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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-12-11 Bd Comm Minutes 12-11-01 MINUTES L HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION OCTOBER 18, 2001 FINAL/APPROVED CIVIC CENTER, LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM Members present: Lori Bears, Amy Correia, John Deeth, April Gutting, Gretchen Holt, Rick House, Kathleen Renquist Staff present: Tracy Hightshoe, Steve Long, Steve Nasby Others present: Alaina Welsh Call Meetinq to Order The meeting was called to order by House at 6:30 p.m. Approval of the Minutes from September 20, 2001 Renquist moved to approve the September 20, 2001 minutes. Correia seconded. Approved 6-0. Public/Member Discussion of Items Not on the Aqenda Gutting arrives (6:32 p.m.). Correia questioned when next round of CDBG/HOME applications is made available. Long stated usually in December. He said it was on hold until the federal allocation of money is estimated. Public Hearinq - Proposed Amendment to 2001-2006 Consolidated Plan (a.k.a. CITY STEPS) Correia stated that at this point a recommendation has been made and no additional public comments were recorded. Therefore, HCDC's recommendation will be directed to City Council. No further public hearings will be held. November 13 is date for Council's vote on the proposed amendment. Public hearing closed at 6:37 p.m. Monitorinq Reports Extend the Dream Foundation - Micro-Enterprise Start up (Renquist): Extend the Dream requested $124,000, plus other items. They were awarded $105,000 for payment of their lease. Although no e-mail response yet, they are running, so she assumed they are successful in getting staded Eagle's Flight- Minority Women's Health Initiative (Renquist): Eagle's Flight requested $35,000. They were awarded $9,575, to be partially used for gardens. Again, without response by e-mail, it is understood that they have expended $7,000, and remainder will be used for spring planting. Pathways Adult Day Care - Acquisition (Renquist): Pathways Adult Day Care requested $350,000 in the form of a $50,000 loan and a $300,000 grant. They were awarded a $300,000 conditional occupancy loan. They have apparently moved in to their new facility on Pepperwood Lane. Work on remodeling still in progress. Family Services, Inc. - Consumer Credit Counseling (Correia): Spoke with Emily Bloom; the person who did the application last year is on maternity leave. They have received 88 inquiries Housing and Community Development Commission Meeting Minutes October 18, 2001 Page 2 in the Iowa City office, 46 appointments for initial assessment--32 of those are below income guidelines. Grant application stated 50 families under 50% income guidelines would be served. 5-6 families are enrolled in debt management and Family Services has used $640 to this point. HACAP and Domestic Violence shelter have been contacted for social service outreach. Old Business Review and Discussion of Enterprise Zones: Correia raised the question of establishing an enterprise zone for housing. She questioned if other communities had used this resource and if there are fewer procedures for zones established for housing only as opposed to economic development. Nasby stated that the law and a summary on enterprise zones was included in the packet provided to the HCDC commission, as well as the City Manager's June 6, 2001 recommendation to Council regarding Enterprise Zones. He added that there was no allowance in the law to lessen the requirements for housing only zones. Nasby said based on 1990 Census data, nine census tracts could technically qualify for an Enterprise Zone designation. The Council reviewed the Sycamore Mall and Pepperwood Shopping Center for potential zones, however based on the 1990 Census, these areas do not qualify as potential zones. However, it is probable that when the 2000 Census information is released, these areas may qualify. House wondered if there is a way to simplify the process to create an Enterprise Zone for housing only as the process seems cumbersome. After IDED approves the City's application, an Enterprise Zone Commission must be created and maintained for an Enterprise zone at City expense. The makeup of the six-member commission is set by the state. There was discussion of a "loss of local control" by the City and local HCDC. Holt questioned if there had been discussion in the legislature for simplifying. Nasby was unsure if that had been discussed. Since 1998 few places have created Enterprise Zones for housing only. They have most likely were created for economic development with housing added later. Correia discussed the state housing credit that was discussed at the Governor's Housing Conference last year. Nasb said that there was a bill to increase the value of housing that is eligible for tax credits, however he was unsure if it had passed. Welch stated that by not creating an Enterprise Zone now, housing suffers in potential areas that may qualify. There is also no required matching of funds by the City. Correia discussed the 1990 Census data. All areas have changed dramatically since the 1990 Census. Discussed to be eligible for an Enterprise Zone only two out of 5 criteria must be met. The City does not have to declare an area as "blighted." House asked about the intent of the law. Nasby stated that the intent and purpose of the law is to encourage development in distressed areas. Correia questioned if an Enterprise Zone was established and successful applications for housing received, would it reduce CDBG/HOME requests by potential developers. She questioned if it would be possible to spread the money out for more housing. Once a zone is established and a Committee set up, another zone could be set up after the 2000 Census data is received. The total area that can be used as an Enterprise Zone is limited to 1% of the County area. Renquist felt this was an untapped opportunity. Commission agreed to pursue more information, Welsh stated she would provide additional information and contact people to discuss Enterprise Zones. Correia requested information for potential to be added to the Council's Economic Development Committee agenda. Nasby stated that request needs to be made in writing to David Schoon. Correia wondered about the group, rather than individual, for agenda. Then perhaps more Housing and Community Development Commission Meeting Minutes October 18, 2001 Page 3 information could be presented in more informative manner. Entire group seemed to be in accordance. Renquist wondered about more city examples. Nasby recommended putting in request to City Council before going further as they had not expressed a desire to pursue enterprise zones at this time. Welsh stated that Nicole Warren is the IDED contact person. House recommended that more information be gathered before going further. Renquist felt it odd that something potentially great has been passed up. All in agreement for gathering more information, putting together packet, and contacting others who have implemented this project to find out hurdles and benefits. Nasby will have CDBG/HOME application guides and forms available in next packet for review and approval. New Business There is an opening on HCDC. No applications have been received. The deadline is November 7. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m. ppdcdbg/rnin/hcdc10-18-01 doc MINUTES IOWA CITY BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2001 -7:00 P.M. FINAL/APPROVED CIVIC CENTER - COUNCIL CHAMBERS MEMBERS PRESENT: T.J. Brandt, Mike Paul, Dennis Keitel, Kate Corcoran MEMBERS ABSENT: Vincent Maurer STAFF PRESENT: Karen Howard, Sarah Holecek OTHERS PRESENT: Kevin Perez, Gary Smith CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Corcoran called the meeting to order at 7:03 P.M. ROLL CALL: Brandt, Corcoran, Keitel and Paul present. CONSIDERATION OF THE AUGUST 15, 2001 BOARD MINUTES: Motion: Brantit moved to approve the August 15, 2001 minutes. Keitel seconded. Paul abstained because he was not present at the last meeting. The motion carried on a vote of 3-0. SPECIAL EXCEPTIONS: EXC01-00020. Discussion of an application submitted by Kevin Perez for a special exception to permit a commercial recreational use, specifically a restaurant with large play areas and a video arcade in the Community Commercial (CC-2) Zone at 1660 Sycamore Street (Sycamore Mall). Howard stated that the commercial recreational use is used primarily for physical exercise or culture, and even though this facility will be primarily a restaurant, it has large play areas. She presented a floor plan of the restaurant showing the play areas, stage, video arcade and party rooms, and stated that the facility is targeted toward families with young children. She said that the commercial recreational use is a broad use category, so this is considered a special exception because of potential impacts on surrounding uses. Howard said this special exception is reviewed under the general review standards. She said that staff feels the proposed commercial recreational use meets the general special exception review requirements for the following reasons: 1) it will fill a vacant commercial space in the Sycamore Mail, 2) the use is typical for what is suitable and desirable as a tenant, and 3) it is not likely to have any negative or detrimental impacts on public health, safety or general welfare. She advised that parking at the Mall is adequate, and all necessary facilities are being provided by the Mall. She said that staff feels the proposed use contributes to the redevelopment and improvement of Sycamore Mall and is consistent with the policies and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan. Staff recommends this special exception be approved. Corcoran clarified that this restaurant will be in the old Sears area of the Mall. Public Hearinq Opened Kevin Perez introduced himself and stated he would be happy to answer questions. In response to a question from Corcoran, Perez stated the name of the business will be The Monkeyhouse. He stated that they will serve primarily pizza, and the business is geared toward children, including birthday parties. Public Hearinq Closed Motion: Paul moved to approve item EXC01-00020, a special exception to permit a commercial recreational use, specifically a restaurant with large play areas and a video arcade in the Community Commercial (CC-2) Zone at 1660 Sycamore Street (Sycamore Mall). The motion was seconded by Brantit. Iowa City Board of Adjustment Minutes October 10, 2001 Page 2 Findinqs of Fact Corcoran stated that she will vote in favor of the special exception. She stated the project would contribute to the development of Sycamore Mall, and it is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. She further said that the staff report shows that the general review requirements have been met. She felt this project will provide new opportunities for entertainment and dining, and will not be detrimental or endanger the public health, safety, comfort or general welfare. She said the granting of the special exception would be for the use only, and the applicants would be required to meet all other building and zoning requirements. Paul stated he would vote in favor of the special exception. He said this will be a great addition to the existing commercial development. Brandt stated he would vote in favor of the exception. He said it is a good use for the area. In response to a question from Keitel, Howard said that the special exception goes along with the use of the property. He said he will be voting in favor of the special exception. The motion passed on a vote of 4-0. EXC01-00022. Discussion of an application submitted by Budget Car and Truck Rental for a special exception to permit an expansion of an auto- and truck-oriented use in the Community Commercial (CC-2) Zone at 815 S. Riverside Drive. Howard stated that this special exception would arrow applicant to expand an existing auto- and truck-oriented use to this lot off Riverside Drive, located between Doc's Standard and the Flowerarea. She stated that a few months ago the Board approved a special exception for their main car and truck rental business on Orchard Street. The applicant wants to lease this lot at 815 S. Riverside for display of vehicles for sale, with a maximum of about 10 vehicles on the lot at one time. They also wish to use the lot for overflow storage for some rental vehicles if necessary. She said the Board should consider this an expansion of the existing auto- and truck- oriented use. Howard stated that the CC-2 zone allows auto- and truck-oriented uses by special exception. She said the practice is to review these uses with regard to traffic, access, aesthetics, noise and any other impacts associated with the specific auto-and truck-oriented use. She said it is not anticipated this use will generate a lot of traffic because this will basically be a display lot. There won't be a sales office on the lot. Howard said that access to the property also needs to be considered. She said staff recommends that no new curb cuts should be allowed off Riverside Drive to prevent an increase in the side friction along the street which is already problematic. With regard to aesthetics, Howard said that the Comprehensive Plan encourages landscaping and buffering to soften the aesthetic impact of auto display uses. Staff feels that landscaping should be required. She presented a photograph of the landscape buffering done by Hartwig Motors as an example. Howard said that if this lot had been included in the initial special exception they would have had to provide some landscaping and trees as a part of the building permit process. She said since there will be no building on this new lot a building permit is not required. Therefore, if the Board does not require landscaping, there will be no process to require landscaping. Howard said that staff would have no objection to taking down the existing fencing, but the applicant should provide a separation between the subject lot and adjoining the property. She said the applicant proposes to repave and improve the lot. She said they will be removing an existing dumpster that has been well-maintained and has become somewhat of an attractive nuisance. Howard said that the proposed use meets several of the economic development goals of the Comprehensive Plan, including to nurture existing businesses by encouraging their retention and expansion. However, the streetscape, the aesthetics and the traffic access issues need to be addressed. Howard said that staff recommends that the Board approve this special exception provided that a new curb cut is not requested or constructed along the property's Riverside Drive frontage, and a landscaping plan is submitted to the City that is consistent with the City's site plan ordinance and tree regulations. The approved Iowa City Board of Adjustment Minutes October 10, 2001 Page 3 landscaping must be established prior to the establishment of the new use and maintained during the life of said use. Paul asked for clarification on where the suggested landscaping would be located. Howard stated staff proposes a tree on either side of the lot, with a grass strip along the frontage. Howard said staff feels there should be some sort of car stops along the edge between the lot and Flowerarea. In response to a question from Paul, she stated that access to the lot would be primarily from the rear alley and from the south side of the property. In response to a question from Keitel, Howard stated the applicant will have to meet the City's sign ordinance requirements. Public Hearincl Opened Gary Smith introduced himself as a partner with Gerry Ambrose on the Orchard Street property. He said that they had looked at the current lot from the beginning and thought it was small, but feel that it would work as a display lot. He said that at certain times of the week and year rental vehicles come back and they need a place to store them until they rent them out again. Smith submitted photographs of the existing lot, and stated that they plan to repave and improve the lot considerably. In response to a question from Paul, Smith stated that their plan is to have 4 parking stalls along the frontage and probably 5 along the side in order to display vehicles for sale, similar to their lot in Cedar Rapids on Council Street. He said that the lot would also be used for rental vehicles that they do not have room for on their other lot. Paul expressed concern that at the time of the original application, the Board was assured that there would be sufficient space to store cars, and now they seem to be saying they don't have enough room. Smith responded that at most times they have enough space on their other lot. Keitel asked if they plan to relocate the sign in the photographs. Smith stated no, they would not have a sign. He said they plan to take some of the fencing down but they want to leave the fencing on the FIowerama side of the lot. In response to a question from Corcoran, Smith stated he totally agrees with the City's provision of no new ourb cut. He said they could put in landscaping. Brandt stated that he has a concern about visibility problems with trees. Howard stated that they have plenty of options for small trees. Smith asked if the City would agree that the 5' requirement for green space be reduced. He stated they want to keep the fence between the lot and the Flowemma, and the 5' setback would cause a problem with entry to their lot. Smith stated that a 3' grass strip would be better. Keitel suggested they could take out a short section of the fence along the south side of the lot to allow more entry space, allowing for the installation of a tree and the grass strip. Smith agreed that this might work. In response to a question from Paul, Howard stated that the most recent Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 1997, and specifically mentioned problems with access and aesthetics along Riverside Drive. Paul stated he has a little bit of a problem asking the applicant to move back 5' when others have cars for sale right on the corner. Corcoran stated that the issue is how important the Board feels the streetscape should be softened. She said the only time you can get this done is when properties redevelop. Brandt stated that the greenery is nice, but he feels 5' is too far back. Keitel asked how people will know the cars are for sale. Smith stated they would put signs in the windows, along with the price, similar to a used car lot. He stated that for their company, it is preferable to sell the cars than take them to auction. Howard expressed concern that it may be difficult to maintain 3' of grass. Paul expressed concern that a reduced grass strip would cause a patchwork along Riverside Drive. Corcoran suggested that the Board just leave it to the City and the applicant to work something out on the landscaping. Smith asked when the best time to do the landscaping was, since the City was suggesting that it be done prior to utilization of the lot. Paul stated that the fall, after the trees lose their leaves, is the best time to plant trees, and grass should be seeded in the fall and early spring. Keitel stated that they are okay up to Thanksgiving to put down asphalt. Public Hearinq Closed Iowa City Board of Adjustment Minutes October 10, 2001 Page 4 Corcoran stated that she knows Gerry Ambrose, Smith's business padner, because she used to rent commercial space from him five years ago. She said she feels she should not have to recuse herself because she can be impartial. Paul stated he is a competitive realtor, but would also feel he can be impartial. Motion: Keitel moved to approve EXC0t-00022, a special exception to permit an expansion of an auto- and truck-oriented use in the Community Commercial (CC-2) Zone at 815 S. Riverside Drive, provided that a new curb cut is not requested or constructed along the Riverside Drive frontage, and also that a landscaping plan be submitted for approval by City staff. Approved landscaping must be established prior to the establishment of the new use and maintained during the life of said use. The motion was seconded by Paul. Findinqs of Fact Paul stated he would vote in favor of the exception. He said that traffic and access should not be a problem because the site is set up to receive traffic accordingly. He said that as far as the site improvements, he agrees with the City regarding landscaping along Riverside Drive, even though he feels it puts certain businesses to a disadvantage. He said he likes the idea of the applicant improving the site by repaving and removing the dumpster. This is a good use for the area. He stated that the review requirements had been met, in his opinion. He said that the proposed use is not likely to significantly increase traffic generated in the area; it will not be injurious to the use and enjoyment of other properties in the immediate area; and it will not impede the normal development of surrounding propedies. Keitel stated that he would vote in favor of the exception. He said he does not see any negatives as long as the site improvements are made. A little green space will also help improve the environment and reduce runoff, at least along the front where it might drain toward Riverside Drive. Brandt stated he would vote in favor. He said the applicant has done a very nice job on his previous exception with the business that faces Orchard Street, and hopefully he will do the same on this property. Corcoran stated she would vote in favor of the exception. She stated she believes the proposed development meets all of the standards that apply, She complimented Mr. Smith on the vast improvement on the lot to the west and the establishment of the Budget Rental Car. She said she has great faith that the applicant and the City can come up with a landscaping plan that is consistent with the Site Plan Ordinance and the Tree Regulations and acceptable to the City, and that they will establish this before the use is established, and will maintain it. The motion passed on a vote of 4-0. BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT INFORMATION The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 14, 2001. Brandt thanked the City staff for allowing the Board to have the meeting late because of Board member commitments. ADJOURNMENT Paul moved to adjourn, seconded by Keitel. The meeting adjourned at 8:02 PM, Board Chairperson Board Secretary Minutes Submitted By Neana Saylor ppdadrc, n/min/boalO-lO-Ol.doc IOWA CITY HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM October 22, 2001 MEMBERS PRESENT: Jan Warren, Charles Major, Mary Larew, Maureen Howe, Keri Neblett, Lisa Beckmann, Ernie Cox, Sue A. Joslyn, Paul Retish MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF MEMBERS: Laz Pittman CALL TO ORDER: Meeting called to order at 7:02 p.m. VISITORS: Sarah Holecek, Iowa City First Assistant City Attorney 1. CALL TO ORDER Meeting called to order at 7:02 PM. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion: Neblett moved to approve the minutes. Howe seconded. Motion passed by a vote of 9-0. 3. RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: None 4. NEW BUSNESS Commission Response to Recent Public Inl~ut & Roles and Responsibilities of Commissioners Howe indicated that the excerpts from the KCJJ radio broadcast involving Major were disturbing. She felt Major's statements and/or his participation in conversations that included either offensive or discriminatory phrases, (ex., "sandbagging dykes') was behavior that reflected negatively on the Commission. Major stated he was not happy with some of his calls. His intent, however, was to try and create change at the radio station. He believes other Commissioners should call in to KCJJ and attempt to change the station's behavior. Major reiterated that he was not happy with all of his efforts at KCJJ but as a Commissioner he believes the Commission's role is to create change rather than accept things the Commission does not like. Major doesn't think calling in to the station is wrong. He perceives the Commissioners' role to include trying to educate. He agreed that some of the comments he made may have been inappropriate, but being involved in creating change for human rights requires that one sometimes gets "muddy". He does not think it is right not to call in when there is a misinterpretation of the Commission's role. Retish commented that he didn't have a problem with human rights commissioners remaining alert to actions in the community to which they want to respond as human rights commissioners. He stated that the difficulty is (and he noted that he had a radio station show for 6-8 years) that the person running a radio show has absolute control over people calling in or people sitting at other microphones. The station can cut callers or guests off and get in the last word. Although Retish found that trying to react is an honorable thought, the process is such that the caller loses because of the circumstances. Retish suggested the Commission find, as a group, a better way to address the issue of hate speech on the radio. The ideal situation would be one in which there is a level playing field between the station and the caller/guest. The Commission needs to identify as a group the situation in which it would feel comfortable dealing with this issue. Each commissioner needs to be concerned with how their independent actions reflect on the rest of the Commission. Retish said that he personally was very uncomfortable when all this was going on on the radio. He said he got asked many times about it, and he didn't know quite how to respond. He says he loves the radio forum and loves to be on it, but does not feel comfortable because he can't win with this kind of call-in. Warren asked for ideas as to how the Commission could respond to the input that it got from Dan Brock. Beckmann asked why the Commission needed to respond since this issue had already been addressed with Steve Kanner. Warren clarified that Steven Kanner had asked for the Commission to take some action, but Dan Brock did not. Neblett explained that she doesn't think the Commissioners would have had a problem with Major calling in as "Joe Citizen". Concerns arose after Major identified himself as a Human Rights Commission member and he stated the Commission felt one way or another. This approach, according to Neblett, gave the appearance that Major spoke on behalf of the entire Commission. Larew said Major had referred to the Commission by saying "we feel". Major noted that the Commissioners had not heard all the calls, and he didn't always identify himself as a Commissioner. Neblett said that when Major said "the Human Rights Commissioners" Major in essence had included all of the Commission. Major admitted that the comment was probably inappropriate but he didn't identify himself this way each time he called. In this particular instance, Major believes he was mad. But during all the other calls Major contends he never identified himself as a Commissioner. Retish suggested the Commissioners plan a public education forum wherein the media is invited and topics including hate speech, hate writing, and the media's policies on these issues are discussed. He noted that the Daily lowan has had to make decisions regarding some specific ads that may have been repugnant to some people. Retish was unaware of the newspaper's criteria for printing the ads. Cox asked whether the Commission had previously done a forum on hate speech. Warren did not remember any program on hate speech during the 5 years she's been in the Commission. She said the Commission had responded to hate acts when during gay pride week a display at the public library was defaced. At that time, the Commission contributed to an adicle in the newspaper about that. Also, during the incident in the dental building the Commission participated in activities about that. The Commission has never, to Warren's knowledge, had a forum on hate speech or the first amendment right per so. Sarah Holecek, First Assistant Iowa City Attorney said that it seems that Commission has been struggling with this particular issue for awhile. Her experience has been that letter writing in the editorial page is not the most effective way to address something. She suggested the Commission respond to Brock personally and inform him that the Commission has decided to have a forum on hate speech and the First Amendment to educate the community. The other issue that still needs to be addressed is the balance between a Commissioner's role and when as a Commissioner corrections can be made spontaneously based on misinformation. A Commissioner can't speak for the Commission if it has not formulated a group-wide consensus as to the Commission's position on a topic. So, it is a dangerous thing for a Commissioner to use his/her title when writing an editorial comment or calling in to a radio show. Holecek offered that her opinion is that writing to an editorial page is not where the Commission would want to go. However, getting back to Mr. Brock and letting him know how the Commission is going to deal with this issue may be one way to resolve the struggle that the Commission is having. Also, the forum would provide an avenue to discuss the free speech/hate speech issues and lead to some sort of resolution. 2 Beckman said she would be comfortable if the Commission responded to Mr. Brock and informed him about the public forum. She feels the Commission owes Mr. Brock some kind of a response. Major agreed to get back to Brock, and inform him of the Commission's decision to have a public forum that addressed hate speech and the First Amendment. Cox also wanted to know if there was a way the letter could address the roles and responsibilities of the Commissioners. Warren suggested the Commission needs to come to an understanding of what that is. Warren said this is an issue that in her 5 years experience has come up for the Commission in other ways, usually with regards to letters to the editor in the paper. She said in the past several members of the Commission may have been pad of the Press Citizen writer's group or something like that and were signing their name and adding Human Rights Commissioner. Even if the Commissioners were talking about the new water treatment facility and their editorial didn't have anything to do with the Human Rights Commission, Warren did not think this was appropriate. She added that Commissioners should think seriously about signing an~hing as a Commissioner. Warren said the Commission is not here to tell its Commissioners what they can and ~annot do. Also, as far as she can tell, and as many times as she has asked Heather, there are not rules concerning appropriateness of Commissioner behavior. The only real rules Warren remembers concerning this topic is if a Commissioner divulges confidential information. This would be grounds for removal. But barring that, Warren believes there is not much that can get a Commissioner removed from the Iowa City Human Rights Commission. She believes the Commissioners should use good judgment. As far as she knows, there is nothing in code that dictates behavior of the Commissioners. Howe asked if the Commission can draft the rules and responsibilities for Commissioners. Warren responded she did not know if this could be done. Holecek added that the Commission could present something to Council and it would have to be approved by the rules committee. Warren said that other than the issue of attendance, her understanding is that none of the commissions have rules concerning commissioner behavior. Therefore, the Iowa City Human Rights Commission would be the only one that would have rules. Holecek agreed. Holecek said that it has been difficult to put into black letter what is prescribed behavior for a commissioner. So ultimately, the process requires that the Commission trust its commissioners to use good judgment. Holecek noted that the standard for "just cause" to remove a commissioner is very high. Warren said that in the past there have been other cases that seemed to her to be "just cause" that were not. Retish asked if the Council could censor a commissioner or a commission for its actions? Holecek said there is no formal procedure that she knows of for the Council to take such action. Retish suggested that Commissioners speak in a generic fashion when speaMng to the public. He believes that Commissioners need to be very objective and careful when they say that they are members of the Iowa City Human Rights Commission when speaking in a public sense. Holecek commented that the typica~ situation where a person brings up holding the title of Commissioner is to lend credibility to an opinion. She suggested that Commissioners don't use the title to lend credibility to an opinion that really has nothing to do with the Commission and is not an actual representation of a consensus of the view of the Commission. Pittman asked about instances when a Commissioner does not use his/her title but everyone knows that he/she is a member of the Commission. Pittman suggested in such an instance the Commissioner could still be said to be wearing the Commissioner's hat regardless of whether the title is mentioned or not. Holecek responded that this situation is an even slipperier slope because people identify you as the Commissioner but Commissioner's do not lose citizenry rights because of membership on the Commission. Warren suggested that in this situation it is probably a good idea for the Commissioner to 3 identify him/herself as a concerned parent, citizen, etc. (whatever the issue is) where ever the forum. Holecek added that sometimes individuals from commissions speak in public and It is preferable that the Commissioner clarify that he or she is not speaking as a commission member but as a concerned parent, a neighborhood member, etc. (depending on the issue at hand). Beckmann suggested that the Commission write a letter to Dan Brock thanking him for his input and letting him know that Commission is going to conduct a forum addressing hate speech and the First Amendment and how the issues interrelate. Motion: Larew made a motion that the Commission write a letter to Dan Brock about the Commission's upcoming public forum. Beckman seconded. Motion passed 9-0. Warren agreed to write the letter. Addressing Major directly, Warren said that given the history that this particular radio station has and the complaints and concerns that have been raised to the Commission by the public, she believes that Major used really poor judgment by calling KCJJ and talking about Commission business. Warren noted that this is her personal opinion and her Commissioner opinion. Warren believes Major's calls to the radio station hurt the Commission's reputation and Commission's ability to reach out to people that are already nervous about contacting the Commission. Major said he regrets one of the comments he made on the radio but does not agree with Warren. He believes his calls have helped many people understand human rights better. Major thinks Commissioners have to try to change things, and the radio forum is an excellent avenue for creating change. He said he will have to be more careful about his calls. Addressing Major directly, Cox said to Major that he was totally disappointed as many people spoke to him regarding Major being on the Commission. While Cox believes that Major reached a lot of people, Cox is not certain it was in the positive way that Major intended. He does not see that call-ins to this particular show could ever result in a positive image for the Commission and/or positive outcome for human rights. He believes Major wants to change things for the positive, but he does not believe that even with Major's abilities Major can create positive changes for human rights through this show. He believes Major's efforts will be thwarted at every turn. Major mentioned that he was coming to that realization. Warren asked if there were any thoughts or concrete actions the Commission wanted to come out of this agenda item? Retish mentioned that one of the things that he believes the Commission is going to have to do is listen carefully to people's perceptions of the Commission. Larew said she was wondering if the Commission should do something else in a more public manner about this issue, such as writing a comment to the editorial page. She suggested instead of an editorial comment, that maybe the Commission could contribute a piece to the newspaper. She suggested the Commission do an article about the roles and responsibilities of the commissioners. Warren said that this was jus done recently. An outline of the commission's process was contributed in June, 2001 in response to Steven Kanner's comments about the radio station. Without a motion, the Commissioner decided to move on rather than write anything else to the newspapers. Public Forum Reclardinq Hate Speech Relish mentioned that he believed that there may be other organizations in town doing a public forum relating to hate speech and first amendment. He feared duplication of a forum. Larew confirmed that HART did not have anything relating to hate speech on its agenda. Retish offered to find out from other organizations that may be preparing a forum on the topic and report to the Commission at the next meeting. 4 Subcommittee Report Revisincl the Preamble Beckmann gathered information from different preambles used by other ordinances. After discussion of phrases to ensure that the preamble includes individuals that visit Iowa City, the Iowa City Human Rights Commission decided on the following verbiage: It is the policy of the City of Iowa City that a~ members of our community be treated fairly and equally. Recognizing the need to address the effects of bias, this ordinance has been developed in an attempt to assure that a~ persons within its jurisdiction shaft be protected in the enjoyment of human rights, and to promote mutual understanding and respect. Beckman wanted the Commission to clarify the reason it wants this preamble added to the ordinance. Howe explained she believed it was to broaden the umbrella to include everyone. Larew said that because the ordinance has specific protected categories it might appear that some people are not protected. Retish mentioned that the fact that the ordinance lists categories it creates a danger that people may perceive they are not protected if their not included in a category. He said this preamble gives the sense that everybody is protected and then there are some, that because of history, that are some classes, groups that are annunciated. Beckman assumed the preamble would come right before the definitions of the Human Rights Ordinance. Motion: Retish moved to forward this verbiage to the City Council for approval that it be included as the preamble to the Iowa City Human Rights Ordinance. Neblett seconded. Motion passed 8-0. Book Project Retish mentioned that Burns Weston announced that the Iowa City Human Rights Commission was supporting the project. Commissioners did not have any objection to the book but wondered how that endorsement came about. The endorsement issue will be put on the next agenda. 5. OLD BUSINESS Breakfast Pittman collected money from tickets that Commissioners had sold. It was clarified that the Commission would pay for a Commissioner's tickets if a Commissioner so desired. Larew and Major agreed to collect tickets at the door. Larew also mentioned that Hubbard was very ill and was in the hospital. Pittman mentioned that she had verified that as of that day, he had been working on his speech while in the hospital and was planning to speak at the breakfast. 6. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS Larew had a newspaper clipping about an article concerning a meeting between Steven Kanner and Irvin Phab where Kanner allowed one man to speak for five minutes and told him to wrap it up. This was deemed odd because Kanner has been known to berate Iowa City Mayor Ernie Lehman for cutting off speakers during the discussion of issues. This was in the Iowa City Gazzette. Major talked to Dottie Ray about the Human Rights Breakfast for the Dottie Ray radio show. The program went well. Major did, however, find it difficult to explain the difference between the Rick Graf and the Isabel Turner award. He stumbled a little when it came to the differences between the award, but he felt he got out the general message on them. He said the rest of the awards were self- explanatory. Heather helped him with information. He suggested that if anyone tries to explain these awards in the future, to read up on it. Major also mentioned he is reading Djout's book and finds it interesting. 5 7, STATUS OF CASES Pittman mentioned that new cases are trickling in. She mentioned that the other cases are coming along and an appeaJ hearing was scheduled in one of the cases. 8. ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 8:21 p.m. MiNUtES fINal/aPPROVED IOWA City TEIECOMMUNICAtIONS COMMISSION MONDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2001 CITY CABLE TV OFFICE, 10 S. LINN ST.-TOWER PLACE PARKING FACILITY MEMBERS PRESENT: Betty McKray, Terry Smith, Cathy Weingeist, Jim Pusack, Kernbrew McLeod STAFF PRESENT: Drew Shaffer, Mike Brau, Bob Hardy, Andy Matthews OTHERS PRESENT: Jon Koebrick, Rene Paine, Kara Logsden, Phil Phillips, Eileen Beck RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL None at this time. SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION Logsden reported the library has received a grant for a series of consumer health training programs. The program will be offered at five sites in Iowa City. On September 16 a documentary produced by Community Programmer Ty Coleman on Samuel Kirkwood played at a program honoring Iowa's territorial governors at Terrace Hill, the Governor's mansion in Des Moines. Shaffer reported that he gave a presentation to City department heads to let them know the range of the Division's services and that a studio is now available. It is hoped this will stimulate ideas for programs serving the community. Comments from City Councilors at the open house indicate there is a desire for more local government programming and gathering of input from the public. Funds were approved by the administration for studio equipment that will facilitate the Avatar Project series, which should help meet those goals. Paine reported that PATV will hold a art auction October 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the First Methodist Church. PATV's annual membership meeting will be held November 15th in Library Meeting Room A beginning at 6:30 p.m. McKray introduced Superintendent Plugge who was invited to the meeting to share the school district's plans for the use of the education channel. Plugge said that the school's major hurdle in better utilizing the channel is the lack of staff to coordinate getting programming on the channel. Pusack said that as a start the district could make clear to staff that the system is available to be utilized if they wish. Pusack noted PATV's offer to assist with producing programs and said that there are volunteers available to assist with producing programs. Jon Koebrick said that he has been having discussions with the City of Coralville, who wants to have their own channel, about sharing the education channel. Coralville staff would program the channel and produce programs, including some for the school district. Mediacom recently announced that they will invest $500 million in Iowa for system upgrades and interconnection. Paine distributed the floor plan of PATV's new facility. It is anticipated PATV will be able to move in early in December. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Pusack moved and Weingeist seconded a motion to approve the September 24, 2001 minutes. The motion passed unanimously. ANNOUNCEMENTS OF COMMISSIONERS None. SHORT PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS None. SUBSCRIBER ISSUES Shaffer reported receiving 7 complaints-1 about a cable television billing problem, 1 about not being able to reach the local cable company on their local phone number-the line is always busy, 1 cable television technical problem, 1 about a cable television outage, 1 wanting competition, 1 about poor service, and one about the @Home cable modem service being too expensive. MEDIACOM REPORT No representative was present. LIBRARY REPORT Logsden reported the library has received a grant for a series of consumer health training programs. The program will be offered at five sites in Iowa City. Mediacorn has offered to install and provide free @Home service to Oaknoll, one of the sites. The library channel will tape a discussion with Christopher Merrill on the book The Last Summer of Reason, which was chosen for the Community Reads program. Library staff met with audio-visual vendors to plan equipment purchases for the new library building. PA TV REPORT Paine reported that PATV will hold a art auction October 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the First Methodist Church. PATV's annual membership meeting will be held November 15 in Library Meeting Room A beginning at 6:30 p.m. The PATV newsletter will published in early November. ECC REPORT No representative was present. SENIOR CENTER REPORT Beck reported Senior Center TV's new equipment is up and running. Two work-study students have been hired. It is hoped that the Senior Center TV staff will be able to engage in more training of seniors and less time in production in the future. LEGAL REPORT Matthews said that he had nothing new to report. CITY CABLE TV OFFICE REPORT Hardy reported that the Cable TV Division open house was very successful. The Division's C and Ku band satellite is now operational. Arrangements are being made so satellite feeds can be provided to the Civic Center's conference rooms. Due to a change in City policy the City Council Chambers is no longer available as a meeting site for organizations not directly affiliated with the City government. Library Meeting Room A will soon be unavailable due to construction. This has limited the number of locations in which live cable TV feeds can originate. Mediacom has wired the recreation building so a live feed can come from the large meeting room. It is hoped the Senior Center assembly room and the Senior Center TV studio could be wired for cablecast. Election results will again be carried live on the City Channel. On September 16 a documentary produced by Ty Coleman on Samuel Kirkwood played at a program honoring Iowa's territorial governors at Terrace Hill, the Governor's mansion in Des Moines. Shaffer reported that he gave a presentation to City department heads to let them know the range of the Division's services and that a studio is now available. It is hoped this will stimulate ideas for programs serving the community. Comments from City Councilors at the open house indicate there is a desire for more local government programming and gathering of input from the public. Funds were approved by the administration for studio equipment that will facilitate the Avatar Project series, which should help meet those goals. MEDIACOM REPORT Koebrick reported that Mediacom is making progress towards interconnecting the headends of their area cable TV systems. Iowa City will eventually be fed from Cedar Rapids, This may necessitate moving public access from channel 2. Discussions have been held with Coralville about them using sharing the education channel with their anticipated education and government programming. Mediacom recently announced that they will invest $500 million in Iowa for system upgrades and interconnection. Pusack asked about the @Home advertising that claims that speeds are up to 100 times faster than a 28.8 modem. Koebrick said speeds of 3 megabits have been achieved. Pusack said that even in conditions in which the speeds should be maximized he has never approached those speeds. Koebrick said that the node sizes will decrease as the upgrade projects proceed. Fiber will be laid to the point of presence rather than a T-1 line. As the node size gets smaller and the fiber laid the 3 megabit speed will become closer to being able to be obtained by everyone. Pusack said that given the actual conditions present that the advertising is deceptive. Koebrick said that the marketing for @Home is conducted nationally. Mediacom is reviewing their options for cable modem service in the event that @Home goes bankrupt. EDUCATION CHANNEL UPDATE McKray introduced Superintendent Plugge who was invited to the meeting to share the school district's plans for the use of the education channel. Plugge said that the school's major hurdle in better utilizing the channel is the lack of staff to coordinate getting programming on the channel. Plugge noted that the school district produced 75 programs last year and they were shown 137 times for a total of 318 hours. Most of those programs are the Board meetings. The central administration tries to interest school principals in cablecasting programs. One particularly good programs was an orientation program for West High School. The biggest challenge for the District is finding assistance in getting programs made and on the channel. Plugge said he has reviewed the activities of the Des Moines school district, which has a local cable channel that they program. The District would like to increase programming, but this depends on dedicating additional resources. Pusack said that he would like to see more of what is going on in the schools and more communication between the schools and parents. Plugge said the dilemma for him is what would have to be given up in terms of staff time to dedicate more time to the programming of the channel. Pusack said that as a start the district could make clear to staff that the system is available to be utilized if they wish. Pusack noted PATV's offer to assist with producing programs and said that there are volunteers available to assist with producing programs. Weingeist said that it was clear from Plugge's appearance on a WSUI radio call-in show that the public wants better communication from the District. Better utilization of channel 11 could facilitate better communication. Weingeist said that the symphony director tapes the concerts and told Weingeist that she would like to see them on the channel. Another example of existing work from within the school district that could be cablecast is the City High academy awards program, which awards prizes for student work. Pusack said the Commission does allocate funds for local access. Pusack asked if a grant program for District productions might be productive. Funds could be provided to the District to facilitate use of the channel. The Commission has heard reasons why the school district has not used the channel such as lack of staff or copyright issues, but no solutions have been offered. Plugge said that one hurdle is the lack of staff. Weingeist said the Commission is not expecting 40 hours or programming a week. The District may wish to initiate a pilot project in one elementary and one secondary school to get things rolling. Paine said that John Carhoff, a teacher at City High, has been working with PATV and his programs are being played on PATV and the education channel. PATV will be training a student crew that will be working on some programs and will be able to take on other projects. Plugge said that Carhoff is volunteering his time and Plugge told him that the school district can not pay him for his time. Perhaps a stipend would be appropriate in this situation. The school district's funding is very tight and $1-1.5 million will be lost by the end of the school year. Pusack noted that underwriters for programs could be sought out. Jon Koebrick said that he has been having discussions with the City of Coralville, who wants to have their own channel, about sharing the education channel. Coralville staff would program the channel and produce programs, including some for the school district. PATV BUILDING UPDATE Paine distributed the floor plan of PATV's new facility. It is anticipated PATV will be able to move in early in December. The roof has been replaced and the demolition and framing completed. The heating and cooling systems will be finished soon. The volunteer painting crew is ready to go. Smith asked if PATV was setting aside reserve funds as suggested in Helling's memo of 8/15/01. Paine said that reserve funds are being put aside and that has been stipulated in PATV's agreement with the City. CABLE TV SERVICE TO CITY BUILDINGS Shaffer reported a meeting was held with all the affected parties to determine if City-owned fiber optic cable could be used to extend service to public works buildings. A determination depends on locating a fiber tree map which is the responsibility of the City's Information Technology Services Division. Laying the fiber was a joint project with the University of Iowa. Once the map is located the information can be provided to the cable company so they can determine how to send a cable TV signal to the public works buildings. Koebrick said use of City fiber would save a lot of money. ACCESS CHANNEL REPORTS McKray asked the if the local access channel reports included in the Commission packets were providing the information the Commission desired. Smith said that the reports provide a good overview of the channels at a glance. Pusack asked if the Iowa City School District and the reports from Kirkwood could be combined. Brau said that Kirkwood's data does not break out the Iowa City School District. The report could be presented so that the total number of hours of programming could be expressed, but the particular types of programs could not. Hardy said that Community Television Service (CTS) programs have been reported as imported programming on the City Channel. It may be more accurate to report CTS as being produced by the City Channel. Brau said the vast majority of CTS programming is played on the City Channel. It may better to include the CTS programs in with the City Channel's data. Hardy said that programs such as the Johnson County Board of Supervisors is counted as an imported program as the City Channel merely plays back a tape provided to them. A program like Navy News, which is produced by the Defense Department, is also counted as imported. These programs are qualitatively different from CTS programs. Paine said PATV considers CTS programs community programming. Smith said it is not important that each channel define imported programming precisely the same. It may be most appropriate for PATV to define CTS programs as community programming and the City as produced by the channel. Logsden said the library counts CTS as imported as they do not use any staff resources toward those programs. It was agreed the CTS programming could be counted as produced by the City Channel. ADJOURNMENT Weingeist moved and McLeod seconded a motion to adjourn. The motion passed unanimously. Adjournment was at 7:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Wm. Drew Shaffer Cable TV Administrator APPROVED/FINAL MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION NOVEMBER 14, 2001 MEMBERS PRESENT: Kevin Boyd, Toni Cilek, Doug Ginsberg, Craig Gustaveson, Bruce Maurer, Nancy Ostrognai, Mate Pacha, Rex Pruess, A1 Stroh STAFF PRESENT: Terry Trueblood, Mike Moran, Terry Robinson FORMAL ACTION TAKEN Moved by Stroh, seconded bV Bovd, to aDDrove the October 10~ 2001 minutes as amended. Unanimous. C.I.P. PRIORITIZATION Trueblood reviewed the commission's top 10 C1P priorities from last year and the listing of possible new CIP projects. Pacha gave a brief history on the comnussion's prioritization process, noting he felt the commission should base their decision on the merit of the project and not the cost. Trueblood noted the projects he felt wan'anted "top ten" consideration, in no particular order... Soccer Complex Trail Development, Leisure Pool Development, Dog Park, Waterworks Park to Peninsula Park Connector Trail, City Park Trail Lighting, City Park Pool Filtration System, Recreation Center Pool Renovation, Cemetery Roads, City Park Sidewalks. He stated the Leisure Pool project would require a referendum, and a leisure pooI could generate enough revenue to be self-supporting in operating costs. North Liberty, Coralville and the University of Iowa are considering leisure pools, and if they construct one, it will draw swimming pool patrons away from the Iowa City pools. The Soccer Complex Trails project would provide accessible trails to the soccer fields. The Dog Park is a viable project and could take care of some of the problems in the parks, but Trueblood noted a community group would need to come forward to push it. The Waterworks Park/Peninsula Trail project is important because the county constructed new trails along Dubuque Street; this trail will provide a nice connection between Dubuque Street, the Waterworks Park and Peinnsula Park. The City Park Trail Lighting project would install pedestrian lighting along the recently completed trail system for extended use and safety. The City Park pool filtration system and renovaVion of the Recreation Center pool will need to be completed in the next 1 to 3 years. The Recreation Center pool has a significant leak and the renovation cost will depend on what is discovered. The Cemetery Roads will need to be resurfaced in the next 2 to 3 years also. The City Park Sidewalks project would replace the 4-foot side~valk along Park Road between Templin and the entrance to Lower City Park and will connect to the new sidewalk to the west. Also, a 6-foot ~vide, lighted sidewalk would be constructed from the Riverside Festival stage to the main parking lot. The commission discussed whether to retain the priority order of last year's top 10 priorities. Pruess referred to the number of votes each project received last year, noting the Mercer Ballfield Lights and Iowa River Trail Bridge projects had 3 votes each, with the next lowest number being 8. He suggested removal of these projects from the top 10 priorities. The commission proceeded to vote by a show of hands what projects to retain for consideration from last year's list and staffs listing of possible new projects. The commission as a whole agreed that the top projects on last year's priority listing should be retained in their current order (1-Waterworks Park Development; 2-Iowa River TraiI, West Bank; 3-Willow Creek Trail Phase I]1; 4-Court Hill Trail Development; 5-Peninsula Park Development). The commission proceeded to prioritize the remaining projects. The projects and total number of votes received are as follows: Parks and Recreation Comrrassion November 14, 2001 Page 2 of 3 Recreation Center Pool Renovation ($100,000-$400,000) 8 votes Soccer Complex Trail Development ($220,000) 8 votes Sand Lake Trail ($175,000) 7 votes City Park Pool Filtration System ($200,000) 5 votes Waterworks Park to Peninsula Park Connector Trail ($1,200,000) 5 votes Highway Six/Sycamore Trail ($400,000) 5 votes City Park Trail Lighting ($150,000) 4 votes Willow Creek Trail West ($1,400,000) 3 votes The consensus of the commission was to include all projects receiving over 5 votes in the priority listing, with staff deternf~ning the order of projects that were tied. PROPOSED FY03 OPERATING BUDGET Treeblood highlighted various budget proposals and reviewed the capital outlay itemization. Staff has again requested additionaI personnel. Trueblood noted that the state budget cutbacks and rollback factor would have a substantial impact on the budget. Fees and charges will be discussed at the December comrmssion meeting. COMMISSION TIME Ostrognai reported she recently sent a letter to staff asking that playground equipment be accessible equipment as it is replaced or new equipment added; Trueblood noted this is the department's goal. Gustaveson asked if any additional work would be completed on the Skate Park yet this year; Treeblood noted the remaining work will be done next spring. Gustaveson also noted that the tunnel under the railroad bridge in the Longfellow neighborhood tamed out well and created a nice trail in this area. Ginsberg asked what it would take to discuss the feasibility of an indoor facility at the I.C. Kickers Soccer Park. Trueblood indicated it appeared a private indoor soccer facility will be built near the airport; Ginsberg noted he heard the project may not occur. Pacha questioned the need of an additional indoor soccer facility if a private facility is constructed. Ginsberg felt if the City and the Kickers organization went together to construct such a facility it would be more accessible to the soccer community. Maurer felt the project would have to go through the CIP priontization process. Trueblood noted projects sometimes become a higher priority because an organization is willing to help pay for it. Ginsberg stated there were soccer clubs who would use the facility; Moran noted 5 soccer clubs currently rent the Scanlon Gym for practices. Trueblood referred to the past push by citizens for an indoor ice arena, which ended when the one at the Coral Ridge Mall was constructed. Ginsberg noted the number of people playing soccer is much higher than ice hockey. Trueblood stated representatives of the Kickers organization would need to bring to the commission an official proposaI on what they would like to see done and how they would support such an effort. Boyd reported he attended the Southwest Planning meeting where he heard a lot of positive feedback with respect to Hunters Run Park. CHAIR'S REPORT With respect to the CIP prioritization process, Pacha noted his appreciation to the commission on a job well done. Parks and Recreation Commission November 14, 2001 Page 3 of 3 DIRECTOR'S REPORT Trueblood reported on the following: Miller/Orchard Park. The neighborhood does not want the park developed at this time due to safety concerns with the park being on a hill and across from a school. They feel it is extremely important to obtain another 2 acres in order to take the park down to Miller Street. Trueblood noted he informed the neighborhood at a meeting he could not guarantee the current $200,000 allocated this year for development would still be there next year. Staff will be cleaning up the area, but are waiting until the neighborhood completes their plant inventory. City Park Trail Proiect. A walk-through was conducted today; the project is nearing completion. Seeding and installation of a new sign will be completed next spring. Hunters Run Park Proiect. A walk-through will be conducted Thursday, November 15. Riverside Festival Stage Seating Project. The concrete portion of this project should be completed shortly, with the seats to be installed next spring. Bickorv Bill Park Trail Proiect. Negotiations with the contractor have been conducted and the total project cost has been reduced. This has delayed the start of the project until next spring, except the bridge abutments that may be done this year. The city was able to save approximately $50,000 by using bridges the city had stored. Terry Robinson has been in contact with the National Guard to determine if it may be possible for them to airlift the bridges into the site. Also, due to the economy, Dunbar/Jones will be closing its Iowa City office. Staff will be meeting with Tom Dunbar and Mike Stineman to determine if it is possible to enter into an independent agreement with Mike Stineman to stay involved with the project. Deer in BickorV Hill Park. Staff referred to the letter in the packet from Diarme Kaufman requesting that hunting not be allowed inside the boundaries of Hickory Hill Park this year. The firm hired by the City is not planning to set up in the park. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Maurer, seconded by Stroh, to adiourn. Unanimous. The meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m. 12-11-01 r NUTES 3b(6) EN OR CENTER COr r SS ON FINAL/APPROVED TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2001 MEMBERS PRESENT: Lori Benz, Jay Honohan, Bill Kelly, Allan Monsanto, Deb Schoenfelder, Carol Thompson, Charity Rowley, and Jim Schintler. MEMBERS ABSENT: Joanne Hora STAFF PRESENT: Michelle Buhman, Linda Kopping, and Julie Seal GUESTS Bob Welsh, Bob Hudson and Sandra Hudson CALL TO ORDER Honohan called the meeting to order at 3:05. MINUTES Motion: To approve the September minutes as distributed. The motion carried on a vote of 7-0. Benz/Rowley PUBLIC DISCUSSION Sandra and John Hudson outlined plans for a New Year's Eve fundraiser that is being planned for the Englert Theater. The Hudsons asked the Senior Center to support the fundraiser in two ways. First by providing space (G13) for a program organized by the Englert group, and second, by organizing and implementing some type of Senior Center programming to take place that evening. Discussion focused on the fact that while the Senior Center traditionally has not supported fundraising for a non-Senior Center group, operational policy related to this issue is rather vague. A sub committee was formed to explore this issue, clarify existing policy if necessary, and recommend a response to the Englert request at the November meeting. Jim Schintler, Lori Benz, and Charity Rowley volunteered to serve on the committee. PARKING FACILITY STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE UPDATE- Honohan Honohan reported over one hundred people artended the Senior Center Skywalk Dedication Ceremony on October 4, 2001. Honohan noted that several parking spaces adjacent to the skywalk have been designated for use by a business located in the parking ramp. He is working to have these spaces moved in order to allow seniors to park closer to the Skywalk. Kelly stated he would like to see more designated handicapped parking spaces on the same level as the skywalk. Honohan reported that seniors continue to purchase parking permits and there are plenty of parking spaces available in the ramp. Kopping circulated a draft of the skywalk donor plaque, which will be displayed in the hallway near the skywalk entrance. She also reported that the Senior Center provided free parking for people attending the Senior Dining Volunteer Dinner on 15-September- 2001. C:\TEMP\Oct.doc MINUTES 2 SENIOR CENTER COMMISSION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2001 28E COMMITTEE UPDATE - THOMSON Thompson reported that the Committee met in September and October and discussed whether the 28E Agreement is a participation agreement or a padnership. Thomson noted that if the 28E Agreement is a participation agreement, the existing tax structure would only allow the Board of Supervisors to pay for rural residents. As a result, the County's contribution to the Center's operational budget would be significantly reduced. The County would prefer a to have a partnership with the Senior Center. Honohan is preparing another draft of the 28E Agreement that will be reviewed by the Committee at the November meeting. ADVISORY COMMITTEES The Participation, Program and Volunteer Committees have all met and that each committee began by developing operational by-laws. Kopping will be sending members of each advisory group examples of the by-laws developed by the other two committees. BUDGET REQUEST REVIEW Rowley reviewed major expenditures in the FY03 proposed budget. Items included funding for a half time Program Specialist, additional door proximity readers, elevator repairs and upgrades, track lighting for the Assembly Room, new window treatments for 205 and 202, and a laptop computer. SENIOR CENTER UPDATE Operations - Kopping The Waterproofing project is scheduled to start soon, depending on the weather. The limestone monument, which is being constructed on the northwest side of the Senior Center, is scheduled for completion sometime next week. Kopping spoke with Mike Foster, Senior Dining Manager, about ways the Senior Center could enhance the quality of the Thanksgiving meal. Due to a staff shortage on the holiday additional food selections were not an option. Foster suggested that the Center upgrade the quality of pies and purchase some fresh baked rolls for the Thanksgiving dinner. The cost of the pies comes to $170.00 and the cost of the rolls is $40.00. Motion to approve the expenditure of $170.00 from the operational budget to purchase pies and rolls for Senior Dining's Thanksgiving dinner. Monsanto/Schoenfelder. Motion passed on a vote of 8-0 The on-site accreditation review dates have been set for October 24 and 25, 2001. Kopping circulated copies of the peer review checklist and the agenda for the on-site review. A brief discussion of the review process followed and Commissioners were encouraged to attend several meetings during the peer review visit. 11/27/2001 c:\temp\oct.doc MINUTES 3 SENIOR CENTER COMMISSION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2001 Pro.qrams - Seal Seal distributed a list of selected programs planned for November. She highlighted several events for November, including the Veterans Day program, a new group called the Current Events Discussion Group, and a new computer class called Creating Mailing Lists and Labels. For a full listing of programs refer to the November Post. Volunteers - Rogusky No repod available, Susan Rogusky was on vacation. CITY COUNCIL - Benz reported the City Council the 20th Anniversary events at the City council meeting. BOARD OF SUPERVISORS - No report, no visit made. COMMISSION DISCUSSION Honohan reported that he had received a complaint concerning political activity in the Senior Center. He is investigating this complaint. Thompson suggested that a sign be posted reminding people that there is to be no political campaigning in the Center. Further, the Board of Supervisors would like to be informed of any political campaigning that takes place during the Senior Dining meal program. Thompson is scheduled to report at the Board of Supervisors meeting. City Council appointments will be making their appointments in November Motion: To adjourn, Motion carried on a vote of 8-0 Rowley/Benz The meeting adjourned at 4:45. 11/27/2001 c:\temp\oct. doc