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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-07-18 Bd Comm minutesMINUTES IOWA CITY BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 1995 - 4:30 P.M. CIVIC CENTER - COUNCIL CHAMBERS MEMBERS PRESENT: Susan Bender, Bill Haigh, Tim Lehman, Rich Vogelzang MEMBERS ABS. ENT: Patricia Eckhardt STAFF PRESENT: Melody Rockwell, Anne Burnside, Scott Kugler, Jeff Haring OTHERS PRESENT: CALL TO ORDER: Eric Anderson, Susan Hicken, Mace Braverman, George Haskell, Don Walker, Jean Walker, Michaelanne Widness, Thomas Baldridge, Bob Siems, Larry Schnittjer Chairperson Vogelzang called the meeting to order at 4:30 P.M. CONSIDERATION OF THE MAY 10, 1995, MINUTES: MOT ON,: Bender moved to approve the minutes of the May 10, 1995, meeting of the Board of Adjustment, as printed. Haigh seconded. The motion carried on a ~ote of 3-0, with Lehman absent at this point in the meeting. SPECIAL EXCEPTION ITEMS: EXC95-0021. Public hearing on a request submitted by Trinity Episcopal Church for the Board to affirm its September 14, 1994, decision approving a special exception to permit expansion of a religious institution for property located in the CB-10 zone at 320 E. College Street. Rockwell reviewed the staff memorandum dated June 14, 1995. Staff recommended that the Board affirm its September 14, 1994, decision approving EXC95-0021, a special exception to expand a religious institution, that is, the construction of an addition to the south portion of the west education wing and a connecting breezeway for the Trinity Episcopal Church located in the CB-10 zone at 320 E. College Street. Public hearing: Rockwell noted receipt of a letter dated June 14, 1995, from the Citizen Building Limited Partnership, supporting the renewal of the special exception. Public hearing closed. MOTION: Hsigh moved to affirm its September 14, 1994, decision approving a special exception to permit expansion of a religious Institution, that is, the construction of an addition to the south portion of the west education wing and a connecting breezeway for the Trinity Episcopal Church located in the CB-10 zone at 320 E. College Street. Lehman seconded. Board of Adjustmen~ June 14, 1995 Page 2 e Haigh said as there are no changes from the original request, this action is only a formality and he will vote in favor of.the request. The rest of the Commission members agreed. The motion carried on a vote of 4-0. EXC95-0011. Public hearing on a request submitted by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, on behalf of property owners Myles and Lorraine Braverman, for two special exceptions: to establish a religious institution and to modify the yard requirements for property located in the RS-5 zone at 503 Melrose Avenue. Rockwell reviewed the staff report dated June 14, 1995. Rockwell displayed an overhead transparency depicting two alternative plans for the parking area and noted the staff preference for Site Plan A. Rockwell said staff recommended approval of the requested exception if certain conditions are imposed to ameliorate the impacts of the proposed use on neighboring property owners. Staff recommended that EXC95-O011, a request by the Church of Latter Day Saints to establish a religious institution use consisting of a religious study center and congregational worship, and to modify the yard requirements for a religious institution use for property located in the RS-5 zone at 503 Melrose Avenue be approved, subject to the following conditions: 1 ) the applicant will upgrade and widen the Lucon Drive pavement to a 24-foot pavement width at its access with Melrose Avenue that narrows to 22 feet for the remainder of the drive through to the south edge of the parking area access drive, 2) the use will be limited to one that requires a maximum of 20 parking spaces, and no more than 20 parking spaces may be provided on the site; the.study center and congregational worship will not be conducted at the ~arne time, 3) the applicant will submit a landscaping and screening plan to be approved by the City for the parking area, which will be located as shown on Site Plan A, and for the south boundary of the property, which should include a six-foot high wood fence in addition to the vegetative screening, 4) external illumination of the buildings and grounds, particularly the parking area, will be shielded, downcast and located in a manner such that illumination from the source of the light w. ill not exceed one and one- half foot-candles at the lot lines of the property, 5) the historic structure will be retained on the site, and any exterior changes to the existing residential structure that require a regulated perr0it must receive prior approval from the Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission, and 6) the special exception approvals will expire upon sale or lease of the property to an entity other than the applicant, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Rockwell noted receipt of a letter, dated May 31, 1995, from George Haskell, indicating concern about changes that would occur as a result of the proposal. Rockwell also noted receipt of a letter, dated March 23, 1994, from Lillian Kitcheil, regarding a similar Latter-Day Saints facility in Auburn, Washington, and a copy of an April 1994 community beautification award for that facility, both of which were submitted by Eric Andersen on behalf of the applicant. Board of Adjustment June 14, 1995 Page 3 Rockwell said a letter had also been received from Don Walker voicing concerns about an adverse drainage situation which Walker felt could be exacerbated as a result of an increased paved area. Rockwell said she had discussed the matter with Public Works staff, who indicated the parking area and access drive can be designed so as to direct drainage away from the south portion of Lucon Drive. Walker had also inquired into the impact the proposed University Daycare Center proposed for property to the east of the subject property would have on vehicular traffic in the area. Rockwell said the City has no jurisdiction over University matters, but said the widening of Lucon Drive by the applicants is likely to enhance the current traffic situation to allow greater maneuverability. In regard to another inquiry from Walker, Rockwell said the City has no record on file of the Seventh Day Adventists having previously received a special exception to establish a religious institution on the site. Rockwell said she had spoken to neighboring property owners in early May, soon after notice of the proposal was first received and scheduled for the May 10, 1995, Board meeting. Rockwell said she had attempted to indicate at that time, and since, that the application was likely to be amended; that there would be changes to the proposal. Rockwell said she apologized if she has not made herself clear in this respect, but said City staff has not intended at any time to mislead the neighboring property owners about what is being requested. Haigh asked for a clarification on the widening of Lucon Drive from Melrose Avenue. Rockwell explained that the widening of the private street will occur on the applicant's property. Public hearing: Eric Andersen, 8 Arburv Drive, a local lay leader for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS), said the LDS Church operates a program known as the LDS Institute of Religion, the purpose of which is to provide religious instruction and some social opportunities for college age members of the Church. The LDS Church intends to utilize the proposed site to operate an LDS Institute of Religion facility, if the special exception is granted. Andersen said the property is located within an RS-5 zone, which is appropriate for schools and religious institutions, He said the proposed facility would be a little of each. The neighborhood within which the site is located is characterized by two very different, and often competing uses: one, the University of Iowa; and two, private residences. Andersen displayed an overhead transparency to visualize his point. Andersen described the east end of Melrose Avenue as being less attractive for single family residences than it was at one time, and more attractive to the University because of the arterial status of Melrose Avenue. The University has, in fact, purchased a number of properties, toward the east end of Melrose Avenue. Institutional uses along the east end of Melrose Avenue include the United Campus of Ministries, the Melrose Daycare facility, the Our Redeemer Lutheran Church/Alcoholics Anonymous facility, a University-owned residence facility that is likely to become an Board of Adjustment June 14,1995 Page 4 infant daycare facility, three other daycare facilities, the African American Cultural Center, and the Chicano/Native American Cultural Center. Andersen said it is clear from this picture that the east end of the street is depicted by institutional use, however unpleasant this fact may be to the residents of the area. This institutional character makes it very difficult for a seller of a residential property in this vicinity to locate an interested single-family purchaser or occupier. Andersen said this is the situation on the subject site, as it had been on the market for upwards of three years without much attentidn. There was only one serious offer that was withdrawn once the status of the neighborhood and the property across the street became clear to the purchaser. Andersen said the City planning staff has recognized that appropriate institutional use is an acceptable way to care for the historic character of the property, subject to certain conditions which the LDS Church fully accepts. Andersen cited a list of guidelines the LDS Church intends to follow for the site: the property is not to be used for residential use and no one will live in the facility, the facility will not be used for concerts or parties, alcohol will never be permitted on the premises, a responsible supervisor shall be on the site whenever the facility is in operation, the facility will be used for religious education classes, most of which will be held during daytime hours, although some evening classes are proposed, the facility will also be used for "fireside" discussions, and possibly, the facility may be used to house a small congregation. Andersen said the LDS Church is committed to taking care of its grounds, and will do so on this site. A three minute segment of a video tape was presented which described the commitment the LDS Church puts into maintenance of its properties. Andersen said the realtors had warned the Church that the property would be very expensive to own. Andersen said the Church became committed to the site, knowing full well that maintenance for a 100-year old building would be an on-going expense. Andersen said the LDS proposal is an adaptive reuse for a historic structure, and perhaps the highest and best use under the current circumstances. Andersen noted that should the University purchase the site, anything may happen and outsiders are not likely to have much of an impact on how the University intends to operate or modify the site. In regard to neighborhood concerns, Andersen said the initial hearing was postponed for a month in order for the LDS Church to hear the concerns of area residents. One meeting was held on May 15, 1995, where area residents voiced concerns about parking. Andersen said parking is a fact of life and if inadequate parking is provided, people will seek less appropriate parking spots. Andersen said the normal requirement of parking for such a facility is 20 parking spaces, which has been requested for this site. Andersen said the University has made it clear that University parking facilities may not be used through a lease arrangement. Andersen said because there are a variety of nearby alternative forms of transportation, no more than twenty parking spaces should be needed. Board of Adjustment June 14, 1995 Page 5 Andersen said the Church would also like to preserve as much of the grounds as possible. Andersen said the LDS Church also agrees with the Proposed Site Plan A, the parking arrangement preferred by City staff. Andersen said the Church intends to provide professionally designed vegetative ~creening, which is a condition of approval. Andersen said the 44-inch diameter Linden tree located on the south boundary is deserving of preservation. In regard to using the residence for a possible congregational branch, Andersen said the LDS Church does not presently have any plans to use the site for a congregational branch and may never do so due to the size limitations. If there is concern that a branch may form, Andersen said the Church would be willing to require that the matter come back before the Board of Adjustment for consideration. Andersen did wish to make note that there will be Sunday use of the property, however, in the form of evening fireside chats, afternoon brunches, etc. He did not want these to be confused with congregational uses. Andersen noted the typical hours and modes of operation for an LDS Institute of Religion, which he said are detailed in his memorandum dated June 8, 1995. Andersen said he feels the LDS Church has been very sensitive to the needs of neighboring property owners; e.g. agreeing to widen Lucon Drive, keeping the parking area as far from the southern property line as possible, agreeing to install a six-foot fence to shield the south property line, maintaining the strudtural integrity of the building, which would not be required of a private property owner, and keeping external lighting appropriate. Andersen described the widening of Lucon Drive as being beneficial for not only the LDS Church, but also to the area residents and the proposed University daycare facility. Andersen the Church is taking these steps because it is intent on being a good neighbor. Susan Hicken, 29 Valley Ave., Unit 3, said she and her husband are University students, who own property in the community and are making an investment in the community. Hieken described how the Institute had in the past met in various locations and various rooms in those locations, primarily at the Dental School and Dental Science buildings. Hicken felt a consistent location would be vastly beneficial and much less of a hassle. Hicken said the number of attendees at these meetings varied between 8 and 20. Mace Braverman, 503 Melrose Avenue, said the structure was in very poor condition when he and his wife had purchased it and is now on the National Register of Historic Places as a result of their renovatign efforts. Braverman felt that many of the local residents feel a good deal of frustration, because of the fact that the University does not need to abide by any of the local ordinances. Braverman said if the proposed sale of the site to the LDS Church does not go through, his children have urged him to turn the site into a bed & breakfast. Braverman pointed out that as a private property owner, however, he is free to do as he wishes on the site, including the installation of 20 parking spaces, in any. configuration and without a permit. Braverman commended the LDS Church for their efforts to work with all parties concerned and stated his confidence in their ability to maintain the property. Board of Adjustment June 14, 1995 Page 6 George Haskell. 223 Lucon Drive, submitted a handout to staff and the Commission. Haskell said he agrees with Andersen that the nature of Melrose Avenue is changing. But he thought a special exception in this instance would remove from local property owners the opportunity to pass on it were it to go before the Planning and Zoning Commission for a rezoning. Haskell felt there were inconsistencie~ with the staff report. One section of the staff report states that the special exception should be granted if the proposal is consistent with the zoning use, and the principle zoning use is single-family residential development consistent with the predominantly single-family character of Iowa City. However, another section of the staff report says the house is no longer located in a predominantly residential context. Haskell said one of these statements is incorrect. Haskell said he understands the argument that there is little say on University-owned property, but the subject property is still in private hands. Haskell said if the area is no longer suitable for residential development, although he feels it is still largely residential, special exceptions should not continue to be granted on a piecemeal basis, rather the entire area should be considered for a rezoning. Haskell noted this point is explained in the letter he submitted. Haskell said although the hours of usage have been explained, the unknown exact hours of operation.makes many of the surrounding property owners uncomfortable. Haskell felt the types of use at the facility have also expanded since submittal of the initial proposal. Haskell voiced concern about increased traffic at all hours of the day and early evening. Haskell said in this respect, the intensity of use of many University propert!es may not be that bad compared to the high intensity use of the proposed facility. In regards to the widening of the street, Haskell said the widened drive will be more of an invitation for people looking for a southerly escape route from Melrose Avenue during times of high congestion, a place to turn around, or an invitation to those seeking a place to park. Don Walker, 33§ Lucon Drive, said he and his wife have lived on Lucon Drive since 1973. Walker noted Lucon Drive is a private drive. Due to the pitch of the street, the City is not able to convert Lucon Drive into a public street, which Walker said is somewhat beneficial. Walker said Lucon Drive is a single-family residential street. Like many other streets extending off Melrose Avenue, it certainly does not receive its share of recognition. Walker acknowledged that his property is not within 200 feet of the subject site, however, whatever occurs on the subject site certainly has an impact on his property and on all who live on Lucon Drive. Walker disagreed with the statement made on page three of the application, which says, "...For those properties, it is fair to say that the neighborhood is in transition from a residential neighborhood to a light commercial zone." Walker said allowing this statement sets a precedent for future special exceptions to take place. Walker said the University daycare facility, which will produce 32 to 40 vehicle trips per day (based on the proposed 16 infant limit), in addition to a special exception for the subject site and its vehicles, amounts to an alarming increase in traffic on a private drive. Walker expressed a large concern about the use of Lucon Drive for those seeking a southerly Board of Adjustment June 14, 1995 Page 7 route off of Melrose Avenue, parking, and turning around, if the widening of the street is to occur. Walker felt the amount of stormwater runoff is likely to increase as a result of the increased paving. Walker said he had calculated the likely amount of stormwater runoff, and takes issue with the City staff's statement that the runoff is not likely to increase dramatically due to the slope of the pavement. Walker reviewed his figures with the Commission. Walker said he had made an effort to contact the Public Works Department to discuss this issue, but no one had returned his calls. Walker said this increased runoff will also result in increased moisture for possible freezing and hazardous situations. Walker said all of this raises an issue of liability and matter of responsibility. Rockwell wished to clarify that the Assistant City Engineer felt there would not be a drainage problem, because the new paving would be constructed with a crown in the center of the street which would direct runoff towards the sides of the street. Lucon Drive presently does not possess curbing and stormwater gutters, and the proposed pavement would be constructed without curbing and stormwater gutters as well. Walker still took issue with staff's assessment of this matter. Jean Walker, 335 Lucon Drive, expressed concern about changes that have occurred since submittal of the initial proposal, particularly with regard to the parking area. She said the amount of parking is determined by the legal requirement, rather than a suitable amount less than the upper limit. Walker felt the neighborhood is being penalized for making the goodwill gesture of allowing the Bravermens to access the subject site from Lucon Drive, only to see the proposed use of the property which will result in increased paving and probable increased traffic on all portions of Lucon Drive. Walker expressed security concerns. She said anyone seeking parking will attempt to use the Church parking lot. She wondered how this will be monitored. Walker felt that throughout Melrose Avenue matters, not enough attention is directed toward the concerns of homeowners that live just off of Melrose Avenue. Walker said just because one strip is transforming doesn't mean the entire area must suffer as a result. With regard to the proposed condition that the special exception approvals will expire upon sale or lease of the property to an entity other than the applicant, Walker asked whether a subsequent owner may be asked to remove the excess amount of parking area. In response to Andersen's statement that the east end of Melrose is transforming to institutional uses, Walker said this transformation has been like a creeping blight working its way west, converting homes into light commercial uses. Walker said the video depicted spacious lawns, rather than twenty parking spaces crammed onto the lot of a single-family dwelling. Walker noted the wealth of alternate modes of transportation available in the area. Walker also pointed out that the video does not give equal time to those who were not happy with the Church as a neighbor. Walker noted that not one resident of Lucon Drive, except the current owner of the subject site, is speaking in favor of the proposal. Walker said although she has nothing Board of Adjustment June 14, 1995 Page 8 personal against the LDS Church, the sale of the property and converting it to a Church would also be removing the property from the tax base of the City. Lehman asked when the subject property had previously had access directly onto Melrose Avenue. Don Walker said it was converted to an access from Lucon Drive in the late 1970s or early 1980s. Jean Walker said the neighborhood has been giving a great deal of thought into seeking a return to a Melrose Avenue access. Michaelanne Widness, 625 Melrose Avenue, said she also has nothing personal against ~he Church, but said she too has been confused about the parking issue as initially fewer than twenty spaces were felt to be needed. Widness also feared that the parking spaces will be utilized for events other than events at the subject site. Widness noted that the University will be constructing a parking facility'near the site and despite what Andersen said about the inability to utilize University parki.ng areas, Widness feels this would be a possibility as the University currently grants use of parking facilities on the east side of the river for Church services. Widn.ess asked that this route continue to be sought and urged the Board members to seek a reduction in the amount of parking on site. Thomas 8aldridqe, 306 Melrose Court, said he feels twelve i~ a happy medium in the amount of parking spaces, due to all of the reasons stated, including the fact that the house is a historic structure and should remain in its original state as much as possible. Eric Andersen wished to respond to some of the statements made by neighboring property owners, Andersen said "institutional" rather than "light commercial" is a better way to describe the transformation of the east end of Melrose Avenue, Regarding the stormwater runoff figures Don Walker had stated, Andersen said he had an engineering consultant from M,M.S, Consultants examine the site recently, and the figures quoted to Andersen were much lower than those stated by Walker. Andersen said the consultant feels it would be possible to shape the road and parking area so as to minimize stormwater runoff down Lucon Drive. Andersen said the Church has dealt with similar issues on many occasions in the past and assured those present that the Church would feel responsible for water that originates on its property, Walker said he would be more than happy to compare figures. In regard to an access to the site from Melrose Avenue, Andersen felt an additional Melrose Avenue af~cess would prove to be poor planning as it is standard City procedure to avoid access points directly onto an arterial, especially one as busy as Melrose Avenue. Andersen felt such an access would also be unsightly. Andersen said he had been taken back by some statements made this evening, because at the meeting between the Church and area residents'on May 15, 1995, the residents expressed a desire to have Lucon Drive widened. Andersen said the Church agreed to this point and ev.en agreed to cover the costs. In regard to the amount of parking spaces, Andersen said the number determined was intended to avoid parking in alternative places, such as along Lucon Drive. In regard to leasing University parking spaces, Andersen said a formal request had been submitted to the University, but Board of Adjustment June 14, 1995 Page 9 University staff have stated the University is not about to allow private use of its facilities out of fear of setting a precedent. Mace Braverman pointed out that there are currently six parking spaces on site with the garage included, so essentially a net of'fourteen spaces is sought. The public hearing was closed. MOTION: Haigh moved to approve EXC95-0011, a request submitted by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, to establish a religious institution use consisting of a religious study center and congregational worship, and to modify the yard requirements for a religious institution use for property located in the RS-5 zone at 503 Melrose Avenue, subject to the following conditions: 1)theapplicant will upgrade and widen the Lucon Drive pavement to a 24-foot pavement width at its access with Melrose Avenue that narrows to 22 feet for the remainder of the drive through to the south edge of the parking area access drive, 2) the use will be limited to one that requires a maximum of 20 par;dng spaces, and no more than 20 parking spaces may be provided on-site, the religious study center and congregational worship will not be conducted at the same time, 3) the applicant will submit a landscaping and screening plan to be approved by the City for the parking area, which will be located as shown on Site Plan A, and for the south boundary of the property, which should include a six- foot high wood fence in addition to the vegetative screening, 4) external illumination of the buildings and grounds, particularly the parking area, will be shielded, downcast and located in a manner such that illumination from the source of light will not exceed one and one-half foot-candles at the lot lines of the property, 5) the historic structure will be retained on the site, and any exterior changes to the existing structure that require a regulated permit i~ust receive prior approval from the Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission, and 6) the special exception approvals will expire upon the sale or lease of the property to an entity other than the applicant, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Lehman seconded. Lehman said he is concerned that the Board is making considerations that affect a private street, Lucon Drive. Lehman stated he feels the property owners further south on Lucon Drive have the right to the easements to their property through 503 Melrose Avenue. Burnside clarified that the motion before the Board did not nullify the access easements across the 503 Melrose Avenue property for the property owners to the south; those access rights would remain intact. Bender said she is surprised the neighbors have not considered what may happen to the property should the property revert to an owner that is not as concerned about the appearance of its properties as the LDS Church. Bender said she feels the Church has made a worthy effort of attempting to work with the neighbors and describing their plans for the site. In regard to talk about penalization, Bender felt it would also be unfair to penalize the current property owner by asking them not to sell to anyone other than a single-family resident, especially as the owner has attempted to sell the property for three years. Bender feels justice would be served by granting this exception as the Church has made every effort to be a good neighbor and would likely Board of Adjustment June 14, 1995 Page 10 be an asset to the neighbors. Bender added that. due to the huge demand for parking that the University faces, it would be unrealistic for the University to grant the Church parking spaces. Bender suggested that some signage is needed noting that Lucon Drive is private and not a thoroughfare. Haigh said he would have no trouble in accepting this proposal if Lucon Drive were not the only access point for all property owners on Lucon Drive. However, the proposed changes are likely to affect the complexion of the entire street, not just the properties fronting Melrose Avenue. Vogelzang felt that a number of the concerns raised by the neighbors are addressed under Site Plan A. Vogelzang said the current property owner is determined to sell, and if not to this prospect, the question becomes to whom and for what. Vogelzang feels the applicant has thoroughly.demonstrated a willingness to conform and comply with the requests of all parties. The motion failed on a 2-2 vote, with Lehman and Haiqh votinq in the neqative. Andersen asked for a reconsideration of the Church's application when the fifth member of the Board is present. Burnside noted for the Commission that the tie vote is in effect a rejection of the motion and that a request for reconsideration is appropriate at this time, MOTION: Bender moved to reconsider EXC95-0011 at the July 12, 1995, meeting of the Board of Adjustment, or the first meeting thereafter at which five members of the Board are present. Lehman seconded. It was the consensus of the Board to state that it is the intent of the Board not to reconsider this item again until a fifth member of the Board is present. The motion carried on a vote of 4-0. EXC95-0012. Public hearing on a request submitted by Bob Slams for a special exception to modify the side yard requirement for property located in the RNC-1 2 zone at 421 E. Davenport Street. Rockwell reviewed the staff report dated June 14, 1995. Staff recommended that EXC95-0012, a request to reduce the side yard requirement along the west boundary from five feet to zero feet for the 1 7-foot length of the proposed addition for property located in the RNC-12 zone at 421 E. Davenport Street be denied. Rockwell noted the City had received a telephone call from a frustrated neighbor concerning the parking situation created by the existing duplex. Haigh asked whether the applicant would be short a parking space and no~ meeting the parking requirement for a duplex, regardless of the construction on the housing structure. Rockwell said this is correct, ti3e Code requires four parking spaces for a duplex; three presently exist on the property. Board of Adjustment June 14,1995 Page 11 Public hearing: Bob Siems, 818 Paqe Street, the applicant, said his proposal does not go against any existing zoning ordinance and that the neighbor to the west does not object to the proposal. Sisres submitted a letter from the neighbor on the property immediately to the west of the subject property. Sisres said he has a maintenance agreement with the west property owner, which allows him access on the property to the west whenever needed. Sisres said this agreement is noted in the abstract for his property. Vogelzang asked if this agreement is an access easement that would run in perpetuity with the property to the west. Sisres said no, it is only an agreement that would exist within the abstract for the subject property. Siems clarified that the addition would result in one additional bedroom, not two, as sugges(ed in the staff report. The existing porch foundation, which consists of a slab on grade, will be utilized for the addition. Sisres said he feels there are no fractures or cracks in the foundation that are likely to Effect the structural integrity. Vogelzang asked if there are footings in this foundation. Siems said there are footings that lend substantial support. Sisres added that if there were any cracks in the foundation he would not proceed with this request. In regard to the additional parking stall, Siems acknowledged that a tree would need to be removed, but said the electric company, Iowa-Illinois Gas & Electric, feels the tree is in conflict with electrical lines to the property to the east of the subject property. Sisres did not address the need to reposition the utility pole, as mentioned in the staff report. The public hearing was closed. MOTION: Lehman moved to approve EXC9~i-0012, a request submitted by Bob Sisres for a special exception to modify the side ysrd requirement for property located in the RNC-12 zone at 421 E. Davenport Street. Haigh seconded. Haigh expressed concern about the perpetuation of construction on a structure that is currently out of compliance. Haigh asked whether it is appropriate to remove a structure that is out of compliance and rebuild with another structure that would still be out of compliance. Burnside said reconstruction would be viewed as maintaining an existing site, so long as it is not expanded. Burnside said without Board approval, the applicant would not be allowed to construct an additional level above the porch, unless the applicant were to scale back expansion to the west by at least five feet. Haigh said should the applicant submit another proposal that takes problems with regard to the west property line into account, he would be willing to reconsider his vote. Vogelzang said he sympathizes with the desire for the applicant to expand, but feels approval of the request has the potential of opening a tremendous can of worms. Vogelzang said these probl.ems are likely to continue with potential future property Board of Adjustment June 14, 1995 Page 12 owners, not only of the subject property, but also of tl~e property to the west. Vogelzang did not agree with the expansion of a nonconforming property. Bender said the Board has a general rule not to allow further expansion of nonconform- ing uses or structures, She did not feel an exception to that rule would be valid in this instance, Bender pointed out that she would be willing to reconsider the improvements should the property owner scale back the improvements from the west property line, Bender said she, too, is concerned about subsequent owners of either property, Lehman said he agrees with the staff recommendation. The request was denied on a vote of 0-4, EXC95-0013. Public hearing on a request submitted by Thomas R. Alberhasky for a special exception to permit parking on a separate lot for property located in the C1-1 zone at 850 S. Capitol Street, Kugler reviewed the staff report dated June 14, 1995, Kugler noted that based on a letter the applicant had received, the CRANDIC Railway Company does not appear willing to reconsider its lease situation, Staff recommended that EXC95-0013, a request for approval of a special exception to allow off-street parking on a separate lot for property located at 850 S, Capitol Street, be denied unless a revised lease agreement assuring the retention of the parking spaces for use by the applicant into the future is negotiated, Public hearing: Larrv Schnittjer, 1917 South Gilbert Street, M.M.S. Consultants, said Alberhasky had been present, but became ill and had to leave. Schnittjer said his interpretation of the letter was that CRANDIC did not wish to spend the time to reconsider the lease due to the marginal amount of remuneration the railway receives from the parcel. Schnittjer said the CRANDIC owns a great deal of property in the area. Some of this property has received a good deal of improvement, yet all of these properties appear to possess the same 30 day lease agreement. Schnittjer said even though the 30 day lease is standard, CRANDIC does not appear to have any plans to expand any time in the near future. Lehman asked if it was standard procedure to ask for a perpetuity in these circum- stances. Kugler said he had checked the leases of the First Avenue Club and Kennedy Plaza. In one instance, the parking will remain available as long as the proposed use requires the parking to meet City ordinances. In the other case, a twenty-five year lease was approved with a chance for renewal every five years. In the present case, a thirty day notice is all that is required and althou.gh CRANDIC has no plans on the site in the next fiscal year~ staff does not feel this is enough assurance to meet the Code requirements for parking on a separate lot. Board of Adjustment June 14, 1995 Page 13 Vogelzang said he felt the only way around the situation is to have Alberhasky continue to seek an agreement from the CRANDIC Railway Company. Schnittjer asked for a deferral to the July 12, 1995, meeting in order to give Alberhask¥ time to negotiate a new lease. The public hearing was closed. MOTION: Haigh moved to defer EXC95-0013 to the July 12. 1995, meeting of the Board of Adjustment. Lehman seconded. The motion carried on a vote of 4-0. BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT IN~:ORMATION: Rockwell said Vogelzang had resigned from the Board of Adjustment, effective at the termination of the June 14, 1995, meeting. However, as a number of the current issues are to be deferred'to tho July 12, 1995, meeting, Rockwell asked whether Vogelzang could attend the Board meeting on that date. Vogelzang said he will still be in town, and would be willing to attend. Rockwell said she would check to see whether a~ extension of Vogelzang's term until July 12, 1995 is still possible. OTHER BUSINESS: There was none, ADJOURNMENT: MOTION: Halgh moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:28 p.m. Bender seconded. The motion carried on a vote of 4-0. Minutes submitted by Jeff Haring. Patricia Eckhardt, Board Chairperson · MeloUy Ro~'~el~Board Secretary IOWA CITY BOARD OF AD$[ISTMElqT MEETING WRD~A¥, JUNE 14,'1995 - 4:$0 P.M. CMC CENTF. R COUNCIL CHAMBERS SlG~ ]l~ SHEET I1. 12. 13. 1,L 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION JUNE 14, 1995 MEMBERS PRESENT: John Beasley, Jana Egeland, Judith Klink, Deb Liddell, Bruce Maurer, Matt Pacha, John Pelton, Rex Pruess, Dee Vanderhoef STAFF PRESENT: Coffin, Howell, Kriz, Moran, Sims, Trueblood GUESTS: Geoffrey McLennan and Margie Loomer FORMAL Moved by Liddell, seconded by Pacha, to approve the ACTION minutes of the May 10, 1995 meeting as written. TAKEN: Unanimous. PUBLIC DISCUSSION: WALDEN WOODS: Moved by Klink, seconded by Pelton, to accept Outlot "A", containing 1.73 acres, as offered by the developer. Unanimous. (Walden Woods) Moved by Egeland, seconded by Maurer, to adopt the C.I.P. priorities as revised. Ayes: Egeland, Klink, Liddell, Maurer, Pacha, Pelton, Pruess, Vanderhoef. Nays: Beasley. Moved by Klink, seconded by Pelton. to support the city of Coralville's effort to purchase and preserve Camp Cardinal, and drafting a letter to the Iowa City Noon Rotary expressing the commission's position. Unanimous. Cindy Coffin introduced Becky Sims, a Western Illinois University student, who will be serving her internship with the SPI program. Vanderhoef congratulated Cindy Coffin on being named the Outstanding Games Volunteer for her work with the Special Olympics State Mid-Winter Tournament and the East Central Area Soccer Skills Competition. Trueblood updated the com~mission on the latest proposal for the Walden Wood Neighborhood. The proposal is for five lots which could be for single family dwellings or duplexes. The developer is required to dedicate .11 acre of open space or pay fees-in-lieu of. In the previous proposal, the developer indicated he would contribute up to $5,000 for construction of the trail. In the present proposal, the developer is offering to dedicate Outlot "A", or 1.73 acres of open space, but not construction of a trail. Trueblood stated the Neighborhood Open Space Action Committee met prior to this meeting and discussed this development. Pruess, Vanderhoef and Watson did not want to accept the parcel in that it did not meet N.O.S. criteria, primarily because of its topography. They felt it would remain as open space whether or not the parcel was accepted. All committee members were interested in developing a trail, but at this point if the parcel is not accepted, it is unknown whether the developer/owner would want to cooperate with construction of a trail at a later date. Bovbjerg and Klink felt the parcel should be accepted and a passive park developed, with a trail through it. Trueblood stated at the east end of the property there is a gas pipeline station which the trail would have to be constructed around, and it would require the permission of the property owner to do so. This should not be a problem because.the area is too narrow to build on. With respect to a trail, there is a problem with a cul-de-sac and to connect it to the future Willow Creek trail a bridge will need to be constructed. Geoffrey McLennan and Margie Loomer, representing the Walden Wood Neighborhood Association, were present. McLennan stated the Walden Wood neighborhood is a neighborhood where people live close together in small, single family units surrounded by much higher density dwellings. In the area there are approximately 60-70 children' in the subdivision. He noted the general feeling of the neighborhood is that there is a shortage of open space immediately accessible for children to go and play and for adults to go for a walk. Most of the people feel there is a need for open space, even though small, to maintain the health and feeling of community and to stop fragile community deteriorating into a place people do not want to live. He stated the developer has been under pressure to provide open space, and they have asked him directly and indirectly for open space. The developer offered proposals, listened to the community and came back with a plan for more open space than people thought possible. He stated he would find it confusing if the city denied the developer the opportunity of presenting this area to the community. Vanderhoef asked if the property owners on Jensen Street were surveyed as to their feelings about a trail running along their east property line. McLennan stated they put out a questionnaire asking people to call or respond in writing. No one had concerns and felt it would be a nice alternative for the neighborhood. Loomer indicated she lives on the corner of Jensen and Walden Road and felt the trail would contribute to the residents' safety. Liddell questioned if the neighborhood had discussed whether they would be willing to contribute labor, financially or in kind, with Loomer stating it was discussed and it would be a viable option. The neighborhood generally felt it would be nice not to develop the area, but keep it in its natural state. Trueblood stated staff has made it a practice of whenever COVINGTON CONDO.: there is possible park development to work closely with the neighborhood association to see what they want, and if possible, developing it in that manner. Vanderhoef was concerned about setting a precedent for'future acceptances if this area, which does not meet the criteria, is accepted. Another concern is having a trail that goes no where. The oommittee's vision would be to connect this trail to the future Willow Creek trail which would be on the north side of the creek. A bridge ~ould need to be constructed in order to cross the creek, noting a bridge is a very expensive item. Pelton stated he knows, according to the criteria, neighborhood open space has to be 90% flat, but felt trees/urban forests should also be part of the plan. He stated the parcel should be accepted and left in its natural state. Klink stated this area has a high population density and the neighborhood wants open space. Pacha was not concerned about setting a precedent, noting the commission should deal with each situation on its own merit. Vanderhoef stated it would be possible to accept this property and not put in a trail until such time there is sufficient funds to construct a bridge. McLennan stated funding for construction of a bridge could be a community project. Moved by Klink, seconded by Pelton, to accept Outlot "A"0 containing 1.73 acres, as offered by the developer. Unanimous. McLennan felt with respect to the concept of a trail it might be important to have some additional statement of intent so it would not come as a surprise to the future adjoining proper.ty owners. Vanderhoef stated the committee is in the process of putting together a neighborhood open space action plan and this statement would be included as an objective. Klink stated the developer should make purchasers of the lots aware of the trail plans. Trueblood suggested that the Walden Wood Neighborhood Association also include this information in future association newsletters. McLennan questioned the Covington Condominiums development, noting the area which the developer was proposing to dedicate is the only area with trees, and asked what would happen to the area if it was not accepted. Vanderhoef noted this is a gas pipeline easement which could be not built upon. She stated this development was discussed at last month's meeting, with the commission voting to take fees-in-lieu of ~and. McLennan stated this area, like the Walden Wood area, is an opportunity to accept land that has value to the community. Vanderhoef stated due to the steep terrain, a trail would not be feasible. McLennan stated he would like the commission to reconsider accepting the small 3 · · PARK TOUR: C.I.P. PROJECTS: SCHOOL BOARD LETTER: parcel of land. Pruess, on behalf of the commission, stated the conLmission would not, noting the Walden Wood parcel will tie into a trail system, and the Covington Condominium parcel is very steep terrain which would not be developed and it would remain in its natural state. The commission discussed areas/facilities they would like to tour on July 12th. The following areas/facilities were mentioned: North Hickory Hill/possible Oakland Cemetery expansion; north end of Kim3~all Road/Shimek; Miller,Orchard; Terrell Mill and City Park; new soccer complex; Napoleon Park; piece of property by University Heights; Whispering Meadows Wetlands; property north and east of Hickory Hill Park; Camp Cardinal. Trueblood displayed a chart indicating the results of the CIP prioritization forms which had been completed by each commission member prior to this meeting. The commission discussed various C.I.P. projects for FY96-2002. A number of members stated they would change some of their rankings based on this discussion. Moved by Pelton, seco~dedby Beasley, to adopt the commission's ranking of the C.LP. priorities dated June 8, 1995. Liddell an~ Egeland stated they would like the ability to change some of their previous rankings. The motion was voted on. Ayes: Pruess, Beasley, Pelton, Pacha. Nays: Vanderhoef, Mau~er, Egeland. Liddell, Klink. The motion failed. The commission proceeded to re-prioritize the CIP projects as follows: 1. Expand Mercer Park Aquatic Center (gynmasium space) 2. Napoleon Park renovation/development 3. Soccer Complex, continued development 4. U. of I. Softball Lighting 5. Benton Street (Ned Ashton) Park development 6. Central Maintenance Facility construction 7. Kiwanis Park development 8. Cgmetery Expansion - resolve issue 9. Hunters Run Park development 10. Expand Recreation Center 11. Indoor Ice Facility construction Moved by Ege!and. seconded by Maurer. to adopt the C.I.P. priorities as revised. Ayes: Egeland, Klink, Liddell, Maurer, Pacha, Pelton, Pruess. Vanderhoef. Nays: Beasle¥. Beasley felt Benton Street Park should not be ranked #5, in that other projects should be ranked above it. The commission discussed the draft letter to the School Board prepared by Deb Liddell. Klink had also prepared a draft letter which was distributed. She stated she 4 OFFER TO PURCHASE PREOPgRTY: CAMP CARDINAL: took a different approach, informing the School Board of the work being done since the passage of the Neighborhood Open Space Ordinanoe, and encouraging working collaboratively to plan the development of recreational opportunities in developing areas. Vanderhoef stated she would like the commission to be part of the School District's planning process when new schools are being developed, noting opportunities to purchase or request .land adjacent to the a proposed school which would help meet the needs of the neighborhood and school. After further discussion, Beasley, Vanderhoef, and Klink volunteered to re-draft the letter. Vanderhoef stated they would .bring it to the July meeting for the commission's approval; the commission as a whole felt this was not necessary and gave their permission for the letter to be sent after it is completed. Trueblood reported he contacted the manager of this property shortly after last month's meeting to counter- offer the property owners' offer to sell. The manager indicated he was empowered to act on behalf of the owners, but still needed to contact each member of the family to determine if this counter-offer is acceptable. Staff contacted the manager recently, who.indicated he had not been able to discuss it with all of the family as yet. Staff asked if it would be possible to receive a response by July 3rd, with the manager indicating he would respond by that time. Since the property is in trust, Beasley and Pelton suggested contacting the trustee directly. Beasley stated he would determine who the trustee is. Vanderhoef gave a brief background on Camp Cardinal. She noted Coralville and Iowa City are looking toward a REAP grant to purchase the property in order to keep it as public land. Pelton asked if the property was located within the municipality of Coralville. Vanderhoef stated it was in Iowa City, but due to the high ridge area Iowa City could not provide services to it and Coralville could. Trueblood felt Camp Cardinal would eventually be annexed into Coralville, becoming part of their park system. It is a integral cog in the trail system which will eventually hook into the University of Iowa trail. After further discussion, the commission as a whole were very interested in seeing this area preserved. Moved ~y Ktink, seconded by Pelton, to support the city of Coralville's effort to purchase and preserve Camp Cardinal. and drafting a letter to the Iowa City Noon Rotary expressing the commission's position. Unanimous. 5 COMMISSION TIME: Liddell indicated she was asked whether it was feasible for the city to do anything about the mosquito problem at Napoleon Park, with Trueblood indicating the only thing that could be done is to spray. She also asked if it would be possible to in'stall a telephone near the Little League diamonds in lower City Park. Staff indicated they would check into this, noting it is not free to install a public pay telephone, with Liddell stating she would defer to staff's recommendation on this matter. Trueblood reported the City Manager will be requesting a commission representative to serve on the City Plaza Task Force. Vanderhoef stated this appointment will be made in the near fu%ure. DIRECTOR'S REPORT: Pacha, seconded by Beasley, to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. ADJOURNMENT:Moved by Unanimous. 6 ix}. ) / MINUTES IOWA CITY HOUSING COMMISSION MAY 9, 1995 CIVIC CENTER LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM MEMBERS PRESENT I MEMBERS ABSENT: STAFF P~ESENT: BENJAMIN J. MOORE, ELIZABETH SWENSON, REILLY, JAYNE SANDLER~ CHARLES EASTHAM JACK NCMAHON, JAMES L. HARRIS Doug Boothroy, Sandi Schutt, Steve Naeby, Virginia Stroud RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: T~AT THE APPLICATION FOR PROGRAM FUNDS BE APPROVED THAT THE REVISED VOUCHER PAYMENT STANDARDS AUTHORITY VOUCHER PROGRAM BE ADOPTED ROGER J. Secretary 1995 COMPREHENSIVE IMPROVEMENT ASSISTANCE FOR THE 'IOWA CITY HOUSING MEETING TO ORDER: Meeting was called to order at 8:09 AM by Chairperson Moore. MINUTES OF APRIL 11, 1995: Motion to approve the Minutes of April 11, 1995, as amended, was made by Sandlet, seconded by Eastham, carried 5-0. Affirmative roll call vote= Moore, Swenson, Reilly, Sandlet, Eastham. Absent~ HcMahon, Harris. CD HOUSING UPDATE - NASBY Nasby stated the Offer to Purchase property south of Napoleon Park to Olin Lloyd was declined. Nasby stated Towncrest Mobile Home Park is scheduled to close June 30, 1995. Plans are unknown for four of the units left in the park. Eastham stated Burns received a written purchase agreement for 4-5 acres on north side owned by Charlie Ruppert. The property will need to be rszoned. It is proposed that it be developed for between 48 to 80 apartments using CDBG and HOME monies. HOUSING AUTHORITY REPORT - BOOTHROY Boothroy stated statistics show utilization percentage year to date is up except for Public Housing ~hich is down because of the ten vacant units at Broadway. These units are being repaired from the fire damage which occurred in December, 1994, and are nearing completion. Boothroy stated the ten units for the new acquisition project are now all completed. So far three are occupied. ,113 PAGE 2 MINUTES IOWA CITY MOUSING COMMISSION MAY 9, 1995 DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION OF APPLICATION FOR CIAP - BOOTHROY Boothroy stated the application for Comprehensive Improvement Assistance Progra~ per NOFA published March 27, 1995, is due May 16, 1995 in the Dee Moines HUD office. The application is for replacement of items in Public Housing units that are getting to the point they have to be replaced, and for an upgrading of the computer and phone systems in the Iowa City Housing Authority office. Currently replacement items are being paid out of the maintenance budget, and this budget is exceeding income for Public Housing. This application is for an amount in the $370,000 range. Items will need to be ranked by priority, the high cost items will be given the highest priority. MOTION TO RECOF2~END TO COUNCIL THAT THE APPLICATION FOR 1995 COMPREHENSIVE IMPROVEMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FUNDS BE APPROVED was made by Easthem, seconded by Reilly, carried 5-0. Affirmative roll call vote: Moore, Swenson, Reilly, Sandler, Eastham. Absent: McMahon, Harris. DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION OF VOUCHER PAYMENT STANDARD - SCHUTT Schutt stated that the Voucher Payment Standards can be changed one time per year unless the FMR goes down, then it is required that if the payment standards exceed the FMR, they must be lowered. It is proposed that the one-bedroom payment standard be increased from $349 to $392 effective July 1, 1995. The new payment standard will equal the average one-bedroom contract rent in the Certificate program. MOTION TO RECOM~ND TO COUNCIL THAT THE REVISED VOUCHER PAYMENT STANDARDS FOR THE IOWA CITY HOUSING AUTHORITY VOUCHER PROGRAM HE ADOPTED was made by Eastham, seconded by Sandlet, carried 5-0. Affirmative roll call vote: Moore, Swenson, Reilly, Sandlet, Eastham. Absent: McMahon, Harris. DISCUSSION OF STRUCTURE OF FUTURE JOINT COMMISSION (MERGER OF HOUSING COMMISSION AND COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY NEEDS) - BOOTHROY/NASSY Nasby stated that Council has instructed staff to pursue the merger recommended by the two commissions. Members discussed the list of the issues that need to be decided. It was recommended that the new commission have nine men,bets and the Housing Commission agreed this was a good number. Membership will initially be composed of the current members of both commissions and will drop to nine eventually as terms on CON and the Housing Commission expire. Housing Cqmmission was in favor of this recommendation. It was also recommended that four members be appointed from their affiliation or expertise. For example, one member each from the Local Homeless Coordinating Board. Housing Commission members discussed the Conflict of Interest due to other involvement in boards. Legal needs to give Council an opinion and Council needs to decide how to appoint members to this Commission. Functions of the new commission will include duties of both the Housing Commission and CON. The scope PAGE 3 MINUTF, S IOWA OZTY HOUSING COMMISSION MAY 9, 1995 of the new commission should be broad yet still clear and not be specifio, but general enough to allow flexibility. A Joint meeting will be held in June. OLD BUSINESS - None Disoussed. NEW BUSINESS Eastham stated Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson are normally elcoted in May for the Housing Commission. Motion was made by Eastham to nominate Benjamin Moore for Chairperson, and Roger Reilly for Vice-Chairperson, seconded by Swenson, carried 5-0. Affirmative roll call vote: Moore, Swenson, Reilly, Sandlet, Eastham. Absent= McMahon, Harris. APPROVED BY ~ CHAI I $SION HC595 PRELIMINARY SUBJECT TO A~PROVAL MINUTES IOWA CITY ROUSING COMMISSION JULY 11, 199E CIVIC CENTER LOHSY CONFERENCE ROOM MEMBERS PRESENT: ROGER J. REILLY, ELIZABETH SWENSON (arrived 8:15 am), JAYNE SANDLER, CHARLES EASTHAM, JAMES L. HARRIS (left 9:15 am) MEMBERS ABSENT: BENJAMIN J. MOORE, JACK MCMAHON STAFF PRESENT: Doug Boothroy, Marianne Milkman, Steve Nasby, Sandi Schutt, Secretary Virginia Stroud RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: THAT THE APPLICATION FOR ACQUISITION OF 18 EXISTING THREE-BEDROOM PUBLIC HOUSING REPLACEMENT UNITS WHICH SUPPORTS THE SALE OF 1926/1946 BROADWAY STREET TO HACAP FOR TRANSITIONAL HOUSING BE APPROVED THAT THE PROPOSED BY-LAWS FOR THE NEW HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION BE APPROVED MEETING TO ORDER: Meeting was called to order at 8:07 AM by Vice- Chairperson Reilly. MINUTES OF MAY 9, 1995: Motion to approve the Minutes of May 9, 1995, as amended, was made by Eastham, seconded by Sandler, carried 4-0. Affirmative roll call vote: Sandlet, Eastham, Harris, Reilly. Absent: Swenson, Moore, McMahon. CD HOUSING UPDATE - MILKMAN Towncrest Mobile Rome Court - Nasby stated park closed June 30, 1995. Everyone is out. Eagles will be selling units left in the park. A total of 49 households received assistance in moving. Modular home 1109 Fifth Ave - Milkman stated the modular home is being delivered today and is planned to be completed by Friday. Staff is working with buyers for both this property and the property at 451 Rundell Street. A possession date of August 15, 1995, is expected for 1109 Fifth Avenue. Lee Grievance - Milkman stated Mr. Lee did not agree with the decision of the Housing Commission and has appealed to HUD. HUD will be in Iowa City on Thursday and Friday of this week to look at the house. Burns/GICHF project on Dubuque Road - Milkman stated Planning & Zoning Commission turned down the zoning due to density. It could still go if the number of units is reduced from 41 to 31. The Housing Commission will need to review this project at their August meeting. (Swenson arrived). Milkman stated there is some confusion on the part of the PLanning & Zoning Commission on how the whole subsidized afordable housing construction process works. Staff believes the Commissions PAGE 2 MINUTES IOWA CITY HOUSING COMMISSION JULY 11, 1995 should get together. Milkman recommende~ doing this in the fell after the new Housing and. Community Development Commission is formed. Milkman also stated that staff is putting together a report that identifies the issues that restrict development of affordable housing. Merged Commission - Milkman stated the Resolution for the formation of the new Housing and Community Development Commission will be on the July 18, 1995, Council Agenda. Community Development Celebration - Milkman stated the CD Celebration will be held at 4:30 PM, July 13, 1995, at Goodwill Industries, 1410 First Avenue, Iowa City, and encouraged all Housing Commission members to attend. ROUSING AUTRORITY REPORT - BOOTHROY CIAP - Boothroy stated no decision on the CIAP application for funds has been received yet, but is expected this week. Not all of the $370,000 applied for will be funded but some funding is expected. HUD in Des Moines is processing the applications as soon as possible so that the ACC's are signed. Once a Contract is signed Congress can not rescind the money allocated. Broadway Rehabilitation 1926 Broadway Street is in the next two weeks. - Boothroy stated that the reconstruction of not done yet, but is expected to be completed Statistics - Boothroy reviewed the statistics and stated the July, 1995, statistics are the first for fiscal year 96. Public Housing vacant units are not unusual for this time of the year and some are a result of the success of tenants to move out of Public Housing. Boothroy stated he would look at what has happened to people and report. Whispering Meadows New Construction Boothroy stated that the landscaping bids are due at 10~30 am today. Two trees per lot will be providnd and funds are from the CDBG monies. Construction of the 33 units is ahead of schedule. FMR - Boothroy stated that HUD has indicated the FMR's will be reduced to the 40th percentils, but coupled with annual adjustments increase, the FMRs should remain about the same for the next year. DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION FOR APPLICATION FOR PUBLIC HOUSING REPLACEMENT UNITS - HOOTHROY Boothroy stated the NOFA was published June 16, 1995, in the Federal Register for Public Housing development funds. Applications are due July 31, 1995. Council will hold a Public Hearing on July 27, 1995, at PAGE 3 MINUTES IOWA CITY MOUSING CO~R4ISSION JULY 11, 1995 e special meeting. He is recommending applying for 18 three-bedroom, single-family units, which will be replacement unite for the disposition of 1926/1946 Broadway Street's 18 three-bedroom, multi- family unite being sold to HACAP for Traneitlonal Housing. Replacement unite are being given the highest priority for funding by MUD. The replacement unite will be acquisition of existing housing. The application for replacement unite and the disposition of Broadway Street are tied together. HUD will need to approve both. MOTION TO RECOMMEND TO CITY COUNCIL THAT TME APPLICATION FOR ACQUISITION OF 18 EXISTING THREE-BEDROOM PUBLIC ROUSING REPLACEMENT UNITS WHICH SUPPORTS THE SALE OF 1926/1946 BROADWAY STREET TO MACAP FOR TRANSITIONAL MOUSING BE APPROVED WAS MADE BY EASTHA~, SECONDED BY SANDLER, CARRIED 5-0. Affirmative roll call vote: Saddler, Eastham, Harris, Reilly, Swenson. Absent= Moore, McMahon. (Harris left 9:15 am) REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATION OF MOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COF~4ISSION BY-LAWS - MILKMAN Milkman stated Mousing Commission and Committee on Community Needs (CCN) held a Joint meeting June 14, 1995, to discuss and review the By- Laws. The By-Laws will be reviewed by City Council Rules Committee. Council will consider Resolutions to disband the current Co~unissions effective August 30, 1995 and to establish the new Commission effective September 1, 1995. Mousing Commission will hold a regular meeting in August, 1995. MOTION TO RECOMMEND TO COUNCIL THAT THE PROPOSED BY-LAWS FOR THE NEW HOUSING A~D COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION BE APPROVED WAS MADE BY SANDLER, SECONDED BY EASTHAM, CARRIED 4-0. Affirmative roll call vote: Sandlet, Eastham, Reilly, Swenson. Absent: Harris, Moore, McMahon. OLD BUSINESS Discussion of Section 8 Applicant Utilization of Certificates and Vouchers - Milkman Milkman's memo was a clarification in response to Mousing Commission questions in the past regarding the percentage of households that do not find housing. A study of the PHA records during a seven month period showed 42% of applicants on the waiting list that were notified did not respond to the letter to attend an orientation. Fifty-eight percent of the responders utilized the Voucher or Certificate and found housing. A breakdown of the remaining 42% showed they continued to look or wait, were placed back on waiting list, were determined not eligible, or were transferred or requested lnactivation. Eastham stated he felt this kind qf data helpful and would like to see a quarterly report. Boothroy stated the policies have changed on the waiting list and the computer system is outdated which requires staff- time to compile this data by hand. He stated he would take a look at whether it can be done with a minimum of time as possible. PAGE 4 MINUTES IOWA CITY HOUSING COMMISSION $U~Y 11, 1995 NEW BUSINESS None discussed. ADJOURNMENT - Motion for adjournment at seconded by Easth~, carried 4-0. APPROVED BY~ 9:40 AM was made by Swenson, CHAIRPERSON IOWA CITY HOUSING COMMISSION HC795 MINUTES IOWA CITY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 1995- 5:30 P.M. LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM - CIVIC CENTER MEMBERS PRESENT: Betty Kelly, Mike Pugh, Doug Russell, John Shaw, Ginalie Swaim MEMBERS ABSENT: Kay Irelan, Sue Licht STAFF PRESENT: Kugler, Schoon, Davidson, Hating OTHERS PRESENT: Carol Larson, Laura Hawks, Rick Thompson CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Russell called the meeting to order at 5:36 p.m. PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA: There was none. DISCUSSION OF SUMMIT STREET BRIDGE REPLACEMENT: Jeff Davidson, Executive Director of the Johnson County Council of Governments (JCCOG), and Transportation Planner for the City of Iowa City, was present to discuss the Summit Street bridge replacement project. Russell noted that the Iowa City Historic Preservation Plan had identified the Summit Street bridge replacement as a pending project. One of the objectives identified is to incorporate the design of the bridge into the Summit Street area. The Plan states that when the Summit Street bridge is replaced, we should develop a design that is compatible with the turn of the century residential character of the Historic District, and maintain pedestrian walkways on both sides of the bridge and install a historical marker describing the history of the Mississippi and Missouri Railway which passes under. Davidson said the project is in a very preliminary design stage and the reason he is present is to receive input and direction from the Commission, as the bridge is located at the terminus of a local historic dist~ct. Davidson said the City has been planning for replacement of the bridge, however, the last several years have witnessed accelerated deterioration of the structure which has resulted in it climbing up in the State's priodty list of bddges in need of replacement. Placement on the State list makes the project eligible for federal funding, of which up to $850,000 in federal funds are expected to be expended. Total replacement cost of the bddge is estimated at $1.1 million. Davidson said the federal funds will be available for use at the start of the federal fiscal year, in October of 1996. Davidson passed around photographs which depicted sun light piercing through holes in the concrete, wood and steel structure, as one looks up at the underside of the structure. Davidson said routine repairs in the last several years are not keeping pace with deterioration. Davidson noted that the bridge is currently embargoed from heavy truck and vehicle use and is nearing the point of closure until a replacement is built. Davidson said that the bridge is actually owned by the Iowa Interstate Railway, rather than the City. Davidson said the Railway response to the bridge replacement was that of teadng the bridge down, but are not terribly interested in seeking a replacement. Parties other than the Railway, however, are committed to replacement of the bridge. ' Historic Preservation Commission June 12, 1995 Page 2 Davidson described some of the.structural specifications that are to be utilized in the new structure. The new bridge is to consist of two lanes. The current bddge width is twenty-five feet. Because federal funds are to be utilized, urban standards for a bridge replacement in this type of location would · call for a replacement bridge of thirty feet in width. However, Davidson is aware of some alternative design guidelines that may bring the width back down to twenty-five feet, or at least under thirty feet, should the Commission feel this is the direction to proceed. Davidson feels the City can make a case to get these alternative plans instituted. Along with replacement of the bridge, Davidson said the City is interested in pursuing a modification of the portion of Summit Street between the bridge and Kirkwood Avenue, essentially to tie into the pavement width of the new bridge in this direction. Pedestrian features over the bridge are expected to be improved. Urban Standards call for a barrier between the street and the walkway, as well as on the outer edge. This is an area, in particular, that the Commission may be interested in lending some input, i.e., the design of the railings, barrier, etc. The City is also interested in making some street-scape improvements along th3 traveled portion of Summit Street to the north of the bridge, as well. Davidson said many of these improvements were discussed several years ago and there is'some neighborhood interest. There is to be a meeting with the neighborhood (Davidson was unsure of the date at this time) to have a discussion similar to that of tonight. Davidson said he would like to take some Commission input, regarding bridge and street front aesthetic features, to that meeting. Davidson did want to point out that the bddge had undergone a Section 106 Review several years ago and it was determined there is nothing historically significant about the present structure. Russell said the Commission will provide Davidson with minutes from previous meetings regarding Summit Street and bridge improvements. Russell said a wider width of the bridge has been a concern. Many feel a wider bridge will be an invitation to greater traffic flow. [Russell recalls that the Commission took the position ofassis[ing the neighborhood in utilizing means that would not contribute to additional traffic. Russell said the Commission, however, is delighted to be involved in the discussions at such an early phase, as opposed to the proceedings of the Evans Street bridge, although [Russell .was impressed with the results of that project. Shaw, the Summit Street reprasentative to the Commission, said previous discussions with the neighborhood had not considered the elevation of the approaches leading to the bridge. Shaw said the neighbors are not interested in creating a situation as exists on Dodge Street where neighboring houses were essentially embanked by the bddge. Davidson said he does not envision a greater height in the elevation, and the elevation may even lower and become more level to the street scape. Shaw added that he would be highly interested in working with a design firm that would consider the bridge and street scape improvements, together, not as separate issues. Davidson suggested this be offered as a recommendation of the Commission. Davidson said he would like to have Commission input by September 15, 1995. The Commission had no additional input at this time. Historic Preservation Commission June 12, 1995 Page 3 DISCUSSION WITH MEMBERS'OF THE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE: Carol Larson and Laura Hawks, members of the Design Review Committee, were on hand to meet with the Commission. Hawks said the Design Review Committee has been involved in redesigning itself for about the last two years. The Committee hopes to attain a much broader scope and jurisdiction of review, possibly including projects within historic districts or overlay zones. The Committee is in the process of revising, or even amending the Zoning Ordinance, to include design review oveday zones. The CB-5 and CB-10 zones have received special consideration in this regard. The intent of the Design Review Committee, in meeting with the Commission, is to discuss the difficulties the Commission had encountered in its establishment of historic and conservation districts, as well as to ascertain information on the methods of lobbying utilized to pass these districts. Hawks said she has received a favorable response from both the City Council and the Near Southside Committee in regards to an expanded Committee jurisdiction over design review. Hawks said should design review over the CB-5 and CB-10 zones work out well, the Committee may seek review over some other zones as well. Russell described the jurisdiction and functions of the Historic Preservation Commission. Russell wished to point out that the Commission would like to avoid overlapping review. Russell said the Commission strongly takes into consideration how many steps an individual, perhaps a homeowner, would need to follow in completion of a project. The Commission may need to step back if the bureaucracy becomes overly burdensome. The Commission also needs to consider the guidelines of the Standards, as opposed to simply personal tastes. Russell said the safest way to proceed in these instances is to rely on recognized, published standards, to illustrate and back up the Commission recommendation. In terms of pursuit of establishing a distdcl or overlay zone, Russell said the Commission typically establishes contact with the constituents that are to be affected by such a proposal first. Making sure notice is given of all upcoming meetings, usually starting at the grass roots level and proceeding to an open public hearing, is very important. Russell said it is helpful to identify all of the weaknesses in the plan., or opposition to the plan, early in the process so adjustments can be made. David Schoon, staff person for the Design Review Committee, said a frequent question of Design Review members is, what are the guidelines of an overlay district to be. Russell said in the Commission's current pursuit of conservation districts, the Commission is seeking the legislation, first, and the districts to which these are to be applied will follow. Russell said that upwards of twelve areas have been identified for study which may include conservation districts. Russell did note that the identification of general standards is the first step to identifying the guidelines to follow for each district. Russell again emphasized that it is important to involve the constituents of the affected area in every step of the process. Russell hopes the districts sought by the Historic Preservation Commission will be welcomed by the public and that success will breed success. Russell suggested the Committee pursue infon'nation regarding Main Street grants, a program instituted through the State. Russell did note that the City of Iowa City would need to be recognized as a Certified Local Government to be eligible for Main Street funding. Russell did not have the details of this program available at this time. Schoon did note concern about the financing of additional staff time, or e~entually an additional staff person, should the scope of the Committee expand. Russell said this has been a concern of the Histodc Preservation Commission, as well, although the Commission has received support from the Historic Preservation Commission June 12, 1995 Page 4 Council to date. Russell did note, however, 'that the lack of additional staff time for the completion of various projects is the major reason why Consultants have come to be relied upon more frequently. In the last five years, the case load for the Commission has doubled. Schoon said he feels that should the jurisdiction and scope of the Design Review Committee expand, that at least an additional half-time person would be needed, for starters, and that may develop into a full time position down the mad. Hawks asked to receive a copy of the guidelines the Commission uses for review. Russell said the Secretary of Interior Standards for Renovation, and a booklet called Neighborhood Design Guidelines, would be helpful. Kelly suggested seeking information about the Main Street Program. Russell asked the Design Review Committee to keep the Commission informed of its progress, or lack thereof, because he feels the Committees do have some common goals. CERTIFICATE Of APPROPRIATENi::SS: 314 Brown Street - Removal of Garacle and Construction of Replacement Garap. e Margaret Corbae, co-owner of the house, and Rick Thompson, Contractor, were present to discuss the project. Plans were included in the member packets. Thompson said this project is phase one of a larger, overall renovation. The first phase will concentrate on removing the existing garage at the back of the residential structure and replacing it with a free-standing garage at the back of the lot. Thompson said a second phase, perhaps, will involve adding a two-story addition to the back of the house, utilizing the foundation of the present garage. Thompson said he intends to use a masonite siding on the garage in the same dimensions of the house siding, and shingle the roof. Thompson said the plans also call for wood side and garage doors. The side door will be in similar proportions to the house doors, and the garage door is to be a standard wood panel door with no raised panels and a row of three horizontal windows. The Commission wished to see a style of pedestrian side door and vehicle door utilized that would be compatible in appearance and proportion to doors on the main residential structure. The Commission felt a raised panel garage door may be more appropriate. The Commission felt a wood pedestrian door may be more appropriate. MOTION: Kelly moved to grant a Certificate of Appropriateness, for phase one of the renovations at 314 Brown Street, the garage project, conditioned upon the design of the pedestrian door being compatible in proportion, appearance and material with those on the residential structure. Pugh seconded. The motion carried on a vote of 5-0. 1041 Woodlawn Avenue - Construction of Rear Deck. Rick Thompson, Contractor, was present to discuss the project. Plans were included in the member packets. Thompson pointed out that the posts and railing am not to match the posts and railing of the front porch, as the front porch posts were custom turned. Several Commission members noted concern that the height and spacing of the posts and spindles do not appear to be in the same proportion of the front pomh, Thompson feels the height will match within an inch, but he intends to match the spacing between spindles..Thompson said the front porch spindles ars set five inches on center. Thompson said the post spacing does not completely match the 'front because he is working with a different configuration and he was attempting to run the Historic Preservation Commission June 12, 1995 Page 5 posts off the comers of the house. Thompson does feel the spacing .would be less obvious to the naked eye. Thompson said he will, however, try and rework the configuration to better match the spacing of the front posts. The material to be utilized is a Cedar decking, painted white to match the house. The Commission appeared satisfied that the deck would be constructed utilizing more than adequate craftsmanship and material. MOTION: Russell moved to grant a Certificate of Appropriateness to 1041 Woodlawn Avenue, as per the submitted plans. Shaw seconded. The motion carried on a vote of 5.0. DISCUSSION OF COMMISSION BYLAWS/MEMBERSHIP RULES: Russell noted that a problem has adsen with the Bylaws, in that the Histodc Preservation Regulations state that me;nbership shall include a representative from each historic distdct and at least three members at-large. The Commission had recently created a new historic district at a time when Commission membership includes four members at-large. Russell said that the Regulations also state that once the Commission cor~sists of one representative from each of four historic districts and three members at-large, a new member shall be appointed to the Commission to represent each additional district that is created. The Commission was uncertain how to justify a new member to represent a small district. It was pointed out that not only are such districts comparatively small, but the pool of willing participants to serve on the Commission is probably even smaller. The Commission considered the possibility of Commission members.representing several districts. Several members verbally stated that they do not like the fact that the Commission is currently not in compliance and wish to rectify the problem quickly, but did not feel the addition of a new distdct is justifiable cause to alter the Bylaws. Again, it was pointed out that the pool of applicants is not likely to consist' of an applicant from the distdct that is in need of a representative every time there is a vacancy. The Commission seemed to feel that an at-large applicant could be selected from any of the existing districts, in addition to the distdct representative. Shaw and Russell felt a larger proportion of at-large members would be more appropriate. Russell feels a larger at-large proportion broadens the opportunity for needed expertise, i.e., Architects, Historians, etc., but also to assure more diverse viewpoints; Russell strongly feels that district representatives often voice a singular viewpoint. Swaim questioned the role of the district representative, as she has not often acted in this regard. Kugler recommended that if members are added as districts are added that there be an upper limit on the number of members, as at som~ point a larger Commission may be more of a burden than benefit. Russell agreed with meeting length considerations and noted the likelihood of greater administrative burden. On the other hand, Russell said one benefit of a larger group is the ability to subdivide and form Committees that can concentrate on some of the issues and duties staff and the Commission have not had adequate time to address. In regard to an increased number of distdct representatives, Swaim said she would be uncomfortable to consider items in a quorum that did not consist of an Architect. Swaim added that representatives to the proposed conservation districts have not even been considered. Historic Preservation Commission June 12, 1995 Page 6 The Commission considered several different possible combinations of Commissioq structure, but suggested staff examine the issue more thoroughly and schedule the item for the July meeting. The Comr~ission did feel a resolution is needed in the near future. The Commission asked that staff outline the issues discussed in the cover memorandum for the July meeting packet. The Commission also asked staff to be prepared to advise the Commission on the course of action, perhaps passing the issue by the City Attorney. UPDATE ON CONSERVATION DISTRICT AND HISTORIC LANDMARK ORDINANCES__: Russell said the Planning and Zoning Commission had discussed the items at their informal meeting held last night. One P&Z Commission member had some question about conservation districts, mostly due to a lack of knowledge of the issues at this point. Russell said one resident of the Jefferson Street area was present on Monday night and was interested in knowing what limitations a conservation district may impose. Russell said he will present an overview of the items at the formal meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission on Thursday night. Russell suggested having several favorable members of the public on hand, as well as Commission support. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES: April 11. 1995. Russell asked that the words "structurally cognate~, at the bottom of page one, be replaced with "akin to the main structure". Page two, second paragraph, after the name "Russell" in the first sentence, add stated. Line four, same paragraph, reword to say, "affect the National Reqister Nominations sent to the State Historical Socieb/". Kelly asked that the motion on this item should be 6-0-1, with Kelly abstaining. Page three, paragraph dght after motion, strike the word only. Page four, under A.Update, replace the words "attainment of' with obtainind. Page six, under discussion of June HRDP Grant Application Deadline, Russell asked that the word survey be added to the first sentence, following ~corridor", and add "and East Collecle Street National Re.~ister Nominations" after ~College Street". MOTION: Kelly moved to approve minutes of April '11, '1995, as amended. Pugh seconded. The motion carried on a vote of 5-0. April 20, 1995. Page three, paragraph three, line two, there are no end quote marks following ",,,proposed area". MOTION: Swatm moved to approve the minutes of April 20, '1995, as amended. Shaw seconded. The motion carried on a vote of 5-0. May 9, 1995. Pugh said as he never received a copy of the Environmental Assessment on the proposed Melrose Avenue improvements, he feels uncomfodable with the statement atthe start of the fourth paragraph. Pugh asked that this be switched to state "The maiodtv of the Commission...". Same issue, the Commission agreed to strike the first sentence of the third paragraph. MOTION: Pugh moved to approve the minutes of May 9, '1995, as amended. Swaim seconded. The motion carried on a vote of 5-0. Historic Preservation Commission June 12, 1995 Page 7 COMMISSION INFORMATION/DISCUSSION: 1. Articles from the June 4, 1995, edition of the Des Moines ReGister. Kugl.er passed out two adicles, Savincl America's Communities, by Richard Moe and, Rethinkincj What Makes A Community, a Register Editorial. Kugler said the articles are somewhat related to Conservation Ordinance issues. 2. Further discussion bf the Melrose Avenue street and bddcle reconstruction project. There was none. 3. "Up from the Ashes" video. The video, "Up from the Ashes", a City Video Department Production on the Ron Johnson property located at 420 East Jefferson Street, was shown to Commission following the conclusion of the regular meeting. 4. Iowa Hedta(~e Expo,. Swaim and Kelly briefed the Commission on facets of the Expo. Kelly noted that it appears that there will be increased number of CLG commissions, thus increased competition for grants in the future. 5. Johnson County Ses~uicentennial Commission information. The Johhson County Sesquicentennial Commission is asking the Commission for assistance in developing and/or planning events. Russell asked that the June '96 Histodc Month be placed on the schedule of future agenda- items. 6. Memo to Chuck Schmadeke reqardinq the Butler residence. Kugler passed out a follow-up memorandum, dated June 13, 1995, from Douglas Russell, Chair of the Historic Preservation Commission, to Chuck Schmadeke, Director of Public Works, regarding the CommiSsion stance on the Butler residence located on the future site of the City's water plant. Kelly felt the second paragraph, first sentence, should have stated "...structural integrity and components of the building", because there are a good deal of fine woodwork lying around that shouid be secured. Swaim said she would like to see the words "and its current location on the site" added to the last sentence of the first paragraph, following "...that the structure". Kugler said Schmadeke had responded eadier that there are no immediate plans for this area. The Commission reemphasized the recommendation that Public Works take the necessary steps to a) protect the building from the elements: b) safeguard loose materials on the site; and c) take appropriate steps to keep people out, whatever those means may be. MINUTES IOWA CITY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION THURSDAY, JULY 6, 1995 - 7:30 P.M. CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS MEMBERSPRESENT: Su ctto ,, l rov j · ~,nn Bovbjerg, Dick Gibson, Jane Jakobsen, Tom Scott, George Starr, Lea Supple MEMBERSABSENT: Sally Dierks STAFF PRESENT: Jeff Davidson, Charles Denney, Karin Sarah Holecek, Scott Kugler, Robert Miklo, Lita So?ensen Franklin, RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: Recommend approval, by a vote of 6-0, of ANN94-0009, and REZ94-0018, a City-initiated annexation and rezoning of the proposed water treatment plant site, a 250 acre parcel located north of 1-80 and west of N. Dubuque Street from Country A1, Rural, to P, Public. Recommend denial, by a vote of 6-0, of REZ95-0010, a request submitted by Bob P. Burns and the Greater Iowa City Housing Fellowship for a rezoning of approximately 7.8 acres located east of Old Dubuque Road and north of Dodge Street from RS-5, Low Density Single-Family Residential, to OPDH-8, Planned Development Housing Over'.ay. Recommend approval, by a vote of 4-2, of amendments to City Code Section 14-4C, "Historic Preservation Regulations," and Section 14-6J, "Oveday Zones," to create a new overlay zoning district entitled "Conservation Overlay Zone." Recommend approval, by a vote of 6-0, of amendments to City Code Section 14-4C, "Historic Preservation Regulations," and Section 14-6J, "Overlay Zones," to allow the City · to designate and protect historic landmarks. Recommend approval, by a vote of 6-0, of SUB95-0021, an application submitted by Blackhawk Partners for final plat approval of Boyrum Subdivision, Part 4, a 3-1or, 11.67 acre commercial subdivision located south of Highway 6 between Boyrum Street and Waterfront Drive. CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Scott called the meeting to order at 7:46 P.M. PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA: There was none. ANNEXATION AND REZONING ITEM: ANN94-009, REZg4-0018. Public discussion of a City-initiated annexation and rezoning of the proposed water treatment plant site, a 250 acre parcel located north of 1-80 and west of N. Dubuque Street from Country A1, Rural, to P, Public. Planning & Zoning Commission July 6, 1995 Page 2 Denney said at the City's request these two items were deferred indefinitely at the Commission's April 6, 1995 meeting. He said the applications had been amended to exclude approxim. ately five acres in th~ northeast corner of the property. He said staff continues to recommend approval of both annexation and rezoning to the P, Public Zone. Jakobsen asked about screening in the area. Denhey noted that this issue had been raised, but that this was a rezoning request, not a site plan. Public discussion. Jim Glasqow, 3291 Dubuque Street, NE, asked if when the annexation of the property occurs if there would be a shift in the 2 mile extraterritorial zone in the River Heights area. Scott said that at the present, under the Fringe Area Agreement, the City's Fringe Area is automatically extended but that there is a proposed revision pending before the Board of Supervisors and the City Council dealing with the County's north corridor study which could result in changes in how the City and County administer such an extension. Glasgow asked if every property owners within the potential Fringe Area had been notified about this annexation. Denney said that all property owners within 200 feet of the annexation had been notified. Public discussion closed. MOTION: BovbJerg moved to approve ANN94-009, a Clty-initlated annexation of the proposed water treatment plant site, a 250 acre parcel located north of 1-80 and west of N, Dubuque Street from Country A1, Bural, to P, Public. Starr seconded. The mEtIon carried on a vote of 6.0. MOTION: Supple moved to approve REZ-0018, a City-Initiated rezonlng of the · proposed water treatment plant site, a 250 acre parcel located north of 1-80 and west 'of N. Dubuque Street from Country A1, Rural, to P, Public, and to include the annexation of the right of way of 1.80. Bovbjerg seco.nded. The motion carried on a vote of REZONING ITEM: REZ95-0010. Public discussion of a request submitted by Bob P. Burns and the Greater Iowa City Housing Fellowship for a rezoning of approximately 7.8 acres located east of Old Dubuque Road and north of Dodge Street from RS-5, Low Density Single-Family Residential, to OPDH-8, Planned Development Housing Overlay. Miklo said at the last planning and zoning meeting there had been several questions raised by the public and by the Commission. He said a concern was raised about existing water pressure in the area. He said the current Water pressure does meet the City's parameters for fire protection and residential water service, according to Ed Moreno, Water Superintendent, but that adjustments could be made to improve water pressure in the area to address the neighborhood's concern, and that further development in the neighborhood would not detract from the City's ability to provide water service. He said Planning & Zoning Commission July 6, 1995 Page 3 a concern was also raised about open space in the area. He said the neighborhood had been assessed as having an open space deficit of 5.47 acres. The Neighborhood Open Space Committee had reviewed Saratoga Springs Apartments and concluded that the property does not contain land suitable for neighborhood open space. He said the Committee had expressed that the City should start looking for a central location to purchase land for a park in the neighborhood. Miklo said another concern was raised about the lack of sidewalks, He said staff had asked Public Works for a cost estimate for sidewalk construction between the Hy-Vee Property north to Oakes Drive and that it had been estimated to cost $37,500 for sidewalks on the west side of the street. He noted that this was an existing condition that would apply regardless of what development occurs in the location. He said the City could possibly address improvements in the area through an assessment or by creating a Tax incremsnt Financing (TIF) district, which would provide funds from taxes generated by development in the district. Mikio said that there were traffic constraints on North Dodge Street, but as noted in the staff report, there were plans to improve Dodge Street. specifically for a proposed traffic signal at the intersection of Dubuque Road and Dodge Stre.et and a second traffic signal at the intersection of Prairie Du Chien Road and Dodge Street southwest of the project. He said additional lanes would also be added to Dodge Street, which would further improve traffic capacity. He said Jeff Davidson, JCCOG Transportation Planner, had indicated that sight distance specific to the project was adequate. He said that City Engineer had indicated that the culver~ under Dodge Street has sufficient capacity and that storm water from this development would not interfere with the functioning of the culvert. He said Public Works would have to approve specific design for the storm water basin on the property before the request is approved by Council. He said the design of the site had been modified, with the first apartment building reoriented to face Dubuque Road. He said the applicant had indicated that the community building would include a basement which could be used as a storm shelter. He said letters from Mary Hitchcock and Robert Burns regarding the Ruppert residence were attached to the staff memorandum. He said there 'were no immediate proposals for the development of 1406 Dubuque Road, and that it is proposed that the property be rezoned RS-8. Starr asked why the Ruppert pamel is included in the rezoning, Miklo said staff did not want to zone this isolated tract RS-8 or OPDH-8 without razoning the adjacent Ruppert property to a similar zone. He said the Comprehensive Plan suggests a transition zone from a Commercial Zone to a lower density zone, so this was justified, Scott asked how much public monies were slated to be dedicated to the project. Bob Burns, the applicant, said it was targeted for site acquisition and cost related to sight acquisition. Gibson asked if the $300,000 funding approval was publicly known. Miklo said it had been reviewed by the.Committee on Community Needs and recommended to Council. Franklin said the original application was made for a different kind of project than this one, but the overall goal was to facilitate the construction of affordable rental housing. She said a site had not been found at the time the funds were approved. She said the applicants would have to go back before the Housing Commission, the Committee on Community Needs and the Council to get the funds approved for this particular project, but that they cannot do this until they have a viable project. She said the original funding enabled the applicants to look for property. She said they need additional approval after Planning & Zoning Commission July 6, 1995 Page 4 the project is in place and would be subject to public hearings before the Committee on Community Needs, the Housing Commission and the City Council. Gibson asked if the rezoning could be conditioned upon the approval of funding for the specific project. Franklin said the Commission could make the rezoning conditional upon a site plan or design and density issues, which was the primary function of the Commission. Gibson said there were times when flexibility was wdtten into the Commission's decisions for the larger public good. Bovbjerg asked if a condition might be that the project be only for lower and moderate.income housing and not just multiple family housing. Gibson said that was the distinction he was !ooking at. Bovbjerg said she thought this might come under the realm of the public good which would supersede other kinds of considerations. She asked if tenants' rents would be subsidized. Charlie Eastham, 1152 E. Court Street, said he was the president of the Greater Iowa City Housing Fellowship Board of Trustees. He said rental subsidies for the tenants who apply for them would come through the Section 8 rental assistance program. He said individual tenants would be responsible for applying for rental subsidies on their own. He said the Housing Authority would decide on eligibility. He said there was no project based rental assistance for the development. He said they intended to manage the project so that not all the occupants will be receiving rental assistance through Section 8. Gibson asked if some of the units would be available at market rate. Eastham said all of the rental units would be rent controlled. Gibson asked if there would be no qualifications requirements for some tenants in some of the units. Eastham said all of the tenants would have to meet the income guidelines. Gibson asked if there would only be subsidies for some tenants. Eastham said this was correct, but that it was not a requirement to be to have a Section 8 voucher. Supple asked about the disparity between the funding sources. Franklin said that there was Community Development Block Grant money as well as HOME money included in the application. She said the odginal application was for a much larger amount of money than would actually be spent on the project because of the diminished size of the project. ' Burns said the $300,00 was from the first fiscal year for the first project and $200,000 was an award for a subsequent project. He said they were separate applications. Franklin said they were talking about a total amount of money originally allocated for a project with over 300 units. She said that project had diminished because of the inability to find land within Iowa City for a project to include low to moderate income housing and market rate housing in the same development. She said that was why there was a difference in the amount of funds and that was why the application had to go back to CCN, the Housing Commission and the City Council. She said these were issues the Planning and Zoning Commission cannot decide but that they would be subject to public hearing. Scott said it is important for the Commission to have this information because they must make a recommendation to Council and because of press coverage surrounding the low income housing issue in Iowa City. Gibson said he did not know if the financial questions were appropriate to pursue but he wanted some public discussion on these issues. Franklin said that the total amount of money allocated for the project was $500,000 - $150,000 from the 1994 funding year of CDBG money, $101,000 from the 1995 allocation for CDBG and 250,00 from HOME. She said the monies must be spent within a certain amount of time; they can only be carried over from a previous year a specific number of times. She said the proposal process usually starts with application for seed money from Planning & Zoning Commission July 6, 1995 Page 5 a federal source and then applicants pursue low income housing tax credits and private investments, She said that is why projects need to be appmved again when they do come together. Gibson asked why the project had diminished so substantially from 300 to 41 units. Franklin said goals are set out to pm vide a certain number of units and money is allocated, but the difficulty in actually bringing the plan to malization means fewer units are provided than what is ideal. Gibson said he understood this but that the shrinkage here was quite substantial. Franklin said this would be evaluated before the CCN and the Council. Scott said there was a wide range of feeling amongst the Commissioners-about areas of concern, He said all the information should be available to them, He said he would like to thank the neighborhood for sticking to the issues of land use, neighborhood values and traffic congestion, issues the Commission would take into consideration. He said he'd like to have both sides have a clear hearing of the issues. Public dlscussion. Bob Burns, 328 E. Washin.~ton, said he would like to provide additional information on changes to the site plan, He said the public sidewalk along Dubuque Road had been moved east of the cedar tress. He said the detention basin had been moved farther from the ravine. He said they had included a meandering sidewalk which increased the size of the childmn's play area, He showed the Commission the design for the community building proposed. He said that it was necessary to move forward with the project for 41 units because it helped to attract equity capital to finance the project. He said 41 Units was pushing the limit because equity investment companies were not interested in funding smaller projects, .He said including 41 units would also help provide project amenities and fixed utility costs. Starr asked what the handicapped accessibility of the units would be, Burns said they would meet all state and federal guidelines, and that the ground floor apartments would be handicapped adaptable. Starr asked if the transit mutes would be handicapped 'accessible. Davidson said at present they were not accessible but that they were in the process of making the North Do~dge transit mute accessible, Linda Murray, 2128 S. Riverside Drive, #39, said she was the Chair for the Committee on Community Needs. She said she was available to answer questions on the allocation of funds for the project. Mary Losch, 1252 Oakes Drive, said she was the spokesperson for the neighbors of the area. She pointed out that the shrinkage of the original project at $500,00 for 300 units to 41 units amounted to a loss of $250,000 per unit, She said the entire neighborhood was unanimous in their strong opposition of the rezoning. She said they were not opposed to affordable housing and that the applicant's intentions were admirable. She said that the development would result in compromises to the area and that density is the central issue. She said the neighborhood members had reviewed City ordinances on m zoning and that the proposed development is counter to the existing code. She said there is a lack of consistency between the mzoning and the Comprehensive Plan. She said open space and traffic safety were concerns. She said them was no indication of the time frame of the proposed improvements of the area such as sidewalks. She said the cost estimate quoted by public works may be below the actual cost incurred for sidewalks Planning & Zoning Commission July 6, 1995 Page 6 in the area since retaining walls may be required. She said if this project is approved, several more multi-family buildings could be built on the Ruppert property and the RS-8 property on the west side of Dubuque Road. She said the neighbors were concerned about sight distance in the area. She said that this was a complex matter and that the safety of all residents and travelers in the area must be maintained. She said she felt City staff had lost sight of the central issues in their efforts to provide affordable housing. She asked the Commission to recommend denial of the razoning application. Gibson asked about the Environmental Review process. Miklo said an Environmental Review is required and had been started. He said the zoning does not hinge upon the review, that it was a federal document that went through HUD. He said he wanted to point out that the sidewalk cost estimate by public works did include the need for a grading. He noted that the only future developments on the Ruppert property and the RS-8 zoned property to the west without a change of zoning would be duplexes. Franklin said the Environmental Review is required by the CDBG funding. She said because the review is done of specific projects it will be forthcoming, and is part. of the approval process through CCN and the City Council. Dean Thornberry, 1202 Oakes Drive, thanked the Commission for visiting the area. He said all the neighbors wanted was a fair hearing of their side as weli as the developers. He said he wanted to introduce Dr. Jim Stoner, a professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Jim Stoner, 1212 Oakes Drive, said the minimum sight distance of Dubuque Road needed to be at least 300 feet and it wasn't there now. He said the absolute sight distance requirement needed to be nailed down. He said the primary concern is the traffic flow at the Dubuque Road'and Dodge Street intersection. H(~ said peak hour traffic is extremely high, He said installing a 2 phase light at the intersection is not a solution and would cause major problems at the intersection. He said installing a 3-phase light with turning lanes would be appropriate at the Dodge StreetJHy-Vee intersection. He said the - improvements listed in the City's Capital Improvement Plan are for geometric and signal 'improvements at Prairie Du Chien Road and Dodge Street, and Dubuque Road near ACT, not for the intersection near the proposed development, He said the City needs to revaluate the Dodge Street corridor before any mzoning can occur. Jim Kessler, 1512 Dubuque Road, said he was there to read a letter he received by Bruce Glasgow. He said Glasgow wished to refute the idea that the land in question is the only available land for the project. He said Glasgow indicated other parcels of land available for the project that were appropriately zoned. Kessler asked if the parcel to the west, which is already zoned RS-8, could be used for multifamily units in the future if rezoned to OPDH-8. Miklo said this was possible but the topography was such that it would probably not be recommended. Jerry Denning, 1146 Oakes Drive, said he wondered what the role of the City was concerning the project. He said what he saw as the combination of two sets of goals. Objective analyses of the land use and the consideration of low income housing were complex and that perhaps the City was being asked to make the application fit. He said the last thing they should want is for politics to drive planning, He said the destructive development of the area doesn't seem appropriate and that further investigation into the issues was needed. Planning & Zoning Commission July 6, 1995 Page 7 Guy Manaci, 1620 Quincent Street, said he had lived in the area for two years but had seen many rezonings in different pla. ces but only when an area was deteriorated to the point where it needed revitalization. He said a rezoning was not the right thing to do here. He said the limited partnership was about profit, and that given the chance, the remaining parcels would also be developed, causing higher density, He said he didn=t want this situation. Linda Baker, 1725 Dubu(3ue Road, said she opposes higher density. She said the neighbors had invested in the area and planned to stay. She said if the proposed development is built it will significantly change its residential nature. Joanne Schoenwald, 1149 Oakes Drive, said that the area was a microcosm of the greater Iowa City area in that there were people of all races, religions, and political views living there and they had all signed the petition to oppose development. She said integration of low income people could not be accomplished with the residents sequestered in high density structures. She said she supported low income single-family homes interspersed through,~ut the community. She noted that larger cities were turning to this strategy, Richard Rhodes, 2014 Rochester Avenue, said he would suggest that the storm water detention facility could be better designed if it were shared with the property to the south. He said this would be a much more efficient use of the land. Nick Cilek, 1510 Bdstol Drive, said he had lived in the area for 15 years. He said so far the additions to the area have worked and that it has all meshed together well. He said the City talked in terms of "adequacy" for this particular project which may be acceptable here but that he was concerned about other developments in the area added under the same line of thinking. He said water pressure in the area may be considered adequate but the problems current residents have with water were a reality. He said he was concerned about traffic problems. He said the area had evolved as a single-family . neighborhood and was never intended to be high density. Linda Murray, 2128 S. Riverside Drive, #39, said she wanted to make a couple comments about the discrepancies in the allocation of funds. She said there had been no intent to deceive, She said it was unfair to characterize the application as urged by the City staff, She said the need for affordable housing and the difficulty in finding land was well documented. Dick Donahue, 1515 Dubuque Road, said he had built many sidewalks in Iowa City and that he had never put a public sidewalk on a private property, that this was illegal. Miklo said as long as there was an easement it was acceptable. Charlie Eastham, 1152 E. Court Street, said the City Council had indicated that they were looking for an area for affordable housing that contained several elements and that this area contained all of those. John Roth, 1332 Oakes Ddve, said he thought the play area in the proposed development was a very small area for children. He wondered what impact th~ density would have on the people living there. Planning & Zoning Commission July 6, 1995 Page 8 Gre(~ Williams, 1709 Quirtcent Street, said he thought the only reason for the project was economics. He said it would be cheaper for the developer to buy land currently zoned at a lower density and then get it rezoned rather than buy property that is already zoned for multi-family development. He said this must be in the mind of the developers. Mark Phillips, 1165 Oakes Drive, said that green space and a park were important issues to the area, He said the only park available was Hickory Hill park. He said the development would not provide an adequate place for children to play. He said it would be difficult to put in a storm water detention basin without destroying the area. He said he had a problem with the reduced amount of parking spaces required in the development. David Curry, 1333 Bristol Drive, said he supports all the neighbore staternents, He said he wondered what the legal requirements were for notification. He said he had not been notified of the proposed develol~ment, Miklo said it was a practice of the City to notify those who own property within 200 feet of the development. he said the applicant provicles this listing from information available from the City Assessor, Hi said sometimes the Assessor's records are not up to date or there is an error, which might have occurred in this case. Nick Cilek, 1510 Bristol Drive, said the neighbors .had been careful not to bring up who would be living in the project. He said he wondered what the Commission's role was concerning this issue. Scott said they would try to stick to land density and use issues, but other issues may influence the Commissioners as well, Public discussion closed. MOTION, Bovbjerg move to approve REZ95-0010, a request submitted by Bob P. Burns and the Greater Iowa City Housing Fellowship for a rezonlng.of approximately 7.8 acres located east of Old Dubuque Road and north of Dodge Street from RS-5, Low Density Single-Family Residential, to OPDH-8, Planned Development Housing 'Overlay, subject to 1) the site only used for low and moderate income housing, 2) the minimization of the amount of development occurring near the steep slope and ravine on the eastern portion of the tract, 3) the site plan and subsequent development must conform to the proposed Sensitive Areas Ordinance as It applies to a natural woodland, 4) approval by the City Forester of a tree protection plan, 5) the City rezoning and the Rupperts agreeing to rezone the southern 3.7 acres to OPDH-8, 6) fees ih lleu of dedication of open space shall be paid to they City for the required open space, 7) the applicant providing 62 paved parking spaces, but 20 additional spaces must be reserved and developed if the City finds fit, 8) the development must be limited to 41 units on this 4.1 acre tract. Starr seconded. Supple said she thought there were three issues to consider, the first having to do with assisted housing. 'She said she may not agree with the amount of subsidy needed, but she was proud to live in a city where neighbors were willing to offer a helping hand to those it need. She said the second issue was land use. She said that issue three was the issues one and two were not always compatible and that issue one is not appropriate for the Commission. She said she did not feel the plan offered the best use of the land. Planning & Zoning Commission July 6, 1995 Page 9 Starr said he was very torn between the issues. He said he agreed with Supple in that the Commission needs to look at land use, density and traffic concerns. He said he also agrees with Scott in that it was impossible to completely divorce themselves from some of the other issues. He said he felt the traffic issues would be addressed by the Capital Improvements Plan. He said the density may be a little high, though he thought this was a perfect location for. an affordable a housing project because transportation concerns would be assisted through the Capital Improvements, there was a commercial zone nearby, and transit services were available. He said as much as he would like to support the proposal, he was unable to do so tonight because of the density. Bovbjerg said that land use is the Commission's greatest charge. She said the Comprehensive Plan needed to be preserved. She said she'd like to praise the neighbors and the staff for sticking to the issues and providing objective facts. She said she was concerned about density for the people who will live in the project. She said that space is essential, and that she was ~oncerned about traffic safety. She said she would like to have affordable housing interspersed among other housing. She said as the project stands, the density is too much. Gibson said he had made notes triggered by the various public discussion. He said the issue of the RS-8 parcel was not that relevant because there was already potential for higher density development in the area. He said he thought the rezoning application had been mischaracterized as being high density when in fact RS.8 was the second lowest zoning in the City. He said in reality low income housing must be placed in higher density zones. He said profits had been mentioned as a bad word but that this is what makes things happen. He said he doesn't find the notion of affordable housing in this location a bad idea. He said the area has all the qualifications for multifamily housing. He said he believes that the Comprehensive Plan was more important than zoning, but both by nature should be flexible. He said, however, it should be much more difficult to change the Comprehensive Plan than the zoning plan. He said an OPDH plan is to permit more appropriate development of property. He said he would not vote for any project where the - density exceeds the Comprehensive Plan density although he was willing to listen to 'changes in zoning. He said he thought the density in the application needs to be changed or there should be a proposal from staff to change the Comprehensive Plan. He said he would prefer to see the density changed to what is allowable within the Comprehensive Plan. Jakobsen asked if the neighborhood could initiate a request for sidewalks. Miklo said they had in the past. He said there was an assessment project proposed but one of the property owners had opposed this at the Council level. Jakobsen said the neighbors should consider another request. She said she agrees with Gibson in that the proposal would require a change in the Comprehensive Plan. She said she did not think that RS-8 was a high density zoning. She said she would not vote for the proposal because of the Comprehensive Plan and because the proposal was too dense. Scott said he agreed with those who felt the land use for this tract should be limited to 32 units. He said when maximum densities have been pushed the offsetting of the public good was not always met. He said it is a difficult task to provide this type of housing. He said it was his opinion that a number of developers would be willing to build 8-plexes and 12-plexes. He said this would be a better plan in his judgement and that low to moderate Planning & Zoning Commission July 6, 1995 Page 10 income housing should be dispersed thmughou. t the community rather than contained in one large complex. Gibson said he sensed the project would go down in defeat tonight but felt it could be a salvageable project. Miklo said if the project was deferred, the applicant would have an opportunity to revise the OPDH plan. He said if the Commission voted it down, a new application would be required, Franklin said it would be useful to have some direction from the Commission as to what would constitute something acceptable for deferral. She said the other option was to vote the application down with reconsideration at a later date and at a lower density, or the applicant could take the proposal to Council, Scott said he thought a motion to reconsider at a later date would be preferable, The motion was defeated bv a vote of 0-6. MOTION,' Jakobsen moved t~ deny REZ95-0010, a request submitted by Bob P. Burns and the Greater Iowa City Housing Fellowship for a rezoning of approximately 7.8 acres located east of Old Dubuque Road and north of Dodge Street from RS-5, Low Density Single-Family Residential, to OPDH-8, Planned Development Housing Overlay. Bovbjerg seconded, The motion carried on a vote of 6-0. HISTORIC PRESERVATION ITEMS: Public discussion of amendments to City Code Section 14-4C, "Historic Preservation Regulations," and Section 14-6J, "Overlay Zones," to create a new overlay zoning district entitled "Conservation Overlay Zone," Kugler said there was nothing new on the Historic Preservation regulations. He said archeological sites would be listed specifically in the amendment as stated in his memo. He said Doug Russell was here to address any questions. Public discussion. There was none. Public discussion closed. MOTION. Supple moved to approve amendments to City Code Section 14-4C, "Historic Preservation Regulations," and Section 14-6J, "Overlay Zones," to create a new overlay zoning district entitled "Conservation Overlay Zone." Bovbjerg seconded, Jakobsen stated that she was opposed to any amendments that would add a new layer of regulations for development, The motion carrled on a vote of 4.2, wi~h Jakobsen and Starr In the neqatlve, · Planning & Zoning Commission July 6, 1995 Page 11 Public discussion of amendments to City Code Section 14-4C, "Historic Preservation Regulations," and Section 14-6J, "Overlay Zones," to allow the City to designate and protect historic landmarks. Public discussion, There was none. Public discussion closed. MOTION. Supple moved to approve amendments to City Code Section 14- 4C,"Hlstorlc Preservation Regulations," and Section 14-6J, "Overlay Zones," to allow the City to designate and protect historic I~ndmarks. Jakobsen seconded. The motion carded on a vote of 6-0. DEVELOPMENT ITEMS: SUB95-0012. Public discussion of an application submitted by Sycamore Farms Inc. for preliminary plat approval of Saddlebrook, a 223 acre, 1C-lot residential subdivision, and Saddlebrook, Lot 5, a 4.1 acre, 222*unit Manufactured Housing Park located south of Hwy. 6 and Heinz Road. Scott said the applicant would make his presentation tonight and that staff would make their presentation July 20th. Public Discussion, Donald Westphal, no address .qiven, said he was a landscape architect from Rochester, Michigan. He said he was happy to do be doing a comprehensive project for a large · piece of property, He presented a slide presentation giving an overview of the history of ' manufactured housing, He said current manufactured housing units were very affordable and durable, He said the image of the proposed project was very important and that residents should have the same dignity in living as more expensive units could provide. He showed the Commission a site plan of the proposed development, and said that it would be a 12 to 15 year project, He said the design was planned with circulation throughout and the project would be clustered into pod formations. He presented the Commission with an overview plan of the project. Starr asked what the term "land lease" meant. Westphal said the residents would own their house but would lease their lot. He said this would assure a level of development standards. Bovbjerg asked if there were any plans for more community facilities within future phases of the project. Westphal said that would be fleshed out whenever future phases of the plan are developed. He said community building may be different for different types of communities. Scott said the project had been a long time in coming. He said the item would be on the work schedule for July 17 and on the formal agenda for July 20. Planning & Zoning Commission July 6, 1995 Page 12 MOTION. Gibson moved to defer SUB95-0012, an' application submitted by Sycamore Farms Inc. for preliminary plat approval of Saddlebrook, a 223 acre, 10-lot residential subdivision, and Saddlebrook, Lot 5, a 41 acre, 222-unit Manufactured Housing Park located south of Hwy. 6 and Heinz Road to July 20, 1995. Starr seconded. The motion carried on a vote of 6-0. SUB95-0019. Public discussion of an application submitted by Lyle Donohoe for preliminary and final plat approval of Donohoe Fourth Subdivision, a 11.35 acre, 2-lot subdivision located within Fringe Area 1 on the south side of Highway 1 at its intersection with Landon Road. Miklo said the applicant had requested that the item be deferred until September 7. Public dlscusalon. There was none. Public discussion closed. MOTION. Bovbjerg moved to defer SUB95-0019, an appllsatlon submitted by Lyle Donoboe for preliminary and final plat approval of Donohoe Fourth Subdivision, a 11.35 acre, 2-lot subdivision located within Fringe Area 1 on the south side of Htghway I at its Intersection with Landon Road. Starr seconded. The motion carried on a vote of 6-0. SUB95-0021. Public discussion of an application an application submitted by Blackhawk Partners for final plat approval of Boyrum Subdivision, Part 4, a 3-1or, 11.67 acre · commercial subdivision located south of Highway 6 between Boyrum Street and 'Waterfront Drive. Miklo said staff recommends approval subject to approval by Public Works on the construction plans and of the revised final plat and legal papers approved by the City Attorney prior to Council consideration. Public dlscusalon. There was none. Public discussion closed. MOTION. Gibson moved to approve SUB95-0021, an application an application submitted by Blackhawk Partners for final plat approval of Boyrum Subdivision, Part 4, a 3-lot, 11.67 acre commercial subdivision located south of Highway 6 between Boyrum Street and Waterfront Drive. BovbJerg seconded. The motion carried on a vote of 6-0. Planning & Zoning Commission July 6, 1995 Page 13 DESIGN REVIEW iTEM: Public discussion of amendments to City Code Title 14, Chapter 6, "Zoning," Article J, "Ovedy Zones," by creating a new overlay zoning distdct entitled "Design Overly Zone." Laura Hawks, chair of the Design Review Committee, said the Committee had discussed projects on urban renewal as well as the future goals of the Committee, She said they had received positive feedback on the proposed ordinance and noted that it would work hand in hand with historic districts. She said design review districts designated in the Near South Side Redevelopment area would enable design review of new construction so that it is sympathetic with older buildings, She said regulated districts would raise property values due to consistency of good design. She said Committee members would have responsibility to encourage good design standards, but that the Committee would welcome public participation in designating districts. She said the Committee would be made'up of seven members if the ordinance is put in place and would meet twice a month. David Schoon, staff assistant for the Design Review Committee, said that exterior alteration to a structure would require design review. He said specific guidelines would be established when creating a design review district. Starr asked if this could involve just one structure, Schoon said it would be an area approach to maintain architectural features in an existing area. He said the Committee would evaluate an area and put a plan together for the area. He said this would go on to Council for approval. Scott asked if this would be limited to commercial districts. Schoon said that at this point it is not limited. Starr asked if a neighborhood could request a specific design overlay, Schoon said it is conceivable but that is not the Committee's intention. Miklo said staff did not think this was an appropriate ordinance for single family zones. Scott asked why they didn't include enabling legislation limiting it to commercial districts. Schoon said that there was a distinction between regulating single family homes versus areas of interspersed uses, He said this would be reviewed and the wording would be worked on when · considering a specific district. Miklo asked if the Commission would be more comfortable 'limiting review districts to commercial and higher density multi-family zones. Scott said he would never support design review for the entire City. Holecek pointed out that this was enabling legislation only. Bovbjerg said she wondered if there was a way to get the same goals without regulation, MOTION. Jakobsen moved to defer amendments to City Code Title 14, Chapter 6E, "Zoning," Article J, "Overly Zones," by creating a new overlay zoning district entitled "Design Overly Zone" to July 20, 1995. Gibson seconded. Clara Swan, a member of the Committee said they wanted to take the "scariness" out of .the ordinance. She said this was a matter of education to the public and to business owners. She said she saw the Committee as a watch dog to avoid glaring mistakes in the downtown that would adversely affect the economic environment. She said Iowa City has a unique character and she would like to see that enhanced. She said the Committee was not out to d!ctate rules and regulations. The motion carried on a vote of 6-0. Planning & Zoning Commission July 6, 1995 Page 14 CONSIDERATION OF THE JUNE 15, 1995 PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES: MOTION.° Supple moved to approve the June 15, 1995 Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes as amended. Glbaon seconded. The motion carried on a vote of 6-0. PLANNING AND ZONING INFORMATION: Miklo said they had a request from the Airport Commission to include a representative from the Planning and Zoning Commission or a committee work on the Airport Master Plan. Scott said Dlerks would be designated representative. ADJOURNMENT: MOTION. Jakobsen moved to adjourn the meeting at 11:50 P.M. Supple seconded, The motion carried on a vote of 6-0. Sally Dlerks, Secreta~j Minutes submitted by Lita Sorensen ppdadrnin~nins~p&z7-6 IOWA CITY PIM, NNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING THURSDAY, JULY 6, 1995 - 7:30 P.M. CIVIC CEN't'F.~ COUNCIL CHAMBERS SIGN IN SHEET Address 1Z 18. 19. MINUTES COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY NEEDS Goodwill Industries, Conference Room July 13, 1995 Members Present: Lisa Engh, Linda Murray, John Falb, Tim Rutton, Chris Randall, Gretchen Schmuch and Grace Cooper Members Absent: Jim Harris StaffPre~ent; Stephen Long and Steven Nasby RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL 1. Approval of By-Laws for the new Housing and Community Development Commission. 2. That the Council consider appointing all of the existing members of the Committee on Community Needs and the Housing Commission to the new Housing and Community Development Commission. Meeting Called To Order Murray called the meeting to order at 5:47 p.m. following the Community Development Celebration at Goodwill Industries. Approval of Minutes Engh moved that the minutes of the June 14, 1995 meeting be approved. Falb seconded the motion. Motion passed 7-0. bib moved that the minutes of the joint CCN-Housing Commission meeting on June 14, 1995 be approved. Schmuch seconded. Motion passed 7-0. Council Update Murray said that there were still vacancies on several City Boards and Commissions. Housing Commission Update Harris was not in attendance. Nasby said that the Housing Commission dealt with a grievance filed in conjunction with a Housing Rehabilitation project. Discussion of Housing and Community Development Commission By-Laws Nasby explained that the By.Laws in the packets were revised as discussed at the June 14, 1995 joint meeting and the Housing Commission had already made its recommendation to Council to approve them as presented. There was discussion on whether or not CCN could recommend to Council that all existing CCN and Housing Commission members be appointed to the new Commission. Nasby stated that CCN could certainly make the recommendation to Council and that Council would Im considering the Resolution establishing the new Commission at its 1uly 18, 1995 meeting. Randall moved that the By-Laws be recommended to Council with the recommendation that the existing members of CCN and the Housing Commission be appointed to the new Commission. Ruxton seconded. Motion passed 7-0. Old Business None. New Business Murray stated that the Greater Iowa City Housing Fellowship (OICHt~) and Bums would be going to Council with their request for rezoning some land on Old Dubuque Road for affordable rental housing. Nasby told CCN that the project would also be coming back to them and the Housing Commission for review since the project had changed since funds were originally recommended in 1994. Murray stated that the Planning and Zoning Commission had denied the rezoning request. Randall said that CCN should meet and approve the project so Council would have more than just the Planning and Zoning recommendation for denial. CCN then decided to move their August meeting to August 9, 1995; that way CCN could make a recommendation to Council before its August 15, 1995 meeting. Adjournment A motion to adjourn was made and seconded. The motion passed 7-0. Meeting was adjourned at 6:10 p.m.