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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-01-27 Info Packetr'~r ~~ ~` . ",,m,~,~~~ ~..s._ CITY OF IOWA CITY www.icgov.org CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET January 27, 2011 JANUARY 31 SPECIAL WORK SESSION IP1 Council Meetings and WorK Session Agenaa IP2 Memorandum from the Director of Planning and Community Development and the Community Development Coordinator: Presentation of affordable housing location model ~3 Summary of Pending worK Session issues MISCELLANEOUS _J___L IP4 Agenda packet from the Iowa city Hssessor uennis tsaianage. r ~ w ~ ~ uuuy~~ IP5 Letter from Senator Tom Harkin to Mayor Hayek: Energy efficiency IP6 Letter from Regenia Bailey to Mayor Hayek: RECAT Award -Terry Trueblood Recreation Area IP7 New York Times article: Mayors See No End to Hard Choices for Cities [submitted by Mayor Hayek] IP8 Email from Leigh Lewis to the City Manager: Potential correction in land values IP9 Memorandum from the City Clerk: Chamber's 2011 Annual Banquet IP10 Email responses from the Finance Director: Budget correspondence IP11 Press Release: Iowa City Police Name Officer Paul Batcheller the 2010 Officer of the Year IP12 Memorandum from the Human Services Coordinator and JCCOG Intern: Free Bus Ticket Program IP13 Email from Mike Moran: Scott Park Trail Phase Three IP14 Email correspondence from Rod Sullivan: GIS System [staff response included] IP15 Memorandum from the Director of Public Works and the Director of Planning and Community Development: Update: Flood-related activities X16 The Planner -January 24, 2011 DRAFT MINUTES IP17 Board of Adjustment: November 10, 2010 IP18 Planning and Community Development: December 13, 2010 IP19 Planning and Community Development: December 16, 2010 :..®~~ ~ ti ~~~ cam; ~~ - - ,,,~ City Council Meeting Schedule and CITY OF IOWA CITY Work Session Agendas IP1 www.icgov.org • MONDAY, JANUARY 31 Emma J. Harvat Hall 5:OOp Special Work Session • Location of Affordable Housing (IP2] • Agenda Items ^ Information Packet Discussion (1/27] • Council Time ^ Budget Priorities • Summary of Pending Work Session Issues (1P3] • Upcoming Community EventslCouncil Invitations • Discussion of Meeting Schedules 6:30p City Conference Board - Continue Special Work Session if necessary • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1 Emma J. Harvat Hall 7:OOp Regular Formal Council Meeting TENTATIVE MEETING SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE • MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14 Emma J. Harvat Hall 6:30p Regular Work Session • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15 Emma J. Harvat Hall 7:OOp Regular Formal Council Meeting • MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21 Emma J. Harvat Hall Presidents' Day -City Offices Closed • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23 4:30p Special Work Session (Joint Meeting at Johnson County) • MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28 Emma J. Harvat Hall 6:30p City Conference Board Regular Work Session • TUESDAY, MARCH 1 Emma J. Harvat Hall 7:OOp Regular Formal Council Meeting • MONDAY, MARCH 21 Emma J. Harvat Hall 6:30p Special Work Session • TUESDAY, MARCH 22 Emma J. Harvat Hall 7:OOp Special Formal Council Meeting r ~~_„r®~ CITY OF IOWA CITY 1P2 ..m~~~ ~~~~-~ A N D ~ ~ ~E~~JR Date: January 27, 2011 To: City Council From: Jeff Davidson, Director of Planning & Community Development ~`~ Steve Long, Community Development Coordinator Re: January 31, 2011 work session; presentation of affordable housing location model At your November 15 work session we discussed the possible data inputs we would use for the proposed affordable housing location model. Our goal is the development of a model that can be used to evaluate future affordable housing locations for projects funded through the CDBG and HOME programs'. While we work towards the development of the affordable housing location model, keep in mind the Council's goals/concerns as identified in staff's memo of November 10, 2010: 1. We do not want to further burden neighborhoods and elementary schools that already have issues related to a concentration of poverty. 2. There is a desire to have diverse neighborhoods in terms of a range of income levels. 3. We need to have a better idea from the Iowa City Community School District as to its views on the affordable housing issue. Following our last conversation with the Council we met with the School Superintendent to discuss what data the district viewed as significant. To summarize, we were told that low income students, indeed all students, do better when there is a mix of income levels and that the district could provide data on three factors they see as significant in assessing whether there is such a mix: mobility data; free and reduced lunch data, and test score data. Kris Ackerson of JCCOG has completed data entry into the Geographic Information System (GIS) software and generated graphic representations of each data set. At your January 31 work session we will present each data set to you, as well as our proposal for combining the data into adecision-making model. You will have the ability at the January 31 meeting to provide feedback on any of the model inputs, as well as how the data is prioritized within the decision-making model. The following is a description of the data inputs: 1. Distance to existing subsidized and assisted housing locations The existing locations of subsidized and assisted transitional, rental, shelter, and Iowa City Housing Authority public housing were mapped. For this analysis, projects developed for the elderly and persons with disabilities were not included. As a reminder, the following are the definitions of these housing types: While we have addressed these issues primarily in connection with annual allocations of CDBG/HOME funding, presumably the model would be applied to any discretionary city funding for rental housing. January 27, 2011 Page 2 Shelter and transitional housing. Households in need of shelter and transitional housing typically receive intensive social service supports. This type of housing is considered temporary as households work towards a more permanent housing situation. These programs primarily assist persons under 30% of Area Median Income. Shelters are funded with CDBG funds and transitional housing can be funded with either CDBG or HOME funds. Specific examples include: o Shelter House (homeless shelter) o DVIP (homeless shelter) o HACAP (transitional) o Successful Living (transitional) Rental. CDBG and HOME funds can be used for acquisition of land, acquisition of existing homes, rehabilitation of existing properties or new construction that creates affordable rental housing. Current income requirements for CDBG are 51 % of the program's beneficiaries must be 80% or below Area Median Income. For HOME, 90% of the beneficiaries must be 60% or below Area Median Income. The income of households assisted is primarily under 50% of Area Median Income. Of the 351 HOME and CDBG assisted rental units, 46% are restricted for the elderly and persons with disabilities. Households living in CDBG/HOME rental units pay rent which cannot exceed the Fair Market Rent for our area. The Fair Market Rent for atwo-bedroom unit is $734 and for a three-bedroom unit is $1,069. The household is responsible for the total rent amount. Tenants in CDBG/HOME rental units may also receive Section 8 rent assistance. Rental projects are typically funded with HUD project-based funds, Low-Income Housing Tax Credits or CDBG/HOME funds. Specific projects we have funded include: o The Housing Fellowship o Isis Investments o Aniston Village Public Housing. The City owns 81 homes and the tenants must be below 80% of the Area Median Income in order to qualify for admission. Approximately 40% of the tenants have incomes greater than 50% of Area Median Income and 60% of tenants have incomes less than 50% of Area Median Income. The rent is based on income and the family can remain in Public Housing even if their income exceeds 80% of the median income for their family size after admission. 2. Crime density The Police Department provided us with all 68,496 calls for police assistance between 6/1 /08 and 5/31/09. From this data set we separated out the 9,991 calls pertaining to drugs, most alcohol offenses, property crimes, and personal injury. We were able to map the locations of 88% of these 9,991 calls. 3. Median household income The U.S. Census aggregates this data by census tract. The data we will present at the January 31 meeting is from the 2000 census. We will update information from the 2010 census when we update the entire model on December 1, 2011. January 27, 2011 Page 3 4. Mobility data represented by the rate of annual turnover at each elementary school Mobility is one of the three elementary school-related factors recommended for use by the Iowa City Community School District. This data was mapped showing the percentage of students remaining in an elementary school building for one calendar year. This is considered an indicator of the stability of that elementary school. 5. Elementary school academic performance as indicated by Iowa Test of Basic Skills scores This is another factor that was recommended for use by the School District. Average scores for each elementary school for grades 3-6 were mapped and are shown by elementary school district. 6. Free and reduced lunch percentage at each elementary school This is the third factor which was recommended for use by the Iowa City Community School District. We mapped the percentage of students eligible for free and reduced price lunches at each elementary school. 7. Change in residential sale prices The Iowa City Assessor provided the average sale price of residential arms-length transactions from January 2001-November 2010. The data was then aggregated by neighborhood boundaries defined by the City Assessor's office. The only area in Iowa City which showed a decrease in the price of residential transactions was the Peninsula Neighborhood. This is due to a recent lowering of prices of for-sale units by the Peninsula Development Company in an effort to increase sales. There were two factors you suggested be addressed in the model which we were ultimately not able to include: Percentage of rental vs. owner-occupied housing. Because of the preponderance of rental properties in Iowa City this did not result in a useful distribution of data. There is rental housing throughout Iowa City. Inventory of vacant platted land. This information was unavailable in a format suitable for the GIS model. The recommended analysis model Staff evaluated several alternatives for combining the data into adecision-making model. We attempted to weigh the relative significance of each criterion you directed us to use, based on the Council's goals and discussions with the School District administration. They are as follows: 40% distance to existing assisted rental housing excluding Section 8 vouchers 20% elementary school mobility rate 10% median household income 10% change in residential sale prices 10% crime density 5% elementary school ITBS performance 5% elementary school free and reduced lunch rate 100% January 27, 2011 Page 4 With the exception of crime density, each of the included factors is reflective of the goals/concerns Council has identified. Crime density is included based on the premise that the persons we assist with CDBG/HOME funds are benefitted by locating in areas where crime is less prevalent. We believe that certain criteria are more influential than others and this is reflected in our proposed weighting of the criteria. The distance to existing assisted housing was determined to be an effective way to scatter housing and avoid concentrations of assisted housing. Of the three school factors we weighted mobility the highest. In our discussions with School District administrators, they emphasized elementary school mobility rate was the most important of the three elementary school factors. Combined, the distance to existing assisted rental housing and the three elementary school factors make up 70% of total. The remaining criteria are evenly distributed. Conclusion Staff recommends that this model be applicable to all CDBG/HOME assisted rental housing projects that include new construction or property acquisition. This does not include the rehabilitation of existing rental housing because rental rehabilitation will not increase the number of rental units and it allows for the ability to improve and stabilize existing units. Rental housing projects developed for elderly or persons with disabilities would be allowed throughout the City. The model will be updated by December 1 of each year in order to be prepared for the annual CDBG and HOME allocation process. At the meeting on January 31 we will show the model and the geographic distribution of each of the data sets which were entered into the model. We will attempt to answer any questions about how the information is formatted. We will attempt to have Council reach agreement on the weighting of the data factors in the model. It is our intention to follow-up at the February 14 work session on any requests you have, and present the final version of the model. We look forward to working through the issues with you on the 31St cc: Tom Markus Dale Helling Eleanor Dilkes Sue Dulek Tracy Hightshoe Kris Ackerson ppddir/mem/Locationaffordablehousing.1-31-11.doc IP3 SUMMARY OF PENDING WORK SESSION ISSUES 1/27/11 Location of Affordable Housing (FEBRUARY 14) Gifts/Naming Policy Recommendations (FEBRUARY 14) Firearms on City Property/Facilities (FEBRUARY 14) Wastewater Facilities Plan (FEBRUARY 14) Sanctuary City (FEBRUARY 28) Farmers' Market (FEBRUARY 28) County Proposals re: Joint Emergency Communications Center Meet with Airport Commission re: Funding of Hangers Curbside Recycling New Animal Shelter College & Gilbert City Site/Facilities Master Plan Tenant-Landlord Relations Review Function of Boards/Commissions: Explore Possible Consolidations Flood Response & Mitigation Update (PERIODIC) Jan. 31 -Feb. 1 Feb. 14 - 15 Feb. 28 -Mar. 1 March 21 - 22 OFPICI: OF "I~HE IOWA CITY ASSESSOR JOHNSON COUNTY ADMINISTRATION I3U11_,DING January 26, 201 1 Dear Conference Board Member: IPH nI~:NNis lanl.uiinx~i~: ~ssi~as~~li nltnn coMl~:lz nl~a~u'rv MnK'I'IN [3URhl.1{ DI~:PUI~Y The annual meeting of the Iowa City Conference Board for the consideration of the Iowa City Assesso-'s I~Y 2012 budget is scheduled for Monday, January 31, 201 1 at 6:30 P.M. at the Iowa City Civic Center. Enclosed fo-- your review befo-°e the meeting are: 1. The Agenda. 2. A copy of the March 1, 2010 minutes. 3. The Proposed Budget. 4. A Sala--y Survey. 5. The 2010 Annual Report including the program division statement. There is an increase in the amount to be raised by the Assessment Expense Fund from last year's amount. The increase consists of; a. $11,060 fora 2.8% COLA increase in salaries. b. $23,130 for the remaining half of the salary of a new employee added mid-year. c. $ 500 for an increase in longevity. d. $16,740 for an extra pay period adjustment. There will be 27 pay periods in 1'Y 2012. e. $ 5,500 for merit step increases. f. $ 4,390 for an increase in FICA. g. $ 9,370 for an increase in IPERS. h. $15,600 for an increase in health insurance. i. $ 600 for an increase in Board of Review salaries. j. $ 2,200 for an increase in auto expenses. k. $ 400 for an increase in life insurance which is based on salaries. I. $ 2,000 for an increase in schools and conferences. $91,490 Total Increase This increase is offset by the following decreases: a. $ 4,800 for a decrease in postage, an alternate year expense.. b. $ 3,500 for a decrease in printing, an alternate year expense.. c. $ 2,500 for a decrease in aerial photography, which was shifted to the Special Appraisers Fund. d. $ 2,000 for a decrease in appraisal services. $12,800 Total Decrease $78,690 Net Increase The Assessment Expense Fund levy rate will increase from .23472 to .25077. 913 SOUTH DUBUQUE S"fREET • IOWA CITY IOWA 52240 TELEPHONE 319-356-6066 The largest increase is for salaries, with a 2.8 percent cost of living increase. Union contracts and county compensation board recommendations for other local taxing bodies appear to be in the two to thrae percent range. And the enclosed salary survey indicates that our salaries fall below those of comparable assessment jurisdictions in Iowa. In addition, another employee was added for the second half of the cun•ent fiscal year by last yew's Conference Board and the reminder of that salary is being added now. That increase is also reflected in FICA, IPERS, health insurance and other line items. Longevity pay increased because of schedule changes. A new item in the budget this year is an amount for merit increases for staff other than the assessor and deputies. This would allow step increases similar to the pay plans used by the city, the county and the scliouls. There is a new one-time addition to the budget for an extra pay period adjustment. There will be 27 pay periods in FY 2012 rather than the normal 26 pay periods. Health insurance costs are expected to increase by about eight and one-half percent for the upcoming year. Individual Board of Review salaries were increased fi•om $2400 to $2500 for a total increase of $600. "fhis increase is comparable to the requested salary increases for the assessor's office personnel. Auto expense was increased because of the purchase of a second car to be used mainly for the new reappraisal program. Postage and printing were decreased because 2012 will not be a reassessment year and assessment rolls will not be mailed to all property owners. Employee life insurance premiums are based on salaries and must be increased when salaries increase. The schools and conferences budget was increased because of increasing costs and the addition of a new employee. Appraisal Services was decreased by $2000 because outside appraisers will not be needed. The auto replacement account was moved to the Special Appraisers Fund last year. "I•his account builds by $3000 per year and carries over until a new car is needed. That amount was increased from $1500 because of the second car. Aerial photography was eliminated from the Assessment Expense Fund and moved to the Mapping line item in the Special Appraisers Fund. This shift will allow us to take advantage of unused carryover funds. We will partner with the Johnson County Assessor to purchase oblique aerial photography showing views of each property from four directions. If you have questions about individual items or wish to sea any of the supporting documents for this budget, please feel free to phone me at the office at 356-6066 or at my home at 688-2661. Sincerely, ..-- .. r. ~~ ~~~~ Dennis Baldridge Iowa City Assessor January 26, 2011 TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: The Iowa City Conference Board will meet at 6:30 P.M. on Monday January 31, 2011 at the Iowa City Civic Center. The purpose of this meeting is to hold a public hearing on the Iowa City Assessor's proposed budget for FY 2012. AGENDA: 1. Call meeting to order by the Chairperson. 2. Roll call by taxing body. 3. Act on minutes of March 1, 2010 Conference Board meeting. 4. Assessor presents proposed budget. 5. Discuss proposed budget. 6. Conference Board acts on proposed budget. 7. Set date for public hearing. 8. Appoint Examining Board member. 9. Other business. 10. Adjournment. Dennis J. Baldridge Clerk, Iowa City Conference Board IOWA CITY CONFERENCE BOARD MINUTES March 1, 2010 City Conference Board: March 1, 2010, at 6:~9 P.M. in the Council Chambers at the Iowa City City Hall, Mayor Matt Hayelc presiding. Iowa City Council Members Present: Bailey, Champion, Dickens, Hayek, Mims, Wilburn and Wright. Johnson Count~Su~ervisors Present: Harney and Neuzil. Iowa CitX School Board Members Present: Cilek and Cooper. Others Present: Baldridge, Comer, Helling, Karr, Dilkes. Digital Recording: March 1, 2010. Chair Matt Hayek called the meeting to order and Clerk Baldridge called roll and stated that a quorum was present. The City (Bailey) moved to accept the minutes of the last Conference Board meeting. February 1, 2010, the School Board (Cilel<) seconded and the motion carried unanimously. Chairman Hayek declared the public hearing open. After no comment from the public, the public hearing was declared closed. After a brief discussion about health insurance, the City (Champion) moved to accept the proposed budget as published, the County (Harney) seconded and the motion carried unanimously. There being no further business it was moved by the City (Bailey) and seconded by the County (Harney) to adjourn at 6:43 P.M. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote. Dennis Baldridge Clerk, Iowa City Conference Board ITEMIZED BUDGET -ASSESSMENT EXPENSE FUND EMPLOYEE EXPENDITURES FY 2011 FY 2012 INCREASE SALARIES Current Year Proposed CITY ASSESSOR 89,500 92,000 102.79% FIRST DEPUTY 76,070 78,200 102.80% SECOND DEPUTY 71,600 73,600 102.79% REAL ESTATE CLERK 49,050 50,420 102.79% CLERK/APPRAISER 42,890 44,090 102.80% CLERK/ACCOUNTING 43,900 45,130 102.80% APPRAISER 22,500 46,260 205.60% LONGEVITY 2,850 3,350 117.54% STEP/MERIT $0 5,500 SUBTOTAL $398,360 $438,550 110.09% EXTRA PAY PERIOD ADJUSTMENT $0 $16,740 EMPLOYEE BENEFITS EMPLOYER SHARE: FICA 32,350 36,740 113.57% EMPLOYER SHARE: IPERS 29,390 38,760 131.88% HEALTH INSURANCE 93,400 109,000 116.70% SUBTOTAL 155,140 183,610 118.35% TOTAL EMPLOYEE COST $553,500 $639,790 115.59% OTHER EXPENDITURES LEAVE CONTINGENCY $10,000 $10,000 100.00% BOARDS BOARD OF REVIEW 14,400 15,000 104.17% BOARD OF REVIEW EXPENSES 200 200 100.00% CONFERENCE BOARD 0 0 EXAMINING BOARD 30 30 100.00% SUBTOTAL $14,630 $15,230 104.10% OFFICE EXPENSES MILEAGE & AUTO 2,300 4,500 195.65% OFFICE SUPPLIES 3,500 3,500 100.00% POSTAGE 6,000 1,200 20.00% TELEPHONE 1,300 1,300 100.00% PUBLICATIONS & SUBSCRIPTIONS 700 700 100.00% PRINTING 4,000 500 12.50% INSURANCE 3,800 4,200 110.53% EQUIPMENT PURCHASE 3,400 3,400 100.00% EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE 200 200 100.00% UNEMPLOYMENT 2,000 2,000 100.00% DATA PROCESSING SERVICES 15,000 15,000 100.00% SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE 20,000 20,000 100.00% BONDS & WORKER'S COMPENSATION 1,500 1,500 100.00% AUTO REPLACEMENT 0 0 COMPUTER REPLACEMENT 2,500 2,500 100.00% SUBTOTAL $66,200 $60,500 91.39% PROFESSIONAL EXPENSES SCHOOLS & CONFERENCES 10,000 12,000 120.00% DUES 2,000 2,000 100.00% SUBTOTAL $12,000 $14,000 116.67% TECHNICAL SERVICES LEGAL FEES & EXPERT WITNESSES 52,000 52,000 100.00% AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY 2,500 0 0.00% APPRAISAL SERVICE 3,000 1,000 33.33% SUBTOTAL $57,500 $53,000 92.17% TOTAL OTHER EXPENDITURES $160,330 $152,730 95.26% TOTAL ASSMT EXPENSE FUND BUDGET $713,830 $792,520 111.02% UNENCUMBERED BALANCE $92,045 $99,388 TO BE RAISED BY TAXATION $621,785 $693,132 111.47% EMIZED BUDGET -SPECIAL APPRAISER EXPENDITURE FY 2011 FY 2012 MAPPING & AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY 7,666 10,300 CAR REPLACEMENT 12,171 3,000 RE-APPRAISAL FUND 0 0 APPRAISAL SERVICE 14,452 7,878 COMPUTER REPLACEMENT 0 0 TOTAL BUDGET $34,289 $21,178 UNENCUMBERED BALANCE $25,5591 $18,570 TO BE RAISED BY TAXATION $ 8,730 $2,608 GRAND TOTAL TO BE RAISED BY TAXATION $ 630,515 $ 695,740 MAXIMUM LEVY ALLOWED MAXIMUM ASSESSMENT EXPENSE FUND 2,822,753,768 X .00027 $762,143 IPERS & FICA FUNDS $75,500 UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION & TORT LIABILITY $4,000 MAXIMUM SPECIAL APPRAISERS FUND 2,822,753,768 X .000405 1,143 215 MAXIMUM ALLOWED WITHOUT STATE APPROVAL $1,984,858 MAXIMUM EMERGENCY FUND (requires State Appeal Board approval) MAXIMUM THAT COULD BE RAISED BY TAXATION 2,822,753,768 X .00027 FOR FY 2009 3762,143 $2,747,001 PRIOR YEARS LEVIES AND RATES ASSESSMENT EXPENSE FUND SPECIAL APPRAISERS FUND TOTAL LEVY FY AMOUNT LEVIED LEVY RATE AMOUNT LEVIED LEVY RATE 1995-96 303,281 0.20446 30,000 0.02023 0.22469 1996-97 319,513 0.2045 17,000 0.01088 0.21538 1997-98 318,270 0.19946 52,834 0.03311 0.23257 1998-99 318,699 0.19269 184,357 0.11146 0.30415 1999-00 341,910 0.19784 352,508 0.20398 0.40182 2000-01 359,341 0.19823 180,293 0.09946 0.29769 2001-02 396,829 0.20636 6,442 0.00335 0.20971 2002-03 403,136 0.20694 4,426 0.00227 0.20921 2003-04 412,379 0.20818 10,051 0.00507 0.21325 2004-05 470,398 0.22926 15,728 0.00767 0.23693 2005-06 472,050 0.22525 25,995 0.01240 0.23765 2006-07 529,702 0.23164 0 0 0.23164 2007-08 603,916 0.25868 4,792 0.00205 0.26073 2008-09 611,955 0.24917 1,540 0.00063 0.24980 2009-10 600,013 0.23848 0 0 0.23848 2010-11 621,785 0.23147 8,730 0.00325 0.23472 2011-12 682,840 0.225077 2,608 0.00094 0.25077 IOWA ASSESSORS SALARY SURVEY 2010-11 Assesso Chief Deputy Deputy Assessed Value Year Number of Rank Jurisdiction Sala Salary Sala (in millions) Population` Appointed Employees 1 Polk County $121,722 $113,530 $92,411 31,526 429,439 1984 39 2 'Ames'(City) $110,500 $88,620 $66,222 3,614 56,657 2006 6 3 Cedar Rapids (City) $106,181 $89,967 $74,014 9,181 127,764 2007 16 4 Pottawattamie County $102,862 $82,289 $82,289 6,328 90,224 2010 13 5 Story County $100,425 $80,430 $59,225 2,384 30,557 2004 6 6 Johhson County $97,500 $83,600. 5,500 61,919 2002. 10 7 Davenport (City) $94,803 $72,649 5,890 101,335 2008 12 8 Boone County $90,000 $46,695 1;860 26,072- 20,10 7 9 Cerro Gordo County $89,500 $71,600 1,825 16,342 1979 5 10 Iowa City $89,500 $76,070 $71,6:00 4,447 69,086 2002 7 11 Scott County $89,256 $77,245 $66,891 5,613 65,315 1983 7 12 Linn County $89,246 $80;302 $66;632. 5,993. 81,462 2009 10 13 Muscatine County $87,557 $55,904 2,673 42,934 1992 6 14 Black Hawk County $87,230 $65,590 8,584 129,276 2009 14 15 Dubuque (City) $87,317 $70,881 4,085 57,241 2001 6 16 Woodbury County $85,760 $68,610 $60,030 1,540 19,928 1995 5 17 Dallas County $85,450 $68,780 5,824 61,950 2004 8.5 18 Sioux City $84,000 $74,110 $69,215 3,612 82,903 2007 11 19 Dubuque County $83,410 $ 68,396 2,747 35,831 2005 6 20 Des Moines County $82,385 $67,539 $49,975 2,164 41,058 1998 5 21 Mason City $77,800 1,559 27,267 1982 3 22' 'Jasper County $71,790 1,211 36,257 1986 6 23 Warren County $70,500 2,905 45,275 2010 7 24 Washington County $70,190 56152 813 21,258 1993 5 25 Clinton (Cit) $70,056 1,377 26,459 1982 4 'City population has been deducted from counties with a city assessor. IOWA CITY CITY ASSESSOR'S OFFICE 2010 ANNUAL REPORT 2010 IOWA CITY CONFERENCE BOARD IOWA CITY CITY COUNCIL Matt Hayek, Mayor Ross Wilburn, Mayor Pro Tem Regenia Bailey Connie Champion Terry Dickens Susan Mims Mike Wright IOWA CITY COMMUNITY SCHOOL BOARD Patti Fields, President *Toni Cilek *Mike Cooper Tuyet Dorau Gayle Klouda Michael Shaw Sarah Swisher *Conference Board Designee JOHNSON COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Sally Stutsman, Chairperson Pat Harney, Vice Chairperson Terrence Neuzil Janelle Rettig Rod Sullivan IOWA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE AND FINANCE Mark Schuling -Director, Iowa Department of Revenue and Finance 2 2010 STAFF OF IOWA CITY ASSESSOR'S OFFICE MEMBERS OF BOARD OF REVIEW AND EXAMINING BOARD OF IOWA CITY, IOWA IOWA CITY ASSESSOR'S OFFICE Dennis J. Baldridge Iowa City Assessor Brad Comer Chief Deputy Assessor Marty Burkle Deputy Assessor Mark Fedler Appraiser/Clerk Diane Campbell Accounting Clerk Todd Kruse Real Estate Clerk IOWA CITY BOARD OF REVIEW Jane G. Downer, Chairperson Haywood Belle Ernie Galer Dave Hintze Chuck McComas IOWA CITY EXAMINING BOARD Karin Franklin for City Lane E. Plugge for Schools Michael Kennedy for County Date of Employment: 12 Jul, 1982 Appointed: 2002 thru 2007 Re-appointed: 2008 thru 2013 Date of Employment: 14 Jan, 2002 Date of Employment: 01 Feb, 2006 Date of Employment: 20 Jun, 1994 Date of Employment: 16 Feb, 1998 Date of Employment: 14 May, 2001 Appointed 2010 through 2015 Appointed 2009 through 2014 Appointed 2006 through 2011 Appointed 2007 through 2012 Appointed 2008 through 2013 Appointed 2010 through 2011 Appointed 2006 through 2011 Appointed 2010 through 2015 LEGAL COUNSEL Eleanor Dilkes -City Attorney Eric Goers -Assistant City Attorney 3 To Members of the Iowa City Conference Board From: Dennis J. Baldridge -Iowa City Assessor Subject: 2010 Annual Report -Issued December 31, 2010 The following report covers the activities of this office from January 1, 2010 to date of issue. VALUATIONS Since 2010 was not a real estate revaluation year, assessed values remained the same as 2009. New construction added approximately 51 million dollars to residential and 9 million dollars to commercial property for 2010. 712 residential deed sales in 2010 give us a median ratio (assessed value/sale price) of 95.87% compared to 95.42% for 796 sales in 2009. This tells us that the selling prices of homes have remained fairly stable since last year and very little change will be necessary for the 2011 assessments. It should be kept in mind that when a jurisdiction is at the State mandated sales ratio level of 100%, a full one-half of home sales will be for less than the assessed value. Sales for less than the assessed value tend to result in appeals to the Board of Review. COURT CASES Of six remaining appeals to District Court from 2009, five are still pending and one has been settled. There were eight appeals to District Court for 2010. PROPERTY ASSESSMENT APPEAL BOARD There were six appeals to the PAAB remaining from 2009. Four were withdrawn and two are still pending. There were four appeals to PAAB for 2010. BOARD OF REVIEW The Board of Review was in session from May 3 through May 28, the day of adjournment. 65 protests were filed, with 13 being upheld and 52 denied. The total value of real estate being protested was $46,566,540. The Board allowed a total reduction of $656,870. 4 EQUITY VERSUS MARKET IN ASSESSMENT It is difficult to be both equitable among assessments and in tune with the market. Similar properties do not always sell for similar prices, so the market is not always equitable and sometimes a long way from it. Most assessors would lean toward equity if they could choose between the two. Our first priority is equity since it is not always possible to have every assessment match the selling price. Our statistics show that we are doing a good job in this regard. WEB PAGE The Iowa City Assessor's web page went online during the spring of 2001. Internet availability of comparable sales and comparable assessments has been very helpful to taxpayers concerned about the fairness of their assessments. Links are also provided to the Johnson County Treasurer for tax information and to the Johnson County GIS for online maps and aerial photography. Appraisers and Realtors have been very complimentary about this service, commenting that it saves them considerable time and money since they can make copies of our property record cards without leaving their office. There have been over 1.3 million hits on our web site since it went online. It can be seen at www iowacity.iowaassessors.com. We also have an internet presence through the Johnson County website at http~//www.iohnson-county.com. Forms for the Homestead Credit and the Military Exemption are available to the public on this web page. ROLLBACKS The residential rollback has gone up from 46.9094% for the current taxes to 48.5299% for taxes payable in 2011-2012. The rollback for agricultural property will increase from 66.2715% to 68.0152%. With the commercial rollback remaining at 100%, the effective tax rate for commercial property is over twice that of residential property. 5 NEW LEGISLATION The 2010 Iowa Legislative Session produced very little property tax legislation. Several bills remain alive from last year but nothing that significantly affects the assessor's office actually passed. HF 2531-E -Property Tax Credit Funding House File 2531 provides an annual appropriation to reimburse counties for the homestead tax credits, military service tax credits, property tax credits allowed to elderly and disabled homeowners and for rent reimbursements paid by the state to elderly and disabled renters, and agricultural land & family farm credits. SF 2373 -Replacement Tax on Cogeneration Facilities Iowa Code chapter 437A imposes a replacement tax on electric companies, natural gas companies, electric cooperatives, and municipal utilities in lieu of property taxes. Senate File 2373 adds a definition of "new cogeneration facility" that conforms to the existing definition but without a limitation on the generation capacity. Using the new definition, the legislation provides a procedure to allocate a new cogeneration facility's assessed value between locally-assessed property and property that is subject to the replacement tax. 6 CONTINUING EDUCATION Continuing education is a requirement for the assessor and deputies for reappointment to their positions. Over asix-year term, assessors must complete one hundred-fifty hours of classroom instruction including at least ninety hours from courses requiring a test. Deputies must complete ninety hours of classroom instruction including at least sixty tested hours over their six-year terms. It is also beneficial for other employees to attend classes so they can update their skills and stay current with assessment practices. The Assessor attended the following courses and conferences during 2010: IICA Summer Seminar and Workshop 14.00 C.E. Hrs. (Institute of Iowa Certified Assessors) (7 tested) ISAA Annual School of Instruction 14.25 C.E. Hrs. (Iowa State Association of Assessors) IAAO Annual Conference 10.00 C.E. Hrs. (International Association of Assessing Officers) NCRAAO Annual Conference (North Central Regional 11 .00 C.E. Hrs. Association Of Assessing Officers) ISAC (Iowa State Association of Counties) Spring 6.50 C.E. Hrs School of Instruction ECD (East Central District of Iowa Assessors) Board 4.50 C.E. Hrs of Review School The Chief Deputy attended the following courses and conferences during 2010: IICA Summer Seminar and Workshop 14.00 C.E. Hrs. ISAA Annual School of Instruction NCRAAO Annual Conference (7 tested) 15.25 C.E. Hrs. 11.00 C.E. Hrs. The Second Deputy attended the following courses and conferences during 2010: IICA Summer Seminar and Workshop 14.00 C.E. Hrs. (7 tested) ISAA Annual School of Instruction 14.25 C.E. Hrs. Northeast District GIS/CAMA Basic School 7.20 C.E. Hrs. IAAO Course 311 -Residential Modeling Concepts 30.00 C.E. Hrs. (Tested) ECD Board of Review School 4.5 C.E. Hrs Other staff attended classes and seminars related to operation and maintenance of various third party software utilized by the assessor's office. APPRECIATION My staff and I would like to thank the Conference Board, the Board of Review, the City Attorney and her assistants, and the City Staff for their assistance, cooperation and confidence during the past year. I would also like to recognize and thank my staff at this time for their part in establishing and maintaining the professional standards of the office. 7 2010 ABSTRACT OF ASSESSMENTS FOR IOWA CITY Value of Agricultural Land and Structures $ 2,263,844 Value of Residential Dwellings on Agricultural Realty 1,256,350 Value of Residential Lots and Buildings 3,182,254,710 Value of Commercial Lots and Buildings 1,165,206,470 Value of Industrial Lots and Buildings 78,440,990 Value of Industrial Machinery and Commercial 0 Equipment as Real Estate Actual Value of All Real Estate* $4,429,422,364 *All the above values are based on the 2010 abstract as repo rted to the Iowa Department of Revenue on July 1, 2010. The values for Railroad and Utility Property are supplied to the Auditor by the Iowa Department of Revenue. The value of uti lities and railroads in Iowa City for 2010 was $93,687,515. EXEMPT PROPERTY IN IOWA CITY FOR 2010 Religious Institutions $ 78,427,220 Charitable and Benevolent Societies 118,407,870 Educational Institutions 3,750,150 Low Rent Housing 14,488,490 Literary Societies 771,980 Associations of War Veterans 486,930 Forest and Fruit 475,872 Partial Industrial, Urban Revitalization, Recycling, Mobile 9,099,740 Home Storm Shelter & New Jobs Sub-Total $ 225,908,252 University of Iowa (Pre-flood Values As Reported by U of I $2,011,432,235 as of June 30, 2009) TOTAL EXEMPT $2,237,340,487 8 VALUE COMPARISONS WITH ROLLBACKS APPLIED STATE STATE ADJUSTED YEAR ORDER TYPE VALUE ROLLBACK VALUE 1999 +13% Agricultural $ 2,429,624 .963381 $ 2,340,654 Ag Dwelling 1,410,140 .548525 773,497 Residential 1,666,425,090 .548525 914,075,823 Commercial 784,974,960 .987732 775,344,887 Industrial 45,349,600 1.000000 45,349,600 M & E 38,736,298 1.000000 38,736,298 TOTAL $2,539,325,712 $1,776,620,759 2000 Agricultural $ 2,262,120 1.000000 $ 2,262,120 Ag Dwelling 1,447,020 .562651 814,167 Residential 1,717,631,820 .562651 966,427,261 Commercial 834,493,620 1.000000 834,493,620 Industrial 50,704,150 1.000000 50,704,150 M & E 29,532,092 1.000000 29,532,092 TOTAL $2,636,070,822 $1,884,233,410 2001 * Agricultural $ 2,214,758 1.000000 $ 2,214,758 Ag Dwelling 1,186,690 .516676 613,134 Residential 1,931,059,600 .516676 997,732,150 Commercial 857,451,510 .977701 838,331,199 Industrial 51,345,260 1.000000 51,345,260 M & E 9,026,072 1.000000 9,026,072 TOTAL $2,852,283,890 $1,899,262,573 2002 Agricultural $ 2,227,654 1.000000 $ 2,227,654 Ag Dwelling 1,186,690 .513874 609,809 Residential 1,985,146,985 .513874 1,020,115,422 Commercial 863,303,060 1.000000 863,303,060 Industrial 54,903,110 1.000000 54,903,110 M & E 0 1.000000 0 TOTAL $2,906,767,499 $1,941,159,055 9 VALUE COMPARISONS WITH ROLLBACKS APPLIED - CONT'D STATE STATE ADJUSTED YEAR ORDER TYPE VALUE ROLLBACK VALUE 2003* -8% 2004 Agricultural Ag Dwelling Residential Commercial Industrial M&E TOTAL Agricultural Ag Dwelling Residential Commercial Industrial M&E $ 1,968,057 1,186,690 2,154,612,478 921,889,040 59,784,450 0 $3,139,440,715 $ 1,812,134 1,126,450 2,236,008,098 938,957,340 63,882,310 0 1.000000 $ 1,968,057 .484558 575,020 .484558 1,044,034,713 .992570 915,039,404 1.000000 59,784,450 1.000000 0 $2,021,401,644 1.000000 $ 1,812,134 .479642 540,293 .479642 1,072,483,396 1.000000 938,957,340 1.000000 63,882,310 1.000000 0 TOTAL $3,241,786,332 $2,077,675,473 2005* Agricultural $ 1,785,931 1.000000 $ 1,795,931 Ag Dwelling 1,295,110 .459960 595,699 Residential 2,642,786,683 .459960 1,215,576,163 Commercial 1, 038, 950, 930 .991509 1, 030,129,198 Industrial 65,878,350 1.000000 65,878,350 M & E 0 1.000000 ________ 0_ TOTAL $3,750,697,004 $2,313,975,341 2006 Agricultural $ 1,584,472 1.000000 $ 1,584,472 Ag Dwelling 1,327,700 .455596 604,895 Residential 2,736,579,660 .455596 1,246,774,747 Commercial 1,083,407,140 1.000000 1,083,407,140 Industrial 68,308,290 1.000000 68,308,290 M & E 0 1.000000 0 TOTAL $3,891,207,262 2,400,679,544 10 VALUE COMPARISONS WITH ROLLBACKS APPLIED - CONT'D STATE STATE ADJUSTED YEAR ORDER TYPE VALUE ROLLBACK VALUE 2007* +12% Agricultural 1,612,266 .901023 1,452,689 Ag Dwelling 1,244,640 .440803 548,641 Residential 3,010,144,280 .440803 1,326,880,629 Commercial 1,131,561,840 .997312 1,128,520,202 Industrial 70,694,850 1.000000 70,694,850 M & E 0 1.000000 0 TOTAL 4,215,257,876 2,528,097,011 2008 Agricultural 1,548,650 .938568 1,453,513 Ag Dwelling 1,244,640 .455893 567,423 Residential 3,089,020,200 .455893 1,408,262,686 Commercial 1,153,802,900 1.000000 1,153,802,900 Industrial 74,852,940 1.000000 74,852,940 M & E 0 1.000000 0 TOTAL 4,320,469,330 2,638,939,462 2009* +62.6% Agricultural 2,382,167 .662715 1,578,698 Ag Dwelling 1,256,350 .469094 589,346 Residential 3,124, 020, 860 .469094 1,465,459, 944 Commercial 1,170,461,470 1.000000 1,170,461,470 Industrial 81,979,330 1.000000 81,979,330 M & E 0 1.000000 _ 0_ _ TOTAL 4,380,100,177 2,720,068,788 2010 Agricultural 2,317,426 69.0152 1,599,376 Ag Dwelling 1,256,350 48.5299 609,705 Residential 3,182,677,000 48.5299 1,544,549,965 Commercial 1,170,960,470 1.000000 1,170,960,470 Industrial 81,786,730 1.000000 81,786,730 M & E 0 1.000000 _ _ 0_ TOTAL 4,438,997,976 2,799,506,246 The adjusted values given are not exact but are meant to give a representation of the growth of Iowa City's tax base. `Reassessment Year 11 COMPARISON OF RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL VALUES YEAR RESIDENTIAL % COMMERCIAL % INDUSTRIAL % OTHER ASSESSE D VALUES 1998 1,542,647,920 65.2 723,017,343 30.6 92,682,117 3.9 7,516,861 0.3 1999 1,667,835,230 65.7 784,974,960 30.9 80,852,272 3.2 5,663,250 0.2 2000 1,719,078,840 65.2 834,493,620 31.6 78,284,458 3.0 4,213,904 0.2 2001 1,932,246,290 67.7 857,451,510 30.1 59,748,630 2.1 2,837,460 0.1 2002 1,986,333,675 68.3 863,303,060 29.7 54,903,110 1.9 2,227,654 0.1 2003 2,155,856,028 68.7 921,901,280 29.3 59,784,450 1.9 2,103,884 0.1 2004 2,237,134,548 69.0 938,957,340 29.0 63,882,310 1.9 1,812,134 0.1 2005 2,644,081,793 70.5 1,038,950,930 27.7 65,878,350 1.7 1,785,931 0.1 2006 2,737,907,360 70.4 1,083,407,140 27.8 68,308,290 1.7 1,584,472 0.1 2007 3,011,388,920 71.4 1,131,561,840 26.8 70,694,850 1.7 1,612,266 0.1 2008 3,090,264,840 71.5 1,153,802,900 26.7 74,852,940 1.7 1,548,650 0.1 2009 3,125,277,210 71.3 1,170,461,470 26.7 81,979,330 1.9 2,382,167 0.1 2010 3,183,933,350 71.7 1,170,960,470 26.4 81,786,730 1.8 2,317,426 0.1 TAXABLE VALUES 1998 871,270,576 51.4 723,017,343 42.7 92,682,117 5.5 7,516,861 0.4 1999 914,849,320 51.5 775,344,887 43.6 80,852,272 4.6 5,574,280 0.3 2000 967,241,428 51.3 834,493,620 44.3 78,284,458 4.2 4,213,904 0.2 2001 998,345,284 52.6 838,331,199 44.1 59,748,630 3.1 2,837,460 0.2 2002 1,020,725,231 52.6 863,303,060 44.5 54,903,110 2.8 2,227,654 0.1 2003 1,044,637,285 51.7 915,051,553 45.3 59,784,450 2.9 2,103,884 0.1 2004 1,073,023,689 51.6 938,957,340 45.2 63,882,310 3.1 1,812,134 0.1 2005 1,216,171,862 52.6 1,030,129,198 44.5 65,878,350 2.8 1,785,931 0.1 2006 1,247,379,642 52.0 1,083,407,140 45.1 68,308,290 2.8 1,584,472 0.1 2007 1,327,429,270 52.5 1,128,520,202 44.6 70,694,850 2.8 1,452,689 0.1 2008 1,408,830,109 53.4 1,153,802,900 43.7 74,852,940 2.8 1,453,513 0.1 2009 1,466,048,788 53.9 1,170,461,470 43.0 81,979,330 3.0 1,578,698 0.1 2010 1,545,159,671 55.2 1,170,960,470 41.8 81,786,730 2.9 1,599,376 0.1 12 RANK 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 2010 TOP TAXPAYERS Excluding Utilities Assessed by the State NAME TAXABLE VALUES American College Testing Russell Gerdin (Warehousing) Southgate Development Company Core Sycamore Town Center (Sycamore Mall) Alpla Inc (Industrial) Plaza Towers LLC NCS Pearson Procter & Gamble LLC United Natural Foods Inc. Center City Partners (Apartments) Raycal Iowa LTD (Apartments) Menard Inc. University View Partners (Apartments) Wal-Mart Real Estate MidWestOne Bank College Town Partners (Apartments) Three Guys Holdings (Apartments/Retail) RBD Iowa City LLC (Apartments) Barker Partnership(Apartments) Lublin Properties LLC (Apartments) 45,557,812 20,053,230 21,336,875 16,411,170 15,460,675 14,341,233 14,600,700 14,131,910 13,094,510 12,510,149 11,950,722 11,497,290 10,929,950 10,611,800 10,373,630 10,512,293 10,117,409 9,749,560 9,544,090 9,083,190 13 COMPARISON OF TAX RATES FOR CITIES WITH A CITY ASSESSOR SORTED BY 2010-2011 ASSESSOR TOTAL LEVY 2010-2011 ASSESSOR LEVY TOTAL CITY LEVY ASSESSOR SPECIAL TOTAL 09-10 10-11 CITY EXPENSE APPRAISERS ASSESSOR CITY LEVY CITY LEVY FUND FUND LEVY IOWA CITY .23147 .00325 .23472 40.59569 40.91519 MASON CITY .20785 .02338 .23123 33.60488 35.78089 DAVENPORT .16787 .07105 .23892 39.35289 40.25165 DUBUQUE .24512 .01260 .25772 34.71571 35.00555 CEDAR RAPIDS .23235 .04993 .28228 36.31263 37.72007 AMES .26979 .14806 .41785 31.68691 32.63225 SIOUX CITY .21598 .22607 .44205 44.84382 44.43269 CLINTON .25721 .28268 .53989 40.40068 42.34303 14 IOWA CITY ASSESSOR'S PROGRAM DIVISION STATEMENT FY 2012 DIVISION PURPOSE: The purpose of the Iowa City Assessor's Office is to find, list and value for tax purposes, all real property in Iowa City and maintain records for all parcels in Iowa City. DIVISION GOALS: To establish values according to Iowa law on all commercial, industrial, agricultural and residential property within the City of Iowa City in the most equitable manner based on actual physical aspects of the property and all the pertinent sales data available; to improve the efficiency by which these assessments are made; to provide prompt and courteous response to all inquiries for information. GENERAL DIVISION OBJECTIVES: 1. Receive calls and inquiries and dispense information efficiently and on a timely basis. 2. Complete all daily record changes and related duties as received. 3. On a quarterly basis, review in the field all new construction and demolition, and by January 1, 2012, make final review of said construction and demolition. 4. Prepare forms and get signatures for all new homestead and military credits by July 1, 2012. 5. Remove all homestead and military credits from the permanent file for those who are no longer eligible to receive the credit by July 1, 2012. 6. Prepare and get signatures on all other new annual forms, making sure they are in compliance with all laws and rules, by their statutory dates. 7. By April 1, 2012 send out assessment rolls to all properties with new construction or demolitions. 8. Accept formal written protests for the Board of Review from April 16 to May 5, 2012 and coordinate the Board of Review meetings during May 2012. 9. Receive and review tentative equalization orders from the State Department of Revenue and Finance in August 2011. 10. Receive final equalization orders by October 1, 2011. 11. Accept formal written protests for the Board of Review Special Session from October 15 to October 25, 2011 and coordinate the Board of Review Special Session from October 15 to November 15, 2011, if needed. 15 12. Prepare and distribute to Conference Board members the annual report by December 31, 2011. 13. Hold preliminary Conference Board and public hearings to adopt the annual budget by March 15, 2012. 14. Prepare and submit annual abstract to the Department of Revenue & Finance by July 1, 2012. NEW DIVISION OBJECTIVES: 1. Maintain the website information and make improvements to http~//www.iowacity.iowaassessors.com based on input from the public. The site went on line February 15, 2001 and has over 1.3 million hits since that time. Access to application forms for Homestead Credits and Military Exemptions is available on our Johnson County website at http://www.johnson-county.com 2. Review sales as they occur for all classes of property. Compare sales to values set for the biennial reassessment for 2011. 3. Review selling price/assessment ratios by neighborhood, age, size, building type and other criteria to be established during the sales study. 4. Make any adjustments to assessed value as indicated by the sales review and land value review. 5. Continue a program of physical inspection of properties where selling price/assessment ratios fall outside acceptable standards. 6. Continue to utilize digital imaging software to store historical data and make it more readily available to the public. 7. Update photos and view properties for condition. 8. Update recording information (book & page) on our website for older sales. 9. Maintain recently completed in-house re-appraisal of all Commercial properties in Iowa City. 10. Institute program for an in-house re-appraisal of all residential properties in Iowa City. DIVISION ANALYSIS: While the program division statement is on the fiscal year, the remainder of the annual report is based on the assessment year, which is the calendar year. The annual report has more meaning when based on the assessment year, since the state equalization orders come in a different fiscal year than the biennial reappraisal which the orders are to equalize. 16 PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS: The median sales ratio (median) is the middle sales ratio and a measure of the percent of our assessment to the actual sales prices. The c oefficient of dispersion (C.O.D.) is a measu re of assessmen t uniformity based on the degree to which individual sales ratios vary from the media n sales ratio. The goal of the Iowa City Assessor is to keep this C.O.D. below 10. A C.O.D. of 10 is considered excellent. The following table s hows the median, C.O.D., and the number of deed sal es for Iowa City Residential Property sinc e the assessmen ts went to the 100% level in 1975. YEAR MEDIAN C.O.D # OF SALES Assessment Year 1975 87.10 10.36 682 1976 76.30 11.38 681 1977 65.10 12.10 840 Assessment Year 1978 74.70 9.83 639 State Orders 1979 91.80 9.40 551 1980 87.85 8.69 394 Assessment Year 1981 88.90 8.74 393 1982 87.30 9.38 299 1983 94.00 7.19 544 Assessment Year 1984 92.80 8.03 451 1985 96.15 8.27 448 1986 95.30 9.02 513 Assessment Year 1987 94.90 9.26 522 1988 93.60 9.34 555 1989 91.80 9.80 538 Assessment Year 1990 87.05 9.75 608 1991 90.40 8.49 659 1992 85.00 9.88 688 Assessment Year 1993 90.80 8.57 651 1994 84.10 9.59 627 1995 91.20 8.48 595 Assessment Year 1996 91.20 9.59 636 1997 93.45 8.71 658 1998 91.60 8.24 699 Assessment Year 1999 93.30 9.38 691 2000 89.00 9.16 675 Assessment Year 2001 94.60 7.83 682 2002 94.32 8.03 777 Assessment Year 2003 88.30 7.93 809 2004 84.50 9.57 751 Assessment Year 2005 90.50 8.61 717 2006 88.70 9.67 665 Assessment Year 2007 95.00 7.88 856 2008 95.92 7.92 833 Assessment Year 2009 95.42 8.29 796 (Estimate) 2010 95.58 8.56 665 17 The following statistics are for Urban Residential sales, and below are tables of the ranking of Iowa City in comparison to the other 106 assessing jurisdictions in Iowa. For brevity, only the top 10 are shown. Data is for 2009 sales which is the last complete year available. These tables show that Iowa City is still one of only a few jurisdictions in Iowa with a C.O.D. of less than 10. The average selling price of a home in Iowa City is one of the highest in Iowa for 2009. Iowa City also has a large number of sales as could be expected by its size and mobile population. SORTED BY COD NO JURISDICTION MEAN MEDIAN WGHTD COD REGR INDEX 1 JOHNSON 96.48 97.12 95.55 7.07 101.00 2 AMES 98.82 97.23 98.95 7.83 99.87 3 IOWA CITY 95.64 95.42 94.46 8.29 101.20 4 STORY 100.30 98.41 99.00 8.70 101.30 5 SCOTT 97.82 96.37 97.60 9.47 100.20 6 DALLAS 102.70 99.86 100.90 9.78 101.70 7 LINN 95.40 95.12 96.37 10.42 99.00 8 CEDAR RAPIDS 97.57 95.58 96.35 10.50 101.30 9 WARREN 103.30 100.00 101.50 11.60 101.70 10 DUBUQUE COUNTY 97.85 95.06 94.92 12.02 103.10 SORTED BY AVERAGE SALE PRICE NO JURISDICTION 1 DALLAS 2 IOWA CITY 3 AMES 4 DICKINSON 5 SCOTT 6 JOHNSON 7 LINN 8 CERRO GORDO 9 POLK 10 DUBUQUE COUNTY NO SALES TOTAL PRICE AVG PRICE 782 155,736,804 199,152 796 152,401,156 191,459 590 112,492,392 190,665 256 48,794,755 190,605 748 141,304,826 188,910 803 139,417,897 173,621 877 143,679,539 163,831 151 24,714,200 163,670 4463 718,913,657 161,083 213 33,651,137 157,987 18 SORTED BY NUMBER OF SALES (URBAN RESIDENTIAL) NO JURISDICTION NO SALES TOTAL PRICE AVG PRICE 1 POLK 4463 718,913,657 161,083 2 CEDAR RAPIDS CITY 1834 256,881,545 140,066 3 BLACK HAWK 1374 286,846,623 135,987 4 DAVENPORT CITY 1216 160,987,026 132,391 5 SIOUX CITY 890 97,592,975 109,655 6 LINN 877 143,679,539 163,831 7 JOHNSON 803 139,417,897 173,621 8 IOWA CITY 796 152,401,156 191,459 9 DALLAS 782 155,736,804 199,152 10 SCOTT 748 141,304,826 188,910 The Regression Index, also known as the Price Related Differential, is an indicator of the degree to which high value properties are over or under assessed in relationship to low value properties. An index of 100.00 indicates no difference in assessments of high value properties in comparison to low value properties based upon that year's sales. An index over 100 indicates that high value properties are under assessed in relation to low value properties. As you can see in the following table, Iowa City's regression index is still close to the ideal 100.00 level. Again, for brevity, only the top 20 are shown. SORTED BY REGRESSION INDEX (URBAN RESIDENTIAL) NO JURISDICTION MEAN MEDIAN WGHTD COD REGR INDEX 1 AMES CITY 98.82 97.23 98.95 7.83 99.87 2 SCOTT 97.82 96.37 97.60 9.47 100.20 3 MADISON 107.70 102.30 107.10 13.43 100.60 4 LINN 95.40 95.12 96.37 10.42 99.00 5 JOHNSON 96.48 97.12 95.55 7.07 101.00 6 IOWA CITY 95.64 95.42 94.46 8.29 101.20 7 CEDAR RAPIDS 97.57 95.58 96.35 10.50 101.30 8 STORY 100.30 98.41 99.00 8.70 101.30 9 MITCHELL 99.55 98.14 98.02 15.54 101.60 10 DALLAS 102.70 99.86 100.90 9.78 101.70 11 DELAWARE 99.68 98.53 97.97 17.38 101.70 12 WARREN 103.30 100.00 101.50 11.60 101.70 13 LOUISA 99.11 97.43 97.18 14.28 102.00 14 AUDUBON 103.10 98.53 101.00 23.55 102.10 15 SIOUX 97.53 95.77 95.15 13.73 102.50 16 WOODBURY 98.86 98.01 96.33 15.87 102.60 17 WAYNE 111.50 108.80 108.40 19.69 102.90 18 BOONE 105.80 101.10 102.60 19.12 103.10 19 DUBUQUE 97.85 95.06 94.92 12.02 103.10 20 JONES 101.00 97.10 97.72 14.92 103.30 19 COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES The Coefficient of Dispersion for Commercial properties varies from 9.10 to 88.13 with a median of 30.62 for all Iowa jurisdictions while Residential C.O.D.'s vary from 7.07 to 41.81 with a median of 20.01. Commercial properties are typically more difficult to appraise than residential properties because of the wide variety of building types and fewer comparable sales. COMMERCIAL SALES SORTED BY C O D NO JURISDICTION NO SALES TOTAL PRICE AVG PRICE MEDIAN C O D 1 TAYLOR 2 465,500 232,750 58.16 6.83 2 POCAHONTAS 6 227,200 37,867 102.40 9.18 3 JONES 8 1,475,953 184,494 95.56 9.49 4 AUDUBON 4 177,350 44,338 68.84 11.40 5 HUMBOLDT 7 552,500 78,929 104.10 12.12 6 IOWA CITY 29 23,824,571 821,537 89.21 13.60 7 JOHNSON 15 11,088,010 739,201 99.03 14.02 8 CHICKASAW 4 180,800 45,200 102.10 14.46 9 WORTH 3 137,300 45,767 129.60 14.73 10 IOWA 4 254,000 63,500 94.51 15.18 11 MITCHELL 10 628,850 62,885 97.67 15.58 12 CERRO GORDO 12 1,640,900 136,742 95.16 15.80 13 HAMILTON 7 1,031,000 147,286 91.34 16.19 14 AMES CITY 16 4,833,000 302,063 104.20 16.36 15 FRANKLIN 6 1,318,800 219,800 77.13 17.03 16 LUCAS 2 320,000 160,000 85.62 19.03 17 VAN BUREN 6 425,500 70,917 90.10 19.74 18 DICKINSON 22 4,046,000 183,909 90.54 20.79 19 FLOYD 12 2,299,350 191,613 98.19 20.97 20 KOSSUTH 9 1,358,789 150,977 110.30 21.22 20 Below is a tabulation of year by year sales statistics for commercial properties. Because of the small number of sales, one or two bad sales can greatly influence the performance measurements, therefore creating greater fluctuation in the numbers. See data above to illustrate this and to show Iowa City's standing. YEAR MEDIAN C.O.D. # OF SALES Assessment Year 1975 84.30 19.75 14 1976 72.30 13.19 18 1977 62.90 28.20 27 Assessment Year 1978 84.60 13.49 12 1979 78.00 16.66 15 1980 80.85 22.69 12 Assessment Year 1981 87.55 10.07 14 1982 78.00 10.25 8 1983 87.85 10.58 26 Assessment Year 1984 76.80 18.30 13 1985 82.00 12.63 16 1986 98.20 14.21 15 Assessment Year 1987 87.65 17.27 16 1988 95.40 19.77 20 1989 94.40 13.81 13 Assessment Year 1990 89.60 19.53 13 1991 87.85 8.38 8 1992 89.90 14.86 21 Assessment Year 1993 90.35 14.24 26 1994 87.90 12.44 24 Assessment Year 1995 90.10 12.76 22 1996 89.50 15.78 24 Assessment Year 1997 87.80 11.57 21 1998 89.10 11.68 25 Assessment Year 1999 87.50 14.14 33 2000 96.85 14.99 28 Assessment Year 2001 93.50 15.04 23 2002 92.40 16.81 17 Assessment Year 2003 89.22 15.08 39 2004 80.90 17.82 17 Assessment Year 2005 85.65 15.52 34 2006 87.55 17.05 26 Assessment Year 2007 91.80 23.24 35 2008 95.29 21.32 36 Assessment Year 2009 89.21 13.60 29 (Est.) 2010 97.76 15.24 34 21 TOM HARKIN IOWA united ~tate~ senate WASHINGTON, DC 20510-1502 January 3, 2011 Matthew Hayek 410 E Washington St Iowa City, IA 52240-1825 Dear Matthew: ' ~~ -3254 ax: t24-9369 TTY (202) 224--4633 http://ha rkin.senate.gov C~ o D )'f 1 ~? ~ ~. ~~ ~ ~' H .'1 ~®~ COMMITTEES: AGRICULTURE APPROPRIATIONS HEALTH, EDUCATION, ~ABOR, AND PENSIONS O SMALL BUSINESS L cn Thank you for taking the time to contact me and share your thoughts about our energy systems and their connection to our economy, our national security and their effects on our environment. Also, I appreciate your specific comments on the importance of investing in vehicle electrification infrastructure. Hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles can play a crucial role in reducing our dependence on petroleum. Our current energy challenges are not new. We have known for decades that our dependence on fossil fuels is unsustainable. We cannot afford to continue to send billions of dollars every year to unstable oil producing countries, nor to spend additional billions protecting those investments. We also cannot continue to ignore the rising global temperatures, changing climates, and health effects that are direct results of the annual emissions of billions of tons of greenhouse gases and air pollutants from fossil fuel combustion. In addition, this year we have had numerous reminders of the human and environmental costs associated with our fossil fuel dependence. The West Virginia coal mine explosion took the lives of 29 miners, and the BP oil well blowout claimed 11 lives and released around 200 million gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico. I believe that we are at the initial stages of a new energy era. We are steadily improving our overall energy efficiency, while also displacing fossil fuels with clean domestic renewable energy supplies like biofuels and windpower. Nowhere is this more evident than in Iowa, where we are leading the nation in this transition. The windpower produced in Iowa equals about 20% of our state's total electricity use, and more remarkable is that our biofuels production is approximately equal to our total gasoline and diesel fuel consumption. While we have witnessed clear progress in this transition to a new energy era, realization of this energy future is by no means certain. We need policies and programs to ensure that energy efficiency is maximized, that development of new energy technologies is fully supported, and that those technologies are provided an opportunity to succeed in our energy markets. 150 FIRST AVENUE, NE 210 WALNUT STREET 1606 BRADY STREET 350 WEST 6TH STREET 320 6TH STREET SUITE 370 733 FEDERAL BUILDING SUITE 323 315 FEDERAL BUILDING 110 FEDERAL BUILDING CEDAR RAPIDS, IA 52401 DES MOINES, IA 50309 DAVENPORT, IA 52803 DUBUQUE, IA 52001 SIOUX CITY, IA 51101 (319)365-4504 (515) 284-4574 (563)322-1338 (563)582-2130 (712)252-1550 Although we have adopted several measures supporting energy efficiency and renewable energy in the past several years, I am deeply disappointed that we have still not succeeded in sending a comprehensive energy and climate bill to President Obama for his signature. I believe that such a bill should include a number of specific measures. We need a Renewable Electricity Standard; and additional incentives to improve energy efficiency in homes, businesses and industrial facilities. We also need a biofuels market expansion package to support the distribution and use of increasing volumes of ethanol and other biofuels. We should extend tax credits that support renewable fuels and technologies. Finally, we need to ensure that emission reductions due to energy efficiency and renewable energy are reflected in their prices relative to fossil-fuel energy. Again, thank you for taking the time to contact me. i will continue to collaborate with my colleagues in Congress and the White House to ensure that America is a leader in this new energy era and to secure adoption of legislation addressing these energy and climate needs. The benefits of addressing these challenges -good-paying domestic jobs, rural economic development, cleaner air, arresting global warming, and greater independence from unstable and undemocratic regimes from whom we currently purchase much of our energy -are critical to securing the future of our children, grandchildren, and the United States. Sincerely, _ ,~ ~~ . Tom Harkin United States Senator TH/dnh N O ~ ~ ~ ~ o-_.. ' C7 E ~ G.jJ ;"~ 27r ~ ~ ~.:. N January 12, 2011 The Honorable Matt Hayek City of Iowa City 410 E Washington Street Iowa City, IA 52240-1826 RE: RECAT Award -Terry Trueblood Recreation Area Dear Mayor Hayek: b~ n rv o r~ ~~ z c... _ ~.~ ~ ® ~ ,~, N o o ~ N O We are pleased to inform you that the Vision Iowa Board intends to award the City of Iowa City a River Enhancement Community Attraction & Tourism (BEGAT) grant of $1,600,000 on behalf of the Terry Trueblood Recreation Area Project. This project includes the transformation of a 207 acre former sand and gravel operation along the Iowa River into a recreation area. Specific project components include, site grading, trail construction, roads, and parking. In addition, a LEED certified Lodge facility will be constructed as well as a beach and small marina. The Terry Trueblood Recreation Area Project has a total project cost of $8,264,541. The award, made by the Vision Iowa board on January 12, 2011, includes the following provisions: The project will contain all components originally proposed in the application. The award is contingent on completed fundraising within 120 days of the award date. The award shall be made pursuant to contingencies outlined in a contract approved by all parties. Should you have any questions, please call Alaina Santizo at the Department of Economic Development at 515-725-3197. She will be sending you the contract, and necessary reporting forms for your award, and will be available to answer questions you may have regarding your award. Chester J. Culver,Govemor IOWA DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PatiyJudge,LieutenantGovemor 200 East Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa USA50309 • Phone: 515.7253000 • Fax: 515.725.3010 s www.iowalifechanging.com Congratulations on receiving this CAT award! S rely, genia D. Bailey Vision Iowa Board Chair /ars cc: Senator Joe Bolkcom Senator Robert Dvorsky Representative David Jacoby Representative Vicki Lensing Representative Mary Mascher IPl Marian Karr From: Matthew J. Hayek [mhayek@hhbmlaw.com] Sent: Sunday, January 23, 2011 12:26 PM To: Marian Karr Subject: NYT article Marian, please distribute to council. -MJH New York Times January 21, 2011 Mayors See No End to Hard Choices for Cities By MICHAEL COOPER WASHINGTON -Despite having one of the highest crime rates in the nation, Camden, N.J., laid off nearly half its police force this week after failing to win concessions from its unions. On the other side of the country, Vallejo, Calif, was filing a bankruptcy plan that proposed paying some creditors as little as a nickel or 20 cents on each dollar they are owed. These are hard times for cities, and the mood was grim as more than 20o mayors gathered here this week for the winter meeting of the United States Conference of Mayors. Many mayors have already raised taxes, cut services and laid off workers, even police and firefighters. Now they are girding themselves for more tough times, as falling home values are belatedly showing up in property tax assessments, and struggling states are threatening to cut aid to cities. "I came in full of idealism - I was going to change my city," said Mayor Bill Finch of Bridgeport, Conn., who has laid off i6o workers. "You get involved in government because you want to do more for the people, you want to show them that government can work and local government, by and large, really does work for the people -directly, you can't hide. But then you say you've got to pay the same amount of taxes, and you're going to get less." Some mayors said that they expected more cities, mostly smaller cities, to seek bankruptcy or possibly even default on their loans as the downturn grinds on, though municipal analysts see defaults as unlikely. In interviews, mayors spoke about their efforts to keep their cities afloat by raising taxes, consolidating services, selling off city assets and shrinking their work forces. Many of them, including Democrats who have been historically close to unions, said they were taking aim at public pensions, which they said were no longer affordable. "That's not a Democrat or Republican issue," said Mayor Antonio R. Villarai~osa of Los Angeles, a Democrat who is 1 /24/2011 Page 2 of 3 supporting measures that would lower the cost of pensions for new police officers and firefighters and require employees to contribute toward the cost of their retirement health benefits. "The fact is, our pensions aren't sustainable." Mr. Villaraigosa disputed a prediction made last year by one of his predecessors, Richard J. Riordan, that Los Angeles's pension woes would be likely to drive the city into bankruptcy. Saying "there's no question you will see some cities that default," he insisted that Los Angeles would not be one of them. "There is no scenario where we would ever be in the `B' situation," he said. "I don't even use that word, because we're going to make the tough decisions." The mayors descended on Washington amid great uncertainty over what the focus on deficit reduction by the new Republican majority in the House would mean for cities. The jobs outlook is still bleak for many cities. An economic forecast prepared for the mayors' group projected that while hiring would pick up this year, iog metropolitan areas would end the year with a 1o percent unemployment rate, or higher. The forecast, prepared by IHS Global Insight, projected that io5 metropolitan areas would not return to their prerecession peaks for jobs until 2oi5; for 32 areas, including Toledo, Ohio, and Detroit, it would not happen unti12o25. So between the breakfasts and luncheons, the awards presentations and the tap water tasting contest, the mayors pressed their federal agenda here, meeting with President Obama and members of Congress and the administration. They called for more transportation spending for cities and for preserving the Community Development Block Grant program, one of the few federal programs that sends money directly to cities without passing through statehouses. In the interviews, they spoke of their uneasiness, and the hard steps they have already taken. Philadelphia has raised its sales tax and property tax, trimmed i,2oo jobs, and joined a number of other cities in instituting "rolling brownouts" of fire stations, closing a few stations each day to save money. Mayor Michael A. Nutter of Philadelphia said that those "brutal" steps had helped stabilize the city's finances, but that there are still risks ahead. "It's what I refer to as a triple threat," he said. "I'm concerned about budget deficits at the state, I'm concerned about budget deficits at the federal government, and our local school district." The school district is separate from the city, but its woes could hurt the city. When the housing bubble burst in Pembroke Pines, a city of t5o,ooo in Broward County, Fla., taxable property values plummeted, and the city responded by raising the tax rate and making a declaration of "financial urgency," which allowed it to reopen its contracts. Its mayor, Frank C. Ortis, said the city cut workers' salaries by 4 percent, privatized its buildings department, and ended the defined benefit pension plan for new nonuniformed hires. 1 /24/2011 Page 3 of 3 Union officials decried the assault on public pensions, noting that the average pension is $i9,ooo a year, and that pension payments are usually only a small percentage of state and local budgets. "There's no doubt that state and local governments are now under fiscal duress, but public service worker pensions are not to blame," said Lee Saunders, the secretary-treasurer of the American Federation of State. Countv and Municipal Emplovees. He said that many pension funds were troubled because officials had failed to make adequate contributions over the years. "Employees should not pay the price when our elected leaders fail to lead," he said. Many mayors are worried that their states will cut aid to cities. Mayor Jean Quan of Oakland, Calif., warned that Gov. Jerry Brown's plan to eliminate municipal redevelopment agencies would deal a terrible blow to her city. And Mayor Christopher B. Coleman of St. Paul said that while the city would have received $io3 million in state aid last year if past trends had continued, it wound up getting only $4~ million. Mr. Coleman said that he had been forced to close a third of the city's recreation facilities in the five years he has been mayor, and that while his most recent budget had not raised taxes, it had been a struggle. "Taxpayers don't want to keep seeing their tax bills go up," he said. "But as unhappy as they are about that, try to close a library sometime." Walking into a lunch on Thursday, Mayor Donald L. Plusquellic, the long-serving mayor of Akron, Ohio, greeted a fellow mayor with a hug. "It's no fun anymore!" he told her. "Things are tough!" Mr. Plusquellic, who has revived Akron's downtown since taking office in i98~, has had to resort to layoffs of police officers and firefighters in the last two years. "I want to say, let me go back to the world I lived in two or three years ago, where people would come in and say, hey, we need this new park, or this new recreation facility, and I could say, O.K., we'll just do that," he said. "It's a different world now." 1 /24/2011 ias Kathryn Johansen From: Tom Markus Sent: Thursday, January 20, 2011 11:33 AM To: Kathryn Johansen Subject: FW: Potential correction in land values Add to info packet From: Leigh Lewis Sent: Thursday, January 20, 2011 8:44 AM To: Tom Markus Subject: Potential correction in land values Following is an excerpt from the most recent Hills Bank & Trust newsletter. -Note Kohl's comment re: the current run on ag prices - in line with your thoughts earlier this month. From: Hills Bank and Trust Company [mailto:Hills_Bank_and_Trust_Company@mail.vresp.com] Sent: Tuesday, January 18, 2011 4:17 PM To: Leigh Lewis Subject: Successful Business: The Dollars and Sense of Business The Dollars and Sense of Business By Dr. David Kohl Welcome to the Dollars and Sense of Business column for 1-fills Bank. My goal is to provide insight on challenges and issues impacting business decision. makers. Interspersed will be tips and techniques f'or strategic and. day-to-day operation of your business. The Super Cycle Continues "f'he economic health of both agricultural and non-agricultural businesses is being influenced by the run-up of commodity prices. The longest enduring super cycle for commodities in the past century is now moving into its eighth year. The previous four super cycles lasted between three and four years. 'I~he current one is being driven by five "game ch~mgers" of which strategic business decision makers must be aware. Export markets have been buoyed by strong demand in Asia, and particularly China, along with a weak U.S. dollar. The demand for commodities and the growth in the ethanol industry, along with low interest rates and adverse weather conditions in production regions of the world have been keys in maintaining strong commodity prices. The livestock sector is again faced with high input prices hindering its recovery process. 'C'he key to success for any business in this environment is proactive margin management. Develop a series of cash flow budgets covering a wide set of assumptions and scenarios based. 1 /20/2011 Page 2 of 2 upon global and domestic economics. In your 2011 business plan, determine strategies and actions to implement given each cash flow scenario. E3ot Land Values Many have heard stories of recent. land sales in the Upper Midwest region that are reminiscent of the 1970s. High duality larm ground with water, minerals, and other natural resource opportunities is bringing a premium. Any changes in the aforementioned "game changers" will soften real estate appreciation.. Sh~i~rld all free "game changers" converge in a negative alignment, then land va(rces waul~l experience a major correction. 1 /20/2011 -~' ? -~ A ~®I~~ ~_ CITY OF IOWA CITY IP9 MEMORANDUM Date: January 27, 2011 To: Mayor and City Council From: Marian K. Karr, City Clerk ~~ Re: Chamber's 2011 Annual Banquet The Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet is scheduled for Thursday, February 24 at the Iowa Memorial Union with a social hour at 5:00 and dinner and program starting at 6:00 PM. The speaker this year is Clay Jones, Chairman, President & CEO of Rockwell Collins. Please let me know if you are interested in attending. IP10 Marian Karr From: Kevin O'Malley Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2011 1:47 PM To: 'kayla-haar@uiowa.edu' Cc: *City Council Subject: FW: Budget Attachments: CityMgrFY12.doc Good Afternoon Ms. Haar, Original correspondence received 1/25 Agenda item #4g(2) I want to thank you for your email and appreciate your interest in Iowa City. I am attaching a document that may clarify how the City Council reached its decision on reducing the city tax levy. Sincerely, Kevin Kevin O'Malley Director of Finance City of Iowa City 410 East Washington Street Iowa City, IA 52240 kevi n-oma l levtu7 iowa-city. ora 319.356.5053 fax 319.341.4008 Please consider the environment and do not print this email unless absolutely necessary. From: Haar, Kayla M [mailto:kayla-haar@uiowa.edu] Sent: Friday, January 21, 2011 1:23 PM To: Council Subject: Hello, My name is Kayla and I am writing you today to ask you if you could please not cut any fire department positions. I believe that the FD has been understaffed and the city has needed Station #4 for over ten years and just as it is opening up the council plans to cut other areas, fire prevention is very important, too, and needs full staffing, capital improvements could be put off for a year to meet budget shortcomings. Please take this into consideration. Thanks, Kayla 1 /26/2011 r ~~~_,, p ~~ CITY O F I O 1N A C I T Y ~..~~ ~~®~~~ RA N D u M M E 1VI C) Budget Review 2011/12 Fiscal Year The annual budget preparation process starts in September. The following is a summary of the process and fiscal assumptions. The first step in the process is to examine revenues. Property taxes fund 62% of the services delivered in the General Fund. To determine the property tax rate we review residential, commercial, and industrial valuations. Unfortunately, there was minimal new growth in valuations, .approximately 1.34%. That percentage (1.34%) was less than the collectively bargained wage increases of 2% for FY2012 which meant other revenue was needed to pay for the wage increases. The economic conditions of the last two years did not allow for additional revenue. In fact, a review of interest income revenue resulted in a reduction of $350,000 in General Fund receipts. Also, building activity in Iowa City was down and therefore building and development permit revenue was flat. Upon reviewing the expense side of the budget we found personnel costs increasing faster than the cost of living, especially public safety pensions. The State of Iowa informed us in December that public safety pensions were to be increased 25% or $440,000 over FY2011. As noted earlier, wages are to increase by 2% versus the cost of living increasing only 1.1%. In addition to wage increases, health insurance costs were up 3% and, administrative and AFSCME pension costs were up 5%. This economic equation resulted- in the proposed tax levy increasing by 2.15% to cover the shortfall of revenue to pay for the increased expenses. The percentage of tax increase to residents in dollars would have been a 5.6% increase. Upon a review of this information the City Council directed staff to examine possible expense cuts to reduce the tax increase impact on taxpayers. Upon detailed analysis the following recommendations were presented to City Council: Action Dollar savings Reduce one police officer $72,000 (Note: six police officers were added in FY 2011) Reduce one firefighter (Note: nine firefighters added in FY2011 & We will still open Station #4) Reduce travel expenses Eliminate software and deer control Reduce Transit employee benefit transfer Reduce various sustainable expenses Total savings $75, 500 $77,000 $72, 500 $300,000 $50,000 $647, 500 The reductions in police and fire staffing (1 position those were the two tax supported departments tha positions in the Fire Department for FY2011 and 6 in each department) occurred because t had received staffing increases of 9 positions in the Police Department for January 26, 2011 Page 2 FY2011. The fiscal impact of a full year's salaries and benefits for these positions and the state's notification of a 25% increase in pension costs for police and fire caused the City to focus the staff reductions in the Police and Fire Departments. Fire Station #4 will open as scheduled with its full complement of firefighters. With the return of 3 Police Officers from active military duty, we will actually have 7 additional police officers on duty over what we had staffed last year. The City Council enacted a 1 % utility franchise tax last year to recoup right of way expenses and to assist in the funding of the expanded Police and Fire Department personnel. However that additional revenue is not sufficient to cover the cost of the Fire Station #4. None of that revenue was available for funding the expanded Police Department personnel. After due discussion and deliberation, the City Council approved the proposed reductions to reduce the property tax levy increase to only 0.48%. In addition, the City Council directed staff to continue to analyze the budget for further savings through out the year to minimize any future tax increases. Marian Karr From: Kevin O'Malley Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2011 1:45 PM To: 'megan-grote@uiowa.edu' Cc: *City Council Subject: FW: Station #4 Attachments: CityMgrFY12.doc CityMgrFYl2.doc (409 KB) Good Afternoon Ms. Grote, Original correspondence received 1/25 Agenda item #4g(2) I want to thank you for your email and appreciate your interest in Iowa City. I am attaching a document that may clarify how the City Council reached its decision on reducing the city tax levy. Sincerely, Kevin Kevin O'Malley Director of Finance City of Iowa City 410 East Washington Street Iowa City, IA 52240 kevin-omalley@iowa-city.org 319.356.5053 fax 319.341.4008 Please consider the environment and do not print this email unless absolutely necessary. -----Original Message----- From: Grote, Megan A [mailto:megan-grote@uiowa.edu] Sent: Friday, January 21, 2011 8:20 PM To: Council Subject: Station #4 To whom it my concern, My name is Megan Grote and I was just emailing in retrospect of the current plan to cut a Captain position in the Fire Prevention Bureau. I just wanted to stress a few main points: the FD had been understaffed and the city is in desperate need of Station #4 , they have been for over ten years and just as it is opening the council has plans to cut other areas. Fire prevention is very important and needs full staffing. And lastly, capital improvements could be put off for a year to meet budget shortcomings. Thank you for your time! Megan 1 Marian Karr From: Kevin O'Malley Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2011 1:42 PM To: 'pamela-schroeder@uiowa.edu' Cc: "City Council Subject: FW: Fires Attachments: CityMgrFY12.doc CityMgrFYl2.doc (409 KB) Good Afternoon Ms. Schroeder, Original correspondence received 1/25 Agenda item #4g(2) I want to thank you for your email and appreciate your interest in Iowa City. I am attaching a document that may clarify how the City Council reached its decision on reducing the city tax levy. Sincerely, Kevin Kevin O'Malley Director of Finance City of Iowa City 410 East Washington Street Iowa City, IA 52240 kevin-omalley@iowa-city.org 319.356.5053 fax 319.341.4008 Please consider the environment and do not print this email unless absolutely necessary. -----Original Message----- From: pamela-schroeder@uiowa.edu [mailto:pamela-schroeder@uiowa.edu] Sent: Friday, January 21, 2011 8:40 PM To: Council Subject: Fires Hi, As a citizen of the Iowa City area, I think it is important that the fire department does not cut any fire department positions. I think that the city fire department needs full staffing and it has been under staffed for a while. Please take this into consideration. Thanks for your time, Pam 1 Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr Original correspondence received 1/25 Agenda item #4g(2) From: Kevin O'Malley Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2011 1:40 PM To: 'lillian-alien-duenas@uiowa.edu' Cc: "City Council Subject: FW: fire department Attachments: CityMgrFY12.doc Good Afternoon Ms. Allen-Duenas, I want to thank you for your email and appreciate your interest in Iowa City. I am attaching a document that may clarify how the City Council reached its decision on reducing the city tax levy. Sincerely, Kevin Kevin O'Malley Director of Finance City of Iowa City 410 East Washington Street Iowa City, IA 52240 kevi n-omallevCa~ Iowa-city. ora 319.356.5053 fax 319.341.4008 Please consider the environment and do not print this email unless absolute y necessary. From: Allen-Duenas, Lillian G [mailto:lillian-alien-duenas@uiowa.edu] Sent: Friday, January 21, 2011 11:03 PM To: Council Subject: fire department Hello, Please do not cut any fire department jobs! FD has been understaffed and the city has needed Station #4 for over ten years and just as it is opening up the council plans to cut other areas, fire prevention is very important, too, and needs full staffing, capital improvements could be put off for a year to meet budget shortcomings, etc. We have a wonderful fire department and the I S Th ii~'obsa hould by no to have such incredible men and women serving u ] means be cut. Thank you for your time and consideration, Lily Lily Allen-Duenas Marketing Director Fine Arts Council University of Iowa (319) 335-3393 1 /26/2011 Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr From: Kevin O'Malley Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2011 1:33 PM To: 'calliedolohanty@gmail.com' Cc: *City Council Subject: FW: Station 4 Fire Dept. Attachments: CityMgrFY12.doc Good Aftern oon Ms. Dolohanty, Original correspondence received 1/25 Agenda item #4g(2) I want to thank you for your email and appreciate your interest in Iowa City. I am attaching a document that may clarify how the City Council reached its decision on reducing the city tax levy. Sincerely, Kevin Kevin O'Malley Director of Finance City of Iowa City 410 East Washington Street Iowa City, IA 52240 kevin-omallev a()iowa-citv.org 319.356.5053 fax 319.341.4008 Please consider the environment and do not print this email unless absolutely necessary. From: Callie Dolohanty [mailto:calliedolohanty@gmail.com] Sent: Saturday, January 22, 2011 1:06 PM To: Council Subject: Station 4 Fire Dept. Dear Iowa City Council, I have heard that you are planning to cut positions from the Iowa City Fire Department and I urge you to reconsider. Station 4 has served the city well for over 10 years and it would be a shame to deplete an already understaffed department further. Please consider other options in changing the current budget. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Caroline Dolohanty 1 /26/2011 Marian Karr From: Kevin O'Malley Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2011 1:30 PM To: 'mackenzie-colbert@uiowa.edu' Cc: *City Council Subject: FW: Fire cuts Attachments: CityMgrFY12.doc CityMgrFYl2.doc (409 KB) Good Afternoon Ms. Colbert, Original correspondence received 1/25 Agenda item #4g(2) I want to thank you for your email and appreciate your interest in Iowa City. I am attaching a document that may clarify how the City Council reached its decision on reducing the city tax levy. Sincerely, Kevin Kevin O'Malley Director of Finance City of Iowa City 410 East Washington Street Iowa City, IA 52240 kevin-omalley@iowa-city.org 319.356.5053 fax 319.341.4008 Please consider the environment and do not print this email unless absolutely necessary. --Original Message----- From: mackenzie-colbert@uiowa.edu [mailto:mackenzie-colbert@uiowa.edu] Sent: Saturday, January 22, 2011 3:49 PM To: Council Subject: Fire cuts To whom it may concern, I think it would be tragic for cuts to the fire department because it is already understaffed and the city has needed Station #4 since it opened. Fire prevention is very important and needs full staffing to ensure safety for our city. Best regards, Mackenzie Colbert University of Iowa College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry 1 Marian Karr Original correspondence received 1/25 From: Kevin O'Malley Agenda item #4g(2) Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2011 1:24 PM To: 'alyssa-feldmann@uiowa.edu' Cc: *City Council Subject: FW: Fire Department Attachments: CityMgrFY12.doc CityMgrFYl2.doc (409 KB) Good Afternoon Ms. Feldmann, I want to thank you for your email and appreciate your interest in Iowa City. I am attaching a document that may clarify how the City Council reached its decision on reducing the city tax levy. Sincerely, Kevin Kevin O'Malley Director of Finance City of Iowa City 410 East Washington Street Iowa City, IA 52240 kevin-omalley@iowa-city.org 319.356.5053 fax 319.341.4008 Please consider the environment and do not print this email unless absolutely necessary -----Original Message----- From: Feldmann, Alyssa A [mailto:alyssa-feldmann@uiowa.edu] Sent: Sunday, January 23, 2011 12:59 AM To: Council Subject: Fire Department Dear City Council, You should not cut any positions from the Fire Department because they collaborate to keep the community of Johnson County safe. If anything, you need to cut bureaucratic positions who are employed by the city rather than positions in which men and women are risking their life to keep us safe everyday. They have been understaffed for years and cannot suffice another cut in their staff. Thank you, Alyssa Feldmann From: Chi Omega Sorority Email List [CHI-OMEGA@LIST.UIOWA.EDU] on behalf of Grote, Megan A [megan-grote@UIOWA.EDU] Sent: Friday, January 21, 2011 8:04 PM To: CHI-OMEGA@LIST.UIOWA.EDU Subject: [CHIOMEGA] Hello!! Hello my fabulous Chee Omegs!! I have a small favor to ask of you!! My friend Ken works for the Iowa City fire department and sent the following message to me: Megan„ 1 Could you please do me and the citizens of Iowa City a favor and send a two or three line email asking the City Council to not cut any fire department positions? The current plan is to cut a Captain position in the Fire Prevention Bureau as of July 1, 2011. The email doesn't need to be long, the City Council just needs to get a lot of them, preferably before the meeting Monday night. Points you could stress are that the FD has been understaffed and the city has needed Station #4 for over ten years and just as it is opening up the council plans to cut other areas, fire prevention is very important, too, and needs full staffing, capital improvements could be put off for a year to meet budget shortcomings, etc. The address is: council@iowa-city.org Thank you very much. In the interest of fairness I should tell you that several other people are getting this exact same message from me. I would write the email for you to copy and paste, but each one should look a little different. If you could please take 5 minutes out of your day to email the city council I know Ken would really appreciate it! Every email helps!! Can't wait to see your beautiful faces bright and early tomorrow morning!! XOXO, Megan 2 Marian Karr Original correspondence received 1/25 From: Kevin O'Malley Agenda item #4g(2) Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2011 1:20 PM To: 'ahenry2009@yahoo.com' Cc: "City Council Subject: FW: Cutting a Captain Position Attachments: CityMgrFY12.doc CityMgrFYl2.doc (409 KB) Good Afternoon Ms. Henry, I want to thank you for your email and appreciate your interest in Iowa City. I am attaching a document that may clarify how the City Council reached its decision on reducing the city tax levy. Sincerely, Kevin Kevin O'Malley Director of Finance City of Iowa City 410 East Washington Street Iowa City, IA 52240 kevin-omalley@iowa-city.org 319.356.5053 fax 319.341.4008 Please consider the environment and do not print this email unless absolutely necessary. -----Original Message----- From: Ashlee Henry [mailto:ahenry2009@yahoo.com] Sent: Sunday, January 23, 2011 9:59 PM To: Council Subject: Cutting a Captian Position Hello, I am writing to voice my concern over the decision to cut a Captain position in the Fire Prevention Bureau. I don't believe that this is a good idea. The fire department has been understaffed and the city has needed Station #4 for over ten years. Now that it is just opening up, cutting in other areas seem absurd. If the city hasn't shrunk in size and the number of fires hasn't gone down, how do you justify cutting a job that would keep the citizens safe? Fire Prevention needs full staffing. I hope you choose to keep Iowa City safe. Thank you, Concerned Iowa City Resident 1 Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr From: Kevin O'Malley Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2011 1:05 PM To: 'Jessica-tobin@uiowa.edu' Cc: ''City Council Subject: FW: Fire Department Attachments: CityMgrFY12.doc Good Aftern oon Ms. Tobin, Original correspondence received 1/25 Agenda item #4g(2) I want to thank you for your email and appreciate your interest in Iowa City. I am attaching a document that may clarify how the City Council reached its decision on reducing the city tax levy. Sincerely, Kevin Kevin O'Malley Director of Finance City of Iowa City 410 East Washington Street Iowa City, IA 52240 kevi n-oma I I eyCa) iowa-city. o rg 319.356.5053 fax 319.341.4008 Please consider the environment and do not print this email unless absolutely necessary. From: Tobin, Jessica H [mailto:jessica-tobin@uiowa.edu] Sent: Sunday, January 23, 2011 10:28 PM To: Council Subject: Fire Department Iowa City Council, Please to not cut any Iowa City Fire Department positions nor decrease their funding. The fire department is already understaffed and the need for a new fire station #4 is enormous. Fire prevention and safety are both serious concerns that require full staffing and maximum resources. I do hope you will take these points into consideration. Iowa City Student AND Resident, Jessica Tobin 1 /26/2011 Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr From: Kevin O'Malley Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2011 1:01 PM To: 'weaserbug@msn.com' Cc: *City Council Subject: FW: citizen's request Attachments: CityMgrFY12.doc Good Afternoon Ms. Rhode, Original correspondence received 1/25 Agenda item #4g(2) I want to thank you for your email and appreciate your interest in Iowa City. I am attaching a document that may clarify how the City Council reached its decision on reducing the city tax levy. Sincerely, Kevin Kevin O'Malley Director of Finance City of Iowa City 410 East Washington Street Iowa City, IA 52240 kevin-omal IevCa?iowa-city. orp 319.356.5053 fax 319.341.4008 Please consider the environment and do not print this email unless absolutely necessary. From: Louise Rhode [mailto:weaserbug@msn.com] Sent: Monday, January 24, 2011 2:57 PM To: Council Subject: citizen's request To the Iowa City city council, It has come to my attention that you are considering making cuts to positions in our city fire department. I am writing to you asking that you seriously reconsider this. Our fire department is already under staffed and I believe cutting a Captain position in the Fire Prevention Bureau would be a mistake for our community. After finally getting Fire station #4 up and running, I have a hard time understanding why you are even considering making any funding cuts to the fire department at all. They are hard working, dedicated (and in my opinion, underpaid) professionals that we as a community desperately need in our~corner. Bottom line, please do not make any funding cuts to the fire department and instead find another area to work on the budget. Thank-you for taking this information into consideration. Respectfully, Louise Rhode Louise Rhode The Puzzle Box Child Care 1027 Sandusky Drive Iowa City, Iowa 1 /26/2011 Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr From: Kevin O'Malley Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2011 12:07 PM To: 'Kristal Gibson ' Cc: *City Council Subject: RE: Fire Department staffing Attachments: CityMgrFY12.doc Good Afternoon Ms. Gibson, Original correspondence received 1/25 Agenda item #4g(2) I want to thank you for your email and appreciate your interest in Iowa City. I am attaching a document that may clarify how the City Council reached its decision on reducing the city tax levy. Sincerely, Kevin O'Malley Director of Finance City of Iowa City 410 East Washington Street Iowa City, IA 52240 kevin-oma IlevC")a.iowa-citv.org 319.356.5053 fax 319.341.4008 Please consider the environment and do not print this email unless absolutely necessary. From: Kristal Gibson [mailto:kristal.gibson@gmail.com] Sent: Tuesday, January 25, 2011 4:05 PM To: Council Subject: Fire Department staffing Hello, I have been a resident of Iowa City for over a decade, and I have learned about the plan to reduce the Fire Department staffing. I am opposed to this decision. I think the supervisory position recommended for reduction is too important to be eliminated. I understand that the Fire Department staffing is already so lean that no line fire fighters can be removed without jeopardizing compliance with rules for number of ready staff for the fire trucks. That tells me that the Fire Department is not a bloated organization. I also thought that last year's implementation of a "franchise fee" was intended to increase fire department staffing (particularly for the new station). I do not think it is right that other stations suffer because of the addition of the new station. I understand there are budget issues to be dealt with, but pick something else, not public safety. It seems this decision was based upon the new city manager's recommendation without due and proper investigation and reflection. Please reconsider. This is the first time I've reached out to make an official complaint, and that should demonstrate how strongly I feel about this issue. Sincerely, Kristal Gibson 28 N. Lowell Iowa City, IA 52245 1 /26/2011 Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr From: Kevin O'Malley Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2011 1:26 PM To: 'wsJetair@hotmail.com' Cc: *City Council Subject: FW: Eliminating Public Safety Jobs Attachments: CityMgrFY12.doc Good Afternoon Mr. Schmooke, Original correspondence received 1/25 Agenda item #4g(2) I want to thank you for your email and appreciate your interest in Iowa City. I am attaching a document that may clarify how the City Council reached its decision on reducing the city tax levy. Sincerely, Kevin Kevin O'Malley Director of Finance City of Iowa City 410 East Washington Street Iowa City, IA 52240 kevi n-omallevCcil iowa-city.org 319.356.5053 fax 319.341.4008 Please consider the environment and do not print this email unless absolutely necessary. From: William Schmooke [mailto:ws_jetair@hotmail.com] Sent: Saturday, January 22, 2011 3:51 PM To: Council Subject: Eliminating Public Safety Jobs Dear council, Please consider seriously the consequences of eliminating the public safety position with the police and fire departments. Money was raised through a tax hike that secured these positions, please stick to the plan. I fear that by eliminating these positions it will open up trend to continue with eliminating more and more fire and police, scary. Thanks for listening, bill Schmooke 1 /26/2011 Page 1 of 1 Original correspondence received 1/25 Agenda item #4g(2) Marian Karr From: Kevin O'Malley Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2011 4:08 PM To: 'steve.dolan@mchsi.com' Cc: "City Council Subject: FW: steve.dolan@mchsi.com Attachments: 20110126154806595.pdf; CityMgrFY12.doc Good Afternoon Mr. Dolan, want to thank you for your email and appreciate your interest in Iowa City. I am attaching a document that may clarify how the City Council reached its decision on reducing the city tax levy. Sincerely, Kevin Kevin O'Malley Director of Finance City of Iowa City 410 East Washington Street Iowa City, IA 52240 kevin-omallev cr.iowa-citv.org 319.356.5053 fax 319.341.4008 Please consider the environment and do not print this email unless absolutely necessary. From: Marian Karr Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2011 3:51 PM To: Kevin O'Malley Subject: FW: steve.dolan@mchsi.com 1/26/2011 Marian Karr Page 1 of 1 From: Steve (steve.dolan@mchsi.com] Sent: Thursday, January 20, 2011 6:17 PM To: Council Subject: FIRE & POLICE CUTS As a property owner in Iowa City I do not agree with idea of downsizing the lava City Fire Department. 1 /20/2011 Original correspondence received 1/25 Agenda item #4g(2) Marian Karr From: Kevin O'Malley Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2011 4:13 PM To: 'sarah-robbins@uiowa.edu' Cc: "City Council Subject: FW: sarah-robbins@uiowa.edu Attachments: 20110126154829091.pdf; CityMgrFY12.doc Good Afternoon Ms. Robbins, Page 1 of 1 I want to thank you for your email and appreciate your interest in Iowa City. I am attaching a document that may clarify how the City Council reached its decision on reducing the city tax levy. Sincerely, Kevin Kevin O'Malley Director of Finance City of Iowa City 410 East Washington Street Iowa City, IA 52240 kevi n-oma I IevCa~ iowa-city. o rg 319.356.5053 fax 319.341.4008 Please consider the environment and do not print this email unless absolutely necessary. From: Marian Karr Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2011 3:51 PM To: Kevin O'Malley Subject: FW: sarah-robbins@uiowa.edu 1 /26/2011 Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr c;, ~ , , ,a_, i ~, ., From: Robbins, Sarah A (sarah-robbins@uiowa.eduj Sent: Sunday, January 23, 2011 7:12 PM To: Council Subject: Iowa City Fire Department To wham it may concern, I am writing to request that no budget cuts be made to the Fire Department of Towa City. It has already been understaffed lately, and more cuts would only make it more difficult for the firemen to fulfill all of their responsibilities. Most obviously, fire prevention is a very important part of the general safety of this city and it will be more difficult to perform without a full staff at the Fire Department Thank you, Sarah Robbins University of Iowa Sophomore 1 /24/2011 Page 1 of 1 Original correspondence received 1/25 Marian Karr Agenda item #4g(2) From: Kevin O'Malley Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2011 4:22 PM To: 'elcraig@q.com' Cc: *City Council Subject: FW: elcraig@q.com Attachments: 20110126154858582.pdf; CityMgrFY12.doc Good Afternoon Ms. Craig, I want to thank you for your email and appreciate your interest in Iowa City. I am attaching a document that may clarify how the City Council reached its decision on reducing the city tax levy. Sincerely, Kevin Kevin O'Malley Director of Finance City of Iowa City 410 East Washington Street Iowa City, IA 52240 kevin-oma I IevCa)iowa-city. orq 319.356.5053 fax 319.341.4008 Please consider the environment and do not print this email unless absolutely necessary. From: Marian Karr Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2011 3:51 PM To: Kevin O'Malley Subject: FW: elcraig@q.com 1 /26/2011 Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr ..? _.~ From: ELVA CRAIG [eicraig@q.com~ Sent: Monday, January 24, 2011 11:04 PM To: Council Subject: Budget cuts I am a 28 year resident of Iowa City. I would really like to see a copy of the Council's budget so we can see where all our money is going. I understand that you are thinking of cutting one fireman and one policeman from the budget. We just built a new firehouse and added a 1 cent tax to pay for a firefighter last year. What are you doing with that money from the tax? It shouldn't be used for anything else. Also I believe that these men & women working for the police & fire department are THE MOST important thing on our budget and should never be cut. I-have learned with a budget you cut the least needed thing, and that is not these people. I ask you to look over your budget & see what else you can cut (even if it is someone's pet item}, but please not our emergency people. We allowed the tax for only one reason, keep it for that only. Elva Craig 1 /25/2011 Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr Original correspondence received 1/25 Agenda item #4g(2) From: Kevin O'Malley Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2011 12:13 PM To: 'steelcook2@aol.com' Cc: *City Council Subject: RE: Police & Fire staff cuts Good Afternoon Ms. Cook, I want to thank you for your email and appreciate your interest in Iowa City. I am attaching a document that may clarify how the City Council reached its decision on reducing the city tax levy. Sincerely, Kevin Kevin O'Malley Director of Finance City of Iowa City 410 East Washington Street Iowa City, IA 52240 kevi n-omal levCa~ iowa-citv.ora 319.356.5053 fax 319.341.4008 Please consider the environment and do not print this email unless absolutely necessary. From: steelcook2@aol.com [mailto:steelcook2@aol.com] Sent: Monday, January 24, 2011 9:01 PM To: Council Subject: Police & Fire staff cuts am writing as a life long citizen and business owner of Iowa City. We have been promised more police and fire personnel for years. Fire station #4 was delayed for years, leaving businesses and lives in jeopardy in the north end of town. This is finally becoming a reality and now you want to make cuts? I own four properties in this town and I struggle to keep up with the constant tax increases. You raised property taxes specifically for this propose and now you want cuts. This feels like stealing. Who is going to come out ahead on yet another broken promise? Put the safety of Iowa City citizens and businesses first. Please, don't even consider making cuts with police & fire personnel. Lucinda Cook C&M Investments 1 /26/2011 IP11 I Dale Helling From: City of Iowa City [web@iowa-city.org] Sent: Tuesday, January 25, 2011 9:46 AM To: Dale Helling Iowa City Police Name Officer Paul 2010 Officer of the Year Posted by: Police Mailing List(s): Police & Fire Originally Posted 1!25!2011 9:46:08 AM The Officer of the Year award is given to the officer who most significantly projects work and behavioral ethics that mirror the oath of honor and exemplify a positive image of the Police Department and community as chosen by the command staff. The criteria for selection include professionalism, sustained work ethic, personal conduct, ethic, demonstrated leadership, vision, communication, and compassion. The 2010 Officer of the Year is Officer Paul Batcheller. ec1~a Release Batcheller the Contact: Sgt. Denise Brotherton Contact Phone: (319) 356-5293 Officer Batcheller has performed at an exceptional level throughout his career and exemplary in several of Iowa City's highest profile cases. Officer Batcheller has been with Department for 15 years. He has worked on patrol serving as a Field Training Officer, Crime Scene Technician, member of the Special Response Team, SCAT and is a Drug Recognition Expert(DRE). Officer Batcheller is one the most experienced and knowledgeable Officers in the Department in the areas of search and seizure, arrest, case law, and current acceptable police practices. His interview and interrogation skills are extraordinary and tend to lead to confessions and/or incriminating statements while recognizing the legal rights of persons. His expertise as a DRE has been recognized State-wide. His expertise and dedication are apparent in the 147 DRE exams he has completed in the last 2 1/2 years, the most completed by any current DRE in the state of Iowa. On January 24, 2011 at the Iowa City Police Department, Chief Hargadine presented Officer Batcheller with a plaque commemorating his award for 2010 Officer of the Year. Do not reply directly to this a-mail! It is produced from an automated system, and is not monitored for replies. If you have a question or comment about this information, please contact the originating department of this message, or by using our feedback form. For technical questions regarding the website, please contact our web team. • Unsubscribe or edit your subscription details. • Visit our lobs page for employment opportunities. • View more news from the City of Iowa City. 1 /25/2011 Subject: Iowa City Police Name Officer Paul Batcheller the 2010 Officer of the Year Officer Batcheller & Chief Hargadine [ view hi-res image ] r r~~ Date: January 25, 2011 To: Kevin O'Malley, Director of Finance Chris O'Brien, Director of Transportation Services Mark Rummel, Associate Director of Transportation Services a,_ From: Linda SeversDn;`~iuman Services Coordinator Kelsey Tonning, JCCOG Intern ;~.~ Re: Free Bus Ticket Program J~~ IP12 me o ~R~ i C~Or~~ For the second quarter of FY11 (October, November and December 2010) the City of Iowa City dispensed tickets to human service agencies through its Free Bus Ticket Program. The totals, by agency, were: 2nd Year-To- Oct. Nov. Dec. Quarter Date Crisis Center Department of Human Services Department of Veteran Affairs Domestic Violence Intervention Program (DVIP) Shelter House Neighborhood Centers: Broadway Pheasant Ridge Vocational Rehabilitation Services The Nest of Johnson County Free Medical Clinic Community Mental Health Center Home Ties TOTAL 395 395 395 1185 2370 220 220 220 660 1320 20 20 20 60 120 130 130 130 390 780 150 150 150 450 900 50 50 50 150 300 50 50 50 150 300 70 70 70 210 420 20 20 20 60 120 40 40 40 120 240 70 70 70 210 420 20 20 20 60 120 1235 1235 1235 3705 7410 Thank you for supporting the Free Bus Ticket Program. Your continued assistance in this endeavor is very much appreciated. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact Linda at x5242. cc: Tom Markus, City Manager Dale Helling, Assistant City Manager John Yapp, JCCOG Executive Director jccoghs\mem\bustixll-2nd.doc IP13 Kathryn Johansen From: Tom Markus Sent: Thursday, January 20, 2011 11:25 AM To: Kathryn Johansen Subject: FW: Scott Park Trail Phase three Info packet From: Mike Moran Sent: Thursday, January 20, 2011 11:24 AM To: Jeff Davidson; Kristopher Ackerson; John Yapp; Josh Slattery; Marcia Bollinger; Terry Robinson Cc: Tom Markus; 'Glenn Meisner'; 'Lucas C. Newton (I newton@mmsconsultants.net)' Subject: Scott Park Trail Phase three Greetings everyone, After meeting yesterday afternoon we decided to go ahead and set up a neighborhood meeting to work with the neighbors regarding our plan and alignment for the trail. We would like to show them what we are planning on doing, showing distances, alignment issues, creek crossings etc. etc. This area (Cumberland Ave.) had both, east and west, trail connections in place before any houses were built, we required that of the developer during parcel acceptance. I believe that they got bad information from either the developer, the contractors that built the houses or the realtors that sold them the houses (or a combination of all three) It looks like three of the properties have encroached onto city property with either swing sets, sheds, gardens and or lawns so some changes will have to occur regardless of this outcome. At any rate, we have set up a meeting for Wed. February 9th beginning at 7pm in meeting room B at the RAL Community Recreation Center. We can certainly come prepared to discuss options with them at that time, but we would really first like to show them what is being planned and discuss first. If anyone had anything additional to add or I missed something, please let me know. Jeff do you want to respond back to the mayor? Or should I, Marcia if you need my help in sending something out to he neighborhood just give me a call. If I don't hear back from anyone with any other issues I will be emailing back to the folks we have heard from already later this afternoon. Thanks everyone mm IP14 Marian Karr From: Tom Markus Sent: Monday, January 24, 2011 1:58 PM To: Marian Karr; Kathryn Johansen Subject: FW: GIS system Info packet From: Rick Fosse Sent: Monday, January 24, 2011 1:32 PM To: 'Rick Havel'; Rod Sullivan; R Bailey Cc: Tom Markus; Ron Knoche; Matt Hayek; Jean Schultz; Janelle Rettig Subject: RE: GIS system Rick: Thank you for your a-mail. You have done a great job of summing up the ways in which Iowa City and Johnson County can work together as Iowa City develops more GIS capabilities. Our proposed budget projects that the majority of this work will be in FY13. There is no doubt that we wilt take you up on your offer to help us in this endeavor. We look forward to working with you as we gear up for this work. Thanks again, Rick From: Rick Havel [mailto:rhavel@co.johnson.ia.us] Sent: Monday, January 24, 2011 11:44 AM To: Rod Sullivan; Rick Fosse; R Bailey Cc: Tom Markus; Ron Knoche; Matt Hayek; Jean Schultz; Janelle Rettig Subject: RE: GIS system Greetings, A GIS is often made up of many parts. It is my view that Iowa City will need software and resources to maintain the layers of data they need in their organization. They will need specific training and database support to make it happen. Needs of cities are often very different from what counties need. The cost savings will be in joint projects and in the sharing of data and expertise. There will be many layers the city produces that we will never need or benefit from and vice versa. I am excited the city is continuing to look into developing more GIS capabilities and offer my services in this endeavor. I would be happy to participate in any planning meetings as needed. Iowa City/JCCOG already have a few copies of GIS software and have been working on specific layers with my input/involvement. I have always experienced agood/open working relationship with the city and look forward to 1 /24/2011 Page 2 of 3 continued collaboration. The next JC GIS User Group meeting is scheduled for Feb. 11th at 10:00 in room 203 of the HHS. Everyone is welcomed to attend if interested. Iowa City and JCCOG staff are current members of this group. Rick Havel GIS Coordinator Johnson County Information Technology 855 S. Dubuque St., Suite 204 Iowa City, Iowa 52240 phone: 319-356-6080 fax: 319-354-4213 rhavel a(~co.johnson.ia.us Try the new Property Information Viewer (PIV) http~//gis johnson-county.com/piv/ From: Rod Sullivan Sent: Monday, January 24, 2011 10:12 AM To: 'Rick Fosse'; R Bailey Cc: Tom Markus; Ron Knoche; Matt Hayek; Jean Schultz; Rick Havel; Janelle Rettig Subject: RE: GIS system Hi, Rick. Thank you for responding to my inquiry regarding GIS write this wearing two hats; as a County Supervisor, I know that our IT people (Jean Schultz, IT Director, and Rick Havel, GIS Coordinator) are anxious to help you in any way they can. (I am taking the liberty of copyiong them on this E-mail.) From my conversations with Mr. Havel, it seemed that Iowa City would benefit tremendously from consulting with him before you make major investments. He is happy to help you in whatever way you see fit. As an Iowa City taxpayer, I want to be sure that Iowa City is moving forward in the most cost-effective manner possible. It seems that this might mean greater cooperation with Johnson County as opposed to starting a new system. It may be that duplication is warranted, but from my admittedly untrained eye, I do not see the cost/benefit here. Johnson County has no interest in starting a landfill, because Iowa City already has one that is well-run, affordable, and accessable for our residents. I think that further investigation may lead you to discover that Iowa City already has access to a well-run, affordable, and accessable GIS system. Johnson County could easily add layers of data to meet your specific needs. I hope you folks will take the time to consider the options thoroughly before you invest. Thanks for all your hard work! I look forward to working with you in the future! Sincerely, Rod Sullivan Johnson County Board of Supervisors 1 /24/2011 Page 3 of 3 From: Rick Fosse [mailto:Rick-Fosse@iowa-city.org] Sent: Friday, January 21, 2011 10:02 AM To: Rod Sullivan; R Bailey Cc: Tom Markus; Ron Knoche; Matt Hayek Subject: FW: GIS system Rod and Regenia: Tom asked me to follow up with you on our GIS plans as they relate to the County's system. I am very pleased to hear Rod's interest in working together on the GIS system. We have really not had the desire to rebuild what the County has already built; rather we hope to build on it. We already enjoy a good working relationship with County staff and cooperatively share data, but the vast majority of our geo-based data sets and maps are not currently a part of the County's system. We hope to work closely with County staff in the development of the system. It is good to hear that there is an interest at the top level of county government in working together on this. Thanks, Rick From: Regenia Bailey [mailto:bailey@avalon.net] Sent: Thursday, January 20, 2011 11:31 PM To: Tom Markus Cc: 'Rod Sullivan' Subject: re: GIS system Tom, Good to talk with you today. At the City of Literature meeting, Rod Sullivan spoke to me about the GIS software item in our CIP budget. Because the County has GIS software and staff members trained to use it, he suggested that it would be more cost-effective for the City to use the County's system. I know that we already do this and indicated as much. told him I wasn't certain about what concerns, if any, City staff had about continuing this relationship. This may be an opportunity for regional cooperation and cost-savings. I also suggested that it might be something that JCCOG could take on-thus benefiting all members and spreading some of the costs around. I told him that I'd pass this information on to you. As you can see I've included Rod in this a-mail so you can communicate directly with him about this if you're interested in more information. ~enia Regenia D. Bailey 430 Church Street Iowa City, IA 52245 319.351.2068 (h) 319.321.1385 (c) 1 /24/2011 Kathryn Johansen From: Tom Markus Sent: Thursday, January 20, 2011 11:01 AM To: Kathryn Johansen Subject: FW: GIS Info packet -----Original Message----- From: Rick Fosse Sent: Thursday, January 20, 2011 9:16 AM To: 'Matthew J. Hayek' Cc: Tom Markus Subject: RE: GIS Matt: Thanks for passing this along. We have no intentions of rebuilding what the County has already built; rather we hope to build on it. We have many geo-based data sets and maps that are not currently a part of the County's system. We plan to work closely with County staff in the development of the system. We already enjoy a good working relationship with County staff and cooperatively share data. At this point I do not see any obstacles to working toward a shared/cooperative GIS system. It is good to hear that at least one of the County Board members backs that idea. Thanks, Rick --Original Message----- From: Matthew J. Hayek (mailto:mhayekC~hhbmlaw.com] Sent: Thursday, January 20, 2011 9:00 AM To: Rick Fosse Subject: FW: GIS Hi Rick, Just wanted to pass along a concern from a BOS member re GIS. Matt Matthew J. Hayek Hayek, Brown, Moreland & Smith, L.L.P. 120 East Washington Street, Iowa City, Iowa 52240-3924 319.337.9606 telephone 319.338.7376 facsimile Email: mhayek@hhbmlaw.com Website: www.hhbmlaw.com -----Original Message----- From: Rod Sullivan [mailto:rodsullivanc~mchsi.com] Sent: Wednesday, January 19, 2011 9:55 PM To: Regenia Bailey; Matthew J. Hayek; Mike Wright Subject: GIS Dear IC Council folk: I was watching your budget meeting, and heard the discussion on GIS. I'll be honest; I don't know why you would invest in GIS when Johnson County already has the IC info out there. 1 I urge you to contact our IT Director (Jean Schultz) and/or GIS Coordinator (Rick Havel) at 356-6080 before you spend this money. Just FYI. Thanks, ---Rod r IP15 ~^.!.! Il,=, p ~~ C i T Y O F I O W A C I T Y ~~~~~ RA N D l~ Eta M Date: January 26, 2011 To: City Council From: Rick Fosse, Director of Public Works Jeff Davidson, Director of Planning and Community Development Re: Update: Flood-related activities Engineering Division • The demolition of buyout properties continues. This includes preparing, contracting and inspecting the asbestos abatement and structure removals. • A meeting will be held next week with FEMA in regards to the Animal Shelter demolition. • University of Iowa conducted the Phase 1 Archaeological Survey at the proposed location for the Animal Shelter. Recommendation has been made for a Phase 1 Intensive to be completed. Dubuque Street Elevation and Park Road Bridge Reconstruction Project • Held NEPA kick-off conference call with HNTB staff, Terisa Thomas, Iowa DOT OLE NEPA document manager and DeeAnn Newell, DOT NEPA Team Leader. • HNTB continued drafting NEPA Purpose and Need for the project. Draft will enter QA/QC early next week prior to forwarding for City staff review. • HNTB continued traffic analysis for Purpose and Need. • NEPA Early Coordination Letter was finalized and an Early Coordination package will be sent out to participating agencies. • HNTB and the City will begin development of screening criteria matrix. • Internal discussions on initial alternatives, alignments, bridge will begin. • The next TAC meeting will be held next week, February 2nd • A Hancher Auditorium coordination meeting will be held February 3rd Wastewater Treatment Plant Consolidation Project • Finished and printed draft copies of facilities planning report and submitted to City for review • Developed list of repair and replacement of items at South Plant • Finished list of South Plant critical items that could be impacted by 500-year flood • Developed mitigation measures for critical items impacted by 500-year flood • Continued with preliminary engineering to refine process sizing • Conducting QC review of draft facilities plan • Working with city on issue of sludge bulking problem in activated sludge tanks • Finished review of site specific data for IDNR to use in rerun of WLA Rocky Shore Drive Pump Station and Floodgates Project • Engineering work to begin as the consultant agreement has been accepted by City Council January 26, 2011 Page 2 Iowa River Flood Modeling • Summary report was submitted to City for review. Water Division River Crossings Public Works has negotiated a contract with the University of Iowa to complete an environmental/archeological study and review for the river crossing sites located at the old plant and Hwy 6. Work has commenced and a literature search should be completed by the end of the month. Peninsula Source Protection Flood mitigation work continues. The medium voltage lines and electrical switch gear and transformers are set. The medium voltage tie in is complete and startup of CW-4 is commencing this week. Upon proven operation of CW-4, CW-3 will be shut down and mitigation work will begin. The completion of this project that was scheduled for the end of January will likely be extended to the middle of February 2011. Water Works Prairie Park Source Protection • HRG has begun design work for the mitigation projects at CW-1, CW-2, and the SPPS facilities. The design will be completed and sent out for bid by March 4, 2011. The expected completion of the projects is Sept. 7, 2011. PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT • A total of 68 residential properties have been acquired through disaster recovery buyout grants. Of the 68 properties, 32 of the properties have been acquired through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), 30 with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, and six with Community Disaster Grant (CDG) funds. A total of 52 properties have been demolished in the Parkview Terrace and Taft Speedway neighborhoods. • Staff is finishing environmental reviews for the Single Family New Construction Round 3 Program. Acquisition assistance to purchase newly constructed homes will be provided to 31 homeowners, whose income is at or below 100% of area median income. • Planning staff anticipates $2.6 million in CDBG funds will become available through the repayment of a construction loan. On January 10, 2011 the City Council held a public hearing and decided to amend the FY11 CDBG Action Plan to use $1,398,000 of these funds for six public facility projects and one public service project. Later this spring, the City Council will hold a public hearing to allocate the remaining funds to housing projects. • Applications for Federal Jumpstart funds for repair, down payment assistance and interim mortgage assistance are still being accepted and funds are available. To date, $869,500 in Federal Jumpstart funding has been used to assist 18 households. • The City is no longer accepting applications for the following disaster business assistance programs: Loan Interest Supplement Program, Residential Landlord Business Support Program, Commercial Rental Revenue Gap Program, Equipment Reimbursement Assistance Program, Flood Insurance Reimbursement Program, and Expanded Business Rental Assistance Program. Funding remains available for applications that were submitted before the December 31, 2010 deadline. -z~- IP16 -- , VOLUME 3, ISSUE I Weel< of January 24, 20I I Newsletter for the Iowa City Planning & Corrbmunity Development Department Urban F'Ianrrir~~ ~ I iis~oric Nresz~rvaric~n ~ I I~usin~ itrh~tb ~ (:~mrr~uunity i_)eveical7nrc:nt: F:c<~nonric i?eveloixuerrt j JCCUG l ranspor cation I'Itrl~raing ~ i~eiglriaor'hoc~cl Services ~ Public /1rt calendar For• a schedule of upcoming meet- : ings for• the Planning & Common- : ity Development Department, see our Calendar. Page 9. Inside CJrrrr4l~ l~~c~k•`Iawrrt,r~~t_~:~9~~ Financial assistance pr•ogr-ams have been put in place for busi- nesses interested in pursuing Towncrest redevelopment protects. Page 3. I.~~il~ ~~~~~~~~~~ IirYri~; i~,r7~ Will solar-powered LED speed limit signs help reduce speeding near three local elementary schools? Page S. ~~K;~'I~ ~'wli~~li~~~. The new BOOK MARKS public i art program hopes to promote an appreciation for• reading, writing, and literature, and raise funds for local libraries. Page 8. ~~~~~~~:k"'~ Irr I~l1fJIIG~ Get your' creativity flowing - it's time for- the annual Poetry in Public competition! Page 7. ~~rri~°~~r~f.;i~:y ±rl~rl~ti~c~ What's new? A homeowner, a lender, and another house! Find i out what's been happening in the UniverCity Neighborhood Partnership program. Page $. Open house scheduled for Riverfront Crossings On Thursday, January 27, the City of lows City invites the public to attend an open house and provide input on the vision for future rede- velopment of an area south of Burlington Street known as Che River- front Crossings District, Representatives fi•om the City, the EPA, and This artist`s rendering depicts a residential courtyard in Riverfront Crossings, o proposed mixed-use, pedestrian-oriented district sarrtir of Burlington Street. planning consultants from HDR, Inc. and SRA International, Inc. will give a formal presentation of the proposed plan, followed by a public open house. The discussion will focus on transforming the southern portion of the Rivet•front Crossings District from aquasi-industrial area and wastewater- treatment plant into a walkable w•ban neighborhood featur- ing anew waterfront park along the Iowa River. The event is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. in Meeting Room A of the Iowa City Public Library at 123 Linn Street, A forma9 presentation is scheduled for 5:15 p.m., with an open house to follow. continued on page 2 The Planner, week of 1.24. I I -page 2 Open house V` l~i'L~i'~VLV A n-` r rr continued from cover PLANNING ............................................... ROBERT MIKLO Senior Planner 3 19.356.5240 bob-mil<lo@iowa-city.org Web page: www.icgov.org/urbanplanning One of the proposals that will be presented at the open house is the development of a riverfront park and the restoration of natural areas on the site of the City's North Wastewater Treatment Plant and the former Animal Care and Adoption Center, which will both be relo- cated from Kirkwood Avenue to south Iowa City. Returning the area to green space will help absorb flood waters from both the Iowa River and Ralston Creel< during future flood events. Preliminary plans for the new park include walking and biking trails and the establishment of boating, fishing, and other park amenities along the Iowa River. Project funding Funds for this planning project have come from grants from the EPA's Smart Growth Assistance Program, and from the Partner- ship for Sustainable Communities, a joint initiative of the EPA, HUD, and U.S. Department of Transportation. Iowa City was one of only five cities in the country to receive the Sustainable Communities Partnership funding. For more information, contact Karen Howard at 3 19.356.5251 or e-mail Karen-howard@iowa-city.org. Location of the district The Riverfront Crossings District is roughly bordered by Burlington Street to the north, Highway 6 to the south, Gilbert Street to the east and the Iowa River to the west. The old train depot on Wright Street, which the City hopes to resurrect as a depot for passenger rail, is located in the center of the district. Riverfront Crossings, which is roughly bordered by Burlington Street to the north, Highway 6 to the south, ~~~ ~ ~~~~~ Gilbert Street to the east, and the Iowa River to the west, was heavily impacted by the 2008 floods. While discussion of redeveloping the area has been on the table for years, it is now being driven by the post-flood damage and the need to put flood mitigation efforts in place. Proposal calls for an urban neighborhood with options for housing, retail, and transportation URBAN The Planner, week of 1.24. I I -page 3 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WENDY FORD Economic Development Coordinator 3 19.356.5248 Wendy-ford@iowa-city.org Web page: www.icgov.org/business City offers financial assistance for Towncrest redevelopment As the Towncrest business district is preparing to reinvent itself with a redevelopment plan and an upscale new look, the City of Iowa City is offering a package of financial assistance programs that will help existing and new businesses get their projects underway. Four separate pro- grams, some of which are grants that do not have to be repaid, are available to commercial developers, commercial property owners, and prospective and current businesses interested in becoming a part of the new Towncrest. The programs include: Facade Improvement Program The Facade Improvement Program will provide funds to assist current or new Towncrest businesses or commercial property owners with exterior building renovations that meet the design guidelines prepared by RDG Planning & Design. RDG, a landscape architecture design firm, was hired by the City of Iowa City to create a new design and street- : scape plan for Towncrest. The plan, which included ideas from feedback gleaned from Towncrest area businesses and residents, offers a fresh, cohesive look for new and existing buildings, as well as stylistic approaches for signage, benches, landscaping, parking, and open spaces. The Facade Improvement Program will offer matching grants that will pay for half of the cost of a business's exterior renovations and improvements. In some cases, where there is significant private invest- ; ment or other specific conditions exist, the City will consider increasing continued on next page New streetscape plan for the Towncrest urban renewal project The Planner, week of 1.24. I I -page 4 Financial assistance forTowncrest redevelopment continued from previous page funding to 75%. Grants will range from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $25,000. Gap Financing & Pre-Development Assistance Program Catalyst projects that will posi- tively impact Towncrest will be eligible for gap financing to help meet the costs of development. Projects might include the con- struction of commercial, resi- dential, and mixed-use buildings, or major rehabilitation of an existing building. To qualify for gap financing, projects must adhere to the Towncrest design and urban renewal plan guide- lines. Consideration for the amount of funding awarded will include a financial analysis of the project, the number of jobs that will be created or retained, and the amount of new property taxes that will be generated. These projects are also eligible for grants of up to $25,000 for pre-development assistance for items such as architectural, engi- neering, and/or environmental assessment services. The owner/ developer pays for half the costs, and the City pays the other half, up to $25,000. Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Significant projects that comple- ment and contribute to the goals of the Towncrest urban renewal plan could also be eligible for TIF funds. TIF enables the owner to receive property tax rebates to help cash flow the project and retire project debt faster. TIF funds are awarded at the discre- tion of the City Council. Do you own property in the Towncrest area? The City is also interested in connecting people who are interested in investing in Towncrest, such as developers, retailers, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations, with Towncrest area property owners who are interested in selling or leasing their commercial property, or in selling land that could be developed. If you are an interested Towncrest area property ~ owner, please complete the Towncrest Area Commercial Real Estate Inventory Form on the Towncrest website at: www.icgov.org/towncrest CDBG Economic Development Program The City's Community Develop- ment Blocl< Grant (CDBG) Eco- nomic Development Fund may be able to provide loans for businesses that meet federal eligibility requirements and that primarily benefit low- to moder- ate-income persons. This pro- gram offers low- or no-interest loans typically ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. All of the financial incentives are available on a first-come, first- served basis, with the exception of TIF. For more information on each program, or for an applica- tion, visit the City's website at www.icgov.org/towncrest and then select the Towncrest Finan- cial Incentives /Urban Renewal Plan. To discuss a project or idea, or for more information about the Towncrest redevelop- ment, contact Wendy Ford at 3 19.356.5248 or e-mail Wendy-ford@iowa-city.org. Grant will help build rail port in City's southeast industrial park The potential for Iowa City's 173-acre industrial park to draw new busi- ness and industry got a big boost in December when the Iowa Transpor- tation Commission announced that a $ I ,056,200 grant had been awarded to the City to build rail infrastructure on the industrial campus. The grant will pay for half the cost of constructing a spur line from the Iowa Interstate Railroad into the industrial park, a total of 3,000 lineal feet of track. Construction should get underway in 201 I. The rail connection is expected to be a major draw for manufacturers and other businesses interested in building in the industrial park. The City purchased the land in 2008 and is currently taking steps to have the industrial park certified as "shovel-ready," which will streamline the start- up process for companies that are interested in building on one of the lots. The Planner, week of 1.24. I I -page 5 Where's the bus? Check BONGO! PLANNING JOHN YAPP Transportation Planner 3 19.356.5252 john-yapp@iowa-city.org Website: www.j ccog. o rg The Johnson County Council of Governments recently awarded area transit systems with $37,000 in grant funds to implement bus stop signs for a new interactive bus tracking system called BONGO ("Bus on the Go"). Temporary signs are currently in place; the new signs will be installed in 201 I .The new system allows riders to check on the arrival time of their bus, as the system provides real-time updates on where a bus is located on its route, and when it will arrive at a certain stop. BONGO has been installed for the Iowa City, Coralville, and University of Iowa Cambus sytems. The system works by means of a GPS tracking device that has been installed on each bus. The device sends a signal every 10 seconds with updates about its location, based on latitude and longitude. Riders are then provided with a predicted arrival time -information they can access with a variety of technology, including: Texting: Text "nbus bongo" and the bus stop number (located on the bus stop signs), to 4141 I. Or, users can opt to receive a text message when the bus is nearing a specific stop. Computers or smart phones: Access the system's website at www.ebongo.org for information, or use your camera phone to scan the image of the QR code on a bus stop sign. This will upload the bus stop's web page on your phone's browser. New LED, solar-powered speed limit signs installed near three elementary schools Transportation planners hope that new LED speed limit signs installed near three Iowa City elementary schools -Weber, Horn, and Roosevelt -will call attention to school zone speed limits during school hours and encourage drivers to slow down and comply with posted speed limits. Currently, speed limit compliance in these areas is low. The solar-powered signs are programmable so that LED lights flash around the border during peak periods to draw attention to reduced speed limits. The signs' internal calen- dar is programmable for two years, so they will not blink during vacation days or other non-school hours. In May, JCCOG transportation planning staff will re-evaluate speed compliance near these three schools and prepare a summary report for Iowa DOT and local traffic engineers. If effective, other school zones could be evaluated for similar applications; if proven ineffective, the signs will be removed. The project was made possible through grant funds obtained from the Iowa Department of Transportation "Traffic Safety Improvement Program." For more information, or to propose other trial projects, please contact Kris Acl<erson, Assistant Transportation Planner, at Kristopher-Acl<erson@iowa-city.org or call 3 19.356.5247. e I~~ TRANSPORTATION The Planner, week of 1.24. I I -page 6 BOOK MARKS is launched County-wide public art project doubles as a celebration of literature and a fundraiser ` The Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature and the Iowa City, Coralville, and North Liberty Public Libraries I<icl<ed off BOOK MARKS last month, "~- a public art project designed to celebrate reading and writing, and bring new levels of awareness and appreciation for literature through art in o Johnson County. PUBLIC ART ............................................... BOOK MARKS, which is similar to the "Herl<y on Parade" public art MARCIA BOLLINGER program of 2004, will transform more than 50 plain white statues of books into unique pieces of art which will then be displayed outdoors Public Art Coordinator throughout Johnson County from June through October 201 I .Artists 3 19.356.5237 whose concepts are selected by a sponsor will receive a $ I ,000 honorar- marcia-bollinger@iowa-city.org ium after their work is completed and approved. Web page: http://www.icgov.org/publicart In addition to the public art component, BOOK MARKS will double as a fundraiser. After the display concludes next fall, the statues will be sold, with proceeds directed to the following local projects: ^ Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature: for outreach activities that promote the City's historic literary culture and attract visitors to the area, such as the annual Iowa City Bool< Festival; ^ Iowa City Public Library: for early childhood literacy efforts; B©OKMARKS° a99x nioNJ9xN59X991RTY i ^Coralville Public Library: for library programming and high-use collections; ^ North Liberty Community Library: for the library's current Prototypes expansion and renovation project. BOOK MARK prototypes (below) were For more information on the BOOK MARKS program, visit the website created by Sara Slee Brown. Actual at wvvw.bool<marl<siowa.org or contact Marcia Bollinger with the City of size of the sculptures will be about Iowa City Public Art Program at 319.356.5237 or by e-mail at Marcia- 5 feet tall by 6 feet wide. Bollinger@iowa-city.org. ~adu.~. c: T! _~ I'_ The Planner, week of 1.24. I I -page 7 POETRY IN PUBLIC 2011: T1111C t0 YC1Cc1SC L~OltY ~~11111CY WY1tCY~~ Since 2002, the City of Iowa City's Public Art Program has in- spired Johnson County residents to release their "inner writer" through the Poetry in Public pro- ject, encouraging people to ex- plore their own creative process by writing and submitting a poem for the annual poetry contest. The program solicits entries from all age groups and all levels of writing experience, and each year, poems are submitted by school children to retirees, and casual writers to published poets. Iowa City, with its long-term, deeply rooted love of the writing culture, was named a UNESCO "City of Literature" two years ago. Christopher Merrill, who led the nominating committee, credits Poetry in Public for helping to differentiate Iowa City from other communities, one of the factors that ulti- mately led to the prestigious award. Now starting its ninth year, Poetry in Public continues to inspire creative writing, cultivate appreciation of the writ- ten word, and build on the literary tradition that exists in Iowa City. Anyone who's a resident of Johnson County can enter. A full list of Poetry in Public requirements appears on the City's website at www.icgov.org/pip, but the general guidelines are: - Only one poem per person may be submitted. - The poem must be 7 lines or less (not including the title). - Poets should avoid using complex formats, ` layouts, and /or typefaces. - All poems must be suitable for public display and for readers of all ages. The prize? Mostly, it s the joy of the writing experi- ence, but for people whose works are selected, there's aposter-sized copy of his or her poem, as well as the op- portunity to have their poems displayed throughout the com- munity beginning in April, National Poetry Month. Display areas include all of the City buses, downtown I<iosl<s, Robert A. Lee Community Recreation Center, Scanlon Gymnasium / Mercer Parl< Aquatic Center, and other public facilities. Poems are also posted online on Iowa City's Poetry in Public website, the Daily Palette (http://dailypalette.uiowa.edu), hosted by the University of Iowa, and other literary-related web- sites. Final selections are made by a panel of judges, including a professional writer, representatives from the City's Public Library and Public Art Advisory Committee, and select City staff, whose criteria include the quality of writing and the poem's suit- ability for public display before a general audience. The deadline to submit entries is February 4, 201 I at 5 p.m. Entries should be accompanied by a 201 I Submission Form (found on www.icgov.org/pip) and may either be e-mailed to Marcia-Bollinger@iowa- city.org, or dropped off or mailed to City Hall at 410 East Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240. After the 201 I selections are made, the next phase of the project, Poetry in Public Art, will get under- way. More information will be available in late Feb- ruary at www.icgov.org/pipart. Please check back then. For more information on Poetry in Public, visit the City's website at www.icgov.org/pip or contact Marcia Bollinger in the City's Public Art Division at 3 19.356.5237 or via e-mail at Marcia-Bollinger@ iowa-city.org. The Planner, week of 1.24. I I -page 8 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ............................................... STEVE LONG Community Development Coordinator 3 19.356.5250 steve-long@iowa-c ity.o rg Web page: www.icgov.org/commdev UNIVERCITY NEIGHBORHOOD PARTNERSHIP UPDATE First home sold The UniverCity Neighborhood Partnership has completed the sale of its first home, aranch-style house located at 416 Douglass Court in the Miller-Orchard neighborhood. The house was purchased by the partnership in July, and renovations were completed in October. The sale closed earlier this month with a very happy new homeowner! US Bank joins lending pool As recognition for the UniverCity Neighborhood Partnership grows, so does the lending pool that allows more homes to be purchased for the program. According to City of Iowa City Community Develop- ment Coordinator Steve Long, U.S. Banl< has joined the group of local lenders that have agreed to provide loan financing for the purchase of additional homes for the program. U.S. Banl<, which has committed to loaning up to $ I million, is now part of a group of lenders, including First American Banl<, Hills Banl< and Trust Company, MidwestOne Banl<, and the University of Iowa Community Credit Union, that are providing financial support for the housing program. The UniverCity Neighborhood Partnership, a joint effort between the City of Iowa City and the University of Iowa, is a program that seeks • to preserve, strengthen, and spark reinvestment in some of the City's older neighborhoods, help balance the renter -homeowner ratio in the University area, and create opportuni- ties for University and downtown employees to live close to where they work. In Phase I of the program, homes surrounding the University campus, many of which are currently rentals, are purchased, renovated and converted back to owner-occupied dwellings. The homes are then sold to income-qualifying applicants. Ten homes have been purchased to date. Plans are to buy a total of 25 over the next year. Sale prices currently range from $60,000 to $ 195,000, plus carrying costs. Employees of the University of Iowa may also be eligible to receive a minimum of $5,000 in downpayment assistance, with higher amounts available depend- ing on the purchase price of the home. For more information or an application to purchase one of the homes, visit the City's website at www.icgov.org/UniverCity. Additional information is available on the UniverCity's Facebool< page at www.facebool<.com/UniverCityia, or from the City's Planning & Community Development Department at 3 19.356.5230. The newest addition The house on the northeast corner of Bowery and South Gover- nor Streets (tucked behind some very tall pine trees) is the most recent one to be purchased by the UniverCity Neighborhood Partnership. Built in 1920, it offers 986 square feet of living space, including two bedrooms one full bath, and wood floors. Renova- tions will include a new furnace, new roof and gutters, new Kitchen, and landscaping. Estimated sale price is $ I 15,000 plus carrying costs ($3,000-$5,000). Downpayment assistance for permanent UI employees would be $5,750. Interested? Visit www.icgov.org/UniverCity for more information. ~'I G3 ~_- ~K3.tl ~Y The Planner, week of 1.24. I I -page 9 UPCOMING MEETINGS ......................................................................... This is a tentative schedule of upcoming meetings. To verify that the meeting will be held, check the calendar on the City website at www.icgov.org or call the Planning & Community Development office at 319.356.5230. Meetings will be held at City Hall at 410 E. Washington Street unless noted other- wise. The individual listings below provide the name of the meeting room. Thursday, February 3 ^ Public Art Advisory Committee 3:30 p.m., Lobby Conference Room, City Hall ^ Planning & Zoning Commission 7 p.m., Emma Harvat Hall, City Hall Wednesday, February 9 ^ Board of Adjustment 5:15 p.m., Emma Harvat Hall, City Hall Thursday, February I 0 ^ Historic Preservation Commission 6 p.m., Emma Harvat Hall, City Hall Thursday, February 17 ^ Housing & Community Development Commission 6:30 p.m., Meeting Room A, Iowa City Public Library, 123 Linn Street ^ Planning & Zoning Commission 7 p.m., Emma Harvat Hall, City Hall . ~ ;~ ': . . ,a ~ ~9 ~ ar~~ .° P Jk { '4,~~ ~~ ~~i ~ ~ ~e v~' ~• u,f ..~ .~ s ,~ , r ~ '~~' ~ _y~ ~ . 4~~~ S . ~ s r ~ ~ ~ ffi , , , _ .~ •_ ~ ~• -, ~ l~ -!~J ~ s~ .~ ~ y~ ~ ~ lab ~~ P ~ . d". ~ ~ .. s , .. ~ - ~ ~ - ~ e, ~ • ~ ~ ~ ~~~~ a ~ r "t ~ n t '' ~ ~ .e s J , I. ~ ~ n = ~ ~ a . ~ ~ ~ E ... N ` ~ z ~ s a., i a 1 ' ~ . ~ rv ~ e ® . a ~A~iQ 5 f ~ ~ ~ ', nrv 1 ~~ ~ ~ ~ P ~ A `~ ~ d ~ ~ ~~ ow ~ a ~. ~" I r ~1 rv ~ E ~ r.-~ 1 & To view agendas & meeting packets for City meetings Agendas have not yet been written for some of these meetings. To find out what's on the agenda, visit the City website prior to the meeting. Go to the City's Calendar page at www.icgov.org/ default/apps/GEN/calendar.asp, click on the date of the meeting, and then on the name of the group that will be meeting. Agendas and meeting packets for all scheduled meetings are posted to the web at least 24 hours in advance. Sign up for your FREE e-subscription to The Planner! Free e-subscriptions to The Planner, the City of Iowa City's Planning & Community Development Department newsletter, are available by signing up on our website. Go to: www.icgov.org/subscribe then to "Newsletter" then click on "Planner Newsletter." After you subscribe, we'll e-mail a copy directly to you each time a new issue is released. Or, you can visit our website at www.icgov.org/PCD to see current or previous issues. WHO SHOULD YOU CONTACT? PLANNING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT General Phone: 319.356.5230 Fax: 319.356.5217 Department Web Page: http://www.icgov.org/PCD ADMINISTRATION COMMUNITY JCCOG Jeff Davidson DEVELOPMENT John Yapp Director Steve Long Executive Director 319.356.5232 Coordinator 319.356.5252 Jeff-davidson@iowa-city.org 3 19.356.5250 john-yapp@iowa-city.org Janet Dvorslcy steve-long@iowa-city.org Transportation Planners: Administrative Secretary Community Brad Neumann 319.356.5230 Development Planners: 319.356.5235 Janet-dvorsl<y@iowa-city.org Tracy Hightshoe brad-neumann@iowa-city.org 319.356.5244 : Kent Ralston ................................................. tracy-hightshoe@iowa-city.org 319.356.5253 URBAN Doug Ongie Kent-ralston@iowa-city.org PLANNING 319.356.5479 Kristopher Ackerson doug-ongie@iowa-city.org 319 356 5247 Robert Miklo . . Senior Planner David Purdy Kristopher-acl<erson@ 3 19.356.5240 3 19.356.5489 iowa-city.org bob-mil<lo@iowa-city.org david-purdy@iowa-city.org Darian Nagle-Gamm Urban Planners: Housing Rehabilitation 319.356.5254 Karen Howard Specialists: darian-nagle-gamm@ 319.356.5251 David Powers iowa-city.org Karen-howard@iowa-city.org 319.356.5233 Human Services david-powers@iowa-city.org Christina Kuecker Planning: Historic Preservation Jeff Vanatter Linda Severson 319.356.5243 319.356.5 128 Coordinator Christina-I<uecl<er@ Jeff-vanatter@iowa-city.org 3 19.356.5242 iowa-city.org linda-Severson@iowa-city.org Liz Osborne Sarah Walz Program Assistant Board of Adjustment 3 19.356.5246 319.356.5239 liz-Osborne@iowa-city.org Sarah-walz@iowa-city.org NEIGHBORHOOD . SERVICES Marcia Bollinger ECONOMIC Coordinator of DEVELOPMENT Neighborhood Services Wendy Ford & Iowa City Public Art Program Coordinator 3 19.356.5237 319.356.5248 marcia-Bollinger@iowa-city.org Wendy-ford@iowa-city.org IP17 MINUTES PRELIMINARY BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT NOVEMBER 10, 2010 - 5:15 PM MEETING ROOM B, ROBERT A. LEE RECREATION CENTER MEMBERS PRESENT: Caroline Sheerin, Will Jennings, Barbara Eckstein MEMBERS ABSENT: Le Ann Tyson, Robert Anderson STAFF PRESENT: Sarah Walz, Sara Greenwood Hektoen OTHERS PRESENT: Duane Musser, Clifford Reif, Kristen Breaux RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: None CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 5:15 PM ROLL CALL: Jennings, Sheerin, Eckstein were present CONSIDERATION OF THE OCTOBER 13, 2010 MEETING MINUTES: Eckstein and Sheerin offered corrections to the minutes. Eckstein moved to approve the minutes as amended . Jennings seconded. A vote was taken and the motion carried on a vote of 3-0. SPECIAL EXCEPTION: EXC10-00009: Discussion of an application submitted by Reif Oil Company for a special exception to allow adrive-through facility located in the Community Commercial (CC-2) zone at 2580 Naples Avenue. Walz explained that the commercial area in which the drive-through was proposed was a newer commercial development and that Naples Drive had been designed to support higher levels of commercial traffic. She explained that City staff would be looking at the street to decide whether the striped median approaching the Menards entrance should be changed to a left turn lane. Walz discussed the specific criteria for drive-through areas. She said that the location, which is somewhat remote and along the intersection of two highways, would have limited pedestrian usage. Nonetheless, the applicant was required to address pedestrian access. The proposed site plan showed a sidewalk along Naples Avenue with a pedestrian walkway extending around the parking area to the south and then crossing Board of Adjustment November 10, 2010 Page 2 of 8 over to the convenience store near the drive-through. Walz explained that other uses in this area are all commercial in nature and so there was no concern with impacts on residential properties. Walz explained that one requirement was that the number of drive-through lanes and stacking spaces were appropriate for the use. Since this drive-through restaurant was accessory to the larger convenience store use, staff believed that the one lane with six stacking spaces is sufficient to serve the u'se. Also, the proposed drive-through is to be located to the rear of the site with vehicles circulating behind the convenience store building along cone-way drive. The site plan shows pavement markings indicating the one-way direction of the drive, but staff recommended that the exit area of the drive should be marked to indicate exit only to make it clear that this is a one-way drive. Walz stated that the drive-through met the required setbacks and that the precise location of the drive-through is set at a significantly lower grade than the adjacent Highway 1 interchange. It is difficult to see the drive-through area from Highway 1 and for this reason the Building Official waived the requirement for S2 screening along this portion of the site as part of the site plan review. However, Walz noted, in reviewing the drive-through application the Board could require screening. Eckstein asked whether there was any bus service to the area and whether there was a bus stop or shelter along Naples. Walz responded that she did not believe there was a bus shelter nor bus service to this area. Jennings stated that depending of the specific food franchise or times of day, that there could be large demand at the drive-through, He asked whetherthere would be space for cars to stack behind the building and still allow other traffic, such as delivery trucks to pass through. Walz said that there was space for cars to wait directly behind the building as well as some space in the area before cars enter the drive-through lane. Jennings expressed a desire to insure appropriate signage is used on the site so that it was clear to vehicular traffic that the drive behind the building was one way. Sheerin stated that she was originally concerned regarding the circulation, but feels that her concerns have been adequately addressed. Eckstein asked how people from Menards would access the facility on foot, stating that this being the only food service in the area it may attract workers on break to walk to the site. Walz state that pedestrians would either cross the street at the drive entrance to Menards or go to the controlled intersection of Highway 1 and Naples Avenue byway of the sidewalk. Eckstein asked whether there was a pedestrian crossing where Naples Avenue met the drive entrances from Menards and the subject property. Walz responded that there was not. She said this had been discussed with the traffic planners and that there was a consensus that in an area such as this where there is infrequent pedestrian use that a crosswalk gives pedestrians a false sense of security as vehicles are not anticipating the crosswalk. Jennings asked about the traffic island shown on the site plan between the drive-through area and the adjacent bypass lane that rari~behind the building. Walz explained that Board of Adjustment November 10, 2010 Page 3 of 8 areas not used for parking and drives must be landscaped and that this would be appropriate for turf or other low landscaping. Eckstein asked whether the pile of dirt shown in one of the photographs was temporary. Walk replied that it was. Duane Musser of MMS Consultants spoke on behalf of the applicant. He stated that the drive is one-way, running counter-clockwise behind the building and will have signage directing traffic. The site has been designed to with the intention of limiting any interference between the drive-through traffic and customers or deliveries for the gas pumps or convenience store. He stated that the traffic island would have sod or low shrubs and would not impede visibility between the drive-through traffic and vehicles accessing the rear circulation drive. He stated that there is an easement for fiber optic connections at the top of the retaining wall along the south property line. He indicated that due to the easement it was not desirable to place trees in this area and that the change in grade are such that shrubs would not adequately screen the drive-through. He reiterated that the was no bus service to this area and that they had provided pedestrian access to the site with the sidewalk along Naples and the connection along the south side of the parking area. He indicated that the parking spaces at the south side would be primarily for employees and that the proposed fast food restaurant would occupy approximately 1,100 square feet of the building. Eckstein asked how drainage was provided for the site. Musser responded that a complete site and grading plan had been created showing curbs, gutters and stormwater intakes will be installed. He explained that the pavement is relatively flat, so stormwater run-off will be captured by the intakes and drain to the detention area at the north end of Naples Drive and not run off to the Highway or Naples.. Clifford Reif of Rief Oil explained that he had applied for a fast food franchise and that in order to get the franchise his site needed to provide 6 stacking spaces. Jennings indicated again that the franchise may change over time and that at different times of day or during the week demand. fpr:the drive-through would change. Reif responded that it was not in their interest to have the franchise interfere with the convenience store/gas station use and that the food service was only a small portion of the facility. Sheerin invited comment from the public. Hearing no further comment she asked for a motion. Eckstein moved to approve EXC10-00010, a special exception to allow adrive- through facility in the Community Commercial (CC-2) zone at 2580 Naples Avenue, subject to the following conditions: 1. Substantial compliance with the site plan submitted; and 2. The entrance and exit areas should be clearly marked with appropriate signage to indicate the one-way circulation of the drive. Jennings seconded. Board of Adjustment November 10, 2010 Page 4 of 8 Jennings state that the number of drive-through lanes and stacking space were appropriate and would not be detrimental to the adjacent properties because their was space for 6 cars to stack at the drive-through with additional space behind the building for cars that must wait for order. He said that the drive-through was at the rear of the site and that the circulation of the drive, when marked with appropriate signage, would not conflict with public drives or other vehicles accessing the site. He said that the location was surrounded by other commercial properties and that residential uses would not be affected by the use. He stated that pedestrian access would be provided along a walkway from the sidewalk on Naples Avenue and that it is in the City's future plans to include asidewalk/trail extension to the Naples/Hwy 1 intersection, at which point a signalized pedestrian crossing would be installed. Jennings noted that Naples Avenue was designed to support the level of traffic associated with commercial development in the area. He stated that the drive-through lanes meet the required setback standard and that additional screening was not necessary due to the change in grade. Sheerin noted that all lighting for the proposed use would be reviewed by the building department as part of the permit process and that all other standards in the code would need to be met. She reiterated Jennings finding with regard to surrounding zoning and uses and the placement and design of the drive-through to support the general standards and stated that the SouthwestDistrict Plan identifies this area as appropriate for Highway-oriented development. Eckstein noted for the record that she did not think it appropriate to develop a commercial area such as this, with a major retailer like Menards, without provision for alternative transportation: bike, pedestrian, or bus. A vote was taken and the motion carried 3-0. EXC10-00011: Discussion of an application submitted by Kristen Breaux for a special exception to reduce the front principal building setback requirement to allow reconstruction of a porch on property located in the RS-8 zone at 1122 E. Washington Street. Walz explained that the applicant had previously been granted a special exception to alter the porch roof in order to provide better drainage. At the time the applicant believed the porch could be improved with limited reconstruction. It was later discovered that the porch was failing completely and need to be entirely reconstructed. Because the special exception was limited to improvement of the roof, a new special exception to reduce the front yard setback is necessary. Walz .noted that the existing porch structure was enclosed with windows that that staff regarded this similar to a home addition. In order to be compatible with the surrounding neighborhood and particularly with the other homes along East Washington, given the degree to which the porch extends into the required front setback, staff recommends that a new porch be an open air porch-a porch not enclosed by windows or solid walls. Walz noted that an enclosed porch makes it appear as if the porch is part of the living space, unlike the other open-air porches along the frontage that appear like a separate, distinct portion of the house that is less intrusive into the set back area. Walz referred to the sketch provided by staff indicating Board of Adjustment November 10, 2010 Page 5 of 8 that it was important that the porch be aesthetically and historically appropriate for the character of the neighborhood, including trim and cornice board, maximum height of the railing, and columns. She stated that the Applicant's design sketch submitted with the application was not acceptable to Staff,` so Staff recommends that a final plan be approved by the Director of Planning and Community Development prior to construction of the porch. Staff further recommends that the conditions required pursuant to the previous special exception with regard to the slope of the roof and matching the eaves of the house and porch should be continued with this special exception. Hektoen explained that the previous special exception is for 6 months from the date it was filed with the Clerk unless the applicant takes action to establish the use within that time frame. Eckstein asked whether the staff's recommendation regarding enclosure included screens. Walz stated that it did not. She asked if the property was in a historic district. Walz responded that it was not, but explained that Staff's suggested design plan for this porch, is an intended to make the porch more compatible with the surrounding historic homes. Kristen Breaux, the applicant, said that she had hoped to build an enclosed porch but understood staff's reasoning for recommended an open air porch. She mentioned that she had trim from the house addition and hoped to match that trim. She had also wanted to build a porch that would match decks on the back of the house, which were constructed of pressure treated wood. She wanted to use unpainted wood for the cornice beam and columns. Walz explained that the zoning code does;no allow unpainted wood on front porches for multi-family houses and was not sure how the code addressed this situation for single- family structures, but she did not think this was appropriate. She explained that staff and the zoning code regard the front of the house as a public face and therefore it would be most appropriate to look to the established character along the street frontage, which is painted porches. Eckstein noted that the adjacent home to the east had a minimalist porch, with no walls or railings. The applicant indicated her desire to have walls. Jennings stated that he found the staff's submitted sketch confusing. He wondered if staff wanted that precise porch to be built. Walz said staff did not submit this as a required design but rather as an illustration of one porch that would be acceptable. She stated that the applicant's sketch did not include trim or other elements that the staff thought should be included and it was unclear what the final completed porch would look like. Jennings asked whether he was being asked to make an aesthetic judgment between or to provide a recommendation for what the porch should look like or which elements it should include. Sheerin stated that she believed the recommendation to allow staff to review and approve a final design meant that aesthetic issues could be negotiated between the applicant and staff. She did not think the board should get into the specifics of a design. Eckstein stated that she thought it would be appropriate to state in the findings of fact that none of the drawings presented were approved or recommended, and also to Board of Adjustment November 10, 2010 Page 6 of 8 stipulate that the window and wall prohibition did not include a prohibition on screens. Sheerin agreed. Eckstein moved that the Board approve EXC10-00011, EXC10-00011, an application to reduce the required front principal building setback from 15 feet to 8 feet for property located in the Medium Density, Single-Family (RS-8) zone at 1122 East Washington Street subject to the following conditions: • The setback reduction be for the purpose of constructing an open air porch to replace the existing porch; The new porch will fall within the footprint of the existing porch and its dimensions shall be no larger than 9.6 feet deep x 19.6 feet wide; • The new porch shall in all aspects comply with the conditions of the previous special exception. At no time in the future may the porch enclosed with windows or walls without an additional special exception. Final porch design to be approved by the Director of Planning and Community Development prior to issuance of a building permit. Jennings seconded. Sheering called for findings of fact. Eckstein stated that the situation is peculiar to the property since existing porch is original to the house and is set in the required front setback. Many other properties on the same frontage also have front porches closer than 15 feet from the property line. She said the proposed porch would be the same size as the existing porch and would not bring the building any closer to the right-of-way or to adjacent properties. She said there were practical difficulties complying with the setback requirement since the current porch is failing completely and that the applicant could replace the porch with an awning or stoop this would not be in keeping with' the character of the frontage. Eckstein stated that granting the exception would not be contrary to the purpose of the setback regulations since the open air porch would allow even greater light and air and would not limit separation for fire protection or firefighting and would not limit privacy between dwellings. She said that the proposed porch would be the same size and in the same footprint as the current porch and that the open air porch would be distinct from the house and not appear as an extension of the living portion of the house. She noted that porches along this frontage and in the neighborhood were nearly all open air porches-although one screen porch was on the opposite frontage-and that many were located closer than 15 feet to the street right-of-way. Eckstein said that the since the proposed is exception is for the purpose of an open air porch only, and because the porch will be limited to the size and footprint of the existing porch, that this will mitigate any negative effects of the setback reduction. She indicated that the new porch would comply with conditions of the previous exception regarding slope and drainage to other properties. She stated that staff should approve the final design of the porch to ensure that it is in the character of the neighborhood. For these reasons she found that the special exception reflects the general building scale and Board of Adjustment November 10, 2010 Page 7 of 8 placement of structures within the neighborhood, promotes a reasonable physical relationship with the adjacent properties and provides flexibility to site a building so that it is compatible with buildings in the vicinity. Eckstein found that the final design of the porch must be approved by the director of Planning and Community Development and that screens are allowable. Jennings reiterated Eckstein's findings with regard to the size, location, and open air design of the porch to support the a finding that all the general standards for the special exception have been satisfied and noted that the exception would have no impact on traffic or ingress and egress from the site. Eckstein noted that while the final porch design is to be approved by staff, that neither the applicant's sketch nor the staff sketch represents a definitive design-that the final porch will be negotiated and may be different from either sketch. A vote was taken and the motion carried on a vote of 3-0. Jennings moved to adjourn. Eckstein seconded. Motion carried on a vote of 3-0. c a~ a 0 m 0 N .0 u o~ V Q N o W ~ x X X Q x x X x x 0 o x x X x o a X X ~ X X ~ x ~ ~ x X n X x X X X N x x x o x X x x x X X X X X X M X X X ~ X N X ~ X X x V1 N ~ u'1 M - i y'k O O O O o ~ W O O O O O 0 ~ C ~ ~ a o ~ . c o s = W C ~ ~ ~. Q = d F- Z i ~ a; c d ~ ~ o = Q T O C m 3 V ~ .o a a c v v v N O s 0 s ~+ ao c .7 -~ v c bq .~ u Lv .~ L d ~C C N E ~ L y ~ V ~ ~ X •~ W ~ u C N N ~ ~ v ~ ~ O O aQQZZ XOOZ `~ W IP18 MINUTES PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION DECEMBER 13, 2010 - 6:00 PM -INFORMAL CITY HALL, LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM PRELIMINARY MEMBERS PRESENT: Charlie Eastham, Elizabeth Koppes, Ann Freerks, Tim Weitzel, Wally Plahutnik, Josh Busard, Michelle Payne MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Bob Miklo, Sara Greenwood Hektoen, Sarah Walz RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL: None. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM by Chairperson Ann Freerks. PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM. NOT O,N THE AGENDA: None. REZONING/DEVELOPMENT ITEM REZONING/DEVELOPMENT ITEM: REZ10-00013 / SUB10-00012: Discussion of an application submitted by Casey Boyd, LLC for a preliminary plat and a rezoning to amend the Planned Development Overlay- Medium Density Single Family (OPD-8) plan for Hickory Pointe, 2nd Addition, a 1-lot, 2.97 acre residential subdivision located on Hickory Trail, west of First Avenue. Walz explained that this property had been rezoned to OPD-RS8 in 2008. At that time the plan was for three sets of townhouses with six units each. The grading required for that project turned out to be more extensive than originally thought. The previous plan would have required grading all along the lot and as well as for a rear access road coming in off of Hickory Trail and then back out First Avenue. The new plan is for one building with 16 units. This plan calls for one access point off of Hickory Trail with parking primarily underground. There is still a considerable amount of grading ,, Planning and Zoning Commission December 13, 2010 -Informal Page 2 of 3 involved, but the grading is confined to a smaller portion of the lot. Walz said that a large retaining wall will be required to run along Hickory Trail and the First Avenue right-of-way. Walz said that the application is to rezone the 2.97 acres from three lots into one combined lot in order to build only one building. Walz said that the project does comply with the Comprehensive Plan and the Northeast District Plan as it provides a mix of housing and multi- family development along First Avenue, an arterial street. Walz said that the density of this project maxes-out what would be allowed in an RS-8 zone. She said that the massive scale of the building has been broken up with the design of the facade. Miklo said that staff had been concerned about the size and height of the retaining wall required for the project; however, they feel that if the materials are carefully selected it could blend into the neighborhood. Staff shared photos of examples of retaining walls in town that are natural and attractive in appearance. Miklo said that the staff recommendations are for staff and/or Commission approval for the design and materials of the wall. Plahutnik asked if the project was on the bus route. Walz said she believed it was. Payne asked if the rear entrance would pose a problem for fire protection. Walz said the application has been reviewed by the Fire Department several times and no concerns have been expressed; however, staff indicated that they would review the matter prior to the formal meeting. Payne said that the retaining wall could pose a problem for fire-fighting even if the building was within the required distance of a street. Koppes asked if the building was condominiums or apartments and Miklo replied that there is no distinction between the two for zoning purposes. Eastham asked what the retaining wall was actually retaining. Walz said that the land will be built up behind the building and the retaining wall will hold back the additional dirt. Eastham asked if there were examples of similar buildings/sites in the city. Freerks said that Walden Place could be considered similar. Eastham asked about the proposal for maintenance of a natural prairie on the site and whether the City had experience with that at other sites. Miklo said that he did not know that there were many prairies that were overseen by homeowner's associations, but that there have been a number of wetlands that were maintained in that way. Miklo said that staff would suggest attempting to blend the prairie area into the neighboring ACT prairie restoration project. Walz said that there is an expectation that the area will be managed and not be allowed to turn into weeds. Walz said that the area of the property adjacent to Hickory Hill is fairly wooded and the planned prairie area is further north. Plahutnik said that as he recalled the previous plan there had been an outdoor recreational area for tenants that seems to have disappeared from this plan. Walz said that was correct. She said that the trade-off is that there is a greater amount of natural-looking open space in this plan. Eastham asked if the number of parking spaces being provided was the minimum required by code. Miklo said there were a few extra spaces in the plan, and Walz noted there would be off-street parking on Hickory Hill Trail. Planning and Zoning Commission December 13, 2010 -Informal Page 3 of 3 Freerks asked if there had been neighborhood meetings and Walz said that some had taken place quite a while ago. The applicant noted that there had been 20 units proposed at the time of the neighborhood meetings and now there were only 16 proposed. Freerks said that her understanding was that the primary concern at that time had been the traffic on Hickory Trail. The applicant said the primary concern had been the appearance of the units and whether they would detract aesthetically from Hickory Hill Park; secondarily, there had been some traffic concerns. OTHER: None. ADJOURNMENT: Koppes moved to adjourn. Weitzel seconded. The meeting was adjourned on a 7-0 vote. IP19 PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION PRELIMINARY DECEMBER 16, 2010 - 7:00 PM -FORMAL CITY HALL, EMMA HARVAT HALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Ann Freerks, Josh Busard, Charlie Eastham, Elizabeth Koppes, Michelle Payne, Wally Plahutnik, Tim Weitzel MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Bob Miklo, Sara Greenwood Hektoen, Sarah Walz OTHERS PRESENT: Casey Boyd, Ron Amelon, Scott Rude RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL: The Commission voted 7-0 to recommend approval of REZ10-00013 & SU610-00012, an application submitted by Casey Boyd to amend the current Overlay Planned Development Medium-Density Single-Family Housing (OPD-RS8) zone and approve a preliminary plat of Hickory Pointe for approximately 2.97 acres of property located on the east side of First Avenue at the intersection of First Avenue and Hickory Trail subject to the following: 1. Substantial compliance with the site plan and elevations submitted; 2. An accessible pedestrian route be provided between the Hickory Trail right-of-way and the rear (west) entrance to the building; 3. Detailed plan for establishing and maintaining portions of the site to be planted in native prairie; 4. All landscaping (trees and shrubs) to comply with the species list provided by Johnson County Heritage Trust or similar list from the Iowa State Extension; 5. Staff to have final approval of building materials (including colors), design and materials for the proposed retaining wall, and all landscaping for the site; 6. The applicant will be required to secure a grading permit for the site; 7. All newly created slopes, south and west of the building, will be stabilized prior to issuance of a building permit. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM. PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA: None. REZONING/DEVELOPMENT ITEM: Planning and Zoning Commission December 16, 2010 -Formal Page 2 of 7 REZ10-00013 / SUB10-00012: Discussion of an application submitted by Casey Boyd, LLC for a preliminary plat and a rezoning to amend the Planned Development Overlay- Medium Density Single Family (OPD-8) plan for Hickory Pointe, 2nd Addition, a 1-lot, 2.97 acre residential subdivision located on Hickory Trail, west of First Avenue. Walz explained that the lot is currently zoned OPD-8. She said that the property borders undeveloped land owned by ACT and Hickory Hill Park as well as developed properties along both sides of the street that are zoned multi-family. Walz said that the property is located on a prominent spot of the First Avenue. The applicant has proposed combining three lots into one lot that would house 16 units. The driveway would be from a driveway off of Hickory Trail. Walz said that the Planning Department prefers not to have curb cuts and driveways off of arterial streets. Walz said that the previously approved plan for this property had two-story townhouse units on each lot with an entrance off of Hickory Trail that looped back on to First Avenue. The current plan calls for the setting aside of some open space on the southwest corner of the site. Walz said that either way there will be a lot of grading for the site, but the current plan keeps the grading to a smaller portion of the site. She said that the landscaping plans for the site include the planting of numerous trees and the restoration of a prairie area. Walz said that the OPD overlay is designed for properties that are somewhat difficult to develop due to topography; the intention is to allow clustering in a smaller area of the property. Walz explained that the steep slopes on this property are man-made and were created when the First Avenue extension went through. She stated that the Comprehensive Plan encourages a mix of housing in residential neighborhoods and encourages multi-family housing along arterial streets. Walz said that the properties on the west side of First Avenue, north of Hickory Trail are townhouses, which is in keeping with the Comprehensive Plan. Walz said that property is 2.97 acres and the overall density of the development would not be considered excessive. Walz said that the northern portion of the property would be preserved as open space; staff has recommended maintaining the open space in a manner that is in keeping with the neighboring Hickory Hill Park and the ACT property that is being restored to native prairie. Walz said that the mass and scale of the building is appropriate for the area as there are a number of architectural features, such as front porches, that lend to an impression that there are multiple buildings rather than one large structure. She noted that there is an ADA accessible route to the building that is planned in the rear area. All of the parking is underneath and behind the building so that it is not visible from the street. At the time the last plan was approved, there had been concerns expressed about First Avenue access and whether or not that would pose a traffic problem. Walz said that the transportation planners do not see that as a problem as First Avenue is an arterial street intended for high volume. She said that this is not the kind or size of building that would create traffic congestion and that there is clear visibility along that portion of the road. Walz said that in consideration of the adjacent park, staff has asked the developer to choose natural-looking landscaping based on a list prpvided by the Johnson County Heritage Trust. She said that they have also asked that building materials be used that blend into the area and do not stand out from the natural landscape...,The idea is that the choice of appropriate landscaping and building materials will not detract from the park. Planning and Zoning Commission December 16, 2010 -Formal Page 3 of 7 Walz said that in order to make the development work with the grade of the topography, there will be a large retaining wall along the whole southern face and down the First Avenue side of the property. She said that the wall will be approximately ten feet in height in some areas so staff has recommended that the materials and screening for that wall be staff-approved. Walz noted that the Commission had asked about access to bus routes for this property at their informal meeting. The nearest bus route for this property is located on the corner of Rochester Avenue and First Avenue. She said that the question had also arisen as to whether such a large retaining wall could represent an obstacle for fire-fighting efforts. Walz said she had sent the plan back to the Fire Department for review. The Fire Department said that while the wall is not ideal for fire-fighting, the building will be fully equipped with sprinklers and they do not have fire-fighting concerns for it. Freerks invited the Commission to ask questions of staff. Eastham noted that the application is to rezone this parcel to OPD-8. Walz noted that the parcel has already been zoned OPD-8, but that the rezoning was tied to a specific design. The application before the Commission presently is for a revision of the approved plan. Eastham asked if the developer would have to come back before the Commission if and when they decided to develop the northern part of the property. Walz said that if the building before the Commission is actually built then the developer will have maxed-out the density for the property and will not be able to develop it any further. Weitzel asked about staff's vision of what a more natural-looking retaining wall might look like. Walz said that the picture staff had shared of the retaining wall along north Dubuque Street was an example of anatural-looking wall. She said the idea was not to have a wall that looked too man-made or modular given the height of the wall and its proximity to the street. Payne asked how many total bedrooms would be in the building. Walz said there would be two to three bedrooms per unit. Payne asked if the parking ratio was determined by bedroom count and Walz replied that the parking requirements, are the same for two-bedroom units and three- bedroom units; two parking spaces per unit. Payne said that the she was concerned about what would happen if there were not enough parking spaces for the units. Walz noted that it was possible that there would be some parking along Hickory Trail. There were no further questions for staff and Freerks opened the public hearing. Casey Boyd, 250 12`h Avenue, Coralville, said that he had been working to develop this property for a couple of years now. Boyd noted that the project currently before the Commission is actually 36 feet lower at its peak than the one previously approved, which should significantly reduce the visibility of the project form the nearby park. Boyd said that this plan also disturbs less of the site. He said the current plan is more in keeping with the current economy in terms of price-point, but that the look will still be nice and clean and unobtrusive. He said that he is very sensitive to concerns about the compatibility of the project with Hickory Hill Park as he grew up about three blocks away from this area. He said that he has been working with the City and with Friends of Hickory Hill Park to come up with a plan that makes sense. He said that he knows the retaining wall has been a concern for some people, but said that he will be sure to expend the time, energy and effort to do it right. Payne asked how many bedrooms were planned for the building. Boyd said it was a mix of about half and half, with the interior units having two bedrooms and the exterior having three. He said that if necessary more parking. could be .provided but that the goal was to keep the Planning and Zoning Commission December 16, 2010 -Formal Page 4 of 7 parking as unobtrusive as possible. Eastham asked if there was room to add additional parking spaces in the future if it was deemed necessary. Boyd said that he believed there would be but that he believed there was adequate parking in the plan. Miklo said that a pretty extensive retaining wall system would probably be required to make room for additional parking if it was added in the future. Plahutnik asked Boyd if he envisioned the units as apartments or condominiums. Boyd said that he intended for the units to be condominiums. He said he would like to avoid the rental scenario but that if individual condo owners wished to rent out that was always their prerogative. Ron Amelon, MMS Consultants, introduced himself as the design engineer for the project and offered to answer any questions the Commission might have. There were no questions for Amelon. Scott Rude said he did not really have any questions for Boyd. He noted that he lived in a subdivision just off of Hickory Trail. He said that First Avenue is an arterial street that is increasingly busy. This project will create even more traffic on an already heavily-trafficked street. He said that he was concerned about increased traffic as there are children that walk along Hickory Trail and walk to Regina from surrounding neighborhoods. He said that the property in question is a prime one and is very beautiful. He said that he is a little concerned about what is going to be built on the property. He said that he has spoken with five families in his subdivision and that none of them had known that the project was amulti-family project. He said there was enough multi-family housing along First Avenue already. He said that what the neighborhood wants is family-oriented housing to ensure that their children grow up in a positive way. He said that he is concerned that these kinds of developments are not in the long-term interests of the area. He said that his concern is that the units will detract from the area rather than attract the kinds of families that they want to live there. Rude said that he knew that First Avenue had initially been delayed until Scott Boulevard could be extended to relieve the potential increase in traffic flow. He said that the traffic flow on First Avenue keeps increasing. Busard asked staff what year the property was zoned. Walz said it was rezoned OPD8 from RS-5 in 2008. Freerks asked staff to address the pedestrian concerns that had been brought up. Walz noted that more than likely pedestrians would cross at the intersection of First Avenue and Rochester as it is a controlled intersection. Plahutnik noted that it is sometimes difficult to envision a place other than where we are living right now. He noted that thousands of children live in New York City and walk to school every day without harm. Plahutnik said that this is a relatively small suburban area and First Avenue is a street that has specifically been designed to handle traffic. Plahutnik said that arterial ;streets are designed to carry 10,000-20,000 vehicle trips per day. Walz noted that there is intense traffic at the start and end of the school day in the area by Regina. Plahutnik said that in terms of safety the street design is adequate. Rude asked if Plahutnik had ever been out to the property and Plahutnik said that he had. Rude said that there is no pedestrian crossing to Hickory Hill Park right now. Walz said that it is correct that there is not a pedestrian crosswalk to the entrance of Hickory Hill Park. She said that her understanding is that transportation planners typically only locate crosswalks where people actively cross throughout the day because if there is not a steady stream of pedestrian traffic drivers eventually begin to ignore the crosswalk, making the crosswalks dangerous. Eastham said that while he understood the concerns regarding children crossing the street he was not sure it was a concern the Planning and Zoning Commission could address by reducing the number of residences on First Avenue. Scott Rude said that he did not want to belabor the point but he did believe it was a dangerous situation that would be made worse by increased traffic. Plahutnik said that from what he can tell the density of the property has actually been Planning and Zoning Commission December 16, 2010 -Formal Page 5 of 7 reduced by the rezoning and the revisions to the OPD plan. Scott Rude reiterated that he and his neighbors had not been aware that the property was zoned multi-family. Walz said that it might be helpful to review the Northeast District Plan that had been done for that area because it helps guide zoning decisions. That plan did anticipate higher density directly along First Avenue. She said that if ACT ever decided to develop its property, it might be helpful for nearby residents to be aware ahead of time of the potential zoning recommendations. Boyd said that he had appreciated hearing the neighbor's concerns. He said that a number of his friends live in the area and have children who walk to school so he is sympathetic to those safety concerns. He agreed that people do drive too fast in that area, as well as in other areas of town. He said he believed that the development would help rather than hinder with traffic concerns, as an intersection would bring increased awareness to drivers in the area. There were no further comments and the public hearing was closed. Freerks invited a motion. Eastham moved to recommend approval of REZ10-00013 & SUB10-00012, an application submitted by Casey Boyd to amend the current Overlay Planned Development Medium- Density Single-Family Housing (OPD-RS8) zone and approve a preliminary plat of Hickory Pointe for approximately 2.97 acres of property located on the east side of First Avenue at the intersection of First Avenue: and ,Hickory Trail subject to the following: 1. Substantial compliance with thQ site plan and elevations submitted; 2. An accessible pedestrian route, be provided between the Hickory Trail right-of- way and the rear (west) entrance to the building; 3. Detailed plan for establishing and maintaining portions of the site to be planted in native prairie; 4. All landscaping (trees and shrubs) to comply with the species list provided by Johnson County Heritage Trust or similar list from the Iowa State Extension; 5. Staff to have final approval of building materials (including colors), design and materials for the proposed retaining wall, and all landscaping for the site; 6. The applicant will be required to secure a grading permit for the site; 7. All newly created slopes south and west of the building will be stabilized prior to issuance of a building permit. Weitzel seconded. Eastham said that he supported this application because it was in keeping with the Comprehensive Plan and the district plan. He said that staff and the applicant had worked hard to address parking and landscaping issues. Weitzel noted that there was very little the. Commission could do to alleviate traffic problems. He said that the density was in keeping with th,e Comprehensive Plan. He said that it was his hope that an apartment building in the area would bring more traffic awareness and improve safety. Weitzel said the rezoning to a ,higher density was approved a couple of years ago and that in his opinion this is an even better plan.than was originally approved. Plahutnik said that there are a lot of single family homes in the area and the current development helps to provide a variety of housing types in that area of town. Plahutnik said that he was a big fan of locating multi-family housing near parks as it changes the whole way of living for people in the units. Planning and Zoning Commission December 16, 2010 -Formal Page 6 of 7 Busard said he was happy that Boyd was reducing the footprint of the building as he recalled that as an area of concern during the initial rezoning. Payne said she had concerns about the parking, but that they had been somewhat alleviated by Boyd's comments. Freerks said that she found the plan to be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and felt that it would better utilize the property than the. on,e originally approved. She said that design and scale are important in a building of this size, fjut felt that they had been appropriately addressed. Freerks said she felt that overall the project would be a benefit to the area, though she did understand the traffic concerns. A vote was taken and the motion carried 7-0. CONSIDERATION OF MEETING MINUTES: NOVEMBER 29 AND DECEMBER 2, 2010: Eastham moved to approve the minutes. Plahutnik seconded. Payne noted that the rezoning number is incorrect in the formal minutes. She noted that the there is a comment in which the "southwest corner of Scott" is referenced but that is should be "southeast". Eastham moved to approve the minutes as amended. Payne seconded. The motion carried 7-0. ,~ OTHER: Miklo noted that staff would be mailing out a draft of the Southeast District Plan to Commissioners within the next week or so for their review. ADJOURNMENT: Payne motioned to adjourn. Plahutnik seconded. The meeting was adjourned on a 7-0 vote.