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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-09-11 Bd Comm minutesHOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION THURSDAY, MAY 17, 2001 MEMBERS PRESENT: April Gutting, Kathleen Renquist, Rick House, Lucia Mai Page, Amy Correia, Gretchen Schmuch ABSENT MEMBERS: William Stewart, Rick Spooner, Gretchen Holt STAFF PRESENT: Steve Long, Steve Nasby, Angela Williams OTHERS PRESENT: Alaina Welsh, Bob Burns CALL TO ORDER: Renquist called the meeting to order at 6:36 p.m. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM MARCH 20 & 22, 2001 Motion: Page moved to approve the March 20 & 22 minutes. Correia seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 6-0. PUBLIC/MEMBER DISCUSSION OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA Alaina Welsh stated that she would like to bring to the attention of the Commission of a proposed special meeting of the City Council to request the consideration of a Enterprise Zone in the area of Foxboro Ridge. Welsh stated that she would like to have Bob Burns review some of the major points of the request. Burns stated that if the request is granted in ninety days, that the qualifying requestor (Foxboro Ridge) could receive a 10% State tax credit. The tax credit, with the right investor could be used to rise additional equity. Burns stated that all the funds would come from the State so there would be no cost to the City. In addition to the State tax credit, the requestor would receive a refund of all sales tax used during the construction process. Burns explained that the Council can establish an Enterprise Zone by a simple resolution, a legal description and a map of the site he added that the Council can create more than one Enterprise Zone at different time intervals, between now and 2003. Burns stated that the Foxboro Ridge project is located in census tract 4, which is the largest census tract that qualifies. There are five criteria outlined in the Enterprise Zone law of which only two must be met in order to qualify for the benefits. Burns said his project area meets two of the criteria according to the Iowa Department of Economic Development. Welsh stated that the Council could approve up to about four thousand acres for the Enterprise Zone. With the approval of an enterprise zone it would help to move the project forward in providing housing for persons with disabilities and elderly. Burns related that one of the problems with using this in the past is that it's hard to find an investor who uses both the Federal and the State tax credits, because most of the investors are national corporations and they do not pay State income tax. Burns said that the investor they have found pays both Federal and State income tax, that investor is AIliant Energy. Alliant HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MAY 17, 2001 PAGE 2 Energy is now providing energy to the Iowa City area, and after June 1, 2001 Alliant Energy will be able to invest in Iowa City. That is reason they have asked the Council to approve the request before June 1, 2001. Nasby stated that the Council directed staff to put together a summary memo on the Enterprise Zone law. The memo would highlight the impacts of an enterprise zone and identify potential areas in town that would qualify. Nasby said uses which currently can receive these benefits would be housing and economic development. Nasby said the summary memo packet would be going to Council in their June 11, 2001 packets. Renquist stated that the next Council session would take place after the first of June. Welsh responded that is the reason for their request for a special meeting of the Council. She said if this was done by June 11 it would keep the project alive by getting the Enterprise Zone established in advance of the States Tax Credit deadline. Welsh went on to state that the Enterprise Zone has been an opportunity for the Iowa City area since 1998 and there is has been no Enterprise Zone established in Iowa City. Renquist said that HCDC would await Council action on this issue. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL - T.A.R.P. GUIDELINES Renquist opened discussion for the recommendation to the Council of the Targeted Area Rehabilitation Program Guidelines (T.A.R.P.). Nasby reported that last year Williams undertook the Housing Windshield survey. He said that the areas identified in the survey were part of the HCDC tour taken last year. Nasby said that five of twelve areas, identified in the survey would be the target areas. The City can currently help homeowners under 80% median income with the CDRG & HOME programs, but they see many households only slightly over the income limits. With that in mind, the question became how could we assist the people who fall just over the 80% median income. With the City Council looking for ways to stabilize and expand the tax base, Nasby asked the City Council to contribute $100,000 in General Obligation Bond Debt to for the T.A.R.P. program. Gutting reported that she spoke with Dave Powers with the City of Iowa City Housing Rehabilitation program and year to date they have some funding remaining from the previous fiscal year. The reported figures are from the FHLB, CDBG and HOME Funds. The expenditure total is $371,275.00, with the completion of forty projects. The rehab office anticipated completing thirty-six projects and five to six more have closed and should be completed before the end of the fiscal year 2001. Remaining funds for fiscal year 2001 is $176,623.00. Gutting reported that the funds allotted for FHLB were used first this is the reason for the large amount of remaining funds. Renquist reported that the Greater Iowa City Fellowship - Acquisition & Rehab, have spent down allotted monies. MECCA - Aid to Agencies None Corriea reported that the Affordable Housing Funding Pool has not expended the allotted funds. HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MAY 17, 2001 PAGE 3 OLD BUSINESS Discussion of Community Development Celebration Renquist reported that the Celebration will take place on June 1, 2001, at the Student Built House located at 1830 High Street from 4:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. Nasby requested ideas for nominations for awards to be presented at the celebration. Nasby reported that the guest speakers would be the partners who built the Student Built House; they will be Charlie Eastham representing Greater Iowa City Housing Fellowship, Bob Stadtlander representing the Home Construction Class, Dennis Spencer representing the Home Builders Association - Vocational Training Council and William McNarney representing Housing and Urban Development- Des Moines Office. Each will give a short speech on what it has meant to be part of the project. Students will also be invited to attend. Nasby reported over two hundred and fifty invitations post-cards were sent out as well as public advertisements. Nasby stated that Maryann Dennis is in charge of all the refreshments and Emily Pierce has obtained the tent, table and flowers. Letters have to recipients requesting them to each send letters to the media, and a letter to the Editor stating how much good CDBG and HOME has done for the community. Nasby informed the council that he received a phone call from HUD Secretary Martinez's office stating that he will be unable to attend the celebration. Persons to receive the Iowa City Community Development Awards are: For Outstandinq Contractor: Jack McMahon with, SJ Construction Services and EIder Services, Inc. For Outstandincl Community Partnership: Greater Iowa City Housing Fellowship Home Builders Association - Vocational Training Council Bob Stadtlander, Iowa City Community School District A special surprise award will go to Gretchen Schmuch for her Outstanding Years of Service. NEW BUSINESS Nasby reported that HUD has new income limits. Nasby passed out information on the changes. Nasby stated a single person must now make an hourly wage of $16.38 to no longer be considered low income and a family of four with an income of $50,000.00 per year is now considered low income. Correia stated that the Council Economic Development Committee recommended that prior to the next funding cycle that the City Council set aside funds to establish the CDBG Economic Development Fund. Corriea asked if there would be any discussion on the recommendation with the council. Nasby responded by stating that some of council members would also like to change the percentages in CITY STEPS from five percent. He said setting aside the funds is a council decision, much like Aid to Agencies. HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MAY 17, 2001 PAGE 4 Correia wanted to know if it is possible to have an open discussion with the council to promote interdependent growth, for example the more jobs created the more childcare centers would be needed. Nasby told the commission that the council Economic Development committee is working on fact sheets for several programs one of which is the CDBG Pool. He said the CDBG funds need to meet regulations that the other programs do not have. Infrastructure and capital improvements would be one fund, operating capital could be another and CDBG could be a third fund all with different criteria. Long suggested setting up a committee to monitor how funds are distributed to ensure that the childcare and youth projects are considered. Renquist suggested that someone from the Housing and Community Development Commission could request to be on the Economic Development Council Committee so there would be input when they were considering Economic Development projects. Nasby stated that anyone on HCDC or members of the public could monitor the Economic Development Committee meetings, as they are public. Corriea asked if he would inform the commission of these meeting times and dates. Renquist stated that every year the council's energy concerning CDBG/HOME allocations is focused on the CITY STEP percentages. Neither HCDC or Council has gone specifically by ranking in the allocation process because these criteria were set up only as guidelines. Renquist suggested that the Council come up with a way to change the allocation process. Renquist stated that she would like to appoint persons for a subcommittee to help in the allocation process. Nasby stated that the ranking is a guide and the points are not the sole determination on what is funded, this may be a misconception for people who may not understand the process. The allocation review sub-committee will consist of House, Correia and Holt. Renquist and the Commission extended their thanks and appreciation for the time and effod in which Angela Willlares contributed to the group. The Commission wished her well in her new position and connived. ADJOURNMENT Motion: Motion to adjourn by Renquist. House seconded the motion. Meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m. ppdcdbg\mins\hcdc5-17~31 ,doc IOWA CITY HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION COUNCIL CHAMBERS July 24, 2001 MEMBERS PRESENT: Ma~y Larew, Maureen Howe, Keri Neblett, Lisa Beckmann, Paul Retish, Ernie Cox, Charles Major MEMBERS ABSENT: Jan Warren STAFF MEMBER: Anne Burnside VISITOR: Megan Hicks, journalism student CALL TO ORDER: Meeting called to order at 6:59 p.m. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Larew made a motion to approve the proposed minutes of the June 26, 2001 meeting without change. Relish seconded the motion. Motion carried by a vote of 7-0. 3. RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL. None. 4. NEW BUSINESS. Howe announced that the Commission has been asked to co-sponsor a Program at the Io~va City Public Library to be presented by Robert Fisk. Retish stated that while Fisk's topic is a ~vorthy one, i.e. a resolution of the Palestinian/Israeli conflict, he believes Fisk's program lacks objectivity. Retish states that Fisk's position is that fault for the situation lies with Israel. Retish believes that education regarding the conflict needs to be more well-rounded. Larew questioned how soon the Commission must make a decision on the proposal and Neblett inquired what level of involvement was proposed for the Commission. Motion: Larew made a motion that staff should place this item on the agenda of the Commission's August 2001 meeting and a representative for the program be invited to attend and inform the Commission more fully what program was planned and what role was envisioned for the Commission. Relish seconded the motion. The motion carded by a vote of 7-0. Regarding the Commission's ongoing discussions about possible outreach/community education efforts, Neblett announced she had attended a 4m of july parade in Coralville and had gotten the idea that the Commission could work with students to sponsor a float in a parade next year. The Commission briefly discussed the various parades which occur annually in the area and the types of student groups which might work with the Commission. It was agreed that this item would be placed on the agenda for the August 2001 meeting and the Commission would decide at that time whether to pursue the matter. Relish commented that Shank had mentioned the Commission's "Know Your Neighbor" idea to City Manager, Steve Atldns and his response was favorable. Relish requested a report on the status of this item. 4. OLD BUSINESS. Howe asked for a Commissioner to volunteer to call Dottie Ray and/or WSUI to set up an interview in which the Commissioner would discuss the upcoming Human Rights Breakfast, the need for nominations and the lifetime achievement award being given to phillip Hubbard. Major offered to call Dottie Ray and schedule an interview with her. Relish volunteered to call WSUI and schedule an interview there. 5. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS. Larew distributed and discussed an article from a June edition of the Des Moines Register concerning the plan to close offices of human rights commissions in some smaller communities and refer each communities' cases to the state commission. Neblett reported news of a settlement reached in a case concerning the use of the name "Crazy Horse" for a commercial venture. A Native American group brought suit and the settlement reached included an agreement that the name will not be used commercially in future, in addition to a sizeable cash sum. Relish reported on his recent trip to Moldova and Georgia, former Soviet Union Republics now struggling to establish their footing as independent nations. He described that people in those countries are experiendng great suffering. For example, Russia has invaded Georgia and evicted Georgians from their own country so that they now live as displaced persons. The conditions he witnessed dramatized in his view the importance of work to protect human rights in every venue. Cox reported on seeing a f~m, Scot~ts' Honor, by Tom Shephard. It is a documentary concerning the efforts of Steven Koza to protest the Boy Scouts' policy of discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation. Cox thinks it is a good film. Howe had seen the film on POV and agreed it is a good one. Cox believes the Commission could obtain a copy. 6. STATUS OF CASES. Beckmann stated she is pleased to see the cases proceeding more quickly. Retish thinks it is a good practice to begin investigating complaints as soon after the f~ing date as possible. Burnside agreed this process was working well. 7. ADJOURNMENT. The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m. FINAL ~ES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION AUGUST 8, 2001 MEMBERS PRESENT: Doug Ginsberg, Craig Gustaveson, Bruce Maurer, Nancy Ostrognai, Matt Pacha, Rex Pruess MEMBERS ABSENT: Toni Cilek, AI Stroh STAFF PRESENT: Terry Trueblood, Matt Eidahl FORMAL ACTION TAKEN Moved bV Pruess, seconded by Maurer, to approve the July 11, 2001 minutes as written. Unanimous. SEPTEMBER MEETING After a brief discussion, the September meeting was rescheduled for Wednesday, September 5. ANNUAL PARK TOUR The commission reviewed a listing of potential destinations for the 2001 park tour. Pruess suggested focusing on the north side of Iowa City this year, noting the skate park site, City Park, waterworks parkland and the peninsula parkland. The commission as a whole agreed, noting other sites could be included if time permits. The consensus of the commission was to schedule the annual park tour for Wednesday, October 10, with a short meeting at 4 p.m. and tour immediately after. SCANLON GYMNASIUM ACTIVITIES Program Supervisor Matt Eidahl gave a staff report on the activities and programs held at the ScanIon Gymnasium. He stated the main focus has been junior high and senior high youth. Daily after-school activities, such as Challenge the Staff, are held. Past activities included special event dances and a lock-in. This summer a Teen Extreme Program was instituted, with the goal of getting youth to try different activities they normally do not do. Events included a trip to Wacky Waters, canoeing the Upper Iowa River, rock climbing at the University of Iowa and paintball. Eidahl noted the program would continue this fall, with trips to Sugar Bottom for horseback riding, a hayrack ride and fishing. Staff is working on expanding the senior high basketball recreation league, and hopes to expand to volleybali and softball. Staff has also applied for a grant to develop a flag football program. Eidahl stated a good relationship has been developed with Southeast Junior High, noting the end of school junior high bash held with a disc jockey, pizza, a dunk tank and various other activities. Staff has contacted the high schools and is working to develop a better relationship. Eidahl noted the gymnasium traffic is slower during the day. To rectify this, staff began the Start Smart program established by the National Alliance for Youth Sports for youth 3-5 years in age to prepare them for organized sports. Also, Tot Fundamental classes are held to teach youth the basic fundamentals of various sports. Pacha asked if discussions had been held with Southeast Junior High regarding their practice schedule for the upcoming school year; Eidahl indicated them have been discussions and staff will continue to meet with them to have the schedule worked out prior to the beginning of the school year. Pacha indicated he wished Parks and Recreation Commission August 8, 2001 Page 2 of 3 they would use the gym for practices in the early morning; Eidahl noted he has mentioned this. Pmess noted it was great to see the variety of youth activities being held at ScanIon Gymnasium. Pacha asked if Procter & Gamble has expressed any interest in a third shi~c-early moming basketball league; EidahI stated he will be pursuing this. Pacha asked if there were any walkers who use the gym; Eidahl noted there are approximately 10. CAPITAL PROJECTS REPORT Treeblood reported on the following capital projects: Skate Park. The low bid for this project was $303,000 and was awarded to MBA Concrete. The project will likely not be completed this fall due to the dirt being brought in for fill needs to settle for 6-8 weeks. Hunters Run Park. A low bid of $234,000 was received from L.L. Pelling. A pre-constn~ction meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 9, with the work beginning soon. Some items, such as playground equipment and shelter, will be completed outside the contract. City Park Trails. The low bid of $266,000 was received from L.L. Pelling. A pre-constmction meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 9, with the work beginning soon. Steve Ford with Shoemaker-Haaland is also working on a plan to enhance the entrance to City Park. Hickory Hill Trails. A grant application will be submitted for the RoadOyl component, a substance to solidify the granular trail surface. It was previously reported the bid opening was scheduled for September 10, but it will more likely be September 25. Riverside Festival Staee Seafine. The bid opening is scheduled for September 11. Concrete work will be done this fall, with the seats being installed next spring. Soccer Parking Lot. The resurfacing project is very nearly complete. Tennis Court Lighting. Staff would like to complete both City Park and Mercer Park this fall, but based on recent budget estimates this may not be possible. Galway Hills Trail Connection. The trail connection at the west end of the Willow Creek Trail has been completed. This is a temporary solution until Shannon Drive is completed. Longfellow Tunnel. Construction should be underway by the end of August, with completion scheduled before the end of the year. COMMISSION TIME Ginsberg asked about the City's tree memorial program, noting the Iowa City Kickers would like to put a plaque adjacent to the Bryce Porter memorial tree at the Iowa City Kickers Soccer Park. Trueblood indicated the City does not prohibit it, but strongly discourages the use of plaques due to maintenance issues. He noted an exception could possibly be made in this case given the circumstances. The expense of the plaque would not be the City's responsibility. Parks and Recreation Commission August 8, 2001 Page 3 of 3 Ginsberg asked about the plans for the lot south of Jensen Street behind Walden Place. Treeblood noted there will be very little development of the area at the request of the neighborhood. Tentative plans include planting of trees and a few park benches. Gustaveson asked if the City has received the check from the Babe Ruth Baseball organization towards the Mercer Park concession builtring project; Trueblood indicated he has not. Gustaveson noted he would contact the organization. DIRECTOR'S REPORT Trueblood reported on the following: Trail Ranger Program. The trail rangers will be completing their work on the Hickory HilI trails this week and an article wilI be appearing in the Press-Citizen. Commission Al~l~licants. The deadline for applications is August 25, with two applications having been submitted to date. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Maurer, seconded by Pruess. to adiourn. Unanimous. The meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m. AUGUST 2, 2001 - 7:30 P.M. EMMA J. HARVAT HALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Ann Bovbjerg, Jerry Hensen, Dean Shannon, Don Anciaux, Elizabeth Koppes! Benjamin Chait, Pare Ehrhardt BTAFF PRESENT: Mitch Behr, Bob Miklo, Shelley McCaffedy OTHERS PRESENT: Larry Schnittjer RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: Recommended approval, by a vote of 7-0, SUB01-00010, an application submitted by 3rd Street Partners for a final plat of Village Green Par~ XVIII, a 9.54-acre, 3-lot residential subdivision with 2 outlets located west of Scott Boulevard and south of Village Road. Recommended approval, by a vote of 7-0, SUB01-00011, an application submitted by Saltzman Enterprises LTD. For a preliminary and finel plat of Saltzman Subdivision, a 2.8 acre, 3-lot commercial subdivision located east of Riverside Drive south of Benton Street, subject to approval of legal papers and legal papers including a shared access easement agreement before Council approval. Recommended approval, by a vote of 7-0, Zoning Code, Adicle O, Sign Regulations, to permit Canopy Roof Signs. CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Bovbjerg called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m. PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA: There was none. ANNOUNCEMENT OF VACANCIES ON CITY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS: Bovbjerg said there is a list of vacancies on the bulleting board in the lobby. DEVELOPMENT ITEMS: b 3~d SUB01-00010. Discussion of an application submitted y Street Partners for a final plat of Village Green Pad XVIII, a 9.54-acre, 3-lot residential subdivision with 2 outlots located west of Scott Boulevard and south of Village Road. Miklo said this is a final plat. The preliminary plat and OPDH were approved several months ago. He said there are some minor changes from the preliminary plat, including Baldwin Lane terminating in an L- shape instead of a straight dead-end. There is a slight change to the configuration of the units, although the number of units is the same. Bovbjerg asked about units on Clifford Lane and what Clifford Lane would connect to. Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes August 2, 2001 Page 2 Miklo said it would connect to Village Road, which is in place. Ehrhardt asked what road each lot has access to. Miklo showed on the overhead and clarified that lots 48 and 57 back up to the pond. Public discussion open: LarrV Schnittier, 1917 South Gilbert Street, said he and the applicants are available for questions. Public discussion closed. b 3rd MOTION: Chait moved to approve SUB01-000'I0, an application submitted y Street Partners for a final plat of Village Green Part XVIII, a 9.54-acre, 3-lot residential subdivision with 2 outlots located west of Scott Boulevard and south of Village Road. Shannon seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 7-0. SUB01-00011. Discussion of an application submitted by Saltzman Enterprises LTD. For a preliminary and final plat of Saltzman Subdivision, a 2.8 acre, 3-lot commercial subdivision located east of Riverside Drive south of Benton Street. Miklo said staff found a recorded document for the sanitary easement located under the existing building, which protects the City's rights. He said they have reached an agreement for the curb cut at Ground Round and closure of that if that lot is ever developed. He said they have reached an agreement concerning the access easement north of the Ground Round on Lot 2. This easement will provide access to Lot 2 if the property is ever redeveloped. Hansen asked if there were a new lease agreement, would they be able to close that curb cut. Miklo said no. The access easement applies to the building, so only if they reconfigured the building would they change the access. Anciaux asked if there is anyway the Ground Round can hook up to the shared driveway. Miklo said it does now. Ehrhardt asked about Lot 3 access being in the legal papers. Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes August 2, 2001 Page 3 Miklo said it is in the legal papers. Behr said if they move to approve, they should include the shared access easement agreement in the motion. Public discussion open: There was none. Public discussion closed. MOTION: Anciaux moved to approve SUB01-00011, an application submitted by Saltzman Enterprises LTD. For a preliminary and final plat of Saltzman Subdivision, a 2.8 acre, 3-lot commercial subdivision located east of Riverside Drive south of Benton Street, subject to approval of legal papers and legal papers including a shared access easement agreement before Council approval. Ehrhardt seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 7-0. SUB01-00014. Discussion of an application submitted by Carousel Motors for a preliminary and final plat of Carousel Addition, a 12.09-acre, l-lot commercial subdivision located southeast of Highway 1 West. Miklo said they received a verbal request from Duane Musser to defer this until the September 6, 2001 meeting. He said negotiations are continuing between the parties involved. Ehrhardt asked where the road comes out of WaI-Mart. Miklo showed on the overhead that it is located between the Red Lobster and WaI-Mart. Bovbjerg asked about the continuation of that road on lot 1. She clarified that was what the potential owner asked to be moved. Miklo said yes. Public discussion open. There was none. Public discussion closed. MOTION: Chait moved to defer to September 6, SUB01-00014, an application submitted by Carousel Motors for a preliminary and final plat of Carousel Addition, a 12.09-acre, l-lot Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes August 2, 2001 Page 4 commercial subdivision located southeast of Highway 1 West. Shannon seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 7-0. CODE AMENDMENT ITEM: Discussion of amendment of the Zoning Code, Article O, Sign Regulations, to permit Canopy Roof Signs. McCafferty explained that the proposed amendment results from a temporary permit granted to Mondos. Currently the code allows for signs applied to the face of a canopy or below a canopy. The code prohibits signs on the roof of a canopy. With Mondos, staff felt the scale of the building makes it acceptable. She explained the intent of downtown is for a pedestrian oriented shopping and entedainment district. Staff feels that the storefront relates best to this intent, therefore the length of the storefront should determine the size of signage. She said the amendment defines storefront and allowed dimensions based on that storefront. She showed examples on the overhead of different scales of signs. Bovbjerg asked if the examples shown are exceptions. McCafferty said they show the three classes of dimensions, based on the width of the store front. Hansen asked what the sign size would be if there was no canopy. McCafferty said it would fall under other sign ordinances. Ehrhardt asked about awnings. McCafferty said that is completely different because awnings are soft structures and made of fabric. Canopies are permanent structures. Ehrhardt asked what would be allowed if a building were on a corner. McCaffer~y said they could have a sign on each street side based on each frontage individually. Chair asked if with the current ordinance, Mondos could attach a sign to the building that covers 15% of the face of the building. McCafferty said yes. Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes August 2, 2001 Page 5 Chait said the regulations of downtown are to encourage a certain look; lots of visual variety. He said Old Capitol Mall could have lots of awnings and different individual signs. Bovbjerg asked how this affects the pedestrian mall, which is a separate ordinance. Miklo said anything that projects out over the pedestrian mall has to be approved by a design review committee. Canopy signs would be reviewed also, but it would be less stringent. Bovbjerg asked if canopy signs could be lighted. McCafferty said yes. Miklo said no signs could be moving or have moving lights. McCafferty said they prefer signs be self-lighting rather that spot-lit, which can potentially get into drivers' eyes. Koppes asked if the design review committee looks at these then they wouldn't end up with an ugly sign downtown. Miklo said they only review projecting signs. He said projecting signs were outlawed until 1983. When they were brought back, it was decided there should be extra scrutiny by the Design Review Committee. Chair said the design review is limited to urban renewal. Miklo said urban renewal projects or elements that go into the public right of way, such as sidewalk cafes. Chait said a huge concern to him is trying to define ugly. Koppes asked if this were not passed, would Mondos have to take the sign down. Miklo said yes; it is a temporary permit. McCafferty said they have had other businesses express interest in having this type of sign. Shannon said he thinks the City is so conservative about signage when they are trying to promote downtown. He said when he visited Times Square in New York he was amazed by the size and creativeness of the signs. Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes August 2, 2001 Page 6 Miklo said the current sign ordinance came in the early 1980's with urban renewal as a result of concerns about sign pollution and sign competition. He said it may be time to revisit the sign code and that can be done with the rewriting of the Zoning Code. Public discussion open: There was none. Public discussion closed. Ehrhardt asked if a canopy has to be solid or just a frame. McCafferty said it could be a frame or plexiglass. Hansen asked if the canopy can be lit or is it part of the sign. Chair asked if the canopy is addressed in the building code. McCafferty said yes. Miklo said architectural lighting is allowed but if a Fight illuminates lettering that would be considered a sign. MOTION: Shannon moved to approve Zoning Code, Article O, Sign Regulations, to permit Canopy Roof Signs. Hansen seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 7-0. MOTION: Hansen moved to approve minutes of July 19, 2001. Chait seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 7-0. OTHER: Ehrhardt expressed concern about the letter from Mr. Fitzpatrick regarding zoning at a fraternity. Miklo said staff is researching the history. Erhardt asked the staff provide the Commission with a report after they complete their research. Chait asked what the City Council did with the Carnegie Library. Miklo said the amendment was passed 5-1. Koppes asked about City Council deferring annexation. Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes August 2, 2001 Page 7 Miklo said it was deferred to explore whether they could reach an agreement with the residents who are opposed. Chait asked about the transition of taxes for annexed residents. Miklo said the phasing is provided for in the state code. Chait said there concern is strictly about money. Anciaux said he finds it interesting that they don't want to be annexed, but the minute they step off their property they are on city streets and use city resources. McCafferty gave information about Longfellow Historic District, Clark Street Conservation District and Dearborn Conservation District. A public hearing will be held August 9, 2001 and then eventually will come before the Planning and Zoning Commission. Hansen announced movies to be shown at Wetherby Park on August 11,2001. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Dean Shannon, Secretary Minutes submitted by Diane Crossett ppdadrntmin/p&z08-02-01 .doc t'09-11-01 M NuTES ;-.::i 3b(5) PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION , ,' , ,, ;'~ AUGUST 16, 2004 -- 7:30 P... i-! EMMA J. HARVAT HALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Ann Bovbjerg, Don Anciaux, Benjamin Chait, Pam Ehrhardt, Jerry Hansen, Beth Koppes, Dean Shannon MEMBERS ABSENT: none STAFF PRESENT: Bob Miklo, Shelley McCafferty OTHERS PRESENT: Larry Schnittjer, Janice S. Koerner, Chuck LeGare, Anthony Burek, John Fitzpatrick, Joyce Barrett RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: The Planning and Zoning Commission requests the City Council to direct the Apartment InflU Committee, when it reconvenes in September, to investigate the extension of neighborhood compatibility language in the apartment infill guidelines to include uses other than just residential. CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Bovbjerg called the meeting to order at 7:34 PM. PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA: There was none. DEVELOPMENT ITEMS: REZ01-00014/SUB01-00015. Discussion of an application for a rezoning from Low Density Single Family (RS-5) and Planned Development Overlay (OPDH-5) to OPDH-5 on 14.07 acres, and a preliminary plat of Village Green, Pa~s 19-20, a 15-1ot residential subdivision located between Village Road and Winter Green Drive. McCaffe~y presented the staff report. She said the applicant had obtained prior plat approval in 2000, but was submitting a revised plat, which gives all condominiums within the subdivision pond frontage. She said staff recommended to applicant redesigning the intersection of Montgomery Place and Jennifer Jane Cou~ to create a T-intersection. Applicant submitted a revised plat showing an extension of North Jamie Lane to Montgomery Place. This new design would be much better for traffic flow. McCaffe~y advised the Commission that this plat is in general compliance with the Comprehensive Plan, but that during the review of the original submission of this plat in 2000 some of the Commission expressed the desire to see different types (i.e., single-family) and styles of housing in the future southerly development of Village Green in the interest of promoting diversity. Ehrhardt asked for clarification of the intersection change. McCaffe~y explained that the revision made for a more comprehensible traffic flow pattern. Hansen asked if the Fire Marshall had any problem with the street being only twenty-two feet wide. McCaffe~y reposed that she had spoken with him that morning and he indicated that he did not. Hansen asked if there would be on-street parking. Miklo said that because Montgomery is a private street the City would not regulate that, however, any cars parked on ti~e street would reduce the street width below the requisite twenty-foot fire lane. McCafferty advised the Commission that staff recommends deferral of this plat because it is the first review by the Commission and to give the Engineering Department time to complete its review of the plat. Bovbjerg asked if there was an~hing special about the single-family lots on Wintergreen. McCafferty informed her they are standard lots. Planning and Zoning Commission August 16, 2001 Page 2 Hansen asked who was responsible for dredging and maintaining the pond. McCaffedy said it is the responsibility of the developer; Miklo added that responsibility would eventually fall on the Homeowners' Association. Shannon asked if the pond doubled as a stormwater management basin. McCafferty replied that the pond to the north already fulfills the stormwater management requirement. Anciaux asked McCafferty to define the nature of the "different type of housing to the south;" did that mean a higher density of housing? McCafferty said the single-family housing could continue. Anciaux said he was concerned about the residents of Sterling Court having higher density housing placed next to them. Miklo said a previously approved planned development, addressed Anciaux's concern by placing a row of single-family housing next to Sterling Court. Bovbjerg clarified the fact that the underlying zoning is RS-5; if anyone wished to develop at a higher density that person would need to apply for a rezoning or planned development overlay. Miklo confirmed this. Bovbjerg asked if the aeration mentioned in the staff report would be an active aeration or aeration via surface exchange. McCafferty advised that the developer could answer the question. Hansen asked what the cost to the City would be for rerouting the sewer. McCafferty advised that the developer would be responsible for that cost. PUBLIC DISCUSSION OPEN Larry Schnittjer, MMS Consultants, in response to Bovbjerg's question about aeration, said that fountains were in use on the other ponds in Village Green; a similar fountain would be installed here. Jenise Koerner, 3336 South Jamie Lane, wished to know what the projected date for having the streets and storm drains in place was. Schnittjer said that was not yet known. Koerner said she asked because the digging of the pond and storm sewers has left large piles of dirt laying adjacent to her property and has raised ground levels by several feet. She wished to know what the developer was planning to do about drainage, about keeping a small creek running through the development from silting in. Ehrhardt asked if there was an erosion control plan. Miklo said erosion control measures are required. There should be silt fencing in place. He said he would check to see if erosion is being controlled properly. Ehrhardt asked Schnittjer to speak to the point of the dirt piles and the potential for erosion. Schnittjer said he had not looked at the construction drawings, but the dirt piles should be temporary. Anciaux asked Miklo to investigate the contour intervals nearest Lots 72 and 73 and the relationship of those intervals to adjacent lots. Chuck LeGare, 35 Jennifer Jean Court, said he was happy about the change in the intersection because it would have been very confusing traffic-wise. He said he was unhappy about the possible installation of a chainlink fence and the obstruction of his view of the pond. Mikio said that previous development to the northwest had included the requirement of a decorative fence and shrubbery to address neighbors' fears of accidental drownings. He said it is a misunderstanding that the City is requiring a chainlink fence; it is optional. LeGare said he was also concerned about the trees blocking the view. Miklo said that LeGare could work with the developer's landscaper to reduce the amount and spacing of planrings. LeGare asked about the ultimate disposition of the stormsewer line running through his property. The plat noted that it would be abandoned: would it be dug up or left in place? Schnittjer said the portion of the line under Lot 7 (LeGare's lot) would remain in place; the portion to be abandoned and dug up is where the pond will be. Hansen asked if any lots had been set aside for the Greater Iowa City Housing Fellowship. Schnittjer replied that he was not aware of any such set aside. Planning and Zoning Commission August 16, 2001 Page 3 Anthony Burek, 3320 South Jamie Lane, asked for clarification of the zoning to the south: would it have to be rezoned? Miklo replied that the underlying zoning is RS-5, the PDH-5 overlay would have to be reapplied since it had expired. PUBLIC DISCUSSION CLOSED. MOTION: Anciaux moved to defer REZ01-00014/SUB01-00015, an application for a rezoning from Low Density Single Family (RS-5) and Planned Development Overlay (OPDH-5) to OPDH-5 on 14.07 acres, and a preliminary plat of Village Green, Parts 19-20, a 15-lot residential subdivision located between Village Road and Winter Green Drive. Hansen seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 7-0. CODE AMENDMENT ITEM: DISCUSSION OF SITE PLAN REVIEW ORDINANCE. Miklo provided background on the subject: a few weeks ago the Northside Association sent a letter to the Planning & Zoning Commission asking them to review "neighbor compatibility" language in the Site Plan Review ordinance. Miklo said that ordinance would be part of the comprehensive code rewrite along with the Subdivision Regulations and Zoning Ordinance. Staff felt that because they had been directed by Council to draft a Southwest District Ran they would not have time to work on this as well. Mik[o said that the requested original draft language and the minutes from the 1992 adoption proceedings had been included in the Commissioners' packets. Miklo pointed out that a year ago the code had been amended to include neighborhood compatibility requirements for infill apartment buildings, but not for commercial or other types of buildings. PUBLIC DISCUSSION OPEN John Fitzpatrick, 721 North Linn Street, presented the Northside Association statement in which the association presented its case for requesting the ordinance review independently of the larger code rewrite. The original draft language included neighborhood compatibility language that was eventually dropped because of a successful lobby by area developers. A recent development on Bloomington Street that is incompatible with surrounding structures and that "exacerbates an already dangerous traffic situation in the neighborhood" has prompted the group to make its request of the Commission. Ehrhardt asked Fitzpatrick if the association was most concerned about commercial infill development in the neighborhood. Fitzpatrick confirmed this, citing the recent case in which several doctors, who, wishing to build a medical office on Bloomington Street, did not wish to comply with the rhythm of the established setbacks in the block and, instead, chose to place parking in the front of their proposed building. The new curb cut arid subsequent traffic in and out of the virtually blind driveway, in the Northside Association's opinion, introduced a higher risk of accidents. Ehrhardt asked Miklo if commercial buildings had been addressed for infill guidelines--she did not recall that they had been. Miklo explained that the Council had been motivated by the construction of an apartment building in the 500 block of Iowa Avenue that was out of scale with the rest of the neighborhood; commercial and single-family residential structures were not considered in the "neighborhood compatibility" guidelines. Boybier9 asked if the guidelines could be extended to non-multi-family structures in the code rewrite. Miklo said that was certainly a possibility. Ehrhardt asked if Duncan & Associates could be directed to put a priority on this section of the code. She said it seemed as if the completion timeline of 18 to twenty-four months was never getting any smaller. MiKIo explained that the phase one--review of the existing code-- was completed; phase two--code rewrite--got under way in june. The first report is due in September or October. Miklo advised that this particular item could be pushed up the list, but warned that the Commission ought not get its hopes up about having an amendment in six months. The purpose of the code rewrite is to do it comprehensively. Subdivision cede, zoning code and site plan review do not mesh well because they were adopted at different times. Ehrhardt asked if it was possible to resurrect the infill guideline committee. Mik]o said, again, that creating code piecemeal is something the Commission should avoid. Hansen suggested it could done as a stopgap. Miklo concurred: it could act as a patch until the entire code had been rewritten. Planning and Zoning Commission August 16, 2001 Page 4 Shannon said he thought Mercy Hospital was responsible for knocking down some old houses on Bloomington. Fitzpatrick said th~at was a different case; the current situation involves a consortlure of four doctors who are involved with Mercy but are building a separate medical office. Shannon asked if the Noahside Association had a problem with the building they wish to build. Fitzpatrick responded that the Association's problem was with the site plan, with the fact that parking would be in front and the building would be set well back from the street. Fitzpatrick outlined his version of the series of events: the consodium ignored Housing & Inspection Service's recommendation to relocate parking in the back where it would have alley access; they appealed to Board of Adjustment and lost; they waited until the Board of Adjustment changed membership, then obtained approval. Joyce Barrett, 604 Ronalds, encouraged the Commission to support the code amendment. She said the neighborhood knows that there will be mixed uses coming in increasing numbers in the future; compatibility language in the code is only common sense. PUBLIC DISCUSSION CLOSED. Ehrhardt asked Chair what he thought about reassembling the Infill Committee and adding commercial into the mix. Chair said it would be fine. Bovbjerg asked staff about the feasibility of reconvening the committee. Miklo replied that the plan was to reassemble the committee one year after adoption of the infill guidelines in order to review projects that have gone through the Design Review Committee. So far, there have been perhaps only three applicable projects. Bovbjerg asked if it would be proper to ask the committee to look at t~is issue as well. Miklo advised the Commission to make a recommendation to Council to instruct the Infill Committee t~ investigate other infill development issues. Chair said the Infill Committee dealt with texture and flavor, not with zoning. If the committee were to have a new charge, he would like for it to be clear what the mission is. Anciaux asked if the site plan review process could mandate the presence or number of curb cuts. Miklo said that, in the Bloomington Street case, Housing and inspection rejected the site plan on the grounds of both the new curb cut and the incompatible setback. He said the Board of Adjustment overruled staff because the code does not contain compatibility language. Hartsen asked Chair if he would be willing to address the issue in the reconvening of the Infill Committee. Chair replied that he would like to have specific concerns articulated, to have the mission spelled out. Hansen suggested that enacting a code patch spelling out infill guidelines would give teeth to staff recommendations. MOTION: Ehrhardt moved that the Planning and Zoning Commission requests the City Council to direct the Infill Committee, when it reconvenes, to investigate the extension of neighborhood compatibility language in the infill guidelines to include commercial structures. Hartsen seconded the motion. Miklo pointed out that the apartment infill guidelines apply to the Central Planning District only~oes the Commission wish to extend the guidelines beyond that district? Ehrhardt and Hansen said they were rnost concerned about the older neighborhoods, most of which are within the central district. Chair asked if residential and commercial are the only types of uses the committee should be looking at in expanding the scope of the infill guidelines. Miklo said perhaps ninety percent of the uses that would fall under the City's purview are either commercial or residential. Chair said he suggested expanding the scope of the guidelines so the Commission would not find itself in a similar situation in the future, that is, wishing that the guidelines had been drafi,ed to address all possibilities. Bovbjerg asked Chair what it was he wanted delineated regarding the mission of the Infill Committee: that discussions of rezoning not be allowed on the table? Chair confirmed this. Anciaux asked what the current zoning of the area was. Miklo said it is mixed, but the part of Bloomington Street that raised concerns is zoned CO-1, Office-Commercial. Chair pointed out that the zone has its own underlying standards of height and mass; the infill guidelines address the compatibility of new development with the character of the old. Planning and Zoning Commission August 16, 2001 Page 5 Hansen asked Ehrhardt if she would like to amend her motion to be more inclusive, that more than just residential and commercial be considered for inclusion in site plan review guidelines. AMENDMENT TO MOTION: Ehrhardt moved that the Planning and Zoning Commission requests the City Council to direct the Infill Committee, when it reconvenes, to investigate the extension of neighborhood compatibility language in the infill guidelines to include uses other than just residential. Hartsen seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 7-0. Bovbjerg asked if the Infill Committee meetings are open to the public. Miklo said because it is not an official body there are no public announcements of meeting dates and times. Public input on the Committee's work comes in official public hearings. Chat suggested that the Infil[ Committee could invite specific neighborhood groups to observe and have input. Bovbjerg asked Miklo what the input procedure would be like in this case. Miklo said there was little precedence for it, but if people wish to sit in and raise questions that wou~d be fine. He then reiterated his point that the time for public input is at advertised public hearings. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES OF AUGUST 2, 2001: Bovbjerg mentioned there were a couple of typos she would point out to Miklo later. The minutes were approved without a motion on a vote of 7-0. OTHER: Bovbjerg asked after the status of the Carnegie-related ordinance allowing, by special exception, residential uses on the ground floor of historic landmarks in the Central Business District. Miklo reported that the City Council had voted 5-1 to approve an amended version of the amendment that Planning and Zoning had recommended against. He said the amended version includes stronger language that limits its scope to fewer buildings. Miklo reported that Jim Clark had submitted an application for a special exception to the Board of Adjustment. The Board approved Clark's plan subject to the amendment being passed by the City Council. Ehrhardt asked what the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) thought of the plans. McCafferty said the HPC approved of the direction he was going in, but wanted to see his final plans before giving final approval. McCafferty pointed out that commercial space had been added to the ground floor of the new building. The Old Carnegie Library was to undergo essentially a complete restoration. Hartsen asked how it was possible for the Board of Adjustment to review a plan and vote to grant a special exception when the enabling mechanism (the new amendment) has not yet been approved by the City Council. Miklo explained that the review and approval was subject to the adoption of the amendment. He said there is precedence for this. It seemed clear from the previous vote that the Council's intention was to pass the amendment; the Board of Adjustment is expediting the process. Hansen asked why, in the Board's packet or in the presentation to the Board, nothing of P&Z's thinking was included, but everything said by the Historic Preservation Commission was included. Miklo explained that where Planning and Zoning had looked at [he amendment to the code, HPC,.and the Board of Adjustment were considering the site plan and the appropriateness of granting a special exception. Hansen asked if it would be appropriate for him to speak at Board of Adjustment meetings, Miklo said that, as private citizen, he was welcome to speak; he should not present himself as a representative of the Planning and Zoning Commission, nor presume to speak for it, unless he had been elected to do so by the Commission. Chair averted that Hansen is entitled to an opinion; the fact that he is on a commission ought not to impede his right to speak. Bovbjerg said they should all try to avoid responding to questions like: "How do you think P&Z will vote?'* Planning and Zoning Commission August 16, 2001 Page 6 ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:05 P.M, Dean Shannon, Secretary Minutes submitted by John Adam ppdadm~n/r~n/p&z08-16-01 doc