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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-05-05 TranscriptionPage 1 ITEM 2. STUDENT LEADERSHIP AWARDS — Longfellow Elementary Hayek: Would the students from Longfellow Elementary please come forward! Hi, guys! How are ya? Now my kids told me there's about ... 20 days left in the school year. Is that right? Not that you're counting! But, uh, well we're really honored to have you here. I'm Mayor Hayek and this is the City Council behind, uh, you right here. You guys are from Longfellow... are you, uh, are you Hazel? Okay, well your mom thought it was not cool enough to do the Longfellow, uh (laughter) little salute here, so I'm doing it right now (laughter) I am cool enough to do the Longfellow salute. (laughter) We're really proud to have you! I know your mom! (laughter) Well what we do throughout the school year, uh, is invite student leaders from the elementary schools around Iowa City who are nominated by their schools, uh, to come down to City Council meetings and, uh, read a piece of paper to us and let us show you off, uh, to the community, and so it's a great honor for us to have you here, and uh, I see the first thing you've done is to bring your pieces of paper. That's a very good first step! I've got an award I'll read for you and I'll read that after you read your pieces. So let's just start with you! Chard -Cuda: Hello, my name is Dylan. I am a leader because people look up to me. I'm always nice and I follow rules. I donated things to people and animals that maybe don't have some of the things my family does. For instance, I've helped with Coats of Kindness, which is a great organization for families who don't have warm clothing. I have also had my friends bring items to my birthday party to donate to the Animal Shelter, instead of bringing presents. I do this because I know that just one donation can change our community. I'm considerate to people no matter what. I care about how I make people feel and I think that is very ... important inside of school and out. (applause) Myers: Hello, my name is Hazel Myers. At school I volunteer in many classes to help younger kids. At home I help my step -mom cut out laminated cards for her class. The reason why I help people so much at school is because when I grow up, I really want to be a teacher. At home I babysit for a few of my parent's friends, help around the house, and participate in two sports — softball and basketball. I also do orchestra and play the violin. Last but not least, I love animals! So every year I go down to the Animal Shelter, donate money, and play with all the animals. I am very honored to receive this award. (applause) Koenig: Hello, my name is Carey Koenig. I was chosen to help a kindergartner and really enjoyed it. I would play with him at recess and sit with him at lunch. I also help with little kids at P.E. because I was one who had all my homework done. Sometimes after lunch I would help second graders with math. A community project that I did was stadium cleanup. I'd wake up at 7:00 and pick up trash from Kinnick for an hour. I didn't really do it for the community, but for my dad too. He took a job for the softball coach at City High. I thought it'd be nice to support him and do this. I participate in two sports — softball... or Storm and Iowa City Hawks. (applause) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of May 5, 2015. Page 2 Hayek: Well those are wonderful and what always, uh, amazes me when ... when our students leaders come down to City Hall is just how active you are, how many things you're doing outside of the normal school day. Certainly more than I was up to back in the day. I can't speak for the rest of these guys up here, but you are very busy young women, and we're very proud of you! Um, Longfellow is what, 1918 or so? I think it's coming up on a... on a century of being a very, very important school and an important neighborhood for us. It's a beautiful place. Um, and we're ... we're proud of you, and I also want to recognize your parents and ... and teachers, and the other people who play an important role in your lives every day. They ... they're a big part of why you're up here. So we have a ... a student leadership award. There's one for each of you, and I'll read it. It says: Student Leadership Award, for her outstanding qualities of leadership within Longfellow Elementary, as well as the community, and for her sense of responsibility and helpfulness to others, we recognize you as an Outstanding Student Leader. Your community is proud of you. Presented by the Iowa City City Council, May 2015. So, Dylan, let me give you yours. And... Hazal, yours, and Carey, yours! And let me just shake your hands! And congratulate you, and as I say to all the student leaders — you're welcome to stick around or go home and do homework. It is your call! (laughter) Thank you! (applause) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of May 5, 2015. Page 3 ITEM 3. SPECIAL PRESENTATION — REACH STUDENTS Karr: Yes, Mr. Mayor, and here tohelpus with that is, uh, Carol Sweeting, our Public Works Public Education and Volunteer Coordinator. Sweeting: Good evening! I'm here tonight because we have a Master Gardener, Linda Schreiber, who works with volunteers down in the downtown Iowa City. She's enlisted the help of the University of Iowa REACH students for the past several growing seasons. REACH is a two-year transition certificate program for students with multiple intellectual (can't hear) learning disabilities. The program provides a campus experience which includes courses and career preparation to empower young adults to reach their full potential and become independent, engaged members of the community. Last fall (mumbled) by the REACH students reached a new level as they became more heavily involved in the downtown garden beautification program. Linda and I worked with students on a weekly basis where they learned about numerous types of plants and plant growth, help prepare the gardens for the fall and winter, and these eight students not only worked in existing gardens, they also created brand-new garden spaces and planted hundreds of daffodil bulbs. They became strong advocates for the gardens, enlisting support from the downtown businesses and encouraging retail shoppers to display `I see bloom' signs in their windows to support their garden beautification efforts. As a result of their work, the University of Iowa REACH students have been recognized and honored with a 2015 Iowa Master Gardener Search for Excellence Award, which is presented each year to Iowa gardeners who demonstrate outstanding contributions to their communities. And at this time we would like to go ahead, Mr. Mayor, and honor them. So our first candidate is Ellie Ahlbrand. Hayek: I'm not sure I've got these (both talking) Sweeting: They are! They are! Hayek: (away from mic) All right! Sweeting: Thank you, Ellie! We really appreciate it and we hope you enjoy your life and graduation! Hayek: You know, before we move on, I just want to say I ... I saw you guys out doing work and I was struck by how hard you were working and how beautiful the product of your work is, and it makes a real difference and you can see it just walking around. It really has beautified the community and we're very proud of you! Sweeting: Thank you! Our second person is Andrew ... Klasky! Elliot Lee! Travis Messimer! Lena Rusek! Ben Sagan! Evan Story! And Jordan Tridle! We'll This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of May 5, 2015. Page 4 really miss you next year, but we know you'll have a new class that (mumbled) Thank you very much for helping our community! You're going to be back? Awesome! (laughter) Awesome! Hayek: Thank you. Congratulations! (applause) Sweeting: Thank you very much! (applause) Hayek: And thank you Linda Shriver... as she walks out the door! This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of May 5, 2015. Page 5 ITEM 4. PROCLAMATIONS ITEM 4a Older Americans Month — May Hayek: (reads proclamation) Karr: Here to accept the proclamation is Tracy Achenbach, Chairperson of the Johnson County Livable Communities Policy Board. (applause) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of May 5, 2015. Page 6 ITEM 5. CONSIDER ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT CALENDAR AS PRESENTED OR AMENDED Hayek: Okay, moving on to Item 5, which is consider adoption of the Consent Calendar as presented or amended, with ... uh, deletion of Items 5d(3), 5d(4), and 5d(5), which will be taken up at a future Council meeting. Mims: Move approval. Throgmorton: Second. Hayek: Moved by Mims, seconded by Throgmorton. Discussion? We do want to mention, uh, that ... that the Consent Calendar does, um ... uh, call out the appointment of Nicki Neal as our next City Council Liaison, uh, Nicki, if you'd come up to the podium just for a second. Just want to introduce you to the community. So, uh, for those who don't know, uh, U of I Student Government sends a liaison, uh, to the City Council, uh... uh, and they cycle through as ... as the, as liaisons, uh, work their way through college, um, and we've been very fortunate, uh, here at the City Council to have a string of very good, very good, uh, liaisons, and I think it has really helped us, um ... uh, en ... enlist the help of and... and obtain, uh, the perspective of, uh, the very important student, uh, population on campus. Uh, we've had a very good working relationship with the U of I Student Government and, Nicki, you've been here for a while watching, but it's exciting to have you, uh, step into the ... the position. Neal: Well thank you very much! I'm excited to work with all of you ... again! (laughter) Dobyns: Nicki, where's your hometown? Neal: Epworth, Iowa. Dobyns: Excellent, thanks! Neal: Near Dubuque. Hayek: We look forward to working with you! Neal: Thanks! Hayek: Any further comment on the Consent Calendar? Roll call, please. Passes 7-0. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of May 5, 2015. Page 7 ITEM 7. PLANNING AND ZONING MATTERS ITEM 7a CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT ADDITION — APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO ADD THE AREA GENERALLY BOUNDED BY CLINTON STREET, JEFFERSON STREET, BLOOMINGTON STREET AND DUBUQUE STREET TO THE CENTRAL PLANNING DISTRICT ITEM 7b COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT FOR PORTIONS OF THE CIVIC DISTRICT — APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO ADD PORTIONS OF BLOCKS NORTH OF IOWA AVENUE AND EAST OF GILBERT STREET; AND PORTIONS OF BLOCKS EAST OF VAN BUREN STREET AND NORTH OF BURLINGTON STREET TO THE CENTRAL PLANNING DISTRICT 1. PUBLIC HEARING Hayek: This is a public hearing. The hearing is open. (bangs gavel) Yapp: Uh, good evening, John Yapp, Development Services. Uh, and these next two items, 7a and 7b, uh, both have to do with the Comprehensive Plan and this is, uh, part two of the Comprehensive Plan amendment process, uh, we started last fall. Uh, I'll cover both 7a and 7b in my presentation, but I'll pause in between, uh, to take any questions. Uh, the ... this map describe the two areas we are focusing on. Uh, the first is the north Clinton and Dubuque Street, uh, area ... which, if I can get my mouse ... uh, is this area here, generally north of Jefferson Street, in between Clinton Street and Dubuque Street. Uh, the second area is ... north of Iowa Avenue and east of Van Buren Street. Uh, both of these areas were not included in the Central District Plan, uh, nor were they included in the Downtown Master Plan. Uh, and the Comprehensive Plan refers to having a process, uh, to designate these areas, uh, as part of a sub -district plan. Uh, the north Clinton, Dubuque Street, uh, District, this is a land use map, uh, the brown, uh, color is the dominate land use in that district, and that re ... represents multi -family, uh, development. Uh, the light blue color is, uh, institutional use. It's primarily religious institutional uses, either churches or properties owned and operated, uh, by the churches. Uh, some photos to give you some context of this, uh, district. This is a... small public City parking lot on Market Street. Uh, these are some, uh, homes on Clinton Street that used to be single-family homes but have been converted to multi -family uses, uh, some years ago. This is one of the few, uh, offices in this area. This one is the, uh, Emma Goldman Clinic on 227 N. Dubuque Street. Uh, this is the, uh, multi -family property at 130 Jefferson Street, uh, which is also a designated historic property. And an example of one of the, uh, religious institutions, the Lutheran church on Market Street. Uh, the Planning and Zoning Commission had some discussion of, uh, historic properties in this area. Uh, these are two examples of designated historic properties. Both of these properties This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of May 5, 2015. Page 8 are part of the Jefferson Street Historic District, uh, on the very south end of the area, uh, we are discussing. Uh, Historic Preservation also reviewed the remainder of, uh, this area under discussion, uh, for potential... for any other historic properties or districts. Uh, they did find that the ... the area does not have enough, uh, eligible, uh, historic properties to constitute a new historic district, but did identify, uh, one property, at 109 E. Market Street, as a potential historic landmark, uh, property. Uh, the, uh, Central District Plan to which this area is proposed to be added to ... already refers to the goals of the Historic Preservation Plan, uh, and being consistent with those goals, to identify potential historic properties, uh, in this area. Uh, again, this is the, uh... north Clinton, Dubuque Street District. Uh, it is recommended that this ... these blocks be added to the Central District Plan, uh, along with the following goals, which came out of both ... uh, much of the public input we ... we received, as well as discussion with the Planning and Zoning Commission. Uh, the goals are to review the multi- family design standards to ensure they meet the goal of attractive streetscapes in gateway corridors, uh, to encourage investment in the streetscapes of Dubuque Street and Clinton Street to highlight their function as gateways, uh... much of the input we received emphasized how important, uh, Dubuque Street and Clinton Street are, uh, as gateways, both to campus and to downtown Iowa City. Uh, and thirdly, as Dubuque Street, Clinton Street, and other area streets are redesigned or reconstructed, uh, incorporate complete -streets principles into their design and improve east -west pedestrian connectivity, uh, between the Clinton, Dubuque Street corridor and the Northside Neighborhood. And with that I will pause and uh, are there any questions from Council before I move on to the other area under consideration? Throgmorton: (mumbled) (laughs) In a ... in a sense this could seem like a bureaucratic exercise because you started off by talking about ... this Central Busi... uh, Central District Plan, uh, the Downtown District Plan, I mean, all these various plans and trying to get `em to sort of mesh. Yapp: Uh huh. Throgmorton: So that sounds kind of bureaucratic. Yapp: I agree! Throgmorton: So ... kind of restate in ordinary language, uh, the real benefit, the substantive benefit of making this change. Yapp: Yeah, and the ... this gets at ... gets at the ... the purpose of a Comprehensive Plan, or comprehensive planning document. Uh... really ... the benefit of this, the ... the impact of a Comprehensive Plan, such as the Central District Plan, is that ... as properties, as zones are proposed to be changed, or as projects are developed, uh, for these properties, uh... staff would be able to ensure that they meet the goals of the... appropriate, uh, planning document. In this case, the Central District Plan. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of May 5, 2015. Page 9 Uh, this would also apply to public infrastructure projects that ... that might occur, uh, in this area and the planning document provides guidance, uh, for how to review either private or public development proposals in this area. The plan by itself does not change any existing properties, or their use. Uh... they have a zoning designation. They have permits for what's occurring currently and ... and whatever's occurring now may continue. The real impact is as new projects, whether they're public or private, are proposed ... the planning document offers, uh, guidance in how those are reviewed. Payne: So ... so basically this is changing the guide, the guide for these few blocks. Yapp: That's correct. Payne: From one set of guidelines to a different set of guidelines. Yapp: Well, and the ... these particular blocks are not currently a part of any (both talking) Payne: Of any plans? Yapp: (both talking) ...detailed plan. They are part of the larger Comprehensive Plan, but the, uh, Central District Plan gets into more detail, more specific guidance. Dickens: I know at the Planning ... I went to that Planning meeting where they were discussing it, and the big concern was the complete -streets... seemed to be brought up in the ... uh... pedestrians, east -west, because right now it's very difficult to cross that, other than at Market Street. So ... I ... I don't know, is anything else brought up about... Yapp: Uh, just along the same lines, uh, especially crossing Dubuque Street, uh, east to west. Uh, there's a signalized crossing at Church Street, and then again at Jefferson and Market Street, but many blocks in between, uh, where there ... there are not, uh, what I'd call protected, uh, pedestrian crossings. Um ... and so the goal is, as ... if and ... if ..or and when, I should say, a street like Dubuque Street is proposed to be changed or reconstructed, at that time we would implement more complete -streets principles, including the east -west crossings. Throgmorton: And... and the Commission voted in favor of it seven to nothing after a public hearing, a deliberation, right? Yapp: Uh, after several months of deliberations, yes. And ... and I would say the, uh, Commission... the... the initial ... the initial staff recommendation was, uh, modified, I think, positively, uh, through those Commission discussions. Hayek: John, before you move on to 7b, cause I ... I think you're kinda taking them o... both up during this (both talking) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of May 5, 2015. Page 10 Yapp: If that's okay! Hayek: That ... that's fine with me. Yapp: Okay. Hayek: I just want to ... I just want to disclose, um, I ... the Community Mental Health Center Midea ... Mideastern Iowa is a ... is a client of mine, and they're within the area that 7b takes up, and it's public knowledge the y're...they're merging with an entity in Cedar Rapids and moving their location over to Towncrest, and um ... uh, I just ... I just want to disclose that I represent them. I vetted it through Eleanor's office and ... and there's not a conflict for me to participate in ... in 7b, and I intend to do so. So ... why don't you go ahead and (both talking) Yapp: Okay! Hayek: Thanks, John! Yapp: Uh, moving on ... uh, the second area, uh, is the area north ... of Iowa Avenue and east of Van Buren Street. Uh... showing ... this is a zoning map. This area is, uh, zoned, uh, commercially. A combination of CB -5 and CB -2 zones, and that ... that was really the focus of a lot of the Commission discussions of this area, uh, because we have those commercial zoning designations, uh, on the same block as residentially -zoned properties, which are indicated by the R. Uh, so between Johnson Street and Van Buren Street, uh, we move from residential to commercial, uh, within the same block. Uh, again, a few photographs to give you some orientation. Uh, this is a view of the, uh, Ralston Creek corridor and the Swan parking ramp. This would be at the west side of this area. Uh, an example of a commercial property at the corner of Van Buren and Burlington Street. Uh, another commercial property in this area, the New Pioneer Co -Op. Uh, a relatively new mixed-use building at the corner of Washington Street and Van Buren Street. Uh, and this is a view, uh, on the, uh, west side of the district, looking east toward ... at the commercial properties along Van Buren Street, uh, in this area. Uh... a lot of...through ... through discussion, uh, and uh... public input, uh, there is a lot of concern about the, uh, CB -2 and CB -5 zoning on the same block as residential properties. Uh, and we discussed with the Commission some of the ... the challenges, uh... with that, uh, and they include both the, uh, commercial land use, which depending on the specific commercial tenant, uh, can create some incompatibilities with adjacent residential uses. Uh, and then also from a mass and scale perspective, uh, the CB -2 and CB -5 zones allow a... a higher, uh, density of development than the neighboring residential properties do. From a... from a planning perspective, encouraging higher density development within walking distance of downtown, I think, is ... is appropriate. Uh... but how you deal with that density of development, uh, I think was the focus of lo ... of a lot of the discussion. Uh, so some of the factors the Commission looked at are, This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of May 5, 2015. Page 11 uh, factors like setbacks. Uh, landscaping and screening. Stepping down in height adjacent to residential properties. So in ... instead of an abrupt, uh, change in height from one property to another, uh, there could be a stepping down, more of a gradual change in building height. Uh, looking at the first floor land use. Not always requiring commercial on the first floor. Uh, on properties in residential blocks. And I ... this ... this would be quite a (mumbled) change, I think, for the City, uh, because the Central Business zones, including CB -2 and CB -5, have historically always required commercial on the first floor. Uh, we all have examples of some vacant commercial, uh, storefronts, uh, in newer buildings in these types of zones, uh, as well as commercial uses which may be perceived to be incompatible with residential uses. Uh, also looking at the building articulation and multi -family design standards, and ... trying to ensure buildings that are designed more as residential buildings, as opposed to commercial buildings. Uh, staff started to look at...at some of these factors. This is a map, and I ... I think it's hard to read on the overhead, but this is a map of setbacks, uh ...of existing structures in between Johnson Street and Van Buren Street, and then the north side of Iowa Avenue, and I think our... our goal would be to develop some setback standards to ensure that any new structures developed are consistent in, uh, setback, front yard area, as neighboring residential properties. Uh, this is a ... a provision from the state of Oregon, uh... showing how they deal with the building height transition, uh, from taller buildings to shorter buildings. Uh, we started to do some research on... on developing some better standards for the CB - 2 and CB -5 zones. Uh, found that it is not unique to Iowa City. Uh, many cities that have an older central core that are encouraging, uh, higher density development within walking distance of their central business district, uh, have had similar issues, and ... and have dealt with it in a similar way to what we are proposing. Uh, again, this is the area, uh, north side of Iowa Avenue and east of Van Buren Street, uh, affecting the commercially zoned properties. Uh, the recommendation... is to develop zoning code standards in the CB -2 and CB -5 zones, when they are on the same block as residential properties, uh, to require setbacks, building height step-downs, uh, landscaping and open space, and other techniques to promote compatibility with residential properties on the same block. Uh, to develop a nec... a mechanism to provide an exemption from the requirement for commercial land uses on the first floor. Uh, and to provide for multi -family design standards, uh, to apply as opposed to commercial design standards. Uh, staff has started, uh, some research, uh, in doing this, but ... but realized we ... we really need to have this adopted as a goal, uh, before we devote a significant amount of time to it. Uh, the Planning and Zoning Commission has also recommended, uh, establishing a form -based code, uh, similar to the Riverfront Crossings code, uh, for commercial properties in this portion of the Central Planning District. Uh, staff sees that as a longer- term, uh, initiative. Uh, the ... the higher priority is to, uh, develop standards in the CB -2 and CB -5 zones. Uh, I would like to note that the Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended that these zoning code changes, uh, for commercial properties on residential blocks be given a high priority, uh, and request that staff begin researching and developing code amendments, uh, for commercial properties, uh, This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of May 5, 2015. Page 12 on the blocks with residential properties. And if Council concurs, we would begin working on that, uh, this summer. Hayek: Does staff concur? Yapp: Staff has a lot on its plate. Uh, but I think it is something we can accomplish this summer ... with that type of timeframe. Uh... we just released the South District Plan, uh, for public review. That will be, uh, scheduled with a public hearing before the Commission, uh, on May 21 ". Uh, as you know we have a committee working with Riverfront Crossings and Affordable Housing initiatives. I think those ... those two projects are certainly higher priorities, uh, but after ... after that. Hayek: Okay. Yapp: Any questions about these, uh, recommendations? Throgmorton: Could... could you go back to the zoning map, please? Yapp: Sure! Throgmorton: So what my eye is drawn to is the edges of the CB -5 and CB -2 zones. And ... and where ... where the edges a ... abut residential neighborhoods. So when I look at them and think about how they currently are developed, but how they could be developed and what the maximum heights could be in those zones under existing code, I think that you and the Commission are exactly right in drawing, uh, attention to the importance of transition. Uh, good transitions, that is. So it seems to me that, uh, through this process that the Commission has followed, uh, over the past ... I guess couple or more months ... that, uh, they've been able to come up with, uh, good suggestions about how to enable good transitions. So ... I ... so I'm a supporter of what, uh, what's being tried here, and I ... I've often worried about what could happen if we did not ... take some action kind of like this and yet land owners thought well, you know, it's a good time to redevelop this property in accord with CB -5! I mean, looking at that part of...that, the northern part that's currently zoned CB -5. That'd be a pretty dramatic change from the way things currently are, and we already know what, uh, how, uh, a large portion of the community responded... when, uh, a ... a certain building was constructed in accord with CB -2 zoning, uh, as was the developed... or the land owner's rights. Uh, so I'm glad to see these changes is all I'm trying to get to and, uh, you... you've briefly summarized them in a pretty efficient way, so thanks! Yapp: Thank you. Hayek: John, it looks, at least in this portion of our downtown area, that most of the zoning boundaries occur down the middle of a street or alleyway. Yapp: And in general that is how zoning boundaries are. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of May 5, 2015. Page 13 Hayek: Is there reason we're looking at ... step-down transitions mid ... mid -block, because we in fact have zoning transitions mid -block, at least in... (both talking) Yapp: Yes! Hayek: (both talking) ...maybe on the Clinton Street (both talking) Yapp: I think that's accurate. And ... and a little bit of history, uh, because I was interested in why ... why are these zoning boundaries drawn the way they are and ... and went back and looked at some old zoning maps, uh, and found one from the early 1960s and at that time ... these, this same area was zoned industrial. Uh... along this same boundary. Uh, in looking back, you know, the effort around College Green Park was to maintain that as residential. Uh, but once you get... beyond the boundary of College Green Park, these were industrial, and when those were rezoned to CB -2 and CB -5, that ... that was in effect a down -zoning from the industrial zoning that ... that had been there in the 1960s. Dickens: I do like ... the fact that you... potentially put some exemptions in for having commercial on the first floor because we ... we all know there's a lot of areas that apparently are overbuilt or people are not using that commercial zone and they've been sitting empty for ... two or three years, so ... the fact that there is that ... a chance for an exemption in there, it seems to make sense. Yapp: Yeah, and ... and we've talked to a few property owners, uh... and they ... they are a little concerned about, when we talk about building height step-downs and setbacks and so forth because that can impact their density ... that they can achieve. But when we say ... but you don't have to do ... necessarily do commercial, and you can do residential on the first floor, they see that as a positive trade-off. Because any density they might lose through step-downs and setbacks... Dickens: Twelve -foot ceilings (both talking) Yapp: Right ... can be made up for on the first floor, and I think our goal is to ... ensure that those buildings appear ... to be residential properties and function as residential properties. Uh... on ... on these particular blocks. Hayek: Other questions for John? Throgmorton: And ... and again, this was a seven to nothing to vote, uh, on the part of the Commission? Yapp: It was, yes! And with that ... I will sit down! This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of May 5, 2015. Page 14 Hayek: Thank you. This is a public hearing. If anyone from the audience wishes to... weigh in on this, I invite you to come forward. Okay! I'm going to close the public hearing at this time. (bangs gavel) 2. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION Mims: Move the resolution. Botchway: Second. Hayek: Moved by Mims, seconded by Botchway. Discussion? Throgmorton: Well ... looks like a pretty good move to me. Hayek: Yeah! Throgmorton: I, uh... it... it'll all come down to the ability of the staff to actually put together some guidelines that are enforceable, uh, because if... if in fact that can't take place over the next year or two (laughs) then who knows what would actually happen in that area, but ... I have a lot of confidence that ... the changes will be made. Hayek: I concur with you, Jim. Further discussion? Roll call, please. Passes 7-0. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of May 5, 2015. Page 15 ITEM 7b COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT FOR PORTIONS OF THE CIVIC DISTRICT — APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO ADD PORTIONS OF BLOCKS NORTH OF IOWA AVENUE AND EAST OF GILBERT STREET; AND PORTIONS OF BLOCKS EAST OF VAN BUREN STREET AND NORTH OF BURLINGTON STREET TO THE CENTRAL PLANNING DISTRICT 1. PUBLIC HEARING Hayek: This is a public hearing. The hearing is open. (bangs gavel) Anyone from the audience? The hearing is closed. (bangs gavel) 2. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION Dobyns: Move the resolution. Botchway: Second. Payne: Second. Hayek: Moved by Dobyns, seconded by... Botchway. Discussion? Roll call, please. Passes 7-0. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of May 5, 2015. Page 16 ITEM 7c REZONING NE CORNER DUBUQUE RD. AND N DODGE ST. — ORDINANCE REZONING 4.26 ACRES OF PROPERTY FROM LOW DENSITY SINGLE FAMILY (RS -5) ZONE TO MIXED USE (MU) ZONE LOCATED AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF DUBUQUE RD AND NORTH DODGE STREET. (REZ15-00002) (SECOND CONSIDERATION) Hayek: Staff has requested expedited action. Mims: I move that the rule requiring that ordinances must be considered and voted on for passage at two Council meetings prior to the meeting at which it is to be finally passed be suspended, that the second consideration and vote be waived, and that the ordinance be voted on for final passage at this time. Dobyns: Second. Hayek: Motion to collapse from, uh, Mims, seconded by Dobyns. Discussion? Any ex parte communications from the previous reading? Dickens: I will not be voting on this. I ... I did talk to Eleanor and she said that I could vote on it, but I ... told the Planning and Zoning Commission I would not. I spoke as a private citizen that lives within the 200 -feet, went through the whole process, and at that time I stated I would not vote on it, though I am very strongly supportive of it. Dilkes: You do live within the 200 -feet. Right, so that would be an issue. Throgmorton: Yeah, I ... I don't support the motion. I'll be voting against it. Hayek: Uh... to collapse? Throgmorton: Yeah. Hayek: Okay. Well ... we should talk about this, I mean ... if...if there's any controversy or ... or dispute over it, I think we should discuss whether to collapse. Mims: I have not heard anything negative about it... at all. Hayek: Are you ... hearing something that we haven't heard? Throgmorton: No ... but I ... I can say that I ... I found myself more and more troubled by the number of parking spaces, uh, and so I asked John to provide some information, uh, concerning that, and ... I thought it'd be directly relevant to the vote itself, not to the point about, uh, condensing the ... the two mo, the motion, or you know, combining the two readings. Uh, so I don't know when to discuss those particular concerns. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of May 5, 2015. Page 17 Hayek: Well I ... I'd just as soon bring it up now so we can determine whether to... whether... whether to collapse. Throgmorton: Okay! Hayek: ...convince people of that, and I'd also want to know if there's anyone from the audience. That's usually the (both talking) Throgrnorton: Yeah, okay. Sure! Hayek: ...are there any ... (several talking) opposition out in the community, that sort of thing. Dobyns: ... if you think the public needs more time. Throgmorton: That's what I'm ... I'm thinking maybe that's the case, I don't know that it really is, but it ... there, you know, I have concerns, uh, and if I do I suspect that some other people out there do too (several talking in background, noises) Anyhow, I asked John to, uh, I already posed these questions to John by email so he's, uh (both talking) Markus: Well to be clear, you asked me. Throgmorton: Uh, right! Right. Markus: And I asked John. Throgmorton: I'm ... I'm trying to be real careful (laughter) Mims: Chain of command! Throgmorton: Exactly! So let's see, uh... uh, the proposed number of parking spaces a hun... is 166, correct, with another 66 sort of held in reserve and maybe (both talking) Yapp: That's correct. Throgmorton:... come to play. So, uh, that made me wonder about comparables, so I was, uh, ri ...driving by the new HyVee... uh, up on north Dodge and I found myself wondering, well, how many parking spaces are in that parking lot, and I ... I didn't know the answer, so I asked you and ... what's the answer? Yapp: Uh, 282. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of May 5, 2015. Page 18 Throgmorton: 282, okay. Compared to 166 or perhaps 232, depending on how the future unfolds. So, uh, what ... that's, uh... uh, trying to do the math real quickly (several talking) It's like 60% of, uh... Hayek: I'm a history major, don't ask! (laughter) Throgmorton: I don't know, something like 60% of, uh, of what ... what is currently at HyVee and that's a lot. So then I found myself wondering about, uh, other medical clinics that are comparable to the one that's being proposed, and I was wondering if there are any comparable medical clinics around town that, uh, and... and if so, uh, how many parking spaces they have. So, you pointed me to two and you gave me information about number of office spaces, or offices and .... and parking stalls and so on, so... Yapp: Sure, um ... just to ... to back up a little bit, the ... the proposed building, uh, at this location is not yet fully designed. So these are estimates. Uh, but using estimates, it would have about 65 exam rooms. Uh, so it is a... a larger medical clinic than most clinics. Uh, we looked at two comparables — the Mercy Medical Clinic on First Avenue, that clinic has 32 exam rooms. So about half. Uh, and 100 parking spaces. Uh, and, Jim, after ... after I had emailed you, I developed some, uh, ratios. Throgmorton: Uh huh! Yapp: Uh, this medical clinic, uh... again, using estimates, is about 2.5 parking spaces per exam room. The, uh, Mercy Clinic on First Avenue is ... about 3.1 parking spaces per exam room. So ... slightly more parking per exam room. Uh, we also looked at the Steindler Clinic on Northgate Drive. Uh, and they've gone through some additions, but they ... they now have, uh, 58 exam rooms, uh, and 135 parking spaces. So about 2.3 parking spaces per exam room, slightly less than what is proposed here. Uh... this ... this plan did go through some changes as we went through the process. Initially the ... the applicant had requested, uh, more parking. Uh, through negotiation, uh, both at the staff level and then later at the Planning and Zoning Commission level, uh, we did recommend a condition that the, uh, area of parking in the light gray not be permitted to be paved unless it is shown that they really need it. Uh, the way that would be shown is if the parking lot is full and clients of this clinic cannot find a place to park. Uh, the other factor that, uh, the Commission focused on was that initially there was parking proposed to face, uh, the Dubuque Road frontage. Uh, the applicant did redesign their site plan to, uh... install, uh, a significant amount of landscaping along the Dubuque Road frontage and eliminate the parking, uh, from that ... from that frontage. That frontage was of a concern because headlights from vehicles, uh, would shine across the street onto residential property across the street. That's all I have! This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of May 5, 2015. Page 19 Throgmorton: Uh... another part of your response in your ... in your email, John, was ... and I'll quote here: Our estimate is that the proposed parking is 15 to 20% more than what the minimum City requirement will be. Yapp: That's correct. Throgmorton: Uh, so ... uh, that further leads me to think that, uh, the amount of parking is, uh... is excessive (laughs) Uh... I ... I asked you a couple other questions, urn ... uh, one had to do with, uh, actually it was a conversation you and I had last meeting, Susan, when I said something about all the trees that would be cut down and you said you lived nearby, which you obviously do, uh, and you said, uh... um, you know the area well and it's mainly scrub trees, right? Mims: Yeah, a lot of it is. Throgmorton: So then ... I ... I found myself wondering whether our professional forestry staff had ... had an opportunity to take a look at the site and assess the quality of the trees there. And ... I ... I know the email I sent Tom posed that question, but I don't know if you're in a position to fully answer it. You ... you gave me sort of a partial answer, but ... you ....you want to... Yapp: I'm not in a position to assess the ... the quality of the trees. Um ... as part of the, uh, proposed preliminary plat, uh... part of the property is a woodland and ... uh, about 58,000 square feet of wooded area, uh, will be preserved on lot #2, which is north of the proposed medical clinic. Uh, both woodlands and steep slopes, uh, will be preserved and ... and be a no -development zone. Uh, so I would say there is a substantial amount of woodland being preserved. On the larger property. Throgmorton: So the amount of woodland being, um... (mumbled) eradicated is less, or less significant, than what I was thinking two weeks ago when we last met, uh, and less worrisome in that sense. I mean, that's the way I interpret what you just told me. Yapp: I think so! Yeah. Throgmorton: Okay, uh... and then I ... I was wondering whether if...if certain meritorious trees have to be felled. I don't know how many mature trees (both talking) Mims: Oh, there's some, there's some (both talking) Throgmorton: ... uh, if...if there are trees of that type that have to be felled whether there's any, uh, sort of replacement strategy in ... in mind as a part of the development. Yapp: Um, there is ... around the perimeter of the parking lot. Uh, I've not counted them, but a significant amount of over -story trees, and those are the ... the circles on this, This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of May 5, 2015. Page 20 uh, landscaping plan, as well as within the parking lot, uh... those would be essentially the replacement trees. Throgmorton: Good. Thanks! Markus: John, in ... while you're up there ... part of the ... part of the concern is there's certain areas on the public streets that are not really eligible for public parking, as well, correct? Yapp: That ... related to the parking issue, that's correct. Markus: Okay, and ... you ... you talked about the plans not being finalized yet, and the plans kinda dictate based on our ratios what the actual number of parking spaces (both talking) Yapp: It's based on exam rooms and offices. The parking requirement. Markus: Okay, and so that's... that's, and we don't have a maximum, but we have a minimum? Yapp: We have a minimum parking requirement, which is 1.5 spaces per exam room. Uh, then an additional ... uh... don't quote me on this, but I think an additional space per office. Uh, and that parking is intended to accommodate the staff at the clinic, all the staff— the doctors, nurses, and office support staff— as well as the clientele, and the ... the way the medical clinics work, while one person is being seen, there's another person also parked in the parking lot waiting to be seen. Uh, so that's where that parking standard comes from. Markus: There's quite a bit of queuing in these and (both talking) Yapp: Quite a bit of queuing, and -and I would ... and as ... as all of you know, I'm sure, when you go to a, uh, medical appointment, you're rarely seen at the exact time of your appointment. Dobyns: God! (laughter) Yapp: So there may be (laughter) excuse me, Dr. Dobyns (laughs) Mims: Your patients never have to wait for you, do they? (laughter) Yapp: There's often two or ... two or three people queued up for one ... for one (laughter) particular exam room. Hayek: Physician heal thy self! (laughter) Yapp: Um... This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of May 5, 2015. Page 21 Dobyns: Just get it over with, John! (laughter) Yapp: And I'd also ... the City's minimum parking requirements are just that. They are minimum requirements. Uh, and in this ... I think it's ... very common, uh, for developments to have a little more parking than the minimum requirement. Markus: So ... so that 15 to 20% quote that you made is over the minimum? Yapp: That's correct. Mims: See when I look at it and ... and I think it's interesting that ... that you asked, um... you know, in terms of what some of the other medical buildings have, because we're ... this is in the same ballpark, ratio -wise, when I, you know ... so ... yeah, it ...I agree, when they first said how many parking spaces, it seemed very, very excessive, and certainly with negotiations with P&Z, they cut it back, at least what would be paved to begin with and hold the rest in reserve. So ... you know, for me, with it being at least in the ballpark with the others, then ... I'm comfortable with it. I mean ... I'm no expert on how many parking spots they need for medical clinics, so... Dobyns: Well I think they did a great job of setting aside, but I ... I'll tell ya, this is going to be ... my understanding, this is going to be the longest established pediatric practice in the city. So this is not a ... new start-up. Um, they're going to have a lot of people that have been going to them for decades. So, it's going to be big... and plus on top of it, they're putting women's healthcare services to enhance it. Um, I think the problem, if anything, is that that set-aside that you've got up there, John, is probably going to have to be converted to parking in the first five years. So I think if anything you guys have underestimated the need for parking, which I think given the concerns of the Council is appropriate. Botchway: I have a quick question. How does that work as far as set-aside, I mean ... and I can't remember. I think this was brought up at the last discussion, but ... I mean, are we in -filling that with trees? And then removing them again? Or is it just going to be set-aside for later on? Yapp: It will be unpaved for now. Uh, some of that area does have some trees currently, but it would remain unpaved. Uh, until there's evidence of...of its need. Hayek: Is there anyone from the audience who wishes to weigh in on this? Okay. Well, Jim... go ahead, Jim! Throgmorton: A ... a question for Rick. You mentioned that a ... a major established pediatric... Dobyns: Uh huh! This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of May 5, 2015. Page 22 Throgmorton: ... uh, clinic (both talking) Dobyns: ...the Associates. Throgmorton: Which one? Dobyns: The Peds Associates group. Throgmorton: Yeah, so remind me of where they're located now. Dobyns: Near, uh... Mercy. I (both talking) Dickens: Jefferson Street. Dobyns: (both talking) Jefferson Street, yeah, right now. Payne: And Johnson, right? Dobyns: And Johnson, yeah. Throgmorton: That's mine you said? Botchway: Well not mine personally but (several talking and laughing) Dobyns: It's so old that you probably went there when you were a kid, Jim. Mims: If he had grown up here! Hayek: (several talking) ...played seventh grade football! Okay ... go ahead, Jim! Throgmorton: I'll ... I'll ask one other question... Hayek: Sure! Throgmorton:... and then, uh, we can vote on this stuff, but uh... I ... I find myself thinking about the 2030 Comprehensive Plan and its emphasis on sustainability and inclusivity. So then the ... the question for me becomes ... in ... and I mean this quite literally. I don't mean it argumentatively. In what sense does this particular rezoning, uh, further the objective of sustainability? Mims: Well ... I guess the challenge becomes, Jim, there's only so much land... downtown, and quite frankly as a parent when my kids were little, I never took the bus to take them to the doctors. Um, I mean, if you've got sick kids and you're trying to travel, assuming you have the means to have a car, you're probably going to buckle `em in their car seat and go off to the doctor's office. So, you know, I don't think even a downtown location, even with where they are This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of May 5, 2015. Page 23 now, that they probably have many people coming ... by ... mode of transportation other than by cars most of the time. I mean I ... I look at this — it's south of Interstate 80, it's within the city limits, it's ... I mean, there's lots of residential to the south of that ... there's only so many locations that you're going to have land that gives enough space for something like that. So ... I mean, when you talk about sprawl and ... versus higher density downtown, I'm assuming your point is the sprawl! I mean... Throgmorton: No, I ... I mean (both talking) Mims: Well, then ... then if it's not the sprawl then I guess I'm not sure what else you're referring to in terms of sustainability (both talking) Dobyns: Jim, the backup, uh, place for this would have been at Iowa River Landing in Coralville. So, uh, parents who want to bring their children from eastern Iowa City would then have to go over to IRL, which would use more gas money, transportation, and ... there are other considerations, but sustainability is one of them. Payne: And one would think that building a new building... they're going to use more... green features than in their existing building. You know, their existing building is old, so one would think that it would be more sustainable than what they have right now. Botchway: I'm more con ... I'm more interested in the why not. Throgmorton: In what? Botchway: The why not. Throgmorton: The why not do it? Botchway: For you. Yeah, why not. That's my question. Throgmorton: Well I ... I haven't decided to vote against it (laughs) You know, I'm ... I'm raising questions... Botchway: Oh, okay! Throgmorton:... that... Hayek: Let ... let me add to the pile -on in response to your question about sustainability (laughter) I would say three things. First this is in -fill development. It's replacing a structure that was there. Second, it's located where there is existing city infrastructure — sewer, water, and what not, and third, it's on a bus line. So I think ... I think those, at least to some degree, go to your question. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of May 5, 2015. Page 24 Throgmorton: You remind me ... I ... I hope I'm correct about this. You remind me that Charlie Ruppert used to own that property, and I can remember Charlie being in this room, every night, you know, for ... I don't know, two years when I was back on this ... doing this gig. So ... I ... I, in that sense I kinda know the property (laughs) fairly well. Okay! I've asked my questions. Thank you, and there's a motion, I guess, isn't there. Hayek: Yeah and (both talking) Mims: Yeah, I'm comfortable (both talking) Payne: And the motion right now is ... we haven't voted on whether to collapse it yet. Mims: Right! That's what's on the table right now. Hayek: I'm ... I'm supportive of.. of collapsing. There's... there's no apparent, um, opposition in the community, which is what we look for, and you know, we ... P&Z vetted this very carefully, urn ... when it went through that process. Payne: Over several meetings! Hayek: Yeah (several talking) Throgmorton: Was ... was it unanimous vote, is that right? John? Do you remember? (several talking) I think it was. Botchway: Maybe there was somebody absent. (several talking) Yapp: I ... I'm sorry, I don't have that in my notes, but I ... I believe it was. Throgmorton: I ... I think it was too. Hayek: Yeah, I'm not finding it in the ... whereases, but ... anyway, I'll ... I'll support it. Uh, further discussion on the motion to collapse? Roll call, please. Uh, passes 5- 1, Throgmorton in the negative and Dickens recusing. Mims: Move that the ordinance be finally (both talking) Dilkes: Hold on a minute! I gotta figure out how many we need now that we're ... three- quarters of six. Throgmorton: Well, all right, can ... can we ... um, I didn't realize there was going to be that consequence. So ... um... This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of May 5, 2015. Page 25 Dobyns: Jim, if I may, typically when I've voted against collapse it's because I didn't have an issue but I thought there would be, um, I had a sense it'd be some public concerns. Um ... and I ultimately may have voted against it, but ... I looked at it as a different sort of deal. Dilkes: We have five? Right? (several responding) We're good! It's collapsed. Dobyns: So we're okay? Mims: I move that the ordinance be finally adopted at this time. Payne: Second. Hayek: Pass and adopt, move to ... moved by Mims, seconded by Payne. Discussion? Throgmorton: I'd like to say that I ... I asked the questions because I ... I believe they're important and I ... I think they are worthy of being discussed, uh, and I appreciate the fact that each of you responded to my questions (laughs) and you know (noises in background and people talking) I'm going to support this because of...of, uh, things you have said. Dobyns: Jim, if Planning and Zoning votes 7-0, I usually (both talking) Throgmorton: I know that carries a lot of weight. Dobyns: If it's a split P&Z, then I think we speak to it. That's my calculus. So... Hayek: Further discussion? Roll call, please. Passes 6-0, Dickens recusing. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of May 5, 2015. Page 26 ITEM 9. PARKING GARAGE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM 2015 — APPROVING PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, FORM OF CONTRACT, AND ESTIMATE OF COST FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE IOWA CITY PARKING GARAGE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM 2015 PROJECT, ESTABLISHING AMOUNT OF BID SECURITY TO ACCOMPANY EACH BID, DIRECTING CITY CLERK TO PUBLISH NOTICE TO BIDDERS, AND FIXING TIME AND PLACE FOR RECEIPT OF BIDS a. PUBLIC HEARING Hayek: This is a public hearing. The hearing is open. (bangs gavel) Estimated construction cro... uh, cost for the base bid is $402,000 and this will be funded with parking revenue proceeds. Is there anyone from the audience? Public hearing is closed. (bangs gavel) b. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION Payne: Move the resolution. Botchway: Second. Hayek: Moved by ... Payne, seconded by Botchway. Discussion? It's important, um, important maintenance for our parking ramps. It's one of the things I get complaints about the most, so this is ... this is good, uh, TLC we're providing! Further discussion? Roll call, please. Passes 7-0. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of May 5, 2015. Page 27 ITEM 11. TRANSIT FUNDING APPLICATION - RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE FILING OF AN APPLICATION WITH THE IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR FY2016 IOWA DOT STATE TRANSIT ASSISTANCE AND FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION FUNDING a. PUBLIC HEARING Hayek: This is a public hearing. The hearing is open. (bangs gavel) Uh, for the public's information, Iowa City Transit will be receiving approximately $500,000 in Iowa DOT STA Formula Funds. That stands for State Transit Assistance. And is applying for $17.8 million, and some change, in federal Transit Administration Capital Funding, and approximately $1.5 million of federal Transit Administration Operating Funds. Anyone from the audience? Hearing is closed. (bangs gavel) b. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION Dickens: Move the resolution. Payne: Second. Botchway: Second. Hayek: Moved by Dickens, seconded by Payne. Discussion? Roll call, please. Passes 7- 0. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of May 5, 2015. Page 28 ITEM 12. AID TO AGENCY ALLOCATIONS FOR THE YEAR STARTING JULY 1, 2015 - RESOLUTION ALLOCATING HUMAN SERVICES AID TO AGENCIES FUNDING FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2016 Mims: Move the resolution. Botchway: Second. Payne: Second. Hayek: Moved by Mims, seconded by Payne. Discussion? Roll call, please. Passes 7-0. And I thank ... HCDC and staff for the work that went into that process and does go into that process every year. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of May 5, 2015. Page 29 ITEM 13. DIRECTING BOND SALE - RESOLUTION DIRECTING SALE OF $7,785,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, SERIES 2015 Mims: Move the resolution. Botchway: Second. Hayek: Moved by Mims, seconded by Botchway. Discussion? Bockenstedt: Uh, good evening! I'm Dennis Bockenstedt, the Finance Director for the City, and, uh, I'm just going to give you a brief report on our bond sale today. At, a... uh, 10:00 A.M. this morning we opened bids, uh, for our 2015 General Obligation Bond Issue. Uh, we received a total of eight bids, which we were pretty happy with. That's a ... that's a good number of bidders. Uh, the winning bidder was F10 Financial Capital Markets from Memphis, Tennessee. They bid a 10 -year rate of 1.588%, which ... we were very pleased with. And I'll answer any questions if you have any! Mims: How does our triple-A bond rating impact that sale and what we're paying for interest? Bockenstedt: Well, that's our credit worthiness as determined by, uh, independent agency. Uh, Moody's rates agencies across the country and ... and the banks and underwriters use that as a basis for making their bids on our debt. So the better our rating is, the lower the interest rate we pay on our debt. Mims: And we just got reaffirmed with the highest rating possible, correct? Bockenstedt: We got reaffirmed as a triple-A, yes. Mims: And one of only two in the state of Iowa. Bockenstedt: That's correct. Mims: I'm going to make you toot your horn a little, Dennis (laughs) It's not just you — it's the whole City staff and ... and uh, from the top down and we appreciate it, but um ... I ... I just think it's important that we keep reemphasizing, uh, what staff is doing and what we're trying to do in terms of setting policy at the Council level that ... we've had this for how many years now? Thirty something? (several talking) Yeah, 39? 39 years, triple-A bond rating, top rating available, which gives us the best possible, in other words lowest interest rates that we pay when we sell bonds to finance projects in this community. So ... congratulations to you and the rest of the staff and thanks for all the hard work! It's important! This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of May 5, 2015. Page 30 Hayek: You know and ... and let me add to that, that we've had this for many years, but other cities over time have lost theirs, and ... that could happen to us some day — I hope it doesn't — um, but ... but that does occur, and among the things that ... um, the independent credit agency, uh, determined, um ... uh, in support of the top credit rating for Iowa City were things like ... uh, prudent management, strong management, uh, you know, maintenance of fiscal reserves, um, and ... and things like that, uh, that I think go to the ... uh, the approach, uh, staff has taken for a long time, with the support of Councils over time, um, to run a tight ship fiscally, and that results in ... concrete savings for our taxpayers, because when we borrow money to pay for the things that we do, whether it's streets or ... or, uh, sewers or ... or things of that nature, and all local governments borrow money, uh, to pay for those things, but when we do that, we pay lower interest rates and we can pay back that debt more quickly and less of our public dollars are going toward interest and more go toward reduction of principle. It's like the difference between having a high credit card, or high -interest credit card and a ... and a low- interest credit card. So this is ... this is, uh... maybe the stuff of municipal finance nerds, uh... uh (laughter) but it ... but it has a real impact for our citizenry and uh, something we should be proud of, and I applaud you, Dennis, and everyone who works with you on that. Further discussion? Roll call, please. Passes 7-0. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of May 5, 2015. Page 31 ITEM 16. ELIMINATION DEFAULT JAIL TIME - ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 1, ENTITLED "ADMINISTRATION," CHAPTER 4, ENTITLED "GENERAL PENALTY," AND TITLE 8, ENTITLED "POLICE REGULATIONS," CHAPTER 5, ENTITLED "MISCELLANEOUS OFFENSES," TO ELIMINATE THE DEFAULT PENALTY OF JAIL TIME FOR UNSCHEDULED SIMPLE MISDEMEANORS AND ESTABLISH THE PENALTY FOR INDECENT EXPOSURE. (FIRST CONSIDERATION) Payne: Move the ordinance. Mims: Second. Hayek: Moved by Payne, seconded by Mims. Discussion? Throgmorton: I wonder if Eleanor could explain a little bit about what this involves. Dilkes: Sure! Um. ... as you know the City can only, um ... create and enforce simple misdemeanors under the State Code, um, and the State Code limits, um, what penalty we can provide for those simple misdemeanors and that is between $65 and $625 for a financial penalty, and up to 30 days in jail for ... for the non- financial penalty. For some fi... for some, urn ... uh, misdemeanors we set the fine by code or schedule the fine. They're called scheduled penalties. Um... and some examples of those are, uh, PAULA, which we schedule or set the same as the State sets theirs at, $200 for the first offense and $500 for the subsequent offenses. Um, then the City Council has chosen to set the penalty for under -21, um, at ... 300, 500, and 625 for the first, second, and third. Um, public urination, open container are set at $50, but then we have some non-scheduled, um, fines and the default penalty for that is simply the maximum, um ... that's allowed under the State Code and that would be set by the judge when there's no set penalty, and some examples of that are disorderly house and disorderly conduct and certain accidents where there's a lot of damage. Um, and what the Supreme Court recently held is that if there is a ... if the set ... if the penalty can be jail time, regardless of whether the prosecutor seeks jail time or not, um... and... an attorney must be provided if the person, if the defendant can't afford an attorney, to pay for an attorney. So that means, for instance, for all our disorderly house c ... uh, charges and our disorderly conduct charges, um ... if the, um, if ..the defendant couldn't afford attorney, there would be one provided at, um, public expense. And ... the fact of the matter is, we haven't... asked as ... as prosecutors for jail time, uh, but once in the last 20 years, and that was for a ... indecent exposure charge. Um, so ... the proposal here is to eliminate jail as a potential penalty for everything except indecent exposure. Hayek: (mumbled) ...input? Council discussion? This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of May 5, 2015. Page 32 Throgmorton: So ... so there's no major effect for people who would be charged with, uh, these particular kinds of misdemeanors, uh, the effect would only be that we ... the public would not be providing, um ... um ... um.... Mims: An attorney. Throgmorton:... an attorney, uh, for... for their defense and (both talking) Dilkes: Well actually the ... the (both talking) if there is any effect, and really in fact I think there's very little because we don't seek jail time for ... for the, generally for the simple misdemeanors that we prosecute, but if there is any effect, the fact is that they wouldn't... they wouldn't face any jail time... Throgmorton: Yeah. Dilkes: ...for these charges. Throgmorton: Yeah. Hayek: And again, this was brought about by the Supreme Court opinion. Dilkes: Right! Payne: And ... and that if someone is charged with indecent exposure, we have to provide them attorney. Dilkes: If they couldn't afford one on their own (both talking) Payne: If they couldn't afford one! Dilkes: But that was the case before ... too, and ... and in fact in the one case where we did, um, seek jail time, there was an attorney appointed for the defendant. Payne: But even if we weren't seeking jail time, we would still ... they would still be appointed a... a public defender. Dilkes: Yes. Yes! Payne: Where they wouldn't of before. Dilkes: Yes ... but in that case (both talking) in that instant... instance it seemed worth it to preserve. I mean we rarely charge that and... it seems an offense that (both talking) Payne: Okay. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of May 5, 2015. Page 33 Dikes: ... should have that possibility. Hayek: Further discussion? Roll call, please. First consideration passes 7-0. Karr: Motion to accept correspondence. Botchway: So moved. Mims: Second. Payne: Second. Hayek: Moved by Botchway, seconded by Mims. Discussion? All those in favor say aye. Opposed say nay. Motion carries. Payne: And I'm Payne not Mims, but... Hayek: Did I reverse that? Payne: I think you said... Hayek: No, maybe I heard somebody else (both talking and laughing) Payne: ...cause I didn't hear you. Mims: Oh yeah! Botchway: Awkward! (laughter) Payne: We must have done (both talking) Mims: ... same time! (laughs) Hayek: It's like the Doppler effect. I kinda hear the motions coming in (laughter) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of May 5, 2015. Page 34 ITEM 20. CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION Hayek: Why don't we start down with you, Dr. Dobyns: Just wanted to call attention that this Friday at Terry Trueblood Park there is going to be an opportunity, uh, for a fundraiser for a Hospice House of Johnson County. Um, I've devoted a large part of my career to end -of -life care, both in service and teaching, and it's peculiar that Johnson County has never had a hospice house and what that is, that's a place for people who are in their last weeks of dying, where they and their family can avoid the more institutional setting of a hospital, and a nursing home, and the family for one reason or another is unable to provide that intensive but very genuine level of care in their homes, and so we've never had one. Many other communities, almost all the large communities in Iowa do have one, um, we finally have an opportunity to form, um, one here and there is a fundraiser this Friday at Terry Trueblood Park from 6:00 to 9:00 P.M. to, uh, help what's already been a very generous effort towards the Hospice House of Johnson County. Payne: Nothing for me. Dickens: Uh... the Farmers Market started last... Saturday and Kingsley needs a discounted punch card so he can try all the food. Um, Friday Night Concert Series will be starting toward the end of the month, uh, a lot of things are going on as spring has sprung! Botchway: I think it's May 15th ... for the Friday Night Concert Series. Mims: Um, this Thursday, uh, May 7th the ... we will have our first, uh, City Council listening post. The Mayor and I will be at the Iowa City Public Library, meeting room A, from 4:00 to 5:30. So if there's anything that members of the community would like to come and talk to us about, we would welcome them there! Throgmorton: This is Bike to Work Week! Hop on your bikes! Terry, did you drive? Or ride your bike? Dickens: Uh, I drove this morning (laughs) I'll get the bike out of the garage! Throgmorton: I didn't ride my bike either today! I walked. (several talking) Counts for something! (laughs) Botchway: I have a couple things, um ... gotta find the week. So this week on Friday, maybe at the same time — I'm not sure — um, the Iowa City Free Medical Clinic is having a fundraiser. Um, just of note, I think that, uh, you know, as ... uh, the Affordable Care Act is being, you know, going through the rounds, uh, there might be the This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of May 5, 2015. Page 35 presumption that, um, individuals might not get, um, might ... might not need that particular care or that particular clinic, but, um, that's not the case. There still is, uh, free medical services that need to be provided for, uh, a lot of families throughout the area. On Saturday, uh, the LGBTQA Summit for Youth and Families is out of, uh, it's from 2:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. It's having an event, um, at UAY, and so if you can make it that'd be great. And then ... uh, there was something else. Oh, I was going to talk about the Farmers Market. Never mind... so I got that one stolen! (laughs) Mims: I would just ... if I might piggyback real quickly on Rick's comment about the Hospice House. I would just give a plug for ... there are two groups in town, started out as the Hundred Plus Men Who Care, and then women created a Hundred Plus Women Who Care, and if people are not aware of these organizations yet, I would encourage them to find out about them and find out when their meetings are. Basically what it is, people come together at a meeting, uh, it's ... doesn't take too long, an hour, hour and a half, good social event. People nominate a charity or a non-profit of...that they think should benefit, um, from the group. They pick, I think, three out of a hat and people give a pitch for those three and then the group votes, and when they're done, whichever charity wins, everybody that is there writes a check for $100 ... to that organization. The Hospice House won the last one for the Hundred Plus Women Who Care, and I think got a check for something like $25,000. So it's ... it's an amazing way that a non-profit, charitable organization can get a substantial hunk of money, um, if they've got some people out there to advocate for them at one of those sessions. So if you don't know about `em, I would encourage, you know, people to find out about the Hundred Plus Men, the Hundred Plus Women Who Care and wh... when and where their meetings are and ... if you're so inclined to participate! Botchway: I remember the other thing! Um, the Silver Salute Ceremony is, uh, tomorrow, from 5:00 to 6:30 at the Celebration Farm. Um, and that's just for School District, uh, employees that have worked 25 years. So, that was ... pretty amazing! Hayek: Great! Um, though she does not, uh, draw attention to herself, um, this is, uh, Municipal Clerks Week (several commenting) and uh I want to, uh, put in a plug for our Municipal Clerk, uh, the International Institute of Municipal Clerks put out a press release, uh, so the ... the annual clerk's week is this week and, uh, you know one of the things they mentioned was that clerks perform some of the principle functions of a democratic process, and I think, uh... uh, that is absolutely true in the case of Iowa City. Um, Marian, your office oversees so many things, um ... uh, first and foremost, you document the record and you ... comply with State law and you ... maintain the transparency of the City government, and ... do all of those things that clerks... clerks' offices have done, uh, since time and memorial, but there's been so much change in tech... technology and, uh, it is not a static areas of City, um, operation. Things change all the time and ... and your office has done a really good job of...of keeping up with that. So, uh, the office doesn't get much attention except when it's a criticism of our taxi policies and This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of May 5, 2015. Page 36 (laughter) they come to you for that, uh, but I want to recognize what your office does, day in and day out, uh, every single meeting we have, every single, uh, agenda we have, every single document we generate, um ... is ... is recorded, uh, that's important. It's also the law, and ... and urn ... your office does a great job, and you keep us out of trouble! And that's (laughs) personal level, something I wanted to mention. So thank you! Karr: Thank you, I'll pass that along! Botchway: Shall we do a slow clap? (laughter) Hayek: No, I'm not done! Botchway: Oh, okay! Hayek: You had your 15 points, Kingsley! I got (both talking and laughing) My second point is that ... on a ... on a serious, uh, note, um, the Iowa City Community School District is holding a listening post, its second listening post, later this week, 7:00 in the evening at Northwest Junior High. This regards the, uh, proposals regarding the secondary or high school, uh, boundary lines, um, and which direction the District should take. This is incredibly important and I... if you're watching this, I encourage you, uh, to attend the meeting, uh ... Thursday evening, 7:00 at Northwest Junior High. Um, it's important for Iowa City that there be, uh, balance and equity, uh, across our ... our high schools, within this, uh, school district and now is the time to speak up and we encourage the public to show up. Thank you! So ... move over to you! This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of May 5, 2015. Page 37 ITEM 21. REPORT ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF a) City Manager Markus: Uh, no report but ... I'd also extend my congratulations to Marian and getting back to Kingsley, it's time for the slow clap. (applause) Hayek: Want to introduce your ... our guy? Markus: Oh, again? Hayek: Yeah! Markus: Okay! Uh, we have an International Fellow, uh, visiting Iowa City. Stand up, Aria ... and I always get this name ... it's a little challenging ... Widyanto. He's from Jakarta, Indonesia. Why don't you say something? (laughter) Widyanto: Good evening, my name is Aria Widyanto. I'm from Indonesia and I live in Jakarta, the city of 16 million people. I'm here under the Professional Fellowship Program. Uh, it's sponsored by States Department and ICMA, and this program is actually initiated by the President Barack Obama, and in total, there are 21 of us and we are stationed across United States in various, uh, villages, uh, counties, and cities, and the primary objective of this program is to promote, uh, people to people connections, and I personally believe that people to people connections are the core infrastructure toward building long lasting and, uh, sustainable relationships between the two countries, and I'll be here for one month, uh, with the City Manager's office. So if you have any, uh, interest or questions about Indonesia and (mumbled) general I'll be very happy to help you with all the informations I have. Uh, it's great to meet you all here and looking forward towards, uh, having a productive and long lasting relationship within our countries and ... more specifically between Indonesia and the people of Iowa City. Thank you very much. Markus: Aria, tell `em what you do for a living. Widyanto: Oh, I'm a consultant for, uh, opening (mumbled) so I basically, uh, set up a company with my friends and we help the government of Indonesia to build open government block form, and we do this projects to promote transparency and, uh, involvement of public in the governance. So we want to create a more coll... collaborative administration (mumbled) Indonesia. Markus: So in his first week with us he's attended a School Board meeting and now a City Council meeting so ... and the first day he was with us, I think he slept for about 14 hours (laughter) um, as a result of the flight times and the adjustment, but he's also been to Washington, D.C., and spent a few days in Washington, D.C. with This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of May 5, 2015. Page 38 the other Fellows and meeting with, uh, State Department officials and I think you had a representative of the White House visit with you, as well, so... Hayek: And you're staying at the City Manager's home for the (both talking) Widyanto: Yes! Hayek: All right, are Tom and Debbie taking care of ya? Are there any problems there? Widyanto: Yes, very well! (laughter) Hayek: Let us know! Well it's an honor to have you in Iowa City. Widyanto: Thank you! Thank you! Hayek: Uh, we look forward to a collaboration for a few weeks and ... uh, a long relationship. Thank you! Widyanto: Thank you (several talking) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of May 5, 2015.