HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-06-11 Info PacketINFORI~ATION PACKET
June 7, 1996
JUNE 10 - WORK SESSION AGENDA ITEMS
Memorandum from Robert Miklo: Issues Regarding Apartment
Development
Memoranda from Parking and Transit Director and Manager to City
Manager:
a. Parking Rate Increases
b. Operational Adjustments - FY97
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
· Memoranda from City Manager:
a. Grading of Water Plant Site - Army Reserves
b. Central Supply Inventory Core Items (CSI)
c. Concept Drawings - St. Patrick's Parking G'arage
· Memorandum from City Clerk: Second Revision to Meeting Schedule for
June and July.
· Copy of letter from City Attorney to Diana Hansen, Department of Natural
Resources: Administrative Order No. 95-WW~16.
Copy of memorandum from Planning and Community Development
Director to City Manager: Board and Commission Minutes.
· Copy of memorandum from Robert Hagarty to City Manager: Public
Housing.
o Copy of letter from Mayor to Johnson County Board of Supervisors:
Fringe Area Policy Agreement.
· Copy of letter from President, The University of Iowa to Mayor:
Sesquicentennial Celebration
, Memorandum from Assistant Transportation Planner: Designation of On-
Street Bike Routes.
Copy of memorandum from Transit Manager to City Manager: Summer
6, 1996, Johnson County
Bus Pass Promotion.
· Agenda of the June
formal meeting.
· Copy of articles furnished by Mayor.
Board of Supervisors .~/~/-//_
* Agenda for the 6/10/96 Informal meeting of the Board of Supervisors.
* Memo from Council Member Vanderhoef regarding locating library under§round. O~/(~r~
* Copy of letter from Neighborhood Services Coord. to Sally Crowe re§ardingO~/~_
Penny Bryne Neighborhood traffic calming measures.
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: June 6,1996
To: City Council
From: Robert Miklo, Senior Planner
Re: Issues Regarding Apartment Development
The City Council has asked staff to review issues and regulations'pertaining to apartment
development. Prior to beginning the evaluation task, staff would like further direction from the
Council as to which issues to pursue, We have attempted to outline the concerns raised by
Council and identify possible approaches to these issues as follows:
ISSUE:
The compatibility of design of infill multi-family buildings in relation to existing
neighborhoods: Generally these concerns have been raised when apartments
have been built in older established neighborhoods such as the recent building at
1002 E. College Street. Previous infi[I developments, such as 928 Dubuque
Street, have raised similar concerns. This led the Council to place the issue of
neighborhood compatibility on the pending list as an item for staff and the Planning
& Zoning Commission to consider. Given the Council's concern regarding this
matter you may wish to place this item near the top of the pending list.
To address neighborhood compatibility issues, there are several approaches which the City could
pursue, including:
Guidelines within the Zoning Ordinance to encourage that new buildings be designed in
a manner which is compatible with surrounding neighborhoods. There are several
communities which have such guidelines. The CB.5 (Central Business Support), PRM
(Planned Residential High Density Multi-Family), R/O (Residential Office), zones in our
current ordinance have similar guidelines that are designed to encourage quality
construction if not neighborhood compatibility. Neighborhood compatibility guidelines
could be administered by staff with final approval resting with the Director of Planning
based upon an internal staff committee review. Or a more elaborate committee review
process could be used. This might involve review by a citizen committee such as a board
of architects. Staff review of developments for compliance with such guidelines would
probably be the most expeditious process. It could be done in conjunction with site plan
review and would not require an additional layer of review.
More formalized review could be required through establishment of design review overlays
in older neighborhoods. Similar to the design review overlay district currently being
discussed by the Council, this approach would be compJex and would require a lengthy
research and development process prior to implementation. This would not address multi-
family construction in newer neighborhoods.
o10
2
ISSUE:
ISSUE:
As specified in the Preservation Plan, the Historic Preservation Commission is currently
studying neighborhoods for designation as historic and conservation districts. The
establishment of such districts may result in requirements for review of some infill
development. However, this review would be limited to those areas qualifying for
designation as overlay districts. The amount of research required and preparation time
needed to establish such overlays would mean that this would not be a timely solution to
implement.
Density of bedrooms vs. the density of dwelling units: A concern has been raised
that recently there have been buildings constructed with four and five bedroom
apartments. With the increased number of bedrooms, the population density of a
property may increase; when compared to 1-3 bedroom apartments, however, the
unit density allowed by zoning is not exceeded.
To address concerns related to parking for units with a large number of bedrooms,
the Council recently amended the parking requirements to require three parking
spaces for four bedroom units and four parking spaces for five bedroom units.
Previously, only two parking spaces would have been required for apartments with
this many units.
It is difficult for communities to control the number of bedrooms being built within
dwelling units. It is desirable for the community to have a variety of housing types
including dwellings with a large number of bedrooms. Such dwellings are suited
to occupancy by families. It may be however, that near the university such
dwellings are more likely to be occupied by university students, This in and of
itself may not be undesirable in that such units address a segment of the housing
market and may take pressure off the rental housing market in other
neighborhoods.
At this point although staff has observed that there has been recent construction
of such buildings, it is not clear that there is a trend toward the construction of
three or five bedroom apartments. It may be appropriate for the City to monitor the
number of buildings and the locations of buildings that are being built with four and
five bedroom apartments. If an observable trend towards this type of construction
develops, the City could then determine which policy and regulatory actions are
needed, if any.
Relationship of multi-family zoning to adjacent single-family zoning: Most public
controversy associated with multi-family development has occurred when such
development is located adjacent to existing single family neighborhoods.
Examples include 1002 College Street and Meadowlark Condominiums in the
Grant Wood Neighborhood. There has been little if any public concern expressed
about new multi-family developments in areas that have existing high density and
few single family dwellings, for example the Near Southside.
3
Many of the areas where controversy has occurred are in locations where the
zoning boundary between multi-family and lower density housing has been
established for some time, however, in-fill construction or redevelopment of these
areas has not occurred until recently. An example would be the Meadowlark
Condominiums on Lakeside Drive. This property is zoned RM-44 (High Density
Multi-Family) and is immediately adjacent to an RS-5 (Low-Density Single-Family)
zone. Given the City's current zoning policies and practices, such a zoning
juxtaposition probably would not be approved by the City today. Rather it has been
the City's policy and practice for a number of years to zone for gradual transitions
in use and density rather than having drastic increases in density. Examples
would be the RM-12 (Low D. ensity Multi-Family) zoning along Scott Boulevard.
This area has developed for low-density multi-family immediately adjacent to
existing single-family and duplex neighborhoods and has not resulted in public
controversy when the multi-family buildings are built. The Comprehensive Plan,
including IOWA CITY BEYOND 2000, encourages the use of such zoning patterns
to provide for a mixture of housing types and should allow for the development of
multi-family buildings at a scale and density which is compatible with adjacent
single-family development.
The use of guidelines to promote compatibility, as discussed above, may help
address the relationship between multi-family and single-family development in
those portions of the City where the zoning pattern currently allows such uses with
little transition. However, compatibility guidelines in themselves will not necessarily
address density and traffic concerns that result from such zoning patterns.
Examination of these areas and possible rezoning would best be handled in a
comprehensive manner, such as in the area studies that will done as part of the
comprehensive plan update. Through these areas studies these zoning patterns
can be examined and where appropriate downzonings may be appropriate. The
City, however, must be cautious in how and where downzoning occurs. In addition
to concerns of neighborhood compatibility, the City must also consider providing
sufficient land for multi-family housing. This also affects the supply of affordable
housing and this is why such a major policy issue needs to be considered in a
comprehensive manner.
The City Council is being asked to provide staff and the Planning and Zoning Commission with
direction as to which of the above-discussed approaches should be pursued and where this
should be placed on the pending list (copy attached).
Attachment
bC3.1RM
PENDING LIST
Fiscal Year 1996
Zoning Chapter Issues
4.
5.
6.
Consider allowing limited retail sales in the I-1 zone as accessory uses. (in process)
Review existing tree regulations, especially for parking lots that exceed the minimum
required parking spaces. (1-2 months)
Review definition of awnings. (1 month)
Review regulations of changeable copy, portable signs and projecting signs, (1 month)
Consider restricting the extent of residential uses allowed in the C1-1 zone. (in process)
Amendments to Sensitive Areas Ordinance. (in process)
Land Use and Zoning Studies
South River Corridor Area (Gilbert Street south of Highway 6). (in process)
RS-12 zoning in the vicinity of Foster Road. (3 months)
Other
Review development ordinances for barriers to affordable housing, (in process)
Review of subdivision regulations, including design provisions. (1 2 months)
Fiscal Year 1997
Zoning Chapter Issues
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Develop an entranceway overlay zone. (2-4 months)
Develop a bonus system to promote better design, more pedestrian use and reduction
of parking in the CN-1 zone. (4 months)
Amend the RM-12 zone to allow limited commercial uses by special exception. (2
months)
Provisions to assure neighborhood compatibility within the site plan review ordinance.
(6 months)
Review of performance standards for industrial zones. (6 months)
Review of requirements for commercial floor area in the CB-5 zone.
Amendment of regulations pertaining to satellite dishes per recent legislation.
Land Use and Zoning Studies
Near Northside commercial areas. (6-9 months)
Vicinity of County Administration Building. (6 months)
Evaluate PRM Zoning for consistency with the near Southside design plan and amend
zone, as appropriate. (3 months) Added to list 2-13-96.
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date:
June 6, 1996
To:
From:
Reference:
Stephen Arkins, City Manager
Joe Fowler, Director Parking & Transi ~t'~'*""'
Bill Dollman, Parking Manage~
Parking Rate Increases
At the Council work session June 3 several questions were raised about increasing parking
fees. Each of these items will be addressed below.
INCREASED PARKING FEES
The proposal currently under consideration by Council will raise the hourly fee for parking at
all parking meters and the Swan and Dubuque Street parking ramps. I have included an
increase in the daily cost to contractors for reserved spaces to correspond to these increases.
There has been no proposal to increase the Capitol Street ramp, Park & Shop, or monthly
permit rates.
ESTINIATED REVENUE
AREA PROPOSED COST INCREASE
Outlying meters $.30 to $.40 $6,000 $70,000
Swan Ramp .30 to .40 500 21,O00
CBD meters .50 to .60 6,000 66,000
Dubuque Street .45 to .50 500 38,000
Contractor 5.00 to 10.00 0 1 O,O00
$7,000 $205,O00
Cost figures do not include City staff time.
Implementation of these changes varies. Swan and Dubuque Street can be completed quickly.
Both will require obtaining software changes from the vendor and installation. Conversion of
the parking meters should take three to four months. This will require each meter be
disassembled, parts replaced and reassembled.
Some of these changes will have an effect on parkers. The CBD meter increase will
encourage some parkers to use the off street facilities and free more street meters for short
term users. This in turn should increase the use of Park & Shop. The final result is more
system users will park at no cost to them.
The increase in Dubuque Street should not affect users' parking patterns. The increases is
slight and Dubuque offers the daily cap with no lower level parking restrictions.
2
The increase in Swan may move some parkers to Dubuque as the daily cap will make parking
cost approximately the same. It is anticipated this shift would be slight due to the ease of
entry/exit of Swan.
The increase in the outlying street meters may move some parkers to Dubuque Street. The
daily cap will make parking cost comparable.
A change that has been discussed with the DTA parking & transit committee is to convert the
meters in the 300 block of Iowa Ave. from 1 hour to 5 hour meters when the Library Lot
closes. This change would move somme long term parkers from the core of the CBD to the
outer edge. This area was previously 2 hour parking and is currently underutilized.
Any increase in parking fees will offset some of the anticipated reduction in transit usage due
to the fare increase July 1.
MONTHLY PERMITS - PARKING RAMPS'
An informal request was made at the June 3 Council meeting to begin shifting permit holders
from the CBD to the Swan ramp and other lots. There are currently 55 permits in Capitol
Street, 175 in Dubuque, and 300 in Swan. Some permits could be shifted to Swan at this
time. These spaces have not been sold in anticipation of relocating the permit holders
currently using the Linn Street Lot.
Any relocation would be based on seniority.
At the present time there is no shortage of hourly parking in any facdity.
PENDING PROJECTS - PARKING
At the present time a $246,21 2 rehabilitation project is underway in the Capitol Street Ramp.
Future projects programmed at this time are FY98 $ 260,000 Capitol and $10,000 Dubuque,
FY00 $162,500 Dubuque, $75,000 Swan, and $7,500 Ca, pitoi. These cost are for structure
only and do not include any equipment upgrades.
This summer Council will be presented with an enhancement program for Capitol and
Dubuque. This will include interior painting, improved signs and lighting.
Plans continue for a new facility south of Burlington Street. This facility is expected to be
under construction by FY99. It will not be self supporting and will require funds from other
facilities to meet bonding requirements.
UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
The University currently has a total of 600 to 800 names on waiting lists. This number is
deceptive as some names are on multiple lists. Their fee structure is based on user group;
student, faculty/staff, and public.
Current public rates in cashiered facilities are $.50 per hour. Meter rates are $.40 per hour.
These are comparable to Iowa City's rates.
3
Some increases are anticipated for University facilities. They have been submitted to the
Board of Regents but no action has been taken. The proposed increases include increasing
public meters to $,50 per hour.
SUMMARY
The parking rates currently under consideration by Council are comparable to the public rate
charged by the University of Iowa. There will be some shift in parking patterns but they will
not be significant.
City o1' Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date:
June 6, 1996
To:
From:
Stephen Atkins, City Manager
Joe Fowler, Director Parking & Transit
Ron Logsden, Transit Manager i'p,.L,
Reference: Operational Adjustments - FY97
At Council direction the Transit division has developed operational changes for both fixed
route and paratransit service, These changes will result in operational savings and will meet
the budget constraints established during the budget work sessions. The detailed changes
in each area are listed below,
FIXED ROUTE
The following guidelines were used to develop the changes in service:
Keep cost for additional service between ¢80,000 and ¢100,000
Maintain service as lat6 as possible
Minimize user confusion
Eliminate scheduled overtime
Maintain the current full-time driver positions
EVENING SERVICE
The current level of service will continue until 9:30 p.m. At that time service will be
continued with two buses. The two buses will continue to operate until 10:45. They will
serve the Forest View, Westwinds, Lakeside, Oakcrest, and Broadway routes during the last
hour. The selection of the extended service areas was based on current ridership numbers
and areas identified by JCCOG as having the highest transit ridership potential.
This combination of service results in a reduction in operating cost of ¢25,700 per year while
maintaining blanket transit service to the community until 9:30 p.m. Current high ridership
areas will continue to have service until 10:45. In addition, no full-time positions will be
eliminated, there will be no reduction in hours to the part-time drivers, and scheduled overtime
on these routes will be eliminated.
SATURDAY SERVICE
Saturday service will be reduced by a combination of discontinuing service on the 7th Ave
route and combining some other routes to reflect the current nighttime service. The routes
combined and the effect on service are:
Westwinds and Plaen View, these routes are currently combined at night. Service
reduction would be in the four blocks from Denbigh Drive to Highway 1 and the residential
streets of Plaen View, Abbey Lane, and Cae Drive.
2
Broadway and Mall, these routes are currently combined at night. Service reduction would
be on Highland .from Sycamore Street to Keokuk Street, Kirkwood from Dodge Street to
Dubuque, Clinton Street from Benton to Court, and Eastdale. This is a high ridership area
serving Pepperwood and the Sycamore Mall.
It was determined that using routes currently combined at night would result in less confusion
to the public than designing new "Saturday Only" service areas. No full-time positions would
be eliminated with this service. One part-time position currently vacant would not be filled
and another position will be used as an extra board to provide additional coverage for vacation
and sick leave coverage. This will reduce operating cost by 948,000 yearly.
SCHEDULED OVERTIIVIE
The reduction in daily operating hours will allow for the reduction in scheduled overtime.
Currently ten shifts have scheduled overtime built into them. This time ranges from 6 to 48
minutes per day. With the revised scheduling three shifts will have from 3 to 5 minutes of
overtime daily. This reduction will save an additional 95,000 per year.
PARATRANSIT
The followin9 paratransit guidelines will be implemented July 1, 1996:
Certification will not be based on age
Certification must be from physician
Single ride fare $1.50, low income waver $.75
No monthly passes
Increase after hours cab rides to 93.00, no low income waiver
These guidelines were adapted from discussions during budget work sessions. The impact
they will have on paratransit cost cannot be established at this t~me. Fare revenue is expected
to increase by 920,000 and demand for service is expected to decrease. Iowa City will enter
into a six month contract with Johnson County while they assess the impact of these
changes. At the end of this period they will prowde us with an accurate estimate of demand
and service will be adjusted accordingly.
SUMMARY
The increase in fares, both fixed route and paratransit, should generate an additional
9206,000 in revenue over FY96. The changes to operations to fixed route will decrease
operating cost by $78,000. Paratransit operating cost are expected to decrease due to the
new certification guidelines but this amount cannot be determined until the changes have been
implemented.
It ~s our recommendation that any changes in fixed route operation be delayed until August,
This would allow transit to complete the current run picks and would correspond to the start
of fall classes.
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date:
To:
From:
Re:
June 3,1996
Ci~ Council
Ci~ Manager
GmdingofWater Plant Site--Army Reserves
Some time ago we were approached by the local Army Reserve unit to try to put together a
project that would serve as a training exemise for this unit. They haye large earth moving
equipment and perform such work as part of their military responsibilities. In that we are planning
a number of grading projects at the water treatment plant, we determined we might be able to use
their services. In order to do so we are required to receive certain clearances, one of which is
from area labor organizations, before we could proceed. We contacted the union of operating
engi~,eers asking for their sign off. After discussing the matter, the operating engineers' union
has chosen not to give us that sign off and therefore we will be notifying the Army reserve we
cannot provide a project to serve as a training exemise. We will be letting private contracts in
order for the City to proceed with the grading as necessary.
CC:
Chuck Schmadeke
INTERNATIONAL
RICK LANE- PRE~OEN?
SCOTT SAYLOR - ~CE PRE~DENT
JERRY AD DY. RECORO:NG SECRETARY
BURT VUST' TREASURER
UNION OF OPERATING
Local 234, Des Moines, Iowa
ENGINEERS
MAIN OFFICE
48~0 FREDERICK M HUBBELLAVENUE
DES MOINES, IOWA 50317
PHONE (515) 265.1657
LEN NERSH
BUSINESS MANAGER - FINANCIAl SECRETARY
SCOTT SAYLOR - EXECU~VE BOARD - O~ST met ~
D!CK PETERSMITH - EXECUTF/E BOARD - OISTRJCT tl
RON FRENCH - EXECUTIVE BOARO - OISTR~CT III
May 28, 1996
Mr. Steve Atkins
410 E. Washington Street
Towa City, Iowa 52240-1826
Dear Sir:
In response to a letter dated May 16, 1996 from Chuck Schmadeke, we
have taken careful consideration of his request.
We sympathize with the City and its plight of trying to provide
services with shrinking Local, Sate and Federal tax dollars to
finance these type of projects. However, we believe that the
American taxpayer needs to realize the political path they have
chosen the past couple of years, and the fact that municipalities
and states are going to continue to feel the money crunch if it is
continued to be followed.
The main issue concerning us is the United States Army Reserve
being in direct competition with private business. We are
philosophically opposed to this type of competition.
This project would generate many man hours for our membership and
I am sure that there will be several area contractors that would be
interested in bidding on this type of projects, union and non-union
alike.
In summary, we decline in signing off on the no conflict statement
as it is not in the best interest of the membership 'we represent.
Sincerely,
L.V. Hersh
~usiness Manager,
Financial Secretary
LVH/td
cc: File
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: June3, 1996
To: City Council
From: City Manager
Re: Central Supply Inventory Core Items (CSI)
The University of Iowa and the State of Iowa have made available office supply contracts which
provide office supply items at a minimum of 50% off list pricing. The City currently spot buys on
an as-needed basis in addition to annual contracts and has been receiving discounts from
15%-35% off list price.
Our Division of Purchasing has compiled a list of routinely stocked items and the estimated
annual usage. The FY95 expenditures in CSI was $41,000 to various vendors. This list will be
bid out to local vendors as well as the State of Iowa contractor, BT Publix Office Products, Inc,,
Chicago. Some of our local supp',iers may have difficulty meeting the 50% savings figure we
believe we can experience by participating in the State/University contract.
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date:
To:
From:
Re:
June 7, 1996
City Council
City Manager
Concept Drawings - St. Patrick's Parking Garage
We have received the preliminary concept drawings for the proposed parking ramp at the
corner of Court and Linn across from St. Patrick's Church. These are very preliminary, but
do provide us with an idea as to how we might fit a ramp on that site. I will be sharing these
drawings with representatives of St. Patrick's Church. If any Council Member is interested
in having a copy of the drawings, please let me know. Copies are available in my office or
in the office of Jeff Davidson if you wish to stop by and take a look.
cc: Jeff Davidson
Joe Fowler
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
RE:
June 6, 1996
Mayor and City Council
Marian K. Karr, City Clerk. ~
Second Revision to meeting schedule for June and July
Please be sure to mark your calendars to reflect the following revised Council meeting schedule
for June and July~
June 10 - 6:30 Work Session
June 11 - 7:30 Formal
NO MEETINGS SCHEDULED FOR THE REST OF JUNE
Startin.q Time of Work Sessions and Formals Change to 7:00
July 1 - 7:00 Work Session
July 2 - 7:00 Formal
July 15 - 7:00 Work Session
July 16 - 7:00 Formal
NO MEETINGS SCHEDULED FOR THE REST OF JULY
The next regularly scheduled meeting is an August 12th work session and a formal on August
13. Meetings will return the two weeks schedule at that time. Staff will alert us if a special
meeting is needed during the next two months. They have also been informed that over the
summer months there will be meetings that will not have all seven Council Members in
attendance and to plan accordingly.
cc: Department Directbrs
June 5, 1996
Diana L. Hansen
Attorney at Law
Legal Services Bureau
Dept. of Natural Resources
Wallace State Office Bldg.
Des Moines, IA 50319
CITY OF I0 WA CITY
Re:
City of Iowa City
Wastewater Facility Nos. 52-25-0-01 and 52-25-0-02
Administrative Order No. 95-WW-16
DIA No. 95DNR-33
Dear Diana:
As requested, my clients and I have reviewed the proposed amendment to the Administrative Order No. 95-WW
16, which adopts a corrected schedule for dealing with the copper and mercury problems in the wastewate
treatment effluent. As presented to me, together with Public Works Director Charles Schmadeke, Wasteware
Treatment Superintendent Dave Elias, the proposed "amendment to administrative order" does, indeed, reflec
the settlement discussions held in February 1996, and as reflected in my letter dated March 15, 1996.
Thus, as requested in your letter of May 28, 1996, I hereby indicate the City's willingness to accept th
amendment to the administrative order, to waive the City's appeal rights to the order, and to agree to dismis
the appeal. Also, as indicated in your letter, once the order is issued, as amended, you will communicate witl
administrative law judge LaMarche that the contested case has been resolved, and that the parties have agree~
that dismissal of the appeal is appropriate. The administrative law judge would then issue an order dismissin~
the appeal.
Thank you very much for your cooperation in this matter, and I look forward to resolving this soon.
Cordially yours,
Lmnd~oit(~
City Attorney
cc: Charles Schmadeke, Public Works Director (with enclosure)
Dave Elias, Wastewater Treatment Superintendent (with enclosure)
Steve Atkins, City Manager
City Council - FYtI
File {with enclosure)
Enc
410 EAS'~ WASHINOTON STREET · IOWA CITY. IOWA 52240-1826 · (3191 356.3000 · FAX (319)
O9'
TERRY E. IRRAN~TAD, GOVERt~3R
May 28, 1996
Linda Newman Woito
City of Iowa City
Civic Center
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Re:
City of Iowa City
Wastewater Facility Nos.
Administrative Order No.
DIA NOo 95DNR-33
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
LARRY J. WIL.~ON, D~REC'roR
RECEivED
CITY A~ORNEY'$ OFFICE
52-25-0-01 and 52-25-0-02
95-WW-16
Dear Ms. Woito:
Enclosed is the proposed amendment to Administrative Order No.
95-WW-16. The amended order adopts the schedule for correction
of metals violations, including coppe~ and mercury, proposed by
the City in its plan outline presehted to the Department in a
meeting on February 8, 1996. This schedule was included in th~
Department's February 29, 1996 offer of settlement. The City of
Iowa City has accepted the Department's offer of settlement as
indicated in its letter dated March 15, 1996.
Could you review this proposed amended order and respond back to
me as to whether it is acceptable or not to the City? If it is
acceptable, the Director will sign the order and it will be is-
sued. If the order is acceptable, please indicate this and the
fact that the City waives its appeal rights to the order and
agrees to dismissal of the appeal in writing to my attention by
June 10, 1996. Once the order is issued, I will indicate to the
Administrative Law Judge that this matter has been resolved and
that the parties agree to dismissal of the appeal. The Adminis-
trative Law Judge would then issue an order dismissing the ap-
peal.
i can be contacted at (515) 281-6267 to discuss this matter.
Sincerely,
Diana b. Hansen
Attorney at Law
Legal Services Bureau
WALLACE .STATE OFFICE BUILDING / DES MOINES, IOWA $O319 / Sl ~l-281,S14B/'[Dt) 515-24Z-5967
IOWA DEPARTMENT OF .NATURAL RESOURCES
ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER
IN THE MATTER OF:
CITY OF IOWA CITY
Wastewater Facility Nos.
6-52-25-0-01 and 6-52-25-0-02
AMENDMENT TO
ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER
NO. 95-WW-16
TO:
City of Iowa City
c/o Mayor and Council Members
410 E. Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1826
City of Iowa City
c/o Charles Schmadeke
410 E. Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1856
I. SUMMARY
This order requires you to comply with the compliance schedule
for correction of copper and mercury effluent limit violations
contained in this order. The City is required to operate its
wastewater treatment facilities as efficiently as possible and to
maintain these facilities in good working order to obtain the
best possible effluent quality.
II. JURISDICTION
This order is issued pursuant tO Iowa Code section 455B.175(1)
which authorizes the Director to issue any order necessary to se-
cure compliance with or prevent a violation of Iowa Code chapter
455B, Division III, Part ~, and the rules promulgated or permits
.issued pursuant thereto.
III. STATEMENT OF FACTS
1. The City of Iowa City owns and operates Wastewater Facility
NOS. 6-52-25-0-01 and 6-52-25-0-02, located in Section 15, T79N,
R6W (North Plant), and Section 35, T79N, R6W (South Plant),
Johnson County, Iowa. The facility consists of municipal waste
collection and treatment facilities. Treated sewage is dis-
charged to the Iowa River, pursuant to Iowa NPDES Permit Nos.
6-52-25-0-01 and 6-52-25-0-02. The permits for these facilities
contain limitations for the discharge of pollutants, including
but not limited to heavy metals, including copper and mercury.
The facility has exceeded the limitations for these pollutants.
2. The City was issued Administrative Order No. 93-WW-02 on
January 21, 1993. This order required the City to perform
studies to identify and reduce the sources of contribution of
these metals to the system. Although the City performed studies
and took measures to comply, the violations persisted. On March
21, 1995, the Department requested the City to submit a compli-
ance schedule that included further steps the City would take to
IOWA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER
ISSUED TO: City of Iowa City
come into compliance with metals limitations. The City submitted
its proposed compliance schedule on May 2, 1995.
On July 24, 1995, the Department issued Administrative Order
95-WW-16 which contained a compliance schedule for returning the
City to compliance with metals effluent limitations. Following
issuance of the order, the City filed an appeal. The City and
the Department have met and discussed the appropriate schedule to
be included in an amended administrative order.
3. The Department and the City have agreed upon the following
compliance schedule for resolving the appeal.
a0 Conduct public education program regarding pollutant
reduction through March 31, 2001.
source
b. Establish valid sampling program and source control.
1. Implement new sampling, analysis, and quality control meth-
ods by November 30, 1996.
2. Collect new data and evaluate sources by November 30, 1997.
3. Continue data collection. Develop and implement remedial
plan by May 31, 1998.
4. Continue data collection and evaluate ~emediation plan by
May 31, 2000.
c. Develop site specific river data, evaluate mercury and copper
toxicity by 2001.
IV. CONCLUSIONS OF LAW
1. Iowa Code section 455B.186 prohibits the discharge of
pollutants into waters of the State, except for adequately
treated pollutants discharged pursuant to a permit from the De-
partment.
2. Iowa Cod% section 455B.173(3) authorizes the Environmental
Protection Commission to adopt rules relating to the operation of
waste disposal systems and discharge of pollutants into waters of
the State. The Commission has adopted chapters 567--60 to 69,
Iowa Administrative Code (I.A.C.) in this regard. Subrule
64.3(1) prohibits the operation of any waste disposal system con-
trary to any condition of a permit° Rule 64.6 specifies the con-
ditions that are to be included in permits, including applicable
effluent limitations in chapters 61 and 62 of the rules. '2he
effluent limitations, including mercury and copper limits, in
-2-
IOWA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER
ISSUED TO: City of Iowa City
Iowa NPDES Permit No. 6-52-25-0-01 and 6-52-25-0-02 for this fa-
cility are based On these rules.
3. The NPDES permits for these facilities require the City to
properly maintain and operate this facility. Standard condition
8 of the permits provides that all facilities and control systems
shall be operated as efficiently as possible and maintained in
good working order.
4. The discharges described in III. above violate the above-
described statutory, rule and permit conditions.
T~RREFORE, you are ordered to comply with the following
provisions in order to abate and redress these violations:
1. The City is required to comply with the implementation
schedule detailed in paragraph III.3. above in this order.
2. All wastewater treatment facilities shall be maintained in
good working order and operated as efficiently as possible, in
accordance with the City's NPDES permit, in order to achieve the
best possible effluent quality.
VI. PENALTY
1. Chapter 567--10, I.A.C.~ was.adopted by the Commission to
implement Iowa Code section 455B.109, which authorizes the as-
sessment of administrative penalties for violations of Iowa Code
chapter 455B or rules, permits and orders promulgated or issued
pursuant to chapter 455B. In view of this facility's failure to
comply with effluent limits, the Department has the authority to
assess a penalty in this matter.
2. Iowa Code section 455B.191 authorizes the assessment of
civil penalties of up to $5000.00 per day and more severe crimi-
nal sanctions for discharge violations.
3. Pursuant to rule 567--10.2(455B),I.A.C., it has been deter-
mined that the most equitable and efficient means of redressing
and aba.ting the violations at this time is through the issuance
of an administratiue order without-a penalty.
VII. APPEAL RIGHTS
Pursuant to Iowa Code section 455B.175, and 561--7.5(1), Iowa
Administrative Code, as adopted by reference by 567--7, I.A.C., a
written Notice of Appeal to the Environmental Protection Commis-
sion may be filed within 30 days of receipt of this Order. The
-3-
IOWA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER
ISSUED TO: City of Iowa City
Notice of Appeal should be filed with the Director of the 'Depart-
ment, and must identify the specific portion or portions of this
order being appealed and include a short and plain statement of
the reasons for appeal. A contested case hearing will then be
commenced pursuant to Iowa Code chapter 17A and chapter 561--7,
Iowa Administrative Code.
VIII. NONCOMPLIANCE
If this Order is timely appealed, this matter will be handled
administratively. Failure to comply with this order may result
in the imposition of administrative penalties or referral to the
Attorney General to obtain injunctive relief and civil or crimi-
nal sanctions pursuant to Iowa Code section 4558.191.
Any questions regarding this order should be directed to:
Diana L. Hansen
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Henry A. Wallace Building
900 East Grand Avenue
Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0034
515/281-6267
LA~RRY J. WILSON, DIRECTOR
IOWA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Dated
this
day of
, 1996
96113DNR0001
-4-
City of iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date:
To:
From:
Re:
May 29, 1996
Steve Atkins, City Manager
Karin Franklin, Director, PCD/~
Board and Commission Minutes
I understand that at least one Council member ~s concerned about the timeliness of receiving
Board and Commission minutes. in most instances, the Board or Commission minutes are
forwarded to the Council in the packet for the agenda which contains an item with a Board or
Commission recommendation. The Design Review Committee, the Historic Preservation
Commission, the Housing and Community Development Commission, and the Riverfront and
Natural Areas Commission meet monthly and on occasion make recommendations to the City
Council. Typically, their minutes are drafted and sent to {he Commission with the stamp
"preliminary" and are not forwarded to the Council until the Commission approves the minutes at
their next meeting. Consequently, the City Council receives the minutes of the Commission one
month plus a week or two after the meeting date which the minutes record. If the Commission
has made a recommendation to the Council, we forward the minutes when they are still in a
"preliminary" status. If desired, we can forward all of the minutes before they are finally approved
by the respective Commissions.
The Planning and Zoning Commission is handled differently since that Commission is making
recommendations to the Council on a regular basis. Routinely, the CommisSion meets on a
Thursday; a draft of the minutes are returned to the Planning Department by Tuesday; the
minutes are reviewed by Planning staff, and the Secretary of the Commission; and placed in the
Council packet the Thursday following the Commission's meeting in order to be available for the
Council by their meeting on the following Tuesday. I do not know how we could forward the
minutes to the Council more quickly than described.
In some instances, when an applicant requests that their application be exp{dited, we have
placed an item on the Council's agenda on the Tuesday which immediately follows the Thursday
meeting of the Commission in the prior week. In those cases, the Council does not receive
minutes prior to acting on the item before them. We only do this in cases where there is no
controversy; usually a final plat is involved and has been seen as a preliminary plat by the
Council previously. This type of occurrence occurs only when the Council and the Planning and
Zoning Commission are meeting on schedules which do not coincide; that is, the Commission and
the Council do not meet in the same week.
The only option available to forward the minutes to the Council more quickly is to forward the
preliminary minutes pdor to Commission approval for those groups who meet once a month. I
would expect, however, that the issue pertains more to the Planning and Zoning Commission than
to the other groups. I don't see how we can forward those minutes any sooner unless we
transmit them electronically from Document Services via E-mail to Council members the Thursday
before the Council meeting. This would mean the Councilors would receive the minutes on their
computers on Thursday rather than receiving the hard copy on Friday afternoon. I'm not sure this
would make much difference. Please advise whether we should make any changes in our
procedures.
cc: Bob Miklo
IOWA CITY HOUSING
AUTHORITY
MEMORANDUM
DATE
.lunc ~. 1996
TO'
FROM:
SUBJECT:
5, leve .\lkins. ('it3, Manager
Roberl Hagarly. Housir~g Administrator
Public t lou4ng
This rnerno is to nolil\' vou Iha! !he number of working l~amilies in Public Housing is 55%
At yesterday's meelin,._, I :.!ated il xxas 37%
May 29, 1996
Don Sehr, Chairperson
Johnson County Board of Supervisors
P.O. Box 1350
Iowa City, IA 52244-1350
CITY OF I0 W.d CITY
Oear Don & Members of the Board:
The C~ty Council received your letter of April 29, 1996, offering another compromise on the Johnson
County/Iowa City Fringe Area Policy Agreement. The City Council discussed your proposal on May
20 and concurs with the points you make in your letter for development in Fringe Areas B and C, We
had considerable discussion of the Board of Appeals and feel that .we would prefer to handle the
situations contemplated through informal discussions and formal amendment of the Agreement rather
than through a Board of Appeals. Our conclusion is based on the difficulty of this new.Board having
any authority which would not be contrary to State law, and some debate about the composition of
this Board. Since we would like to reach closure on the Agreement, and the new Board seems to be
a difficult issue to resolve legally, we would advocate concluding an Agreement, seeing how it works,
and possibly having our attorneys work on a proposal for a joint body to deal with fringe issues that
do not fit into the agreement.
Part of our concurrence with your proposals for Areas B and C rested on the concept of cluster
development and a proposed implementation strategy outlined in e memo from Karm Franklin to the
Council dated May 17; the memorandum is attached for your information. This proposal requires a
varying set-aside of land for open space, depending u~Jon the Fringe Area in which the development
takes place. A majority of the Council agrees that the proposed set-aside is a way to achieve cluster
development.
The Council also discussed the time period of the Agreement and would prefer that the Agreement be
effectwe for at least three years, rather than two. We feel this amount of t~me is necessary to see
how the Agreement works. There are provisions within the Agreement for amendment during that time
period, ~f necessary. We also discussed annexations and the extenmon of the two-mile extraterntorial
jurisdiction and believe that the procedure outlined m the attached memorandum wdl suffice.
Karm Franklin is in the process of rewriting the Fringe Agreement based on our recent correspondence
and negot(at~ons. As soon as she has completed the draft, it will be forwarded to the Council and to
you. If we are all in agreement on the language, we can then each adopt a resolution authorizing the
Agreement.
It looks like we mav hnally be coming to closure on this ~ssue. We appreciate the County's
cooPerebon throughout these discuss~dns. Please let me know ~f you would hke a joint meeting on th~s
or other ,ssues.
SmcereJy,
Naom~ J. Nowck
Mayor
A(tachment
THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
June 4,1996
Ms. Naomi Novick, Mayor
City of Iowa City
Civic Center
410 E. Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
Dear Naomi:
As we prepare to celebrate the University of Iowa's
Sesquicentennial year, I am wdting to invite you to give welcoming
remarks at our kickoff event on the evening of Sunday, September 29,
1996.
Our weeklong opening celebration, from September 29 to
October 5, is now in the planning stages. These events will set the stage
for our observance of another week of festivities surrounding Founder's
Day, February 25, 1997. Mary New in our Special Events Office will be
getting back to you in the very near future with regard to specific times as
well as the location of the September 29 kickoff activities.
I very much hope that you can join us at this most important event
commemorating the history of the University'of Iowa. I look forward to
hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Mary Sue Coleman
President
Mary New
Ann Rhodes
O.'fice of the President 101 Jessup Hall Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1316 319/335-3549
FAX 319/33~-0807
JCCOG
m e m o
Date: May 24, 1996
To:
Mayor, City Council, City Manager; City of Iowa City
From:
John Yapp, Assistant Transportation Planner
Re:
Designation of on-street bike routes
At the March 27, 1996, meeting of the JCCOG Urbanized Area Policy Board, the Board endorsed
the conqept of a network of designated on-street bike routes in the urbanized area. This idea
originated with the JCCOG Regional Trails and Bicycling Committee, and has received extensive
discussion prior to the Board's endorsement. What is being proposed is a neWyork of streets'with
signage to indicate to motorists that they should be prepared to "share the road" with bicyclists.
This signage gives bicyclists no additional rights than. they have under current state law; it is
simply intended to increase bicyclists' visibility and indicate to motorists that they should be aware
of bicycle traffic.
Attached is a map showing the proposed network of on-street bike routes in the community, and
an illustration of the proposed Share the Road signs. It is now up to the individual cities of
Coralville, iowa City, and University Heights to determine if they wish to implement the bike route
designation. The JCCOG Regional Trails and Bicycling Committee asked me to notify you of the
proposed bike reute system, and to encourage you to implement the proposed signage. Please
contact me at 356-5247 if you wish to pursue this matter; and a member of the Regional Trails
and Bicycling Committee and I can attend a City Coun(~il work session to discuss this further.
Thank you.
cc: Jeff Davidson
JCCOG Regional Trails & Bicycling Committee
Bicyclists of Iowa City
Friends of the iowa River Scenic Trail
Jim Brachtel
Rick Fosse
Attachment
SHARE
THE ROAD
PROPOSED ON-$T~EE?
BICYCLE ROUTES
PRODOSED
BDCYCLE
ON-STREET
ROUTES
JCCOG
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
RE:
June 5, 1996
Steve Atkins, City Manager
Ron Logsden, Transit Manager
Summer Bus Pass Promotion
At the direction of the city council, Iowa City Transit has implemented a summer bus
pass program for high school, junior high and elementary students. The passes are in
the form of a fanny pack with Iowa City Transits logo on them. The pass holder just
shows the bus driver the fanny pack when boarding the bus. The passes are being
sold for $18.00 and are good from June 7, 1996 until school starts in the fall on August
26, 1996. We have 500 of the fanny packs available for this promotion. Letters with
details about the program are being distributed to all junior high and high school
students through their respective schools. Information about the program is also being
included in the neighborhood newsletters as well as the library newsletter and the
Press Citizen is doing a article about the program.
We are also working in cooperation with the Iowa City public Library in their "lowA-
mazing" Summer Reading Program by offering a free ride coupon as a second level
prize when participants accomplish 20 reading and learning tasks. This is a follow-up
on our promotion during the month of April, when elementary and junior high students
rode the bus for free on Saturdays by showing the driver a book from the Iowa City
Public Library.
'We are presently working with the University of Iowa Parking and Transportation
Department on a semester pass for U of I students. We hope to have a semester pass
in place by the fall semester.
Johnson Count)'
l/IOWA~
Don Sehr, Chairperson
Joe Bolkcom
Charles D. Duffy
Stephen P. Lacina
Sally Stutsman
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Jtme 6, 1996
FORMAL MEETING
Agenda
1. Call to order 9:00 a.m.
2. Action re: claims
3. Action re: formal minutes of May 30th.
4. Action re: payroll authorizations
5. Business from the County Auditor.
a) Action re: permits
b) Action re: reports
c) Other
6. Business from the County Attorney.
a) Report re: other items.
'7. Business from the Board of Supervisors.
a) Action re: application for Diagnostic Evaluation Services - Admission,
Re-Admission to a State Hospital - School regarding client 1113648161.
b) Discussion/action re: fireworks permits.
c) Other
913 SOUTH DUBUQUE ST P.O. BOX 1350 IOWA CITY, IOWA 52244.1350 TEL: (319) 356-6000
FAX: (319) 356-6086 '
6-05-~6
Agenda 6-6-96
Page 2
8. Business from the Planning and Zoning Administrator.
a) 9:30 a.m. - First and Second consideration of the following Zoning
application:
b)
c)
1. Application Z9615 of Edward Poula and Mona Poula, Iowa City,
signed by David Poula, Iowa City, requesting rezoning of 12.42
acres l~om A1 Rural to RS Suburban Residential of certain
property described as being in the NW 1/4 of the NE 1/4 of Section
19; Township 81 North; Range 7 West of the 5th P.M. in Johnson
County, Iowa 0his property is located on the southwesterly side of
· Blain Ccmet~ Road N-W, approximately 1/2 mile north of its
intemection with the Amana Road NW in Jefferson Twp.).
Discussion/action re: request for annual conditional use permit for
Johnson County Agricultural Association for R.V. camping.
Other
9. Adjoum to informal meeting.
10. Adjournment.
a) 10:00 a.m. - Business from the Director of S.E.A.T.S. and Jeff
Davidson, Director br Johmon County Council of Governments m:
FY 97 Transit Contract between Johnson County and the City of Iowa
City/discussion.
b) 10:15 a.m. - Interviews for the County Engineer position (possible
executive session to evaluate the professional competency of individuals
whose appointment, hiring, performance, or discharge is being
considered...)/discussion.
c) Inquiries and reports from the public.
d) Reports and inquiries from the members of the Board of Supervisors.
e) Report from the County Attorney.
0 Other ...
In addition to this proposal to limit the
authority of mayors, several other issues
attendees that the Vocational Education
community had also asked the President
Public Housing Reform
Biff Passes House
By Eugene T. Lowe
On May 9, the House of Represen-
tatives passed a major public housing
reform biff (H.R. 2406] by a margin
315-107. Because of several contro-
versial provisions, the bill had been
stalled for months but they could rear
up again as the legislation heads for
House and Senate conference.
H.R. 2407 repeals the Housing Act
of 1937. The Banking Committee bill
also sought to eliminate the Brooke
Amendment -- an existing law which
limits the rent charged to tenants to no
more than 30% of their income.
controversial provision to change the
Brooke caused many members of the
minority ta threaten to oppose the bill.
Several public housing groups, howev-
er, were supportive, saying that they
needed to charge tenants who could
pay higher rents as an offset to the
severe cuts in appropriations for public
housing, particularly the reduced fund-
ing for public housing operating subsi-
dies.
In the end, the House voted to mad-
if,/Brooke by preserving the limit to no
mare than a 30% rent charge to tenants
with incomes at or below 30% of area
median income. In addition, the Jimlt in
rent is extended to the elderly, the dis-
abled, and veteran residents of public
housing. '
The bill creates two block grants. An
operating fund would receive $2.8 bil-
lion, and a capital fund would get $2.5
billion. Both block grants are autho-
rized from FY97 to FY2000. With the
block grants, public housing authorities
would be given more flexibility to man-
age their projects.
Troubled public housing authorities,
with assistance from city government,
will be required to enter into perfor-
mance im.provement agreements with
HUD. The Secretary of HUD could
withhold CDBG fi~nds from the city if it
is determined that the city has substan-
' tlally contributed to the authorlty's des-
ignation os a "troubled" authority, and
if the "troubled agency" not meet the
agreement's requirements.
The Senate passed a for less reach-
ing public housing bill, S. 1260, on Jan-
uary 10. A mid-June House and Sen-
ate conference is expected on the two
bills. The conference could be fairly
contentious.
House Approves Increase in
Minimum Wage
Victory in Senate Appears Shaky
By Joan Crigger
On May 23, in a move joining
Democrats and moderate Republicans,
the House possecl legislation to increase
the minimum wage by a vote of 281 to
144. The bill would raise the minimum
wage to $4.75 an hour beginning July 1
~nis year, and to $5.15 an hour in July of
1997.
Passage was made passible taftowing
a vote eadier that some day which defeat-
ed a Republican propasa~ to exempt cer-
tain small businessess. Offered by Repre.
sentolive William Goodling (PA), the pro-
posol would have ofirected small business-
es with annual soles of $500,000 or less.
Although Democrats claimed this provi-
sion would have aff~"ted over l0 million
workers, Rep. Goodling indica~l that it
was designed only for the small "more
and pop" stores. The measure was
dek, ated by a vote of 229 to 196 follow-
ing a threat by President Clinton to veto
such a bill.
Although the discussions to raise the
minimum wage b~an in the Senate
nee~ two months ago, eer¥ passage of
o similar bill there appears uncertain.
Majority Whip Trent Lo~t (MS) has indicat-
ed that the Republicans have not yet
decided what to do about the minimum
wage. Senator Edward Kennedy (/VIA),
leader of I~e eftor'is in the Senate ,for the
post two months, has indicated that he
will resume his efforts to add the minimum s
wage proposal to every bill that comes to
the floor, unless an agreement is reached
by the end of the Memorial ~ recess on
Jure 3.
The bill passed by the House raises the
minimum wage for the first time since
1989 from $4.25 an hour to $4.75 on
July I this year, and to $5.15 on hour July
1, 1997. However the legislation allows
employers to pay new employees under ':
20 years of age at $4.25 an hour for the
first 90 days of employment.
The bill also would not require restau-
rant owners to increase the wages of
workers who receive tips. Currently these
workers must now be paid $2.13 on hour ~
if their tips bring their wages up to $4.25.
The House-passed bill would allow these
wages to remain at $2.13 an hour, so
long as lips would bring their wages up to
$5.15 an hour. Senator Kennedy has
indiccrred his opposition to this provision
and does not believe it wifi survive in the
Senate
By Norman B. Rice, President of the
U.S. Conference of Mayors
The following article discusses a
video entilledBack From the Brink: Sav-
ing American Cities by Design which
was produced by the American Institute
of Architects Foundation, one hour,
1996.
Three years ago, downtown Sealtie
was on the ropes. Two of our largest
department stores had closed, leaving
gaping holes in the heart of our retail
core. The ripple effect was caus:ng
severe problems for many small busi-
nesses, as well. Our local newspapers
wrote regular epitaphs for our down-
town.
Today, downtown Sealtie is on the
rebound. Dozens of new stores have
already opened. A $300 million retail
development is under way to reopen our
largest department store and create
dozens of exciting new stores. A stun-
nin.q new conference center, resi~l
development, and a marina are taking
shape on our waterfront. The historic
Paramount Theater has been restored to
its {'orme. r glory, and a new symphony
hall is about to break ground. The list
Saving 'America's Cities by Design
Video I eviews Success Stories in Three 'Cities
gC~S on.
RecJalm~ng our downtown from the
brink o[ disaster hasn't been easy. It has
taken a lot of hard work and coop~_r.a_.
;'ion by government, business, and local
residents. And it has '{~:iuired a ~:om--'~
prehensive~in other words, a design
approach .*hat factors into the big pic-
ture of urban revitalization such critical
issues as economic investment', retail
recruitment, pubic safety improvere_ .end,
social services, steps to improve trans-
par tatio_n.,_and arE_.c~kin.
I th~ug~-~ a--~ut our experience here
in Seafile as I watched The American
Architectural Foundarian's new program
"Back from the Brink: Saving America's
Cities by Design. "Although the fihn
does not highlight my city, the experi-
ences ~t shared from Chattanooga;
Suisun City (CA).; and Portland (OR)
were al~ too famillar to one who recent-
ly confronted many of the same chal-
lenges. Yes, each of our cities is unique.
But there are common threads that run
through each of our stories, threads that
are captured in "Back from the Brink."
Fir_st, each city commilted itself to hiqh
de._~n. standards to create a sense of
Ea-i-~-~'ce.- E'~"~'ch ~'~3ched out to cit'izze~s,
seeking their involvement in the deci-
sion-making process. Each r~
.th_e.lmportance of pres;'r~4'.r~g~theh .eal__th
o_~_f ~eir-'~o~. eThey m'& e~l~estrl-
~ns' '~ ~aai~r '¥F~'ority and looked for
y,,_ays !9 reconnect to their roots--such
as the river front in Portland and the his-
toric area in Chattanooga. They under-
stood the need to provide quality hous-
ing to meet all income levels and life-
styles.
Finally, each of the success stories in
"Back from the Brink" includes public-
private partnerships, using carefully tar-
geted public investment to leverage
major private-sector resources to rebuild
and strengthen the community. Here in
Seattle, we have used our limited public
resources to lever age $420 million in
private investment to revitalize our
downtown. As a result, 83 percent of
our downtown redevelopment projects
are privately funded. Working together,
we have harnessed the pawer of private
enterprise and directed this power to
enhance our entire community.
Seattle, Portland, Chottanoocja; and
Suisun City can all take pride in our
accomplishments--not just in the physi-
cal redevelopment of our cities, but,
mast importantly, in rebuilding our
sense of community.
For otl'~r cities facing similar chal-
lenges, "Back from the BrJnJ<" provides
the perfect blueprint for success, spelling
out cleady the vital role architects and
planners have to play in the continual
rebirth of our cities. Through their
efforts, we--the public and elected offi-
cials--can continually raise our expec-
tations for our neighborhoods and our
central cities.
As a mayor, I urge you to view "Back
from the Brink" for yourselves. Show it to
civic groups; use it to create a communi-
ty groundswell far success. With this
resource, you can demonstrate that
downtowns can be vital centers of life
and that there are alternatives to urban
sprawl.
In charting a bold new future through
the use of sound community design and
planning prindples, "Back fram the
Brink" can be o beacon to cities every-
where. ~Vork~ng with ~your community
leaders, you can help tocus or, indeed,
even switch on that light.
Reprinted with permission f~om the
American fnstitute of Architects. Check
with y9.ur local PB5 stations for airing
] mes --
Johmon Cot~t~
Don Schr, Chairperson
Joe Bolkcom
Charles D. Duffy
Stephen P. Lacina
Sally Slutsman
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
June 10, 1996
INFORMAL MEETING
~ o~
Agenda
I. Call to order 9:00 a.m.
2. Canvass of votes for the Primary Election.
3. Review of the formal minutes of June 6th.
4. Business ~om Dr. Craig Mosher, Coordinator of Mental
Health/Developmental Disabilities.
a) Discussion re: new Case Manager Supervisor position.
b) Other
5. Business from the County Engineer.
a) Discussion re: possible stop sign installations to protect detour route
when F62 (500th Street) is closed for bridge replacement project 8TP-S-
52(37)-5E-52.
b) Discussion re: request to vacate portion of Davey Street adjacent to
Lots 1,2,3,4,5,6, and 7 of Block 13 and Lots 8,9,10,11,12,13, and 14 of
Block 12 in Morse.
c) Discussion re: bids received for Johnson County bridge replacement
project STP-8-52(37)--5E-52 (Bridge on 500th Street over Old Man's
Creek in Section 16-78-6.).
d) Other
913 SOUTH DUBUQUE ST P O. BOX 1350 IOWA C1TY, IOWA 52244-1350 TEL: (319) 35(~6000
FAX: (319) 356-6086
Agenda 6-10-96
Page 2
6. Business from Rufme Anciaux re: Senior Center update/discussion.
7. Business from the Director of S.E.A.T.S.
a) Discussion re: transfer $4,158.32 from FY 96 S.E.A.T.8. budget to
Capital Expenditure Fund (44).
b) Discussion re: FY 97 8.E.A.T.8. contract with Heritage Area Agency
on Aging.
c) Discussion re: con~tct for Systems Unlimited, Inc. Summer Program.
d) Discussion re: fare for rural rides.
e) Other
8. Business from the Board of Supervisors.
a) 10:30 a.m. - Discussion re: interviews for the Cmmty Engineer
position.
b) County Engineer interviews (possible executive session to evaluate the
professional competency of individuals whose appointment, hiring,
performance, or discharge is being considered...)/discussion.
Discussion m: Senior Center town meeting and items to be addressed.
d) Reports
e) Other
10.
11.
Business from the Coun .ty Attorney.
a) Discussion re: administrative bargaining unit grievance.
b) Other
Discussion from the public.
Recess.
MEMO: TO CITY COUNCILORS
FROM: DEE VANDERHOEF
DATE: JUNE 6, 1996
At a recent work meeting, I mentioned the possibility of locating an addition to the public
library under ground in the College St. right-away....under the plaza. Since that time I
have consulted with a coreractor as to the feasibility. to do this. He assures me this is not
only possible but that it may well be less expensive than an above ground alternative.
Either a two story underground or a one story more linear design could be used.
Since this discussion, I have had a conversation with Rick Fosse about the underground
utilities and services in this area. As I understand what he said, the gas, electric, telephone
and cable lines would be the responsibility of their respective owners to move since they
are built in the public fight away. He also continned from City maps that there is a water
main and a storm sewer in the area that would need moving at City expense. With a quick
calculation, he thought approximately $50,000 or less would move these. On the scale of
a possible 15 million dollar project, I find this figure reasonable to consider if the 15 million
can be appreciably lowered for the entire project.
I have seen the University of Minn. bookstore that is two stories underground and have
be~n told that the University of Illinois has either a bookstore or library that is
underground. Both of these structures have skylights that bring in natural light fi'om
above. As I recall, the Minn. store has an atrium in the store and the exterior has a bubble
with a court yard area with seating around it that is very attractive. I am in the process of
following up on getting future information about these structures.
For the following reasons, I am requesting your support in asking the library board to do a
feasibility study to place the library addition under the College St. Plaza.
1. We already own the land.
2. We would keep a good building on the tax mils.
3. We would not disrupt present businesses in the LenoclgCelik Bldg.
4. This addition could be connected to the present library and possibly to the
new building on the 641A lot. Meeting spaces could be more
accessible to either building. Ihis might be especially useful to T.V. accessibility
to both buildings.
5. It could be very cost efficient to heat and cool with the earth as insulation.
6. Since the Plaza is scheduled to be refurbished, now is the time to consider this before
the plans are made. A skylight/atrium might become a real focal point on the
Plaza.
7. It could be cheaper than the plan presently before us.
8. The Council could chose to ask what mount of space might be built for a specified
dollar amount. i.e.. nine to ten million.
June 10, 1996
Sally Crowe
1126 Teg Drive
Iowa City, Iowa 52246
CITY OF I0 WA CITY
Dear Sally:
Thank you for your letter of May 7th regarding the interest of the Penny
Bryne Neighborhood Association to propose traffic calming measures for
Teg Drive in an effort to alleviate traffic and pedestrian safety concerns.
Staff has had the opportunity to review the various alternatives you have
suggested. The concept of a speed hump/table or raised, marked
crosswalks raise a number of concerns regarding adequate draMage during
both winter thaws and rains. To drain properly, they should be
accompanied by storm drainage inlets on both sides of the street that will
lead directly to the storm sewer system. This can add substantially to the
cost of the speed hump or raised walk. In addition, these types of traffic
calming methods may not be visually apparent to the driver, increasing
the possibility of the driver losing control of the vehicle, thus increasing
liability concerns.
The staff would like to propose an option that is very comparable to the
speed hump/raised crosswalk proposals and may also provide the entry
treatment for the park that was also suggested. A "neck down" treatment
can be constructed on both sides of the street creating a narrower street
opening. Stop signs would be posted at each "neck-down" as well as
notice that this is a pedestrian crossing. A raised crosswalk would be
installed in the neck-down area. It is proposed that this treatment be
installed on Teg both at a point proximate to Willow Creek Park and the
proposed Kiwanis Park. The locations will be impacted by the street
grade and drainage considerations. The all-way stop signs along Teg
Drive at intersections would also be removed.
Staff feels that it is important to demonstrate neighborhood support of
this traffic calming measure. In order to do so, I will be conducting a
neighborhood survey in the Penny Bryne, Park West and Abet Avenue
areas to determine if there is such support. It is important that at least
80% of the residents show their endorsement for staff to support
completing such a project. I am sure you understand the necessity of
410 EAST
providing an opportunity for others in the area who use this street to
have input on this project. The survey will include a drawing of the
proposed traffic calming design as well as a map detailing proposed
locations along Teg Drive. These sketches should be completed within
the next two weeks and the survey distributed to the neighborhoods in
the latter part of June. After the surveys have been returned and
tabulated, staff will take this information, with a staff recommendation, to
the City Council for their review. I will notify you as ,~o when this will
occur.
Please let me know if you have any questions regarding this letter. You
can contact me at 356-5237.
Sincerely,
Neighborhood Services Coordinator
cc: Stephen Arkins, City Manager Iowa City City Council ,/
Jeff Davidson, JCCOG Transportation Planner
Rick Fosse, City Engineer
Jim Brachtel, Traffic Engineer