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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-06-17 CorrespondenceJm~e 5, 1997 dUN 0 5 1997 Honorable Naomi J. Novick Civic Center 410 East Washington Iowa City, IA 52240 Dear Mayor Novick: This letter is in reference to The Cedar Rapids Gazette, May 22, 1997, article about "unleashing the dogs" in Hickory Hill Park. I am in favor of creating a contained (i.e., fenced) outdoor environment where dog owners may unleash their pets, but I am opposed to this plan being implemented in Hickory Hill Park or any other existing city park. I would suggest the following be reviewed before following through with this plan, of which less than 1% of the city's population are advocating via petition. Review existing City land holdings on the perimeter of the city's jurisdiction and those outside the city in Jolmson County. Since City Council members are currently'reviewing the Comprehensive Plan, this seems to be an appropriate time to see if future plans to create and maintain a dog park are viable and can be incorporated into the City's "vision for the future." If the City decides to provide a fenced dog park, the vast majority of the City's populace should not be burdened with the expense of building and maintaining (and purchasing the land, ff necessary) the designated area. If dog owners truly wish to have a large space in which to allow their dogs to run, they should also be willing to provide capital for the start- up of the park and also pay maintenance and usage fees for this benefit. I would also like to share additional concerns for your consideration. My home is at the corner of Church and Reno Streets, and Reno Street Park is directly across from my property. After 8 years at this residence, I have seen that most dog owners do not follow City ordinances that require leashing pets and packaging dog excrement. Over the years, these "friendly" dogs have charged and, at ames, cornered me on my property. Dogs love to chase animals; unfortunately, they also love to chase small children who are playing in Reno Street Park or in my yard. As you can imagine, it's one more nightmare for parents to see their child being charged by a strange dog. The least amount of harm from these experiences is having a traumatized and hysterical child. The most is physical injury to the child. Craig Jeffries would like to see land set aside for the dog park. I would like to know who will be responsible for: Cleaning up all dog excrement on a daily basis Policing the area 24-hours a day to prevent and stop dog fights Ensuring abandoned dogs are taken the city's animal shelter Taking financial responsibility when liabilities arise Honorable Naomi J. Novick Civic Center lune 5, 1997 Page 2 o The article also cited that a 6-foot fence wo~ld "cost about $7,000 to $8,000 an acre." The allocation of this money would be better spent on myriad human needs (versus human wants) such as additional subsidies for low-income family housing, improving public school physical facilities and infrastructure, etc. I am dismayed that an Animal Shelter employee would advocate a leash-free dog park so that "This way we can keep them [dog owners] from violating the law." Is this not a backward way to view and approach the problem? Has the city's animal leash ordinance been reviewed and deemed no longer needed by city employees and residents? Dogs have been a positive and loving part of most of my life, and I have great affection for them. My own personal belief is that dogs do not belong in a city. But, if city residents choose to keep dogs, it is their responsibility to care for them and that includes abiding by all governing city laws and ordinances that are enacted for the welfare of the majority of city residents. I would appreciate receiving a response to my concerns and also to be kept informed on the City Council and the Parks and Recreation Commission's consideration of a city dog park. Sincerely, 1131 Church Street Iowa City, IA 52245 CC: · Steve Arkins Larry Baker Jeff Davidson Karen Franklin Karen Kubby Ernie Lehman Dee Norton Dean Thornberry Terry Trueblood Dee Vanderhoef ARTS CENTER AND GALLERY · 129 East Washington Street · Iowa City, Iowa · 52240-3925 · (319) 337-7447 JUN 0 5 1997 May29,1997 City Co'm~cil of Iowa City Iowa City, Iowa We are asking you to vote for the requirement of a percentage of all govermnent building projects go to fund the purchase of art to be used in those buildings. You only have to go to the University Hospital to see the value of such a requirement. Their collection of art is a tremendous asset to the environment of those buildings. The adding of a percent would not add much to the total building costs but would be a great asset to the enjoyment of anyone visiting those buildings. Iowa city is an tinusual town and this requirement would keep us in the position of being a proactive commtmity on offering art to its citizens. Sincerely 2.0' N. Dodge Apt. #1 Iowa City,.'lA $2245 ROBERT L. WELSH 84 Penfro Dr. Iowa City, Iowa 52246 Phone: 354-4618 FAX: 354~0410 JUN 1 g 1997 CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE June 9, 1997 The Iowa City City Council Civic Center Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Dear Friends: I have read the May 6, 1997 addressed to Steve Lacina and Joe Bolkcom from Dean Thornberry and Dee Vanderhoef. Since I assume this represents the position of the City Administration and the City Council concerning the provisions for paratransit service in Iowa City, I am addressing this letter to all members of the City Council. I realize that you must be concerned with the bottom line, but it is also imperative that you also consider the social costs. Based on my reading and understanding of the federal law, the City of Iowa City can have the type ofparatransit system proposed. The question I have is; "Does your proposal represent good civic policy?" I am convinced that it is not good civic policy and I trust that there are at least a majority of you who will indicate to Dean and Dee that you do not support the proposal as outlined. Specifically there are two major areas that I trust you will address. One, is the proposal relating to the use of a limited nmnber of dedicated vehicles and the second is limiting the operation of those vehicles to within the City limits. The limited number of dedicated vehicles will likely have the effect of eliminating subscription service. Although the federal law allows the City a window of time to pick up a rider this is not practical when you are dealing with the special population that is served by Systems and trained/employed at Goodwill What you are proposing may save a few dollars for the paratransit service, but it will be at a cost that I think the citizens of Iowa City will find unacceptable. The City, not the county, needs to determine if subscription services should be provided. I trust you will choose to maintain the excellent service now in place. Page 2 My second major concern relates to your proposal to limit your service to within the city limits. Do you really think it is practical to take someone to the city limits and have them leave the van and wait until a van serving Coralville or rural Johnson County arrives? This makes no sense in light of the physical condition of the persons being served and the weather we have in Iowa. Would this not double the cost for the participants and would it not delay persons arriving at to their destination? Would this not cause a scheduling nightmare? At best, one of your dedicated vehicles will need to wait till an undedicated vehicle arrives. If your goal is to limit service, these proposals I think will accomplish that goal. If your goal is to serve persons, taking into account fiscal considerations, these proposal do not represent good social policy. In addition to these concerns let me mention a couple of others. A heavy reliance on a supplemental private taxi contract is implied by the time limits imposed by General Term #6. One of the valuable aspects of the SEATS program at the present time is the relationship that develops between the drivers and the clients. SEATS has not experienced the staff turnover that is often experienced by taxi operators. I would guess one reason for the shift to a supplemental taxi service is concern about the bottom line. My guess is that SEATS pays its drivers more than a taxi company pays its drivers. It is reasonable to believe that this will save money, but again the question has to be asked, "At what cost?" Let me add, it seems unreasonable to me to expect SEATS to serve as the dispatcher for the private taxi company. (General Term #9) Term #6 also raises a question about Sunday service. Since the City does not operate a fixed route system on Sunday the City does not need, legally, to provide paratransit service on Sunday. The question is, "Is this good public policy?" I trust that you as members of the City Council will inform the City Administration and your two representatives who signed the letter of May 6, 1997, that you do not believe it represents your thinking and that it does not represent good public policy. It is my · th understanding that a joint meeting has been scheduled for June 16 . If you are silent, it needs to be assumed that you agree. I urge you to act now so that a public backlash will not occur. Page 3 Let me add another point. When I look back in my files, I find myself wondering if the basic problem that exists is that the City desires to operate its own paratransit program. I find it regrettable that the City has not been satisfied and is not satisfied with SEATS. I think it is important for the City to remember that the persons who use the system are satisfied. I trust you and the City Council will say you are in favor of a unified paratransit service. I trust that you and the City Cotmcil will reject the basic changes contained in the May 6th letter. PLEASE SPEAK UP! Sincerely, Robert L. Welsh City of Iowa City EI, IO ::IAN Date: To: From: Re: June 4, 1997 City Clerk Doug Ripley, JCCOG Traffic Engineering Planner~ Prohibition of On-Street Parking on the northeast corner of Dover Street and Wayne Street Intersection As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 3B of the City Code, this is to advise the City Council of the following action. Unless directed otherwise by the City Council, this action will occur on or shortly after June 18, 1997. Action Pursuant to Section 9-1-3(A)13 of the City Code, signage will be installed indicating "NO PARKING HERE TO CORNER" on the north side of Wayne Street from its intersection with Dover Street 50 feet to the east. Comment This action is being taken at the request of many neighborhood residents, citing limited sight distance due to on-street parking near the pedestrian crosswalk. Staff investigation has determined that by removing on-street parking between the intersection and a point 50 feet east, adequate sight distance should be maintained for both pedestrian and vehicle traffic. Residents adjacent to the proposed parking prohibition were contacted, with one concurring and one not replying. jw/dr-dover.doc City of Iowa City Date: June 10, 1997 To: From: City Clerk Doug Ripley, JCCOG Traffic Engineering Planner Re: Designation of two metered parking spaces in the 300 block of S. College Street as "HANDICAPPED PARKING ONLY" As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 3b of the City Code, this is to advise the City Council of the following action. Unless directed otherwise by the City Council, this action will occur on or shortly after June 25, 1997. Action Pursuant to Section 9-1-3(A)14 of the City Code, signage will be installed indicating handicapped parking only for the two western-most spaces on the north side of the 300 block of College Street (space C96 and C98) Comment This action is being taken as part of the City Council-approved downtown on-street comprehensive parking plan. when the old library parking lot was redeveloped, the two handicapped spaces in that lot were temporarily relocated to the 64-1a lot. The two spaces on College Street will replace the two temporaw spaces on 64-1a. This action has been requested by the Library and Masonic Building tenants. 13 June 1997 City Council Iowa City, IA Dear City Council Members: I am writing to express my concern over the governance of the Iowa City Airport and improvements recently proposed by the Airport Commission. The fundamental reasons for my concern are the noise and safety hazards inflicted on the community by airplanes operating out of the airport. Like thousands of Iowa City residents, I live within a mile of the airport. The airport has the special problem of being located too close to the city, making it is impossible for pilots to fly the minimum altitude of 1,000 feet above cities, as would otherwise be required by the FAA. Typically planes buzz over thoustands of Iowa City homes at a height of only a few hundred feet. The noise pollution fi'om these low-flying planes is unreasonable. They also pose an undue safety threat to the public, as demonstrated by the crash of a plane into an Iowa City home two years ago. The number of Iowa City residents who are affected by the noise pollution and the safety threat are far greater than the number of pilots who use the airport. For these reasons, any increase in the capacity of the airport to accommodate more airplanes, or larger airplanes, is in conflict with the public interest. I understand that the Airport Commission now proposes to build new hangers to accommodate more planes. I ask you to vote against this request. Likewise, I ask you to reconsider the proposed runway improvements. I also ask that you review the governance of the Airport. I believe that the Airport Commission serves a special interest group (pilots) and this is contrary to the interests of the neighborhoods. The Airport Commission is charged with promoting the use of the airport, as told to me by one of its members. This mission conflicts with the neighborhood needs. Neighborhood disclosure and consent are lacking from the present process, which involves the Airport Commission making requests serving the pilots' special interest group and the City Council acting without a deliberate effort to seek neighborhood input. Neighborhoods are not being informed of the increased noise and safety problems posed by proposed airport projects. There is no suitable mechanism for the concerns of this large portion of the population to be included in the process. As an example of the deficiency of the process, I discovered the proposed hangers and their pending review by City Council only by accident, while making the unusual effort of attending an Aiport Commission meeting. During this meeting members discussed how the new hangers would meet the wishes of pilots, but they did not discuss how they would impact the neighborhoods. 1820 Flanigan Ct. Iowa Cit3' June 16,1997 Sally Stutsman, Chair Members of the Board of Supervisors 913 S. Dubuque St. Iowa City, IA 52240 CITY OF I0 WA CITY Dear Sally and Members of the Board: The City Council has received an application from Nina and Alan Weinstein for a continuation of a'conditional use permit for a home business, an art gallery, on property located within the RS, Suburban Residential zone at 3880 Owl Song Lane SE. This property is 2.5 acres in size, lies within Fringe Area B and is almost completely surrounded by property located within the City limits. The Weinsteins received a conditional use permit for a home business, an art gallery, approximately two years ago. At its June 5, 1997, meeting, the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended, by a vote of 7-0, that the request for a continuation of a conditional use permit for a home business, an art gallery be approved for this property, conditioned upon landscape screening being maintained between the parking area and the public street and adjacent lots, a time limit of five years being placed on approval of the conditional use permit, and upon the permit expiring if the property is annexed, sold, leased, or changed into a commercial use other than an art gallery. The Commission found that this business appears to have had little effect on adjacent residential properties, and recommends that the conditional use permit be continued for an additional five years. After five years, the City will be able to reassess how compatible the business is within the neighborhood. Thank you for the opportunity to review this application. Sincerely, Naomi J. Novick Mayor Im\nn6-10.doc 410 EAST WASHINGTON STREET · IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240-1826 · (319) 356-5000 · FAX (31'9) 356-5009 June 11,1997 Sally Stutsman, Chair Members of the Board of Supervisors 913 S. Dubuque St. Iowa City, IA 52240 CITY OF I0 WA CITY Dear Sally and Members of the Board: The City has received an application from Nina a conditional us )ermit for a home business, an art Suburban zone at 3880 Owl Song within Fringe Area ~d is almost completely su limits. The Wein. a conditional u: approximately two years Alan Weinstein for a continuation of on property located within the RS, This property is 2.5 acres in size, lies by property located within the City permit for a home business, an art gallery, At its June 5, 1997, meeting, 7-0, that the request for a contint gallery be approved for this between the parking area and the pu[ placed on approval of the conditiona annexed, sold, leased, or chang, Commission found that this busi~ properties, and recommends th~ permit be increased to five compatible the business is wi ~lanning Zoning Commission recommended, by a vote of conditional use permit for a home business, an art upon landscape screening being maintained street and adjacent lots, a time limit of five years being and upon the permit expiring if the property is commercial use other than an art gallery. The to have had little effect on adjacent residential two ime limit placed on the previous conditional use After five ars, the City will be able to reassess how the neig Thank you for the opportur to review this apt Sincerely, Naomi J. Novick Mayor Im\nn6-10.doc 410 EAST WASHINGTON STREET · IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240-1826 · (319) 356-5000 · FAX (319) 356-5009 City of owa City EI IORA! DUM Date: To: From: Re: May 22, 1997 Planning and Zoning Commission John Yapp, Associate Planner CU9701 Weinstein County Conditional Use Permit Request Johnson County has received an application from Nina and Alan Weinstein for a continuation of a conditional use permit for a home business, an art gallery, on property located within the RS, Suburban Residential zone at 3880 Owl Song Lane SE, immediately north of Inverness Court and east of Arlington Drive. This property is 2.5 acres in size, lies within Fringe Area B and is almost completely surrounded by property located within the City limits. The Weinsteins received a conditional use permit for a home business, an art gallery, approximately two years ago. At that time, the City had concerns about the compatibility of a business within a developing single-family neighborhood. The Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council recommended that the conditional use permit be approved conditioned upon landscaped screening being installed around any parking area that is visible from a public street or another lot, a time limit of two years being placed on the approval of the conditional use permit, and upon the permit expiring if the property is annexed, sold, or leased. At the time, the applicants intended to use their home as the business until they could find an alternative location. However, running the business out of their home has worked well for the applicants, and they would like to continue to do so. This property is surrounded by the Windsor Ridge Subdivision, which is being developed for single-family homes. The applicants have stated that the business will generate very little traffic, will have no permanent employees, and will generally accept business by appointment only. In addition, all activities associated with the business occur indoors. Staff feels that the business is well landscaped, that traffic generated from the business is not excessive compared to the amount of traffic being generated by a typical single family house and the business appears to have very little impact on surrounding property. If this property is ever annexed in the future, the proposed home business would not qualify as a home occupation as defined by City Code. The fact that the business will sell merchandise produced off-premises is in conflict with the City's home occupation regulations. Therefore, staff recommends that if City Council forwards a comment to the Board of Supervisors recommending that this conditional use permit be approved, it be conditioned upon the permit expiring if the property is annexed. Although the business appears to have little impact on the surrounding residential uses, staff feels that it is prudent to condition the conditional use on screening being maintained between the parking area and the public street and neighboring lots. Because it appears the business has worked well within the neighborhood for the past two years, staff recommends that the time limit on the permit be extended to five years. After five years, the City will be able to reassess how compatible the business is within the neighborhood. CU9701Weinstein County Conditional Use Permit Request May 22,1997 Page 2 In summary, this business appears to have had little affect on adjacent residential properties. Provided that the conditions previously placed on this business are adhered to, continuing the use of this property as an art gallery is likely to have little impact on the surrounding residential area. Staff feels that the use should be conditioned upon landscaping being maintained, and upon the permit expiring if the property is annexed, sold, leased, or changed into a commercial use other than an art gallery. Without these conditions, staff would recommend that the application be denied due to the site's location within a single-family neighborhood. The county zoning ordinance requires a four-fifths majority vote of the Board of Supervisors to approve this application without conditions if the City Council recommends conditions or recommends denial of the application. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that City Council forward a letter to the Johnson County Board of Supervisors recommending that CU9701, a request for approval of a conditional use permit for a home business, an art gallery, on property located within Fringe Area B at 3880 Owl Song Lane SE, be approved, conditioned upon landscaped screening being maintained between the parking area and the public street and adjacent lots, a time limit of five years being placed on approval of the conditional use permit, and upon the permit expiring if the property is annexed, sold, leased, or changed into a commercial use other than an art gallery. ATTACHMENTS 1. Location map 2. Site plan 3. Letter of intent 4. Letter to surrounding properties Approved by: Robert Miklo, Senior Planner Dept. of Planning & Community Development jw/mem/jyweinst.doc RS 5 LOCATION MAP CU-9701 WEINSTEIN CONDITIONAL USE PERHIT RS¸- 8 , PDH 8 L Cil-f OF IOWA oily CORPORAT~ LIMITS ~ __~ RS 5 RS 8 CN 1 ~ I[[iII { k . PDH8¢=~ ,b~LI t~ ~~~c.~'~ ~' .... I LOCATION p~~~,:~ ¢ I' " ,%~, ~- .~ _ THE BARN COLLECTIONS art and fine objects Alan and Nina Weinstein 3880 Owl Song Lane, S.E. Iowa City, Iowa 52240 319/351-4700 April 30, 1997 Ric Dvorak Planning and Zoning Johnson County Board of Supervisors 913 S. Dubuque St. Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Dear Ric Dvorak, Two years ago Johnson county granted us permission to run our business, The Barn Collections, from our home. At the time, we had lost our lease downtown. Now, after two years of home-based activity, we would like permission to continue operating from the house. It has worked out well for us. We appreciate working in the tranquillity of our barn-gallery, and our clients like it too. They appreciate the chance to see art in an historic, Johnson County barn. We hope we can continue to function the way we have been for the last two years. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Alan and Nina Wejnstein 5997