HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-03-28 Info Packetd
CITY OF IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET
MISCELLANEOUS
I131 Council Tentative Meeting Schedule
March 28, 2013
I132 Memo from Architectural Services Coordinator: Fire Station No.4 — final cost and change
orders
IP3 Memo from Police Chief: Old recruiting video
IN Memo form Transportation Planner: Iowa DOT rulemaking process for Automated Traffic
Enforcement AKA red light running and speed cameras
IP5 Police Citizens Review Board Community Forum
IP6 Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee Minutes — March 6
DRAFT MINUTES
IP7 Board of Adjustment: March 13
I128 Telecommunications Commission: February 25
I139 Housing & Community Development: March 7
u3 -2o -1 s"
=r City Council Tentative Meeting Schedule IN March 28, 2013
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
Subject to change
Date
Time Meeting
Location
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Tuesday, April 9, 2013
5:00 PM City Conference Board Meeting
Emma J. Harvat Hall
Work Session Meeting
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM Special Formal Meeting
Emma J. Harvat Hall
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
5:00 PM Work Session Meeting
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM Special Formal Meeting
Emma J. Harvat Hall
Monday, April 29, 2013
4:00 PM Tentative Joint Meeting
Johnson County
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Tuesday, May 14, 2013
5:00 PM Work Session Meeting
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM Special Formal Meeting
Emma J. Harvat Hall
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Tuesday, June 4, 2013
5:00 PM Work Session Meeting
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM Formal Meeting
Emma J. Harvat Hall
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
5:00 PM Work Session Meeting
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM Formal Meeting
Emma J. Harvat Hall
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Tuesday, July 23, 2013
5:00 PM Work Session Meeting
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM Formal Meeting
Emma J. Harvat Hall
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CITY OF IOWA CITY 1P2
- MEMORANDUM
DATE: March 22, 2013
TO: Tom Markus, City Manager
FROM: Kumi Morris, Architectural Services Coordinator
RE: Fire Station No. 4- final cost and change orders
A question was posed at the formal City Council meeting on March 19, 2013 regarding the final
construction cost for Fire Station No. 4 and the nature of the change orders. Chief Rocca asked
for me to review and respond to the query.
In March of 2010, the City received great bids for this project, there were thirteen bids submitted.
The bid totals, including alternates, ranged from $2,468,468 to $3,228,103- a $759,635.00 spread.
Due to the great bid numbers and the I -JOB grant funding (50% share of the project costs) the City
was able to accept all the alternates. The total of lowest responsible responsive bidder's total bid
(base + alternates) was significantly lower than the architect's estimate for just the base bid (without
the alternates).
There were 38 Change Order Requests (CORs) from the contractor, which is not unusual for a
project of this scale. Note, not all were approved and most were negotiated and a couple were
deducts [as a basis of comparison- Fire Station No. 2 project had 69 CORs]. We ended up with a
total of eight change orders [these are the consolidated and approved CORS] for Fire Station No. 4.
The change orders were a total of 5.7% of the original contract amount.
The largest change order costs were primarily due to geotechnical issues, or unknown poor soil
conditions. Since the original site was formerly a road bed (county rural road) and construction
storage area [i.e. nonnative soils], staff had some concern for the existing soil condition, and the
early borings reports for the site reflected this circumstance. We included language in the project
specifications to involve outside independent testing to determine the method of dealing and
measuring and replacing the unstable soil situation during construction.
The total cost of the change orders due to this geotechnical issue and the total was $46,931.70 or
just under 1/3 of the change order costs. Without the poor soil condition, our change orders are
3.8% of the construction costs. The remaining CORs varied in addressing typical issues that arose
during the construction, from discontinued products to minor field modifications.
cc:
Andy Rocca, Fire Department
Rick Fosse, Public Works Department
Marian Karr, City Clerk
SAENG\ARCHITECTURE FILE \Projects \Fire Station 4 Project \Close out documents \Memo to City Manager- Fire Station No 4- final cost and change orders.doc
` r CITY OF IOWA CITY 1P3
MEMORANDUM
Date:
March 26, 2013
To:
Mr. Thomas Markus
From:
Chief Sam Hargadine
Re:
Old recruiting video
The former Iowa City Police Department (ICPD) recruitment video, developed four years ago,
has been a point of community debate due to the chosen music, imagery, and companion music
video. While certainly not unique amongst similar recruitment videos, the ICPD is responding to
the concerns of our citizens by removing the video and developing a new recruitment video.
The new video will focus on the City's strategic plan and will expand on the benefits of living and
working in Iowa City.
The ICPD has been successful in recruiting quality officers and is hopeful that by expanding on
the organizational and community assets expressed within the new video, a higher degree of
interest in working for Iowa City will emerge. In February 2013, the ICPD partnered with the
Iowa City Cable Division to begin the process of filming the new video.
�-�-A CITY OF IOWA CITY IN
. � --- Ze-2ftr�" MEMORANDUM
Date: March 27, 2013
To: Tom Markus, City Manager
From: John Yapp, Transportation Planner
Re: Iowa DOT rulemaking process for Automated Traffic Enforcement AKA red light running and
speed cameras
Introduction
We were recently notified that the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) will be commencing a formal process
to develop and adopt rules to govern the implementation and placement of Automated Traffic Enforcement (ATE)
systems on the primary highway system. Up to this point, Iowa DOT has had general guidelines, but no firm rules
for use of ATE. In Iowa City, the primary highway system includes Interstate 80, and Highways 1 & 6 (including
segments of Burlington St, Dodge St, Governor St and Riverside Drive)
Background
In 2012, Iowa City adopted legislation to permit local use of ATE systems for red light running enforcement. Since
that time, the Transportation Planning Division has been collecting and quantifying traffic speed, volume, collision,
and red light running - related data at the request of Iowa DOT staff. Our goal has been to receive a permit from
Iowa DOT for use of red light cameras at certain Highway 1 & 6 intersections prior to entering into negotiations
with a red light camera provider. The majority of our red light running complaints and collisions are on segments
of Highways 1 & 6.
Discussion of Options
With Iowa DOT implementing a rulemaking process as opposed to general guidelines, we have two options for
proceeding with data collection and quantification of the safety benefits of pursuing red light running cameras.
The first option is to proceed with evaluating local, non - primary highway intersections. I will restate the majority of
our red light running issues are at intersections which are a part of the primary highway system.
The second option is to wait until Iowa DOT has adopted rules for the use of ATE. Iowa DOTs goal is to provide
local governments with a defined process for documenting specific locations proposed for red light running or
speed cameras, and implementing warranted safety solutions.
Recommendation
I recommend waiting until Iowa DOT has adopted rules before proceeding with additional data collection and
subsequent consideration of red light cameras in Iowa City. If we proceed this spring with additional data
collection and analysis, we risk using considerable staff time with the potential our data does not comport to
and /or will not satisfy Iowa DOT requirements. The creation of consistent, statewide rules will influence the type
of data and information we collect, and will help quantify the benefits of red light cameras when they are
warranted.
Cc: Sam Hargadine, Chief of Police
Kris Ackerson, Assistant Transportation Planner
We invite YOU to attend a forum.
The City of Iowa City
a IP5
WHEN: Tuesday, April 23, 2013
TIME: 6:00 PM
WHERE: Iowa City Public Library, Rm A
123 South Linn Street, IC
TOPIC:
The Police Citizens Review Board will be holding a Community Forum
for the purpose of hearing Citizens' views on the policies, practices and
procedures of the Iowa City Police Department.
(Find ICPD General Orders at www.ic oq v.org under Police Dept)
QUESTIONS & COMMENTS:
Send your questions or comments you'd like addressed at the forum
to the following by Monday, April 8th:
Please include full name and address. (All correspondence is public)
PCRB
City of Iowa City
410 E Washington St
Iowa City, IA 52240
Or e-mail to PCRB staff:
kellie-tuttle@iowa-city.org
The Board will attempt to address all correspondence received.
The forum will be taped for rebroadcast.
L-rj2m-"
IP6
MINUTES OF THE JOINT INFORMAL MEETING OF JOHNSON COUNTY
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE COORDINATING
COMMITTEE:
MARCH 6, 2013
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Jail and Courthouse Tours .................................................................................. ..............................1
Plan for Addressing Prevention, Jail Alternatives, Case Expediting and Recidivism and
Scheduling of Public Input Meeting ............................................................ ..............................2
Progress on Other Aspects of the Revised Justice Center Planning Document, Including but
not Limited to, Bond Referendum and Revised Building Plans .................. ..............................5
Alternatives and Treatments Subcommittee ....................................................... ..............................5
Public Information/Outreach Subcommittee ...................................................... ..............................5
FacilitiesSubcommittee ..................................................................................... ..............................6
Funding/Grants Subcommittee ........................................................................... ..............................7
Additional Comments from Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee Members ..........................8
SetNext Meeting Date ....................................................................................... ..............................8
Chairperson Rettig called the Johnson County Board of Supervisors to order in the
Johnson County Health and Human Services Building at 4:33 p.m. Members present
were: Pat Harney, Terrence Neuzil, Janelle Rettig, and Rod Sullivan.
Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee Members present were: MECCA Director
Ron Berg, County Attorney Janet Lyness, Bar Association Representative James
McCarragher, District Judge Douglas Russell, and Consultation of Religious
Communities Representative Dorothy Whiston; Iowa City Public Library Adult Service
Coordinator Kara Logsden arrived at 4:35 p.m. Absent: Department of Corrections
Supervisor Jerri Allen, Iowa City City Council Member Connie Champion, University of
Iowa Student Representative Drew Lakin, Public Defender's Managing Attorney Peter
Persaud, County Sheriff Lonny Pulkrabek, and Citizen Representative Professor Emeritus
John Stratton. Staff present: Major Steve Dolezal, Lieutenant Kevin Bell, and
Auditor's Office Administrative Secretary Angela Laffey.
JAIL AND COURTHOUSE TOURS
Rettig asked if plans exist for more Jail or Courthouse tours in the future. County
Attorney Janet Lyness said the County used to have these weekly tours on Wednesdays.
She plans to implement them again and will send out press releases advertising the tours,
possibly on Mondays or Fridays this time depending on the Court schedules. Rettig
asked her to send the press release to the Board.
Major Steve Dolezal said County Sheriff Lonny Pulkrabek started giving Jail tours
again for ten people at a time. One tour was full, another had seven participants, and the
upcoming tour is scheduled to be full. He said he thinks Pulkrabek's intention is to
continue them up through the scheduled May 7th election. Rettig asked Dolezal to
Informal Minutes: March 6, 2013/ page 2
inform the Board when tours are scheduled so they can spread the word on the County
website.
Rettig said she spend an afternoon at the Courthouse during the February murder trial.
While there, she observed exits, fire suppression, movement of people, exits out of the
room, the lighting, and the sound. Afterwards, she was invited to attend Rocket Docket,
the Driving under Suspension Diversion Program for those charged with driving while
under suspension. Rettig said this was enlightening and encouraged others to attend the
March Rocket Docket. Lyness said Rocket Docket is usually standing room only.
PLAN FOR ADDRESSING PREVENTION, JAIL ALTERNATIVES, CASE
EXPEDITING AND RECIDIVISM AND SCHEDULING OF PUBLIC INPUT
MEETING
Rettig said the Board had a Work Session with Lyness, Pulkrabek, and Jail
Alternatives Program Coordinator Jessica Peckover to review this multi -step planning
document and a beginning draft has been distributed to CJCC members. They will
continue to work on this document and then the Board will take public comment on the
working draft at a March 26th Work Session scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. at the
Courthouse.
Lyness said she and Peckover are developing an outline of a plan that first lists the
County's current prevention methods. The second part of the plan will list specific jail
alternatives and treatment programs the County already has implemented, along with the
limitations of those programs. The third part of the plan will include possible future
programs but what is preventing that from being done now, such as space, money, or
both. One version will list those three elements in detail and the other version will be a
one page, easy -to -read summary. Lyness said she expects to provide a draft for review
prior to the March 26th work session. She added that the big Courtroom will likely be
available.
Sullivan asked if there was anything people thought was particularly wrong with the
draft document or if the Board missed anything important. Neuzil agreed. At the last
Work Session on the proposed justice center the public sentiment was that they were
uninformed. Rettig agreed.
Lyness said she and the Board also want to include ideas of how to reduce
disproportionate minority contact (DMC) within the criminal justice system. Neuzil said
some members of the community want the Board to solve all social issues and change all
federal and state laws before building a new justice center facility. He does not know if
the Board can do anything more for those people. He agreed public outreach could be
improved.
Consultation of Religious Communities Representative Dorothy Whiston said a
proposal before the Iowa City Human Rights Commission calls for opposing the justice
center on the basis of DMC. Neuzil said they [the Human Rights Commission] just want
Informal Minutes: March 6, 2013/ page 3
to make the situation worse. Whiston said she did not say she supports the proposal and
added that unless the County takes a substantial and affirmative step toward a systemic
examination of the issue, then the bond referendum will fail again.
Rettig said County Attorney Lyness is in the position to lead this dialogue pursuant to
the CJCC's conversations about initial contact and recidivism. Whiston thinks the
standard national practice now is for various judicial systems, counties included, to do a
Systemic Analysis of Racial Equity Outcomes. This analysis measures how policies,
budgets, and staffing are related to the current racial disparities in the system being
analyzed. Analysis is done across the courts, jail, policing, and attorneys, and takes care
to continue the analysis as the climate in the area changes. Whiston said she does not
think the County is currently fulfilling its moral obligation.
Sullivan asked Whiston who does these systemic analyses. Whiston said national
evidence -based models are out there, which probably involve hiring a consultant to set
one up. It would involve allocating staff time to do the work, which would probably
include aggregating data. Whiston said the County needs to take initiative to do this.
Sullivan recalled that a group did a similar review for the County before but no one
could come up with their name. Whiston said these analyses are becoming more and
more common and listed off King County in Washington and St. Louis County in
Minnesota, as examples. Sullivan said he likes the idea of the study, but the Board will
need to do more research.
Rettig said some of the places Whiston has named have unified law enforcement
between city and county. Johnson County has no control over most arrests that come into
the County jail, so the County itself has no contact with those people. Whiston said the
problems with the criminal justice system are not just at the arrest level and this is a well -
documented fact.
Sullivan suggested the Board could do legwork to figure out who would perform the
analysis and how much it would cost and present the information to the CJCC. Lyness
said DMC Impact Analysis is another name for the systemic analysis of racial equity
outcomes. Whiston said it is important that the analysis is systemic because all aspects of
the system, including the police, courts, and attorney's office, must be analyzed as they
all fit together.
Neuzil said it is interesting that the Iowa City Human Rights Commission is involved,
because shipping prisoners away from their families is a human rights issue. Rettig
added prisoner housing is also a human rights issue. Neuzil agreed and hopes that
message can reach those who want to make the justice center vote about human rights.
Whiston supports the new justice center 100 %.
Rettig said the County would need the buy -in of at least a couple cities and the
University of Iowa (UI) to make this kind of analysis worthwhile. The County does not
Informal Minutes: March 6, 2013/ page 4
control those entities or their approaches to law enforcement. Without their partnership,
Rettig does not think studying the outcomes of such an analysis is possible. Whiston
agreed.
Sullivan said it sounds as though Whiston already has a couple leads in terms of
places that have completed this analysis successfully. He asked if she would send that
information to him to begin the legwork. Whiston said the project would not get done
before the special election, but it would be important to establish a commitment to the
study, which could take a year probably.
Dolezal asked if the group Sullivan mentioned earlier was out of Colorado. Harney
said it was a group of retired sheriffs and Department of Corrections employees.
Whiston said if the analysis does not happen, then she would encourage the CJCC to
think of a very proactive, practical statement of commitment somehow related to this
issue. Harney said the County is assembling a jail alternatives document which covers
the issues, without doing the study. Lyness said she and Peckover discussed the study
already as an option. They would like to know if there is a specific analysis to include in
the document.
Rettig said the plan was to hold a public input work session potentially on March
26th, vote on the document at the Board's Informal Meeting scheduled on the 28th, and
then the Formal Meeting on April 4th. She clarified this is a working document and will
remain such when it is adopted.
Former University of Iowa Campus Planner Larry Wilson said the list of possible
programs if Johnson County had the space in a new justice center is quite a lengthy list.
He asked if the list could be prioritized. He also suggested that the public might ask why
the Board does not rent some space to implement these programs now while they are
waiting for a justice center. He raised one more possible public question regarding how
the County will have more money after the justice center is built than before. Wilson
said these are some questions he thinks the public might ask about this project.
Rettig said renting space is not an option because the space must be secure for the
prisoners and the document should state that. Wilson said these are the details the public
is not aware of. Sullivan said people like Lieutenant Kevin Bell are doing some of that
work but will have to move to supervise someone who is actually incarcerated. When
those people are not all in the same place, the officers cannot keep track of them.
Sullivan said the Board can address the money concern by explaining the County has
to fund people as they go to jail anyway. If the County can get away with something
cheaper that does not put a person in jail, the Board will choose that option. Rettig added
the other option is to shorten the prisoner's length of stay in jail. Wilson said a person
from the public could ask why that depends on a new justice center. Rettig said the
document needs to clarify the space concerns.
Informal Minutes: March 6, 2013/ page 5
PROGRESS ON OTHER ASPECTS OF THE REVISED JUSTICE CENTER
PLANNING DOCUMENT, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, BOND
REFERENDUM AND REVISED BUILDING PLANS
Rettig said the agenda item has nothing to do with the outcome of the March 5th
election, but with the turnout. It has caused her to wonder if a May election is
worthwhile. Only 6,100 people voted in the March 5th election and 9,700 people voted
in the Special Election three years ago. The Board originally thought the May election
would attract 10,000 to 15,000 voters, but yesterday was a really important election for a
position with a lot of authority over a very large budget and still, only 6,100 people
showed up. It is obvious people have voter fatigue.
Lyness said she believes the snowstorm had a huge impact on turnout. The casino
vote in Linn County also grabbed the media attention for some time, and distracted the
voters from events in Johnson County. Bond issues are never going to get lower, the
same applies for interest rates, and construction cost. Delaying the vote will only drive
up the cost.
Harney asked about absentee votes. Rettig said absentee votes were down over 1,000
votes from the last special election so voter apathy was a factor. Iowa City Public
Library Adult Service Coordinator Kara Logsden said early voting was not available at
the Hy -Vee food stores as it has been in the past. Rettig said Hy -Vee did not want the
County to set up voting at their stores anymore; the County was thrown out of Hy -Vee.
Logsden said that might change in the future; she thinks the Auditor's Office is trying to
work with Hy -Vee as those sites have high voter turnout.
Judge Doug Russell said there will not be a higher voter turnout than last November
so he does not think this is an argument for delay. He thinks the bond referendum
election should remain as scheduled. Harney agreed and added the costs will increase if
it doesn't pass in May.
Rettig said the newly elected Johnson County Supervisor who campaigned against the
justice center will likely be sworn in next week; the Canvass of Votes scheduled for
March 11th is expected to go unchallenged. Neuzil asked what subcommittee
Supervisor -Elect John Etheredge will serve on. Rettig replied the Alternatives and
Treatments Subcommittee.
ALTERNATIVES AND TREATMENTS SUBCOMMITTEE
Lyness said the CJCC members should have all been sent copies of the substance-
abuse evaluation report from MECCA which was done at the Jail. A subcommittee
meeting is tentatively set for March 13th.
PUBLIC INFORMATION /OUTREACH SUBCOMMITTEE
Informal Minutes: March 6, 2013/ page 6
Bar Association Representative James McCarragher said this subcommittee has not
met and has nothing to report.
FACILITIES SUBCOMMITTEE
Harney said the facilities subcommittee has not met either.
Rettig said Neumann Monson Architects Principal Dwight Dobberstein sent her an
email of the facility's green elements and she will make sure the email is circulated to
CJCC members. The justice center design was criticized by the public for not having
green elements. The building has several green elements, but alternates would be bid for
additional green elements.
Dobberstein said the site selection itself is a green item, because the location is
downtown infill. It is easy -to- get -to, which minimizes the need for automobile
transportation. It is bicycle accessible, with the possibility of designating carpool parking
spaces. The justice center project will involve MidAmerican Energy's Commercial New
Construction program. The program pays a design firm in Minneapolis, Minnesota to
produce a computer model of the entire building. Whoever wants to attend those
meetings can sit in. For example, the participants will study the amount of glass the
facility should have in order to maximize the natural daylight, along with energy
efficiency. The assessment will look at the insulation, wall thickness, automatic light
fixtures, and anything else the County wants to examine for energy savings. The building
may end up looking differently than it does now, which is part of the design process.
Dobberstein said there are water conservation elements that could be added, such as
examining a green roof again. Another idea could be the use of conserving plumbing
fixtures. The justice center will have a computer monitoring the building systems to
measure energy use. Locally available materials will be used in the justice center, so
contractors and material suppliers will not be required to transport over long distances.
Recycling will be available throughout the building. Lots of pre- consumer and post -
consumer recycled materials will be used during construction. No high VOC paints will
be used. The air duct systems will be flushed out. The installation of the entire HVAC
system will be commissioned, so the County is confident that the HVAC system is
working at an optimum level.
Dobberstein said these items represent a brief list of the green methods being used in
the justice center. The justice center is only in the concept stage, at this point.
Whiston asked if any Leadership and Energy in Environmental Design (LEED) Green
Building standards for jail construction exist. Dobberstein said the U.S. Green Building
Council (USGBC) does not specifically work on jails, but the program has guidelines for
all new construction. Rettig said the County has a few LEED Certified buildings: the
two buildings at Conservation, the Health and Human Services Building, and the Joint
Emergency Communications Center building. The problem with LEED is not the
process of building to those standards, but the cost of the certification. Rettig added that
Informal Minutes: March 6, 2013/ page 7
the County has questioned how many more LEED certified buildings are really necessary
and suggested the County focus on building green and mean it, without external
verification being necessary. Whiston said she was not suggesting trying for LEED
certification, but wanted to heighten awareness surrounding greed design because jails
have so many peculiar construction requirements and it would be good to find out the
greenest way to plan.
Rettig said the rest of the County has single sort recycling, which will be done in the
justice center as well. She said she was really curious about the green methods that will
save money, because of the operating expenses. The County buildings are built to last a
long time, so the payback on energy and water savings is enormous. She said she is
intrigued by the return-on- investment into green construction.
Rettig said Supervisor -Elect John Etheredge just arrived. She asked meeting
attendees to introduce themselves.
Rettig said Pulkrabek has been working with Slaughter to drive down the cost of
operating the justice center facility and is preparing a handout listing the costs. As soon
as Pulkrabek approves the new cost estimates, Rettig said the draft document will be
made available to everyone. Lyness said her understanding is the cost for operating the
justice center has been reduced by about $3.00 less per square foot than what it costs
right now for maintenance, utilities etcetera.
FUNDING /GRANTS SUBCOMMITTEE
Rettig said there are new bond numbers. Interest rates are gradually creeping up.
Neuzil said U.S. President Barack Obama's administration is interested in generating
revenue by taxing municipal bonding. This would have an incredible impact on
municipalities and affect the bonding capabilities of local governments. It would also be
retroactive for anyone who has invested in a municipal bond, meaning any debt would be
taxed. The National Association of Counties (NACo) advocate from Linn County met
directly with congressional staff and presidential staff; the proposal is very real.
Rettig clarified the tax will only affect the bonds sold on the open market. This
means it will not impact the short-term loan, borrowed to access tax increment financing
(TIF) dollars. Double- tax - exempt bonds, which are on the market, are more favorable for
investors who are willing to take a lower interest rate so they will not have to pay taxes
on the bond. However, if the option for a double- tax - exempt bond goes away, then
interest rates will climb quickly. Neuzil said they will not be able to work with local
banks on the justice center project. Rettig said the County's only open market bonds are
with the Joint Emergency Communications Center (JECC). The JECC bonds are not
callable, meaning the County cannot pay the bonds back early.
Informal Minutes: March 6, 2013/ page 8
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS FROM CRIMINAL JUSTICE COORDINATING
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Neuzil asked if the Board heard anything from the State of Iowa regarding courthouse
bonding. Rettig said the State still has money for that project so it could revive it if it was
a leadership bill. Sullivan said nobody is interested in doing that. Neuzil gave
background to the issue. A bill was proposed that would allow courthouses to be
bondable beyond the County limit of $1.2 million, bringing the bonding possibilities up
to around $20 million without a vote. Neuzil said the State knows courthouses across
Iowa are not getting updated. Sullivan agreed it makes great sense for the courts because
counties are not putting money into court facilities, but counties are also not getting any
facilities, because counties cannot get bond referendums to pass. The legislature was not
hearing good things in terms of taking away the voter's right to approve the bonds via
referendum.
McCarragher asked if any new valuation numbers on the assessment for residential
and commercial properties are available for the new bond. Rettig said the Board has new
numbers from County Treasurer Tom Kriz and gave them to Pulkrabek, but she does not
happen to know them. She said she will research that and send the information via email.
The numbers from November 2012 are slightly more favorable.
Neuzil asked what the Board should do with the information Dobberstein presented.
He said it could be posted on the webpage. Dobberstein said the Board has permission to
do anything they would like with it. Rettig said the Information/Outreach Subcommittee
should take a look at that.
SET NEXT MEETING DATE
Rettig said an informal meeting of the Board of Supervisors to hear public comment
on the Jail Alternatives and Treatment planning document is scheduled for March 26th at
5:30 p.m. at the Courthouse, depending on Lyness and Peckover's progress.
The next CJCC meeting is scheduled for April 3rd at 4:30 p.m., and will be a fallback
date to hear public comment in the event the document is not ready by March 26th.
Whiston asked if public comment is expected just on the Jail Alternatives and Treatment
planning document or on the whole justice center. Rettig said it is mainly designed for
comment on Jail Alternatives and Treatment but the Board does not stop members of the
public from discussing whatever they want.
Harney asked about the May 7th date for the special election for the justice center
bond referendum. Rettig said Sullivan voiced concerns about rising costs and low voter
turnout, but nonetheless confirmed the May 7th date.
Adjourned at 5:36 p.m.
Informal Minutes: March 6, 2013/ page 9
Attest: Travis Weipert, Auditor
Recorded By Angela Laffey
IP7
MINUTES PRELIMINARY
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
March 13, 2013 — 5:15 PM
CITY HALL, EMMA HARVAT HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Brock Grenis, Gene Chrischilles, Will Jennings, Becky
Soglin
MEMBERS ABSENT: Larry Baker
STAFF PRESENT: Sarah Walz, Sarah Holecek
OTHERS PRESENT: Becci Reedus, Bill Bywater, Michael Lensing, Bill Brandt
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL:
None.
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 5:15 PM.
ROLL CALL:
A brief opening statement was read by Grenis outlining the role and purpose of the Board and
the procedures that would be followed in the meeting.
CONSIDERATION OF THE FEBRUARY 13, 2013 MEETING MINUTES
Soglin moved to approve the minutes with minor corrections.
Chrischilles seconded.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 4 -0.
SPECIAL EXCEPTION ITEM
EXC13- 00003: Discussion of an application submitted by The Crisis Center of Johnson County
for a special exception to establish a general community service use in the Intensive
Commercial (CI -1) zone at 1105 S. Gilbert Court.
Walz showed the Board a map of the area and explained that the Crisis Center is directly
surrounded by properties that are zoned Intensive Commercial (CI -1). She said these zones
contain businesses like auto body shops, warehouses, and other businesses that don't generate
the kind of traffic associated with general retail uses, such as you might find in the CC -2 zone.
She said the property is currently zoned Public (P) and the public hearing for the rezoning will
Board of Adjustment
March 13, 2013
Page 2 of 8
be set by the City Council next week. She explained that there are two kinds of Community
Service uses, and the one before the Board is General Community Service, not Community
Service Shelter, which would shelter people overnight. She said the Crisis Center is purchasing
the property she indicated on the map with the intent of sharing the property with Iowa City Free
Lunch, Domestic Violence Intervention Program (DVIP), and the National Alliance on Mental
Illness (NAM[). She said the idea was that all these programs could share resources, as they
have many of the same clients. She said within the CI -1 zone there are two other community
services uses — the Salvation Army and the Mayor's Youth Empowerment Program that was
established through a special exception. She showed pictures of the area and the subject
properties.
Walz explained that DVIP and NAMI will use the building for office use, group therapy, training,
and will typically use it during regular business hours with some weekend activity. She said the
most intense use will be the Iowa City Free Lunch Program, which operates six days a week.
She said this zone contains businesses with fairly small lots. She explained that previously the
subject property was used by the County for what would be considered a similar use as the
Public Health Department. She said the building will have seventy -nine parking spaces between
it and The Crisis Center, more than the 49 spaces that are the minimum requirement. She said
there are many curb cuts on Gilbert Court that cause congestion and limit on- street parking and
showed how the applicant plans to improve the flow of traffic on the property and make more
room for on- street parking.
Walz said that for the Free Lunch Program, many people come on bikes, so staff has suggested
a condition that they provide additional bike parking. She said the City Transportation Planners
suggested that they use the same calculation used for vehicle parking, so that would ask them
to provide twenty -four bicycles parking spaces. She said both the Building Official and the
Transportation Planners strongly advised that staff have approval of the bike rack and its
location.
Walz said that in regard to the general standards she thinks the way the applicant is addressing
the parking area and the driveways will improve the situation there by improving the ease of use
and the visibility. She said there isn't an issue of safety because there are sidewalks on both
sides of all the streets accessing the subject building. Walz said the pedestrian access and
transit access and improvement to the parking will help with limiting the impact on other
businesses in the area. She said staff believes the applicant should be required to provide
parking area trees, one large tree within sixty feet of each parking space or one small tree within
forty feet of each parking space to make the area more comfortable and appealing to all the
pedestrian traffic, as screening is not required to perhaps wanted in other areas on the site. She
said staff is recommending approval of the application with the recommendations that:
1. The applicant will provide one bicycle parking space per 150 square feet of floor area
based on the size of the cafeteria and dining area.
2. The bike rack design must be approved by Transportation Planning Staff.
3. Installation of parking area trees to the extent possible given the constraints of the lot.
Holecek explained that this is all subject on the proposed rezoning being approved. She said if
something changed with regard to the rezoning application and it was made, for instance, CC -2,
the applicant would then not require a special exception.
Grenis asked if this is part of the Riverfront Crossings District. Walz said it is.
Board of Adjustment
March 13, 2013
Page 3 of 8
Jennings asked if the bicycle parking space suggested is based on the square footage of only
the cafeteria and dining room. Walz said yes.
Soglin asked if the Free Lunch Program could expand and offer dinner at some point. Holecek
said this special exception is not restricting them to serving lunches only.
Walz said the Board could put stipulations on the special exception regarding expansion of
services.
Chrischilles asked if that was enough bicycle parking and wanted to know what rationale staff
had used to determine that. Walz said she had asked the Transportation Planners what would
be an appropriate amount to require, and that is what they had suggested.
Soglin asked if that number would accommodate additional staff and volunteers. Walz said
many of the volunteers come by car. She said she would anticipate staff and volunteers to
demand vehicle parking and the higher bicycle demand would come from the clients. Soglin
asked if it became apparent quickly that they needed more bicycle racks, could they add them.
Holecek said the Board could add that to the special exception.
Grenis said he didn't think it was anything that needed to be dictated, that the applicant could
take care of that themselves and get more racks if they needed them.
Grenis invited the applicant to speak.
Becci Reedus, the Executive Director of The Crisis Center. She said she doesn't see the Free
Lunch Program expanding. She said The Crisis Center really doesn't need the subject property,
but they need its parking, as the number of people they serve and the volunteers required to do
that, are at higher numbers than even during the flood of 2008. She said collaboration with the
other organizations will enhance services. She said all of the rooms in the subject property will
be used, and explained what each organization will use them for. She said combining resources
will help everyone save money as funding becomes harder to get. She said they are willing to
work with the City to choose suitable bicycle parking and alter it if need be. Reedus said they
are putting in good security lighting due to the overnight staff at the crisis line. She said at the
good neighbor meeting they held there was discussion about vagrants, and the lighting may
help them not congregate and help with safety issues.
Grenis opened public hearing.
Bill Bywater of 621 S. Summit St. said he is the owner of 1204 S. Gilbert Street, and he
represents the owners and managing partner of 1210 S. Gilbert Street. He said he attended the
good neighbor meeting and was told that The Crisis Center has excellent police cooperation. He
said that his tenants have not always found that to be true. He said he has had to build a fence
to keep people off his property as it is on the route that many people take to and from the
Homeless Shelter to downtown. He said that traffic will only increase with more lunches served
at The Crisis Center. He said more lighting and fencing will be expensive, and still won't
eliminate the problem. He said the people who use The Crisis Center are deserving of the
services they receive, but this is right in his backyard, and he feels he has to voice his concern
on behalf of his tenants and the co- owners of his property.
Board of Adjustment
March 13, 2013
Page 4 of 8
Michael Lensing of 605 Kirkwood said he wonders if people using the Salvation Army dinner
program will linger in the area for the Free Lunch Program. He said he is worried about people
not using marked crosswalks or intersections on a busy stretch of Kirkwood to get to The Crisis
Center. He said when he uses Gilbert Court, there is a lot of on- street parking, with people
coming out from between cars. He said he would urge the City to look at the traffic flow from a
safety standpoint, especially if there are more people and children walking. He said he
wondered why there wasn't even a little bit of an outdoor area on the subject property if they
wanted to do an outdoor function.
Bill Brandt of 1203 Highland Court said he owns two buildings on, Gilbert Court. He said staff
had mentioned in its staff report that there aren't many big trucks going in and out of Gilbert
Court. He said early morning and mid - afternoon there are six businesses in the area that have a
tremendous volume of truck traffic. He said the parking is horrendous, with all of Mayor's Youth
volunteers parking on the street, as is the parking all the way down Gilbert Court, particularly
when there is snow on the street and volunteers park there before it is plowed. He said this
reduces the street to a little over a lane for two -way traffic. He said his concerns with this
application are that there will be more litter, that more people will block driveways, that there will
be more vandalism and theft, and there will be safety issues with the big trucks in the area. He
said he's concerned that they are creating a campus atmosphere for people to linger, and
business staff in the area are afraid to work late. He said the neighbors of The Crisis Center
welcome them if they can guarantee that they will police their area and tell people to respect
their neighbors.
Grenis invited the applicant to respond.
Reedus agreed that the traffic on the street is bad. She said that by having a lot the size they
have, they are helping to get cars off the street. She said if The Crisis Center was not able to
use the subject building's parking, that would put around fifteen to twenty cars parked on the
street. She said she had talked to Transportation Planners with the city, and they may be putting
up some no parking signs where large vehicle parking makes driving unsafe. She said people at
the Crisis Center have to deal with many of the same issues Brandt spoke of. Reedus said they
don't want anyone to suffer and are willing to meet with neighbors at any time to try and work
out problems. She said they are willing to approach the new lieutenants at Salvation Army and
address some of the problems the businesses in the area are having. She said she agrees that
Gilbert Court is a very busy street, and she doesn't know why it hasn't been addressed before.
She said The Crisis Center will be accommodating all of their flow on their own property. She
said they have no interest in expanding and are actually looking for ways to serve more people
off -site. Reedus said they had discussed the transient situation, and she doesn't feel
comfortable saying that expanding services at the subject location won't increase it. She says
they have to be ready to address it if it does.
Walz said she had talked with Reedus last summer, and she had the Transportation Planners
look at the area then and again when they got the application. She said they didn't see safety
issues along Gilbert Court. She said there is a lot of parking, but that tends to slow down traffic.
She clarified that the trucks she referred to in staff report were very large freight trucks, and
what you'll see in the subject area is not the same intensity you would find in the more industrial
areas.
Soglin asked how the Transportation Planners studied the issue. Walz said they had no significant
reports, and a planner went to the site to observe on two separate days. Reedus said that often
Board of Adjustment
March 13, 2013
Page 5 of 8
cars will be parked overlapping a driveway apron, and she thinks the City needs to look at exactly
which businesses or people are creating this problem.
Jennings said he thought one of the salient issues here is that offices and client services are
offered at certain times of the day with a certain level or flow of people that is relatively
manageable and consistent. He said what seems to suddenly expand this is the addition of the
Free Lunch Program. He asked at what point in this process did an attempt to solve The Crisis
Center's parking issue become the relocation of the Free Lunch Program.
Reedus said The Crisis Center originally couldn't afford the building and really had no use for it.
She said they didn't have to go out and look for other agencies to use the building. She knew well
before they considered making this application that other non - profits were looking for space and
that the Free Lunch Program was one of them. She said there's a problem with non - profit
organizations being able to provide services at reasonable cost because the rental prices are
astronomical. She said that approximately half the individuals who go to Salvation Army for their
dinner also use the Free Lunch Program. She said both organizations also have the same client
list.
Jennings noted that what he meant was that the Free Lunch Program is a different use than
sharing a combined office space.
Reedus said before the building was closed, it was use by Public Health, and there was a lot of
foot and vehicle traffic, and she doesn't think the Free Lunch Program will create any more than
the traffic that was there before. She said with the new lieutenants at Salvation Army they can
work together to solve problems that arise, like issues of people loitering during the gap between
Free Lunch and the Salvation Army dinner.
Lensing said he doesn't think The Crisis Center is necessarily creating a traffic problem, and he
would like the City to come down and spend more than two days to look at traffic flow and the
safety issues in that area to keep everyone in the area safe.
Chrischilles said it seems that the two main concerns are safety of individuals due to lots of traffic
in that area and the worries about the increase of transient population from the Free Lunch
Program. He suggested that stop signs be put on all three corners of Gilbert Court and Highland,
and that would allow for crosswalks to help with the safety issues. He said at the junction of
Kirkwood and Gilbert Court they could put a stoplight on Kirkwood, which would create another
crosswalk. He said he doesn't think there will necessarily be more transients. He said if there are
problems at Salvation Army that's not the problem of The Crisis Center. He agreed that when the
building housed Public Health, it created a lot of traffic and attracted low income people to that
area. He said he doesn't think the increase in transient population will override the benefits of the
combined services in one building.
Jennings asked for clarification on the rezoning issue. Walz explained the building zoning is
currently Public (P), and because this building will no longer be owned by the government, its
zoning must change. She explained the two choices for rezoning.
Soglin said she would like more information about the traffic and police reports about incidents
Board of Adjustment
March 13, 2013
Page 6 of 8
Jennings said the two major areas that have come up here seem to be a traffic plan and public
safety concerns. He said he would like more information about the possibility of adding stop signs
or other safety measures. He said he would like to hear some reports from the police. He said a
client of the Free Lunch Program is as much deserving of a safe sidewalk and a safe street as
anyone else.
Chrischilles asked if the Board didn't feel they had enough information to decide now. He said he
doesn't understand Soglin and Jennings' requests for more information and what that's going to
provide to make the decision to allow the building to be occupied by the non - profits.
Jennings said that staff has under the general and specific criteria stated that they believe things
do meet or do not meet concerns under specific and general criteria, and part of those are based
on traffic flow and public safety. He said that information tonight from the public suggests that
maybe those questions have not been thoroughly addressed and staff should have the
opportunity to gather more information and make a recommendation based on those specific
concerns.
Chrischilles said the specific concerns were raised based on conditions that already exist and not
on conditions that are going to be created by the occupancy of the subject building. He said he
thinks the Board is getting away from what they are supposed to be deciding.
Jennings said the Board is being asked to extend an exception to a CI -1 zoning which constitutes
an exception to the stated use of CI -1 zoning.
Walz said that the purpose of getting more information from the Transportation Planners and the
Police is to reaffirm what is in the staff report. She said from hearing what people in the
neighborhood had to say tonight, it can give her an opportunity to talk to police and see what their
view is of what's happening and if there a remedy for it. Walz said she understands Chrischilles'
point, but hopes to bring the Board more information that will make them confident in their
decision.
Grenis said his sense is that the Board doesn't have confidence right now in approving what's
before them, and additional information might help.
Chrischilles asked why they didn't wait to see what the rezoning would be before this application
was brought before this Board.
Walz explained that the property doesn't meet the criteria of a CC -2 property, and the only other
choice is CI -1, and she believes that it will be granted CI -1 status for a number of reasons that she
explained.
Jennings reiterated that he supports the services of the non - profits and is aware of their value.
Holecek asked for clarification of what kind of information Soglin wants from the police.
Soglin stated that Brandt had mentioned increased incidents, and she said she might like to look
at reports going back five years.
Board of Adjustment
March 13, 2013
Page 7 of 8
Chrischilles asked how they are going to extrapolate information from the past to use for their
benefit.
Soglin said perhaps incidents could be correlated to changes in the area. She said she is also
supportive of these services, but she doesn't think that the non - profits should be responsible for
solving the issues that have been brought up. She said she's also concerned about a tipping point
for safety and other problems. She said she's not comfortable making a decision tonight.
Reedus reiterated that by granting approval, more parking will be in the lot on the subject
property.
Grenis closed the public hearing.
Soglin moved to defer EXC13- 00003, an application submitted by The Crisis Center of
Johnson County for a special exception to establish a general community service use in
the Intensive Commercial (CI -1) zone at 1105 S. Gilbert Court.
Jennings seconded the motion.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 3 -1 ( Chrischilles voting no).
OTHER:
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT INFORMATION:
ADJOURNMENT:
Jennings moved to adjourn.
Grenis seconded.
The meeting was adjourned on a 4 -0 vote.
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IOWA CITY TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION DRAFT
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 25,2013--5:30 P.M.
CITY CABLE TV OFFICE, 10 S. LINN ST. -TOWER PLACE PARKING FACILITY
MEMBERS PRESENT: Alexa Homewood, Matt Butler, Hans Hoerschelman, Nicholas Kilburg,
Laura Bergus
MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT: Mike Brau, Bob Hardy, Ty Coleman
OTHERS PRESENT: Josh Goding, Bond Drager, Emily Light, Kevin Hoyland
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL
None at this time.
SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION
Hoerschelman said the University of Iowa channel is changing its structure and will be carried
statewide by Mediacom and asked if the channel will be considered a commercial channel or local
access channel. Hardy said he has not seen any change in their programming to date and will inquire
into the University's plans for the channel. PATV will have a producer potluck Feb. 28 at 6 p.m. that
will include board recruitment activities and a screening of the first episode of a sci -fi series called
Moon Zero Three. Hardy has provided Tom Markus a memo outlining his recommendations for how
to start to save money and build a reserve fund for access services after 2018 due to a significant
reduction in funding that will take place when Mediacom converts to a state franchise. Hoerschelman
asked if there was anything in Hardy's memo beyond what he has shared with the Commission. Hardy
said PATV's contract would need to reflect the proposed joint facility. Selling or renting the City
Channel office could be an asset to help fund a combined facility in the PATV building. Hardy said he
recommended the next PATV contract be for five years. Hardy said until the City and PATV are ready
to discuss the changes to their contract he has nothing else to share with the Commission. Hardy said
it is the intent to save access to the extent possible. Hardy said the city is guaranteed the same number
of access channels under a state franchise. Hoerschelman said broadband survey is nearly ready to be
launched. An email to City employees, school district employees and University employees requesting
their participation is planned. The schools and City are ready to send it now, but the University is still
in the bureaucratic process. The schools and City email will likely go out before the University. Some
social media outlets will likely be utilized as well.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Hoerschelman moved and Kilburg seconded a motion to approve the amended January 28, 2013
minutes. The motion passed unanimously.
ANNOUNCEMENTS OF COMMISSIONERS
Kilburg said he terminated work as an attorney for a client when he discovered they were an adverse
party to the City. Kilburg said while he does not believe his service on the Commission created an
actual conflict, it is important to acknowledge a possible appearance of a conflict. Hoerschelman said
that this meeting would be his last as his term will expire March 13 and the City Council has appointed
a replacement. Hoerschelman read the statement below.
February 25, 2013
Iowa, City, IA
Iowa City Telecommunications Commission
City of Iowa: City, Cable TV Division
City of Iowa City, City Council
410 E Washington St.
Iowa City, IA 52240
Commissioners, City Staff and Council:
For the past 5 years It has been my pleasure to serve on the Iowa City
Telecommunications Commission. I am grateful for the opportunity provided by the
City Council for citizens to be involved In the oversight of the municipal cable
franchise and the Access entities of Iowa City. I have met and dealt with many
different people in my time on the Commission and gained much insight into the
municipal cable franchise and the operations of the Access entities in Iowa City.
I would like to thank the commissioners, both past and present, for their time and
dedication, to the issues presented to the Commission. I would also thank the Access
entities and their staff for their monthly attendance and reports, and their sense of
cooperation and community. Finally, I would like to give great thanks to the staff' of
the City Cable TV Division for their time and effort with regards to the commission's
dealings. You are all a great resource for the Community and I commend your
dedication.
It is my hope that I have made positive contributions to the Commission and
Community during my terra. I hope to continue to work with the Commission and
City Staff on the Broadband Survey and would be happy to help on any future
endeavors of the Commission.
We are blessed to have a community that values Access, a disappearing resource
across the nation. It is my sincere hope that the City and the Community will
continue the efforts to provide a sustainable future for Access in Iowa City. As well, I
hope that the City and Community will recognize the increasing importance of
access to robust and affordable broadband Internet, and will lead in finding
Opportunities to improve such utility in our community.
Sincere
Hans Hoerschelman
710 Miller Ave
Iowa City, IA 52246
SHORT PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS
None.
CONSUMER ISSUES
Hardy referred to the complaint report in the meeting packet and said that he has encountered a number
of complaints regarding DVRs. It is unclear if the DVR complaint in the report was resolved, as the
subscriber has left town. A complaint regarding a subscriber claims Mediacom told them a
promotional price beyond when Mediacom claims the promotional period ends can not be resolved as
there is no other documentation available. Hardy said customer service representatives on the 800
number often make promises that might not be fulfilled. Homewood said she has had a similar
experience with Mediacom.
MEDIACOM REPORT
There were no issues for Mediacom to address. Grassley was available by phone. Hoerschelman said
that some broadband users might have experienced difficulty when accessing YouTube. This is not
due to any traffic shaping by Mediacom but a change in the way YouTube deals with how they buffer
multiple simultaneous downloads by a single user.
LOCAL ACCESS CHANNELS REPORTS
Hoerschelman noted City Channel 4 and the library have reports included in the meeting packet.
PATV emailed a report too late for the meeting packet. Hard copies were made available.
Hoerschelman asked if there has been any contact with Kirkwood or the University of Iowa over the
past months. Hardy said he will contact the Kirkwood representative and has not contacted the
University of Iowa. Hoerschelman said the University of Iowa channel is changing its structure and
will be carried statewide by Mediacom and asked if the channel will be considered a commercial
channel or local access channel. Hardy said he has not seen any change in their programming to date
and will inquire into the University's plans for the channel. Bergus asked if Mediacom could change
the location of the University channel after a 30 -day notice. Brau said the franchise requires placing
the University access channel on 17. If the University channel drops its local access status and
becomes a commercial channel, that requirement would no longer apply. The franchise requires only
that Mediacom make channel space available to the University, not that the University utilize it.
Mediacom could place a commercial University channel on any channel it chooses. Goding reported
that PATV's winter newsletter is available online. It is hoped that it will be published more frequently
in the future. PATV will have a producer potluck Feb. 28 at 6 p.m. that will include board recruitment
activities and a screening of the first episode of a sci -fi series called Moon Zero Three. Hoyland
reported the schools have fixed a problem with the image and sound synching during cablecast of live
meetings. Programs on the City High National Honor Society and a press conference were recently
recorded.
CABLE TV ADMINISTRATOR REPORT
Hardy said the only item he had was the next agenda item, the joint access facility.
JOINT ACCESS FACILITY
Hardy said PATV's contract extension expires March 1 and will be extended to June 30. Hardy has
provided Tom Markus a memo outlining his recommendations for how to start to save money and
build a reserve fund for access services after 2018 due to a significant reduction in funding that will
take place when Mediacom converts to a state franchise. Hoerschelman asked if there was anything in
Hardy's memo beyond what he has shared with the Commission. Hardy said PATV's contract would
need to reflect the proposed joint facility. Selling or renting the City Channel office could be an asset
to help fund a combined facility in the PATV building. Hardy said he recommended the next PATV
contract be for five years. Hardy said until the City and PATV are ready to discuss the changes to their
contract he has nothing else to share with the Commission. Hardy said it is the intent to save access to
the extent possible. Hardy said the city is guaranteed the same number of access channels under a state
franchise.
BROADBANDSURVEY
Hoerschelman said survey is nearly ready to be launched. Hoerschelman demonstrated the website
hosting the survey. David Dude from the school district asked to add an item inquiring if respondents
had children in the school district and also to offer a response of "none" to the question about what
type of broadband service respondents had. A question was also added asking if respondents worked
from home. A launch is expected in the first week of March. An email to City employees, school
district employees and University employees requesting their participation is planned. The schools and
City are ready to send it now, but the University is still in the bureaucratic process. The schools and
City email will likely go out before the University. Some social media outlets will likely be utilized as
well. Bergus agreed to help Hoerschelman prepare a press release. Coleman said a 30 second PSA
could be produced.
ADJOURNMENT
Bergus moved and Hoerschelman seconded a motion to adjourn. The motion was approved
unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 6:18 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
0
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
x
6/27111
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
11/26/12
X
X
X
X
X
12/17/12
X
X
X
X
X
1/28/13
X
o/c
X
X
X
2/25/13
X
X
X
X
X
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MINUTES PRELIMINARY
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
MARCH 7, 2013 — 6:30 PM
IOWA CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY, MEETING ROOM A,
123 S. LINN STREET
MEMBERS PRESENT: Andrew Chappell, Michelle Bacon Curry, Scott Dragoo, Charles
Drum, Holly Jane Hart, Rachel Zimmermann Smith, Cheryll
Clamon, Jim Jacobson
MEMBERS ABSENT: None.
STAFF PRESENT: Tracy Hightshoe, Jeff Vanatter, Steve Long, Doug Ongie, Steve
Rackis
OTHERS PRESENT: Courtney Callahan, Stefan Duran, Levi Lynott, Kaleb Hays,
Danielle Wilde, Jake Richter, San Stewart , Casey Levigne,
Barbara Vinograde, Mike Kaolzills, Kari Wilken, Roger Lusala,
Bruce Teague, Maryann Dennis, Ron Berg
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL:
Motion to recommend approval of the ICHA Housing Choice Voucher Administrative Plan and
Admissions and Continued Occupancy Plan with one modification: Burglary in the 2nd degree be
changed to Burglary in the 3`d degree or higher (non- automotive related). Approved 8 -0.
Motion to approve FY14 CDBG /HOME budget recommendation to City Council with the
following stipulations: if the final HOME /CDBG budget is reduced by no more than 10 %, each
application will be reduced pro -rata. If the budget increases by no more than 10% each
application will be increased pro -rata up to their initial funding request. If the final budget
decreases /increases by more than 10 %, HCDC will reconsider their recommendation.
Approved 8 -0.
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
MARCH 7, 2013
PAGE 2 of 6
Housing
FY14 Funding
Request
HCDC 3-7 -13
Recommendation
CHARM Homes
$61,650
$61,650
City of Iowa City- Owner- occupied Rehab
$300,000
$3D0,000
TH F CH DO Operat i ng
$23,250
$22!000
3 Diamond Development
$350,000
$0
Housing Total
$734,9DO
$383,650
Public Facilties
I awa City Fagade
$50,OD0
$0
1 C Free Med
$85,371
$20,000
Mayor's Youth Emp, Program
$114,270
$70,000
MECCA
$50,645
$23,850
NCJC Playground
$55,OOD
$55,000
Sudanese Amercian Community Services
$50,ODD
$0
Public Facilties Total
$406,286
$168,850
Total Requested
$1,140,186
$552,500
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order by Chair Andrew Chappell at 6:30 p.m.
APPROVAL OF JANUARY 3 & 17.2013 MINUTES:
Zimmermann Smith moved to approve the minutes of January 3, 2013.
Drum seconded.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 8 -0.
Clamon moved to approve the minutes of January 17, 2013, with one correction.
Jacobson seconded.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 8 -0.
PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
Chappell announced that Gatlin resigned from the Commission.
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
MARCH 7, 2013
PAGE 3 of 6
STAFF /COMMISSION COMMENT:
None.
MONITORING REPORTS:
Dragoo reported MECCA's progress - it will have an invoice to the City by the end of March to
close out the project.
Dragoo reported on Habitat for Humanity acquisition and rehab of home on Nevada using
CDBG funds estimated at $32,000. The home will be finished in May. Another home was
identified on Franklin St. with the closing in late March. Habitat is negotiating home purchase on
Lower Muscatine, should be finalized in the next 90 days. Property in Industrial Park acquired
and rehabilitated. A certificate of occupancy issued this month.
Zimmermann Smith will report on the Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County at the next
meeting.
DISCUSSION REGARDING FY14 CDBG AND HOME FUNDING REQUESTS:
Staff stated the funding amount available was reduced by approximately 5% due to anticipated
sequestration of federal programs. At this time, this is only an estimate and it is not final.
Hightshoe confirmed $341,800 must be spent on housing, CHDO funds are a HOME eligible
expense, however does not get spent directly on housing but for operational funds for the
management and ongoing operations of housing providers. Only certified community housing
development organizations are eligible for these funds. The max. amount that can be allocated
is 5% of the HOME entitlement. Hightshoe explained CDBG - eligible projects and reported on
the status of the 3 Diamond's project and the existing Council resolution of support for this
project.
Commission discussed 3 Diamond's request, mixed support due to discussion of need, funding
and an out -of -town developer. Agreement to recommend no allocation.
Commission discussed Charm Homes' request, supported full funding of $61,650 without 3
Diamond's allocation.
Commission discussed City of Iowa City's request for $300,000, supported full funding.
Commission discussed The Housing Fellowship's request, supported funding at full amount (up
to 5% of HOME entitlement).
Commission discussed Sudanese American Community Services'request for funding and
partnership with Habitat for Humanity, acquisition of a site in question. Agreement to
recommend no allocation.
Commission discussed MECCA's request, agreed to recommend partial funding.
Commission discussed Broadway Neighborhood Center's request, support for full funding of
$55,000.
Commission discussed Downtown Fagade Project's request, funding not supported.
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
MARCH 7, 2013
PAGE 4 of 6
Commission discussed Mayor's Youth, agreed to recommend partial request.
Commission discussed Iowa City Free Medical Clinic's request, agreed to recommend partial
funding.
Motion by Bacon Curry. Second by Zimmermann Smith to approve the FY14 CDBG /HOME
budget recommendation (below) to City Council with the following stipulations: if the final
HOME /CDBG budget is reduced by no more than 10 %, each application will be reduced pro -
rata. If the budget increases by no more than 10% each application will be increased pro -rata
up to their initial funding request. If the final budget decreases /increases by more than 10 %,
HCDC will reconsider their recommendation.
Vote was taken and the motion carried 8 -0.
FY14 HCDC Recommendation
Housing
FY14 Funding
Request
HCDC 3 -7 -13
Recommendation
CHARM Homes
$61,650
$61,650
City of Iowa City - Owner-occupied Rehab
$300,000
$300,000
THE CHDO Operating
$23,250
$22,000
3 Diamond Development
$350,000
$0
Housing Total
$734,900
$383,650
Public Facilities
Iowa City Fa ade
$50,000
$0
IC Free Med
$85,371
$20,000
Mayor's Youth Em p. Program
$114,270
$70,000
MECCA
$50,645
$23,850
NCJC Playground
$55,000
$55,000
Sudanese American Community Services
$50,000
$0
Public Facilities Total
$405,286
$168,850
Total Requested
$1,140,186
$552,500
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
MARCH 7, 2013
PAGE 5 of 6
REVIEW UPDATES AND AMENDMENTS TO THE ICHA'S HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER
(HCV) ADMINISTRATIVE PLAN AND ACOP:
Rackis, ICHA, presented updates and amendments to the Plan. Zimmermann Smith
questioned why the plan did not cover burglary in the 3'd degree or higher. Rackis explained the
types of crime that resulted in denials of assistance.
Motion by Jacobson, second by Hart to recommend approval of the ICHA Housing Choice
Voucher Administrative Plan and Admissions and Continued Occupancy Plan with one
modification: Burglary in the 2nd degree be changed to Burglary in the 3rd degree or higher (non -
automotive related).
A vote was taken and the motion carried 8 -0.
ADJOURNMENT:
Drum moved to adjourn.
Dragoo seconded.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 8 -0.
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