HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-11-03 Minutes numbered City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date:
To:
From:
Re:
November 14, 1997
Mayor and City Council
Marian K. Karr, City Clerk
Joint City Council/Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting, November 3, 1997 -
6:35 p.m. in Council Chambers
Council Present: Novick, Kubby, Lehman, Norton, Thornberry, Vanderhoef. Absent: Baker.
City Staff: Atkins, Helling, Karr, Dilkes, Holecek, Franklin, Davidson, Kugler, Miklo, Rockwell.
Planning and Zoning Commission: Bovbjerg, Chait, Ehrhardt, Gibson, Shive, Starr, Supple.
Tapes: Reel 97-148, Side 2; Reel 97-149, all; Reel 97-150, Side 1.
IOWA CITY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 1997 DISCUSSION
Reel 97-148, Side 2.~ J~
Planning and Community Development Director Franklin guided an overview of the 1997 Iowa
City Comprehensive Plan Draft, including discussion of Growth Policy, Neighborhood Concept,
Goals and Strategies, Planning Districts and the South District Plan. Franklin emphasized that
goals addressed in Iowa City's Beyond 2000 were the basis for the 1997 Iowa City
Comprehensive Plan.
Growth Policy. Franklin explained the Growth Policy addresses the issue of where growth will
occur and the growth boundary is a line that delineates the city's sanitary sewer service area.
Franklin said the three areas changed since the 1993 adoption of the Growth Policy are
increased growth areas north of 1-80 in the North Corridor Planning District, west of Highway
965, and diminished growth area in the south. In response to Starr, Franklin said a lift station
would be needed to serve the area west of. 965.
Kubby inquired about previous comprehensive plans designating when growth will be phased
in. Franklin stated phased scheduling of capital improvement projects is not included. Franklin
explained phasing was abandoned in the 1997 Comp Plan draft and planning for expenditure of
sewer and water dollars and prioritization of those projects occur in the Capital Improvements
Program (CIP) budget process. Franklin reminded council that if a developer wished to do a
project in an area that is not included in the CIP, the developer pays his or her own way. Kubby
stated that council should carefully consider the timing of CIP discussions. Franklin suggested
inserting a statement in the Comprehensive Plan that refers to the timing of CIP process.
Bovbjerg inquired about Iowa City's growth boundaries in relation to neighboring municipalities.
Franklin pointed out the growth boundaries on a map and explained that Iowa City has an
agreement with Coralville regarding annexation and subdivision review. Franklin stated that with
adoption of the 1997 Comprehensive Plan, Iowa City would need to review that agreement with
Coralville.
Joint City Council/P&Z Commission Meeting
November 3, 1997
Page 2
Annexation Policy. Franklin explained that the Annexation Policy contains a provision
advocating consideration of annexations when control of development is in the city's best
interest. In response to Norton, Franklin stated land could be annexed, then zoned for interim
development. In response to Kubby, Franklin noted unimproved agriculture land within the city's
corporate limited pay lower property taxes. Vanderhoef asked if there is a time limit when the
city is obligated to provide service to annexed land. Franklin stated there needs to be some
logic behind taking 'the property for annexation, and yes, the city needs to provide services
within a reasonable period of time. In response to Vanderhoef, Franklin explained that an
involuntary annexation is a long protracted process. The state law now allows for a city to annex
a smaller piece of property if it is in the way of a larger annexation as long as the smaller piece
is 20% or less of the larger piece. Thornberry referred to, When considering the merits of a
proposed annexation or development, the impact of increased vehicular traffic on any
street... will be studied. Thornberry asked if the Iowa City Board of Realtom use city maps of
arterial and collector streets? Franklin stated that all of the information is available. Franklin said
the provision, When considering the merits of a proposed annexation or development, the
impact of increased vehicular traffic. on any street... will be studied... was an addition made to
the 1997 Comprehensive Plan because of input received from the Longfellow Neighborhood
Association. Franklin explained that when there is an annexation, staff will do the traffic study in
terms of predicting average daily trips generated by that project, look at where that traffic might
flow, and place a paragraph in the report regarding the vehicle trips expected from this
development. In response to Norton, Franklin stated there would need to be enabling legislation
in place to apply an impact fee. Franklin stated that one of the policies in the Plan is to preserve
the integrity of existing neighborhoods. Gibson stated he is concerned about including the
provision, When considering the merits of a proposed annexation or development, the impact of
increased vehicular traffic on any street...will be studied... because the answer will always be
subjective and it is very difficult to improve arterials. Franklin noted that the statement required
consideration of traffic as a factor in development decisions but this was not the only factor.
Kubby asked if the Comprehensive Plan gives priority to in-fill development. Franklin said
prioritization of investment of infrastructure is in the Annexation section of the plan. Kubby
inquired about Annexation Policy, page 12, #2 Development in the area prop.osed for
annexation will fulfill an identified need without imposing an undue financial burden on the city.
Kubby asked how does the city know when a new development is economically feasible?
Franklin replied that looking at the costs of capital projects as a consequence of annexation is a
guide and the policy is only a guide for making a decision about annexation. Kubby raised the
concern about making reliable policy decisions without knowing the true long term impacts.
Franklin said council can decide to have a fiscal impact analysis done. In response to Kubby,
Franklin summarized that #2 is saying the financial consequences of annexation should be
considered.
Neighborhood Concept. Franklin stated Beyond 2000's Iowa City is a community of
neighborhoods is considered when looking at both existing neighborhoods as well as new ones.
Franklin summarized comments received from Victor Dover emphasizing regaining some kind
of sense of community.
Thornberry inquired by neighborhood commercial. Franklin stated the goal is to try to get those
commercial uses within a neighborhood of a size that they will primarily pull from the
neighborhood that is around them. Thornberry stated that he doesn't understand what size of
business in a neighborhood commercial is okay in a neighborhood. Franklin said the idea is to
serve the needs of the surrounding neighborhood without pulling in a lot of traffic from other
parts of the city and that specifies as to size of b~jsinesses occurs through zoning.
Joint City Council/P&Z Commission Meeting
November 3, 1997
Page 3
Kubby inquired about compact neighborhood design and asked if a plat can be denied if it does
not have compact design. Franklin stated the law still needs to be changed. The
Comprehensive Plan is the desire of the community; the next step is drafting and adopting laws.
Franklin stated prioritization of ordinance amendments takes place in Planning's Annual Action
Plan.
Goals and Strategies. Franklin stated the goals and strategies as outlined came out,of the ·
Beyond 2000 task force. Kubby asked how changes or new goals and strategies should be
handled. Franklin stated that council should give her any editorial changes and present new
goals and strategies for council discussion and P&Z Commission review..
South District Plan. Senior Planner Miklo reviewed the South District Plan. Miklo.stated initially
staff prepared maps and reports about the South District; staff met with major property owners,
potential developers, and neighborhood associations to advise them of the planning process;
and received input from the School District, environmental groups, and the P&Z Commission.
Miklo reported that the major element of the South District planning process was a series of
neighborhood workshops that included presentation of background material and planning for
the future of the specific neighborhoods. Miklo reviewed land use maps that illustrated the
neighborhood design concepts, including neighborhood focal point or commercial center; a
variety of housing types and styles; neighborhood commercial would be surrounded by medium
to higher density housing; smaller multi-family developments at intersections of collectors and
arterial streets; a variety of ways to get around the neighborhoods via a series of collector
streets; smaller parks scattered throughout the neighborhoods; and a trail system. Miklo
pointed out retail commercial development and potential for industrial development. Miklo stated
the plan recognizes floodplain and wetland areas appropriate for a possible regional park.
Ehrhardt suggested that parks be designated and the property be purchased early in the
planning process. Miklo said the Parks and Recreation Commission should designate where to
expend parkland acquisition funds. Miklo said the South District Plan does identify land for a
possible school site and suggests a neighborhood park be developed in association with that
school. Council and P&Z Commission members asked that updated maps be made available.
Starr noted that the P&Z Commission had a 7:30 p.m. P&Z Commission meeting scheduled.
Franklin noted the 1997 Comprehensive Plan Draft public hearing is continued to November 11.
Council and P&Z Commission agreed to scheduled another discussion on-November 17,
6:30 p.m.
[P&Z Commission left 7:45 p.m.]
Kubby asked how practical is the proposal for accessible apartments on the upper floors of
commercial buildings. Franklin stated the proposal for apartments on the upper floors of
commercial buildings was put in the plan because of the strong input during the neighborhood
workshop. Vanderhoef raised the concern that putting 3 to 4 apartments above a small
business may not be economically feasible. Norton suggested that language be changed to
state "or wherever feasible." Council discussed ADA requirements. Novick suggested changing
the wording to encourage accessible apartments. Kubby suggested "provide apartments above
ground floor as outlined in the ADA." Franklin suggested allowing apartments right next to
commercial as long as the apartment was an accessible unit.
Norton asked that the Plan address enhancing Highway 6 area. Franklin reported that there is a
$300,000 capital improvement project, over three years for Highway 6 drainage, sidewalks and
entranceway. Thornberry suggested using ADS drainage pipe for that project.
Joint City Council/P&Z Commission Meeting
November 3, 1997
Page 4
Norton referred to the South District Plan, Consideration should be given to incorporating
landscape medians or green buffer strips along Gilbert Street, Sycamore Street and the east
West Parkway. Norton recommended changing the wording to read "....Sycamore Street, East
West Parkway and Highway 6 all along the north boundary of this district." Franklin stated staff
would make that change. Thornberry recommended installing electrical conduit along Highway
6 for lighting.
Norton asked council members if they were ready to support smaller lot sizes in RS-5?
Vanderhoef requested that council discuss alleys and the use of front doors facing arterial
streets. Franklin stated the placement of front doors facing arterials are not housing types that
encourage outdoor play, Franklin emphasized that the concept allows for a mix of housing and
not a single type of housing dominates. Norton suggested the use of frontage roads.
Vanderhoef asked about economic impacts from allowing development of smaller frontages
and smaller lots. Franklin explained the Peninsula design is an opportunity to develop a more
compact development with a diversity of housing types. Kubby asked for information regarding
the amount of land taken up by concrete/impervious surfaces in compact development design.
Council discussed alleys. Franklin said the property owner typically pays for the rock put down
in alleys.
Kubby stated that she does not want to promote gas station convenience stores as the core of
neighborhood commercial. Franklin said corner grocery stores, like Seaton's Grocery, are no
longer practical or economically feasible.
Norton asked how the city will limit development in the river corridor area to just the three
parcels of land located near Napoleon Park. Franklin said zoning or purchase are two ways of
control. Norton inquired about the sand and gravel area. Vanderhoef stated the purchase of
that land was discussed when Napoleon Park property was purchased. Franklin stated the area
would be looked at as a regional park.
Vanderhoef referred to Victor Dover's concepts of neighborhood commercial and asked about
the idea of adding a second floor use to the new First Avenue Hy-Vee. Franklin said that
residential uses over commercial need a special exception from the Board of Adjustment and
the scale of Hy-Vee would make a residential-commercial combination of uses difficult.
Planning Districts, Franklin explained that the information in the Comprehensive Plan
summarizes what is currently in the district and what are the issues,
Kubby referred to the South Central Plan, page 80, Open Space, Because there is not
extensive residential development... Kubby stated that there are two mobile homes parks in the
South Central area and they should be able to have open space. Franklin suggested adding
language indicating that for the residential development that does exist, there should be
consideration given to open space. Kubby said the residents living in the South Central
Planning area should have the opportunity for input. Franklin stated those residents have been
given opportunities for input but many haven't taken it.
Norton emphasized that he has eight pages of comments regarding the 1997 Comprehensive
Plan Draft. Norton referred to page 13, Fringe Area Agreement, and stated that it should be
more strongly articulated that Iowa City has a visible edge. Franklin referred to page 41, Land
Use and Urban Pattern, second strategy, Establish wherever possible green space at the edge
of the urban growth boundary. Kubby said that strategy needs to be emphasized more. Kubby
also recommended stating more prominently "encouraging continued investment in the
downtown." Norton stated attention should be given the Iowa City's entranceways. Thornberry
Joint City Council/P&Z Commission Meeting
November 3, 1997
Page 5
asked about the strategy, Work with the business community on strategies to keep downtown
competitive with outlying commercial areas. Franklin stated it is a matter of balance between a
healthy downtown and growth in other commercial cores and it has always been a policy and
direction of Iowa City to maintain downtown Iowa City as a vital part of the community. Lehman
stated that he did not like the word "competitive" used in the strategy and suggested saying,
"work with the business community to maintain the viability of the downtown." Franklin
suggested, "maintain the economic viability of downtown." Norton suggested, "keep downtown
commercially viable." Franklin agreed with that wording.
. Norton inquired about the attractiveness of entranceways. Franklin stated something could be
put in the Environmental Protection section. Norton asked if plans are for a regional or area-
wide storm water. Franklin explained there is a regional storm water in the northeast with the
North Branch Detention Basin. In response to Norton, Franklin suggested inserting a regional
storm water management strategy under the Environmental Protection Goal: Support
acquisition and management of watersheds, floodplains, wetlands, and greenways.
Kubby referred to Environmental Protection Goal: Protect scenic and historic vistas, control
offensive noises, and promote unobtrusive lighting and signs. Kubby asked f0'r review of lighting
performance standards. Franklin stated it is on the pending list.
Vanderhoef requested a strategy to complete a network of inner-city trails to connect
neighborhood, parks, schools, commercial areas and adjoining neighborhoods. Franklin
suggested placing that strategy in the Transportation section. Lehman stated ''where feasible"
should be added to that strategy. Franklin said it is assumed ''where feasible" throughout the
Comprehensive Plan. Norton inquired about the provision for wide curb lanes for bicycles.
Council and staff discussed use of "where appropriate" and '`where feasible" in the
Comprehensive Planning document.
Lehman referred to Transportation, Strategy, Maximize the level of transit service during
morning and afternoon peak travel periods. Franklin said it means provide transit services
necessary during those peak times. Davidson explained it means that those are the times of
day when the .potential for transit service is the greatest and rather than spending a lot of
money during the times of day when it is not being used, focus on those peak times. Lehman
suggested using, "focus level of transit service." Kubby disagreed saying focus means the city
can cut daytime non-peak hours totally. Kubby objected changing "maximize" to "focus."
Davidson suggested that the Comprehensive Plan include a disclaimer language statement in
the front of the document. Franklin suggested adding a statement about the meaning and use
of strategies on page 28.
In response to Norton, Franklin stated a strategy should state something about protection of
vistas. Norton stated he will prepare a strategy relating to protection of vistas.
Thornberry referred to page 33, Arts, Culture & Human Development, Second Goal, Strategy:
Set aside 1% if the budget for any public building .... Thornberry stated that council did not
decide on the 1%. Kubby said that language needs to be updated. Norton stated there are
several places where language updating is needed. Vanderhoef referred to Arts, Culture &
Human Development, Fourth Goal, Strategy: Establish a fund to provide financial assistance to
local, arts... Vanderhoef suggested using the word "foundation" rather than '`fund." Lehman
suggested the language', "encourage the community to establish a foundation." Kubby
suggested, "establish a funding strategy." Franklin suggested either "establish or consider a
funding strategy to provide financial assistance". Lehman referred to the Strategy: Expand the
Joint City Council/P&Z Commission Meeting
November 3, 1997
Page 6
public library consistent with the Iowa City Public Library Strategic Plan and asked if it was too
specific. Franklin stated the council needs to meet with the Library Board if there are
disagreements regarding their Strategic Plan.
Lehman noted the Comprehensive Plan calls for public recreational facilities and meeting areas
in new schools, Lehman stated that the school district should be contacted, Franklin suggested
changing the wording to '~vork with the school district,"
Vanderhoef stated "include public art, culture or human development components in the
redevelopment plans for parcel 64-1A" is too specific. Franklin replied that the Goal "Elected
official will consider human development factors when making decisions"is critical.
Kubby stated that council needs to start at the beginning to review the Comprehensive Plan
Draft. Council tentatively scheduled November 19, 5:00 'to 7:30 to continue Comprehensive
Plan discussion.
Meeting adjourned: 9:10 p.m.
clerldmin/1103-jnt.doc