HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-01-08 TranscriptionPage 1
ITEM 4. COMMUNITY COMMENT (ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA).
Hayek: This is the opportunity at each City Council meeting for members of the public to
address the City Council on items that are not on the agenda. So if there's
something that's not on tonight's agenda, I encourage you to step forward, uh, and
uh, please sign in and also verbally give us your name and we'd ask that you keep
comments to five minutes or less.
Gravitt: My name is Mary Gravitt and I'm here about a quality of life issue. I'm tired of
these people when they shovel their snow, they shovel it on the curb so that the...
the disabled people can't get out to the street, because there's a special ramps that
ADA ramps, those red ramps, and so people, especially the landlords that use the
bobcats and create these little hills, so that the people are able to step over `em
they can step over `em, but after the sun comes out and people keep stepping on
it, stepping... it's ice on the top of that hill. A friend of mine who's wheelchair -
bound, she lives (mumbled) so she wanted to go down to the HyVee. She said
she was so afraid when she came back, she couldn't get ... hardly get back home!
She got stuck in the street because she couldn't slide down to the curb. So then
finally somebody helped her, but it's not fair that people should shovel the snow
and leave it on the curb where the disabled have to use. And ... and um ... at ... for
instance at my house, our whole block was prisoners on the block because the
landlord decided to put the snow on the curb. So ... I had a slab of ice at the top of
my step. I live in the basement, me and my, uh, my neighbor, we were locked in
our apartments. We couldn't get out. Slab of ice on the top step. So I called and
called and called and finally he came (mumbled) send somebody out on
Wednesday, but in the meantime I had went out in the daytime. If it wasn't for
my neighbor's grandson, and my next -door neighbors, helping me up the steps so
I could get down the steps, I would have been completely locked out. So, and
then too, I thought that was only happening in my neighborhood. The
neighborhood First Avenue, Muscatine, and so forth — I came downtown. Right
there on the corner of Linn and Washington where that Noodles shop is, I didn't
notice it at first because I'm on my feet walking, but a wheelchair could not have
gotten across that hump of snow that was on both sides. And when I ... I ... I have
totally given up getting off the bus on Linn Street. I get off the bus by the
Sheraton Hotel because I know the snow's going to be shoveled. Linn Street's
hump of snow right off, right where you get off the bus, and the Mailbox is a
chancy place, and not only that, people have the nerve to use that parking lot for a
shortcut. You're walking and you look to your right and here comes this car or
this motorcycle or whatever it is! And I know that should be illegal! Then you
walk further down, in front of that apartment house, they might ify -ify clean it.
Then the worst offenders is that law office that takes up half the block. Unless
they'd started, just started cleaning, that's ... they never shovel, and I could never
understand. I said this is a lawyer! He knows you have to shovel. And you take
your chances and you go by, but when you get to the corner with the Noodle shop,
the same thing. If it's shoveled, they just started shoveling, and me and my
friends who are senior citizens, bad knees, wheelchair bound, we do not
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appreciate the people not shoveling... not keeping that hump, that ramp clean.
And furthermore, we don't appreciate landlords, especially mine, he'll pay for the
snow removal but he doesn't want to pay for the salt! And I don't think that that
is fair and I ... I want something better done for it. And an ... and my last and final
complaint is always the length of the agenda. Last time I was here you had 20
items... 19 items, three reports on the agenda, so we were only on four when I had
to leave to catch my bus! So I'm saying, shorten the agenda or meet every week!
Thank you!
Hayek: Thanks, and with respect to snow removal, I would encourage you to, uh, contact
the City if there is snow on sidewalks that's not getting removed. We have a
process in place for the City to go out and check that out and ... and take the steps
to correct it.
Gravitt: Thank you.
Hayek: Thank you, ma'am. (unable to hear person away from mic) Sure! Sorry!
Martha, I was writing your name down as you walked up! (laughter)
Norbeck: Some day I'll remember to fill out these little things ahead of time!
Hayek: It's easier, isn't it?
Norbeck: It is! The Council is going to share with the public tonight that we will prioritize
about bowling alley over an untested, non - profit cinema. You don't have public
comment in that agenda item.
Hayek: Well, we will...
Norbeck: Are you going to have public...
Hayek: We don't, but we'll ... we'll certainly permit it. So if you can stick around...
Norbeck: I will happily stick around!
Hayek: We ... we'll get the motion on the floor and then...
Norbeck: Okay!
Hayek: ... you ... you're certainly welcome...
Norbeck: I am happy to do that.
Hayek: Thanks, Martha.
Norbeck: Move my name down for later!
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Hayek: Yeah, just leave it! (laughs) Anyone else, uh, during public comment,
community comment? Okay! I'm going to, uh, move on then to Item 5, Planning
and Zoning Matters.
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ITEM 5b COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DOWNTOWN AND RIVERFRONT
CROSSINGS PLAN - AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO
INCLUDE THE DOWNTOWN AND RIVERFRONT CROSSINGS PLAN.
1. PUBLIC HEARING
Hayek: This is a public hearing. The public hearing is open. (bangs gavel) And uh, just
to explain to the public we are, uh ... uh, likely not to take action on this, uh, this
evening. There's been a ... an interest indicated by, uh, some Members of Council
to, uh, to have more time to review this ... this item, and specifically the proposed
Comp Plan, but what we're going to do is we've just opened the public hearing.
Staff wants to, uh, lay out the plan and... and walk us through the presentation so
that we have that, uh, for our benefit. If anyone in the audience wishes ... came
here tonight intending to weigh in on ... on this, we don't want to discourage you
but, uh, we will not close the public hearing. Instead we'll take up a motion to
continue it until our meeting two weeks from now. With that, Jeff!
Davidson: Good evening, Mr. Mayor, and Members of the City Council. I'm Jeff Davidson,
the Director of Planning and Community Development. With me is Bob Miklo,
Senior Planner. Uh, we are delighted to be here tonight to present the, uh,
downtown Riverfront Crossings Plan to be amended as a ... an element of the
City's Comprehensive Plan. This is a, uh, has been a work in progress for quite
some time and many of you have participated in it, and we really appreciate that.
Uh, it's very gratifying to us that this plan is a very, uh, organic thing. It hasn't
been a top -down, uh, type of development but rather one that the community's
been actively involved in. We've had a number of workshops, public meetings,
uh, that were ... have been very, very well attended, and uh, we went through a
whole charette process and uh, very, very ... very gratifying process in terms of the
development plan and having the community, uh, embrace it. The plan we feel
clearly addresses, uh, the principle priorities of the City's Strategic Plan, uh,
certainly downtown Riverfront Crossings Development's directly impacted by it.
Uh, neighborhood stabilization, which might not be immediately apparent but
certainly directing the higher density to the south of downtown we feel is going to
have, uh, a... a big impression on helping preserve the stability of the older
neighborhoods to the east and the ... and the north of downtown, and then certainly
economic development is also addressed, uh, increasing the property tax base,
creating jobs, uh, encouraging development consistent with community values.
We feel this, uh, plan will do all of those things to the benefit of the community.
Um, the ... the final thing that we're excited about is the notion of the public/
private partnerships that will come out of this. Uh, when we discussed the City's
Capital Improvement Program yesterday there are a number of projects that the
City will undertake to incent private development in the area. Uh, the area will
only be successful if the private sector and the City work together, and we look
forward to that happening. So, Bob is going to take you through a brief
presentation, uh, of the plan now and answer any questions.
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Miklo: Just, uh, real quickly to show you the ... the location of...of the area covered by
the plan. It includes all of downtown and now what we're calling, um, Riverfront
Crossings, which is, uh ... uh, bounded by Burlington Street on the north, Highway
6 on the south, uh, roughly Riverside Drive on the west, and roughly Gilbert
Street on the east. The whole area covers about 300 acres. Uh, as Jeff noted, we
had a ... a, uh, series of meetings, um, and public visioning processes that we went
through, uh, to, uh, to ... to draft this plan. Uh, the plan itself, urn ... urn ... isn't a
result of just staff and ... and the consultant, but the public input. The goals of the
plan are based on what we heard from the public during those ... those meetings.
Um ... some of the key points are ... are that the plan proposes to preserve the best
of downtown and build upon that, um, the idea isn't to make Riverfront
Crossings, uh, a ... a replacement or a competing district for downtown but a
complementary district and that ... that's spelled out in some detail in the plan.
Uh, an overriding principle of the plan is to make good use of the river and
Ralston Creek as amenities, uh, for both downtown and ... and the larger area. The
plan identifies, um, several, uh, development sites and those are shown on ... on,
uh, in white on ... on this image. We divided the ... this fairly large area into
several small... smaller districts or eight sub - districts, and for each of those we
have a, uh, more detailed plan. I'm just going to cover a few highlights of...of
the plan, starting, uh, with downtown. The plan notes that there are several
historic buildings downtown and that those, uh, create the special character that
...that people appreciate about the downtown. It proposed that those be retained,
but it also identifies several in -fill sites or sites that, uh, we feel are appropriate
for redevelopment at, uh, higher densities for, uh, some larger buildings. Uh, and
it lays out guidelines on ... on how that can be, uh, done without, um, detracting
from the positive character of downtown. Uh, a key element of the plan is ... is
addressing Burlington Street. And urn ... how Burlington Street can be turned
from a barrier between downtown and Riverfront Crossings, uh, to tie the two
together. Um, rather than pursuing the median project that was proposed in
earlier plans, uh, this plan calls for setting the .... any new buildings a little bit
farther back from Burlington Street to increase room for pedestrians and... and
landscaping, uh, to, uh, control pedestrians, where ... where they can cross on... on
Burlington Street. Moving, uh, south of downtown, um, a key element of the plan
is, uh, turning Clinton Street into a promenade or ... or a boulevard that would
connect downtown on the north to the new Riverfront park, uh, in ... which is,
would be located where the waste water treatment plant is. Uh, this image shows
the ... the current conditions in the area and you'll note the, uh, the Post Office and
the Courthouse, Clinton Street. The ... the plan, um, puts forward a vision of how
this can be trans ... um, transformed into the ... the promenade or the boulevard.
Uh, this image shows how Hieronymus Square, the new Music School, and uh,
other developments along the street, uh, could tie downtown into, uh, the, uh, the
Riverfront park. Another, uh, key element south of Burlington Street would be
the reopening of, uh, Capitol Street between Court and... and Burlington Street.
This was closed off during urban renewal for the Pentacrest Garden Apartments.
The plan proposed that that be reopened, uh, that would improve traffic
circulation, connectivity, and open up views of, uh, the Capitol from... from these
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new neighborhoods. Um, it would also create a site, uh, basically the Pentacrest
Garden Apartments site, which we feel would be appropriate for high, uh, density
student housing close to the campus. And as ... as Jeff noted, taking some pressure
off some of our older neighborhoods. Uh, moving a little bit farther south, the,
uh, the Central Crossings sub -area of the plan, uh, includes the area around the
train depot and Ralston Creek. One of the, um ... uh, key, uh, elements of that plan
is, uh, removing buildings that are flood flown ... prone or in the flood plain, and
uh, restoring the creek bed in that area. Uh, this is an image of...of how the area
looks today. The ... the creek is not much more than a drainage ditch. Um, so to
orient you on the plan — this is the old St. Patrick's, uh ... uh, site. Uh, this shows
how that area could be transformed, uh, opening up, uh, some of the properties
around the creek, uh, creating parkland, and a trail that would connect Riverfront
Crossings, downtown, and the College Hill neighborhood to the east. Moving
over to the west side of the river, uh, the plan calls for, um, provisions for the
redevelopment of riverfront, or ... Riverside Drive and the ... the riverfront. I want
to emphasize that the plan does not require any businesses to move, uh, we're not
planning on acquiring properties in... in this area, but it does put forward, uh,
guidelines and proposes a zoning code that would allow private property owners
to redevelop their property, and it provides guidelines on how that could be done
to take better advantage of...of the river. Uh, the plan also proposes, uh, ways of
developing along the riverfront that would be, um ... uh, less susceptible to
flooding. This image shows, um, the riverfront in the vicinity of Benton Street,
Riverside Drive is in... in this area. This shows the current conditions, and much
of this is ... is in the flood plain. Uh, and the plan puts forward some, uh,
guidelines on how the area could be redeveloped, uh, above the flood plain, uh,
using, urn ... uh, parking to raise residential buildings out of the flood plain, as
well as fill. Um, and it's ... it proposes that, uh, there be open spaces that would
connect views of, um, from Riverside Drive to the river, again, um, taking
advantage of the riverfront. Perhaps the, uh, the most important element of the
plan is the Park District, and that's the area that includes the current, uh, north
wastewater treatment plant. Uh, the idea is that that plant will close in 2014, uh,
with the improvements to the south wastewater treatment plant, uh, and we are
proposing to turn that into a major riverfront park. Uh, we would see this as... as
a catalyst to encourage private development of the adjacent properties, uh, many
of `em which are currently zoned in ... industrial. So the ... the idea would be our
investment in the park would spur private development on the, uh, the adjacent
properties. Just, uh ... uh, real quickly. The ... the park being the key element with,
uh, Ralston Creek tying the park into the neighborhoods to the east, and um,
Clinton Street serving as a promenade, tying the riverfront park to, uh, downtown.
A... assuming that the plan is adopted in... in some form, our next step will come
...be to come back to you with a zoning code to impla ... implement the plan, and
that would be a form- based, uh, zoning code. It's a ... a little different than what
we're used to in terms of a traditional, uh, zoning code in that it relies, uh, more
on images and drawings versus text, and it, uh, the emphasis is on controlling the
form of properties rather than the land uses. Uh, so here are a couple of images
that represent, uh, zoning in a... in a form -based code. Uh, it, uh, it illustrates, uh,
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where buildings should be, uh, located in relationship to the street and to each
other, uh, provides, uh, locations for parking, um, specifying how they should
relate to the, uh, surrounding neighborhoods, um, and then also, uh, can dictate
that, uh ... uh, buildings have mixed use, for example. This one would be for a
commercial, uh, use on the first floor and apartments above. Um, so it's, um... uh
a little bit different than what we're used to in terms of a tech space code. We'll
also be working, uh, next on a .... a detailed plan for the park itself. Uh, again, the
...the, uh, wastewater plant is going offline in April of 2014 and so we hope to,
uh, prepare the ... the plan to start improving that park. We also have a ... another
series of studies and detailed traffic studies that we'll need to do, in ... in order to
implement some of the traffic improvements, uh, in the plan. This was a... a very
brief presentation of some of the highlights of the plan, but if ..if anyone's
interested, uh, the full text of the plan is available on our web site, and there's also
a ... uh, a video presentation of the plan that takes about, uh, 45 minutes that
anyone can... can watch from our... our web site. Be happy to try to answer any
questions.
Payne: The video, I found trying to read it online, the text is like this little and then if you
blow it up on, you know, on your computer then you can't see the pictures and
kind of go back and forth, so I found it hard to read it online. So does the video
take you through it step -by -step?
Miklo: Yeah, the video goes in quite a bit of detail, uh, about the plan.
Karr: There's also a hard copy that we haven't ... the cover memo alluded to a hard
copy, if you'd like...
Payne: So I could pick a hard copy up? You're wonderful! (laughs)
Throgmorton: Bob, I wonder if you could explain to us, uh, a little bit more about where this
idea of form -based codes come from and what the experience comes from, and
what the experience is with form -based codes in other parts of the country?
Miklo: Sure. Um, form -based codes are in terms of...of zoning are a relatively recent
phenomenon. I would say that they've started to appear about, uh, 20 years ago
and a ... a lot of communities in the past 10 years have ... have been adopting them.
And, uh, as I said, it's more about the form of development. Uh, the City uses a
plan like Riverfront Crossling ... Crossings to, uh, put forward an image of what
we want to see as a community and then the code, uh, provides for that in images
and drawings, uh, and ... and regulations to ... to implement that ... that image. An
example of, uh, form -based code that we've used locally would be the Peninsula
neighborhood. That's, uh, relies on a form -based code. Uh, we also have
elements of form -based code already in our... in our downtown, uh, zoning, uh,
ordinance. Um, there are some communities that have done away with their
traditional zoning ordinance and adopted only a form -based code, um, and
they've... they've been successful in other ... other areas.
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Payne: So ... can I expand on that, Jim?
Hayek: Oh, sure!
Payne: Just one question that I have then. So let's say you have this concept of what a
building is going to look like in a certain location, does that mean that it could be
retail, it could be office, or it could be residential? Or is it still zoned one of the
three with ... the building concept on top of it?
Miklo: All of those! (laughs) Uh, of...often form -based codes are mixed -use codes
where, uh, a mixture of uses are allowed, and that's what we envision for ... for
Riverfront Crossings. Uh, but there are elements of the code that can in ... in some
sub - districts, um, limit it to specific uses. Uh, that's less the emphasis than, um,
in a traditional zoning code where, um, codes are pretty strict, saying residential
here, commercial here, and they shouldn't be, um, the ... the form -based code's
a... a little more flexible in that regard.
Champion: But we're not ... deciding what the building's going to look like. We're deciding
how we want to locate it (both talking)
Miklo: ...no, it's ... yeah, the...some form -based codes have arch ... a lot of architectural,
um, guidelines and restrictions. The form -based code we're working on is more
general than that. It ... it can ... it can have any amount of detail that you want, but
what we're envisioning is, uh, more where the building sits in relationship to the
street, how tall they are, uh, how far they are from their neighbors.
Throgmorton: Bob, if I could follow up on Michelle's question, uh, for this 300 or so acre
district, am I right in understanding that the form -based code would entirely
supplant existing zoning within that district?
Miklo: That's... that's our goal.
Throgmorton: Right. Okay.
Hayek: Other questions for Bob or staff?
Payne: I just have a comment that, you know, seeing the images and the ideas is exciting.
You know, it's just too bad it's going to take so many years to get it, you know,
you wish it could happen next year but it's not going to be (several responding)
It's going to take a long time! (laughs)
Hayek: (mumbled) especially since we're ... we're uh, we're not going to, you know,
swallow up the land and ... and ... and redevelop it ourselves, um, but instead
partner where appropriate, or lead through zoning and other, uh, investments like
the ... like the old waste water plant.
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Mims: Maybe some of our developers that didn't get chosen for College and Gilbert will
decide to ... go across Burlington Street. I encourage them to look at that, that
we're going to be looking to develop that too!
Markus: If we get Amtrak located in there...
Mims: They'll be...
Markus: ...that'll move a lot faster.
Hayek: Crossing fingers! Okay, any further questions for Bob?
Champion: Thank you.
Hayek: Okay, is there anyone, uh, who wishes to address us, uh, before we continue the
public hearing on this item? Okay, why don't we entertain a motion.
Payne: Move to continue public hearing ... til our January 22nd meeting.
Throgmorton: Second.
Hayek: Moved by Payne, seconded by Throgmorton. Discussion? All those in favor say
aye. Opposed say nay. Motion carries 7 -0 and we will take ... we will continue
the public hearing on January 22nd
Karr: Motion to accept correspondence.
Champion: So moved.
Mims: Second.
Hayek: Moved by Champion, seconded by Mims. Discussion? All those in favor say
aye. Opposed say nay. Motion carries 7 -0. (Starts to read Item 5c.)
Karr: You want to defer the resolution.
Hayek: Do we need to do that? All right.
Throgmorton: Move to defer the resolution...
Champion: Second.
Throgmorton: ... to two weeks from now.
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Hayek: Should have caught that! Uh, moved by Throgmorton, seconded by Champion.
Discussion? All those in favor say aye. Opposed say nay. Motion carries 7 -0.
Throgmorton: It's a good thing we have a good City Clerk!
Hayek: I know it! I know it! I figured we didn't get to it, uh, if we continued the public
hearing. (laughter) But what do I know!
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ITEM 5c PLANNED DEVELOPMENT OVERLAY CAMP CARDINAL
BOULEVARD, RYAN COURT, AND PRESTON LANE (Cardinal Pointe
South Part Two)- ORDINANCE AMENDING THE PLANNED
DEVELOPMENT OVERLAY MEDIUM DENSITY SINGLE - FAMILY
(OPD -8) PLAN FOR 6.53 ACRES OF LAND LOCATED AT CAMP
CARDINAL BOULEVARD, RYAN COURT, AND PRESTON LANE TO
CHANGE TOWNHOUSE STYLE UNITS TO ZERO LOT LINE
DWELLINGS. (REZ12- 00024) [Discussion only at formal meeting]
(SECOND CONSIDERATION)
Champion: Move second consideration.
Dickens: Second.
Hayek: Moved by Champion, seconded by Dickens. Uh, discussion?
Davidson: Uh, Mr. Mayor?
Hayek? (both talking) ... ex parte?
Davidson: Oh, excuse me!
Hayek: Okay! (several responding)
Davidson: When you gave this matter first consideration at your last meeting on, uh,
December 18, Councilor Dobyns did ask to see if we had any images of the zero
lot -line units. You'll recall this was originally, uh, to be 39 townhomes, uh, the
proposal that you've approved first consideration is for 18 zero lot -line duplexes.
Uh, we were able to get some images from the builder of single - family units that
he has constructed at Mackinaw that will basically be put together, uh, with a
common wall to form the duplex units. Uh, here's one, again, that's out at
Mackinaw. There's the drawing of, you know, basically what it will look like as a
duplex, but that's the single - family unit. Uh, there's another single - family unit,
and again, what it would appear as a duplex. And then I guess that was
everything. I thought we had three but I guess there was two ... okay! Uh, so
those are ... those are essentially what the units will look like as they're proposed.
Any questions?
Dobyns: Thank you, Jeff.
Davidson: Thank you.
Hayek: Any further discussion? Roll call, please. Second consideration passes 7 -0.
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ITEM 5d JEFFERSON STREET NATIONAL REGISTER HISTORIC DISTRICT -
ORDINANCE DESIGNATING THE JEFFERSON STREET NATIONAL
REGISTER HISTORIC DISTRICT AS A HISTORIC OVERLAY (OHP)
ZONE. (REZ12- 00027) [Discussion only at formal meeting] (SECOND
CONSIDERATION)
Mims: Move second consideration.
Payne: Second.
Hayek: Moved by, uh ... uh, Mims, seconded by Payne. Discussion? Any ex parte?
(several responding) I mean, I received... several notes, uh (several talking)
people but I didn't engage in any conversations with anyone.
Champion: I didn't either.
Payne: Same with me.
Champion: You know, as I ... sit here and, of course, I'm going to vote for this, I think of the
years I've been on this Council and there aren't a lot of decisions that really affect
the real future of Iowa City. We make a lot of laws, but we don't really make a
lot of decisions that really affect what it's going to look like 100 years from now,
and this is one of those decisions. Um, I think all the historic preservation
overlays we've done have been important decisions on what's going to happen to
Iowa City over the next 100 years and the decision we're going to make tonight
about the development on this corner over here. So I just feel really good about
the years I've been on the Council, when we make this kind of a decision, that's
just really important!
Hayek: (several talking) Yeah, I'm ... I'm proud of the Council on this one, assuming we
uh, move forward with second and third the way we did with ... with first. I think
this is a really positive move for, uh, for the downtown. Is there anyone in the
audience who, uh ... wishes to weigh in? Okay. Any further discussion? Roll
call, please. Second consideration passes 7 -0.
Karr: Motion to accept correspondence.
Mims: So moved.
Payne: Second.
Hayek: Moved by Mims, seconded by Payne. Discussion? All those in favor say aye.
Opposed say nay. Motion carries 7 -0.
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ITEM 5e CONDITIONALLY REZONING 221 AND 225 NORTH LINN STREET -
ORDINANCE CONDITIONALLY REZONING .22 ACRES OF LAND
LOCATED AT 221 AND 225 NORTH LINN STREET AND THE
ADJACENT .07 ACRE LOT ASSOCIATED WITH THE MIDAMERICAN
SUBSTATION FROM NEIGHBORHOOD STABILIZATION
RESIDENTIAL (RNS -12) TO CENTRAL BUSINESS SERVICE (CB -2).
(REZ12- 00028) [Discussion only at formal meeting] (SECOND
CONSIDERATION)
Hayek: Council Member Payne's going to recuse herself from, uh, it reads as follows.
(reads Item 5e)
Champion: Move second consideration.
Dobyns: Second!
Hayek: Moved by Champion, seconded by ... Dobyns. Discussion? Any ex parte from the
last reading? Anyone from the audience? Any further discussion? Roll call,
please. Uh, second consideration passes 6 -0, Payne recusing.
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ITEM 5f CONDITIONALLY REZONING ROBERTS DAIRY / HY -VEE GROCERY
- ORDINANCE CONDITIONALLY REZONING APPROXIMATELY 7.79
ACRES OF LAND LOCATED AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF THE
INTERSECTION OF NORTH DODGE STREET AND PRAIRIE DU
CHIEN ROAD FROM MEDIUM DENSITY SINGLE FAMILY (RS -8),
NEIGHBORHOOD PUBLIC (P -1) AND HIGHWAY COMMERCIAL (CH-
1) TO PLANNED DEVELOPMENT OVERLAY- COMMUNITY
COMMERCIAL (OPD- CC -2). (REZ12- 00026) [Discussion only at formal
meeting] (SECOND CONSIDERATION)
Dobyns: Move second consideration.
Mims: Second.
Hayek: Moved by Dobyns, seconded by Mims. Discussion? Ex parte?
Mims: (mumbled) talked to the Manager ... at the HyVee the other day, just ... looking
(both talking) the HyVee (several talking and laughing) Yeah (laughter)
Hayek: Yes, Mary.
Gravitt: My name is Mary Gravitt, and I'm not sure if I'm talking on the right thing about
HyVee, the one that's going to be on north Dodge.
Hayek: You are!
Gravitt: And one of the Council Members had pointed out last time about how the First
Avenue HyVee is unsafe for people on foot, because there's only one strip that's
recognized for pedestrians to come in off Muscatine. It's a yellow line, so you
come in facing the traffic, but after that yellow line runs out, you are in
competition with the cars, and I don't know if anybody listens to the BBC but me.
They were talking about those electric cars ... are silent, so you're walking out,
you know, you don't have a car. So you walking out with your groceries and you
know something is falling you and you look behind you — it's a car behind you.
They won't blow their horn or anything. They're ... I guess to scare you to make
you jump in front of `em, but this new HyVee, I want to know if the bus is going
to go up to the building just like it goes to Wa1Mart, and I want to know how...
what is made for the pedestrians, what's going to make the pedestrians safe,
because even the people who drive cars, they become a pedestrian after they shop
for their groceries. So, and First ... and First Avenue was poorly planned. So I
want to know, like I said, what I want to know is the bus going up to the building.
They can make their plans now to take the bus up to the building, and uh, my bus
driver told me previously the bus did go up to the old HyVee building on north
Dodge, and he said for some reason they stopped it, but now with the price of
gasoline going up, and soon I think we'll be in Iran bombing them, cutting off our
oil supplies, gasoline (mumbled) could be $10 a gallon, so who knows? But I
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want to know if the person on foot and the disabled person is going to be
protected over there. It's not my HyVee cause I'm at the First Avenue. It's too
late for me. Thank you.
Hayek: Thank you. And those plans are on file with the City. I would encourage you to
take a look at `em.
Gravitt: (unable to hear away from mic)
Hayek: Okay. Any further ... any further discussion? Any further input from the ... from
the audience? Any discussion on the part of Council? Roll call, please. Second
consideration passes 7 -0.
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ITEM 6. SOUTH HICKORY HILL PARK SAFE ROOM (and restroom) PROJECT
APPROVING PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, FORM OF CONTRACT, AND
ESTIMATE OF COST FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SOUTH
HICKORY HILL PARK SAFE ROOM PROJECT, ESTABLISHING
AMOUNT OF BID SECURITY TO ACCOMPANY EACH BID,
DIRECTING CITY CLERK TO PUBLISH NOTICE TO BIDDERS, AND
FIXING TIME AND PLACE FOR RECEIPT OF BIDS.
a. PUBLIC HEARING
Hayek: This is a public hearing. The public hearing is open. (bangs gavel) Public
hearing is closed. (bangs gavel)
b. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION
Mims: Move, uh, resolution.
Dobyns: Second.
Hayek: Moved by Mims, seconded by Dobyns. Discussion? Roll call, please. Item
passes 7 -0. And for the public's information, this, uh, and I should have
mentioned this, includes... involves the construction of an ADA- accessible
restroom and safe -room facility at the south end of Hickory Hill Park.
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ITEM 8. COLOR SCHEME TAXICABS - CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE
AMENDING TITLE 5, ENTITLED "BUSINESS AND LICENSE
REGULATIONS," CHAPTER 2, ENTITLED "TAXICABS" TO REQUIRE
A DISTINCTIVE FOR ALL VEHICLES DRIVEN BY A COMPANY.
(PASS AND ADOPT)
Throgmorton: I move we defer this indefinitely, uh, and then instruct the staff to, uh, investigate
the viability of, uh, coming up with some new procedures with regard to
independent owner- operators or contractual operators.
Champion: Second.
Throgmorton: The mo ... the motion is to defer this indefinitely.
Hayek: Why don't we just have that be the motion, to defer indefinitely? I think we've
already instructed that we'll set up a work session on those other items.
Throgmorton: Okay.
Dobyns: Second!
Hayek: Okay, moved by Throgmorton, uh, seconded by Dobyns. Discussion? Anyone
from the public on this? Okay, all those in favor say aye. Opposed say nay.
Motion carries 7 -0.
Karr: Motion to accept correspondence.
Throgmorton: So moved.
Payne: Second.
Hayek: Moved by Throgmorton, seconded by Payne. Discussion? All those in favor say
aye. Opposed say nay. Motion carries 7 -0.
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ITEM 9. COLLEGE GILBERT DEVELOPER SELECTION - CONSIDER A
MOTION RANKING THE PREFERRED DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS
FOR THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF COLLEGE STREET AND
GILBERT STREET, AND DIRECTING STAFF TO BEGIN
NEGOTIATING A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE
PREFERRED DEVELOPER.
Mims: I move that we...
Payne: Can I recuse myself first?
Hayek: Yes!
Mims: Oops, sorry! (laughs) Um, I move that we select The Chauncey as our preferred
developer with Chauncey Garden as the alternate.
Champion: Second.
Hayek: Moved by Mims, seconded by Champion. Discussion?
Norbeck: Thank you for making a couple minutes for me...
Hayek: Absolutely!
Norbeck: ...Mayor. Um, Martha Norbeck, 906 S. 7th Avenue. The Council is going to
share with the public tonight that they will prioritize a bowling alley and untested
non - profit cinema over the New Pioneer Co -op. That equates to $200 per person
for the TIF to support luxury condos and a bowling alley. The Co -op has been
operating in downtown Iowa City for 42 years. The Co -op projects to do $18
million in the first year at the corner of College and Gilbert. They will employ
over 190 people. The Co -op has studied dozens of options in the downtown area.
This was the choice that the membership voted for. This is the corner that they
felt would meet their needs and get them out of the flood plan ... plain. They are
very likely going to have to consider moving out of downtown Iowa City, and
Riverfront Crossings will not come soon enough. They need to move soon. They
are bursting at the seams! They can't wait for Riverfront Crossings. They need to
move now. I'm deeply disappointed. The Council chose not to ask any questions
of their financial experts. The Council didn't ask if the city has the firefighting
capacity to serve a 20 -story building. There are dozens of other detailed, nuanced
questions that they do not ... the Council does not have the expertise to answer,
that they could have asked of their City staff, and chose not to! A Council
Member casually stated that the sustainable qualities of the three proposals would
be the same. This is blatantly untrue! The glass boxes of Chauncey Gardens and
The Chauncey will be lucky to achieve 35% energy efficiency. They claim that
they'll be able to use geothermal. 404's already evaluated geothermal at this
location and deemed it financially unfeasible. 404 would deliver 89% energy
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savings — 89% compared to a lucky 35! 2012 was the warmest year on record in
the U.S. and this is how the City chooses to address climate change? Council
Members... Members will claim they are responding to public opinion. I've been
at every meeting. I've read every letter that's been posted in the packets. I have
read every article in the papers. I disagree with your interpretation. People ask
for shorter buildings. They ask for sustainability. They ask for a pedestrian-
oriented development, and if you subtract out the comments of members of the
board of FilmScene, go back and count those letters. They will not ... the public is
not going to get what they asked for. The Council chose to decline further advice
of their staff. It was said by a Council Member that this building will be here a
100 years. Yes! I agree, and so will its energy use and so will all 20 stories that
they propose to place outside the central business district, and how about that
bowling alley? Is it going to be functioning and vibrant and thriving in 20 years?
Having a pedestrian activity? How bout a 100 years? Bowling's going to be
great then! The Council appears to be voting for pictures and polic ... politics.
I'm ashamed ... for my city! Thank you.
Hayek: Thank you for your comments.
Gravitt: My name is Mary Gravitt and I've been waiting to get to this part. (mumbled) uh,
I agree with the former speaker. That land down there on the corner, which way
ever it is, is not suitable for an 18 -story building! It's not room! You have to
have room. You have to have some gardens surrounding it, and not only that,
they want to put a bowling alley there. We used to have two bowling alleys. One
on First Avenue and the other one is still here, hanging on by ... the skin of its
teeth! And you talk about a movie theater. Any time you have the University's
name connected with movies, that spells boring to the young people (laughter).
And, I know ... I oughta know. I'm a professional audience. I go to all these little
things, you know, because especially the International Writers. I'm too ashamed
not to go, because it's only ... the only audience there are the writers, me, and a ... a
couple other people. We know each other. People see boring. So ... the Co -op is
the building that should go there. They contribute to the neighborhood, and it's
going to be a low -rise building with apartments on top. But you don't want to
have ... what happened on Gilbert, what's happening over there on Sycamore Mall,
when Von Maur tips out. It's going bankrupt. You don't want to start on a
building ... I don't know how the City makes out when a building goes bankrupt.
But you can see bankruptcy right there. If you want 18- stories, go down on the
corner of Burlington and Washington. You know, you're going to have the Music
Building down there anyway. And that's the perfect spot. But ... that is the
perfect spot for the Co -op, and the Co -op has to get out of that flood plain, and if
you're planning to build the city, you have to build it up. Because Sandy has
brothers and sisters out there and this is what I'm afraid of, when that weather hits
Iowa City, and it will, cause it's going all around. The people in New York and
New Jersey never, especially New York, never believed they'd look like New
Orleans. So I am for ... a smaller building. I'm for the Co -op moving in there.
It's part of Iowa City. It's an institution.
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Orleans. So I am for ... a smaller building. I'm for the Co -op moving in there.
It's part of Iowa City. It's an institution.
Hayek: Thank you for your comments.
(can't hear): Good evening, my name is (can't hear) and I am a (mumbled) of Trinity Church,
um, which of course is going to be sitting opposite the purposed building at
College and Gilbert. Now ... we have over the last couple of months presented to
the City Council, uh, thoughts and opinions and I ... we thank you for listening to
us. But I have to say that the decision you appear to be coming to is precisely
what we do not want. It does not allow for affordable housing. It does not allow
for environmental sustainability. It will, I'm afraid, cast a shadow over our
building, making our place of worship, which has been a sanctuary in this city for
150 years (mumbled). It will ruin the quality of the light and the quality of our
sanctuary space. Also, it ... um ... does not ... provide for community facil ... enough
parking for... our, particularly older parishioners to get to church safely and
comfortably, where are they going to park? And finally, it is a building that is out
of scale and out of proportion with the rest of the city. A 20 -story tower? There's
no building around here big enough, and if you build one and some developer is
going to find some other vacant space and, um, build another. I'm afraid that I
would have to describe the proposals, both The Chauncey and the Chauncey
Gardens, in the same words Prince Charles used (mumbled) the National Gallery
in London. It will be a carbuncle on the face of a well -loved friend. Thank you
very much for hearing us and best of luck with your deliberations.
Hayek: Thank you, sir!
Horan: Hi, my name is Howard Horan and I'm here speaking for Trinity Episcopal
Church, um, I would ... am sad to hear that you might choose a 20 -story building.
I think it, uh, while Iowa City may need a 20 -story building at some point, I
understand the economics of building up. We can't build out. Uh, I think it's a
sad, uh, change in the character of, uh, downtown. Uh... as a church, you know,
we made a specific investment in our LEED, uh, when we redid the church and I
imagine there's some heat gain built into our LEED plan, which will now go
away. Uh, I think that you folks are responsible for, if we all are committing to
this sort of energy, uh, management that we all have to, uh, we all have to balance
that quite carefully. Uh, and I'm also concerned about the parking, and I
understand that the blue ramp is not, uh, totally used, um, but it certainly will be
very full after we put a 20 -story building in, and I understand that that plan shares
some of the blue ramp, uh, and I have to ask the Council then what ... what are we
going to do to replace the parking that we're going to spend that sits in the blue
ramp for this project? I'd really like to see you, uh, pick 404. Thanks!
Hayek: Thank you.
Coffman: Hello, my name is Diana Coffman and I ... oops (noise on mic) (laughter)
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Coffman: I can only imagine. Urn ... this is such a big decision, and it's going to have such a
lasting and permanent affect on the city that ... I wish I, because I work evenings
often I haven't been able to be more active. Um ... I would just ask the Council to
consider do you really need to move this quickly? And, do you really need to put
so much, ask so much of a, uh, of this corner? It sounds like you're wanting to
have, you know, we have this piece of public land that I think of as ... a citizens'
public property also. It's all of our land! And by designating it for a very...
turning it over essentially to private use, in some cases is logical and appropriate.
I think for this particular spot, I think you're, um, I would ask that you step back
and consider a ... a grander vision. I think your vision for this, to me, seems, um...
cramped and um, it's a possibility to have something exciting and welcoming and
stimulating. This could be a gateway or a doorway between the community and
downtown to make a statement, and I was ... I was thinking about opportunities,
and I ... I know it's so far in the process, but it seems like it's been so fast! Um,
that for those of us who have other activities, it's hard to find a place to jump in.
But I think of, um ... the kind of public spaces that make a city like Iowa City even
more wonderful, um ... Central Park has ... does anyone in New York ever say,
gosh, I wish we had more... skyscrapers in Central Park? Do the people who look
at Millenial Park in Chicago where they dedicated a, you know, great space but
they dedicated it to the public. Um, Fort Worth, Dallas have fabulous gardens
and parks that are for the people, but yet are the ... the denser you grow a city, the
more the need for green space. That's been proven in study after study, and we're
already in a green space deficit downtown. Poor little College Green is worn to a
nub. What else is there? I mean there's no green here, and this is a place you
could ... we could create a garden that would be a magnet for ... for, uh, people who
come to visit. It would be a place of vision and welcoming, to transition, where
people could have respite from what seems to be a move toward more and more
density. Um ... that's just one vision, one possibility, but it doesn't have to be
something that's going to be so intrusive and so different from the rest of the
character, um ... and especially I think sends the wrong message. I ... I agree with
the gentleman who said this could be a... an invitation to other developers to want
to start putting in more and more of the same in this area. It makes sense to some
extent in the downtown, and ... and the other side of Burlington where essentially
the pedestrian-scape has already been ... is a desert. It's already all apartments.
There's what, the Courthouse is historically significant. The old school, but
otherwise ... uh, you might as well put the tall ugly stuff over on that side where
it's not going to do harm. In this spot, it would do harm. I truly think you would
be harming the community, and I see I'm losing you there. I'm sorry for that but
um ... you know, I think ... I don't think I'm a lone voice. I'm sorry I haven't heard
more of the participants, but to move forward so quickly on this, I think is just
missing an opportunity that we may not have again. It's such an important spot!
It's such a, you know, it just ... having a big huge ... thing there is just going to... I
don't think you can appreciate (laughs) you know, what it's ... what it's going to
do, and I think we should wait to see the effect that the Moen Towers has on
downtown. I think we should wait and see what some of these other big
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apartment buildings, that thing that's going in across the Co -op, how they're
affecting the feel and the character and the sense of place that are being eroded.
Um, I would just ask to, you know, we could just say no! There's no reason to go
forward with any of this stuff at this point. We've had some ideas. We've had
some discussion. Maybe we need more of the same. Just d thought from
somebody who loves the city and would just ... once it's done ... once it's up, we
can't ... we're not going to be taking it down, so just ... pause, think, and reflect,
please. I ... I beg of you. (mumbled)
Hayek: Thank you. Would anyone else, uh, from the audience care to address us? Okay.
I will, uh, close it down for Council discussion. Motion's still on the floor. We
had a ... a pretty robust discussion, uh, two and a half hours ago on this and so
people may ... may not care to restate their ... their positions. Uh...
Dickens: No, I ... I don't have any problem stating my position. I think we really did spend
a lot of time looking at this. We looked at the matrix. We used that matrix to
look at all the options that we had here. We have had lots of public input, uh, not
just at the Council meetings. We've had people call us, stop in and see us. Uh, I
don't have a problem moving ahead, uh, stepping back, sure. You could do that,
but I think we ... we've spent a lot of time on this, and I feel very comfortable
moving ahead, and uh, making The Chauncey our primary... position and the
Chauncey Gardens our second.
Mims: I do too. I think, uh, like you say we had a lot of discussion earlier. I think it is
important though at the formal meeting, um, that is televised to give people, um,
at home who are watching an opportunity to hear, uh, some of our rationale for,
uh, how we've reached the decision, um, that we have as a ... a majority of the
Council. Um, we had ... at the beginning nine very good proposals that came
forward, and we narrowed it down to three, which I ... I think we all agreed were
excellent proposals. Certainly some significant differences in those, uh, one of
the issues I think that ... that we've discussed, we've debated, that the public has
weighed in on is the mass of the building, the size. Um, the number of stories is
not fixed yet. That will be part of the negotiations, um, between the preferred
developer and the City, um, don't expect it to be significantly less than ... than
what it is right now. For me, uh, some of the things I think that were really
important were the multiple uses, uh, in that facility. We're looking, you know,
long -term in terms of the facility and different options in terms of businesses,
activities, etc., uh, bringing new people downtown maybe that aren't here, um,
already. Uh ... I actually went through, and Matt may have mentioned this earlier
— I'm not sure at the work session, but you know, one of the things I debated is, to
myself, as I was looking at this in terms of the developers was as people know,
um, we have a lot of buildings downtown and have done a fair amount with the
Moen Group, and the idea `should we be doing another project with same
developer' or trying to branch out and diversify the ... the people that we're
working with, and so that was a concern for me, but when I looked at the
proposals, looked at the quality of those, looked at the guarantees that they're
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willing to bring to the table, looked at the experience and the track record that
they have in the community, those things to me overweighed the concern of
working with the same developer on another major project downtown. Uh, part
of the issue, those multiple uses, uh, venues for the under -21 population in the
community, I think, is really important. Um, as I said earlier, I hope, and I think
we all expect the City staff to, uh, negotiate, um, from the, I guess a position of
strength, if you will, um, when it comes to any tax increment financing. We have
a very high - quality I think in our opinion, uh, second place developer that we
could go to if we have to, um, and we want to be fair to everybody, but I think,
you know, we need to get the most that we can, uh, for the taxpayers in terms of
anything that we do in that regard. So, uh, we looked at the ... the shadowing.
What ... what I found actually quite surprising in looking at those shade studies
was that anything that is built out to Gilbert Street, if it's over about four stories
has kind of the same effect as anything that is set back from the street and is
much, much higher. So, um, the distinction between those projects in terms of the
shadow effect on the church, um, there wasn't as much distinction as I had
certainly expected there would be. Um, so I feel very comfortable with where
we're at with, uh, selecting Chauncey as our preferred developer and Chauncey
Garden, um, as the second.
Champion: I agree with everything you've said, Susan. I love this possibility of this building.
I think the mix use is ... is exciting and it will ... it will add a lot of vibrancy and it
brings in some new things, and I ... I'm just really excited about it and I know
we've worked a lot with the Moen Group, and um, I think when I first said this
was my favorite thing, one of my family said, well, you're going to be criticized
for that, and I said well I've never made a decision based on some ... whether
someone's going to criticize me or not, and I do love this building. I look forward
to it going up and it's ... I think people will actually love it once it goes up. I
mean, I already love it and it's not even up!
Hayek: I think, um ... we talked about this earlier, uh, this evening at the ... at the work
session. I ... it's, we can't stress enough of the importance of looking at something
like this, um, in the aggregate, and uh, taking into consideration the multitude of
factors that we and staff, uh, came up with in terms of what we wanted to see on
this site, what our outcomes, or you know, intended outcomes are. Um, and... and
what the impact is on the community, on that area, uh, etc., and ... and um, we
came up with... with... with a set of guiding principles. Um, not only in terms of
the RFP that went out, but in terms ... but also, um, our review of the information
that came in and the deliberations we went through as individuals and then as a
group, and they include the mix of use, and ... the mixes of use, and ... and the
integration with the surrounding area and the ... and the financial considerations of
which there are many, um, and the background of...of the applicants and the
overall aesthetics, and a ... a multitude of factors. Um, uh ... and also including
the ... the uses. Um, but ... but it ... it's important for us to remember and I think
this process has ... has shown us to carry this out that this should not come down to
a single user, and I don't think it should come down to, um, a... any one particular
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criterion or factor, um, that's why we ... we created a, you know, a ... a set of
criteria that we were going to gauge these by and I think ... I think did. Um,
but ... but to ... to come down because one user was or was not, uh, part of an
application or one feature was or was not, um, part ... part of an application, um,
I... I think would ... would come up short of what our responsibility is, which is to,
um, arrive at, uh, and pursue a ... a project that meets as many of the goals that we
have, um, for that area and that, um, accomplishes the most, um, and I think
that' [s the process that we followed and I think that's what led us to the
conclusions of...of five out of the six, uh, Council Members who ... um, and ... and
what I would describe as a pretty remarkable level of consensus. Um ... uh, on this
issue. Um, it was a ... it was a deliberative process. I think it was an open process.
We were blessed with incredible input from the community, from the applicants,
and ... and from ... from staff, and the people that the City relies on. We, uh, we're
blessed to have, uh, nine solid applications and uh, that's what made this process
difficult and I certainly hope that those who came up short at least at this stage,
uh, and ... and you know, as we mentioned, uh, this ... this ain't over yet, and ... and
so we could be going to a second or third alternate, but those who don't ultimately
end up with this project, uh, hope they stay engaged because, um, we saw a lot of
talent and a lot of interest and a lot of good ideas, uh, through... through this
process. Um, but as was mentioned before, you know ... things are not set in stone
yet. There ... there are issues that are still in play. The ... the economic incentives,
still an issue to be negotiated. The height of the building, as we've discussed with
...with the, uh, probable preferred developer, uh, the height of the building still
has a ... has, is somewhat in play. Um ... the issues of sustainability, uh, in terms of
design, uh, and ... and construction. Uh, still... still somewhat on the table, and so
we're ... what this, what we were doing at this stage is narrowing it down to one
for purposes of further negotiation and we will be having staff engage with the
developer, and I'm sure they will be coming back to us at future junctures as we
zero in on, um, something that's acceptable, uh, to ... to the developer and to the
City, and if we can't get there, we go to plan B. Um, but I think this was a good
process, uh, and ... and a fair and an open one, and I think people took this very
seriously, and... and you know even going back to the sub - committee of staff and
Council that it ... that and Rick and ... and Susan and staff were part of that, and I
thank you for that service. So, those are my comments.
Dobyns: Well our Student Government Representative didn't get a chance to speak now,
but he, uh, did talk about the fact that, uh, University of Iowa Student
Government has talked about this and they also agreed with the majority, uh,
regarding our consideration of The Chauncey. This is, and I struggled with this,
uh, over the three months since Susan Mims and I started with City staff, and the
fact that recognizing that the Co -op is active throughout the day. It creates a
sense of community that goes for many more hours than possibly, um, the current
space in The Chauncey is being utilized. That is with the bowling alley with a
cafe and with a theater. So this weighed heavily, but the fact that this also is an
opportunity for students, um and you can argue if students are going to participate
in this, but nonetheless I had a chance to talk with a lot of colleagues at the
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University who, um, weren't the people by the way who came in here and spoke.
These are people that I solicited, um, input from, and um, and they agreed with
their other colleagues, that they thought the FilmScene could be a very active
endeavor within the community, and especially creating opportunity for, uh,
students to do other things and um, you know, than go to the bars, which I think is
important, um, in the central downtown district. We have the Northside. We
have the Riverfront Crossing. Those are areas where, um, options like Zero ... um,
404 would be very helpful. I hope they come back, as the Mayor said, and um,
you know, give us the same sort of plans. Um, I think that's fantastic.
Remember, I watched that come through the top nine all the way through to
number three, and that was very much because the sustainability, um, issues with
that project. Um, and that's where it was ... where it was, but at the end of the day,
um, we took a look at approximately 20 different separate items and um, during
the work session we didn't exactly go through the numbers, but all of us didn't
work on that on our own. We just came to a general consensus that, um, The
Chauncey would be our number one pick.
Throgmorton: Well, there might have been a general consensus, Rick, but I ... I do not support
this. I think it's a mistake. Uh, so let me explain why. But ... but first of all let
me say I'm very pleased that the, uh, project generated a lot of interest. I thank all
of the development teams for committing their time and energy to it. I recognize
what's involved in that, and I thank all the people who came and spoke to us or
who wrote us in letters or emails or whatever. Uh, there are features that I like in
each of the proposals. I want to go through each of `em and then explain... that'll
explain why I come to the judgment I do. I've ... my preferred alternative is 404.
The best features of this proposal are its relatively modest height and mass, which
I think are very consistent with the transitional zone in which that building will be
...would have been located. It's strong, very strong and unqualified support for
sustainability, especially with regard to energy use and, Martha, you hit the nail
right on the head, uh, with regard to that. It's linkages to important community
groups, uh... it, uh, its emphasis on modest income workforce housing and so on.
I also like its relatively modest TIF request and quick payback time. That matters.
I was trying to balance those ... the financial aspects of this against all the other
sort of features that are associated with each of the projects, and that's difficult to
do, I assure you. Its least appealing feature in my view is its exterior design.
From the get -go I thought it needed some good architectural work, a little more
architectural work. Sorry, I'm tired. I couldn't speak that quite so clearly.
Chauncey Gardens is my second choice. By far its best feature is the extent to
which it has incorporated publicly accessible green space into the building's
design. This is a really admirable feature. Every time I've looked at that project I
thought somebody really knows what they're doing there. I like ... I like the idea.
And I really like the way they've tried to connect the building well with its
surrounding context, mainly by making it possible for people to get up onto the
second floor on foot, regardless of which aspect of our community, uh .... uh, the
individuals come from. From an architectural point of view, uh, my sense is that
it is easily the most attractive of the three proposals. So, I want to praise the, uh,
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architectural firm, uh, for its work — Neumann Munson. The worst features are its
height and mass, which are considerably out of scale when compared to nearby
buildings, and the size of its TIF request. So, uh, what I like most about the third
proposal, The Chauncey, is its incorporation of FilmScene, and its effort to bring
other new activities into the downtown area, just as, uh, my colleagues have said.
Its least appealing features, in my view, are that it is designed primarily for upper
income users. Its overall design is too reflective of one person's aesthetic
judgment. Much as I admire, uh, Marc Moen and do admire, as I've said publicly
many times, various buildings he's put up and what he's done for downtown, I
think there is such a thing as too much, and it's the mass of the building, the
height and mass of the building are so out of proportion with the building's
context. When I looked at the scale model of those buildings, uh, during our
public hearing several weeks ago, I ... I was kinda floored by the difference in the
scale and mass of that building, relative to the nearby structures, including this
one. And, its TIF request is the largest, so I think about that also. I also think we
should have given more consideration to the merits of rezoning the land to CB -10,
which apparently we're going to do at some point, uh, in the ... in the near future.
Sell the land to a willing buyer and let the market build a project, without TIF
support. Now I'm not saying I'm an advocate for that. I'm saying we should
have given it more serious consideration, because it's a matter of balancing the
finances against what the ... what the ultimate project would, uh, turn out to be. In
the end however, a clear majority of my colleagues have chosen to go with The
Chauncey and I certainly respect the will of the majority. I congratulate the
winning project team and I'll do everything I can to make sure the project
succeeds for the better of the city, but I think the decision is a mistake.
Hayek: Thanks, Jim. Any further discussion? Okay, the motion's on the table, uh, all
those in favor say aye. Opposed say nay. Item carries 5 -1, Throgmorton in the
negative and Payne recusing.
Karr: Motion to accept correspondence.
Mims: So moved.
Dickens: Second.
Dobyns: second.
Hayek: Moved by Mims, seconded by Dobyns. Discussion? All those in favor say aye.
Opposed say nay. Motion carries 6 -0.
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ITEM 13. CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION.
Hayek: Start down with you, Jim.
Throgmorton: Yeah, I'd like to bring up two things, Matt, uh, as I mentioned during (clears
throat) excuse me, during the work session I wanted to say a little bit about the
urban chicken's policy. Um, I ... when we voted on that, was that two weeks ago?
Kind of lose track of these things, but when we voted on it, I intended to vote no
on the policy because I object to the veto provision built into it, as you all know,
cause I said that, uh, over and over again, but I became a little bit confused and
ended up voting yes and I, you know, my fault, my bad, I was tired, confused,
whatever, but I ... I intended to vote no and I ended up voting yes. So I had to ... I
tried to find out what's required in order to reconsider a vote and you know do the
vote over again basically, a do -over as my kids always used to say, and uh, thanks
to Sue Dulek who works with, uh, with Eleanor, uh, I learned how to do it, and
thought about asking you all to do it, but I think it'd be self - indulgent and, you
know, so I decided not to go that route.
Mims: Thank you!
Throgmorton: Uh, yeah, right (laughter)
Champion: You didn't want to go through the chickens again! (laughter)
Throgmorton: Yeah, yeah, I mean, like Rick said, uh, a couple weeks ago, I don't know, the
chickens have crossed the road or let's let the chickens cross the road or whatever
(laughter) So, but anyhow, I intended to vote no. I just wanted it on the record.
The second thing I'd like to say is ... oh, last night was such a pain to watch,
meaning Alabama beat Notre Dame, my alma mater, but I want to give due credit
to Alabama. They played a superb game. They were clearly the superior team
last night, uh, it was real... pleasure to watch them play so well, and Notre Dame
will be better next year. (laughter)
Champion: Well I did notice you voted yes and I thought it was really strange (laughter) I
thought well that's odd!
Throgmorton: I was confused!
Champion: That's all! I have nothing else to say.
Mims: Nothing.
Dickens: I just want to invite everybody downtown for the ice - skating which starts Friday,
late Friday afternoon, all day Saturday and from 12 to 5:00, I believe, on Sunday
on Iowa Avenue. Uh, the Downtown District is setting up a ice skating area with,
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uh, I believe skates are going to be provided. Everything is free. So just come
down and show off your stuff!
Payne: I don't have anything tonight.
Hayek: Uh, couple things. Number one, uh, in addition to this weekend and... and the ice
skating there's the one -book, two -book festival, um, which'll be great for families
and children, um, great literature event that I think showcases much of the best
of... of this community. Um, that's the first thing, and the second thing was, I
wanted to, um, recognize some students at West High who, uh, are part of what's
called West High Bros which was featured this morning, uh, the Today Show,
national television, they had a three or four minute spot, that was just fantastic,
and essentially involved a student who was then joined by some other students
who started using social media to compliment, um, fellow students and ... and, uh,
that moved onto complimenting teachers. Uh, for jobs well done, just sort of
random acts of kindness and encouragement, um, and as happens with lots of
good ideas, uh, this went viral and uh, has gotten a lot of support, enough so that
it was picked up by national news and they had a feature on it this morning, so
kudos to West High and ... and to the students who got this started.
Dobyns: And I wanted to second that. There were so many things. We all remember
junior high and high school. There are so many things that can bring you down,
and uh, you know, a shout out to Jeremiah Anthony and John Ely who were the
two student leaders at West High who brought this Twitter account forward, that
just brought a lot of people up. I think that's great. (several talking)
Hayek: That's great.
Throgmorton: Jeremiah's the son of my, uh, friend and former colleague, Jerry Anthony, who
served on the, the uh, Scattered Site Housing Task Force with you, Matt. Uh,
Jerry is in India right now, so this morning I saw an email from him saying, "I
couldn't see it on TV. I couldn't download an image, but it's so great to hear
about this," and then he said his son really didn't even tell him about it for at least
a year after they initiated that thing, at, uh, at West High. (several talking)
Dobyns: ...10:00 that somebody you know would say do you know where your children
are. Well he knows where his child was (laughter)
Hayek: Yeah, that was just wonderful, so...
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ITEM 14. REPORT ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF.
a) City Manager.
Hayek: City Manager?
Markus: It generated I think 3,000 tweets which when you think about that, you know,
3,000 messages of, you know, positive messages to follow students is really quite
an accomplishment. Other than that I don't have anything.
Champion: I didn't get one! (laughter)
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council
formal meeting of January 8, 2013.