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Home My WebLink About2011-12-08 Info Packet= i -L CITY OF IOWA CITY www.icgov.org CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET MISCELLANEOUS December 8, 2011 IP1 Council Meetings and Work session Agenaa IP2 Memo from City Clerk: Economic Forecast Luncheon IP3 Email from Personnel Adm.: Linda Severson Holiday Charity Challenge IP4 Media Release: City Hall Conference Room Renamed in Helling's Honor IP5 Building Permit Information — November 2011 IP6 City Council Economic Development Committee Approved Minutes — November 8, 2011 IP7 Article form City Manager: Walk This Way: The Challenge of Pedestrian Malls IP8 Memo from City Attorney: Absence IP9 Email from Bobby Jett: A Beautiful Thing IP10 Invitation: A Legislative Town Hall and Reception DRAFT MINUTES IP11 Historic Preservation Commission: November 10, 2011 IP12 Planning & Zoning: November 17, 2011 City ouncil Meeting Schedule and ��- � CITY OF IOWA CITY Work Session Agendas December 8, 2011 www.icgov.org TENTATIVE MEETING SCHEDULE - SUBJECT TO CHANGE ♦ MONDAY, DECEMBER 26 and TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27 Holiday - City Offices Closed ♦ MONDAY, JANUARY 2 Holiday - City Offices Closed ♦ WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4 Emma J. Harvat Hall 5:30p Special Formal — Organizational meeting ♦ SATURDAY, JANUARY 7 Emma J. Harvat Hall 8:00a -5:00p Special Budget Work Session ♦ MONDAY, JANUARY 9 Emma J. Harvat Hall 1:00 -7:00p Special Budget Work Session ♦ TUESDAY, JANUARY 10 Emma J. Harvat Hall 5:30p Special Work Session 7:00p Special Formal Council Meeting ♦ MONDAY, JANUARY 16 Emma J. Harvat Hall Martin Luther King, Jr. Day — City Offices Closed ♦ TUESDAY, JANUARY 24 Emma J. Harvat Hall 5:30p Special Work Session 7:00p Special Formal Council Meeting ♦ TUESDAY, JANUARY 31 Emma J. Harvat Hall 6:00 -9:00p Special Budget Work Session (Boards /Commissions /Events) TBD Special Formal ♦ MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20 Emma J. Harvat Hall Presidents' Day — City Offices Closed ♦ TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21 Emma J. Harvat Hall 5:30p Special Work Session 7:00p Regular Formal Council Meeting ♦ TUESDAY, MARCH 6 Emma J. Harvat Hall 5:30p Special Work Session 7:00p Regular Formal Council Meeting ♦ TUESDAY, MARCH 20 Emma J. Harvat Hall 5:30p Special Work Session 7:00p Special Formal Council Meeting ♦ WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21 Emma J. Harvat Hall 4:30p Joint Meeting - Special Work Session r -- CITY OF IOWA CITY IP2 - — ��m 1, �su% � -T4 MEMORANDUM Date: December 8, 2011 To: Mayor and City Council From: Marian K. Karr, City Clerk Re: Economic Forecast Luncheon Please let me know if you are interested in attending this event. The City will have a table, and I'll take care of the registration. RSVP Economic Forecast Luncheon f Page I of 2 B usinessJournaT Economic Forecast Luncheon January 11, 2012 When: Wednesday Jan. 11, 2012 Register Today From 11:30 to 1:15 PM CST Where: Coralville Mariott You're cordially invited to attend the Corridor Business h t. 300 East 9th St. 300 E Journal's Economic Forecast Luncheon on Wednesday, ille, January 11, 2012 at the Coralville Mariott. " The annual Economic Forecast Luncheon offers insight on where gar, the economy is headed in 2012. Corridor business leaders will engage in an in -depth panel discussion moderated by Jack Evans, President of The Hall - Perrine Foundation. Panelists include: Stephen C. Gray, Founder, Gray Venture Partners William C. (Curt) Hunter, Dean, UI Tippie College of Business Driving Directions Mary Quass, President /CEO, NRG Media Dan Smith, Division Vice President, Amana Division /Whirlpool Corporation Jon Whitmore, CEO, ACT, Inc. Event includes a keynote address on the economy and a networking lunch. Registration fee: $45 per person Table of Ten: $450 per table *Complimentary parking will be made available. Click Here to Register Presenting Sponsor http: // campaign. r20. constantcontact .com /render ?llr= kbvxradab &v =001 cQDW 1 aEIOuXerX... 12/8/2011 RSVP Economic Forecast Luncheon Bankers S,, ntst "I Visit Our Sponsor Page 2 of 2 If you have any further questions about the event or if you are having difficulty registering online, please contact Kristin Reynolds at kristin@corridorbusiness.com or 319 - 887 -2251 ext. 314. Forward email This email was sent to jeff- davidson @iowa - city.org by kristin corridorbusiness.com Update Profile /Email Address I Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribeTM I Privacy Policy. Corridor Media Group 1 845 Quarry Rd.Ste. 125 1 Coralville I IA 152241 i � r Ti-erstQd fi.N 6.v rty it FREE today http: / /campaign.r20. constantcontact .com /render ?llr= kbvxradab &v =001 cQDW 1 aEIOuXerX... 12/8/2011 IP3 From: Karen Jennings Sent: Wednesday, December 07, 2011 4:42 PM Subject: Linda Severson Holiday Charity Challenge Please take a moment to read the following announcement regarding the Severson Holiday Charity Challenge which has been organized in honor of former City employee Linda Severson. As part of this event, the City will be participating in a friendly charitable giving competition with other local entities. The organization collecting the most items per FTE will be the proud recipient of the Severson Cup! The City's charity drive will benefit the Joan Buxton Children's Aid Fund (more details below). A donation box is currently located in the lobby of City Hall and more will be appearing at other City worksites in the coming days. Persons wishing to make a monetary donation may do so in Human Resources. While cash will be accepted, checks are preferred and should be made out to the Joan Buxton Children's Aid Fund. Please make sure that monetary donations are delivered directly to Human Resources and NOT routed through internal mail. Save the Date! The City's holiday Charity Drive will end with a wrap -up celebration for City employees on Friday, January 6, 2012. Additional details to come... Please post or route for employees who do not have a City email address. Questions, comments or suggestions may be forwarded to Robin Butler, Marian Karr, or Karen Jennings. Thanks Everyone!! This past year, we lost a very special friend and colleague, Linda Severson. At the time of her passing, Linda was the Homan Services Coordinator for MPOJC. in that role, Linda defined her responsibilities broadly, coordinating whatever needed to be done for people. She usually went above and beyond, coordinating not just what needed to be done, but also what could be done, and what should be done to help others. in her memory, the City of Iowa City is challenging other municipalities and entities in Johnson County to coordinate a holiday charity drive in Linda's honor - and were includ- ing a little friendly challenge. The entity that succeeds in getting the most donations (which will be calculated on the number of donations per the number of full-time employees), will receive the Severson Cup, which will be engraved with their name. The City of Iowa City's holiday drive will focus on donations for the Joan Buxton Children's Aid Fund, a charity that provides for the basic needs of children and which was very dear to Linda. There will be boxes located at City Hall, the Library, and at various other City locations for your donations. The drive will run through January 7, 2012. Items needed include: • Socks (children and adult sizes) • Underwear (children and adult sizes) • Coats • Snowpants • Boots - Scarves We hope that all of you who worked with Linda will participate in the Severson Charity Challenge, not only to honor her memory, but also to help carry on the compassionate, caring work she did in our community for so many years. Here's to a charitable holiday season. IN Marian Karr From: City of Iowa City <web @iowa- city.org> Sent: Thursday, December 01, 2011 5:12 PM To: Marian Karr Subject: City Hall conference room renamed in Helling's honor Contact: Adam Bentley Contact Phone: (319) 356 -5010 Dale Helling City Hall conference room renamed in Helling's honor Posted by: City Manager Mailing List(s): General City News Originally Posted 12/1/2011 5:11:13 PM In honor of Assistant City Manager Dale Helling's 36 years of service to the City of Iowa City, the City Manager has renamed the City Hall Lobby Conference Room the "Helling Conference Room." Helling began his career with the City in 1975 as a police officer, but three years later was hired as the Assistant City Manager, a position he held for 33 years before retiring on November 30th. In addition to overseeing labor relations and the City's Civil Rights, Human Resources, and Cable TV departments, Helling stepped in as Interim City Manager on three separate occasions during his career -- the last time, for a year and a half -- to run day -to -day operations while the City Council was in the process of recruiting and hiring a new City Manager. While Helling may have closed the door to his City Hall office for the last time on Wednesday, the door to the "Helling Conference Room" will remain open, honoring the spirit of his long -term service and dedication to the Iowa City community. The Helling Conference Room is located on the west side of the lobby in City Hall. View this article on the ICGov Web Site: http: / /www.icgov.org /default /apps /GEN /news.asp ?newsiD =7573 Do not reply directly to this e-mail! It is produced from an automated system, and is not monitored for replies. If you have a question or comment about this information, please contact the originating department of this message, or by using our feedback form. For technical questions regarding the website, please contact our web team. • Unsubscribe or edit your subscription details. • Visit our iobs page for employment opportunities. • View more news from the City of Iowa City. BUILDING PERMIT INFORMATION November 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: 11/30/2011 Extraction of Building Permit Data for To: 11/1/2011 From: 11/30/2011 Census Bureau Report Twe Type Permit Number Name Address Imnr Use Stories Units Valuation BLD11 -00686 LUCAS S VAN ORDEN 2122 ACT CIR ADD NON 0 0 $2,600 RETAINING WALL FOR COMMERCIAL BUILDING Total ADD/NON permits: 1 Total Valuation : $2,600 BLD11 -00667 MARY MARGARET BRIGID 1 1032 HOWELL ST Erect detached garage and small kitchen addition/remodel BLDI I -00663 REBECCAROUTH 822 RUNDELL ST BATH AND SCREEN PORCH ADDITION FOR SFD BLDI I -00577 STEVE BUNDY - 1107 MARCY ST BATH ADDITION AND KITCHEN REMODEL FOR SFD BLDI1 -00618 MARK ASTEIN 217 STANWYCK DR Three season porch and uncovered deck BLD11 -00678 CONNIE CLARK 2342 PLAEN VIEW DR 3 SEASON PORCH ADDITION FOR ZERO -LOT SFD BLDII -00625 STEFAN STRACK 358 MAGOWAN AVE 14' x 16' Screen porch BLD11 -00641 WILLIAM GEORGE GRAF 1123 HARLOCKE ST 14'x 16' uncovered wood deck BLDI I -00640 JOSEPH P MITROS 1321 OAKCREST ST 12'x 20' Uncovered wood deck ADD RSF 1 0 $70,000 ADD RSF 0 0 $60,000 ADD RSF 0 0 $28,000 ADD RSF 1 0 $20,000 ADD RSF 0 0 $16,400 ADD RSF 1 0 $15,000 ADD RSF 1 0 $12,000 ADD RSF 1 0 $4,700 Total ADD/RSF permits: 8 Total Valuation : - $226,100 BLDI I -00494 MERCY HOSPITAL 500 E MARKET ST ALT NON INPATIENT ROOM REMODEL PHASE 1C & 1D (3 WEST) $550,000 BLDII -00455 MOEN, MARC B 118 E COLLEGE ST ALT NON REMODEL SHELL OF EXISTING FORMER RESTAURANT $171,000 BLD11 -00620 LAURENCE SHORT ET AL 18 S CLINTON ST ALT NON Remodel second and third floor of commercial building. Installing full kitchen on second floor BLDI I -00700 IOWA CITY FREE MEDICAL 1 2440 TOWNCREST DR ALT NON REDO FACADE AND WINDOWS FOR MEDICAL CLINIC 1 0 BLD11 -00623 246 GROUP LLC 2569 N DODGE ST ALT NON Tenant build -out "Jimmy John's" 0 0 BLDII -00575 JAVA HOUSE 211 WASHINGTON ST ALT NON EXPAND JAVA HOUSE RESTAURANT INTO ADJACENT RETAIL SPACE BLDII -00696 LAMICHOANARESTAURAN 436 HIGHWAY 1 WEST ALT NON RESTAURANT /GROCERY IN STRIP MALL TENANT SPACE 436 - restaurant; 438 - grocery BLDI I -00660 NEUMILLER ELECTRIC 605 HIGHWAY I ALT NON Change of use with minor modifications BLDI1 -00578 GAMESTOP 1001 HIGHWAY #1 WEST ALT NON TENANT FINISH FOR RETAIL STORE BLD11 -00689 ALPLA INC 2309 HEINZ RD ALT NON TRUCK DOCK FOR FACTORY BLDI I -00538 CITY OF IOWA CITY 2401 S SCOTT BLVD ALT NON TENANT FIT -OUT FOR BUILDING MATERIAL RETAIL SALES 0 0 $2,960,700 2 0 $550,000 3 0 $200,000 2 0 $171,000 1 0 $156,000 0 0 $100,000 1 0 $52,000 1 0 $20,000 1 0 $15,000 0 0 $12,000 0 0 $8,000 Page: 3 City of Iowa City Date: 11/30/2011 Extraction of Building Permit Data for To: From : 11/1/2011 11/30/2011 Census Bureau Report BLD 11 -00699 CITY OF IOWA CITY 618 N GILBERT ST Twe Type 2 0 $46,000 Permit Number Name Address Impr Use Stories Units Valuation BLDII -00653 HIDALGO PROPERTIES LLC 1930 S GILBERT ST ALT NON 0 0 $1,000 Convert tenant space to hair salon BLD10 -00731 IOWA CITY CMNTY SCH DIS 1930 LAKESIDE DR ALT NON 0 0 $900 ADD DOOR BETWEEN CLASSROOMS #115 AND #116 BLDI I -00675 REMPEL CUSTOM CABINET Total ALT/NON permits: 13 ALT Total Valuation : 0 $4,246,600 BLDI I -00666 STEVE CONNELL 910 S SUMMIT ST ALT RDF 2 0 $20,000 Kitchen Remodel 1827 MACKINAW DR ALT RSF 0 0 $25,000 BASEMENT FINISH FOR SFD Total ALT/RDF permits: 1 Total Valuation : $20,000 BLDII -00647 HODGE APARTMENTS LC 115 N DUBUQUE ST ALT RMF 3 0 $591,124 Convert apartment house to 9 dwelling units. 6 three bedroom units and 3 two bedroom units BASEMENT FINISH FOR SFD BLD11 -00671 WETHERBY CONDOS SOUT] 1956 BROADWAY ST ALT RMF 3 0 $283,333 REMODEL OF 36 UNIT APARTMENT BUILDING 0 $19,000 Basement finish BLDI I -00672 WETHERBY CONDOS SOUT] 1958 BROADWAY ST ALT RMF 3 0 $283,333 REMODEL OF 36 UNIT APARTMENT BUILDING 0 $14,460 Basement finish BLD11 -00673 WETHERBY CONDOS SOUT] 1960 BROADWAY ST ALT RMF 3 0 $283,333 REMODEL OF 36 UNIT APARTMENT BUILDING 0 $10,000 Finish off part of basement to theater room Total ALT /RMF permits: 4 Total Valuation : 631 LARCH LN $1,441,123 BLD 11 -00699 CITY OF IOWA CITY 618 N GILBERT ST ALT RSF 2 0 $46,000 CONVERT TRI -PLEX TO SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING BLDI I -00566 STEVE MCGUIRE & LORE B. 712 KIMBALL RD ALT RSF 0 0 $45,000 REMODEL FOR SFD BLDI I -00693 ISABEL BARBUZZA 1168 E COURT ST ALT RSF 0 0 $45,000 REDO PLUMBING, ELECTRICAL, WATER HEATER, KITCHEN FOR SFD BLDI I -00675 REMPEL CUSTOM CABINET 1405 LAKE SHORE DR ALT RSF 0 0 $25,000 BASEMENT FINISH AND 1 ST FLOOR BATH FOR SFD BLD11 -00684 JULIE KRUGER & HEATHER 1827 MACKINAW DR ALT RSF 0 0 $25,000 BASEMENT FINISH FOR SFD BLDI I -00680 SOUTHGATE HOMES 4103 RUTH ST ALT RSF 0 0 $20,000 BASEMENT FINISH FOR SFD BLDI I -00661 SHERILYN K SORGE 1512 BROOKWOOD DR ALT RSF 0 0 $19,000 Basement finish BLD11 -00670 JAKE T & NICHOLE S CARR( 4401 TEMPE PL ALT RSF 0 0 $14,460 Basement finish BLDI1 -00637 MARK RENSHAW 72 HICKORY HEIGHTS LN ALT RSF 0 0 $10,000 Finish off part of basement to theater room BLDII -00644 BARBARA CHAMBERS 631 LARCH LN ALT RSF 1 0 $5,037 Remove interior nonbearing wall BLDI I -00659 MARK MATHIAS 536 GALWAY DR ALT RSF 0 0 $3,500 Finish basement BLDI I -00688 STEVE & JAN BIRNEY 1613 SPRUCE CT ALT RSF 0 0 $3,000 BASEMENT EGRESS WINDOW FOR SFD Page: 4 City of Iowa City Date: 11/30/2011 Extraction of Building Permit Data for To: 11/1/2011 From: 11/30/2011 Census Bureau Report BLDI I -00645 JKS REAL ESTATE GROUP Ll 1550 WILLOW CREEK DR Type Type Two storage buildings 24'x 60' and 30'x 70' Permit Number Name Address Imvr Use Stories Units Valuation BLDI I -00687 HEIDI VAN WIEREN 404 PARK RD ALT RSF 0 0 $2,840 BASEMENT EGRESS WINDOW FOR SFD $121,000 BLD10 -00774 IAN J SCOTT 527 STUART CT ALT RSF 0 0 $600 ADD INSULATION TO EXTERIOR BASEMENT WALLS AND COVER WITH DRYWALL Total ALT/RSF permits: 14 Total Valuation: $264,437 BLDI I -00645 JKS REAL ESTATE GROUP Ll 1550 WILLOW CREEK DR NEW NON 1 0 $94,000 Two storage buildings 24'x 60' and 30'x 70' BLDI I -00080 CITY OF IOWA CITY 2275 S GILBERT ST NEW NON 1 0 $27,000 CHEMICAL STORAGE SHED FOR PARKS DEPT Total NEW/NON permits: 2 Total Valuation : $121,000 BLDI I -00668 HARVEY R DIEHL 807 RIDER ST NEW RAC 2 0 $73,000 Two story detached garage Total NEW/RAC permits: 1 Total Valuation : $73,000' BLDII -00648 PAT STEWART 1105 FOSTER RD NEW RMF 2 12 $1,886,197 12 PLEX WITH ATTACHED PARKING GARAGE 1105/1113 /1121/1129/ 1137 / 1145 /1153/1161/1169 /1177/1185/1193 FOSTER RD. Total NEW/RMF permits: 1 Total Valuation : $1,886,197 BLDI I -00601 GREG & KRISTEN BROWN 4180 CUMBERLAND LN NEW RSF SFD WITH ATTACHED 3 CAR GARAGE BLDI I -00651 CARDINAL RIDGE DEVELOI 1073 MEADOWLARK DR NEW RSF S.F.D. with three car garage BLD11 -00690 WALTON BUILDERS, INC 1680 LAKE SHORE DR NEW RSF SFD WITH ATTACHED 3 CAR GARAGE SUMP PUMP CERTIFICATION 2 1 $650,000 1 1 $402,000 1 1 $245,000 ITotal NEW/RSF permits: 3 Total Valuation : $1,297,000' BLD11 -00681 MARVIN ROBERTSON 122 LAFAYETTE ST REP NON 0 0 $19,500 REROOF COMMERCIAL BUILDING BLDII -00694 KADING, SCOTT WAYNE 13 S LINN ST REP NON 0 0 $18,250 REROOF COMMERCIAL BUILDING Total REP/NON permits: 2 Total Valuation : $37,750' BLDI I -00626 JAMES S MOORE 718 -20 WOODSIDE DR REP RDF 0 0 $9,760 WINDOW REPLACEMENT FOR DUPLEX UNITS BLDI I -00691 RICHARD D & DIANNE MCV 520 W BENTON ST REP RDF 0 0 $900 EGRESS WINDOWS FOR DUPLEX UNIT Page: 5 City of Iowa City Date: 11/30/2011 Extraction of Building Permit Data for To: 11/1/2011 From: 11/30/2011 Census Bureau Report Tie Tyne Permit Number Name Address Imnr Use Stories Units Valuation Total REP/RDF permits: 2 Total Valuation : $10,660 BLDI I -00683 CITIZEN BUILDING LTD PAF 319 E WASHINGTON ST EXTERIOR REPAIR OF RMF /COMMERCIAL BUILDING BLDII -00652 CHARLES W BOWENS 428 SAMOA DR Repair fire damage between 428 and 432 RMF BLD10 -00612 HINCKLEY, HARRY W 1165 S RIVERSIDE DR REPLACE BALCONY RAILINGS REP BLDI I -00664 HODGE FAMILY PARTNERSI 422 BOWERY ST Reroof multifamily building $5,000 BLDI I -00657 VAN BUREN PROPERTIES LI 537 S VAN BUREN ST Reroof apartment 0 BI.D10 -00679 JAMES E 527 RONALDS ST Roof repair 0 REP RMF 0 0 $155,000 REP RMF 2 0 $75,000 REP RMF 0 0 $5,000 REP RMF 2 0 $4,800 REP RMF 0 0 $4,200 REP RMF 0 0 $2,400 Total REP/RMF permits: 6 Total Valuation : $246,400' BLDI I -00658 GERALD L& DORIS L NAFZ1 1036 S 1ST AVE REP RSF Repair damages to home due to vehicle collision $5,000 0 0 $1,500 BLDI I -00692 CITY OF IOWA CITY 437 S GOVERNOR ST REP RSF REPLACE WATER LINES, GAS LINES, ELECTRICAL, FURNACE, WATER HEATER FOR SFD BLDI I -00621 FRANK S GERSH 1041 WOODLAWN AVE REP RSF Repair porch BLD11 -00677 JERRY MOON 1547 LANGENBERG AVE REP RSF 3 EGRESS WINDOWS FOR SFD BLD11 -00703 TSB HOLDINGS LLC 827 MAGGARD ST REP RSF FRONT ENTRY STEPS FOR SFD BLD10 -00033 FIRST FRANKLIN MORTGAC 1502 KEOKUK ST REP RSF BEDROOM EGRESS WINDOW BLDI I -00642 IOWA CITY RENTALS LLC 442 W BENTON ST REP RSF Window replacement in bedroom 0 0 $16,000 0 0 $12,000 0 0 $5,000 0 0 $1,500 0 0 $1,500 0 0 $500 0 0 $100 Total REP/RSF permits: 7 Total Valuation : $36,600 GRAND TOTALS: PERMITS: 65 VALUATION: $9,909,467 N O a �+ Er _o H C'f H D ('n 0 v O m 0 5 n 9 9 K cn v 0< C) m m m y O 7 Q —�' t0/r m C C O Z X C Xg O t� C i N O O O y O n � 0 m 3 Z (7 3 CD X X. 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O A c0 CD J J O2 OD t00 P O ? COJt N p t00 A r A O U r " % CA CO CT to 00 O J 0 0) _ W to W J A poJ ? w W J OD CO 00 tr tr w O W W Cr N W J J -4 N O O to co w A 0 N w O N t0 W 0 t0 Z O Z J 0 �nGn cn N G W °o r DOD rn N O a �+ Er _o H C'f H IP6 MINUTES APPROVED CITY COUNCIL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE NOVEMBER 8, 2011 LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM, 8:00 A.M. Members Present: Regenia Bailey, Matt Hayek, Susan Mims Staff Present: Wendy Ford, Jeff Davidson, Tom Markus, Rick Fosse, Tracy Hightshoe Others Present: Gigi Wood, Nancy Quellhorst, Marc Moen CALL MEETING TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Bailey at 8:01 A.M. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 18, 2011, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING: Hayek moved to accept the October 18, 2011, meeting minutes as presented. Mims seconded the motion. Motion carried 3 -0. DISCUSS POSSIBLE DISPOSITION OF THREE CITY -OWNED PROPERTIES: Davidson addressed the Committee Members, noting that there are three City -owned properties he will be discussing this morning. He noted that staff would like to have the Members' concurrence on moving forward with these projects. The first property that Davidson presented is at the intersection of Court and Linn Streets. A proposed project concept includes a mixed - use residential /office /commercial structure, in conjunction with a 575 -space City -owned parking facility. Davidson noted that staff would like to get a Request for Proposals (RFP) out yet this calendar year. Davidson then responded to Members' questions, noting that the intention is for the office and commercial space, the workforce housing, and the townhouse -style units to all be private, taxable space. Members further discussed the housing options that would be available with this type of project, and then gave staff their concurrence to move ahead as discussed. The second potential project discussed is at the intersection of College and Gilbert Streets, and is actually comprised of four properties. Davidson noted that these parcels have been garnering interest for redevelopment for years. The question on these parcels is whether or not the City will ever need this space for its own operations. Davidson noted that staff has discussed these parcels and looked at options for what the City might do with them. Staff recommends doing an RFP to see what types of projects are submitted. Bailey stated that getting these properties back on the tax rolls should be a priority for them and discussion ensued about the potential for that corner. Davidson next discussed the Public Works and Transit site, at the corner of U.S. 6 /IA 1. He noted that before they could do an RFP for this project, soil investigations would be needed, due to a former landfill along the riverbank. Fosse also addressed Members, noting that they need to get a better understanding of the financial impact of mitigating the environmental issues on EDC November 8, 2011 2 the site. He further clarified which City services can be moved out of this facility, and which ones will need further time to complete. Mims asked about the cost of soil testing, and Fosse noted that he is working on getting some estimates and should have them available in the next few weeks. EDC Members noted that they agree with staff recommendations here. Davidson briefly discussed a fourth parcel owned by the City, adjacent to the Court Street Transportation Center /Hieronymus Square project. He noted that this will be coming to Council once things for the Hieronymus project begin to move along. CLARIFICATION OF ADDITION TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROCESS AND POLICIES: Ford spoke with Members about staff's recommendation to add a policy whereby developers seeking up -front financing must try to secure an Urban Renewal Revenue Note. She noted that the City's Bond Counsel strongly recommends this be done. Davidson added that this is not a popular issue with developers, but that it does help to reduce the City's risk. Members briefly discussed these risks, and given the state of the economy, noted that they would agree with this recommendation. STAFF TIME: Davidson shared with Members that a draft report on the Downtown Market Study is now being reviewed by staff. The final report will be delivered to City Council at a special work session on December 6. Davidson also noted that the City has been in contact with the owner of the Van Patton House, which recently suffered a fire. Their first priority will be to determine if any part of this structure can be saved. He added that the same type of evaluation will be done with the Bruegger's building. Davidson continued, noting that a site plan has been approved for the Hawkeye Hotel's project on Riverside Drive. The Moss -Green Urban Village project is back on track, according to Davidson. Also moving forward is planning on the Riverfront Crossings district. This will include an area from Highway 6 north to Burlington and Gilbert St west to the River, generally. Finally, Davidson noted that staff will be meeting with the University on the School of Music project soon, as this starts to move forward as well. Hightshoe then spoke to Members briefly about CDBG requests for funds that they have received, and that staff is considering establishing a set of threshold guidelines for applicants. She noted that recently they have received some applications that due to past credit histories and judgments, staff could not recommend. Staff will be working on those and present recommendations at a future meeting. COMMITTEE TIME: Hayek spoke briefly about the passenger rail rally that he attended recently in Des Moines, stating that it went very well. He shared with Members some of the information picked up at this event. ADJOURNMENT: Mims moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:58 A.M. Hayek seconded the motion. Motion carried 3 -0. EDC November 8, 2011 3 Council Economic Development Committee ATTENDANCE RECORD 2011 Key: X = Present O = Absent O/E = Absent/Excused TERM iv rn co NAME EXP. to ° Regenia 01/02/11 X X X X X X Bailey Matt 01/02/11 O X X X X X Hayek / E Susan 01/02/11 X X X X O/ X Mims E Key: X = Present O = Absent O/E = Absent/Excused Walk This Way: The Challenge Of Pedestrian Malls Home Features News Focus Growing Companies Jobs Page 1 of 6 IP7 Places FilterD N An education that teaches a child to learn —meai and creatively —will take her wherever she wa 45�SUMMERS -KNOLL SCHOOL .�„WW Features Walk This Way: The Challenge Of Pedestrian Malls JON ZEMKE I WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 07,2011 IOWA CITY - Would a pedestrian -only street work in downtown Ann Arbor? Many townies who enjoy strolling through the city's dynamic center think so. Many business owners who help make that downtown vibrant are convinced otherwise. No one really knows, but a few clues to the answer may lay in an MALL http: // concentratemedia. com / features /pedestrianmallsOl75.aspx 12/8/2011 Walk This Way: The Challenge Of Pedestrian Malls RELATED IMAGES ENLARGE unlikely place -- Iowa City. Page 2 of 6 Iowa City and Ann Arbor share more similarities than not. They are both college towns that their respective states' major namesake universities call home. They are semi -major cities in midwestern states with progressive populations that enjoy vibrant downtowns right next to their colleges. But Iowa City has something Ann Arborites only talk about, a high -end pedestrian mall filled with businesses, trees, art and, wait for it, pedestrians. Walk through the Ped Mall, as its known to Iowans, and you'll know nothing in the Midwest, not even Ann Arbor's Nicekels Arcade, is really comparable. "I can't imagine Iowa City without the Ped Mall," says Marc Moen, a long -time developer based in Iowa City and a resident of its downtown. "That's a big part of its identity." Walk like an Iowan Moen grew up in western Iowa and graduated from the University of Iowa's Law School in the late 1970s. His ambitions of moving to big cities like New York fell by the wayside when he fell in love with Iowa City after college, opening a law practice and redeveloping a few buildings on the side. About a decade ago he switched careers to full -time real estate development. Now his firm, Moen Group, owns five mixed -use buildings on the Ped Mall, ranging from stately historic 19th- century storefronts to the largest and tallest building in the downtown, the Plaza Towers. The contemporary 14 -story high - rise, circa 2006, features lofts, a boutique hotel, a sushi restaurant, a bar, and a high -end supermarket l� PE to C( cc th er o< http: // concentratemedia. com / features /pedestriamnalls0175.aspx 12/8/2011 Walk This Way: The Challenge Of Pedestrian Malls ENLARGE RELATED TAGS DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT, RETAIL ANNARBOR that spills onto the Ped Mall. To Moen there is no better place to sink money into a building. Page 3 of 6 "It's very inviting, particularly to residential," Moen says. "Instead of [being] on a street, you're on a plaza. It's a very inviting and friendly place." The Ped Mall dates back to 1977 when federal urban renewal funds were used to close off four blocks of downtown streets to create a pedestrian -only zone. It encompasses two blocks of East College Street and a perpendicular block of South Dubuque Street. It's adjacent to the western edge of Iowa's campus and two main vehicular arteries. An apt comparison would be closing down the Maynard and William street intersection just west of the Diag. The Ped Mall is lined with an eclectic mix of retail businesses, restaurants, bars, lofts, offices, hotels, a Trader Joe's -style supermarket and the busiest library branch in Iowa. People flood it during events and games. This year's U -M vs Iowa football game was elbow -to -elbow for hours after the game. That's not unusual. On quiet days, dozens of people still stroll by with regularity. What makes the Ped Mall so attractive is it's not really a vehicle -free street as much as it's a brick -paver park. It's quite obvious that a road was once there decades ago, but that's only because of the street walls that are left. All of the other aspects like pavement, sidewalks, and street signs are gone. What's there now are brick pavers, planters, mature trees, benches, public art, a playground and pianos every 5o feet anyone can play. Lots of things that attract people to every corner of the Ped Mall. "It's a combination of the Ped Mall and what's in the Ped Mall that makes it so vibrant," Moen says. "It's one of the few in the country that is successful." Mall city experiments That's the pedestrian mall rub. Pedestrian malls have mostly failed, sometimes spectacularly, in North America. Buffalo, Sacramento, Eugene, Raleigh and Chicago all created downtown pedestrian malls in the latter half of the loth E G A 1` U P http: // concentratemedia. com / features /pedestriamnallsOI75.aspx 12/8/2011 Walk This Way: The Challenge Of Pedestrian Malls Page 4 of 6 century before opening them back up to cars. Toronto even closed parts of Yonge Street (it's Main Street) for a time in the 1970s. An interesting side note, the first pedestrian mall appeared in downtown Kalamazoo in 1959, earning the city the moniker "Mall City." It has since been expanded to include a pedestrian -only zone and then partly reopened to vehicular traffic. Though pedestrian -only streets and plazas have long been the norm in many European cities, and Australia has seen a recent boom, U.S. cities have struggled to find success. Along with Iowa City, Boulder, Charlottesville and Denver are among the few notable exceptions. In Canada, only Calgary has managed to buck the odds. Some urban thinkers suggest that the failure of pedestrian malls are tied to under - developed public transportation systems, not enough people living in downtown spaces, and a lack of concentrated mixed -use amenities. Having all three features is seen as necessary to creating the kind of venue -like environment that attracts people. And all three indicate a lifestyle mindset that favors walking over driving. Ann Arbor would be hard - pressed to fulfill any of those criteria. Norm Cox, president of The Greenway Collaborative, an alternative transportation advocacy group based in Nickels Arcade in downtown Ann Arbor, doesn't think a pedestrian mall in Tree Town's downtown is a good idea. More than likely it would become a detriment to the city's vibrant core. Cox believes cars, bikes, pedestrians and other alternative transit users are equally responsible for downtown's pedestrian - friendly dynamic. He points out that a big part of why there are often more pedestrians on downtown sidewalks than cars in streets at times is because the vehicles help push them there and these window shoppers quite literally want to window shop. "What you find is you lose that critical mass of people on the sidewalk if you disperse it across the the whole street between the buildings," Cox says. "People want to be looking in the windows of those stores and near the cafes and restaurants." An Ann Arbor Ped Mall? Don't hold your breath waiting for Ann Arbor to start closing streets downtown. Even though the topic occasionally pops up every couple of years (the usual idea http: // concentratemedia. com / features /pedestriamnalls0l 75.aspx 12/8/2011 Walk This Way: The Challenge Of Pedestrian Malls Page 5 of 6 consists of closing down a few blocks of Main Street in the middle of downtown) it never gains traction. A few years ago, Ann Arbor Mayor John Hieftje floated temporarily closing Main Street in downtown to vehicular traffic on weekend nights. Sort of a pop -up pedestrian mall in arguably Ann Arbor's most pedestrian- friendly area. Hieftje quickly found out that many of the stakeholders downtown, i.e. business owners, were not in favor. Blocking off traffic is only attractive if there is a big event going on, such as Art Fair. The idea was dropped. "You don't impose something on a neighborhood where everybody is dead -set against it," Hiete says. That doesn't mean the mayor is abandoning the pedestrian- dominant concept. He doesn't think closing downtown Ann Arbor streets is feasible, but he could see the logic in downsizing a few of them. He points out that the intersection of State and Liberty streets and the surrounding blocks are some of the most heavily walked in the city. Why not extend the sidewalk onto the few orphan parking spots left on State Street near Ashley's? Open it up to more outdoor seating, more room for roamers. Eliminate some of the OCD motorists who do laps around those blocks waiting for that one on- street parking spot near Nickels Arcade to open up. It's not like vehicle traffic normally moves through there as fast as the pedestrians. "Maybe we need to start thinking about these things in different terms," Hieftje says. Jon Zemke is the Innovation And Jobs News Editor for Concentrate and the Managing Editor for SEMichiganStartup.com. He is a Jane Jacobs -style urbanist who never looked at the inside of a automobile the entire two weeks of his honeymoon that stretched from Windsor to Toronto to Ottawa to Quebec City. His last feature was MI vs SF. • The Art Of The Business Plan Competition All photos by Doug Coombe except where noted http://concentratemedia.com/features/pedestrianmallsOl 75.aspx 12/8/2011 Walk This Way: The Challenge Of Pedestrian Malls Photos: The Plaza Towers at the Iowa City Ped Mall (courtesy Moen Group) The Iowa City Ped Mall (courtesy Moen Group) The State Street Art Fair on Liberty Norm Cox outside of The Greenway Collaborative offices in Nickels Arcade Ann Arbor Mayor John Hieftje at Larcom City Hall Nickels Arcade Page 6 of 6 http: // concentratemedia. com / features /pedestrianmalls0175.aspx 12/8/2011 City of Iowa City MEMORANDUM PB Date: December 5, 2011 To: City Council f �v From: Eleanor M. Dilkes, City Attorne� Re: Absence I will be out of the office beginning Monday December 12 until Wednesday December 28. First Assistant City Attorney Sarah Holecek will be the acting City Attorney in my absence. My staff will know how to reach me. cc: Tom Markus, City Manager Marian Karr, City Clerk Geoff Fruin, Assistant to the City Manager City Attorney staff IP9 Marian Karr From: bobby jett <bobbyiett @me.com> Sent: Wednesday, December 07, 2011 2:36 PM To: Opinion Press - Citizen Cc: Council Subject: A Beautiful Thing Last night I witnessed a beautiful thing. I attended the Iowa City Council Meeting. On the agenda was a motion to change the existing residential zone to allow for a multi unit apartment complex on North Dodge. Many residents from the Northside neighborhood affectionally known as "Deweyville" were in attendance to protest this rezoning request. This area is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Iowa City. It is bordered by Oakland Cemetery and Happy Hollow Park. It is one of the only areas in Iowa City that has the original brick streets still in tact. I was born in a corner house in this area of Iowa City. My father started the first mens slow pitch softball team in Iowa City. Our family spent many weekends at Happy Hollow Park watching his games. I frequently enjoy quiet strolls through Oakland Cemetery, where many of my ancestors are buried as well as many of Iowa City's first residents. On Tuesday evening one by one the residents of this neighborhood walked to the podium to address the council. One mother carried her small child on her hip while she told the story of her beloved neighborhood, filled with laughing children and many small families. Another elderly woman spoke about moving to this neighborhood from rural Iowa. What she found was a very similar environment: families who care for one another and look out for each other. Again and again the audience heard of this wonderful neighborhood, filled with single family houses and families who enjoyed a great quality of life. Another woman told the story of how she and her husband had purchased a triplex and were in the process of returning it to a single family home as soon as they could afford to do so. After everyone had spoken, the council took time to discuss what they had heard, and one by one they changed their original votes. The final vote was 5 -0 in opposition of the change. The motion was deferred and must now be reopened by The Planning and Zoning Commission. I would like to commend Mayor Matt Hayek for giving the residents of this neighborhood a chance to tell their stories last night. Thank you to all the families and residents who came out to tell their stories. Thank you for all of the council members who changed their votes. It is imperative that we protect the historic neighborhoods of Iowa City. They are fragile and cannot survive without careful zoning and attention from our council and and the citizens of Iowa City. Bobby Jett Iowa City resident 1 Dear Johnson County Elected Officials: On behalf of Johnson County Empowerment / Early Childhood Iowa, we would like to invite you to an upcoming legislative Town Hall and Reception next Wednesday, December 14 at Coralville's North Ridge Pavilion, just north of Interstate 80. With this event, we hope to have some informal, yet informative discussions with our state and local leaders on the current condition of the welfare and support of our county's children and families as well as share a bit with you on what Empowerment and our partner agencies are doing to support our residents. Please find a formal invitation attached. Please RSVP to Ms. Laurie Nash via the contact information below. For more information on the Johnson County Empowerment, please visit http: / /jcempowenuent.org or feel free to contact one of us directly with any questions or concerns. Laurie Nash Early Childhood Specialist 855 S. Dubuque St., Suite 202B Iowa City, IA 52240 339 -6179 Fax 688 -5711 Empower(a,JCEmpowerment.com Thank you kindly for your time and attention. Happy Holidays! Marian Karr From: Sabin, Joshua <jossabin @iowa northern. com> Sent: Thursday, December 08, 2011 10:24 AM To: Joshua Sabin; 'robert.dvorsky @leg is. state. ia.us'; ' joe.bolkcom @leg is. state. ia.us'; 'james.hahn @legis.state.ia.us'; 'sand ra.greiner @leg is. state. ia. us'; 'nate.wiIlems @leg is. state. ia. us'; 'david.jacoby @leg is. state. ia. us'; 'mary.mascher @leg is. state. ia.us'; 'vicki . lensing @leg is. state. ia.us'; ' jell. kaufman n @legis.state. ia. us'; 'Jarad. Klein @legis. state. ia. us'; 'jrettig @co.johnson. ia. us'; 'tneuzil @co.johnson.ia.us'; 'pharney @co.johnson.ia.us'; 'sstutsma @co.johnson.ia.us'; 'rsullivan @co.johnson.ia.us'; 'jfausett @ci.coralville.ia.us'; 'tgill @ci.coralville.ia.us'; 'mgross @ci.coralville.ia.us'; 'bhoeft @ci.coralville.ia.us'; 'jlundell @ci.coralville.ia.us'; 'jweihe @ci.coralville.ia.us'; 'cityhills @netins.net'; Matt Hayek; Regenia Bailey; Mike Wright; Ross Wilburn; Susan Mims; Council; 'ricklogren @gmail.com'; 'sbrown6 @aol.com'; 'kice @iowatelecom.net'; 'mamahappy @aol.com'; 'alycoppinger @yahoo.com'; 'elidalemley @hotmail.com'; 'gerry.kuhl @northlibertyiowa.org'; 'hoffmanchris5 @g mail. com'; 'bria n.wayson @north I ibertyiowa. org'; 'hzhonor @att.net'; 'tasalm @terracon.com'; 'iccoleen @southslope.net'; 'oxfordcityhall @south slope. net'; 'swisher2 @southslope.net'; 'rick.jedlicka @solon- iowa.com'; 'seballantyne @aol.com'; 'mark -krall @uiowa.edu'; 'razm @mchsi.com'; 'kunkeljb @south slope. net'; 'stevestange @southslope.net'; 'louise- from @university- heights.org'; ' mike- haverkamp @university - heights.org'; 'rosanne- hopson @university- heights.org'; 'stan- laverman @university - heights.org'; 'brennan- mcgrath @university - heights.org'; ' pat -yeggy @university - heights.org'; 'shueyville @southslope.net'; 'rdemuth @tiffin - iowa.org' Cc: ' eddie.eigenvalue@g mail. com'; 'Susan Gray'; 'Jill Dodds'; 'Corey Watt'; 'Lily French'; 'Laurie Nash'; bparker @cc- amana.kl2.ia.us; coreywatt @hotmail.com; eddie.eigenvalue @ gmail.com; jossabin @iowanorthern.com; jsdodds @mchsi.com; Ifrench @iowapolicyproject.org; mamasarika @gmail.com; nfisher @co.johnson.ia.us; patricia- kelley @uiowa.edu; RSullivan @co.johnson.ia.us; sskinzer @yahoo.com; sweyer @icialaw.com; Tucker. Phyllis @iccsd.kl2.ia.us Subject: Johnson County Empowerment Legislative Reception Attachments: JCE Invitation Leg islativeReception2011[l].pdf Importance: High Dear Johnson County Elected Officials: On behalf of Johnson County Empowerment / Early Childhood Iowa, we would like to invite you to an upcoming legislative Town Hall and Reception next Wednesday, December 14 at Coralville's North Ridge Pavilion, just north of Interstate 80. With this event, we hope to have some informal, yet informative discussions with our state and local leaders on the current condition of the welfare and support of our county's children and families as well as share a bit with you on what Empowerment and our partner agencies are doing to support our residents. Please find a formal invitation attached. Please RSVP to Ms. Laurie Nash via the contact information below. For more information on the Johnson County Empowerment, please visit http: / /jcempowenuent.org or feel free to contact one of us directly with any questions or concerns. Laurie Nash Early Childhood Specialist 855 S. Dubuque St., Suite 202B Iowa City, IA 52240 339 -6179 Fax 688 -5711 Empower(a,JCEmpowerment.com Thank you kindly for your time and attention. Happy Holidays! Sincerely, The Johnson County Empowerment Board of Directors — Public Awareness Committee Corey Watt, Josh Kaine, Lily French, Jill Dodds, and Joshua Sabin http -Ijjcempowerment. com /current- board - members/ . r-a N O U �oo° LN. O 00 ? o �C4 O u I-vl LO O ' N O C\j Q0 LO 3 vn—a CL ' O •L' u` ■ O �1 'BAIJ PUB 7 jom 'U..maj Ol 4DiHm US 91ju ItumoD RijjjBaH PUB alas E si- HjUri0a UOSUI. o f ■•a••••••® •• o• •r•••• ■• ■••• ■ ■•••••••••0mm0m0im ii• I . r-a N O U �oo° LN. O 00 ? o �C4 O u I-vl LO O ' N O C\j Q0 C) O O m N cd ro z s. ID r }� v r ia W U S _ro Cd E Ci] Ld MINUTES HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION NOVEMBER 10, 2011 EMMA HARVAT HALL PRELIMINARY MEMBERS PRESENT: Kent Ackerson, Esther Baker, Thomas Baldridge, William Downing, Andrew Litton, David McMahon, Ginalie Swaim, Dana Thomann, Alicia Trimble, Frank Wagner MEMBERS ABSENT: Pam Michaud STAFF PRESENT: Bob Miklo, Chery Peterson OTHERS PRESENT: Tuyet Dorau, Doug Jones, Donna Pearcy, Matt Roffman, Ann Schmid, Teri Toye, Eric Wieland RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (become effective only after separate Council action) None. CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Trimble called the meeting to order at 5:15 p.m. PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANYTHING NOT ON THE AGENDA; There was none. CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS: 915 E. Washington Street. Peterson said this is an empty lot located in the College Hill Conservation District, so the property would be considered non - historic. She showed the property on a map and a photograph of the properties on either side. Peterson said the house to the east is single - family, and the building to the west is divided into apartments. Peterson showed a photograph from a 1994 site inventory form of the house that was on the lot, before the house was destroyed in a fire. She said the previous house was a foursquare that was divided into apartments. Peterson said this application is for a basement permit only. She said that the building would be a duplex design, but at this point, the owner just needs a foundation permit to have the groundwork done. Peterson showed a site plan view. She said the concept is for an up -down duplex with a shared front door. Peterson said there would be a full basement that would be divided for the two tenants. She showed the foundation plan. Peterson said the porches are not shown, because they would be post- foundation. She referred to the duplex plans that were included so members could get an idea of the living spaces. Regarding the guidelines, Peterson said the plan meets the guidelines. Peterson said one thing she found lacking was that she could not tell from the drawings how high the basement would be up out of the ground — how much foundation would be exposed. She said that would be an easy thing to determine and add to the plans. Peterson said another thing she found missing was a plan for sidewalks and pathways. She said that is cited in the guidelines, but the plans need to show them. Peterson said the last thing she found lacking is that she has looked at different ways of getting the stairs worked out on the back of the building. She referred to a most recent design showing what is a lot closer to what is needed. Peterson said her recommendation would be to have this go through one more version, but basically, this meets the requirements. Miklo said the reason this is before the Commission as just a foundation is to allow construction to start before the weather gets bad, before the details of the building itself are worked out. He said the building plans will be seen at a future meeting. Historic Preservation Commission November 10, 2011 Page 2 Roffman, the applicant, said that two feet of the foundation would stick out of the ground, and it would be turned back to zero grade at the rear for handicapped accessibility. Peterson said the houses on either side have a similar situation. Swaim asked, regarding the setback of the house from the street back to the alley, how it would compare to the house on the right. Roffman said that it would be similar but maybe not as deep. He said there is another porch beyond that of the house on the right, but it wouldn't be that far. Swaim asked how the setback would compare with the neighboring properties. Roffman said he took measurements of the neighboring properties and tried to keep it within the average. Peterson said that would be enforced by Building Inspection when the permit is issued. Miklo said the guidelines stipulate that the structure should not set back much farther or much closer, so it falls somewhere between the two houses on either side. Swaim said that by approving a basement plan, the Commission is really locking into a lot of design features of the house itself. Miklo said the Commission is under no obligation to approve this proposal. He said staff is confident that with this placement a building can be designed to meet the guidelines. Downing said that several commercial projects he has worked on were submitted for a foundation in advance of the rest of the building, so he feels this is normal in the construction industry. Miklo said there is also a risk on the applicant's part, that should the final plan differ, the applicant might have to change the foundation. MOTION: Swaim moved to approve a certificate of appropriateness for the application for a foundation for 915 E. Washington Street. McMahon seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 10 -0 (Michaud absent). REPORT ON CERTIFICATES ISSUED BY STAFF AND CHAIR: Peterson stated that this information is available in the packet and asked if anyone had additional comments. DISCUSS FEMA MO A: FEMA representative will be present to discuss progress on the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) regarding the permanent relocation of The University of Iowa Art Building. FEMA representative will also discuss current developments regarding the permanent relocation of Hancher Auditorium, Voxman School of Music and Clapp Recital Hall. Schmid, an historic preservation specialist with FEMA, said that FEMA made a presentation at the Commission's August 11`h meeting regarding the FEMA - funded relocation projects for The University of Iowa for the Art Building and HancherNoxman/Clapp (HVC). Schmid introduced Teri Toye, another historic preservation specialist with FEMA; Eric Wieland, the environmental planning and historic preservation branch director; Doug Jones, the review and compliance program manager from the State Historic Preservation Office; and Ralph Christian, the architectural historian and reviewer for the Historic Preservation Office. Toye introduced Donna Pearcy, The University of Iowa Chief Risk Officer. Schmid said that at that meeting, there were two projects presented: the first of which is the permanent relocation of the Art Building, which will be located at the 109 River Street property address just west of Art Building West along River Street. She said that FEMA had suggested some mitigation measures and received comments from the Commission. Schmid said that a first draft for review has gone out for that, so she would like to answer any questions there might be about that. Schmid stated the second project to be discussed is the relocation of Hancher /Voxman/Clapp and the potential demolition of the Sabin School that was presented in August. Schmid said the Art Building complex at The University of Iowa met what FEMA calls the 50% rule, where the building was so substantially damaged that it qualified for permanent relocation. She stated that the relocation site is west of the existing Art Building west along River Street within the previously evaluated west side fraternity historic district adjacent to the Manville Heights Historic District. Schmid showed some photographs of 109 River Street, a former fraternity house that has been owned by the University and occupied as student painting studios. She said that FEMA presented at the Commission's August Historic Preservation Commission November 10, 2011 Page 3 11`h meeting regarding the demolition of 109 River Street. Schmid said between August 11 and September 11, there was an open comment period to provide suggested mitigation measures. She said she did receive formal comments from both the Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission and Friends of Historic Preservation. Schmid said the comments suggested a salvage symposium discussing the significance and relevance of salvage as demolition of historic properties is faced and the actual salvage of historic elements. She said those two comments both came from Friends of Historic Preservation. Schmid said that the Commission submitted comments for a reuse marketing study for the former St. Thomas Moore Rectory and Parish and research to identify National Register eligible properties within Iowa City. She said that from the receipt of those recommendations, FEMA moved forward to negotiate and develop the MOA. Schmid said FEMA selected mitigation measures it felt provided a tangible benefit to historic preservation and the public and were commensurate with the level of adverse effect. Schmid said that in losing 109 River Street, FEMA worked with the State Historic Preservation Office to identify those and decided that the salvage symposium and the salvage of the architectural features and elements of 109 River Street were two really great mitigation measures that came out of the suggestions, and they moved forward with developing that draft. She said that draft was sent out for review on October 31", and she assumed it had been distributed to the Commission. Schmid stated that the comment period will be open until November 30`h for that draft. She said she would answer any questions. Schmid said they hope to move through this process relatively quickly and think this is a well developed draft. She said if there are any concerns, they would like to address them now so that there are not too many delays. Swaim asked if this only has to do with the demolition of 109 River Street and not with the old Art Building. Schmid confirmed this. Regarding the salvage symposium, Trimble asked if the Commission would like to participate. Schmid said the document refers to the Commission as an interested party. She said she understands that these are Iowa City resources that are being affected, so they hope to have the Commission sign as a concurring party to this process. Swaim said that being part of this would give the Commission more visibility in what role it plays in preservation. The consensus of the Commission was to sign as a concurring party. Trimble said the salvage of the architectural elements would go to the Salvage Barn. Schmid said that is how it is currently stipulated in the draft. She said these are two activities that FEMA would fund through its funding mechanism of going to the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division and then going to the University as the applicant of the FEMA - funded grant. Schmid said the University would coordinate with Friends of Historic Preservation and the Historic Preservation Commission to ensure the successful completion of both of these mitigation measures. She said the salvage work would ultimately be the responsibility of the University's demolition contractor, who would coordinate the salvage of these materials and their delivery to the Salvage Barn. Swaim asked if, in the estimates that Friends of Historic Preservation put together, the large pallet was included. Schmid confirmed that it was in the draft as part of the salvage of the clay tile. She said that although the Commission has a chance to comment up until November 30`h, FEMA wanted to answer any questions and specifically highlight any changes that the Commission might request. Wieland said it is FEMA's hope to be able to submit a hard copy of the signatures rather than have another draft review period. Regarding Hancher /Voxman/Clapp (HVC), Schmid said that as presented at the August I I 1 meeting, HVC also met the 50% rule for permanent relocation. She said the facility will be split into two sites, with Hancher Auditorium being located north/northwest of the existing facility and Voxman School of Music and Clapp Recital Hall to be constructed at a downtown location currently occupied by two mid to late 201h century bank buildings. Schmid said that as part of an option agreement as presented at the August meeting,, the University is in the process of purchasing the Henry Sabin Elementary School, which was formerly occupied by the Iowa City Community School District Administrative Offices. She said that since this was presented in August, FEMA has found that the option identifies the Sabin School as a potential relocation property for one of the banks, although the bank will have a five -year period to act on that option. Historic Preservation Commission November 10, 2011 Page 4 Schmid said she wanted to review the process that FEMA has come to regarding this undertaking. She said the original presentation was at the August 11`h meeting. Schmid said FEMA's original finding was a finding of adverse effects to the school resulting from the foreseeable demolition. She said that at that time, FEMA was under the impression that the University would be purchasing the school in the near future and proceeding with demolition. Schmid stated that FEMA therefore requested comments for mitigation measures to be incorporated into an MOA. She said that the salvage symposium had been presented by Friends of Historic Preservation for either of the MOAs, so she included it here as a note. Schmid said the salvage of architectural elements from the Sabin School was suggested. Schmid stated that the Historic Preservation Commission suggested elevator additions to Horace Mann and Longfellow Schools, a facilities study for Horace Mann and Longfellow, and National Register nomination for Horace Mann. She said FEMA went through its same negotiation and development process. Schmid said they developed a draft that was sent out for first draft review on September 27`h, and that included an energy study. Schmid said FEMA took into account all the suggestions that had been received, and the additions to the building were far more costly than what would be considered commensurate with the level of adverse effect, so FEMA actually did coordinate briefly with the Iowa City Community School District's Director of Physical Plant to what the needs would be for those buildings. Schmid said he suggested an energy study to look at the air conditioning potential and to figure out ways to make the buildings more energy efficient, while making the climate control up to date. Wieland said FEMA considered funding a study to install elevators in the buildings, but the School District had already completed that. Schmid said that based on their mandate, and budget numbers, FEMA selected the energy study as the best mitigation measure. She said they also discussed an expanded Iowa site inventory form for the Sabin School, the National Register nomination for Horace Mann as suggested by the Historic Preservation Commission, and for the University to salvage the limestone features if and when demolition occurred. Schmid said that first draft went out for review September 27`h through October 27`h. She stated that she knows the Commission's review and comments of that were tabled at the last meeting, primarily based on some of the comments received. Schmid said she would review that in the interest of transparency for everyone to know how FEMA came to the conclusion it is at today. Schmid said that on October 4`h, FEMA received comments from Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division, primarily grammatical in nature and clarifying scope but nothing too substantive. She said that on October 6`h, FEMA heard from the Northside Neighborhood Coordinator, enthusiastically supporting the energy studies for both facilities. Schmid said that on the 12`h, FEMA received comments from Friends of Historic Preservation in support of the document but asking for some clarification that if the large limestone features from the Sabin School were salvaged that they would be used for a City project and that perhaps the City could provide a storage location for those resources. Schmid said that on October 13`h, FEMA participated in a conference call with representatives from The University of Iowa and an attorney representing the Iowa City Community School District in which the University and the attorney requested that the Iowa City Community School District be removed from the document. Schmid said there was some confusion in that FEMA had worked with the Director of the Physical Plant, but he had not informed the President of the School Board or whoever it was who had raised this concern, and they just did not feel it was something the School District would like to participate in. Schmid said that FEMA received formal notice from the School District specifically stating that it would like to be removed. She stated that FEMA cannot force an unwilling party in a negotiation process but has to go back to the drawing board and find a new mitigation measure. Schmid said FEMA responded to the School District formally, acknowledging its request. Schmid said that, moving forward, FEMA worked with the University to obtain more information to clarify the disposition of Sabin School. She stated that one option that had come up after the School District did not want to participate, was to perhaps do an adaptive reuse feasibility with the Sabin School, and this led to some interesting internal conversations at FEMA, because it is hard for them to justify spending money on a mitigation measure for an adaptive reuse for the same resource it was mitigating the loss of. Historic Preservation Commission November 10, 2011 Page 5 Schmid said FEMA was forced to look hard at how imminent that adverse effect was. She said they were able to review the purchase agreement and the real estate option and were able to identify the fact that the bank does have essentially a first right of refusal option to move to that site, but nothing in that requires that the building be demolished. Schmid said they can option a portion of the lot, they can occupy the building as it stands, they can occupy the whole lot, or they can request that the buildings be removed from the lot, but all of that is going to come out in this option period. She said the bank has three years to make that decision with another two single year extensions, essentially making it a five -year period. Schmid said the relocation for HVC is a FEMA - funded undertaking that is anticipated to be open beyond that five - year period. She said that essentially what FEMA has done is, working with the State Historic Preservation Office, revised its finding to at this time be a no adverse effect finding, as the demolition of the Sabin School is not imminent and will not be occurring in the foreseeable future. Schmid stated that FEMA has therefore developed a revised finding of no adverse effect and in working with the SHPO, has identified this as a letter of agreement that the University is willing to sign and has signed, FEMA has signed, Iowa Homeland Security will sign, and SHPO will sign. She said it will be a document that basically outlines the condition of monitoring, so that if, at any time in the next five years, the bank selects this site and the demolition occurs as a result of that selection, FEMA will then reopen negotiations. Schmid said FEMA will then reopen consultation with the State Historic Preservation Office and make a determination of adverse effect. Schmid said the draft of the document as it was presented is for the Commission's records. She said FEMA just wanted to be very clear with its interested parties — those who have been helping negotiate the resolution of the adverse effect — to see that at this time FEMA is moving forward with approving the project with a no adverse effect finding. Schmid said that FEMA will, if an action in the future facilitates the demolition of the facility as a connected action to the relocation of HVC, go forward with this process again. Schmid confirmed that FEMA is not moving forward with the MOA at this time. Downing asked if the bank could take control of the property and then sell the property. Schmid said it could not. She said it is part of the purchase agreement that the property cannot just be held by the bank and then later sold; it has to be used for banking purposes if the bank takes that parcel. Schmid said the University is in the process of owning the parcel. Swaim asked if the bank, in its right of first refusal, could buy the property and then another buyer could buy it. Schmid responded that at that point it would be outside of FEMA's area of potential effects. She said that the National Historic Preservation Act and the implementing regulations in the code of federal regulations 36 part 800 require that FEMA take into consideration its area of potential. Toye said at this point, if the bank does not choose that property, then it is not within FEMA's area of potential effects, and so what would happen with the school building would not be connected to FEMA's undertaking. Toye said the University is in the process of acquiring the building, and she believed they were closing on that purchase within the next week. Toye said the bank then has five years to exercise that option to take the property. She said that if the bank does not take the property, it will be up to the University as to what it would like to do with the property. Toye said that FEMA will be notified through the State of Iowa of any action taken on the property within the five - year period. She said that would result in FEMA reopening consultation with the State of Iowa Historic Preservation Office. Toye said at this time it is still within FEMA's area of potential effects. She said the University is aware of that. Toye said she had every confidence that the University will continue to maintain the building and evaluate all of the options. Downing asked if the University does something to the building and demolishes it, then it will need to consult with FEMA. Schmid confirmed this and said it is written into the agreement. Downing said that if the bank did the same, it would need to consult with FEMA, but he asked if there would be no such requirement if the University sold the property to a third party. Historic Preservation Commission November 10, 2011 Page 6 Toye said the University cannot sell the property to a third party within the five -year period of the option for the bank, unless the bank declines the option first. Schmid said that if the bank declines the option, that takes it out of FEMA's area of potential effect so that FEMA will no longer have a role and responsibility to monitor that building. Regarding the School District wanting to be an unwilling party, Swaim asked what the reasons for that were. Toye said she was not really certain. She said the University has not closed on the property purchase yet, so the School District still owns it. Toye said she did not want to speculate, but thought it might be they just did not want anything to encumber the sale of the building, and they were concerned there may be a contingency placed on the sale. Schmid said that FEMA did, both over the phone and in writing, assure them that it was not that scenario, but the School District did not provide much information beyond the statement that it was unwilling to participate in the process. The School Board representative, Tuyet Dorau, was asked if she had anything to add. Dorau said that they were actually not made aware of this until very late. She said that when discussions occurred between FEMA and the School District's physical plant director, neither the School Board nor anyone else in the Central Administrative Office was made aware that FEMA was looking at using any of its buildings as mitigation for the Voxman/Clapp relocation or any part of this relocation. Dorau said the School Board has not discussed the issue, but some of its members were a bit hesitant to have any of its buildings tied to this project, because of the fact that, in the district's ebb and flow environment, the School Board is not quite sure what its five- and ten -year plans are in terms of facilities. She said given the Durant Study done several years ago, the School Board knows there are large costs associated with some of the proposed plans for both of those facilities. Trimble said that those changes have not been made to those facilities because of the tight budget constraints. Toye said that FEMA apologizes for not having included the School Board as a party to the consultation from the beginning. She said that is probably because the building was no longer functioning as a School Building, and the School District was selling the building. Toye said that what FEMA was proposing under the terms of the agreement was to provide funds to The University of Iowa through Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division to work with the School District to hire consultants to do this project. She said it was thought that providing an energy study would benefit the schools, and benefit preservation. Toye said FEMA would have provided funds for the study, but there would have been no requirement to adopt or implement the findings of the study. Regarding Horace Mann School, Toye stated that FEMA was proposing to provide funds to hire a consultant to nominate the building to the National Register of Historic Places. She said that unless a construction or demolition project uses federal funds, there are no restrictions on the owner of a building listed on the National Register. Toye said, however, at this point, the adverse effects are not reasonably foreseeable for the Sabin School building. She said that FEMA would not be moving forward with an MOA. Toye apologized for the lack of communication and concern. Schmid said they realized that there was a communication gap there and that just speaking with the physical plant director was not informing the Central Administrative Office as it should have been. She said as they move forward, at this time there are no adverse effects to historic properties, but should the bank act on the option it has on the table and should the Sabin School be demolished, a lot of significant groundwork has been covered throughout this process. Schmid said FEMA has heard the comments the Historic Preservation Commission has regarding this and perhaps with much more advance notice and much more communication, the School District may want to participate in an MOA process, should that happen in the future. Schmid said she did not want to speculate on the outcome and did not want to assume that the Sabin School building will be adversely affected. She said the ideal situation is that the building would remain on site and find a new use. For now there is the process of monitoring to make sure that whatever does happen with the Sabin School building, as it is related to the relocation of Voxman/Clapp, will come to FEMA for review. Schmid said that perhaps the School District may be open to participating in the process in the future, and if not, she thought there would be other ways to successfully mitigate that loss if it should come to be. Historic Preservation Commission November 10, 2011 Page 7 Toye said that after the University closes on the purchase of that building and if in fact FEMA is notified that it will be demolished and that the bank would take that parcel, FEMA would at that point reopen consultation with the State Historic Preservation Office and invite all of the interested parties again to participate in consultation. At that point, even though the School District would no longer own that building, she would bet that the School District would want to participate in the consultation process, and that similar or same mitigation measures might be negotiated. Swaim asked about the five -year period, and the consultation process during that time, and Schmid said the process would start over. Swaim said she just wanted to make sure, and she appreciated FEMA sending the e -mail about this meeting. She just wanted to make sure the rest of the Commission is aware that this could still be an issue within the next five years. Wieland said the basic premise here is that we are affecting a school resource, so the consensus among all the interested parties was to benefit another school resource through the process. He said that when FEMA says there is a possibility that a school facility may be involved, it is because FEMA is looking to benefit a similar resource to the one that could possibly be affected. Schmid said this is a unique situation where the resource that has the potential to be adversely affected through this undertaking happens to have two other very similar resources designed by the same architect and the same planning and development process of the City of Iowa City. She said it is unusual to have three truly architecturally rich resources with similar integrity, so they felt that if they were adversely affecting one through its demolition, that to benefit the other two made perfect sense. Schmid said she understands that the School District needs to be critically involved in this decision - making process and, as she said, there is more than one way to mitigate the potential loss; there are other options. She stated that if in five years the bank acts on its option and we go down this path and the school district again chooses not to participate, they cannot be forced to do so. Schmid said she hopes that through the process of being open and transparent and inviting interested parties and the public to participate, that it reaches a final endpoint to satisfy everyone involved and provides a tangible benefit to historic preservation. Baldridge asked if anyone has been in contact with the bank to ascertain its plans. Schmid said FEMA had not, and it was really not their place in the process. She said the option agreement is between the University and the bank, and working with the University as the applicant — it is the University receiving the federal grant for this relocation of HVC - FEMA is assured through the letter of agreement that has been signed that the University will notify FEMA when the bank has made a decision. Schmid said it is in the University's best interest to keep FEMA posted as early on in the decision - making process as possible so that there are not any delays resulting from the reviews - that all reviews go simultaneously with their decision - making process. Swaim said it seems that the upside of this is that a lot of attention has been drawn to the fact that there are three schools that are historically significant. She said she would encourage all entities in the community to be open to opportunities like this kind of feasibility study of energy and such and to accept it, especially when it is free money. Swaim said there is a lot riding on maintaining these properties, whether it is a school or a building that can be used for something else. She said there are some things to learn here and pay attention to. Schmid stated that as with any negotiation process, new information that comes to light changes the outcome of the process. She said that is exactly what happened here. Schmid said she does not want to minimize in any way what has happened leading up to this point, because it has taken it to this point with an agreement of monitoring signed by all the entities at this point. She added that should the adverse effect occur, the door will open again to all the interested parties that have been involved in the process. Schmid asked if anyone had any questions. She said the Commission should be assured that from start to finish, this process would occur again should the adverse effect be identified in relation to the relocation of the Voxman/Clapp facilities. Schmid said they just wanted to make everyone aware of the situation. She said that if the Art Building relocation with the salvage symposium and the salvage of those features goes forward as defined, everyone can feel good about the role played in negotiation of the MOAs, and we will see what happens with the future. Historic Preservation Commission November 10, 2011 Page 8 Swaim asked for an update regarding the old Art Building. Schmid said there was a public hearing held at the Public Library on November 1 and a second one held at MacBride Hall, where the window of comments was opened, presenting the undertakings for, as currently proposed, the demolition of the Art Building and the demolition of HVC and then receiving comments back regarding potential mitigation measures that will be developed into an MOA. She said those will both be two separate documents similar to the relocations. Schmid stated that for HVC, some of the mitigation measures that FEMA had presented were things like a film to document the architectural significance of the building and the important events that occurred at Hancher and the look at the development of The University of Iowa River Valley Historic District in some sort of documentation, be it film, book, or any resource that could be viewed or available to the public. For the Art Building, Schmid said that the overwhelming comments that have come in have been to provide funds to mothball the original 1936 building designed by George Horner and to keep that building on the campus. She said this is something that, as comments have come in, she has vetted through FEMA to make sure that could be something that could proceed as a project. Schmid said at this point she has confidence that it can be moved forward. Schmid said therefore as proposed, the demolition would include the additions that were done starting in the 60s up through the 80s of the printmaking studio, which is significant for its association with Lasansky and some of the other artists who have come through there. She said the proposal would be essentially to remove all of those additions around it to have just the central building and the loges to the sides that would be mothballed. Schmid said FEMA cannot provide funds for any sort of rehabilitation of that building. She said that FEMA can provide funds for mothballing and any sort of climate control that could be associated with it, and perhaps even an adaptive reuse study that would help the University face the challenges it will have with mitigation. Schmid said that the University has in place through this disaster response effort a flood level that it hopes to have all its buildings mitigated to — the 500 -year flood plus two — to protect its resources. She said this includes things like demountable flood walls, other hazard mitigation, abandoning basement facilities, elevating utilities and other things that have been incorporated into some of the other FEMA - funded recovery projects. Schmid said they can't do that physical work at this building, because the function is being relocated elsewhere, but FEMA can perhaps help the University through an adaptive reuse study, to identify ways it can do that. Schmid said that while this is still in that first 30 -day window of receiving mitigation measures as suggestions, that responses are overwhelmingly positive for saving the original Art Building. Schmid said she could send a link to the powerpoint presentation posted on the University website that shows what was presented at those meetings. Schmid said FEMA is looking for the same thing it asked of the Commission before - mitigation suggestions. She said that this has not been developed a long way yet, but when FEMA initially met with Miklo to talk about historic preservation's role going through the processes, FEMA clearly identified 109 River Street and Sabin School as being Iowa City resources, so it was very important to insure that the Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission was involved as a concurring party to those. Schmid said that, moving forward with the only other adverse effect associated with the University, the mitigation for the Iowa Memorial Union and the two demolitions that will be coming but for which documents have not been developed, FEMA did not identify the HPC as a concurring party simply out of the geographic separation of the University and City resources. She said if the HPC would like to be involved in reviewing the documents and to concur, moving forward, FEMA is always open to that. Trimble said there is a general consensus that the Commission would like to be part of that process. Schmid asked if this referred to the demolition of the Art Building and HVC. Trimble confirmed this. Wieland said that if the Commission has recommendations for mitigation measures to be included in a draft MOA, they appreciate those suggestions. He said that when they receive public comments during the comment period, FEMA will prepare a draft and send it out for review to receive comments again on the draft. Historic Preservation Commission November 10, 2011 Page 9 Swaim asked if that period is until November 30`b. Schmid responded that November 30 is the comment period for the Art Building relocation. She said that for the draft that is already out for the Commission's review, the demolition of the Art Building and demolition of HVC, FEMA is receiving comments until December I" Schmid confirmed that the first drafts of those two documents will be out the first of June. Jones said that in addition to what he and Schmid do, which is review FEMA undertakings for compliance, especially the 106 National Historic Preservation Act, the branch under Wieland's direction reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act and a number of laws and executive orders. He said the relocation projects require an environmental assessment for each of the constructions. Wieland said the environmental assessments evaluate the process under a number of laws and executive orders. He said those environmental assessments are currently posted on FEMA's website, and a public notice directing people to that website to review those draft documents was published in the Iowa City Press - Citizen on Tuesday. Wieland encouraged Commission members to review those documents as well. Schmid said those were for the relocation - the one MOA that turned into a letter of agreement and the one MOA the Commission will be commenting on. Weiland said there are three environmental assessments: one for the Art Building relocation, one for the Hancher relocation north to northeast of its current facility and one for the Voxman/Clapp relocation at the site of those two banks DISCUSS HISTORIC PRESERVATION AWARDS. Trimble said the awards would be held on November 18th at 5:30 at the Public Library. She said she would be a presenter as she is the Chair of HPC and the President of Friends of Historic Preservation, and she would appreciate help from anyone else who would like to be a presenter. Wagner and Litton volunteered to help. Trimble said that Christina Kuecker would be receiving the Margaret Nowysz Award. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES FOR OCTOBER 13 2011 AND OCTOBER 17 2011: MOTION: McMahon moved to approve the minutes of the Historic Preservation Commission's October 13, 2011 and October 17, 2011 meetings, as written. Ackerson seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 10 -0 (Michaud absent). ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 6:10 p.m. Minutes submitted by Anne Schulte s /pcd/mins /hpc /2011 /hpc11- 10- 11.doc Z 0 N 00 UU z 0w Q W � M Z N W Q fn ° w w w — IL F- UQ O Cl) 2 -p v o Z U � � X C c E w�ai c Q)2 c —C (on) Em az° o a a n u Z n n W 2 11 XOOz w Y X X X X X X LLJ X X X X c X X - - X X X X X X X M o X X X X O 0 X O O X X co p X X 0 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X co X X 0 X X 0 X X X X ti (D 0) 0 X w TXX 0 X X 0 X 0 V- X X X X X X X X O X X X X X X O X X X X M X 0 X X X 0 X X X X X X X X 0 X X O O O X X N X X X X X X O X a X W w M 0) N C`7 0) N M N (3) N M CO 0') N M It CA N M C) N M N CF) N C) N 0) N C) d CA N co M 0) N M N CY) N M F— cn Q W Z Y z O in ce W = L 2 ce ° W W O w W J Z Z Q Z O Q ° ZO = Q Qa ° Q = U_ J z 0 Q Q Q ° Z Q U Q W m Y Q LL � Z L7 Q -p v o Z U � � X C c E w�ai c Q)2 c —C (on) Em az° o a a n u Z n n W 2 11 XOOz w Y PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION PRELIMINARY NOVEMBER 17, 2011 — 7:00 PM — FORMAL EMMA J. HARVAT HALL, CITY HALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Carolyn Stewart Dyer, Charlie Eastham, Ann Freerks, Elizabeth Koppes, Tim Weitzel, Michelle Payne MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Bob Miklo, Karen Howard, Sara Greenwood Hektoen OTHERS PRESENT: RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL: The Commission voted 6 -0 to recommend approval of REZ11- 00019, an application submitted by Gregory and Lorie Ginneberge for a rezoning from Low Density Single - Family Residential (RS -5) zone to Rural Residential (RR1) zone for approximately 4.3 acres of property located at 1920 Prairie du Chien Road. The Commission voted 5 -0 (Payne recused) to recommend approval of SUB11 -00015 Discussion of an application submitted by Prime Ventures for a preliminary plat for Mackinaw Village Part 4, a 16 -lot, 3.84 acre residential subdivision, noting that the reapplication for an expired already approved plat and subject to the OPD requirements mentioned in the staff report and the Sensitive Areas plan. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM. PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA: None. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ITEMS: Consider setting a public hearing for December 1, 2011 to amend the Comprehensive Plan to change the land use designation from Office Commercial to High Density Multi - Family Residential for property located at 821 E. Jefferson Street. Payne recused herself due to one of the applicants being on her campaign committee. Planning and Zoning Commission November 17, 2011 - Formal Page 2 of 12 Dyer made a motion to set a public hearing for December 1, 2011. Weitzel seconded. A vote was taken and the motion carried 5 -0 (Payne recused). Public hearing to amend the Comprehensive Plan to change the land use designation from Private Institutional to Low to Medium Density Multi - Family Stabilization for property located at 602 E. Washington Street. Miklo stated that staff recommended deferral until December 1, 2011. Freerks opened public hearing. Freerks closed public hearing. Payne made a motion to defer until December 1, 2011. Koppes seconded. A vote was taken and the motion carried 6 -0. REZONING ITEMS: REZ11 -00017 / VAC11- 00002: Discussion of an application submitted by Hunter Properties for a rezoning from Low Density Multi - Family (RM -12) zone to Neighborhood Stabilization Residential (RSN -20) zone for approximately .79 acres of property located at 602 E. Washington Street and the vacation of a portion of the alley right -of -way located east of Johnson Street, south of Ralston Creek. Freerks stated that the applicant has requested a deferral until December 1, 2011. The 45 -day limitation period has been waived. Miklo stated that staff recommends deferral until December 1, 2011. Payne made a motion to defer until December 1, 2011. Weitzel seconded. A vote was taken and the motion carried 6 -0. REZ11- 00018: Discussion of an application submitted by Prime Ventures Construction, Inc. for a rezoning from Commercial Office (CO -1) zone to High Density Multi - Family Residential (RM -44) zone for approximately .47 acres of property located at 821 E. Jefferson Street. Payne recused herself due to one of the applicants being on her campaign committee. Howard showed a location map of the property. The property is approximately 20,000 square Planning and Zoning Commission November 17, 2011 - Formal Page 3 of 12 feet. The current property is zoned Commercial Office (CO -1) and contains a medical office built in 1968 under a previous zoning scheme R3 -A, which was a high density, multi - family zone that also allowed medical offices. With regard to the residential density allowed, the RM -44 zoning is similar to the previous RM zoning. In the early 1980's there was a whole new zoning scheme adopted. The new high density multi - family zone (RM -44) no longer allowed medical offices, so many of the properties that were already developed with medical offices were rezoned to Commercial Office (CO -1) so as not to create nonconformities. Howard stated that this is likely one of the reasons that the near eastside neighborhoods contain a number of small offices mixed into the residential neighborhoods. The subject property is bounded by the RM -44 zone to the west and the east and the RNS -12 (Neighborhood Stabilization) to the north and the RNS -20 (Neighborhood Stabilization)to the south. Howard spoke of some characteristics of the property. The property is bounded on the east by another apartment building and they share a 15 foot ingress egress easement that will remain in place if the property is redeveloped. Howard pointed out on a map other buildings surrounding the property. . The property to the north is RNS -12 zone and there is a mix of single family rentals and former single family that have been turned into apartments. To the south the zone is RNS -20, which is a multi - family stabilization zone. She noted that the subject property is in the Ralston Creek flood plain The current CO -1 zone will allow apartments above the commercial at a residential density of one apartment unit per 2725 square feet of lot area. For this property, based on the lot size, up to seven apartments (maximum of 3 bedrooms per apartment) would be allowed above the commercial space. Howard stated that the RM -44 zone that is being requested by the applicant establishes areas for the development of high density multi - family buildings in group living quarters. The residential density allowed in this zone is one apartment unit per 1000 square feet of lot area. Under this zoning designation a maximum of 20 apartments could be built with up to five bedrooms per apartment. Howard showed the Central District Plan map that covers the property. The plan addresses housing and quality of life issues for the older central eastside neighborhoods. She talked about the goals that the plan outlines for stabilizing these neighborhoods by balancing the need for university student housing with housing for other household types and addressing the various nuisance issues associated with student rentals. Howard stated that the applicant is requesting the zoning because the applicant wants to take down the building and replace it with a new multi - family building. The zoning would be consistent with the zoning on the adjacent properties to the west and to the east. She also noted that the area has good access to transportation and other City services. Howard, however, stated that the City Council has recently expressed concerns about the RM- 44 zone and has asked City staff to examine the zoning standards and suggest changes that will ensure that this zone is meeting the goal of creating quality living environments for residents, supports overall housing goals and neighborhood stabilization efforts. There have been concerns expressed about the RM -44 Zone that the resulting building and properties have not always achieved high quality living environments, particularly in those areas close to the campus where apartments are largely being built to serve the student housing market rather than other populations. Complaints involve nuisance issues associated with the prevalence of large dormitory-style apartments that have lots of bedrooms and bathrooms and little living and dining space or other on -site amenities, which are not very marketable to other populations besides undergraduates. While staff has not had a chance to carefully review and make any definitive suggestions for changes, it is staff's opinion that reducing or eliminating the allowance Planning and Zoning Commission November 17, 2011 - Formal Page 4 of 12 for apartments with four and five - bedrooms and perhaps establishing a maximum percentage of three - bedroom apartments would help to provide a better mix of apartment sizes to appeal to a broader range of populations. The applicant is proposing 12 three - bedroom units, two two - bedroom units and one one - bedroom unit for a total of 15 units with 41 bedrooms and 29 parking spaces. Staff feels it is a positive that the applicant is not suggesting any four and five - bedroom units. Howard showed the proposed site plan that would replace the office building. The alley provides access to a surface parking lot. There would be additional parking on the first level of the building. The residential units would be on the 2 -1/2 stories above the parking level, which would keep the residential units out of the floodplain. Howard showed the line elevation on the building. Staff feels that the plan pays homage to a historic architectural style found in the Central District neighborhoods, which will help it to meet the Central Planning District Multi- family design standards. In summary, Howard stated that upzoning the property would provide a financial incentive to redevelop the property. Careful design of the building and the dwelling units and a good mix of apartment sizes, including apartments with fewer bedrooms, may help to alleviate concerns about de- stabilizing the surrounding neighborhood with dormitory-style apartments that are difficult to manage over time. Staff finds that the proposed architectural design of the exterior facade is complementary to the historic character of the neighborhood. While the apartment mix could be further improved by increasing the number of one and two bedroom apartments, staff notes that there are no four and five - bedroom units proposed. Staff suggests that if the rezoning is approved that it be subject to a conditional zoning agreement that requires the design to be consistent with the submitted drawing and that the building contains an appropriate mix of apartment sizes as reflected in the number of bedrooms and associated shared living space as determined by the Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council. Staff recommends approval for the change from CO -1 to RM -44 zoning subject to such a conditional zoning agreement and subject to amending the Comprehensive Plan map from a designation of commercial office to high density multi - family residential. Koppes stated that she wanted to make sure that the recommendation include the word "shared" in the phrase, `and associated shared living spaces'. Howard stated that the intent of the staff recommendation was to leave the recommendation open and allow the Commission to discuss what the appropriate bedroom mix and amount of shared living space. Koppes asked if the current building was built on the lot line and if there was no side yard. Howard stated that it was not built on the lot line and would be set back about five feet. There would be about 10 to 12 feet between the two buildings. The required set back is five feet for the first two stories and two feet for each additional story. Dyer asked if the number of units were changed to include more single bedroom units and how much parking difference would there be. Howard stated that it would depend on the mix. Two parking spaces are required for a three - bedroom unit and one parking space for a one - bedroom unit. Freerks opened public hearing. Gary Watts, with Prime Ventures spoke first. Watts summarized stating that the current building has been vacant for two years. The site is approximately half an acre and would allow up to 20 Planning and Zoning Commission November 17, 2011 - Formal Page 5 of 12 units. There would be five different sized condominiums to include loft and townhouses. Watts stated that the unique part of the property is that it is between two properties that are already RM -44 zoned. To the west is a seven -plex and has four and five bedroom units. To the east is an eighteen -plex of two bedroom units. The traffic flow for the zone is good for this property with easy access. Watts stated that they would follow the steps necessary if the property is rezoned including the elevation to put the property above the 500 year flood requirements. Watts stated that they would meet all City zone requirements. The proposed building would be a dramatic improvement over the existing medical building and will keep the integrity of the neighborhood. Watts spoke about Prime Ventures and projects that they have completed. Watts spoke about the prices of units downtown and stated that very few young professionals can afford to rent or buy a nice condominium downtown and feels that this new building will provide an affordable alternative. Joe Ahmann, Cedar Rapids, IA, stated he was with the Ahmann Design Fusion Architects. Ahmann stated that the applicant had contacted them to take a look at the project. Ahmann stated that their goal was to come up with a blend of architecture to go with the existing style and character of the neighborhood. The front of the building will have more of a townhome look rather than an apartment style. The set back to the west is seven feet. There are 14 stalls outside and the remaining would be in the garage underneath the building. Ahmann stated that they included a proposed mix of units to show how it could work in a structure. He stated that off of Jefferson there is an individual entrance with an elevator that would go from the parking to the top floor. Ahmann talked about the different mix of units. The height limit is 35 feet and Ahmann stated that they are about one to two and half feet below the requirement. Anmann stressed that there is a lot of uses and need for different types of mixes other than student housing. John Thomas, 509 Brown Street, Iowa City, stated he was with the North Side Neighborhood Association. Thomas stated that the zoning map of Iowa City shows that, with the exception of the block that includes the property under consideration, the entire surrounding neighborhood consists of two residential neighborhood stabilization zones, RNS -12 and RNS -20. The RM -44 zone is not compatible with either zone. The density is twice that of RNS -20 and almost four times that of the RNS -12 zone. RM -44 has a high percentage of building coverage and a higher number of bedrooms and unrelated persons. As a result the RM -44 zone typically results in a minimum of landscape development, a lack of usable open space and high parking demands for residents and visitors. Thomas stated that the RM -44 zone is a small island that is amidst a more general residential stabilized pattern that was established to prevent further densification. He feels that the staff suggesting that the development of this property will only be possible if the area is rezoned RM -44. Since the City has recommended the RM -44 zone the property's value has sharply escalated. A lower density would be more consistent with the neighborhoods RNS -12 and RNS -20 zones. Thomas asked a number of questions and stated that if the questions were not carefully considered then you would be adding to rather than solving the stability in the Central District neighborhoods. Nancy Carlson, 1002 E. Jefferson, Iowa City, stated she was involved in the past downzoning in the area to RNS -12. She stated she went to all the meetings when the City was creating the Central District Plan. Carlson stated she was in favor of changing the number of unrelated persons in the zone from four to three. Carlson read the purposes of all three zones. She stated that the purpose of the RNS -12 and RNS -20 zones is to preserve neighborhoods. The RM -44 zone has no mention of neighborhoods. Carlson compared the characteristics of the three zones. Carlson talked about the issues with the change in zoning including the large parking issue. She handed over pictures of the lot that people are parking in because there is Planning and Zoning Commission November 17, 2011 -Formal Page 6 of 12 no other area for them to park. Carlson stated that once the new building is put up there.will be no parking for these cars that are currently using the space. The parking issue will impact the entire neighborhood. Sarah Clark, spoke for Joan Jehle resident of 1167 E. Jefferson, Iowa City. Jehle is out of state and asked Clark to come and read comments in her place. Clark read the comments and stated that it is contradictory for the City of Iowa City and the University of Iowa to promote the UniverCity program to bring in families and retired persons back to the inner city while the City's planning department continues to allow large apartment projects. She asked that the Commission reject the proposal to protect the neighborhood on Jefferson Street. She talked about the disturbances that she has received during the middle of the night from students outside returning from the bars. Karen Hopp, 26 N. Governor Street, Iowa City, stated she agrees that the people walking by her house at 2 a.m. being a disturbance. Hopp asked the Commission to consider downsizing the neighborhood. She stated that there is not enough parking as it is. The traffic in the area is bad. Hopp stated she backs up everyone else that has spoken and asked that the Commission to not zone the area RM -44. Mike Wright, 225 N. Lucas, Iowa City, stated he lived about two blocks from the site. Wright commended the developers for their creativity and the quality of design that was presented as well as their willingness to meet with the neighborhood association. He stated that if he knew for certain that this new building wouldn't end up being student apartments he wouldn't be concerned. He pointed out that the surrounding areas that have been changed to the RM -44 zone have slowly deteriorated. Wright stated that south Johnson Street is a heavily RM -44 zoned area. He feels that there is no neighborhood left in the south Johnson Street zone. The Central District Plan refers to the quality of life and a balance of rental and owner occupied issues and he feels that those need to be addressed when looking at this rezoning. Wright stated that there are other possibilities for a lower density with a better balance with the surrounding properties. The new property to the west replaced two existing small homes with five, four- and five - bedroom units. The property is a prime example of why RM -44 zoning does not coexist with the existing neighborhoods. The design is packing too many people into too many units. He noted that the proposal was mainly for 3- bedroom units and wondered how many young professionals and singles rent three - bedroom apartments. The proposal shows 41 bedrooms which could mean 41 cars and there are only 29 parking spaces. Parking can be difficult at any time of the day or night. The issue is not that the area will be redeveloped the issue is the density that comes with the RM -44 zoning. With regard to the management of the property, the future is unknown and the owner of the property today may not be the same owner a few years from now. Wright encouraged the Commission to turn down the request. Tim Taffe, 726 Iowa Avenue, Iowa City, stated that he bought his house eight years ago because he was told that the City was stimulating owner - occupied housing. He stated that he had the use of his property changed from multiple to owner - occupied. On his street in the 700 block of Iowa Avenue there is only one other owner - occupied house. The area is supposed to be a stabilized neighborhood but it is not. Taffe stated that the proposal pretends to be multi- family residential and emphasized the word "family" and what it seems to really be is a student ghetto which has discouraged families from living here. The property to the west is a party palace. The parking issue is going to be larger than the 40 cars there will probably be 60 cars because there will be visitors, girlfriends and boyfriends, etc. He currently has people parking behind his garage where there is a sign that says, "Do not park here." Taffe feels that the proposal does not meet the stabilization goals or any degree of quality family living. He asked Planning and Zoning Commission November 17, 2011 - Formal Page 7 of 12 the Commission to reject the proposal. Taffe talked about damage that has been done to his property and items that have been stolen from his front porch. Dr. Ann Connors, 803 E. Market Street, Iowa City, stated that she agrees with what all other comments that have been spoken. She stated that she owns a private dental practice a block away. She spoke about her clients and them being young professionals that do not have housing. She spoke about the Northside Market Place area and all the positive things about the area. Connors stated she is torn because the doctor should be able to sell the property but she thinks that there are people that want to have nice office properties that are in a secure area. She stated that she used to live above her practice ten years ago and now when she visits the practice at night the area is completely different. There is not a lot of parking in the area and there is a lot of traffic in the area. She asked how long the property has been listed for sale. Commission stated that is not something that they knew. Connors stated that she believed she noticed it for the first time in June of this year. She feels that there is a need for office buildings in the area and perhaps the Commission needs to slow down the process and reconsider whether maintaining the existing office zoning would be appropriate or what type of zoning would encourage more of a commercial professional or attractive building condominium for young professionals /families. Leslie Schwalm, 819 E. Market Street, Iowa City, stated her property is one block north. Schwalm stated that her property is on the incline and it would give her a full view of the new property just like the view of the party palace that she currently has. She stated she has lived on Market Street for 17 years. There has been a struggle to hold on to a real neighborhood where people live and take care of their property and feel safe. Schwalm thinks that no young professional is going to rent a three - bedroom apartment. She feels that students are going to move in and they are going to take her neighborhood. She stated that the design is nice and while it is supposed to reduce some of the intensity it still doesn't address the increase density of transient populations in a neighborhood that the City has invested in preserving the quality of life in. The new development will not preserve the quality of life in the neighborhood. The alley traffic is heavy and the street side parking is over stressed. Schwalm asked the Commission to slow down and come up with a better plan. Nancy Carlson, 1002 E. Jefferson, Iowa City, IA, stated that at the time she was involved in the rezoning of the area from RM -12 to RNS -12, they looked at the two properties on Lucas that were zoned RM -44. The neighbors asked the City whether there was anything that they could do to down zone those properties. The City told them that there is nothing that could be done and that they had to leave them as they were. Carlson feels regret for not trying harder at that time to include those properties in the downzoning and now feels frustrated that the existing RM -44 zoning on the adjacent properties is now being used as an argument to zone more property RM -44. Freerks closed public hearing. Weitzel moved to defer. Koppes seconded. Freerks asked for discussion. Koppes asked for the number of rental permits around this area. Dyer asked for figures from the police on the complaints from parties in the neighborhood. Miklo stated that they would try Planning and Zoning Commission November 17, 2011 - Formal Page 8 of 12 and get the information. Howard stated that the rental permits will show if a house has any citations on it. Weitzel asked if the nuisance ordinances effective and has there been any analysis on that since it has gone into effect. A vote was taken for the deferral and the motion carried 6 -0. REV 1- 00019: Discussion of an application submitted by Gregory and Lorie Ginneberge for a rezoning from Low Density Single - Family Residential (RS -5) zone to Rural Residential (RR1) zone for approximately 4.3 acres of property located at 1920 Prairie du Chien Road. Miklo stated that the property is located on the east side of Prairie du Chien Road and on the south side of Interstate 80. The North District Plan shows it as private open space with an existing single family there. Miklo stated that the adjacent property is currently owned by Mid - American Energy and is vacant. There is a pipeline that runs along the south side. The RR -1 zone is intended for rural areas where there isn't adequate infrastructure for urban densities or for environmentally sensitive areas where there is not a planned extensive development. Because of the typography and the difficulty of providing sanitary sewer and the location near Interstate 80 it would be difficult to provide additional residential development even though it is zoned for up to five units per acre. Staff does feel that the proposal is appropriate designation for the property. The applicants have indicated that one of their motivations for requesting rezoning is they would like to keep a horse on the property. There are provisions in the zone that require setbacks for any outdoor corral areas and the property can accommodate those setbacks. Staff is recommending approval for this rezoning. They feel it meets the Comprehensive Plan for the area and would not have an adverse effect on nearby residential properties. Dyer asked what the P1 zone. Miklo stated that it is public open space. Weitzel asked if there were still plans to bring a road up through the RS -12 to across the street. Miklo stated that there was a possibility of Foster Road going back towards Dubuque Street in the long -term plans. Freerks opened public hearing. Lorie Ginneberge, 1920 Prairie Du Chien Road, Iowa City, addressed the potential Foster Road development stating that it would not come across Prairie Du Chien. The horse would be housed two acres away from the intersection with the proposed Foster Road. There would be an acre between the horse and one neighbor and two acres between the other neighbors. Freerks closed public hearing. Weitzel moved to approve REV 1- 00019. Koppes seconded. Weitzel stated that there always seems to be a struggle to put in appropriate use next to an interstate and that this seemed like a good idea. Payne stated that it seemed like a perfect place for the zoning. A vote was taken and the motion carried 6 -0. Planning and Zoning Commission November 17, 2011 - Formal Page 9 of 12 DEVELOPMENT ITEM: SUB11- 00015: Discussion of an application submitted by Prime Ventures for a preliminary plat for Mackinaw Village Part 4, a 16 -lot, 3.84 acre residential subdivision located at Mackinaw Drive and Foster Road. Payne recused herself due to one of the applicants being on her campaign committee. Miklo stated that the property is located on the north side of the road to the west of Mackinaw Drive. There is open space to the west that would not be developed. The subdivision was approved in 2004 as a part of the Mackinaw Village development. It was zoned at that time as OPD -5. The preliminary plat expires after two years and it is currently expired. The applicant is purchasing the property from a bank and is proposing essentially the same plan that was approved in 2004 with the exception of there being one less lot. There are some lots that are undersized that were approved provided that when the houses were built the garages would not stick forward of the house. Miklo stated that there were three emails sent with concern about the development. He stressed that this is not a rezoning the RS -5 will remain. The Commission is just reapproving a plat. As long as the plat meets the underlying zoning requirements or the OPD plan they can approve it. Miklo pointed out where the new housing would be built. There was concern about drainage and standing water in the area. When the subdivision is built there will be an outlet built. There was concern on whether more housing should be built without Foster Road being completed. The City's policy is to not up zone properties in the area but they are not able to prevent development on an area that is already zoned as long as it meets the subdivision standards. There is a proposal, in the long term, to provide secondary access to the area, the possibility of a levy that would prevent Foster Road from going under water, and the third option to raise the portion of Foster Road that was under water. Staff received a revised plat and is in order for approval. Staff recommends approval. Koppes asked if the street is already partially built. Miklo confirmed that was correct. Hektoen asked if the staff's recommendation included approving the sensitive areas development plan. Miklo confirmed that is correct. Koppes asked if it was a trail that went through. Miklo stated that the long term plans is to get a trail along the river. Dyer asked if it was in a flood plain. Miklo stated that it was not and the flood plain was further to the west. Freerks opened public hearing. Evan Dwyer, 1801 Mackinaw Drive, Iowa City, stated that he is not against the development. Dwyer spoke about the flood point in the staff report. He stated that the analysis for the North District Plan promotes cluster development in order to preserve environmentally sensitive features. Dwyer quoted from the staff report about the sensitive areas. He asked why they are now able to remove trees to develop the west lots of Sugar Loaf Circle. The trees in that area are over 100 years old he asked why they would take out the trees. Dwyer stated he was not sure where the park land is in the area as suggested in the staff report. He stated that it doesn't make sense to go in and develop the area, build a new road, new utilities, and remove trees Planning and Zoning Commission November 17, 2011 - Formal Page 10 of 12 when there is a substantial amount of area that is still available to develop. There was information in the note about the garage locations. There are four different locations for the garage. There was not a specific one chosen. When looking at lots 89, 90 and 91 in order to set a house on the lot it would need to be put back far on the lot which would then also remove trees. Miklo stated that the plan that was approved in 2004 did have an allowance for a removal of trees. The underlying RS -5 zone would allow up to 50% of trees of the overall property to be removed. Miklo stated that these lots comply with the standards. Miklo pointed out where the park area is located. Dwyer stated that the area does not get mowed all that often and that there is no playground equipment there. Miklo stated that the requirement of the developer to dedicate the land to the City has been satisfied. Typically the City will wait till the subdivision has been built out before they improve the open space. Dwyer stated that his point is that there is a lot of land in the area and if there is a way to re -due the lay of the circle then yes there might be a loss of a lot but you would be saving trees. He asked at what point it is known that the development has gone too far. Freerks stated that what is being said is that the City plans to maintain the sensitive areas. Dwyer quoted the approved plan Section 11 point 1 of the Iowa City ordinance. Miklo stated that the plan complies with the ordinance because the areas that are protected are beyond the property line. There was discussion of the critical slope and what the ordinance means. Miklo stated that 35% of the critical slope can be altered. Dwyer stated that his primary focus is the protection of the trees in the area and asked the Commission to reconsider the layout of the area. Dave Sevelovitz, 1701 Mackinaw Drive, Iowa City, stated that he agrees with Even Dwyer and supports the development. He stated that he is new to the area and one of his concerns was the south side where the slope was coming off of Foster Drive and the trees that are there. Sevelovitz stated he went to the City to talk about the trees and was told that those trees were protected. He is concerned with the removal of those trees. Sevelovitz noted that the lots are very narrow. He wondered where the houses would go because there is a steep ravine in that area. He asked that the Commission reevaluate and look at the tree lines and see what can be done within the area to keep the growth for building with protecting it. Hektoen confirmed that those trees are protected. Miklo confirmed it is a cluster of the trees but not all of the trees in the area. Hektoen stated that all the trees that are in the constructions limits noted in the plat will be protected. Kevin Hochstedler, 1434 Compton Place, Iowa City, stated he was with the Prime Ventures Construction. He stated that generally during construction they will put up an orange construction fence around the sensitive areas. Hochstedler stated that they will have to take some trees out but they love trees and they want to keep as many as possible. He stated that the original owner has graded the road and even though there is standing water on it when they do the development activities the construction will control the storm water. The water gets into pipes and helps the water move downstream. Hochstedler said that they were willing to meet with anyone to go over the plat. Dyer asked if they were custom built houses or spec houses. Hochstedler hoped that they would have both. He stated that they wanted to build homes that were affordable from $220,000 to $300,000. Freerks closed public hearing. Planning and Zoning Commission November 17, 2011 - Formal Page 11 of 12 Weitzel moved to approve SUB11 -00015 Discussion of an application submitted by Prime Ventures for a preliminary plat for Mackinaw Village Part 4, a 16 -lot, 3.84 acre residential subdivision subject to the OPD requirements mentioned in the staff report and the Sensitive Areas plan. Payne seconded. Weitzel stated that it is difficult when moving into an area and the area next to you gets developed. He feels that the City's Sensitive Ordinance is a great deal of protection that you can't get in most communities. Weitzel doesn't feel that there needs to be restrict the development of something that was already approved years ago. Freerks agreed with Weitzel. She said she hoped the developer could get together with the two gentlemen after the meeting to discuss the plan. Freerks stated that there are construction limits. Freerks stated she is in favor. A vote was taken and the motion carried 5 -0 (Payne recused). CONSIDERATION OF MEETING MINUTES: November 1 and November 3, 2011: Weitzel clarified on page six and seven for November 3 he was stating that it was in the Sherman Hill Historic District. Hektoen stated that she was not at the November 3 meeting. Koppes moved to approve the minutes with the corrections. Payne seconded. The motion carried 6 -0. OTHER: Miklo stated that on November 29, 30, and December 1" the consultants for the Riverfront Crossing will be in town doing planning for the future phases. At the end of each day there will be open houses to see the work that is being done. An invitation will be sent out. ADJOURNMENT: Payne moved to adjourn. Weitzel seconded. 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