HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-19-2008 Council Economic Development Committee
AGENDA
City of Iowa City
City Council Economic Development Committee
Tuesday, February 19,2008
8:30 a.m.
Lobby Conference Room
Iowa City City Hall
1. Call to Order
2. Consider approval of the minutes of the January 15,2008 Economic
Development Committee Meeting
3. 2007 Annual Economic Development Report
4. Staff time
a. Downtown study follow-up meetings, schedule
b. Business Friendly Cities article in Chamber newsletter (copy enclosed)
5. Committee time
6. Adjournment
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
JANUARY 15, 2008
CITY HALL, LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM, 8:30 A.M.
PRELIMINARY
Members Present:
Regenia Bailey, Connie Champion, Matt Hayek
Staff Present:
Wendy Ford, Tracy Hightshoe, Jeff Davidson
Others Present:
Mark Nolte, Craig Gustaveson, Miles Schultz
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Champion moved to recommend that the Memorandum of Understanding with Iowa City Area
Development Group (ICAD) be approved by the City Manager's office, seconded by Bailey.
Carried 3-0.
CALL MEETING TO ORDER:
Chairperson Regenia Bailey called the meeting to order at 8:30 A.M.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF DECEMBER 18. 2007:
Bailey noted a correction to the name "Gig" - it should be "Gigi." Champion moved to accept the
minutes of the December 18, 2007 meeting as corrected, seconded by Hayek.
Motion carried 3-0.
DISCUSSION OF CDBG ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUNDS APPLICATIONS - GUIDO'S:
Hightshoe stated that this application is for Guido's Deli, located at 227 E. 1st Street. The
request is for funds for working capital and to replace outdated equipment. Hightshoe noted that
Guido's opened in October, 2005 as an Italian deli. In December, they opened a second location
on the Kirkwood campus in Iowa City. It was noted that the applicant did provide a fair amount of
funds to start up the business initially and to fund the expansion at Kirkwood. Hightshoe noted
that one of the concerns is that the business has operated at a loss for the past two years, and,
she noted that with CDBG funds you have to create new positions, and she questions if they can
do this, working at a loss already. There is also no collateral. She further noted that due to these
concerns, staff is not recommending this application. Bailey asked Laurie Magaraci of Guido's
Deli if she would care to comment. Magaraci stated that since the time that she applied for these
funds, she has opened her second location - the one at Kirkwood College. She stated that rent
is not due until April 1, and that Kirkwood is only requiring 5% of her gross the first year, and then
it goes up to 10% for the next five years. She also stated that she will have very low costs at this
location, and has currently been open for about three weeks. Magaraci expects a much higher
profit at this location. Bailey asked if anyone had questions for Magaraci on this request.
Champion stated that the business losses are a concern for her as well. Magaraci further
explained her operations at Kirkwood, and said that they are also cutting some of their evening
hours at the Gilbert St. location, but they are adding breakfast hours. Also, with these funds she
would like to be able to hire an assistant to help with her expansion and future plans. Bailey
noted that she would not be comfortable granting these funds, especially due to the loss factor.
Hayek asked if there is a policy on the level of collateral needed to fund projects. Hightshoe
noted the committee has been flexible on this, and that some lenders will also be flexible on this
issue. Hayek noted that this particular application is only about 20% secured. Bailey stated that
she would like to have this business come back at the end of the semester and report how things
are going before they approve the application. Champion agreed, reiterating her concerns about
the business losses. Magaraci stated that she is working with her accountant on these matters.
Bailey again suggested that they revisit this application in Mayor June. Hayek stated that he
would entertain a smaller amount, but that he questions the full $50,000 at this time.
Economic Development Committee Meeting
January 15, 2008
Page 2
DOWNTOWN STUDY, NEXT STEPS:
Ford referred the committee to her January 3 memo regarding the downtown market niche study
with the status of activity and recommended next steps. There is a general consensus that they
need to talk to members of the business community to get their opinions on how to enhance the
downtown. Ford stated that she spoke recently with Craig Gustaveson of the Downtown
Association and Nancy Quellhorst of the Chamber, and in talking with them, it was proposed that
they also reach outside of the downtown community and get opinions from business leaders who
are outside of the downtown area. Ford noted that Quellhorst was planning to speak with some
business leaders last week, but that due to schedules, they have not yet been able to discuss her
findings. Ford suggested that they divide the list of business leaders and have several staff meet
with them to get their opinions on the study, to educate them about the findings of the study, and
the benefits are of putting a business development person to work downtown. Davidson stated
that he believes they have a fairly good handle on what needs to be done at this point. Davidson
stated that the big issue is "how" to go about promoting the idea to business leaders and
developers.
Gustaveson then added that he often hears conflicting sentiments, including, "I don't want the
City dictating to us what we're doing with our downtown," and yet other people complain, "Why
isn't the City doing more," such as when Old Capitol was empty. He stated that there needs to be
a good balance with City's involvement, at least perception-wise to the downtown merchants.
Adding to the urgency of getting this off the ground, he said he learned recently a visiting team to
the U of I, which has always stayed at the Sheraton, is now going out to the Marriott in Coralville.
It's important because it's a team full of people who aren't going to be spending those dollars
downtown now. This is why we need to compete for business downtown.
Bailey stated that in talking with others, she has found that the concept of a "downtown manager"
is not strongly embraced. She asked Gustaveson for some clarification on this issue, and he
stated that he believes there is a lot of misinformation about just what the position entails. He
believes they need to convey to people that the person is not going to dictate how they run their
business, how many hours they must be open, etc., but that this is work focused on bringing new
business and enhancing the mix of business in the downtown market. Bailey noted that this was
a concern during the SSMID campaign a few years ago, as well. Gustaveson added that having
a job description up front could help to further educate the community on having a business
development manager in the downtown area. There was concurrence that calling it a business
development manager would be more descriptive of the work.
The discussion continued, with Gustaveson stating that he believes businesses don't necessarily
understand that a more vibrant downtown is possible, especially by adding some major retail
businesses and enhancing the mix of businesses. Davidson stated that education would be
helpful in this, and that they need to convey that they are not trying to create a "mall" downtown.
Champion stated that she believes that a lot of businesses downtown, which are already
successful, don't want to change anything. Hayek noted that he has heard people say they don't
want to fund another $100,000 a year position. This led to a discussion about the concept of a
manager and what the position will bring to the downtown community. Davidson then added that
he believes a big factor in this issue is that in many towns, all of the extra features -such as
festivals, skating rinks, etc. - are funded by the private sector. People forget that in Iowa City,
they are funded by the public sector - the City. He believes people are used to the City paying
for amenities like these.
Gustaveson suggested they find some communities similar to Iowa City, and find out how they
handle these issues with their downtowns. He noted that with their limited budget, the Downtown
Association could only do so much. The discussion continued, with Bailey stating they should
look at the timeline Ford laid out in her memo. Ford stated they need help presenting this
concept to the business leaders. Davidson asked Gustaveson if he could suggest some
Economic Development Committee Meeting
January 15, 2008
Page 3
volunteers through the DTA and the Chamber who could help with this project. Davidson said
that he and Ford would work on setting up some one-on-one meetings, and begin to move
forward.
The discussion turned to issues of snow removal and panhandling downtown. Gustaveson noted
that the DTA and several business owners would be at the Council meeting that night to present
a letter regarding snow removal. He further stated that many businesses are fed up with the
panhandling issue, and that customers tend to avoid stores where these people hang out.
Bailey reiterated the plan - to begin some one-on-one meetings, to compile a list of
responsibilities - and noted that she believes it's quite an aggressive timeline. Davidson and
Ford noted that they understand this and have discussed this further, deciding to move the
timeline out a few weeks.
2007 ANNUAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REPORT:
Ford noted that committee members have an annual report in their packets. Davidson noted that
this is a 2007-2008 report, showing what has been accomplished and what is planned for the
coming year, and he asked if the Committee had any direction for them. Ford stated that they
would be putting together strategies for 2009-2010 in the fall. Champion asked if they could
review this at the next meeting, as she has not had time to review it. It was decided to table this
item to the February 19, 2008 meeting.
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH IOWA CITY AREA DEVELOPMENT GROUP:
Joe Raso, ICAD Group president gave an overview of the agreement which outlines the services
the City may expect from ICAD Group for fiscal year 2008. A brief discussion ensued, with
committee members stating their approval of the Memorandum of Understanding as presented.
Champion moved to recommend that the Memorandum of Understanding with Iowa City Area
Development Group (ICAD) be approved by the City Manager's office, seconded by Bailey.
Carried 3-0.
STAFF TIME:
None.
COMMITTEE TIME:
It was decided that Economic Development Committee meetings would be held the third Tuesday
of each month at 8:00 AM. at City Hall. Next meeting is scheduled for: February 19, 2008 at
8:00 AM.
ADJOURNMENT:
Hayek moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:29 AM.
0)
c
+:;
0)
0)
~
0)
~
E
E
o
()
.....
c
0)
E
0..
000
-0
0)0
a;N
o -
1.0
,!:2 ..-
E ~'<t
groO)
0:::10)
uCro
w~o..
Gl
Gl
=
'E
E
o
CJ
-
e"
Gl ...
E 0
Q,~
00::
GiGlco
>uc
GleC
OnsN
.~ -g
E Gl
g~
o
U
w
'u
e
:::I
o
CJ
\I)
.... >< >< ><
-
....
0.:
>< 0 0 0
w
..- ..- ..-
::E - - -
N N N
0:: 0 0 0
W - - -
..- ..- ..-
I- 0 0 0
c
0
>- 'c..
.Q,! E
'ffi ro ~
cc ..c:: 0)
ro () >-
ro
W '2: .~ I
::E 0) c :t::
0) c
<C 0) 0 ro
Z c::: () ~
"'C
0)
III
:::I
U
><
W
-.....~
c C 0)
CI> 0) III
lIllll.o
~.o<(
0.. <( II
>. II II W
0) -
~><OO
,~ 1
-~= -.....
.....--_.......
~~W~~
~~..aa.'
.... -
CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM
Date:
To:
From:
Re:
February 13, 2008
Economic Development Committee
Wendy Ford'
Downtown Market Niche Analysis Study - post-study status report
Since the January 15 Economic Development Committee meeting, Ford and Mayor Bailey have
made several one-on-one visits with downtown business owners and have several scheduled
for the coming weeks. Nancy Quellhorst, Iowa City Area Chamber President and Craig
Gustaveson, Downtown Association President and other members of the Economic
Development Committee are also meeting individually with business owners to determine
interest in an enthusiasm for a downtown business development manager, funding sources for
the activities, and the optimal way to implement the activities.
Also at the January 15 meeting, the committee desired information on other communities with
downtown business development activities. The following memo and information was compiled
by Miles Shultz, Economic Development Division intern and provides an overview of a handful
of communities similar to Iowa City and their downtown development organizations.
The time table below was revised after the January 15 Economic Development Committee
meeting to add four weeks to the schedule. To date, we are on schedule.
B this date
January 31, 2008
February 29, 2008
March 30, 2008
April 30, 2008
May 30,2008
Accom lish these activities
1. Committee members meet one-on-one with opinion leaders
from outside downtown area to get "pulse" and discover
potential investors in partnership.
2. Committee members convene to
a. refine talking points, if needed
b. assign and split list of opinion leaders from within
downtown area to talk to.
1. Committee members convene to share insight gained
2. Committee members meet one-on-one with opinion leaders
from within the downtown area to get "pulse" and discover
otential investors in artnershi .
1. Set public meeting and invite those who have expressed
interest in either guiding activities to enhance downtown or who
have indicated they would be interested in funding
2. Set up account through Johnson County Foundation.
Downtown business artnershi or anized.
1. Operating guideline developed.
2. Strategic priorities identified.
3. Secure financial investments.
4. Elect leadership.
5. Secure rent-free office space.
6. Advertise for downtown mana er osition
1. Staff hired.
2. Work plan developed.
3. Committees formed.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM
TO:
WENDY FORD, and
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
MILES SHULTZ, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIVISION INTERN
FEBRUARY 19,2008
BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS IN COMPARABLE CITIES
FROM:
DATE:
RE:
The following are comparable cities to Iowa City that have established Business
Improvement Districts, "BID," or something similar. The one similarity is that the
impetus for their formation came mainly from the private sector. While East Lansing
provides city staff, the other cities have essentially private BID organizations, with
independent budgets and staff.
Nationwide there are over 1,200 BIDs located in every state.
Boulder, CO:
. Established in 1984, consists of a partnership between the city and Downtown
Boulder Incorporated.
. BID's maintenance services include: trash removal, graffiti removal, event
production, and general downtown security. The Downtown Boulder Street Team
also performs a daily walk through of the BID, "addressing all issues and taking
note of possible improvements."
. BID's economic development services include: marketing, information and
research, event production, and various initiatives to promote a vibrant mix of
tenants.
. DBI membership is voluntary and open to any interested persons and
organizations. Membership costs $75 for an individual and $125 for a business.
. Staff of 8.
Lincoln, NE:
. Established in 1978, and then two more BIDs formed in 1989.
. The Downtown Lincoln Association is an umbrella organization that manages all
three BIDs.
. DLA's services include: daily trash removal, weekly sidewalk cleaning, landscape
maintenance, tree and shrub replacement, handicap ramp snow removal, holiday
decorating, and miscellaneous trouble-shooting, as well as a plethora of
managerial and promotional activities.
Madison, WI:
. BID formed by a nonprofit, Downtown Madison, Inc., and BID staff are DMI
employees.
. Started in 2000 with a budget of $242,000, but this has increased to around
$350,000, although from their web site it seems that the city has a lot of control
over the BID's Board and budget.
-1-
. Top Priorities: business retention, expansion and recruitment; and marketing the
district to consumers
. 224 properties with 335 businesses (1/3 Retail, 1/3 Food Service, 1/3 Service
Orientated).
. 17 board members and 2 staff.
Austin, TX:
. Formed in 1989 with both city staff and the downtown commission, but then
private sector took the lead.
. In 1993, the budget was $424,000, and this year it is $2.2 million.
Stillwater, OK:
. Established 8/2007 at the behest of downtown property owners.
. The City is currently employing BID staff but is looking for a BID coordinator
funded by the both the city and downtown businesses.
. General duties for the BID coordinator will include: serve as a liaison between the
city, BID Board, property owners and Oklahoma State University; find merchants
for vacancies; marketing strategy for the downtown.
East Lansing, MI:
. Established in 1997 (actually is a "Principal Shopping District") by both the
private and public sector.
. Only has a $50,000 budget, and staffis provided by the city.
. They also have a TIF district established in 1989 with an operating budget of $1.1
million.
Columbia, MO:
. Established in the late 1960's at the request of the private sector
. "We have a staff of 4-a director, assistant director and two part
time maintenance people. I would never recommend establishing a district
without staff or without a steady and predictable revenue stream."
encl/ Downtown Boulder Incorporated Brochure, and Downtown Lincoln Association
Brochure
-2-
~
DOWNTOWN
Boulder
Downtown Boulder, Incorporated
With the most succ~ssful pedestrian mall in the country,
historic Downtown Boulder is a state.wide treasure. Like all
treasures, however, Downtown Boulder requires constant
care and protection. Members of Downtown Boulder,
Incorporated (OBI) 3re dedicated to the continued preser-
vation and enhancement of Downtown Boulder as the heart
of the greater Boulder community. We urge you to join us.
/Thi;
Downtown Boulder, Incorpor.ated
is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion and
preser....ation of downtown as the heart of the community.
We work to maintain downtown as the center of
commerce, government, culture, and leisure.
Membership
Membership in Downtown Boulder, Incorporated is
voluntary and open to any interested person or organization.
Our current membership of over 300 reflects a wide variety
of property owners, business professionals, retailers, and
restaurateurs.
DOWNTOWN
Boulder
Benefits of Membership
Our over 300 OBI members support the overall vitality of
downtown through public advocacy, political involvement,
and community events that enhance the Boulder
experience for residents and visitors.
OBI I. guided by our d"dicated Board of
Directors, who reprosent the following
local businesses:
Parking Validation Program Assistance
Advertising and Promotional Opportunities
Educational Workshops and Mailings
Free Yearly Downtown Mailing Labels
Current Information on
Downtown Events and Issues
Art Source International
Our downtown is historic, inviting, eclectic, and vibrant. We
strive to build upon these unique qualities that make this
area such an important factor in Boulder's quality oflife.
Belvedere Belgium
Chocolates
Boulder County Farmers
Market
Colorado Daily
Communication Arts
Creative Growth Seminars
BI-monthly Newsletter
Participation in Downtown Boulder
Gift Card Program
Assistance and Consulting from Experienced
Downtown Businesses
Deneuve Construction
8 Days a Week
First National Bank of
Colorado
James Travel Points
JVA Incorporated
Nature Conservancy
Networking and SOCial Events
Downtown Directory and Decal
Forum for a Unified "Voice" in
Downtown Boulder
Downtown Boulder, Inc.
Law Office of Mary Nagle
Street
Liquor Mart
PEH Architects
Pedestrian Shops
P.N. Eklund Interests, Inc.
Richard Pendleton &
Associates
Rock Bottom Breweries
RRC Associates
Vectra Bank
Waters Read
Wells Fargo Bank
OBI Membership ~..
registration form / 1fi'm;
Business Name
ConlactName
Address
City
Zip
Phone
State
F"
E-mail
Website
Please write or attach a 40 word description of your business
for the membership directory and Downtown Boulder Website
Include my business in the gift card program._
Type of Membership (please check one):
o Business Member: S12S
o Individual Member: S7S
(Name only, no buSiness name or description)
o 501(C)3 Member: Complimentary
Please fill out form, tear off and send with payment to:
Downtown Boulder, Inc.
'942. Broadway, Suite 301
Boulder, CO &0302
303.449.3774 www.boulderdowntown.com
~J!t}ttr':\:/t'~,- "'~ ",.,lll., ,J'I'"J~,~t ":::, ~ I'" <'\,f~' ,,_' r"~""'7',",, l~~ '\'::;:'1
tlrllf+~,~~~[tt;l I , ~ ~j ,l1lr1;. ~J!:.':"l<' I~::I., 1,' I!'" \ r~i ,';(01 ~-,"jf~'i't,",,,,;;..'i,r~-",,,,;~ ll~. ."~t j
itOSI Advocates ~{.. ';D~"'Special Events! ',': '. ". Help You': Bottom"Lina" :'~.:~'
.!'fordowntown /',:ifTm;," ", With downtown boulder gift cards '. ". :J"
\i,;;'"'{:t.-,J,'w ' (~"-"~;f1t'!i',t,j\)h :t'~ft'1 '"'~"' ,~ . .. _'1~"~1' d.....,~", J:;_JJN",,J...~ , ~ 1I.J"",V.I,,"~.~-.,,~.;;~
OBI Has the Facts
Take ad~antage of numerous reports, surveys, ~enfdemographici,
in<! Ulei tax figurei, ill a~iilible through OBI
OBI Successes
, DBt ficihtated the ~ppro~ilto creilte '300 new public pinking
ip~ces in building the l~th & Purl ind St. Julien p;lrkirlg structuru
, OBI spearhrildl:'d Ihe Downtown Boulder Pirking lnitilltive.
leiulting in the repl~ceml:'nt of pirking m/!'t/!'ri with viiitor friendly
P~rkjng POly St"lions.
. OBI initi.llled the Downtown Bus PaiS, which grew into the
[CO-Pan proglam .lInd CUH/!'nt RTD dlUUI~s in Botlld~r.
. OBI work~d elhiuitively to pan the Downtown BOlllder BU$in~n
lmpro~mrnt District which launched m.llrketing; camp"igns to
promote $hopping, dining and leasing, n well as funds for sewrity,
maintenarKe, impfOv~ments. and economic deveiopmenl.
. OBI continues to p;Htn~r with the City of Boulder Downtown
M"n.llgement Commission and Downtown Boulder BI.I!ir1t~ss Impro~.
ment Distrktlo provide input ind support for physical impro~menls
to the Pt-.arl Street Mall ind surrounding busineu neighborhoods
. OBI coordinated the developml:'nt of wireless internet connections
fmthe Pe"rl Street Mati
. DBI.lIdvocaled for Downtown issues such as the aggressive
p.anhandling ordifl.llncl:', for reto1ifling Downtown neighborhood
schools, Downtown convention center, ind support of pro.business
candid"tesincitY80vernmenl.
, DBllobbil!'d aggrnsi\ll:'ly to build a new Downtown hotel, which
resulted in the "pprovil aoo construction of the SI. Julien Hotel.at
9th and Canyon.
. OBI c1oscoly monitored construction during the renovation of
Broidway and encouraged Ihe City of Bouldrr 10 offer incenli~s to
the contractor so th"t the work wu finished on a timely basis
. OBI worked \ltery "oscoly with the developers and o....nels of 29th
Street to ensure the two shopping districts would complement ea(h
other'sofferingsandnperiences.
. OBI strongly encouraged the opening of a year round Downtown
Visitor lnformiltion Center which served ovel 6,000 custom~rs in the
lint) months of full tim~ operation.
OBI Special Events
Downtown Boulder gift cards are i((ept~d at ov/!'r 1~0 downtown
businesses. The cards make wonderful gifts and employee
incentives, and ire a great way to bring more customers to your
ntablishment. Over $100,000 in Downtown Gift Cards ar~ sold
annually
Bands on thll Bricks.: The region's most popul;u SUmmf'r
concert s~ries happens Wednndiy nighls in June, July.llnd August,
with the ar/!'a's hottest b~nds performing in frontofthfo Boulder
CountyCourthou5e
MA.KE SURE YOUR BUSINESS IS NOT lEFT OUT,
ArtFair: Downtown's oldnt ind most prestigious eventduwi
1~O,OOO peoplr the third ~/!'kend in July. This event atlr.acts o\lter ,~o
t.lllf'nted artists from Bouldrr ~nd around the country.
"OBI gift card~ -;tand for 'Dtlving BUSlrlCSS h' They
bflng In 1t1(rernellt<t1 revenue dt zem cost and
virtui:llly no effort on OUr part ThiS is il great way to
Introduce n~w customerS to your business"
Boulder Fall Ftlstivaol: Boulder's Oktoberfest features Futiv.al
food, top "rea microbre'Ns, grl:'at local bands, in irrfiir, and
(.hildf~"'s carniv.al rides. This is one orBouldrr's most popul.llr e\'ents
-Jack StoaKes, General Manager. liquor Mart
lighb of December Parade: The lights of Df'cembel Parade
is a hometown communitycelebrationcompll:'te with "lighTed f1oalS,.
mirching binds, horse.drawn carriages, carole~. children dr~S5ed
.liS reindeer. and the arrivilofSanta Clius.
Other Acth,i1i.s: OBI sponsors: a golftourn.ament to benefit
the KidL.inks progr"m "t Boulder Community Hospital; Munchkin
Masqueradl:'; Switch on the HolidOllYs lighting (eremony; President's
Diy Sale; Noon Tunrs; Augu$t Sidew~lk SOllie; Annual Downtown
Awards luncheon; and Monthly Downtown Community [Jchinges
~ ~."' ~ ~ ""
id"i~..H
~ -'~ ~ "- 5
.~ ....:,,, \L' _ "Sil ~ .,
- - ->:: .. ~ ;; ;; ~
,!!;! :f;.. _] ~ '? -5
"I; :;hd~
~ V~~..]:::~t:
i!:: - .. ''':::; ....l:i !.
~ ~~~~~~t,g
~ _:~3~~'=:~!::
.; :5:-~~S~ ,;
Cl~~"- .-
:i ~~~]~~~
, >.:;l, ~
~~~~ ~!
~ ~ ::: g. ~ E
~~~~ ,~B~
~ - :t E ",!'t .
'" !i '" "" i ..2 S;::
r: ''5l"'9. ~i: P' .!:: M ":
.lS >.;:: > is. ,,8 o.n
~ ~~ ~~.] ~N9
e; :si[~~:5~~
.:2 Q 00.5.E.2 Q::.::
Vi ""'8'2!.zE~1'~g
.D .E'" =:;: .....- "" 3i
~ ~~~~.... s.n~(Ol
> ,."" _ , . e ,
.= c !!.:::;:: .:;:J 0.0 ;Ii
~ "'~.~~.~:.:="'.=
<r.. - 'I
~ ~.
E ~ ", "'0 'l! 7-
~~-~ ?:f _I'
'~]'~ $];:; ~ ~
8.~1!. 1]~~ s~.n
~ i;2 &,"" t- lii ~ ~:;j:
i:;3::O [~~"O .&!i~8
r3~~ ~"3.g~ ~~"E~
" 'l:1' .1i" -
~ ~~ .:1.. ~.5 ~ ~ ti~~
..l '@.g I!.g i ~ ,e , "
~EN~2 ~.....;!l<~~8
t ~~~ ~]Cl_9~ ~~~w
:=.: o~ ~Q ~'2lS;; 5.~~:;'"
1< 1<.s, , - .s '" " " , . !
f--oSj-5~g~.E.s~'o~...
^
,
~ !
.5.5 ~ ~,
::: ~ :: ~ .5
iu~l'~
"3 ~ i ~o
'ES-5~'=;
~ ~ -5 j f
5"E.....': '"
= ti :) ~ 1a
'H; ]
.. , . , ,
3 ~.::: ::: i::
.::5'5 i!:: ~
~ a...
], ] ~'.s
.; 5 is 9 i
Lb~H
.5 ~,5 ~ ~"Q:":
g ;:: ~ S 5 .:: !
'i: ~.....; ~ "i 5 1%
1- '"8 :f; ,:}''O.;;
~ .~ N '8 !i 1:8::i
....; ~"::;'!::;:: "C
~~~;;~-qij
. , " , ,= .
!-~-]-~~~
~
.
~
"
.
~ ~
~ ~
! .
~ s
. -
j ~
111
~
,
~
=~- =
.. - -
- =
~ ' ==
~ .-
= ~
-~ .. ..
Jj~!~~j
.s al "'~.."
o!'z . I j
~~ ~;;~ 'I
I"Z ~ Q~..3
j~~"'~l!
~
,
e , :s
t:~~
~~ ~
.~ "C:; ~
~'1~ ~
~ ~"';:l ~
.~~~~~""
,..",::! ~" ~ <::>
0:: ;:: ': &. I; ~
~~~:%~..;.
:::: ::~.::t ~
~.g~%~N
~ ~ '3 ~ ~~
~~c3~iS::S
.i
g-li
,r{
Ii
......-1 ~
! ~
t.. I" I ~
_I 0
~-~ i
I>
~Il %
.
"
~
· .1 i
; ; ~ ~ ~ , , , , ,
. ! ! ! ! !
r ~
1
I
-
--
-
.d d~jtg ~~d~~t~~Hdl~ l
~qu ~~.t~~~~i~.1J~~d~f.1J~t'
~ ~rl~' 1~{"'~ll~'.1J~.~t~.~~~~
~ ~~~~"'&-~.!;"~l~"'~~ s:::i!~<i~~..".1J
.a ~].".~~",'li n!~~i~~~>,.1J~'~~o.
""'~. -'..~'-'1'~'~~g,'",ij;;~~~~.Q>
~~lHn H~'1<<3~~ H"'1l' ~ ~~ ~n.!;;~
? ~&:i!~.S~l::i.,;i;j~e::<;J'ti~~ .~Olc:i<:l-'l!~.!:.!:::~:t:::l..
.-?
_'i__,_
-
c
o
'=
o
..
o
~ "
~iii
II
~ ~ i
~ 0 0
o i ~
I'! ;
" 0 ..
"' 6..~' i; "'
.~U,~~52
i 5 .: ~ 0 8.;.', i! .~
~~ ~ 5 ~ 8 ~ ~ ~
.. <Q E U .... 0..... .- :;
:;; cr: i; "@ ':::l F"C e =
~-;"C8<~~8.1
-llLlo....l~""PQ
~ ~ E ~ Cl ~ g; ~~ .
E~,:€'l:l'S"C~~-=~
"..'88~~~
~~-';tl'e;t,c~~....
<qH~dI]l]
~8~~h' .i
a:: ~ <.> < J; ~ .s._
f
"
J
~
c~
"$
U
. .
2;';;
II
Ii
Ii ~ II
u > ~ '# ~
uHHl
II ,Ii !: ~ : ;,e
: - ~q!,
: :: !! ~h !
U~ .~! ~ II
.1 ti
- --
~ , ,
!
~
i
.
g
I
~ 111~ I
! I I ~
c ~
~;9~
i : ~ ~
.g 1! 'Z~
!:; g .~ ..
~:~~
~ ~ :II .
~:a -= ~
~ = 'e ~
.. J/. "- ~
~ ~ E ~
.E ~;!
,
,
t- ~ "a ~ ..c:;
~ ~ -g.. .. 0..( "C .loi CJ
1l a ~ '1= ~ "3.........l;,.c:: g::
;:a~~.5. ~~Cl.;!J~_-
~ ..!'.!;: E .~ ~ 1: "0 .s ~ 51 8 E
~;;~~J:;;:j ~.s~]~~r
i$]5', .",!~,
1:: -::: = ~ [l..c:; ~ 15 S >: liO
~a ~a~ ~~-gCl.cl:i.!
t: l: .. 'C S ,. ~ 0 .c..... "E tl "0:::
";1-::: '^;::u'::: 'l!i!:ill 1tt:Cl >::;:: I:
. ~ ;j "C ," .. - O<l ~ c:: a
];~~~~~~~~~a~
.::.~],...j~S:::~ 8 c a~ Ej
::a~3.s7~ ~8l:l~~Cl
- 111. !
I lll~ ,
ill '~I:; --
1; ~.~! J
~ ~ i ~
Ii: ,,1-
l ~I,l
i i ~I;~
~ .,..,
~ ~ ~
iii
. . .
H
1"1
, ,
~ III
III
IIJ I D~ ~ j i D~ ~
I~ -I > , -I :;:
] ! " ~ -I !
,~~-I .
.. .
u -I ;; _! .
~ _t ~ ~
j -I ! IIIIf!!I!I! I-I ~
! ,
il
_..~. -I ~ -I
. . . . , . . , ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ _ N ~ ~
-...... ''''II''QJ"'''"I''~
~
,"
E
t
..
c
o
~-
o i
'E -
. ~
.!! .3
0"' .' -6 -g ""
~"'8 ~~~~E
:;, ,0 .~ i!; -a
s ;::Q II <E !t . II>
::: 1: S .~ e ..e ~ B
;_~~g.~ll-S'!:
<:> :;; 0 a 5.._SOl
g: ;:: i= .... ~ Tl I:: t:;
- sa ~ '" "0 ~ 0 "'C
ll~"~~.~;~
1: p II> is. " ~ 15 ~
.!: =-5 >,";.!:l E
l~~-:~~'O~ '
~;"di;n!
Jl~H H' i~
::: j':;: ... ::ll! v "
"' ~ B .s
-s ~ lil a
i ~ ~ e
.E'C]~
.~ ~ ~ [
E E", '"
~.f5 ~ -s ""
'0 "0 j E ~
] q ~ 1
E ~ t! '.;l :E
!~~~~
~.!:; ::l"g.::
r- E (: Ii ~
"" i! ~ ~ ^
'0 II> 9
*;~g
~ .gS'~
eto~
::: \L' ~_
. , ~ ,
:::: t! 1a "::I
!. 3 Co S
~ ~ ,~
-5 "a ~~
, t::!S'~
g.; i~ ~
:! ~ ~ 'C ~
. -, ~ ~
o.s [!.~
''''p:l(]I''''"''11\'j
]
~
~!
~j
,.
~ ,~
.<
Ii
~~ :il11
.~'; '::. ~
;g 6 ~ ~
~ ~ ] ~
o <t: ~ ::l
< ! '" ~
, ~-
';l - ~
"" '" ..=:-'~
~ ~ ~ ~~
~ l! o'e S
... ! ~ ! g
::l '" 3 ;:: s::
~ ~ "s ~,g
^
Ii
~i
ji
Ii
!!
! I I I I I I I I I ,
. ] ..,-.;.5.,." -G ... ~_] _~~
~~ .~.5.!:"'C!?5[*.~.;' B;; ?='-:l" 2:~-.,~ .s~ ~
il ,O",G'"3N"B' .c_~'-~'~.~'"' ",..,
~~ ~~~~~]~~<:;-S1~~] ~'i]:g~~~E~~~~j j~2~~~
~;-5~'::*~lc~~~.5~Ul':]~ ~E~~~,5aJ ~~~.... ~ofjg.,~ii~
& '" """ _ .:: c..... ... ._ w _il3 .:: :c: 0 ... ... :::; ._
~ ~ ] ~. I:; <.ci == .1:! "'! ~] 1 ~ ~ '8....3 :! ~ 1::, ..5 g; ~ ...:: .1:! ~ 'iI: ,"0 "0 ~ ...:] >: ~ ~ *
~"':::I:"'1i-E~:,c; o-.;;l~...::... ""' .>..~ 8aoiiU"'-'s0' .:: "''''~Q:I:Q_
~~ _:l:",~_.... ~~~...!....qi~~:Q..5.~2" l~~~E.1:! 5~!~"'::6
8...::Qo6"'::8"l'1"""1'::~*-.;;Iil"'''---:Oc'''::......l j "'.~<:> --... >'''-- 0"'0
...~.......... I':':;:S~"@Nt:....~~~~~.::~...~ .!jl..,:.,...::. -.;;I~f::O(I"".s::~1:!E'"
."'::_CQOl i5CN~"<;ria.:a.o ::. .~.~...::>: ;:juu ..&.>;..5.::su-o.~ <;n
I ~ II ~ i --1~ !ll~ i i ~ ~ ~ !~1 ~ 1 ~ ~ ~ ~ t ~ ~ 1 i~ l ~ i l] r~
<:> OJ -" <<l "'- .IS ... "l:I l!: ~ t II> . (: "" ...::l ...... 0, 5 >! . . ~ " .g 0 II> (fi.
CI~Jf@"'!~~~:~"l:I~!~~~~~iij~~~~:~!~~i~j~~
=;::~...~;c _"l:I:! ~_$-o_ ",-o",:CJ.t.J.t.<;nCQ .c::_",U ",o~o"'"
~
o
;;
c ..
. ~
o ~
~ 0
& !
. ..:~Vl,;t
"/ !~_r;,;';:J Charnber 0: C{}mrnt1fCe .4c;fi",.eiy ;';o~rer.<:) u de.iter l\u::hl':':s~ Env;jQn"'jt:-,,_
NVISI
~ IOWA (
~ . ARE}
%OF(
~
f
i\
.~ FEBRUARY 2008
~ MUDDY CREEK?
~
~
~
)....
....j
a
~
........
~
~
<-
--
\I)
;::::)
~
l.u
F:
l..L
~
I-
~
\:)
\.n
~
<U
~
<Q::
N
www.lowacltyarea.com
On this late January day, Muddy Creek in Coralville looks more like icy creek with a thick layer of ice
and a blanket of snow. Spring is only six weeks away!
BUSINESS-FRIENDLY CITIES
What's the use?
BY WENDY FORD, ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR,
CITY OF IOWA CITY
wendy-ford@iowa-city.org
Turns out this might be the best question you
can ask yourselfif you are in business. Though
it might sound tongue in cheek, if you own or
lease land or if you want to own or lease land
for your business, your next question should
be, "What uses are permitted on the land?"
~ J You'll find the answer in the zoning code.
N Zoning codes are laws that exist for the greater
good of the community. The laws protect
~ citizens and property values, and provide for
. the orderly arrangement and growth of the
..~ community. Some might argue they infringe
on personal freedoms, but among other things,
- these laws prohibit hog lots in your neighbor's
.G back yard; they limit the lumens that parking
1(. lot lights can beam in your bedroom window
~ and they ensure that the bakery on the comer
~ won't become a gas station.
If you want to open or move a business, it
~ is best to first determine where your business
~ may locate before purchasing or leasing
~ property. If you want to sell or lease your
.~ property, you need to know what uses are
permitted on the lot to expedite the process.
\..1. To do that, you can either talk to the friendly
'M.. staff at City Hall or you can look it up in the
I ~ Zoning Code yourself at City Hall, the Iowa
I..!.... City Public Library or online atwww.icgov.orgl
housing/wning/.
To determine the land uses allowed on
your property you must first locate your
property on the City's most current wning
map. The zoning map shows the base zone
that applies to your property. Then, look in
the Zoning Code for the corresponding
regulations for that base zone. In each base
zone chapter of the code there is a handy
table listing permitted land use categories,
uses permitted with provisions or allowed
only if a special exception is granted by the
Board of Adjustment.
To allow for orderly growth, to bridge
old laws with updated ones and to simplifY
regulations, the zoning code classifies land
uses into broad categories. For example, in
the table of uses allowed in the Community
Commercial (CC-2) Zone, you will find the
category "Retail Uses" under which "Sales-
Oriented Retail Uses," "Repair Oriented,"
and "Outdoor Storage and Display" and
others are also subgroups. You can then
determine to which subgroup your business
belongs. Since all similar uses are subject to
the same wning standards (parking, lighting,
landscaping, etc.), it is relatively easy for one
retail business to convert to another retail
business over time. We encourage you to
talk with City staff or check the use
classification chapter of the zoning code if
you have any question about which broad
category your business falls under.
What's the usel continued on page vii
CORRIDOR LOBBYING
Members key
to legislative
success
BY REBECCA NEADES, VICE
PRESIDENT & DIRECTOR, PUBLIC
POLICY
rneades@iowacityarea.com
Legislatively, February is a busy month with
several opportunities for members to support
the Iowa City Area
Chamber of Commerce
mission: "actively foster a
better business
environment. "
On February 11 the
Area Chamber will
host the federal lobby-
ing trip to Washington,
D.C., . nction
with th
AreaC
The base zone chapters of the code also
contain dimensional standards, such as
minimum lot size, building setback
requirements and height limitations. If your
p~operty has unique characteristics making it
difficult to comply with zoning rules, the Board
of Adjustment has the power to adjust some
of the rules by granting a special exception.
Check.with City staffif your property presents
a partIcular challenge to see if a special
exception might be a possibility.
Our advice is to learn the uses allowed on
your property and learn how changes of use
will affec.t conformance on your lot. When you
know thIS about the lot you own or lease, .or
about the lot you would like to own or lease
youy be ahead of the game. For Iowa Cir;
zorung code questions, talk to]ann Ream, code
enforcement officer at (319) 356-5120. For
other business questions, call Wendy Ford,
economic development coordinator at
(319) 356-5248. .
./owaclty
I as it bee
637 to regis