HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-08-12 Info Packet
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"'Ç..' .....,~ CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET
-....... August 12,2004
CiTY OF IOWA CiTY
www.icgov.org
I MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS I
IP1 Tentative Future Meetings and Work Session Agendas
IP2 Memorandum from the City Manager: Missing Link Trail Project
IP3 Memorandum from Ass!. City Attorney Andy Matthews to the City Manager: Prairie Waste
Service Solid Waste Hauling Contract
IP4 Memorandum from Captain Widmer to the Chief of Police: Wetherby Grant - Spring 04
IP5 Memorandum from Jeff Davidson, Ass!. Director of Planning and Community Development:
Extension of First Avenue and Scott Boulevard
IP6 Memorandum from Anissa Williams, JCCOG Traffic Engineering Planner: Potential Traffic
Calming on 4th Avenue and A Street
IP7 Building Permit Information - July 2004
IPS Police Department Use of Force Report: July 2004
IP9 Agenda Packet for: August 19 PATV Board of Directors Meeting
IP10 July - August 2004 ECICOG Express
IP11 Minutes: July 21 Joint Meeting (Coralville, Iowa City, North Liberty, IC School District
Board of Directors, Johnson County Board of Supervisors)
I PRELIMINARY DRAFT/MINUTES I
IP12 Board of Adjustment: July 14, 2004
IP13 Charter Review Commission: July 29, 2004
IP14 Public Art Advisory Committee: July 29, 2004
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!:.~~W~1It City Council Meeting Schedule and
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--, Work Session Agendas August12,2004
CITY OF IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
I TENTATIVE FUTURE MEETINGS AND AGENDAS I
· MONDAY, AUGUST 16 Emma J. HaNat Hall
Work Session Canceled
· TUESDAY, AUGUST 17 Emma J. HaNat Hall
Formal Council Meeting Canceled
· MONDAY, AUGUST 30 Emma J. HaNat Hall
6:30p Special Council Work Session
· TUESDAY, AUGUST 31 Emma J. HaNat Hall
7:00p Special Formal Council Meeting
· MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 Emma J. HaNat Hall
Labor Day Holiday - City Office Closed
Work Session Canceled
· TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 Emma J. HaNat Hall
Formal Council Meeting Canceled
· MONDAY,SEPTEMBER13 Emma J. HaNat Hall
6:30p Special Council Work Session
· TUESDAY,SEPTEMBER14 Emma J. HaNat Hall
7:00p Special Formal Council Meeting
· MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 Emma J. HaNat Hall
Council Work Session Canceled
· TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 Emma J. HaNat Hall
Formal Council Meeting Canceled
· MONDAY, OCTOBER 4 Emma J. HaNat Hall
6:30p Council Work Session
· TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5 Emma J. HaNat Hall
7:00p Formal Council Meeting
· MONDAY,OCTOBER18 Emma J. HaNat Hall
6:30p Council Work Session
· TUESDAY,OCTOBER19 Emma J. HaNat Hall
7:00p Formal Council Meeting
Meeting dates/timesltopics subject to change
FUTURE WORK SESSION ITEMS
Regulation of Downtown Dumpsters
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I ~ ¡ CITY OF IOWA CITY ~
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~~W;!: MEMORANDUM
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Date: August 5, 2004
To: City Council
From: City Manager
Re: Missing Link Trail Project
The current Capital Improvement Program includes $700,000 for the Missing Link Trail, a trail
between Foster Road and the Waterworks Park Trail, which will link together the north and
south segments of the Iowa River Corridor Trail. The $700,000 cost figure reflects property
acquisition and construction of the trail through the Washington Park property, which has been
purchased by the developers of the Mackinaw Village Estates subdivision. As part of the
Mackinaw Village Estates Development, the developer has agreed to construct the majority of
this trail between Foster Road and the Interstate 80 right-of-way. The City will still be
responsible for the segment of trail through the Interstate 80 right-of-way to connect to the
Waterworks Park Trail.
Our intention is to proceed with construction of the public segment of the Missing Link Trail
under Interstate 80 in 2005, and to work with the Mackinaw Village developer to establish a rock
trail as a temporary connection between Interstate 80 and Foster Road while the Mackinaw
Village neighborhood is under construction. A similar rock trail exists on the Peninsula site; as
these neighborhoods are built out and infrastructure is constructed, the rock trail will be replaced
by the permanent trail.
We estimate the City portion of this project will be in the range of $75,000 to $125,000. We had
intended on pursuing a Federal Recreational Trails grant for the larger project, but we can fund
the smaller project locally and avoid many of the strings attached to Federal funds. There are
larger trail projects contemplated in south Iowa City that would be more appropriate for pursuing
state and federal grants.
Completion of the Missing Link Trail will result in a complete bicycle network between Napoleon
Park and West Overlook Road near the Coralville reservoir, a distance of 9 miles.
mgrlmemlmissing link trail.doc
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I ~ ¡ CITY OF IOWA CITY~
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~~W;!:1It MEMORANDUM
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Date: August 4, 2004 ~-~ ~~
To: Stephen Atkins, City Manager
From: Andy Matthews, Assistant City Attorney
Re: Prairie Waste Service Solid Waste Hauling Contract
You will recall that I sent Prairie Waste Service a Notice of Default and Right to Cure
letter on July 23, 2004 regarding the contract awarded to Prairie Waste Service for solid
waste pick up and disposal services at various City facilities. The contract performance
issue related to a requirement in the contract that obligated Prairie Waste Service to
dispose of the waste at the City landfill.
City staff has documented and confirmed that Prairie Waste Service has cured the
default. Scale tickets from the City's landfill show, and City staff confirm, that Prairie
Waste Service is utilizing the City landfill as required under the contract.
cc: Dave Elias - Wastewater Division Superintendent
Kevin O'Malley - Finance Director
Erin Herting - Assistant Finance Director
Brad Neumann - JCCOG Solid Waste Planning Coordinator
Mary Niichel - Central Services Administrator
Kevin Aunan - General Manager, Hawkeye Waste Systems Inc.
Bruce Thomas - General Manager, Prairie Waste Service
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DEPARTMENT MEMO 04-33 ~A-¥.
TO: RJ Winkelhake tIfI/ r./';)J
FROM: Captain Widmer ~
REF: Wetherby Grant - Spring 04
DATE: July 30,2004
In the Spring of 04, the Wetherby Neighborhood Association elected to use a portion of their
PIN Grant money to partner with the Iowa City Police Department in a unique program.
Wanting neighborhood youth to interact with police officers in a positive manner,
mentoring/interaction opportunities were sought out and four venues were selected.
1) Scanlon Gym/Mercer Aquatic Center - (January 5-ApriI15, Thursdays). On early school
release days, an Iowa City Officer participated in "Challenge a Cop". Students interacted and
competed in a selected game (pool, HORSE, ping pong, etc.) with an officer.
2) Grant Wood Elementary - (January 19-March 12). Three times each week (M-W-F), a
selected officer was paired with a student in an after school tutoring program.
3) SE Junior High (January 27-May 4). Two officers were selected to individually meet with an
assigned student, one on Monday and one Tuesday for an after school mentoring program.
4) Mark Twain Elementary - (April 9-May 7). An officer participated in an after school
activities program with students.
A total of83 hours were invested in these programs. The Wetherby PIN Grant paid for 56.75
hours of officer overtime ($1760.14) and the Iowa City Police Department additionally invested
26.25 hours. Selected officers were allowed to interact with the students in an uninterrupted,
nontraditional manner. These interactions were highly popular and successful in that other
schools outside the Wetherby Neighborhood school boundaries requested similar interaction,
requests we were not able to fulfill with existing resources. Wetherby Neighborhood youth were
impacted by these programs as well as the officers who were given the opportunity to participate.
~~Å....~... C I T Y 0 F lOW A C I T Y ~
~~I~;!:~~ MEMORANDUM
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Date: August 3, 2004
To: City Manager and City Council
From: Jeff Davidson, Assistant Director, Depl. of Planning and Community Development 7-'P/
Re: Extension of First Avenue and Scott Boulevard
In November 2002 the extensions of First Avenue and Scott Boulevard were opened to the public
between Dodge Street and Rochester Avenue. At that time there was concern about future traffic volume
on First Avenue because of the existence of several schools along the corridor. The City Council delayed
the opening of First Avenue until the Scott Boulevard extension was completed so that the roads could
open simultaneously, and hopefully there would be a more balanced distribution of traffic between the two
streets.
In March 2003 we measured traffic volumes and it was apparent that this strategy was successful. Traffic
volumes between the First Avenue extension and Scott Boulevard extension were more balanced than
our arterial street traffic analysis model had predicted.
I thought you might be interested to see what has happened to traffic volumes in this area between 2002
and 2004. We recently completed traffic counts in the area, and here are the results:
L tl f C t Predicted 03 Average Actual March 03 Average Actual May 04 Average
oca on 0 oun Daily Traffic Volume Daily Traffic Volume Daily Traffic Volume
First Ave. between Rochester 9,986 4,480 7,013
Ave. & Scott Blvd.
Scott Blvd. between First 1,270 3,223 4,503
Ave. & Rochester Ave.
Rochester Ave. between First 4,750 3,200 6,121
Ave. & Scott Blvd.
There also has been some question about the impact of the First Avenue and Scott Boulevard extensions
on Dodge Street and Governor Street, so we took traffic counts on those streets as well.
L r f C t Summer 1998 Average Summer 2002 Average May 2004 Average Daily
oca Ion 0 oun Daily Traffic Volume Daily Traffic Volume Traffic Volume
Dodge 51. between Ronalds 7 600 9 000 6 790
51. & Church 51. ' , ,
Governor SI. between 7 400 8 500 6 105
Ronalds 51. & Church 51.' , ,
As expected, it appears the First Avenue and Scott Boulevard extensions have moderated traffic volume
somewhat on Dodge Street and Governor Street. Overall traffic volume is increasing on the First Avenue
and Scott Boulevard extensions, but the distribution between the two streets is much closer than our
traffic model initially predicted.
Let me know if you have any questions.
cc: Rick Fosse
Karin Franklin
Ron Knoche
ppdadmlmemljd-CMtraffcounls.doc
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
August 9, 2004 410 East Washington Street
Iowa City. Iowa 52240-1826
13191356-5000
13191356-5009 'AX
Re: Potential Traffic Calming on 4th Avenue and A Street www.lcgov.org
Dear Resident of the 4th Avenue & A Street Area:
In April, the Creekside Neighborhood Association, on behalf of the residents of the 400 block of 4th Avenue and the
2000 biock of A Street, requested to be considered for the City's traffic calming program. The City completed an
evaluation and deemed that these streets qualify for the program based on excessive speeds (more than 5 mph over
the speed limit).
There was a public meeting held with the neighborhood in May to discuss the program and alternatives available. The
initial preferred option of traffic circles was found to be unfeasible due to narrow street widths. The traffic circles would
also require that a number of parking spaces be removed from the street, which was not the interest of the neighbors.
Two other alternatives, a one-way, northbound street and speed humps were discussed at a meeting on July 29. It
was decided by those neighbors in attendance that speed humps was the preferred of the two options, and directed
staff to survey the residents of 4th Avenue and A Street to determine their level of support. Speed humps are not the
same as speed bumps. Speed bumps are used in parking lots to slow traffic. The speed humps would be 12 feet in
length and a maximum height of 3" at the center as shown in the example drawing. The enclosed plan shows the
approximate locations of the proposed speed humps.
The next step in the City's traffic calming program evaluation is a survey of the neighborhood. The "neighborhood" is
defined by the City Council as all residential dwelling units on property which is contiguous to the affected blocks of 4th
Avenue and A Street, as well as all residential dwellings on any street which must use these biocks of 4th Avenue and
A Street for access. This results in a survey of 16 affected households in the 400 block of 4th Avenue and the 2000
block of A Street.
The enclosed postage-paid survey has been provided to you to indicate to us how you feel about the proposed speed
humps. The City's traffic calming program is not intended to have the City impose unwanted traffic calming devices on
a neighborhood. Rather, it is intended to allow a neighborhood to determine if they wish to have traffic calming devices
installed. The neighborhood survey must indicate that at least 60% of responding neighborhood residents are in favor
of the proposed traffic calming installation. Otherwise the proposal will not be forwarded to the City Council for
consideration. To clarify, each residence receives one vote, not each resident.
If the proposal receives at least 60% approval from your neighborhood it will be forwarded to the City Council for
consideration, along with comments on the proposal which are being solicited from the Fire Department, Police
Department, Ambulance Service, Department of Public Works, and Iowa City Transit. If approved by City Council, we
would then work with the neighborhood to install the speed humps in the locations shown on the enclosed diagram.
Signs would also be installed warning motorists of the speed humps ahead. After one year, the neighborhood would be
re-surveyed to determine if the speed humps are effective and should remain in place.
Thank you for your consideration of this matter. Please return your survey postcard no later than August 20, 2004.
If you have any questions, I can be contacted at 356-5254 or anissa-williams@iowa-city.org.
Sincerely,
~~
Anissa Williams, JCCOG Traffic Engineering Planner
Enclosures
cc. . .
City Manager
Karin Franklin, Director, Planning & Comm. Development
Jeff Davidson, Asst. Director, Planning & Comm. Development
Marcia Klingaman, Neighborhood Services Coordinator
Garry Klein, Creekside Neighborhood Association
jccogtplltr/4th & a.doc
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BUILDING PERMIT INFORMATION
July 2004
KEY FOR ABBREVIATIONS
. Type of Improvement:
ADD - Addition
ALT - Alteration
REP - Repair
FND - Foundation Only
NEW -New
OTH - Other type of construction
Type of Use:
RSF - Residential Single Family
RDF - Residential Duplex
RMF - Three or more residential
RAC - Residential Accessory Building
MIX - Mixed
NON - Non-residential
OTH - Other
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Page: 2 City of Iowa City
Date: 8/9/2004 Extraction of Building Permit Data for
To: 7/1/2004 Census Bureau Report
from: 7/31/2004
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Permit Number Name Address Imor Use Stories Units Valuation
BLD04-00377 REGINA HIGH SCHOOL 2140 ROCHESTER AVE ADD NON 2 2 $3,325,000
2 STORY HIGH SCHOOL ADDITION AND t STORY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ADDITION
Total ADD/NON permits: I Total Valuation: $3,325,000
BLD04-00543 CHRIS ATCHISON 409 KILLARNEY RD ADD RAC 1 0 $17,000
ATTACHED SINGLE CAR GARAGE ADDITION TO SFD
Total ADD/RAC permits: I Total Valuation: $17,000
BLD04-00495 PAT DUFFY t26 RICHARDS ST ADD RSF 2 0 $125,000
ADDITION TO SFD
BLD04-004t3 ARTHUR & BRENDA-WALK] 1509 BROOKWOOD DR ADD RSF 2 2 $19,500
3 SEASON PORCH AND DECK ADDITION
BLD04-00476 BRIAN L WHEELER & SUSA] 727 SANDUSKY DR ADD RSF t t $9,000
14' x 16' Screen Porch
BLD04-00521 DONALD E BODENSTEINER 512 S SUMMIT ST ADD RSF 2 0 $5,000
2ND STORY ADDITION TO SFD
BLD04-00544 LEE, DEBRA A 806 KIRKWOOD AVE ADD RSF 1 0 $4,500
DECK ADDITIONS TO SFD
BLD04-0045I DOUGLAS C & JANICE L HEI t t39 DOWNEY DR ADD RSF 2 t $4,000
SCREEN PORCH ADDITION FOR SFD
BLD04-00515 MIKE A & KATHY J WHITE 1007 BRIAR DR ADD RSF 2 0 $3,800
1st floor screen porch and 2nd floor balcony
BLD04-00453 OSMUNDSON,ROBERTJ 730 4TH AVE ADD RSF 2 1 $2,166
SCREEN PORCH ADDITON FOR SFD
BLD04-00523 JAMES M & NORMA J P ANTI 3363 LOWER WEST BRANt ADD RSF t 0 $1,500
12' x 18' Pergola
BLD04-00541 DAVID CUSICK 1714 WILSON ST ADD RSF 1 0 $950
DECK ADDITION TO FRONT OF SFD
BLD04-00538 JAY BOSHARA & ECE ALGA t437 DICKENSON LN ADD RSF 2 0 $650
DECK ADDITION TO SFD
BLD04-00546 NORM ZIMMERMAN 1613 BROADWAY ST ADD RSF t 0 $500
DECK ADDITION AND BASEMENT EGRESS WINDOW
Total AD D/RS F permits: t2 Total Valuation: $176,566
BLD04-00510 GRIMOORE, INC 191 HIGHWAY t WEST ALT NON 2 0 $200,000
7,740 SQUARE FEET RESTAURANT BAR IN FORMER RENTAL STORE
BLD04-00449 ALP LA INC 2258 HEINZ RD ALT NON 2 t $136,800
ADD 2ND FLOOR OFFICES TO FACTORY
BLD04-00433 LEGASPI PROPERTIES LLC t937 KEOKUK ST ALT NON 1 2 $ t29,OOO
GROCERY STORE IN EXISTING COMMERCIAL BUILDING
BLD04-00439 MARC MOEN 2t3 E COLLEGE ST ALT NON I t $125,000
MODIFY EXIT ENCLOSURE OF FITNESS CENTER
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Page: 3 City ofIowa City
Date: 8/9/2004 Extraction of Building Permit Data for
To: 7/1/2004 Census Bureau Report
From: 7/31/2004
~ ~
Permit Number Name Address Imor Use Stories Units Valuation
BLD04-00539 MGD LC t 859 LOWER MUSCA TINE ALT NON ] 0 $68,600
TENANT FIN]SH FOR EXERC]SE BUSINESS
BLD04-00447 LIBERTY BANK 210 S DUBUQUE ST ALT NON t t $50,000
REMODEL OF TENANT SPACE IN HOTEL LOBBY AREA
BLD04-00405 OC GROUP LC 20] S CLINTON ST ALT NON 2 2 $25,000
INTERIOR ALTERATION OF TENANT SPACE TO NUTRITION SALES
BLD04-00505 MGD LC ]855 LOWER MUSCATINE ALT NON ] 0 $t7,812
TENANT FINISH OF COMMERCIAL SPACE
BLD04-00500 BRIAN A GRASSI t30HIGHWAY#t WEST ALT NON ] 0 $15,000
Install 6 awnings 7' x 2' around building
BLD04-00425 LISA KRALL & SHERRY SLA 203 SCOTT CT ALT NON 2 2 $6,500
TENANT FINISH IN COMMERCIAL BUILDING
BLD04-00550 LEO W & KAREN J SEMLER 206 N LINN ST ALT NON ] 0 $6,000
ALTERATION OF RESTAURANT
BLD04-00522 MERCY HOSPITAL 500 MARKET ST ALT NON 2 0 $4,600
ICU REMODEL FOR HOSPITAL
BLD04-00527 WATERS, LARRY P 504 E BURLINGTON ST ALT NON t 0 $3,500
INTERIOR OFFICE FOR CONVENIENCE STORE
BLD04-00499 OC GROUP LC 20] S CLINTON ST ] 73 ALT NON 2 0 $3,000
TENANT FINISH OF MALL SPACE
BLD04-00503 SALON MODA 357 COLLEGE ST ALT NON t 0 $2,500
CHANGE OF USE TO HAIR SALON
BLD04-00446 SHIMEK SCHOOL t400 GRISSEL PL ALT NON I t $2,000
KILN ROOM FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Total AL TINON permits: 16 Total Valuation: $795,312
BLD04-00520 MARTHA J SCHUT 1326 OXFORD PL ALT RMF t 0 $15,857
Water damage repair and install walls in basement for exercise room
BLD04-00450 PENINSULA QUALITY BUILl t229 -53 FOSTER RD ALT RMF 2 ] $t2,000
BASEMENT FINISH OF TOWNHOUSE UNIT
1229 FOSTER RD.
BLD04-00506 APARTMENTS DOWNTOWN 308 S GILBERT ST ALT RMF I 0 $],800
Add closets to bedrooms
BLD04-00467 MELROSE INVESTMENTS 2609 RUSHMORE DR ALT RMF 2 ] $t,OOO
ALTERATION OF TOWNHOUSE UNIT BASEMENT
BLD04-00468 MELROSE INVESTMENTS 2611 RUSHMORE DR ALT RMF 2 ] $1,000
AL TERA TION OF TOWNHOUSE UNIT BASEMENT
BLD04-00469 MELROSE INVESTMENTS 26]3 RUSHMORE DR ALT RMF 2 t $],000
AL TERA TION OF TOWNHOUSE UNIT BASEMENT
BLD04-00470 MELROSE INVESTMENTS 26]5 RUSHMORE DR ALT RMF 2 t $1,000
ALTERATION OF TOWNHOUSE UNIT BASEMENT
BLD04-00472 MELROSE INVESTMENTS 2625 RUSHMORE DR ALT RMF 2 ] $1,000
ALTERATION OF TOWNHOUSE UNIT BASEMENT
BLD04-00473 MELROSE INVESTMENTS 2627 RUSHMORE DR ALT RMF 2 ] $t,OOO
ALTERATION OF TOWNHOUSE UNIT BASEMENT
BLD04-00474 MELROSE INVESTMENTS 2629 RUSHMORE DR ALT RMF 2 ] $t,OOO
ALTERATION OF TOWNHOUSE UNIT BASEMENT
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Page: 4 City ofIowa City
Date: 8/9/2004 Extraction of Building Permit Data for
To: 7/1/2004 Census Bureau Report
From: 7/31/2004
IJ:ill; IJ:ill;
Permit Number Name Address Imor Use Stories Units Valuation
BLD04-00475 MELROSE INVESTMENTS 263 t RUSHMORE DR ALT RMF 2 t $1,000
ALTERATION OF TOWNHOUSE UNIT BASEMENT
Total AL T/RMF permits: 11 Total Valuation: $37,657
BLD04-0049 t MICHAEL D & ELLEN J P AU 344t KILLARNEY RD ALT RSF 2 0 $20,826
Finish basement
BLD04-00492 SCOTT M & TERI J KERKHO 55 KEARNEY CT ALT RSF 2 0 $15,852
Finish basement
BLD04-00492 SCOTT M & TERI J KERKHO 55 KEARNEY CT ALT RSF 2 0 $15,852
Finish basement
BLD04-00481 MARK SMITH 506 GALWAY DR ALT RSF 1 1 $10,000
BASEMENT FINISH OF SFD (NOT INCLUDING BATH)
BLD04-00534 THOMAS P & MARTHA M BJ 660 SCOTT PARK DR ALT RSF 2 0 $9,000
BASEMENT FINISH OF SFD
BLD04-00340 JULIE B WEEKS 617 GRANT ST ALT RSF 1 2 $4,000
ADD BATHROOM TO SFD
BLD04-00334 PATRICK R & PATRICIA G" 14 DURANGO PL ALT RSF t 2 $3,000
BASEMENT BATHROOM AND FURNACE ROOM WALL FOR SFD
BLD04-00397 AHRENS HOLDINGS t500 GLENDALE RD ALT RSF 2 2 $t,200
ADD BEDROOM TO FINISHED BASEMENT
BLD04-00514 CHRISTOPHER M & ANGELi 117 CLAPP ST ALT RSF 2 0 $1,100
Install bathroom in basement
BLD04-00533 MICHAEL T MCLAUGHLIN 3t9 S LUCAS ST ALT RSF 2 0 $t,OOO
ADD TWO BEDROOMS ON FIRST FLOOR OF SFD
BLD04-00443 LU, ZHANG 335 S DODGE ST ALT RSF 2 I $900
BASEMENT EGRESS WINDOW FOR SFD
BLD04-00508 STEVEN V NASH 415 N JOHNSON ST ALT RSF 2 0 $500
Egress window in lower level
BLD04-00487 ELIZABETH A NOLAN 5t3 S SUMMIT ST ALT RSF 2 1 $400
Relpace bubble skylight with level skylight
Total AL T/RSF permits: 13 Total Valuation: $83,630
BLD04-00502 BILLY & ELLEN OL TMANN~ 826 BARRINGTON RD NEW OTH 1 0 $49,950
INGROUND POOL FOR RSF
BLD04-00525 TIMOTHY HAWKINS 14 REDBUD PL NEW OTH t 0 $25,000
INGROUND POOL ADDITION FOR SFD
BLD04-00460 WILLIAM L SCHWARZ & M) 1003 TOWER CT NEW OTH 2 1 $3,800
FENCE FOR SFD
Total NEW/OTII permits: 3 Total Valuation : $78,750
BLD04-00448 SANDRA D & DONALD E SA 627 -29 WESTGATE ST NEW RAC 1 1 $4,000
DETACHED GARAGE ADDlTON FOR RDF
Total NEW/RAC permi..: 1 Total Valuation: $4,000
Page: 5 . City ofIowa City
Date: 8/9/2004 Extraction of Building Permit Data for
To: 7/1/2004 Census Bureau Report
From: 7/31/2004
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Permit Number Name Address ImDr Use Stories Units Valuation
BLD04-00507 CYNTHIA E PARSONS & GAJ tt28 WASHINGTON ST NEW RDF 2 2 $350,000
Duplex with drive under parking and two car detached garage
BLD04-00332 THE GREATER lOW A CITY I 800 -02 LONGFELLOW PL NEW RDF t 2 $259,384
DUPLEX WITH ATTACHED 2 CAR GARAGES
BLD04-00462 SADDLEBROOK MEADOWS t63-65 PRIMROSE CT NEW RDF 2 2 $ I 96,284
RDF WITH ATTACHED 2 CAR GARAGES
BLD04-00463 SADDLEBROOK MEADOWS t55-57 PRIMROSE CT NEW RDF 2 2 $ I 96,284
RDF WITH A TT ACHED 2 CAR GARAGES
Total NEW/RDF permits: 4 Total Valuation: $1,001,952
BLD04-00442 JASON LEE 3402 KILLARNEY ROAD NEW RSF 2 I $223,000
SFD WITH ATTACHED 3 CAR GARAGE
BLD04-00517 NICK PARTNERSHIP LLP t07I CHAMBERLAIN DR NEW RSF I 1 $209,900
S.F.D. WITH TWO CAR GARAGE
BLD04-00434 TOM SIMPSON 1957 BRISTOL DR NEW RSF t t $t96,301
SFD WITH ATTACHED 2 CAR GARAGE
B LD04-004 58 STEVE KOHLI CONSTRUCT! 1368 LANGENBERG AVE NEW RSF 2 1 $165,096
SFD WITH A TT ACHED 2 CAR GARAGE
BLD04-00457 STEVE KOHLI CONSTRUCTI 1358 LANGENBERG AVE NEW RSF 2 1 $164,212
SFD WITH A TT ACHED 2 CAR GARAGE
BLD04-00459 STEVE KOHLI CONSTRUCT! t402 LANGENBERG AVE NEW RSF 2 1 $t64,2t2
SFD WITH A TT ACHED 2 CAR GARAGE
BLD04-00486 TOM JIRSA 1565 WETHERBY DR NEW RSF 2 1 $162,234
SFD WITH ATTACHED 2 CAR GARAGE
BLD04-00466 NATHAN SAMS 280t COURT ST NEW RSF 2 1 $157,000
SFD WITH A TT ACHED 2 CAR GARAGE
BLD04-00445 WALDEN WOOD ASSOCIA TJ 14 CHARLES DR NEW RSF 2 1 $t55,484
SFD WITH A TT ACHED 2 CAR GARAGE
Total NEW/RSF permits: 9 Total Valuation: $1,597,439
BLD04-00512 ORAL-B LABORATORIES 1832 LOWER MUSCA TINE REP NON 2 0 $t91,000
Reroof sections G 1, G2, E
BLD04-00545 CAMP PROPERTIES INC 220 LAFAYETTE ST REP NON I 0 $22,452
REROOF COMMERCIAL BUILDING
BLD04-00482 TOWN CREST PLAZA L L C 2300 MUSCA TINE AVE REP NON 1 1 $15,000
REROOF OF COMMERCIAL BUILDING
BLD04-00490 JUNIPER RENTALS t222 GILBERT CT REP NON 2 0 $13,455
Reroof
BLD04-00489 LOUGHRAN, RICHARD S 390 HIGHLAND AVE REP NON 2 0 $9,750
Reroof
BLD04-00488 JUNIPER RENTALS 1233 GILBERT CT REP NON 2 0 $8,385
Reroof
Total REP/NON penn its : 6 Total Valuation: $260,042
Page :6 City ofIowa City
Date: 8/9/2004 Extraction of Building Permit Data for
To: 7/! /2004 Census Bureau Report
From: 7/3112004
~ ~
Permit Number Name Address Imor Use Stories Units Valuation
BLD04-00535 RIDGEWOOD REAL ESTATE 905 W BENTON ST REP RMF 2 0 $t 7,000
REROOF OF RMF
BLD04-00498 KELLY FAMILY PARTNERSI 612 S DODGE ST REP RMF 2 0 $7,500
REPAIR DECK FOR RMF
BLD04-00552 E NORMAN BAILEY 832 OAKCREST AVE REP RMF I 0 $4,000
REROOF OF RMF
Total REPIRMF permits: 3 Total Valuation: $28,500
BLD04-00504 STOKELY, MARGARET A 1212 VILLAGE RD REP RSF I 0 $14,270
REROOF OF SFD
BLD04-00537 GERALD PIKE 61 GALWAYCIR REP RSF 2 0 $11,674
FOUNDATION REPAIR OF SFD
BLD04-0053 t JOHN W & C PETER HAYEK 1424 CENTER AVE REP RSF t 0 $10,000
Replace east foundation wall
BLD04-00536 DEBRA PUTHE 533 S SUMMIT ST REP RSF 2 0 $4,260
EXTEND PORCH FOOTINGS TO BELOW FROST
BLD04-00455 JANET NIBECK 1120 SUNSET ST REP RSF 2 I $t,500
FRONT PORCH REPAIR
BLD04-00422 RUTH IZER 8t6 CAROLINE AVE REP RSF 2 2 $1,200
WINDOW REPLACEMENT FOR SFD
BLD04-00519 MARY ANN MADDEN 428 S SUMMIT ST REP RSF I 0 $1,000
Repair flooring affront porch
Total REPIRSF permits: 7 Total Valuation: $43,904
GRAND TOTALS: PERMITS: 87 VALUATiON: $7,449,752
,. .-_._.....___..._..._ _._ _____~___~,..u_.._...__.______ _~...__ ---.--.....-.. ..---
City of Iowa City
2004 Building Statistics
ValuefTypeofConstruction January February March April I May June July August !September October I November I December' TOTAL NON-TAXABl
Single Family _ $ - 1.326,668 2,435,305 3,588,741 4,167,420; 4,157,984 1,814,542 1,597,439 " 19,088,099 435,000
Number of Permits 6 10 17 21 20 7 9; I 90
~plex-$ '"197,130 1.933,702 1,164,697 250,000 1,001,952 4,547,481 _._
Number of Permits 1 8 6 ( 5 bldgs) 1 4 20
Sororities & Fraternities - $ ! -
. N~mber of Permits I -
~~Units 1,720,4771 3,058,177 1,679,180 2~028,18a 8,486,022¡
N':I.~berofPerm¡ts 2' I 2 2 2 i 8
Number of Buildings 2 2 21 2 _ 8
Number of Dwelling Units 15 26 16' 15 72
Mix _ CommerciallResidential 1,629,731 563,162: I 2,192,893 __~
Number of Permits 1 2 3
Number of Buildings 11 _ 1 ¡ 2
Number of Dwelling units 10 5 15
~~Is, Hotels - $
Number of Permits "_ i: I I
Churches - $: I
Number of Permits I i --
TndUŠtrial- $- - -". 13.0001'00,o00' 40,000 483,000 ' , . . ___ 636,000__
~.NumberofPermit~ i.~ 1 2 1 3 ___ _. 7 _ ___
Service Stations - $ J _ '._ .;. I
Number of Permits J. I
Hospitals & Institutions _ $ -1-' I - i I
- N"mbe,ofPenn;ts I'~ _1- I ,"- ~ __1--- ~ ~.
Q!!ì~s,Banks,Prof.-$ _ _J_ I _' __~ ---_____~ _______
-;::;-;-;;-~._ Number of Permi_t,s_ _ _ _ _ _ I __ _ _: .
""""£'IV0""s & U';I;';es - $ d 5,974,0001 ... .. I ..1 '.. 1 1.... '__5,974,0001 5.974,000
N"mbe,ofPe,m;'s 11 ~+----,-¡ , ~ =E ¡: 1
::~~:be'o¡pem,¡!sid~ .. - -..._~.~~~ 3,302,09~ __- ~ __~u__ i _... '3,3065"; 3,306,599
Stores & Customer Svc. _ $ I I _ ¡ _ 251,000 ._.' 251,000
Number of Permits t __ .,_ I., . 1 I _ 1
Misc.StructuresfFences-$ , ____ __+----_;______----¡-_ 12,000 872 78,750 I 91,622! ~___
l¡;;emodel~~:~~~~;~e';;'s..-~~~198;22:.2-. -Si[6311_.669,011 807,3~ 640.72~' 387,25; '~E~ ·-i.1 -~t=-- ~ 37"~ _...1-4,QQ<J
Number of Permits i 241 21 _ 60i _ _ _ 41 33 57' 47 _ _ _ _ ___ I 283
Remodel, Commerci~I-$ I. 182;464, 390,12Š.--):631,6281--{~98,200! 206,125; 9,~02,277 4,380,354 ==~:_{ 22,491,173 17,863,100
b;------ NumberofPermit~. ~l___~L.~J____ ,_ 161 ~ .8i 81 .__~~ 23 ' 91
~1:,~ubliCWOrkS.$ _ . 1_. _------'--____.-_; 22'500~ _____ I ___ _ j 22,500, 22,500
Number of Permits 1 _ __ I ~___ 1 I .._ 1 1 !
ccesso')'.S'ruct"res ., __ ..~ 2l-000L 104,1~1 8,0001 ..4,POO, i ,i _'37,171 .~-
Number of Permits ' , _2'_ 7: 1: I 11 I I 11
TOTAL VALUE T11"]S8,801 ~ 3,03tf652 16,411;44:¡t 9,149,679 -- 9,477,607' 13,886,6071 7,449,7521 I ¡ 70,97Ó,539T-------
TOTAL PERMITS ! -441 4'1: 109[ 89: 69, 851 871 I i 5241 -- -
,~
lOW A CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT ~tr
USE OF FORCE REPORT cðd
July 2004
OFFICER DATE INC# INCIDENT FORCE USED
II 07-01-04 4-35710 Traffic Stop After being stopped for a traffic
violation the subject fled on foot.
When the officer found him hiding in
some bushes he was ordered to come
out or he would be sprayed with a
chemical agent. When the subject
disregarded the officer command to
come out the officer deployed a
chemical agent. At this point the
subject came out and the officer was
able to get one hand in a handcuff. The
subject would not place his second
hand behind his back so the officer
used an active counter measure which
distracted the subject enough that the
officer was able to place the other hand
in a handcuff
30 07-01-04 4-35864 Warrant Arrest After being placed under arrest the
subject advised the officer that she was
going to kill herself. While standing
next to the patrol car she began banging
her head against the car. The officer
restrained her until she calmed down
and was then taken to jail.
t8 07-03-04 4-36t37 Suspicious Activity When the subject was told to spit the
cocaine out of his mouth he attempted
to run. The officer caught him and
directed him to the ground. When the
subject actively resisted, the officer
unsuccessfully applied active counter
measures. After the officer deployed a
chemical agent the subject complied
with officer commands.
55 07 -04-04 4-36322 Domestic Assault The subject who had just assaulted a
female ran from officers who caught
and directed him to the ground. When
he actively resisted being handcuffed
the officer deployed a chemical agent.
The subject then cooperated with
officer commands.
26,88,95 07-05-04 4-36617 Warrant Arrest While officers were entering the front
of the residence the subj ect went out
the back. An officer who was in the
back ordered him to stop and to place
OFFICER DATE INC# INCIDENT FORCE USED
his hands behind his back. Initially the
subject complied but then attempted to
flee. The officer caught him as he
attempted to go over a fence. The
officer was able to hold him there until
other officers arrived. While waiting
for the other officers the subject
continued to kick and squirm in order
to get away. When the other officers
arrived he was directed to the ground
where he continued to resist until he
was handcuffed.
30 07-05-04 4-36655 Injured Animal The officer used his side arm to
dispatch an injured/sick raccoon.
11 07-08-04 4-37t23 Domestic Assault The officer responded to a complaint of
a domestic assault in which the suspect
was armed with a knife. The officer
pointed his sidearm at the suspect until
she was secured in handcuffs.
t8 07-10-04 4-37505 Verbal Altercation After separating a male and female who
had been in an argwnent the male
attempted to push past the officers to
get at the female. The officer directed
him to the ground where he was
handcuffed.
58, 15 07-13-04 4-38005 Welfare Check After the subj ect was arrested and
handcuffed he refused to get into the
patrol car. The officer used pressure
points to direct him into the backseat of
the car.
59,27, t9 07-13-04 4-38t88 Robbery Investigation While searching the business in which a
man had just been shot the officers had
their side arms out.
9 07-14-04 4-38395 Medical Assist The officer assisted EMS by holding a
patient down while they put restraints
on him.
38 07-16-04 4-38567 Violation of No Contact The arrested subject disregarded 20 to
Order 30 requests by the officer to get in the
back seat of the patrol car. After being
warned by the officer that he would
deploy a chemical agent ifhe didn't
comply, the officer did deploy the
chemical agent. The subject then
complied with all the officer requests.
t8 07-22-04 4-39586 Injured Animat The officer used his side arm to
.. - .--- .-
OFFICER DATE INC# INCIDENT FORCE USED
dispatch an injured raccoon.
13, 11 07-25-04 4-40t84 Fight The subject, who was observed striking
and choking a subject on the ground
disregarded officer conunands to stop.
The officers pulled the subject off of
the victim and attempted to place him
in handcuffs. Because the subject
physically resisted officers, one officer
used active counter measures to place
the subject's hands behind his back to
place him in handcuffs.
t9 07-27-04 4-40642 Injured Animal The officer used his side arm to
dispatch an injured opossum.
CC: City Manager, Chief, Captains, Lieutenants, Training Sergeant, City Clerk, Library
_._...._~_..__.~ ..... - ...,.-~---..-.-~--..-.-.-"...--,.,.-~,----.--,,------. ----- ""-
AGENDA ~
PATV BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
Thursday. August, 2004 9/'Cf
7:00 pm
P A TV - 206 Lafayette Street
1. Call meeting to order
2. Consent agenda
3. Approval of July minutes
4. Old business
5. Short public announcements
6. New Business
a. Board recruitment
7. Reports
i. ICTC
ii. Committees
1. Building & Grounds
2. Outreach & Fundraising
3. Board of Directors Handbook Revision Committee
4. Refranchising
i. Treasurer
ii. Management - Iowa Shares
a. Board announcements
9. Adjournment
If you have additional agenda items or cannot attend the meeting,
please contact Josh at 338-7035.
~.__. "-_...._~--~-_._-_._- ._. --......"....--_._._-_._--_.-------..,,---~_....,,-->----_. ----
PA TV Board of Directors Meeting - FINAL DRAFT
Thursday. June 17, 2004
7:00 PM
PATV· 206 Lafayette Street
1. Call meeting to order:
Began at 7:14 PM
Present are: John Carhoff (11/02 - 11/05), Jack Fuller (12/01 - 11/04), Tom Nothnagle (11/01 -
11/04), Steve Newell (11/01 - 11/04), Phil Phillips (11/03 - 11/06) and Dir. Josh Goding
2. Consent agenda:
Consented unanimously.
3. Approval of May minutes:
John C., Jack F. 2nd and approved as amended
4. Old Business:
Josh G. represented to the Board that Drew Shaffer on behalf of the City Council has asked for the
full family names of the members of the Board of Directors on in the minutes to make these persons
more generally accessible and individually identified to the general public.
5. Short public announcements:
None.
6. New Business:
a. Presentation: (to Rene P.)
Discussion of the award and the wording submitted by Teresa S. was moved by. Phil P. to become
approved and Jack F. seconded the motion. It was approved unanimously.
There was some discussion of the policy of three unexcused absences and then dismissal of non-
attending members of the BOD.
Looking at some suggestions for changes in the BOD Handbook from that committee, details were
tabled on a few items until those on the committee who used other source material to suggest
changes may be present to explain or debate suggested changes in words. Also it was mentioned
that we may not have a floppy disk with the word processing on it from the old 1997 version of the
BOD Handbook currently of reference.
7. Reports
i ICTC
Not present.
ii Committees:
1. Buildings and Grounds:
Jack F. said the committee will be making a plan for prime painting of the building. The estimate cost
is $200 to get the prime paining done but the committee fund will seek donation or discount local
business support in this effort. That might be found.
2. Outreach and Fundraising:
None.
3. Board of Dirctors Handbook Revision Committee
One correction to this report in the packet, is that Jon V. was not present at this meeting and Jack F.
was there. Discussion ensued and it was agreed to review in another committee meeting and bring it
back to further review by the BOD. It was also agreed that this committee will explore wording to
change the terms "three consecutive unexcused absences".
4. Refranchlsing;
IGTG is not present and no one has approached anyone present at this PATV Board meeting
concerning the events related to this issue since the last meeting.
iii Treasurer
The process was completed to place funds in a mutual fund from a savings account and it is earning
about 6.3 per cent on an inflation protected government bond with this rate locked in. It was noted
that the "Snow Removal" budget will be revised in August for next year's plans, because this building
seems to need more for that operation than was originally thought. Otherwise, the accounts seem in
order being at 42 per cent of the annual budget today. There is still some need to start some fund
raising projects. A Chili supper and other ideas were discussed for the forthcoming season.
Iv Management. Iowa Shares;
The Iowa Shares organization has offered the jOb of Chair for that organization recently.
10 Raffel tickets were presented to each of the five BOD members at this meeting to help with
fundraising for Iowa Shares in the raffel ticket drawing which will be later in August.
ACM International Conference and Trade Show: We received two awards for achievements as a
Public Access TV programming, and will receive these at the conference (Conference price $350.00)
7 to 10 July in Tampa, Florida. One award was for "Chins" and another was for the PATV website
our station has developed.
The Technology Committee should meet following the return of Josh G. from the conference in
Florida.
8. Board announcements:
None
9. Adjournment;
Steve N. moved, John C. seconded and approved to adjourn at 8:34 PM
Notes by SN submitted to Carrie W. and Tom N. 6/18
Marian Karr ~
From: Doug Elliott [doug.elliott@ecicog.org]
Sent: Thursday, August 05,200412:15 PM
To: ECICOG Express Subscribers
Subject: Latest Issue of ECICOG Express
The latest issue of the agency's electronic newsletter, the ECICOG Express, is attached. In order to read the newsletter, you must have
Adobe Acrobat Reader to open the attached pdffile. If you already have Adobe Acrobat Reader, it will automatically open the pdf
file. You do not need to download it again. If you need to download the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software, click on (or go to on the
Internet): http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html. Your Adobe Acrobat Reader program will open automatically
once it is installed.
If you are unable to download Adobe Acrobat Reader, or choose not to, respond to this email and request a faxed or hard copy of the
ECICOG Express. If you do not wish to receive this newsletter, respond to this email and request that your name be removed from the
distribution list.
Douglas D. Elliott
Executive Director
ECICOG
t 08 Third Street SE
Suite 300
Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
(319) 365-9941, x22 (voice)
(319) 365-9981 (fax)
www.ecicog.org
*** eSafe scanned this email for malicious content ***
** * IMPORTANT: Do not open attachments from unrecognized senders ***
8/5/2004
_u ~---- .. --_.~-~---. ~_.. _·_____.._~_··___,,·~w__ _... . ___ --.....--. '._0_-
JUL Y-AUGUST 2004
ECIC~G
SERVING LOCAL GOVERNMENTS IN BENTON,IOWA, JONES, JOHNSON, LINN ANO WASHINGTON COUNTIES FOR 30 YEARS
GRO open house a hit
Morc than fifty people attended the open house for the completed
Green Rehabilitation for Ownership (GRO) home in Monticello on
June 24, 2004. Many attendees were interested members of the pub-
lic who had observed progress on the home over the last year. ECI-
COG stafT provided tours of the home, and answered questions
about the many green building products used in the rehabilitation.
The home is now for sale. Buyers must meet income
guidelines, and cannot have an annual household income that ex-
ceeds 80% of the median income for Jones County. For more infor-
mation, contact Eric Freese at ECICOG, ext. 24.
Attendees review a dÚplay
board regartling green
building.
ECICOG board member Gary Edwards,
Executive Director, Doug Elliott, and
board members Dawn Pettengill and David
Vermedahl visit a1 the open house.
Intergovernmental review revised
Effective May 1,2004, the State oflowa revised its implementation of
Executive Order 12372, which requires a slate develop a process for
reviewing applications for federal assistance. Area-wide clearing-
houses are no longer a part of the review process. Accordingly, the
ECICOG Board of Directors eliminated its review of applications sub-
mitted from the region for federal assistance, effective May 1,2004.
Iowa's new process requires that only applications from state
agencies seeking federal assistance are subject to review. In addition,
the responsibility for such review has been transferred from the Iowa
Department of Economic Development to the Iowa Department of
Management.
For more information, contact Kathy Mabie, Iowa Depart-
ment of Management, (515) 281-8834 or kathy.mabie@iowa.gov.
City County Strategic Growth Planning in
Linn County
Coordinated land use planning between a city and county in the city's two~mile
fringe area can promote future growth areas in appropriate locations, reduce pub-
lic infrastructure costs, and encourage the retention of viable agricultura1 opera-
tions and open space.
The lack of fringe area planning, however, may have negative impacts
on a community. Even though growth and development in the fringe area is out-
side of a city, it may have significant impacts on the city's traffic patterns, envi-
ronmental quality, floodplain management, property valuations and other city
services. for example, people living in a new development one mile upstream of
a city pay no city taxes, yet likely drive on city streets to get to work, use the city
parks and the new subdivision could possibly cause drainage issues for city resi-
dents living downstream. This all causes extra maintenance costs for the city
without providing extra revenue.
To help manage these concerns, the 2000 Linn County Rural Land Use
Plan has ca\led for adoption of City/County Strategic Growth (CCSG) plans and
intergovernmental agreements between the county and each incorporated city
within the county.
Linn County has worked with the ECICOG Community Development
Staff over the last year to complete two CCSG Plans and fringe area agreements
for the cities of Bertram and Springville. These plans and agreements will pro-
vide for coordinated implementation of both the county and "city land use plans
within appropriately designated locations in each city's two-mile fringe area.
In addition, the plan and agreement establish which local government
standards (zoning, subdivision, design standards, etc.) will be used to review de-
veJopment proposals in each designated area to ensure that local needs are equita-
bly addressed.
In short, these documents offer a long-tenn framework for appropriate
future growth and development for both the city and county. It is anticipated that
additional communities will participate in the City County Strategic Growth
planning process in the corning months.
August 12 ECtCOG Solid Waste T AC Meeting, Cedar Rapids/Linn
County Solid Waste Agency, 6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW,
Cedar Rapids, 1 :00 p.m.
August 26 ECICOG Board of Directors Meeting, ECICOG offices,
108 Third Street SE, Cedar Rapids, 1 :00 p.m.
September 1 Region 10 RPA Technical Advisory Committee Meeting, ECIC~G
Johnson County SEATS, 2000 James Street, Coralville,
1:00 p.m.
September 6 ECICOG offices closed in observance of Labor Day holiday EAST CENTRAl IOWA
September 16 ECICOG Transit Operators Group Meeting, Washington COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS
County Mini Bus, 1010 West Fitih, Washington, to:OO a.m. YOUR REGIONAL PlANNING AGENCY
September 30 ECICOG Board of Directors Meeting, ECICOG offices, 108 L".\pres,~ is a bimonthly electronic publication of the East Central
Third Street SE, Cedar Rapids, I :00 p.m. Iowa Council of Governments.
September 30 Region 10 RPA Policy Board Meeting, ECICOG offices, 108
Third Street SE, Cedar Rapids, 2:00 p.m. (approximate)
MINUTES OF THE JOINT MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCILS OF CORALVILLE, IOWA CITY ~
NORTH LIBERTY; THE JOHNSON COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AND THE IOWA CITY
COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS (7/21/04)
CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Pro Tem Henry C. Herwig called the meeting to order at 4:03 PM.
Present:
Coralville City Council: Mayor Pro Tem Herwig, Gill; Iowa City City Council: Mayor E. Lehman,
Bailey, Elliot, O'Donnell, Vanderhoef, Wilburn; North Liberty City Council: Mayor Mekota, Salm;
Johnson County Board of Supervisors: M. Lehman, Neuzel, Stutsman, Thompson; Iowa City
Community School District Board of Directors: Franker, Leff, and Wallace.
CONSTRUCTION UPDATES: (SCHOOL DISTRICT)
Supt. Lane Plugge gave a presentation on construction updates for the school district. West High
improvements should be completed by Jan. '05. City High improvements should be completed by
Jan. '06. Van Allen construction is on time for the '05/'06 school year. The Jr. High (NL)
construction should be done June/July '05. Tate High School construction should be done
June/July '05. The foundations are done and masonry work has started for Tate High School.
12TH AVE. EXT UPDATE: (COUNTY)
A meeting with property owners to review the preliminary design will be August 4th, 2004 at
Coralville City Hall.
SAND ROAD UPDATE: (COUNTY)
There have been delays with design of utilities and storm water improvements but it will happen.
The City of Iowa City will bid their portion of the project this fall.
FRINGE AREA AGREEMENT WITH SWISHER. JOHNSON COUNTY AND CEDAR RAPIDS
ON HWY 965: (COUNTY)
Cedar Rapids is scheduled to receive Hwy 965 and the R.OW. in Johnson County from the IDOT.
There is concern regarding development along that corridor. Swisher, Johnson County and Cedar
Rapids are discussing those issues.
GENERAL DISCUSSION: (IOWA CITY)
The general discussion revolved around how many times a year there should be a joint meeting of
elected officials, who should be invited to these meetings, and how can they be more productive.
Gill thought the meetings should be held once a year, since they have been a waste of time. Gill
added that he meant no disrespect. Stutsman believed the meeting could be a lot more productive
if everyone agreed to work at it. Vanderhoef thinks the meetings were worth it because you could
look at the big picture in areas like transportation, school district issues and housing. Herwig
wondered if this was the forum to look at those issues because it has not happened at these
meetings in the past. Vanderhoef asked if the agendas could be made more relevant. Thompson
suggested everyone needed to contribute to the agenda instead of just the host and Herwig
added that more preparation and background had to be added to the agendas so more
meaningful discussion and decisions could happen. Elliott agreed the meetings had not reached
their full potential and suggested only staff with agenda items attend the meetings. Wilburn
wondered if an agenda should be created at the meeting. Elliott wondered why issues like
smoking bans and alcohol issues were never discussed at these meeting because of their
regional impact. Stutsman added Transportation and road plan discussions should happen and
Elliott mentioned housing could be discussed as well as community updates. Wallace thought
Joint Meeting of 7/21/04
Page 2
overviews of community 3-5yr plans should occur so more regional planning could take place
instead of always having to react to situations. M. Lehman believes that more discussion of whom
can provide the services need to be addressed as well. Herwig thought the County should
organize meetings to deal with more regional issues and could include other communities like
Hills and Solon.
Herwig summarized the discussion as yielding two types of meetings. One would be an extended
meeting with each organization (Councils, Board and the School District) sharing their immediate
and long term plans once a year. The second type of meeting would be to discuss a specific topic
or topics, that any constituency can initiate and if enough participants to agree to schedule a
meeting on that topic
SCHEDULED NEXT MEETING:
Johnson County will organize the next meeting tentatively set for January 19th, 2005 at 3:00 PM
until 8pm. This meeting will have each organization (Councils, Board, and the School District)
share their immediate and long-term plans. Any issues that will need to be covered should have
relevant information provided in advance so that preparation can occur prior to discussion. Further
details will be forthcoming.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 4:55 PM.
........ --_....~,---_._.._.._._._-_.__.._-'"_.__."--_._..__.~-_..--. ..--"-------...--.---,.-..-.-.-----.-.-
MINUTES DRAFT ][]
IOWA CITY BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
JULY 14, 2004 - 5 PM
EMMA J. HARVAT HALL -IOWA CITY CITY HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Carol Alexander, Vincent Maurer, Michael Wright, Karen Leigh,
MEMBERS ABSENT: Dennis Keitel
STAFF PRESENT: Robert Miklo, Tokey Boswell (Planning Intern), Sarah Hoiecek
OTHERS PRESENT: Tom Rosenberger; Crissy Canganelli; Charlie Eastham; Susan Burgdorf: Ken
Lundby; Jim McCue; James Thomas; Stephanie VanHousen; A Mori
Costantino; Luis Sierra; Dwight Dobberstein; Sara Quartell; Anonymous (2);
Patrica Santangelo; Eric Alexander: Raymond Tinnian; Anna Buss: Isabella
Vine; Craig Dahlen; Joyce Barker; Thomas Ortelle; Steve Duell; Sue
Schmucker; Melissa Williams; Jeffrey Bond; Lorie Dahlen; Mark Bently; Matt
Neely; Jen Cress; Christina Burns; Abby Burgess; Kafi Dixon; Jerry Anthony;
Steve Smith; Cynthia Parsons; Gary Klinefelter; Mindy Tuttle;
CALL TO ORDER:
Vice-Chairperson Maurer called the meeting to order at 5:05 PM
CONSIDERATION OF THE JUNE 9. 2004 BOARD MINUTES
Vice-Chairperson Maurer accepted a motion to approve the minutes from June 9, 2004
MOTION: Alexander moved to approve the minutes as submitted. Leigh seconded the motion.
Motion carried 4-0.
SPECIAL EXCEPTION(S)
EXC04-00014
Public hearing regarding an application submitted by Englert Civic Theatre, Inc. for a special exception to
permit a historic sign that does not conform to the sign code (an animated lighted sign that also exceeds
size limits) in the Central Business (CB-10) zone located at 221 E. Washington Street.
Miklo stated that the Englert sign is non conforming in size and also in the fact that is a lighted sign that
has movement. Such signs are prohibited by the Sign Ordinance. However, the City Zoning Ordinance
does provide incentives for historic properties and recognizes the uniqueness that these properties have
and supports the protection of these historic features. The Sign Ordinance does have a provision
allowing the Board of Adjustment to approve historic signs that do not conform to the current regulations.
As a condition of the Board's approval, Staff recommends approval subject to the execution of a
temporary use of right-of-way agreement approved by the City Engineer.
Public Hearina GDened
Tom Rosenberaer. 503 Stewart Court, the applicant stated that there is a total restoration of the building
underway and that part of it includes the sign and they know that the animation and lights are non
complying with the regulations and that's why they are asking for a special exception. Rosenberger
added that the plan has been reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission as well as by the
Department of Planning and Community Development, both of whom recommend the approval.
Rosenberger asked for clarification about the license agreement that it's being asked by the Staff. Miklo
responded that it is a license agreement necessary for any structure that interferes with the right-of-way.
Mikio added that the application for the license should be made at the City Engineering Office.
Rosenberger asked if this license is standard for all canopy signs downtown. Miklo answered that it is
generally required. Rosenberger added that he looked around and noticed that there are many signs that
are neariy this big. Rosenberger continued by asking if this license agreement is something that the
Englert Theater had five years ago when they were an operating movie theater. Miklo stated that he
believes that because it was a non-conforming use it did not have a license agreement. Rosenberger
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Iowa City Board of Adjustment Minutes
July 14, 2004
Page 2
stated that they have documentation from the City when the project started that essential features and
uses have been grandfathered in to make this an operational theater while maintaining the historic
character in which it was built. Rosenberger added that the theater was in place for fifty years and he
asks why they have to license it now if it has not been licensed before. Holecek responded that it is called
a license more in a term of art, but what it does is, because the sign projects over the right-of-way, it just
ensures that there is coverage in case the sign comes down on somebody in the right-of-way. The
agreement is a risk assessment and spreading device. .. Rosenberger asked if in any of the marquees
that extend out two or five feet, or six or seven as, he mentions, exist in downtown, are also required to
have this license. Holecek responded that they should have this license agreement. Holecek added that
any use of a private nature that extends into the right-of-way should be subject to that type of agreement.
Public Hearina Closed
MOTION: Alexander moved for the approval of EXC04-00014, an application for a special
exception to permit a historic Englert Theater marquee, which is a nonconforming sign, be
approved subject to execution and approval of a license agreement for temporary use of the
right-of-way by the City Engineer.
Leigh seconded the motion.
Alexander stated that she'd vote in favor of the motion. She said that the historic sign standard has clearly
been met. The sign does not appear to be detrimental or to endanger public health safety, comfort, or
general welfare. Alexander added that given its location the distraction to motorists should be minimal. It
will not be injurious to the use or enjoyment of other properties in the immediate vicinity, and she thinks
that it will be a nice contribution to downtown Iowa City. Alexander indicated that it meets all other
applicable regulations and standards of the Zone, as long as we take care of the license agreement, and
it appears to be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
Maurer stated that he would also vote in favor for the reasons already given.
Wright stated that he would also vote in favor for the reasons already stated and that he hopes to be able
to say welcome back to the marquee.
Leigh will vote in favor of the motion for the previously mentioned reasons.
The motion passed with a vote of 4-0.
EXC04-00016
Public hearing regarding an application submitted by Shelter House for a special exception to permit
Transient Housing in the Intensive Commercial (CI-1) zone located at the southeast corner of the
intersection of Southgate Avenue and Waterfront Drive.
Before Miklo began the staff report, he showed slides and maps of the property in question (located at
429 Southgate Avenue) and neighboring properties. He stated that the surrounding properties are zoned
residential (RFBH), and Intensive Commercial (CI-1). The property to the south is a residential zone,
Residential Factory Build Housing. To the east, there is a parking lot that has been formerly used by MCI,
and to the west, there is the HACAP Childcare Center.
Miklo indicated that the Intensive Commercial (CI-1) zone is intended for uses such as auto-body repair,
contractor's yards, areas of outdoor storage, implement dealers, and other fairly intensive commercial
uses that are not necessarily compatible with residential or retail uses. The zone does allow, by special
exception, transient housing and that is what the applicant has applied for. Transient housing is defined
by the ordinance as: "A structure maintained and operated by a non-profit organization providing
temporary residence, for a period of not more than ninety (90) days, for persons in need of emergency
shelter and temporarily unable to pay for housing." Miklo stated that the code has specific requirements
for transient housing. It requires that 200 square feet of lot area be provided for each temporary resident,
and in this particular application, the proposal is for 70 occupants and therefore requires a total lot area of
14,000 square feet. This property is approximately 29,000 square feet, more than double the area
required by the Zoning Code, and it does meet that minimum requirement.
Iowa City Board of Adjustment Minutes
July 14, 2004
Page 3
Miklo pointed out that as noted in the CI-1 zone, attempts should be made to buffer any residential use
that moves into the zone from uses that are permitted in the CI-1 zone. The idea being that the burden to
provide that buffering is on the residential use because that is a special exception in the zone and that the
more intensive commercial uses not be required to provide the buffer. In this particular case, there is a
vacant property next door that could develop for intensive use and the applicant is showing an evergreen
screen along the east property line to provide a buffer in the event that this property will deveiop with an
intensive commercial use. There is also another intensive commercial use, an auto body repair shop, to
the northwest; it is quite a distance from the building, and because it is a corner, it will be difficult to
provide an evergreen buffer as the corner needs to be kept clear to provide visibility for the traffic moving
through the intersection. So the staff considers that the best that could be done are the trees proposed in
the application. The property to the south is a residential zone, it is a manufactured housing park. All of
those units are one story in height, while this proposed building will be two stories in height, and therefore
the applicant is proposing an eight-foot high fence to provide a transition from the fairly low scale
manufactured housing units to the larger building to the north. It will also provide privacy for the residents
that will use that yard area.
In addition to those very specific requirements for the special exception within the zone, there are the
seven general requirements that should be considered in a special exception case. The first three require
that the proposed special exception will not be detrimental to or endanger the public health, safety,
comfort or general welfare; should not be injurious to the use and enjoyment of other property in the
immediate vicinity and will not substantially diminish or impair property values in the neighborhood. The
third states that it will not impede the normal and orderly development and improvement of the
surrounding property for uses permitted in the zone in which such property is located.
In this particular case many of the uses in the area are human service uses such as the MECCA facility to
the north side of the street, and the HACAP day care center on the west side of the street. These are
similar human service uses that appear to be compatible with the shelter use. As noted above, there is
potential for non-compatible uses on the undeveloped properties, and the applicant is showing screening
to address that concern. In terms of the general nature of the neighborhood, this is the type of land use
that the City usually hears objections to regardless of where it is proposed to be sited. In this particular
iocation, the applicant has chosen a property that has all of the City services necessary to support a use
such as this, the site has necessary utilities and bus service, and they are proposing to provide the
landscaping and fences to help create a transition to the properties to the north.
The Board has received materiai from the Waterfront Neighborhood Association regarding concerns
about Shelter House. The applicant has indicated that they will present information to the Board
describing management practices designed to address these concerns.
The next four items that you should look at have to deal more with the physical adequacy of the property.
The first one deals with utilities, access roads, drainage, and necessary easements. This particular
property is in a commercial subdivision that has adequate drainage planned for, so staff believes that it
does meets that test. The next issue has to deal with traffic management. There are two driveways
proposed, one to provide access to a service area, and one to provide access to eighteen parking
spaces. The staff believes that this is not an unreasonable design for this particular location giving the
amount of traffic on Southgate Avenue. The next provision deals with whether or not the proposed special
exception conforms to all other requirements of the Code. In this particular case, the property will be
required to have eighteen parking spaces, and they are showing those eighteen parking spaces on the
property. The applicant will also be required to provide street trees as all properties developing in this
area would, and this plan does show conformance with that requirement. Therefore, this application does
meet all other requirements of the Code. Finally, the proposed special exception should be consistent
with the Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan does depict the area as being appropriate for
intensive commercial uses. The intensive commercial zone does provide a special exception for transient
housing, so the application does meet that test. The Comprehensive Plan also recognizes the need for
social services in our community and the need to support services such as Shelter House, so this
application further appears to meet that test.
Staff recommends approval of this special exception subject to general compliance with the submitted
plan, including the landscape buffer along the east property line, and the eight-foot privacy fence along
the south property line.
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Iowa City Board of Adjustment Minutes
July 14, 2004
Page 4
Public Hearina Opened
Crissv Canaanelli. 331 North Gilbert Street., the applicant, said that 429 Southgate Avenue is currently a
vacant lot located at the corner of Southgate Avenue and Waterfront Drive. The purpose of the zoning
chapter is to promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the public. Every night they turn people
away, men, women, and children; they have no room, and there is nowhere else in the county for them to
go. They deny them access to basic shelter and services. These people from our community are left with
nowhere but the streets, alleys and bridges to turn. This request does promote the public interest through
the provision of basic shelter and support services to men, women, and children who are homeless in our
community, an increasing number who demonstrate critical needs. The work of Shelter House falls under
the category of transient housing in the zoning ordinance. Transient housing is a use permitted in the CI-1
zone by special exception. The application demonstrates that the project meets code requirements, and
the organization has demonstrated that they are happy to comply with the City staff recommendations
with respect to buffering the property and other recommendations with respect to exterior guidelines.
Why this site, she asked. Canganelli said that they looked for a number of years for existing structures
that may come up on the market, but none has been cost effective to be considered seriously for the
purposes of this project. Land for new development is scarce and expensive. This site is zoned such that
it permits the use with a special exception. The purchase price is within their budget and demonstrates
their effort to be good stewards of public moneys. The land is situated within walking distance of existing
bus service, grocery stores, and other retail and employment opportunities. The land is located within
good proximity to relevant services such as HACAP transitional housing and head start, MECCA
transitional housing and treatment services, Youth Homes, Crisis Center, Salvation Army, and the
Johnson County Department of Public Health. The building on this site would bring much needed facility
space, services, and qualified and experienced staff to an area that demonstrates great need, an area
where many people who are homeless already live.
Canganelli said that she could not hope to address all the concerns that will be expressed, and some she
will argue are not for us to address. One consistent concern is the potential for increase crime in the area.
To this end, a document was sent by a resident of the Waterfront area neighborhood to the City, and
identified criminal incidents over time as related to the address of 331 North Gilbert Street., the location of
the current shelter. Before addressing the details of this document, she said that Shelter House has
rigorous rules, and all residents are required to comply. She said they are consistent and tenacious in
enforcing these rules. She brought copies of the rules to the Board tonight. The shelter is open and
staffed 24 hours a day. All residents of the shelter are checked against the State sex offender registry's
website. Those who are on the website are not permitted to stay in the shelter. An online website is
accessed to determine past criminal history. Criminal behavior while a resident of the shelter is not
permitted, Depending on the severity of criminal behaviors, such behavior might result in lengthy or
permanent eviction from Shelter House. Shelter House will not harbor criminals; law enforcement will be
informed if it is discovered that an individual is wanted by the law. Shelter House has no desire or interest
in encouraging criminal behavior. Is it in the interest of the Shelter House board, staff, and other clients of
Shelter House that those who wish to engage in criminal activity are appropriately dealt with so as not to
endanger either those at Shelter House or members of the larger community.
Specific to the document that you have received, she said, including police report details indicating 331
North Gilbert Street, individuals continue to use the 331 North Gilbert Street address long after they have
left Shelter House, especially when they have contact with law-enforcement. Individuals often use the
Shelter House address if they do not have a stable address. Shelter House receives mail for a large
number of individuals who are not residents, and in many instances have never resided at the shelter.
Since the rules of the shelter do not permit certain types of behavior, some individuals will engage in
these activities away from the Shelter House premises and give the Shelter House address if they have
contact with law-enforcement. Homeless individuals are more likely to have contact with the law as they
exist out-doors, and in public areas much more. Shelter House staff are proactive in informing the Police
of suspicious or illegal activities. Shelter House staff also inform the Police if a wanted individual comes to
the facility for any purpose. In effect, the Shelter House address appears disproportionately because
Shelter House staff is watchful and cooperative with law-enforcement.
Canganelli said that she knows that there are many in opposition to this request, and she knows that
many have come to support this effort. She said that they honestly want to serve this community and
neighborhood, and work together to strengthen it. If given the opportunity to purchase and develop this
Iowa City Board of Adjustment Minutes
July 14, 2004
Page 5
property, she promised that this is an organization and staff that fully comprehends and respects the
interdependence of the health, safety, and welfare of the neighborhood, and its residents, and Shelter
House's own ability to serve. This new building will be so very much more than just a structure; it will be a
vehicle through which thousands of people each year will be offered hope, opportunity, and regained
dignity. This building, she added, will make a difference in the lives of hundreds of men, women, and
children, mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, members of our community and citizens, people who
are homeless in our community each year. She said that she is here tonight out of stewardship for her
community, and because she desires and advocates for a healthy community, a sustainable community,
one where natural and historic resources are preserved, jobs are available, sprawl is contained,
neighborhoods are secured, education is lifelong, transportation and healthcare are accessible, and all
citizens have the opportunity to improve the quality of their lives. This application is submitted to the
Board at this time with these intentions in mind.
Shelter House staff also left copies of crime reports that look exactly like the documents that Waterfront
Neighborhood has submitted to the Board. Through the same document, they highlighted all individuals
that were listed in this packet who simply used Shelter House's mailing address. Time and time again,
listed individuals are using this address as a mailing address; the incident did not occur at the Shelter
House, and they never resided at Shelter House. In other instances, there were proactive visits that
occurred, where the staff was looking out for the safety of the neighborhood, and the residents of the
shelter. Canganelli pointed out that as you look through this document you will see that many of the
incidents are not related to a resident of the shelter.
Alexander asked about the relationship, or lack of relationship to the murder charge, and the death of
John Stewart. Canganelli answered that John Stewart was not a resident of the shelter. He was a client of
the case management program that we have at Shelter House. Alexander asked about the relationship to
Steve Lawrence, the alleged perpetrator. Canganelli answered that Lawrence had stopped at the shelter
once, but never resided at the shelter.
Maurer asked what happens with 331 North Gilbert Street if and when a new Shelter House Is built.
Canganelli answered that they are convinced that they will have to sell that property to use the capital for
the cost of building the new facility. Maurer asked what the current number of persons is at the current
shelter. Canganelli answered that the number Is 29, but sometimes they double use bed spaces as
individuals work third shift, their bed is vacated during the night, so one person can use the bed during
the night, and that individual who was working third shift can come back and use it during the day.
Wright asked if they were able to look at other properties that might have been realistic. Canganelli
answered that they've spent years looking for properties, and most recently they identified one location
that is not permissible due to the fact that it is in the flood plain. There were different properties that were
identified that went from downtown to the south-east quadrant of town, but most of the properties were
too expensive to be developed and fit within any kind of realistic budget..
Charlie Eastham. 1152 E. Court, said that he is the president of the Board of Trustees of the Greater Iowa
City Housing Fellowship. The Fellowship is a non-profit affordable housing developer that has worked in
the community for 14 years. One of the aspects of this application that occurs to him is whether the
location of a emergency shelter is going to increase some hazards for folks living in that area. He thinks
this is addressed by the management practices, and the Board of Trustees that operates the shelter.
Eastham added that in his opinion both the Board of the Shelter House and the current management are
well up to those tasks, and are dedicated to a good shelter as well as to safety in the neighborhood.
Susan Burqdorf. 333 S. Lucas, said that she came to Iowa City, used the shelter, and was turned away
with her 3 children for three weeks. Three weeks she spent in her van with her 3 children so the need is
definitely there to improve it. She said that she not only has maintained housing, but she also has
maintained employment for a year. Burgdorf said she also worked part-time through an internship at the
Shelter House. She pointed out that she is the face of homelessness.
Ken Lundbv. also identified himself as the face of homeless. He said that he was at the Shelter House
when he got out of prison. He mentioned that he had nowhere to go; he had used every resource he
could to better himself. Luckily, he said, the Shelter House was there and opened their arms to him, not
only to give him a place to live and some meals to eat, but also the opportunity to get back on his feet.
He just hoped that the Board will take into consideration the other aspect of, he didn't want to say
Iowa City Board of Adjustment Minutes
July 14, 2004
Page 6
"criminal aspect," but having that opportunity to allow him to be a success. He has a place to live, and all
these things were made possible through the Shelter House. This is a very important issue that needs to
be dealt with.
Jimmv McCue, 4475 Summit, said that he moved to Iowa City in 1965. He said that there is resentment
about the Shelter, and unfortunately, the Shelter House board and staff really cannot do much about it. In
the early 90's the shelter frequently boarded between 40 and 45 people. At one point, the Board sought
from the Fire Marshall an opinion about what was the maximum legal number of people it could board,
and it came to 29. The point is that 10-15 years ago there were frequently 40-50 people there. The
population of Johnson County is growing; the percentage of homeless people is growing nationally, as
well as at the state level. McCue said that the fact that substantial growth in the size of the shelter being
proposed should not seem wild or outrageous, because it fits rather naturally in the broader
developments over which the staff and the Board have very little control.
Mc Cue said that he would also like to bring up the issue that the sense that many people have that this
is a house full of, perhaps, semi-reformed criminals who are a threat. Most of the people have been low-
income families, finding it very hard to get a place in Iowa City, which is very expensive. Mc Cue
recognizes that they are not all families, but when people talk about the needs of this shelter, one of the
needs is access to school and access to daycare, because there are many kids in and out of the place.
Another need is transportation to get to work. Except in very extraordinary circumstances, no adult is able
to stay there for more than a very short period, unless they are actively looking for, and, before too long,
finding a job. As a volunteer, he sometimes saw how people were put out for not fulfilling this
requirement. McCue said that he would not enforce these rules as seriously as the staff are. Many places
have many rules that do not mean anything. Mc Cue considers that if a person would spend one day
watching what happens they would realize that these rules are taken seriously on both sides. He very
strongly urges that this exception be approved.
James Thomas works for the Star Program, which is a program of the Shelter House. He said looking at
him he wants the Board to use word association: black, male, big, Kobe Bryant, OJ Simpson. He said he
was trying to illustrate something to all of us, and it is about love more than anything else, because love
is really the truth. Homeless people run the gamut, just like black people, white people, and Jewish
people. The idea again is, if not in this backyard, whose, because someone is going to be a neighbor of
the Shelter House. Shelter House has proven over the years that it is a responsible neighbor.
He asked the statistician at the Police Department to run comparative studies of reports over the last two
years on reported incidents at 331 North Gilbert and Waterfront. To his surprise, , the Waterfront calls
exceeded North Gilbert Street. He said that we have a problem in this community and many of the
homeless people need assistance. The question is will they get it now, or will we continue to stumble
over the homeless people. Will they continue to sleep in the wilderness, and lose fingers from frost, or will
there be an effort to do something about this problem. The problem, Thomas said, is not coming to Iowa
City, the problem is already here.
Stephanie VanHousen, 1700 1 sl Avenue, said that she is a substance abuse counselor and case
manager for Shelter House's Star project. VanHousen was John Stewart's case manager. He was
extremely intoxicated when he was murdered under the bridge, and he was not able to stay at Shelter
House no matter how many arms she tried to twist because he was intoxicated. Shelter House staff had
known John for years and tried to help him out. Shelter House staff tried to commit him twice two weeks
before he died because they knew that he was a danger to himself, not to others, but to himself, because
he was unable to take care of himself. Shelter House staff cares about homeless people that are in our
community, they do not harbor people within their building that are under the influence of substances;
instead, they help them get assessments free of charge, and help them to get into treatment, and get
help. Shelter House has done so much to help the addicted low-income and no-income people in our
community. It is known that the individual who murdered John Stewart was also a homeless man who
recently arrived in town from another community. He did not have roots in this community and many other
people did not know him. John Stewart's mother is very grateful for the work that Shelter House has done
with her son, and had done to help him get hooked up with the services that he needs. Most of what we
do is not only provide shelter, but also connect the people with the kinds of services that can help them
become independent individuals. We help them learn to read, we connect them with tutors at Kirkwood,
we help them get child-care, and get jobs, things that give people a little bit of dignity. VanHousen stated
Iowa City Board of Adjustment Minutes
July 14, 2004
Page 7
that she hopes that this site will be approved because this is so needed for the men, women, and
especially the children of our community.
A Mori Costantino, a 45-year resident of Iowa City on Brown Street, said that when she moved to Iowa
City she moved across the street from Gaslight Village. Because of the reputation of Gaslight Viilage, she
stated that they were warned of drunkenness and drugs. There are over 85 residents across the street in
one property. As a property owner, she was concerned, but her experience living across the street from
an unsupervised place that has so many people living there was one of little trouble. Police were
responsive if they needed to come, and absolutely, her property value has not gone down.
Luis Sierra. 714 East Jefferson, works for the Iowa City School District as an Education Associate at
Horace Mann School. He said that he has seen many homeless kids coming to that school. One of his
jobs, as he mentions, was to call the shelter every morning for students who did not show up. Sierra
added that children, pre-school, kindergarteners, six-graders, can't be there at school because they can't
stay at the shelter because there is no place for them., These businesses that are complaining ought to
help by creating internships in their business to help the people who come here to work. He said that he
sees children coming before school time and putting food in their pockets because they know that they
are not going to have food later on. These are the people you want away from you, shame on you, he
said. He stated the District has had over 60 students transition into that school this year, in and out, and
to please think about them.
Dwiaht Dobberstein, 326 North Linn Street., is on the Shelter House Board, and is the architect who
volunteered to design the new facility. Dobberstein states that he brings a perspective of living close to
the Shelter House since its creation. He said that he raised two kids in the neighborhood, and finds no
rise or change in the amount of crime in the neighborhood. He said that it's actually a pleasure to have
the families around because they are becoming surrounded by students. It is quite a nice atmosphere, he
added, and there has been no increase in traffic over the years, unless bicycles are considered an
increase, because most of the people who come to the Shelter House are on bicycles, or they are
walking. The single biggest request, he said, is that they want to help, they want a job, and they want to
do work. The facility is needed because many people have been turned away, and this is one of the only
places where they can find help, and find possible new jobs.
Sara Quartell. 107 East Market Street, is a recent graduate of the University Of Iowa College Of Nursing,
and a past Shelter House volunteer. Quartell said that she would like to speak about the public health
issues. Currently, the College of Nursing has a program called the Nursing Outreach Program, where at
least two students per semester are volunteering at the Shelter House to address any health concerns of
the residents, and also to promote wellness. At the current shelter, the students have one corner of the
office were the rest of the shelter staff do their work, and they carry all health supplies and information in
a backpack that they have to bring back and forth to the Shelter House. In the area where the nursing
students interact with the Shelter House clients there is no good area for any sort of confidentiality, where
the clients may be able to address any sort of health concerns, or any issues that might come up that a
nursing student may be able to help them with. In the current Shelter House, as Quartell notes, there is
an increased risk for infectious disease to spread much more rapidly than in an area that had much more
space. A separate area where the nursing students can discuss issues in confidentiality with the clients
will be a benefit for the public health of Iowa City as a whole, and for those living in Shelter House.
Anonvmous. said that the Shelter House is a positive influence to the city, and to deny its existence
anywhere is ridiculous, and these people should be ashamed of themselves. He added that to make any
decision except in favor of the Shelter House is ridiculous.
Patricia Santanaelo, 3035 Stanford Street, a full time volunteer, said that over the winter, she was a part
of the shelter overflow project, and she got to know a lot of people one-on-one that way. Because of the
local fire restrictions, they had to have 200 square feet of floor space per person, which meant that her
church could take up to fourteen. It took a lot to keep this organization going. She said that she would like
to ask the people opposed to this, when the organization starts up in November to please come help us,
and get to know these people before they move in. Water, food and shelter are the three things people
absolutely need to have, and they just do not seem to have it in this area. The Greater Iowa City Housing
Fellowship also tried to buiid housing, but several times the Council denied it. There are no places left
that we can build this. The Fellowship is building out on the Peninsula because the Council said that there
has to be so much affordable housing in the community.
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Iowa City Board of Adjustment Minutes
July 14, 2004
Page 8
Eric Alexander, said that he has been a volunteer at the Iowa City Free Medical clinic for 5 years, and
they see many people who put the Shelter House address as their permanent address. Many people
have concerns about what this is going to do to their neighborhood, and it will be a shame if their fears
are true and you end up inconveniencing these owners, but at the end of the day, they are still
homeowners. He encouraged the Board to weigh the Inconvenience that they are speculating might be
caused by this house, versus what happens when people are turned away, and families and kids are out
on the streets.
Ravmond Tinnian, 504 1 ,I Avenue, Coralville, the attorney representing the Waterfront Neighborhood,
said that there are 45 active members, and about 190 people support their opposition. Before starting the
presentation, he gave to the Board petitions signed by 184 residents, business owners, and property
owners in the Waterfront area and immediate area near the proposed shelter. He also submitted a map,
which has property owners who wish to openly express the opposition to the special exception, marked in
red.
Tinnian stated that the mobile home park contains 149 homes, 73 families, 87 children, and a little over
300 residents. The vast majority signed the petition and are opposed to the special exception being
granted. They feel that the proposed special exception is illegal. Although most of the Waterfront
neighbors have no fear or concern about homeless children, and they are not afraid of the poor, or of
families that have had bad luck. What the people are concerned about is the actual record, the history of
the current Shelter House. They are afraid of transients and potential criminals who are a proven side
effect of the existing Shelter House.
The Board of Adjustment powers and procedures require that the applicant for a special exception show
that the specific proposed exception will not be detrimental to or endanger the public health, safety,
comfort or general welfare. He said that he had submitted evidence to the Board that the proposed
Shelter will be detrimental to the public health, safety, comfort or general weifare by drawing in indigents
and criminals from out of state. Evidence submitted to the Board, according to the Shelter House's own
information, shows 60-70% of their clients are from outside the region, and they come from somewhere
else. He added that according to police logs and police reports, the transients drawn in from out of the
county and out of state by the current Shelter House commit a largely disproportionate number of crimes
ranging from theft to murder. The applicant has shown no evidence that this will not be detrimental to or
endanger the public health, safety, comfort or general welfare. Further, the staff report, which
recommends the approval of the exception, suffers from the same defect, citing no research: they simply
make the assertion that there will be no danger to public safety presented by the proposed Shelter
House. Therefore, the applicant for the special exception has not met the burden required by law to show
that the special exception complies and therefore it ought to be denied as a matter of law.
The Board of Adjustment powers and procedures also require that the applicant for special exception
show that the specific proposed exception will not be injurious to the use and enjoyment of other property
in the immediate vicinity and will not substantially diminish or impair property values in the neighborhood.
In response to this requirement, the applicant has made a wrong assertion that the current Shelter House
has not adversely affected the surrounding property or diminished property values. The people who
currently live on North Gilbert Street near the current Shelter House do not agree. He asked why the
applicant presented no affidavits or statements from adjacent property owners who would confirm her
assertion. He argues that only Dobberstein spoke in favor of the Shelter House, but he does not list his
address as 326 North Linn Street on the application. Mr. Dobberstein is the architect and the applicant
and listed the address of 111 East College Street on the application. Tinnian said he spoke with several
property owners and residents who are in the immediate vicinity of the current Shelter House. Most of
them did not want their name used, and a lot of them did not want to talk too much because of the fear
that they might delay the departure of the Shelter House from their neighborhood. Only one property
owner that he spoke to seemed to not care one way or the other whether the Shelter House stays or
leaves, and they were not immediately near the Shelter House. Everyone else he spoke with was
unanimous in wanting the Shelter House out of their neighborhood. The most common complaint was that
there are many people in the yard all day doing nothing. The complaints run to a lot more serious. There
are complaints of trespassing and high traffic, which were equally universal complaints by neighbors of
the current Shelter House. No one he spoke with said that they like the place. Some were extremely
upset. One resident on Davenport Street said that the transients are trespassing, and that you might find
transients walking in your backyard for no apparent reason. This person also said that for every 29 they
let in the shelter, they turn away another 20 or 30, and these people simply spread out and canvas the
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Iowa City Board of Adjustment Minutes
July 14, 2004
Page 9
neighborhood. He said that it was like living next to a pack of coyotes. One resident who lives in the back
of the Shelter House has had worse luck with the transients than anyone Tinnion had talked with. He
complained that they drink and use drugs behind the shelter, especially just before 10 PM when it is time
to get in. That person also said that they sleep in unlocked cars, that one of them urinated in his car, and
they tend to urinate all over the neighborhood. This particular person was assaulted and sent to the
emergency room by an attack from a Shelter House client. This was several years ago, but just a few
years ago, a Shelter House client broke into his house and stole things. When he confronted the Shelter
House Director with evidence, the Director reacted with indignation. This man said that he is not against
the construction of the new shelter as long as they put it on the furthest bus stop out of town. Most of the
people in the Waterfront Neighborhood would not like to consider themselves as living at the furthest bus
stop out of town.
According to the evidence submitted, he said that in the past 2 years there have been at least 42 arrests
of Shelter House clients, for crimes ranging from simple theft, public intoxication, domestic assault, car
theft, assault causing injury, armed robbery, unregistered sex offenders and first-degree murder. This has
been in 2 years alone. He said the Waterfront Neighborhood is just as concerned about the clients of the
Shelter House as those who use the address of the Shelter House. One person said that the biggest
danger was the people that they turn away every night. The proponents of the special exception might
say that they will not have to turn away so many people if they can build a new facility. The Waterfront
Neighbors do not agree. Most think that in a few years there will be the same proportion of people trying
to get in who will not be able to get in, and will be excluded every night and left to wander the streets. If
you build it they will come, Tinnian said.
This year in the month of March alone, there were six arrests of Shelter House clients in a space of eight
days. The crimes were public intoxication, assault causing injury, and most notably, the arrest of transient
Stephen Lawrence Moore. Stephen Lawrence Moore is now charged with first-degree murder for the
murder of another Shelter House client. In addition, Ms. Canganelli had told the Daily Iowan that Moore
had utilized the services of the Shelter House a few times, but he never slept there over night, and earlier
at this meeting Ms. Canganelli mentioned that Moore had no relation whatsoever with the Shelter House.
Tinnian added that looking at the criminal records there Is no way to know who stayed there over night
and who didn't, but that anyone who gives the Shelter House as their address is most likely a recipient of
their services, and could be defined as Shelter House clients. Ms. Canganelli, responding in a
newspaper, said that Moore used the Shelter House program a few times, but then said he did not come
anymore, . and was quoted as saying to the reporter that it [the murder] is something deeply personal
and not appropriate to respond to. The Waterfront Neighborhood Association disagrees with Ms.
Canganelli on this point. They do not believe that first-degree murder is deeply personal; they believe that
crimes like this are deeply public. They believe that when your clients and house guests are committing
crimes and you're only taking actions that promise more to this new community, that a meaningful public
response should not only be appropriate, but ought to be mandatory. This was not the first time that a
murderer and the Shelter House somehow found each other. Two years ago there was another man
named Anthony Carl at Shelter House. On July 12, 2004 the director of the Shelter House was quoted in
the Press-Citizen as saying that they have strict and numerous policies that they apply seriously. The
Shelter House has had 20 years to address this problem of crime and there seems to be no improvement;
instead, according to the evidence submitted, there was an increase in 2004 in the number of arrests and
crimes committed by the Shelter House clients. Tinnian noted that Ms. Canganelli said that they work
closely with the police and their neighbors. In fact, the manager of Hilltop wrote Canganelli a very detailed
and polite letter, but Canganelli did not respond to that letter. Tinnian said he feels that her words are not
necessarily related to her actions. The sixth speaker tonight said that there have been more police calls
for the Waterfront Neighborhood than there had been to the Shelter House.
Tinnion used the chalk board to present the following scheme:
2 years
HILLTOP SHELTER
149 homes 1 home
300 residents 29 residents
26 arrests 42 arrests
Analyzing the chart, he said that since the new Shelter House is going to be two-and-a-half times the size
of the current one, he expects that you can double those numbers safely. Since the past is the best
predictor of future, we expect the new shelter to draw from out of state more than double the number of
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Iowa City Board of Adjustment Minutes
July 14, 2004
Page 10
arm robberies, thieves, sex offenders, and murderers than the current shelter did. We predict that there
will be at least 100 arrests when the shelter will be open.
The applicant had the burden to show that the proposed shelter will not be injurious to the use and
enjoyment of other property in the immediate vicinity of the proposed transient shelter. He argues that
they have offered very little evidence, very little facts. The staff report suffers from the same deficiency.
The only parties that offer hard facts here are the respondents from the Waterfront Neighborhood. Hence,
the proposed special exception is illegal and it should not be granted.
Tinnian also said that the applicant bears the burden to show that there will be no substantial effect on the
property values caused by the new shelter house. The concept of use and enjoyment of property is
closely linked to property values in any neighborhood. The construction of a transient house in this
neighborhood, more than twice the size of the existing shelter, with all the problems currently shown, will
self evidently lower the property values in the neighborhood by a substantiai amount. As far as the
Waterfront Neighborhood can see, the applicant has not researched the effect of the shelter on property
values. Crime is the number one factor in devaluing properties. The burden is on the applicant to show
that there will be no substantial loss of property value. The applicant has not even attempted to meet this
burden. Tinnlan stated that the current Shelter House is detrimental to the health, safety, and comfort of
residents. The applicant has submitted no good reasons that the Waterfront neighbors have nothing to
worry about.
Tinnian also addressed a couple of things that the applicant said in the initial speech. One was that we
need to protect men and women in our community, that people in our community are being turned away,
and we want to serve this community and this neighborhood. In response to this, Tinnian said that 70 %
of the clients of the shelter house are not from this community, they are not from this region, and they
come from somewhere else. The applicant also said that they have vigorous rules, and they will not
harbor criminals. In response, Tinnian said that they do not believe that the shelter will harbor criminals,
but the fact is that criminais and the Sheiter House are linked.
He ended by saying that, under the law, the applicant had the burden to show that the proposal will meet
certain criteria. The applicant has failed to meet the burden imposed; therefore, the Waterfront
Neighborhood prays that the Board deny the application for a special exception as a matter of fairness
and justice, and as a matter of iaw.
Aiexander asked what basis they used to determine the 42 arrests, whether these were people who have
listed the address of the shelter, or whether the arrests they used occurred at the site of the shelter.
Tinnian answered that all of the cited arrests invoived the Shelter House address, and. he presumed
that they are all clients of the Shelter House. They come from other regions, attracted by Shelter House
services.
Wright asked the same question but relative to the arrests at Hilltop. Tinnian answered that people from
Hilltop say that individuals continue to use that address even after they have moved. Wright asked
whether he knew if those arrests occurred at Hilltop. The attorney answered that some yes, some no;
they did the search based on what address the suspect gives. Tinnian asked everyone in the room who
was a resident of the Waterfront area to raise their hand if they are opposed to the new shelter. Finally,
he asked those who are businessmen or property owners in the area, and are opposed to the new
shelter, to raise their hand.
Anna Buss. 830 Miller Avenue, said that she is a former resident of the Broadway Street area. In 1980,
she built a home there. Iowa City has a wide spread reputation for free services. It was stated earlier that
many of the residents are not from the Johnson County area. This may be a message that if you build it
they will come. Buss addressed an issue that she said is occurring all the time, that of "not in my
neighborhood". She said that rather than saying not in my backyard, not in my neighborhood, we should
take a look at the area as a whole and say hasn't our neighborhood opened its arms enough at this point.
We have HACAP, MECCA, and low-income housing. This whole area is already involved.
Buss said that she has managed property in this area for over 14 years. She said that there have been
many disturbing changes in the area. She argued that it is increasingly difficult to rent a property south of
Highway 6 at any price. She said there is a lot of crime and a lot of it is related to a number of issues that
have happened in the area. Econo Foods left the area because of the area's problems.. While new
Iowa City Board of Adjustment Minutes
July 14, 2004
Page 11
businesses are coming back, they are coming very slowly, and they have been offered some real
incentives to come in. She added that at the present time this is a good mix. The applicant has not
proved that this will not be detrimental to the area. Take a look at the police logs, and judge for yourself.
The Waterfront Neighbors do not want this in their area and the City Council has already been
bombarded with petitions from other areas not wanting It in theirs. There must be a reason. Buss, asked
the Board to deny this.
Isabella Vine, Waterfront Drive, said that even though she sympathizes with the people who are
homeless, she has had different experiences with them. Vain stated that as a child she was homeless,
and the thing that they feared most were homeless transients who would kill somebody for five dollars,
without caring who they hurt and what they got out of it: they just didn't care. She mentioned that her
intention is not to say that all homeless persons are like that because she knows that they are not. She
asked the Board to look at the criminal records of people who are at the shelter now. The peopie who are
there now have assault records, public intoxication records, drug abuse records. These are the people
who live there now.
Craiq Dahlen, 2018 Waterfront, the manager of the Hilltop Mobile Home Park, said that in 1994, his
parents bought Hilltop and they have done a remarkable job of keeping it safe and quiet for the residents.
The proposed sheiter represents a huge safety concern. The bottom line is where will the drug addicts,
violent criminals and sex offenders go when they are turned away at midnight. There are 149 lots, 73
families and 87 children next door in Hilltop. The number one job is to keep the residents safe. If this
shelter is built, it will put an enormous burden on those residents and businesses in the area. They are
not against a homeless shelter, but rather the ones that are turned away, where will they go when they
are turned away. He agreed that if you build it they will come.
Jovce Barker, , a 16 year resident of Hilltop, said that in the past Hilltop has had its share of problems, but
they have worked very hard at making it a safe place. She said that when she moved there, after paying
all bills they had only 40 dollars to live on the rest of the month, but they cared, they heiped, and they
have been there for their neighbors. The majority of the people that live there have the same money
issue, but they ail go to work, they all do their part. She considers that the biggest problem is the people
that are turned away, who might harm the children. She personally takes the Broadway bus home every
night, and she hears conversations in the back of the bus, people who talk about what they can get for
free in Iowa City so that they don't have to work. Iowa City cares, and that is why they are coming here
and bringing others, but that does not mean that we have to take care of the worid.
Thomas Ortelle, a business owner, said that he was one of the first to develop in the Southgate
subdivision. The reason for moving there was that it was a commercial area, he was looking for
competitive business to come there to help his business grow. He said that he feels for the homeless, that
he too was one of those at some point, but he said that the City has a responsibility here and should quit
putting problems in this area. He argues that the City has property near the airport, and that they should
place the shelter there and run a bus for them, and that property wiil not cost that much.
Orteile argued that MECCA is already there, and the Domestic Violence shelter. People need protection
and they do not need more problems. The shelter needs a place, but this is not the right place: this is a
commercial area. Also, you have children out there, along with the people from Hiiltop. This is not going
to go away. Orteile considers the airport a better option.
Steve Dueil, Waterfront, a resident of Hilltop, runs a consulting business. He mentions that he is a former
homeless person, and acknowledges that homelessness can happen. Dueil added that it was pointed out
that the applicant must prove that it will not be detrimental to or endanger the public health, safety,
comfort or general welfare of the community, whom the Board must consider just as much as the
homeless. He said that there are two edges that have to be considered while making this decision. One is
the rights of the transient human beings; the other is the concern of the community. The nurse that spoke
this evening pointed out that there is a concern for disease in the shelter as it currentiy exists. Around the
curve between the softbail park and railroad tracks, there is a semi-permanent tent city where he is
informed by other residents that objects fly off the trains as they pass by, land in the bushes, and are
picked up by people without driving licenses or sociai security cards. He is suggesting that if there is a
three-story facility within a five-minute walk from that railroad track, you could be creating two concerns:
you're helping something he is sure you don't want to help in terms of underground economy, and if the
people living in the tent city have hepatitis or other diseases and they come to the shelter attempting to
Iowa City Board of Adjustment Minutes
July 14, 2004
Page 12
qualify to shower, they will be increasing the risk of health problems, and also the flow of undocumented
people.
Sue Schmucker. 2957 Washington Street, an area commercial property owner, has concerns about this
type of building in any commercial zone. She mentions that when they lock their business, there is no one
there to see or hear. There have been a rash of fires in commercial properties recently. She argues that it
would be better to build transient houses in a residential area where people are there all the time and can
hear what is going on. She ended by saying that she is also concerned about the cut-through traffic on
Southgate and running this type of operation in a commercial zone.
Melissa Williams, an area business owner, said that she questions the integrity of the project, lumping
struggling people together in one place. She considers that the area already has HACAP and MECCA,
and she questions what will happen if we will add one more to the mix. She said that she has been
vandalized twice, and she considers that it has a lot to do with the fact that there are many people
wandering area streets at night. She said that many times there are people in the dumpsters and stealing
from outside businesses. She said that it is a shared problem; everybody shares a part of it. She
considers that it is a major problem to put all human service uses in one spot, turning our heads and
walking away.
Joyce Baker said the people that live in tents are there for quite a while. She mentioned that a
businessman in the area offered one of them a job for seven dollars an hour. He laughed in his face and
walked away. She questions whether more of these people will camp out in the neighborhood.
Jeffrev Bond, 2018 Waterfront, stated that he is not afraid of the people who are in the shelter house, but
of those who are turned away. He argues that they will have two choices: MECCA, or the mobile home
park, and because MECCA is not a 24-7 institution they will turn to the park. He also states that mobile
homes are not manufactured with security in mind, which makes it easy to kick in a door. Bond presented
the idea that both the shelter and the County jail could have a common location that might be cheaper for
both, and might get approved in a vote.
Lorie Dahlen. 2018 Waterfront Drive, one of the managers of the Hilltop, said that recently a new family
moved into Hilltop and that they hired a homeless person to help them. She related that this homeless
person is afraid, and that his friends are afraid too, that there will be more people coming from the
Chicago area to live in the larger shelter. She added that there are around 70 persons in Hilltop that are
single, or who possibly have a roommate. She said that she is single, and she does not feel safe. She
also said that last year there was a person running around in the park who just escaped from MECCA.
She said that this new development does not have a positive effect on the neighborhood; she is afraid of
their security and urges the Board to look for a better site.
Mark Bentlv. 900 Sandusky Drive, said that property owners are concerned about their property values.
The neighborhood's plate is full, and we don't need any more issues because, he argues, there are
enough issues right now.
Matt Neelv, 2018 Waterfront, founder of the Waterfront Neighborhood Association, said that he has done
research on crimes related to the current Shelter House, and was surprised about the predominance of
theft and violent types of crimes. He added that people in Hilltop and area businesses work hard for what
they have, and he believes that the proposed shelter is not in their interest or in the interest of the
community.
John Cress. a business owner in the area, asks what will happen to the people that will be turned away.
He is also opposed to changing the zoning of commercial property when it is hard to find commercial
property available for uses in Iowa City, and approving this use would take a commercial property out of
the market.
Christina Burns, Sandusky Drive, said that they worked very hard to stop the crime and save the
reputation of the neighborhood. She questions whether this is the right place for the shelter. She argues
that one thing the shelter staff also needs to think of is the safety of men and women who are in the
nearby domestic violence shelter.
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Iowa City Board of Adjustment Minutes
July 14, 2004
Page 13
Thomas Ortelle said that people who work at Goodwill are handicapped and he is worried about the
safety of these kids. He is concerned that a sex offender who is turned away from the Shelter may prey
on the kids who take the bus to work at Goodwill or get of the bus at the domestic violence shelter. He
asks whether the Board will take responsibility for making these safety decisions, and urges that putting
the homeless in an area with kids and the disabled is wrong.
Anonvmous said that he is concerned about the security of the neighborhood businesses. He considers it
is a very vulnerable situation when it comes to security as it is not like a residential neighborhood where
people are around. He said that he could talk about the integrity of Mike Dylan, the manager of Hilltop,
because he has known him for a long time. He said he had improved management at Hilltop and it has
been a much better neighborhood over the last several years. He argues that anytime there was an issue,
anyone could go and ask for help from Mike. He added that his security concerns are not due to his
neighbors at Hilltop.
Abbv Buraess, staff member of Shelter House works the overnight shift alone there, and she also works
in very crowded periods, and has handed blankets to people that have been turned away by the shelter,
and wants to say that these people are just as afraid of people who are afraid of them, if not even more.
They are also afraid that they have no place to sleep overnight, and that the environment is going to
weather them, and cause health issues, and they have no place to live.
Charlie Eastham said that the underlying concern is the issue of crime and violence. He added that the
arrest numbers presented were very strange, and should be adjusted to reflect the more than 800 people
who have stayed at the shelter in the last two years. Eastham disagrees with the assumption that the
shelter serves as a magnet that attracts undesirable people here or that people are coming to Iowa City
and committing crimes because of the shelter. He stated that people come here for lots of reasons and
they get in trouble for many reasons, and many of them find the shelter as a helpful institution in time of
trouble.
Kafi Dixon, 2631 Westwinds Drive, a staff person at Shelter House for 3 years, said that she hears people
using the word transient. She stated that Iowa City is a transient community, people come for a variety of
reasons; she said that she came here to go to school. People have the right to have shelter even if they
are transients coming for a better life. These people are here, the need is here. The worst thing is to turn
families with children away. She argued that people need to take fear out of the way and look at the
critical need that these people have.
Jerrv Anthonv. 713 Eastmoor Drive. an architect and a planner that lives in Iowa City, said that he is really
concerned about the quality of life that we offer here, the nature of the environment and the policies that
we have here. He said that he is in support of the approval of the special exception for three reasons.
First, he said that there is a big need for a larger, expanded facility in the community. This Shelter House
has a capacity of 29, and demand is much more than that. Every year the shelter house turns away many
people. There is a big unmet demand that needs to be met. Meeting these demands is required in our
master plan. The people of the community have expressed through the master plan that we need to meet
this demand. The community as a whole is committed to meeting this demand for this new shelter.
Second, Anthony stated that zoning is a public policy predicated on the notion of public welfare. The
Board of Adjustment, he added, needs to consider the public of Iowa City and not a group of 200 people.
There are costs and benefits to any decision, and the Board must consider the benefits to the
community as a whole and weigh them against the burden to a small group of the public. Anthony
argued that the benefits for the larger community are greater than the neighborhood's burden for two
reasons. He said that there is a large unmet need in the community, and by building this expanded
facility, we will be able to meet some more need. Next, he said that by having so many people turned
away, we have people dispersed in different locations, so we have dispersed crime affecting more
people. If you have an expanded facility, you have more people housed in one place.
The opponents of this proposal fear that property values will go down. Anthony said that research
nationally shows that property values do not necessarily go down. Property values might not increase at
the same rate as they would without the shelter house there, but they do not ever go down.
Anthony stated that the third reason for supporting the application is the danger of exclusionary zoning.
The zoning powers that the City exercises requires it to accept all kinds of land uses except those that
Iowa City Board of Adjustment Minutes
July 14, 2004
Page 14
are illegal. If, after diligent efforts, we do not allow Shelter House to locate their expanded facility, we
might face litigation on exclusionary zoning, and if we are found guilty of that, the federal money that we
get for various community services will be threatened.
Anthony said that he would like to answer to some of the charges made by the opponents of the
application. The first was that the Board of Adjustment needs to ensure that the proposal is not
detrimental to, or endangering of the public health, safety, comfort or general welfare. The public welfare
at issue here is the welfare of the entire public of Iowa City and it is not the welfare of a small group of
people. No one says bring the shelter house to my neighborhood, or in my backyard. You have to strike a
balance somewhere because r under the current zoning regulations the Shelter House cannot be located
as a matter of right in any zoning district. Miklo clarified that transient housing could be located in a CB-2
zone by right and in several other zones by special exception. Notwithstanding this fact, Anthony argued
that the Board of Adjustment needs to make policies that help the larger public, not a small group of the
public.
Steve Smith said that the Waterfront Neighborhood attorney did not talk with him, and he lives in the
current Shelter House neighborhood. Smith said he goes by the Shelter House two or three times a day,
and has never had a problem. He said that they should talk to the neighbors that really know what is
going on there.
Alexander asked the applicant to address the concern about the activities of the people who are turned
away. Canganelli answered that a great deal of individuals use the address of the shelter, but the
incidents have nothing to do with the site of the shelter. She added that the shelter is open until 10 PM for
curfew for residents, and stays open 24 hours a day and continues to receive people over night.
Therefore, if the police bring someone in the middle of the night and they are in the need of shelter and
there is space, the shelter will take them. If someone is turned away due to a substance abuse issue, the
shelter will try to get them into treatment.
Leigh asked how long the shelter has been at the current location. Canganelli answered that September
will be their 30th anniversary. Canganelli also mentioned that there was an allusion to the fact that this will
be a danger to the residents at the Domestic Violence Shelter (DVIP), and she said that many times a
resident of the DVIP has been a resident of the shelter or someone who was not been able to access
DVIP is a resident of the shelter. There is no clear differentiation between the people in these two
locations.
Public Hearina Closed
Motion: Leigh moved to approve the EXC04-00016, an application submitted by Shelter House for
a special exception to permit Transient Housing in the Intensive Commercial (CI-1) zone located at
the southeast corner of the intersection of Southgate Avenue and Waterfront Drive, subject to
general compliance with the submitted site plan including a landscape buffer being provided
along the east property line, an 8 foot tall privacy fence provided along the south property line,
and compliance with the exterior guidelines be approved. Alexander seconded the motion.
Maurer said that Iowa City is probably looked upon as one of the leaders in the area of philanthropic
endeavors for people of all different disadvantages. As we look at this, we must come under the general
standards for this special exception to apply. Maurer stated that he has a problem with some of these.
Will this be detrimental to or endanger the public health, safety, comfort or general welfare? He stated
that the public most affected by this is the public in the immediate vicinity and it is more important to them
than to the rest of the public. Maurer determined that as for the public health, safety, and comfort, there
are enough people that are uncomfortable with what is proposed. Maurer then looked to the next
standard, asking whether the proposed use is injurious to the use and enjoyment of other properties.
Maurer said that there were serious questions about this. He also looked to the standard of whether it
would substantially diminish or impair property values. Maurer stated that this is a big issue that cannot
be determined for sure until someone decides to sell property in the area if and when the Shelter House
is located there. He added that he checked with a number of realtors about the shelter at 331 North
Gilbert, and everyone told him that area property values have substantially diminished. The closer to 331
N. Gilbert, the more likely there is a diminishment in property values. He added that he has less a
problem with property values as he does with others' comfort, safety, and health.
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Iowa City Board of Adjustment Minutes
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Page 15
Holecek said that from the evidence heard today, the board has to conclude that each of these standards
has been met to approve the special exception. Maurer said that he has a problem finding all of the
standards have been met, and that he would vote against the building of the Shelter House in this
location.
Wright said that he does not believe that the special exception will be detrimental overall to the public
health, safety, comfort or general welfare. He added that he believes that this exception will not be
injurious to the use and enjoyment of other properties. Wright said that the establishment of the shelter
will not interfere with normal orderly development, and the improvement of properties in the area, nor it
will be problematic in terms of access to roads, drainage, and other necessary physical facilities. Wright
stated that he believes that this meets the standards for the special exception as established in the CI-1
zone, and for these reasons he intends to vote in favor.
Leigh said that for her this issue has a more personal perspective because 331 North Gilbert is a North
Side address and she also has a North Side address. She mentioned that she has lived within 3 or 4
blocks of the Shelter House for the last 20 years. She said that she works within 1 block of Shelter House.
She mentioned that she passes Shelter House daily, because she likes to walk. For the negative impact
that the Shelter House has had on her, she said that it is welcome to remain in the neighborhood for as
long as it pleases. She said that she is employed at Mercy Hospital, and for 4 years she has left that
facility between 11 :30 and 12:30 at night to walk home. No people turned out at midnight were apparent
to her. She mentioned that another perspective that she has is that she is an active member of the North
Side Neighborhood Association. That is also a vocal community, and the only complaints about the
Shelter House that she is aware of, have been related to aesthetics and the unkempt lawn. People
dealing with the issues that these people are dealing with probably have greater needs in mind than the
aesthetics. Leigh said that this proposal has met the standards and will vote in favor of this.
Alexander said that for the reasons already mentioned she would also vote in favor of the special
exception. She added that we are at greater risk of endangering the public health and general welfare by
having too many people sleeping under bridges than having them in a place where they are going to
receive services that they very badly need.
Motion carried 3-1 (Maurer voting in the negative).
EXC04-00017
Discussion regarding an application submitted by Cynthia Parsons for a special exception to
1) reduce the front yards from 20 feet to 17 feet, 2)reduce a portion of the side yards from 3 feet to 0 feet
and 3) allow a common driveway to be located partially on a separate lot for properties located in the
Medium Density Single-Family (RS-8) zone located at 1128 and 1130 E. Washington Street.
While presenting the staff report, Boswell showed a slide show of the properties in discussion, with the
proposed duplex and elevation, photo of the area, and back yards and front yards of the two properties.
Boswell said that Ms. Parsons owns two adjoining parcels on the north side of East Washington Street in
the RS-8 zone. The building at 1128 E. Washington is slated for demolition in the near future, and the
applicant proposes to build a new duplex on the lot. She further proposes to demolish the unit at 1130 in
the near future, and rebuild on that lot as well.
Boswell stated that duplexes are allowed as a provisional use in the RS-8 zone, if the lot is equal to or
greater than 8,700 square feet, with the design subject to the requirements listed in the Zoning
Ordinance. The lots at 1128 and 1130 E. Washington are each 8,702 square feet, so a duplex is possible
in each lot. One roomer per unit is allowed as a provisional use in each duplex, if an off-street parking
space is provided for the roomer. This brings the maximum allowable occupancy of each unit to three
persons and of each duplex to six persons. Six off-street parking spaces would be required for each
duplex, if there were roomers. The applicant proposes to accommodate the required parking spaces by
providing a two-car garage in the rear of each unit, with an additional space or garage for the roomers
located in the rear of the property.
In order to access the parking behind the duplexes, the applicant has proposed a shared driveway that is
centered on the property line between 1128 and 1130 E. Washington. Drives are normally required to be
completely contained within the individual lot, and no closer than three feet to the property line. A special
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Iowa City Board of Adjustment Minutes
July 14, 2004
Page 16
exception is therefore sought to allow for a shared drive. This exception is dependent upon the
submission of legal document that acts as a covenant for current and future property owners.
Boswell said that the required front yard setback in the RS-B zone is twenty feet, and the applicants
propose to situate the new duplexes 17 feet from property line, an action that also requires a special
exception.
Boswell added that the Comprehensive Plan states, "Portions of the Central Planning District located to
the north and east of downtown contain older neighborhoods where issues of neighborhood integrity are
of concern. Where existing zoning allows redevelopment at a higher density, the City Council has
indicated that measures should be taken to assure that the new structures are designed to be compatible
with the adjacent neighborhood". Neighborhood integrity is mentioned again in the Highlights of the
Central Planning District section at the end of the chapter. This issue, Boswell stated, is of particular
concern in this case, as the new buildings will support a higher density in this established neighborhood.
The Zoning Ordinance also notes that special attention should be given to landscaping and site design in
the RS-B zone.
Boswell stated that the Comprehensive Plan notes that older neighborhoods of the Central Planning
district feature less car-dominated images at the street level than modern subdivisions, and that those
designs can be successfully copied by infill development. Most homes on the north side of this block are
served by driveways in the side yards that provide access to garages located at the rear of the home or in
the rear yard. The proposed shared drive and rear-access garages mimic this development pattern in an
appropriate manner.
Boswell said that a lack of public open space in the Central Planning District is also noted in the
Comprehensive Plan. Redevelopment in this area should therefore provide adequate private open space
for residents. Most homes on the north side of this block of Washington Street have large rear yards that
back up to Ralston Creek and the Woodlawn Historic Preservation District, which allows residents private
open space not available in the small front and side yards. In the applicant's initial proposal, however,
impermeable surfaces comprised 76% of the lot area. Staff and applicant have therefore reworked the
proposed parking area in the rear of the lots, in order to limit the amount of paving and to provide more
open space for future residents. Staff feels that the changes make this proposal more closely resemble
the rest of the neighborhood, and that the resulting access/parking plan is of sufficient quality to grant the
exception for a shared drive.
Boswell stated that staff feels that there is a unique situation on this block that lends support to the
requested exception from the front yard requirement. Visual inspection and aerial photos presented by
Boswell show that the homes on the north side of Washington Street in this area have smaller setbacks
than in other parts of the city. The average of the front-yard setbacks on the block is less than fourteen
feet. Thus, Staff feels that a front setback of seventeen feet is appropriate for these two properties.
Boswell mentioned that the City Assessor's records show that all homes on this block of Washington
Street were built prior to 1940, and that most were built around 1900. As such, the houses are somewhat
small by today's standards. In order to mitigate the perception of scale, Staff and applicant have refined
the proposals somewhat. New elevation drawings specify exterior design that serves to define the two
units of each duplex as unique, and to break up the mass of the buildings. Staff feels that the proposed
changes to the façade are more compatible with the neighborhood, and are appropriate conditions to the
granting of a front setback exception.
Boswell stated that staff feels that the location of the two lots in question does present a unique situation
that justifies the reduction of the front yard setback requirement. The character of the neighborhood also
supports an exception for a shared drive.
The rear of these two lots lies in the Ralston Creek floodplain: this may be why most homes in this area
are located nearer the street than usual. This and the neighborhood character lead to a practical difficulty
in placing the proposed buildings farther back on the lot.
Boswell added that in addition to determining whether the situation is unique and if there is a practical
difficulty in complying with the Zoning Ordinance, the Board also must find that the applicant meets
several standards spelled out in chapter 14-6W-2-B. Staff feels that the proposed exceptions will not be
Iowa City Board of Adjustment Minutes
July 14, 2004
Page 17
detrimental to the public welfare, will not contribute to traffic congestion, and that adequate facilities exist
for this development.
Analyzing the additional standards used to judge the merits of requests for yard reductions, Boswell
stated that the exceptions are minimal in relation to the requirement, in terms of square footage. The
proposed redesign of the porch and parking areas mitigate the loss of front and side yard space. He also
said that the total occupancy of each parcel would double under the proposal. The density change is a
result of the redevelopment that is allowed by right in the RS-8 zone, and not a function of the special
exceptions, The proposed buildings and lot design will be stylistically similar to other homes in the
neighborhood. Staff feels the redesigned elevations and site plan will limit the effects on the
neighborhood.
He also mentioned that smaller buildings that are similar in scale to the existing homes on this block
would allow for a side drive with rear parking without the need for additional garages or paved area.
Boswell said that the applicant has the right to redevelop the property in accordance with the RS-8 zone
requirements, and the special exception process allows the City to address issues of scale and open
space. Staff feels that granting special exceptions for the front yard setback and for the shared drive will
result in a better site plan that respects the characteristics of the neighborhood. Therefore, the exceptions
are justified.
Staff recommends that EXC04-00017, a special exception requesting 1) a shared driveway on two lots,
and 2) reduction of the front yard setback for the principle structure on each of two parcels in the RS-8
zone on East Washington Street, be approved subject to the following conditions:
1. Submission to and approval by the City Attorney, of a covenant providing for the perpetual
maintenance of the shared driveway; and
2. Submission to and approval by the Director of Planning, of an elevation drawing and site plan
which indicate the nature of exterior elements of the proposed buildings and the design of the
parking areas, and general adherence to these documents during construction.
Orders of the Board of Adjustment are generally valid for a period of six months, though the Zoning
Ordinance states that the time frame may be extended for good cause. The applicant has noted that she
intends to move forward with this proposal at 1128 E. Washington this summer, but the property at 1130
is leased through July 2005. Applicant initially discussed a two-year window in which to take action upon
the order. Staff is currently in the process of rewriting the Zoning Ordinance, and any changes to the
Ordinance will supersede any order of the Board. Staff feels that a one-year time frame is appropriate for
applicant to request any necessary permits under the current Ordinance.
Wright asked what percent of the back lot would be paved under the second plan. Boswell answered that
in the first proposal there was 75% of the entire lot, and the second proposal is significantly less than that
due to the reduction of the amount of paving in this general vicinity. We are trying to get as much open
space as possible given the lack of open space noted in the Comprehensive Plan for the Central
Planning District. The front yard reduction pushes that building to the front. It does reduce front yard open
space. The purpose of the shared drive is to reduce the amount of paving on site, therefore it seems
reasonable to try to reduce the amount of paving in the rear as well.
Maurer asked if the parking indicated at the rear of the lot are garages or just parking spaces, and what
is between them. Referring to the site plan, Boswell answered that in the initial proposal, there were
garages to provide the required parking for roomers. . In the second proposal, the parking is divided and
there is open space between, and the parking indicated are either garages, or lots. They're not required
to be covered, just to be off street.
If there is a family living in this building that does not takeroomers, the additional parking is not required,
so there will be no need for additional paving in the rear.
Leigh noted that the site plan shows 4 covered spaces, and asked how many more were needed to
allow for maximum occupancy. Boswell answered that for each building, it's a duplex and can have one
roomer per unit. In one half there can be up to 3 occupants, and in the other half there can be 3 more, so
it requires 6 spaces per building. On the lowest floor of each building, in the rear there is a two-car
parking garage, so each unit has two, two-car garages and two additional spaces.
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Iowa City Board of Adjustment Minutes
July 14, 2004
Page 18
Public Hearinq Opened
Cindv Parsons, the applicant, 1131 E. Washington St, said that they are happy with proposed changes.
She considers that the changes bring a better look to their property that will fit in better than what they
originally planned. Parsons said that they are working with their draftsman to get those reduced to what is
envisioned there. She pointed out that they live across the street from these units, and are interested in
having a nice looking property across the street.
GarvKlinefelter, 1131 E. Washington St, said that they also reduced the driveway width, which was
originally proposed to be 12 feet, to 10 feet, so there is going to be a little more green space between the
buildings. He said that the schemes presented are not as massive as they may appear in the two-
dimensional plan.
Mindv Tuttle, 1126 E. Washington St, said that it sounds that with the way that this is zoned, the issue the
Board is dealing with is whether there are objections to the unit they are proposing, and the exception
issues that were addressed in the letter. Boswell answered that there is no specific design review for this
property. When we grant a yard reduction we can impose additional constraints to that, because a bigger
building, closer to the front of the lot has some impact. The Board has to decide whether there is a unique
situation that allows for that reduction. For the shared drive, the issue is whether it is justified and can be
maintained over time.
Tuttle asked if the Board is looking long range, if someone will purchase that property how would it affect
that. Tuttle said that one of the concerns in the neighborhood is that there are fewer single-family
dwellings, so it becomes more difficult for home owners to deal with student populations and high density
populations moving into the area as it becomes larger. Tuttle said that the RS-8 zone allows for 3-
bedroom unit on each site. So if the density issue relates to the zoning of the property, then this is not
the place to deal with the density/zoning issue. Holecek, and Boswell answered that that is correct.
Boswell added that staff is in process of rewriting the Zoning Code, and the issue of density in RS-8
zones will be revisited. Tuttle said that the proposal to make the two structures look different is a good
thing to do. Another concern, she mentioned, is taking away green space, but the changes are good.
Tuttle asked about the height of the structure in comparison with other homes. Miklo said that in
redrafting the Zoning code, one of the things proposed is that in the RS-8 zone, duplexes would only be
allowed on corner lots, and not on interior lots. Tuttle said that when you allow development in the way
they are proposing, you are assuming that if it is a family each person there has a vehicle, , and it does
reduce the parking on the street. Boswell said that the height of the building is of concern, but has been
worked on and refined.
Public Hearinq Closed
MOTION: Wright moved to approve special exception EXC04-00017
regarding an application submitted by Cynthia Parsons for a special exception to
1) reduce the front yards from 20 feet to 17 feet, and 2) allow a common driveway to be located
partially on a separate lot for properties located in the Medium Density Single-Family (RS-8) zone
located at 1128 and 1130 E. Washington Street be approved subject to the following conditions:
1. Submission to and approval by the City Attorney, of a covenant providing for the perpetual
maintenance of the shared driveway; and
2, Submission to and approval by the Director of Planning, of an elevation drawing and site
plan which indicate the nature of exterior elements of the proposed buildings and the
design of the parking areas, and general adherence to these documents during
construction,
Alexander seconded.
Alexander said that she is voting in favor because it will be in compliance with the comprehensive plan,
the front setback is not inconsistent within the neighborhood, it is a unique situation, it will not be
detrimental to the public welfare, or contribute to traffic congestion, and adequate facilities exist for the
development. The exceptions are minimal in the relationship to the requirement in terms of square
footage. The population density is the result of the redevelopment that is allowed by right in the RS-8
zone, and it should not be detrimental to the neighborhood. Alexander added that it is in similar scale with
existent homes, and does seem to meet the interest of justice for the property owner.
Maurer stated that he will vote in favor of the motion for the reasons previously mentioned.
Iowa City Board of Adjustment Minutes
July 14, 2004
Page 19
Wright said that for the reasons stated will also vote in favor. He said he appreciates the effort of the staff
and the landowners in redesigning this in a much more aesthetic and pleasing arrangement for the
neighborhood.
Leigh said that for the reasons previously stated she will also vote in favor.
The motion passed with a vote of 4-0.
OTHER
NONE
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT INFORMATION
Next meeting will be on August 11, 2004. All members announced that they would be present.
ADJOURNMENT
Maurer moved to adjourn; Alexander seconded. The meeting adjourned at 8:20 PM.
Minutes submitted by Bogdana Rus
s:/pcdfminuleslboaf2004/boa07-14-04.doc
.._-~- , ---~~------~-------""--_._-"'--_._.~----"_.'---_._----'- ------
1
Board or Commission: Board of Adjustment
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2004
Julv 14, 2004
TERM
NAME EXP. tit 4/04 2/t t/04 3/10104 4/14104 5/12/04 6/9104 7/14/04 8/11/04 9/8/04 10/t3/04 11 It 0104
Carol Alexander 1/1/08 NM X X X NM X X
Dennis Keitel 1/1/05 NM X X X NM X 0
Karen Leigh 1/1/07 NM X X X NM X X
Vincent Maurer 1/1/06 NM 0 X OlE NM X X
Michael Wright 1/1/09 NM X X X NM X X
I KEY: X ~ Present
,
I o ~ Absent
I OlE ~ AbsentlExcused
1 NM ~ No meeting
I --- = N 01 a Member
i
I
MINUTES DRAFT JE[]
CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION
THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2004 -7:30 AM
HARV AT HALL, CITY HALL
Members Present: Nate Green, Andy Chappell, Penny Davidsen, Karen Kubby, Vicki
Lensing, Naomi Novick, Lynn Rowat, William Sueppel, Chair; and Kevin Werner
Staff Present: Eleanor Dilkes, Marian Karr
CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Sueppel called the meeting to order at 7:30 AM.
APPROVE MINUTES OF JUNE 17.2004
Chairperson Sueppel asked if anyone had any comments on the minutes. Davidsen asked
for a clarification, under "Call to Order", the second paragraph, last sentence: "She said
the initial goal was to keep the City Manager more in tune with what was happening, and
to keep Iowa City represented by the City as a whole." Davidsen suggested: "...and to
keep the Iowa City Council representative ofthe City as a whole." Discussion ensued
about the wording, with Davidsen submitting the change in wording. Novick asked that
the minutes contain a little bit more detail, mainly for future reference, so that future
Councils will see a clearer picture of what took place in the Review.
MOTION: Chappell moved to accept the minutes of the June 17,2004, meeting as
amended; Rowat seconded. Minutes were accepted with amendments.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Chairperson Sueppel stated that he would like to have the public input moved up before
the "Review" starts, so they can keep their discussions going until the meeting ends. He
asked if members had reviewed the letter fÌom Caroline Dieterle, which suggests that the
Commission review the method of appointment of the Chief of Police. She would like
this to be done by the Council. She is asking the Commission to keep this in mind when
they review the appropriate section of the Charter.
REVIEW CHARTER
Article III, Nomination, Primary Election and Regular Election. Sueppel asked if
anyone had any comments on Section 3.01. Nomination. Kubby asked ifthere was a
legal reason why sections A and B, under Nomination, are the same wording, except for
the at-large and districts. Karr gave an explanation of how a district seat is every four
years, an at-large seat is two years, and therefore this section was most likely separated in
order to clarify that difference. Discussion was started on voting practices, and how
people tend to vote, or not vote, in the various districts. Chappell said he doesn't see a
problem with this section. Kubby asked ifKarr could provide the Commission with
some numbers concerning the signatures on petitions. Sueppel asked ifthere was a big
difference between the number of people who cast a vote for a specific district, versus
voting for an at-large seat. Karr said that yes, this is very common, with many times
being a hundred signatures difference. Sueppel asked about a "bullet vote", and how
does the City count these votes. Karr stated it would be classified as at-large, and she
explained how a "bullet vote" plays into the four-year and two-year seats. Kubby noted
that it would be interesting to survey people about their personal voting history, and see
why people vote in the at-large, but not the district. Discussion turned to the system of
voting and the lack of information for voters. Sueppel asked if there has ever been a time
,. _.... ---~_._"" ._---_._---_._._-~._--""._- -..-.-...-,-.^----..--
Charter Review Commission
July 29,2004
Page 2
when only one person was on the ballot, instead of two. Karr responded that she could
not think of a time when this has happened, but that often there is no primary election.
Rowat asked about the "10" number and how this creates the need for a primary. He
asked if perhaps this number was too low, and by raising it, it would cut costs for primary
elections when they may not be necessary. Novick stated that this could be a State law,
and discussion continued on this. Sueppel asked Dilkes to get a clarification on this
issue, and whether it is mandated by State law. Kubby stated that on Section A, wording
would read: ".. .but not less than the ten person..." Green said he is interested in the
background of the "10 person" rule also.
Section 3.02 Primary Election - Chappell asked about Section ß, the last part that
states: ".. .unless the Council, by ordinance, chooses to have a run-off election." He
asked what the rationale was behind this, and wondered if it made sense to let the current
Council, especially right before an election, pass an ordinance creating a run-off. He
stated that conceptually this didn't make sense. Sueppel stated that this was a good point
to make, and he then turned the discussion to the City's concept of districts. Kubby
stated that it's what they do with this concept, as to whether or not it will create a
problem. Chappell noted that if changes were made to the district concept, as some have
previously shown an interest in doing, that this would then create a problem. Kubby
stated that other cities are using other voting methods, whereby they can avoid the
expense of a primary, and she is doing some review of these. Sueppel asked if these
others cities are in Iowa or not, and stated that she should check with Dilkes on this as
much of what is done in Iowa City's voting process is mandated by the State ofIowa.
Novick then asked about the latest district map, and wonders ifthey shouldn't consider
having four districts, instead ofthree. She stated that the comparison between the
previous map, and this most recent one, shows a big difference, and she feels the districts
are no longer as contiguous as they were. Discussion continued around this issue, with
the word "compact" being used in place of "contiguous". Kubby stated that in reviewing
some other city charters, she noted the difference in how they deal with the at-large seats.
Rowat asked Novick for clarification on her suggestion, and if she is suggesting they go
fÌom a three-district to a four, or expanding to a nine. She was referring to a four and
three, with seven people still on the Council, but with the nomination process and district
lines changing.
Section 3.03 Regular City Election - Sueppel started offthe discussion by asking if in
Iowa City there can be a "write-in" vote. Karr responded that the ballots have space for
write-ins, and they've had some in the past. Green asked iflanguage should be added to
the Charter to reflect this. Sueppel gave the following scenario: District A has a primary,
and A and B are elected to be on the general ballot. The rest of the City could reject both
candidates fÌom District A, and have a write-in, during this general election. Karr noted
that this is correct. Kubby noted that other communities, outside of Iowa, have a line
stating "None of the Above". She may look into this further, to see what outcomes have
shown. Sueppel asked if there was enough interest fÌom the Commission members to
have Kubby look into these issues further, and several members stated their interest.
Article IV - City Manager, Section 4.01 Appointment; Qualifications - the
discussion turned to the next Article. There were no comments or suggestions on 4.01.
Charter Review Commission
July 29, 2004
Page 3
Section 4.02 Accountability; Removal, Chappell asked about the phrase".. .holds office
at its pleasure." He asked ifthe City Manager has a contract, which gives him some
rights, but that he is an "at will" employee. Dilkes gave a brief explanation ofthe City
Manager's contract, and subsequent benefits. Kubby asked ifthere was anything in this
contract that required a super -majority vote of the Council. Sueppel stated that the
approval ofthe contract is most likely by resolution. Sueppel asked what the words
". . . or until a City Manager is appointed." Discussion ensued on this, under Section B,
with various members giving their view. Novick suggested they remove the word
"or".....to read "at the pleasure ofthe City Council until a City Manager is appointed."
Green stated that the language as it is now gives the Council the option to either appoint a
City Manager right away, or to have the option to use an interim manager. Sueppel stated
that he doesn't think the City has that option, that they must appoint someone in this
position. Dilkes explained the policies the City follows, and how the City Manager does
a memo before an absence, and states who will be in charge during his absence. Karr
stated that the City Manager does have a flow chart showing the internal structure of who
would make decisions in his absence. The discussion then turned to how a long-tenn
situation would be handled. Novick suggested that the wording be changed from "shall"
to "may", giving the City Council the right to override the City Manager's choice.
Sueppel noted that to date there have been no problems in this area; and he said that if
someone has an actual case to share, it would be helpful.
Section 4.04 Duties of City Manager. Chappell asked about A.(2) in this section, and
whether they should add, after ".. . subject to State law", the phrase, ".. . and policies
adopted by Council." He further asked if the Council has adopted things like the City
Handbook, etc. Dilkes stated that the Council adopts the pay plans every year,
reclassification of employees, and items of that nature. Chappell stated that he brings up
this addition in order to give a clearer picture. Sueppel stated that he believes this goes
along with the next subsections, (3) and (4). Kubby stated that (I) covers this, but
perhaps it should say "laws and policies" instead of just "laws." Sueppel gave some
background on the Association of City Managers, and the ethics they must follow.
Discussion turned to the history of having a City Manager, and the role ofthe City
Council in this system. Dilkes noted that she worries about the Commission changing
language in this area, as it can raise questions about whether Council can pass "policies"
about those matters reserved by Charter to the City Manager. The process of changing
policies was then discussed, with Karr giving some background infonnation on the
process that takes place within the City. Sueppel gave background on some of the
language in the Charter, stating that it comes directly from the State code.
Dilkes agreed, and added that if Council action is required the City Manager only has the
authority granted him by the Council.
Sueppel then asked about the wording, "... including the detennination and compensation
of all City employees." He asked about the adoption process, and Karr explained how
the resolution process, which covered pay plans, was handled. Karr then explained the
administrative ranges that are part of the pay plan.
Novick then asked about (3), and ifthere would be an advantage to adding "appoint or
employ well qualified persons to occupy positions.. .". Sueppel stated it would be up to
the group ifthey wanted to add this wording. Sueppel then asked if the City has an
-^---~,.
Charter Review Commission
July 29,2004
Page 4
inventory of its personal property. Karr stated that the City is reassessing and reassigning
duties in the Accounting Department to accommodate this. Karr stated that by law now
they are required to follow a "GASB" accounting method; and Chappell gave further
explanation ofthis specific method.
Green stated he would like to suggest a language change to A.(5), where it states:
"Supervise the performance of all contracts for work to be done for the city, make... ".
Instead of "make", he is suggesting they say "approve" or "authorize" instead. Sueppel
noted that all throughout the Charter, the same language is used. Discussion continued
on how the wording is done throughout this section, and if changing the wording would
make a difference. Sueppel stated he had no problem with taking out the word "make"
and putting in "supervise all" instead.
Sueppel asked that members bring any specific wording changes to the next meeting,
which will be August 11th. Dilkes informed the Commission that she will not be at the
next meeting, but she will send a representative Jrom her office, and will provide answers
to the questions that the Commission posed today. Dilkes stated that she did not believe
a change in 2.1 I (A) was necessary. She said that she can give an opinion on (A), and
asked if the Commission wants an opinion on 2.II(B) also. Green stated he would like
more discussion on these issues.
Karr asked ifthere was a motion to accept correspondence.
MOTION: Kubby moved, and Davidson seconded, to accept correspondence from
Caroline Dieterle. All in favor; motion carried.
Kubby then suggested that the meetings be scheduled until 9:00 AM as she feels the hour
isn't long enough. Members were in agreement.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Kubby moved for adjournment at 8:53 AM; secouded by Davidseu. All
in favor; motion carried.
MINUTES DRAFT ~
IOWA CITY PUBLIC ART ADVISORY COMMITTEE
THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2004, 3:30 P.M.
LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL
Members Present: Barbara Camillo, Charles Felling, Rick Fosse, James Hemsley, Mark Seabold,
Terry Trueblood, Emily Walsh
Absent: None
Staff Present: Karin Franklin, Marcia Klingaman
Visitors Present: Ruth Baker, Helen Jahnke, Nancy Zemblidge (Benton Hill Park Residents)
Call to Order
Charles Felling called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m.
Public discussion of anv item not on the aoenda
There was no discussion.
Consideration of the Minutes of Julv 1. 2004 Meetino
Motion: A motion was made by Rick Fosse, seconded by Emily Walsh, to approve the Minutes.
The motion carried.
Presentations of proposals for the Benton Hill Park entrvwav proiect
John Covne - Iowa City
John Coyne presented an example of his work, the Black Angel, which is on display in the Ped Mall. The
Black Angel is made of cast aluminum with a steel armature. It is designed to take any kind of stress.
Coyne proposes using the same materials for the Benton Hill entryway.
The surface finish of the arch will have the same kind of patination as the Black Angel. Coyne would bring
out the silvers in the aluminum, resulting in reflective surfaces. The process is going into a matte gray to a
black, from a black all the way through the scale to a reflective silver.
The arch is a complex form, but a simple design. It is 10 feet high to the bottom of the Benton Hill Park
lettered area and 14 feet at the widest point between the pillars. Coyne will cast the aluminum
components in either 5-foot sections or 3-foot sections. Each section is fitted around and attached to the
pipe. Components are welded together and the seam of weld would be seamless. The archway would be
fabricated in sections and arrive at the site in one piece. For maintenance purposes, he will apply four or
five coats of an industrial lacquer.
Coyne will contract out the aluminum casting, cement work, and the transport and assistance with the
installation.
A November 1 st deadline is conceivable, but a spring deadline would be more realistic.
Steve Mason and Doris Parks. Max-Cast Inc. - Kalona
Max-Cast displayed a scale model of their proposed entryway. The bowed arch is made of core ten steel,
chosen for its corrosion resistance. Core ten is also more organic looking with less of a satin finish and a
color that would go well with the brick-colored pillars, the greenery and the bronze elements of the piece.
The "Benton Hill Park" lettering is made of bronze plate and treated with a green patina. The lettering
appears in a recessed area in the front of the arch. The archway is approximately 15 feet high, 20 feet
wide and 2 feet thick at the thickest point.
The arch is bolted to two 10-foot high concrete pillars that are reinforced with core ten steel rods.
Concrete would be poured, on site, into 0/. " plywood forms, embedded in 2x3' steel-reinforced footings.
Most likely, the joints between the pillars and arch would be bolted into the pillars, welded into the steel
rods, with a steel plate to allow access to the framework.
A fish-scale design of poured concrete, reminiscent of the house that once stood in the area, would be
applied on the inside of the plywood forms. Terra Cotta stain is added to the concrete mixture, rather than
being treated later with a stain. A sealer would be applied to the pillars.
Max-Cast proposed embedding six 4"x4" bronze nature plaques on the four sides and the two back sides
of the pillars. Two 8"x10" plaques referring to the history of the Benton Hill Park area would appear on the
front side of the pillars.
-.....".-
Iowa City Public Art Advisory Committee Minutes
July 29, 2004
Page 2
There was concern that the core ten could create stain problems.
Max-Cast would fabricate the piece at their shop. The materials priced out at just under $10,000. The
November 1" deadline is feasible.
{Emily Walsh ieft the meeting at this point)
Joseph Prescher - Iowa City
The archway design consists of three elements; steel, cast concrete and cast bronze. Elements of the
archway include two 12-foot high cast-concrete posts in the form of stylized stems. There is a concrete
birdhouse at the top of each post with cast bronze and iron petal motifs beginning at about 11 feet high.
Wings are an addition to the original design and are cast in concrete. Ideally, the birdhouses would be
functional and the cast concrete caps removable for cleaning. A light fixture could be placed atop the
birdcages by running conduit up through the concrete piiiars and a section of the birdhouse, through the
top cap. The lighting could make it more difficult to clean the houses.
The span piece is made of beaded cut steel. The front of the arch has a cast piece holding the name of
the park and a central plaque with a Smiling Sun cast in bronze, represented as feminine. A Smiling
Moon is on the reverse side, cast in aluminum, represented as masculine. Prescher proposed that the
Moon side have a quote, such as "Walk in Beauty" or "Walk in Truth." The wings and sun face are
perforated. He is open for suggestions on what typeface to use. In line with the current trend in Iowa City
for Victorian and art nouveau styles, he is considering the steel as dark green and the concrete colored,
perhaps in a stone shade.
Prescher has not worked at this scale before. He will fabricate the molds and has contractors, who do
have experience workin~ at this scale, to pour the concrete, cast the steel, bronze and aluminum and cut
the steel. A November 1 'deadline is feasible.
The committee would like pricing information and more detail on color renderings and on engineering
aspects, e.g. how much wind load can the reinforced steel sustain, the stress loads for concrete, bolting
and plates.
JC MacQueen - Iowa City <not in attendance)
The committee reviewed two sketches for the entryway.
Discussion of preferred artist for Benton Hiii Park entrv proiect
Foiiowing discussion, the committee and the Benton Hiii Park residents ranked the artists' proposals.
They selected Joe Prescher for the project, with only one dissenting opinion.
Committee Time/Other business
Karin and Marcia will meet with Prescher to discuss details of the project and the contract. The contract
can be presented to the Council on August 31, or September 14. The committee wiii aim for a project
completion in the spring of 2005.
The project budget is $30,000: $10,000 from the Park Project budget and $20,000 from Public Art.
There will be no meeting on August 5'h because the artists submitting proposals for the Peninsula Project
are not ready.
The next meeting wiii be September 2"d.
Adiournment
There being no further business to come before the Committee, the meeting adjourned at approximately
5:30 p.m.
s:!pcd/minutes/publicarti2004/art07-29-04.doc
Board or Commission: Public Art Advisory Committee
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2004
July 29, 2004
TERM
NAME EXP. 1/8/04 215/04 314/04 4/1/04 5/6/04 5/20/04 6/3104 7/1/04 7/29/04 912/04 1017104 11/4/04 12/2104
Barbara Camillo tltIOS 0 X X X X X OlE X X
Charles Felling 1/1/06 X X X X X X OlE X X
Rick Fosse X X 0 X OlE X X X X
James Hemsley tltI06 0 0 X X OlE OlE OlE OlE X
Mark Seabold Iltl07 X X 0 X X X X X X
Terry Trueblood X X X X X OlE X OlE X
Emily Carter Waish tltIOS 0 X X X X X X X X
KEY: X = Present
0 = Absent
OlE = AbsentJExcused
NM = No meeting
--- = Not a Member