HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-06-01 Bd Comm minutes
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MINUTES FINAL
lOW A CITY AIRPORT COMMISSION
THURSDAY. APRIL 8. 2004 - 5:45 P.M.
lOW A CITY AIRPORT TERMINAL
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairperson Hartwig called the meeting to order at 5:47p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Randy Hartwig, John Krstenansky, John Staley, Daniel Clay,
Carl Williams
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Sue Dulek, Ron O'Neil
OTHERS PRESENT: None
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
The minutes of the March 11,2004, Commission meeting were approved with minor corrections.
REVIEW OF EXPENDITURES:
O'Neil reviewed the check requests for April with the Commission.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION - ITEMS NOT ON AGENDA:
Kim Brogan-Coleman presented infonnation to the Commission concerning the establishment of
a flight school and flying club at the Iowa City Airport. She said she is interested in leasing the
office space at 1701 South Riverside Drive. She proposed a 2-year lease. Hartwig said if the
Commission was interested, it would be on the agenda at the next meeting. Brogan-Coleman said
she wou1d like to be able to get started as soon as possible. C1ay asked if waiting for a month
would give Brogan-Coleman enough time to get started by June 1? She would like toget started
as soon as possible. She said she is not asking for upgrades /Tom the Airport. She would fix the
building up at her own cost.
Williams asked O'Neil how soon a lease could be scheduled? O'Neil said he could start on a
lease tomorrow. He will develop a lease and have it reviewed by Dulek. He would send it to the
Commission as soon as it is ready and schedule a meeting.
Brogan-Coleman said she had a concern that if this flight school were successful, there would be
no place for her to move to when the United hangar is moved or tom down. She said if it
becomes successful, she would be hopeful the Commission could find some space for her to
continue at the Iowa City Airport.
UNFINISHED ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION:
No items were presented.
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ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION:
a. Environmental Assessment project - O'Neil said there was a letter in the Commission
packet that included the final comments from the FAA for the preliminary draft. Joe Trnka,
from H.R. Green, said almost all of the comments had been addressed. O'Neil said he
contacted the FAA and discussed the report.
As soon as the report is ready, a public meeting will be scheduled to received comments. A
30-day public notice is required. When the comments are received and incorporated into the
report, the contract with Earth Tech for the runway design can be signed.
b. Obstruction mitigation project- O'Neil said he is working with Stanley on the contracts for
the tree removal and obstruction lighting. He said there are some things he needs to review
with Dulek and also needs to incorporate the City's insurance requirements. In order to meet
some of the environmental requirements, the tree removal project may have to wait until fall,
after the nesting season for the Indiana bat.
Krstenansky said he knows the homeowners of the obstructions have been notified. He
asked what will happen if they chose not to cooperate? 0 'Neil said the obstructions are a
violation of federal airspace. The most critical obstructions will be addressed first and the
landowners that are willing to cooperate will be given priority. O'Neil stated that there is not
enough funding in this grant to mitigate all of the obstructions. Stanley will concentrate on
mitigating as many as possible.
c. Aviation Commerce Park (ACP) - The recommendation for a 90-day agreement with
Iowa Realty was sent to the Council. The agreement was not received from Iowa Realty in
time to have it on the April 6 Council agenda. It will be on the Council agenda for April 20.
Staley asked when the 90-day period would begin? O'Neil said that their time would start as
soon as the agreement was signed.
Clay asked O'Neil ifhe had a chance to read the executive summary ofIowa Realty's
marketing plan? O'Neil said he had read it and it was fairly general and similar to the
original plan.
O'Neil said the appraisal for the ACP has been updated and the Commission received a copy
of the update. O'Neil said that when he spoke to Casey Cook of Cook Appraisals, Cook was
optimistic that the commercial property market was going to be very active this spring and
summer. Iowa Realty seemed confident that something positive would happen with the ACP
in the next 90 days.
Williams said that in addition to the appraisal, it might be a good idea for the Commission to
canvas some developers to see what they thought the value of the property may be and what
it would take to market the property. Clay asked how they would go about doing that?
Williams said that could be something Commission members do or O'Neil could do. He
said that he thought that if local developers were contacted, they would be willing to give
their opinions on what would make this development go. He said he thinks this is what Iowa
Realty has in mind. They will meet with developers. Hartwig said that is what he would
expect from Iowa Realty.
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Clay said the Commission should start thinking about what they need to do in case they are
not satisfied with Iowa Realty at the end of the 90-day agreement. Williams said he does not
think it would be fair to have something in place in case Iowa Realty doesn't produce. He
said that is not showing good faith in their marketing program. 0 'Neil suggested inviting
Iowa Realty to the May meeting to give the Commission a more detailed marketing plan.
d. Rnnway 07 project - Earth Tech - O'Neil said this will be on the agenda as a pennanent
agenda item until the project is completed. The contract with Earth Tech will not be signed
until the EA public meeting is completed.
e. Strategic planning - O'Neil said that at the last meeting, the Commission decided to find a
facilitator to assist them with the initial phases of the plan. He said the Commission
members were going to bring names of potential facilitators to this meeting. 0 'Neil said he
has two people for consideration.
One person is Forest Holley. He has had a plane based at the Airport for a long time.
Another possibility is Jeff Davidson, the City's Transportation Planner. O'Neil said
Davidson would have time to do it if the meetings were in the afternoons or evenings.
Hartwig asked if there were two Commission members to work with O'Neil to find a
facilitator? Staley and Krstenansky volunteered. Hartwig said there are several people at
the Airport that would be willing to help with the plan. O'Neil said he included a list in the
Commission's packet of entities that could be contacted to assist the Commission. He said
the Airport is a countywide asset and the Commission should invite a wide variety of groups
to participate.
Staley said he would prefer evening meetings. He said the first thing to do is select a
facilitator and develop a schedule. Hartwig said he is hoping that by the next meeting, a
facilitator will be selected and a schedule developed. Hartwig said that if anyone on the
Commission has other names for a facilitator to contact Staley or Krstenansky.
Clay said he thinks it would be a good idea to let everyone at the Airport to know the
Commission is working on the plan and invite them to participate. O'Neil said that the
people based at the Airport are an important group to include in the planning, but he
cautioned about having a disproportionate number from the Airport on the planning
committee.
Clay asked ifthere was an e-mail list of all the tenants to invite them to participate? O'Neil
said he does not have e-mail addresses for most of the tenants. He said one way to contact
the community members is through the City's web site. A public notice could be posted on
the web site, as well as at the Tenninal building. Staley and Krstenansky will contact
O'Neil tomorrow and set a meeting time to work on selecting a facilitator.
Hartwig said marketing would be a big part of the Strategic Plan. He said the Commission
does not have to wait for a Strategic Plan to be completed before working on a marketing
plan. Williams and Clay volunteered to be the subcommittee to work on the marketing plan.
Hartwig said there are many positive things happening at the Airport, but the general public
does not know about them. He said this is part of marketing the Airport. Williams said a
good relation with the press is important.
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Krstenansky said having community uses at the Airport should be increased. Williams
agreed and said he thought there are lots of opportunities to involve the community.
e. FY 2005 bndget - O'Neil said this was on the agenda at the request of the Commission.
Clay said that after the Council voted to reduce the FY 2005 budget by $ 10,000, he thought
it necessary to discuss where the cut would come from. He said he has discussed this with
O'Neil.
One possibility is to have the potential new flight school offset some of the cost. He said a
big question mark is the sale of the ACP lots. He said one of the things he did was to go
through the ABS report to review their recommendations. He said it was clear from their
comments that budget issues were the most important things to address. He said many
comments were addressing marketing.
Williams said he discussed the budget with one of the Council members and he is waiting for
some answers on what actually happened to the $ 10,000. Staley said that the message from
the City Manager at the Commission meeting two months ago was that as long as there is
General Fund money going to the Airport, there will be political issues out there. So it is
important to reduce the amount coming from the General Fund. He said the proposed flight
school would make up for over half of the budget cut.
Hartwig asked if O'Neil has any specific recommendations? O'Neil said the budget was
certified to the State as balanced. The Airport revenue was increased by $10,000. The
Commission will need to increase revenues by $10,000, or decrease expenditures by
$10,000, or some combination of the two. O'Neil said there is no lump sum on a budget line
that the Commission can use to resolve the problem. The Commission was aware last
October that the City's budget would be difficult to balance and they cut the Airport
operating budget by 8% or about $28,000.
Krstenansky said there were two items that have increased substantially. One was the
premium for Fire and Casualty insurance and the other was for electricity. O'Neil said the
Commission has no control over either one of those items. Bids are received for the
insurance and the Finance Department increased the electricity by what they anticipated the
rates would increase to.
Hartwig asked about the temporary employee position? O'Neil said almost all of the temp's
time is spent mowing. The position is 20 hours a week, just during summer months. It
usually takes about 30 hours a week to mow the Airport. Hartwig asked how many hours the
maintenance person works? O'Neil said it is a full time position. He said it was halftime
several years ago. After adding four more buildings to maintain, it went to three-quarter
time and eventually to full time. The Airport facilities are aging and are requiring more
maintenance time every year.
Krstenansky said he has discussed the budget with O'Neil and O'Neil said that because of
budget constraints, some maintenance items have been deferred indefinitely. Krstenansky
said he does not think that is a good idea because it will cost even more to correct those
problems if they decline further. O'Neil said there is one project that has been removed
from the budget a couple of times. The asphalt around the north t-hangars is deteriorated and
needs to be replaced. It is not a grant eligible project. Williams asked how much it would
cost to replace the asphalt? O'Neil said it would cost about $ 80,000 to $100,000.
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There is $ 7000 in this year's budget to seal coat some of the asphalt, but that project may
have to be removed from the budget as part ofthe $ 10,000 cut.
Staley asked if the City has negotiated contracts for supplies, such as lumber or paint, or do
departments shop at wherever they think they can get the best retail price? O'Neil said there
are some service contracts. The City also has some materials contracts, such as with Office
Depot. Staley said he would think there would be some savings citywide in having
identified vendors. There may be savings in identifying purchase groups.
O'Neil said there ate areas where competitive bids are taken, such as for insurance and
vehicle fuel. Staley asked about gas and electric rates? 0 'Neil said he thought the rates
given the City are the same as for any large commercial business. Staley said he wondered if
the City would be interested in negotiating more contracts to provide cost savings to all City
departments. Staley asked Dulek if the City is able to buy through the State? Dulek said
they were not.
Clay said he thought marketing was going to be an important factor in improving the budget
outlook. He said there is nothing included in the budget for marketing and the only mention
of public relations related things is in the Airport Manager's job description. O'Neil said it
should be part of the Manager's job to provide positive PR for the Airport. Clay asked if,
historically, money has been budgeted for marketing? O'Neil said a few of years ago, the
Commission included some money in the budget for advertising. There were couple of
Commission members that were going to design a marketing campaign, but nothing
developed.
Clay asked if, other than a lack of marketing funds, there were other barriers to marketing?
o 'Neil said the basic programs never got started. He said that with marketing, it would cost
the Commission money to try to raise more money. The Commission needs to develop a
marketing plan and present it to the Councilor try to raise private funding. Clay said tenants
such as the FBO and the woman that wants to start the flight school should be very interested
in marketing the Airport.
Staley said there are students in marketing classes at the University that are looking for
projects and may be willing to help the Commission with marketing. Clay said he had a
marketing class in college once and that is exactly what his class did. Krstenansky will try to
make some contacts with the University.
Clay asked O'Neil if the Commission has ever discussed changing the Manager's job
description to make marketing more of a focus? O'Neil said that has not been a major
priority. The Airport is a City department providing a service and has not been actively
marketed to the public. He said that in the past, the budget has been used for Airport
operations, and there has not been a high priority on marketing. O'Neil said it is part of the
Manager's job to be a spokesperson for the Airport. But in the past, the direction has not
been to market the Airport as a public service. The FBO was responsible for marketing the
aviation services he provided.
O'Neil said the groups he has spoken to over the years have contacted him to speak about the
Airport. He has not sought out groups to speak to. O'Neil said this could be part of the
marketing plan. He said it would be easier for the Manager and the Commission to market
the Airport if there is a plan to go by.
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Clay asked how critical is it to have a full time maintenance person? He asked if the
maintenance could be cut to halftime and use the money for marketing? O'Neil said there
would be an immediate reduction in services. O'Neil said the maintenance position was
moved to full time for several reasons. One was the increase in the number of buildings to
be maintained. Another reason was to retain a good employee. His experience had been
that if a half-time worker was a good worker, they usually moved on to a full time job as
soon as they could find one. Continuity is not as critical for some tasks, but it is necessary to
have a good worker available during the winter months and for emergencies. O'Neil said the
current maintenance worker, Gerry KaeÍÌing, is an excellent worker and is able to repair
many things that would nonnally have to be contracted out. 0 'Neil said that the next
maintenance person might not be as skilled, but that is always the chance you take.
Hartwig asked if O'Neil had looked into contracting out the snow plowing? O'Neil said that
when he started at the Airport, the previous Manager had arranged for an outside contractor
to plow around the buildings. 0 'Neil said dependability was a problem and as more
buildings were added, cost became an issue. O'Neil said he has always plowed snow
himself and either had contracted or city employee help. O'Neil said there is also a question
of liability. He does not allowed a non-city employee to be on the runways or taxiways
without being accompanied by himself or the maintenance worker.
Williams said he is optimistic about ways to raise funds for the Airport. He said it is
important to watch spending, but he said the Commission must be careful not to cut out too
much. O'Neil said that he has always been careful about spending and has been trying not to
spend any more than is absolutely necessary.
Clay asked what would happen ifhalfthe Manager's position would be for marketing and
the other half would be for other administrative duties? O'Neil asked if Clay wanted to have
a half time manager? Clay said no, he wanted to know what would happen if the half the
manager's time was dedicated to marketing? O'Neil said having someone putting in 15 to
20 hours of marketing a week would be beneficial. He didn't know what would be cut out
and how that would affect the Airport. O'Neil said the other duties would have to be
prioritized.
Because there are only two City employees at the Airport, when it snows, both employees
need to be available for 10 to 12 hours to clear the snow. O'Neil said ifhe has other
meetings scheduled when it snows, he either takes a break and goes to the meeting, or, more
likely, the meeting has to be rescheduled.
Staley said that after listening to the discussion, he agrees with Williams that the best
solution is to try to grow the revenue. Staley asked about the interfund loan line item?
o 'Neil said that is paying back loans for the last four hangar buildings. Staley said if lots are
sold in the ACP, the hangar loans could be paid off and that would go a long ways toward
reducing the deficit in the operating budget. O'Neil said the original idea for the ACP was to
lease it on long-tenn leases and have a perpetual income for the Airport. Leasing has not
worked and that is why it was decided to sell the property.
Clay asked if it was possible to restructure the Airport debt? O'Neil said the Finance
Department regularly reviews the bonds and if it is beneficial, bonds are refinanced. O'Neil
said there were several sources used to finance the inÍÌastructure for the ACP. Not all of the
funding came from general obligation bonds.
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Staley said he had another budget question. He wanted to know if the ACP could be rented
as agricultural land until it was sold? O'Neil said he had negotiated an agreement just last
week to have someone plant hay on a crop share basis. He said it would be minimal because
all the fill that was deposited would reduce production. Planting a crop would also meet the
DNR erosion control requirements.
O'Neil said that the Commission should consider requesting that the Airport budget be
changed rrom an enterprise or business fund to the General Fund. There is an expectation or
perception that an enterprise fund will make money or at least break even. Although that is a
Commission, Council and FAA goal, the majority of general aviation airports do not realize
enough income to be self-sufficient. In the last few years, the Transit Division was changed
rrom an enterprise fund to the general fund. The Commission should look at the positives
and negatives of this. O'Neil said that if the Commission is going to do this, it should be
requested for the FY 2006 budget year. That planning starts in September of 2004. This
could be addressed in the marketing plan.
Staley said, to summarize their budget discussion, it doesn't look like there is anything to
take rrom personnel. Supplies are minimal, with little opportunity to cut there. He said the
sale of property would help reduce the interfund loans. He said it has been helpful to go
through the budget again to become more familiar with it.
O'Neil said one of the main reasons the past Commission hired Airport Business Solutions
was to use their national experience and provide the Commission with a plan to increase
revenues at the Airport. Unfortunately, their revenue ideas were ideas already being done or
had been discussed by the Commission and not found to be practical.
CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT:
Hartwig welcomed Krstenansky to the Commission.
Hartwig said he wanted to remind the Commission about the simulator in Building H. It is now
operational and they would like to demonstrate it to the Commission.
COMMISSION MEMBERS' REPORTS:
Clay said that the Commission presented some good ideas. He said the strategic plan and
marketing plan are important and the Commission should move forward with their design and
implementation.
Williams said the Commission should make more of an effort to work with the media and
suggested having specific contacts at the different media outlets. Staley said the simulator sounds
like it would make a good story.
Krstenansky said that he is new but in reading past meeting minutes and through other
conversations, he thinks it will be important to develop a better relationship with the Council.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT:
O'Neil said there are a couple of administrative issues he wanted to review with the Commission.
One item is setting the Commission agenda. It is the chairperson's agenda. There are some
guidelines in the by-laws for having a item placed the agenda. If there is an item that the
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Commission needs to act on, the Manager places it on the agenda. Otherwise, the Commission
members should contact the chairperson for agenda items or bring it up at a meeting to be
included in the next agenda.
If a Commission member can not attend a meeting, contact O'Neil or the chairperson to let them
know. Because it is only a five member commission, it is important to have at least three
members available for a quorum. The Council also tracks attendance for boards and
commlSSlOns.
One thing that will reduce the length of the meetings is to monitor the amount of input away from
the meeting table. If someone from the audience has something to contribute, they should come
to the table and be recognized.
O'Neil reminded the Commission that there are open meetings regulations that they need to be
aware of. He provided the Commission with a copy of a memo from Dulek.
A list of contact numbers was provided to the Commission. 0 'Neil asked the Commission to
contact him if there were corrections to the addresses or phone numbers.
O'Neil said he met with Steve Atkins, Dale Helling, Kevin O'Malley, Jeff Davidson, Ron
Knoche and Ross Spitz to discuss Mormon Trek and how it interacted with the Airport Master
Plan. Atkins is developing a policy for the Council and it will be presented at the April 19th
Council work session. O'Neil said he would be at the meeting to answer any airport questions
and he invited the Commission members to be there if they had the time. He said that at this
point, the Runway 07 paving project would be completed at the end of the construction season in
2006. Hartwig asked what the policy was on the runway closure. 0 'Neil said that at a
Council/Commission work session, the informal agreement was that Runway 18/36 would not be
closed until the work was completed of Runway 07.
There is a notice in the packet from the FAA about the NDB being decommissioned.
Hartwig sent a letter to Council, outlining the schedule for the strategic plan, the recommendation
about Iowa Realty, the review of the budget and what the Commission is doing with the
comments from the ABS report.
O'Neil said the University ofIowa is getting a different emergency helicopter and will be doing
ground school and flight training at the Airport next week. O'Neil said there is a question of
whether the new helicopter will fit in the University's hangar at Oakdale. O'Neil said he has
always felt that the maintenance facility for the helicopter should be at the Iowa City Airport and
this may be an opportunity to have it moved to the Airport.
SET NEXT MEETING:
The next regular Airport Commission meeting is scheduled for May 13, 2004,at 5:45 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 7:51 p.m.
Randy Hartwig, Chairperson
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MINUTES FINAL
lOW A CITY AIRPORT COMMISSION
THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2004 - 12:00 P.M.
lOW A CITY AIRPORT TERMINAL
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairperson Hartwig called the meeting to order at 12:01 p.rn.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Randy Hartwig, John Krstenansky, John Staley, Daniel Clay,
Carl Williams
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Ron O'Neil
OTHERS PRESENT: Kim Brogan-Coleman, Michelle Robnett
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: None
PUBLIC DISCUSSION - ITEMS NOT ON AGENDA:
No items were presented.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION:
a. Aviation Commerce Park agreement - Iowa Realty O'Neil said the agreement was the
same as the one the Commission previously accepted, except the tenn is 90 days instead of
one year. 0 'Neil said the Commission agreed that if they were not satisfied at the end of 60
days, they would consider going out for proposals at the end of the 90-day period. The
Council passed the agreement on April 20 with no discussion. Clay asked when the 90 days
started? O'Neil said it would be ¡¡-om the time the agreement was signed by the Council and
Commission. Krstenansky asked about the marketing plan ¡¡-om Iowa Realty? O'Neil said he
has contacted Scott Byers and has invited him to the next meeting to present infonnation to
the Commission.
Clay made a motion for resolution to accept the agreement with Iowa Realty. Krstenansky
seconded the motion and at roll call vote, the motion passed 3 - 0, with Staley being absent
and Williams abstaining.
b. Flight training school agreement - Kim Brogan-Coleman presented infonnation to the
Commission. Hartwig said the purpose of the meeting today was to confinn the details of the
agreement and make sure everyone is in agreement with what is proposed.
Brogan-Coleman said she wanted to address changes she suggested to the agreement and a
proposal for renting part of the hangar. Hartwig said he wanted to clarify something that was
brought up at the last meeting. He said that the proposed agreement is for two years. The
Commission can not guarantee that there will be some place for Brogan-Coleman to move to
when it is time to tear down or move the United hangar. If it is a business that is going well,
the Commission will do whatever is possible to assure success for the business at the Airport.
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Clay asked if the purpose of to day's meeting was to agree on the principal issues and sign an
agreement? O'Neil said it would depend on how much change there was to the agreement that
was sent to the Commission for review. He said if it is just clarification to what was in the
agreement, the Commission could move forward with accepting the agreement. If it was
something substantive or something was being added, the Commission should take more time to
review it.
Williams said he was hoping Dulek would have been at the meeting. O'Neil said Dulek had to be
in court this morning and did not know what time she would get out. She has reviewed the
agreement and her comments have been incorporated in the document. O'Neil said the only
response he is waiting for is from Erin Herting on a clarification to the insurance.
O'Neil said most of the changes suggested by Brogan-Coleman have been incorporated. Some
changes, such as the default language, have not been changed because that is the standard
language agreed on for leases and agreements.
Brogan-Coleman said she questioned the paragraph concerning taxes. O'Neil stated that the
property does not have any taxes due and is not taxed at this time. Williams also had a question
concerning liens on the leasee's property. O'Neil said the intent of that language was to prevent
the tenant from removing items from the City's property if they defaulted and owed money.
Brogan-Coleman said that equipment that she is leasing should not be encumbered. Williams
said this usually has to do with ownership, not leased or rental equipment.
O'Neil suggested going through the agreement trom the beginning to see if there was any
disagreement on the terms. He said the term of the agreement is for two years, trom June 2004 to
May 2006. The only question was the possession date. Staley said the last discussion was about
giving possession the on May I so she could start renovations and begin operations on June I.
The Commission agreed with that. Staley said he had a question about hours of operation.
o 'Neil said the hours of operation are taken trom requirements in the Minimum Standards. The
Standards say daily, which would be 7 days a week.
Hartwig asked if Brogan-Coleman would be the only employee? She explained that she would
invite other CFTs to join the flying club and she would certify that they met her standards of
instruction. She would require a check ride with the students after a certain time to make sure
that they are receiving good instruction. Brogan-Coleman said she understood the hours to mean
7 days a week.
Staley asked about whom would pay utilities? O'Neil said that all utilities for the office would be
paid by Brogan-Coleman.
O'Neil said the Commission needed to go back to Paragraph 2 and decide on the rent. He said
there was an original proposal, his recommendation and Brogan-Coleman's schedule that she
presented at the beginning of the meeting. Krstenansky said the proposal they received today was
$ 600 less for the term of the agreement than what O'Neil proposed. Brogan-Coleman said she
based her proposal on the amount Jet Air was paying per square foot. Clay recommended
accepting the rent in Attachment A that Brogan-Coleman proposed today.
Clay asked about what would be done if the building were still available at the end of the two-
year agreement? O'Neil recommended the Commission review this at the end of the first year. If
the flight school is a growing and profitable business, the Commission and Brogan-Coleman will
both have a strong interest in finding space at the Airport for the business to continue. O'Neil
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said the key factor in detennining when the building will have to be removed will be tied to FAA
funding and the Runway 07 project.
Robnett said that if the water line would cost too much to repair, Brogan-Coleman would not
want to rent a building without water in it for two years. O'Neil said the break was in the parking
lot and was not under Riverside Drive. He had an estimate of $ 550 to repair the line.
Ron Duffe asked if the airplane wash rack could be turned on once the waterline is repaired?
O'Neil said Brogan-Coleman is paying the water bill and it would be up to her if she wanted to
pay for the wash rack water.
O'Neil said he had a few items that need to be addressed. According to the Minimum Standards,
an application will need to be filled out for the flight school. The requirements are in the
standards. O'Neil said he discussed this with Brogan-Coleman yesterday. O'Neil stated he is
still waiting for the review of the insurance trom Herting. If Brogan-Coleman wants space to tie
down three aircraft, an agreement will have to be reached on the location and price. The last
issue is the expansion of the landside parking.
O'Neil said the only direction the parking lot can be expanded is to the south. It is a chip seal
surface. He said the only clarification would be the right-of-way width for Riverside Drive. She
would have to present a plan at a later date.
O'Neil said the possession date should be discussed. Staley said the agreement could start May I.
Clay suggested the agreement start May I and the rent would start June I.
O'Neil said this leaves the tie down agreement and the hangar agreement. Williams asked if
there was any standard tie down fee? O'Neil said the FBO does not charge a tie down fee but
does charge $5.00 per night for tie down ropes. When there was a fee, it was about $ 25 to $30
per plane per month. Brogan-Coleman said she was going to start with three planes. Duffe said
the only time Jet Air uses the ramp space south of the United hangar is when there are a large
number of planes and the ramp area is full by the Tenninal or someone with a large plane wants it
parked away fonn the other aircraft. The Commission suggested Brogan-Coleman work with
O'Neil to find three parking spots and they would wave the fee.
O'Neil said the only issue remaining is renting part or the entire United hangar. O'Neil said Jet
Air had asked about renting part or the entire hangar several months ago. O'Neil said that because
of the uncertainty of when the hangar would be removed and because of the space itself, he was
reluctant to lease it. Brogan-Coleman said she didn't know if it was legally valid to give them the
first opportunity to lease the hangar. She said she checked the past minutes and couldn't find any
proposal by Jet Air. Duffe said they did not submit a written proposal because the of the reasons
given by O'Neil.
Brogan-Coleman said she would be willing to remodel the hangar to make it more usable space.
Hartwig said he did not think it was usable space based on experience he had with his own plane.
He said it would have to be made clear that the Airport would not be liable for anything in the
hangar. O'Neil said that when there were aircraft stored in the hangar, ICFS charged $70 per
month for a single engine and $90 per month for a twin engine.
Clay said both Jet Air and Brogan-Coleman should present proposals to the Commission and the
Commission will select the best one. Duffe said Jet Air is definitely interested in all or part of the
hangar. O'Neil asked Brogan-Coleman if she needed to settle the hangar space issue to complete
3
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the agreement? She said it does not have to be settled now, but it was important to make the
flight school and commercial flying club work.
Brogan-Coleman said she needed some of the hangar space and she would like it to have that as a
separate lease.
O'Neil asked if the only changes that needed to be made from the agreement he had sent to the
Commission were the May I possession date and rent to start June I? The five hours daily
operation was taken rrom the Minimum Standards. The Commission may review the Minimum
Standards at a later date. The Attachment A rent schedule starts at $ 450 and ends at $ 900, in
six-month segments. Brogan-Coleman said she could accept the default language. Williams said
he wanted to make sure there was adequate insurance. Clay asked if they could agree to the
agreement, contingent on a favorable review of the application by the City Attorney and Airport
Manager? Robnett said she has been working a business plan for Brogan-Coleman.
Clay made a motion for a resolution to approve the agreement with Brogan-Coleman,
incorporating the changes discussed at the meeting and contingent on a favorable review of the
Minimum Standards application by the Airport Manager and the City Attorney's office. Williams
seconded the motion and at roll call vote, the motion was passed 5 - O.
Clay suggested the Commission accept bids for the hangar space rrom anyone on the Airport.
Williams asked if Brogan-Coleman and Jet Air could work out an agreement to share the space?
Duffe said he would meet with Brogan-Coleman and see if they could come to an agreement.
Brogan-Coleman said she needed 50 feet of the hangar. The Commission directed O'Neil to
work with Jet Air and Brogan-Coleman and bring an agreement to the next Commission meeting.
O'Neil said if no agreement can be reach, he will have each party submit a proposal and the
Commission can choose the best one.
CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT:
Tom Schnell has extended an invitation to see a demonstration of the simulator in hangar #35.
The Commission said they were interested and asked O'Neil to schedule a time before the next
meeting. O'Neil will contact Schnell and see if someone would be available to demonstrate the
simulator at 4:30 p.m. on May 13th.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 12:58 p.m.
Randy Hartwig, Chairperson
4
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[;[
3b 3
MINUTES APPRO
Historic Preservation Commission
April 8, 2004 -7:00 P.M.
Emma Harvat Hall - Civic Center
CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Maharry called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: James Enloe, Michael Maharry, Mark McCallum, Jim Ponto, Amy Smothers, Paul
Sueppel, Tim Weitzel
MEMBERS ABSENT: Michael Gunn, Justine Zimmer
STAFF PRESENT: Shelley McCafferty
OTHERS PRESENT: Richard Carison
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA:
Maharry announced that the City Council had appointed Justin Zimmer to the Commission for the at-large
position. He said that Gunn and Ponto were re-appointed.
ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION:
Certificate of Appropriateness for 617 Brown Street.
Maharry said he originally considered the possibility of granting this application a certificate of no material
effect. He said that since he could not decide, he believed that it should come before the entire
Commission.
McCafferty said the property is a Foursquare house on Brown Street. She showed a photograph of the
dormer that was added sometime in the 1960s. McCafferty said the windows now leak, and the owners
would like to replace the wide siding with siding that has the same exposure as the rest of the house and
also replace the windows with wood, double-hung windows of the same dimension as the existing.
MOTION: Weitzel moved to approve a certificate of appropriateness for the project at 617 Brown
Street. Enloe seconded the motion.
Enloe said he felt this was a good idea, and Maharry agreed.
The motion carried on a vote of 7-0.
Certificate of Appropriateness for 728 Dearborn.
McCafferty said this item was to be deferred.
ELECTIONS:
Chair.
Enloe said he has been impressed procedurally with the current chair for keeping the meetings on target
and on time.
MOTION: Sueppel nominated Maharry for the position of chair. McCallum seconded the motion.
Maharry agreed to accept the nomination for chair.
MOTION: Enloe moved to elect Maharry as chair by acclamation. Sueppel seconded the motion.
The motion carried on a vote of 7-0.
Vice-Chair.
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Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
April 8, 2004
Page 2
MOTION: Sueppel nominated Smothers for the position of vice-chair. Enloe seconded the motion.
Smothers declined the nomination, saying she might not be able to serve for an entire year.
MOTION: Enioe nominated Weitzel for the position of vice-chair. Sueppel seconded the motion.
Weitzel agreed to accept the nomination for vice-chair.
MOTION: Sueppel moved to elect Weitzel as vice-chair by acclamation. Enloe seconded the
motion. The motion carried on a vote of 7-0.
Historic Review Subcommittee.
McCafferty said the subcommittee would consist of three Commission members and an alternate could
also be appointed. She added that staff would also be present at the meeting.
The Commission discussed appointing members to the subcommittee. McCafferty said the subcommittee
would meet, at most, once between regular Commission meetings, which could result in four meetings
per month during the summer. She read from the by-laws, "The Commission shall have the authority to
establish a Historic Preservation Design Review Subcommittee to review and make recommendations to
the Commission regarding applications for certificates of appropriateness. Said subcommittee shall
consist of three members of the Commission, appointed annually by the Commission, to serve one-year
terms."
Enloe asked exactly what would go through the subcommittee. McCafferty said she discussed this with
Gunn, who felt that items that clearly complied with the guidelines would not need to go through the
subcommittee, but items that are less clearly compliant, such as additions, new construction and may not
be as straightforward would go through the subcommittee. Enloe said it seems that items that are
troubling and controversial should go through the full Commission.
McCafferty said the entire Commission would have input and would make the final decision. She said the
purpose of the subcommittee is to make the Commission meetings more efficient. McCafferty said that
with other commissions, an application that comes before them has a staff report and a recommendation.
She said that staff analyzes each case relative to the applicable laws and regulations and makes a
recommendation to the board or commission. The subcommittee would be responsible for this analysis in
order to streamline the consideration process.
Enloe said that was acceptable. He said he had recalled that the plan was for the subcommittee to deal
with minor issues. McCafferty said that State law requires that within historic districts any Item, other than
an application for no material effect, that comes before the Commission has to be approved by the full
Commission. She said that Enloe may be thinking of a conservation district, for which there is
intermediate review and minor review. McCafferty said that in the future for conservation districts, the
subcommittee would approve applications that require intermediate review, and staff and the chair would
do the minor review.
Sueppel said that basically the subcommittee will not be making any rulings that the entire Commission is
not required to vote on. McCafferty confirmed this. Enloe said he is okay with that. Maharry added that a
lot of the design changes that are discussed in the regular meeting will already be resolved at the
subcommittee level. McCafferty said the owners would have the opportunity to meet with the
subcommittee. She stated that the subcommittee would hold public meetings, and the meetings would be
posted.
Maharry said he would be willing to serve on the subcommittee. McCallum said he would also be willing
to serve. Enloe suggested appointing Zimmer as the subcommittee alternate to give her an exposure to
the design review.
MOTION: Sueppel moved to appoint Gunn, Maharry, and McCallum to the Historic Review
Subcommittee and to appoint Zimmer as an alternate. Enloe seconded the motion. The motion
carried on a vote of 7-0.
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April 8, 2004
Page 3
Maharry said there may not be an application for the first meeting, but the subcommittee could meet to at
least discuss the process. McCafferty said she anticipated several applications, with at least one that
could be reviewed by the subcommittee. She said that the subcommittee process would require that
applications be due sooner than they are currently. McCafferty added that there is a full Commission
meeting on April 22""-
NORTHSIDE NATIONAL REGISTER NOMINATIONS:
Brown Street Historic District.
McCafferty said the probably final draft of the nomination was distributed to members in their packets.
She said the nomination has gone to the State Historical Society. McCafferty said the document in the
packet is the nomination form to put these districts on the National Register.
Sueppel asked if property owners were asking to be put on the National Register or if they were aware of
the nomination. McCafferty said all property owners were notified, and there was one neighborhood
meeting for the districts. She added that property owners will be notified a second time. McCafferty said
Marlys Svendsen would speak about these districts at the Historic Preservation Awards, and all property
owners in the proposed districts would receive invitations. McCafferty said that after the awards there
would be a question and answer session for property owners to ask questions and express any concerns.
Sueppel said he knew quite a few property owners in the area who did not know anything about the
nomination. McCafferty replied that they were all notified that the Commission is proceeding with the
National Register nomination. She said the National Register nomination itself does not have any
regulations with it unless a homeowner is using federal funds.
McCafferty said the Commission will then likely look at proceeding with a local district, at which point
regulations would apply. She said the local district designation would require at least seven meetings in
the process of moving from Historic Preservation Commission level to the Planning and Zoning
Commission to the City Council.
McCafferty said City Council approval is not needed for a National Register Historic District. She said that
the body that approves it is the State Nomination Review Committee (SNRC). McCafferty said that SNRC
reviews the application and then sends it on to the National Park Service with a recommendation.
McCafferty said that property owners will be notified regarding the local designation at least twice by mail,
and there will also be postings regarding the series of meetings. Enloe said the local designation is an
entirely separate process from the National Register nomination, although the paperwork to be used is
the same. McCafferty said the nomination paperwork determines the historic significance, defines the
boundaries, contains the research as to why the area is significant, describes the context and history, etc.
McCafferty said that if a property owner wanted to use State or Federal tax credits or County tax
abatement, any key or contributing property within the districts would be eligible for such tax benefits. She
said she believed that there is also a lesser level of tax credit for non-contributing properties.
MOTION: Ponto moved to recommend approval to the State Historical Society of the proposed
Ronalds Street expansion of the Brown Street Historic District National Register nomination.
Enloe seconded the motion.
Ponto asked about the district boundary. McCafferty referred to the map in the back of the packet. She
said Svendsen originally intended to do a separate district here, but the State pushed for adding the
extended area to the Brown Street Historic District.
The motion carried on a vote for 6-0. with Smothers abstainina.
Smothers said she did not realize this was the final draft, and therefore abstained from voting.
Gilbert-Linn Street Historic District.
Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
April 8, 2004
Page 4
Maharry said this nomination would go through the same procedure as the previous item.
Sueppel said he had some reservations about this district. He said that he had reservations in terms of
the size. Sueppel said there are a lot of houses he would like to see in there and also a lot of other places
that he does not believe belong in there.
Maharry asked for addresses of properties that Sueppel did not feel wouid belong in the district. Enloe
said Svendsen found 115 out of 143 to be contributing. Maharry added that 12 properties were found to
be key.
McCallum said this district will be interesting in that a lot of the property owners are investors. He said that
fact may aiso make this area more at risk.
Maharry asked if there are questions about whether this is historic. He said the local designation would
invoive whether this shouid be a local district but asked if there was any contention with the research that
found this to be historic.
McCafferty said that is the key issue. She said during the local district process, if there is a property
owner on the edge who wants out, the Commission might want to consider removing the property from
the district, even though at this point all the national districts coincide with the local districts. McCafferty
said, however, that the Commission is not discussing the viability of this as a local district but is
discussing whether the historic research conclusion is correct.
McCallum said he supports this district. McCafferty said that Svendsen put a lot of thought into the district
and tends to be very thorough. Weitzel commented that Svendsen has done this for a long time. Sueppel
said he agrees with the historic findings.
MOTION: Ponto moved to recommend approval to the State Historical Society of the proposed
Gilbert-Linn Street Historic District National Register nomination. Weitzel seconded the motion.
The motion carried on a vote of 6-0. with Smothers abstainino.
Smothers said she did not realize this was the final draft, and therefore abstained from voting.
Jefferson Street Historic District.
Maharry said this would be a smaller district, with only 44 properties. McCallum noted that University
buiidings are also included in this district.
Sueppel asked what the effect would be of having the University buildings and the four churches in the
district. McCafferty said two of the churches are already landmarks, so there will be no effect on them.
McCafferty said the University can basically do whatever it wants with its buildings. Sueppel asked about
the effect on the Newman Center. McCafferty commented that it is non-contributing. She said National
Register status would not have an effect unless federal funds are used, but if and when the district
becomes a local district, the Newman Center would still have to go through the process but there would
be a lot more latitude because of its non-contributing/nonhistoric status.
MOTION: Enloe moved to recommend approval to the State Historical Society of the proposed
Jefferson Street Historic District National Register nomination. Weitzel seconded the motion. The
motion carried on a vote of 6-0. with Smothers abstainino.
Smothers said she did not realize this was the final draft, and therefore abstained from voting.
MINUTES:
Februarv 12. 2004.
McCafferty stated that Carlson had submitted amendments to the minutes, since he had attended the
meetings. Maharry said that on page one in the fourth paragraph, second sentence, the clause "".and
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Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
April 8, 2004
Page 5
there were three criteria for that" should be deleted, since it doesn't mean anything in context with the rest
of the minutes.
Maharry said that on page four in the fifth paragraph, the second sentence should be deleted. The
Commission discussed the concept of ex parte contact. Maharry said if a member goes to someone's
home to look at some particular feature of a project, it should not be discussed with the homeowner,
because then technically that is information that the two parties are privy to but the public is not. Weitzel
said if there are no discussions, then that would cut out all the beneficial information as well.
Maharry said he would distribute copies of information he received regarding Commission meetings to
Commission members. He said there is one page on ex parte communication. McCafferty said she
forwarded Maharry's concerns to Mitch Behr, one of the city attorneys, and said he would be getting back
to her with his opinion. She read from the Commission's by-laws, which were approved by the City
Attorney, "A member who has had a discussion of an agenda item outside of the public meeting with an
interested party shall reveal the contact prior to staff report, naming the other party and sharing specifics
of the contact, copies, if in writing, or a synopsis, if verbal.
Enloe said ex parte contact is therefore not forbidden but must be revealed to the rest of the Commission
in the public meeting. McCafferty said the important element is to make certain the party knows that only
the full Commission can make a decision. She said it should be noted to any party to whom a
Commission member speaks that the Historic Preservation Commission makes all decisions and that if
the person requests recommendations about how to work with an issue, he should be referred to staff.
MOTION: Ponto moved to approve the February 12, 2004 minutes of the Historic Preservation
Commission meeting, as amended. Sueppel seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 7-0.
Februarv 26. 2004.
McCafferty said the spelling of "Section" should be corrected, and the address of the property under
review should be corrected to 1501 Crescent Street.
McCafferty said that Carlson has suggested that the fourth paragraph be amended to, "Carlson stated
that he researched the possibility that this house is significant under National Register Criteria B. He
stated that Carter Holt, the former owner of this house, appears to have occupied this property from the
late 1940s until his death in 2002. No evidence uncovered during the research on Holt suggests that he
was sufficiently prominent in any of his activities, including his work as a shoeshiner and later custodian
at The University to meet National Register criteria."
McCafferty pointed out that clause in the motion was inappropriate. She suggested changing the word
"because" to "but".
MOTION: Sueppel moved to approve the February 26, 2004 minutes of the Historic Preservation
Commission meeting, as amended. Sueppel seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 7-0.
March 11. 2004.
McCafferty stated that on page two, in the eleventh paragraph, the word "nee" should be changed to
"need", and the word "inched" should be changed to "inches".
Maharry said that on page three, in the fourth paragraph, the last sentence should read, "In contrast, staff
feels the kitchen window,..." Carlson suggested that in the first sentence on page three, in the fifth
paragraph, the word "definitive" should be changed to "character-defining".
MOTION: Enloe moved to approve the March 11, 2004 minutes of the Historic Preservation Commission
meeting, as amended. Weitzel seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 7-0.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION:
Historic Review Procedures:
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Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
April 8, 2004
Page 6
McCafferty asked Carlson if he had any suggestions for improvement of the Commission's procedure.
Carlson said one thing he would change would be to only have public discussion during the time
designated for such. He said the Commission should not take up the time of those waiting to speak, and
the Commission could discuss items of interest to Commission members at the end of the meeting.
Carison said he had enjoyed his time on the Commission and enjoyed working with ali of the other
members.
McCafferty said there is a handout on procedures for Commission review. She said her point in including
the handout was to keep the Commission on task and to clarify the process so that questions and
clarifications come before the motion and so that discussion by the Commission comes after the motion.
Ponto said he found the staff reports in the current packet to be very helpful. He said a report would also
be important as a good summary if an application's approval or disapproval should be chalienged.
Sueppel said he agreed but said he would aiso like to see what applicants are proposing to be spelied out
more thoroughly on the application.
McCafferty said she would try to ensure that the submitted applications are thorough. McCafferty said one
other thing that wouid be helpful would be to have a brochure to briefly outline the process.
Historic Preservation Week.
McCafferty said she would have a list of nominees for awards prepared for the next meeting for the
Commission to vote on. She pointed out that the awards ceremony would be held May 5th, not May 6th as
listed in the packet. Maharry said that Commission members should consider possible applicants for the
Nowysz Award for submission at the next meeting. Sueppel suggested the Commission consider
presenting the award to Carlson.
CLG Traininq:
McCafferty reminded Commission members that CLG training with Kerry McGrath is tentatively scheduled
for May 20 at 5:30 p.m. before the regular Commission meeting. McCafferty asked any Commission
members who might have a conflict to let her know so that she could reschedule the training, if
necessary.
Certificate of No Material Effect for 633 S. Governor Street.
Maharry said this project involved the repair of a porch and is included for the Commission's information.
Certificate of No Material Effect for 304 S. Summit Street.
Maharry said this project involved reroofing with asphalt shingle and is included for the Commission's
information.
McCafferty commented that for multi-family dwellings, a permit is required to replace the shingles.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Anne Schulte
data on citynl/pcdlminuteslhpcl2004fhpc04-QS-04.doc
Board or Commission: Historic Preservation Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2004
4/8/2004
TERM
NAME EXP. 1/8/04 1/22/04 2/12/04 2/26/04 3/11/04 4/8104 4/22/04 5/13/04 5/27/04 6/10/04 6/24/04 7/8/04
Amy Smothers 3/29/05 NM NM X DIE X X
James Enloe 3/29/06 NM NM DIE X X X
Michael Gunn 3/29/07 NM NM DIE DIE X DIE
Michael Maharry 3/29/05 NM NM X X X X
Mark McCallum 3/29/06 NM NM X X X X
James Ponto 3/29/07 NM NM X X X X
Paul Sueppel 3/29/06 NM NM DIE DIE X X
Tim Weitzel 3/29/05 NM NM X X X X
Justine Zimmer 3/29/07 --- -- -- -- -- O/E
KEY: X = Present
0 = Absent
OlE = Absent/Excused
NM = No meeting
--- = Not a Member
I];[
MINUTES Approved
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
APRIL 22, 2004 - 7:00 P.M.
EMMA HARVAT HALL - CIVIC CENTER
MEMBERS PRESENT: Michael Mahany, Mark McCallum, Jim Ponto, Amy Smothers, Paul Sueppel
MEMBERS EXCUSED: Michael Gunn, Tim Weitzel, Justine Zimmer
MEMBERS ABSENT: James Enloe
STAFF PRESENT: Shelley McCafferty
OTHERS PRESENT: Bill Bywater, Linda Bywater, Karen Copp, Eric Freeze, Rixa Freeze, Mark Russo
CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Maharry called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA:
There was none.
ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION:
Historic Review:
Certificate of appropriateness for 725 South Summit Street. McCafferty said that the owners of the house,
Eric and Rixa Freeze, were present at the meeting. McCafferty said this is a Queen Anne style house that
at some point was covered with asbestos siding. She said the wood siding was removed from every
location except on the front porch, where some fish scale shingles remain.
McCafferty said the Freezes propose to remove the asbestos and replace the siding with wood or fiber
cement board. She said they propose to do a simple, typical Queen Anne siding scheme with fish scale
shingles at the top, a band board below the fish scales, a band board below the upper windowsill, and the
water table across the bottom. McCafferty said she feels that the proposal is appropriate.
MOTION: Smothers moved to approve a certificate of appropriateness for the replacement of
siding at 725 South Summit Street. McCallum seconded the motion.
Ponto said this appears to be a straightforward project. Maharry said this would be consistent with other
Queen Anne homes.
The motion carried on a vote of 5-0.
Certificate of appropriateness for 738 Dearborn Street. McCafferty said the first aspect of this project
would be the addition to the back of the house. She said this house is a stucco bungalow that would have
a craftsman-style addition. McCafferty said the addition itself would be sided with fiber cement board. She
said the house is currently stuccoed with some asbestos shingles in the upper portion. McCafferty said all
of the additions have also been done in an asbestos-type shingle that looks similar to the existing.
McCafferty said that due to the difficulty in matching stucco, this proposal uses fiber cement board for the
addition. She said she has seen some examples around town of this mixture of materials: stucco with a
clapboard side addition. McCafferty said clapboard would help distinguish this as a new addition.
McCafferty said a skylight is proposed for the addition. She said the windows will be Andersen wood or
wood metal-clad windows.
Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
April 22, 2004
Page 2
McCafferty said the proposal includes removal of the chimney. She said the chimney is no longer used
and has been parged. McCafferty said the applicant also proposes replacing an original window with a
garden window.
McCafferty said that based on the guidelines, the addition would be acceptable. She said the guidelines
do state that prominent chimneys cannot be removed, as some chimneys are very much a part of the
architectural character of the building. Smothers said that they are part of the skyline and part of the
silhouette of the building. McCafferty said she did not feel the chimney contributes much to the character
of the building. She said the garden window is a modern-type window, which the guidelines clearly
disallow.
Copp asked, if she were to put the garden window into the addition instead of the house, would it still be
disallowed. Sueppel said it is a totally vinyl window. Copp said the kitchen is now very small, eight feet by
eight feet, and the addition to the kitchen would be eight feet by ten feet. She said the fireplace was never
used. Copp said the chimney is in the way of the cabinets, and even after the addition there will be a
shortage of cabinet space. She said the chimney is not exposed brick: it is plastered over. Copp said she
would also like to have more room upstairs, as the chimney goes through an upstairs closet.
McCafferty said that for an alteration in a conservation district, vinyl or vinyl-clad windows may be used
for the replacement of basement windows only. She stated that for an addition, modern window types
such as casements may be used, provided they have overall proportions comparable to those found in an
historic building, and they must be trimmed to match.
Smothers asked how far above the roof the skylight would project. Copp said it is a regular skylight that
might project a couple of inches. She said it would be a low profile, flat-style skylight.
McCafferty said she also recommends having a friezeboard over the door, which would be a typical
historic element, and also recommends using a little bit larger columns.
MOTION: Ponto moved to approve a certificate of appropriateness for the project at 738 Dearborn
Street to allow for the addition, to allow for the demolition of the chimney, to disallow the garden
window, and to require the friezeboard over the door and slightly larger columns. McCallum
seconded the motion.
Ponto asked if a setback is required for an addition. McCafferty said either a setback or some other
means of distinguishing the addition is required. Ponto said that because it will be siding versus stucco, it
will be obvious where the transition lies.
The motion carried on a vote of 5-0.
Certificate of appropriateness for 614 Clark Street. McCafferty said the Commission iooked at this
property in August of 2002, when the owners of the house, Mark and Diana Russo, came before the
Commission looking for guidance. McCafferty said the owners had requested approval of the concept of
putting a garage in the basement and converting the south side entry into a screened-porch.
McCafferty said that since that time, the owner has decided not to do the garage but would like to
proceed with the screened-porch. She said that, given the limitations of the property and the desire to
preserve the most significant aspects. the apse and the front entry. this seemed to be the best option to
accommodate the owners' needs while still preserving the historic character.
McCafferty said the owners now intend to eliminate the garage doors. She said the support structure
below will be a little bit different from the original drawings. McCafferty said the new proposal shows three
brick piers across the front and square brick columns to match the existing brick columns and eave detail
to match the existing eave detail. She said the owners propose to install a retaining wall next to the
driveway so that the grade is more level across the front of the porch.
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April 22, 2004
Page 3
Smothers said this is a good solution, and she believes it will be beautiful. McCafferty said the owners
propose to use fiber cement board with a stucco finish similar to the existing for the shed roof end walls.
Russo said McCafferty was great to work with on this project. Russo added that he wants the house to
look like the original structure.
MOTION: Smothers moved to approve an application for a certificate of appropriateness for the
plans for 614 Clark Street and to approve a demolition permit for the demolition of the existing
stoop at 614 Clark Street. Sueppel seconded the motion.
Maharry said this project fits within the guidelines and will be a nice addition.
The motion carried on a vote of 5-0.
Certificate of appropriateness for 621 South Summit Street. McCafferty said this house designed in the
Colonial Revival style. She said the house was once moved 90 degrees on the lot.
McCafferty said the screened-porch on the south side of the building and front portico were added after
the original construction. She said the owners are proposing to enclose the screened-porch with windows
of a style similar to those of the existing hpuse so they can use it as a four-season sun room.
McCafferty said that the recently adopted guidelines disallow enclosing front porches or porches that are
highly visible from the street with permanent windows and/or walls. She pointed out, however, that the
Secretary of the Interior Standards seem to state that disallowing permanent windows, when dealing with
a sun porch, may be too onerous. McCafferty said the guidelines were written right after looking at the
520 Grant Street application, and in the future, the Commission may want to allow a little more fiexibility,
at least when the sun porch is on the side of the house.
McCafferty referred to several photographs showing a similar style porch on a similar style structure. She
said the President's House at The University of Iowa, in particular, is a good example.
McCafferty said she made some suggestions to the owners. Linda Bywater said she liked McCafferty's
proposal. She said she would like to have one lower panel with three windows across, for the street-
facing facade, as on the President's home. Smothers said she feels it would balance the entrance to have
three windows. She said it would mirror the door and the two sidelights.
Maharry asked about the application of the wall to the original wall of the house. Linda Bywater
responded that there is just enough room. She said she understood that Maharry wants the wall back so
that the columns stand out.
Linda Bywater asked for suggestions for the west side of the porch. McCafferty said she feels the
proposal for two french doors would result in two very narrow doors and it would be awkward to use.
Smothers added that french doors would have been installed in a much earlier period than that of this
house. Linda Bywater said the doors from the living room on to the porch are almost the same size.
MOTION: Ponto moved to approve a certificate of appropriateness for enclosure of a screen porch
at 621 South Summit Street subject to the revision in plans for three windows with one panel
beneath for the east elevation and as staff recommends for the west elevation. McCallum
seconded the motion.
MINUTES: APRIL 8. 2004:
Maharry said that on the fourth page, paragraph four, the last sentence should be changed to, "Sueppel
said he agrees with the historic findings." He stated that on page four, in the second paragraph, the last
Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
April 22, 2004
Page 4
sentence should be revised to, "".with the research in front of the Commission that found this to be
historic."
Ponto said that on page three, the motion should be corrected to read, "".approval to the State Historical
Society of the proposed Ronalds Street expansion of the Brown Street Historic District National Register
nomination."
Smothers said that the stated reasons for her abstentions from voting on the three National Register
nominations were inaccurate. She said she did review the nominations but just found that there were
footnotes and some other things missing. Smothers said she just did not agree or accept voting on the
nominations as final drafts, without corrections being made first. She said the wording should be changed
in all three cases to, "Smothers said she did not realize this was the final draft and therefore abstained
from voting."
McCafferty said she should have given the nominations to the Commission for proofing at an earlier
stage.
MOTION: Ponto moved to approve the minutes of the April 8, 2004 Historic Preservation Commission
meeting, as amended. Smothers seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 5-0.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION AWARDS:
Maharry referred to the photographs for the nominated properties for the various categories: nine
residential properties nominated for paint: three properties nominated for additions: five properties
nominated for rehabiiitation: and one property each for new construction, institutional, stewardship, and
commercial paint and exterior finishes. McCafferty also offered three additional nominations. The
consensus of the Commission was to present awards to the 24 nominated properties.
OTHER:
McCafferty stated that the training with Kerry McGrath previously scheduled for before the next regular
meeting would have to be rescheduled.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 8:14 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Anne Schulte
data on citynUpcdfminuteslhpcl2004fhpc04-22-04.doc
-.".---.--.""-" --.-- .~------_._._----'~----~---_..._- ~
Board or Commission: Historic Preservation Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2004
Aoril 22, 2004
TERM
NAME EXP. 1/8/04 1/22/04 2/12/04 2/26/04 3/11104 4/8/04 4/22104 5113/04 5/27/04 6/1 0/04
I Amy Smothers 3/29/05 NM NM X OlE X X X
James Enloe 3/29/06 NM NM OlE X X X 0
Michael Gunn 3/29107 NM NM OlE OlE X OlE OlE
Michael Maharry 3/29/05 NM NM X X X X X
Mark McCallum 3/29/06 NM NM X X X X X
James Ponto 3/29/07 NM NM X X X X X
Paul Sueppel 3/29/06 NM NM OlE OlE X X X
Tim Weitzel 3/29105 NM NM X X X X OlE
Justine Zimmer 3/29/07 -- - -- -- - OlE OlE
KEY: X = Present
0 = Absent
OlE = AbsentlExcused
NM = No meeting
MINUTES Approved G[
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
MAY 6, 2004
EMMA J. HARVAT HAll
MEMBERS PRESENT: Dean Shannon, Ann Freerks, Jerry Hansen, Don Anciaux, Bob Brooks,
Beth Koppes
MEMBERS ABSENT: Benjamin Chait (Absent)
STAFF PRESENT: Bob Miklo, Mitch Behr
OTHERS PRESENT: Steve Gordon
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCil:
Recommended approval, by a vote of 6-0, REZ04-00008, a rezoning of 8.07-acres from Medium Density
Single-Family Residential (RS-8) to Planned Development Housing Overlay-Medium Density Single-
Family Residential (OPDH-8) and the preliminary OPDH plan for Saddlebrook Meadows Part 1, including
the reduction of lot width and lot area as noted on the plan, and subject to approval of a Code
amendment permitting reduction of public street widths in OPDHs.
CAll TO ORDER:
Anciaux called the meeting to order at 7:31 pm.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA:
There was none.
REZONING I DEVELOPMENT ITEMS:
REZ04-00004, discussion of an application submitted by James Clark for a rezoning from Community
Commercial (CC-2) zone to Central Business Support (CB-5) zone for approximately 1.34-acres of
property located on the east side of S. Gilbert Street. The applicant had submitted a letter requesting this
item be deferred to the May 20, 2004 meeting.
REZ04-00008, discussion of an application submitted by Saddlebrook Meadows l.L.C. for a rezoning of
8.07-acres from Medium Density Single-Family Residential (RS-8) to Planned Development Housing
Overlay-Medium Density Single-Family Residential (OPDH-8) and the preliminary OPDH plan for
Saddle brook Meadows Part 1, 18 single-family homes, 3 duplexes, 20 zero-lot line dwellings and 6
townhouses.
Miklo said when this property was annexed into the City in 1994 it had been zoned RS-8. The
Comprehensive Plan called for small lot single-family or duplex zoning in this area. The RS-8 zoning and
the proposed OPDH were in compliance with the Comprehensive Plan. The Planned Development
Housing Overlay was requested because the applicant had proposed to do some clustering on lots that
were smaller and narrower than normally allowed in the RS-8 zone. Miklo said in absence of the OPDH
overlay, this property would be restricted to single-family homes on lots of 5,000 square feet or duplexes
on lots of 8,700 square feet. It would theoretically be possible to build townhouses in the RS-8 zone,
however it had never been done because the required lot width of 45-feet for townhouses would make a
large townhouse.
Miklo said the planned development was in the Zoning Ordinance to encourage more creative
developments that preserved open space and provided amenities for residents. Staff felt in this case the
proposed development met the intent of the Planned Development Overlay zone, the Comprehensive
Plan and the vision for this area as spelled out in the South District Plan. The proposed OPDH plan had
made a real attempt to provide amenities such as the central open space and tree lined streets.
The proposed planned had three basic housing types. Zero-lot line housing units that were joined at the
property line would be on the outer ring of the development. The owner of each unit would own both the
Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes
May 6, 2004
Page 2
house and the land under it, unlike a duplex where there were two housing units on one lot. The applicant
had worked closely with staff to put a residential appearance toward the street. The corner units had
garages that protruded in front of the units, but were set back 30- to 50-feet from the street and the
garage constituted only 50% of the façade. For the other zero-lot line units the garage was generally flush
with the front of house and had some residential feature such as a porch that emphasized the residential
aspect of the development.
Three duplexes were also planned for the overall plan. They would be up-down duplexes with one unit on
the first floor and a unit on the second floor. Eighteen single-family houses were proposed. All except one
of the single-family homes were planned to be zero-lot lines. That would provide for a 10-foot side yard
for each of the houses and a zero side yard for the adjacent house instead of the typical two 5-foot side
yards which were less useable. Staff saw that as a positive approach to design. An easement which
would allow the owner access to maintain their side of the zero lot side-yard would be spelled out in the
subdivision. The applicant had submitted a variety of designs for the single-family homes with garages off
the alley. Miklo said Staff would suggest requiring at least three different housing types to be built. The
duplexes would have a similar look with the garage off the alley and a front porch as well.
The six townhouse units would be on individual lots. The owner would own the land underneath as well
as the building rather than a condominium situation. They would also have alley access. As encouraged
in the Comprehensive Plan, this allowed for a more dense development yet still maintained the residential
appearance with very little paving in the front yard and very few curb cuts. Several very large rear yards
were proposed as well as the common open space, which Staff saw as a positive design of the overall
subdivision.
Miklo said the overall Saddlebrook development was currently limited by a CZA that a maximum of 416
dwelling units could be built until there was a second way in and out of the development. Pinto Lane and
Whispering Meadows Orive would be extended with this development which would provide a second
means of access for the overall Saddlebrook neighborhood. Staff felt that was very important for two
reasons: in the event that Heinz Road was blocked emergency vehicles would still be able to access the
development from the west and it would allow for a second way for general traffic to enter/exit the
development.
Conditions placed on the overall Saddlebrook Oevelopment were addressed in the Staff Report. One
requirement was that a school site be reserved for a 15-year period. If the Iowa City School Oistrict had
not begun construction of a school on the property by August 2009, the property would revert back to
Saddlebrook. The actual school site had not yet been identified. As development progresses to the west it
would be necessary for the City, School Oistrict, and the applicant to identify the school site.
The CZA required a mitigation plan to be submitted for each phase of the development to show how the
wetlands would be protected from storm water runoff. At the time the plat was submitted for this
development, that mitigation report would also need to be submitted.
There were also requirements for trails and open space. A trail associated with this development would
connect to a trail in the wetlands system, part of which had already been identified. When 50% of the land
was developed, the trail would have to be developed by the applicant, there was some time yet before the
trail would have to be built.
The proposal for Blazing Star Orive was to be 26-feet in pavement width, located within a 50-foot right-of-
way, rather than the standard 28-feet. Per OPOH regulations, the only time a street of less than 28-feet in
width was allowed was if it was a private street or in a Sensitive Areas Oeveiopment Plan. The Staff
Report discussed this proposal in detail and a possible amendment to the OPOH ordinance. Staff had
recently seen a number of private streets in planned developments and had concerns about them given
feedback received from the residents such as 'Why didn't they have the services as other persons in the
City?' Miklo said in the future Staff would be less likely to recommend private streets and requested
direction from the Commission as to their feelings on amending the OPOH ordinance.
Miklo said Staff felt this was an attractive design that met the policies of the Comprehensive Plan and the
intent of the OPOH development to encourage creative architecture, building design/ placement, and
resulted in a nice sized common open space for the residents. The higher density for this particular RS-8
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Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes
May 6, 2004
Page 3
development was a positive in this situation and had minimal curb cuts and driveways off the streets. Staff
recommended approval of REZ04-00008.
Hansen asked Miklo to provide the width of Whispering Meadows Drive and Nevada Street at the next
meeting.
Brooks asked if the fire department had provided feedback regarding the 26-foot wide streets. Miklo said
the fire code required a minimum of a 20-foot wide paved way for emergency vehicles. Staff recommend
parking on one side only. Miklo said 50% of the residential streets in Iowa City were only 25-feet wide,
which had been the standard until the early 1970s.
Public discussion was opened.
Steve Gordon, project manager, said their goal with the Saddle brook Development had always been to
provide affordable housing to a diverse clientele all brought together through true amenities and true
community atmosphere. Several varying housing types had been included to meet the needs of a diverse
market. The streets were pedestrian friendly to allow the residents easy access to the many amenities
available in the Saddlebrook Development including a fishing pond, extensive trail system, play grounds,
picnic areas, club house, and open space in the interior of the site. The ranch style units were handicap
adaptable and senior friendly. With Staffs help, they had designed a neighborhood that met the goals and
spirit of the current zoning and the Comprehensive Plan.
Gordon said the residents of this development would be part of the Saddlebrook homeowners
association, participate in all the amenities and the cost of them. The trail would be developed at this time
to at least Pinto Lane as it would be easier to do when they were working in the area.
Hansen, Brooks and Koppes complimented Gordon on the variety, style, architectural design and
selection of housing. Gordon said they would be more than willing to do more than one plan, to build a
variety of homes if the Commission wished to specify a number. Miklo said that could be handled with a
note on the OPDH Plan. Brooks said he would like to see at least three different ones. Gordon said each
street would have a sidewalk on both sides of the street. Gordon said it would be an attractive
neighborhood to walk and drive through. Because of the housing size and design, they were sure they
could keep the homes affordable.
Public discussion was closed.
Motion: Brooks made a motion to approve REZ04-00008, a rezoning of 8.07-acres of property from
Medium Density Single-Family Residential (RS-8) to Planned Development Housing Overlay-Medium
Density Single-Family Residential (OPDH-8) and the preliminary OPDH plan for Saddle brook Meadows
Part 1, including the reduction of lot width and lot area as noted on the pian, and subject to approval of a
Code amendment permitting reduction of public street widths in OPDHs. Koppes seconded the motion.
Brooks said the architectural design and variety were excellent. Freerks and Koppes said they thought
the development was very well planned.
Hansen said afford ability was absolutely the key. He very much liked the variety of designs and options.
Saddlebrook Meadows, Part 1, was a good design that met the policies of and complied with the
Comprehensive Pian and the intent of OPDH development.
The motion passed on a vote of 6-0.
OTHER ITEMS:
Koppes attended a convention in Washington D.C. last week. She would bring pictures and make a
presentation to the Commission at an upcoming informal meeting.
-...-...._- ._~" - - .. ,---_._~.__._------_.._-----
Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes
May 6, 2004
Page 4
CONSIDERATION OF THE APRIL 1. 2004 AND APRIL 15. 2004 MEETING MINUTES:
Motion: Brooks made a motion to approve the meeting minutes of both meetings as typed and corrected.
Freerks seconded the motion.
The motion passed on a vote of 6-0.
ADJOURNMENT:
Motion: Brooks made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 pm. Freerks seconded the motion.
The motion passed on a vote of 6-0.
Eiizabeth Koppes, Secretary
Minutes submitted by Candy Barnhill
~._ .__ __.···____u
Board or Commission: Iowa City Iowa Planning & Zoning Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2004
Ma' 6, 2004
TERM
I NAME EXP. 1/1/04 1/15/04 2/5/04 2/19/04 3/4/04 3/18/04 4/1/04 04/15/04 05/06/04 OS/20/04
Don Anciaux 05/01/06 NM X NM X X NM X X X
Bob Brooks 05/01/2005 NM X NM X X NM X X X
Beniamin Chait 05/01/2006 NM X NM X X NM X X 0
Ann Freerks 05/01/2008 NM X NM DIE DIE NM X X X
J errv Hansen 05/01/2005 NM X NM X X NM X X X
Elizabeth Koppes 05/01/2007 NM X NM X X NM X X X
Dean Shannon 05/01/2008 NM X NM X X NM X DIE X
KEY: X = Present
o = Absent
DIE = Absent/Excused
NM = No meeting
--- = Not a Member
Finall APprovel ;6~( 6)
MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE SENIOR CENTER COMMISSION
April 30, 2004
ROOM G09/8 - SENIOR CENTER
Call to Order: Meeting called to order at 2:00 PM.
Members Present: Lori Benz, Jo Hensch, Jay Honohan, Betty Kelly,
Sarah Maiers, Charity Rowley, and Nancy
Wombacher.
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Michelle Buhman, Linda Kopping, Susan Rogusky
and Julie Seal.
Others Present: June Braverman, Evelyn Casserly
Recommendations to Council:
None.
Approval of Minutes:
None available.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION-
The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the creation of the Iowa City Senior Center Fund Inc.
and details surrounding the transfer of non-designated funds currently held in the Center's Gift
Fund to the Johnson County Community Foundation.
Honohan reported he and Kopping recently met with two Iowa City Councilors to discuss the
Commission's recommendations for transferring $25,000 of Gift Fund money in to a designated
Senior Center endowment fund in the Community Foundation of Johnson County. The
Councilors recommended that the Commission consider transferring the entire amount of non-
designated funds from the City managed Gift Fund into the Johnson Community Foundation.
Counciiors plan to discuss and act upon a formal resolution related to this transfer of funds at
their Council work session and meeting scheduled for Monday May 3, 2004 and Tuesday May 4,
2004 respectively. Honohan explained that this meeting of the Commission was called so
Commissioners could discuss this Council recommendation and make an informed Commission
recommendation to the Council prior to their meetings next week.
Honohan said that since meeting with the Council members he and Kopping had also met with
the City Attorney, City Manager and Michael Stoffregen, Executive Director of the Community
Foundation of Johnson County, to discuss this idea and its feasibility.
Honohan explained that non-designated funds currently held in the Gift Fund could be divided
between two accounts in the Community Foundation of Johnson County, an endowment fund and
a charitable giving fund. Whiie the endowment fund is a long-term investment that generates
annual interest earnings, the charitable giving fund works like a money market checking account
with ongoing access to the balance and earnings. Earnings on the charitable giving fund are
higher when the balance is undisturbed for a period of a year or ionger.
.....--. --...- ---- --------_.._--_.~._._.._-_..--~------.._._---~_._-- -- -....-..-.---
FinaV Approved
To allow for a higher rate of return on money in the charitable giving fund, the City has agreed to
allow the Center to budget what are now annual Gift Fund expenses for programming in the
operational budget. An annual transfer of money from the Center's charitable giving fund would
fund these programming expenses.
Funds in the Gift Fund that are currently designated for a specific group, such as SCTV, New
Horizons Band, Voices of Experience etc. would not be transferred in the foundation. They would
continue to be held by the City and used to support the activities of these groups.
All funds held by the Community Foundation of Johnson County would be managed by the
Community Foundation.
It is hoped that people will make their donations directly to the Center's fund in the Community
Foundation, but there is no guarantee that this will happen. Therefore, if this approach is
implemented, it will be necessary for Iowa City Senior Center Fund Inc. to continue in to the
future. This would provide a mechanism for transferring any future non-designated donations
made directly to the Center's to one of the Center's funds in the Community Foundation.
Commissioners asked questions and discussed the pros and cons of the Council members'
recommendations. One benefit mentioned by Commission members is that money transferred in
to both the charitable giving account and endowment are likely to earn a higher rate of return than
they do now. It would also lessen confusion related to the types of donations that can be made to
the Center and how they are used, tighten the process of program budgeting, facilitate promotion
of the fund throughout Johnson County. and in all likelihood increase the rate of giving to the
fund.
If this plan is supported by the Commission and approved by the Iowa City Council, the
Commission will need to decide how much money to transfer in to the into the charitable gifting
account and how much into endowment fund. This would be done at a future meeting.
Motion: Recommend to the Iowa City Council that Senior Center Commission transfer all
the gift fund money minus the designated money, into the Senior Center Inc Fund.
Rowley/Hensch. Motion carried on a vote of 7-0.
Commissioners discussed changes to the Iowa City Senior Center Fund Inc. by-laws intended to
clarify the purpose and operation of the organization.
Motion: to approve the By-laws of the Iowa City Senior Center Fund Inc. as amended:
The following paragraph was added to section 1.3: All policies adopted shall be consistent
with the purpose of the corporation specifically to receive, collect, and disburse donations
received exclusively for the Community Foundation of Johnson County established for the
benefit of the Iowa City/Johnson County Senior Center and to invest said funds in the
foundation to promote the health and welfare of persons over fifty (50) years and to assist
in the operations of the Iowa City/Johnson County Senior Center.
Section 5.9, the following sentence was added to the end of the section: The treasurer
shall be an ex-officio member of the Board of Directors.
Kelly/Maiers. Motion carried on a vote of 7-0.
Mav Commission Meetino - Kopping
The May Commission meeting has been rescheduled the for 10AM Monday May 10, 2004 in
room GOB/g.
Motion to adjourn. Kelly/Hensch Motion carried on a vote of 7-0.
......--.-.. ".'"--..... - _.~_._--_._--_.~._--~--_.._----~ .~-- .-.---.-
C[
MINUTES· FINAL
IOWA CITY HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
EMMA HARVAT HALL
410 E. Washington St.
Tuesday, February 24, 2004
7:00 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Lisa Beckmann, Jim McCue, Catherine Fribley, Billie Townsend, Paul
Retish, GeoffWilming, David Shorr
MEMBERS ABSENT: Rick Spooner (resigned), Valerie Garr
STAFF MEMBERS: Heather Shank
1. CALL TO ORDER: Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Beckmann announced that Rick Spooner resigned today effective
immediately. Beckmann asked for changes and/or corrections in the January minutes.
Wilming corrected his introduction (Item 3) stating that he had been a volunteer for three years
for RVAP, not the last three years. Motion to approve minutes as amended by Retish and
second by Townsend. Motion passed unanimously.
3. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL: None
4. CASE SUMMARY READING: Beckmann said that the Commission would review closed
cases only once a month at the beginning of the Commission meeting. Beckmann added that
the cases couldn't be discussed among the Commission members. Only general comments
can be made like, "there appears to be an increasing number of racial harassment cases in
town," because the information in the summary is still confidential even though the case is
closed. The purpose is to educate the Commission and develop programs based on needs
identified through the summaries. Beckmann asked Shank to label the cases as probable
cause or no probable cause so that the Commission can identify the differences between the
findings.
5. DEFFERED VOTE FOR VICE CHAIR: Shank stated that her boss, Dale Helling, said that to
make it official she needed to include, 'voting for the chairperson' on the next agenda.
Beckmann stated that the vote for Vice Chair would take place at this meeting and the formal
vote for the Chairperson would take place next month. Beckmann opened the floor for
nominations for Vice Chair. Townsend nominated David Shorr, seconded by McCue. Retish
nominated by Beckmann, seconded by Shorr. Motion made to close nominations by McCue
and seconded by Fribley. Beckmann asked for a show of hands. Vote was four for Shorr and
three for Retish. Shorr was announced as new Vice Chair.
6. NEW BUSINESS:
a. Video-Get Real: Initially deferred until end of meeting but it ultimately was not shown.
Shank indicated she would watch it and give the Commissioners a report next month.
b. Letter re: Proposed Constitutional Amendment: Beckmann stated that she had been
approached by citizens to possibly write a letter concerning the Commission's stance on the
proposed constitutional amendments in the State of Iowa and the United States Congress
banning same sex marriages. Beckmann said that she would be willing to write this letter and
address it to Chuck Gibbs, the governor, etc. Wilming asked it if was common to take a stance
on issues such as these. Beckmann said that we had in the past. Fribley suggested a letter to
the editor and added that she would support such a letter. The letter could be written to the
majority leader of both sides of the legislature. An article in the paper was also suggested.
Fribley also offered her assistance in drafting the documents. Beckmann said that the
downside she sees is that the letter and article would be coming from Iowa City. She is not
sure how much impact it would have in the rest of the state. Retish wondered what exactly
the Commission was being asked to write. Beckmann explained that there are four bills of
legislation, two in the house, and two in the senate and they are similar to each other. The first
bill is to change the constitution in the State of Iowa to ban same sex marriages. The second
is to support a constitutional amendment to the United States constitution banning same sex
marriages. Beckmann said that she was approached with the idea that the Commission
should disagree with that. She added that the bills have now been merged for purposes of
discussion. Beckmann asked Commission members whether they wanted to take a stand and
if so, does the Commission want to take a public stand. Retish said that he would like to go
further with the discussion. He is disgusted by the concept of the bill and feels that it is an anti-
civil rights item and that it's a fundamental issue in America.He hopes that someone will
mention the fact that separate but equal, is not equal. But more importantly, according to
Retish, is the fact that one of the parties is using this issue to get votes because the other party
has already taken a stance on it. Shorr agrees and stated that time is of the essence to do
something. Beckmann called for a motion to take action. Fribley made a motion that the
Commission write a letter setting forth the Commission's opposition to any constitutional
amendment banning same sex marriage, as it would perpetually discriminate against gays and
lesbians. Motion seconded by Wilming. Motion passed. Beckmann stated that she would
write the letter and Retish agreed to provide feedback and review.
7. OLD BUSINESS:
a. Human Rights Breakfast-Nomination for-Revisions: Beckmann has made some
revisions in the nomination form, including the nominee job title/description and it asks that
support letters not be send in for the nominee because they were repetitive and not helpful.
Retish said that it was hard to differentiate between persons that were going above and
beyond to assist others and persons that were just doing their job well, with exception of the
service organization award.
b. Muslim Youth Camp - Shorr reported that he sent a letter to Bill Aossey and he and
staff from the camp accepted the invitation to speak to the Commission. Aossey indicated that
they were glad the Commission was providing an opportunity for them to talk about the camp.
Shorr requested that the item be put at the top of the agenda. Shorr indicated to Aossey that
the Commission was interested in knowing whether he and members of his staff were being
treated well or victims of stereotyping and/or negative images by the greater Iowa City area.
Shorr informed Aossey that he was inviting him to a public meeting that is very informal.
Beckmann asked Shorr if they clearly understood that this meeting is for our education and for
us to become a possible resource to them? Shorr said that he had tried to make that clear, but
at the same time, Shorr stated that the Commission had a distinct interest in how they have
been treated by the community.
c. GLBT Task Force "Making Our Schools Safe for GLBT Youth" - Shank said that
the program went very well. The audience was large. Retish expressed his frustration that
public forums were generally talk and no action. In this case, the two students on the panel
were "directly on target" talking about what it is like to be overtly part of a minority group
(African American) that happens to be gay. Retish's vision of improving things is through
action. He commended the students on the panel and thought they did a very good job, but
felt the professionals were a bit wordy. Less talk and more action would be better. Shank
stated that if one school would institute Dr. Oleweus's anti-bullying program, she has no doubt
that the bullying incidents will decrease and the rest of the schools will follow suit. Shank
indicated that she has a teacher contact at West High school. Fribley reported that there is
currently new legislation being drafted around anti-bullying curricula that would be mandated in
all Iowa schools. Shank thought that she and Retish could get together with Lauren Reese
and explain the proposal to her. Beckmann offered the suggestion to invite the teachers to a
meeting as a show of support. Shank added that the program should start at the junior high
where the bullying peaks.
d. International Women's History Month-Idea for program: Garr is not present to give
report. Shank asked if the Commission wanted to co-sponsor the International Women's Day
Celebration on March 8, organized by the United Nations Association - Iowa Division?
Beckmann moved to sponsor the event, motion seconded by Shorr. Motion passed.
e. Youth Awards - school newspapers: Beckmann announced that she had contacted
Girl Scouts of America and they will distribute the nomination forms and her contact would also
get in touch with the Boy Scouts group and pass the forms out. Retish asked how many
nominations the Commission has received? Shank said that nine nominations have been
submitted. Shank added that she was contacted by a teacher at Lucas that was interested and
she sent her forms. Shank has also contacted the journalism teacher at West High School to
see if notice could be placed in the school newspaper. The announcement will be in the paper
on April 16th, due to the fact that no paper is published in March because of spring break.
Beckmann said that she would put out a letter to the editor the end of February, early March
and will go in the Daily Iowan, Press Citizen and The Gazette. Shank will contact Mayor
Lehman and see if he can be at ceremony and Shank will order food. Townsend indicated that
the Commission needed to plan the program now and Beckmann asked her if she would be
willing to do so with assistance from Shank and Beckmann? Discussion was held about
possibly starting the meeting early.
f. Cultural Diversity Day -Sunday February 29th: Beckmann announced the work shifts
and the Commissioners assigned to those shifts as well as the duties involved with sitting at
the Human Rights table.
g. Educational Outreach: Beckmann stated that this item would stay on the agenda so
the Commission can try and come up with ideas for educational outreach. Beckmann wants
the Commission to do more than just co-sponsoring events. She urged fellow members to find
a passion and the Commission would provide financial support: advertisements and staffing.
Beckmann then opened the floor to any discussion on how the members would like to see the
Commission work, changes, what it would like to see in the future. Townsend stated that she
would like to address the current issue on campus, the hate crime rally (Feb 25th). Townsend
also mentioned that there was another incident at Damn Hall, and that we need to do more
things to educate in this area. Beckmann suggested putting educational commercials on the
public access channel supported by the Commission. Fribley felt that there is an increase in
general of incidents of this type.
Guest Andrea Parker of the University of Iowa Asian American Coalition said that they are
pushing for educational programs during orientation for students about hate crimes and
diversity education. Beckmann said that it would be great if a Commission member could
attend an orientation session. Townsend suggested that Garr could possibly help out since
she works in the admissions office. Beckmann asked for this to be on next month's agenda.
Shorr said that there are a lot of discussions that occur in the dorms/common rooms and that
that might be a possible avenue to pursue. Retish said that we shouldn't make the assumption
that the perpetrators are university students. Retish also felt that it's a city issue that needs to
be addressed and that there is possibly a sense of disbelief in the community that this could be
part of the atmosphere in Iowa City. Shank said that it's a form of "adult" bullying. Retish
added that it is the behavior associated with drinking and the issue should be about the
behavior instead of zeroing in on what age people should be allowed to drink, etc. Townsend
said there really isn't a place for students to just socialize without alcohol being served.
Beckmann asked that this be added to next month's agenda as community violence.
8. REPORTS OF THE COMMISSIONERS:
Retish: stated that he had some concern about Mel Gibson's new movie "The Passion and the
Christ" and this movie could possibly result in events like the ones discussed earlier. similar
things that we just discussed, and in the culture we live in today it could be used as an excuse
to spark more violence against others.
Fribley: No report
Shorr: He announced that he is the Commission's representative on the U of I Human
Rights Center Executive Board. He added that the center recently completed the Child Labor
curriculum and the international database legislation relating to child labor around the world.
While the Center still has work in this are, what it has accomplished is a milestone. Shorr said
that they have recently been given new funding for three years to support key infrastructure
and staff, and that there was the promise of additional funding. Shorr also mentioned that at
the last meeting someone offered that Iowa City could become a human rights city.
Geoff: He is concerned about the school watch lists for the program "No Child Left
Behind." He said that Southeast Junior High was on the list and said that they have a lot of
"+_._--,---- ~-,._-. - -'---"'--'~'-'+--+ - -- -- -"'"" _..-_.-.,,-_..~-_._...,.'-'-'-"--- ...--.-.-
children with disabilities. He felt that it was strange that Iowa City schools are listed when they
are trying to provide educational opportunities to as many people as possible. He also asked if
the Hate Act Rapid Response team was still active? Shank said yes and that she would put
him in touch with the group.
Townsend: No report
McCue: He spoke of a group in Chicago-Right to Housing and said that the religious
communities have been providing overflow shelters to the community and that it was going
well. He added that there are still homeless people that are not provided for, but it's improving.
Shank: Shank brought up a comment made by the head of education that the teacher's
union was a terrorist organization. She also added that there is an apartment complex in Iowa
City where residents have been complaining about the homeless sleeping in the parking
garage and frightening the tenants and she said that there has been some discussion about
how to handle the situation. McCue said that the site for the new homeless shelter is still
undecided.
Beckmann: Beckmann commended McCue on his letter to the editor. She also mentioned
an AP article in regard to the violence in Haiti. The White House's response was to condemn
the rebel movement and it said, "change through violence is unacceptable." Beckmann also
said that she and her partner would go to the County Recorder's office and request a marriage
license along with many others knowing that they will be denied. She said that the media
would be there and they want as many people as possible.
Retish thinks that we may need a more balanced Commission, including those that don't view
things as we do. He said that we would make more progress if we knew what other people are
thinking and they might have more of an impact in change. Discussion was held on the variety
of Commission members, gay marriages, etc. Fribley suggested creating round table
discussion groups. Beckmann would like to invite someone to a Commission meeting with a
different viewpoint on this issue.
9. STATUS OF CASES: Fine
10. ADJOURNMENT: Motion made to adjourn made by Fribley, second by Townsend. Motion
Passed. Meeting closed at 9:00 p.m.
"-"-"-'~"'-~"'- - -----
Board or Commission: Human Rights
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2004
(Meetinl! Date)
TERM 1/27 2/24 3/23 4/27 5/25 6/22 7/27 7/28 8/24 9/28 10/26 11123 12/28
NAME EXP.
Lisa 1/1/07 x X x x x
Beckman
Paul Retish 1/1/07 X X X 0 0
Geoff 1/1/07 X X X X X
Wilming
Chris 1/1105 X
Bushman 1"
mtl!:
Valerie Garr 1/1/05 X 0 0 0 X
David Shorr 111/06 0 X X X X
James 111106 X X X X 0
McCue
Billie 1/1/06 X X X X X
Townsend
Cat Fribley 111106 0 X 0 0 0
KEY: X = Present
o = Absent
OlE = AbsentlExcused
NM = No meeting
--- = Not a Member
APPrDVeG[
Minutes
Senior Center Commission
April 20, 2004
Room G09/8 - Senior Center
Call to Order: Meeting called to order at 2:00 PM.
Members Present: Lori Benz, Jo Hensch, Jay Honohan, Betty Kelly,
Sarah Maiers, Charity Rowley, and Nancy
Wombacher.
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Michelle Buhman, Linda Kopping, Susan Rogusky
and Julie Seal.
Others Present: Donna Friedman-Curry, Robert Wacha I
Recommendations to Council:
None.
Approval of Minutes:
Motion: To approve the March minutes as amended. Rowley/Kelly. Motion carried
on a vote of 7-0. (Benz was originally listed as present, changed to absent)
PUBLIC DISCUSSION-
Donna Friedman-Curry expressed dissatisfaction with the recent format changes in the
Center's "monthly" newsletter, The Post. She stated that the new "monthly" version,
which is eight 8.5 x 11" pages long and mailed to members 9 times yearly, is too short
and the font size too small. She recommended using a larger san serif font to enhance
readability and suggested consideration be given to returning to the previous format.
She also suggested that a prominent reminder encouraging people to give bequests to
the Senior Center should routinely be included in The Post.
Friedman-Curry stated that she liked the format of The Post Program Guide that is
produced three times a year. The Program Guide is a 30+ page publication printed on
less expensive paper than the shorter version of The Post. She noted that producing a
monthly publication more in line with the Program Guide might be a compromise that
would allow for a longer publication without increasing printing costs.
Kopping explained that the primary reason for changes in the format of The Post was to
update the design and image of the Center and help expand participation. The old
format had not been changed in over 20 years. She explained that the lengthy Program
Guide is intended to serve as a primary source of information about classes and
programs occurring over a period of several months. The smaller "monthly" version of
The Post is intended to provide people with updates. She noted that when the January
2004 Program Guide was mailed out fifty new people joined the Center. People are
clearly looking at the Program Guide.
..~-- ·__·..._...._m__'.."··._ .'. '.--.---- ,-,._... --.
Approved
She went on to explain that the Center prints nearly 5 times as many Program Guides as
Posts and use different companies for each publication. Printing smaller quantities of
the "monthly" newsletter in the same format as the Program Guide would be cost
prohibitive. Simply adding pages to the "monthly" edition would also be expensive. She
indicated that she would discuss font changes with document services and work with the
staff to limit the length of articles included in the "monthly" edition.
MODEL RAILROADING CLUB UPDATE- Kopping
The group did not meet in April.
UPDATE ON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF JOHNSON COUNTY- Honohan
Jay Honohan, Linda Kopping and Michael Stroffregen, Executive Director of the Johnson
County Community Foundation, met with the Iowa City Council Monday April 19, 2004.
Honohan noted that the Articles of Incorporation, section 4.1, should read the
Community Foundation of Johnson County Endowment Fund, instead of Iowa City
Community Foundation.
Motion: To amend section 4.1 of the Articles of Incorporation for the Iowa City
Senior Center Fund Inc., to read Community Foundation of Johnson County
Endowment Fund, rather than Iowa City Community Foundation. Rowley/Hensch.
Motion carried on a vote of 7-0.
Honohan reported that some City Councilors had questions about the Iowa City Senior
Center Fund Inc. These concerns and a variety of possible amendments to the by laws
were discussed at length.
Motion: To amend section 3.2 of the by-laws of the Iowa City Senior Center Fund
Inc. to state that the annual meeting of the members for the election of a Board of
Directors shall be held on the 3rd Tuesday in January of each year in conjunction
with the regular meeting of the Iowa City/Johnson County Senior Center
Commission. In addition, the following sentence will be added to line 3.3 of the
by-laws: All special meetings shall be held in conjunction with a regular or special
meeting of the Iowa City/Johnson County Senior Center Commission. Section 3.5
be changed to read: A copy of such a notice shall be sent by mail not less that 3
calendar days or more than 10 calendar days prior to the date of the meeting,
unless a longer period is required by law, to each member of record entitled to
notice of such a meeting, at the registered post office address of such member as
it appears on the records of the corporation.
The document should include he or she, him or her and chair where it currently
has only he, him and chairman. Rowley/Kelly. Motion carried on a vote of 7-0.
Sue Dulek, Assistant City Attorney, notified KoPpin9 that she would be suggesting
changes to the wording of the City Council resolution establishing the Iowa City Senior
Center Fund Inc. She will discuss these potential changes with Dulek on Wednesday,
April 21, 2004.
Approved
BUDGET UPDATE AND DISCUSSION
Class Reqistration Fee- Seal, Wacha I
Seal and Wachal reported that for some classes, particularly those that are free of
charge, people are registering for classes and then not attending. Wacha I stated that it
is the consensus of the Curriculum Committee that people would be more likely to follow
through and attend classes if they were asked to pay a small enrollment fee at the time
of registration.
Motion: Institute a $10 fee sign-up see for all classes for all classes that up to now
have been offered for free. Rowley/Benz
There was a brief discussion of the ramifications of implementing a class fee. Kopping
suggested that it might be a good idea to have a draft policy developed so the
Commission could explore and discuss the idea systematically.
Motion withdrawn. Rowley/Hensch
Motion: Ask the staff to develop a draft policy outlining the implementation of a
$10 class registration fee. The draft policy should include a plan for the use of
new revenue generated through class registration fees. Motion carried on a vote
of 7 -0.
Budqet Update-
Kopping reported that she recently submitted budget amendments for FY04. The
Operational Budget is currently under spent in several areas, however unanticipated
repairs to aging equipment in the kitchen can be anticipated and will continue to
decrease these funds.
The FY04 goal of generating $57,000 of new operational revenue is approximately
$31,700 short. A significant reduction in the membership fee initially proposed by the
Commission, low-income discounts, and the addition of family discounts all contributed
to the shortfall in revenue. On the positive side, programming has expanded and
participation counts show a 2803 increase in the number of visits to the Center over the
past six months.
Kopping stated that the FY04 operational budget shortfall means the staff and
Commission need to work together over the next few months to come up with new ways
to generate revenue. A variety of ideas were discussed including non-member fee for
classes, membership fees in general, ways to attract new members, and public
perceptions of the Senior Center.
The Commission plans to set up a series of special meetings over the course of the next
year to develop and implement a plan for attracting new members to the Center.
Kopping reported that another piece of equipment in the kitchen needs repair. This
reported prompted discussion on how to handle future repair costs. It was suggested
that the commission donate all the equipment in the kitchen to the nutrition program and
thereby transfer responsibility for equipment repairs and maintenance to that agency.
Approved
Motion: To donation the dining service equipment to the Elder Services Inc.
Rowley/Hensch. Motion Failed 0-7.
Commissioners discussed the ramifications of giving all the kitchen equipment to the
nutrition program.
It was mentioned that participants in the meal program, onsite and at all other locations
in Johnson County, are not required to pay a Senior Center membership fee in order to
participate in the nutrition program. As a result, the Center's does not generate revenue
through membership fees from most participants in this program, only expenses
associated with the operational costs of the program.
Motion: Commissioners directed staff to meet with Elder Services Inc and discuss
the maintenance and repair ofthe equipment in the kitchen. Kelly/Rowley. Motion
carried on a vote of 7-0.
SENIOR CENTER UPDATE-
Operations Koppinq
The Volunteer Recognition program is scheduled for June 25, 2004. A committee
consisting of Hensch, Rowley, and Maiers will meet to discuss the details of this
program.
Proqrams- Seal
Seal highlighted events scheduled for May. For a complete listing of programs see the
Spring Program Guide and May Post.
Volunteer - Rogusky
Rogusky reported on the Red Hat Style Show, the new direction of the Center's theater
troop (SSRO), and the activity of the Model Railroading club. In addition, an Arts and
Crafts fair is scheduled for June 4, 2004.
MEETING REPORTS:
Honohan will be meeting with the Iowa City Council on May 4. Honohan will also go to
the Board of Supervisors meeting In May to give a general report and thank them for
contributing to the Operational Budget.
Benz will do the Web Article for the next meeting.
Motion: to adjourn. Rowley/Hensch Motion carried on a vote of 7-0.
..-.-, -.." .~_...- ._-,--_._---_.._-_._.~--_.. ------ -----
u;[
MINUTES FINAL
lOW A CITY TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2004 - 7:00 P.M.
MEDIACOM OFFICE, 6300 COUNCIL ST NE, CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA
MEMBERS PRESENT: Brett Castillo, Kimberly Thrower, Saul Mekies, Terry Smith
MEMBERS ABSENT: Jim Pusack
STAFF PRESENT: Drew Shaffer, Mike Brau, Bob Hardy, Andy Matthews
OTHERS PRESENT: Phil Phillips, Josh Goding, Susan Rogusky, Jon Koebrick, Beth Fisher,
Randy Brown, Todd Leach
TOUR AND DEMONSTRATION OF NEW SERVICES
Mediacom staff provided a tour of their facilities in Cedar Rapids and demonstrated new services now
being offered or to be offered soon in Iowa City. Among those services are more extensive high
definition programming, video on demand, new digital set top boxes that include a digital video
recorder, enhanced electronic program guides, and the high speed Internet service. Telephony
services, while not demonstrated, will be available in Iowa City in the near future.
ADJOURNMENT
Castillo moved and Thrower seconded a motion to adjourn. The motion passed unanimously.
Adjournment was at 8:15.
Respectfully submitted,
Wm. Drew Shaffer
Cable TV Administrator
.-.-- --...-- ..__.____..,._.__.._.._..._~__._..____,_,_._"T.._.__,_._._. 0'0 .___.._.._,_,_~.,.___ . --.--...---
MINUTES FIN
IOWA CITY TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2004 - 7:00 P.M.
CITY CABLE TV OFFICE, 10 S. LINN ST.-TOWER PLACE PARKING FACILITY
MEMBERS PRESENT: Brett Castillo, Kimberly Thrower, Saul Mekies, Terry Smith
MEMBERS ABSENT: Jim Pusack
STAFF PRESENT: Drew Shaffer, Mike Brau, Bob Hardy, Andy Matthews, Dale Helling
OTHERS PRESENT: Phil Phillips, Rene Paine, Susan Rogusky, Jon Koebrick, Beth Fisher,
Josh Goding
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL
None at this time.
SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION
Paine introduced Josh Goding, the new director ofPATV. Fisher reported that the library will be
closed on Memorial Day and have a grand re-opening June 12. New video equipment is currently
being installed in the new meeting rooms. Koebrick reported that the initiation of video on demand
(VOD) services has been pushed back a couple months. Shaffer reported that the contract for
refranchising work with Rice, Williams Associates has been finished. Shaffer said that since the three
original uses for the pass-through fund were established that all the facility funds have been spent. The
City has taken $100,000 from the cable TV budget and $30,000-40,000 was used to balance that
shortfall through the end of the franchise period. Thrower asked ifthere was a form used to submit
proposals for those funds. Smith said there is a process only for the equipment enhancement
allocations. Paine said she is requesting a process so that any access entity could make a proposal for
funds to be used for community programming type activities. Until a process is in place the Special
Projects Coordinator position should be put on hold to allow other proposals. Smith said that the
Commission does not typically get involved in budgetary process. Helling said that this issue is more
ofa policy issue than budgetary issue. Helling said that the funding of the Special Projects Coordinator
position with the pass-through fund was brought before the Commission and given the $100,000
reduction in the cable TV budget to support the general fund it seemed reasonable to use those funds to
offset some ofthat reduction. If the Commission desires to recommend an increase the amount of
pass-through funds available to the access entities through the Community Television Group, they
could certainly do so, but that would be a policy decision. As long as the facility money was spent on
facilities and the equipment enhancement money spent on equipment enhancement, any remaining
money was assumed to be used to support community programming and thus supporting the Special
Projects Coordinator would be a consistent use. Castillo said his recollection was that the Commission
did recommend a change in the line item funding for the Special Projects Coordinator. The
Commission asked staff to provide information on the Commission's past actions regarding the Special
Projects Coordinator position. Castillo and Thrower suggested that the CTG discuss the issue without
any direction from the Commission and report back to the Commission.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
-- ~'-'- ....._~_._-~~-----_._,-_._---"-_.._._- --.-.---."----
Castillo moved and Thrower seconded a motion to approve the March 22, 2004 meeting minutes. The
motion passed unanimously.
ANNOUNCEMENTS OF COMMISSIONERS
None.
SHORT PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS
None.
CONSUMER ISSUES
Shaffer referred to the complaint report in the meeting packet and noted that there were 5
complaints-l about difficulty obtaining service, 1 about the Internet service being on an off for a
protracted period oftime, I about poor technical service, I about releasing a customer's phone number
to a 3'd party, and I about the attitude of a customer service representative.
All the complaints have been resolved or are in the process of being resolved.
UNIVERSITY OF lOW A REPORT
Shaffer reported Mike McBride from the University of Iowa called and informed him he would be
unable to attend the meeting.
PATVREPORT
Paine reported that last week was declared "Public Access Week" by the city. George Stoney, a
prominent figure in the formation of public access nation-wide was in town for a film festival and
visited PATV. PATV recently hosted a group of cub scouts. The 6th grade class trom Lucas school
recently produced a show called "Animal Rights and Wrongs". This is a follow-up to Paine making a
presentation to the class. Paine introduce Josh Goding, the new director ofPATV. The Commission
thanked Paine for her years of service to PATV.
SENIOR CENTER REPORT
Rogusky distributed the April Senior Center TV program guide. As a part of the celebration of the
I ooth birthday ofthe Senior Center building many activities are planned with a 100 year theme. SCTV
will be taping many of those events.
IOWA CITY COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT REPORT
No representative was present.
LEGAL REPORT
Matthews said he had nothing new to report.
LIBRARY REPORT
Fisher reported that the library will be closed from Memorial Day and have a grand re-opening June
12. New video equipment is currently being installed in the new meeting rooms.
KIRKWOOD REPORT
No representative was present.
MEDIA COM REPORT
Koebrick reported that the initiation of video on demand (VOD) services has been pushed back a
couple months.
MEDIA UNIT
Hardy reported that Info Vision held a focus group April 3,d, which was very productive and generated
many good ideas. Both the Media Unit and the Community Television Service are experiencing more
requests for service as the weather gets warmer. The Media Unit received an "Outstanding Citizen"
award ITom the 6th Judicial District in recognition ofthe 12 programs produced on justice issues.
CABLE TV ADMINISTRATOR REPORT
Shaffer reported that the contract for refranchising work with Rice, Williams Associates has been
finished. A computer bulletin board system has been set up for gathering input from the public,
particularly for use in the Avatar project. The Cable Division is exploring ways to improve
promotional efforts.
REFRANCHISING
Shaffer reported that a meeting has been set up with Rice, Williams Associates for the first week in
May. Smith and Castillo will attend on behalf of the Commission.
P ASS-THROUGH FUNDS
Shaffer referred to the memo in the meeting packet that explains why this item is on the agenda and the
memo outlining the uses of the pass-through fund. Paine said that she understands that there are tree
components to the pass-through fund allocations: the community programmer, equipment
enhancement allocations to the access providers, and facility funds. Paine said the facility money is a
question mark and asked about a process to access those funds. Shaffer said that since the three
original uses for the pass-through fund were established that all the facility funds have been spent. The
City has taken $100,000 from the cable TV budget and $30,000-40,000 for the Special Projects
Coordinator position was used to balance that shortfall from the pass-through fund. Thrower asked if
there was a form used to submit proposals for the pass-through fund. Smith said there is a process only
for the equipment enhancement allocations. Paine said she is requesting a process so that any access
entity could make a proposal for funds to be used for community programming type activities ITom
other funds. Paine request that until a process is in place the Special Projects Coordinator position
should be put on hold to allow other proposals.
~--_...---- ..-...-..." -----. ,-, -" -"-'~--~--'--'------""---'--'--'--"-'-
Hardy clarified that the Community Television Group has not discussed this issue and that PATV's
ideas are those of PAT V alone.
Smith said that the Commission does not typically get involved in budgetary process. Helling said that
this issue is more of a policy issue than budgetary issue. Since the pass-through fund was established
the estimates of subscribers, and therefore revenue, has been a little higher than anticipated. When the
pass-through fund was initiated a certain amount was earmarked for facilities. Those funds have now
all been used up. In budgeting for the community programmer inflation was built in so that less money
was expended during the first 5 years and less in the final years. Because the pass-through revenue has
been a little higher than anticipated those funds provided an opportunity to help fill in the gap created
when the City took $100,000 from the cable TV budget to support the general fund.
Matthews said that the decision on how to spend those funds does not rest with the Commission, but
the City CounciL The Commission may make recommendations, but the authority rests with CounciL
Shaffer noted that the Commission was fully informed in memos and during discussions at meetings
about the use of the pass-through fund for the Special Projects Coordinator. Helling said that the
funding of the Special Projects Coordinator position with the pass-through fund was brought before the
Commission and given the $100,000 reduction in the cable TV budget to support the general fund it
seemed reasonable to use those funds to offset some of that reduction. If the Commission desires to
recommend an increase in the amount of pass-through funds available to the access entities through the
Community Television Group, they could certainly do so, but that would be a policy decision. As long
as the facility money was spent on facilities and the equipment enhancement money spent on
equipment enhancement, any remaining money was assumed to be used to support community
programming and thus supporting the Special Projects Coordinator would be a consistent use. Shaffer
said that as a contractor with the City P A TV is not necessarily entitled to receive additional funds from
the City.
Smith said that there appears to be several option for the Commission: stay with the status quo, ask the
Community Television Group to consider the issues and see ifthere is a consensus among their
members, or defer the issue to the refranchising process.
Castillo noted asked if a recommendation to increase funds available to the CTG was made if it could
be accomplished before FY 2006, and noted that by that time a new franchise may be in place.
Smith said the Commission use of the CTG to determine worthy uses of funds has been a effective and
cooperative. The Commission could ask the CTG if more money was available, what they would do
with it. The Commission would also have to ask City staff if more funds were made available to the
CTG, what would have to be given up to do so. Castillo said the question that needs to be addressed is
what mechanism a member of the CTG might use to gain access to additional pass-through funds.
Smith said there is a mechanism in place to deal with the $17,500 in equipment enhancement funds.
What Paine is addressing is a process for additional funds above that $17,500. Castillo said that if
additional funds become available it may be best to follow the process currently used by the CTG.
Thrower agreed with that approach of using the CTG process. Thrower, Meikes and Smith suggested
to refer the issue to the CTG. Paine asked ifthe Commission might make a recommendation to re-
evaluate the use of the pass-through funds in regards to the Special Projects Coordinator. Matthews
asked if Paine was asking the Commission to withdraw their previous recommendation. Castillo said
his recollection was that the Commission did recommend a change in the line item funding for the
Special Projects Coordinator. Meikes moved to ask staff to provide information on the Commission's
past actions and commitments regarding the Special Proj ects Coordinator position. Castillo and
Thrower suggested that the CTG discuss the issue without any direction for the Commission and report
back to the Commission.
ADJOURNMENT
Meikes moved and Castillo seconded a motion to adjourn. The motion passed unanimously and the
meeting was adjourned at 6:28 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Drew Shaffer
Cable TV Administrator
..- --.. --'-~~"'-'-'- ._._~-
TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
12 MONTH ATTENDANCE RECORD
01/01/03 to CURRENT
Meeting Date Kimberly Saul Meikes Brett Terry Smith Jim Pusaek
Thrower Castillo
6/2/03 x x x x x
7/28/03 x x x X x
8/25/03 x x x x olc
9/22/03 x x x x o/c
10/27103 x x x x ole
11/24/03 x x ole x x
12/15/03 o/c ole x x x
1/2/04 x o/c x x x
1/26/04 x x x x x
2/23/04 x o/c x o/c x
3/22/04 x x x x x
41 26/04 x x x x OIC
5/24/04 x x OIC x x
(X) = Present
(0) = Absent
(a/C) = AbsenUCalled (Excused)
"....,..-. - --.....,.- .-~-_... ~"~'--~'-""-""-"----"'-'-----'--"-'-'------'"