HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-12-17 Bd Comm minutesMINUTES - DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE
NOVEMBER 25, 1996 - 4:00 P.M.
IOWA CITY LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM - CIVIC CENTER
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Martin Haynes, Karyl Larson, Bill Nowysz, Phil Reisetter, Clara
Swan, and Daryl Woodson.
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Gary Nagle and Randy Rohovit.
STAFF PRESENT:
Jeffrey McKinney, David Schoon.
OTHERS PRESENT:
Dave Brost Jr., Dierdre Castle and John Sapp.
CALL TO ORDER:
Meeting called to order at 4:15 p.m.
CONSIDERATION OF A FINAL DESIGN REVIEW APPLICATION FOR EXTERIOR
ALTERATIONS TO SUITE 160, OLD CAPITAL MALL, LOCATED NORTH OF THE
CLINTON STREET MALL ENTRANCE.
Haynes pointed out that the original proposal's dining area solarium has been turned into a
main entrance under the new plan. He also reminded the Committee that their review
should be limited to the exterior of the proposed addition. Haynes added that he believes
the new entrance design is too overpowering for such a small space and that the new
design will engage the sidewalk to a greater degree than the original design. Brost
responded by stating that the goal of the new design is to achieve a greater street
presence. Haynes asked if the new entrance will lead directly to the ordering area. Brost
responded that the doors on the street will be an exit only until the are able to appeal the
existing restrictions concerning such entrance due to accessibility issues.
4:20: Karyl Larson arrives.
Woodson pointed out that the new design replaces tl~e existing sign panel with a new
material. He then asked if the new material will match the existing exterior. Brost replied
that the color of the new material will match the brick on the east face of the mall. Haynes
added that he wishes the new proposal would better match the existing roof line or sign
panels. He then asked Castle, Old Capitol Mall Manager, what the Mall's intentions are for
these signs. Castle responded by describing the Mall's interest in replacing these panels
along the entire exterior. The plan hopes to engage the street and downtown more with
exterior storefronts such as the Taco Bell proposal. She added that the Mall will be using
the same architect that was used to revamp the Mall's interior.
Woodson voiced his concern regarding the possibility that the resulting streetscape will
look like a patchwork attempt if the plan is implemented ad hoc with no cohesive plan to
guide their efforts. Sapp assured the Committee that Taco Bell would be willing to make
future changes to the property to better incorporate it into the future streetscape plan.
Nowysz stated the he understands Taco Bell's need to project their image in order to be
successful. However, the site plan seems to be forced into the structure rather than
integrated into the Mall. Larson added that the colors are too dramatic and that the
addition appears to be a main entrance although it is only an exit. Brost responded by
Design Rewew Committee Minutes
November 25, 1996 - 4:00 P.M.
Page 2
pointing to the fact that the solid magenta color is consistent with the canopy above the
main entrance of the Mail and that the double doors on the storefront are intended to be a
main entrance, but Iowa Law requires a front exit to be handicapped accessible before it
can be used as an entrance. They anticipate a change in the interpretation of this law in
the future,
Woodson suggested that the two magenta columns on each side of the doors almost
become an extension of the signage, making the store's sign more prominent than that of
the Mall, located directly above the restaurant space. Reisetter then asked if the Mall is
considering the inclusion of sidewalk seating in its future plans. Castle responded that they
want to integrate the Mall's exterior with the downtown. They plan to accomplish this
with the use of storefronts, vendor carts, and sidewalk seating. Just as you would find in
the pedestrian mall.
Woodson asked if the Committee will be voting on the new or the old proposal. Schoon
stated the they can vote on the old proposal or vote on the new proposal, contingent on its
approval. Sapp added that the new proposal is a contingent design as they are still waiting
for a verdict on their appeal.
Woodson then asked if the proposed sign will be backlight plastic panel. Brost answered
that it would be. Swan stated that she understands why they would like the storefront to
include an entrance and she appreciates their efforts to incorporate the design into the
existing building. However, she believes that the entrance needs to be softened as the
current proposed colors and signage would be overwhelming. Castle responded by
contending that the space will clash with the current structure, but future changes will
blend the Taco Bell exterior with the Clinton streetscape.
Nowysz suggested that the sloping roofs in the proposal could be replaced with vertical
wall panels that would hide the existing sign panels, provide space for signage and blend
into the Mall entrance. The pitched roof would be eliminated and replaced with an
extension of the exterior vertical wall. Sapp then asked the Committee if the consensus
was that they wanted Taco Bell to go in a different direction with this proposal. Haynes
responded that the Committee would prefer them to make more of a effort to work with
the existing roof line and make the signage more subtle. Schoon then summarized the
applicant's options. The applicant can continue to work with the Committee to come up
w~th an alternative design or the applicant can take its existing proposal to the City Council
for its approval.
Sapp told the Committee that they are willing to listen to their suggestions and return with
a revised proposal. The Committee agreed that they prefer Nowysz's suggestion of
vertical wall panels. Sapp asked if they could approve such a design without a final
drawing, contingent on a final drawing or contingent on the fulfillment of specified
requirements? Haynes and Schoon pointed out that the changes will be significant enough
to require the review of a revised drawing. Haynes specifically pointed out the fact that
the columns will likely be removed since there will no longer be a gabled wail.
A motion to defer the issue until Monday, December 2 was made by Reisetter and
seconded by Swan. The motion passed 6-0.
5:05: Brost, Castle and Sapp depart.
Design Review Committee Minutes
November 25, 1996 - 4:00 P.M.
Page 3
REVIEW DEIGN REVIEW SURVEY FORMS:
Haynes informed the Committee that David, Daryl and Haynes met to review the survey
forms. Their suggestion to the Committee is to conduct a sampling to see how the survey
forms work. Schoon added that the forms were passed around the office and the Historic
Preservation Commission (HPC) expressed some interest in using the information gleaned
from these reports. However, they are concerned how the survey will address the
historical significance of the properties and if it will be consistent with the criteria
established by the HPC. Woodson then suggested the possibility that the DRC could
simply drop this item from the form to avoid any confusion. Schoon thought that this
would be an acceptable way to minimize any historical significance determination made by
the survey.
Haynes then asked for volunteers to test the survey form. Woodson volunteered and
Haynes agreed to contact the absent Committee members to find another volunteer.
UPDATE ON DOWNTOWN STRATEGY COMMITTEE
Schoon outlined the discussion regarding removal of the City Plaza. He added that the
Downtown Strategy Committee's position is that they will not recommend removal of the
City Plaza. Otherwise, the Committee's discussion has focused on creating and
maintaining destination points, providing activities, ensuring security, and improving
maintenance.
CONSIDERATION OF OCTOBER 28. 1996 DRC MEETING MINUTES:
Reisetter moved and Swan seconded that the minutes be approved as amended. The
motion passed by a vote of 6-0.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION:
Schoon reminded the Committee that they will be reviewing the University's proposed
walkway over Dubuque Street on December 9, 1996.
ADJOURNMENT:
The motion to adjourn was made by Haynes and seconded by Reisetter at 5:40 p.m. The
motion passed by a vote of 6-0.
Minutes submitted by Jeffrey McKinney.
MINUTES - DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE
DECEMBER 2, 1996 - 4:00 P.M.
IOWA CITY PUBLIC WORKS CONFERENCE ROOM - CIVIC CENTER
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Martin Haynes, Randy Rohovit, Clara Swan, Bill Nowysz, Gary
Nagle, and Daryl Woodson
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Karyl Larson and Phil Reisetter
STAFF PRESENT:
David Schoon.
OTHERS PRESENT:
David Brost, Jr., John Sapp
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommend, by a vote of 5-0, approval of Alternative "B" and Alternative "C" (depending
upon the Board of Appeals decision regarding accessibility) subject to both alternatives
containing three independent, traditional, non-illuminated awnings along all three sides of
the addition and that the color of the awnings match the magenta in the Taco Bell siqn.
CALL TO ORDER:
Marty Haynes called the meeting to order at 4:02 p.m.
CONSIDERATION OF A FINAL DESIGN REVIEW APPLICATION FOR EXTERI~)R
ALTERATIONS TO SUITE 160. OLD CAPITAL MALL. LOCATED NOR'EH OF THE
CLINTON STREET MALL ENTRANCE (TACO BELL).
Haynes commended John Sapp for his efforts of extending the interior of Old Capitol Mall
to the sidewalk. Haynes also stated that he had spoken with Deirdre Castle regarding the
mall's proposed changes to the rest of the exterior, and that Castle informed him that she
did not have any details at this time that she could provide.
Brost then explained the changes that were made to the design as a result of the
Committee's discussion at its last meeting. He stated that a parapet wall was added to
hide the sloped roof. Brost showed samples of the material for the parapet wall which
matches the material and color of the metal over the mall entrance. He also showed
samples of the glass panels and other trim which would also match existing materials on
the building.
Haynes stated he questioned the use of a red awning that would match Talbot's awnings.
He stated that when he used the Talbot's awnings as an example, he was only referring to
the style not the color. He stated he feels the color should relate to the color in the Taco
Bell sign. Haynes also stated that he thought more color could be added through the use
of awnings along each of the three window panels. Nowysz stated that color could be
added through the use of awnings, but was concerned about projects that overdo the use
of awnings. Woodson questioned the type of awning. Sapp said they would be illuminated
and completely sealed.
The Committee discussed with the applicant whether the awning(s) should be located only
at the entrance/exit or along all three window panels. The Committee also discussed with
the applicant whether the awnings should be back lit. After much discussion and with the
applicant's agreement, the Committee reached a consensus that more color could be added
to the facade through the use of awnings, but to have them back-lit would be too bright
Design Review Committee
December 2, 1996
Page 2
and busy. The awnings should appear more functional than appear as an extension of the
sign, but that the color of the awnings should match the colors of the sign.
Nowysz moved to recommend approval of Alternative "B" and Alternative "C" (depending
upon the Board of Appeals decision regarding accessibility) subject to both alternatives
containing three independent, traditional, non-illuminated awnings along all three sides of
the addition and that the color of the awnings match the magenta in the Taco Bell sign.
The motion carried by a vote of 5-0.
4:20 p.m. Gary Nagle arrived.
Haynes thanked the applicants and then the applicants left the meeting.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
There was none.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION:
Haynes discussed with Committee members the issue of how to provide suggestions to
applicants without designing the project. Haynes encouraged the Committee to be careful
when making suggestions so that they sound like suggestions and not like the Committee
is trying to design the project.
In response to a question from Nagle, Schoon stated that the Committee would be
reviewing the proposed University pedestrian bridge over Dubuque Street at the
Committee's December 9, 1996, meeting. The Committee then discussed how it would
include public comments during its review.
ADJOURNMENT:
Haynes adjourned the meeting at 4:50 p.m.
COUNCIL
(LISA,SINGLE SIDED)
MINUTES
IOWA CITY BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13,1996- 4:30 P.M.
CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS
PRELIMINARY
Subject to Approval
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Susan Bender, Lowell Brandt, Patricia Eckhardt, Bill Haigh, Tim
Lehman
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT:
Melody Rockwell, Sarah Holecek, Brandy Dulceak
OTHERS PRESENT:
Dawn Barker, Ron Walsh, Lucas Van Orden
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairperson Eckhardt called the meeting to order at 4:35 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Bender, Eckhardt and Haigh were present for roll call. Brandt and Lehman arrived later in the
meeting.
CONSIDERATION OF THE OCTOBER 9, 1996, BOARD MINUTES:
MOTION: Haigh moved to approve the minutes of the October 9, 1996 meeting of the Board
of Adjustment, as printed. Bender seconded. The motion carried on a vote of 3-0, with
Brandt and Lehman absent.
SPECIAL EXCEPTION AND VARIANCE ITEMS:
EXC96-0007. Public hearing on a request submitted by Steve Kohli and Bruce Glas-
gow for an extension of a May 8, 1996, Board of Adjustment decision granting special
exceptions to allow a 3,376 square foot restaurant and to modify the parking require-
ments on property located in the CN-1, Neighborhood Commercial zone at 200 Scott
Court.
Rockwell explained the reasons for the extension request and said local circumstances
and code requirements have not changed since the Board granted the approval in May
1996. She said staff recommended that the extension be approved. Haigh comment-
ed that the Board had already addressed concerns about this project at previous
meetings.
Public hearing:
There was no public discussion.
Public hearing closed.
MOTION: Haigh moved and Bender seconded the motion to approve the extension of the
expiration date to May 17, 1997, for EXC96-0007, a special exception approved by the Board
of Adjustment on May 8, 1996, permitting a restaurant of up to 3,376 square feet in size, and
Board of Adjustment
November 13, 1996
Page 2
modifying the parking requirements to allow 35 parking spaces to be installed on property
located in the CN-1 zone at 200 Scott Court, and conditioned upon the installation of curbing
at the east end of the 3,5 space parking lot, and that the "landbanked" parking area shown
on the site plan, containing up to 11 additional parking spaces, may be installed only upon
approval by the Director of Planning and Community Development if the applicant, after a
period of at least six months from the date of occupancy of the building, clearly demonstrates
a need for the additional parking.
Bender commented that the attached letters of request from the applicant, Steve Kohli, and
the property owner, Bruce Glasgow, clarify that events have occurred that were unforeseen
and created understandable delays. She said the interests of justice would be served by
granting the request for an extension.
The motion carried on a vote of 3-0, with Brandt and Lehman absent.
Lehman arrived at 4:40 p.m.
VAR96-0004. Public hearing on an application submitted by Jeff Schabilion for a
variance to waive the separation distance and maintenance easement requirements for
a zero-lot line dwelling for property located in the RS-8, Medium Density Single-Family
Residential (RS-8) zone at 431 Rundell Street.
Rockwell pointed out letters of support for Schabilion from Jan Nash of Tallgrass
Historians, L.C., and the Longfellow Neighborhood Association that were distributed
to the Board members at the beginning of the Board meeting. Holecek said the appli-
cant's attorney had requested a deferralto allow adequate time to prepare a case and
to clear up which issues need to be addressed. Holecek said staff concurred with the
request for a deferral. She said due to the changes in interpretation of the Zoning
Chapter, staff felt that due process would best be served by allowing the applicant and
his attorney additional time to prepare his case and to clarify issues of interpretation
with the staff.
Public discussion:
Dawn Barker, attorney representinq Jeff Schabilion, said she had had insufficient time to
prepare for the case. She said the issues were complex and staff interpretations of the Zoning
Chapter as it relates to the Schabilion situation had changed over the several months that this
case had been before the Board. She requested a deferral to allow sufficient time to prepare
a more specific presentation for the Board.
Public discussion closed.
Haigh asked which meeting this case should be deferred to. Holecek indicated deferral to the
December 11, 1996, Board meeting should allow enough time for conferral and preparation.
Brandt arrived at 4:58 p.m.
MOTION: Haigh moved to defer consideration of VAR96-0004, a variance to waive the
separation distance and maintenance easement requirements for a zero-lot line dwelling for
property located in the RS-8 zone at 431 Rundell Street to the December 11, 1996 meeting.
Board of Adjustment
November 13, 1996
Page 3
Bender seconded the motion. Brandt stated he would abstain from voting, because he was
not present during the public hearing on the variance request.
Haigh pointed out it would serve the best interests of the community to defer the issue and
allow the applicant every opportunity for clarification of his case and adequate time to prepare
for it. Eckhardt agreed. She said it is a complicated case, and the applicant's attorney should
be allowed sufficient time to prepare for it. Bender said she was not confident that a deferral
would result in a change to the facts of the case and the way in which a variance is viewed,
but said she would support a deferral to allow for maximum due process.
The motion carried on a vote of 4-0-1 with Brantit abstainincl.
EXC96-0026. Public hearing on an application submitted by Gloria Walsh for a special
exception to modify the front yard requirement along Iowa Avenue for property located
in the RNC-20, Neighborhood Conservation Residential zone at 928-930 Iowa Avenue.
Rockwell explained that proposed porch/deck encroaches into the required front yard
setback area along Iowa Avenue. The requested front yard reduction of 19% is fairly
modest, and the porch addition serves to integrate the two halves of the brick duplex
as did the original porch on the residence, which was constructed in 1872.
Rockwell said this area of Iowa Avenue is unique, because the properties in the
immediate vicinity contain residences with substantial porches that have historically
been located close to the street, an extra wide boulevard. This area has been identi-
fied in the Iowa City Historic Preservation Plan as an area to be surveyed to determine
what historic resources exist in the area, whether the area should be designated as a
Historic District or Conservation District, and whether individual structures should be
designated as landmarks. Rockwell reviewed the recommendations of the Iowa City
Historic Preservation Commission concerning the porch design.
Rockwell noted that the overhang of the porch extends ~nto the right-of-way approxi-
mately one foot. The applicants will need to seek permission from the City Council to
allow the porch to encroach into the right-of-way.
Rockwell said staff recommended that EXC96-0026, a special exception to reduce the
required front yard along the Iowa Avenue right-of-way from 15 feet to zero feet for
the 28-foot length of the porch/deck for property located in the RNC-20 zone at 928-
930 Iowa Avenue be approved, subject to the applicant 1) either receiving authoriza-
tion from the City Council to extend the porch/deck addition into the Iowa Avenue
right-of-way or shifting back that portion of the porch/deck, and 2) constructing the
porch/deck in accordance with the design recommendations of the Iowa City Historic
Preservation Commission, as set forth in the memorandum from the Commission dated
November 13, 1996.
Brandt asked what the property was zoned, and Rockwell said RNC-20, Neighborhood
Conservatmn Residential. Brandt asked why the Historic Preservation Commission was
involved. Rockwell indicated it was due to the age of the building and because the
area is listed for study by that Commission.
Board of Adjustment
November 13, 1996
Page 4
Eckhardt questioned if an appeal by the Board to the City Council was possible.
Rockwell said this type of project has been approved before, but the Department of
Public Works generally opposes any encroachment into the right-of-way. She said the
Board could forward a recommendation to the Council.
Eckhardt asked about the other homes in the block that are older and actually encroach
more into the right-of-way. Rockwell said the Planning and Zoning Commission and
the Historic Preservation Commission could evaluate whether changes to the ordinance
should be considered for this area due to the age of the homes and their prevalent
encroachment into the right-of-way. Lehman pointed out that may not be practical if
new construction, such as has occurred on Iowa Avenue, is to be avoided. Eckhardt
pointed out that this section of Iowa Avenue has many homes that encroach into right-
of-way. Brandt encouraged forwarding an informal request to the Historic Preservation
Commission to ask that it evaluate this situation. Haigh asked that the Board deal with
the specific issue before it prior to focusing on making any recommendations to the
Historic Preservation Commission.
Public hearing:
Ron Walsh, 930 Iowa Avenue, asked the Board to approve the exception since his porch will
be similar to ones on other homes in that block. He explained his desire to improve the
property and replace the old porch. Haigh asked if Mr. Walsh and his wife Gloria Walsh are
willing to go along with the recommendations of the Historic Preservation Committee. Walsh
indicated that they are more than willing to follow the Committee's recommendations.
Public hearing closed.
MOTION: Bender moved to approve EXC96-0026, a special exception to reduce the required
front yard along the iowa Avenue right-of-way from 15 feet to 0 feet for the 28-foot length
of the porch/deck for property located in the RNC-20 zone at 928-930 Iowa Avenue, subject
to the applicant 1 ) either receiving authorization from the City Council to extend the
porch/deck addition into the Iowa Avenue right-of-way or shifting the porch location back out
of the right-of-way, and 2) constructing the porch/deck in accordance with the design
recommendations of the Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission, as set forth in a memo-
randum from the Commission dated November 13, 1996. Brandt seconded the motion.
Brandt pointed out that the brick duplex is a historic property located in an area that the City
is interested m evaluating for its historic resources. This area along Iowa Avenue has a large
number of older homes with a history of having big porches. He sa~d he appreciated the
Walshes' willingness to work with the Historic Preservation Commission. He added that
replacing the deteriorating, individual porches w~th the new porch will improve the safety of
the property and will increase its value.
Haigh said it would result in a bad situation to try to make the homes in this area conform to
the standard setback requirements. He said there was no question that the porch addition
would improve the property. He said it was good to have the Historic Preservation
Commission's ~nvolvement.
Board of Adjustment
November 13, 1996
Page 5
Lehman concurred and added that since other homes already have porches in the right-of-way,
it would only be appropriate to allow this request for the porch to extend at least up to the
right-of-way. He said following the Historic Preservation Commission's guidelines will help
ensure that the porch addition is compatible with the existing structure.
Bender also agreed and added that the safety and value of the property would be enhanced
by the porch addition. She felt it was a reasonable exception.
Eckhardt felt a properly designed and constructed porch will be achieved by following the
Historic Preservation Commission's guidelines. She thought this would help the porch fit in
better with the existing residence and the other homes near it. She said she also hoped the
Council will concur, and will allow the porch to encroach into the right-of-way.
The motion was approved on a vote of 5-0.
EXC96-0027. Public hearing on an application submitted by Lucas Van Orden for a
special exception to permit a small-animal clinic to be established in the CO-1, Com-
mercial Office zone for property located at 2122 ACT Circle.
Rockwell said Lucas Van Orden is requesting the exception to allow him to convert the
lower level of the former Shive-Hattery building to house a veterinary clinic. She said
the applicant has demonstrated that the Zoning Chapter requirements for a small-
animal clinic in the CO-1 zone can be met in terms of interior containment of the
operation, soundproofing, odor control and a limited boarding policy. Rockwell said
since there will be a change of use for this property, all off-street parking requirements
must be met, including obtaining approval of a special exception for parking on a
separate lot. To meet public notice requirements, she said this item cannot be consid-
ered prior to the December 11, 1996, Board meeting.
Rockwell said staff recommended that EXC96-0027, a special exception to permit a
small-animal clinic in the CO-1 zone for property located at 2122 ACT Circle be
approved, provded the Board of Adjustment subsequently grants approval of a special
exception to permit parking on a separate lot for the uses located on the subject
property.
Rockwell noted that Curt Ginche, a neighboring businessman, had called to voice his
support for granting the exception as long as there were no outdoor dog runs.
Rockwell said she had assured him that the Zoning Chapter did not permit outdoor dog
runs in the CO-1 zone. Eckhardt asked what the upper floors would be used for.
Rockwell said it would be rented out as office space.
Public Hearing:
Lucas Van Orden, applicant, described his plans for a small-animal veterinary clinic and
requested Board approval of his application.
Eckhardt asked about the use of the upper floor. Van Orden indicated he was in the process
of closing a lease with potential office tenants for the upper floor. Brandt confirmed that
there would be no exterior dog run. Rockwell clarified that the Zoning Chapter requires a
completely contained operation of a small-animal clinic in the CO-1 zone. Van Orden said he
~s planning a contained, indoor dog run in the clinic.
Board of Adjustment
November 13, 1996
Page 6
Public hearing closed.
MOTION: Brandt moved to approve EXC96-0027, a special exception to permit a small-
animal clinic in the C0-1 zone for property located at 2122 ACT Circle, provided the Board
of Adjustment subsequently grants approval of a special exception to permit parking on a
separate lot for the uses located on the subject property. Bender seconded the motion.
Lehman expressed his approval of the plans, which will meet the Zoning Chapter require-
ments. Brandt concurred, and said the applicant had laid the groundwork in going through
the zoning amendment process to allow a small-animal clinic in the C0-1 zone. Eckhardt
noted the applicant might not need so much parking, but she had no problems with the
proposed plans for the small-animal clinic.
The motion passed by a vote of 5-0.
OTHER ITEMS OF BOARD BUSINESS:
1. DISCUSSION OF BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT MEETING TIME
Rockwell said she wanted to give the Board the opportunity to discuss whether to
continue to meet at 4:30 p.m. or to move the meeting time to later in the day so that
applicants, neighboring property owners and prospective Board of Adjustment mem-
bers, who work until 5 p.m., would have an easier time making it to the meetings.
Eckhardt indicated there did not seem to be a major problem with the 4:30 p.m.
meeting time. Haigh said if there was a change, that 5:30 p.m. would be alright.
Bender said a change to 5:00 p.m. would be acceptable to her, but any later would
create a conflict.
Haigh asked if the regular meeting time had been an issue for many people. Rockwell
indicated that occasional complaints had been received from applicants and neighbor-
ing property owners. Bender asked if the order of the agenda could be altered to
accommodate late-arriving applicants. Rockwell pointed out the order of the agenda
is generally done in the numerical order of the applications, but could be changed by
the Board at the beginning of the meeting. She said it would be hard for others
coming to the meeting to know when their item would be considered. Eckhardt
recommended a written request could be used for reordering an item's placement on
the agenda.
Brandt said that the 4:30 p.m. time is alright with him, but he understood why some
people may have a hard time getting to a meeting at that time. Eckhardt suggested
keepmg track of the complaints and reevaluating the t~me change ~n the future. Haigh
noted he also had a conflict with later starting times. It was agreed that the meeting
time would stay at 4:30 p.m.
2. BOARD MEMBERSHIP CHANGES
Rockwell listed the Board membership changes over the past three years and noted
that December 11,1996 would be Tim Lehman's last Board meeting. Lehman asked
how the vacancy would be filled. Rockwell said the City is advertising for applicants
and the City Council would appoint the new member.
Board of Adjustment
November 13, 1996
Page 7
3. IOWA AVENUE ISSUE
Eckhardt mentioned she would like to have the Historic Preservation Commission take
a look at the towa Avenue area since all of the houses in the 900 block encroach into
the right-of-way. Lehman was concerned about new buildings being built too close to
the street. Rockwell said the ordinance could specify that setback requirements would
be modified only for replacement of porches on existing, older structures. Brandt
supported sending an informal recommendation to the Historic Preservation Commis-
sion. Eckhardt pointed out the new apartment building on Iowa Avenue was not
harmonious with the other homes in the area. Lehman did not want to allow new
buildings to be able to encroach into the right-of-way. Brandt questioned the Depart-
ment of Public Works opposition. He said it did not appear that the porch encroach-
ment would be detrimental in any way.
ADJOURNMENT
Adjournment was moved by Haigh and seconded by Brandt. The meeting ended at 5:30 p.m.
Patricia Eckhardt, Board Chairperson
Melody Rockwell, Board Secretary
Minutes submitted by Brandy Dulceak
MINUTES
IOWA CITY CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
CIVIC CENTER, LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM
DECEMBER 2, 1996
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Lyra Dickerson, Sue Dulek, Michael Kennedy
STAFF PRESENT:
Sylvia Mejia
GUESTS PRESENT:
Dan Dreckman, Erik Lippold
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL: Commissioners recommended that Council approve
the certified list for the position of Police Officer.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY MANAGER AND STAFF: None.
SUMMARY OF RELEVANT DISCUSSION:
Meeting was called to order by Chairperson Kennedy at 8:1 §a.m. First item for discussion
was the certification of the Police Officer list, Prior to certification Mejia briefly reviewed the
process and gave commissioners summary of the candidates,
Kennedy moved and Dickerson seconded a motion to certify the list for the position of Police
Officer as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Mejia advised Commissioners that the list for Firefighter is close to being exhausted and that
a new test will be necessary in the near future. Staff will prepare a recommendation for
testing for Commission approval.
Dickerson moved to adjourn, Kennedy seconded, Motion carried unanimously.
i
MINUTES
IOWA CITY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1996 - 5:30 P.M.
CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Betty Kelly, Ruedi Kuenzli, Dods Malkmus, Mike Pugh, John
Shaw, Ginalie Swaim
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Susan Licht, Doug Russell
STAFF PRESENT:
Scott Kugler, Anne Schulte
OTHERS PRESENT:
Vernon Fisher, Beth Weismann, John Kramer, Steve Long, Pain
Michaud, Jim Kerr, Jeff McClure, Ron Walsh
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL:
Recommended approval, by a vote of 6-0, of the proposed designation of the East
College Street Histodc District.
Recommended approval, by a vote of 6-0, of the proposed designation of the College
Green Histodc District.
CALL TO ORDER:
Vice-Chairperson Pugh called the meeting to order at 5:32 p.m.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA.
Kuenzli discussed the results of a Summit Street residents meeting held the previous week.
Kuenzli said that the Commission might want to get involved in judging the appropriateness of
the addition to the property at 431 Rundell Street since it will be in a historic district. Shaw
said he did not believe the Commission had any authority until the area is actually named a
conservation distdct or a histodc district. Kugler said that in the case of the 928-930 Iowa
Avenue house, staff recommended that before the Board of Adjustment approved the addition
of the porch, the Historic Preservation Commission be consulted regarding the design. Kugler
stated that on 431 Rundell, additions were built dght up to the property line and permits were
never obtained for those additions. Staff was not as concerned about design in the case of the
Rundell property; other issues are involved. Kugler said that it was a request for a vadance
from requirements of the zoning ordinance that do not deal with histodc preservation issues.
Kelly stated that she attended a meeting of the Hedtage Alliance, a group of about 50 historical
organizations in Cedar, Iowa and Johnson Counties. She said they will be having two heritage
fairs; one at the Hoover Museum, mainly for teachers, ~n Apdl and one at the Senior Center in
September for the general public. She said the purpose was to promote public awareness of
all the historical groups in the area. Pugh said that he thought the Commission should be
involved in some way.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Kugler stated that the Commission had decided at its September meeting to begin the process
of initiating these two histodc districts. He said that the neighborhood survey was completed
in 1994, and two potential historic districts were identified. Kugler added that there have been
neighborhood meetings to inform the property owners and now the first step in the designation
Historic Preservation Commission
November 12, 1996
Page 2
process is to hold the public hearings. Kugler stated that if the Commission decides to make
a formal motion to formally recommend that these two areas be designated Historic Districts
to the City Council, then each district will be forwarded to the Planning and Zoning Commission
for their comments and recommendation and then on to the City Council.
1. EAST COLLEGE STREET HISTORIC DISTRICT.
Public discussion:
Vernon Fisher, 1135 East ColleQe Street, asked about advantages of having the area
designated a historic district. Kug[er stated that if the district is designated a historic
district, then any extedor alteration for a property within that distdct requiring a building
permit would require review by the Histodc Preservation Commission. He stated that
although it places limitations on individual properties, it also offers some protection
regarding what alterations can be made to neighboring properties. Kugler said that the
Commission uses Secretary of the Interlot's Standards for rehabilitation, which are
nationally accepted standards for doing work on historic properties. He stated that since
the Commission was formed in 1982, it has not yet denied an application, although
many plans have been modified as a result of the review.
Kugler said that another potential advantage is that the Commission is working with the
Johnson County Histodc Preservation Commission to lobby the Board of Supervisors
to enact a state histodc properties tax exemption program. The program is allowed for
by state law but Johnson County has not yet taken advantage of it. He said that if the
resolution is adopted by the Board of Supervisors, then property owners of designated
historic buildings will receive some tax relief when making building improvements.
Kugler said that taxes are frozen at the initial level for a certain period of years, rather
than increased immediately when the property improvements are made.
Fisher asked whether the historic designation would hurt resale of a property in the
district. Kugler said that studies done nationwide have generally shown that property
values are either unaffected by the designation or are improved. Kugler also said that
designation on the National Register, which will be in process at the same time, would
make the property eligible for some state grant and state loan programs. Shaw stated
that when he lived on Summit Street and the property went through reviews required
by the Historic Preservation Commission, the reviews were helpful rather than hindering.
Fisher said that he would be in favor of the historic distdct designation the East College
Street neighborhood.
Beth Weismann, 1022 East College Street, said she is in favor of making the area a
h~storic district.
(Malkmus arrived at 5:50 p m.)
John Kramer, 200 Summit Street, said that he is the President of River City Housing
Cooperative that owns a house at 200 Summit Street, and that in general his group is
in favor of the proposal. He said that he is somewhat concerned regarding future
building restrictions. Kugler agreed to send him the guideline book regarding the
Secretary of the Interior's Standards.
Historic Preservation Commission
November 12. 1996
Page 3
Steve Long, 1110 East College Street, said that he supports the designation of the area
as a historic district.
Public discussion closed,
MOTION: Kelly moved to recommend designation of the East College Street
Historic District to the City Council. Swaim seconded the motion.
Regarding the draft of the report, Kuenzli asked about the meaning of the wording on
page 1, the fourth to last line, "significant development." Kugler said that the text was
taken directly from the National Register nomination forms and refers to cdteda by which
to judge whether an area meets the requirements for a historic district. Kuenzli said
the phrase could be misleading and could be misinterpreted by the members of the
Planning and Zoning Commission and also by the City Council. Kugler suggested
changing the phrase to "historic significance," and Kuenzli said that would be
acceptable.
Kuenzli also asked about page 2 of the same document, paragraph 5, the first sentence.
Kugler said that the text is taken from the draft prepared by the consultants. He said
it means that due to the fact that most of the buildings are over 100 years old and are
wood buildings, there have been a number of alterations to the houses that remain.
Kugler said he will edit that sentence before sending it on to make it more clear.
Kuenzli asked about page 6, paragraph 2, sentence 3, which says that none of the
houses appearing in 1868 are extant today. He stated that this is in error regarding the
house at 1009. Kugler said he would have the information checked regarding that
house.
The motion carried on a vote of 6-0,
Kugler stated that the item will possibly be on the Planning and Zoning Commission
agenda for the second meeting in December. Residents will receive another notice
about the upcoming meetings.
2. College Green Historic District.
Public discussion:
Pam Michaud, 109 South Johnson, stated her support for the historic district
designation.
J~m Kerr, 706 East College, said that while he is not opposed to historic preservation,
he did have concerns about the process in this instance. Kerr stated that compared
with the East College Street neighborhood, the College Green area is not as uniform
regarding the kinds of structures located there.
Kerr said that he is concerned about having restrictions on a property he owns and pays
taxes on without receiving some kind of compensating benefit. He stated that he would
be in favor of the area around College Green Park being designated a historic district
if he did not have to comply, but future owners would. Kerr remarked that he might not
have purchased the property 15 years ago if he knew he would be subject to historic
Historic Prese~ation Commission
November 12. 1996
Page 4
preservation guidelines, but that future owners would be aware of the restrictions. Kerr
said therefore he is opposed to a histodc preservation district established around
College Green Park at this time.
Kuenzli said that there are several apartment buildings in the area and asked Kerr if he
was aware of the advantages to owners of rental properties. Kerr said he felt the
material was weighted to those in favor of the designation and did not consider those
of diffedng viewpoints.
Kugler said that there are income tax credits available for rehabilitation projects for
buildings listed on the National Register. Kugler said they were not emphasized in the
reports because they are not a result of a local designation, but rather a result of listing
the area on the National Register of Histodc Places. Kerr said he would like actual facts
and figures on the benefits in order to take a more educated stance. He also felt that
the property tax abatement benefits were faidy minor as he understood them.
Pugh informed Kerr that there will be public discussion at the Planning and Zoning
Commission and also at the City Council meeting and that Kerr will have another
opportunity to address his concerns.
Public discussion closed.
MOTION: Shaw moved to recommend designation of the College Green Historic
District to the City Council, Malkmus seconded the motion.
Kuenzli said he had some comments about wording in the report, which he would
forward to Kugler after the meeting.
The motion carried on a vote of 6-0.
Kugler said the issue will be on the agenda of the second Planning and Zoning
Commission meeting in December.
COURTESY REVIEW: 928-930 IOWA AVENUE
Kugler stated that a porch was constructed on the front of the residence at 928-930 Iowa
Avenue without a permit. The owners are now going through the process of getting approval
for an encroachment into the front yard. Kugler added that, in order to keep the porch as it has
been built so far, the owners would have to get an easement or approval from the City Council
to encroach within the right-of-way by one foot. Kugler said that most of the porches on Iowa
Avenue encroach out into the right-of-way and that this would not encroach as far as some
others.
Staff has asked that the Commission review and comment on the design of the porch before
the Board of Adjustment considers the special exception to allow the front yard encroachment.
Kugler said that encroachment ~nto the right-of-way will be handled in a separate process
before City Council.
Malkmus said she had spoken with the owner of the property, Ron Walsh, and that ~t is his
intention to board in the 6 x 6 posts and put brackets shaped after the existing ones on the
right side of the porch.
H~stor~c Preservation Commission
November 12. 1996
Page 5
Shaw stated that he would have several recommendations for Walsh, who was at the meeting,
regarding the porch: 1) because he is using brackets. ~t is not appropriate to make the columns
w~der; he should put a reveal in each corner of the 6 x 6 columns as they come up to give them
a sense of mill work. 2) he should consider a wider piece w~th mitered corners around the
bottom to give the column more of a base, 3) because the windows on the existing house are
symmetric, he can locate his main support between the windows. 4) since today's code
requires such small spacing for the rail elements. resulting in a fairly massive. bulky look which
may not be historically appropriate. he should paint the railing a very similar color to the body
of the house, 5) put copper caps on the posts up above. as planned. and 6) to introduce a
chamfer on each side of the 2 x 4 rail to make it look more like a piece of mill work.
Shaw added that it ~s where the porch overhangs that actually impinges on the right-of-way.
He said that the overhang is what actually contributes to the formal qualities of the porch to
make it more closely resemble the porches around it. and therefore it should be retained even
if the porch has to be moved back to satisfy the City.
Malkmus said the overhang serves to visually integrate the house into the rest of the
neighborhood and she would like to maintain the intrusion into the right-of-way and support
them as evidence of historical significance. Kuenzli stated that he felt the porch and the porch
roof would tie ~n well with the rest of the buildings on the same side of the street but that the
balcony is unique in the neighborhood. Swaim said that she did not expect it to match the
other houses because the house is a different style to begin with.
MOTION: Shaw moved to approve the construction plans of the porch at 928-930 iowa
Avenue subject to the following conditions: 1) The vertical 4" x 4" support posts on the
upper level should be realigned so that they are centered on the spaces beWveen the
windows to better reflect the symmetry of the building, 2) Brackets to match the existing
bracket that remains from the original porch should be reproduced and installed on both
sides and on the front of the columns at the intersection of the columns and the deck
structure above, 3) A built out surround atthe base of each column should be required;
this should be 1 1/2" material with mitered corners and should cover the lower 24 to 30
inches of the columns, 4) A reveal at the corners of the 6" x 6" columns on the lower
level should be chamfered or routed to give some definition to the columns This
treatment should terminate short of the brackets above and the base at the lower part
of the posts, 5) The 2" x 4" rail on the upper level should be chamfered on 2 sides to
make it appear more like millwork and less like deck lumber, 6) The porch should be
painted; elements of the upper level of the porch should be painted the same color as
the body of the house to de-emphasize the deck and help it blend with the house rather
than call attention to it, 7) Copper caps should be installed on the top of the upper level
posts as proposed by the applicant, and 8) An overhang of at least one foot should be
maintained If the right of way encroachment is not approved, the whole porch should be
shifted back rather than just the overhang removed. The Commission feels that the
proposed overhang on the porch is more historically appropriate for this building, and
notes that there are many other porches in this area along Iowa Avenue that encroach
farther into the right of way than the proposed porch would. The Commission feels that
retaining the existing porches along Iowa Avenue is important to the historic character
of this area, and would discourage strict enforcement of City policies that would require
removal of porches that encroach into the right of way should repairs or replacement of
porches become necessary. Kelly seconded the motion.
H~stonc Preservahon Commission
November 12, 1996
Page 6
Walsh said he had no problem with the suggestions, but stated that if he had to move the porch
back he would have to put it on concrete slabs.
The motion carried on a vote of 6-0.
DISCUSSION OF CHURCH STREET/CLINTON STREET HANDICAPPED PARKING
PROJECT
Jeff McClure of the Public Works Department discussed the plans to add two additional
handicapped parking spaces along Clinton Street near the University President's home. Kugler
said that the plan is to create a bump out and install a new curb and grass, necessitating
removal of some of the brick street.
McClure stated that approximately 520 square feet of brick would have to be removed for the
project. Shaw said that he would have liked to see University consideration of its own parking
lot for these spaces. McClure said that the back door of the President's Home is ADA
accessible from the University parking lot but that the front door is not.
Kuenzli expressed concern about the safety of these parking places for handicapped
individuals. McClure said that the spots were planned using ADA guidelines. He added that
the parking places are intended to serve the President's House and that other handicapped
places in the area would require a University permit to use but that these spaces, even though
the project came about at the request of the University, would not require a University permit.
McClure said that the project is not within the jurisdiction of the Historic Preservation
Commission, but the Commission could make a recommendation to the engineer as to what
it would like to see done regarding the project. Pugh stated that if the decision has already
been made to add the spaces, there is probably no other alternative than to change the curb
for safety reasons. Kugler said that the Commission is often asked to comment on the
alteration of historic properties, whether or not they are in a histodc district, and that it would
be beneficial if it were asked to make comments before the decisions are made regarding other
projects. McClure said that the Commission is being informed after the fact, in this case, and
is not being asked for a recommendation but that in the future, he would put issues to the
Commission in the planning stages.
DISCUSSION OF CONSERVATION DISTRICT PETITIONS.
Kuenzli stated that three petitions have been received by the Commission - one to establish
an area as a historic district and two for designating areas conservation districts. Kuenzli
added that the Longfellow Neighborhood Association does not want to wait until the
Commission recommends the whole package but would like to go ahead with the conservation
districts as soon as possible. Kuenzli feels that Clark Street is in some danger of losing some
small houses to be replaced with duplexes.
Malkmus stated that she wonders whether there would be significant opposition to a
conservation district on Governor Street. Kugler said that the benefit of a conservation district
would be control of in-fill. Malkmus asked if the Commission anticipated putting the item on the
agenda. Kugler said that more work is required before the areas could be designated.
Shaw asked what steps would need to be taken to designate a conservation district. Kugler
said that more building information would be needed and decisions about standards would
H~stor~c Preservation Commission
November 12, 1996
Page 7
need to be made. He said the idea is to work with the residents to develop standards. Kugler
stated that Doug Russell suggested coming up with a task group and working with the
neighborhood to do some of the legwork if possible.
Kuenzli had questions about the definition of a conservation district. He said he believes that
people from the Longfellow Neighborhood Association have a different concept of a
conservation district. Kuenzli said he thought a conservation district is the same as a historic
district but does not have the percentage to be declared such. He said he thought that a
conservation distdct is subject to the same reviews and stability as a histodc district.
Kugler said that the idea behind a conservation district is not to impose the same standards,
but to control the design of in-fill development and to ensure thers are no major alterations
of existing buildings so as to make them incompatible. He said the idea of the ordinance is
to work with the neighborhood to develop standards. Swaim suggested a communicating
document with the Commissions's definition of conservation district.
Kuenzli stated that the Longfellow Neighborhood Association just wants to speed up the
process. He said that the group has already contributed $1,000 to Phase II.
Swaim said that she believes the criteda for a conservation distdct is made up not by the
people who live thers, but by existing house design, and someone is needed to pull out the
criteria for each district. Kugler said that criteria will vary by conservation zone and that a
building permit request in such a distdct would have to come up for review.
Shaw remarked that the Commission could allay a lot of concern in the neighborhood by wdting
a set of standards that keep things within scale within the general conformity with the existing
neighborhood and that the whole idea of the conservation overlay zone is to implement some
stricter standards. Swaim added that the survey, not the neighborhood, establishes the
standards for the area. Shaw said that the conservation district redefines parameters to
ameliorate the negative effect on the neighborhood.
Kugler stated that the City ordinance allows the Commission to develop standards with input
from the property owners. Kugler added that the conservation district must go before the
Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council. Kuenzli said he would be willing to
work on the conservation district and would try to speak to the petition signers and report back
to the Commission. Pugh directed Kugler to put the matter back on the agenda for the
December meeting.
DISCUSSION OF CLG GRANT APPLICATION FOR THE LONGFELLOW NEIGHBORHOOD
SURVEY, PHASE II
Kugler referred to the HRDP application and sa~d that any edits should be given to him soon
to put into the final draft for the December 14 deadline. Kugler said that the HRDP grant for
this project was denied in the past. He said that the comment they received back was that
eligibility was dependent on the survey - that they wanted the survey complete before funding
the nomination.
DISCUSSION OF GRANT PROJECTS.
Kugler mentioned the monthly report from Jan Nash and added that the College Hill districts
might be on the February SNRRC agenda, rather than May.
Historic Preservation Commission
November 'i2. 1996
Page 8
DISCUSSION OF SOUTH DISTRICT PLAN.
Kugler talked about the South Distdct Plan. He said it is a proposed component of the new
comprehensive plan, which divides the City up into ten different planning districts, with a plan
for each. Kugler said that the South Distdct Plan has been selected first because of the sewer
line going down through the area.
Kugler stated that there are at least two historic properties in the area - the McCollister Home
and a home at the end of Waterfront Drive owned by Mace Braverman. He said there are also
some archaeological sites in the area that staff is recommending be preserved as a natural
area or as some kind of recreational facility.
Kugler said that the Commission should examine the matedal and forward any comments
about the proposals to staff. He said the Commission also may want to wdte a statement about
the historic properties or the archaeological sites. Kugler said the matter will not go before the
Planning and Zoning Commission until December, so the comments could wait until the
December meeting. He said that much of the area is outside the City limits currently.
DISCUSSION OF LANDMARK PLAQUES.
Pugh said that Doug Russell had suggested the matter could go on the December agenda.
DISCUSSION OF BRICK STREET REPAIR PROGRAM.
Kugler said the City manager had indicated to him that there may some extra money for this
program. He suggested a recommendation to continue to save bdcks, remove them only if
absolutely necessary, continue to replace the concrete patches that have been installed in the
past, address places where settling has occurred, and possibly make some statement about
South Summit Street. Kuenzli said that he felt that the owners on South Summit Street were
not all in favor of removing the asphalt to expose the brick. He said that since it is such an
expensive project, the Commission may want to do a door-to-door canvas of the area. Kuenzli
said that the impression was that the bdck streets are fairly noisy and may actually be more
slippery than the asphalt.
(Kuenzli left the meeting at 7:53 p.m.)
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES FROM THE OCTOBER 8, 19961 MEETING.
MOTION: Pugh moved to approve the October 8, 1996, regular meeting minutes, as
amended as tonight's meeting, Swaim seconded the motion.
Malkmus said that the first word in the last line of page one should say "on" instead of "and".
Shaw said that on page 5, paragraph I, line 4, should say "Chairman of the Board of Appeals,"
rather than "an architect".
The motion carried on a vote of 5-0.
Historic Preservation Commission
November 12, 1996
Page 9
COMMISSION INFORMATION/DISCUSSION.
Kugler asked for comments on the letter to the State Historical Society. He said that
all three properties that the State had asked the Commission to monitor were within a
historic distdct or are historic landmarks. The consensus of the Commission was that
the letter should be sent.
Kugler mentioned the memorandum regarding satellite dishes. He said the memo
enumerates what would need to be done if the Commission wants to file for
reconsideration. Kugler said the City cannot prohibit satellite dishes, even in the front
yard, unless they are over one meter in size. Shaw said he felt any decisions regarding
the issue should wait because the parameters and rules regarding the dishes are likely
to face challenges and change quickly.
Kugler stated that there will be a Downtown Strategy Committee meeting on Thursday,
November 14.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 8:04 p.m.
MINUTES
IOWA CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
REGULAR MEETING
2ND FLOOR ADMINISTRATIVE CONFERENCE ROOM
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1996 - 5:00 P.M.
Members Present:
Margaret Cox, Philip Hubbard, Mary McMurray, Anne Spencer, Jim
Swaim, (loft at 6:00 p.m.), Chuck Traw
Members Absent: Mark Martin, Jesse Singerman
Staff Present:
Barb Black, Maeve Clark, Susan Craig, Larry Eckholt, Debb Green, Martha
Lubaroff, Laura Morton, Liz Nichols
CALL_~O~3P~EB:
Traw called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
A P_P_BO_VAL J3FJ~IINU_TLES:
Special meeting of October 15. Hubbard/McMurray
Regular meeting of October 24. Swaim/Greenleaf
Special joint City Council/Trustees meeting of October 30.
Greenleaf/Hubbard
BevJe~~O_Bo a rd/C o u nc. il m~eting:
A meeting of the Trustees and City Council has been scheduled for December 9 from 5-7 pm
at the Council Chambers. Craig referred to the memo from Karin Franklin that was in the Board
packet. Craig asked the Board to consider possibilities that might arise from the meeting, in
particular, suggestions of combinations of uses being part of a new library. Traw believes that
library needs are primary and the possibility exists that we could prepare for a referendum
quickly without a total design concept. Hubbard feels that we could proceed and felt that the
library needed to declare the size of the space needed for a new library, and other space uses
of the site could come later. Although everyone seems to favor the concept of a multi-use
facility, it seems realistic at this point to separate the library's request in any type of bond
issue. Coristruction for additional uses could come after a library was completed; it is not
necessary to have a complete plan in place that could delay a library. The Board feels strongly
that they want control of the design of the library. Trustees feel that our need for 80,000
square feet has been clearly documented and we cannot deviate from that. Craig ~s working
with the construction management firm to prepare a memo regarding the possible uses of the
current building.
Do~v~town Committ~,e R~port. Greenleaf reported that the committee and the public from
whom they heard believe that the library should remain downtown. They believed that the
library and other possibilities like a theater, cultural center, museums, etc. are necessary to
draw people downtown. There was no detailed discussion of where such a structure might go.
The question of what the boundaries of downtown are came up. There was some discussion
and no consensus of agreement of where those boundaries might lie.
ICPL BOARD OF TRUSTEES
NOVEMBER 21, 1996
PAGE 2
[~aating Rnnm issue. Craig expressed concern over recent discussion regarding the possibility
of reducing building costs with shared meeting rooms in a joint use building. Craig does not
believe that it could be managed. Combining free public meeting rooms with money making
conference rooms would be very difficult if not impossible. Craig encouraged the Board to
support this stance if they agreed, and be vocal about it. This concept could be difficult to
articulate; however, the statistics and facts speak for themselves. The meeting rooms were
used for 824 meetings by 21,000 people in FY96. They provide a place for community groups
to offer educational programming and citizens to engage in free debate about issues of
importance to their community. Meeting rooms are also a draw to downtown and Library
programming feeds the use of the library, since people who come in for library programming
then check out books.
Trustees polled themselves for e site preference, The consensus of the board is 641A, some
members preferred it, others felt that is what the Council will want and it was acceptable.
There were several positive reasons to accept the "bus depot" site and two trustees favored
that site. Trustees expressed concern about the present building and what would come of it.
There was strong sentiment that this is an issue that must be addressed.
I~EV~/~USINESS
~oJicy RP.~:~Jse_oJ_Library Cardhold¢,r File. This is a general review. It consisted mostly
of updating and removing procedural language. Greenleaf moved approval of the policy.
Swaim seconded the motion. All were in favor.
7LheJt EoJicy. This policy was updated mostly to address the area of computer technology.
Nichols explained that a typographical error was found in the reference to the Code of Iowa
Damage and Trespass to Property and it should be 714.5. It was suggested that we insert "for
the first time" into the first sentence of 811.1 and 811.3 since we identify a second violation
in 811.2 and 811.4. Paragraphs 811.1 and .2 describe materials and 811.3 and .4 refer to
computer hardware and files. Swaim moved adoption of the policy. Spencer seconded the
motion. Traw asked for discussion. In response to a question, Nichols replied that although
procedural in nature, staff felt we needed something in writing that gave the Director the option
of deciding what type of discipline was appropriate. Board recommended removal of the last
sentence of 811.1 and the last sentence in paragraph 811.3 and the last sentence in 811.2 and
811.4. The language "and/or" was removed and replaced with "may lose library privileges and
may be required" in both 811.1 and 811.3. With these friendly amendments accepted, a vote
was called for. All were in favor of the adoption of the policy as revised.
Appointment tn Art Ad_visQ~y_ The staff recommended the appointment of Jan Friedman to fill
an unexpired term. A motion was made to approve this appointment. Spencer/Cox. All in
favor signified by saying Aye.
Armunl legislator BceaJ~fa,~t mP, P, tin9. It is scheduled for December 3 at 7:30 a.m. at the Solon
Public Library. Craig strongly advised all Trustees to read the Executive Summary of "Enrich
Iowa: Fund libraries" The Committee is optimistic about the response of the Governor and the
legislature. Iowa is behind other states in the nation when it comes to financial support from
the state. Craig asked that two or three Trustees attend the breakfast. Iowa Library
ICPL BOARD OF TRUSTEES
NOVEMBER 21, 1996
PAGE 3
Association has adopted this as part of the legislative agenda. This program provides additional
funding for the State Library which then gets passed along to libraries throughout the state.
Craig stated that support was needed and speaking to local legislators was vital.
S]'AFF
The Library will be closed December 13 for Insetvice Day. We've received good response from
the Board, many of whom will be attending for all or part of the day.
Craig reported on her meeting with the City Manager and the Finance Director. They spent time
talking about the large capitol outlays needed to keep this building running. The Ot¥ manager
seemed receptive. He asked the Finance Director to look into seliing debt and putting the
payments in our operating budget. He also seemed receptive to the idea of ICPL being open
all Sundays and Craig felt that everything that we submitted would appear in his budget to
Council provided his budget constraints did not demand otherwise.
LSTA is no longer the Library Services and Technology Act. There is a new department of
Library and Museum Services. The positive fact is that federal money for library services has
had a small increase. Several hundred thousands of dollars a year go into the State budget
which is good for libraries.
D~elopment Office.
Distributed at the meeting. Highlights: Annual mailing is doing quite well; it surpassed
~20,000 in one month. Average gifts are up higher than other years. Centennial "stuff" goes
on sale to the public this weekend. "Stuff" includes book bags, book marks, shirts and note
cards to be coming. Plans for the January 19 ICPL birthday party are coming along.
C_C)J~M I TTE, E RE EOBT~S
Greenleaf gave his report earlier.
DJSBUBSEMEN3'~
Visa expenditures for October reviewed.
Disbursements for October. Approved unanimously after a motion by Cox/Spencer
Ag~.nda items fnr DecembeLl~J:aeeZJr~
Finance Policy.
ICPL BOARD OF TRUSTEES
NOVEMBER 21, 1996
PAGE 4
A motion to adjourn at 6:30 p.m. was made by McMurray/Cox
MINUTES
PARKS AND RECREATION COM~4ISSION
NOVEMBER 13, 1996
MEMBERS PRESENT: Ken Fearing, Judith Klink, Deb Liddell,
Maurer, Matt Pacha, Rex Pruess, Ross Wilburn
MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT:
Jana Egeland, Allen Stroh
Terry Trueblood, Mike Moran, Jim wonick
Bruce
FoR~ACTION TAKEN
Klink stated the first full sentence on page 2 of the minutes should be
deleted. She indicated she was fully aware the cemetery was under the
jurisdiction of the commission and that her remarks had been
misinterpreted. Moved by Pacha. seconded by Wilburn. to approve the
October 9, 1996 minutes as amended above. Unanimous.
Moved by Maurer, seconded by Pacha. to endorse the department's FY98
operatLng budget ~equests. Unanimous.
cEMETERY ISSU~
A joint work session was held with the city council to discuss Oakland
Cemetery expansion issues; a copy of the minutes are attached hereto.
FY98 OPERATIN~ BUDGET REOUESTS
Trueblood reviewed the FY98 operating budget summary for the Parks and
Recreation Department and the Recreation Division's capital outlay
requests. With respect to replacing the gy~ bleachers, Pacha questioned
ADA requirements and whether it was possible to renovate the existing
bleachers. Moran stated the small set of bleachers would be refinished,
but that the larger set needed to be replaced. Trueblood felt there was
ample floor space to meet ADA requirementS- Liddell stated she was very
interested in seeing the city obtain networking capabilities within its
computer infrastructure.
Moved by Maurer· seconded by Pacha. to endorse the department's FY98
operating budget requests as p~esente~. Unanimous.
Trueblood stated at next month's meeting the commission will review the
Recreation Division's proposed schedule of fees and charges for parks
and recreation services and programs. He stated it is becoming more and
· --~ -elf-
difficult to achieve the division's goal of being 4D~ o
more affordable. Liddell
sufficient, while at the same time keeping programs
asked staff to also prepare a schedule of fees and charges that would
meet a 40% self-sufficiency standard.
PAd.KS & RECRF~ATION FOUNDATION REPORT
Pacha reported seven individuals have agreed to host small group
informational meetings to gather more community input and reaction to
the Mercer Park Aquatic Center expansion plan, and to help identify
people who may eventually be contributors to the project. Once these
meetings are completed, the consultant will contact potential
contributors in order to make a determination as to whether or not it is
feasible to raise the needed $500,000.
I~IVERFRONT & NA~ AREAS COMMISSION REPORT
Pruess reported he has been unable to attend the last three meetings due
to meeting date conflicts between the two commissions. He questioned
the value of having a representative on the Riuerfront and Natural Areas
Commission if this has been the history. Liddell indicated she has read
the minutes from the last few meetings and there has not been much
crossover. Pacha suggested having a member attend on a "as needed
basis". Liddell stated it may be time to revisit this matter and asked
that Pruess bring a proposal to the commission to consider.
MONTC~Ol~]~RY/BUTLER HOUSE REPORT
Klink reported she, Wilburn and Stroh attended the committee's October
29 brainstorming session to discuss potential uses for the house and
property. A vision statement was drafted and is included in the
commission's packet. The statement suggests that the house be made
available for multi-use purposes (nature center, historic education
center, trailhead, a place for canoes to dock, etc.). Wilburn stated
there were many good ideas, with the vision statement drafted to provide
direction for future decisions regarding the house. Klink stated the
general idea is to preserve and restore the house within the context of
its 1850's origin. This statement will be presented to the City
Council.
NEIGHBOP~qOOD OPEN SPACE
Liddell stated the task force would be completing their work on
proposed objectives and strategies in the near future.
the
COMMISSION TIME
Wilburn apologized for not being able to attend last month's meeting due
to a slight concussion he received.
Liddell asked if anybody representing parks and recreation interests in
the future of downtown was part of the Downtown Forum. Trueblood stated
David Schoon and Karin Franklin of the Planning and Community
Development Department were conducting these meetings. He reported that
a public input meeting was scheduled for Thursday, November 14, and
encouraged members to attend if they were interested in doing so.
Moved by Pachaj seconded by Wilburn, to adjourn. Unanimous. The
meeting adjourned at 6:20 p.m.
2
November 13, 1996 Council Work Se_~-~ion p~e !
November 13, 1996
Council Work Session
4:30 PM
Council: Lelu~a~ Kubby, Norton, Thombeny, Vanderhoe~ Absent: Baker, Nov.
Staff': Atkins, Helling, Woito, Kan, Trueblood, Moran, WonJck, Kriz, Smith.
P/R Commission: Dab Liddell, Mathew Pacha, Bruce Maurer, Judith Klink, Rex Pruess,
Ken Fearing, Ross IRrdburn.
Tapes: 96-131, Side 2; 96-134, Side 1.
Onidand Cemetery Discussion 96-131 S2
Lehman/There are about thee things... addre~ here .....First thing we have to entertain is
the idea... i~the city should stay in the cemetc~/business .....And if we decide that
is something we should continue to do, then we have to address the next issue ....
should Oakland Cemetery be expanded. There is another issue that I would like to
se~ us talk about, if we decide that Oakland Cemetery should be expanded in some
fashion, that we perhaps should put a limit on that expansion and say this is what
we expect to do for a period of time.... I think P/R needs to know what is going to
happen ....I think we should try to give an expectation of what we are going to
do ....
Norton/...Is the council going to make its firm decision right here, now?
Lehman/I think we are going to give an indication to P/R. We cannot make a finn
decision.
[Tape Problem]
Norton/I think we ought to stay in the business, Ernie. Let's do it.
Lehman/Terry, let's all introduca ourselves.
[Self introdu~ions: council, P/R Commission, cid staff and audience]
Lehman/No... should we be in the cemetery business? ....
Norton/I say yes ....
Pacha/I would agree with that.... I think the city owes it to people to provide an
alternative to private burials .....
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Wilbum/I think it is important to maintain some type 9f municipal option. I don't know
what form that would take .....
Vanderhoet~ I am in favor ofk~ping some sort of cemetery services in the city and I
would go along with Ross... explore something with other cities or with the
county .... outside of city limits maybe ....
Liddell/I am very ambivalent alx)ut it... wanted to have some discussion about it...
would like to explore some non-traditional options .....
W'dbum/I am glad you are w~ll;ng to have this work se_~s!on with us .... I think it will help
us.... be more firm on options... direction of council.... poss~ilitiea .....
Lehman/... This council cannot bind future councils ..... I think.. we owe it to the
Commission to give an idea of how we fcel .... We can give an indication... What I
am heating is moat people think we probably should be in some fashion in the
cemetery business. That we should offer plots for burial.
Klink/As a member of the P/R Commission I understood that this was part of our
responsibility because of historical reasons.... cemetery... park. As fax as the
decision .... I myself am not in favor of staying in the cemetery business if it in
anyway impinges upon the park.
Fearing/Most of the people who have contacted me and talked to me are against the
expansion.
Norton/What about cemeteries, are they into cemeteries?
Fearing/No, they didn't state that .....They didn't want to expand into Hickory I-Y_dl Park.
W'dbum/I have people e-mail me... split on whether or not they thought the city should
be in the cemetery business ....
Norton/
Kubby/ ....I'm kind of interested.... It is part of community building... hi~tory of our
community... feeling that I get... connection to the past, present and future...
emotional place .....everyone is equal ....It is a gathering of our past ....To be in
the cemetery business is a very expensive business .....to expand out services no
matter where our location is .....Should we just do indigent plots... cremation
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November 13, I996 Council Work Session pa~e 3
plots .... In general I a~n in favor of it ..... but I think we need to articulate .... What
are the downsides of doing it .....
Pacha/I think the things that we have looked at ....
Kubby/Does it meet that 45%?
Pacha/That particular part of the depa.,',ment doesn't ....
Norton/It brings in.... the receipts are 16% of the expenditures .....
Maurer/I ~un in favor of us continuing the cemetery business as long as possible. The cost
is definitely much less out of the person's pocket... We owe it to all of the
people .....Give everyone the opportunity to afford a burial plot .....It is a lot less
expensive to purchase a lot through the city ....
Lehman/Seems like the consensus really is the city probably should stay in the cemetery
business in some fashion. That seems to be the consensus ....
Next thing then is should Oakland Cemetery be expanded? If so, how so? And
should expansion be limited?
Norton/I think that it should be expanded very slightly .....I want to talk about just the tab
Wonick/North of Rose Hill.
Norton/You could get roughly 100 in there ..... That doesn't involve much expense or
eating away of'Hickory Hill at all and you would get... 7 to 8 years .... See that
mild expansion ...... by that time get our wits together and buy some property
somewhere... or use present places... Put something out on the west side.... Stop
the further cncroactunent on Hickory I-r. dl.... Get the heirs to sign off'.... Put very
slight expansion out there that would accommodate us for 7-8 years ....I don't
want to see much dirt moved.
Liddell/...maximizing what space there is... closing off the lane which would preclude
future development.
Norton/ ....wouldn't really go beyond the tree line ....
Kubby/
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Norton/That little tab .... When you go out there it Ioolo Uke you can get some in there
without going very far north of the present bouhdary ofwhere the trees are,,, not
moving much dirt.
Vanderhoeff
Norton/I wouldn't go east of the present fence line.
Liddell/The wood line.
Norton/(Refers to map).... that little iab. This part right in here.... You could get maybe
100-1.18 in there.... without going vet), far north.
Wonick/The 118 would include where the road was .....
Norton/ ....demand may reduce some what ....
Klink/Really you are suggesting transition out of active cemetery business .....maximize
plots available at Oakland and closing the possibility of ever expanding .....
Norton/ ..... look at wastewater plant ..... city property ..... out by 965... grab some
property out there... Hickory ITfil West.... cemetery land.... preserve some of that
green space along 965 .....
Pacha/... in that equation is buildings and equipment ....
Norton/There is no doubt about operating expenses ....
Pacha/
Norton/If you could co-locate it with the water plant or waste treamaent plant because
you have equipment around there and people ....
Liddell/To me the criteria for tiffs... has to be a long term solution. I like your idea .....I
don't see a feasible long term solution by expanding Oakland.
Thomberry/I think perhaps ..... land that was at one time perhaps deeded to the
cemetery... If that was indeed to be cemetery land, then it should be cemetery
land.... suppose to be... was deeded for cemetery land... And that is a question for
the Legal Depax~ment .....
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Kiink/ ....I thought the situation w~ city council could decide...
Thornberry/It depends on how the land wa~ do0d~l...:
K.link/That Js not what I understand ....
Norton/
Thornberry/I do ~ree that we cannot expand that cemetery forever .....
Norton/
Thornben-//
NortoW That is 40 acres.
Thomberry/Ijust want to make that that is... now p~rkland and never should be cemetery
land .....
Norton/ .... a resolution... part of the deed .... assuming that the specific heirs didn't raise
hell about it.
Woito/My reading of the law.... Unless a member of the family... comes forward to
enforce those reinfictions, the council can use the land either for cemetery or
parkland or any other public use. I don't know if we have made any attempt to
contact that family .....
Trueblood/We haven't made any direct attempts to. Of course we had a p.h. about it .....
We have not heard from anybody from that family:
Thomberry/I think it behooves us to attempt to locate them .....
Kubby/I don't have a problem with trying to find them... get their permission... pass a
resolution.
Thornber~/I want the record clear ....
Kubby/
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Thomberry/There are legal hoops you jump through.,.. I don't want to just deed over that
land to P/R just because it is part of a park... find somebody ....
Norton/
Thomberry/If'we go west... doing it with Coralville .....
Norton/County says they don't have any problem ..... Coralville ..... I say get a fu'm
resolution.... obtain written agreement.... from heirs.... Ought to do that.
Kubby/First thing... policy queaion ....
Kubby/
Norton/The deed refers to the resolution.
Liddell/
ThombenT/We can make a decision.... still think we ought to find out from the heirs if
they really do want that as a cemetery.
Woito/I think I hear from the majority of the council that you want Terry and I to explore
trying to find the heirs to clarify that.
Lehman/I think there may be a compromise.... history is very important in this
community ...... One the proposals... MMS... use about two acres ofparldand but
would give us 30-40 years of burial plots. That would be using Area.... with using
the dirt moved offof Area B ..... That would add .~out 1,000 plots ..... Probably
30-40 years.....this is as far as it goes, no more.... taken the pressure off the
cemetery for plenty of time to plan where else we might want to go...
Klink/Aren't we putting offa decision though?
Lehman/...that this is the end of expansion in Oakland Cemetery .....This is about as non-
intrusive as you can do... provides for a lot of folks in this community .....We don't
have a policy obviously right now ....
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Norton/l just hate to see that amount of dirt moving and tree topping ..... Why not bite
the bullet now and do it ha seven years rather th~ in 40 yeats... considerably less
intrusion into the park .....
Kubby/The sooner the new direction is started, the more likely it ia going to happen ....
The sooner the new direction is planaed for and moved towards, the more likely it
is going to happen the way we envision it happening. So, I like Dee's plan better
than what Ernie is suggesting about all orb and part of A.
Lehman/ .... There is a lot ofp~ople who have felt that because land has been dedicated
for a cemetery, that it would be expanded... I think we owe those folks
something.... If we could get by using a couple of acres.... ex~end the life of the
cemet.ery by 30 years with a policy that this is the end of it ......
Norton/A lot of people are as equally ~nteteated in the park end preserving the sanctity of
the park ..... I am trying to accommodate some ofboth ....
Lehman/This B and part of A is a~ least intrusive as some of the options.
Norton/And I have a less intrusive ....
Klink/I definitely favor Dee's approach. To change that slope is a tremendous change...
We have a beautiful park and we want to preserve it for future generations ....have
to draw the line.
Wilbum/ We haven't had much discussion about.... how that expansion ~Sht occur ....
mausoleum....while stiil trying to maximize the number of spaces ....
Vanderhoeff ...Above ground mausoleum .....
Wilbum/What about below ground?
Vanderhoeff Presently the policy is four to a plot and that poss~ly could be changed .....
Could it be more?
Wonick/ ....depends on the stze of the cremation cont~uner ....
V~nderhoeO' Tlzis is sometIgmg I would like to explore... Section C... where I would like to
see some above ground space ....
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Wilbum/I have seen some picture~ of beautiful looking mausoleums .....might offer some
compromises above ground ....
Norton/...increase efficiencies of space.... get more mileage of what you have there ....
Kubby/... encourage .....~ull body budsIs are more expensive ....
Liddell/More intrusive.
Fearing/I am kind of aga~nat the long range plans for two reasons.... many more years to
make changes.... Area B is where a lot of activity and Memorial Day services ....
very dear to a lot of people ....
Vanderhoeff
Fee. ring/B, that is that deep valley.... I think it is B... It is also where the maintenance
building is ....
Norton/N6, we are not talking there. We are talking way back the other end. We are not
up near the maintenance buildings .....
Fearing/I am talking where the new trees are .....
Norion/We are not talking about that area at all.... We are back to the other far end.
Fearing/All right, I am sorry. I am turned around.
Norton/No, we are not going to bother that part for sure.
Vanderhoeff Something that I would.... If we to find out ghat we needed to put some
cemetery in there... legality... I would like to see some more land purchased to
replace what we have taken out of I-Iickory Hill... adjacent land.... connect to the
park ....
Kubby/Is that a legal assumption that is correct? That if the family objects that we can't
have that land be parkland?
Woito/Under the law, if you view this as a true dedication.... the language is relatively
loose because the language for cemetery use is not found in the deed itself. It is
only found in the title of the contract to purchase and it is only found on one
whereas in the resolution which indicated at the time, at least in 1913, that there
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Council Work Sesaion
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was an intent, both on the part of'the family and the city council, that that 40 acres
plus the eight acres was to be used f.or cemetery purposes. I aaked Terry about
when that land was sin'ted, the 40 acre~ piece: .... w~ used as a park starting in the
late 60's ..... My first argument wa~ going to be... presumably if they felt strongly
about the cemetery purpose, they would have come forward and objected at that
time.... the absence of.amy objections over the many many years tim it has been
Hickory Hill, that you are not going to meet a test of'the intent but it is out there.
But it doesn't nccessafibff mean that without a law suit that you are prohibited from
using it, the 40 acres, as park.
Kubby/
Wolto/But if. you want to preserve your intent at this point, then I would think that you
would want to make it clear by resolution that you dedicate that 40 acres to either,
whatever portion you want, as park and remainder as cemetery so that someone 5-
10 year~ from now at least knows what your intent is today.
Thomberry/
Woito/If'no one comes forward, we may not have a resolution.
Thornberry/We can come to an understanding given we can't find anybody .....If some of
the family comes forward and says ....
Woito/You would at least be in a position of'recognizing the rights of a prior contract and
acknowledging and respecting those prior rights.
Thornberry.
Kubby/Seems like there have been two suggestions put out for discussions: Dee's... just
the tab orb and staying in the business and looking elsewhere... Other one is Ernie
is suggesting doing all orb and part of A to give us 30-40 years .....
Pacha/I like Bmie's expanded option .....
Lehman/We are only talking about two acres ....Dedicate the other 38 acres.
Norton/ I would like to do something to be sure we are all talking the same area. Maybe
the guys from MMS.... (Refers to map) ....
Chris Stephan/(Refers to map).'
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Norton/How many feet is this?
Chris Stephan/Wh~t option be is surestinS is that we got kind of'a hump here. We are
going to flatten that out,,. move the old tree line... exce~ material,.. could be
placed down in here ....
Norton/
Stephan/...try and Ell in some of this area here ....
Norton/I want to just make sum that p~ople unders~d that the intrusion that Ernie is
talking about... is subsiantlslly into the ~xistin$ park .....
Kubby/
Vanderhoet7 Jim, how much of the B area was what you were mowing? ....
Wonick/ .....called cemetery pasture, that 40 acres .....
Kubby/
Pacha/In our work sessions... I have heard about a long term solution ....30 years I think
is a long term solution to me.... ~ives us time to look at something... make a stand
that that is where it ends ....
Thomberry/..for the people that are buried there, that is forever.
Kubby/
Lehman/Some of us have indicat~l that we want to try t0'conta~ the family... should be
the next step ....
CHANGE TAPE TO REEL 96-134 SIDE 1
~ I definitely don't favor altering that slope.... violating the Sensitive Areas Ordinance
by doing it ....
Wilbum/I like Dee's suF~estion here ..... I like the idea of trying to make it clear for future
councils .... I would like to see it occur in a way that maximizes use to that space ....
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Liddell/... I think that encro~chi~ on Hickory Hill is r~lly going to cl'umge the nature of
Oakland .... We have h~d Erom folks.... who don't w~nt to expand... cemataty
has a ~r~at deal ofint~rity u it is ....
ThombenT/Try to find those folks that deeded that property... once that has been done ....
fdl in the current cemetery a~d then get out of the cemetery business .... I don't
thLnk the city should be in the cemetery busine,~.... But we st~il maintain ....
Pacha/It is a given that we are $oing to maintain it ....
Thomberry/... I don't think the city should be in the cemetery business.
Lehman/Dean, you tend to agree with Dee Norton's proposal that we iptqll, get seven
years out of'it.... do not expand it at all?
ThombenT/I don't wn~t to expand.
Lehman/Dee Venderhoer, do you feel the same way? Do you feel the same way? I think
we have given you a pretty good indication, four out of'seven (Kubby, Norton,
Thomberry, Venderhoof).
Norton/He said either get out or expand ....
Lehman/First thing we did say tonight is that we feel that we should be in the cemetery
business .....
Thomberry/I disagree. I think we could help subsidize the burial of someone who could
not afford a private plot .....
Lehman/Tonight, the first thing we did agree to is that we probably should be in the
cemetery business .... I think we have done what v~e came to do.
Kubby/So we need to direct staff to look for the family and then go ahead with the
resolutions, too, after that, to say our intent.
Lehman/We need to put this to bed once and for all ....
Norton/With respect to my plan, I sure would like to have gaff really carefully lay out
exactly what we can squeeze out of the present thing with the absolute minimal
expansion .... I think we need at least seven years ....
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Kubby/A~ well a~ looking at underground agd on top of ground ....
Wilburn/ Mi~t include if some ordinance or somethirig neeels to be modred ....
Liddell/
Woito/I think Dick Dolezal ha~ ~ome concerns.... concerned about the record that I
tracked down... 40 acres... purchased fom cemetery funds.... those funds were
generated from proceeds fi'om selling cemetery 1ot~.
Dick Dolevad/,.. What the park people are doing is taking essential corporate bonds and
convening it to public use and they have to use a referendum bond to pureha~
parkland.... putchafing parkland with cemetery funds.
Woito/The opinion that I have on the bonds differs f~om Dick Dolezal's opinion and the
city is not constrained by the source of the fund to purchase the land.
Dolezal/I have a suggestion,.. (refers to map) .....
Norton/ ....getting everytking we can out of what we have got ....
Lehman/Well, we have done it.
Liddell/I would like to thank you for coming.
[All ta~ng]
Trueblood/I am not sure what we are suppose to do. I have heard a number of tl~ngs. I
don't know if we are suppose to approach Steve with plans to expand .....
Lehman/Within the cemetery, maximize the (can't hear) we have, is what I hear, with no-
Kubby/But it does not include filling in Section A. We did not agree if Section A is part
of the current cemetery, we did not agree to filling that in.
Trueblood/That is fight, I did not hear that. Ifyou want to maximize within the fence line
of the cemetery, the largest area you have is Section A.
Kubby/We are talking about maximizing useable space that is currently configured with
that little addition of the k~ob orB.
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Trueblood/Understanding that if we do that we block off any possibility of expanding to
the east.
Norton/Right.
Woito/Right, I think that is t~s group's intention.
Trueblood/Okay, I just wanted to-
Norton/We do need to see a detailed layout and a map that shows us the fence lines. I am
missing all the fence lines whereve~ they ate, at least on the east.
Truebl(xxl/The tab in Area B you are referring to, most of that was left for a madway to
the east if the cemetery wa~ ever to expand that way. Your direction is for us to
begin selling lots in that atea, then we can forg~t about disoasKn8 whether or not
to ~ver expand in Hickory Hill.
Norton/Wouldn't you need some access in there? ....
Trueblood/....grass pathway... funeral access ....
Liddell/ Even if we did hear fi'om the family that it was their intention to challenge the
decision not to expand, it wouldn't require us to expand.
Kubby/Only if'there was a law suit.
Woito/Right. Do I understand you want Jim Wonick to bring back a diagram on this
slight expansion?
Norton/I would like to make sure what we are doing bcc4..use in order to get seven years,
I don't se~ how we can do it less than seven .... Ixi order to squeak out the number
of spaces that will hold us for a reasonable time, like at least seven years, we might
need to mess around a little bit up there in that B area.
Kubby/30 more feet one way of another.
Woito/Do you all want a diagram?
Lehman/I thhak we should have a more detailed map.
Kubby/ ....we may want to see that before we absolutely confirm .....
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Vanderhoet7 1 want some corn in there, too. And what. I would like to look at a little bit is
cost of the mausoleum .....
Woito/With the city building the mausoleum?
Vanderhoeg ....or there may be some other section... I would like to know what this is
Treeblood/What we l~ve bee~ t~ing to do .... planning ~s low of cost *. poss~le... Some
of the things we a~e talking about... pos~'bility of hiring a spe~.-l;-,,d cemetery
con.mltant to help us draw up a plan as to how we can maximize the use of the
cemetery ..... I just don't think we have t.he expertise that we need on staff. ....
There ate some creative things berg done... scatter area.... If we are talking ~bout
maximizing the space within the cemetery proper, I really think we need some
prof¢,~ional guidance.
Kubby/A~d maybe there is a possibility of using Area A that is currently cemetery
space.... harder for people to do visitation .....
Norton/ .... fithey could maximize that comer ..... I understand what you are saying, Terry,
you got a good point. Maybe we need more advice than we got.
Kubby/I wouldn't mind going into A Lfit were not lots of earth moving ....If we can do it
without the disturbance .....
Trueblood/Do you think tNs is a &re.non you might be interested Ln is to talk to... get a
cost estimate on what it would cost to hire ....
Lehman/That is your call. Your budget.
Vanderhoe~ Something else .....A ballpatk figure for opening a new cemetery... $20,000
per acre ....
Treeblood/One figure... generally speaking, a rule of thumb is $20,000 an acre to develop
a cemete~J .....only a fool would really put that on paper.
Lehman/I guess we are going to wait until we hear back f~om you as far as what we can
do although the direction seems to be clear.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa Cit7 council
meeting of November 13, 1996.
WS111396
13, 1996
Council Work Sea, ion
Trueblood/The direc~on fi~ht mw ts we try to find t~e ~an~ly, we don't plan on
expandLng into X-Hcko~y ~ Pm4c.
Lehnm~ We ~ ~ you.
Adjourned: 5:40 PM
~nts ripresents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa Cit~ council
meeting of November 13, 199~.
WSl11396