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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-01-03 Bd Comm minutesMINUTES CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION DECEMBER 8. 1994 - 5:40 P.M. CITY MANAGER'S CONFERENCE ROOM John McDonald presiding. Charter Review Commission: McDonald, Egli, Geesland, McCullough, Penningroth, Rhodes, Ringgenberg. Willis, Cain (5:45 p,m.). City staff present: Kerr. Woito, Smith. Tape recorded on Tapes CRC 94-11, All. COMMISSION ACTION: Moved by Egli, seconded by Penningroth. to approve the November 30, 1994 CRC minutes (as emended). Motion to accept mirtutes camed, 8/0. cleft absent. Moved by Willis, secm"Kled by Rhodes. to retei~ Charter Section 302. Primary Election. Motion carried, 5/4. Eglt. McCullough. Ringge~)erg and Penningloth voting no. Moved by Willis. seconded by McCullough. to retain the Couf~il system of seven Council members with four at4arga end three residertt~l district ~eats, Motk~ carried, 613, Cain, Geesland and Egli voting no. Moved by Cain. seconded by Rhodel, to ~sc~.,,~,,~l to Co,moil that the next Charter Review Com,~issioP be reconvenl<l or~ yllr aftlt the r~xt ceftl~ Moti~t carried, 9/0. CALL TO nRnFR/APPRnVAL nF MINUTER: Chairperson McDonald cllled the meeting to oed~ at S:40 p,m. Moved by Egtt, seconded by Pe~.";ngroth, to approve the November 30, 19~4, CRC ~ McCullo~l recluested that page 2, Elections, secom:l I:~regrN~h. I~e ! S. the word e~-er~taoe be chl~ged to number. Motion to accept minutes es omartried camed. ~0. Ci~ ~)lent. ELECTIONS/PRIMARY VOTING: McCullough stated the primary Ihouid be etimi~tld because it creatll confusion and it is costly to the City, Ringgenberg laid Mtlmltivtl Iho~d be di~'~J~led. McCullough said all candidates could run in a general election &-td whoev~ get~ the most Inurebet of) votes gets the seat. Cain explained the o~ginal Charter Commission was accustomed to the primary system, and, therefore, more accepting of that system as a way of narrowing down the number of candidates. McCullough said there are p~3~3iems with the i:~imary system in filling a Council vacancy. McDonald stated the~e were many p~maries in the early '7Os. McCullough stated there is confusion with di~i~ct p~b~ries0 and asked what is gained by having a primary. Cain said somebody could be elected from a district who does not represent the district's interests if all candidates were voted on at large. McCullough stated that there are no guarantees in the current system that someone who is against the interests of the district wouldn't get elected. Charter Review Commission discussed advantages and disadvantages of district primaries. Cain stated the goal of the district system was geographical representation and that a person had to have an overall city-wide interest; if a lot of people ran for a Council seat, the primary system allowed the two top vote getters to continue to the general election; and in order to ensure that a candidate had a truly city-wide Charter Review Commission December 8, 1994 Page 2 perspective. you couldn't guarantee that a district reprgsentative would be elected just from that district. McDonald explained that a new candidate would not want a primary and an incumbent would like a primary. McDonald stated district primaries cost the City approximately $20.000. Cain noted a previous Council candidate liked the primary system because it gave the opportunity to have r~=coqnition, test the waters and stih not spend a lot of money. Willis asked how at- large candidates would be handled if there were no primary format. Charter Review Commission and City Clerk Kerr discussed assigning ~esignated seats for at-large seats the "road race system" for all candidates running against each other. Cain stated that she likes the current system because it allowed candidates to work for the best platforms and best vision for the City and if designated seats were set up, people would be fighting it out against each other. Cain said the geographical ,'~presentation end m3~-designeted st-large seats was a compromise. In response to McDonald. Rhodes ateted the current primary system seems straight forward. Geesland stated she likes the pre~ent system but wants ~ ~k st t~ ~r of people in each district. Cain sa~ t~ ~1 ~ ~ ~e~ t~ ~r of district versus at-large seats a~ ~t ~ m~ ~ ~ ~t~ of ~h dieter. Geasla~ said if a goal is ge~raphical r~nta~. ~ ~ t~ ~t ~ulation ~comes. rdpresentstion suffe~. ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ t~ ~ a~ ballot confusion were affected by ~ ci~=t~ of ~ ~t ~ e~t~ a~ vacant seats. Penningroth ~t~ ~at if ~ d~'t ~te m ~ ~. ~ ~ o~ ~ t~ ca~idate selection process. McO~l~ It~t~ ~ ~ ~ ~t~ w~k~. In response to Cain, Rh~es said no o~ ~dms~ ~ ~ ~t m t~ ~ ~. EG, stated voters may want to eliminate ~m~s Moved by Willis, seconded 0¥ Rhodee. to retire C]~4~ S4ctmn 302. P~imary Election. Motion carried, 5/4, Egli, McCullough. Rin~mberg ~d I~nnm~oth votin~ no. City A~rorn,y Woito left at 6:22 p.m. DISTRICTS - NUMBER. REPRESENTATION. NEIGHBORHOOD: Geesland noted she originally proposed incre~ district seats to five. Cain said the original Charter Commission discussed three district seats versus four st-large seat3 and four district seats versus three at-large seats. Geesland said the original goal was geographical representation and if the present Charter Review Co~nmission wants to maintain geographica! representation, the number of districts needs to be adjusted, Geesland and Egli said the Charter Review Commission should address Council size. Cain said the original Charter Commission discussed a nine-member Council and decided against nine because their nine- member Charter Commission had such lengthy discussions. Charter Review Commission reviewed a district boundary map of Iowa City. Cain suggested establishing a Charter Review Commission one year after the next census. Willis said charter Section 802 would not need to be amended because Council just needs to establish a Charter Review Commission at leas1; once every ten years. Cain noted that the original Charter Commission had maps drawn up Charter Review Commission December B, 1S94 Page 3 with the proposed districts for consideration and to see what equal population districts would look like. Penningroth said Charter Review Commission needs to address how they feel abeu,. the number of districts versu~ at-large seats on Council. Charter Review Commission discussed the Council size and the number of district seats versus at-large seats. Rhodes ~aid that tying the number of district seats to population will create future problems. Moved by Willis, seconded by McCullough, to retain the Council system of seven Council members with four at-large and three residential district seats. Ringgenberg said the people of Iowa City want a Council that represents the enti~'e commu~ty. McDonald said the district Council members he served with were sensitive to the needs of the district and the entire community. Egli and McCullough said people like havi~g distrk:t retxesentation. Cain said she would support a four district seat-three at-large seat system. Motion carried, 6/3, Cain, Geesland and Egli voting no. FINAL RECOMMFNDATION DISCUSSION: McDonald stated Charter Review Comrm~iott sh<xdd ptel~re final recommendations for Council. Kerr summarized that recommen<~ vvil include n<xt-di~crimination language, changing individual to perion. and l:)ertllty 14~-tton statement. Willit said Charter Review Commission recommendations ~'~ould mcl~te a rec<~,,,,anda~ to reconvene a Charter Review Commission one year after the ned c~. Moved by Cain, seconded by Rhodel. to teco~,,,and to Co,moil that the next Cha~er Review Commission be reconvened one year after the nix1 ~. Motion carried. 9t0. Penningroth asked if Council ~tion Itto~d be di~c~l~. Kerr stated the current policy !s to look at Council compens4tio4~ every two ye~rl et~d Irate law lay~ Council cannot compensate itself. McDonald Itate<l ~ coml:~r~lt~ comparable exist with other cities. Kerr stated that it is difficult to ~e with other cities because compensation factors vary. Charter Review Commi~on dilcu144<l e~tlblithing · Council Compensation Committee. Penningroth said Counci~ compettset~ should be reviewed periodically and she raised the issue so that Council doestt't have to feel politically pressured. Kerr asked Charter Review Commission if another public hea~ing should be scheduled. Charter Review Commission members said another hearing was not necessa~/because the public will have opport~,nity to comment on the Charter Review Commission recommendations at future Charter Review Commis=~ion meetings and Council meetings. Kerr stated staff will draft the recommendations as proposed. Charter Review Commissions agreed to schedule a Charter Review Commission meeting January 4, 1995, to review the recommendations. McDonald said all Charter Review Commission members should attend the Council meeting when Council discusses the Char~er Review Comm[=,sion recommendations. Meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m. CledC~C~C 12-8 MINUTES !OWA CITY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION DECEMBER 13, 1994 - 5:30 P.M. LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM - CIVIC CENTER MEMBERS PRESENT: Jay Semel, Kevin Hanick, Douglas Russell, Kay Irelan, Betty Kelly, Ginalie Swaim MEMBERS ABSENT: Sue Licht STAFF PRESENT: Miklo, Kugler, Dawson OTHERS PRESENT: None CALLTO ORDER: Russell called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m. PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA: There was none. DISCUSSION OF CERTIFIED LOCAL GOVERNMENT {CLG) GRANT APPLICATIONS: Kugler said the CLG grant applications have been completed and mailed. The City applied for a $12,400 grant for the Dubuque Street Corridor project, based on estimates for the total project of approximately $12,500 and $20,000. The higher of the estimates was used, and staff project management time was added to the cost. The total budget was $20,732. The College Green/East College St. National Register nomination grant request was for $3,300, based on a $5,500 estimate for the total cost of the project made by Tallgrass Historians. Kugler said the grant awards will be announced in April. Russell said the work should be completed 18 months from now if the grant is awarded, The results of the Dubuque Street Corridor survey are to provide information on historic or conservation districts on Dubuque and Linn Streets. The second grant is for the National Register nominations for the College Green/East College Street historic districts, The process of designating municipal historic preservation districts will begin as soon as the National Register nominations have been prepared. He said that with the help of Karin Franklin, the City Council approved the grant applications at their meeting Tuesday, December 6, 1994. DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED MAILINGS TO NEW RESIDENTS OF EXISTING HISTORIC DISTRICTS: Kugler said he drafted a letter to be sent to new residents as they move into our Historic Districts, and would like comments from the Commission members. He said it was decided that each of the representatives from the historic districts will keep an eye out for new residents, notify him, and then he will prepare the letters. Russell said the first line of the third paragraph is strong and should not be highlighted. Hanick suggested rewording the sentence to say "Though the Com- mission has never denied a Certificate of Appropriateness, in some cases...." Russell asked Kugler to make the change. Russell also suggested taking out the exclamation points in the letter and adding a blank for the Commission chairperson and using Russell's full name. Semel said if he were a recipient of this letter, and read the sentence saying no one had ever been denied a Certificate, he would wonder why he would have to go through the process in the first place. Russell said the sentence refers to the second paragraph. Hanick asked if anyone has ever Histodc Preservation Commission December 13, 1994 Page 2 withdrawn from the process. Russell said some projects have been sent back to the drawing board, but there has never been much controversy. Swaim said she saw the possibility of the Commission being seen as a pushover. Semel said there is a definite screening process and he is nervous with the absolute statement that was made. Russell said he thought the overall wording was good. Swaim suggested striking "never" from the first sentence of the third para- graph and replacing it with "to date." Semel said he foresees financial considerations playing a part in the Commission's decisions if residents cannot afford changes the Commission suggests. Russell said the broader the districts get, the more that will be a consideration. DISCUSSION OF THE FUTURE COMMEMORATION OF THE OLD BENTON STREET BRIDGE AT ASHTON PARK: Russell said the materials in the packet were sent to him in mid-November by Joye McKusick. The bridge was torn down in 1990. Two welded portions of the bridge and historic markers were preserved when the bridge was replaced. The items are to be used for a memorial to Ned Ashton. This project involves no cost to the Historic Preservation Commission; the Commission is merely being asked for a consultation. Russell said he thought it would be a good idea to send a thank- you letter and offer assistance to Mrs. McKusick. COMMISSION INFO.RMATION DISCUSSION: Kugler recalled that at the last meeting there was discussion of several downtown churches planning to move out of the area. He received articles from the Planning Advisory Service about adaptive reuse projects of churches around the country as examples for the Commission's reference. One interesting issue discussed in the articles was the church's reaction to the reuse of its building. Kelly said that if the church is on the National Register there is a much better chance of preservation. Russell said the Fiscal Year 95/96 Preservation Plan Implementation Outline included in the mailing is an updated guide map explaining the Commission's priorities for the next year. He noted that the Commission will take steps to schedule joint meetings with other preservation organizations, and should have its proposed new legislation before the City Council in the Spring and Summer. He noted that Preservation Week is in May. He asked Kugler to preepare minutes from Saturday's meeting. Miklo suggested a cover letter to be sent to the City Council that would highlight the preservation plan. Russell said the College Hill Survey Final Report will be helpful for the National Register nomina- tions. Miklo said the final report will be made available. Russell said there is a list of people interested in College Green. He said he will write a letter alerting them of the delay. OTHER: Irelan brought up building concems for a deck on 325 Brown St. Russell suggested she talk to the building department and return in January when Sue Licht will be present to answer ques- tions. Swaim announced that Historic Preservation Awards Day is Wednesday, May 17. The three sponsoring groups have submitted names of those who are interested in serving on the planning committee. The first meeting will be in early January. Russell. suggested that an agenda item for the next meeting be a report on the program for Historic Preservation Week. Russell said the Historlu Preservation Commission December 13, 1994 Page 3 co-sponsors are the Fdends of Histodc Preservation, the Johnson County'Historic Preservation Commission and the Johnson County Historical Society, Kugler asked for feedback on a City Council suggestion to change the process of filling vacated Commission terms. In the case of positions vacated within six months of the end of the term, the Council would like to extend the appointments made through the following term. Russell agreed with the change, saying the longer people serve, the better they do. ' Semel said he is available to write grant proposals to the Historical Board if needed. Russell suggested offering to host a state conference, Hanick said a couple of noted preservationlets are interested in preserving the brick building on the proposed water plant site. Miklo said the City has proposed to annex the land on which the building stands. He said the project committee will decide if the building is salvageable. Russell said the reconstruction of the Citizen Building is progressing. He said he heard many good comments about the Northside Neighborhood Association's house tour that took place Sunday and thanked the Association for holding the tour. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES FROM THE OCTOBER 11, 1994 MEETING: MOTION: Kelly moved to approve the minutes of the November 8, 1994, meeting. Itelart seconded. The motion carried on a vote of 6-0. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 6:30. Minutes submitted by Jennifer Dawson. ppdadmin~mins~hpc! 2-13 SENIOR CENTER COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 24, 1994 MEMBERS PRESENT: Rufiee Aneianx, Harold Engen, Gerry Lackchalet, Terri Miller, Tom Muller, Patrick Peters, Freida Shannon, Mark Thompson MEMBERS EXCUSED: Fred Krauae GUESTS PRESENT: Dick Blanchard. Mary Lou Buchanan-Council of Elders; Patricia Cone Fisher-City Attorney; Robert Norris-SCTV; Walt Shelton, new $CC appointee. STAFF PRESENT: Bette Meisel, $oyce Phelps, June Braverman, Susan Rogusky' INTROIMINUTESICOE REMARKS/PUBLIC DISCUSSION Muller called the meeting to order at 3:02 PM. He introduced and welcomed the guests. The minutes were approved as mailed. COE member, Mary Lou Buchanan said the Council has appointed 2 people to go over the Volunteer Recognition questionnaire and a report will be forthcoming. There was no public discussion. DISC. OF OCT ISSUE OF BOARDS AND ADMINISTRATORS - PETERS Peters led the discussion and called attention to 'promoting your organization in public". He said members should make it known they are Commissioners so people who have things to say about the Center can air their views. Speaking on another point raised in the issue, Engen and Shannon said that with the Commissioners' diverse backgrounds perhaps a list of skills would be helpful to share. Muller agreed and suggested each member bring a list of 3 skills to the January meeting. He and Shannon said that members should be very familiar with the Commission's mission statement so they may use it for guidance in controversial situations. Muller said all should use the mission statement as their guide in making policy decisions. PARTNERS CAMPAIGN MILLER Miller said the committee has met twice and will continue to meet until spring. They are focusing on the budget requests and assessing needs for the futute. She said she felt they were on th0 right track. She explained that Muller and Engen came up with the idea of "Partners". She said Muller and Krauae had met briefly with Steve Atkins about the budget. They indicated they got positive feedback from him. SCC MINUTES NOVEMBER 21, 1994 PAGE 2 SCTV COMMITTEE UPDATE - ANCIAUX Aneiaux reported they had met twice so far and were working on the goals and mission statrement. They were also working on establishing an editorial board for $CTV. She hopes to have something in print for the Dexomber Commission meeting. NUTRITION CONTRACT UPDATE - THOMPSON Thompson said he had the duty list with one change: 'clean and sanitary' was changed to 'as needed". Meisel said she objexted to this change. After discussion it was decided to get someone from Mercy Hospital Food Service, if possible, to evaluate the Assembly Room and see what this person specifically recommends. Thompson said the snow removal problem was not solved. Finding someone to do it is lhe problem. The City will pay for the removal if Senior Dining can find someone to do it. SENIOR CENTER UPDATE - MEISEL Meisel reported that the construction on the mezzanine was nearing completion and that a compromise had been reached with the the contractor on the repair of the Assembly Room floor. They will replace the warped boards, refinish it, and the new boards must match the old ones. Meisel said sh.e has asked the now Green Thumb worker to set up a card file on polioins passed by the Commission. She is going to go through the minutes back to 1989. Meisal said the Center Handbook is due for revision. She will work on it in February. In response to past questions about the Ambassadors, she had Braverman report on the number of visits made, where they went, and who made them. Meisel said she gave the Chamber of Commerce a short squib about the Center for the 'Treasures' section of their area map and would also check that the phone hook information is correct and current. Meisel reported that she wrote a letter to the Press-Citizen about the poor quality of the Volunteer Recognition ed. She said Senior Dining had also complained and the paper ran their ad again. She said Bud Neuzil has given the Center a treadmill for the fitness room She handed out the report of time, money, attendance during the WW II month-long commemoration which Braverman prepared. Braverman discussed it briefly. SCC MINUTES NOVEMBER 21, 1994 PAGE 3 FEE DISCUSSION - MULLER Meisel called their attention to the copy of the article in THE POST in January 1994 explaining the fee policy. The section on Fees for Equipment Use requites "city departments, non-profit agencies and private groups using the Center audio-visual equipment pay $5.00 per hour or any portion of an hour for its use. In this way, those who use Center equipment will be able to contribute to the purchase and maintenance of the equipment". Meisel said the word 'maintenance' should be 'replacement". The:e was a brief discussion on maintaining this policy. Peters moved that the Policy on Fees For Equipment Use remain in force. Engen seconded. Motion carried, all ayes. NOMINATING COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS MULLER Muller appointed himself, Thompson, and Krause. Election of officers will be December 19th. COMMISSION VISITS Peters reported he attended the Council of Elders meeting November 2. He said Metsol spoke on her role as coordinator, comments and discussion on using Gift Fund money for scholarships occurred, and some remarks were made about parking in the Chauncey Swan Lot. He will go to the City Council on 11/22 and to the Board of Supervisors on 11/29. CHAIR TIME -MULLER Muller said the meeting with all the agencies in the Center is on November 30 at 2:00 PM. It was decided that Miller will write the 'Commission Comments" for the -~anuery POST and continue with the finance committee's plans and ideas. OPEN DISCUSSION M¢isel remarked that she had concerns about the protocol for bringing things before the Commission. She felt that Commissioners should recommend that groups or individuals speak to staff as a first step, Muller agreed that the Commission should ask the concerned individuals or groups if they have spoken with Meisel about it first. The meeting adjourned at 5:10 PM. Minutes prepared by Joyce Phelps, Senior Center Secretary Minutes approved by Gerry Lackcadet, SCC Secretary MINUTES COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY NEEDS WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1994 - 6:30 P.M. SENIOR CENTER - LOWER LEVEL CLASSROOM DEC 2 119 ' MEMBERS PRESEN~ Grace Cooper, MaryAnn Dennis, Rusty Martin, Linda Murray, Christina Randall, Gretchen Schmuch, Marls Snider MEMBERS ABSENT: Lisa Engh, Keith Ruff STAFF PRESENT: Charles Denney, Marianne Milkman, Ray Keller, Steve Long, Steve Nasby, Jeff Haring CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Dennis called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM SEPTEMBER 21, 1994: Dennis said, Marge Penney had suggested that the first sentence in the second paragraph under the discussion of Public Comments - Amendments to the 1994 CDBG Budget, should say Hillcrest Transitional Housinq, rather than Transitional Housing Program. On page three, same subject, paragraph after the Motion, the second to last sentence should say, "Murray was in agreement with these suggestions, rather than "Murray seconded these suggestions." Page five, Monitoring Reports discussion, the first sentence should say pmiects were assigned, rather than agencies were allocated. Motion: Murray moved to approve the minutes of the September 2t, t994, meeting of the Committee on Community Needs, as amended at tonlght's meeting. Randall second- ed. The motion carded on a vote of 7-0. Public/Member Discussion. Milkman noted that the Conflict of Intersst memorandum, dated July 18, 1994, prepared at the request of the Housing Commission, was in the packets for this meeting, because the Commit- tee had not met in July and August. Milkman said that because several members of the Committee are members of groups or boards of various agencies, staff thought it would be helpful to pass this information on the policy on to the Committee. Milkman said that if a conflict does become apparent, the member should identify him/herself as having a conflict and abstain from any considerations on the issue. Dennis announced that Marc Libants and Robin Paetzold-Durumedc have resigned from the Committee. Both resignations are effective immediately. A rtew liaison from the Housing Commission to the Committee will need to be appointed. These openings have already been placed on the City Council agenda, so new members should be appointed on December 6, 1994. Martin said he would like to withdraw from the monitoring of the City/County United Way Hear- ings, because he has a new job in Cedar Falls and he has a conflict with this duty. Murray will pick up the monitoring of the City/County United Way Hearings, in exchange for Martin monitor- ing the Hillcrest Transitional Housing Program. Committee on Community Needs October 28, 1994 Page 2 Long handed out the schedule for the City/County United Way Hearings. CITY COUNCIL UPDATE: Dennis noted openings on the various boards and commissions. Milkman noted that the Council had approved the Family Self-Sufficiency program which is a requirement of HUD and is a function of the Assisted Housing Division. The program has also been approved by the Assisted Housing Commission. This program will be some part of the CITY STEPS program. HOUSING COMMISSION UPDATE: There was none. CURB RAMP ~',~EEDS: Denney, Assistant Transportation Planner with the Johnson County Council of Governments Policy Board of the Urbanized Area, said the Board develops a work program every spring for the fiscal year which begins in July, and Iowa City has requested assistance in developing a priodty list for curb ramps throughout the community. Denney said the ramps needs that were identified four to five years ago have been completed, and now the process starts all over. A curb ramp survey completed in 1989, has been updated and this identifies the work that has been completed, and the need that still exists. Denney said the issue is before the Committee today because the Committee has had interest in the issue in the past. A committee on transportation, a subcommittee of the ADA Commission, will be discussing possible locations for curb ramps, starting at their meeting next week. Dale Helling is the contact person for that committee and the committee welcomes input on locations for possible ramps from CCN. Snider said that the ramps all along Burlington Street are in need of repair, or replacement, as many of these ramps have a hump atthe bottom which makes them difficult to ascend and that they are curved in such a way as to send the wheelchair towards the canter of the intersection. Denney said the design of curb ramps has been under scrutiny lately and a different design may be submitted soon. Dennis said she feels that snow removal in front of curb cuts is not very well regulated, or at least snow plows may push snow back over walks that have already been cleared. The Commission suggested that an effort to review the need for ramps in the area of Systems Unlimited homes, and group homes of this type, be made. Dennis said she had recently talked to Kevin Burt of Independent Living, and that Butt may be a good sourca of information on organizations to contact on the issue. Burt has training in the implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. MANUFACTURED HOUSING AS AFFORDABLE HOUSING: Steve Nasby, Associate Planner, presented background information and definitions. Nasby said that a mobile home is a unit that was manufactured prior to June 15, 1976. HUD has required higher standards on energy efficiency and construction on units produced after that date, and these units are now called manufactured homes. On the other hand, a modular home is one that is shipped i.n severel pieces, assembled on site, and generally does not have wheels or axles. The Modem Manor development consists of both manufactured and modular Committee on Community Needs October 26, 1994 Page 3 homes. Nasby said the perception of mobile homes is that they move frequently. Nasby said that the National Association of Mobile Home Manufacturers claims that 95% of these home once set, ne.ver move again. Manufactured housing and mobile home units comprised approximately 900 units in the 1980 Census, and 1,298 units in the 1990 Census. This is a 43% increase in ten years. At about 56 units per year, this translates into approximately 1,525 units today. Nasby said units in County jurisdiction increased about 50% dudng that same time, mostly located around North Liberty. The median household income for these units was $15,189 in 1990, which translates to about $17,150 in 1994 dollare. Nasby said the conclusion from these figures is that affordability is the key. The Committee agreed. Nasby reviewed figures from a chart pdnted in the Iowa Cit,/Press-Citizen in November of 1993, which discusses area mobile home rental lot availability. The conclusion from these figures was that the availability of lots is very slim. Nasby said the availability of lots in the Towncrest park is deceiving, as the park will be closing next July. Nasby said that a lot of the parks have guidelines, e.g., Modem Manor does not allow units that are more than two years old; others require a deck and/or storage shed. Many of the parks have rules and regulations which many of the members of the Committee found to be quite stringent. Martin asked that if a park has an age limitation on the units in the park, how does the park evict these units. Nasby said he is not familiar with the process, but he is aware it occurs. Nasby noted that there is a higher incidence of fire deaths in manufactured housing and mobile homes, than the standard single-family dwelling. The Committee had allocated money for a fire safety program which would make smoke detectors and fire extinguishers available to those who request these items. Long added that the average mobile home can be engulfed in flames in less than three minutes. Also, 70% of all fire deaths in Iowa City in the last twenty years were in a mobile home unit; and having a smoke detector can reduce the risk of death by 50%. Nasby said a large problem mobile home purchasers have is the difficulty in getting financing. There is a nation-wide business called Greentree Financial Corp. that provides financing to most all that apply, but typically the interest rate i~ between 10-16%. Some local outfits, such as Hames, Inc. provide financing, but again at similar interest rates. Lenders also view the financing of a mobile home like a personal consumer loan, not a mortgage, as the units are not fixed and depreciate quickly, making them a poor risk. If the land on which the unit sits is owned by the same individual, then lenders view the situation differently. Mobile homes are taxed as personal property with taxes calculated by the square foot. Martin asked why the City will not allow a person to place or establish a manufactured housing unit anywhere in the city. Milkman said a person can do just that, but the problem lies in compliance with the zoning regulations, which require certain set backs, structure widths and · depths, lot sizes, foundation requirements, etc.. Nasby said there are proposals in the works in which individuals can purchase the lot on a manufactured housing (RFBH) zoned property. Nasby presented the Committee a worksheet with figures that compare the costs associated with ownership of a manufactured housing unit, in comparison to rental of a two bedroom apartment, and the average pdced single-family home in Iowa City. Milkman said the Commit- tee may want to track development of the manufactured housing parks that are before the Planning and Zoning Commission at this time. Milkman said these issues have been encoun- Committee on Community Needs October 26, 1994 Page 4 tering some problems, largely due to neighbor opposition and the fact that they are labeled affordable housing. CITY STEPS UPDATE: Schmuch said the CITY STEPS Priorities and Strategies Setting Committee is up and running and has attended two meetings to date. Schmuch said the Pheasan', Ridge meeting had only Committee members in attendance, but the housing needs meeting had a good turnout and participation and some good points were brought up. Randall said she also found it interesting that two members of the business community are on the Committee. Milkman said that this is an addition to the Committee, because staff felt this sector of the community needed repre- sentation as well. Milkman reminded the Committee that the Priorities and Strategies Setting Committee needs to move rapidly as these priorities need to be set pdor to the CDBG alloca- tion process. There is another meeting scheduled for October 27, that will be discussing homeless issues. Long said Jenny Denney and Heather Shank have been busy attending the various meetings. Long said transportation and SRO rooming houses have been issues receiving much emphasis, and 24-hour day care need was raised at Pheasant Ridge. In terms of transportation, bus service on Sunday and expanded Saturday service have been the pdmary requests. Long said people do not work just 8 to 5 anymore. Long said he has heard many requests for just basic day-to-day needs, that many of these people are willing to work for $6.00/hour, as long as they can get housing, transportation, etc., assistance. REVIEW OF HOUSING DATA: Nasby said approximately twenty pages o~ CHAS report data was used in this draft of Housing Data for the Consolidated Plan. Nasby said there are many revisions yet to be made and that he is already aware of most of the needed corrections. Dennis referred to the local economy section on page five, and said that she is looking forward to the meeting at the bank as she intends to speak about the abundance of workers in this community who are employed on temporary status. Ray Keller, a Planning Intern, spoke about the Family Investment Program (FIP). Keller said FIP was created in 1993 to replace the AFDC program, and is administered by the Department of Human Services. The goal of the program is to help families become self-sufficient, by means of cash assistance, but also job training, education opportunities, job search assistance, etc.. The program attempts to make receipt of assistance tied to a responsibility on the part of the recipient. Keller spoke of the eligibility requirements. Keller said one of the main differences between AFDC and FIP is that, AFDC only assisted certain types of households, e.g., single Mothere with children, whereas FIP allows either parent to receive assistance depending on the circumstances. Also an agreement which outlines how the person intends to reach self-sufficiency is established up front in the FIP application process. Those that make adequate progress toward attaining their goals continue to receive assistance. Keller went over the figures of Johnson County residents receiving FIP assistance and other facets of the program. Keller said that the program is also being test-implemented, in that there are control groups and there are the so-called welfare reform groups. Keller said Johnson County is considered one of these welfare reform groups, which means the County will receive full aid. Linn County is Committee on Community Needs October 26, 1994 Page 5 the nearest control group, which means they have more restrictions. Milkman said the intention of Keller's discussion is to give the Committee a feel for what programs exist at the present and where gaps may exist, prior to the CDBG allocation process. CDBG APPLICATION PROCESS COMMI'FI'EE UPDATE: Libants has resigned, so there was no update this month. This item will be deferred until the December or January meeting. PURPOSE OF PROJECT MONITORING: Milkman said she gives th!s discussion about every other year, and told the Committee that project monitoring is an elective and the Committee can choose whether it wants to continue. Milkman reminded the Committee that it is in the interest of the Committee, and certainly the interest of the public, to continue with project monitoring. She pointed out the importance of having contact with the agency carrying out a project on a regular basis. The Committee agreed that they should continue monitoring. Monitoring Reports. 1. ESA Small Re13air Pm(lram. Ruff was absent, so there was no report. o Aid to A(~encies. Martin said Aid to Agencies was allocated $105,000 last year. The Committee does not vote on funding for the program. This funding is set by the City Council and is part of the overall Human Services Agencies allocation. This money basically funds salaries and operations, theoretically for all 13 agencies funded by the City. In practice, elderly Services will receive $51,000; United Action for Youth, $32,000; MECCA, $22,000. 3. Mayor's Youth Em131oyment Proaram. Lisa Engh was absent so there was no report, ADJOURNMENT: Motion: Martin moved to adjourn at 8.25 p.m. Murray seconded. The motion carried on a vote of 7-0. Minutes submitted by Jeff Hadng mins\ccn10-26 UNOFFICIAL INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY COMMI3-1'EE ON COMMUNITY NEEDS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1994 - 6:30 P.M. SENIOR CENTER - LOWER LEVEL CLASSROOM MEMBERS PRESENT: Grace Cooper, M,~ryAnn Dennis, Rusty Martin, Christina Randall, Jim Hards MEMBERS ABSENT: Lisa Engh, Linda Murray, Marls Snider, Keith Ruff, Gretchen Schmuch PUBLIC PRESENT: Carolyn Corbin, Nikki Owens, Liz Hudson STAFF PRESENT: Madanne Milkman, Steve Long, Jeff Haring Call To Order, Etc.: 1. Call to order. Chairperson Dennis called the meeting to order at 6:40 P.M. A QUORUM WAS NOT PRESENT, 2. Review and approval of Minutes from October 26, 1994. A quorum was not present, so the item was not considered. Public/Member Discussion. The Committee members present decided to hold the Decam- ber CCN meeting on December 21, 1994. This meeting will be held at the Public Library, Meeting Room A. Long urged CCN members to attend the December meeting as the recommendations of the CITY STEPS, Priorities and Strategies Committee will be present- ed at that time. 4. City Council Update. Dennis noted openings on the Parks and Recreation, Housing, and Committee on Com- munity Needs Commissions. These appointments will be made at the December 6, 1994~ meeting of the Iowa City City Council. Housincl Commission Update. Jim Harris, member of the Housing Commission, was present to update the Committee on Housing Commission activities. Hards will continue to update the Committee on Housing Commission activities until a new permanent Hous- ing Commission representative to the CCN is appointed. Hards said the Commission, as well as Council, are examining utility rates for rental 'units in the Assisted Housing Program, and how these may affect rental rates. Milkman noted that the Commission is also discussing the use of HOME funds for assistance to low income buyers of manufactured homes. Harris also mentioned that a larger than usual number of certificates and vouchers were distributed in the past several months. 2 Public Comments - 1993 Supplemental CDBG Grantee Performance Re~ort (Flood I). Long noted that this is a report on the first allocation of CDBG Rood funds. Milkman added that most of the money was allocated to manufactured home rehabilitation and replacement. Dennis asked if those seeking a replacement home could pumhsse a stick-built home. Milkman said it is possible, but none have done so, Milkman added that the money would be strictly allocated to the home itself. Most of those who did receive assistance for manufactured housing units, relocated outside of Iowa City as there were no rental lots available in town. Dennis asked if this relocation had affected the job situation of these individuals. Long said most had relocated fairly close, It was noted that CDBG flood assistance funds were administered both by the City for households in Iowa City and by the East Central Iowa Council of Governments (EClCOG) for households outside of iowa City. ECICOG had a more dgid set of standards that caused many seeking assistance to be turned down, and mobile homes were denied assistance if they did not have a permanent foundation. Relatively few mobile homes do have a permanent foundation. Milkman noted that EClCOG also has a different set of income standards due to a lower median income on which aid is based upon. Long noted that according to the Community Flood Relief Coordinating Committee, the City of iowa City has one of the most organized disaster assistance programs in the state. Long noted that Iowa City has approximately a dozen flood assistance cases remaining open, most of which have been given assistance in some form or another, whereas Iowa County for instance has approximately 75 cases still open, many of which have not even been started. Proiect Solution Presentation. Carolyn Corbin, a housing specialist for LIFE Skills, Nikki Owens from the Step-Back program of United Action for Youth (UAY), and Liz Hudson from the Iowa Invest Volunteer Mentor Project were on hand to outline their contribution to the Project Solution program. Project Solution is made up of volunteers (mostly Volunteers In Service To America - VISTA) dedicated to reseamhing and addressing the needs of the homeless community in Iowa City. For over a year they have been visiting local human service agencies to determine both the status of services and the gaps in services for persons who are homeless. They have also researched other communities in Iowa and have attended regional and national conventions to find appropriate models for solutions in Iowa City. Corbin said her job, which is funded by a CDBG grant, is to assist those in need of locating housing and addressing housing issues, Corbin said most of her clientele is on Section 8, and those who aren't are usually on a waiting list for Section 8 assistance, Corbin said the LIFE Skills Housing Program spends a good deal of'time assisting its clients in locating housing and instructing them in how to prepare for a meeting with a prospective landlord, e.g., how to dress, what to bring, etc,. Right now the program is also working with a few of the Towncrest Mobile Home Park residents who are being relocated. O ..... said her job with UAY is [o woi-k with mc, ny of high level, in order to direct potential problem children away from trouble, Owens said she works pdmadly with high risk minority teens, 3 Hudson said her job is newly created and is part of the Iowa Invest Volunteer Mentor Project. Hudson said the program works with families who are a~empting to reach self- sufficiency. The program attempts to align former AFDC recipients up with families in order to act as role models, or provide morel support, to those wishing to get off public assistance. The mentors must go through a two hour screening and orientation meeting and receive certification upon. completion. Hudson said the mentore must remain non- judgmental in their duties, so the program does its best to select those they feel can meet this criterion. Mentore are matched up with families based upon characteristics in which there is a fairly lel~gthy set of questions to determine compatibility. Hudson said the mentor relationship with the family lasts anywhere from six months to ,~..~o years, initially meeting about once a week then about every other week after a few months. Hudson said the Iowa City office is experimenting with an incentive and rewards program that is not performed at any of the other 15 offices in the state. The program attempts to give incentives and rewards to the mentors who assist their family toward successful completion of their goals, Incentives for meeting the goals at steps along the way may include certificates for a free hair cut, manicure or tank of gas, e.g., and may also be eligible for a drawing at the end of the program. Hudson said they try and make the progreta as enjoyable as possible as the families being assisted are usually under a good deal of stress which is transferred to the mentor. The Project Solution presenters passed out handouts, one titled "Results from Project Solution Needs Survey", and the other handout summarizes the Project Solution meeting dated September 13, 1994. Corbin said the Project Solution group was formed as a result of a National Conference on Homelessness held in Minneapolis in April 1994. Some of the people who went felt that some of the gaps in services provided in the Iowa City community could be met more effectively with centrel coordination. Corbin said many of the goals of the program are consistent with trends in the federal government and interest- ingly turned out to be consistent with the goals of the CITY STEPS program. Corbin said the project fully supports CITY STEPS.. Corbin said that according to the survey results, if client results are compared with staff results there is not that much difference in opinion in terms of what is felt is needed. Housing appeared to be the greatest need. ~omments on the next few pages are not really organized and are summarized to the best of their ability. Corbin noted that while filling out a survey at EHP, one of the client~ mentioned that the City of Iowa City really does not need anything compared to some major metropolitan areas, Los Angeles in particular, that iowa City has everything needed, Corbin feels there is always more to be done as long as people are on the street and that Iowa City should strive to be a model community of how well organized services can be. For example, Corbin and the group feel that a day center, or shelter, could provide many of the things desired in the survey and can be a source of referral for further assistance. Corbin feels there are adequate assistance programs, though many have waiting lists. The Salvation Army is the closest thing to a day shelter in Iowa City, though the services provided are somewhat limited. Corbin feels there is a large gap in service that needs to be met. The group also noted that transportation and child care are large problems. Dennis agreed that according to her work experience, a day shelter that would serve as an outlet of information and service is needed. Hu(~son noted that Davenport h~s a large amount of day shelters and shelter space in general and much of the property has been donated and is centrally located, It was noted that it is doubtful Iowa City will experience anything like the Davenport situation any time 4 in the near future as long as the central city remains economically viable. Milkman suggested that the program think about contacting Iocsl clubs and organizations and see if they would be interested in sponsoring rental of space to meet this need for a year or two. Milkman feels that many of these organizations would be willing to help, but simply do not know enough specifics about where to direct their assistance. The group appreci. ated this advice. CITY STEPS Update. Randall noted the meeting summaries in the Committee member packets. Randall also noted the information provided by Heather Shank regarding the Salvation Army interviews. Randall feels that aside from the Pheasant Ridge meeting all of the meetings have been well attended and have provid..ed a lot of valid information. Randall noted that most of the meetings have been recorded by video and are available either for viewing on public access Channel 4, or form Steve Long in the Planning and Community Development Department. Randall noted the CiTY STEPS, Priorities and Strategies Committee will meet on November 28, 1994. Dennis said she is concerned about the effect of pending utility rate increases and asked if there has been any sort of discussions on the issue. Milkma~ said yes, the Council is well aware that the rates are likely to effect the cost of housing, be a burden for low income people and plans to address that issue. The Commission discussed water and treatment plant issues. Milkman said she will try and get more information and encour- aged members to attend the Council public hearings. Discussion of Non-Housin.~ Community Development Needs. Dennis noted that meetings at both the Public Library and First National Bank did not generate many comments. Long noted that the biggest issue that evolved was that of temporary employment and noted the article in tonight% Iowa City Press-Citizen conceming this very issue. Martin said he was interested in Clara Olesen's mention of labor unions and that perhaps some orga- nized interest group is needed. Milkman said that society has become very service oriented resulting in jobs that are not well paid. Dennis agrees with Oleson's statement that some mechanism of accountability is needed, so that those who are going out to recruit business for the town are not the only one's providing all the information to the Council. Dennis also agrees with penalties for non-performance. Harris feels an award or praise system is needed for those who raise or keep wages adequate. Martin asked if CCN is able to fund a study of temporary jobs in Iowa City. Milkman said that is something the Council has already discussed and would like to initiate a study within the next year. David Schoon, the Economic Development Coordinator, is looking into various methods to research this topic. Martin suggested holding conferences on the subject. Milkman emphasized that this temporary employment/agency phenomenon is occurring all over the country and is not unique to Iowa City, and said there may be a good deal of information already available. Milkman also wished the Commission to keep in mind that Iowa City is in a somewhat unique situation in that it is a University community and many of the ideas out there are simply not applicable to this town. The Committee asked if Schoon could attend a CCN meeting to address the issue. Monitorinq Reports. 1. ESA Small ReD~.ir Program. There was no report as Ruff was absent. 2. Mayor's Youth Eml~lovment Proqram There was no report as Engh was absent. Adioumment, 5 Youth Homes. There was no report as Engh was absent. Goodwill. Martin said Goodwill has hired an amhitect and is almost done with the plans. They would like to put out construction bids, both for an enclosed storage space and an open, partitioned storage space, but have not yet done so due to the tight construction market and the possibility of ~e,"J,~.~ a~, over-inflated bid. Martin said that public access Channel 2 will be running an interview with John Watson regarding assistire technology. DVIP, There was no report as Schmuch was absent. LIFE Skills, Cooper said LIFE Skills has a housing support curriculum and is a community based educational social sewices agency. Cooper said she was able to sit in on a regular LIFE Skills meeting last Friday in which two housing support staff members discussed clientele with whom they are working. Cooper said the program has sewed 12 clients and their families this first quarter since CDBG funding began, four households carried over from last year. The agency has been able to serve all clients that have been referred to them this quarter. All clients have been low to moderate income families and thirty individuals were homeless. The pdmary sewices provided have included assistance in locating housing, budgeting skill and education and communication skills. Cooper said the housing specialists continue to make referrals and provide assistance in attaining the necessary resources to move into a home. The housing program has continued to establish a good working relationship with landlords. Cooper said the program continues to receive referrals from the Iowa City Housing Authority, DVIP, The Emergency Housing Project, The Greater Iowa City Housing Fellowship, and referrals from friends who have utilized the program. Cooper thinks it Is amazing how many referrals the agency receives as the word is out that the program does provide assistance. Cooper said the program makes it a habit of going to the clients, rather than waiting to have the clients come to them and that this is a key to their success. Cooper said overall she has acquired a greater appreciation of the agency and the services it provides. GICHF. Randall said she visited the GICHF housing site. Randall feels the housing is very nice and said the units are zero-lot homes, Four bids for land- scaping were taken, the lowest of which was accepted, All four of the lots were sodded and four trees were planted this year. The rest of the landscaping de- pends on the weather or is to be done early next year, Dennis feels all eight units will be rented and occupied by the end of the year. Randall said the GICHF/Burns project is continuing to work on locating a site. The project is also working on attaining $150,000 in HOME funds, and have put in a grant to the State for another $240,000, The project intends to establish an affordable mixed-income multi-family dwelling unit. The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m. Minutes submitted by Jeff Haring mins~ccn11-16 MINUTES IOWA CITY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1994 - 7:30 PM CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT: STAFF PRESENT: Ann Bovbjerg, Pete Cooper, Sally Dierks, Jane Jakobsen, Tom Scott, George Starr Dick Gibson Holecek, Kugler, Miklo, Haring RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: Recommend approval, by a vote of 5-0-1, with Dierks abstaining due to a conflict of interest, to amend the Comprehensive Plan to change the land use map designation of property located on the north side of Highway 1 West from 8-16 dwelling units per acre to 2-8 dwelling units per acre and general commemial. Recommend approval, by a vote of 4-1-1, with Jakobsen voting no and Dierks abstaining due to a conflict of interest, to reaffirm the position of the Planning and Zoning Commis- sion that the Jensen tract be rezoned from RM-44 to RS-5. Recommend approval, by a vote of 4-1-1, with Jakobsen voting no and Dierks abstaining due to a conflict of interest, to reaffirm the position of the Planning and Zoning Commis- sion that the property west of the Jensen tract and west of Hadocke Street be rezoned from RM.44 to RS-5. Starr seconded. Recommend approval, by a vote of 5-0-1, with Dierks abstaining due to a conflict of interest, to approve REZ93oOO07, a City-initiated application to rezone approximately the western 4.75 acres of the Ruppert tract from RM-44, High Density Multi-Family Residen- tial, to RS-5, Low Density Single-Family Residential. Recommend approval, by a vote of 5-0-1, with Dierks abstaining due to a conflict of interest, to approve REZ93-0007, a City-initiated application to rezone approximately 4.5 acres of the Ruppert tract from RM-44, High Density Multi-Family Residential, to CC-2, Community Commercial, subject to a conditional zoning agreement requiring the retention of the existing natural buffer in the western 200 feet of the proposed CC-2 zone and that this buffer is to remain in its natural state. Recommend approval, by a vote of 4-1-1, with Jakobsen voting no and Dierks abstaining due to a conflict of interest, to approve REZ94-0019, a City-initiated application to rezone an approximate 1.5 acre tract of land located north of Highway 1 West and west of Miller Street from RS-8, Medium Density Single-Family Residential, to CC-2, Community Com- mercial. Recommend approval, by a vote of 5-1, with Dierks voting no, REZ94-0017, an applica- tion submitted by Johnson County to rezone a 0.32 acre parcel located at 719 S. Capitol Street from C1-1, Intensive Commercial, to P, Public. MINUTES IOWA CITY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1994 - 7:30 PM CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT: STAFF PRESENT: SuNo L Apmval Ann Bovbjerg, Pete Cooper, Sally Dierks, Jane Jakobsen, Tom Scott, George Starr Dick Gibson Holecek, Kugler, Miklo, Haring RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: o Recommend approval, by a vote of 5-0-1, with Dierks abstaining due to a conflict of interest, to amend the Comprehensive Plan to change the land use map designation of property located on the north side of Highway 1 West from 8-16 dwelling units per acre to 2-8 dwelling units per acre and general commemial. Recommend approval, by a vote of 4-1-1, with Jakobsen voting no and Dierks abstaining due to a conflict of interest, to reaffirm the position of the Planning and Zoning Commis- sion that the Jensen tract be rezoned from RM-44 to RS-5. Recommend approval, by a vote of 4-1-1, with Jakobsen voting no and Dierks abstaining due to a conflict of interest, to reaffirm the position of the Planning and Zoning Commis- sion that the property west of the Jensen tract and west of Harlocke Street be rezoned from RM-44 to RS-5. Starr seconded. Recommend approval, by a vote of 5-0-1, with Dierks abstaining due to a conflict of interest, to approve REZ93-0007, a City-initiated application to rezone approximately the western 4.75 acres of the Ruppert tract from RM-44, High Density Multi-Family Residen- tial, to RS-5, Low Density Single-Family Residential. Recommend approval, by a vote of 5-0-1, with Dierks abstaining due to a conflict of interest, to approve REZ93-0007, a City-initiated application to rezone approximately 4.5 acres of the Ruppert tract from RM-44, High Density Multi-Family Residential, to CC-2, Community Commercial, subject to a conditional zoning agreement requiring the retention of the existing natural buffer in the western 200 feet of the proposed CC-2 zone and that this buffer is to remain in its natural state. Recommend approval, by a vote of 4-1-1, with Jakobsen voting no and Dierks abstaining due to a conflict of interest, to approve REZ94-0019, a City-initiated application to rezone an approximate 1.5 acre tract of land located north of Highway 1 West and west of Miller Street from RS-8, Medium Density Single-Family Residential, to CC-2, Community Com- meroial. Recommend approval, by a vote of 5-1, with Dierks voting no, REZ94-0017, an applica- tion submitted by Johnson County to fezone a 0.32 acre parcel located at 719 S. Capitol Street from C1-1, Intensive Commercial, to P, Public. Planning & Zoning Commission December 15, 1994 Page 2 Recommend approval, by a vote of 6-0, to recommend that the City Council forward a letter to the Johnson County Board of Supervisors recommending that the proposed rezoning from RS to CH and C2 be denied, and further that Council recommends that the Board of Supervisors study th~ appropriateness of rezoning the area to Industrial in order to be in compliance with the Comprehensive Plan. CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Scott called the formal meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission to order at 7:40 p.m. PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA: There was none, COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ITEM: Public discussion of an amendment of the Comprehensive Plan to change the land use map designation of property located on the north side of Highway I West from 8-16 dwelling units per acre to 2-8 dwelling units per acre and general commercial, and, ZONING ITEMS: REZ93-0007. Public discussion of a City-initiated application to rezone an approximate 17.08 acre tract of land located generally on the east and west sides of Hatlocke Street and north of Highway 1 West from RM-44, High Density Multi-Family Residential, to RS-5, Low Density Single-Family Residential, or RS-8, Medium Density Single-Family Residen- tial, and CC-2, Community Commercial, and, REZ94-0019. Public discussion of a City-initiated application to rezone an approximate 1.5 acre tract of land located north of Highway 1 West and west of Miller Street from RS- 8, Medium Density Single-Family Residential, to CC-2, Community Commercial. Miklo said that after several months of discussion at the Council level, a plan was submit- ted for the Ruppert tract which addresses this area more comprehensively. Miklo said the proposal includes an extension of the CC-2, Community Commercial zone along Highway t in two areas. One extension would extend the current CC-2 zone farther west over land that is currently zoned RM-44. The proposal also calls for rezoning from RM-44 to RS-5 a 4.75 acre tract which lies further west of this CC-2 extension and south of the Harlocke Street dead-end. The other proposed extension of the CC-2 zone is for an approximate 1.5 acre tract of land located north of Highway I West and west of Miller Street, and would require a rezoning from RS-8 to CC-2. Miklo sa~id although this would amount to a continuation of the strip commemial along the highway, given the property there are not many alternative land uses appropriate for the area. Miklo said there would be access to Highway I at a State Department of Transpor- tation approved crossing. The topography of the site is such that considerable earth ,~,':.':;n~ and grading will he required tn develop sites for commemial uses, but Miklo said t~.~ '.'~.-.,~'d be true of almost any development of the property. Planning & Zoning Commission December 15, 1994 Page 3 Miklo reminded the Commission that the RS-5 portion of this proposal was recommended for RS-8 zoning previously by this Commission, however, the neighborhood and the property owner have had some discussions and have agreed to this proposed zoning pattern. Miklo said staff agrees with this proposal and recommends approval, but would recommend a condition be placed on the commercial rezoning that would require retention of the existing natural buffer within the western 200 feet of the proposed CC-2 zoning. There is a steep ravine in this area that contains considerable vegetative growth which staff feels would make an ideal transition between any commercial development on the property and the potential residential subdivision to the west. Miklo said that in May the Commission had also made recommendations to Council concerning the Jensen tract and the properties on the western side of Harlocke Street. The Commission had recommended rezoning these properties to RS-5. Miklo said staff still concurs with this recommendation in order to be consistent with the proposed RS-5 zone for the cul-de-sac on Harlocke Street extended. Public discussion: William Knabe. 1101 Weeber Circle, said he is present as the spokesperson for the Weeber/Harlocke Neighborhood Association. Knabe said the Planning and Zoning Commission had raised two concams at their informal meeting last Monday night. Firet, does the neighborhood understand the changes. Knabe said the neighborhood does fully understand the changes as the Association asked that a ballot that was handed out door to door, be turned at the neighborhood meeting on December 11, 1994, and those who did not return the ballot were contacted by telephone. Knabe said the vote tally of the ballots was 88-0-1 in favor of the proposed changes, none against, with one landowner unavailable for contact. Knabe said the neighborhood had desired to have everything north of Highway 1, from Miller Street to Sunset Street, zoned residential, and had definitely never wanted commer- cial property on the hill adjacent to Miller Street, however, in the spirit of compromise the neighborhood had agreed to the proposal. Knabe said the natural buffer between the residential and commercial zones made the proposal acceptable. Knabe said the Commission, as well as the City Council, have expressed concern about the ravine. Knabe said the neighborhood asks that the Commission consider adding a condition to the razoning that states that the ravine is to be retained in its natural state and cannot be built upon or changed in any way that would reduce its effect or purpose as a permanent barrier. Knabe said this has been a long, and sometimes fragile process, and thanked all parties for their commitment to a resolution. William Buss, 747 West Benton Street, said he and his wife live on the eastedy of the two long and narrow lots just east of Benton Manor. The Buss lot abuts the RS-8 zone on the south end that is proposed for rezoning to CC-2 in REZ94-0019. Buss said his dilemma is that all along he has supported the Weeber/Harlocke desire to attain lower zoning and less traffic and seriously hopes they a~ain ihat goal. However, he cannot now support the proposal to extend the CC-2 zone. Buss said he understands the spidt of compromise and all, but none of the proposed commercial abuts Weeber or Planning & Zoning Commission December 15, 1994 Page 4 Harlocke Streets, but is much more close to his property. Buss added that what takes the proposal too far is the additional 1.5 acre tract proposed for rezoning in REZ94-0019. as this is directly adjacent to his property and rather far from Weeber/Harlocke. Buss said the Iowa City Comprehensive Plan shows the entire area as residential, except for one very small silver of commemial in the southeast corner. Buss said another of his objections is that these two commercial rezonings were never previously approved by or before the Planning and Zoning Commission. Secondly, these rezonings call for changes in the Comprehensive Plan. Buss said Miklo calls these changes slight and that the Comprehensive Plan is not intended to have hard and fast boundaries. Buss, however, does not call these che,.nges slight and hopes these are regarded as a very sedous matter. Buss said the staff report to the Commission regards the changes as of only the most marginal of significance and of no apparent concern to residents living on property that is adjacent or near by. However, Buss said he guaran- tees that every headlight, fluorescent sign and loud speaker announcement that enters his living room has an immediate impact. Buss feels the rezoning may even cause concern within the larger Iowa City community. Buss said he assumes the rezonings would reduce the amount of open space in the area. Buss alsg assumes commemial use of the site will require a vast amount of earth moving which will amount to substantial degradation of the natural features of the area, as wooded areas will be wiped out and hills will be pushed into valleys. Buss said he and his wife had previously expressed an interest in dedicating a portion of their land to the City for park and open space, if this could be done in a manner that would benefit the community. Buss said they had also expressed an interest to take part in discussions of development proposals for the area. Buss said that what seems striking, however, is the little priority given to park and open space in the overall planning of the entire area. Buss said there is no mention in these proposals of the two 3-acre parks or open space called for in the 1993 Neighborhood Open Space Plan. Buss said there is also no mention that a substantial portion of the area is designated as sensitive in the Sensitive Areas Invento- ry Phase I, nor that it is the City of Iowa City's declared policy to preserve and protect environmentally sensitive areas. Buss said at the Planning and Zoning Commission level is where these things should be initially considered. Richard D. Rhodes, II, 2014 Rochester Avenue, neither supports nor opposes the propos- als, but wished to point out the consequences. Rhodes said the plan illustrates extensive earth moving, grading and filling, would be required with this proposal. Rhodes displayed an overi~ead transparency and said that should the proposal be accepted, extensive grading would be required in the CC-2 zone to generate enough space for use, and that much of this soil would be pushed westward into the natural ravine between the CC-2 and residential zone. Rhodes said the Sensitive Areas Inventory Phase I shows both wooded areas and areas of erodable soils and steep slopes. Rhodes pointed out the Phase I, Sensitive Areas Inventory map predates both Benton Manor and the extensive reconstruc- tion of Highway 6, so the map is inaccurate in these areas. Rhodes is particularly concerned that the natural ravine will be obliterated with fill. Four questions Rhodes would like the Commission to consider, include, one, would the place- ment of the zone boundary and fill dirt preclude the natural buffer, and the construction of a pedestrian access way [tom [he B~r~tuf~ Manor/Seville Apartments area. Second, would some of the property be better used as neighborhood open space. Third, are any of the wooded areas of high enough quality to warrant an attempt to save them. Rhodes Planning & Zoning Commission December 15, 1994 Page 5 recalled there are some larger trees in the area of the brick farm house on Benton Street. Lastly, what provisions have been taken to determine if there are any archeological sites that need to be conserved. Rhodes said the bluff edge is a favorable locality for Native American settlement and at least on site is known in this quarter section on the Sensitive Areas Inventory map. Rob Kinney, 1118 Hariocke Street, said there has been a tremendous amount of delibera- tion, and the entire neighborhood supports the changes. Tim Russell, 1160 Hiclhway 1 West, said he has lived near the site for twenty years and feels he knows what he is talking about when he says that the property is not appropriate for residential development. Russell feels the entire Ruppert tract should be commercial. Russell said he still offers his property as a solution to the traffic flow problem. Russell described a number of disturbances that occur in the area since the development of Wal. Mart that make the site unsuitable for residential development. Russell feels that in order to make the development complete, rather than half commercial, half residential, the commercial zone should extend all the way west to the Wal-Mart traffic light. Scott said what Russell is referring to is similar to the Eyman/Brown proposal that circulat- ed about a year ago and asked Russell if Eyman and/or Brown had talked to him at that time, Russell said they had and that he was made an offer at that time. Jeffrey W. Gauthier, 1108 Weeber Circle, said they can hear the noise and distractions at their property as well, but these are really not too disturbing. Gauthier said the issue is that they need a plan and that to approach the issue any other way is totally inappropri- ate and of disservice to a neighborhood that is trying to remain a neighborhood. Gauthier agrees with the proposal, finds no justification for anything but single-family residential, and feels more than a decade is long enough to get this resolved. Linda Muir, 1009 Weeber Street, said she is new to the area and the issue. Muir voiced concern about traffic in the area that would result from the creation of a Harlocke Street extended and if the site were higher than an RS-5 density. Muir also concerned about the apparent narrowness of the street and voiced concerns for the safety of the residents and their children. Muir said she is a pediatrician and sees injuries created in this type of environment all the time. Muir feels this is a family neighborhood and should not be connected to a higher density zone. Muir voiced concerns about the noise created from the present commercial developments as well. Muir feels this noise has degraded the neighborhood. On a side note, Muir also said she is new to Iowa City and is surprised to see the lack of respect for soil. Muir said she is originally from Davis, California, a town which puts much planning and forethought into development. Muir said developers there are not allowed to grade and level the soil as they are here. Muir said she and her husband are appalled with what has been occurring in Coralville, and even Apple Ridge. Muir said they, them- selves, had made every attempt to stabilize the soil on their property when they moved in, but the resident down slope from them still could be seen shoveling out two feet worth of silt. Muir said every time you grade away the grass and trees you lose valuable top soil and that this will never return. Planning & Zoning Commission December 15, 1994 Page 6 Gary Varrella, 1009 Weeber Street, feels it is an issue of aesthetics, the higher the density on the ddge, the greater the decline. Varrella said Iowa City is extremely proud of the way it looks and the more you crowd, the less proud the community will be. Secondly, Varrella said Davis, California had a mixed-housing policy in all areas of the community, but said there is one facet there that is missing here: the carrying capacity of the neigh- borhood. Varrella feels that it would be very unwise to create a read that would send traffic from a higher density zone through a lower density zone. Varrella feels this would diminish the quality of the neighborhood and that it is not that they dislike apartment dwellers. Public discussion closed. MOTION: Starr moved to amend the Comprehensive Plan to change the land use map designation of property located on the north side of Highway I West from 8-16 dwelling units per acre to 2-8 dwelling units per acre and general commercial. Bovbjerg seconded The motion carried on a vote of 5-0-1, with Dterks abstalnlng due to a conflict of Interest. MOTION: Cooper moved to reaffirm the position of the Planning and Zoning Com- mission that the Jensen tract be zoned RS-5. Starr seconded. Jakobsen said she will still vote against this, as she had when this item was originally considered, as she feels there should be transition between Benton Manor and single- family development. Scott said he had originally voted no to this rezoning, but said he intends to support the RS-5 zoning this time around due to the cul-de-sac proposal and the low density. Scott still feels that should secondary access be made available he may consider a higher density zoning. The rest of the Commission members present, excluding Dierks, said they will continue to support their original positions in support of the rezoning to RS-5. The n~otion carried on a vote of 4-1-1, with Jakobsen voting no and Dierks abstaln- ing due to a conflict of Interest. MOTION: Cooper moved to reaffirm the position of the Planning and Zoning Com- mission that the property west of the Jensen tract and west of Hatlocke Street be zoned RS-5. Starr seconded. Jakobsen said she will vote against this for the reasons previously stated, The rest of the Commission members present, excluding Dierks, said they will continue to support their original positions in support of the rezoning to RS-5. The motion carried on a vote of 4-1-1, with Jakobsen voting no and Dierks abstain- ing due to a conflict of Interest. Planning & Zoning Commission December 15, 1994 Page 7 MOTION: Starr moved to approve REZ93-0007, a City-initiated application to rezone approximately the western 4.75 acres of the Ruppert tract from RM-44, High Density Multi-Family Residential, to RS-5, Low Density Single-Family Residential. Cooper seconded. Jakobsen asked when the requirement for open space kicks in. Miklo said at the subdivi- sion level. Miklo reminded the Commission that the cul-de.sac proposal is only a concept plan and would require a subdivision approval by the Commission and Council, and open space, or fees in lieu of, would need to be dedicated. Miklo said the same policy would apply to the development off of Miller Street. The motion carried on a vote of 5-0-1, with Dlerks abstaining due to a conflict of interest. MOTION: Starr moved to approve REZ93-0007, a City-Initiated application to mzone approximately 4.5 acres of the Ruppert tract from RM-44, High Density Multi-Family Residential, to CC-2, Community Commercial, subject to retention of the existing natural buffer In the western 200 feet of the proposed CC-2 zone and that this buffer is to remain In Its natural state. Jakobsen seconded. Bovbjerg asked when the Commission will be able to address the grading that will take place on the site south of Benton Manor. Miklo said the site will be zoned commercial and will not necessarily require a subdivision plat, however, the Grading and Erosion Control Ordinance will take thi.s matter into consideration and the Engineering Department will maintain administrctl;,~ review of the plan. Starr wished to state that another concern that has been brought up concerns the possibil- ity of access to the commercial property from the north off of Benton Street. Starr said he feels he speaks for the Commission when he says that the likelihood of that ever occurring is very slim, if non-existent. Starr said he would not be supportive of the proposal if them was the possibility of this occurring. The motion carried on a vote of 5-0-1, with Dlerks abstaining due to a conflict of Interest. MOTION: Cooper moved to approve REZ94-0019, a City-initiated application to fezone an approximate 1.5 acre tract of land located north of Highway I West and west of Miller Street from RS-8, Medium Density Single-Family Residential, to CC-2, Community Commercial. Bovbjerg seconded. Jakobsen said she opposes this mzoning as she feels them is no real mason to seek this mzoning at this time. Bovbjerg voiced hesitation and concern about the grading that is likely to place on the site in order to make it large enough for use. Scott voiced many of the same concerns as Bovbjerg, but said he will reluctantly support the mzoning. The motion carried on a vote of 4-1-1, with Jakobsen voting no and Dlerks abstain- ing due to a conflict of Interest. Planning & Zoning Commission December 15, 1994 Page 8 Dierks said she has been abstaining to date because she lives in the immediate Harlocke/Weeber Street area, but said that she will be participating in development discussions of the Miller and Benton Streets corner as she feels this is far enough re- moved from the site that she can make an impartial judgment. The Commission took a recess from 8:48 to 8:53 p.m. REZ94-0016. Public discussion of an application submitted by Windsor Ridge Develop- ment Company to rezone four pareels (34.21 acres) located west of Taft Avenue along Court Street extended from RS-5, Low Density Single. Family Residential, to CN-1, Neighborhood Commercial (6.97 acres), RM.12, Low Density Multi-Family Residential (12 acres), and RS-8, Medium Density Single-Family Residential (8.14 and 7.1 acres). Kugler said it is the intention of the developer to seek a deferral until the Febman/16, 1994, raceting in order to allow some revisions of the concept plan. Public discussion: There was none. Public discussion closed. MOTION: Bovbjerg moved to defer REZ94-0016, until the February- 16, 1994, meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Jakobsen seconded. The motion carried on a vote of 6.0. REZ94-0017. Public discussion of an application submitted by Johnson County to rezone a 0.32 acre parcel located at 719 S. Capitol Street from C1-1, Intensive Commercial, to P, Public. Miklo said staff recommends approval of the rezoning of the parcel located at 719 S. Capitol Street from C1-1, Intensive Commercial, to P, Public. Public discussion: There was none. Public discussion closed. MOTION: BovbJerg moved to approve the rezonlng of REZ94-0017. Public discus- sion of an application submitted by Johnson County to fezone a 0.32 acre parcel located at 719 S. Capitol Street from C!-1, Intensive Commercial, to P, Public. Dierks said she intends to vote against this rezoning due to principal and the fact that as a public entity the County will not need to follow any zoning and/or design standards, especially in relation to surrounding structures. Dierks said she will also oppose this rezoning if only from a of position of principal, as the Commission has a standard of holding two public meeting for rezoning matters. The motion carried on a vote of 5-1, with Dlerks voting no, Planning & Zoning Commission December 15, 1994 Page 9 CZ9464. Public discussion of an application submitted to Johnson County by Alvin and Mary Jo Streb, on behalf of property owners Carroll and Liiah Sass, to rezone 2.65 acres from RS, Suburban Residential, to CH, Highway Commercial (1.65 acres) and C2, Com- mercial (1 acre), for property within Fringe Area 5 located on the east side of Scott Boulevard. approximately 1/2 mile north of Highway 6. Kugler said the proposed development would result in premature and inappropriate commercial development in an area that has been identified for future industrial uses, and would be in conflict with the Fringe Area Agreement. Staff recommends that the City Council forward a letter to the Johnson County Board of Supervisors recommending that the proposed rezoning from RS to CH and C2 be denied. In addition, staff recommends that Council suggest to the Board of Supervisors that the zoning of this area be evaluated for consistency with the long-range plans for the area. Public discussion: There was none, Public discussion closed. MOTION: Jakobsen moved to recommend that the City Council forward a letter to the Johnson County Board of Supervisors recommending that the proposed rezon- ing from RS to CH and C2 be denied, and further that Council recommends that the Board of Supervisors study the appropriateness of rezoning the area to Industrial In order to be In compliance with the Comprehensive Plan. The motion carried on a vote of 6-0. DEVELOPMENTITEM: SUB94-0011. Public discussion of an application submitted by Ed Cole for preliminary plat approval of Richie Addition, a 10 acre, 20 lot industrial subdivision located on the east side of South Riverside Drive east of the Johnson County Fairgrounds. Miklo said staff had received a letter today from the applicant that waives the 45-day limitation period and requests that this item be deferred indefinitely, Miklo said this item will not be put back on the agenda until the major issues have been resolved. Public discussion: There was none. Public discussion closed. MOTION: Bovbjerg moved to defer SUB94..0011, Indefinitely, and that this Item not be put back on the agenda until all substantive Issues have been resolved. Starr seconded. The motion carried on a vote of 6-0. Planning & Zoning Commission December 15, 1994 Page 10 CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 1, 1994, PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING: MOTION: Starr moved to approve the minutes of the December 1, lgg4, Planning and Zoning Commisslon meeting. Jakobsen seconded. The motion carried on a vote of 6-0. OTHER BUSINESS: 1. Plannine and _7onin(3 Commission Information. Miklo noted that a letter had been received from Alan Weinstein in response to the letter received from Gary Watts. Scott acknowledged receipt of the letters from the Weinstein's dated February 17, 1993 and December 8, 1994, in the Department of Planning and Community Development on December 13, 1994. Jakobsen said that in discussions with Jerry Palmer of the Iowa City Community School Board, the location of the school on the Sycamore Farms property has not changed from its odginal placement in the southwest comer of the site and adjacent to both the Langenberg tract and the public land. Jakobsen said this conflicts with the statement made by Jim Miller and Steve Bright that the location of the school had moved farther north. Jakobsen said it is important that all pa~es sit down and talk this matter through, as there appears to be some confusion. Miklo noted that the January 2, 5, and 16 meetings of the Planning and Zoning Commis- sion have been canceled. The informal meeting scheduled for January 16 will be held on January 19 at 6:30 p.m., followed by the formal meeting. ADJOURNMENT: .M.OTION: Dlerks moved to adjourn at 9:10 p.m. Bovbjerg seconded. The motion carried on a vote of 6-0. George Starr, Secretary Minutes submitted by Jeff Hating. rn;ns~&z;2.t$ ~iURaDAY~ DI~F.,~)ER ~5~ 3.994 - 7~30 Address 1/0 i ~.,~ ~-~.,. ,'7 ,'. I c O q l,(.~ ~ ~ ~.~.~ ~ ~. , ~,2. ],4. ~.5o ],8. 20. 2~,. 22. 23.