HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-01-12 Bd Comm minutes01-12-99
4b(1)
Animal Control Advisory Board
Minutes, Nov. 12, 1998 Meeting
Attending: Ursula Delworth, Diana Lundell, Marty Shafer, Nadia Vandergast
Absent: Shawn Lockhart (excused)
Staff: Misha Goodman-Herbst, Terry Koehn, Ramona Paulin
Minutes of the September 24 meeting were approved with no
changes.
2, Old Business
A test of the mobile adoption system will be held on November
21, 1998 at Coral Ridge Mall from noon-4:00 p.m. Goodman-
Herbst will organize.
Lundell will schedule a meeting with Coralville staff regarding
possible changes in the 28E agreement and city ordinances· She
will report at the January meeting if possible.
The Board received statistics for October from Goodman-Herbst,
and agreed that the new system of breading down by place of
origin of animals was useful. Percentages are not needed, since
they can be misleading on a month-by-month basis. The Board
will receive the November and December reports at the January
meeting.
Goodman-Herbst reported that a new Animal Control Officer,
Vicki Di Bona, has been hired. She will begin work on December
1.
5. Goals for 1999 were reviewed and accepted.
Paulin reported that she has completed euthanasia training and
will begin to do this as soon as she works out a plan to get the
necessary medications.
There is no agreement on bite confinements as yet. Goodman-Herbst
will check with county supervisors and report to Bard when this is
finalized.
3. New Business
1. Goodman-Herbst has to write a change in the ordinance and fee
schedule before she presents a plan for microchiping to the
Board. This item is moved to the January agenda.
Citizen Comments - There were no citizens present.
Next Meeting
Thursday, January 7, 1999
6:30 Location TBA.
1. Approval of the minutes for November12, 1998.
Old Business:
a. Shelter statistics
b. Reports from subcommittee on Mobile adoption program
c. 28E meeting
New Business:
a. Microchipping presentation
b. Discretionary accounts
Board member reports
Citizen comments
MINUTES
IOWA CITY BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1998 - 5 P.M.
CIVIC CENTER - COUNCIL CHAMBERS
PRELIMINARY
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.... 01-12-99
4b(2)
MEMBERS PRESENT: Lowell Brandt, T. J. Brandt, Kate Corcoran
MEMBERS ABSENT: Susan Bender
STAFF PRESENT:
John Yapp, Dennis Mitchell
OTHERS PRESENT: George Starr, Aria Haught, Doris Rank, Liz Jensen
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairperson Haigh called the meeting to order at 5:02 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
All members were present except Bender.
CONSIDERATION OF THF NOVEMBER 18, 1998. BOARD MINUTES:
MOTION: Corcoran moved to defer consideration of the November 18, 1998, Board minutes
until the Board's January meeting. T. J. Brandt seconded the motion. The motion carried by a
vote of 4-0.
Mitchell said that the Romanowski's have asked that their appeal be deferred. He said that City
staff is exploring the possibility of amending the City Code to allow parking to be located in a
separate zone from the principal use in some situations. He said that the appeal would be reset
when the Romanowski's request it to be.
SPECIAL EXCEPTION ITFMS:
EXC98-0027. Public hearing on an application submitted by George A. and Rosalie Starr for
a special exception to reduce the front yard setback requirement along Governor Street for
property located in the Medium Density Single-Family Residential (RS-8) zone at 830 E.
Davenport Street.
Yapp said this property is located at the corner of Governor and Davenport Streets. He said
the application is to reduce the front yard setback by eight feet so the wall of the proposed
addition would be 12 feet from the right-of-way line and 16 feet from the sidewalk. He said
the addition wall would be in line with an existing wall of the house, which also encroaches
into the right-of-way. He said this would be a 180 square foot addition. He said the addition
would be 36 feet from the Governor Street pavement, and that Governor Street has a very
wide 80-foot right-of-way in this location.
Yapp said the reason for the 20-foot yard setback is typically to ensure good visibility for
driveways, for traffic on adjacent streets pulling into and out of properties and for adequate
light and air circulation in the neighborhood. He said the proposed addition would encroach
Iowa City Board of Adjustment Minutes
December 9, 1998
Page 2
seven percent into the entire front yard, and staff felt that this would be a minor
encroachment, especially when considering the very wide right-of-way on Governor Street.
The proposed addition would not increase population density, and it would remain a single
family home. He said there should not be a substantial change to the neighborhood and the
addition is compatible with the existing house and many of the other structures on this block.
He noted Starr's handout showing the setbacks of other homes on the block. He said that
this structure would be 12 feet from the right-of-way, and the three other homes on the block
are 10 feet, 12 feet and 11 feet from the right-of-way.
Yapp said because of the interior layout and exterior footprint of the house there is no other
feasible alternative for the addition location, other than not building it. He said the
neighboring properties are also a similar distance from the right-of-way and the proposed
addition would not result in any visibility problems along Governor Street on sidewalks or
driveways. He said staff felt it would serve the interests of justice to approve the special
exception.
Public hearing opened.
George Starr. 830 F. Davenport Street, said he thought that the staff report accurately
represents everything they are trying to do. He said there is a basement under this structure
and for them to completely remodel the kitchen they need to relocate the basement access,
which is just one of the reasons they want to build the addition. He said the addition would
serve as a three season's room for the property. He said he did not think there were any
visual or ingress/egress problems, and the addition would be a significant distance from any
other property. He said there are not any other alternatives for access to the basement.
Public hearing closed.
MOTION: L. Brandt moved to approve FXC98-00~>7, a special exception to reduce the front
yard setback requirement along Governor Street for property located in the Medium Density
Single-Family Residential (RS-8) zone at 830 E. Davenport Street from 20 feet to 12 feet.
Corcoran seconded the motion.
L. Brandt said he thought the case was spelled out in the staff report in terms of meeting the
standards, and he thought that this project should not have a significant impact on other
people's property uses in the neighborhood. He said it did not appear to have a significant
impact on other issues regarding utilities, road access and ingress/egress. He said that staff
noted the extra wide right-of-way is often there to accommodate issues of visibility and
ingress/egress, and this did not seem to have a significant impact on that. He said that this
property is in an older neighborhood and there are a number of structures in the
neighborhood that impede upon the right-of-way by default. He said the encroachment
appeared to be very minimal and reasonable, and he would support the motion.
Corcoran said she agreed with L. Brandt. She said she thought the standards for a special
exception have been met, and the modification in terms of the setback was minor. She said
she thought the modification would still be compatible with other structures in the
neighborhood. She said she would vote in favor of the special exception.
Iowa City Board of Adjustment Minutes
December 9, 1998
Page 3
T. J. Brandt said he would also vote in favor of the special exception. He said the proposed
addition will not impinge on the neighborhood and he did not see any reason to not approve
it.
Haigh said he agreed. He said the special exception met the standards for ingress/egress,
and noted that Governor Street is a one-way street. He said it would be compatible with the
neighboring houses in the area, and he saw no reason not to approve it.
The motion carried by a vote of 4-0.
EXC98-0026. Public hearing on an application submitted by Liz Jensen for a special
exception to reduce the front yard setback requirement along Ginter Avenue for property
located in the Low Density Single-Family Residential (RS-5) zone at 1125 Pickard Street.
Yapp said the application is to reduce the front yard setback from 20 feet to three feet along
the length of the fence for the home at 1125 Pickard Street. He said that there is a City code
requirement that the maximum height of a fence in a front yard is four f~et tall. He said the
applicant has a six-foot tall fence, and while it has been there for over a year, the City
received a complaint regarding the fence. The fence was inspected and discovered by City
enforcement staff. He said the fence is in a front yard because on a corner lot the first 20
feet of the area fronting on the street is considered a front yard, regardless of where the
house sits. He said the applicant originally constructed the fence due to a desire for more
security in her back yard, and told staff she had found footprints in her backyard before
there was a fence there and put in the six-foot high fence in order to have more of a feeling
of security, not necessarily privacy, in her back yard.
Yapp said staff looked at whether the tall fence caused any visibility concerns for adjacent
driveways, streets and sidewalks, and in this case it does not. He said the other homes
adjacent to the fence front on Kirkwood Circle and also have back yards facing onto Ginter
Avenue. He said usually on a corner lot there is a front yard adjacent to the fence, and if this
was the case there would be more of a concern about a six-foot high fence causing visibility
problems, but the adjacent yards are used as the rear yards of homes that front on Kirkwood
Circle. He said in that respect the configuration of the neighborhood is unique. He said the
area of encroachment would be about 53 percent of the entire front yard, and that would be
a fairly substantial encroachment. He said that Ginter Avenue is a 60-foot right-of-way as
opposed to a typically residential street that is 50 feet, so it somewhat lessens the perceived
encroachment of the fence. He said the fence does not increase population density.
Yapp said because there is no visual site distance or circulation problems the main impact
to the neighborhood is aesthetic. He said the fence is vinyl and white, and appears to be
well-constructed and will hold up well as it ages. He said one neighbor who called in
suggested that the long, blank white face of the fence could be softened by the planting of
shrubs at the base of the fence, which might improve the aesthetic impact to the
neighborhood. He said as an alternative, the fence could be reconstructed as a bur-foot
high fence, or it could be reconstructed and set back 20 feet, but those might lessen the
feeling of security that the fence gives to the applicant. He said the fence did not appear to
block sunlight or air circulation to the adjacent backyards and it appeared to be a fairly high
quality, low maintenance fence. He pointed to the right-of-way line on the overhead. He said
the current fence is about six feet from the sidewalk and three feet from the right-of-way line.
Iowa City Board of Adjustment Minutes
December 9, 1998
Page 4
Haigh asked if there would be a problem with the evergreen plantings growing into the right-
of-way in the future. Yapp said only if they were not maintained. He said that the applicant
could plant small shrubs, but not anything substantial. He said that there are typically no
utilities between the sidewalk and property lines, so roots interfering with the utility corridors
should not be an issue.
Public hearing opened.
Aria Haught. 1027 Ginter Avenue, said she saw nothing wrong with the fence as it was. She
said putting shrubs near it would destroy the look of the fence. She said she respected
Jensen's desire for privacy. She said she has had people messing around in her yard at
night, and she would not mind having a fence herself. She said she thought there was
something going on in the neighborhood. She said that Jensen should be allowed to have
the fence without the shrubbery. She said the fence does not block any traffic views. She
said she thought the yard in question was Jensen's back yard, not her front yard, and that
may not agree with City Code. She said she lived behind Kirkwood Circle, her house faces
those people's back yards and those yards are kept very neat. She said she has lived there
since 1954. She said that neighbors have had shrubs and poplar trees. She said that she
hoped Jensen would be able to keep the fence because she was sure she had invested a
lot of money in it, and it was not hurting anyone.
Doris Rank. 3 Kirkwood Circle. said the one side of Jensen's fence goes along half of her
(Rank's) backyard. She said it is a beautiful fence, and she is considering putting the rest of
her yard in one. She said she saw nothing wrong with the curTent fence or the way it has
been placed. She said she had a picket fence along the south edge of her property for
privacy and security reasons. She said she also had people running across her yard in the
early morning hours.
Liz Jensen. 1195 Pickard Street. said that she was in favor of the special exception. She
said she put the fence in for a sense of security. She said she lived in the house alone, and
wanted to encourage Board members to change any of the ordinances involved because
this whole experience was not a pleasant one for her and she has not appreciated the
attention it created for her in the neighborhood. She said there might be more people than
she would like knowing that she lives alone in her house. She said she hoped the sign in the
yard would be gone tomorrow and she did not appreciate the people ddving by looking at
the sign and in the house. She said the area is her back yard, it is just a technicality in the
City or Zoning Code that it is considered a front yard. She said if anything could be changed
as a result of this so no more people had to get special exceptions to put fences in their
backyard she would appreciate it.
Haigh asked Jensen to comment on the proposal that shrubs be placed at the base of the
fence. Jensen said she had considered doing something, but she is not out in the yard much
and had not gotten around to it. She said she did not like feeling that she would be made to
do that by the City. She said that her sense of security had diminished due to all of this. She
said she felt her property was not as private, and she would not buy a house on a corner
again.
Yapp said that staff is required to put up the public notice sign, and would have it taken
down the next day. He said that he did not tell anybody calling about the special exception
that Jensen lived alone. He said the Board could suggest to the Planning and Zoning
Iowa City Board of Adjustment Minutes
December 9, 1998
Page 5
Commission to review the City Code that requires a maximum of a four-foot high fence in
the front yard. He said the front yard issue has come up a number of times with comer lots.
Jensen said her discomfort is related to the fact that she had to get the names of neighbors
within 300 feet of her house, and that was over 40 people, most of whom she did not know.
She said there has been a sense that more people are aware of her than she is comfortable
with right now. She said this had not been a real positive experience as far as how she felt
about her home, her neighborhood and Iowa City.
Haught said that staff suggested a four-foot high fence, and she thought that the City Code
allowed for a six-foot high fence. Yapp said in a front yard the maximum height for a fence is
four feet. Haught said that is not a front yard, it is a back yard. Yapp said he understood that
was the perception, but that is how the code is written. Haught said if the City makes Jensen
to this, there is another house with the same situation with a new fence, and they should
apply the code to everyone in the City. Haught said she understood Jensen's desire for
security because she lives alone and has had tracks in the yard, knocks on her doors and
knocks on the side of her house. L. Brandt said that City staff will respond to complaints, but
it is very difficult for them to enforce every violation of the City ordinances. He encouraged
Haught to file a complaint on the other property if she wished to do so. Haught said she did
not want to file a complaint because she did not believe in that; she just thought that Jensen
should be left alone.
Rank said she has lived in her home for over 50 years, and she had not heard anything
about their backyards being their front yards. Yapp said on a corner lot the part of the lot
that fronts the street is considered a front yard, and it is included in the City ordinance. Rank
said as far as Kirkwood Circle was concerned, would their back yards that abut to Ginter
Street be considered their front yards. Yapp said that the first 20 feet of the yard would be
considered a front yard by the zoning code, but from Rank's point of view it would be her
back yard. Yapp said that is called a double frontage lot when the lot fronts on two public
streets.
Public hearing closed.
MOTION: L. Brandt moved to approve FXC97-00;>6, a special exception to reduce the front
yard setback requirement from 20 feet to three feet along Ginter Avenue for property located
in the Low Density Single-Family Residential (RS-5) zone at 1125 Pickard Street. T. J.
Brantit seconded the motion.
L. Brandt said he specifically proposed the motion without the evergreen requirement. He
said that planting the evergreens might not be a bad idea, but he was not prepared to
support making that a part of the requirement. He said the basic proposal, in terms of
looking at the standards, seemed to meet the general standards with ingress and egress,
public health and safety not being harmed, and use of other people's property not being
impacted. He noted the neighbors that attended the meeting and called staff were in support
of the fence. He said staff mentioned that the primary issue was more of aesthetics, but the
Board is not a design review group.
L. Brandt said each Board member is a private citizen, and it has been an educational
experience for him being on the Board. He said he has learned that a person might not
always agree with each individual application of the City ordinances, but the ordinances are
there for a reason. He said sometimes it is difficult for an ordinance to cover every possible
Iowa City Board of Adjustment Minutes
December 9, 1998
Page 6
situation. He said when the rules are made there is also an effort made to avoid problems in
the City. He said that special exceptions and the Board who tries to objectively rule on them
exist because the rule makers know that all rules could not be universally applied. He said
the Board has the provision to go in and look at unique circumstances. He said he is not in a
position to recommend that the front yard requirements and definitions be changed because
there are reasons why those rules are in place. He said he would support this particular
special exception because he thought it met the standards, he did not see a problem with it
and the Board is allowed to make the approval. He noted that there could be another
property where he might not be so inclined to approve a special exception like this one
because it could make a significant impact on the neighborhood. He said it is a balancing
act between people's individual rights as property owners and their obligations living in a
community or neighborhood. He said as uncomfortable as it may be, the special exception
process is a mechanism for doing something outside the ordinance. He noted that if that
process did not exist, Jensen would lose her fence because it did not comply with the
ordinance.
Corcoran said that she would also support the motion. She agreed with L. Brandt that there
is little or no impact on the neighborhood, the standards for a special exception were met
and there did not seem to be any significant blockage of the sunlight or view. She said she
thought this was the type of situation that a special exception should address. She said she
also lived in a house with a back yard that abuts onto a road, and she did not know the
double front yard rule until she moved into the house. She said in the interests of justice,
she thought the Board should grant the special exception and give Jensen the enjoyment
and use of her property.
Haigh said he agreed with L. Brandt, and did not think there should be any change in the
ordinance. He said in this particular case he thought it was right to give a special exception,
but he said he could also see other cases where he would not give the special exception.
He said the Board has dealt with corner lots on numerous occasions, and he thought they
approved almost every one of those, but he could see cases where they would not' approve
them. He said that this special exception met the standards and it seemed like the
neighborhood involved supported the situation, so he would support the special exception.
Corcoran said she also agreed with the motion as made, and Jensen should not be required
to put in shrubs or greenery unless she wanted to.
T. J. Brandt said seeing the neighborhood support, knowing the special exception standards
had been met and knowing there were no negative impacts, he would support the motion.
He said he also had two front yards, and could appreciate what Jensen was going through.
He said he agreed with the ordinance and said there could be certain situations where a six-
foot high fence would not be in the interests of justice and would cause problems in the
neighborhood. He said in Jensen's case there is no problem, so he would be in favor of the
motion.
The motion carried by a vote of 4-0.
OTHER:
Therewas none.
Iowa City Board of Adjustment Minutes
December 9, 1998
Page 7
BOARD OF ADJUSTMFNT INFORMATION:
Mitchell said that the appeal filed by the Romanowski's has been deferred until the City
researches a possible code amendment.
Yapp said that Melody Rockwell was recuperating from back surgery. He noted that this was
Haigh's last meeting, and thanked him for his service to the Board. He said that Mike Paul has
been appointed to the Board to replace Haigh, and he might attend the luncheon for Haigh in
January.
ADJOURNMFNT:
MOTION: T. J. Brandt moved to adjoum the meeting. Corcoran seconded the motion. The
motion carried by a vote of 4-0, and the meeting was adjourned at 5:48 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Traci Wagner.
ppdadmin/min/boal 2o9.doc
MINUTES
IOWA CITY CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
CIVIC CENTER, COUNCIL CHAMBERS
DECEMBER 8, 1998
MEMBERS PRESENT: Lyra Dickerson, Sue Dulek
STAFF PRESENT: Karen Jennings, Sylvia Mejia, Machele
Wiebel, R.J. Winkelhake
GUESTS PRESENT:
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY MANAGER AND STAFF: Commissioners
instructed staff to conduct entry level testing for the position of Police Officer.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL: None.
SUMMARY OF RELEVANT DISCUSSION:
Dickerson called the meeting to order at 8:00 AM. The first order of business
was the Police Officer entry test. Mejia explained that the process would be the
same as what had been used in the last recruitment.
Dulek moved and Dickerson seconded a motion to approve the process. Motion
carried unanimously.
Old Business:
Mejia informed the Commission that the information in the recruitment brochure
and all relevant policies has been changed to reflect the 9 month probationary
period for Police Officers.
New Business:
Mejia introduced Karen Jennings, the new Personnel Assistant, to the
Commission.
Dulek moved and Dickerson seconded the motion to adjourn. Motion passed
unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 8:10 AM.
MINUTES
IOWA CITY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
NOVEMBER 12, 1998 - 5:30 P.M.
CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS
; 01-12-99
PRELIMIL
4b(4)
Subject to APproval
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Lars Anderson, Frank Gersh, Mike Gunn, Doris Malkmus, Pam
Michaud, Marc Mills, Linda Shope, Michaelanne Widness
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Trudy Day, Betty Kelly
STAFF PRESENT:
Scott Kugler
OTHERS PRESENT:
Richard Carlson, Osha Gray Davidson
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairperson Malkmus called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA:
There were no items.
REVIEW OF 1999 PRESF:RVATION PLAN IMPLEMENTATION REPORT:
Malkmus said she would like to review the report Kugler created after their meeting of
September 24, 1998.
Kugler said he used the same format that was used for the last two years. He explained this is
the report that will go to the City Council. No minutes were taken at the meeting; however the
report is the product of the meeting and shows the Council what the Commission's priorities are
for the next calendar year. The Commission can also refer back to the report.
Malkmus said that for each priority issue, a task group was named in the report. She requested
that the members of each group give an idea of their timeline for accomplishing each item. She
said they should start setting an agenda for what they wished to accomplish each month.
Review and Update Procedures, Guidelines, and Ordinance
As part of the task group to "Review and Update Procedures, Guidelines, and Ordinance,"
Anderson commented that he thought they were going to gather information about what other
Commissions had done regarding appeal rights, etc. and would have some information that
Kugler could forward to the Commission by the next monthly meeting.
Mills, who was also assigned to this task, said that rather than provide language for the group to
evaluate, he thought they would first provide a checklist of issues that the group needs to
discuss. The Commission would make a decision on the substantive needs and later talk about
how the language would be drafted.
Anderson said he thought that even before this, the group wanted to first see information on
what other commissions had done.
Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission
November 12, 1998
Page 2
Malkmus asked Anderson and Mills if they would be able to provide a list of substantive issues
for the Commission in terms of guidelines and procedures after they had reviewed what other
Commissions had done. This would not necessarily have to be a checklist.
Anderson and Mills agreed.
Malkmus said she believed this should be looked at right away because it was first mentioned in
June. By the December meeting, they should have a fairly good idea of how to present a rough
draft. Malkmus said she also wanted to bring up that the Commission's ordinance allows them
to create and utilize procedures and guidelines; however bylaws have to be referred to City
Council. She said they should make an individual bylaw change to have an architect ex officio
member or someone with specific training on board. This should be completed right away
instead of waiting until they had tightened up all ordinances.
Widness asked what would happen if they wanted to ask a person from another profession,
such as a builder, for advice.
Kugler said that in terms of changing the bylaws, the Commission would specify in the
ordinance what range of professions they would like. If people from different professions applied
at the same time, the Council could decide who to appoint for the term.
Malkmus said she thought this should be added to their agenda for December. This one item for
an ex officio member could be sent ahead to the Council and the others would follow later.
Longfellow Historic District
For the Longfellow Historic Distdct issue, Widness said the task force had not met and may not
have anything for the December meeting because of the Thanksgiving holiday approaching.
However, she said that the group will continue to do their part.
Malkmus said that is fine because she thinks they have all year to complete this.
Widness said she is a member of another committee which will take priority. For Education
Outreach, they are charged with redoing the maps and brochures.
Malkmus said that for Longfellow, it seems they need to come up with guidelines for the
neighborhood as they create it and before they see vinyl siding. She asked if there was a sense
of urgency to move ahead on Longfellow.
Kugler said that last spring when they were holding the wrap-up meetings on the survey, a
number of residents were interested in the designation and were told this would be a priority.
Governor Street Conservation District residents were told this as well. He said he did not believe
the Longfellow District would be in any danger if it were put off for some time.
Because Gersh lives close to the district, Malkmus asked him if he sensed any urgency.
Gersh said there was earlier this year and last year.
Malkmus asked if this was the case even with the controversy over synthetic siding.
Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission
November 12, 1998
Page 3
Gunn said vinyl siding is definitely controversial. He attended the meeting at Longfellow school
in late spring. He said there was an attendance of 20-25 people who were all in favor. The
neighborhood would like to see the designation.
Malkmus said that perhaps they should solicit the neighborhood for assistance in coming up
with guidelines for what they would like to see.
Widness said they could write the neighborhood association and explain to them that they are
working on the designation and need guidelines for the neighborhood. She said they should
decide for which areas the Commission would like input. She also asked if this request would be
in a letter format and if the letter should be reviewed by everyone.
Malkmus said she didn't think the letter was as important as making the contact with the
neighborhood. ,
Gunn said the neighborhood has meetings periodically and it may be sufficient just to let them
know.
Kugler said the one danger with this is that the standards the Commission must use in the
historic districts are the Secretary of the Interior's Standards, and the Commission may use a
set of federal guidelines or any guidelines it develops to help implement those standards. He
does not want to rely too much on the neighborhood to decide on certain standards.
Malkmus said another option is to ask the neighborhood to describe its character--its sense of
time and place. Rather than having hard and fast guidelines, this would provide some
information for people thinking of doing renovations.
Gunn said he thought that if people came up with something that is not compatible, it could be
explained and dealt with.
Gersh said he thought it would be good for the neighborhood to come up with the guidelines to
begin with, even if it did have to conform to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards. This would
allow for more discussion to begin with and the neighborhood would know what to expect.
Malkmus asked who would be willing to approach the officers of the Longfellow District.
Widness said she would, but would like to tell them some specifics about areas to consider.
Kugler said they already have a set of guidelines and the Commission may want to look at those
first to see where the guidelines may be deficient. The Commission could review them to make
sure nothing's missing.
Widness asked if the contact would be made after the guidelines had been redone.
Malkmus said she was trying to avoid that and would view this as a step back.
Kugler said he wouldn't want to ask the neighborhood to reinvent much of what they already
have. The guidelines just need to be fine-tuned.
Iowa City Histodc Preservation Commission
November 12, 1998
Page 4
Anderson asked why not send the guidelines the Commission already has and ask the
neighborhood for their input.
Malkmus asked if they should also inform the neighborhood of resources for creating guidelines.
Kugler said that is fine if the neighborhood is willing to do the work.
Anderson said it should not have to go that far because the guidelines should be fairly obvious.
Malkmus said it is the ~ner points of architecture that need to be looked at. She said she is very
much in favor of giving the neighborhood association what the Commission has in terms of
resources and experience.
Gunn said that for the next meeting, he would like to discuss issues of contributing structures
and non-contributing structures and what is compatible with historic districts so that the group
has a better understanding of where to apply the standards and how strictly to apply the
standards. He did not feel that there was a consensus on the Commission about those issues.
Malkmus said she believed the group should consider the fact that the Longfellow neighborhood
is very homogeneous because many of the houses were built during the same time period with
similar characteristics. She said this might be a good place to find out what it means to be
compatible. The Commission may learn more from actually coming up with the guidelines in
terms of what they mean by "compatible" than they would from a discussion of compatibility in a
platonic sense without the particulars.
Gunn said he still thought this was too nebulous. Prioritization of where the standards apply
strictly is an important issue. He has heard very different opinions of what compatibility means.
For example, he would hold an historic structure that is contributing to a district to higher
standards than an outbuilding at the back of a lot. He said that those distinctions have to be
made before the group can go forward.
Malkmus asked if they would need to do this before they contact Longfellow.
Gunn said he did not think so, but that it is a necessary discussion.
Malkmus asked for a volunteer to bring this up to Longfellow. Widness volunteered.
Governor Street Conservation District
Michaud, who is working on the Govemor Street Conservation District with Gersh and Gunn,
said they have completed the guidelines but still have to work on the illustrations. Gersh said he
understood the City graphics person was supposed to do that. Kugler said they have not had
the staff time because of other priorities.
Malkmus asked if the group planned to have a neighborhood meeting soon. Gersh said not until
after they have completed the guidelines so that they have something to show. Kugler said they
need to provide some direction on what needs to be sketched.
Malkmus said she would like to get a sense of how things will unfold over the next year and
Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission
November 12, 1998
Page 5
asked Michaud if she had any sense of a timeline. Michaud said it seems that all of these
projects will be in progress over the next few months. Anderson commented that perhaps
updates at each meeting should be placed on the agenda.
Malkmus said that will happen but wants to coordinate this so that at some point Longfellow and
Governor converge. Then they can be presented to the Council together. This would be the
largest historic district the Commission has ever proposed. She said that to have a report
explaining clearly that this is a solid district, and explaining the conservation districts, would be
beneficial.
Staffing Issues
To update the Commission on staffing issues, Kugler said the Department's proposed budget
includes a proposal for an additional staff member. This would increase the staff time for this
Commission from 1/4-time to 1/2-time. This has been forwarded to the City Manager, who will
put together a recommendation for City Council. Whether this is included in the
recommendation has not yet been decided. If not, the Commission may need to lobby the
Council members and send someone to speak at Council meetings if it wishes to push for this.
The public hearings for the budget happen in February or March and the budget is adopted in
late March or early April.
Malkmus asked if the Commission could request that the person have training in historic
preservation. Kugler said that the details have not been determined yet. The proposal requests
one new staff member, which would increase staff time in three different areas. One of the
responsibilities of the new person would be staffing for public arts.
Malkmus said that including historic preservation in ongoing planning for this position is
something the Commission should be lobbying for.
Montgomery-Butler House
Malkmus said there did not appear to be a need for additional discussion on the Montgomery-
Butler House.
Survey and Evaluation of Original Town Plat, Phases I, II, and III
Malkmus asked about the grant funding. Kugler said they would discuss this under Item E.
Historic Landmark Designations
Malkmus said this was something they could discuss under Item D.
Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission
November 12, 1998
Page 6
Education/Outreach
Malkmus asked Widness if she could provide an update. Widness said she could not because
Kelly is taking the lead on the map and she has not talked with her. Widness said it would not
be an item for the December agenda.
Malkmus asked for any other comments about the Preservation Plan implementation report for
1999. There were none. Malkmus said she believes they will be focusing primarily on
procedures and guidelines for the next couple of months and then move into a discussion of
Governor and Longfellow in the middle of the spring.
Kugler said he would forward the Preservation Plan implementation report on to the City
Council.
IOWA CITY HISTORIC lANDMARK NOMINATION: 2-6 SOUTH LINN STRFET (HARMON
BUILDING)
Kugler said nomination of the building has been filed as expected. He distributed photographs of
the building and commented on the Commission's process. He explained the Commission's
ordinance allowed any member of the public to nominate a building. After the public hearing, the
Commission could vote to recommend the building for histodc landmark nomination, post-pone
the decision for a future meeting, or choose not to recommend the building. If in favor of the
recommendation, the nomination would be forwarded to the Planning and Zoning Commission.
They would review this in terms of its relation to the comprehensive plan and any proposed
public improvement plans. They would make a recommendation to City Council and this
designation would ultimately be decided by City Council. If not nominated by the Commission,
the process would stop. Kugler also mentioned that a copy of the nomination was sent to Marlys
Svendson for an additional opinion. Svendson feels the building is eligible for designation as a
local landmark. Kugler referred to a memorandum from Assistant Planning Director Jeff
Davidson that outlined the steps taken on the planning for the proposed parking ramp.
Public Hearing Opened
Richard Cadson. 309 Finkbine Lane. #10, said he prepared the landmark nomination for the
Harmon Building. He believed the nomination spoke for itself and was glad to hear Svendson
agreed that the building is eligible. Rather than speak about the building, he chose to speak
about the implications of the Commission's decision. Carlson said he, of course, is in favor of
the nomination and believed the Commission should not stop the nomination at this point. He
said it should not be the Historic Preservation Commission's (HPC's) role to stop the process
because a parking ramp is planned for the site. That would be the Planning and Zoning
Commission's responsibility. He said the HPC's role should be to only look at the historic
significance of the building, not at other uses for the site. He requested the Commission vote on
whether or not they believe this building is eligible for local landmark designation.
Osha Gray Davidson. 14 South Governor Street, thanked the Commission for their hard work.
He said he believed that historic preservation is a vital role and a vital job, and gets to the issue
of what the soul of the community is. He said he believes the Commission has the job of
safeguarding the integrity of the soul and the identity of Iowa City. He has lived here since 1972
and has seen many beautiful, historic buildings demolished over the years. He said some were
Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission
November 12, 1998
Page 7
beautiful and should have been preserved, and s6me lacked aesthetic quality yet should have
been preserved because of their historic value. Davidson said he is now fortunate enough to live
Queen Anne House on Governor Street. He said he often thinks about people who have looked
out those same windows and the people who have passed by. He said he talks to his children
about this to give them a sense of the history of the community. He said buildings like the
Harmon Building have stories and lives involved in them. These buildings are the repository for
the stories and lives of people who came to Iowa City before us. When torn down, the buildings
are not only demolished, but also the stories of Iowa City residents. He said that it is the
Commission's job to safeguard these stodes. He realizes the Commission already knows this or
they would not be serving on the Commission. He reiterated that the past is important and
irreplaceable. He then thanked Richard Carlson for the work he did on outlining the history of
the building. He also said that this is a perfect example of why there needs to be a
comprehensive survey of downtown to determine which buildings are historically significant.
Davidson closed by saying he was glad to hear in the meeting that there might be more
resources devoted to historic preservation with the addition of a staff member to the City.
Public Hearing Closed
Gersh said this was a well-reasoned and thorough proposal by Mr. Carlson. He stated that it
seems cut-and-dried because the building obviously meets the criteria.
Malkmus asked if there was any further discussion. Commission members indicated that they
were ready to vote.
MOTION: Anderson moved to nominate the Harmon Building at 2-6 South Linn Street to
be designated as an Iowa City Historic Landmark and to forward the nomination to the
City Council and Planning & Zoning Commission. Michaud seconded the motion. The
motion carried by a vote of 8-0.
Kugler said this information will be sent to the state, who must provide comments before the
Planning and Zoning Commission can vote. This will be on the agenda for the next Planning
and Zoning Commission meeting.
Malkmus asked if a representative of the Histodc Preservation Commission should attend the
meeting and report on the HPC's decision. Kugler said he thought that would be appropriate.
Malkmus volunteered to attend the December 3 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting.
DISCUSSION OF UPCOMING CLG GRANT APPLICATION DEADLINE
Kugler said that they have two grant cycles coming up. The deadline for the CLG grant is
December 15. This program is limited to certified local governments and is aimed at assisting
with surveys and things of this nature. The HRDP grant deadline is January 15. This program
not only funds surveys, but also bricks and mortar type projects. Therefore, there is more
competition for the HRDP grant. He said they have tried through both programs to fund Phase
III of the original town plat survey but have not been successful. He said the Commission needs
to decide if they would like to try again or seek other funds for the completion of that project.
Malkmus asked when they would find out about the CLG grant. Kugler thought it would be the
Iowa City Histodc Preservation Commission
November 12, 1998
Page 8
end of April.
Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission
November 12, 1998
Page 9
Malkmus said that in the past the Commission regularly received almost every grant they
applied for. However, now there is more competition for CLG money. She said she talked with
previous chairs who said that the more districts the HPC has, the more able they would be to
preserve history. Because the Commission does not have any jurisdiction over downtown or the
houses by Mercy Hospital, they cannot do much. Malkmus said that the comprehensive plan
advised them to evaluate and nominate neighborhoods one after another if this had happened,
the Commission would have been finished with all of the neighborhoods by this year. She said
this will not happen; therefore they need to think about what they want to do with the application.
She asked Kugler if there would be enough money to complete this project.
Kugler said it will depend on the actual cost of the project, but there may be enough "matching"
money to complete Phase III without the grant. Kugler said he would look into the possibility of
using this money in this manner. However, this will impact the size of any other grant they can
request.
Gersh asked what phase they are talking about.
Kugler explained that a survey has been completed for basically half of the Northside. They are
in the process of surveying the southern half. They agreed to survey all of the Northside and
Goosetown together. The balance of Goosetown east of Governor Street is what they have
been trying to get grant funding for.
Gunn asked if when the previous grants were applied for and denied, was matching money
provided only if the grants were received.
Kugler said that the City budgets about $6,600 per year to use as matching money for the
grants. He said it comes out of a larger pool of money but that much of it is basically designated
for the Commission to use to leverage grant funds. Kugler said there is money for this year and
because the Longfellow neighborhood contributed some of its neighborhood money for its own
survey, there was money left over from the year before. He said he was not sure what kind of
limitations there were as far as carrying these funds over from one year to the next.
Gersh questioned whether the Commission has to receive a grant in order to have access to the
City funds. Kugler said that is what he needs to investigate.
Mills asked how much the survey will cost. Kugler said they have estimated from $13-15
thousand. He said he would have to look at the previous grant applications to know for sure.
Kugler said Svendson Tyler gave the estimate that was used on the grant application.
Gersh said the Commission was not really told why it was turned down in the past.
Kugler said they generally have received good comments; however the proposal has to be
ranked high enough. All grant applications are reviewed by staff members who put together
Iowa City Histodc Preservation Commission
November 12, 1998
Page 10
comments in a report to a committee. The committee takes that information, reads all of the
applications, and ranks them. The rankings are sent on to those in charge of the funding. They
start from the top of the ranked list and go down until they run out of money.
Michaud asked if the fact that they have received so much money before played a part in the
decision.
Kugler said they heard from one of the committee members a few years ago that there were
concerns Iowa City receiving all of this money. However, Iowa City was one of the few
commissions that was organized and applying for grants regularly.
Malkmus asked if the City has near enough money to fund these three projects without grants.
Kugler said he thought they would, if the unspent matching money was carried over.
Malkmus asked, considering Michaud's point that Iowa City has received its fair share of money,
if there is any alternative project (for example, tightening up their ordinance) to make their
chances for funding more likely. She said she does not believe there is anything intrinsically
wrong with these applications even though they have received funding for them before. A
unique project may get more attention.
Kugler said a lot of communities will be asking for funding for survey projects. The committees
have seen basically the same type of application from Iowa City for years. Perhaps with a
different project, it would be given different consideration, but he did not know. He said they
were funded a few years ago to hire someone to develop the Conservation district ordinance.
That was given a fairly high ranking.
Malkmus asked for any proposals for what the Commission's strategy should be this time. She
asked if they apply for the CLG grant on December 15, when would the project have to be'
completed. Kugler said in July 2000. He is not sure for the other grant because the deadlines
have changed. The application deadline has been moved up frem May 1.
Malkmus said that even though they do not have the funding to designate new historic districts
on a regular basis, they have the Longfellow District for which no additional funding is needed,
just follow-up work. She said the Commission should be careful in determining where they ask
the City to invest its money. She asked if members were willing to apply for the CLG again and
wait until April for the results.
Gersh asked how much work there is in applying for the grant.
Kugler said they generally ask someone from the Commission to put the application together,
and then he will do the editing. He said the filing for Phase III will be fairly easy because the
application has been completed before.
Malkmus asked if there was anything that the Commission should do differently from the staff
point of view.
Kugler said that from the staff point of view, he would like to see some of these projects
wrapped up before moving on to new neighborhoods. For areas such as Longfellow and the
Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission
November 12, 1998
Page 11
Dubuque Street area, it is not a matter of receiving grants, it is a matter of Commission
members working in those areas to finish up and put a report together. If too many areas are
being looked at without finishing up on what has been started, people will wonder if the
Commission is going to follow through on anything.
Gersh said perhaps they should forget about the grant proposal.
Malkmus said they may not receive it, but they do not necessarily have to give up writing it.
Mills said that if this proposal is basically done, he does not see any problem with tuming it in.
He asked if they end up spending some of their own money to finish this up, will the
Commission look better next year. Kugler said that is not one of the state's official criteria.
Gersh volunteered to work on the CLG grant application.
Kugler said that they need to also make a decision about the HRDP grant at the December
meeting. Malkmus asked if they could also apply for a grant for Phase IV. Kugler said that the
state probably would not want to put money towards something where the survey is not even
complete. They have told us that in the past.
Malkmus said that for the HRDP, they should think not only about the consultants, but also
about any bricks and mortar things Iowa City needs. Kugler added to also think about the
Commission's ordinance. Malkmus asked the 'Commission to think about projects for which they
would like to apply the HRDP grant. She said that the HRDP grant will be on the December
agenda.
DISCUSSION OF INCORPORATING A DI=MOLITION BY NEGLFCT CLAUSE IN THF
HISTORIC PRFSERVATION ORDINANCE
Michaud said she wrote a memo on November 5 describing the situation around College Green.
She said it seems unusual for houses close to downtown to be unoccupied. However there are
two with absentee landlords; one in San Francisco and one in Davenport. The Davenport
landlord thought he would sell the house quickly 10 years ago for the purposes of a fratemity or
sorority. He did not realize the property was not zoned for that use, and may not have realized
that he cannot build anything larger. Michaud said it may be that he was temporarily busy and
will now fill up the house at 528 East College Street. However, she feels that they should add an
amendment saying that a building should not be allowed to be demolished because of neglect.
She provided a few examples of that type of ordinance in her memo.
Gersh asked what the ordinance says now. Kugler said there is no provision for demolition by
neglect now. He said that in the Preservation Plan, in the memo from Clarion Association (who
took a look at the Commission's ordinance), it was suggested that if a building is demolished by
neglect, there should be a restriction in building on the property in addition to a monetary fine.
Gersh said he thought they had to pass on something if it was demolished. Kugler said that this
would be addressing someone who lets their building go. A condemned building is a different
situation than someone just wanting to tear a building down.
Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission
November 12, 1998
Page 12
Michaud asked if the wording recommended by Clarion was adequate. Kugler said it was just an
example. The Commission needs to look at it more closely to see if it fits with their ordinance
and if it is the type of penalty they are looking for.
Michaud said for the house at 528 E. College, she received a history of it starting from 1868.
There was an original limestone one-reom house that was added on to. The house has not
been split up in a destructive manner. She said that the walls that have been added can be
easily removed. She asked what they were thinking about for the phrasing an ordinance.
Mills said they have not looked at it, but the important thing is to put something in the ordinance.
They can bring some examples and review them.
Malkmus asked if Mills would bring some examples that he felt were appropriate to the next
meeting. She said they will not be reviewing the ordinance as much as their guidelines and
procedures. She said the ordinance issue is separate and will be decided at a later time. As far
as the issue of the two preperties, she asked if there was any imminent danger to the
preperties.
Michaud said the property on Dodge Street is still empty and the chimney is gone. She said that
it does not seem likely that the landlord would let them deteriorate because there is an adjacent
house that is well-maintained. However, she said that there should be a reminder sent to the
landlords.
Malkmus asked Michaud if she would like the Commission to send a reminder and if there was
anyone who would be willing to write it.
Michaud said she would write a reminder.
Kugler said they would have to be careful. He would prefer they wait until the next meeting to
have people review the wording. The Commission does not want to look like they are telling
people what to do with their preperty.
Mills said he believes the ordinance part of this should definitely be reviewed and would not
want to go to the Council with it yet unless there is an emergency.
Michaud asked if they should call the owners first.
Malkmus said that she liked the idea of a letter instead and noted that they should just offer a
reminder that older buildings deteriorate quickly when unoccupied.
Kugler said that as part of the letter, they could offer the landlords resources and help. He said
there is the HRDP grant and they are eligible for money as part of the national register district.
The district is listed on the National Register.
(Anderson left the meeting.)
CONSIDFRATION OF MINUTES FROM THF SEPT. 10 AND OCT. 1. 1998 MEETINGS
Iowa City Histodc Preservation Commission
November 12, 1998
Page 13
For the September minutes, Widness said that on Page 1, bottom paragraph, Steve Jacobsen
should be listed as from NNW, not MNW. Also, on Page 5, the second to last sentence of the
first paragraph is missing the word "was." The sentence should read, "Kugler asked if Keil's
reference to mortar was really lime." On Page 12, in the fourth paragraph, an extra "was"
appears in the first sentence.
MOTION: Widness moved to approve the September 10, 1998 meeting minutes with the
aforementioned corrections. Malkmus seconded the motion. The motion carried by a
vote of 7-0.
For the October minutes, Shope said she was not present. Widness said that on Page 2, the
third full paragraph, fourth sentence, should read "effect" rather than "affect." Also, on Page 8,
the first large paragraph, sixth line from the bottom, should say, "ceiling and" rather than "ceiling
a." On Page 9, Widness questioned the wording of the motion that said, "contemporaneous." It
could not be determined whether that was the actual wording, so no change was requested. On
Page 12, the second paragraph, last sentence, should show that Widness, rather than Michaud,
said she would help Anderson with refreshments.
MOTION: Gersh moved to approve the October 1, 1998 meeting minutes with the
corrections noted above. Gunn seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
Commission Information/Discussion
Kugler distributed a letter from Brad Houser who has more information about the fiber-cement
product and a couple of other buildings. Kugler said he is not sure what the letter is requesting.
Kugler said that he called him and said that if he wishes to have this considered again, he
should make a request to the Commission to amend the certificate that was granted to him.
Kugler said Houser should also submit at that time any new information he would like the
Commission to consider. The letter mentions using alternative siding.
Gunn said he had suggested to him that if he could find test criteria from cold weather, the
alternative product may be worth considering. Gunn said that if it is a good product, it will be a
good product to use in Iowa City's historic districts because it is inexpensive. Gunn said he has
been testing a piece of the product himself by soaking it in water and then placing it in the
freezer. He said the piece has been through approximately 30 deep-freeze cycles and he was
unable to tell a difference after a month. He said he would like to see the information from the
manufacturer because the appearance is very close to wood, yet is inexpensive. The product
has lasted three decades in hot, humid climates and holds paint. He said if they are trying to get
away from vinyl siding, they need an alternative to $2 per foot redwood siding. He would like to
have a siding discussion and will put together a proposal for discussion at the next meeting.
Kugler said he visited Celebration, Florida while on vacation and noticed they used the product
almost exclusively. Kugler said he was impressed with the appearance.
Malkmus asked if the members were comfortable with an agenda that includes discussion of the
Commission's guidelines as well as substantive discussion about materials and contributing
structures. Kugler added that discussion of the ex officio member, the HRDP grant, and a
discussion of the grant funds will also be on the agenda.
Iowa City Histodc Preservation Commission
November 12, 1998
Page 14
Widness said related to the siding issue is the issue of places like the Summit Street house that
wanted to add a four-season sunroom on the back. She said they kept making the point that you
could not see the room from the street. She said she was reminded of John Shaw's comment
from the Old House Seminar that historic districts are not movie sets. The whole structure has to
be considered, not just what can be seen from the street. She said that she believed this should
also be part of the discussion.
Malkmus said there are two issues with this. Neither the Secretary of the Intedor's standards nor
the state laws require them to do anything except with what can be seen from the street.
However, in their own ordinance, it states that changes in appearance shall pertain to changes
in appearance which are visible from a public way or from adjacent properties. This sets a
higher standard.
Widness said that she thought Gunn's drawing-of-the-line between contributing and non-
contributing structures made more sense than front vs. back.
Gunn said that a contributing structure in an historic district should be preserved with almost no
exceptions according to the Secretary of the Intedor's standards. However, non-contributing
structures, such as new structures and outbuildings, should be administered differently. He said
that by looking at contributing vs. non-contributing, the issue of whether or not it can be seen
from the street becomes obsolete. Structures that are not visible from the street can still create
problems. Gunn said that they should not say "anything goes" for non-contributing structures.
He commented that the Secretary of the Interior's standards can be expensive and difficult to
adhere to, and the Commission should enforce those in certain cases. In cases where the
Commission can be more lenient, he believed they should be. He said that he does not feel that
a new building should have to look like an 1880s replica.
Kugler said that he also wanted to let the Commission know that the owners of 536 S. Summit
Street were not happy with the Commission's decision on their project, and this may be an issue
in the future. He said that he also received two letters and wondered if someone from the
Commission would respond to them. Gunn said he would answer the e-mail Kugler received
from a person who wishes to add a second floor to his house. Shope said she would answer the
letter requesting historical information on the old hospital and the Eastlawn building.
ADJOURNMENT:
MOTION: Widness moved to adjourn the meeting. Gersh seconded the motion.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Wendy Larive.
ppdadmin\min~hpcl 1-12.doc
ol -12-99
4b(S)
MINUTES
IOWA CITY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
DECEMBER 10, 1998 - 5:30 P.M.
CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Lars Anderson, Trudy Day, Frank Gersh, Mike Gunn, Betty Kelly,
Doris Malkmus, Pam Michaud, Marc Mills, Linda Shope,
Michaelanne Widness
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT:
Scott Kugler
OTHERS PRESENT:
Rick Crotts, Brad Houser
RFCOMMFNDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL:
The Commission approved, by a vote of 9-0, to strongly recommend to City Council that the
proposed amendments regarding the replacement of roofing, siding and windows become part
of the 1997 Iowa City Building Code.
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairperson Malkmus called the meeting to order at 5:33 p.m.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITFM NOT ON THE AGENDA:
There was none.
CFRTIFICATF OF APPROPRIATFNF:SS: Rt=QUFST TO AMI::ND CF:RTIFICATF OF
APPROPRIATENFSS ISSUFD FOR 803 S. SUMMIT STRFFT (SIDING):
Kugler said that Brad Houser requested that the approved Certificate of Appropriateness for
803 S. Summit Street be amended. He said Houser provided more information about the fiber
cement siding material that was discussed by the Commission earlier this year. He said that the
vote on the use of this project was 4-4, which resulted in a denial. He said there are two new
Commission members now and the Commission has more information about the product. He
said it is appropriate for the applicant to request that the certificate be amended, and it can be
brought up as many times as the applicant chooses to. He said he has identified some other
discrepancies between what is actually being constructed and what is in the approved plans to
discuss with the Commission after they decide on the siding issue.
Malkmus asked if the City Planning Department had a position on fiber cement for use on a new
building in a historic district. Kugler said he typically does not make recommendations to the
Commission. He said, however, staff expressed in the past that they thought it was a
reasonable material.
(Michaud arrived at 5:37 p.m.)
Brad Houser said the main problem with the siding material when it was proposed was that
nobody knew anything about the product and its longevity versus wood or vinyl siding. He said
Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission
December 10, 1998
Page 2
they have since done more research on the product, and he talked with James Hardie and
Crotts, who is a Hardie sales representative. He said that he received some information about
some historic homes that the product has been used on. He said he used the product on part of
his house, and understood that it would hold up with the first coat of paint for 15-20 years. He
said this product provided a nice second option for siding from a cost standpoint, as well as a
longevity standpoint.
Rick Crotts, Hardie Sales Representative said the product is 90 percent ground silicone sand,
Portland Cement and cellulose fiber, which makes it more workable. He said he had the
product's exact physical properties if Commission members wanted that information. He said
that James Hardie had been producing fiber cement siding for over 100 years, so it is not a new
technology, but it is new to the United States. He said they have been selling the siding in the
U.S. for close to 15 years, and have had plants in the U.S. for the last 10 years. He said the
product has been applied in Michigan, Vermont, the Pacific Northwest, and the Northern
regions, and a lot of their larger regions include Texas, Florida and South Carolina where the
humidity prevents wood siding from being an option. He said their research and development
department tests the product with a freeze/thaw cycle where the siding is heated to 180 degrees
for 24 hours, sprayed with water for 24 hours and frozen for 24 hours 365 times to represent a
year cycle. He said there is a 50-year warranty on the product, and they have outlived their
warranty. He said if anything would happen to the product it is covered at twice the retail value,
which would cover the product removal and installation of new siding.
Widness asked how long was the longest period in a cold climate that the product has actually
been applied and lasted with no problems. Crotts said there is a house in upstate New York that
has had the product for 12 years, and it is fine. He said the product has been up longer in more
hot, humid climates like Australia, New Guinea, New Zealand and Malaysia. Anderson noted
that New Zealand has a lot of different climates within the country. Crotts said his sales area
covers Iowa and Nebraska, and the oldest application in his area is in Omaha and it has lasted
eight years. Widness asked what would happen when the siding would have to be repainted.
Crotts said the person would have to clean the dust and dirt off and repaint it when the color is
faded, but there would not be any peeling paint because the Hardie plank would not expand or
contract and would keep moisture from going underneath the paint and making it peel. Crotts
passed around a photo album that had photos of houses with the product on it.
Kelly asked what density of siding would Houser be installing because some of them were
approved by the Association of Standards for Material Testing (ASMT) and some were not.
Crotts said they were all Level 2 or 3.5 density. He said it is a non-combustible product that
would not burn. Michaud asked what type of texture Houser planned to use. Crotts said there is
a smooth or colonial rough finish. Houser said he did not have a preference on the finish.
Malkmus said the Commission would recommend the smooth finish.
Kelly said she called the ASMT about the product, and they said it passed all their tests
regarding fire resistance and durability, but they had a question about long-term exposure to
various temperatures particularly in Northern climates. She said they said it did very well in
Southern climates, and they are watching houses in Boston historic districts that applied the
product a few years ago to see how well it does in the Northern climates. Crotts said that he and
some other sales representatives visited all the houses in Iowa that have had the product for
five years or more, and they could not find any problems.
Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission
December 10, 1998
Page 3
Malkmus asked if the product had a problem with nailing letting go after time. Crotts said no.
Houser said that the product does not have as much flex. He said that he went and looked at
the Marriott Residence Inn in Cedar Rapids, which has the product, and said he did not see any
problems after walking around the building a few times. He said that Hardie plank has very strict
standards to cover the warranty so you have to use the company's suggested manufacturers for
paint or caulk and their standards for installation and nailing, or else you would lose your
warranty.
Houser said the planks come pre-primed. Malkmus asked if any tests had been conducted
about the product's vapor permeability for how well moisture can move through the walls'from
the inside of the house. Crotts said Houser would probably use the House Wrap for vapor
protection. Malkmus asked if this product had a higher vapor barrier quality than Tivec. Crotts
said no, and unless each piece of siding was caulked at every joint vertically and horizontally
the moisture will be able to escape through the siding. Houser said that he plans to caulk all the
ends, but that is all. Crotts noted a house on Timber Lane that has Hardie plank with the smooth
finish.
Kugler said given what has happened with this property at 803 S. Summit Street and the
potential for appeal, he thought the Commission should be very clear to relate their decision to
the standards for rehabilitation and their local guidelines, and articulate why everyone is voting
the way they are. Kelly asked the motion should read that this product would be allowed for new
construction, not for rehabilitation. Kugler said whatever is moved should be specifically for this
property.
Crotts said that he would want to be there for the installation process to make sure that it is
correctly installed. Kelly said ASMT stressed to her that if the product was not put on correctly, it
would not perform correctly.
Gersh asked Commission members' opinions about the rough grade cedar material Houser said
he would use if the Hardie plank was not approved. Malkmus said she thought the rough siding
was really inappropriate for the neighborhood.
Kugler said the plans specified horizontal siding. He went through the Secretary of Interior
Standards for Rehabilitation that could apply to this case. He said that the Commission should
keep in mind the entire historic district and how this change could affect it. He said item #2 says
the historic character of a property (or district) shall be retained and preserved, item #5
discusses distinctive features and finishes, and construction techniques or examples of
craftsmanship that characterize a historic property (or district) shall be preserved. He said that
the Commission could broaden either of those and talk about the district and how well this
material would fit with other materials in the district. He said item #6 talks about the replacement
of historic features or materials and whatever item is being replaced, the new should match in
design, color, texture and other visual qualities, and where possible, materials. He said the
standards also said that new additions, alterations or related new construction shall not destroy
historic materials that characterize the property, which he said should be broadened to the
entire district in this case. He said that in the Commission's standards, the first says that new
structures need not mimic historic styles, and such designs must be harmonious with
surrounding structures and must not compromise the historic character of the district. He said
compatibility and harmony would be measured as those attributes relate to the historic
structures, which contribute to the district's character, and not the noncontributing structures. He
Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission
December 10, 1998
Page 4
said beyond that there is not much in the Commission's guidelines that deals with materials, so
the Commission would have to rely on the Secretary of Interior Standards for their decision.
MOTION: Anderson moved to amend the Certificate of Appropriateness for 803 S.
Summit Street that the Commission approved to allow for the applicant to use fiber
cement siding and soffit on the home.
He said the biggest concern he remembered from the earlier denial of the use was not because
the product was not visually compatible with the neighborhood. He said that there seemed to be
a consensus among Commission members that it was visually compatible with the other
property, and it was fairly similar looking to wood. He said the Commission's biggest concern
was that they did not know enough about its long-term use. He said they would never be 100
percent sure, but he said the new information convinced him that it was worth allowing the
applicant to use it.
Widness said the Commission should specify the requirement of smooth fiber cement board.
Anderson said all the other previous conditions for the siding in the Certificate of
Appropriateness would still apply. Mills said that he would like to emphasize that this is an
experiment, and everyone should not expect to be able to use this product in a historic district.
Kelly said that they should specify its use for new construction versus restoration.
Malkmus asked if Houser would use Hardie plank on the softits and trim. Houser said yes.
Crotts listed the sizes of trim available. Malkmus said the Commission would like more of a
sense of mass or width with the trim and cornerboards and narrowness on the siding.
Anderson's motion failed for lack of a second.
MOTION: Anderson moved to amend the Certificate of Appropriateness for 803 S.
Summit Street to allow for the applicant to use fiber cement siding and soffit on the
home, incorporating the previously approved specifications that were to apply to the
wood siding, and with the conditions that the fiber cement siding have a smooth finish
and be installed as per manufacturer's specifications.
Kelly suggested that it be included in the motion that this product was to only be used for new
construction. Anderson said this motion only deals with this property.
Widness seconded the motion.
Anderson said the Commission previously discussed that the product was compatible looking
visually, did not detract from the neighborhood's historic character and the Commission's
biggest concern was its durability, and in his mind those concerns had been dealt with.
Day said that she would abstain from the vote because she did not think she had enough
knowledge about the product and the length of time it has been tested in this climate. Kelly said
she was afraid the product would start appearing everywhere else. Anderson said before it
could be installed on other new construction it would have to go through the Commission. Kelly
said that this would be setting a precedent, and it would be difficult to deny in the future.
Anderson said that the minutes would clearly state that this is for new construction.
Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission
December 10, 1998
Page 5
The motion carried by a vote of 8-0, with Day and Kelly abstaining.
Kugler said that in a recent visit to the property he noticed three discrepancies between the way
the construction is occurring and the way the plans were approved. He said the approved plans
included a set of returns on the front gable of the fa(}ade, and no returns on the porch roof. He
said the building contains a full pediment across the front gable and returns on the front porch.
He said another discrepancy has to do with the chimney. He said the original chimney was
proposed to be sided with vinyl, and was a box. He said the material for the chimney was
changed to a stucco-material by the Certificate Review Committee, and the chimney was
narrowed at the top in the plans, perhaps to save materials costs. It was constructed as a full
box chimney. He said the third item dealt with the front windows, which were consistent with
other homes in the district. He said on the approved plans, they had the same proportions as
the other windows. He said as a result of a code provision the windows were changed to meet
the required minimum size of an exit window, so the windows appeared to be wider and
squatter instead of narrower like the Commission requested.
Houser said the windows were moved six inches, but they did not meet building code due to
egress requirements for a bedroom. Malkmus asked if there was a vertically proportioned
window that had a look of tallness available. Houser said no. Kugler said they walked through
the building and the windows are already pretty close to the floor, and it would have been
difficult to go for anything larger in the bedroom. Houser said that his framer would take care of
the other two issues because those were his building mistakes. He said that there are both
returns and nonreturns in the neighborhood, and the pop-bottle chimney was proposed to save
on materials. It is a gas fireplace so it doesn't really matter what shape it is.
Kugler said that John Shaw suggested stepping the chimney in as a way to save materials at
the Certificate Review Committee meeting. Gersh said that changing the current chimney would
do just the opposite. Malkmus and Gersh said they would prefer to see the chimney stepped in.
Houser said he had seen both types of chimneys on the street.
Kelly said that front gables are very heavy with the addition of the roofing and heavy returns.
Gersh said he thought it should be like the plans. Kelly asked what material Houser would use
for the shingles on the gables. Houser said that Hardie has a shingle siding as well. Gunn said
the plans were more appropriate to the district in all three instances, and he thought they should
stick with the plans except for the windows.
MOTION: Kelly moved to require that Houser conform with the original plans for the
Certificate of Appropriateness for 803 S. Summit Street, and that modifications be made
to conform except for the front windows, which will be allowed to remain as constructed.
Day seconded the motion.
The motion carried by a vote of 10-0.
DISCUSSION OF COMMISSION PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES, BYLAWS AND
ORDINANCE:
Anderson said that he had nothing to report because they had not gotten through to the National
Trust. Malkmus said they should keep trying.
Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission
December 10, 1998
Page 6
Kugler said he followed up with the City Attorney about the ex-officio member idea, and it would
not do what the Commission intended it to because that member would still be a Commission
member that had influence on the decision making process and thus would be actively involved
in the decisions that the Commission would be making. He said it would not remove the
appearance of impropriety or conflict if that member were awarded a City contract. Kugler said
the City could hire a consultant, whether they are kept on a retainer or hired on a case-by-case
basis, because they would be paid for their services, would give a report or recommendation
and would not be part of Commission debate.
Widness said she thought the Commission needed an architect, and they should pay one.
Kugler said there is probably some money in the budget to hire a consultant for some projects,
but likely not for every review. Malkmus suggested hiring a consultant on retainer. Kugler said
that is a possibility. Gersh said he did not think that the consultant would have to be involved
with every project. Kugler said that in some cases the Commission may need s6me
archaeological advice so they could hire someone with specific expertise on a case-by-case
basis. Widness and Anderson said they liked the retainer idea. Malkmus suggested creating a
specific seat for a historic preservationist or trained historic preservation professional. Kugler
said that someone with those credentials should apply for one of the Commission's at-large
seats. Malkmus asked Kugler to find out how much it would cost to hire on architect on retainer.
Kugler said that he could get more information about that for the Commission's January
meeting.
Anderson said the Commission needed to decide what they expected from the consultant.
Members decided the consultant should attend every meeting where Certificates of
Appropriateness were being discussed, meet with the Certificate Review Board and perform
other duties as they arise. Kelly noted that the numbers of Certificates of Appropriateness will
increase as more historic districts are added.
DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE IOWA CITY BUILDING CODE:
Kugler went through the current ordinance and the proposed amendments.
(Day left the meeting at 6:50 p.m.)
Kugler said the proposed amendments would give the Commission the opportunity to review
windows and siding before they are changed by requiring people in historic districts to get
building permits for those two things. Widness said that Houser brought up the fact that he could
not use vinyl siding, but any of his neighbors could reside their homes in vinyl, and she thought
the Commission members agreed that it was an untenable situation. Malkmus said when the
Commission was trying to encourage people to apply for historic district status they told people
that they did not review siding. Kugler said in Brad White's memo the Historic Preservation Plan
mentions siding as something the Commission should be eventually looking at. Kugler noted
that the Building Board of Appeals made a specific recommendation to the City Council to
remove "b" from #12 because they did not feel that was something that should be subject to a
building permit anywhere. He said they felt by adding "b" the Commission would be taking steps
in the building code to enforce the historic preservation ordinance. He said if the Commission is
serious about this issue, they should make a recommendation and send a representative to the
January 12 Council meeting to make a pitch for it.
Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission
December 10, 1998
Page 7
Kugler discussed the few properties he knew of in historic districts that had been resided in
vinyl. Anderson said that this would give the Commission the chance to review vinyl siding. He
said they might not feel it would be appropriate for one district, but might feel it would be
appropriate for another district. Anderson said he thought it was also important to establish
standards for each district. Widness said she thought if they get another issue similar to the one
at 803 S. Summit Street, and they do not have anything in the guidelines that talks about the
Commission's review over siding the City Council would be very unhappy with them. Kelly
agreed.
Gunn said he thought the Commission needed a siding clause. Widness said she thought it was
a no-brainer, and she thought that the Commission's next tough stand would be when someone
in a historic district has a vinyl-sided house and wants to replace it with vinyl siding. She said
she did not think the Commission could avoid taking a stand on that issue. She said she thought
the Commission had to be consistent, and it was absurd that they had purview over new
construction and not over old construction when most of the houses in the districts are old
buildings.
MOTION: Gersh moved to strongly recommend to City Council that the proposed
amendments become part of the 1997 Iowa City Building Code. Anderson seconded the
motion.
The motion carried by a vote of 9-0.
Widness said she would speak at the Council meeting, and Gunn said he would also attend the
Council meeting. Gersh said he thought Widness should be prepared to refute the Building
Board of Appeals' decision regarding #12-b.
DISCUSSION OF UPCOMING HRDP GRANT:
Malkmus said the Commission needs to decide what project to apply for funding for. Anderson
suggested applying for funding to hire a consultant to review the Historic Preservation ordinance
and create a list of issues, such as the appeals process, district-by-district guidelines, etc. Kelly
said she thought that was a good idea, but she thought it was not likely that they would receive
grant money to fund the functioning of city government. Kugler said it would probably be June
before they could start working on that if they received the grant money for it, and there would
be a two-year time limit to complete the project if it was funded by grant money. Gunn
suggested hiring a consultant to do that and not waiting on a grant to do it.
Anderson suggested applying for funding for the Butler House. Kugler said to receive funds a
building has to be listed on the National Register for the HRDP program. Anderson suggested
applying for funding for a downtown survey. Malkmus said she drafted a letter to the Planning
and Zoning Commission and the City Council asked P&Z to join the Commission in requestin. g
funding from Council for a downtown survey. Kugler said that was a possible project, as well as
requesting grant money for another printing of guide maps. He said they would have to come up
with a local match for the latter project, and they needed to get an estimate for what it would
cost to print them. Kugler said that they have used 15,000 maps since 1989, and 10,000 since
1992.
Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission
December 10, 1998
Page 8
Gersh said he thought a downtown survey would contribute to educational outreach. Kugler said
the Design Review Committee did a survey of the downtown area, and may have some
information available that could cut costs. Anderson said the Commission could also explore
local funding sources for a downtown survey. Malkmus said she would call the Mayor and talk
about the possibility of the Council funding a downtown survey, and how the Commission
should go about requesting that. Kelly said if the Harmon building goes down it would make a
very good argument for a downtown survey. Members decided that if the Council agreed to fund
a downtown survey, they would apply for HRDP funds for the guide maps, and if the Council did
not agree to fund the downtown survey they would apply for HRDP funds for a downtown
survey. Malkmus asked Kelly to get estimates for the guide maps in preparation for writing the
grant. Mills said he would take the lead in writing the HRDP grant. Kelly said she would help
with the grant if they chose to apply for funding for the guide maps.
UPDATE ON HARMON BUILDING LANDMARK NOMINATION:
Malkmus said she wrote a letter to the Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council
regarding the Harmon Building~ She read part of the letter to Commission members. She said
that she attended the first Planning and Zoning Commission meeting when this building was
discussed, and said the historic information that the Commission provided regarding the building
did not seem to be an issue. Widness said she thought the idea of incorporating the building
fa<;ade into the new structure was a good one. Malkmus said she thought P&Z had already
thought about that and it would not be a viable solution. Widness suggested that the
Commission meet with the editorial board of the Iowa City Press-Citizen to help foster the notion
that the Commission is trying to do something good for the City. Gersh said he did not send the
letter in the packet that he wrote, and any comments regarding it should be passed on to
Kugler.
(Gersh left at 7:30 p.m.)
DISCUSSION OF FUTURE IOWA CITY HISTORIC LANDMARK NOMINATIONS:
Commission members decided to defer this item to their January meeting.
COMMISSION INFORMATION/DISCUSSION:
Mike Gunn's Memo
Gunn said he created this because he thought the Commission needed some design criteria
that indicates more about what they expect to happen in historic districts, and that information
needed to be available to anyone doing work in those districts. He said the Secretary of Interior
Standards are good for working on a contributing structure, but they are not as helpful for some
additions and infill structures. He said that design criteria have to be very specific and this
memo is his first attempt to separate and begin to talk about how to write them. He said some of
the problems from the 803 S. Summit Street project arose because no one really knew what to
expect. He said that he thought the Commission would have to write some ordinances that
define compatibility with historic districts and write a separate design criteria from the Secretary
of Interior Standards. He said this is a first attempt to say where different standards apply.
Kugler asked if under "Alterations to a primary structure" for contributing structures, Gunn was
suggesting to use the Secretary of Interior Standards and specify that no vinyl siding or fiber
Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission
December 10, 1998
Page 9
cement material be allowed. He asked if the house is vinyl, would they allow vinyl on an
addition. Gunn said it could mean that; they could only hope that it looked reasonable with what
is there. Kugler asked what if the structure was altered quite a bit. Malkmus said under
"noncontributing structure" she added, "and harmonious with the neighborhood". Kugler said the
Commission's current design guidelines say that the Commission should be looking at the
contributing structures and not the noncontributing structures to determine compatibility. Gunn
said to add the sentence, "Scale limitation appropriate to the particular district" to the first
section. He said regardless of the noncontributing structure, its addition should not detract from
the historic district.
Widness asked about using Hardie plank, and if it could be considered for alterations and
additions. She said if not and someone wants to reside their house they are going to have to
use wood. Gunn said he liked the Hardie plank, and he was not in favor of banning it. Widness
said she thought the Commission should at least keep an open mind about it. Malkmus said the
Commission could say, "No vinyl siding and substitute materials considered on a case-by-case
basis." Anderson said that vinyl siding could be appropriate for some districts. Malkmus said
that she did not think vinyl siding was not a good material for a historic district. She said the
current historic districts in place are turn of the century or earlier, so Longfellow will be their first
20th century characteristic district. Anderson said he was comfortable saying no vinyl siding, but
he was not comfortable saying no substitute materials. Malkmus said that vinyl, steel and
aluminum siding should not be allowed in the first section.
Gunn asked members to decide if the categories were reasonable. Members said yes. Malkmus
said that she thought higher standards would apply to structures on the front of the property, not
on the ones on the back.
(Michaud left at 7:45 p.m.)
Gunn said he would make some revisions to the memo. Widness suggested adding "Existing
Structure" to the first four headers. Gunn said he thought the Commission's mission should be
to save historic structures as tightly, closely and exactly as they possibly can, and then they
should impose on people as little as possible beyond that. Anderson asked if siding needed to
be addressed in the "Outbuildings behind primary structures" for contributing or noncontributing
structures.
CONSIDERATION OF THE NOVEMBER 12, 1998, MEETING MINUTES:
The Commission deferred the consideration of the November 12, 1998, meeting minutes to their
January meeting.
COMMITTEE TIME/DISCUSSION (con't):
Malkmus noted two recent articles in the Daily lowan newspaper regarding University
organizations, such as WRAC and the African-American Student Organization possibly being
moved from their present location to facilities within the Iowa Memorial Union. She discussed
possible scenarios with their present locations for the University.
Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission
December 10, 1998
Page 10
ADJOURNMENT:
MOTION: Anderson moved to adjourn the meeting. Shope seconded the motion. The
motion was carried by a vote of 7-0, and the meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Traci Wagner.
ppdadmin~mins~hpcl 2-10.doc
MINUTES
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
CIVIC CENTER - LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1998 - 6:30 P.M
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Dan Coleman, Rick House, Jayne Moraski, Lucia-Mai
Page, Kathleen Renquist, Gretchen Schmuch
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Bob Elliott, Denita Gadson, Bill Stewar~
STAFF PRESENT:
Steve Long, Steve Nasby, Maurice Head, Maggie
Grosvenor, Doug Boothroy
OTHERS PRESENT:
Edk Murray
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL:
The Commission approved, by a vote of 6-0, to recommend the Section 8 Administrative
Plan as revised to City Coundl.
CALL TO ORDER AND APPROVAL OF THE OCTOBER 15. 1998, MEETING
MINUTES:
Chairperson Schmuch called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
Moreski said to add the phrase 'after the inddent occurred" to the sixth sentence in the
last paragraph on the first page.
MOTION: Moreski moved to approve the October 15, 1998, meeting minutes as
amended. Coleman seconded the motion. The motion carded by a vote of 6-0.
PUBLIC/MEMBER DISCUSSION OF 'ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
There was none.
PUBLIC HEARING ON ANNUAL UPDATE OF CITY STEPS:
Schmuch opened the public hearing.
Schmuch asked how often the plan is revised. Nasby said every five years. He said that
FY00 will be the fifth fiscal year, however staff would like to wait on a revision until the
new census data is available. Long said that they have not received any comments or
suggestions during the public comment pedod. Schmuch said that she was surprised
that some organizations that have been considered low priorities in the funding
allocation process based on CITY STEPS have not requested a review.
Housing and Community Development Commission
November 19, 1998
Page 2
Schmuch closed the public hearing.
IOWA CITY HOUSING AUTHORITY SECTION 8 ADMINISTRATIVE PLAN REVISION:
Grosvenor said that the administrative plan is a mandatory plan that dictates policy
procedures of the Section 8 program. She said that the last time the Housing Authority
did a complete plan was 1988, and since then there have been some regulatory
changes, including grievance procedure, damage claims, minimum rents, family
definitions, federal preference and homeless preference. She said the part she brought
to the Commission at their October meeting is part of this document. She gave some
history on the document, and said that she outlined six of the major discretionary items
that are up for discussion. Coleman asked if that meant that there are other minor items
in the document that the Commission might not be aware of. Grosvenor said an intedm
review is a discretionary item, but all that is outlined in the document is what they do so
there is nothing for a Board or Commission to decide.
Grosvenor said the homeless preference was on page 13. She said that they came to
the Commission earlier to ask to eliminate the federal preferences and add the homeless
preference. She said that what they are finding now is that people are manipulating their
homeless status. She said on page 13, A, #1 there was a note that said, "Homeless
preference will be denied in circumstances where the applicant has willfully violated the
terms of their lease." She said that people are manipulating the system by getting
evicted, going to EHP, getting the homeless preference and getting bumped to the top.of
the list. She noted that the phrase said, "willfully violated", and said that they are going to
know the tough situations because of those agencies. She said they are not saying that
they will not allow the people to apply for housing assistance; they are saying that these
people will not receive the homeless preference and get bumped to the top of the list.
Coleman suggested including "immediate pdor lease" to the sentence. Page said she
took that as a given. Coleman said it could also be read as meaning any lease because
at the time they are homeless, meaning that they do not have a lease. Grosvenor said in
these cases the homeless situation came from violating that lease term. Grosvenor
agreed to Coleman's suggestion and the new sentence read, "Homeless preference will
be denied in circumstances where the applicant has willfully violated the terms of their
previous lease."
Grosvenor said she highlighted two items on page 43. She said that interim re-exams
are discretionary. She said that Housing Authorities are not required to do them, but the
Iowa City Housing Authority has always done them. She said they are only done if the
tenant's income increases or the number in the tenant's family changes. She said in the
first paragraph under item B, they say, "When the changes in the income or the family
composition, which would result in a greater than $100 increased gross monthly income
for the family, then they will process the re-exam." She said that the tenants still have to
notify the Housing Authority if they have an increase, but the Housing Authority will
determine if they are going to process or charge the tenant. She said it is kind of an
incentive to work for the tenants, and she sees it as a benefit for them. Moraski asked if
that is okay with HUD. Grosvenor said yes. Coleman asked if this was requiring the
tenants to report. Grosvenor said it does not change any of the reporting. She said if
Housing and Community Development Commission
November 19, 1998
Page 3
they would not report the increase, they would owe the Housing Authority that money
retroactively.
She said under #2 under zero income, they are recommending to do special re-exams at
a minimum of every 90 days for families reporting zero income. She said this is to try to
uncover any fraud going on and keep closer tabs on those people. Schmuch asked how
many people that was typically. Grosvenor said it is about 75 families. Coleman said on
the previous item, the amount in the memo is $100 and in the document is $50.
Grosvenor said that is a typo and should read $100 in both places.
Grosvenor said on page 45, under #-4, "Participants are limited to one move in any 12-
month period." Coleman asked her to comment about that. She said it is costly and a
waste of money. She said that the Housing Authority does inspections, and sometimes
the tenants are pushing landlords into difficult situations, so they are trying to develop
consistency. She said that they are not preventing tenants from getting out of a difficult
situation, but they are limiting it so the tenant makes a good decision about the unit
before they move in. She said when HUD changed the major conforming rule, this was
brought in as a discretionary item that individual Housing Authorities could decide, which
changed a lot of the policies. Coleman asked whether it would be beneficial to give the
Housing Authority discretion that there might be legitimate cases of someone who
moved in January and in December a situation arises where the Housing Authodty might
feel that it would be in everyone's benefit for them to move. Grosvenor said that she
would change the wording to give the Housing Authority more discretion.
She said on page 45, under H - payment agreements, "If the participant owes the
Housing Authority, the Housing Authority requires the participant to enter into a
repayment agreement or repay the entire amount on demand. If the participant does not
comply, the Housing Authority has the right to terminate the participant from the
program, but they will consider extenuating circumstances on a case by case basis."
Page asked if a participant broke the terms of the agreement and found a way to pay
what they owed, could they be reinstated into the program. Grosvenor said yes.
Grosvenor said on page 48, there was some discussion between three years and one
year. She said that public housing has a stricter policy about drug and criminal-related
activity, and it is regulated in the public housing lease that if someone is evicted for drug-
related criminal activity they are not allowed back in the program for three years. She
said the Section 8 does not have that same requirement, but the Housing Authority can
impose that. She said that she took out the top four (A, B, C, D) and said that for any of
those reasons that they will terminate housing assistance for A, B, C, or D and the
participant cannot reapply for one year. She said that this includes any violation to family
obligations and adheres to drug-related criminal activity, threatened or abusive behavior
towards Housing Authority personnel or fraud, bribery or any other corrupt criminal
activity in connection with the certificate program. She said all of those are verbatim out
of the Federal Register, and they don't necessarily need to be in the administrative plan
because the Housing Authority has the regulatory power to terminate based on this from
the Federal Register. She said that it should be included in the plan for clarification
reasons and if they want to impose a timeline. She said that they have separated those
four and recommend that they be held out for one year. She said on page 4 there is a
three-year terminology, and that is for applicants. She said the one-year terminology on
Housing and Community Development Commission
November 19, 1998
Page 4
page 48 is for the program participants. She said that is the decision to be made; do they
want to hold drug and criminal-related activity to the three-year or put it together with the
other four with the one-year. She said that once a decision is made, the same time
requirement would be on page 4 and 48. She said that every tenant is given due process
in any of those instances because they go through a formal and informal process. She
said that some questions were if a participant were liable for a friend's actions, and the
answer to that is yes, but there is a hearing and the participant is given the opportunity to
explain the situation and prove that the offender is no longer at the property.
Moraski said one of the Commission's questions was is there a difference between
criminal and drug-related activity versus a conviction. Grosvenor said it is not a
conviction even though it is criminal activity, it is a civil law and it is based on the
preponderance of the evidence, but there must be substantial evidence before a tenant
would get terminated from the program. She said that the Housing Authority involves
attorneys at that point and does not deal with it until they think they have a good case.
Grosvenor said they had a tenant that was arrested for possession with intent to deliver,
and they sent out a termination notice. She said they had an informal hearing with the
City Attorney and arresting police officer, and the tenant admitted to having five
individual bags of cocaine in her purse when she was arrested. Grosvenor said the
tenant was not convicted at that point, but the Housing Authority acted on that particular
event and did not wait for a conviction. She said the hearing officer told the tenant that
they have every right to terminate her from the program based on that information, but
the Authority came back and asked the tenant if she would sign a release with MECCA,
go through a program, and if she did that they would not terminate her assistance.
Schmuch said that example clarified the situation for her.
Grosvenor said the definition for drug-related criminal activity is "the illegal manufacture,
sale, distribution, use or possession with intent to manufacture, sell, distribute or use of a
controlled substance. She said the three-years would just be for that definition. House
said he would go for that. She said that she would make level 3 three-years, and leave
the others at one year. Page asked what would happen with other criminal activity.
Grosvenor said it is discretionary. Coleman said he had a problem with how with the
three-year time pedod in some instances. He said that if a guest had a controlled
substance, the one-year period would be sufficient. Grosvenor said that is why they
referenced the Code of Federal Regulations because it would define more, and second
the due process would allow for that provision. She explained the informal hearing
process to him. She said that it sends a strong message that the Housing Authority is
not going to mess around with drug or criminal-related activity, and the tenant has to be
responsible for their guests and friends. Moraski said she felt the same way as Coleman
until Grosvenor explained the process.
Grosvenor said this draft was written in 1997 and President Clinton just signed a major
bill that will change much of it, so there will be more changes, but she felt that it was
important to get the basis cleaned up and all in one document. She said that she would
bring any new Section 8 changes back. She said that for public housing there is another
document called the Admissions and Occupancy Plan, and she is going to try to get that
done by the December meeting. She said that they did the public housing lease within
the first six months she started. Commission members decided that they would like a
Housing and Community Development Commission
November 19, 1998
Page 5
memo explaining the changes and the actual pages where the text is changed instead of
the entire document for the Public Housing Admissions and Occupancy Plan.
MOTION: Moraski moved to recommend the Section 8 Administrative Plan as revised to
City Council. Coleman seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0.
REVIEW AND DICUSSION OF APPLICATION FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING
FUNDING POOL:
Schmuch said that she did not think the application for the Affordable Housing Funding
Pool met the criteria. Long said staff prepared the summary with a project overview and
the three options staff could see for this proposal. Coleman said it did not make sense to
approve this application, and it could be resubmitted if it met the cdteda at some point.
Schmuch said that they are also getting close to the regular funding cycle, so it could be
proposed then instead of for the AHFP. Moraski asked how this proposal was different
than the previous one. Nasby said it was not much different. Moraski asked if there were
guidelines regarding applicants who do not get funded during the regular cycle applying
for these funds. Nasby said "no" since this is the first time through for this project, and
that is something the Commission needs to consider. He said by limiting this funding to
gap financing, they hope to eliminate that issue. Schmuch said that it would be a shame
if the project got the planning and zoning issues in place and could not get the gap
financing, but this application is not an AHFP application. Moraski agreed, and said
maybe the Commission should just reject the applications that do not meet the criteria.
Coleman said it seems pretty limited that a request would be within the 15% limit, and if
it is clear to the applicant through the process of the Commission's discussion why their
first application was not approved then they will probably make those changes in the
next application. He said he did not think that the Commission needed to make those
distinctions.
Moraski asked if they were going to allow HACAP to resubmit the application in
December presumably meeting the AHFP criteria instead of the regular funding cycle
criteria. Long said that HACAP applied for the HUD Supportive Services Grant and they
expect to receive funding notification in December. Schmuch asked if they heard from
HUD would they rework this application to meet the criteria and guidelines. Head said
the application does not meet the criteria, and that is pretty much the bottom line.
Moraski said then they do not need to make the distinction. Coleman asked to define
"producing" affordable housing. Head said staff interprets it to mean producing
transitional housing that is not there, so while it is not actually creating a new unit it is
creating additional stock of a housing type that does not currently exist. He said that
there is some flexibility in how the Commission wants to interpret that. Nasby said that
when GICHF purchases and rehabs units, they are not producing new units, but they are
new units in the affordable rental housing stock.
House asked what would happen with the extra money when the units are shifted from
public to affordable housing. Head said the money would go to the Housing Authority,
and they are looking at creating a funding source that they could reinvest in the
community to generate more affordable housing units through their programs. Schmuch
said getting the HUD grant in December would make a stronger application for the
regular funding cycle. Renquist asked why one of the options was to defer the
Housing and Community Development Commission
November 19, 1998
Page 6
application to December 1998. Head said that was one of HACAP's requests. Nasby
said if they receive the HUD grant and this money, they could possibly close in January
and have the project up and running before next year's money is available in July.
Moraski asked if there was a time crunch on the Housing Authority's part. Nasby said no.
MOTION: Coleman moved to deny the request. Moraski seconded the motion. The
motion carried by a vote of 6-0.
Coleman asked if they were going to discuss Burn's letter because the issue he raises
regarding the impact of the short time period on the financing cost is something the
Commission should discuss at some point. Nasby said that issue may be project-
specific. Head said that they could discuss it before the next AHFP funding cycle, which
would be sometime in the spring.
REVIEW OF THE FY00 ALLOCATION PROCESS AND RANKING SHEET:
Schmuch reviewed the allocation process for Commission members. She said that some
issues that have come up are 1 ) is the Commission having enough discussion and 2) is
the Commission asking the right questions of the applicants. Coleman said he had two
suggestions regarding the ranking sheets. He said on the non-housing project form,
there is a blank where an applicant can check for meeting a CITY STEPS objective, and
he thought they should allow the applicant to specify the CITY STEPS pdority as they
see it because the applicant should be familiar with those priorities and it would give
them a chance to assert and defend the highest pdority that their project deserves since
that could be a big differential in their score. He said the format could be #-8a "What
priorities does the proj'ect address?" and #4E~b "Explain or specify." Moraski said that the
current form could do that, but it is not as explicit.
Coleman also suggested getting some information on the application regarding the
usefulness of partial funding because that is something that comes up frequently in the
Commission's discussion. Long suggested adding that near question #12. Nasby said he
thought it would be inappropriate for the applicant to answer that question because then
they would not get a chance at the full funding they requested, or applicants will ask for
more money than they need knowing their request will be cut. Coleman said that in most
cases the Commission will give partial funding and the people at the meeting who
answer that question will have an advantage. Schmuch suggested asking the applicants
to prioritize the most essential items in their budget. Coleman said in some cases there
might only be one big item for the project, and in some cases it is pretty cut and dry, like
if the Greater Iowa City Housing Fellowship received 75% of their request they could
acquire three-fourths of the units they were planning to buy.
Moraski said she thought getting specific with 25, 50 or 75% could negatively affect the
funding requests. Coleman suggested adding another Yes/No blank for the question, "If
partial funding were awarded, would the project continue?" Moraski said she liked
Schmuch's idea, and suggested asking applicants to prioritize their budgets if possible.
Schmuch asked if the application was offered on the Internet. Nasby said it would be.
Schmuch noted that United Way is also looking for outcome data and site visits in their
Housing and Community Development Commission
November 19, 1998
Page 7
funding allocation process. She said that there is also a book for applicants that
addresses outcome management for social service agencies.
Coleman said that they discussed the projects after the rankings were tabulated and it
was difficult to focus on the concrete points of difference in members' opinions about the
projects. He said given that those opinions are supposed to be substantially expressed
in the ranking sheet, he suggested having a meeting to look at the sheets and identify
where there are real distinctions. He said obvious examples could be a case like the, "If
previously funded has the applicant completed prior projects?" and there are a wide
range of answers based on the different memories of Commission members. He said by
having the discussion at that point, it could give members more confidence in the final
rankings that they really are reflective of the group's thinking and that they understand
what that information is based on. Long asked if this would lead to an additional meeting.
Schmuch said that the ranking sheets could be used as a tool at the first meeting after
the presentations when the projects are discussed. Nasby said staff could hand out the
ranking sheets earlier. Coleman said one approach could be that one member tells their
total for a project, asks other members if their totals are within five points of that, and if
they are not there could be some discussion. He said they could also go through the
individual questions and look for points of disagreement. Long said if staff gets that
information in time, they could compile it so the members could have the information in
front of them and be able to see the discrepancies.
Renquist said her only concern was that they would get very tight numbers and then
averages would be extremely tight. Schmuch said that is if members are going to be
persuaded by other members; she said she thought that people could still have firm
convictions and disagree, but they would just know more about the other member's
argument. Schmuch said she liked the idea of not adding another meeting and using the
sheets then. She said that a couple of years ago there was not much discussion it was
really difficult. She said it could be intimidating because the applicants are sitting in the
same room dudng the discussions, and people might not always feel comfortable saying
what they are thinking. Schmuch told staff to build that into the time line. Nasby said they
would pass out the ranking sheets before the oral presentations, members will do them
on their own and return them to staff. Staff will compile the information and return the
sheets. Members will have a discussion and make any adjustments and then turn them
back into staff. Staff will create the funding scenarios and present those to the
Commission.
Coleman said he identified three items that should be considered objective, meaning
that members would all have the same answer, on the ranking sheet. He said those
three were meets a CITY STEPS priority, re-use of CDBG/HOME funds and primarily
targets low income persons. Moraski said the leveraging one could have a different loan
specification that could be slightly different. Coleman said in the discussion meeting,
members could look at those three areas first to make sure that they were in agreement.
He said that this may not require a change in the process or ranking sheets, but maybe
members will be more aware of it. Moraski said that there were times last year where
she was not certain about a project meeting a high or medium priority because she did
not think it quite fit either one. Long said that is something that could be discussed at
that meeting.
Housing and Community Development Commission
November 19, 1998
Page 8
Coleman said that while he did not have a definite proposal in terms of the implications
of this, but he said he thought'it was important to look at another way to treating the
averages. He said that when they are looking at ways to break down possible funding
scenarios, they could look at the ranges of scores and how they break down, and
building meaningful groupings for this cycle. He said that there could be a better break
down of information, and said he looked at how the averages grouped themselves last
year. Long asked if he wanted staff to add the 80-60-40 scenario to their group of
scenarios. Coleman said yes, or it might be worthwhile to look a how the numbers fall,
find a statistically meaningful grouping of the projects and look for a funding breakdown
that would fit with those groups. Schmuch said that is useful to look at and a good
guideline, but partial funding might not fit the way these break down. Moraski said that
they should not be so married to the actual score given to the project, nor should they be
married to a particular guideline, but this one could be a resource for everyone to use.
Coleman said that is what he meant it for. Long said that is something staff could do.
Long said that they met with Council on May 11, and Dee Vanderhoef had some
suggestions regarding changes for the ranking sheet. Head said that there seemed to be
some consensus with the other Council Members. He said the three issues are 1) to
allow points on the ranking sheet for projects that pay property taxes or make a payment
in lieu of property taxes, 2) allocating a larger share of CDBG funds for economic
development activities and 3) subtracting points for projects that request only a grant.
Schmuch said if a project requests only a grant they do not receive any of the nine
points for that category so they are already docked. She said that she would hate to
double ding a project like EHP because they do not generate income. Head said the
discussion was that there could be additional points to favor activities where it would
balance out, so a project could lose a point for being a grant but they could get some
additional points somewhere else. Schmuch said that was fine, but she thought that they
had rehashed the leveraging issue by looking at the leveraging human resources and
other financial resources in the grants and trying to be somewhat fair in that. She asked
if this issue came out of the discussion when Bob Bums thought he had lost his tax
credit project. Head said that he thought there was some comment made about that.
Schmuch said she is a little leery when someone who did not get funded wants to rewrite
the rankings sheet to fit their project. Head said that they have heard these three issues
before, especially the property tax issue, and there has been some interest from Council
about economic development. He said that the Commission can only fund the projects
that they have available to evaluate, so it does not matter how much money is allocated
for economic development if there are no or very few economic development
applications submitted.
Coleman said that in terms of the minus points for the grant, he looks at them as already
minus at zero. He asked if the Council was saying that the difference from 0-9 was not
great enough on that issue. Head said to him it seemed like it would be for sending a
message. Renquist said the message is that the Council does not want the Commission
to give money away. Head said that they want more of a premium placed on the money
and to have it be repaid if at all possible. Schmuch said the Council does not have to
accept the Commission's budget either. She said that the Commission can have their
priorities and the Council has the final say. Renquist said that she thought they could
add the property taxes issue to the in-kind under leveraging #3. Moraski asked if that
excluded projects that do payment in lieu of taxes or is there a finer distinction between
Housing and Community Development Commission
November 19, 1998
Page 9
projects that pay property taxes and those that make payments in lieu of taxes.
Schmuch said there was a trade off in the rents charged and the CITY STEPS priority
because they would be charging higher rents and not serving low-income people. Head
said that the impression he gets from Council is that if an applicant paid property taxes
they would receive 3 points, for example, and if an applicant paid in lieu of property
taxes they would receive 2 points. Renquist asked what the difference was if an
applicant paid the same amount that they would for taxes, but they paid it in lieu of
taxes. Moraski said that payment in lieu of taxes is usually a bit less. Schmuch said that
the argument is that the applicant making the payments in lieu or property taxes would
not be making the same money that they could because they are serving lower income
people. Moraski said that applicant is usually a non-profit whose goal is what Schmuch
just stated. Moraski said she would like to know if this is the sentiment of one Council
member or of the entire Council. Head said he remembered one person saying it, and
three or four others nodding their heads in agreement. Moraski said she attended a
Council meeting and she got the sense that it was one person's particular agenda, and if
that is the case she would keep it in mind, but if it was the case that the entire Council
felt very strongly she would change how she thought about it more. Head said if it was
just one person, he would know about it.
Schmuch said that more economic development projects are what the Commission is
actively hoping for, so that is pretty consistent. Head said that they could continue to do
more outreach and advertising to try to get more of those projects. Schmuch noted that
paying property taxes does not equal a donation of 10 gallons of paint in terms of
allocation. Schmuch said regarding the subtraction of points for grants, that zero is zero.
Renquist and House agreed. Moraski noted that 0-9 is a big range for that. Coleman
said that the Commission should be clear and say that they are already taking the
inverse approach by using positive number for good things rather than negative numbers
for bad things. Head said he thought that was a fine response. He said staff would put a
response memo together, e-mail it to Schmuch for her to see and send it to the Council.
Renquist suggested adding a ~ under leveraging resources for the property tax
payment and payment in lieu of property taxes. She said that they could receive 2
points, and those 2 points could be taken from #1, so that range would be 0-7, with 7
points for principal and interest, 6 points for principal and no interest, etc. Coleman said
he thought from the Commission's perspective, the re-use of CDBG funds was better
than the payment of property taxes. Nasby said he thought that the applicants who
would repay with or without interest are probably the same ones that are paying their
property taxes, so he did not think shuffling the points would change their ranking, but it
would address the Council's concern.
Moraski said Renquist's suggestion could lower the spread between C and D under #1:
Nasby said that could actually help more non-profits. Moraski said not if they keep the
same spread and just decrease the numbers. Renquist said that would address a
problem that she had about giving higher points to organizations that could pay the
money back. Moraski said that is what the Council wants. Coleman said that Renquist's
suggestion is better for the non-profits than including the tax paying issue as part of #3
because when non-profits are leveraging other funds they would get a higher score
under #3. Members decided to create #4 - "Does the project pay property taxes or make
payments in lieu of property taxes?" which would have a point value of 0-2, and take the
2 points from #1, so the point values for #1 would be 0-7 points, 7 points for A, 6 points
Housing and Community Development Commission
November 19, 1998
Page 10
for B, 3 points for C, 1 point for D and 0 points for E and F. Nasby said that someplace in
the application, it should ask if they am paying property taxes or pilot payments and how
much, which would give the Commission the knowledge of what point value to award
them. Nasby said he would put together a draft timeline for the allocation process and
send it out prior to the next meeting.
MONITORING REPORTS:
HACAP - Transitional Housing Support Services (House)
House said that he met with AI, Gloria and Carol, and their primary discussion was about
purchasing the additional eight units to meet the needs of smaller family sizes, which
seems to be the largest waiting list for them. He said that they discussed everything in
their application. Long said that they have not spent any FY99 CDBG funds for .their
Second Steps program.
DVIP - Furniture Project (Moraski)
Moraski said she did not meet with the contact person. Nasby said they have spent
about $8,400 of their allocated money.
ICARE - Building Acquisition (Schmuch)
Schmuch said she met with Laura at ICARE. She said that they requested $150,000 to
purchase the old Crisis Center building, and were allocated $120,000. She said that they
moved into the building last month and are doing a lot of painting and fixing up.
Schmuch said that one of the Commission's concerns was whether or not they needed
such a big space, but it sounds like they are filling the extra space with a drop-in center.
She said they got some donated computers, which have been helpful for word
processing, correspondence with clients' insurance companies and things like that. She
said that they have also created a private, small reading/educational room where they
have the VCR, which was also donated to them, and said they have a lot of films on safe
sex, HIV and AIDS. She said they have decided not to use the money for the pancake
breakfast for the extra $30,000, instead they have taken out a mortgage from Mercantile
Bank with the goal of paying it off in two years, but they have only raised $4,000 so far.
She said Laura is very optimistic about their fundraising opportunities, and that they
want to use the pancake breakfast money for ongoing programs and operations. She
said that they are seeing a slight increase in the number of clients they are sewing, and
are excited about their parking and. easier accessibility.
Community Mental Health Center - Facility Rehab (Coleman)
Coleman said he met with Bob Jackson, and they received funding for exterior repairs,
primarily painting, for the 505 and 507 E. College buildings. He said that they are putting
off any work on the 507 building because the roof leaks so much. He said that they had
completed the exterior painting and done some of the window repair at the 505 building.
He said that they are getting eight new interior windows and new storm windows
throughout that they hope to have in place by the end of the month. He said that they will
be coming back for the next funding cycle for funding for the roof and painting for the
507 building. Moraski asked if they got a grant for new storm windows through energy
audits. Coleman said he did not know. Long said he would talk to Jackson about it.
Housing and Community Development Commission
November 19, 1998
Page 11
Elderly Services Agency - Aid to Agencies (Gadson)
Gadson did not attend the meeting.
OLD BUSINESS:
First Home Program Status
Long said that they had problems with the secondary market approving the silent second
mortgage with interest for persons who are between 60-80% median income. He said
that up until last week they had not had an application approved. He said that he met
with House. House said the lender has to make sure that they are processing the
application under the proper program. He said he sent the program perimeters and
copies of the security documents to Fannie Mae for their approval, and they will have a
certificate for use by any lender that processes this application so they don't have to do it
on a case by case basis. He said other programs are eligible, the lenders just have to do
it under the proper program.
Combination-Mortgage and Rehabilitation Program Update
Head said this was a program in the Community Housing Forum recommendation, and
Long has contacted the bankers about it. He said the idea is to get the lenders to look at
wrapping the cost of repair of an older house into the first mortgage, so the repair costs
would be financed over 30 years. He said they are meeting with representatives from
eight lenders on December 2. Nasby said a lot of lenders already do this on an individual
basis within their bank, so staff would like them to set up some standard criteda and
advertise it as a program. House said they do it on a regular basis through FHA 203K,
which is set up specifically for that. Head said that they are hoping that the lenders will
set a collective goal for these loans, maybe $2 million worth, or 20 loans, that they would
process in a year.
Low Interest General Obligation Bond Program Update
Nasby said that Council approved the use of general obligation bonds to provide end
loans (or permanent mortgages) for the creation of rental units. He said that the idea is if
there is a 12-plex, they would target two of the units and rent them at a certain rent level
that is affordable to people under 30% of median income without any rent assistance,
and the rest of the building would be charged market rate rent. He said for providing
those two low cost units, the City would be providing the developer or owner 5% money.
He said that they are still working out some of the details with Council, have met with
one of the larger developers in town, and their accountant penciled it out. He said that
they talked to the Council about $1.4 million in their first shot because $700,000 in
general obligation bonds can be done without referendum, but it has to be on a per
project basis, so they could to do two $700,000 projects. He said 20% of the units would
be financed and 80% would be market rate. Head said that there was some suggestion
by Council that this would be a good program for the Peninsula Project as a way of
getting affordable housing out there. Nasby said that they went for the $700,000 per
project option instead of tacking on 10% to the other bond issues because the other
bond issues come up sporadically and the $700,000 can be done whenever they want.
Head said that Council was very enthusiastic and there was pretty much a consensus.
Housing and Community Development Commission
November 19, 1998
Page 12
NEW BUSINESS:
Long noted the letter from Ellen McCabe in the packet.
ADJOURNMENT:
MOTION: Coleman moved to adjourn the meeting. Moraski seconded the motion. The
motion carded by a vote of 6-0, and the meeting was adjoumed at 8:25 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Traci Wagner.
plxlcdbg%mins~cdcl 11 I).doc
MINUTES
IOWA CITY AIRPORT COMMISSION
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 12, 1998 - 5:45 P.M.
IOWA CITY TRANSIT FACILITY
01-12-99"
4b(7)
MEMBERS PRESENT: Pat Foster, Howard Horan, Mark Anderson, Tom Bender
STAFF PRESENT: Dennis Mitchell, Ron O'Neil
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairperson Horan called the meeting to orckr at 5:45 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
The minutes of the October 8th, 1998, Commission meeting were approved as submitted.
AUTHORIZATION OF EXPENDITURES:
Bender made a motion to approve the bills. Anderson seconded the motion and the bills were approved 4-
0.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION - ITEMS NOT ON AGENDA:
No items were discussed.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION:
ACSG Project: Greg Bridget said there is one tenant left. He will be out by the time of the
auction the first week of December. A counteT -offer has been received from the owner of the
Airline Motel property. He said settlement on that property could come soon. Notices of the
condemnation hearin4~ for the Schellin properly have been sent to the tenants and Bridget has
received several phone calls fxom the tenantS.
Bridget passed out a revised schedule for the ACSG contract renewal. He said he anticipated
oper,jtin.,v a full time office until Jttne or July. He would lilce_ to extend the contract unffi February
2000 because there will be details that will probably take a while to complete. Bridget also
provided the Commission with a list of the parcels and the disposition of each one.
O'Neil said the contract breaks down to two issues. One is the length of the extension and the
other is the fee associated with that extension. He said he would recommend the Commission
decide on the length of the extension and then authorize the chairperson and vice-chairperson to
negotiate the fees based on the length of the extension.
Foster said that if ACSG expects to be done by June, the Commission should give them until
August to complete the project. Foster made a motion to have Horan and Mascari negotiate the
lease with ACSG. Bender seconded the motion and it passed 4 - 0, with Mascari being absent.
Mitchell recommended the lease be on the agenda for full Commission consideration at the next
meeting.
O'Neil recommended the Commission pass a resolution to have the chairperson and vice-
chairperson approve any F AA grant offer for FY 99. He is working on a grant application to have
on file in Kansas City.
Anderson made a motion for a resolution to authorize the chah13erson and vice-chairperson to
accept a FAA gram offer for reimbursement for land purchased to implement the 1996 Airport
Master Plan. Bender seconded the motion, and at roll call vote the motion passed 4 - 0, with
Mascari being absent.
Southwest FBO Hangar: O'Neil said the site work is being completed for the building. He
said ICFS wants to make some changes to the interior of the btd]din,,~. O'Neil said he explained to
ICFS and Wcndler Engineering that any changes in excess of the original bid would have to be
done at ICFS expense. The contractor and ICFS agreed to this arrangement.
O'Neil said that he has a proposal from Van Winkle-Jacob for engineering inspection services
during the construction on the building. VWJ did the site plan and the bidding documents. O'Neil
said that his biggest concern was the part of the building below grouncL Anderson made a motion
to contract with Van Winkle-Jacob Engineering for construction inspection services in an mount
not to exceed $ 8000.00. Bender seconded the motion and it was passed 4 - 0, with Mascari being
absent.
Airimrt Terminal Renovation: O'Neil reviewed the final drawing from the first phase of the
project. He said that after the Commission has reviewed the concept drawing, ha w~l put them
on display at the Civic Center and another sot will be in the Airport Terminal to receive comments.
O'Neil is waiting for a budget proposal from HLM for the second phase of the projea. When that
is received, he will discuss funding for the construction design phase with the City Manager and
the Finnnce Director. After the design phase is approved, the Commission will need to meet with
the Council before the project is put out for bids. Bender commented that he would like to make
the second floor handicapped accessible and make it a public or community room.
Iowa Jet Services: This was deferred from a previous meeting Mitchell said that in Cedar
Rapids, US would operate under another coq3any's Part 135 Certificate. Bob Staib, from LIB,
said he would have a 135 Certificate by the time his building is completed in May of 1999.
Mitchell said he would like to see the Commi-~sion have a hold harmless agreement with the
company that is providing the Part 135 Certificate. Staib said he would provide whatever
documentation the Commission needs to assure them they are in compliance with the FAA.
Horan asked what would happen if LIS were no longer under the umbrella of Aviation Charter?
Staib said they would have to stop operating until their own Part 135 Certificate was approved.
Staib said IJS is approved as a full sen4ce FBO in Cedar Rapids.
Mitchell asked how the issue of the fuel farm was resolved? Anderson said H.l~ Green Company
had conducted a fuel site feasibility study. It would cost about $ 330,000 for a fuel site. Staib said
he expected to pay for the fuel site and tanks. The Commission will have to approve the plans and
specifications for the fuel site.
Horan said it would be his preference to have one location and have as many tanks as were needed
at that site to accommodate ICFS and IJS. Staib said that would work if both FBOs were on the
same side of the runways. Because he will be north of Runway 06/24, he will need his own fuel
farm.
Anderson said if the second site meets all the EPA standards and is no cost to the City, he was
willing to allow two fuel sites. The liability would be IJS' s liability. Staib said IJS would have
three 10,000-gallen tanks.
O'Neil said he has always thought there should only be one fuel site. This reduces the liability to
the Airport and reduces maintenance costs.
Staib said he would like to have some type of commitment from the Commission so he could
order the building. He would like to get the groundwork done as soon as possible. The contmetor
from St. Paul will be using a ~t-up type of construction and could have the building up in a month
from when the foundation work was completed.
Bender said he would prefer one fuel site, but if there are adequate protections, he thinks the
Commission should move forward with the project. There may be the possibility of piping the
fuel from a single fuel farm.
Bender made a motion for a resolution to accept the FBO application from IJS. Anderson
seconded the motion and at roll call vote, the motion passed 4 - 0, with Mascari being absem.
Mitchell will revise the hnd lease and FBO agreement and have that ready by the next meeting,
Staib will talk to his contractor to see when he would be ready to start construction. Unless the
Anderson said he is still concerned about two FBOs on the field. He hopes that it will increase
business and not divide the amount of business that is already there. Staib said he has no intention
of taking business from ICFS. He thinks the majority of his business will be new to the Airport
and the ALvport and City will benefit from his new business.
Staib said he has been contacted by the Science Center. They are interested in the United hangar.
O'Neil said that from a practical standpoint, the United hangar would probably be at it's current
location for three to four years. ff the opportunity came along to move the building, the
Commission could elect to act sooner.
Staib said he had talked to Governor Braustad about moving the building and renovating it He
said Branstad verbally committed to funding to move the building. The Commission encouraged
Staib to get a firm commitment to move the hanl~ar while Branstad is still in office.
O'Neil said he told Jim Larew to make a proposal to the Commission to locate in the North
Commercial area. fithe Science Center is willing to pay fair market rent the Commission will
reserve an area for them.
Iowa City Hying Service ~ The ICFS lease needs to be amended to show that the United
hangar and maintenance shop will be leased on a month to month basis after the SW FBO hangar
is completed. The Commission will not be required to spend additional money on the
maintenance building, This will be deferred to the December meeting,
SEATS lease: SEATS is interested in exercising the three-year option in their lease. The only
major change is in the amount of the rent The rent will be increased to reflect a 3% change per
year. This will mean a change from $ 945 per month to $1030 per month.
Bender moved for a resolution to approve the three-year lease with SEATS. Anderson seconded
the motion and at roll call vote, the motion passed 3 - 0, with Foster and Mascari being absent.
CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT:
HoPan said he has been at the Airport several times over the last month and has observed the many projects
that are going on.
COMMISSION MEMBERS' REPORTS:
Bender said it is time to develop a marketing plan for the North Commercial area. He said there might be
interest and an opportunity to attract developers now. O'Neil said he would invite someone from MMS to
present information to the Commission to show what stage the infrastructure development is at.
The Commission may want to decide what they want to name the roact O'Neil said he thought it would be
called Ruppert Road because that is the road that will be connected to on the west end.
Anderson asked about the entrance sign, O'Neil said the base for the sign is done and the letters are
ordered. He was hoping the letters would be installed in December.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT:
Mitchell said there is interest in selling some of the property purchased as pa~ of the land acquisition
project. This is property not required for the RPZ. This would include part of the Hagen parcel and part of
the Kennedy parcel. Horan said he thought the legal descriptions should be done so the property can be
resold when the Commission is ready. The money would be used to reimburse the land acquisition
program.
O'Neil said Horan would be one of the panelists at a Transportation Forum sponsored by the Chamber of
Commerce on November 18, 1998 at 7:00 a.nt
The road design for the North Commercial area should be drafted and ready for review by the Commission
subcommittee. O'Neil will schedule a meeting with MMS before the next Commission meeting,
Because of the new Public Works site, the ASOS equipment will need to be movecL O'Neil is working
with the National Weather Service and the FAA to select a new equipment site.
A copy of the City' s Capital Improvement Projects memo was included in the Commission' s info packet.
O'Neil is working with the ICFD to get ARFF training for some of the firefighters. O'Neil said he would
also work with IPAA to support legislation to get ARFF llaining for fire departments throughout the State.
Iowa City will participate in a training drill at the Cedar Rapids Airport next May.
O'Neil said most of the fence removed for the SW FBO hangar is not worth keeping Anderson said to
dispose of the fence.
A newsletter from the Des Moines Airport was included in the info packet.
The Science Center is still interested in locating at the Airport O'Neil suggested to Jim Larew that he
make a formal proposal to the Commi,~sion.
O'Neil said he could no longer get nicad batteries for the hand-held aviation radios. The manufacturer is
out of business. New radios are about $ 350 to $ 375 oaeh.
SET NEXT MEETING:
The next regular Airport Commission meeting is scheduled for December 10, 1998, at 5:45 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT:
MINUTES
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
DECEMBER 9, 1998
01-12-99
4b(8)
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Barbara Endel, Judith Klink, Bruce Maurer, Matt
Pacha, Rex Pruess, Allen Stroh, Kathy Wallace
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Ken Fearing, Ross Wilburn
STAFF PRESENT:
Terry Trueblood,
Marilyn Kriz
Mike Moran, Terry Robinson,
GUESTS:
Ron Clark (Riverside Theatre), Craig Willis, Craig
Gustaveson (new commissioner)
FORMAL ACTION TAKEN
Moved by Klink, seconded by Endel, to approve the November 12, 1998
minutes as written. Unanimous.
Moved by Klink, seconded bv Endel, to suD~ort Riverside Theatre's
revised proposal which will allow theatrical usage of the sta~e by
~rouDs representin~ local schools and for events sponsored by the City.
Unanimous.
Moved by Stroh, secondedby Endel, to adopt the Recreation Division Fees
and Char~es Proposed for FY2000 and Tentative Proposals for FY01 and
FY02 as Presented by staff. Unanimous.
Moved by Pruess, seconded by Stroh, to recommend preservation of bike
lanes from the top of Benton Street hill westward for safety concerns
and for access to the Willow Creek trail and the Rohret Road bike lanes.
Unanimous.
Moved by Pruess, seconded by Klink, to investigate the acquisition and
development of Darkland in coniunction with theBenton Street project to
improve the aesthetics of the neighborhood, consistent with the ~oals of
the Neighborhood Open SPace Plan. Unanimous.
Moved by Klink, seconded by Maurer, to accept the DroDosed slate of
candidates, and to elect Matt Pacha as Chair and Rex Pruess as Vice
Chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission for 1999. Unanimous.
RIVERSIDE THEATRE STAGE PROPOSAL
Trueblood noted the commission previously endorsed the Riverside
Theatre's concept to cooperatively construct a stage in lower City Park
to initiate a Shakespeare 2000 Festival. The Riverside Theatre
submitted cost estimates and more specifics on the project to the City
Council. The council appeared to be generally supportive, but concern
was expressed with the proposal's wording pertaining to "exclusive"
theatrical usage by the Riverside Theatre for an initial three years.
The facility will be built substantially with public funds and owned by
the City, and some council members felt the general public should not be
excluded from use of a public' facility. Trueblood stated the City
Council would like to obtain the commission's reaction to the proposal.
Parks and Recreation Commission
December 9, 1998
Page 2
Staff met with Ron Clark and Jody Hovland to discuss this concern.
Riverside Theatre is willing to accept wording which will allow
theatrical usage of the stage by groups representing local schools and
for events sponsored by the City.
Ron Clark reviewed the Shakespeare 2000 project plans. The Riverside
Theatre has changed the wording to provide an initial three years Of
partially exclusive theatrical usage in order to establish the Riverside
Shakespeare Festival as a professional regional attraction. The
exception will be that theatrical groups sponsored by the Iowa City
Parks and Recreation Department and/or local elementary, junior high and
senior high schools will be permitted use of the facility during the
initial three years and beyond. The group's initial investment will be
$150,000 to $200,000 for start up costs as well as annual fees. He
noted it will take time to' develop an audience for this event, which
could be great economically for the community..
Various members noted they supported the original proposal, but if the
City Council was uncomfortable with it they would be willing to accept
this compromise. Klink commended Riverside Theatre for developing and
promoting this facility that will be a great asset to the community, one
which deserves the commission's full support. Moved byKlink, seconded
by'Endel, to support Riverside Theatre's revised proposal which will
allow theatrical usaDe of the sta~e by grouDs representin~ local schools
and for events sponsored by the City. Unanimous.
PROPOSED FEES AND CHARGES FOR FY2000
Pacha commended staff for compiling the Recreation Division Fees and
Charges for FY94-99, Proposed for FY2000 and Tentative Proposals for
FY01 and FY02 (attached and made a part of these minutes). Trueblood
summarized the proposed fee increases. He noted last year Pacha
attended a City Council meeting to inform them of the commissi.on's
concern with attaining the division's self-imposed goal of generating
approximately 45% of the Recreation Division budget from non-property
tax revenues. The commission felt in order for the division to strive
to reach this goal it was starting to price classes and activities too
high, with the average person being unable to afford same.
Trueblood stated with the proposed fee increases and wage increase for
temporary employees the projection is 39.24% of the division's budget
would be supported by non-property tax revenue. Pacha noted the big
issue is the proposed wage increase for temporary employees which is
needed to compete with the market. Stroh queried what the percentage
represents and what portion of the budget is borne by users. He noted
it is the City's job to provide these services, and he could not
advocate raising user fees in order to reach the historical goal of 45%.
He felt it should not be a goal, but rather a benchmark. Endel felt
that the City's programs are some of the best kept secrets'and it may be
possible to generate more revenue by spending money to advertise some of
the more popular programs.
Parks and Recreation Commission
December 9, 1998
Page 3
Trueblood noted in order to reach the 45% goal, expenses would need to
be reduced by approximately $276,000 or revenue increased by
approximately $124,000. Stroh stated there are two economic trends; how
much fees can be raised that will still be acceptable and tolerable and
how much employees are paid.
The consensus of the commission was that it could not in good conscience
vote to raise fees more than proposed, and that it was necessary to pay
higher wages in order to obtain and retain employees. Stroh noted it
should no longer be called a goal, but instead what it actually is, a
benchmark or indicator.
Moved by Stroh, seconded byEndel, to adopt the Recreation Division Fees
and Char~es Proposed for FY2000 and Tentative Proposals for FY01 and
FY02 as presented by staff. Unanimous.
Trueblood stated a resolution establishing a revised schedule of fees
and charges will likely be placed on the January 12th City Council
agenda for approval.
PRIORITIZATION OF CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
Each commission member had been asked to rank the Parks and Recreation
CIP projects in priority order; seven members responded. Staff compiled
the rankings and a chart was displayed setting out the total points
received, the range of rankings, and the rank order of each project.
Stroh noted this process did not come up with an acceptable plan of
implementation. Pacha indicated the last time the commission
prioritized the CIP projects there were only 11 projects and it was much
cleaner and easier to break down into categories. Stroh suggested
dividing the CIP projects into four categories (New Initiatives,
Maintenance Projects, New Parks, and Trail Projects) to prioritize.
Klink and Endel stated they also would be interested in comparing like
projects. The commission asked that this information be compiled and
distributed, and placed on the agenda for further discussion at the
January meeting.
Pruess felt Hickory Hill West, trail connectivity to Camp Cardinal and
parkland acquisition in areas with a great deficit were items that
should also be included. Trueblood stated there could be a separate
listing of future projects.
BENTON STREET RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT
Klink noted the public hearing to be held at Roosevelt School on
Thursday, December 10 at 7 p.m. to consider the Miller Orchard
Neighborhood Association's response to recommendations for the
reconstruction of Benton Street.
Pruess indicated he felt it was important to. preserve the bike lanes
from the top of Benton Street hill westward for safety concerns. He
Parks and Recreation Commission
December 9, 1998
Page 4
noted the use of a wide sidewalk in lieu of bike lanes would be
dangerous for bicyclists due to the large number of driveways,
particularly with the high-density apartment complexes. He also noted
that pedestrians crossing the sidewalks perpendicular to bike traffic to
get to bus stops would not be a good mix with bicyclists using the
sidewalks for through travel. Bike lanes would also foster safe access
to the Willow Creek trail and the City should foster connectivity to the
Rohret Road bike lanes by preserving the Benton Street bike lanes. He
stated Rohret Road and Melrose Avenue by the University of Iowa
Hospitals are good street designs for bicyclists, cars and pedestrians.
Stroh favored the three lane option with bike lanes; Pruess indicated he
did not want to eliminate present bike lanes and would like to see the
present bike lanes at the top of the Benton Street hill continuing to
Greenwood Drive which is a popular bike route.
Pruess also felt this would be an opportunity to investigate the
acquisition and development of parkland near Benton Street in order to
improve the aesthetics of the neighborhood and to help alleviate the
neighborhood parkland deficit. Pacha asked if it was possible to
include land acquisition for a neighborhood park in this project;
Trueblood indicated he would check into it to see if this would be
possible.
Klink reported Bill Buss informally contacted Mace Braverman to see if
he would consider donating to the City a portion of the land he owns in
the Miller Orchard neighborhood if the City were to purchase the
remainder; Braverman indicated that might be a possibility. Klink asked
staff to pursue. Pruess asked if Buss was still interested in donating
some of this property; Klink indicated he was. She noted the Ruppert
property lies between the Braverman and Buss properties and when the
Ruppert property is developed the City could ask for the neighborhood
open space requirement in the form of an easement that would establish
connectivity between the two parcels.
Moved by Pruess, seconded by Stroh, to recommend preservation of bike
lanes from the rod of Benton Street hill westward for safety concerns
and for access to the Willow Creek trail and the Rohret Road bike lanes.
Unanimous.
Moved by Pruess, seconded by Klink, to investiqate the acquisition and
development of parkland in conjunction with the Benton Street pro~ect to
improve the aesthetics of the neighborhood, consistent with the ~oals of
the Neighborhood Open Space Plan. Unanimous.
Staff will prepare a memo to Planning and Community Development staff
setting out the commission's action.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS FOR 1999
Klink presented the proposed slate of candidates for officers for 1999,
and there were no additions. Moved by Klink, seconded by Maurer, to
accept the DroDosed slate of candidates, and to elect Matt Pacha as
Chair and Rex Pruess as Vice Chair of the Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation Commission
December 9, 1998
Page 5
Commission for 1999. Unanimous. Klink expressed her appreciation to
the other members of the nomination committee - Maurer and Wallace.
Trueblood noted the need to appoint a member to serve as the
commission's representative on the Riverfront and Natural Areas
Commission for 1999. Pacha asked members to consider serving, with an
appointment to be made at the January commission meeting.
RIVERFRONT AND NATURAL AREAS COMMISSION REPORT
Pruess reported the majority of the meeting consisted of discussion of
the Flood Plain Management Ordinance and the Iowa City Creek Maintenance
Program.
COMMISSION TIME
Pruess expressed appreciation to Klink and the nomination committee for
their vote of confidence in nominating him as Vice Chair for 1999.
Endel indicated she had been asked why there is a container for disposal
of needles in the restrooms. The individual felt it reflected
negatively on the facility. Trueblood stated it was a safety concern
for maintenance workers and they were installed on the recommendation of
the City's Risk Occupational Safety Specialist. She also noted she
received positive comments on the use of plaques instead of trophies for
the Women's Fall Volleyball divisional winners.
Pacha echoed Pruess's comments with respect to the vote of confidence
given him in nominating him as Chair for 1999. He felt the commission
has a good rapport, and noted the commission has resolved many issues
this past year in a pleasant and efficient manner.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Trueblood reported on the following:
CIP Projects. A narrative of the Capital Improvement Program listings
was distributed.
Northeast District Plan. A draft of the Northeast District Plan for
Iowa City was distributed, and a staff member from the Planning and
Community Development Department will attend the commission's January
meeting to discuss it.
Scanlon Gymnasium. A member of the fundraising committee contacted
Trueblood to discuss what he perceived to be the future usage of the
facility by the School District. The person indicated his strong
feelings that South East Junior High School should be granted extensive
after-school use for their athletic programs. Trueblood indicated to
him that the facility was constructed for use by the general public, so
first priority would go to programs sponsored by the Parks and
Parks and Recreation Commission
December 9, 1998
Page 6
Recreation Department and School District programs and activities would
receive second priority, explaining to him that the reciprocal use
agreement between the City and the School District basically states that
School programs receive top priority in school facilities and City
programs receive top priority in City facilities. He further explained
that the Mercer Park Aquatic Center has a special agreement because the
School District donated the land, contributed financially towards
construction of the project and contributes to certain operating
expenses, which is not the case with Scanlon Gym.
Subsequent to this conversation, Trueblood and Moran met with Deb
Wretman, Southeast Junior High School Principal, and Larry Brown,
Athletic Director, to determine their expectations for use of the
facility. Brown indicated an ideal situation for the School District
would be use of both gym floors between 3:30-6:30 p.m. Monday through
Friday, September through February. Trueblood indicated to them that
such a schedule would be difficult because the City will be offering
after-school programs in the facility, and is obligated to bring in
revenue to meet 50% of the operating costs. They discussed some
alternatives, and agreed that Brown would provide a schedule to which
the City could respond.
Trueblood asked the commission members as to their expectations with
regard to scheduling the facility. Commission members indicated that
there were no expectations that the School District would use this
facility any more than any other City facility. While cooperative use
is expected, it should not be at the expense of programs and activities
for the general public. Pacha noted the fundraising theme "For the
Kids", and the goal to offer sports programs for youth who do not fit
into the school athletic programs. He indicated it is the schools'
obligation to provide for interscholastic athletics and incumbent on the
City to provide for those who may not be able to participate in school
programs. Maurer stated it was the commission's responsibility to
provide activities and programs for "at risk" youth, as well.
City High Tennis Court Lights. Trueblood attended a meeting at City
High School held to hear neighbors' concerns with regard to the tennis
court lights. The neighbors were upset that neither the School District
nor the City notified or consulted them about this project, prior to the
time the lights were installed. (He reminded the commission that this
was a Little Hawks Booster Club project, approved by the School Board,
to which the City made a financial contribution).
Moved by Maurer, seconded by Stroh, to adjourn. Unanimous. The meeting
adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
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SUMMARY
RECREATION DIVISION REVENUES & BUDGET
FY00
~2/29/98
Total Non-Property Tax Revenues
847,940
FY00 City Manager's Proposed Budget
2,415,225
Less capital outlay.
- 326,893
$2,088,332*
Non-Property Tax Revenue to Support Budget =
40.6%
Past Objective
= 45.00%
NOTE: Without the proposed wage increase for temporary
employees ($1.00 per hour) and the addition of a clerk typist,
this figure would be reduced to approximately S2,019,000,
increasing the non-property tax support to 42.00%.
"'OT;t 2-99
4b(9)
MINUTES
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
DECEMBER 3, 1998 - 7:30 P.M.
CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS
PRELIMINARy
Subject to Approval
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Ann Bovbjerg, Benjamin Chair, Pam Ehrhardt, Dick Gibson,
Marilyn Schintler, Dean Shannon, Lea Supple
MF:MBFRS ABSFNT:
None
STAFF PRESFNT:
Bob Miklo, John Yapp, Sarah Holecek, Anne Schulte
OTHERS PRESENT:
Duane Musser, Richard Carlson, Doris Malkmus, Bluford Adams,
Gerald Stevenson, Jim Throgmorton
RECOMMI::NDATIONS TO COUNCIL:
Recommended approval, by a vote of 6-1, with Ehrhardt voting no, of RF.798-0014, a request
to rezone Lot 8 and Outlot A, WB Development, and Lot 1, Resubdivision Outlot A WB
Development, from C1-1, Intensive Commercial, to OSA-CI-1, Sensitive Areas Overlay Zone,
and the associated Sensitive Areas Development Plan, to permit the grading shown in areas A
and B of the rezoning exhibit, subject to the establishment of native plant species on the altered
slopes, and the removal of area C from the plan.
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairperson Supple called the meeting to order at 7:37 p.m.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITFM NOT ON THE AGENDA:
There was none.
ANNOUNCFMFNT OF VACANCIFS ON CITY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS:
Supple encouraged those at the meeting to serve on a City board or commission, as it gives
citizens an opportunity to provide input into how the City progresses and also gives the City the
benefit of the expertise of those in the community.
RFTONING ITFM:
RE798-0014. Public discussion of an application submitted by Maxwell Development Company
to rezone a 21.26-acre parcel, Lot 8 and Outlot A, WB Development, and Lot 1, Resubdivision
of Outlot A WB Development, from Intensive Commercial (C1-1) to Sensitive Areas Overlay
(OSA - C1-1 ) for property located on the east side of Naples Avenue, south of its intersection
with Alyssa Court.
Yapp said this application is for a sensitive areas rezoning to allow grading and filling in areas of
critical and protected slopes, which are slopes of greater than 25%. He said staff recommends
approval of the grading associated with Areas A and B, shown on the rezoning exhibit subject
to the grading in Area C being removed from the plan. Yapp said that as staff interprets the
language in the Sensitive Areas Ordinance, slopes of greater than 25% warrant protection
when they are wooded and scenic hillsides. He added that most of the grading proposed for
Area C would occur in the outlot, which is a storm water management and open space outlot,
another reason to remove that area from the plan. Yapp said staff also recommends that
Planning and Zoning Commission
December 3, 1998
Page 2
approval be subject to the final fill and grading done for the areas being planted with native
plant species, which have been shown to hold the soil better and will minimize erosion and
siltation into the outlot used for stormwater management.
Ehrhardt said the ordinance states that grading and excavation should be minimized on steep
and critical slopes, but staff has stated that the activities should be minimized while permitting
reasonable use of the land. She said staff has said, regarding Area B, that this is minimal
because it is one slope out of many slopes. Miklo responded that, in looking at the overall
property, the amount of slope on it, and the area the applicant is proposing, the area staff is
recommending for approval is minimal compared to the entire site. Ehrhardt said it is not
minimal just to Area B, because the plan would obliterate the slope at Area B. Miklo replied that
the ordinance refers to minimizing the grading while at the same time allowing reasonable
development, and this is what makes it a judgment call. Ehrhardt said she still questions how
this could be minimizing the effects, when the slope on Area B would be obliterated. Holecek
said this request requires a balancing of interests. She said that Ehrhardt may be trying to
quantify the term "minimize". Holecek said the question being asked is if this is being minimized
in relation to one single slope or with regard to an entire property. She said that if one thinks of
this in terms of one slope, then it is true that this would obliterate an entire slope. Holecek said if
one looks at it in terms of the grading plan proposed for the entire property, then that will
change the quanti~cation. She said the focus should not be so much on quantifying. Supple
said thero may be other things to consider here also, such as what happens to the land
downstream should the ravine be obliterated. Ehrhardt said this assumes that any grading done
will later be planted correctly so there will not be erosion on that bank. Holecek said the way the
slope functions in relation to the area around it also has to be considered.
Schintler said that slopes are altered all the time in construction, and it doesn't make them
unstable. She said this is a commercial lot, and the person wanting to grade the slopes works in
grading every day with no complaints, or the City would hear about them. Schintler said that on
the site visit, she listened to the applicant's plan and believes he would improve that land. She
said that in the 'discussion of the Sensitive Areas Ordinance at the previous meeting, it was
pointed out that the ordinance requires applications to be examined on a case by case basis.
Yapp said the ordinance allows alteration of critical slopes, slopes of 25 to 40% steepness, with
approval of a rezoning plan. He said that under the ordinance guidelines, sometimes it would be
appropriate to alter those slopes and sometimes it would not, and that staff has attempted to
make a recommendation based on the guidelines provided in the ordinance. Yapp said
Commission members should also make their decisions based on their interpretations of the
ordinance.
Shannon said he asked Julie Tallman, Development Regulation Specialist for the City, during
the site visit whether, if the applicant does as requested in the plan, she would have a problem
with the plan. Shannon said Tallman's response was that if the applicant does the work as
stated in the plan and the City oversees it, she would not have a problem with it. Yapp said
Tallman is the enforcement person for erosion control and grading. Miklo said he assumed
Tallman meant that if the work was done as shown on the plan, it could result in a stable slope.
Miklo said that regardless of whether this is a stable slope or not, because all of these slopes
could be made stable even after grading, the question is whether this natural area should be
disturbed. Supple said she asked Tallman what she thought about altering these slopes, and
Tallman responded that it was not her decision to make.
Public discussion:
Planning and Zoning Commission
December 3, 1998
Page 3
Duane Musser. Williamsburg. Iowa, said he works for Maxwell Development. He said that by
filling a sloped ravine, one actually decreases the steepness of it and therefore makes it more
stable, lessening the chance of a portion slumping off, although these areas have not done that
to date. Musser added, regarding Area C, that even though the majority of it is in the outlot, the
developer will not affect the storage of the stormwater basin.
Musser said the developer intends to plant evergreen and large deciduous trees once he is
allowed to remove all the damaged and dead trees. Supple said the applicant does not need
permission to clean up the area. Musser said that was true, but the applicant would like to fill
the area and clean it up and really has not done anything since the June storm.
Public discussion closed.
MOTION: Bovbjerg moved that RF798-0014, a request to rezone Lot 8 and Outlot A, WB
Development, and Lot 1, Resubdivision Outlot A WB Development, from C1-1, Intensive
Commercial, to OSA-CI-1, Sensitive Areas Overlay Zone, and the associated Sensitive
Areas Development Plan, be approved to permit the grading shown in Areas A and B of
the rezoning exhibit, subject to the establishment of natural plant species on the altered
slopes, and the removal of Area C from the plan. Shannon seconded the motion.
Bovbjerg said she feels strongly that Areas B and C should not be filled. She said she did not
believe that the filling would make a shallower slope but would actually make a steeper slope.
AMENDMENT TO THF MAIN MOTION: Bovbjerg moved to amend the motion to exclude
Area B from the plan. Ehrhardt seconded the amendment.
Bovbjerg said she feels that neither of the ravines in Areas B and C should be filled to the
extent proposed and said that there still can be reasonable development on the property. She
said, given the acreage there and the land as it is, which has not changed at all in its features, it
would be better for the land and the drainage, to keep Area B from being filled as proposed.
Bovbjerg said she would like to see Area B pulled back and restored.
The amendment to the main motion failed on a vote of 3-4, with Chait, Schintler,
Shannon and Supple voting no.
AMENDMFNT TO THF MAIN MOTION: Chait moved to amend the motion to include Area
C in the area to be filled. Schintler seconded the amendment.
Gibson said the developer's representative discussed creating more stable slopes. He said it
would be hard to imagine slopes like this that could be any more stable; these are
extraordinarily stable slopes, given the geography. Gibson said the slopes are totally grass-.
bottomed with no erosion evident whatsoever. He said they are probably far better than
anything with a creek running down through it in terms of restraining runoff, and they make the
retention basin almost unnecessary.
Gibson said the trees underwent some natural damage that occurred all over this section of the
State. He said he does not see them as a wasteland, although they could certainly stand to be
cleaned up. Gibson said, however, that to throw this away and say it needs to be replanted with
new evergreens, which he did not see on the site, is a red herring. Gibson said the site could be
Planning and Zoning Commission
December 3, 1998
Page 4
cleaned up and the area will restore itself over a period of time. He said the real issue is the
slopes.
Gibson said the discussion regarding the Sensitive Areas Ordinance demonstrates that the
Commission needs to make substantive decisions showing how serious it is about maintaining
environmentally sensitive areas in this community on a case by case basis. He said that except
for the rare circumstances where something is unequivocally protected, the Commission has to
decide each case as to whether or not an environment can be disturbed, destroyed, or
preserved. Gibson said the issue here is whether or not the Commission chooses to select
certain portions of this proposal and preserve and protect them so that erosion as a result of
development activities will not be greater than it is or whether the Commission doesn't care
about this environmental site and is willing to sacrifice it to development.
Gibson said that because these slopes are so stable, nothing can be done to improve on them
and, in fact, the very act of touching them will likely make them less stable than they are dght
now. He said, regarding the diagram of the site, that the grading will not be limited to the
shaded areas but will occur wherever it is necessary to fill in those ravines basically bank to
bank until one moves out into the main channel that runs in the southeast to northwest
direction. Gibson said there will therefore be considerably more grading in the ravines than is
revealed by the drawings. He said it was not an attempt to misrepresent but is what the
ordinance called for. Gibson suggested that in the future, the full grading on these sites should
be shown rather than just the grading that will impact sensitive slopes.
Gibson said that while he voted for the exclusion of Area B from the motion, he had intended to
agree to the staff recommendation, in the spirit of compromise. He said he is greatly opposed to
an alteration of Area C but was willing to compromise even though Area A has already been
regraded under questionable circumstances as a result of the way the ordinance was drafted,
with the developer not necessarily at fault. Gibson said the ordinance says that grading and
destabilization activities associated with utilities should be limited. He said that the grading of
Area A was justified on the grounds that it was necessary to put utilities into this site. Gibson
said that in dealing with sewers and so forth, the installation could have been done a number of
other ways, rather than grading the site. He said there has already been a severe compromise
with regard to Area A, although there is no point in reviewing it now. Gibson said alteration of
Area B would disturb the overall environment less in terms of aesthetics and would go a long
way toward improving the developability of this parcel, so he would be willing to accept the
grading of Area B. Gibson said the alteration of Area C goes too far and clearly calls into
question what is meant by the ordinance.
Gibson said that as long as the City has this ordinance regarding the protection of
environmentally sensitive areas on the books, it should be honored. He said that a natural
environment is a natural environment and man has rarely, if ever, improved on the natural
environment. Gibson said there is a wonderful tree covered swale there that is visible from the
interstate. He said the exclusion of that area will impinge a little bit on the development of that
parcel, but when one stops to think what has been done already or would be done under this
basic proposal, there will be a lot of developable land created where before there was little
more than hills and ravines. Gibson said it would be a real travesty of the Sensitive Areas
Ordinance to vote to approve the grading on Area C, and if approved, the ordinance might as
well be removed from the books.
Planning and Zoning Commission
December 3.1998
Page 5
Chait said he did not disagree with most of Gibson's statements. He said, however, that for him
it is a different question. Chait said his interpretation of the ordinance has to do with a standard
for doing this kind of work. He said the ordinance is on the books to prevent the land from
simply being raped. Chait said his support of this request has to do with his comfort with the
way the applicant is proposing to develop this land and integrate that development into the
historical nature of the area that it sits in. He said it will be different developed than it is now, but
the ordinance is to set technical specifications and to have it come before the Commission to be
reviewed. Chait said the standard for him is if he is comfortable with the nature of the developed
property integrating in with the existing land, and he is in this case.
Ehrhardt said that in the future, should this be approved in its entirety, the Commission will then
have to approve every application for work on slopes such as these because every plan will be
a reasonable plan that shows nice grading. Chait said the Commission doesn't have to accept
anything; he is saying that the opportunity for the Commission to have interaction and
conversation and review this is the process he is comfortable with. Chait said the Planning and
Zoning Commission is reviewing development, not preservation. Ehrhardt said the Commission
is concerned with the best use of the land and whether it is to be filled in or to continue to be a
stable slope.
Bovbjerg said the dual nature of the ordinance is not hard-core preservation versus
compromise. She said the two ends, to look at it that way, are preserving everything versus
developing everything. Bovbjerg said the Commission looks at things on a case by case basis
and asks what the best use of the land is, in light of development and in light of the physical
features. She said that is where Commission members have to use judgment, and this is a
balancing act between preservation and development.
Schintler said the fact that this is commercial land is what is swaying her vote. Miklo said the
area specified as Outlot A is actually designated as open space. Gibson said this is commercial
land because of where it is in the community. He said it is along the highway where commercial
development generally occurs, a decision that was not made based on the physical condition of
the land. Gibson said he did not see the fact that this is commercial land as being at all relevant
to this issue. Schintler added that the developer stated that he would plant the space between
the land and the highway with trees.
Gibson said this is a continuum, and he cannot believe that this ordinance was originally
intended to say that it is okay to decimate any environmental area in the community if the
grading was well done and everything looks good. He asked how long the ravine in Area C is
from north to south. Yapp said it is approximately 350 feet long. Gibson estimated it to be about
100 feet wide, resulting in an area of about 4,000 square feet. Gibson said this is a sizable
ravine and should not be diminished. He said that to throw the .entire ravine away, most of
which is outside the development proposal, just to pick up a few feet of developable ground is a
mistake. Gibson said it would be moving a long way toward the end of the continuum that says
it is okay to destroy any environmental area as long as it is graded properly. He said the
developer can get a pretty good chunk of developable land with Areas A and B regraded and
said that Area C should not be sacrificed to this or the Commission will not have much of a
moral argument on virtually any future application.
Chait said the Commission still does not know the degree to which the developer would be
filling the ravine. Gibson said the filling creates an artificial, man-made ravine, and if the grading
is done to the ridgelines, there will be nothing of the natural' ravine left. Yapp showed the
Planning and Zoning Commission
December 3, 1998
Page 6
diagram with the areas of critical and protected slopes. He showed where the slopes would be
disturbed should the entire application be approved and where the new contours would be.
Bovbjerg said she cannot agree with the statement that filling will lessen the angle of the slope
and said it will instead increase the angle of the slope. Gibson said Bovbjerg was correct.
Musser disagreed with those statements, and Shannon asked Musser to explain his position.
Musser said the slopes that are there are now are protected, and by the Code, the developer
cannot create a slope steeper than that or would be creating a sensitive area, which would not
be allowed by the City. He said that taking the slope and filling it in fiat will make it stable, and
there will be no more slope. Gibson said the new slope running through the heart of the ravine
would be twice as steep with this alteration. Musser agreed that the slope from the southwest
end to the northeast end, the steepness would be increased. He added that the base of the
ravine is not protected under the Sensitive Areas Ordinance. He said that where the water
drains is not a critical or protected slope. Musser said the slope being created from the
southwest end to the northeast is acceptable to the City's Engineering Department. Yapp said
that the applicant's proposal would create a flatter slope across the breadth of the ravine but
would result in a steeper slope along the length of the ravine. He said that what is proposed
would be acceptable under the grading standards, should the application be approved.
Bovbjerg asked if the slopes are protected under the Sensitive Areas Ordinance but the trough
in the center of the ravine would not be. Yapp said that was correct, under the Sensitive Areas
Ordinance. Miklo said there is a buffer there adjacent to a 40% slope so it would be pretty
difficult to fill the middle part. He said there is one foot of buffer for every foot of vertical rise for
slopes over 40% steep. Bovbjerg said that practically speaking, the trough has to be protected
as well. Yapp said the center area, which is more fiat and stable, would not be protected under
the ordinance, although any altering of the stepper sides of the ravine would invariably impact
the bottom of the ravine, and vice-versa. Bovbjerg said it seems that the trough is very much a
part of the sensitive area and must be considered, whether or not it is written in the ordinance.
Supple said she would vote no on the amendment to include Area C in the approval because
the ravine in Area C is a working ravine, has been there for hundreds of years, and is visible
from the highway. She said that since this is something of an entranceway into the City, she
would like the view from the highway to be an aesthetically attractive view. Shannon asked,
regarding the view from the highway, if anyone had any idea what destruction, if one calls this
destruction, was done when Interstate 380 was built between Melrose Avenue and Interstate
80. He said things were filled in and ripped out and asked if anyone had noticed any great
amount of erosion or destruction there. Shannon said he did not think such erosion had
resulted. He said he couldn't understand trying to save this ravine but letting other things be
destroyed.
The amendment to the main motion to include Area C in approval of the plan failed on a
vote of 3-4, with Bovbjerg. Ehrhardt. Gibson. and Supple voting no.
The main motion, unamended, carried on a vote of 6-1. with Ehrhardt voting no.
Gibson said the procedure worked well, with the Commission working through all of the
alternatives and variables and everyone having a chance to make his or her comments.
Planning and Zoning Commission
December 3, 1998
Page 7
PROPOSFD AMFNDMFNT:
Public discussion of a proposed amendment to Section 14-5H, Site Plan Review, and 14-6S,
Performance Standards, regarding lighting standards.
Yapp said the staff report included measurements of light levels and pole heights in various
areas of the City both in site and at the property line. He encouraged Commission members to
take a look at some of these areas to get a feel for the measurement standards.
Yapp said staff is proposing four main changes to the current lighting standards. He said staff is
proposing that lighting should not exceed one foot-candle at the property boundaries. He said
that staff feels one foot-candle would be low enough to not be obtrusive but still high enough to
provide enough light for safety.
Yapp said staff is also proposing that all lights of greater than 2,000 lumens, the approximate
equivalent of a 150-watt household bulb, be equipped with cutoff shields or light fixtures that do
not allow light to spill into the sky, which results in wasted light and glare. He said staff is
proposing that light fixtures within a residential zone and within 300 feet of a residential zone be
mounted no higher than 25 feet high. Yapp said staff is also proposing that a detailed lighting
plan and photometrics plan showing the type, height, and intensity of lights be submitted with
the site plans for larger developments of 18 parking spaces or more so that staff can work with
lighting details before the lighting is installed.
Ehrhardt asked if there are changes proposed for between two different residential zones. Yapp
said the light standards would apply to multi-family residential zones but would not apply to
single-family areas.
Supple asked which places in the meter reading diagram that Yapp had suggested Commission
members drive by at night. Yapp responded that Walden Square on Mormon Trek Boulevard is
a good example of a quality lighting layout. He also suggested visiting the First Avenue Hy-Vee
to see how a fairly large parking lot relates to the surrounding neighborhood and ddving past
the Highway 6 businesses, such as the Toyota Dealership and WaI-Mart. Supple said the
Commission would be deferring this item to give Commission members a chance to further
review the lighting standards and visit some of the measured sites.
Public discussion:
There was none.
Public discussion closed.
MOTION: Gibson moved to defer action on a proposed amendment to Section 14-5H, Site
Plan Review, and 14-6S, Performance Standards, regarding lighting standards, to the
December 17, 1998 meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Bovbjerg
seconded the motion. The motion to defer carried on a vote of 7-0.
Planning and Zoning Commission
December 3, 1998
Page 8
HISTORIC PRFSFRVATION ITFM:
Public discussion of the proposed designation of the Harmon Building, 2 S. Linn Street, as an
Iowa City Historic Landmark.
Gibson said he works for The University of Iowa and is involved in real estate matters on the
University's behalf. He said the City is now negotiating with the University to purchase
Eastlawn, which is part of this parcel. Gibson said he and Holecek have decided that he must
therefore step aside from this issue.
(Gibson left the meeting at this time.)
Miklo referred to the letter from the State Historical Society indicating its concurrence with the
finding that this building meets the eligibility criteria to be a landmark or receive historic
designation. He said that in addition to the historic status of this building that was considered by
the Historic Preservation Commission and the State Historical Society, the Planning and Zoning
Commission is charged with considering the relation of the landmark designation to the
Comprehensive Plan, the Zoning Ordinance, and to the proposed public improvements and
other plans for renewal of the area involved.
Supple said this item will be deferred to the Commission's next meeting. She stated that it is the
responsibility of the Historic Preservation Commission to review applications and determine
whether or not the documentation meets the criteria for histodc designation. Supple said the
Historic Preservation Commission considers no other issues regarding designation of a
property. She said the Planning and Zoning Commission is not to determine that the Harmon
Building meets the criteria because that has already been established by the Histodc
Preservation Commission. Supple said the Planning and Zoning Commission is to review the
decision of the Historic Preservation Commission to determine whether or not an historic
designation of a particular building in a particular location is compatible with the Comprehensive
Plan, the Zoning Ordinance, and proposed public improvements and other plans for the renewal
of the area involved. Supple added that an historic designation is the equivalent of a rezoning,
and the Commission always holds two hearings on a rezoning. She said this item will therefore
be deferred in order to hold a second headng on the item in two weeks, after which the item will
proceed to the City Council.
Public discussion:
Richard Carlson. 309 Finkbine Lane #10, said he is an architectural historian and prepared the
landmark nomination for the Harmon Building. He said the landmark status as determined by
the Historic Preservation Commission has already been established, but he wanted to discuss
the relationship of this building to the proposed parking garage planned for this site. Carlson
said he is in favor of historic designation of the Harmon Building at the expense of this particular
location for the parking ramp.
Carlson said he holds this position because of the intrinsic value of the Harmon Building, as
described in the nomination papers. He said he also holds this position because of the historic
character of the area that the parking ramp is proposed for. Carlson said there are three other
National Register of Historic Places listed buildings within a block of the Harmon Building, and
two in the same block: the Boerner-Fry Building and the U.S. Post Office and across the street,
Planning and Zoning Commission
December 3, 1998
Page 9
the George Van Patton House. Carlson said there are these recognized historic buildings as
well as other buildings like Eastlawn, the Harmon Building, and the Bruegger's Bagel building
that either have been established to be designated historic landmarks or have a good chance of
being eligible for local landmark listing if they were to be researched and nominated. He said he
is concerned about the impact the parking garage will have on the historic character of the
entire area, not just the Harmon Building, even though that is the main focus here.
Carlson stated that, given the historic importance of the Harmon Building and the cohesion of
the historic area around the Harmon Building, it makes much more sense from a public policy
standpoint to support alternatives to a parking ramp in this location. He said alternatives could
include a parking ramp in another location, as there have been several alternative locations
proposed, as well as to increase participation in mass transit to reduce the pressures for
parking downtown.
Given the other options available to the City, Carlson said that if the entire public benefit that
will result from the construction of a parking ramp in this location will be to save at most two to
three blocks walk for a small percentage of drivers, that does not outweigh the historic
significance of the Harmon Building or the historic character of the area it is located in.
Doris Malkmus. 1328 Muscatine Avenue, said she is the chair of the Historic Preservation
Commission. Malkmus said the Historic Preservation Commission has a residual concern
regarding the possibility of the City demolishing the Harmon Building, in that it looks like the City
is endangering a lot of other historic properties in the near area. She said there are two or three
properties across the street from the Harmon Building that are now for sale, and the Historic
Preservation Commission is concerned that they will be lost and is also concerned that the
character of that corner will in fact change.
Malkmus requested that the Planning and Zoning Commission join the Historic Preservation
Commission in asking the City Council to take historic preservation a little more seriously. She
said the City's Comprehensive Plan calls for evaluating the downtown historic buildings,
something which has never been funded by the City. Malkmus said the Historic Preservation
Commission has pursued funding through the State, but it appears that there will be less and
less success in receiving funding through that avenue.
Malkmus said the possibility that the City will in fact demolish a landmark-eligible property is
setting a precedent that seems to indicate that the City does not care about its historic
landmark eligible properties. She stated that the Historic Preservation Commission does not
believe that every historic property has to be saved and believes it entails a balancing act.
Malkmus said the way this process has unfolded, however, has left the impression that the City
does not care. She said that in order for the City to demonstrate a commitment to historic
preservation, a number of things could be done. Malkmus said there could be an evaluation
and survey of the downtown area so that in the future, the City is not in the position of tearing or
proposing to tear down a building and then finding out that it was National Register eligible. She
said the Historic Preservation Commission could also get more staff time in the Planning
Department with someone who is specifically trained in historic preservation. Malkmus said the
Historic Preservation Commission would also ask that some ex officio seats be allowed on that
Commission so that those working in the field of historic architecture or preservation can sit on
the Commission to help guide it with their expertise. She asked the Planning and Zoning
Commission to include in its recommendation to the City Council a request to encourage
historic preservation in a more proactive way in the future.
Planning and Zoning Commission
December 3, 1998
Page 10
Bluford Adams. 312 Fairview Ave, said he is a member of a group of Iowa Citians who collected
over 500 signatures against the destruction of the Harmon Building and the Cottage and
against the construction of the parking garage. He stated that signers of the petition gave many
different reasons for opposing the project.
Adams said many reasons for opposing the project had to do with the larger effects of bringing
more cars, noise, and pollution into the walking core of what is now a charming, pedestrian
downtown. He said that many people were unaware of this project, and he felt that if the
information were out about the project, the opposition would be even more intense, particularly
when considering .that the project would cause the destruction of not only the two buildings the
petition signers were opposed to, but also the destruction of the Eastlawn Building.
Adams said there was strong opposition to this project from people living in Ecumenical
Towers, a low-income apartment building, who were concerned about the noise, pollution, and
the shadow to be cast by this new parking garage onto their apartments. He said these people
are in their apartments permanently so that they cannot move into an un-shadowed apartment
in the event this parking facility is built. Adams added that there are people living in the Harmon
Building now who do not want to be displaced from their apartments, as well a business owner
across the street from the building who felt the project would bring him more customers, but did
not want to see the ramp built at the expense of the Harmon Building.
Adams said the City of Iowa City is a rarity in the United States in that it has a functioning,
walking, pedestrian-oriented, vibrant downtown. He said the City will reach a point after building
so many more parking garages where it has lost that rare characteristic and will not be able to
get it back. Adams asked the Commission to think seriously about the comments received from
Iowa Citians about this project.
Gerald Stevenson. 530 South Dubuque Street, said he had several comments. He said he was
appalled at the report that $700,000 has gone into just the design of this project. He added that
there are certain areas, e.g., Oakdale, where there is parking available with public
transportation into the City.
Regarding the historic district, Stevenson said what the Rockefeller family did in the 1930's has
gone to the point at which now there are Disneyland-sort of buildings on the site of
Williamsburg. He said that here in Iowa City there is located the architectural office of the
gentlemen who worked above what is now Martini's in the walkway just to the west of the
diagonal motel. Stevenson said there might be a resolution to this similar to that of the
architects' office where there is a facade, as all of the rest has essentially been removed,
gutted, and totally reconfigured in a way that has destroyed the respect and the integrity of the
original building. He suggested that in the case of the Harmon Building, the building could be
destroyed except for the west and the north facades, to remain that way just as the architects'
office does. Stevenson said the rest of the building has probably been worked over many times
anyway.
Ehrhardt asked if the City had asked the architects whether the Harmon Building could be
incorporated into the new facility in some way. Miklo said that the architects looked at keeping
the Harmon Building in place and building a parking ramp around it but determined it would not
provide enough space. He said however, he was unaware if the possibility of maintaining the
building's facade was investigated and would check this out and report back to the
Planning and Zoning Commission
December 3, 1998
Page 11
Commission. Miklo said that such a possibility probably would not address the concerns of
those who want to preserve the building.
Jim Throgmorton. 715 North Linn Street, stated that he visited Freiburg, Germany last summer
and discovered a large, beautiful and economically thriving, pedestrianized City Center that was
full of well-preserved or well-restored older buildings. He said the City as a whole and the
pedestrianized center were both served by a rapid, convenient, clean, quiet, efficient, electric.
tram system, coupled with a very efficient, well-integrated bus system. Throgmorton said it was
also served by an extraordinarily fine bikeway system.
Throgmorton said that 20 years ago, roughly 65% of all trips in Freiburg were made by motor
vehicles. He said' that now, as a result of conscious public policy decisions in Freiburg, only
about 45% of all trips are made by motor vehicles. Throgmorton said the 20% decrease is an
extraordinary change. He said that kind of change in Iowa City would obviate the need for any
new parking garage in Iowa City. Throgmorton said the downtown in Freiburg is quiet, safe,
beautiful, and full of people, and that is the direction Iowa City should be headed, and not, as
the current parking garage proposal indicates, toward a downtown that is declining in economic
activity and historic quality while increasing in places to park.
Public discussion closed.
MOTION: Chait moved to defer a recommendation on designation of the Harmon
Building as an Iowa City Historic Landmark to the December 17, 1998 meeting of the
Planning and Zoning Commission. Shannon seconded the motion. The motion carried
on a vote of 6-0.
COMPREHFNSIVE PLAN ITEM:
Set a public hearing for December 17, on an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan to include
the Northeast District Plan for property generally located east of First Avenue, north of Court
Street, south of Interstate 80 and west of Taft Avenue.
MOTION: Bovbjerg moved to set a public hearing on an amendment to the
Comprehensive Plan to include the Northeast District Plan for property generally located
east of First Avenue, north of Court Street, south of Interstate 80 and west of Taft
Avenue to the December 17, 1998 meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Chait seconded the motion.
Ehrhardt said she received an alternative plan in the mail and asked if staff would have a
response to that plan at the public hearing. Miklo said he had not yet seen the plan and asked
to see a copy of it.
Bovbjerg asked if more than three Commission members could attend the meeting at Lemme
School on December 10. Holecek stated that when there are more than three Commission
members, enough for a quorum, at an information-gathering meeting, Commission members
cannot participate or deliberate in any fashion whatsoever, but must act as stumps, not giving
opinions or otherwise engaging in deliberations or decision-making processes.
Supple asked Commission members if they thought it would be more appropriate to set the
hearing for a different date, since the Harmon Building item will be heard on December 17, and
Planning and Zoning Commission
December 3, 1998
Page 12
the Northeast District Plan could be a somewhat stressful and controversial thing. Miklo said the
word is out that the hearing is to be held on December 17, and people are planning to attend
the meeting to discuss that item. He said the date was announced at a neighborhood meeting.
Miklo suggested that the hearing will probably be continued to the first meeting in January.
Ehrhardt asked how written comments and input from the neighborhood meetings would be
distributed to the Commission. Miklo responded that all written commentS would provided to the
Commission.
The motion carried on a vote of 6-0.
CONSIDFRATION OF THF NOVFMBFR 19. 1998 PLANNING AND 7ONING COMMISSION
MINUTFS:
MOTION: Chait moved to approve the minutes of the November 19, 1998 Planning and
Zoning Commission meetings, as written. Shannon seconded the motion. The motion
carried on a vote of 7-0.
PLANNING AND 7ONING COMMISSION INFORMATION:
Therewas none.
ADJOURNMFNT:
The meeting was adjourned at 9:27 p.m.
Pam Ehrhardt, Secretary
Minutes submitted by Anne Schulte
ppdadmin~mins~&zl 2-3.doc
MINUTES
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
DECEMBER 17, 1998 - 7:30 P.M.
CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Subject ta Ppproval
MFMBFRS PRI=SFNT:
Ann Bovbjerg, Benjamin Chait, Pam Ehrhardt, Dick Gibson,
Marilyn Schintler, Dean Shannon, Lea Supple
MEMBFRS ABSFNT:
None
STAFF PRFSFNT:
OTHFRS PRFSFNT:
Bob Miklo, John Yapp, Sarah Holecek, Scott Kugler, Anne Schulte
Jim Throgmorton, Richard Carlson, Osha Gray Davidson, Ernie
Cox, Dan Coleman, Jim Clayton, Bennett Brown, Laurence
Fuortes, Seth Nieman, Lynn Myers, Lynn Richman, Bill Mitchell,
Don Anciaux, Larry Schnittjer, Richard Dorzweiller, Jim Spratt,
Dianne Kaufman
RFCOMMI=NDATIONS TO COUNCI~:
Recommended denial, by a vote of 1-5, with Bovbjerg, Chait, Schintler, Shannon, and Supple
voting no, of designation of the Harmon Building, 2 S. Linn Street, as an Iowa City Historic
Landmark.
Recommended approval, by a vote of 5-2, with Ehrhardt and Supple voting no, of SUB98-0030,
a final plat of Boyd's Fashionable Acres, an 11.51 acre, 16-lot residential subdivision located on
the south side of Rochester Avenue, east of Post Road, and west of Mount Vernon Road
subject to the approval of legal papers and construction drawings prior to City Council
consideration of the plat.
CAII TO ORDI=R:
Chairperson Supple called the meeting to order at 7:38 p.m.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANYITFM NOT ON THF AGFNDA:
Jim Throgmorton. 715 North Linn. #1, said that at a previous Planning and Zoning Commission
meeting regarding a sensitive areas rezoning, there was extensive discussion about the intent
of the City Council when it adopted the Sensitive Areas Ordinance in 1995. He stated that he
was on the City Council when the ordinance was adopted. Throgmorton said it was quite clear
that considerable interpretation and judgment are required when implementing the ordinance,
and that was intended because it was a result of extensive negotiation and collaboration
between the development community and advocates of natural areas.
Throgmorton said the City Council's clear intent when adopting the Sensitive Areas Ordinance
was to make it far more likely that natural areas would be preserved during the development
process. He added that if that had not been the intent, that ordinance would not have been
adopted. Throgmorton asked Commission members to reflect on what the City Council intended
when adopting the ordinance when similar issues come up in the future.
ANNOUNCFMI=NT OF VACANCIFS ON CITY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS:
Planning & Zoning Commission
December 17, 1998
Page 2
Supple stated that serving on a City board or commission is an opportunity to provide input into
how the City progresses and also gives the City the opportunity to take advantage of its citizens'
skills and expertise. She said it is a great learning experience and urged members of the public
to consider serving on a board or commission. Supple said there is a list of vacancies posted on
the Civic Center bulletin board.
HISTORIC PRFSFRVATION ITFM:
Public discussion of the proposed designation of the Harmon Building, 2 South Linn Street, as
an Iowa City Historic Landmark.
Miklo said staff had no further information on this item. He pointed out that a letter was sent to
the Commission by Doris Malkmus, Chair of the Historic Preservation Commission.
Public discussion:
Richard Carlson. 309 Finkbine Iane #10, said he wrote the application for the nomination of the
Harmon Building as an Iowa City historic landmark. He said the significance of the Harmon
Building has been well established in the nomination, the recommendation by the Historic
Preservation Commission, and by the State Historical Society. Carlson said there are larger
issues here of the landmark designation versus the parking garage.
Carlson said that the Planning Director, Karin Franklin, wrote in her November 25 memo to the
Commission that the decision is basically one of weighing the merits of the Iowa Avenue
Streetscape project and the multi-use parking garage against the merits of preserving the
Harmon Building.. Carlson said he did not agree that the redevelopment of Iowa Avenue
necessitates the construction of a parking garage in this location and believes it is, in fact,
contrary to the public purpose served by the redevelopment of Iowa Avenue, which would be to
improve the streetscape.
Carlson said that in the Icon, Dan Coleman wrote that the rush to tear down the Harmon
Building runs contrary to Iowa City's own planning documents. Coleman wrote that the Iowa
Avenue Streetscape Plan says that the corridor should emphasize connections of students and
citizens to the City's history and also maintains that historic buildings play a critical role in
defining the character of downtown and goes on to say that the streetscape elements should
respect these structures. Carlson added that Coleman says that if this language had been taken
to heart from the outset, then the Harmon Building would have been understood all along as an
essential element to be preserved.
Carlson said he agrees with Coleman's assessment, and the City's plan to improve the
appearance of Iowa Avenue will not be well served by the construction of the parking ramp.
Carlson said the area around Iowa Avenue and Linn Street is currently remarkable for its variety
of buildings that retain their intact historic character, among them the Harmon Building, but
many others are in the same area. He said the destruction of these buildings would detract from
the historic character of the area that the redevelopment of Iowa Avenue is designed to
promote.
Carlson said he does not believe that the elimination of 175 parking spaces along Iowa Avenue
requires that they be replaced in the same location. He said that parking space to offset the loss
Planning & Zoning Commission
December 17, 1998
Page 3
of spaces on Iowa Avenue is already available in existing downtown parking ramps. Carlson
said that if the Iowa Avenue parking ramp were not built, the greatest sacrifice to people who
currently park in the 175 spaces would be to walk, at most, one or two additional blocks from a
parking space in an existing ramp to their destinations. He asked if this were too great a
sacrifice to ask people to make to preserve the historic character of an area that is enjoyed by
far more people each day than the few people who park nearby,
Carlson said that if the City is concerned about the number of parking spaces downtown, the
answer is not to destroy the historic character of the area but to improve the public transit
system to encourage shoppers, students, and commuters to take the bus downtown instead of
driving, which would eliminate any real or imagined shortage of parking spaces downtown for
considerably less than the 12 million dollars that the proposed ramp is said to cost. Carlson said
the City has already seen the phenomenal success of the free shuttle bus between student
residential areas and downtown, which has succeeded in freeing up a significant number of
parking spaces downtown. He said that much more could be accomplished simply by directing a
greater share of parking revenue toward transit instead of toward parking garages.
Carlson said the City has a choice between spending twelve million dollars while tearing down
one recognized historic building and two other older buildings that contribute to the histodc
character of the area and constructing an enormous building that is out of scale and character
with either historic or present day Iowa Avenue. He said the parking facility would have the
added detrimental effect of encouraging more people to drive downtown, which would
perpetuate the cycle that the City has been encouraging for years. Carlson said the predictable
result of this choice will be more traffic congestion and a continual demand for wider streets and
more parking garages in the future as well as the financial cost and the detriment to the historic
character of downtown that these changes would require. He said that the City could spend
considerably less than twelve million dollars to improve the transit system and thereby preserve
the historic character of Iowa Avenue for the enjoyment of the people who visit the area.
Carlson said such a decision would encourage downtown Iowa City to retain its special
character, one that cannot be replicated in a suburban mall, and would encourage people to
come downtown without inviting the problems that arise, predictably, from policies that
encourage greater numbers of occupants of single vehicles downtown.
Osha Gray Davidson. 14 South Governor Street, referred to a letter dated November 26, 1998
that he sent to the Commission. He said he agreed with those who have already determined
that the Harmon Building is worthy of histodc landmark status. Davidson said that in the
beginning, the Harmon Building was considered old and in the way of progress, until Carlson
pointed out the details of the historic significance of this building to the attention of the Historic
Preservation Commission. Davidson said the Historic Preservation Commission asked for and
received a second expert opinion stating that the Harmon Building is indeed a local, historic
landmark. He said the Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously to recommend the
Harmon Building for landmark designation, and the State Historical Society also said that the
Harmon Building met its criteria for historic landmark status. Davidson said that virtually
everyone now agrees that the Harmon Building is historically important to Iowa City.
Davidson said that historic landmarks show who we were and who we are as a community, and
when they are torn down, we lose a vital link to our past and we rob future generations of the
link to their history. He discussed the days of urban renewal when old buildings were discarded
by the dozens in the name of progress. Davidson said the important lesson from that era is that
not every change represents progress. He said that in tearing down the Harmon Building to
Planning & Zoning Commission
December 17, 1998
Page 4
build a parking ramp, he feared that we are poised to repeat the mistakes of an earlier time, and
calling this revitalization instead of renewal does not make this progress.
Davidson said he had serious doubts about the structure that will replace the Harmon Building
and whether the City really needs yet another parking ramp downtown. He said he was
concerned about the effect of another large parking garage on the character of downtown.
Davidson asked, even assuming that another ramp is needed, if this would be the only place for
it or the best place for it.
Davidson said the City has allowed too many historically important and beautiful buildings to be
torn down over the years. He said that to tear down the Harmon Building and replace it with a
parking ramp is not progress and is not revitalization but is a bad idea, plain and simple.
Frnie Cox. 905 Harlocke Street #8, said he does not want his generation to look back in 20, 30,
or 40 years and see the Coral Ridge Mall or the parking ramps as its legacy for communities or
downtown areas. He said the idea of the proposed parking ramp in the present location of the
Harmon Building seems to encroach greatly into the downtown area. Cox asked the
Commission to consider historic preservation not only for the Harmon Building but also as a
precedent for future criteria by which downtown renewal will be judged. He asked how we can
simultaneously look at a renewal of the historic downtown and Iowa Avenue while we tear down
historic downtown buildings.
Dan Coleman. 1409 F. Bloomington Street, said he wrote the article about this item in the Icon
dated December 17. He said that all the points made by Carlson were cogent, well developed,
and dght on the mark. Coleman said the idea that there is a connection between the parking
ramp and the Iowa Avenue streetscape is wrong. He stated that the parking ramp is contrary to
the goals of the streetscape. Coleman said that when we think about cities where we have really
enjoyed the downtown areas and wanted to go back, it is buildings like the Harmon Building that
we identify with those place and is structures like parking ramps that are antithetical to that.
Jim Clayton. 119 F. College Street, said he owns a downtown business. He said the Iowa
Avenue Streetscape plan has several major goals: 1 ) to create a greater sense of arrival to the
downtown and to The University of Iowa, 2) to establish a compelling and appropriate character
for the Iowa Avenue corridor, 3) to respect the great history of the corridor, 4) to address
accessibility and pedestrian circulation, and 5) to work with businesses in creating a unique
environment in which to shop and dine. Clayton said the plan was to return Iowa Avenue to its
rather grand state when it was platted in 1839 as one of the widest boulevards in the State of
Iowa, focusing on the Old Capitol.
Clayton said that during the planning process, many groups were sent invitations to attend
public input sessions, during which the architects gathered information as to what the citizens of
the community would like to see. He said the historic preservation session was held with invited
participants from Design Review, Histodc Preservation, the Historic Society, and Project Green.
Clayton said four people attended the meeting, and the Harmon Building was not mentioned. He
said the concerns of the various groups included zero net loss of parking, respect for the historic
corridor, Iowa Avenue looking like the gateway that it is, connecting the University with the City,
better accommodations for the pedestrian, and thinking of the big picture for this incredible
opportunity.
Clayton asked how the Harmon Building escaped historic designation before the process of
Planning & Zoning Commission
December 17, 1998
Page 5
public input, hearings, and finished reports. He said that as a result of citizens remaining silent
until the last minute, the taxpayers have spent a lot of money planning, preparing, and doing
studies. Clayton said that historic preservation should be an advance process and is not
something that should be done after the fact. He said he can respect the opinion of someone
who does not want another parking ramp, but it should not be tied to a building and should not
be said that we need to save this building so that we won't have another parking garage.
Clayton said that parking garages are user-funded. He said that people want to park close to
their destinations, and he does not see that changing in Iowa City or anywhere else. Clayton
said the Iowa Avenue improvement is linked to a new parking facility .because of the goals
expressed by the citizens who had input to the decision; they want to have a zero net loss of
parking. He said the historical significance of a redone, restored Iowa Avenue streetscape
would be a far greater benefit to the downtown community than saving the Harmon Building
would be. Clayton urged Commission members to vote no on the proposed designation.
Jim Throgmorton, said that there are hundreds of outstanding communities around the world
that do not rely anywhere near as heavily on the automobile as Iowa City and most American
cities do. He said that at the center of the debate regarding the Northeast District Plan will be
the alleged need to extend First Avenue north to facilitate the flow of traffic on the east side of
town. Throgmorton said the argument is that to ease future congestion of traffic, the City should
build more roads and widen many existing ones. He said building more roads will only induce
more traffic. Throgmorton said if one looks at the 1991 arterial street plan as updated even after
building new roads and even after widening, one sees that traffic congestion will increase
throughout the city. He said in terms of the downtown, that means having to build a new ramp.
He said it follows logically from the idea of having to build more roads and relying more heavily
on traffic. Throgmorton said that rather than do that, the City should be investing heavily in
public transit service improvements, dramatically improving bikeway facilities, as many cities all
over Europe are currently doing, and continuing to improve the quality of the downtown
streetscape. He said he certainly agrees with Clayton with regard to the City's plans to improve
the streetscape of the downtown; that's very important. Throgmorton said that the key to having
a healthy and thriving downtown is not to tear down the quality buildings that currently exist
there but to make that downtown more attractive to people on foot. He said the way to do that is
to not build a new parking garage with 500-some parking spaces. ,
Throgmorton said if the conclusion of the Commission and the City Council is that a parking
garage has to be built, then build it. He said that he would strongly support the idea of making
sure that the first floor of the parking garage is very attractive to the person on foot because
otherwise what the City ends up with is a blank screen. Throgmorton said that he knew the City
was planning on doing that, and he supports that idea. He said a better idea would be to not
build the garage in the first place and preserve what is there.
Public discussion closed.
MOTION: Bovbjerg moved to approve designation of the Harmon Building, 2 S. Linn
Street, as an Iowa City Historic Landmark. Ehrhardt seconded the motion.
Ehrhardt asked staff what the Commission's specific responsibility is with regard to this item.
She said there are four charges; one of them is to determine whether or not historic designation
of an historic building in a particular location is compatible with a number of things, including
proposed public improvements. Ehrhardt asked where that charge comes from because it
Planning & Zoning Commission
December 17, 1998
Page 6
seems in conflict with the other charges the Commission has. Miklo said that charge is in the
ordinance establishing the historic district or the historic preservation requirements for the City.
Supple said her comments about that from the previous meeting were taken from the bylaws.
Ehrhardt said the proposed public improvement is a parking ramp. She said that at the same
time her responsibility is to determine the best use of land. Ehrhardt stated that even though she
thinks the Iowa streetscape plan is excellent and she likes the commercial on the first level of
the parking ramp, she is not in favor of the parking ramp. She said she is in conflict regarding
this item, and in voting yes for the designation, she is saying that it is not compatible with the
public improvement and she is not in favor of the public improvement.
Chait asked what it means to the Iowa Avenue streetscape if the Commission recommends
granting historic status to this building. Miklo said that this recommendation would go on to the
council and the City Council would take that as well as the Historic Preservation Commission's
recommendation and make a decision, looking at many of the same factors as the Commission
in deciding whether to designate the building as a landmark. He said if they choose not to
designate it as a landmark then the process stops and the project for Iowa Avenue and the
parking facility can continue. Miklo said that if the City Council chooses to designate the building
a landmark, then any alteration of that building or demolition would require approval of the
Historic Preservation Commission. He said the City Council has made it clear that in order to
implement the Iowa Avenue plan, the parking that would be displaced would need to be
replaced in a parking facility at this location.
Chait said this forum is not about the parking ramp or the Iowa Avenue project but is about
granting historic status to the Harmon Building, but it is really hard to separate the issues. He
said the ramp does not look like any parking ramp he has seen before, and it does address the
landscape and scale issues. Chait said he did not want the conversation to revolve around the
Iowa Avenue project or the parking ramp but did not know how that could be avoided. Ehrhardt
said the big part of this is the parking ramp, which is the proposed public improvement. Miklo
said that part of the public improvement is also the Iowa Avenue Streetscape project.
Chait said that this building was built in the 1920s, and Iowa Avenue was built long before that.
He said the Iowa Avenue that was built long before that does not look anything like the Iowa
Avenue that is there today. Chait said the question here is what is the City committed to, the
one building that was built after that street was put in place or what it looked like when it was
first platted. He said that given that option, he would be more committed to the greater
community and to the restoration of Iowa Avenue and improvements to the City versus the
restoration of one building. Chait said he restores buildings, but to look at the bigger picture, he
was very comfortable with what is proposed.
Bovbjerg said that in this country, cities are built for cam. She said that getting so many cars off
of Iowa Avenue will actually calm traffic and alter driving patterns and may result in more people
using Gilbert Street than Dubuque Street. Bovbjerg said she is not a great fan of parking ramps,
but the cars have to be somewhere, and stacking them is a cheaper alternative to laying out
more acreage. She said rebuilding Iowa Avenue will be helpful for traffic calming and will add to
city pleasantness. Bovbjerg said she would vote against the designation because it stands in
the way of what she feels is the better public good.
Shannon said he was concerned that the City had already spent $700,000 on plans for the
parking facility. He said he did not think this community could afford to throw that kind of money
Planning & Zoning Commission
December 17, 1998
Page 7
away. Shannon said he regretted that this information did not come out a year ago.
Schintler agreed that since so much has been done already, there is not really a choice other
than to go ahead with this. She said the design of the parking ramp is outstanding, although she
is not a parking ramp fan. Schintler said she would vote against the historic designation.
Supple said she believes that the Commission should not be involved in political issues, which
this seems to be. She said she believes in historic preservation as well as the Iowa Avenue
beautification plan. Supple said she would therefore vote in accordance with the very narrow
definition of the Commission's responsibility, which is to determine whether or not an historic
designation of a particular building in a particular location is compatible with, among other
things, renewal of the area involved. She said she would therefore vote no on this item.
The motion failed to carry on a vote of 1-5, with Bovbjerg, Chair, Schintler, Shannon, and
Supple voting no.
Gibson arrived at the meeting at 8:20 p.m. Supple said Gibson absented himself intentionally
from the histodc laRdmark recommendation because of a conflict of interest.
COMPRFHFNSIVF: PI AN ITFM:
Public hearing on an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan to include the Northeast District
Plan for property generally located east of First Avenue, north of Court Street, south of
Interstate 80 and west of Taft Avenue.
Miklo said the Comprehensive Plan is the City's guide for development in the community and
includes policies. regarding economic development, arts and cultural, social issues, land
development, and other items. He said it is used by City departments, boards and commissions,
including the Planning and Zoning Commission, property owners, and the City Council to guide
decisions regarding the growth of the community. Miklo said the Comprehensive Plan contains
policies regarding where to build streets and other infrastructure such as sanitary sewer and
water lines, provides direction regarding zoning and development decisions, and also indicates
where preservation and conservation should be encouraged in the community.
Miklo said the Comprehensive Plan organizes the City into ten subdistricts. He said that within
each district, staff is preparing a specific plan to bring more focus to the general goals and
policies of the Comprehensive Plan. Miklo said the Northeast District Plan is now under
consideration, and he showed the boundaries of the district on an overhead map.
Miklo said that within the boundaries there is land that is currently within the City limits,
generally the land on Scott Boulevard and to the west, and the district also includes land outside
of the City but within the area that can be served by the City's sanitary sewer system. Miklo said
it may be a number of years if not decades before development takes place in those areas, but
they need to be included in the plan in order to be prepared for development. Miklo said the
proposed plan is a conceptual plan in that some of the elements such as streets and parks are
not necessarily in the exact locations where they will be built, but the plan is intended to be a
guide so that when individual decisions and developments occur, they can be weighed against
this conceptual plan and, given other factors, the plan can be implemented following those
guidelines.
Planning & Zoning Commission
December 17, 1998
Page 8
Miklo said the planning process started with a series of neighborhood workshops held in March
and April of 1998. He said those wor~.shops were artended by area residents, property owners,
developers, representatives of other government agencies, environmentalists, and anyone who
had an interest in this area. Miklo said several principles were developed during those
workshops and the plan is based on those principles. He said one of the primary principles was
to preserve natural features. Miklo said the Northeast District has several environmental
features including fairly rugged topography, stream corridors, and wooded slopes and ravines,
and the plan calls for the preservation of those elements. He said the plan also proposes
providing pedestrian and bicycle connections within these neighborhoods so that in terms of the
transportation plan, the trails are not seen as just an amenity but are an actual part of the
transportation system just as streets are. Miklo said the plan calls for building streets that
enhance neighborhood quality so that the design of the streets through landscaping and layout
is very important. He said the plan encourages a reasonable level of housing diversity. Miklo
said much of the Northeast District is now characterized by single-family homes. He said the
plan calls for that characteristic to continue but encourages the introduction of a diversity of
housing, with a mix of lot sizes and townhouses and apartments and also recognizes the need
for estate-type development in portions of the district. Miklo said another principle of the plan is
to create and upgrade neighborhood parks. He said the plan also proposes that commercial
areas function as neighborhood centers and are not merely strip commercial areas but might be
organized around a main street or town square.
Miklo said the workshops also identified some specific ideas for physical development that have
been incorporated into the Northeast District. He said this would include: the alignment of
Captain Irish Parkway at the top of the ridges so that the wooded ravines are avoided; the
introduction of a reservoir park to control storm water management from the upper branches of
Ralston Creek; the use of a square park in the center of the Lindemann Hills Neighborhood with
radiating streets from that park to provide a focus for the neighborhood; use of an arboretum as
a buffer along Interstate 80 so that there is a row of trees or several rows to provide a buffer
between the interstate and the residential development to occur to the south of it; the creation of
parks to offset streets within the center of neighborhoods as a way to calm traffic, and the idea
of preserving stream corridors.
Miklo said that not all of the ideas expressed at the workshops were incorporated into the draft
plan. He said there was a proposal for a commercial square in the center of the Lindemann Hills
Area, but given the market area and existing zoning for commercial development elsewhere in
the neighborhood, staff felt that that was not a realistic or feasible recommendation. Miklo said a
majority of the workshop groups said they did not want to see First Avenue connected to
Captain Irish Parkway. He said the plan does propose that connection, and staff feels it is
appropriate, given the larger community needs.
Yapp discussed three aspects of the transportation system, including arterial streets, collector
and local streets, and trails. He said that many arterial streets already exist and form the
boundaries of neighborhoods in this area. Yapp said that arterial streets are intended to convey
traffic between different parts of the City, ensure that neighborhoods have access to the rest of
the City, and ensure that the City services, including emergency vehicles, snowplows,
schoolbuses, and mail. delivery, have access to those neighborhoods. He added that limited
access neighborhoods with only one way in and out require that all of these types of services
need to double their mileage within the neighborhoods. Yapp said that with good street
connectivity, many of those services can be done in a loop with no doubling back. He said that
arterial streets have approximately 20% of the lane mileage in the City but carry about 70% of
Planning & Zoning Commission
December 17, 1998
Page 9
the traffic. Yapp said that is a statistic staff would like to keep in place by having good arterial
street connections so that traffic traveling to different parts of the City stays on those arterial
streets and does not cut through the neighborhood.
Regarding the Bluffwood Neighborhood, Yapp said that although most workshop groups
recommended against the First Avenue connection, staff is proposing it. He said most workshop
groups expressed concern with the connection because of the impact on Hickory Hill Park,
because of the impact of associated development on the park and also because of concerns
with the increase in traffic that would result. Yapp said the groups also expressed the desire for
pedestrian oriented neighborhoods and a desire to minimize residential cut-through traffic. He
said those two things are somewhat in conflict because in order to minimize residential cut-
through traffic, there need to be arterial streets for the traffic to stay on, which then allows more
pedestrian-oriented walkable neighborhoods. Yapp showed an overhead map showing
destination points in the City including City High School, Towncrest, Oral-B, Sycamore Mall,
other employment and commercial areas, and the industrial park. He said that if First Avenue is
not extended, traffic destined for these points as well as traffic from the neighborhoods going to
the Dodge Street/Interstate employment and commercial area will be forced to use Scott
Boulevard, Captain Irish Parkway, and the Dodge and Governor Street routes instead of the
more direct route that First Avenue would have. Yapp said that to do this, drivers must use
existing arterials such as Rochester Avenue and Court Street, and some traffic would cut
through residential streets such as Mount Vernon Road to get onto the arterial street system
before reaching their destinations. He said that not connecting First Avenue forces people to
take less direct routes, traveling more miles to their destination. Yapp said staff has
recommended for connecting First Avenue because it would result in a more balanced street
system, would not force traffic into other neighborhoods to reach a destination, would improve
the ability to provide services to these neighborhood without doubling the mileage, would
minimize the chance of traffic cutting through neighborhoods both in the Bluffwood
Neighborhood and elsewhere in the City, and would allow for a more interconnected street
system, which benefits not only automobiles, but pedestrians and bicyclists as well. Yapp said
the rest of the street system in this neighborhood is characterized by a conservation design
street system, in which the environmentally sensitive areas such as wooded ravines and stream
corridors were set aside, with the streets built outside of those areas in an attempt to preserve
those areas from development.
In contrast to that, Yapp stated that the Lindemann Hills Neighborhood has a modified grid
street system. He said the area has a much more gentle topography with nowhere near the
steepness of ravines as in the Bluffwood Area. Yapp said the Lindemann Hills area has a very
interconnected street system with very short blocks and very many destinations and different
routes to those destinations. He said this would make it a much more walkable and bikeable
neighborhood. Yapp said the many green spaces and other landscaping features in this type of
street design add to its attractiveness and also reduce vehicles speeds by breaking up the
street system. He said staff is also proposing the use of alleys as an area for utilities, parking,
and secondary access to homes. Yapp said alleys allow the front of the home to have more
landscaping.
Yapp said the plan proposes that trails be incorporated into neighborhoods in areas such as
wooded ravines, stream corridors, and utility easements, where development would not occur in
any case. He said they would also be included along arterial streets, as it is the City's policy to
build an eight-foot wide trail along all arterial streets. Yapp said these trails would connect
neighborhoods to open spaces, as well as commercial areas and schools.
Planning & Zoning Commission
December 17, 1998
Page 10
Kugler discussed the basic neighborhood design concepts that were presented at the planning
workshops. He showed an illustration of a conventional subdivision design, which is typically
characterized by private ownership with little set aside for public open space and large lot
developments and street systems that are often not connected to adjacent properties or the
surrounding street system. Kugler said some of the criticisms leveled against this type of
development include the fact that they are land consumptive, result in an inefficient
development pattern, are often not environmentally friendly, and can be somewhat monotonous.
He said the plan suggests that a better job can be done in building neighborhoods and provides
for some alternatives.
Kugler said one idea is for the use of traditional neighborhood design techniques in the new
neighborhoods. He said these neighborhoods are characterized by a grid or modified grid street
system providing multiple connections throughout the neighborhood, public spaces throughout
the neighborhood, more attention to the appearance of the neighborhood from the street, and
the use of alleys to provide for access to individuals residential lots and to take some of the
public services and utilities off the streetscape. Kugler said there are some areas in Iowa City
where these concepts cannot be implemented due to topography or other environmental
features. He said the plan suggests the conservation subdivision as a model for those areas in
order to set aside environmentally sensitive areas and other open spaces and to not consume
all of the land with building lots.
Kugler said that although the Bluffwood quadrant has received a lot of attention, the plan applies
to the entire district and contains recommendations for the whole neighborhood. He said the
Bluffwood Neighborhood is characterized by faidy rugged topography, steep, wooded ravines,
stream corridors, and other environmental features that need to be considered in planning for
this area. Kugler showed a slide of the Smith property north of Rochester Avenue that illustrates
how the conservation subdivision design has been incorporated into the plan. He said that
housing can be located away from features, such as stream corridors, and wooded areas,
generally on the ridgetops, preserving views for the properties and the public streets. Kugler
said that participants in the planning workshops were asked to look at this property specifically,
because of concerns raised about Hickory Hill Park and the impact of development on the park.
He said the results of the workshop indicated a split between the outright purchase of the
Larson property west of First Avenue and the development of that property but with a buffer
between the development and Hickory Hill Park while preserving some of the environmentally
sensitive features on the Larson property itself. Kugler said that from those comments, staff
came up with a scheme for development of the property that calls for fairly limited development
on the property itself with some of the density displaced by the buffer and preservation of the
ravine in the center of the property being transferred to properties along First Avenue. He said
staff feels this allows a reasonable amount of development on the property as well as a
reasonable buffer between this development and Hickory Hill Park. Kugler said the buffer would
range from just under 200 feet to close to 500 feet in some areas. He pointed out that this is all
relatively flat, developable land that would not be protected under the Sensitive Areas
Ordinance. Kugler said that through the development approval process, there is only so much of
a buffer the City will be able to get there without actually purchasing some of that property.
Kugler showed an example of a single-loaded street, where the housing development is located
on one side of the street, and the street serves as a demarcation between the development and
the buffer area. He said this could be done in the area near Hickory Hill Park so there would not
be backyards facing Hickory Hill Park, but rather the street would separate those areas. Kugler
Planning & Zoning Commission
December 17, 1998
Page 11
said a stream corridor buffer was recommended by most of the planning workshop participants.
He showed a slide of Ralston Creek in the center of green space, making use of the single-
loaded street concept to separate the residential development from the stream corridor and its
associated flood plain. Kugler said this is important particularly along stream corridors in order
to avoid backyard flooding and to have theses areas open up to public viewing.
Kugler said there are some large areas set aside as environmental areas that should not be
developed, as well as a couple of larger neighborhood parks being recommended, one at the
end of Hickory Trail and one near the intersection of Captain Irish Parkway and Krall Boulevard.
He said there would also be a number of small public greens and open spaces within rights-of-
way.
In terms of the street system, Kugler stated that staff is proposing an interconnected street
system here to the extent possible. He said that because of the wooded ravines and other
features, it is difficult to get numerous connections in the neighborhood, and the plan takes
advantage of all the opportunities that are available. Kugler said one important component of
the plan is the extension of a road from the intersection of Rochester and Amherst streets up
into a neighborhood. He said staff feels that is an important connection to make as it would
allow another alternative for people to get in and out of the neighborhood so that the existing
and other future access points do not become overburdened. Kugler said that as there is not a
lot of development potential there due to environmental features, this may end up having to be a
Public Works project at some point.
Kugler said that the plan recommends townhouses and small-scale multi-family development
mainly along arterial streets, near neighborhood commercial centers, and in some cases,
adjacent to major public open spaces as a way of integrating a diversity of housing into the
neighborhood. He said, however, the general character of the neighborhood would be single-
family as in most of the other neighborhoods.
Kugler said the plan includes one relatively small-scale commercial zone, which would be
located at the corner of Captain Irish Parkway and Krall Boulevard. He said it would provide
some of the day-to-day needs or services for residents in the surrounding neighborhoods.
Regarding the Lindemann Hills Area, Kugler said it is much different in character than the
Bluffwood Neighborhood, in that it is much smoother in topography with a few gently sloping
hills and not a lot of environmental features to worry about in terms of development, other than a
few stream corridors and drainageways, which the plan does incorporate into the neighborhood
to provide a greenway and perhaps a trail system throughout the neighborhood. He said the
plan shows a modified grid street system for this neighborhood with multiple connections and
easy circulation throughout the neighborhood as well as open spaces throughout the
neighborhood. Kugler said the plan incorporates the use of a central town square as a central
gathering place or focal point for the neighborhood. He said the green square would also
function as a traffic calming measure.
Kugler said the plan does provide for a number of existing large lot properties that have already
been developed in the Lindemann Hills area. He said the plan suggests that those could remain
as estate-type lots or could be redeveloped if property owners wish to do so, as adjacent
property is developing. Kugler said there are some historic homes in the area whose historic
significance should be evaluated, and they should perhaps be landmark properties.
Planning & Zoning Commission
December 17, 1998
Page 12
Kugler said staff is proposing a neighborhood commercial center at the corner of Rochester
Avenue and Scott Boulevard, with a main street-type design with apartments and townhouses
around it, as well as on the upper floors of the commercial buildings. He added that another
unique feature of the Lindemann Hills area is the existence of an old railroad bridge, whose
remnants could be incorporated into some type of open space and perhaps serve as the
supports for a trail.
Regarding the Hunter Heights Neighborhood, Kugler said the plan does not get into a lot of
specifics, but the topography to some extent suggests what should occur there. He said the
northern portion of the quadrant is relatively flat and would be conducive to traditional
neighborhood design techniques. Kugler said, however, there is a lot of topography to deal with
in the southern section, and the conservation subdivision design would be a better model for
that area. He added that the buffer in this area along Interstate 80 would be from 300 to 500 feet
in width and would provide a buffer between the traffic and the residential development. Kugler
said that uses recommended for this buffer include an arboretum, tree farm, small-scale office
uses, or a commercial, recreational type use.
Kugler said the Pheasant Hill area is mostly developed except for a couple of parcels. He said
the plan recommends some possible upgrades to the neighborhood, including the construction
of eight-foot sidewalks along Rochester and First Avenue as a means of providing for better
pedestrian circulation. Kugler said the plan recommends that landscaping or other elements
could be added to Washington Street, which was constructed with a very wide pavement width,
as a traffic calming measure and to improve the appearance of the street. Kugler said there is
one large property to be developed on the south side of Rochester Avenue within this quadrant.
He said the plan incorporates the street system here as recommended by workshop participants
as well as the preservation of a wooded area that contains a potential wetland at the southeast
portion of the property.
Miklo said this is a draft plan, and staff would expect that the Commission continue the public
hearing to its January 7, 1999 meeting. He said the Commission may want to discuss
refinements and modifications to the plan and eventually make a recommendation to the City
Council for its consideration.
Ehrhardt asked it staff anticipated having more detailed recommendations for the Hunter
Heights area. Miklo replied that there are some written recommendations in the report, but staff
does not intend to draw up a specific plan because it may be decades before that area
develops. Ehrhardt asked about the timetable for the construction of Captain Irish Parkway.
Miklo responded that Captain Irish Parkway and the First Avenue extension are both in the
Capital Improvements Program, the City's plan for the construction of public infrastructure, for
the year 2002. He said that is subject to change by the City Council. Bovbjerg asked if that were
the year for completion or initiation. Miklo said construction would begin in fiscal year 2002.
Bovbjerg asked if there were a set time at which the City Council must have the
recommendation for this plan. Miklo said the Commission is not on a timetable, and staff would
like the Commission to take the time necessary, within reason, to be comfortable with the plan.
Public discussion:
Bennett Brown. 80:2 Fast Washington Street, distributed written material for the Commission to
read. He said the process the City went through to produce the draft plan involved three
workshops and one meeting. Brown said that at the workshops, the attendees were broken into
Planning & Zoning Commission
December 17, 1998
Page 13
13 groups of four to six people who were asked to produce their ideas and then present them to
the entire group. Brown said that those thirteen groups had many different ideas but did agree
on a handful of things. He said it is that handful of things that did not appear in the City's draft.
Brown said that at the fourth meeting when staff presented the draft to the participants, people
asked if it would be possible for staff to produce a second plan to represent what came out of
the workshops. He said staffs response was that those unhappy with staffs recommendation
should take their arguments to those responsible for making the decision regarding the plan, the
Planning and Zoning Commission.
Brown showed a copy of the City's plan to date. He said that at the workshops there were three
points where citizens disagreed with what is being presented in the draft: 1 ) that First Avenue
should not be extended, 2) that there should not be development to the east of Hickory Hill
Park, specifically the northern fields of Hickory Hill Park, that would overlook the park, and 3) as
an alternative to extending First Avenue, there should be a more direct route for Captain Irish
Parkway.
Brown said the concern is that if First Avenue is extended, such a large volume of traffic will use
it, the majority of it getting there by the existing First Avenue, that it will create hazards on the
existing First Avenue. He showed a map from the Johnson County Council of Governments
adedal traffic study from 1991 demonstrating the existing traffic situation. Brown showed the
arterial streets in the City. He said the argument for extending First Avenue is that Muscatine,
Rochester, and Dodge are currently carrying traffic that would like to get from the south part of
town to Interstate 80 and that congestion on these streets and cut-through traffic through the
Goosetown Neighborhood have reached the point where the City must extend another artedal
further east in town, either First Avenue or Scott Boulevard and because the area near Scott
Boulevard is not yet sufficiently developed, First Avenue should be extended. Brown said that
streets are graded from A to F in terms of congestion, with an A indicating a freely flowing street
and an F indicating complete congestion. He said the streets are plugged into a model that
gives them a volume to capacity, and that number tells how many cars there are compared to
how many car the street can handle. Brown said a volume to capacity of one says that for that
level of service, which is a grade of C and what the City aims for, it is full capacity for grade C
congestion. He said that at 1.26 volume to capacity, it is grade F, complete congestion. He
showed the corresponding colors on the map of the City, saying that an unlabeled street is an A,
a pink color indicates a B or C, a red color refers to a D or an F, a brown is a very low F, and a
brown with green dots is the equivalent of the student who never showed up. Brown said the
map shows actual measurements, and it was updated within the last couple of years. He said
the map shows that First Avenue along its full length is very congested, and there are also
problems on Dodge, Rochester, and Muscatine.
Brown said that in order to solve that problem, the proposal is to extend First Avenue. He
showed a second map demonstrating what happens should both First Avenue and Scott
Boulevard be put through and then looking at the situation in 20 to 30 years. Brown said the
question is whether extending the streets solved the problems or whether it introduced new
ones. He said that is not a fair comparison because more people will live here in 20 to 30 years,
and congestion will be worse. Brown said one point to get from this, however, is if First Avenue
is extended, the City will still have congestion on the three streets. He said another point is that
if First Avenue is extended, then the entire length of First Avenue from Highway Six all the way
to where the extension begins is not just a grade F or low grade F but a no-show, the worst
possible F. Brown produced an additional map showing what happens in 20 to 30 years with no
extensions and said the question is which scenario is better. He said the First Avenue extension
Planning & Zoning Commission
December 17, 1998
Page 14
would solve some problems in that it would take traffic off the three streets and transfer it to the
existing First Avenue. Brown said the question is whether that helps the overall traffic situation
in the City. Brown asked what would happen if just Scott Boulevard were extended. He said the
reason First Avenue was so congested along its entire length in the previous map is partly
because it is a narrow street with many driveways backing onto it, has four different schools
along its length and also has right-of-way restrictions so that if the City wanted to address these
problems, the City would have to condemn property and houses in order to widen the street.
Gibson asked Brown what his source of information was for the 20 to 30 year models. Brown
replied that the information was from the Johnson County Council of Governments and was
produced by Jeff Davidson and Kevin Doyle of the City's Planning Department. He said they are
reproductions from the 1991 Iowa City traffic arterial study. Yapp said the data is from 1991 and
does not reflect the changes made in the road corridors such as turn lanes and stoplights that
improve the flow of traffic. Brown said he discussed how this data was produced with Davidson
and Doyle and has come to understand it well, as he uses a lot of modeling in his work. He said
the dataset used here is from 1989. Brown said that in 1989 as in every year, the City measures
how many cars are on a variety of streets. He said the City used the 1989 dataset and tweaked
the speed limits, the number of houses per acre, the number of jobs per acre, the number of car
trips per house, etc., throughout the whole City until the planners could get the model's
predictions to match what they were actually observing. Brown stated that they matched it to the
1989 data, and that was the last time the model was calibrated. He said that since then, roads
have been built and as they have been built, have been added to the model. Brown said the
map was amended in 1997 or 1998, and those amendments reflect new streets. He said that
what the amendments don't reflect is a new calibration to a dataset. He said the data is ten
years old, and there are a lot more cars here then there were ten years ago. Brown gave an
example of the way that is accounted for. He showed data from December 14, 1998, produced
as a response to concerns raised by citizens. Brown said Kevin Doyle spent a Friday and
Saturday making these calculations. He said the current measurement for the link from First
Avenue and Rochester to First Avenue and Washington Street is 7,100 cars per day traveling
that link. Brown said that in 1989, there were not 7,100 cars on that link but were only 4,000
cars on that link. He said the model's predictions for that specific link are then multiplied by
7,100 divided by 4,000 to come up with a factor of 1.8. Brown said that whatever predictions are
made from there are then multiplied by 1.8. He said, then, that the green number on the map
represents the model's predictions if only Scott Boulevard is put through. Brown said the model
predicts that First Avenue will have 7,600 cars on that link. He said the model actually didn't
predict that but predicted 4,200 cars and then in order to adjust it to the current 1991 data,
Doyle had to multiply that by a factor of 1.8 in order to get the projection. Brown referred to
Yapp's statement that this is 1989 data; Brown said this is 1989 data, but the streets that are in
place are current.
Brown said that all that can be drawn from these models is a generalization because as anyone
who deals with these will tell you, if you come within 1,000 cars, you're pretty satisfied. He said
the generalization to get from this is that putting through First Avenue does in fact relieve
congestion on the other streets and does something terrible on the length of First Avenue from
Highway Six to Rochester Avenue. Brown said the question is whether that length of First
Avenue can be managed and is it worth what the City is getting out of it on the other three
streets.
Gibson said he believed that one of the purposes of these maps is to predict where troubles will
occur and then develop a capital improvements plan to make fixes on the streets, get the red
Planning & Zoning Commission
December 17, 1998
Page 15
out, so that they continue to function at acceptable levels. He asked Brown if he knew what the
population projections were for Iowa City that produced the outcomes for 20 to 30 years from
now. Yapp said the projection was for about 1% growth per year, which has been the population
growth for the last decade. Brown suggested that 1% for twenty years would be a growth
change of from about 60,000 to 80,000. He said his models were for from 20 to 30 years out.
Yapp said the maps assume that no improvements to the roads are made. Brown said the map
currently being shown assumed no roads, no improvements, no additional extensions, while the
previous map demonstrated what would happen if both First Avenue and Captain Irish Parkway
were extended. He said the dashed, heavy black lines indicate new streets that are not there
now. He said the map shows existing streets plus streets the City is committed to. Brown
referred to Gibson's question as to whether or not putting the heavy black lines through would
get the red out. Brown said that is what the model is for; it is to show what will happen if a
certain arterial road is put through. Gibson said the purpose of the studies in the first place is to
identify capital improvements that need to be made to the road system. He said the roads with
red on them are not ignored, and you don't necessarily attempt to transfer traffic someplace else
but may make improvements to that road to upgrade its traffic capacity to provide acceptable
levels of utilization and take it back to a C instead of an F by simply improving that particular
street segment. Gibson said the plan to get the red out is not exclusively to build more roads
someplace else. Brown agreed and said Davidson also stated that the objective here is not to
say this creates a headache on First Avenue so lers not build the extension, but the objective is
to say building the extension will create a headache on First Avenue so let's manage it - if the
City builds the First Avenue extension, let's do things that will manage that nightmare on the
existing First Avenue.
Brown said that 45 people who participated in the planning workshops attended a meeting and
came away with a consensus that First Avenue should not be put through. He said one of the
questions was why the City has not yet done calculations to look at what would happen if Scott
Boulevard is put through but First Avenue is not. He said that as a service to the Commission,
the City did those calculations. Brown said the City received a memo with four numbers. He
summarized the information in that memo, referring to models printed by Doyle that were run in
six different scenarios: 1 ) with neither First Avenue nor Captain Irish Parkway going through, 2)
with both First Avenue and Captain Irish Parkway going through, 3) with just Captain Idsh
Parkway going through, 4) the City's plan, 5) the citizens' plan, and 6) the ten-year projection.
Brown said that information is contained in the memo from Doyle. He said that each of the six
tables in the memo had four numbers that were taken from the number of cars per day traveling
different links of the road. Brown said Doyle just reported a certain link as Rochester because
he wanted to see whether or not cars would even use Captain Irish Parkway if it were put
through but First Avenue was not, since Captain Irish Parkway is far out from the City. Brown
said Doyle was actually surprised to see how much traffic did use Captain Irish Parkway, but
Doyle said it is still only half of what is using First Avenue. Brown said the number in
parentheses on the map indicates what the roads are constructed to handle; it is their capacity
at grade C and if they go any over that, they are grade D. He said the next number in blue is the
current number, how many cars are on that right now per day. Brown said the green number is
the projection for the day the road is opened if the citizens' plan is followed. He said the red
numbers show what happens if the City's proposal is followed and both roads are extended.
Brown said there was an arrow on one because the number produced by the program was
6,935. He said he wanted the Commission members to be able to line up the information with
the memo they received. Brown said that one of the transportation planners looked at the
number 6,935 and compared it to other numbers on the map and did what traffic planners are
trained to do, which is to say this number, 6,935, which has already been multiplied by a
Planning & Zoning Commission
December 17, 1998
Page 16
constant to raise it to match current traffic levels, does not make any sense, so I need to
multiply it by some number that I'll pick out of my best judgment. He said the planner then
multiplied it to get 9,986 cars traveling that road each day. Brown said the planner then showed
on the memo that if both streets are put through, about 10,000 cars use First Avenue and about
1,000 cars use Captain Irish Parkway, and if only Captain Irish Parkway is put through, of those
10,000 cars, only 4,000 of them use Captain Irish Parkway. Brown said that people don't want
to use Captain Irish Parkway as much as they want to use First Avenue. Brown said that was
the conception before, and the model bore that out.
Brown said the planner also shared the number on Rochester because he wanted to see if you
put Captain Irish Parkway through and not First Avenue, do people that are coming out of
Captain Irish Parkway come back and double back into the City on Rochester and then go down
First Avenue anyway. He said that link of Rochester is 8,000 capacity, and right now there are
5,700 cars traveling that link. Brown said that if only Captain Idsh Parkway is put through, that
number jumps to 7,500. He said about 2,000 more cars would use that piece of road every day,
and if only First Avenue is put through, the number goes down. Brown said that makes some
sense because if First Avenue is put through, instead of coming up to Rochester and then going
to Governor, people will just go straight to First Avenue, perhaps on Washington, and then will
go straight up First Avenue because that is the .way through. He said that is why, if First Avenue
is extended, all the way along the length of First Avenue will be a lot of traffic because people
will take First Avenue until it ends.
Brown said there are two numbers the transportation planner did not share with the Commission
that are also interesting and are included in a memo from Brown. He said the first number is
what happens on one link of First Avenue. Brown said the first number is what happens on the
link of First Avenue, where there are currently 7,100 cars per day. He said that if only Captain
Irish Parkway is put through, the number goes up to 7,600 presumably because more cars want
to use First Avenue to get to Rochester to get over to Captain Irish Parkway. Brown said that if
both First Avenue and Captain Irish Parkway are put through, that number goes up to 20,900
cars. He said that as traffic planners, Davidson and Doyle are trained to look at that number and
say it doesn't make sense - that there is no way that many people will ddve 'that many cars on
that link of road. Brown said the planners will then lower that number using their best judgment.
He said that number was not reported and Davidson asked Doyle to check to make sure that all
the cars that are coming into that node leave that node and other things to see if the model
made a mistake. Brown said Doyle then said that the model didn't make a mistake, that that
number is what the model is producing. He said that number is wrong; there won't be 21,000
cars. Brown said, however, that if both First Avenue and Captain Irish Parkway are put through,
a broad generalization can be made that First Avenue from Rochester to Dodge will be a terrible
mess. Brown said the section of First Avenue from Rochester to Dodge is not just unpopular,
but it is not a good idea.
Brown showed another link of Rochester west of First Avenue. He said the relevance of
Rochester in this discussion is that Rochester is currently crowded because people use it to get
to Governor so they can get to Dodge so they can get to Interstate 80. Brown said the question
is whether putting through just Captain Irish Parkway would help reduce traffic on Rochester
and on Dodge. Brown said that if one looks at that number, both the City's plan and the citizens'
plan reduce congestion on that link of Rochester, although data regarding the other links is
unavailable.
Brown said the citizens' group would like First Avenue to not go through. He said that was the
Planning & Zoning Commission
December 17, 1998
Page 17
consensus of the voters in 1997 as well as the consensus of the workshop groups, with 11 of
the 13 groups not wanting to see First Avenue extended. Brown said it is the consensus of the
community but is also borne out by the data. He said the data shows that putting through First
Avenue would create a lot of traffic problems that putting through Captain Irish Parkway would
not create. Brown said that putting through Captain Irish Parkway would address the concern
with reducing congestion on Rochester and, although not as well as the City's plan, would
reduce traffic on Dodge Street nearly to the grade C capacity. He said that putting through
Captain Irish Parkway alone solves the City's problems and does not create the problem on
First Avenue.
Brown said he asked Doyle to go back and redo a number but it is really the Commission's
place to ask him to do that, as Doyle works for the Commission. Brown said the routes the
planners chose are important. He said the model predicts the psychology of drivers by having
them take the fastest routes from where they are to where they want to go. Brown said the
citizens' plan for Captain Irish Parkway is much shorter. He said that First Avenue in the City's
plan would go from where it ends now, then come down around the Larson house and then
goes up on Captain Irish. Brown said that using that more accurate, longer route will change the
numbers that staff gets that would give the best information that we have about the relative use
of those two arterials if they are constructed. He said, in addition, that whenever a link is added,
the models have to be told what the speed of traffic on that link would be. Brown said that First
Avenue is a residential street that is also steep and winding. He said that traffic on the rest of
First Avenue is 25 miles per hour for most of it. Brown said First Avenue was modeled with a 35
mile per hour speed. Captain Irish Parkway is supposed to be a fast road but was modelled at
25 miles per hour. Brown said the question is if you model Captain Irish this with 35 miles per
hour and put the right route in there and model First Avenue with 25 miles per hour and put the
right route in there what will the numbers look like. He asked if the numbers will tell us that not
only does Captain Irish Parkway address the problems but maybe addresses them better.
Brown asked if the numbers will tell us that not only does First Avenue going through create a
huge mess but an even huger mess than we would have otherwise. He said it is worth knowing
before the decisions are made.
Ehrhardt said one of staffs reasons for not taking Captain Irish Parkway through a shorter route
was that they wanted to keep the street on the top of the ridges. Brown showed a reproduction
from the 1994 U.S. Geological Survey maps. He showed the green color, which indicates old
forest that one should generally try to avoid cutting down. Brown showed some of the ravines on
the map. He said he traced on the map in blue the routes of the citizen's proposal. Brown
showed the citizens' proposal for Captain Irish Parkway, and said the City objects to the cutting
through of the ravine. He noted how far away the street would be from the forest. Brown said
that in the City's plan, that forest is where residential subdivisions are shown and showed where
the streets and cul-de-sacs would be located in that plan. He said the City's objection to the
citizens' route for Captain Irish Parkway is that the road would cut too far down into the ravine.
Brown said the Engineering Department wanted the Planning Department to propose a
straightaway to cut through the trees and the ravines because it is the most direct route. He said
he thought that most people in the community would like to see the ravines and the wooded
areas preserved. Brown said the question is where something will give and what is the sacrifice
to be made. He said that if First Avenue does not go through, the City needs a direct route from
the east and south parts of Iowa City to the north part. Brown said he does not think that cutting
that close into that ravine is anything compared to what was already done on the initial section
of Captain Irish Parkway, which is currently a dead end and was done with very little discussion.
Miklo said that in terms of staffs concerns, it was not just the one ravine at issue but included
Planning & Zoning Commission
December 17, 1998
Page 18
what was on either side of it. He said that when a street is built, there are pressures for
development near there. He said that going through there would put pressure on the ravines on
either side of it.
Brown said there are two potential routes here that both cut through the topography, both cut
through the ravine to various extents, both preserve the wooded parts of the ravine and are both
easily doable in terms of building. He said there is a difference between the City's plan and the
citizens' plan besides the alignment. Brown showed the outline of Hickory Hill Park on a map of
the area and the western boundary of the Larson property. He showed the two cul-de-sacs in
the City's plan, one coming down along a ridge and one coming from a loop across onto a
slope. Brown said the cul-de-sac on the ridge overlooks an area of Hickory Hill Park, where
there is single valley with a creek running down the middle and no development in sight. Brown
said that besides the alignment of Captain Irish Parkway, a difference between the two plans is
in the speed of the route. Comparing the two routes, Brown said the City's route for Captain
Irish Parkway contains many intersections along its route. He said the citizens' plan has only
three intersections on Captain Irish Parkway between Rochester Avenue and ACT, only one of
which is a major intersection. Brown said it is a 35 mile per hour street that is wide and fast and
would take 1.8 minutes from Rochester and Scott to Captain Irish Parkway and ACT plus time
spent at the stoplight.
Chait said Miklo made a distinction about the development pressure once the arterials are
constructed as to the land that will then call to be used for development. Chait asked what
amount of area is available for development in the City's plan versus the area available for
development in the citizens' plan. Brown said the people behind the citizens' plan do not really
mind if there is more development than is shown on the map. He said the City's plan calls for a
total of 110 dwelling units, a good portion of which is in houses, and there are 116 dwelling units
in the citizens' plan, a good portion of which is in apartments because in exchange for removal
of some of the houses, the citizens' have put in apartment buildings. (Editors note: the
Northeast District Plan does not contain an estimated number of dwelling units for this area.
Staff estimates that up to 180 dwelling units could be provided west of First Avenue extended if
developed in accordance with the plan, dependent upon individual lot sizes and the size of
multi-family residential buildings.) Brown said the Larson land is currently zoned IDRS, but if the
new zoning were Sensitive Areas Oveday, because open vistas are included in the Sensitive
Areas Ordinance, the developer would still be able to develop at a reasonable density, which
means he would have to make a profit off of apartment buildings instead of single-family homes.
Brown said that these sites would actually be a pretty good place to make a profit off of
apartment buildings as they would be near two major employment centers, near Interstate 80,
and near Captain Irish Parkway, and there really are no apartment buildings in this sector of the
City. Regarding Miklo's contention that rerouting Captain Irish Parkway might put development
pressure in a specific ravine, Brown said the Glasgows currently cannot develop the land to the
east of Hickory Trail because First Avenue is the only access. Brown said that if Captain Irish
Parkway goes through, the land would be developable and the Smith's development could
come off of Glasgow's road or through ACT's land. He said that in terms of creating
development pressure on the ravine, the Planning and Zoning Commission would have the
power to deny development there.
Brown said the citizens' group therefore requests that First Avenue not be extended, that
Captain Irish Parkway be made a more direct extension with fewer intersections, and that it be
done immediately to address traffic concerns. He said that Captain Irish Parkway needs to be
put through now to see how it works. Brown said if it does alleviate problems in Goosetown and
Planning & Zoning Commission
December 17, 1998
Page 19
on Rochester and Dodge, then First Avenue may not need to go through.
Brown said there are many things that workshop participants like about the City's plan including
the preservation of the ravines and river bottom and the trails situated next to it. He said staff did
a great job of traffic calming, and citizens also really liked the retaining pond and its
incorporation into a park and many other items in the plan. Brown presented a petition signed by
265 people who support the citizens' plan.
Brown showed several slides of Hickory Hill Park, including an area near residential
development, a dam area, and an area of open fields. He also pointed out the ridgeline where
the City's two cul-de-sacs come up. Brown said that staff points out correctly that the cul-de-
sacs will only be single-loaded so that the homes will only be on the other side of the cul-de-
sacs. He said however, that no one would dispute that the homes will overlook the park, which
is the issue. Brown said the issue is not whether the homes would abut the park but is whether
someone can go to this park and still feel like he is out of the City.
Laurence Fuortes. 1119 Fast Court Street, said he was very much in agreement with Brown's
presentation. He said the impact of traffic patterns was very interesting, and a lot of us would
logically intuit that same plan, given the geography of First Avenue. Fuortes said he appreciated
the premises that any development should be ecologically and environmentally sensitive and
should establish a neighborhood quality. He said he thought the process for accepting
community input was great. Fuortes said the plan should look toward the future because the
City will get larger, and the 1% growth rate per year may be a conservative figure.
Fuortes said he grew up in the Washington, D.C. outskirts, and that city went through the same
sort of process to determine what would happen to it. He said that Washington, D.C. has grown
to such an extent that it could be totally unlivable, but planning done in the late 1950's for the
beltway saved the city from such a fate. Fuortes said Iowa City is in a situation now where
something quite similar could be done. He said the City could look to where it wants to be 20
years from now and ask if we want to use our existing roads as arterials or do we want to
develop a bypass system as so many communities have done. Fuortes asked the Commission
members to consider what we want the City to look like in 20 years.
Seth Nieman. 530 North Clinton, said he is very much in support of both the City's plan and the
citizens' development plan. He said he likes the neighborhood ideas and the preservation that is
included, but he also likes the idea of not extending First Avenue. Nieman suggested that more
research could be done into the extension. He said that Hickory Hill Park is the reason that this
side of town is so popular, and in order to insure the value of these properties and the
preservation of Hickory Hill Park, the City will have to not extend First Avenue because that will
only lead to future development.
Lynn Myers. 315 Amherst Street, said that Hickory Hill Park adds to the quality of life in our
community. He stated that he spent several hours walking around and across the park to
understand the effect of development in the Bluffwood Area on the park. Myers said he would
like to see the vistas preserved, but the Commission needs to look at the cost of developing the
property. He said that if less property is developed and fewer homes are constructed there, the
cost of developing the property obviously increases. Myers said that might seriously limit the
diversity of housing available there, contrary to one of the goals in the City's Comprehensive
Plan.
Planning & Zoning Commission
December 17, 1998
Page 20
Myers said that traffic on an extended First Avenue is the major issue. He said there is a need
to provide a means for traffic flow evenly throughout the community, which is why the
Comprehensive Plan calls for an arterial street approximately every mile as the standard for
responsible development. Myers said that without the First Avenue extension, drivers who have
a destination on First Avenue south of Rochester or a street that feeds onto First Avenue will
use some combination of other streets to reach their destination, forcing vehicles to use fewer
streets. He said this may solve problems for some people, but it creates problems for others.
Myers said that longer drives to First Avenue destinations not only increase congestion at other
locations but will also increase ddving distances. He asked Commission members to look
closely at the numbers in the traffic models. Myers said that if three artedal streets cause a lot of
cars and two arterial streets cause less problems, some cars have gone missing somewhere.
Myers said that if First Avenue is not extended, residents near Rochester Avenue, Scott.
Boulevard, and their feeder streets will face the additional traffic generated in this neighborhood
when Scott Boulevard is connected to Captain Irish Parkway. He said the same negative effects
claimed by opponents to the First Avenue extension would still occur but would just occur to
other neighborhoods.
Myers said we can discuss every eventuality, but in the end the Commission needs to look at
the big picture and at the future of the larger community. He said the Comprehensive Plan
supports the concepts of green space, protecting sensitive environments, providing
neighborhood commercial areas and other focal points, and also supports artedal streets to
promote equitable traffic movement throughout the community. Myers said that much of the
discussion of the Northeast District has revolved around the Bluffwood quadrant. He said that
because of this, the problems and needs of the other three quadrants have not been really
thoroughly evaluated. Myers suggested that the planners and commissioners revisit the plan
with regard to the other three quadrants at some future time because they have received less
attention up to this point.
Lynn Richman. :>:>0 South First Avenue, said that groups of citizens have come together to
discuss these issues and have all found a common ground, an important thing in this
community. He said the City certainly needs to allow development within reasonable guidelines.
Richman said we have seen that there are reasonable, rationale plans that can be worked out
as a compromise among quite a wide vadety of people. He said that is what the City needs to
do, and he supports the alternative plan.
Bill Mitchell. 606 Stuart Court, said one of the concerns about the artedal street system is that
the City will put through First Avenue but will kind of forget about Scott Boulevard and Captain
Irish Parkway. He said that Scott Boulevard is a wide street with huge sidewalks but no
driveways. Mitchell said First Avenue is a relatively narrow street with lots of driveways. He
stated that First Avenue north of Rochester is a steep hill with S-curves. Mitchell said he had
safety concems about that, especially with regard to schoolchildren. He said he hopes there will
be some type of traffic control at the corner where he pulls out onto First Avenue and turns into
an S-curve and a steep hill.
Don Anciaux. ;>119 Russell Drive, said he travels up First Avenue and up to City High through
Glendale and areas of Goosetown. He said a direct mute through on First Avenue would benefit
him and others greatly. Anciaux said that if First Avenue is not put through, maybe something
else needs to be done, but something needs to go through between Scott Boulevard and Dodge
Planning & Zoning Commission
December 17, 1998
Page 21
Street because there is no way to get from the south end of town to the north end of town with
any safe and sane reason to it. He added that there is a fire station on Lower Muscatine that
has no access to the north end of town,
Jim Throgmorton said Brown had a superb presentation, and he supports the three basic
suggestions that the citizens' plan contained. He said those suggestions are consistent with the
November referendum results and with the overwhelming support demonstrated in the
workshops that City staff held.
Throgmorton said he supports the proposed plan's general principles for the Northeast Distdct
as a whole. He praised staff for conducting the neighborhood workshops and for proposing a
plan that incorporates many of the ideas that came from those workshops. Throgmorton said
staff has come up with some innovative ideas for the Lindemann Hills area. He also appreciated
staffs ideas for preserving stream corridors and wooded ravines and for proposing
neighborhood commercial centers.
Throgmorton said he thoroughly disagrees with an eadier speaker's idea of building a bypass
around the City. He said it would radically divert new commercial and office development to the
ring road. Throgmorton said that would be a sure way to get exurban sprawl in Iowa City, and
he did not think that was what most of the people in Iowa City would want.
Throgmorton agreed with a previous speaker that we have to be careful not to ddve the cost of
housing up, although he disagreed with the speaker's conclusion about how to avoid doing that.
He urged the Commission to look carefully at the effects of whatever plan is recommend on the
number of housing units and on the diversity of housing units.
Throgmorton said he liked the Lindemann Hills Neighborhood design but suggested that the
design might be too dgid and encouraged staff to soften it. He asked how likely it is that a
development scenario might actually be carded out and whether there are operationalizing tools
built into the Northeast District Plan. Miklo said the plan is conceptual, and there are not any
implementation tools in the plan itself; those will have to be in the zoning ordinance. He said the
idea is that the plan will be used as annexations and rezOnings occur. Miklo said staff is not
necessarily recommending dgid adherence to the plan but where there are topographical
constraints, perhaps a change in the grid would be in order. He said it is staffs proposal to use
the guidelines in the plan to review new development for the area.
Throgmorton said that if new developments are designed to accommodate high quality public
transit with really good service connections within the developments, then the development will
actually support the public transit system. He said that if that is not done, the purposes of the
public transit system are defeated, and it is made more costly. Throgmorton asked Commission
members to look at the Northeast Distdct Plan in terms of how well it supports our existing
public transit system and how well the public transit system would be able to serve new
developments in the northeast corridor.
Larry Schnittjer. 1917 S, Gilbert Street, said he works for MMS Consultants. He said he had
some problems with the numbers generated by the traffic studies. Schnittjer said a lot more
traffic will come off of Captain Irish Parkway, Scott Boulevard, and Rochester Avenue and go
right back down First Avenue whether it is extended or not.
Regarding the Lindemann Hills area, Schnittjer said to seriously consider the square, an
Planning & Zoning Commission
December 17, 1998
Page 22
interruption in Lower Branch Road, it would have to be a City project and would have to be done
immediately. He said the square is at the intersection of four property corners, and if one
developer tries to interrupt the street system, the City will end up with a blocked road system.
Supple asked if the square in the center of Lindemann Hills would be considered public
property. Miklo replied that the intent is for it to be a public park. He said staff will be presenting
the plan to the Parks and Recreation Commission in January. Bovbjerg said that if the City
intends to do something like this, the City will have to buy the land and reroute the streets or put
developers on notice as to how the street system will go. Miklo agreed that there would be some
City acquisition of land and some coordination needed among the property owners.
Richard DorTweiler. 917 Bluffwood Drive, said he was glad to see the City taking a real
comprehensive look at development before it goes in to make sure there is a reason for the way
things go. He said he would like to see the beauty of Hickory Hill Park preserved, and tweaking
the plan to avoid the ovedook of houses is a very good idea.
Dorzweiler said what cannot be demonstrated on any slides is the sound of traffic. He said the
park is less than one mile from Interstate 80. Dorzweiler said that if First Avenue were extended,
it would not destroy pristine silence because you can already hear the Interstate from the park.
He said that in figuring in meeting the mass transit needs and realizing that this is in the middle
of Iowa City and less than one mile from Interstate and have to deal with the reality of that
situation and realize that the First Avenue traffic will bring much larger numbers of cars but the
noise of the truck traffic on Interstate 80 is already the dominant sound in the area.
Jim Spratt. 653 |arch lane, said that each person brings his biases to decisions like this. He
said everyone has been up front but everyone has had certain conclusions in mind and then
they fill in the data. Spratt said Brown had stated that only a handful of people at the Northeast
neighborhood planning meetings were not from this area of town. He said that at one of the
meetings he attended when a show of hands was taken of who lived in the Northeast District, it
was a very distinct minority. Spratt said that in his own small group, one of the participants was
from Solon. He said the Commission is receiving all kinds of information from many sources.
Spratt asked Commission members to look at the information, examine it, ask good questions
and expect answers.
Spratt said, regarding the street system, that the data could be interpreted either way,
depending on a person's bias. He also said he would like to hear from the various service
providers, including ambulance drivers, firemen, and policemen, not from a traffic point of view
but from the point of view of delivering services. He said there is more that goes into this
decision than just focusing on a couple of streets. Spratt agreed with the speaker who said that
whatever street is put in first is the one that will be used. He said he thought it would be much
better to put in Captain Irish Parkway and then make the decision regarding First Avenue.
Bennett Brown thanked City staff in the Planning Department who he said gave him a lot of
information and were very helpful, as well as people in the Engineering Department. He said
that Andy Hoke prepared the maps of the alternative plan, and Brown thanked him for it. Brown
also thanked everyone who participated in the process and came up with most of the ideas for
the alternative plan. He encouraged Commission members to read through the alternative plan,
especially the unanimous request for other traffic calming measures on First Avenue.
Dianne Kaufman. 406 Upland, said the reason everyone attended the meeting is because
people care so much about their neighborhoods and this community. She said that Iowa City is
Planning & Zoning Commission
December 17, 1998
Page 23
a place of great neighborhoods. Kaufman said that traffic flow either preserves the quality of a
neighborhood or degrades it. She said the concern is that making First Avenue an arterial at an
increasingly heavy level will cause the degradation of a very livable neighborhood and will also
have impact on other neighborhoods. Kaufman said what happens in one neighborhood affects
others. She said that the First Avenue extension would have a negative effect on Hickory Hill
Park and the nearby communities and that Captain Irish Parkway would be a solution that might
at least keep things flowing smoothly and solve some of the problems without adding more,
Public discussion closed.
MOTION: Chait moved to defer the public hearing on an amendment to the
Comprehensive Plan to include the Northeast District Plan for property generally located
east of First Avenue, north of Court Street, south of Interstate 80 and west of Taft Avenue
to the January 7, 1999 meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Gibson
seconded the motion.
Gibson asked staff to arrange to present the other side of traffic perspective and its impact on
counts on streets in terms of what Brown explained or concurrence that Brown's interpretation
of those numbers was in agreement with staffs interpretation of those numbers. Ehrhardt asked
about the 25 mile per hour speed limit versus the 35 mile per hour speed limit on the First
Avenue extension. She asked if staff could redo the model because it seems as though First
Avenue would be more inclined to have a 25 mile per hour limit because of the curves and
steep slopes and Captain Irish Parkway might be suited to a 35 mile per hour limit. Yapp said
doing that model would be feasible.
Regarding Washington Street east, Chait said there is an incredible opportunity there to narrow
the street and increase the distance between the sidewalk and the curbs and do landscaping
similar to the landscaping near City High School. Ehrhardt noted that the majodty of people
submitting wdtten comments to the Planning Department live in the Northeast District. Supple
thanked the members of the public for participating in the hearing, particularly Brown for his
presentation.
The motion carried on a vote of 7-0.
DFVFI OPMFNT ITFM:
SUB98-0030. Public discussion of an application submitted by Frank A. Boyd for a final plat of
Boyd's Fashionable Acres, an 11.51 acre, 16-1ot residential subdivision located on the south
side of Rochester Avenue, east of Post Road, and west of Mt. Vernon Road. (45-day limitation
period expires February 1, 1999)
Kugler said this is a final plat, with the preliminary plat being approved about a year ago. He
said the plat meet the City's requirements and is ready to be approved, although legal papers
and construction drawings need to be approved before the City Council considers this item.
Kugler said the plat proposes 16 building lots and four outlots, three of which are to be
dedicated to the City. He said there is a long-range plan for an eight-foot sidewalk along the
south side of Rochester; however, staff is recommending that it not be required at this point as
the developer has already met the requirement for a four-foot sidewalk there, and the project
should be done along with the construction of the rest of the eight-foot sidewalk.
Planning & Zoning Commission
December 17, 1998
Page 24
In terms of open space, Kugler said the applicant is proposing the dedication of a 2 1/3 acre
outlot on the property as open space, as well as the 50-foot strip of land coming down to Mount
Vernon Road to provide access to that outlot from the residential areas to the south. He said the
Parks and Recreation Commission has looked at this plan and recommended that that occur.
Regarding stormwater management, Kugler said the Public Works Department looked at that
issue very closely when the preliminary plat was considered, and those issues have been
addressed to the satisfaction of that department and meet the requirements of the City's
stormwater management ordinance. He said staff recommends approval of this application
subject to the approval of legal papers and construction drawings prior to City Council
consideration of the plat.
Public discussion:
Larry Schnitt, jer said he was available to answer any questions from the Commission.
Public discussion closed.
MOTION: Bovbjerg moved to approve SUB98-0030, a final plat of Boyd's Fashionable
Acres, an 11.51 acre, 16-1ot residential subdivision located on the south side of
Rochester Avenue, east of Post Road, and west of Mount Vernon Road subject to the
approval of legal papers and construction drawings prior to City Council consideration of
the plat. Gibson seconded the motion.
Supple said she voted no on the preliminary plat because of the driveway that accesses
Rochester Avenue from the existing house. She said she deviated from voting against an
excess access only once, when she felt it created a great burden on the people who lived in the
house. Supple said she does not believe elimination of the driveway in this case would create
any burden and believes that it should be eliminated and would be voting against approval of
the final plat. She said that she believes the development is extremely attractive and would
otherwise vote yes.
Ehrhardt asked why staff would allow the original driveway to remain here. Kugler said staff
originally recommended that the driveway be closed as part of a basic City policy of minimizing
the number of access points along arterial streets. He said that the owner of the property, Mr.
Boyd, felt strongly that he was led to believe by members of staff at some point in the past that
he would be able to keep the driveway to the existing house. Kugler said staff then amended
their recommendation such that the driveway could remain until such time as the property
should ever be redeveloped. Ehrhardt asked if there were anything in writing to the effect that
Boyd should be able to keep the original driveway. Kugler said there was not.
The motion carried on a vote of 5-2. with l=hrhardt and Supple voting no.
PROPOSFD AMFNDMFNT:
Public discussion of a proposed amendment to Section 14-5H, Site Plan Review, and 14-6S,
Performance Standards, regarding lighting standards.
Yapp said he had nothing new to report on this item. Ehrhardt asked if staff could look at the
Planning & Zoning Commission
December 17, 1998
Page 25
intensity of lighting before the Commission voted on this item. Yapp said if that were the
consensus of the Commission, staff can look at the intensity of lighting within a property itself.
Gibson said it is difficult to measure that light because of other light impinging on it, but the
photometric calculation can deal with that issue. Yapp confirmed that it can work for new sites
before they are developed but not for existing sites. Gibson said photometric calculations could
still be used. Yapp asked if the intensity of lighting is changed, if the City can go to a property
and obtain a photometric reading. Miklo said if it is an enforcement issue and someone has filed
a complaint, the City can take enforcement action.
Holecek said there were two concerns, the negative externalities that spill over the property line
as well as the intensity of the light fixtures when looking at them from afar. Gibson said another
issue is whether parking lots really need to be lit up to eight or nine foot candles in the middle of
the lots. Chait said keeping the light off of neighboring properties is reasonable but questioned
whether the City should regulate the way business show themselves in the community.
Public discussion:
Larry Schnittjer, asked if it is imperative that the light meter be held horizontally or if it can face
the light source. Yapp said the meter is typically held horizontally unless there is some question
where the majority of light is coming from, and then it can be angled to get different readings
from different directions. Schnittjer said if there are adequate cutoffs on the fixtures, there will
need to be some definition, if you don't like the lighting at a place like Dell-Mart, of architectural
versus standard parking lot lighting to cover all these things. He said that if you can't see the
lens or the globe of the light, you don't have the same problems. Gibson said the offensive light
fixtures seem to be the ones that have glass under a canopy.
Public discussion closed.
Miklo said staff would continue to research lighting standards.
MOTION: Gibson moved to defer discussion of a proposed amendment to Section 14-5H,
Site Plan Review, and 14-6S, Performance Standards, regarding lighting standards,
indefinitely. Chait seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 7-0.
CONSIDFRATION OF THI= DFCFMBI=R 3. 1998 P~ ANNING AND .7ONING COMMISSION
MINUTFS:
MOTION: Chait moved to approve the minutes of the December 3, 1998 Planning and
Zoning Commission minutes, as written. Ehrhardt seconded the motion. The motion
carried on a vote of 7-0.
PLANNING AND 7ONING COMMISSION INFORMATION:
There was none.
ADJOURNMFNT:
The meeting was adjourned at 11:23 p.m.
Planning & Zoning Commission
December 17, 1998
Page 26
Pare Ehrhardt, Secretary
Minutes submitted by Anne Schulte
ppdadmin~rnins~o&zl 2-22.doc
IOWA CITY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1998 - 7:30 P.M.
CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS
.~IGN IN SHFF:T
NAMF ADDRFSS
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SI~,N IN SHF:F:T
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NAMF ADDRFSS
01-12-99
4b(11)
POLICE CITIZENS REVIEW BOARD
MINUTES - December 15, 1998
Lobby Conference Room
CALL TO ORDER Chair L. Cohen called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.
ATTENDANCE
CONSENT
CALENDAR
Board members present: L. Cohen, P. Farrant, P. Hoffey,
M. Raymond, and J. Watson. Staff present: Lega!
Counsel D. Russell and administrative assistant S. Bauer.
Motion by M. Raymond and seconded by P. Hoffey to
adopt the. Consent Calendar. Motion carried, 5/0, all
members present.
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL
Defer action on approval of the PCRB SOP's until after
the Joint meeting between the City CoUncil and the
PCRB
REPORTS BY
LEGAL COUNSEL
Legal counsel reported on his meeting with City Attorney
E. Dilkes and Assistant City Attorney S. Holocek. SOP
issues included:
Ordinance change proposed to remove the
complainant's presence from a name-clearing hearing.
Legal counsel reported the board had no
recommendation regarding this issue.
The right of the complainant to be present for a
summary dismissal discussion concerning either
untimeliness of the complaint or an allegation that the
complaint was not about a sworn Iowa City officer.
Legal counsel explained the board's preference to
have the complainant present and that it should be
the responsibility of the board to keep the discussion
on the issue of the dismissal and not on the
allegations of the complaint. The City Attorney
disagreed.
The requirement that legal counsel for the board be
present at all meetings. The board suggested adding
the language "to the extent practicable." The City
Attorney did not expect to have a problem with that.
However, legal counsel was asked if a member of his
law firm could fill in when there was an anticipated
absence. This issue is a matter for further discussion.
· When the Cit)~ Clerk requests a legal opinion about
whether a document would be classified as
confidential or public, and the determina~on of
whether a telephone-recorded message should be
transcribed or a tape retained. The board had
inquired as to how a differing opinion between the
two attorneys would be resolved. The response was,
in both instances, the City Attorney's opinion will
prevail. This issue is another matter for discussion.
· City Attorney agreed to recommend to the City
Council that it defer further action on the SOP's.
Discussion also included:
· Review of the draft letter to the Chief of Police
concerning confidentiality matters [draft letter was
distributed to board members for approval], who
would then disseminate it to his officers.
, Concern regarding the numbering system of officers
in the Chief's reports. Legal counsel noted the two
reasons the board wants to have this information, (1)
to track an officer through the history of all the
complaints for purposes of determining credibility, and
(2) to be able to track the officers for purposes of the
board's annual reports. The City Attorney disagreed
with this interpretation of the ordinance. This is
another issue for further discussion.
~ Legal counsel informed them that the board requested
an informal meeting with the City Council to further
discuss the issues where there is disagreement, and
other matters. This was supported by the City
Attorney.
Legal counsel recommended that board members
prioritize the key issues in preparation for the joint
meeting. He also suggested that members re-read PCRB
Complaint #98-12, the Chief's Report, the board's drafts
and its Final Report.
COMMUNITY
FORUM
CONFLICT OF
INTEREST
Motion by P. Hoffey and seconded by P. Farrant to
forward the letter on confidentlality matters to the Chief
of Police for dissemination to members of the
department. Motion carded, 5/0, all members present.
S. Bauer reported that the City Council would like to
meet with the PCRB from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. on
Wednesday, February 3. As there were conflicts with
this time, Bauer was directed to let the Council know of
other options.
Motion by J. Watson and seconded by P. Farrant to
request that the City Council defer action on the SOP's
until after the board has an opportunity to meet with the
Council. Motion carried, 510, all members present.
Chair L. Cohen appointed a committee, P. Farrant and P.
Hoffey, to maintain a list of issues and develop a draft
presentation, for the joint meeting with the City Council.
Motion by P. Farrant and seconded by P. Hoffey to
postpone the January 19, 1999 community forum at the
Broadway Neighborhood Center, to a date after the Joint
meeting with the City Council. Discussion followed.
Motion carded, 411, Watson opposing.
The procedures and rules regarding a conflict of interest
relating to a specific issue, whether it's a complaint or
some other particular matter, were reviewed.
The issue of a general conflict of interest was discussed.
Legal counsel advised, if a board member felt a particular
bias and didn't think he/she could be fair, it is the duty
of the member to declare his/her bias and recuse himself
or let the board decide. It is a fairness judgment.
Discussion followed regarding a recent concern by a City
Council member that L. Cohen could have a general
conflict of interest. Cohen stated she does not feel she
has a general conflict of interest. The manner in which
the board has generally handled these matters to-date is
to speak truthfully and frankly on the record about their
4
views. It was the consensus of the board that riohen
has not exhibited any general conflict of interest issues.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION None
EXECUTIVE
SESSION
Motion by P. Farrant and seconded by J. Watson to
adjourn into Executive Session based on Section 21.5(a)
of the Code of Iowa to review or discuss records which
are required or authorized by state or federal law to be
kept confidential or to be kept confidential as a condition
for that government body's possession or continued
receipt of federal funds, and 22.7(11) personal
information in confidential personnel records of public
bodies including but not limited to cities, boards of
supervisors and school districts, and 22.7(5) police
officer investigative reports, except where disclosure is
authorized elsewhere in the Code. Motion carried, 5/0,
all member present. Meeting adjourned at 8:07 P.M.
Regular meeting resumed at 8:35 P.M.
Chair stated that PCRB Complaint//98-18 has been
assigned to committee for report.
(Chair Cohen recused herself; Vice Chair presiding)
Motion by P. Hoffey and seconded by M. Raymond to
approve the Chlef'a request for an extension of time on
· 98-19 to January 13, 1999. Motion carded, 4/0,
Cohen absent from room.
(Chair returns to room)
MEETING SCHEDULE
· Special Meeting December 22, 1998, 7:00 P.M.
Special Meeting January 5, 1999, 7:00 P.M.
· Regular Meeting January 12, 1999, 7:00 P.M.
Meeting with City Council - to be determined
PCRB priority-setting meeting - to be determined
Community Forum at Broadway Neighborhood Center
- to be determined
BOARD
INFORMATION
STAFF
INFORMATION
ADJOURNMENT
L. Cohen - Artended City Council work session 12/14/98
to verify request to Council to defer discussion of SOP's
until after joint meeting between PCRB and Council.
P. Farrant - informal conversation with Mayor regarding
general issues.
S. Bauer - Volunteered to give presentation to AARP
regarding the PCRB on January 4, 1999. Board
approved.
D. Russell - Contact by Gazette requesting to do a
profile article about his community activities, including
the PCRB. Board approved.
Motion for adjournment by P. Hoffey and seconded by
M. Raymond. Motion carried, 5/0, all members present.
Meeting adjourned at 8:47 P.M.
01-12-99 '
4b(12)
POLICE CITIZENS REVIEW BOARD
MINUTES - December 22, 1998
Lobby Conference Room
CALL TO ORDER Chair L. Cohen called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.
ATTENDANCE
CONSENT
CALENDAR
Board members present: L. Cohen, P. Farrant, P. Hoffey,
M. Raymond, and J. Watson. Staff present: Legal
Counsel D. Russell and administrative assistant S. Bauer.
Motion by M. Raymond and seconded by P. Hoffey to
adopt the Consent Calendar. Motion carried, 5~0, all
members present.
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL
The PCRB confirmed their availability to meet with the
City Council on February 11, 1999, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
MEETING WITH
CITY COUNCIL
Board members confirmed their availability for a joint
meeting with the City Council on February 11, 1999,
from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M.
The subcommittee will be preparing topics for discussion,
including the annual report which was submitted to the
City Council in October, 1998.
D. Russell reported contact with the Mayor, who stated
he "was looking forward" to the joint meeting.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION None
EXECUTIVE
SESSION
Motion by J. Watson and seconded by P. Farrant to
adjourn into Executive Session based on Section 21.5(a)
of the Code of Iowa to review or discuss records which
are required or authorized by state or federal law to be
kept confidential or to be kept confidential as a condition
for that government body's possession or continued
receipt of federal funds, and 22.7(11) personal
information in confidential personnel records of public
bodies including but not limited to cities, boards of
supervisors and school districts, and 22.7(5) police
2
officer investigative reports, except where disc. losure is
authorized elsewhere in the Code. Motion carried, 5/0,
all member present. Meeting adjourned at 7:18 P.M.
Regular meeting resumed at 8:00 P.M.
Motion by P. Hoffey and seconded by M. Raymond to
review PCRB//98-18 and//98-20 at level 8-8-7 B(1 )(a) in
accordance to the ordinance. Motion carried, 5/0, all
members present.
PCRB #98-20 was assigned to the report-drafting
committee.
MEETING SCHEDULE
BOARD
INFORMATION
· Special Meeting January 5, 1999, 7:00 P.M.
· Regular Meeting January 12, 1999, 7:00 P.M.
· Meeting with City Council - to be determined
· PCRB priority-setting meeting - to be determined
· Community Forum at Broadway Neighborhood Center
- to be determined
J. Watson - reported receiving student e-mail requests
about the PCRB, and wanted to know how these
requests should be handled.
Discussion followed, but there was no consensus
regarding a policy.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion for adjournment by M. Raymond and seconded
by P. Hoffey. Motion carried, 5/0, all members present.
Meeting adjourned at 8:06 P.M.
POLICE CITIZENS REVIEW BOARD
MINUTES - January 5, 1999
Lobby Conference Room
CALL TO ORDER Chair L. Cohen called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.
ATTENDANCE
CONSENT
CALENDAR
Board members present: L. Cohen, P. Farrant, P. Hoffey,
M. Raymond, and J. Watson. Staff present: Legal
Counsel D. Russell and administrative assistant S. Bauer.
Motion by M. Raymond and seconded by P. Hoffey to
adopt the Consent Calendar. Motion carried, 5/0, all
members present.
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL
· Defer action on approval of the PCRB SOP's until after
the City Council meets with the PCRB members
· Receive PCRB Public Report 98-18
· Receive PCRB Public Report 98-20
PCRB SOP's
D. Russell reported on his discussion with the City
Attorney about the Board's concerns regarding
differences of opinion about the SOP changes. Although
the PCRB minutes of 12/15/98 recommended to the
Council that it defer further discussion on the SOP's until
the Board and the City Council meet together, a letter
(dated 12/23/98 and received on 12/28/98) from
E. Dilkes indicates they do not intend for these SOP's to
be delayed until the Board's meeting with the City
Council, but rather for the Council to vote now based on
the City Attorney's recommendations. If the Board
wishes to make a recommendation to the Council, it
needs to do so at the Council's informal meeting on
January 11, 1999.
After lengthy discussion, it was determined:
· The only agreement was on the attendance of legal
counsel at all PCRB board meetings "whenever
practicable."
· ' ,There is disagreement about substantive issues in the
· ';remaining SOP's and the Board would like to discuss
" them directly with the City Council. If the Council's
vote cannot or will not be deferred until after the joint
meeting between the City Council and the PCRB, then
Board members will attend the informal meeting on
January 11. Board members noted they are also
available at an earlier date if that were more
convenient with the Council.
The Board strongly disagrees with the City Attorney's
recommended change regarding the opportunity for a
complainant to appear and discuss the timeliness of a
complaint.
The Board strongly disagrees with the City Attorney's
recommended change to delete identifying information
from complaints.
Although the recommended SOP changes may appear
to be technical in nature, in the Board's view they
speak to the very core of its responsibilities under the
Ordinance.
Legal counsel was directed to contact the City Attorney
to ascertain if she will recommend to the Council that the
PCRB SOP's be deferred until after the Council meets
with the PCRB. At the same time, a letter will be sent to
the Mayor requesting deferment. If the City Attorney will
not recommend a deferment, Board members will attend
the meeting on January 11.
MEETING WITH
CITY COUNCIL
P.Hoffey and P. Farrant are preparing topics for
discussion.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION None
EXECUTIVE
SESSION
Motion by M. Raymond and seconded by P. Hoffey to
adjourn into Executive Session based on Section 21.5(a)
of the Code of Iowa to review or discuss records which
are required or authorized by state or federal law to be
kept confidential or to be kept confidential as a condition
for that government body's possession or continued
receipt of federal funds, and 22.7(11) personal
information in confidential personnel records of public
bodies including but not limited to cities, boards of
supervisors and school districts, and 22.7(5) police
officer investigative reports, except where disclosure is
authorized elsewhere in the Code. Motion carried, 5/0, all
members present. Meeting adjourned at 8:23 P.M.
Regular meeting resumed at 8:26 P.M.
Motion by J. Watson and seconded by P. Hoffey to
approve PCRB Public Report #98-18, as amended, and
forward it to the City Council. Motion carried, 5/0, all
members present.
Motion by M. Raymond and seconded by P. Farrant to
approve PCRB Public Report #98-20 and forward it to the
City Council. Motion carried, 5/0, all members present.
MEETING SCHEDULE
BOARD
INFORMATION
· Special Meeting January 11, 1999, 5:30 P.M.
· Regular Meeting January 12, 1999, 7:00 P.M.
· Special Meeting January 19, 1999, 7:00 P.M.
· Special Meeting January 26, 1999, 7:00 P.M.
· Meeting with City Council - February 11, 1999, 5:00
to 7:00 P.M.
· PCRB priority-setting meeting - to be determined
· Community Forum at Broadway Neighborhood Center
- to be determined
P.Hoffey - appreciated receiving information from
Internet on Pittsburgh Police Review Board - wish we
could get more of this information on other review
boards, what their problems are, how they're solving
them, etc.
P. Farrant - will bring any information she receives from
NACOLE (National Association of Citizen Oversight of
Law Enforcement) to the Board. She will also share her
book Shielded from Justice, put out by Human Rights
Watch, which is a study of more than 15 police review
boards in large cities around the country.
STAFF
INFORMATION
S. Bauer - reported City of Iowa City Budget meeting on
Thursday, January 14, for presentations from Boards
requesting funding.
Discussion followed. The board requested that there be a
budget allocation to attend conferences; also membership
to NACOLE.
D. Russell - has two information items to present after
adjournment.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion for adjournment by P. Hoffey and seconded by M.
Raymond. Motion carried, 5/0, all members present.
Meeting adjourned at 8:38 P.M.
PCRB PUBLIC REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
This is the Report of the Police Citizens Review Board (the "Board")
review of the investigation of Complaint PCRB 98-18 (the "Complaint").
BOARD'S RESPONSIBILITY
Under the City Code of the City of Iowa City, Section 8-8-7 B, the
Board's job is to review the Police Chief's Report ("Report") of his
investigation of a complaint. The City Code requires the Board to apply a
"reasonable basis" standard of review to the Report and to "give deference"
to the Report "because of the Police Chief's...professional expertise."
Section 8-8-7 B(2). While the City Code directs the Board to make "findings
of fact," it also requires that the Board recommend that the Police Chief
reverse or modify his findings only if those findings are "unsupported by
substantial evidence," are "unreasonable, arbitrary or capricious," or are
"contrary to a Police Department policy or practice or any Federal, State or
local law." Sections 8-8-7B(2)a, b, and c.
BOARD'S PROCEDURE
On October 30, 1998, this Complaint was received at the office of
the City Clerk. As required by Section 8-8-5 of the City Code, the
Complaint was referred to the Police Chief for investigation. On November
23, 1998, the Chief requested, and the Board agreed to, an extension for
submission of his report to December 11, 1998The Chief submitted his
Report on December 1, 1998. The Board voted to review the Complaint in
accordance with Section 8-8-7 B(1 )(a), which means that it chose to review
the matter on the record before it without additional investigation by the
Board. The Board met on December 15, and 22, 1998, and on January 5,
1999, to consider the Complaint.
FINDINGS OF FACT
In October 1998, at 2:30 A.M., Officer #1 saw a vehicle attempt to
pull over a curb into a yard, illegally park over the sidewalk, and damage a
city-owned parking area. Officer #1 requested backup and Officer #2
arrived on the scene within a few minutes of the call. Officer #1
approached the vehicle, in which a male driver and three passengers (two
males, one female) were seated. When Officer #2 arrived, the driver, the
three passengers, and the complainant were standing in the front yard of a
residence. The complainant had come out of a house where he resides, and
where a birthday party was being held. One of the passengers was his
roommate.
Officer #1 began to conduct field sobriety tests on the driver. At
Officer #1 's request, Officer #2 asked the passengers for identification and
they complied. He also asked the complainant for identification. The
complainant questioned why this was necessary, stating that he had not
been a passenger in the car. The roommate and the female passenger
confirmed this to Officer #2, who then moved to a position to observe the
sobriety tests being administered to the driver.
Officer #1 arrested the driver for operating while intoxicated. The
complainant questioned why the driver was being arrested since, in his
opinion, the driver had "done well" on the field sobriety tests. The officers
reported that the complainant refused to leave the area when requested to
do so, used abusive language, swore, and called the officers names. Officer
#2 then asked the complainant to take a breath test. The complainant
refused, offering to take a blood test instead. After further observing the
complainant's demeanor and appearance, and detecting an odor of alcohol,
Officer #2 placed him under arrest for public intoxication. The
complainant's arrest, transportation to the jail, and processing at the jail
were completed without incident.
The Chief's Report indicates that the following people were
interviewed during the investigation of this Complaint: the complainant, the
officers, and a witness to the events who is acquainted with the
complainant.
CONCLUSIONS
Allegation 1. The complainant was arrested for public intoxication in
his own yard on private, not public, property. Because the complainant was
in the front yard of his residence, it was reasonable to conclude that he
was, at the time of his arrest, subject to Iowa law prohibiting public
intoxication. The Chief's conclusion that the arrest was made in accordance
with the law is supported by substantial evidence and is not unreasonable,
arbitrary, or capricious. Accordingly, allegation 1 is NOT SUSTAINED.
Allegation 2. The complainant was asked to leave the area only
once, not three times, as claimed in his citation. When interviewed by the
investigator, the complainant agreed that the officers asked him to leave the
area at least once and that he may not have heard any subsequent requests
that he move away. He did not comply with the request, stating that he
lived at the address where the incident took place. The Chief's conclusion
that the complainant acknowledged hearing at least one request that he
move away from the area and that the actual number of requests the
officers made and/or the complainant heard is irrelevant is supported by
substantial evidence and is not unreasonable, arbitrary or capricious.
Accordingly, allegation 2 is NOT SUSTAINED.
Allegation 3. The complainant said his contact with Officer #2, who
arrested him, was limited. The complainant said that he spoke to Officer #2
only when asked for identification, when asked to take a breath test, when
the driver of the vehicle was arrested, and when he himself was arrested.
4
The Chief's conclusion that the officer used this contact time to evaluate
the complainant's state of intoxication, and that there is no standard
amount of contact time required to formulate an opinion about intoxication,
is supported by substantial evidence and is not unreasonable, arbitrary, or
capricious. Accordingly, allegation 3 is NOT SUSTAINED.
Allegation 4. The complainant expressed disagreement with the
officer's reporting of the facts of the incident and the reasons for his arrest,
as included in the citation. Specifically, he does not believe he was
intoxicated when he was arrested. The Chief's Report refers to the
statements of a witness to the incident who is acquainted with the
complainant. The witness said he saw the complainant drinking on the
evening/morning of the incident, first at a bar downtown and then at the
birthday party. The Report notes that others on the scene tried
unsuccessfully to persuade the complainant to go back inside the house.
Both officers stated that the complainant was agitated and verbally abusive,
swearing and calling them names. The Chief's conclusion that "under the
evidence presented, the officer's exercise of discretion to charge the
complainant with public intoxication was not unreasonable" is supported by
substantial evidence and is not unreasonable, arbitrary or capricious.
Accordingly, allegation 4 is NOT SUSTAINED.
DATED: January 5, 1999
PCRB PUBLIC REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
This is the Report of the Police Citizens Review Board (the "Board")
review of the investigation of Complaint PCRB 98-20 (the "Complaint").
BOARD'S RESPONSIBILITY
Under the City Code of the City of Iowa City, Section 8-8-7 B, the
Board's job is to review the Police Chief's Report ("Report") of his
investigation of a complaint. The City Code requires the Board to apply a
"reasonable basis" standard of review to the Report and to "give deference"
to the Report "because of the Police Chief's...professional expertise."
Section 8-8-7 B(2). While the City Code directs the Board to make "findings
of fact," it also requires that the Board recommend that the Police Chief
reverse or modify his findings only if those findings are "unsupported by
substantial evidence," are "unreasonable, arbitrary or capricious," or are
"contrary to a Police Department policy or practice or any Federal, State or
local law." Sections 8-8-7B(2)a, b, and c.
BOARD'S PROCEDURE
On November 19, 1998, this Complaint was received at the office of
the City Clerk. As required by Section 8-8-5 of the City Code, the
Complaint was referred to the Police Chief for investigation. The Chief of
Police submitted his Report on December 18, 1998. The Board voted to
review the Complaint in accordance with Section 8-8-7 B(1 )(a), which
means that it chose to review the matter on the record before it without
additional investigation by the Board. The Board met on December 22,
1998, and January 5, 1999, to consider the Complaint.
2
FINDINGS OF FACT
In November 1998, at approximately 7:45 P.M., when the
complainant was leaving a local restaurant, he told the restaurant employee
who inquired about "how everything was" that he was dissatisfied with
both the service and the ventilation. He later admitted that he was, at the
time, upset. In response to his complaint, the restaurant reduced the
amount of his bill by one half. While at the restaurant, the complainant had
consumed two beers, one tall and one short.
Still upset, the complainant drove home to drop off one of his
passengers (his oldest child). He then left home again, with his two
younger children in the car. At 8:08 P.M., about a block from the
complainant's home, Officer #1 stopped him. He informed the complainant
that he was doing so in response to a call from the restaurant about his
conduct there and while driving away, and about his possible intoxication.
The officer asked the complainant to step out of the car and then attempted
to perform a horizontal gaze nystagmus test to assess the complainant's
sobriety. The officer reported that he was not able to obtain usable results
because the complainant did not follow his directions correctly. (The
complainant later stated that Officer #2 had by then arrived on the scene as
backup and commented to the complainant that he had passed the
nystagmus test.) Officer #1 then asked the complainant to perform a
preliminary breath test. The result was .056, under the. 10 presumptive
level of intoxication for OWl. Officer #1 then permitted the complainant to
drive off.
The Chief's Report indicates that the following people were
interviewed during the investigation of this complaint: the complainant,
Officer #1, and restaurant staff.
CONCLUSIONS
Allegation 1. The complainant was unreasonably searched out and
stopped. Officer #1 stopped the complainant in response to a report from
the restaurant that he was upset, possibly intoxicated, and had driven away
from the restaurant at a high rate of speed. It was appropriate for the
officer to pursue this matter. When interviewed, the complainant stated
that his real complaint was with the restaurant. He also confirmed that
during the course of the stop, the officers were courteous and professional
in their dealings with him. He noted that he wished the complaint would
end with the investigation. He said he intended to further discuss his
dissatisfactions directly with the restaurant. The Chief's conclusion that
Officer #1 followed proper procedures upon receiving a complaint of a
reckless and possibly intoxicated driver and followed it up to a resonable
conclusion is supported by substantial evidence and is not unreasonable,
arbitrary, or capricious. Accordingly, allegation I is NOT SUSTAINED.
Allegation 2. The complainant was unnecessarily given an alcohol
breath test. The complainant admits that he had two beers while at the
restaurant. Officer #1 detected an odor of alcohol on the complainant's
breath when he stopped him. Reporting difficulty in obtaining usable results
with the nystagmus test, Officer #1 then administered a breath test, which
the driver passed. The Chief's conclusion that, as a result of the report
made by the restaurant and in light of Officer #1 's subsequent observation
of the driver, it was reasonable and proper to administer a breath-alcohol
test is supported by substantial evidence and is not unreasonable, arbitrary,
or capricious. Accordingly, allegation 2 is NOT SUSTAINED.
DATED: January 5, 1999
MINUTES
PUBLIC ART ADVISORY COMMITTEE
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1998 - 3:30 P.M.
LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM - CITY CIVIC CENTER
01-12-99
4b(14)
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Rick Fosse, Deborah Galbraith, Kevin Hanick, Nancy Purington,
Lesley Wright
MEMBERS ABSENT: Gary Nagle, Terry Trueblood
STAFF PRESENT:
Kadn Franklin, Joyce Carroll
CAII TO ORDFR:
Chairperson Hanick called the meeting to order at 3:38 p.m.
PUBIIC DISCUSSION:
There was none.
CONSIDI=RATION OF THF MFFTING MINUTFS FROM AUGUST 4 & 13. 1998:
For the August 4, 1998, meeting minutes Purington said on page 2 in the first paragraph, the
sentence should read "Kost said that $38,000 was put in the budget for surface treatment for
replacement of the current pavers" because that money was not for removal and replacement.
MOTION: Fosse'moved to approve the August 4, 1998, meeting minutes as amended. Galbraith
seconded the motion. The motion carded by a vote of 5-0.
For the August 13, 1998, Pudngton noted for discussion Fosse's comment that the sculpture
pads are structurally easy to add in later if necessary, on the second page, first paragraph. She
said that while the pads may be easy to add later, they will also cost more.
MOTION: Fosse moved to approve the August 13, 1998, meeting minutes as submitted.
Galbraith seconded the motion. The motion carded by a vote of 5-0.
DISCUSSION OF THF IOWA CITY/CI=DAR RAPIDS OUTDOOR SCUI PTURI=
COMPFTITION:
Wdght said that it has been months since the odginal proposal was discussed, so the entire
preamble does not matter because of the new number of sculpture pads in Iowa City. She said
· the basic proposal is to have an annual sculpture competition for temporary sculpture
installation in both Cedar Rapids and Iowa City along the lines of what is done on Sculpture on
Second in Cedar Rapids and in Ames. She said this project would economize on costs for both
Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, and get more interest in both cities' sculpture projects. She said
the sculptures brought in each year would be available to both communities for purchase.
Galbraith asked if Cedar Rapids was giving $100,000 for the project. Wdght said the idea was
not to necessarily match the $100,000, and costs can be kept lower by keeping this an annual
event. She said that the cities would not constantly be buying sculptures, only paying the
honoraria to the sculptors that participate. Wdght said the Cedar Rapids Visual Arts Committee
has apparently not discussed this yet. Franklin asked who comprised the Visual Arts Committee
and how it was run. Wdght said it is currently a City Committee that was added after the tree
sculpture was given to Cedar Rapids and the Committee was intended to be an oversight group.
She said their major project has been finding a more suitable place for the torch piece that
Public Art Advisory Committee Minutes
September 3, 1998
Page 2
currently sits in front of the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art. She said that piece is being moved to
Kingston Stadium. Franklin asked if the Committee had staff members or if they were all
volunteers. Wright said there is a City staff liaison on the Committee. Purington noted that they
currently do not have a budget. Wright said they oversee donations and gifts of art that come in.
She said that another thought is to use this type of a project to needle them to get an allocation
from the City for regular funds.
Franklin said that one advantage to Iowa City would be the greater exposure. Wright said the
Sculpture on Second has existing infrastructure and a mailing list. Hanick asked what kind of a
budget this project would need. Wright said they need to think about how many sculptures they
want to display, shipping costs if they choose to cover them, and she had previously outlined an
honorarium of $1,000 for each juror. Purington said artists usually get between $200-500 to
cover the artisrs costs. Franklin noted that in these projects, it seems like the artists take on a
lot of the costs to be able to show their work, and that is advantageous for the cities. Wright said
it also means that the artist has a chance of selling their work, since the area becomes like a
gallery for them.
Fosse said he thought this was a great idea, and that there was a lot to be gained by
collaborating with another city. Wright said there are funding agencies out there that are looking
for these types of collaborative projects. She said that it was her sense that Iowa City is already
ahead of Cedar Rapids in terms of this project. Purington said if the Cedar Rapids Committee
needs an incentive they already have a challenge in the program that Iowa City has designed.
Members discussed other groups in Cedar Rapids, such as the Cedar Rapids-Marion Arts
Council, the Renaissance Group and the Art in Public Places Committee, that could be involved
in the project. Purington said she met with the Cedar Rapids Visual Arts Committee about three
years ago and that Mayor Clancy attended the meeting and gave them the charge to create a
budget and get organized. She said she got the sense that the Committee members liked it the
way it was. Wright said she was hoping the appointment of Don Doe, the Cedar Rapids
Museum of Art Director, to the Committee means that they are trying to professionalize it and
get the City to think about it in a different way. Purington said the group is reactive instead of
proactive.
Franklin asked about the Art in Public Places Committee. Wright said that group was specifically
organized to do the sculpture project for the APAC building. She said that to the Visual Arts
Committee's credit, they got the torch sculpture moved to a more appropriate place. She said
that Iowa City should not work with anyone else on this project besides the Cedar Rapids Visual
Arts Committee. Hanick asked if a joint meeting should be organized to get a sense of this
group and if they want to proceed with this project. Franklin said that the Iowa City Public Art
Advisory Committee is not strong or organized enough yet to take on the burden of anybody
else's programs. She suggested framing how the Iowa City Committee would want to handle
this type of rotating sculpture exhibit program and take that to the Cedar Rapids Visual Arts
Committee with fairly defined parameters of how the two Committees would work together.
Wright said that was a good idea, and she would try to find out where the Cedar Rapids Visual
Arts Committee stands with City funding and who is on the Committee.
Purington she was concerned with the item on jurying in the second paragraph on the last page.
She said that Iowa City has a lot of MFAs and people who would like to be involved in a project
like this, per capita more than Cedar Rapids. She said that she thought the jurors should be
selected from members of the community. Wright said that paying professional jurors
sometimes helps to attract certain artists. Purington said that she would like to revisit that issue
when the Committee gets that far in the process. Wright said there could be three jurors, one
from Cedar Rapids, one from Iowa City and one outside person. Purington said that she would
Public Art Advisory Committee Minutes
September 3, 1998
Page 3
like to have many community members involved because that creates ownership on the part of
the community.
(Hanick left the meeting at 4 p.m.)
Franklin noted that the Committee has acquisition procedures to follow.
MOTION: Wdght moved to carefully pursue the idea of a rotating sculpture exhibit/competition
with Cedar Rapids by doing some research on the Cedar Rapids Visual Arts Committee and
drafting a proposal from this Committee. Pudngton seconded the motion. The motion carded by
a vote of 4-0.
Franklin said she would fax a proposal draft to Wdght.
DISCUSSION OF THI= FI FMFNTS OF THI= CAll FOR ARTISTS FOR THI= DRINKING
WATFR FOUNTAIN:
Franklin said a that a member of the City staff looked at this possibility of an artist-designed
ddnking fountain as not really sufficiently capitalizing on the public art potential. She said that
her argument was that this was functional art. She just wanted the Committee to know that that
point of view exists. Galbraith said she has seen plenty of other functional art, but not any artist-
designed ddnking fountains.
Pudngton said her position was that if a staff person felt that this was not an appropriate
expenditure of their money she could go along with that and find another place to use the
money. Franklin said the staff person's idea was that the money be used someplace else that is
showier and more obvious to people. Galbraith asked when the Committee would get to the two
sculpture pads going into Black Hawk Mini Park. She said they could tie into Wdght's
competition proposal. Wdght said that project could take a while to develop. Galbraith said if
Iowa City starts a rotating exhibit on those two pads, they will already be started if and when the
competition is developed. Franklin said that there will be five sculpture pads in the Pedestrian
Mall, two in Black Hawk Mini Park and the other three would be approximately mid-block on
each leg of the Pedestrian Mall. She said the Committee discussed having a rotating exhibit, but
that is not set yet due to accessibility issues. She said that $75,000 of the Committee's current
fiscal year budget has been allocated for the water feature, and $25,000 remains.
(Hanick returned at 4:08 p.m.)
Franklin asked Committee members if they wanted to look more broadly at how they spent the
remaining $25,000. She said that members have the option to spread out and focus on a
neighborhood park or other area, or they can choose to focus on the downtown. Hanick said the
Committee would be focusing on the downtown this year. Purington said she would like to give
some credence to the concern about the ddnking water fountain as not being as important of a
place to spend the art budget. Hanick and Galbraith did not agree with that. Fosse said he
thought it would be interesting to see what kind of feedback the Committee would receive from
functional art versus "normal" pieces of art, like sculptures. Purington asked if the drinking
fountain project could be put on hold until next year. Hanick said the Committee did not need to
rush, but if there was a feeling for it among Committee members they might as well get it going.
Fosse said that at the very least they should get the plumbing in for the drinking fountain. Wright
said she thought the Committee was under some pressure from the Downtown Streetscape
Project to move on some of these things now if they are going to have anything to do with them.
She said that might mean that there are no sculptures this fiscal year, but the Committee could
Public Art Advisory Committee Minutes
September 3, 1998
Page 4
be setting up the procedures for them by spring. Franklin said that doing the sculptures is more
a matter of having to work out that system than spending the money this year.
Geographic Range of Call
Pudngton asked if the parameters for the call could be smaller than the water feature project.
She said if the Committee does not find anything they like in terms of a ddnking fountain, they
do not have to purchase one. She suggested restricting the call to the state of Iowa. Members
agreed.
Project Goals
Wright said one goal is to produce a functional drinking fountain. Pudngton said it should be
whimsical, unique, playful and fun. Galbraith said it should be something that people of all ages
can enjoy. Hanick said if he were the designer he would want to know what the design theme of
the water feature/fountain was going to be. Wright said that they may not go together, and that
could be a decision that the jurors make. Fosse said he envisioned the ddnking fountain to go
east of the playground. Carroll said that they need to be careful about the design and safety
level of the ddnking fountain since it is going to be placed near the playground. Franklin said
that the Committee will not be able to decide the physical parameters at this meeting, but they
will be important.
Parameters
Members decided on the following parameters: safety, differant heights, wheelchair
accessibility, hygienic, compatible with the location and space of the Pedestrian Mall, child
accessibility, attractive on its own because it will be tumed off during the winter and meet all
pertinent codes.
Galbraith suggested inquiring as to why a drinking fountain was not located by the playground
equipment in the first place. Franklin said she would call Portland, Ore., where she saw a lot of
public ddnking fountains, and ask them if they ever have a problem with unsanitary uses of
them. She said that she would check with some other University towns to see if they have the
same problems. Galbraith asked what the Committee would do for a project if the drinking
fountain did not work out. Franklin suggested doing some research on this project first, and then
finding a new idea if the drinking fountain does not work out. Franklin said she would check this
call with the first one. Pudngton suggested just hiring an artist to do the fountain instead of
having a competition.
Eligibility
Members decided that the artists must be a current Iowa resident, be 18 years or older and be
able to work with a team of engineers. Galbraith noted that the Committee could invite
submittals instead of having an open competition.
Wright asked if there was a schedule or timeline with the Downtown Streetscape Project that
says when they need to have someone selected. Franklin said no. Fosse said there just needs
to be a water line there and a foundation. Wright asked if the water line will already be in. Fosse
said the Committee is adding this, so there is not a water line currently in the plans. He said that
the City is not digging out all the paving. Franklin said they are digging out a lot of paving near
the playground, so if it is close to there it will not be part of the cost. Fosse said he thought the
water main west of the playground was being replaced, so the paving would be dug up there.
Franklin asked if the water going into the water feature was potable. Fosse said yes; the first
time through, but it is recycled after that.
Public Art Advisory Committee Minutes
September 3, 1998
Page 5
Submittal requirements
Members agreed on the following submittal requirements: five slides and an annotated slide list,
a one-page letter of interest that includes an outline of preliminary ideas for this project and any
background information that would support the artisrs qualifications for the project, a contour
line sketch of the proposed drinking fountain, artist resume and references.
Budget
Franklin said the Committee has a total of $25,000 to spend. Wdght suggested finding out how
much it would cost to dig up the pavers and get connected to the water main. Pudngton asked if
that would be part of the City's budget. Fosse said it is not in there dght now. Franklin said she
would talk with Bob Kost and see what they are planning. Fosse said he thought it would be
between $2,000 and $3,000 for the water line and the brick removal and replacement if they
stay close to a water main.
Pudngton said that she thought the artist should receive a lump sum and it would be up to them
to divide it between design, fabrication and installation because it is such a small project. She
said that the Committee broke down the budget for the previous project because it was so
complex, but they do not need to do that here. Wdght asked about shipping costs. Pudngton
said that the artist will be from Iowa and the piece should be small enough that the artist should
be responsible for transporting it to Iowa City. She said it should be up to the artist to figure out
what their profit margin will be.
Franklin asked if the Committee wanted to select semi-~nalists and give them each an
honoradum. Members decided that this process should be more simplified, and one artist
should be selected to do the project. Franklin said the competition could be an invitational one,
but she was not sure who to send calls to yet, so an open competition to the state of Iowa might
be better. She said after this is approved by the City Council, the Committee will determine the
need for a panel to work on the selection process for the project. She said the Committee could
eliminate that step and then they would choose the ~nalists or select the artist.
Galbraith said she thought members discussed not having a competition because after they
receive the water feature project submittals they might find someone they would like to select or
invite. Purington said that the parameters for the projects are two different things, and artists
that did not send a submittal for the water feature may send one for the ddnking fountain, and
vice versa. Wdght said if the Committee identifies an artist from the water feature submittals
they can send them a call.
Franklin said that the two questions are if the Committee wants the latitude to choose two or
three semi-~nalists or not, and if they will pay an honoradum or not. Pudngton suggested that
the Committee not provide an honoradum. Hanick said that the Committee should give
themselves the .flexibility to choose semi-~nalists. Committee members decided that the artists
must be current Iowa residents to be eligible, and the Committee will not pay for an artist's travel
expenses. Galbraith suggested asking prospective artists to submit a budget that does not
exceed $25,000, but she asked if people would automatically want to select a cheaper project
because of a lower cost. Wdght said that if the Committee asked for a budget, their project will
have to be pretty well thought out and conceived in their submittal.
Purington said she thought the Committee would get a lot of flack for a $25,000 ddnking
fountain. She said that she thought they should spend between $5,000-$7,000 for the project.
Galbraith suggested keeping the cost to $3,000.
MOTION: Wdght moved to allocate $5,000 for the drinking fountain. Hanick seconded the
motion. (Ed. note: no vote was taken.)
Public Art Advisory Committee Minutes
September 3, 1998
Page 6
Purington said she thought that $5,000 was too high. She said she thought the ddnking fountain
was not important enough of an issue for the Committee to get a reputation about. Fosse
suggested asking for a budget with the submittal that does not exceed $5,000. Galbraith said
she liked that idea. Pudngton said that any artist will go for the full $5,000. Franklin suggested
asking for a budget with a submittal that does not have a monetary limit, and see what is
submitted.
Fosse asked what members would be willing to pay for an artist-designed bench. Pudngton
suggested saving the $25,000 and get some sculpture for the pads. Franklin said she would get
some figures on fountains and what they cost, and bdng that information to the next meeting.
WATI=R FFATURF UPDATI=:
Call Response
Franklin said she had not received any responses yet, but she did not expect to receive any
until September 15. She said that they sent out at least 1,000 calls, and received about 20
telephone calls about the call. Galbraith said she thought a person-to-person effort would get
the best results. Franklin noted that members needed to be careful about that because the City
is a public institution and the implication of favoritism toward a specific artist should be avoided.
Galbraith said she meant that people like the Arts Council needs to push this project.
Panel
Carroll handed out the list of panel participants, and said that they were all excited to participate.
Review Schedule
Pudngton, Fosse and Hanick agreed to meet on September 17 from 5-7 p.m. for the initial
review. The panel review is scheduled for Tuesday, September 22 from 1-3 p.m.
Galbraith asked what would happen if the panel did not like any of the submittals. Franklin said
that they will have to start over.
Franklin said that the semi-finalists would be notified by September 25, and their refined
proposals would be due back on October 9. She said that the Committee has a meeting
scheduled for October 1, and would also need to meet the week of October 12 to go over the
submittals in a public meeting and select a finalist. Members agreed to meet on Tuesday,
October 13 at 5:30 p.m.
Wdght asked if the proposals would be available for the public to look at ahead of time. Franklin
said she thought the models or drawings should be. Members decided to discuss that at their
October meeting. Franklin noted that there would need to be a public meeting about the drinking
fountain in October or November if the Committee decides to continue with that project. Franklin
said that during the public meeting the water feature proposals would be available for the public
to view, the Committee would take public comment, and then deliberate and select a finalist.
COMMITTFF: TIMI=/NI=W BUSINFSS:
Purington said she had an idea regarding the panel selection for projects. She suggested
having a standing panel position for someone who is active on the Arts Iowa City Exhibition
Committee. She said that Arts Iowa City has been a community effort for about 25 years, and
she thought it would be a nice way to sombine efforts or recognize those people who would be
very interested in this and who have credentials in visual art education affairs. She said these
people are already experienced in community jurying.
Public Art Advisory Committee Minutes
September 3, 1998
Page 7
Galbraith said she thought the panel selection should be kept open. Pudngton said she thought
this idea would keep an extension open for people who are not Iowa City residents, but who are
active in the Iowa City arts. Wdght asked if this would put the Committee in a sticky place with
any other arts organization in the community. Galbraith said she thought the Committee is
selecting the best people for the panel, and a lot of the people on her list are prominent in Arts
Iowa City. Pudngton said that there is no other visual arts organization in the community. Wdght
asked what would happen if a person on the Arts Iowa City Board submits something for a
project. Purington said there are eight or 10 people on the Exhibition Committee, and the artist
would certainly disqualify themselves in that situation. She said that the Arts Iowa City Exhibition
Committee would select an arts professional for the panel. Galbraith said that Arts Iowa City will
definitely be involved on the panels, and the Committee should just see where it goes.
Purington said that she wanted the formality of the relationship. Hanick suggested having a seat
on the Committee for a member of Arts Iowa City. Franklin said that next week the Council is
considering whether or not to dissolve the Design Review Committee as an entity because they
do not have enough members. She said that the Committee may need to make a decision about
the Design Review seat on the Committee.
(Wdght left at 5:15 p.m.)
Franklin asked if the list of Exhibition Committee members would be available so that the
Committee could consider members for selection panels without making it formal. Galbraith said
that the Committee should try to build a liaison with the group, but she is not sure that this is the
way to do it. Hanick said that he had a hard time visualizing the Committee's real needs
regarding allegiances and responsibilities until they go. through a cycle with a project. He said he
did not really have an opinion about the issue. Pudngton said that selecting panel members
from lists ad hoc was not a very organized method. Galbraith suggested that Committee
members mingle with the Arts Iowa City group; on their own they may be able to come up with a
solution for this. Hanick said he thought that it was impossible to put a panel together without
selecting someone from that group of people. Pudngton said she knew that, but it would be a
way for the Committee to let that community know that the Committee respects them. She said
that she would like the panel selection process to be well organized, and she would like the
Committee to think about this idea. Franklin said that she would put the method of panel
selection on the Committee's next meeting agenda.
Fosse said that the Highway 6 Corddor project is coming up. He said that they are going to put
a bicycle trail/sidewalk in that will go from the Iowa River to Sycamore Street. He said this is
going to be a multi-year project, and an artist could participate in the design process.
Pudngton announced an exhibition in Chicago, October 8-11 on Navy Pier called "Sofa". She
showed an invitation that she received to attend a ceremony for the inauguration of some artist-
designed planters in Kansas City that she submitted a call for. She said she thought recognition
of the public artwork with a ceremony was a good idea.
ADJOURNMI=NT:
The meeting was adjoumed at 5:26 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Traci Wagner.
plxIdklrrWt/artg-3.doc
MINUTES
PUBLIC ART ADVISORY COMMITTEE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1998 - 3:30 P.M.
LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM - CITY CIVIC CENTER
01-12-99
MEMBERS PRESENT: Rick Fosse, Deborah Galbraith, Nancy Purington, Terry Trueblood,
Lesley Wright
MEMBERS ABSENT: Kevin Hanick, Gary Nagle
STAFFPRESENT:
Karin Franklin, Joyce Carroll
CALLTO ORDER:
Purington called the meeting to order at 3:36 p.m.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
There was none.
CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 3, 1998:
Galbraith said there were a lot of things mentioned in the minutes that people were supposed to
follow-up on, so she had questions about that. Purington said that on page 3 in the first
sentence of the second paragraph' under "Discussion of the Elements of the Call for Artists for
the Drinking Water Fountain," she wanted to change "...she could go along with that..." to
"...she thought the Committee should consider that..." because that is what she meant.
(Wright arrived at 3:40 p.m.)
Purington said that in the last sentence on page 6, the word "community" should be replaced by
the word "art." Galbraith asked if Franklin faxed a proposal to Wright. Franklin said no. Wright
said she knew that Don Doe got in touch with the Cedar Rapids Visual Arts Commission, but as
far as she knows he has not heard anything back from them. Galbraith noted on page 2, in the
second paragraph where it says "she had previously outlined an honorarium for $1,000 for each
juror," and asked if they would be paying that to each of the three jurors. Wright said when they
were discussing this, they were only talking about one juror and the discussion about three
jurors came later. Galbraith asked Franklin if she called Portland, Ore., or any other University
towns about their experiences with drinking fountains. Franklin said that she did not do any work
related to the drinking fountain or the rotating sculpture competition. Galbraith asked if Franklin
found out why there was not a fountain by the playground before, Franklin said that she found
out that there used to be a drinking fountain by the playground. Trueblood said that fountain has
been gone for about 12 years, and it was removed because it was constantly getting clogged
with sand. Franklin noted that the new playground would not have sand, it will have poured-in-
place rubber so that would not be an issue for a drinking fountain.
MOTION: Fosse moved to approve the September 3 meeting minutes as amended. Wright
seconded the motion. The motion was carried by a vote of 6-0.
UPDATE ON WATER FEATURE:
Franklin said she would be giving a broader review of the downtown project later in the meeting.
She passed out the list of submittals for the water feature and noted that the ones checked (#'s
3, 12 and 14) were chosen as semi-finalists by the selection panel. She said all three artists are
coming to Iowa City, but they are not able to stay in the downtown Holiday Inn because it was
Public Art Advisory Committee Minutes
October 1, 1998
Page 2
full due to the University's home football game. She said the closest place to stay is in Cedar
Rapids. She said she advised all three artists to go down to the Pedestrian Mall to get a sense
of it both during the day and evening. Purington asked if it would be appropriate for Commission
members to host the artists so they could stay in Iowa City. Franklin said that would not be
appropriate because the Commission will be making the final selection. Galbraith asked if there
was anyone who would be more objective that the artists could stay with. Franklin said that it
would be difficult to arrange that by the weekend, and she did not have the time to do that.
Purington said she would call some bed and breakfasts in Iowa City to see if they had any room
for the weekend.
Wright asked how the Committee members who reviewed the submittals felt about the quality of
the projects submitted. Galbraith said they felt that overall there were only a few submittals that
were top notch. She said she is an average community representative, and when the selection
panel was discussing one artist one panelist, who Galbraith thought was more professional than
herself, said 'q'his is very ordinary," to which another person said, "1 like it, I guess I am
ordinary." Galbraith said she replied that she was also "ordinary" and the panel should think
about what the people of the City would want. She said that all the submittals were three-
dimensional and none of them were flat pieces. She said the panel wondered if that meant that
they should eliminate all the submittals, but they also knew that the ones the panel reviewed
had already passed by Purington's, Fosse's and Hanick's initial screening. Galbraith said the
Committee needed to decide if they would make all the artists create flat designs or if they
would accept three-dimensional projects that met the necessary safety features. Franklin said
the letter sent to the semi-finalists focuses on the pavement-jet style, and requires that the
project be flat, two-dimensional. She said she spoke with Michael Morgan earlier. She said his
work is in brick and it has some undulations to it, and he asked if that would be acceptable.
Franklin told him that it can do that in the actual water feature area, but it has to be flat where
the fire lane is.
Wright said she was delighted with the range of submissions they received in the short time they
had to work with. FoSse said there were two submissions from Minneapolis that he thought
stood out. He said the brick artist from Lincoln, Neb., did not do much for him, but that Purington
and Hanick really liked his work. Carroll said it was about 50-50 with the selection panel for the
brickwork, and that she was glad Franklin was making it clear to the artists that the features had
to be two-dimensional. Purington said that this particular artist already works with pavement and
he could do a flat brick-laying pattern beyond what any bricklayer could do because he is very
skillful with his design work. She said she spoke with another selection panel member who
brought up that three-dimensional question. She said that the budget does not allow for a three-
dimensional project. She said if it costs $38,000 to replace the brick without any other materials
or design, they are on a tight budget. She said for $75,000 they could get an upgraded
pavement pattern unless the artist minimized the space and did not fill the entire 48 feet. Then
they could upgrade the materials.
Purington said that the Committee should think about the three-dimensional pieces for the
sculpture pads because it would be unfair to the artists that did not submit a project because of
the two-dimensional requirement. Wright asked if anyone was eliminated before going to the
selection panel. Franklin said two, one who was outside the call region and one who submitted
collaborative work with students/children and not anything that he had done alone.
Franklin showed a map of the water feature area. She noted two existing manholes and a 3'x3'
door that to the pumphouse that the artists would have to work with. She said the Committee
members need to know that when they are doing the final project evaluations. She said that
manhole locations are already set, but the pumphouse door location is not. Galbraith said that
there are artist-designed manhole covers.
Public Art Advisory Committee Minutes
October 1, 1998
Page 3
Franklin went over the next steps in the selection process. She said that the three semi-finalists
have to have their submittals in by 5 p.m. on October 9. Wright said that is next week. Purington
said that all they have to submit is a pen-and-ink drawing, and that the artists have been
thinking about the project since they answered the call. Franklin said the three semi-finalists told
her that until they see the water feature site they do not have an idea of what they are going to
do. She said on Tuesday, October 13, the Committee will meet in Meeting Room A in the Public
Library at 5 p.m. She said the artists will each present for 15 minutes starting at 5:15 p.m. At
6 p.m., the meeting will be opened for public comment, which will be run by Hanick. Wright
asked if this was being publicized. Franklin said a notice has gone out in the downtown
newsletter, they will send out press releases to the local media, be posting an agenda for the
meeting, try to put something up in the library and notify the Downtown Association. She said
public comment will go until people are done speaking, but 7 p.m. is sort of the cut-off.
Franklin said the Committee needed to decide when to make the final decision. She said that
one option is to adjourn the meeting when public comment is complete and meet at another
time to deliberate and make the decision. She said the issue is whether the artists are there
when the Committee is deliberating. She said that usually when the City is reviewing a project it
is an open meeting, like this one will be, and the people who are proposing are there listening to
whatever comments are made. She said if the Committee adjourns Tuesday's meeting without
deciding and meets Wednesday it is less likely that the artists will be there for that discussion,
but Wednesday's meeting would also be open so the artists could still attend. She said the other
option is for the Committee to close the public comment period at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, deliberate
and make their decision that night.
Wdght asked if the Committee members would use the public comment time to ask the artists
questions. Franklin said that the Committee should not take the public comment time for their
questions. Trueblood said that the artists could present, the Committee could then ask
questions for so many minutes and then have public comment time. Franklin suggested allowing
15 minutes for each artist's presentation and five minutes directly after the presentation for
Committee questions, which would total 20 minutes for each artist. She said the public comment
period would then start at 6:15 p.m.
Fosse said that whether or not the Committee wanted to deliberate at the meeting would
depend a lot on the chemistry of the evening and how everything is going. Franklin said the
Committee would have to decide before then because they would have to post an agenda for
the following morning and they need 24 hours notice to do that. Wdght asked if the submittals
would be available for the public to view before the public meeting. Committee members
discussed having them in the City Council Chambers, in the Civic Center Lobby and in the
Library Meeting Room A before Tuesday's meeting. Trueblood asked if it would be possible to
post an agenda for Wednesday morning if things are not concluded on Tuesday. Franklin said
she thought that could work. She said that individuals will be limited to five minutes to speak the
first time during the public comment time and they could speak again once everyone has had an
opportunity to talk. She said if there are a lot of people there, it would not be good to cut the
public comment time off at 7:15 p.m. She said the question was if the Committee wanted to
deliberate right after the presentations in the meeting room or if they wanted to wait until the
next morning to do so. Galbraith suggested meeting Wednesday night to deliberate and decide.
Franklin said that she had to get something into the Council's packet for Thursday, which had to
be done by 10 a.m. Wednesday.
(Fosse left the meeting at 4:06)
Public Art Advisory Committee Minutes
October 1, 1998
Page 4
Franklin said that she could prepare the item for Council and just leave a blank where the
winner's name would go. Purington said that she thought the Committee members would know
their choice after the meeting. Trueblood said he would like to deliberate and decide Tuesday
night after the public comment period. Wright said that one advantage with doing that would be
that if during the Committee's deliberation they decided there was a problem with a particular
project, the artist who designed it would still be there to answer questions. Purington said that
she did not know of any deliberations where artists were juried in and chosen when the artists
were present. She said that is just not the way it is done in arts venues. Wright asked if the
artists would excuse themselves. Purington said the Committee needs to decided how they are
going to handle it. Franklin said the Committee's meetings have to be open to the public. Wright
suggested having Hanick call a 10-minute recess before the deliberation on Tuesday after the
public comment period so the artists have the opportunity to leave. Purington said the
Committee should deliberate and decide on Wednesday morning. She said that she thought it
would be prudent to sleep on the decision and have some time to reflect. Trueblood said that he
was concerned because it may come down to an obvious choice and he would hate to have a
meeting on Wednesday if that is the case.
(Fosse returned to the meeting at 4:12 p.m.)
MOTION: Purington moved to meet at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, October 14, for the Committee's
final deliberation and decision. Galbraith seconded the motion. The Committee agreed with the
motion.
Franklin said the only issue not resolved was where to display the projects on the Monday
before the meeting for public view. Wdght said that if the Committee is not going to publicize the
fact that the projects will be displayed there is really no reason to display them. Franklin said
there are places to display the projects on the library walls. Galbraith said that the security
would then be the library's problem. Fosse asked if there was a glass case that the library could
put the projects in. Purington said that would not be large enough for the design boards.
Franklin said she would look into that.
Franklin showed a detailed Downtown Streetscape map to discuss the placement of sculpture
pads by Bob Kost and BRW. She said the one on the west leg of College Street was placed with
room to walk around it near some benches. Franklin said she thought about moving it closer to
a seating area, but she was not sum if that would work. Wdght said that she thought the
sculpture would be more visible from Clinton Street than it would be if it were placed further
down the block. The Committee said they liked the BRW location of that sculpture pad.
The second sculpture pad was placed further down the College Street leg near the water
feature. She said that they have discussed moving the kiosk by the water feature south on the
mall or asking the Holiday Inn if the kiosk could be placed on their property. She said they were
not sure that the fire trucks could get through if the kiosk was further south so it might have to
stay where it is. Wright said the proposed pad is so close to the playground, and she was
concerned that kids would climb on the sculpture. Purington said that she hoped the pad would
be closer to the library. Franklin said they need to consider the possibility of the City doing the
project with the overpass from the library. She said they have already eliminated some lights
and a kiosk in that area because they did not want to conflict with that structure. Galbraith
suggested switching the proposed sculpture pad with a proposed tree grate. Wright said if the
pad is that close to the water feature it may detract from it. Committee members agreed with the
new location, switching the tree grate and pad.
Public Art Advisory Committee Minutes
October 1, 1998
Page 5
Franklin said the third pad on the Dubuque Street leg was proposed inside a planter. Committee
members agreed with that location. Purington said she had been hearing comments that people
thought the trees in the Pedestrian Mall have gotten too big.
Purington passed out a brochure from Sculpture on Second that listed some information and
prices on the participating sculptures. She said she thought this was a good way for the
Committee to decide how they wanted to spend their remaining $25,000. Wright passed out a
call from a museum in Cedar Falls that is doing a one-year rotating sculpture garden to give the
Committee some ideas if they decided to do something similar.
Fosse said that the City would begin negotiating a contract for the design of Iowa Avenue in a
week or two. He asked if the Committee wanted to place any sculpture pads along Iowa
Avenue. Purington said a neat idea that came out of the Downtown Streetscape Committee was
to have text, paying attention to literary concepts, placed in an art form on Iowa Avenue. She
said she saw a sculpture of a column of marble and granite books in New York. She said that
the University has a nationally known paper-making facility that does restoration of books, and
there is a lot of attention paid to the book and paper in this community so she thought it was a
relevant piece. Wright said that the Committee could put out call for a book- or text-related
sculpture on Iowa Avenue.
Galbraith asked if sculptures would be coming out of FY99 funds. Franklin said they could.
Galbraith said she thought they might want to consider placing the sculptures in the Pedestrian
Mall or placing art on the new trail that Fosse told them about. Purington said that since Iowa
Avenue will be under construction, it will be more cost effective to have an artist and the
consultants collaborate. She said that the trail could be elaborated after it is complete. Franklin
asked Fosse when they would put out the RFP. Fosse said they will start talking in the next
couple of weeks with the consultants that did the basic concept. He said that they will also be
talking with a consultant for the Highway 6 Drainage Project in the next couple of weeks,
Franklin said that the Committee needed to discuss the drinking fountain or alternative projects.
REVIEW OF ACQUISITION PROCEDURES:
Franklin said she thought the Committee should discuss and evaluate these while the process is
still fresh in everyone's minds. Wright suggested tabling the item for the next monthly meeting
because by then the Committee will have gone through the entire process.
DISCUSSION OF DRINKING FOUNTAIN OR ALTERNATIVE PROJECT:
Wright said that given where they just put the sculpture pads, she thought it would be a good
idea to get going with sculpture investment. Franklin noted the research Carroll had done on the
cost of drinking fountains. Galbraith said if it is worthwhile to have a drinking fountain near the
playground, they should suggest that the City install one. Purington said that she thought that
was out of the Committee's purview.
Purington asked when the Committee had to spend the remaining $25,000. Franklin said the
money has to be encumbered by July 1, 1999, which means that the Committee must have an
idea of what they are going to spend it on. Purington said that they have not designed a contract
for the artist they are going to hire to do the water feature. She said that normally a stipend is
given to the artist to begin the project, and she asked when the Committee would have the
money to give the artist. Franklin said the money is available right now, but it is not clear that
whatever money is not spent during the fiscal year will be carried over.
Public Art Advisory Committee Minutes
October 1, 1998
Page 6
Wright asked if they wanted the sculptures to be permanent acquisitions or rotating. Purington
said the last time the Committee discussed the rotating concept, it seemed to be something that
might be better kept to streetside pads and the City Plaza interior would be the place to invest in
permanent pieces and installation. Fosse said the pad in the middle of the planter on the
Dubuque Street leg of the Pedestrian Mall would be tough to swap out, and he would think of a
permanent installation there. He said the two pads along the fire lane would be more easily
swappable. He said he liked the idea of not making a long-term commitment to a piece until the
City has had some time with it. Franklin reminded the Committee that the remaining $25,000 did
not have to be spent downtown; it could be spent anywhere in the City. Wright said that they
previously decided that for the first year, the Committee wanted to do projects downtown.
Purington asked Committee members if they agreed that the remaining $25,000 would be
focused on the Downtown City Plaza while it is being renovated. Galbraith said she would like to
hear from Fosse about the bicycle trail because she did not think that the money had to be
spent downtown. Wright asked if the trail would be far enough along to put sculpture on it by
July 1, 1999. Franklin said the art does not have to be placed by then, the Committee just has to
have the idea. Galbraith said other places, like Scott Boulevard, were also mentioned as
potential places for public art. Wright said she thought it would be a good idea, since it is the
Committee's first year, if they could have projects completed and presented to the public.
Purington said she thought that would be better than having empty sculpture pads downtown.
Wright asked when the Arts Iowa City Festival was. Purington said in June. Wright suggested
bringing the artist who did one of the sculptures in to be a part of the festival. Purington said she
thought that would be a good idea. Franklin said the water feature is not likely to be constructed
until August.
Purington asked if the Committee could focus on developing a concept for the sculptures that
they might want to place throughout the City Plaza, and purchasing or engaging some
installation on the pads that have already been installed in Black Hawk Mini-Park. Wright asked
when the three pads the Committee just discussed would be ready. Franklin said the end of
next summer
MOTION: Wright moved to try to use the remaining $25,000 to acquire up to two sculptures to
be permanently placed on the pads in Black Hawk Mini-Park. Galbraith seconded the motion.
The motion was carried by a vote of 6-0.
Trueblood asked what the definition of "permanent" was. Purington said that most contracts for
public art state that the piece will be on display for a specific number of years. She said that
gives the City the power to decide how long they want to display it and to move it once that time
is up. She said that the Committee needed to start attending to contractual elements. Trueblood
said that the City might purchase two pieces for the Black Hawk Mini-Park area, but when the
other pads in the Plaza are finished they might decide those pieces would look better there.
Wright said they could include that in the contract. Purington said that they could fine tune the
contract to match how the relationships worked.
Purington said that the reason she was so interested in the watch/time sculpture from Sculpture
on Second was because time was one of the elements that the Committee used in the water
feature call. She asked if members thought it would be interesting to elaborate on those
concepts throughout the Plaza. She said that if the Committee purchased some smaller pieces,
they may have to invest in a stone pedestal to raise things up. Franklin asked if the Committee
wanted a theme(s) for the Plaza so the pieces had a relationship. Wright said the Sculpture on
Second pieces do not go by a theme; the five best pieces are put there each year. Members
discussed the possibility of moving pieces to other sites as new sculptures are acquired.
Public Art Advisory Committee Minutes
October 1, 1998
Page 7
Purington said that the Committee has a small pool of slides from sculptors on file. She said that
those could be used, or they could make a call for artists. Franklin said the Committee has more
time to work with on this project so they could make a call and give more time for responses.
Wright said it would be a different call if an artist is submitting existing work for purchase
because the Committee will know what they are buying, and the entire process would be more
straightforward. Purington suggested creating another call, stating that the Committee is
interested in purchasing two sculptures with a budget of $25,000. Wright noted that the
installation costs will come out of that total. Fosse said he was not sure if he liked the idea of
including a dollar amount. Franklin asked if they needed to set a range for the amount. Wright
said that the call should say that the Committee has up to $22,000 to spend on two pieces of
sculpture, which includes purchase and delivery, and the City would hire the installation crew.
Franklin asked where the Committee wanted to send the call for this project. Purington
suggested making a national call, or selecting states with pockets of artists like Arizona, New
Mexico, California and New York. Wright said that Sculpture on Second has a national call.
(Carroll left at 4:53 p.m.)
Galbraith said a national call would hit all those states, and by sending the call and information
to some national arts magazines it would hit the pockets. Wright said an artist delivering a piece
from Florida would have more expenses than an artist delivering a piece from someplace in
Iowa. Franklin said that the Committee might want to make this decision after the public
discussion on October 13 regarding the water feature. She said she would be curious to see if
there would be any reaction to the fact that the three semi-finalists were chosen from out of
town. Purington suggested selecting one sculpture from the national call and one from the pool
of artists that they already have. Wright said in the same call they could say that preference for
one of the sculptures would be given to an artist from Iowa. Purington said that if the Committee
was in earnest about giving preference to an artist from Iowa, she would vote for including that
phrase. Galbraith said that she liked mostly all the water feature proposals submitted, and noted
that nine of the artists were from Iowa. Franklin suggested putting the call out to Iowa first and
see what is submitted since the Committee has more time for this call. She said the downside of
that is if the call goes out to Iowa, and if they do not like any of the submittals they probably
would not select a piece from an Iowa artist. Purington said she could think of two artists from
Iowa whose work she would like, so she did not think it would be that difficult. Galbraith asked if
they could just deal with the artists that submitted for the water feature call. Fosse said he
thought they should start with a new call for a sculpture. Purington said that those artists would
definitely be included. Wright said the Committee did not know if the pieces those artists
submitted are available for purchase.
Purington said that the Committee is going to create a purchase call to review existing
sculptures for the available pads in Black Hawk Mini-Park. She said that the budget of $22,000
and the pad sizes and dimensions should also be included in the call. Galbraith suggested
hitting all the bases 'throughout Iowa and send the news release to some of the national arts
magazine. Purington suggested doing two calls; one that' would target Iowa for the purchase of
one piece and one national call that would be for the purchase of one piece. Committee
members agreed with the two call idea.
COMMITTEE TIME/NEW BUSINESS:
Galbraith said the docents are taking a walking tour of the University's sculpture on October 12.
She said that if Committee members cannot make it that day, David Dennis has volunteered to
take the Committee on a tour at a different time. Purington said that she felt comfortable about
knowing the sculpture on campus. Wright said that maybe the Committee could invite some
Public Art Advisory Committee Minutes
October 1, 1998
Page 8
people that might be interested in the spring. Galbraith said she thought that some of the
anecdotal stories about the pieces were also interesting. Franklin said that theoretically, it would
seem like a good idea for this Committee to be aware of the public art that is already in Iowa
Wright and Purington announced that they would be attending Sculpture Objects and Functional
Art (SOFA) this weekend in Chicago.
ADJOURNMENT:
MOTION: Fosse moved to adjourn the meeting. Galbraith seconded the motion. The motion
was carried by a vote of 6-0, and the meeting was adjourned at 5:03 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Traci Wagner.
i~r/nin/L.110-1 .do~
MINUTES
PUBLIC ART ADVISORY COMMITTEE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1998 - 3:30 P.M.
LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM - CITY CIVIC CENTER
01-12-99
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Rick Fosse, Deborah Galbraith, Kevin Hanick, Nancy Purington,
Terry Trueblood, Lesley Wright
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Gary Nagle
STAFF PRESENT:
Karin Franklin, Joyce Carroll, David Schoon
OTHERS PRESENT:
Andrea Myklebust, Stanton Sears, Douglas Olinstead Freeman,
Michael Morgan, Alex Mailer, Emily Vermillion, Richard Twohy,
Gene Anderson, Jim Throgmorton, Donna Faye Parks, Karen
Kubby, Michael Lensing, Victor Mashburn, Andy Holck, Chris
Pacek, Joyce Sommerwill, Marcia Wegmann and others.
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairperson Hanick called the meeting to order at 5:10 p.m.
INTRODUCTION OF PROCESS:
Hanick welcomed all in attendance and explained the history of the Public Art Advisory
Committee and the selection process for the water feature in the Pedestrian Mall. He noted that
the Committee is forming a collection of works from all artists that submit proposals so that at
one point they may be able to directly contact an artist about a specific piece. He noted that this
is an ongoing process for the Committee, and announced that they will be sending out two more
calls for finished pieces of sculpture, one which will be a national call and one that will only be
sent to artists in Iowa. He said those sculptures will be placed on the sculpture pads in Black
Hawk Mini-Park.
Hanick explained the process for the evening, noting the artists would make a brief presentation
of approximately 15 minutes followed by questions from the Public Art Advisory Committee. The
public would then be invited to comment to assist the committee in their selection of a finalist.
The Committee would meet the following morning in the Civic Center to decide on a
recommendation to the Council; he noted this meeting was open to the public.
PRESENTATION BY ARTISTS OF CONCEPTS FOR PEDESTRIAN MALL WATER FEATURE:
Presentation by Andrea Myklebust and Stanton Sears
Myklebust said that when she visited the City Plaza, she found that it was already a good space
with people coming and going all the time. She said that she and Sears looked for a way to
enhance the experience in the space for people, and to give people opportunities to interact with
and play in the space.
She said that they are proposing granite pavers in a thermal finish, sculptural bronze elements
and carvings in the limestone wall around the edge of the space. She said that they felt the
appropriate imagery would be about the weather. She noted the bronzed directions (North,
South, East and West) in the pavement, the red granite "arm" of wind, the lighter granite "cloud
cover" and the seven jet knobs which would be flush with the pavement would represent a warm
front on a weather map. She said that the water would arch onto the green granite, and
pedestrians could move through the water stream and stay dry or they could get wet. She said
that they included state symbols, like the goldfinch and the red oak, in the bronze pavers and
PUBLIC ART ADVISORY COMMITTEE
OCTOBER 13, 1998
PAGE 2
also some images of fossils. She said that they designed a storm scene for one of the manhole
covers and images of corn, wheat, soybeans and other prairie plants for the other manhole
cover. She noted that the City Plaza area actually looks like a map of Johnson County, and the
shape that the "cloud cover" takes resembles the river flowing through the area.
Sears said that the series of jets are laminar, meaning that they stay in a cohesive arc through
space. He said that they are meant to be turned on and left on, and will be affected by wind, rain
and peoples' touch. He said that the pavement will be graded into a shallow swale or puddle. He
said a thin skin of water would sit on that part of the pavement so people can either move
through it or go around it. He said that they have discussed installing extra switches so that
people at the site could turn the water on and off. He noted that each jet arcs at a slightly
different height forming a tilted "rooF' of water. He said that those are things that can be tinkered
with. Myklebust said that the piece is called "Weather Dance".
Fosse asked what materials they were planning to use beyond the water feature site. Sears said
that the light granite would be used as the "cloud cover' and the darker granite would also be
used. Hanick asked about drain control. Sears said that there would be a drain at the up edge of
the swale that would drain and hold the water ~ inch deep, and there would be another drain at
the bottom edge of the swale that would be used when the puddle needs to be dried out for
seasonal and maintenance uses. He said the gradient would be necessary to ensure that no ice
sheets would form.
Galbraith asked if the two had collaborated with design and engineering teams on other
projects. Sears said he worked with a team for the Minnesota Vietnam Veterans Memorial on
the state grounds. He said that included two reflecting pools with recirculating water, one in the
shape of Lake Superior and one in the shapes of two rivers. Myklebust said that they typically
work with architects and technical engineers on these types of projects. Galbraith asked if they
had any problems working with a design team. Both Sears and Myklebust said no.
Wright asked about the cloudbank. Myklebust said that would be a limestone wall, which is
currently proposed by BRW Consulting as a straight line. She said that they would like to bump
that wall out a bit and carve some things into it. Sears said that involves taking the existing
specs and pushing them a little. Wright asked how deep the bronze casting was. Sears said
very shallow, maybe % inch or less deep. Fosse asked if they had developed a preliminary
budget. Myklebust said no, but they considered the budget numbers included in the call when
developing the project. Galbraith asked how far the knobs for the jets stood up from the
pavement. Myklebust said those are not actual knobs, they are part of the flat granite patterning
that would bump out in that rounded shape. Galbraith asked where the bronzed pavers would
be placed. Myklebust said they would be placed every four or five feet in the red granite winding
"arm" of the wind.
Trueblood asked what the overall dimensions for the project were. Sears said that the overall
space was 48 square feet, and the multi-colored space was 20 square feet. Myklebust said they
worked with the area that currently consists of Purington'pavers. Trueblood asked how high the
water would go. Sears said that the highest jet would arc 10 feet, the lowest jet would arc 7 feet
and the other five jets would arc in between those two.
Presentation by Douglas Olmstead Freeman
Freeman said that Iowa City has a lot of people involved in the creative process. He explained
that the semi-finalists only had one week to visit the area and develop these proposals. He
briefly described his other projects in Duluth, Minn., and Tokyo, Japan. He said he thought the
trees in City Plaza were fantastic, and he saw the Pedestrian Mall as an urban forest with the
PUBLIC ART ADVISORY COMMITTEE
OCTOBER 13, 1998
PAGE 3
Plaza area as the clearing, He said that he focused on the 20 square foot area for the water
feature, so the remaining Plaza area could be paved as a uniform field. He said he thought the
pavers could be three-foot squares that were terra cotta in color, and could be made from
concrete, clay or stone.
He said that he planned to paint the manhole covers black and put them under water in the
pool. He said if that presented a technical problem it could be worked out. He noted the
diagonal path of stepping stones through the pool, and the "spirit house" that was located in the
center of the pool. He explained the ceramic tile floor, rain curtain, fog jets and ceramic tile
ceiling that were part of the spirit house. He said that four bronze sculptures of foxes, which
were the symbol of the Meskwaki Indians, would mark the two entrances to the spirit house from
the limestone-seating wall. He said that he had planned for candle or dome jets by the foxes,
and had also considered an exploding jet. He said that he also thought calm water in the pool
would create a mood in the Plaza, and would serve as a reflecting pool. He said that the spirit
house would have glass windows with lights behind them, and it would be a place that puts an
individual in a frame and basically makes them the sculpture.
Wright asked how deep the pool was. Freeman said six inches, which is deep enough to cover
the jets and still have a reflective quality while being safe. Galbraith asked Freeman to comment
on safety regarding the stepping-stones and walking through the pool to the spirit house.
Freeman said they could use flame cut granite for the steps so they would not be slippery when
the surface was wet. Purington asked if the jets would stick up inside the pool. Freeman said
yes, how much depended on the type of jet used. Wright asked about the materials for the spirit
house floor. Freeman said it would a concrete slab covered with ceramic tile so that the fog jets
could be installed. Hanick noted that the piece could still be interactive in the wintertime, but it
would have to be shoveled off first. Freeman said that seasonal changes are exciting with
fountains and he thought it would be O.K. to let the snow gather there. Wright asked if Freeman
had devised a way to clean the leaves out of the pool. He said that drains, screens and filters
could be used. He noted that at this point in the process it is simply dreaming, and that any
technical problems could be solved. Hanick asked if Freeman had planned a design for the pool
bottom. Freeman said he was proposing sealed concrete for the bottom, and noted that
underwater lighting would shoot up with the jets.
Galbraith asked if Freeman had experienced any problems working with design teams on other
projects. Freeman said he had no problems, and that he thinks it is a fantastic process because
everyone involved is reaching toward the same goal. Trueblood asked how many sides the
water curtain would run on the spirit house. Freeman said he was not sure, and that he might
make the house a six-sided figure so people can pass through the house without getting wet.
That way four of the sides would have the curtain and maybe two would have it turned off. He
said he envisioned the house serving a variety of functions, like when a band is playing in the
plaza a soloist could perform from there or having someone sit in there to tell stories with the
children lined up on the limestone wall all the way around the pool with their feet in the water.
Trueblood asked if the spirit house would be elevated higher than the stones. Freeman said he
liked that idea, but had not solved the progression of height with the fountain. He said that he
thought the stepping stones should be on level. Fosse asked if Freeman had experience
designing for an environment like this one in Iowa City, which experiences a lot of student
activity in the early morning hours, and asked how he thought the delicate features of the
project, like the glass windows on the spirit house, would handle that. Freeman said that
everyone asks if he can make a project vandal-proof. He described his work in Duluth, Minn.,
where he used two large custom glass pieces and no one wanted him to because they thought
they would get broken. He said that those pieces have not been broken yet.
PUBLIC ART ADVISORY COMMI'Fi'EE
OCTOBER 13, 1998
PAGE 4
Presentation by Michael Morgan and Alex Mailer
Mailer said that when they visited Iowa City they felt that the Plaza area was like ah urban room,
and decided that their only intervention should be subtle and focal. He said their plan for the
fountain is to make it look like the earth is opening up and allowing the water to burst out like a
geyser. He said their materials would be custom and common brick. He said the two wings of
the piece would be made of black fired custom brick and the fissure or opening for the jets will
be made of red brick. He said that the line of water jets could take on a variety of patterns
because they would be run by a computer. He pointed to the design board that had a few
different pattern examples for the jets. He said that the water will fall and cascade on the two
wings, and then will be drained backwards.
Morgan said that there is a lip on the edge of either wing so the whole fountain should look like it
is floating. He said they chose the brick because it is the epitome of the urban environment. He
said that the lights would be placed as the bricks am built up from the outside. Mailer said that
those lights could then be projected on the water. He said that while nothing is vandal-proof,
they are confident that this piece would survive any student "run" around it. Morgan said that the
red brick in the fissure would be partially glazed. He said that the fissure opening is five feet
wide at the widest point, so a person could walk through it. Mailer said that they are confident
that this project will stay in the realm of the budget.
Wright asked about the striations in the brick in the rest of the plaza area. Morgan said that that
effect is gained by laying the bdcks a certain way, and that the ones in the middle were ~
bricks. Galbraith asked if the water would pool around the fountain. Mailer said no; it will pool
inside the fissure and drain down from there. He said the area would be wet, but not flooded.
Hanick asked if the jet pattern would be random. Mailer said the jets would be controlled by
computer, so they could be programmed to be a variety of patterns. He said that the lights could
also be programmed, but did not think that would fit into the budget. Trueblood asked about the
up slope. Mailer said that the fountain is 32 inches above ground at the highest point on one
side and it is 22 inches above the ground at the highest point on the other side. He said that the
20 square foot fountain area would be made of custom brick. Galbraith questioned the safety of
the piece with small children possibly running through the fissure. Mailer said that while nothing
can be made totally safe, he did not think it would be a problem if parents supervised their
children in the area.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Emily Vermillion complimented the Committee for their professional work with this project.
Richard Twohy said that while his comment should not be a reflection on the marvelous
designs and Committee work, he felt that a tremendous artistic resource in Iowa City was being
ignored by choosing semi-finalists from other states. He said that it sends the message to Iowa
· City artists that they have to move to Minneapolis to get work. He said that is sort of a "back
woods" mentality in that people feel they have to bring Someone in from the outside to do the
work. He said that he was glad to hear that one of the next calls would focus on Iowa artists.
Hanick said that all the calls, the one sent and the two to be sent, invited participation from Iowa
artists. Twohy passed out a letter of interest from Andrew Holck, an Iowa City artist, and asked
why no local artists were asked to submit proposals like the ones shown tonight. Hanick said
each project submittal was in the form of a letter of interest because the selection panel wanted
to get an idea of what the artist could bring to the project. He said that they did not want the
artists to go to a lot of time and effort in the preliminary stage. Twohy said that he hoped the
Committee would give '~/eteran's points" to people who had spent much of their lives in Iowa
PUBLIC ART ADVISORY COMMITTEE
OCTOBER 13, 1998
PAGE 5
City working on the artistic scene here. Vermillion said that she respected Twohy's opinion, but
noted that she is one of Iowa City's artistic resources. She said as part of the selection panel,
she and the other members spent a lot of time and energy on what was fair for the artists as
well as what would be good for the City. She said that they wanted to pick a project that would
be outstanding for the Community.
Gene Anderson said that he was one of the 19 applicants, and thought that this call was very
professionally run. He said he appreciated not having to prepare a lengthy proposal in the
preliminary round, and that saved him a lot of time and money. He said that he was very happy
with his competition, and did not feel bad about not being selected as one of the semi-finalists.
Hanick noted that the Committee used the preliminary applications as a way to gather resources
for other projects so they have a "portfolio" of work to chose from in the future. He said while
Anderson's or another applicant's idea might not have been right for this project, it could be
exactly what the Committee is looking for in other projects.
Jim Throgmorton said he took four things into consideration when looking at each project -
how beautiful it was, how safely people could interact with it, how inclusive or exclusive it was in
terms of interaction and if it gave a strong sense of place. He said the Myklebust/Sears piece
was quite stunning because it evokes a sense of Iowa City for him and it enables people to
safely interact with it. He said that he .would actually like the water feature to be more
interactive, like a person could touch the cloud cover and the spray of the jets would change or
an individual could act as a sundial by adding some simple designs on the ground.
Donna Faye Parks said that she thought lighting was so important for the project. She said that
she was hoping for one that had colored lights that might change. Myklebust said that they
agreed that lighting should be considered, but when they saw the Plaza plans from BRW
Consultants they noticed that several new lighting fixtures will be placed near this area. She
said they felt that there would already be a fair amount of light in the area. Parks noted a
fountain in Chicago with lights, and said she liked that idea. Myklebust said that there are
opportunities for that to happen. Freeman said he thought Parks was talking about drama
lighting, and noted in his project that the water jets would be lit from below and the fog jets
would also be lit.
Karen Kubby asked how much room there would be for design adjustment after the fountain
was chosen. Hanick said the final design would be a collaborative venture between the artist
and the consultants. Sears said what they are proposing tonight is the base idea, and the final
design will be developed in the process. Kubby said that she got the desire of a lot of interaction
from her constituency, and said she thought there should be plenty of space for the pool to be
away from the movement of people.
Michael Lensing said there have been times when he has seen small children climbing around
the current fountain, and for him safety was a very important issue in this selection process.
Victor Mashburn said he thought the Myklebust-Sears piece provided a sense of learning, and
noted that it would be close to the Public Library.
Andy Holck said that he liked all three projects, but it looks like Freeman's would be the one
most likely to fit into the proposed budget. He said the amount of granite proposed by
Myklebust-Sears would be expensive. He said that the Morgan-Mailer piece was gorgeous but a
bit dissonant, and would fit better in Iceland than the Pedestrian Mall in Iowa City. He said he
felt most at home with the Myklebust-Sears project, but he thought sticking to the budget was
important.
PUBLIC ART ADVISORY COMMITTEE
OCTOBER 13, 1998
PAGE 6
Anderson suggested that the City provide some support for the selected artist by appointing or
selecting another artist to be devoted to the aesthetic concerns of this project. He said that way
the water feature artist may not be overwhelmed by the design team, and the aesthetic
concerns will be considered.
Chris Pacek said that she liked both the Myklebust-Sears and the Freeman pieces, and she
thought the Freeman piece would fit most easily into the budget. She said that she was
concerned with the amount of traffic in the Pedestrian Mall, and with Freeman's proposal she
could see a constant, long line of people waiting to step on the stones to get to the spirit house.
She suggested incorporating interactive ideas along the pool edges to occupy the children's
attention, like a cow sculpture or a sculpture of a stalk of corn that would be a fixed part of the
pool. She said that might help spread the activity out a bit. She suggested that before the
Committee recommends the project to the City Council that each artist submit a detailed budget
for the project proposed.
Joyce Sommerwill said that she thought the Committee was safe to go ahead and select any
of the three projects. She said that the selection process was professional, and all the proposals
are workable and appealing. She said the Committee should make the selection based on
which water feature would be the best for the community, which would be the safest and how it
would test over time.
Marcia Wegmann said that all three proposals are exciting and original concepts. She said the
Myklebust-Sears proposal appeals to her because it has incorporated a variety of colors and
materials. She said it also lends itself to different levels of artistic interpretation, meaning that it
would appeal to people who do not grasp its artistic abstract concepts.
Throgmorton said that the Committee should also consider which project allowed inclusiveness
for blind people, wheelchair-aided people, small children and elderly people. He urged the
Committee to consider if and how people in each of those four groups would be able to interact
with each project. Kubby asked if there would be another public hearing before the Council
makes their decision. Franklin said a resolution would be on the Council's formal agenda and it
was up to the Council if they would like to have another public hearing per se. Anderson
suggested showing the winning proposal on the Council's television program. Committee
members said that was a great idea.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 7 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Traci Wagner.
ppdir~'nin~artl 0-13.doc
MINUTES
PUBLIC ART ADVISORY COMMITTEE
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1998, 8:00 A.M.
LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM
01-12-99
MEMBERS PRESENT: Rick Fosse, Deborah Galbraith, Kevin Hanick, Nancy Purington,
Terry Trueblood, Lesley Wright
MEMBERS ABSENT: Gary Nagle
STAFFPRESENT:
Joyce Carroll, Kadn Franklin
CALL TO ORDER
Hanick called the meeting to order at 8:05am.
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL:
Recommend acceptance of the concept 'Weatherdance" by Andrea Myklebust and Stanton
Sears for the new water feature in the downtown pedestrian mall by a vote of 6-0.
DISCUSSION OF THE RECOMMENDED ARTIST FOR THE DOWNTOWN WATER
FEATURE: There was general discussion of the public presentation and discussion the previous
evening; everyone agreed the attendance was good and the experience positive. Pudngton
suggested putting the concems expressed by Richard Twohy on the next agenda under review
of the acquisition procedures. Hanick asked if anyone had received calls, indicating he had
received four. Purington stated she' had also been called.
Wdght indicated she had input from the only child attending, her daughter, who stated a
preference for the Freeman piece because of the spidt house. Wright favored the
Myklebust/Sears submittal, stating theirs was the best presentation and the most well thought
out. Wright expressed concem regarding Freeman's comments about the timing and questioned
his ability to complete the work in the required timeframe. Wdght felt that Morgan's work was
also a strong entry.
Galbraith stated it appeared that the public favored the Myklebust/Sears work. Wright stated the
costs of this piece would need to be watched. Carroll felt that 'Weatherdance" met the safeness
criteria the best. She acknowledged children may prefer the spidt house in Freeman's work but
pointed out the potential tripping hazard and the fact that the stepping stones were not
accessible to people with disabilities.
Fosse favored the Myklebust/Sears work, stating it appealed to various levels and was the most
conducive to the downtown environment. He noted that the Freeman work was probably the
most susceptible to vandalism.
Trueblood said he evaluated each of the works based on aesthetics, safety, accessibility,
maintenance needs and its appropriateness for downtown Iowa City. His evaluation resulted in
Myklebust/Sears' work as the preferred concept, with Freeman and Morgan following in that
order.
Purington stated the Myklebust/Sears work was favored by those who called her. She felt this
was the only work that fully addressed the Call and noted the artists have experience in the
public realm. Purington reiterated the need to review the materials costs. She also advocated a
computerized water pattern to make it more lively.
Hanick noted the Myklebust/Sears work may be more intellectual since one will not generally
see it from a bird's eye view. The group discussed the possible variability of the water arcs and
Public Art Advisory Committee Minutes
October 14, 1998
Page 2
whether that would run counter to the artists' concept. Hanick felt the incorporation of the
limestone cloud wall played nicely into the downtown streetscape project. He also felt the safety
and accessibility issues were very important. He noted that one caller found the Freeman work
in Duluth to be very attractive. Hanick stated he felt the Morgan work was too esotedc for
downtown, that the concept was inherently inconsistent, and the glazed bricks might be unsafe.
Hanick moved and Purington seconded a recommendation to the City Council to accept
the concept "Weatherdance" by Andrea Myklebust and Stanton Sears for the downtown
water feature. The motion carried 6-0.
Wright indicated she would be meeting with the Cedar Rapids Visual Arts Commission on
Nov. 4, 1998 regarding the shared rotating sculpture program if that was agreeable to the
Committee. The Committee agreed a discussion with Cedar Rapids with no commitments would
be appropriate.
Purington asked if the remaining $25,000 in the budget was needed for the water feature,
should the Committee make that accommodation? After some discussion, it was agreed that
this would not be appropriate since the Call contained a set budget and may have influenced
the submittals by other artists. Fosse expressed a desire for a more precise budget from the
artists.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 a.m.
Minutes submitted by Kadn Franklin.
i~xldlrlmiVNllO-14.doc
O1-12-99
14b( 8)
MINUTES
PUBLIC ART ADVISORY COMMITTEE
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1998 - 3:30 P.M.
LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM - CITY CIVIC CENTER
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Deborah Galbraith, Kevin Hanick, Gary Nagle, Nancy Purington,
Terry Trueblood, Lesley Wdght
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Rick Fosse
STAFF PRESENT:
Karin Franklin, Joyce Carroll
OTHERS PRESENT:
Andrea Myklebust, Stanton Seam
CALl TO ORDFR:
Chairperson Hanick called the meeting to order at 3:32 p.m.
PUBIIC DISCUSSION:
There was none.
CONSIDFRATION OF THI= MINUTFS OF THF OCTOBFR 1. OCTOBF:R 13 AND OCTOBFR
14. 1998 MFF:TINGS:
MOTION: Wright moved to approve the minutes for the October 1, October 13 and October 14,
1998, meetings as submitted. Galbraith seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-
0.
RFVIFW OF DOWNTOWN STRFI=TSCAPF PI ANS AND DISCUSSION
"WFATHFRDANCF" WITH ARTISTS ANDRFA MYKI FBUST AND STANTON SFARS:
OF
Franklin said that the 75% streetscape plans are in, were subject to a public meeting last week,
and still need a bit of tweaking from the comments made at the 50% stage. She said the
sculpture pads would be moved to their correct locations before the final drawings are done.
She said the kiosk the Committee was concerned about being proximate to the water feature
would be moved south onto the Holiday Inn property. She said that it would be located just west
of their patio railing. Franklin drew a map to show the kiosk movement in the plans, and noted
where the other kiosks will be located.
Franklin said that she has talked with Myklebust, Seam and Bob Kost from BRW, and all three
of them have talked together. She said that she just drafted a contract, which she gave
Myklebust and Seam and City legal staff. She said that once it is settled between them, it needs
to go to the City Council for final approval. She said the contract is not very specific in terms of
what is going to happen; that will be a subsequent step in which Myklebust and Seam will
provide a schedule of tasks and completion dates. She said that they are looking for a general
delivery/installation start date of August 1, 1999, due to the water main work on College Street.
Hanick asked the artists if they could comment on a preliminary budget for the project. Sears
said that they are still working to clearly understand what the physical parameters are for the
project, such as whose budget takes care of which parts. He said that in this stage they are in
PUBLIC ART ADVISORY COMMITTEE
NOVEMBER 5, 1998
PAGE 2
the beginning of design development, where they have to essentially back up again and test
their proposals, and connect with materials suppliers and subcontractors. Hanick said that the
Committee set a budget early on, and they realized that the definitions of where one stopped
and the other started would be complicated. He noted that someone at the public meeting
commented on the amount of granite in the proposal, and that it would be over budget.
Myklebust said it is premature to assign this project as being over budget since the budget has
not really been established. Sears said that one thing they realized early on was there was a
prospectus due and a short time line for the presentation following that. He said that there was
not enough time to thoroughly research the materials, and they will be doing that in this phase.
He said they had talked to various contractors about different colors, kinds and thicknesses of
granite. He made some references to the granite work done with the Minnesota Vietnam
Veteran's Memorial.
Franklin said that the piping, pumphouse and electrical panel would be paid for with $150,000
from the downtown streetscape budget. She said the~, have also budgeted for a concrete with
steel undedayment for the fire lane area. She said she and Bob Kost talked about the concrete
under the Iowa landscape portion of the feature because that is where there is variability due to
the drains, so the concrete there has to be very carefully laid. She said that the responsible
parties should be the same for the concrete and the granite so those two things mesh properly.
She said that is the only spot where some variation may occur because of the art work, so any
extra cost in laying that concrete could come out of the art budget. She said otherwise the entire
underlayment will come out of the Downtown Streetscape budget, including the reinforcement
for fire trucks.
Purington asked if Franklin thought the project would balance out because the responses
regarding the engineering part of the budget were vague. Franklin said she thought it would
work out, and as the plans have been more refined they can be more precise in what they know
the costs will be. She said they will not actually know until they go out for bids.
Franklin said that the main cost issues are the cost of the granite and the cost of the laminar
jets, which are $5,000-$6,000 apiece and more expensive than non-laminar jets. Pudngton
asked what the laminar jets did. Wdght said it keeps the water in a "tube". Sears said the jets
are longer and different in design. Pudngton said that there was some interest from the public in
having a variation of jets, and asked if that had been addressed. Sears said there are some
wonderful possibilities with those kinds of jets. He said that the cost varies on factors like how
far they want the tube of water to hold together. He said another cost variable is what they want
to happen with the jets, such as a device to cut off the water coming from the jets. He said that a
device can be installed to break the water into a dotted line or it can be hooked up to a
computer system to vary the water in terms of length or height. Sears did not know what a
computer would cost, but it would change the nozzle cost to around $13,000 from $5,000-
$6,000. He said one option could be that the variability would not be done with all the jets, but
with just a few. He said there are also other less expensive options, like installing a publicly
accessible switch in the Pedestrian Mall that could turn the jets on and off.
Myklebust said they were not figuring the nozzle cost out of their $75,000, that it was BRW's
territory. She said that she met with Bob Kost, Jim Harbaugh and Greg Stokes at BRW.
Purington asked if they planned to design a couple of alternatives, compare costs and see if
they would work with the conceptual and esthetic idea. Franklin said that another aspect that
needs to be thought about is simplicity of design, long-term maintenance, having someone
know how to maintain it over time and reliability. She said that she talked with BRW and the
PUBLIC ART ADVISORY COMMITTEE
NOVEMBER 5, 1998
PAGE 3
downtown maintenance staff about lights in the fountain, and they mentioned the negatives of
the lights' longevity, their ability to exist underwater and their ability to exist in the Pedestrian
Mall because there were lights on the old fountain that had to be replaced with some regularity
because they would get kicked in. She said those lights were finally removed. Purington said
that she did not have a problem with this design, but she said she heard a lot from the
community, so she would like to explore other options, find a rationale and have an answer and
reason to give community members.
Sears said they were looking at the laminar flow when designing the project because they were
trying to keep the site fiat and have people moving in and around it. He said with the laminar
flow, the water could be there in ways that would still allow the vadous kinds of movement
through space that seem to be part of the Plaza. Myklebust said that they can explore various
ideas and find out the costs involved. Hanick said that Sears and Myklebust are the artists, and
that the Committee can give some general input, but not change all the elements. Purington
said the Committee has to answer to the general public, and she was not prepared with those
answers regarding costs when she looked at the proposals for the first time. Hanick said that
they designed a budget in the call that was specific. Purington said that it was specific about
surface treatment, but she thought there were still some application of funds from the
streetscape budget that they could not explain to the public.
Franklin said that the two issues the Committee is discussing are cost and integrity of the
project. Myklebust and Sears said they are comfortable exploring ideas regarding the jets.
Wright said that the issues of variability would add costs to the art budget. Purington said with
the information regarding the variabilities, they can answer questions from the public, such as
"Why isn't there a computer that runs the jets?", etc. Galbraith said she also heard some
discussion from the public regarding the desire for interactivity with the fountain.
Hanick noted that a large granite company had just purchased a local monument company, and
it might be worth an inquiry for a granite source. Wright asked who would cover the costs of the
carving and varying heights of the seating walls around the water feature. Myklebust said that
they would acquire the limestone, do the carving, get the limestone to Iowa City and coordinate
the dimensions and design the joints with BRW. Franklin said that is one of the pieces that
would be delivered by August 1. She said they will take the difference between the cost of the
carved, contoured wall and the cost of the straight wall, and that difference will come out of the
art budget.
Nagle said they are doing this for two groups of people, adults and children, and he thought it
would be nice if there was something there for the kids to adjust the stream of water. Sears said
that the switch is something they could look into.
Franklin said asked how deep the draining puddle would be. Myklebust said she discussed this
with BRW, and there are aesthetic considerations and technical considerations in that the water
should drain quickly so it is not deep and creating an ice hazard in the winter, but not drain too
quickly so that there is some water there to splash around in. Hanick said that a single drain
could get plugged up easily. Myklebust said there will be multiple drains, and Stokes is
determining how quickly the water will drain. Sears said the entire site would have to be drained,
so they have to know where the nearest storm drains are on the site. He said that within that
there would be an oval-shaped area with a water depth of '~-1 inch deep with a very gentle
PUBLIC ART ADVISORY COMMITTEE
NOVEMBER 5, 1998
Page 4
swale. He said that the middle drain under the oval could be plugged in the summer so the oval
fills with water and it could be unplugged in the winter so no ice hazards are created. He said
that a linear sets of drains would define the outer edge of the puddle.
Franklin said that the issue of lighting for the water feature was raised during the public
discussion. She noted the proposed lighting fixtures in the water feature part of the Plaza. Seam
said they have talked about lights in the pavement, but they seem to have problems with
condensation and become a maintenance issue. He said a bollard-style light could also be
interesting, but those can also be routine maintenance problems. Franklin asked if lighting was
an issue for the Committee. Sears said that lighting also depends on the style of the fountain,
and they have not planned for a special type of uplighting for this project. Myklebust said they
thought that there was an adequate amount of lighting in the water feature area with the number
of fixtures planned for the area. Sears said that some of the basic wiring is going in near the
trees, so they could install some uplights at the bases of the trees and point them on the water.
Nagle said he would prefer to see something that would accentuate the water feature. Wdght
said that she would hate to design a long-term maintenance headache. Nagle said that the
Committee can explore ways to get around the maintenance problems, and they should not give
up on ideas until they do that.
Purington said that a focus for the Committee could be to review other places in Iowa City
where fountains could be located instead of trying to fit every characteristic into one fountain.
She suggested making another call for fountains. Myklebust said that she could pursue the
lighting issue. She noted that there are three tall lighting fixtures around the perimeter of the
Plaza, and it would be simple to install spotlights on those that pointed on the water feature.
Trueblood asked how powerful the streams of water would be, and if they could hurt someone if
they put their face close to one or sat on one. Myklebust said she did not think they would be
that powerful, but she would check with the fountain engineer. Sears said that the jets could be
designed to accommodate that.
Purington said that a Councilperson was interested in ordedng multiples of the storm sewer
covers, and she asked if it would be more cost effective to order those when they are being
poured or once the cast is made. Myklebust said that they might plan differently for a larger
order because they frequently work directly in wax. Sears said they could use a sand casting for
that. Pudngton asked Franklin to find out the number of storm sewer covers in the town and ask
how much those would cost. Sears said they could do their essential work and then make a
good quality mold, and ship the product out to another foundry from that mold. He said another
option would be to do the covers in iron. Franklin said that those covers could be put in various
places in the downtown. Trueblood asked if the covers would be bolted down to prevent theft.
Sears said they have to coordinate with the City for dimensions and requirements for the
covers, and they could design that into the cover. Trueblood suggested secudng them down.
Nagle asked if the water would go into a receptor when it splashed down. Sears said no, it
would splash on the granite. Nagle asked what would keep people from puffing soapsuds
around the area. Myklebust said nothing, but it would drain away. Nagle said if the water went
into a receptor it would not agitate the splash pool. Franklin said the soap suds happen once or
twice a year and could wash out. Nagle asked what kind of finish the granite had on it, and if it
was skid resistant. Sears said the finish is a flame/thermal finish, and it is textured and as slip
resistant as you can get.
PUBLIC ART ADVISORY COMMITTEE
NOVEMBER 5, 1998
PAGE 5
Sears said the next phase is a redesign phase to keep the design buildable. Franklin said the
draft contract indicates that any substantive changes would come back to the Committee.
Hanick asked how long the installation would take. Myklebust said she was not sure about the
fountain installation. Franklin said the August I date is when the concrete underlayment would
be in place, and the jets and drains would be there. She said one of Myklebusrs and Sears
tasks is to put together a schedule for the whole thing. Hanick said he thought it was important
for this water feature to be operating by next year.
Nagle asked if there was a grout or mortar bed to hold the pieces down. Sears explained the
process they are anticipating to use unless the architect tells them another way to do it.
Purington said when she flies over the fields of the Midwest she noticed that the land is much
more curvilinear than the field grid proposed for the water feature, and suggested that they
might add some curves to that section.
REVIEW AND DISCUSSION ABOUT ACQUISITION PROCEDURES:
MOTION: Purington moved to table the discussion on this item until the Committee's December
meeting. Wright seconded the motion. Members agreed to table the discussion until the
Committee's December meeting.
DISCUSSION OF DESIGN REVIEW COMMI'FFEE MEMBER SLOT ON PAAC:
Franklin said that the Design Review Committee is now a staff committee, so if PAAC still wants
to have a representative from that Committee it will be another staff member; she indicated
reservations with having too many staff members on the Committee. Franklin said the
Committee will have to amend the by-laws to indicate who would fill the slot. She said the
Committee's choices are someone from the staff Design Review Committee, someone from the
community at-large or someone with special expertise. She said the current Design Review
members are Jim Schoenfelder, David Schoon, Tim Hennes, Bob Miklo and Lisa Handsaker,
and right now they are just meeting code requirements as opposed to advocating for design
review, doing educational work or trying to develop design review overlay districts.
Pudngton said that she has always advocated for an architect to serve on the Committee.
Franklin said that one of the issues the City has had is that a person cannot serve on a
Committee or Commission if they are going to do business with the City by contractual
arrangement that is not a competitive bid arrangement. She said that they have had people
resign from City Boards and Commissions because they did not want to deal with that conflict.
Purington suggested considering the City architect. Galbraith suggested filling the position with
another arts professional, and their first priority would be to get another architect. Franklin said
that they could have architects preferred or other arts professionals. Nagle, who is an architect
for the University, said that he only had one conflict of interest when he served on the Design
Review Board and that was with the skywalk because it came out of his office. Wright
suggested a landscape architect or urban planner. Nagle said he thought either a landscape
architect or a regular architect would be fine.
Trueblood said he doubted that a landscape architect that did not work for the University would
apply because the City frequently hires landscape architects through Requests for Proposals
rather than the competitive bid process. Members decided to fill the position with an arts
PUBLIC ART ADVISORY COMMITTEE
NOVEMBER 5, 1998
Page 6
professional, with an architect or landscape architect being preferred. Franklin said she would
put together an amendment for the by-laws for the Committee to vote on at their next meeting.
Nagle said he would serve on the Committee until his position is filled.
DISCUSSION OF PROPOSAL FOR STAFF ASSISTANCE FOR PAAC-FUNDING:
Members decided to table this discussion until the December meeting.
COMMITFEE TIME/NEW BUSINESS:
Franklin said that the next meeting is scheduled for December 3.
Carroll announced the Heritage Preservation grant award process. Galbraith said she would
help with the application.
Trueblood mentioned the relocation of the existing City Plaza fountain. Purington said she
thought the relocation of the piece should come before the Committee as a matter of procedure
and process. She said that some people have been asking her about it, and she does not have
an answer for them. Galbraith said that she would like to be kept informed of what is going on
with public art pieces in the City. Hanick said that the Committee is concerned about the
relocation process for this particular piece of art. He said that the Committee considers the
current fountain to be part of the public art inventory, and feels that they should be involved in
it's disposition because community.members are approaching them about the topic.
REQUEST FOR EVALUATION OF ARTWORK IN THE PENINSULA PARKLAND PROJECT:
Trueblood explained the background for the situation. Wright asked if the City knew anything
about the artist or their intention with the project. Trueblood said he thought that Councilperson
Karen Kubby would know the most about both. He presented the concept plan for the project.
Purington and Galbrait~ said they would like to see the artwork in person. Trueblood said he
would try to organize a trip for the Committee to take a look at the artwork. Wright said the
artwork would have to be restored if they were going to bring it back to the original state.
(Franklin left at 5:13 p.m.)
ADJOURNMENT:
MOTION: Galbraith moved to adjourn the meeting. Wright seconded the motion. The motion
carried by a vote of 7-0, and the meeting was adjourned at 5:15 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Traci Wagner
ppdir%min\artl 1-5. doc
MINUTES
PUBLIC ART ADVISORY COMMITTEE
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1998 - 3:30 P.M.
LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM - CIVIC CENTER
01-12-99
pREU , B. APb(
Subject to . ppr0val
MEMBERS PRESENT: Rick Fosse, Deborah Galbraith, Gary Nagle, Nancy Purington, Terry
Trueblood, Lesley Wright
MEMBERS ABSENT: Kevin Hanick
STAFF PRESENT:
Karin Franklin
CALL TO ORDER:
Vice Chairperson Wright called the meeting to order at 3:34 p.m.
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL: By a vote of 6-0, to approve by-laws amendments
changing the number of appointees from four to five and specifying that three appointees shall
be art or design professionals and two shall be from the general public.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
There was none.
CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 5, 1998. MEETING:
Galbraith said under "Committee Time/New Business" where she said she would like to be kept
informed about what is happening with the public art pieces in the City, she actually meant that
the Committee should be kept informed, but the City could proceed on the matters that they
have within their jurisdiction, and they do not need to ask the Committee to make decisions for
them. Franklin and Wright said they thought the current phrase in the minutes reflected those
sentiments and was fine as it was written.
Purington asked if the grant application was completed. Galbraith said that she and Carroll
decided not to do it.
MOTION: Fosse moved to approve the minutes as submitted. Galbraith seconded the motion.
The motion carried by a vote of 6-0.
REVIEW AND DISCUSSION OF ACQUISITION PROCEDURES:
Galbraith said she questioned the second to last sentence of #2, "Public comment will be
invited." She said she thought that was a bit early in the process. Franklin said that these ·
procedures were approved by the Committee and adopted by the City Council. She said since
the Committee had gone through the process once and received comments regarding public
input, they needed to decide if they want to reconsider the procedures and have them go back
before the Council.
Galbraith said that she thought the process in the way it is outlined is fine, but she suggested
allowing time for questions from the public in the final presentation stage. She suggested adding
the words "may be" to the second to last sentence for #2, so the new sentence would read,
"Public comment may be invited." Franklin said that they did not invite public comment for the
water feature at that point in the process because they were under a time constraint. She said
that the question is whether the Committee wants to invite it in the future. Wright asked what the
public would be commenting on in that step. Franklin said the public comment for #2 would be
Public Art Advisory Committee Minutes
December 3, 1998
Page 2
regarding the call to artists and the project parameters before those would go to Council; that
way people would have an opportunity for input in the early stages of defining the project. She
said that they could hold a public meeting in a different venue, possibly the Council Chambers,
and someone from the Committee or a staff member could present the Call. She said the
meeting would be advertised through a notice in the newspaper and through communications to
people in the area in which the piece was going to be located. Wright asked if the draft Call itself
would be published. Franklin said that would be very expensive, but draft copies could be
available and a draft could be placed on the City's web site.
Purington said in regard to the next phases of the process, she would prefer to see the
Committee review the submittals before the public meeting because she wanted to be better
prepared to answer questions from the public regarding the projects. Franklin said that the
acquisition procedures do not need to be changed for that; the Committee just needs to make
sure that they review the submittals and invite public comment in two different venues. Wright
suggested adding that the proposals would be displayed in a public place for a specific length of
time for the public to view. She said that people could also be invited to submit comments in
writing. Purington asked if that would be before the artists' presentations. Wright said yes.
Franklin summarized the changes proposed to include having the submittals coming in, the
Committee seeing them in detail, having the submittals placed in a public place for a certain
period of time and having the artists present the submittals at a subsequent public meeting.
Wright said that when the Committee sits down to make a decision they would have the public's
verbal and written comments. Purington said that members of the public could make their
comments after the artist presents. She said that she thought most people were intimidated by
artists, and she thought it would be a good educational tool to have a public discussion before
the artists arrive. Galbraith said that meant having two public meetings, one for the discussion
and one for the artists' presentations. Purington said she would like to give that a shot. Wright
asked if Purington thought they needed to do that for every project. Franklin asked if the
discussion would be before or after the artists' presentations because she thought the
presentations would also be educational. Purington said afterward because it would give them
the chance to ask questions that they may not feel free to ask in front of the artists.
Franklin suggested having the artists' presentations, having the submittals displayed for a week
or so for people to view, and at the end of that time having a forum for public discussion of the
pieces and opinions about them. Franklin said that the artist could be at the public meeting, but
she thought in most cases the artists would chose not to come. She said in the water feature
process, they asked the artists if they wanted to be in attendance for the vote and one of them
said they would attend if the other artists were, but they really had no particular desire to be
there by themselves. Franklin said having the submittals on display after the presentations and
allowing for both verbal and written input from the public should get at some of Richard Twohy's
and Nick King's arguments. Trueblood noted that all of the Committee and Council meetings
where the water feature was discussed were public meetings.
Franklin read the new steps for the procedures. She said that the Committee will first review the
submittals, artists will then present their submittals at a public meeting, the submittals will be on
display for public review, the public will have a forum for discussion and input and the
Committee will vote on the submittals at a different meeting. Franklin said that she would draft
an amendment to the procedures to include that.
Purington said that the water feature selection panel members were not identified in the
newspaper, and she thought that made it look like the Committee did everything themselves,
She suggested making sure the panel members' names were in the press releases or
something so that information is available to show the full scope of the Committee's attempt to
Public Art Advisory Committee Minutes
December 3, 1998
Page 3
be inclusive of many opinions. Galbraith suggested' as'king the selection panelists to attend the
artist presentation and public discussion sessions. Franklin said the water feature selection
panelists were sent notices about the public meeting.
CONSIDERATION OF BY-LAWS AMENDMENT:
Franklin said that the current by-laws do not specify the required categories of people to be on
the Committee, so she added the following sentence, "Of the five appointees, three shall be art
or design professionals and two shall be from the general public." Purington suggested looking
at the composition of Public Art Committees in other communities to see how they compare to
that. Galbraith noted the team composition in Phoenix, but thought that they didn't rely on
people 'applying for positions. Wright asked what would happen if there are two Committee
positions open and one or both of those has to be an art professional, and they don't get any
applications from art professionals but they receive applications from other people. She asked if
the Committee would be tying the Council's hands in a situation like that with this proposed
language. Franklin said yes. She said that the Committee needed to think about wanting or not
wanting arts professionals as being essential to the group, and if they are essential stick with it
and the City would just keep advertising until an arts or design professional applied. Trueblood
said re-advertising happens frequently with other Committees and Commissions.
Nagle asked what would happen if an architect or landscape architect were specified as a
required member in the by-laws. Franklin said that would narrow the pool of prospective
members. Wright noted that those architects cannot have contracts with the City while they
would be serving on the Committee. Purington said she thought it was just as important for this
Committee to have an architect as it was for the' Historic Preservation Commission. Franklin
said the Historic Preservation Commission does not have an architect anymore, and they now
may have to use some of their grant in-kind money to pay consulting architects in those
particular instances for which they need them.
MOTION: Purington moved to accept the by-laws amendment as written. Galbraith seconded
the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0.
DISCUSSION OF PROPOSAL FOR STAFF ASSISTANCE FOR PAAC - FUNDING:
Franklin said that this issue is not as critical now because she submitted her budget last month,
and it is clear to her that she is not going to get this position this year, but she said she still
wanted to bring the idea to the group. She said she had put in for a half-time position for a
Public Arts Coordinator to be coupled with a half-time position that dealt with Historic
Preservation. She said that the question to the Committee is would they support using some of
their $100,000 from the public art fund to fund a half-time position, which would be about
$25,000 for salary and benefits. She said if the Committee is not supportive about using the
Public Art money, then the $25,000 would have to come out of the City general fund, which
would make it more difficult to get the position created.
Purington asked what other duties an arts consultant would do. Franklin said that an arts
consultant and the Public Art Program Coordinator are two different things. Franklin said she
used the pay scale for a beginning Associate Planner with benefits. Galbraith asked if the City
would pay for the position, why should the Committee take the money from their budget.
Franklin said that the Committee is part of the City. Galbraith asked if the money could be taken
from another larger pot instead of theirs. Franklin said that even with the proposal to have it
come out of the $100,000 per year allocation the proposal is going nowhere, so if the request
were for the $25,000 to come out of the general fund it would be going nowhere twice as fast.
Public Art Advisory Committee Minutes
December 3, 1998
Page 4
She said that is not even taking the preposal to the Council level, and asking them if they want
to invest $125,000 in the public art progrem, which would be the question if the money did not
come out of the $100,000.
Wright asked if Franklin thought that the Council would be in favor of using the money specified
for art for a salary. Franklin said she thought the only way there would be a staff position
supported for this pregram would be if it came out of the $100,000, and it would still be a tough
sell. She said in other communities with a percent program and there is a staff support person,
the funding is on going even thought it is a percentage.
Galbraith asked Franklin to outline her tasks with the Committee, which would be a job
description for this half-time position. She said that then the Committee could make their case
for why they need this person. Franklin said her argument was as time goes on and this
program grows, it will be inhibited if it does not have the resources it needs. Franklin said she
submitted the proposal with the expectation to not have it funded, but she wanted to start talking
about it. Wright said a year from now they might have a much better case because some
projects will be completed. Nagle asked if the $25,000 would come out of the $100,000 every
year and would increase with inflation. Franklin said yes. Franklin said the public art allocation of
$100,000 is in the capital improvements plan for the next three years. Trueblood said that a half-
time position implies working 20 hours per week year round, and he asked Franklin if she could
demonstrate that the position would only require 10-15 hours per week. He said that way she
could tell the Council that they would hire a full-time person, but they would only be devoting 10-
15 hours per week to the public art program. Franklin said she thought the only way she thought
she could get anything would be if she was going to hire on contract to do sporadic jobs, not
paying somebody with benefits. Trueblood questioned how supportive the entire Council would
be for hiring extra support staff for this program. Franklin agreed.
Galbraith said after the fountain and some of the other projects are completed they might have
some momentum. Franklin said obviously the Committee's preference would be that the money
not come out of the $100,000, that it come out of some other funding mechanism. Wright said if
there was a staff person in place they could approach more corporations for funding and have a
person to do additional grant writing. Purington said that they may have to consider taking
money out of the public art budget to hire a consultant in the long-term. Franklin said that any
contracting that the Committee does now would come out of their budget. She said she would
work on the job description.
UPDATE ON THE CEDAR RAPIDS VISUAL ARTS COMMISSION DISCUSSION OF
ROTATING SCULPTURE PROGRAM:
Wright passed out a memo regarding the issue. She said that there are some fairly significant
disparities between the two groups. She said that any funding the Visual Arts Commission
receives will have to come from an outside source. Galbraith asked if they felt they would not
get the funding from the City because the corporations in the community are doing their own
support of art. Wright said the Visual Arts Commission was originally set up as an oversight
group because Cedar Rapids was having a problem placing art donations, and not with the idea
of creating or acquiring public art. She said that they are not as clear as to what they are
supposed to be doing.
Purington said that she would like the Committee to proceed without dealing with the Visual Arts
Commission for at least one year, so the Committee could get their own act and process
together. Wright said that the Visual Arts Commission could go to their City Council and ask for
money for public art, and Mayor Clancy has even told them that she would entertain such a
proposal, but they do not seem to be willing to do that.
Public Art Advisory Committee Minutes
December 3, 1998
Page 5
Franklin asked if the Committee still wanted to proceed in setting up a rotating sculpture exhibit.
Wright said the rest of this year's money would be used for sculptures to go on the pads in
Black Hawk Mini-Park. Purington said that the Committee should continue to develop the idea.
She asked if the rotating sculptures would be placed on pads that are easily accessible for
moving purposes. Franklin said that the Downtown Streetscape Project is designed so that the
ladder fire truck can drive through the Pedestrian Mall, and she thought accessibility would not
be a problem because the pads are near that corridor. Wright said she would respond to the
Cedar Rapids Visual Arts Commission that the Committee decided to postpone discussions with
them for a year while the Committee establishes their own program.
DISCUSSION OF ART WORK IN THE PENINSULA PARKLAND AND WATER WORKS PARK
PROJECTS:
.Trueblood said that the Committee needs to take a field trip to look at the artwork if they would
like to be involved in the process, but that they did not have to if they did not want to be
involved. Wright asked if the artwork is on City property. Trueblood said it was built on private
property, but since the City purchased that property the City now owns the art work. Galbraith
said she thought the Committee should concern themselves with the things that they have
initiated, and simply be kept informed of other things like the fountain relocation and the park
land area. Wright said that the group was not involved with the Snelsen piece, but it is a piece of
public art that needs to be in their pervue. Galbraith said there could be some exceptions, but
she did not think the Committee should get involved with most of it because she did not think
they would have enough time to deal with their current projects if they did. Purington said that
the current public art in Iowa City is a very limited scope of work. She said she thought the
public would identify the Committee with any movements of what is perceived as publicly-owned
artwork, and she thought the Committee needed to be responsible about that.
Trueblood said that the artwork piece on the peninsula property has already been partially
destroyed, and on the staff level they had determined that it would not be a consideration, but
they decided to let the Committee discuss it. Wright said it seemed to her that the piece was
probably created to deteriorate back to nature. Purington said that nQ statement was filed with
the City regarding the upkeep of the piece. Franklin said that they could try to determine who
the artist is and decide if it is a legitimate art piece. Fosse said the Committee needed to decide
if this piece is worthy of becoming an encumbrance. Franklin said that the Committee's design
professionals could take a look at it. Purington said if staff could find the artist's name they could
look up the artist's thesis for more information. Wright suggested asking Dave Dennis at the
museum, and they could plan a field trip to look at the piece if necessary.
Trueblood showed the Waterworks Park site plan and described the area. He said there is.
supposed to be a water feature/artwork piece near the building that is included in the water
treatment plant budget, so the Public Works Director asked him to ask the Committee if they
wanted to take the lead on the project. He said they have about $100,000 budgeted for it, but
the budget still has some flexibility. Galbraith asked how much the area would be a public place.
Trueblood said the entire area will be a public place. He pointed to a nearby parking lot where
people could park their cars and go on the trail system. Franklin said there is a classroom
planned for the building. The Committee decided to take the lead on the project.
Trueblood pointed to the sculpture meadow on the map, which was a concept by the consultant,
and said there is nothing budgeted for the area right now. He said that the Committee might
want to keep that site in mind in the next few fiscal years. Fosse suggested having a
competition at the art school over the next decade where a sculpture is chosen each. year to be
placed out there. Wright said it could also be a sculpture garden. Purington said she was
Public Art Advisory Committee Minutes
December 3, 1998
Page 6
wondering about the security of the area. Wright noted the possibility for vandalism. Trueblood
pointed to other possible areas for sculptures, and showed the area that is being considered for
the relocation of the current downtown water feature.
Franklin asked if there was a timeline for the water fountain. Trueblood said the building would
not be constructed until FY2001. Purington said the building design should be complete on
paper before they get started so the fountain design could be integrated with it. Galbraith asked
if when this project was finished it would be the most beautiful park in the area and if it would be
popular, or would there be another area where the sculpture should be placed. Purington noted
the trail system around the park, and she thought it would get a lot of use. Trueblood said the
projected uses of this park would be use of the trails and fishing, not softball or baseball games.
He said there would be a lot of color with the species of grasses and wildflowers selected.
Wright said the Committee could encourage people to go there by the sculptures they put out
there. Nagle asked why the current downtown fountain was ruled out to be in front of the
building. Trueblood said on this concept the consultant put it in the swan confinement area, and
another possibility is for it to go across the street from the Civic Center in Chauncey Swan Park.
Purington commented that she felt the fountain is more urban than rural and might be out of
place in the park.
COMMITTEE TIME/NEW BUSINESS:
Purington said that Shirley Wyrick forwarded some information to her regarding murals in the
downtown area. Wyrick said that the murals could soften and enliven the look of the playground
area, and asked if it would be part of the playground equipment budget. She noted the work of a
San Francisco artist. Purington told her that she would pass the information along. Wright said
that if the Committee would do a mural, it is probably unlikely that they would pick someone
from San Francisco without at least doing a call, given the comments they received about the
fountain. Trueblood said the only place behind the play equipment would be along the building
wall. Franklin suggested putting this item on the next agenda so the Committee could take a
look at the playground equipment, the building wall and decide if they want to do a mural there.
Wright asked if the building owner is willing to put a mural on that wall. Franklin said it is the
Lenoch and Cilek building, and that it was one of the proposed sites for the library expansion; if
the sales tax item does not pass, the library many have to reconsider those plans. She said that
could mean expanding to the west, and then that would become a public building or they may
do some renovations so there may not even be a wall there to put a mural on.
Purington said since the building is currently privately owned, had the Committee had any
discussion on whether they should pay for art work that goes on privately owned property.
Wright said that the sense had been that the Committee would have some oversight on pieces
like that because they would be in a public space, but they would not be in control of them or
fund them. Franklin said even whether the Committee has oversight in that case is a question
because there is nothing that prevents a property owner from putting a mural on their wall.
Fosse said that if the Committee initiated it, they could have to pay for the easement or the right
to put the mural there. Galbraith said she thought there was a lot of uncertainty around the area
Wyrick discussed. Wright noted that there is some uncertainty around the site, and that it is not
in the Committee's budget for this fiscal year. She said that they have not discussed their FY00
budget yet. Galbraith said she thought it was a valid idea, but they are done with this fiscal year.
Trueblood said he thought they should have some sort of long-term agreement that the mural
would stay there if they are going to put public money into private property. Purington said the
mural could be painted on metal and that piece of metal could be bolted on the building, and it
could be removed. She said she still was not convinced that murals would be the best use of the
Committee's money given the climate. Wright said someday if they get a building owner who is
Public Art Advisory Committee Minutes
December 3, 1998
Page 7
really excited about the idea, the owner could pay the maintenance costs for a number of years
and have a long-term agreement with the Committee. Franklin said she would write a letter to
Wyrick thanking her, indicating the uncertainty about the site and saying that they would not be
considering anything else this fiscal year, but that the Committee would consider the idea once
the site area is settled.
Galbraith said Dave Dennis would be willing to come talk to the Committee about maintenance
costs of outdoor art. Wright said that is something the Committee would need to think about
more and more in their future budgets. Franklin said the Committee needed to create a policy
about that, and she would try to schedule Dennis.
ADJOURNMENT:
MOTION: Galbraith moved to adjourn the meeting. Fosse seconded the motion. The motion
carried by a vote of 6-0, and the meeting was adjourned at 4:52 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Traci Wagner.
ppddir/min/art1203.doc
MINUTES
RIVERFRONT AND NATURAL AREAS COMMISSION
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1998 - 5:30 P.M.
IOWA CITY CIVIC CENTER, LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Courtney Daniels, Lori Goetsch, Gretchen Grimm, Richard
Hoppin, Joe Kral, Lynn Rose, Tom Riley, David Thayer
ALTERNATE:
Rex Pruess (for Barb Endel)
MEMBFRS ABSENT:
Dan Mascal, Larry Wilson
STAFF PRESENT:
Brad Neumann
OTHERS PRESENT:
Terry Dahms (Friends of Iowa River Scenic Trail), Gloria Williams
1. CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at- 5:34 p.m. by Tom Riley on behalf of Chairperson
Daniels.
Chairperson Daniels arrived at 5:36 p.m.
2. PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA:
There was no discussion.
3. CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES OF THE SEPTEMBER 16. 1998 MEFTING:
The minutes were approved without change.
4. COMMISSION DISCUSSION:
A. Elks Club (b) discussion moved up before (a).
Members were sent a letter and a copy of the Council Resolution in their packets.
City Council last night decided to differ the discussion indefinitely. Neumann
reported that some Council Members were unhappy with the idea of giving
approval of the ddving range and decided they would send a letter saying they
will consider the proposal for the driving range if they will consider an easement
for a trail along the Iowa River. The issues raised in Daniels' letter were
discussed. Thomberry and O'Donald were in favor of the range, said it was not a
problem, out of the way. Others felt 200 yards was just not enough for a driving
range. Much of it will fall into the park. It is a private club, the general public
would not be allowed to use the driving range, must be Elks Club members. It
would be low impact, few people would use it in a day.
The Council discussed safety issues also. Neumann referred to the map. If the
Elks ever chose not to use City-leased property as a golf course, the property will
revert back to the city. If they do chose to develop that land down to the river,
there is still a 50 ft. easement down to the river. Goetsch asked what the Elks
responsibility would be, could the city cancel the lease under certain
circumstances?
Riverfront and Natural Areas Commission
October 21, 1998
Page 2
Neumann says that is not clear. There are three Council Members who could go
either way. Kubby and Notion are opposed to it. Kral asked if their should be a
public hearing first. Neumann said there will be one eventually.
Daniels explained that her approach was to say that it would not be practical to
put a trail there anyway. A member-only use is not for the public interest.
Neumann said they will just have to wait for the Council to make a decision and
they are waiting for a response from the Elks. In these leases in the public
interest, they have to determine that it is in the public interest.
Rose is wondering if committee members should call and lobby. Neumann said
the issue seems to be what is most important, do we want the trail easement or
do we not want a driving range.
Thayer said for recreational and spiritual use of the space, it would be better to
not have the driving range. It could be a very expensive trail.
Thayer asked if the issue is going back to the lease. Neumann explained the City
has the right-of-way through the course now, but they want to move Foster Road
to get around the course, but to do that they had to give up room to put two new
holes on the Peninsula.
Grimm asked if RNAC representatives were at the work session? No, it was
explained they would need to come to a public headng.
Daniels pointed out that the trail would not be beautiful if the EIk's Club would
have to have a driving range with a big net or fence to catch golf balls. Even if we
don't have the trail, bikes can still go down there.
Kral says that there is the same thing at Napoleon Park. He thinks that even with
a driving range, an easement would be good.
This Commission decided to support the City Council decision to negotiate a
trade.
If the answer from the Elks is no, RNAC's position will be that the EIk's Club
should not get the driving range.
B. Iowa City Maintenance Program
This is being developed by the public works commission, it is set up as a grant
program, targeting the tributaries, not the river, it is aimed at erosion control,
removing dead trees and bank stabilization, etc.
Neumann explained that the city will not be doing the work, but each
neighborhood would go after the bids and get money from the city. If irs a creek
cleanup, people will likely participate, supply the labor. The grant has been
around for a year, but there have been no takers.
There is no deadline on it right now. $15,000 is now available (FY99) and will be
budgeted for annually by Public Works.
Riverfront and Natural Areas Commission
October 21, 1998
Page 3
Neumann recommends a committee be put together to develop a program for
promotion and administration.
Neumann said he could invite Rick Fosse to come to a meeting and discuss what
they have in mind.
Thayer asked if the creeks belong to the City. Neumann explained that yes, but it
is like the sidewalks, private property owners are responsible for maintenance.
The City does not want to get involved with taking heavy equipment onto private
property. But neighborhood organizations can get funds from the city to clean up
the creeks to improve water flow.
Daniels asked if the Commission wants to develop a subcommittee. Members
preferred to be educated first, so they are asking for information on the
Neighborhood Grant Program, and they want to hear from Wayne Peterson of
the local Soil and Water District.
Daniels explained that the commission would have to set criteria and do
promotion, getting information out through the library, like they did with River
Month when they did it every year.
C. Flood Plain Management
Neumann pointed out that there was a memo supporting it, it came from the 3
member subcommittee. This commission can make recommendations to
planning and zoning.
Members received a copy the Flood Plain Management Ordinance and the
Sensitive Areas Ordinance. Neumann said this commission needs to get
something to Planning and Zoning, so he asked if the members want to look at
both ordinances side by side.
Daniels suggested a committee look at it. She Volunteered to be one of the
people. She would like to see four people, Wilson and two others. Thayer and
Grimm also volunteered.
Daniels stated that if we need to call a special meeting we should do it in
January. December we will have to do an election and there are tie up things. We
will get into the heart of this flood planning issue this next month. Neumann
mentioned Arbor Day discussion should also come in January.
5. COMMISSION ACTION:
Everyone needs to fill out, sign, and turn in the form called Board/Commission Business
Listing. Neumann handed out the form.
6. OTHER BUSINESS:
Daniels asked if there is an update on Hickory Hill. Neumann said that Terry Trueblood
said that it is on hold. The trail surface will not be paved, except for some portions for
handicapped.
Neumann said that staff met with the Waterworks Park consultants the previous day and
said staff really likes the proposal. He described plans for a grass amphitheater and
Riverfront and Natural Areas Commission
October 21, 1998
Page 4
aeration fountains on the lagoons. Next issue will be money to pay for it. The idea is to
have it low maintenance and handicapped accessible. Neumann will try to bring photos
next meeting. Daniels asked if the old fountain from downtown will be there, Neumann
explained it will probably be across the street from the civic center.
North Liberty Trail is completed and they are having a ribbon cutting ceremony this
weekend.
Thayer reported that about 1,000 feet of Coralville's Auburn Hills Trail has been paved.
7. ADJOURNMFNT:
The meeting was adjourned at 7:02 p.m.
ppdadmin\minsVnac1021 .doc
MINUTES
RIVERFRONT AND NATURAL AREAS COMMISSION
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1998 - 5:30 P.M.
IOWA CITY CIVIC CENTER, LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM
01-12-99
4b(21)
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Courtney Daniels, Lori Goetsch, Gretchen Grimm, Richard
Hoppin, Joe Kral, Lynn Rose, Rom Riley, David Thayer, Larry
Wilson
ALTERNATE:
Rex Pruess for Barb Erdel
MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT:
Brad Neumann
CALL TO ORDER:
Daniels called the meeting to order at 5:34 p.m.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA:
There was no discussion.
3. MINUTES:
Recommended changes to the minutes were as follows: Daniels pointed out that on
page 2, strike, "It is just greed"; eliminate the last line "She could...; 6th paragraph
"Right of way"; Wilson asked about last paragraph, page 2 down to the river, along the
river would be better, Daniels suggested "easement." Courtney: If the answer to the
negotiations is no; Page 2 Thayer, would like it to read, "It would be better to have the
trail along the river."; Next paragraph also, Thayer wants to strike paragraph; Correct
title should read "Iowa City Creek Maintenance Program"; Top of page 3, second
paragraph.
Wilson asked about the memo referred to under Flood Plain Management. It was
explained that it was given to committee members some time back.
Courtney said she will make corrections.
Riley moved that the minutes be approved as amended, Grimm seconded. The motion
passed, minutes were approved as amended.
COMMISSION DISCUSSION:
A. Flood Plain Management Ordinance Recommendations
Revised memo was handed out and Daniels directed committee members to
review and offer any revisions they thought necessary.
With respect to the purchase of land in the floodplain, Wilson wants mention of
the committee's desire to keep those areas undeveloped. Neumann explained
that problem is financial, they are looking into FEMA money and REAP money.
Parks and Rec may have some available, but there may be a problem of
different City divisions competing for funding through REAP.
Riverfront and Natural Areas Commission
November 18, 1998
Page 2
Grimm asked about area near Fine Arts Building. It was filled land and not a
dump. Neumann explained that he thought it would be worth putting it in the
memo. Wilson said it should be made clear that building above the flood plain is
preferable. It would be desirable to have no permanent buildings, allowing only
recreational structures, such as shelters. Daniels said, they can be flooded, but
they must be anchored. She prefers that it state there be no permanent buildings
allowed on the flood plain. She wants the committee to have full agreement
before sending out a memo.
Daniels objects to the way that the goals and objectives were totally oriented to
trail development, she would prefer that other goals and objectives be included.
She asked if this is inclusive of everything we are trying to get at? For example,
archeological finds were found at the site of the proposed Elks driving range.
Wilson suggested adding a statement of others, such as historical preservation,
as is referred to in the Stanley report. Daniels asked if there were other things
that should be added. This is our "vision statement." This was pulled directly
from the Trails Update.
Neumann suggested that it be based on Trails Update, allowing more flexibility.
Rose and Grimm suggested Habitat preservation. Thayer suggested Sensitive
Features also. Daniels said she believes this is covered by Sensitive Areas
Ordinances and the Stanley Plan. Rose suggested using the term
"environmental awareness," pointing out that it is possible to build insensitive
trails
Thayer suggested saying "To use the land in sensitive ways and to incorporate
covenants when that land is sold." This would be an educational move and
encouragement to protect the river. Wilson suggested saying, "access to public
streets above the 100 year flood level. Rose suggested it be made clear that
development must provide access above flood.
Daniels asked if they want to say this since their goal is to discourage
development. She asked if providing access is a goal. Rose said that this is not a
committee goal, but it be stated as a requirement for any eventual development.
"When residential development does occur, adequate emergency vehicle access
for above flood" was accepted.
Kral expressed concern that the committee was spending too much time
considering development where there is so little land to develop.
Pruess and Thayer expressed concern that they need to be accurate when
saying they are referring to the Stanley Plan. Daniels agreed to remove
references that are not clearly taken from the Stanley Plan.
Thayer suggested stating clearly that we are expanding on the Stanley Plan.
Daniels will add goals and objectives. Objectives are ways of getting to the
goals. She asked if there should be more objectives added. Wilson was
concerned about the idea of redevelopment that has been lost in this memo.
Daniels asked if our goals for redevelopment are not the same as for
development.
Riverfront and Natural Areas Commission
November 18, 1998
Page :~
Neumann explained about Brownfield Assessment, places where there have
been things like oil contamination, old manufacturing facilities. There is Federal
money available to clean these sites up.
Daniels expressed concern that there are so many issues about flooding that
need to be discussed on a regular basis. Neumann thinks this memo does get
the point across, that there should be no more development on the flood plain.
Daniels likes the potential for this committee to influence decisions made by the
City Council regarding policies of development along the flood plain. The
committee agreed to let Daniels finish the memo based on the discussion.
ELKS UPDATE:
Neumann stated that the City has not heard from the EIk's Club. Daniels has
heard from Karen Kubby and she liked the memo Daniels wrote. Daniels will call
her back and see if Kubby has more to add.
PENINSULA PARK AND WATERWORKS PARK PLANS:
Neumann presented the Master Plan for Peninsula Park, explained what Park~
and Rec will pay for and what Public Works will pay for.
Victor Dover of Florida designed the Upper Peninsula development. The main
trail will come in along Foster Road, so the River Corridor Trail will basically
follow Foster Road. Plans for the rest of the trails are indefinite in the lower
peninsula. They may be wood chip or limestone trails. A pavilion with rest rooms
is included. A boardwalk has been proposed, but it may be too expensive. A
canoe portage area was also proposed.
Daniels asked about educational uses. Neumann said they were not specific, but
the consultant will come back with some suggestions. There is an informational
kiosk planned. Selective cutting of trees is planned as well as the planting of new
trees. Daniels believes that the committee needs to emphasize the educational
uses.
The Water Works Park Plan was also discussed, including proposed wetlands
being built, funding, drainage and the placement of the swans.
Daniels asked how many years it will take to get these plans implemented.
Neumann said by 2001 or 2002. Wilson stated that he was impressed with the
spirit of cooperation that went into constructing this plan. Riley asked where the
money from the sale of the upper peninsula will go. Neumann said it will go back
into the general fund. Wilson handed out copies of the Sesquicentennial Campus
Planning Framework Update before he left.
IOWA CITY CREEK MAINTENENCE PROGRAM:
DiscuSsion tabled until next meeting.
Riverfront and Natural Areas Commission
November 18, 1998
Page 4
E. DISCUSSION OF NEW MEMBER:
New member who has been appointed will be invited to the next meeting. He is
taking Goetsch's spot.
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS:
Pruess announced that there is interest in a skate board park. Next meeting will cover
the Iowa City Creek Maintenance Program and the Northeast Planning District.
ADJOURNMENT:
Meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m.
jccogsw~min~macl 118.doc
MINUTES
SENIOR CENTER COMMISSION
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1998
01-12-99
4b(22)
MEMBERS PRESENT
Bebe Ballantyne. Terd Miller. Allan Monsanto,
Kenneth Mobily. Larry Pugh, Deborah
Schoenfelder, and Philip Zell
MEMBERS ABSENT
STAFF PRESENT
GUESTS PRESENT
CALL TO ORDER
Joanne Hora, M. Kathryn Wallace
Linda Kopping, Julie Seal, and Michelle Buhman
Ruth Bell, William Kelly, Jay Honahan, Lee
McGovem, Jackie Hess. Jim Aliaire, Myma
Samms, Joe Fowler, Bob Welsh.
Schoenfelder called the meeting to order at 3:00.
MINUTES
Motion: To approve October mines as modified. The motion carded on a vote of
7-0. Monsanto/Zell.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION
None.
PARKING UPDATE- FOWLER
'Fowler explained the steps involved with identifying the Harmon Building as a histodc
landmark and discussed the effect such a designation would have on the construction of
the Iowa Avenue parking fadlity. WRh this caveat, the tentative construction schedule
was presented and several parking options for Senior Center partialpants identified.
One parking option is to use a system similar to the one used by the Holiday Inn at the
Dubuque Street ramp. Under this arrangement, the Senior Center would rent a spadried
number of spaces in the ramp. While specific spaces would not be reserved, each
space rented would provide 24 hours of parking time. The Senior Center would be
responsible for validating the parking tickets of permit holding partialpants who are using
the available parking hours.
Also discussed was the possibility of keeping certain areas of the ramp dosed until a
specified time of day. This type of system is currently in use at the Capitol Street ramp
where the lower levels of parking am dosed until the shoppers arrive at 10:00 a.m. This
approach, which could be used in conjunction with the space rental option, would help
assure that seniors looking for a parking space over the lunch hour would have some
available and convenient. options.
Dudng the construction phase of the parking facility, one option for Senior Center
partialpant parking is additional space in the Chauncey Swan ramp.
It was noted that final decisions regarding the use of the Iowa Avenue parking fadlity
must be approved by the City Council.
MINUTES
SENIOR CENTER COMMISSION
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1998
2
THIRD AGE LIBRARY REPORT- Samms; Rogusky
Myma Samms, Third Age Library Coordinator, and Susan Rogusky, Volunteer
Specialist, presented the following recommendations to change the Third Age Library:
· Eliminate the book shelf in the main lobby
· Combine the libraries
· Convert the Mezzanine Library into a Fiction Library
· Convert the Third Age Library into a Non-fiction Library
Motion: To accept the recommendations for the Third Age Library and have staff
develop a method of tracking the books. Pugh/Monsanto. 7-0.
SENIOR CENTER UPDATE
Operations - Kopping
Kopping reviewed the proposed FY99 budget with the Commission. Kopping will be
meeting with Don Yucuis, Finance Director, and Steve Atkins, City Manager, to review
the budgeL
The Washington Street entrance renovation has been postponed until the parts ardve. If
the parts arrive and the weather is particularly harsh, the project will be delayed until
spdng of 1999.
Programs - Seal
Events occurring in December ware reviewed.
Volunteers- Rogusky
An update of volunteer programs and opportunities were given.
COUNCIL OF ELDERS - Aliaire, McGovem
A report from the Council of Elders was given.
COMMISSION VISITS
City Council - Wallace (Kopping)
A report from the City Council meeting was given.
Board of Supervisors - Wallace (Kopping)
A report of the Board of Supervisors meeting was given.
COMMISSION DISCUSSION
Commissioners were asked to identify members serve as Chair, Vice Chair or Secretary
of the Senior Center Commission.
Motion: To adjoum. Motion was carried on a vote of 9-0. Zell/Monsanto.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:30.
Senior Center
Staff Increases
1989: Volunteer Specialist Increased from 0.5 FTE to 1.0 FTE
· Prior to this increase, there was a full time Program Specialist and a half-time
Volunteer Specialist. While the Program Specialist coordinated volunteer
programs and programming, the Volunteer Specialist focused exclusively on
four of the Center's volunteer programs. When the position was increased to
full time, the Volunteer Specialist assumed responsibility for all the volunteer
programs. Not only did this make the Program Specialist's work load more
manageable, it also allowed the Program Specialist to concentrate on
program development.
1993:0.5 FTE Maintenance Worker I added to staff
It's my understanding that in 1993 a part-time temporary maintenance worker
was replaced with a permanent half-time employee. The position was
needed to provide for cleaning of the facility during nOn-occupied hours and
to reduce job turnover. Additionally, increases in programming and the
associated room set-ups lessened the amount of time the full time MW II had
for routine cleaning of the building.
Workload Changes
Professional StaffWorkload Changes Since 1989
· Increased from 392 to 746 volunteers annually. (A 91% increase)
· Increased from 19,043 to 36,643 volunteer hours annually (A 93% increase)
· In 1990 the Senior Center offered 231 programs. The average number of
programs offered between 1994 and 1997 was 356. This additional 125
programs represents'a 62% increase in programming.
· Implemented the Annual Holiday Bazaar and Senior Center Television; two
very involved and successful volunteer programs.
· Because volunteers are becoming less willing to make a long-term
commitment to a particular activity, professional staff members have
assumed responsibility for recurring programs formedy coordinated by
volunteers. For instance, the monthly travelogue sedes and rotating art
exhibits.
· Press coverage of Senior Center programming has been expanded through
the use of a chronological, annotated press release which is prepared and
distributed monthly. This is a time consuming, but effective process handled
by the Program Specialist.
· The Senior Center Coordinator and Program Specialist are coordinating
segments of the annual Children's Holiday Bazaar. Previously the bazaar
was handled entirely by the Volunteer Specialist. Growth in recent years has
made the program too much for one person to handle in addition to regular
responsibilities.
· Participation in the annual Chamber of Commerce Business Fair has been
initiated. Organization of this event is handled by the Senior Center
Coordinator and Senior Clerk/Typist.
· While maintaining traditional programming, new approaches are being
attempted to attract a more diverse group of participants. Specifically,
intergenerational and pre-retirement programs, evening classes and
increasing numbers of events that are open to the public are being offered.
Expanded or new work responsibilities of the Senior Clerk/Typist
· Significant involvement with project management. For instance, coordinates
the refreshment component of the Holiday Bazaar, the creation of the
Center's display at the annual Chamber of Commerce Business Fair, and the
Y2K preparation work.
· Supervises workstudy students as well as the part-time temporary
receptionist and volunteer receptionists.
· Manages the computerized door security system and room rental
agreements.
· Secures bids and makes recommendations for a variety of purchases. For
instance, the voice mail system, copy machines and miscellaneous supplies.
· Maintains The Post mailing list, prepares the newsletter's monthly calendar
and supervises return service accounts with the Post Office.
· Monitors the increasingly complex Gift Fund account. The fund has
increased by $45,000 recently and now has 15 subdivisions in which to track
receipts and debits.
· Proficient in the following computer programs: Access, Excel, Word, Power
Point, FileMaker Pro, Print Shop Deluxe, and Pagemaker
Expanded or new work responsibilities of the Maintenance Worker II-
· Implemented and maintains a preventative maintenance program which has
resulted in a decrease in the HVAC service contract for two Consecutive
years. These decreases amounted to 8% and 18% in FY98 and FY90
respectively.
· Manages the computerized HVAC control system.
· Supervises a part-time temporary Maintenance Worker, a part-time
permanent maintenance worker, and a variety of community service workers
and volunteers. Assists with the performance evaluations of these'workers.
· Staff representative on the Senior Center Parking Ticket Review Committee.
· Assists with budget preparation.
· Implements a variety of plumbing and electrical upgrades and repairs. For
example, replacing worn valves and diaphragms, and installing faucets and
auto-flush systems
· Assists and often coordinates the efforts of contractors working at the Senior
Center.
· Oversees landscaping directly around the perimeter of the building and the
Washington Street islands between Gilbert and Linn Streets.
· Supervises a variety of interior and exterior painting that was formedy
contracted out.