HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-11-18 Info Packet (1)CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET
November 14, lgg?
IP1
IP2
IP3
NOVEMBER 17 WORK SESSION
Memorandum from City Manager.
Teams
Memorandum from Finance Director.
Solid Waste/Recycling
I
Airport Commemlal Area/Project Development
Discount Program for Water, Wastewater, and
NOVEMBER 19 WORK SESSION
IP8
IP9
IP10
IPll
IP12
IP13
IP14
IP15
IP16
Memorandum from Planning & Community Development Director.
Plan
I
1997 Comprehensive
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
IP4 Letter from Mayor to Arlene Heck (TCl): Univision
IP5 Memorandum from City Manager. Accessible Bus Training at Goodwill
IP6 Memorandum from City Manager. Police Beat Configuration/Downtown Beat
IP7 Memorandum from City Manager. Dubuque-Kimbell Sidewalk
Memorandum from City Manager. First Avenue/Captain IHsh Parkway
Letter from City Manager to Representative Dick Myers: Deer Management
Memorandum from City Clerk: Meeting Schedule for Remainder of 1997
Memorandum from City Clerk: Proposed Budget Schedule
Memorandum from City Clerk: October 23 Council Work Session
Memorandum from City Clerk: Joint City Council/Planning and Zoning Commission
Meeting, November 3, 1997
Memorandum from City Attorney: Attorney Assignments
Letter from Assistant City Attomey Mitchell to Skateboarders: Skateboarding
Letter from First Assistant City Attorney to Kirsten Frey: The Cliffs Apartments: Slope
Stabilization Project
November 14, 1997 Information Packet (continued) 2
IP17
IP18
IP19
IP20
IP21
IP22
IP23
IP24
IP25
IP26
IP27
IP28
IP29
Agenda for 11/18/97 Bd.
Info regarding Oakland
Memorandum from Planning & Community Development Director:. Buffer House - Update
Memorandum from Planning & Community Development Director to City Manager. Hy-Vee
Truck Traffic and Lighting
Memorandum from Planning & Community Development Assistant Director to Business
Owners/Residents of South Gilbert Street corridor. Traffic Problems on South Gilbert
Street
Letter from Traffic Engineering Planner Riplay to Rick Altrnan: Traffic at South Gilbert
StmetJPrentiss Street/Bowery Street
Memorandum from Associate Planner Yapp to Senior Planner Miklo: Alleys in New
Subdivisions
Memorandum from Joyce Carroll and Barb Coffey to City Manager. Final Report on City
Employee Leaf Raking Project
Letter from Tom Magnet to Mayor. City Employee Leaf Raking Project
Letter from Kenneth Starck to Police Sgt. Steffen: Thank You
Letter from Senior Housing Inspector Klinefalter to Rental Property Owners/Managers:
Housing Inspections
Memorandum from Transit Manager to City Manager. Art on the Bus
October 1997 Building Permit Information
Agendas: November 13 Johnson County Board of Supervisors Meetings
Agenda: November 17 Johnso~ County Board of Supervisors Meetings
Memo from City Mgr. regarding absence..
Copy of Annual Report of Boards & Commissions FY97.
of Supervisors.
Cemetery (distributed 11/17 Trueblood).
FY99
Infor
Copy
Human Service Agency Funding Requests.
regarding the Iowa League of Cities Legislative Day - 3/4/98.
of South District Plan (revised, draft dated July 1997)
qOll
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: November 13, 1997
To: City Council
Airport Commission
From: City Manager
Re: Airport Commercial Area/Project Development Teams
In order to continue the process of the development of the proposed North Commercial Area as
well as the relocation of Public Works facilities, I would like to suggest the formation of two
committees to assist in this process.
The first would be a technical advisory committee made up of the following individuals.
City Manager
Airport Manager
Director of Planning
Director of Public Works
City Attomey (Assistant assigned to Airport Commission work)
This Committee would be responsible for identifying policy issues, technical review of any
proposed plan and other matters which might have policy and/or financial implication concerning
the success of the development of this airport property. They would have the latitude to seek
whatever technical advice from other professionals as necessary. An operating budget will be
developed.
The second group would be a policy committee made up of two representatives from the City
Council and two from the Airport Commission. Their purpose would be to receive the
information from the technical advisory committee as well as generate information needs and
any other concerns with respect to the project development. They will be asked to review the
vadous staff reports of the technical committee. I would hope that this group would be able to
develop the framework of a formal agreement between the City Council and the Airport
Commission in order to have these vadous projects proceed. The issue of the involvement of
the private sector can be addressed by this committee and if it is their desire to put forth a
formal request for proposal that meets with the policy guidelines of the Council and Airport
Commission, that too can proceed from this committee.
These two working groups I believe can generate sufficient information in order to move the
project forward. I will place this matter on an upcoming City Council work session agenda and I
would request the Airport Manager would place this matter before the Commission.
CC:
Assistant City Manager
Director of Planning & Community Development
Director of Public Works
Airport Manager
City Attorney
Director of Finance
Im~n~'n~a 11-12.doc
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: November 14, 1997
To:
From:
Re:
City Council and City Manager/;~ ~
Don Yucuis, Finance Director '~
Discount Program for Water, Wastewater, and Solid Waste/Recycling
The current discount program will be affected by the change in the minimum bill from 200 cubic
feet to 100 cubic feet. The curTent discount rates are as follows:
Water 50% of minimum charge
Wastewater 50% of minimum charge
Solid Waste 75% of minimum charge
Recycling 75% of minimum charge
Below is a chart that shows the impact to a user that qualifies for the discount program based
on the current user rates and discount percentages. It also shows the March 1, 1998 rate
increase, the change from 200 cubic feet to 100 cubic feet and using various discount
percentages.
Existing rates
Water-50%
VVVVTD-50%
Ref/Rec-75%
Minimum Minimum
100Cu 200Cu
Ft or Ft or 300 400 500 600 700 800
Less Less cuff cuff cu ft cuft cuff cu if.
13.91 19.06 24.21 29.36 34.51 39.66 44.81
March 1, 1998 rate increase
Water-50%
VWVTD-50%
Ref/Rec-75% 9.10
14.89 20.69 26.49 32.29 38.09 43.88 49.68
All at 75% 6.15 11.94 17.74 23.54 29.34 35.14 40.93 46.73
Water-100%
VWVTD-100%
Ref/Rec-75%
3.20 8.99 14.79 20.59 26.39 32.19 37.98 43.78
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date:
To:
From:
Re:
November 13, 1997
City Council
Kmrin Franklin. Director,
1997 comprehensive Plan
Rather than amend the text of the Plan at this point, I will be providing you a continuing
memorandum that will outline the changes that have been discussed and resolved to date. As
you review these changes, if there are any that you do not believe the council reached through
consensus, please raise those issues at the next meeting. Upon completion of the work
sessions and with agreement of the council, this memo may then be referenced pdor to your
closing of the public hearing. I have not included editorial changes in this list. As soon as you
close the public headng, we will make the amendments to the original text and reprint the plan.
Amendments from the November 3, 1997 work session:
· Page 13, #3 Delete last sentence of paragraph and insert:
In the future, efforts 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.
· Page 23 Delete the last sentence of the first paragraph and insert the following:
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.
Strategies:
· Page 29 Add to last paragraph:
Each of the strategies will require investigation as to their feasibility and practicality. Some
will require working with other jurisdictions and community organizations. An Action Plan will
be developed annually to pursue the various strategies. As the feasibility and
appropriateness of a strategy is evaluated, that strategy may be modified, deleted, or
replaced with a strategy that more successfully achieves the goal.
· Page 33- Arts, Culture, and Human Development
Goal 1, Strategy 3:
Work with the Iowa City Community School District to include public recreational facilities
and meeting areas in new schools.
Goals 2, Strategy 2:
Allocate a minimum of $100,000 annually for public art.
1997 Comprehensive Plan
November 13, 1997
Page 2
Goal 4, Strategy 1:
Consider a funding strategyto provide financial assistance to local arts, culture, and human
development activities sponsored by non-profit groups.
· Page 37- Environment Protection
Goal 2 add:
Promote regional storm water management systems.
Goal 7 add:
Reevaluate performance standards for glare.
· Page 41 - Land Use and Urban Pattern
Goal 4, Strategy 2
Work with the business community on strategies to keep downtown commercially viable.
· Page 49 - Transportation
Goal 2, Strategy 4
Provide separate trails where appropriate; complete a network of trails including the Iowa
River Corridor Trail.
Goal 3, Strategy 2
Ensure adequate levels of transit service dudng a.m. and p.m. peak travel periods.
Planning Districts
· Page 80 - South Central Planning District--Add to Open Space paragraph:
The Neighborhood Open Space Plan should be amended to consider open space for
existing and future residential development in this area.
· Pages 89 and 90 - Southeast Planning Distdct~Update text regarding annexation of Scott-
Six Industrial Park.
South Planning District
· Page 7--Amend reference to accessible apartments above commercial uses.
Provide accessible apartments in the neighborhood commercial centers.
· Page 12--Add to the last sentence of the last paragraph:
...and along Highway 6.
cc: Planning and Zoning Commission
City Manager
Jeff Davidson
Bob Miklo
November 14, 1997
Ms. Arlene Heck
General Manager
TCl of Eastem Iowa
6300 Council Street NE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
CITY OF I0 WA CITY
A number of citizens approached the City Council on November 11, 1997 with concerns about
the partial loss of the Spanish language channel Univision from the Iowa City lineup. They have
come to rely on this service for a variety of r~,cds ranging from information about their native
country to a useful language study aid.
'rhe City has long regarded the foreign language channel services as valuable assets to the
cable system and to our community. While it is not our prerogative to specify which services you
provide, we urge you to seek a reasonable alternative to the partial removal of Univision.
We understand you have to deal with the 'must carry' requirement as well. In the event you
determine there is no acceptable alternative that would keep Univision a 24-hour service in the
intedm, we would appreciate TCI's assurance to all our citizen subscribers that you will restore
Univision as a 24-hour service as soon as the current upgrade allows for the channel capacity to
do so.
Thank you for your consideration of this request.
Sincerely,
Naomi J. Novid(
Mayor
cc: City Council
Broadband Telecommunications Commission
Jo..~ Abreu, Citizen
EAST lVASIIINGTON STREET * I01~A CITY. IOWA
]J&-Jeee · FAX (319)
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date:
To:
From:
Re:
November 13, 1997
¢~y Cour~l
City Manager
Accessible Bus Training at Goodwill
On Thursday, November 6 Monk Leonard, one of our Transit Supervisors, conducted an
accessible bus training session at Goodwill Industries for twelve of their consumers. Monk
worked with Nancy Overstreet from Goodwill to organize the training session. Nancy indicated
that the majority of the people attending the session will be able to transition to the fixed route
system by spdng.
We decided to pursue accessible bus training and plan on having another training session in
the spdng at Goodwill as well as Systems Unlimited.
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date:
To:
From:
Re:
November 13, 1997
City Council
City Manager
Police Beat Configuration/Downtown Beat
The Police Department is in the process of evaluating the addition of a downtown beat as part
of the beat configuration for the community. The new downtown beat would cover the area from
Capitol Street on the west, Jefferson on the north, Gilbert on the east, Burlington or Court on
the south. The Police Department is planning to have an officer assigned to that beat 24 hours
a day, 365 days of the year. The beat would be pdmadly a walking or a bicycle beat. Two
officers would be assigned during the daytime (0700-1500), two on the evening shift (1500-
2300), and two on the late night shift (2300-0700). The fact that there are two officers assigned
means that both officers would be on duty approximately three days a week, the other four days
one of the two would be off duty.
This should help address some of the concem in the downtown business area about having
officers visible in the immediate area. At the present time the beat is quite a bit bigger and
requires that the officer leave the immediate downtown to handle calls for service in other parts
of the beat. The remaining areas of the city will be reevaluated for the workload and areas
covered to determine the best. assignment of officers to make full utilization of available
resources. We hope to have this in place by January 1, 1998.
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date:
To:
From:
Re:
November 13, 1997
City Council
City Manager
Dubuque-Kimball Sidewalk
While we have concluded easements, it does not appear that we can get the new sidewalk
installed this construction season (what is left of it).
cc: Chuck Schmadeke
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date:
To:
From:
Re:
November 12, 1997
City Council
City Manager'
First Avenue/Captain Idsh Parkway
The following represents the Council's policy as discussed at your Monday, November 10, 1997
work session.
1. Construct 12" waterline from Dodge Street along Captain Idsh Parkway to a point east of
the proposed ACT driveway intersection.
2. Construct 24" waterline from Dodge Street along Captain Idsh Parkway to a point east of
the proposed ACT driveway intersection.
3. Construct geometric changes and install signal Dodge and Parkway intersection.
4. Grade for streets from Dodge to a point east of the ACT driveway intersection necessary to
provide sufficient fill dirt.
5. Construct Captain Idsh Parkway, east to a point just beyond proposed ACT driveway.
6. Conclude agreements with ACT concerning driveway access.
7. Initiate planning process in accordance with memorandum of November 6 by Planning
Director.
cc: Department Directors
Planning and Zoning Commission
November 6, 1997
The Honorable Representative Richard Myers
9 Woodland Heights
Iowa City, IA 52240
CITY OF I0 WA CITY
Re: Iowa City Deer Management Plan
Dear Representative ~1'~: ~)'
Thank you for your interest in Iowa City's proposed Deer Management Plan and the
process for obtaining DNR approval. A copy of the Deer Management Plan is enclosed.
It is my understanding that the State of Iowa has jurisdiction over deer pursuant to
Section 481A.2, Code of Iowa (1997). The Natural Resource Commission is the body
that has been delegated the power to establish policy and adopt rules for hunting and
killing deer and other wildlife. IOWA CODE §§ 455A.5, 481A.38, 481A.39, 481A.48
(1997). The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) enforces the rules adopted by the
Commission. The rules which the Commission has adopted for deer hunting are set out
in the Iowa Administrative Code at 'l-rUe 571, Chapter 106.
The Commission has established some Deer Population Management Areas around the
State. These areas are described in the Iowa Administrative Code at Title 571, Chapter
105. Deer Population Management Areas have been established in the Cedar
Falls/Waterloo area and the Cedar Rapids/Marion area. We have been told there are no
written guidelines that the Commission follows when adopting a Deer Population
Management Area. We have found nothing in the State Code which would prevent the
Commission from allowing sharpshooting or trap and kill as part of an urban deer
population management plan.
To give you some background, the DNR recommended a citizen task force be convened
to determine if there was an overpopulation of deer. If the numbers were too high, the
Committee would review killing options. The DNR stressed the importance of devising a
proposal that was acceptable to the community. To assure a wide array of opinions
would be included, the City Council of Iowa City assembled people with the following
backgrounds: an officer with the Iowa City Police Department who is also an avid bow
and arrow hunter; residents living in an area heavily populated with deer; a resident living
in an area not heavily populated with deer; a member actively involved in animal rights;
individuals with science and biology backgrounds; a member of Project Green; and the
supervisor of the Iowa City/Coralville Animal Shelter. The Committee and the DNR
agreed that Iowa City has a deer overpopulation problem and that the number of deer
need to be reduced in certain areas of Iowa City. The group studied the methods of
410 EAST WASHINGTON STREET · IOWA CITY, IOWA $2240-1126 · (319) 356-5000 · FAX (319)
killing in painstaking detail and unanimously agreed to a plan. The Committee
recommended that the number of deer be reduced initially by means of sharpshooting
and trap and kill. The City Council recenfiy adopted these recommendations. Although
lows City has not yet submitted its. application for reduction of deer through
sharpshooting and trap and kill, senior staff members of the DNR and the chair of the
Natural Resource Commission spperenfiy have indicated to newspaper reporters and City
staff that they will likely reject the plan.
The DNR's objection to Iowa City's plan seems to be that sharpshooting and trap and kill
would take away an opportunity for recreational hunting within the City. However, the
goal of the Deer Management Committee was not to come up with the best way to
provide an opportunity for recreational deer hunting within Iowa City. The C0mmittee's
goal was to come up with a solution that most quickly, humanely, efficiently, and safely
reduces the deer population within Iowa City. As of October 22, there were reports of
nineteen (19) motor vehicle accidents this year involving deer which resulted in an
estimated $27,730 worth of damage. (See enclosed memo regarding car/deer
accidents.) Each week, I receive additional reports of deer/vehicle collisions. Thankfully,
none of these accidents have resulted in serious injury or death to any drivers or
passengers.
The DNR has also indicated they are concerned that if they allow Iowa City to reduce its
deer population by use of a means other than bow and arrow hunting, it could be the
beginning of the end of the sport statewide. I believe this is an over-reaction. Urban
deer management is not recreational hunting. Separate rules and regulations for urban
deer management and rural recreational hunting are needed to. afford municipalities the
tools necessary to solve this problem. Sharpshooting and trap and kill methods have
been used successfully for several years as part of urban deer management plans by
communities in Illinois and Minnesota. We have heard of no adverse effects on bow and
arrow hunting in those states.
The Deer Management Plan adopted by the City Council is only for 1997-1998 winter.
The Deer Management Committee will reconvene next spring to assess the effectiveness
of the plan. I believe it is safe to say neither the Committee nor the City Council view
sharpshooting and trap and kill as permanent, long-term solutions. The goal is to reduce
the deer herd initially through the use of sharpshooting and trap and kill, and then to use
other methods to maintain the herd. I would suspect bow and arrow hunting could be
considered as a method of controlling the deer herd in the future.
We hope to have our application for approval of our deer management plan submitted to
the DNR within the next week to ten days. We are in the process of refining the plan
and detailing the areas where sharpshooting and trap and kill would occur.
Representatives of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) have indicated
that sharpshooting is more effective at initially reducing the deer herd population than
bow and arrow hunting. The agency has performed sharpshooting for deer management
in other communities; furthermore, USDA staff have indicated they would be willing to
2
mist the City of Iowa City with our proposal. We have requested and will soon receive
the Wildlife Control policies adopted by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources that
do allow for sharpshoofing over bait for urban management purposes.
The City of Iowa City has followed the recommendations of the DNR by establishing a
committee to determine what was best for Iowa City. The Committee and Council
agreed to a plan. They struggled with this most unpleasant decision and decided upon
methods demonstrated to be effective and accepted by neighboring state DNR officials.
The apparent rejection of this community's plan leads to questions regarding the entire
process recommended by the DNR. If there is only one acceptable method, the DNR
should not ask citizens to spend months deciding what is bast for their community. The
DNR should simply mandate and remove the deer under their own initiative. I have
included articles from our local newspapers regarding deer management.
We would greatly appreciate any help or assistance you could provide the City during
this process. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please do not hesitate
to give me a call at 356-5010. Thanks again for your help and assistance in this matter.
Very truly yours,
Stephen~J~. Arkins"
City Manager
Enclosures
City Council
Senators Neuhauser and Dvorsky
Representatives Doderer, Masher, and Foege
Eleanor Dilkes, City Attorney
Dennis Mitchell, Assistant City Attorney
Lisa Handsaker, Administrative Assistant
3
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: November 14, 1997
To:
From:
Re:
Mayor and City Coundl
Madan K. Karr, City Clerk ~__..¥,
Meeting Schedule for Remainder of 1997
REVISION #16
November
Monday, November 17th, Work Session - 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, November 18th, Regular Formal - 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, November 19th. Special Work Session (Comp Plan/Joint Meeting with P&Z) - 5:00
- 7:30 p.m.
December
(Cancel regular scheduled meetings of December I and 2)
Monday, December 1st, Special Work Session (Comp Plan, Sales Tax, or Solid Waste) - 7:00
p.m.
Monday, December 8th, Special Work Session - 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, December 9th, Special Formal - 7:00 p.m.
Monday, December 15th, Regular Work Session - 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, December 16th Regular Formal- 7:00 p.m.
(Cancel regular scheduled meetings of December 29th and 30th)
cc: Department Directors
Cable TV
Maintenance
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: November 14, 1997
To: 1998 City Council
From: Marian K. Kar~, City Clerk~~'~
Re: Proposed Budget Schedule
A number of you have requested a schedule for upcoming budget discussions. City
Manager Atkins, Finance Director Yucuis and myself sat down and reviewed
previous budget deliberations and combined those with Council absences and
individual Members preferences and came up with the following suggested
schedule:
Monday, January 5, 1998 -
1:00-5:00 p.m.
5:00-6:00 p.m.
6:00-9:00 p.m.
Organizational Meeting with
budget overview to follow
DINNER BREAK
Board and Commission input
and other budget issues
Saturday, January 10, 1998 - 8:00-Noon
Thursday, January 29, 1998 - 6:30-9:00 p.m.
Monday, February 2, 1998 -. 6:30-9:00 p.m.'
Tuesday, February 3, 1998 - 6:30-9:00 p.m.'
Staff estimated approximately 12 hours of time for review of the budget. The
above schedule would allow that time without the February 2 and 3 meetings.
However, it's always easier to cancel the meetings if not needed then to try and
find an open date. This schedule also takes into consideration Council absences,
the regular meeting schedule, and the necessity to set public hearing on the budget
at your regular meeting on February 10.
Please let me know if any of you have a problem with the dates as proposed. Again
this is merely a suggested schedule but we'd like to firm it up as soon as possible.
Thanks for your assistance.
* If needed
CC:
City Manager
Finance Director
cclerk~.Jdget.doc
o01
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: November 14, 1997
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Marian K. Karr, City Clerk
Re: Council Work Session, October 23, 1997- 7:00 PM- Council Chambers
[Transcription of the Victor Dover lecture 'Iowa City's Future
Neighborhoods' is available in the City Clerk's Office.]
City Council Members present: Novick, Lehman, Norton, Thornberry,
Vanderhoef.
Staff present: Miklo, Franklin, Davidson, Head, Boothroy, Long, Winstead,
Yapp, Kugler, Schoenfelder, Karr.
Tape Recorded: 97-147, Both Sides; 97-148, Side 1.
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date:
To:
From:
Re:
November 14, 1997
Mayor and City Council
Madan K. Karr, City Clerk
Joint City Council/Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting, November 3, 1997 -
6:35 p.m. in Council Chambers
Council Present: Novick, Kubby, Lehman, Norton, Thomberry, Vanderhoef. Absent: Baker.
City Staff: Atkins, Helling, Karr, Dilkes, Holecek, Franklin, Davidson, Kugler, Miklo, Rockwell.
Planning and Zoning Commission: Bovbjerg, Chait, Ehrhardt, Gibson, Shive, Starr, Supple.
Tapes: Reel 97-148, Side 2; Reel 97-149, all; Reel 97-150, Side 1.
IOWA CITY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 1997 DISCUSSION
Reel 97-148, Side 2
Planning and Community Development Director Franklin guided an overview of the 1997 Iowa
City Comprehensive Plan Draft, including discussion of Growth Policy, Neighborhood Concept,
Goals and Strategies, Planning Districts and the South District Plan. Franklin emphasized that
goals addressed in Iowa City's Beyond 2000 were the basis for the 1997 Iowa City
Comprehensive Plan.
Growth Policy. Franklin explained the Growth Policy addresses the issue of where growth will
occur and the growth boundary is a line that delineates the city's sanitary sewer service area.
Franklin said the three areas changed since the 1993 adoption of the Growth Policy are
increased growth areas north of 1-80 in the North Corridor Planning District, west of Highway
965, and diminished growth area in the south. In response to Starr, Franklin said a lift station
would be needed to serve the area west of 965.
Kubby inquired about previous comprehensive plans designating when growth will be phased
in. Franklin stated phased scheduling of capital improvement projects is not included. Franklin
explained phasing was abandoned in the 1997 Comp Plan draft and planning for expenditure of
sewer and water dollars and prioritization of those projects occur in the Capital Improvements
Program (ClP) budget process. Franklin reminded council that if a developer wished to do a
project in an area that is not included in the CIP, the developer pays his or her own way. Kubby
stated that council should carefully consider the timing of CIP discussions. Franklin suggested
inserting a statement in the Comprehensive Plan that refers to the timing of CIP process.
Bovbjerg inquired about Iowa City's growth boundaries in relation to neighboring municipalities.
Franklin pointed out the growth boundaries on a map and explained that Iowa City has an
agreement with Coralville regarding annexation and subdivision review. Franklin stated that with
adoption of the 1997 Comprehensive Plan, Iowa City would need to review that agreement with
Coralville.
Joint City Council/P&Z Commission Meeting
November 3, 1997
Page 2 .
Annexation Policy. Franklin explained that the Annexation Policy contains a provision
advocating consideration of annexations when control of development is in the city's best
interest. In response to Norton, Franklin stated land could be annexed, then zoned for intedm
development. In response to Kubby, Franklin noted unimproved agriculture land within the city's
corporate limited pay lower property taxes. Vanderhoef asked if there is a time limit when the
city is obligated to provide service to annexed land. Franklin stated there needs to be some
logic behind taking the property for annexation, and yes, the city needs to provide services
within a reasonable period of time. In response to Vanderhoef, Franklin explained that an
involuntary annexation is a long protracted process. The state law now allows for a city to annex
a smaller piece of property if it is in the way of a larger annexation as long as the smaller piece
is 20% or less of the larger piece. Thomberry referred to, When considering the merits of a
proposed annexation or development, the impact of increased vehicular traffic on any
street... will be studied. Thomberry asked if the Iowa City Board of Realtom use city maps of
artedal and collector streets? Franklin stated that all of the information is available. Franklin said
the provision, When considering the merits of a proposed annexation or development, the
impact of increased vehicular traffic on any street...will be studied... was an addition made to
the 1997 Comprehensive Plan because of input received from the Longfellow Neighborhood
Association. Franklin explained that when there is an annexation, staff will do the traffic study in
terms of predicting average daily tdps generated by that project, look at where that traffic might
flow, and place a paragraph in the report regarding the vehicle trips expected from this
development. In response to Norton, Franklin stated there would need to be enabling legislation
in place to apply an impact fee. Franklin stated that one of the policies in the Plan is to preserve
the integrity of existing neighborhoods. Gibson stated he is concerned about including the
provision, When considering the merits of a proposed annexation or development, the impact of
increased vehicular traffic on any street...will be studied... because the answer will always be
subjective and it is very difficult to improve arterials. Franklin noted that the statement required
consideration of traffic as a factor in development decisions but this was not the only factor.
Kubby asked if the Comprehensive Plan gives priority to in-fill development. Franklin said
priodtization of investment of infrastructure is in the Annexation section of the plan. Kubby
inquired about Annexation Policy, page 12, #2 Development in the area proposed for
annexation will fulfill an identified need without imposing an undue financial burden on the city.
Kubby asked how does the city know when a new development is economically feasible?
Franklin replied that looking at the costs of capital projects as a consequence of annexation is a
guide and the policy is only a guide for making a decision about annexation. Kubby raised the
concern about making reliable policy decisions without knowing the true long term impacts.
Franklin said council can decide to have a fiscal impact analysis done. In response to Kubby,
Franklin summarized that #2 is saying the financial consequences of annexation should be
considered.
Neighborhood Concept. Franklin stated Beyond 2000's Iowa City is a community of
neighborhoods is considered when looking at both existing neighborhoods as well as new ones.
Franklin summarized comments received from Victor Dover emphasizing regaining some kind
of sense of community.
Thomberry inquired by neighborhood commercial. Franklin stated the goal is to try to get those
commercial uses within a neighborhood of a size that they will primarily pull from the
neighborhood that is around them. Thornberry stated that he doesn't understand what size of
business in a neighborhood commercial is okay in a neighborhood. Franklin said the idea is to
serve the needs of the surrounding neighborhood without pulling in a lot of traffic from other
parts of the city and that specifies as to size of businesses occurs through zoning.
Joint City Council/P&Z Commission Meeting
November 3, 1997
Page 3
Kubby inquired about compact neighborhood design and asked if a plat can be denied if it does
not have compact design. Franklin stated the law still needs to be changed. The
Comprehensive Plan is the desire of the community; the next step is drafting and adopting laws.
Franklin stated pdoritization of ordinance amendments takes place in Planning's Annual Action
Plan.
Goals and Strategies. Franklin stated the goals and strategies as outlined came out of the
Beyond 2000 task force. Kubby asked how changes or new goals and strategies should be
handled. Franklin stated that council should give her any editorial changes and present new
goals and strategies for council discussion and P&Z Commission review.
South District Plan. Senior Planner Miklo reviewed the South Distdct Plan. Miklo stated initially
staff prepared maps and reports about the South District; staff met with major property owners,
potential developers, and neighborhood associations to advise them of the planning process;
and received input from the School District, environmental groups, and the P&Z Commission.
Miklo reported that the major element of the South District planning process was a sedes of
neighborhood workshops that included presentation of background matedal and planning for
the future of the specific neighborhoods. Miklo reviewed land use maps that illustrated the
neighborhood design concepts, including neighborhood focal point or commercial center; a
variety of housing types and styles; neighborhood commercial would be surrounded by medium
to higher density housing; smaller multi-family developments at intersections of collectors and
arterial streets; a variety of ways to get around the neighborhoods via a series of collector
streets; smaller parks scattered throughout the neighborhoods; and a trail system. Miklo
pointed out retail commercial development and potential for industrial development. Miklo stated
the plan recognizes floodplain and wetland areas appropriate for a possible regional park.
Ehrhardt suggested that parks be designated and the property be purchased eady in the
planning process. Miklo said the Parks and Recreation Commission should designate where to
expend parkland acquisition funds. Miklo said the South District Plan does identify land for a
possible school site and suggests a neighborhood park be developed in association with that
school. Council and P&Z commission members asked that updated maps be made available.
Starr noted that the P&Z commission had a 7:30 p.m. P&Z Commission meeting scheduled.
Franklin noted the 1997 comprehensive Plan Draft public hearing is continued to November 11.
Council and P&Z Commission agreed to scheduled another discussion on November 17,
6:30 p.m.
[P&Z Commission left 7:45 p.m.]
Kubby asked how practical is the proposal for accessible apartments on the upper floors of
commercial buildings. Franklin stated the proposal for apartments on the upper floors of
commercial buildings was put in the plan because of the strong input during the neighborhood
workshop. Vanderhoef raised the concern that putting 3 to 4 apartments above a small
business may not be economically feasible. Norton suggested that language be changed to
state "or wherever feasible." Council discussed ADA requirements. Novick suggested changing
the wording to encourage accessible apartments. Kubby suggested "provide apartments above
ground floor as outlined in the ADA." Franklin suggested allowing apartments right next to
commercial as long as the apartment was an accessible unit.
Norton asked that the Plan address enhancing Highway 6 area. Franklin reported that there is a
$300,000 capital improvement project, over three years for Highway 6 drainage, sidewalks and
entranceway. Thomberry suggested using ADS drainage pipe for that project.
Joint City Council/P&Z Commission Meeting
November 3, 1997
Page 4
Norton referred to the South Distdct Plan, Consideration should be given to incorporating
landscape medians or green buffer strips along Gilbert Street, Sycamore Street and the east
West Parkway. Norton recommended changing the wording to read "....Sycamore Street, East
West Parkway and Highway 6 all along the north boundary of this district." Franklin stated staff
would make that change. Thomberry recommended installing electrical conduit along Highway
6 for lighting.
Norton asked council members if they were ready to support smaller lot sizes in RS-5?
Vanderhoef requested that council discuss alleys and the use of front doors facing arterial
streets. Franklin stated the placement of front doors facing arterials are not housing types that
encourage outdoor play. Franklin emphasized that the concept allows for a mix of housing and
not a single type of housing dominates. Norton suggested the use of frontage roads.
Vanderhoef asked about economic impacts from allowing development of smaller frontages
and smaller lots. Franklin explained the Peninsula design is an opportunity to develop a more
compact development with a diversity of housing types. Kubby asked for information regarding
the amount of land taken up by concrete/impervious surfaces in compact development design.
Council discussed alleys. Franklin said the property owner typically pays for the rock put down
in alleys.
Kubby stated that she does not want to promote gas station convenience stores as the core of
neighborhood commercial. Franklin said comer grocery stores, like Seaton's Grocery, are no
longer practical or economically feasible.
Norton asked how the city will limit development in the river corridor area to just the three
parcels of land located near Napoleon Park. Franklin said zoning or purchase are two ways of
control. Norton inquired about the sand and gravel area. Vanderhoef stated the purchase of
that land was discussed when Napoleon Park property was purchased. Franklin stated the area
would be looked at as a regional park.
Vanderhoef referred to Victor Dover's concepts of neighborhood commercial and asked about
the idea of adding a second floor use to the new First Avenue Hy-Vee. Franklin said that
residential uses over commercial need a special exception from the Board of Adjustment and
the scale of Hy-Vee would make a residential-commercial combination of uses difficult.
Planning Districts. Franklin explained that the information in the Comprehensive Plan
summarizes what is currenfiy in the district and what are the issues.
Kubby referred to the South Central Plan, page 80, Open Space, Because there is not
extensive residential development... Kubby stated that there are two mobile homes parks in the
South Central area and they should be able to have open space. Franklin suggested adding
language indicating that for the residential development that does exist, there should be
consideration given to open space. Kubby said the residents living in the South Central
Planning area should have the opportunity for input. Franklin stated those residents have been
given opportunities for input but many haven't taken it.
Norton emphasized that he has eight pages of comments regarding the 1997 Comprehensive
Plan Draft. Norton referred to page 13, Fringe Area Agreement, and stated that it should be
more strongly articulated that Iowa City has a visible edge. Franklin referred to page 41, Land
Use and Urban Pattern, second strategy, Establish wherever possible green space at the edge
of the urban growth boundary. Kubby said that strategy needs to be emphasized more. Kubby
also recommended stating more prominently "encouraging continued investment in the
downtown." Norton stated attention should be given the Iowa City's entranceways. Thornberry
Joint City Council/P&Z Commission Meeting
November 3, 1997
Page 5
asked about the strategy, Work with the business community on strategies to keep downtown
competitive with outlying commercial areas. Franklin stated it is a matter of balance between a
healthy downtown and growth in other commercial cores and it has always been a policy and
direction of Iowa City to maintain downtown Iowa City as a vital part of the community. Lehman
stated that he did not like the word "competitive" used in the strategy and suggested saying,
"work with the business community to maintain the viability of the downtown." Franklin
suggested, "maintain the economic viability of downtown." Norton suggested, "keep downtown
commercially viable." Franklin agreed with that wording.
Norton inquired about the attractiveness of entranceways. Franklin stated something could be
put in the Environmental Protection section. Norton asked if plans are for a regional or area-
wide storm water. Franklin explained there is a regional storm water in the northeast with the
North Branch Detention Basin. In response to Norton, Franklin suggested inserting a regional
storm water management strategy under the Environmental Protection Goal: Support
acquisition and management of watersheds, floodplains, wetlands, and greenways.
Kubby referred to Environmental Protection Goal: Protect scenic and historic vistas, control
offensive noises, and promote unobtrusive lighting and signs. Kubby asked for review of lighting
performance standards. Franklin stated it is on the pending list.
Vanderhoef requested a strategy to complete a network of inner-city trails to connect
neighborhood, parks, schools, commercial areas and adjoining neighborhoods. Franklin
suggested placing that strategy in the Transportation section. Lehman stated "where feasible"
should be added to that strategy. Franklin said it is assumed "where feasible" throughout the
Comprehensive Plan. Norton inquired about the provision for wide curb lanes for bicycles.
Council and staff discussed use of ~,'here appropriate" and "where feasible" in the
Comprehensive Planning document.
Lehman referred to Transportation, Strategy, Maximize the level of transit service during
morning and aftemoon peak travel periods. Franklin said it means provide transit services
necessary dudng those peak times. Davidson explained it means that those are the times of
day when the potential for transit service is the greatest and rather than spending a lot of
money dudng the times of day when it is not being used, focus on those peak times. Lehman
suggested using, "focus level of transit service." Kubby disagreed saying focus means the city
can cut daytime non-peak hours totally. Kubby objected changing "maximize" to "focus."
Davidson suggested that the Comprehensive Plan include a disclaimer language statement in
the front of the document. Franklin suggested adding a statement about the meaning and use
of strategies on page 28.
In response to Norton, Franklin stated a strategy should state something about protection of
vistas. Norton stated he will prepare a strategy relating to protection of vistas.
Thomberry referred to page 33, Arts, Culture & Human Development, Second Goal, Strategy:
Set aside 1% if the budget for any public building .... Thomberry stated that council did not
decide on the 1%. Kubby said that language needs to be updated. Norton stated there are
several places where language updating is needed. Vanderhoef referred to Arts, Culture &
Human Development, Fourth Goal, Strategy: Establish a fund to provide financial assistance to
local, arts... Vanderhoef suggested using the word "foundation" rather than "fund." Lehman
suggested the language, "encourage the community to establish a foundation." Kubby
suggested, "establish a funding strategy." Franklin suggested either "establish or consider a
funding strategy to provide financial assistance". Lehman referred to the Strategy: Expand the
Joint City Council/P&Z Commission Meeting
November 3, 1997
Page 6
public library consistent with the Iowa City Public Library Strategic Plan and asked if it was too
specific. Franklin stated the council needs to meet with the Library Board if there are
disagreements regarding their Strategic Plan.
Lehman noted the Comprehensive Plan calls for public recreational facilities and meeting areas
in new schools. Lehman stated that the school distdct should be contacted. Franklin suggested
changing the wording to "work with the school district."
Vanderhoef stated "include public art, culture or human development components in the
redevelopment plans for parcel 64-1A" is too specific. Franklin replied that the Goal "Elected
official will consider human development factors when making decisions" is critical.
Kubby stated that council needs to start at the beginning to review the Comprehensive Plan
Draft. Council tentatively scheduled November 19, 5:00 to 7:30 to continue Comprehensive
Plan discussion.
Meeting adjoumed: 9:10 p.m.
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date:
To:
From:
Re:
November 13, 1997
Department and Division Heads
Eleanor M. Dilkes, City Attorney
Attorney Assignments
As most of you know by now, we have hired Andy Matthews as an Assistant City Attorney.
Attached you will find a recent memo to the City Council which provides a brief history of Andy's
experience. Andy will start work on Monday, November 17. Now that we have a full staff I have
made assignments of major departments/subject matters to the various attorneys. In making
these assignments I have been cognizant of the disruption to departments within the City that
results from attorney turnover. Some change, however, was inevitable given my new
responsibilities as City Attorney and our need to evenly distribute the workload between the
attorneys. We will see how these assignments work and make adjustments as necessary. Please
call me if you have questions or concerns.
Eleanor Dilkes, City Attorney
City Council
City Manager/Assistant City Manager
City Clerk
Public Works and Engineering
Finance Department
Human Rights Commission/Coordinator
Property acquisition and coordination of the same
Litigation supervision
Sarah Holecek, First Assistant City Attorney
Planning & Zoning Commission/Planning Department (excluding Community
Development
and JCCOG Human Services)
Board of Adjustment
City Assessor/majority of tax assessment appeals
Police Department
Personnel/Civil Service/Pension
Property acquisition as assigned
II.
IV.
2
Dennis Mitchell, Assistant City Attorney
Housing & Inspection Services/code enforcement
Public Housing Authority
Airport
Animal Control
Magistrate's Court (½)
Senior Center
Property acquisition as assigned
LitigatJon as assigned
Andrew Matthews, Assistant City Attorney
Community Development and JCCOG Human Services
Cable and Cable Commission
Library
Fire Department
Parking & Transit
Parks & Recreation
Cemetery
Magistrate's Court (½)
Litigation as assigned
Attachment
cc: City Council
City Assessor
Sarah Holecek
Dennis Mitchell
Andy Matthews
November 13, 1997
CITY OF I0 WA CITY
Mr. Heath Klahs
229 S. Johnson
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Mr. Mike Green
P.O. Box 2294
Iowa City, Iowa 52244-2294
Mr. Eric Neubauer
2O9 E. Fairchild
Iowa City, Iowa 52245
Mr. Brian Getting
209 E. Fairchild
Iowa City, Iowa 52245
Mr. Isaac Bums
318 N. Gilbert
Iowa City, Iowa 52245
Dear Gentlemen:
As you probably know, someone moved all the ramps fi'om the Civic Center Parking Lot to the area
under the College Street Bridge in the Chauncey Swan Parking Ramp. City crews have now
removed the ramps to a storage facility. If you would like to pick up the ramps, please let me
know. I should point out that we do.not have any space indoors to store the ramps during the
winter.
The City agreed to allow skateboarders to use a portion of the Civic Center Parking Lot for
skateboarding during certain hou~o not the Chaxmcey Swan Parking Ramp. Our reasons for
allowing skateboarding in the Civic Center Parking Lot rather than the lower level of the Chauncey
Swan Park/ng Ramp were two-fold: first, Chatmcey Swan is much busier after 6:00 p.m. (unlike
the Civic Center lot, anyone may purchase a parking permit for Chauncey Swan); and two, the City
would have an easier time maintaining and policing the Civic Center lot if skateboarders failed to
follow the rules we agreed upon. Unfortunately, the City's has had to spend a significant amount of
time maintaining and policing the parking lot. As I noted in earlier letters, we have had problems
with people skateboarding during the day when the parking lot is full; with people leaving the
ramps at night, especially al~er it has rained; with people leaving trash and debris in the parking lot;
and with people damaging the barricades.
Based upon the coming inclement weather, as well as the skateboarders inability. to follow the rules
we established, skateboarding in the Civic Center Parking Lot is being suspended for the winter. I
would like to meet with some of you or other skateboarders before we allow skateboarding again
next spring.
EAST WASHINGTON STREET · IOWA CITY. IOWA $2240.1126 · (319) 3S6-$000 · FAX (]15) 3S6o500f~
t oo '
If you have any questions, please feel free to give me a call at 356-5030.
Very truly yours,
Dennis J. Mitchell
Assistant City Attorney
Steve Atldns, City Manager
Marian Karr, City Clerk
Terry Tmebloock Parks & Recreation Director
Mike Moran, Recreation Supervisor
Joe Fowler, Parking & Transit Director
Bill Dollman, Parking Manager
Jeff Vananer, Maintenance Department
November 5, 1997
Ms. Kirsten Frey
Barker, Cruise, Kennedy and Houghton
P.O. Box 2000
Iowa City, Iowa 52244~2000
CITY OF I0 WA CITY
Re:
The Cliff Apartments: Slope Stabilization Project
Dear Kirsten:
As you know, the City Council agreed not to resist your request that the November 1, 1997
construction completion deadline be extended to December 15, 1997, and the City filed the
appropriate document with the Court stating this position. As part of their decision not to
resist your requested extension, however, the City Council asked that I clearly convey to you,
in writing, their likely position on a request for another extension of the completion deadline.
Without recounting the relative merits of the arguments on each side of such a request, I can
unequivocally state that should another extension of the completion deadline be requested,
the City Council will take the position that such a request should be zealously resisted, and
the original municipal infraction. citations aggressively prosecuted to the fullest extent
possible.
As stated, the City Council requested that I communicate this information to you so that you
may be advised of their position on the issue of future deadline extensions in this matter.
Very truly yours,
_S. arah. E' ..,~"ece_k. / .
~'~-.~rst~A~s i st ant City Attorney
CC:
Steve Arkins, City Manager
Naomi Novick, Mayor
Marian Karr, City Clerk
Eleanor Dilkes, City Attorney
Dennis Mitchell, Assistant City Attorney
410 EAST II,'ASHI~IGTO~ STREET · IOII~A CITY. lOUISA 52240-1126 · (319) 356-5000 · FAX (3]9) 3~6-~009
e/oo
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date:
To:
From:
Re:
November 10, 1997
City Manager and City Council
Karin Franklin, Director, PC~~
Butler House - Update
Last November, the (~ity Council authorized us to proceed with stabilization of the Butler
House, located on the new water plant site. Since then, this project has been bogged
down in our efforts to obtain a Memorandum of Agreement from the U.S. Corps of
Engineers and the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO).
The City is required, as part of the federal permitting process for the water plant, to
undertake the water project subject to a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the
Corps and SHPO. The agreement articulates the obligations of the City for this project as
the project relates to historic resources. The Corps and SHPO have not been in agreement
as to what should be included in the MOA regarding the Butler House. The house is a
factor in the MOA because SHPO and the Corps have tied together the acquisition of the
new water plant site and the acquisition of the Peninsula in their permitting process. In so
doing, the federal flood hazard mitigation money which was used to purchase a portion of
the Peninsula is used by SHPO and the Corps to link the permit required for the water plant
to what is called a Section 106 review. This review includes extensive archaeological
work and protection of any historic sites within the project limits.
The staff does not necessarily agree with SHPO and the Corps as to the appropriateness of
linking the acquisition of the lower Peninsula property with the Butler House site.
However, in order to acquire the necessary permits, we have been attempting to work with
both SHPO and the Corps on this issue.
The debate or difference of opinion between the Corps and $HPO regarding the MOA is
that the Corps is only interested in the visual impact the water plant project will have on
the Butler House, whereas SHPO requires more extensive language regarding the
demarcation of the historic site, the visual impact, and any stabilization plans the City may
undertake.
At this point, we are attempting to satisfy both agencies without unduly obligating the City
to do anything with the Butler House. This does not mean we may not, as part of a local
decision, proceed with utilizing this building, but we do not wish to have that decision
dictated by the State. We have forwarded to $HPO archaeological surveys and
stabilization plans for the Butler House. Upon receipt of their approval, we will proceed, as
we intended to one year ago, to stabilize the house. We will then discuss with the
Council, as well as appropriate City commissions, future plans for the Butler House. Our
immediate goal is to satisfy the Corps and SHPO such that we can obtain the necessary
permits to proceed with the water plant construction.
We will keep you apprised of the status of this project.
CC:
Eleanor Dilkes
Chuck Schmadeke
Scott Kugler
Historic Preservation Commission
Parks & Recreation Commission
Riverfront & Natural Areas Commission
bc\memos\1-1 KF,doc
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date:
To:
From:
Re:
November 7, 1997 /
Steve Atkins' City Manage_r_./,~~ ;./i,/.,,~
Kadn Franklin, Director, CDI~
Hy-Vee Truck Traffic and I.Jghti'ng'
I have spoken with David Bailey, Real Estate Manager for Corporate Hy-Vee, and
Terry Holcomb, Manager of the First Avenue Hy-Vee, regarding the issues of truck delivery
schedules, truck traffic on First Avenue, and lighting within the First Avenue Hy-Vee parking lot.
Mr. Holcomb has instructed all of the frequent vendors and those who would make eady
moming deliveries to deliver only between the hours of 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., and to use
Muscatine Avenue for deliveries from the east and west and First Avenue for deliveries from the
south. These instructions were conveyed to the offices of the companies as well as the
individual drivers.
The lighting in the parking lot has been evaluated by Julie Tallman; the lights have been
modified to diminish the footcandle power at the property line to one foot candle. Julie
remeasured the lighting after modifications were made to the fixtures, and there were two
fixtures which still exceeded the footcandles at the property line. She is working with the
landscape architect for the project to bdng these two fixtures into compliance.
cc: Mike Finley, Creekside Neighborhood Association
Date: November 12, 1997 -
CITY OF I0 WA CITY
To: Business owner or resident, South Gilbert Street corridor
From: Jeff Davidson, Asst. Director, Dept. of Planning & Community Development
Re: Traffic problems on South Gilbert Street
Over the past several years the City has noted a decline in traffic service along the South
Gilbert Street Corridor. We are referring specifically to South Gilbert Street between Benton
Street and Stevens Drive. What we mean by a decline in traffic service is:
· Increased delay and congestion to get from one end of the corridor to the other.
· Difficulty in getting in and out of driveways and intersecting streets.
Increased intersection delay and congestion.
· An increase in the traffic accident rate.
· More difficult for pedestrians and bicyclists to travel in the area.
We know that this deterioration in traffic service is more than just a perception. We are dealing
with traffic volumes that in 1997 are much higher than we ever envisioned. For example,
between 1994 and 1997, the number of vehicles through the intersection of Gilbert Street and
Highway 6 each day increased 38%, from 37,250 to 51,471. Dudng this three-year pedod the
population of Iowa City probably increased around 3%, so we are dealing with an increase in
traffic that far exceeds the increase in population.
We are trying to determine how best to deal with this situation, and what we can do to make
sure Gilbert Street is a safe, functional arterial street. Our first step in this process is to ask you
what you think. Do you think there is a problem? If. so, what are some ideas for improving the
situation? Many of the possible solutions involve impacts to pdvate property along the corridor,
such as adding a center tum lane on Gilbert Street or improving sidewalks. Organizing driveway
entrances better, as has been done successfully in Coralville along Highway 6, will improve
traffic safety but may be perceived as negatively affecting access to individual properties. Are
there solutions that will reduce traffic volume on Gilbert Street so that the existing street works
better, without impacting adjacent neighborhood streets?
I would appreciate you responding using the enclosed, postage-paid mail back survey. Once
we have an idea how those of you along the corridor feel, we will report to the City Council and
see how they want to proceed. Thanks for helping us try to improve this difficult situation. Feel
free to give me a call at 356-5252 if you have any questions.
City Council
City Manager
410 EAST I~ASHINGTON STREET · IOI~A CITY. IO!VA SZ240-1124, · (]19) 356-$000 · FAX (319) ]~&.$GII9
CITY OF I0 WA CITY
South Gilbert Street Corridor Traffic Analysis
Survey of Business Owners and Residents
I i-'lease tatum no later than December 3, 199/
o
Do you feel there is a problem with traffic on South Gilbert Street between Benton Street
and Stevens Drive? [] Yes [] No
If yes, which of the following better describes the problem: Check any which apply.
[] Overall increased traffic and congestion
[] Increased delay and congestion at intersections
[] Problems getting in and out of driveways
[] Traffic accidents
,~ Difficulties for pedestrians and bicyciists
~ Other
3. I think the following ideas should be considered to improve traffic conditions in the South
Gilbert Street Comdor.
Return to: Jeff Davidson, Department of Planning & Community Development
City of Iowa City
410 E. Washington St.
Iowa City, IA 52240
November 12, 1997
CITY OF I0 WA
CITY
Mr. Rick Altman
720 Clark Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
Dear Mr. Altman:
Thank you for your letter regarding traffic conditions at the intersection of south Gilbert Street,
Prentiss Street. and Bowery Street. As you are aware, the layout of this intersection is less than
desirable because of the offset between Bowery and Prentiss Streets. However, it has not been
one of our top 15 accident locations in the last five years.
Next spdng we will look at this intersection for possible improvements. Before making any
signal timing changes, a traffic count will be completed to identify the amount of traffic on each
approach of the intersection. Because these counts are weather sensitive, it may be late winter
or early spdng before this can be completed. We will then look at making some timing changes
to the signal if appropriate. Your suggestions will be evaluated as part of this process.
Thanks again for your commentsl If you have any questions or would like additional information,
please call me at 356-5254.
Sincerely,
Doug Ripley
JCCOG Traffic Engineering Planner
cc: City Council
City Manager
Jeff Davidson
Longfellow Neighborhood Association
EAST WASHINGTON STREET · IOWA CITY. IOWA $2240-112i · (3141) ~J&.$000 · FAX
OIO
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: November 13, 1997
To: Robert Miklo, Senior Planner
From: John Yapp, Associate Planner
Re: Alleys in New Subdivisions
The question of whether the introduction of alleys would increase the amount of
paving in new subdivisions came up during the development of the Sensitive Areas
Ordinance, and again with the draft Iowa City Comprehensive Plan, both of which
encourage the use of alleys in compact neighborhoods. It is true that alleys in
conventional single-family subdivisions with lot widths of 60 feet or more, would ·
increase the amount of pavement per lot. However, alleys in combination with
narrower lots and slightly narrower streets will use less pavement per lot than a
conventional design.
If designed properly, alleys can be a valuable amenity to a neighborhood. Benefits of
alleys include:
· V~rrth garages off the alley there will be fewer curb cuts on the street, and
none of the front yard would need to be paved.
· W"~h local traffic using the alleys, the street will carry less traffic.
· Alleys can serve as the location for utility services and service vehicle
access.
· In more dense neighborhoods with small houses, locating the garage to
the rear helps improve the residential appearance of the street.
The following table helps to illustrate how the use of alleys, in compact
neighborhoods, results in less paved area par house when compared to conventional
subdivisions. In general, the narrower the lot the less pavement per lot there will
be, regardless of how deep the lots are. It should be noted that the most likely land
uses in compact neighborhoods with narrower lots will be zero-lot line, townhouse,
and small single-family dwellings.
Street Width, Lot Size, and Pavement per Lot
Street AJley Lot PavemenU
W~!th W~lth W"~lth Lot
28' 0' 60' 1,680 ~f
25' 16' 40' 1,640
25' 16' 30' 1~0
25' 16' 25' 1,025
Conventional lot
f :\sh m'ed\pcd\alley 2.
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date:
To:
From:
Re:
November 13, 1997
Steve Arkins, City Manager
Joyce Carroll~nd Barb Coffey ~'/
Final Report on Leaf Raking Project
On Saturday, November 8, 74 volunteer City employees set out in two shifts to
rake the yards of senior citizen residents in Iowa City. Nearly the same number of
family members, friends and Boy Scouts assisted the crew. At the end of the
morning 36 lawns had been raked.
Comments received from the senior citizens attest to how greatly they appreciate
our efforts. We hope to continue to expand the program each year so we can reach
greater numbers of seniors. A survey is being sent out to volunteers asking for
their comments and suggestions to improve and expand the program. We are
considering enlisting the efforts of service clubs and neighborhood associations to
achieve this goal.
Attached is a list of the City.employees who volunteered for this year's project,
Special certificates of appreciation will be prepared to reward the efforts of specific
departments who achieved superior participation in this project.
Small Department Category:
City Attomey's Office
City Clerk's Office
Both these departments achieved close to 100% participation this year.
Large Department Category:
Planning & Community Development
The Planning Department is commended for their strong support of the leaf
raking project both this year and last, as evidenced by their proportionally
high level of participation.
Leaf Raking Volunteers
November, 1997
Administration:
Steve Atkins, City Manager
Dale Helling, Asst. City Manager
Kevin Crawtey, Cable 'IV
Ron O'Neil
City Attorney's Office:
Eleanor Dilkes
Dennis Mitchell
Annie Rowtey
Sarah Holecek
City Clerk's Office:
Julie Vopadl
Sue Walsh
Sondrae Fort
Finance:
Don Yucuis, Admin
Cyndi Sheets, Admin
Kevin O'Malley, Admin
Jim Gulland, Safety
Leigh Lewis, Admin
Debi Mejia, Acctg
Barb Coffey, Doc Services
Libby Musser, Doc Services
Cathy Eisenhofer, Purchasing
Jim Kerr, Purchasing
Tony Winter, Purchasing
Judy Mills, Purchasing
Paula Griffin, Treasury
Dianna Furman, Treasury
Brenda Miller
Housing & Inspection Services:
Bernie Osvald, Bldg
Ron Boose, Bldg
Doug Boothroy, Admin
Kathy Zuckweiler, Admin
Julie Tallman, Bldg
Tim Hennes, BIdg
Stephanie Hubler, HIS
Library:
Sara Brown
Larry Parks
Parks & Recreation:
Terry Trueblood, Admin
Mike Moran, Rec
Cindy Coffin, Rec
Madlyn Bennett, Rec
Joyce Can'oil, Rec
Kate Mohr, Rec
Jeff Vanatter, Govt. Bldg
Steve Roberts, Govt. Bldg
Laroi Dean, Govt. Bldg
Terry Robinson, Forestry
Judson Yetley, Forestry
Planning:
Kadn Franklin, Admin
Kim Moetler, Admin
Katina Lewis, Admin
David Schoon, Eco Dev
John Yapp, Urban Plan/JCCOG
Scott Kugler, Urban Plan
Steve Long, CD
Steve Nasby, CD
Liz Osborne, CD
Jeff Davidson, JCCOG
Linda Severson, JCCOG
Doug Ripley, JCCOG
Brad Neumann, JCCOG
Public Works:
Chuck Schmadeke, Admin
Carol Sweating, Water
David Nash, Water
Tim Dingbaum, Water
Gem Turecek, Water
Kevin Slutts, Water
Michael Sansen, Traffic Eng
Police:
R.J. Winkelhake, Chief
Ron Fort, Lt.
Beth Windsor, Records
Sr. Center:
Linda Kopping
Michelle Buhman
Craig Buhman
Transit:
Ron Logsden
Alice Swenka
November 10, 1997
NOV 1 7997
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
Naomi Novick, Mayor
Iowa City Civic Center
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
RE: Judd Yetley and Jim Gulland
Dear Mayor:
At this time I would like to express my appreciation on behalf of my
parents and our entire family in regard to the above individuals.
Since my parents are elderly and I live some distance from them, it is
difficult to do all the necessary yard work.
Much to my surprise, when I arrived at their house on November 8,
1997, the above individuals were just finishing raking the yard.
From time to time, you do 'hear criticism of city employees and these
two individuals would certainly contradict those negative remarks.
Although I don't live in the community, I would thank you on behalf of
all the other citizens in the community for these two individuals and
other individuals who participated in volunteering to rake other
elderly individual's yards.
I would appreciate it if you could convey my appreciation to these
other individuals and to Joyce Carroll and Barb Coffey who apparently
helped organize the program.
On behalf of our family and other families, thanks.
Respectfully,
Tom Magner
417 5th Street N.W.
Independence, Iowa 50644
cc:
Jim Gulland
Judd Yetley
THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
November 6, 1997
Sgt. Jam~s Steffen
Police Depattm~t
Civic Ceat~
410 E. Washington St.
Iowa City, IA $22A0
Dear Sgt Steffen:
Just a brief no~ to thank you v~y much for meeang with my beginrang rep6mng class
yesterday. It was an informative session, and several students commented afterwards how
useful it was in getting a better understanding of how police work and how journalists
work Perhaps more importantly it showed how police and journalists have to work
together.
Again, thanks. I imow the meeting took time from other important work, but the students
and I really appreciated it
Sincerely yours,
Kenne~ Starck
Professor
&"~: Chief R. J. Winkelhake
School of Journalism
a~d ~ Communication
205 Commumcatlons Ctt.
iowa Ci~,lowa52242-1592
310/335-5821
FAX31O/B35-5210
E-mail:journ~ism-aamin~uiowa.eclu
¥olq
November 7, 1997
Dear Rental Property Owner or Manager:
CITY OF I0 WA CITY
The Housing Quality Task Force which met several times in the fall of 1995 and into early
1996 recommended that more information and explanation be made available for technical
issues related to housing inspections. HOUSING & INSPECTION SERVICES is planning a half
day seminar for early 1998 end would like your input for topics to be addressed. The theme
the City would like to use is common deficiencies and approved corrections.
The seminar would be geared toward maintenance professionals and property owners who
perform their own maintenance. The focus and scope will be maintenance which can be
performed by persons without trade licenses.
We are confident that we can supply knowledgeable people for the following areas:
plumbing repair and maintenance
electrical repair and maintenance
exiting issues including: stair handrail/guardrail, corridors, fire doors,
stairway enclosures
fire resistive construction, .hazardous areas and occupancy separation
Your suggestions for specifics in these areas or additional topics would be greatly appreciated.
Please call, drop us a line, or FAX our office with your suggestions or comments. The
seminar will be free but reservations may be necessary.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Gary Klinefeller
Sr. Housing Inspector
356-5133
FAX 356-5008
410 EAST WASHINGTON STREET · IOWA CITY. IOWA
$2240-182b · (31~)
356-$000 · FAX
356-5009
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: November 11, 1997
To: Steve Atkins, City Manager
From: Ron Logsden, Transit Manager
Re: Art On The Bus
The an on the bus program is underway with art done by the first and second graders
from Horn Elementary being displayed bus ~42 which we have running on the
Westwinds Route. On Tuesday, November 11 ~ I took bus//42 to Horn School so the kids
and a number of their parents could see their art displayed on the bus. The kids were very
excited and the event was covered by the media and the Superintendent of The Iowa City
School District, Barb Grohe.
We will display art fxom the students at Lentme Elementary During the month of
December.
Steve Atkins
CITY OF I0 WA CITY
BUILDING PERMIT INFORMATION
OCTOBER 1997 )
KEY FOR ABBREVIATIONS
Type oflmprovement:
ADD Addition
ALT Alteration
DEM Demolition
GRD Grading/excavation/filling
REP Repair
MOV Moving
FND Foundation only
OTH Other type of improvement
Type of Use:
NON
RAC
RDF
RMF
RSF
MIX
OTH
Nonresidential
Residential- accessory building
Residential - duplex
Residential - three or more family
Residential - single family
Commercial & Residential
Other type of use
o1'7
Pa~e:
~c~: ~0/0~/~
~..:
CITY OF ZC~A CITY
s,,t.~ACTZ~ OF BUILDING PEPJ~T DATA FOR
C~SUS BUREAU P.~PC~T
Permit ~licant ~ l~kirems Type Type Stories Un/ts Valuation
No. l~pr Use
BLD97-0774 l~tO~-~ & ~ 2200
104000
BLD97-0744 HY-V~E INC. 1720
~0 ~ 28 C~N ~.ED~"IC~ ADDITIC~
ADO ~ 1 0 $ 45000
BLD97-0783 SII~i~t~R OIL 2153 AL"T CIR ADO N(~ i 0 $ 19450
27 x 7.S' A~ITI(~ TO C-~ENI~C~ STORE
ADPl~l'mat8:3 S 168450
BLD97-06&l C~RISTL~N ~ 701 O~OL~ D~ ADD ~ 3 14 $ 1771140
S~iVIC~S
14-~IT APARTg~T BUILDi~G ~ T~O LEVEL PA~KING STRUt"~URE.
ADD ~ l~tS: I 14 $ 1771140
BLD94-0704 ~ NI~]~ 415 5T~ AVE ADD I~SF
10'x 24' FZ~.~T FLOO~ ADDI~I~ - 22'X 2t" AT'Ii~HED ~ ADOITZ(H~ - 24'X
28' SECOND f-,~Y ADDITI(H~ TO ~LgTI~G S.F.D.
BLD97-0690 ELIZIBET~ CLOTHIER 747 R~ ~T
18 X 22 KITC~{AI~D STUDY ADOIT~(~
0 0 $ 80000
BL~97-0649 ~ & LYNN MO~O~.RZS 1724 E CO~T ST
FAMILY RO(~ AND GARAGE ADDITI(~
ADD R~F 1 0 $ 31994
BLD97-0800 ~ SC~I'Z 725 N LI~N ET
16'6" X 12' SC~.E~N PORCH ~ A 10'3" X 9'4" ~DOP DECK
ADD RSF 1 0 $ 20000
5L~97-0782 DORSEY PH~L~S 427 ~ AVE
26 x 10 KIT~{EN ADDITIO~
A~D ~SF 1 0 $ 18750
5L~97-0735 JAWIFS & NIN~ PET~AN 410 MAGG~AN AVE
8 X 14 TWO STORY ADDITION
ADD RSF 2 0 $ 1500C
51297-0739 JAN FL~.~-~'~ 1714 DEFOREST AVE
17'-6" X 20' ATTACHED GARAGE
ADD RSF 1 0 $ 1500C
5LS~7-0784 MEG & ROBERT
12 X 16 SCREEN PORCH
2526 MAYFIELD RD ADD RSF i C $ 14624
i:Li97-0670 ROBERT HARRIS 701 MANOR DR
12 x 12 TNREE SEASON PORCH
ADD R~F i C S 13704
ADD RSF 1 0 $ 5OOO0
Page: 2
Date: 11/05/97
from: 10/01/97
To..: 10/31/97
Permit J~lic~nt name
No.
CITY OF XOMA CITY
EXT~XO~ OF B~X,PING I~T ~k~TA FO~
Type Type Stories Units
lmpr Use
Valuation
BLD97-0700 ~ & CATB~XI~ 30 DOg/4AM CT
ADO RSF 1 0 $ 12000
BLD97-0758 SI~]J~iKAR M ~ 1025 D~XG~ ~ ADD RSF
~ EXXST~ PO~C~ TO FOUR SEAS(~ RO(]~ A~D ADD A 12 X 20 DEC](
1 0 $ 8000
BL~97-0740 TIM S~OEDER 221 S LOMELL ST
14 X 29 ATTA~a~I~ ~ A~D 14 · 10 SC~.EEN PO~C~
ADD RSF 1 0 $ 7424
BLD97-0787 !!~ADF~D J. & 217 POST
BAP~A~A K. ~
12 X 24 ATTAOO~D Cu~RA~
ADP RSF 1 0 $ 5000
BL.D97-0697 ~ & ~
14 X 20 SCI~E~N PO~CH
2734 Li~D~q RD ADP RSF I
0 $ 45OO
BLD97-0762 FI~J~'IS M & ST~J~ A 1Sl1 CP.O~Y LN
CLARK
16 · 24 C]Uti~D~T
A~O ~SF 1 0 $ 4000
BLD97-0759 ~ R ~I~
14 X 28 MOOD DECK
1314 CARROLL ST AD~ RSF 0 0 $ 3600
BLD97-0753 EADDLEBROOK L.C.
8 x 23 DECK
128 ARABLV~ CT ADD RSF 1 0 $ 2200
BLD97-0763 MARK A FL~'~
15 · 12 DECK
SO REGAL L!i ADD RSF 0 0 S 2200
BLD97-0741 ~ PAINE 823 RONA~PS ST
6 · 4 C~VERED PORCH ARD 18 X 4.5 DECK
ADP X~SF 1 0 $ 2000
EL~97-0691 ~ & JEAN ~I~'E 2355 JE~SUP
12 X 34 WOOD DECK
ADD RSF 0 0 $ 1800
BL~9~-0767 H.R. JORDAN
10 · 16 ~RT
1433 BUP~c.~R AVE ADD RSF 1 0 $ 1666
BL297-0768 DAVID HAMILTON 828 RIDER ST ADD I~SF 0 C $ 160C
EAw~IOR LANDING AND STAIR~
ADD R.~F perf..Its: 22 $ 315062
~Li}--0734 AERO RENTAL 227 KIRKWOOD AVE ALT NON
REMODEL E]fT~IOR OF BUILDING TO INCLUDE A~ Ak'NING AROUND T}IE PERIMETER,
INFILL F~ AND NOR/'H WINI~S WIT~ BRICK, REVISE N.E. CORNER TO INCLUDE A
S $ 222939
Page: 3
Date: 11/05/97
:~o~: 10/01/97
To..: 10/31/97
CITY OF IO~A CITY
~w~CTIO~ OF BUILDING PERMIT DAT~ FOR
CENSUS BUP.~AU
Permt ;~plic~t mme Address Type 17pc Stories Units Valuation
No. I~pr Use
WINDOM.
BLD97-059S k~s.~m~q AI]TO/PART~
W~RICA
INTeR/OR
501 HOLLYMOOD BLVD ALT N(~ I 0 $ 146000
ELD97-0688 G~J~DVI~ C~K~tT 2346 ~ TREK BLVD
PARTNERS
3500 S.P. INTeRIOr OFFICE FINISH
ALT NO~ i 0 $ 76000
BL-D97-0766 ~ ~ TX~ 605 N !X~GE ST ALT NOtq
REPLACE TICtEE ~At~lOR GL~.$S ~ WIT[{ ~OOD F~J~ING/tND NEI~#IE)0~S A~DA
0 0 $ 9000
~LD97-0654 ~T~ 717 ~ TREK BLVD
DEVELOPMENT C~MPANY
18 · 63'o6" IgA'~tlO~ FINISH FOR DRY CLEA~ING FACILITY
ALT NO~ 1 0 S 6000
BLD97-0752 ~ASHXNG'IT~ PA~K 363 N 1ST AVE
ALT N0~ 0 0 $ 5200
BLD97-0803 HY-~ FO~D ST~E 1720 MATERFRONT D~
INC.
INSTALL NEW PARTTTIO~l FOR T~ T~%CCO AR~A
ALT NC~ 0 0 $ 3800
BLD97-0747 SO'TIe. ATE 1907STEVenS DR'' ALT NO~ 1 0 $ 1000
D~LOPMI~q'T CGg(PANY
INTERX O~ FINIS~
ALT ~ ~r~LLtS: 8 $ 467939
5LD97-0732 A~Y S~ 25 N lrAlq BUREN ST ALT RAC 2 0 $ 250C~
RID40DEL k'XISTING ACC~ORY BUILDING (GARAGE) TO ACCODATE H0~ OCCUPATIO
( S~I"UDI O)
ALT RA~ permits: 1 S 2500S
EL~97-~757 RIC~ ~]~0£ZE 925 BI/)0~I~-TON ~T
CONVERT S.F.D. TO DUPLEX
;tit RDF 2 1 S 300C
Ei.?97-0751 RICH WI~S'TI~ 708 ~
INSTALL BEDRO0~ E~S WINDO~
;%LT RDF perm:ts: 2
Page: ·
Date: 11/05/97
rro~: 10/01/97
To..: 10/31/97
CITY OF IOIIA CITY
~'TRACT2C~I OF BUZLDING I:~E~T I~TA FOR
CENSCIS BUREAU REPORT
Permit A~licant ~ Address Typ~ Type Stories Units Valuation
N:. lm[;r Use
B~97-0381 CAM~ ~OPERTI~, S18 CAPITOL
ALT PJ4F 0 0 $ 2500
BLD97-0743 KEYST~3~E Pi~OP~KTY 518 CAPITOL ST ALT ~ 0 0 S 1000
CONSTRUCT C'~a.R~DOR TO SEPARATE BEDRO(~ ~
~T ~ ~its: 2 S 3500
BLD97-0736 TED RITTE3~fER 3621 E COURT ST
ENCLOSE SCREEN ~ORC~ WITH PLASTIC STORM, #INDO~S
ALT RSF 0 0 S 7000
BL.Q97-0698 D~ & (~ 2734 LINDEN RD ALT RSF
RIB~L~
ENCLOSE EXISTING 14 Y 20 SC~ ~CH WIT~ PI~%STIC G~ S~ NIND(~S
BLD97-0773 DEE ~T~ 920 GI~ AVE
H~3~ODEL KITCHEN A~D REPIJ~:~ NIND0~
0 0 S 6000
BLD97-0708 ~y & J~E JOSS 2600 IRV~ AVE ·
~PROXIMATLY 700 S.F. OF BA~ID~ FINISH
ALT RSF 0 0 $ 6000
=-L~97-0793 MOORE CG~ISTRUCTIO~ 1418 WIL~ PP, AIRIE DR
BASID~ENT BATH, FAM/LY ROOM, A~D BEDROOM FINISH
ALT RL'F 0 0 $ 5000
ALT RSF 0 0 S 5000
0 0 S 3000
EL29~-0737 LES BAf-I~A!4 520 HOLT AVE ALT RSF
ENCLOSE EXISTI]~ 11'-6' X 16' S(~tE]~ lh3RC~ #ITH PLA$?IC ~ #INDO~S
ALT R. SF 1 o S 2500
BL~97-0701 B[T~TY RIB~ 2 RITA LYN CT
E~iCLO~E ~:XZSTING 9 X 12 SCR~ PORCH WITH I~IC WINDOWS
ALT RSF 0 0 S 250C
DAN SEIFE3~T 3428 SOOTH JAMIE L~
FINISH APPROXIMATLY 448 S.F. OF BASEMENT AR~A
ALT ~SF 0 0 $ 150C
5L~9~-0712 JOl~ T GI~SELL 1614 DICI~SON L~
FINISH APPROXIMATLY 252 S.F. OF BAS]D~ENT AREA
E'----97-0772 JAMES & ]~ECCA 1205 JE~'~'~.q~.gON ST ALT ~SF 0 C S 120C
SIMPSON
INr~IOR REMODEL: R~OVE W;tLL B~ LIVING ROOW AND DINING AREA, INSTALL
NEW EA~£RIOR DOOR
ALT RSF permits: 10 $ 3970~_
CITY OF IOWA CITY 1801 S RIVERSIDE DR
52 x 232 TEN UNIT AIRCRAFT. TEE HANGEK
NEW NON i C S 3~5~.'
Page: 5
D~te: 11/05/97
£rc~: 10/01/97
Is..: 10/31/97
CITY OF I0~A CITY
~Ai~ACTI01~ OF B~IILDING PERMIT DATA FOR
~z~u~ BURFd~U ~PORT
Pernut ~licant ~--- A~dress T~ Ty~ Stories Units Valuation
No. Impr Use
BLD97-0B0& 360 CO~i~ICATI0~S 1825 D~ RD NEW
180' HIGH CO~ICATI(H~T~R#ITH 28 X 11'-6' UTILITY BU/LDXNG
1 0 $ 200000
BLD97-0676 J~R0~I~o I!~C. 2 ~C~ L~ ~ ~ 1 0 $ 120000
3500 S.F. ~ia~NI~NC~ STOR~
NEW NOiqper~lts: 3 S 695000
~'-D97-0801 C~y MIC~ 847 R~)ELL ST NEW RAC 1 0 S 9000
28 X 34 DETA~]~DGAIt~G~
~ RAC ~rmzts: 1 $ 9000
~LD97-0657 ~ Vl~TUR~S, L.C. 2500 RUS~IO~ DR
12 PL~ L'~I~J~ME~#IT~ 12 (~ CAR GA~
~ RMF 3 12 $ 450000
BLD97-06S3 i~I~ ~, L.C. 1432 ~ PL
4 U~IT C~X]~iFI]~M #ITN T~O CAR ~
HEW RMF 2 4 S 250000
BLD97-0655 ~X~ %r~, L.C. 1500 MC~ PL
4 ~IT CO~IX~INIM~#ITH TWO CAR GARAGES
N~W RMF 2 4 $ 250000
~LD97-0656 ~ VEN~, L.C. 1505 ~ PL NEW ~ 2 4 $ 235000
4 ~IT C~IM~#IT~ SIN~ S~'GAi~
l~ I~ p~r~i:s: 4 24 $ 1185000
~1-~97-0755 MC C~Y-TAYLOR 4851 SC)~CHAS£ CT
$.F.D. WIT]{ T~O CAR C~
51297-0756 B & H BUILD!~ 1324 GOLD!~OD DR
S.F.D. WIT~ TWO CAR C~
~1297-0694 DAV-ED LIMITED 3440 K~
S.F.D. WIT~ T~O CAR C~
~L29"-0802 ~DORE CONS~UCTIC~ 1214 GOLDENROD DR
S.F.D. WITM T~O CAR GAR~
5L13~-0714 JASON LEE 1432 WILD P~RIE DR
S.F.D. WITH TWO CAR GARDE
~12:~-~769 JEFF MILLR':R 1251 SANTA FE DR
CONSTRUCTION
S.F.D. WIT}{ TWO CAR GAR~£
219011
N~ R.SF 2 1 $ 181355
NEW RSF 2 1 S 159227
128837
N'~ RSF 2 i $ 122283
l~ RSF ! 1 $ 116222
Pa9e:
To..:
CITY OF IO~A CITY
EXTRACTIO~I OF BUILDING PE~MrI' ~ FOR
C~NS'GS BUREAU REPORT
Permit ~licant name Address Ty~ Type Stories Units Valuation
No, lmpr Use
NEW RSF p~rmlts: 6 6 $ 926935
BLD97-0~10 ~ ZI~i 512 S D~mu~J~ ST REP MIX 0 0 $ 3000
~ OFF 2 ~ C~ BACK- P.~ROOF #ITH CLASS 'A' I,M~TED S1iIla~mc
PEP MIX per~s: 1 $ 3000
B~D97-0791 S~AT~ 901 HOLLYl~OOO ~LVD PEP N(~q
DEV~LOI~4~T
HA/L ARD #i~D DAM~. TEAR OFF 2' IS0 MODIFIED ROOFL~G SYST~ INSTALLED
BLD97-0794 CITY OF IO~A CITY 410 MASHI]~'I~ ST
~ A~D REPLACE S~CTIONS 'A'
B~D97-0715 ~ A~D NE~ZIL 119 ~(~T ST
~ AND ~ TILE ~tOOF. ~ BROKEN TILE
0 0 $ 84000
0 0 $ 62000
NON 0 0 $ S6000
BLD97-0790 ~ NIDISS 124 ~ ST ~P NOtt
REROOF WITH ~ ~ 'C' R~F ~
B~97-0536 FI~ ~~ 2701 R~ A~ ~P ~
B~97-0721 ~ ~ & 605 ~ A~ ~P ~
Bi~D97-0789 TO~NCREST 1070 NILLLM~ ST R~P
overlay with tarred ISO. high density hardboard ~nd fully adhered
0 0 $ 17992
BLD97-0764 ZI(]~ LUTI{ERAN ~JRCH 310 N JO~l~G~ ST
REROOF WITH CLASS 'A' FIBERGLASS SHINGLES
0 0 $ 17600
BLDg"-0707 FIRST ASSEMBLY OF 1330 KEOKUK ST
GOD
REROOF WITH CLASS "A" SHINGLES
0 o $ 12825
5L/9~-0720 DEA~ THORRBERRY 1445 BOYRU~ ST
REROOF WITH CLASS "A" SHIl~LF~
NON C C
LLi9--0716 FAITH BA/~TIST CHURCH 1251 VILLAGE
REROOF WITH MINIMUM ~ASS "C" ROOF CQVERING
PEP NON £ C $ 3151
5L197-0781 DEAN THORRBERRY 519 HIGHLAND AVE
REROOF WITH CLASS "A" SHINGLES
PEP NON 0 0 $ 600C
R~P NON 0 0 $ 600C
8160
9446
Pa9e: ?
Dale: 11/05/9~
~om: 10/01/9~
To..: ~0/3~/9~
CITY OF ~0~O. CITY
~t~w~'"TIOt~ OF BUILDING PERMIT !~TA FOR
~ BUREAU P. EPORT
Pez~ait ~licant ~ A~fress ~ ~ Stories Units Valuation
No. I~r Ome
219 N GIL~E~T ST PEP NON 0 0 $ 900
BLD97-0724 JE~RY C~EY 2500 ~[~CAT~]~ AV~ ~.~P ~(~ 0 0 $ 300
· EPAIR SHA~ P~OF F~{~ HAIL AND #IND DAMAGE
~P N(H~ pe~ts: 14 $ 289S06
~..EP ~DF 0 0 $ 5157
BLD97-0683 CT~TXS ~ 416 S S~9~T ST REP RDF
~ A~HOXD~TLy 62' OF CL~Y ~]N~AT](~ AE) ~.~PLA(~ #17~ C(~C~-7
M~S~RY U~ITS.
0 0 $ 1600
BLD97-0689 D(~LD R I~-'T~.~ 517 $ ~ ~
~EPL~C~ 0~ CO~ER ~T. O~E JOIST A~D S0~E DECKI~ BOA~D~
REP ~DF 0 0 $ 900
81.D97-0731 ~LL~AM VO~HI~S 1904 TAYLO~ ~ PEP RDF 0 0 $ 400
~.~PL~ ~XIST~NG 8 X 8 D~CK ~ STAIRS '
~P ~)F ~tR: 4 $ 8057
BLD97-0812 ~ P. EALTO~.S 922 COLL~E ST
R~OVE A~D REPL~iE CLASS'A' SHINGL~
BLD97-0727 (~.AIG HAES~"f~R
~E~OOF
26975
S25 S JO~N~O~ ST PEP ~MF 0 0 S 20000
5''97-0709 DAVID FO~A~ 307 #XIJ.~O%~ND PL
TEAROFF AND P. EROOF NIT~ CIAS~ 'A' SHINGLES
81S97-0705 GEORGE FRO%~IN 815 O~CRF. ST AVE
)~OOF WITI( ~ 'A' $HINGI~
BL/97-0728 K~'YSTONE PRO~T~f 1116 OAKCREST AVE
MANAGEMENT
REROOF USING CLASS A ~{IN~$-~
BL297-0723 GLEN JACOBSEN 708 OAKCREST AVE
R]~OOF USING (~.~S A $HINC~LE~
L_:97-C725 GLE~ JACOBSEN 718 OAKCRY. ST AVE
REROOF USING CLASS A SHINGLES
R~P RMF 0 0 $ 19800
REP RMY 0 0 $ 15300
REP R.MF 0 0 $ 13802
REP RMF 0 0 S 13393
REP P. MF C C $ 13393
Page: 8
Date: 11/05/97
£ro~: 10/01/97
To..: 10/31/97
CITY OF IONA CITY
EX'T'RACTIliIEI OF BUILDING PERMIT DATA FOR
c~q~us BUREAU REPORT
Permit i~plicant na~e Addscoo Ty[~ ~ Stories Units Valuation
No. I~pr Use
BLD97-0811 ~ R~T~ 522 E BtlP.~Ize,.,z~..~l ~ R~P P,~
TEAROFF AHD P. KPT~%CE ~ 'A' FIBERGLA~ SHI!a~r,-~, REINSTALL 2X4 DOUBLE
!~ SLPY~, 46' RIi~
0 0 $ 10016
BLD97-0&92 ~-(]qECuA 804 IO~A AVE PEP J~qF
RE~ KXIST~]~G ,~z.~AIOR DOOR AND REPL,A~:~ WEST ELEVATI(AN SIDII~G WIT]4
0 0 $ 10000
BLD97-0779 B~Y BY~
RKDECK AND P. EROOF
906 E B~ ST REP RJdIF 0 0 $ 8922
BLD97-0765 C~ CO. 631 S VAN B~ ST
J~OOF ~ C~ =A' FIBERG~ SHI]~
R,~P RMF 0 0 $ 7628
BLD97-0719 GI~ PA~"T~ 720 N Dq~B~E ST
REROOF N1"~4 CLASS 'A= SH17a~-q
PEP 1~ 0 0 $ 7500
BLD97-0722 HOMARD EI~ 605 ~[DE ~
P. KROOF U~ING CLASS A SH17a'~J~q
REP PJqF 0 0 $ 7300
BLD97-0718 MIKE HCEX~E 130 JE~q.q(Hq ST J~EP RMF
STRUCTURAL STABILIZATZOI~ OF ~ B¶IILDI]~GAS PER KNGINEER'S REPORT
4 0 $ 5000
BLD97-0748 JALIL MOSTAFA3FI 219 H~S~ ST
REROOF Wi~ C1~ "A" SHlJa~J~q
REP PJ~F 0 6 $ 4600
BLD97-0713 GARY SLAGER FAJd~Ly 316 S D~DGE ST
PARTNERSHIP
REROOF WITJ4 CLASS =C' ASPH~.LT ~i~=~t~
P.~P ~ 0 0 S 3500
BLD97-0711 GARY S~ PAULY 330 S D~ ST
PARTNEI~'HP
REROOF #IT~ CLASS=A= FIBERGLASS
PEP J~ 0 0 $ 3200
BLD97-0746 D~ MEIER 425 BOq~ERY ST
REROOF WITH CLASS "A" SHIN~m-q
REP RMF 0 0 $ 3000
ELD97-0717 R & J APARTI~qTS 902 NEWTO~ RD
REROOF USING CI2%SS "C" SHINGLE
REP RMF 0 C $ 2863
5LD97-0780 JULIE & JAMIE 723 J~M%'~ON ~T REP ~ 0 0 $ 1200
SCHWESER
EXTERIOR WOOD LANDING AND STAIRS
PEP RMF permats: 20 6 $ 197389
5129~-~750 MARY THROGMORTON 508 S SU~IT ST
P. EROOF WIT~ CLASS "A' SHINGLES
PEP RSF C [ S i026{
~ro~: 10/01/~
To..: 10/31/97
CITY OF IO~A CITY
~m~-'~IO~ OF BUILDING PE~G~T DATA FO~
C~SUS B~REAU R~PC~T
Per~it ~licant na~e A~ress Ty~e Type Storzes Units Valuatzon
No. I~r Use
BLD97-0738 ~ ~L~ 1510 C~C~T ~T
~I~NE~T FO~qDATIO~MALLA~DAD~ 5 X S WOOD FROIr~
0 0 $ 10000
BLD97-0749 ~ ~ 219 MY~TL~ AV~
HEROOF #IT~ CLASS 'A' SHIIW~mc
UP ~SF D 0 $ 8910
BLD97o0081 M~C~A~L ~ 816 J~II~R DR
UPL~Z EXZSTII~ PATIO
BL.D97-0696 ~¥ ~ 1232 M~;C~TINE AV~
R~OOF #IT~ CL~S~ "A'
P~P R~F 1 0 $ 7568
R.~P P. SF 0 0 $ 6800
B~97-0481 FI~-qT ~
213 NOOD~l~K~ AVE ~P ~SF 1 0 $ 3500
BL~97-078S GA~Y ~ 702 IO~A AVE ~EP ~SF 0 0 $ 1200
UPI,~CE R~l-i~ PO~CH JOIST COL~ ARD RAILINGS
REP ~SF l:)ermits: 7 $ 48244
TOTALS 51 S 6156422
11/12/97 11:19 To:IOW~ CITY CLERK From:Jo Hogarty 319-3S4-4213 Page 1/11
Sally Slutsman, Clmirperson * ::
Joe Bolkcom " .,o
Jonathan Jordahl .._. --
S~hea P. Lacina November 13, 1997 ;-- ' '..'
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
FORMAL MEETING
1. Call to order 5:30 p.m.
Agenda
5:~0 p.m_ - Public Hearing adopting proposed plans and stx~ifications,
proposed form of contract, fixing cost estimate and setting public hearing on
remodeling of property at 417 South Clinton Streel~ Iowa City, Iowa to
provide a courtroom and office space.
a)
Motion adopting proposed plans and specifications, proposed form of
contract, fixing .cost estimate and setting public ~earing on remodeling
of property at 417 South Clinton Street, Iowa Cay, Iowa to provide a
courtroom and office space.
3. Action re: claims
Action re: formal minutes of November 6th and the formal minutes for
canvass of votes for city election of November 10th.
5. Action re: payroll aufimrizations
6. Business from the County Auditor
a) Action re: permits
b) Action re: reports
c) Other
913 SOUTH DUBUQUE ST.
P.O. BOXI350
IOWA CITY, IOWA 52244-1350
TEL: (319) 356-6000
11/12~J? 11:19 To:IO~ CITY CLERK
Agenda 11-13-97
From:Jo Hogarty
319-354-4213
Business from the Zoning and Planning Zoning Admini.~trato~:
Page Z/11
a) First and second consideration amending the legal description for Lot 3,
Timberwood Estates, NE 1/4 of Section 18; Township 81 North; Range
7 West of the 5th P.M. m Johnson County, Iowa. Submitted by Art
Hoefief (Z9653)
b) Motion setting public hearing for various zonings and plattings.
c) Other
6:00 p.m. - Public Hearing on Conditional Use Permit 9706
a) Discussion/action re: the following Conditional Use Permit:
1)
Application CU9706 of Tom H. Williams, owner, signed by
William L. Meardon, representing S & G Materials of Iowa City,
requesting a .Conditional Use Permit to operate a sand and gravel
excavation as allowed m Chapter 8:1.34 (H2) of the Johnson
County Zoning Ordinance on property located in the SE 1/4 of the
NW 1/4 and Application CU9706 of Tom H. Williams, owner,
signed by William L. Meatdon, representing S & G Materials of
Iowa City, requesting Government 2 and the West 1/2 of the South
19.10 acres of Government Lot 1, all in Section 34; Township 79
North; Range 6 West of the 5TH P.M. of John~n County, Iowa.
This property is located south of the I?aak Walton Road SE and
east of Oak Crest Hill Road SE in West Lucas Twp.)
discussion/action
11/12/97 11:19 To:IOf~ CITY CLERK
Agenda 11-13-97
From:Jo Hogartv
319-354-4213
Page 3
Page 3/11
7:00 p.m. - Public Hearing on Amendment, Zoning and Platting
applications:
a) Discussion/action re: the following Amendments:
The Fringe Area Agreeanent between the City of Swishcr, Iowa and
Johnson County, Iowa.
An amendment to the Johnson County / Iowa City Fringe Area
Agrccmcnt (Chaptcr 28E Code of Iowa). Dclctc thc word Plat and
replace with the new words Concept Plan in "Fringe Area A
Paragraph 1 and Fringe Arm C, paragraph 2 Subparagraph 2.
b) First and Second consideration of the following Zoning
applications:
1. Application Z9729 of Fobian Farms Inc., West Branch, signed by
Carl Fobian, requesting rezoning of 2.5 acres fxom CH Highway
Commercial to C2 Commercial of certain property described as
bcing in the NE .1/4 of the NE 1/4 of Section 11; Township 79
North; Range 5 West of the 5th P.M_ in Johnson County, Iowa
(This property is located in the southwest quadrant of Herbert
Hoover Highway NE and Oasis Road NE in Scott Twp.).
2. Apphcation Z9742 of Richard Rossman, Rivcrside, requesting
rczoning of 5.0 acres fi'om AI Rural to RS-5 'Suburban Residential
of certain property described as being in theNE 1/4 of the SW 1/4
of Section 12; Township 77 North; Range 6 West of the 5th P.M.
in Johnson County, Iowa (This property is located on the east side
of River Junction Road SE, approximately 0.2 of a mile south of
Otter Creek Road SE in Fremont Twp.).
11/12/97 11:19 To:IO~ CITY CLERK From:Jo HogartV 319-3§4-4213 Page 4/11
Agenda 11-13-97
Page 4
Application of Z9743 of Robert Rtmamelhart, Riverside, signed by
Randy Knottnems, requesting rezoning of 3.5 acres (a 1.95 acre
and 1.54 acre parcel) fi'om A1 Rural to RS Suburban Residential of
certain property described as being Lot I of Rummelhart's 1st
Subdivision located in the SW 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of Section 21;
Township 78 North; Range 6 West of the 5th P.M. in Johnson
County, Iowa (I'his property is located on the north side of the
"Y" intexsection of Observatory Avenue SW and Ruppenkamps
Road SW in Liberty Twp.).
c) Discussion/action re: the following Platting application:
I. Application S9768 of Robert Rummclhart requesting prel'uninary
and final plat approval of Rummelhart's Second Subdivision (A
Resubdivision of Lot 1 of Rummelhart'sIIST Subdivision) a
sulxUvision described as being located in ~e SW 1/4 of the NW
1/4 of Section 21; Township 78 North; _R~g. ' e 6 West of the 5th
P.M. in Johnson County, Iowa (This is a 2-19t, 7.9 acre, residential
subdivision, located on the north side of th~ "Y" totersection of
Observatory Avenue SW and Ruppenkamp~, Road SW in Liberty
d) First and Second comideration of fiae following, Zoning application:
1. Application Z9744 of William MacKenzie, Iowa City, requesting
rezoning of 1.99 acres from AI Rural to RS :Suburban Residential
of certain property described as being in the
Township 78 North; Range 6 West of the
County, Iowa (This property is located in ~
of Dane Road SW and 480th Street SW in Lil
NW 1/4 of Section 9;
5th P.M. in Johnson
~e southeast quadrant
i1/12~J7 11:19 To:I0~ CITY CLERK Froa:Jo Hogartv 319-354-4213 Page §/11
Agenda 11-13-97
Page 5
e) Discussion/action re: ' the following Platting application:
Application S9761 of William MacKenzie requesting preliminary
and final plat approval of Mackenzie Manor, a subdivision
described as being located m the NW 1/4 of Section 9; Township
78 North; Range 6 West of the 5th P.M. m Johnson County, Iowa
(This is a 2-lot, 28.99 acre, one lot residential and one lot
farmstead split, located m the SE quadrant of Dane Road and 480th
Slxeet SW intersection in Liberty Twp.).
f) First and Second consideration of the following,Zoning application:
1. Application Z9745 of Arlene Hotz, Iowa City, requesting rezoning
of 5.0 acres from AI Rural to RS-5 Suburban
property described as being in the NE 1/4 of
18; Township 78 North; Range 5 West of thl
County, Iowa (T!xis property is located on
Avenue SE, approximately' 1/4 of a mile n¢
with 520th Street SE in Pleasant Valley Twp.
g) Discussion/action re: the following Platting ap
Residential of certain
the SE 1/4 of Section
:5th P.M. in Johnson
the west side of Taft
rth of its intersection
Application S9754 of Randy and Wanda, Johnson, signed by
Wanda Johnson, requesting preliminary andlfinal plat approval of
Randy and Wanda Subdivision, a subdivisiqn described as being
located in the NW 1/4 of the NE 1/4 of Section 26; Township 79
North; Range 8 West of the 5th P.M. in Johnson County, Iowa
(This is a l-lot, 15.0 acre, residential subdivasxon, located on the
south side of Rohret Road SW, approximately 1/2 mile west of the
Rohret Road and Cosgrove Road SW intersection in Hardin Tx~p.).
Application S9760 of AI Wells requesting final plat approvaI of
Lake Land Subdivision, Part One, a subdivision described as being
ll/JZ/9? 69:ZZ To:ZOI~ CZTY CLERK From:Jo Hogarty 319-354-4ZZ3 Page ~/!
Sally Smtsm~, Ch~irperso~
Joe Bolke~m
Chsrlas D. Duffy
Jo~at!~n ~ordshl
St~nn P. L~ins
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
November 13, 1997
~2
INFORMAL MEETING
Agenda
1. Call to order 5:00 p.m.
2. Review ofthe formal nfinul~s of November 6th
Business from Bruce
National Company re:
discussion
Ahrem, Senior Farm Manager of Farmers
Conservation Reserve Program at the county farm.
4. Business from the Board of Supervisors
a) Letter from Stephen N. Greenleaf from Lynch, Greenleaf & Michael,
L.L.P. re: resolution of the City of Oxford assenting to the vohmtary
annexation of property owned by Robert B. Kasper and Margaret E.
Kasper. discussion (Carol)
b) Discussion re: representative from Johnson County to the Urnted
Way/Joint Funding Hearings.
c) Reports
d) Other
5. Discussion from the public
6. Recess
FORMAL MEETING TO FOLLOW
913SOUTHDUBUQUE ST. P.O. BOX1350 IOWACITY, IOWA 52244-1350 TEL:(319) 356-6(X)0 FAX:(319) 356-6086
11/14/97 11:11 To:lOtdfi CZTY CLERK Froa:Jo Hogarty 319-354-4213 Page 1/1
November 17, 1997
NATIONAL GUARD OF IOWA HEADQUARTERS
925 SOUTH DUBUQUE STREET
IOWA CITY
INFORMAL MEETING
A~ud~
Call to order 8:30 ~rn_
b)
Work Session to discuss Strategic Planning
a) Discussion re: the following:
1. Review of goals and adoption
2. Redefine priorities
3. Adjourn
hz~r, md~1997~l I- 17.doc
913 SOUTH DUBUQUE ST.
P.O. BOX 1350
IOWA CITY, IOWA 52244-1350
TEL: (319) 356-6000
FAX: (319) 3
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
TO: City Council
FROM: City Manager
DATE: November 13, 1997
RE: Out of the City
I plan on being out of the City from Wednesday November 26 (3:00 p.m.) until
Friday, November 28 at 7:00 p.m. Lisa will have my itinerary.
ANNUAL REPORT OF
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
FISCAL YEAR 1997
~ ¢ltlt of
STAFF SUPPORT
Airport Commission .............................................................Ron O'Neil ........................356-5045
Airport Zoning Board of Adjustment ................................... Ron O'Neil ........................356-5045
Airport Zoning Commission .................................................Ron O'Neil ........................356-5045
Animal Control Advisory Board ...........................................Misha Goodman ...............356-5295
Board of Adjustment ............................................................Melody Rockwell ..............356-5251
Board of Appeals ..................................................................Ron Boose .......................356-5122
Board of Library Trustees ....................................................Susan Craig .....................356-5200
Board of Review ...................................................................Dan Hudson .....................356-6066
Broadband Telecommunications Commission .................. Drew Shaffer ....................356-5046
Civil Service Commission ....................................................Sylvia Mejia ......................356-5026
Design Review Committee ...................................................Jim Schoenfelder .............356-5044
Historic Preservation Commission ..................................... Scott Kugler .....................356-5243
Housing and Community Development Commission ........ Steven Nasby ...................356-5248
Human Rights Commission .................................................Heather Shank .................356-5022
Parks and Recreation Commission ..................................... Terry Trueblood ...............356-5110
Planning and Zoning Commission ...................................... Bob Miklo .........................356-5240
Riverfront and Natural Areas Commission ......................... Brad Neumann .................356-5235
Senior Center Commission ..................................................Linda Kopping ..................356-5225
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Airport Commission ................................................. 1
Airport Zoning Board of Adjustment ..................................... 3
Airport Zoning Commission ........................................... 5
Animal Control Advisory Board ........................................ 7
Board of Adjustment ............................................... 9
Board of Appeals .................................................. 11
Board of Library Trustees ............................................ 13
Board of Review ................................................... 15
Broadband Telecommunications Commission .............................. 17
Civil Service Commission ............................................ 19
Design Review Committee ........................................... 21
Histodc Preservation Commission ...................................... 23
Housing and Community Development Commission ......................... 27
Human Rights Commission ........................................... 29
Parks and Recreation Commission ..................................... 33
Planning and Zoning Commission ...................................... 35
Riverfront and Natural Areas Commission ................................ 41
Senior Center Commission ........................................... 43
AIRPORT COMMISSION
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
The Iowa City Municipal Airport Commission is a five-member commission responsible for
formulating policy and directing administration of the Iowa City Municipal Airport as a public facility
in accordance with local, Iowa Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administra-
tion regulations. The Commission was established by public referendum under Iowa Code in
1941. The Commissioners are appointed by the Mayor and approved by the City Council, with
a six (6) year term of office. The Airport Commission meets monthly, with additional meetings
as required.
ACCOMPESHMENTS IN FISCAL YEAR 1997
1. Began implementation of the 1996 Airport Master Plan.
2. Drafted Airport commercial business minimum standards.
3. Drafted the Airport Aircraft Emergency Plan.
4. Initiated plans to build an additional T-hangar building.
5. Sponsored the sixteenth annual Airport Open House.
6. Initiated plans to lease approximately 55 acres of Airport property to increase Airport
revenue.
PLANS FOR FISCAL YEAR 1998
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Complete the Land Acquisition and Easement project.
Complete the Airport Aircraft Emergency Plan.
Complete the Airport commercial business minimum standards.
Determine engineering needs to renovate the Airport Terminal and Maintenance Shop.
Develop a plan to lease approximately 55 acres of Airport property.
Develop a five-year business strategy plan.
Complete construction of the SE T-hangar building.
Implement the projects in the 1996 Master Plan as FAA and IDOT funding becomes
available.
PLANNED PROJECTS
Implementing the 1996 Master Plan has begun with the removal of some obstructions on City-
owned property. A consultant has been selected to assist with the easements and land acquisition
project. ACSG, from Naperville, Illinois, completed Phase l in June and was given a ' Notice to
Proceed ' with Phase II on June 20th.
In an effort to increase Airport revenue, the Commission began a project to develop approximately
55 acres of Airport property. The property was surveyed and appraised. The Commission is
debating the best way to develop the property. Among those expressing interest in locating at the
Airport are the Iowa City Science Center, the Iowa City Public Works Department, Iowa City
Landscaping, and two private developers.
COMMISSION MEMBERS
Pat Foster, Chairperson
Richard Blum, Vice Chairperson/Secretary
Howard Horan
Rick Mascari
John Penick
Ronald J. O'Neil, Airport Manager
2
IOWA CITY-JOHNSON COUNTY
AIRPORT ZONING COMMISSION
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
In accordance with Chapter 329 of the Code of Iowa, the Board of Supervisors of Johnson
County and the City Council of Iowa City co-established the Johnson County-Iowa City Airport
Zoning Commission.
It is the duty of the Commission to advise and make recommendations to the Board of Supervi-
sors and the City Council as to the appropriate zoning requirements and other matters pertaining
to the physical development of areas of the county and the city surrounding the Iowa City
Municipal Airport, so as to maximize compatibility between Airport uses and the uses of the
adjacent land.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN FISCAL YEAR 1997
The Commission did not meet in FY97.
PLANS FISCAL YEAR 1998
As Iowa City expands to the south and west, a careful analysis must be made of the impact to
the Iowa City Airport. The Commission will review the zoning in the approaches to the runways
at the Iowa City Airport and will develop recommendations for zoning in the approach areas to
prevent uses incompatible with Airport operations. The Commission will work with the Planning
and Community Development Department to establish the most beneficial use of Airport land for
development. The land uses must be compatible with Airport uses and with surrounding property
uses. This Commission will review the proposed zoning changes to be requested by the Iowa
City Airport Commission for industrial development of airport property. Implementation of the
1996 Master Plan may require some zoning review.
COMMISSION MEMBERS
Richard Blum, Chairperson
Pat Foster
Don Sehr
Kae Wild
3
4
IOWA CITY- JOHNSON COUNTY
AIRPORT ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
In accordance with Chapter 329 of the Code of Iowa, the Board of Supervisors of Johnson County
and the City Council of Iowa City co-established the Johnson County-Iowa City Airport Zoning
Board of Adjustment.
It is the duty of this Board to hear and decide appeals where it is alleged that there has been an
error in any administrative action in the enforcement of the ordinance and to hear and decide on
special exceptions that are specifically provided for in the ordinance and to authorize variances
from the terms of the ordinance on appeal in specific cases.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN FISCAL YEAR 1997
The Board did not receive any appeals, requests for exceptions, or requests for variances during
the 1996-97 year.
PLANS FOR FISCAL YEAR 1998
The Board will respond to appeals and other requests as it receives them and will make recom-
mendations regarding the Zoning Ordinance.
BOARD MEMBERS
Jonathan C. Carlson, Chair
Stephen Radosevich
Eldon Moss
Scott Reynolds
Sue Bender
ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY BOARD
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
To provide such recommendations and advice as are required by the 28E agreement, or as may
be requested by the City Council or City Manager of Iowa City or by the City Council or City
Administrator of Coralville.
ACCOMPMSHMENTS IN RSCAL YEAR 1997
Received approval from the the City Council to install the wildlife reflector warning system on
Dodge Street between the cemetery and 1-80.
Amended the 28E agreement between Coralville and Iowa City.
Started the process of a formsl contract between The University of Iowa and Iowa City Animal
Control.
Installed new phone system to give the public better service and add to availability of phone lines.
Worked with City Council to approve and adopt a new permit ordinance.
Started new program on City infovision to give the public access to information about the shelter,
animal care, and animal laws. Photos and descriptions of available animals also appear.
New Sunday cable access television show filmed live at the shelter.
Started advertising weekly radio spots in conjunction with local pet shops and pet food companies
to assist in the adoption of specific highlighted animals.
Started renovation of old shelter building and repairs needed to newer portion.
Held our first annual Adoptathon to promote animal adoptions.
Through the Florence Unash Fund, assisted needy families in the spaying and neutering of
approximately one hundred animals.
PLANS FOR FISCAL YEAR 1998
Work on contract with local veterinarians for medical treatment service and Rabies vaccinations.
Apply bequest money to a specific project yet to be determined.
Paint the inside of the building.
Forrealize contract for service with The University of Iowa.
Consider formal microchipping program.
7
BOARD MEMBERS
Diana Lundell, Chair
Janet Ashman
Dennis Cowles
Julie Seal
Martin Shafer
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
The Board of Adjustment is empowered through Chapter 414 of the Code of Iowa and Section
14-4B of the Iowa City Code to grant special exceptions as provided in the Zoning Chapter and
to hear appeals to decisions made in the enforcement of the Zoning Chapter. The Board has the
authority to allow variances to the Zoning Chapter for individual properties where provisions of
the Chapter impose a unique and unnecessary hardship on the property owner and where the
granting of a vadance is not contrary to the intent of the Zoning Chapter or to the public interest.
The Board may also submit recommendations to the Planning & Zoning Commission and the City
Council regarding amendments to the Zoning Chapter. The Board is a quasi-judicial body whose
decisions may be appealed directly to District Court.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN FISCAL YEAR 1997
The Board of Adjustment met 10 times dudng FY97 and made the following decisions:
Appeals: 0; Special Exceptions: 6 approved, 25 approved with conditions, 5 denied, 1
amended, 3 extended; Variances: 2 approved with conditions, 5 denied
The Board's decisions in FY97 resulted in:
Reducing off-street parking requirements in 3 cases; allowing parking in the Central Business
(CB-10) zone in 2 cases; permitting tandem parking in a front yard in 1 case
Modifying front yard requirements in 10 cases, the side yard requirements in I case, and the rear
yard requirements in 2 cases
Allowing a religious institution to be established in the Low Density Single-Family Residential (RS-
5) zone; allowing 2 religious institutions to be expanded in the RS-5 zone; allowing a bed and
breakfast inn to be established in the RS-5 zone
Modifying the separation distance requirements for a zero lot line structure in the Medium Density
Single-Family Residential (RS-8) zone
Permitting administrative review of development on property containing cdtical and protected
slopes in the Highway Commercial (CH-1) zone
Allowing a small animal clinic to be established in the Commercial Office (C0-1) zone; allowing
a beauty shop to be established in the C0-1 zone
Modifying the screening requirements for a parking area in the Community Commercial (CC-2)
zone
Allowing 3 auto-and truck-oriented uses (car wash/gas pumps, muffler/brake shop, used car sales
lot) in the CC-2 zone, and 1 (car wash/gas pumps) in the Neighborhood Commercial (CN-1) zone
Permitting temporary outdoor storage of tires and appliances in the General Industrial (I-1) zone
9
PLANS FOR FISCAL YEAR 1998
The Board will continue to consider appeals, special exceptions and variances to the Zoning
Chapter as they are requested and to make recommendations to the Planning & Zoning Commis-
sion and the City Council regarding the Zoning Chapter.
BOARD MEMBERS
Patdcia Eckhardt, Chairperson
William Haigh, Vice Chairperson
Susan Bender
Lowell Brandt
Kate Corcoran
Melody Rockwell, Secretary
10
BOARD OF APPEALS
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
The responsibility of the Board of Appeals as set by City ordinance is to review the Uniform
Building Code, the Uniform Fire Code, the Uniform Plumbing Code, the Uniform Mechanical Code,
the National Electrical Code, and the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings
and recommend amendments for these regulatory codes; to assist the building official in making
interpretations; to hear appeals for any person that is aggrieved by a decision of the building
official and pass judgement on that appeal; and to consider alternate materials and methods of
construction. The Board consists of seven citizens who live within the corporate limits of the City
of Iowa City.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN FISCAL YEAR 1997
1. The Board heard one appeal of a Housing Code violation. That appeal was denied.
2. The Board heard four requests for variances from the Housing Code. All were granted.
The Board heard two appeals of the Building Official's interpretation of the Building Code.
One was denied, the other withdrawn by the applicant.
The Board heard three requests for modifications of the Building Code. Two were ap-
proved, one denied.
The Board heard four requests for use of alternate materials or methods of construction.
Three were granted, one denied.
The Board heard two requests for code amendments. One was approved, the other is
pending.
PLANS FOR FISCAL YEAR 1998:
1. Contir~ue to work with the Home Builders Association to clarify code issues.
2. Begin process of amending and adopting the 1997 Uniform codes.
Continue to hear appeals, requests for variances and modification, requests for alternate
materials and methods of construction and requests for code amendments.
BOARD MEMBERS
Robert Cadson, Chairperson
Tom Werderitsch
John Roffman
Anna Buss
C. Wayne Maas
John Staska
Gary Haman
11
12
BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
The Board of Trustees of the Public Library is a semi-autonomous body of nine persons empow-
ered by state law and city ordinance to act as the goveming body of the library. The Board's
specific list of legal responsibilities includes: determining the goals and objectives of the Library
in order to plan and carry out Library services; determining and adopting written policies to govem
all aspects of the operation of the Library; preparing an annual budget and having exclusive
control of all monies appropriated by the City Council and the Johnson County Board of Supervi-
sors or given to the Library through gifts, bequests, contracts, grants or awards; employing a
competent staff to administer its policies and carry out its programs. The Board is also an arm
of City Govemment with members appointed by the City Council and its principal operating funds
approved by the City Council. The Board therefore seeks at all times to work in harmony with
City policies in all areas that do not conflict with its statutory powers.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN FISCAL YEAR 1997
Worked with City Council to revise original building plans to include Library expansion as
part of a multi-use facility including current library site and parcel 64-1a.
Celebrated the Library's centennial with a series of events. Four thousand people attended
the January birthday party.
Successfully sought funding to keep the Library open most summer Sundays (all except
August) for the first time in 85 years.
Added position of Circulation Services Coordinator, after requesting for three years, by
reclassifying an open position.
Supported improved access to electronic information through purchase of a full-text
magazine database.
Improved staff efficiency through purchase of catalog records from OCLC, the largest
service provider.
7. Adopted update to strategic plan and reviewed bi-annual progress reports.
Reviewed and revised policies related to Hours of Service, Use of Cardholder file, Fi-
nance, Volunteers and Public Relations.
9. Proposed a contract for service to University Heights with the Coralville Public Library.
10. Supported state program to provide funding for local libraries.
13
PLANS FOR FISCAL YEAR 1998
1. Build support for downtown library expansion proposal.
2. Conclude celebration of the Library's Centennial.
3. Expand Sunday service to all year.
4. Conduct a community survey in preparation for next long range planning cycle.
5. Explore drop-off sites for return of library materials other than the downtown building.
6. Increase development activities available to Board members.
7. Increase Board understanding of, and involvement in, strategic planning.
8. Expand access to wodd wide web information in the Library and plan for needed upgrades
in technology.
9. Review orientation process for new Board members.
10. Support state-wide efforts to increase state aid to public libraries.
11. Revise form used for annual director evaluation process.
12. Review policies as needed.
13. Encourage cooperation with area libraries and organizations, including the Johnson
County Community Networking Group.
14. Assist the Fdends Foundation in the development of a capital campaign.
BOARD MEMBERS
Chades Traw, President
Stephen Greenleaf
Mark Martin
Margaret Cox
Philip Hubbard
Mary McMurray
K. Jesse Singerman
Anne Spencer
Jim Swaim
14
BOARD OF REVIEW
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
The Board of Review is established and govemed by the Code of Iowa, Chapters 441.31 to
441.44, for the purpose of equalizing assessments by raising or Iowedng individual assessments
as established by the Assessor. The Board also makes the final rulings each year on exempt
properties.
The Board of Review is issued a manual by the Iowa Department of Revenue & Finance to guide
them in their work along with forms for the odginal meeting daily meetings and the final meeting.
The Board must also file with the State Director of Revenue & Finance within 15 days of adjourn-
ment, a report on their session. The Board's meetings are subject to the open meetings law.
Since it is extremely important that the Board keep accurate minutes of its proceedings, the Board
has a separate clerk to keep these minutes. The Board must also include in their written notice
to the petitioner the specific reasons for their actions.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN FISCAL YEAR 1997
The following is a report on the activities of the Iowa City Board of Review since adjournment on
May 22, 1996.
The Iowa City Board of Review met on 6 days during the period of May 1 to May 23, 1997. The
Board received a total of 114 petitions. These have been broken down into classification along
with their outcome and listed below.
81 Residential 30 Upheld 51 Denied
31 Commercial 18 Upheld 13 Denied
0 Agricultural 0 Upheld 0 Denied
2 Industrial I Upheld I Denied
114 Total 49 Upheld 65 Denied
In addition to these 114 petitions, the Board reduced seven residential and two commercial
properties at the request of the assessor or on their own volition. These were due to late inspec-
tions of estimated listing of properties, or due to comparable properties being changed by the
Board.
By the filing deadline of June 20, 1997, six property owners representing six total parcels have
filed in District Court. Two of the appeals are for residential property, and the other four are for
commercial property.
No court cases were tried during FY97. All of the pending cases were either dismissed or settled.
Of the nine 1995 cases, seven were settled and two dismissed, and both of the 1996 cases were
dismissed.
15
PLANS FOR FISCAL YEAR 1998
Since the Board of Review hears only protests brought to them by others, there is no way to
predict the amount of work for next year. But, because next year is not a reassessment year, the
workload is expected to be less than the session just finished.
Additionally, it is expected that the Iowa Depar[ment of Revenue & Finance will be issuing orders
adjusting the value of agricultural property in Iowa City. If the State orders any increases in value,
the Board of Review would have to meet in late October to hear any appeals of the
increases.
BOARD OF REVIEW MEMBERS
Janice Sweet, Chairperson
Haywood Belle
Ernie Galer
Keith Wymore
Jack Yanaush
Norwood Louis, Clerk
16
BROADBAND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
COMMISSION
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
The Broadband Telecommunications Commission (BTC) is a City commission comprised of five
Iowa Citians and is mandated to facilitate and to regulate the smooth and effective development
and operation of the City's Broadband Telecommunications Network (BTN) the City's cable
television system, as well as advise on telecommunications-related matters. The Commission
makes its recommendations to City Council in matters pertaining to the BTN, resolves disputes
about the operation of the BTN, conducts pedoclic evaluations of the BTN operation, and, in
general, facilitates BTN use by the citizens of Iowa City, which includes the promotion and
facilitation of the access channels and community programming.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN FISCAL YEAR 1997
Assisted subscribers in retaining WGN for the Iowa City area.
Facilitated challenges regarding TCI's rate increases where possible and appropriate.
Oversaw and facilitated the Community Television Service (CTS) Community Programming effort,
a new service offered through the Cable TV Division. The CTS supported by the pass-through
funds has, in 8 months, produced 47 hours of community programs.
Continued overseeing the allocation of local programming fee (pass-through) funds to benefit all
local access channels and providers. In the last year, over $17,000 went to purchase a remote
studio for the Iowa City Public Library and new editing equipment for the Senior Center.
Continued work on public access performance guidelines.
Received progress reports from the Educational Access Channel 11, Library Access Channel 10,
Public Access Channel 2, and Government Access Channel 4. Channel 4 has aired 270 new
programs dudng the last year and produced 135 of those programs. Channel 11 produces the
School Board meetings among other shows. Channel 10 produces Storytime, among other
shows from ICPL Room A. SCTV produces Mature Focus and a range of programming for senior
citizens.
Monitored the collection of the franchise fee from the grantee and assisted in determining how
those funds should be spent.
Received and reviewed subscriber complaints reported by the Cable TV Administrator. Over 130
complaints were received and processed in the last year.
Monitored developments in legislation, the FCC, and the courts that were cable TV- and telecom-
munications-related. The Cable TV Administrator represented in the League of Iowa Cities' new
Telecommunications Task Force.
17
Monitored PATV via reports presented by the PATV Director and/or PATV Chairperson. PA'!'V
has cablecast 497 new programs in the last year, produced with the use of PATV equipment.
Promoted the growth and development of Iowa City's access channels.
Monitored developments of the Iowa City Community School District Technology Council.
PLANS FOR FISCAL YEAR 1998
Facilitate the development of a Telecommunications Ordinance for Iowa City.
Continue oversight regarding the cable TV plant rebuild and new franchise implementation.
Oversee plans and make recommendations concerning formation of a Joint Telecommunications
Facility.
Attend PA'I'V meetings.
Complete performance guidelines for PATV per the new PA'!'V contract.
Evaluate PATV's performance and compliance with their new contract.
Continue to monitor cable company performance to ensure compliance with the Iowa City cable
ordinance and contractual agreements.
Proceed with the rate regulation oversight and process according to FCC rules.
Continued oversight and facilitation of community programming services and allocate local
programming fee (pass through) funds as approved by Council.
COMMISSION MEMBERS
Cordell Jeppsen, Chair
Betty McKra.v. Vice Chair
Steve Hoch
Howie Vernon
Cathy Weingeist
18
CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Chapter 400 of the Code of Iowa and Section 2-111, Code of Ordinances, establish and govem
the Civil Service Commission. Three citizens who are residents of the City are appointed by the
City Council to serve four-year terms.
The Commission establishes and publishes rules relating to examinations for civil service
positions, establishes guidelines for conducting such examinations, and certifies lists of persons
eligible for appointment to respective positions. The Commission has jurisdiction to hear appeals
and determine all matters involving the rights of employees under civil service law and may
affirm, modify, or reverse any administrative action on its medts. The Commission meets when
necessary.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN FISCAL YEAR 1997
In maintaining full compliance with Code of Iowa Chapter 400, development and use of Civil
Service selection procedures continued for all covered entry level and promotional positions on
a City-wide basis. Seventy-three positions were filled from a total of 1456 applicants for non-Po-
lice and Fire Civil Service covered positions
A certified list of 10 was approved by the Civil Service Commission for the position of Police
Officer. Three hundred thirty six applications were mailed to individuals who expressed interest
in the position. One hundred eighty seven applications were completed and returned for this
position, 111 applicants took the written test, 51 applicants took the agility test and 40 applicants
were interviewed.
A certified list of 20 was approved by the Civil Service Commission for the position of Firefighter.
Six hundred fifteen applications were mailed to individuals who expressed interest in the position.
Two hundred seventy four applications were completed and returned for this position, 192
applicants took the written test, 61 applicants took the agility test and 54 applicants were
interviewed.
Promotional testing was conducted for two command positions in Police. Three applicants tested
for Police Captain, one was hired and two applicants tested for Police Lieutenant, one was hired.
There were no disciplinary appeals to the Commission during FY97.
PLANS FOR FISCAL YEAR 1998
During FY98, Commissioners will oversee the selection process for Police Officer, as well as
promotional testing for positions in the Police and Fire Department as necessary.
COMMISSION MEMBERS
Michael W. Kennedy, Chair
Lyra W. Dickerson
Lon Moeller
19
20
DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
The Design Review Committee is comprised of seven citizens who make recommendations to the
City Council based on review of preliminary and final design plans for downtown urban renewal
parcels, Near Southside urban revitalization projects, as well as general design plans for proposed
public improvements in these areas. In addition, the Committee reviews design plans and makes
recommendations to City Council for structures which extend into City Plaza.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN FISCAL YEAR 1997
Reviewed and recommended to the City Council approval of the Taco Bell addition to Old Capitol
Mall; approval of the design for the Science Center butterfly garden; approval of the design of
the College Street News awning; approval of the design of the Magna Bank extedor signage;
and disapproval of the design for the Transit Interchange Facility.
· Performed a courtesy review of the design of the proposed biology building pedestrian bddge
over Dubuque Street.
· Made recommendations to the Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council regarding
projecting signs, awning signs, portable signs, and changeable copy signs.
Recommended to the City Manager that the City remove the white plastic fencing from the City
Plaza planting beds and that no other temporary fencing measure be taken while the City waits
for the redesign of City Plaza by a consultant.
· Recommended to the City Manager that the design of modular newspaper vending machines
be incorporated into a comprehensive streetscape plan.
· Reviewed and evaluated mobile cart design as shown in the applications for City Plaza vending
permits. This is part of the permitting process for vendors.
· Successfully recommended to the Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council the
adoption of the Design Review Oveday Zone Ordinance.
· Began preparing first design review district and report.
· Representatives from the Committee participated on the Downtown Strategy Committee, the
Snelson Sculpture Committee, and the Chamber of Commerce Banner Committee.
· Held 20 regular and special Committee meetings.
PLANS FOR FISCAL YEAR 1998
1. Continue to review design plans and make recommendations in a timely fashion to the City
Council for new construction and rehabilitation projects within the Committee's review authority.
21
2. Continue to prepare first design review distdct report and ordinance.
3. Continue to educate the community regarding the benefits of good design and design review and
regarding techniques on achieving good design.
4. Continue to participate in the implementation of the Near Southside Design Plan and the
Downtown Strategy.
5. Prepare for the 1998 Awards for Design Excellence.
COMMrI"rEE MEMBERS
Nancy Footner
Marty Haynes
Karyl Larson
Gary Nagle
Bill Nowysz
Phillip Reisetter
Randy Rohovit
Clare Swan
Daryl Woodson
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
The ten-member Iowa City Histodc Preservation Commission is authorized to conduct studies for
the identification and designation of local histodc districts, conservation districts and historic
landmarks. The Commission either proceeds on its own initiative or upon receipt of a petition from
any person, group, or association.
The Commission furthers the efforts of historic preservation in the City by making recommenda-
tions to the City Council and City commissions and boards on preservation issues by encouraging
the protection and enhancement of structures, objects, or sites with historical, architectural or
cultural value; and by encouraging persons and organizations to become involved in preservation
activities.
The Commission reviews applications for housing rehabilitation and rental rehabilitation assistance
through the Community Development Block Grant Program to evaluate the effects of the pro-
posed projects on properties over 50 years old. Modifications of activities are recommended in
instances where the proposed alterations would have a negative impact upon the histodc or
architectural qualities of structures which are determined to be eligible for the National Register
of Historic Places.
The Iowa City Histodc Preservation Commission is committed to working with other preservation
organizations to implement a strong educational program designed to increase Iowa City
residents' awareness and sensitivity to the cultural, architectural, and historical value of local
structures, neighborhoods, and districts.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN FISCAL YEAR 1997
Proposed the designation of the first sedes of Iowa City Historic Landmarks, approved by
City Council in September 1996. The first series consisted of individual properties already
listed on the National Register of Historical Places, but outside of existing historic district
boundaries.
Developed a plaque program to provide recognition for properties designated as Iowa City
Histodc Landmarks. Funds have been donated by Friends of Historic Preservation to
assist the Commission in purchasing the plaques. The first plaque was presented to the
Summit Apartment Building at a ceremony held on June 29, 1997. It is anticipated that the
rest of the plaques will be available and installed on historic landmark properties by
Autumn 1997.
Nominated the College Green and East College Street Areas for designation as Iowa City
Historic Districts. The districts were approved by City Council in March of 1997 and brings
the total number of histodc districts in Iowa City to six.
Supervised the completion of an architectural-historical survey and evaluation of the
Longfellow Neighborhood which was partially funded by a Historic Resource Development
23
o
o
10.
11.
Program (HRDP) grant of $7,500. The Commission retained the services of Molly Myers
Naumann to conduct the survey. A series of neighborhood meetings was conducted as
part of the survey process. The survey report recommends the designation of a Longfellow
Histodc District upon the completion of additional survey work in the neighborhood.
Applied for and received a certified local government grant of $4,450 to fund the survey
and evaluation of the Longfellow Neighborhood, Phase II. This project will complete the
survey of this neighborhood and provide information necessary to determine the proper
boundaries for the proposed Longfellow Histodc District.
Completed a survey and evaluation project of the Dubuque StJLinn St. corridor. The
survey was partially funded by a Certified Local Government grant of $9,000. Molly Myers
Naumann was retained to conduct the survey, which was completed in August of 1996
and contained recommendations for the designation of individual buildings as historic
landmarks, and for a conservation distdct along portions of Dubuque and Clinton Streets.
Supervised the nomination of the College Green and East College Street Historic Districts
to the National Register of Historic Places. Consultants David Arbogast and Patricia
Eckhardt completed the nominations, which are now pending before the National Park
Service. The project was partially funded by a Historic Resources Development Program
grant of $2,500.
Supervised the survey and evaluation of the portion of the 1839 Original Town Plat that
lies north of Davenport Street between Linn and Governor Streets. Tallgrass Histori-
ans, LC has been retained to conduct the survey, which should be completed in Ju-
ly 1997. A $9,000 Certified Local Government grant was obtained to assist in the comple-
tion of this survey.
Applied for a $16,400 Historic Resources Development Program grant to fund Phase II
of the Original Town Plat survey covedng property bounded by Davenport Street, Gover-
nor Street, Jefferson Street, and Linn Street.
Continued to advise the Department of Public Works, the Department of Planning and
Community Development, and the City Council about the historical importance of the
Montgomery-Butler Residence and the need to consider stabilizing and protecting it for
future preservation.
Observed National Historic Preservation Week with an awards program at the Johnson
County Courthouse on May 14. The program was co-sponsored by Friends of Historic
Preservation, the Johnson County Historic Preservation Commission, and the Johnson
County Historical Society. The Historic Preservation Awards for Residential Rehabilitation
were presented to Steve and Barbara van der Woude for 222 N. Govemor Street, and
Veronica Vieland and Roffman Construction for 802 S. Summit Street. Residential rehabili-
tation special merit awards were presented to Julia Hagstrom and Thomas Wendt, 1009
E. College Street; Iver and Ann Cairns, 1033 Woodlawn; Douglas S. Russell, 722 N.
Lucas Street; Amy and Geoffrey Lauer, 1813 C Street; and Mark and Karen Mannes and
Newport Building and Design, 722 Kirkwood Avenue. In the category of Commercial or
Institutional Rehabilitation/Construction, the Histodc Preservation Award was presented
to Clarence and Dorothy Haverkamp for 619 N. Linn Street. Special merit certificates in
that category were presented to The University of Iowa, 219 N. Clinton Street; St. Mary's
24
Church, 226 E. Jefferson Street; and Danette and John Raley, 24 N. Van Buren. Extedor
painting awards were presented to Steve and Barbara van der Woude, 115 N. Gilbert
Street; Margaret Frueholz, 421 S. Lucas Street; Mark Wagner, 2131 D Street; Josef Blair
and Robin Ballard Simeonsson, 1017 Bowery Street; Victoria Walton, 430 N. Gilbert
Street; Susan Brigham, 460 Wales Street; Paula and Lowell Brandt, 824 N. Gilbert Street;
and Robert and Lorraine Bowans, 510 S. Governor Street. The Margaret Nowysz Preser-
vation Person of the Year Award was presented to departing Commission members
Douglas Russell and Susan Licht. The Nowysz Award recognizes individuals for their
outstanding service to the citizens of Iowa City in the cause of historic preservation.
12.
Pursuant to the Historic Preservation Ordinance, the Commission reviewed and approved
seven certificates of appropriateness for additions and alterations of residences in the
Summit Street, Woodlawn, Brown Street, College Green, East College Street, and Moffitt
Cottage Histodc Districts.
13.
Evaluated seven housing and rental rehabilitation projects for compliance with Section 106
of the National Histodc Preservation Act.
14.
Held twelve regular and four special meetings. Also held two neighborhood meetings in
association with the East College Street and College Green Historic District Nominations.
15.
Completed a report to the City Manager outlining the history of the Commission's preser-
vation activities over the past decade.
16.
Worked with the Johnson County Historic Preservation Commission to implement the
histodc properties tax abatement program provided for by State law. The Johnson County
Board of Supervisors passed a resolution to allow county residents to take advantage of
the program in February 1997.
PLANS FOR FISCAL YEAR 1998
Conduct annual review sessions for the purpose of ensudng implementation and updating
of the Iowa City Historic Preservation Plan.
Supervise the completion of the nomination of the College Green and East College Street
Historic Districts to the National Register of Histodc Places.
Supervise completion of the Longfellow Neighborhood and Original Town Plat surveys and
consider recommendations they contain for designation of historic districts, historic
landmarks and conservation districts.
Consider pursuing recommendations contained in the Dubuque Street/Linn Street Corridor
survey report.
Distribute plaques to the owners of properties included in the first series of Iowa City
Historic Landmarks.
Research project proposals for grant funding from sources such as the Certified Local
Government (CLG) program, the Historic Resource Development Program (HRDP) and
the National Trust for Histodc Preservation.
25
As recommended by the Histodc Preservation Plan, consider additional area surveys for
the Kirkwood Avenue, Goosetown, and Downtown areas, and to study fraternity and
sorority houses in Iowa City.
o
Review the Histodc Preservation Ordinance for proposed updating, amending, and
tightening.
9. Prepare nominations for the second sedes of Iowa City Histodc Landmarks.
10.
Continue to distribute educational material such as the Iowa City Neighborhood Design
Book and A Guide to Histodc Iowa City, and consider updating these materials as needed.
11.
Continue to advise City Council and other boards and commissions regarding matters of
historic preservation policy, including the historic Montgomery-Butler House on the new
water treatment plant site.
12.
Continue to review Applications for Certificates of Appropriateness or Certificates of No
Material Effect and to review housing and rental rehabilitation projects involving federal
funds.
13.
Prepare for the 1998 Historic Preservation Awards Program and for Preservation Week
activities.
14.
Continue liaison and cooperation with the Iowa City City Council, Johnson County Board
of Supervisors, Iowa City/Coralville convention and Visitors Bureau, Johnson County
Historical Society, Johnson County Histodc Preservation commission, State Historical
Society of Iowa, and Fdends of Historic Preservation.
COMMISSION MEMBERS
Betty Kelly
Ruedi Kuenzli, Summit Street District Representative
Lars Anderson
Doris Malkmus, Moffitt Cottage District Representative
Michael Pugh, Vice Chairperson
Michaelanne Widness
John F. Shaw, Chairperson, Brown Street District Representative
Ann Caims, Woodlawn Distdct Representative
Frank Gersh, East College Street District Representative
Pamela Michaud, College Green District Representative
Reference
City of Iowa City Code of Ordinances: 14-4C-1 to 14-4C-10, Historic Preservation Regula-
tions; 14-6J-3 Historic Preservation Oveday Zone, and 14-6J-4 Conservation Overlay Zone
2. By-laws of Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission.
26
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
GENERAL RESPONSIBILmES
The Housing and Community Development Commission (HCDC) consists of nine residents of
Iowa City appointed by the City Council. They represent as nearly as possible a cross-section of
the Iowa City population in background, ideas, geographic location, age, and socioeconomic
status. Committee members serve for three years.
The purpose of HCDC is to advise the Council on community needs in general and on the use
of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership program
(HOME) funds in particular, from a citizen viewpoint. To accomplish this the Commission provides
systematic communication between citizens and policymakers with regard to community develop-
ment projects. The Commission's work has been pdmadly directed at developing, coordinating,
and reviewing the City's activities carded out in conjunction with the City's Consolidated Plan
(CITY STEPS). In addition, the Commission reviews CD Division and Iowa City Housing Authority
policies and periodically makes recommendations to the Council regarding these policies.
ACCOMPUSHMENTS IN FISCAL YEAR 1997
CDBG and HOME funds are allocated in conjunction with the City's fiscal year. The HCDC
advertised the availability of funds for FY98 and held three public meetings to receive proposals.
HCDC utilized a systematic process of funding allocation and held four meetings to hear and rank
proposals and allocate CDBG and HOME funds. A total of $1.7 million was allocated to 18
projects, plus aid to human service agencies, program administration, and planning and contin-
gency reserves for FY98. The following is a list of the FY98 projects:
Micro-enterprise Training -- Small Business Development Center
Micro-enterprise Training -- Institute for Social and Economic Development
Business Expansion -- Heartland Candleworks
Acquisition and Rehab -- Crisis Center
Facility Improvements ~ United Action for Youth
Residential Backflow Prevention ~ City of Iowa City
Furniture Project ~ Domestic Violence Intervention Program
Job Training ~ East Central Iowa Employment Training Consortium
Youth Leadership Program -- Community Corrections Improvement Association
Shelter Renovations ~ Emergency Housing Project
Transitional Housing Support Services ~ Emergency Housing Project
Aid to Human Service Agencies
Small Repair Program ~ Eldedy Services Agency
Housing Rehabilitation ~ City of Iowa City
Manufactured Home Fire Safety -- City of Iowa City/University of Iowa
Acquisition and Rehab -- Greater Iowa City Housing Fellowship
Homeownership ~ Habitat for Humanity
Homeownership ~ Swenson and Associates
Construction of Rental Housing ~ Meadow Wood Senior Housing
27
To ensure that community needs are being met, HCDC members monitor projects during their
implementation stages.
The FY97 projects that were completed are:
Emergency Housing Project -- Support Services
City of Iowa City -- Housing Rehabilitation (approximately 35 projects)
Elderly Services Agency Small Repair Program (approximately 45 projects)
East Central Iowa Employment & Training Consortium -- Job Training (7 people)
Domestic Violence Intervention Program -- Furniture Project
City of Iowa City/D & K Properties: Acquisition of a Single Room Occupancy Building (21
units)
LIFE Skills, Inc. -- Housing Counseling Program (approximately 60 households)
Domestic Violence Intervention Program -- Shelter Renovation
Institute for Social and Economic Development ~ Microenterprise Program (50 persons)
Mayor's Youth Employment Program ~ Employment Training (approximately 20 youth)
Free Medical Clinic Renovations
Aid to Human Service Agencies
Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County -- New Facility
HearUand Candleworks m Equipment Purchase/Business Expansion (8 jobs)
Greater Iowa City Housing Fellowship ~ Acquisition/Rehab (12 units)
HCDC sponsored the ninth annual Iowa City Community Development Celebration. An awards
ceremony honoring outstanding CDBG subrecipients and contractors was held on Apdl 30 at the
newly rehabilitated Free Medical Clinic. The program featured community development activities
for FY97.
PLANS FOR FISCAL YEAR 1998
The monitoring of all ongoing projects as well as F'Y98 projects will continue. The purpose of this
new commission will be to assess Iowa City's community development needs for housing, jobs,
and services for low and moderate income residents, and to promote public and private efforts
to meet such needs.
COMMISSION MEMBERS
Gretchen Schmuch, Chair
Ann Donovan, Vice Chair
Daniel Cilek
Charles Eastham
Denita Gadson
Sandy Kuhlmann
David Purdy
Kathleen Renquist
William Stewart
28
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
The Iowa City Human Rights Commission enforces the Human Rights Ordinance, Title 2, Iowa
City Municipal Code. The Human Rights Ordinance is Iowa City's anti-discrimination law. The
law gives the Human Rights Commission the jurisdiction to investigate allegations of discrimina-
tion in the areas of employment, credit transactions, education, public accommodations and
housing. It is the mission of the Human Rights Commission to eradicate discrimination in Iowa
City, based on age, color, creed, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sexual
orientation or gender identity. In the area of housing, discrimination based on familial status,
presence or absence of dependents or public assistance source of income is also prohibited.
The Human Rights Ordinance gives the Commission the authority to enforce the law prohibiting
discrimination and upon a finding of probable cause, to conciliate an agreement between the
parties involved in a complaint. The Commission also has the responsibility of educating the
public on the various forms of discrimination that exist in the Iowa City area and protecting
citizens from unfounded charges of discrimination.
The Human Rights Commission is a quasi-judicial body composed of nine volunteer members
appointed by the City Council. Each member serves a three year term. Appointments to the
Human Rights Commission take into consideration men and women of various racial, religious,
cultural and socio-economic groups in Iowa City.
The Commission meets once each month at 7:00 p.m. in the lobby conference room in the Civic
Center. The meeting site is accessible to persons with disabilities.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN FISCAL YEAR 1997
Revised the Human Rights Ordinance to make the law substantially equivalent to the Fair
Housing Amendments Act. The changes in the law were made pursuant to recommenda-
tions from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The revised Ordinance
was passed by the City Council and became law on May 28, 1997. The Ordinance was
then sent to HUD for review.
Initiated film sedes to depict discrimination in its various forms. The first film,
'Gentleman's Agreement,' dealt with anti-semitism.
Human Rights Commissioners and representatives from the University met with Mr. Frank
Tribble from the Iowa Civil Rights Commission to discuss community diversity teams.
Organizational meetings are continuing.
A speech on local, state and federal disability law given to the Multiple Sclerosis Support
Group at Mercy Hospital.
29
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
Provided training on gender identity to employers and the Iowa City Police Department,
the Johnson County Sheriff's Department, Campus Security, and the Coralville Police
Department.
Taped interviews with individuals participating in the Human Rights Commission's film on
gender identity.
Provided a seminar on discrimination to students in the University of Iowa School of Social
Work.
Addressed students from City High School regarding discrimination and the law.
Attended National Transgender Conference to discuss gender identity protection under
Iowa City's Human Rights Ordinance.
Spoke to students at the University of Iowa Business School regarding discrimination.
Co-sponsored Martin Luther King celebration with the Iowa City/Johnson County Senior
Center and the Iowa Humanities Board.
The 13th Annual Human Rights Breakfast was held on October 10, 1996. Recipients of
this year's awards were Susanne Watson for individual contributions to human dghts (the
Isabel Turner Award), Cynthia Coffin, for individual contributions to human rights in a
service organization, and Goodwill for contributions made by a business to human dghts.
Created an additional Human Rights Award to honor the memory of Commissioner Rick
Graf who died of AIDs. The Rick Graf Award is given at the discretion of the Commission
to an individual, an individual in a service organization, or a business, when the candidate
has demonstrated an outstanding, long term commitment to a specific cause or for the
benefit of a specific group of people. The first recipient of this award was Teresa Kopatich
for her work in providing transitional housing for the homeless.
Participated in Cultural Diversity Day at The University of Iowa.
Made recommendations to the Iowa City City Council regarding the City's Affirmative
Action Policy.
Requested the Iowa Civil Rights Commission discuss the issue of recommending to the
legislature the addition of sexual orientation to the protected categories in the Iowa Civil
Rights Act.
Attended HUD conference in Chicago regarding mortgage lending discrimination.
Provided instruction on disability issues at LIFE Skills.
Provided three seminars on sexual harassment to an area business.
Participated in meetings held by a group of Iowa City citizens referred to as Human Rights
Iowa City. This group is attempting to make Iowa City a 'Human Rights Community."
30
21.
Participated in organizational meetings for celebration of the 50th anniversary of the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1998.
Addressed the public at the Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Pdde Parade regarding the Iowa
City Human Rights Commission's meeting with the ICRC on June 27, 1997, where the
Commission will request the ICRC recommend to the legislature that sexual orientation
be added to the State Civil Rights Act. Also provided information on discrimination, the
Iowa City Human Rights Commission, and Domestic Registry.
23.
Increased half time investigator position to full time in the Office of the Human Rights
Coordinator.
24.
The Human Rights Investigator and a Commission member attended training conference
in Des Moines. The training was sponsored by the Iowa Civil Rights Commission.
25.
New Commissioners attended training session conducted by the Human Rights Coordina-
tor.
26.
Fair Housing Public Seminar with speaker Carol Leach from the Iowa Civil Rights Com-
mission.
COMPLAINT ACTIVITY
During the period of July 1, 1996, to June 30, 1997, nineteen (19) new formal discrimination
complaints were filed. Of the 19 complaints, 6 (31.5%) were complaints of disability discrimina-
tion, four complaints (21%) alleged sex discrimination, three (15.7%) were complaints of discrimi-
nation based on national origin, three (15.7%) were allegations of discrimination based on sexual
orientation, two (10.5%) were race based complaints. One (5%) complaint alleged madtal status
discrimination.
The majodty of the formal complaints, (17) of discrimination occurred in the employment setting
while the remaining complaints (2) alleged public accommodation discrimination. Three housing
complaints, (one alleging national origin discrimination and two based on familial status) were filed
by the Iowa City Human Rights Commission and sent to the ICRC for investigation. An additional
complaint, o~ltside the Iowa City jurisdiction, alleging employment discrimination based on sex and
disability was also sent to the ICRC for investigation.
COMPLAINT RESOLUTION IN FISCAL YEAR 1997
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Two right to sue letters issued.
Two withdrawals.
Three administrative closures.
Two predetermination settlements.
Four successful mediations.
Eight no probable cause decisions.
One probable cause decision.
One removal to state at Complainanrs request.
TOTAL RESOLUTIONS = 23
31
PLANS FOR FISCAL YEAR 1998
1. Completion of transgender film for employers.
2. Premier of above-cited film for employers at public forum.
3. Presuming HUD certifies the Iowa City Human Rights Ordinance as substantially equiva-
lent to the Fair Housing Amendments Act, the Human Rights Commission will hire a
housing specialist to investigate complaints regarding housing discrimination.
4. Increased outreach on housing discrimination.
5. Commissioners will attend a training session at Iowa State Civil Rights Commission in the
Spring of 1998 in Des Moines, Iowa.
7. Film sedes that depicts the various forms and types of discrimination will continue.
8. Advertisements will continue to be placed in the Daily lowan and other newspapers to
alert the public that housing discrimination is against the law.
9. Annual Human Rights Breakfast will be held on October 30, 1997, at 7:30 AM. The
scheduled speaker is Mary Sue Coleman.
10. Human Rights Commission will consider revising Human Rights Ordinance to include
Administrative Closure as an option when on its face, the complaint does not state a claim
for which there is a remedy.
11. Development of a Community Diversity Appreciation Team and/or Hate Cdme Response
Team.
12. Continue to develop forums to educate public on discrimination issues.
13. Public speaking engagements will continue.
14. Consider fund raising activities.
COMMISSION MEMBERS
Patdcia A. Harvey, Chair
Pamela (Mel) Dautremont
Tom Dickerson
Dereck A. Hall
Joan Jehle
Diane Martin
Ann K. Shires
Mary C. Theisen
Jan Warren
32
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
GENERAL RESPONSIBILmES
The Parks and Recreation Commission recommends and reviews policies, rules, regulations,
ordinances and budgets relating to parks, playgrounds, recreation centers and cultural functions
of the City, and makes such reports to the City Council as the Commission deems in the public
interest. The Commission also exercises broad responsibility for the development of parks,
recreation centers, playgrounds and cultural facilities to serve the City, including the creation and
appointment of advisory groups to make studies.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN RSCAL YEAR 1997
Received copies of regular monthly reports from the Parks, Recreation, Forestry, Cemetery and
Central Business District Divisions, providing the Commission with valuable insight into the daily
operation of each division.
Received pedodic reports from the Iowa City Parks and Recreation Foundation.
Received monthly reports from the Director on the progress of all ongoing projects, construction,
etc.
Conducted annual tour of parks and facilities.
Continued active representation on the Riverfront and Natural Areas Commission (and the Iowa
River Corridor Trail Study Committee).
Recommended City Council approve Recreation Division Fees and Charges proposed for FY98
and tentative proposals for FY99-O0.
Reviewed PIN grant applications submitted for 1997.
Cooperated with the Old Capitol Youth Hockey Association to provide ice skating facilities in City
Park and Mercer Park.
Received approval from the City Council to enter agreement with professional fund raiser to
complete feasibility study for MPAC expansion, and Task Force created.
Cooperated with the City of Coralville to obtain REAP Grant for the Iowa River Dam Trail Connec-
tion Project.
Held numerous public headngs to receive input on Neighborhood Open Space Plan.
Entered into agreement with Mekus/Johnson to develop "Master Plan" to maximize space in
Oakland Cemetery.
Endorsed FIRS'Cs position and recommendation re proposed Iowa River Trail development
between Burlington Street and Sturgis Ferry Park.
33
Recommended City Council accept according to the Neighborhood Open Space Ordinance open
space in the Walden Hills Subdivision and Court Hill Subdivision.
Recommended City Council accept according to the Neighborhood Open Space Ordinance a
portion of required open space, with remainder satisfied by payment of fees in Village Green
South Development.
Adopted Oakland Cemetery Tree Pruning and Removal Policy.
Supported Iowa City Gids Soflt)all proposal to install lights on Napoleon Park softball fields on
shared-cost basis.
Active representation on Regional Trails Committee to develop recommendations re trail and
parkland on either side of the Iowa River Power Dam.
PLANS FOR FISCAL YEAR 1998
Develop a Neighborhood Open Space Action Plan to implement the Neighborhood Open Space
Ordinance.
Continue efforts to improve/upgrade the Central Business District playground equipment.
Continue investigation and resolve issue of expanding Oakland Cemetery.
Continue interaction with City Council and periodically schedule joint meetings regarding issues
facing the Commission and Department.
Continue efforts to improve the Commission's contact with the public.
Continue and enhance activities of the Parks and Recreation Foundation.
Continue the development of the soccer complex to address soccer needs for all age groups.
Continue to pursue expansion of MPAC to help meet the need for additional recreational space.
Continue commitment to and development of trail system.
Determine improvements that can be made to parks with small amounts of money.
Explore and strengthen relationships with the School Distdct and Neighborhood Associations.
COMMISSION MEMBERS
Matt Pacha, Chairperson
Rex Pruess, Vice-Chairperson
Barbara Endel
Ken Fearing
Judith Klink
Bruce Maurer
Allen Stroh
Kathy Wallace
Ross Wilbum
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Act as the Zoning Commission of the City. Direct surveys and studies to be conducted and
maps, plans, or plats to be made related to the City's Comprehensive Plan and zoning regula-
tions. Recommend amendments and supplements to the City Council for the Comprehensive
Plan, Zoning Chapter and Subdivision Regulations. Make recommendations to the City Council
on development proposals, such as planned developments, subdivisions, street vacations and
annexations.
ACCOMPUSHMENTS IN FISCAL YEAR 1997
During FY97, the Planning and Zoning Commission held 20 formal meetings, 17 informal meet-
ings, and I Comprehensive Plan Workshop.
Dudng the pedod of July 1, 1996, to June 30, 1997, the Commission made the following recom-
mendations to the City Council:
Comprehensive Plan Amendments: I Recommendation for Approval
To amend the Comprehensive Plan to increase the density from 2-8 dwelling units per
acre to 8-16 dwelling units.per acre at northeast comer of Scott Boulevard and Lower
West Branch Road. 4/3/97
Annexations: 2 Recommendations for Approval
140.5 acres east of Scott Boulevard, north of Highway 6. 2/6/97
Approximately 7 acres located west of Dubuque Street (portion of water plant property).
8/15/96
Rezonin(3: 6_Recommendations for Approval
2.38 acres at northeast comer of Scott Boulevard and Lower West Branch Road from RS-
5 to OPDH-12. 4/3/97
3.74 acres on Mall Ddve from CC-2 to I-1. 3/6/97
140.5 acres east of Scott Boulevard and north of Highway 6 from County M1 to C1-1 and
I-1. 3/6/97
40.7 acres north of Rohret Road and east of Highway 218 from RS-5 to OSA-8. 12/5/96
5 acres west of Dubuque Street from County RS to P. 8/15/96
7.06 acres at 2400 North Dodge Street from CH-1 to OSAVCH-1. 8/1/96
Rezonin.q: I Recommendation for Denial
43 acres north of Foster Road, west of Laura Drive, south of 1-80 from ID-RS to RM-12.
6/5/97
35
Subdivisions: 7 Recommendations for Preliminary Plat Approval
Windsor Ridge, Parts 7 and 8, a 22.05 acre, 41-1ot residential subdivision north of
Amedcan Legion Road, west of Taft Avenue. 4/17/97
Scott-Six Industrial Park, a 140.5 acre, 42-1ot commercialAndustdal subdivision east of
Scott Boulevard, north of Highway 6. 4/3/97
Court Park Subdivision, a 1.66 acre, 6-lot residential subdivision at 2729 East Court
Street. 2/6/97
Hollywood Manor, Part Six, an 8.2 acre, 24-1ot residential subdivision west of Sycamore
Street, south of Bums Avenue. 12/19/96
Walden Hills, a 40.7 acre, 53-1ot residential subdivision north of Rohret Road, east of
Highway 218. 12/19/96
Westport Plaza, an 11.41 acre, 2-lot commercial subdivision south of Ruppert Road.
10/17/96
Saddlebrook Addition, a 22.2.62 acre, I 0-lot residential subdivision south of Highway 6 and
Heinz Road. 9/19/96
Subdivisions: 8 Recommendations for Final Plat Approval
Windsor Ridge, Part 8, a 13.31 acre, 25-1ot residential subdivision on north extension of
Barrington Road. 4/17/97
Court Park, a 1.69 acre, 6-lot residential subdivision at 2729 Court Street. 4/3/97
Walden Hills, a 40.7 acre, 53-1ot residential subdivision north of Rohret Road. 4/3/97
Westport Plaza, an 11.14 acre, 2-1or commercial subdivision south of Ruppert Road.
2/20/97
Saddlebrook Addition, Part' 1, a 62 acre, 4-lot subdivision south of Highway 6 and Heinz
Road. 9/19/96
Hunters Run, Part 8, a 7.58 acre, 17-1ot residential subdivision north of Rohret Road and
east of Goldenrod Drive. 9/19/96
Meadow Ridge, Part 2, a 2.29 acre, 4-lot residential subdivision east of Dubuque Street,
south of Meadow Ridge Lane. 9/19/96
Village Green, Part XlV, a 40.19 acre, 1-lot residential subdivision north of Village Road,
east of Oxford Place. 8/15/96
Subdivisions: 3 Recommendations for Preliminary/Final Plat Approval
West Side Park Addition, a 1.24 acre, 2-lot residential/commercial subdivision east of
Westside Drive, south of Ead Road. 4/3/97
Mt. Prospect Addition, Part VIII., a 9.02 acre, 14-1ot residential subdivision. 4/3/97
Jacob Ricord's Subdivision, a resubdivision of a portion of lots 5 and 6, a 1.26 acre, 6-lot
residential subdivision. 9/19/96
Subdivisions: I Recommendation to Rescind Preliminary/Final Plat
Saddlebrook Addition. 9/19/96
Text Amendments: 17 Recommendations for Approval
To increase the parking requirements for residential uses in the CB-5, Central Business
Support Zone. 6/19/97
36
To amend the parking requirements for rooming houses converted from fraternities/sorori-
ties without the need for special exceptions approval. 5/1/97
To amend the vision tdangle requirements. 5/1/97
To allow portable signs in the CB-2, CB-5, and CB-10 zones. 5/1/97
To amend the regulations conceming elderly housing alternatives. 4/3/97
To amend the parking requirements for rooming houses converted from fraternities/sorori-
ties. 3/20/97
To amend the off-street parking requirements for commercial uses in CB-5, Central
Business Support Zone. 2/6/97
To amend the regulations conceming child care centers. 12/19/96
To indicate that parking reductions may be approved for non-residential uses as part of
the Sensitive Areas Oveday rezoning. 10/3/96
To amend the Land Subdivisions chapter, Article A, Section 4 entitled "Establishment of
Control" pertaining to City review of subdivisions within 2 miles of the City's boundaries.
9/19/96
To amend the location restrictions of satellite receiving devices in residential zones.
9/19/96
To allow communications tower as a special exception under certain conditions in the
Public zone. 9/19/96
To add definitions associated with cellular facilities. 9/19/96
To revise the definition of "construction area" 6/15/96
To add the definition of "slopes, regulated." 8/15/96
To amend the Sensitive Areas Ordinance. 8/15/96
To allow limited retail sales in the I-1 zone. 7/18/96
Text Amendments: I Recommendation for Denial
To allow projecting signs in the CB-5 and CB-10 zones. 5/1/97
Vacations: 3 Recommendations for AI313roval
A portion of alley south of Bowery Street between Governor and Lucas Streets. 2/6/97
Gable Street. 1/16/97
The north 12.5 feet of the F Street right-of-way for 75 feet west of First Avenue. 11/21/96
Fdn(~e Area Rezonin(~: 4 Recommendations for Approval
Property at 4819 Rapid Creek Road NE from A1 to RS-3. 1/16/97
22 acres north of Highway 1, I mile west of Sharon Center Road from A1 to RS-5.
10/17/96
8.64 acres west of Prairie du Chien Road, 1/4 mile north of Newport Road from A1 to RS-
3. 10/17/96
38.22 acres west of Prairie du Chien Road, 1/4 mile north of Newport Road from A1 to
RS-3. 9/19/96
2.75 acres north of American Legion Road, 1.7 miles southeast of Iowa City from A1 to
RS. 12/19/96
40 acres north of Highway 1, west of Landon Avenue from A1, RS-10. 12/19/96
37
Frin.ae Area Rezonina: 1 Recommendation for Denial
1,58 acres in Fringe Area 4, 1/4 mile east of Corporate Boundary on Lynden Heights
Road from A1 to R2. 7/18/96
Frin.qe Area Subdivisions: 2 Recommendations for Preliminary Plat Approval
William Woods, a 22.99 acre, 4-lot residential subdivision north of Highway 1 West, one
mile west of Sharon Center Road. 3/20/97
Meadow View, a 32.4 acre, 10-lot residential subdivision west of Buchmeyer Bend at the
intersection of Highway 1. 8/1/96
Fdn(~e Area Subdivisions: I Recommendation for Preliminary Plat Denial
Scott-Six Industrial Park, a 140.5 acre, 41-1ot industrial/commercial subdivision east of
Scott Boulevard, north of Highway 6. (This property was annexed into the city and a
preliminary plat was approved on 4/3/97.) 10/17/96
Frin.cle Area Subdivisions: 3 Recommendations for Final Plat ApDroval
William Woods, a 22.99 acre, 4-lot residential subdivision north of Highway I and I mile
west of Sharon Center Road. 5/1/97
Meadow View, a 31.5 acre, 10-lot residential subdivision west of Buchmeyer Bend and its
intersection with Highway 1. 5/1/97
Woodland Ridge, Part One, a 55.95 acre, 19-1ot residential subdivision east of Dane Road
at its intersection with Osage Street. 8/15/96
Frin.qe Area Subdivisions: I Recommendation for Preliminary/Final Plat Approval
Furrows Edge, Part II, a 16.4 acre, 2-lot residential subdivision in Fringe Area A east of
Highway 1, and north of Penny Lane. 12/5/96
Fdn.~e Area Subdivisions: I Recommendation for Preliminary/Final Plat Denial
Highland Heights, Part Three, a 15.52 acre residential lot in Fringe Area A east of High-
way 1, and south of Dingleberry Road. 12/5/96
Frincle Area Items: 2 Recommendations for Approval
Approve conditional use permit within Fringe Area B at 3880 Owl Song Lane, SE. 6/5/97
That the 2-mile extraterritorial review area in Fdnge Area B not be extended. 2/20/97
Other Recommendations:
To advise the Scott-Six Urban Renewal Plan is in conformity with the Iowa City Compre-
hensive Plan. 4/17/97
To designate East College Street as a Historical District. 1/16/97
To designate College Green as a Historical District. 1/16/97
To consider prohibiting parking on North Dodge Court. 9/19/96
38
To forward a letter to the Johnson County Board of Supervisors recommending attention
to traffic safety problems at Buchmeyer Bend on Highway 1. 8/1/96
To allocate staff time on pdodty basis to review high density residential and parking issues
in the CB-10 zone. 8/1/96
PLANS FOR FISCAL YEAR 1998
Review existing tree regulations, especially for parking lots that exceed the minimum
required parking spaces.
Review definition of awnings.
Develop an entranceway overlay zone.
Provisions to assure neighborhood compatibility for new multi-family buildings in estab-
lished neighborhoods.
Consider amendments to permit longer terms of stay for transient housing and to permit
apartments above special exception uses in the C1-1 zone.
Amend the RM-12 zone to allow limited commercial uses by special exception.
Review of performance standards for industrial zones.
Review of requirements for commercial floor area in the CB-5 zone.
Develop a bonus system to promote better design, more pedestrian use and reduction of
parking in the CN-1 zone.
Consider establishing guidelines for the design of communication towers.
Consider amending the CC-2 zone to permit hotels/motels.
Review floor area limitations in CN-1 zone.
Review parking requirements for fraternities and sororities.
Land Use and Zoning Studies:
Area north of Highway I bounded by Miller, Benton and Harlocke streets.
Vicinity of County Administration Building.
Near Northside commercial areas.
RS-12 zoning in the vicinity of Foster Road.
Evaluate PRM Zoning for consistency with the near Southside design plan and amend
zone, as appropriate.
Update Comprehensive Plan in accordance with Iowa Citv Beyond 2000.
Area Studies for individual Planning Districts.
Review development ordinances for barriers to affordable housing.
Review of subdivision regulations, including design provisions.
Review of Floodplain Management Ordinance.
COMMISSION MEMBERS
George Starr, Chairperson
Ann Bovbjerg, Vice Chairperson
Lea Supple, Secretary
Benjamin Chait
Pam Ehrhardt
Richard Gibson
Phil Shive
39
40
RIVERFRONT AND NATURAL
AREAS COMMISSION
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
The Iowa City Rivedront and Natural Areas Commission is charged with protecting, preserving
and restoring important environmental features of the community, including woodlands, wetlands,
waterways, and, especially, the Iowa River and its tributaries. Development of the Iowa River
Corridor Trail from the Coralville Reservoir to Napoleon Park is a pdmary focus of the Commis-
sion. The Commission consists of eleven members, five from Iowa City, three from Johnson
County, and one each from the City of Coralville, the University of Iowa and the Iowa City Parks
and Recreation Commission.
While the Riverfront and Natural Areas Commission serves as an advisory body to the City
Council, it is actively involved in implementing programs, projects and activities that achieve
Commission goals. Additionally, the Commission continues its efforts to create an awareness
among all citizens of the importance of the care and preservation of the Iowa River, its tributaries
and the riverbank, as well as the significance of the preservation and restoration of woodlands
and wetlands in the Iowa City area.
ACCOMPUSHMENTS IN FISCAL YEAR 1997
Began investigating possible uses for the Iowa City peninsula area. The review included
field trips to the area and the gathering of information from nature reserves and nature
centers.
Participated in a joint committee to determine the future of the Butler House located on
the City's new water plant site. The committee was made up of three representatives each
from the Riverfront and Natural Areas Commission, Histodc Preservation Commission, and
the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Sent [hree representatives to the University of Iowa's campus lighting master plan devel-
opment meeting.
Began review of the Iowa City flood plain ordinance.
Amended the RNAC by-laws so the commission could better educate new members.
Sponsored an Arbor Day celebration at Ryerson's Woods. The program included a tree
planting ceremony, an awards ceremony, and a tree giveaway.
Continued river corridor trail development efforts, including support of applications for
funding vadous trail segments.
Continued to work with Friends of the Iowa River Scenic trail (FIRST) on river trail issues.
Participated in a Iowa River Corridor Trail walk to review signage.
Provided a representative to JCCOG's Regional Trails and Bicycling Committee (RTBC).
41
PLANNED ACTIVrnEs FOR FISCAL YEAR 1998
· Review and comment on the Iowa City Comprehensive Plan.
· Participate in joint committee in preparing plans for Iowa City peninsula area.
Continue to assist in the future planning for the Butler House on the Iowa City water plant
site.
Assist in developing a creek maintenance program.
Review flood plain ordinance.
Advocate for an inventory of natural and sensitive areas on the Iowa City Peninsula area.
Continue to support and advocate development of the Iowa River Corridor Trail.
Continue to involve FIRST on dver trail issues.
Improve RNAC review of development projects impacting the river front and natural areas.
Develop ad-hoc committees as needed.
Continue participation in the review and development of the Sensitive Areas ordinance
and other ordinances as required,
· Continue to send a representative to JCCOG's Regional Trails and Bicycling Committee.
· Sponsor events focusing on sensitive areas.
· Participate in the Ralston Creek Cleanup event.
COMMISSION MEMBERS
Cortney Daniels, Chair, Iowa City representative
Catherine Pugh, Vice Chair, Iowa City representative
Jim Pugh, Iowa City representative
Richard Hoppin, Iowa City representative
Lori Goetsch, Iowa City representative
David Thayer, Coralville representative
Ken Fearing, Iowa City Parks & Recreation Commission representative
Gretchen Gdmm, Johnson County representative
Joe Kral, Johnson County representative
Tom Riley, Johnson County representative
Larry Wilson, University of Iowa representative
42
SENIOR CENTER COMMISSION
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
The Senior Center Commission was established by the City Council and is composed of nine
members with three year terms which may be renewed once. Six Commission members are
appointed by the City Council and three by the Johnson County Board of Supervisors. The
following duties and powers are assigned to the Commission: to serve in an advisory role to the
City Council with regard to the needs of the Senior Center; to make recommendations with regard
to policies and programs of the Senior Center; to join staff and other interested persons in
seeking adequate financial resources for the operation of the Senior Center; to encourage full
participation of senior citizens in Senior center programs and activities; to ensure that the Senior
Center is effectively integrated into the community and cooperates with organizations with
common goals in meeting the needs of senior citizens; to serve in an advocacy role with regard
to the needs of senior citizens; and to assist the City Manager in the evaluation of personnel.
ACCOMPUSHMENTS IN FISCAL YEAR 1997
Sent two representatives to work with Steve Atkins and the City Personnel Department
to interview candidates and select the new Senior Center Coordinator, Linda Kopping.
Revised the Senior Center Mission Statement and developed Senior Center Goals for
1997-2000. The Goals and .Mission Statement were widely circulated among participants
and other members of the community as well as City Council and Board of Supervisors
members.
Endorsed a county-wide survey of people fifty-five years of age and older. The survey
was undertaken to provide senior citizens throughout Johnson County with an opportunity
to voice their opinions about the current and future direction of the Center; to provide
information related to perceived enticements and barriers to participation in Senior Center
activities and programs; to solicit information which will help enhance current programming
and volunteer opportunities; and to identify programming and volunteer opportunities that
will appeal to the upcoming generation of senior citizens.
In conjunction with the Center's fifteenth anniversary celebration, hosted a volunteer
recognition breakfast for 700 volunteers who contributed 48,000 hours of service.
5. Organized a ribbon-cutting gala affair for the Center's fifteenth anniversary celebration.
Supported participation in community activities, such as The Walk of the Stars, that widely
promoted recognition of the Senior Center as a valuable downtown resource for seniors
and other members of Johnson County.
Established a scholarship plan with several funding options to provide financial assistance
to eligible participants.
8. Revised policies regarding the use of the Center on nights and weekends.
43
9. Encouraged Gift Fund donations.
10.
Wrote a monthly column reporting on Commission activities for the Senior Center POST.
An additional column, offedng personal commentary on topics relevant to Senior Center
operations or activities, intermittently was published in the POST.
11.
Sent Commission representatives to monthly meetings of the City Council and County
Board of supervisors to provide Senior Center act'n/fly and program updates.
12.
Endorsed recommended HVAC modifications to improve the Center's heating and cooling
systems and thereby promote the comfort of participants.
13. Helped establish a uniform refreshment policy for Senior Center programming.
14.
Reviewed Senior Center parking issues and developed position statements related to
available volunteer and participant parking.
15.
Endorsed structural building changes to meet ADA specifications and promote overall
access to the building.
16.
Revised Gift Fund expenditure policies to support Senior Center programming and riscally
sound Gift Fund usage.
17.
Approved the purchase and installation of safety devices and equipment for the lapidary
and woodworking areas of the Senior Center.
18.
Modified programming policies to clearly establish non-volunteer instructors as indepen-
dent contractors.
19.
Working with a group of interested participants, oversaw changes in the woodworking
shop intended to promote shop usage and woodworking instruction.
20.
Endorsed the purchase of a new hardwood floor for the Assembly Room after exploring
many options.
21.
Investigated ideas brought forth from the June 1996 Town Meeting and implemented as
many as possible.
Sent representatives to the Post Advisory Committee to review and revise the content of
the Post.
23.
Endorsed the purchase of updated video equipment for the use of SCTV with $9,370.00
funded by the BTC franchise.
PLANS FOR FISCAL YEAR 1998
1. Continue to implement established Senior Center Goals.
Continue to support the development of classes, programs, and volunteer opportunities
that meet the needs and concerns of Johnson County residents ages fifty-five or older.
o
o
Seek ways to enhance the ability of present staff members to serve our constituency.
Ensure that the Center is a strong community within the Johnson County community
characterized by a spidt of open communication and cooperation between the two.
Further facilitate open lines of communication between the Senior Center Commission,
staff and participants.
Continue to explore a vadety of building modifications that will maximize the use of Senior
Center space and promote participant satisfaction while respecting the historical signifi-
cance of the building.
Review and update the Senior Center operational handbook.
Reexamine, and if necessary revise, lease agreements the Senior Center currently has
with Senior Dining, Elderly Services Agency, Visiting Nurses Association, AARP, and
Senior Peer Counseling.
Implement educational workshops in the normal sensory changes of aging and successful
aging. These workshops, which will promote positive images of aging, will be offered to
a vadety of groups within Johnson County.
COMMISSION MEMBERS
*M. Kathryn Wallace, Chair
*Wilma Conner, Vice-Chair
Terri Miller, Secretary
Bebe Ballantyne
*Joanne Hora
Robert Kemp
Kenneth Mobily
Chevalier A. Monsanto
Philip Zell
Appointed by Johnson County Board of Supervisors
All other members appointed by the Iowa City Council
45
11/17/g7 BB:42 To:I064~ CITY CLERK From:Jo Hogartv 319-354-4Z13 Page l/Z
Sally Slutsman, Chairperson
Joe Bolkcom
Charles D. Duffy
Jonathan Jordahl
Stephen P. Lacina
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
November 18, 1997
INFORMAL MEETING
Call to order 9:00 a.m.
Agenda -
2. Review of the formal minutes of November 13th
o
Business from Kay Hull, General Assistance Directdr for Department of
Human Services re: proposed rent increase in General Assistance
Guidelines by $50.00 per assist. discussion
Business from Bev Clearman, Chairperson for Nutrition Committee and
Mike Foster, Director for Senior Dining re: FY '98 Nutrition Contract.
discussion
o
Business from Deborah Conger, Johnson Count. Re~order re:
Recordefts Office budget for staff. discussion
Business from the County Attorney
a) Report from the County Attomey
b) Other
Business from the Board of Supervisors
a) Reports
b) Other
amending
913 SOUTH DUBUQUE ST.
P.O. BOX 1350
IOWA CITY, IOWA 52244-1350
TEL: (319) 356-6000
FAX: (319) 356-6086
11/17/97 88:42 To:IOl~q CITY CLERK Froe:Jo Hogarty 319-3§4-4213 Page
Agenda 11-18-97
Page 2
8. Inquiries and reports from the public
9. Recess
FORMAL MEETING TO FOLLOW
11/17/97 89:23 To:IOWA CITY CLERK From:Jo Hogartv 319-354-4213 Page 1/3
Johnson Cm~'
~!OWA m.~
Sally Stutsman, Chairperson
Joc Bolkcom
Charles D. Dui~'
Jonathan Jordahl
Stephen P. Lacina
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
November 18, 1997
FORMAL MEETING
Agenda
1. Call to order following the informal meeting.
2. Action re: claims
3. Action re: formal minutes of November 13th
4. Action re: payroll authorizations
Business from Christy Scheetz, Coordinator for Health)' People 2000 re:
proclamation for World Aides Day. discussion/action
6. Business from the County Auditor
a) Action re: permits
b) Action re: reports
1. Clerk's October monthly report
c) Other
913 SOUTH DUBUQUE ST. P.O. BOX 1350 IOWA CITY, IOWA 52244-1350 TEL: (319) 356-6000 FAX: (319) 356-6086
11/17/97 89:23 To:IO~6q CITY CLERK Froe:Ja Hogarty 319-354-4213 Page
Agenda 11-18-97
Page 2
7. Business from the Planning and Zoning Administrator
a) Second and final consideration of application Z9729 of Fobian Farms,
Inc.
b) Final consideration of application Z9742 of Richard Rossman.
c) Final consideration of application Z9743 of Robert Rummelhart.
d) Final consideration of application Z9744 of William MacKenzie. -.
e) Final consideration of application Z9745 of Arlene Hotz. : '
Business from the Assistant Planning and Zoning
:
a) Discussion/action re: the following Platting applications:
Application S9768 of Robert Rununelhart requesting preliminary
and final plat approval of Rummelhart's Second Subdivision (A
Resubdivision of Lot I of Rummelhart's 1ST Subdivision) a
subdivision described as being located in the SW 1/4 of the NW
1/4 of Section 21; Township 78 North; Range 6 West of the 5th
P.M. in Johnson County, Iowa (This is a 2-lot, 7.9 acre, residential
subdivision, located on the north side of the "Y" intersection of
Observatory Avenue SW and Ruppenkamps Road SW in Liberty
Twp.).
Application S9761 of William MacKenzie requesting preliminary
and final plat approval of Mackenzie Manor, a subdivision
described as being located in the NW 1/4 of Section 9; Township
78 North; Range 6 West of the 5th P.M. in Johnson County, Iowa
(This is a 2-1or, 28.99 acre, one lot residential and one lot
farmstead split, located in the SE quadrant of Dane Road and 480th
Street SW intersection in Liberty Twp.).
11/17/97 B9:23 To:IOWA CITY CLERK From:Jo Hogartv 319-354-4213 Page 3/3
Agenda 11-18-97
Page 3
b)
3. Application S9760 of A1 Wells requesting f'mal plat approval of
Lake Land Subdivision, Part One, a subdivision described as being
located in the SE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of' Section 22; and the SW 1/4
of' the SW !/4 of Section 23; all in Township 81 North; Range 6
West of the 5th P.M. in Johnson County, Iowa (This is a 6-lot,
30.76 acre, residential (A2) subdivision, located on the north side
of. 180th Street NE, approximately 7/8 of' a mile west of Solon in
Big Grove Twp.).
9. Business from the Count)' Attorney
a) Report re: other items
10. Business from the Board of Supervisors
a)
$50.00 per assist.
b) Other
Action re: proposed rent increase in General Assistance Guidelines by
11. Adjournment
30 Year Concel~t
Oak]and Cemetery Master Expansion Plan
10 Acre Concept
Oakland Cemetery l~Iaster Expansion Plan
Iowa City, Iowa 1997
40 Acre Concept
Oakland Cemetery Master Expansion Plan
Iowa City, Iowa
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: November 8, 1996
To:
From:
Re:
The Honorable Mayor Naomi J. Novick and Members of the Cib/Council
Linda Newman Woito, City Attorney
Summary of Conclusions Regarding Legal Opinion: Is the Land East of the City Cemetery
Restricted to Cemetery Use?
In light of the up-coming joint meeting with the Parks and Recreation Commission on Wednesday,
November 13, 1996, I have completed research concerning the above question. However, the
facts and law are complex -- so I present you here with a summary of my conclusions. I will
follow up with a more detailed explanation of the facts and the law next week, under separate
cover.
The approximately 40 acre tract now being considered for partial cemetery expansion, located
east of the eastern-most portion of the City cemetery, was a private land grant to the City from
Chdsfian and Theresa Galoucher. This land grant was for the express purpose of cemetery use
-- as indicated in the heading of the original 1913 contract to purchase land, as well as the
resolution authorizing execution of the purchase contract, see attached contract and resolution.
However, I think it is fair to say the restrictions are not strongly worded, and are not found in the
deed itself.
As for .the applicable law, the general rule regarding changing uses of public land is that a
particular public use can be changed by legislative act, namely, the City Council can pass an
ordinance or resolution dedicating certain land as parkland, or accepting certain land as a park
or cemetery. Iowa follows a different rule where land is given or sold to the City as private land
for a particular purpose -- in this case for cemetery purposes. However, in the case of private
restriction grants, Iowa law provides that the proper party to enforce such land restriction is the
private party or their representative, namely the Christian Galoucher family.
This mear~ that in the absence of the Galoucher family's asserting the cemetery restrictlone on
the approximately 40 acres (now being ueed as Hickory Hill Park), the City may corttinue to use
these 40 acres as parkland, as cemetery, or both. Stated other,vise, a member of the general
public has no standing to enforce the private restriction on the 40 acres Ga[Jlocher tract for
cemetery uses only. The City may want to attempt to contact the Galoucher family and seek out
their wishes, if any t as we d'td in 1980 when the Council changed the 40 acre Woods tract from
I will have a more detailed legal opinion, with factual background and legal analysis for your
meeting on Wednesday, November 13, 1996.
cc: Ter~/Trueblood, Parks and Recreation Director
City Manager
City Clerk
~tant City Manager
Attachments
November 15, 1996
Ms. Gretchen Gaulocher Lobdell
3374 Pattie Place
Palm Harbor, FL 34685
Ms. Ruth Kelleher
1137 Burlington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
Re:
Request for Family Wishes Concerning 40-Acre Sale of Gaulocher Tract to City for
Cemetery Purposes in 1913-1919; Possible Expansion of Current Cemetery Into
Gaulocher Tract
Dear Family Members:
By way of introduction, I am the City Attorney for the City of Iowa City, and have been
requested to contact you, as members of the Gaulocher family, concerning your wishes as to
whether the land sold to the City in 1913-19 should be, in whole or in part, preserved for
cemetery purposes.
As you can see from the enclosed memo from me to the City Council dated November 8, 1996,
your grandparents, Theresa and Christian Gaulocher, entered into a contract with the City of
Iowa City to sell two tracts to the City; approximately 40 acres, plus 8 acres. This sale was "for
cemetery purposes." Attached to my memo is the odginal contract for sale of land for cemetery
purposes dated February 17, 1913, together with the resolution passed by the City Council
February 7, 1913. Both of these documents indicate that the intent of both parties, namely your
family (Gaulochers) and the City intended to use these two parcels (8 acres and 40 acres) for
cemetery purposes. I also enclose a copy of the deed--which is silent as to the purposes
for the two tracts of land, see Attachment E (3 pages).
Also enclosed please find Attachment A, which is a diagram indicating the historical chain of
events in terms of acquisition for Oakland Cemetery, commencing in 1843. You will notice in
Attachment A that the eastem-most land crosshatched and marked "(Christian Gaulocher)" is
the land subject to my inquiry today. The westem-most portion, namely 8.75 acres, was put
to cemetery use many years ago. However, the 39.83 acres, delineated by a heavy black line
is the land in question -- and as you will note is labelled "Hickory Hill Park" and is being used
as parkland. It is this heavy-marked area that your family, and apparently the City in 1913,
originally intended for cemetery purposes.
Finally, I enclose a copy of a memo from Parks and Recreation Director Terry Trueblood, dated
November 7, 1996 and directed to the C~ Council and the Iowa City Parks and Recreation
Commission. You will note the memo suggests three different options for a very minimal
intrusion into the area now being used as Hickory Hill Park (which is the land your family sold
to the city "for cemetery purposes"). The current wishes of the Parks and Recreation
Commission and the City Council appears to be to not expand the city cemetery any more than
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Me. Ketleher
November 15, 1996
Page 2
~s minimally possibHnd ctearty not any more than 5 acr~ into the park. However, as noted
in my memo conceming your legal rigid, the City Council would k you to indicate your farlilly
wishes as to whether you want the ~ now being ueed m Hlcl~,o~ I-BI Park, to be u~ed ellher
partially for cemetery purl:x~ (e.g., no more than 5 acr~, or 2 acres), or whelher you ~
the area to remain in its current atate v,~ich i~ · portion of Hickory Hill Park. A~ I uncleintend
it, the 40 acre tract outlined in heavy marker in Attachment A has been uaed as · park ~nce
the late 1960s.
Once you have reviewed theee documente, pleaae write me or call me at (319) 356-5030---or
I can arrange a telephone conference call with family rnembem, Parks and.Recreation Director
Terry Trueblood and my~elf.--to dil~--~t these mattere. Thank you very much for your
assistance in thi~ matter.
Cordially youre.,
LirYda Newman Woito
City Affomey
410 E. Washington St.
Iowa City, I^ 52240
Enclosures
cc: Judy Slezak [daughter of Ruth Kelleher]
Ruby Fleming
Terry Trueblood, Parks and Recreation Director
City Council, FYI
Irving Weber, FYI
Dick Dolezal, FYI
RECEivE ·
November 18, 1996
Linda Newman Wioto
City Attorney
City of Iowa City
410 E. Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
Dear Ms. Wioto:
This is in response to our wishes for expansion of the Oakland Cemetery
into the Gaulocher tract. As granddaughters of Christian Gaulocher, we
would like the entire forty acres to stay as cemetery land. At the present
time, five or more acres could be used for cemetery expansion. The
remaining acres could still be used for Hickory Hill Park until more acres
from this tract are needed for future cemetery needs.
Sincerely,
Ruth Kelleher
1136 E. Burlington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Ruby Fleming
1600 Tenth Street
Coralville, Iowa 52241
(Signed by Judy Slezak,
Power of Attorney)
1688 Tenth Street
Coralville, IA 52241
November 28, 1996
~' ",:-':R,'~E',-'$ ~FFICE
Ms. Linda Newman Wioto
City Attorney
City of Iowa City
418 E. Washin§ton Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52248
Dear Ms. Wloto:
This letter is In regard to Input from heirs of Christian Gaulocher
concerning the expansion of Oakland Cemetery. I am his Oreat-
granddaughter.
I would like mu ancestral wishes to sUII be recoonlzed, that beln!l,
the forty acres of land In the Gaulocher tract remalnino as cemeterlJ
land. I feel that the maximum number of acres needed now for the
expansion should be used. Hickory Hill Park then could use the
remainIn§ land until more acres from this tract are needed for future
cemetery needs.
Christian Gaulocher made this decision concerning the cemetery land
after seruing on the Iowa City City Council. I haue enclosed a short
biography of mu great-grandfather to let you and the Council know a
little bit about the person whose land we ale discussing. This blo
was taken from the Leadinn Euents in Johnson Countu Io,-a Histop,.
Biographical, Uolume II, 191:3.
If I can be of further assistance, please feel free to contact me.
Respectfully,
Judy Slezak
Great-granddaughter to
Christian Gaulocher
November 25, 1996
3374 Pattie PI.
Palm Harbor, FL 34685
TO: The City of Iowa City
From the documents you sent to me, regarding the Christian Gaulocher 39.8 acres of land,
it is obvious that both the City and Christian Gaulocher's intentions were that the land be
used for the expansion of the existing cemetery. Apparently, the City gave to the Park
Board the entir 39.8 acres to be used for a park. We believe the city did not have the legal
right to do this without an agreement and permissiion from the heirs.
We believe that there should have been a limited use provision made to the Park Board,
subject to the need for future Cemetery purposes. It is our belief and wishe~ that at least
ten acr~ be desi~ for fuIure cemetery use, and that the Park Board may use the said
ten acr~ part or all, until needed by the cemetery, and the balance of the land be
dedicated for pink use.
GRETCHEN GAULOCHER LOBDELL
Date:
To:
From:
Re:
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
December 13, 1996
CONFIDENTIAE
The Honorable Mayor Naomi J. Novick and Members of the City Council
Linda Newman Woito, City Attorney ~
Update on Legal Opinion Requests: Is the land east of the City Cemetery restricted,
in whole or in part, to cemetery use; and if so, does the City have an obligation to honor
those restrictions?
ISSUES
Possible expansion of the city-owned Oakland Cemetery first raised the question of whether
'the land to the east of the cemetery, now being used for parkland, is legally restricted to
cemetery use - either in whole or in part. After presenting my preliminary legal opinion to you
at your joint City Council/Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on November 13, 1996,
and now having received wdtten responses from the Gaulocher heirs, the question is now
whether the City has an obligation to honor those restrictions.
Summary of Conclusions
Having heard from four direct descendants of Christian and Theresa Gaulocher, all of whom
express a desire to have at least 5-10 acres set aside for cemetery purposes, it is the opinion
of this Office that the City has some obligation under Iowa law to respect the Gaulocher heirs'
wishes. While it may be argued that the Gaulocher heirs have "rested on their dghts" for some
30 years and are now estopped from asserting the cemetery restrictions because the 39.83
acre tract has been used as parkland since the 1960s, I think the family can make a colorable
claim, perhaps even a successful claim, that the land purchase was a "contract" with certain
restrictions imposed thereon, and that the wishes of the sellers' heirs should be followed.
Because the land was purchased by private contract, refusal of the City to abide by that
contract may result in I'rtigafion.
Background: History of Cemetery Growth
The land now being used for a City cemetery, namely Oakland Cemetery, includes land grants
from both public entities and private parties. For example (and according to research
completed in 1973 by Gene Chubb, Parks and Recreation Department), the first land grant for
the cemetery was in 1843 from the Iowa Ten'itodal Commission, see map marked Attach-
ment A. Although Chubb's memo notes this 1843 land grant to be from the "State of Iowa,"
the grant was actually from Iowa as a territory since Iowa did not become a state until 1846,
see attached memo marked Attachment B. Because Mr. Chubb was not an attorney, I find this
misstatement of fact (state vs. territory) to be minor in nature, and will continue to rely on the
information collected by Chubb.
The land now being considered for po. ssible.expansiQn of Oakland Cemetery is located to the
east of the eastern-most portion of the Cemetery, and is designated as "Hickory Hill Park 39.83
acres" on the attached map marked Attachment A. This 39.83 acres was purchased by the
City over a six-year pedod by virtue of a "contract to purchase", with payments by the City from
1913 to 1919, see attached document entitled "Copy of Contract with Chris Galoucher [sic] for
land for Cemetery purposes" marked Attachment C. This contract was approved by the City
Council at a formal meeting on February 7, 1913, when the Resolution authorized the Mayor's
execution of the contract, see Attachment D. This 1913 purchase was finally consummated by
the Gaulochers executing a warranty deed in 1919, see Attachment E.
The deed conveyed both the 8.75 acres now being used as part of Oakland Cemetery, as well
as the 39.83 acres now being used as Hickory Hill Park. The deed was properly recorded in
the Johnson County Recorder's Office March 11, 1919. Even though the 1913 resolution and
the 1913 Contract indicated that both tracts were to be used for "cemetery purposes," there is
no restrictive language in the deed itself, see Attachment E. Under an old and somewhat
misleading doctdne of "merger," which is a concept of property law, the City could make the
argument that the contract restrictions "merged into" the deed and thus disappeared because
not recited in the deed. However, this archaic merger doctrine is falling out of favor with
modem courts, see CRIBBETT, ET AL, CASES AND MATERIALS ON PROPERTY (March
1991), pp. 1280-81 and cases cited therein. Indeed, the Uniform Land Transactions Act would
abolish the doctdne completely, Id. Because of this changing law on "merger," it is my opinion
that the Gaulocher Heirs could likely be successful in arguing that even though the deed
contained no restrictive cemetery purpose language, the combined Resolution and Contract
clearly survived the deed - and that the +40 acres is restricted to cemetery use. It goes
without saying that if such language were in the deed, much of the confusion during the last
30 years might well have been avoided.
Nonetheless, whether or not the cemetery purpose was stated in the deed, the City Council's
clear intention in 1913 was to use the land for cemetery purposes, as seen in the resolutions'
intent clauses:
'~/hereas, the Committee on Public Grounds and Buildings of the City Council
of Iowa City, Iowa, having been instructed at a previous meeting to investigate
and report the advisability of the City of Iowa City acquiring additional real estate
to be used for cemetery purposes; and,
Whereas, the said Committee has this day reported, which report is is [sic] hereby
referred to and made part hereof; and,
Whereas, the same has been adopted and approved; .... "
See Attachment D.
The 8.75 acres of the Gaulocher Tract was put to cemetery use, but according to Jim Wonick,
Cemetery Director, the 39.83 acres was mowed by the City and sometimes used as
pastureland until approximately 1980. This indicates that the land remained available for
cemetery purposes. Another indication that the 39.83 acre Gaulocher Tract was to be used
for cemetery purposes ~s that both the 1913 contract and the 1913 City Council resolution
recited that the Gaulochers agreed to remove trees on the land when directed to do so by the
City. see Attachment D. Taken together, this language indicates m at least in 1913 - that both
the Gaulochers and the City intended both parcels - 39.83 acres and 8 acres - to be used for
cemetery purposes.
Records also show that City warrants were issued on cemetery funds to pay at least a portion
of the City's cost to purchase the Gaulocher Tracts, see Attachment F. It is unclear at this time,
without more extensive research, as to whether these funds were proceeds from selling
cemetery bonds. By way of explanation, a "warrant" is a claim asserted against the City's
coffers or treasury, as opposed to a check which is payable from a bank entrusted with Cit~
funds. Without going into great detail to explain the legal differences between a check and a
warrant, suffice it to say that at least a portion of the two Gaulocher Tracts were paid from City
Cemetery funds.
In 1950, the City purchased from Claude and Mabel Woods the 40 acres to the north of the
land in question off Conkiln lane, for further expansion of the Cemetery. This "Woods Tract"
is now where the park shelter is located in the upper portion of Hickory Hill Park. Although the
then-City Council intended this 1950 purchase to be for cemetery purposes (see attachment
G), in 1980 the City Council chose to dedicate this 40 acres as parkland, see Attachment H.
Pdor to taking this step, however, then-Parks and Recreation Director Dennis Showalter
contacted the pdvate grantors of this 40 acre tract, namely Mrs. Mabel Woods -- one of the
two original grantors. Mrs. Woods had no objection to changing the use of the land from
cemetery to parkland, and thus agreed with the City's official dedication of the land for park
purposes, see memo dated January 3, 1980 and marked Attachment I.
You will also note that Attachment K shows that the 1980 City Council initially considered
dedicating both the 40 acre Woods Tract and the 39.83 Gaulocher Tract as dedicated parkland,
see 1979 memo from Dennis Showalter and the proposed ordinance marked Attachment J. For
whatever reason or perhaps because the Council knew the 1913-19 Gaulocher Tract purchase
was intended for cemetery purposes, the City Council in 1980 chose to only dedicate the 40
acre Woods Tract as parkland, see Attachment H. This left the 39.83 acre "Gaulocher Tract,"
as least for then, as parkland stating that this "means that the cemetery could expand into a
portion of it [Gaulocher Tract] at a later date," see Attachment K.
Update on Family Wishes
Now in 1996, with the City considering expanding the cemetery to the east and into the 39.93
acre Gaulocher Tract now being used as part of Hickory Hill Park, the question is whether the
City's use of this land is subject to any legal restrictions. Based on the facts apparent to me at
the time, I issued a summary memo to you and the Parks and Recreation Commission dated
November 8, 1996, wherein I suggested that, absent an expression of wishes from the
Gaulocher heirs, the City was free to use the land as either cemetery land, parkland, or a
combination of both.
After discussion at your November 13, 1996 joint meeting with the Commission, you directed
me to attempt to contact the Gaulocher heirs, as to whether they preferred the land to remain
as parkland or be used for cemetery purposes. Thanks to Dick Dolezal and Irving Weber, I
soon spoke directly with Gretchen Gaulocher Lobdell, of Palm Harbor, Florida, and asked if she
wished to express a preference as to whether the land sold by her grandparents should be, in
whole or in part, preserved for cemetery purposes. She told me that she and Ruth Kelleher,
of Iowa City, Iowa were granddaughters of Christian and Theresa Gaulocher; and on November
15, 1996, I forwarded information to these two direct heirs. [A copy of this letter was previously
sent to you, FYI.] As I was preparing the letter, I discovered that Ruby Fleming of Coralville,
Iowa was also a direct descendent and granddaughter of Christian and Theresa Gaulocher, and
that Judy Slezak was a great granddaughter. Thus, I sent the same information to all four of
the heirs on November 15, 1996. I received a telephone call from Dennis Gaulocher of Iowa
City, Iowa -- but he is a great nephew of Christian Gaulocher, not a direct'clescendent. I sent
the same information to him on November 21, 1996.
Now as of December 13, 1996, I have received the expressed wishes of the three granddaugh-
ters (Gretchen, Ruth and Ruby) as well as the great granddaughter (Judy Slezak), see
attached. As you can see from the letters, all four of the direct descendants of Theresa and
Chdsfian Gaulocher prefer that the entire 39.83 acres be held for cemetery purposes, and that
at least 5-10 acres now should be put to cemetery use. A majority of the family also agrees
that the remaining portion of the land is suitable for park purposes m at least until the land is
needed for cemetery purposes, see attached letters.
Based on my legal research to date, it is dear that at least ten acres of the land known as the
"39.83 acre Gaulocher Tract" is restricted to cemetery use by virtue of the 1913 contract, but
there may be room for negotiation regarding the remaining 30 acres. In any event and absent
litigation, I recommend that at least ten acres of the Gaulocher Tract be formally rededicated
for cemetery purposes, and that negotiations ensue as to the remaining thirty acres.
Legal Analysis:
The recent discussion of possible expansion of the cemetery into land now being used for
parkland raises the ultimate question of whether public uses of publicly-owned property must
continue, in perpetuity, for that same public purpose and use -- regardless of changes in
circumstances resulting from time, City needs or objectives, or uses of land in surrounding
areas.
The general rule in Iowa is that a City has the authority to change the use of publicly-owned
property from one public use to another, so long as three conditions are met:
1)
resolution;
The change is done legislatively and formally, meaning by way of ordinance or
2) There are no private restrictions on the land imposed by the pdvate grantor
(meaning the person who dedicates, donates, gives or sells property to the City); and
3) No special damage or private rights are claimed by reason of improvements on
adjacent property made in reliance on the permanency of the particular and original public use.
Carson v. State. 38 N.W. 2d 168, 174-175 (Iowa 1949). In other words, so long as there are
no pdvate restnctions on the land given or sold to the City and no one claims their property
nghts will be damaged ~f the public use is changed, the City ~s free to change city-owned land.
from one public use to another public use.
An example of this general rule was demonstrated when the Chauncey Swan Park, across from
the Civic Center, was converted to a combined parking facility and small park. At that time,
the City Council took formal action by approving the design and specifications for the parking
facility, and then formally accepting the completed work as a "public improvement." Thus, the
land was changed from parkland to a combined public use of"parkland" plus "parking facility."
This does not mean, however, that the former Chauncey Swan Park area could only be used
as a public park, in perpetuity --which is apparenfiy the rule in some states. Rather in Iowa,
the general rule is that absent private restrictions, if a city council formally decJares its intent
by official action such as ordinance or resolution, the public use of the property can be lawfully
changed:
"The rule is repeatedly stated by McQuillin that property devoted to public use,
such as parks, cannot be alienated [sold] or diverted without legislative authority
[cite omitted]."
Carson. at 174.
However, a different rule applies where private property is given, sold, dedicated or otherwise
conveyed to a city, and where that private property grant contains conditions covedng the grant.
In such a situation, the Iowa Supreme Court views the restrictions as a form of contract, and
thus requires the city to respect the wishes of the grantor. This means that where private
property has
"...by its owner been dedicated to public use and accepted by the public for the purpose
specified in the dedication .... "
that public use must remain on the dedicated property. Carson, at 172. The Iowa
Supreme Court in 1949 explained the reason for this "pdvate grant/dedication" rule:
"It is based upon the theory of a contract between dedicator and public which is
binding on both parties .... We do not question the soundness of the proposition
as limited to such dedication of private property. Undoubtedly in such case
the dedicator, or one claiming under him, can maintain suit to prevent
diversion in violation of the contract dedication."
Carson, at 172 [emphasis added].
In applying this Iowa law to the facts before us, the first question presented to me was whether
a general member of the public, e.g. a taxpayer, has standing to enforce the restrictions of the
Galoucher 39.83 acre Tract purchased for cemetery purposes. This question, of course,
assumes that the language in the 1913 City Council Resolution and the 1913 contract signed
by the City and the Gaulochers place certain restrictions on the Tract now being used as
Hickory Hill Park. As noted in my November 8, 1996 memo to you, the answer is that only a
representative of the odginal grantor [Gaulochers] or one claiming through the odginal grantor
has standing to assert restrictions on a public use which were part of the odginal transaction.
6
A s~m~lar question as to whether a taxpayer had standing to assert a restnction in a "pnvate
conveyance" was raised in a case entitled Coilis v. Board of Park Commissioners of City of
Clinton, 38 N.W. 2d 635 (Iowa 1949), where a member of the public brought a lawsuit against
the city and park commissioners for changing the use of a levee or dike near the Mississippi
River into a park. In the Coilis case, the Court found a general member of the public had no
standing to enforce such private dedication. However, the Iowa Supreme Court pointed out
that the attempt to enforce the restrictions might make a difference if the person filing the
lawsuit was asserting a claim through the original dedicator of the land, or was alleging
private damage; but in the absence of either, the plaintiff had no standing to enforce such
"private dedication as a levee." Coilis, at 637. See also Warren v. The Mavor of Lyons City.
22 Iowa 351 (1867) [property dedicated to city as a "public square" could not later be sold as
a pdvate subdivision, where the original grantor, or persons claiming through the odginal
grantor, asserted the pdvate restrictions].
Now, having received wdtten correspondence from four direct descendants of the odginal
grantors, [Gaulochers], indicating they wish to assert the "private restrictions," the next legal
question is whether the transfer documents create a "private restriction" on the 39.83 acre
Galoucher Tract in question, and whether such restrictions are enforceable by the Galoucher
Heirs in a court of law.
As noted above, the doctdne of merger under property law generally means that whatever
promises were made in a contract of purchase or other preliminary documents, said promises
would be "merged" into the final document (warranty deed) and terminate unless restated in
the deed. As you will note in the warranty deed (Attachment E), there is no reference to
conveyance of this land for cemetery purposes, or for any other public purpose. However, it
is questionable that this doctdne survives. This means that Gaulochers can make a colorable
claim that the City is legally obligated to respect and abide by the "private restrictions" placed
on this conveyance by Theresa and Christian Galoucher and accepted as such by the City.
On balance and if the Galoucher family heirs chose to press the issue, a court would likely give
considerable weight to the restrictive language, and may well find the land was sold and
dedicated for cemetery purposes sufficient to tdgger the "private restriction law." At this point,
the courts would "strictly construe" the private restriction language, and may well find the
language binding on the City, Carson. at 174. In other words, the mere passage of time or
change in circumstances would not necessarily change the plain meaning of the restrictions
stated by the City Council resolution of 1913, and the "contract for purchase for cemetery
purposes" executed by both the Gaulochers and the City in 1913, see ,Attachments C and D.
Conclusion
While the restrictive language was not found in the deed, it is my considered opinion the City
Council is legally obligated to take into account the expressed preferences of the Galoucher
heirs. It would be my preference that the City make an effort to accommodate the Galoucher
heirs' wishes, and to at least seriously consider dedicating or rededicating by resolution ten
acres to Oakland Cemetery, and begin negotiations with the family to dedicate thirty acres of
the remaining land to Hickory Hill Park. I have no feel, one way or another, as to whether the
Gaulocher family would initiate litigation.
7
I will be available for questions dudng executive session on Monday, December 16, 1996, at
6:30 p.m.
NOTE: This memo can be a "public memo" if you so choose.
Attachments
cc: City Clerk
City Manager
Assistant City Manager
Terry Trueblood, Director Pmt~e & Recreation
'~ "k', I~. ~--')2....,~...
Setting the '98 City Agenda
What do these issues have in common?
· Full funding of property tax credits
· Timely remittance of local option sales tax
· Establishment of a two-year study of Iowa's tax system
IOWA
LEAGUE
of CITIES
They are now the law in Iowa, thanks to the efforts of League
membership.
What do these groups have in common?
· Master Builders
· Associated General Contractors
· Doctors
· Local governments
¢ All were designated as "winners" for the 1997 legislative
session by the Des Moines Register.
As a city official...
You have the power to capitalize on the successes of 1997 by
continuing the momentum in 1998. The Iowa League of Cities' annual
Legislative Day is on Wednesday, March 4, at the Airport Holiday Inn
in Des Moines. Activities begin at 10 a.m. with question and answer
sessions with legislative leadership. We will then take our message to
the Statehouse and visit with lawmakers one-on-one throughout the
afternoon.
Your participation determines the fate of Iowa's cities. The League
invites you to join city officials from around the state in giving a voice to
the '98 city agenda. Mark your calendars for this upcoming event.
Registration information will be available in future issues of Cityscape
and Legislative Bulletin.
out.
DISTI~ICT
PLAN
Iowa City: Beyond 2000
Comprehensive Plan
Dr ~.; EJulV 1 997
DRAFT: 7-11-97
SOUTH DISTRICT PLAN
The South Planning District encompasses an area of Iowa City located south of Highway
6 and east of the Iowa River, and extends south and east to the growth area limits, which
mark the boundaries of the area that will be served by sanitary sewer service in the
future. The Snyder Creek Bottoms, a large wetland conservation area located southeast
of Sycamore Street, cannot be developed and thus serves as a natural growth area
boundary. (See Exhibit A, South Planning District Map) The South District contains
approximately 3,000 acres or 4.7 square miles; approximately 60% of the district is
located within the corporate boundaries of Iowa City. The remaining 40% is unincorpo-
rated property located along the south and east edge of the district. This land is likely to
be voluntarily annexed into Iowa City over the next two to three decades and be devel-
oped as new neighborhoods in the city.
The South District Plan describes the history, current land uses, existing environmental
features and potential, future land uses for this developing area of the community.
Guidelines for future residential, commercial and industrial land uses and supporting
public facilities, including streets, sewers, stormwater drainage, an elementary school,
and open space, are set forth for the district. A major commercial area located along
Gilbert Street in the northwest portion of the district is examined separately from the
new residential neighborhoods that will be developed to the south.
The South District Plan is the first in a series of district plans to be included in Iowa
City's new Comprehensive Plan, Iowa City: Beyond 2000, and has been developed coop-
eratively with citizens, who own property and/or live in this area of the community, and
participated in a series of interviews, meetings and workshops to envision future plans
for this district. This district was selected as the initial planning district due to construc-
tion of the South River Corridor Interceptor Sewer, which will link the north and south
wastewater treatment plants in Iowa City. When the sewer is constructed and opera-
tional, opportunities for residential neighborhood development will occur in the west
portion of the district (west of Sycamore Street), where rezoning and development in
Iowa City have slowed in recent years due to inadequate sanitary sewer capacity.
The east portion of the planning district, located generally east of Sycamore Street, is
served by the Southeast Interceptor Sewer and the South Sycamore Trunk Sewer. A
new regional stormwater and green space corridor will enhance drainage and flood con-
trol for the area east of Sycamore Street; making development of the area more feasible
while providing recreational trail/park opportunities. The design, improvement and ex-
tension of arterial streets, including Sycamore Street, Gilbert Street/Sand Road, Sioux
Avenue, and an east-west parkway, are integral to the full development of the South
Planning District. (See Exhibit A)
Historic Context. Although there are few visible, physical signs that remain of early
human settlements in the South Planning District, there is archaeological, historical and
prehistoric evidence that the South District has been the site of human occupation for
millennia. (See Exhibit B: Map of Archaeological Sites in the South District.) In 1996, a
2,000 year old dwelling and associated features were excavated at Napoleon Park; this
archaeological discovery represents the first prehistoric structure found in the entire Iowa
River valley. Native Americans encamped in this area along the Iowa River for many years
before white settlers arrived.
The first white settler to call Johnson County his home was John Gilbert, who in 1826
established a trading post near the mouth of Snyder Creek, just south of the South Area
study boundaries. At that time, a Mesquakie Indian village existed to the north of the
trading post, and is thought to have had a population of around 1,000 people. In or near
Napoleon Park, the early, white settlers founded the town of Napoleon, which served as
the first county seat for Johnson County from July 4, 1838 to November 14, 1839. It
was reported that in May of
1838, there were 237 settlers
in the general area.
When Iowa City was estab-
lished in 1839 as the territori-
al capital and county seat, the
competition from this new
community one mile to the
north marked the beginning of
the end for the fledgling town
of Napoleon.
Phillip Clark was one of the in-
dividuals Gilbert persuaded to
settle in this area. The
McCollister-Showers farm-
stead located at 2460 S. Gil-
bert Street is on land that was
Sketch of ff~e first Johnson County Courthouse, which was located at Napo-
part of Clark's original claim, staked in 1837. (See Exhibit C, South District Property
Ownership) The first county courthouse in Johnson County, the one permanent struc-
ture that was built within the town of Napoleon, was located across Gilbert Street from
this property. In 1863, the property was purchased by James McCollister and over the
next few decades grew to be a farm containing about 750 acres.
The McCollister-Showers home was constructed in 1864 and expanded in 1880. The
barn on the property was constructed in the early 1880s. The ten acre farmstead that
remains is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is one of the few
remaining links to the early settlement of this area.
c. 1880s Photo of the McCollister-Showers Residence. c. 1880s Photo of Barn on McCollister-Showers
Farmstead
Photographs provided courtesy of Portia Cooper, a McCo/lister descendent.
Another mid-lath century home is located just to the north of the McCollister-Showers
farmstead at the south terminus of Waterfront Drive. Based on its Greek Revival design
and architectural style, it likely pre-dates the construction of the McCollister-Showers
home, although little is known about its history or past occupants.
Like the McCollister-Showers farmstead, most of the South Area was used by early white
settlers for farming. Today, almost half of the land area within the planning district is
still used for agricultural purposes. Urban development first began in the area in the mid-
1950s with the development of the Fairmeadows Subdivision. Throughout the 1950s
and 60s, additional subdivisions developed as the city grew outward. Grant Wood
Elementary School was built in 1969 to serve these new subdivisions.
In the 1960s, the construction of Highway 6 as a bypass had a significant effect on the
definition of the South Planning District. The highway separated the South District from
existing residential, commercial and industrial developments to the north, but also acted
as a catalyst by creating access and visibility for commercial development (K-Mart,
Econofoods, Pepperwood Shopping Mall and a mixture of office and heavy commercial
uses in the Southgate Avenue area) and allowing for the extension of streets to serve
residential subdivisions and mobile home parks developed south of Highway 6 through
the 1970s, 80s and 90s. Parks, including Wetherby Park (1975) and the Whispering
Meadows Wetlands Park (1991) were developed to serve the growing population. Whis-
pering Meadows Park also serves as a wetland preserve.
As the South District continues to grow, it is important to preserve links to the early
history of the area, including the remaining elements of the McCollister-Showers farm-
stead and significant archaeological discoveries. Naming important elements of the new
neighborhoods, such as streets, the elementary school, and parks, after early settlers and
Native Americans, who lived in this area, will serve to remind future generations of the
important history of the district.
Ex/stinq/Future Development. Although there may be some redevelopment of the exist-
ing commercial and residential areas south of Highway 6, the character and major infra-
structure of these developments have already been established and major changes are
not anticipated. Community commercial land uses and entryway enhancements are
proposed for the Gilbert Street commercial corridor located between the Iowa River and
the CRANDIC Railroad south of Highway 6. For the largely undeveloped tracts of land to
the south, planning concepts are outlined for the new neighborhoods, which will be
designed to complement and be compatible with existing development. For the new
neighborhoods section of the plan, the South District has been divided into four subar-
eas, including the River Corridor Area, the Sycamore West Area, the Sycamore East Area,
and the Sioux Avenue Area (Exhibit A). The following section discusses opportunities
for redevelopment and development of land in the commercially-zoned Gilbert Street
corridor that serves as an entryway to Iowa City.
Gilbert Street Commercial Corridor
The South Gilbert Street commercial corridor (Exhibit D) is generally located along Gilbert
Street between Highway 6 and the CRANDIC railroad. Increased levels of traffic and
greater demands for retail commercial uses are expected as a result of the residential
growth that is anticipated will occur in the South District. This will lead to an increase in
the importance of this corridor as an entryway into Iowa City. However, most of the
vacant commercial land located along Gilbert Street between Highway 6 and the CRANDIC
railroad is presently zoned for intensive commercial uses, permitting outdoor display and
storage of merchandise and materials, and near industrial uses such as auto body shops,
contractors' yards, lumberyards, and warehousing. These land uses are not consistent
with use of this area as an attractive entryway into Iowa City and as a retail commercial
area.
4
General commercial development within this entryway corridor should be encouraged
with careful consideration given to the site planning of property fronting on Gilbert
Street, creating an attractive, well-landscaped corridor to serve as a major entryway into
Iowa City from the south. Existing, attractively landscaped properties at the north end
of the corridor, such as the Hills Bank property, can serve as a model for future develop-
ment in the area. General commercial zoning is also recommended for properties situated
along upgraded Stevens Drive and an extended Southgate Avenue, which will carry
significant levels of traffic between Gilbert Street and existing commercial development
east of the railroad. Areas to be considered for general commercial zoning are illustrated
on Exhibit D. The areas west of Stevens Drive, which are currently developed with
intensive commercial uses, would retain Intensive Commercial zoning.
A proposed extension of the Iowa River Corridor Trail through this commercial area will
be located along the east bank of the river from Highway 6 south to Napoleon Park, and
potentially beyond the park into the future residential neighborhoods in the South Area.
A trail is also planned to extend along the south side of Highway 6 from the residential
areas in the east part of the district to the Gilbert Street commercial area. Integration of
this trail system with the future retail commercial development in this area is encouraged
to provide a bicycle/pedestrian link, not only between the Gilbert Street commercial
development and the residential development to the south, but also a connecting link to
downtown Iowa City. Sidewalk linkages within the commercial area are also strongly
encouraged.
Existing environmental constraints may preclude the development of portions of the
vacant property within the commercially-zoned area. These features include the Iowa
River flood plain and potential wetlands. The City is in the process of conducting a
floodplain study to determine whether undeveloped properties in the floodplain that
were flooded during the flood events of 1993 will have some development limitations.
Development may occur in wetlands east of Gilbert Street if the Corps of Engineers
allows replacement wetlands to be created/expanded west of Gilbert Street and south of
the railway. If portions of the commercial area are unable to be developed, they should
be considered for potential use as a trailhead wetland park or passive recreation/observa-
tion area. This type of a facility in this location would serve to enhance the appearance
of the Gilbert Street entryway, provide a measure of flood protection for the Iowa River,
and secure a natural buffer along the proposed Iowa River Corridor Trail.
South Area New Neighborhoods
The new neighborhoods will be extensions of existing residential development to the
north, including the Grant Wood and Pepperwood neighborhoods as well as the Bon Aire
and Hilltop mobile home courts. Planning for these new neighborhoods takes into ac-
count existing residential uses, including four rural subdivisions, a few farmhouses, some
riverfront cottages and three apartment buildings that are located in the largely undevel-
oped area of the district. It also recognizes the manufactured housing parks and medium
density single-family residential development planned for the Sycamore Farms area in the
southeast portion of the district. Environmental constraints and opportunities, sand
mining operations and their eventual reclamation, and existing and potential recreational
and passive open space are also considered.
South District Environmental Features. In accord with the Beyond 2000 principles, plan-
ning for new neighborhoods in the South District will respect environmentally sensitive
areas by protecting "the urban forest, the Iowa River and its environs, open space and
wildlife habitat," by securing "a balance between natural areas and development," and
supporting "acquisition and ecological management of watersheds, floodplains, wet-
lands and greenways." Wooded wetlands and floodplains within the Iowa River Corridor
and the Snyder Creek Bottoms are significant environmental features in the South Dis-
trict. The area also contains upland woodlands, large areas of hydric soils, sand mining
operations, several watershed/drainage areas, archaeological sites, and potentially, a popu-
lation of terrestrial box turtles, which are on the State threatened species list. (See
Exhibit E, South District Sensitive Areas Map). The environmental features considered in
the planning for the South District are discussed in detail in Appendix A.
South District Planninc~ Guidelines/New Nek7hborhoods Scenario. The planning guide-
lines embodied in the South District Plan are based on the Bevond 2000 policy state-
ments that relate to new neighborhood planning. These statements focus on creating a
sense of community by ensuring that neighborhoods are designed to be accessible,
compact, and pedestrian-oriented, and contain an appropriate mix of housing types, land
uses, connecting streets and open space.
The Bevond 2000 neighborhood policy statements were further defined and tailored to
the needs and attributes of the South District in a series of public participation efforts.
(See Appendix B) Based on the policy statements of Beyond 2000 and the consensus
arrived at through meetings and citizen workshops, planning guidelines were developed
to address future development in three subareas of the South District: the River Corridor
Area, Sycamore West Area and Sycamore East Area. Although the Sioux Avenue Area
was not included in the citizen workshops, the general planning guidelines developed for
the other subareas of the South District can be applied to its future development.
In addition, a general land use scenario (Exhibit F, South District Land Use Scenario) was
developed that illustrates how these planning guidelines may be applied to development
in the South District. When annexations, rezonings, planned developments and subdivi-
sions are proposed within the South Planning District, these planning/land use guidelines
will assist the City Council and the Planning and Zoning Commission in evaluating devel-
opment applications. They should also serve as a guide for developers and their engi-
neering/architectural consulting firms as they design developments.
The land use scenario is intended to be general guide; an indication of how development
may occur in the South District. It is possible that specific land uses shown on the land
use scenario may not develop in the exact locations depicted, but decisions regarding
developments in the South District should adhere generally to the land use guidelines set
forth in this plan. The land use scenario illustrates a neighborhood commercial center
(red), a mix of housing types (single-family/yellow, duplex-townhouse/gold, apartments/
brown), open space (parks/green, trails/purple band), and two alternatives for a potential
elementary school sites (purple).
The new neighborhoods planning guidelines apply primarily to the Sycamore East and
Sycamore West areas. Given the environmentally sensitive nature of the River Corridor
Area, it may be advisable to limit development in this subarea to the three parcels of land
located near Napoleon Park and adjacent to Gilbert Street that contain few environmen-
tally sensitive features and have soils that are suitable for structural development. Con-
sideration will be given to establishing parks, greenways, trails and open space for the
larger part of the River Corridor Area. The following sections describe the commercial,
housing, parks and school elements of the plan. Streets and a fire station location are
also addressed.
Neic~hborhood Commercial. Located along Sycamore Street, south of the South Pointe
subdivision, the neighborhood commercial center should be centered within the neigh-
borhood to provide convenient shopping opportunities and activities for residents of the
surrounding area. An accessible mix of commercial, residential, institutional and public
uses should be clustered around a main street "marketplace" to provide an active focal
point for neighborhood residents. The design of the neighborhood center should incor-
porate pedestrian and bicycle accessibility for neighborhood residents and include a
town square or plaza area to create an active, all-seasons neighborhood gathering place.
In addition, a smaller commercial area with a convenience center/gas station may be
located at the edge of the neighborhoods on an arterial street, such as Gilbert Street/
Sand Road. Guidelines to address these neighborhood commercial goals are listed be-
low:
6
Concept of a 'main street' design for a neighborhood commercial center...
Centrally locate the neighborhood commercial center along the north-south seg-
ment of Sycamore Street, or at the northwest corner of Sycamore Street/Sy-
camore L intersection. Design direct access to the uses within the center from a
side or frontage street, not an arterial street.
Use a "main street" design with a pedestrian orientation that incorporates fea-
tures, such as on-street parking; parking lots behind or between buildings; mini-
mal or no building setback from the sidewalk adjacent to the street; accessible,
upp_~r floor r~_dential use of cq_m_m_e_.r_cial buildin__gs; townhouses and small scale
apartment buildings located in close proximity to the commercial areas; public
spaces, and trails that connect the commercial center to the surrounding neigh-
borhood. (Zoning Chapter text amendments will be required.)
[] Because of the proximity of this area to the Highway 6 commercial area, develop
the neighborhood center at'a smaller scale on a site that is seven to ten acres in
size, and include a mix of small businesses as well as residential and institutional
uses to serve the day to day needs of the new neighborhoods area. Encourage
small commercial and institutional uses either in or near the commercial center,
including light retail businesses, a pharmacy, a transit stop, a branch bank, small
restaurants, outpatient medical/dental clinics, adult and child daycare centers, a
postal substation, a convenience store, a neighborhood center, a recreation cen-
ter, a small grocery store, and a religious institution.
Incorporate a "town square," green space or plaza into the neighborhood center
design to buffer the commercial area and to provide opportunities for neighbor-
hood gatherings and recreation.
Create residential uses in and near the neighborhood center by locating apart-
rn~nts_o_rL~the upper floo[s ~of_ co..m__mercial buildings, and by clustering small apart-
ment buildings and townhouses around the cente~.
[] Connect the neighborhood center to the loop trail system and open spaces in the
South District through the use of bicycle/pedestrian trails.
In addition to the neighborhood commercial center, locate a small convenience
commercial area of approximately one-half acre, containing a gas station/conve-
nience store, at the edge of the neighborhoods, such as at the corner of Sand
Road (Gilbert Street) and the Sycamore L. Provide adequate separation from the
neighborhood commercial center (one-half mile minimum) and direct access to an
7
arterial street. To assure compatibility with adjacent residences, provide adequate
buffering and minimize paving for the convenience commercial area.
Housinq. The predominant land use in the South District new neighborhoods will be
detached, single-family residential. However, the neighborhood will also contain areas
where low to medium density multi-family, townhouse and duplex style housing will mix
compatibly with single-family housing. The medium density housing options should be
carefully designed and located to take advantage of major infrastructure investments,
such as arterial streets, and goods and services, which are provided in the neighborhood
commercial center. Medium density housing should be compatible in scale and density
to blend with single-family neighborhoods. As housing density increases and lot sizes
are reduced, attention will need to be paid to design issues, such as garage and driveway
locations, to assure that the new neighborhoods are attractive and livable. Guidelines
designed to help achieve the housing goals are as follows:
[] Ensure that all housing types are accessible for persons with disabilities.
Detached, single-family housing will be the predominant land use in the South
District. Locate this type of housing primarily in the central portions of the neigh-
borhood away from arterial streets.
Use small lot, single-family housing and duplex development to serve as a gradual,
density progression between single-family homes located more centrally in the
neighborhood and the multi-family or townhouse buildings located near the com-
mercial center or along arterial streets.
Locate low to medium density multi-family housing in the form of townhouses
and small apartment buildings at the edges of the neighborhood along arterial
streets, and near the neighborhood commercial center, trails, major open space
areas, and institutional uses, such as a school or religious institutions. Limit the
size of individual parcels zoned for such development, so that the scale of build-
ings is compatible with surrounding uses and the traffic generated from such
developments is adequately accommodated.
Provide landscaped front yards and parking in the rear for townhouse and modest-
sized apartment buildings that face arterial streets. This will provide a boulevard
or parklike buffer along the street, and create a more attractive appearance than
expanses of paved, parking lots or walls of back yard fences lining such streets.
Design medium density housing to be similar in height and appearance to large,
single-family housing. Use design guidelines, such as requirements for the place-
ment of parking behind buildings, and provisions for attractive visible entryways
on multi-family buildings, to help assure that such buildings are compatible in
design with nearby lower density housing.
Ensure a variety of housing stock and provide controls on scale and density by
providing small multi-family lots of approximately 12,000(~16,000 square feet for
low density multi-family housing at the intersections of collector and arterial streets.
Lots of this size will assure that the resulting apartment buildings will be no more
than four to six units per building so that there are no more than 24 units at any
one intersection.
[] Provide accessible apartments above ground floor commercial uses in the neigh-
borhood commercial center.
[] Improve the appearance of streetscapes by using alleys for access to garages. This
is especially important for residential developments with narrow lots.
[] Revise the front yard setback requirements of the Zoning Chapter to allow houses
with front porches to be built closer to the sidewalk.
Parks/O~en Soace. In the South District, neighborhood parks three to seven acres in size
should be provided as a focal point for informal gatherings and recreation within easy
walking distance from residences in the neighborhood. Neighborhood parks should be
centrally located within the Sycamore East and Sycamore West neighborhoods, and be
designed as an integral part of an interconnected system of open space. Wherever
possible, parks should be connected by accessible trails, and located near schools, water-
ways and wooded areas.
In addition, two larger, neighborhood parks should be developed in association with the
reclamation of the pond (sandpit) east of Gilbert Street and as an enlargement of the
new, regional stormwater and greenspace corridor east of Sycamore Street. A regional or
community park is envisioned around the pond (sandpit) located west of Gilbert Street.
A conservation area that provides protection for a threatened species of turtle, perched
wetlands on a sandy knoll, archeological and prairie relicts should be considered on the
McCollister property. The wooded wetlands along the Iowa River should be reserved as
natural open space and a floodplain reservoir. Open space should be incorporated into
the design of developments in the South District to assure green buffers between me-
dium and low density housing, between commercial and residential uses, and along
Sycamore Street. Guidelines for parks and open space development are listed below:
Create three to seven acre neighborhood parks that are centrally located, intercon-
nected and accessible in terms of trails, parking areas, play equipment and picnic
shelters.
Ensure that neighborhood parks have benches and rest areas accessible for elderly
p_~ersons and people with disabilities. Accessible basketball courts, play equip-
ment, shelters with picnic areas, cooking areas, running water and restrooms
should be standard features of the new neighborhood parks and be incorporated
into the existing 24 acre Wetherby Park. Accessible, raised gardens should be
considered in Wetherby Park.
Create access, a parking area and neighborhood park features in the south part of
Wetherby Park. There should be no north-south through street bisecting Wetherby
Park.
Design parks in association with trails, schools, waterways and wooded areas,
including larger parks designed in conjunction with the development of the re-
gional stormwater basin and the reclamation of the two ponds (sandpits). The
parks located adjacent to ponds may feature boating (small, non-motorized craft),
fishing and other water-related activities.
Preserve sensitive features, including the environmentally sensitive areas on the
McCollister tract, and waterways and wetlands throughout the South District,
particularly the wooded wetlands along the Iowa River and the contributing
drainageways and wetlands associated with the Snyder Creek Bottoms.
Incorporate green space to assure landscaped buffers between different land uses,
to create a landscaped, green buffer along Sycamore Street, and to provide a
green square within the neighborhood commercial area.
Trails. Pedestrian/bicycle trails help support pedestrian oriented neighborhood design by
providing off-road connections between key neighborhood destinations. A trail system
throughout the South District will connect parks, schools, commercial areas, and neigh-
borhoods. These trails will be designed for a variety of users and purposes, including
pedestrians, people with disabilities, bicyclists, joggers and roller skaters, and for trans-
portation as well as recreation. The trails, as well as the parks, schools, and commercial
areas they connect, should be accessible. An off-road loop trail through the South
District should be constructed as the area develops, taking advantage of utility ease-
ments and drainageways within the new neighborhoods. (Exhibit G, South District
Potential Trail System)
The main loop of the trail system will connect with the south extension of the Iowa River
Corridor Trail at Napoleon Park. From Napoleon Park, the trail will run southeast along
the South River Corridor Interceptor Sewer easement to the south soccer fields. It will
then turn northeast along the Snyder Creek Bottoms, and then north through the re-
gional stormwater detention area to be established on the Gatens tract. The trail will
also connect with the trail proposed to run south from the Whispering Meadows Wet-
lands Park through the Saddlebrook development. The main loop will be linked at the
north by a trail to be constructed along the south right-of-way line of Highway 6. An-
other connecting trail from Napoleon Park to Wetherby Park to Grant Wood School to
Whispering Meadows Wetlands Park is also proposed, and will serve as a central loop
connection trail through the middle of the South District. Guidelines for establishing
trails in the South District are listed below:
Plan off-road, accessible
trails for a variety of users.
Design these trails as best
as is practical for pedestri-
ans, bicyclists, joggers and
other non-motorized means
of transportation.
Use the trails to connect sig-
nificant traffic generators,
such as schools and com-
mercial areas. The trails
should be more than scenic
and recreational, but should
also be an integral part of
the city's transportation net-
work.
[] As subdivisions develop, tie
Potential River Corridor Trail area near Sand Lake.
trails into the main loop wherever possible through the use of branch trails or wide
sidewalks (generally eight feet wide). Also tie key neighborhood destinations,
such as a commercial area, parks, or a school, into the trail system to provide
pedestrian-scale access.
Elementary School. As the South District develops, the population will increase to a
level that will support the construction of an elementary school. The school should be
centrally located and near an arterial street to allow easy access for bus and other school-
related traffic. Two potential elementary school sites have been identified. One is near
the northwest corner of the Sycamore Street L, and the other is just north of the south
soccer fields. The Sycamore Street L site is more centrally located in the developing area,
and will be within closer walking distance of more households. It will also be more
accessible in the street system of the developing neighborhoods. A school campus just
north of the south soccer fields could be integrated with the soccer fields, and share
parking facilities as well. Guidelines for locating and developing an elementary school
site are listed below:
[] Connect the school to the trail system and locate it adjacent to a park or natural
area.
Ensure that the school has access from the arterial street system, but allow inter-
vening land uses, such as townhouses or open space to buffer the school from the
arterial street. Locate outdoor play areas back from the arterial street.
Locate the school site in combination with or close to other recreational and
institutional uses, such as parks, team sports facilities, adult and child daycare,
and encourage the school to function as a neighborhood meeting place.
10
[] Design safe crossings for pedestrians near the school, especially arterial street
crossings.
Streets/Roads. Gilbert Street (Sand Road), Sycamore Street and Highway 6 are the
principle streets that currently serve the South District. These arterial streets serve as
neighborhood edges, and provide the framework for development in the South District.
Segments of these streets need to be upgraded to city design standards, and an east-
west arterial street or parkway aligned with the Sycamore L will be constructed to con-
nect Gilbert Street/Sand Road with Scott Boulevard/Sioux Avenue/Highway 6 to the
east. Long-range plans show this arterial street extending to the west and crossing the
Iowa River. This river crossing is not likely to be constructed within the next 20 years,
because it would be located beyond the growth boundary for Iowa City, would heavily
impact a large area of wooded wetlands within the River Corridor Area, and would be
extremely expensive to develop. Also, there is sufficient capacity on Highway 6 such
that an additional arterial river crossing is not warranted in the short-term. A major
collector street is proposed to skirt the south boundary of Wetherby Park and provide a
fairly direct connection from Gilbert Street east to Sycamore Street. A modified grid of
collector and local streets are envisioned to complete the necessary street network.
The location and design of the street network will have a major effect, not only on the
transportation patterns of the planning district, but will also effect the quality of life of
the new neighborhoods. Careful consideration should be given to the design of these
streets so that they become pleasant elements of the surrounding neighborhoods rather
than undesirable intrusions into the neighborhood. Guidelines for streets in the South
District are listed below:
Use arterial streets, including Gilbert Street/Sand Road, Sycamore Street, and the
new east west parkway to form the boundaries of the new neighborhoods in the
South District.
Use landscaped medians and wide landscaped areas at the sides of arterials, such
as Sycamore Street, to create a pleasant streetscape for passersby and make the
streets compatible with the surrounding residential development. Landscaped
arterials will create an environment more conducive to orienting the front of hous-
ing instead of fenced rear lots toward arterial streets.
[] Align collector streets across arterial streets to provide for the safe crossing of
neighborhood boundary streets, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists.
[] Within the neighborhood, design collector streets so they are not continuous
through streets, but are arranged in an offset grid pattern.
Arrange local residential streets in a modified grid pattern. Enhance the local
neighborhood streets and encourage pedestrian activity by narrowing the pave-
ment, providing trees, benches and attractive lighting along the streets, and en-
courage alternatives, such as alleys or narrow drives at the side of the house to
access a recessed or rear yard garage, and to minimize extensive curb cuts and
paved front yards.
Provide safe, attractive and accessible street crossings at key locations, such as
the entrances to the neighborhood commercial center, parks and school sites, and
where designated trails cross arterial streets.
Fire Protection. The South District is in the "first response area" for Fire Station No. 3,
located at 2001 Lower Muscatine Road, just north of Highway 6. The engine company
from this station is responsible for being the first to respond to a call from the South
District. According to a 1991 Fire Station Location Study produced by the Johnson
County Council of Governments, the area south of Highway 6 is adequately protected by
the existing fire station locations. The average time for the area east of Sycamore Street
11
was under 3 minutes, considered optimal. The average response time modeled for the
area west of Sycamore Street was between 3 and 6 minutes, and is considered adequate,
although not optimal.
The distance of the fire station from the scene of the emergency, and the continuity of
the arterial street network both have an effect of travel time. An interconnected, modi-
fied grid street system will serve to increase the number of access points, and will
potentially reduce the response time. The emergency vehicle response time for firefighting
apparatus to respond to the South District is considered adequate to the current city
limits, and no additional fire department facilities are planned at the current time. Urban
growth and the extension of the south city limits will prompt the need for an additional
fire protection facility and emergency response apparatus to serve the growing popula-
tion within this area.
Sioux Avenue Area
Although the Sioux Avenue Area was not specifically studied by the neighborhood plan-
ning workshop participants, it is considered an extension of the South District New
Neighborhoods. With its access to Highway 6, the Sioux Avenue Area is a major
entranceway to southeast Iowa City. As this area develops, the City should ensure that
residential, commercial or industrial developments maintain an attractive appearance
through the use of landscaping and architectural standards.
The location of the Sioux Avenue Area makes it appropriate for both residential and
general industrial land uses. To the west are existing multi-family residential develop-
ment and manufactured housing land uses as well as large tracts zoned for future apart-
ments and manufactured housing parks. General industrial areas are located across
Highway 6 to the north. The area adjacent to the Highway 6 corridor may be suitable for
an extension of the light-industrial zone. If industrial zoning is established south of
Highway 6, a buffer will need to be created between residential areas to the west and the
potential industrial development. The preservation and enhancement of the Snyder
Creek stream corridor may serve as a natural buffer.
The east-west parkway will be extended through the Sioux Avenue Area as development
occurs. This parkway will tie into Highway 6 either at the Highway 6/Scott Boulevard
intersection, or by intersecting with an improved Sioux Avenue. It is likely Sioux Avenue
will become an extension of the Scott Boulevard north-south arterial street along the
eastern limits of the city. These infrastructure improvements will enhance the potential
for residential and/or general industrial development in the Sioux Avenue Area.
Implementation
Full development of the South District will likely occur over several decades. The City
will influence the pace and character of this development through the extension of
infrastructure, such as sanitary sewer and arterial streets. However, the housing market
will have the greatest influence on the time frame in which the South District develops.
The City's decisions regarding annexations, rezonings and subdivisions can have a great
bearing on the quality of the physical design, and on the long term quality of life of the
neighborhoods to be built in the South District. Implementation of the South District
Plan will occur as development proposals are approved and the neighborhood planning
concepts are incorporated into these developments. Amendments of City Codes, includ-
ing the Zoning Chapter and the Subdivision Regulations, will be necessary to implement
some of the concepts set forth in this South District Plan.
Implementation of the open space policies will occur as the City acquires parkland and
trail corridors as part of development plans and as the City or other entities acquire
environmentally sensitive areas, such as wooded wetlands in the Iowa River Corridor.
Acquisition of such properties may involve the expenditure of considerable funds; there-
fore, outside sources of funding, such as REAP (Resource Enhancement and Protection)
12
should be considered.
The Iowa City Community School District will have a role to play in the overall design
and functioning of the South District neighborhoods through its choice of a school
location. The City will work with the school district and developers to allow the district
to reserve or acquire a desirable school location. The City will also influence the charac-
ter of the South District through the design of the street network. Consideration should
be given to incorporating landscaped medians or green buffer strips along Gilbert Street,
Sycamore Street ~ the east-west parkwayz .~,.~ H~,~.~% ~.
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Section
27
22
22
22
22
22
22 & 27
25
25 & 26
26
26
26
26
26 & 35
26 & 27
27
35
22
South Planning District Recorded Archaeological Sites
East Lucas Township (T79N-R6W)
Section Division
SW 'A
SW IA
SE V,
SE ¼
SE ¼
SE ¼
SW ¼&NW IA
NW'A
NE~A&NW¼
NW V,
SW ¼
SW ¼
SW IA
SW V, & NE I/,
SW ¼ & SE ¼
SW
SE ¼
SW ¼
EXHIBIT B
Site No.
13JH35
Wapashashiek's Village
13JH250
Napoleon Town Site
13 JI-I251
13JI-I292
13JH293
13JH716
13JH774
13JI-I337
13JH335
13JH336
13 JI-I749
13JH750
13JH751
13J'I-I752
13JH131
Old McCollister Farm
13JH765
13YH512
13JH743
Site Type and Cultural Affiliation
Meskwaki village, historic period
(location unconfirmed)
habitation, Woodland & early Johnson County
settlement penods
mound. Woodland period
possible camp, prehistoric
camp, prehistoric
artifact scatter, historic period
dump, recent
artifact scatter, Woodland period
artifact scatter, prehistoric
artifact scatter, prehistoric
artifact scatter, recent
artifact scatter, recent
artifact scatter, prehistoric
artifact scatter, prehistoric
habitation, Woodland period
artifact scatter, prehistoric
artifact scatter, prehistoric
late fur trade/early settlement penod
ISOUTH
DISTRICT
PROPERTY
OWNERSHIP
I[1111111111
EXHIBIT C
HARCH 1997
~ '4',., ~ ,.,r,.
~' -- ~ 200'
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, CI,'i-Y.
OF- IOWA CITY
GILBERT STREET COMMERCIAL CORRIDOR
3RD ST -'~ I ~-
HIGHLAND AVE
STURGIS
FERRY
PARK
IMPERIAL
IIIII
EXHIBIT D
MARCH 1007
NORTH
m
/ ~
SOUTHGATE AV:
· "-.'.~ PROPOSED REZONING
TO GENERAL COMMERCIAL
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT. CITY OF IOWA
SOUTH DISTRICT SENSITIVE AREAS
EXHIBIT E ~) ................ ¢~$¢ ......................
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, CITY OF IOWA CITY
SOUTH DISTRICT LAND USE SCENARIO
I
EXHIBIT F
ISOUTH DISTRICT POTENTIAL TRAIL SYSTEM J
r.
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Appendix A
ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES IN THE SOUTH DISTRICT SUBAREAS: RIVER
CORRIDOR AREA, SYCAMORE WEST AREA AND SYCAMORE EAST AREA
September 1996
Wooded wetlands and floodplains within the Iowa River Corridor are significant environ-
mental features in the South District, particularly west of Gilbert Street. The area also
contains upland woodlands, large areas of hydric soils, sand mining operations, several
watershed/drainage areas and potentially, a population of terrestrial box turtles, which
are on the State threatened species list. These factors all impact the planning and
development of new neighborhoods in the South District. The Sensitive Areas Inventory
Map - Phase I (See ExhibitS, South Distdct Sensitive Areas) depicts the location of
these features. ~
Estimates of environmentally sensitive areas in the three South District subareas: the
River Corridor Area, the Sycamore West Area, the Sycamore East Area, and the Sioux
Avenue Area indicate that:
520 acres (17%) are potential wetlands
180 acres (6%) are potential, wooded wetlands
40 acres (1%) are upland woods
640 acres (21%) contain hyddc (water-saturated) soils
Approximately 45% of the four subareas are comprised of sensitive features. Not
including hydric soils, approximately 24% of the four subareas are potentially a sensitive
area. More detailed consideration was given to the sensitive features in terms of their
resource values as well as their impacts on development within the three separate
subareas. Some of the environmental features are noted as being located on certain
properties within the subareas. (See Exhibit C, South Distdct Property Ownership).
See Table 1 below for sensitive area acreages in the four South Distdct subareas.
TABLE I.
SOUTH DISTRICT SUBAREA ACREAGES
Sensitive Areas - Acres
Wooded
Total Potential Potential Upland Hydric
Acres Wetlands Wetlands Woods Soils
% of total Acres (%) Acres (%) Acres (%) Acres (%)
River Cord- 370 (12) 130 (25) 100 (56) 10 (25) 20 (3)
dor
Sycamore 900 (30) 20 (4) 10 (6) 20 (50) 260 (41)
West
Sycamore 1430 (48) 320 (62) 70 (39) 10 (25) 240 (38)
East
Sioux Ave- 300 (10) 50 (10) 0 (0) 0 (0) 120 (19)
nue
Total 3000 .520 (17) 180 (6) 40 (1) 640 (21)
FIGURES IN PARENTHESES REPRESENT A PERCENT OF TOTAL.
NOTE: All figures are approximate.
River Corddor Area
Much of the River Corddor is located within the 100-year floodplain of the Iowa River.
Existing residences located along the fiver on two properties south of Napoleon Park
were heavily damaged dudng the 1993 floods. A few other residences are located in
the River Corridor Area, but the dominant land use in the area is sand extraction; sand
mining operations exist on three of the seven properties in the River Corridor Area.
Much of the land, particularly the area of potential, wooded wetlands adjacent to the
dyer, has been retained in its natural state. A 26 acre park, Napoleon Park, which is
largely devoted to softball fields, is located adjacent to the Iowa River in the north part
of this subarea.
The soils in the River Corridor Area are primarily composed of permeable soils that are
subject to flooding and have relatively high water tables and are highly erodible. These
wet soils are located on the west portions of properties adjacent to the Iowa River, and
are consistent with the areas shown as potential wetlands and hydric soils on the
Sensitive Areas Inventory Map - Phase I. According to the Johnson County Soil Survey
(1983), there are moderate to severe limitations in such soils for various types of
construction, including shallow excavations, dwellings with or without basements,
commercial structures, landscaping and local roads. However, according to the soil
survey, these soils are suitable for trails as well as for trees and native vegetation.
Given the environmentally sensitive nature of this section of the South District and the
limitations on development within the soil types located along the Iowa River, develop-
ment should be allowed on a very limited basis. Three parcels adjacent to Gilbert Street
contain some land that is not considered environmentally sensitive and have soils that
are suitable for development. The reclamation plans for areas that have been mined
should be evaluated, and consideration given to establishing parks, greenways, trails
and open space for the larger part of the River Corridor Area. Public acquisition of
these properties may be appropriate. Retention of areas in their natural state will
provide absorptive flood plains and abundant wildlife habitat along the Iowa River. With
proper planning, the Iowa River and its environs can provide a significant environmental
amenity to the residential development east of Gilbert Street.
The City's adopted arterial street plan proposes an arterial street through the River
Corridor which would cross the Iowa River and provide a connection between the
interchange of Highway 218 and Riverside Drive and the intersection of Sand Road
(Gilbert Street) and Sycamore Street. This river crossing has been in City plans for
several years. However, detailed plans or a time frame for its construction have never
been established. Construction of the fiver crossing would provide an alternative for
traffic on Highway 6, which is expected to have capacity problems in the future. Given
the environmentally sensitive features in this area, if and when detailed plans are
developed for the fiver crossing, consideration must be given to a design and alignment,
which minimizes environmental damage.
Sycamore West Area
The Sycamore West Area is located generally west of Sycamore Street and east of
Gilbert Street. A drainage area runs south through the Prospect Farms, Pleasant Valley
and Campbell properties. A sandy ridge containing an unknown number of ornate box
turtles is situated on the McCollister property, and also contains two small potential
wetlands that were formedy sandpits. Wethe. rby Park (24 acres) is located on the
northeast edge of the McCollister property, immediately southeast of the Pepperwood
Subdivision. A sand mining operation is currently excavating an area on S&G property
adjacent to and east of Gilbert Street.
The presence of 260 acres of hyddc soils that are stdated across the Sycamore West
Area indicates the probability of a high water table and the potential for wetlands for a
majority of this area. Development of these properties will involve consultation with the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to determine whether or not any of the hydric soils areas
are jurisdictional wetlands. If the Corps determines that wetlands exist on property
within the City or being annexed into the City, the wetlands will need to be delineated
and protected in accordance with the City's Sensitive Areas Ordinance.
Areas of hydric soils that are not wetlands can be developed, but may require special
construction practices for streets, structures and stormwater management facilities.
Hyddc soils that are located adjacent to wetlands and the drainageway (stream corridor)
should be treated as environmental assets; to provide stormwater detention, wetland
enhancement or buffers, protective greenways along the stream corridor and neighbor-
hood open space. Because a preponderance of the soils in this area are subject to
ponding, wetness, poor drainage and high water capacities, planning for adequate
drainage and stormwater management for this area will be needed prior to development.
A few, small potential wetlands and the only woodlands within this area (approximately
22.5 acres) are located in the northwest portion of the Sycamore West Area.
There are indications on the McCollister property that omate box turtles (Terrepene
Omata) may exist on and around a sandy ridge located on the site. These turtles are
listed as a State of Iowa threatened species. As such, these turtles are accorded a
certain level of protection, and cannot knowingly be destroyed. The owner and/or
developer of the property will need to plan development accordingly, and should consult
with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to determine whether the turtles can be
relocated and the appropriate procedures to ensure a successful relocation of this
threatened species, or to create a suitable preserve or conservation area to protect the
turtles if it is determined that they cannot be moved to a different location.
Sycamore East Area
The Sycamore East Area is located east of Sycamore Street, and west of current city
limits. The Sycamore East Area also has problems with a high water table and poor
drainage due to the relatively flat topography and the irapermeability or ponding charac-
teristics of many of the soils. The potential wetlands and wooded wetlands in this area
are primarily located along a drainageway that extends from the Barker property south
to the Gatens Trust property and then further south, then west through the Apel and
Lake Calvin properties, where it flows into a large protected wetland area, known as the
Snyder Creek Bottoms, and on in a more westedy direction through the City wastewater
treatment plant site. The drainageway on the west edge of the Barker tract and south-
ward on the Gatens tract has been cited as an area to be acquired by the city and
improved into a wider, chain of wetlands to facilitate drainage and flood control for this
area. A fanned set of wetland basins may be sited ~ southeast ~ of the
Gatens Trust tract.
A six acre potential wetland is located east of the Makada Subdivision, and other
smaller potential wetlands are scattered throughout this subarea. The predominance
of potential wetlands and hydric soils on most of the properties in the Sycamore East
Area underscores the need for developers to consult with the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers prior to proceeding with development. Most properties in this subarea will
4
require either a Sensitive Areas Site Plan or a Sensitive Areas Oveday rezon-
ing/Sensitive Areas Development Plan, and special construction practices, as indicated
for the Sycamore West Area.
Sioux Avenue Area
The Sioux Avenue Area is located east of the cun'ent eastern city limits, south and west
of Highway 6, and north of the city growth area limits. The most significant environ-
mental feature of this area is Snyder Creek, which runs from the northeast to the
southwest portion of the Sioux Avenue Area and empties into the Snyder Creek Bot-
toms. The Sioux Avenue Area contains large areas of hydric soils, which indicate the
potential for wetlands.
Development can occur in areas with hydric soils that are not wetlands; special con-
struction methods may be required, however, for streets, structures, and stormwater
management facilities. When hyddc soils are located next to wetlands and stream
corridors, they serve valuable environmental purposes, such as: stormwater detention,
wetland and stream corridor buffering, and neighborhood open space. Given the
hydrologic qualities of these soils, particular drainage and stormwater management
planning must take place before development can proceed.
APPENDIX B:
Citizens Participate in Planning New Neighborhoods in the South District of Iowa City
In September 1995, the Iowa City urban planning staff formed a team to collect background infor-
mation on the South Distdct of Iowa City located south of Highway 6 and east of the Iowa River.
Major street and sewer extensions, regional stormwater management, and parks and trails planned
for the area were noted on a base map that was developed showing existing land uses, property
ownership, acres of land in individual tracts, and environmental resource areas, such as wetlands,
woodlands, stream corridors
and flood plains. Soil patterns
were evaluated, and known ar-
chaeological and historic sites
were noted.
In November 1995, a letter was
forwarded to property owners in
the largely undeveloped portions
of the South Distdct informing
them that the South District
study was underway. The prop-
erty owners were invited to par-
ticipate in a public meeting in
eady 1996 to help plan for the
area and were asked to submit
their comments on future devel-
opment of the area at any time.
Similar announcement letters
were forwarded in November/
Citizens working on South District neighborhood plans,
Gmnt Wood Elementary School, March, 1996
December 1995 to neighborhood associations (Grant Wood, Pepperwood, Hilltop), the Johnson
County Board of Supervisors, Iowa City Commissions (Parks & Recreation, Riverfront & Natural
Areas, Planning & Zoning), environmental interests and major developers.
In January 1996, the urban planning staff conducted individual meetings with major property own-
ers and developers to brief them on the study and to elicit information/plans they might have for
future development of their properties. The staff also conducted informational meetings with the
!
Citizens working on South District neighborhood plans.
Grant Wood Elementary School, March, 1996
Grant Wood Neighborhood As-
sociation, the Pepperwood
Neighborhood Association,
residents of subdivisions lo-
cated in the County south of the
city limits, the Parks and Rec-
reation Commission, the Neigh-
borhood Open Space Commit-
tee, Iowa City Community
School Distdct officials. and the
Environmental Technical Advi-
sory Committee. At each meet-
ing, the planning staff gained
additional specific information
on properties. land uses. envi-
ronmental constraints and plan-
ning preferences concerning
development of new neighbor-
hoods in the South District.
In late February, 1,500 post cards were mailed to South Distdct residents, property owners, devel-
opers and others inviting them to the new neighborhood planning workshops in the evening on
March 11 and March 25 at the Grant Wood Elementary School, a neighborhood school. People,
who wished to participate in the "hands-on planning workshops," were asked to call in their reser-
vations. Informational packets on the South Distdct were forwarded to people who indicated an
interest -- whether they were able to attend the meeting or not.
On March 11, 40 people gathered at Grant Wood Elementary School. Following an introductory
slide show and presentation of land use scenarios, the workshop participants divided into seven
planning teams to discuss and map their ideas for neighborhood commercial areas, schools,
parks/trails and housing. Each team presented their map and report at the end of the March 11
session. The ideas generated at the March 11 workshop were used to formulate two new land use
scenarios, and to determine common issues/preferences among the teams. On March 25, these
concepts were refined by the seven teams, and have been integrated by the urban planning staff
into the planning document for the South District.
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