HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-11-13 Bd Comm minutesAd Hoc Diversity Committee, October 15, 2012 1 4b(1)
MINUTES FINAL
CITY COUNCIL AD HOC DIVERSITY COMMITTEE
OCTOBER 15, 2012
HARVAT HALL, 4:00 P.M.
Members Present: Bakhit Bakhit, Cindy Roberts, Joe Dan Coulter, Orville Townsend
(arrived at 4:06), Sr., Kingsley Botchway II, Joan Vanden Berg
(arrived at 4:07), LaTasha Massey
Staff Present: Eleanor Dilkes, Marian Karr, Tom Markus
Others Present: Charlie Eastham, Chris O'Brien, Mark Rummel
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL:
None.
CALL MEETING TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Botchway at 4:05 P.M.
APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES:
Coulter noted that he would like to make a minor change to the October 8, 2012,
meeting minutes. On page 2 of the minutes, at the top of the page, he would like to
reword to say: ...this type of disproportionality information and assume racial /ethnic
discrimination.
Coulter moved to approve the minutes of the October 8, 2012, meeting as
amended.
Roberts seconded the motion.
The motion carried 6 -0; Vanden Berg absent.
GENERAL BOARD DISCUSSION:
None.
PRESENTATION BY TRANSPORTATION SERVICES DIRECTOR:
Chris O'Brien, Transportation Services Director, addressed Members concerning the
questions compiled. He first pointed out an error in his memo, on the bottom of page 1
under expenses — where it says 'transit levy' it should be 'personnel.' O'Brien first
reviewed some of the general information about transit operations. He noted that
operation times are 5:45 A.M. to 11:00 P.M., Monday through Friday, and 5:45 A.M. to
7:40 P.M. on Saturdays. There are 37 vehicles operated under transit, ten of which are
paratransit vehicles that are operated by Johnson County SEATS. O'Brien continued,
stating that there are approximately 20 routes and that so far this year they have about
1.965 million rides, up from 1.884 million the prior year.
Ad Hoc Diversity Committee, October 15, 2012 2
O'Brien then asked if Members had any questions concerning the Transit budget
information provided. Vanden Berg asked what the transit levy is, and O'Brien
responded that it is 95 -cents per $1,000 of valuation. He added that all of these funds
are dedicated to Transit. O'Brien further explained the financial makeup of Transit and
changes that have taken place over the years. He briefly went over the revenue section
of the Transit budget, giving Members a quick snapshot of this section. O'Brien then
responded to Member questions, explaining how revenue can fluctuate with the
economy, and gas prices.
The East Side Loop was discussed next, with O'Brien asking Members for their
questions and comments on the recent changes made here. Botchway noted that the
Committee discussed this issue at length at their last meeting, and that Members felt
they needed to give the changes some time to see if things have improved for riders.
O'Brien next addressed the Committee's concerns on ridership by route. He explained
the numbers that he gave Members in his earlier memo and how these were
determined. Coulter asked for some clarification on the ridership numbers — East Side
Loop 35.9 riders per trip, and Manville Heights at 9.5 riders per trip. O'Brien responded,
stating that they took the annual ridership numbers and divided that by the number of
trips provided in a given year. Coulter asked if they shouldn't be concerned when they
see ridership numbers above 30, for example.
O'Brien provided Members some history of certain routes and how as the ridership
increased, they made adjustments and added more buses and /or route times as
needed. He explained how they reach a specific threshold in ridership numbers with
standing room and how they then make plans to help alleviate overcrowding. Vanden
Berg asked if the increased number of public school students riding City buses has been
an issue. O'Brien explained how Transit has been addressing the East Side Loop
issues, and issues of underutilization on some routes.
The discussion turned to the process gone through by Transit when new routes are
suggested. Bakhit Bakhit asked if it would be possible to make a direct route from the
west side of town to Kirkwood Community College, with a stop downtown. O'Brien stated
the current Plaen View route picks up on Westwinds Drive, behind Pheasant Ridge,
proceeds down Melrose past the hospital, through downtown, and then directly to
Kirkwood. He added that it would be possible to review this current route. O'Brien
clarified how they arrive at their recommendations, after reviewing the criteria and data
that are part of this overall process. Botchway asked for more information on how
Transit provides education to the public, especially school -aged riders. Vanden Berg
spoke about the packet that is given to newcomers and how part of that information is on
bus schedules. O'Brien added that they do have communication with the schools, but
that there is always room for improvement in this communication. He stated that they
could push out more information by adding materials to the water bills, for example. This
would get the information into more homes as far as bus routes, schedules, and rates.
O'Brien then spoke about some of the improvements, such as Bongo, that Transit has
added, which help to plan bus routes for riders. This is also tied in with Coralville's
Transit and the U of I's Cambus program. He also addressed the three distinct
populations of riders, noting how each tends to use the tools available. Townsend asked
how much communication there is between the various bus systems and whether there
has been any conversation on collaborating. O'Brien responded that the communication
between Iowa City and the other transit systems is strong, that they coordinate a lot of
Ad Hoc Diversity Committee, October 15, 2012
their efforts, such as Bongo. He further explained that there are federal regulations in
place that keep their hands tied in some instances, such as competing with school buses
for ridership. Due to the funds received from the federal government, Iowa City Transit
must follow these regulations.
Botchway then asked about the use of cameras on City buses and what Transit's policy
is for kicking individuals off the bus. O'Brien noted four issues in this category —
driver /rider interactions, use of cameras, removal of passengers from the bus, and
cultural diversity training for drivers. Addressing each issue, O'Brien first spoke to the
use of cameras. He stated that after the 9 / 11 event the FTA funded security systems
for buses, which is why each City bus has a six - camera system. Transit uses an
incident - driven policy, where an incident occurs on a City bus. Once a complaint is
received, for example, the video from that bus will be reviewed in order to determination
what took place. O'Brien added that 99.9% of the time they can easily determine what
took place. He stated that in working with the local schools, they have been able to
address these issues with the problem riders. He added that they have had very few
removals from the bus, with maybe five this year. Botchway asked about the protocol for
these removals. O'Brien explained what the steps are for such a removal, such as
warning the individual several times verbally. There is also a no- tolerance policy when it
comes to physical altercations.
O'Brien then addressed the way the transit system is set up. A hub and spoke system,
like Iowa City has, gets everyone to a central location from which they can then decide
which bus to take to their exact location. He shared with Members what can be
expected with this type of system, noting that typically a rider would have only one
transfer to get to their final destination. O'Brien also stated that keeping transit routes
simple and not changing them all of the time is important. Otherwise it can become very
confusing to the riders and cause quite a few complaints. O'Brien continued, giving
several examples of different transit systems that would include such things as making
more transfers to get to your destination, or even having to walk a few blocks to get to an
express route bus stop.
Vanden Berg asked if Iowa City is typical of cities this size in having a single hub and
spoke system. O'Brien responded that Iowa City is getting close to the breaking point
with 45- minute routes. Hour -long routes would show a definite need to add such things
as express routes or mini - shuttle services. He explained to Members how Transit is part
of a committee that is constantly looking at future transportation needs and ways to
collaborate with other entities to be able to create the best service possible. O'Brien
stated that they need to be able to evolve, to continually monitor their service and keep
communication open with their riders.
Massey asked about the diversity training that Transit provides for its employees.
O'Brien stated that NTI, the National Transit Institute, has a program where they bring in
an instructor to do this. He has contacted the surrounding transportation entities to see
if they would be interested in going through this training, as well. Botchway asked if
there is a timeframe by which Transit plans to accomplish this training. O'Brien
responded that the first step was to contact the other entities, and he believes this will
happen fairly quickly. He believes outreach can begin fairly quickly, as well. O'Brien
then went back to the diversity training issue, further explaining how they will have
training of the trainers, thus giving them the ability to keep the training ongoing.
Ad Hoc Diversity Committee, October 15, 2012
Roberts asked about the priority of Sunday service and where it stands as far as
priorities for Transit. Botchway added that perhaps Sunday service could have an
altered schedule, like Saturday. O'Brien gave some background on what all is involved
in expanding services and what kind of staffing would be needed. The discussion
continued with O'Brien responding to Member questions and concerns, explaining how
they determine the need for expanded routes. O'Brien also shared some past programs
where Transit attempted to fill a need by having a subsidized cab program that ran
nights, weekends, and holidays. He added that only three people used this program.
Markus asked if any of the local companies provide transportation for their employees.
O'Brien responded that some of the social service agencies do, but that he is not aware
of any of the larger employers offering such a service. Members continued to discuss
ways to extend services by collaborating with entities such as the U of I and local cab
companies.
Townsend asked about the survey that will be going out in November and if it has
anything about extended service on it. O'Brien noted that it does address expanded
service for Saturdays. Coulter asked about language barriers, noting that he often sees
English and Spanish on signs, but questions what other languages might need to be
included. O'Brien shared the information on the Iowa City Transit main page of the
website showing language assistance available in 6 languages. Markus added that the
Human Rights Commission has a subcommittee that has been evaluating the various
City departments for just this type of thing. They will be giving their recommendations
soon.
At this point in the discussion, Botchway asked if they could continue this discussion at
the next meeting — October 22. Markus and O'Brien then briefly touched on the financial
goals of the Transit division. O'Brien noted that when fares were increased from 75-
cents to $1.00, he received only one complaint. Markus briefly touched on tax rates in
Iowa City and the City's constant monitoring of these, how things like adding bus service
can affect these, and what the City is hoping to achieve with sustainability in divisions —
such as Transit. Further discussion will occur at the October 22 meeting.
TENTATIVE MEETING SCHEDULE
Karr asked that they look at the October 22nd meeting information distribute on the
agenda, noting that there are several items on the agenda. Botchway stated that they
may need to move items to the October 29th meeting if they run out of time.
PUBLIC INPUT:
Charlie Eastham spoke to when the Committee plans to hold their public forum. Karr
responded that November 15th is available at the Public Library and has been reserved.
However, she noted that the Committee has not yet talked about the structure of this
meeting. Botchway asked that they move this up in the agenda to be discussed after the
remainder of the transit discussion. Members briefly discussed what time they would
like to hold this forum, with 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. being agreed to.
ADJOURNMENT:
Vanden Berg moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:30 P.M.
Ad Hoc Diversity Committee, October 15, 2012
Coulter seconded the motion.
The motion carried 7 -0.
Ad Hoc Diversity Committee
Ad Hoc Diversity Committee, October 15, 2012 6
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2012
Key:
X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = Not a Member
TERM
o
0
0
0
NAME
EXP.
O
N
Cfl
O
v
N
P.
co
Cn
N
N
N
co
C\)1
N
CJ7
Donna
03/10/13
O/
X
N
N
N
N
Henry
E
M
M
M
M
Cindy
03/10/13
X
X
X
X
X
X
Roberts
Joan
03110/13
X
X
X
X
X
X
Vanden
Berg
Bakhit
03110/13
X
X
X
X
X
X
Bakhit
Kingsley
03/10/13
X
X
X
X
X
X
Botchway
Orville
03110/13
X
X
X
X
X
X
Townsend
Joe Dan
03/10/13
X
X
X
X
X
X
Coulter
LaTasha
N
N
N
X
X
X
Massey
M
M
M
Key:
X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = Not a Member
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL:
None
CALL MEETING TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order by Vice Chair Roberts at 4:05 P.M.
APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES:
Coulter moved to approve the minutes of the October 15, 2012, Ad Hoc Diversity
Committee, as amended in discussion below.
Massey seconded the motion.
The motion carried 6 -0; Botchway absent.
Bakhit Bakhit noted that in these minutes he did not see the questions that he asked of
the Transportation Director. First he had asked if it is possible to make a direct route
from the west side of town to Kirkwood Community College, with a stop downtown; and
the other question was about the survey planned in November. Karr noted that there
were several discussions about individual routes and that she lumped those together in
the new routes discussed on page 2, fourth paragraph. O'Brien noted that he had stated
that route suggestions can be looked into, especially once the surreys are done in
November. At this point in time, however, he added that he cannot say with all honesty
that they will create such a route, but that it can be looked into. Karr asked Bakhit where
he would like his questions added, and he suggested on page 2 where the route
discussion was held a statement be added. O'Brien stated that currently the Plaen View
route picks up on Westwinds Drive, behind Pheasant Ridge, proceeds down Melrose
past the hospital, through downtown, and then directly to Kirkwood. He added that it
would be possible to review this current route.
Townsend had a follow up statement regarding the question, `Would you pay more for
services.' His concern is that if services were bad and this question was asked, most
would respond 'yes' to it. However, he believes that in Iowa City they already have
adequate services. His main question had to do with Sunday service. O'Brien
responded that nights and weekends is something that will be addressed in the
upcoming survey.
Ad Hoc Diversity Committee, October 22, 2012 1
i
4il�
MINUTES
FINAL
CITY COUNCIL AD HOC DIVERSITY COMMITTEE
OCTOBER 22, 2012
HARVAT HALL, 4:00 P.M.
Members Present:
Bakhit Bakhit, Cindy Roberts, Joe Dan Coulter, Orville Townsend,
Sr., Joan Vanden Berg (arrived at 4:07), LaTasha Massey
Members Absent:
Kingsley Botchway II
Staff Present:
Eleanor Dilkes, Marian Karr, Tom Markus (arrived at 4:15)
Others Present:
Charlie Eastham, Chris O'Brien, Mark Rummel, Rick Wyss
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL:
None
CALL MEETING TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order by Vice Chair Roberts at 4:05 P.M.
APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES:
Coulter moved to approve the minutes of the October 15, 2012, Ad Hoc Diversity
Committee, as amended in discussion below.
Massey seconded the motion.
The motion carried 6 -0; Botchway absent.
Bakhit Bakhit noted that in these minutes he did not see the questions that he asked of
the Transportation Director. First he had asked if it is possible to make a direct route
from the west side of town to Kirkwood Community College, with a stop downtown; and
the other question was about the survey planned in November. Karr noted that there
were several discussions about individual routes and that she lumped those together in
the new routes discussed on page 2, fourth paragraph. O'Brien noted that he had stated
that route suggestions can be looked into, especially once the surreys are done in
November. At this point in time, however, he added that he cannot say with all honesty
that they will create such a route, but that it can be looked into. Karr asked Bakhit where
he would like his questions added, and he suggested on page 2 where the route
discussion was held a statement be added. O'Brien stated that currently the Plaen View
route picks up on Westwinds Drive, behind Pheasant Ridge, proceeds down Melrose
past the hospital, through downtown, and then directly to Kirkwood. He added that it
would be possible to review this current route.
Townsend had a follow up statement regarding the question, `Would you pay more for
services.' His concern is that if services were bad and this question was asked, most
would respond 'yes' to it. However, he believes that in Iowa City they already have
adequate services. His main question had to do with Sunday service. O'Brien
responded that nights and weekends is something that will be addressed in the
upcoming survey.
Ad Hoc Diversity Committee, October 22, 2012
CONTINUED PRESENTATION BY TRANSPORTATION SERVICES DIRECTOR:
Roberts noted that Chris O'Brien, Transportation Services Director, and Assistant
Director Mark Rummel are both present to continue the transit discussion. O'Brien
spoke first about Transit's financials, asking if anyone had any questions regarding this.
He then spoke to Members about the percentage of operating costs that the fare box
revenues cover. Currently this is at about 23 %, up from 16% prior to this. The goal is to
be at 33 %, which would be about $2 million in fare box revenues. O'Brien continued,
that they just don't know where the grant funding is going to be year to year. He gave a
brief history of fare increases, as well.
The discussion then turned to Sunday bus service, with O'Brien discussing the
upcoming survey and what they hope to do with the information garnered from this.
O'Brien also talked about diversity training, noting that when they begin this training it
will be an all- encompassing session with Coralville, Cambus, and Johnson County
SEATS taking part in this. Transit has contacted NTI to see when they could present
this training. O'Brien stated that they have also clarified the protocol for removing
passengers from the bus and will have this available to the public soon.
The discussion then turned to the issue of Transit partnering with the schools. O'Brien
stated that this is a very important issue to them and that by communicating more with
schools, they can get out the information about routes and times that is so crucial. He
reiterated that the City cannot provide direct school bus service due to the federal
funding received. He briefly touched on this, stating that as direct recipients of this
funding Transit is unable to provide this type of service. O'Brien continued, explaining
what a `tripper' route is and how the east side loop fits this description.
Roberts noted that O'Brien has now responded to the questions the Committee put forth
earlier, and she asked if Members had additional questions for Transit at this time.
Massey asked if there has ever been a youth liaison position, someone who could be an
assistant of sorts during those peak times. O'Brien stated that they have not created
such a position in the past, but that he would be open to looking into it further. After
some discussion, O'Brien noted that they have, however, used their supervisors in the
past on routes with high student volumes to try and explain what the rules of the bus are,
what the expectations of behavior are, etc. Also if they receive reports of a bus with
disruptive behavior they will put a supervisor on that route to help solve the issues.
Roberts spoke about the possible need to do something like this as winter approaches
and the student ridership increases. The discussion continued about those peak times
when student ridership is up and how the Transit drivers work to build relationships with
the riders.
Roberts asked if there is much turnover in Transit drivers, and O'Brien stated that they
have some drivers with 15 -plus years in and others who stay only a couple years before
they move on. Bakhit asked about the amount of printed material that Transit puts out
and whether this will decrease with some of the newer technologies being used. O'Brien
shared how riders can use Bongo and also the City's web site to find out about routes.
In wrapping up his presentation, O'Brien invited Members to contact him at any time with
further questions or concerns. Roberts then asked if the east side express route was the
most current one. O'Brien stated that it is, created a few years ago and skips the
Ad Hoc Diversity Committee, October 22, 2012
Morningside, and Court and 4th Street areas in order to get out past Scott Boulevard.
Roberts also asked about the cab service provided for after transit hours was available
several years ago and how the fees for this were arrived at. O'Brien stated that half of
the fee was paid by the rider and then the City was billed by the cab company for the
remainder of the fee. Vanden Berg then asked another question about the upcoming
survey, asking if the Committee can see the actual survey once it's ready to go out to the
public. O'Brien stated that he can get the Members a list of the questions that will be on
the survey. Roberts then thanked O'Brien and Rummel for their presentation and the
information shared.
Roberts then asked the Members if based upon the conversations they have had with
Transit, are there specific things from these conversations that others would like to add
to the recommendation list. Karr responded that the recommendation list actually
started from the dialog Members had after the last presentation. She added that
Members can add to this at any time and that it can be an ongoing list that helps to
remind them of specific issues. Townsend responded that he believes if they are going
to make recommendations — like Sunday service — that they should also look into the
financial side of it as well and determine if it is even feasible.
PUBLIC FORUM DISCUSSION:
Roberts then moved the discussion to the upcoming public forum. Karr stated that she
put together some information about previous forums in order to help Members make
some decisions about how this public forum will be run. Roberts asked Members if they
had any additions to these documents or thoughts on the forum format. Vanden Berg
stated that they need to first ask themselves what they hope to accomplish. Karr then
shared that she spoke with Botchway this afternoon and that he gave her several
comments to share with Members: First, he would like the public forum to be a time to
receive comments on the operations of Transit and the Police Department. She stated
that he emphasized 'comments only,' not as a time for dialog. Botchway would like the
forum to be a time where people can come and freely express their concerns and
comments. He would like this to be a 'comments only' forum, not one where Members
engage in dialog and answer questions. Coulter agreed, stating that they need to be
clear about this so that people don't come to the forum expecting their questions to be
addressed right then. Coulter suggested leaving out wording such as '...questions' and
instead saying '...voice your opinions or concerns.' Townsend added that they should
get people's contact information at the forum so that they can have someone with the
City contact the person to help resolve their issue. Karr added that they do ask for
people's full name and address along with any comments received, so that City staff can
contact them to help resolve whatever issues they have. With anonymous comments or
concerns City staff is therefore unable to make contact to resolve issues.
City Attorney Dilkes stated that the Committee could frame this forum as an 'information
gathering' exercise. Roberts noted that similar to how the City Council runs its meetings,
citizens can speak at the forum but there will be no interaction between them and the
speakers. Massey suggested they call it a 'public input session,' and clarify that what
they want is public comment and suggestion. 'Public information gathering' was also
agreed to as a better forum title. Massey also suggested they put something about
anonymous comments not being accepted, some type of wording to let people know that
if they are going to submit a question or concern that they need to give their real name
and address. Karr asked Members if they wanted to utilize the City's web site for
Ad Hoc Diversity Committee, October 22, 2012
comments. Members agreed that citizens should be able to submit written questions,
concerns, or opinions either in person, by mail, or electronically through the City's web
site.
Karr then spoke to the issue of having a set timeframe for the forum, giving Members
some pros and cons of doing this. Coulter stated that he believes they need to have
some flexibility with this forum. Members agreed that they would like to maintain the
8:00 P.M. ending time, with the Chair having the discretion to extend this time in order to
let citizens speak. Townsend asked if they plan to have another forum later in this
process, and Karr noted that they certainly can. Roberts suggested they wait and see
how this forum goes and if they have a big turnout they can always plan another one.
Coulter agreed that he would like to wait and see how this first forum goes before
planning ahead. Karr suggested she prepare a timeline for Members to review so they
can see where they might have another forum.
Bakhit brought up the issue of being able to translate the information from English to
Arabic or Spanish, for example, so that people truly understand what they are reading;
and requested an Arabic translator be present as well. Coulter stated that perhaps in
the flier or announcement for this forum it should say something about providing
'linguistic accommodations' for those needing it. Others stated that Arabic and Spanish
would most likely be the main languages. Letting the public know that Arabic and
Spanish translators would be available, and that they can request other language
translation if needed, should be part of the forum announcement.
Karr then addressed the length of time Members want to allow citizens to speak. Three
to five minutes is typically the limit. Coulter and others stated that three minutes is
acceptable to them. Karr also asked if Members would like to have this forum taped by
the Cable division. Most agreed that they would like for Karr to look into the possibility of
a live broadcast and of it being taped. Karr continued, noting that Botchway plans to
prepare some opening remarks and will share them with the Committee at an upcoming
meeting, prior to the forum. She then noted some of the various places they plan to
have this announcement and asked Members if they would like to review the
announcement one more time before it is released. Bakhit stated that once they have
this information he would like to translate it. Members agreed that they need to move
forward with getting this information out so they asked that Karr send them the final draft
electronically so they can briefly review it. Karr stated that she will attempt to send prior
to the Thursday packet. Coulter asked for some background on previous forums and
Karr stated that she is most familiar with the PCRB's forums. Vanden Berg shared what
the School District forums have been like.
GENERAL BOARD DISCUSSION:
Townsend stated that he would like to have Stefanie and Harry from the Human Rights
Commission visit with them at the meeting on October 29 to discuss the Human Rights
Commission's involvement with these issues. Vanden Berg noted that she is the one
who brought up the Human Rights Commission and that she questioned how they could
be involved in these issues, such as do they receive complaints about the Police
department. Roberts agreed that she would like to know more about the HRC as well.
Coulter agreed stating that he would like to have them come to the October 29th meeting
and speak for about a half hour and then spend another half hour with the PCRB. Dilkes
noted that with respect to complaints, the City's Human Rights Commission does not
Ad Hoc Diversity Committee, October 22, 2012
handle complaints against the City itself. Those complaints would go to the Iowa Civil
Rights Commission. Karr added that there are two ways locally for citizens to make a
complaint against the Police Department — one is through the PCRB and the other is
directly through the complaint process that the Department has in place. Dilkes then
clarified what the Human Rights Commission does do and how their complaint process
works. Massey asked about the difference in that the City does not investigate itself, but
its Police Department does investigate itself. She asked Wyss for an example of how
they would handle a discrimination complaint, and he responded that they would take
the information from the complainant and look into it. They would look into rule or policy
violations first, and would go from there.
Dilkes attempted to better clarify the role of the Human Rights Commission and the staff.
She noted that they investigate claims of discrimination in the areas of housing,
employment, and public accommodation. The Commission is a third party to
determining if there is probable cause that discrimination occurred. They need to be an
objective third party, and Dilkes shared that there is a perception there that the HRC has
a conflict being a part of the City. Markus further explained how the City Manager's
office would handle such a complaint, as well. The conversation continued, with
Members weighing in on how the discrimination process works and what the perceptions
are. Coulter stated that he believes they need to help the public understand what the
process is and what steps you need to take in filing such claims.
TENTATIVE MEETING SCHEDULE
Karr noted that Vanden Berg was originally going to be absent for the October 29th
meeting but will now be present. However, Botchway will not be able to attend on either
the 29th or on November 5th. She will check with the Human Rights Commission and the
PCRB regarding presenting at the October 291h meeting.
Coulter stated that he would like the record to reflect his appreciation of the City staff,
the Department of Transportation, and the Police Department for providing this important
information to the Members.
Karr stated that she will draft the timeline she spoke about and will have that available
for the next meeting. Roberts then brought up the issues of 'media coverage and
perception" noted on the agenda. Karr stated that this had been brought up in previous
discussions, in conjunction with the involvement the media has in how people perceive
incidents, stories, and events, and how, if at all, these should be taken into consideration
by the Committee. Karr then asked if Members had any questions on the COPS article
she included in this week's packet. Coulter responded that he thought it was a very
good article and others agreed. Coulter then made a disclosure for the record that he is
an employee of the Department of Human Rights. He noted that he does not believe
this to be a conflict of interest but that he did want to make the disclosure.
Markus brought the discussion back to the article in this week's packet. He stated that it
was shared with the Police Department, as well as others on City staff. He stated that
these are issues seen throughout the country, and he believes they need to get to the
issue of trust. He added that forums and committees such as this one help to start that
process of building trust. Roberts then asked if there were any other discussion items
they hadn't covered this evening.
Ad Hoc Diversity Committee, October 22, 2012
PUBLIC INPUT:
Charlie Eastham spoke during public input. He stated that he is attending mainly as a
member of the Immigration Voices Project and the Coalition for Racial Justice. He
stated that in regards to the forum format, he hopes they have success with this event.
He added that in terms of having a public meeting where people are being asked for
their names and addresses, and that is being videotaped, he would ask that the
Committee talk with the moderator about noting that this information is for purposes
other than identification of individuals and questioning their immigration status. Eastham
also suggested the Committee consider asking the Police Department to not have
uniformed officers present, all in the hopes of making this type of event more welcoming
to all. Roberts thanked Eastham for his input and his continued presence at their
meetings.
ADJOURNMENT:
Vanden Berg moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:40 P.M.
Coulter seconded the motion.
The motion carried 6 -0; Botchway absent.
Ad Hoc Diversity Committee, October 22, 2012
Ad Hoc Diversity Committee
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2012
Key.
X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = Not a Member
TERM
o
0
0
0
-�
-�
NAME
EXP.
—
-'
N
CO
O
--I
N
4N.
00
Cn
N
N
N
co
U�
N
Cn
Donna
03/10113
O/
X
N
N
N
N
N
Henry
E
M
M
M
M
M
Cindy
03/10/13
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Roberts
Joan
03/10/13
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Vanden
Berg
Bakhit
03/10/13
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Bakhit
Kingsley
03/10/13
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/
Botchway
E
Orville
03110/13
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Townsend
Joe Dan
03/10/13
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Coulter
LaTasha
N
N
N
X
X
X
X
Massey
M
M
M
Key.
X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = Not a Member
Airport Commission
September 20, 2012
Page 1
MINUTES
IOWA CITY AIRPORT COMMISSION
SEPTEMBER 20, 2012 — 6:00 P.M.
AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING
Members Present: Jose Assouline, Howard Horan, Rick Mascari, Chris Ogren
Members Absent: Minnetta Gardinier
Staff Present: Sue Dulek, Michael Tharp
FINAL
Others Present: Matt Wolford, Jeff Edberg, David Hughes, Chuck McDonald, Jim
McCarragher, John Yeomans
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (to become effective only after separate Council
action): None
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairperson Assouline called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M.
APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES:
Minutes of the August 16, 2012, meeting were reviewed. Mascari moved to approve the
minutes of the August 16, 2012, meeting as submitted; seconded by Ogren. Motion
carried 4 -0; Gardinier absent.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
None.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION /ACTION:
11-13-12-
4b(3)
a. Airport Commerce Park — Jeff Edberg addressed the Members first. He stated that the
sale that has been pending on Lots #14 and 15 has been firmed up now. The buyer
would like to close next Friday, if possible. Edberg stated that he has given the
necessary documents to Attorney Dulek to facilitate this. He added that the buyer has
not shown any further interest in also purchasing Lot #13 at this point. The discussion
briefly turned to zoning issues and how the area is currently zoned. Edberg then
responded to Members' questions regarding zoning.
b. Farming Operations — John Yeomans with Farmers National Company spoke to the
group next. He briefly explained what he does with the Airport land that is farmed every
year and how this arrangement has been working for the past six years. He asked the
Commission if they had any plans for this land, and the group responded that they
currently do not, that they plan to continue the farming operation contract. Yeomans
then explained how Merschman Seeds has handled their test plots with tours coming
through to see what has grown. Tharp pointed out on the map some of the upcoming
changes with the taxiway and how it might affect the farmland area. Yeomans then
shared some pictures of the areas that the farmer cleaned up over the past season.
Airport Commission
September 20, 2012
Page 2
Members then briefly discussed the mowing that the farmer has been doing and if they
want him to continue with this. Yeomans will check with the farmer and will try to keep
the mowing as part of his contract.
c. Iowa Aviation Promotion Group
I. Fly Iowa — Chuck McDonald addressed the Members about the
Fly Iowa event. He shared a program from a recent event to help explain
what Fly Iowa is all about. For 2013, McDonald noted that they need to
find a place to host the event. He further explained how this show would
be handled, since they would not be able to do plane aerobatics during it.
A fly -in and breakfast would also be part of this event, which is typically
the big draw for the event. Jim McCarragher, Chairman of the Sertoma
Club's Airport breakfast, joined the discussion at this point. Tharp
suggested the Fly Iowa be at the beginning of the summer and then
Sertoma could have their individual event later in August. Members
briefly discussed past events and how much work it takes to set up and
run a successful event. Mascari suggested they check with other groups
that are involved with Airport events to see if anyone would like to
collaborate with Fly Iowa. Ogren agreed, adding that they may want to
approach the local EAA Chapter on this. Members continued to discuss a
possible Fly Iowa event at the Airport, with McDonald responding to
questions and concerns. Mascari stated that he believes they should go
ahead and see what kind of interest there is in the community to help host
the Fly Iowa event next summer. Ogren suggested they also talk to the
Children's Museum and see if they have an interest. McCarragher
brought up several issues for the Members to consider, noting how
Sertoma has handled things during their events. Matt Wolford with Jet Air
joined in on the conversation, stating how Jet Air has helped with
previous events. Ogren suggested that she email Gardinier since she is
an officer in the local EAA Chapter and see if they can get things moving.
It was suggested that they meet with McDonald in 60 days to let him
know if the Airport will be able to get the event planned in time for a 2013
date. Tharp noted that with budget talks starting soon, they should be
able to get the necessary matching funds for the proposed event.
d. FAA/IDOT Projects: AECOM —
i. Obstruction Mitigation — David Hughes with AECOM addressed
the Commission next. He noted that there is no update on the obstruction
mitigation project at this point.
ii. 7/25 Parallel Taxiway Grading & Drainage — This project has
been finalized in the field, according to Hughes, and they are just awaiting
some paperwork from the contractor before they can finalize things with
the FAA.
iii. 7/25 Parallel Taxiway Paving & Lighting — Hughes noted that
this project started earlier this week. The next phase will include storm
sewers and then the pavement will be rebuilt. Not all of this project will be
completed this season, according to Hughes.
iv. Airport Electrical Rehab — Hughes stated the contractor has the
wiring done in the T- hangars on the north side of the field. Some of the
LED lights are in place, as well. He then responded to Members'
questions about the various projects.
Airport Commission
September 20, 2012
Page 3
e. FY2014 Budget — Tharp stated that the budget documents have been received from
Finance and that they need to be returned by September 28. He added that he would
like to have a budget work session sometime next week so they can review the budget.
He added that the amount the Airport receives each year from the City will most likely be
reduced this budget. Mascari noted that he will be gone next week on Thursday and
Friday, and Horan stated that he will be gone for the next three weeks. The discussion
turned to where the Airport stands with its loan payments and how they could pay these
down quicker. Tharp clarified how they handle this and what the history has been. After
some discussion, Mascari suggested they ask for 15% to 20% less from the City this
budget cycle and the other Members agreed. Tharp then asked if Members would still
like to have a budget work session or if after today's discussion they are ready to move
forward. Commission members agreed to accept the subcommittee proposal as the
FY2014 budget.
f. Hangar #34 — Tharp stated that the rent on this hangar is still competitive and he
believes they should keep it the same. He added that this is a three -year lease.
I. Consider a Resolution Approving Lease for Hangar #34 —
Horan moved to approve Resolution #Al2 -33 for the Lease on
Hangar #34; seconded by Mascari. Motion carried 4 -0; Gardinier
absent.
g. Airport Operations — Tharp shared that Sertoma's event was still quite successful
recently, even though they had a rainy day.
h. FBO / Flight Training Reports — Wolford with Jet Air shared the monthly report with
Members, adding that they have replaced countertops and faucets on the main floor of
the terminal building. He also spoke about the recent Sertoma event, sharing with
Members some of the maintenance issues they addressed in getting ready for it.
Wolford continued his report, telling Members about some of the personnel changes
within Jet Air. He also spoke about the Stearman Fly -In and how successful it was this
year. Wolford then spoke to Members about Iowa Flight Training, stating that he spoke
to Tim Bush recently and things are staying steady for him.
i. Subcommittee Reports — For October's meeting, the Economic Development
subcommittee may have a report.
j. Commission Members' Reports — Horan spoke briefly about the south development
area at the Airport, stating that he would like to see them work with the City on this and
not make any decisions too quickly. He added that yesterday he once again returned a
CFI to the ground successfully. Ogren shared that she came to the Sertoma event but
didn't stay long. Mascari shared that he is planning a flight to Montana to visit an old
friend.
k. Staff Report —None.
SET NEXT REGULAR MEETING FOR:
The next regular meeting will be Thursday, October 18, 2012, at 6:00 P.M. at the Airport
Terminal building.
ADJOURN:
Mascari made the motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:57 P.M.; seconded by Horan.
Motion carried 4 -0; Gardinier absent.
Airport Commission
September 20, 2012
Page 4
CHAIRPERSON
DATE
Airport Commission
September 20, 2012
Page 5
Airport Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2012
Key:
X = Present
X/E = Present for Part of Meeting
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = Not a Member at this time
TERM
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
co
�
M
0)
-4
00
N
O
NAME
EXP.
�
rn
Cn
O
M
—•
(D
N
(0
M
O
OD
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
03/01/13
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Rick
Mascari
03/01/14
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Howard
Horan
Minnetta
03/01/15
X
X
X
X
X
O/
X
X
O/
Gardinier
E
E
Jose
03/02/12
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Assouline
Chris
X
X
Ogren
Key:
X = Present
X/E = Present for Part of Meeting
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = Not a Member at this time
MINUTES — FINAL
CITY OF IOWA CITY CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
OCTOBER 30, 2012 — 8:15 am
HELLING CONFERENCE ROOM — CITY HALL
Members Present: Lyra Dickerson, William Cook and Paul Hoffey
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Karen Jennings, Chief Andy Rocca, Tracy Robinson
Others Present: None
4�4�
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL (become effective only after separate Council
action):
None
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 8:15 a.m. Lyra Dickerson chaired the meeting.
CERTIFICATION OF PROMOTIONAL LISTS FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT:
The first item of business was certification of the promotional lists for the Fire
Department.
• Cook moved and Hoffey seconded that the list for Deputy Fire Chief be
approved as proposed. All were in favor.
• Cook moved and Hoffey seconded that the list for Fire Battalion Chief be
approved as proposed. All were in favor.
• Hoffey moved and Cook seconded that the list for Fire Captain be
approved as proposed. All were in favor.
• Hoffey moved and Cook seconded that the list for Fire Lieutenant be
approved as proposed. All were in favor.
Dickerson commented having observed some assessment center exercises how impressed
she was with both the assessors and the candidates. Dickerson thanked Chief Rocca for
his role in the professionalism of the Fire Department.
CERTIFICATION OF PROMOTIONAL LISTS FOR THE POLICE
DEPARTMENT:
The second item of business was certification of the promotional lists for the Police
Department.
Hoffey moved and Cook seconded that the list for Police Captain be
approved as proposed. All were in favor.
Hoffey moved and Cook seconded that the list for Police Lieutenant be
approved as proposed. All were in favor.
• Cook moved and Hoffey seconded that the list for Police Sergeant be
approved as proposed. All were in favor.
OLD BUSINESS:
None
NEW BUSINESS:
None
ADJOURNMENT:
Cook moved to adjourn, Hoffey seconded and the meeting was adjourned at 8:25 a.m.
Board /Commission: Civil Service Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2012
(Meeting Date)
NAME
TERM
EXPIRES
3/27/12
6/5/12
7/3/12
10130/12
Lyra Dickerson
417/14
X
X
X
X
Bill Cook
4/1/13
X
X
X
X
Elizabeth Cummings
4/4/12
X
- --
- --
- --
Paul Hoffey
4/4116
- --
X
X
X
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = No Meeting
- -- = Not a Member
October 30, 2012
I r 1
�!S,.,�_
CITY OF IOWA CITY
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240 -1826
(319) 356 -5000
(319) 356 -SO09 FAX
TO: The Honorable Mayor and the City Council www.Icgov.org
RE: Civil Service Promotional Examination — DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF
We, the undersigned members of the Civil Service Commission for Iowa City, Iowa, do hereby certify the
following named person(s) as eligible for the position of Deputy Fire Chief.
1. Brian Platz
2. John Grier
3. Brian Greer
IOWA CITY CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
�s
Lyra . Dickerson, Chair
00�k
William M. Cook
Paul C. Hoffey
ATTEST: / rat - '7� y
Mar tan K. Karr, City Clerk
October 30, 2012
� r
CITY OF IOWA CITY
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240 -1826
(319) 3S6 -5000
(319) 356 -5009 FAX
TO: The Honorable Mayor and the City Council www.lcgov.org
RE: Civil Service Promotional Examination — FIRE BATTALION CHIEF
We, the undersigned members of the Civil Service Commission for Iowa City, Iowa, do hereby certify the
following named person(s) as eligible for the position of Fire Battalion Chief.
1. Eric Nurnberg
2. Greg Tinnes
IOWA CITY CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
Lyra . Dickerson, Chair
fa &
William M. Cook
� x �
Paul C. Hoffey
ATTEST:
Marian K. Karr, City Clerk
October 30, 2012
CITY OF IOWA CITY
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City. Iowa 52240-1826
(3 19) 356 -5000
(319) 356 -5009 FAX
TO: The Honorable Mayor and the City Council www.Icgov.org
RE: Civil Service Promotional Examination — FIRE CAPTAIN
We, the undersigned members of the Civil Service Commission for Iowa City, Iowa, do hereby certify the
following named person(s) as eligible for the position of Fire Captain.
1. Zach Hickman (tie)
1. Tina McDermott (tie)
3. Greg Tinnes
4. Axel Swanson
IOWA CITY CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
V,N
LyrE'W. Dickerson, Chair
4
William M. Cook
Paul C. Hoffey
ATTEST: A "") /lam
MartM K. Karr, City Clerk
October 30, 2012
TO: The Honorable Mayor and the City Council
RE: Civil Service Promotional Examination — FIRE LIEUTENANT
CITY OF IOWA CITY
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240 -1826
(3 19) 356 -5000
(3 19) 356 -5009 FAX
www. icgov. org
We, the undersigned members of the Civil Service Commission for Iowa City, Iowa, do hereby certify the
following named person(s) as eligible for the position of Fire Lieutenant.
1.
William Schmooke
2.
Tim Hansen
3.
Troy Roth
4.
Bryan Hardin
5.
Tim Recker
6.
Christopher Buckman
7.
Branden Sobaski
8.
Chris Lacy
IOWA CITY CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
Lyra QV. Dickerson, Chair
ATTEST:
Marlimi K. Karr, City Clerk
October 30, 2012
TO: The Honorable Mayor and the City Council
RE: Civil Service Promotional Examination — POLICE CAPTAIN
!r �
CITY OF IOWA CITY
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240 -1826
(319) 356 -5000
(319) 356 -5009 FAX
www. i cgov. o rg
We, the undersigned members of the Civil Service Commission for Iowa City, Iowa, do hereby certify the
following named person(s) as eligible for the position of Police Captain.
1. Doug Hart
2. Bill Campbell
IOWA CITY CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
Lyra. Dickerson, Chair
Z-CJJ4,-
William M. Cook
Paul C. Hoffey
ATTEST: A&e�"2 e�
Marian K. Karr, City Clerk
October 30, 2012
TO: The Honorable Mayor and the City Council
RE: Civil Service Promotional Examination — POLICE LIEUTENANT
1 � i
III
+. rr as 1
CITY OF IOWA CITY
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240 -1826
(3 19) 356 -5000
(319) 356 -5009 FAX
www.icgov.org
We, the undersigned members of the Civil Service Commission for Iowa City, Iowa, do hereby certify the
following named person(s) as eligible for the position of Police Lieutenant.
1.
Scott Gaarde
2.
Troy Kelsay
3.
David Droll
4.
Zach Diersen
5.
Denise Brotherton
IOWA CITY CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
t-'k W'--D
Lyra W. Dickerson, Chair
William M. Cook
11, i ?a('a
Paul C. Hoffey
ATTEST: �it�� r ld4�
Mari 'an K. Karr, City Clerk
October 30, 2012
TO: The Honorable Mayor and the City Council
RE: Civil Service Promotional Examination — POLICE SERGEANT
1 t 1
M. 7�III
ylwi�r� 1
CITY OF IOWA CITY
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1826
(319) 356 -5000
(3 19) 356 -5009 FAX
www.icgov.org
We, the undersigned members of the Civil Service Commission for Iowa City, Iowa, do hereby certify the
following named person(s) as eligible for the position of Police Sergeant.
1.
Derek Frank
2.
Andy Rich
3.-
Kevin Bailey
4.
Tom Hartshorn
5.
Rob Cash
6.
Jorey Bailey
7.
Scott Stevens
8.
Jerry Blomgren
9.
Jeff Fink
IOWA CITY CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
Lyra W. Dickerson, Chair
nA
Willi . Cook
Paul C. Hoffey
ATTEST:,
Mari K. Karr City Clerk
4��ii�
MINUTES APPROVED
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
SEPTEMBER 20, 2012 — 6:30 PM
DALE HELLING CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Michelle Bacon Curry, Andrew Chappell, Cheryll Clamon, Charlie
Drum, Scott Dragoo, Jarrod Gatlin, Holly Hart, Rachel
Zimmermann Smith
MEMBERS ABSENT: Jim Jacobson
STAFF PRESENT: Tracy Hightshoe
OTHERS PRESENT: None
RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE CITY COUNCIL:
None.
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order by Chappell at 6:30 p.m.
APPROVAL OF THE AUGUST 16. 2012 MINUTES:
Drum moved to approve the minutes with minor corrections.
Dragoo seconded.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 8 -0.
PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
None.
STAFF /COMMISSION COMMENT:
Hightshoe stated she emailed the City's Strategic Plan to the Commission and asked the
Commission to review the priorities identified in the plan.
PUBLIC MEETING:
Nomination and Election of Officers
Chappell said the election was for Chair and Vice - Chair.
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
September 20, 2012
PAGE 2 of 6
Gatlin moved to nominate Michelle Bacon Curry for the Vice -Chair position.
Zimmerman Smith seconded the motion.
Zimmerman Smith moved to nominate Andrew Chappell for Chair.
Bacon Curry seconded the motion.
A vote was taken and the motion to nominate Chappell for Chair and Bacon Curry for Vice Chair
was approved 8 -0.
Public Hearing & Approval of the FY12 Consolidate Annual Performance & Evaluation
Report (CAPER)
Hightshoe stated the report had all required information except the PR06 report which
summarizes expenditures for planning /admin., public services and economic development. The
report also shows how much CDBG program income was received. Staff was unable to
balance the IDIS reports with the City's financial system. The report was balanced and
provided at the meeting for commission members to review.
She said there was also one HUD report that was in error. The report identified that the city has
no HOME match liability. She said under the HOME program, participating jurisdictions have to
match their HOME disbursements (non admin. costs) by at least 25 percent. For example if you
spent $100,000 you have to provide a HOME match of $25,000 through eligible items such as
tax forgiveness, donated labor, etc. She said most non -profit housing developers don't pay
taxes on assisted properties or pay a reduced amount based on IRS rules. Low - Income
Housing Tax Credit projects pay about one -third of the tax rate for the properties in the project.
This tax forgiveness contributes to our match. As HOME match is cumulative as opposed to
annual, the City has excess match and no problems are anticipated in meeting the HOME
match obligation for the foreseeable futures. Staff contacted our HUD representative about the
report. The HUD Omaha office corrected the report. The City's match liability was $193,695.
The City will carry over $2.5 million in excess match to next year.
Hightshoe stated the CAPER summarizes the accomplishments for this program year and also
provides status updates on prior year projects that were open during FY12. Hightshoe
recommended that commission members review the CDBG and HOME Summaries provided in
the report. The summaries identify if a project is open or closed, amount of funds spent and if
closed, the number of beneficiaries.
Bacon Curry asked if students are included in the census numbers on Table 1, Race.
Hightshoe explained that if the student identifies Iowa City as their home residence then it is
included. Not all students will identify Iowa City as their home residence. Chappell said the City
does encourage students to claim Iowa City as their home residence.
Bacon Curry asked if HUD uses these Census number when determining the City's funding
amounts. Hightshoe said total population is one of the factors HUD uses; other factors include
age of housing, number in families in poverty, etc. Hightshoe said when the City completed
their housing market analysis they factored out the 19 -24 year old market, so the students aren't
influencing the housing needs identified for low income households for CDBG /HOME funds.
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
September 20, 2012
PAGE 3 of 6
Hart asked which census tracts are low- moderate income due to students. Hightshoe stated
census tracts 11, 21, and 16 are low- moderate income and primarily student census tracts.
Hart and the Commission clarified which shaded areas where low- moderate income census
tracts. Hightshoe said Map 1 is a census bureau estimate and the City hasn't received the
official results. Staff anticipates the final map will look much like this map. The Commission
discussed the areas on the map and the residents within each.
Zimmerman Smith stated while not related to the CAPER she would like to know how
entitlement funding for cities is calculated and what affect removing our students would have on
the City's HOME /CDBG funding, and other programs such as Section 8.
Hightshoe stated she will find how the amount is calculated and email to commission members.
She did note that while students in all communities in the United States are counted in the
communities they identify in the Census survey, at the local level, Iowa City does not assist
projects that primarily benefit the student population. Students do have an impact on our
housing market and its affordability.
Zimmerman Smith asked if Iowa City could not report the students. Hightshoe stated officially,
she didn't believe individual cities can change the entitlement amount formula. Including college
students in the entitlement formula has been debated at the federal level. The formula remains
as it is for now.
Bacon Curry said the City doesn't have to spend all the money allocated. Thus if Iowa City is
allocated $1 million dollars from HUD, the City could return or not spend half the funds. Gatlin
said that HUD would recapture the other $500,000. Hightshoe stated she is not aware of a
community that willingly returned funds as the City can spend the funds how they choose such
as public infrastructure in low- income neighborhoods, downpayment assistance, park
acquisition, etc. Hightshoe stated returning HOME funds may subject the City to fair housing
complaints and investigation of its federal funds.
Zimmerman Smith stated it seems that including students in University towns make these towns
look like they have higher needs than they actually do because students are counted. These
students wouldn't qualify for housing if they applied for a voucher. Hightshoe stated that the
way CDBG /HOME entitlement funds are calculated is different than other HUD programs such
as Section 8. The Iowa City Housing Authority (Section 8, public housing and other programs)
covers all of Johnson County and parts of Iowa and Washington County. Hightshoe was not
sure how their budget amount is calculated annually.
Bacon Curry said the students wouldn't qualify, but the number of students helps Iowa City get
more funds.
Gatlin moved to approve the FY12 CAPER to HUD with the revised reports as indicated.
Zimmerman Smith seconded the motion.
A vote was taken and the motion to approve the CAPER with the reports included to HUD was
approved 8 -0.
Selection of Projects to Monitor in i=Y13
Commission members choose projects to monitor in the upcoming year. Hightshoe stated the
purpose of monitoring is for commission members to report on project status, communicate with
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
September 20, 2012
PAGE 4 of 6
the subrecipients and report back to the commission. Staff also monitors the projects based on
HUD's guidance and forms. Commission members will monitor the following projects as
indicated below.
FY13 Projects
The Housing Fellowship - CHDO Operating
Drum
October
DVIP - Aid to Agencies
Drum
October
FY13 HACAP - Playground
Zimmermann Smith
November
Neighborhood Centers of JC - Aid to Agencies
Zimmermann Smith
November
Community Mental Health Center - Accessibility
Zimmermann Smith
November
DVIP - Facility Rehabilitation
Hart
December
MECCA - Security Improvements
Dragoo
January
Habitat for Humanity - Acquisition & Rehab.
Dragoo
January
HACAP - Rental Rehabilitation
Bacon Curry
April
Neighborhood Centers of JC - Facility Rehab.
Bacon Curry
April
Crisis Center of Johnson County - Facility Rehab.
Gatlin
May
Charm Homes LLC - Rental Housing
Gatlin
May
IC Housing Rehab.
STAFF
June
IC Economic Development
STAFF
June
FY12 Mayor's Youth - Rental Housing
Chappell
November
FY12 Successful Living - Rental Rehab.
Chappell
November
FY12 IV Habitat for Humanity - Owner - Occupied
Rehab.
Chappell
November
FY12 IV Habitat for Humanity - Land Acquisition
Hart
December
FY11 Shelter House - Rental Rehab.
Hart
December
FY11 Isis Investments - Rental Housing
Hart
December
FY11 Wetherby Condos South LLC - Rental Rehab.
Hart
December
FY12 United Action for Youth - Transitional Housing
Clamon
January
FY12 Crisis Center - Parking
Clamon
January
FY11 IV Habitat for Humanity - Property Acquisition
Clamon
January
FY11 Visiting Nurse Association - Property
Acquisition
Jacobson
April
FY11 IC - Fairmeadows Splash Pad
Jacobson
April
FY11 ICHA - Tenant Based Rent Assistance
Jacobson
April
FY11 & FY10 The Housing Fellowship - Affordable
Rental Housing
Gatlin
May
Timeline for the Annual Review of CITY STEPS
Hightshoe announced there will be at least one meeting to gather feedback on CITY STEPS.
Commission members will be notified of the meeting(s). A summary of the feedback received
will be in the October packet. In October commission members will review the feedback and
determine if any priorities need to be amended in CITY STEPS. If there is, a public comment
period will begin followed by a public hearing. City Council must consider and approve a
proposed amendment.
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
September 20, 2012
PAGE 5 of 6
Old Business — Allocation Process Committee, Update
Dragoo reported that they reviewed comments and it appears that no changes will be made to
the allocation process or ranking sheets at this time. The committee recommends an online
survey every 2 -3 years regarding feedback on the process. The survey should be administered
in April, very close to the end of the allocation process. The committee is done meeting at this
time.
ADJOURNMENT:
Clamon moved to adjourn.
Drum seconded.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 8 -0.
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PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
SEPTEMBER 20, 2012 — 7:00 PM — FORMAL
EMMA J. HARVAT HALL, CITY HALL
APPROVED
MEMBERS PRESENT: Charlie Eastham, Anne Freerks, Phoebe Martin, Paula Swygard,
John Thomas
MEMBERS ABSENT: Carolyn Stewart Dyer, Tim Weitzel
STAFF PRESENT: Robert Miklo, Karen Howard, Sarah Greenwood - Hektoen
OTHERS PRESENT: Jennifer Baum, Dell Richard, Tracy Barkalow, Ray Anderson,
Sarah Clark, Shirley Lindell, Warren Paris, Janice Frey, Mike
Wright, Jeff Eberg, Shawn Lueth, Jeff Clark
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL:
The Commission voted 5 -0 to recommend approval of rezoning 1.1 acres located at 2225
Mormon Trek Boulevard from Intensive Commercial (CI -1) to Community Commercial
(CC -2) zoning.
The Commission voted 5 -0 to recommend approval of SUB12- 00003, a preliminary plat of
Moss Office Park, a 9 lot, approximately 243 acre commercial office park subdivision with
outlots reserved for future development located north of Interstate 80 and west of
Highway 1, provided the necessary written permissions are received from adjacent
property owners for offsite improvements and written permissions are received from
Neal Llewellyn and Hills Bank/Trust to include parcel identification numbers as indicated
in the staff report as outlots within the subdivision prior to Iowa City Council approval,
and if the permissions are not received prior to Council's consideration of the plat, the
Commission recommends that it's also acceptable to have the original plat as proposed
without the Llewellyn /Hills Bank Trust property.
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA:
Jennifer Baum of 814 Dewey Street said she doesn't know if the Commission had anything to
do with the new stop sign on the corner and Dewey and N. Summit Street, but she wanted to
thank them profusely and tell them how much it is appreciated.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT ITEMS
CPA1 2-00003/REZ1 2-00011: Discussion of an application submitted by Southgate
Development Services for a Comprehensive Plan amendment and a rezoning from Interim
Development Office Research Park (ID -ORP) zone to Low Density Multifamily (RM -12) zone for
Planning and Zoning Commission
September 20, 2012 - Formal
Page 2 of 15
approximately 27.68 acres of property located at Camp Cardinal Boulevard south of Preston
Lane.
Miklo said that the request is to change the land use designation, which is currently Office
Research Park (ID -ORP), meaning that it's not appropriate for development due to concerns
about infrastructure. He said the Clear Creek Master Plan adopted by the City in 2002 shows
this as commercial and potential office park. He said when the Comprehensive Plan was
developed in 1989 this area was identified as a good place for an office park because of its
access to Highway 218. He said some infrastructure was put in place with the construction of
Camp Cardinal Boulevard but staff determined that there would be difficulty in providing direct
street access to this property, and access to an arterial street is probably necessary for office
development. He said the developable part of the land is considerably higher than the road, and
it would take a considerable amount of grading and removable of development land to get
access up to the site. He said staff believes that situation is a justification to consider a change
in the Comprehensive Plan and to look at alternative uses for this property. Miklo said the
applicant has considered residential designation on this property and previously submitted an
application for residential multifamily zoning. He said staff feels that given the limited access
residential would be more appropriate than a commercial or an office development. He said that
the proximity to Highway 218 may make it inappropriate for single family development, but
possibly appropriate for some sort of attached housing.
Miklo said there are some issues concerning development that need to be overcome before
zoning designation can be granted. Miklo said there's a ridge line that divides the property into
two parts — two- thirds drains to the north and would have sanitary sewer service through the
Cardinal Point Subdivision and about one -third drains to the southeast and would need sanitary
sewer service established by a line through property owned by the Presbyterian Church to the
east. He said because of this, staff feels it is premature to designate this property Low Density
Multifamily (RM -12). He said the other issue is access, and at this point there isn't a plan
showing how that could be achieved. He said unless access is possible on Camp Cardinal
Boulevard the only access is via Camp Cardinal Road, which is an unimproved road and not
suitable for development purposes, so until there is a plan to improve that road, staff feels that
the Interim Development designation should be kept in place. He said staff is recommending
approval of an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan showing this as appropriate for
residential at eight to sixteen dwelling units per acre. He said they would suggest language in
the Plan raising a concern that due to the rugged topography of this site achievement of the
maximum density may not be possible. He said staff recommends that the proposal to rezone
this to RM -12 be deferred until there is a plan to provide infrastructure.
Eastham asked if there is already a storm water detention system in place.
Miklo said this site would probably have to have its own storm water management facility. He
said this is something they would review in detail with the plat.
Freerks asked if those are natural or manmade slopes.
Miklo said for the most part they are natural, but some of them were manmade with the
construction of Camp Cardinal Boulevard.
Freerks said that sensitive areas will come into play as well as the wooded areas.
Freerks opened public hearing.
Planning and Zoning Commission
September 20, 2012 - Formal
Page 3 of 15
Dell Richard, the attorney for St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, the property owner to the east of
the site, said he is there to support the staff's recommendation and indicate that change to a
residential use is probably appropriate for this site. He said they are concerned about what goes
into the caveat that Miklo talked about in the Comprehensive Plan change regarding traffic
density that is resulting from building density. He said they have to share Camp Cardinal Road
as development occurs so whatever happens on the subject site will impact on what they are
able do on their side of the road. He said that they are an isolated parcel and when you are
doing a Comprehensive Plan you really need to think about all of the parcels that are on Camp
Cardinal Road and how any density decisions that are made with respect to the zoning will
affect the owners of 100 acres of land. He said they would like to remain part of the
consideration of anything that's done. He said, though, that they support the staff's
recommendations.
Freerks closed public hearing.
Freerks said they usually like to take two meetings for Comprehensive Plan items, but that is up
to the Commission. She invited a motion.
Eastham moved that CPA12- 00003 /REZ12 -00011 be deferred to the October 4th meeting of
the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Eastham asked if the traffic density that would be accommodated by the improvements to Camp
Cardinal Road would be enough to accommodate the estimated needs for the adjoining parcels
to the east. He said he would like staff to give them some more concrete numbers on the ability
of Camp Cardinal Road as an improved road to handle projected traffic for all the parcels that
are likely to be developed and provide traffic on that road.
Miklo said the transportation planners have been looking at those numbers and he would have
are report on the issue at the next meeting.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 5 -0.
CPA12- 00004: Discussion of an application submitted by the City of Iowa City for a
Comprehensive Plan Amendment to change the Central District Plan Map for properties located
at 905, 909 and 911 N. Governor Street and a property between 906 N. Dodge and 910 N.
Dodge Street from Low to Medium Density Multifamily to Single Family & Duplex Residential.
Eastham said he is a board member of an organization that owns property within the potential
200 foot objection area if this parcel were to be rezoned and asked to be recused.
Freerks said that any rezoning or Comprehensive Plan item requires at least four members in
order to pass.
Miklo said there is currently a vacant office building on a portion of the property, two existing
single family houses and a vacant tract. He showed photos of the property and the
neighborhood. He said this item is before the Commission at the request of City Council. He
said there was a rezoning proposal on 911 North Governor Street last year that the Commission
reviewed and the Council reviewed early this year. He said the proposal was to rezone the
property from Commercial Office (CO -1) to Low Density Multifamily (RM -12). Miklo said that the
Council denied that application and instructed staff to review the Comprehensive Plan for this
area, which currently shows the area as appropriate for low to medium density multifamily. He
Planning and Zoning Commission
September 20, 2012 - Formal
Page 4 of 15
said that designation is there in recognition of the apartment buildings that were built in the R313
zone, which is in place due to a court order. He noted that the R36 zoning designation is
obsolete and is no longer in the Zoning Code. He said in recognition of the R36 zoning, the
Comprehensive Plan shows the apartment buildings, a vacant tract, the office and two single
family homes as Low to Medium Density Multifamily. He said the R36 zoning designation has
been on the zoning map since the 1960s. It was a high density multifamily zone that was out of
character with the low density character of the older neighborhood. The results of the R36 zone
have had a lasting influence on this area. He said the City's policies regarding neighborhood
design and development have changed dramatically since that time R36 zoning was put in
place.
Miklo said the proposal before the Commission is to change the land use designation on the
Comprehensive Plan from low to medium density multifamily to a residential density of two to
thirteen dwelling units per acre, a single family duplex designation. He said that would indicate
that future appropriate zoning in the area could be Medium Density Single Family (RS -8) or
High Density Single Family (RS -12), which staff thinks may be the more appropriate designation
given the surrounding neighborhood and the City's policies regarding neighborhood
stabilization. He said that zoning allows duplexes and attached townhouse style units.
Freerks opened public hearing.
Tracy Barkalow, one of the owners of the 902/906 North Dodge complex, the northern piece of
land that they are attempting to change the Comprehensive Plan for, and an interest holder in
the 911 North Governor building on the other side of the property, said he was there to address
a letter from the City dated September 12, 2012. He said these properties have had a
complicated zoning history, but it has been sorted out clearly by the Iowa Supreme Court ruling
in Kemp versus the City of Iowa City in 1987. He said in the court ordered ruling, the judge
ordered that all four acres that include 902 and 906 North Dodge, and bare land at the north
side along with the 911 North Governor Street building were addressed as one in this ruling. He
said at that time the properties were owned by one group of investors. He said the ruling was
binding between the City of Iowa City and the owners and their successors and assigned
interests in the property followed through with that order. He said the owners and successors
were permitted to develop these properties with multifamily apartments according to the
provisions applicable to R313 zoning, in effect, May 30, 1978.
Barkalow said this property still maintains R313 zoning for the rights to develop under zoning per
the court order, which would include the north piece and the two apartment complexes and the
property by the park and the 911 North Governor building. He said as part of the order, the
City's large scale residential development ordinance shall not apply to development of those
properties. He said the order goes further and orders that the City is and shall be enjoined from
interfering with development of those properties. He said that as he sees it, the court order
should be enough for the Commission to take great pause from interfering with the development
of those properties.
Barkalow said he has met with staff in order to address any unforeseen issues and wants to see
a truly great looking project for the city and the neighborhood. He said he and his family live in
the neighborhood. He said if the City's plan proceeds, the proposed changes before the
Commission and future down - zoning planned by the City for the area would be a major negative
financial loss to TSP Holdings, the owners of the properties, and would trigger significant
financial losses in the millions of dollars to his company. He said TSP Holdings would have no
choice but to hold the City of Iowa City liable for those losses. Barkalow said that TSP Holdings
can develop 248 units at that location, which means they can add an additional 207 units. He
Planning and Zoning Commission
September 20, 2012 - Formal
Page 5 of 15
said if the City changes the proposal and down -zones the property, they would be allowed to put
in approximately 26 more units at this location, and that would be a loss 4.5 million loss to the
company. He urged that they discuss this in a more professional process with the City, and work
through with adjacent property owners the proposal they are preparing to submit to enhance the
area. He said TSP Holdings is in the process of preparing a development site plan to submit to
the City's Planning & Zoning Department that will meet all R -36 regulations as currently
allowed. He asks the Commission to defer this matter and let the development take the course
as it is intended.
Freerks asked Miklo if she is correct in assuming that not all of the property is zoned R36.
Miklo showed the Commission on a map what portion is zoned R36.
Ray Anderson of 812 Dewey Street said he supports the City's proposal to change the zoning,
and he urged the Commission to consider it seriously despite Barkalow's threat of a lawsuit. He
said he sees the prospect of Barkalow putting 250 units in there as a much more serious threat.
He said Barkalow won't provide parking for all those units, and there is no on- street parking
anywhere nearby, except for Dewey Street, which is a small, two -lane brick street. He said
putting access for the apartments on Governor Street would be irresponsible because there is a
very steep downhill grade which is very slippery in the winter and many drivers bypass by
coming down Dewey Street. He said the utility company has reinforced their utility poles on that
slope so they won't be downed as they have so often been in the past. He said the only access
would be at the base of that hill and is too dangerous. He said to keep their nice community
intact and to preserve life and limb from that hazardous area, he urged the Commission to go
along with the City's recommendation.
Jennifer Baum of 814 Dewey Street said she believes Barkalow lives about five blocks from the
site. She said she fully agrees with the Council and with the recommendation to change the
zoning. She asked the Commission to keep in mind RS -8 for the area so that it would fit in with
the rest of the housing in the area. She said what is to be rezoned should not be commercial
and should be residential, and she strongly supports the Commission's decision to carry through
with this rezoning and said the neighbors would be happy to give input to make this as
congenial and as helpful to the development of this area as possible.
Freerks clarified that this is not a rezoning at this meeting.
Sarah Clark of 509 Brown Street and the Northside Neighborhood Association said she wanted
to read a letter as a matter of record:
"Commission Members: We are in favor of the Planning and Zoning Commission amending the
City's Central District Plan of removing the commercial office designation at 911 North Governor
and making the area single family and duplex residential. But there is very significant concern
for our families and connected neighborhoods for this amendment, and that is the designation.
While this meeting tonight may not specifically decide the designation ", meaning the actual
zoning, "it does lay the foundation for that decision. If this meeting decides a designation, we
strongly urge the Commission to vote for RS -8 Medium Density Single Family. Our hopes are
that the City continue their focus on neighborhood strengthening measures and insist that
developers and interested parties not only submit to the City the proper paperwork, but also
thoughtful, well planned neighborhood enhancing development plans that maintain the current
zoning of the surrounding properties. Another suggested and appreciated action by any
interested developer is sincere outreach to the affected community which includes homeowners
Planning and Zoning Commission
September 20, 2012 - Formal
Page 6 of 15
and those who rent, ourselves included, alike. We have shown to be actively open to ideas,
discourse and planning when it comes to where we live. Thank you, Mark and Ashley Shields"
Shirley Lindell of 804 Dewey Street said she wants to echo what both Anderson and Baum have
said about Dewey Street and the development, and that they strongly encourage the
Commission to stick with what they have said they are going to do and that they maintain the
maximum of the RS -8.
Warren Paris of 905 North Governor Street said he wants to mention the consideration of traffic.
He said if you increase the traffic going up the hill to Dodge on Governor and you increase the
traffic going into that center area it would create a traffic jam, and to minimize the potential
increase in traffic in that area seems like a goal to strive for. He said because of the one way
streets of Governor and Dodge the only way you can access is to increase the traffic on Dewey
and North Summit or increase it on Brown and Dodge Streets.
Janice Frey of 922 North Dodge Street said she and her husband would like to see the
neighborhood remain low density, so they support the RS -8 designation.
Mike Wright of 225 North Lucas Street and coordinator of the Northside Neighborhood
Association said this property has been the focus of some controversy for almost a year. He
said last year the proposal was to add 36 bedrooms to the area, and that was certainly not a
popular idea with the neighborhood or the City Council. He said this Council has as a stated
goal neighborhood stabilization and preservation, and the prospect of a large, multifamily
development seems to be counter to that. He said 207 units being added to this area would be
the antithesis for neighborhood stabilization and development. He said the Comprehensive
Plan, on the other hand, would support the Council's stated goals of neighborhood stabilization
and improvement. He said the character of that area is still predominantly a mix of single family
owner occupied and single family rental. He said that's the character of the neighborhood that
they need to work hard to preserve so he hopes the Commission will bear that in mind in their
deliberations.
Freerks closed public hearing.
Freerks said they had received some letters and information this evening, so she recommends
a motion for deferral.
Swygard moved to defer amending the Central District Comprehensive Plan until future
land use map for 905, 909 and 911 North Governor Street along the parcel located
between 906 North Dodge and 910 North Dodge Streets.
Thomas seconded the motion.
Swygard said she would like to read through all the information before making a decision.
Martin agreed with Swygard.
A vote was taken and the motion to defer carried 40 (Eastham abstaining)
The Commission recessed for a five minute break.
Freerks called the meeting back to order.
Planning and Zoning Commission
September 20, 2012 - Formal
Page 7 of 15
REZONING ITEM
REZ12- 00020: Discussion of an application submitted by TLD -WT for a rezoning from Intensive
Commercial (CI -1) zone to Community Commercial (CC -2) zone for approximately 1.1 -acres of
property located at 2225 Mormon Trek Boulevard.
Miklo said when this area was annexed into the city the intent was to develop a light industrial
commercial park. He said the plan changed dramatically in the early 1990s when much of that
proposed light industrial park changed to residential. He said the applicant is now requesting
that the existing CI -1 zoning, which is intensive commercial and quasi - industrial, be changed to
Community Commercial (CC -2) which is more of a retail zone. He said because of the evolution
of this area the staff feels this rezoning request is appropriate. He said they have had similar
requests on other properties in the area and along Highway 1. He said the property is
developed with an office building that is suitable in the CC -2 zone.
Freerks opened public hearing.
Jeff Edberg of 337 Highland Drive said he is a real estate broker and the representative of this
applicant. He said the motive for the zone change is to secure a particular medical tenant in this
building. He said the site is fully developed, and they won't be building anything else there. He
said this is an office building, but a medical use is not allowed in the CI -1 zone, which is why
they are asking for a rezoning to CC -2.
Freerks closed public hearing.
Thomas moved to approve the request to rezone 1.1 acres located at 2225 Mormon Trek
Boulevard from Intensive Commercial (CIA) to Community Commercial (CC -2) zoning.
Eastham seconded.
Freerks said this property is well suited for what the applicant has described and no alterations
are needed or desired to make that change, and it's compatible with the surrounding
development.
Eastham said he agreed with Freerks' comments and also noted that the CC -2 zoning is
supported by the Comprehensive Plan covering this location.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 5 -0.
SUBDIVISION ITEM
SUB12- 00003: Discussion of an application submitted by Steve Moss for a preliminary plat of
Moss Office Park, a 9 -lot, approximately 243 -acre commercial and office park subdivision
located north of Interstate 80 and west of Highway 1.
Howard said at the last meeting, staff recommended that the Commission defer this plat in order
to give time to request participation in the plat by the neighboring property owners, Dr. Llewellyn
and Hills Bank and Trust as trustee. While staff finds that the plat as originally submitted meets
the City standards for a commercial subdivision provided that permissions are received for
building the east/west street that would extend from Highway 1 to the Moss property, staff
Planning and Zoning Commission
September 20, 2012 - Formal
Page 8 of 15
recommends and the applicant concurs that it would be in the best interest of the Moss
development, the City and Dr. Lewellyn and Hills Bank and Trust as owner and trustee,
respectively for the parcel she pointed out on the map, to include the parcels owned by Dr.
Llewellyn and Hills Bank and Trust as trustee in the preliminary plat for the larger Moss office
park. She said the reason for that is because Oakdale Boulevard will at some time be needed
for the full build out of the Moss office park so this should be an integral part of that preliminary
plat. She said staff has had conversations with the owners of that parcel, Dr. Llewellyn and a
Hills Bank Trust, and they are proceeding with getting the needed signatures to sign on as part
owners of this plat. She said the engineer for the developer has redrawn the plat to include that
larger parcel as outlots, so staff recommends that the Commission send both plats, to the City
Council as acceptable plats but with the preference being for the plat showing the Llewellyn and
Hills Bank Trust property.
Howard said the preliminary plat that was approved in 2010 included the Llewellyn/Trust parcel
largely because the initial design was to build Oakdale Boulevard as the initial road that would
give access to the Moss property. She said preliminary plats expire after two years if they aren't
final platted. October 26th of 2012 is when the 2010 preliminary plat will expire if not final platted
by then. She said the proposed plat that is before the Commission, if approved, would replace
the 2010 plat. She said the only major difference for the Llewellyn/Trust property would be that
they would have a new city street abutting the south edge of their property, a corner of which
would extend onto the Llewellyn and Hills Bank Trust property.
Thomas asked if the owners of the Llewellyn property agree with the entry point of Highway1 for
the new street.
Howard said staff is in the process of getting permissions for that and the City intends to build
the north street if approved by the City Council. The City Manager is negotiating with Pearson
regarding acquisition of the necessary property for the new street. She also noted that the north
street could still be accomplished through offsite improvement agreements, so it would not be
necessary to include the Llewellyn/Trust property as part of the preliminary plat. In other words,
Staff finds that it would be preferable to have the property included, but is not necessary to meet
the City's subdivision standards.
Thomas asked if the negotiations were going well for the Llewellyn piece of property.
Howard said in staff's opinion it would be advantageous to the owners of the Llewellyn/Trust
property, but that it is their choice to be included or not. She said the part of the property in the
southeast corner is potentially developable but it currently has no access to Highway 1. She
said it's difficult to get an agreement from the Department of Transportation for a single
driveway for one property to a State highway. If the City builds a signalized intersection at that
location and utilities are extended to it, it makes it a potentially developable parcel. Platting the
land will be a necessary step for development.
Freerks opened public hearing.
Shawn Lueth of Shive Hattery said he was here as a representative of Steve Moss to answer
any questions.
Freerks closed public hearing.
Eastham moved to recommend approval of SUB12- 00003, a preliminary plat of Moss
Office Park, a 9 lot, approximately 243 acre commercial office park subdivision with
Planning and Zoning Commission
September 20, 2012 - Formal
Page 9 of 15
outlots reserved for future development located north of Interstate 80 and west of
Highway 1, provided the necessary written permissions are received for offsite
improvements necessary for the first phase development and written permissions are
received from Neal Llewellyn and Hills Bank Trust to include parcels identified in the staff
report as outlots within the subdivision prior to Iowa City Council approval. However, if
the permissions are not received prior to Council's consideration of the plat, the
Commission recommends that it's also acceptable to have the original plat as proposed
without the Llewellyn /Hills Bank Trust property included.
Martin seconded.
Eastham said he was delighted that they are at this point for preliminary plat approval. He said
he thinks this is an important economic development for the City as well as for the property
owners. He said he would like it to go ahead even though the access to the proposed Phase
One area is only going to be provided by one connecting street to Highway 1 although his
preference is that it be two connecting streets.
Freerks said she agreed with Eastham. She said she's excited to see this move forward and
also thinks that two access points would be better than one.
Martin said she agrees that this is an exciting development for this area, and she hopes that
with the development of the north road and its use, and its potential to be a thriving
development area may convince Pearson to allow a south access road as well.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 5 -0.
CODE AMENDMENT ITEM
REZ12- 00015: Discussion of an application submitted by Jeff Clark for amendments to Title 14,
Zoning, modifying the location and screening standards for central air conditioning units for uses
in multi - family and commercial zones.
Howard said the City received an application from Jeff Clark for an amendment to allow central
air conditioning units to be located on the street side of multifamily or mixed use buildings if the
units are located on a balcony or patio and screened from view. She said he is also requesting
clarification if packaged terminal air conditioners (PTAC) are allowed on any side of a building
as long as they are covered with a decorative screening guard. She said in his request, Clark
has also proposed an allowance for wall air conditioners to be allowed on the street side of a
building as long as the sleeves are painted to match the wall they are installed in. She said staff
believes that in general air conditioning units should be located at the rear, along the sides, or
on the roof of the building. She said staff also recommends some allowance for central air
conditioning units to be located on street - facing balconies or patios if they are properly screened
from view.
She said when there is practical difficulty locating the air conditioners to the rear of side of
buildings, the applicant currently has the option to request a minor modification, which is an
administrative hearing and allows the applicant and the City to negotiate an acceptable
alternative design. She said staff has drafted an amendment for the Commission's review that
would make allowance for locating air conditioners on the street side of a building without a
minor modification. Under this proposal design review would be required. The Design Review
Committee would consider how the air conditioning units are integrated into the design of the
balconies. She said staff is concerned that this amendment might be construed over time as an
Planning and Zoning Commission
September 20, 2012 - Formal
Page 10 of 15
allowance to put air conditioners in all cases along the fronts of buildings. She said there may
be ways to bolster the language of the proposed amendment to make it even more clear that
there should be some demonstration of practical difficulty before this type of allowance is
granted.
Freerks asked how often administrative minor modification requests are made regarding air
conditioning units.
Howard said there have only been a few requests, but prior to 2005 the zoning code language
was slightly different. She said having a minor modification hearing forces the applicant to show
clearly that there is a practical difficulty achieving the Code standard because one of the criteria
for a minor modification is that you have to show that there is some unusual circumstance
preventing you from meeting the Code requirement.
Freerks asked how this would be done with the language in the proposed amendment.
Howard said after the Commission's informal meeting on September 17, she had some
discussions with Housing and Inspection Services, and they felt there would be some possibility
to bolster this language even further. She said if the Commission is uncomfortable approving
this application tonight, she recommends that they defer it.
Freerks said for her there are some pieces missing to make it work.
Howard said that staff thinks that putting the PTAC units behind building walls with a metal
screen is an acceptable solution. She said it has been done on some buildings downtown and
putting language into an amendment regarding that would be beneficial. She said staff is not in
support of allowing the wall units along the streetside of a building.
Thomas said that the standard of "practical difficulty" is not very well defined.
Freerks asked who decides what is "other similar mechanical units" as written in the proposed
amendment.
Howard indicated how the PTAC units are installed and how they look. She stated that the
language for "other similar mechanical units" was intended to allow for changes in technology or
terminology.
Freerks asked if someone would have to approve the installation of PTAC units in the new
amendment.
Greenwood - Hektoen said if an application for a building permit came in and Housing Inspection
Services and the applicant had different interpretations, the applicant could appeal to the Zoning
Code Interpretation Committee who would then review what other similar equipment, means.
Martin asked if this amendment were accepted and reworded would every building have to go
through the same process.
Howard said if there is to be some zoning code language replacing minor modification hearings,
staff suggests that we add a requirement that anything that is on the front side of the building
has to go through design review. She said the design review process would allow give and take,
but would not require an administrative hearing process, which is more time consuming and
involves notifying neighboring property owners and holding an administrative hearing.
Planning and Zoning Commission
September 20, 2012 - Formal
Page 11 of 15
Freerks asked if design review is only for the front of a building.
Howard said that the Code language includes standards for mechanical equipment located on
the ground and for mechanical that is located on the roof. It was not until recently that we
started to see mechanical equipment mounted on the side of the building. Since there are no
standards that address side - mounted equipment, these units have been constructed without
any screening, which is counter to the intent of the ordinance. She said staff feels they need to
close that loophole in the Code by putting language in the Code also requiring the equipment to
be screened if it's going to be on the sides of the buildings.
Freerks asked if Howard thinks the proposed language is strong enough.
Howard said she would suggest even stronger language after having further discussion with the
Commission and with HIS staff.
Thomas asked if the balconies would be set back so the front of the balcony would be flush with
the building wall.
Howard said that what the proposed language says is that the air conditioner unit has to be
behind the front building wall, so in order to locate the air conditioner on the balcony, the
balcony would have to be at least partially recessed behind the plane of the front building wall.
She said whatever the size of the balcony, the air conditioner unit would have to be set back in
an alcove or behind a screen wall.
Swygard asked if that applied only to the front side of the building.
Howard said that was correct.
Eastham asked if in the proposed Code language central air conditioning units are treated
separately and if they are specifically allowed on the front side of a building if they are screened,
even though there is no consideration of practicality in putting those units on the side or in the
back.
Howard said the intent was that they would have to show some impracticality, but the Code
language as the staff submitted to the Commission is a bit weak and staff is suggesting that it
be strengthened.
Eastham said the consideration of when to allow air conditioning condensers on the front side of
the building should address in some way the loss of efficiency by locating that unit on the side or
back of the building.
Howard said ostensibly the reason to do this would be because the runs are so long that it
makes the unit less efficient and more difficult to maintain. She said she doubted that staff or the
applicant would be able to quantify energy efficiency difference. She said the applicant had
used 50 feet in his application.
Freerks opened public hearing.
Jeff Clark of 414 Market Street said the reason he proposed this amendment to the Code was
going back to 2005 there were few restrictions on where air conditioning units could go. He said
when the new Code was adopted, the restrictions weren't very well enforced. He said he has
Planning and Zoning Commission
September 20, 2012 - Formal
Page 12 of 15
done a lot of research on what the most efficient systems are and what the problems are with
the long Freon runs. He said often the joints in these runs leak, it's hard to find them, there is
Freon leaked into the environment, and the equipment has a reduced life. He said for those
reasons, it's better to have shorter runs. He said there is also vandalism when they sit on the
ground. He said that even when he has had units on roofs, residents have thrown them off. He
said in the downtown area, it makes sense to put them where every resident has responsibility
for their own unit. He says if you put them on the ground, they can settle, but on decks, they
have a good, strong base and a longer life. He said there is more maintenance involved with
having them on the ground. He said the benefits to having the units on the balconies are that
they are close to the utility room, they have shorter line runs, less leaks, virtually no vandalism,
lower head pressure that reduces wear on the equipment, and more efficiency. He said the
sound of the units seem to go up when clustered.
Clark said newer units are quite small versus the massive units of yore, that they are a little
block measuring 30 "x30 "x30" that you can barely see. He said there was a question about water
coming off a deck or a balcony because of air conditioning units, but he said the chance of
water coming off a unit on a deck is slim. He said the only water a unit generates is when it
condensates with the Freon line and it's such a minimal amount that it would dissipate prior to
exiting the balcony. He said if they can keep the units on decks and balconies and allow them
on the street - facing side, it is much easier to maintain and he'd really appreciate it. He said what
he was concerned about in the reading of the Code was having the units located behind the
street facing wall in the front. He said on some of the buildings he has constructed, they have
deck areas that will sit out further than the street facing wall but they are still implemented into
the building design. He said what he would like is to see the units on the decks but not be
required to put them behind that street facing wall, especially on a smaller multifamily complex
with seven or eight dwelling units. Clark said it's difficult to recess because it makes it look more
commercial and doesn't keep the historic look of the area. He said the units are small and he
doesn't think you would see them and it wouldn't have any effect on the view because they are
behind a brick wall and a railing. He said he would work with staff to to allow them in this
situation. He said he'd like to see wording in the amendment where all the air conditioning units
have to be installed in the same manner.
Martin asked why the applicant is using individual units rather than a large mechanical room if
they can't all fit on the ground or on the roof.
Clark said construction has gone toward individual utilities, and when you are combining all the
utilities into one package who has to pay for them is a question. He said there is also a cost
factor involved, and if a big unit quit working, no one would have air conditioning or heating.
Freerks though it would be wise to defer this and talk about language more. She said she would
then ask the applicant to waive the 45 day limitation.
Clark agreed to that.
Freerks closed public hearing.
Thomas moved to defer an application for a zoning code amendment pertaining to the
standards for central air conditioning units and other similar mechanical equipment on
multifamily dwellings and mixed used buildings in the Central Business Zone.
Martin seconded.
Planning and Zoning Commission
September 20, 2012 - Formal
Page 13 of 15
Freerks asked if there was anything specific the Commission wanted to see in the language.
She they had already talked about adding some sort of measurement unit. She said she is in
favor of making some of these situations not the norm, but rather the exception. She said she
would like to do some research on her own. Freerks said perhaps size would come into play as
to where or how the units are placed on a building.
Thomas said his concern is the use of the balcony, despite the fact that the units are getting
smaller, and how they could write the language so there is still useable space with the
allowance of having these units on the balconies.
Freerks asked if people stand on them and if it's a safety issue.
Swygard agreed that it was a concern that the balconies aren't being built only to hold air
conditioners.
Freerks agreed that was a point that could be made clearer in the language.
Eastham said he thought the run length for each air conditioning unit in the building might be
considered in figuring out where the condenser goes on the outside of the building. He said that
seemed to him to be a more rational approach in deciding where to allow the condensing unit
and then if the unit is allowed on the front side of the building, the question becomes screening
and balcony size so it's a functional balcony as well as a place to hold the unit.
Howard asked for some clarification on what Eastham said.
Eastham said he was referring to making a change that would limit certain run lengths to certain
spots.
Howard said there would always be the option to get a minor modification in any case if there
are still further unusual circumstances. She said they are never going to be able to allow for
every situation.
Freerks said she thought visuals translate well and would like to see examples.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 5 -0.
CONSIDERATION OF MEETING MINUTES: September 6,2012:
Eastham moved to approve.
Swygard seconded.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 5 -0.
OTHER:
ADJOURNMENT:
Thomas moved to adjourn.
Eastham seconded.
Planning and Zoning Commission
September 20, 2012 - Formal
Page 14 of 15
The meeting was adjourned on a 5 -0 vote.
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PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION APPROVED
OCTOBER 4, 2012 — 7:00 PM — FORMAL
EMMA J. HARVAT HALL, CITY HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Carolyn Stewart Dyer (via phone), Charlie Eastham, Anne
Freerks, Phoebe Martin, Paula Swygard, John Thomas, Tim
Weitzel
MEMBERS ABSENT: None.
STAFF PRESENT: Robert Miklo, Sarah Greenwood - Hektoen
OTHERS PRESENT: Glenn Siders, Dell Richard, Jennifer Baum, Chris Welu, Shirley
Lindell, Sharon Gebraus, David Porush, Sharon Jeter, JoAnn
Binton, Ken Behles, Steve Gorden, Shannon Gassman
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL:
The Commission voted 7 -0 to recommend approval of CPA12 -00003 as an amendment to
the Comprehensive Plan land use map to change the land use designation of the
property located between Camp Cardinal Road and Camp Cardinal Boulevard from
Interim Development Office Research Park (ID -ORP) to residential eight to sixteen
dwelling units per acres and that it be approved subject to the text of the plan noting
that environmentally sensitive areas and limited street access may result in development
at a lower density.
The Commission voted 6 -0 (Eastham abstaining) to recommend amending the Central
District Comprehensive Plan future land use map to show 905, 909 and 911 North
Governor Street along with the parcel located between 906 North Dodge and 910 North
Dodge Streets as single - family duplex residential.
The Commission voted 5 -0 (Eastham and Martin abstaining,) to recommend approval of
REZ12 -00023 to rezone approximately 1.3 acres of property at 1030 Williams Street from
Overlay Design Review - Commercial Office (ODR -CO -2) zone to Overlay Design Review -
Medium Density Multifamily (ODR- RM20) zone subject to conditional agreement as
specified in the staff memo and to include the incorporation through the design review
process private and semi - private outdoor spaces called for in the Southeast District Plan.
The Commission voted 7 -0 to recommend approval of REZ12- 00022, an amendment to
the Preliminary Planned Development Overlay (OPD) Plan for Saddlebrook Meadows Part
1 to allow up to six single -story models.
The Commission voted 7 -0 to recommend an amendment to Title 14, Zoning, Article C.
Accessory Uses and Buildings to provide for the regulation of structures for the keeping
of chickens.
Planning and Zoning Commission
October 4, 2012 - Formal
Page 2 of 15
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA:
There was none.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT ITEMS
CPA12- 00003 /REZ12- 00011: Discussion of an application submitted by Southgate
Development Services for a Comprehensive Plan amendment and a rezoning from Interim
Development Office Research Park (ID -ORP) zone to Low Density Multifamily (RM -12) zone for
approximately 27.68 acres of property located at Camp Cardinal Boulevard south of Preston
Lane.
Miklo said staff is recommending that the Comprehensive Plan be amended for this area to
show the possibility of multifamily development given the topography and the difficulty of
providing access to Camp Cardinal Boulevard, which would be necessary in order for it to
develop as an office park as the current Comprehensive Plan shows. He said staff had provided
the Commission some traffic estimates from the transportation planners indicating that when
this property as well as the adjacent properties to the east, which share access to Camp
Cardinal Road, are fully developed based on the currently anticipated zoning there would likely
be a secondary access issue, meaning that the amount of traffic generated from development of
these properties would result in over 2500 vehicle trips per day on Camp Cardinal Road. He
said that should be taken into account when the zoning is eventually decided on for this property
even though staff would recommend that the Comprehensive Plan show it as being multifamily.
Miklo said there may be some restrictions on the eventual density of development due to that
secondary access concern. He said staff would not want this property to develop to the extent
that it would restrict development anticipated on the adjacent properties. He said if there is a
secondary access route identified to Camp Cardinal Boulevard, the situation would change and
would possibly result in higher densities in the area.
Miklo said in terms of the rezoning, there are some concerns about the condition of Camp
Cardinal Road and there would need to be an agreement to improve that road before it would
be ripe for development. He said there is also an issue with sanitary sewer for the southern third
of the property, which will rely on sewer service through some adjacent property. He said until
those two infrastructures issues are resolved, staff recommends that rezoning on this property
be deferred. He said staff is meeting with area property to discuss possible means to improve
Camp Cardinal Road.
Eastham asked if staff is recommending holding off on the Comprehensive Plan Amendment.
Miklo clarified that they are recommending approval of the Comprehensive Plan change to show
this has potential for multifamily residential with a caveat that the eventual density of it may be
restricted due to sensitive areas and lack of secondary access.
Eastham asked who would be paying for improvements to Camp Cardinal Road.
Miklo said it isn't anticipated that this would be a public project and that the adjacent property
owners who benefit from the road would need to come to an agreement on how to finance it.
Planning and Zoning Commission
October 4, 2012 - Formal
Page 3 of 15
Eastham asked if that applies to the sewer extension as well.
Miklo said there might be a private agreement between the property owners, but the City would
not fund that sanitary sewer line.
Eastham asked if staff's recommendation would be that if Camp Cardinal Road is the only road
providing access to all three properties the density on the subject property would be reduced so
as not to go over the recommended vehicle traffic.
Miklo said that is correct.
Eastham asked if staff had given any consideration to trying to figure out how to reduce the trips
per day generated by development of all three properties.
Miklo eAplained that the Comprehensive Plan currently shows the properties east of the road as
being appropriate for lower density single family residential, so those would be considered as 3
to 5 units per acre, and that is what the estimates are from the Transportation Planners. He said
they don't feel they should be restricted to fewer than that because the entire area could
develop, but if it developed at the full potential of the RM -12 zone, the lowest density multiple
family zone, it would put traffic beyond what they feel is appropriate for secondary access.
Freerks opened public hearing.
Glenn Siders of Southgate Management Companies represented the applicant He said they
concur with the staff recommendation and encourages the Commission to move forward with
the amendment to the Comprehensive Plan. He said he is still debating this access issue, and
they will be having more dialogue in the next few days with the adjoining property owners. He
said he wanted to correct a Commissioner's statement and clarify that there are actually four,
not three, owners. He said they would defer the rezoning of the RM -12.
Dell Richard identified himself as the attorney for St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, the neighbor
to the east of the subject property. He said they are generally supportive of the staffs
recommendations and recommend that City go forward with the Comprehensive Plan but defer
the zoning issues. He said, referencing a memo that he passed out to the Commission, what
they are concerned about is that the staff has been a bit conservative in the trips per day
calculations and how the rest of these properties are going to develop. He said they are coming
to the conclusion that there will be 4500 trips per day from the site rather than the staffs
estimate of 2500. He said their main concern is that they look beyond what's being proposed
because if the church gets locked into a situation where they only have a single access and
there is no separate access, and Southgate gets a zoning that allows for a lot of units, they are
essentially unable to expand the church. He said they are starting out with a 40,000 to 50,000
square foot facility but thirty years from now, there could be a need for a substantially larger
space. He just wants to suggest that the Commission think in longer terms that the staff has
suggested.
Freerks said these estimates put the number of dwelling units at absolutely the maximum that
could be, but that doesn't always happen.
Freerks closed public hearing.
Thomas moved to recommend that CPA12 -00003 be approved as an amendment to the
Comprehensive Plan land use map to change the land use designation of the property
Planning and Zoning Commission
October 4, 2012 - Formal
Page 4 of 15
located between Camp Cardinal Road and Camp Cardinal Boulevard from Interim
Development Office Research Park (ID -ORP) to residential eight to sixteen dwelling units
per acres and that be approved subject to the text of the plan noting that environmentally
sensitive areas and limited street access may result in development at a lower density.
Eastham seconded.
Eastham said he thinks that re- designating this area in the Comprehensive Plan to residential
development is something that he can support. He said there's been a lot of information to
suggest that this particular tract is not needed for the community to develop an office research
park or office area. He said this is a great exercise for him in doing one of the fundamental
things that he understands the Commission is to do, which is to assure infrastructure to support
whatever development is planned. He said the vehicular access is one of the more problematic
parts of developing this and the adjoining tracts. He said since improvement of Camp Cardinal
Road is going to be necessary for any kind development, and that's going to be a private
undertaking, that and the possibility of a secondary access on the northern part of this tract is
also going to be a private undertaking, his preference would be before they get to zoning
consideration that the adjacent property owners come to some kind of agreement among
themselves that divvies up the available vehicle trips per day in a way that meets everyone's
expectations for future residential development. He said if that doesn't happen, he's not sure
what he would do as a Commissioner and so encourages the parties to work out this issue
themselves.
Weitzel said there is ample precedence in this area for residential development and they have
also created a number of areas elsewhere in the community for office parks, and residential
seems to make sense here. He said they really aren't at the point of deciding how the rezoning
would take place, so they are just amending the Comprehensive Plan, and he is in favor of it.
Martin agreed with what Weitzel said. She thinks it's a good area for residential and obviously
the sensitive areas are going to dictate what can be done.
Freerks agreed, and said the piece of land is scenic yet challenging. She said as had been
noted that there is ample office park area in the community. She said she will vote in favor of
this.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 7 -0.
Eastham moved to recommend that the rezoning REZ12 -00011 be deferred indefinitely,
until there's a plan to provide street access and sanitary sewer.
Weitzel seconded.
Freerks agreed that they are not ready for this stage, and there is work to do. She said a cluster
development might be appropriate.
A vote was taken and motion carried 7 -0.
CPA12- 00004: Discussion of an application submitted by City of Iowa City for a Comprehensive
Plan Amendment to change the Central District Plan Map for properties located at 905, 909 and
Planning and Zoning Commission
October 4, 2012 - Formal
Page 5 of 15
911 N. Governor Street and a property between 906 N. Dodge and 910 N. Dodge Street from
Low to Medium Density Multi- family to Single- family & Duplex Residential.
Eastham said he has a conflict with item CPA12 -00004 and REZ12 -00023 because he is a
member of a board if an organization that owns property within the 200 foot objection limit for
these changes.
Miklo said the current Comprehensive Plan shows this area as appropriate for low to medium
density multifamily and that classification is a hold -over from the 1960s and 1970s when this
area was zoned R3 -B, which was a high density multifamily zone. He said this is the only R3 -13
zoning in town and is a result of a court order based on a previous down - zoning attempt. He
said that the Comprehensive Plan currently shows the adjacent properties as being appropriate
for medium density multi - family. He said the City's philosophy and approach to neighborhoods
has changed since the 1960s and 70s when this zoning pattern was first established. He said at
that time there was an encouragement to redevelopment older neighborhoods where there is
now the philosophy to preserve those neighborhoods by more moderate density zoning, historic
district zoning, a strategic plan that supports rejuvenation of neighborhoods through programs
like the UniverCity Partnership and multiple down - zonings in other parts of the city. He said staff
feels it is appropriate given those policies and that change in direction to designate this area for
single family or duplex, which would indicate anything from the RS -5 but more likely the RS -8 or
RS -12 zoning in the future.
Greenwood Hektoen said there were some statements made at the last meeting about whether
the Commission had the authority to approve a Comprehensive Plan Amendment, and it is her
legal conclusion that they do have that authority, and any claim related to a rezoning to
implement the Comprehensive Plan would defensible.
Weitzel asked about the purpose of the Residential Neighborhood Stabilization Zone and how
that would compare. He asked if it would be appropriate in this location.
Miklo explained that there are two neighborhood stabilization zones, the RNS -12 which has
generally been applied when an area has been rezoned from RM -12 low density multifamily to
eliminate the possibility of future apartment buildings. He said that could be a future
consideration for this area although that generally applies where there is existing building stock.
He said in this case, there are only two houses and an office building. The RMS -20 zone
generally applies to more dense areas and would allow a greater density the current zoning for
these properties.
Freerks opened public hearing.
Jennifer Baum of 814 Dewey Street said they have a petition just so the Commission knows
how some of the neighbors feel. She said the petition says that the signers encourage RS -8
zoning.
Chris Welu of 619 Brown St. said she has always lived in the North Side of Iowa City. She said
she is there to support the City's proposal to amend the land use of 911 North Governor and the
adjacent properties to single family and duplex residential. She said she feels this change would
align with what is currently in the surrounding neighborhood. She said she understands that
development can be a positive step for any neighborhood, but the development needs to be
compatible with the needs of the neighborhood. She said a mixed neighborhood is appealing to
those who live on the North Side. She said it's a positive to have families, singles, couples
young and old living in the neighborhood. She said the North Governor and North Dodge area
Planning and Zoning Commission
October 4, 2012 - Formal
Page 6 of 15
has such potential to be a sought after area when looking for housing rather than another area
of short-term renters with no vested interest in the neighborhood.
Shirley Lindell 804 Dewey Street said she support keeping the area as single family.
Sharon DeGraus of 519 Brown Street said her family feels the same as the other speakers. She
said they are supportive of what Chris Welu said, wanting it to be single family or duplex. She
said the two existing apartments are enough of that kind of residential building to have in the
neighborhood.
Freerks closed public hearing.
Thomas moved to recommend amending the Central District Comprehensive Plan future
land use map to show 905, 909 and 911 North Governor Street along with the parcel
located between 906 North Dodge and 910 North Dodge Streets as single family duplex
residential.
Weitzel seconded the motion.
Swygard said she thought this was a very appropriate use of these parcels of land, and it's a
great opportunity to move ahead with neighborhood stabilization that the City has been talking
about, and she will support it.
Martin and Dyer said they agreed.
Thomas said he wanted to support the move toward single family and duplex residential, and he
said they need to emphasize the fact that the neighborhood stabilization issue is very active
now and any future plans reflect that goal. He said he would also like to remind all the
Commission to refer to the housing goals in the Central District Plan because he thinks they
sometimes tend to forget them and they are at the core of neighborhood stabilization and care
should be taken to adhere to them.
Freerks said the change in the Comp Plan will be more consistent with the City's current attitude
about neighborhoods, which has changed dramatically since the 1970s and which Freerks
thinks is a good thing. She said the surrounding properties suggest single family duplex as
being the best and more consistent than R3 -B. She thinks because it's the only R3 -B property in
the city says that it doesn't really fit into the community, especially in a neighborhood like this.
A vote was taken and the motion to defer carried 6-0 (Eastham abstaining)
REZONING ITEM
REV 2- 00023: An application submitted by 3 Diamond Development for a rezoning from
Commercial Office (CO -1) zone to Medium Density Multifamily (RM20) zone for approximately
1.38 -acres of property located at 1030 William Street.
Martin disclosed that she had a conflict with this item and would be abstaining.
Miklo said this property is in the Towncrest area which is zoned Commercial Office. He said the
proposal is to rezone it to Medium Density Multifamily. He said there is also a design review
Planning and Zoning Commission
October 4, 2012 - Formal
Page 7 of 15
overlay that requires any commercial or residential structures in this neighborhood to be
reviewed by the design review committee for compliance with the Towncrest Design Plan. He
showed photos of the current building, the neighborhood, the proposed building and another
building constructed elsewhere by the developer. He said the proposal would include front yard,
the building and parking behind it. He said staff has some concerns about a driveway next to the
single family homes to the south, and the applicant has agreed to remove the driveway from the
proposed development.
Miklo said the current zoning would allow this property to continue as office or be redeveloped
with office and up to 15 units per acre for residential on upper floors. He said the proposed
rezoning would increase the current density to twenty -four units per acre but because this is
senior housing there would be a bonus that would allow a twenty -five increase in density for an
overall development of 41 housing units on this property. He said to take advantage of that
density bonus and the parking standard that applies to senior housing residents would be
restricted to persons 55 or older or persons with disabilities and could not be available to the
general public as an apartment building.
He said the Comprehensive Plan for this area is the Southeast District Plan which encourages
the redevelopment of Towncrest as a mixed use area that would contain retail, office and
residential and there are policies in the Plan that staff feels this proposal meets in terms of
encouraging new investment in the area, removing some of the older buildings in poor condition,
and reconfiguring the site to put the building up front and the parking behind which would make
Towncrest a more pedestrian friendly main street style of development. He said staff is
recommending rezoning of this property with the conditions that it would be reserved for and
occupied by elders or persons with disabilities and that no drives or parking would be allowed
between the building and the south property line and the same area would be maintained
landscape open space to provide a buffer to the adjacent single family area.
Dyer asked if caretakers who are of a different age group could live with elders in this building.
Miklo responded that is the case in terms of the zoning code.
Freerks asked if these would all be one and two bedroom units.
Miklo stated that there are 20 one - bedroom units and 21 two- bedroom units totaling 41 units.
Freerks said the Commission received a letter that night asking how the City would police this
and make sure it remains elder housing.
Miklo said it is a requirement of the rezoning and to get the bonus and reduced parking so that's
a permanent situation unless the zoning is changed, and it would take a review by the
Commission and City Council
Freerks asked if this would be tied to some sort of funding.
Miklo said it may be and the applicant could address that. He said the proposal to take
advantage of the senior housing bonus would tie it to senior housing and staff is recommending
that that also be a condition of the zoning agreement that would go with the property in
perpetuity unless changed by the City.
Greenwood Hektoen said even if there is a condition that this be senior housing, part of the
financing would not modify the zoning. She said the requirement is that it's required to be used
Planning and Zoning Commission
October 4, 2012 - Formal
Page 8 of 15
as senior living.
Thomas asked what would happen if the building failed as a senior housing facility.
Miklo responded that they would then have to reduce the density in order to stay compliant in
the RM -20 zone.
Freerks asked if that meant that some of the units would have to be empty.
Miklo said some of the units would have to be joined together to be larger. He said that based
on some of the statistics that have been discussed recently with the amendments to the Zoning
Code, demographics show that there is going to be a great demand for senior housing for the
next several decades. He said it's the fastest growing segment of Iowa City, despite this being a
college town.
Freerks opened public hearing.
David Porush with 3 Diamond Development reiterated that part of the financing for this building
involves federal tax credits, an allocation of credits that the State gets Iowa Finance Authority,
and awards those credits to certain projects. He said if they are awarded the project they would
provide the majority of the funding for the building. He said along with that is a restriction for the
same senior age restriction for the use for that property for 30 years. He said failure to meet the
requirements of the tax credits is an overly burdensome penalty on them as developers.
Freerks asked if that would be age and disability and /or disability or just age for their financial
requirements
Porush said their intent is for age restricted, but he's not sure about the disability.
Freerks asked how many of these projects they have done for elder housing.
Porush said they had one in Dubuque, one in Chicago and one in Oswego, Illinois. He said
some of the similar amenities provided would be exercise facilities, computer rooms, amenities
that promote healthy, independent living so that they stay living on their own longer.
Freerks asked if they have staff on site.
Porush said there is always a property manager and maintenance as well, and staff is there to
ensure that applicants meet the income and age requirements.
Dyer asked how they determine how many apartments to make available for people with
disabilities.
Porush said they follow the guidelines of the Iowa Finance Authority as to how many units need
to be handicapped accessible.
Dyer said what concerns her is that people may need other things besides wide doors and
accessible light switches. She said they may need some sort of special equipment or bathing
area, and she wants to know if those are anticipated.
Ken Behles of Behles and Behles Architects said he has designed 18 of these buildings of
various sorts of elderly housing, and he's very familiar with the various accessibility and
Planning and Zoning Commission
October 4, 2012 - Formal
Page 9 of 15
adaptability requirements. He said for the question that was just asked - one thing that is
unusual about these buildings is because a component of their financing is composed of federal
tax credits, the Iowa Finance Authority imposes a requirement that one - hundred percent of the
units meet FHA requirements for adaptability. He said what that means is that any unit that can
be accessed by an elevator or on the ground floor must meet the FAFS that stipulates an
accessible route, wide doors, accessible kitchens and bathrooms in terms of their floor area and
distance between elements. He said all units in this building can be turned into an accessible
unit. He said that's typical of any tax credit building within the country, and these are federal
rules that apply.
Dyer said she was glad to hear that.
Behles said ten percent will be fully accessible from day one and the rest adaptable.
Swygard asked if there are any windows on the south side of the building.
Behles said there are some small windows in the stairs that are at the ends of the building
and there is also a window at the end of the corridor so there are some windows on both the
north and the south ends.
Swygard asked if those windows are on all three floors.
Behles said there are.
Swygard asked in regard to that landscaped open space in place of the drive what kind of
landscaping they would consider putting there.
Behles said they are willing to eliminate that drive without shifting the building so the
landscaping they anticipate would be some significant screening in the parking areas and a
screened area to the south of the building where there is a single family home.
Sharon Jeter of 2434 Wayne Ave. said her concern with this area is that it is subsidized
housing. She said there is already subsidized housing in the area and she just wants to know
that the proposed building will be well maintained and nice looking. She said as a homeowner
she has witnessed the decline of the subsidized housing since she has lived there. She said she
and others who attended the Towncrest planning meetings did ask that there be some senior
housing in the area.
Freerks asked if she thought that question had been answered adequately.
Jeter said to some degree but she just wants to be assured that it will be well maintained once
it's built.
Greenwood Hektoen cautioned about any discussion if it is going to subsidized housing.
Porush said this building is what is called affordable housing. He said residents have to meet
certain income requirements, and is not to be confused with low income housing. He said it is to
provide comfortable, safe housing for seniors only who can benefit by more affordable rents
than what a market rate unit would be. He assured that the building will be maintained in
perpetuity so that people are going to want to rent. He said they want to be the best choice in
terms of quality and affordability so the residents stay for many decades.
Planning and Zoning Commission
October 4, 2012 - Formal
Page 10 of 15
Freerks asked if there is a maintenance fee charged to each person.
Porush said it is included in the rent.
Swygard asked if there was an on -site manager.
Porush said there is.
JoAnn Benton of 2505 Wayne Avenue expressed that she likes the idea of having elderly
housing in the neighborhood. She said one of her concerns is that there is not enough green
space. She said she is happy to hear that the building will be well maintained because the
neighborhood does need a lot of help.
Freerks closed public hearing.
Weitzel moved to recommend approval of REZ12 -00023 to rezone approximately 1.3
acres of property at 1030 Williams Street from Design Review Overlay - Commercial
Office (ODR -CO -2) zone to Design Review Overlay - Medium Density Multifamily (ODR-
RM20) zone subject to conditional agreement as specified in the staff memo.
Swygard seconded.
Thomas said he supports everything about this project but he has some concerns about the
building. He said it's a request for a change to an RM zone so it's listed under the residential
zoning categories. He said he was looking at the Towncrest Neighborhood Report as part of the
Southeast District Plan, and it states "that to attract a wider variety of households, including
singles, families and the elderly, the redevelopment plan or any new zoning designation for
Towncrest should require or encourage private and semi - private outdoor spaces that are
accessible and safe. Examples include private spaces such as forecourts, rooftop gardens,
patios, open court yards and play yards as well as a public gathering space, a plaza or
neighborhood green with features such as landscaping and shade trees, outside seating and
dining areas, a unique water feature, playground or public art that encourage visitors and
neighborhood residents to linger." He said he doesn't see that in this proposal. He said with this
project being designed for elderly it would be especially appropriate, because the elderly are
less prone to spend time away from the building. He said that coupled with the fact that it is
adjacent to a single family residential zone calls for the kinds the features that are described in
the district plan.
Freerks asked how final the drawing was and how much latitude the Commission has.
Miklo said this is a concept plan, and he pointed out a patio in the front of the building. He said
there may be the opportunity to do more usable open space where the driveway is being
replaced. He said the Commission could make it a condition that there be more outdoor space,
or rely on staff to negotiate as part of the design review that will occur.
Freerks said that public hearing is closed but it would be a good time to have discussion about
these things.
Miklos said it's generally helpful to bring those questions up before public hearing is closed so
that the Commission is able to discuss them with the applicant.
Greenwood Hektoen said because it is a design review overlay you have the assurance that it
Planning and Zoning Commission
October 4, 2012 - Formal
Page 11 of 15
will be in front of staff before it gets to final design.
Freerks said that is something the Commission could emphasize right now as an amendment to
the motion. She said she never feels comfortable making design decisions but feels that it's
important to emphasize the fact that there's something stressed in the plan that needs to be
addressed. She said they have wanted these types of things to happen and there's someone
who wants to do it and now is the time to make something work well so that as things come up
in the future they can be positive. She said she would not be opposed to making sure there are
some more outdoor living features.
Thomas said if the kind of features described in the district plan could be incorporated into the
design so the massiveness of the building would also be addressed, that would be his goal. He
said it's a large building without any sort of articulation.
Swygard said she doesn't feel the need to make it a condition. She said these are the kinds of
things they like to see and given that it has to go to design review, she feels comfortable with
that.
Weitzel said he felt the same way.
Dyer said she is torn. She said she thinks it might be wise to put expectations on the part of the
design review committee with regard the plan that's in place.
Miklo said at this point it would be appropriate to amend the motion to include some conditions.
He said there is a design review overlay that has some general guidelines that would need to be
adhered to.
Thomas moved to amend the motion to include the incorporation through the design
review process of the kinds of private and semi - private outdoor spaces called for in the
Southeast District Plan.
Dyer seconded.
Freerks said this amendment adds emphasis to the fact that the Commission wants to see
some of these features added, and she said she thinks it could be done without tremendous
effort and could add a great deal to the building and the tenants would enjoy this.
Dyer asked if this is the first property to be developed in the Towncrest Plan.
Miklo said it is.
Dyer said she thinks it's especially important then that the first one be completed cognizant of
the requirements of the Plan so that will be a precedent for future buildings.
A vote was taken and the motion to amend carried 41 (Weitzel opposed).
A vote was taken and the motion carried 5-0 (Eastham and Martin abstained).
REZ12- 00022: An application submitted by Saddlebrook Meadows Development for a
rezoning to amend the Planned Development Overlay Medium Density Single Family
(OPD -8) Plan for Saddlebrook Meadows Part 1 to add a single story ranch style house
Planning and Zoning Commission
October 4, 2012 - Formal
Page 12 of 15
plan to the previously approved OPD plan for property located at Whispering Meadows
Drive and Pinto Lane.
Miklo said this is before the Commission because it is a Planned Development. He said at the
time the original Planned Development was approved there were several zoning variations or
waivers granted to allow a higher number of units on the property, narrower and smaller lots
than normally would have been required in the Medium Density Single Family Zone (RS -8). He
said as part of that approval there were a series of house plans that were approved for the
smaller single - family lots. He said all of those were two -story, with either attached or detached
garages. He said the proposal is to add a one -story model with similar design characteristics
with either attached or detached garages. He said up to six of those would be allowed on the
lots that he indicated on a map. He said adding these models would make them more affordable
in construction costs and to provide housing where all aspects of the dwelling are on one level
so they are more accessible. He said staff is recommending that the item be approved.
Freerks opened public hearing.
Steve Gordon of AM Management who manages the Saddlebrook Development said this was
approved years ago and then delayed as the housing market changed, and it's now started
again. He said this is a way to get more variety and a different price point on the single - family
homes while keeping the same character.
Eastham asked if the floor plans for these homes have a single level throughout the interior and
if there's a detached garage would there be a no step entrance into the house.
Gordon said it would be one level and it would have a no step entrance on the front of the
house.
Martin asked if some of them are completely zero entry.
Gordon said the ones they are building now are zero entry but are two -story, so that only affects
the first level, but with the proposed units they would be zero entry and you could access all
aspects of the house.
Freerks closed public hearing.
Eastham moved to recommend approval of REZ12- 00022, an amendment to the
preliminary Planned Development Overlay OPD Plan for Saddlebrook Meadows Part 1 to
allow up to six single -story models.
Weitzel seconded.
Weitzel said in addition to the objectives and market forces already stated he thinks in some
ways this is a very soft - handed approach to urban design. He said an organically developed
neighborhood would probably have different heights so this is a very positive aspect for the
aesthetics of the neighborhood and it's a very limited number of lots.
Eastham said he remembers the huge number of housing types in the Longfellow Neighborhood
where he used to live so he is quite pleased that they are looking at two different housing levels
for this subdivision.
Swygard said as a person who lives in a one floor home approaching the time when one would
Planning and Zoning Commission
October 4, 2012 - Formal
Page 13 of 15
downsize and look at retirement, she can appreciate a one -floor design.
Freerks said it's nice to see these more affordable, more accessible units here.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 7 -0.
CODE AMENDMENT ITEMS
REZ12- 00015: Discussion of an application submitted by Jeff Clark for amendments to Title 14,
Zoning, modifying the location and screening standards for central air conditioner units for uses
in multifamily and commercial zones.
Freerks said staff has asked for this to be deferred until the October 18th Planning and Zoning
Commission meeting.
Freerks opened public hearing.
Freerks closed public hearing.
Weitzel moved to defer REZ12 -00015 until the October 18th meeting.
Eastham seconded.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 7 -0
Discussion of a City initiated amendment to Title 14, Zoning, Article C. Accessory Uses and
Buildings to provide for the regulation of structures for the keeping of chickens.
Miklo said City Council has asked staff to propose some amendments that would allow the
keeping of up to four hens for single - family properties. He said most of the regulations dealing
with keeping of chickens will be in the animal control ordinance and the Commission has been
provided with a draft of the language that is being considered. He said because the Zoning
Code has an accessory use provision that currently defines chickens as livestock and therefore
not permitted, it would be necessary to amend that section of the Code to allow the keeping of
chickens and then refer to the more detailed Animal Control provisions that will have bulk of the
regulations. He said a question came up at the informal meeting if this could be expanded to
other than single - family dwellings. Staff's advice would be not to do that at this time. He said
the thought is to establish it initially for single - family residences and see how that works.
Freerks opened public hearing.
Shannon Gassman of 741 S. Seventh Avenue identified herself as one of the organizers of the
I -CLUCK group. She said she is encouraging the Commission to support this effort. She said it
has worked well in Cedar Rapids and she thinks it will work well in Iowa City.
Freerks closed public hearing.
Eastham move to recommend an amendment to Title 14, Zoning, Article C. Accessory
Uses and Buildings to provide for the regulation of structures for the keeping of
chickens.
Planning and Zoning Commission
October 4, 2012 - Formal
Page 14 of 15
Martin seconded.
Thomas said he was happy to see this, coming from the San Francisco Bay Area where this
was allowed. He was surprised to find that it is not allowed in this Midwestern city. He thanked (-
CLUCK for picking this up and carrying it forward.
Eastham said he is happy to support this revision to the Zoning Code because it's obviously
something people are interested in and there's a well thought out structure and set of
regulations and it will work out.
Swygard and Freerks said they had some specific questions about the policy presented and
wanted to know where to take those questions.
Greenwood Hektoen said to take it to City Council.
Weitzel said this is clearly something that has public support but it shows how much
complication goes into the regulations, which is probably why it hasn't happened before.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 7 -0.
OTHER:
ADJOURNMENT:
Eastham moved to adjourn.
Weitzel seconded.
The meeting was adjourned on a 7 -0 vote.
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IOWA CITY TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION APPROVE
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24,2012--5:30 P.M.
CITY CABLE TV OFFICE, 10 S. LINN ST. -TOWER PLACE PARKING FACILITY
MEMBERS PRESENT: Laura Bergus, Alexa Homewood, Matt Butler, Hans Hoerschelman,
Nicholas Kilburg
MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT: Mike Brau, Bob Hardy
OTHERS PRESENT: Josh Goding, Lee Grassley (by phone), Beth Fisher, Emily Light, Kevin
Hoyland
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL
None at this time.
SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION
Hoerschelman distributed the draft of the broadband survey. The hard copy survey now corresponds to
the electronic version on the website. This will facilitate transferring data into a common format. The
means to distribute information about the survey and the hard copy version needs to be worked out and
will likely include the newspapers, PSAs on Mediacom, and distribution of business cards containing
the information. Brau said about 300 responses are needed to reach a 95% reliability level. Hardy said
he will contact city IT staff for additional input. Grassley reported that the retransmission consent
agreement with Sinclair expires at the end of the year. Sinclair is asking for a 92% increase in fees.
Mediacom is participating in a program in association with the FCC and the National Cable Television
Association to make Internet service available to low income families at a reduced rate. The cost will
be about $9.95 for a 3 -5 megabit connection. There is also a program to provide low -cost laptops. It is
hoped that the program can start by the end of the school year. Hardy met with the PATV board and
the board expressed some concern regarding moving into a joint access facility. If a combined facility
is pursued any savings will be put into a reserve fund to help alleviate reduced funding under a state
franchise. Some board members expressed a concern that the city is trying to decrease the level of
funding for PATV or that the city is trying to gain control of PATV. Bergus noted that Mediacom has
entered into agreements with cities that have been transferred to state franchises to continue to provide
some level of support that had been included in their prior municipal franchise and asked if the city has
had any discussions with Mediacom regarding this issue. Hardy said he has not and noted that
Mediacom's agreements with other cities have not included any funding for public access operations.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Bergus moved and Kilburg seconded a motion to approve the amended August 27, 2012 minutes. The
motion passed unanimously.
ANNOUNCEMENTS OF COMMISSIONERS
Hoerschelman distributed the draft of the broadband survey. The hard copy survey now corresponds to
the electronic version on the website. This will facilitate transferring data into a common format. The
means to distribute information about the survey and the hard copy version needs to be worked out and
will likely include the newspapers, PSAs on Mediacom, and distribution of business cards containing
the information. Brau said about 300 responses are needed to reach a 95% reliability level. Hardy said
he will contact city IT staff for additional input.
SHORT PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS
None.
CONSUMER ISSUES
Hardy referred to the complaint report in the meeting packet and noted that all complaints have been
resolved. Homewood asked about the complaint in which a subscriber was required to sign a two -year
contract for service. Hardy said the subscriber worked out a deal with Mediacom and did not sign a
two -year contract. Hoerschelman asked if Hardy ever inquired of subscribers with complaints how
they learned the city could assist them with their problems with Mediacom. Hardy said he has not
done so in the past but doing so is a good idea. Hardy said the city needs to inform the public that the
city can help resolve problems but has not done so, in part, because he does not want to get calls from
subscribers who have not contacted Mediacom first. Hoerschelman said if subscribers were given a
trouble ticket number when they called Mediacom it could facilitate communication for follow -up.
Kilburg asked if Mediacom had a way to track calls that are placed but not completed due to
subscribers not wanting to wait on hold for extended periods of time and the total number of complaint
calls. Hoerschelman said he believed that information is available.
MEDIACOM REPORT
Grassley participated by telephone and reported that the retransmission consent agreement with
Sinclair expires at the end of the year. Sinclair is asking for a 92% increase in fees. Mediacom is
participating in a program in association with the FCC and the National Cable Television Association
to make Internet service available to low income families at a reduced rate. Mediacom will first
implement the program in Georgia and once all procedures have been worked out will roll out the
program nation -wide. The cost will be about $9.95 for a 3 -5 megabit connection. There is also a
program to provide low -cost laptops. It is hoped that the program can start by the end of the school
year. Planned upgrades to the plant include a battery backup system for each node that can provide 4 -8
hours of power and a monitoring system that can track battery use. Hoerschelman said the city can
help Mediacom with community outreach when the low -cost Internet program is rolled out. Kilburg
asked about phone call placement and completion statistics. Grassley said Mediacom does track phone
calls but that information might be proprietary. Grasssley will make inquiries regarding that
information. Hoerschelman asked if Mediacom is using a tracking number for service calls and said
that if Mediacom does, it could facilitate communication between Mediacom and the city. Grassley
said did not know if tracking numbers are used but will find out.
LOCAL ACCESS CHANNELS REPORTS
Hoerschelman noted that some of the access channels provided written reports for the meeting packet.
Goding reported that PATV will cover a charity celebrity basketball game. Hoyland reported the
school channel's "Education Exchange" program has lined up content for the whole year. Video
content from the many sources around the school district is being collected and coordinated by Kate
Moreland for use on the channel. An intern might also be hired and could play a role in that effort.
CABLE TV ADMINISTRATOR REPORT
Hardy said that his only item is the PATV contract which has its own agenda item.
PATV CONTRACT
Hardy said that at the end of the franchise in 6 years the city expects to have a third less revenues than
now for the city and PATV. Reserve funds need to be built now. The City Manager has invited
Goding and PATV board chair Tom Nothnagel to discuss this issue. Hardy met with the PATV board
and the board expressed some concern regarding moving into a joint access facility. If a combined
facility is pursued any savings will be put into a reserve fund to help alleviate reduced funding under a
state franchise. Some board members expressed a concern that the city is trying to decrease the level
of funding for PATV or that the city is trying to gain control of PATV. Hardy said he will talk with
the schools and library at some point to gather their input. Hoerschelman asked about the timeframe of
the prospective changes. Hardy said that PATV's contract was extended to March 2013 to provide
time to develop of a plan for the long -term funding of PATV and the city cable TV operations. The
city and PATV are looking at their space needs. Bergus noted that Mediacom has entered into
agreements with cities that have been transferred to state franchises to continue to provide some level
of support that had been included in their prior municipal franchise and asked if the city has had any
discussions with Mediacom regarding this issue. Hardy said he has not and noted that Mediacom's
agreements with other cities have not included any funding for public access operations. Bergus said
that North Liberty was able to maintain the pass - through funding mechanism. Bergus said its possible
there could be some legislative changes in the next six years.
ADJOUNMENT
Kilburg moved and Bergus seconded a motion to adjourn. The motion was approved unanimously. The
meeting was adjourned at 6:30.
Respectfully submitted,
N��
Michael Brau
Cable TV Administrative Aide
TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
12 MONTH ATTENDANCE RECORD
(X) = Present
(0) = Absent
(O /C) = Absent/Called (Excused)
Hoerschelman
Ber us
Homewood
5/28/11
X
X
X
X
Homewood x
6/27/11
x
o/c
x
x
X
8/27/11
x
x
x
o/c
X
9/24/11
X
X
X
X
X
10/24/11
X
X
X
X
X
11/26/11
X
X
vacant
X
X
Kilbur
2/25/12
X
X
x
x
X
Butler
3/26/12
o/c
x
o
x
X
4/23/12
X
X
X
X
X
5/21/12
X
X
X
X
X
6/25/12
X
X
X
X
X
7/23/12
x
X
X
X
X
8/27/12
x
x
x
x
X
9/24/12
X
X
X
X
X
10/22/12
X
X
X
X
X
(X) = Present
(0) = Absent
(O /C) = Absent/Called (Excused)