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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-04-12 Minutes JOINT MEETING MINUTES - APRILl2, 2006 CITY COUNCILS OF IOWA CITY, NORTH LIBERTY, CORALVILLE JOHNSON COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS IOWA CITY SCHOOL BOARD AT EMMA J. HARV AT HALL, lOW A CITY, 4:30 P.M. lOW A CITY COUNCIL PRESENT: Elliott, Wilburn, Vanderhoef, Correia, O'Donnell, Champion, Bailey [Staff: Atkins, Karr, Dilkes, Helling, Davidson, Franklin, Raclos, Lewis, Hightshoe, Long] NORTH LIBERTY COUNCIL PRESENT: Wozniak, Franker [Staff: James, Mulcahey], CORALVILLE CITY COUNCIL PRESENT: Lundell, Fausett, Gill, Herwig [Staff: Hayworth] JC BOARD OF SUPERVISORS PRESENT: Stutsman, Neuzil, Lehman, Sullivan, Harney [Staff: Sullivan] lOW A CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT PRESENT: Fields, Wallace, Cilek, Crooks, Klouda, Morgan [Staff: Behle, Plugge, Vandenburg, Bobek] GUESTS: Andy Johnson, Housing Trust Fund TAPES: 06-35, Both Sides (A complete transcription is available in the City Clerk's office) Call to Order: Mayor Wilburn called the meeting to order at 4:30P .M. Welcome and Introductions: Mayor Wilburn welcomed everyone and asked them to go around the table and introduce themselves. Housinl! Summit: Andy Johnson handed out a brochure that he had prepared for the Housing Summit Task Force. He went on to briefly discuss the information presented in the brochure, fielding questions from those in attendance. He spoke of the Task Force that he is a member of and stated that they are working on a proposal for a Housing Summit that would bring together both elected leaders, representatives of the business community, and representatives ofthe non-profit community. Johnson stated that it would first be important that they have a discussion about housing to learn some of the facts, such as, what the situation is in Johnson County; to hear viewpoints of the situation that elected leaders or business leaders or non-profits are addressing; and then begin the conversation about what steps are needed to move forward in order to address these issues. He stated Minutes Joint Meeting-April 12, 2006 Page 2 that the Task Force hopes to schedule the Summit for sometime in the fall- perhaps October or early November. Johnson stated that currently they would like to hear comments and feedback On what others feel would be important to address at this Summit. Local Option Sales Tax: Dr. Pete Wallace addressed those present regarding a local option sales tax by stating that earlier this year, the Solon School District had approached the Iowa City Community School District and all other school districts in Johnson County, about the possibility of the option of a vote On what is known as a "silo," which is basically a I-cent sales tax. He gave a brief history on the "silo" and the options that go along with it, stating that the School District will be starting a campaign to communicate and educate the public On this tax. Connie Champion stated that it would be a "tough sale" as people view sales tax as regressive in nature. Tom Gill stated that he feels this is a "great idea" and spoke also of the need for a Joint Communications Center. Rod Sullivan stated that he completely disagrees with the sales tax idea, as it truly is regressive. All of the attendees weighed in On the local option sales tax and the uses for this new "funding stream." A brief discussion centered on increasing property taxes versus adding a local option sales tax. When asked ifthis will be on the November ballot, Wallace stated that they will most likely go for a special ballot, and that they would not put it on the School Board election ballot, as this would be a mistake. Wallace stated that he would prefer it not be swallowed up in the general election ballot either. Iowa River LandinI! Planninl! Process: Henry Herwig talked about the plans for the Iowa River Landing Project, the area bounded by 1-80, I " Avenue in Coralville, the Iowa River, and the Iowa River Power Restaurant. He stated that the Coralville City Council plans to start identifying some goals for this area and they welcome everyone's input. Herwig noted that the Convention and Visitors Bureau is going to be helping in this process, as well. New Health and Human Services Buildinl!: Mike Lehman was present to talk about the newly planned Health and Human Services Building. This new building will house Human Health, Developmental Disabilities, MHDD, the Board of Health, Veterans Affairs, and Juvenile Justice. He stated that the idea is to bring those all under one roof and have one point of service for those who access these services the most. Familv Resource Center Cooperative: Lane Plugge stated that the School District is looking to expand the Family Resource Center services at both Lucas and Roosevelt Elementary Schools. Plugge stated that the District has submitted a grant that they plan to help fund this project with. They are also looking for other dollars to piece together for this, but Plugge stated that the ongoing operations of these centers will be dependent on extending existing partnerships they currently have. Plugge also stated that he and the School District would like to thank - ------_._-~_._._---,--_...~_..,...__.__.~--_..- "-~-----,_.._--~-,.,-~._-_._---_.__._----,.-------_._~------.... Minutes Joint Meeting-April 12, 2006 Page 3 everyone present, as they have been very important partners in the creation and the operation of these Family Resource Centers. Foreven!reen Road Extension Study: Kelly Hayworth addressed the attendees, stating that the study on Forevergreen Road has been completed. He stated that this is the corridor study that would connect north Dubuque Street, North Liberty Road, 12th Avenue, 965, and ultimately, over to 380. The study looked at specifically the corridor between 12th A venue and Dubuque Street. He stated that this study has been sent out to all the affected property owners, as well as the governmental entities that were involved in the planning process. Hayworth stated that Jeff Davidson is scheduling this for a public hearing in June, most likely at JCCOG. Hayworth stated that this will be an opportunity for those residents to come forward and ask any questions. Joint Communications Center: Pat Hamey spoke with the attendees regarding the need for a Joint Communications Center. Atkins noted that the consultant study gave an amount of $6.9 million for everything needed in this Joint Communications Center. 12th Avenue Sidewalk Construction: Lane Plugge noted that they need sidewalks completed on 12th Avenue so children can walk to and from school. Next Meetin!! Date: Coralville will host the next meeting on August 2 at 4:30 P.M. Adiourn: Meeting adjourned at 5:45 P.M. -----~--~-_._-_.._.__._-_._---~~_.- .- -----_.,...._-~.._'_._..~_.... _.._-_.---_._---"-.,._-----~----.._--- rin1 MlldM- '1/1;1-/(/" ( -:J&Jhll5'6'1t.) Defining "Affordable Housing" in Johnson County * Affordable housing is defined by household income, not by the cost/rent of the housing unit. * The general standard is that a household should have to pay no more than 30% of its income for housing expenses, including utilities. * While "affordable housing" could be defined by ANY household income, the main concern is for households at or below 80% area median income. Assume a family of four: The median income for a family of four in Johnson County is $72,600. The chart below calculates the amount households at defined levels should pay for their housing costs. Level Annual 30% of uAffordable" Income Income monthly ex- Dense Area Median In- $72,600 $21,780 $1,815 come (AMn 80%' $58,000 $17,400 $1,415 50% $36,300 $10,890 $907 30% $21,800 $6,540 $545 *HUD defines "low income" as that which does not exceed 80% AMI. A Sample of Entry Level Wages in Johnson County: Teacher: $27,645 police Officer: $32,000 Clinical Lab Scientist: $30,000 In order to spend no more than 30% of their monthly income for housing related expenses, the workers above should spend between $700-$800 a month for rent/mortgage and utilities. Many workers in Johnson County make much less than the salaries listed above. **lIorneov.nerstrlp** Fact: The average price of all homes sold in Johnson County during 2005 was $185, 280. In 2000, the average sale price was $125,641. The average price of single family homes in 2005 was $253,461. Assume tbe family bas montbly debt of $500, bas $5,000 available for a downpayment and spends $200 per montb for utilities. * A family at the median income could afford to buy a $190,000 home. * A family at 80% of median income could afford to buy a home for $147,000. A search on Apri110th at www.realtor.com seeking three bedroom units in Johnson County for $150,000 or less with 3 or more bedrooms and 1200 square feet of living space, revealed the following: Single fiunily Including condos and town. homes Coralville 18 23 Iowa Oty 10 17 North Liberty 25 92 (All but 14 built 2005-6) All other 12 13 'f otal 65 (38 0 lots/condos) 145 *Households at 50% of area median income and below could not afford to purchase a home in Johnson County. ~~-,._._---,_.,.~---~--"-_..._._-'---'---~--- . **Rental Housing** Fact: The fair market rent (as determined by HUD) of a three bedroom unit in 2005 was $944. * According to the figures provided, households between 51-80% of area median income can afford a three bedroom unit at fair market rent. However, Iowa Gty has reported that in 2000, 15% of all renter households within that category experienced a cost burden higher than 30%. *A household at 30% of area median income should pay $545 per month toward housing expenses. This is well below the fair market rent for even a two bedtoom unit ($648) in Johnson County. *In 1998 Maxfield Research, Inc. did an analysis that projected the future housing needs in Iowa City and the surrounding area. The following chart shows the projected need, versus the actual production as of 2004: 1998-2005 1998-2003 Proj. Demand Permits Issued Subsidized: 500 91 Affordable: 580 0 Market Rate: 285 1,145 **Homeless and Transitional Services** Johnson County currently has approximately 110 beds/units of transitional housing and approximately 64 beds for emergency shelter, not including youth and substance abuse programs. Public officials and service providers report a need to increase this capacity as well as provide additional funding for services. The shortage of affordable rental housing poses a major obstacle for individuals trying to transition to more stable living environments. Sources: Department of Housing and Urban Development, Fannie Mae mortgag~ calculator, Iowa City Area Association of Realtors, Www realtor_com, Ci!J Steps, 2006-2010, City of Iowa City, Area employers, U.S. Bureau of Labar Statistics,wwwjohs.uiowa.erlll This brochure made possible i?Y a grant from the Community Foundation offohuson County. What might be done? The City should enlist other municipalities, as well as the county and area school districts, for purposes of coUective action to address affOrdable housing and services. The issues of housing and povertY cannot be solved /Jy the City alone. Iowa City Scattered Site Housing Taskforce Final Reconunendations, October, 200S The League believes that a publici private partnership is the best entity to find solu- tions to the problems of providing afliJrdable housing in the area. Such a partnership should endeavor to involve all local governments... Private sector representation should include the financial community, the religious community, housing organiza- tions, the housing and construction industry, realtors, and other interested individuals and organizations. League of Women Voters of]ohnson County, Local Posi- tions, May, 2003 Waitingfor opportunities to act will not suffice because solutions to the workforce housing challenge require a broad-based, proactive approach. By the time a workftrce housing affOrdability problem begins to afftct the bottom line, the forces that contrib- ute to high housing costs have long been in place and are difficult to reverse. For the housing and business communities to forestall such an outcome, thry must establish a working relationship characterized /Jy respect, trust and an awareness of each others interests. Thry must have access to information about the causes of the afliJrdability problem and data that demonstrate its 1ficts. Report from a national forum ~o- sponsored by the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 2004 A dialogue is a forum that draws participants from as ma'!Y parts of the community as possible to exchange information face-toface, share personal stories and experi- ences, honestfy express perspectives, clarifj viewpoints, and develop solutions to com- muni!y concerns. The President's Initiative on Race, 1998 Housing Summit Task Force: Andy Johnson, Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County Connie Benton- Wolfe and Jan Peter$on, United W'!Y of Johnson County Doug Elliot, East Central Iowa Council of Governments Maggie Grosvenor Mowrey, Change Management Coaching Steve Rackis, Iowa City Housing Authority For more information, contact Andy Johnson at 358-0212 or htfjc@avalon.net. --- ------ . .' optiC! l1?lnd pa+ rjol/C6 (JluJf ) ,...-K:CSD Family Resource Center ~ Program -- . Hills . Mark Twain . Grant Wood . Horace Mann . Coralville (Coralville Central & Kirkwood) . North Liberty (Penn and Van Allen) Outcomes: ..J Families will manage their own basic needs ..J Families will have positive and nurturing relationships with their children ..J Families will support their children's learning at home and at school ..J Students will improve academic performance ..J Teachers will better understand their students' barriers to learning children and/or other family members 2004-2005 Survey Data 95% of teachers surveyed and 85.7% of parents agreed or strongly agreed that the FRC helped families access resources. 72.2% of teachers surveyed agreed or strongly agreed that the FRC helped them beller understand the issues I barriers to learning faced by their students 93% of parents surveyed agreed or strongly agreed that the FRC had given ideas or suggestions of how to support their children's education. 78.9% of parents surveyed agreed or strongly agreed that the FRC provided support to deal with difficult issues with their --- - . Services at all sites: . Assist families to access school and community resources . Informal counseling to students and parents . Parent Support for School- aged Children . Transportation . Clothing closet . School supplies . Encourage parents to be actively involved in their children's education . Promote strong home- school communication . Help educators understand family issues . Develop partnerships with community, coordinate donations. Over 1000 children and 650 adults served in 2004-2005 Services at some sites . Parent Support for families with children birth to five . Family Team Meetings . Parent Library . Emergency Assistance Fund . Spanish Translation . Referrals to 21" Century Community Learning Center Program . Referrals to on-site preschools . After school tutoring . Summer scholarships . Summer lunch . Family Nights . Bus passes . Food Distribution . Neighborhood activities --- . FY06 Operating Budget Summary Johnson County 40,000' City of North Liberty 33,000 City of Coralville 14,000" City of Hills 6,000 ICCSD Generated Funds: . Dropout Prevention 198,951 . JC Empowerment 82,265 . JC Decategorization 68,000 . JC Juvenile Justice 12,000 Project . State of Iowa K-3 20,886 Grant . Federal Homeless 12,700 Grant Community Foundation 8,000 Cash Donations 13,944 Total 509,746 *$63,000 for FY07 '*$19,000 for FY07 2005-2006 Capital Budget City of Iowa City 325,000 Otlrer Partners . United Way - School Children's Aid . Mercy Hospital- "Shoes that Fit" . Federal 21" Century Community Learning Centers Program . State of Iowa Shared Visions Preschool . Neighborhood Centers . United Action for Youth . Big Brothers Big Sisters . Service Clubs . Churches . Local banks . Community Foundation . Local businesses . Individuals (donations of cash and time)