HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-04-23 Bd Comm minutesINM
MEMORANDUM
Date: 4/9/2013
To:
Mayor and City Council
From:
Airport Commission
Re:
Recommendation from Airport Commission
At their 2/21/13 meeting the Airport Commission made the following recommendation to the City
Council: Recommend approval of lease amendment with Merschman's Seed
Farming Operations Tharp noted that this agreement is what allows Merschman's
Seeds access to the field for them to conduct their test plots. Tharp noted that there was
no monetary dollar value in this lease as everything is paid through the farm agreement.
Mascari asked if Merschman's used radios when they were active. Tharp believed they
did but would make sure they are if they haven't been. Tharp noted that early in the
summer he is given a list of dates for when the tours are scheduled and then reminded
by Merschman's when they are a couple days away.
L Consider a resolution approving lease amendment with
Merschman's Seeds — Resolution #A13 -2 was moved by Ogren and seconded
by Horan. Resolution approved 3 -0 (Gardinier, Assouline absent)
Additional action (check one)
No further action needed
Board or Commission is requesting Council direction
—X_ Agenda item will be prepared by staff for Council action
S:RECform.doc
Airport Commission
February 21, 2013
Page 1
MINUTES FINAL
IOWA CITY AIRPORT COMMISSION
FEBRUARY 21, 2013 — 6:00 P.M.
AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING
Members Present: Rick Mascari, Howard Horan, Chris Ogren, Minnetta Gardinier
Members Absent: Jose Assouline
Staff Present: Sue Dulek, Michael Tharp
Others Present: Matt Wolford, Jeff Edberg
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (to become effective only after separate Council
action): Recommend approval of lease amendment with Merschman's Seed
CALL TO ORDER:
With Chairperson Assouline absent, Mascari called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M.
APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES:
Minutes of the January 17, 2013, meeting were reviewed. Ogren moved to approve the
minutes as presented; seconded by Horan. Motion carried 3 -0, Gardinier and Assouline
not present.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
None.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION /ACTION:
a. Hangar L/M Tour — Horan noted with the pending weather that they should defer
the tour until a future date. Members agreed.
b. Farming Operations Tharp noted that this agreement is what allows
Merschman's Seeds access to the field for them to conduct their test plots.
Tharp noted that there was no monetary dollar value in this lease as everything is
paid through the farm agreement. Mascari asked if Merschman's used radios
when they were active. Tharp believed they did but would make sure they are if
they haven't been. Tharp noted that early in the summer he is given a list of
dates for when the tours are scheduled and then reminded by Merschman's
when they are a couple days away.
I. Consider a resolution approving lease amendment with
Merschman's Seeds — Resolution #A13 -2 was moved by Ogren and seconded
by Horan. Resolution approved 3 -0 ( Gardinier, Assouline absent)
C. Airport Commerce Park —Jeff Edberg spoke to the Members about lot sales at
Airport Commerce Park. He stated that things are slow right now due to the
season.
Airport Commission
February 21, 2013
Page 2
d. Fly Iowa — Tharp stated that he does not have any updates. Ogren stated the
same. Both spoke to the fact that there are no new developments at this time.
Ogren reiterated that the Children's Museum is very interested in participating.
e. FAA/IDOT Projects — AECOM — David Hughes
i. 7/25 Parallel Taxiway Paving & Lighting — Tharp noted that both of
these items are at a standstill due to the winter shutdown.
ii. Airport Electrical Rehab — Tharp noted that they are working with the
contractor for closeout documents.
f. Airport Operations
i. Strategic Plan — Implementation — Tharp noted that he, Ogren, and
Assouline attended the February 5th Council meeting. He shared that
Assouline had a PowerPoint presentation that he shared with Council,
and Tharp noted that Council appeared pretty receptive.
ii. Budget
1. Hangar Building C Walk -In Door — Tharp noted that this is the
same thing they did to Hangars A and B a couple of years ago,
where they pull off the old doors and hang some that are sturdier.
There will also be one key per building instead of multiple ones.
Tharp stated that they sent out bidding letters to six companies
and received three back. This project will be just under $9,000,
according to Tharp, and is part of the security /electrical upgrade
grant they have from the Iowa DOT. Tharp responded to
Members' questions regarding this project.
iii. Management
1. Operations Specialist Evaluation — Tharp asked if they could
defer this until the March meeting. Tharp noted he still needed to
send members his work summary, as well as fresh evaluation
sheets. Tharp invited Mascari to provide his input, following his
term expiration as well due to the change in schedule.
g. FBO / Flight Training Reports (Gardinier arrived)
i. Jet Air — Matt Wolford with Jet Air spoke next. He shared the
maintenance report with Members, noting that they finished out January
with one big snowstorm and a lot of drifting. In February there has been
more drifting snow to deal with, according to Wolford. He also pointed out
the areas with new carpeting and flooring. Wolford next spoke about the
av -gas tank and the need to do a cleaning. He stated that they did
powerwash this recently, and he shared the difference in what it looked
like before and after the cleaning. The samples now being taken are
clean. Wolford then responded to questions from Members, further
explaining how this tank and the lines are used. Tharp then shared some
pictures of the tanks that were taken during this cleaning and also
responded to Members' questions. Gardinier asked about the light poles
that are being broken off on the runway, and if there is a better way to
plow this area. Tharp stated that they do have a stockpile of old parts to
use here. Gardinier asked if they are going to change over to LEDs here,
and Tharp responded to this by saying that if they do decide to switch
over, they have to do the entire runway, not just a bulb or two.
ii. Iowa Flight Training — Tharp stated that he doesn't have anything to
report here.
h. Subcommittee Reports
Airport Commission
February 21, 2013
Page 3
L For February: Budget — Tharp stated that the Council meets soon to
approve the citywide budget. There wasn't much discussion during the
budget process, so Tharp does not expect any last minute changes.
L Commission Members' Reports — Horan noted that he has added two hours to
his flying time now. Mascari asked him when he might solo, and Horan stated
that for now he is just "enjoying the ride." Mascari then thanked everyone, noting
that this will be his last meeting. He asked that if the Commission needs
anything from him in the future to let him know.
j. Staff Report — Tharp noted that the Council has not appointed anyone to
Mascari's seat yet. The next advertisement runs through March 13, which
means an appointment could be made the following week at the Council's
meeting. Members briefly spoke to this opening, with several stating that they
have suggested it to several individuals. Tharp encouraged Members to let
people know about these and future vacancies for the Commission. Dulek
followed up by stating that the Council did speak directly to Gardinier's email
about this opening, noting that she made a good point to ask for a pilot or
someone active in the flying community.
SET NEXT REGULAR MEETING FOR:
The next regular meeting will be Thursday, March 21, 2013, at 6:00 P.M. at the Airport
Terminal building.
ADJOURN:
Horan made the motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:28 P.M.; seconded by Ogren. Motion
carried 4 -0, Assouline absent.
CHAIRPERSON DATE
Airport Commission
February 21, 2013
Page 4
Airport Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2013
Key:
X = Present
X/E = Present for Part of Meeting
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = Not a Member at this time
TERM
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N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
W
W
03/01/13
O/
X
Rick
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
E
Mascari
03/01/14
X
Howard
Horan
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Minnetta
03101/15
O/
O/
X
Gardinier
X
X
X
X
E
X
X
E
X
X
O/E
X
Jose
03/02/12
O/
Assouline
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
E
Chris
03/01/15
N
N
X
Ogren
NM
M
M
NM
NM
NM
X
X
X
X
X
X
Key:
X = Present
X/E = Present for Part of Meeting
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = Not a Member at this time
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MINUTES APPROVED
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 (NAMI). 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 CIA, and she believes that it will be granted CIA 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 indicated that he would not close 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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5b(3)
MINUTES APPROVED
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
MARCH 14, 2013
EMMA HARVAT HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Kent Ackerson, Esther Baker, Thomas Baldridge, William
Downing, Shannon Gassman, Andrew Litton, David McMahon,
Pam Michaud, Ginalie Swaim, Dana Thomann, Frank Wagner
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Chery Peterson, Bob Miklo
OTHERS PRESENT: Mike Moran, Deanna Thomann
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (become effective only after separate Council action)
None.
CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Swaim called the meeting to order at 5:15 p.m.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANYTHING NOT ON THE AGENDA:
Swaim said two Commission members will not be returning for the next term. She thanked
Gassman and Downing for their work.
Swaim stated that Frank Durham would be the new Commission member for the Summit Street
District, and Kate Corcoran would be the new at -large member.
CERTIFICATES OF APPROPRIATENESS:
208 Fairchild Street.
Deanna Thomann said she is a part -owner of this property and was available to answer
questions.
Peterson said this application involves installing new gutters. She said this would not come
before the Commission except that there is a section of the existing gutters that is built -in that
the owners would like to cover up and use external -type gutters.
Peterson said this property is in the North Side District at the very west end. She showed the
area in question in the east side of the house, where there is a short section that is sort of flat
between the main roof and an add -on. Peterson said staff feels that eliminating that amount of
built -in gutter seems appropriate. She said it is not a significant feature on the house, and it is
causing water damage.
Deanna Thomann said the built -in gutter is causing significant damage to the ceiling of the room
that is right inside the window. She said the gutter has completely failed.
Baldridge said this is not normally a visible facade of the house. Michaud said it is pretty routine
for the Commission to approve a change on interior gutters, because they are so problematic.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
March 14, 2013
Page 2 of 7
MOTION: McMahon moved to approve a certificate of appropriateness for the application
for 208 Fairchild Street, as presented in the application, with the condition that the visible
features of the existing cornice and eaves are maintained at the section of existing built -
in gutter to be covered. Baldridge seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote
of 9 -0 (Wagner absent for first vote and Thomann abstaining).
REPORT ON CERTIFICATES ISSUED BY CHAIR AND STAFF:
There were none.
REVIEW AND APPROVE PLANS FOR NED ASHTON HOUSE — PRESENTATION BY MIKE
MORAN:
Moran said that he is the Parks and Recreation Director. He said that the City has bought
several properties in the Normandy Drive area after the flood and has removed the houses.
Moran said that one of the houses that the City purchased is the Ned Ashton House, and he
wanted to fill the Commission in on the process of the project. He said the City will not be
removing the building because of its historic status. It will be converted for park use and meeting
space.
Moran said that after the flood, the owner had a buyout offer from the City, and the owner
accepted that offer. He said the City purchased the property in 2010. Moran said the building is
on the National Register of Historic Places and was owned by Ned Ashton.
Moran said that, according to FEMA regulations, the house had to go through an adaptive reuse
plan. He stated that the City hired Tom McInerney through an RFP process to do that. Moran
said that plan has been submitted and as of February 21St went past the 30 -day grace and
opinion period.
Moran stated that the next phase that the plan is in now consists of hiring McInerney to
complete the plans. He said the plan will go before City Council for a public hearing and then
the construction process. Moran said he wanted to bring the Commission up to date on what
has to be done.
Moran said the State Historical Preservation Office (SHPO) has been out to review the plans
and has given some suggestions and alternatives. Moran said he previously wrote to the
Commission about that and wanted to answer any questions about the plan.
Moran showed slides regarding the plan and showed the location of the property. He said the
intersection of Manor Drive and Normandy would be used as the entrance to the parking lot.
Moran said they are currently going through the process of deciding the best location for this.
He said it may slide just a little bit further to the east to tie into the intersection.
Moran showed the trees and landscaping that will basically remain intact, as well as a walkway
that will be added to. He said that because FEMA money was used to buy the property,
concrete or asphalt cannot be used for the parking lot; it has to be a pervious material.
Moran showed the basement floor plan and the garage. He said the house has been designed
so that if there is serious flooding again, the windows and doors will be opened to allow water to
just flow through the house. Moran said that after the water recedes, then a pressure washer
will be used to clean everything out.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
March 14, 2013
Page 3 of 7
Moran showed the upstairs. He said the preserving integrity of the building to make it still seem
like a house is very important to SHPO. Moran showed what will stay the same and the things
that will be changed. He said they will be taking out a wall so that there will be room for a
speaker to have eye contact with everyone in the room.
Moran said they will have to make one of the bathrooms ADA accessible, and they will be
bringing up the mechanical equipment in case of flooding. Moran said they have to make one
entry ADA accessible and are working on design options for including a ramp into the front door
area.
Moran showed a timeline for the process. He said the public hearing before City Council will be
set for April 19. Moran said they hope to take it out to bid shortly after the public hearing and
award the bid in early June at the first City Council meeting.
Moran said McInerney feels the project may take more than the three or four months than
Moran would like it to take. Moran said he would like to have it done faster, but he hopes it will
be completed in time for the Christmas parties.
Moran said the capacity of the building will be about 150 total. He said that each floor is
designed for about 75 people, and they will have to be careful with the way they limit that for
conferences and meetings.
Moran showed a broader site plan. He said they plan to move the driveway to Normandy Drive
in a safer location than Park Road. Moran said that the driveway on Park Road, however,
cannot be removed, because the State wants it maintained as an integrity issue, as it was
always there. He said it will be gated and will not be used for a public entrance.
Moran said the only opposition to this comes from one neighboring house, whose owners feel
the parking lot would impede the view of the river from their house. He said he feels that with
the line of trees, they cannot see the river anyway, but he feels there will be pushback from that
quarter.
Moran said he has talked to other neighbors who love it. He said the neighborhood cannot wait
for it to be open, and the neighbors feel it will be a good showcase.
Moran referred to the handouts he provided, including a rendition of the ramp that they have
come up with. He said they want to explore some possibilities with a landscape architect to see
if there is a possibility of building this up with landscaping to have a natural ramp up into the
house. Moran said he was not certain FEMA would allow this, because FEMA considers the
addition of dirt to be a barrier to the water.
Moran referred to a picture showing the landscaping that will take place. He said that Project
Green will be an integral part of this.
Swaim asked how many lots the project's land will encompass. Moran showed the lots that
would be used and the lots that would remain vacant.
Swaim said one image shows a circular turquoise fixture. Moran responded that it represented
a swimming pool that was once in the back yard of an adjacent house that is no longer there.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
March 14, 2013
Page 4 of 7
Moran said that Ned Ashton was a well -known structural engineer. He said Ashton designed all
the bridges between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City on the Iowa River, as well as the intake flukes
on the Hoover Dam.
Michaud asked about the windows on the house. Moran replied that all of the windows are
intact, so they will not be changed.
Swaim commented that this will be a great use for the land and the house.
Regarding outside changes to the house and grounds, Peterson said that would involve the
parking area and the ramp, but the outside of the building really stays the same. Moran
confirmed this.
Gassman asked Moran to describe the paving surface. Moran discussed the pervious pavers
and how they would have to be dealt with. Gassman asked about possibly landscaping through
the middle of the parking area to break it up. Moran said that they have to follow City
regulations. He showed where there would be buffering and two islands where there would be
landscaping.
Miklo stated that this is a local landmark, so any building permits involving the exterior would
require Commission or staff review. He said it would be appropriate at this point for the
Commission to identify any concerns, and if there are none, to propose a motion of general
support for the reuse plan.
Moran said a more finalized plan for a ramp could be brought before the Commission for
consideration at its April meeting.
MOTION: McMahon moved to approve the general plan for the reuse of the Ned Ashton
House. Baldridge seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 11 -0.
Michaud said that when more specific plans are made, the issue of exterior lighting details for
the parking lot could be addressed, and perhaps short fencing, if that is necessary, so that the
design would be contemporaneous with the house. Moran said that FEMA does not like
fencing, so he does not anticipate any fencing requirements.
DISCUSS HISTORIC PRESERVATION WORK PLAN FOR 2013:
Miklo said that once a year, the Commission identifies one or two priority items to concentrate
on. He stated that last year, it was the Melrose Neighborhood Historic District and the Jefferson
Street Historic District, one of which was accomplished.
Miklo said that the chair and staff have been working closely with the Melrose Avenue
Neighborhood Association, and they are not quite ready to go forward. He said the Commission
will therefore wait for the Neighborhood Association's lead on that.
Miklo said the question is, realizing the Commission has limited staffing, what should be focused
on for the following year.
McMahon asked if anything further has been done about education. Miklo said there are some
goals for education identified in the executive summary, and there are more details in the plan
itself.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
March 14, 2013
Page 5 of 7
Michaud said she has received some inquiries about the Manville Heights area, which has
already been surveyed but not very well supported for an historic district. She said there have
been some smaller rundown houses torn down and very large houses put in.
Michaud said there were some height limitations for the lots, based on the other houses. She
said numerous topographical changes were made, so that this is suddenly really a bump -up
from the 1920s houses. Michaud said that a compromise might be that there be no teardowns
unless the house has deteriorated to the point of no return and that the heights of the roofs not
just be averaged but maxed out at the other heights on the block. She said that height and
square footage of the footprint could be suggestions for new construction not exceeding the
largest house on the block.
Miklo said the measures Michaud is speaking of are exactly what an historic preservation district
would address. He said if there is support amongst the property owners, that would be a district
to pursue, but if there is not support, he asked if the Commission wanted to spend its time and
energy on it.
Miklo confirmed that the Manville Heights Neighborhood has been surveyed, and it has been
determined that a portion of it is eligible for the National Register. He stated that discussions
between the Commission and the neighborhood at that time were that if the neighborhood
wanted to pursue National Register or local designation, the Commission would work with them,
but it was up to them to make to initiate designation.
Swaim asked if the stipulations discussed by Michaud are possible without a district. Miklo
answered that that is exactly what an historic district is supposed to do. He said he could not
see another way of doing it without writing a special zoning ordinance for the neighborhood.
Miklo said if that is really what the concerns are, an historic district would be the simplest route
to address them.
Swaim said she believes the Northside is also possibly looking at proposing a conservation
district for part of that area. Miklo said that most of the Northside and the Goosetown
Neighborhoods have been surveyed, although there might be some gaps. He said that from
that survey information, one would probably be able to discern what would qualify for a
conservation district.
Miklo said the Commission did receive a call from the Northside Neighborhood Association,
which expressed an interest in a district. Swaim said she and Miklo will be meeting with them to
discuss the process and other details.
Swaim said she is confident that Melrose will proceed, beginning this summer or perhaps
earlier. She said that leaves Manville Heights and the Northside for consideration. Miklo said
the upcoming goal did not have to be decided at the meeting. He said the Executive Summary
of the Historic Preservation Plan goes into more detail and has a descriptive map. Miklo said a
decision could be made at the next meeting.
Swaim added that there has been accomplishment of a lot of the education goals, largely
because of Friends of Historic Preservation and its lectures, presentations, and workshops.
She said the accomplishment of another goal of the Preservation Plan, streamlining the
application process, has also been very helpful.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
March 14, 2013
Page 6 of 7
Swaim said that looking at the list shows a lot of gains, but the districts are essential to what the
Commission is doing. The consensus of the Commission was to consider this at the
Commission's next meeting.
ELECTION OF HPC OFFICERS:
MOTION: McMahon moved to nominate Swaim to continue as Chair of the Historic
Preservation Commission and Litton to continue as Vice Chair of the Historic
Preservation Commission. Baker seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of
11 -0.
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES FOR FEBRUARY 14, 2013 AND MARCH_ 1, 2013 HISTORIC
PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETINGS:
MOTION: Ackerson moved to approve the minutes of the Historic Preservation Commission's
February 14, 2013 and March 1, 2013 meetings, as written. McMahon seconded the motion.
The motion carried on a vote of 11 -0.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 5:57 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Anne Schulte
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Minutes
APPROVED
Human Rights Commission
March 19, 2013 – 6 P.M.
Helling Conference Room
Members Present: Harry Olmstead, Orville Townsend Sr., Kim Hanrahan, Jessie Harper
(18:50), Joe Coulter, Katie Anthony, Shams Ghoneim (19:50), Diane
Finnerty.
Members Excused: Dan Tallon.
Staff Present: Stefanie Bowers
Others Present: Bob Thompson, Jim McCarragher, Rod Sullivan, Dorothy Whiston,
Caroline Dieterle.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Human Rights Commission meeting of
March 19, 2013.
Recommendations to Council: None.
Call to Order:
Chair Townsend called the meeting to order at 18:04.
Consideration of the Minutes of the January 28, 2013 & February 19, 2013 Meetines:
Olmstead moved to approve minutes, seconded by Coulter.
Motion passed. 5 -0. (Finnerty, Hanrahan, Ghoneim Absent)
Public Comment of Items Not on the Azenda: None.
New Business:
Proposed Justice Center
Chair Townsend opened the discussion on the proposed justice center. Ghoneim noted that she believes it
is two separate discussions—disproportionate confinement versus public safety. Hanrahan mentioned that
she toured the jail recently and that a guard at the jail spoke to the fact that jailers do not decide who gets
arrested.
Coulter said that 1.3 million is spent by Johnson County on confining inmates in other counties due to the
lack of space at the current Johnson County jail. Ghoneim has concerns about the safety of others while
inmates are being transported. Coulter asked Sullivan what the numbers are for Iowa City and other
surrounding municipalities as far as use of the Jail —what are the demographics. Sullivan reported that
everyone who is arrested in Iowa City is taken to the Johnson County Jail. The cost to operate the jail is a
county expense only. The Iowa City Police Department (ICPD) accounts for 50% of the arrest, the other
municipalities including the University have lower percentages with the University following at second,
Coralville third, North Liberty fourth and the Johnson County Sheriff coming in at fifth.
Coulter inquired if the inmates currently housed at the jail represent the most dangerous inmates?
Sullivan shared the numerous reasons a person may be held over in jail.
Townsend asked Sullivan if a new jail would change how inmates are being housed currently. Sullivan
answered that a justice center would offer programs that currently are not offered. Diversion type
programs, etc. A new building would not change the fact that it is the county's responsibility to house
inmates. Attorney Jim McCarragher mentioned that a justice center would allow more room for attorneys,
judges and other persons involved in the criminal justice system. Further it would offer a more humane
environment to inmates and more resources for their families.
Coulter spoke of the need to have demographic data. Coulter would like to see more prevention than
incarceration. Sullivan said that 32% of the county budget is spent on health and human services. It is the
highest in Iowa. Harper asked about the educational backgrounds of most of the inmates. It was reported
that this information is currently not available. Whiston spoke of the lack of religious services,
psychotherapy or drug and alcohol treatment at the current jail.
Finnerty thanked members of the public for attending the Commission meeting. Finnerty posed two
questions: 1) why is the projected number of beds needed for the jail so high? ; 2) how does the Criminal
Justice Committee plan to address racial inequalities?
Sullivan reported that the number of beds is based on a projection done by John Neff. The county is
building towards it with the hope that it will meet the needs in the future. In the last year, the jail was at or
above 200 inmates for only 6 to 7 days. The current daily average is about 158. It is estimated that the
justice center would take 2 years to build. Whiston did not agree with those of the opinion that more bed
space equals more arrests. She noted that the criminal justice system needs to be examined on all levels
and the Supervisors have to lead the way in encouraging others to participate in this examination.
Bob Thompson opposes the construction of a new jail. Thompson noted the length of time it takes to
resolve a criminal case and that the cases of Blacks accused of crimes take longer than all others in the
current system. Thompson asked if a study could be done to look at how current practices could be
altered to change the disproportionate numbers we currently see. Thompson would ask that a new facility
not be built until all alternatives have been exhausted. Thompson would like to see reforms and is on the
vote no side of the issue.
Ghoneim spoke on how inmates currently being housed are not able to live like human beings. Thompson
stated that a lot of the programs could be implemented without building a new jail. Finnerty asked if the
Commission could in any way play a part in improving the racial disparities. Sullivan felt that the
Commission can assist by playing a vital role by looking at why the ICPD has high arrest numbers. This
should be looked at regardless if the referendum passes. Whiston believes all municipalities should do a
systematic assessment.
Sullivan mentioned that juveniles that are charged as adults in Johnson County are currently housed in
Washington County because the current jail does not meet the legal requirements concerning the housing
of juveniles charged as adults. Dieterle doesn't feel that it is appropriate for the Commission to endorse or
not endorse the building of a new jail.
McCarragher stated that Johnson County is progressive in trying to deal with disproportionality. The
county is looking at all types of methods to help improve the numbers in the jail. However, McCarragher
points out that this is not a situation that is unique to this area. It is a state issue as well as a national issue.
Townsend asked if building a new jail is something that can be waited on; Sullivan responded that it
cannot wait. Not only has the jail out grown its space but the courthouse has as well. It is a safety issues,
accessibility issue and every bit important. Dieterle wishes there were 3 options instead of just two.
N
Whiston mentioned that for more than 10 years there have been serious human rights abuses at the jail.
There is no exercise area or library. Sullivan notes that the county jail has failed inspections in the past.
Finnerty moved that the Commission not take a stance on whether to build a new justice center. Finnerty
instead moved that the Commission take a look at the racial inequalities in the current criminal justice
system. Further, the Commission should work with Johnson County, the University and do a racial impact
study. Coulter seconded the motion. The motion passed 6 -1 (Harper not present, Ghoneim in the negative
citing the specific human rights violations that need to be addressed).
Old Business:
Learn Over Lunch
Ghoneim will read the speaker's bio at Lunch & Learn.,
Fair Housing
Bowers reported that sign up will start soon for this event in recognition of fair housing month in April.
Youth Awards
Notice will go out next week soliciting nominations. Youth Ally advertisement have been published in
the West and City High newspapers.
Updates/Reports:
UNA Night of 1000 Dinners
Hanrahan attended the event this year. Hanrahan really enjoyed the event and thought the food and the
speaker were excellent.
Proclamations
Coulter reported on accepting the Women's History Month Proclamation. Anthony will accept in April
for the Holocaust Remembrance Day Proclamation.
SEATS
Olmstead reported that the City Council has not decided on whether to hold a public meeting concerning
Sunday service or half priced fares.
Education Subcommittee
Finnerty made contact with Sarah Swisher (School Board Member) and will arrange a time for the
education subcommittee to meet with a subcommittee of the School Board. Coulter noted the report
completed by the Iowa Department of Human Rights Division of Criminal and Juvenile Justice Planning
contains data the Commission should be looking at when evaluating the diversity policy. Coulter also
mentioned the Annual Enrollment Report for the Iowa City Community School District.
Immigration Subcommittee
Hanrahan was unable to attend the last meeting but is on the list to receive future information about
upcoming meetings. Bowers reported back on the December recommendation the Commission made to
the Council.
Ad Hoc Diversity Committee
Coulter and Townsend spoke on the recommendations contained in the final report submitted to the
Council. Coulter highlighted the recommendation for an annual Equity Report that the Commission and
the City Manager would work on together. Finnerty thanked Townsend and Coulter for their service on
the committee.
Building Communities
Townsend reported that a list is being compiled with all the issues mentioned by those who work in the
social services realm. Future dates are being looked at to organize a group meeting to prioritize the list.
University of Iowa Center for Human Rights
The Center will continue to operate as noted at the last Commission meeting. There is a retreat planned
for the end of this month.
Commission
Ghoneim reported that she has been elected the president of the ACLU Iowa Chapter.
Olmstead reported on a symposium being held in May on the Role of the Church in Same Sex Marriage.
He also announced that there is a vacancy on the Housing and Community Development Board.
Staff
Bowers noted the date of the Police Citizen's Review Committee's Annual Review and also
The work session date for the recommendations to the Council from the Ad Hoc Diversity Committee.
Adjournment:
Motion to adjourn at 19:55.
Next Regular Meeting — April 16, 2013 at 18:00.
4
Human Rights Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2012/2013
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = No meeting
- -- = Not a Member
5
Meeting Date
NAME
TERM
EXP.
4/17/
12
5/15/
12
6/19/
12
7/17/
12
8/21/
12
9/18/
12
10/16
/12
11/20
/12
12/18
/12
11151
13
1/28/
13
2/19/
13
3/19/
13
Diane
Finnerty
1/14/14
X
X
X
O/E
X
O/E
O/E
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
Orville
Townsend,
Sr.
1/1/14
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
x
Dan Tallon
1/1/14
-
-
-
-
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
O/E
Kim
Hanrahan
1/1/15
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Shams
Ghoneim
1/1/15
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
O/E
O/E
X
X
Jessie
Harper
111115
-
-
O/E
X
X
O/E
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
Katie
Anthony
1/1/16
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
X
X
X
X
Joe D.
Coulter
1/1/16
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
X
X
X
X
Harry
Olmstead
1/1/16
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Connie Goeb
1/1/13
X
O/E
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
-
-
-
-
Howard
Cowen
1/1/13
X
O/E
X
O/E
X
O/E
X
O/E
O/E
-
-
-
-
David B.
Brown
1/1/14
O/E
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
-
-
-
-
Henri
Harper
1/1/14
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
-
-
-
-
F-
F-
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = No meeting
- -- = Not a Member
5
T�
5� b�iii�
MINUTES
APPROVED
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
FEBRUARY 13, 2013
ROBERT A. LEE COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTER — MEETING ROOM B
Members Present: Clay Claussen, Maggie Elliott, Allie Gnade, Cara Hamann, Alex
Taylor, John Westefeld, Joe Younker
Members Absent: David Bourgeois, Lucie Laurian
Staff Present: Mike Moran, Chad Dyson, Terry Robinson
Others Present: KT Labadie, Del Holland, William Buss
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Claussen called the meeting to order at 5 p.m.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (to become effective only after separate
Council action):
None
OTHER FORMAL ACTION TAKEN:
Moved by Westefeld, seconded by Hamann, to approve the January 9, 2013
minutes as written. Motion passed 7 -0 with Bourgeois & Laurian being absent.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
K. T. Labadie from the Friends of Hickory Hill Park was present to update commission
on their activities. She noted that Friends of Hickory Hill received a Rockwell Collins
Green Communities Grant in 2012. According to the grant website, "Projects eligible
for grant awards must result in tangible improvement in the environmental condition of
the community and have sustainable project benefits. Examples include conservation
of natural resources and raw materials, improvement of impacts on environmental
media (air, water and land) and restoration or development of ecological habitat. The
program strengthens our relationship with our communities and helps foster the
diverse environmental interests of our employees." Friends of Hickory Hill requested
these funds to assist in the cost of three prairie burns. The group will work with the
Parks and Recreation Department to share in some of this cost as well.
The Friends of Hickory Hill will be discussing erosion control options in the near future.
They will also be participating in a coarse bark mulch study.
KT announced that Ryan Maas has resigned from the board. KT is now the contact
and can be reached at ktlabadie(a)-gmail.com.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
February 13, 2013
Page 2 of 9
Claussen informed KT that if she contacts staff a week or so prior to the commission
meetings, she can be placed on the agenda.
ADOPT -A -PARK PROGRAM:
Mike Kaeser, Secretary for the Parks and Forestry Division, gave a summary of the
Adopt -A -Park program to the commission. She announced that the program just
completed his 20th year, beginning in 1992.
The Adopt -A -Park Program allows individuals or groups to adopt a specific park.
Through adoption, these individuals or groups may assume the responsibility for any
or all of the eligible activities, which will lead to:
• reduced litter in parks;
• enhancement of the environment;
• beautification of green space; and
• broad -based community support for anti - litter and park beautification programs
Kaeser noted that over 1300 volunteer hours were recorded in 2012. That is
equivalent to one extra staff person. Younker asked if there are any parks in Iowa City
that are in greater need of adoption. Moran reported that not necessarily and that all
parks are available for adoption. Mike can be reached at 356 -5107 for more
information about this program.
BOATHOUSE REQUEST:
A community group has approached staff asking about the possibility of building an
additional boat storage facility as the current Beckwith Boathouse is getting cramped.
They are requesting a fenced area that would have boat racks and suggested locating
it between the skate park and the current boathouse. They have offered to pay rent for
this storage. Moran noted that staff has not looked into this yet but wanted to run it by
the commission. Moran envisions this to be around a 40'x 40' fenced in area with two
boat racks. The current University of Iowa boat ramp would be used and they are okay
with this. Harry Ostrander, U of I Recreational Services, and Moran met to talk about
possible usage and feasibility. Taylor asked what the possibilities are for funding;
asking if a person could contribute dollars towards this project and have their name
added in some form. Moran noted that this is a possibility. Taylor also asked what was
in store for the old boathouse by Hancher. Moran noted that Harry Ostrander stated it
was to be torn down. Moran will keep commission updated.
RECREATION FACILITY ACCESS:
Dyson distributed a document regarding recreation facility access by using a pass
system. In it he states that with the new ActiveNet customer database system, Parks
and Recreation has the opportunity to issue Usage Pass IDs that would be required
during free play in the gym and game room and prior to using the fitness room.
Patrons attending classes, lessons, facility rentals, and special events would be
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
February 13, 2013
Page 3 of 9
exempt from needing a pass. This document listed some pros and cons provided by
staff. Pros listed include increased accuracy in tracking visits, better reporting for
master plan performance measures, increased security, better identification for
incident investigation, and increased marketing /communications with customers
including emergency notification. The cons listed include logistics issues, in particular
the RALCRC has multiple entrances /levels, political sensitivity, and implementation
costs.
Elliott asked if there are similar programs being used by other parks and recreations
systems for security. Dyson said that there are, however, there is typically a fee
associated with them. He has not been able to find another facility that is using this
exact method. He further noted that when there are incidents that occur, it can be
difficult to identify the people involved which in turn makes it more difficult for the police
department. He said it would be set up like an ID card that would be scanned when
the patrons come in. This card can also be used when checking out gym equipment,
therefore, eliminating the need for a deposit.
Westefeld asked if there could be an instance where a patron was turned away. Dyson
said that everyone would be able to get a pass; however, they can be revoked if
necessary.
Hamann asked what information would a patron have to give. Dyson explained that
they would only need an email to generate an account. There are still discussions to
be had about what will be required. Gnade asked what staff will do about those who do
not have emails. Dyson reported that there is a system in place for this situation
Elliott noted that she feels differently now about such a system than she did six months
ago, feeling that there is a need for increased security. Taylor acknowledged that he
sees more places with this type of system in place. He noted that it is nice to know that
your children are in a secure environment and that is an expectation.
Claussen talked about his experience when running a fitness center and using an ID
system. He noted that unfortunately they get lost, passed on to other patrons, etc.;
however, it also gave the person a sense of belonging and was a great system when it
came to finding out who was in a building at a certain time.
Younker asked about cost. Dyson reported that there is a cost of .20¢ per card. The
system for card production is already in place for swim passes so no additional fee
associated with that. There would likely be a replacement fee for lost or stolen cards.
Hamann asked if there would be staff manning the doors. Dyson said that there would
be a bar code system in place where they would have to swipe their card upon entry.
Dyson also reported that he and staff are looking into ways to enhance the layout of
the game room to make for a more efficient system. They will also be discussing how
to handle the multiple entrances. Westefeld reported that the U of I Campus Wellness
Center only allows for one entry.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
February 13, 2013
Page 4 of 9
Dyson will be surveying other community recreation centers that have similar systems
in place. He will report his findings to the commission at a future meeting.
NEIGHBORHOOD OPEN SPACE REVIEW:
None
RECREATION DIVISION REPORT:
Dyson reported that the east entrance to the Recreation Center will be complete in
March.
Dyson also reported that several of the departments affiliate groups have been looking
into selling sponsorship banners and hanging them in /on facilities while giving a
percentage of that money to Parks and Recreation. Dyson has talked with Housing
Inspection Services and the Legal Department about this request. He stated that the
current code does not allow for these on private property. This item will be added to
the March Commission agenda for further discussion. Taylor noted that perhaps
Dyson again will want to see what other parks and recreation departments are doing.
He also feels that with budgets getting tighter, alternative methods for income are
becoming more viable. However, he also stated that you don't want something that
screams commercialization; there will need strict guidelines on being presentable.
Moran noted that the department has allowed for this at the dog parks, however, there
is currently no policy in place. He encourages that a policy be created through this
body and then takes suggestions to legal and eventually to City Council for approval.
Younker asked what the City's naming policy provides. Moran reported that it states
that a person would have to cover at least 50% of the cost of a bench or shelter, for
example, to be allowed to put a name on them. Younker asked what the procedure is if
you have competing bids. Moran said that while this hasn't happened to date, staff
would meet with them and discuss and give other options.
PARKS DIVISION REPORT:
Robinson reported that with the mild winter, so far, staff has been able to take care of
maintenance items not usually completed at this time of year. Forestry has pruned
over 400 trees and is able to get started early on stump removal.
Robinson reported that he has been in discussions with Metro Pavers as well as Public
Works regarding trees that are growing through the City owned fence line at the Iowa
Corridor Trail.
Robinson noted that staff has submitted a purchase order to replace the shelter at
Mercer Park in early spring /summer. It will be larger than the existing shelter (24'x
36') and located west of the current shelter. He noted that there has been a need at
this park for a second shelter for some time.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
February 13, 2013
Page 5 of 9
Robinson also reported that staff may be doing some prairie burns at odd times of the
year due to the mild winter. If it stays dry, they will likely be doing these in the near
future.
DIRECTORS REPORT:
TTRA: Many of the tree stumps have been removed in the lake area. If the area
freezes a little bit more, there may be an opportunity to dig a channel from the boat
ramp to the lodge. Moran noted that the dry conditions have been detrimental to the
use of the lake and has hindered moving forward on a concession program with Fin
and Feather (renting of kayaks, canoes etc., and now of snow shoes and other winter
sports equipment).
Construction of the lodge continues with the building being completely enclosed at this
time allowing for construction work to continue on the inside. Commission members
were encouraged to go to TTRA and take a look at the progress. The construction
contract ends in June. Staff will be looking at an official grand opening in August
around the birthday of Terry Trueblood. Will likely have a soft opening in July.
TTRA: Many of the tree stumps have been removed in the lake area. If the area
freezes a little bit more, there may be an opportunity to dig a channel from the boat
ramp to the lodge. Moran noted that the dry conditions have been detrimental to the
use of the lake and has hindered moving forward on a concession program with Fin
and Feather (renting of kayaks, canoes etc., and now of snow shoes and other winter
sports equipment).
Construction of the lodge continues with the building being completely enclosed at this
time allowing for construction work to continue on the inside. Commission members
were encouraged to go to TTRA and take a look at the progress. The construction
contract ends in June. Staff will be looking at an official grand opening in August
around the birthday of Terry Trueblood. Will likely have a soft opening in July.
Master Plans: Moran noted that there may have been some confusion on his master
plan discussion at the previous commission meeting. He explained that there was an
original Parks & Recreation master plan created by Green Play in 2008 which listed 11
goals. One of those goals was to update the plan every five years. He has contacted
Green Play to obtain an estimate of cost to do so. One item that may have an effect on
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
February 13, 2013
Page 6 of 9
the existing master plan is the recent City Strategic Plan that was written. Moran will
keep commission apprised of this process.
The other Master Plan that Moran is working on includes plans specifically for parks.
Two of these include Willow Creek and Kiwanis parks. There will also be work on a
master plan for City Park which will include City Park Pool updates. Moran will bring all
master plans to commission for their review.
Affiliate Groups: Moran announced that while setting forth an affiliate group policy
has gone well with most of the groups, the department is still working with Kickers,
Girls Softball and Boys Baseball as they have expressed the desire to receive credit
for what they have done for the City. While Moran noted he is willing to work together
on this, they cannot come to an agreement on the figures. Staff continues to work with
these groups. Moran asked commission for their input.
Claussen acknowledged that while there are costs to get these facilities up and off the
ground, which their funds certainly helped in providing, there are still ongoing
maintenance costs that have to be covered.
Westefeld stated that he recalls that there was some discontent from these three
groups as they did not want to be lumped in and treated the same as all other affiliate
groups.
Blue Zones: Moran announced that Iowa City has been named a Blue Zone
Community. Blue Zone staff will be hired by ACT, the Chamber, United Way, Pearson
and the City. Claussen asked how these positions will be funded. Moran said that two
of them will be funded by Well -Mark while the others will be supported by the
community and through job- sharing and private business funds. The University has
offered space to house these five positions. Cedar Rapids will be implementing their
program this year and Iowa City will do so in 2014.
DogPAC: Moran met with the new president of DogPAC. She will be attending the
March Commission meeting. There have been some disgruntled members who
realized that revenue from these parks is now going to the City rather than DogPAC.
The new group is in agreement with this process. Elliott asked if the Commission could
acquire information on how much the dog parks are bringing in. Moran noted that
Neumann runs a report annually. The parks have been self - supporting since revenue
coming to the City. Robinson noted that staff is working on getting a water line to
Thornberry thereby allowing the installation of an irrigation system and will do the
same at Rita's Ranch. This will also eliminate the need for trucking water to the water
tanks.
Downtown District/Central Business District: Moran noted that the public will see
some changes to the downtown area this spring. Central Business District (CBD) staff
will now report to Moran. CBD Staff, Parking Staff and one full -time police officer will
be assigned to this district. The staff will continue their duties as before, however, will
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
February 13, 2013
Page 7 of 9
be identifiable by specific uniforms. The staff will have maps etc. for the public and will
serve as ambassadors for the City.
Moran noted that a recent RFP requesting improvements to the Ped Mall brought in 18
bids. Phase 1 of this project will start sometime next year.
New Staff Member: Moran announced that Russ Buffington was hired to fill the
vacant Cemetery Supervisor position and will start on February 19, 2013.
CHAIRS REPORT:
Claussen shared that he had the opportunity to walk the trail at TTRA. He was
amazed by all of the eagles that were clustered in the trees. Taylor stated that he
counted 44 eagles while at TTRA.
COMMISSION TIME /SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
Claussen asked to have Chadek Property Discussion added to March 2013 agenda.
Taylor announced that there is a group of local running enthusiasts who are organizing
three fun runs in late August, September and October. These events are open to the
public. They are still in the planning stages of these runs and will keep commission
updated. Claussen mentioned that TTRA is exactly 5K in distance.
ADJOURNMENT:
Moved by Taylor, seconded by Elliott, to adjourn the meeting at 6:20 p.m.
Motion passed 7 -0 with Bourgeois & Laurian being absent.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
February 13, 2013
Page 8 of 8
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
NAME
N
N
N
N
N
N
N_
C14
C14
C
M
M
r
r
e
M
O
Ln
r
O
N
CD
M
TERM
M
LO
w
1�
00
rn
o
N
N
EXPIRES
David
1/1/15
O/E
X
X
X
X
LQ
X
LQ
X
X
O/E
O/E
Bourgeois
Clay
1/1/14
X
X
X
X
X
LQ
X
LQ
X
X
X
X
Claussen
Maggie
1/1/13
X
X
X
X
O/E
LQ
X
LQ
X
X
X
X
Elliott
Allison
1/1/14
X
O/E
X
X
X
LQ
X
LQ
X
X
X
X
Gnade
Cara
1/1/16
X
X
X
X
X
LQ
X
LQ
X
X
X
X
Hamann
Lucie
1/1/15
X
X
X
X
O/E
LQ
X
LQ
X
X
O/E
O/E
Laurian
Alex
1/1/16
*
*
*
X
X
Taylor
John
1/1/14
X
X
O/E
X
X
LQ
X
LQ
X
X
X
X
Westefeld
Joe
1/1/16
X
X
O/E
X
X
LQ
X
LQ
X
X
X
X
Younker
KEY: X = Present O = Absent O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = No meeting LQ = No meeting due to lack of quorum
* = Not a member at this time
,
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CITY OF IOWA CITY sb(s)
MEMORANDUM 11M�
Date: April 8, 2013
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Bob Miklo, Staff Member of Planning & Zoning Commission
Re: Recommendations from Planning & Zoning Commission
At their March 21, 2013 meeting the Planning & Zoning Commission made the following
recommendations to the City Council:
The Commission voted 7 -0 to recommend approval of an amendment to the Comprehensive
Plan - South District Plan to change the land use designation from Multifamily to General
Commercial for property located at the southeast corner of the intersection of Highway 6 and
Broadway Street.
The Commission voted 7 -0 to recommend approval of REZ13- 00005: an application submitted
by Casey's General Stores, Inc. for a rezoning from Commercial Office (CO -1) zone to
Community Commercial (CC -2) zone for approximately 2.31 -acres of property and to amend the
Conditional Zoning Agreement for ,1.3 -acres of property currently zoned CC -2 located at the
southeast corner of the intersection of Broadway Street and Highway 6 with the recommended
conditions necessary to assure compatibility with adjacent residential development.
The Commission voted 7 -0 to recommend approval of REZ12 -00032 for rezoning to amend the
Sensitive Areas Development Plan to allow a reduction in the previously approved wetland
buffer on property located at 2845 Mormon Trek Boulevard with the condition that the lighting
comply with the 25 -foot height limit for properties within three - hundred foot of a residential zone.
The Commission voted 7 -0 to recommend approval of REZ13 -00001 an application submitted
by University of Iowa for a rezoning from Institutional Public (P2) zone to Public /Medium Density
Multifamily (P2 /RM -20) zone for approximately 27.8 acres of property located west of Mormon
Trek Boulevard, north of Hawkeye Park Drive.
The Commission voted 7 -0 to recommend approval of amendment to Title 14: Zoning to define
rooming house cooperatives as a type of Fraternal Group Living Use and to specify that
Fraternal Group Living Uses are allowed by special exception in the RNS -20 Zone and to
modify the residential density and parking standards for said uses to be consistent with the
density and parking standards for multi - family uses.
The Commission voted 7 -0 to recommend approval of amendment to Title 14: Zoning Code to
establish parking location standards and entranceway standards that will reduce the visual
impact of structured and surface parking areas along residential streets in Multifamily Zones.
Additional action (check one)
No further action needed
Board or Commission is requesting Council direction
_X_ Agenda item will be prepared by staff for Council action
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION APPROVED
MARCH 21 — 7:00 PM — FORMAL
EMMA J. HARVAT HALL, CITY HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Carolyn Dyer, Charlie Eastham, Anne Freerks, Phoebe Martin,
Paula Swygard, John Thomas, Tim Weitzel
MEMBERS ABSENT: None.
STAFF PRESENT: Bob Miklo, Sarah Walz, Sarah Greenwood Hektoen
OTHERS PRESENT: Mary Gravitt, Dianne Dillon Ridgley, Martha Norbeck, Ginalie
Swain, Becky Soglin, Mark Neucollins, John Rummelhart, Wally
Pelds, Duane Musser, Janel Jung, David Kieft, Justin Mulford,
Martha Wichert, Dan Rothje, Mike Wright
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL:
The Commission voted 7 -0 to recommend approval of an amendment to the
Comprehensive Plan - South District Plan to change the land use designation from
Multifamily to General Commercial for property located at the southeast corner of the
intersection of Highway 6 and Broadway Street.
The Commission voted 7 -0 to recommend approval of REZ13- 00005: an application
submitted by Casey's General Stores, Inc. for a rezoning from Commercial Office (CO -1)
zone to Community Commercial (CC -2) zone for approximately 2.31 -acres of property
and to amend the Conditional Zoning Agreement for 1.3 -acres of property currently
zoned CC -2 located at the southeast corner of the intersection of Broadway Street and
Highway 6 with the recommended conditions necessary to assure compatibility with
adjacent residential development.
The Commission voted 7 -0 to recommend approval of REZ12 -00032 for rezoning to
amend the Sensitive Areas Development Plan to allow a reduction in the previously
approved wetland buffer on property located at 2845 Mormon Trek Boulevard with the
condition that the lighting comply with the 25 -foot height limit for properties within three -
hundred foot of a residential zone.
The Commission voted 7 -0 to recommend approval of REZ13 -00001 an application
submitted by University of Iowa for a rezoning from Institutional Public (122) zone to
Public /Medium Density Multifamily (P2 /RM -20) zone for approximately 27.8 acres of
property located west of Mormon Trek Boulevard, north of Hawkeye Park Drive.
The Commission voted 7 -0 to recommend approval of amendment to Title 14: Zoning to
define rooming house cooperatives as a type of Fraternal Group Living Use and to
specify that Fraternal Group Living Uses are allowed by special exception in the RNS -20
Zone and to modify the residential density and parking standards for said uses to be
consistent with the density and parking standards for multi - family uses.
Planning and Zoning Commission
March 21, 2013 - Formal
Page 2 of 17
The Commission voted 7 -0 to recommend approval of amendment to Title 14: Zoning
Code to establish parking location standards and entranceway standards that will reduce
the visual impact of structured and surface parking areas along residential streets in
Multifamily Zones.
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA:
Mary Gravitt of 2714 Wayne Street said according to the City Code the development of Gilbert
Street and College Street will certainly meet the criteria of general prosperity of the city but for
the welfare of the citizens it doesn't work. She said once that building goes up with twenty
stories it will ghettoize that protected neighborhood. She asked the Commission to take into
consideration that that is a neighborhood only approaching the downtown, and there is no
reason for that building to be there. She said in the presentation at the last meeting, the
community desired businesses to come to Iowa City that would pay a living wage. Gravitt said
one such business already exists in the floodplain — New Pioneer Coop. She said she takes
exception to the phrase workforce housing, says it has bad connotations, and would prefer the
term affordable housing to be used.
Dianne Dillon Ridgley 2204 McBride Drive said she appreciated Gravitt's comments on the
Gilbert/College Street development. She is a member of Trinity Episcopal Church and is
concerned that the proposed building will impact the visual and sight lines. Ridgley said in the
mid -1990s she presented the Iowa City Comprehensive Plan to a gathering on sustainable
development and was proud that Iowa City's Plan talked about green space in ratio to
developed space and was one of the few cities that seemed to be embracing and understanding
what it would take to have viable, sustainable, livable, vibrant communities. She said she also
took exception to the term workforce housing. She said there are many people who may never
come to one of these meetings or write anything but who are frustrated. She said it's not about
not being progressive, but doing development in a way that is consistent with the history of Iowa
City and doesn't abruptly change the character of the city. She said there's a way to embrace
and engage both the historic parts of the community along with the progressive parts and to do
it in a way that underscores and becomes an example for greening our entire communities and
economic structure. She said she hoped the Commission would take that seriously and not do
something that would in the end do something that would drastically and negatively change the
character of Iowa City.
Comprehensive Plan
Public hearing on an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan to adopt an update to Iowa
City's Comprehensive Plan: "Iowa City 2030."
Walz explained that the Comprehensive Plan is supposed to express the community's shared
values and aspirations and be a broad set of goals that form the foundation for the City's
policies and the way that it does business and the way people view private investment. She said
the Plan is to guide the decisions of all the City's boards and commissions, City Council and
staff. She said it guides public investment and private development. She said the Plan also
defines the character of Iowa City and defines what is important for the city. She said this
Planning and Zoning Commission
March 21, 2013 - Formal
Page 3 of 17
Comprehensive Plan reflects on the discussions staff had within the district planning meetings.
She pointed out two areas on the map which weren't covered in the Downtown Master Plan or
the Central District Plan. Miklo explained that the two areas are on the edge of downtown on the
north and east.
Eastham asked if the Commission were to adopt the 2030 document, are they incorporating City
Steps into the Comprehensive Plan.
Miklo explained that the plans that staff, City Commissions and Council use aren't limited to one
document. He said there are multiple documents that make up the Comprehensive Plan.
Walz said after reading the emails staff received, she wants to clarify one aspect of the plan that
might have confused people — The Growth Policy. She said they use the word urban to describe
the kinds of residential neighborhoods within the city, and not necessarily the downtown area,
which are different from rural neighborhoods. She described the meaning of compact lots, which
is not a requirement that means every lot has to be small. She said City's policy it to remove the
impediments to compact development. She also explained that interconnected streets are a
more efficient way for the city to provide services in the long -term.
Walz explained a list of three changes staff suggested regarding TIF's, the provision of private
utilities, and working toward universal access to broadband services.
Eastham referred to the comments made earlier in the meeting about the use of the term
workforce and asked how many times it is used in this plan. He asked that in view of the
comments that were made, he is requesting staff to do a word search and see how often that
word is used in this draft.
Freerks opened public hearing.
Mary Gravitt said they haven't mentioned flood control in the plan. Walz said the Code limits
new development in the flood plain.
Eastham said the City is now using a higher standard of elevation to regulate development
within flooded areas than they were earlier. Walz explained that the structure needs to be
elevated or built to withstand the flood or else it can't be constructed.
Martha Norbeck of 906 S. 7th Avenue asked how the spots that weren't picked up in either Plan
are going to be addressed. Walz read from a portion of the Plan that indicates these areas may
develop at a higher density due to their proximity to downtown and the university, and both
should comply with policies and goals of the Central District Plan in order to provide quality
design and appropriate transitions to the lower density residential neighborhoods that border
them. She said it's recommended that staff initiates a process to guide how these areas are
redeveloped over time, and once both areas are completed, they should be added to the
Central District Plan map.
Norbeck said with City Council's decision about the building on Gilbert and College, she's afraid
there will be a cascade effect onto Van Buren Street, so she is concerned about the
conversation about a plan for these areas continuing. She said her biggest concern, though, is
under the Environment and Energy section of the Plan where there is a missing opportunity,
which is to leverage the City's role in terms of setting building codes and their role as a financier
of certain projects so they can incentivize more assertive sustainability goals in terms of energy
efficiency. She sees this as a large gap in the section of the Plan titled Track, Measure and
Planning and Zoning Commission
March 21, 2013 - Formal
Page 4 of 17
Reduce Energy Consumption."
Walz said there is a plan called Sustainability Assessment that Brenda Nations, the
Environmental Coordinator for the City, is putting together right now, which would not preclude
Norbeck's idea, that measures water and energy consumption, walkability, access to healthy
food and a whole range of other things. She said that will offer baseline measures and set some
goals on how to improve in those areas.
Eastham asked if the Sustainability Assessment will eventually come before this Commission
for inclusion in the Comprehensive Plan menu of documents. Miklo said that hasn't been
decided, that it may go directly to Council. He said they can request that it come to the
Commission. Eastham said he would like it directed to the Commission for at least comment,
even if there isn't a statutory ability that lets them make a recommendation.
Thomas asked if there is a schedule for the redevelopment plan on those two areas that weren't
covered in any Plan. Miklo said there was not. He said the Commission yearly sets priorities,
and that will probably occur within the next month or so.
Ginalie Swaim of 1024 Woodlawn Ave. said she wanted to applaud the Comprehensive Plan
for protecting historic preservation goals in the long -range Plan, and said that they are hearing
more and more that's what the citizenry wants. She said her main comment tonight is about the
component in the Plan regarding protecting and enhancing the entrance ways into the city. She
pointed out that the Dubuque Street off ramp from the interstate is remarkable, with no
commercial or urban sprawl, unlike almost any other entry into any other town. She says that it
can be seen as a green asset, particularly because of all the work Project Green has put into it.
She said aesthetics are assets, and she believes Dubuque Street is a great asset for the town.
Becky Soglin of 65 Rita Lyn Court asked if there was content about hazard planning in the Plan.
Miklo said there is a separate Disaster Mitigation Plan. Soglin said she felt a direct reference to
it would be necessary.
Norbeck asked what the steps and the timeframe are for approving the Plan. Freerks said the
Commission can vote on it tonight.
Miklo said after this Commission makes a recommendation, it will go to Council and they will
hold a public hearing and may make any amendments beyond what the Commission wants to
make. Freerks encouraged Norbeck to submit something in writing to the Council if there's
something she wants to address. Norbeck said that LEED is a comprehensive approach to
sustainability. She said that after working in this field for over fifteen years, she believes that
reducing greenhouse gas emissions is the number one environmental priority because those
are what's triggering problematic issues regarding water and species extinction. She said
putting a strong statement in the Plan to tackle these emissions in every facet available to the
city in the broad vision is very important because this is a great opportunity for the city to be a
leader. She said tackling greenhouse gas emission is a huge opportunity and a way to drive
change and innovation and more investment in the city. She said if the city has signature
buildings that are net zero, Iowa City will be viewed as leading the pack and can create change
locally. She strongly urged the Commission to add that extra component to leverage the City's
role as the arbiter of building codes and the opportunities when it provides financing to promote
projects through TIFs or other funding.
Ridgley said that Iowa City consistently comes out on top in indexes of the best places to live
partly because of the appreciation for the historic, but also the opportunity to be a leader. She
says she hopes that Iowa City will take advantage of incentives for meeting or exceeding
Planning and Zoning Commission
March 21, 2013 - Formal
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standards. She totally agrees with what Norbeck said about climate change and said that if we
put the right kinds of codes and incentives in place, we will mitigate against the effects of
climate change and build in resiliency for the community.
Mark Neucollins of 2769 Anchorage Rd NE Solon read from an email he had sent the
Commission. He said he is very concerned about energy efficiency and sustainable building
design. He said to avoid the worst effect of climate change we need to quickly build an economy
based on renewable sources. He said our buildings are the single largest contributor to global
warming. He said we obviously need to rethink our buildings. He said he finds it difficult to
understand why the Iowa City 2030 Plan pays so little attention to energy efficiency and
sustainable design. He suggested a way to promote these goals is to codify in the Plan that
building projects seeking more than $250,000 in City funds must exceed the State Energy Code
by sixty percent or more. He said in 2007 the City signed the U.S. Mayors' Climate Protection
Agreement and in 2008 became a member of the International Council for Local Environmental
Initiatives, which really means nothing unless specific goals and legislative mechanisms to
achieving these goals must be identified.
Walz said all the public input regarding the Plan has been forwarded to Brenda Nations and
should be read by Council.
John Rummelhart of 1112 E. Court St. said there is energy to be captured from burning off the
methane at the City Landfill.
Greenwood Hektoen said the City is working with a consultant to draft a Request For Proposal
(RFP) to put out nationwide to recycle or reuse the waste at the landfill.
Freerks closed public hearing.
Eastham moved to defer this item to the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting of
April 4.
Swygard seconded.
Eastham said he wants to explore the use of the term "workforce housing ", as was not aware
before tonight of its pejorative connotation. He said he wants to give more consideration to the
energy issues that have been brought up tonight and try to include them more specifically within
the body of the Plan. He thinks a couple things might be added to the bulleted list in the
environmental section.
Martin wanted to know if the Commission would see an update before the next meeting. Miklo
said the Commission will need to give staff some direction on what changes they would like.
Eastham said that staff has heard the same comments as the Commission has and it seems
that staff might have some ideas about things they would like to see changed.
Freerks asked if there was a consensus among the Commission who would like to see more
goal oriented information in the Plan. There was a consensus.
Eastham had some issues with the word "lure" being overused.
Freerks asked staff to put something about a hazard plan into the list.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 7 -0.
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March 21, 2013 - Formal
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Comprehensive Plan / Rezoning Item
A public hearing to amend the Comprehensive Plan - South District Plan to change the
land use designation from Multifamily to General Commercial for property located at the
southeast corner of the intersection of Highway 6 and Broadway Street.
REZ13- 00005: Discussion of an application submitted by Casey's General Stores, Inc. for
a rezoning from Commercial Office (CO -1) zone to Community Commercial (CC -2) zone
for approximately 2.31 -acres of property and to amend the Conditional Zoning
Agreement for 1.3 -acres of property currently zoned CC -2 located at the southeast corner
of the intersection of Broadway Street and Highway 6.
Miklo said staff has been working with the applicant on the screening for the property as well as
with the Iowa City Police Community Service Officer to address concerns about visibility on the
property. He said they have come to agreement on most issues. He described the changes in
fencing plantings and a berm. He said with the revised plan staff feels that the landscaping
requirements of the Code are being met while at the same time the concerns of the police about
maintaining site visibility throughout the site are achieved. He said the applicant has agreed to
limit the height of the canopy and to wrap the posts in masonry to match the building. He said
staff and the applicant could not come to agreement on adding more windows to improve
visibility and "eyes on the street." He said the applicant couldn't agree to do that because of the
location of restrooms nor would they agree to staff's suggestion of enlarging the front windows.
He showed examples of buildings that staff hoped the applicant would pick the best features
from and use in their design.
Miklo said staff is recommending approval of this application with these conditions:
a. The development of the property will substantially conform to the site plan. Any
significant changes from this site plan will require approval of the Design Review
Committee.
b. The development of the buildings and structures including canopies will be of a
quality design appropriate for property abutting a residential neighborhood.
Buildings and structures will include features such as stone and /or masonry
materials, and muted colors and will substantially conform to the building elevations
and plans attached here to and by reference made part of this agreement. Any
significant changes from these designs will require approval of the Design Review
Committee.
c. The measurement from grade to the bottom of the canopy shall not exceed 15 feet.
The overall height of the canopy shall not exceed 18'9" except for approved signage.
Under canopy lighting shall be flush mounted or recessed within the canopy so that
the light source is not exposed.
d. A substantial buffer area of no less than 35 feet in width will be established along
the southern and eastern property lines. This buffer must be screened to the S2
standard and include a decorative masonry and metal fence a minimum five (5)
feet in height and deciduous over story trees to the north of the fence. Tree
species, such as locust and pin oak, that provide a screening effect but also
allow for visibility will be used. The trees will be properly pruned to assure that
the bulk of the crown is located six feet above ground to help assure visibility.
The fence shall be in substantial compliance with concept plan submitted to the
City.
Planning and Zoning Commission
March 21, 2013 - Formal
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e. Berms with plantings to be maintained at a height of between than 2 feet and
2.5 feet above the berm will be installed to screen to headlights as shown on
the attached site plan.
f. A landscaped setback of no less than 20 feet will be provided and maintained
along Broadway Street.
g. There will be a limit of one (1) free - standing sign located in the northwest corner of
the property. There will be no building signs on the south and east sides facing the
residential development. Other fascia and monument signs are permitted as per the
code.
h. Pedestrian lighting will be provided for the sidewalk connection to Hollywood
Boulevard and the south east corner of the property. Lighting will be installed
on the commercial side of the brick piers.
i. Business hours will be limited to between 5:00 am and 11:00 pm.
Eastham asked what windowing the staff preferred on the front of the building. Miklo said staff
was suggesting that the applicant make them larger so the building has a more open
appearance. He said staff was suggesting that more height be added to the windows and
extended over to the edge of the entry.
Freerks opened public hearing.
Wally Pelds with Pelds Engineering Company representing Casey's General Stores
summarized some of what they have changed in their plan: their parapet wall has been
extended so you can't see the rooftop equipment; the building is encompassed completely with
brick; they have added some columns to dress up the back of the building. He said the windows
are already fairly large. He said part of the business model is that they use the same kinds of
windows in all the stores and keep a stock on hand if hit by tornados. He said if they changed
their windows they would also change their standardized energy envelope. He said they have a
standardized layout of merchandise. He said they have really stepped up from what they have
built in other locations.
Freerks asked if they special order windows for buildings that have been adapted. Pelds
responded that those stores are either torn down or remodeled to fit their standard template.
Eastham asked if they agree to decrease the canopy height to fifteen feet above grade. Pelds
said that is fine with them.
John Rummelhart asked if that canopy and the site will accommodate large semis. Pelds
responded that this store is not slated to have diesel fuel. He said they only really get a delivery
truck and a tanker truck on site. He said the set up for the trucks is pretty standardized. Freerks
closed public hearing.
Weitzel moved to recommend approval of an amendment the Comprehensive Plan -
South District Plan to change the land use designation from Multifamily to General
Commercial for property located at the southeast corner of the intersection of Highway 6
and Broadway Street and REZ13- 00005: an application submitted by Casey's General
Stores, Inc. for a rezoning from Commercial Office (CO -1) zone to Community
Commercial (CC -2) zone for approximately 2.31 -acres of property and to amend the
Planning and Zoning Commission
March 21, 2013 - Formal
Page 8 of 17
Conditional Zoning Agreement for 1.3 -acres of property currently zoned CC -2 located at
the southeast corner of the intersection of Broadway Street and Highway 6 with the
recommended conditions.
Eastham seconded.
Swygard said she thinks the applicant has worked hard to make the store fit this site. She said
she particularly likes how the fencing and the lighting have been thought out to minimize the
impact on the neighbors.
Eastham said he appreciates the staff and applicant working together to attain a reasonable
building design on a major highway in the city and to give reasonable consideration to the
impact of car lights on the adjoining residences. He said that he believes the project will
enhance the entire nearby neighborhood.
Thomas said he also appreciates the effort that has gone into this. He said he thinks berming is
an excellent approach to take for screening because some trees and shrubs may not make it in
the long run so using just the earth form will be more effective. He said the shapes of the day lily
areas seem a bit ragged to him, and he hopes in the implementation they will be smoothed out.
He said he personally is okay with the amount of glass in the front.
Freerks said she is happy with the fence and the berm and thinks it goes in the right direction to
utilize something like that which is low in cost but will be effective. She said she likes the
landscaping. She stated that she's happy to see something developed on this corner, and she
thinks it will be utilized and will be a good project. She said she is a bit disappointed in the
building design and personally likes more windows for the employees to be able to see what's
going on outside. She suggested that perhaps in their next design template for Casey's that
they use more windows.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 7 -0.
Rezonina Items
REZ12- 00032: Discussion of an application submitted by Dealer Properties for a rezoning
to amend the Sensitive Areas Development Plan to allow a reduction in the previously
approved wetland buffer on property located at 2845 Mormon Trek Blvd (west of the
intersection of Dane Road and Mormon Trek Blvd).
Miklo said the applicant had a good neighbor meeting, one person attended, and the applicant
agreed to plant a row of evergreens on the vacant residential lot that they own in the county. He
said there is a revised plan, which shows compliance with the twenty foot buffer that's required
by the Conditional Zoning Agreement and includes additional landscaping to screen the car
dealership from the residences on Dane Road. He said there's some question of whether or not
the lighting is in compliance, and the City needs to determine if the three - hundred foot setback
applies to a residential zone in the county. He said if it is determined that the setback applies,
the lights would have to be lowered to meet that standard. He said staff is recommending
approval of the revised plan with the condition is that the mitigation work to the wetlands be
completed before the new paving is installed.
Eastham said the current Code doesn't allow buffer reduction and buffer averaging on the same
site. Miklo said at the time this plan was approved, an applicant could seek both buffer reduction
Planning and Zoning Commission
March 21, 2013 - Formal
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and buffer averaging. He said when the Code was rewritten a few years ago, the ability to do
both was removed.
Freerks mentioned that there are four to seven lights within the 300 foot area where they are
thirty -two feet high, and asked if in the plan that was approved were they to be twenty -five feet
high. Miklo said he thinks it was an oversight in creating and reviewing the plan.
Thomas asked if they were to be reduced in height would it only apply to a certain few. Miklo
said it would be the ones within three - hundred feet and pointed out the locations on the plan. He
said any new ones would have to be limited in height.
Thomas asked if they were in compliance with regard to the other standards in terms of outside
lighting, like shielding. Miklo replied that they are in compliance with the higher standard of
lighting for display lots. Miklo said the older parts of the lot do comply with the lighting
standards.
Eastham asked if it is the staff's position that there's no long -term effect on the stability of the
wetland by reducing the buffer amount between the edge of the developed area and the wetland
as is being requested. Miklo said he thinks it was a minimal amount of buffer reduction in terms
of the long term effect on the wetland
Freerks opened public hearing.
Duane Musser of MMS Consultants said they prepared the original plan for the subdivision and
the plans for the dealership. He said there are contractors this spring hired to put the wetlands
in per the Corps permit. He said they updated the mitigation plan with the Corps of Engineers
and made some modifications to it based on the current conditions of the site. He said the
detention basin drains about sixteen acres of this side of Iowa City and approximately fifty acres
of that goes into the basin. He said they are meeting the City requirements for a commercial
development not only in the storage volume but also in the release rate into that existing
waterway. He said through the proposed buffer reduction, they would be adding an additional
11,000 square feet of pavement for the display area. He said of that sixty acres of that drainage
way, this 11,000 square feet is approximately half or .005 percent. Musser explained that the
storage lay -down on the empty residential lot in the county is temporary for the construction of
the wetlands. He said when the project is built that area would be graded and seeded and
planted with pine trees.
Freerks asked if there was parking now on the wetlands like there was at the time of the last
Commission meeting. Musser said the vehicles were moved the day after that meeting. He said
they staked the corners of the proposed parking addition. He said he and his wetland expert on
his staff don't see this small percentage of reduction of the buffer as having any impact on that
waterway or the drainage.
Eastham asked if Musser saw any impact on the wetland itself. Musser said he doesn't. He said
they will remove eighteen inches of top soil to get rid of the invasive species, bring in clean top
soil to plant the wetland plants and, as according to any Corps permit, they have to monitor and
maintain that, and if they don't, the meter keeps ticking until the Corps is satisfied. He said this
should ultimately be a better wetland for the area and for the environment, and he thinks this is
a good thing for the watershed. Miklo said he saw this as an improvement for the watershed too.
Swygard asked how many cars can be parked on the 11,000 square feet of additional
pavement. Musser said it's for product display, so forty -two can be parked on it.
Planning and Zoning Commission
March 21, 2013 - Formal
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Ridgley said there are permeable surfaces that are almost cost neutral that would actually assist
in the wetland issues. She said for future considerations, there are other options that achieve a
better outcome. She said to be mindful of planting a variety of pines because if they are all the
same and something happens to one, all the others become vulnerable.
Freerks said they had talked in the past about using other kinds of surfaces but the problem in
Iowa seemed to be the freezing and the thawing that caused issue.
Janel Jung of 4161 Dane Road said at least three of the residents on Dane Road did not
receive notice of the good neighbor meeting that was held. She said she is concerned with how
much more Billion Auto wants to grow and thinks they threaten locally owned car dealerships.
She said right now the lighting from Billions prevents them from using their deck. She said she's
concerned that the additional lighting will impact her residence even more.
Greenwood Hektoen said that as a condition of this zoning the Commission could say that
regardless of the retroactive applicability of the lighting standards to county property, with any
new lighting that's put on this property it comply while the City continues to investigate whether
it applies to any lights that have been installed.
Jung said she thinks that the dealership knew from the beginning that they had to put in a
wetland and a buffer. She said they were parking illegally on the residential area and along the
street in the City. She said every time the County told them to move the cars, they would bring
them back in a few days. She said with Billion's past history, she has no faith that they will abide
and comply with the laws and the Code. She had questions about protesting a rezoning.
Rummelhart said he's concerned with the flow of water and the calculations and wants them to
be looked at by City staff. He had the good neighbor meeting was held at noon, when few
people could attend. He had questions about buffers and wetlands which Miklo answered. He
said there have already been considerable accommodations to Billion and the previous owner.
He said he doesn't know why they need additional pavement. He said his biggest concern is the
lighting. He said the elevation difference needs to be taken into consideration because the
Billion property sits up so much higher than the residences on Dane Road. He said there should
be some conditions on what the trees will be on the vacant residential lot. He said he thought
they should plant some trees on the lot where they tore down the building. He said on the
original plan more seeding was required than on the current plan, and he would like to see the
Commission require that the original amount be used.
Musser said he knows they have a plan approved by the Corps, and they have two different
wetland mixes that are to be combined and seeded at eighteen pounds per acre. He said the
contractor for the applicant and Housing and Inspection Services have already agreed that the
one light pole that needs to be moved and the one new additional pole will meet whatever the
requirements are based on the residential zoning. Freerks asked if Musser would want to have
the poles that currently are within 300 feet of the County residential zone lowered. Musser said
he can request that, but he can't authorize it. Freerks said that lighting is a big issue. She said
people expect to have a certain amount of pleasure from their living space and that doesn't
mean that they want other people's lights beaming down on them all day and all night.
Miklo reminded the Commission that they can put conditions on the lighting.
Musser said that the applicant was willing to lower all the poles within the 300 feet of the County
residential zone and will make that a part of the project. He said he will confer with staff about
the species they are planting and the mix of varieties.
Planning and Zoning Commission
March 21, 2013 - Formal
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Eastham asked Musser if he looked at whether the water run -off from the proposed additional
pavement is within the design parameters of the existing storm water structures. Musser said it
absolutely was. He said that 11,000 square feet is more than adequately covered with the
original design basin that's built.
Freerks closed public hearing.
Thomas moved to recommend approval of REZ12 -00032 for rezoning to amend the
Sensitive Areas Development Plan to allow a reduction in the previously approved
wetland buffer on property located at 2845 Mormon Trek Boulevard with the condition
that the lighting comply with the three - hundred foot residential buffer requirement.
Eastham seconded.
Eastham said he visited this site today and in terms of lighting, there's a huge elevation
difference between parking lot for the dealership and some of the residences in the area, and he
can understand the desirability of getting the light poles lower in height at least for the additional
parking area and hopefully for the existing poles. He said the gist of this request is to reduce the
required buffer area, and he's satisfied now after reading 2003 materials regarding wetland
regulations and those of today that there's some sensibility in applying the 2003 regulations to
this request. Eastham said in terms of the leeway he has to request or require some sort of
trade off of benefits, he's usually happy to try to do that, but he's also aware that his first
obligation is to try and conform to the Planning and Zoning Ordinance. He said in this situation
the Ordinance gives the owner the right to obtain this buffer reduction because there's no
indication that reducing the buffer will impact the existing or new wetland. He said the lighting
requirement is one of the major things he's interested in.
Freerks said for the future she would like the City to look into the areas around the edges of
Iowa City and how it affects Johnson County. She said it's always good to look ahead and see
how what they do now affects how it integrates into our community in the future. She said this
application was a tough one because of the things that were supposed to happen that didn't and
that can lead to sour feelings. She said it will be an improvement having the wetlands restored.
She said she would hope that Billion will keep the empty lot as green space or as mitigation in
the future. She said she will vote in favor of this project even though it is above the minimum,
but just because there is a minimum that doesn't mean that it has to be the requirement to aim
for.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 7 -0.
Freerks asked for a three minute break, after which the meeting was called to order.
REZ13- 00001: Discussion of an application submitted by University of Iowa for a
rezoning from Institutional Public (P2) zone to Public /Medium Density Multifamily
(P2 /RM -20) zone for approximately 27.8 acres of property located west of Mormon Trek
Boulevard, north of Hawkeye Park Drive.
Miklo said that properties zoned as Public mean they are. owned by a government entity, and
because it's Institutional Public it's exempt from most local zoning regulations. The proposal is
to lease this property on a long -term basis to a private entity that would build multifamily housing
on the property. He said staff feels this does meet the criteria for being zoned multifamily as it
Planning and Zoning Commission
March 21, 2013 - Formal
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has good access to a major street and access to commercial goods and services in the area.
He said it is also served by transit. He said it will continue to be surrounded by University -owned
property and would not have an effect on an established residential neighborhood. Miklo said
there are some environmentally sensitive issues with this property, as portions of it are in the
floodplain. Miklo said staff recommends approval of this proposal. He showed the Commission
photos of the area and said the existing buildings will be removed in two phases, and there will
not be reconstruction in areas within the flood plain.
Eastham asked if the City will receive property taxes from the buildings but not from the land.
Miklo said that is the case. Eastham asked if the City will provide water, sewer, streets, public
safety and bus service. Miklo responded that the University will still provide some of those
services.
Freerks opened public hearing.
David Kieft of the University said that the facilities will be operated with University water, and
because of the Cleary Act, the University police will continue to patrol that neighborhood.
Martin asked if CAMBUS will still operate there. Kieft said it would, and the same services that
are there now will continue to operate. He said it will still be graduate and married student
housing. He said they are entering into a fifty -one year ground lease with the developers.
Easthams asked if the developer would be able to rent some of the units to non - students. Kieft
said that if by certain dates, a certain occupancy has not been reached by University students,
then it is available to other students in the area, like Kirkwood students. He said subsequently, if
more than ten percent occupancy exists after a certain date, rental can be offered to the general
public. Eastham asked if the University would provide law enforcement services to all renters.
Kieft said it will include the entire area, because the Cleary Act is linked to the land, not to who
lives on it.
Thomas asked how many units there are now and how many are in the redevelopment. Kieft
replied that there will be an overall reduction in the number of units. He said the plan is to
eliminate the current section used for graduate housing.
Eastham asked if during phased development some of the units won't be available for
occupancy. Kieft said there will be a reduction in housing during that phasing.
Ridgley said Kieft hadn't exactly answered Eastham's question. She asked him how many units
are there now and how many units will there ultimately be, and what is the time line of the
phasing. Greenwood Hektoen said that in the staff report it states that the complex currently
contains fifteen two -story buildings, with 504 one and two- bedroom units, although some of
them were damaged in the flood.
Kieft said if both phases were done the complex would go from what 587 units to 540. He said
that would include Hawkeye Court and Hawkeye Drive. Freerks asked what the time frame is.
Kieft said demo will begin on the first half of Hawkeye Court this summer for occupancy the
following August, and it would be two years from now that the second phase of construction will
begin.
Eastham asked if current residents will be displaced during construction. Kieft said students are
being accommodated at other locations and everyone's lease ends in May.
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Freerks closed public hearing.
Eastham recommended approval of REZ13 -00001 an application submitted by University
of Iowa for a rezoning from Institutional Public (P2) zone to Public/Medium Density
Multifamily (P2 /RM -20) zone for approximately 27.8 acres of property located west of
Mormon Trek Boulevard, north of Hawkeye Park Drive.
Swygard seconded.
Eastham said this is an interesting approach to providing student housing. He said he is
satisfied that the City is not committing itself to providing infrastructure support that it's not
getting property taxes to cover.
Freerks said it seems an equal trade -off in terms of use. She said it's interesting that the City
will be getting taxes on the buildings.
Swygard said she thinks the area is overdue for redevelopment. She said she hopes that the
costs can be contained somewhat so that students renting the new buildings are not hit with a
large jump in cost.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 7 -0.
Code Amendment Items
Discussion of an amendment to Title 14: Zoning to define rooming house cooperatives
as a type of Fraternal Group Living Use and to specify that Fraternal Group Living Uses
are allowed by special exception in the RNS -20 Zone and to modify the residential
density and parking standards for said uses to be consistent with the density and
parking standards for multi - family uses.
Miklo said this came to the City's attention through a request by the River City Housing
Cooperative. He said they have rooming houses in a Neighborhood Stabilization Medium
Density (RNS -20) zone and would like to buy houses in the immediate area to expand their
organization. He said the current zoning would not allow that because they are treated like
rooming houses, which are not allowed in that zoning district, but fraternities and sororities are.
He said after staff talked to the cooperative they believe that the applicants are much more like
a fraternity or sorority than they are to rooming houses. He said staff feels that if they are going
to expand this opportunity for group living, staff should look at the best way to accomplish that
but still address the concerns about neighborhood stabilization. He said they thought the special
exception process would be the best way to do that to allow review of these proposals. He said
they are proposing amendments to bring these uses more in line in terms of density so that
there are not incentives to establish these sorts of group homes over multifamily. He said staff is
recommending Code amendments to treat cooperatives as group living in more of a fraternal
format and require a special exception and a change in density from one unit per five - hundred
square feet to one unit per nine - hundred square feet.
Eastham asked what happens if these groups meet the requirement for a time but then cease to
do so. Miklo said if they didn't meet the special exception, the building would have to revert to
an allowed use in the zone
Freerks opened public hearing.
Planning and Zoning Commission
March 21, 2013 - Formal
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Justin Mulford of 2177 Dempster Drive, Coralville, said he is currently working on building a new
fraternity building for Sigma Phi. He said the Code amendments to the density are going to take
the fraternity from a possible twenty -one residents to thirteen and make every fraternity and
sorority non - conforming. Freerks asked what the square footage of the lot is. Mulford said it's
12,000 square feet. Freerks said that most fraternities and sororities have much larger lot areas,
which will change the density. Miklo said most of the Greek organizations are already
nonconforming. Mulford said changing the density is not going to allow for any new fraternities
or sororities to start up.
Martha Wichert of East College Street said she lives in the neighborhood of the proposed
fraternity. She asked if there are any rules about green space. Freerks said that comes up often,
and that is a small part of the reason that some of these density changes came about in the first
place. She said the City is looking for a way to have those areas closer in where there are older
homes that were never intended to be redeveloped lot line to lot line. Freerks said there could
be a fraternity at Mulford's site, but he would need a bigger lot to accommodate it.
Dan Rothje of the River City Housing Collective said it's important in order to maintain a sense
of community to have all their properties located in the same area.
Mike Wright of 225 Lucas Street said this proposal would not only bring everything into line city-
wide, but also reduce the possibility of something coming up in an RNS -20 that's incompatible
to a lower density zone that is immediately adjacent to it. He said the Northside Neighborhood
Association thinks this amendment is a good idea.
Mulford had questions about density and size and open space. Miklo said in terms of open
space there has been some dissatisfaction with the setback standards in these neighborhoods,
and there isn't a minimum open space requirement, just requirements for front, back and side
yard requirement. He said this is a big issue that is on the Commission's list of things to look
into.
Greenwood Hektoen said the density also affects the number of parking spaces you can have
on the lot so if there's less density, there will be less parking, maybe providing the opportunity
for more green space.
Thomas said because it is group living with fewer occupants, perhaps that could lend itself to
the development of outdoor, usable space.
Freerks said to Mulford that perhaps this small lot isn't best served to have that type of
occupancy.
Freerks closed public hearing.
Weitzel moved to recommend approval of amendment to Title 14: Zoning to define
rooming house cooperatives as a type of Fraternal Group Living Use and to specify that
Fraternal Group Living Uses are allowed by special exception in the RNS -20 Zone and to
modify the residential density and parking standards for said uses to be consistent with
the density and parking standards for multi - family uses.
Thomas seconded.
Eastham asked Miklo to repeat the rationale for changing the density from 500 to 900 square
feet in the RNS -20. Miklo said the City previously based density on the number of bedrooms
Planning and Zoning Commission
March 21, 2013 - Formal
Page 15 of 17
and made adjustments in the Code to base it on bedrooms versus unit, and this would bring it in
line with those formulas to make them the same.
Freerks said it seems like a loophole that definitely needs taken care of. She said she hopes
that the housing cooperative can continue to live within the neighborhood. She said she thinks
their homes blend in well.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 7 -0.
Discussion of amendments to Title 14: Zoning Code to establish parking location
standards and entranceway standards that will reduce the visual impact of structured
and surface parking areas along residential streets in Multifamily Zones.
Miklo said as buildings become denser there is more demand for fitting parking on to sites, with
the result of less green space, one of the neighborhoods concerns. He showed pictures of
examples of what happens when you fill the first level of the building with parking and then
elevate the residential. He said it removes the building from the street and makes it difficult to
provide access for people with disabilities and results in changes in grade as you go up and
down a street. He said the idea for this amendment would require that you have a lobby or
entrance at grade to make it more accessible but also make it fit into the neighborhood and be
more of a human scale.
Thomas said he had concerns with the three foot in elevation from an accessible ramp
standpoint. Miklo said that's a standard dimension that's used in form -based codes to elevate
the first floor above the street to provide some privacy from the street, but the lobby entrance
could still be at grade, but this would set a maximum standard.
Freerks opened public hearing.
Freerks closed public hearing.
Weitzel moved to recommend approval of amendments to Title 14: Zoning Code to
establish parking location standards and entranceway standards that will reduce the
visual impact of structured and surface parking areas along residential streets in
Multifamily Zones.
Swygard seconded.
Freerks said this is something that needs to be addressed.
Dyer said in this building example that Miklo showed them, the elevation is determined because
it's in the floodplain. Miklo responded that there were other ways to achieve it.
Freerks said a new tendency is to berm up a building for parking. Miklo said as noted in the
proposal there are exemptions for floodplains and sloping sites.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 7 -0.
OTHER
Planning and Zoning Commission
March 21, 2013 - Formal
Page 16 of 17
Consideration of Meeting Minutes: March 4 and March 7, 2013
Eastham moved to adopt the minutes of March 4 and March 7.
Swygard seconded.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 7 -0.
ADJOURNMENT:
Eastham moved to adjourn.
Weitzel seconded.
The meeting was adjourned on a 7 -0 vote.
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FINAL/APPROVED
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POLICE CITIZENS REVIEW BOARD
MINUTES — MARCH 6, 2013
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Joseph Treloar called the meeting to order at 5:32 P.M.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Melissa Jensen and Donald King,
MEMBERS ABSENT: Kingsley Botchway and Royceann Porter
STAFF PRESENT: Staff Kellie Tuttle
STAFF ABSENT: Staff Catherine Pugh
OTHERS PRESENT: UI Journalism students: Trevor Zavagno, Alec Gluesing, Candace
McCrutcheon, Veronica Pieper, Jaiyeon Lee, Yoon Lee, Rachel Nolan,
Kirsten Baron, Erin Manfall, Hannah Wickberg, and Mackenzie Moffitt.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
None
CONSENT
CALENDAR Motion by King and seconded by Jensen to adopt the consent calendar as presented
or amended.
• Minutes of the meeting on 02/06/13
• ICPD Memorandum #13 -05 (4th Quarter 2012 Use of Force Review)
• ICPD Use of Force Report — October 2012
• ICPD Use of Force Report — November 2012
• ICPD Use of Force Report — December 2012
Motion carried, 3/0, Botchway and Porter absent.
OLD BUSINESS Community Forum — The Board confirmed the forum date. Treloar suggested in
PUBLIC
DISCUSSION Since there was UI Journalism students present; Treloar gave some background
information regarding the PCRB and briefly explained the complaint process. The
Board also answered questions from the student group.
addition to the required issues maybe someone could do a brief presentation on the
4th and 5th Amendment Rights at the forum. He suggested either Legal Counsel for
the Board or asking someone form the Johnson County Attorney's office to present.
The Board agreed it should be brief but would be geared toward educating the public
on their rights. It was also suggested that the topic be regarding a specific area in
order to keep the presentation brief.
BOARD
INFORMATION
None.
STAFF
INFORMATION
None.
PUBLIC
DISCUSSION Since there was UI Journalism students present; Treloar gave some background
information regarding the PCRB and briefly explained the complaint process. The
Board also answered questions from the student group.
PCRB
March 6, 2013
Page 2
EXECUTIVE
SESSION Motion by King and seconded by Jensen to adjourn into Executive Session based on
Section 21.5(1)(a) of the Code of Iowa to review or discuss records which are
required or authorized by state or federal law to be kept confidential or to be kept
confidential as a condition for that government body's possession or continued
receipt of federal funds, and 22.7(11) personal information in confidential personnel
records of public bodies including but not limited to cities, boards of supervisors and
school districts, and 22 -7(5) police officer investigative reports, except where
disclosure is authorized elsewhere in the Code; and 22.7(18) Communications not
required by law, rule or procedure that are made to a government body or to any of
its employees by identified persons outside of government, to the extent that the
government body receiving those communications from such persons outside of
government could reasonably believe that those persons would be discouraged from
making them to that government body if they were available for general public
examination.
Motion carried, 3/0, Botchway and Porter absent.
Open session adjourned at 5:52 P.M.
REGULAR
SESSION Returned to open session at 6:18 P.M.
Motion by King, seconded by Jensen to set the level of review for PCRB Complaint
#12 -06 to 8 -8 -7 (13)(1)(d), Request additional investigation by the Police Chief or City
Manager, or request police assistance in the Board's own investigation;
And request a 45 -day extension for PCRB Complaint #12 -06, due to the request for
more information from the Iowa City Police Department;
And direct staff to request the additional information from the Iowa City Police
Department regarding PCRB Complaint #12 -06.
Motion carried, 3/0, Botchway and Porter absent.
TENTATIVE MEETING SCHEDULE and FUTURE AGENDAS (subject to change)
• April 9, 2013, 5:30 PM, Helling Conference Rm (Rescheduled to 4/16)
• April 16, 2013, 5:30 PM, Emma J. Harvat Hall
• April 23, 2013, 6:00 PM, Iowa City Public Library, Rm A (Community Forum)
• May 14, 2013, 5:30 PM, Helling Conference Rm
• June 11, 2013, 5:30 PM, Helling Conference Rm
Motion by King, seconded by Jensen to move the April 9th meeting to the following
week TBD based on room availability.
Motion carried, 3/0, Botchway and Porter absent.
ADJOURNMENT Motion for adjournment by King, seconded by Jensen.
Motion carried, 3/0, Botchway and Porter absent.
Meeting adjourned at 6:28 P.M.
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CITY OF IOWA CITY 5
MEMORANDUM
Date: April 17, 2013
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Staff Member of Police Citizens Review Board
Re: Recommendation from Police Citizens Review Board
At their April 2, 2013 meeting the Police Citizens Review Board made the following
recommendation to the City Council:
Accept PCRB Report on Complaint #12 -06
Additional action (check one)
V"'*'No further action needed
Board or Commission is requesting Council direction
Agenda item will be prepared by staff for Council action
S:RECform.doc
FINAL/APPROVED
POLICE CITIZENS REVIEW BOARD
MINUTES —April 2, 2013
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Joseph Treloar called the meeting to order at 12:04 P.M.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Kingsley Botchway (12:05 P.M.), Donald King, and Royceann Porter
MEMBERS ABSENT: Melissa Jensen
STAFF PRESENT: Staff Kellie Tuttle present
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
Accept PCRB Report on Complaint #12 -06
EXECUTIVE
SESSION Motion by King and seconded by Porter to adjourn into Executive Session based
on Section 21.5(1)(a) of the Code of Iowa to review or discuss records which are
required or authorized by state or federal law to be kept confidential or to be kept
confidential as a condition for that government body's possession or continued
receipt of federal funds, and 22.7(11) personal information in confidential
personnel records of public bodies including but not limited to cities, boards of
supervisors and school districts, and 22 -7(5) police officer investigative reports,
except where disclosure is authorized elsewhere in the Code; and 22.7(18)
Communications not required by law, rule or procedure that are made to a
government body or to any of its employees by identified persons outside of
government, to the extent that the government body receiving those
communications from such persons outside of government could reasonably
believe that those persons would be discouraged from making them to that
government body if they were available for general public examination.
Motion carried, 4/0, Jensen absent. Open session adjourned at 12:05 P.M.
REGULAR
SESSION Returned to open session at 12:42 P.M.
Motion by King, seconded by Botchway to forward the Public Report for PCRB
Complaint #12 -06 to City Council.
Motion carried, 4/0, Jensen absent.
TENTATIVE MEETING SCHEDULE and FUTURE AGENDAS (subject to change)
• April 16, 2013, 5:30 PM, Emma J Harvat Hall
• April 23, 2013, 6:00 PM, Iowa City Public Library, Rm A (Community Forum)
• May 14, 2013, 5:30 PM, Helling Conference Rm
• June 11, 2013, 5:30 PM, Helling Conference Rm
ADJOURNMENT Motion for adjournment by King and seconded by Botchway.
Motion carried, 4/0, Jensen absent. Meeting adjourned at 12:44 P.M.
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POLICE CITIZENS REVIEW BOARD
A Board of the City of Iowa City
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240 -1826
(319) 356 -5041
April 2, 2013
To: City Council
Complainant
City Manager
Sam Hargadine, Chief of Police
Officer(s) involved in complaint
From: Police Citizen's Review Board
Re: Investigation of PCRB Complaint #12 -06
This is the Report of the Police Citizens Review Board's (the "Board ") review of the investigation
of Complaint PCRB #12 -06 (the "Complaint ").
BOARD'S RESPONSIBILITY
Under the City Code of the City of Iowa City, Section 8 -8 -7B (2), the Board's job is to review the
Police Chiefs Report ( "Report") of his investigation of a complaint. The City Code requires the
Board to apply a "reasonable basis" standard of review to the Report and to "give deference" to
the Report "because of the Police Chiefs professional expertise ", Section 8 -8 -7 B (2). While the
City Code directs the Board to make "Findings of Fact ", it also requires that the Board
recommend that the Police Chief reverse or modify his findings only if these findings are
"unsupported by substantial evidence', are "unreasonable, arbitrary or capricious" or are
"contrary to a Police Department policy or practice, or any Federal, State or local law ", Section
8 -8 -7 B (2) a, b, c.
BOARD'S PROCEDURE
The Complaint was initiated by the Complainant on November 26, 2012. As required by Section
8 -8 -5 (B) of the City Code, the Complaint was referred to the Chief of Police for investigation.
The Chief's Report was filed with the City Clerk on February 22, 2013.
The Board voted to review the Chiefs Report in accordance with Section 8 -8 -7 (13)(1)(a), On the
record with no additional investigation.
The Board met to consider the Report on March 6, 2013 and April 2, 2013.
FINDINGS OF FACT
On November 25, 2012 at 0408 am, Officer A observed a male running on the sidewalk in 700
bik of East Burlington. Officer A spoke with the subject, identified as the Complainant, and
observed him to be intoxicated. Officer A asked the Complainant if he would consent to a
search, to which the Complainant said yes, and then changed his mind. The Complainant said
he was going to leave, at which point Officer A advised him he could not. The Complainant ran
from Officer A, was told to stop, and was tackled after a short foot chase. The Complainant
resisted while on the ground. Officer B arrived, followed by Officer C, and assisted Officer A in
handcuffing the Complainant. During this time he appeared to sustain an abrasion to the side of
his face, which officers believed to be minor.
The Complainant was searched after being arrested, where a "one- hitter" (small pipe) was
found. While Officers attempted to place him in the patrol car, the Complainant again began to
resist and was taken to the ground again. Officer D was present at this point; his involvement
with the Complainant was to take pictures of the Complainant's injuries. The Complainant was
taken to the Johnson County Jail, and was charged with Public Intoxication, Interference with
Official Acts, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
ALLEGATION #1 — Excessive Force
Based on the provided witness statements, including the Complainant's, and the investigative
reports, there is no evidence to suggest the use of excessive force. During his interview, the
Complainant admitted his was never punched, kicked, or struck by officers.
Allegation 1: Excessive force — Not sustained
ALLEGATION #2 — Illegal Search
There is no evidence to suggest the search was illegal. Officer A, after being advised by his
supervisor to do so, was giving extra attention to an area with a high burglary rate. The
Complainant was observed running in this area at 0408 am, at which time Officer A stopped
him. The Officer asked the Complainant if he would agree to a search, the Complainant said
"no" and was not searched. The Complainant was searched only after he was arrested which
is standard practice. There is no violation of the Iowa City Police department policies indicated.
Allegation 2: Illegal search — Not sustained
COMMENTS
None.
5b(9)
•mom
Approved Minutes
February 2013
MINUTES
SENIOR CENTER COMMISSION
FEBRUARY 28, 2013
ROOM 205, IOWA CITY /JOHNSON COUNTY SENIOR CENTER
Members Present: Jay Honohan, Rose Hanson, Mark Holbrook, Chuck Felling,
Kathy Mitchell
Members Absent: Michael Lensing
Staff Present: Linda Kopping, Kristin Kromray
Others Present: None
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL:
None.
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order by Honohan at 4:00 PM.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM JANUARY 25, 2013 MEETING:
Motion: To accept the minutes from the January 25, 2013 meeting. Motion
carried on a vote of 5/0 Holbrook/Felling.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
None.
COMMISSION ASSIGNMENTS:
Honohan will attend a City Council meeting in March.
STEERING COUNCIL REPORT:
Mitchell reported that the Membership Committee is focusing on the Steering
Council Spring Forum which will take place on April 16tH
The Community Outreach group is continuing to work with the Press Citizen to
have articles written by Senior Center members printed in the paper. Ina
Loewenberg has written an article to be printed in March. Michelle Buhman and
Approved Minutes
February 2013
Ina Loewnberg will be meeting with a cardiac support group in March to discuss
what the Senior Center has to offer.
The Program Committee is continuing to work with Loren Horton's trip company
Eye to I and is organizing a trip to Iowa's seven villages. If the trip is a success
they will consider an overnight trip to Hannibal, MO.
The Membership and Outreach Committees will be meeting with the Program
Committee to discuss the proposed diversity pilot project. The idea for the project
is for one person from each committee to meet with various community leaders
to discuss what the Center has to offer.
DISCUSSION ON DEVELOPING REGULATIONS FOR SERVING ALCOHOL
AT SENIOR CENTER EVENTS:
Honohan distributed some items to consider regarding allowing alcohol to be
served at the Senior Center for groups renting space at The Center. He asked
commissioners to bring their thoughts about this to the next commission meeting.
OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW:
Kopping discussed the City's Strategic Plan and how the Senior Center's
strategic plan fits into the larger City plan. This year Kopping will submit
information about the Senior Center accreditation to be included in the City's
Strategic Plan information.
Kopping reported that Craig Buhman is working on lighting for the new signs and
that the Linn St sign is still on schedule to be installed by the end of the month.
STAFF REPORTS:
No Discussion.
COMMISSION DISCUSSION:
Honohan reported that he attended the Board of Supervisors budget meeting. He
spoke to the Board about his belief that funding paratransit is very important in
our community.
ADJOURNMENT:
Approved Minutes
February 2013
Motion: To Adjourn. Motion carried on a vote of 5/0. Felling /Honohan.
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