Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-06-03 Bd Comm minutesMINUTES DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE MAY 27, 1997 - 4:00 P.M. LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM - CIVIC CENTER PRELIMINARY Subject to Approval PRESENT: Clara Swan, Bill Nowysz, Gary Nagle, Phil Reisetter, Karyl Larson ABSENT: Randy Rohovit, Daryl Woodson STAFF: David Schoon GUESTS: Steve Ford, Ron Logsden CITY COUNCIL RECOMMENDATIONS Recommend approval of the design review application for the Iowa City Transit Interchange Facility as submitted subject to: 1) 2) 3) 4) the use of a copper roof; not cutting corners on the selection of materials; Design Review Committee review and approval of exterior signs; and the architect reviewing the quantity and size of the columns. CALL TO ORDER Vice Chair Clara Swan called the meeting to order at 4:20 p.m. CONSIDERATION OF THE FINAL DESIGN REVIEW APPLICATION FOR THE IOWA CITY TRANSIT INTERCHANGE FACILITY Swan introduced Ron Logsden and Steve Ford. Logsden briefly described the need for the transit interchange facility. Initially, the need fo~ the facility was for restrooms for the bus drivers. The City applied for a federal grant to construct an interchange facility that could be used by the transit division, not only as a restroom facility but also, as a place to sell bus passes, answer questions, and to disseminate information. Ford then described the project itself. The project shortens and widens the existing island to create a 24'x 80' island and a 16' x 40' building. The island is shortened in order to give more space for turning buses from Clinton Street onto Washington Street. The entrance would be at the west end of the building off of the mid-street crosswalk. The design is simple based on 16 columns spaced equally apart. The design attempts to create a transition from the shopping mall to the Old Capitol. The structure's walls includes brick, stone sills, and tinted glazing. The brick will match the brick on Old Capitol. The roof will be a hip design using a standing metal seam material, capping this hip shape will be the existing shelter arch, glazing~ or a new roof of similar design will be constructed. The building will be heated and cooled. It will contain a cathedral ceiling. Duct work will run through the middle of the arched roof glazing. They will use the existing street cluster lighting. The planters around the building will be 18" high so as to prevent people from cutting through them and to help screen the mechanical equipment on the east side of the Design Review Committee May 27, 1997 Page 2 building. Exposed aggregate will be used as the surface surrounding the building. The columns will be exposed aggregate with a slight sandblasting. In response to a question from Nowysz, Ford stated that the restrooms were only for the bus drivers. Nowysz stated that there is a need for public restrooms downtown, and unfortunately these are not designed for public use. Logsden said that the two restrooms will be used by ten bus drivers every hour during a ten minute period. They must make sure the bus drivers can get to them without having a long wait. In response to a question from Karyl Larson, Ford stated that there was only one exterior door and that there would probably be the need for one of the windows to be an emergency exit. Nagle stated that he had concerns regarding the design of the building. In particular, the size and number of columns and the color of the roof draw attention to the building, and he believes the building needs to be more transparent. He also asked why salvage the arch; he does not believe that arch roof has any significant architectural value. Logsden said it was included in the design to tie into what was existing. Ford stated that he believes the building should act as a landmark, in particular, if people are trying to find it to get information. Nowysz stated that the structure should be well designed with nice details and good materials. Nowysz suggested that coin-operated restrooms are becoming more common once again, and that maybe they could be added to the west side of the building. Swan stated she believes the building should act as a landmark. She encouraged the incorporation of trees where possible. Ford stated that given the great amount of glazing on the structure, they are concerned about having trees immediately near by due to bird droppings. In response to a question from Swan, Ford stated that the roof comes in brown. Nowysz suggested that a standing seam copper roof be used instead of the blue roof. Ford stated that he added the bold primary color to add color to the structure. Reisetter stated that he also liked the copper roof suggestion. The blue roof makes it look like a fast food place. Reisetter asked if it is cost effective to use the old roof from the existing bus shelters. Ford stated from an energy savings standpoint, it may not be. Nowysz suggested that the structure be well lit. Ford discussed adding lighting to accent the building. Nagle said he would like to see some of the columns taken out. He believes there are too many given the size of the structure. Larson asked about signage for the structure. Ford stated that at this point there were none planned, but that he could see adding some signage in the landscaping areas. Nagle asked why not have the entrance on the eastside of the structure. Ford replied that due to safety concerns (turning traffic), the entrance was not put on the eastside. It was moved by Nowysz and seconded by Reisetter to recommend to the City Council approval of the design review application for the Iowa City Transit Interchange Facility as submitted subject to: Design Review Committee May 27, 1997 Page 3 1) 2) 3) the use of a copper roof; not cutting corners on the selection of materials; and Design Review Committee review and approval of the exterior signs. Nowysz stated that this structure will become a landmark if it is to act not only as a transit interchange but also an information center. Therefore, the architect should make the structure more of a show case building through the careful selection of detailing materials. Also, given the location of the structure, consideration should be given to materials that are more graffiti proof or easily cleaned. Nagle stated that he still has concerns regarding the quantity and size of the columns and would like the architect to take another look at the columns. It was moved by Nagle and seconded by Reisetter to amend the main motion by adding the fourth condition: 4) the architect reviewing the quantity and size of the columns. The amendment was adopted by a vote of 5-0. Swan asked if there was further discussion. Hearing none, the Committee voted to recommend to the City Council approval of the design review application for the Iowa City Transit Interchange Facility as submitted subject to: 1) 2) 3) 4) the use of a copper roof; not cutting corners on the selection of materials; Design Review Committee review and approval of exterior signs; and the architect reviewing the quantity and size of the columns. The motion carried on a vote of 5-0 PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY: ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA There was none, Nagle left the meeting at 5:25 p.m. COMMITTEE DISCUSSION Schoon informed the Committee that he had spoken with the building department and that he was informed that the Pizza Hut awning will be staying up for another 30 days. The building department is allowing the awning to stay up in its existing condition until the new tenant has the opportunity to begin construction on the improvements to the exterior of the building. Schoon also informed the Committee, that the Committee will meet next Monday, June 2, to review a revised application for Taco Bell. Schoon passed around revised drawings which show the relocation of the Clinton Street entrance, an exterior ramp/raised plaza, and additional signage. Committee members expressed their reservations regarding additional exterior signage. Schoon said he would pass those comments on to the architect. Design Review Committee May 27, 1997 Page 4 ADJOURNMENT Nowysz moved to adjourn the meeting, Reisetter seconded. The motion carried on a 4-0 vote. The meeting was adjourned at 5:35 p.m. Minutes submitted by David Schoon ecodev~mins\drc0527.doc MINUTES IOWA CITY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION TUESDAY, APRIL 15, 1997 - 5:30 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT: Ann Cairns, Betty Kelly, Ruedi Kuenzli, Sue Licht, Mike Pugh, John Shaw MEMBERS ABSENT: STAFF PRESENT: CALL TO ORDER: Doris Malkmus Scott Kugler, Anne Schulte Chairperson Pugh called the meeting to order at 5:41 p.m. INTRODUCTION OF NEW COMMISSION MEMBER: Pugh introduced Ann Cairns as the new Commission member from the Woodlawn Historic District. ELECTION OF OFFICERS: Pugh said the Commission elects a Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson annually. Kugler said as far as he knew, no one has applied for either of the two vacancies before Council. Licht suggested postponing elections until some of the four Commission positions are filled. Kugler said the two new positions representing the new historic districts would be filled at the second City Council meeting in May. Pugh agreed that it would be wise to postpone the elections since there will actually be five new members in the near future, including Cairns: MOTION: Kelly moved to defer the election of officers to the May meeting, when there will be a full contingent of Commission members. Kuenzli seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 6-0. Pugh asked if there should be an interim Chair and Vice-Chair. Kugler said the issue could wait until May and interim officers could be elected at that time, if necessary. Kuenzli asked if anyone frem the College Green Distdct has applied for the vacancy. Kugler said he has not talked to anyone'yet. He said he did not think it is a good idea for staff to solicit members. Kuenzli asked if those in the District knew about the Commission. He said he had some ideas about who might be good on the Commission and he would contact those people. Shaw asked if Kugler had sent an application to Frank Gersh, and Kugler responded that he had. Kugler suggested that Commission members contact potential members. Shaw said the Commission should coordinate its efforts so that two or three people are not solicited for the vacancies, only to be turned down..Pugh said interested parties should be told up front that there may be other applicants and Commission members should try to coordinate with each other whenever possible. Shaw said this is an opportunity for the Commission to control its own destiny by discussing the applicants and coming to a consensus about who the best candidates are. Pugh said there are often very good candidates fi'om the general public. Shaw said he would follow up with Frank Gersh. Pugh said he would contact Lars Anderson about the at-large position. Kuenzli said he would contact someone from the Longfellow Neighborhood for an at-large seat. Historic Preservation Commission April 15, 1997 Page 2 Pugh asked Kugler to let him know who applies for the vacancies. Pugh said he did not feel a need to restdct the appointments to certain occupations. Kugler said the City has an agree- ment with the State that says the Commission must have some members from certain fields but that there are enough from those fields at this time. PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA: Shaw asked how certificates of appropriateness would be granted in the future. Kugler said he though it was a good idea to have three people on the reviewing subcommittee. He said Malkmus and Shaw would still be on the subcommittee and the Commission should look for someone else to serve also, possibly one of the new members. DISCUSSION OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION AWARDS PROGRAM: Kelly said the invitations are now being pdnted and will be delivered to the Johnson County Historical Society for mailing. Kugler said some projects have dropped out because they are not yet completed or they were not done in the past year. Kugler said there are now six properties in the running for residential rehabilitation awards and four remain in the commercial/institutional category. Kugler said that a Commission member's property, that of Ann Cairns, is on the list for a residential rehabilita- tion award, but was selected before she became a Commission member. Licht suggested an additional property for the painting award list: a property on South Governor Street across from the AME Church. Kelly suggested two more properties for the painting list: 333 Magowan and the Frank Riehl's house at 630 E. Washington Street, bringing the total for the painting list to 11 properties. Kugler said he would contact the property owners of these addresses and notify Kelly of those that wanted to participate. Kelly asked for a consensus on a caterer and said there is a wide disparity in prices. She discussed the food and beverages provided by three caterers and the cost involved for each caterer. The consensus was to ask Hy-Vee to cater the Awards Program. Cairns volunteered to hand out programs to people attending the program. Pugh said he would be the Master of Ceremony for the event. Kelly said she would like someone to write an editorial regarding the event to submit to the Press-Citizen. Shaw said he would write the piece if he could get a sample of the ones submitted in previous years. Kelly also said the Cedar Rapids Gazette would like to interview Licht and Doug Russell regarding their years with the Commission. Kugler said the City Manager had requested that a staff memo or report be sent to the City Council describing the history of the Historic Preservation Commission over the last ten years. Kugler said the City Manager Suggested a kind of synopsis detailing the workings of the Commission and its progress since the Northside and Goosetown designations fell through. Kugler said the Commission does have yearly reports dating back to its inception that could be used as a starting point. Shaw suggested asking Doug Russell to put together such a report. Licht said she would help write the report if Russell would be willing to do it. Kugler suggested that the report could also work as the guest editorial that Kelly was requesting for the Press- Citizen. Kugler said he could also help write the report. Historic Preservation Commission April 15, 1997 Page 3 Kugler said a press release is going out now and that another one containing the nominated properties will be submitted at the end of the month, He referred to the draft in the packet and asked for suggestions. Pugh said he did not have comments about the content of the press release but that h~ did have comments to give Kugler later regarding the structure of the press release. Pugh asked Kelly if she would give him a sample agenda of last year's program. Kugler said he could get a videotape of last year's program and Pugh replied that that would be sufficient for him. MOTION: Kelly nominated Doug Russell for the Margaret Nowysz Award. Pugh second- ed the nomination. Licht said Russell had had a vision for the Commission for the last ten years and that it was his time and energy that kept things going. Kuenzli asked about viewing the property with the jurors. Kugler said they would visit the properties beginning at about 9:00 a,m. on the morning of the program. Shaw, Kuenzli, and Pugh said they would like to have lunch with the jurors. Kugler suggested Jimmy's Bistro for lunch. Shaw of the years, suggested giving the Margaret Nowysz Award to Licht as well as Russell as co-winners award. Both have had significant impacts on the success of the Commission over the and both are departing. Both served for nine years. Kelly withdrew the motion. MOTION: Pugh moved to nominate Doug Russell and Sue Licht as co-winners of this year's Margaret Nowysz Award. Shaw seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 5-0-1, with Licht abstainin.q. (Kelly left the meeting at 6:37 p.m.) Pugh asked for suggestions regarding who should present the Nowysz Award. Licht suggested asking Bill Nowysz but did not know if he would want to participate. Cairns asked if the announcements of awards included the names of the architects, contractors, and others involved in the project. Licht said that they had sometimes received separate awards in the past. Kugler said that in the last two years, they were listed in the library but not on the program because there was not enough room. He added that their names were read but that the owner gets the certificate. Kugler said that the Commission had decided in recent years not to have everyone who participated in the project receive a certificate because it was too time consuming to present them to each person. Cairns suggested puffing the names of those who worked on the project on the certificate. Shaw asked if the names could be on the program. Kugler responded that there was a space constraint - that only so many names would fit on one sheet. Kugler said the MC generally reads off whatever the owner puts on the entry sheet. Historic Preservation Commission April 15, 1997 Page 4 DISCUSSION OF GRANT PROJECTS: Original Town Plat Survey, Phase I Kugler referred to the memo from Jan Nash updating the progress on the Original Town Plat Survey, Phase I. He said the State is asking for a draft of that report by the end of April so it will be available for review at the next Historic Preservation Commission meeting. Longfellow Survey, Phase II Kugler said the City did get the grant for the Longfellow Phase II Survey. He said it would be fully funded and the money is from a CLG grant. Kugler said contracts must be signed with the State before he can get going on an RFP. Shaw asked if RFPs are mandated. Kugler said yes, and he expects the RFPs to go out in May, and it will therefore be July before some- one is actually working on the project. He said the State has to approve the subcontract with the consultant. Kugler said Molly Naumann did Phase I. He said that at least three responses to RFPs must be considered. Kugler said the Commission could be selecting the consultant at the June meeting. Pugh asked if State law for projects requires open bids for the City, as a municipali- ty. Kugler said the cost is low enough that they would not be required but that standard language in the grant contract might specify open bids. He said he would check on the matter and report back. Original Town Plat Survey, Phase II Kugler said the application in the packet is fairly complete, needing only a map and a complet- ed budget page. Kugler asked for comments and suggestions for the grant application. Pugh suggested mentioning that the Brown Street Historic District is immediately to the north of the area to be surveyed. He also suggested rewording the first paragraph to clarify and simplify the directions. Pugh asked about question four, sentence three, the section referring to churches having a perceived lack of parking. Kugler said he had heard from different sources that churches in the area would like to seek out new parking. He said he would delete the word "well" from the response. Pugh suggested the response to question five that used the phrase "for the reasons stated above" was unclear. Kugler said the reasons were enumerated in the response to question two. Kugler said he would try to reword that sentence. Pugh said the application was well written. MOTION: Licht moved to approve the grant application as amended. Kuenzli seconded the motion, The motion carried on a vote of 5-0, DISCUSSION OF HISTORIC LANDMARK PLAQUES: Kugler showed the sample plaques from two companies: Erie Landmark Company and John Heinz Company. He said both companies could produce an oval 10 x 7 plaque with whatever Historic Preservation Commission April 15, 1997 Page 5 color background the Commission would like. Kugler said the estimate from Erie Landmark was $80.75 per plaque, and the estimate from John Heinz was $69.50 per plaque. Kugler said he did not know if shipping charges are included in the estimates. Kugler said Friends of Historic Preservation had sent a letter about a year ago saying they would be willing to purchase the first 25 plaques at an estimated cost of $1200-$1500. He suggested either contacting Friends to see if they would be willing to come up with the extra money or to use the $1500 in donated money that has been set aside. Kugler said the Board of Realtors donated most of the money, and $200 or $300 was donated anonymously. Kugler said 28 of the contacted owners are willing to put plaques on their houses. Shaw said the plaque done by the Erie Landmark Company is a better piece of work. He said there is not as much fuzziness - the letters are much clearer, the alloy is more of a true bronze color, the work is more uniform, and the plaque is fiat along the bottom, showing more control in the poring of the plaque. Pugh asked if the $1500 would carry over to next year if unused. Kugler said it would carry over. Kuenzli said the Commission needs to print new guides because of the two new historic districts. Kugler said he is also running out of the neighborhood design booklets. He said funding for the printing would either have to be requested from City Council or donations would have to be solicited, possibly from the Chamber of Commerce or the Convention and Visitors Bureau. Pugh said there would ultimately' be a $300 difference in cost between the two companies. Kugler said that Bob Miklo is on the board of Friends and had indicated that Friends might be willing to donate more money to cover the cost of the plaques. Pugh asked for opinions on the different plaques. Cairns asked if one plaque would last longer than the other would. Shaw said they would both last virtually indefinitely. He added that the quality of the alloy would determine how the patina would last over the next ten years. Cairns asked if they could stain a house. Shaw said that copper tends to stain a house over time and bronze can also stain a house. He said both of the plaques are made of some type of bronze alloy. Kugler said the background could be a variety of colors. He added that, in the past, the Commission had indicated a preference for a background color other than brown so that they will be different than the National Register plaques. Shaw said the differences in the plaques are slight enough so that most people won't be able to tell the difference, although if he were to vote, he would vote for the Ede Landmark plaques. Licht said she would prefer to get the better quality plaques if Friends would be willing to donate the additional money, because the Commission needs to use its funding for maps and other things. Kuenzli suggested presenting the samples to Friends letting them know that if they would be willing to donate $2,000, the Commission would like to purchase the better quality plaques. Shaw said since these are going to be placed on people's houses, quality might be an issue to the homeowners. Licht suggested deferring the matter until someone talks to Friends about financing. Shaw said he would go to the next Friends board meeting to discuss the matter. CONSIDERATION OF MARCH 11, 1997 MINUTES: MOTION: Licht moved to approve the March 11, 1997, regular meeting minutes, as amended at tonight's meeting. Pugh seconded the motion. Historic Preservation Commission April 15, 1997 Page 6 Pugh said on page one, the second paragraph under "Discussion of Historic Preservation Awards Program", "is secure" should be changed to "is reserved". He said the correct spelling of the Court Administrator in the following paragraph is "Sandy Dains". In the next paragraph, Pugh said the word "judges" should be changed to "jurors". Pugh said, in the last paragraph on page one, in the first sentence, the term "embellishments" should be changed to "improve- ments". Page three, paragraph two, Pugh said the word "house" should be changed to "property". The motion carried on a vote of 5-0. COMMISSION INFORMATION/DISCUSSION: Update on Montgomery-Butler House Stabilization. Shaw discussed new information regarding the Butler House. He said Bear Creek Archaeology had been asked to stake out a roadway approach to the house that could be graveled. Shaw said the intent was to have them do shovel tests to define a pathway that could hold gravel. He said David Stanley found intact archaeological remains on the site and was unable to define a clear roadway to the house. Shaw said the report had been submitted to the City, which was to have submitted it to SHPO. He said he contacted Chuck Schmadeke's office, which informed him that the City submitted the report on February 24. Shaw said SHPO is supposed to review the report within 30 days. Shaw said he has not yet received a status report. Kugler said he has a copy of the report. He said the report does substantiate claims regarding the age of the house. Shaw said he is still preparing bid documents for the property. He said the intent is to get the work done this summer. Iowa River Valley Heritage Alliance. Kugler passed out a handout from the Iowa River Valley Heritage Alliance. He said the Commi'ssion did not submit a project for the fair but could submit a project for the next event in the fall. Fraternity/Sorority Code Amendment. Kugler discussed a code amendment that would allow a fraternity or sorority house to be converted into a rooming house. He said a 1983 change in the code amendment reduced the amount of parking required for a fraternity or sorority house, making it less than that required for a rooming house. Kugler said a fraternity house at 716 North Dubuque will be vacant and a developer wants to convert it to a rooming house. Kugler said the code amendment would allow the conversion to occur without increasing the parking requirement. He said this is causing some stir with the Northside Neighborhood Association. Kugler said the limited research staff has done shows the parking requirements for a rooming house to be less than that for a fraternity. He said the code amendment would allow the preservation of the building. The Commission agreed that preservation of these buildings is important. Historic Preservation Commission April 15, 1997 Page 7 East College Street Neighborhood Kuenzli said some property owners in the East College Street Neighborhood have expressed concem to him about the potential for a new apartment building on Summit Street across from the Histodc District where two buildings could potentially be demolished in the future. Pugh asked why the two buildings were not included in the Historic District. Kugler said Nash did not include them in her study because the building~ did not fit with the rest of the East College District. Kuenzli added that they were not included in College Green because they were not contiguous with the rest of the area. Shaw asked if the Commission had any ability to effect the outcome of this issue. Kuenzli said he could talk to the owner of the house across the street, who might be interested in what happens to the property and may even be interested in purchasing it. Pugh asked about the zoning for the two lots. Kugler said the zoning is RNC-20, which would allow apartment buildings. Licht suggested going to the Planning and Zoning Commission and asking them to downzone the area. She said the Planning and Zoning Commission has to get the high-density housing units out of the single-family neighborhoods. Licht said this effort could be successful, especial- ly in an area bound by two historic districts. Licht said this same kind of effort was successful on Church Street. Pugh agreed that this would be the best way to address the issue. Shaw suggested asking Maudce Head, the head of the Community Development Division in the Planning Office, to see if the Community Housing Forum is addressing this issue in any way. Kuenzli said he would contact Head for more information. Pugh thanked Licht for her years of service to the Commission. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 7:24 p.m. ppdadmin\mins\hpc4-15.wp5 MINUTES IOWA CITY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION TUESDAY, MAY 13, 1997- 5:30 P.M. CIVIC CENTER LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM MEMBERS PRESENT: Lars Anderson, Ann Cairns, Betty Kelly, Ruedi Kuenzli, Mike Pugh, John Shaw, Michaelanne Widness MEMBERS ABSENT: Doris Malkmus OTHERS PRESENT: Mark McCallum, Michelle Galvin, Linda Mildenstein, Brian Mildenstein, Roger Mildenstein, Dan Lammers STAFF PRESENT: Scott Kugler, Anne Schulte CALL TO ORDER: Vice-Chairperson Pugh called the meeting to order at 5:37 p.m. INTRODUCTION OF NEW COMMISSION MEMBERS LARS ANDERSON AND MICHAELANNE WIDNESS: Pugh welcomed the two new members to the Historic Preservation Commission. ELECTION OF OFFICERS: Pugh said the election of officers had been tabled at the April meeting. He said that the Commis- sion anticipates having two new Commission members by the June meeting - one each from the East College Street Historic District and the College Green Historic District. Kugler said an application has been received for the East College Street position and the City Council will make that appointment on May 20. Kugler said no one had applied for the College Green Historic District but that Pam Michaud had expressed interest in the position. Pugh asked if anyone had a preference about when to hold officer elections. MOTION: Kelly moved to table .the election of officers until the June meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission in order to include the two new Commission members. Cairns seconded the motion. Shaw suggested that it be better to table the election of officers until the July meeting in order to give new members time to get acclimated to the Commission.. Pugh said it would be beneficial to get the new chair and vice-chair into office as soon as possible to promote continuity. He asked Kugler about the grant for the Original Town Plat Survey, Phase II. Kugler responded that the application had already been submitted. He added that the mayor would typically sign documents that need to be signed for the Longfellow Grant. Kugler said he did have award certificates that would need the signature of the chair and suggested appointing an interim chair. Pugh said he was able to be the interim chair but that he could not be the chair on a permanent basis because of time constraints. He said he would prefer to see the elections held in June. He suggested planning for June, with the option of tabling the election to July. Widness and Anderson both stated that they did not think they would feel any more comfortable voting after an additional meeting. Historic Preservation Commission May 13, 1997 Page 2 The motion carried on a vote of 7-0. PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA: There was none. CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS REVIEWS: 430 Brown Street. Kugler said the applicant would like to install a fire escape on the west side of the building in order to provide a second exit to a third story living space. He showed photographs of the building and said that Cairns and Shaw had visited the site. Shaw said they had discussed City requirements with the applicant and also discussed his intent with regard to the fire escape. Shaw said the applicant's intent is to install something that would be in keeping with the character of the building. Shaw said the applicant had suggested making the fire escape simple, painting the ladder the same color as the siding and painting the required balcony either the color of the siding or black, which is one of the accent colors on the house. Shaw said they also discussed running two verticals down connecting with the frame on the corner to give it some solidity. Shaw suggested putting in a few more horizontals and maybe a second horizontal on top. McCallum said he wants to be compliant with City codes and said he would be willing to do what the Commission requests as far as simple versus decorative design. He said the fire escape could also be located on the east side of the house but said he chose the west side because it is away from the street, although the original front entrance is actually on the west side. Shaw suggested the east side as a possibility because the having it on the west side would compromise the original entrance. McCallum said he would be willing to put the escape on the east side and that it might look more balanced there. Shaw said the matter of which side of the house to install the fire escape on is an issue involving honoring the integrity of the house on one side and consideration for the neighborhood on the other. McCallum showed a sketch done by Haman Welding showing the preliminary plans. He said he still needs clarification of the width required by City Code for the balcony. McCallum said is he asking for permission to build in accordance with building codes. Pugh asked for suggestions for specific requirements the Commission would like to place on the fire escape. Kelly said she agreed with Shaw that the escape should be as innocuous as possible. She said she would like to see ,the paint used be comparable to the siding color. Shaw said he would like to give the applicant the option of painting the balcony the color of the siding or black to match the trim color. Cairns stated that the applicant might want to wait to paint the escape until it is attached to see how things project. Pugh asked for suggestions for which side of the building to place the escape on. Shaw said it would be less visible and therefore more considerate of the neighborhood to put the escape on the west side. Cairns and Kelly agreed with the suggestion to put the fire escape on the west side. MOTION: Cairns moved to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness for a fire escape at 430 Brown Street, subject to the ladder being painted the color of the Historic Preservation Commission May 13, 1997 Page 3 siding, but with the option of painting the balcony either the color of the siding or black, and subject to the fire escape being placed on the west side of the house. Kelly seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 7-0. Kugler said he could get the Certificate of Appropriateness in the mail by Thursday and a copy to the Building Department on Thursday also. 1113 E. College Street. Shaw said there had apparently been some confusion with the building permit. He said someone at the office did not realize there needed to be a Commission review, perhaps because it is a new historic district. Shaw said he has some serious reservations about the materials being used and also the location of the stairway. He said he understood why the stairway was being located as it was, but he had a problem with the stairway protruding out past the east face of the house. Shaw said this makes the stairway extremely visible from the street. He suggested moving the stairway in to the west so passersby would not see it from the street. Shaw said if the stairwell came directly off the back, it would be much less obtrusive from the street.' Shaw said the stock treated lumber is from a different time period than would be appropri- ate for the house. He said there is a very nice rail on the front. Shaw said he was not suggesting the rail be replicated exactly but that some sort of turned element be used rather than the contemporary treatment of having just boards nailed up. Shaw suggested using pieces with the same kind of feel as the turned rails and balusters on the front porch. Lammers asked if a typical colonial spindle would be appropriate and Shaw responded that it would. .. Shaw asked if it would be feasible to put the stairwell on the west side of the porch. Lammers said it had been considered but was discarded as an idea because of the location of bathroom windows and a sidewalk. Kuenzli asked the Mildensteins why they wanted an outside staircase, and if they were converting the house into a duplex. Roger Mildenstein said they were not converting to a duplex. Linda Mildenstein said the reason for the staircase was to have backyard access from the deck. Shaw recommended the staircase not stick out past the east face of the house and be offset as much as possible to the west. He said there is a long run from the deck to the secondary platform. Lammers said a landing might be used at some point.. Shaw sug- gested putting the landing more in the middle of the run so that the stairway would be even less visible. Roger Mildenstein said they want the house to fit in with the neighbor- hood and look good in the back. He said he is not opposed to some changes in the plans to reach that goal. Pugh asked if the Commission would like to vote on the certificate or have a new plan submitted. Kugler said Jan Nash had requested a special meeting on next week regard- ing the survey work she has done. Kugler suggested reviewing a new plan at that meeting. The Mildensteins said they would be willing to submit a new plan. Roger Mildenstein said the roof might also require some work. Lammers agreed that the roof might need some work and said he would try to keep the horizontal lines the same as far as width and being parallel to the house. MOTION: Pugh moved to table consideration of a Certificate of Appropriateness until a future Historic Preservation Commission meeting when plans are updated. Anderson seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 7-0. Historic Preservation Commission May 13, 1997 Page 4 SECTION 106 REVIEWS: 317 E. Church Street. Kugler said the Commission must first determine if the building is eligible for the National Register, and if so, does the work that the rehab division is proposing fall within the Secretary of the Interior's Standards. He added that the house is within the survey area of the Original Town Plat, Phase I and he had discussed the issue with Jan Nash. He said Nash had indicated she did not think she would end up recommending a district on the north side. Kugler said if Nash does recommend a district, this house would be in one area that might be recommended, given some of the proper- ties around it and the fact that this house would be a contributing structure. Kugler said his suggestion would be to err on the side of preservation and determine the house to be potentially eligible for Section 106 purposes. Kugler said the there is a tin covering around the chimney that the applicant proposes to remove and then tuckpoint there, assuming the bricks are in good shape. He added that the proposed work is, at least exterior-wise,' in line with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards. Kuenzli asked who owned the house and Cairns responded that the owner is Catherine Schneider. Kugler said the owner applied through the City's rehab program to get Federal assistance for some of the work. Pugh asked if the house is individually eligible for the National Register. Kugler said it was not likely, according to Nash. Shaw said the Commission is being asked if the house is potentially eligible as part of a district, and he was comfortable with the assumption that it could be. .- MOTION: Shaw moved to find the property at 317 E. Church Street potentially eligible for the Historic Register. Pugh seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 7-0. Widness asked about the bases for finding a property potentially eligible for the National Register. Shaw said not all of the research has been done on the property and that it could be eligible based on some significant event that occurred there, or it could be a contributing structure in a larger district. Kelly said the house has not been remodeled in such a way as to make it.ineligible. Pugh asked if the proposed exterior work is consistent with the Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation. He said the only issue he could see as a problem might be tuckpointing the foundation. Cairns said replacement of the back porch steps might be an issue because they are actually on the side of the house. She said the Commission might recommend not using treated wood for the steps in order to be consistent. Pugh suggested the element used for tuckpointing should be consistent with what is already there. Kugler said typically new mortar is harder than older bricks or limestone and could therefore result in the bricks cracking and crumbling after a succession of freezing and thawing. Shaw said there should be a genuine effort to match the existing mortar color in the tuckpoint work. Kelly asked if the decorative element on the front of the house would be affected by the work. Kugler said the soffit repairs are intended for the south side of the house. MOTION: Kuenzli moved to consider the exterior repairs proposed for 317 E. Church Street in conformance with the Secretary of Interior's Standards and recom- Historic Preservation Commission May 13, 1997 Page 5 mend the back stairs be replaced with painted wood steps and that the mortar used for tuckpointing be consistent in color with the original mortar and the strength of the mortar should match the hardness of the brick. Widness seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 7-0. Kugler said the present foundation might actually be concrete block. He said if it were concrete block, the mortar would not be an issue and said he would check to see what the material is. 1027 E. Market St. Kugler said the work on this property is fairly minimal, including reroofing and replacing the half-round gutters. Pugh asked if the building would be eligible for the National Register. Kugler said the building fits within the definition of folk vernacu- lar category. He said Jan Nash feels the house would be significant from an academic standpoint only - that there are better examples of the folk buildings so that the building is probably not eligible individually for the National Register and there is not likely to be a historic district there. MOTION: Pugh moved to find the structure at 1027 E. Market Street ineligible for listing on the National Register therefore the Commission would decline to review the plans as proposed. Kelly seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 7-0. DISCUSSION OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION AWARDS PROGRAM: Kelly said the reception is at 4:45 with the program starting at 5:15. Pugh said he had spoken with the Court Administrator and she informed him that the courtroom should be available by 4:30. Shaw said he would give the slide presentation after the painting awards. Pugh asked Kelly to introduce Shaw. Kugler asked for a volunteer to set up materials for the program. Kelly said she would have a table set up, and Cairns said she would bring the material to be distributed. Kugler asked for a count of who would be attending the lunch with the jurors at Jimmy's Bistro. Kelly told the new Commission members who the jurors would be and their qualifications. Kugler also asked for suggestions regarding the wording on the certificates of appreciation for former Commission members and suggestions for wording on the Nowysz Award certificates. Shaw suggested changing {he word "charm" to integrity on the Nowysz certificates. Kugler asked for a volunteer to distribute nametags for elected officials attending the program and Cairns responded that she would issue them. Kuenzli asked who would present the awards and Kugler said the jurors would hand them out. DISCUSSION OF HISTORIC LANDMARK PLAQUES: Shaw said he spoke with Joni Kinsey, President of Friends of Historic Preservation, regarding the organization's offer of $1500 to help pay for the plaques to go on the properties that were designated historic landmarks. He said 28 plaques would need to be ordered. Shaw said that since the more expensive plaques were superior to the work of the other foundry, he had asked if Friends of Historic Preservation would be willing to help out with additional funding so that the Commission could order the better quality plaques. Shaw said Friends of Historic Preservation had then agreed to contribute $1950 toward the cost of the plaques. He said the cost of the better plaques would total $2261 versus $1950 for the lesser quality plaques. Historic Preservation Commission May 13,1997 Page 6 Shaw said the Commission has money left over that was donated by area realtors. Kugler said in the future, the Commission might request City funds to purchase the plaques. He said there is currently a balance of $1500 available for Commission use. Kugler said most of the money was donated for the printing of guidemaps. He said the guidemap needed to be updated and most of the money should be used for that printing. Kugler said the Commission received a grant for the last printing of guidemaps and suggested that local organizations, especially the Visitors and Convention Bureau, might donate money for the next printing of guidemaps. (Widness left the meeting at 6:56 p.m.) Shaw said the shortfall from Friends initial offer was $450 and would now be cut to $311 with the purchase of the better quality plaques. MOTION: Shaw moved that the Commission purchase plaques from the Erie Landmark Company for $80.75 each, which will include $311 out of the Historic Preservation Donation Account. Kuenzli seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 7-0. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES FROM THE APRIL 15, 1997 MEETING: Kugler said these minutes were not included in the packet because they would have revealed the winners of the Nowysz Award. Pugh said they could be considered at the next meeting. COMMISSION INFORMATION/DISCUSSION: Kugler distributed information regaiding the Homeownership Assistance Act. He said the article asked the City to take some formal position on the act and send it to representatives in Washing- ton, D.C. Kugler also distributed a new map with the histcrick. landmarks and the new historic districts. Kelly thanked Kugler for all his help with the Historic Preservation Awards Program. Shaw said the Butler House is currently in a holding pattern. Kugler informed the new Commis- sion members that the Butler House is an old building on the new water treatment plant site, which the City purchased along with the property for the treatment plant. He said the Commis- sion brought the building to the City's attention as an important, historic building. No use has been identified for the building, but it needs to be stabilized in the meantime. Shaw said the Army Corps of Engineers is holding up the City's permits for the waterplant because the State Historic Preservation Office wants to tie-in rehabilitation of the Butler House to the project. The City is willing to do necessary work to the house, but doesn't want to be obligated to do it. The water plant construction will not impact the building. Shaw said there are three significant parties working on the project and that it will take time to sort out the complex issues. He said SHPO is trying to combine the entire water site with the Butler House in addition to all the work that has been done on the sewers. Shaw said he has asked several parties if there was a way to cut through the red tape to get some protection for the house but received no positive responses. Shaw said Bear Creek went out to the site and would make no determina- tions other than there were potential archaeological deposits within 40 yards of the building. He said they have not yet cleared a pathway. Kugler said the work is essentially tied up in the federal permitting process. Shaw said he talked to Mike Hodge about the Park House Hotel about strategies used for the Press-Citizen Building. Shaw said the last he heard from the City is that Hodge is not going to pur.sue any programs that would require rent control. Historic Preservation Commission May 13, 1997 Page 7 Kelly said WMT radio is doing a program on endangered buildings. The Park House Hotel is on their list. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 7:06 p.m, ppdadrnin~mins~hpc5-13.wp5 MINUTES IOWA CITY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, MAY 21, 1997 CITY MANAGER'S CONFERENCE ROOM PRELIMINARY Subject to Approval MEMBERS PRESENT: Lars Anderson, Ann Cairns, Doris Malkmus, John Shaw, Michaelanne Widness MEMBERS ABSENT: Ruedi Kuenzli, Michael Pugh STAFFPRESENT: Scott Kugler, Anne Schulte OTHERSPRESENT: Jan Nash MOTION: Malkmus moved that the Commission appoint Shaw as the interim chair for this meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission. Cairns seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 5-0. CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Shaw called the meeting to order at 5:40 p.m. PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA: There was none. DISCUSSION OF ORIGINAL TOWN PLAT SURVEY PHASE I: Jan Nash introduced herself as the consultant working on the Original Town Plat Survey Phase I. She stated that she is with a firm called Tall Grass Historians that does a large number of surveys, in addition to assisting with National Register nominations. Nash said her firm also assists with regulation of Section 106 Reviews. She explained that if any federal money is committed for a use that may adversely impact historical resources, her firm is contacted to evaluate the resources. Nash said it is unusual to have preliminary findings reviewed. She said she took a unique approach to this project because she found a sub-group of properties that should be studied as folk houses within the large number'of houses. Nash said the City has committed additional money for the study by hiring a graduate student.intern to help with this study. She said that about 50 houses out of the 240 in the area could be considered folk vernacular houses. Nash showed slides of houses that she evaluated as potential folk buildings. She said she wanted the Commission to be aware of the uniqueness of this approach, as Historic Preservation Commissions do not usually get involved with folk buildings. Nash said the two basic divisions in American architecture are architect designed buildings and the vernacular or common buildings. She said vernacular can be divided into two groups of folk housing and popular housing. Nash distributed a chart explaining the differences. She said folk housing is basically the earliest type of building in the United States, going back to Colonial times. Nash said folk housing was handed down through generations and the technique is relatively simple and low tech. She said the key attributes are that folk housing is persistent over time, lasting over generations, but tends not to be widely distributed geographically. Nash said that because Iowa City was the original state capitol, there are many examples of folk houses here. She said the vast majority of buildings in the survey area date from the 1890s up to 1925, but many of the folk houses are earlier. Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission May 21, 1997 Page 2 Nash showed slides of houses in the area, including the Queen Anne style, bungalow, and American foursquare, which are examples of popular vernacular architecture. She showed slides of two buildings in the area that are already on the National Register: the Czecho-Slovak Association Hall and the Burger House. Nash showed a slide of Horace Mann school, saying that she would recommend it for the National Register. Shaw asked about the politics with the people who want to keep Goosetown as a separate entity. Nash said there was concern among local residents and a prior consultant that the boundary lines were not appropriately set for this survey. She said she has no problem.with the lines because, as is commonly done for economic reasons, the boundary lines are set for a smaller survey area than the consultant would like to survey. Nash said the bigger portion of the north side will eventually be surveyed but must be split into phases for economic reasons. She said that knowing the survey is bigger than just this one phase keeps her from leaping to judgments and will let her integrate this survey's findings with the next stages. Nash said that is why the study of the folk architecture is important, since one is likely to find a lot more of it in the larger area. She said she will recommend the final phase look at all the data together so that if there are historic districts, which may cross survey boundaries, that those districts can be determined at the end of the bigger project. Nash said she hoped this would allay concerns of those who think the district boundaries have already been carved out, as that would be premature. Shaw asked how closely the boundaries of the survey correspond to the Original Town Plat. Nash said the entire area is within the Original Town Plat and that the Governor Street border on the east is the original border. Nash said there is enough of an area and enough historic resources to warrant a 4th phase to get neighborhood input through neighborhood meetings and analyze that input within the historical context and the extant resources. She said this final, 4th stage should be set up just for evaluation. Shaw asked how introducing the folk architecture issue affected the big picture. Nash responded that folk architecture is a significant component to the north area of Iowa City. She said it is often ethnic architecture and that it would be a mistake to ignore it. Nash said some characteristics of folk architecture include small houses that are close to the sidewalk and street, often with odd lot placement. She said that to study folk architecture, it is important to get inside the houses to study the spatial arrangement of rooms as well as construction methods and materials used. Nash said that of the 50 houses deemed folk houses, they were able to get inside 20-25 of them. She said she extrapolated floor plans for the houses she could not get into based on commonly used methodology. Nash stressed that she was only analyzing the core buildings in the survey and not any later additions. She said there are basically four, loosely defined families of folk architecture. Nash said the first type is the gable end family, which has its gables to the side and has only a front and back room. She said there are six examples of gable end houses in the survey area. Nash said there is a larger group of 14 houses called the gable front group. She said the gables on these houses point toward the street. Nash said there are three subsets of the gable front group: 1) the shotgun group in which there is one room in front and one room to the back, 2) the gable front and wing, and 3) the gabled L house. Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission May 21, 1997 Page 3 Nash said the third group of folk housing is the hall and parlor house, which has been carried here from the British Isles. She said there are 14 of these houses in the survey area. Nash said these houses are small with two rooms from side to side and gables to the side. Nash said the fourth group of folk housing also comes from the British Isles, and these houses are called I-houses. She said the gables are also to the side in this type of housing. Nash said the scholar Fred Niffen defined an I-house as a house with two rooms down side-by-side and two full rooms upstairs. She said one can check a house for two full upstairs rooms by seeing if a line drawn from the bottom of the roof across to the other side of the house would intercept a window, in which case it would not have two full rooms up. Nash said there are at least 16 of these types of houses in the survey area. She said it is interesting to note the placement of front windows in the I-houses and said that folk buildings are not necessarily symmetrical because builders were not following any rigid rules. Nash showed slides of, and described, nine houses that she believed would be eligible individually for the National Register. Nash said there are two small areas she would recommend for historic districts. She said one area would be the 300 block of Church Street, which contains two examples of folk architecture as well as a number of significant eligible buildings. Nash also recommended including one house across the street in the 400 block of Church Street. Nash said she would also recommend a four-house district of folk houses across from Horace Mann School. She said there are three I-houses in the potential district and a non-contributing Queen Anne house between two of the I-houses. Nash said she realized that what the Commission is viewing is not the standard "historic district" or landmark, and would not be eligible for aesthetic reasons. She said members will probably have to explain the significance of these houses to concerned parties. Kugler said the deadline to complete the survey, because it is State grant funded, is July 31. He asked when the first draft of the written report would be ready. Nash said she should have it done in time for the June meeting. Kugler said a neighborhood meeting will need to be scheduled to get citizen input and explain the survey results. Shaw said the Commission should examine what increasing the number of districts does to the makeup of the Commission and see if adjustments can be made. He also said the smaller districts would result in a limited pool from which to draw a potential member. Nash said she would probably recommend the entire survey area that is not eligible for the national register be considered for conservation district status. She said the clear neighborhood delineation, along with the fact that it is mostly residential and historic make it a good prospect for a conservation district. Nash said she understood Shaw's concerns about the swelling ranks of the Commission. Kugler said there had been mention in the past to lobby the State to change the law requiring a Commission member from each historic district. Shaw asked if the law required an historic district to be geographically contiguous. Kugler said the State law does require this for a local designation, and our ordinance does as well. Nash said she contacted the National Register Reviewer for Iowa, Linda McClellan, to see if folk architecture could qualify on a National level as a discontiguous district but McClellan informed her it could not and suggested selecting the best examples for designation. Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission May 21, 1997 Page 4 Shaw said the examples of folk architecture demonstrate that historic preservation is not exclusively for the well-to-do as some perceive and the Commission should make people aware of that fact. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 6:55 p.m. ppdadmin~ins~hpc5-21 .doc IOWA CITY HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MINUTES May 19, 1997 Meeting COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Pat Harvey, Jan Warren, Dereck Hall, Ann Shires, Mary Theisen, Tom Dickerson, Mel Dautremont, Diane Martin, Joan Jehle STAFF PRESENT Heather Shank, Kaci Carolan CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Harvey called the meeting to order at 7:09 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Commissioner Hall requested the spelling of his name be corrected, from "Derek" to "Dereck." Commissioner Theisen requested some changes for clarity in the Old Business/Handicapped Law section. The April Minutes were approved as amended. Shires/Theisen. RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: None. DIVERSITY TEAM UPDATE: Warren reported the team was supposed to meet last week, but was unable to. Alison is trying to find another meeting time. Report on this item was deferred until the June meeting, by which time the team will have met. HUD SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCY UPDATE - Vote number two was unanimous, except Councilperson Thornberry was absent. Third vote is May 20. Shank did not feel any Commissioners needed to be present. Once the revised ordinance is approved by Council, Shank will send a new copy to all Commissioners, and will forward the ordinance on to HUD for approval. There's really no way to gauge how long it will take HUD to grant us substantial equivalency status. When they do, then Myrtle will come up from Kansas and meet with Heather and they'll complete the paperwork and make arrangements for the funding, etc. ADA CELEBRATION/ACCESSIBLE CAUCUS SITES: Shank had circulated a letter from a person at Independent Living, inquiring if any Commission members would be interested in assisting with the planned celebration for the anniversary of the ADA. Shank agreed to provide the Commissioners with more information regarding the ADA celebration and how far along it is in the planning process. As a separate matter, Shank proposed that the Commission work to prepare a master list of accessible public spaces for the 2000 caucuses. During the last set of caucuses, many were held in buildings that were either not accessible (including private homes and/or the second floor of some public buildings) or where accessible entrances were not marked and/or difficult to find. Persons with disabilities were thereby shut out of this part of the political process. It was Shank's proposal that a master list could indicate which buildings were accessible, where accessible entrances were located, etc., and that this list could be provided to both political parties in advance. Such information about City buildings is already available, due to last summer's audit. Human Rights Commission May 19, 1997 Minutes Page 2 Information needs to be gathered about University buildings, Iowa City Community School District Buildings, and private businesses that offer meeting space for the caucuses (such as Mercy Hospital, ACT, NCS, etc.). Shires suggested adding information regarding accessible rest rooms. Warren volunteered to do the University buildings. Martin agreed to do Iowa City Community School District. Harvey agreed to do the public sector buildings. Shires and/or Martin agreed to contact the local churches. They agreed to meet to draft a form and memo. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS: Shank: Is continuing work on her transgender movie. There were articles about it in several local papers recently. She intends to start editing this week. She and Carolan will work jointly on the script, and Carolan will do the voiceover narration. Hall: reported on the Human Rights-Iowa City meeting. He found it pretty enlightening, very well organized. There were six discussion groups: transportation, health care, equal opportunity, equal rights, wages, and working conditions. Harvey added she felt it was a good brainstorming session. Shank: talked a little about HR98. Some discussion took place on how to involve the community in this program, which is currently predominantly University-oriented, and what the Commission's role should be.. Shank intends to contact Gina McGee about this and will update the Commissioners. OLD BUSINESS: DiversiW Team: The Commission had previously asked Shank to contact the state ICRC to find out how other town's diversity teams were funded. Don Grove told Shank that for the most part, the teams operate completely without funding. If we do need funding, Grove suggested we contact John McKinstry, a local individual whom Grove believed might be willing to help fund the Iowa City team. Warren suggested perhaps getting Iowa City, Coralville, and the University to each contribute a nominal amount (for papers, mailings, etc.), and offer their endorsement to IC's Diversity Team. Harvey indicated she still felt that the Diversity Team idea was nebulous, other than as a responsive unit to a specific event, such as a hate crime. Theisen expressed similar sentiments. ICRC Community Meeting: ICRC has notified Shank that they will be sponsoring a public meeting on June 19, 6-8 p.m., at the Iowa City Public Library. A press release regarding the meeting and its topic will be forthcoming. l, VOl/Ellen episode: Carolan contacted the Director of the Ames Commission to find out more about what they were doing to respond to the Ames affiliate station declining to run the employment discrimination ad during the recent Ellen coming out episode. The Ames Director said they really weren't doing anything, because no one has really raised it as an issue, either with the Commission or just in general in the conununity. There was really no publicity or discussion at all about either the television show or the ad. E-Mail: Shank is finally on-line. Her e-mail address is: hshank~blue.weeg.uiowa.edu Human Rights Commission May 19, 1997 Minutes Page 3 NEW BUSINESS: Gay Pride Parade: Is Saturday, June 14. Shank has scheduled a table, which needs to be manned from 10-4. Logistics of set-up and break-down were discussed. Martin will take the morning shift (10-1); Shires will also be there from 10-12. Carolan will take the afternoon (1-4). Shank is scheduled to give a small speech sometime over the noon hour about efforts to get sexual orientation added to the State Code. Next Movie: Shank suggested To Kill a Mockingbird as the next ICHRC-sponsored forum movie. STATUS OF CASES: There is one big case in legal. Carolan will soon be completing another investigative summary which will probably go to Team C. Team B is finishing a case now. One case was removed to the State at the Complainant's request. Notice letters were sent on the expedited case. NEXT COMMISSION MEETING: Monday, June 23 at 7 p.m. in the Civic Center Lobby Conference Room. Theisen will be unable to attend. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m. 05/20/97 transcribed by kkc MINUTES SENIOR CENTER COMaMISSION MEETING MONDAY, APRIL 28, 1997 SENIOR CENTER ASSEMBLY ROOM 3:00-5:00PM MEMBERS PRESENT: Mary Kathryn Wallace, Pkilip Zell, Wilma Conner, Bebe Ballantyne, Joanne Hora, Allan Monsanto and Terri Miller MEMBERS ABSENT: Kenneth Mobily and Robert Kemp STAFF PRESENT: Linda Kopping, Julie Seal, Susan Rogusky and Michelle Buhman GUESTS: Eunice Rector CALL TO ORDER: Wallace called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. PUBLIC DISCUSSION: None. GOAL C OlVfiMITFEE: Copies of the Senior Center gdission Statement and Goals 1997-2000 booklet were distributed. The cost and distributi6n of the booklet was discussed. Commission members turned in their personal goals for the upcoming year. THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS/CITY COUNCIL JOINT MEETING: The three Nutrition Committee issues presented for consideration at the joint Board of Supervisors/City Council meeting were discussed. ISSUE 1 The Nutrition Committee asked the City and county to recogmze the Nutrition Program as a basic program of the Iowa City/John.qon County Senior Center. Specific and practical implications resulting from the adoption of this position would be reviewed by both bodies. The Commission recognized the Center's position as a community focal point providing elders with the chance to obtain and enjoy a variety of services and opporumities from one central location. The Nutrition Program, just like the other agencies and programs housed in the Senior Center, contributes a great deal to the overall quality and diversity, of services available at the Center. The Commission concluded: The Nutrition Program is one of five programs currently housed at the Senior Center with separate governing bodies and funding sources. Monsanto moved to approve the statement; Hora seconded. Motion passed all ayes. ISSUE 2 The Nutrition Committee requested that the east side ofl.inn Street be made available for use by the Nutrition Program volunteers and that the south side of Iowa Avenue be available as an ex'tension of the Senior Center parking lot between 11:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. MINUTES SENIOR CENTER COMlvlISSION MEETING MONDAY, APRIL 28, 1997 The Commission acknowledged that convenient parking is a problem for everyone who uses the Center; volunteers and participants alike. The North Lot contains a total of only 36 spaces and the Linn Street parking area is reserved for non-senior, Senior Center volunteers and service providers. To take any action that would result in a reduction of parking spaces would not be in the best interest of the Senior Center's volunteers and participants. It was noted that Nutrition Program volunteers and participants over the age of 55 are eligible to register at the Center and purchase Senior Center parking permiLs. This permit would not provide access to North Lot spaces specifically designated for Senior Center volunteers, but it would offer the person the same parking privileges as all other registered participants. This would include access to available spaces in both the North Lot and the Senior Center section of the Chauncey- Swan Ramp. The Senior Center currently does not have the resources necessary to monitor and pay for the North Lot if it wer~ to be expanded to include Iowa Avenue parking spaces. A question was raised about the possibility of the Nutrition Program working out an agreement for volunteer parking spaces with the management of Ecumenical Towers. At the present time Nutrition Program staff members have parking privileges in the section of the North Lot managed by Ecumenical Towers. Perhaps a s/milar arrangement could be made for the volunteers in the program. The Commission concluded: A lack of parking is a major problem for persons attending the Senior Center. The Commission is unwilling to designate specific spaces for other programs and suggests that such programs consider other options. Miller moved to approve the statement; Monsanto seconded. Motion passed with all ayes. ISSUE 3 The Nutrition Committee asked the City Council to nominate a person to serve on the Nutrition Committee. They expressed an interest in having a nominee who was a participant in the nuttrion program and a member of either the Senior Center Commission or Council of Elders. Following a discussion of the ramifications of such a nominee, the Commission adopted the following position: A person serving on either the Commission or Council of Elders and the Nutrition Committee would, in our opinion, constitute a conflict of interest. Zell motioned to approve the statement; Miller seconded. Motioned passed with all ayes. In accordance with a telephone conversation Kopping had earlier this month with Sally Statsman, the Commission is anticipating that a member of the Board of Supervisors will attend their Wednesday, May 21,1997 meeting. At that time, these issues will again be discussed. SENIOR CENTER UPDATE-Kopping Operations- Kopping The I-IVAC system is now at phase 3 with an estimated cost of approximately $110,000. MINUTES SENIOR CENTER COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY, APRIL 28, 1997 Arrangements will be made to have an engineer from HR Green do a Commission presentation on the project early this summer. The fitness room floor estimated cost is at $12,790. Kopping is hoping to have the floor installed this June. The ceiling needs to be repaired prior to installation. The City Manager asked the Senior Center to take responsibility for three of the islands on Iowa Ave. Kopping is looking into landscaping plans and either hiring a seasonal temporary worker or a landscaping company to maintain the islands. The funding for this would come out of the operational budget. The survey of the Senior Center is complete and the data has been analyzed. There will be a formal presentation Thursday May 15 at 5:30 p.m. at the Senior Center. Commission members are encouraged to attend. The Senior Center staff is involved in computer training in order to make the transition to desktop publishing and prepare for the staff's FY98 switch to an IBM compatible computer system. Some new staff changes include Craig Buhman as Maintenance Worker 11 to fill the poskion Bill Cole held. Also Michelle Buhman has filled the position of Senior Clerk/Typist in the absence of Kate Milster. Kate has transferred to the'Iowa City Library. There is a party planned to say good luck to Kate on May 16 from 2:00-3:30 in conjunction with the Voices of Experience Spring Concert. Senior Dinning has a ~ant from HAAA for $1200.00 to purchase a jointly owned microphone system for the Assembly Room. Pending the resolution of specific questions related to ownership and responsibility, Hora moved to approve spending $393.18 from the g/ft fund to pay for the remaining cost of the shared microphone system. Conner seconded; motion passed with all ayes. Pro,ams- Seal Events occurring in May were reviewed. Volunteers - Rogusky The Senior Prom will take place on May 22, 7:00-9:30 p.m. It will be sponsored by Hills Bank and Trust. Mark Weills will be leaving at the end of July. Miriam Bennett will be filling his position. Bennett is currently working with SCTV as a work study student. COUNCIL OF ELDERS - Wallace The Council has six members with terms that expire in June. Four volunteers have been identified to fill these vacancies. A memo was sent to the Senior Center Coordinator asking to have several Council of Elders members authorized to issue parking tickets in the North Lot. MINLVrES SENIOR CENTER COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY, APRIL 28, 1997 COMMISSION VISITS - Wallace Board of Supervisors-Monsanto Report unavailable. City Council Meeting - Zell Report unavailable COMMISSION DISCUSSION - Wallace A letter from Kemp was shared. Kemp will rerum May 15. Monsanto moved t6 adjourn; Zell seconded. The meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m. 3:00- 3:15 3:15-3:45 3:45-4:00 4:00-4:25 4:25-4:35 4:35 - 4:45 4:45 - 5:00 Senior Center Commission Wednesday, May 21, 1997 Senior Center - Assembly Room AGENDA 1. Introductions - Wallace 2. Minutes - Wallace 3. Public Discussion - Wallace (3 minute limit per Individual) 4. Discussion with Board of Supervisors-Bolkcom · Nutrition Committee Issues 5. Goals - Wallace · Senior Center Committee Member Goals 6. Senior Center Update · Operations - Kopping · Programs - Seal · Volunteers - Rogusky 7. Council of Eiders Report _ Visitor · 'Council of Eiders Visit _ Wallace 8. Commission Visits · City Council - Monsanto e Board of Supervisors - Conner - Wallace 9. Commission Discussion - Wallace · POST Changes