HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-07-16 Bd Comm minutes Human Rights Commission
Minutes of May 20, 1996 Meeting
PRESENT:
Alison
Jehle,
Peery
Ames-Galstad, Mel Dautremont, Pat Harvey, Joan
Diane Martin, Ann Shires, Osha Davidson, Andre
ABSENT: Tom Dickerson
Staff
Present: Heather Shank, Kaci Carolyn
Public
Present: Joy Zeiler
CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Galstad called the meeting to order at
7:05 pm. The minutes from the last meeting were approved.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: A motion was made by Ms. Galstad to
recommend to council the acceptance of the proposed housing
ordinance revisions. The second was made by Mr. Peery. The motion
passed unanimously.
IMPEDIMENTS TO HOUSING: The subcommittee presented the following
ideas to the commission:
Commission goals should remain the same.
1. Community education and awareness
2. Substantially equivalent ordinance
3. Network with other organizations and
agencies
Possible actions
1. Increase advertising
2. Distribution of fair housing information to
renters
3. Public education
a. Training session by the Iowa Civil Rights
b. Introduce changes to the ordinance (once
education on Section 8
landlords and
Commission
approved) and
c. Simplified discussion of all sections of the ordinance
4. Interact with other housing-related groups via phone contacts,
attendance/presentations at local meetings, etc.
5. Join with other local ADA presentations - perhaps begin with
the Council on Disability Rights and Education
6. Update the 1985 discrimination survey waiting funding,
hopefully from HUD once the ordinance is certified
Assignments for JUNE meeting
1. Harvey contact The Advertiser and ICON
respond the Mr. Nasby's April presentation
2. Martin - contact the Housing Dept. for information
distribution to landlords
3. Davidson compile a list of contacts for information
distribution to renters
4. Dickerson compile a list of contacts for networking with
housing-related groups
5. Shank - confirm the training session by the Iowa Civil Rights
Commission for the week of August 26th
pursue the ICPC for "cost effective" advertising
SDBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCY: A motion was made by Ms. Dautremont to
accept the proposed changes to the ordinance. The second was made
by Mr. Davidson. The motion passed unanimously.
BYLAWS: The suggestions made by council members were reviewed by
the commission. A motion was made by Mr. Davidson to accept some
of the proposed changes to the bylaws. The second was made by Ms.
Shires. The motion passed unanimously.
IC AS A HR COM/4UNITY Mr. Davidson reported the group has held
several meetings since last month. A key meeting will be held
tomorrow, Tuesday May 21. Until now the meetings have focused on
defining human rights issues in the international arena.
Tomorrow's meeting will begin the process of determining the
framework under which the group will run. Mr. Davidson and Ms.
Galstad will attend the meeting. Further discussion of the
commission's involvement will take place during the June meeting.
REPORTS OF COF~4ISSIONERS: Mr. Davidson will be doing a reading of
his book at Prairie Lights on Tuesday June 18. Mr. Davidson gave
each commissioner a copy of the "Little Hawk" newspaper in which
there is a series of articles on race relations.
OLD BUSINESS: The gender make-up of commissions and boards is
listed on the agenda for the next council meeting to be held
Tuesday, May 21. Ms. Galstad and Ms. Shank will attend the
meeting.
President Coleman will not be able to speak at the breakfast this
year. Ms. Galstad will pursue other possible speakers.
OLD BUSINESS= (CONTJ
Bridges - Mr. Davidson will work with the business subcommitte to
create an insert for the IC Chamber newsletter. The proposed
insert will be sent to the Chamber president. Ms. Shires is a
participant on the Community Issues Committee for the Consultation
of Religious Communities. She will introduce the concept to that
committee.
Educational Forum is set for June 6th and June 13th.
assignments at this point are as follows:
Introductions - Ms. Galstad on 6-6, Ms. Dautremont on 6-13
Set-up - Ms. Dautremont and Ms. Jehle on 6-6
Refreshments - Ms. Harvey
Food - Mr. Davidson, Ms. Shires, Ms. Carolyn, Ms. Martin
The
NEW BUSINESS: Annual state commission training is to be held
October 25 26 in Des Moines. The commissioners planning on
attending are Ms. Jehle, Mr. Peery, Mr. Davidson. Ms. Shank and
Ms. Carolyn also plan to attend.
JUNE MEETING WILL BE TauKSDAY, 6m27 AT 7:00 PM.
STATUS OF CASES: One team has an appeal this month. A second team
is working on a mediation.
Meeting adjourned at 9:09 p.m.
MINUTES
BROADBAND TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
MONDAY, JUNE 3, 1996 - 5:30 P.M.
CIVIC CENTER NORTH CONFERENCE ROOM
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Cordell Jeppsen, Betty McKray, Er~c Rothenbuhler, Steve Hoch
and Howie Vernon
MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT:
Shaffer, Brau, Helling, Dilkes
OTHERS PRESENT:
Beth Fisher, Ren6 Paine, Derek Maurer
SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION
Jeppsen was re-elected Chair. Rothenbuhler was elected Vice Chair. Shaffer reported the
City is working on a telecommunications ordinance which the City should have in place before
any potential competitors with TCI begin service in Iowa City. Ren6 Paine reported PATV has
been discussing with th~l library the possibility of occupying space in the proposed addition
to the library. Shaffer reported a draft of PATV's new contract will be available for the BTC
to review at the Commission's next meeting. The access channel's program listings are now
run in the daily television listings in the Press-Citizen. Galaxy Cablevision, a cable operator
serwng a number of local small communities, has expressed an interest in carrying
Government Channel ~4 on their systems. Galaxy and officials of the local municipalities they
serve are discussing that possibility. The Commission discussed priorities for allocating the
pass-through funds. Hiring a staff person to conduct community programming is one
possibility. Setting up a grant process is another. The Commission discussed the merits of
locating a community programming staff person in either the City Cable TV Division or PATV.
A request was made by the BTC for each of the access channels to prioritize their equipment
requests so the Commission can consider allocating a portion of the first yeads pass-through
funds.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
McKray nominated and Hoch seconded Jeppsen for Chair. Jeppsen was elected 4-0 with
Jeppsen abstaining. McKray nominated and Vernon seconded Rothenbuhler for Vice Chair.
Rothenbuhler was elected 4-0 with Rothenbuhler abstaining.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was moved by Hoch, seconded by McKray, to approve the April 22 minutes, The motion
passed unanimously.
ANNOUNCEMENTS OF COMMISSIONERS
Hoch said he is concerned with the recent rate increase. Rates have gone up substantially
w~th no ~ncrease in the level of service. The BTC should consider alternatives for bringing in
a competitor for TCI. Perhaps the City should issue a Request for Proposal (RFP). Shaffer
said basic and expanded basic rate increases will now be once a year according to FCC rules.
Shaffer has been working on an article to be signed by Jeppsen for the Press-Citizen
explaining the rate increase. An article is also being written to be inserted in the July water
3317
Broadband Telecommunications Commission
June 3, 1996
Page 2
bdls. The City is continuing to work on a telecommunications ordinance that will enable the
City to regulate telecommunications providers in light of a 1996 Telecommunications Act.
The telecommunications ordinance passed by Council last year was the first part of a more
comprehensive local ordinance. Until the ordinance is finished, there ~s a danger that if a
competitor to TCl comes in, the obligations TCI faces for local access may not apply to the
competitor and thus put the existing franchise at risk. Materials to help frame a comprehen-
sive telecommunications ordinance for Iowa City from the National League of Cities will be
received soon. Hoch asked if the work on the ordinance could be put on a fast-track as there
seems to be no alternatives to keep rates in check.
Vernon reported he attended the Johnson County Community Networking Group meeting.
Vernon said they have a good plan and he will continue to follow the group's progress.
McKray reported she is continuing to attend the PATV Board meetings.
SHORT PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS
Nona.
LIBRARY REPORT
Fisher reported there had been a number of Johnson County Board of Supervisors candidate
forums cablecast originating from Library Meeting Room A. Among the sponsoring
organizations were the League of Women Voters, Environmental Advocates, Chamber of
Commerce, and the Johnson County Democratic Party.
TCI REPORT
Shaffer reported Bill Blough faxed him a report and read that report into the record. There was
substantial storm damage to the cable system. TCI crews did a good job and had the system
fully operational by late evening on May 24. It is hoped a new pay channel (Starz) can be
launched by August 1. Contractors are now working to get city block 81 activated.
Refranch~sing negotiations are continuing with Coralville. Shaffer said it appears that TCI is
interpreting the 1 996 Telecommunications Act m such a way that some portions of the Iowa
City franchise upon which Coralville's franchise is modeled, cannot be required subsequent
to the 1996 Act. Rothenbuhler asked about the timeframe for the rebuild. Shaffer said the
rebuild is underway; however, TCI has not provided a schedule. Shaffer will request a
schedule as required in the franchise agreement.
PATV REPORT
Paine reported the new Program Coordinator, Heather Russell. has been h~red. Two summer
interns will be hired and primarily work on covering local events such as the Arts Fest.
Twelve people attended the policy rewew meeting. Those attending felt that mandatory
attendance at the guideline workshop was good; however, there was some concern the three-
hour length was too long. The statement of responsibility policy met no objections. The
prime-time series policy requiring a new program every two weeks may be revised. PATV's
Annual Report will be available for the next BTC meeting and will incorporate assessment
~nformation being worked out m contract negotiations. Maurer reported PATV made a
presentation to the Library Board regarding their housing status. PATV indicated they would
be interested m remaining in their current site or in any addition to the library. Library Director
Broadband Telecommunications Commission
June 3, 1996
Page 3
Susan Craig assured PATV they could continue to occupy their current space until the
proposed addition is decided upon and/or ready. The City Council will probably decide by
August if a bond issue to finance the library expansion will be placed on the ballot.
LEGAL REPORT
None.
ECC REPORT
None.
CABLE TELEVISION ADMINISTRATOR REPORT
Shaffer reported receiving 1 3 complaints - 3 about rate increases, 1 about a billing problem,
1 about the late fee, 1 about a poor quality signal, 1 about the pass-through fee, and 6 about
outages.
PATV CONTRACT RENEWAL
Shaffer reported a draft of PATV's new contract will be ready for BTC review within a week.
The BTC will take up the contract at their next meeting. It was reported that the PATV Board
will have reviewed the draft contract prior to the next BTC meeting.
ACCESS CHANNEL LISTINGS IN THE PRESS-CITIZEN
Shaffer reported the Press-Citizen has begun listing the local access channel's program listings
adjacent to the daily television listings. Hoch offered to write a letter thanking the Press-
Citizen for doing so. It was suggested the title listing should be changed to Local Access
Programming and that the number of the channels be included.
ACCESS CHANNEL SURVEY
Shaffer said it is doubtful a survey could be developed and conducted before the BTC should
have a recommendation on how the pass-through funds should be spent. He suggested the
survey could serve as a long-term tool for future recommendations the BTC will make.
Determining the questions the survey is designed to answer is now being considered. Hoch
said each access channel provider should be invited to develop questions they would like to
have addressed.
GOVERNMENT ACCESS GUIDELINES
Shaffer reported that Anne Burnside has forwarded her report on Government Channel and
Guidelines to Linda Woito and will be reviewed shortly.
GOVERNMENT CHANNEL ON GALAXY CABLEVISION
Shaffer reported representatives from Galaxy Cablevision, which serves a number of small
towns in Johnson County, have approached him about carrying the government channel on
their systems. It is possible franchise fee money from those communities to be served could
Broadband Telecommunications Commission
June 3, 1996
Page 4
be allocated to cover costs associated with supplying this programming to the surrounding
commumties. This revenue would flow back to the City of Iowa City to help pay for
programming costs. Representatives from Galaxy and the individual communities will be
meeting to discuss their options. Hoch asked if Galaxy had expressed any interest in the
other access channels. Shaffer said Galaxy was primarily interested in the coverage of public
meetings now being produced and shown by Government Channel 4. The individual access
channels, if interested, should approach Galaxy about getting their channels on Galaxy.
PASS-THROUGH FUND OPTIONS
Jeppsen referred to a memo in the BTC packet from Shaffer regarding possible approaches
to pass-through fund allocations. The three main priorities under discussion include,
community programming, a facility, and equipment for the access channel providers. The
Commission can move ahead with the community programming and wait on the facility, until
the possibility of housing in the proposed library addition more firm. Jeppsen said he believes
a staff person should be hired by the City Cable TV Division to undertake community
programming. Hoch said the question remains if hiring a staff person is the most efficient use
of funds. It is possible to take $40,000 allocated to community programming and disperse
it in the form of grants to local producers to create community programming. If the staff
person is to be hired, a decision needs to be made if that person will be hired by PATV or the
City. Jeppsen said it is his recommendation that a staff person for community programming
is the highest priority and should be hired and located within the City. McKray said the
community programming proposals for PATV and the City Media Unit need to be reviewed and
see how the $40,000 of funding would apply. Jeppsen noted that if community programming
grants were given, there would still be overhead and administrative costs. Shaffer said that
early in the first franchise period, Hawkeye Cablevision, then the franchisee, gave grants for
local programming. The programs produced varied considerably in quahty. In general, it was
not a good experience. It is likely there would be a wide variation of skills and quality now
as well if a grant model was adopted. Vernon said that if community programming relied on
volunteers, the effort could run into problems. Vernon said the Commission could allocate
some funds for equipment immediately. Rothenbuhler said that if the staff person ~s hired for
community programming, that person will need to have greater skdls and abilities than just
videotaping programs. The most efficient use of funds would not be to have a higher paid
(and skilled) staff person spending large amounts of time shooting videotape, but rather to use
volunteers as much as possible. Shaffer said reliance on volunteers can be a problematic.
There is a need for community programming to establish an ~dent~ty and develop support in
the commumty for it. Establishing a long-term relationship w~th the commumty ~s needed for
community programming to be successful.- That can best be accomplished by a paid
professional with people and technical skdls. Hoch said he envisions a community
programming coordinator as actively producing programs and making programming decismns.
In this case, the City needs to be insulated from programming chomes as controvers,8s m~ght
ar~se. The City needs to have a relationship to programming s~milar to their relationship with
PATV. For th~s reason it may be best to locate a commumty programming coordinator with
PATV. Shaffer said the types of programming envisioned are generally non-controversial,
such as parades, concerts, and events such as Riverlest. Potential problems m~ght arise when
~t becomes widely known that there is someone available to produce programs and a group
with controversial viewpoints desires to get a program produced. For th~s reason,
Government Channel 4's guidelines have been looked at by C~ty legal and have mcorporated
an approach that should ehmmate problem areas. Vernon said there would be no problems
locating the commumty programming coordinator with the City if the appropriate checks and
Broadband Telecommunications Commission
June 3, 1996
Page 5
balances are incorporated. McKray said the community programming coordinator and the
mission of community programming may fit better with the City's mission and philosophy
rather than the mission and philosophy of PATV. Rothenbuhler said he agreed with McKray.
In addition, a formal proposal of a community programming job description should be
developed. McKray and Hoch said the Commission can move ahead on allocating funds for
equipment for the access channels. Jeppsen said the access channels should submit the list
of their priorities for equipment to the BTC. Vernon said that the BTC has about $35,000
available for the first year's allocation. Helling said the pass-through funds come in monthly,
not annually. Also, perhaps some funds for a facility may need to be reserved for use when
needed.
ADJOURNMENT
It was moved by Hoch and seconded by Rothenbuhler to adjourn. The motion passed
unanimously. Adjournment at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cable Television Administrator
MINUTES
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
JUNE 19, 1996
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Ken Fearing, Deb Liddell, Bruce Maurer, Matt Pacha,
Rex Pruess, Allen Stroh, Ross WilDurn
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Jana Egeland, Judith Klink
STAFF PRESENT:
Terry Trueblood, Mike Moran, Bob Howell, Marilyn Kriz
GUESTS:
Karen Kubby, Naomi Novick, Melody Rockwell, Larry
Wilson
FORMAL ACTIoN TAKEN:
Moved by Stroh, seconded by WilDurn,
written. Unanimous.
to approve the May 8,
1996 minutes as
RIVERFRONT & NATUI~ ~qEAS COMMISSION REPORT:
Pruess reported on a city staff memo recommending combining two CIP
projects, the Iowa River Corridor Trail (Burlington to Sturgis Ferry Park)
and the Ned Ashton Memorial Park, which he was in favor of.
MPAC EXPANSION PROJECT:
Pacha reported the co~nnittee gave a presentation to the City Council, with
no definite answer being given. The committee met with a professional fund
raiser to discuss the proposed Mercer Park Aquatic Center expansion
project, who will be submitting a preliminary proposal and time line.
Trueblood reported the same fundraiser has been approached by the Old
Capitol Skaters Alliance. Pacha stated the committee will be attending the
July 1st informal City Council meeting to obtain their approval to hire a
professional fundraiser for this project, and encouraged all commission
members to attend.
COMMISSION TIME:
Pruess commented on the proposed trail from Burlington Street to Sturgis
Ferry Park, noting a member of the Riverfront and Natural Areas Commission
expressed interest in continuing this trail past Sturgis Ferry Park to the
residential area to the south. Pruess stated a number of residents in this
area would make good use of the trail, not only for recreational purposes
but for means of transportation.
WilDurn congratulated Michael Moran on his completion of the Chamber of
Commerce Leadership Program.
Stroh endorsed the idea of building the Ned Ashton Park along with the Iowa
River Corridor Trail system. Trueblood noted staff is currently working
with steve Ford of Shoemaker and Haaland to complete additional design work
on the park in conjunction with Shive-Hattery.
Liddell congratulated Michael Moran and staff for the good work done on
organizing the Olympic Torch Festival. She noted she had received
inquiries about the unfinished sidewalk along the Iowa River on Rocky Shore
Drive, and asked if completion of it was delayed due to the wet weather.
Howell stated the Street Division is doing the work; Naomi Novick
indicating a piece of the sidewalk is completed each day.
Moved by Pacha, seconded by Wilburn, to adjourn. Unanimous. The meeting
adjourned at 4:20 p.m., with the commission departing for its annual park
tour.
Persons attending tour:
Fearing Kubby Trueblood
Liddell Novick Moran
Pruess Rockwell Howell
Stroh Wilson
Wilburn
2
4:20 p.m.
4:30
4:40
4:50
5:10
5:30
6:10
6:30
6:40
6:55
7:15
7:25
7:45
TO[~R - 1996
6-19-96
Leave Recreation Center
Sturgis Ferry Park
Napoleon Park
Soccer Complex
Whispering Meadows
Wetherby Park (dinner)
Court Hill Park/Trail
Scott Park
--Aongfclto~4~anor
City Park
Crandic Park
Hawkeye Complex
Recreation Center
MINUTES - DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE
JUNE 17,1996 - 4:00 P.M.
CIVIC CENTER - LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Nancy Footner, Laura Hawks, Martin Haynes, Gary Nagle, Phil
Reisetter, Randy Rohovit, Clara Swan
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Karyl Larson, Bill Nowysz
STAFF PRESENT:
Jeffrey McKinney, David Schoon
OTHERS PRESENT:
Susan Craig, Larry Eckholt
CALL TO ORDER:
Meeting called to order at 4:05 P.M.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Recommended, by a vote of 5-1 with Hawks voting no, that the City Council adopt the revised
Design Review Oveday Zone Ordinance, subject to the City Attorney's Office approval, and
adopt the Design Review Committee By-Law Amendments regarding frequency of meetings,
committee membership, and community education.
PRELIMINARY REVIEW OF THE PROPOSED PUBLIC LIBRARY ADDITION AND RENOVA-
TION PROJECT DESIGN:
Susan Craig presented the Committee with an outline of the library expansion proposal, noting
the approaching November bond referendum. The presentation emphasizes the following
points:
The proposed expansion will occur on the current site of the Lenoch and Cilek building.
The project will produce a space of approximately 105,000 square feet, 25,000 ofwhich
will be commercial
The library expansion budget is approximately $15 million (does not include property
acquisition costs).
The current plan would allow a year for public input, following voter approval of the
referendum.
Actual construction would be slated to begin January. 1998.
The design features a large covered walkway and ~s highlighted by a large, sloping silo type
structure which wdl serve as a comer entrance to the first floor commercial space and house
a reading room on the second floor. The design also ~ncludes a prominent tower as the
entrance to the library, several windows and reading rooms.
Craig asserted that the strategy behind this design is to incorporate the structure with activity
in the pedestrian mall and create a dominate landmark m that area The design is said to be
Mediterranean m style with some Victorian influence. The entrance tower is intended to
resemble the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Haynes began the discussion by asking what primary materials will be used in the construction
of this design. Craig responded that the design calls for the ~ncorporabon of stone and brick.
Design Review Committee
June 17. 1996
Page 2
Swan then asked what the purpose of the partial third floor will be. To this Craig responded
that this floor will serve as a reading and meeting room. She added that the design includes
the adequate space and structural integrity necessary for a full third and fourth floor expansion
on the clear story line, if needed in the future. Eckholt added that the purpose of the third floor
addition is to provide the library with more open space and light.
Several Committee members voiced concerns regarding the appearance and function of the
comer silo or cylindrical entrance. They felt the design on the comer tower did not go with the
rest of the building. However, criticisms were mixed with compliments from others regarding
the bold design of the tower. More specifically, Hawks questioned the purpose of the significant
height of this structure which will house only two floors. Craig responded by noting the low
ceiling height in the current library and the traditionally high ceilings of classic reading rooms.
She added that the tower could attract project funding by attaching a contdbutor's name to the
structure.
Foother asked what the purpose of the cylindrical windows located at the top of the tower will
be. Eckholt stated that these windows are intended to provide a natural light source for the
reading room. Craig added that the tower will be an attractive addition to an otherwise non-
descdpt building and will serve as a landmark in the downtown.
Swan asked if the city's downtown task force has been or will be involved in the design of the
proposed library expansion as it relates to the plaza. Craig responded in the affirmative.
Rohovit then asked if the proposal includes outdoor seating under the canopy attached to the
structure. Eckholt responded by stating that seating is part of the envisioned product and will
include space for outdoor cafes outside the first floor commercial space.
Schoon asked if the building line will remain the same as that of the Lenoch and Cilek building
that is currently located on the expansion site. Eckholt responded that the building line will
remain the same, but the canopy and its large bdck support columns will extend far beyond the
current line.
Haynes asked what would be done with the space on the opposite side of the pedestrian mall
which is currently a parking lot. Craig asserted that the hbrary expansion would complement
a new development on that site. Nagle noted that he likes the stone and brick used in the
structure, but does not like the bnck columns or corner tower
Haynes thanked Craig and Eckholt for their presentabon. Craig and Eckholt left at 4:45.
Schoon said the normal procedure with a preliminary rewew ~s to draft a letter In this ~nstance,
~t appears the letter should voice the Committee's general approval of the design as a work in
progress The drafting of such a letter was approved by general consensus.
DISCUSSION REGARDING THE PROPOSED DESIGN REVIEW OVERLAY ZONE ORDI-
NANCE (ODR):
MANDATORY REVIEW-VOLUNTARY COMPLIANCE AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE PRO-
POSED ORDINANCE:
Haynes asked the opinion of the Committee regarding the Design Rewew ordinance being a
mandatory rewew-voluntary compliance process Hawks asked ff he had spoken with the
Design Review Committee
June 17, 1996
Page 3
Downtown Association or the Chamber of Commerce regarding their feelings on this issue.
Haynes replied that he has contacted them, but had received no response.
Nagle stated that a voluntary compliance ordinance would not guarantee comphance and would
subsequently compromise the effectiveness of the ordinance. Hawks argued that a mandatory
review-voluntary compliance ordinance will elicit a positive response from developers and avoid
conflicts down the road. She believes the compromise of a mandatory review-voluntary compli-
ance process will build a more positive working relationship w~th those opposed to the concept
of design review. The general consensus is that, if given the choice, most people would
comply. but there will be some that will not.
Footnet stated that the ordinance is an important tool for protecting community and economic
safety by regulating the ~nterface between public and pdvate space. Haynes added that if the
Committee does not come back with a mandatory review-mandatory compliance ordinance
proposal it will "look like we are vacillating." Rohovit asserted that proponents of the voluntary
ordinance and the Committee are not that far apart given the fact that the ordinance simply sets
minimum requirements that should not receive significant opposition.
Swan moved and Rohovit seconded to take a revised mandatory review-mandatory compliance
ordinance to the Council. The motion carded by a vote of 5-1 w~th Hawks voting no.
Reisetter arrived at 5:15.
REVISIONS TO THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE:
Schoon stated that the portion of the ordinance which addresses the scheduling of meetings
is intended to guarantee a Committee decision within 4 days following a regularly scheduled
meeting.
Footner left the meeting. Before she left the meeting. she indicated that the m~nutes of the May
9. 19961 did not note everything she sa~d at that meeting
There was a general consensus that the revisions are apprepdate to the Councirs concerns.
However. Nagle voiced his concern over the appropriateness of weekly Design Review
Committee meetings. He suggested that applicants be given the option of calling a special
meeting ~f needed. while only holding b~weekly meetings Hawks asserted that the weekly
meetings demonstrate the Commi~ee's commitment to streamhnmg the process. Haynes
assured that any meeting can be canceled if it ~s not necessap/ He added that the staff person
can influence when applications are submitted and that these informal controls should be of
help to mimmize the time commitment of Committee members
Schoon outhned the rest of the changes made to the original draft of the ordinance and the
proposed by-law amendments
Swan moved and Reisetter seconded that the C~ty Council adopt the revised Design Rewew
Oveday Zone Ordinance, subject to the City Attorney's Office approval, and adopt the Design
Rewew Committee By-Law Amendments regarding frequency of meetings, committee member-
sh~p, and community education. The motion carried by a vote of 5-1, with Hawks voting no
It was suggested to recruit a downtown business owner to jo~n the Committee when presenting
the rewsed ordinance ~n an effort to strengthen the presentation.
Design Review Committee
June 17, 1996
Page 4
UPDATES:
PANCHERO'S SIDEWALK CAFE APPLICATION:
Haynes referred the Committee to the memo in the packet.
TALBOT'S FACADE RENOVATION AT OLD CAPITOL MALL:
At issue is the fact that Talbot's will be unable to add display windows on the Clinton Street
side because of the Osco Drug sign that hangs directly above this window. Swan noted that
display windows would be an attractive addition. She suggested that the Committee send a
letter to both parties suggesting the possibility of a compromise that would make such a display
possible. The general consensus of the Committee was to send such a letter.
COMMITTEE VACANCY:
It was noted that Nowysz was reappointed to the Committee and that one vacancy still exists
due to Hawks departure.
Laura Hawks was presented with a certificate of appreciation for her service on the Committee.
Haynes left the meeting at 6:05. Swan took over as chair.
CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES OF THE MAY 9, 1996 SPECIAL MEETING AND THE
MAY 20, 1996 MEETING:
The minutes were reviewed. Swan questioned accurateness of the mandatory education
discussion on page 3 of those minutes. Two amendments were made and Nagle moved and
Reisetter seconded that the minutes be approved as amended. The motion carried by a vote
of 4-0-1 with Swan abstaining.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION:
Nagle complimented the Historic Preservation Committee on its swards ceremony. He noted
the large turnout and well thought out structure of the presentation. He suggested that the
Design Review Committee consider holdin{~ such a ceremony.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 6:45.
Minutes submitted by Jeff McKinney
MINUTES
DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE SPECIAL MEETING
WEDNESDAY, JULY 10, 1996 - 4.:00 P.M.
CIVIC CENTER - LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM
Subject to APprOval
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Martin Haynes, Karyl Larson, Bill Nowysz, Clara Swan, Nancy
Footnet, Gary Nagle,
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Phil Reisetter, Randy Rohovit
STAFF PRESENT:
David Schoon
OTHERS PRESENT: None
CALL TO ORDER:
Chair Martin Haynes called the meeting to order at 4:05.
DISCUSSION REGARDING THE PROPOSED DESIGN REVIEW OVERLAY (ODR) ZONE
ORDINANCE:
Haynes stated that he called the special meeting in order to prepare for the discussions with
the City Council on July 15 and July 16. He asked committee members if they had any
comments on or revisions to the memo to the Council, the revised ordinance, or the example
design review application packet. There were no specific comments or revisions; however,
a brief discussion took place regarding the ordinance still consisting of a mandatory
review/mandatory compliance component. Bill Nowysz stated that he only hopes some type
of design review process is adopted by Council, even if it is not a mandatory
review/mandatory compliance type of process. Haynes asked Nowysz if he felt the rewritten
ordinance had achieved the committee's goal of a speedier, less cumbersome process.
Nowysz stated that he thought it had.
Haynes stated that he has talked with a couple of councilors regarding the revised ordinance
and hopes to talk with some more prior to the Council meeting next Monday. He said there
still appears to be some Council support for a mandatory review/voluntary compliance
process. The idea is that a "softer" approach should be first tried. Clara Swan added that
the idea of the ordinance including a sunset clause may be discussed by the Councd again.
Committee members expressed the opinion that they were not opposed to a sunset clause.
Haynes reported that Dee Norton expressed the concern that the establishment of a design
review process would drive businesses from downtown to Coralville. Haynes said that he
responded that design review will benefit the area by ensuring an attractive physical
environment. Swan noted that Norton would also like a list of communities that have design
review.
Haynes said he had also talked with John 8eckord, president of the Chamber of Commerce
regarding the idea of mandatory review/voluntary compliance type of process. Haynes
summarized his discussion with Beckord by saying that the Chamber had a discussion
regarding a voluntary compliance mechanism, and there seemed to be some preference for
a voluntary compliance mechanism over a mandatory compliance mechanism. However, the
MINUTES
DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE SPECIAL MEETING
JULY 10, 1996
PAGE 2
Chamber did not have an opportunity to review the revised ordinance prior to its discussion
of a voluntary compliance mechanism.
The Committee then discussed how individual committee members could encourage
supporters, in particular downtown business owners, to attend the Council's formal meeting.
Schoon stated he would have copies of the memo, ordinance, and application packet available
to Committee members to give to the public. Haynes encouraged all Committee members to
attend the Council meetings next week.
Haynes noted that the regular meeting of July 15, 1996, has been cancelled.
CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES OF THE APRIL 15, 1996 MEETING:
Schoon noted that the minutes should indicate that Foother left the meeting prior to the vote
on the revised ordinance and that the vote on the revised ordinance should be 5-1 rather than
6-1.
Swan moved and Nowysz seconded to approve the minutes of the June 17, 1996 meeting
as amended. The motion was carried by a vote of 6-0.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
There was none.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION:
The Committee briefly discussed the idea of having a design competition sometime in the
future. Gary Nagle asked staff to compare the design of the World Fruit Market cart with the
design approved by the Committee. He does not believe they are the same, Nowysz stated
that he has observed trails of grease from vending carts on the Plaza.
ADJOURNMENT:
Footnet moved and Swan seconded to adjourn the meeting at 5:00. The motion was carried
by a vote of 6-0.
Minutes submitted by David Schoon