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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-10-19 Bd Comm minutesANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES - AUGUST 26, 1999 MINUTES 10-19-99 OCT3_ 1999 ATTENDING: Ursula Delworth, Shawn Lockhart, Diana Lundell, Marty Shafer (Chair) ABSENT: - STAFF: Susan Cote, Misha Goodman-Herbst, Terry Koehn VISITOR: Jonelle Hankner, DVM Minutes of the June 24, 1999 meeting were approved as corrected (spelling of names). OLD BUSINESS 1. SHELTER STATISTICS. These are not yet available. New computer software is needed. 2. OFF-SITE ADOPTIONS. A project, "Second Saturday", is now in operation at Eastdale Plaza. It is held on the second Saturday of each month, 11:00am-1:00pm. Four cats and one dog, plus much informational material and door prizes, were available. It is located next to the motor vehicle office, and response for the first event (August) was good. The site is operated by 12 volunteers (serving in shifts) recruited by Delworth and trained by Goodman-Herbst. 3. CONTRACT FOR VET SERVICES. After much discussion, it was agreed that Goodman-Herbst would send a letter to all Johnson County vets to gauge interest, and report back at the October meeting. 4. GOALS FOR 2000. Goodman-Herbst presented these in writing. Lundell moved and Lockhart seconded to approve. Passed unanimously. 5. UPDATE ON ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS. Goodman-Herbst reported on two recent Iowa City Council actions. Animals picked up with no means of identification will be microchipped. An invisible fence will not be considered proper containment of animals and they may be impounded. NEW BUSINESS 1. APPOINTMENT OF NEW BOARD MEMBER. Delworth moved and Lundell seconded to appoint Jonelle Hankner, DVM, as Member-at-Large of the Board. Passed unanimously. Goodman-Herbst will notify the City of Iowa City. Her three year term will expire in August, 20002. 2. COMPUTER SOFTWARE. Goodman-Herbst explained the necessity of purchasing appropriate software for shelter statistics. There was strong Board support. The Board decided to send a letter to Iowa City Manager Atkins. Delworth will draft a letter and forward to Shafer. 3.CORALVILLE REPORT. All is progressing well. Goodman-Herbst expressed appreciation for Cote's skill and cooperation with Shelter staff. 4.CITIZEN COMMENTS. None Next Meeting: Thursday, October 21, 1999 6:30pm - Transit Building AGENDA OLD BUSINESS 1. Update on computer software and shelter statistics. 2. Contract for vet services. 3.Update on other 2000 plans. NEW BUSINESS 1. Planned transition of Board members. 2. Report on Special Accounts (requested six-month update). 3. Coralville report 4. Citizen comments. MINUTES IOWA CITY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION THURSDAY, AUGUST 12, 1999, 5:30 PM CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS PRELIMINA MEMBERS PRESENT: Lars Anderson, Linda Shope, Frank Gersh, Richard Carlson, Doris Malkmus, Pamela Michaud MEMBERS ABSENT: Michaelanne Widness, Mike Gunn, Marc Mills, Sue Licht STAFF PRESENT: Scott Kugler, David Schoon OTHERS PRESENT: Beth Rapson, Ruedi Kuenzli, Cecile Kuenzli CALLTO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ITEMS NOT ON AGENDA None CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS REVIEW: 810 Johnson Street Kugler noted that the kitchen is being remodeled on a non-street side of the house, which is pad of an addition to the house. The windows on the addition did not match the original windows of the home. They are being replaced with windows to match the rest of the house. A door is being added to the home and a new set of windows is being added as well. Beth Rapson, Griffin Construction, indicated that she was available for questions. She clarified the location of the changes on the property. Motion: Michaud moved that the project be accepted as presented. Gersch seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 6-0. DISCUSSION OF PROCEDURES/ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS Kugler summarized the written responses to a questionnaire recently mailed out by the Commission. It was explained that yes meant that the individual is in favor of granting appeal rights to others beside an applicant, and no would mean they are not in favor of this change. Kugler noted that there was essentially an even split on this issue among those who responded. Individuals were also invited to attend the meeting to express their opinions. Kugler handed out responses that he had received on this issue. Gersh noted that as a resident of a historic district he submitted a letter in favor of the appeal rights being granted which was not included in the hand outs. Kugler said he would check his files for the letter. Shope said she received two calls regarding the appeal issue, both not favor of expanding it to adjacent property owners. They both cited the possibility for delays as a reason for their opinion. Gersh said he talked to two individuals who were leaning toward favoring the expansion of the appeals issue. Anderson asked Kugler to remind the Commission what they intended to do with this information. Kugler said that at the last meeting the Commission discussed the idea of soliciting Historic Preservation Commission August 12, 1999 Page 2 input from the public before deciding whether or not to propose an amendment to the appeals provisions of the ordinance. The thought was that at this meeting the Commission would decide either to drop the issue altogether or set a public hearing to initiate this and other ordinance amendments. Anderson opened public discussion of this issue. Cecile Kuenzli, 705 S. Summit Street, said that one reason for the low response rate and turnout on this issue is the time of year. She said many families are now on vacation with the start of the new school year just a week and a half away. She said she suspects that there is more support for this amendment by historic district property owners than the Commission might expect. She said she hopes that the Commission doesn't read this as a lack of interest on the part of property owners. Anderson noted that there were only six of the ten Commission members in attendance. He suggested that a decision regarding this item be deferred until the September meeting when more Commission members were present. The Commission discussed the need for a public hearing and whether it should be scheduled for September or October. Anderson noted that there are a number of ordinance amendments that will be proposed. Most of these would be minor in nature, related to the changes to the Commission's meeting procedures that have been discussed in the past. The appeals issue was one that the Commission felt could have a significant impact on individual property owners in the future, and it was felt that it would be best to hold a public hearing on this issue if it is going to be proposed by the Commission. Malkmus noted that the Commission has discussed limiting the appeal rights, if proposed, to adjacent property owners, rather than anyone in the district, and asked for more input from the public on this issue. Cecile Kuenzli said she thought it should be as broad as possible, because a change to one property can affect the whole district. Malkmus noted that many Commission members are concerned that this would open the door to nuisance appeals that can cause significant delays, and that this is perhaps more of a possibility than the Commission making a really substantial error. Kuenzli said she cannot imagine nuisance appeals being a problem. She said with amended guidelines it should be more clear what is and isn't allowable. But most people really would rather not waste the time to come to the meetings and submit an appeal unless it is a major issue. Anderson noted that another reason not to grant the appeal rights is that in some ways it is pointless. The standard for overturning an appeal as outlined by the City Attorney last summer is such that a successful appeal is very unlikely, unless the Commission clearly is being arbitrary in its decision making. Some commission members have noted that the extra complexity in the ordinance and notification and review processes is not worth the benefit being created. We would be creating a procedure that would seem to be attractive to a neighboring property owner, but that had no real teeth on it. Cecile Kuenzli noted that, as explained in her letter, due to the pressures that can be placed on the Commission with the threats of lawsuits and such that decision making may not always follow the procedures and guidelines established. The appeals process would provide a system of checks and balances of sorts, which would allow decisions to be questioned in these cases. Ruedi Kuenzli, 705 S. Summit Street, spoke in favor of the amendment. He said that it is likely that the provision may never be used, but he feels it should be there in the event that an issue similar to the 621 S. Summit Street situation last summer again arises. He said if you just think about the question at hand without relating it to an actual situation, it does not make sense. But Historic Prese~ation Commission August12,1999 Page 3 when you consider a situation like the one last summer, it makes tremendous sense. He stated that there was so much pressure and so many threats being applied to the Commission from the applicant, the City's legal department, and the neighborhood that it was difficult to make the correct decision based on the standards in place. The neighborhood residents did not feel that under those circumstances the Commission followed its procedures and guidelines properly and would have liked the opportunity to question this decision before Council. He said he did not think that this provision would lead to many nuisance appeals. The existing appeals provision was used only once since the Commission has been in existence. He encouraged the Commission to adopt changes to the ordinance incorporating an appeal process for the neighboring property owners. Malkmus noted that what we would be doing was creating a provision for that small percentage of cases, but could open up problems for many others and create perhaps a bigger problem by doing so. Ruedi Kuenzli stated that he feels that the same right that is given to the applicant should be given to the neighbors, and that he doesn't feel that it will be used any more often. For the most part, applicants have left meetings very happy with the review process, even when changes have been required. He said he thinks that this provision would only be used in extreme cases, as is the applicant appeal. He said the potential for appeals is greater from applicants, and it simply hasn't happened a great deal. Shope suggested that the Commission wait until the September meeting to discuss this issue with the whole Commission. The Commission agreed. DISCUSSION OF DOWNTOWN SURVEY Kugler noted that Svendsen Tyler has been hired to complete the survey for the downtown and the Phase III project. Kugler noted that Commission members raised some concerns regarding the proposed Central Business District Urban Revitalization Plan. He said he asked David Schoon, the City's Economic Development Planner, to attend to explain the plan and answer questions. David Schoon explained that the request to designate the central business district as an urban revitalization district came from Mark Moen who owns the former Whiteway Building. The purpose of the request is to receive property tax exemption on the project. Iowa Code does not allow for tax exemption of a single property. City staff believes that it would be appropriate to offer the opportunity to others in the area to re-invest in the downtown since it is going through a transitional period. Schoon went on to explain that in the plan there is a clause which does not allow for property tax exemption if demolition occurred of a historic structure. The plan provides that those properties considered historic structures, which were rehabilitated, would be eligible for property exemption. There was discussion regarding the designation of buildings as historic structures in the downtown area. Kugler pointed out that there are many buildings downtown that are eligible for designation, but that may never be designated. Anderson suggested a process similar to the Federal Section 106 Program, which basically says that the government will not subsidize work that will negatively impact historic properties. The Commission could look at a property and determine whether it is eligible for designation, and that would be the determining factor. The Commission concurred, and directed Kugler to draft a memo recommending this to Council. Historic Preservation Commission August 12, 1999 Page 4 DISCUSSION OF HISTORIC DISTRICT GUIDELINES Malkmus reported that she hosted a meeting with residents of the Moffitt Cottage District. There is interest on the part of the property owners to maintain the district as it stands. There was discussion of proposed guidelines specific to that district, with a few suggestions for minor changes made. Malkmus said she feels that these guidelines are ready to go. The other issue raised is that there is currently no control over people painting the stone on their homes. The commission discussed this, but concluded that there is no way to regulate the painting of a structure with existing ordinances. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES FROM THE JULY 8 and AUGUST 2, 1999 MEETINGS July 8, 1999 - There was a change to the last line of Page 4 to add the word "would". Page 5- below middle of paragraph: "Many of the items for the report will not change". It was recommended to indicate that this was from the 1998 report. August 2. 1999- On Page 2- second last paragraph: Curves in the "cable" will be changed to "gable". In the paragraph above the first full paragraph was not clear. It was recommended to say "on the porch pediment" instead of "up here". On the amendment it should be stated to say "amended the application to exclude horizontal members between the spindles." Motion: Malkmus moved to approve the minutes for July 8 and August 2, 1999. Gersh seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 6-0. COMMISSION INFORMATION/DISCUSSION Commission Time Kugler reported a grant opportunity that might be appropriate for the Montgomery-Butler house. Malkmus said she would approach the Iowa Historic Preservation Alliance about assistance in writing an application. Main Street Workshop Shope reported that she attended a workshop in Oskaloosa where they toured the downtown and discussed the Main Street program. She shared information from the tour with the commission. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 6:55 P.M. Submitted by Le Ann Dunne-Tyson. ppdadmin\mins\hpcS-12.doc MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 8, 1999 MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT: STAFF PRESENT: GUESTS: Toni Cilek, Barbara Endel, Craig Gustaveson, Bruce Maurer, Matt Pacha, Rex Pruess, Kathy Wallace, Ross Wilburn A1 Stroh Chris Beemer, Mike Moran, Terry Robinson, Terry Trueblood, John Yapp Tom Blondin, Steve Fortmann, Adam Lowenstein, James Moxley, Kathryn Ratlift FORMAL ACTION TAKEN Moved by Pruess, seconded by Endel, to approve the August 11, 1999 minutes as written. Unanimous. Moved by Wilburn, seconded by Pruess, to recommend Option 1 for the Longfellow-Twain Pedestrian Tunnel. Unanimous. "SKATE PARK" Trueblood noted the temporary skate park components have been constructed and located in the Mercer Park parking lot for approximately three weeks. Staff has received both positive and negative reaction. Concems are loud music, foul language, and safety. Trueblood indicated he has discussed this matter with the Iowa City Police Chief and Sergeant Campbell and requested copies of any reports they have received with respect to the skate park. Police have been spending time making appearances and visiting with participants. Trueblood noted some of the problems are not being caused by participants, but by other people "hanging out". The skate park has been receiving heavy use, up to 50 people at one time. Trueblood referred to the letter received from Steve and Julie Fortmann expressing their concerns over the current location and the need for supervision. Steve Fortmann asked Trueblood what he had observed during his visits to the skate park. Trueblood noted he observed the skate park on four occasions. On August 19 between 8:40 and 9 p.m. he observed 18 young people utilizing the facility, with things going smoothly. There was a little foul language, no music, with his main concem being the 2 to 3 young children approximately 7 or 8 years of age with no apparent supervision. The following Saturday and Sunday between 3 and 3:15 p.m. he observed approximately 35 individuals. Again, there was no music or foul language, but there were young children unsupervised. During the weekday afternoon the most disappointing thing he observed was kids sitting on top of the ramps smoking. Wilburn indicated he had observed the skate park 6 to 7 times between 4 and 7:30 p.m., up to 50 people utilizing the facility. Only one time did he hear some foul language, but noted it was no fouler than what he has heard at the adult softball games. He noted the only time when it seemed to be out of hand or chaotic was when there were 45 to 50 individuals, with a mixture of bicyclists, boarders and bladers trying to use the facility. Fortmann indicated there is more of a problem during the later hours when there are older kids. Wilburn stated he was supportive of the skate park concept and would like to find a place close to Parks and Recreation Commission September 8, 1999 Page 2 of 5 downtown. He noted he also liked Terrell Mill Park, but the final decision rests with the City Council. Wilburn stated during this year's annual park tour a couple council members indicated they did not favor a skate park in Terrell Mill Park because it is a gateway to Iowa City. Wilbum felt not only was it the commission's responsibility to find ways to make the skate park as safe as possible, but it needed to reach out to parents to help monitor it and promote safety. Trueblood reported the Police have observed a trend toward more parents being there during certain times. With respect to a public phone, Wilburu indicated there is one between softball field #4 and the parking lot. Fortmann indicated it was not close to the park, with Pacha indicating it was probably 50 feet away. Fortmann noted the new soccer facility south of town as a possible site. Trueblood indicated this site had been mentioned in discussions, with one of the problems being its remote location. Pacha echoed Wilbum's sentiments that a downtown location would be great, but noted the lack of available space. He indicated he also leaned towards Terrell Mill Park, with its trail access and close proximity to student population. Gustaveson stated the main thing is it has to be readily accessible to junior high and high school students where they can bike or bus to. He noted he is on the Board of Babe Ruth and runs the concessions from the first of May to the middle of July until 10:30-11 p.m. He has had several problems with kids hanging around, riding their bikes and tearing up the diamonds, and being disrespectful of people. He has recognized a lot of these same kids riding their bikes on the ramp, many who are youth from the surrounding neighborhood, with his observation that these youth are causing many of the problems on a nightly basis. Pacha asked where the City Council stood on this issue and why there is only a temporary skate park. Trueblood indicated funding has been appropriated to build a skate park. There have been public meetings to discuss what people want and where. Out of these meetings a planning committee was developed and met twice. It was determined by this group that there needed to be more planning before building a permanent facility, and they decided to build a temporary skate park for this season and possibly next. In the meantime the City has applied for a grant to help design the facility, and staff expects to hear back soon. Plans are to go through additional planning meetings over the winter to develop a plan for a permanent facility, put it out for bids, with construction to begin as soon as possible in the spring. There will be 3 to 4 public meetings and people are welcome to attend. Wilbum felt there were two issues - one, that the permanent facility needs to be accessible and as safe as possible, and two, the behavior of the participants. He stated this is a cause where the community needs to support law enforcement or let groups who work with teenagers in an outreach capacity working with the kids and parents to get modification of behavior. Wallace asked if there were rules posted at the site; Trueblood indicated there are plans to do so. Chris Beemer indicated he had worked 1.5 years in the Phoenix area, and is familiar with the Scottsdale $7 million skate park in a two-mile long old canal. When it opened in 1991 they had the same kind of problems Iowa City is now experiencing. They do not have signs, they have no problems, and the park runs itself. He stated the youth police themselves, with the older ones taking care of the younger ones. He stated Mercer is a new facility, something the youth have never had before, and it will take a while for them to learn the ropes. He felt assured that all the problems occurring now would not be happening next summer. He stated he has talked with the participants and they know they need to take care and watch each other or it will be gone. Beemer noted things have gotten better in the last two weeks. Trueblood noted most of the places he has researched do not supervise skate park facilities. He stated it is something that has to be considered, along with usage by bicycles. Staff wants to respond to the concerns while not overreacting. Beemer indicated he did not see any better place than Mercer for the skate park, with the Mercer Park Aquatic Parks and Recreation Commission September 8, 1999 Page 3 of 5 Center and Scanlon Gymnasium nearby, and the majority of the kids knowing facility staff will help them and a phone is available. He stated the participants should be given a chance to learn how to use the skate park in a respectable manner. Trueblood stated he spoke with a premier skate park designer, who recommended for full utilization that instead of one large skate park facility that two to three smaller ones should be built. He noted this is a viable recreational activity, with it being the sixth most popular participatory sport. Endel stated she spent time in California where they have a huge skateboard park. It was unsupervised, signs were posted, and people used it in a pattern. She felt once participants get a routine under control they would be all right. She agreed with Susan Bush, wherein her letter she stated Mercer Park is a multi- function park. Trueblood stated staff would be meeting with the City Attorney, Risk Manager, insurance representative, and the Police Department to discuss supervision and other issues. LONGFELLOW-TWAIN PEDESTRIAN TUNNEL John Yapp from the City's Planning and Community Development Department addressed the commission with respect to a pedestrian tunnel under the Iowa Interstate Railroad tracks between Summit Street and First Avenue. The tunnel is intended to provide a safe place for pedestrians and bicyclists to cross the railroad tracks traveling between the Longfellow and Mark Twain School neighborhoods. He noted the two options for possible tunnel locations. Option 1 would connect to the Longfellow Manor Trail-Park and Sheridan Street on the north side of the tracks, and to Kirkwood and Lower Muscatine on the south side of the tracks. Option 2 would connect to H Street on the north side of the tracks, and Midamerican Energy property and Lower Muscatine Avenue on the south side of the tracks. Both options have been evaluated regarding drainage issues, topography, etc. He stated Option 1 is favored by staff in that it provides a better route because it connects to a public trail and property, providing better access to this park area. Also, staff feels Option 1 is more visible because there are many more people and patrol cars traveling on Kirkwood and Lower Muscatine Avenues than on H Street. Pacha indicated he favored Option 1 due to the fact there are more possibilities and the City already owns the property. Gustaveson and Endel agreed that Option 2 was not as visible. Moved by Wilburn, seconded by Pruess, to recommend Option 1 for the Longfellow-Twain Pedestrian Tunnel. Unanimous. Yapp indicated the City Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed project at their September 28 meeting, and will likely direct staff to pursue one of the tunnel locations. FY2000-2004 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM Trueblood provided a copy of the current plan with projects relating to Parks and Recreation. Discussion of the capital improvement budget for FY2000 and 2004 will be placed on the October or November agenda. Pacha asked the commission to review the current plan before next month's meeting to determine priorities and what projects should be added, changed or deleted. Trueblood noted the operating budget process would also begin soon. Parks and Recreation Commission September 8, 1999 Page 4 of 5 CITY PARK AMUSEMENT RIDES Trueblood referred to a copy of the letter sent to the Drollingers setting out the city's offer to purchase the train, carousel and small airplane ride. Endel referred to the letter from Successful Living expressing interest in partnering with the City in the operation of the rides and concession stand and charging a small fee for management services. She expressed ideological opposition to making money off non-profit organizations by charging other organizations to run the rides. Wilburn stated, and Endel agreed, he did not have a problem if the fee was to cover their costs. Trueblood stated at least three agencies have expressed an interest in operating the rides. Trueblood stated Drollingers have signed the letter and an official purchase agreement will be prepared for action at the September 281h City Council meeting. He noted that at a City Council work session he posed the possibility of the Parks and Recreation Foundation raising half of the money to purchase the rides, with the city providing the remaining half. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS UPDATE Trueblood updated the commission on the following capital improvement projects. Wetherby Park Development: The bid opening is set for September 28th, with construction to begin soon thereafter. Tennis Courts: The bid opening for the Mercer Park tennis court project is also set for September 28th. The courts will be closed this fall and will remain closed until next spring. The new asphalt has to cure for at least 30 days before applying the acrylic coating, and the acrylic coating cannot be applied until warmer weather. With respect to the City Park tennis courts, a contract has been signed for coating and striping. Plans are to complete this work before starting the Mercer Park tennis court project to avoid having all the tennis courts closed at once. NOVEMBER COMMISSION MEETING Pacha indicated he would be out of town on November 10 and would like to reset the November meeting in order to be present for budget discussions. After discussion, the meeting was reset for November 3. PARKS AND RECREATION FOUNDATION Pacha reported the foundation met to discuss possible fund raising efforts to help raise funds for the City Park amusement rides and/or the Riverside Festival Stage. The consensus was to try to support both projects, while encouraging a parmership with Riverside Theatre to combine their fund raising campaigns. The Foundation did not want two separate fundraising events for the Riverside Festival Stage project. Parks and Recreation Commission September 8, 1999 Page 5 of 5 COMMISSION TIME Wallace referred to the history of Teton Park, noting everytime something new happens we always work through it. The skate park is new and we will work through it. Gustaveson stated he would like to talk with Cedar Rapids about their skateboard park and would be very interested in visiting their facility. He indicated he appreciated Chris Beemer's comments, and compared the skate park to how a person acts when they get a new toy. He agreed with Endel that Mercer Park is multi- functioning with South East Junior High, ScanIon Gymnasium, the aquatic center, baseball diamonds and tennis courts, and felt the skate park fit right in with everything presently there. Maurer reiterated the fact that he favored the Terrell Mill Park location, and felt before proceeding any further with plans there needed to be input from the neighborhoods involved and from the Police Department to see what type of problems are surfacing at the temporary facility. Pacha referred to the expert's comments that if the city really wants to give full utilization that it would be good to have more than one park. Endel stated the city should put resources into viable recreation options. She noted she was the first one to say she did not like the idea of a skate park, but since then has accepted it because it has proven to be a viable recreational activity and she wants to make it the best possible, noting two locations would be better. Wilbum stated people needed to work at how to make it happen instead of why it is not going to work. He did not like picking out young people's behavior for a reason not to do it. Gustaveson noted he sees the same type of behavior with adults and at Babe Ruth games. Trueblood encouraged members to read the article regarding skate parks which was included in their packet. DIRECTOR'S REPORT Trueblood reported on the following: OAKLAND CEMETERY EXPANSION AND RIVERSIDE FESTIVAL STAGE PROJECTS. Bids have been let for both projects. Work cannot begin on the Riverside Festival Stage until the City receives notification of whether or not it has received a grant it applied for. The Cemetery Expansion Project will begin in the next couple of weeks. HICKORY HILL PARK TRAILS Funding for trail development is tentatively included in the 2002 budget. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjoumed at 6:30 p.m. MINUTES PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION OCTOBER 7, 1999 - 7:30 P.M. CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS Subiect to po, proval MEMBERS PRESENT: Ann Bovbjerg, Benjamin Chait, Pam Ehrhardt, Dick Gibson, Marilyn Schintler, Dean Shannon, Lea Supple _MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Sarah Holecek, Bob Miklo, Anne Schulte OTHERS PRESENT: George Dane, Bart Schuchert, Larry Wilson RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: Recommended approval, by a vote of 7-0, of SUB99-0020, a final plat of Galway Hills Subdivision Part Six, a 4.82-acre, 13-lot residential subdivision located west of Melrose Avenue at the end of Kearney Lane, subject to staff approval of legal papers and construction drawings prior to City Council consideration. Recommended approval, by a vote of 7-0, of SUB99-0021, a preliminary plat of Wild Prairie Estates Part 3, a 49.21-acre, 30-lot residential subdivision with one outlot located at the north end of Goldenrod Drive and Wild Prairie Drive. CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Supple called the meeting to order at 7:34 p.m. PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA: There was node. ANNOUNCEMENT OF VACANCIES ON CITY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS: Supple said the City Clerk's Office could provide the list of current vacancies to anyone who might be interested. She encouraged those at the meeting to consider serving on a City board or commission. Supple said it is an opportunity to have a voice in City decisions as well as for the City to take advantage of its citizens' expertise, whether that expertise is current or will be learned in the course of serving on a board or commission. DEVELOPMENT ITEMS: SUB99-0020. Public discussion of an application submitted by DAV-ED Limited for a final plat of Galway Hills Subdivision Part Six, a 4.82-acre, 13-1ot residential subdivision located west of Melrose Avenue at the end of Kearney Lane. Miklo said the property is on the south side of Melrose Avenue just west of West High School. He said the preliminary plat for this development was approved last year. Miklo said there are no unusual circumstances associated with the plat. Miklo said there is a 25-foot wide landscape easement adjacent to Melrose Avenue to provide a buffer between the homes in the subdivision and the arterial street. He said there are sanitary sewer tap-on fees associated with this development. Miklo said the plat as submitted is in order Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes October 7, 1999 Page 2 for approval, and staff recommends approval subject to approval of legal papers and construction drawings prior to City Council consideration. Bovbjerg said the staff report indicates that the sanitary sewer line is proposed for construction to serve Galway Hills Part Five and will also pick this up, She asked if the line were currently under construction and if there are any constraints on building here until that sanitary sewer line is done. Miklo replied that the plans have been approved by the City, but he did not know if the line is actually under construction yet. He added that no building permits would be issued until the line is available. Ehrhardt asked if the landscaping to be provided on the easement would be done by the developers. Miklo said the plat specifies that the evergreen trees will be planted at the time the street is constructed, and then maintenance of those trees will be turned over to the homeowners at the time the lots are sold. Public discussion: There was none. Public discussion closed. MOTION: Chait moved to recommend approval of SUB99-0020, a final plat of Galway Hills Subdivision Part Six, a 4.82-acre, 13-1ot residential subdivision located west of Melrose Avenue at the end of Kearney Lane, subject to staff approval of legal papers and construction drawings prior to City Council consideration. Shannon seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 7-0. SUB99-0021. Public discussion of an application submitted by Kennedy Hilgenberg Enterprises for a preliminary plat of Wild Prairie Estates Part 3, a 49.21~acre, 30-lot residential subdivision with one outlot located at the north end of Goldenrod Drive and Wild Prairie Drive. Miklo pointed out the property in relationship to some landmarks on an overhead map. He said the subdivision is to the north of Irving Weber School. Miklo said only part of the property is being preliminary platted; a large part of the property is an outlot for future development. Miklo said the preliminary plat is in compliance with the City's subdivision regulations and zoning ordinance. He said a Conditional Zoning Agreement was adopted when the property was rezoned, and the conditions of that agreement have been satisfied in that Rohret Road has been reconstructed and the west line trunk sanitary sewer line has been improved. Miklo said because this was out of sequence at the time the zoning was approved, the developer pays the oversize cost for the collector street. He said typically for in sequence development, the developer will pay for a 28-foot wide street, and for a 31-foot wide collector street, the City would pay for the extra three feet. Miklo said in this case, the City does not pay, because the development was approved out of sequence. Regarding neighborhood open space, Miklo said there is a requirement for 1.08 acres of open space for this development. He said staff recommends that space not be dedicated as part of this subdivision but be reserved for the future development in the northern part of the area where a large open space is identified. He said this would basically defer the dedication of that open space until the area to the north is developed. In terms of sanitary sewer capacity, Miklo said the Public Works Department has studied this area and is confident there is sufficient capacity to serve the proposed lots in addition to the existing lots in this subdivision. He said if further development is to occur to the north there may Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes October 7, 1999 Page 3 be capacity problems. Miklo said a capital improvement program to upgrade that sewer is scheduled for the year 2001, and as long as that stays on schedule, there should be no problem with the lots to the north. He said staff wanted to reiterate to the City Council the fact that future development in that area depends on that improvement, in the event there are requests to take that project off the capital improvements program. Miklo said staff recommends that the preliminary plat be approved. Bovbjerg discussed the sanitary sewer capacity issue. She asked what would happen if the City Council started to discuss changes, specifically what the relationship would be between developers and the City as it is looking at capital improvements. Miklo responded that the City adopts a capital improvements plan that is generally five to seven years out, although there are sometimes pressures to change the order in which items appear on the list. He said if there were a proposal to change the order of this particular project, staff would make the City Council aware that future development does depend on it, although there may also be other areas in the City where future development depends on capital improvements. Miklo said the City Council would have to weigh this project and development in this area with other areas of the community and other capital improvement requests. He said the developers could lobby the City Council to keep this on schedule. Bovbjerg asked if there were notice to owners or developers when the City is working on the capital improvements schedule. Miklo said there are newspaper articles about the process, but specific owners would not be notified because the budgeting process affects people throughout the community. Public discussion: There was none. Public discussion closed. MOTION: Schintler moved to recommend approval of SUB99-0021, a preliminary plat of Wild Prairie Estates Part 3, a 49.21-acre, 30-lot residential subdivision with one outlot located at the north end of Goldenrod Drive and Wild Prairie Drive. Bovbjerg seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 7-0. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ITEM: Public hearing South Central Highway I and on an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan to adopt and incorporate the District Plan for property generally located west of Highway 218, south of east of the Iowa River. Gibson recused himself from discussion of this item on the grounds of conflict of allegiance. He left the meeting at 7:45 p.m. Miklo stated the arterial street to cross the Iowa River is one of the major elements of the plan and calls for a connection from Mormon Trek Boulevard to go through the south part of the airport, across the Iowa River, and eventually connect to Gilbert Street/Sand Road. He said this would provide a street network that would allow a connection to Sycamore Street and eventually up to Highway Six in the Scott Boulevard area. Miklo said staff feels the best route for the arterial street is N2 as recommended by the consultant, and should be included in the plan as the proposed route. Miklo referred to a letter from Ken Ranshaw regarding some of the land use questions in the plan, saying it had been distributed to Commission members. He said the letter expresses concern about rezoning a general area along the south side of Highway 1 from Intensive Commercial to Community Commercial and a concern that that zoning would not allow some of Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes October 7, 1999 Page 4 the uses the property owner currently has and envisions for the area. Miklo said the plan encourages the rezoning for the highly visible area along Highway One for retail-type uses and encourages more intensive commercial uses be farther to the west. He said the uses the property owner refers to are all allowed in both the Cl-1 and the CC-2 zones with the one exception of warehousing, which is much more limited in the CC-2 zone. Miklo said in the CC~2 zone, warehousing is limited to the business that is located on the site. Ehrhardt asked if because this is an entranceway into the City, the warehouse look would not be attractive. Miklo agreed and said it is also because the area currently contains mostly a mix of retail and apartment uses. He said there are some Cl-1 uses, like the Hames mobile home lot. Miklo said given the location of this area near the intersections of Highway One, Highway Six, and Riverside Drive, there is a lot of traffic here and it is a good area for retail uses. He said that is another reason staff suggests that some of the more intensive, land consumptive uses be moved away from the highway so that the highway frontage can be used for retail space. Regarding the N2 route, Miklo said the consultant identified this route as the best one in terms of traffic circulation, having the least environmental affect, and having the least amount of property displacement. He said the Airport Commission raised a concern that the route depends on the north/south runway (17/35) being closed. Miklo said the policy set forth in the adopted Airport Master Plan states that the closure of the runway is anticipated between 2005 and 2010. He said it has been the position of the City Council that the runway closing will occur in the future; that the runway will not be left open indefinitely. He said the Airport Commission is reluctant to commit to the runway being closed and therefore feels this is not the best place for an arterial street. Miklo said the draft South Central District Plan currently states that the arterial street could be built when or at such time the runway is closed. He said the proposed arterial street is not in the capital improvements program as of yet. Miklo said staff met with representatives of both the Airport Commission and the City Council. He said the City Council members who were present reiterated the past position of the City Council that the runway would be closed eventually and that the runway issue should not stand in the way of the arterial street location. Bovbjerg said the current runway to be extended is the northeast/southwest runway and asked if it would be extended only in the southwest direction. Miklo said that was his understanding. Bovbjerg said the clear zone and everything in front of it would preclude buildings or houses being constructed there. Miklo said a considerable area would fall under the airport clear zone. He said the Airport Commission has been purchasing properties in that area affected by that zone. Bovbjerg said the new road actually doesn't fall with that area. Miklo said there are different layers of the Airport Overlay Zone, some of which are obstruction-free zones where basically not much of anything can be done, and there are other zones that have some restrictions. He said portions of the road may fall under the second category, but certainly don't fall under the first. Bovbjerg asked if the proposed road would be built in the County or only if the City annexed the property. Miklo said it could occur in the County, but that would be unusual. He said it would be possible, if there were enough demand for this road and property owners did not wish to be annexed, that the arterial street could be built in the County as a City road. Miklo said it would most likely be a fully City-funded road. He said the plan identifies the area as generally being within the City's growth area, which indicates that in the very long-term, all of this property could be within the City, although the plan does not call for the City to actually go out and annex property. Miklo said annexation would likely be on a voluntary basis as it is now. Ehrhardt said she has asked about running N2 further north at its west end to avoid the hill and be down on the lowlands. She said Rockwell said the reason to take the route over the hill had Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes October 7, 1999 Page 5 to do with runway clearance. Miklo said that is part of the reason, but the alignment with Mormon Trek was another factor. Ehrhardt said she had examined the maps further and found there would still be a curve, but the road could still be in that office park commercial area. She referred to the future land use map on page 21 of the plan. Ehrhardt said she would like a fuller explanation if it is anything other than the curve that is a factor. She said she thinks the road could be south of the runway clear zone and still be down on the lowlands. Miklo said the consultant looked at topographic considerations. Ehrhardt said she looked through the evaluation but could not find a specific explanation about this. Miklo said he would get more information for the next meeting. He added that the land use map is intended to be conceptual. Ehrhardt said she has visited the site and walked it and still could not get a good feel for where the road would go. She said she would like to visit the site if others would be interested. Ehrhardt said Rockwell had discussed increasing the open space and asked if the Commission would get some wording for the plan regarding that. Miklo said that was based on comments from the people living along Dane Road. He said staff has asked the Commission to identify potential changes to the plan, and it is staffs understanding that it is the Commission's consensus to add a section about some trail connections from the western part of the area. Miklo said staff plans to present these requested changes at the next meeting. Ehrhardt asked if Public Works plans to move to another location in this area. Miklo said a site in the South Central District was investigated, but it was determined that it would require too much fill. He said a final site has not yet been decided on. Public discussion: George Dane. 4120 Dane Road, said the data in Earth Tech's engineering report certainly supports the recommendation of N2 over N5. He said two main factors in that are the traffic flows and the construction costs. Dane said over time as the area develops, the difference in traffic between N2 and N5 will eventually diminish, although initially N2 would have more traffic. Dane said the difference in construction costs is quite material. He said five million dollars versus eight million leaves a three-million dollar preference for N2. He said the construction cost chart shows contingencies that are just a fiat percentage applied to the construction cost, which is why he made the comparison between five and eight million. Dane said the construction costs are a one-time expenditure, and once the road is built, those costs go away and the road's usefulness becomes the important thing. He said the cheapest road built in the wrong place would be forever wrong. Dane said Earth Tech discusses some problems between Riverside Drive and the Iowa River for N2. He said there is a crossing of a former sand pit that is silted in with 20 to 30 feet of highly unstable soil that will either have to be removed or stabilized. Dane said some additional subsurface design procedures may be needed, such as wick drains, granular blankets, or chemical stabilization. He said Earth Tech recommends further technical studies of that before getting into construction. Dane said Earth Tech's cost estimates allow $310,00 for soil stabilization, which may be enough or may not be, given the City's experiences with the interceptor sewer in that area. He said the stabilization costs could increase to impact some of that three-million dollar savings, but he doubted that it would absorb the entire difference. Dane said there could also be ongoing stabilizing costs with this. Dane said the draft South Central District Plan states that the arterial street would be built only after Runway 17~35 is closed. He said the text also states until then it could be built east from Mormon Trek Boulevard and a short way west from Riverside Drive with a gap left in the middle. Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes October 7, 1999 Page 6 He said if that should happen, it would fix the end points of the segments of those two parts of the road and also fix where it crosses Dane Road and Riverside Drive. Dane said that would then put pressure on closing Runway 17/35 so that this could become a through road. He asked that before the final design route is fixed, that there be further careful study made of the construction between Riverside Drive and the river and also further study of the proposed intersection of the arterial street and Dane Road. Dane said presently N2 is routed east and west across the slope just east of Dane Road and then tips up where the intersection is close to the ridge. He said Earth Tech says it may be desirable to relocate and offset Dane Road to improve the skew angle of the intersection and also says that some regrading may be necessary to acquire the necessary sight distance. Dane said the east/west sight distance would not appear to be a problem, while the north/south one would. He said there is a practical reason if the grading is to be done anyway, to move the actual intersection and N2 down the hill a little way to the fiat ground. He said it would ease the sight distance and save some of the grading. Dane said there is also an aesthetic reason to move the route down the hill a little. He said, as presently proposed, the arterial would preclude any opportunity for preserving the vantage points for observing the Iowa River Valley south of town, the long vistas to the distant ridge lines to the east and west for probably eight to ten miles, and the clear view of sunrises and sunsets. Dane said there are few places left in Iowa City that provide the opportunity to enjoy nature's beauty, which is part of the quality of life we enjoy in Iowa. He said we protect wetlands, spotted owls, etc. but don't pay much attention to the beauty of nature until the vantage points are gone. Dane said money is always a limiting factor, while beauty is an intangible, but he suggested that it needs to be factored in. He invited the Commission members to visit his farm to see for themselves what the property looks like. Dane urged that the construction problems that may be encountered east of Riverside Drive be investigated further before the final alignment is determined. Bart Schuchert. 3911 Schuchert Drive S.E., said that if N5 were selected as an alternative, it would wipe out his house. He said he informed Melody Rockwell that he had no serious objection to sharing the N5 route with Bob Wolf or the 4-H Fairgrounds. Schuchert said it would be difficult to share it with Wolf because he would have to move trailers, and Schuchert really did not care to give up 200 to 300 feet of ground on the north side of his property. He said if the road is routed along the 4-H side of his property, it would shut off access for the 4-H to ever use his land for parking as they presently do. Schuchert stated that using N5 would literally wipe out his house and probably another house in the area. Schuchert said, regarding the zoning, that Exhibit K shows the current usage as single-family residential. He said that is not correct as that ground has been farmed for more than 60 years. Schuchert said there are three residences on the property, but there is much of it that is farmed, so that it should be shown properly to be a good deal agricultural. Regarding the zoning, Schuchert said the plan has what is currently zoned Highway Commercial proposed to be public services and institutional. He said that makes the value virtually worth nothing. Schuchert said that restricts the land to a nursing home, a church, or whatever, and no one will put that kind of property across from a junkyard. He said the land does have some commercial value, and he would like to at least be able to potentially make a dollar or two on that commercial value. Schuchert said he has also discovered that there is a proposed public/private open space right behind the public service/institutional area. He said this means that halfway through his property there would be a trail open to the public that would totally take away whatever privacy is there. Schuchert said before he can mow his ditches, he has to spend half an hour picking up trash, Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes October 7, 1999 Page 7 and he did not want to walk halfway through his property and have to pick up the trash that would be left by a public trail. Schuchert said he did not think it would be fair to cut his access to the highway. He said if a public open space is needed, then why not put it down on the highway where there is room, not through the middle of his property. Regarding the airport, Schuchert said he travels between 20,000 a;~d 80,000 air-miles per year, mostly through St. Louis and takes many international flights from there. He said the St. Louis airport operates all of its commercial traffic through a single pair of parallel runways. Schuchert said the two east/west runways in Iowa City are far better than what St. Louis has today. He said St. Louis flies many commercial flights from everywhere in the United States as well as international flights on two runways and asked why Iowa City needs the north/south runway. Schuchert said he was told that the two runways, when extended, would handle all of the incoming flights 95% of the time. He said he cannot see any reason to keep the north/south runway open. Supple said Exhibit L shows the public/private open space on both sides of the retail community commercial, yet on the trail map, Exhibit G, the open space seems to be right next to the highway only on the east side of the commercial property. Miklo said staff was attempting to illustrate that there would be an internal network of trails as development occurs. He said there will not necessarily be a north/south trail in this exact location; staff was trying to be conceptual on the map and not show specific locations. Supple said the map is then illustrating that if Schuchert requests annexation into the City to develop his land, at that point in time, he could be asked to create some kind of interconnecting trail system. Miklo said this could also be considered public/private open space; not a trail, but a buffer between the commercial activities and the residential development to the west. He said the map does not necessarily mean there will be a trail on the west side. Supple said the trail map does indicate a trail along the highway. Miklo agreed, saying staff feels it is important to have a north/south connection to Ryerson's Woods, the Fairgrounds, and the Willow Creek Trail, which will be just south of the airport. He said that is why staff was pretty specific on the trail map. Miklo said on the west side of the commercial area, staff was trying to illustrate a buffer between the commercial activity and the residential uses to the west. Schuchert said that area is not commercial but is proposed for institutional. Miklo replied that the map shows a mix of commercial and institutional. Schuchert said it did not show that for his property. He showed the location of his property, just north of the Fairgrounds, on an overhead map. Schuchert said if this is just going to happen when his property is annexed into the City, then it will be zoned institutional. Miklo said the City does not have an institutional zone. He said the plan discusses that area being a mixture of commercial and institutional uses, because the concern is that it not become a strip of commercial uses like the northern part of Riverside Drive. Miklo said that is why the plan encourages other uses in addition to retail or other neighborhood commercial in that location. Schuchert said other uses will greatly devalue his property, which is currently zoned Highway Commercial. He said even if he stays in the County, if he ever tries to put something down there, the City will say that it is not in the Comprehensive Plan and will say it doesn't want that to go Highway Commercial, because it is planned to be institutional. Supple asked what public services/institutional uses would encompass. Miklo said it refers to the Fairgrounds, churches, daycare centers, fire stations, schools, etc. Schuchert said it would certainly not be as lucrative as Highway Commercial. Miklo reiterated that a mix of commercial/institutional uses is proposed on the Schuchert property. Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes October 7, 1999 Page 8 Larry Wilson, University of Iowa Campus Planning, discussed where the University's Business Service Building is located. He said as far as the University is concerned, there are three scenarios: 1) the road, by some route, will go through the University property, 2) by some change it will not go through, and 3) there will be indecision and the route will be unknown. Wilson said he has previously discussed the impact on the University if the road goes through its property, and how the University would work with the City to make the best of it. Wilson said if the road does not go through University property, the University will continue to go forward as it has been and to develop what was planned. He said what would be terribly difficult for the University to deal with is if the route is not tied down at all. Wilson said that would place the University in a position of not knowing whether to go ahead and develop its properly, because it would not know if the street route would curtail those plans or not. He urged the Commission to settle on a location for the road. Public discussion closed. MOTION: Bovbjerg moved to continue the public hearing on an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan to adopt and incorporate the South Central District Plan for property generally located west of Highway 218, south of Highway I and east of the Iowa River to the October 21, 1999 meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Shannon seconded the motion. Supple said she had concerns about the north/south runway at the airport and the Airport Commission's comments at the last meeting that they would like to see that runway stay open. She said she was satisfied with staff's direction that it is not the City Council's intention to allow that runway to remain open indefinitely. She said so she understands that the runway will be closed and the N2 alignment will not be a problem. Supple said she hoped staff would continue that dialogue with the Airport Commission and City Council and make sure the Planning and Zoning Commission is kept informed, because that remains a concern to her. Bovbjerg asked if it would be possible for the Commission to make a decision based upon its assumption of what will happen to that runway. She asked if it would be in order for the Commission to vote on this at the next meeting or if it still had to wait for something more definitive from the City Council. Miklo said the Commission would not have to wait for a definitive City Council decision, because the Commission is making a recommendation of a plan that refers to the closing of the runway. Holecek said the plan states that the road will not go through until such time as the north/south runway is closed, so the contingency is already built into the text of the draft plan. Supple said if the runway never closes then there won't be a road. Miklo said that is when the City Council will decide if the north/south runway will be allowed to continue to remain open. He said the decision is ultimately the City Council's. Holecek said the plan already contains the contingency of the runway closure. She added that the Comprehensive Plan is meant to be flexible and is meant to have a forward-thinking scope. Holecek said the plan is of necessity built on a number of contingencies and "if-thens.' She said in making a recommending on any Comprehensive Plan item, the Commission is saying to some degree in the future, if and then. Holecek said the document as presented does have the runway contingency in it and to recommend that is quite appropriate. Shannon said it is his understanding that the current City Council is not iffy and intends that the north/south runway will be closed and will not be funded, although a new City Council could change that. Holecek added that the Comprehensive Plan is a planning tool that can be amended and otherwise changed depending on the events that occur. Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes October 7, 1999 Page 9 Supple said establishing the location of that street cannot be too flexible if there happens to be a great surge of annexation and development on the south side. She said the development pressure could occur prior to the runway closure; therefore, the street land must be set aside. Holecek said passing the Comprehensive Plan does not set aside the land, but says what the City Council's intent is with respect to that corridor. She said it is an expression of intent so that when future development comes up, the City can take into consideration the alignment as noted or intended with regard to each development plan. Regarding the land use, Schintler asked what would happen if a developer wants something different than what is stated on the plan when a property is annexed. Miklo said the plan would be used as a guide, but a different zoning could be considered. He said if the Commission and City Council found that the alternative zoning request meets the intent or is better than what is proposed, it could certainly be approved. Miklo said if it is a major alteration that is out of line with the plan, then the Comprehensive Plan would have to be amended to reflect that, assuming the Commission and City Council agreed to it. Shannon said he would also be interested in visiting the site. Holecek said there would have to be public notice of such a meeting. Supple suggested visiting the site before the next meeting on October 18 at 5 p.m. The consensus of the Commission was to make the site visit, and Miklo said staff would make arrangements. The motion to continue the public hearing carried on a vote of 6-0. CONSIDERATION OF THE SEPTEMBER 16. 1999 PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES: Bovbjerg said she had some minor changes to submit to staff. MOTION: Bovbjerg moved to approve the September 16, 1999 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting minutes, subject to changes to be submitted to staff. Ehrhardt seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 6-0. OTHER: Bovbjerg said on October 6, members of the City Council, the County, staff of both the City and County, and the planning commissions of both the City and County met to discuss the Fringe Area Agreement. She said it was the first of several meetings on the subject. Referring to the family veterinary business in the County that was approved by the Commission at a previous meeting, Shannon said the County Board of Supervisors approved the business for a period of five years with the potential for renewal. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m. Dean Shannon, Secretary Minutes submitted by Anne Schulte. ppda(~nVmin/p&zlO-7-99.doc