HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-12-05 Public hearing BEALTOR
500 S. Dubuque ~ Iowa City, IA 522~ o (319)351-~11
November 22, 1995
City Courtall
410 East Washington
City of Iowa City, IA
Re: Request for expedited attention for the approval of an amendment to the I-1
zone to permit a recycling business within the I-1 zone.
Dear Council Members:
As per the attached letter from Karin Franklin dated November 17, 1995, I am asking
for the City Council to consider their prompt scheduling of the zoning amendment
to permit a recycling business within the I-1 zone.
The Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended this approval and has
sent it to you for adoption. I would hope the schedule for adoption can be shortened
as much as is allowed by law.
The owner, L.L. Pelling, of the property at 2401 Scott Blvd., Iowa City entered into a
purchase agreement on September 25, 1995 for the sale of this property. We have
been working with the dry on the use acceptance of the Buyer's business since that
time. All parties involved would appredate cooperation in finalizing this
transaction as soon as possible.
If you have any questions concerning this matter, please feel free to call me. Thank
you.
Ernie Galer
Broker-Owner
November 17, 1995
CITY OF I0 WA CITY
Ernie Galer ~c~ c~
Lepic Kroeger Realtors ~_--.. -c "~
500 S. Dubuque St. ~: ,-~ l'=~
Iowa City, IA 52240 ~ -o ~7~
Dear Ernie: i ~ r~
Attached is the official interpretation of the Zoning Code Interpretation P~ris~regarding the
establishment of Iowa City Cleanup and Transfer in an industrial zone. This interpretation may
be appealed to the Iowa City Board of Adjustment. The next deadline for submittals to the
Board is December 14.
The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of an amendment to the I-1
zone to permit a recycling business within this zone. It is anticipated that this amendment
could be adopted by the City Council by February, 1996. If you would like expedited
consideration of this change, a letter to the City Council requesting such would be
appropriate. If you have any questions regarding either of these processes, please feel free
to call me at 356-5232.
Sincerely/
Department of Planning & Community Development
Attachment
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that a public hearing
will be held by the City Council of Iowa CiW,
Iowa, at 7:30 p.m. on the 5th day of Decem-
ber, 1995, in the Civic Center Council Cham-
bers, 410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City,
Iowa; at which hearing the Council will consid-
(~An ordinance amending the Zoning Chapter
by repealing Title 14, Chapter 6, Article J,
Section 1, River Corridor Overlay Zone.
2. An ordinance amending Title 14, Chapter 5,
Building and Housing, Article H, Site Plan
Review, to include a reference to the Sensi-
tive Areas Site Plan.
3. An ordinance amending Title 14, Chapter
5, Building and Housing, Article I, Grading
Ordinance, to make it consistent with the
Sensitive Areas Ordinance.
4. An ordinance amending Title 6, Public
Health and Safety, Chapter 3, Weed Con-
trol, Section 3, Natural Areas, to make it
consistent with the Sensitive Areas Ordi-
nance.
5. An ordinance amending the Zoning Chapter
to change the separation requirements for
aboveground storage tanks.
6. An ordinance amending the Zoning Chapter
to clarify the definition of time/temperature
signs.
Copies of the proposed ordinances are on file
for public examination in the office of the City
Clerk, Civic Center, iowa City, Iowa. 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:
October 5, 1995
To:
From:
Planning and Zoning Commission
Riverfront and Natural Areas Commission
Melody Rockwell, clare Planner
Re:
Repeal of City Code Section 14-6J-1, River Corridor Overlay (ORC) Zone
The Sensitive Areas Ordinance contains provisions for protecting stream corridors throughout
Iowa City. The setback and buffer requirements are more extensive and apply more broadly
to different-sized waterways than the existing river corndot regulations. The River Corridor
Overlay zone requires a 30-foot setback of structures from the floodway or the top of bank
only along the Iowa River. The stream corridors section of the Sensitive Areas Ordinance
requires a naturalbuffer between any development activities and the floodway that is 50 feet
wide along each side of the Iowa River, 30 feet wide along each side of tributaries to the Iowa
River that have a delineated floodway, and 1 5 feet wide along each side of tributaries or
drainageways that do not have a delineated floodway.
The Sensitive Areas Committee agreed with the staff recommendation to repeal the River
Corridor Overlay zone when the Sensitive Areas Ordinance is approved by Council. A
reference to the Sensitive Areas Overlay zone would be added in its place in the overlay zone
section of the Zomng Chapter. The subsections relating to the Sensitive Areas Overlay zone
are interspersed throughout the proposed Sensitive Areas Ordinance, which, if adopted, will
be incorporated into the Environmental Regulations section of the Zoning Chapter. Instead
of creating separate ordinance sections for the Sensitive Areas Site Plan Review and the
Sensitive Areas Overlay rezoning, it was felt it would be easier and more effective for public
use and staff implementation to have these elements in one integrated section of the
ordinance. Staff suggests incorporating a reference to the Sensitive Areas Overlay Zone into
the Overlay Zones section of the City Code, and a reference to the Sensitive Areas Site Plan
into the Site Plan Review section of the City Code.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that Title 14, Chapter 6, entitled "Zoning Chapter," Article J, entitled
"Overlay Zones," Section 1, entitled "River Corridor Overlay Zone," be repealed, and a new
Section 14-6J-1, entitled "Sensitive Areas Overlay Zone," be added to read as follows:
Section 14-6J-1 SENSITIVE AREAS OVERLAY ZONE (OSA): A Sensitive Areas Overlay
rezoning may be required for properties containing environmentally sensitive features, such
as wetlands; woodlands two acres in size or greater, where other sensitive features exist on
the site; critmal slopes (25-39%) and/or protected slopes {40%). The definition, requirements
2
and exemptions for the Sensitive Areas Overlay Zone are set forth in this Chapter in Article
K, entitled "Environmental Regulations," Section 1, entitled "Sensitive Areas Ordinance,"
Staff recommends a corollary ordinance amendment to Title 14, Chapter 5, entitled "Building
and Housing," Article H, entitled "Site Plan Review," Section 2, entitled "Site Plans Required;
Exemptions," to add a new subsection 14-5H-~) as follows:
Sensitive Areas Site Plans may be required for properties containing environmentally
sensitive features, such as woodlands two acres in size or greater, when no other
sensitive features exist on the site; fully hydric soils; prairie remnants one acre in area
or larger; stream corridors; archaeological sites; and/or steep slopes (18-24%). The
definition, requirements and exemptions for Sensitive Areas Site Plans are set forth in
Section 14-6K-1, entitled "Sensitive Areas Ordinance."
Approved by:
Robe~, Senior Planner
Department of Planning
and Community Development
I__owa City Staff And Council
PRESENTED BY:
Harvey Wehde; Owner of Iowa City Insulation Inc.,
Sand Road Investors, member of Iowa City Home
Builders Association and local area Chamber Of
Commerce.
I do not feel the taxpayer has been informed about the cost of
implementation of this ordinance. I request the answers to these
questions. How long will it take to provide this information?
1. What are the costs to the taxpayer to this point for
drafting the Tree Ordinance that was 'Dead on Arrival' over a
year ago, and the Sensitive Areas Ordinance to this point.
2. I have heard estimates, from reliable sources,
ordinance will add $3000.00 - $4000.00 to lot costs
or 10% development costs for a subdivision.
that this
in Iowa City
3. In nome circumntances this could violate an .individual's
property rights.
4. Upsizing Iowa City government: Did you consider how many
individuals you would add to the staff? Secretaries, cars,
fringe benefits, Blue Cross/Blue Shield and retirement benefits?
I have heard estimates from people that the total package could
add up to $270,000.00 per year!
5. You also know this ordinance will impede growth, take away
from the taxbase, and add to the cont of housing in Iowa City.
6. This will add to the time frame for development, and time is
money.
In cloning, what disturbn me the most is that the staff and
council have not looked at the financial riskn, but were
on a mission to pass this Sensitive Areas Ordinance at any cost.
I request that this council postpone this vote until the new
council can tell the taxpayers what it is going to cost. This
will give the new council public input that might be relevant to
this ordinance.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that a public hearing
will be held by the City Council of Iowa City,
Iowa, at 7:30 p.m. on the 5th day of Decem-
ber, 1995, in the Civic Center Council Cham-
bers, 410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City,
Iowa; at which hearing the Council will consid-
er:
1. An ordinance amending the Zoning Chapter
by repealing Title 14, Chapter 6, Article J,
Section 1, River Corridor Overlay Zone.
{~)An ordinance amending Title 14, Chapter 5,
Building and Housing, Article H, Site Plan
Review, to include a reference to the Sensi-
tive Areas Site Plan.
3. An ordinance amending Title 14, Chapter
5, Building and Housing, Article l, Grading
Ordinance, to make it consistent with the
Sensitive Areas Ordinance.
4. An ordinance amending Title 6, Public
Health and SafeW, Chapter 3, Weed Con-
trol, Section 3, Natural Areas, to make it
consistent with the Sensitive Areas Ordi-
nance.
5. An ordinance amending the Zoning Chapter
to change the separation requirements for
aboveground storage tanks.
6. An ordinance amending the Zoning Chapter
to clarify the definition of time/temperature
signs.
Copies of the proposed ordinances are on file
for public examination in the office of the City
Clerk. Civic Center, Iowa City, Iowa. 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
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that a public hearing
will be held by the City Council of Iowa City,
Iowa, at 7:30 p.m. on the 5th day of Decem-
ber, 1995, in the Civic Center Council Cham-
bers, 410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City,
Iowa; at which hearing the Council will consid-
er:
1. An ordinance amending the Zoning Chapter
by repealing Title 14, Chapter 6, Article J,
Section 1, River Corridor Overlay Zone.
2. An ordinance amending Title 14, Chapter 5,
Building and Housing, Article H, Site Plan
Review, to include a reference to the Sensi-
tive Areas Site Plan.
An ordinance amending Title 14, Chapter
5, Building and Housing, Article I, Grading
Ordinance, to make it consistent with the
Sensitive Areas Ordinance.
4. An ordinance amending Title §, Public
Health and Safew, Chapter 3, Weed Con-
trol, Section 3, Natural Areas, to make it
consistent with the Sensitive Areas Ordi-
nance.
5. An ordinance amending the Zoning Chapter
to change the separation requirements for
aboveground storage tanks.
6. An ordinance amending the Zoning Chapter
to clarify the definition of time/temperature
signs.
Copies of the proposed ordinances are on file
for public examination in the office of the City
Clerk, Civic Center, iowa City, Iowa. 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: September 29, 1995
To:
Planning and Zoning Commission
Riverfront and Natural Areas Commission
Board of Appeals
From: Charles Denney, Associate Planner
Re: Amendments to the Grading Ordinance, Section 14-5.1
In developing regulations to protect steep slopes, staff and the Sensitive Areas Committee
considered the current provisions of the Grading Ordinance, and how they relate to the Sensitive
Areas Ordinance. As a result, staff recommended and the Sensitive Areas Committee agreed that
a few amendments to the Grading Ordinance were appropriate.
The Grading Ordinance sets fodh requirements regarding grading and erosion control plans that
are consistent with the requirements of other jurisdictions. With some minor modifications, the
requirements of the Grading Ordinance would complement the steep slopes section of the
Sensitive Areas Ordinance. Currently, the Grading Ordinance applies not only to steep slopes,
but also to wetlands, flood hazard areas and streams identified by a blue line on U.S.G.S. maps.
Staff and the Sensitive Areas Committee recommend that the Grading Ordinance be kept
separate from the Sensitive Areas Ordinance. This would allow the provisions of the Grading
Ordinance that apply to existing development to remain in force, and to continue to apply to
situations and properties that may not be covered by the Sensitive Areas Ordinance. The
requirements of the Grading Ordinance are included in the Sensitive Areas Ordinance by refer-
ence. Staff also suggests modification of the following elements of the Grading Ordinance: 1) the
level of grading activity and the slope percentage that trigger regulation, 2) tree protection
measures, and 3) the timing of the submittal for Grading and Erosion Control Plans.
Level of Gradinq Activitv
As in Iowa City, grading and steep slope ordinances in other communities include a requirement
for an engineered grading plan when a specified level of grading will occur or the slopes on the
property exceed a specified steep gradient. Other requirements included preparation of a plan by
a geotechnical engineer, specifications regarding compaction of soil in fill areas, maximum
allowable slopes in cut and fill areas, and removal and replacement of vegetation, such as trees.
The current Iowa City Grading Ordinance is consistent with the ordinances reviewed regarding
these issues. The greatest variation among the various ordinances was the level of grading
activity that triggered a higher level of planning and engineering.
Iowa City's Grading Ordinance requires a Grading and Erosion Control Plan for any grading in
areas discussed earlier, but engineered grading is not required until 5000 cubic yards of grading
is involved. This level was the highest of any ordinance reviewed. Other jurisdictions had a range
of 100 to 500 cubic yards. For comparison, excavation ot the foundation for a single-family house
is generally less than 500 cubic yards. The 1988 Uniform Buildinq Code, which was used as a
guide to prepare the Iowa City Grading Ordnance, recommends that 5000 cubic yards be the
amount of grading requiring an engineered grading plan. The City Engineer's Office indicated that
in practice the majority of grading and erosion control plans submitted conform to the require-
2
ments of engineered grading even though it is not required until grading exceeds 5000 cubic
yards. Staff proposes that an engineered grading plan be required if grading involves 500 cubic
yards or more,
Slope Percenta.qe
The Sensitive Areas Ordinance defines a critical slope as "a slope of 25 percent, but less than
40 percent", and requires submittal of a grading and erosion control plan for these slopes. The
Sensitive Areas Committee and staff recommend that the Grading Ordinance be amended to
make it consistent with the Sensitive Areas Ordinance and Sensitive Areas Map on which the
ordinance is base~, by regulating slopes with a grade of 25% or steeper rather than the current
requirement of 3.5 to I or 28.5%.
Tree Protection
The specific measures for tree protection currently listed in the Grading Ordinance may not be
appropriate in all situations and may limited the opportunities to use new and innovative tech-
niques. In conjunction with the Sensitive Areas Ordinance, staff is developing guidelines that
include current practices for true protection. Staff recommends that these guidelines be refer-
enced in the Grading Ordinance. Doing this will allow the most up-to-date tree protection
measures to be incorporated into grading plans.
Submittal Timin.(1
The issue of when a Grading and Erosion Control Plan should be submitted and approved has
been questioned. Currently, the plan is required to be submitted with the preliminary plat. If the
plans could be submitted following Planning and Zoning Commission review of a plat, but prior
to City Council consideration changes to the preliminary plat that occur during the review process
could be accounted for in the Grading and Erosion Control Plan. At this time staff does not
recommend an ordinance amendment, but does recommend that a policy be implemented
allowing the Grading and Eresion Control plan to be submitted following Commission action on
a preliminary plat and approved prior to City Council consideration of the preliminary plat.
Attached is a copy of the recommended amendments to the Grading Ordinance. Only Sections
to which changes are recommended are shown. The changes are highlighted in bold.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the proposed amendments to the Grading Ordinance be adopted, subject
to City Council approval of the Sensitive Areas Ordinance.
tp3-1
Approved by:
Robert Miklo, Senior Planner
Department of Planning and
Community Development
14-51-3: DEFINITIONS:
ENGINEERED GRADING: Grading of five thcus=~.d hundred (5000) cubic yards or more and
requires the services of a civil engineer to prepare and certify a grading plan and to inspect
and certify the work completed conforms with the plan.
REGULAR GRADING: Grading involving less than five thcusand hundred (5000) cubic yards
which does not require the services of a civil engineer.
STEEP SLOPE: Property on which the natural terrain is at a slope of 25% thrcc and
five tenths horizontal (four horizontal to one vertical, 3~e4:1 ) or steeper.
14-5[-4: GRADING PERMIT REQUIRED:
AJ
Property on which the natural terrain is at a horizontal to vortioal slope of 25% (three
and five tenths (four horizontal to one vertical, 4:1) or steeper and having a vertical
height exceeding RiRe ten feet (910') within a horizontal distance of twcnty seven fact
(27'); or
14-51-5: GRADING PERIVlIT REQUIREIVIENTS:
Grading Designation: All grading of five thcu=cnd hundred (5000) cubic yards or more
shall be performed in accordance with the approved grading plan prepared by a civil
engineer and shall be designated as "engineered grading". Grading involving less than
five thcu=c.~d hundred(5000) cubic yards shall be designated "regular grading" unless
the permittee, with the approval of the Building Official, chooses to have the grading
performed as "engineered grading" or the Building Official required "engineered
grading" pursuant to subsection G of this Section.
14-51-10: TREE PROTECTION2:
Individual tTrees that are to be retained shall be protected from injury during any grading
work. in the following manner; Woodland and tree protection measures shall be shown on
the grading plan and shall comply with the Iowa City Tree Protection Guidelines.
A. A barricade shall be erected along thc drip linc of the retained trees.
Grading equipment may not bc parkcd or etared within the drip line of anV cuoh
retained trees.
C. No soil or rubblc shall be added to or rcmovcd from within the drip line of said trccs.
Utility tronohing techniques shall not be u,cod under retained trees, nor within thc drip
linc of rotaincd trees, (1978 Codc 58 17)
2
14-51-12: EROSION CONTROL:
A. Slopes: The faoos of cut and fill ~1opoc shall be prcparcd and maintained in accordanoo
with Dcoign Standards for Publie Works Improvements, as sot forth in Chapter 10 of
Other Dovicoo: Chock dams, oribbing, riprap or othcr devices or methods shall bc
employed whorc reasonably necessary to control oresion and provide safcty. (1978
Cods 58 17)
Erosion control measures shall be de$i.~ned in conformance with the standards found in the
iowa Construction Site Erosion Control Manual.
ppdadrmn~grad~ng o~d
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that a public hearing
will be held by the City Council of Iowa City,
Iowa, at 7:30 p.m. on the 5th day of Decem-
ber, 1995, in the Civic Center Council Cham-
bers, 410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City,
Iowa; at which hearing the Council will consid-
er:
1. An ordinance amending the Zoning Chapter
by repealing Title 14, Chapter 6, Article J,
Section 1, River Corridor Overlay Zone.
2. An ordinance amending Title 14, Chapter 5,
Building and Housing, Article H, Site Plan
Review, to include a reference to the Sensi-
tive Areas Site Plan.
3. An ordinance amending Title 14, Chapter
5, Building and Housing, Article I, Grading
Ordinance, to make it consistent with the
(~ Sensitive Areas Ordinance.
An ordinance amending Title 6, Public
Health and Safety, Chapter 3, Weed Con-
trol, Section 3, Natural Areas, to make it
consistent with the Sensitive Areas Ordi-
nance.
5. An ordinance amending the Zoning Chapter
to change the separation requirements for
aboveground storage tanks.
6. An ordinance amending the Zoning Chapter
to clarify the definition of time/temperature
signs.
Copies of the proposed ordinances are on file
for public examination in the office of the City
Clerk, Civic Center, Iowa City, Iowa. 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:
To:
From:
Re:
October 5, 1995
Planning and Zoning Commission
Riverfront and Natural Areas Commission
Rock II A~
Melody we, ssociate Planner
Sensitive Areas Ordinance-Related Amendment to City Code Section 6-3-3, Weed
Control Ordinance
Open spaces and the natural areas that remain within our community are becoming increasingly
fragmented as development occurs. In this context, greenways can be considered as more than
recreational amenities. Rivers, streams, wetlands and ridgetops that function as greenways
provide vital open space connections; a high concentration of ecological features and processes
occur along linear alignments, particularly along waterways. Stream corridors and associated
flood plains when left in a natural state provide flood hazard reduction, reduce soil erosion,
contribute to clean air and water, provide wildlife habitat, promote climate moderation and can
serve as effective environmental education areas. For these reasons, the stream corridors
section of the Sensitive Areas Ordinance emphasizes retaining natural buffers adjacent to rivers,
creeks and major drainageways in Iowa City.
However, two sections of the City's Weed Control Ordinance conflict with the provisions of the
Sensitive Areas Ordinance for maintaining undisturbed, natural buffers along stream corridors.
These sections may also negatively impact wetland and prairie remnant areas, particularly if
located within or adjacent to stream corridors. In the section of the City Code entitled Nuisance
Declared; Violations, Section 6-3-2B requires that properties be kept free of weeds, and requires
mowing of grasses to keep grasses less than 14 inches in height. Section 6-3-2E of the Weed
Control Ordinance provides that "where waterways or watercourses are found upon any devel-
oped or undeveloped lot or land area, the owner or person in possession or control of the land
shall keep the flat or level part of the bank of said waterway free of any weeds and grasses more
than fourteen inches (14") in height."
Section 6-3-3 of the Weed Control Ordinance allows "natural areas" to be established with the
approval of the Weed Official. This exempts an area from the mowing requirements, and allows
it to remain in a natural state. Noxious weeds must still be removed from the designated natural
areas. Staff suggests that when protected sensitive areas and their buffers are designated on
a Sensitive Areas Site Plan or a Sensitive Areas Development Plan that these areas be automati-
cally considered a "natural area" under the provisions of Section 6-3-3: Natural Areas.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that Section 6-3-3A of the Weed Control Ordinance be amended as follows
to make it consistent with the Sensitive Areas Ordinance:
Section 6-3-3A: Designation:
2
The Weed Official, upon application of the owner or person in possession or
control of any land, may designate such land or portion thereof as a natural or
conservation area. Prior to designating such area, the Weed Official shall consider
the following factors: grade and incline of said land, the difficulty to control or
maintain such land, whether said land is being maintained as either a soil erosion
control area or a conservation area. Any person affected by the designation or
lack thereof may appeal said determination to the City Manager or designee.
Any protected sensitive area and associated buffer designated on an approved
Sensitive Areas Site Plan or Sensitive Areas Development Plan under the provi-
sions of Section 14.6K- 1, entitled Sensitive Areas Ordinance, shall be considered
a natural area.
ATTACHMENT
1. Weed Control Ordinance
tp5-1
Approved by:
Robert Miklo, Senior Planner
Department of Planning and
Community Development
6-3-1
6-3-1
CHAPTER 3
WEED CONTROL
SECTION:
6-3-1:
6-3-2:
6-3-3:
6-3-4:
Definitions
Nuisances Declared; Violations
Natural Areas
Emergency Control Measures
6-3-1: DEFINITIONS: As used in this
Chapter, the following definitions
shall apply:
CHEMICAL CONTROL: The application of a
herbicide (weed killer) in strict accordance
with the directions on the product and the
regulations of the Code of Iowa and the
Iowa Administrative Code, as amended.
CONSERVATION AREA: An area of proper-
ty that is planted with ground cover plants
of a size and texture compatible with the
environment and maintained accordingly.
DEVELOPED LOT OR AREA: An improved
or commercial lot; an improved area of
land.
ENFORCEMENT PERIOD: The period be-
tween May 15 and October 15.
FIRE MARSHAL: The City Fire Marshal or
designee.
GROUND COVER: Plants with the growth
and root capacity to cover and stabilize an
area of soil and to prevent erosion.
LAND: Includes land, buildings, structures,
tenements, hereditaments and all rights
thereto and interests therein, equitable as
well as legal.
NATURAL AREA: An area of land allowed
to retain native plant material in a natural
prairie state.
NOXIOUS WEEDS: Primary and secondary
classes of weeds as defined by the Code of
Iowa and the Iowa Administrative Code, as
amended.
PARKING: That part of the street, avenue
or highway in the City not covered by side-
walk and lying between the lot line and the
curb line; on unpaved streets, that part of
the street, avenue or highway lying be-
tween the lot lines and that portion of the
street usually traveled by vehicular traffic.
PLANT: Shall include all manner of vegeta-
tion, including but not limited to grass,
shrubs, trees and weeds, excluding cut fire
wood and compost piles.
RIGHT OF WAY: The entire width of a
platted street or alley, whether the width is
in use for travel or is undeveloped.
SOIL EROSION CONTROL: A method of
planting and cultivation, or lack of same,
designed to retain soil and to prevent soil
movement caused by natural or human
causes.
UNDEVELOPED LOT OR AREA: An unim-
proved lot or area of land.
UNMOWED OR UNTENDED AREA: An
area of land allowed to grow without care
Iowa City
6-3-1
6-3-2
and supervision, where weeds and grasses
are more than fourteen inches (14") in
height.
WEED OFFICIAL: Person designated by
the City Manager to enforce this Chapter.
WEEDS: Any plants growing uncultivated
and out of context with the surrounding
plant life with a height of fourteen inches
(14") or more or when such plant has a
seed head forming or formed. (1978 Code
{}34-70; 1994 Code)
6-3-2: NUISANCES DECLARED:;
VIOLATIONS: The failure of a
person owning, controlling or in possession
of property to observe any of the following
requirements shall be subject to the penal-
ties provided in Title 1, Chapter 4 of this
Code:
Duty to Cut Noxious Weeds: Each
owner and each person in the posses-
sion or control of any land shall cut or
otherwise destroy, in whatever man*
ner prescribed by the Weed Official,
all noxious weeds thereon and shall
keep seid lands free of such growth.
Developed and Undeveloped Lots;
Weeds Removal; Grass Cutting: Each
owner and each person in possession
or control of any developed or unde-
veloped lot or land area shall be re-
sponsible to keep said lot or land
area, along with the parking adjacent
thereto, alleys, public ways or land
areas up to the center line of said
ways free of any weeds and to keep
grasses on said land mowed so that
said grass is less than fourteen inches
(14") in height.
Obstructing Public Ways: Each owner
and each person in the possession or
control of any lands shall not allow
any plant growth of any sort to remain
in such a manner as to render the
streets, alleys or public ways adjoining
said land unsafe for public travel or in
any manner so as to impede pedestri-
ans or vehicular traffic upon any pub-
lic place or way. (1978 Code {}34-74;
1994 Code)
Interference with Weed Official: No
persons shall interfere with the Weed
Official or any appointed assistant
while engaged in the enforcement of
this Chapter. (1978 Code §34-72)
E. Watercourses:
1. Where watenNays or watercourses
are found upon any developed or
undeveloped lot or land area, the
owner or person in possession or
control of the land shall keep the flat
or level part of the bank of said water-
way free of any weeds and grasses
more than fourteen inches (14") in
height.
2. Should such waterways or water-
courses be found within the right of
way of a street or alley, the owner or
person in possession or control of the
adjacent land shall be responsible to
keep the flat or accessible portion of
the creek bank free of any weeds and
the grasses more than fourteen inches
(14") in height.
Fire Hazards: No owner or person in
possession or control of any devel-
oped or undeveloped lots or land
areas shall allow plant growth or accu-
mulation of plant materials so as to
1. See also subsection 6-1-2C of this Title.
Io~oa City
6-3-2
6-3-4
constitute a fire hazard, as determined
by the Fire Marshal. (1978 Code
§34-73; 1994 Code)
6~3-3: NATURAL AREAS:
Designation: The Weed Official, upon
application of the owner or person in
possession or control of any land,
may designate such land or portion
thereof as a natural or conservation
area. Prior to designating such area,
the Weed Official shall consider the
following factors: Grade or incline of
said land, the difficulty to control or
maintain such land, whether said land
is being maintained as either a soil
erosion control area or a conservation
area. Any person affected by the des-
ignation or lack thereof may appeal
said determination to the City Manag-
er or designee. (1978 Code §34-74;
1994 Code)
Natural or Conservation Areas: Natu-
ral or conservation areas need not be
mowed and shall be left in their natu-
ral state, except all noxious weeds
shall be removed or controlled.
Public Ways Near Conservation Ar-
eas: Sidewalks or other public ways
that lie adjacent to or extend through
a natural or conservation area shall be
open and free from any obstructions
to pedestrians or vehicular traffic.
(1978 Code §34-74)
creates a health, safety or fire hazard, the
Weed Official may undertake immediate
action to abate said condition without prior
notice and opportunity for hearing. The
costs of such action may be assessed
against the property for collection in the
same manner as property taxes as provided
by State law. However, prior to such as-
sessment, the City shall give written notice
to the property owner, by certified mail, and
the opportunity for an administrative hear-
ing. (1978 Code §34-76; 1994 Code)
6-3-4: EMERGENCY CONTROL MEA-
SURES: Notwithstanding any
other provisions of this Chapter, whenever
in the judgment of the Weed Official, the
Fire Marshal or the City Engineer, a proper-
ty exhibits uncontrolled weed growth which
Iowa C~t;y
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that a public hearing
will be held by the City Council of Iowa City,
Iowa, at 7:30 p.m. on the 5th day of Decem-
ber, 1995, in the Civic Center Council Cham-
bers, 410 E. Washington Street, iowa City,
Iowa; at which hearing the Council will consid-
er:
1. An ordinance amending the Zoning Chapter
by repealing Title 14, Chapter 6, Article J,
Section 1, River Corridor Overlay Zone.
2. An ordinance amending Title 14, Chapter 5,
Building and Housing, Article H, Site Plan
Review, to include a reference to the Sensi-
tive Areas Site Plan.
3. An ordinance amending Title 14, Chapter
5, Building and Housing, Article I, Grading
Ordinance, to make it consistent with the
Sensitive Areas Ordinance.
4. An ordinance amending Title 6, Public
Health and Safety, Chapter 3, Weed Con-
trol, Section 3, Natural Areas, to make it
consistent with the Sensitive Areas Ordi-
!)nance.
An ordinance amending the Zoning Chapter
to change the separation requirements for
aboveground storage tanks.
8. An ordinance amending the Zoning Chapter
to clarih/the definition of time/temperature
signs.
Copies of the proposed ordinances are on file
for public examination in the office of the City
Clerk, Civic Center, Iowa City, Iowa. Persons
wishing to make their views known for Council
consideration are encouraged to appear at the
above-mentioned time and peace.
MARIAN K. KARR, CITY CLERK
ORDINANCENO.
ORDINANCE AMENDING CITY CODE TITLE 14,
CHAPTER 6, ENTITLED "ZONING," ARTICLE S,
ENTITLED "PERFORMANCE STANDARDS,"
SECTION 'LOB, CONCERNING THE LOCATION
OF ABOVEGROUND STORAGE TANKS.
WHEREAS, it is in the public interest in terms
of clarity and consistency to have one set of
standards defining the minimum separation
distances from lot lines and buildings for the
aboveground storage of flammable liquids and
chemicals; and
WHEREAS, the Uniform Fire Code provides
separation requirements for the aboveground
bulk storage of flammable liquids that meet
accepted fire safety standards; and
WHEREAS, due to the public safety concerns
posed by large, aboveground storage tanks, a
minimum separation distance should be im-
posed to protect adjacent properties; and
WHEREAS, appropriate screening of large,
aboveground storage tanks from residential
properties will ameliorate aesthetic concerns.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IOWA CITY,
IOWA:
SECTION I. AMENDMENT. Title 14, Chapter
6, Article S, Section 10, entitled "Storage," of
the City Code is hereby amended by repealing
subsection 14-6S-10B, and adding a new
subsection 14-6S-10B to read as follows:
B. The bulk storage of flammable liquids and
chemicals, when stored in aboveground
storage tanks, shall occur no closer to the
lot line or any principal building than is
permitted by the Uniform Fire Code require-
ments. For aboveground storage tanks of
660 gallons capacity or more, the minimum
distance between such aboveground tanks
and any property boundary shall be 1OO
feet, or if the aboveground tank is located in
an approved vault, the minimum separation
distance shall be 50 feet. Screening shall
be provided in compliance with S~ction 14-
6S-ll of this Article.
SECTION II. REPEALER. All ordinances and
parts of ordinances in conflict with the provi-
sions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed.
SECTION Ill. SEVERABILITY. If any section,
provision or part of the Ordinance shall be
adjudged to be invalid or unconstitutional, such
adjudication ~hall not affect the validity of the
Ordinance No.
Page 2
Ordinance as a whole or any section, provision
or part thereof not adjudged invalid or unconsti-
tutional.
SECTION iV. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordi-
nance shall be in effect after its final passage,
approval and publication, as provided by law.
Passed and approved this __ day of
,19
MAYOR
ATTEST:
CiTY CLERK
A d
C ty of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date:
November 2, 1995
To:
From:
Planning and Zoning Commission
Melody Rockwell, As~ Planner
Re:
Aboveground Storage Tank Amendments
At the October 30, 1995 informal meeting, Commission members asked for clarification on the
size of tank that required minimum setback distances of 50 to 100 feet. According to Acting Fire
Chief Andy Rocca, the setback distances of 50 to 100 feet are required for "stationary"
aboveground storage tanks, which are defined as containing 660 gallons or more of flammable
liquids or chemicals.
The Commission's discussion also suggested that instead of requiring vegetative screening along
all property boundaries of C and R zones, tanks of a certain size be screened from view of
residentially-zoned properties. Acting Fire Chief Rocca prefers requiring such screening along
property boundaries to avoid the potential fire hazard of placing "combustibles" too close to
aboveground storage tanks containing flammable liquids and chemicals. Staff suggests that
screening be limited to obscuring stationary aboveground storage tanks (660+ gallons) from view
primarily from R-zoned properties. Staff continues to recommend referencing screening as
specified in Section 14-6S-11: "Screening shall be provided along lot lines or street right of way
in a manner sufficient to effectively obscure the commercial or industrial use [tanks] from view at
ground level within the lot lines of a residential or ORP zone or school abutting or located across
the street from said commercial or industrial use."
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the following amended language for City Code Section 14-6S-10B: (changes
are noted in bold print)
The bulk storage of flammable liquids and chemicals, when stored in aboveground
storage tanks, shall occur no closer to the lot line or any principal building than is
permitted by the Uniform Fire Code requirements. For stationary aboveground
storage tanks (660 gallons or greater capacity), the minimum distance between
such aboveground tanks and any property boundary shall be 100 feet, or if the
aboveground tank is located in an approved vault, the minimum separation
distance shall be 50 feet. Screening shall be provided In compliance with
Section 14-6S-11 of this Article.
Approved by:
Robert Miklo, Senior Planner
Department of Planning and
Community Development
City o? iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date:
November 2, 1995
To:
From:
Planning and Zoning Commission
Melody Rockwell, Associate Planner
Re:
Proposed Amendment of Zoning Chapter Section 14-6S-10B, Minimum Separation
Distances for Aboveground Storage Tanks
On August 29, 1995, the City Council approved amendments to the performance standards
section of the City Code to place the minimum separation standards for underground storage
tanks under the governance of the Iowa City Uniform Fire Code. Because of concern about
spillage and fumes when underground storage tanks are being filled or pumped near residential
properties, the amendments included a provision that "the minimum distance between
underground bulk storage tanks and any R zone boundary shall be at least ten feet."
At the time these amendments were being considered, Council directed staff to prepare similar
amendments for aboveground storage tanks. It was felt that the City Code should provide one
set of standards defining the minimum separation distances for aboveground storage of
flammable liquids and chemicals from lot lines and buildings, with the one set of standards being
those set forth in the Uniform Fire Code. As was previously done for underground storage tanks,
the amendments can 1) delete the minimum separation distances table, 2) reference the Uniform
Fire Code requirements, and 3) stipulate a minimum distance between aboveground storage
tanks and property boundaries, Due to aesthetic concerns, staff suggests that screening be
required along property boundaries between aboveground storage tanks and other properties.
Aboveground storage tanks pose a greater threat to public safety in terms of explosion and fire
than underground storage tanks, so it is reasonable to set a minimum separation distance that
exceeds what is required for underground storage tanks. Because residential units can be
located in commercial zones, and because neighboring property investments can be significant
whether the property is zoned residential, commercial, industrial or public, staff suggests that
consistent with State regulations pertaining to aboveground storage tanks, the ordinance should
call out a minimum setback distance requirement for aboveground storage tanks from all property
boundaries. State regulations set a minimum separation distance of 100 feet for aboveground
storage tanks from property boundaries, unless the storage tank is located in an approved vault.
Then, the minimum setback distance is 50 feet. Staff also suggests that the screening
requirements be the same as required for outdoor storage of equipment and materials in industrial
zones; that is, that screening be required along property boundaries as stipulated in Section 14-
6S-11 of the City Code.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that City Code Section 14-6S-10B be amended to read as follows:
Bo
The bulk storage of flammable liquids and chemicals, when stored in aboveground
tanks, shall occur no closer to the lot line or any principal building than is permitted
by the Uniform Fire Code requirements for aboveground storage tanks, except the
minimum distance between such aboveground tanks and any property boundary
shall be 100 feet, or if the aboveground tank is located in an approved vault, the
minimum separation distance shall be 50 feet. Screening shall be provided along
property boundaries in compliance with Section 14-6S-11 of this Article on
properties containing aboveground storage tanks.
_A'I-r'ACHMENT:
1. Adopted Amendment for Underground Storage Tanks
2. Proposed Amendment for Aboveground Storage Tanks
Approved by:
Robert Miklo, Senior Planner
Department of Planning and
Community Development
bC4-2MR
Attachment I
ORDINANCE NO. 95-3688
ORDINANCE AMENDING CITY CODE TIYLE 14,
CHAPTER 6, ENTITLED "ZONING," ARTICLE S,
ENTITLED 'PERFORMANCE STAND;~.RDS,"
SECTIONS 10B AND 10C, CONCERNING THE
LOCATION OF UNDERGROUND STORAGE
TANKS.
WHEREAS, the City has instituted distance
requirements for bulk storage of flammable
liquids and chemicals from residential;y-zoned
properties due to safety considerations; and
.WHEREAS, underground storage tanks do
not pose as great a safety hazard as above-
ground storage tanks as the dangers from
explosion are minimized by the earthat. contain-
ment of these tanks; and
WHEREAS, the Uniform Fire Code provides
separation requirements for the underground
bulk storage of flammable liquids that meet
accepted fire safety standards; and
WHEREAS, a minimum separation distance
should be imposed to protect residential proper-
ties from spillage and fumes during the filing
and pumping of sc[ch tanks.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IOWA CITY,
IOWA:
SECTION I. AMENDMENT. Title 14, Chapter
6, Article S, Section 10. entitled "Storage," of
the City Code is hereby amended as follows:
1. Repealing subsection 14-6S-10B, and add-
ing a new section 1~,-6S-10B 'to read as
follows:
B. The bulk storage of flammable liquids
and chemicals, when stored in above-
ground tanks, shall occur no closer to
the lot line or anv principal building
than the distance indicated by the
following table:
Minimum
Separation
Distances
Water Capacity
Per Container Aboveground
(gallons) Containers
Less than 125 None
125 to 250 10 feet
251 to 500 10 feet
501 to 2,000 25 feet
2,001 to 30,000 50 fi}et
30,001 to 70,000 75 feet
70,001 to 90,000 100 feet
The distance may be reduced to not
leas than ten feet (10') for a single
container of one thousand two hundred
{1,200) gallons' water capacity or less,
provided such a container is at least
twenty-five feet {25') from any other
container of more than one hundred
twenty-five {125) gallons' water capac-
ity.
2. Repealing subsection 14-6S-10C, and add*
ing a new section 14-6S.10C to read as
foJlows:
C. The underground bulk storage of flam-
mable liquids shall be located in accor-
dance with the Uniform Fire Code re-
garding tank storage underground,
(1978 Code §36-76} except the mini-
mum distance between such under-
ground ~anks and any R zone boundary
shall be at least ten (10) feet.
SECTION II. REPFJ~LER. All ordinances and
parts of ordinances in conflict with the provi-
sions 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 unconsti-
tutional.
SECTION IV. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordi-
nance shall be in effect after its final passage,
approval and publication, as provided by law.
Passed and approved thi~ 29th .day o£
August, 1995.
CFrY CL~:~K
Attachment 2
Proposed amendment of Section 14-6S-10B:
B, The bulk storage of flammable liquids and chemicals, when stored in
aboveground tanks, shall occur no closer to the lot line or any principal building
than tho distance indicated by tho following tablo:
Minimum
nor
Loss than 125 None
125 to 250 10 feet
251 '~feet
501 to 25~
50
2, to 30,000 feet~
75
to 70,000 feet
70,001 to 90,000 100 feet
Is permitted by the Uniform Fire Code requirements for aboveground storage
tanks, except the minimum distance between such aboveground tanks and any
property boundary shall be 3 00 feet, or if the aboveground tank is located in
an approved vault, the minimum separation distance shall be 50 feet.
Screening shall be provided in compliance with Section 14-6S-11 of thls Article
on properties containing aboveground storage tanks.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that a public hearing
will be held by the City Council of Iowa City,
Iowa, at 7:30 p.m. on the 5th day of Decem-
ber, 1995, in the Civic Center Council Cham-
bers, 410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City,
Iowa; at which hearing the Council will consid-
er:
1. An ordinanceamending the Zoning Chapter
by repealing Title 14, Chapter 6, Article J,
Section 1, River Corridor Overlay Zone.
2. An ordinance amending Title 14, Chapter 5,
Building and Housing, Article H, Site Plan
Review, to include a reference to the Sensi-
tive Areas Site Plan.
3. An ordinance amending Title 14, Chapter
5, Building and Housing, Article I, Grading
Ordinance, to make it consistent with the
Sensitive Areas Ordinance.
4. An ordinance amending Title 6, Public
Health and Safety, Chapter 3, Weed Con-
trol, Section 3, Natural Areas, to make it
consistent with the Sensitive Areas Ordi-
nance.
,5. An ordinance amending the Zoning Chapter
to change the separation requirements for
aboveground storage tanks.
An ordinance amending the Zoning Chapter
to clarify the definition of time/temperature
signs.
Copies of the proposed ordinances are on file
for public examination in the office of the City
Clerk, Civic Center, iowa City, Iowa. 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
ORDINANCE NO.
ORDINANCE AMENDING CITY CODE TITLE 14,
CHAPTER 6, ENTITLED "ZONING," CLARIFY-
ING THE DEFINITION OF TIME AND TEMPERA-
TURE SIGNS,
WHEREAS, the sign regulations are intend-
ed to enhance and protect the physical appear-
ance and safety of the community through
standards which provide all sign users a re-
sponsible opportunity to display signs for
identification, and
WHEREAS, the sign regulations permit
identifications signs which display the time and
temperature; and
WHEREAS, the current definition of time
and temperature signs may be ambiguous; and
WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Com-
mission and Design Review C0mmit~ee have
recommended that the sign regulations be
amended to clarify the definition of time and
temperature signs.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT 0RDAINED BY
THE CiTY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IOWA
CITY, IOWA:
SECTION I. AMENDMENTS. Title 14, Chapter
6, entitled "Zoning," Article 0, Section 2,
entitled "Definitions," is hereby amended by
repealing the definition of time and temperature
sign and adding the following definition:
TIME AND TEMPERATURe: SIGN: An
identification sign which shows the current
time and temperature in an electronic
digital format in a manner similar to that
illustrated below. At least 40% of each
sign face shall be devoted to the display of
time and temperature.
SECTION 11. REPEALER. All ordinances and
parts of ordinances in conflict with the provi-
sions 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 unconsti-
tutional.
Ordinance No.
Page 2
SECTION IV. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordi-
nance shall be in affect after its final passage,
approval and publication, as provided by law.
Passed and approved this __ day of
,19
MAYOR
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date:
November 29, 1995
To: City Council
From:
Clara Swan, Vice Chair
Design Review Committee
Re:
Amendments to the Zoning Chapter Clarifying the Definition of Time and
Temperature Signs
At its November 20, 1995, meeting, the Design Review Committee voted 7-0, to recommend
approval of the amendments to the Zoning Chapter clarifying the definition of time and
temperature signs, as proposed in the November 2, 1995, staff memo. The Committee spent
a fair amount of time discussing the merits of allowing both time and temperature signs and
projecting signs. Though the Committee supports the proposed amendments clarifying the
definition of time and temperature signs, the Committee expressed the concern that although
useful to pedestrians, an overabundance of time and temperature signs would be undesirable.
As well, the Committee hopes that the Planning and Zoning Commission will soon review the
issue of whether to allow projecting signs in the central business district.
Representatives from the Design Review Committee will be present at your December 4,
1995, work session, to answer any questions you may have.
CC:
Design Review Committee
Planning and Zoning Commission
City of iowa City
MENIORANDUNI
Date: November 2, 1995
To: Planning and Zoning Commission
From: Robert Miklo, Senior Planner
Re: Time and Temperature Signs
At its September 7 meeting, the Planning and Zoning Commission agreed to add consideration
of projecting signs to the Commission's pending list. The Commission also asked that staff
immediately prepare an amendment to the sign ordinance clarifying the definition of time and
temperature signs. The Commission's action was precipitated by the request of the Design
Review Committee to review these two elements of the sign ordinance (see attached August 31
memorandum from Clare Swan, Vice-Chair, Design Review Committee).
The current definition of time and temperature sign reads as follows, "An identification sign which
shows the time and/or temperature." To address the concerns raised by the Planning and Zoning
Commission and Design Review Committee staff has drafted the following definition.
TIME AND TEMPERATURE SIGN: An identification sign which shows the current
time and temperature in an electronic digital format in a manner similar to that
illustrated below. At least 40% of each sign face shall be devoted to the display
of time and temperature.
According to the above definition, a time and temperature sign is defined as "an Identification
sign." The Sign Ordinance specifies that an identification sign is limited to displaying "...the
name, address, crest, insignia or trademark, occupation or profession of an occupant of a building
or the name of any building on the premises". The sign ordinance also requires that time and
temperature signs be no more than 50 square feet in area or 25 square feet per side; do not
project more than 6 feet into the public right-of-way; and are at least 10 feet above the ground.
We do not propose changing these provisions of the ordinance.
2
This proposed amendment will be reviewed by the Design Review Committee at its November
20 meeting
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the definition of time and temperature signs be amended to read as
follows:
TIME AND TEMPERATURE SIGN: An identification sign which shows the current
time and temperature in an electronic digital format in a manner similar to that
illustrated below. At least 40% of each sign face shall be devoted to the display
of time and temperature.
Approved by:
~a~t~n/~o~:~lkal~i~ raecn~1° ~ om m u ni~7 'Development
C ty of ilowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date:
August 31, 1995
To:
Planning and Zoning Commission
From:
Clara Swan, Vice Chair
Design Review Committee
Re:
Time and Temperature Signs and Projecting Signs
At its meeting of August 21, 1995, the Design Review Committee, by a 5-0 vote,
recommended that the Planning and Zoning Commission review the sign regulations as they
pertain to the definition of time and temperature signs and the definition of projecting signs.
The Committee is aware that the Commission voted not to consider a request by Laurie
Tulchin to amend the sign regulations to permit projecting signs in the CB-10 zone. However,
given the recent approval of a time and temperature sign for Ms. Tulchin's business,
Uncommon Grounds, the Committee believes that it is important for the City to schedule
review of this issue.
As illustrated by the attached materials, the time and temperature sign for Uncommon
Grounds is no more than a projecting sign with a thermometer attached. The Committee felt
that this sign was well designed and compatible with Ms. Tulchin's historic building facade.
Adding a thermometer in order to meet city code jeopardized the design integrity of the sign.
Given that time and temperature signs are permitted in the Central Business Zone, the
Committee has concerns that projecting signs will proliferate in the downtown in the form of
time and temperature signs.
The Committee is not necessarily adverse to allowing projecting signs but believes that special
considerations should take place when approving such signs. The sign regulations already
allow the attachment of signs to projecting objects, such as awnings and canopies. An
additional projecting object, in the form of a projecting sign, is not necessarily harmful as long
as special design considerations are followed. At this point in time, the Committee is neither
proposing to prohibit time and temperature signs nor to allow all projecting signs. We are
recommending that the Planning and Zoning Commission, along with the Committee's
assistance, review the regulation of time and temperature signs and projecting signs as they
relate to the potential impact on the downtown streetscape.
Representatives from the Design Review Committee will be present at your September 7,
1995, meeting, to discuss this issue with you.
cc: Design Review Committee
IJI
0
ILl
I
// ,,6-,L // / /
,,L L-,L/
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that a public hearing
will be held by the City Council of Iowa City,
Iowa, at 7:30 p.m. on the 21st day of Novem-
ber, 1995, in the Civic Center Council Cham-
bers, 410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City,
Iowa; at which hearing the Council will consid-
(~ An ordinance amending the Zoning
Chapter to allow adult day care, elder
family homes, and elder group homes 7/~
under certain conditions in Iowa City,
and to change the definition of elderly.
2. An ordinance amending the Zoning
Chapter to require bicycle parking for
commercial and multi-family residential
development.
3. An ordinance amending the Zoning
Chapter by conditionally changing the
use regulations of an approximate 5.2
acre tract of land located east of Old
Dubuque Road and north of Dodge
Street from RS-5, Low Density Single-
Family Residential, to OPDH-8, Planned
Development Overlay.
Copies of the proposed ordinances are on file
for public examination in the office of the City
Clerk, Civic Canter, Iowa City, Iowa. 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:
November 30, 1995
To:
From:
Iowa City City Cou.ncip/,.~
Melody Rockwell, Associate Planner
Re:
Proposed Amendments for Elder Family Homes and Elder Group Homes
At the November 21, 1995, Council meeting, staff was requested to revise the ordinance
amendments concerning elder family homes and elder group homes. It was felt that these
alternative living arrangements for elders should not be limited to five persons, but should allow
up to seven elders to reside in each type of setting. The State Code allows a maximum of five
elders in these home settings. This is consistent with prevailing practice to reduce the number
of residents in group living arrangements. The trend is to move away from institutional settings
with large numbers of residents to more home-like settings with five or fewer persons.
Elder Familv Home An elder family home is a living arrangement for older persons, who are
basically healthy and fairly independent; "essentially capable of self-care." When the Planning
and Zoning Commission discussed this item, concern was expressed that there may be parking
problems and an unacceptable level of traffic if more than five fairly independent elders were
permitted to reside in a single-family residence, particularly in a low density residential zone.
As shown in Attachment A, Chapter 231A of the Iowa Code sets forth the definition and
requirements for "elder family home." Elder family homes with two to five elder residents are
required to be registered with the Iowa Department of Elder Affairs. The Code also preyides for
a minimum level of oversight and authority to ameliorate situations of abuse or neglect that may
arise in this specific type of cooperative living arrangement. There appear to be good reasons
to keep the definition of "elder family home" consistent with the definition previded in the State
Code. If Council decides to keep the definition of "elder family home" the same as the State
Code definition, it may be advisable to add a sentence to the definition, as follows:
An elder family home shall be registered with the Iowa Department of Elder Affairs.
However, an alternative ordinance amendment can be prepared for Council consideration to
change the definition for "elder family home," as follows:
ELDER FAMILY HOME A private household owned by a responsible party offering a
social living arrangement for at least two, but for no more than f!vc seven persons living
in the residence, the majority of whom are elders, who are not related and who are not
able or willing to adequately maintain themselves in an independent living arrangement,
but who are essentially capable of physical self-care.
2
if this amendment is made, those homes having six or seven individuals will not be covered by
the State registry or have oversight by any Area Agency on Aging.
Elder Group Home An eider group home is a living arrangement for older persons, who need
assistance with personal care, but are notso frail or so ill as to require a nursing home level of
care. According to State Code Chapter 231B and the accompanying administrative code
regulations (see Attachment B), elderly group homes are required to be certified by the Iowa
Department of Eider Affairs. Regulations pertaining to care plan requirements, care review, care
provider training, and facility standards apply to elder group homes where three to five elders are
being provided personal care. These regulations are intended to prevent and/or ameliorate
conditions of abuse, neglect and inappropriate placement; to avoid creating situations that foster
the "warehousing" of elders.
The low density setting is purposeful. It is intended to provide a more homelike, intermediate
level of care for people, who are not in need of nursing home care. According to Ron Beane of
the Iowa Department of Elder Affairs, five is the maximum number of persons permitted in an
elder group home that is certified and regulated under the auspices of the Iowa Department of
Elder Affairs.
Staff recommends that the definition for "elder group home" remain consistent with the State Code
definition for "elder group home," and that a requirement for certification be added to the
definition, as follows:
ELDER GROUP HOME A single-family residence that is the residence of a person who
is providing room, board and personal cam for up to five elders who are not related to the
caregiver. Personal care in this case means assistance with the essential activities of
daily living which the recipient can perform personally only with difficulty, and may include
bathing, personal hygiene, dressing, grooming and the supervision of self-administered
medications, but does not include the administration of medications. An elder group
home shall be certified by the Iowa Department of Elder Affairs and shall comply
with the Iowa Code regulations for elder group homes,
ATTACHMENTS:
A. iowa Code Chapter 231A, Elder Family Homes
Iowa Code Chapter 231 B, Elder Group Homes and Iowa Administrative Code Section 321-
26.1-26.12(231B), EIder Group Homes
bj~el(~omes
ATTACHMENT A
231A I Deftrattan5
CHAPTER 231A
ELDER FAMILY HOMES
231A 2 Reg~stratmn of elder famdy homes
231A. 1 Definitions.
As used in this chapter, unless the context other-
wise requires:
1. '~4ssessment" means the administratton of a
standardized tool and the use of other procedures to
identify existing impairments, situations, and prob-
lems whtch are barriers to a resident's ability to
function and to identify stren~hs and specific needs.
2. "Department" means the department of elder
affairs.
3. "Elder" means a person sixty years of age or
older.
4. "Elder family home" means a private house.
hold owned by a responsible party offering a social
living arrangement for at least two but not more than
five persons, the majority of whom are elders, who
are not related within the third degree of consan-
guinity and who are not able or willing to adequately
maintain themselves in an independent living ar-
rangement. but who are essenttally capable of physi-
cal self care.
5. "Essentially capable of self care" means the
elder m ambulatory or can move from place to place;
is o£sound mind; can manage the activities of daily
living including personal hygiene and grooming, toi-
leting, dressing and undressing. feeding, and medi-
caring; and can attend to the care of personal
property adequately with minimal support or occa.
sional assistance.
$. "Not able or wdhng to adequately mazntam
themselves in an independent hwng arrangemenU
means that the elders require some assistance, en-
couragement. or sociol stimulation for adequate self
care or to maintain physical or mental health or
personal safety.
7. "Responsible party" means the person provid-
ing room and board in an elder family home who
resides in the home. The respoas~ble party may be
but is not required to be an elder
91 Acts. ch 88, §1
C$91. §249E. 1
C93, §23 IA. 1
231A.2 Registration of elder family homes,
1. The department shall estabhsh a registration
program for elder family homes. In order to meet the
zoning requirements for classification as an elder
family home under section 335.31 or 414.29. all of the
following conditions must be met:
a. The responsible party shall register the home
as an elder family home with the department.
b. The responsible party shall comply with visi-
tation and assessment requirements as determined
by the department.
c The responsible party shall attend an nual train-
ing as prescribed by the commission of elder affairs.
2. If, following a visitation. the care review com-
mittee finds that the needs of all of the restdents of an
elder family home are not being adequately met, the
care review committee shall notify the appropriate
area agency on aging. The area agency on aging shall
cause to be performed a complete assessment of any of
. the residents whose needs are not being met.. If, follow-
mg the full assessment, the care review corem Rtee de-
termines that any of the residents reqmre additional
services to meet the needs of the restdent. the care
review committee shall inform the responsible party
that unless the resident relocates to a £amlity which is
able to provide necessary sarvices. the elder £armly
home wd] no longer be designated as an elder family
home and will no longer be in compliance with zoning
reqmrements. The department shall antd~, the city
council or the county board of supervisors if an elder
family home is found to no longer be in comphance.
3- If thv responsible party does not comply with
the recomnu'ndatmns of the care review eommtttee
pursuant t. subscctmn 2. the elder family hume shall
lose ik'~ de,lgnatmn for the purposes of zoning.
4. If the care revww commtttee has probable
cause to bvh,.vc that an)' elder family home is in fact
acting a~, a health cart. faclhty as defined under
chapter I:LSC. upon producing identification that an
individual ~.~ an inspector. an inspector of the depart-
ment of mspt.cti.n.~ and appeals may enter the elder
family h.mv to determine if the home is in fact
oporatmg as an unhcensed health care facility. lfthe
inspector ~s denied entrance. the inspector may. with
the asmstance of the county attorney m the county m
which the eldcr famdy home is located. apply to the
district court for an order reqmring the respoosible
party to permit entry and inspection
5. The department of elder affairs shall maintain
a registry of eider family homes and shall act as s
resource and referral agency for eider family homes.
6. Upon application for registration by a person
seelong approval for an elder family hame. the de-
partment shall notify the city council or county board
of supervisors of the city or county in which the
proposed elder family home is to be located. The city
council or county board of supervisors shall respond
to the application within thirty days of notification.
7. The department may delegate any duties un-
der this section to local area agencies on aging.
8. The commission shall adopt by rule procedures
for appointing members of a care review committee
for each elder family home. To the maximum extent
possible. the care review committee appointed for an
elder family home shall include a person involved in
a local retired senior volunteer program. The rules
shall incorporate the provisions, if applicable. for care
review committees pursuant to sections 135C.25,
135C.38, and 231.44.
9. The commission of elder affairs shall adopt
rules as necessary, to implement this section.
91 Acts, ch 88, §2
CS91, §249E.2
C93, §231A.2
ATTACHMENT B
~IB. 1 Definitions.
~11B.2 Certification of elder g~oup hemes.
CHAPTER 231B
ELDER GROUP HOMES
231B.3 Referral to uncemfied elder group home
prohtbited.
231B.4 Apphcebility.
231B.1 Definitions.
1. '14mbulatory "means the condition of a person
who immediately and without aid of another is physi-
coily and mentally capable of traveling a normal path
to safety, including the ascent and descent of stairs.
2. "Department" means the department of elder
aftsirs or the department's designee.
3. "Elder" means a person sixty years of age or
older.
4. "Eldergroup horne"means a single-family resi-
dence that is a residence of a person who is providing
room, board, and personal care to three through five
elders who are not related to the person providing the
service within the third degree of consanguinity or
off'miry.
5. "Personol care" means assistance with the es-
sential activities of daily living which the recipient
can perform personally only with difficulty. "Personal
?re" may include bathing, personal hygiene, dress-
rag, grooming, and the supervision of salf-admin-
istersd medications, but does not include the adm!,~.
istretion of medications.
93 Acts, ch 72, §2
231B.2 Certification of elder group homes.
1. The department shall establish by rule in oc-
curdance with chapter 17A a special classification for
elder group homes. An elder group home established
pursuant to this subsection is exempt from the re-
quirements of section 135.63.
2. The department shall adopt rules to establish
requirements for certification of elder group homes.
The requirements shall include but are not limited to
all of the following:
a. Certification shall be for three years, unless
revoked for good cause by the department.
& An elder group home shall be inspected at the
time ofcertificatinn and subsequently upon receipt of
a complaint.
c An elder group home shall be owner-occupied,
or owned by a nonprofit corporation and occupied by
a resident manager. A resident manager shall reside
in and provide services for no more than one elder
group home.
d. An elder group home shall be located in an area
.zoned for singl~-fa mily or multiple-i~zmily housing or
m an unincorporated area and shall be constructed in
compliance with applicable local housing codes and
the rules adopted for the special classification by the
state fire marshal. In the absence of local building
codes, the facility shall comply with the state phunb-
ing code established pursuant to section 135.11 and
the state building code established pursuant to chal>
tar 103A.
· A minimum private space shall be required for
each resident sufficient for sleeping and dressing.
f A minimum level of training shall be required
for persons providing personal care.
g. The commission of elder affairs shall adopt by
role procedures for appointing members of care re-
view committees for elder group homes.
h. Notwithstanding any other requirements re.
lotlag to performance of visitations or meetings era
care review committee, a care review committee ap-
pointed for an elder group home shall perform no
more than four visitations, annually, to fulfill the
duties of the care review committee in relation to the
elder group home.
i. Elder group home tenants shall have reason-
able access to community resources and shall have
opportunities for integrated interaction with the
community.
3. An elder group home established pursuant to
this chapter shall be certified by the department.
4. A provider under the special classification
shall comply with the rulea edopt~ed by the depa~
ment for an elder group home.
5. Inspections and certification serv/ces shall be
provided by the department. However, beginning
July 1, 1994, the department may enter into con-
tract~ with the area agencies on aging to provide
these services.
93 Acts, ch 72, §3
2~1B.3 Referral to tincertified elder group
home proMbited.
1. A person shall not place, refer, or recommend
the placement of another person in an elder group
home that is not certified pursuant to this chapter.
2. A person who has knowledge that an elder
group homo i~ operating without certification ehall
report the na~e and address of the home to the
department. The depaxtment shall investig~t~ a re-
pert made pursuant to this section.
93 Acta, ch 72, ~4
231B.4 Applicability.
This chapter shall not be construed to require that
a facility, currently licensed or licensed as a different
type of facility and serving persons sixty years of age
or older, also comply with the requirements of this
chapter.
93 Acts, ch 72, §5
ATTACHMENT B (continued)
3~30~94 Elder Affairs [321] Ch 26, p.1
CHAPTER 26
ELDER GROUP HOMES
321-26.1(231B) Definitions. The terms in this chapter will have the meanings designated in
Iowa Code chapter 231, Iowa Code Supplement chapter 231B and as follows:
'~4ssessment" means the administration of a standardized tool and the use of other
procedures to identify existing impairments, situations, and problems which are barders to a
resident's ability to function and to identify strengths and specific needs.
'~ssistance" means that help which is provided to a tenant who is able to perform some
portion of an activity, but who is unable to complete the activity entirely alone.
"Care plan" means the written description of a resident's needs and capabilities, including by
whom, when and how often care and services will be provided.
"Committee" means a care review committee established under 321 IAC 9.
"Condition" means a provision attached to a new or existing certificate that limits or restricts
the scope of the certificate or imposes additional requirements on the certificate.
"Convenience services" means those hotel-type services provided for the convenience of a
tenant. Convenience services may include meals, transpodation, laundry and housekeeping.
"Exception" means a variance from a regulation or provision of these rules granted by the
department, upon written application by the homeowner.
"Homelike" means an environment that promotes the dignity, security and comfort of
residents through the provision of personalized care and services to encourage independence,
choice and decision making by the tenants.
"Personal care provider" means the individual who, in return for reimbursement, assists with
the essential activities of daily living which the recipient can perform personally only with
difficulty. Personal care may include bathing, personal hygiene, dressing, grooming, and
supervision of self-administered medications, but does not include the administration of
medications or the services of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse.
"Professional health care provider" means an individual licensed as a medical doctor, a
doctor of osteopathic medicine, a physician assistant, a registered nurse, or a licensed practical
nurse.
"Resident manager" means the homeowner or an employee of a nonprofit corporation who
lives in the home and is directly responsible for the care of tenants on a day-to-day basis. The
resident manager may or may not be a personal care provider.
"Self-administered medications" means the act of a tenant placing medication in or on the
tenant's own body without assistance.
"Supervision of self-administered medications" means the verbal reminder or guidance in
the identification of the medication, the times and manner of administration. Supervision does
not include the placing of the medication internally or externally on the tenant's body.
"Tenant" means any person who is receiving room, board, personal care or convenience
services for compensation in an elder group home (EGH) on a 24-hour basis.
32t-26.2(23'1B) Application, Any person or nonprofit corporation owning a single-family
residence has the right to apply to the Iowa Department of Elder Affairs for EGH certification
for their residence.
32'~-26,3(231B) Certification process,
26.3(1) The department shall review the application for completion and compliance with all
rules of this chapter and shall notify the homeowner of application status within five working
days of receipt of the application.
26,3(2) Upon determination that an application is complete and in compliance, the
department shall notify the state fire marshal.
26,3(3) The department or it's designee(s) shall determine whether or not the proposed EGH
meets applicable administrative rules contained in 321-Chapter 26 and, of new construction,
all applicable local housing or state building codes.
26.3(4) The department shall notify the homeowner in writing of certification approval or
denial within five working days of receipt of documentation of inspection's completion.
26.3(6) The department shall notify within five working days the appropriate city council or
county board of supervisors and AAA that an EGH has been certified and placed on the
registry maintained by the department.
32'1-26.4(23'1B) Tenant admission requirements.
26.4('1) Resident managers may only admit or continue to care for tenants whose service
needs do not require a level of care that exceeds the provision of personal care as defined in
Iowa Code Supplement section 231B.1.
26.4(2) The resident manager shall notify the care review committee within one week of
acceptance of the first tenant.
26.4(3) A tenant will be accepted for residence only if a bedroom is available to the tenant
from which the unaided tenant is able to travel a normal path to safety.
321-26,5(23'1B) Care plan required.
26.5('1) A care plan will be developed at admission for each tenant by a case management
project for frail elderly (CMPFE) multidisciplinary team or, where CMPFE is not available. by
a professional health care provider selected by the tenant. and in cooperation with the tenant
26.5(2) The care plan will be used on an assessment of tenant functional abilities.
26.5(3) The care plan shall indicate. at a minimum. the client's needs and requests for
assistance, services and care to be provided. and the provider(s).
26.4(4) The tenant's care plan shall be reviewed for appropriateness at least within 30 days
prior to recertification of the EGH and on client or resident manager request.
32'1-26.6(23'1B) Exceptions.
26.6('1) Level of care exceptions. The department shall establish a process:
a. To grant on a time-limited basis an exception to this chapter for a tenant who temporanly
needs additional service or hospice care;
b. To monitor the appropriateness of the exception; and
c. To keep exceptions to a minimum.
26.6(2) Criteria for level of care exception. The department may grant an exception if the
resident manager proves by clear and convincing evidence the following cdteria are met:
a. It is the informed choice of the tenant to remain in the home; and
b. The resident manager is able to provide appropriate care to the tenant in addition to the
care of the other tenants; or additional staff is available and obtained to meet the tenant's care
needs; and
c. The exception will not jeopardize the care, health, safety or welfare of the tenants.
321-26.7(231B) Care review committees. Care review committees for EGHs shall be
governed by 321 - Chapter 9 unless otherwise required in this chapter.
26.7('1) Committee placement. A care review committee shall be established by the
department within each city or county with EGH(s} certified in accordance with this chapter.
26.7{2) Committee visitations. The committee shall visit each EGH assigned to it at a
3
minimum of once a year and within one month following the admission of the first tenant to the
EGH.
32'1.26.8(23'1B) Qualifications for EGH personnel
26.8(1) Proof of training. The homeowner shall maintain for review, proof of training of EGH
staff required by these rules.
26.8(2) Personal care providers. Perscns providing personal care shall have completed at
a minimum a home health aide training program that meets the requirements and criteda
established in 641-Chapter 80.
26.8(3) Resident manager
a. The resident manager shall be 18 years of age or older, of sound mind, essentially capable
of physical self-care, and shall reside in the EGH as a primary residence; and
b. The resident manager shall sign an affidavit attesting to not being a substance abuser or
to having a record of dependent adult or domestic abuse. Any person refusing to sign such
an affidavit or subsequently found to have lied on said affidavit shall not serve as a resident
manager
321-26.9(231B) Facility standards.
269('1) The EGH shall be safe, sanitary, well-ventilated, properly lighted and heated, and, if
constructed or substantially remodeled after January 1, 1994, the EGH shall meet the fire
safety rule promulgated by the state fire marshal division for this special classification and the
following standards: a. General
(1) The home and furnishings shall be clean and in good repair;
(2) Stairways shall have handrails of a circumference, length, texture, strength and stability
that can be reasonably expected to provide tenant support;
(3) A functioning light shall be provided in each room, stairway, and exit; incandescent light
bulbs shall be protected with appropriate covers;
(4) The yard, fire exits and exterior steps shall be accessible and appropriate to the condition
of the tenants;
(5) There shall be at least 150 square feet of common living space and sufficient furniture in
the home to accommodate the recreational and socialization needs of all the tenants at one
time; common space shall not be located in the basement or garage, unless such space was
constructed for that purpose. Additional common living space may be required if wheelchairs
are to be accommodated;
(6) Interior and exterior doorways used by residents must be wide enough to accommodate
wheelchairs and walkers if persons with impaired mobility are in residence;
(7) Hot and cold water at each tub, shower, and sink shall be in sufficient supply to meet the
needs of residents;
(8) Grab bars will be present for each toilet, tub and shower; access to toilet and bathing
facilities shall be barrier-free; toilet and bathing facilities shall provide individual privacy;
(9) A telephone will be available and accessible for tenants' use in a reasonable
accommodation for privacy for incoming and outgoing calls; b. Sanitation.
(1) A public water supply shall be utilized if available; if a nonmunicipal water source is used,
the homeowner must show documentation from the state laboratory that the water supply is
potable;
(2) Septic tanks or other nonmunicipal sewage disposal systems shall be in good working
order;
4
(3) Garbage and refuse shall be suitably stored;
(4) If laundry service is provided, soiled linens and clothing shall be stored in containers in an
area separate from food storage, kitchen and dining areas;
(5) Sanitation for household pets and other domestic animals shall be adequate to prevent
health and safety hazards;
(6) There will be adequate control of insects and rodents;
(7) Reasonable and prudent precautions for infection control will be used in personal care;
(8) There shall be at least one toilet and one sink for each four occupants, and at least one
tub or shower for each six household occupants (including tenants, resident manager, and
resident manager's family) with a minimum of one sink and toilet on each floor occupied by
tenants; a sink shall be located near each toilet. c. Bedrooms shall:
(1) Have a door that opens directly to a hallway or common use area without passage through
another bedroom or common bathroom;
(2) Be adequately ventilated, heated and lighted;
(3) Have at least 70 square feet of useable floor space, excluding any area where a sloped
ceiling does not allow a person to stand upright;
(4) Provide individual privacy and be occupied by one tenant, unless freely agreed to by the
tenants in the lease;
(5) Resident managers, their family members and convenience service prowders and personal
care providers shall not use as bedrooms areas that are designated as living areas or as tenant
bedrooms;
(6) Be on ground level for tenants with impaired mobility;
(7) Be in close enough proximity to resident manager to alert resident manager to nighttime
needs or emergencies, or shall be equipped with a call system. d. Safety.
(1) All combustion appliances shall be used and maintained properly and be inspected
annually by a qualified technician for carbon monoxide emissions;
(2) Extension cord wiring shall not be used in place of permanent wiring.
321-26.10(23t B) Revocation of certification,
26,10(.1) Condition for revocation. Upon determination that an EGH is no longer in
compliance with these rules, the department shall terminate the EGH certification.
26.10(2) Notification of revocation. The department shall notify the tenants of the former
EGH within 24 hours that certification has been revoked and that the AAA is available for
information and referral regarding alternative services and housing options.
26.10(3) Notification of tenants. The department shall notify the tenants of the former EGH
within 24 hours that certification has been revoked and that the AAA is available for information
and referral regarding alternative services and housing options.
321-26,.1.1(231B) Fees. Fees to cover program administration shall be established by the
department. All fees shall be paid at the time of the request and are nonrefundable. Checks
should be made out to the Iowa Department of Elder Affairs.
32'1-26..12(23'1B) Certification required. Any facility that meets the definition of an EGH as
defined in Iowa Code Supplement section 231B.1(4) must be certified by the department,
excepting those facilities that are certified or licensed under Iowa Code chapter 135C.
These rules are intended to implement Iowa Code Supplement chapter 231B.
[Filed 2/25/94, Notice 12/22/93 -published 3116194, effective 4120194]
ppdadn'an',elderaff
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that a public hearing
will be held by the City Council of Iowa City,
Iowa, at 7:30 p.m. on the 21st day of Novem-
ber, 1995, in the Civic Center Council Cham-
bers, 410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City,
Iowa; at which hearing the Council will consid-
er:
An ordinance amending the Zoning
Chapter to allow adult day care, elder
family homes, and elder group homes
under certain conditions in Iowa City,
and to change the definition of elderly.
An ordinance amending the Zoning
Chapter to require bicycle parking for
commercial and multi-family residential
development.
3. An ordinance amending the Zoning
Chapter by conditionally changing the
use regulations of an approximate 5.2
acre tract of land located east of Old
Dubuque Road and north of Dodge
Street from RS-5, Low Density Single-
Family Residential, to OPDH-8, Planned
Development Overlay.
Copies of the proposed ordinances are on file
for public examination in the office of the City
Clerk, Civic Center, Iowa City, Iowa. 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:
November 30, 1995
To:
From:
City Council
Charles Denne f~ssociate Planner
Re:
Bicycle Parking Ordinance
During the November 21 public hearing on the proposed ordinance to require bicycle parking for multi-
family and commercial developments, questions were raised I ) regarding what groups had been involved
in developing the ordinance, 2) City compliance with the ordinance requirements, and 3) whether any
counts at existing apartments were taken.
Following the public hearing a letter and a copy of the proposed ordinance amendments were sent
to the Greater Iowa City Apartment Owners Association, the Iowa City Area Chamber of
Commerce, Bicyclists of Iowa City and Friends of the Iowa River Scenic Trail. The letter
described the ordinance, notified these groups that the public hearing had been continued to
December 5 and invited comments regarding the ordinance. Prior to the Council's consideration
of the ordinance, both the Planning and Zoning Commission and the JCCOG Regional Trails and
Bicycling Committee held public discussion with both groups recommending approval
unanimously.
Regarding City compliance with the ordinance, all bicycle racks purchased and installed by the
City over the past two years meet the design standards required by the ordinance. Keep in mind
that the proposed ordinance amendments apply only to new construction and do not require bike
parking to be installed at existing buildings. The City is in a similar position to apartment and
businesses owners, in that a voluntary decision will need to be made as to whether existing bike
parking that does not meet the requirements of the proposed ordinance should be replaced.
Additionally, the amount of bike parking provided at the Civic Center complies with ordinance
requirements.
Staff conducted counts at existing apmtments to try and determine the current demand for bike
parking. The counts were taken at buildings with two, three and four bedroom units. For three
and four bedroom units observable bikes were locked in and around the buildings at a ratio of
three-quarters to one bike per dwelling unit. Two bedroom units had bikes locked at a ratio of
approximately one-half bike per dwelling unit. These counts serve as the basis for the bike
parking requirements for multi-family dwellings contained in the proposed ordinance amendments.
Attached are photographs that illustrate the justification for the proposed bicycle parking requirements.
Two of the photos show existing apartment buildings where bikes are locked to hand railings at entrances
to lhe buildings. In bolh cases the bikes locked to tbe railings make it virtually impossible for someone
to use the railing for support while walking up the stairs or ramp. A third photo shows that bike parking
at one building is overflowing into the public right-of-way, with bikes being locked to signs. The final
photo is an example of how bike parking can be provided within a front yard. The parking does not
consume much of the front yard area, and provides a safe and convenient location to park bikes without
displacing parking for automobiles and other vehicles. Another advantage of allowing bike parking in the
front yard illustrated by the photo, is that by placing the parking near the building entrance, the presence
of people entering and leaving the building will tend to deter would be bike thieves, and thus provide a
more secure location.
Mr. Shelley B. Plattmr
1305 Yewell Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
November 30, 1995
Mayor Horowitz and Members of the City Council
Civic Center
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Dear Mayor Horowitz:
I was pleased to learn that there is a proposal before the Iowa City Council to include a
comprehensive bicycle parking component it the building ordinance. I couldn't support
this proposal more. I commend the efforts of Iowa City's leaders in your effort to make
Iowa City "bicycle friendly" and hope you will continue and expand the bicycle patrol
and improved bicycle parking facilities.
I understand that some builders oppose the ordinance arguing that regulation, by its very
nature, is something they should oppose. They will especially oppose any regulation
which they perceive is one which will add expense to new coastruction. From what 1
read in the proposal there will be a minor expense incurred to provide minimal bicycle
parking facilities. If you look at the apartments in Iowa City and observe the low security
bicycle parking facilities in even the newest buildings, you will see that it is absurd to
expect the builders to voluntarily provide adequate bicycle parking for either apartment
tonants or customers of commercial establishments.
The argument that builders will provide adequate bicycle parking with or without an
ordinance can be countered with the following logic:
If a builder plans to provide adequate parking without an ordinance, then such an
ordinance won't have any impact on construction costs. Therefore, it won't hurt
financially to include the standards, and will actually help in that it will codify
requirements such that the landlords will be able to refer to an ordinance if questions
arise.
1 have also heard that some builders m'e concerned that the ordinance might eventually
become retroactive to include older construction. I would argue that to keep competitive,
any building owner who wants to attract tenants would want to provide up to date
accommodations.
In considering whether or not to approve the bicycle parking ordinance, don't succumb to
the pressures of builders. After all, as the old saying goes, "don't let the fox guard the
hen house."
Thank you for your attention to my comments.
Sincerely,
December3,1995
Mayor Horowitz and Members of the City Council
Civic Center
410 E. Washington
Iowa City, IA 52240
Dear Mayor Horowitz and Members ofthe City Council,
I am writing to voice my support for the bicycle parking ordinance currently before the
city council. As a bicycle rider who relies on my bicycle as my primary mode of
transportation to and from work, and also as my primary means of doing weekly errands, I
encourage you to support the proposed ordinance. Many multi-family and commercial
lots currently do provide bicycle parking, however, many others do not. Passage of this
ordinance would ensure that bicycle parking would be available at all future sites and
would provide the City an opportunity to move towards its goal of increasing by the year
2010 the number of all trips in Iowa City that are done by bicycle each year from 3% to
10%.
The City of Iowa City should be commended for its past efforts to make Iowa City a
bicycle-friendly community, including the new city bike parking racks in the downtom
area and the bike mounted police patrol program's efforts to enforce traffic laws with
bicyclists. I would encourage you to adopt tkis ordinance and, once again, further the
City's efforts towards making bicycling a viable means of transportation in Iowa City.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Lynette Seigley
816 Roosevelt
Iowa City, IA 52240
351-9393
Worm
Bikes
723 S. Gilbert
iowa City, Iowa
(319) 351.8337
City Council
410 E. Washington St.
Iowa City, Ia. 52240
December 2, 1995
"Mayor Horowitz and Members of the City Council",
I would like to voice my support for the "bicycle parking
ordinance" under consideration at this time.
I would also like to inform you of my customers major
concerns (or barriers) while riding a bicycle in the Iowa City
area.
1)Concerning safety--they want to know which streets have
less car traffic and are designated user friendly (bicycle
routes)°
2)Concerning security--they want to know"can I lock my
bicycle safe and secure-at businesses, campus, U Of I
Hospitals,etCo".
It only makes good sense to encourage bicycle usage for
short trips° Anyone who has lived in or around Iowa City for a
few years can attest to the ever increasing car traffic problem
and resulting congestion.
Another major oil crisis will probably be the only reason
large numbers of Americans use alternative means of
transportation-but Iowa City can address locally one barrier to
increasing bicycle usage--by passing the "bicycle parking
ordinance".
Thank You.
~u~De.~.~.~ber 4, 1995
Dear Mayor and Council .Members,
Having commuted to work by bicycle almost daily for
over a half century, mostly in the Los Angeles
area, I am keenly aware of the importance of making
bicycle commuting safer and more inviting to people.
Anything that local, state and federal governments
can do to accomplish this is a favor, not only to
bicyclists but also to motorists. Every person who
opts to commute by bicycle takes one motor vehicle
off the road.
There would be many long range benefits derived from
getting more people out of their cars and onto bicycles.
The more obvious of these would be the health benefit.
This is a benefit to employers as well as employees
who bike to work. Studies have shown that people who
bike to work miss far fewer days due to sickness than
do those who commute by car. Also, those who bicycle
on a regular basis are far less likely to be a burden
on taxpayers during their "golden years".
Then of course there is the matter of air pollution.
Bicycles do not pollute. Also, we can reduce our
dependence on foreign oil if more people get out of
their cars. Another financial benefit is the fact
that it takes far less real estate to park bikes than
to park cars.
For all of the above reasons and many more, I strongly
urge the Mayor and City Council members to pass the
pending ordinance regarding bicycle parking. It would
be a step in the right direction.
Respectfully,
Barker Apartments, Iowa City
Bicycle Survey
November 29, 1995
Response: 23.8%
To All Residents: To determine if we can better meet your needs, and as part of a procedure to make Iowa City
more "Bicycle Friendly" please fill out this brief questionnaire and return it to the office with your December rent
check. This will take about one minute. Thank you for your help.
1. Do you have a bicycle at the apartment complex?
Yes No
52.2% 47.8%
2. If you answered "No" to question 1, please answer the following: If you answered
"Yes", please go to question 3.
a. lfthere was more bike parking at this apartment complex, would you get a bicycle?Yes No
17.3% 82.7%
b. lfthere was more bike parking in the downtown area, would you get a bicycle?Yes No
9.6% 90 4%
c. If there was more bike parking at the University, including the Hospital, would you
get a bicycle?
d. If you felt that the streets were less prone to having bicycle accidents, would you
get a bicycle?
e. Even though you do not have a bicycle now, have you had one during the spring,
summer and fall seasons?
3 Do you titink that there is adequate bicycle parking this apartment complex?
Yes No
13.7% 86.3%
Yes · No
40.7% 59.3%
Yes No
14.5% 85.5%
Yes No
53.8% 46.2%
4. Do you think that there is adequate b cyc e parking in the downtown area?
5. Do you think titere is adequate bicycle parking at the University?
6. Is the bicycle parking at this apartment complex reasonably convenient for you9
Yes No
37.1% 62.9%
Yes No
44 6% 55.4%
Yes No
62.2% 37.8%
7. Have you had a bicycle stolen while parked at this complex?
Yes No
5.6% 94.4%
While parked in the downtown area?
Yes No
2.3% 97.6%
At the University?
Yes No
5.6% 94.4%
8 Have you had a bicycle damaged while parked at this apartment complex?
Yes No
5.6% 94.4%
While parked in the downtown area?
Yes No
2.4% 97.6%
At the University?
Yes No
8.0% 92.0%
9 What suggestions do you have to make Iowa City and/or this apartment complex more "Bicycle Friendly"?
Sheltered spaces 10
City should have more bike lanes
26
Indoor Storage at apartments
8
City traffic laws more vigorously enforced
Place racks away from street
7
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
A Public Hearing on the FY95 CHAS
Annual Performance Report will be held on
December 5, 1995, at 7:30 p.m. in the Civic
Center, Council Chambers, 410 E. Washington
Street, Iowa City, Iowa.
The FY1995 Comprehensive Housing
Affordability Strategy (CHAS} Annual
Performance Report assesses the performance
of the City on the objectives approved by the
City Council as part of the 1994-1998 CHAS.
The CHAS is a planning document that
identifies community needs and priorities for
affordable housing and outlines a strategy to
address those needs. This document has now
been replaced by CITY STEPS.
City of iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: November 21, 1995
To: City Manager and City Council
From: Steven Nasby, Associate Pianner,~,,~
Re:
Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS)
Annual Performance Report for FY95
The City of Iowa City is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD) to submit a CHAS Annual Performance Report for FY95. This report assesses the City's
performance in relation to the objectives specified in the 1994-1998 CHAS plan that was
approved in November 1993. A 30-day comment period on the FY95 Annual Performance
Report began on November 13, 1995. Comments received at the public hearing will be
included in the final document. Approval of the final document will be on December 19, 1995.
Once the FY95 report is accepted by HUD, the 1994-1998 CHAS Plan will be officially
superseded and replaced by the 1995-2000 Consolidated Plan (a.k.a. CITY STEPS) that
became effective in fiscal year 1996.
ac[1%20 sn
DI AFT
CiTY OF IOWA CITY
COIViPREHENSIVE HOUSING
AFFORDABILITY STRATEGY
ANNUAL PERFORNIANCL: REPORT FOR
FISCAL YEAR 1995
CITY COUNCIL OF IOWA CITY
Susan Horowitz, Mayor
Naomi Novick, Mayor Pro Tern
Larry Baker
Karen Kubby
Ernie Lehman
Bruno Pigott
Jim Throgmorton
CITY MANAGER
Stephen J. Atkins
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT STAFF
Marianne Milkman, Community Development Coordinator
Steven Nasby, Project Coordinator
Stephen Long, Associate Planner
Petra Noble, Intern
Douglas Boothroy, Director of Housing & Inspection Services
Linda Severson, JCCOG Human Services Coordinator
November 1995
2
CHAS
ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
FISCAL YEAR 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Pa,qe
I. ANNUAL PERFORMANCE .................................... 3-23
A. Resources Made Available Within the Jurisdiction ............... 3-6
B, Investment of Available Resources and Households
and Persons Assisted with Housing ........................ 7-11
C. Households and Persons Assisted with Housing ............... 12-13
D. Other Actions ...................................... 13-23
1. Public Policies ................................. 13-18
2. Institutional Structure and Intergovernmental Cooperation .. 18-21
3. Public Housing Improvements ........................ 21
4. Public Housing Resident Initiatives ..................... 21
5. Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction .................. 21-22
6. Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing ................... 23
Ih ASSESSIVlENT OF ANNUAL PERFORMANCE ...................... 24-28
APPENDIX A: DEVELOPMENT PROCESS FOR THE FY9§ APR ................. 29
APPENDIX B: SUMMARY OF PUBLIC COMMENTS AND SUBSEQUENT
ACTIONS TAKEN ...................................... 30
APPENDIX C: HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION 1995 ANNUAL REPORT ........ 31-32
3
ANNUAL PERFORMANCE
A. Resources (dollars) Made Available Within the Jurisdiction
FEDERAL FUNDS
July 1, '1994 - June 30, 1995 (FY95)
Adminlsterlng Source of
Agency Funding
City of Iowa City
IDED/City of Iowa City
Greater Iowa City Housing
Fellowship Bums and Associates
City of Iowa City
City of Iowa City Public Housing
Authority
Systems Unlimited
EHP, Youth Homes. DVIP
HACAP
Systems Unlimited
Crisis Center
Youth Homes, Inc.
TOTAL
CDBG (Housing & Supportive
Housing)
HOME (Housing)
Emergency Shelter Grants Program
HOME - State (HOME)
Rental Rehab-IDED
Rental Rehab-IFA
Section 8 Rent Assistance
New Construction (33 units)
Other Acquisition
Section 811 Grant
FEMA
Dept. of HHS -Energy
Dept. of HHS - CSBG Flood
Dept. of HUD - Flood
Dept of Energy
HHS - SClLS
HHS - Substance Abuse Program
FEMA
HHS - SClLS
HHS -Substance Abuse Program
FEDERAL FUNDS
Planned
FY95
Funds
(dollars)
500.000
500.000
46,770
205,000
31,413
45,541
3,657,765
*N/A
N/A
245,263
13,800
100,000
N/A
N/A
N/A
198.147
47.442
5,112
198,142
47,442
$5,841,837
Actual
FY 95
Funds
(dollars)
834,878
500.000
56,310
0
31,413
8,819
3,563,398
3,237,041
931,750
30,537
13.800
98.985
36,833
164,855
154,289~
195,631
49,918
5,112
195.631
49.918
$10,159,118
*Not available or not planned.
~Actual time 4/1/94 - 5/31195
4
STATE FUNDS
July '1, '1994 -June 30, '1995 (FY95)
Administering
Agency
Domestic Violence Intervention
Pmgram
Emergency Housing Project
Evert Connor Center for Independent
Living
MECCA
Johnson County Social Services
Youth Homes, Inc.
TOTAL
Source of
Funding
Crime Victim
IFA Homeless Operations
IFA Rehabilitation
Dept. of Vocational Rehabilitation
Dept. of Public Health
SSBG Local Purchase - State
Community Serv. Appmp. - State
Medicaid (State & Fed.)
Community SVC
State POS
State DOE
STATE OF IOWA
Planned Actual
FY95 FY95
Funds Funds
{dollars) (dollam)
N/A 53,455
21,000 19,402
300 300
206 206
506,592 506,592
N/A 369,940
N/A 113,403
66,019 62,032
999,180 1,083,000
20,617 20,757
$1,613,914 $2,229,087
5
PRIVATE FUNDS
July 1, 'i994 - June 30, 1995 (FY95)
Administering
Agency
Greater Iowa City Housing
Fellowship
Domestic Violence
Intervention Program
Emergency Housing Project
MECCA
LIFE Skills, Inc.
Systems, Unlimited
Cnsis Center
Youth Homes, Inc.
Rental Rehabilitation (4 units)
TOTAL
Source of
Funding
Consortium of banks
United Way
Pdvate contribution
United Way
Private contributions
Fund raising
Foundations
Misceraneous income
United Way
Chum~es
Private contributions
Corporate contributions
United Way
Pdvate contributions
Client fees
Greater Iowa City Housing
Fellowship
Client funds
United Way
Private Contributions
Fundraising
Chumhes
United Way
Private contributions
Client rents/rent reimb.
Other County cost difference
Federal Home Loan Bank
Owners
PRIVATE FUNDS
Planned Actual
FY95 FY9$
Funds Funds
(dollars) (dollars)
255.337 359.094
11,250 3.705
6,350 9,451
N/A 35,662
N/A 39.675
N/A 49.327
N/A 2,500
N/A 562
9.086 9.086
20,000 15.532
30.000 37.148
0 20.000
7,906 7,995
700 2,189
122,285 107,716
2.000 2,000
336,214 332,812
56.649 56,649
42,192 42,192
45,043 45,043
14.586 14.586
15,016 16,340
125 29,671
10.246 7,581
55,000 45,320
0 77,000
31,413 33,249
,071,398 $1,402,085
6
LOCAL FUNDS
July 1, 1994 -June 30, 1995 (FY95)
Planned Actual
FY95 FY95
Administering Source of Funds Funds
Agency Funding (dollars) (dollars)
Domestic Violence
Intervention Program
Emergency Housing Project
MECCA
Systems, Unlimited
Youth Homes, Inc.
Crisis Center
Johnson County DHS
TOTAL
City of Iowa City N/A 42,000
Johnson County N/A 43,680
City of Iowa City 5,250 5,250
Johnson County 4,160 4,160
Misc. Income 0 27
Agency Reimb. 250 295
City of Iowa City 26,796 26,800
Johnson County 146,714 146,714
Johnson County N/A 556,409
Johnson County 87,400 83,821
Johnson County 52,000 52,000
City of Iowa City 29,692 29,692
City of Coralville 2,700 2,700
General Asst. Fund
LOCAL FUNDS
96,998 110,030
$45'1,960 $'1,'103,578
7
B. Investment of Available Resources and Households and Persons Assisted with Housing
The following discussion addresses the activities, programs, and projects for affordable housing undertaken in Iowa City
~n the City's fiscal year 1995. Each activity is listed below the relevant priority, as detailed in the 1994-1998 CHAS. The
resources and program funds used are outlined, as well as planned, actual, and committed expenditures and investment
(where known); geographic distribution of investment (where applicable); and any non-federal funds that were leveraged
are also detailed.
PRIORITY: EXPANSION OF THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING STOCK
ACTIVITY/PROGRAM
Affordable Rental
Housing
The Greater Iowa City Housing Fellowship and Robert Burns
proposed a project to construct affordable rental housing units.
The City allocated $150,000 of CDBG and $150,000 in HOME
monies to purchase the land which will be used for the
construction of these affordable rental units. To date the
partnership has had difficulties securing land and none of the
funding has been expended; however, the funding has been
carried over into FY96.
Whlsperlng Meadows
Landscaplng
Lending Institutions
The Greater Iowa City Housing Fellowship used $8,236 in CDBG
funds to landscape eight units of affordable rental housing being
built in the Whispering Meadows subdivision. These funds were
needed so the units blended in with the existing homes in the
neighborhood.
The Iowa City lending institutions, in conjunction with federal and
state programs, have provided local citizens access to sizeable
amounts of money. These funds help low income borrowers meet
their housing needs. In meeting the federal requirements
(Community Reinvestment Act) to invest some of their deposits
locally, the area financial institutions leveraged the following funds.
Section 8 Certificates and
Vouchers
$1,951.057 Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC)
672.464 Iowa Housing Assistance Program (IHAP)
$2,623,523 Total
Thc PuNic Housing Authority assisted 909 households with rental
~,ssistance in FY95. Approximately $3,563,400 in Section 8 funds
went to local landlords
Manufactured Housing
Replacement
Relocatlon Assistance
Iowa City Public Housing
Authority: Landscaping
The City of Iowa City used $26,082 in CDBG funds to purchase
two manufacture'l homes and replace two homes that were unsafe
and/or unsanitary. This demonstration program saved money
because the required rehabilitabon would have far exceeded the
value of the homes.
The C~ty of Iowa City and Eagle Foods funded the Towncrest
Relocation Project in FY95 $108,320 in CDBG funds and
$150,000 donated by Eagles helped move 55 households from the
Towncrest Mobile Home Park (49 households were assisted and 6
units were abandoned). Th~s program helped a majority of the
residents to greatly improve their housing enwronment.
The ICPHA began construction of 33 new public housing units
CDBG funds in the amount of $33,000 will be used for
landscaping in FY96
8
ACTIVITY/PROGRAM
Hawkeye Area Commu-
nity Action Program
(HACAP)
HACAP used $35.000 in HOME funds and $7,000 in private
funding to purchase two manufactured housing units for its
transitional housing program. These units were placed in a local
manufactured housing park and are rented to participants in
HACAP's transitional housing program.
PRIORITY: REHABILITATION OF THE EXISTING AFFORDABLE HOUSING STOCK
ACTIVITY/PROGRAM
Small Repair Program
Exterior Rehab of Water-
front Drive Property
Elderly Services Agency assisted 56 elderly persons and per-
sons with disabilities with small repairs so they can remain in
their homes. This project used 918,708 of CDBG funds. Most
repairs are related to accessibility or safety.
Youth Homes received 960,000 in CDBG funds to complete
exterior work that included new vinyl siding, window replace-
ment and concrete work at their Waterfront Drive facility. This
facility provides emergency shelter and supervised living for
teens.
Housing Rehab Program -
Owner-Occupied
The City of Iowa City used $257,593 in CDBG funds and
$27,345 in HOME funds for the following rehab projects
completed this year:
Comprehensive Rehab 4
Exterior Rehab 7
Emergency Repair 16
Residential Accessibility 5
Fire Safety & Manufac-
tured Housing Repl.
Rental Rehab
The City of Iowa City used $17,515 in CDBG funds to pur-
chase and distribute 790 smoke detectors and 341 fire
extinguishers to 341 manufactured homes in Iowa City.
The City of Iowa City with federal and state funds rehabili-
tated four buildings (eight units).
IDED
CDBG 9 9,180
Federal Rent Rehab 31,413
Private 33,249
$ 74,022
IFA
The City of Iowa City also assisted in the rehabilitation of two
units, one owner-occupied and the other a rental unit that is
occupied by an LMI household. This project has been com-
pleted.
CDBG Funds 9 2,840
Iowa Finance Authority 9 8,819
Total Cost 911,759
9
PRIORITY:
SUPPORT AGENCIES THAT PROVIDE SERVICES TO HELP PEOPLE SECURE AND STAY IN
HOUSING
AGENCY/PROGRAM
Neighborhood Centers of
Johnson County
Domestic Violence Inter-
vention Project -
Children's Area
Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County utilized $28,216
in CDBG funds to begin construction of an 8,000 sq. ft.
facility to be used as a neighborhood center for the Pheas-
ant Ridge neighborhood. The total anticipated cost of the
project is $500,000. The project was delayed due to a zon-
ing issue. The construction contract has been awarded and
construction will begin in October 1995.
DVIP planned to use $15,O00 of CDBG funds to finish part
of the lower level of their new facility. This area will be
used for children's programs and counseling. This project
was cancelled; however, DVIP has received FY96 funds to
do more extensive remodeling.
LIFE Skills - Housing
Support Program
LIFE Skills, with $16,O13 in CDBG dollars, assisted 61
households through its Housing Support Curriculum pro-
gram. This program helps clients with basic household
skills such as budgeting, housekeeping, and neighbor rela-
tions.
IV]id-Eastern Council on
Chemical Abuse
Elderly Services Agency
MECCA used $798,006 ($26,800 of which were CDBG
funds) to provide services to 1,971 individuals who were in
need of comprehensive substance abuse prevention and
treatment programs. They also provided individualized
treatment plans for persons in traditional outpatient, inten-
sive outpatient treatment, day treatment, halfway house,
and residential services.
ESA assisted 1,129 seniors through Chore Services, Shared
Housing, Retired Senior Volunteer Program, Case Manage-
ment, Information and Referral, and Outreach with $51,156
of CDBG assistance. These services allowed elderly
householders to remain independently in their homes.
Local Lenders and Local
Realtors
Greater Iowa City
Housing Fellow-
ship/Rental Deposit
Program
Homeless Shelters
The City conducted an educational seminar for first-time
homeowners in conjunction with several local banks and
real estate agencies. The seminar was targeted to lower-
income households and focused on issues such as budget-
ing, credit and available assistance for lower-income house-
holds.
The Greater Iowa City Housing Fellowship has estabhshed a
$10,000 loan pool with a local bank for no-interest loans
for verv low to low income households. Funds are to be
used for rental deposits; each household can borrow up to
$400. This year 28 loans have been granted.
The City of Iowa City administered $56,310 in Emergency
Shelter Grant {ESG) funds for three local shelters (Emergen-
cy Housing Project, Youth Homes and the Domestic Vio-
lence Intervention Program). These funds were used for
homeless prevention activities and shelter operations ex-
penses such as utilities, insurance and salaries.
PRIORITY:
10
FEASIBILITY STUDIES AND PLANNING
City of Iowa City
Studies on Single Room Occupancy (SRO) housing and
barriers to affordable housing were started, Staff completed
an application for CDBG and HOME funds for a Housing for
Working Singles project. HOME funds in the amount of
$1 OO,O00 were allocated for FY96. Staff also worked on
exploring the affordability of modular housing. In FY95
Iowa City purchased and placed a modular home on an in-
fill lot. The home will be sold to a low income household
when the project is completed.
11
Geographic Distribution of Funds for FY95
NOTE: MANY PROJECTS SERVE PERSONS RESIDING CITY WIDE.
THESE PROGRAMS DO NOT APPEAR ON THIS MAP
[] UAY
~ EMERGENCY SHELTER
~ FIRE SAFETY
~, HOUSING SKILLS PROGRAM
· LANDSCAPING
~ MECCA
[] RELOCA'RON
(~ SMALL REPAIR PROGRAM
Name of Jurlsd~cteon
City of Iowa City
CHAS Annual Performance Report
Table 7
Households and Persons Assisted with Housing
Relaters
Assistance Elderly 1. & Small Large All Other Total
Provided by 2,Member Related Rdmd Households Rer~tars
Income Grm,Tp Households (2.4,~ (5 er more} (D) [E)
(A) (B} (C)
1. Very low income' ' 11 1 328 40
(0.300 of MFI)
2. Very low income*' 101 180 19 390
(31 50% of MF[}
3. Other luw income"' 10 10
(51.80% 0f MFI}
4. Total low income 101 20! 20 28 350
(trues 1 , 2 + 3)
'Homeless famd~es and indrviduals assisted with transitional or permanent housu,,g.
· "Of based upon HUD adjusted income Errors, if applicable.
FY:
1st. Time HG. mebm/~'s
Existing wiffi 'All Total
Home. Chilean ~e~ Ho~.
~nm (G) (H) ~ers
(F) (I)
15 15
58 304 382
15 37 52
88 341 429
~Fam(es counted tn ~ndinzduets alsu.
~i'ota[s do not include column *K'.
5. Rectal/Ethnic Composition of
Line 4, Column (M)
Total Low Income
1. Hispanic 89
2. i~on. Hispamc White 1,540
3. Non.Hluparfic Black 350
4 Natwe American 23
5. Assan & Pacific [slander 33
6. Other 28
7 Total [must equal Total on 2.160
bee 4, Colunto tM))
1995
Homeless'
vlduals 'FamiTies NOn, zTotal Total
(J) (g) Homeless (M) Section
Special 215
Needs (HI
{L)
[,309 693 57 1,421
I0 I 5 877
62
,319 694 62 2.160
3GICHF rental
*Fire Safety Program:. Manufactured housing umt$
[not hfst trine homebuyers.)
12
C. HOUSEHOLDS AND PERSONS ASSISTED WITH HOUSING (Comments on Table 'I)
This report only includes persons and households who moved into a unit\shelter in FY95 or had
a rehabilitation project completed (owner-occupied households only). Families who lived in
Public or Assisted Housing last year and continue to do so are not counted. Table 1 shows the
number of households actually assisted.
Renter Households
Elderly Households: For elderly renter households, the figure in Table 1 represents public and
assisted housing (101 households). Other elderly households may have been assisted through
LIFE Skills or Greater Iowa City Housing Fellowship services, however, they do not keep age
statistics.
Other Renters: In FY95 there were several projects designed to assist a vadety of renter
households. The organizations\agencies providing services or assistance to renters and the
number of rental households assisted are detailed below.
Public Housing Units and Section 8 294
Rental Rehabilitation 10
Greater Iowa City Housing Fellowship (units) 18
Greater Iowa City Housing Fellowship (rental deposits) 28
HACAP Transitional Housing 2
TOTAL OTHER RENTER HOUSEHOLDS 350
Owner Occupied Households
Existinq Owners: This category consists of households receiving assistance from the City of
Iowa City's Housing Rehabilitation Program and the Elderly Services Agency Small Repair
Program. During FY95 there were 88 existing homeowners assisted.
Homeless Persons and Families
The number of households/persons assisted by Iowa City's homeless shelters was up 177%
this year. Pad of the increase was due to DVlP's larger shelter.
At present, the three emergency shelters providing service in Iowa City are reporting monthly
through the Emergency Shelter Grant program. Any overlapping service between the three
shelters is minimal because they are designed to serve different populations (one shelter is only
for minors, one is for wcbms of domestic violence (women and children), and the other one has
no restrictions).
Assistance by Race
Data for assistance by racial and ethnic group show that assistance for minority groups
exceeded the proportion of very low-income households in the population for all racial
categories except White and AsianSPacific Islander. These numbers are similar to the data from
the performance of the CDBG program in the years past.
13
Present
Racial/Ethnic Overall Percent Percent Below Households
Group in Population' 50% MFI' Assisted
Hispanic I 2 4
White 91 84 76
Black 2 3 16
Native >1 >1 1
American
Asian/Pacific 5 10 2
Islander
OthedUnknown - - 1
TOTAL 100 t 00 100
· Source: U.S. Census Bureau. 1990
The overall goal of the- City of Iowa City's CHAS is to address housing and related support
services, especially for lower income households. Providing opportunities for safe, decent, and
affordable housing is the primary objective of the CHAS Plan. The following assessment is
based upon the correlation of the goals specified within the CHAS and the performance of the
City and others in meeting the goals.
D, Other Actions Undertaken
D.1. Public Policies
Once the City's priorities and strategies for investment are determined, the City looks closely
at the coordination of policies, goals, administration, and implementation. This section and
the next, "Institutional Structure and Intergovernmental Cooperation" looks at these issues.
Iowa City has its own unique set of barriers to affordable housing, many of which can be
addressed, at least partially, through local public policies. These policies are discussed under
the following categories: 1 ) Availability of Resources; 2) Development Standards; 3) Zoning;
4) Building Codes; and 5) Community Attitudes. The City intends to deal in some way, in the
next five years, with all of the policy options discussed.
AVAILABILITY OF RESOURCES
This is generally the most fundamental problem, with a lack of financial resources and
available land at issue. The increase in homelesshess and serious affordable housing issues
has caused the creation and limited funding of state and federal housing programs. Iowa City
will continue to try to capture as many of these funds as possible, but more private and City
funds are needed.
In Iowa City the availability of developable residential land (particularly for multi-family
structures) that is relatively close to jobs, schools and shopping is nearly nonexistent. In
addition, developers who are constructing housing on the available land are targeting the
middle- to upper-income owner-occupied housing market, and the student rental market.
14
Policy Options
1. Acquisition of Available Vacant Parcels
Unlike many communities, the City does not own any vacant land available for housing
development. In 1992, the City Council adopted a policy for property acquisition through an
ongoing lot acquisition program; however, these funds ($75,000) will not allow for the
purchase of more than five to seven infill lots. The City has been successful in acquiring one
lot. This lot will be used by the City to test an affordable housing project using a modular
home. This home will be sold to a low income family in FY96.
Possible sources of funding in addition to state and federal resources are the general revenue
fund, general obligation bonds, revenue bonds, tax abatement, or tax increment financing.
Although the City Council has recently approved the use of both tax increment financing and
tax abatement, the use of general revenue funds seems less likely due to a large state rollback
for property taxes the City is investigating the use of bonds.
2. Annexation
This has been an option that has been considered very recently. Annexation is relatively easy;
however, it involves extension of infrastructure and services, and in many cases, environmen-
tal factors such as wetlands and steep slopes create additional development expenses.
Annexation for affordable housing may be politically infeasible due to the additional costs of
development, such as infrastructure, which must be subsidized by the City or passed on to
the consumer in the form of higher home prices.
3. Community Land Trust (CLT)
CLTs are becoming popular throughout the country and may be organized by the City or other
actors such as a public or private nonprofit organization. The difficulty with CLTs are that
they require relatively large amounts of initial capital funding to secure the necessary
properties and maintain available resources for staffing. CLTs generally are 99-year leases;
a long-term commitment is necessary to ensure the proper sale and resale of properties. This
may be an option to explore further.
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
Historically, development standards have been used to ensure the public safety and maintain
the status quo or integrity of a neighborhood. Overly stringent development standards
increase the land costs of residential developments. Because t,,-~es, technology, and needs
change, updates and revisions in development standards are appropriate.
Policy Options
1. Allowing Development on Non-Conforming Lots
This option allows for residential development of affordable housing on existing non-
conforming lots, especially where two or more of these lots are adjoining. An ordinance
amendment regarding this issue was approved by the City Council in May 1993, for these
situations to be examined on a case-by-case basis. One such case was approved during the
past year. Additional regulatory barriers will be addressed as they are identified.
15
2. Changing Development Standards for Affordable Housing
Development standards for new construction are often expensive, thus prohibiting the
construction of affordable housing. An alternative to this may be incentives for greater use
of Planned Development Housing (PDH), which might allow for narrower streets, elimination
of curb and gutter, or sidewalks on one side of the street only, and cluster housing. These
modifications in development standards could be incorporated into a neighborhood cost
effectively while maintaining high levels of public safety.
ZONING
Municipal zoning laws and comprehensive land use planning are aimed at directing growth.
To assist in the development of affordable housing, the following three zoning changes may
be considered.
Policy Options
1. More High Density Zones
There is very litfie developable land which is zoned for high densitv residential development.
High density zones allow land costs to be offset by a greater number of units, making them
more affordable. Attractive single and multi-family development, including manufactured
housing, is possible at densities from eight to 20 units per acre. Another option is to have
developments with a mixture of housing types.
Community attitudes in Iowa City must be overcome in pursuing this option; many citizens
react negatively not just to housing for low-income people, but to higher density development
in general (and not only because the two are sometimes associated). Other associated issues
such as street widenings and school bond elections to construct a much-needed elementary
school (many are severely overcrowded) make increasing densities in some areas even more
politically unpalatable.
2, Inclusionary Zoning
Inclusionary zoning is a relatively new concept to the Midwest, where most communities have
housing within the reach of most residents. It requires developers to construct a number of
affordable units proportional to the size of the development. The decision to pursue this
policy would require a study of when and where such a requirement might be appropriate.
Considering the large growth in residential development occurring at the high end of the scale,
it would most likely still be possible for market-rate developers to continue to build and to
make a reasonable profit, even with an inclusionary zoning policy. Lot sizes and general
development standards in Iowa City are not in themselves exclusionary; the exclusion is
created by the perceived market.
3. Incentive Zoning
With incentive zoning, a developer would be granted density bonuses for providing public
amenities such as affordable housing, walkways, or childcare. Iowa City is experimenting
16
with this type of zoning with its PRM and CB-5 zones2. This is only a limited use of incentive
zoning, however; a more extensive experiment of this in the housing area may be justified.
This option would be one way to increase the density of certain development without
~ncreasing the overall allowable density in an area.
BUILDING CODES
Building code regulations directly influence all commercial and residential construction. The
main purpose for building code regulations is to protect the public health, safety, and welfare.
Changes in these codes must be met with intense scrutiny because p~blic safety is the basic
responsibility of a governing body. The City's standards are and will continue to be updated
every three years to take advantage of the latest technology in building materials and
construction techniques. The City will need to balance housing affordability and the health
and safety of all its citizens. The City already has some flexibility built into its building code
regulations, such as regulations regarding the use of less expensive building materials. The
following issues can be addressed:
* codes and building regulations
' enforcement bodies
* codes that might be insensitive to older housing stock
* possibly antiquated requirements
' environmental and state regulations
* rehabilitation guidelines
Policy Options
1. Modify Codes Related to Building and Development
Overly restrictive building codes can hinder efforts to provide affordable housing. Such is the
case in Iowa City when a house is moved. Existing codes require moved houses to meet new
construction codes, which in some instances is not feasible, and in other cases results in such
extensive rehabilitation that the house becomes unaffordable. Health and safety concerns
must be carefully weighed against the dire need for affordable housing. Additional flexibility
in iowa City's building code regulations may be needed to allow for a balance between safety
and affordability. Also, the City will work with the Board of Appeals and the Homebuilders
Association to increase awareness in the building community of the need for affordable
housing and the flexibility in the current building code that may not be common knowledge.
COMMUNITY ATTITUDES
A more subtle barrier to affordable housing is the attitude of the community. Rules and
regulations concerning housing and discrimination can be passed by governing bodies, but a
persistent, unfavorable stigma is attached to public and low-cost housing projects and the
people who live in them. If higher densities are used to foster affordable housing develop-
ment, the greatest concern of existing residents will be that property values will be lowered.
2 The Planned High Density Multi-Family Residential Zone (PRM). in the Near South Side. allows a densfly of
50 dwelhng units per acre. but contains a pmvisren allowing higher densities for one-bedroom units (approximately
62 units per acre) and efficiencies (approximately 87 units per acre). In the CB-5 zone. also in the Near South S,de.
residential units that are part of a City-approved affordable housing program ere exempt from the m~nimum parking
requirements. provided that those units do not exceed 30 percent of the building's total units.
17
Concern about property values is also raised with the development of certain housing types:
housing for persons with severe mental illness, single-room occupancy units, and low-income
rental complexes.
In addition, community attitudes affect the decisions of the City Council and influence the
strength of commitment to resolving affordable housing problems. If community attitudes are
going to change, the City Council must encourage broad measures for educating the
community, and be prepared to experiment with unpopular solutions.
Policy Options
1. Continued Commitment from City for Affordable Housing Opportunities
Reaffirming Iowa City's commitment to increasing affordable housing opportunities may be
the simplest method of addressing negative attitudes. Some residents may be willing to have
more of an open mind about housing for low-income people if the City Council demonstrates
that affordable housing is a top priority. The commitment of the private sector is also
important. The City will continue to work with local financial institutions and private nonprofit
and for-profit developers in creating affordable housing opportunities. These joint ventures
have increased in the last year or two, and will continue to be the most important way in
which the low-cost housing stock is expanded.
2. Dispersion of Low-Cost Housing throughout City
Some of the policies discussed above will be helpful in changing the negative perception of
affordable housing as this type of housing is blended with other single-family and multi-family
units throughout the city. As much as possible, new development of affordable housing will
be dispersed throughout different sections of the City.
3, Fair Housing Policy
The City will continue its efforts to address discrimination that people confront in seeking
housing in Iowa City. In the State of Iowa, access to housing, and equal housing services,
may not be denied because of race, color, creed, sex, religion, national origin, physical/mental
disability/handicap, or familial status/presence of children. The Qty of Iowa City has added
to this: age, marital status, sexual orientation, and public assistance.
The Iowa City Human Rights Commission and the Tenant/Landlord Association both report
that a number of housing discrimination complaints deal with family size (see Appendix C:
Human Rights Commission Report). For a large, lower-rent apartment, landlords would often
times prefer to rent to a group of students than a large family on rental assistance. There is
also the perception that Section 8 assistance comes with a great deal of paperwork or added
inspections.
One issue that the Human Rights Coordinator hears complaints about is racism encountered
when trying to rent an apartment in Iowa City. According to the Human Rights Commission,
there have been only one or two complaints in the last four years about discrimination based
on disabilities. It is not the case that some areas of the City are ignored by local lending
institutions. It is not known whether members of the real estate community "steer" renters
or purchasers to certain areas. Since Iowa City has neither areas of blight nor high
concentrations of minority groups, it is likely that little steering would occur. This is
extremely difficult to document in any case.
18
As mentioned before, the t~ght market in Iowa City, especially for lower-cost rental units,
encourages discrimination by making it possible for landlords to be highly selective. The high
demand for few units means landlords will follow the path of least resistance -- that is, choose
tenants that will not require additional paperwork, will pay rent on time, will not upset the
other neighbors, etc. Populations that require some flexibility or understanding will lose out.
The number one way to address this problem is through the expansion of the affordable
housing stock.
The City has attempted to deal with these fair housing issues, some that are unique to Iowa
City (relative to the rest of the state), by legislating against certain types of discrimination that
are perceived to be widespread (such as discrimination based on public assistance, e.g. AFDC
assistance). The City, through the Human Rights Coordinator, will continue to monitor and
investigate all housing discrimination complaints, review housing advertisements, distribute
information to local realtors, landlords, tenants, and housing developers, and provide input into
City actions that may have an impact on specific populations. Housing discrimination
problems are best attacked through education, changes in local policy, and follow-through on
complaints. The City will continue to do all three, as it has in the past.
D.2, Institutional Structure and Intergovernmental Cooperation
The institutions described below are only those involved in a direct way with the provision of
housing in Iowa City, either through programs, projects, or financing. There are dozens of
entities that are involved in providing services that indirectly (but no less importantly} keep
people from losing housing or allow them the opportunity to look for housing in the first place.
The largest provider of affordable housing in Iowa City is the Iowa City Housing Authority.
Through public housing units and Section 8 assistance, over 900 households are currently
assisted with rental housing. The City's Department of Planning and Community Development
is a major actor, too, with its Housing Rehabilitation Program, planning and research activities,
technical assistance for housing providers, some housing development, and the administration
of Community Development Block Grant and HOME funds, many of which go to housing-
related projects.
The Greater Iowa City Housing Fellowship (GICHF) is a Community Development Housing
Organization (CHDO) and is the only nonprofit organization devoted solely to housing low-
income persons, and it has so far concentrated on very low-income renters. This relatively
young organization has greatly increased its capacity in the last year. LIFE Skills is a non-
profit agency that operates a Housing Skills program with CDBG funding. LIFE Skills helps
low income persons locate and stay in housing by helping households with budgeting and
housekeeping skills. The Hawkeye Area Community Action Program (HACAP) is also a CHDO
that operates within Iowa City. HACAP has been focusing on transitional housing with
support services.
The local lending institutions have played an increasingly important role of late in the
development of affordable housing. A consortium of lenders assisted the GICHF in a project
last year and again this year agreed to assist with other projects. A group of lenders, along
with the City and the Board of Realtors, presented a free Homebuyer Education Seminar in
March 1995, which will be continued due to its initial interest and success.
The importance of the emergency shelters in Iowa City goes w~thout saying. These facilities
prowde a much-needed service and do so with resources that are always shrinking. (This year
Iowa City shelters received a total of $56,310 from the Emergency Shelter Grants Program.
19
Supportive housing providers play a vital role serving special needs populations ~n Iowa City.
These agencies deal with not only dwindling resources, like the emergency shelters, but
philosophical changes ~n the way they are mandated to serve their populations (such as the
State's shift away from group homes for persons with developmental disabilities).
Finally, the community's housing rehabilitation programs are extremely important in
maintaining the City's affordable housing stock as well as upgrading it, as is the case with
accessibility improvements. Elderly Services Agency runs the Small Repair Program, which
assists persons with physical handicaps and/or elderly with small repairs to their homes.
These repairs allow elderly persons to stay independently in their homes.
PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)/Iowa Department of Economic
Development. Through the Iowa Department of Economic Development, the City, nonprofit
and for-profit developers will be administering HOME Investment Partnership funds from HUD.
Approximately one-third is for rehab projects and the other half for new construc-
tion/conversion.
Iowa Finance Authority. In addition to administe~ ing a Rental Rehab Program, which the City
will finish running in FY95, IFA administers the Housing Assistance Fund for acquisition,
rehab, new construction and home ownership programs.
Iowa City Public Housing Authority. The Public Housing Authority owns and manages 82 units
of public housing, dispersed throughout the City plus 827 certificates and vouchers. More
than 450 households are on the waiting list for rental assistance (see Part I.a.2.ii.).
Additionally, the PHA is in the process of building 33 single-family units that will come on-line
in FY96. The Housing Authority has more contact with indiwduals and families with housing
problems than any other agency in the community. It also has almost daily contact with local
landlords, through the Section 8 program, and with human service agencies.
Department of Planning and Community Development. Five full-time members of the
Community Development Division will continue its affordable housing activities: 1) research
and planning; 2) administer CDBG and HOME funds; 3) prepare the Consolidated Plan, CHAS
Annual Performance Report, Grantee Performance Report(s) and CDBG Program Statement
(the latter two for the Community Development Block Grant program); 4) technical assistance
for and cooperation with housing nonprofit and for-profit developers; 5) rehabilitation program;
and 6) other affordable housing projects.
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
Domestic Violence Intervention Program (DVlP). DVIP serves mainly women who are victims
of domestic abuse and their children. This is the only emergency shelter of its type in Iowa
City and surrounding areas.
Ecumenical Consultation of Churches. The Consultation consists of 19 member congregations
and is the umbrella organization for the Ecumenical Towers Housing Project, the Emergency
Housing Project (see below), and the Common Fund.
Elderly Services Agency. Elderly Services Agency runs several programs dealing w~th housing
people who are elderly. The Shared Housing program provides elderly persons with housing
alternatives, support services and a safe environment, by sharing their home with another
20
person. Each person has private space and shares common areas SUCh as the k~tchen and
living room. Elderly Services Agency also runs the Small Repair Program, which does small
repairs to homes so that low-income elderly or handicapped persons c~.n stay safely in their
own homes.
Emergency Housing Project (EHP). EHP is an emergency shelter serving homeless local people
or people passing through town. EHP provides shelter, showers, telephone, and referrals to
appropriate agencies.
Greater Iowa City Housing Fellowship (GICHF). The goal of the GICHF is to develop and
provide decent, affordable housing for low-income residents of the Iowa City area, especially
to holders of Section 8 vouchers and certificates. The GlCHF also has a new program
providing loans for rental deposits.
iowa Valle~/Habitat for Humanity. A brand new affiliate of this international housing ministry
has begun in Iowa City this year, and has purchased a lot on the east side of Iowa City. A
low-income family will be selected to work with Habitat in the construction of a new home
for the family. Habitat for Humanity receives gifts, volunteer time, and no-interest loans to
build or renovate simple, decent homes for people who are inadequately sheltered.
Construction is a cooperative venture between volunteers and homebuyers. Houses are sold
at no profit and with a no-interest mortgage repaid over a 1 5- to 25-year period. The house
payments are then recycled to build more houses.
Hawkeye Area Community Action Program. HACAP provides a variety of programs to help
those in need in the Iowa City area, several of which are housing-related: Energy Assistance;
Weatherization; Homeless Outreach and Support; Utility, Shelter and Financial Related
Counseling; Mortgage Resolution Assistance, and Transitional Housing. HACAP's Transitional
Housing Program provides housing and supportive services for families for up to eighteen
months to enable them to become self-sufficient through counseling, referrals, job training,
and household management skills.
Hillcrest Family Services. Hillcrest Residence (a program of Hillcrest Family Services) has as
its mission to help clients become successful in the living, learning, and working environment
of their choice, with maximum feasible independence from helping professionals. Hillcrest
serves adults with histories of psychiatric or emotional problems that prevent them from living
independently.
Evert Conner Center for Independent Living, Inc. This private, nonprofit agency teaches daily
living skills to adults with developmental disabilities to greatly enhance their ability to
participate independently in the community. Skills are taught through self-advocacy, support
groups, counseling, and educational and vocational programs.
LIFE Skills, Inc. LIFE Skills provides services in many areas to many different groups, but one
of its newest programs assists people by teaching the skills needed for both looking for and
staying ~n housing.
Systems Unlimited, Inc. Systems Unlimited provides permanent, long-term housing for people
with developmental disabilities in group home and apartment settings. Respite care is
available on an emergency basis, if space is available. In-home care is also available.
Youth Homes, Inc. Youth Homes provides emergency and short-term care, counseling, and
supervision to troubled or homeless unaccompanied adolescents. Its services include crisis
21
intervention counseling; emergency residential services; and group and individual counseling
to youth including pregnant teens or teenage mothers who are homeless.
PRIVATE INDUSTRY
Local developers. Most of the new affordable housing in Iowa City (not including the Public
Housing Authority) has come from local for-profit developers. One developer, Burns and
Associates, has several new projects in the works, including one with a housing nonprofit.
One project completed in FY95 is the Citizen Building in downtown Iowa City. This facility
provides 18 units of affordable rental housing for sen~ors and persons with disabilities.
Locallending institutions. With the City's involvement, several of the local lending institutions
have formed consortia to help fund several recent projects by the Greater Iowa City Housing
Fellowship, for affordable rental housing rehabilitation and new construction. They have
indicated interest in continuing assistance for rental and owner-occupied housing projects.
Several lenders were also involved in starting up a homebuyers educational seminar, begun
in July 1993.
D.3. Public Housing Improvements
The Iowa City Housing Authority is facing a changing public housing program. Tenant
initiatives of HUD encourage homeownership which will eventually change the mixture of
housing units within the program. Through the Section 5 (h) and HOPE programs the Iowa
City Housing Authority is working toward transferring some of the existing property. These
changes will create a management task focused on single family and semi-detached housing
units. Over the next five years, the strengths of the tenants and management will be used
to improve the program.
The living environment of the public housing and Section 8 tenants is generally very good.
The scattered site nature of the Iowa City Housing Authority units provides the tenants and
participants the same living environments of the larger population. With little segregation of
public housing units, there are no major activities planned for this segment of the housing
stock.
D,4. Public Housing Resident Initiatives
The Iowa City Housing Authority {ICHA) is committing to a homeownership program that will
entail the transfer of units from public control to private ownership, the Tenant-to-Owner
Program (TOP). The program is driven by replacement awards provided by HUD. The initial
offering under this program will be replaced by newly constructed public housing units. There
will not be a net decrease in the number of public housing units available to very low-income
families. The mix of units will gradually change to scattered site single or duplex units.
The ICHA's plan will recognize the choice of the tenant to participate in the management of
the complexes in which they live. For those tenants for whom homeownership is an option,
tenant groups have been started at the two major complexes of the ICHA and plans are laid
for tenant or condominium associations to be formed at other apartment units operated by the
Housing Authority. As the transfer of property begins, staffing efforts will be refocused on
the complexes and other multi-family units. The objective is to begin the program with 20
single-family and duplex units.
22
For tenants not wishing homeownership options, programming wdl be directed toward
creating tenant support groups and family self-sufficiency programming to support them in
their tenancy.
D.5. Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction
The reduction of lead poisoning in children and abatement of lead based hazards is a task with
so many facets that a community-wide effort must be instituted. The strategy of the City is
to organize a public/private partnership to seek solutions for this problem. The education of
City residents as to the actual problem will need to parallel efforts to organize the community
response so that a responsible plan may be obtained,
Current abatement of lead-based paint hazards on a systematic level has only been achieved
through the Iowa City Housing Authority. The public housing stock of the City of Iowa City
is certified as being free of lead-based paint hazards. In recognition, local owners and
contractors have on their own initiative abated some other properties. The demolition of older
houses still remains as the operative method of lead-based paint abatement in Iowa City.
Housing and Inspections Services in the Rental Permit Program identifies and cites rental units
with chipping, peeling, cracking paint and requires abatement of the problem. Prior to
issuance of a rental permit, Housing and Inspection Services also requires the owner to certify
that the property complies with 24 CFR, Part 35 as it applies to lead-based paint. There are
no requirements for mandatory testing and abatement of older housing stock.
The City's housing rehabilitation program regularly tests children six and under for elevated
lead blood levels and also sends paint chips for testing, as necessary.
The following is our plan for the reduction of lead-based paint hazards in Iowa City in 1995.
Representatives from the Iowa City Department of Planning and Community Development,
Housing and Inspection Services, the Iowa City Community School District, the Apartment
Owners Association, the Johnson County Department of Health, the Housing Commission,
and one or more citizen representatives meet to discuss lead paint hazards. Although the
threat of lead paint hazards are low due to code enforcement, public education should be
the City's top priority.
Attention is being given to facilitating the identification and organization of testing services
for both people and property. Concurrently material for public dissemination can be studied
and approved. Use of schools, cable, television, radio, and written material will expose the
general public as to the risks and the prevention of lead hazards. Collection of data as to
the size of the problem would lead to an understanding of the resources that will eventually
need to be committed to this problem.
23
D.6. Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing
The following actions were undertaken bV the City of Iowa City, in the City's fiscal year
1995, to affirmatively further fair housing. Also see the Human Rights CommissioNs Annual
Report in Appendix C.
ACTIONS TAKEN TO AFFIRMATIVELY FURTHER FAIR HOUSING
Actions Taken
Iowa City Human Rights Commission
advertises on a weekly basis on fair
housing discrimination in the Daily lowan
PSAs on Housing Discrimination are
shown on Cable Channel 29 in Iowa City
Pamphlets and posters on the fair housing
discrimination law are disseminated to
community organizations and are
displayed at the Universitv and Civic
Center and library and on City buses
Monitoring for illegal advertisements is
done regularly by the Human Rights
Coordinator
Referrals of housing discrimination com-
plaints outside Iowa City's jurisdiction
were made to HUD and the Iowa Civil
Rights Commission
Fair Housing Law video disseminated in
the community
Revising Human Rights Ordinance to be-
come substantially equivalent
Commission brochures are sent to
landlord-owners by the Housing and
Inspection Services Division
Grant submitted for CDBG funds to
conduct d~scrimination testing
Filed four housing discrimination cases
with state for investigation. Cases
originated in Iowa City area.
Results
Receives phone inquiries
Get informal and formal complaints
Increased community awareness
Commission informs parties of illegality
Interagency cooperation
increased public knowledge of law on Fair
Housing
Commission is currently working on revi-
sions
Information about housing law
Funding denied
One case resulted in a no probable cause
determination. The investigations in the
other three cases are pending.
24
II. ASSESSNIENT OF ANNUAL PERFORMANCE
A. Expansion of the affordable housing stock
This analysis covers the 1995 Iowa C~ty fiscal year (July 1, 1994 to June 30, 1995). The
City allocated both HOME Investment Partnership and Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) funds for these activities. Overall, the expansion of the housing stock was good,
considering the largest development project has run into problems finding a site. Of the
activities that did occur, eight units were added to the rental housing stock, two
manufactured homes were replaced (because the old ones were not worth rehabihtating), 49
households received assistance for relocation and housing replacement expenses, 33 new
units of public housing began construction, 294 new households received Section 8 vouchers
and certificates or moved into public housing and local lenders leveraged $2,623,523 in State
funds to help lower income home buyers.
The largest affordable housing project funded this year, with an allocation of $150,000 CDBG
and $150,000 HOME, was to a joint public-private partnership. This partnership includes a
for-profit developer, Robert Burns, and the Greater Iowa City Housing Fellowship (GICHF), a
nonprofit Community Development Housing Organization (CHDO). These two entities formed
a limited partnership to develop\construct affordable rental housing units. Their proposed
project was to develop a mixed income project that included owner-occupied and rental units.
Unfortunately, this project has had extreme difficulty in finding suitable land to purchase and
develop. The original parcel was sold to a private developer and since then the partnership
has been making offers on other properties within the community. One site has been secured
with a purchase option, however, there is significant opposition from the neighborhood
concerning the rezoning to a higher density. This project is continuing to explore every
opportunity.
In Iowa City the Public Housing Authority (PHA) is the largest provider of rent assistance, 827
Section 8 certificates and vouchers, and operates 82 units of public housing. In FY95 294
new households received assistance from the PHA, this represents an annual turnover of
approximately 32 percent. Nearly $3,400,000 in Section 8 rental assistance payments went
to landlords in FY95 -- a significant inflow into the local economy. Additionally, the PHA
began construction of 33 units of public housing (single-family and duplexes) that will be
added to the affordable stock in FY96. In FY95 $33,000 in CDBG funds were provided to the
PHA for landscaping costs for these units.
The GICHF finished construction of eight units of affordable rental housing in the Whispering
Meadows subdivision. Landscaping expenses of $8,236 were provided by CDBG funds for
six of these units. The landscaping helps these new units to "blend" into the surrounding
neighborhood and makes them less likely to be identified as assisted housing units.
Local lenders played an important role in helping low income home buyers, in absence of City
CDBG or HOME assistance. The State of Iowa provides home buyer assistance as Mortgage
Credit Certificates (MCC) or down payment assistance through its Iowa Housing Assistance
Program (IHAP). In FY95 the local lenders leveraged more than $2,600,000 in these state
funds for low income Iowa Citians.
A program operated by the Iowa City Housing Rehabilitation office offered the owners of
manufactured housing units (which were eligible for rehabilitation programs) a unique option.
Since older manufactured housing units usually require a great deal of rehabilitation to correct
health and safety items the costs can be quite high. Some homes being rehabilitated are
25
nearing the end of their economic life, as such, ~t is not cost effective to put in these high
rehabilitation costs. As an alternative, a pilot project was developed that would allow the
owners to replace the unit with a newer, safer unit. We saw this as a more cost effective
method of providing affordable housing. In return for the replacement, the owners would sign
a resale agreement. This resale agreement would allow the City to recover its investment if
the owner decided to sell the home. In FY95 two households chose this option. The demand
for the program was not as great as anticipated so the pilot program was not planned for
FY96.
The Hawkeye Area Community Action Program (HACAP), a CHDO, received 535,000 in
HOME funds to purchase two manufactured housing umts for its transitional housing program.
HACAP contributed approximately $7,000 to this project and will be renting the units to
participants in its transitional housing program for 30% of the household income, with HACAP
picking up the balance of the costs, if any.
Finally, the City was involved with the relocation of 49 households out of the Towncrest
Mobile Home Park. This site was acquired by EAGLE Foods and rezoned by the City for a
grocery store. EAGLE provided $150,000 for the relocation and the City committed
$139,054 in CDBG funds. All of the 49 households opted for replacement housing (rental
units and owner-occupied units). Due to the efforts of the Towncrest tenants themselves,
many households used the housing replacement assistance to improve their housing situation.
B. Rehabilitation of the existing affordable housing stock
Due to the high cost of both owner-occupied and rental housing in Iowa City, the maintenance
of the affordable housing stock is a high priority. In FY95 approximately $430,000 in CDBG
and HOME funds were spent on various rehabilitation projects for owners, renters, and public
facilities.
Through its housing rehabilitation program, the City administers Rental Rehabilitation funds
from the Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED) and the Iowa Finance Authority
(IFA). Because there has been a lack of interest in these programs by local landlords (probably
due to the low interest rates offered by private lenders). the rental rehabilitation programs will
be discontinued until a need is reestablished. In FY95 the rehabilitation of 10 units of rental
housing was completed with IDED and IFA assistance, in addition to private funds.
Assisting owner-occupied households comprises most of the C~ty's housing rehabilitation
actiwties. Within this program there are several different components that include
comprehensive rehabilitation (HOME and CDBG), extermr repair, residential accessibility,
residential facility rehabilitation, emergency repair and energy conservation. In FY95 the rehab
staff completed 32 projects, besides finmh~ng HOME Comprehenswe Rehabihtation and flood
rehabilitation projects from the year before. One new project in FY95 focused on fire safety
for manufactured housing units. Staff from the Community Development Division and the
Iowa City Fire Department conducted fire safety demonstrations and distributed fire safety
devices (smoke alarms and fire extinguishers). Through this fire safety program 790 smoke
alarms and 341 fire extinguishers were distributed to 341 manufactured housing units in Iowa
City which greatly exceeded the anticipated rate of participation -- a very successful program!
Staff from the rehab office and the community development office worked with Youth Homes,
Inc. (a local human service agency) on an extensive exterior rehabilitation project. Youth
Homes purchased an existing structure at 1916 Waterfront Drive, this will allow them to
consolidate several programs and make the operation of their programs more effective. Youth
26
Homes prowdes housing and counseling services to youth that include SCILS living and
emergency shelter. The Youth Homes facility has a capacity of 20 beds at their Waterfront
Drive facility.
Another housing rehabilitation program funded by CDBG includes the Elderly Services
Agency's {ESA) Small Repair Program. ESA's goal is to help seniors by making small repairs
or eccessibility modifications to their homes so they can remain living in them safely. ESA
assisted 56 elderly persons and persons with disabilities in FY95 at an average cost of $334
per home.
C. :Support agencies that provide services to help people secure and stay in housing
Services to low income households have become increasingly important because of the tight
rental market in Iowa City and NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) attitudes. Many agencies and
or,canizations are supporting affordable housing services for low income persons. The City,
through its CDBG program and allocation of General Funds, provides support for these
agencies. InFY95 the City used $137,447 inCDBG and '5237,142 in general revenue funds
for its Aid to Agencies program. These funds are mainly used for operational expenses by
these human service agencies.
The GICHF and First National Bank continued to operate and fund a Rental Deposit Loan
Program. This program is designed to help low income households with the "up front"
expenses of renting, specifically the rental deposit. A loan committee reviews the requests
and the households that they approve receive short-term installment loans. In FY95, they
granted 28 loans. This is a decrease of 43 loans or 60 percent from FY94. The decrease is
due to the high default rate experienced in FY94. To improve the program, the GICHF is
applying for FY96 Emergency Shelter Grant funds to pay for one-half of the deposit. By
lowering the loan amount GICHF is hoping to eliminate the defaults.
Another type of assistance that is available to lower income renter households is the LIFE
Skills Housing Curriculum Program. LIFE Skills uses CDBG funds for a part-time housing
coordinator whose job it is to find affordable housing units, teach living skills, and act as a
liaison between the renters and the landlords. Through this intervention LIFE Skills has been
successful in helping lower income renter households stay in their unit and become better
tenants and neighbors. This is the third year for this program and they helped 61 households
this year alone (a 56 percent increase over FY94) with the same amount of CDBG funding.
Iowa City's three emergency shelters applied to the State of Iowa for Emergency Shelter
Grant (ESG) funding for FY95. Congress increased these homeless assistance funds and as
a result Iowa City shelters received $56,310 in ESG funds -- a 20 percent increase over FY94.
These funds are used for operational expenses such as salaries, maintenance, utilities and
insurance. Another resource is the Homeless Shelter Operating Grant Program (HSOGP)
administered by the Iowa Finance Authority. In FY95, only the Emergency Housing Project
received this funding.
By far the largest development effort made by a human service agency in FY95 was by the
Johnson County Neighborhood Centers (JCNC) and their construction of a new facility within
the Pheasant Ridge Apartment complex on the westside of Iowa City. The total anticipated
cost of the 8,000 square foot facility is $500,000 with $1 50,000 being provided through the
CDBG program. In FY95, JCNC has raised capital, planned the project, and began the
development process. A problem with the lease prevented the project from moving forward
at a faster pace. They slate completion of the project fcr early FY97. The facility will
27
provide a number of services (child care, after-school care, teen programs, recreational
programs, and adult education\counseling) for the neighborhood and the 248 rental units
within the Pheasant Ridge complex. The Domestic Violence Intervention Program (DVIP) is
also undertaking another public facility project this year. DVIP is finishing off the lower level
of its new facility to allow for a children's play area, children's programming, office space and
storage space. DVlP requested and received $15,000 in CDBG funding for this program,
however, the project was much more costly than anticipated. DVlP requested that this
project be put on hold for FY95 so they could apply for FY96 CDBG funds that would allow
them to complete the project in one phase.
The City, with local lenders and Realtors, continued a Homebuyer Educational Seminar that
we started in 1993. This year approximately 50 persons attended this free seminar held in
March. The topics of the seminar focused on budgeting, credit, assistance for low income
home buyers, and home maintenance.
D. Feasibility studies and planning
Studies on Single Room Occupancy (SRO) housing and barriers to affordable housing were
begun in FY95. One additional project the staff was involved in was the attempt to produce
an affordable housing unit. The goal of the project was to learn what types of housing we
could develop and for what cost.
Since Iowa City's housing market is the most expensive in Iowa, the staff worked on methods
to develop an affordable house using non-traditional methods. What we accomplished was
the plan to place a modular home on an in-fill lot the City acquired in FY95. This project was
able to purchase and place a 1,000 square foot home (with a 1,000 square foot basement)
on a lot for a total cost of approximately 585,O00. After the home was completed, we held
an open house for local lenders, developers, and other interested parties. Following the open
house we sold the home to an income eligible household. The City holds a $30,000 silent
second mortgage on the home.
E, Summaw
Renter Households
The goals for assisting rental households from the CHAS focus on the expansion of the
number of affordable housing units through public and private involvement. In FY95, 350
renter households (including Section 8 households ) were assisted. This is consistent with
the FY94 figure of 359. Of this figure the PHA provided Section 8 assistance to 294 new
households (including 101 elderly households), LIFE Skills assisted 61 renter households
with housing counseling, GICHF and First National Bank assisted 28 households with rental
deposits, GICHF provided 18 units of rental housing and the rehabilitation of 10 units of
rental housing was completed by the City.
Owner-Occupied Households
Iowa City's activities to help owners fell to 88 households (81 percent of our FY94 level)
due to the elimination of the down payment assistance program and fewer small repairs
being completed by ESA. The number of projects completed by the City Housing
Rehabilitation Program in FY95 (32) was consistent with the 33 completed in FY94.
Through the Rehab program, 341 owners of manufactured houses were also assisted in
FY95. This fire safety program included the distribution and installation of smoke
28
detectors and fire extinguishers, In addition, the local lenders helped approximateIv 950
low income home buyers in FY95 by using Iowa Housing Assistance Program (IHAP) and
Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) programs offered by the State.
Non-Homeless Special Needs
In FY95 there were 62 new households helped with housing by four nonprofit
agencies\organizations. These households received various housing services and\or
housing units. In FY95 there were no rehabilitation projects for non-homeless special needs
housing units or facilities.
The Mid-Eastern Council on Chemical Abuse (MECCA) provided short-term (less than one
year) housing for 54 households while they received counseling. Systems Unlimited, a
human service agency devoted to helping persons with disabilities, had two new
households enter its units in FY95, the GICHF had three special needs households, and the
Everett Conner Center for Independent Living assisted three households with counseling
and locating a home.
Homeless Persons
The number of homeless households served in FY95 was 1,319 (625 individuals and 694
families). This is an increase of 22% from FY94 when 1,083 households were served by
Iowa City's three shelters, As this shows, the need for emergency shelter is a continuing
demand in Iowa City. In response, the City has allocated CDBG funds to DVlP for the
completion of their facility, supports and administers the ESG funds from the State of Iowa
and provides funding to these agencies through the City's Aid to Agencies program.
29
APPENDIX A
DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
FY95 CHAS ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
Planning and Community Development staff completed the draft of the FY95 Annual
Performance Report (APR) using the CDBG Grantee Performance Report, ESG reports, and
information collected from numerous human service organizations.
A 30-day public comment period began on November 17, 1995, when the draft of the
plan was published and distributed for public review and comment. On November 22,
1995, a public hearing notice was published in the local newspaper. The City Council held
the public hearing on the APR on December 5, 1995. Approval of the APR by the City
Council took place on December 19, 1995. Final revisions and the Summary of Public
Comments (see Appendix B) were completed after the public hearing and the expiration of
the public comment period and included in the final version of the APR adopted by the City
Council.
30
APPENDIX B
SUMMARY OF PUBLIC COMMENTS
AND SUBSEQUENT ACTIONS TAKEN
At the December 5, 1995, City Council meeting a public hearing on the APR for fiscal year
1995 was conducted. Additionally, the Housing and Community Development
Commission (a public meeting) met on December 14, 1995, to review the FY95 APR and
invited the public to comment. The following is a summary of the comments received.
31
APPENDIX C
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
The Human Rights Commission is a quasi judicial commission composed of nine members
appointed by the City Council. Each member serves a three-year term. The Human Rights
Commission is responsible for enfoming the City's non-discrimination ordinance which
prohibits discrimination in the areas of employment, housing, public accommodations and
credit. Enforcement duties include investigating complaints of discrimination, determining the
medts of the allegations and, in cases when discrimination has been determined,
Commissioners attempt to effectuate a disposition that is agreeable to the complainant, the
respondent and the Commission. The Human Rights Commission is responsible for and is
very committed to the task of educating the community on human rights issues. The
Commission also serves in an advisory capacity to the City Council. The Commissioners
keep informed on civil rights laws. Commissioners come from a vadety of backgrounds,
including the fields of education, business, health care, law and the general workforce. The
Commission and the City Council stdve to maintain diverse representation on the
Commission.
The Commission meets the fourth Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Civic Center
Lobby Conference Room. The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN FISCAL YEAR t995
Education and Outreach Activities
Participated in several speaking engagements and attended functions held at the University,
advocacy groups and business community.
Began sending letters and literature to rental property owners concerning housing
nondiscrimination laws.
Provided notice to local restaurants and bars that featuring specials based on gender, such
as "ladies' night specials," is in violation of the Iowa City ordinance.
Held the tenth annual awards breakfast, at which time three awards were given, recognizing
an individual, a person representing a service organization, and a business for their
significant contributions to the field of human rights. Award recipients were 1 ) Agnes Kuhn -
Isabel Turner Award, 2) Jason Chen - Individual in a Service Organization. and 3) Iowa
State Bank - local business.
Held an Essay Awards Contest to commemorate Black History and Women's History Month.
Sponsored a brown bag luncheon presentation on "Gangs in Iowa" by Professor Addan
Wing.
Training.
Commissioners received conciliation and commissioner training.
32
Projects:
A major project of the Commission is the revision of the Human Rights Ordinance. An
attempt is being made to gain substantial equivalency with HUD.
A video training presentation on Preventing Sexual Harassment in the Work Place is
available to the community. Public forums on human dghts issues and programming on
cable 'IV are ongoing. Topics included Women's Human Rights Issues, Programs
Commemorating Women's History and Black Histon/, and Fair Housing Open Forum. An
extensive array of publications are available on human rights issues and the law. Brochures
and flyers are disseminated in the community. Advertisements are also done. Referral,
advice, and consultation services are provided by the Coordinator.
Complaint Activity:
- Formal complaints filed - 25
AREAS NUMBER BASIS NUMBER
Employment 21 Sex 9
Public Accommodation 3 Race/Color/National Odgin 8
Credit 1 Religion 3
Sexual Orientation 2
Disability 2
Age 5
Note: Some complaints were filed based upon multiple protected categories.
PLANS FOR FISCAL YEAR 1995
Expedite conciliation of complaints and complaint processing.
Continue to solicit and conduct speaking engagements with Iowa City businesses and civic
organizations and public school system.
Expand outreach efforts via cable, publications and media.
Provide "Preventing Sexual Harassment" Training and Video Presentation to community.
Continue to hold Annual Awards Breakfast.
COMMISSION MEMBERS
Alison Ames Galstad, Chairperson
Jason Chen
Mel Dautremont
Ken Gatlin
Rick Graf
Patricia Harvey
Sara E. Mehlin
Dorothy Paul
Ann Shires
c~asrept 2
FY95 CHAS ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT
GUIDE TO ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
APR
C9-5
CDBG
CHAS
CHDO
CSA
CSBG
DHS
DOE
DVIP
EHP
ESA
ESG
FY95
GICHF
HACAP
HCDC
HHS
HOME
HUD
ICHA
IDED
IFA
JCCOG
JCNC
MECCA
NIMBY
PHA
PRM
POS
SClLS
SRO
SSBC
TOP
Annual Performance Report
Commercial\Business Zoning (Local Zoning Designation)
Community Development Block Grant (Federal)
Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy
Community Housing Development Organization
Community Service Allocation (State)
Community Services Block Grant (Federal)
Department of Human Services (County)
U,S. Department of Energy (Federal)
Domestic Violence Intervention Program
Emergency Housing Project
Elderly Services Agency
Emergency Shelter Grant Program (Federal)
City Fiscal Year 1995 (July 1, 1994 to June 30, 1995)
Greater Iowa City Housing Fellowship
Hawkeye Area Community Action Program
Housing and Community Development Commission (Local)
U,S, Department of Health and Human Services (Federal)
HOME Investment Partnerships Program (Federal)
U,S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (Federal)
Iowa City Housing Authority (also see PHA)
Iowa Department of Economic Development (State)
Iowa Finance Authority (State)
Johnson County Counci~ of Governments
Johnson County Neighborhood Centers
Mid-Eastern Council on Chemical Abuse
Not In My Back Yard
Public Housing Authority
Planned High Density Multi-Family Residential ( Local Zoning Designation)
Purchase of Services (State)
Structured Community Independent Living Services
Single Room Occupancy
Social Services Block Grant (Federal)
Tenant to Owner Program
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
On Tuesday, December 5, 1995, the City
Council will hold a public hearing on the priori-
ties, strategies and goals of the CITY STEPS
Plan. CITY STEPS (a.k.a. the Consolidated Plan)
is a planning document to meet the needs for
housing, jobs, and services for low income
residents. This plan and an annual update is
required by the U.S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development (HUD). The priorities,
strategies and goals of CITY STEPS will be
used to determine the allocation of Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and
HOME Investment Partnership program funds.
Comments on the CITY STEPS priorities,
strategies and goals were received at a public
meeting held on November 15, 1995. Addi-
tionally, interested persons are invited to pres-
ent their comments on CITY STEPS tc [he City
Council at this public hearing. These com-
ments will be used to help determine the City's
priorities, strategies and goals for FY97.
City of !ewa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: November 29. 1995
To: City Council and City Manager
From: Madanne Milkman, Community Development Coordinator
Re: Amendments to CITY STEPS
The public hearing is on a number of amendments to CITY STEPS proposed during public meetings
and in discussions with citizens. Additional amendments may be suggested at the public hearing. The
attached CITY STEPS summary shows the proposed changes; these changes are in bold and
underlined.
The proposed amendments to date are:
1. To raise the 5-year goal for Economic D~velopment activities from $250,000 to $482,631 and
decrease the Unprogrammed Funds/Contingency Category from $630,734 to $398,103 dollars.
To retain a "high" priority ranking for housing for households below 30% median income, and
the "medium" priority ranking for households between 31% and 80% median income, but
emphasize the impodance of having a mix of incomes and, where possible, a mix of renters
and owners, in affordable housing developments.
To place greater emphasis on providing support services to households that need them.
To increase efforts to involve Neighborhood Associations in planning for affordable housing in
existing neighborhoods.
To allocate FY97 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME funds in proportion
to the 5-year goals shown below. However, actual dollar amounts by category will be
approximate and there can be some flexibility between categories if proposals warrant.
5-YEAR GOALS FOR ALLOCATIONS OF FUNDS
Activity
Housing Activities (Renter and Owner)
Public Services (includes CDBG Aid to Agencies)
Public Facilities and Infrastructure
Economic Development
Administration and Planning
Unprogrammed Funds (Contingency)
Percentage of Funds
57%
10%
9%
7%
12%
5%
A resolution approving amendments to CITY STEPS will be on the December 19, 1995 agenda.
CITY STEPS Public Meeting
Iowa City Public Library
7:00 pm November 15, 1995
Summary of Comments made at the meeting:
Are neighborhoods made aware when a project is awarded? E.g., a home is
bought to house a family in the transitional housing program. Does the process
include the neighborhoods? There should be a joint meeting with relevant
agencies and the neighborhood groups.
Need support services that offer living skills; low-income persons need to go
through training before they move to a house.
Low-income persons and others all have living skills problems, middle income
households have the resources to move on, while low-income do not and could
become homeless,
Support services need to come from many sources, including neighborhood
associations and church congregations.
Not all low-income households need support services; issues of privacy.
LIFE Skills provides support services and is a fee-for-service program for persons
who qualify for the program; also has a CDBG sponsored program which is free;
the service is voluntary; LIFE Skills is very important, but the CDBG sponsored
program is only for a one-half time position.
The biggest problem with building affordable housing is community attitudes and
misconceptions about low-income persons,
Need to raise incomes to a living wage or have apartment owners lower rents so
that lower income persons can find housing in Iowa City,
Would like a way to meet with people in city-owned houses when they move in to
alleviate problems.
How does CITY STEPS address the school system? Need a low-income support
system in the schools.
Keep priorities, strategies and goals for housing the same, but emphasize the need
for mixed-income housing.
Need to evaluate programs and effectiveness.
CITY STEPS Public Meeting
Iowa City Public Library
November 15, 1995
ADDRESS CITY &
ZI? CODE
RP,.3\10 'T_.(., 53~AA
.11~X~ I~ · ~ ~-
WOULD YOU LIKE A
COPY OF ~
REVISED CITYSTEPS?
NAME
CITY STEPS Public Meeting
Iowa City Public Library
November 15, 1995
ADDRESS CITY &
ZIP CODE
WOULD YOU ~ A
COPY OF TIIE
REVI~F_g CITYSTEPS?
NOT A £ PERSONS SIGNED THE SHEETS
Iowa City Consolidated Plan
Citizen's Summary: December 1995
Iowa City, the county seat of Johnson County, is located on the Iowa River in east central
/owe. The city is located about 25 miles south of Cedar Rapids and 105 miles east of Des
Moines, the State capital. The population of Iowa City is 59,738.
Action Plan
For the first year of this Consolidated Plan (FY96), Iowa City requested $948,000 in Federal
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, 8400,000 in HOME Investment
Partnership Program (HOME) funds, and a t~69,600 Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG). This
money will be used to finance 15 housing, community development, and service activities.
Citizen Participation
Iowa City's Consolidated Plan, which is titled "CITY STEPS," was developed with wide
citizen participation. During October and November 1994, six well-publicized public
meetings were held at different locations to discuss the needs of low-income residents.
Additional meetings were held in November 1995 to review the five year I~lan. While the
meetings were attended by e broad sl~ectrum of the community, ,oarsons not directly
benefitting from the activities outlined in the plan were under ragresented. The City will
strive to get even broader parficipefiqn in the future. Additionally, public access television
rebroadcast the hearings throughout October and November.
Issues raised at the meetings were used by a committee to develop strategies and priorities
for the Consolidated Plan. A draft of needs, strategies, objectives, and priorities was made
available for public comment and a public hearing in January 1995. This document was then
used during CDBG and HOME silocation hearings in February and March 1995. A =ublic
hearing on amendments to this part of CITY STEPS wes held on December 5, 1995.
A final draft of the completed CITY STEPS Consolidated Plan was then made available for a
30-day public comment period before approval by the Iowa City Council on April 25, 1995.
This ~rocedure for updating the glen and approving an Annual Action Plan will be followed
COMMUNITY PROFILE
Iowa City is the home of the University of Iowa, which is the city's largest employer. Of the
University's 27,000 students, over 75 percent (about 20,800) reside within Iowa City and
make up about one-third of its 59,738 residents.
The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, which attract patients from well beyond the
county limits, are important to the local economy. Iowa City is also a regional center for
provision of many social and supportive services.
Page 1
The city's population is predominately young. The median age is 24.9, lower than both the
State (34.0) and the national (32.9) medians, reflecting the student population.
Median Family Income (MFI) for a family of four, according to 1994 U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) income guidelines, was $47,000. Of the 21,964
households in Iowa City, 52 percent have annual incomes of 80 percent or less of MFI.
Census data indicate the following, levels of lower-income households in 1990:
Extremely Iow-incorne (30 percent or less of area MFI)--19 percent.
Very low-income (31 to 50 percent of MFI)--15 percent.
Other low-income (51 to 80 percent of MFI)--18 percent.
Minorities totaled 10 percent of Iowa City's population, and non-Hispanic whites numbered
54,410, or 90 percent. Racial or ethnic minorities tallied by the census include:
Asian or Pacific Islander--3,341 (5.6 percent).
African American (non-Hispanic)--I,516 (2.5 percent).
Hispanic (of any race)--1,016 (1.7 percent).
Native-American, Eskimo, or Aleut--116 (0.2 percent).
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NEEDS
Conditions
In the last decade the city's population grew by an unanticipated 18 percent. The single-
family home market has the highest costs in the State. Rental costs are also very high.
Students attending the University of Iowa saturate the rental housing market, increasing
demand for rentals, especially of affordable units. With demand exceeding supply, there are
very low vacancy rates and upward price pressures on both rental and owner-occupied
housing.
Housing Needs
Affordable housing is Iowa City's most important housing need. In addition to construction
of new units affordable by lower-income households, there is the need to preserve the
existing stock of affordable housing with rehabilitation and maintenance as necessary.
Housing Market Conditions
The housing situation in Iowa City is not typical of most of Iowa. Iowa City is the home of a
highly educated, professional, and academic workforce. A high median income, $47,000,
above general levels prevailing in Iowa, is generated by salaries paid to the professional
workforce. This translates into a demand for larger homes which, in turn, raises land values.
Students from the University of Iowa living off campus increase competition for affordable
rental units, especially downtown and close to campus. Housing vacancy rates are less than
2 percent, and there is very little developable land for multi-family units.
Page 2
There are 22,464 housing units in Iowa City, not including University student dormitories
and family apartments. In 1990 there were 21,951 occupied units, 9,823 of which were
owner-occupied and 12,128 rental units. New construction continues to add to the housing
stock. In 1993 Iowa City issued building permits for 223 single-family dwellings, 10 duplex
residential buildings, and 24 multifamily buildings (235 units).
Because the University of Iowa is the largest employer in the area, many homebuyers are
university employees. Some graduate students or resident interns who plan to live near the
school for only 2 or 3 years still find it beneficial to buy rather than rent. This results in a
continuous turnover of owner-occupied units, with more than 200 sold each quarter for the
last few years. In 1993, 1,248 single-family homes were sold in Johnson County, at prices
from under $40,000 to over $250,000, but for an average price of $104,517.
Rents in Iowa City increased by an average of 6.45 percent between 1993 and 1994.
Representative average rents in 1994 were:
Efficiency with one bath--S388.
One-bedroom, one bath--S431.
Two-bedrooms, two baths--S589.
Three-bedrooms, two baths--S677.
Rental vacancy rates for various size units in 1993-1994 were: efficiencies, 3.8 percent;
one-bedroom, 0.4 percent; two-bedrooms, 5.4 percent; and 0 percent for three-bedroom
units.
Affordable Housing Needs
A large proportion of lower-income households are cost-burdened, paying more than 30
percent of their gross income for their housing, including utilities. Some are severely cost-
burdened, paving more than 50 percent of their income for housing expenses.
Of Iowa City households with income of 0 to 30 percent of the median, 82 percent are
cost-burdened. Of those slightly better off, with incomes of 31 to 50 percent of median, 67
percent are cost burdened.
Homeless Needs
On October 10, 1994, the city conducted an official point-in-time count and survey of all
sheltered homeless persons and those living in transitional housing. At 3 a.m. the same day,
the Iowa City Police Department searched for and counted homeless persons living on the
streets or under bridges in the city. The police found seven, but this may be an undercount.
Anecdotal evidence from the homeless community indicates that during the warmer months
as many as 30 homeless individuals camp just outside of Iowa City.
The October 1994 count tallied a total of 114 homeless persons. Of these, 54 were
members of 15 families, 46 were individual adults over age 18, and 14 were nonfamily
youths aged 1 7 or younger. All, except the seven counted by the city's police, were in
emergency shelters or living in transitional housing.
Page 3
Subpopulations of the homeless with special needs include the following:
0
10 (8.8 percent)--Severe mental illness only.
10 (8.8 percent)--Alcohol/other drug abuse only.
4 (3.5 percent)--Severe mental illness and alcohol/other drug abuse.
15 (13.2 percent)~-Domestic violence.
1 (0.9 percent)--AiDS/related diseases.
Public and Assisted Housing Needs
The Iowa City Public Housing Authority currently has 82 public housing rental units for
qualified lower-income households. The authority is in the process of constructing and
acquiring another 43 units.
Rental assistance is provided to another 827 lower-income households with Section 8
housing certificates or vouchers, also administered by the Iowa City Public Housing
Authority.
Another 542 rental units, in 6 projects, are assisted under other Federal programs such as
Section 202, Section 236, and Section 811. These provide housing for the elderly, low-
income families, and developmentally disabled adults.
Barriers to Affordable Housing
In Iowa City, one barrier is affordability itself. Rent levels and home prices are above the
State level and beyond the reach of many lower-income households.
The city has few of the common exclusionary barriers; the city allows small lots, mixed-use
housing, and manufactured housing in single-family residential zones. It uses a number of
Federal, State, and private programs to acquire, develop, and rehabilitate affordable units.
But the city does not own any vacant developable land or tax-delinquent properties that
could be used for affordable housing.
Real estate taxes are controlled by the State, which determines policies, the cap on taxes,
and the annual rollback. With higher housing values than other parts of the State, taxes are
higher too, and act as a barrier to development of affordable housing. Iowa City is
financially dependent on property taxes as its main source of revenue; it does not have a
local sales or income tax. The rollback policy limits the amount of taxes the city can collect,
limiting the funds that could otherwise be applied to developing or providing incentives for
low-income housing.
Other barriers to development of affordable housing include land-use controls, zoning
ordinances, and growth limits. Planned growth is intended to limit development to areas
adjacent to those already served to permit the orderly extension of infrastructure such as
water and sewer lines. Development that does occur where services are not in place must
provide for water, sewage disposal, streets, and other infrastructure in their design,
effectively raising development costs.
Page 4
Fair Housing
There is a recognized need to continue fair housing activities, with the long-term objective
of stopping discrimination, by encouraging scattered-site subsidized housing and educating
the public about subsidized housing.
Lead-Based Paint
Using HUD formulas based upon the age of the housing stock, in Iowa City it is estimated
that from 10,960 to 14,464 housing units contain lead-based paint. The greatest risk of
lead-poisoning from paint is to children under age 7 living in dwellings with inadequately
maintained painted surface. There have been very few cases of lead poisoning of children in
Johnson County. Testing in adjacent counties found the incidence of elevated lead levels in
children to be significantly lower than the national level of 10 to 15 percent. A 1993 county
health study tested children in six day care centers and found only one child with an
elevated blood lead level.
Other Issues
There are also housing and supportive needs for persons who are elderly, mentally disabled,
mentally ill, physically disabled, substance abusers, and victims of domestic violence. Each
of these groups has the same need for affordable and accessible housing but each requires a
different mix of supportive services.
Community Development Needs
Community development needs that have been identified emphasize services. There is a
need for additional child care services, for after-school youth programs, for training in day-
to-day living and coping skills, for crime prevention and awareness programs, and for
tenant/landlord education services.
Improved access to public transportation is needed to help lower-income people get to jobs,
day care, medical services, and school, The current bus system has limited hours of service
and focuses on serving the downtown area, Because there has been development on the
fringes of Iowa City, the current system needs to be reviewed,
To help lower-income families move to self-sufficiency, there is a need for economic
development activities including employment training and education, employment support
services, and expansion and retention of businesses that pay at least a living wage, (A
rough estimate of the living wage needed for a family of three is $18,000 to $21,000, This
is based upon HUD fair market rents and the assumption that no more than 30 percent of
gross income is spent on housing expenses,)
Page
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
Vision for Change
Iowa City's Consolidated Plan attempts to use the resources that are available to bring
together housing, jobs, and services to help low-income persons attain their highest degree
of self-sufficiency.
Housing and Community Development Objectives and Priorities
For the 5 years of the consolidated plan, Iowa City has identified 10 general activities.
Estimated expenditures to carry out these activities would be $6,352,000, the amount of
Federal CDBG and HOME assistance expected over 5 years.
Housing Priorities
The emphasis in Iowa City's strategy is on housing, with 6 of the 10 priority activities
targeted at improving housing conditions or availability for lower-income or homeless
households. (FIGURES INCLUDE FY95 CARRYOVER FUNDS OF $785,049)
81o533,500 is planned for acquisition of land and/or construction of rental
units. The private sector has produced most new housing completed in the
last 2 years. The high cost of land has been a barrier to assisted housing.
· $1,773,031 for rehabilitation of existing housing stock.
$450,000 to expand the available rental assistance.
882,500 to train 250 families in housing skills and to help them find
affordable housing.
880,000 to help lower-income families become homebuyers.
8165,000 for homeless prevention, to help low-income families retain their
housing, and for outreach and assessing the needs of homeless persons.
Nonhousing Community Development Priorities
For nonhousing needs, four areas of activity are anticipated in the 5-year strategy.
Public facilities--8622,784 for child care facilities, neighborhood centers,
parks and recreational facilities, and health-care facilities.
Public services--8700,000 to be used for health services, child and elder-care
services, better access to transportation, living skills training, youth services,
and for continued coordination of human services.
Page 6
Economic development--JL~ for employment training, for encouraging
jobs that pay at least a living wage, and for employment support services.
IJnprogrammed Funds (contingency)-.-$398.103 for unidentified needs such as
relocation, infrastructure, contingency, etc.
Antipoverty Strategy
In 1990, 23 percent of Iowa City's population (12,074 people) had incomes below the
poverty level. The strategy for addressing the problems of those living in poverty includes:
Improving the availability of affordable housing.
Child care for those taking a job or continuing their education.
Supporting services that help preserve families.
Developing self-sufficiency skills, job training, and education.
Improving community awareness of the extent of poverty in the city.
Coordinating services available to lower-income residents.
Housing and Community Development Resources
To accomplish the Consolidated Plan's strategy, the city will utilize available Federal, State,
and private programs. Iowa City expects to receive $1,500,000 in Federal CDBG and HOME
funds annually, plus support from other Federal programs such as the Section 8 rental
assistance program.
State resources include the Iowa Finance Authority, which administers a rental rehabilitation
program and manages a housing assistance fund for acquisition, rehabilitation, new
construction, and homeownership assistance.
Essential to providing public services are numerous local and regional nonprofit
organizations. Some of these include the Domestic Violence Intervention Program, Elderly
Services Agency, the Emergency Housing Project, Greater Iowa City Housing Fellowship,
Hawkeye Area Community Action Program, and the Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity.
Coordination of Strategic Plan
Iowa City's Community Development Office will serve as the lead agency for the
coordination and implementation of this plan. Iowa City has a tradition of working closely
with housing and service agencies in the area. The City is the Public Housing Authority, so
coordination is close between the authority and the Community Development Division, as
well as the Department of Human Services and the Work Force Office. The City Council is
considering how to consolidate two advisory committees, the Housing Commission and the
Committee on Community Needs.
The city's Community Development office works closely with the Johnson County Human
Services Coordinator and United Way of Johnson County. The city also works well with the
Iowa Finance Authority and the Iowa Department of Economic Development.
Page 7
FY96 ONE-YEAR ACTION PLAN
Description of Key Projects
During the coming year, Iowa City plans to use $948,000 in CDBG entitlement funds,
$500,000 in HOME program funds, a $69,600 Emergency Shelter Grant, and $622,090 in
reallocated 1995 funds, with $60,000 in program income on 15 housing, community
development, and public services activities.
The major emphasis will be on improving housing resources, with $1,305,147 budgeted for
projects that include:
·
·
O
$474,000 for a wide range of rehabilitation activities.
$204,000 for land for affordable rental housing.
$150,000 for HOME rental subsidy payments.
$141,647 to acquire 18 housing units for transitional housing.
$100,000 to acquire housing for working single persons.
$87,500 to renovate a shelter for victims of domestic violence.
$80,000 to help with down payments on manufactured housing.
For comr~unity development, $100,000 is allocated for a facility for the Adult Day Program.
For economic development, $26,560 is scheduled for the Institute for Social and Economic
Development to provide business training and technical advice to low-income persons
starting their own businesses.
For public services, planned funding includes:
0
e
$105,000 to three human service agencies for operational expenses.
$10,000 for a project to provide used furniture to the homeless.
$19,997 for stipends to youths involved in business training.
Locations
Iowa City is a relatively homogeneous community with no concentrations of low-income
households {by HUD definition), minorities, or deteriorated housing. For this reason, funds
are not allocated geographically but used mostly on a citywide basis. The locations of many
rehabilitation and other projects have not yet been identified.
Housing Goals
Projections are that the activities included in this Action Plan will improve the housing
conditions for 422 households, including 60 designated as elderly households. About 750
residents and 35 youths are expected to benefit from public services assisted by the plan.
Page 8
CITY OF IOWA CITY: CITY STEPS 1996-2000
PRIORITY HOUSING NEEDS
(households)
Cest Elu~des =, 30~
Outreach Assessment
Emergency Shelters
Transitional Shelters
Permanent Supportive Housing
Permanent Housing
High, Medium, Low, No Such Need EG'RNtATED
0-30% -I 31-50% 51-80% unrra
H M M
H M M
L L L
H M L
H M M
H M M
L L L'
H M L
H M M
H M M
L L L
H M L
H M M
H M M
H H M
L L L
Pdo~iy Need Level
High, Medium. Low, No Such Need
1.088
507
185
69
112
9
35
7
304
121
10
19
955
263
2337
75
Families Indlv~lesb w/Spatial Nesds
M M M
Families Ind~desls wl epochal Needs
H M M
Famlfiss Individuals w/Special Needs
H H H
Families I~di",4duals wl Special Needs
N N H
Families [ndiv~ual$ wl Special Needs
H H N
ESTIMATED
DOLLARS NEEDED
TO ADDRESS
20,200,000
9,400,000
1,850,000
4,140,000
2,080,000
170,000
350,000
420,000
5.650,000
2,250,000
100,000
1.140,000
8,600,000
4,730,000
23,370,000
1.400,000
ESTIMATED
DOLLARS NEEDED
TO ADDRESS
600,000
1,250,000
3,250,000
1,250,000
6,510,000
NOTE: New Conetru~on of multi-family units.
Page 9
PRIORITY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
NEEDS
PUBLIC FACILITY NEEDS
Senior Centers
Youth Centers
Neighborhood Faci~es
Child Cam Centera
Parks, Recreational Fuellites
Health Facilites
Parking Facilites
Other Public Facilities
INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS
Solid Waste Disposal Improvements
Flood Drain improvements
Water Improvements
Street Improvements
Sidewalk Improvements
Sewer Improvements
Asbestos Removal
Other Infrest~ucture improvements Needs
PUBLIC SERVICE NEEDS
Senior Sewices
Handicapped Services
Youth Services
Transportslion Services
Substance Abuse Sewices
Employment Training
Crime Awareness
Fair Housing Activities
Tenant/Landlord Counseling
Child Care Sewices
Health Sewices
Pdortty Need Level
High, Medium, Low, No Such Need
L
L
M
M
L
L
N
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
H
H
M
H
H
H
L
H
H
H
H
ESTIMATED
DOLLARS NEEDED
TO ADDRESS
250,000
30,000
750,000
1,000,000
400,000
60,000
unknown
unkllown
unknown
unknown
unknown
unknown
unknown
unknown
unknown
unknown
unknown
unknown
unknown
unknown
unknown
unknown
unknown
unknown
unknown
unknown
Page 10
PRIORITY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
NEEDS
Other PuE= SeMce Needs
ACCESSIBILITY NEEDS
Accessi~r[y Needs
HISTORIC PRESERVATION NEEDS
Reeldential Historic Preee~on Needs
Non-Residential I~ist~dc Presewelion Needs
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEEDS
Commerclal-lndust~lsi Rehabilitsl~on
Commerclal-lndua~al Infrastructure
Other Commercial Indue~si Improvements
Micro*Businesees
Other-Businsssee
Technical Assistance
Other Economic Development Needs
OTHER COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Energy Efficiency Improvements
Lead-Based Paint Hazards
Code Enforcement
PLANNING
Planning
P~iority Need Level ESTIMATED
High, Medium, Low, No Such Need DOLLARS NEEDED
TO ADDRESS
H unknown
H unknown
L unknown
L unknown
L unknown
M unknown
H unknown
H unknown
H unknown
H unknown
H unknown
M unknown
L unknown
H unknown
H 100,000
Page 11
CITY OF IOWA CITY -- CITY STEPS: FY96 Action Plan
SUMMARY OF CDBG AND HOME PROJECTS FOR FY96
HOUSING ACTIVITIES
Iowa City Public Housing Authority: Tenant Based Rent Assistance
First National Bank: Downpayment Assistance for Manufactured Housing
Gr. IC Housing Fellowship\Burns: Land Acq. for Affordable Rental Housing
City of Iowa City: Housing Rehabilitation Program
City of Iowa City: Housing Working Singles Project
Elderly Services Agency: Small Repair Program
Iowa City Public Housing Authority: Landscaping for Public Housing Units
City of Iowa City: Manufactured Housing Replacement Program
Hawkeye Area Community Action Program: Acq. of Transitional Housing
$1 50,000"=*
80,000
500,000*
492,081"
1 00,000
28,000
33,500"
14,950'*
141,647
HOMELESS; FACILITIE,~
Emergency Housing Project: Shelter Rehabilitation
Domestic Violence Intervention Program: Shelter Renovation
24,500
78,000'
PUBLIC FACILITIES
Neighborhood Ctr. of Johnson Co.: Construction of Pheasant Ridge Facility
Johnson County Dept. Of Health: Adult Day Program Facility
122,784*
100,000
PUBLIC SERVICES
Elderly Services Agency: Operational Funding
United Action for Youth: Operational Funding
Mid-Eastern Council on Chemical Abuse: Operational Funding
Mayors Youth Employment Program: Entrepreneurial Training
Domestic Violence Intervention Program: Furniture Project
LIFE Skills, Inc.: Housing Counseling Program
53,500
27,000
24,500
19,497
10,000
16,703
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Institute for Social and Economic Development: Micro-Enterprise Training
26,560
UNPROGRAMMED FUNDS
Towncrest Relocation Program: Relocation Assistance
Unprogrammed Funds: CDBG and HOME Contingency
30,734*
67,369
ADMINISTRATION AND PLANNING
City of Iowa City: Planning and Administration
TOTAL
174.500
$2,315,825'***
Projects that include both FY96 funding and FY95 carryover.
Projects not completed in FY95 and the funding is from FYg_5 only.
Tenant Based Rent Assistance is a FY96 project using FY95 HOME funds.
Does not include $150,000 in HOME Match Funds
Page 12
CITY OF IOWA CITY
CITY STEPS 1996-2000
FIVE YEAR GOALS: A COMPARISON TO FIRST YEAR FUNDING
Activity
Name
Tenant Based Rental
Assistance
1996-2000 FY96 Allocation Percent of 5 Percent of
Goal Plus and FY95 Year Goal Column 3
FY95 Carryover Carryover Committed
t~ 450,000 $150,000 33% 0 %
Housing Skills
Assistance to Low
Income Renters
Acquisition and\or
Construction of
Affordable Rental
Units
82,500 $ 16,703 20% 100%
$1,533,500 t~ 775,147 51% 0%
Homebuyer
Assistance Program
Single Family
Owner-Occupied
Rehabilitation
$ 80,000 $ 80,000 100% 0%
$ I, 773,031 8535,031 30% 77%
Homeless Shelters
Public Facilities
Public Services
Economic
Development, Job
Training and Other
Contingency
165,000 $ 102,500 62% 100%
622,784 8 222,784 36% 100%
700,000 8 134,497 19% 100%
482,631 $ 26, 560 6% 100%
Iwas $250.000)
~ $ 98, I03' 25% 100%
fwas $630,7341
Planning & $ 850,000 $ 174,500 20% 100%
Administration
TOTAL $7, 137,549 $2,315,825~ * 32% 45%
IMPORTANT: THESE FIGURES INCLUDE FY95 CARRYOVER FUNDS
Includes $30,734 for Towncrest, $30,000 HOME contingency and 837,369 CDBG contingency.
Does not include $150,000 of matching funds for the HOME program.
Page 13
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that a public hearing
will be held by the City Council of the City of
Iowa City, Iowa, in the Council Chambers at the
Civic Center at the regular scheduled Council
meeting at 7:30 p.m. on December 5, 1995, for
the purpose of hearing comments for or against
the proposed new rate Increases for the Water
System and the Wastewater Treatment System.
Information on the proposed rate increases is
available at the City Clerk's Office and at the
Office of the Director of Finance.
MARIAN K. KARR, CITY CLERK
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: December 1, 1995
To: City Manager and City Clerk
From: Don Yucuis, Finance Director ~
Re: Schedule to Approve and Adopt Water and Wastewater Rate Increases With An Effective
Date of March 1, 1996
Below is a tentative schedule for having public hearings on the water and wastewater rate
increases, the meetings that the ordinances could be presented and possibly approved, and the
final adoption date of the ordinance. This presumes a March 1, 1996 effective date for the rate
increase, utilizing regularly scheduled City Council meetings and the current City Council not
voting on the ordinance.
Conduct December 5, 1995 Public Hearing - close public hearing. Defer first reading to
January 16, 1996.
January 16, 1996 - First Consideration of the ordinance.
January 25, 1996 - Send ordinance to newspaper to be published on January 31, 1996,
effective for billings on or after March 1, 1996 and assumes the ordinance will be adopted
on January 30, 1996.
January 30, 1996 - Waive the second consideration, pass and adopt.
ac~l 1.20 o'y2
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: December 1, 1995
To: City Council and City Manager
From: Donald Yucuis, Director of Finance ~
Re: Water and Wastewater Rate Increase Prbt5osed for March 1, 1996
!
Attached you will find several charts and graphs related to the water and wastewater rate
increase proposed for March 1, 1996. Charts for water and wastewater show the proposed rates
that were discussed with the City Council in June, 1995 and the revised proposed rates for
discussion at the public hearing on December 5, 1995. The charts include average monthly
impact to a residential user and the estimated cash balance for each proposal.
The water projects chart shows the rates based on accumulating 20% cash by FY2001 totalling
$10,705,000 and issuing bonds in the spring of 1996, 1997, and 1998 totalling $6,200,000,
$11,750,000, and $25,500,000, respectively. The water proposal is to increase rates by 30% for
bills issued on or after Maroh 1, 1996, and increases the average residential user's monthly bill
by $4.49 from $14.98 to $19.47.
The wastewater project chart shows the rates based on accumulating 20% cash by FY2000
totalling $7,596,000. The proposed bond issues to pay for the projects are to occur in the spring
of 1996, 1997 and 1998 and total $18,900,000, $8,800,000, and $7,335,000, respectively. The
proposed rate increase of 15% for bills on or after Mamh 1, 1996, is the same as presented in
June and now for the public hearing in December, 1995. The monthly impact to the average
residential user is an increase of $2.84 from $18.90 to $21.74. The combined impact to the
average residential user is estimated to be $7.33 per month.
I will be available for questions at the public hearing on December 5, 1995.
b~5-2OY
WATER PROJECTS-
PHASE-iN AND ACCUMULATE 20% CASH
OF $19,705,000 BY FY2001
PRESENTED TO CiTY COUNCBL IN JUNE 1995
Fiscal Estimated Avg. Mo. Estimated
~fear Annual Rate Residential Cost Cash
Adiust for Water Balance
(700 cu ft/mo)
FY 1995 40% 14.98 1,940,668
(est.)
FY 1996 30% 19.47 2,533,825
FY 1997 20% 23.36 3,703,377
FY 1998 20°/o 28.03 4,964,915
FY 1999 20% 33.64
FY 2000 15% 38.69 9,364,076
FY 2001 0% 38.69 795,482
FY 2002 0% 38.69 2,297,589
FY 2003 0% 38.69 3,621,036
FY 2004 0% 38.69 4,808,320
FY 2005 0% 38.69 5,986,322
FY 2006 0% 38.69 6,986,465
Fiscal
Year
FY 1995
FY 1996
FY 1997
FY 1998
FY 1999
FY 2000
FY 2001
FY 2002
FY 2003
FY 2004
FY 2005
FY 2006
REVISED
Estimated
Annual Rate
Adjust
24%-minimum
40% after min.
30%
25%
22%
20%
20%
15%
-15%
-5%
0%
-5%
0%
GoaB 20% cash by 2001 = $10,705,000
IOVEMBER 1995
Avg. Mo. Estimated
Residential Cash
Cost for Water Balance
(700 cu ft/mo} 6/30
14.98 2,393,285
(Actual)
19.47 2,272,581
24.34 2,720,964
29.69 3,793,690
35.63 5,512,095
42.76 8,316,382
· 49.17 396,337
41.79 2,547,270
39.70 3,424,213
39.70 3,764,587
37.72 3,964,571
37.72 3,618,185
Bond Issues
Spring '96 '$6,200,000 (25 yr - 7%)
Spring '97 11,750,000 (25 yr - 7%)
Spring '98 25,500,000 (25 yr - 7%)
(Net of $10,705,000 cash payout)
City of Iowa City
Average Monthly Residentia; Cost for Water
$50.00
$40.00 --
$30.0O
$2O.00
$10.00--
$0.00--
FY95 FY96 FY97 FY98
FY99 FY00 FY01
Fiscal Year
FY02 FY03 FY04
FY05 FY06
11/29/95
0
$10
City of Iowa City
Water Fund - Ending Cash Balances
$8
$6
$4'--
$2"
$0
$2.2
FY97 FY98
$2.5
FY99 FYO0 FY01 FY02 FY03 FY04 FY05 FY06
Fisca~ Year
11/29/95 ~ ~
WASTEWATER PROJECTS-
PHASE-SN AND ACCUMULATE 20% CASH
IN FY2001 ($7,596,000)
Fiscal
Year
PRESENTED TO CFFY COUNCIL IN JUNE 1995
Estimated
Annual Rata
Adjust
Monthly
Resident!a! Cast
for Wastewater
(700 cu ft/mo)
FY 1995 350/0 18.90
FY 1996 15% 21.74
FY 1997 11% 24.13
FY 1998 10% 26.54
FY 1999 10% 29.19
FY 2000 10% 32.11
FY 2001 0% 32.11
FY 2002 0% 32.11
FY 2003 0°/o 32.11
FY 2004 0°/o 32.11
FY 2005 0% 32.11
FY 2006 0% 32.11
Estimated
Cash
Balance
6/30
1,927,926
(as1,)
2,840,321
3,958,133
5,425,419
6,331,145
8,170,979
549,902
1,819,201
2,835,957
3,667,542
4,501,062
5,300.154
Fiscal
Year
FY 1995
FY 1996
FY 1997
FY 1998
FY 1999
FY 2000
FY 2001
FY 2002
FY 2003
FY 2004
FY 2005
FY 2006
REVBSED NOVEMBER 1995
Estimated
Annual Rate
Adjust
35 %
15 %
12%
10%
10%
10%
- 10%
0%
0%
-5%
0%
0%
Monthly
Residentia! Cost
for Wastewater
(700 cu ft/mo)
Estimated
Cash
Balance
6/30
18.90 3,182,717
(adual)
21.74 3,643,006
24.35 4,060,010
26.79 4,683,561
29.47
5,974,949
25,902
32.42
29.18 2,297,226
29.18 3,213,878
29.18 3,969,111
27.72 4,329,702
27.72 4,272,151
27.72 4,123,663
Goa8 20% cash = $9,837,000
Goal 20% cash = $7,596,000
(Revised after bid of 12/5/95)
i
Bond ~sues
Bond issues
Fafi'96 $10,940,000
Fall'97 5,340,000
Fall'98 17,025,000
Spdng 2000 6,055,000
(Net of $9,837,000cashpayout)
I'~Spdng'96 18,900,000
12}Spdng '97 8,800,000
Spdn9 'g8 7,335,000
Revised cost per bid of 11/95; added in cost for North Corddor
Trunk Sewer ($478,400) and Abby Lane Sewer ($830,000)
Added in East Side Trunk Sewer cost of $3,300,000
City of ~owa City
Average Mor~thly Residential Cest for Wastewater
$35.00 .....................
$30.00---'
$25.00
$20.00
$15,00 --
$10.00 --
$5.00 --
$0.00
FY95 FY96 FY97 FY98 FY99 FYO0 FY01 FY02 FY03
Fiscal Year
FY05
11/29195
FY06
City of Iowa City
Wastewater Fund - Ending Cash Balances
$6.0
$5.0
c-o$3,0
$2.0
$1.0
$0.0
FY95
FY96
FY97
FY98
FY99
$2.2
FYO0 FY01 FY02
Fiscal Year
FY03 FY04
FY05
11/29/95
FY06
BARKER
A P A R T M E N T S
December 1, 1995 COPY
Susan Horowitz
1129 Kirkwood Ave.
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Dear Mayor Horowitz:
First, I want to compliment the Council members on your willingness to listen carefully
to public input as you have proceeded over the past year to make these very important
decisions. I suspect the two water projects you are worktug on will be by far the largest public
works project ever undertaken or to be undertaken for many years to come. That is one
reason why you must be extremely careful as you commit the people of Iowa City to pay for
such large and important projects. The decision you made some time ago to restudy and
rethink the water/wastewater rates was an example of true leadership in weighing
recommendations from staff members with input from the public. You will have the
opportunity to do the same thing again as this letter will describe I look forward to
participating in tiffs debate and trust that your decision will once again reflect what is in the
best interests of the public you serve.
Prior to your vote on rate increases for water/wastewater services, I would like to
review with you, from my perspective, what has taken place over the past year and to provide
some suggestions as you proceed with the decision making process.
It appears to me that decisions have been made which, if implemented, will cause the
water and waste water rates to go up at a more rapid pace than would have been necessary if
proposals put before you during the course of the past year or slight variations thereof. had
been implemented. In reviewing transcripts of work sessions and council meetings since
November 22, 1994, I find that a majority of the Council suggested that staff members prepare
a plan where a 20% to 25% "down payment" would be secured with major expenditures being
held back a few years. A majority of the Council suggested that while some work could start
reasonably soon, tbe bulk of the work would be done later, allowing the city a few years to
accumulate money through rate increases This view is described in the Press Citizen, dated
May 31, 1995. It now appears, however, that the City Manager is requesting authorization to
sell up to $34,200,000 in bonds to pay for major portions of the project in 1996. This amounts
to 36 8% of the commonly used cost figures We now know, however that the $93,000,000
estimated cost figure of the water/wastewater plants is several million dollars too low
In a letter dated July 26, 1993 to IDNR official, Nk Furry, Mr Schmadeke stated,
".we currently see no problem for Iowa City to meet the new ammonia permit limits by mid-
1998" A letter from IDNR official, Terry Kirschehman to Mr. Schmadeke, dated November
10, 1994 describes a construction schedule that the IDNR would be proposing for the Iowa
City wastewater plant 1 believe that proposed schedule became the basis used by our city
officials in developing a construction schedule that was presented to you at some point.
Seville Scotsdale Park Place Parkside Manor Westgate Villa
6 Lime Kiln Lane N.E, · Iowa City, Iowa 52240 · (319) 354-2410
Emerald
Court
Page 2
whereas the schedule from the IDNR proposed November 1, 1998, as the time for compliance
with Final Effluent Limitations, while the city staff proposal suggested a date of March 1,
1998. 1 assume that was to provide a cushion so that the November date would not be
exceeded due to unforeseen circumstances. During the discussions beginning around the last
part of November, 1994, it appeared to be the opinion of the City Manager that the 1DNR
would not consider extending the time that the wastewater plant additions and alterations were
to be on line. This view appeared to be adhered to even though I related to him and you that,
after telephone conversations with appropriate and knowledgeable officials from the 1DNR, it
was my judgment they would carefully consider a reasonable alternative to the original
schedule. My proposal was to delay the water treatment plant five years, and request
permission from the IDNR to postpone the construction required for wastewater treatment
two years. It was my intent that the entire schedule would be moved five years and two years
respectively. On November 22, 1994, at the Public Hearing, I said,
.we should take a year to re-study the entire situation. Our community is
fortunate to have many well qualified experts in water plant requirements. We
should use these people along with the city staff members, the engineers
employed by the city, and ordinary citizens who certainly have a worthwhile
perspective to add to the discussions. All of these people should be organized
into appropriate committees with definite tasks to accomplish. Each should
know what the others are doing and then, through a committee of the whole,
recommendations should be presented to the City Council and a final decision
made after the middle of November, 1995. If this kind of procedure is
followed, a rational decision should evolve that will solve our water problems in
a manner that is acceptable to a large segment of tile population at a coal
considerably lower than is currently under consideration. It is essential that~c~
broad spectrum of people, including plenty of professioaals from a variety
points of view, be used. This is such a major project that you must kno~
precisely that you have chosen tile very best solution possible which will recei,~Ior.
broad support from the citizens if it is to be successful."
Had this been done, 1 am confident that we would now be on track to developing wat~
improvements along witb appropriate financing that would have gained broad support.
Around the first of May, 1995, I discovered that no contacts had been made by Iowa
City officials with the 1DNR as to the possibility of developing a new schedule for the
wastewater system. Therefore, I took it upon myself to visit with IDNR officials. On
Thursday. May 4, I met with an IDNR official in his Washington, Iowa office. He was so
encouraging about lowa City being able to make some adjustments in the schedule that 1
decided to carry it a step further. It was not only what he said but also what he did not say
which led me to this conclusion. Keep in mind that we }lad been led to believe that the officials
in the IDNR would be hard for lay people to talk with, assuming we could get an appointment.
This was not stated directly, but certainly was implied I talked by phone with an IDNR
official on Monday, May 8 at 2:20 p.m. and received an appointment for 10 a m the following
day Tile meeting was very cordial with an exchange of views that was very encouraging I
Page 3
was not only convinced that they would listen carefully to a reasonable request from the City
of 1owa City for a delay in the wastewater schedule, but would in all likelihood grant such a
delay I wrote to the Council on May 10, 1995 indicating what I thought we could
accomplish. I will enclose a copy of that letter for your review. Apparently the day after
receiving my letter, Iowa City officials contacted the IDNR about my conversations with them
and my letter to you. One city staff member told me he/she was amazed at what they found
out froin the IDNR. I asked if the amazement was because the IDNR confirmed what 1
indicated to the Council way last December, i.e. that they would be willing to consider an
alternative schedule. The person's response was, "Yes". It seemed very strange to me that no
lowa City official had any relevant discussions with the IDNR from December, 1994 when I
first told them that the IDNR would listen, until after I mentioned my May, 1995 conversations
with them.
On July 13, 1995, MJ. Schmadeke wrote to Darrell McAllister, Chief, Water Quality
Bureau of the IDNR, requesting a three year and ten month's delay in the date for compliance
with Final Effluent Limitations. Keep in mind that I suggested that you ask for a two year
extension, which the City Manager felt would not be acceptable to the IDNR. On October 23,
1995, Mr. McAllister responded to Mr. Schmadeke's letter. He stated, as you know, that
while they could not accept a compliance date of August 1, 2002, they would accept
compliance by January 1, 2001. That is 9 months later than I suggested they would accept and
two years and 9 months longer than the agreement which the City officials had accepted
earlier.
The amazing thing to me is that the City Manager seems to interpret the response from
the IDNR as a lack of cooperation from them. I base this conclusion on Mr Atkins' remarks
to the Noon Rotary Club on November 2, 1995 and upon a transcript of the Council meeting
of October 24, 1995 According to the transcript, Mr. Arkins states, "Today we finally
received a response from the DNR on our revised schedule and they have rejected it ..... So we
have lost about 18 months." I would have interpreted the IDNR response to have given the
City 26 months more than the last agreed upon schedule. Be that as it may, I applaud the City
Manager for indicathig that, in his judgment, we should attempt to negotiate another schedule.
1 wish him success in this endeavor
In late 1994, but prior to the adoption of the huge 1995 rate increases, I proposed a
rate increase for both the water and wastewater rates. The suggested rate increases, beginning
in 1995, were 11% for 7 years on the water and 11% for 4 years on the wastewater with
smaller increases thereafter in both cases. This assumed that the plant improvements would be
pushed back in total for 5 years and 2 years respectively so that there would be adequate time
to build up a cash surplus. However, in reviewing materials available, it appears that the City
staff members have in mind starting construction immediately, including a big ticket item, i~b
piping from the north wastewater plaut to the south plant It seems to me that they ~ mere~e~
willing to lengthen the construction period rather than postpone it. This approach ~:'p~rs ~
downplay considerably the mandate they received from the Council to build up~ '--~1ov~n~
payment" for the projects, using reasonable rate increases The positions of th~'jC-.buncil
members are stated in the transcript of the May 31, 1995 Council meeting. A desi~1o~ sta,l
Page4
very soon with at least one big ticket item, paid for I assume, with money from the
$34,200,000 dollars to be raised from the current bond authorization proposal, is the reason,
according to one staff member, that the City staff is now suggesting a 30% water rate increase
and an 18% wastewater rate increase beginning with bills paid in March, 1996, rather than a
15% increase for both beginning in March as they proposed last May. Doesn't this procedure
go against the expressed wishes of a majority of the Council members? I hope that it is not too
late for you to review this entire situation and find oct why the City is proceeding as it appears
to be doing.
The costs of the projects are going to be more than what we have been told all along
For example, the figures commonly used in the Press Citizen are less than the charts indicated
that were used in an earlier work session A copy of my letter to you, dated May 24, 1995,
concerning this is enclosed. There are also other ccsts that I believe have not been published
Although I have not verified these figures, it is my understanding that it might cost several
hundred thousand dollars more to run the sewer pipe around the golf course than had originally
been plantled. Also, I have a copy of what seems to be an internal memo of the Howard R.
Green Company, dated July 13, 1995 It appears from the memo that tile cost of relocating the
Williams Brothers pipeline, if it is done, will be at least 60% more than the $375,000 which
the memo states is in the budget. When I discussed this with the Director Of Finance, he told
me that the City's projection was $390,000 rather than $375,000 which still means a 55%
increase Also, even though it is paid for at least partially from other funds, the cost of the
"peninsula" land is obviously a direct cost of the fresh water facilities. There are perhaps
additional costs that the City officials know about that have not become common knowledge
A full accounting of the currently proposed costs, i~ seems to me, should be forthcoming
During this water/wastewater process, I suggested that the meters be read once every
three months, with payments made monthly the first two months of the period based on a
prorated anticipated amount with the third payment based on the actual reading. I never
received any feedback as to why this was not a viable way of saying approximately $160,000
per year or approximately 4.3% of an average person's 1994 water portion of their
water/wastewater bill. A copy of my letter, dated January 16, 1995, concerning this topic is
enclosed
Let me briefly touch on one more topic. Perhaps it is not too late to reopen discussions
with knowledgeable people as to whether it is even necessary to do anything with the
wastewater plant at this time. There are some unanswered questions as to whether there may
be alternative ways to measure and/or determine the amount of ammonia that is being
discharged into the river. I will enclose a copy of a letter to you, dated June 1, 1995, in which
I discussed this topic. If the mandatory requirement could have been lifted for this project as
some people feel it might, then the City could have proceeded in a more deliberate manner ~
replace the North wastewater treatment plant. Even 1 would say it is now a long shodbut a~
convinced it could have been done earlier. ~'"i ~
The rate increases currently under consideration would cause rents to go UlCer tll~
next three years an average of $4.86 per month. Fhis is, of course, in addition to th.?~ra .~.
Page 5
increase of $8.72 (Westgate Villa apartments) per month which was put in place in March,
1995. The fourth year, assuming the proposed rate structure is still in place, the rate structure
would cause the monthly rents to be reduced $0.39. For the 1996-97 rental year, the proposed
increase in water/wastewater rates, plus increased property taxes due to a change in the
rollback formula which has a negative impact on rental properties, plus the normal increase in
expenses will add approximately $20 per month to the cost of operating apartments in Iowa
City. Increased costs associated with governmental entities will account for at least, and
probably more, than 50% of these increased costs.
After reviewing the various water/wastewater rate schedules that the City staff
has proposed during the past year and taking into account reasonable construction
schedules available that meet IDNR requirements, it seems to me that an acceptable
procedure emerges. That is to direct the staff to develop a construction proposal that
can be financed as follows: (a) annual increases in water rates through March, 1999 of
no more than 15%; (b) annual increases in wastewater rates through March, 1998 of no
more than 15%; (c) a reduction of wastewater rates in March 1999 of up to 12%; and
(d) no increases in water/wastewater rates thereafter associated with the construction of
the two projects. Since future Councils can adjust rates as they see fit, I suspect it would
be prudent judgment for this and the next Council to adopt by the second meeting in
January, 1996 the changes to take place with the March billings with future adjustments
adopted as recommendations. Further, if bids come in under estimates, and/or interest
rates are less than anticipated, all savings will be used to reduce rates rather than
develop "add ohs" to the construction projects. (1 am aware that bids currently under
consideration are significantly under estimates.) This proposal is different in that it
requires a construction schedule to be based on the rate structure rather than the other
way around. 1 believe that you will find that such a proposal is not only achievable, but
could gain wide support from the citizens of Iowa City. Your variable would be the
tinting of the water treatment plant so that tile wastewater treatment plant additions
and improvements could be constructed in a timely manner. Although this proposal
goes beyond what I feel is necessary, it is one we can accept and support. After
reviewing this proposal very carefully, I hope that you will adopt it or one that is very,
ve~3' close.
If you are still with me, thanks for getting this far. It is a rather long letter, but perhaps
not too long when we consider that we are talking about $100,000,000 of our money, not
counting interest costs. You have it in your power to cut the interest costs significantly
through careful planning.
Respectfully submitted,
Edwin K. Barker
BARKER
A P A R T M E N -f S
January 16, 1995
Mr. Stephen J. Arkins
Civic Center
410 Washington St.
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Dear Steve:
It is my understanding that the Council will be considering
employing additional people in order to read the water meters on a
monthly basis. It seems to me, that not only do we not need to read
the meters monthly, but we could set up a procedure whereby the
meters are read once every three months, even though bills are paid
monthly. It would work like this. A monthly average usage of each
meter would be determined. Each month during the first two months of
the three month cycle the customer would pay 105% of the average
monthly cost. Then, after reading the meter for the third month's
billing, the true cost would be determined and the third bill of the
cycle would be adjusted. This would provide the City with a monthly
cash flow that you indicated was desirable, would give the customers
an accurate measure of usage every three months, and would reduce the
amount of time spent reading meters. One of the reasons cited for
reading the meters on a monthly basis was to detect water leaks
early. Although it is not the responsibly of the City to detect
leaks beyond the meter, it certainly can be a very helpful service to
the customer. However, even with monthly meter readings, there would
be a considerable time lag for the customer to find out that there
may be a leak. A better way to handle this would be through an
education program where the city provides each customer with hints on
how to detect leaks, how to make minor repairs and what the monthly
cost would be for a variety of leaks like a faucet that drips every
second, or a stool that continuously runs a small amount of water,
etc. Spending $90,000 more to read meters to help people save
perhaps $10,000 to $15,000 (I'm guessing on this amount) of wasted
water would appear to be money not well spent. Brochures costing
approximately $12,000 (16,000 meters times 75 cents) probably could
be developed to carry out the education program. We would be saving
$78,000 ($90,000 minus $12,000) and probably would help people save
more water than the monthly meter readings would. This idea is, at
least, worth considering.
I'm not sure what is going on in regard to the proposals for the
water and waste water treatment plants. There are a few rumors going
around, but it would be better if we could hear officially what is
developing. I am convinced that planning can take place that will
permit the city to put in place rate increases similar to what I
suggested at the December 6th council meeting. When do you think an
Seville
Scotsdale Park Place Parkside Manor Westgate Villa
6 Lime Kiln Lane N.E. · Iowa City, Iowa $2240 e (319) 3.54-2410
Emerald Court
update can be presented to the public? I am looking forward to
learning how the plans are developin§.
Let me correct some errors in the materials I gave to you and
council members at the December 6th council meeting. I am enclosing
a sheet with the correct information. In essence, the erroneous
information indicated a higher monthly water bill than would have
actually occurred in our proposal for the years 1999, 2000, and
2001. In row three at the bottom of the sheet, the figures for 1999,
2000, and 2001 should be $41.91, $44.01, and $46.34 rather than
$44.01, $44.86 and $54.23, respectively. Therefore, the figure
107.6% on the very last line should be 77.4% rather than 107.6%. I
have re-checked all of the figures with only two other errors, each 3
cents or less. Sorry for these errors, but we did it in a hurry to
get it ready.
Sincerely yours,
Edwin K. Barker
Water Meter Reading Proposals
January 17, 1995
Edwin K. Barker
Addendum to Letter To Steve Arkins Dated January 16,
1995
Additional Employees
$90,000 / 3 people /
40 hrs / 52.14 weeks
$14.38 per hour
Read Meters
Once A Month
$ 90,000
Read Meters
Every 3 51onths
Fewer Employees -$30,000 (A guess)
Postage
16,000 meters x $.32
x 8 months = $40,960
$ 40,960
Paper Per Billing
$.10 x 16,000 meters x
8 months (Just a guess)
$ 12,800
Educational materials
16,000 meters x $.75
$ 12,000
Other Costs
Totals $143,760 -$ 18,000
Savings:
$143,760
$ 18,000
$161,760
Just to be conservative, let's say that it would cost $130,000 less
to read the meters once every three months than it does to read them
each month. The annual water department revenue is approximately
$3,656,100. If operating costs are reduced, or in affect not
increased, by $130,000, we are saving an average of 3.56% on each
customers water bill.
This procedure assumes using a coupon system for the two out of three
months that the meters are not read whereby customers would pay their
monthly estimates without receiving a bill. This is how we save
$40,960 per year in postage.
BARKER
A P A R T M E N T S
May 10, 1995
Susan Horowitz
Councilor, City of lowa City
1129 Kirkwood Ave.
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Dear Councilor Horowitz:
Currently the Iowa Department of Natural Resources is in the process of preparing a new five
year operating permit for the Iowa City Waste Water Plant. It is anticipated that the permit will
be completed sometime around July of this year. Now is an appropriate time for City of Iowa
City officials to enter into discussions with the DNR to adjust the time frame for the construction
of the proposed alterations and additions to the two waste water plants and the lines connecting
tile two plants There are several cities in Iowa with ammonia problems similar to Iowa City's.
The DNR is working closely with the officials of these cities to develop plans that will be
environmentally sound, financially acceptable, and physically possible. The DNR is most willing
to discuss a proposal from Iowa City that takes these three things into consideration. In recent
days, I have had most cordial discussions with DNR officials in their offices in Washington, Iowa
and Des Moines. As a result of these discussions, it appears to me that they would seriously
consider a proposal that would bring us into compliance by the expiration date of the new
operating permit which would be in the vicinity of July, 2000. The DNR officials are very astute
about the environment and have an excellent understanding of and devotion to environmental
concerns. They also have an understanding of the financial realities of our cities, as well as the
physical considerations that need to go into developing a realistic time frame for constructing two
major projects in Iowa City. I feel they will work with us in a cooperative manner to bring about
tile completion of the waste water construction project of which we can all be proud and can,
without undue hardship, afford. Let me stress that I am not speaking for the DNR, nor can 1
guarantee. what the final outcome will be. I can say, however, that I firmly believe that they will
consider carefully any realistic proposal that we make
No one I talked with in the DNR felt that Iowa City was causing the water in the Iowa River to
decrease significantly, if any, in quality at tile point of discharge over the past several years The
upper levels of ammonia to be permitted are based on the ten year lowest water flow over a seven
day period. In other words, the standards are based on the water flow at its lowest, as in a serious
drought year. It would appear, then, that our level of ammonia dischinge most of the time is not
causing water quality violations. There may also be options available to adjust the proposed
effluent limits. These kinds of things are technical, and I don't pretend to understand what can be
done in this regard. That is the task of the professional staff members of the City and the DNR
Here. as 1 see it, is the task at }land. According to DNR officials, the current draft permit is to
be re-worked Therefore, now is the time to submit a revised realistic and acceptable financing
and construction plan that brings the altered north and south plants on line near the expiration
date of the new perinit, which would be approximately July, 2000. There are, of course, certain
guidelines and obligations we will need to meet based on EPA and DNR requirements, etc
Seville
Scotsdale
Park Place Parkside Manor Westgate Villa Emerald Court
6 Lime Kiln Lane N.E. · Iowa City, Iowa 52240 ~ (319) 354-2410
However, based on my discussions with DNR officials, I am firmly convinced that a construction
schedule can be developed that will be supported by a large majority of the citizens of Iowa City.
This schedule, if approved, will be good for the environment, will be good for the people of Iowa
City, and will be physically possible to accomplish by the construction industry. This last point is,
as you know, a concern of the Chamber of Commerce. They feel that constructing the waste
water mtd fresh water projects at the same time along with all of the other construction projects
that would be on going would put a significant strain on the construction industry from the
physical standpoint of getting the work done. It also seems to me that, before you increase rates
again as I believe you plan to do May 23, you should carefully weigh the alternatives available to
you. By very carefully following a prudent plan for construction, water/waste water rates will
not need to have more that very moderate increases during the next few years. I urge you in the
strongest terms possible to review your plans carefully and act in the best interests of the people
of Iowa City while at the same time doing justice to our environmental concerns. Both of these
concerns can be addressed.
Based on all the information now available, the time schedules I suggested to you on
December 23, 1994, for the waste water and water plants are not only realistic and practical, but
are also conservative. I am now suggesting that the City propose to the DNR that the completion
date for the waste water construction project be adjusted to the expiration date of the new
operating permit. I am not sure what is going on in regard to the fresh water plant. There are
several rumors flying around and I suspect it is time for the city officials to present us with an
update as to what is really happening.
One of the suggestions we made early on to the council was for City officials to enter into
discussions with the DNR in regard to the feasibility of adjusting the then current construction
schedule for the Waste Water Plant alterations. I was surprised to learn from the DNR off~cials
that, to their knowledge, no contacts have been made by the City of Iowa City officials with DNR
officials about adjusting the construction schedule since the city submitted its proposal in the fall
of 1994 This, together with the fact that the Iowa City schedule for completion of the waste
water plant alterations was eight months sooner than the schedule suggested by the DNR officials,
leads me to believe that doing this work now is not a cut-in-stone mandate by the DNR but simply
an Iowa City agenda.
The above information and suggestions are offered in the spirit of cooperation and helpfulness.
It seems to me we have a real opportunity to address the concerns of all of us and bring about a
successful conclusion to these two major construction projects. I want to do what is right for the
environment, but I also want a construction schedule that is affordable to the people of Iowa
City. I hope that you also want to do this. Thank you for listening.
Sincerely yours,
Edwin K. Barker
BARKER
A P A R T M E N T S
May 24, 1995
Mayor Susan Hqrowitz
1129 Kirkwood Ave.
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Dear Mayor Horowitz:
It seems to me that the council has an easy, straightforward solution to developing a time frame for the
wastewater plant alterations. That is to tell the City Manager to carefully craft a request to the DNR
stating that, based on financial considerations, we would like to have permission to bring our wastewater
treatment plants into compliance sometime near the expiration date of the anticipated new perufit. That
date will be in the neighborhood of July, 2000. You may want to give a date of, say, May 1, 2000. By
doing this you will have the opportunity to develop a rate schedule that can receive broad support. Also, if
you find that it can be completed sooner, based on an acceptable rate schedule, you certainly would have
die option to do so. However, if the request to the DNR includes a completion date sooner than suggested
above, you will not have the opportunity to extend the time for completion. To me, the choice seems
obvious.
In developing a rate structure, we are prepared to accept assumptions very close to those of the City
The City's assumptions are very conservative and we understand the rationale for that. However, we
would like to see a public commitment on your part that all savings generated from interest rates below
7%, all revenues generated by community growth, and all amounts of the bids that come in under estimates
be used exclusively for rate reduction. This is to assure the public that water/wastewater rate increases for
servicing the bonds will not be any more than is needed for that purpose.
As we looked at the charts presented at the work session on May 22, we noticed that they just did not
add up to the amount that has been commonly accepted as the anticipated cost of the projects, i.e.
$93,000,000. I realize that the $111,975,685 figure stated on the enclosed chart has inflation built in for
amounts to be borrowed for construction a few years down the road and also includes a one year debt
service reserve which is required by the lender. Therefore, it seems to me, that the total cost of the
projects in today's dollars is anticipated to be $97,467,635. A rate structure still needs to be developed
that supports servicing the $111,975,685 figure.
Lastly, I encourage you to re-read the City Manager's letter dated January 2, 1992 to selected
legislators. It states very well the frustration, I'm sure, many city officials feel as they try to keep a delicate
balance between doing what is right for the environment, the mandates imposed by state and federal
governments, and the financial obligatons the populace is willing to accept
Again, let me assure you that we are prepared to cooperate in any way we can, based on the goals I
stated in my May I0 letter, to bring about the successful conclusion of these two projects.
Sincerely yours,
Edwin K Barker
Seville Scotsdale Park Place Parkside Manor Westgate Villa Emerald Court
6 Lime Kiln Lane N.E. * Iowa City, Iowa 52240 · (319) 354-2410
Anticipated Costs Of Water And Wastewater Plants
All Figures From The Iowa City Director Of Finance
Edwin K Barker
May 24, 1995
Water Treatment Plant.
Calendar Year 1994 Debt:
Calendar Year 1995 Debt:
Calendar Year 1996 Debt'
Calendar Year 1997 Debt:
Calendar Year 1999 Debt:
Total:
$1,500,000 ~'<
$5,394,385 .-~. c~
$6,315,250
$11,400,000 :~
$36,500,000 ~' '~'
$61,109,635
The first two amounts are amounts already borrowed for the water projects.
The third amount is anticipated to be borrowed in 1996.
The last two have had an inflation factor of 3.5% built in which amounts to $5,000,000.
Therefore, the cost in today's dollars would be $56,109,635.
The last three years of debt includes $4,652,000 as a one year debt reserve which is required by
the lender
Wastewater Plant Alterations.
Calendar Year 1994 Debt: $ 2,366,050
Calendar Year 1995 Debt: $ 2,000,000
Calendar Year 1996 Debt: $23,250,000
Calendar Year 1998 Debt: $23,250,000
Total $50,866,050
The $2,366.050 includes $1,500,000 in direct costs to the wastewater plant alterations. The
remaining $866,050 represents the costs of needed sewer development unrelated to the alterations
to the wastewater plant but will be paid for with revenue generated from the proposed rate
increases.
The $23,250,000 in each of the calendar years 1996 and 1998 includes $1,995,000 each year as a
one year debt reserve which is required by the lender. This will be the last month's payment of
both bond issues 25 years in the future. Therefore, the rate structure must be designed as if this
was a cost of the project with the money being returned to the city as the last mortgage payment
Engineering costs of $3,500,000 was paid for from the 1994 and 1995 money
$61,109,635 + $50,866,050 = $111,975,685
Summary' The total amount of $111,975,685 of debt is to be serviced by tile proposed rate
increases although the cost of the two projects in today's dollars appears to be $97,467,635. As
we all know, the original costs of the two projects as stated in the press was $91,000,000 and
quickly changed to $93,000,000. While the total indebtedness that must be serviced by the
proposed rate increases is $111,975,685, the amount outstanding at any one time will not reach
that amount since the payback begins before the borrowing is completed.
BARKER
APARTMENTS
June 1, 1995
Mayor Susan Horowitz
1129 Kirkwood Ave
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Dear Mayor Horowitz:
Taking at face value, and perilaps broadening it a bit, the comment made to me by
DNR officials that there may be options available to adjust the proposed effluent limits, let
us explore some possibilities.
Coralville's wastewater is piped from their plant south of the Payless Lumber Yard to
the Iowa River at a point near the Dairy Queen on South Riverside Drive. Perhaps tilere
is a possibility that the effluent levels at the three discharge points (1owa City's two and
Coralvi[le's one) could be figured in a way that would result in limits closer to what we
are now discharging. Then with break point chlorination for the short periods of time that
we might otherwise exceed limits, we may be able, at a relatively low cost, to meet the
standards. It is my understanding that we now use breakpoint chlorination occasionally.
In addition, iflowa City and Coralville were to install diffuser pipes, different standards of
ammonia discharge may be appropriate. I have discussed these ideas with David Elias
and Chuck Schmadeke, suggesting to them that these might be some of the options the
DNR would be willing to consider.
Several people who are involved with water quality concerns have expressed to me the
feeling that the new ammonia standards are not necessary to maintain reasonable water
quality in our rivers and streams Many people believe that just because a governmental
agency states what the standards should be, those standards are necessary for maintaining
the water quality necessary to protect aquatic life in our streams. Rather than accepting
the new standards as necessary or even desired, the real question might be, "What studies
have been made that indicate that the higher standards are necessary to protect aquatic life
in our rivers and streams? Is there evidence to prove that with the previous ammonia
limits the quality and quantity ofaquatic life is being adversely affected? If aquatic life has
been adversely affected, what evidence is there that it is due to the amount of ammonia
discharged by cities as compared to the amount placed on the land in the Iowa River
watershed by others, or that the ammonia readting the river by whatever means is
adversely affecting the quality &aquatic life?" Also, please refer to the second paragraph
of the second page of the letter from Steve Atkins, dated January 2, 1992 to selected state
legislators This letter is included in the Memorandum from Mr. Atkins to City Council
dated February 10, 1995 entitled "Review of Issues - Water and Wastewater Projects".
I would suggest that all councilors along with the city manager take the lead with the
League of Municipalities and/or other organizations in which you participate, in working
witit the EPA, DNR, and our federal legislative delegation to review in particular the
Seville
Scotsdale Park Place Parkside Manor Westgate Villa
6 Lime Kiln Lane N.E. · Iowa City, Iowa 52240 . (319) 354-2410
Emerald Court
ammonia levels permitted to be discharged into our rivers and streams. You may discover
that more knowledgeable people than we realize share the view that the new standards are
unnecessary. I suspect that some DNR people share this view also.
Perhaps the litigation which Ames is pursing should be monitored by the League of
Municipalities to see if it may have an effect on other Iowa municipalities. With so many
municipalities having difficulty meeting the new ammonia standards, it seems to me that a
concerted effort from your professional organizations could have a significant effect on
bringing about a reasonable solution to this problem which could save our municipalities
millions of dollars while at the same time causing no significant adverse effect on the
quality of the water discharged into our rivers and streams.
What we do not want to happen is to spend $46,000,000 or more on alterations to our
wastewater treatment plant and then, before we turn the valves, find that it has been
determined by the DNR and/or EPA that the new ammonia standards were not necessary.
You may have seen or heard the recent news report that Waterloo is being fined
$50,000 in regard to their wastewater facility. Based on information I have received from
within the top leadership of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, there is absolutely
no relationship between the Waterloo and Iowa City situations. The fine imposed on them
has absolutely no impact on what we are working on in lowa City.
l'm sorry to be sending you so many long letters recently, but I have come to the
conclusion that we all, including councilors, must ask question after question after
question ifwe are to come to the best solution.
Sincerely yours
Edwin K. Barker
BARKER
A P A R T M E N T S
December 4, ]995
COPY For City Clerk
Susan Horowitz
1129 Kirkwood Ave
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Dear Mayor Horowitz
This morning I discovered that l was using the wrong rate structure proposal while
preparing my recommendations for the Council. I regret very much this error and wish to
revise my recommendation. My error consisted of using the Sample Options-Larger User-
Commercial listlog in the Memo from Don Yucuis to Stephen Atkins, dated November 17,
1995. This chart skipped some years which I did not notice Following is what I said in
my letter to you dated December 1, 1995. I have used italics for the part tbat should be
deleted and have inserted immediately thereafter, underlined, the desired change
After reviewing the various water/wastewater rate schedules that the City
staff has proposed during the past year and taking into account reasonable
construction schedules available that meet lDNR requirements, it seems to me that
an acceptable procedure emerges. That is to direct the staff to develop a
construction proposal that can be financed as follows: (a) amtual increases in water
rates through March. 1999 of no more than 15%; (b) annual increases in wastewater
rates through March. 1998 of no more than 15%; (c) a reduction of wastewater rates tit
March 1999 of up to 12%; arm (d) no increases lit waterAvastewater rates thereafter
associated with the construction of the two projects. (a) annual increases in
water/~vastewater rates, beginning March 1, 1996, of no more than 15%; (b)
increases in water/wastewater rates for the purpose of paying for the
water/wastewater vroiects are to cease as soon as these increases generate euouRh
revenue on an annual basis to fund the water/wastewater bonds. Since future
Couucils can adjust rates as they see fit, I suspect it would be prudent judglnent for
this and the next Council to adopt by the second meeting in January, 1996, the
changes to take place with the March billings with future adjustments adopted as
recommendations. Further, if bids come in under estimates, and/or interest rates
are less than anticipated, all savings will be used to reduce rates rather than develop
"add OHS" to the construction projects. (l am aware that bids currently under
consideration are significantly under estimates.) This proposal is different in that it
requires a constructiou schedule to be based on the rate structure rather than the
other way around. I believe that you will find that such a proposal is not only
achievable, but could gain wide support from the citizens of Iowa City. Your
variable would be the timing of the water treatment plant so that the wastewater
treatment plant additions and improvements could be constructed in a timely
manner. Although this proposal goes beyond what I feel is necessary, it is one we
can accept and support. After reviewing this proposal very carefully, I hope that
you will adopt it or one that is very, very close. ,~ff? ¢ad~
Seville Scotsdale Park Place
Parkside Manor Westgate Villa
6 Lime Kiln Lane N.E. o Iowa City, Iowa 52240 o (319) 354-2410
Emerald Court
NOTICE OF MEETING OF THE CiTY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF IOWA CITY, IOWA, ON THE
MATTER OF THE PROPOSED iSSUANCE OF
$6,200,000 WATER REVENUE BONDS OF
SAID CITY, AND THE HEARING ON THE ISSU-
ANCE THEREOF
PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that the City
Council of the City of iowa City, Iowa, will hold
a public hearing on the 5th day of December,
1995, at 7:30 o'clock P.M., in the Council
Chambers, Civic Center, 410 East Washington
Street, in Iowa City, Iowa, at which meeting
the City Council proposes to take additional
action for the issuance of $6,200,000 Water
Revenue Bonds of said City. Said bonds will
not constitute general obligations or be payable
in any manner by taxation, but will be payable
from and secured by the net revenues of the
Municipal Water Utility. Said bonds are pro-
posed to be issued for the purpose of paying
costs of improvements and extensions to the
Municipal Water Utility.
At the above meeting oral or written objec-
tions from any resident or property owner of
said City to the above action shall be received.
After all objections have been received and
considered, the Council will at said meeting or
at any adjournment thereof, take additional
action for the issuance of said bonds or will
abandon the proposal to issue said bonds.
This notice is given by order of said govern-
ing body as provided by Section 384.83 of the
City Code of Iowa.
Dated this 271:h day of i~ovember
1995.
k of Iowa City, Iowa
NOTICE OF MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CiTY OF IOWA CITY, IOWA, ON THE
MATTER OF THE PROPOSED ISSUANCE OF
928,000,000 SEWER REVENUE BONDS OF
SAiD CITY, AND THE HEARING ON THE ISSU-
ANCE THEREOF
PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that the City
Council of the City of Iowa CiW, Iowa, will hold
a public hearing on the 5th day of December,
1995, at 7:30 o'clock P.M., in the Council
Chambers, Civic Center, 410 East Washington
Street, in Iowa City, Iowa, at which meeting
the City Council proposes to take additional
action for the issuance of $28,000,000 Sewer
Revenue Bonds of said City. Said bonds will
not constitute general obligations or be payable
in any manner by taxation, but will be Pavable
from and secured by the net revenues of the
Municipal Sanitary Sewer Utility. Said bonds
are proposed to be issued for the purpose of
paying costs of improvements and extensions
to the Municipal Sanitary Sewer Utility.
At the above meeting oral or written objec-
tions from any resident or property owner of
said Citv to the above action shall be received.
After all objections have been received and
considered, the Council will at said meeting or
at any adjournment thereof, take additional
action for the issuance of said bonds or will
abandon the proposal to issue said bonds.
This notice iS given by order of said govern-
ing body as provided by Section 384.83 of the
City Code of Iowa.
Dated this 27th day of November
1995.
City Clerk of Iowa City, Iowa