HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-12-03 TranscriptionPage 1
ITEM 2. STUDENT CITIZENSHIP AWARDS — Mark Twain Elementary
Hayek: Would the students, uh, from Mark Twain come forward please.
Dickens: Alma mater!
Karr: Right up here!
Hayek: What are you guys, the Tigers? Oh, that's great! Well, I want to welcome you to
City Hall. I'm Matt Hayek, I'm the Mayor, and this is the City Council behind
you, and this guy right here went to Mark Twain, Terry Dickens! (laughter) So,
uh, it's a great honor for us to have you here and one of the things we get to do
through the school year is, uh, recognize students from the elementary schools in
Iowa City and ... and we know that you're selected by your schools as leaders and
that's why you're here before us, and it's ... it's just a great opportunity for us to
see what's going on at our schools, and a great opportunity for us to show the
community, uh, what strong, uh, young leaders we have, and so I see you've each
brought something to read. That's the first step! Check! (laughter) And what
I'd like to do, I think I'll just hand the microphone to you and if you could each
read your... your piece. I've got something to give to you afterwards. Thanks!
Sila: Hi, my name is Maisha Sila. I am a sixth grader at Mark Twain Elementary. One
thing I do in order to become a leader is acting the way I want to be treated. I
respect others, everybody, because if I didn't, I would make them feel worse. I
enjoy being with people, and I hope someday I will become a principal of
elementary school. I want to thank all staffs at Mark Twain because this is the
first school where they actually listen to you, and listen what you have to say. I
will be honored to receive this award because it will mean a lot to me. Thank
you. (applause)
Murry: Hi, my name is Rebekah Murry. I'm in sixth grade. I go to Mark Twain
Elementary. I'm a leader of the school by being a good friend for everybody. I'm
a good friend because I can listen to somebody's conflict or whatever they want to
talk to me about. I treat others the way I want to be treated, whether they're mean
or rude. I ... I was ... it was an honor for me to be chosen and say how I
would ... I'd be a leader of the school. I hope you all have a good ... a great rest of
your day. Bye! (applause)
Atresso: My name is Abele Atresso and I'm in sixth grade in Miss Anderson classroom.
I'm a person who follow my school rules. I am respectful for ... to everyone in the
school. I am conflict manager on our playground and help kids solve problems.
Sometimes I serve as Mark Twain ambassadors for assemblies. I would like to
thank the teachers for voting for me and the principal. I'm thank ... I'm thankful
for my parent for help me in my homework. Finally, thank you to the City
Council for this award. (applause)
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council
formal meeting of December 3, 2013.
Page 2
Hayek: Those are fantastic! It's, uh, great, and, uh, as I said, we get to hear from two or
three students from each of our schools throughout the year and it was Mark
Twain's turn, so we're glad you're here! Um ... uh, you know, (coughing, unable
to hear speaker) people up here were ... were once student leaders when they were
in elementary school. I ... I went to Shimek. Terry Dickens went to ... to Twain,
and... and I think the others all went to schools outside of Iowa City, but they all
went to schools (laughter) and uh ... we think! (laughter) But uh, I want to
congratulate you and I also want to congratulate your teachers and your parents
and the other people in your lives who ... and the principal, yes, there she is
(laughter) and uh, because they ... they play a big role in everything you've done
and ... and, but I know they appreciate what you do for your school and that's why
you're here and you're an example to everybody in your school, so ... I ... we have
an award for each of you. It's called a Citizenship Award, and it reads as follows:
For his or her outstanding qualities of leadership within Mark Twain Elementary,
as well as the community, and for his or her sense of responsibility and
helpfulness to others, we recognize you as an Outstanding Student Citizen. Your
community is proud of you. Presented by the Iowa City City Council, December
of 2013. (mumbled, away from mic) I want to congratulate and let me shake
your hands! Now you're welcome to stick around and watch, or go home and do
homework. Your choice! (laughter) (applause)
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council
formal meeting of December 3, 2013.
Page 3
ITEM 4. COMMUNITY COMMENT (ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA).
Hayek: This is the opportunity at each City Council meeting for members of the public to
address the Council on items that are not on the agenda. So if there's something
that's not on the agenda that you'd like ... like to bring to our attention, we invite
you to come forward. We ask that you sign in, also verbally give us your name,
and to, uh, then limit your comments to five minutes or less!
Brandt: Good evening! I'm Paula Brandt and I live at 67 White Oak Place. Several times
over the last couple of months, representatives from the Peninsula Neighborhood,
the White Oak Place Neighborhood, Elk Run Condominiums, Mackinaw Village,
and the Elks Golf Club have met to discuss the Gateway... Gateway Project
proposals and the impact of the 2008 flood on our high -and -dry neighborhoods.
The Peninsula is a one -way in and one -way out community, with Foster Road
providing the only vehicle access. As you may recall, in 2008 a small low section
at the bottom of Foster Road flooded, removing access to our neighborhoods,
which are on top of a very high hill. We were forced to evacuate with almost no
notice for a week. Since 2008, there has been enormous growth in our
neighborhoods. We estimate that nearly 1,000 people would be impacted if such
an event would occur again in the near future. We have two concerns. First, we
do not want to be forced to leave our homes again because of flooding down the
hill on Foster Road and second, we are concerned as we know the City is
concerned about emergency vehicle access to protect homes and save lives. We
support the Gateway Project and the raising of Dubuque Street at some level as a
way to provide the fastest access for emergency vehicles to the Peninsula.
However, the Gateway Project is designed to improve traffic and will not, as we
understand it, guarantee that in the case of a flood we can remain in our homes.
Therefore, regardless of what happens with the Gateway Project, we would like to
ask Council to remember the Peninsula residents and ask the City engineers to
develop possible solutions to alleviate the risk of flooding on Foster Road. We
would like to be assured that we will not be forced to evacuate again, leaving a
ghost town of hundreds of homes vulnerable to criminal activity. The North
District Plan of 2001... visually, shows a future plan for a road that would run
parallel to the Interstate. West from the Forestview Mobile Home Park then turn
south and intersect at the top of Foster Road, aco ... across from the Elks Golf
Course. Clearly that would be a good solution to our need for a second access,
but that road, while in the City's long -range plans, could be many, many years
away. We encourage you to support the raising of Dubuque Street to protect the
safety and security of the residents of the Peninsula, and finding a solution to the
flooding of Foster Road that would allow us to stay in our homes in the event of
another flood. Thank you.
Hayek: Thank you for your comments.
Schweer: Hi, I'm Lorie Schweer. I'm here on behalf of the Peninsula Home... Homeowners
Association, and on behalf of the Peninsula Development Company. Also,
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council
formal meeting of December 3, 2013.
Page 4
speaking, um, to encourage you with regard to the Gateway Project. And we are
advocating that the raising of the bridge be at the highest level, the 500 -year flood
plus one level, um, for many of the reasons that Paula just mentioned. Um, as you
know, the Park bridge serves as a dam and creates a flood, um, north of the
bridge, both of Dubuque Street and Foster Road. If Foster Road is flooded, then it
cuts off our area. Um, so I've been trying to quantify that for you and I've been
having trouble getting data. Um ... but I have found that, um, right now the City,
um, indicates there are 684 addresses in the neighborhoods that live west of
Dubuque Street there. So that's 684 addresses that rely on that access for Foster
Road. I also have some satellite images of those neighborhoods from 2008 during
the flood, and some satellite images of those neighborhoods for 2012, which I'm
going to put into your packet for next ... for the next meeting, and I've been trying
to get property tax data for those neighborhoods that are west of Dubuque Street
and I've been unsuccessful at this point. I still haven't given up! Um ... so
obviously if Foster Road is flooded, all the access to those neighborhoods are cut
off and if we have to be evacuated again, um, I used 2010 Census data to try and
estimate the quantity, or the impact of that on the City, and the City services that
would be magnified beyond what occurred in 2008, and based upon the 2...2010
Census, um, there were, uh, short of 28,000 households in Iowa City, and I
recognize that, um, just because there's an address it may not be a household. I
don't know those definitions, but based upon using that number, I estimate that
the neighborhoods living west of Dubuque Street there represent 2.5% of the
addresses in Iowa City now, and that is 2.5 %, um, of the community that would
be cut off and require emergency services, evacuation services ... w ... if that area
floods again now because the areas have been growing so much. Um ... we expect
about 50 more residences to be built within the next year, or well ... there's about
50 new residence that are being built right now, in process, and we expect 250
new residences in the next five years. So again, this is the Peninsula Homeowners
Association and the Peninsula Development Company, encouraging the bridge at
the highest level, the 500 -year flood plus one. Thank you.
Hayek: Thank you for your comments.
Hemingway: Hello, I'm Phil Hemingway from 415 Elm Ridge Avenue. Thank you for the
opportunity to speak before you tonight, and thank you for your service to the
community. Um, I ... I know I'm doing something a little bit out of, uh, your, uh,
etiquette and your rules but uh, I have a pressing engagement later on. I'm afraid
the agenda item that I want to ... want to speak to will interfere with my getting a
clarinet to the pep band on time.
Hayek: Phil, could ... if I could interrupt, what agenda item (both talking)
Hemingway: Just briefly I'd like to urge, uh, your support and ... and praise you for supporting
FasTrac and uh, the FasTrac program here in our community and essentially that,
you know, Henry Harper's done a terrific job with that program and, uh, we need
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council
formal meeting of December 3, 2013.
Page 5
it now more than ever and I appreciate you, uh, picking up the ball and doing that.
That's it!
Hayek: All right.
Hemingway: Um ... also I urge you as community members to advocate for community and
neighborhood schools. Uh ... the District is, uh, adopting a policy of bigger,
fewer, newer, and further out of town. And I would urge you as... as community
members and ... and ... with your positions of, uh, on the Council to, uh, advocate
for maintaining our communities, our community schools and the integrity, and
uh, at the, uh ... master planning workshop that the Board had last week, the, uh,
physical plant director who, uh, has experience with ... with closing schools, which
he said in Des Moines, said you have to look out for, uh, unforeseen
circumstances, and uh, I thought that that was very telling that he was saying that
in advance to ... to this, and that we should all consider is this the type of
community we want. Do we want to close walkable, workable schools in our
communities or do we want to put them further out of town and put more tax, put
more, uh .... cars on the road, uh, and infrastructure demands and that. We are a
growing ... we are a growing community and we are going to have to build
schools, build new ones, but it doesn't mean we have to destroy neighborhoods in
that process. Also it was discussed earlier about a `fab lab' at Sycamore Mall.
Uh, this is something I would ... I would encourage the Council to look into.
There's another program called, uh, `tech shop.' Uh, these are, uh, community,
uh, labs with, uh, equipment that give community members and entrepreneurs and
people who just want to build things an opportunity to do that and, uh, since
we've seen a de- emphasis in our schools, uh, in industrial arts, it'd be great to
have that community asset, uh, not only for the city, for the schools, but also the
University of Iowa and everything that way. Thank you very much for all that
you do.
Hayek: All right, thanks! Appreciate your comments.
Gravitt: My name is Mary Gravitt. And I'm here again about a quality of life. Really...
what I really want to speak on is the Post Office because every city needs its own
post office, and it's so important it's even mentioned in the Constitution. Well I
was suggesting that the Post Office, since it wants to move, that it move over to
Buttonwood, or what I call the Broadway Mall. It's half -hour bus service there,
five days a week, and on Saturday. (mumbled) one -hour service. I would prefer
the Sycamore Mall, which is in more ... in my neighborhood, but that Broadway
Mall needs something permanent to tack it down. I know K -Mart is out there, but
Sears owns K -Mart, and if you've been listening to the news, everything is shaky
and so forth. So if the Post Office, it has to move... so if this Chauncey that's...
that wants to go down here on College and Gilbert, that can move in the old Post
Office, uh, spot because the lot is twice as big, parking lots there, and it would be
more in the city ... the center city could be extended. I don't know if that's north
or south, whichever way that is. The center of the city could be extended, and the
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council
formal meeting of December 3, 2013.
Page 6
Co -Op could move right here at College and Gilbert, and it's important that you
stick with small businesses, because I was very upset about that Dairy Queen. I
think something should have been done to help those people. That's a small
business, been here 21 years, and for lack of a sign and visibility, it went out of
business slowly, was dying, and that's not fair to small business. The Co -Op is a
small business. It's stuck in a flood plain. Gilbert and College is not in the flood
plain, and a 20 -story building is not appropriate for that site. The church is
fighting it. The people are fighting, the neighborhood is fighting, and it would be
more visible, down there across from the new music hall, right in the center of
town, and ... the idea that you don't let the Post Office leave, cause I remember
used to be somebody on City Council here and he moved to Coralville and Von
Maur followed him. I think that every Council should have their own spies, to not
let businesses go out, out of town, anyplace, and I agree with that person about the
schools. You need your neighborhood schools. If you bus children, think of the
cost of fuel. We have cheap fuel now, but we won't have fuel for always. And...
and pretty much ... and the last thing I want to say, I'm still concerned about the
Library, making it ADA- accessible on the second floor. People have to use the
bathroom. If they don't have strong upper -body strength. Now one and a half
inch solid oak wood core door, trying to pull it open, is not easy. And most of the
time you have to rely on the students, who everybody complains gets drunk all the
time. At least they'll help you out the bathroom and help you into the bathroom.
So I think the City Council should do something about that, cause I've
complained about that before. Thank you.
Hayek: Thank you for your comments.
Byers: Always hard to follow Mary! (laughter) Okay, um, I'm Terri Byers. I'm a long-
term City employee. I'm also Executive Vice President of AFSCME Local 183.
And tonight on your agenda on Item 8 you're going to be asked to reduce the
amount of bargaining unit staff in Housing. As a union steward and a taxpayer, I
understand...
Hayek: Actually I may have to interrupt you. Well, we ... we have people comment on
agenda items...
Byers: There's no comment section in there. I looked at the agenda.
Champion: There always is!
Hayek: We can...
Byers: Can we do it?
Hayek: Yeah, absolutely. Yeah.
Byers: Do it now?
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council
formal meeting of December 3, 2013.
Page 7
Hayek: No, we'll wait until... (both talking)
Byers: Okay. We can do it then.
Hayek: Just that ... that's the policy we've always followed.
Byers: Okay!
Hayek: Stick around and we'll come back to you. Thank you! Anyone else for
community comment? Okay, move on to Item 5, Planning and Zoning Matters.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council
formal meeting of December 3, 2013.
Page 8
ITEM 5. PLANNING AND ZONING MATTERS.
ITEM 5a SCHOOL DISTRICT ANNEXATION ON SYCAMORE
STREET ANNEXING 44.85 ACRES OF PROPERTY LOCATED ON
SOUTH SYCAMORE STREET, SOUTH OF THE CURRENT CITY
LIMITS. (ANN13- 00002) [Discussion only at formal meeting]
1. PUBLIC HEARING
Hayek: This is a public hearing. The public hearing is open. (bangs gavel) Any ex parte
communications, uh, to disclose? Jeff!
Davidson: Good evening, Mr. Mayor and Members of the City Council. I'm Jeff Davidson,
the Director of Planning and Community Development for the City. Uh, the first
two items on your Planning and Zoning agenda this evening, uh, pertain to the
annexation and rezoning, uh, related to establishing a new elementary school in
south Iowa City, and uh, this is a request from the, uh, Iowa City Community
School District. Uh, the total annexation that's being requested is almost 45 acres
of property, uh, split between what is needed for the elementary school and an
...and an additional parcel that is, uh, needed in order to annex the, uh ... uh,
school parcel because, uh, it needs to be contiguous to the existing corporate
limits. Uh, the location you see here. Uh, to orient you, this is Sycamore Street,
uh, the Kickers Soccer Park would be off to the south here. Uh, the uh ... uh, Sand
Lake Recreation Area would be off to the, uh, west. Uh ... here is an aerial view.
You can see that the property, uh, outlined in blue there is an ... in an existing
agricultural use. Uh, here's a little pulled back version, showing a little bit more
of the built -up city, and you can see the shaded area here, uh... if I... shaded area
here is the, uh, property that's proposed for annexation. Pulled back even further
you can see the, uh, red star there is the proposed location of this elementary
school, and uh, you can see the two existing elementary schools, uh, in the
vicinity. Uh, here shows the breakdown of the parcel to the south here that is, uh,
proposed for the elementary school. It does require this larger parcel being
annexed as well, in order to make it contiguous, uh, to the city. Uh, we'll get to
that in a second. Uh, when we consider, and by the way, Mr. Mayor, if it's all
right I'll ... I'll cover both the annexation and the rezoning, although you have two
separate items on your agenda. Uh, when we consider any annexations into the
City, uh, we have three criteria that we look at specifically. Uh, the area under
consideration should fall within the adopted long -range planning boundary; uh,
the long -range planning boundary is the boundary established in the
Comprehensive Plan. Uh, basically what we can provide sanitary sewer to, uh, by
gravity flow, uh, that being our most expensive piece of infrastructure, certainly
with roads the most expensive piece of infrastructure. So we establish that growth
area boundary. This property is within that area. Development in the area
proposed for annexation will fill an identified need without, um, imposing an
undue burden on the City. We feel that is the case here. Uh, one thing we do
want to, uh, point out however ... I'll do it off of this diagram. Uh, we will have a
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council
formal meeting of December 3, 2013.
Page 9
"burden" if you want to call it that, in terms of capital improvements that will be
needed for this. Uh, the City... the... the infrastructure as I think ... I think you're
all fully aware of, basically sewer, water, roads. That's what you need for any
development, including, uh, an elementary school. Um, in terms of sewer and
water, we are in good shape here. Uh, there is a major trunk sewer, uh, that flows
through here, between the north plant and the south wastewater treatment plants,
which will enable sanitary sewer service. Uh, obviously the built -up developed
area here, uh, and along Sycamore Street has a water main that can be, uh, tapped
into. Uh, however, Sycamore Street from the ... this point to the south, uh, is just
an oil chip -seal road, uh, that is not a paved surface, rural cross - section, uh, and
will need to be improved. That will be something which we will be discussing
with you when we discuss capital improvement projects in the upcoming budget,
but it will be a substantial, uh, expense to the City in terms of that infrastructure,
but needed, for not only the development of the elementary school, but of course
the development of this, uh, larger area as well. Uh, the final thing is control of
the development is in the City's best interest. Uh, we do feel that is the case here.
Schools, uh, elementary schools such as this should be in the city so that we can
have compact and contiguous, uh, development surrounding it, and a lot of kids
who can hopefully walk to the ... to the school. Uh, in terms of the rezoning, uh,
we look at compliance with the Comprehensive Plan and here you see, uh, little
hard to see the scale, uh, there but uh, the ... the South District Plan, uh, this does
come from 1997 but it, uh, on reviewing it, we still think is very pertinent in terms
of, and I think there's one sentence that comes from the, uh ... uh, South District
Plan on what we're trying to do here. Uh, create a sense of community by
ensuring the neighborhoods are designed to be accessible, compact, pedestrian
oriented, and contain an appropriate mix of housing types, land uses, connecting
streets, and open space, and that's basically what we're trying to do in all of our
neighborhoods, I think the one sentence kind of...kind of sums up. Um, in terms
of this specific area, the blue parcel that you ... blue panel that you see here, is ... is
what even in 1997 we anticipated for an elementary school site. So uh, here we
are 16 years later, contemplating, uh, that exact thing. Uh, and as you can see, it's
a little hard to see here but this is McCollister Boulevard that will eventually
come across. It's built to this point in Sand Hill subdivision right now. It will
come across and have an intersection with Sycamore Street, and at that
intersection, that'll be a focal point for the creation of this neighborhood in this
...in this area. Um ... we see that being a location where they'll ... there will be a
neighborhood commercial district and the, uh, this is from the 1997 plan. You
can see the sort of quaint presentation that's ... how we used to do it 16 years ago,
but this just shows an example, and you can see some similarities here from, for
example, the Walden Square commercial district on Mormon Trek Boulevard, the
Olde Towne Village commerc ... commercial districts. Some similarities here, but
basically how you could have commercial uses, uh, with residential above, uh,
you can see townhouses, uh, off to the side here. Uh, institutional use that ... that
might exist. Uh, that's all what's anticipated for this area. Uh, it's a little hard to
see, but the various shadings, the colors that you see here are a mix of residential
types, ranging from small -lot single - family, duplexes, townhomes, uh, and multi-
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council
formal meeting of December 3, 2013.
Page 10
family buildings — all anticipated in this area. A mix of housing types, uh, to
serve a variety of people that would chose to live in this area. You see an
additional blue panel here. That is a proposed location for Fire Station #6, which
will eventually be needed in the area. Uh, and so a location should be identified
for that as well. You know, there are a ... a great, uh, great number of assets to this
area. You have the, uh, the Trueblood Recreation Area, you have the Sand Prairie
area here, Napoleon Park and the, uh... uh, softball fields, uh, you have the
Kickers Soccer Park, uh, very extensive trail system where you have the Iowa
River Corridor Trail that comes up this side. You have the Sycamore Greenway,
uh, we want to see that all connected, interconnected, so that the neighborhood is
walkable, compact, uh, and... and provides for the variety of needs that the people
living in this, uh, neighborhood will have. Excuse me while I bring my...
machine back up here. Um ... in terms of sensitive areas, the only sensitive area
significantly present in the area is hydric soils. These are not regulated by the
sensitive areas ordinance, but they are something that everyone just needs to be
aware of in terms of, uh, building foundation systems and indication of a high
water table that, uh, is present. Uh, here's an aerial, or excuse me (laughs) an
aerial! A photograph of, uh, the area this past year in agricultural use; uh, the
elementary school site would be approximately in this vicinity. Uh, here in just
another view ... you can see we're pretty close to the base of the Sycamore L down
here. Um... and that is it! Staff recommendation and Planning and Zoning, uh,
recommendation is for approval. Any, uh, questions about either the annexation
or the rezoning?
Throgmorton: Sure!
Hayek: Go ahead, Jim!
Throgmorton: Is a school official here?
Davidson: ...believe so. (several talking)
Throgmorton: Okay. Can you tell us why 16 acres would be rezoned P1? Is that for the ... is that
all to be dedicated to the school and the school grounds?
Davidson: That is the parcel that the School District will be purchasing.
Throgmorton: You didn't answer my question. Will that six ... all of that 16 acres be dedicated to
the school and the school grounds for use only by the school?
Davidson: That is my understanding, yes.
Throgmorton: Sixteen acres! (several talking)
Markus: I think the discussions I had suggested there'd be a shared opportunity for
recreational fields with our Recreation Department.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council
formal meeting of December 3, 2013.
Page 11
Throgmorton: 0 ... okay. I ... I would hope that would be the case. Sixteen acres is a lot. So
when I think about walkable... pedestrian- oriented diverse uses, and then I think
16 acres? For a ... for an elementary school?
Markus: I specifically recall soccer fields and the opportunity for (both talking)
Throgmorton: There's a soccer field just down the street!
Markus: Yeah, but that's ... that long -term has some jeopardy because part of that's
dedicated for the sanitary sewer treatment plant.
Champion: I also do think that they do practice at the local schools, Kickers do for instance,
on soccer fields. I don't think 16 acres is too big for an elementary. I disagree
with you. I think with all the things that go on at schools now, and neighborhood
activities, they'll probably use all 16 acres.
Markus: Jim, we've also had discussions, uh, about the opportunity to expand the multi-
purpose facilities, the gym, that ... that facility as well. Where we would share in
that.
Throgmorton: Well of course (mumbled) strongly supportive of sharing of facilities and sharing
of the land for various reasons (both talking)
Markus: It would be larger than what their typical footprint would be because of our
participation.
Throgmorton: Yeah, okay. So ... just like ... like us to kind of take in what's entailed in a 16 -acre
site.
Markus: I ... you know what, I agree. Sixteen acres is a significant piece of property and I
think when you take a look at for example Borlaug, I'm not sure that that's
necessarily 16 acres, but ... but the model that they develop in a more suburban
setting, obviously, is more spread out than in an urban setting.
Throgmorton: Okay, which actually (both talking)
Markus: ...we recognize that.
Throgmorton: ... gets precisely to the point that I tried to emphasize last time (both talking) and
probably stumbled all over. There's a huge disconnect between the
Comprehensive Plan, what it claims to be seeking to do, and the, uh, the zoning
that would, that we ... you just say it's going to accomplish the purposes of the
Comprehensive Plan. I don't see it! I ... I see something entirely different being
activated, if you will, by the zo ... by the zoning that will flow out of this.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council
formal meeting of December 3, 2013.
Page 12
Davidson: Yeah, the zoning that's proposed for the "development" parcel, uh, that's
necessary to bring in the school parcel, is IDRS, and one of the reasons that the
RS is on there, because typically that is, uh, the ... the RS tag is on there when
infrastructure is not adequate for the development of the parcel. Well obviously
we're bringing infrastructure to the site for the school, but we don't know yet how
the... the... the owner of that property does not have a development plan yet, for
what we hope are the variety of housing types and variety of even commercial
uses that we expect to see in the area.
Throgmorton: I believe we ought to be much more active in terms of indicating the kind of
neighborhood that could be built out there, and to leave it in the ... entirely in the
hands of the developers is to ... guarantee that we're going to replicate the way
things have been done in the past. So if you ... if you showed that, uh, that satellite
image again, but especially for the next... for the east school. It's so obvious
when you look at the east school and its site. Uh, the ... what is it, Windsor Ridge,
uh, or Walden Ridge. I keep getting them (several talking)
Markus: Windsor Ridge.
Throgmorton: Yeah, Windsor Ridge. Just north of the east school site. That's the curly -q kind
of development, and then just to the west of the site is Manor, uh, Modern Manor,
and ... and it's impossible for me to see it, given my own background, it's
impossible for me to see how compact, contiguous kind of neighborhood could
possibly be developed in relation to the current pattern of development in that
area and I'm very skeptical it's going to be developed in the area that ... that we're
talking about right now, the ... the south school. And... it's... it's really hard to talk
about, you know, without... without having our feet on the ground and ... and
really seeing two alternatives laid out so that the public could actually recognize
the difference between what is likely to take place down there and what could
take place down there. So, I don't know where to go with that, but uh ... here's
...like here are some ... some questions. How many housing units would be
located within walkable distance of the new school, like within a quarter mile or
at the most a half mile?
Davidson: We don't have that determined, Jim.
Throgmorton: I know you don't.
Markus: But if you were to look at the zoning, you could calculate, you know, en masse
what that would likely be, but I think what you're talking about is probably a
different model for those areas in terms of development. Um ... in terms of, uh,
the density, uh, question, I think, as compared to what, especially in the east side
school, what's currently there, which is a ... you know, a fairly sparsely populated
area, and I think that you're probably right. You probably have to get into that
sector of the Comprehensive Plan, and maybe take a pretty hard look at creating
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council
formal meeting of December 3, 2013.
Page 13
something different in that area. If you want it to happen. I don't disagree with
your point.
Throgmorton: Yeah. So ... which reminds me, I ... I look ... I took a look at the Southeast District
Plan. I think that's called ... isn't that the name of it?
Davidson: Southeast District Plan refers to (both talking)
Throgmorton: ... adopted two and a half years ago (both talking)
Davidson: ...and that's with the other school.
Throgmorton: Right, with the other school (mumbled) It's a great plan! It's full of all sorts of
great images about what could be done in the Southeast District. Great images!
Great language! I don't see it happ ... it's not going to happen! Because of
exactly what you just said. So if...if we want to keep building what we've been
building over the last 20 years, fine! Let's go ahead and do it! And ... and then
we'll have to keep building that kind of stuff. If we want to do what our
Comprehensive Plan calls for and in the case of that school, what the Southeast
District Plan calls for, we gotta do something different.
Markus: I agree!
Hayek: The ... these are good points but we're still in the public hearing and we really
ought to focus on questions and ... and ... and so let's ... let's try to do that. Are
there ... are there more questions for Jeff as to the a and b items here?
Davidson: Thank you!
Hayek: Okay.
Throgmorton: Thanks, Jeff!
Hayek: This is a public hearing, so anyone from the audience can step forward if they
chose. Okay, I'm going to close the hearing. I need to take the temperature of
Council first. Are we inclined to go with the P &Z...
Throgmorton: Yeah, I ... I'm ... I'll support (mumbled) support the annexation. Yes.
Hayek: Okay. I'll close the public hearing. (bangs gavel)
2. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION
Mims: Move the resolution.
Payne: Second.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council
formal meeting of December 3, 2013.
Page 14
Hayek: Moved by Mims, seconded by Payne. Discussion? Jim, I think you raise good
points. I mean, you know, what's before us is the annexation and... and the
rezoning on the public and as to the rest of it, it's just going into the... purgatory
zone I.D. and I think we, you know, the conversations you, um, suggest, I think,
we ... we have to have. So ... further discussion? Roll call, please. Passes 7 -0.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council
formal meeting of December 3, 2013.
Page 15
ITEM 5b SCHOOL DISTRICT REZONING ON SYCAMORE STREET
REZONING 15.78 ACRES FROM COUNTY RESIDENTIAL (R) ZONE
TO NEIGHBORHOOD PUBLIC (P -1) ZONE AND 29.07 ACRES FROM
COUNTY RESIDENTIAL (R) ZONE TO INTERIM DEVELOPMENT
RESIDENTIAL SINGLE - FAMILY (ID -RS) ZONE FOR PROPERTY
LOCATED ON THE WEST SIDE OF SYCAMORE STREET. (REZ13-
00023) [Discussion only at formal meeting]
1. PUBLIC HEARING
Hayek: This is a public hearing. The public hearing is open. (bangs gavel) This is the
rezoning portion of this, um ... application considering the ... the south side school.
Okay, I don't see any interest. Before I close, I need to take the temperature of
the Council. Are we going to go with the recommendation? Okay. I'll close the
public hearing. (bangs gavel)
2. CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE (FIRST CONSIDERATION)
Payne: Move first consideration.
Dickens: Second.
Hayek: Moved by Payne, seconded by Dickens. Discussion?
Throgmorton: Okay, I ... I think we should do everything we can to create new neighborhoods
that are safe, affordable, diverse, beautiful, and memorable. That is
neighborhoods that people will truly love for decades to come. I don't see this
happening, given the tool that we're ... we're going to be using, the tools that
we're going to be using. Now, maybe it can happen, and I would really, um...
uh ... strongly encourage the ... the staff to ... to see what can be done to actually
tran ... to produce a new neighborhood that has the characteristics I just described,
which I think are consistent with the ... what the Comprehensive Plan calls for.
And if we don't actively do that, we're just gonna end up with some curly -q's and
people driving their kids to school, just like Phil was objecting to, and saying we
need to keep our older schools open because, uh, otherwise we're going to be
building new stuff out on the periphery and people'll be driving all their kids to
school and all that. Uh, I ... I think we have an opportunity and I really encourage
the staff to, uh...
Dobyns: Jim, can you give me a sense of, cause I guess I'm trying to image, uh, you're
looking or recommending a higher density area like the Peninsula, in terms of
making it closer together, closer to the school, more walkable?
Throgmorton: No, let's not put the weight on me! Let's ... let's put the weight on ... on the (both
talking)
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council
formal meeting of December 3, 2013.
Page 16
Dobyns: Well you're the one talking, Jim! (both talking)
Throgmorton: I know. Put the weight on the professional staff. Remember last time I said could
we see two alternatives. So that we at least know that we have a choice, and that
we can be clear about what the choice (both talking)
Dobyns: But, Jim, I'm not going to ask City staff to present a second alternative unless you
can vision it for me what it might look like. I mean, I guess you've gotta get other
votes here at the dais.
Mims: I have a question for Jeff. I'm going to interject this right now, because I think it
comes to the heart of what we're talking about. If we rezone this ID -RS, okay,
what... authority does the Council have going forward to impose say something
like Jim is talking about.
Champion: But what's he talking about?
Mims: Well ... he used his verbiage but again, I mean, specifics... are... I'm saying
something different than say another, uh, Windsor Ridge with, as he's talking, the
curly -q's and larger lots, etc. What ... just what authority do we have if...the
Council or staff came up with some vision, what...
Davidson: You have a lot of authority!
Mims: (both talking) Okay.
Davidson: Um, and that authority is ... is primarily in the zoning, okay, and ... and I think what
...what Jim's talking about is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, so that
being the overall vision, but the ... the real rights to what happens with the
property, that is in the zoning. Um, and it will require a subsequent zoning action
to develop this property. So you will have a great deal of control over approving
what the ultimate zoning is that allows this property to develop.
Throgmorton: But (several talking) but the property owners are going to come to us and... and
ask for a rezoning from ID -RS to something else. That's what will happen, and
then we will be in a position of saying yes. Probably.
Payne: However, they will take that to staff and staff ...at some point in time, we should
put something together and say, `This is what our vision is,' and staff should go
down that path with the developer so they don't bring something to us that's not
part of the vision.
Throgmorton: I think that'd be pretty dandy!
Dobyns: That's what he's...
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council
formal meeting of December 3, 2013.
Page 17
Payne: I mean ... and I think that's what you're saying, right? So that means we need to
put it on a work session to talk about what is our vision!
Throgmorton: Yeah, I don't want us to be passive about this. I want us to take an active role and
say we have ... we have a vision; it's expressed in the Comprehensive Plan; we
want to see it articulated. Lived out in that particular area, not passively sit back
and wait for a property owner to say `let's rezone from ID -RS to RS -5.
Payne: But we also have to be realistic too and ... and it has to be something that is... that
somebody would develop.
Mims: And the people would buy.
Payne: And the, yes, cause they're not going to develop if somebody isn't going to buy it
(both talking)
Mims: Right.
Payne: So there's a little give and take.
Hayek: Well that's not before us this evening (laughter) This evening is about an
annexation, a ... a rezoning to ... to P -1 for the school site and a ... and an interim
development designation for the balance of it, and we'll have these conversations
at the appropriate time. I think it's important to focus on the fact that we are now
seeing for the first time in over four decades construction of elementary schools
that will feed City High, which will help these long -term structural imbalances
we've seen from a facility standpoint and otherwise. Um, and at the same time,
we're looking at, uh, substantial, um ... uh, capital investments in our existing
schools. Twain, Mann, Longfellow, and ... and otherwise. So this is a very
positive development for the community. Uh, I ... I'm glad to see this happen.
I'm glad to see what's next on the agenda this evening, as well, and I'm, you
know, it's important that the City work with the School District, and we're
prepared to do so through our capital plan to make this a reality. So ... any other
discussion? Roll call, please. Passes 7 -0.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council
formal meeting of December 3, 2013.
Page 18
ITEM 5c SCHOOL DISTRICT ANNEXATION ON AMERICAN LEGION
ROAD - ANNEXING 15.14 ACRES OF PROPERTY LOCATED ON
AMERICAN LEGION ROAD NEAR THE INTERSECTION WITH
BARRINGTON ROAD. (ANN13- 00003) [Discussion only at formal
meeting]
1. PUBLIC HEARING
Hayek: This is a public hearing. The public hearing is open. (bangs gavel) Any ex parte
disclosures? Jeff!
Davidson: As the Mayor's indicated, this, uh, request is also from the Iowa City Community
School District, uh, again for an annexation and rezoning of 15.14 acres. Um,
you can see the location here, American Legion Road. Uh, this differs a little bit
from your prior item in that this is the school site only. Uh, there's no additional
ground that's being brought in. The only additional ground, and I think I may...
no, I don't have a diagram of it. Uh, is basically right along the edge ... the eastern
edge here will be the extension of, uh, Barrington Drive, into right here where it
will be stubbed for fu, uh, further development, but the road right -of -way, we did
require that to come in as well, uh, as the school parcel. Um, and real quickly,
Mr. Mayor, if I... if I could, I did want to mention during the next item and I was
remiss in, uh, in not catching it is that, uh, City staff does really appreciate the
cooperation that we've had with the School District ad ... administrative staff. Uh,
Superintendent Murley and Dr. Hansel have both been great in terms of really... I
mean, I've been here a long time and really we've never had as much cooperation
with them in terms of looking at these sites. We had numerous meetings with
them looking at a variety of sites in each of these neighborhoods, and they'd
begin negotiations with a property owner and maybe if that didn't work out they'd
come back to us to discuss additional sites. So really an unprecedented level of
cooperation and we appreciate that very much. Um ... again, uh, under
consideration here is an elementary school site for, uh, southeast Iowa City. As I
mentioned, Barrington Road would be extended south of American Legion Road
to, um ... uh, allow construction of the school. Uh, again, those three items that we
look at for annexations. Uh, does the area fall within the adopted long -range
planning boundary? Yes it does, and I do have a diagram. Here you can see that
red line there, the yellow star is the school site, that is the edge of our growth area
limit right now. Uh, now of course you could as a City Council decide to extend
that further to the east but we are getting fairly close to it here, although there's a
large area of undeveloped property here that obviously, uh, this elementary school
would ... would serve, but I did want to mention we're on a bit of the, uh, the edge
of the property there. Uh, you can also see here that this has been in an
agricultural use as well. Um, is development of the area proposed for annexation
will fulfill an identified need without imposing an undue burden on the City, uh,
again, we feel that is the case. Uh, in terms of sanitary sewer, uh, eventually a
sewer line will come up this drainage -way, uh, which will serve the, um ... uh,
serve the school site and the associated development area, uh, by gravity flow, uh,
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council
formal meeting of December 3, 2013.
Page 19
via a new trunk line that would be constructed here, but for the time being, they
will use the Windsor Ridge lift station, which is right here which does require
obviously a lift station, uh, but that will be, uh, that is adequate for establishing
the elementary school. Uh, water, uh, exists already in this vicinity. Um,
municipal water. Uh, American Legion Road is certainly not in the same
situation as, uh, Sycamore Street, which is an oil chip -seal. This is a paved
county rural street. Uh, it's in good condition, but it is county Waal design. Uh,
the ... the chief issue with that is there are no sidewalks and we will have to figure
out how those are going to be accommodated, um, and they can be accommodated
on a temporary basis without reconstructing the entire street. We do have
reconstruction of the entire American Legion Road in the capital improvements
program. It is in the furthest out year. Uh, we have been slowly and gradually
collecting, uh, developer exactions along here, most recently with Windsor West,
and those will go toward, uh, into the capital budget for reconstructing this street,
but it is in the furthest out year, which I believe is four or five years out, so it will
not be reconstructed immediately. We will have to consider perhaps temporary
sidewalks, and again, that's something that can be discussed during the capital
improvements program budgeting, which will occur in January. Um, so wanted
to raise that and ... and indicate that we're in better shape here than ... than the
other school is on Sycamore Street, but still some concerns. And then control of
the development being in the City's best interest, uh, similar to the other school,
we feel it should be within the, uh, City corporate limits. Uh, in terms of the
Comprehensive Plan, uh, for this one you see the South District Plan map. As Jim
mentioned, this is our most recent district plan, uh, completed a couple of years
ago. Uh, in the ... in the broad view here, the elementary school site is
approximately right there. Uh, we can, uh, zoom in then a little bit, uh, and you
can see here for this south area that, southeast area, that, uh, showed up on the
aerial as being principally undeveloped. There's a red outline right here, which is
our recently, uh, purchased industrial property that ... that the City owns and is
developing. You can see the rail spur, uh, that's been added recently. Um, we...
we have ... put quite a bit of thought into this redevelopment plan, in terms of the
transition from the industrial area, and we see that industrial area eventually
continuing to extend to the southeast along the rail line. In this area existing built -
up area here, there really has not been an adequate buffer between, uh, the, uh,
between the residential area here and the industrial area. I mean, there are ... even
though we're trying to encourage the good jobs that come with growth in the
industrial area, there are some externalities associated with that in terms of noise
and traffic, and sounds from trucks and all that, uh, that we really feel we can do a
better job in terms of establishing this new neighborhood, and we will do that
with this greenway that is proposed here. You remember me saying that there
was a drainage way that extends up through here. We believe that is the perfect
opportunity for a greenway to be established here as public open space that will
serve the entire area, and basically connect in, well you can't... yeah, you can see
it here very nicely. Connect in with the greenways that are established, uh,
through Windsor Ridge, uh, and the neighborhoods — the Lindemann subdivision,
the neighborhoods to the east — it'll be a continuation of that, and by the way, this
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council
formal meeting of December 3, 2013.
Page 20
is just drawn roughly, not exactly those boundaries. Um, as you can see then,
what we envision, uh, is, uh, a mix of residential types that what's ... that is what
these different colors here indicate. Again, a mix of everything from small -lot
single - family, that would principally be in these areas, uh, to uh, multi - family,
townhomes, uh, that ... that you see here, uh, possibly the opportunity along the
arterial here for some office development. Again, as a transition from the
industrial area to the residential area. This is the existing Windsor Ridge
development. Also some thought being, uh, put into the trailer parks that are
established here. You know, we don't want those to feel walled off and not part
of the rest of the neighborhood, and so what the plan suggests is a couple of
streets. We actually have the right -of -way for this one, uh, through Modern
Manor, uh, and ... and then through Sunrise, the older trailer park here. This one
would have to be established. That's not actually that difficult to do in trailer
parks cause you can pick the units up and move them. Uh, so (laughter)
something that would be for, uh, future decision - making, but we want ... we want
the manufactured housing here to feel like it's part of the neighborhood that we're
creating. Uh, and ... and so you ... you see how that is at least, uh, contemplated.
Um ... let's see, sensitive areas, again, hydric soils are present, uh, but that's just
something that requires some attention in terms of, uh, building techniques. Um,
here's some, uh, photography. That's ... that is the site, the school site right here.
This is, uh, Barrington, uh, Road going into Windsor Ridge. Uh, there you see
the street we've been talking about, the paved county rural. You see the drainage
ditches. No sidewalks. Um, and again, the school site is off, uh, here to the left.
Uh, and then you see, from Barrington, looking right at the school site. Any
questions?
Hayek: Thanks, Jeff!
Davidson: Thank you!
Hayek: Input from the public? Okay, before I close the hearing, uh, are we inclined to go
with the P &Z recommendation? Close the public hearing. (bangs gavel)
2. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION
Payne: Move resolution.
Dickens: Second.
Hayek: Moved by Payne, seconded by Dickens. Discussion?
Throgmorton: Well, I ... I'd like to observe that I ... in the previous, uh, preceding, um, annexation
and rezoning, I voted in favor of both, despite all the verbiage that I tossed out
there. And I did so because I am a supporter of the idea of building new schools
out there, and I don't want to get in the way of that, all right. Uh, in this
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council
formal meeting of December 3, 2013.
Page 21
particular instance, Jeff, could you show that satellite image, uh, of the larger
neighborhood around the ... the school site.
Davidson: Do you want the actual aerial, Jim?
Throgmorton: Yeah, I guess so.
Davidson: Okay.
Throgmorton: Yeah. You don't have a larger view than that, right?
Davidson: That's the largest it goes.
Throgmorton: Yeah, okay, so...
Davidson: At least I think it is. Oh, there's larger, yeah!
Throgmorton: Okay, so ... when I look at that, I look immediately to the north and I see, uh, I ... I
don't mean to be disparaging any of this. It's just an urban planning point, right?
I see, uh, just ... a series of cul -de -sacs that require, uh, homeowners to get in their
car to go anywhere. They cannot walk to anything, except walk around the
neighborhood. Okay, nothing wrong with walking around the neighborhood, but
they can't walk to any destination other than just for recreation. All right. Uh,
they can't walk to a restaurant. They can't walk to a coffee shop. They can't
walk to this or that. And when I look to the east, I'm sorry, the west, uh, I see...
I've forgotten the name of that particular subdivision.
Payne: Village Green.
Throgmorton: Sorry?
Payne: Village Green?
Throgmorton: Thank you, Village Green, and ... and Modern Manor and Sunset, uh ... um, mobile
home courts. And again, I don't see anything, ex ... except for the park, I mean,
the park's a good thing.
Payne: I walk to Hy -Vee and Walgreen's all the time and I live right there.
Throgmorton: So what's... what's within a half -mile walk of that star, that red star?
Payne: Nothing yet! But there will be some day! (laughs)
Champion: Yeah, there will be pretty soon (several talking)
Payne: I didn't say `if.' I said `will!'
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council
formal meeting of December 3, 2013.
Page 22
Throgmorton: If we're active ... as a Council! So I want to just emphasize that point, and if
we're active as a staff. So I want to address one other point that sort of gets at a
question Rick asked and that Connie also asked, and I'm gonna quote an ... an
architect planner named, uh, Peter Calthorpe who is very well known in this kind
of stuff. Uh, he writes, "A well designed city is walkable." All right, so what's
that mean, right? It's a place where your destinations are close enough to walk to,
and where you feel safe enough to walk. And it's a place that is interesting
enough socially to make you feel that walking is perhaps something more than
just getting from point A to point B. So there's gotta be destinations that attract
you, that make you want to walk to them so that you can walk to, um, a
Blackstone's equivalent restaurant, that you can walk to a coffee shop, you can
walk to school, you can walk to this and that. And... (laughs) that's what I would
hope we would start building in this town, not more of the same! I'm done.
Davidson: Want a quick clarification, Mr. Mayor, before you continue your hearing. Um,
just to Jim's comment about the cul -de -sacs. Our ordinance has been changed
and would not allow that type of cul -de -sac development any longer.
Dobyns: Jeff, could you show me where there might be potential commercial development,
um ... within one mile of the, uh, south (both talking)
Davidson: Well, within a mile you would have a ... you have a neighborhood commercial
zone up here at Court and, uh, Scott. Uh, you have commercial areas ... you can
see them, uh, this is commercial intensive here, but you do have obviously the
Fareway Grocery Store and ... and some commercial activity in the red area here,
and otherwise, uh, Rick, it would be the Towncrest area here. Now there is a
small in Windsor Ridge, I believe you see it here highlighted in the yellow, a
small, um ... area that was at least at one time intended to be, uh, commercial in
nature but I believe was rezoned, uh, due to the developer no longer feeling it was
viable.
Hayek: What was the zoning on the corner where the University Health facility is?
Davidson: Uh, that's commercial office, I believe.
Hayek: Yeah.
Davidson: Right there. Any other questions?
Dobyns: Thank you.
Davidson: Thank you.
Throgmorton: Thanks, Jeff!
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council
formal meeting of December 3, 2013.
Page 23
Hayek: I think our hearing's closed so ... we're ... in Council discussions. Yeah. Any
further discussion on 5c? Roll call, please. Passes 7 -0.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council
formal meeting of December 3, 2013.
Page 24
ITEM 5f REZONING CARDINAL RIDGE, PART 4- REZONING 3.77 -
ACRES FROM INTERIM DEVELOPMENT SINGLE FAMILY (ID -RS)
ZONE TO PLANNED DEVELOPMENT OVERLAY- LOW DENSITY
SINGLE FAMILY (OPD -5) ZONE LOCATED ON CAMP CARDINAL
ROAD SOUTH OF KENNEDY PARKWAY. (REZ- 00024 /SUB13 -00018)
[Discussion only at formal meeting) (SECOND CONSIDERATION
Payne: Move second consideration.
Dobyns: Second.
Hayek: Moved by Payne, seconded by Dobyns. Discussion? Any ex parte since the last
reading? Any further discussion? Roll call, please. Passes 7 -0.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council
formal meeting of December 3, 2013.
Page 25
ITEM 5g REZONING WESTWINDS - CONDITIONALLY REZONING
1.31 ACRES LOCATED AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF THE
INTERSECTION OF MELROSE AVENUE AND WESTWINDS DRIVE
FROM LOW DENSITY MULTI - FAMILY (RM -12) ZONE TO PLANNED
DEVELOPMENT OVERLAY/LOW DENSITY MULTI- FAMILY (OPD-
RM12) ZONE. (REZ13- 00019 /SUB13- 00012) [Discussion only at formal
meeting) (PASS AND ADOPT)
Dobyns: Move adoption.
Payne: Second.
Hayek: Moved by uh, Dobyns, seconded by Payne. Discussion? Any ex parte to
disclose? Further discussion? Roll call, please. Passes 7 -0.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council
formal meeting of December 3, 2013.
Page 26
ITEM 5h WESTWINDS SECOND ADDITION - APPROVING A
PRELIMINARY PLAT (SUB13- 00012)
Mims: Move approval.
Dickens: Second.
Hayek: Moved by Mims, seconded by Dickens. Discussion?
Davidson: Uh, Mr. Mayor, just quickly, uh, we've had a lot of discussion of the rezoning of
this property, uh, the two lots here, uh, is a separate lot that's being portioned off
because of the, uh, this was the old tennis center that was converted, uh, into a
residential dwelling, so this will establish its own lot and then the remainder of
the property ... uh, will allow the six -unit building that you see here. Uh, and the
cleanup of the, uh, detention basin in this area. Those are the ... those are the two
lots that are being subdivided here. Any questions?
Hayek: Thanks, Jeff!
Davidson: Thank you.
Hayek: Further discussion? Roll call, please. Passes 7 -0.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council
formal meeting of December 3, 2013.
Page 27
ITEM 5i LEXINGTON GREEN - APPROVING A PRELIMINARY PLAT
(SUB13- 00022)
Dobyns: Move approval.
Dickens: Second.
Hayek: Moved by Dobyns, seconded by Dickens. Discussion?
Davidson: Uh, Mr. Mayor, if we could have just a bit of discussion on this because, um, little
bit unusual from your typical plat that you see, that it's not associated with a
rezoning action. The zoning is in place for this, uh, parcel. Uh, and because of
that the ... the, uh, amount of...of control that you have over the project is greatly
reduced from one where you have actually a lot of control, uh, when the property
is, uh, under consideration for a zoning change. Uh, here you see the location
map. Uh, this is the Manville Heights neighborhood, River Street, Wolf Avenue,
and you can see the parcel right here. Uh, this was originally a single lot, which
you see here. Had a house on it, that you see right there. That house has now
been removed. This is a little bit hard to see, but you can see basically the three
lots that are proposed, uh, on the former, uh, one lot property. These lots all meet
the dimensional requirements of the subdivision ordinance. Here you see the, uh,
property, uh, the way it exists right now. Um ... there ... as mentioned in the staff
report, are some sensitive features in terms of steep slopes at the rear, this rear
corner of the property here, that will not be, uh, disturbed by the proposed, uh,
development of basically three houses on three lots. Uh, and again, I guess just
those, uh ... those photographs. There will be three, uh, driveway access points,
uh, onto Lexington here from each of the lots. Uh, similar to the remainder of the
neighborhood. Uh, are there any questions?
Hayek: Thanks, JefP Is there anyone from the audience who wishes to speak on this?
Throgmorton: Uh, maybe ... maybe I could ask a quick question. Uh, Jeff, uh, what do we know
about how many of the trees are likely to be, uh, saved?
Davidson: Uh, the ... the property owner has indicated that they will attempt to save as many
of the trees as possible, because that's in their interest as well; however, it's not
beyond the realm of possibility, depending on the house designs that are
ultimately determined, that ... that, uh, a tree may have to come down in order to
build a house.
Throgmorton: Yeah, it's a pretty lovely non -grove on the north side of the property. I went out
there ... I don't, yesterday, just as the sun, you know, it was getting dark and dark
and I was hurrying to get out there but I was able to see it (laughs) so anyhow...
Davidson: Any other questions?
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council
formal meeting of December 3, 2013.
Page 28
Hayek: Okay, further discussion? Roll call, please. Passes 7 -0.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council
formal meeting of December 3, 2013.
Page 29
ITEM 7. ASSESSMENTS - ADOPTING AN ASSESSMENT SCHEDULE OF
UNPAID MOWING, CLEAN -UP OF PROPERTY, SNOW REMOVAL,
SIDEWALK REPAIR, AND STOP BOX REPAIR CHARGES AND
DIRECTING THE CLERK TO CERTIFY THE SAME TO THE
JOHNSON COUNTY TREASURER FOR COLLECTION IN THE SAME
MANNER AS PROPERTY TAXES.
Hayek: Um, the way we handle these assessments from time to time is we see if anyone is
in the audience here this evening to object to the assessment, uh, proposed for, uh,
their property, uh, and if they are here, then we, um ... reschedule that particular
assessment for a subsequent meeting, in this case it would be our next meeting on
December 17'', and then we tee up a motion on the remaining assessments that
don't have people here to object. Is there anyone in the audience who wishes to
object to an assessment?
Karr: Mr. Mayor, I'd like to note the revision you have in front of you this evening
excludes one property that has been removed.
Hayek: All right, there are not ... do not appear to be anyone ... does not appear to be
anyone in the audience here to object to an assessment. All right! So then we just
need a motion.
Mims: Move adoption of the assessment schedule.
Throgmorton: Second.
Hayek: Moved, uh, by Mims, seconded by Throgmorton. Discussion? Roll call, please.
Passes 7 -0.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council
formal meeting of December 3, 2013.
Page 30
ITEM 8. STAFFING LEVELS IN HOUSING AUTHORITY - AUTHORIZING THE
MAYOR TO SIGN AND THE CITY CLERK TO ATTEST A
RESOLUTION REDUCING CURRENT STAFFING LEVELS IN THE
IOWA CITY HOUSING AUTHORITY DIVISION OF THE HOUSING
AND INSPECTION SERVICES DEPARTMENT BY LAYOFF I
SUSPENSION OF ONE FULL -TIME HOUSING PROGRAM ASSISTANT
POSITION AND LAYOFF I SUSPENSION OF ONE HOUSING
I�•=11A3� #AZ11iMYC� 1
Mims: Move approval.
Champion: Second.
Hayek: Moved by Mims, seconded by, uh, Champion. Discussion? We know there are
some people here who have concerns. We also have staff here. We can answer
any questions. We did have a conversation at length, uh, during our work session.
Mims: Now's the time.
Hayek: Yeah, if you, ma'am, if you'd like to come up, why don't you go ahead.
Byers: All right. Okay, so tonight you're going to be asked to reduce the amount of
bargaining unit staff in Housing by one - fourth.
Hayek: You know what, if you could just give us your name and who...
Byers: I'm Terri Byers, um, Executive Vice President of the AFSCME Local 183. We're
the union that represents, um, non - public safety employees within the City!
Hayek: Thank you!
Byers: Okay! So, I understand that when there's no money, choices have to be made.
However, with this action by the Housing Authority and the Department Director,
many red flags have been raised. Why are there no management and
administrative cuts being made? With these cuts, the ratio of administrative jobs
and bargaining unit workers becomes skewed. The workers that are left will have
to take up the slack in an already bustling and in -demand service. Is this efficient
for the staff and the public who needs these services? Why aren't the jobs being
eliminated? We've had two instances in recent years, one at Transit and one at
the Library, where the jobs were actually because public fund ... the funding
disappeared. Those jobs were actually eliminated from bargaining unit. The two
invol ... employees involved were both told by management that the jobs will be
there, but they won't be filled. That makes me wonder about that. I believe that
this is a great place to start a meaningful discussion about how we use state and
federal funding, and how perhaps in the future we can afford ... avoid decisions
that are having to be made tonight. And finally, what you see on paper, that's cut
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council
formal meeting of December 3, 2013.
Page 31
and dry. For those of us who are here, these are our co- workers. The two people
involved have almost 15 years of service to the City of Iowa City. Your actions
will affect the lives of these individuals, their families, our bargaining unit, City
staff, and the greater community at large. When the, um, custodial service at
Parking was privatized a few years ago, a current Councilor didn't feel that these
issues were important. We are here tonight to remind you that they are, and the
two people that will lose their jobs are sitting here in the audience tonight. Thank
you.
Hayek: Thank you for the comments. Anyone else from the audience? Okay. City
Council discussion.
Throgmorton: Do we have a motion ... on the floor?
Hayek: We, yeah, it's on the floor, yeah.
Throgmorton: Yeah, um ... we had an extensive discussion about this, uh, earlier ... and uh, part
of, uh, what I'm ... I'm very concerned about the individuals involved, of course,
but I'm also deeply concerned about, uh, the fact that this, I believe this action...
hmmm ... hinders our ability to really address issues having to do with affordable
housing in the city. I know we had some discussion about this and so it could be
debated, but I ... I think the, uh, the staff that are being laid off are important, uh,
for making sure that the most vulnerable people in the city, uh, can actually be
aided with regard to, um, finding housing that they can afford to live in. Uh, so
I ... I'm concerned that the, um ... the reduction in staff will hinder our ability to do
what we need to do with regard to affordable housing. Other things can be done.
Rick brought up some, uh, completely appropriate notions earlier during the work
session. I completely agree with them, uh, but in this particular instance, um, I...
I think it's too easy to kind of point a finger of blame at the federal government,
which obviously is all screwed up. I mean, we all recognize it is, uh, but say it's
...it's their fault. I think we need to be rethinking how, uh, how we're delivering
housing related services, and try to do it ... we're going to have to do it more
efficiently, but we're also going to, I think we should take this opportunity, uh...
uh ... I'm blathering on here, to do it more skillfully. So I ... I'm going to vote
against this, you know, for all the reasons we ... we talked about earlier in the work
session, but I know it'll pass so ... there you go!
Hayek: Okay.
Payne: I don't think probably any of us up here feel good about cutting positions at all, I
mean ... it's... we know that it hurts people's lives to ... to do that, um,
unfortunately sometimes we have to make tough decisions and this is a very tough
decision that we have to make.
Mims: What worries me the most is that we're going to be doing more of these as time
goes on. I think as we look at what's happening at the state level with, uh,
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council
formal meeting of December 3, 2013.
Page 32
property tax reform, um, I think ... I think our staff has very skillfully managed
reductions by attrition over the last two or three years, and I think we're starting,
unfortunately, possibly, of seeing the beginning of, uh, situations where the
funding just is not there and the only options we are going to have because
personnel is our biggest cost, is personnel reductions by layoffs. Um, which is...
never fun, uh, this is just ... it's devastating to people. It's absolutely devastating
to ... to people involved and their families, and um, and I know that, you know,
know and certainly hope that City staff will be as helpful to these individuals as
possible in .... in helping them find new positions, uh, within the community. Um,
I ... I mention in the work session, I'll mention it again here. I do disagree with
you, Jim, on the idea that this is going to have a significantly negative effect on
the most vulnerable people in this community in terms of finding affordable
housing. I think, uh, when we look at the caseloads in Iowa City versus some of
the other communities, um, it...it is apparent that some communities can handle
higher caseloads per person. Now I haven't looked at those in detail and what
they're doing differently than we are doing here, but until somebody really digs
deep into that, I ... I don't think it's responsible to sit up here and tell the public
that this is going to negatively affect the most vulnerable people in this
community in their ability find affordable housing.
Hayek: At our work session we, um ... received an in -depth report from staff and then had
a ... a long conversation as a Council as ... as to what brought us here. This is...
this is a federal program, uh, funded with federal dollars, and thanks in large part
to the sequestration, um, in ... in Washington, um, this department faced a ... a
serious budget crunch, um, and ... and the reason it's before the Council is because
this falls under the civil service rules and ... and it has to come to Council for ... for
a decision, but this does come at the recommendation of...of, uh, of the
Manager's office and ... and the Department. Um, one thing we did learn, um, is
the measures taken to avoid, uh, layoffs and ... and at least from where I sit and
from what I hear, um, I'm satisfied that ... that we ... that we did what we could to
avoid this. Layoffs are, um, I think the last resort in an operation that values
employees, um, and the work ... the good work they do for the community, and we
have anticipated and been coping with a number of, uh, funding, um,
complications, both state and federal, for some period of time now, uh, thankfully
we've done so through, uh, a ... an attrition approach, where uh, we can ... we can
meet our diminishing budget constraints through a... a... a better approach, which
...which just involves not replacing people once they retire or move on. That's
obviously a better way to do it. Layoffs are a... are a last, uh, resort, and one that
we've been able to avoid by and large. What the future holds, both with respect
to state and federal funding and property tax reform and ... and everything else
remains to be seen but ... I think staff did a very good job of laying out why ... what
brought us to this point and ... and why we need to do what we do, so regrettably I
will ... I will support this. Further discussion? Roll call, please. Passes 6 -1,
Throgmorton in the negative.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council
formal meeting of December 3, 2013.
Page 33
ITEM 9. FASTRAC FUNDING - ALLOCATING FUNDING FROM NOVEMBER
15,2013 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2014 FOR THE FASTRAC PROGRAM.
Mims: Move approval.
Dickens: Second.
Hayek: Moved by Mims, seconded by Dickens. Discussion? Stefanie!
Bowers: Hi! Um, this is a funding request by Diversity Focus to help them transition the
FasTrac Program from Mayor's Youth Empowerment Program to Diversity
Focus. The FasTrac program ended November 15`h of this year due to, um, lack
of funding. Um, if the Council so approves the, um, request, it would be
contingent upon Diversity Focus becoming the fiscal agent for, um, the FasTrac
program, and also a Letter of Agreement between Diversity Focus and the City
that would outline, um, the conditions and terms of the funding. Um, my
understanding is that the funding would be used to, urn ... pay the salary of a part-
time, um, employee and then also to purchase equipment, and Chad Simmons,
who is the Executive Director of Diversity Focus is actually here this evening,
um, and would be able to provide more information and answer, um, any
questions that the Council may have. So...
Hayek: Welcome, Chad!
Simmons: Good evening, my name is Chad Simmons. I'm the Executive Director of
Diversity Focus. I really appreciate you, uh, taking into consideration, um, our
request. We believe that FasTrac is a, uh, key asset in the community, and that it
needs to continue on and we want to do everything that we can to, uh, make sure
that it not only, uh, continues its, uh, with the legacy that it has, but also that it
starts building things for the future, um, to continue to make this, um, one of the
best places to live. What questions (both talking)
Dickens: Are you looking for a long - term... relationship then with this program?
Simmons: We are looking for a long -term relationship. We think that it is, uh, critical as far
as some of the work that we are wanting to do with youth. Um, but we do need
some time to make sure that we can develop something that's thoughtful and, uh,
for you to consider.
Markus: You'll... you'll see a request from Chad's organization for the budget year coming
up as well, for the ... for the whole organization, not just FasTrac.
Hayek: So this would come out of the contingency fund, which we maintain.
Markus: That's correct. That's about a three - quarters of 1 % of our General Fund, uh, we
have about $276,000 left in that at this point.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council
formal meeting of December 3, 2013.
Page 34
Hayek: Where would future funding, what...
Markus: It will be a General Fund allocation, uh ... to support this.
Champion: And I don't object to that, but I'm wondering why it wouldn't be part of our Aid
to Agencies fund.
Markus: It ... it could be. I'm not sure that you're going to have adequate funding to do
what you have now and ... and everything else. The other advantage I think here is
that this starts to get us into a much more corridor- region kind of approach to
delivering these services, which I think brings in a lot of different partners that
can help fund these for the ... the long haul ... which I think is something I think
that we should be heading towards anyway.
Mims: Well, and hopefully it gives us the opportunity to do, you know, more
coordination between a lot of different agencies, not just in Johnson County, but
as you say, you know, throughout the corridor, urn ... try to ... I know last time we
did the Aid to Agencies, Connie had some concerns about duplication of services,
and you know, really looking at who is doing what and making sure that we're not
funding duplication of services, but also encouraging those various agencies to do
more cooperation with each other and maybe in some cases manage to eliminate
some of the overhead and, I mean, dollars are just going to get tighter and tighter
at every single level, and so to find efficiencies in there, I think, is just going to be
essential in order to continue these services and/or expand them, so...
Champion: And I also think United Way is looking at the same thing. They view some of the
same problems that I'm aware of, is that there's duplication of services, and we're
all for providing the services — don't misunderstand me! I'm totally for it, but I
...I do hate to see duplication when the money is so tight. But I think the FasTrac
is a fantastic program.
Markus: One of the things that Chad has done is developed a relationship with corporate
sponsors, which I'm not sure we've really had the opportunity to do as much
down at this end of the corridor, and so I think that that starts to help create a
financial foundation to afford some of these over the long run. FasTrac didn't
just, you know, have kids from our end of the corridor. Some of the kids were
coming from the north part of the corridor, as well, so this is an opportunity to
kind of spread the cost burden across a bigger area. So...
Hayek: Well, and Tom, I ... correct me if I'm wrong, I think you were impressed with
Diversity Focus's organizational experience and ... and ability to provide sound
financial oversight of the operation, which is why we're getting this
recommendation.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council
formal meeting of December 3, 2013.
Page 35
Markus: I think that's critical for this particular program and the other programs that Chad,
uh, manages as a part of Diversity Focus. Yes.
Throgmorton: You know, I'd echo some of the points that Susan and Tom have already made,
uh, and I'd like to ... like to praise you, Tom, for working on this, trying to make
something happen, and praise Chad for coming up with the ... the specific
proposal, uh, to facilitate...
Markus: You need to include Stefanie in this too.
Throgmorton: And I would (laughter) like to praise Stefanie, as well! Uh, cause I completely
agree — it's an important program that's providing an important service for our
community, and so I'm really, really pleased to see this.
Markus: Thanks!
Mims: Yeah. Really glad to see this is going to continue. It's really important. So...
Hayek: Thanks for coming down!
Simmons: Thank you very much.
Hayek: Further discussion? Roll call, please. Passes 7 -0.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council
formal meeting of December 3, 2013.
Page 36
ITEM 13. NEW DEFINITION FOR PEDICABS - ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE
5, ENTITLED "BUSINESS AND LICENSE REGULATIONS," CHAPTER
2, ENTITLED "TAXICABS," TO CHANGE THE DEFINITION OF
PEDICAB. (FIRST CONSIDERATION)
Mims: Move first consideration.
Dickens: Second.
Hayek: Moved by Mims, seconded by Dickens. Discussion?
Champion: I love the ordinance!
Mims: So do I.
Champion: I love the definition!
Throgmorton: Yeah, so I ... I'm a little slow on the uptake, you know. I don't quite understand
whether this is a good thing or a bad thing (laughter) You know, help ... really,
help me understand, cause it's about definition right? So it's including
these ... what are they velacabs within the definition of pedicabs?
Markus: You need to turn to the City Clerk and have her explain it to you. That's what
she's (mumbled)
Karr: We have two provisions, one for vehicles and one for non - motorized vehicles.
Pedicabs would now allow the exception for ... the definition would expand to
include this.
Payne: For non - motorized.
Throgmorton: It's like a pedicure? (laughter) Only kidding!
Dilkes: There's a lot less req ... there's a lot less requirements for pedicabs.
Throgmorton: I'm sorry?
Dilkes: There's a lot less requirements for pedicabs.
Throgmorton: Ali, so it is (several talking)
Dilkes: Don't need four vehicles. Don't need an office.
Throgmorton: Bravo!
Dilkes: That kind of stuff.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council
formal meeting of December 3, 2013.
Page 37
Throgmorton: Thank you.
Mims: Because before they couldn't have `em at all, cause they didn't...
Champion: Right.
Karr: Well, the definition did not ... would prohibit it (both talking) so this opened it up,
but it also allows them now, as Eleanor has pointed out. The flexibility that...
Hayek: I think this is a good thing, and I, I mean, I ... we're ... we're experimenting with a
new form of transportation. Uh, as in the area of taxicabs, I have no doubt we'll
be back tweaking this (laughter) before too long because it seems to be a moving
target any time you even enter into this, uh, this area of City (several talking)
Throgmorton: What constitutes a motor?
Hayek: Oh, I know it!
Mims: Well I appreciate staff's incredibly fast response to our request to ... uh, put this in,
you know, put this on the agenda and get something worked out so...
Hayek: Kicked into high gear, I'll tell ya that much!
Karr: Non - motorized! (laughter)
Hayek: Non - motorized high gear! (laughs) So we'll see what happens. Further
discussion? Roll call, please. First consideration passes 7 -0.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council
formal meeting of December 3, 2013.
Page 38
ITEM 16. CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION.
Hayek: We'll start down with the good Doctor!
Dobyns: No!
Payne: Nothing from me!
Dickens: Nothing!
Mims: Nothing!
Champion: Nothing!
Throgmorton: Oh well, I'll break the...
Hayek: Come on, Jim!
Throgmorton: ... trend! Uh, I'd like to mention two things. Uh, first, Iowa City scored very high
on the Human Rights' campaign recently reported `Municipal Equality Index.'
Uh, the index examines and rates the laws, polices, and services of municipalities
on the basis of their inclusivity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender citizens.
So I think it's a very good thing. Uh, the second thing I wanted to mention is that
as we all know there's recently been concern that Mediacom would no longer be
providing funding for Public Access and community programming. I want to
praise Tom, and praise Bob Hardy for working with Mediacom to ensure that it
continues funding Public Access until, I don't know, until 2018. I don't know if
it's through 2018 or (mumbled) Anyhow, thank you for doing that.
Hayek: I just want to remind the public that it's dark out, people are commuting home on
bicycles and to please watch out for pedestrians and bicyclists. I've seen some
near misses in the last week or two, bad weather and dark conditions, uh...
Champion: Dark clothes and no lights on your bikes!
Hayek: Yeah, and bicyclists have a role in this as well, but just a reminder to be careful!
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council
formal meeting of December 3, 2013.