HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-09-19 Info Packet1 �
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET
CITY OF IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org September 19, 2013
IP1 Council Tentative Meeting Schedule
MISCELLANEOUS
IP2 Memo from Community Development Planner: Compeer of Johnson County — Aid to
Agencies Application
IP3 Memo from Human Resources Administrator: Fall employee lunch — Save the Date
IN Memo from City Clerk: KXIC Radio Show
IP5 Response from City Attorney to Miranda Peyton: Soliciting in the Ped Mall
I136 Letter from Four Oaks: Thank you
IP7 Civil Service Entrance Examination — Senior Engineer
IP8 Civil Service Entrance Examination — Stormwater Engineer
I139 Civil Service Entrance Examination — Scalehouse Operator
IP10 Civil Service Entrance Examination —Maintenance Worker III -Landfill
IP11 Invitation: The Henrietta Lacks Story —A Discussion on gender, race & medical ethics
IP12 Invitation: Human Rights Commission Breakfast— October 24
DRAFT MINUTES
IP13 Planning and Zoning Commission: September 5
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
Date
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
City Council Tentative Meeting Schedule IN
Subject to change September 19, 2013
Time Meeting
5:00 PM Work Session Meeting
7:00 PM Formal Meeting
5:00 PM Work Session Meeting
7:00 PM Formal Meeting
Location
Emma J. Harvat Hall
Emma J. Harvat Hall
Emma J. Harvat Hall
Emma J. Harvat Hall
Monday, October 28, 2013 4:30 PM Joint Meeting /Work Session IC Public Library
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Tuesday, November 12, 2013 5:00 PM Work Session Meeting Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM Special Formal Meeting Emma J. Harvat Hall
Monday, November 25 1:00 -7:00 Ph Strategic Planning /Spec Work Session Lodge, Trueblood Rec.
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Tuesday, December 3, 2013 5:00 PM Work Session Meeting Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM Formal Meeting Emma J. Harvat Hall
Tuesday, December 17, 2013 5:00 PM Work Session Meeting Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM Formal Meeting Emma J. Harvat Hall
S
CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM
Date: September 19, 2013
To: Thomas M. Markus, City Manager
From: Tracy Hightshoe, Community Development Planner
Re: Compeer of Johnson County — Aid to Agencies Application
Introduction: In the September 17 Council packet there was an email from Compeer of
Johnson County requesting reconsideration of their Aid to Agency application which was not
submitted by the deadline. Johnson County human service agencies request funding for United
Way, Johnson County and the cities of Iowa City and Coralville on the United Way Joint
Funding application. 21 agencies submitted applications for FY15 Iowa City Aid to Agencies
funding through this process. Compeer of Johnson County failed to submit their application by
the September 4, 2013 deadline.
History /Background: As with last year, all Iowa City Aid to Agency applications must be
submitted through United Way's a -C Impact site as part of the United Way's Joint Funding
process. Applications were due September 4, 2013 by 5:00 PM to be considered for FY15
funding. The United Way contacted City staff to inform them that Compeer started the
application process, but did not submit the application and all forms were still in progress by the
due date. Compeer staff believed they had submitted the application, but didn't save the forms.
In previous years, applications not submitted by the deadline, for whatever reason, have not
been considered for that year's funding.
Discussion of Solutions: The Housing and Community Development Commission (HCDC)
will review the submitted applications in January. If directed by the City Council, HCDC will
review Compeer's application with all the other submitted applications for Iowa City funding.
Financial Impact: The budget for Aid to Agencies funds consist of General Fund, Community
Development Block Grant and utility user fees. Compeer is requesting funds from the Aid to
Agencies fund.
Recommendation: Staff's recommendation is to not consider Compeer's request to be
consistent with past decisions that did not allow consideration for those applications that were
not submitted by the deadline. In FY13, Mayor's Youth Empowerment Program and the Red
Cross were not considered for funding as they did not meet that year's application deadline. 21
agencies followed the United Way a -C Impact application process and submitted their
applications by the deadline.
Cc: Andy Chappell, HCDC Chair
IP2
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�! CITY OF IOWA CITY IP4
..,.` MEMORANDUM
Date: September 19, 2013
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Marian K. Karr, City Clerk
Re: KXIC Radio Show
At your September 17 work session meeting Council Members agreed to the following
schedule:
September 18 — Dobyns
September 25 - Hayek
October 2 - Payne
October 9 - Throgmorton
October 16 - Mims
Future commitments:
November 27 - Dobyns
Usadioshowappts.doc
Original letter accepted 9/17 Council mtg. # 10
Marian Karr
IP5
From: Eleanor M. Dilkes
Sent: Wednesday, September 18, 2013 10:42 AM
To: 'miranda- peyton @uiowa.edu'
Cc: Council
Subject: RE: Asking for donations
Attachments: Soliciting in the Ped mall - 2010.pdf
Dear Ms. Peyton,
Your email has been forwarded to me for response. The ordinance passed by the City Council last night adds entrances
to the pedestrian mall (a/k/a City Plaza) and certain sidewalks with parking areas to the places downtown where
solicitation is prohibited. The definition of "solicit' has been in place since 2008 when the City first prohibited solicitation in
certain places downtown. It is defined as a request for an "immediate donation of money or other thing of value from
another person, regardless of the solicitor's purpose or intended use of the money or other thing of value" and does apply
equally to anyone who is asking for an immediate donation of money, including those playing music. The reason for this
is that a request for money, whether it be for the person who is asking for the money or for a charity is a first amendment
activity protected by the Constitution as interpreted by the federal courts. The City may regulate the time place and
manner of that activity but cannot regulate based on content or the message (i.e. why the person is asking for
money). Therefore, in public spaces such as the pedestrian mall the City could not allow a charity or a musician to ask for
money but prohibit a panhandler from asking for money.
I am attaching a map of the pedestrian mall that shows where solicitation is allowed.
This is a complex issue so please feel free to give me a call if you have additional questions /concerns.
Eleanor
Eleanor M. Dilkes
City Attorney
City Hall
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
319 - 356 -5030
319- 356 -5008 Fax
eleanor- dilkes&iowa- city.org
Notice: Since e-mail messages sent between you and the City Attorney's Office and its employees are transmitted over the internet,
the City Attorney's Office cannot assure that such messages are secure. You should be careful in transmitting information to the City
Attorney's Office that you consider confidential. If you are uncomfortable with such risks, you may decide not to use e-mail to
communicate with the City Attorney's Office. Without written notification that you do not wish to communicate with the City
Attorney's Office via e-mail communication, the City Attorney's Office will assume you assent to such communication. This message
is covered by the Electronic Communication Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. Sections 2510 -2515, is intended only for the use of the person to
whom it is addressed and may contain information that is confidential and subject to the attorney - client privilege. It should not be
forwarded to anyone else without consultation with the originating attorney. If you received this message and are not the addressee,
you have received this message in error. Please notify the person sending the message and destroy your copy. Thank you.
From: Tom Markus
Sent: Tuesday, September 17, 2013 10:13 AM
To: Eleanor M. Dilkes
Subject: FW: Asking for donations
Could you have someone respond to this?
From: Peyton, Miranda A [mailto :miranda- peyton @uiowa.edu]
Sent: Tuesday, September 17, 2013 10:11 AM
To: Council
Subject: Asking for donations
Hello my name is Miranda Peyton and I am a music therapy major at the University of Iowa. I am emailing you in regards
to the new law in effect, that puts a stop to music being played on the street. I understand there is a big issue with
panhandelers asking for money, I experience it every day I walk past that particular group. But I would have to say there
is a big difference from them and the musicians that are playing on the street. I don't necessarily play on the street for
money, but the music therapy club was planning on playing on the street to raise money for the club. I feel like when a
musician is playing and has their case open, we are not asking for money. We are simply playing our music, and if
someone throws in a dollar because the music puts a smile on their face, then so be it. I remember one of my music
teachers saying how Iowa City's streets used to be full of musicians. I honestly feel like you are putting a big restraint on
some of the culture of Iowa City. I ask you, for all the musicians in Iowa City, to somehow re- evaluate this newly made
law.
Thank you,
Miranda Peyton
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expect success
September 11, 2013
City of Iowa City
410 E Washington St
Iowa City, IA 52240 -1826
Dear Friends,
On behalf of the staff and board of Four Oaks, and especially the children and families whose lives are
brighter because of your genuosi`y, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for your recent gift of
$725.00. Your contribution is being put to work immediately to make a difference in the life of a child in
support of our safety and permanency program.
Four Oaks' mission is to assure that children become successful adults. We carry out this mission every day
for children in all 99 Iowa counties by providing education and healing through programs that your gift
supports. You enable Four Oaks to provide resources that strengthen families, and tools that enable children
to make better decisions. The journey to adulthood is filled with obstacles, but your contribution is helping to
make that journey a successful one for children in your community.
Please know that your support means the world to a child in need. You can learn more about our programs
and progress at www.fouroaks.ore or www.facebook.com/fouroakstoday. Thank you again for your gift.
Sincerely,
qf,ni,r Vick
Development Director
In accordance with IFSxs de/ines we are required to confirm that ncgoodr, semic.s, or other.bexots were excbanged for thu
contribution. Please consider this letter to beyour receipt for tax deduction purposes.
* Rummage in the Ramp 2013 event — Thirty local organizations participated with 240
volunteers. The organizations split the profits from sales; with each group
receiving a check for $725 for their four hour shift.
5400 Kirkwood Blvd SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
319- 364 -0259
I`= 866- 290 -5565
www.fouroaks.org
zt -19-13
IP7
CITY OF IOWA CITY
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 5 2 240 -1 8 26
(319) 3S6-5000
(3 19) 3S6-5009 FAX
www.icgov.org
September 13, 2013
TO: The Honorable Mayor and the City Council
RE: Civil Service Entrance Examination — Senior Engineer
Under the authority of the Civil Service Commission of Iowa City, Iowa, I do hereby
certify the following named person(s) as eligible for the position of Senior Engineer.
Jason Havel
IOWA CITY CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
LyrabW. Dickerson, Chair
�EUT
CITY OF IOWA CITY
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1826
(3f9) 356-5000
(319) 356-5009 FAX
www.icgov.org
September 13, 2013
TO: The Honorable Mayor and the City Council
RE: Civil Service Entrance Examination — Stormwater Engineer
Under the authority of the Civil Service Commission of Iowa City, Iowa, I do hereby
certify the following named person(s) as eligible for the position of Stormwater Engineer.
Ben Clark
IOWA CITY CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
LyrAW. Dickerson, Chair
I I IP9
CITY OF IOWA CITY
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1826
(319) 356-5000
(319) 356-5009 FAX
www.icgov,org
September 6, 2013
TO: The Honorable Mayor and the City Council
RE: Civil Service Entrance Examination — Scalehouse Operator
Under the authority of the Civil Service Commission of Iowa City, Iowa, I do hereby
certify the following named person(s) as eligible for the position of Scalehouse
Operator.
I
Brandon Gassman
IOWA CITY CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
Ly W. Dickerson, Chair
I A
AN.M. 0 =
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ha
CITY OF IOWA CITY
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 5 2 240 -1 82 6
(3 19) 356 -5000
(319) 356-5009 FAX
www.lcgov.org
September 6, 2013
TO: The Honorable Mayor and the City Council
RE: Civil Service Entrance Examination — Maintenance Worker III - Landfill
Under the authority of the Civil Service Commission of Iowa City, Iowa, I do hereby
certify the following named person(s) as eligible for the position of Maintenance Worker
III — Landfill.
Michael Jenn
IOWA CITY CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
LyrAW. Dickerson, Chair
THE HENRIETTA LACKS STORY:
A DISCUSSION ON GENDER,
RACE &MEDICAL ETHICS
Tuesday, October 15; 2073
7-00 - 9:00 p.m.
Iowa City Public Library
Meeting Room A
In the past, much medical research was
conducted on human subjects - especially
minorities or women and children. By
the mid to late 20th century Federal
regulations were being devloped to limit
medical research involving humans.
Guest speakers: Dr. J. Andrew Bertolatus
and Dr. Martine Dunnwald will discuss
the evolution of human subject's research.
Sponsored by the Iowa City Public Library, the Iowa City
Human Rights Commission and the University of Iowa
College of Public Health- Collegiate Diversity Committee.
In conjunction with the 2013 Iowa City Book Festival.
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Submit the name of a person, organization /business or both, who has
made a significant impact in this community or abroad to human rights.
Nomination forms are available at: www.icgov.org/humanrights
Nominations due by October 14th at 4:30 pm!
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PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION PRELIMINARY
SEPTEMBER 5, — 7:00 PM — FORMAL
EMMA J. HARVAT HALL, CITY HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Charlie Eastham, Anne Freerks, Phoebe Martin, Paula Swygard,
Jodie Theobald, John Thomas
MEMBERS ABSENT: Carolyn Dyer
STAFF PRESENT: Bob Miklo, Bailee McClellan, Sarah Greenwood Hektoen
OTHERS PRESENT: Steve Gordon, Mike Pugh, Cindy Roberts, Carroll Smith, Dave
Larsen
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL:
1. The Commission voted 0 -6 to recommend denial of REZ13- 00021, a rezoning to
amend the Planned Overlay / High Density Single Family Zone (OPD /RS -12) to allow
for the development of six duplexes along Paddock Circle and thirteen multifamily
buildings along a proposed private street Shire Lane.
2. The Commission voted 6 -0 to recommend that the City send a letter to Johnson
County Board of Adjustment recommending approval of the conditional use permit
for CU13- 00001.
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA:
Rezoning Item
REZ13- 00021: Discussion of an application submitted by Steve Gordon for a rezoning to
amend the Planned Development Overlay / High Density Single - Family (OPD /RS -12) Plan
allowing 73 manufactured housing units on 19.67 -acres of land located south of Paddock
Circle. The proposal under consideration would allow 13 apartment buildings with 142
multi - family dwellings and 6 duplexes with 12 dwelling units along Shire Lane, a private
road extension from Paddock Circle.
Miklo showed the Commission the location of the property and the proposed plan. He showed
the plan of what was approved shortly after this area was annexed into the city. He said the
entire development at that time was zoned Factory Built Housing, a district which was
eliminated in the 2005 rewrite of the Code. In that process this property was changed to High
Density Single Family with a Planned Development Overlay (OPC /RS -12). He showed an aerial
photograph of the development in the context of the larger neighborhood. He showed where
Heinz Road, a public street, ended. He said access to the subject property is via Paddock
Planning and Zoning Commission
September 5, 2013 - Formal
Page 2 of 10
Circle, a private street. He said for Saddlebrook itself, there is a second means of access on
Pinto Lane, a private street that becomes public and goes through the Whispering Meadows
subdivision.
Miklo explained that the proposal is to rezone an area south of Paddock Circle and amend the
Planned Development that's in place that currently allows up to seventy -three additional
manufactured housing units. He said the proposal is to allow six duplexes or twelve units, and
thirteen buildings with 142 apartment units for a total of 156 units. He said that would be a 110
percent increase in the density that's granted by the current plan.
Miklo said the Planned Development allows the City to waive underlying zoning requirements in
terms of lot area, street configurations, and types of housing in a development to allow
clustering or a unique design. He said for that to occur, staff must first look at the criteria in the
Code. He said that in terms of this proposal, staff feels that it's lacking in some of the criteria,
and the overall design is more like an apartment complex that would normally require
multifamily zoning, so they don't feel that this proposal is in compliance with the spirit of Planned
Development process or zone.
Miklo said another concern is that although there is a future arterial street (McCollister
Boulevard) proposed to the south and a collector that will provide access (Heinz Road), much of
that infrastructure is not in place and the arterial street is not foreseen to be built within the next
five or ten years. He said that raises the concern about an increase in density in a place that
relies on private streets that are only twenty -four feet wide. He said the City Transportation
Planners estimate that this development would generate about 900 vehicle trips a day added to
the roughly 2.200 vehicle trips a day that are already generated by the Saddlebrook
Development. He said that raises concerns about increasing density until more of the
infrastructure to serve the general area is provided.
Miklo said there would be one point of access to the apartment buildings, so there would be
fairly large parking lots to drive through to get to the end of the lot. He said staff prefers to break
parking lots into smaller components to better direct traffic.
Miklo said the Planned Development process does allow the City to waive certain requirements
like allowing apartment buildings in what is otherwise a single family zone, but that's usually
done to create a public amenity or open space or where there's a mix of housing units within the
planned development. He said this proposal calls for the vast majority to be apartment buildings
rather than a mix.
Miklo said staff finds that the change in financing requirements for manufactured housing that
makes it harder to finance them does make a compelling reason for considering alternatives for
the development of this property. He said that is not, however, reason enough for more than
doubling density or not considering the lack of infrastructure in this area. He said without that
public access it's difficult to provide City services. He said staff is recommending denial of this
application.
Eastham asked if all the Planned Development requirements have to be met for an approval.
Miklo said they are all things the Commission should consider when they approve a Planned
Development. Eastham asked about public buses and asked if the issue is that they won't
operate on a private street. Miklo said it would be difficult to get a bus to circulate and turn
around. He said the extension of Heinz Avenue and McCollister Boulevard, a public street,
would provide for a public route through this area.
Planning and Zoning Commission
September 5, 2013 - Formal
Page 3 of 10
Freerks opened public discussion.
Steve Gordon of AM Management gave a history of Saddlebrook and its evolution. He showed
photographs of the development. He said financing options for manufactured homes on leased
lots have become unaffordable and generally unavailable. He said the original developer's
agreement allowed a total of 416 units in the Saddlebrook Development before secondary
access had to be established. He said that additional land had to be purchased to provide the
secondary access needed when the 416th unit was built. He said that an amendment to the
original developer's agreement, the secondary access requirement, was inadvertently removed.
He said the developer could have proceeded with most of the development without secondary
access, but they chose to honor the intent of the agreement and the wishes of the City and went
ahead and created the secondary access.
Gordon said the infrastructure is in place and Saddlebrook is ready to move to the next phase of
the development. He said the next phase is platted and approved for seventy -three
manufactured homes on land lease lots. He reiterated that acquiring financing for manufactured
homes is difficult now and likely to get worse. He said the only viable option under the current,
approved site plan would be a low cost manufactured home used as a rental.
Gordon said they are seeking to amend their current site plan and build a condominium project
and lease the units as an apartment community. He said non - student work force rental housing
is needed in this area. He listed the reasons why a quality condominium community is superior
to a manufactured home park and why they are seeking the site plan amendment.
Gordon said they held five meetings with residents of The Paddock to get their feedback, and
he has a petition with sixty -five of the owners within The Paddock in support of their site plan
amendment application. He pointed out some highlights of the revised site plan, including trails,
a play area, and green space. He said for over two years they have worked on this project and
have met with the City, staff and current residents and have made significant changes. He said
they have reduced the density of the project and the scale of the buildings and designed the
buildings to look like townhouses and attached houses, among other things. He showed
pictures of the style of the proposed housing.
Gordon pointed out that Bon Aire has 398 units on 58 acres or a density of seven units per acre,
using private streets similar to what's within Saddlebrook. He said if this site plan amendment
were to be approved, Saddlebrook Part II has a density of less than six units per acre, well
within the limits of the Zoning Code or the Comprehensive Plan.
Gordon said the applicants question why private streets are okay for manufactured housing but
not for condominiums and why manufactured housing with a density of seven to nine units per
acre would allow private streets, but a condominium project with less than six units per acre
would not. He said they have already provided secondary access on the east with access to
Heinz Road and Highway 6 and Pinto Lane to Whispering Meadows on the west, as required in
the final plat and the developer's agreement. He said it is not economically feasible at this time
to extend Heinz Road. He said they have not been able to reach a compromise with the City on
this project. He said they are asking the Commission for a different type of residential unit that is
in demand and needed, is aesthetically pleasing, will provide a substantial increase in tax
revenue, will provide a boost to the local economy and is supported by the residents who have
already made an investment in the Saddlebrook community as they look to maintain and
enhance their investment.
Freerks asked if it's possible that the applicants would be interested in this housing type at the
Planning and Zoning Commission
September 5, 2013 - Formal
Page 4 of 10
same density they currently have. Gordon said the economics of that would not make sense as
the land value of a manufactured housing site and a house on that site is more valuable than
the land value per unit of a multifamily type development.
Eastham asked if it's possible to just sell the lots and let people develop their own manufactured
housing. Greenwood Hektoen said there aren't separate, platted lots on the site. Eastham
asked if it could be subdivided.
Miklo said it's possible, but they would have to go through the subdivision process. Gordon said
they just developed and put in a very large subdivision to the west which will take a long time to
sell through. He said they have many, many acres of single family development ground, and the
market will just not absorb that many single family homes.
Eastham asked if Gordon knew of any physical obstacle to having a different street design, one
that might eliminate some of staffs concerns. Gordon said he didn't believe so.
Gordon provided copies of a letter from a tenant explaining the difficulty they had finding quality
non - student housing and the petition from the current residents and a letter from Casey Cook,
an appraiser, summarizing his analysis.
Freerks said she needed to clarify that these leases can't be guaranteed for one kind of renter,
and Gordon agreed.
Mike Pugh, the legal representative for the applicant, said the applicant is here to ask the
Commission to consider an amendment to the existing OPD development site plan. He said
amending an approved OPD plan is to be by ordinance in accordance with the approval
procedures of a Planned Development Overlay rezoning. He said when there are substantive
changes to the plan, which this application presents, this reference speaks to the process of
rezoning only. He said the Code is clear that the substantive requirements of an OPD Plan are
those set forth among the approval criteria in Section 14 -3A -4. He said once approved, the OPD
becomes the substantive part of the rezoning, so references to general principles and broad
concepts of the Comprehensive Plan provide little relevance to the specific approval criteria
found in the OPD ordinance.
Pugh reviewed the specific approval criteria. He said this property is well under the density
limitations under the OPD zone. He said all of the specific approval criteria in the OPD
ordinance have been met with this plan. He said this lot has already been subdivided, so
considerations about infrastructure and street access to this lot were already approved as part
of Saddlebrook Part II subdivision process. He said there was discussion then that the number
of units allowed in this area would be limited to 416 without secondary access. He said the
developer did nothing for almost seven years because of that limitation, then had to spend
millions of dollars purchasing and developing an adjacent property so a private street could be
extended and connect with a public street. He said he doesn't think it's fair or equitable to
burden this developer now and be told that they can't have any more units in part because
McCollister has not been constructed. He claimed that it is the City's cost and responsibility to
build McCollister Boulevard. Pugh said the neighbors are overwhelmingly in support of this
project.
Eastham asked if Pugh thought that the scope of review does not include the current
requirements for interconnected streets. Pugh responded the scope of review is the specific
approval criteria under the Code, and several of those issues are somewhat of a duplication of
what's in the subdivision ordinance. He said that several of the things that are contained in the
Planning and Zoning Commission
September 5, 2013 - Formal
Page 5 of 10
City's Subdivision Code are also articulated in the OPD Ordinance.
Greenwood Hektoen said because there are substantial deviations from the approved OPD
Plan that raise public safety and welfare concerns, the Commission can consider some of the
more general concepts that are espoused in the Zoning Code about traffic circulation.
Freerks said as has happened so many times before when an OPD is changed drastically, the
Commission looks at everything again because it really is a whole new development.
Eastham asked if the allowed density under RS -12 zoning would be 73 or so units on this lot
based on the amount of land that needs to be set aside for storm water management. Miklo said
the estimate is based on taking out the land needed for storm water detention. Eastham said he
thought the Code clearly allowed developers to count the entire lot size, no matter what part of
the lot was actually developable in determining the maximum allowed density. Miklo said it's a
judgment call. He said if the developer can draw plans with streets and individual lots you might
be able to get a few more than seventy units, but nothing close to the 154 being proposed here.
Freerks asked how big the storm water detention area was. Miklo said it was roughly five acres.
Eastham asked if its capacity for this additional development has been calculated yet. Miklo said
it hadn't.
Gordon said the storm water for the entire development has been put into place including the
sixty acres to the west. He said this development could change those calculations.
Miklo said when this land was annexed and zoned, there was a concept plan for an arterial
street, later named McCollister Boulevard, to be built along the southern boundary of the
development. He said there was no timing commitment on the part of the City for that
construction, and that is one of the reasons they put a cap of 416 units until secondary access
was built. He said they knew for the full development of this area there would need to be more
street access than Heinz Road. He said on the original plan, they didn't anticipate secondary
access through the private streets in Saddlebrook itself but from public streets to the east or
south. He said a later amendment to the plan that the applicant sought came through with this
private street connection to what eventually became a public street to the west (Pinto Lane). He
said the concern about secondary access is that these streets were designed for a
manufactured housing park, meaning they are more narrow than normal and not designed for
the volume of traffic that would go through this neighborhood. He said staff feels that the heavier
traffic that would be created by this approval should be going back to a public street.
Cindy Roberts of 2034 Grant Wood Street said she doesn't live in Saddlebrook, but has some
concerns. She said she is impressed with the way Gordon has developed the area. She said a
plan that contains so many units is a plan looking at the dollar signs and not how well this will
blend in with the current Saddlebrook neighborhood and surrounding neighborhoods. She said
there is no plan for a suitable secondary access road, which will result in substantially increased
traffic through the Whispering Meadow residential area and Lakeside Drive. She said neither
Pinto Lane nor Whispering Meadow Drive is designed for increased traffic and would definitely
create congestion and potential safety issues.
Roberts said she thinks the Good Neighbor Policy should encompass a much larger area than it
does now, since this development would certainly affect neighborhoods in the adjacent areas.
She said it's crucial that City officials and Iowa City School District communicate on housing
developments and how schools factor in. She gave an example of the Grant Wood Elementary
Planning and Zoning Commission
September 5, 2013 - Formal
Page 6 of 10
School with seven portable buildings in use, which means that approximately thirteen offices or
classrooms are not able to be housed within that school. She said this development would add
substantially to already concentrated multiple family housing. She said it is ill advised for the
specific area and the surrounding neighborhoods and is not in line with the Comprehensive
Plan.
Carroll Smith of 220 Paddock Circle said he doesn't think that 900 additional trips per day,
which breaks down into one and one -half trips per minutes if they occur over a ten hour period,
sounds like a lot to him. Smith said he participated in getting petitions signed, and he found no
opposition within the neighborhood. He said the neighborhood strongly supports the application
because it will allow continual improvement to Saddlebrook addition, it will maintain property
values, architectural styles, will provide more green space and recreational activities, and will
add to the cultural and diversity factor of the neighborhood.
Smith said that the developer had counted on the extension of McCollister Boulevard and Heinz
Road to continue the development in the way that it was planned, but forces outside his control
have necessitated changes. He asked if the citizens and residents of the Paddock be allowed to
improve their neighborhood and increase or hold the value of their property. He indicated the
number of residents of Saddlebrook in attendance who support this application.
Miklo clarified that it's never been in the City's Capital Improvement Plan to build McCollister
Boulevard in this area. He said staff knew that with a large development that road would
eventually need to be built, and that's why it's on paper. He said that Heinz Road is a collector
street and is the responsibility of the developer.
Freerks closed public discussion.
Eastham moved that this item be deferred until the Commission's next meeting.
Thomas seconded.
Eastham said he's not all that bothered about the building type or the density, but is primarily
concerned about the street design because people living in Paddock Circle and the proposed
development would be better served by a more interconnecting street design. He said he
doesn't know how to address that problem.
Thomas said he is also concerned about the vehicular connectivity. He's concerned how this
development ties into the surrounding network of streets with Paddock Circle being such a
critical component.
Martin said that looking at the street design, it more resembles a long parking lot than a street.
She said she doesn't know if this is the most efficient use of pavement. She said there is
parking along both sides of Heinz Road and at certain times of day it's very congested, and
that's something that concerns her no matter what type of housing goes in here.
Eastham said the first element of the street issue is the internal street design within the
proposed development and the second is the connection of those streets to access.
Freerks said she doesn't see how this happens at this density with the proposed street
structure. She said what they need is something more. She said these streets weren't meant to
take the kind of traffic proposed. She said the Commission could defer it, but she doesn't see
how in two weeks' time they can make those roads happen as well as look at storm water
Planning and Zoning Commission
September 5, 2013 - Formal
Page 7 of 10
calculations, density, the parking doesn't meet code and all the other issues they have to look
at.
Eastham said deferring it gives the developer some time to listen to the Commission's input. He
argued that they have deferred proposals over three or four meetings to give developers more
time to figure out what to do.
Theobald said she feels the application has problems in all four of the general points, and she
doesn't see that changing in two weeks either.
Freerks said she knows a lot of work has been put into this, and it's a nice development as it is
and as it was initially proposed and approved. She said it's an asset to the community. She said
she knows there's a need for work force rental housing, but there's no guarantee that this would
be such housing if the Commission approves the application. She feels thirteen apartment
buildings offers no diversity and alters the dynamic.
Eastham asked what the reaction would be if the developer proposed extending Heinz Road to
some point south to provide access to this development without using the private streets.
Miklo said that's' something the staff discussed with the developer before this was an
application. Eastham asked if the developer has to bear the entire cost of extending Heinz
Road. Miklo explained that Heinz Road is a collector street, and the City doesn't build collector
streets.
Freerks said that only extending the road might not be enough for her. She said she would like
to see more diverse housing.
Eastham said the road would at least give the chance to talk about composition. He said there
are some real benefits in terms of amenities that many people would find attractive.
Thomas said he also has concerns about the internal road circulation. He said there was
reference to pedestrian- oriented street frontage, but he's concerned that the Commission get a
better sense of what that means with the projects that come before them. He said basically what
are linear parking lots double as access roads. with right angle parking and the sidewalks
directly behind the curb, with two feet of the sidewalk lost to the automobiles. He said he
supports the concept and thinks there are some wonderful things that have been incorporated
into this plan with some of the open space elements, but the actual layout of the site with
respect to the street and the parking are major stumbling blocks for him.
A vote was taken and the motion to defer was denied 1 -5 (Eastham in favor).
Thomas moved to approve REZ13- 00021, a rezoning to amend the Planned Overlay / High
Density Single Family Zone (OPD /RS -12) to allow for the development of six duplexes
along Paddock Circle and thirteen multifamily buildings along a proposed private street
Shire Lane.
Swygard seconded.
A vote was taken and the motion was denied 0 -6.
Planning and Zoning Commission
September 5, 2013 - Formal
Page 8 of 10
County Item:
CU13- 00001: Discussion of an application submitted by AI -Iman Center for a conditional
use permit for 5.97 acres of land located north of 4401 Sharon Center Road SW in Area C
of the Iowa City /Johnson County Fringe Area.
Miklo introduced Bailee McClellan, graduate student in Urban and Regional Planning. He said
she is doing an internship in the Planning and Community Development Department and will be
presenting the staff report for this item.
McClellan presented her report and said that staff recommends approval.
Miklo showed photos of the area.
Freerks asked if there were any structures involved with this application. Miklo said it would be
subject to County regulations, and there may be a small structure on the property.
Freerks opened public discussion.
Dave Larsen, representing AI -Iman Center, said the applicants picked this place because it's
right next to a cemetery, He said if there's any structure, it would only be a building to hold a
portable lawnmower.
Freerks closed public discussion.
Eastham moved to recommend that the City send a letter to Johnson County Board of
Adjustment recommending approval of the conditional use permit.
Theobald seconded.
Freerks said the application seems to meet all the requirements, and there is no reason for
them not to do this.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 6 -0.
Consideration of Meeting Minutes: August 15, 2013
Eastham moved to approve minutes of August 15, 2013.
Theobald seconded.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 6 -0.
OTHER
Thomas said he would like to have a discussion about the multifamily zoning functions,
particularly in respect to sites which do fall under the Sensitive Areas Ordinance. He said he has
looked at the zoning codes of other cities, and he feels that in Iowa City there are insufficient
controls or guidelines which would ensure that the project is context sensitive. He said they
want to make sure that the multifamily buildings are compatible, but there's nothing in the Code
that makes that translation. A majority of the Commission felt that they would like to look at this
issue more closely and devote some time to with the other priorities that City Council has set for
Planning and Zoning Commission
September 5, 2013 - Formal
Page 9 of 10
the Commission. The Commission agreed that it would apply to neighborhood stabilization and
to new areas of building. Thomas said often times you end up with buildings that are lacking,
and he believes that Iowa City would really benefit from having stronger site planning criteria.
He and other Commissioners agreed that they may approve something, but not really endorse
it. Freerks said it's also about things they don't even see. It's things that are okay to be in the
zone but don't have to come before the Commission, and that's about the Code. The
Commission agreed to ask the Chair to send a memo to Council asking that review of
multifamily standards by added to staff the Commission's work program.
ADJOURNMENT:
Eastham moved to adjourn.
Swygard seconded.
The meeting was adjourned on a 6 -0 vote.
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