HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-02-26 Info Packet~ CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET
(~ITY OF IOWA (~ITY February 26, 2004
www.icgov.org
IP I City Conference Board Meeting March 1, 2004
IP 2 Memorandum from City Clerk: Summer Schedule
I MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
IP 3 Memorandum from City Manager: Pending Development Issues
IP 4 Memorandum from City Manager: Recycling
IP 5 Memorandum from City Manager: Code Rewrite and Comprehensive Plan
IP 6 Letter from City Manager to Terrence Neuzil, Johnson County Board of Supervisors:
Proposed extension of Oakdale Boulevard between Dubuque Street and Scott
Boulevard
IP 7 Memorandum from Robert Miklo, Senior Planner: Visual Preference Survey
IP 8 Memorandum from R.J. Winkelhake, Police Chief to City Manager: Traffic Grant
IP 9 Memorandum from Karin Franklin, Director, PCD to City Manager: Development Code
IP 10 Email from John Goss: Traffic Signals [Staff response included; distributed at 3/1
Work Session]
IP 11 Letter from Mindi Drake, President Coralville Fire Assoc: Support of Firefighters
IP '12 information from Mayor Pro tem Wilburn re: ECICOG- February 26, 2004
Memorandum from City Clerk: Revised Meeting Schedule (April - December)
[Distributed at March 2 formal meeting.]
PRELIMINARY/DRAFT MINUTES
IP 13 Human Rights Commission: January 27, 2004
IP 14 Public Art Advisory Committee: February 5, 2004
IP 15 Parks and Recreation Commission: February 12, 2004
February 26, 2004 Information Packet /continued) 2
IP 16 Housing and Community Development Commission: February 18, 2004
~ CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET
CITY OF IOWA CITY February 26, 2004
www.icgov.org
MARCH 1 WORK SESSION ITEMS
IP 1 City Board Meeting March 1, 2004 /
IP 2 Memorandum Clerk: Summer Schedule
MISCELLANEOUS ITE
IP 3 Memorandum from Cit agar: Pending Dev~ ~ment Issues
IP 4 Memorandum from ~r: Recycling
IP 5 Memorandum from and Comprehensive Plan
IP 6 Letter from City Manag ~hnson County Board of Supervisors:
Proposed extension of Oakdale Dubuque Street and Scott
Boulevard
IP 7 Memorandum from Robert Miklo, S, Visual Preference Survey
IP 8 Memorandum from R.J. Winkelha Chief to City Manager: Traffic Grant
IP 9 Memorandum from Karin Frank Director, P~D to City Manager: Development Code
IP10 Email from John Goss: Ir "'~cSignals~ ~
IP 11 Letter from Mindi Drake, P ;ident Coralville Fire ~ssoc: Support of Firefighters
IP 12 Information from Mayol re: ECICO~-February 26, 2004
PRELIMINARY/DRAFT MINt ES
IP 13 Human Rigl~ Commission: January 27, 2004
IP 14 y Committee: February 5, 2004
IP 15 Parks and Recreation Commission: February 12, 2004
IP 16 Housing and Community Development Commission: February 18, 2004
OFFICE OF THE
IOWA CITY ASSESSOR
JOHNSON COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
DENNIS BALDRIDGE
ASSESSOR
CAROLYN BURKE
DEPUTY
BRAD COMER
DEPUTY
February 25, 2004
Dear Conference Board Member:
The meeting of the Iowa City Conference Board for the public hearing on the Iowa
City Assessor's FY 2005 budget is scheduled for Monday March 1, 2004 at 6:30
P.M. in the Council Chambers at the Iowa City City Hall.
Enclosed for your review before the meeting are:
1. The Agenda.
2. A copy of the February 2, 2004 minutes.
3. A copy of the FY05 Itemized Budget.
4. A copy of a Johnson County Employee Benefit Statement.
At the February 2, 2004 meeting, the board requested information about health
insurance and about the total compensation package.
The Iowa City Assessor's Office is part of the Johnson County health plan.
Currently, this plan provides single or full family health insurance and single dental
coverage at no cost to the employee. No vision coverage is available. Family
deductibles and maximum co-pays will double January 1, 2005, and beginning July 1,
2005, Johnson County employees will pay $5 per month for single coverage and
$12.50 per month for family coverage.
Iowa City employees currently receive single coverage at no cost and pay $40 per
month for family coverage. Single dental coverage is also provided at no cost. No
vision coverage is available.
913 SOUTH DUBUQUE STREET · IOWA CITY IOWA 52240
TELEPHONE 319-356-6066
Iowa City School District employees receive single coverage only, but the employee
can opt out and apply the district cost ($452/mo.) to a tax sheltered annuity.
A survey of Iowa Assessors shows that approximately one-third receive full family
coverage, one-sixth receive single coverage only, and about one-half receive free
single coverage and pay varying amounts of the difference between single and family
coverage.
I would suggest that since the Iowa City Assessor's Office is covered by the Johnson
County plan, we follow their lead, leaving coverage as is for the 2004-2005 budget
and look at it again next year.
Enclosed is my copy of the Johnson County Employee Benefit Statement for the 2003
calendar year. Other employees' statements would be similar. Please note that the
employer share of social security and IPERS are included. Health care coverage is
the other main component of the total.
Johnson County has settled with most of it's bargaining units and budgeted 3 percent
for salary increases. The Johnson County Assessor's Conference Board passed a 3
percent salary increase at it's first budget meeting. Iowa City employees will receive
an average 2.75 percent increase over the next three years. The Iowa City School
District is currently in negotiations, so their increase isn't known at this time, but the
latest school board offer was 3 percent.
The Iowa City and Johnson County Assessors Offices have traditionally received the
same percentage increase. Since employees of two of the three voting bodies will be
getting at least a 3 percent increase and the difference between 3 percent and 2.75
percent for the entire office would total just $793.80 including FICA and IPERS, I
suggest leaving the 3 percent increase in place.
If you have any questions about the budget please feel free to phone me at the office
at 356-6066 or at my home at 688-2661.
Sincerely,
Dennis Baldridge
Iowa City Assessor
February 25, 2004
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
The Iowa City Conference Board will meet at 6:30 P.M. on Monday, March 1,2004 in
the Council Chambers at City Hall at 410 E. Washington St. The purpose of this
meeting is to hold a public hearing on the Iowa City Assessor's proposed budget for
FY 2005.
AGENDA:
1. Call meeting to order by the Chairperson.
2. Roll call by taxing body.
3. Act on minutes of February 2, 2004 Conference Board meeting.
4. Public hearing on budget.
5. Adopt budget.
6. Other business.
7. Adjournment.
Dennis J. Baldridge
Clerk, Iowa City Conference Board
IOWA CITY CONFERENCE BOARD
February 2, 2004
City Conference Board: February 2, 2004, at 6:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers at
the Iowa City City Hall. Mayor Emie Lehman presiding.
Iowa City Council Members Present: Bailey, Elliott, E. Lehman, O'Donnell,
Vanderhoef, Wilbum.
Johnson County Supervisors Present: M. Lehman, Neuzil
Iowa City School Board Members Present: Goodlaxson.
Others Present: Baldridge, Burke, Atkins, Helling, Dilkes, and Karr.
Tape Recorded: Reel 04-16, Side 2.
Chair Ernie Lehman called the meeting to order and clerk Baldridge called roll and
stated that a quorum was present. (The School Board having only one member
present will not have a vote recorded.)
The City moved to accept the minutes of the last Conference Board meeting, April
21, 2003, the County seconded and the motion carried 2/0.
Iowa City Assessor Baldridge presented his FY '05 Assessment Expense Fund
budget. The increases are $13,015 for a three- percent increase in salaries and step
raises for two employees, $950 for an increase in FICA, $10,100 for an increase in
IPERS, $5910 for a six- pement increase in health insurance costs and a change in
coverage for two employees from single to family plans, $5800 for an increase in
postage, an alternate year expense, and $1300 for an increase in printing, also an
alternate year expense, $700 for an increase in schools and conferences, and $900 for
an increase in equipment purchases. There was a reduction of $200 for a decrease in
telephone expenses.
Funding for the Special Appraisers Fund of $46,954 is requested. The Special
Appraisers Fund adds $1500 to the car replacement fund, $2500 to the computer
replacement fund, $2500 for the leave contingency fund and $7500 for a contribution
to the cost of a new Johnson County real estate software program. The remainder of
the fund carries over from the current year.
A short discussion was held about the total compensation package and health care
benefits. The assessor was asked to provide more information at the public hearing.
The County moved to accept the proposed budget for publication, the City seconded
and the motion carried 2/0.
The City moved to set the public heating for March 1, 2004 at 6:30 P.M. at the Iowa
City City Hall, the County seconded and the motion carried 2/0.
The vacancy on the Iowa City Board of Review has been advertised and them was
one applicant. It was moved by the City to re-appoint Jane Downer to the Board of
Review for a six-year term ending December 31, 2009. The County seconded and the
motion carried 2/0.
It was moved by the County to re-appoint Jerry Vanni to the Examining Board for a
six-year term ending December 31, 2009. The City seconded and the motion carried
2/0.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 6:39 P.M.
Dennis Baldridge
Clerk, Iowa City Conference Board
ITEMIZED BUDGET - ASSESSMENT EXPENSE FUND FY 2004 FY 2005
ITEM # EXPENDITURE
SALARIES
36 CITY ASSESSOR 67,530.00 69,560.00
37 FIRST DEPUTY 57,390.00 59,130.00
37 SECOND DEPUTY 47,830.00 51,730.00
40 REAL ESTATE CLERK 37,330.00 40,040.00
40 CLERK/APPRAISER 32,360.00 33,330.00
40 CLERK/ACCOUNTING 34,790.00 35,830.00
36,37,40 LONGEVITY 2,050.00 2,675.00
TOTAL SALARIES 279,280.00 292,295.00
OTHER EXPENDITURES
39 BOARD OF REVIEW 10,500.00 10,500.00
41 EMPLOYER SHARE: FICA 22,220.00 23,170.00
42 EMPLOYER SHARE: IPERS 16,100.00 26,200.00
43 HEALTH INSURANCE 56,380.00 62,290.00
44 MILEAGE & AUTO 1,600.00 1,600.00
45 OFFICE SUPPLIES 3,500.00 3,500.00
46 POSTAGE 1,200.00 7,000.00
47 TELEPHONE 1,200.00 1,000.00
48 PUBLICATIONS, SUBSCRIPTIONS & DUES 600.00 600.00
49 PRINTING 500.00 1,800.00
50 APPRAISAL SERVICE 600.00 600.00
51 INSURANCE 3,500.00 3,500.00
52 SCHOOLS & CONFERENCES 7,100.00 7,800.00
53 APPEALS TO COURT & LEGAL FEES 27,000.00 27,000.00
54 EQUIPMENT PURCHASE 2,500.00 3,400.00
55 EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE 200.00 200.00
56 UNEMPLOYMENT 2,000.00 2,000.00
57 CONFERENCE BOARD 0.00 0.00
58 EXAMINING BOARD 30.00 30.00
59 BOARD OF REVIEW EXPENSES 200.00 200.00
60 DATA PROCESSING SERVICES 14,000.00 14,000.00
61 SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE 14,000.00 14,000.00
62 DUES 1,400.00 1,400.00
63 BONDS & WORKER'S COMPENSATION 1,200.00 1,200.00
TOTAL OTHER EXPENDITURES 187,530.00 212,990.00
TOTAL BUDGET 466,810.00 505,285.00
UNENCUMBERED BALANCE (62,988.00) (45,353.00)
TO BE RAISED BY TAXATION 403,822.00 459,932.00
Johnson County, Iowa
Employee Benefit Statement
DENNIS BALDRIDGE, CiTY ASSESSOR
COMPENSATION
As of December 20, 2003 your hourly wage is $ 32.4664
and your estimated ammalized compensation is $ 67,530.06
BENEFITS COUNTY COSTS
Social Security: $ 5,166.05
Iowa Public Employees Retirement (IPERS): $ 3,882.98
Health Care Coverage: $ 9,793.92
DeutalCare Coverage: $ 306.24
Life Insurance: $ 155.04
Long-Term Disability Insurance: $ 185.7l
COUNTY CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS BENEFITS $ 19,489.94
These benefits represent 28.86% of your annualized compensation.
COUNTY BENEFIT COSTS PLU.S COMPENSATION: $ 87,020.00
PAID LEAVE
Vacation: $ 6,493.28
Holidays/Personal: $ 3,116.77
Other Benefits and Compensation M~y luclude:
Longevity Pay Bereavement Leave Wellness Progranv'inccutivcs
Sick Leave Flexible Spending Accounts Compensatory/Overtime
Family Sick Leave Dcferred Compensation Employcc Assistance Program
Evel~ eJ]brt has beell lakelt lo accurately capture your individual benefit package. If you note
ally errors, please report them to t[uman Resources
CITY
DATE: February 23, 2004
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Marian K. Kan', City Clerk
RE: Summer Schedule
Council Member Vanderhoef has requested a discussion of the Council summer schedule
be scheduled. Please bring your calendars to the March 1 work session.
Traditionally Council has made some changes in the schedule due to absences, holidays,
etc. In the past Councils have opted to change only one month at a time, while others
have made adjustments in the June through early September schedule at one time. Your
current schedule for meetings are as follows:
May 3 l(holiday)/June 1,
June 14,15
July 5 (holiday), 6
July 19, 20
August 2, 3
August 16, 17
September 6 (holiday), 7
September 20, 21
Staffis generally able to work with any meeting adjustments given ample notice. Special
meetings will be called as necessary.
City of Iowa City IP3
MEMORANDUM
DATE: February 23, 2004
TO: City Council
FROM: City Manager
RE: Pending Development Issues
1) An application for special exceptions submitted by Regina Catholic Education
Center for a special exception to allow expansion of a religious institution,
specifically a religious school, in the Low-Density Single-Family (RS-5) zone at
2140 Rochester Avenue.
2) A preliminary plat of General Quarters subdivision, an 8.81 acre, 29 lot single
family subdivision located east of Sycamore Street, south of Stanwyck Drive.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM
DATE: 02/24/04
TO: City Council
FROM: City Manager
RE: Recycling
In that I have assumed you will approve the new Recycling Coordinator position in the F¥05 Budget, I
asked Brad to do an update of our current recycling. This will help us develop benchmarks as we seek
to expand our recycling.
JCCOG
Date: January 30, 2004r · ¢
To: Steve Atkins, City Manager
_/
From: Brad Neumann~VCCOG Solid Waste Management Planner
Re: Update on City of Iowa City recycling services
Following is a summary of past and present recycling and waste reduction activities in Iowa City
and at the Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center.
CURBSIDE RECYCLING:
In 1992 the City of Iowa City began a curbside recycling program that is now going into its
thirteenth year. In the first few years of the program residents were required to provide their own
recycling containers and separate items into paper bags for easy collection. The program
collected newsprint, clear glass, metal cans, #1 and #2 plastics, and cardboard and the
collection was every other week.
The program remained essentially the same until 1996 when the City Council, in order to
increase participation, decided to provide recycling containers and weekly recycling collection.
The City Council also provided incentives to recycle at the curb. The incentives included a unit
based pricing system (pay-per-bag) on garbage and a bulky item collection program.
A 1998 study showed that one third of the residential waste stream was still paper and
cardboard. After a survey indicated paper and magazine recycling was desired, in 2000 the
City purchased larger recycling trucks and added mixed paper and magazines to the curbside
recycling program. This required glass to no longer be collected at the curb. Glass was the
hardest to handle, had the fewest markets, and made up the smallest' portion of the recycled
items being collected.
As you can see in the table below, Iowa City's curbside recycling program has remained steady
over the past three years since the last change to the program. Garbage amounts have also
remained steady.
FY01-03 IOWA CITY CURBSIDE RECYCLING AND REFUSE COLLECTION
- VOLUME IN TONS -
tFY01 1,027 223 91 t 65 460 1,866 I7'895
I FY02 I 946 189 96 64 481 1,776 8,211
FY03 974 204 95 57 516 1,846 b~
rowa city Recycling Services
February 3, 2004
Page 2
City staff is currently working on a new contract with City Carton Recycling, which is where
recycled materials are taken. The new contract may include the collection of plastics #1-#5 and
#7 (#6 plastic is Styrofoam which would not be accepted).
DROP SITE RECYCLING:
The drop site recycling program has been around since the late 1980's in Iowa City. The drop
site program collects over 1,000 tons of recycled material per year. The biggest problem with
this type of program is contamination. Collected clear glass, for example, ends up being
landfilled a majority of the time due to contamination with brown and green glass. The City
recycling staff spends a lot of time sorting material before delivering it to City Carton. For this
reason it is not recommended to expand the drop site program without a significant increase in
staff oversight and equipment. The drop sites are available to all residents in Johnson County.
Following is a current listing of City recycling drop sites.
· Hy-Vee Food Store on North Dodge St (newspaper; clear, brown, and green glass; #1
and #2 plastics; and metal cans)
· Eastdale Plaza (newspaper and #1 and #2 plastics)
· Drugtown on First Ave (newspaper and #1 and #2 plastics)
· Iowa City Landfill (newspaper, mixed paper, #1 and #2 plastics, metal cans, corrugated
cardboard and scrap metal).
· City Carton Recycling also has a drop site located on East Benton St in Iowa City
(newspaper; white paper; corrugated cardboard; clear, brown, and green glass; #1 and
#2 plastics; metal cans; magazines; and chipboard).
LANDFILL RECYCLING SERVICES:
Over the years the Iowa City Landfill has expanded their services for all residents and
businesses in Johnson County. Following is a list of each program offered by the Iowa City
Landfill and Recycling Center.
WASTE TIRES: This program has been around since the late 1980's. For six years the Iowa
City Landfill, with funds from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, offered a free waste
tire collection program for residents of Johnson County. With State funds running out, last year's
program had residents pay half price for waste tire disposal. The landfill held their collection
event the week of May 17-24 and collected 2,600 tires (31 tons). The landfill on an annual basis
takes in 700-800 tons of waste tires. All of the waste tires collected go to Green Man
Technologies of Des Moines for processing as part of a six-county contract through the East
Central Iowa Council of Governments. Most of the tires are shredded and used as a fuel source
for cement kilns and power plants (mixed with coal). The steel belts are also recycled.
APPLIANCES (white goods): Appliances have been banned from the Iowa City Landfill since
the early 1990's. The current fee for appliances delivered to the landfill is $12.50 each. This fee
covers the cost of having a contractor pick up the appliances, take them apart, market the
metals; and properly dispose of hazardous materials. The landfill currently has a contract with
Iowa City Recycling Services
Februa~ 3,2004
Page 3
Moore's Salvage and Recovery of Kieler, Wisconsin for this service. The contract with Moore's
is also part of a six county contract through the East Central Iowa Council of Governments. The
landfill collects about 500 tons of appliances per year.
ELECTRONIC GOODS (brown goods): The landfill began accepting electronic goods in 2003.
With partial funding from Iowa DNR the landfill established a permanent collection program for
residents of Johnson County. The most common item accepted in this program is computers.
Televisions and other small electronic items are also accepted. There is a $5 fee for computer
and television monitors, $15 for larger televisions and consoles. The landfill has a contract with
Midwest Electronic Recovery of Walford, Iowa to recycle electronic parts and/or refurbish and
resell the computers.
COMPOST/YARD WASTE: Yard waste has been banned from all Iowa landfills since the early
1990's. The Iowa City Landfill accepts yard waste from all commercial and municipal haulers in
Johnson County for $24/ton. The materials are shredded and composted and the compost is
made available to the public or used in large construction projects. Residents can also drop off
their yard waste or clean lumber for free at the landfill. The landfill accepts over 3,000 tons of
compostables each year.
FURNITURE PROJECT: The Furniture Project was started by the Domestic Violence
Intervention Program almost ten years ago with the last six years being partially funded by the
landfill. In 2003 the Iowa City Landfill took over the program completely. All of the human
services agencies that participated in the original program are still being served. The landfill is in
the process of hiring a coordinator for the program.
SALVAGE BARN: This program is operated by the Friends of Historic Preservation. The
landfill leases storage space to Friends for their operation. Friends will go into old buildings prior
to being razed and remove doors, windows, flooring, trim boards, hardware, and anything else
that they can salvage and sell to the public. All of the money they make from the sale of the
materials helps fund other restoration and preservation projects in Johnson County. The
Salvage Barn is open on the first and third Saturday of each month.
HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE: After many years of special one-day collection events
the Iowa City Landfill built a permanent facility to accept residential hazardous wastes. This
program will be going into its third year and continues to expand. The program has been
available to all residents of Johnson County, free of charge, since it opened, and has recently
worked with the local school districts as well. It will soon expand to small businesses. There will
be a fee for small businesses. An appointment is required to bring materials to the facility which
is open on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings.
The Household Hazardous Waste facility makes available to the public usable household
materials which are collected at the facility. The household items are available, free of charge, in
the exchange room which is open during regular landfill hours.
In 2002 the Iowa City Landfill was named recycling facility of the year by the Iowa Recycling
Association.
Iowa City Recycling Services
February 3, 2004
Page 4
OTHER WASTE REDUCTION ACTIVITIES:
Multi-family recycling. In 1995, Iowa City organized a committee to study recycling options for
multi-family dwellings. The study included a three-month pilot collection program in different
types of dwellings with different collection methods. The study identified issues with participation
in student-oriented dwellings, educating a population that is constantly changing, the cost of
collecting both recyclables and garbage, and collection space needs. In Iowa City, curbside
recycling is offered to dwellings with four or fewer living units. About half the population of Iowa
City lives in multi-family dwellings that do not receive curbside recycling service.
Curbside collection of compostables. In 1996 Iowa City participated in a regional
composting study. The study focused on the amount of compostables that could be collected
from homes and business in Johnson and Linn Counties in order to justify the construction of a
regional solid waste composting facility. The study found that there was not enough material to
operate such a facility. Collection of the material and expense were also major obstacles.
Landfill bans. In 1998, iowa City established a committee to study the banning of corrugated
cardboard from the Iowa City Landfill. The committee was made up of municipalities,
businesses, refuse haulers, multi-family dwelling managers, the University, and recyclers. The
study determined that banning corrugated cardboard was unenforceable and expensive.
Educational programs. The Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center provides many tours each
year to local organizations and schools. Over the years we have had visitors from as far away
as Europe, Asia, South America, and Africa. Staff spends a lot of time going to local schools
and giving presentations on recycling and waste reduction. In 1997 the landfill hired a recycling
and waste reduction magician who performed at eleven elementary schools in Johnson County.
The landfill also provides displays at special events, hands out promotional material and
answers questions from the public.
Waste Reduction Grant Program. Each year the Iowa City Landfill provides $25,000 in funds
for the Waste Reduction Grant Program. This is the seventh year for the program, which is
administered by JCCOG and funded by the landfill's surcharge tax fund. Through this program
the landfill hopes to reduce the amount of waste going to the landfill by purchasing equipment
and educational materials for businesses and non-profit organizations in the landfill service
area. In six years the program has funded 38 projects ranging from cardboard balers to
educational signs. So far the grant program has funded over $108,000 in projects.
Let me know if you have any questions.
cc: Jeff Davidson
Rick Fosse
Bud Stockman
Dave Elias
Jim Protaskey
Jccogsw/memos/icrecycle.doc
DATE: February 26, 2004
TO: City Council
FROM: City Manager
RE: Code Rewrite and Comprehensive Plan
As we pursue proposed revisions of our development code, notably the components involving zoning
and subdivision regulations, a required goal has been to assure that our development code is
consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. Our plan was adopted in 1997, the subdivision regulations in
1962 and the zoning ordinance in 1983. Although amendments have been made to both sets of
regulations over time, there has not been a complete review for compliance with the 1997 Plan. State
statute specifies zoning, a part of our development code, "shall be in accordance with the
Comprehensive Plan." (Ch. 414, Code of iowa).
Attached is the body of the 1997 Comprehensive Plan. I believe it is important, particularly for those
Council members who were not part of the 1997 adoption process, to refamiliarize yourselves with the
Plan. The Comprehensive Plan is a broad view of various aspects of the community--economic well-
being, social and cultural services, recreation, transpodation, housing and open spaces. All of these
policies are relevant to the community's growth and prosperity. Many of them affect the building of the
city. It is those policies which give direction to the built environment are most crucial to the
development code review since those are the policies the staff and the Planning & Zoning Commission
use to direct the writing of the code.
To effectively carry out the Code work, the staff and the Planning & Zoning Commission need to be
assured that the Comprehensive Plan not only meets the community's interest but that it continues to
receive City Council policy support. If the Council finds it cannot support the current Plan, the staff and
the Commission need direction relative to those things the Council wishes to change and the process
you wish to follow for doing so.
Assuming the Council can support the Plan, we all understand there may be differences of opinion on
the interpretation and implementation of the Plan. As those areas are identified as we work through the
code review, the staff, Commission Council and the public will need to take the time to resolve any
differences.
One tool the staff and Commission intend to use for arriving at an appropriate interpretation of the Plan
is a visual preference survey. The Plan is focused on the building of a city of neighborhoods (pp.19-
25). There are references to "livable neighborhoods", "pedestrian-friendly streets", and "mixed-use
neighborhoods". It is difficult to know for sure what people envision by these terms. The visual
preference survey is intended to get at what people want to see in the community as it grows through
their evaluation of a series of pictures/images. Responses to the pictures are a visceral reaction and
give us some idea of what the public believes to be acceptable development and what is not. We will
then try to translate a consensus of their reactions into the language of a code. We expect the survey
will be but one tool for the Planning & Zoning Commission and the City Council to use to implement the
Plan. It will also be a way for the community to express their opinions to you about our built
environment.
cc: Karin Franklin
Karen Howard
Bob Miklo
£1'IY VI ION
T TEMENT
Iowa City is an attractive, energetic city with a vital downtown, a
healthy economy, safe neighborhoods, and diversity in its people.
As Iowa City grows, we will strive to preserve the character and
identity of the community while guiding the creation of compatible
new areas; protecting the environment; encouraging diversity in
the population, in housing, and in jobs; and offering opportunities
for human development to Iowa City's citizens. Iowa City will be an
inclusive, accessible and safe community to all its citizens, em-
bracing persons with disabilities and all races, cultures, life-styles,
ages, and socio-economic groups.
2
3
IN Oi)UC'flON
TO THE
COMPI FHEN IYE
PLAN
Why have a Comprehensive Plan ?
The character and future of a community are set by the imagina-
tion, vision and commitment of the people who live and work there.
Part of this commitment involves planning for the future. This com-
prehensive plan presents a vision for Iowa City, provides a strat-
egy for realizing the vision, and sets policies for the growth and
development of specific geographic areas of the city.
A comprehensive plan must address the multiple facets of a com-
munity and integrate those facets into a workable whole. Some-
times individual policies may seem to conflict if viewed in isolation.
The comprehensive plan should resolve these conflicts as indi-
vidual policies are viewed in the context of the whole community.
A comprehensive plan focuses on agreed upon community goals
and values. The process of formulating the plan is as important as
the plan itself. Through a process which accommodates the diver-
sity of a community such as Iowa City, principles and policies are
adopted that are used as the basis for laws and practices that
govern the city. The comprehensive plan can be used to defend
law~ and practices if they are challenged.
The comprehensive plan provides a guide for decision-making so
that the decisions we make today do not jeopardize our vision for
the future. This enables us to address the needs of the present
without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their
needs. As we endeavor to improve the quality of life in Iowa City,
the basic principles of the vision are kept before us in the compre-
hensive plan.
4
The Process
To create the community vision of the comprehensive plan, citizen
task forces were organized in the spring of 1994 to address each
facet of the community. The task forces were asked to envision
Iowa City in the future -- beyond the year 2000 -- within the con-
text of each assigned area. The goal of this process was to de-
vise a plan for iowa City which grew from the vision of Iowa City's
people. The vision statements created by these task forces are
the basis of this plan.
In this process, the following physical facets of the community were
examined by a specific task force:
· housing
· land use and urban pattern
· transportation
· the environment
· parks, recreation, and open space
The social fabric of the community was addressed by the following
task forces:
· arts, culture and human development
· social services
· public safety
· economic well-being
The city has been organized into ten geographically designated
planning districts. The community direction articulated in the vi-
sion statements for each of the above areas will be applied to
each planning district.
The key concepts which can be derived from the vision statements
and which define Iowa City's character are diversity, neighbor-
hood integrity, opportunity, and accessibility. These concepts
should be interpreted under the broadest possible definition and
applied to Iowa City comprehensively. The comprehensive plan
accepts that growth and development will occur in Iowa City, and
should be managed such that the community vision is achieved.
Adoption of Iowa City's Comprehensive Plan rests with the City
Council. The City Council's action is the culmination ora process
which began at the grass roots level with the citizens of Iowa City
indicating what the vision for the future should be, included input
from the City's neighborhood organizations on this vision, and pro-
ceeded through discussion by various City Boards and Commis-
s,o s, m mE
Format of the Plan
The overriding approach of the comprehensive plan is the premise
that Iowa City is a community of neighborhoods. As we look to the
future, we will build places to live, work and play, that are safe, PLRN
clean and attractive; and physically and financially accessible to
the people who make up Iowa City. To support the quality of life we
desire, the community will need a sound economy with a variety of
IN' OD J T ON industries, goods and services to sustain us. The comprehensive
plan relates how we will achieve these things. The comprehensive
plan includes sections dealing with the concept of neighborhOod,
TO 'IH[ a community growth policy, and directions for the economic well-being ofthecity.
The comprehensive plan has little use if there is no clear strategy
of action to carry it out. The sections which follow the policy state-
ments of the plan detail implementation strategies for each facet of
PLAN the community. These strategies are applied to each of the ten
planning districts. Each year an action plan will be developed to
ensure that there is a strategy for making Iowa City's vision for the
future become a reality.
6
7
IOWA CLOT:
COPII UNI T
Overview
Iowa City is the county seat of Johnson County, and most notable
for being the home of The University of Iowa and The U niversity of
Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. The University is located in the center
of the community and is by far the area's largest employer. With
approximately 30,000 students, the University contributes greatly
to the economy and culture of Iowa City. Other maior employers
include the Veterans Administration and Mercy hospitals, Ameri-
can College Testing (ACT), National Computer Set-
vices (NCS), and manufacturing plants such as
Procter and Gamble, United Technologies, and Oral
B. Iowa City's local economy is also strengthened
by many locally owned and operated businesses in
the commercial retail sector. See Appendix E for a
table of local employers.
History
The Iowa City area was first populated by the Sac
and Fox Indian tribes. The first settlers of Euro-
pean descent arrived in the Iowa City area in the
late ~i820's and eventually established the town of
Napoleon around 1838. Iowa City was platted and
chosen as the capitol of the Iowa Territory in 1839. In that year,
construction began on a capitol building (Old Capitol), which is
now located at the center of The University of Iowa campus and is
a focal point for the city. The University was founded in ~1847 but
did not begin classes until '1855 due to a lack of funds. In 1857 the
state capital was moved from Iowa City to Des Moines. Old Capi-
tol now serves as a museum on The University of Iowa campus,
Iowa City has a record of preserving its heritage. In '1982 the City
Council created the Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission.
8
vation plans which was adopted by the City Council. The Historic
Preservation Plan Appendix H is an element of Iowa City's Com- ;
prehensive Plan.
Today Iowa City encompasses approximately 24 square miles. '~[
The activity and employment focal point remains The University
of Iowa and downtown. Iowa City undertook significant urban re-
newal downtown in the 1970's and early 1980's. Construction of
several major development projects were completed during this
time, including Old Capitol Mall, the Plaza Centre One office build-
ing, the Iowa City Public Library, the Holiday Inn,
two City parking structures, and the Dubuque/Col-
lege Street Pedestrian Plaza.
In addition to new construction, several historic
buildings have been rehabilitated within downtown.
As a result, downtown contains an eclectic mix of
both historic and modern structures. Downtown
remains the activity center of Iowa City; however,
similar to downtowns throughout the country, its
role as the community's primary retail center has
been diminished by outlying commercial strip shop-
ping centers and "big box" retail developments. A
proposal to build a regional mall in northwest
Coralville may further challenge the economic vi-
tality of downtown Iowa City. However, the unique- Urban renewal projects such as the constuction of the
ness of downtown Iowa City and its many locally- Holiday Inn significantly changed the appearance of
owned and operated businesses provides a strong downtown in the 1970s and '80s
base for further economic development.
Population Projections
Iowa City saw an increase in population and resi-
dential development in the decade between 1980
and 1990, trends which did not occur in most of
the rest of the State of Iowa. From 1980 to 1990,
Iowa City experienced moderate growth at a rate
of approximately 920 people per year. From 1990
to 1996, the growth in the City's population is less
clear. Aspecial census was ordered in 1996. The
results of that census are puzzling when con-
trasted to the building activity in the city. The cen-
sus showed an increase of only 66 people per year
over the six years since the count in 1990. During
this same period permits were issued for 2550
dwelling units. The inconsistencies between the Adaptive reuse of historic Paul-Helen Building adds an
important element to downtown.
building activity and the population count are diffi-
cult to explain and consequently very difficult to use as a basis for
projections. For the purpose of this plan and until we have the
population figures from the 2000 census, a slow rate of growth is
assumed. Slow is defined as approximately 100 people per year.
University of Iowa
The University of iowa campus covers approximately 1500 acres
west and north of downtown Iowa City. Planning for the campus
9
is under the auspices of the State of Iowa, and the University is
exempt from the City's development and zoning regulations. The
City of Iowa City and the University work cooperatively in planning
and developing projects to assure that mutual interests are ad-
dressed.
Neighborhoods
To the north, east and west of downtown are older residential neigh-
borhoods which include many historic structures. These older
neighborhoods provide a mix of housing types, including rooming
houses for students, apartments, and single family homes. As
distance increases from the University, the density of housing
decreases and the predominance of owner-occupied single faro-
ily homes increases. The City has made a commitment to pre-
serving its historic neighborhoods, and adopted measures such
as historic district overlay zoning as preservation tools. The Iowa
~ City Historic Preservation P~an provides further details on neigh-
'~ borhood preservation efforts.
South of downtown are mixed use areas, including commercial,
light industrial and residential. The City has adopted the Near
Southside Redevelopment Plan to address the neighborhood south
of Burlington Street. Areas further south and southeast are zoned
for intensive commercial and light industrial uses.
Farther from downtown the city is ringed by new residential subdi-
visions. These are generally single family in character. However,
areas of higher density residential dwellings have developed along
Mormon Trek Boulevard, Scott Boulevard, and south of Highway
6 during the 1980's and 1990's.
The City has established the Office of Neighborhood Services to
facilitate the exchange of information between the City and neigh-
borhoods. The City has assisted in the designation of several
formal neighborhood associations, shown on the following map.
Many of Iowa City's historic buildings, Although frequently these groups are established when the neigh-
such as this dwelling on borhood coalesces around a controversial issue, they are encour-
Woodlawn Avenue are protected by aged to remain in place to enhance communication between the
historic preservation regulations. City and the neighborhood. The City's goal is to have all residen-
tial areas within the City affiliated with a designated neighborhood
organization.
The Future
With steady population growth throughout the 20th century, Iowa
City has evolved from a town into a small city. While this growth
has been the envy of many other communities in the state of Iowa
that have declined in population, the transition from town to city
has brought numerous growth related issues, These include:
IOWA CI']Y The encroachment of multi-family residential struc-
tures into formerly single family neighborhoods.
Traffic congestion on inner city neighborhood
streets from outlying residential and commercial
COMMUNllT
development.
10
to structured parking downtown.
The pricing of certain income levels out of the Iowa ;
City housing market. '1~[ COMMUNllT
. The University of Iowa growth issues.
Concerns about development in environmentally
sensitive areas.
· Meeting the demand for services and facilities for
a growing population.
These and a multitude of other issues make the comprehensive
plan for Iowa City of critical importance as we steer our way into
the 21st century.
12
13
IOWA CI1T
6RO POLICY
In 1993 the City Council adopted amendments to Iowa City's Com-
prehensive Ptan which established a growth policy for the city.
The growth policy is an integral part of the Comprehensive Plan,
and establishes three specific policies pertinent to any discus-
sion of growth and development:
(1) It defines a long-range planning boundary for Iowa City;
(2) It establishes when annexations should occur; and
(3) It establishes where the investment of public funds for in-
frastructure improvements should occur.
This growth policy refines the policy adopted in 1993 so that it
reflects current development pressures and decisions, and guid-
ance provided by the Beyond 2000 vision statements.
The Long-range (20-30 year) Planning Boundary
'Fhe sanitary sewer service area shown in Figure 2 defines the
long-range planning boundary for Iowa City. Based on Iowa City's
annual growth rate, the land available within the long range plan-
ning boundary should be sufficient for Iowa City's growth until at
least the year 2020. The sanitary sewer service area is generatly
based on watershed boundaries and defines the eventual corpo-
rate limits for the purposes of long-range planning. Guiding new
developments to watersheds which can be served by gravity flow
sanitary sewer to the City's sewage treatment plant enables the
most cost effective provision of this City service. Sanitary sewer
and streets are the most expensive items of public infrastructure
which must be provided to new development. The long-range
growth area boundary should be used when making decisions
regarding the extension of infrastructure, the approval of subdivi-
sions, the approval of agreements with other governmental juris-
dictions regarding growth, and in response to annexation requests.
15
IOWA CI"~ With adoption of the growth policy in 1993, it was pointed out that
existing and planned improvements to the sewer system could
serve an additional 700 acres beyond the designated growth area.
I'I)[II;Y The location of this 700 acres was generally identified as north of
1-80 since collection capacity exists in the River Corridor Trunk
line. The specific property to be served was not delineated since
there is no clear watershed demarcation. As development
progresses east of First Avenue in Coralville to Dubuque Street
and residential subdivisions in the North Corridor continue to pro-
liferate, it is appropriate for Iowa City to identify the 700 acre ser-
vice area more specifically to facilitate clear development agree-
ments with Coralville and Johnson County.
As shown in Figure 2, the amended long-range planning bound-
ary for property north of 1-80 is defined by the Iowa River and Rapid
Creek. The area extends east to a line roughly along the existing
corporate limits of Iowa City. Any area north of 1-80 will require a
lift station to access the gravity flow sanitary sewer system via
the Bjaysville Lane sewer or be served by the Highlander lift sta-
tion. The land denoted as part of the amended growth area can
be served most efficiently, allows for the most compact develop-
ment in relation to the rest of the city, and does not require a river
crossing. Development within this area can also occur without
the necessity of bridging Rapid Creek.
The growth boundary adopted in 1993 has also been amended to
reflect the decision made regarding the alignment of Highway 965.
The new boundary on the west side of Iowa City is shown con-
ceptually as a line which runs south from Highway 218 along the
alignment of Hurt Road and then along the east property line of
the Iowa City Landfill to Rohret Road. The decision regardin9
Highway 965, the location and planned expansion of the landfill,
and anticipated pressures to develop land west of the current cor-
porate limits support moving the long-range planning boundary
west. Development will be limited in the short term by the capac-
ity and location of sanitary sewers. Discussion of capital improve-
ments needed to serve this new boundary are included in the per-
Reconstruction of a sanitary sewer line tinent Planning District sections of the Comprehensive Plan.
under Clark Street.
2. Annexation Policy
Growth and development outside the corporate boundaries, within
the long-range planning area and beyond, is influenced by the City
through annexation and the Iowa City/Johnson County Fringe
Agreement (see Fringe Agreement discussion below). Annex-
ations occur, primarily, in response to petitions filed by the owners
of property to be annexed. Voluntary annexation should be viewed
positively when the following conditions exist:
(1) The area under consideration falls within the adopted long-
range planning boundary,
(2) Development in the area proposed for annexation will fulfill
an identified need without imposing an undue financial
burden on the City, or
16
(3) Control of development is in the City's best interest.
The third condition of this policy has been amended from the 1993
version to extend the area of control from the entryways to ~owa
City into the entire growth area. This reflects the intent of the City
to take a proactive role, consistent with the vision statement, in
annexation of the designated growth area. The annexations will
still be achieved through voluntary means. Involuntary annexations,
which are initiated by the City against the properly owners' wishes,
are considered only under extraordinary circumstances. When
considering the merits of a proposed annexation or development,
the impact of increased vehicular traffic on any street, currently at
or near capacity, will be studied and the results will be included as
an additiona~ factor in that decision.
Refer to the vacant residential land inventory in Appendix B for
more detail on land available for residential development within
the corporate limits and in the growth area.
3. Prioritization of Investment in Infrastructure.
When the City prioritizes public investment in infrastructure and
public amenities, the obligations to properties within the corporate
limits of Iowa City that further the concept of compact and con-
tiguous growth should generally take precedence. This policy will
be used as a guide in prioritizing the City's Capital Improvement
Program (CIP). The CIP is one of the most effective tools the City
has to affect the timing and direction of growth, the quality of life,
the growth of basic industry, and the cost of housing. Historically,
the City has invested in infrastructure to accommo-
date moderate growth rather than building infra-
structure prior to development. In the future, ef-
forts will be made on the part of the City Council to
use the Capital Improvements Program to guide
more effectively the location and timing of growth
in the community through an annual review and
prioritization of the CIP prior to the budget process.
Fringe Area Aqreement
State enabling legislation permits a city to regulate
the subdivision of land within two miles of the city's
corporate boundaries. This area is known as the
urban fringe. Counties that enact zoning ordinances
control the land uses permitted in this same area Farm/and in Iowa City's southern fringe area.
through zoning.
In the interest of managing development in Iowa City's two-mile
area in a mutually acceptable manner, Johnson County and Iowa
City have agreed on the appropriate land uses and standards for
development. As Johnson County considers rezoning applications
and Iowa City reviews subdM$ions, their decisions will be gov-IOWA
erned by the Iowa City/Johnson County Fringe Area Policy Agree-
ment. See Appendix C for a copy of the current agreement.
The Agreement focuses exurban development in the area north GRO~ PO[l~¥
17
only upon annexation, and provides some incentive for the pres-
ervation of open space and environmentally sensitive features.
Environmental protection is a basic tenet of Iowa City's vision for
the future. As growth and development occur, they should be
managed such that the environmental quality of the community is
not sacrificed. Measures should be taken in all private and public
projects to ensure that any impacts on identified environmental
features are minimized.
In 1993, the City commissioned an inventory of en-
vironmentally sensitive areas. This inventory maps
the general location of woodlands, wetlands, regu-
lated slopes, hydric soils, prairie remnants, stream
corridors, and archaeological sites (see Appendix
D). Based on the information provided in the inven-
tory, an ordinance was adopted in 1995 to provide
protections for the identified environmentally sensi-
tive areas. The ordinance requires consideration of
environmental features during the development pro-
cess and encourages construction that respects and
protects natural areas. As the City continues to grow
and redevelop, natural areas that contribute to the
A wooded ravine in north Iowa City. health and character of the city will be protected.
18
19
CO UNI /O
N[IGH OI HO01 S
INTRODUCTION
Neighborhoods are the building blocks which make up the larger
community of Iowa City. It is at the neighborhood level that many
of the visions contained in Iowa City Beyond 2000 can be imple-
mented through the City's developmental policies. Quality of life
in individual neighborhoods will be affected by implementation of
these policies. For example, the City's policies regarding arterial
street design should result in a route which is pleasant for motor-
ists to travel, and safe for pedestrians and bicycles; a route that
defines the boundaries of neighborhoods and does not direct
through traffic into the heart of residential areas. Portions of Scott
Boulevard serve as a model of such a street. It carries traffic
efficiently, yet the adjacent neighborhoods are buffered from it by
a wide parkway and abundant landscaping. In contrast arterial
streets in many cities become commercial strips which are un-
pleasant for motorists and pedestrians alike.
The City's policies regarding zoning will determine whether a neigh-
borhood is made up exclusively of single-family dwellings or whether
it contains a mix of housing types that allow a diverse population
from young families to elderly persons to find housing suited for
their needs. Policies regarding parks and open space will deter-
mine if neighborhood children have sufficient playgrounds and
whether adults will have recreational opportunities, such as trails,
available close to home. Policies regarding the environment will
determine whether or not natural features, such as stream corri-
dors, which provide natural drainage and flood control and wildlife
habitat, are preserved. The design of streets, park facilities and
public and private buildings, will determine if the community is ac-
cessible to persons with disabilities. These are just a few ex-
amples of how the physical design of a neighborhood is related to
the quality of life that its residents will experience. It is for this
reason that neighborhoods will be the basic planning unit used to
implement the visions of Iowa City Beyond 2000.
20
EXISTING NEIGHBORHOODS
Iowa City has a diverse collection of neighborhoods. Older neigh-
borhoods that are closer to downtown contain a mix of housing
types and land uses and include within their boundaries some com-
mercial development and public institutions such as schools. Newer
neighborhoods closer to the developing edge of the community
tend to be less diverse in land use and housing types, consisting
predominantly of single family homes. As the city
ages and grows, the range of old and new neighbor-
hoods will require different levels of attention and
care to assure long term stability. Studies for each
of the planning districts may identify neighborhoods
that will benefit from more specific neighborhood
plans that address issues such as parks, traffic, hous-
ing, commercial areas, and general neighborhood ap-
pearance and beautification.
Iowa City's adopted Historic Preservation Plan con-
tains strategies for helping assure the viability of Iowa
City's older neighborhoods. These strategies sug-
gest measures, such as conservation and historic
district designations, the promotion of housing reha-
bilitation, and effods to control traffic and parking con- O/der houses, such as these in the Brown Street
gestion, as means to preserve neighborhoods (see Historic District, are an important part of Iowa City's
Preservation Plan in Appendix H for details). Newer housing stock.
neighborhoods that have developed since the 1950s
have had less attention paid to their future. As these neighbor-
hoods age and experience the pressures of growth in the commu-
nity, more attention will need to be directed to these areas to as-
sure their stability.
Due to deterioration of existing buildings and changing land uses,
there are some neighborhoods, such as the Near Southside, which
provide opportunities for redevelopment. Detailed policies regard-
ing the Near Southside are contained in the Near Southside Neigh-
borhood Redevelopment Plan and the Near Southside Design Plan.
As studies are written for each of the planning districts, specific
subareas that would benefit from detailed redevelopment plans
will be identified.
NEW NEIGHBORHOODS
Iowa City Beyond 2000 contains a vision for desigding new neigh-
borhoods as they are added to the city. This vision is expressed in
a number of policy statements which support the concepts of com-
pact neighborhood design. Compact neighborhood design cre-
ates village-like neighborhoods with housing for a diverse popula-
tion, a mix of land uses, public space that is a focal point for the
neighborhood, integrated civic and commercial centers, accessible
open space; and streets which are pleasant for both motorists and
pedestrians to travel on. Arterial streets located approximately A OJ J [JNI
every mile and designed in a modified grid pattern will become the
framework in which new neighborhoods are developed. Neigh-
borhood design concepts that reflect the Beyond 2000 visions will
be used to guide neighborhood development throughout iowa City.
A map of a model neighborhood illustrating these concepts is shown
21
inFigure3(p. 21)andtheconceptsthemselvesarediscussedin
detail below. These concepts will be considered when annex-
ation, zoning and subdivision plans are reviewed bythe City. They
N[iGHBORHOOD~ are not intended to exclude the development of large lot single
family homes, but recognize that well balanced neighborhoods will
include a variety of land uses and housing types.
Neighborhood Commercial. Located near an arterial street, or
near an intersection of two collector streets, a neighborhood com-
mercial area associated with a public square or park can provide
a focal point and gathering place for a neighborhood. The busi-
nesses within a neighborhood commercial center should provide
shopping opportunities within convenient walking distance for the
residents in the immediate area, and may include such facilities
as a post office substation, a day care center, small restaurants
and a convenience store. The design of the neighborhood com-
mercial center should have a pedestrian orientation with the stores
placed close to the street, but with sufficient open space to allow
for outdoor cafes and patios or landscaping. Parking should be
located to the rear and sides of stores with additional parking on
the street.
Including public space, such as a town square in a commercial
center, will allow such centers to be a focal point for their neigh-
borhoods that can serve as an activity center for recreation, sea-
sonal festivals, farmers markets, play areas and a bus stop. Apart-
ments above businesses can provide needed
housing while increasing the revenue stream
for commercial establishments and enhanc-
ing the residential nature of the area.
Townhouses or small apartment houses sur-
rounding the commercial center can increase
the customer base for the commercial uses
and make efficient use of the services avail-
able in the neighborhood center.
Diverse housing types. A mix of housing
types within a neighborhood provides resi-
dential opportunities for a wide variety of
people, including singles, young families,
elderly persons, large families, childless
couples, owners and renters. When diverse
housing sizes are dispersed throughout all
neighborhoods, large concentrations of
apartments can be avoided. The predomi-
nant land use in most neighborhoods will be
NeighborhoodCommercialCenterdesignedlikea"mainstreet"with single-family homes. However, the mix of
offices and apartments on the second floor housing within a neighborhood may also in-
clude homes on smaller lots, townhouses,
duplexes, small apartment buildings, and accessory apartments
above garages. Small multi-family lots of approximately 12,000
to16,000 square feet of Low Density Multi-Family zoning are ap-
propriate at the intersections of collector and aderial streets. Lots
of this size will assure that the resulting apartment buildings will be
no more than four to six units per building, so that there are no
more than 24 units at any one intersection. Buildings of this size
can be designed to be of a similar height and appearance as single-
22
FI CO/ tiNI'P/OF
More Efficient and Compact Design: Diverse housing types and
compact subdivision design can be used to increase the density N[16HBO~HOOD~
of an area slightly when compared to a typical suburban subdivi-
sion, while maintaining the traditional residential character of a
neighborhood. Many recent subdivisions contain only two to three
dwelling units per acre. A density of five to seven dwelling units
per acre will allow the expense of installing streets and sewer and
water lines to be spread out among more homeowners and will
make it easier and less expensive for the City to provide municipal
services.
Interc°nnectedstreet~,~~r--~']''~'-C[~._~
systems. A modified
grid street syste ,m can t~~ ~_j~'
reduce congestion on
main roads, provide Fi' ~l ~ ~
more direct routes, and
may reduce the vehicle ! ,,{'~¢ ,,~ ~ I ~-~. ,~.~ . f
miles traveled within a
neighborhood. Amodi-![ o ~ ,,~ / i ~_~I .... ~~._~
fled grid pattern also
provides alternative
ways for fire trucks and ~ J-- ~ ~ F~
other emergency ve-
hicles to circulate The standard street design (leff) offers one route between origin and destination.
through a neighbor- The modified grid system offers a multitude of routes.
hood. Cul-de-sacs are
appropriate where environmental constraints or barriers such as
steep ravines prevent the connection of streets.
Arterial streets. Arterial streets serve as neighborhood bound-
aries and provide access across the city without continuous travel
through neighborhoods. Arterial streets are intended to carry high
volumes of traffic traveling between homes, employment, shop-
ping and other destinations. These major streets, if properly de-
signed, reduce the likelihood of motorists cutting through resi-
dential neighborhoods. To maintain the capacity of arterial streets,
the number of side street intersections with the arterial street should
be limited, and driveways to individual lots should be prohibited.
Because they become major elements of the landscape, the aes-
thetics of arterial streets must be considered. Features such as
special street lights, trees and medians can enhance the appear-
ance of arterial streets. Wide parkways can provide buffers be-
tween arterials and adjacent developments. Eight foot wide side-
walks on at least one side of an arterial street provide for safe and
comfortable pedestrian travel and allow for bicycle travel. Inter-
sections near schools and neighborhood commercial areas can
be enhanced with brick or textured paving to highlight appropriate
pedestrian crossing locations.
For residential developments adjacent to arterial streets, zoning
requirements specify that dwellings must be set back at least 40
feet from the street right-of-way line. This is 20 feet greater than
required in other locations and provides space for landscaping to
23
create a buffer between the arterial streets and the adjacent homes.
In some locations adjacent to arterial streets, homeowners have
built tall fences along the street in an effort to create privacy in
their back yards. This sometimes results in long blank walls along
the arterial street frontage. To avoid this problem, lots which back
onto arterial streets should be avoided where possible, and alter-
natives to walls, such as dense landscaping or earthen berms,
should be provided. Townhouses facing the street are another
alternative to having back yards immediately adjacent to the road-
way.
Arterial street with rearyards Collector streets. Collector streets play a supplemental role to ar-
and blank wall
terial streets, traveling through the area between arterials. A col-
lector street is intended to carry neighborhood traffic from local,
residential streets to the arterial streets sen/lng the neighborhood.
A modified grid pattern of collector streets lends itself to a pedes-
trian friendly environment, and allows for dispersal of traffic among
several streets instead of concentrating it on a few streets. Cre-
ating more than a single means of access into a neighborhood
supports the objective of sustaining quiet, safe neighborhoods and
minimizing the effect of traffic on each home site within the neigh-
borhood.
The alignment of collector streets across arterial streets provides
Landscapeprovidesbufferbe~,veenrear for the safe crossing of neighborhood boundary streets, particu-
yards and arterial street larly for pedestrians and cyclists. Within the neighborhood, how-
ever, collector streets should not be continuous, but should be
offset to slow vehicles and minimize traffic cutting through neigh-
borhoods.
Narrower local streets. Narrower streets slow traffic, allow for a
more complete tree canopy over the street, and reduce the amount
of pavement between homes in a neighborhood. This improves
the aesthetics of the street. For residential streets a width of 22-
26 feet may be appropriate. Each side of a street should contain
sidewalks so that travel for pedestrians is made safe and conve-
nient.
Townhouses face ar~edal street Reduced front yard setbacks. Reduced setbacks allow homes
to be placed closer to residential streets. Reducing the face to
face distances between homes increases the potential for social
activity and neighborhood connections. In lieu of deep front yards,
porches can serve as a transition between the public sidewalk
and private residences. Front yard setbacks of less than 20 feet
along local residential streets should be considered.
Narrowerlot frontages. Narrow lots in the range of 30-50 feet in
width (less for townhouses) result in more compact development
which consumes less land and makes it possible to provide pub-
lic improvements, such as streets, sewers and water lines more
efficiently. The costs of constructing streets and other public
Of improvementsarespreadacrossmorepropertiesinmorecom-
pact developments. Building on smaller lots allows the construc-
tion of more moderately-priced housing.
N I[ H O .HO0 Use of rear lanes or alleys. Landscaped and wel[-lighted alleys
can allow utilities and garages to be located away from the street
and enhances the appearance of the neighborhood from the street.
24
When garages are accessed from alleys at the rear of the lots,
vehicular traffic on residential streets is reduced. The alley can
serve as a common driveway for the garages located off of it.
With narrower lot frontages, the cost per lot for paving in a devel-
opment that includes alleys and streets is roughly the same as
the cost of conventional streets alone in a larger lot subdivision.
Housing units arranged around a courtyard with vehicular access
from a rear lane can also be an attractive alternative to conven-
tional developments.
Locating garages off the alley means the street side of homes
need not be dominated by garage doors and expanses of con-
crete driveways. The front yard can present more of the social
aspects of the home, such as porches and front doors. This is
particularly important for small single-family homes, townhouses
and zero lot-line residences on narrow lots, where a two-
car garage typically encompasses 50% or more of the
front of a home. Townhouses and apartments can also
have a much more appealing residential streetscape if
parking is provided off an alley or private drive to the rear
of the buildings. Where alleys are not possible, having
narrower or shared driveways along the side and to the
rear of houses reduces the amount of paving in front
yards, and lessens the emphasis of garage doors along
a street. For single-family dwellings on large lots, alter-
natives for vehicular access, such as alleys, are less cru-
cial for good design, because the proportion of the prop-
erty devoted to vehicles is smaller.
Parks, Trails and Open Space. Ideally, neighborhood Streetscape with narrow street, shallowfront yards,
parks are small 3-7 acre open spaces that provide a fo- and garages located to side of houses.
cai point for informal gatherings and recreation within
easy walking distance from residences in a neighbor-
hood. In some cases smaller pocket parks may be ap-
propriate. A neighborhood park may be completely sur-
rounded by residential units, or situated adjacent to a
school or a neighborhood shopping center. Neighbor-
hood parks should be designed as an integral part of an
interconnected system of open space. Trails should con-
nect neighborhood parks with larger community and re-
gional parks.
To support pedestrian-oriented neighborhood design,
trails and sidewalks shoutd connect the major destina-
tions within a neighborhood, such as schools, parks, tram
sit stops and commercial centers. Trails and sidewalks
that intersect with key neighborhood destinations can be Paving and garage doors dominate streetscape
adjacent to the street, located along drainageways, and
constructed over major sanitarysewereasements. Pres-
ervation of environmentally sensitive areas, such as wet-
lands and stream corridors, provides opportunities to en-
hance a neighborhood while maintaining scenic resources
and wildlife habitat. Wherever possible, natural features,
such as waterways and woodlands, should be incorpo-
rated as key amenities within parks and along trail sys-
tems.
Alleys allow for narrow lots with a streetscape of
a~fracfive entryways and landscaping
26
27
FCONO I
A healthy economy is essential to the success of any community.
Good jobs, paying a livable wage, and access to goods and ser-
vices are important factors in measuring a community's quality of
life. Iowa City has adopted "Economic Development Policies,
Strategies, and Actions for the City of Iowa City" to address the
issues of employment, commerce and industry in a sustainable
way (see Appendix J). The adopted policies focus on the follow-
lng directives:
Nurture existing businesses in the city by encour-
aging their retention and expansion, and by attract-
ing compatible new industries.
Increase employment opportunities for the local
work force.
Increase the amount of land available for industry
and commerce to expand and develop.
Cooperate regionally in economic development,
acknowledging the regional benefits of prosperity.
· Encourage businesses that recognize the need to
sustain the environment.
It is appropriate that public funds be used, with dis-
cretion, as a catalyst for private enterprise to
achieve the City's economic goals.
Industrial Opportunities
The availability of land which is appropriately located, is zoned
properly, and is ready for development is central to the City's con-
tinued economic vitality. Them is currently a shortage of land
zoned and available for manufacturing and light industrial uses.
Land for commercial development also has some limitations.
Businesses which seek to locate or expand in Iowa City have
difficulty finding appropriately zoned land. (See Acres by Zoning
Category for 1996 in Appendix F).
28
Two areas stand out as appropriate for new industrial develop-
ment -- east of Scott Boulevard, as an extension of the BDI In-
dustrial Park, and southwest of the Iowa City Municipal Airpod.
The site east of Scott Boulevard has been identified since 1983
as a logical extension of the existing industrial park. The land is
flat; good access is provided via Scott Boulevard and Highway 8
as well as by the Iowa Interstate Railroad; and the area can be
served by FY98 with municipal services. The land southwest of
the Airport has access to the Airport and to the Interstate highway
system at Highway 1 and Highway 218 (the Avenue of the Saints).
Municipal sewer will be available to this site in FY98. The Airport
site also requires completion of some phases of the Airport Mas-
ter Plan and should therefore, be reserved now in anticipation of
its future use. The area east of Scott Boulevard was annexed for
industrial development in 1997; the area near the Airport requires
annexation at some point in the future.
Opportunities for research and development parks or office re-
search parks exist in three areas of the city -- north and south of
the Highway 1/Interstate 80 interchange, and in west Iowa City
along Highway 218 near the Melrose Avenue/Highway 218 inter-
change. The north Interstate 80 site has been available for imme-
diate development for a number of years but has had limited ac-
tivity. The University of Iowa Oakdale Research Park has pre-
vided sites for a number of new businesses in this sector of the
economy. It appears that the privately held land in Iowa City which
is designated for these types of uses has difficulty competing with
the park in Coralville, which is directly associated with the Univer-
sity and subsidized on University-held land. Consequently, no
additional land may need to be zoned for office research or re-
search and development land uses at this time.
Commercial Opportunities
Commercial opportunities encompass a wide range of business
types -- offices, restaurants, retail stores, service businesses,
repair shops, etc. These businesses provide at least 43% of the
jobs in the Iowa City area. Opportunities in this sector of the
economy are important not only for the jobs such businesses cre-
ate, but also for the goods and services previded to the residents
of the city.
In August of 1996 there were 1,009 acres of commercial land;
much of this land is developed. Redevelopment or reuse of exist-
ing commercial buildings is one opportunity for new commercial
development. Redevelopment and reuse are encouraged in the
downtown and other existing commercial corridors. Neighbor-
hood commercial developments are advocated in new neighbor-
hoods as they develop.
Given the construction of approximately 1.3 million square feet of
retail space in the new Coral Ridge Mall, it is unlikely, and probably~CONOMIC
not prudent, for Iowa City to consider the development of large,
newcommercialcentersintheforeseeablefuture. However, there
!l lNfi
may be a demand for smaller developments as the city grows. To .,.
meet the needs of Iowa City's future growth, new commercial
29
areas are proposed in locations where:
1] Old and new development can be served most effi-
l;INfi ciently with the least vehicle trip distance;
~ 2] The commercial development has the least nega-
tive impact on the neighborhood; and
3] Vehicular and pedestrian traffic is sufficient to sup-
port commercial entities (See Land Use Map eh-
closure)
Since commercial development occurs close to where people
live or along transportation corridors, special care should be taken
in the site design of these establishments. Landscaping to soffen
the impact of the structures and lessen the effect of multiple park-
ing lots should be part of each development. Signage which is
informative but unobtrusive is important, particularly near neigh-
borhoods and in entrance corridors to the city. Improvements
within the public right-of-way such as landscaping, sidewalks set
back a sufficient distance from the paving, and organized access
points are important to the functioning of the transportation cord-
dor and add to the quality of the trip. These features and ameni-
ties can be accomplished by the joint cooperation and participa-
tion of the City and business owners.
Information Technology
Information technologies have become an important part of the
regional and world economy, and will continue to create more flex-
ibility in the way we work, communicate, and deliver services.
The City of Iowa City should remain cognizant of changing tech-
nologies, and should periodically review its codes and policies to
accommodate them. The City should also be aggressive in using
the internet and other media to give information and promote the
value of the city to visitors and prospective industries.
30
31
OCIAL A RIC
Quality of life in a community is as important to a community's
success as the availability of basic necessities. Quality of life can
be defined by the tangible aspects of the community addressed in
previous sections---the availability of decent housing in cohesive,
stable neighborhoods; the ability to travel in and around the com-
munity with relative ease; and a healthy economy with well-paying
jobs and an abundance and variety of goods and services. Qual-
ity of life is also defined by less tangible aspects of the community
that have to do with how safe people feel, whether people are
accepted and supported by others, whether the community nur-
tures the development of people, and the extent to which harmony
is evidenced in the community. As we plan for the physical devel-
opment of Iowa City, these other important aspects of the com-
munity should be incorporated.
Arts and Culture
Iowa City has achieved regional and national recognition for its
support for the arts and the variety of cultural activities that take
place here. Much of this recognition is due to activi-
ties and programs at The University of Iowa. The
population attracted by the University is very sup-
portive of local artists and performers. Consequently,
Iowa City also stands out for its commitment to com-
munity arts and cultural activities such as the Iowa
Arts Festival, the Jazz Festival, Riverside Theater,
Iowa City Community Theater, and Arts Iowa City.
These activities and organizations add to the vitality
of the area, both in an economic sense and in mak-
ing Iowa City an attractive place to live. Support for
the arts and culture of the community enhances Iowa
City's position in the region and adds significantly to
the quality of life of the community and should, there-
fore, be continued and institutionalized as an eco-
Young participants in the annual Iowa Arts Festival nomic development and community betterment tool
celebrated each June. for the city.
32
Human Development
Three of the primary entities in Iowa City that focus on nurturing
and developing the potential of people who live here are the edu-
cational system, the public library, and the human service agen-
cies.
An educated community challenges and fosters
change in community institutions; broadens the
perspective of community action; and demands
variety and vitality in day-to-day activities. The edu-
cational institutions in Iowa City are independent of
city government. Through cooperative efforts
within the City such as the DARE program, school
siting during the development process, Padners
in Education, and shared facilities, the mission of
the educational institutions to foster life-long learn-
ers and to build good citizens is furthered.
The Iowa City Public Library is based on the prin-
ciple of a free library. A free library ensures that
the entire community, regardless of resources, has The Iowa City Public Library provides services at the
access to the information which can help them to Pheasant Ridge Neighborhood Center.
achieve their greatest potential. As a repository
and conduit of information, the library has evolved
in response to technological advances and infor-
mation retrieval so that the people of Iowa City are
able to keep up with global changes. As we move
into the next century, support for the library as a
free public institution should continue, to enable ac-
cess for all people to the information needed to suc-
ceed in the future.
The human service agencies of Johnson County
and Iowa City form the basis of a caring commu-
nity. There are approximately 30 such agencies
located in Iowa City, many of which obtain some
support through tax dollars, private contributions,
and the work of community volunteers. These
agencies provide a support system for people in
need, whether that need is temporary or more per-
manent in nature. Services range from hospice
care to crisis response to child care. These agen~
cies are an embodiment of the community's com-
mitment to responsiveness to human needs and The Johnson County/iowa City Senior Center pro-
the well-being of its citizenry, vides many programs designed to meet the needs of
the community's seniors
As the city and surrounding communities grow and
issues found in larger urban areas surface, some
debate has occurred about the value of a broad
range of human services. Coupled with decreases in many feder-
ally-funded human service programs, the function of some human
service agencies may be diminished significantly or lost. This is at
a time when the needs of people are likely to increase. Iowa City
faces difficult questions in this arena, the answers to which may ~OClA[ FABRIC
affect the character of the community--will it continue to foster a
climate of social acceptance and well-being, or will the community
33
egies of this plan continue to "embrace life-long education, good
health, decent housing, rewarding work, and helping each other
as basic elements that are essential to our quality of life (Social
Services vision statement p, 46)?'
Safety
Personal safety and the safety of property are basic needs in a
community and are typically addressed through the public safety
departments of police and fire. The effectiveness of
these departments is dependent upon resources
being available to them to expand their level of ser-
vices as the community grows, and on the coopera-
tion and involvement of the people of iowa City. In
addition to the traditional functions of police and fire
departments, future efforts will focus on programs
that educate and involve the public in issues of safety
and injury prevention. Such programs can include
neighborhood watch; stop, drop, and roll; check your
smoke detector battery day; the fire safety trailer;
Safe Kids Coalition; and community policing. The
involvement of citizens in their own personal and
public safety strengthens the sense of personal con-
Young firefighters/earning the importance of trol over safety, fostering an atmosphere of commu-
fire safety, nity safety and well-being.
34
35
The community vision task forces, which were formed in 1994 at
the beginning of the Iowa City: Beyond 2000 process, addressed
the general goals for Iowa City's future. These goals are the basis
for the 1997 Iowa City Comprehensive Plan. In examining the
goals, the next logical question is -- How do we get there? What
strategies can be developed to take us from the generalities of the
goal statements to specific policies for implementing the vision?
Various tools are available for us to carry out the vision of the iowa
City: Beyond 2000 process. The most common tools are the zon-
ing ordinance, subdivision regulations, and the Capital Improve-
ment Program; all of these are addressed in the Comprehensive
Plan. Other tools for achieving the vision include specific neigh-
borhood plans and adopted planning documents such as the
JCCOG Arterial Street Plan, the Iowa City Historic Preservation
Plan, and the Iowa City Open Space Plan.
The following section addresses the specific goals of each Iowa
City: Beyond 2000 task force, and offers strategies for answering
the question -- How do we get there? Each of the strategies will
require investigation as to their feasibility and practicality. Some
will require working with other jurisdictions and community organi-
zations. An Action Plan will be developed annually to pursue the
various strategies. As the feasibility and appropriateness of a strat-
egy are evaluated, that strategy may be modified, deleted, or re-
placed with a strategy that more successfully achieves the goal.
36
Iowa City is a growing city within the Johnson County/Linn County
region. It is a city composed of diverse individuals and groups.
The community is best served through the participation of its mem-
bers, the cooperative efforts of its parts, and coordination among
the governments that serve the region.
COOP RATI¥
FFFORT
37
Cooperate in devising ways in which citizens of Iowa City
can be informed about local issues and be active partici-
pants in setting the community's agenda
Iowa City Office of Neighborhood Services
Press releases to the local media
Cable TV local access and electronic kiosks
City utility bill newsletter
City TEAM (Together Everyone Achieves More)
Telephone hotlines
COOPERATI¥1:Worldwide Web & Internet
Support opportunities for residents, government, and local
[I;I;I]RT organizations to work together
Public information/public comment process
OJ]AL¢ Create community focus groups for specific issues
Promote regional cooperative efforts in the areas of
disaster planning and public safety
~ ~TR RTI~G J [~ Further enhance a metropolitan transportation planning
process that is open to community input and addresses all
forms of transportation
JCCOG metropolitan transportation planning process
JCCOG modal subcommittees
JCCOG adopted public input process
Questionnaires and surveys to deal with specific issues
Consider regional transportation systems
Encourage and support collaborative efforts among govern-
ment, business, community organizations, and the Univer-
sity of Iowa
Chamber of Commerce
Iowa City Vision 2000
Information exchange between organizations: ~gendas,
meeting minutes, legislation
Ad-hoc committees for specific issues
Iowa City Community School District
Cooperate with the University of Iowa, Johnson County, and
neighboring communities to address land use issues of
mutual concern, especially the planned development of
contiguous areas
JCCOG metropolitan planning organization
Land use agreements between governmental organiza-
tions
Include ECICOG, as appropriate
Create regional community task forces to study issues
such as the Iowa City-Cedar Rapids Corridor
Foster creative partnerships with neighborhood associa-
IOWFI I I1Y
tions, businesses, schools, governmental agencies, and
other organizations in parkland and program development
Outreach by the Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commis-
Br ONi) sion Iowa City Office of Neighborhood Services
-' PIN (Program for Improving Neighborhoods) grants
38
Iowa City has a state and national reputation for its quality of life.
To enhance this reputation the City must provide resources and
opportunities for learning and growth to all citizens. Culture, hu-
man development and the arts must be a prime focus for the
community.
Programs and services related to culture, human development
and the arts must be accessible to all, responsive to the varied
needs and interests of a diverse population, complimentary to the
rich resources of The University of Iowa and recognized as criti-
cal to the economic success of the city.
Iowa City must meet the on-going challenge to preserve and im-
prove a unique quality of life for a growing population and to pro-
vide a fertile environment for creative endeavors.
ART, CULIURE
g HUMAN
I EVELOPMENT
39
Provide additional and improved public spaces for arts, cul-
.'~ ~ ture and human development programs.
Expand the public library consistent with the goals of the
.... Iowa City Public Library's Strategic Plan.
Work with school district to ensure adequate school sites
are available as the city grows.
Work with the Iowa City Community School District to in-
clude public recreational facilities and meeting areas in
new schools.
[IBT Elected officials will consider human development factors
~ when making decisions.
HU I]N Promote public art, culture or human development compo-
nents in the redevelopment plans for Parcel 64-1a, the
last urban renewal parcel.
Allocate a minimum of $100,000 annually for public art
Promote arts, culture, and human development in the com-
OORL munity.
Include an official representative of Iowa City on the Iowa
~-~ ~T~ A'~GI E~ City Area Chamber of Commerce Arts Committee.
Facilitate media coverage of arts, cuJture and human
development activities.
Offer programs and services that meet the needs of all citi-
zens.
Consider a funding strategy to provide financial assistance
to local arts, culture and human development activities
sponsored by non-profit groups.
Ensure that facilities used for arts, culture and human de-
velopment activities are fully accessible according to the
requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, at a
minimum.
Document and preserve our cultural heritage.
Continue implementation of the Iowa City Historic Preser-
vation Plan.
Preserve and protect the human rights of all the people of
Iowa City.
Maintain support for the Human Rights Office and the Hu-
man Rights Commission
Periodically provide human rights sensitivity training for all
City employees.
Make available human rights awareness materials to em-
ployers, businesses, schools, and the public.
IOWR cm~ discriminationPr°vide public forums which focus on issues related tOand the law.
B OND 2ooo..
4O
The economic well-being of the residents of Iowa City is enhanced
by:
Creating and fostering an economic environment which
enhances the community's character where cultural, rec-
reational, and educational activities thrive and in turn pro-
vide economic opportunities;
Encouraging the diversification of the community's economic
base to maintain a vibrant economy through changing eco-
nomic conditions, while providing quality employment op-
portunities for all work force skills and educational levels;
Encouraging linkages among new and existing businesses
to create networks in which businesses may find materials
and markets in the local economy;
Sustaining and enhancing fiscally responsible and socially
relevant local government services, which include support-
ive services for the local work force; and
Maintaining a vibrant economy consistent with environmen-
tal health of the community, by stimulating energy and re-
source conservation and promoting clean, non-polluting
industries.
I £ONOFII£
W[t[-! [INO
41
Diversify and increase the property tax base by (1) encouraging
the retention and expansion of existing industry and (2) attracting
industries that have growth potential and are compatible with ex-
isting businesses.
Identify industry groups that are compatible with community goals
and toward which the community should target its economic de-
velopment efforts.
Provide an attractive environment to businesses involved in envi-
ronmental technology and services.
Encourage the development and expansion of businesses which
FI I]NI]J [j] use information technologies by making public right-of~way and
land available for infrastructure such as fiber optics lines and
wireless communication facilities.
WELL-laborlncrease employment opportunities consistent with the availabieforce.
Identity local labor force skills and the types of jobs compatible
OOAL~ with the local labor force.
Identify work force skills required by targeted industries and
identify education and training needs and resources such as
~ ~TR RT~OJ E~ the Region 10 Workforce Development Board.
Provide opportunities for the Iowa City work force to live close to
their place of employment.
Encourage small businesses as employment opportunities for
the available labor force.
Provide and protect areas suitable for future industrial and com-
mercial development.
Provide for the extension of infrastructure which will encourage
development in areas designated for industrial and commercial
growth.
Promote awareness of the cib/s economic development policies
through public forums.
Cooperate with local and regional organizations to promote eco-
nomic development within Iowa City.
Continue to use the Iowa City Area Development Group as the
lead economic development agency in the area.
Continue to coordinate with the UI.
Enhance communication between entrepreneurs, businesses,
govemment, labor, consumer and citizens groups, and educa-
tional institutions.
Improve the environmental and economic health of the community
through the efficient use of resources.
Encourage commercial activity to take place in existing core
areas or neighborhood commercial centers; discourage the pro-
liferation of new major commercial areas.
Continue and enhance downtown revitalization.
Establish programs to encourage businesses to use resources
more efficiently.
Encourage the creative reuse of existing commercial sites that
are vacant or underutilized.
Consider financial incentives and programs to facilitate achieving
the above goals.
IOWR CJ'JY Focus incentives on infrastructure development, work training
and retraining; and an efficient, timely and fair development re-
view process.
J]ND J]J]J] Develop criteria to use whenever considering financial incen-
tives for economic development projects.
," Monitor local financial markets to determine if they meet the
needs of local commercial and industrial ventures.
HOJ~/ PO ~/[ ~'/7'/[RL~ ProvideforandfacilitatethetimelyreviewbytheCityCouncilof
requests forfinancial incentives.
42
Iowa City has been recognized for its progress towards a quality
environment. The communitywill strive toward:
A high level of community environmental awareness and
action;
Cooperative environmental protection efforts including
public-private partnerships to advance a quality environ-
ment;
A citizenry that recognizes and values the unique ecology
of the area;
Development that occurs with consideration of ecological
features, such as protecting critical wildlife habitats, natu-
ral terrain and future green space;
Patterns of compact growth and development that empha-
size pedestrian access and neighborhood cohesiveness,
and support alternative modes of transportation that en-
hance air quality;
· Planning by developers, city government and interested
citizens that results in an infrastructure that provides effi-
cient waste treatment, recovery of valuable resources and
energy, participation in waste reduction and recycling pro-
grams, and that allows growth without sacrificing environ-
mental quality;
Conveniently located parks and trails that are easily ac-[NVIflONMENTflL
cessible to all citizens, are litter-free and hospitable to a
diversity of plants and animals;
Air and water that are clean, odor and color free, and noise
levels, lighting and signs that are unobtrusive.
43
Promote public education of environmental protection issues.
Hold annual public forums on environmental legislation and
sound environmental practices,
Conduct individual initiatives such as storm sewer labeling.
Support acquisition and management of watersheds, floodplains,
wetlands and greenways.
Evaluate the feasibility of interjurisdictional watershed man-
agement.
Develop a fiscally responsible plan for the acquisition of en-
dangered natural areas.
EN¥1 R O N H FNTFI LAcquire the streambanks and floodplains of Ralston Creek,willow Creek and the Iowa River.
Incorporate greenways into the open space system and the
PROTEETION bikeways network,
Complete the iowa River Corridor trail.
Promote regional storm waste management systems.
Reevaluate floodplain management ordinance.
Protect the water quality of stormwater runoff, landfill leachate
~"~ A'~61 [~ and wa~(in~iantue~ ~nffi°~ite°nnt'~g landfill leachate and wastewater treatment
effluent to maintain compliance with state and federal regula-
tions.
Evaluate stormwater management methods which contribute
to the filtering of stormwater runoff using natural features.
Require proper soil erosion control in all private and public
development projects.
Reduce the use of toxic chemicals, particularly lawn pesticides,
Review the use of toxic chemicals applied by City departments,
and reduce application where practical.
Promote alternatives to toxic residential lawn chemicals.
Reduce the volume of material going into the Iowa City landfill.
Promote initiatives for reducing the disposal of solid waste,
such as recycling alternatives and reuse of items currently
landfilled.
Provide for the safe and effective disposal of hazardous wastes.
Continue annual paint and battery disposal days.
Establish a household hazardous waste policy.
Maintain the integrity of scenic and historic vistas, control
offensive noises, and promote unobtrusive lighting and signs,
Enfome appropriate elements of the Historic Preservation
Plan, the municipal noise ordinance, and the municipal sign
ordinance.
Reevaluate lighting performance standards for glare.
Pursue identification and preservation of environmentally
IOWA CflY
sensitive areas,
Enforce the sensitive areas ordinance.
Reestablish natural areas where possible.
Discourage or prohibit the planting of invasive exotic plant
2 000-= owners.SpeciesbytheCity'°therpublicagencies'andpr°perty
44
Housing in a vital, energetic city builds a community of neighbor-
hoods that provides safe, attractive and affordable housing for all
its residents. A well-planned neighborhood welcomes all people
and includes both owner-occupied and rental, single-family and
multi-family housing. To this end, the City of Iowa City should
adopt policies to protect the integrity of existing neighborhoods
and to encourage the creation of neighborhoods in new develop-
ments.
HOUSING
45
Provide housing opportunities for households of all sizes,
incomes, ages, and special needs.
Encourage smaller owner-occupied houses on smaller lots.
Zone land for lower cost housing alternatives such as single
room occupancy, cooperatives, manufactured and modu-
lar homes.
HOU IN[ Institute incentives such as density bonuses, provision of
infrastructure, and reduction of infrastructure requirements
for the development of affordable housing.
OOAL~ Support programs that allow senior citizens to stay in their
homes and projects that provide group living options for
seniors.
~ ~'~ REG I [~ Fund programs that assist lower income households with
housing which may include public housing, the rental as-
sistance certificate and voucher programs, and housing
provided by private non-profit groups.
Identify and eliminate barriers to affordable and accessible
housing.
Encourage neighborhoods that support the principle of
diversity of housing types and households, and provide for
interaction among neighbors.
Simplified procedures for mixing housing types.
Encourage amenities such as retail stores, churches, and
small restaurants in neighborhoods.
Develop smaller lots and more common open space.
Investigate "fair share" concept for affordable housing (per-
centage in every neighborhood).
Preserve the integrity of existing neighborhoods and the his-
toric nature of older neighborhoods.
Develop neighborhood plans which help to ensure the con-
tinuation of a balance of housing types within neighbor-
hoods, particularly in older parts of the city.
Support the Historic Preservation Commission's efforts to
meet its goals.
Maintain and improve the safety of all housing,
Enforce building and housing codes.
Review existing codes for consistency with the goal to pro-
vide safe housing, reevaluating provisions which have no
apparent basis in safety.
Update codes to accommodate the use of new technology
and construction techniques.
Review zoning and annexation of undeveloped areas to plan
IOWA cr[Y for the development of sustainable and livable neighbor-hoods.
Zone for neighborhood development in conjunction with
20110 annexation.
.. Coordinate with surrounding municipal governments.
46
The citizens of Iowa City build community and preserve the city's
quality of life by providing connections not only to the people and
places around which activities are centered, but also to the city's
history, its environment and the University, all of which have shaped
Iowa City's unique character. Future city developments should
cherish and protect the character of the downtown and existing
neighborhoods, while carefully creating new areas which are inno-
vative in design, are compatible with their surroundings and are
environmentally sensitive. Future growth and development of the
community should be guided and managed to create a city which
is
Definable in character and space;
· Accessible to all;
Humane;
· Inclusive;
Diverse in land uses, employment and housing opportuni-
ties;
· Environmentally sensitive; and
Economically healthy.
LANi)U E
URBAN PATTERN
47
Define the City's adopted growth area boundary.
Focus urban growth; use the City's extraterritorial review
powers to discourage suburban sprawl.
Establish wherever possible green space at the edge of
the urban growth boundary.
Contain industrial development in industrial parks on the
/lIND edge ofthecommunity.
Identify appropriate areas for industrial growth, provide city
services, zone accordingly.
URBAN PATTERN
Focus commercial developmen, in defined commercial cen-
ters, including small scale neighborhood commercial cen-
60RL~ ters. Identify appropriate commercial nodes; zone accordingly
to focus commercial development.
~ ~'~R'~61E~ couragesDiSc°uragelinearstripc°mmercialdevel°pmentthaten'sprawl.
Maintain a strong, accessible downtown that is pedestrian
oriented and a cultural, commercial and residential center.
Encourage continued investment in downtown to assure
its place as the community cultural and commercial center.
Work with the business community on strategies to keep
downtown commercially viable.
Promote growth downtown consistent with the Near
Southside Development Plan.
Protect the historical and natural environment within the city.
Develop guidelines to help the development community deal
appropriately with natural areas and open spaces.
Use City projects to demonstrate appropriate relationships
between development and environmentally sensitive areas.
Continue implementation of the Iowa City Historic Preser-
vation Plan.
Foster strong community neighborhoods with a mix of hous-
ing, churches, schools, recreation facilities, commercial ar-
eas, and historic landmarks.
Plan and promote the development of model neighborhoods
that are compact, pedestrian-oriented, contain a mix of
housing, with neighborhood focal points and commercial
centers.
Promote a mix of housing styles within neighborhoods,
including compatible infill development through neighbor-
hood conservation districts and other measures; and zone
parcels in advance of development.
Implement zoning which integrates multi-family buildings
IOW~ CI-[Y as transitions between neighborhood commercial zones and
lower density single family areas.
Work with appropriate organizations to ensure that schools,
000 churches, parks, and neighborhood commercial centers are
centralized within residential areas rather than on the fringes
; of the community.
H0~/ PO ~/f ~L"/'/7./fRL.,~ Promote neighborhood commercial centers by identifying
and zoning parcels in advance of development.
48
Parks, recreation and open space are essential features of a healthy
community. Our vision is to enhance the quality of life in Iowa City
by creating a model community with:
Beautiful lands, trees and open spaces;
Sufficient park land, facilities and trails to accommodate
the needs of all neighborhoods;
· A balance of indoor and outdoor facilities and programs;
and
Activities and facilities which are accessible and afford-
able.
PARXS,
REER[FmON
OPEN SPACE
49
Make recreational facilities and programs as affordable as
possible.
Make special subsidy programs available to Iow income
residents.
Foster partnerships with neighborhood associations,
businesses, schools and governmental agencies.
Actively seek grants, matching monies, and gifts.
Ensure that programs and facilities are accessible to ail citi-
zens.
Implement accessibility retrofit programs for all park facilities
and recreation programs.
PFIRX ~ov,~ sufficient parking spaces to serve persons with
disabilities, including van spaces.
~ Expand recreation programs that serve people with spe-
cial needs.
RERFAflON Implement elements of the Neighborhood Open Space Plan.
OP[N PAC landEXpediteexpenditure°ffeespaidbydevel°persf°rparkacquisition.
Develop dedicated open space for use by neighboring residents.
~0AL~ program.Devel°p a neighborhood park land and trails acquisition
Update the neighborhood open space action plan on an
~.~ ~TR AT'Gl E~ ongoing basis.
Enhance and expand indoor and outdoor recreational facili-
ties,
Pursue improvements to the Robert A. Lee Community
Recreation Center, Mercer Park Aquatic Center, and the
south side sports complex.
Improve and maintain municipal parks to meet the needs of
neighborhoods and the community.
· Implement a planned maintenance strategy for City park
facilities.
Work with neighborhood groups on appropriate improve-
ments to neighborhood parks.
Establish a system of bikeways and trails connecting parks,
schools, neighborhoods, and the downtown area.
Complete the Iowa River Corridor Trail.
Construct bikeways and trails throughout Iowa City as
opportunities become available through the property de-
velopment process.
Create and maintain attractive.entrances to Iowa City.
Implement landscaping plans on public and private prop-
erty to enhance entranceways to the community.
Develop building and site design guidelines.
IOWA CflT
Enhance the city's urban forest.
Continue the Heritage Tree Program and expand it to other
BEYOND 2000 areas of the city.
Work with public utilities and private property owners to
", preserve trees.
Develop a preservation/replacement plan for trees
H0~/ P0 ~/f ~'/'/7/fRL''~ located on City-owned properties.
5O
Iowa City will be known as a community that keeps its people and
its environment free from harm and injury. Through the City de-
partrnents charged with public safety, resources will be directed
toward education, prevention and enforcement to enhance the
quality of life in Iowa City.
?U! LIC
51
Encourage support in the community for promoting public safety.
Encourage expansion of citizen involvement programs such as
neighborhood watch.
Seek and maintain cooperative relationships with other City de-
partments and other agencies promoting public safety; includ-
ing The University of Iowa.
Promote events such as "check your smoke detector battery
day," "stop, drop and roll," as well as working with community
groups on fire safety training and injury prevention.
PUBLIC ~ J;['JY tivelyResp°nd t° calls f°r emergency service as efficiently and effeC'as possible.
Efficiently and effectively conduct the criminaljustice process.
GO Attempt to recover lost and/or stolen property, identify its own-
ers, and ensure its prompt return.
Minimize emergency service response time.
~ ~TRAT~GI ~ theEnforcetrafficlawsanddirectthesafem°vementofalluserS°fstreetsystem.
Ensure safe fire equipment access.
Coordinate with Treffic Engineering Planning to monitor and eh-
rome problem locations throughout the city.
Initiate educational programs with the school distdct to promote
safe pedestrian travel by children.
Work with the Urban Planning Division to develop safe subdivi-
sion circulation patterns.
Work with neighborhood associations to locate problem traffic
areas and implement enforcement.
Continue to emphasize crime prevention in the mission of the Po-
lice Department.
Increase number of neighborhood watch groups and sustain
existing watches.
Solicit input from neighborhood watch groups for setting depart-
ment priorities in cdme prevention activities.
Train additional officers to recognize gang-related signs and
activities.
Maintain police identity in neighborhoods and police presence
in high activity areas, such as the downtown.
Inspire confidence in the provision of emergency services.
Develop personnel capable of providing the public with profes-
sional law enforcement, fire fighting, and emergency medical
service, hazardous materials mitigation, and rescue.
Continue to maintain the prevention of fire as the primary objective
of the Fire Department.
Implement programs on fire deterrents and arson prosecution
involving the public.
Promote public education with the schools, neighborhood asso-
ciations, landlords and other groups on the methods and tech-
niques of fire and injury prevention.
Actively participate in the enforcement of building and fire codes.
Complete inspections for building and fire code compliance.
IOWA CI"~Y Work with Housing and Inspection Services Department to en-
sure knowledge and compliance with the fire code by property
owners.
B~YOND ~000 Plan for tho public safety needs of the community.
., Develop annual objectives which make efficient and effective
use of resources.
H0~/ P0 ~/f 0.//'/- jT'~fRf? tanceM°nit°rofthePr°greSSpublic.in meeting public safety goals with the assis-
52
The City of Iowa City provides the foundation for a caring commu-
nity by responding to human needs, being ethically accountable,
and making decisions for the greater good. Our community eh-
courages the participation of all citizens to create a climate of so-
cial acceptance and well-being. We embrace life-long education,
good health, decent housing, rewarding work and helping each
other as basic elements that are essential to our quality of life.
City suppoded social services compliment and strengthen the el-
forts of citizens helping each other to enjoy that quality of life.
OCIAL
I R¥1CI
53
Promote a community standard of "service to others."
Encourage employers to promote service learning and
volunteerism opportunities to their employees.
· Work with the Volunteer Action Center and Volunteer
Administrators Network to encourage volunteer community
service activities.
--. Encourage a wide array of programs available in all neighbor-
,~ hoods throughout the city.
Support human service programs in centers in neigh-
borhoods.
~OClflL services. Use existing facilities to provide coordinated neighborhood
~[RVl C[~ vices Ensure an adequate level of financial support for human set- programs.
Facilitate the joint human services funding process through
GOALS
Strengthen relationships with entities that are not part of
the joint human services funding process.
Investigate ways to enhance the financial position of hu-
man service agencies.
Provide appropriate planning and coordination of human ser-
vices programs.
Work with JCCOG and agencies that offer services to ex-
change information and ideas, review new regulations, dis-
cuss issues and concerns.
Initiate a leadership role by Iowa City government in the pro-
vision of human services by an employer.
Determine feasibility of on-site daycare, cooperative efforts
with other employers, and utilizing 4Cs to assist employ-
ees in securing safe, reliable childcare.
Promote equal accessibility by all persons to all aspects of
the community.
Provide expanded employment opportunities for person
with disabilities, persons with employment difficulties, and
persons seeking work under the state's reformed welfare
laws.
Ensure that building codes and City ordinances are con-
sistent with ADA.
Provide sliding scale fee options for as many City services
as possible for Iow income residents
Enhance the ability of persons whose first language is not
10WA C I"~Y English to use City services.
Consider human services impacts on matters being dis-
Bff0ND ~000 cussed by the City Council.
; . Assess impact of development projects and City policies
on human service programs.
54
The quality of life for residents of iowa City is and will continue to
be enhanced by a balanced, multi-modal system for the transpor-
ration of people. This is a system which will accommodate all
forms of mobility in the community. Iowa City is enhanced by hay-
lng readily available freight access to the national transportation
network via the air, truck and rail modes. As the community changes
in the future, the City should pay increased attention to innovative
-- even adventurous -- methods of maintaining and improving our
transportation system.
TRAN PORTflTION
55
Accommodate all modes of transportation on the street sys-
tem.
Design arterial streets to accommodate all modes with side-
walks on both sides.
Maintain a sidewalk retrofit program for older arterials.
Construct capacity improvements when appropriate for
older arterials.
Encourage walking and bicycling.
TR N PORI TI[}N Provide sidewalks with curb ramps along all streets.
Provide crosswalks and walk signals where appropriate.
Provide wide curb lanes for bicycles, where appropriate.
OOAL~ Provide separate trails where appropriate; complete a net-
work of trails including the Iowa River Corridor Trail.
~J' ~T~ ~EGI [~ Provide adequate bike parking facilities.
Enforce the snow removal ordinance.
Promote use of public transit.
Continue to monitor transit on-time performance.
Ensure adequate levels of transit service during a.m. and
p.m. peak travel periods.
Continue upgrading transit capital equipment.
Create innovative ideas to increase ridership.
Continue aggressive marketing campaign.
Support efforts to secure Amtrack rail service in the cen-
tral Iowa corridor.
Maximize mobility for persons with disabilities.
Ensure that sidewalks, trails, curb ramps, traffic control
devices, street markings and parking facilities accommo-
date persons with disabilities.
Provide 100% lift-equipped public transit service by year
2000.
Continue provision of complementary paratransit service.
Enforce the snow removal ordinance.
Protect neighborhoods from arterial street traffic.
Use arterial streets as neighborhood boundaries.
Create self-contained neighborhoods with a mix of uses.
Implement traffic calming strategies where appropriate on
local residential streets.
Alleviate arterial street intersection congestion that
encourages motorists to cut through neighborhoods.
A downtown parking system that fosters economic growth
and vitality.
IOWA Clff Construct off-street parking garages with ancillary uses
such as daycare centers and covered bike parking.
Preserve the downtown on-street parking system for short-
Br~YOND ~10001 term parkers.
Ensure the continued vitality of the Iowa City Municipal Air-
!t0 / /)071t£#L port.
·Implement Airport Master Plan.
56
IP6
February 20, 2004 ~ CI~:~ Of
Terrence Neuzil, Chairperson
Johnson County Board of Supervisors
913 S. Dubuque Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
Re: Proposed extension of Oakdale Boulevard between Dubuque Street and Scott
Boulevard
Dear Terrence:
The City of Iowa City continues to be contacted by property owners north of Iowa City who wish
to consider the redevelopment of their property. This property is currently in Johnson County but
within the two-mile extraterritorial limit of Iowa City. Much of the property is within Iowa City's
long-range growth area according to the Iowa City Comprehensive Plan, and will eventually be
annexed to Iowa City. Potential developers in this area are generally aware that subdivision plat
approval must occur from both Johnson County and Iowa City.
The question most frequently asked is where the proposed extension of Oakdale Boulevard will
occur through this area. The JCCOG Arterial Street Plan shows Oakdale Boulevard being
extended east from the existing terminus in Coralville near First Avenue, across Dubuque Street
and the Iowa River, across Prairie du Chien Road and Iowa Highway 1, and over Interstate 80
to intersect with Scott Boulevard in Iowa City. In many cases construction of Oakdale Boulevard
is needed before properly could be redeveloped in this area. At the very least developers seem
to understand that the proposed road needs to be included in their development plans so that it
can eventually be constructed.
To address this matter the City of Iowa City has conducted a study of the Oakdale Boulevard
extension to determine where the preferred alignment should occur. Factors involved in this
study include alternatives for design and engineering of the road, compatibility and connectivity
to existing roads, access to properties to be redeveloped, environmental impacts, impacts to
existing businesses and homes, and the crossing locations of 1-80 and the Iowa River which will
entail the construction of large bridges. A thorough analysis has been completed resulting in a
preferred alignment being identified. Property owners along the proposed alignment were
contacted during the study, and as you might imagine, reactions were mixed. Those desiring to
redevelop their property were enthusiastic and cooperative. Those not desiring to redevelop
their property declined to participate.
It is important that everyone understand that the City of Iowa City has no intention of
constructing the extension of Oakdale Boulevard in the immediate future. There are no projects
in either the funded years or the unfunded years of the Iowa City Capital Improvement Program
for constructing portions of Oakdale Boulevard. However, individual property owners will likely
begin constructing sections of the road as properties are redeveloped. This could involve
annexation into Iowa City, or it is also possible that portions of the road could be constructed in
conjunction with County redevelopment projects prior to annexation.
410 EAST WASHINGTON STREET · IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240- 1826 · (319) 356-5000 · FAX (319) 356-5009
Terrence Neuzil
February 20, 2004
Page 2
Similar to the recent completion of Scott Boulevard in Iowa City, it is intended that sections of
the proposed Oakdale Boulevard extension will be constructed over the next 10 to 20 years.
This will result in a corridor which eventually connects into an urban arterial street through this
area. It is important at this stage of the planning process that a corridor be identified which can
be preserved as redevelopment projects occur over the next 10 to 20 years.
The County Engineer was invited to take part in this study and did attend our initial meeting.
However, it became apparent that it is unlikely any portion of this road will be constructed by
Johnson County. Since it will eventually be part of Iowa City, it is expected that the City of Iowa
City will oversee the construction of Oakdale Boulevard, either as a City project or as an
element of redevelopment projects. What is critical is that the City of Iowa City and Johnson
County enter into a 28E agreement for preservation of the corridor. This has been done
successfully already with sections of Oakdale Boulevard through what is now part of Coralville,
and for Highway 965 south of U.S. Highway 6.
On Monday, March 15 Jeff Davidson of the Johnson County Council of Governments will be
presenting the Oakdale Boulevard alignment study to the City Council at their work session and
we would like to invite you and any other County officials you feel appropriate to this
presentation. It will be held at 7:00 p.m. in Emma Harvat Hall in Iowa City City Hall. I am sure
Jeff would be glad to provide a separate presentation to the Board of Supervisors at one of your
meetings if that is preferred. However, we would appreciate an indication from the County at
your earliest convenience as to your inclination to enter into a corridor preservation agreement
with us, and we will ask JCCOG to prepare such an agreement.
Thank you for your consideration of this matter.
Sincerely,
Stephen J. Atkins
City Manager
cc: City Council
Jeff Davidson
Karin Franklin
Kelly Hayworth
Mike Gardner
City of Iowa City
M MORANDUM
Date: February 26, 2004
To: City Council
From: Robert Miklo, Senior Planner
Re: Visual Preference Survey
To encourage citizen understanding and participation in the code rewrite process we are
conducting a series of Visual Preference Surveys. These surveys are tools that are used in
comprehensive planning and zoning code projects as a way of informing the public of options
being considered as well as measuring public support for various zoning techniques. They are a
simple way of presenting the complexity of development regulations in a visual form that is
easily understood and reacted to. The attached flyer provides information about the upcoming
surveys. Councilors are encouraged to attend any one of the four sessions. If you plan to
attend, please advise the City Clerk.
What'
Participate in a Visual Preference Survey!
A Visual P~eference Suflmy is a fun and thought-provoking way to influence how Iowa City
will look in the future. Here's how it wats... In a group setting you will be asked to rate a
series of about 80 photos of residential and mmmerdM deelopeent. The photographs
will be proiected onto a large screen, with each photo displayed for about 30 seconds. Each
person participating in the survey will have a form on which to rank the image from -10
to +10. The score for each image is intended to reflect your response to the image, based
on your immediate reaction and with respect to its appropriateness for the Iowa City area.
From this information, we will create a summary of the results, along with a brief analysis of
common characteristics included in highly-rated photos. More importantly, we will look at
how the results could be used to shape public policies and development regulations that
direcUy affect how Iowa City will grow and develop in the future.
Choose one of the following sessions:
Tuesday, March 23r" Tuesday, March 30th
Session 1 - 5:30 p.m. Session 3 - 5:30 p.m.
Session 2 - 7:30 p.m. Session 4 - 7:30 p.m.
West High School Little Theater City High School Cafeteria
2901 Melrose Avenue 1900 Morningside Drive
~ ~~ No pre-registration required.
--° Refreshments served.
CITY OF IOWA CITY For more information, contact the Iowa City Department of Planning & Community Development
(319) 356-5240 www.icgov.orgMsualsurvey
IOWA CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT ~. ]Pa
410 EAST WASHINGTON STREET, IOWA CITY, IA 52240
(319) 356-5275 FAX # (319) 356-5449
"An Accredited Police Department"
To: Steve Atkins
From: RJ Winkelhake/, ~
Ref: Traffic Grant
The Governor's Traffic Safety Bureau awarded the Iowa City Police
Department a grant in the amount of $13,900 for Alcohol and Traffic
Enforcement. Nine hundred dollars of the grant is for the purchase of
two Preliminary Breath Testing instruments The grant is for the time
period of 1 April 2004 through 30 September 2004. Sgt. Mike Lord
applied for the grant and is the department contact for the grant.
This grant runs concurrent with the traffic grant for $21,000 was
awarded for the period of 1 October 2003 to 30 September 2004. The
$21,000 grant is also for Alcohol and Traffic enforcement.
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: February 26, 2004 ~4~
To: City Manager .~.~/~ ~A/,v,
From: Karin Franklin, Director, ~CD
Re: Development Code
The Council has requested an update of the Development Code work.
Presented below is a refresher on what the goals of the Code re-write are and
highlights of the concepts that are being addressed in the current draft. The
"meat" of the Code is in chapters 2 and 4, Base Zones and Use Regulations.
These chapters, as well as the other sections noted on the attached Table of
Contents, have been reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission;
recommendations will come after public comment is received by the
Commission. Chapter 5, Article A, Off-Street Parking, is the next large section
to be reviewed by the Commission and is tentatively scheduled for the week of
March 7.
There are three broad goals in rewriting the Development Code, which includes
the Zoning Ordinance and the Subdivision Regulations. Those goals are:
· Make the zoning and subdivision regulations consistent with the
Comprehensive Plan;
· Look for ways to provide opportunities for the construction of more
moderately priced housing, and consider changes where current provisions
act as an impediment to such construction; and
· Make the codes easier to use.
Note that these are cumulative goals; a change to achieve one goal should not,
to the extent possible, contravene another goal. These goals were the direction
given to Duncan & Associates, who then analyzed our current Codes and
interviewed local residents, builders and developers about the development
process and outcomes. Many of the revisions the staff has proposed as part of
this project come from the conclusions of Duncan & Associates included in a
report presented to the Council at a work session in the spring of 2001. This
report has been the basis of the re-drafting effort.
Based upon the goals noted above, our work has been to develop a code that:
· provides more flexibility in development (e.g. allowing a broader variety of
uses within zoning districts, reducing requirements for front building setbacks
in certain zones, simplifying and in many cases reducing minimum parking
requirements, etc);
· allows for more small lot development to provide moderately priced housing;
· reduces dependence on the planned development process (the intent is to
give us the ability to zone for small lot, multi-family or commercial
development consistent with our adopted plans prior to a development
request); and
· includes codified standards to achieve the goals of the Comprehensive Plan
previously achieved through the planned development process, conditional
rezonings, and special exceptions.
Reducing dependence on the planned development process--a request of local
builders and developers--is critically tied to establishing clear and objective
standards for development if we are to achieve the goals of the Comprehensive
Plan.
We have also attempted to apply logic to the code. Over time changes have
been made to the code which were instigated by a specific situation. Councils
have been petitioned by various people to make changes to accommodate a
specific project. As time goes on, the merit of such changes may become lost as
the precipitating situation fades from memory. If provisions of the current code
seem illogical to us in the light of today, we have proposed changes that make
sense to us. As we go through the public review and political process, we are
certainly aware there may be interest, and cause, to go back and revise our view
of what is logical.
Highlights of the draft
Use categories. Instead of detailed lists of specific land uses, uses have been
grouped into broad categories. Simplifying our land use classification system will
create additional flexibility within the zoning districts, make it easier to establish
development standards that apply across the board to all similar uses, and
improve consistency in our land use reviews over time. These changes should be
particularly helpful in our commercial zones where our current bewildering list of
specific uses may be discouraging economic development.
Eliminate two zones, the Factory Built Housing Zone (RFBH) and the Central
Business Service Zone (CB-2). Leased lot developments, such as manufactured
housing parks would instead be allowed through the OPDH process. Areas
zoned CB-2 would be rezoned to Central Business Support (CB-5), Planned High
Density Multi-Family (PRM), or Residential/Office (R/O).
RS-8 zone becomes primarily a small lot single-family zone and duplexes are
permitted in the RS-5 and RS-8 zones on corner lots with certain design
requirements.
2
Multi-family site and design standards are extended to all multi-family
development.
Parking requirements are generally reduced for single-family uses and many
commercial uses. Parking requirements for single-family dwellings are reduced
from two spaces to one and minimum requirements for commercial uses are
lessened based on the premise that commercial establishments will provide
adequate parking in order to succeed.
New access management standards are included to ensure safe and efficient
driveway access to public streets.
New landscaping and screening options are included to provide property owners
flexibility in designing their site when screening or landscaping is required.
Establishing clear and objective standards for special exceptions, planned
developments, and sensitive areas applications so that reviews and approvals
are fair and consistent over time.
New landscaping requirements are included to screen parking lots, outdoor
storage, and work areas in commercial zones and consistent setbacks for
parking lots are established for commercial and industrial zones..
Religious institutions are treated similarly to any group assembly types of uses,
consistent with the federal RLUIPA (Religious Land Use and Institutionalized
Persons Act).
Lot sizes and widths are substantially reduced in certain zones to make it easier
to develop housing on small lots without going through the planned development
rezoning process. Coupled with these reductions in lot size requirements are
standards for building placement and vehicular access in accordance with the
direction provided in the Comprehensive Plan.
These highlights are a very brief statement of the major items under
consideration. As the code is brought to the Council, detailed explanations of the
provisions and the rationale for each will be provided. Obviously some of these
provisions may change as the code is taken through the Planning & Zoning
Commission and is reviewed by the public.
Cc Bob Miklo
Karen Howard
TITLE 14: UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE OF IOWA CITY
Chapter 1. Introductory Provisions
Article A. Title, Applicability, Purpose P&Z
Article B. Interpretation and Scope P&Z
Chapter 2. Base Zones
Article A. Single Family Residential Zones P&Z
Article B. Multi-Family Residential Zones P&Z
Article C. Commercial Zones P&Z
Article D. Industrial and Research Zones P&Z
Article E. Special Purpose Zones Draft in progress
Chapter 3. Overlay Zones
Article A. Planned Development Housing Overlay (PDH) Draft in progress
Article B. Historic Preservation Overlay (HP) Under staff review
Article C. Conservation District Overlay (CD) Under staff review
Article D. Design Review Overlay (DR) Draft in progress
Chapter 4. Use Regulations
Article A. Land Use Classification P&Z
Article B. Provisional Uses and Special Exceptions P&Z
Article C. Accessory Uses and Buildings P&Z
Article D. Temporary Uses P&Z
Article E. Nonconforming Situations P&Z
Chapter 5. Site Development Standards
Article A. Off-street Parking and Loading Standards P&Z
Article B. Sign Regulations Draft in progress
Article C. Access Management Standards Under staff review
Article D. Intersection Visibility Standards P&Z
Article E. Tree Standards Under staff review
Article F. Landscaping and Screening Standards P&Z
Article G. Outdoor Lighting Under staff review
Article H. Off-Site Impact Standards Draft in progress
Article I. Sensitive Lands and Features Draft in progress
Cha 3ter 6. Airport Zoning No changes
Cha 3ter 7. Subdivision Design and Improvements Draft in progress
Cha 3ter 8. Building and Housing Move to different Title
Cha 3ter 9. Public Works Move to different Title
Cha ~ter 10. Review and Approval Procedures Draft in progress
Cha ~ter 11. Boards and Commissions Draft in progress
Cha 3ter 12. Penalties and Enforcement No changes
Cha 3ter 13. Definitions and Measurement Standards Draft in progress
Draft in progress = Staff is drafting code language.
Under staff review = Language drafted and under review by a joint staff committee (including
staff from the Planning Dept, Housing and Inspection Services, and City Attorney's Office +
staff from other departments when needed).
P&Z = Draft language forwarded to P&Z for initial discussion and review.
P&Z (Partial) = A portion of this article has been forwarded to P&Z for review.
2/24/2004
Julie Voparil
From: Kathryn Johansen
Sent: Thursday, February 26, 2004 11:40 AM
To: Julie Voparil
Subject: FW: Traffic Signals
..... Original Message .....
From: Rick Fosse
Sent: Thursday, February 26, 2004 11:29 AM
To: Kathryn Johansen
Subject: FW: Traffic Signals
FYI - Here is Jeff Davidson's response to John Gross's e-mail that John
sent to me and cc'd the Council. Jeff's response did not cc the
Council.
..... Original Message .....
From: Jeff Davidson
Sent: Wednesday, February 25, 2004 4:26 PM
To: 'jgross@techiowa.com'
Cc: Rick Fosse
Subject: FW: Traffic Signals
Hello John. Rick forwarded your note below to me. The device you
describe is called a speed trailer, and has been operated for several
years by the Coralville Police Department. It is similar to one
operated by Iowa City PD; I believe the only difference is the flashing
lights on top if you are exceeding the speed limit. Unfortunately the
effectiveness of these devices is very limited. We have done before and
after speed studies and there is little residual effect a day or two
later. There is some effectiveness while they are in place, although
less so once motorists realize they will not receive a citation from the
device. We have even had examples of people seeing how fast they can
get it to read out. And state law doesn't allow a traffic citation to
be issued from a photographic image. You should have heard some of the
calls we received when people thought we were doing that with the video
traffic signal detection. Jeff D.
..... Original Message .....
From: Rick Fosse
Sent: Wednesday, February 25, 2004 4:02 PM
To: Jeff Davidson
Subject: FW: Traffic Signals
..... Original Message .....
From: John Gross [mailto:jgross@techiowa.com]
Sent: Wednesday, February 25, 2004 2:01 PM
To: rick-fosse@iowa-city.org
Cc: council@iowa-city.org
Subject: Traffic Signals
Rick, I saw an interesting traffic signal that might be appropriate for
school zones llke Oakdale Blvd where speeds are often way over the
limits.
!
It involved a speed sensor that read the speed of an approaching car.
The device consisted of a speed limit sign and a large flashing light.
When
approached at allowed speeds the light flashed yellow, but if the car
exceeded the legal speed the light flashed red and continued until the
speed
dropped under the limit, when it changed to yellow.
It worked for me!
It would be interesting to attach a camera, bet it would pay for itself
90 days.
John A. Gross
Technigraphics, Inc.
PO Box 1846
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Tel 319-354-5950
Fax 319-338-2797
jgross@techiowa.com
Marian Karr ~
From: John Gross [igross@techiowa,com]
Sent: Wednesday, February 25, 2004 2:01 PM
To: rick-fosse@iowa-city.org
Cc: cou ncil@iowa-city.org
Subject: Traffic Signals
Rick, I saw an inter, ing traffic signal that might be for
school zones like Blvd where speeds are often way ov~ the
limits.
It involved a speed sensor Nat read the speed of an appr car.
The device consisted of a limit sign and a large g light.
Wherl
approached at allowed speeds ight flashed yellow but if the car
exceeded the legal speed the lic flashed red and until the
speed
dropped under the limit, when it to
It worked for me!
It would be interesting to attach a it would pay for itself
in
90 days.
John A. Gross
Technigraphics, Inc.
PO Box 1846
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Tel 319-354-5950
Fax 319-338-2797
jgross@techiowa.com
Coralville Fire Association
1501 5th St
Coralville, IA 52241
Dear Iowa City Council Members,
We, the members of the Coralvitle Fire Association, would like to take this opportunity to
express our gratitude to your great city for the mutual aid that Iowa City Fire has given to
us in the past, as well as the rest of the county fire departments. The Iowa City fire
fighters have been a great resource for our community and we look forward to continuing
this great partnership.
In the past few months our membership has been following the developments with your
budget issues and we understand that a number of fire fighter positions are being
terminated. We the members of the Coralville Fire Association would like to show our
support for the current Iowa City Fire Department staff and would like to express our
concerns with the upcoming cuts to Iowa City Fire.
As fire fighters we understand the essential need for adequate staffing numbers on the fire
scene. Fire fighter safety is compromised as the number of fire fighters on the fire
ground decreases. Since we use the resources of the Iowa City Fire Department, not only
is the safety of the Iowa City fire fighters at risk, but the safety of Coralville fire fighters
as well.
So we ask that the members of your council consider the safety implications that come
with laying-off fire fighters. With the safety of the fire fighters and the safety of the
public in mind, we hope that you reconsider terminating our fellow fire fighting brothers
and sisters.
Sincerely,
Mindi Drake
President Coralville Fire Association
From Mayor Pro tem Wi lburn
EAST CENTRAL IOWA
COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS
YOUR REGIONAL PLANNING AGENCY
MEMORANDUM
DATE: February 17; 2004
TO: ECICOG~Board of Directors
FROM: Doug Elliot~Ex~ecutive Director
SUBJECT: Next Meeting - Thursday,, February 26, 2004-
The ECICOG Board of Directors will meet on Thursday, February_26, 2004, at 1:00 p.m~, at the
ECICOG offices. An age.nda for the meeting and minutes of the January 29m meeting are
enclosed. Other items are highlighted belpw:
Item 2.0 Routine M~tters: Financial statements.for the month of January are enclosed.
Item 3,1 Chairperson's Report: Chairperson B~arron will appoint members to. the board's two
standing committees: personnel and budget.
Item 3.4 - 3.7 Community Development, Housing, & Circuit Rider Reports: Staff reports are
enclosed.~
Item 3.8 Solid waste Report: A staff report is enclosed. Also,. a resolution adopting the solid
waste management plan is enclosed for your consideration at the board meeting.
Item 3~8 Transportation Reports: A staff report is enclosed. The b~ard v~ill conduct a public
hearing for the Consolidated Transit Application for the ECIT at the start of the meeting.
Item 4.4 - 4.5 Transit Operators Group & Solid Waste TAC: Minutes of the most recent
meetings are enclosed.
Please review the remainder of the enclosed materials, and c6ntact us if you have questions
before the meeting on the 26th. ,
Enc.
108 Third Street S~, Suite 300 Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52,401 319-365-9941 FAX 319-365-9981 www. ia,net/-edcog
100% POST CONSUMER CONTENT
East Central Iowa Council of Governments Board Meeting Notice
1:00 P.M. FebruarY 26, 2004
I
ECICOG Offices
108 Third Street SE, Suite 300, Cedar Rapids
TEL 365-9941 FAX 365-9981
page
1.0 CALL TO ORDER
· 1 Recognition of Alternates
.2 Public Discussion
.3 Approval of Agenda
.4 Public Hearing - ECIT Consolidated Transit Application
2.0 ROUTINE MATTERS
1-3 .1 Approval of Minutes (January 29, 2004)
4-6 .2 Preceding Month's Budget Reports/Balance Sheets
3.0 AGENCY REPORTS
.1 Chairperson's Report
.2 Board Members' Reports
.3 Director's Report
7-8 .4 Community Development Report
9-11 .5 Housing Report
12-13 .6 Circuit Rider Report
14-15 .7 Solid Waste Report
16-18 .8 Transportation Report
4.0 COMMITTEE REPORTS
· 1 Executive Committee
.2 Personnel Committee
.3 Budget Committee
19-20 .4 Transit Operators Group
21-22 .5 Solid Waste Technical Advisory Committee
.6 Ad Hoc Committee Reports
5.0 IOWA INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW SYSTEM
6.0 OLD BUSINESS
· 1 Approval of Expenditures
7.0 NEW BUSINESS
· 1 Legislative Discussion
8.0 NEXT MEETING: March 25, 2004
ECICOG is the Region lO planning agency serving local governments in the counties of Benton, Iowa, Johnson,
Jones, Linn, and Washington.
2.0 ROUTINE MATTERS
.1 Approval of Minutes (November 25, 2003)
MJS/C (Wilson/Hansen) to approve the minutes as written. All ayes.
.2 Preceding Month's Budget Reports/Balance Sheets
Elliott gave an overview of the December financial statements. Departmental statements were included in the
board packet.
M/S/C (Hamey/Herw~g) to receive and file the December financial statements for audit. All ayes.
3.0 AGENCY REPORTS
.1 Chairperson's Report
Brown asked the nominating committee for the slate of officers for 2004. Wilbum stated the committee
nominated Barron-Chair, Vermedahl-Vice-Chair, and Edwards-Secretary/Treasurer.
M/S/C (Wilburn/Hansen) to elect Barron-Chair, Vermedahl-Vice-Chair, and Edwards-Secretary/Treasurer for
2004. All ayes.
Barton presented Brown a personalized gavel and thanked him for being Chair the last two years.
Barron presided over the remainder of the meeting.
.2 Board Members' Reports - None
.3 Director's Report
Elliott referred to page 13 of the board packet, the depository resolution.
MJS/C (Cook/Stout) to adopt the depository resolution. All ayes.
Elliott handed out a copy of the 2003 Annual Report and told board members the report was sent out to be
printed and would be mailed out next month.
He thanked Mary Day for being accessible and helpful to ECICOG.
Elliott told the board he learned of an update to the RACI Program at the December IARC meeting. Trcharne
will give more information about that in her report. He also noted IDED is proposing to change the housing
rehabilitation program to include full lead abatement. Discussion followed.
He gave a listing of legislative days; Wednesday, February 18t~ is the Iowa League of Cities' day and Thursday,
February 19th is IARC's day.
(Langston joined the meeting at this time.)
Burton introduced new Linn County Board Member, Linda Langston and welcomed her to the ECICOG Board.
.4 Community Development Report
Sands handed out a map and list of planning projects for 2003.
.5 Housing Report
Peterson told the board she will know the status of the submitted grant applications in March. She also told the
board she was available to give presentations on housing services and she gave a presentation to the Mount
Vernon City Council earlier this week.
.6 Circuit Rider Report
Trehame handed out information on RACI grants. Discussion followed.
.7 Solid Waste Report
Ryan told the board the draft solid waste comprehensive plan was complete and on file at locations listed on
page 22 of the board packet. She noted the final plan would be submitted by March 26. Discussion followed.
M/S/C (Hansen/Chittenden) to place the plan out for a 30-day public comment period. All ayes.
She told the board Kristin Simon, ECICOG's new Solid Waste Planner will start on Monday.
.8 Transportation Report
Rump told the board the ITS application approved at the November meeting is still in review. She also
reminded board members the policy committee meeting to follow today's board meeting was cancelled and re-
scheduled for February 12 at 2:00 p.m.
Jacobson asked the board to set a public hearing for the consolidated transit application, she noted it could be
held at the next board meeting, o~
MINUTES
East Central Iowa Council of Governments
Board Meeting 1:00 p.m. - January 29, 2004
108 Third Street SE, Suite 300, Cedar Rapids, IA
MEMBERS PRESENT
Ed Brown-Mayor of Washington
Lu Barron-Linn County Supervisor
Don Magdefrau-Benton County Citizen
Dennis Hansen-Jones County Citizen
Leo Cook-Jones County Supervisor
Aaron Chittenden-Jones County Citizen
Henry Herwig-Coralville City Council
Pat Harney-Johnson County Supervisor
Larry Wilson-Johnson County Citizen
Bob Stout- Washington County Supervisor
Gary Edwards-Iowa County Citizen
Ross Wilburn-lowa City City Council
Dawn Pettengill-Mayor of Mt. Auburn
David Vermedahl-Benton County Supervisor
Linda Langston-Linn County Supervisor
MEMBERS ABSENT
Ann Hearn-Linn County Citizen
Ed Raber- Washington County Citizen
Wade Wagner-Cedar Rapids Commissioner
Charles Montross-Iowa County Supervisor
Ric Gerard-Iowa County Supervisor
Elected Official-Linn County
ALTERNATES PRESENT - None
OTHER'S PRESENT
Mary Day from Senator Grassley's Office
STAFF PRESENT
Doug Elliott-Executive Director
Gina Peters-Administrative Assistant
Eric Freese-Hoasing Specialist
Mary Rump-IT~Transportation Planner
Robyn Jacobson- Transit Administrator
Jennifer Ryan-Planner
Chad Sands-Planner
Amy Peterson-Program Administrator
Lisa Treharne-Circuit Riding Planner
1.0 CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson, Ed Brown at 1:06 p.m.
.1 Recognition of Alternates
Brown welcomed Mary Day from Senator Grassley's office.
.2 Public Discussion - None
.3 Approval of Agenda
M/S/C (Cook/Stout) to approve the agenda. All ayes.
M/S/C (Brown/Magdefrau) to set the public hearing for the consolidated transit application for February 26~ at
1:00 p.m. All ayes.
4.0 COMMITTEE REPORTS
.1 Executive Committee
M/S/C (Brown/Wilson) to approve the minutes of the December 23, 2003 meeting. All ayes.
.2 Personnel Committee
Edwards read the minutes from the personnel committee meeting. The committee recommended a 2% increase
to the executive director's salary and a maximum 2% increase for staffbased on performance reviews. The
committee also recommended a $4250 allocation increase for staff. These recommendations were forwarded to
the budget committee.
.3 Budget Committee
Cook told the board the committee met and approved the budget as it was presented. A 2% reduction in all
assessments is proposed and the solid waste assessment structure has been modified. Elliott gave an overview
of the changes to the solid waste assessment. Discussion followed.
M/S/C (Cook/Herwig) to approve the budget. All ayes.
.4 Transit Operator's Group
Rump gave an overview of the recent 1TS meeting.
.5 Solid Waste Technical Advisory Committee
Minutes were included in the board packet.
.6 Ad Hoc Committee Reports - None
5.0 IOWA INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW SYSTEM - None
6.0 OLD BUSINESS
.1 Approval of Expenditures
M/S/C (Brown/Wilburn) to approve payment of expenditures. All ayes.
7.0 NEW BUSINESS - None
8.0 NEXT MEETING: February 26, 2004
The meeting adjourned at 2:06 p.m.
Gary Edwards, Secretary/Treasurer
February 26, 2004
Date
Community Development Rep°'tt I
Date: February 26, 2004
From: Chad Sands, AICP, Planner
Lisa J. Treharne, Plann. er
Lisa-Marie Garlich, Planner
Amy Peterson, Program Administrator
Status of Planning Projects
· Benton County has requested a service proposal for ECICOG staff to prepare an overall
Comprehensive Plan for the County. Staff made a p(esentation at the County's February
Planning and Zoning Commission meeting.
The Bertram and Springville City/County Strategic Growth Plans (CCSG) and resulting
Fringe-Area Agreements between the two cities and Linn County have been adopted amd
recorded. The plans are for managing development in the respective City's fringe areas.
I. inn County is currently undertaking a population study to determine the next city to
begin the CCSG process.
· Work on the Johnson County Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance update has begun.
Work is expected to take an additional 3 months before being sent to the County's
Planning and Zoning Commission. Major changes to the ordinance will include updated
definitions, format changes to the overall ordinance layout and changes to specific
requirements and regulations.
I. inn County has contracted with ECICOG to prepare a Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan. Work
is nearing completion on this project and is expected to be completed by February 28,
2004. At that time, the plan will be sent to the State for review and approval.
· Work on the City of I. isbon zoning and subdivision ordinance update is nearing
completion. The ordinances are currently being reviewed by the Council and should be
adopted at the February Council meeting.
· Work has begun on the City of Oxford Junction codification project. The project will
codify all of the City's ordinances into one document as per the State Code. The City will
likely adopt the finished code in March.
· The City of Springville has started work on updating their comprehensive plan. There will
be open monthly meetings by the planning committee throughout the project. The first
town meeting, which focused on future land use possibilities, was held and work
continues on the plan with issues impacting the community such as main street re-
development and housing.
· Work has begun on the City of Van Horne codification project. The project will codify all
of the City's ordinances into one document as per the State Code. The City will likely
adopt the finished code this summer.
· ECICOG is providing site plan and development review services for the Cities of
Bertram and Shueyville.
Community Development Report
FebruarY 26, 2004
page 2
Community Development Block Grants and other Grant Programs
Projects in pre-construction phase:
Crawfordsville (day care) - total project cost: $563,500; amount awarded $250,000. Both the
City and School District have decided to turn the funds back to IDED due to funding concerns.
Therefore, the project has been closed. IDED will re-imburse the CDBG portion of the expenses
incurred to-date.
Benton County: Funded $109,000 for the installation of a sanitary sewer system for the
unincorporated area of Watkins. The engineer is currently drawing up plans.
Projects in construction phase:
Crawfordsville (CDBG): The construction is approximately 90 percent complete for this sanitary
sewer system project. The collection system and lagoon are complete. Service lines are being
connected. The project end date is April, 2004. Amount awarded: $250,000.
Iowa County (waste water treatment) - Construction is approximately 90 % complete. The
lagoons are finished and individual lines are nearing completion. Total project cost: $798,000;
amount awarded: $265,000.
Projects awaiting close out:
Central City (day care) - Construction is complete and close out is in progress. The facility is
open and running. Total project cost: $1,t27,500; amount awarded: $360,000.
City of Millersburg (sanitary sewer system) - Construction is complete and close out is in
progress. Total project cost: $924,650; amount awarded: $219,000.
Benton County (rural water) - Total project cost: $3,802,410.10; amount awarded: $600,000.
Community Development Block Grant Applications:
Jones County - Sanitary Sewer Submitted
City of Washington - Lending Hands Daycare Submitted
Expected award date: March 15th
ECICOG
Date: February 26, 2004-
From: Lisa-Marie Garlich, Planner, ext. 33
Lisa Trehame, Planner, ext. 29
Amy Peterson, Program Administrator, ext. 21
Eric Freese, Housing Specialist, ext. 24
I GrantApplications [
IDED-Housing Fund
Grant applications for the following communities were submitted in December. [DED will announce
funding on March 3, 2004. Fairfax, Coralville, Kalona, Solon, Marion, Anamosa, and Lisbon.
Marion Flood Buy-Out. The City was awarded funds to acquire and demolish three homes flooded by
the 2001 rains. The City bought out one home in January and the demolition process has begun.
Another home should be closing soon. The third home chose not to participate.
Grant: $ 264,117 Source of Funds: FEMA/State of Iowa/City
Monticello Flood Buy-Out. The City was awarded funds to acquire and demolish two homes flooded
by the 2001 rains. Beth homeowners should be dosing in February and demolition wiii follow.
Grant: $ ~.33,599 Source of Funds: FEMA/State of Iowa/City
[ Ongoing Projects I
Anamosa Rehabilitation 1~I. The City was awarded funds to rehabilitate ~.0 houses. Seven homes are
completed. Three homes are currently under construction. The City is using T[F Funds to rehabilitate
another home. This home is currenUy being verified. Three homes were deemed ineligible.
Grant: $379,850 Local Match: $10,000 T[F Funds: $52,120 Source of Funds: HUD/IDED Housing Fund
Benton County flomeownership Assistance. The County was awarded funds to provide down
payment assistance to at least eight households in Benton County excepting Vinton. Five homes are
complete; one applicant is in the rehab process. One applicant is building a new home and will be
closing this spring. The final applicant was dropped from the program because they no longer needed the
assistance. Applicants on the waiting list are now being contacted to fill the final slot.
Grant: $~t55,990 Local Match: $8,950 Source of Funds: HUD/[DED Housing Fund
Brighton Rehabilitation. The City was awarded funds to rehabilitate 9 houses. Seventeen
applications were received. Inspections have been completed on five homes, two will be going out to bid
soon. one is on hold pending work being done by HACAP. One has dropped out of the program for
personal reasons, and another is in the historical process.
Grant: $370,600 Local Match: $14,000 Source of Funds: HUD/IDED Housing Fund
Central City Flood Buy-Out 1'. All five homes have been purchased. All homes have been
demolished. The financials are cleared. The project cannot close out until the Hazard Mitigation Plan is
adopted.
Grant: $:[79,632 Source of Funds: FEMA/State of Iowa/Central City
Central City Flood Buy-Out ~[. All homes have been bought out. Three homes are scheduled for
' ~elocation. The fourth home is going to be demolished or burnt by the city. Another home was added to
this project. It has been bought out and will bo sold by the City.
Grant: $37:[,547 Source of Funds: FEMA/State of Iowa/Central City
q
Coralville Rehabilitation. The City was awarded funds to rehabilitate at least 11 houses. Nine homes
are completed. One home is almost through with construction. One home is out to bid. Eight applicants
are on the waiting list. Inquiries are still being received on a regular basis.
Grant: $417,411 Local Match; $20,000 Source of Funds: HUD/IDED Housing Fund
Pairfax Rehabilitation. The City was awarded funds to rehabilitate 10 houses. Nine homes are
completed. One home is under construction. Two applicants remain on the waiting list.
Grant: $273,990 Local Match; $10,000 Source of Funds: HUD/IDED Housing Fund
GRO House. The contractor is on schedule to be finished with the interior of the home by the end of
February. We are looking for the following materials - interior lights, linoleum, carpeting, interior doors
and concrete for sidewalks and the driveway approach.
.~ohnson County Federal Home Loan Bank TTT. ECICOG received a third round of funds on behalf of
the .]ohnson County Housing Task Force for the rehabilitation of 20 homes. Applications are being
accepted and processed. Five applications have been received and are eligible for the program. One
applicant has completed the process. Two others are moving ahead in the process, the final two have not
responded to our communication efforts.
Grant.' $107,500 Local Match: $92,500 Source of Funds: Federal Home Loan Bank
Washington County Federal Home Loan Bank I. EC]~COG received funds on behalf of Washington
County to assist 10 homes. Applications are being accepted and processed. There are 8 applicants
moving through the program at this time.
Grant:. $53,750 Local Match: $? Source of Funds: Federal Home Loan Bank
Linn County Flood Buy-Out I. The county was awarded funds to acquire four houses. All demolition
is complete. The last home was disqualified for funding. Financials complete.
Unn County Flood Buy-Out Phase ][;[. The county was awarded funds to purchase and demolish
four homes. This project is now complete, but project close out for both projects cannot be completed
until the completion and adoption of the County Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Grant: $118,169 Source of Funds: FEMA/State of Iowa/Linn County
Lone Tree Rehabilitation. The City was awarded funds to rehabilitate 8 houses. Fifteen applications
were received. Three applicants have dropped from the program for various reasons. Three homes have
been inspected and are either awaiting historicals or are going out to bid. One home has had an intensive
historical completed and we are now waiting to hear from the State Historical Society.
Grant: $320,312 Local Match: $8,000 Source of Funds: HUD/IDED Housing Fund
Iqartelle RehabilitaUon. The City was awarded funds to rehabilitate 8 houses. Seven homes are
completed. The last home is under construction. Two homes were deemed ineligible.
Grant: $307,986 Local Match: $8,000 Source of Funds: HUD/IDED Housing Fund
North English RehabilitaUon. The City was awarded funds to rehabilitate 10 houses. Nine homes are
completed. The final home is awaiting financing. Two applicants remain on the waiting list.
Grant: $279,990 Local Match: $10,000 Source of Funds: HUD/IDED Housing Fund
Norway RehabilitaUon. The City was awarded funds to rehabilitate 7 houses. An amendment was
made to the City's contract with IDED for new grant amounts based on 4 owner-occupied rehabilitation
projects (those amounts are noted below). Currently, rehabilitation is complete on all four homes. Close
out is complete on this project.
Grant: $148,791 Local Match: $4,000 Source of Funds: HUD/TDED Housing Fund
Olin Rehabilitation. The City was awarded funds to rehabilitate 10 houses. Five homes are
completed. Three homes are under construction. Two homes are currently being inspected. Eight
homes have been deemed ineligible. A Waiting List has been established.
Grant: $379,850 Local Match: $10,000 Source'of Funds: HUD/IDED Housing Fund
ECICOG Housing Report
Village of Troy Mills/Linn County Rental Rehabilitation. The County was awarded funds for
adaptive reuse of a vacant school to four units of senior housing. This project will be completed in early
summer, 2004.
Grant: $122,807 Local Hatch: $98,633 Source of Funds; HUD/[DED Housing Fund
Vinton Homeownership Assistance. The £ity was awarded funds to assist at least 10 applicants with
homeownership. Seven of these units are designated for new construction. The remaining three spots
are for the purchase and rehabilitation of existing homes in the city. One applicant recently dosed on an
existing home and minor rehabilitation was completed. Four other applicants are searching foran
existing home and four are either in search of a floor plan, lending institution, or both. Currently, three
new applicants are being income verified.
Grant: $317,573 Local Match: $10,000 Source of Funds: HUD/IDED Housing Fund
Washington Homeownership Assistance [. The City was awarded funds to provide down payment
assistance to 5 households. Five home are complete and the project will be closed by the end of this
month.
Grant: $189,874 Local Hatch: $5,000 Source of Funds: HUD/IDED Housing Fund
Washington Homeownership Assistance IZ. The City was awarded funds to provide down payment
assistance to 5 households. Five applicants are verified and are looking for homes. A waiting list will be
established if more applications are received.
Grant: $198,845 Local Hatch: $5,000 Source of Funds: HUD/[DED Housing Fund
Wellman Rehabilitation. The City was awarded funds to rehabilitate 10 houses. One home is
complete. Two homes are under construction. One home is currently signing contracts. Two more
homes are being inspected. Two homes were deemed to be infeasible. Two homes are being verified.
The other applicants are on file waiting on the verification process.
Grant: $379,850 Local Match: $17,000 Source of Funds: HUD/[DED Housing Fund
£CICOG Housing Report
ECICOG
Rider Rep0
February 26, 2004
Cimuit Riding Community Planner
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROVIDED:
ECICOG Reqion
· Brighton - wind turbine project - assisting them with application to the Bold
Possibilities Grant Program and the Alternative Energy Revolving Loan Program
· Garrison - working with community betterment committee with main street
revitalization and facade improvement programs.
· Vinton - working with DNR on recreation river walk, designs, and funding.
· Monticello - looking into the future completion of an SRF Loan Application
UERPC Reqion
· Elma - working on funds for park renovations, trail, & old depot - will be applying for
funds in March.
· Elgin - working on baseball grant application and LAWCON application for next cycle
to restore their shelter.
· Fayette - reseamhing trail funds and streetscape programs
· Strawberry Point - continue reseamhing grants for extension of their trail - priority
project. Also researching grants for them for baseball/recreation fields as well as a
wellness center on the second floor of their senior living site.
· Waukon - assisting them with a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant
application. Continue working with Econ. Devel. Director on park improvements and
campground.
· Guttenberg's - Economic Development Committee on a monthly basis - assist them
with various project start-ups, including Community Strategic Plan. They are
considering utilizing a spring semester studio class from Iowa State University for
assistance with this Strategic Plan.
MIDAS Reqion
· Rolfe - assisting with a future application for CDBG funds for housing rehab and
also a future LAWCON application for their bathhouse.
· Currently, no other communities in this region are requesting assistance and have
asked to be checked back with on a quarterly basis.
NIACOG Reqion
· Buffalo Center - working on various small grants for new Library
· Corwith - assistance is being offered to their Library Board for funding research
· Bancroft - working on application to Main Street program, developing design
standards for their main street, and completed a survey for housing - will be using
results to decide project priority. They are also working towards putting one of their
downtown buildings on the National Register.
ECl
EAST CENTRAL IOWA
COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS
' YOUR REGIONAL PLANNING AGENCY
EAST CENTRAL IOWA COUNCIE OF GOVERNMENTS
Resolution Approving The East Central Iowa Council of Governments Regional
Comprehensive Integrated Solid Waste Managem~ent Plan 2004-2010.
WHEREAS, Chapter 455B.302 of the Code of Iowa states that each city and
county of thls state shall provide for the establishment and operation of a
comprehensive solid waste reduction program consistent with the adopted
hierarchy of solid waste management (so stated in Chapter 455B.301A), and;
WHEREAS, Chapter 455B.306(1 ) of the Code of Iowa states that all cities and
counties shall file with the Iowa Department of NatUral Resources a
comprehedsive plan detailing the method by which those waste reduction and
recycling program requirements will be met, and that plan shall be updated
consistent with the rules of the Environmental Protection Corn'mission, and;
WHEREAS, an update of the Regional Comprehensive Integrated Solid Waste
Management Plan 2004-2010 has been prepared by the East Central Iowa'
Council of Governments, and the East Central Iowa Council of Governments will
fulfill its planning requirement through its adoption, and;
WHEREAS, the East Central Iowa Council of Governments ha~ participated in
the preparation and review of the Regional Comprehensive Integrated Solid
Waste Management Plan 2004-2010, and the East Central Iowa Council of
Governments and the communities it serves are committed to th~ State of Iowa's
waste reduction and recycling goals;
NOV~ THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the East ,Central Iowa Council of
Governments hereby adopts the East Central Iowa Council of Governments
Regional Comprehensive Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan 2004-2010,
and will make its best effort to put into action the implementation plan and
schedule as presented in the plan.
PasSed by the East Central lo,wa Council of Governments Board of Directors and
approved this 26~h day of February 2004.
Lu Barron, Chair
Douglas D. Elliott, Executive Director
108 Third Street SE, Suite 300 Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401 319-365-9941 FAX 319-365-9981 www. ia.net/-ecicog
~ 100% POST~q~j~MER CONTENT
C I T Y
JIM
DATE: March 2, 2004 REVISION # 1
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Marian K. Karr, City Clerk
RE: Revised Meeting Schedule (April-December)
At your work session of March 1 Council agreed to following meeting schedule:
May 31 - Cancelled (Itoliday)
June 1 - Special Work Session/Regular Formal
June 14, 15 - Regular Meetings
July 5 - Cancelled 0toliday)
July 6 - Special Work Session/Regular Formal
July 19, 20 - Cancelled
August 2, 3 - Regular Meetings
August 16, 17 - Cancelled
August 30 - Special Work Session
August 31 - Special Formal
September 60toliday), 7 - Cancelled
September 20, 21 - Regular Meetings
October 4, 5 - Regular Meetings
October 18, 19 -Regnlar Meetings
November 1, 2 - Regular Meetings
November 15, 16 - Regular Meetings
December 6, 7 - Regular Meetings
December 20, 21 -Regnlar Meetings
Special meetings will be called as necessary. Regular meeting schedule (First and Third
Tuesday) continues through remainder of the year unless revised.
Cc: Department Heads
Cable TV
Maintenance
U: schedule (September-December)
DRAFT
IOWA CITY HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM
41o E. Washington St.
Tuesday, January 27, 2004
7:00 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Lisa Beckmann, Jim McCue, Valerie Garr, Billie Townsend, Paul Retish,
Geoff Wilming
MEMBERS ABSENT: David Shorr, Rick Spooner, Cat Fribley
STAFF MEMBERS: Heather Shank
x. CALL TO ORDER: Meeting called to order at 7:04 p.m.
a. GUESTS FROM THE ISLAMIC SOCIETY OF IOWA CITY: McCue introduced the
guests, Khalid Hudson and ganelle Short. He invited the Imam but he could not attend. The
Imam asked Hudson and Short to speak with the Commission. McCue thought it would be
beneficial for the Commission to learn of their guests experiences and perceptions regarding
being Muslim in the Iowa City area.
Hudson stated that he liked Iowa City very well because of the liberal attitude here. He said
that people have been interested in their religion and he had been invited to speak at area high
schools. The biggest issue has occurred when Muslims have traveled abroad. Hudson
described an incident that took place at the airport when a friend was pulled aside by INS and
questioned after traveling abroad. Another friend of his had Islamic items taken from his
luggage, along with photos and personal items. Hudson believes this happened in Minnesota
before he took the connecting flight to Cedar Rapids.
Short said that she was a nurse at Mercy Hospital and she has not seen outright discrimination,
but that there have been some uncomfortable moments. She feels too that Iowa City is very
liberal and tolerant community, and that people have shown an interest in her manner of dress
and customs.
Retish asked them for their opinion about their children in the community schools. Short said
that her children are Christian and were bothered somewhat after 9/ll, but she and other
Muslim women she knows have not experienced many problems. Hudson said that he believes
Muslim parents are more conscience of their children's behavior toward others. He added that
a lot of people have been very supportive. Some sent flowers or contacted the Mosque.
Short stated that there are many misperceptions about Muslim women from the world press
regarding their education level, that they are oppressed, abused, etc. Short indicated that her
husband is 5'5 and she is 5'1~. Short knows her rights. Occasionally, there are "uncomfortable
looks" especially for women that do not speak English very well. Women, she said, are held in
high esteem and education is very important to them and is part of their religion. The Taliban
refused to allow girls to go to school. This is not Islam. She added that there are many women
oppressed and abused in this country including Christians. Short said that she has been asked
a lot of questions about her head-cover. One person asked if Short was a member of the Klu
Klux Klan. The head-cover does not, however, seem to be a big problem for people in Iowa
City.
Garr asked if there was a difference in treatment between Muslims based on skin color, i.e.
dark vs. lighter colored skin? Hudson said that for the most part skin color is not an issue. He
does feel, however, that the media frequently portrays the African American male as a bad guy,
a thief, drug user, etc.
Short said that in her view skin color was not a problem among the women and for the most
part they all got along. She added that racism is not part of the Muslim teaching and that all
are equal in God's eye.
Hudson said that there are many facets in the Muslim religion that break down cultural
barriers, racism, etc. He believes that it is a sign from God when he created the different
nationalities to say you must try to get along. Hudson said that he loves this community.
Short said that if the Commission walked into the Mosque, it would see people of many
different colors. She added that racism is not a part of Islam.
Wilming asked how 9/11 was viewed in the Muslim community. And he wondered whether
fundamentalists were involved. Wilming also asked whether it was a nation attacking a nation.
Short said that her feelings are that it was a group of people who twisted their religion. They
did everything against Islam that they could do. "First you cannot commit suicide. You cannot
kill innocence. They were not in a struggle for their religion. Short was horrified by the attack
and said that it fundamentally changed American-Muslim's lives forever, "taking us back lOO
years." Every religion has "bad apples" but Short thinks Muslim's are being viewed as the
enemy. September n, 2OOl, was the first time she had been really frightened in Iowa City. In
response, Short did not wear her head cover to work the next day. Her co-workers encouraged
her to put it back on. That is the last time that she took her head cover off. They had an out-
pouring of support from the area churches but the right wing Christian Fundamentalists view
Muslims as "devils.' Short added, "If you watch them on television, it's horrible."
Hudson said that he tries to look at the history before this occurred to try and understand. He
feels that it was not a religious attack, as the media would like to portray it but a political one.
The media over and over again said "Muslim terrorists" or "Islam terrorists." Hudson said that
after the Oklahoma City bombing, no one called Timothy McVeigh a Christian terrorist.
Christians committed the abortion clinic bombings but the media didn't refer to them as
terrorists. Hudson added that many Muslims were killed on 9/n.
McCue asked if Sudanese groups felt comfortable in the mosque. Hudson responded that some
people from the Sudanese community are separate from the Mosque because they reject the
fundamental issues of the religion. He felt that they are more of a threat than non-Muslims
when they speak out. He said, however, that the Sudanese are welcome and not turned away
"because you do not know another person's heart.'
Shank asked if the fundamental disagreement with the Sudanese community was derived from
two different interpretations of the Koran and Islam? Hudson stated that the people of the
Sudanese Republican Party interpret the Koran and Islam differently. Short stated that she
would compare the situation in the Christian religion to that of the differences between the
Catholics and the Protestants.
Hudson announced that the Iowa Muslim Student Conference (IMSC) was coming up in
March, but he was unsure of the dates but he thinks it might be from the 26th to the 28th at the
IMU. This will be the 2nd (IMSC) conference.
Short indicated that she thought the radio broadcast in which the Muslim Children's Camp was
discussed was a "witch hunt." Someone asked Short whether the camp would train the kid's to
be terrorists. Short said no and then asked the woman if she would have a problem with a
Lutheran camp. The woman understood Short's point.
Short stated that in order to grow, the Mosque needs a new building. Retish asked Shank if it
was true that the city would not allow any additional religious institutions to be built in Iowa
City. McCue thought it could be due to the nontaxable status. Shank said that she would
follow up and answer Retish's question at the next meeting. Hudson indicated that he found it
strange that a religious institution cannot be built but bars are allowed to multiply.
Beckmann thanked the guests for coming to the meeting and speaking with the Commission.
She also offered the Commission as a resource. Hudson indicated that a speaker from the
Islamic Society is coming to town on February 20th to the 22nd. The individual will be speaking
in both Iowa City and Cedar Rapids about discrimination issues. Hudson encouraged
Commission members to visit with the man to get a better idea of what is happening at the
national level.
3. INTRODUCTION OF NEW COMMISSIONER-GEOFF WILMING: Other members of
the Commission welcomed Wilming. Wilming stated that he is the Human Resources Director
for Quality Care - Nature Care Company in Coralville. Wilming has worked there for 17 years.
He has worked with agencies to employ people with disabilities. For the last three years he has
been a volunteer with RVAP. He is looking forward to helping promote human rights and the
Commission's programs. Shank added that the business Wilming works for won a human
rights award in 1987. In ~998, Quality Care won Goodwill's employer of the year award.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Beckmann asked for changes and or corrections in the
December minutes. Retish stated that he was in attendance at the last meeting and Wilming
would like his work phone number corrected and he provided his cell phone number. He
added that he could be reached easier through the cell phone number. Motion to approve
minutes as amended by MeCue and seconded by Garr. Motion passed unanimously.
5. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL: None
6. NEW BUSINESS:
a. Officer Vote: Beckmann asked for nominations for new Chairman and Vice Chairman.
Retish nominated Beckman for Chairman, seconded by McCue. Townsend nominated Shorr
and seconded by McCue. Vote was 4 to ~ for Beckmann. Townsend said that she would have
liked to have more notice that the vote was going to be held tonight. Vote announcement was
left out of agenda by mistake. Beckmann asked for nominations for Vice Chairman. McCue
nominated Shorr, seconded by Townsend. Since Shorr was not in attendance, McCue asked
that the vote for Vice Chair be deferred until the next meeting. This will allow Townsend time
to contact Shorr and make him aware of his nomination. Motion to defer vote for Vice
Chairman until next meeting. Motion passed unanimously. Townsend would like the agenda
to announce the voting for officers next year. Shank apologized to the Commission for not
specifically including "vote for officers" on the agenda and she indicated that she would make
sure it was on the agenda next January.
b. Education Outreach: Beckmann said that this topic would remain on agenda so we
stay focused and on task. She asked for any ideas, thoughts on educational programs. Garr
brought up International Women's History month in March. She is considering some kind of
program and wondered whether the Commission has ever done anything for International
Women's Month. Shank stated that there has been a program every year that Shank has
worked on with other people from different organizations. "The Women & War" program was
a big hit because Peg Mullen was the keynote speaker. The Human Rights Commission co-
sponsored the events.
Garr mentioned that Judy Shepherd was going to speak at the U of I. Shank indicated that
Shepherd was speaking while the Commission was meeting. Shank added that she sent posters
with volunteers to Judy Shepherd's speech at the union pertaining to the program entitled,
"Making Our Schools Safe for GLBT Youth." Wilming suggested Women and Polities as an
area of interest. Shank also announced the "Building Blocks to Employment" program on April
20th in an empty business in Pepperwood Square. Wilming indicated that he would like to take
part in this. Beckmann explained to Wilming that there was a splinter group called the
Education Committee. This committee includes some members of the Commission and
anyone can join, as well as people in the community. The committee members come together
to further educational programs. The Commission cO-sponsors the Education Committee's
programs and vice versa.
Shank commended Townsend for the MLK program that she organized that was held in the
IMU. One of the singers, Diana Bryant, has been working with the education committee.
McCue and Shank attended the Arab Human Rights Day at the IMU.
7. OLD BUSINESS:
a. Human Rights Breakfast-September 93-Keynote Speaker is Salome
Raheim: Beckmann announced that the speaker has accepted and that things are all set for
now. She further said that she has not had many changes in the Breakfast nomination form,
but she would like to get it finished before the February meeting. She explained the form
revisions to Wilming and basically wanted it streamlined so that the nominators would have
additional guidelines on persons to nominate. Beckmann felt that the people that were
nominated were probably well qualified, but the way the nomination was written, it was
difficult to tell what the Commission was looking for in a nominee. Beckmann described the
suggested changes for the program, i.e., having only winners speaking.
b. Youth Awards: Beckmann said that she had spoken with the principle at City High
School and the information had been sent out and so far he had received no responses, which
surprised him. Beckmann said that the deadline is April 1st for applications and the
presentation will be April 27th, and she is still hopeful that more nominees will come forward at
a later date. Retish said that it might be that this type of programming is not emphasized in
this community for young people. Retish said that he felt that encouraging youth to give back
to the community should be part of the Commission's educational outreach. Garr suggested
advertising the Youth Awards in the school's newspapers. Shank will ask her friend whether
she could write a story on the awards for her high school. She will then contact someone from
West High. The Cable Department filmed a public service announcement with Garr on the
Youth Awards.
c. GLBT Task Force "Making Our Schools Safe for GLBT Youth"-February lo,
7:oo p.m. Senior Center Assembly Room: Beckmann commended Shank for getting so
many sponsors for this event. Beckmann asked Commission members to attend.
d. Cultural Diversity Day-Sunday February *,9th: Beckman said that Fribley would
attend from ll:OOq:OO and Beckmann will attend from 1:oo-3:oo and Retish will take over
shift from 3:oo-5:oo. After thinking it over, Retish determined that his schedule
might prevent him from attending. Garr volunteered to wander around and cover some of the
3:oo - 5:oo time slot. Wilming also indicated that he would be there at some point and
Beckmann asked him to stop by the table and perhaps provide a break for the Commissioner at
the human rights table. Shank said she would provide candy/snack for the table. Retish said
that last year the Commission's table was next to one that was providing balloons and candy.
Shank had planned to show a film on bullying, but Beckmann indicated she would prefer to
wait due to time constraints. Beckmann also said that case summaries could be read for fifteen
minutes starting at 7:oo if the group wished to do this. She explained to Wilming how the
cases are processed now due to a change in the ordinance.
Garr reminded the Commissioners that February 2nd is the National African American Read It
Day going on across the country at different schools and that there are still openings for
volunteer readers in the local schools. Beckmann asked if the Commission should sponsor this
program. Shank indicated that the organizers were just looking for volunteers to read.
8. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS:
Retish: No report
Townsend: She talked about an item on the news. It involved a lawsuit going on in a Mormon
area (border of Colorado) where some men have more than one wife. In this area there is a
group of people being lead by someone chosen by the group. Townsend referred too that
person as a "Guru." Apparently if this man did not like a person in the community, that person
could be kicked out of the church, lose his home, property, and his family. (Man's wife could
be given to man's brother.) Townsend cannot believe this is going on in the United States in
this day and age. Beckmann said that there were fears this situation was going to turn into
another Waco.
McCue: No report
Beckmann: No report
Garr: No report
Wilming: No report
STATUS Ol~ CASKS: Shank said things are moving along. Beckmann commented that when
she first started on the Commission the number of cases was a lot more than they are now.
ADJOURNMENT: Unanimous vote to adjourn at 8:36 p.m.
MINUTES PRELIMINARY
IOWA CITY PUBLIC ART ADVISORY COMMITTEE
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2004 - 3:30 P.M.
LOBBY CONFERENCE CENTER
Members Presents: Barbara Camillo, Chuck Felling, Rick Fosse, Mark Seabold,
Terry Tmeblood, Emily Carter Walsh
Members Absent: James Hemsley
Staff Present: Marcia Klingaman, Karin Franklin
CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Felling called the meeting to order at 3:30 P.M.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Chairperson Felling asked the members if anyone was interested in holding the Chair
position. Walsh asked if they could reelect Felling, and he agreed.
MOTION: Fosse and Trueblood seconded to reelect Chairperson Felling. All in
favor; motion passed.
Next, Chairperson Felling stated a Vice-Chair would be needed. Seabold stated he would
volunteer for the position.
MOTION: Fosse moved, and Camillo seconded to elect Seabold as Vice-Chair. All
in favor; motion passed.
Trueblood explained to the members that staff members, such as he and Fosse, are not
able to serve in those positions as the City does not want to put staff in the position of
going to City Council and asking for budgetary issues or public issues, due to possible
conflicts in their jobs.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA
None.
CONSIDERATION OF THE M1NUTES OF THE JANUARY 8, 2004, MEETiNG
Felling stated the minutes looked good. No one had any corrections or additions.
MOTION: Fosse moved to accept the minutes; Seabold seconded the motion. All in
favor; motion passed.
Public Art Advisory Committee Minutes
February 5, 2004
Page 2
DISCUSSION OF PLANS FOR FY05 PUBLIC ARTS PROJECT(S)
Members discussed the Goosetown Neighborhood Art project as Karin brought in the
first prototype street marker. They discussed the potential for using aluminum-type
signs for several minutes. Bronze versus aluminum was also talked about. Discussion
turned to the hanging of these signs on existing street sign poles, and what has been
tested so far.
Chairperson Felling turned the discussion to FY05 public art projects. Franklin
suggested they look at the top three projects, and then they could discuss cost and such,
and could then bring further information to the next meeting. Fosse said he had narrowed
the list down to two - handrails on Burlington Street Bridge, and the interactive sculpture
at Miller Orchard Park on Benton Street.
Trueblood explained the Benton Street park project and the work that has gone in to
planning this area, with the input of the neighborhood. This three and a half acre park is
very hilly and rolling, with a small shelter, and some open areas. He answered questions
of the members regarding fencing and the entrance to the park.
Camillo asked how many projects would the Committee be able to finance this year.
Franklin stated it might only be one project, and that's why they need to pick the top
three projects, and then they can do cost estimates to see where they stand. Camillo stated
that the entryways into the City should be addressed so as to bring better attention to the
City. The visibility of various projects was discussed, and well as the various entryways
into the City (Melrose, Dubuque, Highway 6, Highway 1, Riverside, and Dodge Street,
once it gets updated in FY06/07).
Seabold wants to avoid projects that haven't really come together yet due to whatever
circumstances, i.e., lack of space, or items requiring extensive planning. Seabold said he
very much favors the Benton Street park project, and Trueblood agreed, stating that the
neighborhood wants to call it Benton Hill Park officially. He said he also likes the
entryway projects, and thirdly, the new pedestrian bridge on the Iowa City side. This led
to a discussion of what Coralville is planning for the other side of the bridge. Fosse gave
specifics on the bridge project itself, with members discussing what types of
enhancements they could provide. Discussion then turned to a possible dog park, and the
location of several well houses in the area.
Franklin listed the following items as those identified by the Committee for art additions:
handrails, installation near the IRP pedestrian bridge, Benton Hill Park, possibility of
reuse of tubular sculpture that was a downtown fountain, and the entryways. She asked
the members if they had any additions. Felling stated that the area by the Iowa River
Corridor Trail, south of Highway 6, could use some work. Each of the identified projects
was then discussed further in trying to pin down which projects they will investigate and
get cost estimates for, and which projects they will put on hold for now. The art
additions to entryways was discussed in detail, as to whether this ~vould be one large
Public Art Advisory Committee Minutes
February 5, 2004
Page 2
project, or several smaller projects. This led to discussion of checking with the
University's art department and seeing what could be done in conjunction with them,
especially the sculpture program.
Discussion turned to using something other than sculptures in these additions. The idea
of a "symbol" for Iowa City was discussed also. Members also talked about using
signage in conjunction with these projects. Several shared what they have seen in other
communities that really stood out and made a good impression. It was decided to come
back to the next session with ideas from everyone on how they would like to see the
entryways handled.
Discussion turned back to the Benton Hill Park project, and how much is being budgeted
for the entryway there. Seabold asked for further clarification on how this is being
handled - i.e., how much is Public Art Advisory and how much is budgeted into the
project.
It was decided that the committee members and staff would do some additional research
regarding design ideas and cost estimates for sculpture at the end of the Iowa River
Power pedestrian bridge, Benton Hill Park entry, and entryways to Iowa City and will
discuss further at the March meeting.
UPDATES
Herky on Parade about 120 artist proposals have been received and sponsors are in the
process of selecting from these proposals or working with their own artists;
Neighborhood Art Projects The status of the Goosetown project was discussed; Felling
discussed the Longfellow area's most recent meeting and what is happening there;
Iowa Sculptors Showcase not much to update; Council has approved it; and there is an
installation date of March 1 st set; and
Poetry in Public - 36 poems received from grade school children; 37 poems from high
school and adult; 24 were selected as the top entrants and will be in kiosks and on buses.
COMMITTEE TIME/OTHER BUSINESS
None.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairperson Felling asked for a motion to adjourn.
MOTION: Walsch moved to adjourn; Fosse seconded the motion. All in favor;
motion passed.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:45 P.M.
IP15
MINUTES DRAFT
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
FEBRUARY 12, 2004
MEMBERS PRESENT: David Fleener, Craig Gustaveson, Margaret Loomer, Nancy Ostrognai,
Matt Pacha, Sarah Walz, John Westefeld
MEMBERS ABSENT: Judith Klink
STAFF PRESENT: Mike Moran, Dirk Wilkin, Terry Tmeblood
GUESTS: Michael Stineman, Shoemaker & Haaland; Vanessa Miller, Press-Citizen
FORMAL ACTION TAKEN
Moved by Gustaveson, seconded by Westefeld, to approve the January 14, 2004 minutes as written.
Unanimous.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL
Moved by Loomer, seconded by Westefeld~ to recommend that the City Council name the
Miller/Orchard parkland "Benton Hill Park". Unanimous.
INTRODUCTION
The new Aquatics Program Supervisor, Dirk Wilkin, was introduced.
BENTON HILL PARK.
Trueblood reported Shoemaker & Haaland were hired to do the design work; staff' has been working with
Michael Stineman and Steve Ford. An open house was held Tuesday, February 10, at Roosevelt School to
present the final concept to the neighborhood. Stineman indicated there were very favorable comments as
indicated on a "comment sheet" he provided to the commission.
Stineman presented the proposed plan, and noted the neighborhood wants to develop the new park in a way
that is sensitive to the existing site flora. They prioritized activities and use areas. He reviewed their higher
priority items. The neighborhood wants a multi-use open area, which is incorporated in the existing open
area. A discovery play area for youth 6 years and above where they can have recreational experiences
different from the school playground located north of Benton Street. Play equipment designed for preschool
children will also be incorporated. The neighborhood also asked that the old field meadow be preserved;
additional plant material will be utilized to enhance it.
A trail system is included throughout the site, providing the possibility for connection to a future off-site
trail. The trail will be accessible to persons with disabilities where reasonably feasible. Stineman stated
there would be a ten-foot wide sidewalk up to the major areas and to the center of the park, which will be
extended to the future trail. In addition there will be nature trails throughout the site. Interpretive signage
will also be included. The neighborhood also recommended that plantings be done to enhance the beauty of
the park and trail experience. A major issue was the safety of children crossing Benton Street to get to the
park. Fencing will be installed along the north property line and will be screened to some extent by
vegetation. An attractive entryway offMiller Street will be provided, along with crosswalks at Benton and
Miller Streets.
Parks and Recreation Conanission
February 12, 2004
Page 2 of 4
Walz asked for more information on the old field meadow. Stineman stated it is an existing field that has
been left to grow with a natural succession of weeds and trees. The area will be managed to prevent it from
becoming overgrown. He noted the discovery play area would also make use of the existing foundations,
which will be stabilized, for safety purposes.
Pacha asked about ADA requirements. Trueblood stated the trail surface and much of the play apparatus
would meet the requirements, but the discovery play walls would not. Stineman noted the discovery play
area is in the central part of the park and can be accessed by the ten-foot wide paved sidewalk. Trueblood
indicated the pre-school play equipment would be accessible. Ostrognai asked for more information on the
discovery play area. Stineman stated it would include different kinds of play structures, such as a tree
house, swinging bridges, and kinds of play activity that will allow children to be in the trees and around
vegetation. She asked if the structures would be accessible to people with disabilities. Stineman stated
along with the ten-foot wide paved trail that leads to it, a six-foot wide wood mulch trail will lead down into
the area. Some of the structures will also have ramps. The intention is to provide as much access to these
areas as is possible without destroying the trees and natural features.
Loomer indicated she had attended meetings and met a young mother who was excited about the pre-school
playground equipment. Also, Oaknoll residents are excited to have a place to walk around, sit and enjoy
nature. She felt it would be a well-used park. Tmeblood indicated the design plan would be placed in the
lobby at Oaknoll next week.
The commission as a whole approved the master plan as presented. Trueblood stated the plan would be
forwarded to the City Council for final approval, in the form of plans and specifications.
After a brief discussion, the commission approved the neighborhood's suggestion to name the park "Benton
Hill Park".
Moved by Loomer~ seconded by Westefeld~ to recommend that the City Council name the
Miller/Orchard parkland "Benton Hill Park". Unanimous.
MISCELLANEOUS UPDATES
Trueblood updated the corrmaission on the following items:
Riverside Theatre Alcohol Proposal. The commission was provided with a copy of the letter sent by
Pacha to the City Council, plus copies of e-mails in support of the proposal. The City Attorney's office is
currently working on the ordinance change. It is intended to be written in such a way that other groups, with
proper permits and licensing, could also be able to sell beer and wine. Other groups stilI need to be defined.
Tmeblood noted it might specify non-profit or affiliated groups. The first ordinance draft is intended to be
on the March 2nd City Council's agenda. Loomer stated it was unfortunate that the press coverage did not
include the safeguards Riverside Theatre included in its proposal. Trueblood noted he spoke recently at the
Kiwanis Club and clarified the proposal.
Parks and Recreation comrmssion
Febmary I2, 2004
Page 3 of 4
Parks and Recreation Master Plan. The commission was provided with a copy of the letter sent by the
City Manager to the City of Coralville to ascertain their interest in some type of joint or shared
comprehensive parks and recreation plan. Pacha expressed his appreciation to Gustaveson, Westefeld and
Ostrognai for attending the joint Board and Commission meeting with the City Council. He felt it went
fairly well, although two council members expressed concern about the cost, with no funding plan in place.
The discussion then centered on doing a joint master plan with surrounding communities. Walz felt this
would make it more expensive. Pacha felt the council was not going to approve funding until they started
discussing a joint master plan. He expressed his concern that it may be a watered down effort because of
the scope of it, and the commission wants a comprehensive plan. Tmeblood noted the overall plan would
be expensive, but less expensive to each entity, in theory. Walz stated one of the most difficult things in
making a good plan is getting as many people involved as possible to obtain public input. She also indicated
it is interesting to note the specific facilities mentioned by the City Manager in his letter, noting that the
Coralville facilities he mentioned are revenue producing, and the Iowa City facilities are not. Westefeld
asked the current status; Trueblood stated the City is waiting to hear back from the City of Coralville.
Dog Park. Two meetings have been held, one with residents living adjacent to the landfill site and the other
with residents living adjacent to Scott Park. The group will be looking at one more site, the peninsula area.
The group will then prioritize the areas and bring its recommendation to the commission for action before
proceeding to the City Council. Walz asked for the reaction of the attendees at the Scott Park meeting.
Tmeblood noted one resident was in favor and the other four indicated they were not against it, but their
questions and comments seemed to indicate other~vise, especially since they thought the other two site were
better locations for a dog park. Pacha asked about flag football; Trueblood noted it would likely be moved
to the soccer complex. Fleener asked if the group was asking for city funding; Trueblood responded the
group is trying to find city-owned property, and they are not asking for city funding at this time.
Commission Vacancy. Kevin Boyd resigned, which creates a two-year unexpired term. The deadline to
apply is March 10u~.
C1P PROJECTS
Waterworks Prairie Park. The hard surfaced trails are scheduled for completion, which involves state
funding through the [DOT. The State specs state that the start date on the project could be no later than the
end of August. Staff hopes the contractor will start in March/April. With respect to the $80,000 REAP
grant prairie planting, staff is working on the plans and specifications and hope to begin planting yet this
spring.
"Missing Link" Trail. This involves a lrail from the Waterworks Prairie Park to Foster Road. Funding is
recommended in the FY05 CIP budget, and is projected to be 50% GO bonds and 50% grant monies. Staff
feels confident that there are grant programs available that may fund up to 80% of the project, but if such
funding cannot be obtained, the project will likely be delayed.
Asphalt Overlay Program. Areas included in this program are the majority of roads in Oakland Cemetery
and the primary parking lot at City Park for Boys Baseball. Other areas that might be included are two-three
parking lots in City Park and the parking lot in Happy Hollow Park.
Parks and Recreation Commission
February 12, 2004
Page 4 of 4
Benton Hill Park. Funding becomes available July 1st to start developing the park in accordance with the
neighborhood's wishes, but it is hoped construction can begin earlier in the summer.
Temporary Employee Restrictions. A proposed wage increase request has been submitted to the City
Manager for temporary pool employees in order to bring lifeguards in line with what Coralville and North
Liberty are paying. The increase is being requested due to new temporary employee restrictions and the fact
that low wages, in combination with restricted hours, will make it even more difficult to adequately staff the
pools. Staff is also proposing the addition of two permanent part-time pool assistants, positions that would
be in the bargaining unit. This would not mean additional hours, as temporary hours would be reduced by a
like amount. This position would handle more responsibility, pay a higher wage, with hopes that the
individual would stay longer with the City. Pacha noted these additional positions are not included in the
budget. Trueblood stated the request needs to be approved by the City Manager first, than by the City
Council. The budget impact would be approximately $53,000 additional funding, mostly due to the pay
increase. TruebIood noted he has not met with Union representatives yet, but still hopes to.
CHAIR'S REPORT
Pacha again expressed his appreciation for the support given to him by the members who attended the joint
Board and Commission meeting with the City Council. Westefeld and Ostrognai complimented Pacha on a
job well done.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Trueblood reported on the following:
Trail System Article. Judith Klink provided an article on trail systems for staffto distribute.
Special Olympics Calendar. Members received a 2004 Special Olympics calendar that was produced by
Special Olympics athletes.
Indoor Soccer Facility. Information regarding the Iowa Soccer Club's (ISC) request for an indoor soccer
facility was included in the packet. The group requested a temporary variance for use of the former R.M.
Boggs building on Industrial Park Road as an indoor soccer facility. The planning staff stated it would
require a rezoning, which they would not support. A City Council member mentioned that perhaps the
Parks and Recreation Department could work with the group to find a place. Tmeblood noted the
department does not have any public building available that could be used a~ an indoor soccer facility. ISC
and the Alliance groups currently rent gym space, but they are not looking for more gym space; they want a
true indoor soccer facility. The Director spoke with John Cook, the coaching director of ISC, suggesting
that the three primary soccer organizations discuss a cooperative eftbrt. Cook stated the groups did discuss
this possibility a couple of years ago, but determined they did not have the financial resources to proceed at
that time. Staff was instructed to determine the commission's position. The commission as a whole agreed
it is a good idea, and wish ISC well in their efforts. They also felt that pursuing a private facility through
the commission or staff is not the most appropriate avenue. Since the City does not own a building to
accommodate ISC's needs/desires, the commission feels their search should be through the private sector,
and urged the soccer groups to work together in a cooperative effort.
ADJOURNMENT. The meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
MINUTES PRELIMINARY
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2004 - 11:30 AM
LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Jerry Anthony, John Deeth, Mark Edwards, Bill GreazeJ, Matthew Hayek,
Shellie Mackel
MEMBERS ABSENT: Erin Barnes, Lori Bears, Jayne Sandier
STAFF PRESENT: Tracy Hightshoe, Steve Long
Call to order:
Chairperson Hayek called the meeting to order at 11:35 a.m.
Site Visits to FY05 CDBG/HOME Proposed Proiect Sites
Wood Elementary - Sandy Lawrence, Joan Vanden Berg, and Mike Shaw provided a tour of the
proposed project site.
Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County - Sue Freeman provided a tour of the Broadway Center and
highlighted the proposed improvements.
Old Brick - David Wellendorf provided a brief tour of Old Brick and commission members viewed the
staircase for the proposed lift.
Free Lunch Program/Free Medical Clinic - Amy Griffin and Sandy Pickup provided a tour of Free Lunch
and the Free Medical Clinic.
Adiournment:
MOTION: Edwards moved to adjourn the meeting. Deeth seconded the motion. The motion carried
on a vote of 6-0. (Greazel and Mackel needed to leave due to time constraints)
The meeting was adjourned at 1:15 p.m.
Without a quorum, the tour continued to the last remaining site, United Action for Youth. Jim Swaim
provided a tour of their facilities and highlighted the proposed improvements.