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Home My WebLink About2011-04-28 Info Packet~~~~~ CITY OF IOWA CITY www.icaov.ora CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET April 28, 2011 MAY 2 WORK SESSION IP1 Council Meetings and Work Session Agenda IP2 Memorandum from the Director of Planning and Community Development and the Senior Planner: Downtown Planning IP3 Memorandum from the Transportation Planner: Court Street traffic concerns between Summit Street and Muscatine Avenue IP4 Summary of Pending Work Session Issues MISCELLANEOUS IP5 ICMA Article May 2011 -Tax Increment i-mancmg u~siricis ~suorniueu uy ~~~C ~~~y Manager] IP6 Memorandum from the City Clerk: Strategic Plan Phone Survey IP7 Memorandum from the City Clerk: Agenda Items for Joint Meeting IP8 Letter from the City Manager to Niki Neems, Retail Caucus: City of Iowa City Donation Station program and the 2011 Small Businesses Have Big Hearts service project IP9 Memorandum from the Fire Chief to the City Manager: Badge Pinning Ceremony IP10 Memorandum from the Director of Public Works and the Director of Planning and Community Development: Update: Flood-related activities IP11 Media Release: The Iowa City Parks 8~ Recreation Department Awarded $10,000 for Youth Community Garden Program News Release from City Clerk: Strategic Plan Phone Survey [Distributed at 5/2/11 Work Session] Memorandum from Parks & Recreation Director: Iowa River Water Trail Dedication - Rescheduled to August 6 [Distributed at 5/2/11 Work Session] DRAFT MINUTES IP12 Youth Advisory Commission: April 3, 2011 IP13 Airport Commission: April 14, 2011 IP14 Airport Commission: April 26, 2011 IP15 Economic Development Committee: April 19, 2011 IP16 Housing and Community Development Commission: April 21, 2011 ~~~ ~~~ ~~~~~ -•ti.a~_ CITY OF IOWA CITY www.icgov.org CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET April 28, 2011 MAY 2 WORK SESSION IP1 Council Meetings and Work Session Agenda IP2 Memorandum from the Director of Planning and Community Development and the Senior Planner: Downtown, Planning IP3 Memorandum from th~ransportation Planner: Co~rt Street traffic concerns between Summit Street and Mu atine Avenue IP4 Summary of Pending Wor'1E Session Issues ISCELLANE IP5 ICMA Article May 2011 -Tax\crement F~nancing Districts [submitted by the City Manager) IP6 Memorandum from the City Clerk: Str teg IP7 Memorandum from the City Clerk: Agen IP8 Letter from the City Manager to Niki Neer s Station program and the 2011 Small Bu is P an Phone Survey It ms for Joint Meeting Retail Caucus: City of Iowa City Donation n sses Have Big Hearts service project IP9 Memorandum from the Fire Chief to the ity Ma ager: Badge Pinning Ceremony IP10 Memorandum from the Director of Pub c Works a d the Director of Planning and Community Development: Update: Flood-relate activities IP11 Media Release: The Iowa City P rks 8~ Recreati Department Awarded $10,000 for Youth Community Garden Progr RAFT MINUTES IP12 Youth Advisory Commissio :April 3, 2011 IP13 Airport Commission: Apri 14, 2011 IP14 Airport Commission: A,~ril 26, 2011 ` IP15 Economic Development Committee: April 19, 2011 IP16 Housing and Community Development Commission: April 21, 2011 ~ i "''"'®'~~ City Council Meeting Schedule and U4-Ltf-7 7 -+t.Y~_ CITY Of IOWA CITY Work Session Agendas IP1 www.icgov.org • MONDAY, MAY 2 Emma J. Harvat Hall 5:30p Special Formal Executive Session -Imminent Litigation (Separate Agenda Posted) Regular Work Session ^ Planning and Zoning Items "f,g,h" • Council Appointments • Agenda Items • Downtown Planning (IP2] • Court Street -Summit to Muscatine (IP3j • Information Packet Discussion Apr 21 & 28] ^ Council Time • Budget Priorities ^ Summary of Pending Work Session Issues (IP4] • Upcoming Community Events/Council Invitations • Discussion of Meeting Schedules • TUESDAY, MAY 3 Emma J. Harvat Hall 7:OOp Regular Formal Council Meeting TENTATIVE MEETING SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE • MONDAY, MAY 16 Emma J. Harvat Hall 5:30p Regular Work Session • TUESDAY, MAY 17 Emma J. Harvat Hall 7:OOp Regular Formal Council Meeting • WEDNESDAY, MAY 18 Coralville 4:OOp Joint Meeting • MONDAY, MAY 30 Emma J. Harvat Hall Memorial Day -City Offices Closed • MONDAY, JUNE 6 Emma J. Harvat Hall 5:30p Regular Work Session • TUESDAY, JUNE 7 Emma J. Harvat Hall 7:OOp Regular Formal Council Meeting • MONDAY, JUNE 20 Emma J. Harvat Hall 5:30p Regular Work Session • TUESDAY, JUNE 21 Emma J. Harvat Hall 7.OOp Regular Formal Council Meeting :..®~:,~ ' ~"®'~~ City Council Meeting Schedule and ......._ CITY OF IOWA CITY Work Session Agendas April 27, Zo„ www.icgov.org • TUESDAY, JULY 5 Emma J. Harvat Hall 5:30p Special Work Session 7:OOp Regular Formal Council Meeting • MONDAY, JULY 18 Emma J. Harvat Hall 5:30p Regular Work Session • TUESDAY, JULY 19 Emma J. Harvat Hall 7:OOp Regular Formal Council Meeting • MONDAY, AUGUST 1 Emma J. Harvat Hall 5:30p Regular Work Session • TUESDAY, AUGUST 2 Emma J. Harvat Hall 7:OOp Regular Formal Council Meeting • MONDAY, AUGUST 15 Emma J. Harvat Hall 5:30p Regular Work Session • TUESDAY, AUGUST 16 Emma J. Harvat Hall 7:OOp Regular Formal Council Meeting r -- ~= 1 CITY 4F [OWA CITY Date: April 25, 2011 To: City Council From: Jeff Davidson, Director of Planning and Community Development ~~~ Robert Miklo, Senior Planne Re: May 2 Work Session Discussion on Downtown At the May 2 Work Session we have scheduled a discussion with you on downtown. We are excited about the ongoing developments which are forging a new direction for downtown following the passage of the 21 ordinance. Downtown continues to be enhanced as an arts and entertainment venue. There is interest in non-student residential development. We are attempting to grow the office sector. There has been recent exciting news regarding conversion of one of the large former bar spaces (Vito's) to a retail and office use. There is outstanding potential for growth downtown and in the adjacent Riverfront Crossings District. This area will continue to be a focus of economic activity in our community. Improvements downtown and in Riverfront Crossings will significantly grow the property tax base and help us continue to fund municipal services. Although we are optimistic regarding downtown, we are also aware that the City Council has expressed certain concerns. We want these concerns to be the focus of our discussion on May 2. Issues that have surfaced during the past several months that we believe require further examination include: The proliferation of student housing buildings, especially 3, 4, and 5 bedroom units. 2. Threatened historic buildings in the downtown. 3. How to provide adequate parking for residential uses in the downtown. 4. The mix of uses in downtown buildings. Specifically, the dominance of residential uses in new downtown buildings that were formerly commercial and office uses. 5. The need for Class A office space downtown. 6. Appropriate building heights. 7. A strategy for Burlington Street so that it is not a barrier between downtown and Riverfront Crossings. 8. Better accommodations for bicycle traffic, and specifically whether Washington Street should be put back to two-way operation. On May 2 we would like to discuss these issues and any others that the City Council would like to raise regarding downtown. April 26, 2011 Page 2 The May 2 discussion is a precursor to developing a strategy for our next comprehensive planning effort. We have recently completed the Southeast District Plan, and we are committed to prepare a general comprehensive plan update. We have recently received a $50,000 grant from the State of Iowa through the Smart Growth Program to help fund the update of our Comprehensive Plan. It is our intention to use these funds for urban design consulting services to create a physical plan for downtown and the area south of Burlington Street similar to the Riverfront Crossings Phase I plan (see attachment). Urban Planning Division staff would coordinate this process and be responsible for drafting the bulk of the plan. It would include a community input process to address the eight issues stated previously, as well as any others raised by the City Council. The goal of this exercise would be to come to consensus on the vision, goals and objectives for the downtown area. The plan would specifically identify policies and strategies to achieve the vision that is agreed to. Ideally this process will result in the establishment of new programs and modification of the Zoning Ordinance to reflect the vision we have for downtown. We look forward to the discussion on May 2. cc: Tom Markus, City Manager Wendy Ford, Economic Development Coordinator ppdadm/mem/5-2worksession discuss.doc :; ~.:~ ~~ rr 4 0~~ ~. . ! ~ L.L ~ :#' --_ ! ". ~` w _ ~ ~ ~irr91 ~ ter'^° ~ ~. ~1~ ~~ '~ rr•~y. 'f `' ' .•s c r:ir •~ ~. ~ , ~ rrrrr rsrrr ,,/rrrr rrry rrrar frrr~srrr r;~r ~ ~ r wc'' r r ~ a ~ !~' ~` a ~ ~; asp ~ ~ i ~ ~'~ r ~ ~.~~ . . ~ ~-r ate„~ ~~ ,~ rr ^` •- ~ ~~~ ~ r•-r r'rr r • Nr } - - ~ ~ 1r.-r J N6.. • ,~ N _~ _ rrsrr •r rr N1r ~ r f r'f r ~ r r! f.• A Jr i i i i i i~ i •rr yr~ .,n^°"~ ~- n~ ~. ~. 4 p. .~ r' i ,~• ~ w.r rr ~F ~ ~ • ~ .~,f ~ r ~ 'r~. ~ rte, v 4 V ~ a, : ~-~ f~, ' f ~ O 0 L uwef V~.ll~$" ~ o • ~ ~ F i' r IP3 ^;l~p~,~ C[TY OF IOWA CITY ~~~~ RAN ~uM MEMO ~~ Date: April 26, 2011 To: City Manager From: John Yapp, Transportation Planner 7y ~~ Re: May 2, 2011 Work Session discussion; Court Street traffic concerns between Summit Street and Muscatine Avenue Introduction Staff (Police Captain Steffen, Public Works Director Fosse, Asst. Transportation Planner Ralston, Neighborhood Services Coordinator Bollinger, City Manager Markus and I) and Mayor Hayek recently met with representatives from the Court Street neighborhood between Summit Street and Muscatine Avenue. The residents of the neighborhood have expressed concern with the speed, volume and traffic noise on their street. A map of 2009 traffic counts is attached. The traffic volume on this segment of Court Street (Average Daily Traffic 3,816 - 3,844 vehicles per day) is higher than most residential collector streets, which typically have traffic volumes in the 1,500 - 2,500 range. The traffic speeds (85th percentile speeds measured between 29 and 33 MPH) are typical for a residential collector street. Residents have requested evaluation of several strategies to reduce the speed and/or volume of traffic on this segment of Court Street such as brick paving, a more strict truck embargo and traffic calming strategies. Background The segment of Court Street between Summit Street and Muscatine Avenue has been evaluated several times in recent years. This segment of Court Street does attract traffic volumes due to its connectedness with the arterial street network (connecting Court Street East, Muscatine Avenue, and Summit Street); due to traffic using Court Street to circulate to and from the Summit Street Bridge; and due to traffic associated with activities at Longfellow Elementary School, as well as neighborhood-generated traffic. Actions taken in recent years to influence traffic on Court Street include periodic Police enforcement, installation of `Check Your Speed' signs, and an embargo of large trucks (trucks over 16 tons which includes semi tractor trailers). The City's adopted traffic calming program is not permitted to be used on streets with over 3,000 vehicles per day; therefore it is not a strategy staff can use for this segment of Court Street without a waiver by Council for this traffic volume criterion. The reason for the upward limit on traffic volumes for the traffic calming program is due to the potential for significant volumes of traffic to be diverted to nearby neighborhood streets. Options Following are a list of alternatives for Court Street, many of which have been prompted by neighborhood residents, and some of which have been evaluated during internal staff discussion: April 26, 2011 Page 2 A. Brick Paving: Some residents have expressed an interest in having this segment of Court Street reconstructed with brick paving, believing it may have a traffic calming effect. Brick paving would be in keeping with the historic character of the neighborhood, but would come at a significant public cost. Pros: - Aesthetically pleasing -Appropriate for historic neighborhood - Welcomed by the neighborhood (by petition) Cons: -Will not likely calm traffic as desired -Additional noise and vibration - Police enforcement still necessary - Significant cost - 2010 estimate $1.7 million B. Lowering truck embargo Weight Limit: Residents have expressed an interest in reducing the current 16 ton embargo to something in the range of 5 tons to limit truck traffic on Court Street. The 16 ton limit is the standard truck embargo limitation on Iowa City streets, and primarily diverts semi-truck traffic. City code section 9-1-3(A6) states the City may establish gross weight limits on the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation, so the City may establish a weight limitation lower than 16 tons if a rationale can be articulated as to why this segment of Court Street is unique and should have the requested truck limitation. One idea is to allow this type of limitation in historic districts. A 5 ton limit would affect large pick-up trucks with dual rear wheels, and larger. Pros: - Reduction in cut-through truck traffic on Court - Welcomed by the neighborhood (by petition) Cons: - Would divert truck traffic to other 'local' streets - Difficult to enforce C. On-street parking: On-street parking typically reduces traffic speeds as it creates side friction. Currently on-street parking is permitted on the north side of the street. Allowing parking on both sides of Court Street (a 30-foot wide street) would reduce the effective travel lane and may result in a `give-way' situation when vehicles are parked opposite each other. Another option is to implement staggered parking, switching on-street parking from one side to the other every other block. Pros: -Additional on-street parking availability - Would likely calm traffic speeds and volumes - No driver education necessary - Low cost Cons: - May disrupt refuse collection and snow plowing - Longer response times for emergency vehicles - May increase collisions - Potential issues with street storage of vehicles D. Electronic speed limit sign: This type of sign is an electronic sign similar to the mobile speed trailer the Police use, which would activate flashing lights when vehicles exceed the posted speed limit. It would be effective in calling attention to motorist speed. Police enforcement would still be necessary for those motorists continuing to exceed the speed limit. Currently, Iowa City does not permit fines to be given using a speed camera, as is done in other Iowa communities, including Cedar Rapids. Such a device, which can be a tool in giving fines to motorists exceeding neighborhood speed limits, can be very effective in reducing vehicle speeds and could be periodically moved throughout the City. Pros: Cons: - Low cost -Police enforcement still necessary - No driver education necessary -May be visually irritating (flashing lights) - May calm traffic speeds -May have a limited effect if not tied to enforcement April 26, 2011 Page 3 E. Physical traffic calming: The main issue with pursuing a traffic calming strategy as has been done with other streets is that under the City Council's adopted criteria, Court Street does not qualify for traffic calming due to the traffic volume being over 3,000 vehicles per day. This criterion is in place due to the impact of traffic being diverted to other streets, thereby simply shifting the traffic burden. In this case, traffic would likely be diverted to Burlington Street (an arterial street) and 7~h Avenue/Sheridan Street (residential streets). Our traffic calming program has used speed humps for most projects. However, there may be other modifications to Court Street which would result in reduced vehicle speeds such as curb extensions at intersections. Pros: Cons: - Would calm traffic speeds -Existing volumes do not qualify - Would provide a physical solution -May be costly depending on solution - A curb bump-out at Court SUOakland Ave -Driver frustration and assoc. behavioral issues may increase visibility of the stop sign -May divert traffic on to other 'local' streets F. Reduce posted speed limit: Several residents proposed reducing the posted speed limit to 20 MPH. Typically, this is a school zone speed limit adjacent to schools. State Code and City Code sets the residential speed limit at 25 MPH for consistency throughout the state. While the City does have the authority to reduce the posted speed limit, it would be inconsistent and unpredictable for motorists, would likely not actually reduce the speed motorists actually drive, and would require significant Police presence to enforce. Pros: Cons: - Requested by neighborhood -Driver frustration and assoc. behavioral issues - Inconsistent with other residential streets - Would likely not reduce actual speeds - Would require significant Police enforcement G. Additional sianacte: Most westbound traffic on Court Street is ultimately either traveling to Burlington Street or to the Summit Street Bridge. Additional wayfinding signs at the Muscatine Avenue/Court Street intersection directing motorists to Burlington Street for downtown destinations may assist in encouraging motorists not to use Court Street. Pros: Cons: - May assist in wayfinding -Would not affect most motorists - Unenforceable - Sign clutter issue H. Increased enforcement: The Police Department conducts speed enforcement on Court Street on occasion. Police enforcement is effective in reducing vehicle speeds and improving motorist behavior. The Police attempt to balance traffic enforcement throughout the community and respond to neighborhood requests. Questions for Council Work Session: 1. Does Council wish to allow a truck embargo of trucks smaller than semi tractor trailers on this segment of Court Street, and by extension allow similar embargos for other residential streets upon request? Trucks with alocal/neighborhood destination would be exempt from such an embargo. Police enforcement would be an ongoing necessity. April 26, 2011 Page 4 If Council wishes to pursue this option, staff recommends developing criteria for truck volume thresholds before a street qualifies for a more strict truck embargo. Currently, all Iowa City streets with a truck embargo are based on the 16 ton limit, except for isolated bridges with a more strict limit due to structural issues. 2. Does Council wish to waive the 3,000 vehicles per day traffic calming criterion for Court Street? If so, staff would recommend traffic calming strategies which have less of a propensity to divert significant volumes of traffic to other streets, such as electronic speed limit signs or curb extensions at key intersections. If the volume criterion is waived for Court Street, the next step would be to schedule a neighborhood meeting to discuss options with neighborhood representatives. 3. Does Council wish to program funds for reconstructing this segment of Court Street to brick? 4. Does Council wish staff to conduct a neighborhood survey to gauge interest in increasing or modifying available on-street parking in the neighborhood? Currently on- street parking is permitted on the north side of the street. Allowing parking on the south side of the street might create enough side friction to reduce vehicle speeds. However, it can also lead to street storage issues and be a hindrance in delivering street-based City services. Let's discuss how you would like to proceed at the May 2 Work Session. cc: Jeff Davidson, Director of Planning and Community Development Rick Fosse, Director of Public Works Kent Ralston, Assistant Transportation Planner Jim Steffen, Police Captain Marcia Bollinger, Neighborhood Services Coordinator wlmpojcadmi n/mem/CourtStreetTrafficCalming-2011 V 7 O L 4, O U v c~ F= N m c m U O O .E N j ~ m ~ ~ o ~ ~ U ~ ~ O N C V N O ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ o ~ ~ J ~ ~ ~~. ce ~a ~y t Q E co 0 ~ M Ql 4~ ~ ~ O U Q ~p N Q,~ ~ of 7S )!wwnS 'any pue!Nep I t a rn rn E e= n Ch b M ~ o ~ ~ t Q fp fb n ~ ~ a N M ~ O I O f~ ~ ' ~ O~ F I !~ !S Nae!~ C s n d R c T c c 3 C t v v Q t E L _..~ February 2, 2009 %> Council - ~ ~' -- City of Iowa City ~ .~ `~°'' .v 410 E. Washington Street °' ~ ~., Iowa City, Iowa 52240 '~ ~= ~ w Re: Court Street Neighborhood Requests .,... Reduction of Traffic ~' c~ Dear Council: Beginning in 2005 the residents of Court Street between Muscatine and Summit submitted a petition requesting review of alternative measures that could be taken to slow the traffic on Court Street. Since that time, the City has enacted an embargo on large trucks and conducted periodic traffic enforcement on this portion of the street. Despite these actions, traffic continues to be a problem on this street. We would like to address the neighborhood problem again and see if it can resolve the situation by taking the following steps: 1. Conduct an updated traffic and accident survey. The most recent data is from 2006- 2007. Since that time, the major project on Highway 1 or Dodge Street has been completed and large trucks should be diverted to Scott Boulevard. 2. Lower the tonnage limit for the,street to 5 tons and set up traffic enforcement. The current 16 ton limit is still an open invitation to large trucks to use the street as a pass through. Special exceptions can be made for UPS, FED EX and other daily delivery services as well as moving companies. However, beverage distributors, building materials/lumber yard trucks, tractor trailers and other delivery trucks should be notified in writing of the embargo on the street and the consequences of noncompliance. Conduct a study to determine the timeline and costs to reclaim the brick pavers and reconstruct the street. Reclaiming the brick street is what the neighborhood wants and falls right into line with the City's historic preservation plan which states, "Re-examine city policy regarding brick streets to assure protection and funding are in place for conserving and restoring significant areas both inside and outside of historic and conservation districts." We believe the Church Street project demonstrates the benefits of using brick paving for traffic control. Furthermore, we believe that the Church Street project, Iowa Avenue brick paving project and all future reclamation projects will demonstrate that brick streets provide along- lasting and cost-efficient road surface. Brick streets are one way to improve the infrastructure. Court Street presents the perfect opportunity for the City of Iowa City to study/demonstrate a reclamation of a brick street by removing asphalt from one-third to one-half of a block between Summit and 1Vluscatine Streets, We believe that this project will be embraced by the people of Iowa City as it reflects the community's concern with Green Awareness and recycling. We look forward to your response. Submitted by James Hayes with signatures from 32 Court Street .. ~-~ 1 ~~ n~ residents IP4 SUMMARY OF PENDING WORK SESSION ISSUES 4/28/11 City Plaza Ordinance Revisions (MAY 16) Sanctuary City Review Function of Boards/Commissions: Explore Possible Consolidations Flood Recovery & Mitigation Update (PERIODIC) May 16 -17 June 6 - 7 June 20 - 21 July 5 -Combined Current Issue ~ icma.org ICMA Pass j (~~ M ~: _ "x: ~ Current Issue MAY 2011 VOLUME 93 NUMBER 4 FEATURE by Alan Rosen ~~,~~, I C~~ IP5 According to a 2009 economic development survey by ICMA and the National League of Cities, tax increment financing (TIE) districts are among the most popular tools in the economic development arsenal, with almost S5 percent of reporting jurisdictions indicating that they use this tool. This is up from 50 percent in a 1999 study. A recent study by county staff evaluating TIF use in Fulton County, Georgia, made it clear that not all TIF districts in the county were created equal. This assessment led to the following seven suggestions that may increase the likelihood of a quick return on TIF investments. TIF BASICS ICMA's 2004 Green Book, Management Policies in Local Government Finance, includes language that helps describe a TIF: TIF is a geographic area designated by a government entity whose current taxable value is established, "and any revenue generated from an increase in property values (the 'increment') is devoted to paying for specific improvements" within the district. The revenues generated from the established (or base) value are still collected by the government for general operating expenditures, capital expenditures, or both. Laws governing the use of TIF districts vary widely from state to state although these districts are usually designed to spark redevelopment in an area that otherwise would not have improved on its own without intervention. Setting up TIF districts and financing is a common way to spur development, but the method is not without its critics. One of the largest criticisms is that, by design, the rest of a jurisdiction is subsidizing the increased cost related to the development. This is due to the increased need for such services as fire, police, and parks as businesses and residents move in, even while the increment is diverted to fund only the redevelopment within the TIE. INVESTMENT RETURN Most studies on TIF focus on whether the goals of the redevelopment were met. Fulton County also wanted to determine whether the TIF districts within its boundaries would provide a quick return on investment (ROI) after the districts were dissolved. An analysis of two of the longest-running districts in the county (Westside and Atlantic Station) led to an interesting conclusion: ^ Westside District (1998-2038) Projected percentage of increase in taxable value: 4,889 percent. http://webapps.icma.org/pm/9304/private/feature l .cfm?author=Alan%20Rosen 4/27/2011 Current Issue ~ icma.org Page 2 of 4 Projected number of years until return on investment realized after dissolution: two years. ^ Atlantic Station. District. (1.999-2024) - Projected percentage of increase in taxable value: 14,546 percent. - Projected number of years until return on investment realized after dissolution: 15 years. We were surprised that Atlantic Station with its 14,546 percent increase was projected to return our investment 15 years after dissolution compared with Westside's two years, even though Atlantic Station grew in value by much larger proportions. After the variables were analyzed, however, the explanation was obvious, as were other observations that seemed helpful in determining future decisions regarding TIF districts. SEVEN TIF t3BSERVATIfJNS During our Fulton County study, we made seven observations that might be helpful to local government managers who are making decisions about TIF districts: 1. Consider the Goals of the TIF If the redevelopment plan calls for a large increase in housing units, this may translate into higher costs for your government (for example, parks, police, fire, and libraries). As these costs rise, the associated revenue from ad valorem taxes available for operating expenditures stagnates until the end of the TIF (usually 25-35 years). Commercial development typically does not increase demand for services at the same rate. Another short-term advantage of commercial development versus residential is that sales and other taxes may have a positive impact on your jurisdiction's accounts even before TIF ends. Although the increment of ad valorem revenue is designated to development within the TIF district, any positive effect of development on other taxes like sales and hotel taxes (in general) is still available as those taxes can be used as originally intended within the jurisdiction. The percentage of sales and other taxes distributed to jurisdictions varies widely because it is based on state law and local agreements. Regardless of whether your jurisdiction receives a fraction of 1 percent or 100 percent, this should be taken into consideration when reviewing a TIF proposal. 2. Be Mindful of the "Base Value" When Creating a TIF Creating a TIF essentially freezes the taxable value of an area that can be used for general fund revenue during the life of the district. If the base value of a district is small (as it was with Atlantic Station), the revenue available to cover the fiscal impacts resulting from new development is minimal. This increases the burden on the general fund for the life of the district. Instead, focus on creating TIF districts where enough base value exists to generate a respectable amount of revenue (as was the case with Westside) to help buffer the effects of development on the general fund. 2. Remember the Effect of the Millage Rate on TIF Districts If jurisdictions participating in a TIF decide to lower millage rates over the life of the district, this could hinder the ability to pay off debt related to the development. Keep in mind that some states require jurisdictions to pledge other general fund revenue to cover interest and principal if the increment is not enough. It was reported recently that 50 percent of one Midwestern community's deficit was composed of transfers from the general fund to pay debt related to its TIF districts. http://webapps.icma.org/pm/9304/private/feature l .cfm?author=Alan%20Rosen 4/27/2011 Current Issue ~ icma.org Page 3 of 4 Conversely, if millage rates rise over time, this may aid in the ability of the participating jurisdictions to retire debt early and fully reap the benefits of the redevelopment before anticipated. Many states include laws that allow participating jurisdictions to dissolve a TIF district before the scheduled date (if everyone is in agreement and all debts have been paid). This will hasten the RO1. 4. Remember that More Is Not Necessarily Better Some communities have been criticized for overusing TIF as a redevelopment tool. Creating these districts as a panacea to cure the economic development blues is alluring, but the mixture of quick development and a stagnant revenue source can be detrimental to your financial health. Georgia is one state that limits the amount of property that any jurisdiction can have within a TIF at one time. Atlanta, for example, has already reached this limit (10 percent of the total taxable value of the city). Developing a local ordinance similar to this may help deter overuse of this strategy. 5. Consider Using the Pay-As-You-Go Financing Option Some jurisdictions have started combining pay-as-you-go financing with traditional bond financing when the circumstances permit. This has its advantages and disadvantages. The primary advantage to using pay-as-you-go is that no debt is issued, so the cost of funds is lower. In addition, if this strategy enables your jurisdiction to borrow less, it may reduce the financing period. This may reduce the lifespan of a TIF and thereby provide a quicker ROI. The primary disadvantage ofpay-as-you-go financing is that there may not be sufficient funds to finance ambitious projects at the beginning. 6. End Early If Possible Local governments are looking at ways to save money. Refinancing bonds or retiring debt early has been a major part of that strategy. The same should be true for TIF. If possible, try to refinance TIF debt while interest rates are still low. If it is within the means of all participating jurisdictions, it is also in the best interest of all to try to retire the debt early and dissolve the TIF. Again, this will also hasten ROI as well as bring a significant increase in recurring revenues earlier than anticipated. 7. Lobby for Change As mentioned earlier in this article, the largest criticism of TIF districts is that potential general fund revenue is being diverted to pay for development in only one area of your jurisdiction. This argument is not without its merits, but it could be quelled if states were successfully lobbied to change laws governing TIF districts. Local government associations could push for legislation amending state laws to allow a certain portion of TIF money to be returned to participating jurisdictions to help cover the cost of increased services such as police and fire protection caused by an influx of businesses and residents. THINK ANALYTICl~LLY Following the suggestions above will not guarantee that your TIF will succeed, but keeping them in mind can help ensure a faster return on your investment. The information might help you think more analytically about creating TIF districts. It might even spark more ideas about the best way for your jurisdiction to proceed, even if that means making use of another form of economic development. Focus on creating TIF districts where enough base value exists to generate a respectable amount of revenue to help buffer the effects of development on the general fund. http://webapps.icma.org/pm/9304/private/feature l .cfm?author=Alan%20Rosen 4/27/2011 Current Issue ~ icma.org Page 4 of 4 Alan Rosen is a financial systems manager, Fulton County, Georgia talan.rosen@fultoncountyga.gov). Ne is also enrolled in ICMA's Emerging leaders Development Program, Class of FaN 2011. Learn about the benefits ofjc}irtiing (CMA and rer_eiving PM magazine as part: of your benefits package. Ta subscribe to PM, call 202/28~a-ICtv1A (202,'283-42b2} ore-mail bookstoremanagerC~icma.org. International City/County Management Association 77.7 North C-r~r_~ikai S,~r~r~r rVE ',~aite `>00 w ~,I;~~,Pr~~~,~ rx .~tx ®~~®. ..Lr~7. http://webapps.icma.org/pm/9304/private/feature l .cfm?author=Alan%20Rosen 4/27/2011 r ~~~!~®~~ CITY OF IOWA CITY #~.~~ N[E~O Date: May 2, 2011 To: Mayor and City Council From: Marian K. Karr, City Clerk Re: Strategic Plan Phone Survey The City Council has initiated a process to develop a strategic plan and provide for a goal setting procedure for the City of Iowa City. The two step process includes a citizen phone survey and focus group meetings. The phone survey is scheduled to begin on Friday, April 29. A voting list has been obtained from the Johnson County Commissioner of Elections. A random number of registered voters will be contacted via phone in each precinct. The anticipated response time is 5 minutes. In addition to 360 voters responses additional responses will be collected for 50 random Iowa City businesses. All calls will be made between 9:00 AM and 8:00 PM Monday thru Saturdays. Citizens receiving calls are encouraged to participate and provide your input. The second phase of the process will be meetings with focus groups made up of City staff representing various units or departments, department. heads, current City Council Members, and new Council Members determined after the November election. Focus groups meeting will begin in September and are scheduled to wrap up in December. Information gathered will be presented to Council for use in discussing, planning and funding future City services. A press release containing this information will be released Thursday afternoon as well. 04-28-11 _; r -~ c~TY of [oWA CITY 1P6 ~ ~'' ~~~ ~ o M M Date: April 27, 2011 To: ,Mayor and City Council From: Marian K. Karr, City Clerk t~ Re: Strategic Plan Phone Survey The City Council has initiated a process to develop a strategic pla setting procedure for the City o'flowa City. nd provide for a goal The two step process includes a citi'~en phone survey and focus g~r6up meetings. The phone survey is scheduled to begirr.on Friday, April 29. A voting list has been obtained from the Johnson County Commissioner o Elections. Ara dom number of registered voters will be conducted via phone in each precinct. The anticipa d response time is 5 minutes. In addition to 360 voters responses additional res\p`canses will a collected for 50 random Iowa City businesses. All calls will be made between 9:00, AM nd 8:00 PM Monday thru Saturdays. Citizens receiving calls are encouraged to participate a d provide your input. The second phase of the process will be mee representing various units or departments, deb and new Council Members determined after the begin in September and are scheduled to wrap Information gathered will be presented to future City services. / tin with focus groups made up of City staff ~ ent heads, current City Council Members, ovember erection. Focus groups meeting will p in December. cil for use in discussing, planning and funding A press release containing this information will be released Thursday ~~?®~ CITY OF IOWA CITY 1P7 ®~~~ ~ O RA N D L[ M 1VI E Date: April 27, 2011 To: Mayor and City Council From: Marian K. Karr, City Clerk Re: Agenda Items for Joint Meeting The next joint meeting of area cities and school districts will be held May 18, 2011 at 4:30 P.M. following a 4:00 Reception at Coralville City Hall in the Council Chambers at 1512 7t" Street. Coralville will be hosting the next joint meeting of the City Councils of Iowa City, Coralville, Tiffin, and North Liberty; the Iowa City Community School Board and the Clear Creek Amana Community School District; and the Johnson County Board of Supervisors. Please provide me with any agenda items you would like included at your work session on May 2. A complete agenda and meeting date confirmation will be distributed to you in the information packet on May 12. cc:jointmeeting req uestforitems.doc IP8 ~~~~ ~. ,~w.~~ -~....~ CITY OF IOWA CITY www. icgov.org OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER Thomas M. Markus City Manager tom-m arkus@iowa-city. org Dale E. Helling Assistant City Manager dale-helling@iowa-city.org Kathryn Johansen Administrative Assistant to the City Manager kathryn-j ohansen~.iowa-city. org April 26, 2011 The Retail Caucus c/o Niki Neems r.s.v.p. 140 N. Linn Street Iowa City, Iowa 52245 Re: City of Iowa City Donation Station program and the 2011 Small Businesses Have Big Hearts service project Dear Members of the Retail Caucus: The Donation Station program of the City of Iowa City was honored to be the recipient of the 2011 Small Businesses Have Big Hearts service project. The funds will be distributed among six local agencies: Free Lunch, Free Medical Clinic, Community Mental Health Center (PATH program), Crisis Center, Shelter House, and United Action for Youth (street outreach) who offer services to people in need. Enclosed you will find a brochure about the Donation Station program. Thank you for your support. Sincerely, omas M. Markus City Manager cc: City Council 410 E. Washington Street iowa City, lA 52240 ~~1~_._- Phone: (319) 356-5010 Fax: (319) 356-5009 w/mgr/letters/RetailCaucus-4-2011 IOWA CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT 410 E. Washington Street -Iowa City, IA 52240-1821 Phone: 319.356.5260 www.ic oe~vor~ FAX: 319.356.5263 DATE: Apri122, 2011 TO: Tom Markus, City Manager ~~ ~~~~ FROM: Andrew J. Rocca, Fire Chief Vt,~/ RE: Badge Pinning Ceremony Please join us as we welcome firefighter recruits John Crane, Brandon Pflanzer, and Todd Irwin to the Iowa City Fire Department. A badge pinning ceremony will be held on Monday, May 2, 2011, at 11:30 AM in Emma J. Harvat Hall. AJR/bdm cc: "City Council Marian Karr, City Clerk Karen Jennings, Personnel Administrator Stations 1, 2, & 3 r ~ 1 CITY OF IOWA CITY IP10 ~m~ ~ ®~~~ RA ~ D [~ M MEMCJ Date: April 25, 2011 To: Tom Markus, City Manager From: Rick Fosse, Director 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. The University of Iowa is conducting a Phase 1 Intensive Archeological Study for the Animal Shelter relocation. This work will be completed this Spring. Dubuque Street Elevation and Park Road Bridge Reconstruction Project • HNTB and City staff to conduct a bridge workshop to discuss type, size, and location. • Continued draft of Initial Alternatives Screening Report. City staff to review the week of April 25. • Continue conceptual design of reasonable alternatives • Design team to continue examination of existing environmental conditions. • Website updates. • Continued preparing materials for the Concurrence Point #1 (purpose and need) package to be sent to resource agencies. We are still waiting on FHWA approval of the draft Purpose and Need document. Wastewater Treatment Plant Consolidation Project • Held progress workshop with city staff on April 12 • Added primary clarifier to design in lieu of primary gravity thickening • Preparing Technical Memorandum on the BAR process • Preparing Technical Memorandum on UV and Sodium Hypochlorite disinfection costs • Finalizing draft Preliminary Engineering report for submittal to the city • Working on preliminary engineering cost estimating • Working ~n graphics for figures to be included in Preliminary Engineering Report • Continued working on preliminary design • Coordination with IDNR • Preparing requirements for geotechnical investigations at South Plant site Rocky Shore Drive Pump Station and Floodgates Project • Developing an opinion of cost fora 2 pump 10-year and 100 year • Scheduling a neighborhood meeting. • City is working with IDED for environmental clearance and has posted the environmental notice and determination. No comments have been received. Iowa River Flood Modeling The report has been finalized and submitted to the City. April 26, 2011 Page 2 West Side Levee City Attorney received proposals for appraisal and title services. Staff is currently negotiating contracts and the City Manager will execute the contracts on behalf of the City. Army Corps of Engineers has received the permit application and the review process will be approximately 4 months. Water Division River Crossings FEMA has been updated regarding the status of the project. The requested archeological evaluation will be completed by the end of April. Peninsula Source Protection Due to weather impacts several punch list items remain to be completed. A conference call with the contractor, and HRG Engineering occurred on 4/19/11 to push for completion ASAP. An extension request is being forwarded to FEMA by Deb Mansfield. Water Works Prairie Park Source Protection • An audit meeting occurred with IHS and FEMA on April 20, 2011. The project scope, budget and schedule were reviewed. IHS and FEMA were given a tour of the Peninsula site project and the Water Works Prairie Park site. • The expected completion of the projects was scheduled for September 2011. It is anticipated the schedule will be extended due to the scope change and review process. PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT A total of 70 residential properties have been acquired through disaster recovery buyout grants. Of the 70 properties, 32 of the properties have been acquired through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), 32 with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, and six with Community Disaster Grant (CDG) funds. A total of 59 properties have been demolished in the Parkview Terrace and Taft Speedway neighborhoods. • An amendment to the CDBG buyout program was approved by the Iowa Department of Economic Development in order to add four properties on Normandy Drive. The amendment increases properties eligible for a buyout with CDBG funds from 58 to 62. • Staff received 40 applications for the Single Family New Construction Round 3 drawing and is now processing the first 10 applicants selected in the drawing. The next group of 10 applicants will be processed starting April 29th. There will be a total of 31 owner- occupied affordable housing units built in Round 3 of the program. • Planning staff attended a Joint Flood Recovery Meeting with the University of Iowa, Coralville, and Mid-American Energy on April 19th. The meeting was to describe the progress of current projects and to coordinate work schedules. • Applications for Federal Jumpstart funds for repair, rental rehabilitation, 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. April 25, 2011 Page 3 • The Request for Qualifications (RFQs) for the Taft S~eedway Levee impact evaluation study has been published. The RFQs are due May 6` . A public meeting will be held in late-May or early-June to gather initial public input on the scope and timeline of the study. A final report for the study is due in September. • Due to the possible rescission of federal grant funds, staff is continuing to provide information to our Congressional offices in Washington on the City's active federal flood recovery and mitigation grants. Staff is also providing information to our state representatives regarding the status of our flood recovery projects. U4-ZtS-7 7 IP11 Dale Hellin From: City of Iowa City <web@iowa-city.org> Sent: Wednesday, April 27, 2011 8:58 AM To: Dale Helling Subject: The Iowa City Parks & Recreation Department Awarded $10,000 for Youth Community Garden Program The Iowa City Parks & Recreation Program Posted by: Recreation Mailing List(s): City Channel 4 Program Schedule -Classes, Programs & Events - General City News Originally Posted 4/27/2011 8:57:49 AM a ~e~~ase Contact: Jo rLce Carroll Contact Phone: 319-356-5100 Department Awarded $1 0,000 for Youth Community Garden Iowa City, IA, April 27, 2011- The Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department was recently awarded a $10,000 grant by the National Recreation and Park Association's (NRPA's) Grow Your Park programs€"made possible through a gift from the J.R. Albert Foundations€"to support the agency's Wetherby Park Community Garden Project. Now in its second year, NRPA's Grow Your Park program supports park and recreation agencies in creating and expanding community garden operations and activities, with a goa(of increasing participation among children and teens. Far from the common garden rental plots, these public growing spaces teach children about food origin, proper nutrition, team work, and hands-on skills, while providing intergenerational connections. The Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department is one of 10 agencies in the U.S. to receive a 2011 NRPA Grow Your Park grant. The Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department will create both perennial and annual community gardens at Wetherby Park to educate and empower the residents of one of Iowa City's most diverse neighborhoods. Backyard Abundance, a Johnson County non-profit dedicated to environmental education will develop a detailed plan for the gardens. Volunteers will come from several collaborating community organizations to help with site preparation. Hands on classes in planting and gardening will be taught by experienced staff. Residents will plant fruit and nut bearing perennials, with the intention to develop an abundant edible landscape. This grant will also provide for the planting of two annual gardens in order to give children the opportunity to learn about gardening and learn lifelong lessons about healthy lifestyle. "The 2011 Grow Your Park program provides a creative way for young people to grows€"both in the garden, and in the community," said Barbara Tulipane, CEO of NRPA. "We congratulate our 2011 Grow Your Park grantees, whose programs wills€"for our nation's youths€"contribute to a healthy sense of self, good nutrition, and a connection to the outdoors." The National Recreation and Park Association is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing park, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance quality of life for all people. Through its network of 20,000 recreation and park professionals and citizens, NRPA encourages the promotion of healthy lifestyles, recreation initiatives, and conservation of natural and cultural resources. For more information, visit www.NRPA.org. For digital access to NRPA's flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit www parksandrec-maQazine.orp. For more information please contact Joyce Carroll at 319-356-5100 or ~oyice-carroll(c~iowa-city.ora. View this article on the ICGov Web Site: http~//www icgov org/default/apps/GEN/news.asp?newslD=7057 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 ourfeedback form. For technical questions regarding the website, please contact our web team. Marian Karr From: City of Iowa City <web@iowa-city.org> Sent: Monday, May 02, 2011 8:10 AM To: Marian Karr Subject: Strategic Plan Phone Survey Strategic .Plan Phone Survey Posted by: City Clerk Mailing List(s): General City News Originally Posted 5/2/2011 8:10:11 AM ~~ Contact: Marian Karr Contact Phone: (319) 356-5041 The City Council has initiated a process to develop a strategic plan and provide for a goal setting procedure for the City of Iowa :City. .The two tep process includes a citizen phone survey and focus group meetings... The. phone survey is scheduled to begin on Friday, April 29. A voting list has been obtained from the Johnson County Commissioner of Elections. A random number of registered voters will be contacted via phone in each precinct. The anticipated response time is 5 minutes In additioh to 360 voters .responses additional responses will be collected for 50 random Iowa City businesses. All calls will be made between 9:00 AM and 8:00 PM Monday thru Sattardays. Citizens receiving calls are encouraged to participate and provide your input The second phase of the process will be meetings with focus groups made up of City staff representing various units or departments, department heads, current City Council Members, and new Council Members determined'afterthe 'November election. Focus groups meeting will begin in'September and are scheduled to wrap up in December. Information gathered will be presented to Council for use in discussing, planning and funding future City services. View this article on the ICGov Web Site: httg~//www icgov ora/default/apps/GEN/news.asg?newslD=7063 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 ocedit your subscription details. • Visit our iobs page for employment oooortunities. • View more news from the Citv of Iowa Citv. 1 Marian Karr From: Mike Moran Sent: Monday, May 02, 2011 12:21 PM To: Marian Karr Subject: FW: Iowa River Water Trail Dedication -RESCHEDULED TO AUGUST 6 ~.d~ /~~ p r- ~ 1~1~ l I 5r_ ~ FYI for council info! Thanks! mm ~ a ~~ her Ackerson _ _ From: Kristop Sent: Monday, May 02, 2011 11:39 AM To: Mike Moran Subject: FW: Iowa River Water Trail Dedication -RESCHEDULED TO AUGUST 6 Please forward to Council and any others you may have sent info to about this. - kja Kristopher Ackerson Metropolitan Planning Organization of Johnson County 319.356.5247 (w). 319.621.5882 (c). '`'~ Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail. From: Julie Ohde [mailto:lccb@Iccb.org] Sent: Monday, May 02, 2011 9:59 AM To: Kristopher Ackerson; tri-rivers@Iccb.org; peter@ivrcd.org Cc: 'Harry Graves'; 'Brad Freidhof; 'Katie Hammond'; Todd.Robertson@dnr.iowa.gov Subject: Iowa River Water Trail Dedication -RESCHEDULED TO AUGUST 6 Iowa River WT planning team - See the information Brad sent out below about the CFS on the river. That combined with low water temps has led us to postpone the event to our backup date of August 6. While that is disappointing, it is the right thing to do from a safety standpoint. So, let's work on getting the word out and having an even better event in August! I will send out a press release, as will the DNR. I will also contact anyone who has signed up for the trip. You should contact anyone you were in charge of working with or anyone you specifically invited. Thanks so much for all your work on putting this together. Let's plan on getting together in July to be sure we are on track Julie Julie Ohde Executive Director Louisa County Conservation Board 12635 County Road G56, Suite 101 Wapello, Iowa 52653 319-523-8381 fax 319-527-2131 Iccb(c~lccb.org www.lccb.org and be sure to visit www.NaturallyLouisaCounty.com From: Brad Freidhof [mailto:bfreidhof@co.johnson.ia.us] Sent: Monday, May 02, 2011 9:26 AM i To: Harry Graves; Julie Ohde; Katie Hammond Subject: River Flow All- You can see the standard flow rate (yellow triangles) and the current flow rate on the Iowa River. We are double the standard flow rate. I will also check the water temp today. Brad Discharge, cubic feet per second Most recent instantaneous value: 6,320 05-02-2011 08:00 CDT USGS 85454588 Iona Riser at Iona City, IR 7088 c 0 as m L 6i a +~ m a~ .~ ,a c~ ~ 1888 ~o L U N ...~ O 588 y_^ -- ~~~ r-~'^ is t~ ~ L1 L5 Rpr Rpr Rpr Rpr Rpr Apr May hay 25 26 27 28 29 38 81 82 2811 2811 2811 2811 2811 2811 2811 2811 ---- Provisional Data Subject to Revision ---- 1~ Median daily statistic {52 years} - Discharge Create presentation-quality /stand-alone graph. Subscribe to WaterAlert Daily discharge statistics, in cfs, for May 2 based on 52 years of record more 25th ~ ~ 75th Most Recent I Min percen- ~ ~percen- Instantaneous Max (1989) the Median Mean ~ the ~ Value May 2 (1993) ~ 195 ~ 1420 ~ 2760~j 3720 6080 j 6320 10500 Gage height, feet Most recent instantaneous value: 16.27 05-02-2011 08:00 CDT z USGS 85454569 Iona River at Iona City, IR 17.9 1B,6 15.8 as e~ 14.6 ~ 13.9 .,.i as s ~ 12.6 as ~o co 11.8 16.9 9.6 Rpr Rpr Rpr Rpr Rpr Rpr May May 25 26 27 28 29 38 61 62 2911 2611 2911 2611 2911 2611 2611 2911 ---- Provisional Data Subject to Revision ---- Create presentation-duality /stand-alone graph. Subscribe to WaterAlert Bradley H. Freidhof, Naturalist Johnson County Conservation Board 2048 Highway 6 NW Oxford, IA 52322 (319) 645-1011 (Office) (319) 645-2204 (Fax) (319) 331-7513 (Mobile I) (319) 330-4855 (Mobile II) bfreidhof~a co.johnson.ia.us www Johnson-county.com/conservation Please be advised that this email is part of the public record, may be accessed by anyone requesting information about its content and may be used in legal proceedings. Consider the impact of printing this email. Think Green, so others may follow... No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg_com Version: 10.0.1209 /Virus Database: 1500/3610 -Release Date: 05/02/11 3 IP12 YOUTH ADVISORY COMMISSION Sunday, April 3, 2011- 4:00 PM HARVART HALL, CITY HALL DRAFT Members Present: Jerry Gao, Alexandra Tamerius, Matt Lincoln, Caroline Van Voorhis, Sam Fosse, and Leah Murray Staff Present: Marian Karr Others Present: None CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 4:04 PM. MINUTES: Tamerius motioned to approve the minutes. Lincoln seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously, 6/0. UPDATE ON VACANCIES: The Commission currently has the Tate vacancy. BUDGET UPDATE: City Clerk Karr stated that there were no new expenditures. HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION BULLYING PANEL: Karr noted the memo from the staff of the Iowa City Human Rights Commission regarding the program on bullying on May 12`", and questioning if the Youth Advisory Commission would like to co-sponsor the event. Karr stated that the event was pretty well planned and YAC would not have a specific role in the program. By committing to the program, the Commission would be recognized and have its name placed in the program as a co-sponsor. Individual Members stated they were not sure they could attend. Karr stated the Commission Members should be present if they are co-sponsoring, and said other opportunities could be explored if this event didn't work into YAC schedules at this late date. Commission Members agreed to c-sponsor and asked that the program be forwarded electronically to all Commission members so they could check their schedules for the program on May 12`h SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS: GRANT PROGRAMMING: Lincoln joined the Grant Programming Sub-Committee. WEBSITE & ADVERTISING: Karr provided the statistics for the Youth Advisory Commission website traffic. Tamerius was interested in seeing the amount of hits over a 12-month time. Karr reported that the city is currently looking at policies and procedures for users; and reformatting and restructuring individual pages. The Commission YOUTH ADVISORY COMMISSION April 3, 2011 Page 2 of 4 is able to make any changes in content, but should wait for the policy before making any changes in the formatting of the site. GLOBAL VILLAGE: The Commission committed to represent Brazil in the Global Village on June 4. The Commission also created asub-committee for Global Village headed by Murray and Van Voorhis who will report at the May 3 meeting on possible activities for the event. Karr suggested each Commission member come with his or her schedules for the next meeting and brainstorm ideas for interactive activities during Global Village. A Commission member should be present in the Global Village booth during the June 4 event, additional volunteers will needed depending on the activities. Karr will report the approximate number of kids that have attended in the past. RECOGNITION GRANT: No new updates. CITY COUNCIL UPDATE: Karr attached an application for the Human Rights Commission Youth Award for any Commission member who knows someone deserving of the award. Karr informed the Commission of a potential 12-month Farmer's Market in the Pedestrian Mall Downtown in 2012. More information will be provided to the City Council in May. The Downtown Association hopes that this event would get more people and families downtown. MEETING SCHEDULE: The Commission set a date for the next meeting, Sunday, May 1 at 4:00 PM. Tamerius motioned to adjourn, which was seconded by Lincoln. The motion to adjourn passed unanimously, 6/0, 4:40 PM. Minutes submitted by Lincoln. ~~Ox n u m u u Z Z y ~ ~ a ~ ~ N N N ~ 3 rh rF ~ = m K O N ~D A Q- 0 3 ~ C ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ c `< -- Z ~~ `. `. `~ N w ~ N w ~~ N w ~ N w ~ N w 1 N w ~ N w ~ X m ~ ~ \ \ \ \ \ \ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ j x >C >C x x x ~ N x o x x x x w x m x x x x x x x x x x w 0 c Di = "'~ D mo 3 ~o< m rt ~ N ~ ~ m v o,~n ~ ~m0 ... O ~ v ~' 0 z Airport Commission April 14, 2011 Page 1 IP13 MINUTES DRAFT IOWA CITY AIRPORT COMMISSION APRIL 14, 2011 - 6:00 P.M. AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING Members Present: Steve Crane, Minnetta Gardinier, Howard Horan, Rick Mascari Members Absent: Jose Assouline Staff Present: Sue Dulek, Michael Tharp Others Present: Matt Wolford, Jeff Edberg, David Hughes, John Yeomans, Marshall Banks RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL• (to become effective only after separate Council actionl• Amend the Listing Agreement for Airport Commerce Park to include lease rates. CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Gardinier called the meeting to order at 6:01 P.M. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES: Chairperson Gardinier asked if there was approval for the March 10, 2011, meeting minutes. Mascari moved to approve the March 10, 2011, minutes as submitted; seconded by Crane. Motion carried 4-0; Assouline absent. PUBLIC DISCUSSION: None. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION: a. Farm Management -John Yeomans spoke to Members about the area that has been under discussion, as far as what they want to plant. He noted that the area has become inundated with weeds, and they need to decide if they want it kept mowed or if they want to plant it in something. Yeomans added that the farm operator who is renting the farmland. out there currently has agreed to hay this area, remove the weeds, and also some small trees that have popped up. He then stated that if the Members agree, the operator can go ahead this year and get the area cleaned up and reseeded, at no cost to the Airport. This would also mean that the Airport would not see the $2,500 in lease income this year. Members then discussed whether or not they would like to agree to this arrangement with Jim Sladek. It was noted that if they do not agree to it, they will then need to find someone to take care of this area, whether in mowing or planting. The discussion continued, with Members agreeing to the specifics of this proposal. Mascari made the motion to approve the proposal to the contract with Sladek to mow the hay at least three times, and to keep the fence line clean; seconded by Crane. Motion carried 4-0; Assouline absent. Airport Commission April 14, 2011 Page 2 b. Aviation Commerce Park -Jeff Edberg -Edberg spoke to the Members about one of the interested parties who had been doing building design. He stated that things were moving along until the party got to the financing part, and now things have slowed down. Edberg then spoke to the listing agreement, noting that there is no lease rate given. He added that Members will need to approve this amendment, per Dulek. i. Resolution #11-09 Amending Listing Agreement to Add Lease Rate Schedule -Mascari made the motion to Recommend Approval of Resolution #A11-09, Amending the Listing Agreement With Skogman Realty for Aviation Commerce Park, to add a Lease Rate Schedule; seconded by Horan. Motion carried 4-0; Assouline absent. c. FAA/IDOT Projects - AECOM - David Hughes i. Runway 7/25 & 12/30 -Hughes noted that the closeout paperwork is ready. There were three different grants used on this project, and therefore, three sets of paperwork. He noted that he will need Gardinier's signature on these. He briefly ran through what all is included in these documents. Hughes then responded to questions from Members. ii. Obstruction Mitigation -Nothing to report. iii. 7-25 Parallel Taxiway -Funding is still in question here, according to Hughes. Those who bid will know that there may be a delay. Hughes responded to Members' questions, using the map to show specific locations. Tharp noted that the special meeting for this is on Tuesday, April 26th at 6:00 P.M. d. 2011 Air Race Classic -Tharp spoke to Members, noting that he and Gardinier met earlier this week with Jet Air to discuss schedules and other items for the upcoming Air Race Classic. He then responded to questions regarding the memo covering the race specifics. The latest team count is 43, according to Tharp. Gardinier added that she is on Team 41. She added that after speaking with Enterprise, they have said they will offer a corporate rate on rentals, and will bring the cars to and from the Airport. e. Corporate Hangar "L" -Tharp stated that he met earlier this week with the design team. He added that the size is still at 60 X 60, still looking at a summer build schedule, and the hope is to be online by the end of the year. Mascari asked if they could review floor plans prior to finalizing. At the present time, all six of the hangars are spoken for, according to Tharp, with Jet Air getting two or three of them. Gardinier asked if they couldn't have the Economic Development person at City Hall do some marketing on these hangars to get the word out in the community. Members agreed, with Gardinier noting that they will revisit an Economic Development Subcommittee later in the meeting. Mascari reiterated that he really needs to see the plans before he approves anything. FY2012 IDOT Grant Applications -Tharp spoke to Members, noting the projects he hopes to accomplish. Some of these include: the north T-hangars -rewire to put internal outlets in to eliminate all of the extension cords; changing out the exterior lighting to LED lighting; upgrading IT security; and installing fiber cable from Building G to the Terminal Building. Tharp noted that currently they're looking at a total application of $144,000. Airport Commission April 14, 2011 Page 3 g. Airport "Operations": Strategic Plan Implementation; Budget; Management - Tharp noted that he did email the Strategic Plan to everyone. Gardinier then spoke about looking at the subcommittees they have. She passed around a listing, asking for Members' thoughts on it. Horan asked if they could better clarify the goals and objectives of the subcommittees. Gardinier stated that looking at the strategic plan and the action items would be a good start. Members then discussed how they should schedule reviews by these subcommittees. Tharp then brought up the issue of extending hangar space to the Ford Tri-Motor, for four nights. Members discussed this, questioning if this is also a football weekend. Tharp then responded to some miscellaneous budget questions from Members. h. FBO /Iowa Flight Training /Whirlybird Reports -Matt Wolford with Jet Air spoke to Members next. He stated that they are seeing an increase in activity, especially single- engine traffic. He added that their shop work has been up, as well. The conversation then turned to the date of the Ford Tri-Motor. It was noted that it is over the Labor Day weekend. Wolford added that they are very interested in getting the Tri-Motor here. Marshall Banks from Whirlybirds then introduced himself to Members. He asked about signage for his business, and Members noted that he needs to check with the City on regulations. Tharp noted that if the Members are okay with this, he would be glad to contact the appropriate department at the City. Members agreed that some type of signage would be a good thing. i. Subcommittees' Reports -None. j. Commission Members' Reports -Mascari noted that on May 14th a Comanche group will be doing a seminar at the Airport. He also asked if the hangar inspection went okay. Tharp noted that it was delayed due to his being at a meeting that morning. Gardinier then thanked Horan for his service as the Airport Commission Chair for the past year. k. Staff Report -Tharp reminded everyone that next week is the Aviation Conference; therefore, he will be out of the office Wednesday through Friday. Gardinier stated that she hopes to attend on Wednesday. SET NEXT REGULAR MEETING: A special meefing will be held Tuesday April 26, 2011, at 6:00 P.M. at the Airport Terminal Building, and the next regular meefing will be Thursday May 12, 2011, at 6:00 P.M. at the Airport Terminal building. ADJOURN: Gardinier made the motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:40 P.M.; seconded by Mascari. Motion carried 4-0, Assouline absent. Airport Commission April 14, 2011 Page 4 Airport Commission ATTENDANCE RECORD 2011 TERM ~ N N w ~ ~ cn N ~ N ~ 0 ~ ~ N ~ ~ NAME EXP. ~ ~ ~ ~ 3 ~ ~ ~ .~ ~ 03/01/13 X X X X X Rick Mascari 03/01/14 X X X X X Howard Horan Minnetta 03/01/15 X X X X X Gardinier Jose 03/02/12 X X X X O/ Assouline E Steve 03/02/14 O/E X X X X Crane Key: X =Present O =Absent O/E = Absent/Excused NM = Not a Member at this time Airport Commission April 26, 2011 Page 1 MINUTES IOWA CITY AIRPORT COMMISSION APRIL 26, 2011 - 6:00 P.M. AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING Members Present: Minnetta Gardinier, Howard Horan, Rick Mascari Members Absent: Jose Assouline, Steve Crane Staff Present: Sue Dulek, Michael Tharp Others Present: IP14 DRAFT RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL• Ito become effective only after separate Council action): None CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Gardinier called the meeting to order at 6:07 P.M. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION: a. 7-25 Parallel Taxiway i. Consider a resolution setting a public hearing on the plans, specifications, and form of contract for the "Runway 7-25 Parallel Taxiway Grading and Drainage" project. Mascari moved resolution #A11-10, seconded by Horan. Motion carried 3-0 (Crane, Assouline absent) b. FY2012 IDOT Grant Application -Tharp discussed the application with members saying that this was a follow up to what was in the packet at their regular meeting, but that he now had numbers to go with the projects. Tharp noted there were three areas the projects would cover. i. The Terminal Brick project - It has a project budget of $118,000 and we are asking the state for $100,300 ii. The Airport Electrical project - it has a project budget of $126,000 and we are asking the state for $107,100 iii. The Airport Security and IT project - it has a budget of $44,000 and we are asking the state for $37,400. Tharp noted that if the Commission approved of this he would have Gardinier sign it and send it to the state for consideration. Mascari moved to approve the application, Horan seconded. Motion carried 3-0 (Crane, Assouline Absent) ADJOURN: Mascari made the motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:10 P.M.; seconded by Horan. Motion carried 3-0, Crane and Assouline absent. Airport Commission April 26, 2011 Page 2 Airport Commission ATTENDANCE RECORD 2011 TERM -~ rv rv w .~ ~ cn N ~ N j 0 ~ N ~ NAME EXP. ~ ~ 3 ~ 3 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 03/01 /13 X X X X X X Rick Mascari 03/01/14 X X X X X X Howard Horan Minnetta 03/01/15 X X X X X X Gardinier Jose 03/02/12 X X X X O/E O/E Assouline Steve 03/02/14 O/E X X X X O/E Crane Key: X =Present O =Absent O/E = Absent/Excused NM = Not a Member at this time IP15 MINUTES ~Ra~T CITY COUNCIL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE APRIL 19, 2011 LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM, 8:30 A.M. Members Present: Regenia Bailey, Matt Hayek, Susan Mims Staff Present: Wendy Ford, Jeff Davidson, Tom Markus Others Present: Marc Moen, Gigi Wood, Gregg Hennigan, Nancy Quellhorst RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: Mims moved to recommend to the City Council to proceed with an agreement pursuant to the City Manager's Letter of Intent for redevelopment of 118 E. College Street. Hayek seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Mims moved to approve the City Manager's Economic Development Policy statement as discussed. Hayek seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. CALL MEETING TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Bailey at 8:32 A.M. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 15, 2011, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING: Mims moved to accept the February 15, 2011, meeting minutes as presented. Hayek seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. CONSIDER A RECOMMENDATION TO PROCEED WITH AN AGREEMENT PURSUANT TO THE CITY MANAGER'S LETTER OF INTENT FOR REDEVELOPMENT OF 118 E. COLLEGE STREET Jeff Davidson addressed the Members first, stating that he believes Marc Moen will be attending this morning's meeting, in case Members have questions regarding this project. Davidson continued, stating that the project involves the building currently occupied by Vito's. He ran through the staff report, giving Members an idea of what this project will entail. The plan is to gut the building and convert the first floor to a retail space not including a bar or a restaurant, and fit out the upstairs for Class A office space. Davidson added that the building is in poor shape and that before this project begins, there are many improvements and upgrades that must be done including a new roof, and new heating, ventilation and air conditioning. He stated that in working with Moen, and reviewing the costs of acquisition and renovation, it made sense to assist in the expenses of building itself. Doing so would ensure that building would become viable for a new use and that assisting in the costs of a new roof, elevator and HVAC, approximately 12.5% of the costs of the project, the downtown would have a newly refurbished building that would serve Iowa City for a long time to come. Assisting in the building infrastructure costs can be done using tax increment financing. Given that the 2 project will be required to pay full property taxes every year and that the building would carry a minimum assessed value and generate new property taxes of $32,000 annually, it would take eight years for the $250,000 to be paid back to the City using TIF, according to Davidson. Marc Moen spoke next, adding that part of the plan is to return the face of the building to its original condition. He briefly shared what this will entail, including tearing off the green efis facade that exists now and replacing the cornice work and other ornamental items. He also shared where the elevator will be installed, noting that they are required to install one by code, since the second floor is going to be office space. The discussion continued, with Moen sharing with Members what they have found at the 118 E. College Street building and what all will need to be done before it can be restored. Mims asked what "class A office space" refers to. Davidson said it is the standard that commercial realty uses in describing the quality of office space, class A being the best. Moen noted that it will be state-of-the-art space when completed. He also shared that they are working with the same realtor that they worked with to get Starbuck's downtown, in hopes of getting a nationally known retailer in the first floor space. Moen added, however, that this process can take time and will not happen immediately. Mims moved to recommend to the City Council to proceed with an agreement pursuant to the City Manager's Letter of Intent for redevelopment of 118 E. College Street. Hayek seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF CITY MANAGER'S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POLICY STATEMENT Ford noted that Members have a draft of the Economic Development Policy that was presented to City Council in January during the budget process. She added that staff is looking for direction from the Committee as they move forward. Hayek asked for clarification on some wording and Ford noted the edit to incorporate into the final. There was some discussion about referring to place of origination for businesses being recruited to Iowa City with concurrence that the general idea is to NOT recruit business away from our neighbors. This was also discussed among the Members. Davidson and Ford will rework this final wording. Mims moved to approve the City Manager's Economic Development Policy statement as discussed. Hayek seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. STAFF TIME: Ford noted that they are working on amending the Scott Six Industrial Urban Renewal Area to include the new industrial park area. She added that they have a couple of good 3 prospects for the new park. Davidson added that there has been increased interest by developers in various sites around town, and that they may need to establish an urban renewal district in the South Riverside Drive area. COMMITTEE TIME: Hayek noted the improvement in the streetscape and roadwork on Linn Street. He also thanked Davidson for taking himself and a few others up to the DOT Commission's public input meeting last week on rail service. Bailey noted that there is a discussion today about keeping the Post Office's substation downtown open. Everyone agreed that it provides amuch-needed service to the businesses downtown. Staff will see what they can find out about this issue. Bailey also noted that she will be attending the Smart Conference in Des Moines. ADJOURNMENT: Hayek moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:10 A.M. Mims seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Council Economic Development Committee ATTENDANCE RECORD 2011 TERM ,v ~ NAME EXP. Regenia 01/02/11 X X Baile Matt 01/02/11 O X Hayek / E Susan 01/02/11 X X Mims Key: X =Present O =Absent O/E = Absent/Excused U4-LtS-11 IP16 MINUTES PRELIMINARY HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION ARPIL 21, 2011 - 6:30 PM EMMA HARVAT HALL, CITY HALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Andrew Chappell, Cheryl Clamon, Scott Dragoo, Jarrod Gatlin, Holly Jane Hart, Michael McKay, Rebecca McMurray, Rachel Zimmermann Smith MEMBERS ABSENT: Charlie Drum STAFF PRESENT: Steve Long, Tracy Hightshoe OTHERS PRESENT: Deborah Lyon (Successful Living); Phoebe Trepp (Shelter House), Bill Reagan (Arc of Southeast Iowa); Roger Lusala, Roberta Eide, (Mayor's Youth Empowerment Program); Sandy Pickup (Free Medical Clinic); Jim Swaim (UAY) RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE CITY COUNCIL: The Commission voted 8-0 (Drum absent) to approve the FY12 CDBG/HOME budget recommendations as outlined by staff. The Commission voted 8-0 (Drum absent) to approve the Financial Terms for Housing Projects as recommended by staff. The Commission voted 8-0 (Drum absent) to approve the Aid to Agency Budget Recommendations as outlined by staff. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Michael McKay at 6:30 p.m. APPROVAL OF THE MARCH 10 AND MARCH 17, 2011 MINUTES: Zimmermann Smith moved to approve the minutes. Chappell seconded. A vote was taken and the motion carried 8-0 (Drum absent). PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA: None. HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION APRIL 21, 2011 PAGE 2 of 7 STAFF/COMMISSION COMMENT: Long provided an update on the Single Family New Homes Program. This is a program to construct 108 new homes to replace housing stock eliminated in the floods. Long noted that 77 of the homes have been sold or built and 31 are either under construction or soon to be constructed. Long said there had been a lottery drawing a few weeks prior to determine who would have first consideration for the program. Long said that a quick analysis of the program had found that the taxable value to the City is a $4.5 million increase over the homes that had been taken off-line by the flood. Long said that all of the contractors they have worked with are very pleased with the program as it helped to keep people employed during the last couple of years of economic downturn. Zimmermann Smith asked where the homes are. Long said they are scattered throughout Iowa City; including the Peninsula, Mackinaw Village, Olde Towne Village, Windsor Ridge, Whispering Meadows, Village Green and along Sycamore Street (General Quarters). Hightshoe said that there have not been many homes on the west side due to the cost of land and also because the developers did not have land available. The program limits the selling price to $180,000 or less. McKay asked if there were as many people interested in the project the third time around and Hightshoe said that the City always receives 20-30 more applications than homes available. That being said, not everyone that applies will be able to secure the necessary mortgage or want the available homes in the program. Hightshoe stated that they will typically run through all the original applicants and the homes that remain will be on a first come, first served basis. Long said that the UniverCity Neighborhood partnership now has 25 homes that have been purchased or which have accepted purchase offers. Long noted that on Tuesday night City Council had approved the FY11 Action Plan Amendment for the Special Allocation Round. He said this means that the Housing funding in the amount of $1.2 million was approved for Isis Investments, Shelter House, and Southgate Development. DISCUSSION REGARDING FY12 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) AND HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM (HOME) REQUESTS: • FY12 CDBG/HOME Budget Recommendations to Council • Review Financial Terms for Housing Projects Long explained that the FY11 Congressional budget had been passed and signed on Friday, and included a 16% cut to CDBG funds, and a 12% cut in HOME funds. Long said that staff had come up with a way to resolve the situation posed by the cuts. Long said that the year had been a pretty good one in terms of loan payoffs. When someone that has participated in the Homeowner Rehabilitation Program sells their home, funds are returned to the City for reallocation. Long said that the City always holds a little money back for contingency, so they were able to tap into some of those funds. Hightshoe said that she would go over the spreadsheet to explain more fully, after which the Commission can vote to approve, modify or do something entirely different with the proposal before them. Hightshoe explained that there was a cut of $115,551 to CDBG funding, and $81,359 to the HOME funds. The HOME funds were not of too great of consequence to HCDC's recommendation since the Commission had not allocated $87,800 in HOME funds during the allocation process. She did note that The Housing Fellowship's CHDO funding would have to go down by approximately $4,000, and that a CHDO predevelopment loan of $10,500 is not an HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION APRIL 21, 2011 PAGE 3 of 7 eligible expense. As the City did not receive any applications that would qualify as CHDO reserve for City FY12, a CHDO pre-development loan is not allowed. Hightshoe said that there is enough money to cover the CDBG shortfall for this year partially due to higher than normal loan repayments and uncommitted funds, but that will not be the case next year. Hightshoe explained that there is presently a City Council set-aside for the Iowa City Economic Development fund. The fund currently has a balance of $147,000. By reducing the FY12 amount to $35,428 (opposed to $91,000) this fund would then have a balance of over $182,000 for FY12 projects. This would provide funds to assist 5-6 businesses. In FY11 the fund assisted two businesses. Hightshoe said that staff has not utilized all the budgeted CDBG administration funds due to the administration of so many other projects including flood recovery programs, (Jobs, and the Single Family New Construction Program. These unused administration funds will be used to partially fill the deficit as well. By allocating more funds from loan repayments, using the uncommitted CDBG administration funds and reducing the Economic Development set aside for FY12, the remaining CDBG allocations would be unaffected. Due to higher than anticipated HOME repayments, staff recommends the additional HOME funds as well as the $10,500 that can't be used as a CHDO pre-development loan be applied to the Iowa City Housing Rehab. HOME program for comprehensive rehabilitation for owner occupied homes. She said that if there is another cut next year the decisions will get harder to make because the cushions being used to buffer the impact of the cuts this year will be gone. Long noted that staff has been working on this for the past couple of days in order to avoid cuts to applicant allocations. Chappell said that he was not comfortable with the cut to Economic Development until he heard Hightshoe say that the remaining funds were enough to fund six businesses in the next year. He said the idea of touching aset-aside is one that he takes very seriously. Chappell moved to adopt staff s recommendations, including those regarding the predevelopment loan. McMurray seconded. A vote was taken and the motion carried 8-0 (Drum absent). Hightshoe noted that staff had reviewed the proformas and had come up with recommendations for allocation terms for each of the projects. She briefly ran through the various loan terms staff is recommending. Zimmermann Smith moved to accept staff s recommendations on the financial terms. Gatlin seconded. A vote was taken and the motion carried 8-0 (Drum absent). McKay thanked staff for the great work they did on the allocations. DISCUSSION REGARDING FY12 AID TO AGENCY FUNDING REQUESTS: • FY12 Aid to Agency Budget Recommendations HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION APRIL 21, 2011 PAGE 4 of 7 Hightshoe explained that there was a funding shortfall in this area as well. She said that the cuts had been made up for the most part, with the exception of the contingency fund. Long said that staff feels comfortable that the gap can be covered for this one year. Gatlin asked how often the contingency has actually been used in the past. Long said that his understanding was that it was not that often. He said that from what staff can gather the contingency fund is used very rarely. Zimmermann Smith moved to approve the staff funding recommendations and eliminate the contingency fund. Gatlin seconded. A vote was taken and the motion carried 8-0 (Drum absent). REVIEW OF THE FY12 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN • Recommendation to City Council Hightshoe explained that the Annual Action Plan must be submitted to HUD each year by May 15th. She said it basically outlines the budget that the Commission just approved. Hightshoe said that because the Commission has slightly amended allocation amounts, changes will also have to be made to the Annual Action Plan itself. Hightshoe said that the document has been out for public comment since April 1S` and will go before City Council on May 3. Chappell moved to recommend to City Council to adopt the plan with the changes discussed. Zimmermann Smith seconded. A vote was taken and the motion carried 8-0 (Drum absent). DISCUSSION OF FY11 PROJECTS THAT HAVE NOT PERFORMED PER THE UNSUCCESSFUL OR DELAYED PROJECTS POLICY: Hightshoe said that the only project that fell into this category is the MECCA project that was funded to replace/repair the doors and sidewalk. Hightshoe said that work will begin in the spring. MECCA fully anticipates having the project done by the end of the fiscal year. Hightshoe said that they have requested an extension through the end of the fiscal year. A consensus was reached to grant the extension. REVIEW OF THE FY12 ALLOCATION PROCESS: McKay distributed a memo containing his thoughts on ways the allocation process could be improved. McKay said that he believed a little more training or retraining for the Commission would be helpful. He said that a review of terminology, processes and uses for particular funding sources might be helpful to have on an annual basis. He said that consistency in terms of weighting, particularly in regard to the weight given rankings, would be helpful. McKay said that he also believes the ranking tools could be a little more user friendly. McKay said that the Commissioners were selected to serve because of their experience, knowledge and interests and will have to make judgments from time to time that are not very scientific. He suggested that a sub-committee be formed to begin work on reviewing the process. HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION APRIL 21, 2011 PAGE 5 of 7 Zimmermann Smith asked if the goal of asub-committee is to establish a rule specifically on how to weight things. She said that she believes the tool and the rankings will always be imperfect. Chappell said he too believed there should be asub-committee to discuss the process and the forms. Chappell said that it makes no sense to him to tell applicants that they will weigh things a certain way and then to not use those weighted scores as a guide to funding. He said that if the decision was to be based solely on judgment then the applicant should not be expected to craft an application around the criteria for the rankings. Zimmermann Smith said that it was probably a good idea to have some sort of open forum for Commissioners to explain why their funding decisions for a given application might not match their rankings for it. She agreed that a committee was a good idea. Hart said she agreed that looking into the process and tools was a good idea. She said that she does not agree with the notion that applicants complete their applications in order to line them up with the funding criteria. Hart said her concern is that the rankings as they are currently configured advantage and disadvantage certain kinds of applications. Chappell, Hart, McKay and McMurray agreed to be on a subcommittee to discuss these issues. A member of the public suggested that after the Commission had reviewed the process it would be helpful for them to share their findings with the applicants. He said that most applicants recognize the issues that the Commission struggles with when making funding decisions. Hightshoe said that staff would also like input on the reports they put together on the applications. She said they have very limited time between when they receive the applications and when they need to get the reports in front of the Commission. She said that if there were things that were not helpful or did not guide their decisions then staff could simply eliminate them. DISCUSSION OF TH_E COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CELEBRATION Hightshoe explained that a Community Development Celebration is held each year to highlight the impact that CDBG/HOME dollars have made in our community. She noted that it might be even more important to have such a venue now that the CDBG/HOME budgets are being cut. Hightshoe said that Iowa City has been a CDBG entitlement community since 1974, and a HOME entitlement community since 1994. She said that HOME has funded over 300 rental units since 1994, in addition to all of the HOME funds that have gone to assist various owner- occupied projects. She said the committee only meets once or twice and then typically an intern takes on most of the planning duties. She said that staff needs Commission input on location, awards, and speakers for the event. Zimmermann Smith, Clamon and Drum will form the celebration committee. McKay said that it is important to get the word out to the public on the projects that have been funded. He advised Commission members and staff to do so whenever possible. Long noted that it is a good idea for members of the public to remind state and federal legislators of the impact of CDBG/HOME funds on the community and the populations that are impacted by those dollars. MONITORING REPORTS: • Shelter House -Shelter Rental Housing & Operations (Gatlin) Gatlin said that he is monitoring three Shelter House projects. The first project was funded in 2010 in the amount of $311,268. Construction of the shelter was completed and the 70 bed HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION APRIL 21, 2011 PAGE 6 of 7 shelter is now open. The second Shelter House project is for rental housing that was funded in FY11; those funds have also been spent. Shelter House acquired a property and will use FY11 CDBG funds to rehabilitate the duplex into a six unit SRO property for persons with a verifiable disability, preference to military veterans with chronic mental illness. Shelter House operations funding in the amount of $2,888 was used as a cash match for the STAR Program's case management. Hightshoe noted that the Shelter House kitchen is up and running as a catering service; it is intended to train and give employment experience to residents as well as to provide operating income to the facility. A Shelter House representative offered to give tours at any time. ADJOURNMENT: Dragoo moved to adjourn. Zimmermann Smith seconded. The motion was approved 8-0 (Drum absent). Z O ~_ O V H z W J a O W W D ~_ Z 0 V Z Q Z_ D 0 v W W ~ V ~ Z O Q N 0 Z W F~-- Q N X X X ~ X X X X X X X ~ X X X X X X M 0 X X X X X X X X X M X X X X X X X X X N X _I X X X X X X X d N .- M M N M ~ ~ N W ~ O N O N O N O N O N O N r O N r O N r O N r r r r r r H a J Z Q C.1 W H a W ~ ~ ~ ~ = a' ~' V ~ Q Q J V Q Q W Z O (~ ~ Z _ ~ ~ ~ -~ W a a i ~ ~ U a ~ ~ J a H a Q ~ = ~ W = ~ ~a Z U V c c D O C7 _ ~ ~ tV ~ N ~ X ~ W ~- N c~~~ ~a~~c~ ~~oo aQzz II II II II W ~ ; ~ ~ Y X O Z