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Home My WebLink About2005-02-01 Ordinance Prepared by: Robert Miklo, PCD, 410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240; 319-356-5240 (REZ04-0005) ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE BY CHANGING THE ZONING DESIGNATION FROM MEDIUM DENSITY SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL, RS-8, TO SENSITIVE AREAS OVERLAY/MEDIUM DENSITY SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL, SAC/RS-8, ZONE AND A PRELIMINARY SENSITIVE AREAS DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR OLDE TOWNE VILLAGE. WHEREAS, the owner, Plum Grove Acres, Inc. has requested rezoning of this property from RS-8 to SAC-8 to allow the development of a mixture of single-family homes, zero-lot line dwellings and townhouse style multi-family buildings on property containing a wetland; and WHEREAS, the Sensitive Areas Development Plan includes the removal of some Iow quality wetland areas to be mitigated in a larger reconstructed wetland; and WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission has reviewed the proposed rezoning and Sensitive Areas Development Plan and has found that it complies with the requirements of the Sensitive Areas Overlay Zone and the Conditional Zoning Agreement agreed to by the applicant and the City with the approval of the annexation and rezoning of this property in 2002 (ordinance number 02-4002); and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IOWA CITY, IOWA: SECTION I. APPROVAL. The property described below is hereby reclassified from Single-Family Residential, RS-8, to Sensitive Areas Overlay/Medium Density Single-Family Residential, SAC/RS-8, and the associated Sensitive Areas Development Plan is hereby approved: Commencing at the Center of Section 7, Township 79 North, Range 5 West of the Fifth Principal Meridian, Johnson County, Iowa; Thence N86°46'1 I"W, along the centerline of Lower Branch Road SE, 1836.47 feet; Thence N01°19'52"E, 33.02 feet to a point an the northerly line of Lower West Branch Road SE and the Point of Beginning; Thence N86°46'1 I"W, along said northerly right-of-way line, 472.36 feet; Thence northwesterly, 220.86 feet along said northerly right-of-way line and an arc cfa 542.00 foot radius curve, concave northeasterly, whose 219.34 foot chord bears N75°05'45"W to a point on the east line of Auditor's Parcel 97040 as recorded in Plat Book 37 at Page 347 in the records of the Johnson County Recorder; Thence N00°35'42"E, along said east line, 489.17 feet; Thence N89°24'lS'~V, along the north line of said Auditor's Parcel 97040, a distance of 250.00 feet, to a point on the easterly right-of-way line of Scott Boulevard; Thence N00°35'42"E, along said easterly right-of-way line, 398.14 feet; Thence northwesterly, 80.15 feet along said easterly right-of-way line and an arc of 1050.00 foot radius curve, concave southwesterly, whose 80.13 foot chord bears N01°35'32"W; Thence northeasterly, 137.43 feet along an arc of a 720.00 foot radius curve, concave northwesterly, whose 137.22 foot chord bears N81°49'30"E; Thence N76°21'24"E, 402.01 feet; Thence northeasterly, 203.93 feet, along an arc of a 780.00 foot radius curve, concave southeasterly, whose 203.35 foot chord bears N83°50'48"E; Thence S88°40'08"E, 225.47 to the Northwest corner of Lot 2 of Tegler Subdivision, as recorded in Plat Book 25 at Page 42, records of Johnson County, Iowa; Thence S01°19'52"W, along the westerly line of said Lot 2, a distance of 1184.21 feet to said Point of Beginning containing 21.00 acres and subject to easements and restrictions of record. SECTION II. ZONING MAP. The Building Inspector is hereby authorized and directed to change the zoning map of the City of Iowa City, Iowa, to conform to this amendment upon the final passage, approval and publication of this ordinance as provided by law. SECTION IV. CERTIFICATION AND RECORDING. Upon passage and approval of the Ordinance, the City Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to certify a copy of the ordinance and the Sensitive Areas Development Plan and to record the same at the office of the County Recorder of Johnson County, Iowa, at the owner's expense, all as provided by law. SECTION V. REPEALER. All ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict with the provision of this ordinance are hereby repealed. SECTION VI. SEVERABILITY. If any section, provision or part of this ordinance shall be adjudged to be invalid or unconstitutional, such adjudication shall not affect the validity of the ordinance as a whole or any section, provision or part thereof not adjudged invalid or unconstitutional. SECTION VII. EFFECTIVE DATE. This ordinance shall be in effect after its final passage, approval and publication, as required by law. Passed and approved this __ day of ,20 MAYOR ATTEST: CITY CLERK Approved by ppdadmin/ord/plumgrove.doc Ordinance No. Page __ It was moved by and seconded by that the Ordinance as read be adopted, and upon roll call there were: AYES: NAYS: ABSENT: Bailey Champion Elliott Lehman O'Donnell Vanderhoef Wilburn First Consideration 2/1/05 Voteforpassage: AYES: Champion, Elliott, Lehman, O'Donnell, Vanderhoef, Wilburn, Bailey. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. Second Consideration Vote for passage: Date published NOTZCE OF PUBLZC HEARZNG Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the City Council of Iowa City, ]iowa, at 7:00 p.m. on the first day of February, 2005, in Emma ]. Harvat Hall, 410 E. Washington Street, Towa City, ]Iowa, or if said meeting is cancelled, at the next meeting of the City Council thereafter as posted by the City Clerk; at which hearing the Council will consider: A resolution amending the Comprehensive Plan to revise the land use map for the Southwest District Plan. A copy of the proposed resolution is on file for public examination in the office of the City Clerk, City Hall, Towa City, Towa. Persons wishing to make their views known for Council consideration are encouraged to appear at the above-mentioned time and place. MARIAN K. KARR, CITY CLERK City of Iowa City MEMORANDUM Date: December 29, 2004 To: Planning and Zoning Commission From: John Yapp, Associate Planner Re: Southwest District Comprehensive Plan amendment The agenda for your January 6, 2005 meeting includes a public hearing on a request to amend the Southwest District Plan to show commercial development on the undeveloped property located north of Highway 1, west of Highway 218, and east of Kitty Lee Road. Staff has generated a version of the Southwest District land use map showing this change for your review. In conformance with the staff recommendation in the December 16 Davis Annexation staff report related to this property, we recommend that office commercial zoning be shown on the northern portion of this property adjacent of the residential properties, and that general commercial be shown on the southern portion of the property abutting Highway 1 and Highway 218. Approved by: '"' Robert Miklo, Senior Planner, Department of Planning and Community Development Attachment DEFEATED Prepared by: Shelley McCafferty, Associate Planner, 410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240; 319-356-5243 (REZ04-00026) AN ORDINANCE CHANGING THE ZONING DESIGNATION FROM MEDIUM DENSITY SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (RS-8) AND NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION RESIDENTIAL (RNC-12), TO MEDIUM DENSITY SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL/HISTORIC PRESERVATION OVERLAY (RS-8/OHP) AND NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION RESIDENTIAL/HISTORIC PRESERVATION OVERLAY (RNC-12/OHP) TO DESIGNATE THE GILBERT-LINN STREET HISTORIC DISTRICT. WHEREAS, the historic resources of the Northside Neighborhood have been surveyed and evaluated, and the proposed Gilbert-Linn Street Historic District has been deemed eligible for the National Register of Historic Places and for local historic district designation; and WHEREAS, the Iowa City Historic Preservation Plan, contained in the Iowa City Comprehensive Plan, recommends consideration of the designation of conservation and historic districts within the Northside Neighborhood; and WHEREAS, the Iowa City Comprehensive Plan recommends preservation of the integrity of historic neighborhoods, the stabilization of neighborhoods, and supports efforts of the Historic Preservation Commission; and WHEREAS, the Iowa City Municipal Code authorizes the Historic Preservation Commission to recommend and the City Council to designate historic districts, where deemed appropriate, as a means of preserving the neighborhood character of traditional Iowa City neighborhoods, or for preserving areas that exemplify unique or distinctive development patterns; and WHEREAS, the Historic Preservation Commission feels that the Gilbert-Linn Street Historic District will help stabilize the neighborhood by providing for design review of alterations and additions to, and demolition of existing buildings, and the construction of new building, which will assure compatibility with the existing character of the district, and will encourage the retention of existing contributing structures within the Northside Neighborhood; and WHEREAS, at its September 23, 2004 public hearing, the Historic Preservation Commission recommended said properties for rezoning to designate the Gilbert -Linn Street Historic District; and WHEREAS, at its November 4, 2004 meeting, the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of said rezoning to designate the Gilbert-Linn Street Historic District; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IOWA CITY, IOWA: SECTION I. APPROVAL. The Gilbert-Linn Street Historic District, legally described below and illustrated on Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference, is hereby designated as a Historic Preservation Overlay (OPH) Zone and subject to the guidelines of the Iowa City Historic Preservation Handbook including Section 8.4, Northside Neighborhood District Guidelines hereto attached, incorporated herein by this reference: An area containing all of Blocks 55 and 56, the north half of Block 57, and lots 1 and 8 of Block 72, Original Town, Iowa City, Iowa. Aisc including, in said Original Town: The west 30' of lot 3, and all of lots 4,5,6 and 7, Block 54; All of lots 4 and 5, plus the west 20' of lot 6, Block 50; All of lots 4 and 5, plus the west 20' of lot 3, Block 49; All of lot 4, plus the west 15' of the south 40' of lot 3, Block 48; All of lots 1,2, and 8, plus the east half of lot 3, Block 69; All of lots 1,7, and 8, plus the east half of lot 6, and the east 50' of lot 2, Block 70; The east 60' of the south 75' of lot 8, and the north 75' of lots 7 and 8, Block 71; In Block 71, all of lot 1, plus the east 17.25' of the north 81' of lot 2, and a portion of lot 2, described as follows: Beginning at the southwest corner of lot 1, thence north 69', west 17.25', north 6', west 22', south 75', east 40' to the beginning. SECTION II. ZONING MAP. The Building Inspector is hereby authorized and directed to change the zoning map of the City of Iowa City, Iowa, to conform to this amendment upon the final passage, approval and publication of this ordinance as provided by law. SECTION III. CERTIFICATION AND RECORDING. Upon passage and approval of the Ordinance, the City Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to certify a copy of this ordinance and to record the DEFEATED same at the office of the County Recorder of Johnson County, Iowa, all as provided by law. SECTION IV. REPEALER. All ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict with the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed. SECTION V. SEVERABILITY. If any section, provision or part of the Ordinance shall be adjudged to be invalid or unconstitutional, such adjudication shall not affect the validity of the Ordinance as a whole or any section, provision or part thereof not adjudged invalid or unconstitutional. SECTION VI. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance shall be in effect after its final passage, approval and publication, as provided by law. Passed and approved this __ day of , 2004. MAYOR ATTEST: CITY CLERK Approved by ~' Ci-ty'Attor~ey's Office Shared/pcd/histpres/~ongfellow/Iongfellow ordinance.doc DEFEATED Ordinance No. Page__ It was moved by and seconded by that the Ordinance as read be adopted, and upon roll call there were: AYES: NAYS: ABSENT: Bailey Champion Elliott Lehman O'Donnell Vanderhoef Wilburn First Consideration 2/1/05 Vote for passage: AYES : Vanderhoef, Wilburn, Bailey, Champion. NAYS: Lehman, O'Donnell, Elliott. ABSENT: None. Second Consideration Vote for passage: Date published Exhibit A Gilbert-Linn Street Historic District RONALDS ST 619 228 I ~ 527 514 ~11 506 FAIRCHILD ST 225 301/ ~ 311 ~ 429 430 ~ 303 m ~ 421 426 418/ 419 411 412 409 414 DAVENPORT ST 326 ~ 331 323 322 m 325 319 318 BkOO~I~GTO~ N GILBERT-LINN STREET HISTORIC DISTRICT OWNERS No. Street Owner's Name Owner's Address City State 228-232 E Bloomington St Thomas M & Joan M. Cook 2835 Friendship St. Iowa City IA 52245 225 E Church St James B & Becky J, Buxton 1811 Muscatine Ave. Iowa City IA 52240 228 E Church St Jack Lageschulte Nicole Slabach 3 Marbury Ln. Barrington IL 60010 308 E Church St. Camay Enterprises Company LTD. Tsun Yeh Liu 3725 Forest Gate Dr NE Iowa City IA 52240 309 E Church St. Chris Offut 309 Church St. Iowa City IA 52245 314 E Church St The Delta Chi Fraternity Inc. PO Box 1817 Iowa City IA 52244 316 E Church St Judith S. & Franklin Miller 316 Church St. owa City IA 52245 317 E Church St. Catherine A. Schneider 317 Church St. owa City IA 52245 318 E Church St. Tina M. & Larry R ~Woodsmall 318 Church St. Iowa City IA 52245 324 E Church St. Molly R. Ramer 211 Friendship St. Iowa City tA 52245 319-323 E Church St James A, & Loretta Clark 414 Market St. Iowa City IA 52245 333-337 E Church St, James A, & Loretta Clark 414 Market St, Iowa City IA 52245 214 E Davenpod St. H & G 10 Heather Dr. Iowa City IA 52245 217 E Davenport St. Joseph L. Dobrien c/o Keystone Prop, Mgmt. 533 Southgate Ave. Iowa City A 52240 220 E Davenport St. Hodge Construction Company 711 S. Gilbert St. Iowa City A 52240 222 E Davenport St. John Nelson. lC Rentals LC 741 Oakland Ave. Iowa City IA 52240 223 E Davenport St. Donna M. Launspach PO Box 1306 Iowa City A 52244 225 E Davenoort St. Jill R, Gaulding & Marc N. Light 225 Davenport St Iowa City IA 52245 304 E Davenport St. Ammentorp Properties LLC 2709 163rd St. NE Ridgefield WA 98642 308 E Davenport St. Ammentorp Properties LLC 2709 163rd St. NE Ri(tgefield WA 98642 311 E Davenport St. Dwight A. Dobberstein & Nancy L. Parker 326 N. Linn St. Iowa City IA 52245 312 E Davenoort St. Katherine Johnson 203 W, 20th St, #4W New York NY 10011 314 E Davenport St. Hubert L, & Leona H. Rummelhart 314 Davenort St. Iowa City IA 52245 315 E Davenport St. Joel D. & Melissa C. Schintler 155 Columbia Dr Iowa City IA 52245 319 E Davenport St. Everill & Jean Ann Daters 320 Park Rd. Iowa City IA 52246 320 E Davenoorl St. Walter J. & Jane A. Kopsa 130 Ashwood Dr, Iowa City IA 52240 321-323 E Davenport St. Frank G. Person 321 Davenport St. Iowa City IA 52245 324 E Davenport St. WalterJ &JaneA Kopsa 130 Ashwood Dr IowaCity IA 52240 332 E Davenport St. Carol S. De Saint Victor 332 Davenport St, Iowa City IA 52245 402 E Davenoort St James B & Becky J. Buxtor: 1811 Muscatine Ave. Iowa City IA 52245 404 E Davenport St. William Lake - Lake & Lake LC 1912 Flatiron Ave. Iowa City IA 52240 221 E Fairchild St. F George & Wilma M. Blair 225 Fairchild St Iowa City IA 52245 225 E Fairchild St. F. George & Wilma M. Blair 225 Fairchild St. Iowa City IA 52245 230 E Fairchild St. James D, Pohl & Ryan L. Rooney 603 S. Dodge St, Iowa City IA 52240 301-303 E Fairchild St. Greg J. Alle~ 2427 Hwy 6 NW Tiffin IA 52340 309 E Fairchild St. Shirley A. Harrison 1713 S. Ave. South Amana IA 52334 311 E Fairchild St. Susan K. Futrell & William J Jennings 311 Fairchild St, owa City IA 52245 312 E Fairchild St. Wilfred E. & Patricia A. Eckhardt 514 N. Linn St. owa City IA 52245 314 E Fairchild St. Roy E. Reynolds & Marcy E. Rosenbaum 314 Fairchild St, owa City IA 52245 317 E Fairchild St. Thomas E. & Julianne K McNalley 317 Fairchild St, iowa City IA 52245 320 E Fairchild St. Roy E Reynolds & Marcy E Rosenbaum 673 Westwinds Dr. Iowa City IA 52246 324 E Fairchild St Douglad B. Critser & Lisa C Koizumi 324 Fairchild St. Iowa City IA 52245~O lyes 326 E Fairchild St. Harry Hinckley 886 Park PI. Iowa City IA 52246~R lno,~ 328 E Fairchild St. Jeffrey L. & Beth M. Dill 720 Rosebud Ct. Coralville IA 522411R ~no ~ 402 E Fairchild St Hoa Thi Le & Vi Thi Ngugen 6345 Hazelwood Davenport IA 52806~R ~no ~ 318 N Gilbert St. William C. & Julia E. Leupold 3084 130th St Spirit Lake A 51360~R ~no ,~ 324 N Gilbert St, John R. & Erma M Alberhasky 1150 Jefferson St. Iowa City A 52245~ R ~no; 325 N Gilbert St. Eugene F. Fisher 3485 G. Richard Cir. SW Iowa City A 52240~ R ~no ~ 330 N Gilbert St Renetta A. Webster 330 N. Gilbert St Iowa City A 52245~O lno ~, 331 N Gilbert St Emergency Housing Project Inc. 33'1 N. Gilbert St Iowa City A 52245~ R lno ~ 409 N Gilbert St Spaight Se~ices LLC c/o Thomas N. Spaight 1185 Forevergreen Rd. Iowa City A 52240~ R lyes 413 N Gilbert St Jeffrey Porter & Claire Sponsler 413 N. Gilbert St Iowa City IA 5224510 ~yes 414 N Gilbert St. The Housing Group, Krista Goldsberry 414 N. Gilbert St Iowa City IA 52245~O/1: lyes 418 N Gilbert St. Benjamin & Carolyn Barrientes 418 N. Gilbert St Iowa City IA 52245 O 419 N Gilbert St. Amelia R. Baum & Michael R. Singer 419 N Gilbert St Iowa City IA 52245 420 N.Gilbert St. Eugene Fisher - Keystone Property Management 533 Southgate Ave. Iowa City IA 52240 421-429 N Gilbert St. Melvin D & Alice L. Roth 1340 12th Ave. Coralville IA 52241 426 N Gilbert St. Waltraud Maierhofer 426 N. Gilbert St Iowa City IA 52245 430 N Gilbert St. Victoria A. Walton & Wally Plahutnik 430 N. Gilbert St. Iowa City tA 52245 511 N Gilbert St. Kimbedy Ewert & Patrick Robertson 511 N. Gilbed St Iowa City IA 52245 512 N Gilbert St, Pohl Family Properties P.O. Box 1264 Iowa City IA 52244 514 N Gilbert St Mary Bakas 514 N. Gilbert St. iowa City IA 52245 519 N Gilbert St Jim Breneman (Steven Droll) 3312 Arbor Drive Iowa City IA 52245 520 N Gilbert St. Carole Ann Eldeen 1018 Ronalds St. Iowa City IA 52245 522 N Gilbert St. Tim Finer 1436 Aburdeen Ct. Iowa City IA 52243 528 N Gilbert St. Bruce & Lisa Brechtel 155 Juniper Court North Liberty IA 52317 311 N Linn St. owa City Monthly Meeting of Friends 311 N. Linn St. Iowa City IA 52240 yes 313 N Linn St. Ammentorp Properties LLC 2709 163rd St. NE Ridgefield WA 98642 2 318 N Linn St. Dwight A. Dobberstein & Nancy L. Parker 326 N. Linn St Iowa City IA 52245 2 319 N Linn St. Ammentorp Properties LLC 2709 163rd St. NE Ridgefield WA 68642 no 2 322 N Linn St. Mary K. Palmberg 1718 Wilson St. Iowa City IA 52245 no 2 323 N Linn St. Donald L. Stumbo & Janene Elayne Panfil 3082 Running Deer Rd. NE Iowa City IA 52240 326 N Linn St. Dwight A Dobberstein & Nancy L Parker 326 N. Linn St Iowa City IA 52245 2 328 N Linn St. Eugene F Fisher 3485 G. Richard Cir. SW Iowa City IA 52240 no 2 403 N Linn St. James B. & Becky J. Buxton 1811 Muscatine Ave. Iowa City IA 52240 no 2 411 N Linn St. Nicole Slabach - RMB Investments LLC 3286 Hwy 1 SW Iowa City IA 52240 2 412 N Linn St. Arthur K. & Shari Sweeting 2026 130th St. Riverside IA 52327 416 N Linn St. Sarah Buss & Henry L. Paulsor~ 416 N. Linn St Iowa City IA 52245 420 N Linn St. H & G 10 Heather Dr. Iowa City IA 52245 506 N Linn St. W~lfred E. & Patricia A Eckhardt 514 N. Linn St owa City IA 52245 507 N Linn St Michael Allen & Debra Kay Cooper 1415 Franklin Ave. West Branch IA 52358 514 N Linn St. Wilfred E. & Patricia A Eckhardt 514 N. Linn St owa City IA 52245 521 N Linn St. James A. & Loretta C. Clark 414 Market St. owa City IA 52245 522 N;Lnnst T. DaVid Egenberger & wendy Caye M0ses i 102 C01iege st. 10wa city A 52240]R nc 526 N Linn St. Timothy D. T0°mey & Ruth Al Fugisang:T°omey 526 N Linn St. iowa City ;IA 5224510 yes 527 N Linn St. ,james A & Lorett,; C. clark 414 Marl(et st. iowa City IA 522451R yes 533 N Linn St. Grego~ j. & Leann D. HaSsman 1635 Larch Ave WashingtOn iA 523531R no2 6i2 N Linn St. Matthew D. Lep C 1849 H°li~0od Ct. 10wa city IA 5224CIR no2 6i5 ; N;Linn St. Thomas D. & Teresa P. Kane 420 R0nalds stl 10wa city iA 522451R no2 6i9 N Linn Stl Clarence J. & D0rothY El HaVerkamp 6i9 N. Linn Stl 10wa City iA 5224510 yes 620 N Linn st. ThOmas D. & Teresa p. Kane ;420 R0naids st, ;iowa city A 522451R no 2 624 NLinn St JOhn Al &Kayla K. cress 4506 D~den Ct. 0Wa C~ iA 52245/R no 2 628 : N LinnSt. Scott Ramsp0ttl MCSP0tt Ll_C 18936 Shoot ng Star Rd Anam0sa iA 52205/R no 2 629 N LinnSt. J0hn S. Mann& Tamaj. Baidwin 629N Lnnst 0wacty A 5224i/0 yes 'I r_AND - Square footage I Oppose 249,127~ Total 501,400~ Percent oppose 49.7%~ Supporters of Linn-Gilbert Historic District Who Don't Own Property in Proposed Boundaries Last First Street Zip 1 Sewell Meredith 420 Fairchild St 52245 2 Cassiliano Flora 219 Ronalds St. 52245 3 Schlue Mollie 232 Mott St. 52245 4 Wolfe Brendan 100 Highland Dr 52246 5 Tallent Cinda 715 Gilbert 6 Ponto Jim 618 Brown St. 7 Buss VVilliam & Barbara 718 S. Summit St. 52240 8 Kolen Amy 7 Penn Circle 52245 9 Thompson Will 516 Grant St. 10 van der Woude Steve & Barbara 509 Brown St. 11 O'Brian D.M. 613 Ronalds St. 52245 12 Bausermaw John 617 Ronaldds. St. 52245 13 Schelz Wendy 704 Ronalds St. 52245 14 Deetz Loren 628 N. Johnson St. 52245 15 Murphy Melissa J. 219 N Gilbert 52245 16 Schlueter Renee 720 N Dodge 52245 17 Milani Martha 730 Ronalds 52245 18 Buford Helen 604 Ronalds 52245 19 Collier Lisa 524 Church St. 52245 20 Romano Ed 524 Church St. 52245 21 Lensing Michael 411 E Fairchild 22 Macgillivray Catherine 408 E Fairchild 23 Holman Tim 420 Fairchild St 24 Hauserman Nancy 729 N Linn 52245 25 Brandt Lowell & Paula 824 N Gilbert 52245 26 Brandbury Jane 115 Montrose Ave 52245 27 MacGuire Linda 618 Ronalds St. 52255 28 Ephgrave Patricia 325 Ferson Ave. 29 Thorns Becky 1130 Jefferson St. 30 Michaud Pam 109 S. Johnson St. 52240 31 Kowalski Dennis 1932 Hafor Dr. 52246 32 Semel Jay 331 Summit 33 Pascoe Judith 820 Fairchild 34 Johnson Nicholas PO Box 1876- lC 35 Buzuvis Erin 732 Dearborn 36 Gavruseva Elena 224 Orchard Ct. 37 VanderVelde Lea 914 Highwood St. 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 5O nODGE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY ~7~,_ l'~le~ 711 South Gilbert Street Iowa City, Iowa 52240 (319) 354-2233 December 22, 2004 Iowa City Council Civic Center 410 East Washington Street Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Dear Council Members: As the property owner of 220 East Davenport Street in Iowa City, we want to go on record as being opposed to the proposed local North Gilbert-Linn Historic District. As such we want to have our property excluded from the proposed local North Gilbert-Linn Historic District. Please note our opposition/request in your records in advance of the public hearing at the Council Meeting on January 4, 2005. Sincerely, HM;Cdhgaee~ oE~sH~ -e~' P rtrffction ~oSimdepnatny ,~ ~.~._... Notarial Seal - IOWA "~" Commission No. 108199 ,:,w^ My Commission Expires 1/9/06~ James B. Buxton 1811 Muscatine Avenue Iowa City, Iowa 52240-6414 (319) 354-7262 February 1, 2005 City Council City of Iowa City 410 East Washington Street Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Dear Council: I received word just a short while ago that a notarized letter objecting to the proposed North Gilbert-Linn Historic District signed by Mike Hodge and turned in by myself to the City Clerk's office on his behalf on December 28, 2004 has not been recorded as having been received by the City of Iowa City. This letter was notarized at Mr. Hodge's office and picked up by myself on December 27, 2004. I personally delivered it to the City Clerk's office on December 28, 2004 to a young female staff member. I have no idea why this letter has not been logged in as a part of the official letters of objection. Mr. Hodge gave me three originals that were notarized that day, and at this time I am submitting another of the originals to you to be listed as a notarized letter of objection. Thanks in advance for your consideration of this information. Please let me know if you have any questions at all. James B. Buxton Jbb Encl. Prepared by: Shelley McCafferty, Associate Planner, 410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240; 319-356-5243 (REZ04-00026) AN ORDINANCE CHANGING THE ZONING DESIGNATION FROM MEDIU! TY SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (RS-8) AND NEIGHBORHOOD ;ERVATION RESIDENTIAL (RNC-12), TO MEDIUM DENSITY SINGLE FAMILY RES ~RIC PRE~,ERVATION OVERLAY (RS-8/OHP) AND NEIGHBORH~ CONSERVATION RESIDENTIAL/HISTORIC PRESERVATION OVERLAY (I TO DESIGNATE THE GILBERT-LINN STREET HISTORIC DISTRICT. WHEREAS' the historic resources of the Northside Nei ~rhood have been surveyed and evaluated, and proposed Gilbert-Linn Street Historic Di has been deemed eligible for the National Register and for local historic distric nation; and WHEREAS, City Historic Preservation Plan in the Iowa City Comprehensive Plan, recommends ~sideration of the designation of and historic districts within the Northside Neigl and WHEREAS, the ~ity Comprehensive Plan preservation of the integrity of historic neighborhoods, the ~tion of neighborhoods supports efforts of the Historic Preservation Commission; and WHEREAS, the Iowa Municipal Code 'izes the Historic Preservation Commission to recommend and the Cit, [o designate hi where deemed appropriate, as a means of preserving the neigl Iowa City neighborhoods, or for preserving areas that exemplify unique or dis and WHEREAS, the Historic ' ;ion feels that the Gilbert-Linn Street Historic District will help stabilize the neighborhood viding for design review of alterations and additions to, and demolition of existing buildings, and th 3nstruction of new building, which will assure compatibility with the existing character of the encourage the retention of existing contributing structures within the Northside Neighborhood; WHEREAS, at its Septembe~ public hearing, the Historic Preservation Commission recommended said properties for nate the Gilbert -Linn Street Historic District; and WHEREAS, at its October ) 2004 ,g, the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of said rezoning ~ate Linn Street Historic District; and NOW, THEREFORE, IT ORDAINED BY tE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IOWA CITY, IOWA: SECTION I. ~,OVAL. The Historic District, legally described below and illustrated on Exhibit A ~ hereto and ' lerein by this reference, is hereby designated as a Historic t Overlay (OPH) Zone and sub to the guidelines of the Iowa City Historic Preservation including Section 8.4, Neighborhood District Guidelines hereto attached, incor herein by this reference: An area all of Blocks 55 and 56, the north ~lf of Block 57, and lots 1 and 8 of Block 72 inal Town, Iowa City, Iowa. Also includin in said Original Town: The west and all of lots 4,5,6 and 7, Block 54; All of and 5, plus the west 20' of lot 6, Block All of lots 4 and 5, plus the west 20' of lot 3, All of lot 4, plus the west 15' of the 40' of lot 3, Block 48; All of lots 1,2, and 8, east half of lot 3, Block 69; All 1,7, and 8, plus the east half of lot 6, and :)' of lot 2, Block 70; The east 60' , south 75' of lot 8, and the north 75' of lots 7 and 8, 3ck 71; In Block 71, all of lot ,lusthe east 17.25' of the north 81' of lot 2, and a portion lot 2, described as follows: linning at the southwest corner of lot 1, thence north 69', 17.25', north 6', west 22', south 75', east 40' to the beginning. SECTION II. ZONING MAP. The Building Inspector is hereby and directed to change the zoning map of the City of Iowa City, Iowa, to conform to this amendment ~ the final passage, approval and publication of this ordinance as provided by law. SECTION III. CERTIFICATION AND RECORDING. Upon passage and )roval of the Ordinance, the City Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to certify a copy of this ~nce and to record the Michael Singer & Amelia Baum 419 North Gilbert Street, Iowa City, Iowa 5224 January 21,2005 Iowa City Council 410 E. Washington Street Iowa City, IA 52240 Re: Support for Linn-Gilbert Historic District Dear Council Members, We are writing in support of Council passage of District approval. We want this District in place. We feel it will be highly beneficial, even to those folks that have said they are opposed to it. We are perplexed that some of you on the Council cannot appreciate these potential benefits. It's time for you to wake up and realize that a majority of area homeowners want this District designation. District passage will have a positive effect on our daily lives - right here in our own homes £ that cannot be compared to the abstract impacts on an absentee landlord! Our hardworking neighbors have done everything in their ability to reach out to opponents, explain why they support the district to their fellow neighbors, and to comply with Council direction. Their diligence should be rewarded with your support - not slapped down with bogus delays or phony logic. This is your shot to do the right thing. Don't blow it. Please support the Linn-Gilbert Historic District. Thank you. Amelia Baum Michael Singer ~' 419 North Gilbert Street, Iowa City IA 52245 Tel: 354-7442 Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr From: Benjamin Barrientes [eleatic_society@hotmail.com] Sent: Tuesday, January 25, 2005 10:18 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Gilbert-Linn Historic District issue... Dear City Council, I would like to encourage you to vote in favor of the proposal to make the abovementioned Gilbert-Linn District classified as a "Historic" district. There are a whole host of arguments that one can make in favor of this proposal; however, as a parent, it appears to me that the City Council could make a meaningful statement- for the future of Iowa City- by showing that the moral imperative is to make this place a haven for family-occupied living spaces. By facilitating the preservation of the "integrity" of older structures (such as the one that we are privileged to "live" in) then the City Council reinforces how these structures reflect the substantive values of the folks that live in them. I can understand that the opposition to this proposal is guided by the principles of business but my response to them would be that there has been too much indifference shown with regard to architectural integrity for the sake of making money. Take a brief walk down memory lane to the town of Muscatine, Iowa. There was a beautiful structure known as the "Riviera Theatre" in downtown Muscatine that would rival the architectural beauty of Iowa City's Englert Theatre but it was leveled in order for a (please don't laugh) parking lot to take its place. Iowa City has a rich architectural legacy and if those individuals that are pushing to reject the proposal genuinely cared about the aesthetic legacy that this town inherited from hard-working artisans then they should heed the moral imperative that is entailed by the proposal. Thank you for taking the time to read this communication. Yours truly, Benjamin and Carolyn Barrientes, 418 N. Gilbert Street, Iowa City, Iowa 52245 1/26/2005 Marian Karr From: kburford@mchsi.com Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2005 2:08 PM To: council@iowa-city.org Subject: Gilbert-Linn historic district I am writing in support of the Gilbert-Linn historic district. Please consider your vote. Marian Karr From: hburford@mchsi.com Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2005 11:59 AM To: Cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Gilbert-Linn Historic District Dear Council- I am writing to reconfirm my support for the Gilbert-Linn local historic district. On December 7th you heard from the people of Iowa City and we in turn heard your comments. You asked us to inform and educate people and we have. There have been letters to the editor, a guest opinion article in the Press-Citizen, a document explaining preservation myths was mailed as part of the January Northside newsletter, the Northside Neighborhood Association met and discussed the proposal, support was gained from individual neighborhood associations in addition to the support of the neighborhood council, and neighbors have held 1:1 discussions with dissenters since the December 7th meeting. We care about this neighborhood and its future and we care about the future of Iowa City. We now look to you to support Iowa City's comprehensive plan and the Gilbert-Linn local historic district. Helen Burford 113 South Johnson Iowa City, Io Marian Karr From: Glenn Ehrstine [glenn-ehrstine@uiowa.edu] Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2005 5:53 PM To: Iowa City City Council Subject: please support Gilbert-Linn historic district Dear Council Members, I strongly encourage you to vote in favor of the proposed Gilbert-Linn historic district for the continued economic viability of the Iowa City downtown. As a current resident of a conservation district and a past resident of an Iowa City Historic Landmark, I can speak from experience that the designation of a neighborhood as a historic district has traditionally helped raised property values in the area. I can also testify that the regular upkeep of a historic structure is no more onerous or costly than that of a newer residence. Like me, employees of the university community such as staff and faculty frequently prefer the older housing stock that historic districts provide and are willing to pay top dollar for a well-maintained home with character. These residents in turn support downtown business that are within walking distance of their homes. By not supporting the Gilbert-Linn district, the council will allow the percentage of owner-occupied residences within walking distance of the downtown to decrease, which will in turn contribute to the deterioration of the neighborhood and the continuing loss of retail business near campus. Landlords are understandably interested in renting their property to students, but only mixed neighborhoods of families and home owners can continue to support a downtown that consists of more than bars, restaurants, and convenience stores. I will likely not be able to attend the council meeting on Feb. 1. However, I attended the meeting of December 7 and hope that your concerns regarding the district have been allayed in the meantime. I have no doubt that the creation of the Gilbert-Linn historic district is in the best interest of the City of Iowa City, both now and for future generations. Respectfully, Glenn Ehrstine 704 Clark Street Iowa City, IA 52240-5639 1995-2003: 228 South Summit Street Apt. C6 Marian Karr From: Carole Eldeen [celdeen@blue.weeg.uiowa.edu] Sent: Wednesday, January ;)6, 2005 9:47 AM To: council@iowa-city.org Subject: Gilbert-Linn Street proposed historic district I am in favor of the district being approved. I feel it is very important for a neighborhood. It is important for architecture and ancestry of Iowa City and the past. If we do not preserve for posterity we will see a future and definite decline of the history in the original plat of our forefathers. More six, eight and sixteen units, more condos, more zero-lot lines. If ownership is your residence in this district, you have made an investment that will financially benefit you. If you have a rental in this district, it is a selection you made to preserve and assist the past of Iowa City. I have three houses two are in districts already. Longfellow and Goosetown. They are rentals. The house I own at 520 N. Gilbert Street is a rental. I have never regretted having these properties in this districts. I am 55 years old and I have lived here all of my life as did my parents before me. It is important to me that what is left is left with concerned people like myself to have something truly special and mine to protect. I feel assisted by this proposal. Thank you for your consideration. Marian Karr From: Rixa Ann Spencer Freeze [rixa_freeze@hotmail.com] Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2005 3:23 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Gilbert-Linn historic district I would like members of the City Council to know that I support the proposed Gilbert-Linn historic district. I am a property owner and landlord in the Summit Street historic preservation district. I purposely looked for a property in a historic district because I care deeply about preserving the beauty and integrity of our neighborhoods. I am currently renovating my property (an 1895 Victorian home) and found the historic preservation requirements a positive experience. In fact, I wish my neighborhood had become a historic district earlier! Most of my renovations involve removing "improvements" from the 1940s (such as asbestos siding) and bringing the house back to its former glory. Please add your support to the Gilbert-Linn historic district. Sincerely, Rixa Ann Spencer Freeze January 24, 2004 Dear Member of the Iowa Ciuty City Council, I am writing to you regarding the Gilbert-Linn Histoirc District. I was the next person in line to speak when Mayor Lehman closed input in December, and I would hope you would allow me the opportunity to share my experience with you. I did not want to get up on that Tuesday and speak but realized that I would have to do so. I was prepared to speak only if the non-resident landlords spoke first. I know the people who spoke against the distict, one of whom was my childhood neighbor in the Longfellow neighborhood. As midwesterners we don't like controversy, but to stay silent merely to avoid disagreement in the case was something I was not prepared to do. I am not a resident of the Gilbert-Linn District, but live adjacent to it and walk through it frequently, especially with my family, to my parents house on the northern boundary of the district. I wanted to be able to help my parents get local status for their neighborhood, I knew the residents of G-L would get up and talk about all the progress they have made in getting the neighborhood together through the Northside Association, the welcome back picnics held with students in the fall, and the Holiday Open Houses. These are great things and they should be proud of them. But I also knew that only focusing on the positive would not make the local district happen. I realized that someone would have to talk about the other side of the coin: how very small group of non resident landlords do business in the G-L district in such a manner that it devalues properties near them, thumbs their noses at city regulations, and all too frequently results in unsafe living conditions for tenants and neighbors. I am an educator, I believe in gathering data and using it to make reasonable decisions. I started by getting the list of all property holders in the G-L district. By my count there are 40 different landlords/entities that are non-resident property owners who own a combined total of 56 properties in G-L District. One thing I focused on was the number of complaints a property had by cited with by the city, I then went to the city's website and did property searches on each residence. In compiling that information I found a natural breakpoint was between the "BIG 10" and the "LITTLE 30." ~ found that the 10 owners whose properties were cited most frequently in city records had all sent letters opposing the G-L District. The 18 properties in the "BIG 10" had a total of 142 violations on the city web page. The 27 properties from the "yes" letters had a total of 33 violations. Below are the complete results. Mr. Elliott complained at the December meeting that those opposing the district would not be treated fairly under the guidelines of a local historic district. I would contend that after viewing the attached results, if one has to choose between the two opposing views, that the opponents of the Gilbert-Linn District are not the people who have the best interests of Iowa City's future at head. -Mike Haverkamp 109 N. Van Buren St. Iowa City GIIbert-Llnn District Violations Number of No Gilbert Linn TOTAL Disorderly Over No RentaIBuilding Unapproved Garbage- Snow & Tall Grass Dumpster NAME Properties VIOLATIONS House Occupied Permit Permit Parking Trash Ice Weeds Yard Other Keystone Property 3 26 3 0 0 0 2 2 18 1 0 0 Ammentorp Properties 4 23 0 1 0 0 0 6 16 0 0 0 lC Rentals 1 20 2 0 1 0 0 6 8 1 0 2 William Terry 1 13 3 0 1 0 1 2 5 0 0 1 Jim Buxton 3 13 0 1 1 1 0 2 5 2 1 0 James Brenneman I 11 0 1 0 0 5 2 3 0 0 0 Greg Allen 1 9 2 0 0 0 2 0 5 0 0 0 Joe Dobrian I 9 1 0 0 0 1 4 3 0 0 0 H&G 2 9 0 0 0 1 0 2 5 0 0 Hodge Construction 1 9 0 0 1 0 0 3 5 0 0 0 TOTAL 18 '142 '1t 3 4 2 '11 29 73 4 1 4 Yes Letters 27 33 0 0 2 0 1 0 28 2 0 0 Marian Karr From: the3rdiowa@mchsi.com Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2005 11:41 AM To: council@iowa-city.org Subject: Support for the Gilbert-Linn historic district Neighborhoods are the backbone of Iowa City. As the leader of the Creekside Neighborhood Association, I support the efforts of the Gilbert-Linn Historic District organizers. There are a number of important historical homes and buildings in the area that are important landmarks to Iowa City including the home of Mayor Emma Harvat and Mary Stach. Balancing the forces of economic development with the needs of a neighborhood is a challenge, but given the effort put forth by Northside neighbors to protect their neighborhoods historical integrity and the need to preserve Iowa City heritage, the council should act to the benefit of the greater good. Sincerely, Garry Klein 628 2nd Ave. Iowa City, IA 52245 Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr From: Teresa Mangum [teresa-mangum@uiowa.edu] Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2005 2:00 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: gilbert-linn street historic district Dear Councilors, i am writing to urge you to vote in support of creating an historic preservation district for the Gilbert and Linn Street areas. I moved from that neighborhood to Longfellow neighborhood because I was so frustrated with the irresponsibility of the landlords who owned property there. It was just too heart-breaking to watch one beautiful old home after another either be destroyed by being torn down or by being covered in plastic siding or other cheap "improvements." If we really care about making downtown Iowa City a magnet for the entire community--not just the bar goers-- we need lovely in-town neighborhoods that will attract people serious about taking care of their homes and property--whether they buy or rent. The town is overloaded now with rental units, more than enough for people who simply want efficiency rather than a rich, beautiful, communal environment. Also, at the December meeting, the Council seemed to agree with the claim of landlords that the majority of "property owners" don't want to be in an historic district. But surely it makes more sense to give greatest weight to the views of people who own and LIVE IN their properties. These are the people who really commit their time and resources to this part of town. I do, do hope that the Council will place the interests of homeowner RESIDENTS over the interests of those whose goal is to make lots of money in the short run but who have NO long-term commitment to these houses or this part of town. We need a vision for an Iowa City that helps us to remain a real small town with personality and charm and the ability to draw loyal resident homeowners into the center--rather than driving them axvay. Thank you and please, please vote for this measure. Teresa Mangum 1157 E. Court St. Iowa City, IA 52240 1/26/2005 Page 1 of 1 Marian Kart From: michael maharry [mmaharry@yahoo.com] Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2005 5:17 PM To.' co u ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Gilbert Linn Historic District To the Council, I really appreciate all your words regarding support for historic preservation. The neighbors used many of your recommendations as an action plan and have been busy since the December 7 meeting. You will hear from them about their efforts, no doubt. I wish to convey to you that your support for the Gilbert Linn District need not be about strict numbers of support and opposition. Your decision could be based on whether or not the district is in the best interests of Iowa City. As stated in the Comprehensive Plan, it is absolutely in the best interests of the city. Since this plan was developed by the entire community, it seems that this 'roadmap' is our best evidence of what the citizens want for their town. The people have already spoken as to what they want. The Historic Preservation Commission and City Council simply help make their wishes a reality. Many people wish for this and hope for your support to make it a reality. Thank you again for all your discussions! Michael Maharry Chair, Historic Preservation Commission 903 E College St. Iowa City, IA 52240-5536 358-1024 Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - now with 250MB free storage. Learn more. 1/26/2005 Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr From: Jolivenash@aol.com Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2005 11:15 AM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Gilbert-Linn historic district Please register my continuing support for the Gilbert-Linn historic district. I strongly believe it will enhance the town over the long term, both in economic terms and by sustaining the "sense of community" necessary to any healthy town. Thank you. Jan Olive Nash 2460 s. Riverside Drive Iowa City, IA 52246 1/26/2005 January 26, 2004 City Council 410 E. Washington St. Iowa City, IA 52240 Dear City Council members: This is a brief addendum to the leRer we sent you yesterday regarding the ~bem issue in co~ection with the proposed Gilbe~-Linn hstodc district. As we say in ~at letter, and explain at greater length, the decision you face on Febma~ 1 requires you to consider many different factors, of which the "votes" cast by those with prope~y in the neighborhood is only one. But, having just token a careful look at the list of ~ese votes, we wanted to call the Council's attention to a few humors we find especially stfihng. *If you subtract the number of propeay owners who do not op~se the proposed district from those who do oppose it, you get: 6.* *~ those who oppose the proposed disffict, 1 does not live in Iowa and 11 o~ers do not live in Iowa City. That's 12. 12 = 2 X 6. *~ those who live in the neighborhood only 8 out of 21 op~se the proposed district. The difference is 16. 16 is ~most 3 X 6. Since this issue concerns the entire city, the overwhelming support of concerned citizens outside the proposed district should also be included. Since we do not have the exact numbers, we leave the math to you. We hope you will give all of these numbers the weight they deserve. Sincerely, *The difference between those who do not oppose the proposal and those who do is 6 (rather than 7) because the list of property owners dated 12/30/04 does not record the fact that one property (320 E. Fairchild St.) has changed hands, and that the present owners of this property (Roy and Marcy Rosenbaum) support the proposed historic district. Since the Rosenbaums are already on record in connection with another property in the district,, we did not add anything to the other side, but merely subtracted one "no" vote. January 25, 2005 City Council 410 E. Washington St. Iowa City, IA 52~ Dear City Council members: ~st month, we sent a letter in suppoa of the proposed Gilbe~-Li~ historic district. We addressed the reasons why some oppose the district, and explained why we suppo~ it. Rather th~ rehe~se these arguments here, we would like to discuss what appe~s to be the chief concern of some councilors: the numbers. ~ those who own propeay in ~e proposed district, the number who oppose ~e proposal is grater th~ the number of those who do not. Some have suggested that this is all that matters -- ~at even ff the ~gumenm on the other side a~ quite powerful, ~d even if the proposfl is consistent wi~ ~e city's Comprehensive PI~ ~d is endorsed by the Historic Prese~ation Comssion and the Pla~ing and ~ning Com~ssion, ~e Council must defer to the will of the majority. We challenge this reasoffing. The decision that faces the Council is just that: a d~ision. We wholehea~edly agree that in m~ng ~is decision, Council members should seriously consider the opi~ons of the town's citizens; and we believe that they should give special weight to ~ose who ~e most ~fected by the proposal. But this is not a plebiscite or referendum. The question is: how should the conflicting opinions be weighed against fll of ~e other relev~t considerations? If a majority of homeowners in some neighborhood opposed the requirement that trash cans be removed from the curb within twenty-four hours of trash pick-up, those responsible for main~iffing the city might reasonably conclude that this majority opinion should not detemne city policy. They ~ght, for exmple, conclude ~at it was more im~nt to efforce cern basic aesthetic s~ndmds, ~d to endorse a cern conception of neighborliness and mural respect. We believe ~at considerations at least as powerful argue in favor of prese~ing ~e Gilbe~-Linn St. neighborhood. But our point here is simply that there are, in fact, m~y relevant considerations, and ~at ~ese considerations rein relevant, no matter how others may weigh them. In sho~, when you vote on Febma~ 1, you will not merely be recording the votes of someone else. Your vote will be your answer to such questions as: what does it ~e to prese~e a fragile historic neighborhood? how impomnt is it to ~ke measures to ensure that a neighborhood remains ~ attractive and vital mix of renters and owner occupiers? how impo~t is ~e Gilbea-Linn St. neighborhood to the long-te~ heflth of the city? No set of numbers can provide the answers to these questions. But as you weigh all of the considerations for and against the proposed historic district, we urge you to consider all of the numbers. We urge you to consider, for example, the number of citizens throughout the city who support this proposal. And we urge you to consider the fact that of those who actually live in the neighborhood, only five have opposed the proposal. Are not these numbers at least as significant as any others? And does it not matter what lies behind these numbers? If only there were some way to quantify how much those of us who support the proposal care about our fair city. That number, surely, would outweigh all the others. Sincerely, Sarah'YBuss Paulson Paulson '- Cz) January 11, 2005 Dear Iowa City Council Member: I would like to briefly express my enthusiastic support for the proposal to designate the Gilbert-Linn Street Neighborhood as an Historic District. In August of 2004, my family relocated from West Lafayette, Indiana, to Iowa City, largely due to a career advancement for my husband with the University of Iowa. Truthfully, it was hard to leave a community that we were well "webbed" to, including the Hills and Dales Neighborhood, Historically Designated, that we embraced and were greatly enriched by. Protecting the ever valuable green spaces, and properties was a concerted effort for the majority that lived within this area, and it added to the value of the community as a whole. We are now members of the Unitarian Universalist Society, located on Gilbert Street. Built in the early 1900s, it is part of the Gilbert-Linn Street Neighborhood. This historic structure and its members can only benefit from this proposal being established. Today's society tends to be one of a "disposal" philosophy, when something gets old, throw it out and replace it with new. And new is not always better. I fully support the proposal to designate the Gilbert-Linn Street area as an Historic District. Thank you, Bonnie J. Penno Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr From: Ramer, Ralph [ralph.ramer@pearson.com] Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2005 2:41 PM To: 'cou ncil@iowa-city.org' Subject: I support the Gilbert-Linn historic district Let's try to maintain the neighborhood's character which helps keep Iowa City a unique and wonderful place. Ralph Ramer 117 N. VanBuren St. Iowa City, 52245 This email may contain confidential material. If you were not an intended recipient, Please notify the sender and delete all copies. We may monitor email to and from our network. 1/26/2005 Januar3' 25, 2005 Iowa City City Council 410 E. Washington St. - Iowa City, IA 52240 Dear Council Members: I am writing to let you know about the steps that residents have taken to address some of the concerns that have been expressed about the Gilbert~Linn historic district. An informal group of neighbors has worked since the December 7, 2004 Council meeting to build bridges to those who do not support the district and to educate people throughout Iowa City about what local historic designation actually entails. In the past weeks, we have: · Joined with the Northside Neighborhood Association to publish an information sheet about historic preservation that was sent to over 1,100 property owners and residents in the January NNA Newsletter (copy attached) · Invited Michael Maharry, Chair of the Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission, to speak to the neighborhood at the NNA meeting, held on January 20, 2005, in Horace Mann Elementary School · Met with Rob Bignell, the Opinion Editor of the Press-Citizen, to present our views on historic preservation and to seek his assistance in making information about it available through letters to the editor and guest opinion pieces · Written a Guest Opinion letter explaining why we support the Gilbert-Linn historic district (the piece is slated to appear sometime in the week of January 24t~, 2005) · On behalf of the NNA, sent a friendly letter to those who oppose the district, along with an information sheet dispelling myths about historic designation (copy attached) · Made phone calls to opponents of the district, to listen to their concerns and to explain why we believe that the historic district will be beneficial to landlords as well as to owner-occupants · Gone door-to-door to talk with neighbors, in order to share views about the proposed district Like most Iowa Citians, we are busy people, with jobs to do and families to tend. We have sacrificed hours of our time because we genuinely believe that the Gilbert-Linn historic district will make Iowa City a better place for everyone, now and in the future. As we have talked with opponents and supporters, we have stood by our belief in being neighborly and fair, and in allowing people to make up their own minds based on the facts, without being pressured. While we are optimistic that our attempts to respond to those who do not support the historic district will result in some changes of heart (indeed, two people have already withdrawn their opposition after getting fuller information), we recognize that--for a variety of reasons--there will probably not be a major reversal by the time of the February 1st meeting. If that is the case, then it will be up to you to decide how to weigh the numbers. We would hope that the 40 or so opponents of the Gilbert-Linn historic district, most of whom do not even live in the district, will not outweigh residents, who overwhelmingly favor historic designation; we hope that they will not outweigh the over 170 people from across Iowa City who came to the December 7t:~ Council meeting to show their support; and we hope that they will not outweigh the recommendations of the City's own Comprehensive Plan, of its council-appointed Historic Preservation Commission, and of its Planning and Zoning Commission, all of which support the Gilbert-Linn district. We would hope that on February 1st yOU will vote on the basis of what is truly in the best interests of the majority--the majority, that is, of the citizens of Iowa City. Sincerely, Claire SponsI4r 413 N. Gilbert St. NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION January 21, 2005 Dear Property Owner, On behalf of the Northside Neighborhood Association, I am writing in the hope that you might reconsider your opposition to the Gilbert-Linn Historic District. At its meeting on December 4, 2004, the NNA voted tmanimously to support the creation of the Gilbert- Linn District, which will complement the two other historic districts in the Northside: the Ronalds and Brown Street Districts. The NNA is delighted that the City is moving in accordance with its Comprehensive Plan to further expand the advantages of historic preservation throughout Iowa City. As you might not know if you don't live here, the Gilbert-Linn neighborhood is a place where couples, retirees, and families with children live side-by-side with students and other renters. Historic designation will help preserve that mix of accessible ownership while retaining the neighborhood's unique character. The NNA also believes that historic designation will work in favor of all property owners, by protecting and enhancing their investments, as has been the case in other historic districts that have proven attractive to tenants, as well as to resident-owners, and have seen rising property values. We are enclosing a brief information sheet about local historic designation, which we hope will be useful. If, on further reflection, you decide to support the district, all you need do is write a letter to City Council to that effect (City Council, 410 E. Washington, Iowa City, IA, 52240), preferably before their February lStmeeting. Many thanks for your time and attention. We truly appreciate it. Sin~cerely, Claire Sponsler For the Northside Neighborhood Association Cc: Iowa City City Council v// Historic Preservation Commission NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION NEXT MEETING '3 Date: Thursday, January 20, 2005 7:00 - 8:00 pm Place: Horace Mann School Gynmasium Agenda: MidAmerican on gas vaults--Tom Padley; Local Historic districts--Michael Maharry Gas Vault Installation Local Historic Districts Tom Padley from MidAmerican will attend the January The Brown Street Historic District has been expanded! 20 to answer questions you may have about the gas On December 7, 2004, the City Council approved the vaults installed. Here are some questions and answers designation of the Ronalds Street extension of the from MidAmerican (MA). Brown Street Historic District. This rezoning includes 1) What is the purpose of the vaults? approximately 14.3 acres located along Ronalds Street MA: These are gas pressure regulator stations. They between Van Buren and Governor Streets. Both the reduce the gas pressure in the mains from high pressure Historic Preservation Committee and the Panning and (either 125 psig or 20 psig) to low pressure (7 inches Zoning Commission recommended approval. WC (water column) which is equal to 1/4 psig). Parts of the Northside are served fi.om this low pressure system where the mains distribute gas to your houses at 7 inches WC. These regulator stations have to be located in many spots around the area in order to maintain the gas pressure and deliver the quantity of gas required by the customers during times of peak usage. ~o~s s~ o 2) Why are they above ground vs below ground? MA: Many years ago when these systems were built, the regulators were placed underground. Since the early [ I I 1980's, all new and rebuilt regulator stations have been installed above ground. The reason for installing them above ground is that safety roles have become stricter [] about protecting employees when they have to enter vaults to perform work and about protecting pipes from Many neighbors attended the City Council public corrosion. Corrosion is lessened when piping is above hearing Dec. 7 to change the zoning designation and to ground. From a practical standpoint, installing the designate the Gilbert Linn Street historic district. The regulators above ground reduces the potential for Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z), the Historic problems, increases reliability, facilitates access during Preservation Commission (HPC), and City Staff an emergency and makes them safer and easier to recommended approval. This rezoning includes maintain. And if there is a problem, repairs can be done approximately 20.8 acres located along Linn Street quickly, reducing the outage time for our customers, between Bloomington and Ronalds Streets, and along 3) If a gas vault is on the parking in front of my Gilbert Street between Bloomington and Church Streets. house, what landscaping can I do? Because owners of more than 20% of the property in this MA: MidAmerican needs to have access to the proposed district have objected to this rezoning, at least regulators and piping to perform both ongoing 6 Councilors must vote in favor of the rezoning to adopt maintenance and emergency repairs. If residents want to the district. City Council deferred to the January 4, 2005 plant bushes or flowers on the street side of the regulator meeting. Since then the HPC requested that this item be stations outside the post barricades, that shouldn't be a deferred to the February 1, 2005 City Council Meeting. problem. All landscaping is the homeowner's At the January 4 meeting, City Council voted 6/1 with responsibility and should be kept trimmed back from the Elliott voting "no" to defer to the February 1, 2005 station piping, meeting. January 2005 Northside Neighborhood Association Newsletter page 2 Sidewalk Snow Removal Requirements December 4, 2004 NNA Minutes The Iowa City snow removal ordinance requires that Notes by Paula Brandt Karen Leigh facilitated public sidewalks be cleared of all snow and ice within 24 Old Business: hours after a snowfall of one inch or ,, Success of the bulb planting at North Market more or any accumulation of ice has Park, the Block Picnic (Helen Burford will send stopped. Property owners are photos to the City), and Dead Couch Day. We responsible for the removal of snow briefly discussed the events. and ice from all sidewalks that abut · Movie night--Jay Berry will talk to Mann PTA their private property. The sidewalk about co-sponsoring a movie night. The PTA is must be cleared the entire width of the holding a movie night in June, and perhaps we sidewalk down to concrete, could help with a second one. If Housing and Inspection Services · Parking surveys data is being analyzed by receives a complaint about a property interns with the City. It was decided that we not being shoveled, an inspector goes out to verify the should discuss the results at the February NNA violation. If the violation is verified, a tag is left at the meeting. property and a Notice of Violation mailed to the New Business: property owner allowing another 24 hours to remove the · Gas vaults that have popped up in various accumulation. The inspector reinspects the property 24 locations throughout the neighborh~. It is our hours later and, if the snow or ice still is not removed, understanding that these w~ done to;meet the City hiras a private contractor to remove the snow or mandates of the federal go~ent,~ .~. t _~__~ ice. The property owner is billed that amount plus a nonetheless, people were krri~d th~it'heighl3_dfing $50.00 administrative fee. properties were not notified;~Paula B~ndt Please be considerate of your neighbors and fellow Iowa asked to invite a MidAmeri~-an-rePre~.ntati~;g'~o City residents this winter season and keep your our January 20* meeting to b~i~fly adal~ess ~s~es sidewalks clear and safe. of safety and if they can be S~ed ~mehow. (See article page 1.) · ' Rules for trash collection, an~d how to~'~many people put their containers out too early, making them susceptible to being knocked over and bags ripped open by animals, adding to the litter problem. Housing Dept. should be contacted if Horace Mann Family Resource Center and people notice consistent violations. Jay eau also be contacted about problems with garbage. Your Old Furniture · The Mann Family Resource Center was In the last newsletter, an article about The Furniture suggested as another option, besides the Furniture Project gave information on donating old furniture. At Project, for donating unwanted furniture to the last NNA meeting, Lisa Collier shared another way families in the neighborhood who need specific you can donate furniture to a needy Mann family, items. (See article on this page.) Horace Mann Family Resource Center Coordinator, · A report on the new zoningplan should be the Mary Behr is happy to be contacted about donations, main item on the January 20~ agenda. Several but the people donating are responsible for storing the people expressed concern about the number of item(s) until she can find a family with the specific need, houses that have become rental recently, and that and the people donating must be able to transport said houses seem to be over-occupied. Are buyers item(s). Mary would be happy to help physically load always given the correct information about what and unload item(s), and would gladly accompany the zoning allows for occupancy? Is it clear what is person donating the furniture when they deliver it, but and is not grandfathered in? there is just no extra storage space in the school for big Other Business: furniture items, and she has no means to deliver them. Great frustration was expressed by everyone about the Still, connecting with a needy family is a better way to problems with the Gilbert-Linn Street historic district move furniture out of your house than just setting it out proposal. While the Ronatds Street extension looks on the street, pretty safe, the opposition to the Gilbert-Linn district is You can contact Mary Behr at the Family Resource disappointing, especially since it comes mostly from Center (688-1149). people who don't live in the neighbohood. Attendance at the Dec. 7 City Council meeting was encouraged, and we voted unanimously to x~wite a letter to Council supporting the district. (See article page 1) January 2005 Northside Neighborhood Association Newsletter page 3 Historic Preservation Myths In Iowa City there are many old houses of questionable value because of their condition, construction, and/or This document was developed by the Iowa City Historic location. Likewise, not everyone wants to live in an old Preservation Commission as an educational tool for the house. However, old homes are a limited resource and public, many people find them desirable. Construction of new Myth: If a local historic district is created, I will lose homes with the woodwork, craftsmanship, detail and old rights to my property, growth lumber of historic homes is cost prohibitive for Reality: Many codes and regulations currently apply to most people. The character of older neighborhoods with all property. These codes and regulations affect how and their mature trees, mix of architecture and proximity to what may be constructed on a property, how the property downtown and the university cannot be reproduced. may be used, the interest of the community and neighbors, individual rights, and public health, safety Myth: If my property is in a historic district, I won't be able to use it as a rental property. It will have and welfare, to name a few. to be a single-family home. The following is a partial list of local and state Reality: Current zoning already controls property use regulations with which property owners must already and density. Historic district designation does not change comply: a property's use. · International Building Code · Building and Housing Code Myth: Rental properties are not~compat.i~!e with historic preservation. Only -fi~lr~' ner-o~ipied · Zoning Code homes should be preserved.~ · Fire Code Reality Currently, many of Iowa"~i~s hikt0ric ~d · State Accessibility Code . . . conservataon dtstncts have rental andmultl~rmly Compared to these complex codes, historic preservation guidelines are simple and straightforward. The properties. 77! '~'~ preservation guidelines arc published in the Iowa City * College Hall Conservatmn. D~s~. ct Historic Preservation Handbook, which is currently properties, of which 71% {i~ a re~-~l permit available online at www.icgov.org. * College Green Historic Disthct has 4/6 On average, the preservation guidelines affect properties properties, of which 76% are rental only once every 20 years. Once a district is established, · Govemor-Lucas Street Conservation District has changes are not forced on property owners. The 145 properties, of which 77% are rental. regulations do not: Since these districts were established, all applications for · force owners to rehabilitate their homes alternations and additions to multifamily properties have · prevent routine maintenance been approved. · require owners to open their homes to the public · force the use cfa property to change. Myth: Historic preservation will lower the value of Historic preservation guidelines do not apply to many my property. common projects, including the following: Reality: Historic preservation protects the value of all · painting properties by preventing significant changes to the neighborhood that can make the neighborhood less · paint color desirable and thus diminish property values. Both · storm windows national and local studies have shown that the property · landscaping values in historic districts appreciate over time at a · satellite dishes greater rate than similar properties that are not in a · fences that are less then 6 feet high district. Furthermore, because of the increased stability · reapplication of shingles on single-family that districts offer, property owners are more likely to dwellings invest in a neighborhood and improve their property. · any aspect involving the interior of your home. Myth: Historic preservation is only for mansions and Myth: Historic preservation will increase my taxes. homes of famous dead people. These are only old Reality: Taxes for properties located in a historic district dilapidated buildings that aren't worth saving, are levied at the same rate as other properties. Taxes will Reality: Historic preservation involves every aspect of only increase when the levy for all properties are Iowa City's past. To preserve our town's heritage, we increased. Re-assessment of property values occurs must preserve the homes of the rich and the poor, the periodically on a city-wide basis. Inclusion cfa building mansions and the cottage, the public buildings and the in a historic district will not trigger re-assessment nor private. Just about any place that tells Iowa City's story, cause it to be singled out for additional taxes. Myths, continued on page 4 January 2005 Northside Neighborhood Association Newsletter page 4 Myths, continued from page 3 Based on this research, specific areas that have a cohesive historic context and architectural integrity are Myth: If my property !s in a historic district, I will selected for potential historic district designation. These not be able to do anything without permission, areas are further researched when they are nominated to Reality: Most routine exterior maintenance does not the National Register of Historic Places. For local require a building permit or historic review. Many other designation, proposed districts are also evaluated to common projects also do not require review (see list. determine if historic designation complies with the above). If an exterior project does require a building City's long term plans for the neighborhood. Therefore, permit, but will not change the appearance of any only the most historically significant and cohesive areas significant architectural features, the project may be are selected for historic district designation. approved by the Historic Preservation Chair and Planning Department staff. Myth: Historic preservation does not allow my neighborhood or property to change. It must look Myth: Historic preservation is too expensive, like it did 100 years ago. Reality: Large, ornate homes can be expensive to Reality: Historic preservation is not about living in the rehabilitate. However, historic and conservation districts past or creating false historic houses. Our modem in Iowa City are made up of mostly simple, one- and lifestyle Often requires a new bathroom, larger two-story houses. Most of these homes can be repaired contemporary kitchen, family room or two-car garage. and maintained with readily available products. Many Preservation is intended to manage these changes so that are even small enough to be rehabilitated by a skilled they do not detract from the historic character of the homeowner, neighborhood or property. Furthermore, there is no The most common concern regarding the cost of requirement that additions and new structures imitate the preservation is vinyl siding. Many feel believe that historical. The focus is on appropriate proportion, mass, installing vinyl siding is less expensive than maintaining roofline, windows and materials. If located behind the the exterior of an old house. In fact, vinyl siding primary building, many historic features may be typically costs twice as much as a good quality paint job. simplified. Although most prop _egy ownef~S~prefer to If the surface is properly prepared and primed, good have additions and new outbuild(a~ook sihailar to the latex paint can last ten or more years, historic structure, more creative l~p0~als ~-}';-~ay alspnbe Although vinyl can be a good product for new homes, . there are a number of reasons that it is not appropriate acceptable, i~ -' ' .~o "~- for old homes. Typically, when installing vinyl siding, Myth: Historic preservation is being for_Ft?d on. any projecting surfaces such as window caps, sills, citizens. The Historic Preser~l~tion _12~lnmis~. n is brackets and trim boards are removed so that the siding only interested in imposing ~.~rva~n off may be applied to a flat surface. The removal of these others. _%.~ features can significantly diminish the historic character Reality: In 1992 Iowa City adopte~d'the Io~City of an old house. Vinyl siding can also cause damage to Historic Preservation Plan. The preparation of this plan the exterior walls by trapping moisture in the walls of involved many public meetings, surveys and input from older homes where interior vapor barriers are not used. citizens. Five years later, the Comprehensive Plan was This can result in the growth of mold and rotting of the prepared and it supported the goals and strategies of the studs and sill plate. Furthermore, such moisture Preservation Plan. The Comprehensive Plan was also problems are concealed by the vinyl and they may not be based on the input and desires of numerous citizens. discovered until the damage is significant and expensive The process by which a historic district is designated is to repair, lengthy. The area must be researched, a survey and For many homes that do not have unique or ornate evaluation must be completed, and the district is siding, old siding can be replaced with fiber cement typically nominated for listing on the National Register board. Fiber cement board is a durable product that has of Historic Places before it is rezoned to establish a local the appearance of wood and may be painted tike wood, historic dislrict. This process alone may take years and but will not dent or crack. Fiber cement board also has involves notification of the property owners. When the the added benefit of be nonflammable and Commission proposes a local historic district, property environmentally friendly, owners are notified by mail of the public hearings and Myth: HistOriC districts are arbitrary, meeting held by the Historic Preservation Commission Reality: Historic districts are carefully selected, and Planning and Zoning Commission. Typically two or three letters are sent to each owner. Once it reaches City Designation of any historic district requires extensive Council, at least three public meetings will be held to research and consultation with a professional consider the district. Overall, local designation will take architectural historian. Before any district is designated, at least three months andat least seven public meetings. the entire neighborhood is surveyed. The architectural features and history of all properties are researched. Myths, continued on page 5 January 2005 Northside Neighborhood Association Newsletter page 5 Myths, continued from page 4 are composed of worker cottages, student rooming The Historic Preservation Commission is composed of houses, fraternities, small mansions, bungalows and citizens appointed by City Council that are dedicated to homes of carpenters, professors, nurses, farmers and preserving Iowa City's historic neighborhoods and merchants. Because Iowa City's historic neighborhoods resources, and have relevant experience, expertise and offer a mix of small affordable homes, large homes, interest. Each historic district has a representative on the apattments, and single-family dwellings, protecting Commission. There are also four at-large positions. The historic neighborhoods also protects Iowa City's Commission strives to offer solutions, ideas and diversity. assistance to owners and contractors to ensure that any proposed project complies with the guidelines. To that Moreover, historic preservation has economic benefits end the Historic Preservation Commission has conducted which are good for the entire community. Because over 250 historic reviews since 1984. On average, a preservation practices require more investment in labor property that is located within a district or has been than products (such as vinyl siding and windows) designated a historic landmark will require review by the preservation creates more local jobs and keeps more Commission once every 20 years. Of the 250 reviews, money in the community. Stable and attractive only 5 applications have ever been denied, neighborhoods close to downtown and the university make Iowa City more attractive to people considering The Commission also provides resources on moving to or visiting the community. architectural styles, construction, technical issues, paint color, Iowa City history and neighborhoods, which are available to all citizens. The Commission researches new Where is the proposed Gilbert Linn Street products that may be compatible with historic houses Historic District? and periodically reviews and updates the historic preservation guidelines. Myth: Preservation is bad for business. Reality: Preservation is actually a good business -- and a big one. A recent travel industry survey found that more than 40% of Americans made visiting a historic place -- a building, battlefield or historic community-- part of moretheir vacations,than the typicaland that traveler.these peoplecommunitiesSpent nearly 40% __~ participating in the National Trust's Main Street program, which revitalizes traditional commercial J districts, have generated more than $16 billion in private and public investment since 1980. Preservation is also --~ better business than new construction. A study shows that $1,000,000 spent on rehabilitation will create more jobs and keep more money in the local economy than the same $1,000,000 spent on new construction. Myth: Historic preservation is elitist and does not benefit most Iowa City citizens. Reality: The preservation of our traditional neighborhoods ensures that everybody may have the ' opportunity to experience and live in a historic ~ ~ ~~[_ neighborhood. Historically, Iowa City's neighborhoods January 2005 Northside Neighborhood Association Newsletter page 6 Your neighborhood newsletter is produced by your neighborhood association. The Office of Neighborhood Services of the City of Iowa City prints and mails the newsletters but is not responsible for the quality or the content, although newsletters must meet the approved Neighborhood Newsletter Guidelines. Steering Committee Northside Neighborhood Neighborhood Council Representative Neighborhood Promotion Association Helen Burford Helen Burford Elected March 2004; serve until March 2005 hburford~mchsi.com hburford~mchsi.com Coordinator Rotating 341-9889 341-9889 Recorder Paula Brandt Emall list Alternate: Karen Leigh (See Treasurer, above) pobrandt(~avalon.net Matt Lage mattlage~mchsi.com Neighborhood Environment 354-6948 824 N. Gilbert St. DaLayac Williamson dalayncl6~hotmail.com Treasurer Karen Leigh Small Working Group Representatives 337-4596 830 Ronalds St. 337-4549 809 E. Bloomington St. Safety/Tranquility Stepping Up Initiative Newsletter Coordinator Jay Berry jrb~avalon.net Marc Light DarleneClausen 351-2068 430Church St. marc-light~uiowa.edu dclausen(~avalon.net Traffic/Parking 248-0875 225 E Davenport Street 338-8175 508 E. Bloomington St. John Fitzpatrick Members At-Large Web Page Coordinator HistoricPhillips~aol.com Steve Vanderwoude ClaireSponsler 337-3223 721N. Linn St. swoude~aol.com 339-9921 4[3 N. Gilbert St. 354-0953 509 Brown St. http://www.icnna.org/ Contacting City Council Members By Phone. Call them at their homes or businesses. If they are unavailable, all Council Members have an answering machine. By E-mail. council~iown-city.org- By Mail. To send a letter to Council, address on one-sided onpy to: Council Members, 410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240. The sender must include their full name. Address is optional. All c~rrespondence addressed t~ Council becomes n permanent public record. In Person at a Council Meeting. Residents are welcome to address Council at their Formal Meetings. Any item may be discussed during Public Discussion. Agenda items may be discussed as items appear. Corranents should be limited to five minutes. Northside Neighborhood Association Monthly Meeting Thursday, January 20, 2005 7:00 - 8:00 PM Horace Mann Elementary School Gymnasium Agenda: MidAmerican on gas vaults---Tom Padley, Local Historic districts--Michael Maharry Next meetings: February 17, Topic: Zoning; Parking survey and what March 24, Topic: elections, planning for spring/summer we can do; plan spring lily planting; plan movie activities March 3, Steering Committee meeting April 21 and May 19 Topics to be decided. All residents and friends of the Northside Neighborhood are welcome. Look inside or contact any Steering Committee member for more information. Northside Neighborhood Association PRESORTED 508 E. Bloomington Street STANDARD Iowa City, Iowa 52245-2803 US POSTAGE PAID Iowa City, Iowa Permit No. 155 Marian Karr From: Jean Walker [walkersic@yahoo.com] Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2005 11:45 PM To: council@iowa-city.org Subject: Gilbert-Linn Street Historic District Designation Dear City Council Members, I wish to express my strong support for the proposal to designate the Gilbert-Linn Street Neighborhood as a Local Historic District. I cannot state strongly enough my belief that we should preserve the historic buildings of our City. They are what make our town unique. They also remind us of our history and the continuity of what has gone before. Do we want our City to become a sea of modern, vinyl-covered residential, institutional, and commercial buildings? Do we condone the destruction of historic buildings that amounts to plunder of our collective heritage? Our City has a unique history and I think it is our duty to preserve it for all the citizens, for visitors to our community, and for future generations. A photograph of a historic building does very little to conjure our marvelous history compared to a standing, three-dimensional building giving tangible proof of our heritage. These sentiments have been reinforced in me due to my work to preserve the Melrose Neighborhood's Historic District. Before this work, I and many of my neighbors were not aware of its rich history. Similarly, there is a rich history associated with the Gilbert-Linn Street Neighborhood and we owe it to the present and future citizens of Iowa City to be good stewards of its historic buildings and to preserve them. Designating the Gilbert-Linn Street Neighborhood as a Local Historic District will assure its preservation for all of us. It has been shown that regulations for preservation of historic buildings are not as onerous or costly as many people suppose and the Historic Preservation Commission has a great record of working with building owners to renovate them according to their wishes. It appears that the opposition to this preservation comes almost entirely from people who do not live in the Neighborhood, who are using these historic buildings purely for monetary gain, who fear (apparently without researching the facts) that historic preservation regulations would cut deeply into their profit margins, and who apparently do not care about preserving, in a historically appropriate manner, historic structures of our City that are in their trust. I personally believe that our City's historic buildings should not be allowed to be destroyed in this fashion. Therefore I urge you to support the proposal to designate the Gilbert-Linn Street Neighborhood as a Local Historic District. ~incerely, Jean M. Walker 335 Lucon Drive ! Marian Karr From: sasha-waters@uiowa.ed u Sent: Thursday, January 27, 2005 12:13 AM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Proposed Gilbert-Linn Historic District Dear City Council Members, We write as residents of the North Side of Iowa City, who live just outside the proposed Gilbert-Linn Historic District. First, let us say that we appreciate the Council's attention to this issue, and openness to learning more about the community benefits of historic preservation. Although we do not expect to personally benefit from the proposed district, we support it *without reservation* because of the many ways in which it will benefit our neighborhood and our community. Historic preservation of the Gilbert-Linn district can to our minds only bring good things: we see it as an expression of the positive values of our conununity, such as respect for the traditional composition of the neighborhood, an attentiveness to the community's needs in terms of growth and diversity, and a cormmunity- based effort to promote that which makes Iowa City such a beautiful, special place to live, work and raise a family. In all honesty, we cannot imagine why, once commonn misperceptions about historic preservations have been cleared up, why anyone would reasonably oppose the Gilbert-Linn district. We ask that you approve the Gilbert-Linn district, and we thank you for your time. Sincerely, Sasha & John Freyer 412 Church Street Iowa City Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr From: Tim Weitzel and Wendy Robertson [timwendy@avalon.net] Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2005 3:25 PM To: council@iowa-city.org Subject: northside histoirc district Council members: I am writing as a member of the community who understands and appreciates the value of historic preservation in our community. I respectfully urge you to vote to approve the Northside Historic District. Thank you. Tim Weitzel 523 Grant St. Iowa City, IA 52240 1/26/2005 Marian Karr From: MICHAEL GARVEY [sandjumper@msn.com] Sent: Friday, January 28, 2005 10:12 AM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Cc: claire-sponsler@uiowa.edu Subject: G[Ibert-Linn Street Historical District Proposal Dear City Council Members, We own the property at 409 Gilbert Street North. We support ~he proposal to rezone this area as a historical district. Thank you for consideration. Michael and Geri Garvey Marian Karr From: shannon-bradshaw@uiowa.edu Sent: Friday, January 28, 2005 10:21 AM To: council@iowa-city.org Subject: Support for Gilbert-L[nn Historic District Please support the proposed Gilbert-Linn Historic District. Shannon Bradshaw, PhD Asst. Professor of Management Sciences The University of Iowa Iowa City, IA 52242 Voice: 319-335-3944 http://www.biz.uiowa.edu/sbradshaw Marian Karr From: woodsml@act, org Sent: Friday, January 28, 2005 9:25 AM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Gilbert-Linn historic distric My name is Tina Woodsmall and I live with my husband, Larry Woodsmall, at 318 Church Street. We own our property. Plese note that our property is listed as "key" property in the proposal to make the Gilbert-Linn historic district. I'd like to make this very clear the the Iowa City Council (and the Northside Neighborhood Association) -- my husband and I DO NOT support the Gilbert-Linn historic district. Tina M Hiller Woodsmall 318 Church Street Iowa City IA 52245 Marian Karr From: meredith.sewell@act.org Sent: Thursday, January 27, 2005 5:46 PM To: council@iowa-city.org Cc: claire-sponsler@uiowa.edu Subject: Gilbert- Linn Historic Designation City Council, Iowa City I am writing as an 8 year resident of the Northside Neighbor hood, 18 year resident to the Iowa City area and someone who loves my chosen coI~nunity. My home is NOT in the designated Gilbert-Linn district or any other historic district. Please recognize the value historic designation brings. This neighborhood is in need of assistance to save the valued properties still there. Reasons to vote YES: 1) The Northside has had decades of slow decline from neglect. Designation will help end the destruction of architectural beauties. When they're gone they're gone. 2) Historic designation is a viable way to ensure positive stewardship where it is desperately needed. Most objections from property owners come form landlords expressing concerns of financial burden. This argument is very simple and powerful way to cry foul when there is no foul play. There is always a cost to maintaining property. This designation will encourage them to avoid the need of costly repairs by creating incentives to monitor their properties from tenant abuse. 3) The Northside neighborhood has been home to thousands who have passed through the universities doors. It's a neighborhood with connections for people scattered to countless locations, people from all economic backgrounds. Songs and literature have been written in and about this neighborhood. 4) The Northside plays host to hundreds of daily commuters. It helps play host to thousands on football weekends. It is the cities most visible neighborhood. It's personality and character reflects on the image of our community. 5) A town that conserves and values it's assets is a town made easier to promote. Please vote yes. Thank you, Meredith Sewell 420 Fairchild Street Iowa City, Iowa 52245 337-6177 Page 1 of 1 Marian Kart From: doni Kinsey [doni-Kinse¥@uiowa.edu] Sent: Thursday, January 27, 2005 12:47 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Gilbert/Linn Historic District Dear Iowa City City Council Members: I would like to add my voice to the many you are undoubtedly hearing that support of the Gilbert/Linn Historic District. I have lived in the neighborhood for the past fourteen years, first on Church Street and now on Brown Street where I am raising a daughter, now five years old. I have watched with great pleasure the positive changes that have been brought over the years by the Historic Preservation Plan, the RNC 12 rezoning, the Brown Street Historic District, and most recently the augmentation of that with additional blocks. Elsewhere in Iowa City similar achievements have had a strong influence on keeping our older neighborhoods intact, well maintained, and attractive to families who live in them and contribute significantly to our community. I was profoundly disappointed that the Gilbert/Linn district was not immediately approved in December. I won't belabor the many eloquent arguments for the measure that were voiced at the meeting then, all of which should be more than sufficient to convince you this action is in the best interest of Iowa City. But I want to make one important point. It seems that those opposed to the measure are mostly property owners WHO DO NOT LIVE ON THE NORTHSIDE, in other words non-resident landlords. It does not seem fair that their votes should be counted as equivalent to those who actually LIVE in the area. Non-resident landlords and business people are indeed financial investors in the area, but they have no real stake in whether or not the neighborhood is kept historically intact or viable as a community of neighbors. They do not raise their children here. In fact, they have a vested interest in seeing the area decline since it means more single family homes are vacated, and that in turn opens opportunities for subdividing houses for rental income--the real money in the area. I am not suggesting that non-resident property owners' opinions should be not be heard; that is their rights. But as you weigh the issue, which counts more--those whose interests are based on exploiting properties for financial gain or those who invest their lives and those of their children's in making these places a community? The answer is simple. Vote YES on the Gilbert/Linn Historic District. Sincerely, Joni L. Kinsey Joni L. Kinsey, Ph.D. Associate Professor, American Art School of Art and Art History University of Iowa El00 AB Iowa City, IA 52242 (319) 335-1781 1/27/2005 Page 1 of l Marian Karr From: Joysmi@aol.com Sent: Thursday, January 27, 2005 11:54 AM To: council@iowa-city.org Subject: Gilbert-Linn Historic District January 27, 2005 Dear City Council Members, We write again to ask you to vote in favor of the Gilbert-Linn Street Historic District. While our property at 319 East Bloomington is no longer included in the boundaries of the proposed district, we continue to view this proposed district as a good thing for us, for the neighborhood and for the community at large. We know that this has been a difficult issue for you because of the difference of opinion about this district. We believe that the strong differences of opinion stem largely from the fact that this is a mixed usage neighborhood. It includes both owner-occupied properties and rental property, borders commercial use areas, and abuts the university and the downtown area. For these reasons we believe it is not likely there will ever be consensus on zoning regulations in the area. It is precisely for this reason that the leadership of the council is essential. Your support for this district tangibly demonstrates that this is a neighborhood in which individuals can purchase a home, improve it, live in it, with confidence that the value of'their property in the neighborhood will be maintained and that the neighborhood will maintain the mixed usage which originally attracted them. As owners of a commercial rental property adjacent to the district we believe the designation is good for non-resident owners for all the same reasons. We encourage you to vote for this designation and continue to work with all the property owners in the area to maintain and improve this vibrant area of our community. Sincerely, Joy Smith and David Rust 1/27/2005 Marian Karr From: Marc Light [gaulight@mac.com] Sent: Thursday, January 27, 2005 11:36 AM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: support for proposed Gilbert-Linn historic district Dear City Council members: I believe that preserving residential neighborhoods like the Northside is crucial for the mid- and long-term ECONOMIC well-being of downtown Iowa City and Iowa City in general. A vibrant attractive diverse neighborhood close to the downtown is good for business: - the residents in the neighborhood frequent the downtown businesses, - non-residents are attracted to a downtown with pleasant surrounding neighborhoods, - small businesses, the engines of recovery, prefer to be located where workers feel safe and happy. The proposed Gilbert-Linn historic district designation will help the Northside be such a neighborhood. I grew up in Michigan and I experienced many small cities with ugly depressed residential neighborhoods close to downtown. These places had attractive suburban neighborhoods but in my experience, financially speaking, EVERYONE suffered because of the problems downtown. Please consider THE ECONOMIC WELL-BEING OF IOWA CITY when voting on the proposed Gilbert-Linn historic district designation. Sincerely, Marc Light E Davenport Street homeowner and E Davenport Street resident January 25, 2005 City Council 410 E. Washington St. Iowa City, IA 52240 Dear Council Members: Back in December I wrote to ask for your support for the proposed Gilbert-Linn Historic District. I'm asking for that support again. I live in the Gilbert-Linn district, but even ifI didn't I'd be in favor of it, because of its value to Iowa City as a whole. A thriving downtown needs to be ringed by viable neighborhoods made up of more than just student housing. Historic designation is a tool for making sure that older neighborhoods, which because of their proximity to the university are desirable for landlords and students, can keep attracting the permanent residents the city needs--people who put down roots, become a part of the community, send their kids to local schools, support downtown businesses, eat at local restaurants, and attend Iowa City's cultural events. If Iowa City hopes to continue to thrive, particularly as it faces competition from surrounding areas like Coralville and North Liberty that threaten to draw customers away from businesses and homeowners away from the city's tax base, it needs to play up its strengths. Those strengths include attractive, older neighborhoods in easy walking distance of downtown and the university. People who visit me from other parts of the country are always amazed by two things: that Iowa City has so many distinctive houses from the late 19th and early 20th centuries and that so many of those houses are in such sorry states of disrepair. They are shocked to see grand Victorians with their turrets lopped off and Craftsmans with unpainted, two-by-four, "slumlord" railings where stately porches once stood. While such changes might seem merely superficial and not worth bothering about, they add up to a steady assault on the very existence of older neighborhoods. You've heard from landlords concerned about their property rights, and those concerns certainly have merit. But what about the property rights of owner-occupants, whose homes are their biggest investment? And, more importantly, what about the property rights of all residents of Iowa City, whose property values are inextricably linked to what happens in other parts of the city? Most of the opponents of the Gilbert-Linn historic district don't live in the district; many of them don't live in the city; some don't even live in the state. Surely, while their voices deserve to be heard, they shouldn't drown out those who live in the district and in the city, especially since those residents are thinking not about short- term profit, but long-term value. It's increasingly obvious how desperately the Northside needs the protection of historic designation to stop the destruction of its houses. Any further delay in passing the historic district will be an opportunity for yet more tilting of the neighborhood's delicate balance away from a place where families and o~vner- occupants feel comfortable and are willing to settle. Large sections of Iowa City's close-in neighborhoods are already lost, thanks to the misguided planning policies of the 1970s and 1980s. I'm asking you to vote in a way that will save the Northside while it can still be saved. Please don't let Gilbert-Linn become another South Lucas. Sincerely, Jeff Porter 413 N. Gilbert St. Barbara M. Buss 718 South Summit Street Iowa City, IA 52240-5658 319-351-3309 Email: barbybus s~msn, com 3anuary 27, 2005 To the Mayor and Members of the Iowa City City Council The purpose of this letter is not to argue the merits for or against your adoption of the Gilbert-Linn Street proposal now before you. This letter is addressed primarily to those of you who are in favor of protecting this area by designating it a local historic district, but who cannot support such a designation at this time because you believe that the petitioning process was flawed. I do not know whether or not the process was flawed, and I have no reason to believe that those of you who feel it was are dishonest or insincere in your assessment. I respect your concern for procedure and fairness. I am prompted to write because I believe that as a council you are not bound by the imperfect ways we come before you with our petitions. Yours would be a much easier job if you just let us tell you what decisions to make. But if this were the case, before long the City would have no character at all. And that is the real purpose of this letter. I urge you, as the architects of Iowa City, the conservators of its character, to reexamine your reluctance to support the Gilbert- Linn Street petition at this time. Neighborhoods such as this one can become unstable with the loss of just a few owner occupied properties. A vote to defer this petition - even for a year - is a vote to take this risk. Sincerely yours, Barbara Buss Marian Karr From: Judith Pascoe [judith-pascoe@uiowa.edu] Sent: Friday, January 28, 2005 1:43 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: historic district Dear Council Members, I hope you will vote to support the Gilbert-Linn historic district. I understand that the historic designation has the strong support of the vast majority of landlords, renters, and home owners who actually LIVE in the neighborhood. I think it would be very unjust to allow the dissenting opinions of non-local property owners to dominate over the wishes of the actual residents of the district. I attend the Iowa City Friends Meeting at 311Linn Street, and I want to remind you that the members of the Meeting have already voiced enthusiastic support for the district. The Iowa City Friends believe that the historic designation will help the neighborhood maintain its integrity and diversity. Thank you very much for considering this message. Yours sincerely, Judith Pascoe Marian Karr From: Semel, Jay [jay-semel@uiowa.edu] Sent: Friday, January 28, 2005 1:48 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: vote yes on the proposed Gilbert-Linn Historic district Greetings, Please vote yes on the proposed Gilbert-Linn Historic district. Neighborhoods are fragile. It didn't take many years for large portions of Iowa City te turn hideous. Here is the question te ask yourselves: You new are in military service er in graduate school, but you are planning to move te Iowa City in 5 years, hoping te buy a house for your young family in the Gilbert-Linn neighborhood. Would the passage ef the district measure be likely to make the neighborhood mere attractive or less attractive in 5 years? Thanks for your consideration, Jay Semel 331 Summit 338-6321 Marian Karr From: Clerk-ICFM [iowacityfriends@hotmail.com] Sent: Friday, January 25, 2005 1:48 PM To: counc[l@iowa-city.org Subject: Gilbert-Linn historic district designation Dear Members of the Iowa City council, I am the treasure of the Iowa City Friends Meeting, located at 311 N. Linn St. I am writing to express the meeting's strong support for the historic district designation for our neighborhood. Our meeting had an extensive discussion of this issue and came to a clear consensus that historic district designation would be best for the neighborhood as a whole, regardless of whether or not it might interfere with particular plans we had. The meeting feels strongly that the intimate, residential look and feel of the neighborhood is important to the quality of life of those who reside there. We also feel that this character adds considerably to the attractiveness of the non-residential properties, such as our own. Because of this, we feel that historic designation makes sense both from a "right thing to do" perspective and from a "good business" viewpoint. We hope very much that you, our elected representatives, will vote in favor of the historic district designation. Thank you for your time in reading this. Regards, Perry Howell Treasurer Iowa City Monthly Meeting of Friends Don't just search. Find. Check out the new MSN Search! http://search.msn.click-url.com/go/onmOO200636ave/direct/O1/ Gilbert-Linn Streets Historic District Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr From: Hauserman, Nancy R [nancy-hauserman@uiowa.edu] Sent: Friday, January 28, 2005 2:26 PM To: council@iowa-city.org Subject: Gilbert-Linn Streets Historic District To the Council: I am writing to encourage you to expand the historic district in the Gilbert-Linn Streets area. As a long time resident of the Northside of Iowa City, I treasure the attention that is paid to maintaining the historic nature of the area. I have lived in my current home for more than 10 years; before that I lived three blocks away and before that across the street. I stay in the northside specifically because it has struggled to maintain an historic identity and, to some extent and with the City's help, managed to retain that flavor. Obviously there has been change in the neighborhood; many of the homes are now rental property and we have worked hard to create an environment of a welcoming community with single family dwellers and renters. Resident northside property owners work hard to hold onto the character of the neighborhood. On occasion, people have come together to fix up some of the older dwellings, to renovate them and bring them back into their glory. This is such a fast paced world and things change so often and so quickly; for me, the northside is an opportunity to slow down - NOT TO STOP but to slow down, to hold on to some of what was beautiful about the past. And how precious to be able to teach my son, now 14, that old should be valued, not necessarily torn down or replaced by something new but appreciated and maintained just because it is old. It seems to me that there are many ways to remind ourselves of the past, to learn from the past and the honor our history; maintaining historic districts, prioritizing the value of historic districts over development, is one way we can honor what came before us. I urge you to vote in favor of maintaining and extending the historic district. Thank you. Nancy Hauserman 729 N. Linn Iowa City, Iowa 52245 (319)354-9692 1/28/2005 Marian Karr From: Waltraud Maierhofer [waltraud-maierhofer@uiowa.edu] Sent: Friday, January 28, 2005 3:59 PM To: council@iowa-city.org Dear Ladies and Gentlemen on the City Council: I agree with everything that Sarah Buss Paulson & Henry Paulson said so succinctly in their letter printed in the Iowa City Press Citizen today. I have lived in a small house on N. Gilbert St. for a dozen years now. While it was planned as a starter home and I sometimes wish for a bigger house with a larger yard, I got extremely attached to the neighborhood and I value the proximity to both Campus and entertainment/shopping. Ail my visitors agree. Except for the apartment building next door with an all-around parking lot instead of a yard. I want to do everything possible to prevent more nice family homes turned into eyesores like that (and ear-sore, as the police knows from complaints about loud parties). My house is not particularly historically significant and unfortunately has endured many dis-improvements by the previous owners (asbestos siding, for example) which are costly to undo. Although Dr. Kammermeyer talked me into initial resistance to the historic neighborhood project, I see it as important step to maintain the neighborhood as it is. I am very sorry that the old house on the corner Davenport/Gilbert has never come on the market. I was hoping I could buy it and update it while keeping the historic features. Instead we already see the garage torn down, the windows replaced with vinyl ones, patches of vinyl siding, and God knows what is happening inside. We do not need another cheaply maintained apartment building. For one thing, there is no parking for it. If it has to be that way: why not keep the historical character? There may be people who are willing to pay for that just like for modern amenities. More and more of the run-down rental places continually have for-rent signs up anyway, as there are more and more elegant apartments being built farther away from campus. I hope Iowa City will soon have another historic district. Sincerely, Waltraud Maierhofer 426 N. Gilbert St. IOWA CITY, IA 52245-2128 319 354 3966 waltraud-maierhofer@uiowa.edu Marian Karr From: Becky Thoms [becky-thoms@uiowa.edu] Sent: Monday, January 31, 2005 8:11 AM To: cou nci[@iowa-city.org Subject: Upcoming Vote Please support the proposed Gilbert-Linn Historic District. Thank you, Becky Thoms Iowa City resident Marian Karr From: Victoria Walton [Wa[ton.V[ctoria@iccsd. kl 2.ia. us] Sent: Sunday, January 30, 2005 2:39 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Citizens' Request Iowa City Council Members, We are homeowners who live at 430 N. Gilbert Street. We are in favor of establishing a Gilbert-Linn Street Local Historic District. We urge you to support this designation. Ours is a neighborhood that deserves city support as identified in two excerpts from Iowa City's Comprehensive Plan: "Portions of the Central Planning District located to the north and east of downtown contain older neighborhoods where issues of neighborhood integrity are of concern." "The integrity of existing neighborhoods, especially those adjacent to downtown and The University of Iowa campus, will require ongoing efforts." We purchased our home, in part, because we appreciate the architecture of many of the older homes in our neighborhood. Much has been said about the property rights of those who oppose the local historic district. As a property owner, we ask you to speak up for the rights of those of us who do not wish to find ourselves, a decade from now, living in an area that resembles South Van Buren, South Johnson and South Lucas Streets where original architecture is unrecognizable. Please help our neighborhood retain its history and character as well as encourage increased neighborhood pride by establishing the Gilbert-Linn Local Historic District. Thank you. Victoria Walton & Wally Plahutnik 430 N. Gilbert Street Iowa City, Iowa (319)338-3060 Page 1 of 1 ,:'5:' Marian Karr From: iowastay@juno.com Sent: Sunday, January 30, 2005 8:20 AM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Gilbert-Linn St. Historical District Please vote for the Oilbert-Linn St. Historical District. Our inner old neighborhoods give Iowa City its character. My renters love walking to small quaint or quality contemporary shops like any big city has. We have Washington, College, Linn and Gilbert Sts. to compete for uniqueness. We've had plenty of urban renewal to make an empty Old Capitol Mall after a mere 15 years. Sycamore Mall was a ghost town for years and had to be rejuvenated. We don't need more large apartment buildings with mandatory 1st floor commercial space. They stay empty for years. Two immediately come to mind - 300 block of College St. and the corner of Linn and Court St. are struggling. Our inner old neighborhoods give Iowa City its character. A clear example is the Hamburg Inn which was just on West Wing TV series holding its traditional coffee bean caucus of 2004. Millions of TV viewers were charmed by that episode. It demonstrated small town ownership of a political process set in a multi generational owned diner. Let's own this issue and create a Gilbert-Linn St. Historic District. Thank you for your attention, Pam Michaud, College Green Guest House 109 S. Johnson St. Iowa City, IA 52240 319-530-7445 cell 1/31/2005 Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr From: dennis kowalski [mayflyd@¥ahoo.com] Sent: Saturday, January 29, 2005 11:22 AM To: council@iowa-city.org Subject: gilbert/linn Hello! I am writing to express my support for the rezoning of Gilbert/Linn, into a historic district. It is unfortunate that these considerations were not part of cultural considerations, prior to the tearing down of a good part of downtown Iowa City. Can you imagine if SOHO had been torn down. That was just shear luck! Saved mostly by artists moving into the area. Times have changed! We can be more purposeful and like many other precedents worldwide, bring historic value to our community. Thanks, Dennis Kowalski 1932 Hafor Dr Iowa City Ia 52246 Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Search presents - Jib Jab's 'Second Term' 1/31/2005 Marian Karr From: Patricia Ephgrave [pnephgrave@mchsi.com] Sent: Monday, January 31, 2005 9:10 AM To: City Council Iowa City Subject: Historic Preservation Dear Councilors, Please fellow the recemmendation ef the Planning and Zening Commissien and the Histeric Preservatien Cemmissien to appreve the designation ef the Gilbert-Linn Street Historic District. We censider this a mest charming area e£ the city and a pleasure te visit. Those of us who live in the city sheuld have a veice--as through eur commissiens--to determine the character of the place in which we reside, shop, and dine. If yeu change its character and appeal, and we might as well go elsewhere. Vote fer the Gilbert-Linn Historrc District. Respectfully yeurs, Patricia N. Ephgrave 29 January 2005 Iowa City Council Members, We are homeowners who live at 430 N. Gilbert Street. We ore in favor of establishing o Gilbert-Linn .Street Local Historic District. We urge you to support this designation. Ours is o neighborhood that deserves city support as identified in two excerpts from Iowa City's Comprehensive Plan: "Portions of the Central Plannin9 District located to the north and east of downtown contain older neighborhoods where issues of neighborhood integrity are of concern." "The integrity of existin9 neighborhoods, especially those adjacent to downtown and The University of Zowa campus, will require ongoin9 efforts." We purchased our home, in port, because we appreciate the architecture of many of the older homes in our neighborhood. Much has been said about the property rights of those who oppose the local historic district. As o property owner, we ask you to speak up for the rights of those of us who do not wish to find ourselves, o decode from now, living in on oreo that resembles South Van Burenl South .Tohnson and South Lucos Strsets where original architecture is unrecognizable. Please help our neighborhood retain its history and character os well os encourage increased neighborhood pride by establishing the Gilbert-Linn Local Historic District. Thank you. ~ Victoria Walton & Wolly Plahutnik ~ :;:- ~-'' 430 N. Gilbert Street :. ' ~ ,.~ Iowa City, Iowa < x:, '%] (319)338-3060 ,_,:=:' ;-::' =;: _.y' ~ -- MEARDON, SUEPPEL ~ DOWNER P.L.C. LAWYERS ROBERT N. DOWNER TELEPHONE: (3 I g) 338-g222 OAMES D. McCARrAGhER ~ 2~ SOUTH IlNN STREET fax: (3 I 9) 338-7250 MARKT. HAMER ThOMaS D. HOBARt IOWA cr~Y, IOWA 52240 ~ I 830 WWW.mEaRDONLAW.CO~d HARGAReT T. ialN$ON DOUGLAS D. RUPPERT ]~MOThYO. KRUMM WILLIAM L. MEARDON WILLIAIH d. SUEPPEL ( I 9 I 9- 1997) CHARLES A. iVlEARDON DENNIS ,J. MITCHELL OF COUNSEL: DAVID J, BRIGHT WILLIAM F. suePPEL PETER ,J. GARDNER JEAN BARTLEY ANNE E. DANIELS January 28, 2005 Mayor Ernest Lehman Members of the City Council City of Iowa City 410 E. Washington Street Iowa City, IA 52240 Re: Gilbert-Linn Street Historic District Rezoning Dear Mayor Lehman and Members of the City Council: I am writing to you on behalf of H & G, an Iowa general partnership which owns property located at 214 E. Davenport Street and 420-422 N. Linn Street, to urge you to vote against the proposed Gilbert-Linn Street Historic District Rezoning. It is my understanding that more than 50% of the property owners directly affected by the proposed rezoning have sent in letters of opposition. Because this ordinance imposes regulations based on subjective views about aesthetics rather than health and safety, I would argue that such an ordinance should have overwhelming support of the affected property owners. I would also note that the additional regulations at issue impose substantial restrictions beyond just the issue of vinyl siding. Given the level of opposition at this time, I would ask that you vote against the proposed ordinance. Thank you for your consideration. Very truly yours, ennis J. Mitchell DJM/cu Marian Karr From: Acosta, J. Elise [j-acosta@uiowa.edu] Sent: Monday, January 31,2005 3:38 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Gilbert-Linn Historic District Dear Iowa City City Council, I live at 409 1/2 Nerth Gilbert Street and support the ordinance te designate the Gilbert-Linn Historic District. I have been a resident of Iowa City for eight year, seven ef these years having been spent in the Nerthside. I sought eut an apartment in the area specifically because the neighborhood offered so many beautiful older hemes, mature trees, and a diverse business and residential community. I must thank the preperty-owners whe have werked te censerve and restore the histeric hemes here; they allew the entire cemmunity te reap the rewards ef their labers. Hy landlerds suppert the erdinance, and I enceurage ether landlerds te censider how an historic district designation could benefit the entire neighberheed. Thank yeu, Elise Acosta Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr From: Jane Bradbury [jane-bradbury@uiowa.edu] Sent: Tuesday, February 01,2005 10:04 AM To: co u ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Proposed Gilbert-Linn Historic District Dear Council Members, I am writing to ask that you support the Proposed Gilbert-Linn Historic District. My husband and I do not live in that neighborhood but we believe that maintaining areas in downtown Iowa City that are attractive and well kept make Iowa City a more solid place to live. This helps our economy and brings the type of people to the community who put resources into making Iowa City a better place for all. I believe this even helps landlords in the long run. They can charge higher rents in neighborhoods that are well kept. I live in Iowa City because it has a nice downtown and attractive residential areas nearby. If we don't support neighborhood planning for the long term here in Iowa City, I am certain that it will have repercussions. Imagine what will happen if excellent faculty choose not to come here? Students seeking a quality education will go elsewhere, and the economy will suffer resulting in negative consequences for all Iowa City residents and investors. Sincerely, Jane Bradbury 115 Montrose Avenue Iowa City, Iowa 52245 2/1/2005 Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr From: anne burnside [ron618@avalon.net] Sent: Monday, January 31, 2005 10:05 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Fw: Gilbert/Linn St. Historic District Honorable Councilmembers, As a resident of the Northside Neighborhood for 25 years, I am thrilled by the proposal to designate the Gilbert/Linn Street area as an historic district. Inner-city neighborhoods, like this one, need to be preserved in order to maintian the vitality of the downtown business district. Furthermore, the City should support the private efforts already underway to preserve and re-develop our vibrant and unique neighborhood. Please vote in favor of the historic district designation. Sincerely, Linda A. McGuire 618 Ronalds Street Iowa City, IA 52255 2/1/2005 Marian Karr From: simon450@mchsi.com Sent: Tuesday, February 01, 2005 10:47 AM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: SUPPORT THE PROPOSED LINN/GILBERT HISTORIC DISTRICT I urge you all to support the Linn/Gilbert historic district. Thank You Krista Goldsberry landlord/resident of proposed district Marian Karr From: William Jennings [will@bigwoodenradio.com] Sent: Tuesday, February 01, 2005 11:08 AM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Dear City Council Members, We are sending this brief email to urge your support for the Gilbert-Linn Historic Preservation District at tonight's Council meeting. We write as owner-occupiers of our home at 311 Fairchild, and as property-owners and landlords of another property in the Longfellow Historic Preservation District (809 Maggard St.). Our neighborhood is a vital, diverse, and 'gateway' district where residents, University, core, unity-owned businesses, and countless visitors to Iowa City connect. Those of us who have invested our time, our sweat equity, our civic pride and our shared sense of vision, ask that you acknowledge the broad-based support for this proposal from within and outside the district boundaries...our paper of record, the University of Iowa's Neighborhood Advisory Group, the neighborhood associations that have always been open to all residents and property owners, and the working women, men, and families who have been able to find affordable properties as their homes. Please stand with us and help us to preserve our neighborhood and a valuable community asset. Thank you for your time and consideration, Will Jennings & Susan Futrell 311 East Fairchild Street Iowa City, Iowa 52245-2114 will@bigwoodenradio.com Marian Karr From: Jill Gaulding [JilI-Gauld[ng@uiowa.edu] Sent: Tuesday, February 01,2005 11:16 AM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Gilbert-L[nn District Dear Council Members: I want to urge you once again to vote in favor of the Gilbert-Linn Historic District. With the exception of Mr. Elliot, I think you all know that it is the right thing to do, both for the neighborhood and for Iowa City. Those of us who care about the neighborhood and the city have spent many, many hours attempting to persuade the opponents (at least those who would return our calls) of the benefits of neighborhood preservation. We put our time where our principles are -- now I am asking you put your vote where your principles are. Please do not disappoint your constituents again. Iowa City deserves better. Respectfully yours, Jill Gaulding on behalf of myself, my husband, and our two daughters, aged 9 and 7 225 E. Davenport Street Marian Karr From: MICHAEL SINGER [MSINGER@coe.edu] Sent: Tuesday, February 01, :>005 11:25 AM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Support Linn-Gi[bert District I am a resident at 419 N. Gilbert Street. I encourage you to support the proposed Linn-Gilbert Historic District! Hichael R. Singer, Director of the Heritage Club Coo College 1220 First Avenue NE Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402 Office: (319) 399-8614 Mobile: (319) 360-8360 msinger@coe.edu Did you know that some charitable gifts produce an income for the donor? If you would like more information on Planned Gifts to Coe College, please visit our web link at http://plannedgifts.coe.edu. Marian Karr From: Chris Offutt [chriso@avalon.net] Sent: Tuesday, February 01, 2005 11:41 AM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: ' Tonight's meeting I would appreciate if you voted in support of the G-L historic district. It means a lot to all of us who live in the neighborhood. Thank you. Chris Offutt 309 Church Marian Karr From: Jackie Briggs [jackiebriggs@earthl[nk. net] Sent: Tuesday, February 01, 2005 11:42 AM To: council@iowa-city.org Subject: Historic District I urge you to support the Gilbert Linn Historic District. I own our home in the Northside and enjoy the mix of rentals and family owned houses. But I am concerned about the lack of upkeep on many of the rentals and wish that the history of the neighborhood not lost amidst the duplexing and triplexing of the older homes. I am raising three children here and hope that they can attend Horace Mann in a couple of years. We enjoy the parks, walking to downtown and our neighbors and history of the people and groups that have lived here. We want to stay. Jackie Briggs 714 N. Johnson Street Iowa City 319/354-3411 Marian Karr From: shannon-bradshaw@uiowa.edu Sent: Tuesday, February 01,2005 12:02 PM To: council@iowa-city.org Please support the proposed Gilbert-Linn Street Historic District. I believe it benefits not just the neighborhood, but all of Iowa City. This community has a vibrant downtown that will suffer and may fail if families find it more difficult to live in the downtown neighborhoods. Please, please vote for the Gilbert-Linn Street Historic District. Sincerely, -Shannon Bradshaw Gilbert-Linn district Page 1 of 1 Marian Kart From: McNalley, Thomas [thomas-mcnalley@uiowa.edu] Sent: Tuesday, February 01,2005 12:04 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Gilbert-Linn district Dear Council Members, As a resident of the district in question and a firm believer in the value of preserving our historic neighborhoods, I strongly encourage you to vote in favor of the proposed Gilbert-Linn historic district. Simple numerical opposition isn't as important as understanding whether or not an onerous burden is placed on landlords. I believe that the restrictions are reasonable. Your job is leadership, and you have done so commendably. Please continue to provide positive leadership for Iowa City by voting in support. Thank you, Tom McNalley, M.D. 317 Fairchild St. Iowa City, IA 52245 319-338-1226 2/1/2005 Marian Karr From: elena-gavruseva@uiowa.edu Sent: Tuesday, February 01,2005 12:53 PM To: co u ncil@iowa-city, org Subject: Gilbert-Linn vote Dear politicians, Please support the proposed Gilbert-Linn Street Historic District. It benefits not just the neighborhood, but all of Iowa City. Elena Gavruseva IC resident Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr From: Erin Buzuvis [ebuzuvis@yahoo.com] Sent: Tuesday, February 01, 2005 1:12 PM To: council@iowa-city.org Subject: historic district proposal Dear City Council --- I am writing to express my support for the Gilbert-Linn-Street historic district proposal on the council's agenda this evening. A few months ago, I moved to Iowa City from out of state. I consciously chose to puchase a home in one of Iowa City's existing historic districts, Longfellow. I wanted to live in an area with charm and historic character and I wanted to invest in an area where those interests would be protected from denigration. I believe that preserving the historic character of Iowa City's neighborhoods would attract more potential homebuyers to the city. Sincerely, Erin E. Buzuvis 732 Dearborn St. Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - Helps protect you from nasty viruses. 2/1/2005 Marian Karr From: njohnson@inav.net Sent: Tuesday, February 01, 2005 1:18 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org CC: njohnson@inav, net Subject: Gilbert-Linn Historic District Honorable Council Members: Iowa City residents and businesses have much to gain from a national, as well as local, recognition of our community's rich historic traditions. Unless there is some very good reason (of which I am unaware) for not doing so, I would hope that you would, in that spirit, vote to provide the historic district designation for the Linn-Gilbert area which I remember from my youth. Nick %## Nicholas Johnson E-mail: njohnson@inav.net Web page: www.nicholasjohnson.org Voice: 319-337-5555 Fax: 319-335-9019 Postal: Box 1876, Iowa City IA 52244-1876 Parcels: Nicholas Johnson UI College of Law (290 Boyd Law Bldg.) Melrose & Byington Iowa City IA 52242-1113 Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr From: William Buss [wiliiam-buss@uiowa.edu] Sent: Tuesday, February 01, 2005 1:32 PM To: council@iowa-city.org Subject: Gilbert-Linn To: The Mayor and Members of the City Council However important your vote on the Gilbert-Linn Street Historic District may be to the residents of the neighborhood, it is much more important to the City of Iowa City and all of its residents. I have lived in Iowa City for 38 years and believe that the preservation of the qualities of the City, including the physical qualities, is imperative. It is easy to lose what makes Iowa City special a little bit at a time. Please don't let that happen. I have followed the public discussion on this issue closely and, when the Ci~y,~ inter~ts ~re kept in focus, 1 do not believe there are any good reasons to vote against the establishment of this Historic District. Please vote for the Gilbert-Linn Street Historic District. Respectfully submitted, William Buss 2/1/2005 Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr ~ ~ From: lea [I-vanderveJde@uiowaedu] Sent: Tuesday, February 01, 2005 1:49 PM To: council@iowa-city.org Subject: Please expand the protections of the historic designation of the Gilbert-Linn Street Dear Councilmembers. I write you today as a long-time resident of Iowa City, a former member of the Zoning Board of Adjustment and a professor of land use policy law. In my opinion whatever you can do to increase the protections of the Goosetown and Gilbert-Linn Street neighborhoods is the most worthwhile investment you can make in the housing stock of Iowa City The area contains some of the unique properties that make us proud to call Iowa City home. The forces at play in the neighborhood are threatening to undermine its stability as a good place for families. This is a pattern I've observed in campus communities across the country. Please pass the latest proposal to designate another part of the neighborhood -- the Gilbert~Linn Street District -- as a historic district. with best wishes, Lea VanderVelde Lea VanderVelde Josephine Witte Professor of Law & Global Scholar University of Iowa College of Law 474 Boyd Law Bldg Iowa City, Iowa 52246 2/1/2005 Marian Karr From: jan-palmer@uiowa.edu Sent: Tuesday, February 01, 2005 3:19 PM To: council@iowa-city.org Cc: jan-palmer@uiowa.edu Subject: In favor of proposed G-L historic district Greetings Council Members, Please vote in favor of the proposed G-L historic district. I de not believe that the best interests of the community at large are served by accommodating the business interests efa few. Each building is "owned" by one individual, but it is part of the fabric ef the landscape for all of us. We all "bought" into being here in Iowa City, literally or figuratively, because ef the nature of the community. The influence of a few should not be allowed te change the texture of the community for the many. This is only one issue of many for which I think we need to stand up to those who have bought property in town as a business investment. We should net allow them to prosper at the cost ef those characteristics that make the quality ef life in Iowa City so high. If we do, they will make their profit and move on te the next "hot spot," while we are left without the community that we chose te live in. You may think I'm kidding, but I've been through this before in another delightful, hospitable, diverse community. When the developers were finished it was unrecognizeable and devoid of the residents that had made it such a pleasing community. Ce~nunities are never relocated, when they are displaced they disperse. PLEASE, PROTECT THE FABRIC OF COMMUNITY IN IOWA CITY. PLACE THE INTERESTS OF THE COHHUNITY AS A WHOLE ABOVE THE PROFITS OF A FEW. Thank you for your attention. Sincerely, Jan Palmer, an Iowa City resident who is in the community identified daily. Marian Karr From: Rudolf E. Kuenzli [rudo[f-kuenzl[@uiowa.edu] Sent: Tuesday, February 01, 2005 4:12 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Gilbert-Linn Historic District Dear One and All, I know that for you numbers seem to be important in your decision on whether or not to designate the proposed Gilbert-Linn historic district. If so, please consider the following numbers facts before making up your minds: 1 There are 21 property owners LIVING IN THE DISTRICT who SUPPORT the idea. There are 5 property owners LIVING IN THE DISTRICT who are AGAINST it. 2. There are 11 property owners who live OUTSIDE Iowa City in opposition. There is 1 property owner who lives OUT OF STATE who is in opposition. Is your decision going to be made based on the numbers of those who live inside or outside the district? Those who live in the district have the most at stake and they want it. Are you going to decide what is best for the long-range interest of the city: to stabilize a fragile neighborhood to strengthen a fragile downtown? Are you going to vote based on what your Comprehensive Plan recommends for the well-being of the entire city? Please answer yes to the above questions and vote for the creation of the Gilbert Linn Historic District. Sincerely, Cecile Kuenzli 705 S. Summit St. Iowa City Please vote approval Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr From: ,Judith Klink [judithklink@mchsi.com] Sent: Tuesday, February 01,2005 4:37 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Please vote approval Dear Iowa City Council members, My husband and I strongly support the approval of the Gilbert-Linn Historic Area. This is an opportunity to "sell"our fine city by preserving what makes it so unique. The Iowa City Press Citizen declared today, correctly, that "Historic districts with atmosphere raise our livability quotient in the eyes of businesses looking for places to locate" as well as in the eyes of new faculty members at the university and any other possible new resident. We hope you will do the smart thing as well as the aesthetically appropriate thing for the city, and approve this area. Judith and Bill Klink 1101 Harlocke Street Iowa City 52246 351-4342 2/1/2005 Marian Karr From: Susanna Strode [susanna@avalon.net] Sent: Tuesday, February 01,2005 4:53 PM To: council@iowa-city.org Subject: Gilbert-Linn Historic District Dear Council Members, I would like to voice my strong support for this.proposed historic district on Gilbert/Linn Streets. I live on Brown Street, and the historic aspect of the neighborhood is the main reason we moved here to the Northside. In fact, when the University was recruiting my husband, the historic homes, tree lined streets were definitely a deciding factor between here and another offer! We have remodeled and had to get approval from the Historic Pres. Commission, which was not very time-consuming nor limiting. In addition, I firmly believe that those of us who are property owners in this neighborhood AND live here too, should have more power than those property owners who rent out homes. We are affected by this decision on a daily basis. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Susanna Strode 315 Brown Street 02-01-05 / 9 Prepared by: Eleanor M. Dilkes, City Attorney, 410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240; 319-356-5030 ORDINANCE NO. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE IOWA CITY CHARTER, CHAPTER '1 (DEFINITIONS) AND SECTIONS 2.03 (ELIGIBILITY), 2.05 (COMPENSATION), 2.1'1 (COUNCIL ACTION), 2.12 (PROHIBITIONS), 3.0'1 (NOMINATION), 3.02 (PRIMARY ELECTION), 4.03 (ABSENCE; DISABILITY OF CITY MANAGER), 4.04 (DUTIES OF CITY MANAGER), 5.02 (APPOINTMENT; REMOVAL), 5.03 (RULES), 6.02 (DISCLOSURE OF CONTRIBUTIONS AND EXPENDITURES), 6.03 (DEFINITION), 6.04 (VIOLATIONS), 7.0'1 (GENERAL PROVISIONS), 7.02 (COMMENCEMENT OF PROCEEDINGS; AFFIDAVIT), 7.03 (PETITIONS; REVOCATION OF SIGNATURES), 7.04 (PROCEDURE AFTER FILING), 7.05 (ACTION ON PETITIONS), 7.06 (RESULTS OF ELECTION), 8.01 (CHARTER AMENDMENTS), AND 8.02 (CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION) AS RECOMMENDED BY THE CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION. WHEREAS, the Iowa City Charter provides for the establishment of a Charter Review Commission at least once every ten (10) years; WHEREAS, the City Council did appoint a nine (9) member Commission to review the Charter on March 16, 2004 in Resolution No. 04-88; WHEREAS, the Charter Review Commission met twenty-four (24) times to review the Charter and held three (3) public hearings; WHEREAS, the Charter Review Commission made its recommendations to Council on January 18, 2005; and WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City to adopt said recommendations. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CI-'I'Y COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CITY, IOWA: SECTION I. AMENDMENTS 1. The "Definition" prevision in the Charter is hereby amended by repealing the definition of "ordinance" and adding the following new definition: "Ordinance" means a City law of a general and permanent nature. 2. The "Definition" provision of the Charter is hereby amended by repealing the definition of "measure" and adding the following new definition: "Measure" except as provided in Article VII, means an ordinance, amendment, resolution or motion. 3. Article II, entitled "City Council," Section 2.03, entitled "Eligibility," is hereby amended by repealing 2.03 in its entirety and adding the following new Section 2.03: To be eligible to be elected to and to retain a Council position, a person must be an eligible elector of Iowa City, and if seeking or elected to represent a Council District, must be an eligible elector of that Council District. 4. Article II, entitled "City Council," Section 2.05, entitled "Compensation," is hereby amended by repealing 2.05 in its entirety and adding the following new Section 2.05: The Council, by ordinance, shall prescribe the compensation of the Mayor and the other Council members. The Council shall not adopt such an ordinance during the months of November and December immediately following a regular City election. 5. Article II, entitled "City Council," Section 2.11, entitled "Council action," is hereby amended by repealing 2.1 lin its entirety and adding the following new Section 2.11: Passage of an ordinance, amendment or resolution requires a majority vote of all the members of the Council except as otherwise provided by State law. 6. Article II, entitled "City Council," Section 2.12, entitled "Prohibitions," Paragraph B is hereby amended by repealing B in its entirety and adding the following new Paragraph B: B. With the exception of the appointment of the chief of the police department and chief of the fire department, which are subject to approval of the City Council, neither the Council nor its members may dictate, in any manner, the appointment or removal of any person appointed by the City Manager. However, the Council may express its views to the City Manager pertaining to the appointment or removal of such employee. Ordinance No. Page 2 7. Article III, entitled "Nomination, Primary Election and Regular Election," Section 3.01, entitled "Nomination," Paragraph A is hereby amended by repealing Paragraph A in its entirety and adding the following new Paragraph A: A. An eligible elector of a council district may become a candidate for a council district seat by filing with the City Clerk a valid petition requesting that his or her name be placed on the ballot for that office. The petition must be filed not more than sixty-five (65) days nor less than forty (40) days before the date of the election and must be signed by eligible electors from the candidate's district equal in number to at least two (2) percent of those who voted to fill the same office at the last regular city election, but not less than ten (10) persons. 8. Article III, entitled "Nomination, Primary Election and Regular Election," Section 3.02, entitled "Primary Election," Paragraph A is hereby amended by repealing Paragraph A in its entirety and adding the following new Paragraph A: A. If there are more than two candidates for a Council District seat, a primary election must be held for that seat with only the qualified electors of that Council District eligible to vote. The names of the two candidates who receive the highest number of votes in the primary election are to be placed on the ballot for the regular City election as candidates for that Council seat. 9. The title to Section 4.03 of Article IV is hereby amended by repealing the title in its entirety and adding the following new title to Section 4.03: Absence; disability of City Manager. 10. The title to Section 4.04 of Article IV is hereby amended by repealing the title in its entirety and adding the following new title to Section 4.04: Duties of City Manager 11. Article IV, entitled "City Manager," Section 4.04, entitled "Duties of city manager," Paragraph A is hereby amended by repealing Paragraph A in its entirety and adding the following new Paragraph A: A. The City Manager shall be chief administrative officer of the City and shall: (1) Insure that the laws of the City are executed and enforced. (2) Supervise and direct the administration of City government and the official conduct of employees of the City appointed by the City Manager including their employment, training, reclassification, suspension or discharge as the occasion requires, subject to State law. (3) Appoint the chief of the police department and the chief of the fire department with the approval of the City Council. (4) Supervise the chief of the police department and chief of the fire department, including their suspension or discharge as the occasion requires. Such supervision shall not be subject to approval of the City Council. (5) Appoint or employ persons to occupy positions for which no other method of appointment is provided by State law or this Charter. (6) Supervise the administration of the City personnel system, including the determination of the compensation of all City employees appointed by the City Manager subject to State law or this Charter. (7) Supervise the performance of all contracts for work to be done for the City, supervise all purchases of materials and supplies, and assure that such materials and supplies are received and are of specified quality and character. (8) Supervise and manage all public improvements, works and undertakings of the City, and all City-owned property including buildings, plants, systems, and enterprises, and have charge of their construction, improvement, repair and maintenance except where otherwise provided by State law. (9) Supervise the making and preservation of all surveys, maps, plans, drawings, specifications and estimates for the City. (10) Provide for the issuance and revocation of licenses and permits authorized by State law or City ordinance and cause a record thereof to be maintained. (11) Prepare and submit to the Council the annual budgets in the form prescribed by State law. (12) Provide the Council an itemized written monthly financial report. (13) Attend Council meetings and keep the Council fully advised of the financial and other conditions of the City and its needs. (14) See that the business affairs of the City are transacted in an efficient manner and that accurate records of all City business are maintained and made available to the public, except as otherwise provided by State law. (15) Provide necessary and reasonable clerical, research and professional assistance to Boards Ordinance No. Page 3 within limitations of the budget. (16) Perform such other and further duties as the Council may direct. 12. Article V, entitled "Boards, Commission and Committees," Section 5.02, entitled "Appointment; removal," is hereby amended by repealing Section 5.02 in its entirety and adding the following new Section 5.02: The Council shall, subject to the requirements of State law, seek to provide broad representation on all Boards. The Council shall establish procedures to give at least thirty days' notice of vacancies before they are filled and shall encourage applications by citizens. Council procedures for the removal of members shall be consistent with State law. 13. Article V, entitled "Boards, Commission and Committees," Section 5.03, entitled "Rules," is hereby amended by repealing Paragraph A in its entirety and adding the following new Paragraph A: A. The Council shall establish rules and procedures for the operation of all Boards, which must include but are not limited to, the adoption of by-laws and rules pertaining to open meetings and open records. 14. Article VI, entitled "Campaign Contributions and Expenditures," Section 6.02, entitled "Disclosure of contributions and expenditures," is hereby amended by repealing Section 6.02 in its entirety and adding the following new Section 6.02: The Council, by ordinance, may prescribe procedures requiring the disclosure of the amount, source and kind of contributions received and expenditures made by (1) each candidate for election to Council and (2) any and all other persons, for the purpose of aiding or securing the candidate's nomination or election. 15. Article VI, entitled "Campaign Contributions and Expenditures," Section 6.03, entitled "Definition," is hereby amended by repealing Section 6.03 in its entirety and adding the following new Section 6.03: Within this article "contribution" shall be defined as that term is defined in Chapter 56 ("Campaign Finance") of the Code of Iowa. 16. Article VI, entitled "Campaign Contributions and Expenditures," Section 6.04, entitled '~/iolations," is hereby amended by repealing Section 6.04 in its entirety and adding the following new Section 6.04: The Council, by ordinance, shall prescribe: (1) penalties for the violation of the contribution limitations and disclosure requirements it establishes pursuant to this section; and (2) when appropriate, conditions for the revocation of a candidate's right to serve on Council if elected, consistent with State law. 17. Article VII, entitled "Initiative and Referendum," Section 7.01, entitled "General provisions," is hereby amended by repealing Section 7.01 in its entirety and adding the following new Section 7.01: A. Authority. (1) Initiative. The qualified electors have the right to propose measures to the Council and, if the Council fails to adopt a measure so proposed without any change in substance, to have the measure submitted to the voters at an election. (2) Referendum. The qualified electors have the right to require reconsideration by the Council of an existing measure and, if the Council fails to repeal such measure, to have it submitted to the voters at an election. (3) Definition. Within this article," measure" means all ordinances, amendments, resolutions or motions of a legislative nature, however designated, which (a) are of a permanent rather than temporary character and (b) include a proposition enacting, amending or repealing a new or existing law, policy or plan, as opposed to one providing for the execution or administration of a law, policy or plan already enacted by Council. B. Limitations. (1) Subject matter. The right of initiative and referendum shall not extend to any of the following: (a) Any measure of an executive or administrative nature. (b) The City budget. (c) The appropriation of money. (d) The levy of taxes or special assessments. (e) The issuance of General Obligation and Revenue Bonds. (f) The letting of contracts. (g) Salaries of City employees. (h) Any measure required to be enacted by State or federal law. (i) Amendments to this Charter. Ordinance No. Page 4 (j) Amendments affecting the City Zoning Ordinance or the land use maps of the Comprehensive Plan, including the district plan maps. (k) Public improvements subsequent to City Council action to authorize acquisition of property for that public improvement, or notice to bidders for that public improvement, whichever occurs earlier. "Public improvement" shall mean any building or construction work. (2) Resubmission. No initiative or referendum petition shall be filed within two years after the same measure or a measure substantially the same has been submitted to the voters at an election. (3) Council repeal, amendment and reenactment. No measure .proposed by initiative petition and adopted by the vote of the Council without submission to the voters, or adopted by the voters pursuant to this article, may for two years thereafter be repealed or amended except by a vote of the people, unless provision is otherwise made in the original initiative measure. No measure referred by referendum petition and repealed by the vote of the Council without submission to the voters, or repealed by the voters pursuant to this article, may be reenacted for two years thereafter except by vote of the people, unless provision is otherwise made in the original referendum petition. C. Construction. (1) Scope of power. It is intended that this article confer broad initiative and referendum powers upon the qualified electors of the City. (2) Initiative. It is intended that (a) no initiative petition will be invalid because it repeals an existing measure in whole or in part by virtue of proposing a new measure and (b) an initiative petition may amend an existing measure. (3) Referendum. It is intended that a referendum petition may repeal a measure in whole or in part. D. Effect of filing petition. The filing of an initiative or referendum petition does not suspend or invalidate any measure under consideration. Such measure shall remain in full force and effect until its amendment or repeal by Council pursuant to Section 7.05A or until a majority of the qualified electors voting on a measure vote to repeal or amend the measure and the vote is certified. E. City obligations. An initiative or referendum vote which repeals an existing measure in whole or in part does not affect any obligations entered into by the City, its agencies or any person in reliance on the measure during the time it was in effect. 18. Article VII, entitled "Initiative and Referendum," Section 7.02, entitled "Commencement of proceedings; affidavit," is hereby amended by repealing Section 7.02 in its entirety and adding the following new Section 7.02: A. Commencement. One or more qualified electors, hereinafter referred to as the "petitioners," may commence initiative or referendum proceedings by filing with the City Clerk an affidavit stating they will supervise the circulation of the petition and will be responsible for filing it in proper form, stating their names and addresses and specifying the address to which all relevant notices are to be sent, and setting out in full the proposed initiative measure or citing the measure sought to be reconsidered. B. Affidavit. The City Clerk shall accept the affidavit for filing if on its face it appears to have signatures of one or more qualified electors. The City Clerk shall issue the appropriate petition forms to the petitioners the same day the affidavit is accepted for filing. The City Clerk shall cause to be prepared and have available to the public, forms and affidavits suitable for the commencement of proceedings and the preparation of initiative and referendum petitions. 19. Article VII, entitled "Initiative and Referendum," Section 7.03, entitled "Petitions; revocation of signatures," is hereby amended by repealing Paragraphs B, C, and E in their entirety and adding the following new Paragraphs B, C, and E: B. Form and content. All papers of a petition prepared for filing must be substantially uniform in size and style and must be assembled as one instrument. Each person signing shall provide, and the petition form shall provide space for, the signature, printed name, address of the person signing and the date the signature is executed. The form shall also provide space for the signer's birthdate, but a failure to enter a birthdate shall not invalidate a signer's signature. Petitions prepared for circulation must contain or have attached thereto throughout their circulation the full text of the measure proposed or sought to be reconsidered. The petition filed with the City Clerk need have attached to it only one copy of tl~e measure being proposed or referred. C. Affidavit of circulator. Each paper of a petition containing signatures must have attached to it when filed an affidavit executed by a qualified elector certifying: the number of signatures on the paper, that he or she personally circulated it, that all signatures were affixed in his or her presence, that he or she believes them to be genuine signatures of the persons whose names they purport to be and that each signer had an opportunity before signing to read the full text of the measure proposed or sought to Ordinance No. Page 5 be reconsidered. Any person filing a false affidavit will be liable to criminal penalties as provided by State law. E. Time for filing referendum petitions. Referendum petitions may be filed within sixty days after final adoption by the Council of the measure sought to be reconsidered, or subsequently at any time more than two years after such final adoption. The signatures on a referendum petition must be secured during the sixty days after such final adoption; however, if the petition is filed more than two years after final adoption, the signatures must be secured within six months after the date the affidavit required under Section 7.02A was filed. 20. Article VII, entitled "Initiative and Referendum," Section 7.04 entitled "Procedure after filing," is hereby amended by repealing Paragraphs A, B, and C in their entirety and adding the following new Paragraphs A, B, and C: A. Certificate of City Clerk; amendment. Within twenty days after a petition is filed which contains the minimum required signatures, as set forth in Section 7.03.A above, the City Clerk shall complete a certificate as to the petition's sufficiency. If the petition is insufficient, the Clerk's certificate shall specify the particulars wherein the petition is defective. The Clerk shall also promptly send a copy of the certificate to the petitioners by registered mail. A petition certified insufficient may be amended once, provided, however, that one or more of the original petitioners files a notice of intention to amend the original petition. Such notice must be filed with the City Clerk within two days after receiving a copy of the certificate, and the petitioner also must file a supplementary petition upon additionalpapers within fifteen days after receiving a copy of such certificate. Such supplementary petition shall comply with the requirements of subsections B and C of Section 7.03. Within fifteen days after a supplementary petition is filed, the City Clerk shall complete a certificate as to the sufficiency of the petition, as amended and supplemented, and shall promptly send a copy of such certificate to the petitiohers by registered mail, as in the case of an original petition. If a petition or amended petition is certified sufficient, or if the petition or amended petition is certified insufficient and one or more of the petitioners do not request Council review under subsection B of this Section within the time prescribed, the City Clerk shall promptly present the certificate to the Council. B. Council review. If a petition has been certified insufficient by the City Clerk and one or more of the petitioners do not file notice of intention to amend it, or if an amended petition has been certified insufficient by the City Clerk, one or more of the petitioners may, within two days after receiving a copy of such certificate, file with the City Clerk a request that it be reviewed by the Council. The Council shall review the certificate at its next meeting following the filing of such a request, but not later than thirty days after the filing of the request for review, and shall rule upon the sufficiency of the petition. C. Court review. To the extent allowed by law, Court review of the Council's actions shall be by writ of certiorari. 21. Article VII, entitled "Initiative and Referendum," Section 7.05, entitled "Action on petitions," is hereby amended by repealing Section 7.05 in its entirety and adding the following new Section 7.05: A. Action by council. When an initiative or referendum petition has been determined sufficient, the Council shall promptly consider the proposed initiative measure or reconsider the referred measure. If the Council fails to adopt a proposed initiative measure and fails to adopt a measure which is similar in substance within sixty days, or if the Council fails to repeal the referred measure within thirty days after the date the petition was finally determined sufficient, it shall submit the proposed or referred measure to the qualified electors of the city as hereinafter prescribed. If at any time more than thirty days before a scheduled initiative or referendum election the Council adopts the proposed initiative measure or adopts a measure which is similar in substance or if the Council repeals a referred measure, the initiative or referendum proceedings shall terminate and the proposed or referred measure shall not be submitted to the voters. B. Submission to voters. (1) Initiative. The vote of the City on a proposed measure shall be held at the regular city election or at the general election which next occurs more than forty days after the expiration of the sixty day period provided for consideration in Section 7.05A, provided that the initiative petition was filed no less than 110 days prior to the deadline imposed by state law for the submission of ballot questions to the Commissioner of Elections. (2) Referendum. The vote of the City on a referred measure shall be held at the regular city election or at the general election which next occurs more than forty days after the expiration of the thirty- day period provided for reconsideration in Section 7.05A, provided that the referendum petition was filed no less than 80 days prior to the deadline imposed by state law for the submission of ballot questions to the Commissioner of Elections. The Council may provide for a special referendum election on a referred measure any time more than 120 days after the filing of the referendum petition with the City Clerk. Ordinance No. Page 6 C. Ballot. Copies of the proposed or referred measure shall be made available to the qualified electors at the polls and shall be advertised at the city's expense in the manner required for "questions" in Section 376.5 of the Iowa Code. The subject matter and purpose of the referred or proposed measure shall be indicated on the ballot. 22. Article VII, entitled "Initiative and Referendum," Section 7.06, entitled "Results of election," is hereby amended by repealing Section 7.06 in its entirety and adding the following new Section 7.06: A. Initiative. If a majority of the qualified electors voting on a proposed initiative measure vote in its favor, it shall be considered adopted upon certification of the election results. The adopted measure shall be treated in all respects in the same manner as measures of the same kind adopted by the Council, except as provided in Section 7.01B(3). If conflicting measures are approved by majority vote at the same election, the one receiving the greatest number of affirmative votes shall prevail to the extent of such conflict. B. Referendum. If a majority of the qualified electors voting on a referred measure vote in favor of repealing the measure, it shall be considered repealed upon certification of the election results. 23. Article VIII, entitled "Charter Amendments and Review," Section 8.01, entitled "Charter amendments," is hereby amended by repealing Section 8.01 in its entirety and adding the following new Section 8.01: This Charter may be amended only by one of the following methods: A. The Council, by resolution, may submit a proposed amendment to the voters at a special city election, and the proposed amendment becomes effective when approved by a majority of those voting. B. The Council, by ordinance, may amend the Charter. However, within thirty (30) days of publication of the ordinance, if a petition valid under the provisions of section 362.4 of the Code of Iowa is filed with the council, the Council must submit the amending.ordinance to the voters at a special city election, and the amendment does not become effective until approved by a majority of those voting. C. If a petition valid under the provisions of section 362.4 of the Code of Iowa is filed with the Council proposing an amendment to the Charter, the Council must submit the proposed amendment to the voters at a special city election, and the amendment becomes effective if approved by a majority of those voting. 24. Article VIII, entitled "Charter Amendments and Review," Section 8.02, entitled "Charter review commission," is hereby amended by repealing Section 8.02 in its entirety and adding the following new Section 8.02: The Council, using the procedures prescribed in Article V, shall establish a Charter Review Commission at least once every ten years following the effective date of this Charter. The Commission, consisting of at least nine members, shall review the existing Charter and may, within twelve months recommend any Charter amendments that it deems fit to the Council. The Council shall either exercise its power of amendment pursuant to Section 8.01B of the Charter on a matter recommended by the Commission or submit such amendments to the voters in the form prescribed by the Commission, and an amendment becomes effective when approved by a majority of those voting. SECTION II. REPEALER. All ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict with the provision of this Ordinance are hereby repealed. SECTION III SEVERABILITY. If any section, provision or part of the Ordinance shall be adjudged to be invalid or unconstitutional, such adjudication shall not affect the validity of the Ordinance as a whole or any section, provision or part thereof not adjudged invalid or unconstitutional. SECTION IV. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance shall be in effect after its final passage, approval and publication, as provided by law. Passed and approved this day of ,2005. MAYOR ATTEST: CITY CLERK A~~oved by ~ty Attorney's Office Sue\OrdRes\ChtrOrd~ 1 .doc Ordinance No. Page __ It was moved by and seconded by that the Ordinance as read be adopted, and upon roll call there were: AYES: NAYS: ABSENT: Bailey Champion Elliott Lehman O'Donnell Vanderhoef Wilburn First Consideration Voteforpassage: AYES: Bai]ey, Champion, E1]iott, Lehman, O'Donnell, Vanderhoef, Wilburn. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. Second Consideration Vote for passage: Date published Marian Karr From: Garry and Betsy Klein [the3rdiowa@mchsi.com] Sent: Friday, January 28, 2005 4:25 AM To: council@iowa-city.org Subject: Citizen's Guide to the Charter Mayor Lehman and Council Members, I followed the City Charter process very closely and was pleased to see that one of the recommendations of the Charter Commission was to create a citizen's guide to the Charter. One of the themes that was promoted to the Charter Commission by myself and others was the need for citizens to understand the workings of their government better by providing transparency in public documents and process. While the recommended changes to the Charter are largely cosmetic ones, the changes should be outlined in the guide and perhaps some of the questions that the commission chose not to act on be included as frequently asked questions (e.g., Why are district representatives voted in by all voters instead of just those living in a district? or Why do we not directly elect a major?) I think the reasoning that the Charter Commission used is helpful for citizens to understand why our city government works as it does. Respectfully yours, Garry Klein 628 2nd Ave. Iowa City, Iowa 52245