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Home My WebLink About2011-10-06 Info Packet� = 1 �� , a"alll `i = CITY OF IOWA CITY www.icgov.org CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET MISCELLANEOUS October 6, 2011 IP1 Council Meetings and Work Session Agenaa IP2 Memo from First Assistant City Attorney: Public records request IP3 Staff response to Frank Williams: INTERESTED (Von Maur) IP4 Letter from ICHRC Immigration Subcommittee Members: ICHRC Immigration Issues Recommendations IP5 Memo from Parks & Recreation Dir.: Parks Tour IP6 Annual review of CITY STEPS discussion flyer IP7 Building Permit Information - September 2011 IP8 The Planner — September 2011 IP9 Iowa League of Cities Budget Workshops Information DRAFT MINUTES IP10 Planning & Zoning: September 15, 2011 - 1 01b-1 1 City Council Meeting Schedule and 1P1 CITY OF IOWA CITY Work Session Agendas October 6, 2011 www.icgov.org TENTATIVE MEETING SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE ♦ MONDAY, OCTOBER 17 Emma J. Harvat Hall 5:30p Regular Work Session ♦ TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18 Emma J. Harvat Hall 7:00p Regular Formal Council Meeting ♦ TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1 Emma J. Harvat Hall 5:30p Special Work Session 7:00p Regular Formal Council Meeting ♦ MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21 Emma J. Harvat Hall 5:30p Special Work Session ♦ TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22 Emma J. Harvat Hall 7:00p Special Formal Council Meeting ♦ TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29 Beckwith Boathouse 1:00p -5:00p Special Work Session — Strategic Planning Session Terrill Mill Park 5:00p -7:00p Orientation (current and incoming Council) ♦ WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30 Iowa City School District 4:00p Joint Meeting Administrative Offices ♦ MONDAY, DECEMBER 5 Emma J. Harvat Hall 2:00p -5:30p Special Work Session — Strategic Planning Session 5:30P Regular Work Session ♦ TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6 Emma J. Harvat Hall 7:00p Regular Formal Council Meeting (Council notified by phone and /or email 10/6) CITY OF IOWA CITY IP2 MEMORANDUM Date: October 5, 2011 To: All City Council members, City Manager Tom Markus and Eco. Dev. Coord. Wendy Ford From: Sarah E. Holecek, First Assistant City Attorney Re: Public records request and requirement to submit and retain existing emails "to and from City Council members, City Manager Tom Markus, and Economic Coordinator Wendy Ford regarding the Divaris Real Estate [contract] and consultant John Millar between January 1 to October 4, 2011 ". A citizen has filed a request under the Iowa Open Records Act (Iowa Code Chapter 22) requesting access to and copies of "all e -mail correspondences to and from City Council members, City Manager Tom Markus, and Economic [Development] Coordinator Wendy Ford regarding the Divaris Real Estate [contract] and consultant John Millar between January 1, 2011 and October 4, 2011." TO BE AS COMPREHENSIVE AS POSSIBLE AND IN ANTICPATION OF MORE REFINED REQUESTS, PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT ALL CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS, THE MAYOR AND NAMED CITY STAFF ARE REQUIRED TO RETAIN ANY AND ALL EMAILS RELATING TO THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS REQUEST. If you have any such e- mails, WHETHER ON CITY OR PERSONAL COMPUTERS, please forward printed or electronic copies to our office as soon as possible, BUT NO LATER THAN THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2011. If you have any questions as to whether an e-mail in your possession fits within the terms of the request, please err on the side of caution and forward the e -mail to our office. Please take steps to retain such e- mails, either by hard copy in your files or on your computers, until we have responded to this public records request. Our office will notify you once the request has been satisfied and you are no longer required to retain the e- mails. If you have questions, please contact me. Thanks! Cc: Tom Markus, City Manager Dale Helling, Asst. City Manager Eleanor M. Dilkes, City Attorney Marian Karr, City Clerk Jeff Davidson, Director, PCD Wendy Ford, Economic Development Coordinator Michael Harapat, Senior Systems Engineer Oriignal letter received 10/4/11 agenda # 4g (7)' Marian Karr From: Wendy Ford Sent: Tuesday, October 04, 2011 6:56 PM To: 'jm800155 @hotmail.com' Cc: Tom Markus; Dale Helling; Jeff Davidson; Council Subject: RE: INTERESTED Dear Mr. Williams, Thank you for your interest in and for contacting us about this important Iowa City commercial center. Since the first hint of the news that Von Maur was being courted by Coralville, a couple of years ago, Iowa City staff has been in contact with the Von Maur corporate office trying to find a way to ensure they remain at Sycamore. They told us several times they would only operate one store in this market. Earlier this year, Sycamore Mall owners offered lease renewal terms that would have provided nearly free rent initially and substantially reduced rent for a five year commitment at Sycamore. The offer included a portion of financial incentives from the City (which would have required Council approval, should they have taken it up). They did not respond. We will continue to work with Von Maur and with the Mall owners in an effort to ensure that a healthy retail environment continues at Sycamore. Sincerely, Wendy Economic Development Coordinator 410 E. Washington St. Iowa City, IA 52240 Phone 319 - 356 -5248 From: frank williams [mailto:jm800l55 @hotmaii.com] Sent: Monday, September 26, 20115:16 PM To: Council Subject: INTERESTED Ok we all know now that the city of coralville is going to give 9.5million to Von Maur to open a new store. I was wondering if the council had any plans to try and convince Von Maur to keep the store at Sycamore open ? ?? i know that you spend a lot of time trying to revive downtown and seem to do whatever you can to help the businesses there. just wondering if you are going to put the same amount of energy to saving this store on the SE side, or are you just going to let the SE side businesses slowly slip away ? ? ?? Frank Williams 1123 Pine St. 0800155 hotmail.com TO: Mayor Matt Hayek IN CC: Iowa City City Council Members FROM: ICHRC Immigration Subcommittee Members (Dianne Day, Harry Olmstead, Orville Townsend, Diane Finnerty) DATE: October 4, 2011 RE: ICHRC Immigration Issues Recommendations Thank you for an engaged discussion of the IC Human Rights Commission's ( ICHRC) Immigration Report at the Joint Work Session on September 19th. We appreciated the Council's questions, their statements about the quality of our report, and the nascent support for several of the proposed recommendations. At the conclusion of the Work Session, several Council members stated that they needed additional time to solicit input from the City staff regarding specific recommendations before being able to vote. We now understand that the Immigration Report has been placed on a pending Work Session agenda on November 21, 2011. At this time, we are writing to request that Council conduct a cursory vote on the specific recommendations in advance of the November 2111 Work Session, preferably as part of the October 181h Regular Formal Council Meeting. At that time, we ask that Council members vote on each specific recommendation with a simple indication of one of three options: "yes," "no," "need the following additional information before voting: " For those items in the third category, the ICHRC commissioners and IC staff members will then know what to provide Council members before the November 2111 Work Session - making that discussion as efficient as possible. We make this sincere request due to the fact that several of the IC Human Rights Commissioners, who have been involved in this discussion for over a year, are completing their term in January 2012, as are several Council members who have also been involved in the multiple stages of this discussion these past many months. To wait until November 2111 to address these issues will no doubt result in a prolonged timeline before any vote is taken. We recognize that Council may want additional information on specific recommendations, but we also believe that several recommendations are ready for a simple "yes/no" vote. We recognize that full implementation of some of the recommendations will take additional time (e.g., drafting the language for the proposed municipal ordinance clarifying City employees' roles vis a vis immigration), but we see no reason for further delay of an up/down vote on each recommendation to continue to move the process, and our City, forward Thank you for your continued leadership of our city and for your sincere consideration of this request. Please respond to Dianne Day, Chair, Iowa City Human Rights Commission, with your response to this request. ry c� u� city of iowa city PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT 220 S. Gilbert Street TO: Mayor, Council Members, and City Manager FROM: Mike Moran, Parks & Recreation Director DATE: October 4, 2011 RE: Parks Tour On behalf of the Parks and Recreation Commission, I would like to extend an invitation to join us on the commission's annual tour of parks and recreation facilities and open space. The tour is scheduled for Wednesday, October 12. The commission will conduct a very brief business meeting at 4:00 p.m. in meeting room "B" at the Recreation Center, with the tour to begin shortly thereafter. Dinner will be provided, and we hope to conclude the tour no later than 7:30 p.m. In order to make proper transportation and meal arrangements, we need to know how many people will be joining us. Please call me at 356 -5104 or Tammy at 356 -5210 to RSVP. We would appreciate hearing from you by Monday, October 10. „Pa We need your input,, Help the City of Iowa City determine what the most important needs are today for low- to moderate - income residents of our community. Lexington Place, which provides affordable rental housing for elderly/ disabled, and the Iowa City Senior Center were built or purchased with Community Development funds. join the discussion! Please join City staff members in a discussion of current community needs. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13 • 12:30 pm • SENIOR CENTER, ROOM 202 Your input will be used to update Iowa and prioritize how to spend federal fun $1.2 million per year — to assist low- a residents. Funds have previously been i homeless assistance, childcare, public s transportation. For more information Contact Tracy Hightshoe City of Iowa City Community Development Planner tracy-hightshoe@)iowa-city.org 319.356.5230 www.icgov.org/commdev BUILDING PERMIT INFORMATION September 2011 KEY FOR ABBREVIATIONS Type of Improvement: ADD - Addition ALT - Alteration REP - Repair FND - Foundation Only NEW -New OTH - Other type of construction Type of Use: RSF - Residential Single Family RDF - Residential Duplex RMF - Three or more residential RAC - Residential Accessory Building MIX - Mixed NON - Non - residential OTH - Other Page: 2 City of Iowa City Date: 10/3/2011 Extraction of Building Permit Data for To: 9/1/2011 From : 9/30/2011 Census Bureau Report Type _Type Permit Number Name Address ImDr Use Stories Units Valuation BLDI1 -00513 NORTH DODGE PARTNERS I 1725 N DODGE ST ADD NON 1 0 $9,937 STORAGE SHED FOR SCHOOL DISTRICT OFFICES Total ADDINON permits: 1 Total Valuation : $9,937 BLD10 -00295 HAROLD S MULLINNIX 723 KIRKWOOD AVE ADDITION TO DETACHED GARAGE FOR SFD ADD RAC 1 0 $3,000 Total ADD/RAC permits: 1 Total Valuation: $3,000 BLDII -00422 DAVID & SAMANTHA WIESI 818 N LINN ST 2ND STORY ADDITION FOR SFD 0 BLDII -00512 JEFFREYA& DIANNE R WA' 1840 BRISTOLDR ADDITION FOR SFD 0 BLDII -00530 ED & PAT VILLHAUER 2911 SWEET BRIAR AVE ADDITION FOR SFD RSF Universal Design 0 BLDII -00532 BRAD & AMY JOHNSON 311 WOOLF AVE SCREEN PORCH ADDITION FOR SFD 0 BLDII -00528 SUE & ERIC ANDREWS 3010 BROOKSIDE DR DECK REPLACEMENT FOR SFD RSF BLDII -00522 STEELE, CHEYAN A 150 DARTMOUTH ST DECK ADDITION FOR SFD ADD BLDI 1 -00525 DEBORAH FLOYD 1809 ROCHESTER CT DECK ADDITION FOR SFD $4,000 BLDII -00485 RAE LYNN SCHEPERS 3749 DONEGAL CT STAIRS TO EXISTING DECK 0 BLDI I -00498 CARSON, STEVE 3207 ROHRET RD DECK ADDITION FOR SFD 0 ADD RSF 2 0 $65,000 ADD RSF 0 0 $62,000 ADD RSF 0 0 $53,570 ADD RSF 0 0 $7,000 ADD RSF 0 0 $6,390 ADD RSF 0 0 $4,000 ADD RSF 0 0 $3,000 ADD RSF 0 0 $1,700 ADD RSF 0 0 $1,300 Total ADD/RSF permits: 9 Total Valuation : $203,960 BLDI] -00533 WEST DES MOINES STATE B 1910 LOWER MUSCATINE ALT REMODELBANK BLDII -00515 LOPARAX 2000 INDUSTRIAL PARK ALT MIXING BOOTH AND COATING LINE FOR FACTORY BLDII -00457 GOODWILL 1500SISTAVE ALT GOODWILL USED COMPUTER STORE IN FORMER PET STORE ACCESSIBLE RESTROOM NON 0 0 $366,981 NON 0 0 $147,500 NON 1 0 $40,549 BLD10 -00713 VERIZON WIRELESS 210 S DUBUQUE ST ALT NON REPLACE ANTENNAE ON HOTEL ROOFTOP BLDI I -00193 DPB ENTERPRISES INC 323 E BURLINGTON ST ALT NON Furr out rear wall of building BLDII -00510 HANSONAUTO 2462 FREEDOM CT ALT NON PAINT BOOTH, MIXING ROOM FOR AUTO BODY SHOP BLDII -00534 TOWNCREST INVS LP 2407 TOWNCREST DR ALT NON OFFICE REMODEL 0 0 $30,000 1 0 $30,000 1 0 $15,000 0 0 $4,000 Page : 3 City of Iowa City Date: 10/3/2011 Extraction of Building Permit Data for To: 9/1/2011 From: 9/30/2011 Census Bureau Report Type Tune Permit Number Name Address Imnr Use Stories Units Valuation Total ALT/NON permits: 7 Total Valuation : $634,030 BLDI I -00574 ROBERT P GAFFEY 3011 CORNELL AVE ALT RDF 0 0 $2,800 REPLACE EXISTING 7 X 22 DECK WITH 12 X 22 DECK Total ALT/RDF permits: 1 Total Valuation : $2,800 BLDI I -00572 TYLER J SWENSON 253 HUNTINGTON DR ALT RMF 1 0 $3,375 Convert screen porch to four season room Total ALT /RMF permits: 1 Total Valuation : $3,375 BLD11 -00499 JASON HAGEDORN 211 RICHARDS ST ALT RSF 0 0 $39,300 LAUNDRY, MUDROOM, BATHROOMS REMODEL FOR SFD BLDI I -00558 S PAUL & PIERINA HRIBAR 71 SUMAC CT ALT RSF 0 0 $24,389 Basement finish BLDI1 -00511 JACKIE & ALLEN KLOESS 503 HUNTINGTON DR ALT RSF 0 0 $22,000 CONVERT SCREEN PORCH TO 4 SEASON BLDII -00556 JEREMY FADEN & SARAH K 1141 E COURT ST ALT RSF 0 0 $17,000 BASEMENT FINISH FOR SFD BLDI1 -00543 CITY OF IOWA CITY 658 S LUCAS ST ALT RSF 0 0 $15,000 KITCHEN REMODEL FOR SFD BLD11 -00474 MARK & SUSAN ISHAM 838 DEARBORN ST ALT RSF 0 0 $10,000 KITCHEN REMODEL FOR SFD BLD11 -00514 JIM LEAVEN 910 MAPLEWOOD LN ALT RSF 0 0 $7,024 BATH REMODEL FOR SFD BLDI I -00535 LARSEN, ROSEMARY B 217 LINDEN CT ALT RSF 0 0 $6,900 EGRESS WINDOW FOR SFD BLDII -00559 ALAN & SARA CROSS 4270 CUMBERLAND LN ALT RSF 1 0 $5,500 Install screen porch under existing deck BLDI I -00573 BILL RISMA 1029 RYAN CT ALT RSF 0 0 $2,600 CONVERT SCREEN PORCH TO 3 SEASON PORCH BLDI I -00507 CITY OF IOWA CITY 1208 E BURLINGTON ST ALT RSF 2 0 $2,000 CHANGE REAR PORCH ROOF TO HIP ROOF BLDII -00531 DUSTIN BIGELOW 1503 YEWELL ST ALT RSF 0 0 $1,900 BASEMENT FINISH AND BATH ROUGH -IN FOR SFD Total ALT/RSF permits : 12 Total Valuation : $153,613 BLDI I -00463 AFTERSHOCK, LLC 1015 HIGHWAY 1 NEW NON 1 0 $519,528 DAIRY QUEEN RESTAURANT BUILDING WITH ADJACENT GAMESTOP TENANT SPACE BLD11 -00392 WILLIAM A& LINDAA BEDT 1910 S RIVERSIDE DR NEW NON 1 0 $325,000 CONTRACTOR OFFICE /WAREHOUSE BLDI1 -00516 AFTERSHOCK, LLC 1015 HIGHWAY 1 NEW NON 1 0 $53,576 FOUNDATION FOR RESTAURANT Page: 4 City of Iowa City Date : 10/3/2011 Extraction of Building Permit Data for To : 9/1/2011 From: 9/30/2011 Census Bureau Report Type Type Permit Number Name Address Impr Use Stories BLDI I -00544 SAMUEL GILBAUGH 117 HIGHWAY 1 WEST NEW NON 1 COFFEE SHOP DRIVE UP Units Valuation 0 $13,190 Total NEW /NON permits: 4 Total Valuation : $911,294' BLD 11 -00541 BRAD & BRENNA ELDEEN 941 EVERGREEN CT INGROUND POOL ADDITION FOR SFD' BLDI I -00453 HENNING GERKE 17 TUCSON PL TENNIS COURT AND FENCE FOR SFD NEW OTH 0 0 $90,000 NEW OTH 0 0 $76,237 Total NEW /OTH permits: 2 Total Valuation : $166,237' BLDI I -00542 SWANSON, STEPHEN 402 N DODGE ST DETACHED GARAGE ADDITION FOR SFD BLDI I -00521 RON BRUS 2517 WAYNE AVE DETACHED GARAGE ADDITION FOR SFD NEW RAC 1 0 $18,507 NEW RAC 1 0 $10,000 Total NEW/RAC permits: 2 Total Valuation: $28,507' BLDI I -00508 PRIME VENTURES, L.C. 1902 ALGONQUIN RD NEW RMF 2 4 $709,658 4 UNIT TOWNHOUSES WITH ATTACHED 2 CAR GARAGES 1902 - 1906 - 1910 -1914 ALGONQUIN RD BLDI I -00509 PRIME VENTURES, L.C. 752 MISSION POINT RD NEW RMF 2 4 $681,338 4 UNIT TOWNHOUSES WITH ATTACHED 2 CAR GARAGES 752- 756- 760 -764 MISSION POINT RD, MLO 721.8 Total NEW /RMF permits: 2 Total Valuation : $1,390,996 BLDI I -00520 AL & JENNIFER RATNER 1164 ROBIN RD NEW RSF SFD WITH ATTACHED 3 CAR GARAGE BLDI I -00553 ARLINGTON DEVELOPMEN" 84 COLCHESTER DR NEW RSF SFD WITH ATTACHED 2 CAR GARAGE MLO 736.70 BLDI I -00519 ARLINGTON DEVELOPMEN' 327 ARLINGTON DR NEW RSF SFD WITH ATTACHED 2 CAR GARAGE BLDI I -00552 ARLINGTON DEVELOPMEN 29 WHITECHAPEL DR NEW RSF SFD WITH ATTACHED 3 CAR GARAGE BLDII -00517 PENINSULADEVELOPMENI 660 WALKER CIR NEW RSF SFD WITH ATTACHED 2 CAR GARAGE BLDI I -00529 B & H BUILDERS 3041 WINTERGREEN DR NEW RSF SFD WITH ATTACHED 2 CAR GARAGE SUMP ENGINEERING BLDI I -00160 ADVANTAGE CUSTOM BUIL 918 MANITOU TRL NEW RSF SFD WITH ATTACHED 3 CAR GARAGE BLDI I -00562 ARLINGTON DEVELOPMEN 79 COLCHESTER DR NEW RSF S.F.D. with two car garage BLD11 -00537 IOWA VALLEY HABITAT 2547 WHISPERING PRAIRI NEW RSF SFD WITH ATTACHED ONE CAR GARAGE PUBLIC FUNDS 2 1 $341,483 2 1 $230,834 1 1 $202,394 1 1 $200,763 2 1 $200,000 1 1 $198,370 1 1 $175,327 2 1 $144,938 1 1 $139,975 Page: 5 City of Iowa City Date: 1013/2011 Extraction of Building Permit Data for To : 9/1/2011 From : 9/30/2011 Census Bureau Report Tyne Type Permit Number Name Address [mnr Use Stories BLDOI -00114 ELMER BRENNEMAN 789 SANDUSKY DR NEW RSF I S.F.D. WITH ATTACHED ONE CAR GARAGE. Units Valuation 1 $110,000 Total NEW/RSF permits : 10 Total Valuation : $1,944,084 BLDI1 -00568 CITY OF IOWA CITY 220 S CAPITOL ST 2011 PARKING RAMP REPAIR PROJECT 0 BLDI1 -00569 CITY OF IOWA CITY 220 S DUBUQUE ST 2011 PARKING RAMP REPAIR PROJECT 0 BLDI 1 -00570 CITY OF IOWA CITY 415 WASHINGTON ST 2011 PARKING RAMP REPAIR PROJECT NON BLDI1 -00550 ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC CHU 220 E JEFFERSON ST Tuckpointing structure REP REP NON 0 0 $58,666 REP NON 0 0 $58,666 REP NON 0 0 $58,666 REP NON 0 0 $3,242 Total REPINON permits: 4 Total Valuation : $179,240 BLDI 1 -00497 WEST PARK PLACE LLC 204 PARK RD REPLACE DETACHED GARAGE FOUNDATION BLDOO -00256 SUSAN R JOHNSON 213 MCLEAN ST Repair foundation of garage REP RAC 0 0 $6,943 REP RAC 1 0 $3,740 Total REP /RAC permits: 2 Total Valuation : $10,683 BLDI1 -00263 HARRY W HINCKLEY 804 N DUBUQUE ST Fire repair with minor modification 0 BLDOO -00123 OLD GOLD APARTMENTS LI 739 MICHAEL ST REROOF MULTI- FAMILY 0 BLDOO -00715 JOHN ROFFMAN 519 S DODGE ST REPLACE BEDROOM WINDOWS FOR RMF RMF BLDII -00561 JUDY ELLESON 420NISTAVE Replace two florr joist on deck REP REP RMF 0 0 $54,000 REP RMF 0 0 $34,519 REP RMF 0 0 $1,800 REP RMF 0 0 $250 Total REP /RMF permits: 4 Total Valuation : $90,569' BLDI 1 -00486 KAWASAKI, HIROTO 735 SPENCER DR WINDOW AND DOOR REPLACEMENT FOR SFD 0 BLDOO -00649 NATE HOPKINS 23 DURHAM CT EGRESS WINDOWS FOR SFD 0 BLDI 1 -00547 SHERI A CLEMMENSEN 1304 FRANKLIN ST EGRESS WINDOWS FOR SFD RSF BLDOO -00723 DELORES WOODHOUSE 300 MCLEAN ST EGRESS WINDOWS FOR SFD REP BLDI I -00564 STEVEN J SELZER 2909 BROOKSIDE DR REPLACE STAIR RAILING FOR SFD $700 REP RSF 0 0 $2,500 REP RSF 0 0 $1,100 REP RSF 0 0 $1,000 REP RSF 0 0 $700 REP RSF 0 0 $200 Total REP /RSF permits : 5 Total Valuation : $5,500' Page: 6 City of Iowa City Date : 10/3/2011 Extraction of Building Permit Data for To : 9/1/2011 From: 9/30/2011 Census Bureau Report Type Type Permit Number Name Address Imor Use GRAND TOTALS: PERMITS: 67 Stories Units Valuation VALUATION: $5,737,825 s n W 4 C C -0+� 3 p cc CD 07 n N D x x x K In w v O S Cn m 0 K K K w 0 w< 0 (D CD CD n C o (D C3. = p x Z O c = N CD 3 3 3 p o °_- Z c CD .c�. ° m `° m O O m 0 a CD a CD —Z= a (D to "^ go �°- ° � d m D1 CD zp y 3 Q c Z o Q z CD CD x -n -i DDZ� r r c Z= c z' - c c 0 zaz c n c Z C c z0 C zCOz C j C Z C Z d C Z C y C Q 3 3 C C W C C 3 (D 'O 3 Q C 3 O' c 5- 3 0- 0 3 3 0• (D N 3 S Q 3 [S 3 p 0- 3 CS w 3 tr 3 !/+ 0' 3 Q> 0 3 tT 3 tS 3 Q N O (Mo ID 00-3 N 5 3 -n 3 3 <° m 3 CD W m 3 (� (� 0-p 0 m D m _. m y m m (� i fl w (j o °- m (D o c� (� m m y, c) 3 C O c 0 0 0 7 0- 0 0 0 =° 0 w o '� o ° o c '0 �= -°i. 7 tai+ v° '0 d"0 @' v ='0 U) -0 V "•'D �'v� v 'O V "O co a� CD W'0 v v 'D ,N., CA N N (D N , CD (p N 3 n fD 3 (D 3, N N 3 CD 3. N CD CD 3 CD 3 (D c 7 N ?. a a f0 3 fD 3 N N (D 3 C 0 3 3 3 y> O 2. N N (%1 N N (l) (n 9) 41 (tl (%1 (%1 (A N 0 W y N N 7 m rn y O 00 D N A Cb 0 r D) ?. 01 (n N .2 -n 00 N A N II (0) A W O V C 0 O O O O 0 W W � N W s J A AO O N W (n mn 0 O 3 A O W O O (D 0 0D O N N .A' W O J CJI 0 V N N co 0 D to 'O (n W _ Cb CV O W 0 A V CD O N O W(D _ V C+C ) j O V W(D --� A A N A Iv 0 O 01 O W O W O V d W O _ W m o T A W O m N O O N en W W s N O W __W.. N � a N N L CD c 0 Cn N O O Cn (D Cn V 0 W N O O -` N O V Cn N N N O j 0 O W O CL L e 0ND N A A O N .COO O W K 0 V O A W0 W _ O O O (071 W 00-0 OtD 0 O >0 V CD V N W N N D W A W --� OD A 0 — c WN N D N A A O OD c y 07 O (D OD C O J 0) _ 0) O V rt C) W N W Cn W [n Cn s (D O 4 0 (A A w 0) rn n 0 ? 3 0 Cn (D N tit N N O (O O Q O V N CA O N V W (D CD CD O W CD C), O O W N V co (0 •P O O 00 to CO 0 W A O () 0 N Z m 3 v 0 ID ID 3 c W -_ 0 0 Cb N W V W Cn 0 A O O O W O CA co 0) W 0 D C71 V O (n Cn N (J W W (O N 6 N 0 O co V O A V W 0) V 00 W Cn r V W _ O VO W (D W i;3 W O W O N s W O V V v -• O O -� fn CD W� 0 O N 0 W 0 Cn 0 w 0 0 C71 CO 0 0 0 O 4 Z O Z W i N D 0 ) W N W c0D J 0 O s n W 4 C C -0+� 3 p cc CD 07 n N DEPARTMENT DIVISIONS • Community Development • Economic Development • Historic Preservation • Housing Rehabilitation • MPOJC (Metropolitan Planning Organization of Johnson County) • Neighborhood Services • Public Art • Urban Planning STAFF CONTACTS Contact information for PCD staff appears on the back page. TO SUBSCRIBE TO THIS NEWSLETTER Visit www.icgov.org /subscribe To view previous issues, visit www.icgov.org/theplanner INSIDE THIS ISSUE MPOJC New Hwy I trail ................... 3 Neighborhood Services Grant Wood Markets ........... 4 Public Art Donation Stations .................4 Northside LiteraryWalk ..... 5 Economic Development Downtown SSMID ...............6 Urban Planning New developments ........... 7-8 le SEPTEMBER 2011 PLANNER E- newsletter for the City of Iowa City Planning and Community Development Department Local trails are a great place to view fall color spectacle Fall leaf- viewing is here — and some of the best places to catch the visual spectacle of changing leaf colors are the City's local trails. The Iowa City metropolitan area trail system provides more than 40 miles of hard -sur- faced trails, many of which wind through timbered areas or along the river, where fall colors are most intense. Because of their proximity to the river, sections of the Iowa River Corridor Trail and the Clear CreekTrail offer particularly spectacular views this time of year, but all trails will provide great seasonal scenery. To get informa- tion on the many trails there are to explore in the Iowa City area, consult the Iowa City metro area trails map. Free printed copies are available in area public libraries, City Halls, recreation centers, the Iowa City - Coralville Convention & Visitors Bureau, and at local bike shops.The map is also avail- able online at www.mpoic.org. continued on next page The Planner, September 2011 —page 2 METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION OF JOHNSON COUNTY Data shows area's population growth and transportation choices for work commutes The 2010 U.S. Census, as well as the 2009 American Community Survey, have revealed some interesting data regarding the population of the Iowa City urbanized area, as well as the choices people are making for their transportation needs. The census shows that during the decade beginning in 2000, the populations of all municipalities in the Iowa City urbanized area increased — some definitely more than others. In ten years, the population of North Liberty grew an incredible 149 %, followed by a 100% growth rate in Tiffin. Population growth in other Johnson County communities appears in the graph below. Meanwhile, the American Community Survey showed that residents of the Iowa City urbanized area tend to commute by walking, biking, and public transportation more than other areas in Iowa. In University Heights, 22.6% of its residents walk to work, while 14.9% of Iowa City residents do the same. The "Other" category in the graph below includes biking and taking a taxi to work — and again, University Heights led the urbanized area at 15.1 %. When it comes to taking the bus to work, Iowa City leads with 8.2 %, followed closely by 7.8% of Coralville residents. Municipality Population Mode of transportation to work 2000 2010 Percent of Walked Other Used public change (biking, taxi) transportation Coralville 15,123 18,907 25% 3.0% 2.6% 7.8% Iowa City 62,220 67,862 9% 14.9% 4.6% 8.2% North Liberty 5,367 13,374 149% 1.7% 0.6% 1.1 Tiffin 975 1,947 100% 0.5% 0.6% 1.1 University Heights 987 1,051 6% 22.6% 15.1% 2.4% Fall leaf viewing continued from cover Whenever using the area trail system, please be sure to follow the rules of trail etiquette: ■ Walk, jog, bike, and skate on the right side of the trail. • When passing, make an announcement to people in front of you, and then pass on the left. • When in a group, do not block the entire trail. Allow others to pass in both directions. • Be predictable and cautious at street and driveway crossings. • Keep pets on a leash and under control. • Do not litter. • Respect private property adjacent to trails. For more information, contact Kris Ackerson, Assistant Transportation Planner, at 319.356.5247 or e-mail kris- ackerson@iowa-city.org. The Planner, September 2011 —page 3 METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION OF JOHNSON COUNTY Open house provides information on new Highway I trail project A public open house held Septem- ber 28 gave neighbors and residents of the Miller- Orchard neighborhood and other Iowa City area residents In memory an opportunity to learn more about the Highway I Trail Project, and also ask questions or give feedback about the plans. The City of Iowa City re- Linda Severson, long -time member of the Metropolitan Planning Organization of Johnson County and the Iowa City Planning and Community Development Department team, passed away recently after a battle with cancer. Linda was hired with our department in 1994 as the Human Services Coordinator, and since that time became the go -to person for questions and answers related to human services in Johnson County. Ever - modest, Linda participated on many human service agency boards and committees, and assisted in the general coor- dination of care for many individuals and households. Linda was the ultimate behind - the - scenes person -of- service, never wanting center stage, but without whom center stage would not be nearly as bright as it is in Johnson County. cently hired Shive - Hattery, Inc. of Iowa City to perform design ser- vices for the project, which will con- struct a 10 -foot wide trail along the north side of Highway I from Sun- set Street to Orchard Street, and an eight -foot wide trail along the west side of Orchard Street. The project will also add five -foot wide sidewalks along the east side of Miller Avenue and the west side of Hudson Avenue. The open house offered an overview which outlined the goals and scope of the project, and also provided at- tendees with an opportunity to ask questions or get more details from the design consultant and City staff members who were present at the meeting. For more information, call Josh Slattery, City Civil Engineer, at 319.356.5149 or e-mail him at josh- slattery@iowa-city.org. -- - � �` 1`-��i��l�� ✓�i iii i I urs El a,�l - - -_— __ _ A public open house held Septem- ber 28 gave neighbors and residents of the Miller- Orchard neighborhood and other Iowa City area residents In memory an opportunity to learn more about the Highway I Trail Project, and also ask questions or give feedback about the plans. The City of Iowa City re- Linda Severson, long -time member of the Metropolitan Planning Organization of Johnson County and the Iowa City Planning and Community Development Department team, passed away recently after a battle with cancer. Linda was hired with our department in 1994 as the Human Services Coordinator, and since that time became the go -to person for questions and answers related to human services in Johnson County. Ever - modest, Linda participated on many human service agency boards and committees, and assisted in the general coor- dination of care for many individuals and households. Linda was the ultimate behind - the - scenes person -of- service, never wanting center stage, but without whom center stage would not be nearly as bright as it is in Johnson County. cently hired Shive - Hattery, Inc. of Iowa City to perform design ser- vices for the project, which will con- struct a 10 -foot wide trail along the north side of Highway I from Sun- set Street to Orchard Street, and an eight -foot wide trail along the west side of Orchard Street. The project will also add five -foot wide sidewalks along the east side of Miller Avenue and the west side of Hudson Avenue. The open house offered an overview which outlined the goals and scope of the project, and also provided at- tendees with an opportunity to ask questions or get more details from the design consultant and City staff members who were present at the meeting. For more information, call Josh Slattery, City Civil Engineer, at 319.356.5149 or e-mail him at josh- slattery@iowa-city.org. The Planner, September 2011 —page 4 NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES & PUBLIC ART Grant Wood Market Place gets winter markets underway in November The response to the test run of the Grant Wood Market Place last win- ter was so successful that plans are now underway to schedule these off - season farmers markets on a permanent basis. Neighborhood Services Coordina- tor Marcia Bollinger and representa- tives of the Grant Wood Neighbor- hood Association worked together last year to bring the Grant Wood Market Place to fruition and help gauge how much interest there was in the community for a winter mar- ket. Now, the responsibility for the new market has shifted to the Parks and Recreation Department, which also coordinates the Iowa City Farmers Market. Cindy Coffin of the Recreation Division will oversee the Grant Wood markets. Grant Wood Market Place will be held on the first and third Saturdays of every month from November 5 through April, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Grant Wood School Gym at 1930 Lakeside Drive. Mark your calendars so you don't miss a single one! In addition,four Holiday Markets will be held this fall.On Saturday, Novem- ber I I and Saturday, December 10, Holiday Markets are scheduled from 8 a.m. to I p.m. at both the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center downtown and the Grant Wood Gym. Start your shopping early on those morn- ings, so you have a chance to attend both markets on both days! Applications are now being taken from vendors who want to par- ticipate in the Grant Wood Holiday Market. Cost is $1 1 per booth per day. The deadline to apply is Octo- ber 21, but applications are being re- viewed and approved on a first -come, first- served basis. For an application, contact Jody Bailey, Neighborhood Services intern, at 319.356.5230 or e -mail jody - bailey @iowa- city.org. Donation Station meters: Now, they're becoming objets d'art! Toucan Created by Leah de Matta, West High The City's Donation Station meters — the old parking meters that were painted purple and reinstalled Downtown for use as a new funding stream for local nonprofits — are now getting an artistic upgrade as part of a new Public Art project.The meters are be- ing removed one by one from the Downtown area and artistically reconfigured before being returned to the streets.West High senior Leah de Matta has completed the first project by transforming one of the old meters into a toucan. It will be on display in the Library lobby for a short time before it heads back outdoors for permanent installation. City High students will also be submitting proposals for a Donation Station project. While the newly redesigned meters will look different, they will still function normally. The meters were installed a year ago in an effort to reduce panhandling in the Down- town area. Rather than giving money to people directly, shoppers are encouraged to drop their extra change in the Donation Stations, where the funds are divided by local nonprofits that provide shelter, meals, clothing, and other services to people in need. Public Art Coordinator Marcia Bollinger will put out a call to artists for other Donation Station proposals, and is looking for Downtown businesses who want to sponsor one of the meters. Contact her at marcia- bollinger @iowa- city.org or call 319.356.5237 for more information. The Planner, September 2011 —page 5 PUBLIC ART NORTHSIDE LITERARY WALK TO BE DEDICATED OCTOBER 1 CEREMONY, AUTHORS' READINGS WILL BE INCLUDED AS PART OF NEIGHBORHOOD'S OKTOBERFEST CELEBRATION The Northside Market- place Literary Walk, a City of Iowa City Public Art project that pays tribute to the literary talents of 40 acclaimed authors with Iowa ties, will be dedicated in a ceremony scheduled this weekend as part of the Northside Oktoberfest Celebration. Many of the writers who are recognized in the project have worked, lived, or continue to make their homes in Iowa City. The dedication will take place at the Oktoberfest main stage, located on Linn Street near Hamburg Inn, begin- ning at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Octo- ber I.As part of the ceremony, eight writers whose works have been recognized as part of the Northside Marketplace Literary Walk will give readings in neighborhood business - es.The schedule of readings appears in the box in the center column. The Northside Marketplace Literary Walk is an extension of the artistic tribute to Iowa writers that was in- corporated into sidewalks through- out downtown Iowa City several years ago. Writers who have been selected to be honored as part of the Northside Marketplace proj- AUTHORS' READINGS Saturday, October Riverside Theatre 213 N. Gilbert Street 12:00 p.m. Roberto Ampuero 12:30 p.m. Samantha Chang T- Spoons _q 301 E. Market Street 1:00 p.m. Larry Baker The Haunted Bookshop 203 N. Linn Street 1:00 p.m. Jacqueline Briggs- Martin 2:00 p.m. Stephen Bloom 3:00 p.m. Sarah Prineas 3:30 p.m. Lori Erickson RSVP 140 N. Linn Street 4:00 p.m. Kate Aspengren ect represent a variety of genres, including fiction and non - fiction authors as well as poets and playwrights. More than 200 writers were nominated for con- sideration. The art project, located on both sides of Linn Street between Jefferson and Bloomington, combines ex- cerpted works and authors' names with bronze -cast piles of books on top of pedestals and po- diums, banners hung on lamp posts, and tree grates. Street sign toppers also reflect the area's identity, pro- claiming "Northside Marketplace" at various intersections. Artists who created the works are Steve Maxon and Doris Park of Max -Cast in Kalo- na and John Coyne of Iowa City. The project was part of a major streetscape redesign in the North- side Marketplace which took place earlier this summer. Funding for the Literary Walk came from a $70,000 grant from the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs as part of its "Iowa Great Places" program. For more information, contact Mar- cia Bollinger, Iowa City Public Art Coordinator, at 319.356.5237 or e- mail marcia- bollinger @iowa- cityorg. The Planner, September 2011 —page 6 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Downtown, Northside businesses request special tax for development and marketing It's uncommon, to say the least, when a group asks if they can pay even more taxes — but that's exactly what some business and commercial property owners in Iowa City have requested. At its November I meeting, the City Council will hold a public hearing on a petition submitted by prop- erty owners in the Downtown and Northside Marketplace areas to cre- ate a Self- Supported Municipal Im- provement District ( SSMID) tax that would generate funds to: • hire a two - person business de- velopment management team; • market and promote Downtown and Northside businesses; • attract and retain businesses and make referrals for commercial vacancies; • establish and promote Special events, festivals, and activities; • make physical or other improve- ments to enhance the image and appearance of the area, including lighting improvements, seasonal and decorative enhancements, signage and banners, and land- scaping; • provide miscellaneous business support services; and • improve and expand the Park & Shop and Bus & Shop programs. A petition submitted to the City on August 25 requesting creation of the SSMID contained the signatures of 35.6% of the property owners representing 42.3% of the assessed value within the proposed district. Iowa Code states that a SSMID peti- tion must be signed by at least 25% of the property owners representing at least 25% of the assessed value of the proposed district. If the propos- al is approved by Council, business owners within the proposed SSMID district would pay an additional $2 per $1,000 assessed value for four years, generating about $282,000. After the public hearing is complet- ed, the City Council will hold three readings of the ordinance, the last of which could be scheduled as early as December 6. If the measure is adopt- ed, an Iowa City Downtown SSMID Board, a 501 (c)(6) non -profit orga- nization consisting of 14 to 19 rep- resentatives from the district, would be created to direct SSMID activities and oversee the management team. The tax would begin to be collected on July 1, 2012, the start of the fis- cal year, and would expire after four years. At that time, the SSMID could be renewed. Contact Iowa City Economic Devel- opment Coordinator Wendy Ford at 319.356.5248 for more information. i - �� ■■ :111' _{ {III E�111 '' 11�■ :1111 �IIIII: ■ail: ■11�� EL■1 -1 {I1� ■� ■ _■ ■■ • ■■ !.111:x] ■III ■i� i _ 1�1■ t °�jIr�� -I��;� �■ Ion■ .I � �1111iI�II = ■1111■ Ll1111 Y ■ill■ =.1■ 1 ■■ :IL■ 1 ■ The Planner, September 2011 —page 7 URBAN PLANNING NEW RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS ROCHESTER RIDGE PART 2 On September 20, the City Council approved the final plat for Rochester Ridge Part 2, a 13 -lot, 4.57 -acre single - family residential subdivision located on the south side of Rochester Avenue, west ofAmhurst Street. FI TAM It NNN�AL PLAT "N' AC ROCHESTER ER RIDGaE - PART T160 ,---- M - IOWA f1lV, JdANEONrAUNtt, MA .� �� ' -.f LEGEND ANO NOTES N � :fei- r.N�mw�r � /20 O O is �� -_ _ -rte a.® IAHO PIANN615 o _ 27 LEI .%I mow•^ - - -- __ - �'.•w"'- LAND 9N1N&YOPS F 23 211 1. F2 01 �.�� $ yam, � ep� - .'_O -. � �f ._.r°....�: p �;�.:.r :�_� _ • FINAL PLAT R ESTER y �' Q {�Sre�/ ' ruruaaan RIDGE PART TWO a JON " �� JOHHNSON GOUN.Y KMA MMS OONSULTWNT& .€ jg del The Planner, September 2011 —page 8 URBAN PLANNING NEW RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS STONE BRIDGE ESTATES PART 7 On September 20, the City Council approved the final plat for Stone Bridge Estates Part 7, a 27 -lot, 8.56 -acre single - family residential subdivision located on Arlington and Colchester Drives. FINAL PLAT STONE BRXIGE MATES -PART SEVEN IONA CITY, JOHNSON COUNTY, IOWA LEGEND AHn NOTES _ —•s __ _ M ° Oc[ w _ p••�•ren� EYt7V1C9d, °fiL::�X 63 --- -- - _ .®om , I S19 ®D1°6E i7GN m 5 ® 7uE crva Mcwseas ®8 4$O�i. ®m rm. :�� LANC PL Nzw LANG S1rR.8YOeS ivy LVIpSCAPC AACHR&.'IS ' ti � qa- � e,.. � CMR110®IIIl 49]61tl1S `a P mow• °~ .��.._ r Le a 498 16 v�80to 48 / i "@ PENAL PLAT STONE BRIDGE 45 e r 'b f/ / uu � /iP .'v �`` ESTATES - �� y� �¢ __ __ PARTSEVEN .__::. -- -_.__ �� JOLW6M LOL�vT'� City at bo City / 47 65 O :OAA 45 SI 4 ,��.."� // a// . 9. PARV.. my�,.'ONE -A- - s .,....0 ........ _EE"�� gry"r r�m.77i.:"SS �. NE E/� The Planner, September 2011 —page 9 DEPARTMENT MEETINGS & OTHER EVENTS 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 /calendar 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 otherwise. Individual meeting rooms are listed with the meeting information below. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6 Planning & Zoning Commission: 7 p.m. — Emma Harvat Hall MONDAY, OCTOBER 10 CITY STEPS meeting: 6:40 p.m.— Grant Wood El- ementary, 1930 Lakeside Drive (after PTO meeting) * WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12 Board of Adjustment: 5:15 p.m.— Emma Harvat Hall THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13 CITY STEPS meeting: 12:30 p.m. — Senior Center, 28 S. Linn Street, Room 202 * Historic Preservation Commission: 5: 15 p.m.— Emma Harvat Hall. Please note change in meeting time! FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14 CITY STEPS meeting: 10 a.m.— Broadway Police Substation (in Pepperwood Plaza) THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20 Housing & Community Development Commis- sion: 6:30 p.m.— Lobby Conference Room Planning & Zoning Commission: 7 p.m. — Emma Harvat Hall CITY STEPS MEETINGS The CITY STEPS meetings listed on our October cal- endar will gather public input to help identify the most important current needs for low- to moderate - income residents of our community — households that earn less than 80% of the area's median income. For a one - person household, the income limit is $44,350; for a three - person household, $57,050. Information from these meetings will be used to update the CITY STEPS plan and prioritize how the City will spend federal funds — approximately $1.2 million per year — to provide assistance. Funds have previously been used for housing, jobs, homeless assis- tance, childcare, public services, facilities, and transporta- tion.The public is invited and encouraged to attend any of these three scheduled meetings. For more information, contact Tracy Hightshoe in the Community Development Division at tracy- hightshoe @iowa- city.org or call 319.356.5230. AGENDAS AND MEETING PACKETS Agendas and meeting packets for all scheduled meetings are posted to the City's website at least 24 hours in ad- vance. To view, go to www.icgov.org/calendar and click on the date of the meeting. A list of all meetings scheduled for that day will appear. Click on the appropriate "View agenda for this event" link to be directed to the agenda and meeting materials. The new season officially arrived September 23, but we all had a little advance notice. Many trees around town are ex- hibiting their vivid autumn colors already, making it a great time of year to enjoy Iowa City, with a bike ride on local trails or just a stroll through your neighborhood! PLANNING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATION Jeff Davidson Director 319.356.5232 jeff-davidson@iowa-city.org Janet Dvorsky Administrative Secretary 319.356.5230 janet-dvorsky@iowa-city.org Joy Bayshore Clerk 319.356.5230 joy-bayshore@iowa-city.org URBAN PLANNING Robert Miklo Senior Planner 319.356.5240 bob -miklo @iowa - city.org Urban Planners Karen Howard 319.356.5251 karen-howard@iowa-city.org Sarah Walz Board of Adjustment 319.356.5239 sarah-walz@iowa-city.org For Historic Preservation matters, please contact Robert Miklo, Senior Planner 319.356.5240 bob -miklo @iowa - city.org COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Steve Long Coordinator 319.356.5250 steve-long@iowa-city.org Community Development Planners Tracy Hightshoe 319.356.5244 tracy-hightshoe@iowa-city.org Doug Ongie 319.356.5479 doug -ongie @iowa - city.org David Purdy 319.356.5489 david-purdy@iowa-city.org Housing Rehabilitation Specialists David Powers 319.356.5233 david-powers@iowa-city.org Jeff Vanatter 319.356.5128 jeff-vanatter@iowa-city.org Liz Osborne Program Assistant 319.356.5246 liz- oborne @iowa - city.org ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Wendy Ford Coordinator 319.356.5248 wendy-ford@iowa-city.org MPOJC John Yapp Executive Director 319.356.5252 john -yapp @iowa - city.org Transportation Planners Brad Neumann 319.356.5235 brad- neumann @iowa - city.org Kent Ralston 319.356.5253 kent-ralston@iowa-city.org Kri stop her Ackerson 319.356.5247 kristopher- ackerson@ iowa - city.org Darian Nagle -Gamm 319.356.5254 darian - nagle -gamm@ iowa - city.org Human Services Planner Please contact John Yapp, 319.356.5252 john -yapp @iowa - city.org NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES & PUBLIC ART Marcia Bollinger Coordinator of Neighborhood Services & Iowa City Public Art Program 319.356.5237 marcia-bollinger@iowa-city.org Budget Projections and Issues Hear a review of recent financial trends and projections that will affect the city budget. Following lunch, attendees maychoose between two concurrent sessions: Budgeting for Beginners This session provides step -by -step instructions on preparing your budget and using the budget form with plenty of opportunity for questions. Advanced Topic: Long Term Planning & Fund Balance Policies This session will provide strategies for successful long term financial planning, including ways to properly manage future project expenses and budgets. Discussion will also include how to maintain appropriate fund balances and using city levies at optimum levels. • Registration begins at 10 a.m. • 10:30 -11:30 a.m. Budget projections and issues for Fiscal Years 2012 -2013 • 11:45 a.m. — 12:45 p.m. I Lunch • 12:45 — 3 p.m. I (Concurrent sessions) Budgeting for Beginners or Long Term Planning & Fund Balance Policies IP9 WWWAOWALEAGU . For those seeking certification hours for the Iowa Municipal Finance Officers Association (IMFOA) certification program, attendance at the Budget Workshops counts towards 3.5 hours of the specialized track of Clerk or Finance Officer. Weather & Cancellation Policies In the unlikely event a workshop must be cancelled due to inclement weather, the League will try to make that decision by 7 a.m. the day of the event. Cancellations will be displayed on the League's Web site, www.iowaleague.org. Please check these resources prior to departure if the event's status is in question. Workshops cancelled by the League will be rescheduled. Full refunds, however, will be given if a participant is unable to attend the new date. .. detach this form and send for registration .......................................... ............................... . 2011 Budget Workshops Registration Form City Address_ Day Phone Email Please list names as they are to appear on badges. Name & Title Name & Title Please select the site you will attend. _Waverly (Nov. 15) _Storm Lake (Nov. 29) _Creston (Dec. 6) _Iowa City (Nov. 16) _Clear Lake (Nov. 30) _Johnston (Dec. 7) Fee includes meal. It is the same price to attend all or part of the workshop. Members —x$30 = $ Non - members _ x $60 = $ Total = $ Registrations are due seven days before the date of the workshop. A registration received after its deadline is subject to a $10 late fee. Full refunds will be issued on cancellations made seven days prior to the meeting. Due to meal considerations, no refunds can be given after the registration deadline. Call the League at (515) 244 -7282 if you have any special accessibility or dietary considerations. Please return this form with appropriate fee to: Iowa League of Cities • 317 6th Ave, Suite 800 • Des Moines, IA 50309 • or fax it to (5 15) 244 -0740 Register online at www.iowaleague.org Rol PRELIMINARY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION September 15, 2011 — 7:00 PM — FORMAL Emma J. Harvat Hall, CITY HALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Carolyn Stewart Dyer, Charlie Eastham, Ann Freerks, Elizabeth Koppes, Michelle Payne, Tim Weitzel, Wally Plahutnik MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Bob Miklo, Sara Greenwood Hektoen, Wendy Ford OTHERS PRESENT: Jesse Allen, Todd Von Stein, Michael G. Post, John Thomas, Claire Sponsler, Ross Byer, Blaine Thomas, Judith Pascoe, Sharon DeGraw, Steve Gordon, Karen Kubby CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM. RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL: 1. The Commission voted 5 -1 (Plahutnik voting no, Payne abstaining) to recommend approval of CPA11 -00003 an amendment of the Comprehensive Plan to change the land use designation from Single Family Residential Stabilization to Urban Commercial for property located at 221 N. Linn Street, 225 N. Linn Street and 223 E. Bloomington Street and the MidAmerican substation located on the west side of Linn Street. 2. The Commission voted 5 -1 (Plahutnik voting no, Payne abstaining) to recommend approval of REZ11 -00012 an application submitted by Allen Homes for a rezoning from Neighborhood Stabilization Residential (RNS -12) zone to Central Business Service (CB -2) zone for approximately .34 acres of property located at 221 N. Linn Street, 225 N. Linn Street and 223 E. Bloomington Street and approximately 3200 square feet of property located on the west side of Linn Street (MidAmerican substation) subject to a Conditional Zoning Agreement that will establish the mix of residential units and number of bedrooms, the design of the building, the installation of landscaping and street furniture, and improvement to the alley to provide access to the parking, and the location of signage on the building. 3. The Commission voted 6 -0 ( Freerks absent) to recommend approval of REZ11- 00013 an application submitted by Mane Gate, LLC for an amendment to the Planned Development Overlay High Density Single Family (OPDIRS -12) zone to allow ground floor residential uses in lieu of commercial space and to remove the requirement to building 20 garage spaces shown on the original approved plan for approximately 2.73 -acres of property located at 2785, 2829, and 2871 Heinz Road. Planning and Zoning Commission September 15, 2011 - Formal Page 2 of 21 4. The Commission voted 6 -0 (Freerks absent) to recommend approval of SUB11- 00013 an application submitted by Saddlebrook Meadows Development for a preliminary plat for Saddlebrook Meadows Part 2, a 21 -lot, 3.57 acre residential subdivision located at Whispering Meadows Drive and Pinto Lane 5. The Commission voted 5 -0 (Palhutnik abstained) to recommend approval of an application for a Self Supported Municipal Improvement District (SSSMID) for property located within the Central Business (CB -10) zone (Downtown) and the Central Business Service (CB -2) and the Central Business Support (CB -5) zones generally located north of Iowa Avenue (Northside Marketplace). 6. The Commission voted 6 -0 (Freerks absent) to recommend approval of the Riverfront Crossings Renewal Plan for approximately 45 acres of property bordered by Highway 1 on the south, Myrtle Drive on the north, the Iowa River on the east and generally Orchard Street on the west. PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA: None. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ITEM: CPA11- 00003: A public hearing to amend the Comprehensive Plan to change the land use designation from Single Family Residential Stabilization to Urban Commercial for property located at 221 N. Linn Street, 225 N. Linn Street and 223 E. Bloomington Street and the MidAmerican substation located on the west side of Linn Street. Payne recused herself as MidAmerican, which owns property in the area, is her place of employment for this item and the next item, REZ11- 00012. Miklo suggested that the Commission discuss this along with the second item, REZ11- 00012, on the agenda. Freerks stated that they would address public comment for the two items including the next item REZ11- 00012. REZ11- 00012: Discussion of an application submitted by Allen Homes for a rezoning from Neighborhood Stabilization Residential (RNS -12) zone to Central Business Service (CB -2) zone for approximately .34 acres of property located at 221 N. Linn Street, 225 N. Linn Street and 223 E. Bloomington Street and approximately 3200 square feet of property located on the west side of Linn Street (MidAmerican substation). Miklo stated as noted there are two items for the Commissions consideration. The first one is an amendment to the comprehensive plan. The Commission is being asked to consider changing the boundary of the Northside Marketplace to include one additional lot and then to change the land use designation of four properties from neighborhood stabilization residential to urban commercial. The Commission will also be considering a rezoning of these properties from Neighborhood Stabilization Residential (RNS -12) to Central Service Business Zone (CB- 2). If this rezoning is approved it would allow the redevelopment of the property for a commercial building which would have the possibility of retail, office or service uses such as a hair salon or a bank on the ground floor. Restaurants would also be allowed in this zone. Planning and Zoning Commission September 15, 2011 - Formal Page 3 of 21 Miklo stated that bars or liquor stores would not be permitted in this location. The zoning would also allow up to seventeen apartments. The applicant Allen Homes is proposing a mixture of apartment types. The proposal includes four efficiencies, two one - bedroom apartments, three three - bedroom apartments and the remainder would be two - bedroom apartments. Parking for the apartments would be provided underground. It would be accessed from the alley between Linn and Dubuque Street. There would also be parking spaces within the ground floor of the building for the commercial space. Miklo stated that he passed out a new plan; the applicant has reworked the parking to reduce the number of compact spaces proposed in the plan. One concern that has been brought up regarding the zone change is if this is approved where would the line be drawn in terms of future zone changes. Miklo pointed out on the map a half a block to the north of these properties the Gilbert Linn Historic District begins and immediately to the north of the property there are three buildings that are identified as being eligible for the National Registrar and these are noted in the Central District Plan as buildings worthy of preservation. The policy throughout the Central District Plan is to preserve historic buildings. Staff thinks that it is clear if zoning is approved the boundary should not go to the north. Miklo stated that there was also a question that if this is rezoned would this force the properties to the west to be rezoned. Staff does not feel that there would be an obligation for the City to rezone property to the west. Any further rezoning would require a comprehensive plan amendment review by the Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council. Staff feels unlike this particular request where there is a main street character or element and that is something that has been described as being positive to the Central District Plan. Extending that to the west on Bloomington Street is not called for and there may not be a market for it. Staff feels that it is possible to rezone the properties without having a domino effect where it would affect a larger neighborhood. Miklo stated that it is clear in the Central District Plan and through the preservation plan and the City's other policies that there is a commitment to the health and preservation to the Northside Neighborhood. The City has established three historic districts in the neighborhood and they are cooperating with the University of Iowa on the UniverCity Neighborhood Partnership Program where the City is investing in rental properties and converting them into owner occupied. Staff has been involved in efforts to preserve this neighborhood for the last twenty years. They do not see this as being a negative for this neighborhood. Miklo stated that staff sees it as being a positive in that strong neighborhoods not only contain residential but also contain services and retail operations with close proximity to homes or within walking distance. They feel that this addition of commercial on the corner could bring more life to the commercial district similar to the construction of the building at the corner of Market Street and Linn Street where the TeaSpoons Cafe, the card shop and the restaurant are located. Those have been beneficial for the commercial district and the neighborhood as a whole, and staff thinks this could continue that. Staff would agree that the building on Market and Linn Street is over scale in that it is too tall for the neighborhood and that was a concern staff heard during the Central Planning District meetings. In this particular case the applicant is proposing to limit the building to three stories. That can be done by a conditional zoning agreement which becomes the zoning for the property. Miklo stated that staff also feels that this is unique compared to other rezoning requests that Planning and Zoning Commission September 15, 2011 - Formal Page 4 of 21 they have had in that they are agreeing to a mixture of efficiencies, one - bedrooms, two - bedrooms with only two three - bedroom apartments. This is something the City has wanted. The participants in the neighborhood planning process for this area also have expressed the desire for one and two bedroom apartments. Staff feels that is a real positive with this proposal. Looking at the policies of the Northside Marketplace within the plan; which talks about neighborhood scale, main street character, preserving historic buildings and also designing new buildings to be compatible with the area. Staff feels this meets those goals and the Commission is not being asked to change the policies of the comprehensive plan just the land use designation of these properties. Miklo summarized stating that staff is recommending approval for this rezoning. They feel it could have a positive influence on the Northside Marketplace as well as the neighborhood as a whole. Staff does recommend that if the Commission does approve this that it be tied to a conditional zoning agreement specifying the particular plan that the Commission has in front of them. The details of that would be the bedroom mix, the parking configuration, the design of the building, a limitation of signage on the Bloomington Street side. All of those would be drawn up in a specific zoning agreement that would apply to the property now and to the future if it is approved. Eastham asked how many three bedrooms where proposed. Miklo stated that there were two units proposed to be three - bedrooms units in the southwest corner of the building. Freerks opened the public hearing. Jesse Allen, Iowa City, with Allen homes. Allen stated he wanted to talk a little bit about the project on Linn and Bloomington Street. He stated that Miklo did a good job describing all the ideas and procedures that they have been working on for the last couple of months. Allen stated that they have been working on some of the comments that have been brought up by the neighbors and staff. They are doing a different mix of units as far as smaller density because it is the Northside District and they are a little bit more sensitive to the surrounding population and the businesses there. They are trying to do something different, which they feel will be a very positive outcome. Allen stated that in the last three weeks as this has been deferred they have received a lot of interest as far as purchases on the units. At this point they have changed what they initially planned, which was to rent them. Now they may be selling some of the units for owner occupied. They feel it would be a great interest for professors or young people that want to purchase their own place and live closer to town, similar to the Hotel Vetro but more affordable. Allen stated that the building also has a private washer and dryer in each unit which they feel would be pretty attractive to keep people, to stay for the long haul. If they do move in they would be in the units a couple of years at a time if they are going to be purchasing the units. Other features that have been incorporated with the Northside Marketplace District is they will be using brick on the entire building. Allen stated that they just chose to use a little bit more masonry to make the buildings a little bit more decorative and more appealing. All the units have handicap accessibility which will make it more attractive for people to stay there longer and more usable for the residents. They feel it will be an economic benefit for the town as far as bringing jobs into the city, and it's Planning and Zoning Commission September 15, 2011 - Formal Page 5 of 21 a nice project that will look good on the corner. Allen stated he wanted to address concerns raised in Wally Plahutnik's letter. There is a vacant parking lot across the street when you walk up Linn Street and you get to Bloomington there are a lot of single family houses in front of you but some day that parking lot is going to have a building on it. Similar to what they are designing with the features and layout and design and as a developer it makes sense to incorporate that with the plan that they are proposing and what the City is proposing. They feel will be an attractive addition to Iowa City. Freerks asked for any questions. Dyer stated that she noticed that the apartments were handicap accessible but in connection with that she noticed that there were no handicap accessible parking spaces for the residents. There are spots for the commercial. Allen stated that there were two spaces available in the basement. Dyer asked if in the lower level parking was for the residence. Allen confirmed that the residential parking is all on the lower level which is under ground. All the residence will enter and exit off of the alley on Linn Street or Dubuque Street. The commercial is all on the main floor. Dyer asked if they were all three foot doorways. Allen confirmed yes. Dyer stated that was good and that was a nice accommodation. Eastham stated that the proposal replaces three individual buildings, which were at once single family houses, with one building with a number of residential apartments as well as commercial space. Eastham asked if they had considered rebuilding three new buildings on the lots rather than one big building. Allen stated that they did look at that initially and with the fact that it is on what he calls a commercial intersection with the CB -2 zoning surrounding it and the parking is the big issue - designing single family houses would not be feasible. Todd Von Stein, Des Moines, the designer of the building stated he has designed several buildings in Iowa City, 301 Market Street, 225 S Gilbert Street, 603 S. Dubuque Street, 551 S. Linn Street, 916 Bowery Street, 909 & 919 Burlington Street, 513 Bowery and several others that are in the works. Von Stein stated that he was the chairman for the Green committee for the American Institute of Building and Design National buildings designers group. Von Stein stated that they are calling this Bloomington Street Commons because it is for common people on common ground. He stated that the thing about the commercial space in this building is its going to be a terrific incubator for business. The three bays are about twelve hundred square feet a piece. That has proven in other communities to be a great incubator for local artists and local businesses to be able to get a start and then they tend to move on to better, bigger locations. This building has several elements to it that will both help the downtown area with both incubating business and bringing in families to the North Marketplace area. The design meets all the standards for parking, scale, street level design and building articulation. The structure provides compatibility and the existing Linn Street historic buildings. Von Stein stated that Miklo had already described the breakdown of the building. This is one of the buildings along with one that is on Bowery that they believe will be worthy of preservation in the future. Michael G. Post, 440 Kimball Road, Iowa City, stated that he moved to Iowa City twelve years ago and that he loved this area. Post stated that if this building was put in this area it will raise Planning and Zoning Commission September 15, 2011 - Formal Page 6 of 21 the taxes for businesses and it would raise the rents. He said Tennessee Williams lived at 225 N Linn Street when he was in Iowa City so his property should be considered part of the Unesco City of Literature. There are businesses willing to buy it if this were for sale and renovate it and put it in part of our heritage. He stated that he would not like to see any more sprawl. Post asked if there are only two handicap spaces available in the basement, will there be any Section 8 housing. There are also trees on the corner and those will end up being taken down, there has been a lot of loss of trees for development. Miklo stated that the trees on Linn Street are in the public right of way and would not be removed they would have to be protected during construction. The trees on Bloomington Street would be removed. John Thomas, 509 Brown Street, Iowa City, is the coordinator for the Northside Association. The Northside Neighborhood Association has spoken to the Commission about its objections to the proposed zoning. He stated that he is speaking tonight from a different perspective placing the purpose of Iowa City zoning code and single family residential stabilization classification within a broader context. Many factors influence the stability and integrity of any inner city neighborhood. One of the factors is size, the Northside Neighborhood is very small. From Dubuque Street to Dodge Street it measures .38 miles, from Brown Street to Market Street it measures .45 miles. The Northsides land area is only five blocks from east to west and six blocks from north to south, thirty blocks in all. Each block is roughly four hundred square feet with north south blocks bisected by alleys. The distance from the edge of the neighborhood to the center is at most three blocks. The small residential neighborhood, especially with bordering a commercial district and within in walking distance to a major university is highly vulnerable to the various forces that can destabilize it. Thomas stated that he met with the City Manager to discuss numerous threats to the stability to the central districts residential neighborhoods of which the northside is one. At the time the discussion addressed three separate but interrelated issues; neighborhood schools, traffic and the impact of housing rentals. The Iowa City community school district is currently deferred long overdue improvements to the three remaining historic elementary schools, Lincoln, Longfellow and Northside's Horace Mann. As it evaluates their viability as educational facilities the Northside Neighborhood will vigorously advocate for the preservation and renovation of Horace Mann. Thomas stated that as a school and community center it is essential to the Northsides integrity as a residential neighborhood. Thomas stated that with the continued growth of subdivisions in Iowa City and it's surrounding area the impact of traffic on the Central District have dramatically increased. The Northside may have more arterials and one way streets imposed on its historic grid than any other neighborhood in Johnson County. Traffic spills onto the local streets as drivers seek shortcuts between arterials. He stated that they have urged the City to address this problem through its traffic calming program and implantation of its complete streets policy. The impact of rentals is part of a larger and ongoing city wide effort regarding the integrity of the Central Districts residential neighborhoods composed of single family residences. In 2003 the City enacted nuisance ordinances to address problems with behavior, property maintenance and vehicular concerns such as illegal parking and inoperable vehicles. Other City programs such as the UniverCity Neighborhood Partnership and the General Rehabilitation and Planning and Zoning Commission September 15, 2011 - Formal Page 7 of 21 Improvement Program have improved the conditions of the residential housing stock and the balance between owner occupied and rental properties. These ordinances and programs which require the participation of residence and City staff are helping to stabilize the Northside and other central district neighborhoods. Thomas stated that this brings them to the City zoning code and the role of Residential Neighborhood Stabilization classification RNS -12. Enacted in 1992 the RNS -12 zone sought to address the destabilizing land use impacts on Iowa City single family neighborhoods. In the Northside Neighborhood these impacts include Mercy Hospital, the conversion from single family dwellings to multiple units, apartment's construction and commercial development. The RNS -12 classification, the Northsides grass roots efforts and the City's neighborhood stabilization programs and ordinances have made a great difference. The housing stock has been reserved and it is becoming increasingly owner occupied by single families including those with young children which can walk to Horace Mann Elementary school. Thomas stated that this trend could be easily reversed. The character and integrity of the Northside Neighborhood indeed in Northside Marketplace is highly sensitive to the size and scale and use of development. He stated he is urging the Commission to maintain the current zoning that has been an integral part of the neighborhood revival until the City develops a vision for North Market Place. Such a vision would ensure the future development that is compatible with the scale, size and historic character with the commercial district and the neighborhood. Once that vision has been articulated the zoning could be crafted accordingly. One possible building type that may serve as a bridge between the existing single family residences and the commercial buildings is the row or townhouse. Two story townhouses are a popular option for those wanting to live in cities that retain the neighborhood scale. Iowa City's Peninsula Neighborhood has examples of two story brick row houses and townhouses that could be discussed in a visioning program for the Northside Marketplace as a possible option for the southern edge. Claire Sponsler, 413 N. Gilbert Street, Iowa City, thanked the staff and the developers for the care and attentiveness that has been given to this project. If going in on an empty lot in a CB -2 zone. It would be a wonderful addition to the commercial scene in Iowa City, but the need for rezoning and for bulldozing three residential properties on the fringes of a very small and already fragile and vulnerable neighborhood seems to contradict the advantages that this property would otherwise have. Sponsler stated that integrity of the existing neighborhood especially those adjacent to downtown and the University of Iowa campus will require ongoing efforts. She thinks that speaks to the many efforts that the City has done in recent years to help stabilize a vulnerable residential neighborhood. Sponser concluded that there is concern that too much redevelopment or redevelopment at too large a scale or density could threaten the character of the neighborhood. She feels the proposed rezoning undermines the goals that were set out in the Central District Plan and undermines the goals of the RNS -12 rezoning that has taken place in that area. By undermining the goals of the Central District Plan and the RNS zoning the project and the rezoning that are necessary to make this project happen do threaten the neighborhood. Ross J. Byers, 222 E. Market Street Apartment 34, Iowa City, stated that his major concern with the rezoning is bulldozing Tennessee Williams' house. Byers stated that this is the world's third Planning and Zoning Commission September 15, 2011 - Formal Page 8 of 21 City of Literature and if we are thinking of preserving historical sites, he feels this house, 225 N. Linn Street, is itself worthy of preservation. Being the City of Literature is not just a title, it is something lived and breathed that can be experience. Byers stated that in other cities they preserve great historical figures. They preserve where they lived where they worked and the equipment they used such as typewriters, note pads or even drafts that were written. By preserving this house it would improve the way the city appears to the rest of the world and it would show that we were serious about being a City of Literature. Byers stated that because he lives in this area the Northside Neighborhood is his favorite in the city. He came as a student and decided to stay because he likes it here. The combination of residential areas and shops that are already present is a great balance. Blaine Thomas, the applicant, stated he wanted to talk about historic preservation. He stated he owned a house across the street on the corner. Thomas stated that when he bought the house he was not aware that it was historical. The wall on the house on the east side fell in. He discovered that there were items that would need to be repaired on the property and it would be items that would be not cost productive to do. Thomas stated he contacted the City and told them about a plan to make it better as a team and he was told very clearly by City staff that this house was historical, part of the Northside Neighborhood and he could take it down but he would never be able to put up a new duplex. He agreed that he believed in preserving historical things. Thomas stated he chose not to keep the house because he could not make it good enough for the people living there and that it would not be preserved to his standards. He sold the house. He feels that getting people to come together as these three properties are is very difficult and very rarely can you get everyone together and agree on doing something to make it special. They made an application to the City and it immediately drew attention and made it in the paper. He stated that after he found out it was Tennessee Williams' house he called his partner and said there was a problem. His wife, who is a history major, pulled out some books and they found out that Tennessee Williams lived in this house for two weeks and three days; he resided in five different residences inside of seven months. Thomas stated that if residing in a home two weeks and three days make it your home than it is him home, but one of the houses that Williams resided in the longest is now a parking ramp. So when addressing the historical value Thomas asks that everyone has the information that is needed because two weeks and three days does not make it a person's home. Thomas stated he understands where John Thomas is coming from and stated he agrees with himl. Thomas understood and stated he agreed with what everyone has stated so far. Iowa City has a variety of things that are surrounding it and one of them is the population is continuing to grow and providing homes needs to be addressed. When this project started out the intention was to keep the building in and make it high end rentals something very exciting and different. They wanted to raise the bar. There is an elevator in this building, it is fully handicap assessable and not your typical building. Then what started to happen was people started asking if the units would be sold. Thomas stated that if there was the interest than they would sell the units. He stated they have an architecture that is ready to design the space; they have been contacted by a doctor and an attorney for purchasing. They are hoping that the type of people that are buying will stay there for a long time. They are not cutting corners with the building; it is consistent with the neighborhood. It is only 35 feet tall and it could have been 45 feet. He feels that they are doing Planning and Zoning Commission September 15, 2011 - Formal Page 9 of 21 a number of things to enhance the neighborhood and it is totally self sustaining for parking. Thomas asks that everyone take a look because it is a rare opportunity and they are trying to do something special and they are trying very hard. Judith Pascoe, 317 Fairchild Street, Iowa City, stated that she appreciated all the thought that people have put into the project the developer and designer have really tried to make it look like a nice building and that City staff has worked with them and is trying to help. There is a case for possibly considering having a line of development on Linn Street. She stated that she is not opposed to any kind of development and can imagine a way in which it could add to the neighborhood. A concern is the Bloomington house, the wrap around the corner aspect. There is logic to continuing the business section but Bloomington is like turning the corner and going straight down a residential street. The Bloomington house is one of the nicest houses of the three. It means that the two houses on the other side of the street would then be looking at the new development rather than other houses which wouldn't happen if the development was limited to Linn Street. Pascoe stated she was sympathetic to what Thomas stated and she understands how expensive it is to fix up old historic buildings. She asked that the Commission think of all the issues and understands it is a complicated case because of pros and cons. Overall she stated she was worried about the creep down Bloomington and how that will change the character of the block. Sharon DeGraw, 519 Brown Street, Iowa City, stated she thinks this is chipping away at what is trying to be preserved with the historic homes. Part of the problem is that they are not maintained well but there should be an effort to encourage landlords to do a better job or wait for the properties to change to someone who will do a better job. Once the nature of the neighborhood is changed you can't go back and it will cause creep, in terms of having more modern buildings on Bloomington. During a time that we are trying to get businesses downtown it doesn't seem right to be adding businesses to the Northside which would potentially take away from people going into downtown. There is an adjustment that needs to happen with rent prices or taxes in the downtown and that should be worked out first before expanding to the Northside with businesses. Freerks closed the public hearing. Koppes made a motion to approve CPA11 -00003 to amend the Comprehensive Plan to change the land use designation from Single Family Residential Stabilization to Urban Commercial for property located at 221 N. Linn Street, 225 N. Linn Street and 223 E. Bloomington Street and the MidAmerican substation located on the west side of Linn Street. Eastham seconded. Weitzel stated that he appreciates the work that has gone into this building and all the comments from the neighbors. One thing that keeps being brought up is if its historic property or not and he clarified that there was a survey done on the three properties and none of them were found to be historic. At the same time there are designations right across the street for buildings that are historic and that would provide some protection. Weitzel stated he likes the idea of accessibility. He also likes the fact that there are already limits on what can be placed in the commercial buildings. Freerks stated that on Monday night the Commission discussed a further amendment to the Planning and Zoning Commission September 15, 2011 - Formal Page 10 of 21 comprehensive plan to remove the three properties located on Linn Street out of the Northside Marketplace map. Weitzel stated he agreed and was not sure what else can be done in a CZA but there are some things that could be suggested in terms of the comprehensive plan, conservation districts or district amendments. Miklo asked Weitzel if he was suggesting that the designation from Northside Marketplace be moved to the street rather than the three properties. Freerks confirmed and stated that they have said they were historic and they didn't want to see the properties redeveloped. She feels that having those as residential property in a residential zone and still being in the Northside Marketplace sends a bit of a message that the Commission doesn't necessarily agree with. Plahutnik stated that there are also historic properties on the east side of Gilbert Street. Freerks stated it was a different zone and Miklo confirmed they were zoned as Commercial Office. Weitzel stated that there was once a proposal for the historic district on Gilbert Street. Dyer asked if that could be done at a different time. Weitzel stated that it wouldn't be done without the recommendation for the Historic Preservation Commission. Freerks asked if the three properties could be pulled out now or if a public hearing is needed. Miklo stated that would need to occur at the next meeting or the following meeting because it wasn't advertised. Freerks stated that she would like to look into that at a future meeting. Plahutnik stated that there was a specific reason that they were discussing the comprehensive plan. That is the project proposed by Allen Home and that is the only reason. A couple of months ago the comprehensive plan looked good for the area. The commission all agreed and the public gave a lot of input. Discussion of removing these three properties never came up as the public was giving their input on what they would like to see on the comprehensive plan for this area. Now there is a proposal for a development and someone has come up with a thoughtful design. They came up with creative ways to manage parking. For them in the end the question is do the numbers work when the numbers didn't work for Mr. Thomas on the properties across the street. This is not a business decision; the Commission's decision is not to determine whether the plan is financially viable. Plahutnik stated what the Commission is trying to make a decision on if changing the comprehensive plan for the northside. The fragility the stability of the northside is still in question. It is assailed by the University, rental pressures, Mercy Hospital and thier designs to expand and compete with the University of Iowa Hospital. If you change the comprehensive plan in this spot and change some of the language, it needs to state that this area is okay and will no longer need to take special effort to protect it. Plahutnik stated that is the only reason for this change to the comprehensive plan is because the numbers have worked for the applicants. Freerks stated that what is being looked at is the land use designation and when it comes to the comprehensive plan that needs to be taken into consideration. Eastham asked Plahutnik if he wanted to expand on his comments. Plahutnik stated that the RNS -12 has been helping to stabilize the neighborhood, it's not done, and a cutting out a sizeable portion of it is a rash decision. Dyer stated that given the nature of the houses there and how they are used it seems to be that the argument that nobody will buy them and fix them up, which would be stabilizing them, helps make an argument that this particular project would be a way of stabilizing the neighborhood. It would provide housing for people and small commercial spaces with parking. The design is Planning and Zoning Commission September 15, 2011 - Formal Page 11 of 21 compatible with the rest of the block down Linn Street. Dyer stated she thought about Oak Park, Illinois, that mixes up preserved houses and buildings like this, one after another on blocks throughout the community and it seems to work there. Dyer stated that she would support the project. Eastham stated that one of the primary purposes of the City's overall comprehensive plan for the community is to provide housing types that meet the needs of the range of people that live in the community. There has been creditable information to suggest that the kind of housing mix proposed by this development would be attractive to and would be eventually occupied by people within that general range more so than the homes that are being replaced by this one building. Eastham stated the community would benefit by revisiting of housing types that are appropriate for the northside area: housing types that would enable single family larger homes to coexist over the long term with attractive row houses, duplexes or other housing types that may come closer to the housing needs of smaller families, professional people and so forth. This is a well designed building and he would only vote for rezoning if the proposed building is part of the rezoning. He stated he would not vote for a comprehensive plan amendment followed by rezoning request unless the building was well designed and meets the functional needs of the comprehensive plan in this area. Eastham stated that there was logic to not extending commercial zoning past the its current north boundary, which is the alley, between Bloomington and Davenport as well as on down Linn Street across to Bloomington Street because of historic nature of those structures. He stated he was in support of the change to the comprehensive plan for this specific purpose. Freerks stated she was a part of the Neighborhood Task Force and the UniverCity Neighborhood Partnership and has voted in favor of historic districts and has been a supporter of the Northside Neighborhood. She stated that this area deserves some special attention and that this proposal would enhance the Northside Marketplace. This building has been well thought out. Freerks stated she would not support anything further down on Bloomington Street or march further up Linn Street. She supports removing the three properties on the west side of Linn Street north of Bloomington Street from the Northside Marketplace area because having them in the Northside Marketplace sends a message to people that perhaps they are looking for redevelopment there. Dyer stated that this project meets some of the objectives of the university collaboration in making residential properties available near campus. These particular houses are too big and too expensive a project to buy and fix. Freerks stated that she feels there is a need for this type of commercial with the parking. Weitzel stated that he has spent eighteen years working on his historic house and there has been a lot of change to his neighborhood even without rezoning so those things can happen. He stated he would not buy a house next to the electric sub - station. He doesn't feel that it is realistic and if they provide this opportunity and draw a line this is actually good for the neighborhood and other urban planning goals. A vote was taken and the motion carried 5 -1, (Plahutnik voted no, Payne abstained). Koppes made a motion to approve REZ11 -00012 an application submitted by Allen Homes for a rezoning from Neighborhood Stabilization Residential (RNS -12) zone to Central Business Service (CB -2) zone for approximately .34 acres of property located at 221 N. Linn Street, 225 N. Linn Street and 223 E. Bloomington Street and approximately Planning and Zoning Commission September 15, 2011 - Formal Page 12 of 21 3200 square feet of property located on the west side of Linn Street (MidAmerican substation) subject to a Conditional Zoning Agreement that will establish the mix of residential units and number of bedrooms, the design of the building, the installation of landscaping and street furniture, and improvement to the alley to provide access to the parking, and signage on the building. Eastham seconded. Eastham stated that this is a well designed building. The staff and developers have put in efforts to make the Bloomington Street side of the building to appear more like a residential building and less like a commercial building. He stated he was unsure on what to do about the parking access being on Bloomington Street. There wasn't a good solution other than to have the access from Bloomington Street. The advantage for the parking is it is underground and off the surface and it provides parking for commercial space. The building is functional and the mix of the residential dwelling units is keeping with the comprehensive plan and the statements in the downtown market analysis that was completed in 2007. Eastham stated he would support the building request with the conditions stated. Plahutnik stated that more than once during the discussion he has heard the phrase, 'we would stop before any further erosion.' The phrase itself is considering this an erosion of the neighborhood and an odd thing that even some of the supporters have admitted. Plahutnik noted comments about these three properties calling attention to themselves and being out of place in a commercial main street. He stated he has a serious concern about turning the corner of Bloomington and putting a large scale building there. There has been a lot of opinion presented as data. Staff has a hunch that this will stimulate the area rather than a collection of data supporting that. Without data he stated he has a good hunch that this will radically change the nature of Bloomington Street. It is one more section of the Northside changing in a dramatically different way that will never go back. Weitzel stated that the Commission cannot separate the zoning comprehensive plan change and the building design, both necessitates each other. If it was cost effective to do this project with two lots on Linn Street, they probably would have only used the two lots and not added the cost and expense of a third lot. Plahutnik stated that their expense is not the Commissions concern. Weitzel stated that the comprehensive plan says they need to take things into account such as economic development as well as good urban design which are legitimate concerns. He stated base on what he has seen one could not come to the conclusion that this would be bad for the community. Eastham stated that this approach provides a diversity of house types for a diversity of residences Eastham feels that the housing needs for nonstudents in a heavily student occupied area in the community is going to be met by something other than maintaining exclusively single family residences that have already been converted to multiple units. This information that has been provided by the staff and the developers is evidence of that. A vote was taken and the motion carried 5 -1, (Freerks absent, Payne abstained). REZ11- 00013: Discussion of an application submitted by Mane Gate, LLC for an amendment to the Planned Development Overlay High Density Single Family (OPD /RS- 12) zone to allow ground floor residential uses in lieu of commercial space and to remove the requirement to building 20 garage spaces shown on the original approved plan for Planning and Zoning Commission September 15, 2011 - Formal Page 13 of 21 approximately 2.73 -acres of property located at 2785, 2829, and 2871 Heinz Road. Miklo stated that this plan was approved in 2005 and the buildings were built in 2006. He showed the location of the property on Heinz Road east of the Bon Air Manufactured Housing Park. One of the properties contains residential on the ground floor and the upper floor. Two of the properties have a mixture of commercial and residential on the ground floor and then solely residential on the second floor. The applicant has requested that the plan be amended to allow additional residential uses on the ground floor. The applicant indicates that there has not been a market for commercial in this area. Staff feels in the future with the extension of Heinz Road and the future arterial street there may be the possibility for commercial demand in the area. Staff would recommend approval of the applicant's request which would allow up to five additional dwellings on the ground floor. The zoning will allow the flexibility of allowing the ability to convert some or all of the space to commercial in the future if there is a market. Miklo stated that the original plan showed two garages containing 20 stalls along the west property line adjacent to the Bon Air Manufacture Housing Park. The garages were not built when the buildings were built. There were parking spaces installed where the garages would have been and there was an evergreen hedge planted. Because the garages were shown on the Plan Development they are a requirement of the plan. The applicant is requesting that the garages be removed from the plan and the screening act in lieu of the garages. The screening does do a good job of blocking headlights or the view of the parking. Staff feels that is a judgment call, but one thing he asks the Commission to think about is if garages were not proposed when originally considering this rezoning, would they have approved it anyway. Payne asked if this was a Planned Development and not a CZA. Miklo confirmed that was correct. Koppes opened the floor to the public for comment. Steve Gordon, 605 Grandview Court, University Heights, stated he was with AM Management and they provide the management for Main Gate LLC. Saddlebrook was brought into the city many years ago and there was some commercial contemplated for the area. At that point it was thought that the Parkway and Heinz Road might be completed quicker than what it was. He stated that without the Parkway going through and Heinz Road connecting to that it is basically just a residential neighborhood. When this was originally built they worked with the city and they wanted to have it all residential but because of the discussion they agreed to put in some sort of commercial which ended up being over nine thousand square feet of commercial. For five years they have tried to fill it and a lot has been empty for most of that time. It is just not a high traffic area and unless you live there you really have no reason to go down Heinz Road. Gordon stated that they did have some commercial uses. The proposed five residential units fit within the density for that size of lot. That will take approximately less than four thousand square feet so there will still be over five thousand square feet of commercial. Some of that is used by offices and there will still be some empty spaces available for future use even after the five units are converted. As Miklo stated that if and when the Parkway goes through to Heinz Road and becomes more of a major traffic route, this area would be conducive to commercial. What they are requesting is to have the flexibility to consider either commercial or residential. Gordon stated he feels they have given it a good effort in trying to get it leased out, they have leased a few spaces and they have had some tenants that stayed a couple of years and then left and they have had some permanent tenants. There is just a quite a bit of commercial space Planning and Zoning Commission September 15, 2011 - Formal Page 14 of 21 sitting empty and very difficult to rent in that location. He stated he would just like the opportunity to put that space to use and allow five more families to move into the area. Koppes asked Gordon to talk about the garages. Gordon stated that they have some garages for other apartments that they own in the area. In a residential apartment setting there isn't a lot of demand for garages. Not everyone wants them and there is an extra cost for them, if you want one your rent is higher. They do not justify themselves from a financial aspect. People are not willing to pay extra for a garage based on what they cost. He stated that there was not a demand for them. Eastham asked if there was demand for them in the future would he add the garages. Gordon confirmed that he would. Payne asked how Gordon would convert the commercial space to residential space. What would be done with the large windows and how would it look in the end. Gordon stated that they would replace the large windows with residential style windows, which was shown in the elevation drawings. There would be some exterior construction as well as interior construction. Payne asked with the matching brick. Gordon confirmed that was correct. He stated that the units that are there now are one and two bedroom units and that is what they would build. Weitzel asked that if there was a need to go back to the commercial or to build the garages, how would Gordon approach that. Would that be done as a vote through the condo association or as an owner would you just decide that. Gordon stated that at this point there are thirty units there that are apartments so there is one common owner and it would be their decision. Koppes closed the public hearing Eastham moved to approve REZ11 -00013 application submitted by Mane Gate, LLC for the a amendment to the Plan Development Overlay High Density Single Family (OPD /RS- 12) zone to allow ground floor residences to use some nine thousand feet of commercial space for approximately 2.73 -acres of property located at 2785, 2829, 2871 Heinz Road. The plan be amended to allow open parking space where the garages on the associated property. Payne seconded. Koppes asked if they should add a requirement for the evergreens. Miklo stated that the evergreens are already in and it would be a requirement of the code. If you have parking you have to have it screened. Koppes asked for discussion. Weitzel stated that it seems appropriate. As time has gone by the design did not live up to it and it is time to change it. Payne stated that the garages were originally put in the plan as a buffer and she thinks that now that the evergreens are growing up they are just as good of a buffer as the garages would be. If they built garages and nobody wanted to rent them they would be taking parking space away from the area. Planning and Zoning Commission September 15, 2011 - Formal Page 15 of 21 Koppes stated that she is glad that not all of the commercial is not being removed. She stated she would like to see some of it remain there. A vote was taken and the motion carried 6 -0, (Freerks absent). DEVELOPMENT ITEM: SUB11- 00013: Discussion of an application submitted by Saddlebrook Meadows Development for a preliminary plat for Saddlebrook Meadows Part 2, a 21 -lot, 3.57 acre residential subdivision located at Whispering Meadows Drive and Pinto Lane. Miklo stated that the application meets the subdivision standards and the Staff recommends approval. Payne stated she was going to talk about the mailbox clusters. Miklo stated that they have added a mailbox cluster in the vicinity of Lot 59. Koppes opened the public hearing Steve Gordon, 605 Grandview Court, University Heights, stated he was with AM Management. They planned Saddlebrook Meadows Part One about four or five years ago as they finished the development to the north Whispering Meadows Part Two and Three. Thinking they would continue on and then the economy and housing went bad. They were never able to move forward. Looking back they would have included this part of it to double load the streets. Gordon stated they are ready to develop this land now and they have started on part one moving dirt. If they are building the streets, Whispering Meadows Drive and Pinto Lane with part one they felt it makes sense that while they are doing that they should continue on and utilize the land on the other side of the street for additional lots. They came up with the concept for part two. He feels it meets all the codes of the RS -8, the current zoning, and they have worked with the engineering department as well as City staff to make changes. Koppes asked if there were any questions. There were none. Koppes closed the public hearing. Payne moved to approve SUB11 -00013 an application submitted by Saddlebrook Meadows Development for a preliminary plat for Saddlebrook Meadows Part 2, a 21 -lot, 3.57 acre residential subdivision located at Whispering Meadows Drive and Pinto Lane. Eastham seconded. Koppes asked for discussion. Payne stated that her concern was that there is no place to pull over to get your mail. That people would be blocking part of the street to get the mail. She understands that the existing codes and ordinances do not do anything with that for this subdivision but she would like to add it for the future. Miklo asked if she wanted to add it to the program as something to look into for the future. Eastham stated he would support it. Weitzel confirmed. Planning and Zoning Commission September 15, 2011 - Formal Page 16 of 21 A vote was taken and the motion carried 6 -0, (Freerks absent). SELF SUPPORTED MUNICIPAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT ITEM: Discussion of an application for a Self Supported Municipal Improvement District (SSSMID) for property located within the Central Business (CB -10) zone (Downtown) and the Central Business Service (CB -2) and the Central Business Support (CB -5) zones generally located north of Iowa Avenue (Northside Marketplace). Ford stated that Council received a petition to create a SSMID district on August 25 and that the petition meets the statutory requirements for the number of owners and the valuation required for signatures on that petition. The Commission's job on this agenda item is to review and make an evaluative report to the City Council on the merits and the feasibility in the proposed Self Supported Municipal Improvement District. Consideration for the evaluation, merits, and feasibility revolve around the property included to the taxes levied and the plan itself. Ford stated that the property included in the proposed district meets all of the criteria required by Iowa law in that it is contiguous, it is zoned commercial, it is within Iowa City boundaries and it is related in the manner that it is the Central Business District and the Central Business Support zone, including Northside Marketplace. The proposed tax rate is two dollars per thousand of valuation. The funds are proposed to be used for new and enhanced activities or services within the district. The operational expenses will include developing and managing a marketing program for the area; developing and managing special events, activities, doing business retention and attraction, expanding the park and shop and bus and shop program, and making physical or other improvements or enhancements to the downtown area including beautification, flower boxes, plantings and holiday lights. Finally, the SSMD would create two new jobs —a business development manager and assistant business development manager. Ford stated that the petition states specifically that the City will not diminish the type and extent of any of the services that it already provides for the area within the SSMID district if enacted. The proposed district and plan of work appear to be consistent with all existing laws, plans, and City policies including the City- University Urban Renewal Plan, the 2008 Central District Plan, the 2007 Downtown Market Niche Analysis recommendations and the Comprehensive Plan which states the goals of keeping the downtown area vibrant. The petition states that notwithstanding the fact that part of the proposed SSMID district is within a TIF district the amount of funds that would be derived from an annual SSMID levy from properties in that TIF district will still be made available annually to the SSMID activities and that the City should take all necessary actions to make that happen. The petition states that the tax levy would begin in fiscal year 2013 and sunset in four years generating roughly $280,000 per year. Ford stated that the University of Iowa has also announced their intention to partner with the SSMID efforts by contributing $100,000 annually to the SSMID budget. The combined sources and uses of these funds appear to allow for the feasibility for SSMID to actually work. Planning and Zoning Commission September 15, 2011 - Formal Page 17 of 21 Plahutnik recused himself as he is employed by a business with the proposed district. Payne asked about the wording for the number of property owner representatives on the SSMID board. Hektoen stated that that would be a question for the petitioners because it is their phrasing. Eastham asked if the University does not contribute their promise of $100,000 per year to the activities of the district is the amount of tax revenue available in the district sufficient to accomplish all of the elements set out in the petition. Ford stated that the primary elements would be able to be accomplished. The $100,000 is right now a spoken intention and there can be no stronger commitment from the university because the SSMID Board, with whom they would be contracted, has not yet been formed. Ford stated that she could not state anymore regarding the commitment, the budget would allow for some flexibility. She has heard from appropriate parties that there is interest in getting this off the ground sooner than later. Dyer asked if businesses that rent property would be taxed twice, once as renters and the other as tacked on by their landlords. Ford stated that generally landlords pass taxes on through to their tenants. Any additional taxes associated with this levy would be handled in the same way by the landlords passed on once through the lease. Dyer asked if renters could be taxed separately as well. Hektoen stated it is just the property owners. Koppes clarified that it is a part of the property tax bill. Koppes opened the public hearing Karen Kubby, 1425 Ridge Street, Iowa City, stated she was the chair of the Downtown Association SSMID committee. As an update, they have received more petition signatures and they now have 54 out of 143 unique property owners signed, getting them to just below thirty - eight percent in the proposed district and forty -eight percent of assessed value represented. They are excited because even though they were done collecting signatures, there were people that still wanted to sign. It is an indicator of some of the enthusiasm for this project. When you look at the signatures on the petition there is a nice balance between Northside and downtown. There is a nice balance between retail on the ground floor and office uses on the second or third floor. Kubby stated that in terms of the petition itself they feel they have been very clear about the intent of the language about how the board will be composed and that it is clear to the committee and it is clear to those that signed the petition. To clarify Payne's question, Kubby stated that there would be two different, unique people representing certain categories of size of business and size of property. They feel that if any language change made now it would denigrate the integrity of the signature process. They would like to keep the language as it is with a clear understanding of what their intent was, how they explained it to people and the general understanding of those who signed the petition. Payne stated that the first time she read it didn't make sense. It says, 'two from property owners or their representatives from a single property.' She stated she read that as one property is going to have two people not two separate properties each having a representative. Payne stated that once she went back and read it she understood what it meant it is just not clear up front. She stated that if they were going to have a board that picks your first board member and everyone understands what it means than that is the important part. Kubby stated that she felt it was clear to the signers as they were shepherding the process of gathering Planning and Zoning Commission September 15, 2011 - Formal Page 18 of 21 signatures. Dyer stated she was confused by the one representative from the Northside. Kubby stated that they wanted to guarantee that there was at least one but it could be multiple. She stated there also could be people who lived there, whether they owned or rented their dwelling downtown, or someone who doesn't live, work or own a business downtown who might wants to be on the board. They wanted multiple seats for more diversity in terms of stake holders in the community. Dyer asked what the marketing directors are going to market. Kubby stated that they would market the SSMID area. They want people to know the diversity of things and that there is something for everyone. They also want to do some larger regional marketing so people know they can come for the weekend or extended visits. They can park once and walk to do lots of different activities and then get in their car once to get back home. Eastham asked if organization committee has given some thought to the possibility of property owners that did not sign this SSMID petition having representation on the SSMID board. Kubby stated that anyone that meets the criteria will have the opportunity to apply to be selected to be on the board so it will not be limited to just those that signed the petition. There are a lot of people out there that didn't sign the petition, not because they were against it, but because they made a choice to be neutral on the issue. So just because someone didn't sign the petition doesn't mean they are against it. Koppes closed the public hearing. Weitzel moved to approve an application for a Self Supported Municipal Improvement District (SSSMID) for property located within the Central Business (CB -10) zone (Downtown) and the Central Business Service (CB -2) and the Central Business Support (CB -5) zones generally located north of Iowa Avenue (Northside Marketplace). the SSMID. Payne seconded. Weitzel stated that he was excited to see this move forward it has great potential to bring great things to downtown. Payne stated that it is a unique way for businesses to partner together to promote the downtown and the Northside area. It will be a good thing for the community. Eastham stated that the University of Iowa seems to be willing to contribute money to the marketing efforts is commendable step on their part as well as the business owners and their willingness to pay a small additional amount of property taxes in order to support the marketing activities of the district. Koppes stated that SSMIDs have been proven to work in other cities so she feels it is a good addition for the downtown and the Northside Marketplace to help get the word out about what is down there. A vote was taken and the motion carried 5 -0, (Freerks, Plahutnik excused). Planning and Zoning Commission September 15, 2011 - Formal Page 19 of 21 URBAN RENEWAL PLAN: Discussion of the Riverfront Crossings Urban Renewal Plan for approximately 45 acres of property bordered by Highway 1 on the south, Myrtle Drive on the north, the Iowa River on the east and generally Orchard street on the west. Ford stated that the Commission's job on this agenda item is to review the Riverfront Crossings Urban Renewal Plan for its conformance with the Comprehensive Plan and to submit a recommendation to City Council. The purpose of an urban renewal plan is to provide a vision and to enable the possibility of city- assisted development and public improvement projects through the use of TIF. Public projects in this case might include things such as beautification of the Riverside Drive commercial corridor, connecting the trail system along the river, and fixing conditions that impair the environmental or economic health of the community. Ford stated that an Urban Renewal Plan can be established for the purposes of economic development or slum and blight. This area was beginning to show the signs of blight before the flood of 2008 which worsened existing conditions and added new ones. Blight tends to lead to the disinvestment of the area, drawing down property values and slowing the growth of the city. It can be a liability physically, economically and socially. In an analysis of the properties in the area it was revealed that there was a significant finding of blight which merits the establishment of Urban Renewal Plan for blight purposes. Ford stated that there are slides to show the type of condition meriting the blight designation and the language from the Iowa code that is used to describe blight in this case. One of the conditions is defective or ineffective street layout. Ford pointed out on the slide the various street layout issues. Another condition in the definition of blight is a faulty layout in relation to the size, adequacy, accessibility, or usefulness of a lot. Ford stated the plan appears to be in conformity with both the 2002 Southwest District Plan and the Comprehensive Plan. Payne asked why this area is to be included in the Riverfront Crossings area and why was it this area that was picked to do first over other areas on the other side of the river. Miklo answered the first question by stating that when the first round of the Riverfront Crossing Plan was done staff was focusing on the east side of the river. During that process, members of the public, counselors, and commissioners stated that if you fix up that side and leave the other side as it was it would not be a good relationship, so staff has broadened the Riverfront Crossings to the west side of the river. Eastham stated the railroad trestle across Riverfront is an unsightly landmark. His personal preference would be to improve the appearance of that trestle. It was mentioned in the Miller Orchard Neighborhood Improvement plan as well. Ford stated that is privately owned property and the city would entertain ideas to partner on an improvement. Koppes opened the public hearing. There was none. Planning and Zoning Commission September 15, 2011 - Formal Page 20 of 21 Koppes closed the public hearing. Payne moved to approve the Riverfront Crossings Renewal Plan for approximately 45 acres of property bordered by Highway 1 on the south, Myrtle Drive on the north, the Iowa River on the east and generally Orchard Street on the west. Weitzel seconded. Koppes asked for discussion. Dyer stated that there wasn't any designation about where the flood plain would be. She asked if any of them would have to be elevated. Ford confirmed that was correct. Hektoen stated that there are other ordinances that guarantee buildings be flood proof or out of the 500 year flood plain. Payne stated that it was helpful to have a better understanding of what blight means and wanted to reiterate that blight doesn't necessarily mean that something is unkempt or disorderly. It can just mean poor traffic flow or something to that effect. Eastham stated that to him the term blight as it is defined by the statute does not apply to a number of the businesses and properties in the proposed urban renewal area. There are a number of businesses that are quite attractive. Miklo stated that blight is usually a negative but it is often not of the making of the property owner. Payne stated that it did not necessarily mean the property owner was at fault. Weitzel stated that this area has always been gritty but this area from the tornado and the flood has really contributed to the declining trends. Koppes stated that she was excited that something is going to get done to this area. The TIF district gives some options for business owners to redevelop and to put new businesses there. Payne stated that it was a gateway into the city and it could use some beautification. A vote was taken and the motion carried 6 -0, (Freerks absent). OTHER: Miklo stated the Commission is familiar with fringe area agreement between the City and Johnson County that deals with the land within two miles of the city. It gives the City the ability to comment on the zoning actions of the county, but also gives them the ability to approve or deny subdivisions in that area. The fringe area agreement has been in place for a number of years. It does have a time line where it is reviewed every five years. Either it is reviewed and amended or automatically renewed. The five year time limit is October 16, 2011 and the County has asked if there are any concerns or is the agreement okay as is. From staffs perspective there have not been that many cases dealing with the fringe area agreement. It is not promoting development in the two miles and it is leaving that area for future annexation and control by the City. From staffs perspective they do not see any reason to revisit the agreement and suggest continuing as is. Koppes asked when annexing something into the city does those two miles go from the new annex or from where it was. Miklo stated that whenever they annex the fringe area agreement states that the City will decide to expand it on a case by case basis. In most cases they have Planning and Zoning Commission September 15, 2011 - Formal Page 21 of 21 chosen not to because it has been just a small bump out. Miklo stated that there did not need to be a vote but if there was a concern we would put it on the future agenda. The consensus of the Commission was to continue the Fringe Area Agreement as is. CONSIDERATION OF MEETING MINUTES: August 29th, 2011 and September 1st, 2011: Eastham moved to approve the minutes. Weitzel seconded. The motion carried 6 -0 (Freerks excused). ADJOURNMENT: Weitzel moved to adjourn. Payne seconded. The meeting was adjourned on a 6 -0 vote (Freerks excused).