase the number of fides they could provide and would
increase options to the community. Lift equipped rides other than those scheduled
through Johnson County would be available.
2. Providing the taxi company with lift equipped vehicles would also allow Iowa City to
contract with them for evening service and save additional monies. At the present time
there is excess down time in the evening as the driver waits between rides. Contracting
with a taxi company allows Iowa City to pay only for the time the ride actually takes.
There are approximately fifty paratransit fides after :5:00 PM per week.
3. Systems Uolimited accounts for 22% of the rides charged to Iowa City by Johnson
County. These rides are limited to a two hour time span in the morning and one hour in
the atternoon. While Systems has an annual contract for this service it does not cover the
cost to provide it. This service should be bid to obtain a lower cost.
In summary, the reports provided by Johnson County indicate the number of vehicles
operated mid day can be reduced. This may occasionally require more rides be placed on
the taxi. To provide better service to both the paratrans~ users and the community, by
supplying the taxi company with a lift equipped vehicle could improve service and save
money. If this is done, options increase to reduce the cost of evening service when
demand is low.
The management information provided is helpful and more detailed information will allow
an even greater management critique of the SEATS system. I believe this will lead to
better service and lower cost. This detailed evaluation management involvement by City
personnel has not traditionally been something we have done, however the management
information is self-evident and new initiatives should be undertaken. Incorporating such
management requirements into a contract will be difficult because we do not have day to
day oversight. While our community is now provided paratransit service through a
contract with the County, I believe that we are now aware of operational shortcomings
and new initiatives on our part would be appropriate. These new initiatives are best
addressed by incorporation of paratransit service into the City program of transportation
- Building ono[ Service
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
RE:
City Council
su.
Barb Black, Coordinator of Coffmmunity & Audio Visual Services
January 23, 1998
ICN Meeting Room Consideration
The Library Board has asked that the following information be sent regarding questions about the
proposed ICN interactive classroom at the Library. We will be available at your budget meeting
on January 29 to answer any further questions you have.
With 11 ICN classroom sites in Iowa City, why is there a need for one at the public library?
There are currently five ICN classrooms at the University oflowa, one at the VA Hospital, one at
the Kirkwood Learning Center, three in school district buildings (Central Administration, City
High, and West High), and one at the National Guard Armory. Of these, site approval is required
for the use of all but one ofthe U ofl classrooms and the three school district sites. In addition to
approval, use of all but the armory and the VA Hospital are scheduled according to a set of
priorities which puts use for anything other than a semester-long and/or for-credit class at the
bottom of the list. In addition, these can be "protected", or held in reserve, until just two months
prior to the beginning of a semester and approval sites may be booked up to two years in advance.
For the most part, this will make these classrooms nearly inaccessible for anything other than
semester-long classes.
Although use of all ICN sites in 1997 averaged approximately 29%-39% of the time, these
statistics have been affected by the fact that many sites became operational only in mid- to late-
year. The average number of sessions per week statewide has nearly doubled f~om 486 in the Fall
of 1996 to 715 in the Fall of 1997. It is predicted that this dramatic type of increase will continue
as more sites become available and awareness of their potential for use becomes more
widespread.
For a more local perspective, Kay Slouha, the scheduler for AEA Region 10, estimates that
classrooms in this area are used well above the statewide average at about 65%-$5%, with
Kirkwood sites in use 95%-!00% of the time and K-12 sites averaging about 50%. She described
123 SOUTH LINN STREET IOWA CITY. IOWA 52240
· ~,:JSAN CRAIG. DIRECTOR INFORMATION 31~35~5200 BUSINESS 319~356-5206
FAX 319-356-5494
the use of classrooms in the Cedar Rapids school district at nearly ! 00%. She predicts that Iowa
City school sites will likely be the same once they have been in operation longer. National Guard
Armory sites are scheduled by a regional scheduler as well. Major Steve Wieneke, oflowa City's
National Guard Armory says that the ICN room at their facility is used at least once a day nearly
every day, with heaviest use in the evenings. He said that it is used so heavily that he often has
difficulty scheduling use of the room for their own military meetings and training sessions.
The State's decision to make public libraries eligible as authorized sites anticipated the heavy use
by educational institutions. The public libra~ had the unique ability to make the ICN accessible
to educational opportunities not specifically affiliated with an educational institution and one-time
or short-term activities. In addition, public libraries can offer greater accessibility during evening,
weekend and summer hours.
Use of the ICN is restricted to a fairly short list of authorized users and it's Administrative Rules
require that any use fall within the requesting authorized user's written mission. The Iowa City
Public Library, with it's stated mission to support lifelong education, will be the average citizen's
primary !ink with a myriad of educational opportunities. For example, although the Chamber of
Commerce would not be an authorized user on it's own, it could, in fact, present a program that
might be of interest to Chambers throughout the state in the Library's ICN room. A nonprofit
environmental group might be able to take advantage of an educational opportunity offered in Des
Moines without having to travel there. These type of programs become eligible because of the
Library's stated mission. In addition, the Library's site would allow a greater number of City and
County employees to take advantage of distant meetings or training opportunities by eliminating
travel costs. Local elected officials, boards and commissions could consult with their
counterparts across the state on issues of shared concern.
The initial state allocation was for one public library in each county. Three years ago the Iowa
City Public Library expressed an interest and was placed on a list to receive state funding. If Iowa
City does not use the funding, another library in the county may consider adding a classroom or
the funds would go back into the pool for distribution to other sites who were not on the current
schedule.
Could connection be made to the ICN this year and equipment and preparation of the
room be delayed until decisions regarding the Library and PATV have been made?
Although there have been instances where ICN equipment has been installed with a delay in the
local room preparation, it has generally been where a commitment to a specific future date for
making the site operational has been made. With a date for a decision on the Library's expansion
as yet not set, we are uncertain if this would be acceptable to the State. It would seem likely that
they would require that there be a specific date when the fiber optics equipment would be
available for use as a classroom.
PATV is currently operating in approximately ! 100 square feet of space. Staff has stated that it
is well below what is desirable. Even if the Fiber Optics Terminal can be placed in a space that
insures their safe and comfortable operalion (it is advised that it be located in a room housing
"like" equipment that requires only occasional visits by service personnel), the minimum 80 square
feet required further reduces their already cramped operation. They are actively seeking a new
location in parmership with the Iowa City Cable TV operations and are planning a fund raising
campaign to assist with relocation costs.
Could PATV space be better used to ease ICPL overcrowding?
Although any additional space for Library operations would provide some relief from
overcrowding, the location of PATV's space is remote from the public areas most in need of
space. In order to ease crowding of spaces in greatest need, extensive remodeling and
rearrangement would be required. For instance, for the Children's Room to make use of the
PATV space, interior walls would have to be removed, carpet, wall covering, lighting and
ceilings would have to be added to the PATV space and then collections or staff spaces would
need to be ex~ensively rearranged to create space nearby the Children's Room which would also,
then, require renovation before use. This is not considered cost-effective to gain a space smaller
than the Libraty's lobby. Although not a top priority, the medium-sized meeting room this space
would provide when not in use as an ICN classroom also fulfills an identified need.
Because of uncertainty of the Library's building plan, cost of remodeling for the ICN classroom
was intentionally kept to a minimum ($$000 of the estimated $66,000 was for addition of carpet,
painting of the concrete studio walls, a drop ceiling, and recommended light fixtures). The
remaining $58,000 is for the cameras, monitors and microphones required for video, voice and
data transmission equipment and tables and chairs - all of which can be moved to a new location
when the Library expands.
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
RE:
January 22, 1998
Mayor and City Council ~{~
Marian K. Karr, City Clerk
National League of Cities/Congressional City Conference
The deadline for registration for the upcoming conference is February 6. I
have a hold on a couple of hotel rooms but need to confirm the number and
dates as soon as possible. Current information on attendance at the
meeting, March 6-10, is as follows:
Connie Champion - Not attending
Karen Kubby - Not attending
Ernie Lehman - Not attending
Dee Norton - Undecided (No hotel needed)
Mike O'Donnell - Not attending
Dean Thomberry - Planning to attend
Dee Vanderhoef - Planning to attend
For those of you planning to attend please complete the attached registration
form and give to me at next week's meetings. Council regular meetings are
March 9 and 10.
R TR T ON
NO REGISTRATION WILL BE PROCESSED WITHOUT ACCOMPANYING PAYMENT LN FULL.
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Ir r~a', ~ng by ereclint card. fill out the "C~cht Card Authonzatmn" ~ of th~ :-o~m
· ~ .mc¢llauon letters must be postma~ed by F~ b. 1998
· \I; cancellauons are subleer to a
· N.o telephone regsstrauons o¢ cancetbuons will be acctpted
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City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
To:
From:
January 22, 1998
Mayor and City Council
Marian K. Karr, City Clerk
Council Work Session, January 10, 1998 - 8 a.m. in Council Chambers
Council Present:
Lehman, Champion, Kubby, Norton, O'Donnell, Thomberry,
Vanderhoef.
Staff Present:
Arkins, Helling, Karr, Franklin, Fosse, Schmadeke, Yucuis, Davidson,
Mansfield.
Tapes:
98-5, Side 2; 9806, all; 97-7, all.
Bud.et Discussion
Reel 98-5, Side 2
Lehman urged Council Members to review budget information in the January 9, 1998
Council Information Packet.
City Manager Arkins, Finance Director Yucuis, PCD Director Franklin, Asst. PCD Director
Davidson, Public Works Director Schmadeke and City Engineer Fosse presented budget
information and responded to council questions.
Lehman stated he asked City Engineer Fosse to prepare a list of what projects can be
postponed to free up funds and/or staff time for other projects.
Davidson presented an overview of the proposed Gilbert Street Project. Davidson
explained Hwy 6/Gilbert turn lanes and Gilbert/Benton signalization project are two
projects scheduled in the CIP. Davidson said staff would like to do a comprehensive study
of the Gilbert Street corridor.
Lehman inquired about Downtown Plaza Improvements Project. Atkins summarized
downtown plaza area projects: $100,000 replacement of playground equipment;
$250,000 general plaza improvements; 200,000 to address issues on Iowa Avenue and
$100,000 for sanitary sewer replacement.
Thornberry asked if FY98 Airport Master Plan budget requires all of the $4.6 million.
Yucuis explained the project will be phased in, bonds have not been sold for the second
phase and the amount is 90% reimbursable by the federal government. Atkins explained
the City understands it is a 90/10 project and the city will need to spend the money on
the front end. Thomberry noted the Siding Project is for the old United Building. Arkins
noted the old United Building has a historic preservation significance. Lehman stated the
building will be moved according to the Airport Master Plan.
Coundl Work Session
Janua~/10, 1998
Page 2
Norton stated there will be cost sharing involved with the Court Street Extended Project.
Franklin stated staff is looking at impact fees for roads.
Kubby asked if short-term borrowing for the Airport Project gets paid back by Debt
Service. Arkins stated he would look at the Debt Service and using a short-term note.
In response to Thomberry, Fosse stated 3 & 4-lanes are being considered for Dodge
Street-Governor to Dubuque Rd. Fosse stated he met with the IDOT regarding funding for
the project. Davidson noted the Prairie du Chien intersection cannot be signalized until
Dodge Street is reconstructed.
Norton asked about the $1.66 million project costs for the Sycamore Regional Stormwater
Project. Fosse stated $1.66 million is not the total cost, the City hopes to recover some of
those costs, and work needs to be done in FY98 to accommodate drainage for
subdivisions. Atkins said that new Council Members Champion and O'Donnell will need to
schedule time with staff to review those project plans.
Lehman referred to FY98 Approved In Progress. Atkins explained that in a given fiscal
year, you have two construction seasons and In Progress projects lists which projects are
approved and the City is committed to doing, not the period of time in which money is to
be spent. In response to Champion, the project costs, not money already spent, is listed
on the FY98 Approved In Progress sheet. Atkins explained staff can prepare an accounting
of each project. In response to Vanderhoef. Arkins stated that there are carry-overs from
FY97 to FY98.
Norton asked about project costs for the Downtown Transit Interchange. Atkins stated
$219,000 is a federal grant and a stronger commitment to the actual design will be need
to get Old Capital Mall/Heitman's approval of the project.
Norton requested total project costs for projects in the CIP. Atkins referred to his January
8, 1998 memo re: Capital Improvement Program for project costs. Yucuis stated the
Three Year Financial Plan FY99-01 provided project cost and funding information. Yucuis
stated the he works with Engineering and Parks and Recreations Departments to insure
that the right projects are placed in and funded for FY98.
Vanderhoef inquired about funding for the Iowa River Power Dam project. Schmadeke
stated that the pedestrian trail across the top is $600,000 and $150,000 is state monies.
Atkins stated a REAP Grant will be used also.
Fosse reviewed the Hwy 6 Median, Sidewalk, Drainage Project. Major components are
enclosing that ditch on the southside, installing a sidewalk/trail, median and curb work,
and asphalt shoulders on outside of pavement. Fosse stated the IDOT recommended a
study of the Hwy. 6 Corridor (Riverside Drive to 420th Street) and is willing to pay 10%
of the cost of the storm sewer. Fosse noted the City is also eligible for traffic engineering
assistance. In response to Vanderhoef, Fosse said additional lanes will be looked at. In
response Norton, Fosse stated the project will include plantings, decorative lighting, etc.
Kubby noted she does not like too much lighting and use of low maintenance native
grasses should be considered for the median area. Atkins stated the project represents
Coundl Work Session
Januanj 10, 1998
Page 3
$3.6 million of borrowing and can be phased in. Davidson stated he has worked with
Grantwood Neighborhood Association. Staff and council members discussed sidewalk and
trails requirements. Arkins explained the project funding will need to be shifted for at least
one year out because of the corridor study. which will open up that financing for other
projects.
Vanderhoef asked that Beeutification of Entranceway moneys be directed to lighting on
Dubuque Street, 1-80 to downtown.
Arkins and Davidson presented information about the Longfellow Pine Street Pedestrian
Bike Trail. schedule FY2000. Davidson explained the Engineering Department proposed
constructing a new tunnel.
Arkins proposed removing the Mormon Trek Sidewalk Project, $175,000, from FY01, and
explained the University of Iowa is developing a new recreation facility there. Davidson
noted that the University cannot use Institutional Road Funds for sidewalk construction.
Arkins stated the East West Parkway (Sycamore to Detention Basin) is scheduled FY01.
Fosse stated the City or private development could take the lead on this project. Staff and
council discussed east-west arterial issues, school location, and impact to Hwy 6 project.
Lehman referred to the FY01 Benton- Orchard to Oaknoll Project. Franklin stated FY01 is
probably as soon as it can be done to allow time to contact area residents and design
work. In response to Lehman, Davidson stated there is a technical basis for capacity
expansion on Benton. A council majority agreed to the FY01 Benton Street Project.
Vanderhoef requested information about the Civic Center 3rd Floor Project. Arkins stated
staff will prepare a formal presentation on the Civic Center projects.
Arkins reviewed FY02 capital improvements projects. Arkins stated First Avenue Extended
is back in the Plan and accordance with the referendum; staff is re-thinking GIS
Stormwater Quality Management budget placement; and the Scott Blvd. Extended- Design
Only fits together with the Captain Irish Project. Fosse stated the Park Road-Riverside
Drive adds left turn lanes on the three approaches adjacent to the new University building.
In response to Vanderhoef, Fosse stated that intersection will not be signalized.
Norton referred to FY02 Hwy 6 Median, budgeted $1 million every year for four years.
Arkins stated it is $3.6 million in borrowing and $400,000 is Road Use Tax.
Kubby asked about the Second and Third Avenue bridge projects. Fosse stated the project
will be similar to the Brookside bridge project. Arkins explained there is a statewide bridge
priority system on funding to receive 80% of project costs and the city tries to take
advantage of those moneys.
Kubby inquired about budgeting for Ralston Creek Trail (Scott Blvd. from Muscatine).
Arkins stated that project is listed in the CIP that are unfunded.
In response to Norton, Schmadeke stated the FY2000 Foster Road - Dubuque to Prairie du
Chien is for r.o.w. acquisition for the pipeline. Kubby stated she is not interested in doing
Council Work Sessk)n
January 10, 1998
Page 4
the road.
Arkins referred to Capital Improvement Program -Projects That Are Unfunded Or in Fiscal
Year 2003 and Beyond. Atkins noted Project #324 Burlington Street Bridge has been
moved up.
Champion inquired about the order of doing capital improvements projects. Arkins
explained decision are arrived at collectively to meet safety needs, available funding, and
council interest. Atkins briefly reviewed the Scott Park Area Trunk Sewer and Beer Creek
Storm Sewer Projects. Fosse explained Beer Creek flooding and storm sewer are
interconnected and the storm sewer has been patchad.
In response to Norton, Arkins stated the Unfunded Project #345 Hwy 8 Improvements
would be looked at along with the Hwy 6 corridor study and overall project. Arkins noted
the Sycamore, Hwy 6 to DeForest, $200,000, is budget FY01.
Norton inquired about funding for the Library. Atkins stated it is scheduled in FY99.
[Council Break 9:25 - 9:40 PM]
CIP Discussion
Reel 98-6, Side I
Arkins referred to his January 8,' 1998 memo re: CIP (Includes: Criteria For Review, Your
Vision-Comprehensive Plans, Creating a Development Opportunity Through City Initiative,
Community Initiatives, Maintenance and Enhancement of Public Service, and Maintenance
of Public Service.)
Arkins stated Maintenance of Public Service represent a continuation of a current public
service; Maintenance and Enhancement of Public Service is for projects the City plans for
repair or reconstruction of a capital asset to improve upon it; Creating A Development
Opportunity Through City Initiative are projects that provide council with broad
discretionary authority in determining whether these projects will proceed; and Community
Initiatives are projects where council has the broadest discretion and are projects that
meet community interests. Kubby stated that project should be tied to the City's
Comprehensive Plans. Arkins stated comprehensive plan language allows flexibility and
discretion. Kubby said the council should look at the City's comprehensive plans and
policy statements. Franklin stated comprehensive plans and general policy statements are
used for in planning infrastructure so staff can see where the city is going in terms of
where development will occur. Franklin stated council will receive the Planning
Department's Action Plan next month.
Norton asked if the City is anticipating new stormwater guidelines. Atkins stated the city
is addressing stormwater issues by separation of sewers, stormwater retention throughout
down and proposed stormwater projects. Arkins reviewed the federal Stormwater
Management Policy and Best Management Practice policies. Arkins stated that Public
Works Director Schmadeke is looking at the potential of switching the Clinton Street
Sanitary Sewer Plant to handle stormwater and the city is looking at a regional basin to
the west. Arkins emphasized a safe clean urban environment is a worthwhile goal.
Council Work Session
January 10, 1998
Page 5
Lehman pointed out the decisions on projects are based on a combination of what council
would like to do and market demands. Kubby said part of the job of government is to
guide the market.
Council and staff reviewed Maintenance of Public Service, Maintenance and Enhancement
of Public Service, Creating A Development Opportunity Through City Initiative, and
Community Initiatives projects as follows:
Library Carpeting and Heating. Library carpeting deteriorated and the HVAC system
must be renovated. Yucuis stated the carpeting project can be pushed back until the
referendum but the HVAC is needed.
· City Plaza Improvements. Separate City Plaza Improvements presentation.
Transit Parking Lot and Methane. Comprehensive study was done to figure out issues
relating to the methane collection system and parking lot and the City received a
federal grant for the parking lot. Lehman asked if parking lot repairs will last. Davidson
explained the original parking lot was designed to allow for sinking and settling. Atkins
stated another project is dealing with methane at the landfill.
Lower Muscatine-DeForest to Spruce. Project is capacity improvement and the lane
width delineation is at the commercial area at Spruce.
· Airport Master Plan. Kubby stated she does not approve of all the improvements in the
Airport Master Plan.
· Airport T-Hangar. $350,000 is an internal borrowing loan amount.
Burlington Street Dam Safety. Project should be combined with bridge repair and
moved to FY2000. The University is responsible for safety grab lines and Iowa City
took over improving railings and bridge and signage on fiver to alert people that there
is a dam ahead.
Burlington Madison to Gilbert- Signal Controllers. Project will inner-connect the signals
and provide data for the entire system to allow for incremental improvements.
Thomberry inquired about allowing right turn on right at the Burlington street/Dubuque
Street comer. Arkins explained the No turn on Red was installed to allow Capital
House residents to get across the street in a safe and timely manner.
Foster Road/Dubuque Intersection. Project includes both sides of Dubuque Street.
Franklin said the project is coordinated with Foster Road on the west side so that both
sides can be signalized at once.
· Civic Center-3rd Floor/And Floor Police Dept. Additional information requested.
Public Works Complex- Phase 1. Project includes site improvements, office building
and part of the storage facility. Atkins stated the south side location of the project as
not been confirmed.
Council Work Session
January 10, 1998
Page 6
· Napoleon Park Parking Lot, Street. Discussed using chip seal and shingle material.
· Parks- Central Maintenance Building. Building is being designed.
· Library Computer System. Computer upgrade to their current system and debt will be
used to finance the upgrade,
· Cemetery Expansion. Design work is being done.
Public Works Complex-Phase 1. Project may not get done in FY99. Atkins stated he
wants to keep this project on target because of the building deterioration at the
present facility.
· Benton-Orchard to Oaknoll. Proceed with preliminary design work.
· Willow Creek Sanitary Sewer. Will open up approximately 500 acres for development.
· Mormon Trek/Abbey Lane Storm Sewer. An Unfunded Project//320.
· First Avenue Extended. Schmadeke stated that FY02 is the latest he would want to
install the water lines through. there.
· Court Street Extended. Kubby suggested shifting this project to FY99. Thornberry said
it should be kept if FY98 because of commitments made to the developer.
Kubby raised concerns about the number of projects in FY98. Fosse explained that FY98
looks busier than other years because of project carry-overs and maintenance issues.
Fosse distributed his January 10, 1998 memo re: Proposed Capital Program. Fosse
reviewed that projects that could be shifted to another year. Lehman stated that he would
like to reconsider what projects can be shifted to future years after council's Monday
night discussion. Norton asked Fosse to identify both design and inspection savings for
each project if the project were shifted to a future year.
Foster Road-Through Elks. $1.1 million is debt and $170,000 is Road Use Tax. Yucuis
said there is another $1.1 million in 2001 from bond debt to fund that project. Arkins
stated that traditionally the City has maintained a $1 million balance in the Road Use
Tax.
· Iowa River Trail-Burlington to Napoleon Park. Costs are increasing.
O'Donnell raised concerns about the lack of sidewalks when leaving Coralville and entering
Iowa City on Hwy 6. Davidson explained staff has talked with the University. Fosse stated
the Wolf Bridge Project will accommodate a sidewalk underneath.
· Mormon Trek Sidewalk. A council majority agreed to delete.
Coundl Work Session
January 10, 1998
Page 7
· Hwy 6 Median, Sidewalk, Drainage. A council majority gave high priority to this
project.
East West Parkway & Hwy 6. Franklin reviewed long range plans for the corridor area.
Davidson explained the CIP includes the Sand Road to Hwy 6 and staff is working on
the South Central Plan, river crossing issues, and traffic analysis models to determine
future traffic volumes.
First Avenue Extended. In the CIP Plan in accordance with the referendum up for
council consideration in the year FY02. Arkins noted the referendum said the city
would not initiate this but there are intervening private property owners.
· Hazardous Waste Recycling {Unfunded Project #343). Include in the Public Works
Project Plans.
Lehman requested that staff prepared a summary of CIP revisions.
Atkins noted that Citizen Budget Summaries were sent out to all Board and Commission
members and copies are available for distribution. Atkins announced that the City's
Taxable Assessed Value is up and the General Fund shows a projected increase of
$60,000.
Council agreed to schedule an additional budget discussion January 13, 4:00 to 6:00 PM.
Meeting adjourned at 11:50 PM.
cle~nlin~ 1010ws.doc
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: January 22, 1998
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Marian K. Karr, City Clerk
Re:
Council Work Session, January 12, 1998 -6:50 PM in Council Chambers
Council Present: Lehman, Champion, Kubby, Norton, O'Donnell, Thomberry, Vanderhoef.
Staff Present:
Aftdns, Helling, Karr, Dilkes, Franklin, Davidson, Miklo, Boothroy,
Handsaker, Moran, Ripley, Schoon, Fosse, Boose, Trueblood, Moreno.
Tapes:
Reel 98-9, All; 98-10, all; 98-11, Side 1.
REVIEW PLANNING AND ZONING MATTERS Reel 98-9, Side 1
Planning and Community Development Director Franklin presented the following Planning and
Zoning items for discussion:
Ao
MOTION SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING FOR JANUARY 27 ON AN ORDINANCE
VACATING .50 ACRES OF WATERFRONT DRIVE. LOCATED SOUTH OF HIGHWAY
6 AND EAST OF GILBERT STREET. (VAC97-0003)
So
PUBLIC HEARING ON AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 14. CHAPTER 6,
ENTITLED 'ZONING.' ARTICLE L. ENTITLED 'PROVISIONAL USES AND SPECIAL
EXCEPTIONS.' TO PROVIDE FOR TEMPORARY USE PERMITS TO ALLOW
SHORT-TERM ACTIVmES. SUCH AS SPECIAL EVENTS OR SEASONAL OUTDOOR
STORAGE AND SALES.
H.I.S. Director Boothmy presented information.
Go
PUBLIC HEARING ON AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE BUILDING CODE AND
TITLE 14. CHAPTER 6. ENTITLED 'ZONING.' ARTICLE B. ENTITLED 'ZONING
DEFINITIONS,' TO CHANGE THE DEFINmON OF GRADE.
H.I.S. Director Boothmy and Senior Inspector Boose presented information regarding
the Building Code amendments.
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ANNEXATION OF A 2.59 ACRE TRACT LOCATED
AT 3151 HIGHWAY 6 EAST. (MOOSE/ANN97-0003)
ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING CHAPTER BY CHANGING THE ZONING
DESIGNATION FOR A FIVE ACRE TRACT LOCATED AT 3151 HIGHWAY 6 EAST
FROM COUNTY RURAL (A1) (2.59 ACRES) AND RURAL RESIDENTIAL (RR-1) (2.41
ACRES) TO RM-20. MEDIUM DENSITY MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL.
(MOOSE/REZ97-00171 (SECOND CONSIDERATION)
Franklin noted the applicant has requested expedited considem§on.
Council Work Session
January 12, 1998
Page 2
Fo
ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING CHAPTER BY AMENDING TITLE 14.
CHAPTER 6. 'ZONING.' ARTICLE B. 'ZONING DEFINmONS.' SECTION 2. BY
CHANGING THE DEFINmON OF TRANSIENT HOUSING TO INCREASE THE
NUMBER OF DAYS PERSONS ARE ABLE TO STAY AS TEMPORARY RESIDENTS.
(SECOND CONSIDERATION)
RESOLUTION APPROVING A PRELIMINARY AND FINAL PLAT OF A
RESUBDIVlSION OF LOT 7. WB DEVELOPMENT. A 1.78 ACRE. TWO-LOT
COMMERCIAL SUBDIVISION LOCATED SOUTHEAST OF THE INTERSECTION OF
NAPLES AVENUE AND ESCORT LANE. (SUB97-0024)
Franklin noted the applicant has requested indefinite defermi.
RESOLUTION APPROVING A PRELIMINARY AND FINAL PLAT OF A
RESUBDIVISION OF OUTLOT A. VVB DEVELOPMENT. A 15.9 ACRE. ONE-LOT
COMMERCIAL SUBDIVISION WITH ONE OUTLOT LOCATED ON THE EAST SIDE
OF NAPLES AVENUE. ACROSS FROM ALYSSA COURT. (SUB97-0025)
Franklin recommended that council defer action to January 27, 1998.
GILBERT STREET CORRIDOR TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENTS
Reel 98-9, Side 1
PCD Asst. Director Davidson presented Gilbert Street Corridor information. Council directed
Davidson to proceed with a Gilbert Street Corridor study, including evaluating a center turn-
lane and driveway consolidations. Other lesser impact altematives will also be evaluated.
Businesses in the corridor will be kept appdsed during the study.
Staff Action: Proceed with corridor study in next six months (Davidson).
DOWNTOWN STREETSCAPE PLAN
Reel 98-10, Side 1
PCD Director Franklin, Parks and Recreation Director Trueblood, Bob Kost (BRW), Downtown
Streetscape Committee: Nancy Burhans, John Gross, Larry Wilson, Gretchen Holt, and
Suzanne Gleason, and Bill Nowysz (Design Review Committee) provided input regarding
Downtown Streetscape plans.
A council majority directed staff to proceed with the Downtown Streetscape draft plan. Franklin
stated that the draft plan will be brought back to council at their first work session in February.
Staff Action: Work with consultant on draft plan and revised budget. Schedule for
February 9 work session (Franklin).
PARKS AND RECREATION FEES
(Agenda Items #12 and #13)
Reel 98-10, Side 2
Parks and Recreation Director Trueblood and Recreation Superintendent Moran presented
information and responded to questions regarding proposed fee increases.
Council Work Session
January 12, 1998
Page 3
WAT!=R P! ANT ARCHI'!'FCTURF Reel 98-10, Side 2
Public Works Director Schmadeke, Water Superintendent Moreno and Water Plant Design
Architect Dwight Doberstein presented the Water Treatment Plant site plan.
Council voiced concerns about expansion, signage, and lighting issues.
A council majority gave tentalive approval to the Water Treatment Plant as presented.
Staff Action: Staff will follow up with concerns (Schmadeke).
COUNCIl ORGANI7A,TIONAI ISSUFS Reel 98-9, Side 2
City Clerk Karr facilitated a discussion regarding council organizational issues, including their
March meeting schedule, board and commission application changes, council travel and
miscellaneous scheduling issues.
Karr noted that council will set p.h. for the budget on February 10 and hold the p.h.
February 24. Council agreed to consider the March meeting schedule on Tuesday, at their
formal meeting.
A council majority agmcd to change the boards and commission application distribution to a off-
week packet (a week and two days prior to appointment).
A council majority agreed to begin their meeting January 26, 1998 at 6:00 PM allow additional
time for discussion of organizational issues.
Karr informed council that the deadline to submit proclamations is the Tuesday before a Friday
agenda packet, and correspondence should be received by Thursday.
APPOINTM!=NTS
Human Rights Commission - Mettie Thomopulos
Riverfront Commission - Approve county recommendation.
COUNCl! A~!=N!')A/TIMF
1. Norton stated he is continuing to research the Sister City idea and will prepare
information to present to Council.
Reel 98-9, Side 2
Reel 98-9, Side 2
Norton asked if the City should offer for use the 75 parking permit spaces currently
being reserved for new downtown businesses. After discussion Council agreed to retain
the reserved spaces.
Norton stated he will comment about the water rate increase at Councirs formal meeting
on Tuesday.
In response to Norton, City Manager Atkins stated he would prepare information about
GIS mapping system.
Council Work Session
January 12, 1998
Page 4
o
o
o
o
Kubby asked that staff deal with the SEATS reports and negotiations in a timely
manner.
Kubby inquired about the status of the Community Housing Forum recommendations
set for February 26 as it relates to Council's budget discussions. Arkins explained the
moneys that are being proposed come from HOME and CDBG and a very small
amount from the General Fund.
Kubby asked Council Members to make pledges to the Big Brothers/Big Sisters bowling
fund-raiser.
In respond to a request from Vanderhoef, a council majodty agreed to appoint
Vanderhoef to the Legislative Committee and Thomberry as an altemate. Lehman
sated council can vote on the council committee appointments dudng Tuesday's formal
council meeting.
Meeting adjoumed: 10:20 PM.
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date:
To:
From:
Re:
January 23, 1998
Mayor and City Council
Marian K. Karr, City Clerk ~
Council Work Session, January 13, 1998 - 4:00 P.M. in Council Chambers
Council Present: Lehman, Champion, Kubby, Norton, O'Donnell, Thornberry, Vanderhoef.
Staff Present: Arkins, Helling, Karr, Yucuis, Mansfield.
Tapes: Reel 98-11, Side 2; Reel 98-12, all.
Budget Discussion Reel 98-11, Side 2
City staff and Council discussed budget items and agreed to following changes:
· Animal Control Kennel Assistant (pg. 72).
Include.44 position and costs are shared by Coralville according to contract.
· Friday Night Concert Series: Increase 91,250
· Arts Festival: Increase 91,000.
· Heritage Trees: Increase 91,000.
· Historical Society Museum: Increase 91,000.
· Jazz Festival: Increase 92,000.
Atkins explained 97,500 was put in the Downtown Community Affairs Account to give
flexibility to fund downtown events.
Council discussed other budget items as follows:
·
Downtown Improvements. Money freed up from capital project budget changes
(approximately 91 million from Hwy 6 and Mormon Trek sidewalk) could be designated
for downtown improvements.
· Aid to Agencies. Report will be presented to Council on January 29.
· Parkland Acquisition Fund. Parks and Recreation Commission will make
recommendation regarding the change in policy to divert Hotel/Motel Tax money to
Mercer Park Gymnasium.
· Fire Department. A master plan is being prepared.
· City Clerk. The 'jukebox" line item is image and scanning equipment.
2
· Parks and Recreation cuts to Boys' Baseball, swimming pool hours, and score keeper.
Arkins stated the Parks and Recreation Commission has worked hard to maintain the
45% policy.
· Neighborhood Services. $25,000 capital outlay is for PIN Grant Program.
· Community Development Non-Grant. $120,000 are match monies for HOME related
projects.
· Peninsula. $31,000 for Peninsula consultant services.
· Equipment Replacement Reserve, page 114. $137,000 snow blower; L/F Compactor,
$405,600; and $5§8,000 for two bulldozer Class - landfill equipment.
· Telecommunications, page 96-97. $200,000 for PATV/Channel 4 joint facility. Request
for additional ICN information.
· Personnel. $40,000 budget request for a Personnel Assistant, used for in-house in-
service training assistance.
· ICAD funding. Council members discussed ICAD's funding and their role in Iowa City.
· DARE Program. Council's pending list for discussion.
· MidAmerican Electric Company Franchise Agreement. Staff is looking at franchise,
deregulation, r.o.w. management, and state legislative issues.
· Authorized Personnel Listing, page 45. Sewer Connection - N & S Plant increases from
3.0 to 5.0 full time equivalents related to Willow Creek, addition to the South
Treatment Plant, and Water Plant, Kennel Assistant position, moved to FY99 funding.
Emergency Communications Dispatcher, have been cross-trained. Arkins will provide
information regarding number of 911 calls.
· Library. No sunset clause on the $.27 Library levy.
· Tort Liability. For insurance and Employee Bonefits cover disability, life, health, and
dental. Insurance expenses that were traditionally charged to the General Fund will
now be charged against Tort Liability.
· M & E. As the business property tax portion decreases, the State's M & E property tax
credit increases. Both the M & E business property tax and state credit will cease in the
year 2002.
· Central Procurement, page 57. Increase of .14 for employee position. Time was
extended for the two employees at the Info Desk to allow for overlap. Increase in
Treasury to also allow for overlap between two part time employees.
· Police Accreditation. Accreditation work is being done in-house. City Clerk Karr stated
that West Des Moines has just completed an accreditation process and is eager to
assist Iowa City.
Council discussed a Police canine unit, funding maintenance projects with the CIP budget,
and the proposed Personnel Assistant.
· Employee Benefits levy, page 24. FY99 Employee Benefits levy is $3,130,000.
· Landfill Perpetual Care, page 93. Grounds keeping for closed cells.
3
Lehman stated the council should emphasized the CIP at the January 29 budget meeting.
Kubby requested that Iowa Avenue project information be presented during council's
Downtown Improvements discussions in February.
Meeting adjourned: 6:00 PM.
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
January 12, 1998
To: Steve Atlcin~, City Manager
From: Joe Fowler, Director Parking & Transit
There have been several major changes made in both the Parking and Transit Divisions
during the past several months to increase the availability of parking in the CBD. These
include converting the Linn Street Lot to hourly parking, creating a price difference
between street meters and off-street parking, starting a free downtown shutfie route, and
offering free transit service on Saturdays during December. The system usage numbers
from December indicate that these programs have been su~.
The shuttle carried 12,848 passengers during December. This brings the two month total
to 22,150. In two months the shuttle has carried a 37% of the original one year
projection. In additional 5656 riders took advantage of the free transit service on the four
Saturdays in December. December Saturday ridership increased 16% over the November
average.
The Parking Division had an 11% increase in system wide usage during December
compared to December FY97. While the system wide increase occurred, there was a 5%
reduction in CBD on-street metered usage compared to FY97. The conversion of the
Linn Street Lot, creating a price difference, and the addition of the shuttle and free
Saturday transit have allowed us to increase system wide usage at the same time we are
increasing availability of on street meters in the CBD.
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: January 20, 1998
To: Steve Atkins
From: Kim Johnson
Re: Agenda Items
The following are costs associated with Capital Improvement Projects being
presented for acceptance at the January 27th Council meeting:
Iowa City Library Roof Replacement Project
Contractor:. Jim Griese Commercial Roofing
· Estimated Construction Cost: $ 120,522.00
· Bid Received: $ 158,000.00
· Actual Construction Cost: $ 135,805.50
Sheridan Avenue Sanitary Sewer Bypass Project
Contractor:. Midwest Construction and Crane Service, Inc.
· Estimated Construction Cost: $ 170,000.00
· Bid Received: $ 144,317.50
· Actual Construction Cost: $ 177,107.25
Joe Bolkcom, ~
Chm'lcs D. Duffy
Jmuthn Jordahl
st~n P. Lacin
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
January 21, 1998
INFORb!AL MEETIN(;
A~enda
Call to order 8:30 a.m_ - continuation of Informal meeting January 15,
1998
2. Work Sesskm with budgets
a) Discussion re: the following budgets:
1) Senior Dining (53)
2) Streba Trust (83) --
3) Conservation (24) "-
4) other
3. Recess
913 SOUTH DUBUQUE ST. P.O. BOX 1350 iOWA CITY, IOWA 5224~1-1350 TEL: (319) 356-6000 FAX: (319) 356-6086
81/21/98 89:89:32 319-3S4-4Z13 -> 319~%rJu~ IINd~ CITY CLEIE Pag~ 881
Jmmffan J(rdaM
hlly Smmmm
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
January 22, 1998
FORMAL MEETING
A~enda
2. Action re: claims
3. Action re: formal minutes of January 15th
5. Business from Lora Shramek, Human Resource Admini.qtrator re:
introduction and work priorities. discussion
6. Business from the Planning and Zoning Administrator
a) Final considexation of application Z9752 of C'y-Hawk Corp.
b) Other
7. Bus~s from the Cmmty Auditor
a) Action re: Ixamits
b) Action re: rqx)rts
Motion authorizing the Auditor to pubhsh the FY '98 proposed budget
sm'nmary and notice of public hearing for public hearings to be held on
February 27, 1998 and March 6, 1998 at 5:00 p.m.
d) Other
913 SOUTH IXJBUQUE ST. P.O. BOX 1350 IOWACITY, IOWA 52244-1350 TEL: (319) 356-6000 FAX: (319) 356-6086
81/21/S8 I~J:89:~H 319-354-4~t~ -> 319"t,',~ms~J II]1~ I:!'ff [331~Pep~ ~
Agenda 1-22-98
Page2
8. Business from the CmmOj Attorney
a) Report re: other items
a)
Grant Application from Iowa Dcpartn~mt of Public Health re:
Substance Abuse Prevention funding in the amount of $10,000.00.
discussion/action
Motion appointing Dr. Lori Morgan to the Ambulance Advisory
Committee.
Discussion/action re': Cash handling policy and procedures.
Discussion/action re: appointment to the Johnson County
Cluster/Social Welfare Board for the term ending December 31, 1998.
10. Adjourn to informal meetin~
a) Inquiries and reports from the public
b) Reports and inquiries from the members of the Board of Supervi~
c) Report from the County Attorney
11. Adjournment
B1/Z3/g8 I]B:58:Z!] 319-3S,1-4_Z13 -~ 31~ !I]WI C11~ CI,!~J( Page I]81
Jdm~,on Cmm~
Joe Bolkcom, Chairperson
Charles D. Duffy
Jonalhan Jordahl
$tq~h~ ?. Lacina
Sally Slutsman
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
January 26, 1998
INFORMAL MEETING
Agenda
i. Call to order 2:00 p.m.
2. Work Session re: budgets
3. Adjourn
h:~gcndasA 1997X 12-05.doc
913 SOUTH DUBUQUE ST. P.O. BOX 1350 IOWA CITY, IOWA 52244-1350 TEL: (319) 356-6000 FAX: (319) 356-6086
81/Z3/91] Bg:1Z:S8 319-354-4Z13 -> 319'356Si]~ II]~ CITY CLEIIR Page I]1]1
Joe Bolkcom, Chairperson
Charles D. Duffy
Jonalhan Jordahl
Stephen P. Lacina
Sally Slutsman
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
January 26, 1998
HIGHLANDER INN RESTAURANT &
CONVENTION CENTER
HIGHWAY 1 & 180 EXIT 246
IOWA CITY
INFORMAL MEETING
Agenda
1. Call to order 8:30 a.m.
2. Work Session to discuss Strategic Planning
a) Discussion re: the following:
1. Review of goals and issue identification
2. Budget process
3. Space needs
4. Development of county-wide mission statement
5. Other
3. Adjourn
h:~agendm~ 199'A 12-05.doc
913 SOUTH DOBUQUE ST. P.O. BOX 1350 IOWA CITY, IOWA 52244-1350 TEL: (319) 3566000 FAX: (319) 356-6086
B1/Z6/~JB 89:45:51 319-354-4213 -> 31~ II)Wl CITY EI.I~R Page
J~ Cmmty ]
Joe Bolkcom, Chairperson
Charles D. Duffy
Jonalhan Jordahl
Stephen P. Lacina
Sally Slutsman
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
January 27, 1998
INFORMAL MEETING
1. Call to order 9:00 a.m.
Agenda
2. Review of the formal minutes of January 22nd
3. Business from the Board of Supervisors
a) Discussion re.'
b) Discussion re:
c) Discussion re:
d) Reports
e) Other
update on S.E.A.T.S. (Steve)
computers for employees (Sally)
budgets
4. Discussion from the public
5. Recess
913 SOUTH DUBUQUE ST. P.O. BOX 1350 IOWA CITY, IOWA 52244-1350 TEL: (319) 356-6000 FAX: (319) 356-6086
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
January 26, 1998
TO:
FR:
City Council ,~_u'~Yf/~
· da~everson, JCCOG Human Services Coordinator
RE: 1. Aid-to-Agencies FY 99 Funding Recommendations
2. JCCOG Johnson County Services Directory
1. Attached you will find funding recommendations from Karen Kubby and Dean
Thornberry, the City's representatives to the FY 99 Joint Funding hearings.
The yearly Joint Funding process includes representatives from Coralville, Iowa
City, Johnson County and the United Way who hear presentations from human
service agencies requesting funding.
No funding was recommended for new requests this year.
2. We are investigating the possibility of putting the Johnson County Services
Directory (an informational resource directory) into an electronic format. The two
options we are considering are a pre-programmed format (IRIS) which is currently
being used in Cedar Rapids, the Quad Cities, and Muscatine or working with the
Johnson County Community Network group (which functions on the Internet).
Easy and broad access plus cost will be considered. I will be approaching the
United Way of Johnson County and the Johnson County Board of Supervisors
for their input and financial support. Updates will be provided to the Council.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact me at
356-5:242.
CC:
Steve Atkins
Karin Franklin
Jeff Davidson
CITY OF IOWA CITY
HUMAN SERVICE AGENCY FUNDING
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FY99
Recommendations from Karen Kubby and Dean Thomberry, Council representatives to the United Way/Joint Funding hearings.
AGENCY
lrY97 actual
Big Brothers/Big Sisters
Crisis Center
Domestic Violence Intervention
Elderly Services Agency
Emergency Housing Project
Free Medical Clinic
HACAP
ICARE
Mayor's Youth Employment
MECCA
Neighborhood Centers
Rape Victim Advocacy
Red Cross
United Action for Youth
Youth Homes
$33,600
33,000
46,000
55,105
7,500
5,180
6,240
9,200
36,000
25,235
49,000
12,500
4,510
54,900
n/a
$377,970
FY98actual
' ::i %Increase FY99
FY9%FY98
4.4 37,000
7.5 39,028
2.2 52,080
3.1 58,500
13.3 9,500
5.0 5,712
3.0 l 1,440
4.3 I0,000
3.0 40,000
3.0 28,000
6.1 68,290
0.0 13,000
5.1 4,977
2.9 60,000
n/a 5,000
3.9% $442,527
Difference FY98- ::i :i.% Iowa City FY99 '::.'.
FY99 :i ' :::!:11':gontribUtes toRecommendati'.o:.ni~
$ % ~' :::::total budget· $ ?::'"%:i':'i!i"
2,443 7.1 ! 4.0 36,000 4.2
3,548 10.0 12.0 37,254 5.0
5,080 10.8 8.1 50,000 6.4
1,700 3.0 20.3 58,500 3.0
1,000 11.8 5.5 9,000 5.9
272 5.0 2.0 5,700 4.8
5,015 78.1 2.0 7,625 18.7
400 4.2 6.0 10,000 4.2
2,920 7.9 13.0 38,000 2.5
2,000 7.7 0.8 26,800 3.1
16,290 31.3 6.4 54,844 5.5
500 4.0 0.03 13,000 4.0
237 5.0 0.02 4,977 5.0
3,500 6.2 6.7 58,000 2.6
5,000 n/a 0.2 0 n/a
$49,905 12.7% $409,700 4.3%
34,557
35,480
47,000
56,800
8,50O
5,440
6,425
9,600
37,080
26,000
52,000
12,500
4,740
56,500
n/a
$392,622
I,'23/98
g: t'.,, 99 _cty.doc
81/Z7/9[l 18:54:89 319-354-4Z13 -~ 319~,~i]PJ i1:)~ C!T~ Cl.k11(
Jdm~a C~mly
Joe Bolkcom, Chairperson
Charles D. Duffy
Jonalhan Jordahl
Stephen P. Lacina
Sally StuBman
BOARD OF UPERVISORS
JOINT LINN/JOHNSON COUNTY BOA~,D OF SUPERVISORS
MEETING t
LINN AND JOHNSON COUNTY
SHUEYVILLE JUNC~FION
BANQUET ROOl~I
1162 CLUB ROAD
CEDAR RAPIDS
INFORMAL MEET-NG
Agenda
Wednesday, January 2~, 1998
1. Call to order 11:34) a.m.
2. Discussion re: the foilowing:
a) Economic Development - Iowa City/Cedar Rapids Corridor
b) Linn County and Johnson County Lan:l Use Plans
c) Mental Health Reimbursement
d) Topics for future meetings/schedule next meeting
Other
3. Discussion from the publk
4. Adjournment
913 SOUTH DUBUQUE ST. P.O. BOX 1350 IOWA CITY, IOWA 5224d-1350 TEL: (319) 356-6000 FAX: (319) 354-4213
81/Z~/91] I]9:39:58 319-354-4213 -> 319'~:1651189 !OLI~ C!T~ CI,EnR P,,gc i]81
J~moa Cmmly
Joe Bolkcom, Chairperson
Charles D. Duffy
Jonalhan Jordahl
Stephan P. Lacina
Sally Slutsman
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
January 28, 1998
INFORMAL ME;;TING
Agenda
Call to order 8:30 a.m. - continuation of Informal meeting January 27,
1998
2. Work Session re: budgets
3. Adjourn '
?
h:'~W, cnda~ 199~ 12-05.din:
913 SOUTH DUBUQUE ST. P.O. BOX 1350 IOWA CITY, IOWA 5224.--1350 TEL: (319) 356-6000 FAX: (319) 356-6086
Io~a Apprenticeship Con[erence Coalition presents:
THE FOURTH ANNUAL
IOWA ~
~PUe~vICr~mP ~..
March 3 - 4,1998
Collins Plaza
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
12Cg Collins Road NE
'~~ · ~ir~d
APPRENTICESHIP -
A VIABLE ALTERNATIVE
THE 1998 IOWA APPRENTICESHIP
CONFERENCE PROGRAM
WHO SHOULD AT'rEND?
Community College Coordinators
Econohue D~.'elopmem Liftsons
Apprenticeship Cooniinators ~
K-12 F_xiu~atordgehool Counselors
Labor R~r~re~ntatives
Go~ ernmcnt Personnel
!iu.'nan R¢,-u:ce Profession.ds -
CONFERENCE OBJECTIVE
To provi& an open forum for
perso~ and o~siom to ~
info--sion ~ i&~ which
com~ively m the ~'elop~t
c~ ~orkm ~gh appm~p- A
ch~ce to ~ othen in Iowa mvolv~
with the ~ren:ic~h~p ~uc~t~on
Werkfi)rcr De,elopment Profession.ds ~ mo&l. And to gain insight into Iowa's
SINAI Busmcs~ Owne~ worklorce ~elopment ~'~ ~m~
Tuesday, March 3
~ R~istr~ion
Intr~uao~ R~
~- S~ley B.
C~r. IACC Ch~r~
Dr. Norm Niei~n.
C.'mmumtv
, ;: 1~ Key note S~aker
l~t:,'duccA =v l~ore H.
Appren:~c~h~p ~
Tr~:nin~
~nthoey 5w~.
Bureau .~i AFpren:;c~h:p
~ Trun:ng
I 2:[~ pm: General ~sion
,n:F: The C m:'e~e~ce
M~,ter )f Ce:emom~,
-.c~ exit to ~e~ from
[ 2:3: pm: Br:ak
BreaksOut Scions
BASIC INTRO-
DUCTION TO
A PPREN'TICESHIP
Deilmng
pro~ md cons of
feted apprendces}"p',
operate m appre::;ceship
program. §eeer~' ~e]ectior.
of applic.m:s.
~'ho d~ould
wz:h
model.
B. WOMEN L'%
APPRENTICESHIP
What meshed(s) ~rk in
:ec.'~iting women into the
sluiled :.-ades. Mc~
sponsors ~re Ioolr~.g to
increa~ the number ~
fern.de apprentices. most
a&'ocacv groups emcour-
age women to apply for
non4radidonal work and
apprenticeships, yet
are very few women
in the skilled
Why?
ApprtmtKe~lp program
Pre-V xa:ton~
C. MA~: ~CH-
ING APPLi~
~g~ TO
& ~CHING F~C-
~ONS TO mE
T~&D~
tethers ~d
ship instracon ~
how m~thematics ~e
m the ~s md t~ng
~pp:entic~
g ho should att~&
Bre~
Break-Out Sessions
D. APP~N~C~HIP
BEN~F~S
BL'S~ESS~ & L~RGE
INrUShES
pros ~d :cns.
:o m~e ippren=~hip
=ark. ~'Sv tSe=' should
have an apprenticeship
prosram, ,red the impacts
It COu[<l hive on your
future woe~orce.
~ ~ho~ld ~tcn&
Emplo~cn cl persoe. s ,n the
dulled ;r~k-s. ~'ork~orce
Development
IA~ Sea~ Tr~nm/
MMwest Indusroes
Ida Grove, [A
Waved? L~$ht .~
E. SIIARED TRAIN-
ING FOR PUBLIC
LTILITIES
A d~.-ussion regarding
· ,'hether there are oppor:u-
ames .;or Pubhc Uulit:es
m Iow~ to share :herr
tra~n:n?, {~rnculum.
fackli::es. teac~n§ staff.
etc..) and progrt"mon ir.t,~
appreaticeshtp.
~rho d~mkl .n-t end:
Emplo.'.ee~ oi p~bl:c a::ime..c
F. APPRENTICESHIP
AS AN ALTERNATIVE
A ,.tiscussic~ about how
apprensic."~.h:p ~s · :':ab;e
Who shoald mend:
M:.:.~e ,High ~hoot
C~-ee r Co~ms~lor~.
In&~stn~i Arts te.s~ers
XC: rktorce Develcp. m~=: md
<hool :o work
Modm~tors:
Lee =:a,~iard. Cc. ns~ltam
iox-~ Dt~ctmcr.: ~i FE.tuca::c~
De* Mome~. L-~
Wednesday, March 4
': 3[~--~--] Registration
Continental Breakfast
Iowa Apprenticeship
Conference Coalition
nm'nlx-~ m~tln; to
assemble ~nswer~ to
quaions f~m ~f~-
~ce panicip~t~
· 'elcome and Announce-
ments
Bre3k-Out Sessions--
G. BASIC INTRO-
DUCTION TO
A PPRENq'ICESHIP
Defining apprenticehip,
?r'~s and :ons o[ 'regi~-
:ere~ app. re.':t:ceship',
cnzer:a :c ,et up md
?r :gram. ;Choral ~iecuon
¢i aF?i:can:s.
Who should attend:
h:&,,d-,'s ~ot famd,*r ~,[th
the Jpp'~::c~p m~l.
Moderaton:
J,m An,~r.ik. Re'p.'e~emauve
U.S. De~.ment oi Labor
Bureau -i 'tF?.,'enucedup
& .~ruam~
Da~-ecper.. L-X
Frank Herin.ran.
U.S. I~.mt.m ,,~
~M~L~
H. ~M~CA'S JO~
BANK
~e O'N~
u~ ~t~ ~.
~T m
~or~o~
~ra6o~. A ~i~
ol how
~ch is on :he ~e~.
~ employen
pr~N'e employ~
Uon to
year 2~¢ md
who d~uld mend:
High $cho~ ~ c~m~elors.
empioyerg J'I-PA ~.~,f,
Moderators:
~k~ Ha~ca,='x. Io~ra Suue
~:eau ~ A~p
P¢=nv 5h¢=s.:.~ICC
I. CAREER EXPLO.
L-~'l'lO N PROGIL~MS
A ck'scnptic~ ~i how
various ..'nl;'l¢ and high
~hoo; Fr,~r~tr~s mte.~ace
with '.oca', ~,a~met~e~ and
;ae.a ,:oh~. ':he neai ~'or:d'
X~'ho should attend:
E..'nplove:~. 3. I: ~-d. le,q-ligh
~:hool C~r C~tmu~lon.
WorkI'crcr De%-e:opment
& u:ho,cl :o ~'crk
Mo{k~lor~
Ca~r';'na:c r
Cema' lap:,~ Co----tory
.~.~ o~i D~stnct
C:~r Rap:~. L~
9:4[~=-~===]
Jan Smith. ~hool To
South C~tral Iowa Fe,ck~.moo
AFL-CIO
~ Mme. L~
HeWn R~ Dir~
~10 um~ Way
~M~
~M~
Break
Bred-Out
J. SCH~L-T~
~'O~ SUCC~S
STO R I ~
5ucc~ tto~ of Io~a
bu~in~ md
c~ratin~ t~e~er to
mentoting, md y~
apprentic~p op~um-
t~ for lt~
grin. ~tons
~n to prob[~
enco~ter~ md their
· ho th~M
M~o~:
F ~::ev :A
Brae: % :c:. ,She: AFpr~=-
~-2:t Ccmmur. i~
iowa C.tv. IA
Chef .hpFr~,t:c~-ap pr~-~
Dr. Pat=cx
K. APPRENTICESHIP
AS AN ALTEILNATIVE
A discussion about how
apprenticeship is a v~able
alterr. attve to vocat:onal
schools, college. mihtarv
.md other post.se.-anchrv
Discas. sion revolves around
work opponumties.
credibdity. pay. recog~-
tion, training, e~c.
Wl~o should attend:
Micklle/I~
[ndustn'l A?.S :e.Kher~.
to ~-o~k ~
Mockr~ort:
Lee ¢:r:~'?or~.
BaS .%hu.':.
TARGET
'-' Tramm~
De~ %la,nem. L~.
Kcstz Junk:ns. q{' rk:
A.~v:tor
D~ M met. :A
T r a~ r....:,r,
Ankcn~. IA
L. FL,~DING OF
APPRENTICESHIP
PROGR_-XMS
the :o=~ .'c.-,
2'.'~r:m 2~.;.F .
~h.'.:u.¢h .d :a.~ :.-..- appi:.:
re:a:ed ciassr :am .ni:.~:c.
apprem:cesh:p .arogrzm.
~ho ~hould
pr.~r~m s~:~on.
~ '.,i~r R~r,d.. IA
~'el, ~nl C~r~or
Bre~
Br~ut ~slons
M. LIABle, INSL~-
ANC~ ~ CHI~
L~BOR L~S
p,:pubr ~s:ons~ Di~
s:o~s r~ardmg ~here the
ha~,i:t¥ li~ ~n memotins.
;e~ shadowreS. and youth
~pprentsc~htg
ahea tn~ a'hat can
,a~:Jer 18 ~o on-the j~: ~d
em?1o~ e~-, ~nder 18 vein of
~'ho ,hould
Emoi.~s-~. ~pprent~p
Modcr~t.,rs:
N. DISTANCE ~RNING ' '
>. ~ :ka: 'kt :,:~'a Camm'a- I:~
ilcaza for a wh:le. ho~-
z~ ~:ag ~d .n :~nium~ion
wi~ apprendc~ip. 'now
a~d :re there lnF-
ma: could :~e
· 'ho should ~te~ck
k ~er. ~IBA ~r~
Io~ ~ I~
~ Moil. L&
10wa M~d B~
A~r~p
L~ITED ~AY/
AFL-CIO COMML'-
N~ SERVIC~
Flow ~he Una~
AFL-CIO in~era~s
:he apprem:c~h:p
c ,mmunitv ~q~
developmere >1' Jo~a'~
workfor:e.
Umt~'~'~ AFL Cit
~FLCIO L'=.:e5 'l'.. '.
C'~ M.:ines. ~..~
Lunch and Nct~ark:ng
M~ Skilled
Award Proration
Governor Terr.'
h~ ~n mv~:~ ::
M~ter 5~1~e2 ~' :tact
oelv canr:n-~ily
~row :n :ke:r ~r~ but
aim take on :~e
Gener~ Session
Remember those questions
you had about apprentice-
:.h~p that the Mas~r c~
Ceremonies coliecxed a~d
Ilsted} This sessiou will
em. ure t'veryone received
an answer to theis' question
or will receive one.
2:31~--I Adjourn
]REGISTRATION:]
To register, c~11.119/3,98-$412 or
I-8:0-.1.12-88.1.1 wodtdays bet~-n 8.3C
am. and 5 p.m.
b~ J'.,ra.ded :o ~acb :,J e.:,
Iowa Apprentice Conference cour~
~'tnio~ number.
a: t1~3666, it re~stering on or
before Febru.u'y. 13
Resistration fee $7m:C. indud~
at~..~ eaxly re~tslrat=on dlacount '
b: 8153667. if ."egisterieg ,d~er
Febeaarv 13
Re§~strat~on fee $~: ::
When vo, u call. the ,>perator ~'tll need :o kac%'.
· Your name
· Your ~cial ~curlty numbs'
· Your address and the phone number ~here .sou can be reached
during the day
· The course section numb~
HOW TO PAY:
I. Make checks payable to Kirkwool Community College
/Please tnd~ the co~ ~c:ton '~urn~'.-'r. ~n )our
Flail chechs to: Kirkwood C,,mmunit? College
Arm: Businet~ Services
PO Box 2Ce$
Ceda~ Rapld~. IA 524:6
2. Reg'is~ration fees may be charged to .sou Visa. MasterCard or
Discover card.
3. Please inform operator if .sour registration fee is to be a billing :o tour
organization or ghool.
For msre :n:'ormation. call j'e::' M::c?:¢[ ~::
Hotel Registration:
COLUNS PL-~ZA
12:: Coilira Road NE
Cedar Rapi&t IA 524'2
I-qC:-541-1:67 or 1-31~-3q3-6e::
'
~tan~rd S~:? Go~ment Rates ~ith pro~r
King
Executive ~ng Suit~ S%. King 5~4:
Rat~ ~e
{~oalition Members
Cotati board members
wiH get_free day care
Novel perk could
encourage service
'By JAMES w. SWEENEY
Smffwmw
COTATI -- Descrlbb~ it as an
hickrive ~or youriB parmrs to
state -- to provide child-care bene-
Couo~rnn~ Harold Berlnneler
some comminnioners bri~ Um[r
chfidren to meetin~
'~t's time we take a look at it end
to pay reimbursement~ of up to ~
an hour for .b~by sittern used
of $3,100 a yeer.
has two young chUdren, said she
abe wouldn~ put in for the reim-
amJ capable people to work for the
~, it'S WOrth it at a minimal
C~.," She saM.
Only one person spoke out
'~ min~ ~s ~he meet ridiculom
waste of money Fve ever henrd
of," Cotati resident Patrtcia Jonns.
Voul~nrls said, reca!Hn8 ~he
shared beby4Rfin8 duties w;ib oth-
er parents when her children were
See Cotaft, Page,412
Cotaft
Continued from Page
Another resident at the meeting
favored the payments.
"I do think this b a good idea,"
Yvonne Carpenter said. "When
we're older we can afford thin?
But we don't have children."
revisit the policy In a yenr.
and 36 commt~ioner~ who would
be eli~hle for child-care rebn-
bursements, Marangelln said. He
esfimat~!~ flbollt five of the people
now eligible would Foulinely use
the benefiL
Council members are paid $300
a month plus an midltiquul stipend
for serving as Redevelopment
Agency direc~or~ Members who
ser~e more titan three terms also
are eligible for lifetime benefits
under the city's group health insur-
ance plan.
O)mmt~don members serve on a
volunteer basis.
Marangelh said he is unaware of
any other cities thnt offer the same
benefits. A spolreswomml fOF the
Les~e of California Cities also
snld she wasn't familinr with eny
other lurtsdlcitens offering siretier
A ~milnr prop(Ml~l ~ put foilall
in ~ in 1990 but wes rejected
As recent~/ns two ye~s ago, the
city o! 6,500 was facing budget
deficits ~ d~ cuts In ~ sh~ff
year, a ~ust ecomm~,c recove~
has ~ ~ Into a stronger
financial position, allowing it to
pay for the child-care benefits out
or the city's reserve fund.
"We have a budset surplus now
and 1ol3 of ways to spend & budget
this (benefit) retroactively, we
wouldn't have a surplus anymore."
· FOIl TNE RECORD
Terri Beffa, classified as a hi_oh..
risk sex offender, Uves in the
Mountain View Mobile Estntes~ off
Santn Rosn Avenue, south of Santa
Rosa. T'ne wrong nelshhorhood
was identified in a story on Page
week for fidlure to register ns a
sex offender.
out11
DISTI ICT
PLAN
Iowa City: Beyond 2000
Comprehensive Plan
Adopted December 1 997
SOUTH DISTRICT PLAN
The South Planning District encompasses an area of Iowa City located south of Highway
6 and east of the Iowa River, and extends south and east to the growth area limits, which
mark the boundaries of the area that will be served by sanitary sewer service in the
future. The Snyder Creek Bottoms, a large wetland conservation area located southeast
of Sycamore Street, cannot be developed and thus serves as a natural growth area
boundary. (See Exhibit A, South Planning District Map) The South District contains
approximately 3,000 acres or 4.7 square miles; approximately 60% of the district is
located within the corporate boundaries of Iowa City. The remaining 40% is unincorpo-
rated property located along the south and east edge of the district. This land is likely to
b.e voluntarily annexed into Iowa City over the next two to three decades and be devel-
oped as new neighborhoods in the city.
The South District Plan describes the history, current land uses, existing environmental
features and potential, future land uses for this developing area of the community.
Guidelines for future residential, commercial and industrial land uses and supporting
public facilities, including streets, sewers, stormwater drainage, an elementary school,
and open space, are set forth for the district. A major commercial area located along
Gilbert Street in the northwest portion of the district is examined separately from the
new residential neighborhoods that will be developed to the south.
The South District Plan is the first in a series of district plans to be included in Iowa
City's new Comprehensive Plan, Iowa City: Beyond 7000, and has been developed coop-
eratively with citizens, who own property and/or live in this area of the community, and
participated in a series of interviews, meetings and workshops to envision future plans
for this district. This district was selected as the initial planning district due to construc-
tion of the South River Corridor Interceptor Sewer, which will link the north and south
wastewater treatment plants in Iowa City. When the sewer is constructed and opera-
tional, opportunities for residential neighborhood development will occur in the west
portion of the district (west of Sycamore Street), where rezoning and development in
Iowa City have slowed in recent years due to inadequate sanitary sewer capacity.
The east portion of the planning district, located generally east of Sycamore Street, is
served by the Southeast Interceptor Sewer and the South Sycamore Trunk Sewer. A
new regional stormwater and green space corridor will enhance drainage and flood con-
trol for the area east of Sycamore Street; making development of the area more feasible
while providing recreational trail/park opportunities. The design, improvement and ex-
tension of arterial streets, including Sycamore Street, Gilbert Street/Sand Road, Sioux
Avenue, and an east-west parkway, are integral to the full development of the South
Planning District. (See Exhibit A)
2
Historic Context. Although there are few visible, physical signs that remain of early
human settlements in the South Planning District, there is archaeological, historical and
prehistoric evidence that the South District has been the site of human occupation for
millennia. (See Exhibit B: Map of Archaeological Sites in the South District.) In 1996, a
2,000 year old dwelling and associated features were excavated at Napoleon Park; this
archaeological discovery represents the first prehistoric structure found in the entire Iowa
River valley. Native Americans encamped in this area along the Iowa River for many years
before white settlers arrived.
The first white settler to call Johnson County his home was John Gilbert, who in 1826
established a trading post near the mouth of Snyder Creek, just south of the South Area
study boundaries. At that time, a Mesquakie Indian village existed to the north of the
trading post, and is thought to have had a population of around 1,000 people. In or near
Napoleon Park, the early, white settlers founded the town of Napoleon, which served as
the first county seat for Johnson County from July 4, 1838 to November 14, 1839. It
was reported that in May of 1838, there were 237 settlers in the general area.
When Iowa City was estab-
lished in 1839 as the territori-
al capital and county seat, the
competition from this new
community one mile to the
north marked the beginning of
the end for the fledgling town
of Napoleon.
Phillip Clark was one of the in-
dividuals Gilbert persuaded to
settle in this area. The
McCollister-Showers farm-
stead located at 2460 S. Gil-
bert Street is on land that was
part of Clark's original claim,
staked in 1837. (See Exhibit C,
South District Property Owner-
Sketch of I~e first Johnson County Courthouse, which was located at Napo-
ship) The first county courthouse in Johnson County, the one permanent structure that was
built within the town of Napoleon, was located across Gilbert Street from this property. In
1863, the property was purchased by James McCollister and over the next few decades grew
to be a farm containing about 750 acres.
The McCollister-Showers home was constructed in 1864 and expanded in 1880. The
barn on the property was constructed in the early 1880s. The ten acre farmstead that
remains is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is one of the few
remaining links to the early settlement of this area.
c. 1880s Photo of the McCollister-Showers Residence. c. 1880s Photo of Barn on McCollister-Showers
Farmstead
Photographs provided courtesy of Portia Cooper, a McCollister descendent.
3
Another mid- 19th century home is located just to the north of the McCollister-Showers farm-
stead at the south terminus of Waterfront Drive. Based on its Greek Revival design and archi-
tectural style, it likely pre-dates the construction of the McCollister-Showers home, although
little is known about its history or past occupants.
Like the McCollister-Showers farmstead, most of the South Area was used by early white
settlers for farming. Today, almost half of the land area within the planning district is
still used for agricultural purposes. Urban development first began in the area in the mid-
1950s with the development of the Fairmeadows Subdivision. Throughout the 1950s
and 60s, additional subdivisions developed as the city grew outward. Grant Wood
Elementary School was built in 1969 to serve these new subdivisions.
In the 1960s, the construction of Highway 6 as a bypass had a significant effect on the
definition of the South Planning District. The highway separated the South District from
existing residential, commercial and industrial developments to the north, but also acted
as a catalyst by creating access and visibility for commercial development (K-Mart,
Econofoods, Pepperwood Shopping Mall and a mixture of office and heavy commercial
uses in the Southgate Avenue area) and allowing for the extension of streets to serve
residential subdivisions and mobile home parks developed south of Highway 6 through
the 1970s, 80s and 90s. Parks, including Wetherby Park (1975) and the Whispering
Meadows Wetlands Park (1991) were developed to serve the growing population. Whis-
pering Meadows Park also serves as a wetland preserve.
As the South District continues to grow, it is important to preserve links to the early
history of the area, including the remaining elements of the McCollister-Showers farm-
stead and significant archaeological discoveries. Naming important elements of the new
neighborhoods, such as streets, the elementary school, and parks, after early settlers and
Native Americans, who lived in this area, will serve to remind future generations of the
important history of the district.
Existing/Future Development. Although there may be some redevelopment of the exist-
ing commercial and residential areas south of Highway 6, the character and major infra-
structure of these developments have already been established and major changes are
not anticipated. Community commercial land uses and entryway enhancements are
proposed for the Gilbert Street commercial corridor located between the Iowa River and
the CRANDIC Railroad south of Highway 6. For the largely undeveloped tracts of land to
the south, planning concepts are outlined for the new neighborhoods, which will be
designed to complement and be compatible with existing development. For the new
neighborhoods section of the plan, the South District has been divided into four subar-
eas, including the River Corridor Area, the Sycamore West Area, the Sycamore East Area,
and the Sioux Avenue Area {Exhibit A). The following section discusses opportunities
for redevelopment and development of land in the commercially-zoned Gilbert Street
corridor that serves as an entryway to Iowa City.
Gilbert Street Commercial Corridor
The South Gilbert Street commercial corridor (Exhibit D) is generally located along Gilbert
Street between Highway § and the CRANDIC railroad. Increased levels of traffic and
greater demands for retail commercial uses are expected as a result of the residential
growth that is anticipated will occur in the South District. This will lead to an increase in
the importance of this corridor as an entryway into Iowa City. However, most of the
vacant commercial land located along Gilbert Street between Highway 6 and the CRANDIC
railroad is presently zoned for intensive commercial uses, permitting outdoor display and
storage of merchandise and materials, and near industrial uses such as auto body shops,
contractors' yards, lumberyards, and warehousing. These land uses are not consistent
with use of this area as an attractive entryway into Iowa City and as a retail commercial
area.
4
General commercial development within this entryway corridor should be encouraged with
careful consideration given to the site planning of property fronting on Gilbert Street, creating an
attractive, well-landscaped corridor to serve as a major entryway into Iowa City from the south.
Existing, attractively landscaped properties at the north end of the corridor, such as the Hills
Bank property, can serve as a model for future development in the area. General commercial
zoning is also recommended for properties situated along upgraded Stevens Drive and an ex-
tended Southgate Avenue, which will carry significant levels of traffic between Gilbert Street
and existing commercial development east of the railroad. Areas to be considered for general
commercial zoning are illustrated on Exhibit D. The areas west of Stevens Drive, which are
currently developed with intensive commercial uses, would retain Intensive Commercial zoning.
A proposed extension of the Iowa River Corridor Trail through this commercial area will
be located along the east bank of the river from Highway 6 south to Napoleon Park, and
potentially beyond the park into the future residential neighborhoods in the South Area.
A trail is also planned to extend along the south side of Highway 6 from the residential
areas in the east part of the district to the Gilbert Street commercial area. Integration of
this trail system with the future retail commercial development in this area is encouraged
to provide a bicycle/pedestrian link, not only between the Gilbert Street commercial
development and the residential development to the south, but also a connecting link to
downtown Iowa City. Sidewalk linkages within the commercial area are also strongly
encouraged.
Existing environmental constraints may preclude the development of portions of the
vacant property within the commercially-zoned area. These features include the Iowa
River flood plain and potential wetlands. The City is in the process of conducting a
floodplain study to determine whether undeveloped properties in the floodplain that
were flooded during the flood events of 1993 will have some development limitations.
Development may occur in wetlands east of Gilbert Street if the Corps of Engineers
allows replacement wetlands to be created/expanded west of Gilbert Street and south of
the railway. If portions of the commercial area are unable to be developed, they should
be considered for potential use as a trailhead wetland park or passive recreation/observa-
tion area. This type of a facility in this location would serve to enhance the appearance
of the Gilbert Street entryway, provide a measure of flood protection for the Iowa River,
and secure a natural buffer along the proposed Iowa River Corridor Trail.
South Area New Neighborhoods
The new neighborhoods will be extensions of existing residential development to the
north, including the Grant Wood and Pepperwood neighborhoods as well as the Bon Aire
and Hilltop mobile home courts. Planning for these new neighborhoods takes into ac-
count existing residential uses, including four rural subdivisions, a few farmhouses, some
riverfront cottages and three apartment buildings that are located in the largely undevel-
oped area of the district. It also recognizes the manufactured housing parks and medium
density single-family residential development planned for the Sycamore Farms area in the
southeast portion of the district. Environmental constraints and opportunities, sand
mining operations and their eventual reclamation, and existing and potential recreational
and passive open space are also considered.
South District Fnvironmental Features. In accord with the Beyond ?000 principles, plan-
ning for new neighborhoods in the South District will respect environmentally sensitive
areas by protecting ~the urban forest, the Iowa River and its environs, open space and
wildlife habitat," by securing Ua balance between natural areas and development," and
supporting Uacquisition and ecological management of watersheds, floodplains, wet-
lands and greenways." Wooded wetlands and floodplains within the Iowa River Corridor
and the Snyder Creek Bottoms are significant environmental features in the South Dis-
trict. The area also contains upland woodlands, large areas of hydric soils, sand mining
operations, several watershed/drainage areas, archaeological sites, and potentially, a popu-
lation of terrestrial box turtles, which are on the State threatened species list. (See
Exhibit E, South District Sensitive Areas Map). The environmental features considered in the
planning for the South District are discussed in detail in Appendix A.
5
South District Planning Guidelines/New Neighborhoods Scenario. The planning guide-
lines embodied in the South District Plan are based on the Beyond 9000 policy state-
ments that relate to new neighborhood planning. These statements focus on creating a
sense of community by ensuring that neighborhoods are designed to be accessible,
compact, and pedestrian-oriented, and contain an appropriate mix of housing types, land
uses, connecting streets and open space.
The Beyond 2000 neighborhood policy statements were further defined and tailored to
the needs and attributes of the South District in a series of public participation efforts.
(See Appendix B) Based on the policy statements of Beyond 9000 and the consensus
arrived at through meetings and citizen workshops, planning guidelines were developed
to address future development in three subareas of the South District: the River Corridor
Area, Sycamore West Area and Sycamore East Area. Although the Sioux Avenue Area
was not included in the citizen workshops, the general planning guidelines developed for
the other subareas of the South District can be applied to its future development.
In addition, a general land use scenario (Exhibit F, South District Land Use Scenario) was
developed that illustrates how these planning guidelines may be applied to development
in the South District. When annexations, rezonings, planned developments and subdivi-
sions are proposed within the South Planning District, these planning/land use guidelines
will assist the City Council and the Planning and Zoning Commission in evaluating devel-
opment applications. They should also serve as a guide for developers and their engi-
neering/architectural consulting firms as they design developments.
The land use scenario is intended to be general guide; an indication of how development
may occur in the South District. It is possible that specific land uses shown on the land
use scenario may not develop in the exact locations depicted, but decisions regarding
developments in the South District should adhere generally to the land use guidelines set
forth in this plan. The land use scenario illustrates a neighborhood commercial center
(red), a mix of housing types (single-family/yellow, duplexotownhouse/gold, apartments/
brown), open space (parks/green, trails/purple band), and two alternatives for a potential
elementary school sites (purple).
The new neighborhoods planning guidelines apply primarily to the Sycamore East and
Sycamore West areas. Given the environmentally sensitive nature of the River Corridor
Area, it may be advisable to limit development in this subarea to the three parcels of land
located near Napoleon Park and adjacent to Gilbert Street that contain few environmen-
tally sensitive features and have soils that are suitable for structural development. Con-
sideration will be given to establishing parks, greenways, trails and open space for the
larger part of the River Corridor Area. The following sections describe the commercial,
housing, parks and school elements of the plan. Streets and a fire station location are
also addressed.
Neighborhood Commercial. Located along Sycamore Street, south of the South Pointe
subdivision, the neighborhood commercial center should be centered within the neigh-
borhood to provide convenient shopping opportunities and activities for residents of the
surrounding area. An accessible mix of commercial, residential, institutional and public
uses should be clustered around a main street Umarketplace" to provide an active focal
point for neighborhood residents. The design of the neighborhood center should incor-
porate pedestrian and bicycle accessibility for neighborhood residents and include a
town square or plaza area to create an active, all-seasons neighborhood gathering place.
In addition, a smaller commercial area with a convenience center/gas station may be
located at the edge of the neighborhoods on an arterial street, such as Gilbert Street/
Sand Road. Guidelines to address these neighborhood commercial goals are listed be-
low:
Centrally locate the neighborhood commercial center along the north-south segment of
Sycamore Street, or at the northwest corner of Sycamore Street/Sycamore L intersec-
tion. Design direct access to the uses within the center from a side or frontage street,
not an arterial street.
JUUU LIU ~[J - '
Concept of a 'main street' design for a neighborhood commercial center...
Use a 'main street" design with a pedestrian orientation that incorporates fea-
tures, such as on-street parking; parking lots behind or between buildings; mini-
mal or no building setback from the sidewalk adjacent to the street; upper floor residen-
tial use of commercial buildings; townhouses and small scale apartment buildings lo-
cated in close proximity to the commercial areas; public spaces, and trails that connect
the commercial center to the surrounding neighborhood. (Zoning Chapter text amend-
ments will be required.)
Because of the proximity of this area to the Highway 6 commercial area, develop
the neighborhood center at a smaller scale on a site that is seven to ten acres in
size, and include a mix of small businesses as well as residential and institutional
uses to serve the day to day needs of the new neighborhoods area. Encourage
small commercial and institutional uses either in or near the commercial center,
including light retail businesses, a pharmacy, a transit stop, a branch bank, small
restaurants, outpatient medical/dental clinics, adult and child daycare centers, a
postal substation, a convenience store, a neighborhood center, a recreation cen-
ter, a small grocery store, and a religious institution.
Incorporate a "town square," green space or plaza into the neighborhood center
design to buffer the commercial area and to provide opportunities for neighbor-
hood gatherings and recreation.
Create residential uses in and near the neighborhood center by locating apart-
ments on the upper floors of commercial buildings, and by clustering small apart-
ment buildings and townhouses around the center.
[] Connect the neighborhood center to the loop trail system and open spaces in the
South District through the use of bicycle/pedestrian trails.
In addition to the neighborhood commercial center, locate a small convenience
commercial area of approximately one-half acre, containing a gas station/conve-
nience store, at the edge of the neighborhoods, such as at the corner of Sand
Road (Gilbert Street) and the Sycamore L. Provide adequate separation from the
neighborhood commercial center (one-half mile minimum) and direct access to an
arterial street. To assure compatibility with adjacent residences, provide adequate
buffering and minimize paving for the convenience commercial area.
Housing. The predominant land use in the South District new neighborhoods will be detached,
single-family residential. However, the neighborhood will also contain areas where low to
medium density multi-family, townhouse and duplex style housing will mix compatibiy with
7
single-family housing. The medium density housing options should be carefully designed and
located to take advantage of major infrastructure investments, such as arterial streets, and
goods and services, which are provided in the neighborhood commercial center. Medium den-
sity housing should be compatible in scale and density to blend with single-family neighbor-
hoods. As housing density increases and lot sizes are reduced, attention will need to be paid to
design issues, such as garage and driveway locations, to assure that the new neighborhoods are
attractive and livable. Guidelines designed to help achieve the housing goals are as follows:
[] Ensure that all housing types are accessible for persons with disabilities.
Detached, single-family housing will be the predominant land use in the South
District. Locate this type of housing primarily in the central portions of the neigh-
borhood away from arterial streets.
Use small lot, single-family housing and duplex development to serve as a gradual,
density progression between single-family homes located more centrally in the
neighborhood and the multi-family or townhouse buildings located near the com-
mercial center or along arterial streets.
Locate low to medium density multi-family housing in the form of townhouses
and small apartment buildings at the edges of the neighborhood along arterial
streets, and near the neighborhood commercial center, trails, major open space
areas, and institutional uses, such as a school or religious institutions. Limit the
size of individual parcels zoned for such development, so that the scale of build-
ings is compatible with surrounding uses and the traffic generated from such
developments is adequately accommodated.
Provide landscaped front yards and parking in the rear for townhouse and modest-
sized apartment buildings that face arterial streets. This will provide a boulevard
or parklike buffer along the street, and create a more attractive appearance than
expanses of paved, parking lots or walls of back yard fences lining such streets.
Design medium density housing to be similar in height and appearance to large,
single-family housing. Use design guidelines, such as requirements for the place-
ment of parking behind buildings, and provisions for attractive visible entryways
on multi-family buildings, to help assure that such buildings are compatible in
design with nearby lower density housing.
Ensure a variety of housing stock and provide controls on scale and density by
providing small multi-family lots of approximately 12,000 to 16,000 square feet for low
density multi-family housing at the intersections of collector and arterial streets. Lots of
this size will assure that the resulting apartment buildings will be no more than four to six
units per building so that there are no more than 24 units at any one intersection.
[] Encourage inclusion of accessible apartments in the neighborhood commercial center.
[] Improve the appearance of streetscapes by using alleys for access to garages. This
is especially important for residential developments with narrow lots.
[] Revise the front yard setback requirements of the Zoning Chapter to allow houses
with front porches to be built closer to the sidewalk.
Parks/Open ,Space. In the South District, neighborhood parks three to seven acres in size should
be provided as focal points for informal gatherings and recreation within easy walking distance
from residences in the neighborhood. Neighborhood parks should be centrally located within the
Sycamore East and Sycamore West neighborhoods, and be designed as an integral part of an
interconnected system of open space. Wherever possible, parks should be connected by
accessible trails, and located near schools, waterways and wooded areas.
8
In addition, two larger, neighborhood parks should be developed in association with the reclama-
tion of the pond (sandpit) east of Gilbert Street and as an enlargement of the new, regional
stormwater and greenspace corridor east of Sycamore Street. A regional or community park is
envisioned around the pond (sandpit) located west of Gilbert Street. A conservation area that
provides protection for a threatened species of turtle, perched wetlands on a sandy knoll,
archeological and prairie relicts should be considered on the McCollister property. The wooded
wetlands along the Iowa River should be reserved as natural open space and a floodplain
reservoir. Open space should be incorporated into the design of developments in the South
District to assure green buffers between medium and low density housing, between commer-
cial and residential uses, and along Sycamore Street. Guidelines for parks and open space
development are listed below:
Create neighborhood parks, three to seven acres in size, that are centrally located,
interconnected and accessible in terms of trails, parking areas, play equipment and
picnic shelters.
Ensure that neighborhood parks have benches and rest areas accessible for elderly
persons and people with disabilities. Accessible basketball courts, play equip-
ment, shelters with picnic areas, cooking areas, running water and restrooms
should be standard features of the new neighborhood parks and be incorporated
into the existing 24 acre Wetherby Park. Accessible, raised gardens should continue to
be provided in Wetherby Park.
Create access, a parking area and neighborhood park features in the south part of
Wetherby Park. There should be no north-south through street bisecting Wetherby
Park.
Design parks in association with trails, schools, waterways and wooded areas,
including larger parks designed in conjunction with the development of the re-
gional stormwater basin and the reclamation of the two ponds (sandpits). The
parks located adjacent to ponds may feature boating (small, non-motorized craft),
fishing and other water-related activities.
Preserve sensitive features, including the environmentally sensitive areas on the
McCollister tract, and waterways and wetlands throughout the South District,
particularly the wooded wetlands along the Iowa River and the contributing
drainageways and wetlands associated with the Snyder Creek Bottoms.
Incorporate green space to assure landscaped buffers between different land uses,
to create a landscaped, green buffer along Sycamore Street, and to provide a
green square within the neighborhood commercial area.
Trails. Pedestrian/bicycle trails help support pedestrian oriented neighborhood design by
providing off-road connections between key neighborhood destinations. A trail system
throughout the South District will connect parks, schools, commercial areas, and neigh-
borhoods. These trails will be designed for a variety of users and purposes, including
pedestrians, people with disabilities, bicyclists, joggers and roller skaters, and for trans-
portation as well as recreation. The trails, as well as the parks, schools, and commercial
areas they connect, should be accessible. An off-road loop trail through the South
District should be constructed as the area develops, taking advantage of utility ease-
ments and drainageways within the new neighborhoods. (Exhibit G, South District
Potential Trail System)
The main loop of the trail system will connect with the south extension of the Iowa River
Corridor Trail at Napoleon Park. From Napoleon Park, the trail will run southeast along the South
River Corridor Interceptor Sewer easement to the south soccer fields. It will then turn northeast
along the Snyder Creek Bottoms, and then north through the regional stormwater detention
area to be established on the Gatens tract. The trail will also connect with the trail proposed to
run south from the Whispering Meadows Wetlands Park through the Saddlebrook development.
9
The main loop will be linked at the north by a trail to be constructed along the south right-of-way
line of Highway 6. Another connecting trail from Napoleon Park to Wetherby Park to Grant
Wood School to Whispering Meadows Wetlands Park is also proposed, and will serve as a
central loop connection trail through the middle of the South District. Guidelines for establishing
trails in the South District are listed below:
Plan off-road, accessible trails for a variety of users. Design these trails as best as is
practical for pedestrians, bicyclists, joggers and other non-motorized means of transpor-
tation.
Use the trails to connect significant traffic generators, such as schools and commercial
areas. The trails should be an integral part of the city's transportation network as well
as being scenic and used for
recreational purposes.
As subdivisions develop, tie
trails into the main loop wher-
ever possible through the use
of branch trails or wide side-
walks (generally eight feet
wide). Also tie key neighbor-
hood destinations, such as a
commercial area, parks, or a
school, into the trail system
to provide pedestrian-scale ac-
cess.
Elementary School. As the South
District develops, the population will
increase to a level that will support
the construction of an elementary
school. The school should be cen-
Potential River Corridor Trail area near Sand Lake.
trally located and near an arterial street to allow easy access for bus and other school-related
traffic. Two potential elementary school sites have been identified. One is near the northwest
corner of the Sycamore Street L, and the other is just north of the south soccer fields. The
Sycamore Street L site is more centrally located in the developing area, and will be within closer
walking distance of more households. It will also be more accessible in the street system of the
developing neighborhoods. A school campus just north of the south soccer fields could be
integrated with the soccer fields, and share parking facilities as well. Guidelines for locating and
developing an elementary school site are listed below:
[] Connect the school to the trail system and locate it adjacent to a park or natural area.
Ensure that the school has access from the arterial street system, but allow intervening
land uses, such as townhouses or open space to buffer the school from the arterial
street. Locate outdoor play areas back from the arterial street.
Locate the school site in combination with or close to other recreational and institutional
uses, such as parks, team sports facilities, adult and child daycare, and encourage the
school to function as a neighborhood meeting place.
Design safe crossings for pedestrians near the school, especially arterial street cross-
ings.
Streets/Roads. Gilbert Street (Sand Road), Sycamore Street and Highway 6 are the principle
streets that currently serve the South District. These arterial streets serve as neighborhood
edges, and provide the framework for development in the South District. Segments of these
streets need to be upgraded to city design standards, and an east-west arterial street or
parkway aligned with the Sycamore L will be constructed to connect Gilbert Street/Sand Road
10
with Scott Boulevard/Sioux Avenue/Highway 6 to the east. Long-range plans show this arterial
street extending to the west and crossing the Iowa River. This river crossing is not likely to be
constructed within the next 20 years, because it would be located beyond the growth boundary
for Iowa City, would heavily impact a large area of wooded wetlands within the River Corridor
Area, and would be extremely expensive to develop. Also, there is sufficient capacity on
Highway 6 such that an additional arterial river crossing is not warranted in the short-term. A
major collector street is proposed to skirt the south boundary of Wetherby Park and provide a
fairly direct connection from Gilbert Street east to Sycamore Street. A modified grid of collec-
tor and local streets are envisioned to complete the necessary street network.
The location and design of the street network will have a major effect, not only on the
transportation patterns of the planning district, but will also effect the quality of life of
the new neighborhoods. Careful consideration should be given to the design of these
streets so that they become pleasant elements of the surrounding neighborhoods rather
than undesirable intrusions into the neighborhood. Guidelines for streets in the South
District are listed below:
Use arterial streets, including Gilbert Street/Sand Road, Sycamore Street, and the
new east west parkway to form the boundaries of the new neighborhoods in the
South District.
Use landscaped medians and wide landscaped areas at the sides of arterials, such
as Sycamore Street, to create a pleasant streetscape for passersby and make the
streets compatible with the surrounding residential development. Landscaped
arterials will create an environment more conducive to orienting the front of hous-
ing instead of fenced rear lots toward arterial streets.
[] Align collector streets across arterial streets to provide for the safe crossing of
neighborhood boundary streets, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists.
[] Within the neighborhood, design collector streets so they are not continuous
through streets, but are arranged in an offset grid pattern.
Arrange local residential streets in a modified grid pattern. Enhance the local
neighborhood streets and encourage pedestrian activity by narrowing the pave-
ment, providing trees, benches and attractive lighting along the streets, and en-
courage alternatives, such as alleys or narrow drives at the side of the house to
access a recessed or rear yard garage, and to minimize extensive curb cuts and
paved front yards.
Provide safe, attractive and accessible street crossings at key locations, such as
the entrances to the neighborhood commercial center, parks and school sites, and
where designated trails cross arterial streets.
Fire Protection. The South District is in the 'first response area" for Fire Station No. 3,
located at 2001 Lower Muscatine Road, just north of Highway 6. The engine company
from this station is responsible for being the first to respond to a call from the South
District. According to a 1991 Fire Station Location Study produced by the Johnson
County Council of Governments, the area south of Highway 6 is adequately protected by
the existing fire station locations. The average time for the area east of Sycamore Street
was under 3 minutes, considered optimal. The average response time modeled for the area
west of Sycamore Street was between 3 and 6 minutes, and is considered adequate, although
not optimal.
The distance of the fire station from the scene of the emergency, and the continuity of the
arterial street network both have an effect of travel time. An interconnected, modified grid
street system will serve to increase the number of access points, and will potentially reduce the
response time. The emergency vehicle response time for firefighting apparatus to respond to
the South District is considered adequate to the current city limits, and no additional fire
11
department facilities are planned at the current time. Urban growth and the extension of the
south city limits will prompt the need for an additional fire protection facility and emergency
response apparatus to serve the growing population within this area.
Sioux Avenue Area
Although the Sioux Avenue Area was not specifically studied by the neighborhood plan-
ning workshop participants, it is considered an extension of the South District New
Neighborhoods. With its access to Highway 6, the Sioux Avenue Area is a major
entranceway to southeast Iowa City. As this area develops, the City should ensure that
residential, commercial or industrial developments maintain an attractive appearance
through the use of landscaping and architectural standards.
The location of the Sioux Avenue Area makes it appropriate for both residential and
general industrial land uses. To the west are existing multi-family residential develop-
ment and manufactured housing land uses as well as large tracts zoned for future apart-
ments and manufactured housing parks. General industrial areas are located across
Highway 6 to the north. The area adjacent to the Highway 6 corridor may be suitable for
an extension of the light-industrial zone. If industrial zoning is established south of
Highway 6, a buffer will need to be created between residential areas to the west and the
potential industrial development. The preservation and enhancement of the Snyder
Creek stream corridor may serve as a natural buffer.
The east-west parkway will be extended through the Sioux Avenue Area as development
occurs. This parkway will tie into Highway 6 either at the Highway 6/Scott Boulevard
intersection, or by intersecting with an improved Sioux Avenue. It is likely Sioux Avenue
will become an extension of the Scott Boulevard north-south arterial street along the
eastern limits of the city. These infrastructure improvements will enhance the potential
for residential and/or general industrial development in the Sioux Avenue Area.
Implementation
Full development of the South District will likely occur over several decades. The City
will influence the pace and character of this development through the extension of
infrastructure, such as sanitary sewer and arterial streets. However, the housing market
will have the greatest influence on the time frame in which the South District develops.
The City's decisions regarding annexations, rezonings and subdivisions can have a great
bearing on the quality of the physical design, and on the long term quality of life of the
neighborhoods to be built in the South District. Implementation of the South District
Plan will occur as development proposals are approved and the neighborhood planning
concepts are incorporated into these developments. Amendments of City Codes, includ-
ing the Zoning Chapter and the Subdivision Regulations, will be necessary to implement
some of the concepts set forth in this South District Plan.
Implementation of the open space policies will occur as the City acquires parkland and
trail corridors as part of development plans and as the City or other entities acquire
environmentally sensitive areas, such as wooded wetlands in the Iowa River Corridor.
Acquisition of such properties may involve the expenditure of considerable funds; there-
fore, outside sources of funding, such as REAP (Resource Enhancement and Protection)
should be considered.
The Iowa City Community School District will have a role to play in the overall design
and functioning of the South District neighborhoods through its choice of a school
location. The City will work with the school district and developers to allow the district
to reserve or acquire a desirable school location. The City will also influence the character of
the South District through the design of the street network. Consideration should be given to
incorporating landscaped medians or green buffer strips along Gilbert Street, Sycamore Street,
the east-west parkway and along Highway 6.
SOUTH PLANNING DISTRICT
..l J .....
EXHIBIT
E
HARCH 1997
/
/
' - South Planning District
Recorded Archaeological Sites
"* Office of the State Archaeologist
August 1997
DlsooMI [
I
I
.~ .. '~,-~ ~
I
Site Iocation~ for this map arc
based on in£ormation in the
Iowa Site File. For more
in£ormation about a particular
site, contact the Office o£ the
State ^rchaeologist.
For a determination o£ the
National Register status of a
site, contact the State Historic
Preservation Officer.
'b
25~
' 640
~676
-- --I-- -- ~'
I
I
I
EXHIBIT B
i
This map Is · composite from
Iowa Site File copies ot'
U.S.G.S. !owt City West,
Iowa CII~ East, lulls, and
West l,ibert~ Quadrangles
Archaeological Site
South Study Limit
Suspected Location
of Wapashashiek's
village
Section
27
22
22
22
22
22
22 & 27
25
25 & 26
26
26
26
26
26 & 35
26 & 27
27
35
22
South Planning District Recorded Archaeological Sites
East Lucas Township (T79N-R6W)
Section Division
SW ¼
SW ¼
SE ¼
SE ¼
SE ¼
SE ¼
SW¼&NW ¼
NW¼
NE¼&NW ¼
NW¼
SW ¼
SW ¼
SW ¼
SW ¼&NE¼
SW ¼ & SE ¼
SW 'A
SE ¼
SW ¼
EXHIBIT B
Site No.
13JH35
Wapashashiek's Village
13JH250
Napoleon Town Site
13JH251
13JH292
13JH293
13JH716
13JH774
13JH337
13JH335
13JH336
13JH749
13JH750
13JH751
13JH752
13JHI31
Old McCoilister Farm
13JH765
13JH512
13JH743
Site Type and Cultural Affiliation
Meskwaki village, historic period
(location unconfLrmed)
habitation, Woodland & early Johnson County
settlement periods
mound, Woodland period
possible camp, prehistoric
camp, prehistoric
artifact scarer, historic period
dump, recent
artifact scatter, Woodland period
artifact scatter, prehistoric
artifact scatter, prehistoric
artifact scarer, recent
artifact scatter, recent
artifact scatter, prehistoric
artifact scatter, prehistoric
habitation, Woodland period
artifact scatter, prehistoric
artifact scatter, prehistoric
late fur trade/early settlement period
SOUTH DISTRICT PROPERTY OWNERSHIP
EXHIBIT C
MARCH 19c~7
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, CIT'Y OF IOWA CITY
GILBERT STREET cor"IHERCIAL CORRIDOR
STURGIS
FERRY
PARK
IMp~rRIN_
IIIII
~C~[ i] °
z
-.
,'Vo
,GO ~J
S0U THGATE A?':_
I I I I III
EXHIBIT D
MARCH 1997
I I I
NORTH
-'-'-...~:..'.~ PROPOSED RIffZONING
TO GENERAL COMMERCIAL
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, CITY OF' IOWA CITY
EXHIBIT E
SOUTH DISTRICT LAND USE SCENARIO
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, CiTY OF iOWA CiTY
.SOUTH DISTRICT
POTENTIAL
/t
1.\
EXHIBIT G '"'
MARCH
· TI~AIL CONN~C?IONS
Appendix A
ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES IN THE SOUTH DISTRICT SUBAREAS: RIVER
CORRIDOR AREA. SYCAMORE WEST AREA AND SYCAMORE EAST AREA
September 1996
Wooded wetlands and floodplains within the Iowa River Corridor are significant environ-
mental features in the South District, particularly west of Gilbert Street. The area also
contains upland woodlands, large areas of hyddc soils, sand mining operations, several
watershed/drainage areas and potentially, a population of terrestrial box turtles, which
are on the State threatened species list. These factors all impact the planning and
development of new neighborhoods in the South District. The Sensitive Areas Inventory
Map - Phase I (See Exhibit D, South District Sensitive Areas) depicts the location of
these features.
Estimates of environmentally sensitive areas in the three South District subareas: the
River Corridor Area, the Sycamore West Area, the Sycamore East Area, and the Sioux
Avenue Area indicate that:
520 acres (17%) are potential wetlands
180 acres (6%) are potential, wooded wetlands
40 acres (1%) are upland woods
640 acres (21%) contain hydric (water-saturated) soils
Approximately 45% of the four subareas are comprised of sensitive features. Not
including hydric soils, approximately 24% of the four subareas are potentially a sensitive
area. More detailed consideration was given to the sensitive features in terms of their
resource values as well as their impacts on development within the three separate
subareas. Some of the environmental features are noted as being located on certain
properties within the subareas. (See Exhibit C, South District Property Ownership).
See Table I below for sens'ffive area acreages in the four South District subareas.
TABLE I.
SOUTH DISTRICT SUBAREA ACREAGES
Sensitive Areas - Acres
Wooded
Total Potential Potential Upland Hydric
Acres Wetlands Wetlands Woods Soils
% of total Acres (%) Acres (%) Acres (%) Acres (%)
River Cord- 370 (12) 130 (25) 100 (56) 10 (25) 20 (3)
dor
Sycamore 900 (30) 20 (4) 10 (6) 20 (50) 260 (41)
West
Sycamore 1430 (48) 320 (62) 70 (39) 10 (25) 240 (38)
East
Sioux Ave- 300 (10) 50 (10) 0 (0) 0 (0) 120 (19)
nue
Total 3000 520 (17) 180 (6) 40 (1) 640 (21)
F.3URES tN PARENTHESES REPRESENT A PERCENT OF TOTAL.
NOTE: All figures are approximate.
2
River Corridor Area
Much of the River Corridor is located within the 100-year floodplain of the Iowa River.
Existing residences located along the dver on two properties south of Napoleon Park
were heavily damaged dudng the 1993 floods. A few other residences are located in
the River Corridor ^rea, but the dominant land use in the area is sand extraction; sand
mining operations exist on three of the seven properties in the River Corridor Area.
Much of the land, particularly the area of potential, wooded wetlands adjacent to the
dver, has been retained in its natural state. A 26 acre park, Napoleon Park, which is
largely devoted to softball fields, is located adjacent to the Iowa River in the north part
of this subarea.
The soils in the River Corridor Area are primarily composed of permeable soils that are
subject to flooding and have relatively high water tables and are highly erodible. These
wet soils are located on the west portions of properties adjacent to the Iowa River, and
are consistent with the areas shown as potential wetlands and hyddc soils on the
Sensitive ^reas Inventory Map - Phase I. According to the Johnson County Soil Survey
(1983), there are moderate to severe limitations in such soils for various types of
construction, including shallow excavations, dwellings with or without basements,
commercial structures, landscaping and local roads. However, according to the soil
survey, these soils are suitable for trails as well as for trees and native vegetation.
Given the environmentally sensitive nature of this section of the South District and the
limitations on development within the soil types located along the Iowa River, develop-
ment should be allowed on a very limited basis. Three parcels adjacent to Gilbert Street
contain some land that is not considered environmentally sensitive and have soils that
are suitable for development.. The reclamation plans for areas that have been mined
should be evaluated, and consideration given to establishing parks, greenways, trails
and open space for the larger part of the River Corridor ^rea. Public acquisition of
these properties may be appropriate. Retention of areas in their natural state will
provide absorptive flood plains and abundant wildlife habitat along the Iowa River. With
proper planning, the Iowa River and its environs can provide a significant environmental
amenity to the residential development east of Gilbert Street.
The City's adopted artedal street plan proposes an artedal street through the River
Corridor which would cross the Iowa River and provide a connection between the
interchange of Highway 218 and Riverside Drive and the intersection of Sand Road
(Gilbert Street) and Sycamore Street. This river crossing has been in City plans for
several years. However, detailed plans or a time frame for its construction have never
been established. Construction of the river crossing would provide an alternative for
traffic on Highway 6, which is expected to have capacity problems in the future. Given
the environmentally sensitive features in this area, if and when detailed plans are
developed for the river crossing, consideration must be given to a design and alignment,
which minimizes environmental damage.
Sycamore West Area
The Sycamore West Area is located generally west of Sycamore Street and east of
Gilbert Street. A drainage area runs south through the Prospect Farms, Pleasant Valley
and Campbell properties. A sandy ridge containing an unknown number of omate box
turtles is situated on the McCollister property, and also contains two small potential
wetlands that were formerly sandpits. Wethe. rby Park (24 acres) is located on the
northeast edge of the McCollister property, immediately southeast of the Pepperwood
Subdivision. A sand mining operation is currently excavating an area on S&G property
adjacent to and east of Gilbert Street.
The presence of 260 acres of hydric soils that are stdated across the Sycamore West
Area indicates the probability of a high water table and the potential for wetlands for a
majority of this area. Development of these properties will involve consultation with the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to determine whether or not any of the hydric soils areas
are jurisdictional wetlands. If the Corps determines that wetlands exist on property
within the City or being annexed into the City, the wetlands will need to be delineated
and protected in accordance with the City's Sensitive Areas Ordinance.
Areas of hydric soils that are not wetlands can be developed, but may require special
construction practices for streets, structures and stormwater management facilities.
Hydric soils that are located adjacent to wetlands and the drainageway (stream corridor)
should be treated as environmental assets; to provide stormwater detention, wetland
enhancement or buffers, protective greenways along the stream corridor and neighbor-
hood open space. Because a preponderance of the soils in this area are subject to
ponding, wetness, poor drainage and high water capacities, planning for adequate
drainage and stormwater management for this area will be needed prior to development.
A few, small potential wetlands and the only woodlands within this area (approximately
22.5 acres) are located in the northwest portion of the Sycamore West Area.
There are indications on the McCollister property that ornate box turtles (Terrepene
Omata) may exist on and around a sandy ridge located on the site. These turtles are
listed as a State of Iowa threatened species. As such, these turtles are accorded a
certain level of protection, and cannot knowingly be destroyed. The owner and/or
developer of the property will need to plan development accordingly, and should consult
with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to determine whether the turtles can be
relocated and the appropriate procedures to ensure a successful relocation of this
threatened species, or to create a suitable preserve or conservation area to protect the
turtles if it is determined that they cannot be moved to a different location.
Sycamore East Area
The Sycamore East Area is located east of Sycamore Street, and west of current city
limits. The Sycamore East Area also has problems with a high water table and poor
drainage due to the relatively fiat topography and the impermeability or ponding charac-
teristics of many of the soils. The potential wetlands and wooded wetlands in this area
are primarily located along a drainageway that extends from the Barker property south
to the Gatens Trust property and then further south, then west through the Apel and
Lake Calvin properties, where it flows into a large protected wetland area, known as the
Snyder Creek Bottoms, and on in a more westerly direction through the City wastewater
treatment plant site. The drainageway on the west edge of the Barker tract and south-
ward on the Gatens tract has been cited as an area to be acquired by the city and
improved into a wider, chain of wetlands to facilitate drainage and flood control for this
area. A fanned set of wetland basins may be sited in the southeast comer of the
Gatens Trust tract.
A six acre potential wetland is located east of the Makada Subdivision, and other
smaller potential wetlands are scattered throughout this subarea. The predominance
of potential wetlands and hyddc soils on most of the properties in the Sycamore East
Area underscores the need for developers to consult with the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers prior to proceeding with development. Most properties in this subarea will
4
require either a Sensitive Areas Site Plan or a Sens'~dve Areas Oveday rezon-
ing/Sens'fdve Areas Development Plan, and special construction practices, as indicated
for the Sycamore West Area.
Sioux Avenue Area
The Sioux Avenue Area is located east of the current eastem city limits, south and west
of Highway 6, and north of the city growth area limits. The most significant environ-
mental feature of this area is Snyder Creek, which runs from the northeast to the
southwest portion of the Sioux Avenue Area and empties into the Snyder Creek Bot-
toms. The Sioux Avenue Area contains large areas of hydric soils, which indicate the
potential for wetlands.
Development can occur in areas with hydric soils that are not wetlands; special con-
struction methods may be required, however, for streets, structures, and stormwater
management facilities. When hydric soils are located next to wetlands and stream
corridors, they serve valuable environmental purposes, such as: stormwater detention,
wetland and stream corridor buffering, and neighborhood open space. Given the
hydrologic qualities of these soils, particular drainage and stormwater management
planning must take place before development can proceed.
APPENDIX B:
Citizens Participate in Planning New Neighborhoods in the South District of Iowa City
In September 1995, the Iowa City urban planning staff formed a team to collect background infor-
mation on the South District of Iowa City located south of Highway 6 and east of the Iowa River.
Major street and sewer extensions, regional stormwater management, and parks and trails planned
for the area were noted on a base map that was developed showing existing land uses, property
ownership, acres of land in individual tracts, and environmental resource areas, such as weftands,
woodlands, stream corridors
and flood plains. Soil patterns
were evaluated, and known ar-
chaeological and histodc sites
were noted.
In November 1995, a letter was
forwarded to property owners in
of the South District informing
them that the South District
study was underway. The prop-
erty owners were invited to par-
ticipate in a public meeting in
eady 1996 to help plan for the
area and were asked to submit
their comments on future devel-
opment of the area at any time.
Similar announcement letters
were forwarded in November/
Citizens working on South District neighborhood plans,
Grant Wood Elernentary School, March, 1996
Decembar 1995 to neighborhood associations (Grant Wood, Pepperwood, Hilltop), the Johnson
County Board of Supervisors, Iowa City Commissions (Parks & Recreation, Riverfront & Natural
Areas, Planning & Zoning), environmental interests and major developers.
In January 1996, the urban planning staff conducted individual meetings with major property own-
ers and developers to bdef them on the study and to elicit information/plans they might have for
future development of their properties. The staff also conducted informational meetings with the
Citizens working on South Dis~ct neighborhood plans,
Grant Wood Elementary School, March, 1996
Grant Wood Neighborhood As-
sociation, the Pepperwood
Neighborhood Association,
residents of subdivisions lo-
cated in the County south of the
city limits, the Parks and Rec-
realion Commission, the Neigh-
borhood Open Space Commit-
tee, Iowa City Community
School District officials, and the
Environmental Technical Advi-
sory Committee. At each meet-
ing, the planning staff gained
additional specific information
on properties, land uses, envi-
ronmental constraints and plan-
ning preferences concerning
development of new neighbor-
hoods in the South District.
In late February, 1,500 post cards were mailed to South District residents, property owners, devel-
opers and others inviting them to the new neighborhood planning workshops in the evening on
March 11 and March 25 at the Grant Wood Elementary School, a neighborhoed school. People,
who wished to participate in the 'hands-on planning workshops,' were asked to call in their reser-
vations. Informational packets on the South Distdct were forwarded to people who indicated an
interest -- whether they were able to attend the meeting or not.
On March 11, 40 people gathered at Grant Wood Elementary School. Following an introductory
slide show and presentation of land use scenarios, the workshop participants divided into seven
planning teams to discuss and map their ideas for neighborhood commercial areas, schools,
parks/trails and housing. Each team presented their map and report at the end of the March 11
session. The ideas generated at the March 11 workshop were used to formulate two new land use
scenarios, and to determine common issues/preferences among the teams. On March 25, these
concepts were refined by the seven teams, and have been integrated by the urban planning staff
into the planning document for the South District.
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CITY OF I01I~4 CITY
IOWA CID' Lilt COUNCIl
MfiYOR NAOMI J. NOVICR
MAYOR PRO TIM ERNIE LEHMAN
LARRY
RAR[N RUB!IY
D[[ NORlON
DEAN '11tORN!~[RRY
D[[ VfiND[RHO[I:
IOWA CI1Y PLANNING ~, ZONING COMMI(~ION
GEORGE ~;TARR. CHAIRPERSON
ANN BOVB][RG. VICE-CHAIR
LEA ~UPPL[. ~[CR['I'fiRY
B[N,IAMIN CHfilT
PAM [HRHARI)T
RI(:HARI) GIB~ON
PHILIP ~;HIV[
CI1Y MANAGER
(~'I[PH[N J. I:I~IN~
D[PARm[NT OF PLANNING ~, COMMUNI]Y D[V[tOPM[NT
IlARIN FRHN!{LIN. DIRECTOR
JEFF I)fiVII)SON. ASSISTtiNT DIR[CTOR
ROBERT MII{LO. ~ENIOR PtlANNER
Resolution No. 97-3~8
RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE 1997 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN INCLUD-
ING THE SOUTH DISTRICT PLAN.
WHEREAS, a Com~ Plan is a statement of goals and policies of the community;,
and
WHEREAS, the ~ Plan should be reviewed and updated periodically; and
WHEREAS; the City has '.~iated develo~nent of a new comprehensive plan through the
Iowa ~ Beyond 2000 dtizen task force visioning process, the Planning and Zoning Corn-
taken Idace within the community since the 1989 Comprehensive Plan Ulxlate; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IOWA
CITY:
The 1997 Iowa City Comprehensive Plan induding the ,~3uth District Plan be adopted.
MAYOR
It was moved by . Tl~0~.~erry and seconded by
tion be adopted, and upon roll call there were:
Norton the Resolu-
AYES: NAYS: ABSENT:
X
X
X
X
x
X
X
Baker
Kubby
Lehman
Norton
Novick
Thomberry
Vanderhoef
IOWA CITY: BEYOND .2000
1994 TASK FORCE MEMBERSHIP
ARTS, CULTURE & HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
Facilitator - Smaaa Crai~
Peggy Doerge Christine K. Pacek
Harold Engen ChelTI J. Schlote
Clark Houghton Eldon Snyder
Jody Hovland Charles T. Traw
Mike Huber
ECONOMIC WELL.BEING
Facilitator - S~qdma Atki~
William Gerhard Loren Schmitt
Vicki Lensing M~rk Smith
Demk Maurer Tom Werderilsch
Mary New Cheryl Whitney
Lynn E. Rowat
PARKS, RECREATION & OPEN SPACE
Facilimtor - Terry Tr~eblood
Eric L. Engh Dee W. Norton
Richard Hoppin Janelie R. Rettig
Kevin Houlahan Marls Snider
Jean Kisder Kendall Bill Snider
Deb Liddell
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
F~cilitamr - Meledy Ro~kwdl
Kerry M. Fitzpatrick Nancy Seiberling
Michael Garyin Frieda Shannon
.vlatc Libants Robert M. Sierk
Gertrude MacQueen Ron Vogel
Mark Phillips
PUBLIC SAFETY
Facilitator - Chief R.J. Winkeiimke
James R. Berry Mitchell F. Jones
Richard Blunt Terrence L. Neuzil
Ann Bovbjerg Gregory M. Smith
Anna Buss Sinyen L. Stirnmel
HOUSING
Facilimmr - Mamame M~
Paula Brandi Charles ~
Robert C. Carlson Marie F. Kamps
Jason Chen Bett7 Kelly
Carolyn Corbin Eric A. Nilausen
Susan Dulek
SOCIAL SERVICES
Facilitator - Mar~e Penney
Sara MeNin Carfie Norton
Lowell Brandi Jennifer Olson
Barbara Curtin Jim Swaim
Jay Mendenhall Linda A. Whitaker
LAND USE AND URBAN PATrERN
Facilimmr - Karl. Frankfin
W. Michael Blair Nancy Ostrugnai
John S. Casko Douglas S. Russell
Gemud Champe Robert J. Saunders
Casey Cook Dee Vanderhoef
Steven L. Droll
TRANSPORTATION
Facilitator - Jeff Davidson
Linda Heneghan Gregory Kovaciny
Del Holland Brian McClatchey
Howard Horan Liz Miller
Catherine Johnson Frederic W. Yocum. Jr.
Tim Clancy
CITY OF IOWA CITY
City Vision Statement ..............................................1
Introduction to Comprehensive Plan ........................... 3
Iowa City: The Community .......................................7
Iowa City Growth Policy .........................................13
A Community of Neighborhoods .............................. 19
Economic Well-Being ..............................................27
Social Fabric .........................................................31
Iowa City Beyond 2000: Implementation Strategies ... 35
Introduction to Planning Districts .............................57
Central Planning District ....................................61
Downtown Planning District ............................... 69
Northeast Planning District ................................77
North Planning District ......................................85
Northwest Planning District ...............................95
Southwest Planning District ............................. 105
South Central Planning District ......................... 115
South Planning District ....................................125
Southeast Planning District .............................. 135
North Corridor Planning District ........................ 143
Appendix
Appendix
Appendix
Appendix
Appendix
Appendix
Appendix
A: Land Use Map
B: Vacant Residential Land Inventory
C: Iowa City/Johnson County Fringe Area
Agreement
D: Sensitive Areas Inventory Map
E: Employment Ranking
F: Acres of Land by Zone
G: Neighborhood Open Space
(these appe~s are bound separately):
Appendix H: Iowa City Historic Preservation Plan
Appendix I: JCCOG Arterial Street Plan
Appendix J: Iowa City Economic Development Policies
VI II]N
T TI:MI NT
Iowa City is an attractive, energetic city with a vital downtown, a
heallhy econm~, safe neighborhoods, and diversity in its people.
As Iowa City grows, we will strive to preserve the character and
identity of the community while guiding the creation of compatible
new areas; protecting the environment; encouraging diversity in
the population, in housing, and in jobs; and offedng opportunities
for human development to Iowa city's citizens. Iowa City will be an
inclusive, accessible and safe community to all its citizens. em-
bradng persons with disabil'dJes and all races, cultures, life-styles,
ages, and socio-economic groups.
2
INTROI UCTION
TO
COPIPRFHEN I¥E
3
Why hav~ a Comprehens/~e P/an?
The character and future of a community are set by the imagina-
tion, vision and commitment of the people who live and work them.
Part of this commitment involves planning for the future. This com-
prehensive plan presents a vision for Iowa City, provides a strat-
egy for realizing the vision, and sets policies for the growth and
development of specific geographic areas of the city.
A comprehensive plan must address the multiple facets of a com-
munity and integrate those facets into a workable whole. Some-
tim individual pol'mies may seem to conflict if viewed in isolation.
The comprehensive plan should resolve these conflicts as indi-
vidual policies are viewed in the context of the whole community.
A comprehensive plan focuses on agreed upon community goals
and values. The process of formulaUng the plan is as important as
the plan itself. Through a process which accommodates the diver-
sity of a community such as Iowa City, principles and policies are
adopted that are used as the basis for laws and practices that
govem the city. 'rhe comprehensive plan can be used to defend
laws and practices if they are challenged.
The comprehensive plan provides a guide for decision-making so
that the decisions we make today do not jeopardize our vision for
the future. This enables us to address the needs of the present
without compromising lhe ability of future generations to meet their
rtccds. As we endeavor to improve the quality of life in Iowa City,
the basic principles of the vision are kept before us in the compre-
hensive plan.
4
To create the community vision of the comprehensive plan, citizen
task forces were organized in the spring of 1994 to address each
facet of the community. The task forces were asked to envision
Iowa City in the future -- beyond the year 2000 -- within the con-
text of each assigned area. The goal of this process was to de-
vise a plan for Iowa City which grew from the vision of Iowa City's
people. The vision statements created by these task forces are
the basis of this plan.
In this process, the following physical facets of the community were
examined by a specific task force:
· housing
· land use and urban pattem
· transportation
· ~ environment
· parks, recreation, and open space
· arts, culture and human development
· social services
· public safety
· economic well-being
The city has been organized into ten geographically designated
planning districts. The community direction articulated in the vi-
sion statements for each of the above areas will be applied to
each planning district.
The key concepts which can be dedved from the vision statements
and which define Iowa City's character am diversity, neighbor-
hood integrity, opportunity, and accessibility. These cohorts
should be interpreted under the broadest possible defin'~ion and
applied to Iowa City comprehensively. The comprehensive plan
accepts that growth and development will occur in Iowa City, and
should be managed such that the community vision is achieved.
Adoption of Iowa City's Comprehensive Plan rests with the City
Council. The City Coundl's action is the culmination of a process
which began at the grass roots level with the citizens of Iowa City
indicating what the vision for the future should be, included input
from the City's neighborhood organizations on this vision, and pro-
ceeded through discussion by various City Boards and Commis-
sions°
Format of the Plan
The overriding approach of the comprehensive plan is the premise
that Iowa City is a community of neighborhoods. As we look to the
future, we will build places to live, work and play, that are safe,
clean and attractive; and physically and financially accessible to
the people who make up Iowa City. To support the quality of life we
INTR. ODUETION
TO THE
[OMPREHEN IV-_/-
PLaN
INTROI YCTION
TO
£01 PREHEN IYE
PLFIN
5
desire, the community will need a sound economy with a variety of
industries, goods and services to sustain us. The comprehensive
plan relates how we will achieve It~ese lhings. The comprehensive
plan includes sections dealing with the concept of neighborhood,'
a community growth policy, and directions for the economic well-
being of the city.
The comprehensive plan has little use if them is no clear strategy
of action to carry it out. The sections which follow the policy state-
ments of the plan detail implementation strategies for each facet of
the community. These strategies are applied to each of the ten
planning dis~cts. Each year an action plan will be developed to
ensure that there is a strategy for making Iowa City's vision for the
future become a reality.
IOWfi CI1Y:
THE CO UNITY
7
Iowa City is the county seat of Johnson County, and most notable
for being the home of The University of Iowa and The University of
Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. The University is located in the center
of the community and is by far the area's largest employer. With
approximately 30,000 students, the University contributes greatly
to the economy and culture of Iowa City. Other major employers
include the Veterans Administration and Mercy hospitals, Ameri-
can College Testing (ACT), National Computer Ser-
~_~.j....!~J vices (NCS), and manufacturing plants such as
Procter and Gamble, United Technologies, and Oral
:' ~'~ '"!~ B. Iowa City's local economy is also strengthened
by many locally owned and operated businesses in
the commercial retail sector. See Appendix E for a
table of local employers.
! I
History
The Iowa City area was first populated by the Sac
and Fox Indian tribes. The first settlers of Euro-
pean descent arrived in the Iowa City area in the
_ late 1820's and eventually established the town of
Napoleon around 1838. Iowa City was platted and
chosen as the capitol of the Iowa Territory in 1839. In that year,
construction began on a capitol building (Old Capitol), which is
now located at the center of The University of Iowa campus and is
a focal point for the city. The University was founded in 1847 but
did not begin classes until 1855 due to a lack of funds. In 1857 the
state capitol was moved from Iowa City to Des Moines. Old Capi-
tol now serves as a museum on The University of Iowa campus.
Iowa City has a record of preserving its heritage. In 1982 the City
Council created the Iowa City Histodc Preservation Commission.
8
The Commission produced one of Iowa's first local histodc preser-
vation plans which was adopted by the City Council. The Histodc
Preservation Plan Appendix H is an element of Iowa City's Com-
prehensive Plan.
Today Iowa City encompasses approximately 24 square miles.
The activity and employment focal point remains The University
of Iowa and downtown. Iowa City undertook significant urban re-
newal downtown in the 1970's and early 1980's. Construction of
several major development projects were completed dudng this
time, including Old Capitol Mall, the Plaza Centre One office build-
ing, the Iowa City Public Library, the Holiday Inn,
two City parking structures, and the Dubuque/col- ~ ....
lege Street Pedestrian Plaza. i
In addition to new construction, several historic
buildings have been rehabilitated within downtown.
As a result, downtown contains an eclectic mix of
both historic and modem structures. Downtown
remains the activity center of Iowa City; however,
similar to downtowns throughout the country, its
role as the community's primary retail center has
been diminished by oulJying commercial strip shop-
ping centers and 'big box" retail developments. A
proposal to build a regional mall in northwest
Coralville may further challenge the economic vi-
tality of downtown Iowa City. However, the unique-
ness of downtown Iowa City and its many locally-
owned and operated businesses provides a strong
base for further economic development.
IOWA [HY:
TH_ COMMUNI-IY
Urban renewal projects such as the constuction of the
Holiday Inn significantly changed the appearance of
downtown in the 1970s and '80s
Population Projections
Iowa City saw an increase in population and resi-
dential development in the decade between 1980
and 1990, trends which did not occur in most of
the rest of the State of Iowa. From 1980 to 1990,
Iowa City experienced moderate growth at a rate
of approximately 920 people per year. From 1990
to 1996, the growth in the City's population is less
clear. A special census was ordered in 1996. The
results of that census are puzzling when con-
trasted to the building activity in the city. The cen-
sus showed an increase of only 68 people per year
over the six years since the count in 1990. Dudng
this same pedod permits were issued for 2550
dwelling units. The inconsistencies between the
building activity and Ihe population count are diffi-
~1~.~..'_- -,:-~,..~-- ~.: ~':..~
Adaptive reuse of historic Paul-Helen Building adds an
important element to downtown.
cult to explain and consequently very difficult to use as a basis for
projections. For the purpose of this plan and until we have the
population figures from the 2000 census, a slow rate of growth is
assumed. Slow is defined as approximately 100 people per year.
University of Iowa
The University of Iowa campus covers approximately 1500 acres
west and north of downtown Iowa City. Planning for the campus
Many of Iowa City's historic buildings,
such as this dwelling on
Woodlawn Avenue are protected by
historic preservation regulations.
IOWR lilY:
TH_12 [OMMIJNHY
9
is under the auspices of the State of Iowa, and the University is
exempt from the City's development and zoning regulations. The
City of Iowa City and lhe University work cooperatively in planning
and developing projects to assure that mutual interests are ad-
dressed.
Neighborhoods
To the north, east and west of downtown are older residential neigh-
borhoods which include many historic structures. These older
neighborhoods provide a mix of housing types, including rooming
houses for students, apartments, and single family homes. As
distance increases from the University, the density of housing
decreases and the predominance of owner-occupied single fam-
ily homes increases. The City has made a commitment to pre-
serving its historic neighborhoods, and adopted measures such
as historic district overlay zoning as preservation tools. The Iowa
City Historic Preservation Plan provides further details on neigh-
borhood preservation efforts.
South of downtown are mixed use areas, including commercial,
light industrial and residential. The City has adopted the Near
Southside Redevelopment Plan to address the neighborhood south
of Burlington Street. Areas further south and southeast are zoned
for intensive commercial and light industrial uses.
Farther from downtown the city is dnged by new residential subdi-
visions. These are generally single family in character. However,
areas of higher density residential dwellings have developed along
Mormon Trek Boulevard, Scott Boulevard, and south of Highway
6 during the 1980's and 1990's.
The City has established the Office of Neighborhood Services to
facilitate the exchange of information between the City and neigh-
borhoods. The City has assisted in the designation of several
formal neighborhood associations, shown on the following map.
AJthough frequently these groups are established when the neigh-
borhood coalesces around a controversial issue, they are encour-
aged to remain in place to enhance communication between the
City and the neighborhood. The City's goal is to have all residen-
tial areas within the City affiliated with a designated neighborhood
organization.
The Future
With steady population growth throughout the 20th century, Iowa
City has evolved from a town into a small city. While this growth
has been the envy of many other communities in the state of Iowa
that have declined in population, the transition from town to city
has brought numerous growth related issues. These include:
· The enc~-oachment of multi-family residential struc-
tures into formerly single family neighborhoods.
· Traffic congestion on inner city neighborhood
streets from outlying residential and commercial
development.
10
The trans'rdon from on-street and surface parking
to structured parking d(~l~.
The Imidng of certain inc~ levels out of the Iowa
City I~ing market.
The University of Iowa growth issues.
Concerns about development in environmentally
sensitive areas.
Meeting the demand for services and facir~ies for
a growing population.
These and a multitude of other issues make the comprehensive
plan for Iowa City of critical importance as we steer our way into
the 21 st century.
IDWH CITY:
TH[ COMMUNllY
'i
Neighbc~rhoods of Iowa City
/-
FIGURE 1
12
IOWFI EITY
POLIE¥
13
In 1993 the City Council adopted amendments to Iowa City's Com-
prehensive Plan which established a growth policy for the city.
The growth policy is an integral part of the Comprehensive Plan,
and establishes three specific pol'a:ies pertinent to any discus-
sion of growth and development:
(~)
(2)
(3)
It defines a long-range planning boundary for Iowa City;
It establishes when annexations should occur;, and
It establishes where the investment of public funds for in-
frastructum improvements should occur.
This growth policy refines the policy adopted in 1993 so that it
reflects current development pressures and decisions, and guid-
ance provided by the Beyond 2000 vision statements.
1. The Long-range (20-30 yea~ Planning Boundary
The sanitary sewer service area shown in Figure 2 defines the
long-range planning boundary for Iowa City. Based on Iowa City's
annual growth rate, the land available within the long range plan-
ning boundary should be sufficient for Iowa City's growth until at
least the year 2020. The sanitary sewer service area is generally
based on watershed boundaries and defines the eventual corpo-
rate limits for the purposes of long-range planning. Guiding new
developments to watersheds which can be served by gravity flow
sanitary sewer to the City's sewage treatment plant enables the
most cost effective provision of this City service. Sanitary sewer
and streets are the most expensive items of public infrastructure
which must be provided to new development. The long-range
growth area boundary should be used when making decisions
regarding the extension of infrastructure, the approval of subdivi-
sions, the approval of agreements with other govemmental juris-
dk:tions regarding growth, and in response to annexation requests.
[IOWA CITY LONG RANGE PLANNING BOUNDARY I
! !
FIGURE 2
IOWFI £1TY
GI O H POLII Y
Reconstruction of a sanitary sewer line
under Clark StreeL
15
With adoption of the growth policy in 1993, it was pointed out that
existing and planned improvements to the sewer system could
serve an add'~dona1700 acres beyond the designated growth area. '
The location of this 700 acres was generally identified as north of
1-80 since collection capacity exists in the River Corridor Trunk
line. The specific property to be served was not delineated since
there is no clear watershed demarcation. As development
progresses east of First Avenue in Coralville to Dubuque Street
and residential subdivisions in the North Corridor continue to pro-
liferate, it is appropriate for Iowa City to identify the 700 acre ser-
vice area more specifically to facilitate clear development agree-
ments with Coralville and Johnson County.
As shown in Figure 2, the amended long-range planning bound-
an/for property north of 1-80 is defined by the Iowa River and Rapid
Creek. The area extends east to a line roughly along the existing
corporate limits of Iowa City. Any area north of 1-80 will require a
lift station to access the gravity flow sanitary sewer system via
the Bjaysville Lane sewer or be served by the Highlander lift sta-
tion. The land denoted as part of the amended growth area can
be served most efficiently, allows for the most compact develop-
ment in relation to the rest of the city, and does not require a river
crossing; Development within this area can also occur without
the necessity of bddging Rapid Creek.
The growth boundary adopted in 1993 has also been amended to
reflect the decision made regarding the alignment of Highway 965.
The new boundary on the west side of Iowa City is shown con-
ceptually as a line which runs south from Highway 218 along the
alignment of Hurt Road and then along the east property line of
the Iowa City Landfill to Rohret Road. The decision regarding
Highway 965, the location and planned expansion of the landfill,
and anticipated pressures to develop land west of the current cor-
porate limits support moving the long-range planning boundary
west. Development will be limited in the short term by the capac-
ity and location of sanitary sewers. Discussion of capital improve-
ments nc.c. ded to serve this new boundary are included in the per-
tinent Planning District sections of the Comprehensive Plan.
2. Annexation Policy
Growth and development outside the corporate boundaries, within
the long-range planning area and beyond, is influenced by the City
through annexation and the Iowa City/Johnson County Fringe
Agreement (see Fringe Agreement discussion below). Annex-
ations occur, primarily, in response to petitions filed by the ownera
of property to be annexed. Voluntary annexation should be viewed
positively when the following conditions exist:
(1)
'rhe area under consideration falls within the adopted long-
range planning boundary,
(2)
Development in the area proposed for annexation will fullill
an identified need without imposing an undue financial
burden on the City, or
16
(3) Control of development is in the City's best interest.
The third cond't~n of this policy has been amended from the 1993
version to extend the area of control from the entryways to Iowa
City into the entire growth area. This reflects the intent of the City
to take a proactive role, consistent with the vision statement, in
annexation of the designated growth area. The annexations will
still be achieved through voluntary means. Involuntary annexations,
which are in'~Jated by the City against the property owners' wishes,
are considered only under extraordinary circumstances. When
considering the merits of a proposed annexation or development,
the impact of increased vehicular traffic on any street, currently at
or near capacity, will be studied and the results will be included as
an additional factor in that decision.
Refer to the vacant residential land inventory in Appendix B for
more detail on land available for residential development within
the corporate limits and in lhe growth area,
3. Prioritization of Investment in Infrastructure.
When the City pdodtizes public investment in infrastructure and
public amenities, the obligations to properties within the corporate
limits of Iowa City that further the concept of compact and con-
tiguous growth should generally take precedence. This policy will
be used as a guide in prioritizing the City's Capital Improvement
Program (CIP). The CIP is one of the most effective tools the City
has to affect the timing and direction of growth, the quality of life,
the growth of basic industry, and lhe cost of housing. Historically,
the City has invested in infrastructure to accommo-
date moderate growth rather than building infra-
structure prior to development. In the future, ef-
forts will be made on the part of the City Council to
use the Capital Improvements Program to guide
more effectively the location and timing of growth
in the community through an annual review and
pdo 'ntization of the CIP pdor to the budget process.
Frin(xe Area Agreement
State enabling legislation permits a city to regulate
the subdivision of land within two miles of the city's
corporate boundaries. This area is known as the
urban fringe. Counties that enact zoning ordinances
control the land uses permitted in this same area
through zoning.
Farmland in Iowa City's southern fringe area.
In the interest of managing development in Iowa City's two-mile
area in a mutually acceptable manner, Johnson County and Iowa
City have agreed on the appropriate land uses and standards for
development. As Johnson County considers rezoning applications
and Iowa City reviews subdivisions, their decisions will be gov-
erned by the Iowa City/Johnson County Fringe Area Policy Agmc
ment. See Appendix C for a copy of the current agreement.
The Agreement focuses exurban development in the area north
IOWFI CI'IT
GROWTH POLII Y
IOW £1TY
GRO POLII ¥
A wooded ravine in north Iowa City.
17
of Iowa City, encourages development in Iowa City's growth area
only upon annexation, and provides some incentive for the pres-
ervation of open space and environmentally sensitive features.
Growth =n,~ the ,~=nvironment
Environmental protection is a basic tenet of Iowa City's vision for
the future. As growth and development occur, they should be
managed such that the environmental quality of the community is
not sacrificed. Measuresshould be taken in all private and public
projects to ensure that any impacts on identified environmental
features are minimized.
In 1993, the City commissioned an inventory of en-
vironmentally sens'~ive areas. This inventory maps
the general location of woodlands, wetlands, regu-
lated slopes, hydric soils, prairie remnants, stream
coredors, and archaeological sites (see Appendix
D). Based on the information provided in the inven-
tory, an ordinance was adopted in 1995 to provide
protections for the identified environmentally sensi-
five areas. The ordinance requires consideration of
environmental features dudng the development pro-
cess and encourages construction that respects and
protects natural areas. As the City continues to grow
and redevelop, natural areas that contribute to the
health and character of the city will be protected.
~
i
19
CO/ UNI 0
ANEIGHBORHOOI)
INTRODUCTION
Neighborhoods are the building blocks which make up the larger
community of Iowa City. It is at the neighborhood level that many
of the visions contained in Iowa City Beyond 7000 can be imple-
mented through the City's developmental policies. Quality of life
in individual neighborhoods will be affected by implementation of
these policies. For example, the City's policies regarding artedal
street design should result in a route which is pleasant for motor-
ists to travel, and safe for pedestrians and bicycles; a route that
defines the boundaries of neighborhoods and does not direct
through traffic into the heart of residential areas. Portions of Scott
Boulevard serve as a model of such a street. It carries traffic
efficiently, yet the adjacent neighborhoods are buffered from it by
a wide parkway and abundant landscaping. In contrast artedal
streets in many cities become commercial strips which are un-
pleasant for motorists and pedestrians alike.
'rhe City's pol'K:ies regarding zoning will determine whether a neigh-
borhood is made up exdusively of single-family dwellings or whether
it contains a mix of housing types that allow a diverse population
from young families to elderly persons to find housing suited for
their nccds. Policies regarding parks and open space will deter-
mine if neighborhood children have sufficient playgrounds and
whether adults will have recreational opportunities, such as trails,
available close to home. Policies regarding the environment will
determine whether or not natural features, such as stream cord-
dors, which provide natural drainage and flood control and wildlife
habitat, are preserved. The design of streets, park facilities and
public and private buildings, will determine if the community is ac-
cessible to persons with disabilities. These are just a few ex-
amples of how the physical design of a neighborhood is related to
the quality of life that its residents will experience. It is for this
reason that neighborhoods will be the basic planning unit used to
implement the visions of Iowa City Beyond 2000.
20
EXISTING NEIGHBORHOODS
Iowa City has a diverse collection of neighborhoods. Older neigh-
borhoods that are closer to downtown contain a mix of housing
types and land uses and indude within lheir boundaries some com-
mercial development and public ins 't~ulions such as schools. Newer
neighborhoods closer to the developing edge of the community
tend to be less diverse in land use and housing types, consisting
predominantly of single family homes. As the city
ages and grows, the range of old and new neighbor-
hoods will require different levels of attention and
care to assure long term stability. Studies for each
of the planning districts may identify neighborhoods
that will benefit from more specific neighborhood
plans that address issues such as parks, traffic, hous-
ing, commercial areas, and general neighborlx3od ap-
pearance and beautification.
Iowa City's adopted Histodc Preservation Plan con-
tains strategies for helping assure the viability of Iowa
City's older neighborhoods. These strategies sug-
gest measures, such as conservation and histodc
district designations, the promotion of housing reha-
bilitation, and efforts to control traffic and parldng con-
gestion, as means to preserve neighborhoods (see
Preservation Plan in Appendix H for details). Newer
neighborhoods that have developed since the 1950s
Historic District, are an important part of Iowa City's
Older houses, such as these in the Brown Street
.... housing _~t_,,ck.
have had less attention paid to their future. -As these neighbor-
hoods age and experience the pressures of growth in the cornmu-
nity, more attention will nccd to be directed to these areas to as-
sure their stability.
Due to deterioration of existing buildings and changing land uses,
there are some neighborhoods, such as the Near Southside, which
provide opportunities for redevelopment. Detailed policies regard-
ing the Near Southside are contained in the Near Southside Neigh-
borhood Redevelopment Plan and the Near Southside Design Plan.
As studies are written for each of the planning districts, specific
subareas that would benefit from detailed redevelopment plans
will be identified.
NEW NEIGHBORHOODS
Iowa City Beyond 7000 contains a vision for designing new neigh-
borhoods as they are added to the city. This vision is expressed in
a number of policy statements which support the concepts of corn-
pact neighborhood design. Compact neighborhood design cre-
ates village-like neighborhoods with housing for a diverse popula-
tion, a mix of land uses, public space that is a focal point for the
neighborhood, integrated civic and commercial centers, accessible
open space, and streets which are pleasant for both motorists and
pedestrians to travel on. Arterial streets located approximately
every mile and designed in a modified grid pattem will become the
framework in which new neighborhoods are developed. Neigh-
borhood design concepts that reflect the Beyond 7000 visions will
be used to guide neighborhood development throughout Iowa City.
A map of a model neighborlxxx~ illustrating these concepts is shown
AN[IDHBORH0O
21
AN EO/ UNI1Y O:
FIGH! ORHOOD
in Figure 3 (p. 21) and the concepts lhemselves are discussed in
detail below. These concepts will be considered when annex-
aUon, zoning and subdivision plans are reviewed by the City. They
are not intended to exclude the development of large lot single
family homes, but recognize that well balanced neighborh(xxls will
include a variety of land uses and housing types.
Neighborhood Commercial Located near an artedal street, or
near an intersection of two collector streets, a neighborhood com-
mercial area associated with a public square or park can provide
a focal point and gathering place for a neighborhood. The busi-
nesses within a neighborhood commercial center should provide
shopping opportun'¢des within convenient walking distance for the
residents in the immediate area, and may include such facilities
as a post office substation, a day care center, small restaurants
and a convenience store:- The-design-ofthe neighborhood com-
mercial center should have a pedestrian orientation with the stores
placed dose to the street, but with sufficient open space to allow
for outdoor cafes and patios or landscaping. Parking should be
located to the rear and sides of stores with additional parking on
the streeL
.. -:-- Including public space, such as a town square in a commercial
center, will allow such centers to be a focal point for their neigh-
borhoods that can serve as an activity center for recreation, sea-
sonal festivals, farmers markets, play areas and a bus stop. Apart-
rnents above businesses can provide needed
'~- ~.~/?!. i i:.~-~ --~ .. housing while increasing the revenue stream
~..~.~:. ;?~ ..-~ .~ - ~ - · for-commerclal~stablishments and enhanc-
.~. .?,~ ,,,,,' .. ing the residential nature of the area.
,2.~,~,~ .~.._- ~_ Townhouses or small apartment houses sur-
rounding the commercial center can increase
the customer base for the commercial uses
.,~~ fi .,,,~.~~. and make efficient use of the services avail-
able in the neighborhood center.
-
. . Diver~e housing types. A mix of housing
~.~ ~..._j... ~ .... , ,, ~--~- types within a neighborhood provides resi-
dentJul opportunities for a wide variety of
' ~-';: "~ :~-'--~.-..---~.-', :'!~1 people, including singles, young families,
,- elderly persons, large families, childless
~'~ 7 -_~- Couples,-0wners and renters. When diverse
~:; -- ~.~'-'_ ~_ ._'~_ ~-, .~..~-~-~ _---~--.. housing sizes are dispersed throughout all
~- "~.._--.~m~T~"-_~. - - ~ .....,__;- . ~ _.-. neighborhoods, large concentrations of
-~ ·., . .~-- ...-~-.~_~.~:~'- ~ ~apartments can be avoided. The predomi-
- nant land use in most neighborhoods will be
Ne~gh~Cormner~alCenterdesignedlikea 'mainstreet"with single-family homes. However, the mix of
offices and apartments on the second floor housing within a neighborhood may also in-
elude homes on smaller lots, townhouses,
duplexes, small apartment buildings, and accessory apartments
above garages. Small multi-family lots of approximately 12,000
to16,000 square feet of Low Density Multi-Family zoning are ap-
propriate at the intersections of collector and arterial streets. Lots
of this size will assure that lhe resulting apartment buildings will be
no more than four to six units per building, so that there are no
more than 24 units at any one intersection. Buildings of this size
can be designed to be of a similar height and appearance as single-
More Efficient and Compact Design: Diverse housing types and
compact subdivision design can be used to increase the density
of an area slightiy when compared to a typical suburban subdivi-
sion, while maintaining the trad'dJonal residential character of a
neighborhcxxL Many recent subd' 'nnsions contain only two to three
dwelling units per acre. A density of five to seven dwelling units
per acre will allow the expense of installing streets and sewer and
water lines to be spread out among more homeowners and will
make it easier and less expensive for the City to provide municipal
sen~ces.
Interconnected street
systems. A modified
grid street syste .m can
reduce congestion on
main roads, provide
more direct routes, and
miles traveled within a
neehbom= . Amod
fled grid pattern also
provides alternative
waySfor fire trucks and
other emergency ve-
hicles to circulate
through a neighbor-
hood. Cukde-sacs are
appropriate where environmental constraints or barriers such as
steep ravines prevent the connection of streets.
Arterial streets. Arterial streets serve as neighborhood bound-
aries and provide access across the city without continuous travel
through neighborhoods. Arterial streets are intended to cam/high
volumes of traffic traveling between homes, employment, shop-
ping and other destinations. These major streets, if properly de-
signed, reduce the likelihood of motorists cutting through resk
dential neighbortxxxls. To maintain the capacity of arterial streets,
the number of side street intersections with the arterial street should
be limited, and driveways to individual lots should be prohibited.
Because they become major elements of the landscape, the aes-
thetics of artedal streets must be considered. Features such as
special street lights, trees and medians can enhance the appear-
ance of artedal streets. Wide parkways can provide buffers be-
tween arterials and adjacent developments. Eight foot wide side-
walks on at least one side of an artedal street provide for safe and
comfortable pedestrian travel and allow for bicycle travel. Inter-
sections near schools and neighborhood commercial areas can
be enhanced with bdck or textured paving to highlight appropriate
pedestrian crossing locations.
For residential developments adjacent to artedal streets, zoning
requirements specify that dwellings must be set back at least 40
feet from the street right-of-way line. This is 20 feet greater than
required in other locations and provides space for landscaping to
Arterial street wilh rear yards
and blank wall
Townhouses face arterial street
AN CO UNI /0
23
create a buffer between the aderial streets and the adjacent homes.
In some IocaUons adjacent to arterial streets, homeowners have
built tall fences along the street in an effort to create pdvacy in
their back yards. This sometimes results in long blank walls along
the artedal street frontage. To avoid this problem, lots which back
onto artedal streets should be avoided where possible, and alter-
natives to walls, such as dense landscaping or earthen berms,
should be provided. Townhouses facing the street are another
altemative to having back yards immediately adjacent to the road-
way.
Collector streets. Collector streets play a supplemental role to ar-
terial streets, traveling through the area between arterials. A col-
lector street is intended to carry neighborhood traffic from local,
residential streets to the arterial streets serving the neighborhood.
A modified gdd pattem of collector streets lends itself to a pedes-
trian friendly environment, and allows for dispersal of traffic among
several streets instead of concentrating it on a few streets. Cre-
ating more than a single means of access into a neighborhood
supports the objective of sustaining quiet, safe neighborhoods and
minimizing the effect of traffic on each home site within the neigh-
The alignment of collector streets across arterial streets provides
for the safe crossing of neighborhood boundary streets, particu-
larly for pedestrians and cyclists. Within the neighborhood, how-
ever, collector streets should not be continuous, but should be
offset to slow vehicles and minimize traffic cutting through neigh-
borhoods.
Narrower local streets. Narrower streets slow traffic, allow for a
more complete bee canopy over the street, and reduce the amount
of pavement between homes in a neighborhood. This improves
the aesthetics of the street. For residential streets a width of 22-
26 feet may be appropriate. Each side of a street should contain
sidewalks so that travel for pedestrians is made safe and conve-
nient.
Reduced front yard setbacks. Reduced setbacks allow homes
to be placed closer to residential streets. Reducing the face to
face distances between homes increases the potential for social
activity and neighborlxxx] connections. In lieu of deep front yards,
porches can serve as a transition between the public sidewalk
and private residences. Front yard setbacks of less than 20 feet
along local residential streets should be considered.
Narrower lot frontages. Narrow lots in the range of 30-50 feet in
width (less for townhouses) result in more compact development
which consumes less land and makes it possible to provide pub-
lic improvements, such as streets, sewers and water lines more
efficiently. The costs of constructing streets and other public
improvements are spread across more properties in more com-
pact developments. Building on smaller lots allows the construc-
tion of more moderately-priced housing.
Use of rear lanes or alleys. Landscaped and well-lighted alleys
can allow utilities and garages to be located away from the street
and enhances the appearance of the neighborhood from the street.
24
When garages are accessed from alleys at the rear of the lots,
vehicular traffic on residential streets is reduced. The alley can
serve as a common driveway for the garages located off of it.
W'dh narrower lot frontages, the cost per lot for paving in a devel-
opment that includes alleys and streets is roughly the same as
the cost of conventional streets alone in a larger lot subdivision.
Housing units arranged around a courtyard with vehicular access
from a rear lane can also be an attractive alternative to conven-
tional developments.
I£B HNIlY 0
LocaUng garages off the alley means the street side of homes
need not be dominated by garage doors and expanses of con-
crete driveways. The front yard can present more of the sodal
aspects of the horne, such as porches and front doors. This is
particularly important for smell single-family homes, townhouses
and zero lot-line residences on narrow lots, where a two-
car garage typically encompasses 50% or more of the
front of a home. Townhouses and apartments can also ,.'~--' --
have a much more appealing residential streetscape if
parking is provided off an alley or private drive to the rear
of the buildings. Where alleys are not possible, having
narrower or shared driveways along the side and to the
rear of houses reduces the amount of paving in front
yards, and lessens the emphasis of garage doors along
a street. For single-family dwellings on large lots, alter-
natives for vehicular access, such as alleys, am less cru-
cial for good design, because the proportion of the prop-
erty devoted to vehicles is smaller.
Parks, Trails and Open Space. Ideally, neighborhood
parks are smell 3-7 acre open spaces that provide a fo-
cal point for informal gatherings and recreation within
easy walking distance from residences in a neighbor-
hood. In some cases smeller pocket parks may be ap-
propriate. A neighborhood park may be completely sur-
rounded by residential units, or situated adjacent to a
school or a neighborhood shopping center. Neighbor-
hood parks should be designed as an integral pad of an
interconnected system of open space. Trails should con-
nect neighborhood parks with larger community and re-
gional parks.
To suppert pedestrian-oriented neighborhood design,
trails and sidewalks should connect the mejor destina-
tions within a neighborho(x], such as schools, parks, tran-
sit stops and commercial centers. Trails and sidewalks
that intersect with key neighborhood destinations can be
adjacent to the street, located along drainageways, and
constructed over mejor sanitary sewer easements. Pres-
ervation of environmentally sens'dive areas, such as wet-
lands and stream corridors, provides opportun'dies to en-
hance a neighborhood while maintaining scenic resources
and wildlife habitat. Wherever possible, natural features,
such as waterways and woodlands, should be incorpo-
rated as key amenities within parks and along trail sys-
tems.
_~
Pavfng and garage doors dominate streetscape
NFInHRnRHnOn nitSInN CnNCFPTS
U# of BOLI~.EvARD STREET DESIGN with
Illthltl~ QullifY of
abut irtwbl Itf~l flt~ ~lfi
LANDSCAPED BUFFERS ~ong inMIiI
itr#tl whirl double-frontage
loll clnnot be ivoid~d
Provldl for ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
llte, If julrifled
MOOtRED GRID IWt plt~lm IlOWl
lufRctlat We within
aei0N)Qdmod ~ dlKo~q~
~ of ALLEYS ~Mmtte
loss, IB(nvk~ the pf#Mvlt~oa of
~ ~ Ind altufll Mill w#lNxit
~ ENVIRONMENTAlly SEN~mVE
AREAS
SMALL. 4.B UNIT APARTMENT BUILDINGS
the ~t~lect~onl of e~#ectM end
Irtl~111 I~'#tl
Accomodate REGIONAL/COMMUNITY
TRAIL SYSTEM, Ind provide
connectionl to mljor neighborhood
fllturll Ind componlntl
HIGHER DENSITY HOUSING Ilong irlarlal$'~ --
and adjacent to major opa~ IplCll
within thl nltghborhood
I Ne:ghborhood Commitcell
Aplrtmlntl
] Townhoulel
Limited ule of CUL,OE-SAC ltr#t
delloa lb~tting erieflail and where
envifo~ntll flltUrll limit ule of
modified grid
Pollibl~ SMALL SECONO NEIGHBORHOOD
COMMERCIAL ZONE (co~lvlnlincl ItMt}.
if jUlrifled
Figure 3.
27
A healthy economy is essential to the success of any community.
Good jobs, paying a livable wage, and access to goods and ser-
vices am important factors in measuring a community's quality of
life. Iowa City has adopted 'Economic Development Policies,
Strategies, and Actions for the City of Iowa City' to address the
issues of employment, commerce and industry in a sustainable
way (see Appendix J). The adopted policies focus on the follow-
ing directives:
Nurture existing businesses in the city by encour-
aging their retention and expansion, and by attract-
ing compatible new industries.
Increase employment opportunities for the local
Increase lhe amount of land available for industry
and commerce to expand and develop.
Cooperate regionally in economic development,
acknowledging the regional benefits of prosperity.
Encourage businesses that recognize the need to
sustain the environment.
It is appropriate that public funds be used, with dis-
crefion, as a catalyst for private enterprise to
achieve the City's economic goals.
Industrial Opportun '~ies
The availability of land which is appropriately located, is zoned
properly, and is ready for development is central to the City's con--
tinued economic vitality. There is currently a shortage of land
zoned and available for manufacturing and light industrial uses.
Land for commercial development also has some limitati(~ns.
Businesses which seek to locate or expand in Iowa City have
difficulty finding appropriately zoned land. (See Acres by Zoning
Category for 1996 in Appendix F).
28
Two 'areas stand out as appropriate for new industrial develop-
ment -- east of Scott Boulevard, as an extension of the BDI In-
dustrial Park, and southwest of the Iowa City Municipal AirporL
The site east of Scott Boulevard has been idenlified since 1983
as a logical extension of the existing industrial park. The land is
fiat; good access is provided via Scott Boulevard and Highway 6
as well as by the Iowa Interstate Railroad; and the area can be
served by FY98 with municipal services. The land southwest of
the Airport has access to the Airport and to the Interstate highway
system at Highway I and Highway 218 (the Avenue of the Saints).
Municipal sewer will be available to this site in FY98. The Airport
site also requires completion of some phases of the Airport Mas-
ter Plan and should therefore, be reserved now in anticipation of
its future use. The area east of Scott Boulevard was annexed for
industrial development in 1997; the area near the Airport requires
annexation at some point in the future.
Opportunities for research and development parks or office re-
search parks exist in three areas of the city -- north and south of
the Highway 1/Interstate 80 interchange, and in west Iowa City
along Highway 218 near the Melrose Avenue/Highway 218 inter-
change..The norlh Interstate 80 site has been available for imme-
diate development for a number of years but has had limited ac-
tivity. The University of Iowa Oakdale Research Park has-pro~
vided sites for a number of new businesses in this sector of the
is designated for these types of uses has difficulty competing with
the park in Coralville, which is directly associated with the Univer-
sity and subsidized on University-held land. Consequently, no
additional land may r. cc.d to be zoned for office research or re-
search and development land uses at this time.
Commercial'Opportunities
Commercial opportunities encompass a wide range of business
types -- offices, restaurants, retail stores, service businesses,
repair shops, etc. These businesses provide at least 43% of the
jobs in the Iowa City area. Opportunities in this sector of the
economy are important not only for the jobs such businesses cre-
ate, but also for the goods and services provided to the residents
ofthe c y.
In August of 1996 there were 1,009 acres of commercial land;
much of this land is developed. Redevelopment or muse of exist-
ing commercial buildings is one opportunity for new commercial
development. Redevelopment and reuse are encouraged in the
downtown and other existing commercial coredors. Neighbor-
hood commercial developments are advocated in new neighbor-
hoods as they develop.
Given the construction of approximately 1.3 million square feet of
retail space in the new Coral Ridge Mall, it is unlikely, and probably
not prudent, for Iowa City to consider the development of large,
new commercial centers in the foreseeable future. However, them
may be a demand for smaller developments as the city grows. To
meet the nccds of Iowa City's future growth, new commercial
E[ONOMI[
WFLL- F NG
£ONO I
areas are proposed in locations where:
1]
2]
3]
Old and new development can be served most eft-
ciently with the least vehicle trip distance;
The commercial development has the least nega-
tive impact on the neighborhood; and
Vehicular and pedestrian traffic is sufficient to sup-
port commercial en 'blies (See Land Use Map en-
closure)
Since commercial development occurs close to where people
live or along transportation corridors, special cam should be taken
in lhe site design of these establishments. Landscaping to soften
the impact of the structures and lessen the effect of multiple park-
ing lots should be part of each development. Signage which is
informative but unobtrusive is important, particularly near neigh-
borhoods and in entrance corTidom to Ihe city. Improvements
within the public right-of-way such as landscaping, sidewalks set
back a sufficient distance from the paving, and organized access
points are important to the functioning of the transportation corri-
dor and add to the quality of the trip. These features and ameni-
ties can be accomplished by the joint cooperation and participa-
tion of the City and business owners.
Information Technology
Information technologies have become an important part of the
regional and world ecoaone, and will continue to create more flex-
ibility in the way we work, communicate, and deliver services.
The City of Iowa ~ should remain cognizant of changing tech-
nologies, and should periodically review its codes and policies to-
accommodate them. The City should also be aggressive in using
the internet and other media to give information and promote the
value of the city to visitors and prospective industries.
OCIFIL FFI! RIC
31
Quality of life in a community is as important to a community's
success as the availability of basic necessities. Quality of life can
be defined by the tangible aspects of the community addressed in
previous sections~the availability of decent housing in cohesive,
stable neighborhoods; the ability to travel in and around the com-
munity with relative ease; and a healthy economy with well-paying
jobs and an abundance and vadety of goods and services. Qual-
ity of life is also defined by less tangible aspects of the community
that have to do with how safe people feel, whether people are
accepted and supported by others, whether the community nur-
tures the development of people, and the extent to which harmony
is evidenced in the community. As we plan for the physical devel-
opment of Iowa City, these other important aspects of the com-
munity should be incorporated.
Young participants in the annual Iowa Arts Festival
celebrated each June.
Arts and Culture
Iowa City has achieved regional and national recognition for its
support for the arts and the vadety of cultural activities that take
place here. Much of this recognition is due to activi-
ties and programs at The University of Iowa. The
population attracted by the University is very sup-
porlJve of local arlJsts and performers. Consequenb'y,
Iowa City also stands out for its commitment to corn-
munity arts and cultural activities such as the Iowa
Arts Festival, the J~:,7 Festival, Riverside Theater,
Iowa City Community Theater, and Arts Iowa City.
These a 'ctn/ities and organizations add to the vitality
of the area, both in an economic sense and in mak-
ing Iowa City an attractive place to live. Support for
the arts and culture of the community enhances Iowa
City's position in the region and adds significantly to
the quality of life of the community and should, there-
fore, be continued and institutionalized as an eco-
nomic development and community betterment tool
for the city.
32
Human Development
Three of the primary entities in Iowa City that focus on nurturing
and developing the potential of people who live here are the edu-
cational system, the public library, and the human service agen-
cies.
An educated community challenges and fosters
change in community institutions; broadens the
perspective of community action; and demands
variety and vitality in day-to-day a 'cavities. The edu-
cational institutions in Iowa City are independent of
city government. Through cooperative efforts
within the City such as the DARE program, school
siting dudng the development process, Partners
in Education, and shared facilities, the mission of
the educational institutions to foster life-long leam-
ers and to build good citizens is furthered.
The Iowa City Public Ubrary is based on the prin-
ciple of a free library. A free library ensures that
the entire community, regardless of resources, has
access to the information which can help them to
achieve their greatest potential. As a repository
and conduit of information, the library has evolved
in response.to technological advances and infor-
mation retrieval so that the people of Iowa City are
able to keep up with global changes. As we move
into the next century, support for the library as a
free public institution should continue, to enable ac-
cess for all people to the information n,.%cded to suc-
ceed in the future.
The human service agencies of Johnson County
and Iowa City form the basis of a cadng commu-
nity. There are approximately 30 such agencies
located in Iowa City, many of which obtain some
support through tax dollars, pdvate contributions,
and the work of community volunteers. These
agencies provide a support system for people in
need, whether that need is temporary or more per-
rnanent in nature. Services range from hospice
care to crisis response to child care. These agen-
cies are an embodiment of the community's com-
mitment to responsiveness to human needs and
the well-being of its citizenry.
As the city and surrounding communities grow and
issues found in larger urban areas surface, some
debate has occurred about the value of a broad
range of human services. Coupled with decreases in many feder-
ally-funded human service programs, the function of some human
service agencies may be diminished significantly or lost. This is at
a time when the needs of people are likely to increase. Iowa City
faces difficult questions ih this arena, the answers to which may
affect the character of the community will it continue to foster a
climate of social acceptance and well-being, or will the community
The Johnson County/Iowa City Senior Center pro-
vides many programs designed to meet the needs of
the cornmunity's seniors
OCIAL FAi RIC
The Iowa City Public Library provides services at the
Pheasant Ridge Neighborhood Center.
33
decide the cost of acceptance and support is too high? The strat-
egies of this plan continue to "embrace life-long education, good
heallh, decent housing, rewarding work, and helping each other
as basic elements that are essential to our quality of life (Social
Services vision statement p. 46).'
Young timfighters leaming. the importance of
fire safety.
Personal safety and the safety of property are basic needs in a
community and are typically addressed through the public safety
departments of police and fire. The effectiveness of
these departments is dependent upon resources
being available to them to expand their level of ser-
vices as the community grows, and on the coopera-
tion and involvement of the people of Iowa City. In
~ addition to the traditional functions of police and fire
departments, future efforts will focus on programs
that educate and involve the public in issues of safety
and injury prevention. Such programs can include
neighborhood watch; stop, drop, and roll; check your
smoke detector battery day; the fire safety trailer;,
Safe Kids Coalition; and community policing. The
involvement of citizens in their own personal and
public safety strengthens the sense of personal con-
trol over safety, fostering an atmosphere of commu-
nity safety and wall-being.
IOWA El]Y:
000
_..HOW_
WE GET '!TIERE?
The community vision task foroes, which were formed in 1994 at
the beginning of Ihe Iowa City: Beyond 2000 process. addressed
the general goals for Iowa City's future. Them~ goals are lhe basis
for the 1897 Iowa CJty Compmhi~ive Plan. In examining the
goals, the next legic~l question is-- I~w d~ we get there? What
strategies can be developed to take us Trorn lhe general'.ies of the
goal statements to specific policies for implementing the vision?
Vark)us tools am available for us to camj out the vision of the Iowa
City: Beyond 2(X)0 process. The most common tools are the zorn
ing ordinance, subdivision regulations, and the Capital Improve-
ment Program; all of these am addressed in the Comprehensive
Plan. Other tools for achieving the vision include specific neigh-
borhood plans and adopted planning documents such as the
JCCOG Arterial Street Plan, the Iowa City Historic Preservation
Plan, and the Iowa City Open Space Plan.
The following secaon addresses the specific goals of each Iowa
City: Beyond 2000 task force, and offers strategies for answering
the question -- How do we get there? Each of the strategies will
require investigation as to their feasibility and pm~ic~lity. Some
will require working with other jurisdictions and community organi-
zations. An Action Plan will be developed annually to pursue the
various strategies. As the feasibility and appropriateness of a strat-
egy am evaluated. that strategy may be modified, deleted, or re-
placed with a strategy that more successfully achieves the goal.
Iowa City is a growing city within the Johnson County/Linn County
region. It is a city composed of diverse individuals and groups.
bets, the cooperative efforts of its parts, and coordination among
the governments that serve the mcjion.
CO07F_RATiYF
F_FFORT
Cooperate in devising ways in which citizens of Iowa City
can be Informed about local issues and be active partick
~,. ',.' :' .~_ :...-~ pa.~s in ,erring the ~mun~s a~n~
~~ ~ I~ C~ ~ce of Neigh~
· ~e~ I~1 a~ ~ el~onic
C~~ ~er E~ A~i~ More)
· T~~ ~i~
· Wo~W~ & I~e~
P~ i~a~~ic ~m~t pr~
· P~ote r~i~l ~~e e~ in ~e ar~s of
di~er p~ning a~ p~ ~fe~
~ ~ is o~ to ~mun~ in~ ~ ~~ all
· JCCOG metropolitan transportation planning process
· JCCOG modal subcommittees
· JCCOG adopted public input process
· ~naires and surveys to deal with specific issues
· Consider regionaltransportation systems
Encourage and support collaborative efforts among govern-
ment, bu~ne~, community organizations, and the Univer-
· Chamber of Commrae
· Iowa CityVLsion 2000
· Information exchange between organizations: agendas.
meeting minutes, legislation
· Ad-hoc committees for specific issues
· Iowa City Community School District
Cooperate with the University of Iowa, Johnson County, and
neighboring communities to address land use issues of
mutual concern, especially the planned development of
contiguous areas
· JCCOG metropolitan planning organization
· Land use agreements between governmental organiza-
· Include EClCOG, as appropriate
· Create regional community task forces to study issues
such as the Iowa City-Cedar Rapids Corridor
IOWFI [fly
BEYOND 000=
Foster creative partnerships with neighborhood associa-
tions, businesses, schools, govemmental agencies, and
other organizations in parkland and program development
Outreach by the Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commis-
sion
· Iowa City Office of Neighborhood Services
· PIN (Program for Improving Neighborhoods) grants
Iowa City has a state and national reputation for its quality of life.
To enhance lhis reputation the City must provide resources and
opportun'~les for leaming and growth to all citizens. Culture, hu-
meri development and the arts must be a prime focus for the
cornmun~),.
Programs and services related to culture, humen development
and the arts must be accessible to all, responsive to the varied
needs and interests of a diverse population, complimenta~/to ltte
rich resources of The University of Iowa and recognized as criti-
cal to the economic success of the city.
Iowa City must meet the on-going challenge to preserve and im-
prove a unique quality of life for a growing population and to pro-
vide a fertile environment for creative endeavors.
RT, JULTURF_
HUMAN
D V[LO?MF_NT
FIAT, CLIlTUI
HUMAN
D V[LOPM NT
OFIL
TRATEGIFS
IOWFI [rlY
BffONI) zaoo:
39
Provide additional and Improved public spaces for arts, cul-
ture and human development programs.
· Expand the public library consistent with the goals of the
Iowa City Public Library's Strategic Plan.
· Work with school district to ensure adequate school sites
are available as the city grows.
· Work with Ihe Iowa City Community School District to in-
dude public recreational fadlities and meeling areas in
Elected officials will consider human development factors
when making decisions.
· Promote public art, culture or human development compo-
nents in the redevelopment plans for Parcel 64-1a, the
last urban renewal parcel.
· Allocate a minimum of $100,000 annually for public art
Promote arts, culture, and human development in the com-
I11UI1~ty.
· Include an official representative of Iowa City on the Iowa
· Facilitate media coverage of arts, culture and human
Offer programs and services that meet the needs of all citi-
Consider a funding strategy to provide financial assistance
to local arts, culture and human development activities
sponsored by non-profit groups.
Ensure that facil'dies used for arts, culture and human de-
velopment activities are fully accessible according to the
requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, at a
'rrl~l~ul~.
Document and presewe our cultural heritage.
· Corltinue implementation of the Iowa City Historic Preser-
vation Plan.
Preserve and protect the human rights of all the people of
Iowa City.
· Maintain support for the Human Rights Office and the Hu-
· Periodically provide human dghts se~ training for all
· Make available human rights awareness materials to em-
ployers, businesses, schools, and the public.
· Provide public forums which focus on issues related to
discrimination and the law.
Creating and fostering an economic environment which
enhances the community's character where cultural. rec-
reational. and educational a 'ctwitiesthrive and in turn pro-
vide economic opportunraes;
~lhe 'd~,mslfication of the ~s ecormn~
base to mainlain a vibrant economy through changing eco-
nomic cond'~ions, while providing quality employment op-
portun'~ies for all work force skills and educational levels;
Encouraging linkages among new and existing businesses
to create networks in which businesses may find materials
and markets in lhe local economy;,
Sustaining and enhancing riscally responsible and socially
relevant local govemment services, which include support-
ive se~ices for the local work force; and
Maintaining a vibrant economy consistent with environmen-
tal health of the community. by stimulating energy and re-
source conservation and promoting clean. non-polluting
[IZI]NI]MI[
WILL-BEINg
F_LL- INI
IOWA CITY
41
Diversify and increase the property tax base by (1) encouraging
the ~- '~dion ired expansion of existing Industry and (2) .',;,acting
Industries that have growth potml~l and are compatible with ex-
· IdefitJy if~ groups that am ccm npa(l:ls with c(:mw'aJnity goals
land available for infrastructure such as fiber optics lines and
Increase emldoyment oppodunitles ¢onslstm~ with the available
labor force.
· ~dentify local labor force skiffs and the types of jobs compatible
wah lhe local labor tome.
· Iderd~ work fome skills required by targeted industries and
identify education and training needs and resources such as
ec on 10w
· Encourage small business~ as employment opportun'dies for
Provide and prol~=t areas suitable for future indusWial and corn-
. Provide for the exlension of i.;r,:~eucture which will encourage
gmw .
Cooperat. with local and regional organizations to promote eco-
nomic J;wl ~ n~..tt within Iowa City.
· Continue to use the Iowa City Area Development Group as Ihe
· Continue to coordinam w~lthe Ul.
· Enhance oommtmJca1~n between e,,bupreneurs, businesses,
governmaYO labor, consume~ and citizens groups, and educa-
tional k~;tiluli(xts.
Improve the envirurmt(,dal and econorntc health ofthe community
through the eflicient use of resources.
· Encourage commercial activity to take place in existing core
liferatk)n of new rnajor c(xnmemial areas.
· Encourage lhe creative muse of existing commercial sites that
Consider financial incef~tves and progrants to facilitate achieving
the above goals.
· Focus incentives on i,-~;,-stmcture development, work training
and retraining; and an efficient, timely and fair development re-
· Develop criteria to use whenever considering financial incen-
· Monitor local financial markets to determine if they meet the
~ of local commercial and indusl~ial ventures.
· Provide for and facilitate the Urnely review by the City Council of
requests for financial incentives.
42
Iowa City has bccn recognized for its progress towards a quality
environmenL The community will strive toward:
A high level of community environmental awareness and
action;
Cooperalive environmental protection efforts including
public-private partnerships to advance a quality environ-
· A citizenry that recognizes and values the unique ecology
of the area;
Development that occurs with consideration of ecological
features, such as protecting critical wildlife habitats, natu-
ral terrain and future green space;
Patrems of compact growth and development that empha-
size pedestrian access and neighborhood cohesiveness,
and support alternative modes of transportation that en-
hance air quality;
Planning by developers, city govemment and interested
citizens that results in an infrastructure that provides eft-
cient waste treatment, recovery of valuable resources and
energy, participation in waste reduction and recycling pro-
grams, and that allows growth without sacrificing environ-
mental quality;
Conveniently located parks and trails that am easily ac-
cessible to all citizens, am litter-free and hospitable to a
diversity of plants and animals;
· Air and water that are clean. odor and color free, and noise
levels, lighting and signs that are unobtrusive.
_FNVIRONMF_NTFIL
PROT_FI TION
[NVIRONM[NTAL
PROTECTION
GOFIL
STRFITEGIE
IOWFI I:I-IT
! EyO l) ooo:
Promote public education of environmental ~,ml~.tion issues. · Hold annual public forums on environmental legislation and
sound environmental prac~:es.
· Conduct individual initiatives such as storm sewer labeling.
watllnd~ and 9,~.
· Evaluate the feasibility of interjurisd'~-~Jonal water~d man-
· Develop a ~:,cally responsible plan for the acquisition of en-
· Acquire the streambanks and ~ of Ralston Creek,
Willow Creek and the Iowa River.
· Incorporate greenways into the open space system and the
· Complete the Iowa River Corridor trail.
· Promole regional sto~n waste management systems.
· Reevaluatefloodplain rnanagefnento~inance.
Protect the water quality of .to, ntwal~r runoff, landfill leachate
Indw~ t !wMt~r efllue~t.
· ~ monitomg lanai leachate and wastewater treatment
effluent to maintain compliance with state and federal regula-
tions.
· Evaluate stormwater management methods which contribute
to the filtering of stormwater runoff using natural features.
· Require proper soil erosion control in all private and public
and reduce application where practical.
· Promote alternatives to toxic residential lawn chemicals.
Reduce the volume of ml going into the Iowa City landfill.
· Promote initiatfves for reducing the disposal of solid waste,
such as recycling alternatives and reuse of items currently
landfilled.
Provide for the ,are and ~ diaposal of hazardous wlmtes. · Continue annual paint and battery disposal days.
· Establish a household hazardous waste policy.
Maimin the Integrity of .cenic and historic vistas, control
~ rioi. e., and prottml~ unobtnmive lighting and signs.
· Enforce appropriate elements of the Historic Preservation
Plan, the municipal noise ordinance, and the municipal sign
orcinance.
· Reevaluate lighting performance standards for glare.
Pursue idenUficafio~ and preservation of environmentally
· Enforce the sens'~ive areas ordinance.
· Reestablish natural areas where possible.
· Discourage or prohibit the planting of invasive exotic plant
species by the Oity, other public agencies, and property
Housing in a vital, energetic city builds a community of neighbor-
hoods that provides safe, attractive and affordable housing for all
its residents. A well-planned neighborhood welcomes all people
and includes both owner-occupied and rental, single-family and
multi-family housing. To this end, the City of Iowa City should
adopt policies to protect the integrity of existing neighbofhcxxJs
and to encourage the creation of neighborhoods in new develop-
menIs.
HOU INI
45
OFIL
TRFITEGIE
IOWA EITY
EYONI 000..
Pmvids housing opportunities for households of all sizes,
incomes, ages, and special needs.
· Encourage smaller owner-occupied houses on smaller lois.
· Zone land for lower cost housing alternatives such as single
room occupancy, cooperatives, manufactured and modu-
lar homes.
· Institute incentives such as density bonuses, provision of
infrastructure, and reduction of infrastructure requirements
for the development of affordable housing.
· Support programs that allow senior citizens to stay in their
homes and projects that provide group living options for
· Fund programs that assist lower income households with
housing which may include public housing, the rental as-
sistance certificate and voucher programs, and housing
provided by private non-profit groups.
· Identify and eliminate barriers to affordable and accessible
hous j.
Encourage neighborhoods that support the principle of
diversity of housing types and households, and provide for
Interaction among neighbors.
' I Simplified procedures for mixing housing types.
· Encourage amenMJes such as retail stores, churches, and
small restaurants in neighborlxxx:ls.
· Develop smaller lots and more common open space.
· Investigate 'fair share' concept for affordable housing (per-
centage in every neighborhood).
Preserve the Integrity of existing neighborhoods and the his-
toric nature of older neighborhoods.
· Develop neighborlxxxJ plans which help to ensure the con-
tinuation of a balance of housing types within neighbor-
hoods, particularly in older parts of the city.
· Support the Historic Preservation Commission's efforts to
meet its goals.
Maintain and Improve the safety of all housing. · Enforce building and housing codes.
· Review existing codes for consistency with the goal to pro-
vide safe housing, reevaluating provisions which have no
apparent basis in safety.
· Update codes to accommodate the use of new technology
and construction techniques.
Review zoning and annexation of undeveloped areas to plan
for the development of sustainable and livable neighbor-
hoods.
· Zone for neighborhood development in conjunction with
annexation.
· Coordinate with surrounding municipal governments.
The citizens of Iowa City build community and preserve lfte city's
quality of life by providing connections not only to the people and
places around which a 'cavities are centered, but also to the city's
histoq/, its environment and the Univemity, all of which have shaped
Iowa city's unique character. Future city developments should
chedsh and protect the character of the downtown and existing
neighborhoods, while carefully creating new areas which are inno-
vative in design, are compatible with their surroundings and am
environmentally sensitive. Future growth and development of the
community should be guided and menaged to create a city which
is
· Definable in character and space;
· Accessible to all;
· Diverse in land uses, employment and housing opportuni-
ties;
· Environmentally sens'~ive; and
· Economically healthy.
L NDU E
UI BFIN PFIl-I'FI N
LANI
IOWA CllY
BEYl]NI) 2ODD:
47
Define the City's adopted growth area boundary.
· Focus urban growth; use the City's extraterritorial review
powers to discourage suburban sprawl.
· Establish wherever possible green space at the edge of
the urban growth boundary.
Contain industrial development in industrial parks on the
edge of the community.
· Identify appropriate areas for industrial growth, provide dty
services, zone accordingly.
Focus commercial development in defined commercial cen-
ters, including small scale neighborhood commercial cen-
ters.
· Identify appropriate commercial nodes; zone accordingly
· Discourage linear strip commercial development that en-
Maintain a strong, accessible downtown that is pedestrian
oriented and a cultural, commercial and residential center.
· Encourage continued investment in downtown to assure
its place as the community cultural and commercial center.
· Work with the business community on strategies to keep
downtown commercially viable.
· Promote growth downtown consistent with the Near
Southside Development Plan.
F~ot4ct the historical and natural envimnn.mt within the city.
appropriately with natural areas and open spaces.
· Use City projects to demonstrate appropriate relationships
between devetofx~nt and environmentally sensitive areas.
· Conlinus implementation of the Iowa City Historic Preser-
vation Plan.
Foster strong community neighborhoods with a mix of hous-
ing, churches, schools, recreation facilities, commercial ar-
eas, and historic landmarks.
· Plan and promote the develolxnent of model neighborh(x)ds
that am compact, pedestrian-oriented, contain a mix of
housing, with neighborhood focal points and commercial
centers.
· Promote a mix of housing styles within neighborhoods,
including compatible infill development through neighbor-
hood conservation districts and other measures; and zone
parcels in advance of development.
· Implement zoning which integrates multi-family buildings
as transitions between neighborhood commercial zones and
lower density single family areas.
· Work with appropriate organizations to ensure that schools,
churches, parks, and neighborhood commercial centers are
centralized within residential areas rather than on the fringes
of the community.
· Promote neighborhood commercial centers by identifying
and zoning parcels in advance of development.
Parks, recmalion and open space are essenlial features of a heallhy
community. Our vision is to enhance the quality of life in Iowa City
by creating a model community with:
· Beautiful lands, trees and open spaces;
· Sufficient park land, facil'~ies and trails to accommodate
the needs of all neighborhoods;
· A balance of indoor and outdoor facilities and programs;
and
· Activities and facil't~ies which are accessible and afford-
able.
REEREfiTION 8
I F[BFFITION
OPEN PFl[
IOWFI
BEXOND aoa:
49
Make recreational f~cilitles and programs as affordable as
possible.
· Make special subsidy programs available to low income
residents.
· Foster partnerships with neighborhood associations,
businesses, schools and governmental agencies.
· Actively seek grants, matching monies, and gilts.
Ensure that programs and facilities are accessible to all citi-
z.~n$o
· Provide sufficient parking spaces to serve persons with
disabilities, including van spaces.
· Expand recreation programs that serve people with spe-
cial needs.
Implement elements of the Neighborhood Open Space Plan.
· Exped~ expend~ure of fees paid by developers for park
land acqui 's~on.
· Develop a neighborhood park land and trails acquisition
program.
· Update the neighborhood open space action plan on an
Enhance and expand indoor and outdoor recreational facili-
ties.
· Pursue improvements to the Robert A. Lee Community
Recreation Center, Mercer Park Aquatic Center, and the
Improve and maiii;ain municipal parks to meet the needs of
neighborhoods and the community.
· Implement a planned maintenance strategy for City park
facil'dies.
· Work with neighborhood groups on appropriate improve-
ments to neighborhood parks.
Establish a system of bikeways and trails connecting parks,
schools, neighborhoods, and the downtown area.
· Complete the Iowa River Corridor Trail.
· Construct bikeways and trails throughout Iowa City as
opportunr~es become available through the property de-
velopment process.
Create and maintain attractive entrances to Iowa City. · Implement landscaping plans on public and private prop-
erty to enhance entranceways to the community.
· Develop building and site design guidelines.
Enhance the city's urban forest.
· Continue the Heritage Tree Program and expand it to other
areas of the city.
· Work with public utilities and pdvate property owners to
preserve trees.
· Develop a preservation/replacement plan for trees
located on City-owned properlies.
Iowa City will be known as a community that keeps its people and
its environment free from harm and injury. Through the City de-
partments charged with public safety, resources will be directed
toward education, prevention and enforcement to enhance the
quality of life in Iowa City.
PUBLIC SFIF
TRATEGIE
IOWI:I I 11Y
! EYONI) '000..
51
Promote events such as 'check your smoke detector batte~/
day,' 'stop, drop and roll,' as well as working with community
groups on fire sa~e~y lraining and injury prevenlion.
Respond to calls for emergency service as efficiently and effec-
tively as poss~ I~.
· Efficiently and elfeclively ~u~ the criminal justice process.
· 'lV~nimize e, e, ge, ~y senace response time.
· In'~iale educatk3nal programs wi~ the sctxx31 district to promole
Continue to s.,,phasize crime I~ ovenUon in the mission of the Po-
lice
· Increase number of neighborhood watch groups and sustain
· Train add'~ional offsets to recognize gang-related signs and
aclivilies.
· Maintain police iden0ty in neighborhoeds and police presence
in high aclivity areas, such as lhe downtown.
Insl~m ce, Ek~.,,ce in Ihe provision of e,,,t, ~,tcy senses.
· Develop pemonnel capable of providing the public with profes-
sional law enforcement, tim fighting, and emergency medical
service, hazardous materials 'rr~galion, and rescue.
Continue to rnai.;,,In the prevention of fire as the primary objective
ofthe Fire Department
· Implement programs on fire deterrents and arson prosecution
· Promo~ pubrm educalion wilh the scho(~, neighl:xxfmod asso-
'c~ations, landion:Is and other groups on the methods and tech-
niques of tim and injury prevention.
Actively parlicipate in the ¢~dc~ c~t(nt of building and fire codes. · Complete inspeclions for building and fire code compliance.
· Work with Housing and Inspection Sewices Department to en-
sure knowledge and compliance with the fire code by property
owtle~.
Plan for the public safety needs ofthe community.
· Develop annual objectives which make efficient and effective
· Monitor progress in meeting public safety goals with the assis-
tance of lhe public.
52
The City of Iowa City provides the foundafon for a caring commu-
nity by responding to huntan r:.c.=ds, being elhically accountable,
and making decisions for the greater good. Our community en-
courages the participation of all citizens to create a climate of so-
cial acceptance and well-being. We embrace life-long education,
good heallb. decent housing, rewarding work and helping each
other as basic elements that are essential to our quality of life.
City supported social services compliment and strengthen the ef-
forts of citizens helping each other to enjoy that quality of life.
OCIAL
TIIFITEGIE
IOWFI El-IT
i _Fyo N I): ooo..
Promote a community standard of "sen4ce to others."
· Encourage employers to promote service leaming and
volunteerism opportun'fdes to their employees.
· Work with the Volunteer Action Center and Volunteer
Ad 'nanistmtc~ Network to encourage volunteer community
service a 'ctwities.
Encourage a wide army of progrants available in all neighbor-
hoods throughout the city.
· Support human service programs in cen. ters in neigh-
txxtxx,:ls.
· Use existing facil'fdes to provide coordinated neighborhood
services.
Ensure an adequate level of financial support for human ser-
vices programs.
· Facilitate the joint human services funding process through
· Strengthen relationships wilh en 'Idles that are not part of
the joint human services funding process.
· Investigate ways to enhance the financial position of hu-
man service agencies.
Provide approprtate planning and coordination of human ser-
vices programs.
· Work with JCCOG and agencies that offer services to ex-
change informalion and ideas. review new regulations, dis-
Initiate a leadership role by Iowa City govemmant in the pro-
vision of human services by an employer.
· Determine feasibility of oresite daycam, cooperative efforts
with other employers, and utilizing 4Cs to assist employ-
ees in securing safe, rollable childcare.
Promote equal accessibility by all persons to all aspecL~ of
the community.
· Provide expanded employment opportunities for parson
with disabil'ffies, parsons with employment difficulties, and
persons seeking work under the state's reformed welfare
laws.
· Ensure that building codes and City ordinances are con-
sistent with ADA.
· Provide sliding scale fee options for as many City services
as possible for low income residents
· Enhance the ability of parsons whose first language is not
English to use City services.
Consider human services impacts on matters being dis-
cussed by the City Council.
· Assess impact of development projects and City policies
on human service programs.
The quality of life for residents of Iowa City is and will corllJnue to
. be enhanced by a balanced, multi-modal system for the transpor-
tation of people. This is a system which will accommodate all
forms of mobility in lhe community. Iowa City is enhanced by hav-
ing readily available freight access to the naUonal transportation
in the future, the City should pay increased'attention to innovalive
~ even adventurous ~ methods of maintaining and improving our
TRANSPORTATION
TRANSPORTATION
GOFIL
IOWFI EI1Y
000..
Accommodate all modes of transportation on the street sys-
tem.
walks on bolh sides.
· Maintain a sidewalk retrofit program for older arterials.
· Construct capacity improvements when appropriate for
older arterials.
Encourage walking and bicycling. · Provide sidewalks with curb ramps along all streets.
· Provide crosswalks arid walk signals where appropriate.
· Provide wide curb lanes for bicycles, where appropriate.
work of trails including the Iowa River Corridor Trail.
· Provide adequate bike parking facil'~es.
· Enforce the snow ramoval ordinance.
Promote use of public transiL · Continue to monitor transit on-time perfomtance.
· Ensure adequate levels of transit service dudng a.m. arid
p.m. peak travel periods.
· Continue upgrading transit capital equipment.
· Create innovalive ideas to increase ridership.
· Continue aggressive marketing campaign.
· Support efforts to secure Arnlrack rail service in the cen-
Maximize mobility for persons with disabilities. · Ensure that sidewalks, Irails, curb ramps, traffic control
devices, street markings arid parking facilities accommo-
date persons with disabilities.
· Provide 100% lift-equipped public transit service by year
2000.
· Continue provision of complementary paratransit service.
· Enforce lite snow removal ordinance.
Protect neighborhoods from arterial street traffic. · Use arterial streets as neighborhood boundaries.
· Create self-contained neighborhoods with a mix of uses.
· Implement traffic calming strategies where appropriate on
local residential streets.
· Alleviate arterial street intersection congestion that
encourages motorists to cut through neighborhoods.
A downtown parking system that fosters economic growth
and vitality.
· Construct off-street parking garages with ancillary uses
such as daycare centers and covered bike parking.
· Preserve the downtown on-street parking system for short-
term parkers.
Ensure the continued vitality of the Iowa City Municipal Air-
· Implement Airport Master Plan.
I oI uI::-fioN 1o
THE PLFINNINI]
DIgRICT5
For the purposes of the Comprehensive Plan, the City has been
d'wided into ten geographically designated planning districts, shown
in Figure 4. The community direction articulated in the Beyond
2000 vision statements has been addressed in each planning dis-
trict study. The ten planning districts include all property in the
designated Iowa City long-range planning area. The planning dis-
tricts am:
· Central
· Downtown
· Northeast
· North
· Northwest
· Soulhwest
· South
· Southeast
The planning district studies represent a snapshot of each plan-
ning district in 1996. This snapshot includes a basic description of
the planning district, a summery of unique features, and public
infrastructure elements: sanitary sewer, water, trafficways, and
open space. Also included is a summery of public school issues,
although public schools fall under the purview of the Iowa City
Community School District, not the City of Iowa City.
Eventually, more detailed area plans will be conducted for each
planning district. The first area plan was completed in 1996 for
the South Planning District. The South District Plan involved an
extensive citizen participation process, including neighborhood
planning workshops to develop a vision for this area of Iowa City.
The Soulh District Plan will become part of the Iowa City Compre-
hensive Plan after it is adopted by the Planning and Zoning Com-
mission and the City Council.
[ NTRAL
LANNING
I I TRICT
62
C NTRAL
I INNIN
I I TRICT
Description of the Central Planning District
The Central Planning District is generally bounded by the Iowa
River on the west; the ravine north of Brown Street, and Dodge
StreetJHighway I on the north; 1st Avenue and Sycamore Street
on the east and the iowa interstate Railroad and Highway 6 on the
south. The district surrounds the downtown and its environs in-
cluding the eastern porl~:~ns of The University of iowa Campus,
Mercy Hospital and the Near Southside. Hickory Hill Park, Oak-
land Cemetery, Regina Educational Center, Iowa City High
School, four elementary schools and the City's north wastewater
treatment plant am included within the boundaries of the district.
The area contains a wide variety of land uses including retail corn-
menial, intensive commercial, industrial, multi-family residential,
single family residential and a community park. In the Central
Planning District there are approximately 50 acres of vacant land
zoned for residential development.
The Central Planning District contains several older neighborhoods
which made up the original town plat and early additions to the
city. The southern and eastern portion of the district contains
neighborhoods developed after 1950. Except for subdivisions to
the north and west of Iowa City High School, streets within the
Central Planning District are almost exclusively arranged in a gdd
pattem. Many of the city's major arterial streets pass through or
radiate out from the Central Planning District, therefore transpor-
tation and traffic issues may take on a heightened sense of im-
portance when compared to other planning districts.
Unique Features of the Central Planning District
Portions of the Central Planning District located to the north and
east of downtown contain older neighborhoods where issues of
neighborhood integrity are of concern. Some areas within the Cen-
tral Planning District corttain housing which has I~cn more af-
fordable when compared to newer subdivisions. Preservation of
this existing housing stock has been a policy of the city and will
require continued efforts. Where existing zoning allows redevel-
opment at a higher density, the City Council has indicated that
measures should be taken to assure that new structures are de-
signed to be compatible wilh the adjacent neighborhood.
This district contains many of the older neighborhoods that can
act as models for new neighborhoods. These older areas contain
a mix of housing types and uses, focal points in sclxx:~ and parks,
and alleys that enable a less car-dominated visual image at I~e
street.
Parking for the University, Mercy Hospital, and churches located
downtown has also been an issue for the neighborhoods located
near these instibdkx~. Organized neighborhood associations,
such as the Northside and Longfellow associations, have been
active in addressing issues affecting development and quality of
life in their neighborhoods. The newer neighborhoods on the pe-
riphery of the central area have not typically experienced the con-
fiicts associated with redevelopment that has occurred in the older
neighborhoods. However, as the City grows and these neighbor-
hoods age, attention may r'~c.d to be directed to these areas to
assure their long term stability.
The Central Planning District is well served by city util'dies with
few areas having inadequacies in sanitary sewer, water or fire
protection. Given proximity to downtown, the area has good ac-
cess to several transit routes. All Iowa City Transit routes east of
the Iowa River travel through the Central Planning District.
Several of the city's artedal streets are partially located with ~
Central Planning District. The capacity of these streets to handle
increased traffic and the impact of increased traffic in existing
neighborhoods is an ongoing concern. For example, plans to widen
Kirkwood Avenue were opposed by neighborhood groups and as
a result it was rebuilt without being widened. Improvements nec-
essary to increase capacity will need to be balanced with the policy
of preserving the integrity of the neighborhoods through which
these streets pass. The City has begun to consider 'traffic calm-
ing" techniques to minimize traffic impacts in residential areas on
local and collector streets. Arterial streets which have been iden-
tified as having existing capacity constraints include Gilbert Street,
Burlington Street, Summit and Sycamore streets, Rochester, First,
Lower Muscatine and Kirkwood avenues. Street improvements
scheduled in the Capital Improvement Plan include First Avenue,
Lower Muscafine Avenue and Sycamore Street.
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The Central Planning District contains Hickory Hill Park, which is
a community-wide park facility. The district also contains several
small neighbodxxx~ parks such as College Green Park, Creekside
Park and North Market Square.
The Iowa City Neighborhood Open Space Plan includes seven
open space districts in the Central Planning District. These dis-
tricts and their existing neighborhood open space requirements
are summarized in the boxed table. Most of the Open Space Dis-
tricls within the Central District have a deficit of neighborhood open
space. Given the fact that them is little if any vacant land in the
Central District,
oran Seam Deaea the Neighbor-
7.3 acres hood Open
Space plan may
require the acquk
2.5acres sition of proper-
lies to be redevel-
9.9acres oped for open
.97 acres space.
F. xldine Open SSmc;e
H~agy Holow I:)odc (3.3 ~'es)
North MarkM Pa~ (1.5 acres)
Horace Mann Schoo~ (0.5 acres)'
~ Green Pa~ (2.4 acres)
C~auncey ~wan Park (.6 acres)
Creekside Pink (2.3 m3'es)
Lmg~ek~ Pa~ (2.08 acres)
L.o~lfelow School (9 acres)°
Mark Tw'~ Oak Grove Pa~ (1.6 acres) 4.3 acres
High~nd Pink (0.4 acres)
[P~um ~ Histork: ,~e (4.23 acms)]
Mark Twain School (9 acres)*
Cily High Glend~ Park (0.8 acres) 6.0 acres
Hoow ~ (6.0 re:ms)*
I-k:ko~ Hil Hickory Hill (190 acres) +2.8 acres suq3~us
Reno Stm~ Pink (1.3 acres)
*Only 25% of open space assodated with elementa~ schools and a ma,~mum of 7 acres per
park is given neighlx~hood open space credit.
Neighborhood
Associations
Designated
neighborhood
groups within the
Central Planning
District include
the Northside
Neighborhood
Association, the
Goosetown
Neighborhood
Association, the Longfellow Neighborhood Association, and the
Lucas Farms Neighborh(xxl Association.
Horace Mann, Longfellow, Hoover and Mark Twain elementary
schools am all located within the central Planning District. Be-
cause the central Planning Dislrict is nearly completely developed,
it is not anticipated that there will be a significant increase in the
number of school age children living within the area. In fact, due
to the aging and cyding of neighborhoods there will be times when
the number of school age children in the District will decrease.
However, lhe schools within the district serve students from be-
yond the central Planning District and this may affect their capac-
ity. Regardless, it is not anticipated that an additional school site
will be necessary or possible within the Central Planning District.
Comnmrc/al Ames
The North Side of the Central Planning District is sewed by a
neighborhood commercial area at the intersection of Dodge and
Church Street. The northeast podion of the Central Planning Dis-
b~ct is sewed by a neighborhood commercial district located at the
intersection of First Avenue and Rochester. The southeast por-
tion is served by a community commercial district located at the
int~ of Muscatine and First Avenue. The south portion of
the Central Planning District is served by the community commer-
cial district south of Highway 6. No add'd~onal neighborhood com-
mercial areas are necessary to serve the planning district, howev-
er, redevelopment may occur in the existing older neighborhood
The southwestern portion of the Central Planning District con-
tains a large area of intensive commercial zoning. The area con-
tains a mix of commercial uses ranging from retail and service
built above intensive commercial areas may result in the r~.,cd to
re-examine the appropriate land uses and zoning patterns in this
area. Concerns regarding the r, ccd to provide locations within the
community for intensive commercial uses such as auto repair
garages will r=cd to be balanced against the introduction of lighter
commercial and residential uses into this area.
Highlights of the Central Planning District
The integrity of existing neighborhoods, especially those
adjacent to downtown and The University of Iowa campus
will require ongoing efforts. Development of policies to
ensure compatibility of infill residential development within
established neighborhoods has been identified as a prior-
ity by the City Council.
The redevelopment of the commercial area in the south-
west portion of the Central Planning District should be ex-
amined. Consideration will need to be given to the com-
patibility among the less intense land uses recently intro-
duced into the area and the existing intensive commercial
uses.
Policies regarding the r=c,d for increased capacity on ar-
terial streets will r:ccd to be balanced with efforts to pre-
serve adjacent neighborhoods.
The shortage of Neighborhood Open Space in many of
the neighborhoods in the Central Planning District requires
a creative approach.
As subdivisions on the periphery of the Central Planning
District age issues regarding long-term stability will nccd
to be addressed.
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Description of the Downtown_Planning District
The Downtown Planning District is bounded on the west by the
Iowa River, on the north and east by the Northside and Court Hill
neighborhoods, and on the south by the Iowa Interstate Railroad.
It contains the oldest part of Iowa City originally platted in 1839,
The University of Iowa east campus, and the central business
district. There is no property included in the vacant land inventory
within the downtown planning district. However, a number of prop-
erties in the downtown planning district may be appropriate for
redevelopment.
The Near Southside, a 20 block area in the southemmost part of
the district, was the subject of a redevelopment study in 1991.
Design plans for the Near Southside addressing streetscape irn-
provements, parking and civic projects, and building design con-
cepts were adopted by the City Council in 1995. The redevelop-
ment and design plans am considered part of the Comprehen-
sive Plan for this District.
Unique Features of the Downtown Planning District
The dominant feature of this planning district is downtown Iowa
City. Iowa City is fortunate to have an active and vital downtown.
The success of downtown as an activity center is due in part to
the urban renewal effort of the 1970s and '80s. It is also due to the
presence of The University of Iowa academic campus in its midst.
Students, faculty and visitors to the campus enable downtown
businesses to thrive. The presence of the campus also presents
challenges for the downtown in terms of the types of businesses
that can achieve success, and in terms of parking availability in
the general area. In addition, many of the physical amenities con-
stmcted dudng urban renewal are aging and in need of upgrading.
To address these and other issues, a public/private effort includ-
72
ing the City, downtown business and property owners, The Uni-
versity of Iowa, and other interested citizens, is being undertaken
to ensure the continued vitality of downtown.
Immediately outside of downtown are two areas which are af-
fected by the downtown. One is the Near Southside noted above,
and the other is the Northside Marketplace. Future planning and
redevelopment of the Near Southside has been addressed in the
Near Southside Neighborhood Redevelopment Plan and in the
Near Southside Design Plan. The Northside Marketplace is a small
town by Univemity campus buildings. Business and property own-
ers in the area am organized into a loosely knit group to address
the needs of this commercial area. improvements to ltte public
right-of-way, the future of City parking facil'dies on the Northside
and the continued vitality of commercial enterprises in this area
are topics which warrant investigation in the future. Mercy Hospi-
tal is a significant institution on the east end of this area, and will
have a role in defining the character of the Northside Marketplace.
Higher density housing in and around the downtown is an issue to
be addressed in this district. The logic of promoting higher density
residential development in the Downtown Planning District rests
in the concept that people who live in and near downtown will walk
to work (or classes in the case of University students), will patron-
ize d~m businesses, will add to after hours vitality, and cre-
ate a sense of safety in the downtown. Higher density develop-
ment in the downtown also reduces pressure on the less dense
older neighborhoods surrounding downtown. However, some
downtown merchants and business owners feel the residential
population burdens the parking system in the district to the detri-
ment of the businesses. This issue will need to be debated and
resolved, setting a clear policy for housing, parking and redevek
opment in the Downtown Planning District.
Because Iowa City is a relatively small and compact city, less
dense residential development can be found adjacent to the down-
town. As the community grows and the downtown prospers, care
should be taken in providing proper transi'dons between the inten-
sity of downtown development and surrounding residential neigh-
borhoods.
Given the built-up nature of the Downtown Planning District, there
are few environmental concerns in this district. Umited flooding
on the lower reaches of Ralston Creek, between Johnson Street
and Gilbert Street, still occurs despite the detention structures on
the upper reaches of both branches of the creek. With redevelop-
ment, properties prone to flooding are being set aside for no de-
velopment, or new development is being elevated above the 100
year flood level. A significant environmental feature bordering the
Downtown Planning District is the Iowa River. Enhancing access
to the dver and the construction of a pedestrian/bicycle trail along
the river are on-going efforts of the City and The University of Iowa.
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73
Because the Downtown Planning District is fully developed and
largely commercial, lhe Neighborhood Open Space Plan applies
to o~ly the Near Southside portion of this area. The Near Southside
Open Space District extends all the way to Highway 6 and has a
deficit of 4.4 acres. Harrison Hill Park provides .3 acres of the
r~,c, ded open space. Ot~r public open space in the Downtown
Planning District is provided in the City Plaza pedestrian mall; and
along the Iowa River, particularly on the University campus. The
design plan for the Near Southside includes a concept for a
greenway to the Iowa River, and a civic complex that includes an
ice-rinldpi~:,:a built in conjunction with a parking facility south of
the Johnson County Courthouse. As areas redevelop, open space
and greenways will be considered in redevelopment plans.
Neighborhood Associations
There am no designated neighborhood associations within the
downtown planning district.
Schools
One public high school, the Community Education Center (CEC),
is located in the Downtown Planning District. There are no exist-
ing or planned elementary schools.
Highlights of ~te r~ntown Plannin17 r~istrict
An on-going strategy which addresses the vitality of the
downtown through such issues as parking, the business
mix, safety and the appearance of downtown should con-
fintie.
The future of the Northside Marketplace warrants further
evaluation.
Higher density housing issues in and near the downtown
need to be resolved and a clear policy formulated.
Limited flooding along Ralston Creek continues to be a
problem for some properties.
Some public open spaces exist, but additional areas can
be considered with redevelopment in parts of the Down-
town Planning District.
76
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Description of the Northeast Planning District
The Northeast Planning District is bounded by Interstate 80 on the
north, the Iowa City Long-Range Planning Boundary on the east,
Court Street on the south, and First Avenue on the west. Existing
land uses are predominantly a mix of single-family residential and
office/research park. Them are also small areas of multi-family
residential, commercial, and city parks.
Much of the Northeast Planning District remains undeveloped or
in an agricultural use. Factors which have contributed to its rela-
lively undeveloped state include lack of sewer service and street
access, topographical constraints, and lack of interest in redevel-
opment by property owners who own large tracts of land. In the
Northeast Planning District there are approximately 690 acres of
vacant land zoned for residential development within the corpo-
rate limits, and 965 additional acres of vacant land within the Iowa
City long-range planning area.
The Northeast Planning District includes large areas of woodlands.
steep slopes, and stream corridors. Development in this area
should be planned with an emphasis on adapting to the existing
terrain in accordance with the City of Iowa City Sensitive Areas
Ordinance. This area is well-suited for Planned Developments,
which allow flexibility in the placement and clustering of buildings,
the modification of street standards, and the use of open space.
A Planned Development can promote efficiency by minimizing the
network of utilities and streets for a given number of lots, while
allowing development to occur in a manner sensitive to natural
features.
Unique Features of the Northeast Planning Dist~icL
The 1983 Comprehensive Plan designated the area along North
Dodge Street and Interstate 80 as suitable for future Office Re-
search Park (ORP) development The visibility of this property
combined with its convenience to 1-80 make it particularly suitable
for ORP developrnenL W'dh an amendment to the Comprehen-
sive Plan in 1987, Research and Development Parks (RDP) were
also considered as appropriate land uses for parts of the North-
east Planning District. Research and Development Parks put
greater emphasis on production than is found in Office Research
Parks, where only prototype manufacturing takes place.
The amen'dies of landscaping, high quality design, and large set-
backs are critical to the successful development of a Research
and Development Park. Research and Development Parks may
be designed with smaller lots than the more campus-like devel-
opment envisioned for an Office Research Park. Development of
an RDP zone requires the preparation of a master plan. 'rhe plan
must show the park's amenities, and measures to be taken to
protect any residential development in the vicinity. The master
plan should also show how the development is sensitive to natu-
ral features in the area.
vailability
The Northeast Planning District trunk sewer system services an
area approximately 900 acres in size within the existing corporate
limits. Two hundred of these acres became sewemble with
completion of the Southeast Interceptor Trunk Sewer in the late
1980's. 'rhe remaining 700 acres will require extension of addi-
tional trunk lines off the ~ Interceptor before development
can occur. Development in the growth area east of Scott Boule-
vard will require extension of additional trunk lines as well as up-
grading of the Southeast Interceptor Extension upstream of Court
Hill Park.
Further development of the area north of Rochester Avenue will
require an upgrade to the northeast trunk line sanitary sewer be-
tween the Hicko~ Hill Park Stormwater Retention Facility and Glen-
dale Avenue.
Municipal Water Service
There are existing flow rate and water pressure constraints in the
Northeast Planning District. These will be alleviated with a new
feeder main to the Rochester Avenue Ground Storage Reservoir.
This improvement is expected to be on-line by 2001.
There are three north-south arterial street corddom in the North-
east Planning District: First Avenue, Scott Boulevard, and Taft
Avenue. There are three east-west arterials: Court StreeL Roch-
ester Avenue, and the planned Captain Irish Parkway. These ar-
terial street corridors are shown in the JCCOG Artedal Street Plan
for the Iowa City UrbaniTed Area, included in the appendix.
First Avenue has been completed approximately one-half mile
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as an urban arterial street to Rochester Avenue, but remains an
unimproved rural road north of Rochester Avenue. Taft Avenue is
L NNIN an unimproved county road near the Iowa City Long-Range Plan-
~) ning Boundary. Court Street has bccn extended east of Scott
Boulevard and is proposed for extension to Taft Avenue within five
~I~T[~I[~T years. Rochester Avenue extends east of the city limits to an
interchange with 1-80. No portion of Captain Irish Parkway is com-
pleted at this time; it is proposed for construction in phases by the
year2001.
The most significant characteristic about the Northeast Planning
District arterial street system is its discontinuity. Only Rochester
Avenue is fully functional with respect to the planned arterial street
network. AJl other arterials in this area require some type of ex-
tension or reconstruction before they are fully functional. The
r'~'.cded improvements am either already programmed in the Iowa
City Capital Improvemerits Program (Court Street, portlofts of Cap-
tain Irish Parkway); or considered to be future long-range arterial
street corridors (Taft Avenue, First Avenue, Scott Boulevard).
The extension of arterial streets in the Northeast Planning District
will be required for development at urban densities to occur. The
new streets will be constructed as urban arterials, with a mini-
mum 34' paved madway surface, and sidewalks on both sides of
the street, including an 8' sidewalk on one side. This will enable
metor vehicle, transit vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian access to
the northeast area. Extension of these arterial streets will also
create improved emergency vehicle access to north Iowa City.
This area currently has the poorest emergency vehicle response
time in Iowa City.
The existing arterial streets in the Northeast Planning District are
relatively unconstrained with respect to lane capacity and Level of
Service (delay). Add'dJonal arterial street planning issues associ-
ated with the Northeast Planning District are summarized in the
JCCOG Arterial Sb'eet Plan for the Iowa City Urbanized Area, in-
duded in the appendix.
Open Space
Upper Ralston Creek
Pheasant H~eme
Existing Open Space
None
~Hm Pink(3.3 acres)
Leme School (8.0 acres)
The adopted Iowa City Neighborhood Open Space Plan includes
two open space districts in the Northeast Planning District: Dis-
trict NE1 (Upper Ralston
Creek) and Distdct NE2
(Pheasant Hill/Lemme).
The open space needs in
each area are summa-
rized in the boxed table.
Open Space Deficit
12.2 acres
7.0 acms/
9.9 acres*
* Includes Windsor Ridge area north of Court Street
Only 25% of the school
open space may be
counted toward the re-
quirement; therefore the 8.0 acre Lemme School property is only
credited 2.0 acres in the Open Space Plan. Portions of the North-
east Planning District are not included in the Neighborhood Open
Space Plan because they conlain no areas of projected residen-
Neighborhood Assc__"fa6ons
Schoo/s
The Northeast Planning District is sewed by two public elemen-
tary schools; Hoover, which is currently under capacity; and
Lemme, which is currentty at enrollment capacity. W'dh the bound-
ary changes proposed for implementation in 1997, the projection
is for both Hoover and Lemme to be under capacity by the year
2001. Population growth in the Northeast Planning District may
City Community School District with respect to busing and bound-
ary changes.
Highlights of the Norlheast Planning District
The existence of environmentally sensrdve areas in the
Northeast Planning District makes Planned Development
o
This is Iowa City's deskjnated area for Office R-e~,earch
Parks and Research Development Parks.
Full development of lhe Northeast Planning District will
require upgrade of sanitary sewer trunk lines, extension of
existing arterial streets, and construction of new arterial
streets.
Consistent with Iowa Cily's adopted long-range growth
policy, capital improvement projects should occur first
within the existing corporate limits.
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Description of the North Planning DisfTict
The North Planning District is bounded by Interstate 80, County
Road W66 and the Iowa River on the north; the Iowa River on the
west and south; and Dodge Street on the south and east. The
entire North Planning District is within the existing corporate limits
of Iowa City. Existing land uses are predominantly single family
and multi-family residential, with commercial areas along Dodge
Street between Prairie du Chien Road and 1-80.
Much of the North Planning District remains undeveloped or in an
agricultural use. Factors which have contributed to the relatively
undeveloped state of the North Planning District include lack of
sanitary sewer service and street access, and the existence of
topographical constraints. In the North Planning District there are
approximately 790 acres of land zoned for residential develop-
ment within lhe city limits.
The undeveloped portion of the North Planning District includes
the following envimmental features identified in the City's sensi-
tive areas inventory: large areas of woodlands and steep slopes,
stream corridors, potential wooded and unwooded weftands, hy-
dric soils, and rock outcroppings. Development of these areas
should be planned with an emphasis on adapting to the existing
terrain in accordance with the City of Iowa City's Sensitive Areas
Ordinance.
Unique Features of the North Planning District
In the 1990's the City of Iowa City acquired 463 acres of property
in the North Planning District for construction of facilities for a new
water treatment plant. The new water treatment plant and sev-
eral well sites will be located on property north of 1-80, with addi-
riohal well field facirdies and easements on the peninsula area south
of 1-80. Once the new water treatment plant fadrifles am estab-
lished, a management plan will be developed for this area to allow
public access. This will include preservation of the histodc Butler
txxJSe, and ~ Of'~,A~ql field access roeds which ,Mll deuble
as the Iowa River Comdor Trail. After easements are established
on the peninsula, the upland portion of the property will be returned
to plivate ownership for redevelopmenL
The Nodh Planning District is unique in that it has several rela-
tively isolated rural areas which am close to the business and
academic center of Iowa City. It includes a working farm in the
area between 1-80 and Dodge Street. An approximate 30 acre
area bounded by Kimball Road, Whiting Avenue, and North
Dubuque Street has bcc, n identified as an original growth foresL
The Peninsula-Elks Club area is particularly unique within Iowa
City because it is approximately 80% surrounded by a large ox-
bow of the Iowa River.
Much of the existing development in the North Planning District is
located along the ridge lines of the area. Many of the remaining
undeveloped areas consist of steep ravines, flood plains, and rocky
soils. This area is well suited for Planned Developments, which
allow flexibility in the placement and clustering of buildings, the
modification of street standards, and the use of open space. A
Planned Development can promote efficiency by minimizing the
network of utilities and streets for a given number of lots, while
allowing development to occur in a manner sens'dive to natural
features. The issues having the greatest effect on further devel-
opment of the North Planning District are the distribution of mu-
nicipal sanitary sewer service and the provisiort of street access.
Sewer Availability
Two hundred acres of property between Dubuque Street and Pmi-
de du Chien Road are within the watershed of the Iowa River.
This property can be served by municipal sanitary sewer through
the Bjaysville Lane Sanitary Sewer which empties into the River
Corridor Trunk Sewer. East of Prairie du Chien Road there am
178 acres of property in the North Planning District, 119 of which
are in the Rapid Creek Watershed that drains to the north. It is
likely the area east of Prairie du Chien Road that drains north will
be developed with large lots and septic systems to deal with the
topographic constraints to municipal sanitary sewer service in this
area.
At present, the Bjaysville Lane Sewer surcharges in wet weather
conditions. This can be alleviated if the Bjaysville Lane Sewer is
upgraded to a 24 inch line. This improvement is scheduled for
fiscal year 1998.
The 1989 Iowa City Comprehensive Plan Update cited the Penin-
sula area as inappropriate for development in the short-range fu-
ture. This projection has changed with the recent decision to con-
struct a new water treatment plant on a site north of 1-80, with a
well field serving the new plant on the Peninsula. This will require
NORTH
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water lines and sanitary sewer infrastructure which puts the Pen-
insuia in a more immediate phase of being available for develop-
ment. The City's acquis'dJon of a portion of the Peninsula area for
new water treatment plant facll'rdes also includes a plan to set
aside and manage flood-prone areas and to make the higher el-
evation ground available for private redevelopmenL
Trafficways
The North Planning District contains two north-south arterial
streets: Dubuque Street and Prairie du Chien Road. Dodge Street
is also a major arterial corridor in this area. Them are no true
east-west arterial streets in the North Planning District, although
traffic counts indicate 1-80 is carrying some local traffic between
the Dubuque Street and Dodge Street interchanges. Dubuque
Street and Prairie du Chien Road do not have any significant ca-
pacity constraints, either existing or in the short- or long-range
future. Dodge Street has existing capacity constraints between
Governor Street and Dubuque Road. Reconstruction of this cor-
ridor with higher capacity is tentatively slated for 2002. Dodge
Street between Dubuque Road and 1-80 has projected capacity
constraints, but is not currently slated for reconstruction. Both
the Dubuque Street and Dodge Street corridors may require addi-
tional traffic signalization in the future.
Foster Road is the street extension issue which will be a signifi-
cant factor in determining future development of the North Plan-
ning District. The City Council has determined that Foster Road
will be constructed as a collector street in two distinct segments:
Peninsula area to Dubuque Street, and Dubuque Street to Prairie
du Chien Road. The decision has been made that as a collector
street Foster Road will principally serve to circulate traffic between
neighborho~s within the North Planning District and arterial
streets. It will not function as a beltway circulating arterial traffic
which has origins and destinations from outside the North Plan-
ning District. It has been determined that Foster Road will be
constructed as required by redevelopment of the area. The Fos-
ter Road intersec~ at Dubuque Street will be monitored, and
reconstruction and signalization programmed as warranted by
community growth.
The North Planning District is bound by 1-80 to the north. Although
some development abuts the interstate, a significant portion of
the corridor remains undeveloped. Future plans for 1-80 envision
expansion of the interstate to six lanes through Iowa City and
Coralville by the year 2001. The two-lane addition is a response
to increased traffic on the roadway. Another consequence of the
increased traffic has bccn increased vehicluar noise in the com-
dor. In Coralville, residents in developments along the interstate
have already requested noise barriers for relief from the interstate
noise. As planning proceeds in the North District, consideration
should be given to land uses along the interstate that are less
affected by traffic noise than residential uses, or requirements for
buffering as residential developments are approved.
open
The adopted Iowa City Neighborhood Open Space Plan includes
three open space districts in the North Planning D~sI~C~ "N~
(Dubuque Road), N2 (Mayfio er Shimek), and N3 (Foster Road).
The open space needs in
space may be counted to-
wards the requirement in
each open space district;
therefore the 15.0 acre
Shimek School property is
only credited as 3.75 acres of neighborhood open space.
~ Shimek School (15 acres) 9.5 acres/
3.7 acres*
Foster Road Tenel ki Park (17.6 ac~es) 3.0 acres
Neigh~ Ass; clotions
W'dhin the North Planning Distr~ there is one designated neigh-
hodrood group, the Shirnek Neighbcxhood Assodation.
at Shirnek School should decline slightly through the year 2001.
Population growlh in the Norlh Planning District may dictate buikl-
ing new school facilrdes depending ohlhe policies of the Iowa City
Community School District with respect to busing and boundary
changes.
Commerc/al Areas
A neighborhood commercial area has been established at the in-
tersecfion of Dodge Street and Dubuque Road. This neighbor-
hood commercial area serves existing neighborhoods of the North
Planning District. An addrdonal neighborhood commercial zone
may be r~cded to serve the neighborhoods of the Peninsula area,
although a specific site has not been identified.
Additional highway commercial, general commercial, and com-
mercial office zoning is located along lite Dodge Sb'eet corridor.
Some redevelopment from residential to commercial uses has
occurred in this area.
Highlights of the North Planning Disbfct
The existence of extensive environmentally sens'~ive ar-
eas in the North Planning District makes Planned Devel-
opment housing appropriate.
Add'dJonal redevelopment of the North Planning District will
require sanitary sewer and street extension improvements.
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These will be occurring in the Peninsula area in conjunc-
tion with construction of Iowa City Water Treatment Plant
facil'dies, and along the proposed Foster Road alignment
between Dubuque Street and Prairie du Chien Road.
Development along 1-80 should take the traffic noise lev-
els of the interstate into consideration at the time land is
zoned or approved for development.
92
I North Planning Oist~
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Description of the No, ihv~st Planning District
The Northwest Planning District is bounded by the Iowa City cor-
porate limits and the Iowa River on the north, the Iowa River on
the east, Melrose Avenue oft the south, and the Iowa City corpo-
rate limits and the long-range planning boundary on the west. Vir-
tually the entire Northwest Planning District is within the existing
corporate limits of Iowa City, except for a small area which is in
Iowa City's designated growth area but currently within unincorpo-
rated Johnson County. The existing land use which dominates
the Northwest Planning District is property controlled by The Uni-
versity of Iowa. The University of Iowa property in the Northwest
Planning District includes a range of land uses: the line arts carn-
pus, The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, the athletic cam-
pus, Finkbine G<~ Course, University family housing, and vadous
large scale parking facil'~_.s. The eastern portion of the North-
west Planning District is entirely built-out and includes the Manville
Heights residential area and City Park. The far west area of the
Northwest Planning District is largely undeveloped except for the
Walnut Ridge subdivision, a low density residential housing de-
velopmenL
The far west area of the Northwest Planning District remains
largely undeveloped due to issues related to the extension of mu-
nicipal infrastructure. These include sanitary sewer service, arte-
rial street access and municipal water service. There are also
topographical conslmints to the development of the far west area
of the Northwest Planning District. In the Northwest Planning Dis-
trict there are approximately 220 acres of vacant land zoned for
residential development within the city limits. There are 190 acres
of vacant land outside of the city limits but within the Iowa City
long-range planning area.
The undeveloped portion of the Northwest Planning Distdct in-
II
..,~. ~-~. ...~
CORALVILLE ANNEXATION AREA ;'.
Figure 5
CORALVILLE-IOWA CITY
annexation agreement
FUTURE CORPORATE
LIMITS LINEr
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dudes the following environmental features identified in the City's
Sensitive Areas Inventory:. extensive areas of woodlands and steep
slopes, stream corridors, potential wooded and unwooded wet- -
lands, hydric soils, and reported archeological sites. Develop-
merit of these areas should be planned with an emphasis on adapt-
ing to the existing terrain in accordance with Iowa Cily's Sensitive
Areas Ordinance.
Unique Features of the Northwest Planning District
The Nodhwest Planning District includes extensive tracts of land
controlled by The University of iowa, which is intended for the long
range growth of the UnivemWj. The University has a West Cam-
pus Plan which calls for the relocation and establishment of vari-
otis University facil'dies in the area west of Mormon Trek Boule-
vard. The Univemity's planning for their property west of Mormon
Trek Boulevard indudes consideralJon of the wetlands, hydric soils
and reported archaeological sites in the vicinity. Long range land
use planning issues which have been discussed but not resolved
by the University include potential expansion of The University of
Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, relocation of Kinnick Stadium, and
rolocation of Finkbine Golf Course. ,
In 1994 the City of Iowa City and City of CoraMile executed a land
use agreement for property in the over lapping two mile extraterri-
ment is a provision for Iowa City to sever property within the North-
west Planning District, which is currently within the corporate lim-
its of Iowa City in the Clear Creek watershed. This severance is
proposed due to Coralville's ability to provide municipal sanitary
sewer to property within the Clear Creek watershed via a gravity
flow system. Iowa City is unable to sewer the Clear Creek water-
shed without lift stations. Several properlies have already been
severed in accordance with this agreement and annexed by
Coralville, with others proposed for severance as they are rede-
veloped and require extension of municipal util'Paes. The eventual
corporate limits line between Iowa City and Coralville will be the
boundary between the Clear Creek watershed and the Willow
Creek watershed, shown in Figure 5.
Land uses proposed for the undeveloped portion of the Northwest
Planning District include low density residential and Office Re-
search Park (ORP). Corninertial zoning is not proposed for the
area around the Melrose Avenue interchange with U.S. Highway
218. Intensive commercial development in west Iowa City is to be
concentrated atthe Highway I interchange with U.S. Highway 218.
The feasibility of ORP development in this area has become some-
what speculative due to the emergence of Oakdale Research Park
in Coralville. Because of the sensitive environmental features
existing in the undeveloped area of the Northwest Planning Dis-
trict, this area is well suited for planned developments, which al-
low flexibility in the placement and clustering of buildings, the
modifications of street standards, and the use of open space. A
planned development may be reasonable for the undeveloped
portion of the Northwest Planning District, which may include both
IO0
ORP and residential development. The extension of municipal
sanitary sewer and the provision of street access am significant
issues for the further development of this area.
The Northwest Planning District also includes a small area of"pub-
lic' zoned property controlled by Johnson County, and a portion of
the City of University Heights.
Sewer Availability
area was excluded from even the long range development plans
for Iowa City. This has been reevaluated with the extension of a
trunk sewer from the Hawkeye Lift Station to the Walnut Ridge
Subdivision housing development. This trunk line extension was
residential housing within Iowa City. There are two lift stations in
the vicinity of the Hawkeye Apartments area. There is currently a
constrained 18' sanitary sewer line between the two lift stalions.
This will eventually be intpmve<l by eliminating one lift station and
extending a 30' sanitary sewer line from the upstream area of the
Northwest Planning District to lhe Hawkeye Lift Station.
There is currently additional capacity available in the Hawkeye Lift
Station to accommodate add'~)nal development in the Northwest
Planning District; however, development will be constrained by
the lack of capacity downstream from the lift station in the inter-
ceptor sewer. Incremental improvements have been made to the
interceptor sewer, but restricted sections remain. The Nodhwest
Planning District is currently sewed by the north (old) water pollu-
tion control plant. The ongoing connection of the north and south
pollution control plants will allow a new Willow Creek interceptor
sewer to be constructed across the river and around the Iowa
City Airport to provide improved sewer capacity to west Iowa City
including the Northwest Planning District. This interceptor sewer
is planned for construction in fiscal year 1998.
Traf//cways
The Northwest Planning District contains the following east-west
arterial streets: Park Road, U.S. Highway 6, and Melrose Avenue.
North-south arterial streets include: Rocky Shore Drive/Hawkins
Drive, Mormon Trek Boulevard, and the proposed extension of
Highway 965. All of these arterial streets with the exception of
Rocky Shore Drive presently experience capacity constraints. Im-
provements for Melrose Avenue and Park Road am ongoing or
proposed in the City of Iowa City Capital Improvements Program.
The traffic car~ing capacity of U.S. Highway 6 cannot be improved
significanfiy, as it is already a five lane facility and has constrained
right-of-way. Some additional capacity has been gained with bet-
ter organization of ddveway access points in the Highway 6 com-
dor between Rocky Shore Drive and Clear Creek. Existing capac-
ity constraints on Park Road and Mormon Trek Boulevard are cur-
rently manageable but will require improvements in the long range
future.
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Long range arterial street planning issues which impact the North-
west Planning District include Melrose Avenue through the City of
University Heights, and the proposed extension of Highway 965
and Camp Cardinal Road. Them am two recent reconstruction
projects adding capacity to Melrose Avenue: between Byington
Road and University Heights, and between West High School and
U.S. Highway 218. The segment of Melrose Avenue within the
City of University Heights will remain an issue, as the University
Heights City Council opposes any improvements to Melrose Av-
enue which they perceive will increase traffic through their commu-
nity. However, University Heights has currently programmed im-
provements to the traffic signal system at the Melrose Avenue/
Sunset Street intersection, and proposed installation of a traffic
signal at the Melrose Avenue/KoserlGolfview intersection. These
traffic signal systems may improve trafrm flow on Melrose Avenue.
The extension of Highway 965 between Highway 6 in Coralville
and Melrose Avenue will facilitate growth at the west edge of the
Northwest Planning District. This extension will likely be initiated
by the City of Coralville and will require the improvement of Deer
Creek Road in Iowa City as an interim measure until Highway 965
is extended to Rohmt Road and Highway 1.
Open Space
The adopted Iowa City Neighborhood Open Space Plan includes
two open space districts in the Northwest Planning District: Dis-
trict NWl (Clear Creek) and Dis-
trict NW2 (City Park). The open
space r.c.c.;Is in each area are
5.3 acres summarized in the boxed table.
City Pa~ (1052 acres)*
CRANDIC Pa~k (3.64 acres)
Black Sl~ngs Circle (.9 acre)
Unc~n School (2.5 acre)
+3.5 acres sinplus
° A maximum of 7 acres per park can be credited to neighborhood ope~
space.
neighbortm(xJ open space.
Only 25% of the school open
space may be counted toward
the requirement in each open
space district; therefore, the 2.5
acre Lincoln School property is
credited as .625 acre toward
Neighborhood Associations
The Walnut Ridge Neighborhood Association is the only desig-
nated neighborhood group in the Northwest Planning District.
Schoo/s
The Northwest Planning District is served by the following elemen-
tary schools: Kirkwood, Central, Hom, Lincoln, and Mann. Horn
and Mann are presently over capacity. Kirkwood, Lincoln, and
Mann are projected to be over capacity by the year 2001, follow-
ing boundary changes slated for implementation in 1997. Popula-
tion growth in the Northwest Planning Distdct may dictate building
new school facilities depending on the policies of the Iowa City
Community School District with respect to busing and boundary
102
Commerc~l Ames
No areas of commercial devetofiment currently exist in the Norlfl-
west Planning District. A neighborhood commercial zof~e exists
approximately one half mile south of Melrose Avenue at the inter-
of resident~ neighborhoods in the far west m'ea of the Northwest
Planning DistricL However, a neighborhood commercial district
in this area must be sensitive to the location of the Melrose Av-
enue interchange of U.S. Highway 218. Highway commercial
development that could bring traffic into this developing residen-
tial area should be avoided.
Highlights of the No, Ihv,'~t Planning District
Remaining residential development in the far west area of
the ~t Planning District will be impacted by the
existence of extensive areas of sensitive environmental
features, and will require the extension of sanitary sewer
lines and arterial street improvements.
The alignment selected for the extension of Highway 965
ary issues for the City of Iowa City.. '
In accordance with the existing agreement between the
City of Iowa City and the City of Coralville, property within
the Clear Creek watemhed will eventually be severed by
the City of Iowa City and annexed by the City of Coralville.
Pressure to zone property for commercial development
around the Melrose Avenue interchange with U.S. High-
way 218 should be resisted. Intensive commercial
development in west Iowa City should be concentrated at
the Highway I interchange with U.S. Highway 218.
Melrose Avenue through the City of University Heights will
remain an ongoing issue for traffic flow in west Iowa City.
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105
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Description of Southwest Planning District
The Southwest Planning District is generally bounded by Melrose
Avenue on the north, the Iowa River on the east, Highway I on the
south and southeast, and the city's long-range planning boundary
on the west. The recent decision to use the 'west alignment" for
the future extension of Highway 965 (discussed below) supports
an adjustment in the City's west planning boundary. The South-
west Planning District borders the west and south sides of the
City of Univemity Heights. The Southwest Planning District in-
dudes approximately 560 acres of land suitable for residential
development within the city limits. The Southwest Planning Dis-
trict includes 1240 acres of vacant land outside of the city limits
but within the Iowa City growth area.
The Southwest Planning District contains a variety of land uses,
however, it is pdmadly residential. Residential development in-
dudes a range of densities from low-density single family, to fairly
high density multi-family in areas such as along the north side of
Benton Street and along Mormon Trek Boulevard. The area also
contains considerable commercial development along Highway 1
and Riverside Drive, and a developing neighborhood commercial
center, Walden Square, near the intersection of Mormon Trek
Boulevard and Benton Street. This planning district also contains
large parcels devoted to public uses, including the county farm
property on the south side of Melrose Avenue, West High School,
and portions of The University of Iowa campus, including the law
Highway 218 travels diagonally across the westem portion of the
planning district. While the area located east of the highway is
nearly completely developed, the area west of the highway con-
tains low density single-family subdivisions among large areas of
agricultural land.
108
The Southwest Planning District contains environmentally sensi-
tive features induding steep slopes, stream corridors, and potan-
features will need to be considered carefully as development is
planned for these properties.
Unique Features of the Southwest Planning District
The location of Highway 218 within the ~t Planning Dis-
trict will have an effect en future development of the area. Resi-
derdial devek~ can occur successfully adjacent to such high-
scaping, are incorporated into the design of the developments.
ResidenlJal development is currently occurring around the inter-
change of Melrose Avenue and Highway 218. It is anlicipated fur-
ther residential development will occur adjacent to the east and
west sides of the highway as well.
Previous plans have included a policy of protecting the Melrose
Avenue interchange from commercial encroachment and desig-
nating the Highway I interchange for commercial use. Commer-
cial development has occurred in the north quadrant of the High-
way I interchange with Highway 218. If commercial development
is to occur in the west quadrant of this interchange, a tran 'sfdon
and buffer between commercial development and residential de-
velopment will need to be planned.
Another feature of the Southwest Planning'District that requires
consideration is the boundary between The University of Iowa carn-
pus and private residential development in the northeast portion
of the planning districL Coordination between the University and
the City will be important as this portion of the University campus
experiences furlher developmenL
Another unique feature of the Southwest Planning District is an
area of undeveloped land in the Harlocke/Weeber Street and Miller/
Orchard neighborhoods, west of Miller Street between Benton
Street and Highway 1. This area has fairly rugged topography and
consists of a variety of zoning including Medium Density Single-
Family, Community Commercial and High Density Multi-Family.
The topography of this area and the limited street access which
is currently available to portions of this area will need to be con-
sidered. In the past the Planning & Zoning Commission has rec-
ommended that portions of the area be downzoned to lower den-
sity residential. The Commission also recommended that por-
tions of the area with vehicular access to Highway I be zoned for
commercial development.
The recent decision to locate the extension of Highway 965 to the
west of the current city limits, beyond the boundary of the area
that can be served by a gravity flow sewer system, acts as a
catalyst to consideration of a new westem long-range planning
boundary for the City. The long-my planning boundary has been
based on the watemheds that can be served by the City's sank
tary sewer system via gravity flow. Location of a major roadway
to the west of the planning boundary will undoubtedly result in
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way 965. Lift stations will be needed to move sewage from this
area to the gravity flow system. The future alignment of Highway
965 may be the logical long-range planning boundary line. The
Iowa City landfill is located immediately to the west of the pro-
posed Highway 965 alignmenL This provides justification to draw
the westem planning boundary at Highway 965, as the presence
of the landfill may inhibit development any further wesL
Sewer and Water Availability
Limited sanitary sewer capacity has constrained development of
the portions of the Southwest Planning District west of Mormon
Trek Boulevard. Recent improvements in the sanitary sewer sys-
tem including the Abbey Lane trunk line have relieved some of
these constraints. However, the area west of Highway 218 still
has limited sanitary sewer capacity. Improvements r'~cded for full
development of this area include the construction of the Willow
Creek interceptor sewer, the extension of the Abbey Lane sewer
further to the west, and the construction of lift stations to provide
service for properties west of Slotbower Avenue.
The City is currently unable to provide adequate water service for
full development of the area west of Highway 218. Construction
of the new water plant and improvements to the water distribution
system are anticipated to rectify this situation. However, these
improvements will not be completed prior to 2001.
The Southwest Planning District is bordered by or contains sev-
eral arterial streets including Melrose Avenue, Benton Street, High-
way 1, Riverside Drive, Mom~3n Trek Boulevard, and Rohmt Road.
Recent improvements to Melrose Avenue and Rohret Road have
improved the capacity of the arterial street system in the west
side of Iowa City. However, Benton Street east of Sunset Street,
and portions of Riverside Drive, have insufficient capacity and poor
driveway access control. As commercial development increases
along Highway I it will decrease traffic service in this area along
Highway 1 and Riverside Drive. As development occurs west of
Mormon Trek Boulevard, development of a nodh-~ arterial be-
tween Melrose Avenue and Highway 1 in the westem portion of
the Southwest Planning District will be necessary.
O~nS~
The Southwest Planning District contains Willow Creek Park and
Kiwanis Park, which together provide a large regional park facility
for many of the neighborhoods on the west side of Iowa City. The
district also contains smaller neighborhood parks such as Hunter's
Run Park and Villa Park.
The Iowa City Neighborhood Open Space Plan includes 6 open
space districts in the Southwest Planning District. These districts
and their existing neighborhood open space requirements are
summarized in the boxed table.
110
With the exception of Miller/Orchard, Brookland/Roosevelt and
West High, the neighborhood open space districts of west Iowa
City have adequate open space. The needs of the West High
area can be satisfied with the dedicalion of parkland anticipated
from the Galway Hills subdivision and development of property
north of Rohmt Road. The acq 'u~sition of a podion of the undevel-
oped property south of Benton Street will be necessary to satisfy
the neighborhood open space needs of the Miller/Orchard area.
Them is potential to expand Brookland Park in the Brookland/
Roosevelt district.
The Southwest F'lanning District includes the following designated
neighborhood groups: the MilierlOrchard Neighborhood Associa-
tioe, the Harlocke/
Weeber Neighbor-
hood Association,
the Melrose Neigh-
borhood Associa-
tion, the Penny-
Bryn Neighborhood
Association, the
Ty'n Cae Neighbor-
hood Association,
the Walden Woods
Neighborhood As-
sociation, the
Galway Hills Neigh-
borhood Associa-
tion, and the South-
borhood Associa-
West High
VVJow Creek Park (27.2 acres)
I~vanis Pa~k (14.0 acres)
Brookland Park (3.8 acres)
Tower Court Park (0.4 acres)
Roosevea ~ (5 re:ms)'
+1.3 acres surplus
+5.3 acres surplus
7.6 ac~es
7.6 acres/
4.3 acres'*
.8 acres
3.9acms
H~'~s Rtm Park (16.1 acres)
Walden Woods (1.7 acres)
Wiow Creek Trail (1.73 acres)
Schools
Weber, Hom, and Roosevelt elementary schools are kx:ated within
the Southwest Planning District. West High School is also located
wilttin the Southwest Planning District. Weber and Horn are cur-
rently operating at capacity, but due to boundary changes and the
construction of new schools, are projected to be at 90-95% of
capacity by 2001. Roosevelt is also operating at capacity, but
projected to be 45% over capacity by 2001.
Commercial Areas
A neighborhood commercial shopping center is being developed
near the intersection of Mormon Trek Boulevard and Bentoe StmeL
borhood grocery store, and a credit union. A drug store and a
vadety of small shops and restaurants are planned for the remain-
der of the shopping center. This center should provide convenient
access to commercial outlets for everyday shopping needs in west
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The Southwest Planning District also contains extensive commer-
cial development along Highway I and on Riverside Drive. Much
of this development is in the form of strip commercial. The area
also contains larger retailers such as auto dealers. The aesthetic
and traffic related issues associated with strip development are of
concern in these areas. As properties develop or redevelop there
will be opportunr~es to minimize these concems. For example, as
properties redevelop along Riverside Drive them will be opportu-
nities to combine vehicular access points and close existing curb
cuts to minimize side friction on Riverside Drive.
Highlights of Southwest Planning District
The rugged topography of undeveloped properties in the
Harlocke-Weaber and Miller-Orchard neighborhoods
present development challenges. With proper street ac-
cess, and consideration of topographic constraints, it may
be possible to develop these areas at appropriate resi-
dential dens'fries. Portions of the properties which am ac-
cessible to Highway I may develop commercially provided
vehicular access to the highway can be provided.
Appearance and traffic problems will be of concern for fur-
ther commercial development and redevelopment of com-
mercial properties along Highway 1 and Riverside Drive.
Additional commercial development may be possible
around the interchange of Highway 218 and Highway 1.
Constraints in sewer capacity will need to be addressed
to allow full development of areas located west of High-
way 218. Construction of the Willow Creek Interceptor in
FY98-99 will alleviate larger system constraints, Pockets
of sewer capacity limitations will need to be addressed by
other more localized improvements.
The alignment of the future extension of Highway 965 will
create development pressures west of the current corpo-
rate boundary.
112
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Description of the South Central Planning District
The South Central Planning District is bounded by Highway I on
the north, the Iowa River on the east, and the Iowa City k:~j-range
planning boundary and U.S. Highway 218 on the south and west.
Approximately half of the South Central Planning District is out-
side of the existing Iowa City corporate limits, but within the Iowa
City long-range planning boundary. The predominant land uses in
the South Central Planning District am public and agricultural. Pub-
licly owned property in the South Central Planning District includes
the following City of Iowa City facil'r(ies: the Iowa City Municipal
Airport; the Iowa City Public Works Facil'~ies; Mesquakie Park;
Sturgis Ferry Park; and Ryerson's Woods Park. In the South
Central Planning District them is no vacant land zoned for resi-
' dential development within the city limits. There are approximately
500 acres of vacant land outside of the city limits but within the
Iowa City growth area.
The portion of the South Central Planning District outside of the
existing Iowa City c(xporate limits is predominately agricultural in
use. Other land uses in the South Central Planning District in-
clude the Highway I commercial corridor and the South River-
side Drive/Highway 921 commercial-industrial corridor. Residen-
tial land uses in the South Central Planning District include two
manufactured housing parks along the Iowa River, and one on
Highway I near Mormon Trek Boulevard and two on the west side
of Riverside Drive/Highway 921. There are also residential uses
on Dane Road and northeast of Izaak Walkton Road.
The South Central Planning Distdct includes faidy extensive
amounts of wetlands and hydric soils in the vicinity of the Willow
Creek stream corridor and the Iowa River. Woodlands and steep
slopas exist along the U.S. Highway 218 corridor.
118
Unique features of the South Central P/anning D/sb'/ct
The portion of the South Central Planning District within the cor-
porate limits of Iowa City is dominated by the Iowa City Munidpal
Airpod. Following an airport relocation study in the early 1990s
during which the Iowa City City Council determined that the Iowa
City Municipal Airport would stay in its existing location, the Iowa
City Airport Commission has recently completed a master plan
for the Iowa City Municipal AirporL The Airport Master Plan fo-
cuses on the mitigation of obslnJctions in order to comply with
Federal Aviation Adminisb alion requirements, and will involve prop-
erty acquisition and creation of obstacle free zones at the end of
each runway. The Airport Master Plan has several other signifi-
cant projects, including the relocation of Dane Road to accom-
and other runway modifications and overall facility improvements.
In conjunction with the Airport Master Plan is a proposed land use
plan around the airport, which is designed to take advantage of
commercial and industrial property development opportun'fiies that
exisL The land use plan also identifies areas of potential residen-
tial development in the south portion of the South Central Plan-
ning District.
The Iowa City sensi'dve areas inventory map identifies extensive
areas of wetlands and hydric soils along the Willow Creek stream
ownership of these wetland areas is likely, similar to what has
occurred in the Snyder Creek bottoms area in south Iowa City.
Mesquakle Park and Ryersons Woods am already in public own-
ership and include areas noted on the Iowa City sensitive areas
inventory map.
Iowa Highway I has developed as a significant commercial conJ-
dor in the South Central Planning District during the last ten years.
The 1983 Iowa City Comprehensive Plan identified the Highway 1
corridor in this area as approximately one half commercial and
one half industrial with respect to existing and proposed land use.
Rezonings have occurred in the intervening thirteen years in which
areas projected for industrial use were rezoned to commercial
zoning. The rezonings which have occurred have included con-
ditions requiring landscaping and sign controls in an attempt to
preserve some of the natural beauty of this entranceway corridor.
Property redevelopment has included automobile dealerships, big
box franchise retailers, and smaller scale strip-style stores. Com-
mercial uses are projected for the U.S. Highway 218 interchange
with Highway 1.
The Riverside Drive/Highway 921 commercial-industrial area is
one of the few that exist in Iowa City. This area is particularly
suited to this type of development in that it is flat, has rail access,
has access to the Interstate Highway System, and access to the
Iowa City Municipal Airport. This light industrial corridor is also
relatively isolated to the rest of Iowa City by its location between
the Iowa River and the Iowa City Municipal Airport. The biggest
constraint to further development of this area is the provision of
sanitary sewer service, highlighted in the following section. Fu-
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119
ture redevelopment of this entranceway into Iowa City should ad-
dress the aesthetics of the area. A podion of the City Public Works
site at the intersection of Riverside Drive/Highway 6/Highway 1
may be marketed by the City for redevelopment as a commercial
use.
The only existing residential development in the South Central Plan-
ning District are manufactured housing parks located along the
Iowa River, and along Highway 1. Housing units in the two parks
along the river were extensively damaged dudng the flood of 1993.
There ware subsequent attempts to rolocate dwelling units out of
this area, which were resisted by the property owners. Extensive
floodproofing has occurred to these two manufactured housing
parks since 1993. The small manufactured housing park along
Highway I is scheduled to be displaced with lhe extension of a
ranway at the Iowa City Municipal Airport, consistent with the re-
cently adopted Iowa City Municipal Airport Master Plan. A new
400+ space manufactured housing park is planned for the area
directly south of the Iowa City Municipal Airport. This area was
zoned for manufactured housing by the County over the objec-
tions of the City. Creating compatibility of this land use with sur-
rounding industrial and commercial uses will be a challenge as
this part of Iowa City's growth area develops.
~ewer Availability
Much of the area in the South Central Planning District cannot be
served by the existing trunk sewer system. This has significantly
constrained redevelopment of the Riverside Drive/Highway 921
commercial-industrial corridor. Further redevelopment of this area
will require construction of a new Willow Creek interceptor sewer
which will extend up the Willow Creek drainageway. Eventual
construction of the Willow Creek interceptor sewer has been fa-
cilitated by the connection of the City of Iowa City north and south
pollution control plants, slated for completion in Fiscal Year 1998.
The Willow Creek interceptor trunk sewer will be extended from
the trunk line connecting lhe two plants at a lift station in Napoleon
Park and taken across the Iowa River and up through the Willow
Creek drainageway. It is scheduled for completion in fiscal year
1999.
Since much of the South Central Planning District remains in ag-
ricultural use, the existence of arterial streets is minimal. Iowa
Highway I and Riverside Drive/Highway 921 are the principal ar-
terial streets in the South Central Planning District. The South
Central Planning District also includes the U.S. Highway 218 ex-
pressway. U.S. Highway 218 does not carry a significant amount
of local service traffic within the South Central Planning District.
Highway I and Rivemide Drive/Highway 921 have adequate ca-
pacify for current and projected traffic volumes. The intersection
of these roads has very high traffic volume, and reaches satura-
tion flow conditions dudng peak traffic periods. The JCCOG Arte-
120
rial Street Plan for the Iowa City Urbanized Area proposes an ex-
tension of tbe South area east-west parkway across the Iowa River
to connect with the Highway 921/U.S. Highway 218 interchange.
This is a long range project not curmntiy programmed in the Iowa
City Capital Improvements Program.
The recently completed Iowa City Municipal Airport Master Plan
calls for Dane Road to be relocated from its existing intersection
with Highway 1, to a new intersection at Mormon Trek Boulevard.
This is a necessitated by the relocation and required runway pro-
tection area for the airport's SW-NE runway. This project will be
implemented when FAA funds become available. Dane Road will
be an extension of the Momx~ Trek Boulevard arterial street cor-
ridor.
Extension of the collector street system will occur into the interior
of the South Central Planning District as redev~m~ent of the
area occurs.
Because there is not extensive residential development in the
South Central Planning District, there am no open space districts
for this area included in the adopted Iowa City Neighbodxxxl Open
Space Plan at this time. The Neighborhood Open Space Plan
should be amended to consider open space for existing and future
residential development in this area.
Neighborhood Associations
There are no designated neighborhood associaUons within the
South Central Planning District.
Schools
Significant residential development is not forecast for the South
Central Planning District, so them am no planned facil'dies.
Highlights of the South Central Planning District
Them are extensive areas of publicly owned property by
the City of Iowa City in the South central Planning District.
This property includes the Iowa City Municipal Airport, the
City of Iowa City Public Works facirdles, Sturgis Ferry Park,
Mesquakie Park, and Ryerson's Woods. The predominant
use of property within the South central Planning District
outside of the Iowa City corporate limits is agricultural.
The South Central Planning District includes the Highway
I commercial corridor and the Riverside Drive/Highway
921 commercial-industrial area. Them is very little resi-
dential property existing or proposed in the South Central
Planning District.
The South Central Planning District includes the following
environmental features in the Iowa City Sens'dive Areas
OUTH EENTRFIL
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121
OUTH C NTRAL
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I)IgRICT
Inventor: steep slopes, stream corridors, wooded areas,
and extensive areas of weftands and hyddc soils. Wet-
land areas may appropriately end up in public ownership
Implementation of the Iowa City Municipal Airpod Master
Plan will impact the surrounding area.
The largest constraint to furlher redevelopment of the South
Central Planning District is the provision of sanitary sewer.
Extensive redevelopment of the South Central Planning
District will not be possible unlil the Willow Creek inter-
ceptor sewer up the Willow Creek drainageway is con-
structed in FY99.
122
South Central Plannning District
125
OUTH
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Description of the South Planning District
The South Planning District encompasses an area of Iowa City
located south of Highway 6 and east of the Iowa River, and ex-
tends south and east to the Iowa City long range planning bound-
ary. The district contains approximately 2080 acres within the cur-
rant corporate limits, approximately 855 of which are zoned for
residential development and are undeveloped; and an additional
920 acres outside ofthe current corporate limits but within the long
range planning boundary. The total distr~ encompasses approxi-
mately 4.7 square miles. As part of the Comprehensive Plan pro-
cess, the South District Plan has been developed cooparatively
with citizens, who own property and/or live in this area of the corn-
munity, and participated in a series of interviews, meetings and
workshops to envision future plans for this district. The principles
of the South D/strk~ Plan am based on the ideas'that were ex-
pressed at these meetings and the concepts of the IOWA CITY:
BEYOND 2000 visioning process. Following is a summary of the
major points of the Plan. The complete plan should be referred to
for details.
Unique features of the South Planning District
The South District Plan recognizes the importance that the area
played in the early history of Iowa City. The first Euro-Amedcan
settlements in Johnson County, including the town of Napoleon,
occurred in this vicinity in the 1820s and 30s. It was the also
location ofa Mesquakie Indian village. Naming important elements
of new neighborhoods in this area, such as streets, elementary
school, and parks, after early inhabitants will serve to remind fu-
ture generations of the important history of the district.
The South Planning District contains a number of environmentally
sens'f(ive areas, including extensive wetlands and woodlands ad-
128
jacent to the Iowa River, an approximately 200 ac~e wetlands com-
plex known as the 'Snyder Creek Bottoms', areas of hydric soils,
archeological sites, several watershed/drainage areas, and a popu-
latk3n of Box Turtles, which are on the State Threatened Spedes
LisL The South D/sbfct P/an proposes that these features be
gate and prevent damage to environmentally sensitive areas. This
may include preservation of the wetlands and woodlands along
the Iowa River as public park lands.
The South D/s~rict P/an recognizes that the character of develop-
merit already established in the nodhem area of the planning dis-
trict is not likely to change dmmalically. More detailed neighbor-
hood plans may be necessary to address issues identified by the
Peppen~3od and Grant Wood neighborlxxxl associations. and
some minor redevelopment may occur within the commercial ar-
eas adjacent to Highway 6. The plan does encourage rezcming
for retail/office businesses and improvements in the appearance
of the South Gilbert Street Corridor. This is due to the higher
visibility that South Gilbert Street area will have as residential de-
velopment occurs to the south and improvements, such as
Southgate Avenue, am builL
The northem area of the planning district includes the Highway 6
corridor, which is a significant commercial center for the commu-
nity. This area of Community Commercial (CC-2) and Commerdal
Intensive ( C1-1 ) zoning includes many strip commercial and 'big
maintained along Highway 6 in this area, ,, ~.'ii,, '=~.;ng the lrafrlc con-
gestion and accident experience typically found along arterial
streets in commercial corridors.
The Plan proposes a new neighborhood commercial disthct be
located on South Sycamore Street south of the Southpointe sub-
division. The neighborhood commercial center would be designed
around a main street or town square, and would serve as a focal
point for the new neighborhoods in the area. It is proposed to
include a mixture of commercial businesses and services to serve
the day-to-day needs of area residents. Apartments are proposed
on the upper floors of commercial buildings. Additional aparlments
and townhouses would surround the commercial center.
The remainder of the neighborhood would develop with a mixture
of housing. Although pdmadly single-family, the mixture should
include townhouses and small apartment buildings at medium dem
sity. An elementary school, neighborhood park, and trail system
are proposed to serve the growing neighborhoods of the district.
The South Wastewater Treatment Plant is located on the southem
edge of the planning district. The South River Corridor Interceptor
Sewer, which will link the north and south wastewater treatment
plants is currently under construction (1997). When completed it
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will provide sanitary sewer service to the westem portion of the
South District (west of Sycamore Street), where development has
slowed in recent years due to inadequate sanitary sewer capacity. '
The South East Interceptor Sewer and the South Sycamore Trunk
Sewer provide sewice to the portion of the planning district gen-
erally located east of Sycarnom Street. This system has sufficient
capacity to provide for the full development of Ihe eastem portion
of the planning district.
The proposed South Sycamore Regional Storm Water Fadlity will
provide drainage and storm water management for the area east
of Sycamore StreeL This is in lieu of each subdivision providing
individual basins. It will also provide the opportunity for the devel-
opment of a linear park and trail.
There am no constraints in the ability of the City to provide water
service in the South Planning District. As urban growth occurs in
the area an edditional fire protection facility and emergency re-
sponse apparatus may become necessary.
Tra~mrays
~ Street (designated Sand Road as it extends into the County),
Sycamore Street and Highway 6 am the principle arterial streets
that currently serve the South Planning District. These arterial
streets serve as neighborhood edges, and provide the framework
for development of neighborhoods. Segments of these streets
need to be upgraded to City design standards, but them am no
significant capacity constraints projected for the short-range fu-
ture.
An east-west arterial parkway aligned with the Sycamore L will be
constructed to connect Gilbert Street/Sand Road with Scott Bou-
ievard and Highway 6. Long-range plans show this artedal street
also extending to the west and crossing the Iowa River. This river
crossing is not likely to be constructed within the next 20 years
because it would be located in an area that is not likely to develop,
it would heavily impact a large area of wooded wetlands, and it
would be extremely expensive to construct.
A major collector street is proposed along the south boundary of
Wetherby Park to provide a fairly direct connection from Gilbert
Street east to Sycamore Street. A modified gdd of collector and
local streets are envisioned to complete the necessary street net-
work.
The location and design of the street network will have a major
effect not only on transportation pattems of the planning district,
but will also affect the quality of life in the new neighborhoods.
Careful consideration should be given to the design of these streets
so that they become pleasant elements of the surrounding neigh-
borh(xxIs rather than intrusions. Extensive landscaping should be
included as streets such as the east-west parkway are designed
and constructed, and as existing streets are reconstructed.
130
Open space
The South Planning District contains four parks: Napoleon,
Welhed)y, Fairmeadows and Whispering Meadows Wetland Park.
As the city grows and add'~donal land is annexed, more neighbor-
hood parks will be needed to serve the growing population. The
South District also contains areas suitable for the development of
community and regional parks in add'~don to neighborhood parks.
The South District Plan proposes that new neighborhood parks be
three to seven acres in size; centrally located in the neighbor-
hoods which they will serve; and be connected to other parks,
open spaces and schools by a trail system. The plan proposes
that a collector street be built along the southern boundary of
Wethe~t)y Park so that the park is more accessible to the sur-
rounding neighbur-
hoods.
The plan proposes
regional parks be
developed in con-
junction with the
reclamation of the
each side of Sand
a nature preserve
Welhmt~y Welhmby P-ad; (24 ac~es)* 11.4 acres
Napo~ Park (26 acres)'
Fair Meadows Pad( (4.9 acres)
Whispering Meadows Wellands Pad( (17.76 ac~es)*
Grant Wood School (5 acres)*
1.8 acres
11.5 acres
*Only 25% of open space associated with Me..e~tary schools ar~l a maximum of 7 acres per
pa~ ~s gh, m ~ open space credit.
tally sens'dJve wooded wetlands and floodplains adjacent to the
Iowa River. Consideration should also be given to preserving the
environmentally sens'dJve areas of the McCollister tract as either
private or public open space.
'rhe plan proposes that a bail system be developed throughout
the South District to connect parks, schools, commercial areas
and neighborhoods. These bails should be designed for a variety
of users and purposes, including pedestrians, people with disabili-
ties, bicyclists, and roller skaters, for bansportation as well as rec-
The South Planning District includes three designated neighbor-
hood groups: the Pepperwood Neighborhood Association, the
Grant Wood Neighborhood Association, and the Hilltop Neighbor-
hood Association. The Peppemmod and Grant Wood Associa-
tions were active participants in the development of the South Dis-
tdct Plan. The continued participation of the neighborhood asso-
ciations is encouraged to help implement the plan.
Schools
Grant Wood Elementary School is located in the northern portion
of the South District. As development occurs in the soulhem por-
OUTH
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;OUTH
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131
tion of the district a second elementary school will be nccded.
The plan identifies two altemative locations for a school site. One
is near the northwest corner of the Sycamore Street L, and the
other is just north of the City's soccer fields. The Sycamore Street
site is more centrally located in the developing area, and will be
within walking distance of more households. It will also be more
accessible to lhe street system of the developing neighborhoods.
The altemafive school site could be integrated with the soccer
fields. The Sycamore Farms Conditional Zoning Agreement also
requires that a school site be dedicated to the School District if the
School Board choices to exercise this option.
Regardless of which school site is obtained by the School District,
the plan proposes that it be connected to the trail and open space
network planned for the Soulh District. The plan proposes that
the school have access from an arterial street, but also proposes
that there bea land use buffer, such as townhouses or open space,
between the school and the arterial street.
tmp~nmnmtion
Full development of the South District will likely occur over several
decades. The City will influence the pace and character of this
development through the extension of infrastructure, such as sani-
tary sewer and arterial streets. However, the housing market will
have the greatest influence on the time frame in which the South
District develops. The City's decisions regarding annexations,
rezonings and subdivisions can have a gmat bearing on the qual-
ity of the physical design, and in some ways on the long term
quality of life of the neighborhoods to be built in the South District.
Implementation of the South District Plan will occur as develop-
ment proposals am approved and the neighborhood planning con-
cepts am incorporated into these developments.
Implementation of the open space policies will occur as the City
acquires parkland and trail corddom as part of development plans
and as the City or other en 'tdJes acquire environmentally sensitive
areas, such as wooded wetlands in the Iowa River Comdor. Ac-
quisitdon of such proper'des may involve the expenditure of consid-
erable funds; therefore, outside sources of funding, such as REAP
(Resource Enhancement and Protection) should be considered.
The Iowa City Community School District will have a role to play in
the overall design and functioning of the South District neighbor-
hoods through its choice of a school location. The City will work
with the school district and developers to allow the district to re-
serve or acquire a desirable school location. The City will also
influence the character of the South District through the design of
the street network. Consideration should be given to incorporat-
ing landscaped medians or green buffer strips along Gilbert Street,
Sycamore Street, the east-west parkway and Highway 6.
For complete discussion of the principles and conclusions of this
summary, the complete South District Plan, a separate volume of
the Comprehensive Plan, should be consulted.
132
L[ 1] LT_E '..::'..
District
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SOUTHERST
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Description of the Southeast Planning District
The Southeast Planning District is defined by Court Street on the
north, the Iowa City Long Range Planning Boundary on the east,
Highway 6 on the south, and F',~--t Avenue and the Lower MuscaUne
commercial/industrial area on the wesL It is characterized by a
wide range of uses encompassing all the basic sectors of the
community-- various residential dens'fries, two commercial cen-
ters, an industrial park, community recreational facll'd~es, schools,
and a considerable amount of undeveloped land. In the South-
east Planning District there are approximately 155 acres of land
zoned for residential development within the current city limits.
There am 810 acres of vacant land outside of the city limits but
within the Iowa City growth area.
The Southeast Planning District is bounded by two arterial streets
- Court Street and Highway 6; and a future artedal street, Taft Av-
enue. It is traversed by the Iowa Interstate Railway main line.
Development has reached the corporate limits with the excepUon
of a few small scattered sites. New growth outside of the corpo-
rate limits within the designated growth area has been constrained
by lhe lack of a sanitary sower trunk line. Construction of this line
to sorve the area south of the railroad tracks is programmed for
construction in FY98. This will open up land slated for industrial
development.
The natural attributes of the Southeast Planning District include
gently rolling land north of American Legion Road (MuscaUne Av-
enue). The south branch of Ralston Creek runs through this area
between Scott Park and the Towncrest commercial/office area.
To the south of MuscaUne Avenue (American Legion Road), the
landscape slopes to the south and fiattens out into the relaUvely
level terrain that characterizes south Iowa City. This flatter terrain
is marked by hydric soils and occasional wetlands that require
special consideration and conslnJc~n ixacUce~___ dudng development.
138
Unique Features of the Southeast Planning Dis~ct
With the rezoning and relocalion of the Towncrest Mobile Home
Court in 1994-95. redevelopment of the First Avenue/Muscatine
Avenue c~...,,,ercial areabegan~-TI1e ~,~t~dction of a 62,000---'
square foot g 'rbcery store, and the capacity e)q~ans~ of First Av-
enue from Ralston Creek to Bradford Drive are elements of ~is
redevelopment. It is anticipated that these projects will spur fur-
ertlesat the F',~'t Avenue/Muscafine Avenue intersection.
dedication virtually completes acquisition of right-of-way needed
for a trail from Creekside Park to Scott Park along Ralston Creek.
Named the Court Hill Trail, this project is included in the City's
Capita~ Improvement Program (CIP) for ~o,~enta~on in FY99.
are limited within the corporate boundaries. Some development
oPlX~l~nitie~ e)~JSt at the comer of Scott Boulevard and American
Legion Road. Parts of the Village Green neighborlxxxl have yet
to be platted. Completion of Village Green requires construction
This line will also provide opporlunities for industrial development
east of Scott Boulevard in Iowa City's growth area. -- ....
The provision of space for industrial development is a community-
wide goal. The ~ Ptanning District (=mains pmpe~ which
is appropriate for meeting this goal. For years, long-range plans
of Iowa City have shown expansion of the BDI industrial park, east
of Scott Boulevard between the Iowa Interstate Railway line and
420th StreeL Annexation of this property has been completed and
infrastructure is being provided to radiitare industrial expansion
opportunities.
A conceptual plan for development of the growth area in the South-
east Planning District is induded in the 1989 ~ Plan
and the 1996 Fringe Area Policy Agreement (see Appendix C).
The concept plan is retained in this document pending a rnom
detailed planning district area study.
Sewer Availability
As noted above, the Scott Boulevard Trunk sewer is scheduled
for construction in FY98. This trunk line will enable elimination of
the Village Green and BDI lift stations, allow full development of
Village Green, and enable expansion of the BDI industrial park.
For further development to occur north of the railroad tracks, ex-
tension of the trunk line beyond the FY98 project will be neces-
sary. W'~h completion of that extension, the Windsor Ridge neigh-
borhood will connect to the trunk line and eliminate the lift station
in that development. The extension will open up an add'~)na1946
acres for development; however, this extension is not included in
the 1997-2003 Capital Improvement Program.
SOUTHERST
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Court Hill
139
OUTHEAg
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Located within the Southeast Planning District is the Ralston Creek
Trunk Sewer. An upgrade of a portion of this trunk line between
Court Hill Park and Scott Park, from 18' to 36", is programmed for
beyond FY2003. Although this line does not limit development in
the Soulheast Planning District, it does constrain growth in the
Northeast Planning District.
Trafficways
Them am three nodh-south arterial streets in the Southeast Plan-
ning District: First Avenue, Scott Boulevard, and Taft Avenue.
First Avenue is complete within the Southeast Planning District
Boulevard is also complete within the planning district, and has
sufficient right-of-way to be expanded to four lanes if necessary in
the future. Taft Avenue is an unimproved County road and will
require reconstruction to City standards upon annexation and de-
velopment of this portion of the growth area.
The Southeast Planning District contains three east-west arteri-
als: Highway 6, Muscatine Avenue and Court Street. Improve-
ments to Highway 6 consisting of left tum lanes and additional
through lanes east of Heinz Road may be required in the future as
development progresses east into the growth area. The exten-
sion of Court Street to the Windsor Ridge development is pro-
grammed in the CIP to occur in FY99. The extension of Court
Street to Taft Avenue will depend on private development occur-
dng. Muscatine Avenue (American Legion Road) is the only other
east-west arterial in this district. Improvement to City standards of
the portion east of Scott Boulevard to Taft Avenue will be neces-
sary with annexations and further development east of Scott Bou-
420th Street is an unimproved County road that runs east-west
between Scott Boulevard and Taft Avenue. The industrial park
east of Scott Boulevard will require improvement of this road to
accommodate access into the park. This improvement in included
in lhe City's CIP for FY2003 or beyond.
The Southeast Planning District contains Mercer Park and Mercer
Open Space Deficit
1.1acres
+6.3 ac~es surplus
+10.7 acres surplus
Existing Open Space
Coud Hill Park (8.6 acres)
Hieronymous Park (3.85 acres)
East Hill Park (1.9 acres)
Memory Gardea (.9 acres)
Lucas School (7.5 acres)
Mercer Park (27.1 acres)
Viilage Green South (12.2 ac~s)
Village C~en (.35 ac~es)
Scott Park (43 acres)
Windsor Ridge Parkway (22.5 acres)
Park Aquatic Center
-- a city-wide park
used for organized
recreational a 'cbvities
and one of the three
public swimming
pools in Iowa City.
Mercer Park abuts
Southeast Junior
High, which provides
additional open
space in the South-
east Planning Dis-
trict. Scott Park is
140
another city-wide park in the district, and is currently the site of the
City's arboretum and soccer fields. W'~ completion of the pro-
soccer activity at Scott Park will diminish.
Other neighborhood open spaces in the Southeast Planning Dis-
trict include Court Hill Park and the Robert Lucas school grounds.
Land has been acquired and plans are being made for the Court
Hill pedestrian/bicycle trail as noted above.
There are lhree open space districts from the Iowa City Neighbor-
hood Open Space Plan in the Southeast Planning District-- Court
Hill/Lucas, V'dlage Greefi and W'ggisor Ridge south of Court SlmeL
These districts and their open space requirements ae shown in
the boxed table
Although city-wide parks such as Scott and Mercer and school
grounds cannot be totally used for neigh~ open space,
these sites combined with recent dedications of open space in
conjunction with new development diminishes ~ open space
deficit considerably.
Schools
Robert Lucas Elementary School and Southeast Junior High
School am located in the Southeast Planning District. A site has
been reserved for a limited period of time, in the Windsor Ridge
development, for an add'~tal elementary school.
Highlights of the Southeast Planning District
Further redevelopment in the Towncrest area is anticipated
alter completion of the new Hy-Vee store.
Completion of the Scott Boulevard bunk line will open up
areas for industrial development east of Scott Boulevard
upon annexation.
Further residential development in the growth area of this
district is limited by needed extensions to Court Street and
the Scott Boulevard bunk sewer.
OUTHFFI T
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it
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142
143
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145
Description of the North Corridor Planning District
The North Corridor Planning District is bounded by Interstate 80
on the south; Dubuque Street on the west; the Iowa River, Rapid
Creek, and Iowa City corporate limits on the north; and the long-
range planning boundary on the easL With the exception of land
around the Highway 111-80 interchange, the North Corridor Plan-
ning District is in unincorporated dohnson County. Approximately
one-half of the unincorporated land in the District is already devek
oped for suburban residential uses. The property around the 1-80
interchange with Highway I is developed for office research perk
and highway commercial uses. In the North Corridor Planning
District, them am no acres of land zoned for residential develop-
ment within the current city limits. Them are approximtely 355
acres of developable land within the Iowa City long-range plan-
ning area.
The natural environment of the North Corridor Planning District
includes gently rolling farm land, stream and river corridors, and
wooded hills. Residential development has occurred primarily in
the wooded areas immediately north of 1-80. Protection of the
Rapid Creek flood plain will be an important consideration for fu-
ture development of this District.
Unique features of the North Corridor Planning District
The North Corridor Planning District evolved from the need to iden-
tify an approximate 700 acre area which could be served with mu-
nicipal sanitary sewer via the River Corridor Trunkline. Options
for this service area included River Heights, an unincorporated
residential part of Johnsen County north of Iowa City on the west
side of the Iowa River;, properties around the proposed extension
of Oakdale Boulevard where it will intersect County Road W-66; a
large area which included property on the east side of the Iowa
River, north and south of Rapid Creek; and the area defined in the
first paragraph. The area defined was chosen because a cosby
river crossing for sanitary sewer line extensions is not rm-cded,
and the area is contiguous to the Iowa City corporate boundary.
Rapid Creek forms a natural boundary on the north side of the
Distrk~ When the proposed extension of Scott Boulevard north of
1-80 occurs, eventually connecting with 320th Street and intersect-
ing with Prairie du Chien Road, the north limit of this planning
district may be reconsidered. It is not anticipated that these street
extensions will take place within the twenty year timeframe of this
plan.
Addition of the unincorporated parts of the North Conidor Plan-
ning District to Iowa City's corporate boundaries is most likely to
occur through voluntary annexation, a process initiated by prop-
erty owners. It has I~=n the policy of Iowa City to add land to the
corporate boundary by voluntary means except in unusual circum-
stances (see Growth Policy). Because neady half of the unincor-
porated area in the North CoiTidor Planning District is already de-
veloped, annexation in the shod term is unlikely.
The 1-80 interchange with Highway 1 provides one of the few op-
pottun'dies for office research park development in Iowa City. Na-
tional Computer Systems (within the North Corridor Planning Dis-
trict) and Amedcan College Testing (south of 1-80 inthe North Plato
ning District) are successful examples of this type ofde~
With the to~e set by these two companies and the advantages of
interstate exposure, land around this interchange should continue
to be preserved for office research park and research develop-
ment park opportun'dies.
Municipal services
Sanitary sewer service for much of the North Corridor Planning
District will be provided by a lift station located in the Rapid Creek
flood plain. Effluent will be pumped from lite lift station and sent
by a force main to the River Comdor Trunkline. Sufficient capacity
exists within the River Corridor Trunkline to serve approximately
700 acres at a density of 15 people per acre.
The remainder of the North ~ Planning District will be served
by the Highlander lie station located near NCS on Highway I North.
Relocafion and upgrading of the Highlander lie station will be nec-
essary at some point in the long term future. VV'dh full develop-
ment of northeast Iowa City and this podion of the North Corridor
Planning Disbict, the main sewer trunkline which serves this area
the Norlheast Trunk~11 require upgrading also. Currently prop-
erties within the North Corridor Planning District that are in
unincorporated Johnson County are served by septic systems.
Municipal water sewice is provided to the incorporated area. Prob-
lems with low flows will be rectified with completion of the new
Iowa City municipal water system in 2002.
Tramcways
The primary trafficways serving the North Comdor Planning Dis-
NORTH CORRIDOR
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147
trict are Dubuque Street, Prairie du Chien Road, and Highway 1
(Dodge Street). All of these arterial streets extend to the unincor-
porated area of Johnson County. Them are no local east-west
arterial streets within the North Comdor Planning District. Linder
Road provides a narrow, rural mad connecting Dubuque Street to
Prairie du Chien Road. Between Prairie du Chien Road and High-
way I North, the beginning of a collector street system is forming
in the Prairie View Estates subdivision. Interstate 80 carries the
bulk of local east-west traffic in this area between the Dubuque
Street and Dodge Street interchanges.
Future trafficway improvements in this area are contemplated with
the realignment of Prairie du Chien Road north of 1-80, the exten-
sion of Scott Boulevard north over the interstate to Highway 1,
and the extension of 320th Street or Oakdale Boulevard east to
connect with Highway I at the future Scott Boulevard/Highway 1
intersection. Only the Prairie du Chlen Road realignment has been
programmed, with construction anticipated by the County in FYg~.
Open space
Since the area within Iowa City's corporate limits at the writing of
this plan is anticipated for office research park development, no
open space r, ccd is defined in the Neighborhood Open Space
Plan. Upon annexation of areas for residenUal development, open
space r:ccds will be calculated.
Neighborhood Associations
There am no designated neighborhood associations within the
North Corridor Planning District.
Existing residential development is served by Shimek and Lincoln
Elementary Schools. With the proposed extension of Oakdale
Boulevard to County Road W66, Wickham Elementary, in
Coralville, will also be accessible to portions of the North Comdor
Planning District.
Highlights of the North Corridor Planning District
Annexation of unincorporated areas is unlikely in the short-
range future, since almost half of the land is already devel-
oped for suburban residential uses.
The Highway 111-80 interchange provides one of the few
opportunities for office research parks and research de-
velopment parks in Iowa City.
Sewer lift stations will be required to serve the North com-
dor Planning District. Capacity exists in the River Comdor
Trunkline to accommodate growth in more than half of the
District.
The extension of Scott Boulevard over the interstate may
push the North Comdor Planning District boundary north.
14.8
~ "~,
ng Dis
APPENDIX A: Land Use Map
APPENDIX B: Vacant Residential Land Inventory
APPENDIX C: Iowa City/Johnson County Fringe Area Agreement
APPENDIX D: Sensitive Areas Inventory Map
APPENDIX E: Employment Ranking
APPENDIX F: Acres of Land by Zone
APPENDIX G: Neighborfxxxl Open Space
Supplemental Appendices (these appendices am bound separately):
APPENDIX H: Iowa City Historic Preservation Plan
APPENDIX h JCCOG Arterial Street Plan
APPENDIX J: Iowa City Economic Development Policies
LEGEND
~.~::x.J
i .
'/ COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
LANDUSE MAP
See District Plans for more details
The land use map is intended to serve
as a general guide for persons making
decisions regarding the development
of land within Iowa City. The map indi-
cates appropriate land uses and den-
sity of development in relationship to
available infrastructure, City services,
environmental conditions, and sur-
rounding land uses. The map must be
viewed in the context of the overall
comprehensive plan. Where district
plans have been adopted, more detail
regarding specific locations will be
found in the district plan. For example,
the South District Plan contains a more
detailed land use map which shows
additional areas that may be appropri-
ate for small multi-family developments
and the location of a trail network. In
addition to the district plans the neigh-
borhood design concepts beginning on
page 15 should be considered when
interpreting the land use map. For ex-
ample, if a property is located at the
intersection of a collector and an arte-
rial street, the neighborhood design
concepts indicate that alternative to
single family development, i.e., neigh-
borhood commercial or multi-family
development may be appropriate.
Appendix A
Appendix B
The invemory of vacam land is an approximate tally of land within the city's corporate
boundary and the long-range planning boundary that is assumed to be suitable for residential
development. This invemory is show in Table I by planning district. There are approximately
3,320 acres, or 5.2 square miles of vacant residential land within the corporate boundary of
Iowa City (see Table I). There are approximately 5,305 additional acres, or 8.3 square miles
of undeveloped land within the city's long-range planning boundary which currently are not in
· the city limits. W'rthin the combined area of the city limits and the long-range planning
· boundary, there are approximately 8,620 acres, or 13.5 square miles of land potentially
available for residemial development. Areas which will likely develop as industrial or
commercial properties were not included in these measurements.
One of the assumptions undeHying the measurement of vacam land is that it will develop for
residential uses. However, factors, such as environmental conditions, the need for land for
school and park development and infrastructure availability, will limit the development
potential of some areas. For this reason this information should be viewed broadly and
should be updated as more is learned about environmental conditions and changes in land
uses. This inventory can be useful to guide decisions regarding annexation, rezoning
requests, the extension of infrastructure and the planning for city services and facilities, such
as school and park land.
TAP' F I - ACRFS OF VACANT RF-~InFNTIA[ ! '~Nn -- JAN. 1997
-' Vacant Vacmt
Total Aem~ I.~d within Laml within
I~naing Diaaict ~~ ~~
~ ~ 855 920
~H~ 25~ 155 810
NO~H~ 2455 6~ 965
CE~L 2115 50 0
NOaH 1575 7~ 0
NO~ CORRI~R 1~ 0 ~0
DO~O~ 350 O 0
~~ ~ 5~ 12~
NOt--ST 2780 220 1 ~
SO~H CE~L 1~ 0 5~
TOT~ AC~ 21~5 ~
TOT~ ~U~ MI~ ~.8 5.2 8.3
Tot~
Vl
1775
965
1650
50
790
680
0
1800
410
500
8620
13.5
1 Approximate total acres within each planning district, rounded to the nearest fwe acres.
2 Includes vacant residential land, not comm~cial, industrial, or public.
3 Includes vacant residential land within City limits, plus all land in the growth area assumed for residential
development, within each planning district.
Appendix C
Prepared by: Kevin Franklin, PCD Directix, 410 E. Washington St., lows City,,!.,A. 52240 (31~J) 356-5z3
RESOLUTION NO. 96-?39 "'~ "' "/$8 ~y ,,~
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN AND THE CITY CLERK TO
ATTEST AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN JOHNSON COUNTY, IOWA AND IOWA
CITY, IOWA, ESTABUSHING POUClES FOR DEVELOPMENT OF LAND WITHIN
THE EXTRATERRITORIAL AREA OF IOWA CITY AND INCORPORATING THOSE
POUCIES INTO THE IOWA CITY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN.
WHEREAS, Chapter 28E of the Code of Iowa (1995) enables two or more local governments
to enter into agreements to cooperate for their mutual advantage; and
WHEREAS, the Development Policy for Rural Johnson County adopted, January 1979, calls
for the preparation and adoption of development plans and agreements between the County
and the City regarding the municipality and its environment; and
WHEREAS, the Iowa City Comprehensive Plan Update adopted in January 1989, and amended
through March 1993, outlines the extent of urban development expected within the next 20
years and outlines land use policies for Iowa City; and
WHEREAS, it is in the interest of Johnson County and the City of Iowa City to establish
policies for the orderly growth and development within the City's extraterritorial jurisdiction;
and
WHEREAS, Johnson County and the City of Iowa City mutually agree that such policies are
necessary to more effectively and economically provide services for future growth and
development and to protect and preserve the extraterritorial area's natural resources and its
environmentally sensitive features.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
The City Council of the City of Iowa City, Iowa hereby accepts and agrees to the
policies regarding annexation, zoning and subdivision review for the various designated
areas included in the attached Fringe Area Policy Agreement between Johnson County,
Iowa and Iowa City, Iowa; and
The City Council of the City of Iowa City hereby incorporates the Fringe Area Policy
Agreement into the Iowa City Comprehensive Plan; and
The City Council of the City of Iowa City, Iowa hereby authorizes the Mayor to sign
and the City Clerk to attest to the attached 28E Agreement between Johnson County
and Iowa City establishing land use policies for the two-mile extraterritorial jurisdiction
of Iowa City, for recordation as provided by law.
Resolution No. 96-239
Page 2
Passed and.approved this 6th - day of
Auqust ,1996.
CITY'CLERK
MAYOR
Approv.ed b~. Office
It was moved'by Nnrtnn .. and seconded by_
adopted, and upon roll call there were:
ThnrnherrX the Resolution be
AYES: NAYS: ABSENT:
Baker
Kubby
Lehman
Norton
Novick
Thomberry
Vanderhoef
pl)dadmin~2nfileic.res
FRINGE AREA POUCY AGREEMENT
BETWEEN JOHNSON COUNTY AND IOWA CITY
WHEREAS, Chapter 354, Code of Iowa (1995) allows the City of Iowa City to establish an
extraterritorial area, known as the fringe area, within two miles of the city boundaries for the
purpose of reviewing and approving subdivisions; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 354 further grants the City the authority to require that subdivisions
within the fringe area adhere to the City's subdivision standards and conditions, unless the
City establishes alternative standards and conditions for review and approval of subdivisions
via a 28E agreement between the City and the County; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 28E of the Code of Iowa (1995) enables two or more local governments
to enter into agreements to cooperate for their mutual advantage; and
WHEREAS, the Development Policy for Rural Johnson County adopted January, 1979, calls
for the preparation and adoption of development plans and agreements between the County
and the City regarding the municipality and its environment; and
WHEREAS, the Iowa City Comprehensive Plan Update adopted in January, 1989, and
amended through March, 1993, outlines the extent of urban development expected within the
next 20 years; and
WHEREAS, it is in the interest of Johnson County and the City of Iowa City to establish
policies for the orderly growth and development within the City's fringe area; and'
WHEREAS, Johnson County and' the City of Iowa City mutually agree that such policies are
necessary to more effectively and economically provide services for future growth and
development and to protect and preserve the fringe area's natural resources and its
environmentally sensitive features.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE PARTIES AGREE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION I. FRINGE AREA DEVELOPMENT POUCIES
The parties accept and agree to the following development policies regarding annexation,
zoning, and subdivision review for the iowa City fringe area as authorized by Chapter 354,
Code of Iowa (1995).
The Fringe Area Policy Agreement is intended to provide fo~ orderly and efficient development
patterns appropriate to a non-urbanized area, protect and preserve the fringe area's natural
resources and environmentally sensitive features, direct development to areas with physical
characteristics which can accommodate development, and effectively and economically
provide services for future growth and development.
In light of these objectives, the City and the County examined the development capabilities
of the Iowa City fringe area and determined that development within this fringe area is to
occur in accordance with a) the Land Use Plan attached to this Agreement, b) development
standards contained in Section B of this agreement, and c) the fringe area development
policies contained in Section C of this Agreement.
-2-
A. Land Use Plan
The Land Use Plan, attached to this Agreement as Attachment 1, illustrates the land use
patterns for the fringe area.
B. Development Standards
The following standards apply to unincorporated development in the fringe area.
Discourage development in areas which conflict with the Johnson County
Comprehensive Plan which considers CSR (Corn Suitability Rating), high water
table, wetlands, floodplain, non-erodible soil, and road suitability.
Protect the public health by requiring developers to meet or exceed minimum
standards for water and wastewater systems in all developments within the Iowa
City Fringe Area pursuant to Johnson County Public Health Department
Regulations.
Encourage cluster development which preserves large tracts of open space
including environmentally sensitive areas and farm land, results in compact
development which requires less infrastructure, and is more efficient for provision
of services.
C. Fringe Area Development Policies
The parties agree to apply the following fringe area development policies.
FRINGE AREA A
Permit residential development by considering, on a case-by-case basis, proposals
to rezone land in this area to RS-3 (one dwelling unit per three acres of lot areal.
RS zoning will be considered if the application to rezone includes a plat showing
a minimum of 50% of the property as an outlot designated as open space or
agriculture. Development must comply with City Rural Design standards contained
· in Appendix A.
If land is annexed within Fringe Area A, the City agrees that it will not
automatically extend its fringe area authority to review and approve all
subdivisions, which it exercises pursuant to Iowa Code §354.9 and Title 14,
Chapter 7 of the City Code of the City of Iowa City, Iowa. The City will review
the extension of its fringe area as a result of annexation on a case-by-case basis
in consultation with Johnson County.
FRINGE AREA B
As set forth in Iowa City's adopted growth policy, the City will likely annex land within
one mile of Iowa City to the east and within two miles of Iowa City to the south in the
short-range. It is therefore consistent with the purpose of this agreement that rural
subdivisions within these areas of high annexation potential be required to meet City
Urban Design Standards contained in Appendix A.
Land within Iowa Citv's Growth Area. As applications are received to develop land
contiguous to and within the growth limits of the city, the City will give favorable
-3-
consideration to the voluntary annexation of this land and its development at an
urban density in conformance with the City's adopted land use plan for Fringe Area
B (Attachment 2). Prior to annexation, any zoning changes in Iowa City's
projected growth area shall also be consistent with the City's adopted land use
plan for Fringe Area B.
Subdivisions within Iowa City's projected growth area shall conform to City Urban
Design Standards contained in Title 14, Chapter 7 of the City Code of Iowa City,
including but not limited to City specifications for streets and roads, sanitary sewer
lines, stormwater management facilities and water lines. Developments which are
approved prior to annexation shall be required to be served by a package sanitary
sewage treatment plant and common wells with sanitary sewer and water
collection and distribution systems which are constructed to City standards and
can be connected to municipal systems upon annexation.
Subdivisions which are approved prior to annexation shall be required to be cluster
developments with a minimum of 50% of the development designated as an outlot
for open space, agriculture, or future development upon annexation.
e
Land outside Iowa Citv's Growth Area. On the balance of land in Area B that lies
outside Iowa City's projected growth area, agricultural uses are preferred.
However, consideration will be given to applications for single-family residential
development at a density of RS-10 (1 dwelling unit/10 acres). This development
must conform to Rural Design Standards.
Upon annexation of land within Fringe Area B, the City agrees that it will not
automatically extend-'its fringe area authority to review and approve all
subdivisions, which it exercises pursuant to Iowa Code §354.9 and Title 14,
Chapter 7 of the City Code of the City of Iowa City, Iowa. The City will review
the extension of its fringe area as a result of annexation on a case-by-case basis
in consultation with Johnson County.
FRINGE AREA C
Land within Iowa Citv's Growth Area. Land in Area C which is presently zoned for
residential development, and within Iowa City's growth area, may develop in
conformance with existing zoning, provided subdivisions shall conform to City
Urban Design standards contained in Title 14, Chapter 7 of the City Code of Iowa
City, including but not limited to City specifications for streets and roads, sanitary
sewer lines, stormwater management facilities and water lines. Developments
which are approved prior to annexation shall be required to be served by a package
sanitary sewage treatment plant and common wells with sanitary sewer and water
collection and distribution systems which are constructed to City standards and
can be connected to municipal systems upon annexation.
Subdivisions which are approved prior to annexation shall be required to be cluster
developments with a minimum of 50% of the development designated as an outlot
for open space, agriculture, or future development upon annexation.
Upon annexation to Iowa City, commercial and/or industrial development is
encouraged in the portion of Section 20 of West Lucas Township that is located
in the east and south quadrants of the Highway 1 and Highway 218 interchange.
It is consistent with the purpose of this agreement not to approve commercial
-4-
and/or industrial developments within this area prior to annexation. As stated in
the Johnson County Rural Development Plan, commercial and/or industrial
development will be encouraged to locate in the interchanges of paved roads.
Commercial and/or industrial development will be discouraged in all other areas of
Fringe Area C.
As applications are received to develop land contiguous to Iowa City and within
this portion of the City's growth area, the City will give favorable consideration to
the voluntary annexation of this land and its development for commercial and/or
industrial uses consistent with urban development patterns.
! ~nd outside Iowa Citv's Growth Area. In the portions of Area C which are not
within .Iowa City's growth area and which are zoned for non-farm development,
development may occur in conformance with Johnson County's Zoning Ordinance
and City Rural Design Standards.
The land in Area C currently zoned A-1, Rural, and outside the City's growth area
wilI-Ee considered, upon receipt of an application, for rezoning to RS-10 (1
dwelling unit/10 acres). RS-5 {1 dwelling unit/5 acres) will be considered if the
application to rezone includes a plat designating a minimum of 80 % of the property
. as an outlot for open space or agriculture.
Rural Design-.Standards will apply to all development outside the City's growth
area.
e
Upon annexation of land within Fringe Area C, the City agrees that it will not
automatically extend'its fringe area authority to review and approve all
subdivisions, which it exercises pursuant to Iowa Code §354.9 and Title 14,
Chapter 7 of the City Code of the City of Iowa City, Iowa. The City will review
the extension of its fringe area as a result of annexation on a case-by-case basis
in consultation with Johnson County.
SECTION II. PROTECTING AGRICULTURAl OPERATIONS
Any regulations in the Fringe Area Agreement will not interfere with the Right to Farm, as
contained in the Code of Iowa Chapter 335.2, Farms Exempt; and as noted in the Johnson
County Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 8.2, Protecting Agricultural Operations.
SECTION III. ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES
As a rule, zoning regulation is the county's prerogative if a county has adopted a zoning
ordinance. The City, however, exercises authority over subdivision regulation in a city's fringe
area. Annexation is also primarily under exclusive rule of cities. Each of these activities,
however, affects both jurisdictions and produces a clear need for coordination and joint
administration. To that end, the City of Iowa City and Johnson County agree to the following
procedures for administration of land use regulations.
A. Zoninc~ ReQulation:
Zoning regulation for all unincorporated territory will remain under the authority of
the Johnson County Zoning Ordinance and the provisions of Chapter 335, Code
of Iowa (1995), the enabling legislation for the County's zoning powers.
-5-
Pursuant to Section 8:1.30 of the Johnson County Zoning Ordinance, any person
may request a variance to the lot area regulations of the zoning ordinance or appeal
the decision of any officer of the County as that decision relates to enforcement
of the Zoning Ordinance.
The County will forward each request for rezoning of property within the Fringe
Areas specified in this Agreement to the City for review and comment prior to the
public hearing before the County Planning and Zoning Commission. Any zoning
change will conform with the policies identified for the Area in which the property
is located.
e
Properties zoned for a classification which is inconsistent with this Agreement, at
the time this Agreement is executed, shall retain the rights under that zoning,
unless and until such zoning is changed through due process.
Subdivision Re(3ulation:
e
Subdivision of land within Iowa City's fringe area will he required to conform to
either City Rural Design Standards or the City Urban Design Standards in
accordance with the policies specified in this Agreement.
Persons wishing to subdivide land within the fringe area specified in this
Agreement shall be required to simultaneously file a subdivision application with
both the City and the County. The City and the County shall coordinate the
processing of the application to ensure concurrent review by both the City Planning
and Zoning Commission and the County Planning and Zoning Commission.
Subdivisions of land into less than three lots will continue to be regulated by the
County.
C. Annexation:
Iowa City will annex territory only in accordance with the policy statements
specified in this Agreement.
The City will, upon receipt, forward applications requesting annexation or
severance (deannexation) of property within the fringe area specified in this
Agreement to the County for review and comment prior to consideration by the
Iowa City Planning and Zoning Commission.
As appropriate and necessary, the City may extend the two-mile extraterritorial
subdivision plat review area. Prior to any such extension, the City will forward to
the County a proposal which includes the extension of the City's plat review
authority for any distance up to the two mile limit provided by State law. The
County will have a specified time within which to respond in affirmative
agreement, negatively or with an alternative proposal. The City will take the
County's response under advisement when determining the extension of
extraterritorial review.
-6-
SECTION IV. AGPI=I:MENT
At any time during the three (3} year term of this Agreement, either the Chair of the Johnson
County Board of Supervisors or the Mayor of the City of Iowa City may initiate review of the
policies of this Agreement by contacting the other party to this Agreement. Both parties to
this Agreement shell consider modifications of this Agreement, as appropriate.
SECTION V. EFIq=CTIV; PERIOD
This Agreement shell become effective upon acceptance and execution by the parties, and
shall be in effect for three (3) years after the date of execution of this Agreement. This
Agreement may be modified and extended by the written mutual consent of the parties.
SECTION VI. RI:CORDATION
This Agreement shall be filed with the Secretary of the State of Iowa, and with the Johnson
County Recorder in compliance with Chapter 28E, Code of Iowa (1995).
Dated this ~ '~: ~.'_.~,.,._..~' 1996.
.. - day of ;L' ,
/~ JOHNS~OLJ~TY
of
County Auditor
App~ by:
County Attorney's Office
Dated this 6th day of Auqust
,1996.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
Attest:
Attorney's Office
ATTACHMENTS:
Proposed Land Use Map for the Iowa City Fringe Area.
Figure 1: Fringe Area B (formerly Areas 5 and 6) Land Use Plan.
Appendix A: Definition of Standards
Fringe Area
-- I
APPENDIX A
Def~iofi of Standards
Citv Urban Desk3n Standards:
Those standards enumerated in Title 14. Chapter 7 of the City Code of Iowa City which the
City imposes on any subdivision within the corporate limits of Iowa City.
Citv Rur,,I Desinn Standards:
1.O
1.1
Streets
Streets shall be designed for a minimum surface width of 22 feet. Curb and gutter will
not be required.
1.2
The right-of-way for local streets without curb and gutter shall be 60 feet to enable
retrofit of sewer, water, and sidewalk in the future as necessary; otherwise, the right-
of-way for local streets with curb and gutter and storm sewer shall be 50 feet. The
right-of-way for arterial, industrial, and collector streets for the developed area shall
be determined in conjunction with the Planning and Zonihg Commission.
1.3
1.4
The maximum street grade for local streets shall be 12%.
The pavement cross section for all pavements will be a 2% parabolic crown.
cross slope is equivalent to ¼-inch per foot.
This
1.5
The pavement slab shall be constructed of a 6' rolled stone base and a 22-foot wide
chipseal surface.
1.6 Minimum corner radii shall be 20 feet.
1.7
The minimum ditch grade shall be 1.0%. In addition, it will be necessary to place a
12-inch diameter (minimum) culvert, either reinforced concrete pipe or corrugated
metal pipe, through all drive approaches constructed over a drainage ditch. The exact
size of pipe required will be a function of the area to be drained.
1.8 Drive approaches shall be hard surfaced within 'he right-of-way.
2.0 Water Distribution System
2.1
Well(s) shall conform to the requirements of the Johnson County Health Department
and the distribution system, if installed, (water main) shall be either ductile cast iron
pipe (ANSI A21.50 manufactured in accordance with ANSI A21.50) or poly vinyl
chloride pipe (PVC-ASTM D1784, Type 1, Grade 1,200 psi design stress and SDR of
1 7 or less).
2.2
It shall be the responsibility of the Developer's Engineer to establish a fire rating for the
area being developed. Prior to plat approval, there shall be a letter of transmittal from
.°o
2
the eDPrOprlate Fire Protection District approving spac,ng. location. number of fire
hydrants. size of mains. pressure. etc.
2.3
Connection to the City of Iowa City Water Distribution System is subject to City
Council consideration based on ava,labdity. Generally. annexation is a criterion which
must be met.
3.0 Ranitarv Sewer
All methods of sanitation shall confMm to the 1 ~)sg John.lon County Board of Heaith Rules
and Regulations Governing On-~its Wastewater Treatment end Disposal Systems end to the
1990 Iowa City Wastewater Treatment and Disposal System Policy.
4.0
4.1
Storm -qewers '-- -
With the exception of developments located in the Old Man's Creek v~atarshed, the
City Storm Water Management Ordinance shall apply to new developments located
outskle the City ~ of Iowe City bul: within the City's area of extratehi~orial
4.2
All storm eewers shell confmTn to revised Section VII {Storm Sewers) of the Design
Standards for PUblic Works Improvements in Iowa City, Iowa.
4.3
Culverts shall be a minimum of 12 inches in diameter; either reinforced concrete pipe
or con'ugated metal pipe (m'mimum gauge 18 and corrugations 2'x ½ ", 2~"x ½ ", and
3"xl ") shall be used. Culverts shall conform to the Standard SDecifications for
Hinhwav arvl P-ridne Con,~,,ction. Series of 1977. Minimum cover over the top of
culvert shall be six inches.
5.0 Underaround Utilities
S.1
Whenever a subdivision shall be laid out such that a new street is required, telephone
and electric utilities shall be underground. It is not intended that small subdivisions
which would use an existing county road would follow this requirement since overhead
utilities are probably directly adjacent to the propert,,,.
)endix D
Appendix E
EMPLOYMENT RANKING OF IOWA CITY EMPLOYERS
Business ............................................................Employees
University of Iowa .........................................................22,555
Veterans Administration Hospital ....................................1.300
Iowa City Community Schools .......................................1.225
Mercy Hospital ...............................................................1,100
National Computer Systems .............................................857
United Technologies Automotive ........................................810
American College Testing .................................................800
Procter & Gamble .............................................................602
C~y of ~owa City ................................................................564
Johnson County Government ............................................430
Oral B Laboratories ...........................................................400
Moore Business Forms ...................................................342
MCI Services Marketing .....................................................250
Release International ........................................................211
Hills Bank & Trust..'. ...........................................................190
First National Bank ............................................................184
Iowa City Press-C'dizen .....................................................181
Iowa State Bank&Trust ....................................................155
APAC ................................................................................146
Seabury & Smith ...............................................................130
Banker's Advertising/Trust-Art Color Graphics ..................120
Blooming Prairie Warehouse ............................................11,5
University of Iowa Community Credit Union .........................91
General Mills .......................................................................85
Roberts Dairy ......................................................................85
Mid-American Energy ..........................................................70
Protein Blenders, Inc ...........................................................50
Lenoch & Cilek ....................................................................50
Hawkeye Medical Supply .....................................................38
Hansen Lind Meyer .............................................................35
Millard Warehouse ..............................................................30
SOUI~"~: IOWA CITY AREA D~O~M~T GROUP, INC., FEBRUARY 1~9~
Appendix F
CO1
CN1--
CC2
CB10
CH1
P/CI1
IDRS
IDRM
RR1
RS5
RSS.
RS12
RM12
RM20
RNC12
RNC20
RM44
PRM
RFBH
RO
PDH1
PDH5
PDH8
Total Zoned Lind Az of Siptimber
Totl~ by Zone Clt~ory ~nd Zofm
.,Description
Higtlway ~ ~
Intensive Commercial Zone
TMal Comme~ial Land
Indml ~
Rese~'ch Developmenl Pink Zone
Ol~ce & Research Pm'k Zone
107.91
54.75
288.07
S2.56
25:92
35.88
44.30
3128
1,00~J.20
53.43
79.17
Interim Develop,,~.nt Office & Research Park Zone--- '-810.62
To;,il IndusUMI
Public Land
Public I, and - Other
Public Land - Pe~
Public land - School
Public Land - University of
Total Public Land
599.S0
12.57
.... 20.47
_._ IATS.76
1,093.51
600.30
23422
1,557.07
3,485.10
Residential Land
Imem Development Single-Family Zone
Intedm Dev~ Mu#i-Family Zone
Rural Residential Zone
Low Dens~j Single-Family Zone
Medium Dens~y Single-Family Zone
High Density Single-Family Zone
low Density Multi-Family Zone
Medium Density Multi-Family Zone
Neighborhood Conservation Residential Zone
Neighborhood Conservstion Zone
High Density Mufti-Family Zone
Planned High Dens~j Multi-Family Zone
Factory Built Housing Zone
Res~ential/Office Zone
Planned Rural Residential Zone
Planned Low Density Single-Family Zone
Planned Medium Density Single-Family Zone
1,668.65
178.66
534.49
3.754.86
885.16
168.13
322.56
89,68
86,83
63.10
171,83
36,12
210.51
6.45
168.90
154.84
188.06
P~r~ent
of Total
10.69%
5.43%
28.54%
521%
2.57~
3.56%
4.3916
36.52%
3.10%
100.O0%
3.3916
5.02/0
S1.44%
38.05%
0.80~
1.30%
100.00~
31.38%
17.22%
6.724/0
44.68%
100.OO~
19.14%
2.05%
6.13%
43.07%
10.15%
1.93%
3.70%
1.03%
1 .O0%
0.72%
1.97%
0.41%
2.41%
0.07%
1.94%
1.78%
2.16%
Tntal Zor~d Land As of September 1~J4
Total RII! 1,a~l ~
2.32
8,717.17
Percent
.of Total
0.30~
0.03%
100.04)~
TMII Cc,,,.a,c..b~l land
TMII Industrial Land
ToliI Puldic Land
TQ~I Res~dm',liM land
TOTAL LAND
1.009.20
1.575.76
3,485.10
8,717.17
14.787.23
6.82%
10.66%
23.57'/,,
58.95%
100.00%
Ge.mldli Lind
6.81/) indulMiI IJnd
10~%
Appendix G
Draft: 3/12/97
NEIGHBORHOOD OPEN SPACE
Public neighborhood open space is a vital part of a community and often serves as a focal point
of neighborhood activity. Neighborhood open spaces are small areas, generally about three
to five acres in size, designed to serve a local residential population by providing accessible,
useable open areas and greenways for informal, smell group recreation. These areas enhance
opportunities for neighborn to meet and develop a sense of connection within their neighbor-
hood.
The function of neighborhood open spaces should reflect the type and character of the neigh-
borhood in which it is located. Many times neighborhood open space is found adjacent to
elementary school sites or environmentally sensitive areas. The open space mey contain
active playground area, or its use mey primarily be passive, providing merely a peaceful place
in the midst of urban densities. Pedestrian/bikeway greenway connections to community parks
and re~-eation areas are an important, integral part of neighborhood open space.
Three acres of neighborhood open space for every 1,000 r'--~-=idents is considered to be the
minimum of active open space to be provided within each neighborhood. The following table
presents the neighborhood open space r~,c, ds assessment for the Planning Districts in Iowa
City.
Neighborhood Open Space Assessment by District
Existing (3m~, ~P-P,d~, Suqdusl
~ (r t',. ~ ql .' P~je_t_d Total 1.000e,m'mmel S-Sca,od~! Deficit
Cefitrd ~ -32.6
C1. North Side 4061 0 4061 12.2 P=4.8, S=.5 -7.3
C2. College Gree~ 1842 0 1842 5.5 P=3.0, S=O -2.5
C3. Bowery 3299 0 3299 9.9 P = 0, S = 0 -9.9
C4. Longfellow 2517 0 2517 7.6 P=4.38, S=9 -.97
C5. Mark Twain 2842 O 2842 8.5 P == 2.0, S = 9 -4.3
C6. City High 2776 0 2776 8.3 P = .8, S = 6.0' * -6.0
C7. Near Southside 1555 0 1555 4.7 P=.3, S=O -4.4
C8. Hickory Hill 1268 557 1825 5.5 P=191.3, S=0 +2.8
Ninth Dislx'ict -21.4
N1. Dubuque Road 452 1264 1716 5.2 P=0, S=0 -5.2
N2. Mayflower/Shirnek' 2039 2374 4413 13.2 P =0, S = 15 -9.5
N2. Mayflower/Shimekb 2039 417 2456 7.4 P = O, S = 15 -3.7
N3. Foster Road 696 2652 3348 10,0 P = 17.6, S = 0 ~3.0
Northeast District -29.1
NE1. Upper Ralston 990 3076 4066 12.2 P=O, S=0 -12.2
Creek
2
Poll.~* lktfi
Di~Hct F' -* ~ I F, ajict,d To~I 1,{NN)lmmmm)
~ ~ 3531 581 4112 12.3
Pi, t~t ~ 3531 1537 5~8 15.2
$-Sdud,) Deficit
P=3.3, S=8.0 -7.0
P--3.3, S=8.0 -9.9
NW1. Clear Calek 140 1641 1781 5.3
NW2. City Park 2899 0 2899 8.7
-1.8
P-O, S=0 -5.3
P= 109.7, S=2.5 +3.5
Sl. Wetherby 3318 5157 8475 25.4
S2. Grant Wood 4191 770 4961 14.9
S3. $md~q~,lxook 551 3281 3832 11 .S
-24.7
P-S0, S=O -11.4
P=22.7, S=5.0 -1.8
P=O, S=O -11.5
SE1. Court Hill/Luc~ 4670 122 4792 14.4
SE2. V'doge Green 2205 495 2700 8.1
SE3. W'mdeor Ridge 374 734 1108 3.3
+18.1
P= 15.25, S=7.5 +1.1
P -39,6, S=O°* +6.3
P=65.5, S=O +10.7
Southwest Disuict
SW1. ~ooe/Efiw4~d 1644 82 1726 5.2
SW2. W'dlow Creek 2915 0 2915 8.7
SW3. Brookland/ 4245 95 4340 13.0
Roosevelt
SW4. Mill~/Orchlrd' 1151 1366 2517 7.6
SW4. Millor/Orchard' 1151 268 1419 4.3
SWS. Hunters Run 839 2415 3254 9.8
SW6. We~t High 2608 807 3415 10.2
-17.6
P=6.5, S=O +1.3
P=41.2, S=0 +5.3
P=4.2, S=5 -7.6
P=0, S=O -7.6
P=O, S=O -4.3
P=16.1, S=8.0 °.8
P=6.4, S=0*° -3.9
*Sinplus/Deficit Calculations=up to 7 oc~s cradit per park; 5 acres or 25% of school open space; whichever is
less, per elementm~ school site.
· °Credit is not autommJcelly allocated to m~xmdery school sites.
'lf developed at density of existing zones.
~Due to steep wooded ravines, this area will probably develop at less than 1 dwelling unit per acre.
Clncludes Windsor Ridge north of Court Street
'If developed at density of existing zones.
'Due to steep wooded ravines, will probably develop at an RS-5 deftsity.
Note: The Downtown, North Corridor, and South Central Districts we~*e not evaluated for neighborhood open
space, because there are no established residential neighborhoods in these districts.
3
The individual neighborhood open space districts were originally grouped within major water-
shed areas in the city to facilitate open space connections along waterways. Open space
impact fees or land dedications secured within a district can be used to establish a trail or
small park within the Planning District in which the neighborhood open space district is
located. The resulting open space must be designed and located so that the benefits of park
and trail development will accrue directly to those areas that generate fees or land for open
apace. Fees contributed from one area of the community cannot be shifted to provide
neighborhood open space in separate area of the city.
As the city grows and annexes land, neighborhood open space will be provided as develop-
ment occurs. The following figures indicate the amount of land that is likely to be allocated
for neighborhood open space as land is annexed and developed within the city's growth limits
in each Planning District.
3 Acres
Artaerated P.~ 1.000 Pemor~
~ A~* ~ A~ ~ O~ S~ N~
~wmown 0 0 0 0
Ce~al 0 0 0 0
Noah 0 0 0 0
No~ ~r 6~ 5 2.26 23.05
No~ ~5 5 2.26 32.71
No~w~ 1 ~ 5 2.26 6.~
~ 920 5 2.26 31.19
~~ 810 5 2.26 27.46
So~h Cen~al 5~ 5 2.26 16.95
~hw~ 12~ 5 2.26 42.~
*Approximate number of undeveloped acres outsiae the city limrts and within the growth
area, rounded to the nearest five acres.
As development occurs throughout Iowa City, including on property annexed into the city,
land will be dedicated for neighborhood open space or fees will be paid by the developers in
lieu of the land dedication to provide sufficient, useable open space in growing and redevel-
oping areas of the community. Capital improvement programming and fee simple purchase
.may be required to supplement the neighborhood open space land dedication and fees,
particularly in the developed, inner city areas. Cooperation with other jurisdictions, including
Johnson County, Coralville, the University of Iowa, and the Iowa City Community School
District, is encouraged and is key to coordinating the allocation, development and maintenance
of open space of mutual benefit to adjoining developments in separate jurisdictions.
SOUTH DISTRICT SENSITIVE AREAS
EXHIBIT E