HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-04-06 Bd Comm minutesMINUTES
IOWA CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 25, 1999
THURSDAY, - 5:00 P.M.
Members Present:
Winston Barclay, Linda Dellsperger, Stephen Greenleaf, Mary McMurray,
Mark Martin, Lisa Parker, Jesse Singerman, Anne Spencer, Jim Swaim,
Staff Present:
Barbara Black, Maeve Clark, Susan Craig, Larry Eckholt, Debb Green,
Heidi Lauritzen, Kara Logsden, Martha Lubaroff, Liz Nichols,
Others:
Gary Sanders
CALL TO ORDER:
President Singerman called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
Sanders attended the meeting to suggest some possible themes for the upcoming election in
March. Singerman thanked him for his thoughtful comments and reminded him that the
campaign was not an appropriate matter to be discussed at a Board of Trustees meeting. His
suggestions will be passed along to the proper committee.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Minutes of the regular meeting of January 28, 1999 were approved unanimously after a
motion. Parker/Greenleaf
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. Calendar for Strategic Planning
As recommended by the Board, Craig revised the planning schedule to reflect a later starting
date. A deadline for summer 99 is necessary for budget planning. Craig thanked the Board for
recommending her not go ahead with her previous calendar since it involved starting very soon
and things are very busy right now. Singerman expressed the opinion that the planning process
did not seem go as smoothly with only three board members; could we have more? Craig said
we could have four without it being considered an open meeting. Craig has an individual who
has worked for the Library before in mind to hire as a consultant and will contact her.
NEW BUSINESS
A. Hours of Service for FYO0:
Policy Review: The policy needed updating in order to reflect Sundays opened all year around.
The calendar reflects closing at six instead of nine on the city holidays on which the library is
open; Veteran's Day, Martin Luther King Day and President's Day. It is expensive to pay staff
on holidays and those evenings tend to be very slow. This was a suggestion from a staff
member. A question regarding the community's use of the meeting rooms on those days was
raised. Programs that would last only one hour after closing could be booked. The date most
ICPL BOARD OF TRUSTEES
FEBRUARY 25, 1999
PAGE 2
in question was Martin Luther King Day. Black stated that we hadn't been successful in the
past planning programs for Martin Luther King Day since the University actively plans programs.
If there was a community event that needed to be in the room later, an exception could be
made and the library could be open that evening.
Trustees asked for an explanation as to why the recommendation was to close at 5:00 instead
of 4:00 on Christmas and New Years Eve. Some staff were inconvenienced by having to use
vacation or some other type of leave and expressed a preference for working eight hours and
not using leave. There were not any fewer people in during the 4-5 hour.
A motion was made to adopt policy and calendar. Greenleaf/Dellsperger All in favor.
B. Close Library during computer system transition
Things are moving along as scheduled. It is anticipated that training and conversion will take
place on the planned dates. Dellsperger asked about the conversion and how long it would
take; perhaps it could be accomplished over a weekend? Craig responded that, typically,
automation vendors will not schedule a conversion on the weekend. The consultant felt that
it is a much smoother process when you are closed. Singerman suggested that it could be
done without closing but if closing results in better training and less confusion for the public
it is worth it. The majority opinion is that the library should close for two days, most likely
April 20 and 21. A question came up regarding the Foundation Board's use of the meeting
room during that time. It seems easier to change the Foundation Board meeting than to keep
the meeting room open. Swaim moved that the Board close the library for two days. Martin
seconded. We will publicize the conversion once the dates are confirmed. The vote was eight
to one with Dellsperger voting nay.
STAFF REPORTS
A. New online catalog demo
Black demonstrated the new catalog. Board response was very positive. Swaim asked how
we would limit time on the computers. Craig said that a plan to determine placement and what
might be available on them was being developed. People who have home Internet access will
be encouraged to use the catalog at home. We will plan for notifying patrons who chose to
use the new service of sending overdue notices and reserves via E-mail. They will get the
message quicker and we will save postage. The system will allow book renewals via the phone
connection 24 hours a day.
B. CONNECT@icpl.org and reading promotions during May. Open House May 16.
The PR Committee is planning an Open House for May 16 with training and celebrations to
promote all the new connections. Classes will be provided throughout the month and activities
will be planned. An emphasis on balancing reading printed material and technology capabilities
will be featured through the month.
C. Updates on sales tax forums
ICPL BOARD OF TRUSTEES
FEBRUARY 25, 1999
PAGE 3
Parker reported on the sales tax forum recently held in Coralville. The mayors of the involved
cities took part and were very positive. An informational forum is being sponsored by the
League on March 10 at ICPL. Forums are also planned by the opposition groups. The Press
Citizen is sponsoring a forum on March 25 to feature a pro and con view. There are many
neighborhood association forums being scheduled. Singerman reported that she recently spoke
at one in the Longfellow School district. She sensed that people want to be informed.
D. Development Office Report
The report is included in the packet. Eckholt reported that we have seven teams to date for
the Spelling Bee. He is still negotiating with some vendors involved in the Titanic event. He
feels that the final profits will be close to the hoped for ~ 10,000.
E. Miscellaneous readings.
Libraries stand to gain funding with the new Governor in the State House.
Craig reported that the City manager had written a lengthy letter of rebuttal in response
to the Press Citizen's negative article on the water and sewer projects. Any who
wanted a copy should let her know.
The library donated 105 old meeting room chairs to non profit organizations in need.
AFSCME contract. Negotiations have been completed and the Board will vote on
ratification at the March meeting.
F. Clark distributed a Kiosk report.
PRESIDENT'S REPORT
Singerman spoke about the article that appeared in the Press Citizen concerning the library not
being a satellite voting site. Trustees received a copy of the letter Craig wrote to Tom Slockett
in response. Singerman wants the Board to respond to this decision and some of his
statements as quoted by the Press Citizen. She feels that Slockett should be reminded of the
mission of the library and that there is no conflict of interest. She felt the Board should
respond with a press release in the form of a letter describing the library's mission.
Swaim had a different view. He appreciated the point of view that would be presented in such
a letter but the explicit language of the ballot could look like a conflict of interest. Swaim's
point is that if we react strongly it reinforces Slockett's view. Trustees discussed this issue and
agreed this is an opportunity to explain to people what the library is. It is Slockett's decision
to make. However, it is the responsibility of the Board to counteract his comments and his
characterization of the library. All agreed that Singerman, Parker and Barclay should work
together to write Slockett a letter from the Board.
Nominating Committee: The Board's new procedure is to appoint the committee in February
and hold an election in April. Swaim, Spencer and Singerman will serve as the committee.
ICPL BOARD OF TRUSTEES
FEBRUARY 25, 1999
PAGE 4
ANNOUNCEMENT FROM MEMBERS
A reminder to attend the Business Fair came from Parker.
Board members were also reminded to begin recruiting for the Board. We have three members
going off the Board in June. Spencer stressed the need to recruit from the county. A good
representative from the rural area who is a strong library supporter is needed.
DISBURSEMENTS
VISA expenditures for January 1999 were reviewed.
Disbursements for January 1999 were approved unanimously after a motion by ParkedMartin.
SET AGENDA ORDER FOR MARCH MEETING
Talk about Connect@lCPL and the new automated system.
ADJOURNMENT:
Singerman adjourned the meeting at 6:25 p.m.
Minutes taken and transcribed by
Martha Lubaroff
ICPL BOARD OF TRUSTEES
FEBRUARY 25, 1999
PAGE z~
ANNOUNCEMENT FROM MEMBERS
A reminder to attend the Business Fair came from Parker.
Board members were also reminded to begin recruiting for the Board. We have three members
going off the Board in June. Spencer stressed the need to recruit from the county. A good
representative from the rural area who is a strong library supporter is needed.
DISBURSEMENTS
VISA expenditures for January 1999 were reviewed.
Disbursements for January 1999 were approved unanimously after a motion by ParkedMartin.
SFT AGENDA ORDER FOR MARCH MEETING
Talk about Connect@lCPL and the new automated system.
ADJOURNMENT:
Singerman adjourned the meeting at 6:25 p.m.
Minutes taken and transcribed by
Martha Lubaroff
MINUTES
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
MARCH 18, 1999- 7:30 P.M.
CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS
PRELIMINARy
Subject to , ,pproval
MFMBERS PRFSENT:
Ann Bovbjerg, Benjamin Chait, Pam Ehrhardt, Dick Gibson,
Marilyn Schintler, Dean Shannon, Lea Supple
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT:
Sarah Holecek, Scott Kugler, Bob Miklo, John Yapp, Anne Schulte
OTHFRS PRFSENT:
Gerald Milder, Larry Schnittjer, Larry Mazzotta, George Ansley,
Bob Cryder, Keith Carter, Tom Anthony, David Yansky
RFCOMMFNDATIONS TO COUNCIL:
Recommended approval, by a vote of 6-0, of SUB99-0003, a preliminary and final plat of Milder
Meadows, a 43.4-acre, two-lot residential subdivision with one outlot located in Fringe Area B at
4872 American Legion Road.
Recommended approval, by a vote of 6-0-1, with Shannon abstaining, of ANN99-0001/RF:799-
0003, an application submitted by the Knights of Columbus for an annexation and rezoning from
County Planned Commercial (CP-1) to Rural Residential (RR-1) zone for 5.55 acres of property
located at 4776 American Legion Road S.E. subject to the following conditions: 1) 45 feet of
right-of-way being dedicated along the south side of the property from the centerline of
American Legion Road and 45 feet of right-of-way being dedicated along the east side of the
property from the centerline of Taft Avenue, and a 25-foot wide easement for future water and
sewer extensions being dedicated along the south property line, 2) 25-foot wide temporary
construction easements being provided along the south and east property lines to
accommodate the future reconstruction of American Legion Road and Taft Avenue to City
arterial street standards, 3) a sidewalk being installed to connect the club facility to the
Barrington Road sidewalk at the time of construction, 4) the property owner paying $395/acre in
tap-on fees for water service, and approximately $2,400/acre in tap-on fees for sewer service,
for the number of acres occupied by the club facility and parking area. Fees for the remainder of
the site will be required at such time improvements are made which require water and sewer
service, 5) the special exception application which must be approved for the property to be used
as for a club facility, including a lighting plan, a landscaping plan including landscaping around
the parking lot, and building design elevations which show how the building design is
appropriate for the residential neighborhood, 6) only one access point being permitted to
American Legion Road, and only one access point being permitted to Taft Avenue, to be located
as far from the American Legion Road/Taft Avenue intersection as is practical, and 7) the
continued preservation of the evergreen trees along the west and north property lines.
Recommended, by a vote of 7-0 that the City Council forward a letter to the Board of
Supervisors recommending approval of CZ9910, an application submitted by the Johnson
County Agricultural Association to rezone 49.4 acres from Suburban Residential (RS), Resort
(A2) and Highway Commercial (CH) to Highway Commercial-Fairgrounds (CH-F) for property
located in the Fringe Area C at 4265 Oakcrest Hill Road S.E.
Recommended, by a vote of 7-0 that the City Council forward a letter to the Board of
Planning & Zoning Commission
March 18, 1999
Page 2
Supervisors recommending approval of C79907, an application submitted by David Yansky to
rezone 10.00 acres from Rural (A1) to Suburban Residential (RS-10) for property located in
Fringe Area C on the west side of Landon Avenue, 0.4 miles north of its intersection with
Highway 1 West.
Recommended, by a vote of 7-0 that the City Council forward a letter to the Board of
Supervisors recommending approval of C79908, an application submitted by Steve Schmidt to
fezone 22.69 acres from Suburban Residential (RS-10) to Suburban Residential (RS-5) for
property located in Fringe Area C at the northwest quadrant of the intersection of Highway 1
West and Landon Avenue S.W.
Recommended approval, by a vote of 7-0, of proposed amendments to Section 14-5H, Site
Plan Review, and 14-6S, Performance Standards, regarding lighting standards, as
recommended by staff.
CALL TO ORDF:R:
Chairperson Supple called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITFM NOT ON THE AGENDA:
There was none.
ANNOUNCEMF:NT OF VACANCIF:S ON CITY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS:
Supple encouraged those at the meeting to serve on a board or commission for the City of Iowa
City. She said it is an opportunity to provide input into the City's progress.
DFVELOPMFNT ITEM:
SUB99-0003. Public discussion of an application submitted by Gerald and Pauline Milder for a
preliminary and final plat of Milder Meadows, a 43.4-acre, two-lot residential subdivision with
one outlot located in Fringe Area B at 4872 American Legion Road.
Miklo said this is a three-lot subdivision consisting of two residential lots and one outlot that is
designated for agricultural purposes only. He stated that staff has received a revised plat noting
that the outlot is to be used for agricultural purposes only. Miklo said this plat is in compliance
with the intent of the Fringe Area Agreement, and staff recommends approval, subject to
approval of legal papers prior to City Council consideration.
Public discussion:
Gerald Milder. 4872 American Legion Road, said he was available to answer any questions the
Commission might have.
MOTION: Shannon moved to recommend approval of SUB99-0003, a preliminary and
final plat of Milder Meadows, a 43.4-acre, two-lot residential subdivision with one outlot
located in Fringe Area B at 4872 American Legion Road. Chait seconded the motion. The
motion carried on a vote of 7-0.
Planning & Zoning Commission
March 18, 1999
Page 3
ANNFXATION/RFZONING ITFMS:
ANN99-0001/RF799-0003. Public discussion of an application submitted by the Knights of
Columbus for an annexation and rezoning from County Planned Commercial (CP-1) to Rural
Residential (RR-1) zone for 5.55 acres of property located at 4776 American Legion Road S.E.
Shannon left the meeting during discussion of this item, because of a conflict of interest.
Yapp said staff recommends approval of this annexation of approximately 5 ¼ acres and its
rezoning to Rural Residential, subject to: 1) 45 feet of right-of-way being dedicated along the
south side of the property from the centerline of American Legion Road and 45 feet of right-of-
way being dedicated along the east side of the property from the centerline of Taft Avenue, and
a 25-foot wide easement for future water and sewer extensions being dedicated along the south
property line, 2) 25-foot wide temporary construction easements being provided along the south
and east property lines to accommodate the future reconstruction of American Legion Road and
Taft Avenue to City arterial street standards, 3) a sidewalk being installed to connect the club
facility to the Barrington Road sidewalk at the time of construction, 4) the property owner paying
$395/acre in tap-on fees for water service, and approximately $2,400/acre in tap-on fees for
sewer service for the number of acres occupied by the club facility and parking area with fees
for the remainder of the site being required at such time improvements are made which require
water and sewer service, 5) the special exception application, which must be approved for the
property to be used as for a club facility, including a lighting plan, a landscaping plan including
landscaping around the parking lot, and building design elevations which show how the building
design is appropriate for the residential neighborhood, 6) only one access point being permitted
to American Legion Road, and only one access point being permitted to Taft Avenue, to be
located as far from the American Legion Road/Taft Avenue intersection as is practical, and 7)
the continued preservation of the evergreen trees along the west and north property lines.
Public discussion:
There was none.
Public discussion closed.
MOTION: Bovbjerg moved to recommend approval of ANN99-0001/RFZ99-0003, an
application submitted by the Knights of Columbus for an annexation and rezoning form
County Planned Commercial (CP-1) to Rural Residential (RR-1) zone for 5.55 acres of
property located at 4776 American Legion Road S.E., subject to 1) 45 feet of right-of-way
being dedicated along the south side of the property from the centerline of American
Legion Road and 45 feet of right-of-way being dedicated along the east side of the
property from the centerline of Taft Avenue, and a 25-foot wide easement for future water
and sewer extensions being dedicated along the south property line, 2) 25-foot wide
temporary construction easements being provided along the south and east property
lines to accommodate the future reconstruction of American Legion Road and Taft
Avenue to City arterial street standards, 3) a sidewalk being installed to connect the club
facility to the Barrington Road sidewalk at the time of construction, 4) the property owner
paying $395/acre in tap-on fees for water service, and approximately $2,400/acre in tap-
on fees for sewer service, for the number of acres occupied by the club facility and
parking area with fees for the remainder of the site being required at such time
improvements are made which require water and sewer service, 5) the special exception
Planning & Zoning Commission
March 18, 1999
Page 4
application which must be approved for the property to be used as for a club facility,
including a lighting plan, a landscaping plan including landscaping around the parking
lot, and building design elevations which show how the building design is appropriate
for the residential neighborhood, 6) only one access point being permitted to American
Legion Road, and only one access point being permitted to Taft Avenue, to be located as
far from the American Legion Road/Taft Avenue intersection as is practical, 7) the
continued preservation of the evergreen trees along the west and north property lines.
Chait seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 7-0.
ANN99-0002/RF799-0004. Public discussion of an application submitted by Bruce Glasgow for
an annexation of approximately 9.75 acres of property located on the east side of Scott
Boulevard at Washington Street, to rezone 14.91 acres from Medium Density Single-Family
Residential (RS-8), Low Density Multi-Family Residential (RM-12) and County Suburban
Residential (RS), to Planned Development Housing Overlay (OPDH-8; 8.36 acres), Low Density
Single-Family Residential (RS-5; 5.43 acres) and Low Density Multi-Family Residential (RM-12;
1.12 acres), a request for a preliminary plat of Scott Boulevard East, Part Three, a three-lot,
9.46 acre residential subdivision, and a preliminary OPDH plan to allow 72 dwelling units on an
8.16 acre parcel located at the northeast corner of Scott Boulevard and Washington Street
extended. (45-day limitation period expires March 28, 1999)
Chait said on Tuesday he received a call from the applicant, Larry Mazzotta, expressing
concern about the prospects for this project. He said Mazzotta thought he was doing everything
staff wanted, but the Commission was told at the informal meeting that staff was not completely
satisfied. Chait said he volunteered to sit in on a meeting with staff and Mazzotta, and the
meeting occurred earlier in the day.
Kugler said this is a complex application that includes an annexation of property, a rezoning of
property, the approval of a preliminary planned development plan, and a request for the
approval of a preliminary plat. He showed the property on the map and pointed out the existing
corporate limit line. He said the shaded property on the map to the east of the limit line is in the
annexation request, and in addition, as property is annexed into the City, zoning needs to be
established on that property. Kugler said there is a request to rezone a portion of the annexed
property to RS-5, single-family. He said there are a couple of small parcels to the south of
extended Washington Street which, due to the configuration of the street, are small remnant
leftover parcels. Kugler said the proposal includes a request to rezone those parcels RM-12 to
be consistent with the existing RS-12 zone immediately to the south and the west of those
parcels. Kugler said there is also a proposal for a planned development, a PDH-8 at eight units
per acre for a portion of the property that is proposed to be the site of a 72-unit senior housing
facility.
Regarding the annexation, Kugler said staff feels this request is consistent with the annexation
policies contained in the Comprehensive Plan. He said the property can be serviced by existing
infrastructure, such as sanitary sewer and water, and will not.have a significant impact on the
surrounding arterial street system in terms of traffic. Kugler stated that staff recommends
approval of the proposed annexation.
With regard to the rezoning plan, Kugler said staff has analyzed the request in terms of its
compliance with the Comprehensive Plan and the draft Northeast District Plan, which is
currently being considered by the City Council and includes this property. Staff also evaluated
its compatibility with the existing and potential development on surrounding properties. He said
Planning & Zoning Commission
March 18, 1999
Page 5
the Comprehensive Plan contains a number a general policies and a general land use plan to
help guide development throughout the City. Kugler said the Northeast District Plan takes a
more detailed look at this area of the City. He said the idea is that the district plans, as they are
developed, would replace the general land use plan contained in the Comprehensive Plan.
Since the Northeast District Plan has not yet been adopted, Kugler said staff has used both
plans to analyze this request. He said the general land use map contained in the
Comprehensive Plan suggests that the areas within the City that are included in this application
be developed for residential uses, with the areas south of Washington Street suggested for
residential development at 8-16 dwelling units per acre and north of Washington Street at two to
eight dwelling units per acre. Kugler said the proposed zoning plan complies with those
recommendations in that to the north the base zoning would be RS-8 and to the south RM-12.
He added that the development plan that has been submitted illustrates about 8.82 units per
acre. Kugler said the RS-8 zone actually allows up to ten units per acre based on the lot area
per dwelling specified in that zone.
Kugler said the Northeast District Plan focuses more on design and compatibility issues than
actual figures in terms of density. He said the Northeast District Plan illustrates a development
that is similar to the pattern being proposed here, with multi-family development overlooking
Scott Boulevard and single-family development farther to the east. Kugler said other policies in
the Northeast District Plan are aimed at creating a diversity of housing types within
neighborhoods and suggest that this can be done by locating multi-family development primarily
along arterial streets or at neighborhood centers and focal points and at the corner of arterial
and collector streets.
Kugler said both plans note that when multi-family development is to occur in close proximity to
single-family neighborhoods, the design and compatibility issues become very important. He
said another policy of both plans includes the idea of creating an interconnected street system
to help with the efficient delivery of services as well as for good pedestrian and vehicular
circulation. Kugler said the draft Northeast District Plan contains a potential street system for
this area and illustrates how an interconnected street system could be developed here. He said
it includes the connection of the existing Scott Park Drive with Hummingbird Lane, the extension
of Washington Street to connect with that street, and an extension to an undeveloped property
to the east as a way of providing access from that neighborhood to Scott Boulevard as well as
additional connections within the neighborhood. Kugler said because of the development that
has occurred along the east side of Scott Park Drive and Hummingbird Lane, there are very few
options as to where that road could go. He said one possibility is a direct extension of
Washington Street and another option would be to locate a street connection on a parcel farther
south that is within the annexation area. Kugler said since the property immediately east of the
end of Washington Street is not within the City and not part of this application, leaving some
uncertainty as to whether the City could get a roadway there, staff is suggesting that as a
condition attached to this rezoning, a 50 foot right-of-way be reserved on the annexation area to
extend out to the property to the east, in case the Washington Street extension cannot occur.
He said staff feels that the proposed rezoning is consistent with the concept and policies of the
Comprehensive Plan and Northeast District Plan, provided that the neighborhood compatibility
issues are addressed and the right-of-way issue is addressed.
Regarding the preliminary PDH plan, Kugler said the plan submitted for Lot 68 illustrates two
36-unit buildings overlooking Scott Boulevard with vehicular access to the site from Washington
Street. He said staff initially had concerns about the design of the site plan, due to the location
of garages in what appeared to be a fairly prominent location along Scott Boulevard and
Planning & Zoning Commission
March 18.1999
Page 6
Washington Street. Kugler said the applicant submitted a diagram showing that the garages
would not be highly visible because of the grading on the site. He said staff also had concerns
about the view of the site from Washington Street, whereupon the site plan was revised to
relocate the entry drive and provide some berming and landscaping, and staff feels that issue
has been adequately addressed and the changes will work well.
Kugler said a row of single-family lots is being proposed along the west side of Hummingbird
Lane, and that would provide some separation between the existing residences along
Hummingbird and the two larger buildings. However, he said the relationship between the two
large buildings and the development on the future lots still needs to be addressed. Kugler added
that because of the change in topography moving from east to west, the first floor elevations of
the large buildings will be about 14 to 15 feet lower than the first floor elevations of the
residences to be developed along Hummingbird, which will help to mitigate the difference in
height between the proposed three-story buildings and the single-family structures to the east.
Kugler said the proposed buildings are 225 feet long by 55 feet wide. He said they are set back
quite a distance from Scott Boulevard, but are highly visible from the residential development on
the residential lots being platted to the east. Given that there is such a large setback and the
buildings are screened fairly well from Washington Street, Kugler said staff does not have major
concerns about the building design, but would have liked to see more relief in the facades of the
buildings to break up their mass. He said staff has met with the applicant since the informal
meeting, and the applicant may be submitting some revised elevations for review at the next
meeting.
Kugler said screening is shown along the east side of the site between the parking for the two
larger buildings and the future single-family residential lots. He added that that is required by the
Code. Kugler said staff had previously indicated that the proposal was to locate that screening
in an easement on the adjacent lots. He said staff has changed its position and now feels that
would not be appropriate; staff feels the applicant should be providing the screening on-site.
Kugler said he has passed that information on to the applicant, and the change could be
accommodated by either shifting the access drive to provide room to plant the screening or by
relocating the lot line slightly to the east.
Kugler said the Fire Department has reviewed this site plan and has determined that the
proposed drive alignment and the turnarounds are adequate to meet its needs. In summary,
Kugler said staff feels that with an attractive and well-landscaped entry to the site along
Washington Street, the broad setback along Scott Boulevard, the change in elevations between
the proposed buildings and the existing and future residential lots to the east, and adequate
screening of the parking area, the proposed development can fit within this neighborhood. He
said staff recommends approval of the rezoning.
Regarding the preliminary plat, Kugler said it does not include all of the annexation area, but
includes Lot 68 and two RM-12 lots to the south of Washington Street. He said staff still has
some questions about the location of the sanitary sewer to serve this property, but it involves
basically a construction drawing issue that can be addressed when the final plat for this property
is applied for.
Kugler said the plat includes the extension of Washington Street just beyond the entry drive. He
said it would not extend all the way to Scott Park with this plat, but that would be the subject of a
future platting.
Planning & Zoning Commission
March 18, 1999
Page 7
In terms of neighborhood open space, Kugler said .3 acres would be required here, although
this appears to be a situation where fees, rather than the actual dedication of land, would be
more appropriate. He added that the Parks and Recreation Commission will look at this and will
have a recommendation for the City Council before it votes on this item.
Kugler said staff recommends approval of the voluntary annexation request, the rezoning
request and preliminary OPDH plan, subject to a Conditional Zoning Agreement requiring the
dedication of a 50-foot wide right-of-way within the proposed RS-5 zone east of Scott Park Drive
to provide access to the property to the east when the RS-5 property is proposed to be
developed, as well as approval of the proposed preliminary plat.
Gibson asked if staff were comfortable with only one access to the two buildings to be located
on Lot 68. Kugler responded that staff was satisfied with only one access for several reasons.
He stated that the secondary access guidelines are based on an acceptable level of traffic that
would be allowed on a single access. Kugler said that for a single-family development, the
number of dwelling units for one access would be limited to 72. He said that the traffic
generated by this development would be less than a typical single-family development and
would be well under the 500 trips per day used as a threshold. Kugler said another reason staff
is comfortable with the one access is that topographically there really is no good way to get a
roadway up to the north because of the 16-foot drop from the roadway to the grade of the drive.
He said staff also feels that the proposal provides a good access point for this development,
given that it has direct access to the arterial street system. Kugler said an access to the north
would route traffic through residential streets. Gibson said he believes there is about a ten foot
difference at the north end of the site from the driveway level out to the highest elevation
encountered before one gets to the street. Kugler replied that he would recheck the plans.
Gibson said he was not certain how important it would be to have a second access, but he
wanted to raise the issue in case anyone else was concerned about it. He said a grade of ten
feet over about 150 feet would not be intolerable. Kugler agreed that it would not be impossible,
but for other reasons regarding traffic, staff would not recommend a second access at that point.
Gibson said he would not necessarily argue with that.
Public discussion:
Larry Schnittjer. 1917 South Gilbert Street, said he represented MMS Consultants and would
answer any questions the Commission had about the site plan and discuss the newest
revisions. He said he has modified the parking spaces in the area near the screening and
narrowed the width of the traffic lane to 22 feet in order to get enough space to put the planrings
on the property.
Schnittjer said he met-with Jim Brachtel earlier in the day and discussed the sanitary sewer
issue with him. He said he felt that issue also was pretty well resolved.
Schnittjer agreed with Gibson that the height difference was only ten feet at the north end. He
said he had been considering the elevation differences between the houses on the east side of
Scott Park when he related the difference incorrectly. Schnittjer said he did not intend to
exaggerate the figure, but had a different figure in mind when discussing the topography there.
Bovbjerg asked what the feasibility would be topographically of having an emergency only
egress from the long driveway. Schnittjer said that at least a portion of this would have grades in
Planning & Zoning Commission
March 18, 1999
Page 8
excess of 10%. He said it would not be impossible, but he agreed with staff that he would not
want an alternative to be encouraged or allowed. Schnittjer said he spoke with Bruce Glasgow
earlier in the day, and Glasgow's preference would be to grade, as necessary, an access out to
Scott Boulevard at the north end. Schnittjer said that would take a lot of fill, but would keep this
development from imposing its traffic on adjacent neighbors.
Larry Ma;,:~otta, said he works for the developer for this project. He said he is aware of the
design issues on the building and has worked with the Planning staff over time on this. Mazzotta
showed a rendering of the design and added that the design has been changed twice since the
drawing was produced.
Mazzotta said he met with Chair earlier in the day and will be making a number of
recommended changes. He said he will be making drawings of the plan with the changes and
will submit it to staff early next week. Mazz. otta added that he expects to have another rendering
in time for the Commission's April 1 meeting. Mazzotta said the revisions include changes in the
roofiine, changes in the material being used, a reduction in the use of brick, the addition of the
gable on the garage and other changes of that nature, and changes in color.
Mazzotta said this development is governed by a land use restriction agreement required by the
State of Iowa and by the Internal Revenue Service, which restricts the use of this facility to
seniors only for 30 or 35 years. He said if at any time, the applicant attempts to rent these units
to persons who do not qualify under the definition of senior, there would be a four million dollar
penalty. Mazzotta said he is fairly certain this will never be anything other than senior housing
and in addition, this is designed for senior use and would not be compatible for family use.
Bovbjerg asked how this qualifies as a senior project according to the State and the IRS.
Mazzotta replied that when the applicant applied for tax credits to be used as part of the
financing for this project, the project was defined as senior housing and the project was
approved on the basis of it being senior housing. He said this is a document issued by the State
of Iowa's Finance Authority and is called a land use restriction agreement. Mazzotta said that
document is already filed and stipulates the use of the building and terms of tenancy, which
would include the restriction to rent to tenants at specific income levels. He said the document
also defines the length of time the project must be used in such a fashion. Mazzotta said the
applicant does not have an alternative to use the building in any other fashion, at least not for 35
years. Bovbjerg asked what the developer gets in return for the restrictions imposed on the
property. Mazzotta said the developers got federal housing tax credits. Chair asked if those tax
credits are tied to the level of the market and the fact that this housing is to be more affordable
senior housing. Mazzotta confirmed this. He said that a certain percentage of these units will be
limited to seniors earning no greater than 60% of the area median income and a certain
percentage of seniors earning no greater than 50% of the area median income. Mazzotta said
the developers are limited to that for the life of the land use restriction agreement. Holecek
asked Mazzotta if he were to forego the tax credits, could he opt out of the land use restriction.
Mazzotta said it could be done at a penalty of about four million dollars, which could never be
justified.
Gibson asked if the tax credits would reduce the taxes that would occur as a result of the
operation of this investment. Mazzotta said the tax credits are a benefit derived each year for
ten years on a tax credit project and allow the investors in a project, in exchange for their
providing cash equity to construct the project, to cash in the credits each year on their tax
returns. Gibson asked if that would be on their personal returns, and Mazzotta said this is
Planning & Zoning Commission
March 18, 1999
Page 9
almost always used by large corporations. Gibson said that would increase the return on
investment on the project. Mazzotta said it is a return unto itself. He said that the return overall
is basically the value of the tax credits.
Bovbjerg asked what specific area the median income figure referred to. Mazzotta said that the
Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development defines an area median income for all
counties in the United States. Shannon asked if this project would receive any property tax
relief, and Mazzotta responded that it would not.
Keith Carter, 3740 Hummingbird Lane, said he had concerns about the extension of
Washington Street to the east. He said he wanted to know if the Commission was comfortable
with the extension of Washington Street due to annexation, or if the Commission feels it should
be extended through the lot due east of the Washington Street extension, a lot that he owns.
Carter said he would like to see discussion about a possible reconfiguration of that to make use
of the lot to be annexed that is owned by the developer.
Carter asked if the possibility of routing Washington Street further to the south through the
annexed property is just talk. Supple said that was true at this point since Carter's land is in the
County. Ehrhardt asked Carter if staff had any discussions with him about this. Carter said they
had not. Kugler said staff did not have the need to consider that roadway yet. Chair said that the
City wants Washington Street to go east, and as part of the City addressing the concerns about
what happens to Washington Street and in making sure there is a connection, the City can
control what happens on the land to be annexed. He said that may or may not be preferable, but
the City can control that now. Chair said in the future, the ideal extension would be to extend
Washington through Carter's land, but that is not the issue at hand. He said that part of
approving the annexation would include putting a restriction on the land to guarantee at least a
50-foot strip to allow the street to go east. Chait said the City cannot control anything or require
anything on Carter's land at this point.
Miklo said the only circumstance in which the road would go through Carter's property would be
if he or a future property owner wanted to redevelop his property and subdivide it, at which point
staff would look at putting Washington Street there. He said the City cannot require Carter to
dedicate land for a street, and that is why staff is recommending that one be provided for on the
Glasgow property. Carter said if the City can reconfigure the extension now, it could eliminate
any need to go through his land. He said he did not want the street to go through his property,
but the way it is developed now, it seems like there is a preference for the street to go through
his land. Carter added that if that is the case, he would like some consideration given to
reconfiguring it now so it wouldn't need to go through there, versus letting it be built so that he
would have to deal with it in the future. He said that now seems like the time to at least bring this
up.
Ehrhardt asked Miklo if Carter came to the City after approval of this project and proposed the
development of his lot, would he be required to put that road in. Miklo said if the owner of the
property wanted to subdivide and brought his proposal to the City, staff would look at that as a
possible route for Washington Street, but staff is recommending a Conditional Zoning
Agreement requiring that a route be reserved on the Glasgow property. Kugler said that leaves
the option for the road to go there if it does not occur on the property to the north. He said that it
would be better to put the road to the north from a topographical standpoint, because there is a
steeper hill on the Glasgow property, but from a neighborhood development standpoint it would
not matter. Kugler said in some respects the south route might be better, because it could
Planning & Zoning Commission
March 18, 1999
Page 10
provide an offset for the collector street as a traffic calming measure, rather than having a
straight shot through the neighborhood. Ehrhardt asked if, knowing that the property owner does
not want the street through his property, staff would reconfigure the portion of the street that is
being constructed. Kugler said that it would be difficult topographically, and it does not need to
be a direct, through route; there can be an offset at that location,
George Ansley. 86 Oberlin Street, said he represented the Oberlin Estates Homeowners
Association. He said when they bought their property, they were promised that the green belt
across the street would stay there, and now that is about to evaporate. Ansley said that 72
dwelling units on eight acres is a pretty congested area.
He said he and his neighbors were also concerned about what will happen to the price of their
properties when this project is built. Ehrhardt asked Ansley who promised he and his neighbors
the area would remain a green belt. Ansley said he was told that the City owned that property,
and it would remain an open space. Supple asked if the City ever owned that property. Kugler
said it did not that he was aware of, although the City has an easement for the storm water
management basin on Lot 68, which would remain as it is.
Bob Crider. 80 Obedin Street, said he also belongs to the Oberlin Estates Homeowners
Association, and his property looks directly east to the area proposed for the multi-family
housing. He said this particular proposed housing really does not appeal to him. Crider said he
is 76 years old, and someone his age should have a one-floor dwelling rather than three floors
to negotiate.
Crider said he wonders what this will look like and how high it will appear. He said staff
discussed the elevation from Hummingbird Lane, but did not discuss the elevation from where
his development as much. Crider said especially for someone coming from the north on Scott
Boulevard, the view will be of everything that is there. Crider said nothing was said about the
type of construction for this building or how much per unit the cost is proposed. He said he
would like to get that information. Crider said there are no elevators proposed for these
buildings, which amounts to extra work for elderly people.
Regarding the water retention area, Crider said that according to City plans, the water retention
area in front of the apartment buildings will have to remain as it is for flood purposes. He said
that if that is built up like that, there could certainly be some kind of park-like area in the area
between the apartment buildings and Scott Boulevard.
Public discussion closed.
MOTION: Bovbjerg moved to defer ANN99-0002/REZ99-0004, an application submitted by
Bruce Glasgow for an annexation of approximately 9.75 acres of property located on the
east side of Scott Boulevard at Washington Street, to rezone 14.91 acres from Medium
Density Single-Family Residential (RS-8), Low Density Multi-Family Residential (RM-12)
and County Suburban Residential (RS), to Planned Development Housing Overlay
(OPDH-8; 8.36 acres), Low Density Single-Family Residential (RS-5; 5.43 acres) and Low
Density Multi-Family Residential (RM-12; 1.12 acres), a request for a preliminary plat of
Scott Boulevard East, Part Three, a three-lot, 9.46 acre residential subdivision, and a
preliminary OPDH plan to allow 72 dwelling units on an 8.16 acre parcel located at the
northeast corner of Scott Boulevard and Washington Street extended, to the April 1, 1999
meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Schintler seconded the motion.
Planning & Zoning Commission
March 18, 1999
Page 11
Bovbjerg said she had some concerns about the application, some of which are the same as
when this design was proposed for Taft Speedway. She said Carter is concerned about the
extension of Washington Street and said she did not know whether, topographically, the
proposed swing north has to be done. Bovbjerg said that Washington is offset and now is at
right angles to Scott, and she did not know topographically whether Washington could stop
there and be brought down south to go through those properties currently called RM-12. She
said she sees no compelling reason for Washington to go across Scott as it is because Iooping
Scott up and around like that certainly does set a precedent for going right across Carter's
property. Bovbjerg said it is a real concern that the City may start locking in things under the
guise of looking forward, because this is definitely encroaching on that piece of property.
Bovbjerg said there is also a danger in the design and added that the Commission is allowed
look at design review in the case of an OPDH. She said the elevation facing Scott Boulevard is
unameliorated and looms over Scott Boulevard and a basin. Bovbjerg said with regard to
articulation of the buildings, there are some real problems with having them fit into the
neighborhood, which is what they must do. She said there is also a concern that suggestions for
design changes not be looked upon as assurances that those design changes in any way will be
automatically approved. Bovbjerg said if there are suggestions, they are suggestions to be
discussed and worked on and not to be seen as absolutes. She said she sees this project as
needing a great deal of discussion, and she would not be against deferring it for more than one
meeting if the next meeting does not have a project that is good for the City and for this
neighborhood.
Ehrhardt seconded Bovbjerg's comments. She added that the emphasis should not necessarily
be in redesigning the front and said that the back looks very plain compared to the front, and
she encouraged the use of more articulation on the backs of the buildings.
Schintler said there is some elderly housing on Court Street built by Clark in such a way and
with such materials that they look the same today as when they were built and will continue to
do so. She said that is what one should look for when building a project.
Chait said when he spoke to Mazzotta he tried to be clear that there were two different sets of
concerns raised at the informal meeting - the design concerns of the site that the Commission
had as well as the neighbors' concerns. Chait said his efforts in clarifying communication
between staff and Mazzotta were focused only on the design concerns. In response to
Bovbjerg's comments, Chait said it is very important to state exactly what the concerns are that
need to be addressed. He agreed that talking about concerns does not guarantee that the
Commission will like the developer's answer, but the Commission has a responsibility to the
applicant to lay out what the concerns are and make sure the applicant understands the
concerns so he can make his best effort to address those concerns.
Supple said she would love to make herself clear to the developer but cannot, because her
concern is about the correlation between mass and space, and she cannot define what she likes
and what she does not like. Supple stated that there needs to be some attention to these
buildings, because they are massive and sit up high from Scott Boulevard. She agreed with
Ehrhardt that what is the back of the building is as impodant as the front of the building,
because it is the back of the building that faces Scott Boulevard.
Planning & Zoning Commission
March 18, 1999
Page 12
The motion to defer carried on a vote of 7-0.
RF7ONING ITFMS:
C79910. Public discussion of an application submitted by the Johnson County Agricultural
Associat'ion to fezone 49.4 acres from Suburban Residential (RS), Resort (A2) and Highway
Commercial (CH) to Highway CommerciaI-Fairgrounds (CH-F) for property located in Fringe
Area C at 4265 Oakcrest Hill Road S.E.
Kugler said this application was submitted by the Johnson County Agricultural Association. He
said the County recently amended its zoning ordinance to create a zone for fairgrounds, with the
intent of zoning the fairgrounds to that zone. Kugler said this is the resulting proposal, and staff
can see no adverse impact on any City plans, and in fact, the South Central District Plan
encourages the continuation of that use in that location, and staff recommends approval.
Public discussion.
There was none.
Public discussion closed.
MOTION: Ehrhardt moved to recommend that the City Council forward a letter to the
Board of Supervisors recommending approval of C79910, an application submitted by
the Johnson County Agricultural Association to rezone 49.4 acres from Suburban
Residential (RS), Resort (A2) and Highway Commercial (CH) to Highway Commercial-
Fairgrounds (CH-F) for property Io.cated in Fringe Area C at 4265 Oakcrest Hill Road S.E.
Gibson seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 7-0.
C79907. Public discussion of an application submitted by David Yansky to rezone 10.00 acres
from Rural (A1) to Suburban Residential (RS-10) for property located in Fringe Area C on the
west side of Landon Avenue, 0.4 miles north of its intersection with Highway 1 West.
Yapp said this application is for a rezoning from Rural (A1) to RS-10, one unit per ten acres, and
is consistent with the Fringe Area Agreement between Johnson County and Iowa City. He said
the property already has a driveway, wellhouse, and a number of other structures that make it
suitable for residential development.
Yapp said the new County land use plan adopted in December of 1998 discourages rezonings
from rural to residential for prime farm land. He stated that in this case, no farm land will be
taken out of production, and staff recommends approval.
Bovbjerg said this was essentially putting a new house where an old house used to be. Yapp
confirmed this, saying that it has to go through a rezoning because it is currently zoned rural.
Public discussion:
Tom Anthony, said he works for Landmark Surveying and was available to answer any
questions.
David Yansky. 4177 Dane Rd SF, said he was also available to answer any questions.
Planning & Zoning Commission
March 18, 1999
Page 13
Public discussion closed.
MOTION: Bovbjerg moved to recommend that the City Council forward a letter to the
Board of Supervisors recommending approval of C79907, an application submitted by
David Yansky to rezone 10.00 acres from Rural (A1) to Suburban Residential (RS-10) for
property located in Fringe Area C on the west side of Landon Avenue, 0.4 miles north of
its intersection with Highway I West. Shannon seconded the motion. The motion carried
on a vote of 7-0.
C79908. Public discussion of an application submitted by Steve Schmidt to rezone 22.69 acres
from Suburban Residential (RS-10) to Suburban Residential (RS-5) for property located in
Fringe Area C at the northwest quadrant of the intersection of Highway 1 West and Landon
Avenue S.W.
Yapp said this is a rezoning from RS-10, one unit per ten acres, to RS-5, a net of one unit per
five acres. He said the applicant is proposing to cluster the houses as is provided for in the
Fringe Area Agreement, which says that property owners are permitted to cluster to one-acre
lots provided a minimum of 80% of the property is set aside as open space. Yapp said the
applicant is proposing that about 85% of the 22.7 acre property be set aside as open space and
is proposing to cluster three lots with an access off of Landon Avenue. He said staff
recommends approval of this rezoning.
Gibson asked what the probable future arrangement of this development would be. Yapp said
there would be three lots clustered off of Landon Avenue and the rest of the lot would remain as
open space. He said theoretically, one more lot could be permitted because only 80% of the
land must be set aside. Yapp said the applicant has not proposed that because of topographical
constraints and also because staff has recommended there be only one access Highway 1. He
said staff would recommend against anything that required another access.
Bovbjerg asked how clustered the fourth lot would have to be, what the proximity would have to
be. Yapp said the Fringe Area Agreement does not contain a definition of clustering, but under a
common definition, the lots would have to be in close proximity. He said the Fringe Area
Agreement language says that a minimum of 80% of the land must be set aside and the lots will
be of one acre each, but there is no language in the Fringe Area Agreement that says the lots
must be next to each other.
Public discussion:
Tom Anthony, said that the Planning and Zoning Commission has made it clear to him through
the processes of the applications he has had before it that the Commission does not want any
more accesses onto Highway 1. Anthony said that what is left is what he has proposed in this
configuration. He said the plan is a result of mathematical divisions of the land. Anthony said
that the owners by contract had to divide their land in half when they divided it and are also
stuck with having to meet mathematical RS-10 computations in the division of the land.
Anthony said there is a good area on the east for the three home sites if the clustering is done,
and Schmidt has resigned himself to the fact that the parcel left over on the west side will just be
left over as open space. Anthony added that the County would be extremely reluctant to
subdivide open space land that has already been dedicated as such.
Planning & Zoning Commission
March 18, 1999
Page 14
Public discussion closed.
MOTION: Chait moved to recommend that the City Council forward a letter to the Board
of Supervisors recommending approval of C79908, an application submitted by Steve
Schmidt to rezone 22.69 acres from Suburban Residential (RS-10) to Suburban
Residential (RS-5) for property located in Fringe Area C at the northwest quadrant of the
intersection of Highway I West and Landon Avenue S.W. Shannon seconded the motion.
The motion carried on a vote of 7-0.
CODE AMFNDMENT ITEM:
Public discussion of proposed amendments to Section 14-5H, Site Plan Review, and 14-6S,
Performance Standards, regarding lighting standards.
Yapp said after the discussion about cutoff shields, he worked with the language to clarify what
the shield is meant to do, with the new paragraph reading, "Lights shall have shielded light
fixtures and be equipped with cutoff shields so that no direct light falls beyond the property line,
and no light shines above a horizontal plane through the lowest part of the luminaire." He said
language is taken from the lighting ordinance in Tucson, Arizona. Yapp said staff recommends
approval of the lighting standards as outlined in staffs November 25~ memo relating to
shielding, illumination not exceeding one foot-candle at the property boundaries, the height of
the light poles being no higher than 25 feet in residential zones or within 300 feet of a residential
zone and 35 feet elsewhere, and also requiring a lighting and photometrics plan with larger site
plans with parking lots of 18 or more spaces.
Yapp said staff also proposed possibilities for regulations on the illumination levels within
properties and underneath canopies but is not recommending that those be adopted at this
time, due to concerns with enforcement and also a belief that the shielding and pole height
requirements will solve many of these concerns. He said those additional standards are an
option should the Commission choose to recommend them.
Ehrhardt asked Yapp if in his judgment the need for the additional standard for under canopies
is not necessary. Yapp replied that from spending a number of nights looking at canopies and
other lights, he believes most of the issue is how well the lights are shielded and whether the
luminaire itself is visible or not. He said the DeliMart on Mormon Trek Boulevard has been
talked about as an example of an obnoxious use. Yapp said the bulbs in that canopy are
exposed, and the highway sits below that canopy. He said if those lights were recessed into the
canopy with an opaque lens cover, he believes those lights would not be nearly as obnoxious.
Yapp said the new standards would require that those lights be shielded in some fashion.
Public discussion:
There was none.
Public discussion closed.
MOTION: Chait moved to recommend approval of proposed amendments to Section 14-
5H, Site Plan Review, and 14-6S, Performance Standards, regarding lighting standards,
as recommended by staff. Shannon seconded the motion.
Planning & Zoning Commission
March 18, 1999
Page 15
Bovbjerg thanked staff for their research and their perseverance in taking the Commission
through this. Supple asked if the ordinance would also contain the pictures staff had produced.
Yapp said he did not intend to put the pictures into the ordinance, but planned on using them in
a brochure he will be developing for the building department to hand out.
The motion carried on a vote of 7-0.
CONSIDERATION OF THE MARCH 4. 1999 PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
MINUTFS:
MOTION: Bovbjerg moved to approve the March 4, 1999 minutes of the Planning and
Zoning Commission as amended at the informal meeting. Ehrhardt seconded the motion.
The motion carried on a vote of 6-0-1. with Gibson abstaining due to absence.
PLANNING AND 7ONING COMMISSION INFORMATION:
Miklo said the City Council will be discussing the Northeast District Plan on March 29 at an
informal meeting beginning at 4:30, and Commission members are encouraged to attend,
although attendance is not mandatory. He added that the public hearing will be held on
Tuesday, March 30 at 7:00 p.m.
Miklo stated that Commission members received a letter in their packets that was addressed to
the City Council regarding sign ordinances. He said the City Council will be considering whether
to put that on the pending list and where to put it. Miklo said if Commission members wanted to
comment on that possibility, they should inform staff.
Regarding his meeting with Mazzotta, Chait said he was very clear that he represents 1/7 of the
Commission. He said Mazzotta felt he was doing everything staff wanted and then did not
understand why he was getting feedback from the informal meeting that he had not. Chait said
he volunteered for a mediating role with Mazzotta to help that process work itself out.
Chait said as an architect, he may be better able to understand what the Commission and staff
are trying to explain to this developer and as a builder, may be able to understand Mazzotta's
concerns. Chait said he felt this was a fairly effective process, but he does not want anyone else
on the Commission to have the perception that he knows more or does more. He said if other
Commissioners do not understand or have a problem with that, he would like to receive
feedback. Chait said he was careful to work with staff and Karin Franklin to make sure he did
not violate any ethics or standards, but he feels a strong responsibility to other Commission
members not to usurp anyone's equal rights.
Chait said he personally is very committed to the vision of the type of work that staff is trying to
promote in this City, which is not just simply neo-traditional design, but also includes community
building, diversity of housing types, streetscapes, neighborhoods, etc. He said he intends to
take a more active role in promoting that through conversations with City Councilors or others.
Chait said he would like to challenge the Commission members to take a more active role in
supporting staff, if they agree with staff, or to give staff feedback as to the direction they feel the
City should grow.
Chait said the projects that staff brings back from seminars and conventions are the basis for
Planning & Zoning Commission
March 18, 1999
Page 16
community building. He said he would like to see the Planning and Zoning Commission raise
the standard of this community. Chair said he thought the Commission could make a difference
and enroll the City Council as well. He said it is time to set a context for the future that we want
to see this town become. He said he would like to see the Commission take that role in some
way, even though not everyone will have the same opinion, and to have a shared vision and a
fused horizon of what the Commission wants to see and to make a bigger commitment to
promote that. Chait said he sees this as not just supporting staff, but speaking to the City
Council as well.
Bovbjerg said that one thing the Commission can do and should do and does to some extent is
to look at every project very carefully and in terms of a neighborhood and what is good for the
City and what will be there 20 years from now. She said that should remain uppermost in the
Commission's mind. Bovbjerg said that meeting with developers on projects is a ticklish
situation that is difficult, but it can be helpful to the Commission as well as the developer and
can facilitate the process. Bovbjerg said she thinks such a meeting is valuable as long it is done
in a correct, legal fashion. She said she thinks it can be a good thing and was glad Chair met
with the developer.
Shannon said the Glasgow project is apparently from the same people who were planning to
build on the Taft Speedway corner. He said he was the only one who voted for that project.
Shannon said that, right or wrong, he was not too concerned with the flood issue or the illegal fill
issue, which he said he probably should have been, but he was looking at the building and the
need in the community for that. He said he recalled that the entire Commission told the
developer that they liked the project, the buildings, and the financing, but just not in that
location. Shannon said now that the project is back, he feels the developer has done that, has
found someplace else, and Shannon said he would like to see the Commission give this project
a fair shot. He said if something is wrong with this, the Commission should go after it, but he
hopes the Commission doesn't pick this to pieces and get too caught up with brick levels and
things like that. Shannon said he thought the Commission should have told the developer
previously that this building is too high, too long, and too big. Several Commissioners recalled
that Commission members did have concerns about the building, but said that because of the
flood plain, they were not even going to get into those design issues.
ADJOURNMFNT:
The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
Dean Shannon, Secretary
Minutes submitted by Anne Schulte
ppdadmin\min\p&z3-18. doc
i'OM/A CITY PLANNIN6 c$ ZONtrN6 COA4A41'SSZON A4EETi'N6
THURSDA Y, A4ARCH 18, 1999 - 7'30 P. A4.
Civic Center Council Chambers
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