HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-05-05 Bd Comm minutes� r
4
CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM
Date: April 28, 2015
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Stefanie Bowers, Staff Member of the Human Rights Commission
Re: Recommendation from the Human Rights Commission
At their February 17, 2015 meeting the Human Rights Commission made the following
recommendations to the City Council:
1) Coulter expressed his desire for the Commission to support the racial equity and
diversity action plans recently put forth by City staff and the Council in January. Retish
and Townsend both noted that they had concerns/questions about the St. Ambrose
disproportionate minority contact study. Bowers asked Retish and Townsend to provide
the questions/concerns that they have to her and she would forward the questions for a
response. Hanrahan reported on the possibility of using the upcoming Soul Food Dinner
at City High (being held on February 20) as a listening post. Hanrahan and Hart recently
discussed the possible venues for future listening posts. Townsend added that
identifying the key players in the community is important to having successful listening
posts. Olmstead and Coulter would like the Commission to work with the Council on their
listening posts and to be a part of that community initiative.
Motion by Hanrahan, seconded by Hart to support the recommendations for racial equity
and the diversity action plans. Motion passed 7-1. (Townsend in the negative).
2) Bowers spoke on the status of including Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) in the
definition of public assistance source of income under the Iowa City Fair Housing
Ordinance. It is currently excluded in the definition. Adding it to the definition would make
it illegal to deny the rental of property to a person based solely on the fact that they hold
a Housing Choice Voucher. Bowers noted that the Council would more likely than not
defer to the City Attorney's Office for legality prior to moving forward on the
recommendation.
Motion by Townsend, seconded by Olmstead for Council to add Housing Choice Voucher
to the definition of public assistance source of income under the Iowa City Fair Housing
Ordinance. Motion passed 8-0.
Additional action (check one
x No further action needed
Board or Commission is requesting Council direction
Agenda item will be prepared by staff for Council action
X Staff has prepared a Memorandum included in the Information Packet of April 30, 2015 for
recommendation 2.
S:RECform.doc
Minutes APPROVED
Human Rights Commission
February 17, 2015 — 6 PM
Helling Conference Room
Members Present: Harry Olmstead, Orville Townsend Sr, Kim Hanrahan, Joe D. Coulter,
Stella Hart, Paul Retish, Shams Ghoneim, Ali Ahmed.
Members Not Present: Edie Pierce -Thomas.
Others Present: Ben Mark (Reporter Daily Iowan).
Staff Present: Stefanie Bowers.
Recommendations to Council: Yes, two recommendations (see below).
Call to Order:
Coulter called the meeting to order at 18:06.
Consideration of the Minutes from the January 20, 2015 Meeting Date:
Motion Olmstead, seconded by Townsend. Motion passed 7-0. (Hanrahan not present).
New Business
Funding Request from Ko Nec Cultural Diversity Awareness Program
The request is to fund two students ($500 each for a total $1000) for a Civil Rights tour and visit of
historically Black colleges. Commissioners discussed their available budget for co-sponsorship of
community events which is around $2000 yearly and also the number of persons in the community that
the request would benefit overall. Based upon these two factors the Commission denied sponsorship.
Motion Hanrahan, seconded by Townsend to deny sponsorship. Motion passed 5-3. (Ahmed,
Ghoneim, Relish in the negative).
Co -Sponsorship Request for Night of 1000 Dinners
Olmstead reported out to the Commission that the event location (Old Brick) is not accessible for persons
in wheelchairs. For Olmstead to participate in this event it would require him to sit in the chair provided
by the lift at Old Brick while others would have to carry his electronic wheelchair upstairs. His electronic
wheelchair weighs over 500 pounds. Commissioners voted to deny co-sponsorship of this event because
of the lack of accessibility for persons who use wheelchairs to attend. Bowers will contact the event
planners to provide an alternative location suggestion for the event in the future. Possible locations
include the Robert Lee Recreational Center.
Motion Townsend, seconded by Olmstead to deny co-sponsorship. Motion passed 8-0.
Old Business
Funding Request Form
Commissioners provided several suggestions for the form that will be used by
groups/individuals/organizations who wish for the Commission to fund or co-sponsor an event.
Suggestions include whether the venue is accessible for persons who utilize wheelchairs or have visual
impairments. Bowers asked for all Commissioners to provide any suggestions for additions/subtractions
to the form for a final review prior to June 2015. The form will go into effect July 1, 2015.
Volunteer Fair for Retired Persons
Retish reported that attempts to organize a volunteer fair for retired persons has been frustrating. Retish
does not want to duplicate what is already occurring in the community.
Commission Action Plan 2015
Coulter expressed his desire for the Commission to support the racial equity and diversity action plans
recently put forth by City staff and the Council in January. Retish and Townsend both noted that they had
concerns/questions about the St. Ambrose disproportionate minority contact study. Bowers asked Retish
and Townsend to provide the questions/concerns that they have to her and she would forward the
questions for a response.
Hanrahan reported on the possibility of using the upcoming Soul Food Dinner at City High (being held on
February 20) as a listening post. Hanrahan and Hart recently discussed the possible venues for future
listening posts. Townsend added that identifying the key players in the community is important to having
successful listening posts. Olmstead and Coulter would like the Commission to work with the Council on
their listening posts and to be a part of that community initiative.
Motion by Hanrahan, seconded by Hart to support the recommendations for racial equity and the
diversity action plans. Motion passed 7-1. (Townsend in the negative).
Hart is planning on attending a panel discussion on Affordable Housing in March and may revisit the
current program plans by the Commission on a similar topic.
Ghoneim spoke with the Coalition for Religious Communities on doing outreach to them on the
Commission and its role in the community. Ghoneim will have further information on possible
presentation dates at the March meeting. She also will look into possible presentations to the Iowa City
Mosque and the Iowa Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union.
2015 Choice Awards
Hanrahan who attended the event spoke very highly of it. The Commission was one of many co-sponsors.
Juneteenth
Hart will attend the March Juneteenth planning committee meeting and report back to the Commission.
Education Subcommittee
Retish and Hanarahan who are members of the Iowa City Community School District (ICCSD) Equity
Committee along with Olmstead spoke of a recent meeting in which Equity Director Kingsley Botchway
presented a PowerPoint presentation on the future of equity within the ICCSD.
Building Communities
Bowers spoke on the status of including Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) in the definition of public
assistance source of income under the Iowa City Fair Housing Ordinance. It is currently excluded in the
definition. Adding it to the definition would make it illegal to deny the rental of property to a person
based solely on the fact that they hold a Housing Choice Voucher. Bowers noted that the Council would
more likely than not defer to the City Attorney's Office for legality prior to moving forward on the
recommendation.
Motion by Townsend, seconded by Olmstead for Council to add Housing Choice Voucher to the
definition of public assistance source of income under the Iowa City Fair Housing Ordinance.
Motion passed 8-0.
University of Iowa Center for Human Rights Board
The book for One Community One Book for 2015 is Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson.
2
Commission
Hart mentioned the upcoming Souper Bowl being sponsored by DVIP on February 19. Tickets are $25
each. Hart also noted an upcoming program being held in March at The Women's Resource and Action
Center by the founder of the national Stop Street Harassment organization.
Retish mentioned the overlap of persons who are involved with human rights on the local level. He also
believes that programming should be directed at human beings as opposed to specific persons.
Olmstead reported on Being Black in America a program being held at The Englert Theatre on February
25. He also recently participated in a video produced by City Channel 4 on the importance of removing
snow from sidewalks.
Townsend announced that Eddie Moore Jr. is holding a discussion on White Privilege on February 23 at
The Kirkwood Room.
Hanrahan spoke on recent article on Commissioner Retish in the University of Iowa College of Education
Journal.
Ghoneim reported that the American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa recently hired an Executive Director.
Staff
Bowers recently presented to the Iowa City Library Board of Directors on ways to increase board
diversity. She also presented to the Iowa Legal Exploration class at the University of Iowa College of
Law and attended a meeting in Dubuque with a representative from the Government Alliance on Race and
Equity ("GARE").
Adjournment: 19:50.
Next Regular Meeting — March 17, 2015 at 6:00 pm.
3
Human Rights Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2014/2015
(Meeting Date)
NAME
TERM
EXP.
3/18/
14
4/29/
14
5/20/
14
6/17/
14
7/15/
14
8/19/
14
9/16/
14
10/2/
14
10/21/
14
11/18
14
12/15
14
1/20
15
2/17
15
Edie Pierce-
Thomas
1/1/2016
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
X
O/E
Joe D. Coulter
1/1/2016
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Harry
Olmstead
1/ 1 /2016
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Paul Retish
1/1/2017
O/E
X
X
X
O/E
X
O/E
X
O/E
O/E
X
X
X
Ali Ahmed
1/1/2017
O/E
O/E
O/E
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
O
X
Orville
Townsend, Sr.
1/1/2017
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Kim
Hanrahan
1/1/2018
X
X
O/E
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Shams
Ghoneim
1/1/2018
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
Stella Hart
1/1/2018
-
-
-
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
Andrea Cohen
1/1/2016
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
O/E
X
X
R
R
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = No meeting
-- = No longer a member
R = Resignation
5b(2)
Minutes APPROVED
Human Rights Commission
March 17, 2015 — 6 PM
Helling Conference Room
Members Present: Orville Townsend Sr, Kim Hanrahan, Joe D. Coulter, Stella Hart, Paul
Retish, Edie Pierce -Thomas.
Members Not Present: Harry Olmstead, Ali Ahmed, Shams Ghoneim.
Others Present: Andrea Cohen, Henri Harper.
Staff Present: Stefanie Bowers.
Recommendations to Council: No.
Call to Order:
Coulter called the meeting to order at 18:00.
Consideration of the Minutes from the February 17, 2015 Meeting Date:
Motion Pierce -Thomas, seconded by Townsend. Motion passed 6-0.
New Business
Making Iowa City a Human Rights City
Cohen discussed the initiative of making Iowa City a human rights city. The initiative was started almost
30 years ago in New York and currently cities in South America and Africa have been designated as
human rights cities. Making Iowa City a human rights city is a long term process of which the largest part
is education. There is a steering committee of Iowa City residents who are leading this effort. The
committee is currently looking for partnerships with local schools, community & religious organizations
and civic boards. There is no action requested of the Commission at this time. Cohen noted that this
initiative is in the beginning stages and she will continue to keep the Commission up to date as to status.
She encouraged the Commission to visit www.pdhre.org for more detailed information. It stands for the
People's Movement for Human Rights Education. It is a site dedicated to human rights learning for
social and economic transformation.
Sponsorship Request the Politics oflmmigration
The Commission declined to fund this program not because of interest but due to the selected location of
the program which is the Old Brick. The Old Brick is not wheelchair accessible.
Sponsorship Request Iowa City GLBTQ Pride
The Commission chose to participate in Iowa City Pride. Coulter, Pierce -Thomas and Hart have agreed to
staff the table at the event. The vender fee is $50.
Motion Hart, seconded by Pierce -Thomas. Motion passed 6-0.
Old Business
Funding Request from Ko Nec Cultural Diversity Awareness Program
Harper was present to answer questions the Commission had about the request for sponsorship which was
denied at the February 17 meeting date. Harper said that the trip is planned for 20 students and that he is
asking the Commission to invest as opposed to sponsor a youth to go on the trip. Harper also spoke on
how the trip has motivated and influenced the youth in this community who have participated in the trip
as part of the Fas Trac program. The Commission voted to contribute $250.
Motion Retish, seconded by Hanrahan. Motion passed 5-1. (Townsend in the negative).
Funding Request Form
Commissioners requested a few questions be switched around and also to add the current funding policy
to the form. Commissioners also asked that questions be revised in hopes of ascertaining the quantitative
effects a program or activity will have on the Iowa City community.
Commission Action Plan
Ghoneim has a tentative date to do a presentation on the Commission (Who we are, What we do) to the
Consultation of Religious Communities in June.
Hanrahan discussed her vision for the listening posts which includes informal posts initially with the posts
expanding over time into more detail topics and areas. The posts would become more detail oriented after
Commissioners have had an opportunity to receive feedback from the community as to areas of interest.
Hart recently attended an affordable housing forum and believes that the Human Rights Office Know
Your Rights brochures which are available in Arabic, Mandarin and Spanish need to be filtered
throughout the community. Hart also discussed concerns mentioned at the forum such as who to contact if
you feel you have been discriminated against or who to contact if you have problems with a landlord.
Open Meetings and the Law Training
The Commission will receive training on open meetings and the law on April 1.
Fair Housing Proclamation
The Iowa City Area Association of Realtors in collaboration with Commission staff submitted a
proclamation for the Mayor's consideration for April 7 in honor of fair housing month.
Fair Lending Training
Commission staff is sponsoring a fair lending training on April 30 for area bankers/lenders.
Youth Awards
Townsend, Retish and Pierce-Thomas will serve on the subcommittee to select the youth ally winner for
2015.
(Hart left meeting)
Reports
Soul Food
Hanrahan attended this event and reported that there were over 100 individuals present at the dinner. She
enjoyed the event and believes that community events like this are good for Commissioners to attend to
hold informal listening posts with individuals.
Juneteenth
Bowers reported (on behalf of Hart) that an essay and visual art contest will be sponsored by the
Commission in celebration of the 150th Anniversary of Juneteenth. The details of the contest are still
being ironed out but it will be open to all youth in the Johnson County area.
2
Volunteer Fair for Retired Persons
Retish is trying to locate and connect with community partners to assist in creating a volunteer fair for
retired persons.
Education Subcommittee
The Iowa City Community School District (ICCSD) Equity Committee will be meeting in the near future
and Equity Director Botchway will be presenting proposals on how to increase workforce equity within
the ICCSD at the meeting.
Building Communities
No report.
University of Iowa Center for Human Rights Board
Retish reported that the Center is currently deciding whether to have more intellectual based programing
or do programming that is more community focused.
Racial Equity & Diversity Initiative
Bowers discussed the racial equity and diversity initiative resolution passed by the City Council in
February.
Coulter and Townsend reported on their recent participation in the City staff roundtables and noted that
the roundtables will be held monthly. Townsend and Coulter both hope that the roundtables facilitate
better communication and allow City staff to better connect with the community.
Commission
Pierce -Thomas recently became a grandmother and is enjoying the role.
Retish would like the Commission to discuss the St. Ambrose Report (Disproportionate Minority Contact
Study) in the near future but would like each Commissioner to read the report prior to holding a
discussion. Bowers added that the link to the report and a link to the presentation by Dr. Barnum done last
June are available on the City's website on the main page for the Police Department.
Hanrahan recently was able to meet and speak with Dr. Barnum (author of St. Ambrose report) and was
able to discuss the report with him one on one. She encouraged other Commissioners to make contact
with Dr. Barnum.
Staff
Bowers spoke to University of Iowa students in an introductory course on Human Rights and attended a
White Privilege training with Dr. Eddie Moore Jr.
Adjournment: 20:17.
Next Regular Meeting — April 21, 2015 at 6:00 pm.
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Human Rights Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2014/2015
(Meeting Date)
NAME
TERM
EXP.
4/29/
14
5/20/
14
6/17/
14
7/15/
14
8/19/
14
9/16/
14
10/2/
14
10/21/
14
11/18
14
12/15
14
1/20
15
2/17
15
3/17/
15
Edie Pierce-
Thomas
1/1/2016
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
X
O/E
X
Joe D. Coulter
1/1/2016
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Harry
Olmstead
1/1/2016
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
Paul Relish
1/1/2017
X
X
X
O/E
X
O/E
X
O/E
O/E
X
X
X
X
Ali Ahmed
1/1/2017
O/E
O/E
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
O
X
O/E
Orville
Townsend, Sr.
1/1/2017
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Kim
Hanrahan
1/1/2018
X
O/E
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Shams
Ghoneim
1/1/2018
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
O/E
Stella Hart
1/1/2018
-
-
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = No meeting
-- = No longer a member
R = Resignation
05-05
5b(3)
Minutes
Human Rights Commission
April 1, 2015 — 5 PM
Helling Conference Room
APPROVED
Members Present: Orville Townsend Sr, Kim Hanrahan, Joe D. Coulter, Stella Hart, Paul
Retish, Edie Pierce -Thomas, Harry Olmstead, Ali Ahmed, Shams
Ghoneim.
Others Present: Jeff Schott.
Staff Present: Stefanie Bowers.
Recommendations to Council: No.
Call to Order:
Coulter called the meeting to order at 17:01. (Not present Ghoneim, Hanrahan, Ahmed).
Jeff Schott presented to the Commission on Open Meetings and the Law. The presentation included a
discussion of the following:
Executive closed session, violations of the open meeting law, public records law, gender balance law,
confidential records, Iowa Public Information Board, violations of the public record law, gift law,
restricted donors, conflict of interest law, duties & responsibilities of board members, policy program
evaluation, community connection, six strategies to improve performance, board -improvement; team -
work, board orientation, decision making, act strategically.
Hanrahan present 17:05.
Ghoneim present 17:08.
Ahmed present 17:40.
Townsend left 18:35.
Pierce -Thomas left 18:45.
Adjournment: 18:59.
Next Regular Meeting — April 21, 2015 at 6:00 pm.
From: Stefanie Bowers
Seft Monday, March 30, 201511:07 AM
To: Stefanie Bowers
Subod: FW: DisabAity Advocate Award
•----Original Message
From: Harry Olmstead [maiko:HarryO3Qaol.comj
Sent: Saturday, March 28, 2015 6:38 PM
To: Stefanie Bowers
Subject- Disability Advocate Award
Dear Commissioners: A friend and advocate in that of Terry Cunningham died recently. Terry served
on many boards in Iowa and Iowa City. I hope that I can have your support passing the following
motion at the Human Rights Commission meeting on April 21. 1 move for the Iowa City Human Rights
Commission develop a yearly award for a person who has a disability and has made significant
contributions in Iowa City. I recommend that we name this award after Terry Cunningham and that it
be presented at the City-wide ADA Celebration which will be July 25 on the ped mail.
Terry Cunningham was a disabilities advocate. Terry served on the Olmstead Task Force, Terry
served on the Iowa State Independent Living Council, been a board member on Johnson County
Mental Health and Disabilities Council, has been President and Board member of
Access2independece, Terry also served on the Johnson County Para -transit Advisory Board,
member of the Johnson County Task Force on aging, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of
UpTown Bills, served on the Board of Directors for PAN even hosting and producing a weekly show
about Issues that persons with disabilities would want to know, Terry also served on the Extend a
Dream Foundation Board. In 2012 he was awarded the Hero Award by the Association of Retarded
Citizens of SE Iowa. He has been instrumental in the yearly ADA Celebration in Iowa City.
I hope that you would agree with me that this is an award whose time has come in Iowa City. I ask for
your support and vote to make this award a reality.
Truly,
Harry Olmstead
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Human Rights Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2014/2015
(Meetime Date)
NAME
TERM
EXP.
5/20/
14
6/17/
14
7/15/
14
8/19/
14
9/16/
14
10/2/
14
10/21/
14
11/18/
14
12/15/
14
1/20/
15
2/17/
15
3/17/
15
4/1/
15
Edie Pierce-
Thomas
1/1/2016
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
X
O/E
X
X
Joe D. Coulter
1/1/2016
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Harry
Olmstead
1/1/2016
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
Paul Retish
1/1/2017
X
X
O/E
X
O/E
X
O/E
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
Ali Ahmed
1/1/2017
O/E
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
O
X
O/E
X
Orville
Townsend, Sr.
1/1/2017
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Kim
Hanrahan
1/1/2018
O/E
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Shams
Ghoneim
1/1/2018
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
O/E
X
Stella Hart
1/1/2018
-
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = No meeting
-- = No longer a member
R = Resignation
05-05-15
QIOWA CITY 5b(4)
PUBLIC LIBRARY
123 S. Linn St. • Iowa City, IA 52240
—7m Susan Crag • naw 319-356-5200 • rs. 319 356-5494 • ww rcpl.org
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
March 26, 2015
FINAL APPROVED
Members Present: Diane Baker, Thomas Dean, Janet Freeman, Thomas Martin, Linzee McCray, Robin
Paetzold (on the phone), Meredith Rich -Chappell, Jay Semel.
Members Absent: David Hamilton.
Staff Present: Maeve Clark, Susan Craig, Patty McCarthy, Anne Mangano, Elyse Miller, Vickie
Pasicznyuk.
Guests Present: None.
Call Meeting to Order. Vice -President Dean called the meeting to order at 5:02 pm.
Public Discussion. None.
Approval of Minutes.
The minutes of the February 26, 2015 Library Board of Trustees meeting were reviewed. A motion to
approve the Minutes with the correction by Paetzold to eliminate the sentence "Paetzold will send an
email" was made by Baker and seconded by McCray. Motion carried 8/0.
Unfinished Business.
Director Evaluation Process. Martin talked with Betsy Thompson of Sioux City at his last State Library
Commission meeting. Their evaluation template was an example included in the January packet.
Thompson said they are happy with their process. Dean noted that the Committee will come back in
April with the suggested process for discussion by the Board. The Board agreed to jump ahead in the
agenda to the President's Report as it was germane to this discussion.
President's Report.
Appoint Committee to Evaluate Director. President Paetzold stated Baker, Dean, and Semel agreed to
participate on the Committee to Evaluate the Director and she thanked them for doing so.
New Business.
Board Policy #102: Policy Making and Policy Review. This is a regularly scheduled policy review. One
small change is recommended by staff. Craig wanted to emphasize the importance of policy making
and the authority of the Board to make policy. Freeman asked if this is unique in the City. Craig said the
Airport Commission is the other body similar operationally to the Library Board. A motion to approve
the policy with the minor change was made by Rich -Chappell and seconded by McCray. Martin asked
how people can find the policies on the web. Clark said policies are sorted both by policy number and
alphabetically by subject on the web at www.icpl.org[policies. Motion carried 8/0.
Staff Reports.
Update on commercial electronic collections. Mangano gave a presentation about ICPL's current
commercial digital collections. We purchase this content from third party vendors. The Library will
spend $110,000 this year on digital content. These collections are well used. Currently we subscribe to
Overdrive, which provides our eBook and eAudio collections, and Tumblebooks for children. We also
subscribe to Zinio, which provides our digital magazine collection. Licensing content is not the same as
owning content and is one of the primary considerations when we select a digital collection/vendor.
Craig said vendors license products based on population. She said digital vendors do not permit use
outside of a license/contract and to receive their content you must agree to the vendor's terms. We are
in discussions with Coralville and North Liberty to pool our resources to create a consortium that will
have more purchasing power and allow more patrons throughout Johnson County to use more
materials. Mangano said patrons will soon be able to checkout ematerials straight from the library
catalog instead of having to go to the Overdrive website. Semel asked, in the spirit of diversity, if
anyone on the Board is using digital materials. Trends in our collections: audio is moving from CDs to
downloading to a device, and checkout for the 163 magazine titles available digitally will overtake print
magazines this year. McCray believes the vendor names, Overdrive and Zinio are impediments to use
and suggested if we called items this digital magazines instead of Zinio, and ebooks instead of
Overdrive, patrons might be less confused. Mangano said the name of the vendor is necessary because
that is what patrons see when they download an ebook. Additionally, the postcards promoting these
services have the vendor name on one side, and what the vendors provide on the other side of the
postcard. Semel asked how much we spend on magazines now compared with five years ago. Mangano
said she would get this information to the Board.
Director's Report. Board recruitment poster has been used by some Board members on their Facebook
pages. Craig checked today and there are four applications (3 men and 1 woman) at City Clerk's office.
Vickie Pasicznyuk's last day is May 21; we have been hosting candidates for the Children's Coordinator
position for the past two weeks. Dev/Iowa of the University of Iowa is hosting a Hackathon this
weekend in the rental space. Martin asked if we are involved in the Shakespeare/Folio programming he
read about. Craig and Clark said ICPL will be involved.
Departmental Reports:
Adult Services. Clark distributed the CD "For Kids by Kids" to Board members. It is available to download
for free through our Local Music Project. The DVD release party is at the Englert on Saturday. ICPL
financially supported this project. Clark displayed the kid kits Children's Services put together to keep
children occupied who accompany their parents on the second floor. Patrons should ask for a kit at the
Info Desk.
Community & Access Services. No comments.
z
Development Office Report. Buy 1 get 3 free CDs through Tuesday at The Book End. Currently, the
Friends Foundation Board is recruiting members. McCarthy encouraged Board members to let people
know about FFB recruitment.
Spotlight on the Collection. No comments.
Rich -Chappell out at 6:08 pm.
Miscellaneous. No comments.
Announcements from Members. McCray's book, "Art Quilts of the Midwest," has just been published
by University of Iowa Press. There is a book release party at Home Ec on Friday from 6:00-7:30 and an
event at the Library on April 14th. Martin attended his final State Commission meeting last week. He
thanked Craig for suggesting he consider participating on the Commission in the first place. Two
Commission members came up to him after to tell him they will miss his reports from ICPL. "We are
second to none." Dean was sorry to hear about Barbara Curtin's passing and wanted to acknowledge
the wonderful things she did for the library.
Committee Reports.
Foundation Members. None.
Communications. None.
Disbursements.
The MasterCard expenditures for February, 2015 were reviewed. A motion to approve the
disbursements for February, 2015 was made by Martin and seconded by Baker. Motion carried 7/0.
Set Agenda Order for April Meeting.
Policy reviews.
Resource sharing agreement.
Adjournment. A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by McCray and seconded by Freeman.
Motion carried 7/0. Vice -President Dean closed the meeting at 6:16 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Elyse Miller
Board or Commission: ICPL Board of Trustees
ATTENDANCE RECORD
12 Month
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Diane Baker
6/30/19
O/E
x
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
O/E
X
X
O/E
Thomas Dean
6/30/15
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
Janet Freeman
6/30/19
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
O/E
David Hamilton
6/30/15
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
O/E
Tom Martin
6/30/17
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
Linzee Kull
McCra
6/30/15
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O
O/E
X
X
Robin Paetzold
6/30/17
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Meredith
Rich -Chappell
6/30/17
X
X
O/E
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
Semel, lay
6/30/19
X
X
X
x
X
X
x
X
O/E
X
X
X
KEY:
X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = No meeting
�I �,5.�
pi� CITY OF IOWA CITY 5b(5)
MEMORANDUM
Date: April 30, 2015
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Mike Moran, Director
Parks & Recreation
Re: Recommendation from Parks and Recreation Commission
At their February 11, 2015 meeting the Citizens Parks and Recreation Commission made the
following recommendation to the City Council:
Moved by Elliott, seconded by Younker to recommend to City Council the approval of Parks and
Recreation Department fees and charges and proposed for FYI 6.
Additional action (check one)
No further action needed
Board or Commission is requesting Council direction
X Agenda item will be prepared by staff for Council action
S:RECform.doc
MINUTES APPROVED
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
FEBRUARY 11, 2015
ROBERT A. LEE COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTER — MEETING ROOM B
Members Present: Suzanne Bender, Larry Brown, Clay Claussen, Maggie Elliott,
Cara Hamann, Katie Jones, Lucie Laurian, Joe Younker
Members Absent: David Bourgeois
Staff Present: Mike Moran, Chad Dyson, Zac Hall
Others Present: Temple Hiatt, Del Holland
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Claussen called the meeting to order at 5 p.m.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (to become effective only after separate Council action):
Moved by Elliott. seconded by Younker to recommend to City Council the approval of Parks and
Recreation Department fees and charges and proposed for FY16.
OTHER FORMAL ACTION:
It was noted that two commission members were left off of the attendance roster for the December 2014
meeting (Cara Hamann & Katie Jones).
Moved by Elliott. seconded by Younker to approve the December 10, 2014 minutes as amended.
Motion passed 8-0 Bourgeois absent).
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
Temple Hiatt with Iowa City Girls Softball noted that the revenue report that is attached to the
commission packet does not list softball and baseball separately. She would like to see these broken
down. She also does not see a line item for the proposed 10% rental fee for affiliates listed for FY2016.
She asked where these fees will be designated. Claussen noted that the fees will go back into the Parks
and Recreation operating budget. Dyson noted that income for these rentals will go into the ball diamond
account specifically.
Larry Brown noted that he walked the trails in Hickory Hill Park after the recent snowfall and said it was
beautiful. He further noted that he encountered 8 to 10 people using the trail, one was cross-country
skiing. It appeared to him that these users appreciate the staffs plan to not clear snow from this trail.
AFFILIATE GROUP DISCUSSION — IOWA CITY EELS
Adam Loria with Iowa City Eels was present at tonight's meeting to discuss the club and the proposed
cost recovery for the Parks and Recreation Department. He started by noting that the club currently has 73
swimmers which include kids from 7 -years -old to seniors in high school. There are currently two
swimmers who are going to nationals. These include Lizzie Brown who is less than one second away
from qualifying for the Olympics. The other is Alex Walton who was named Senior Age Coach of the
Year.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
February 11, 2015
Page 2 of 8
He noted that Eels will be hosting a huge meet this next weekend. He said that parents help with these
meets by running the concessions, timing swimmers and other duties. Loria commended Matt Eidahl and
Matthew Eckhardt for their help in setting up the meets. Communication between Eels and the
department has been great. He said that teams that come to Mercer for meets love the pool.
Loria announced that they will be sponsoring a Freestyle and Backstroke Swim Clinic on March 25 with
Olympic Gold Medalist Anthony Ervin, a USA Olympic team member in 2000 and 2012. Ervin will
share his training habits and the drills he uses, dry land routines, and his life as a professional athlete.
Loria noted that they are currently charged for the space they use and the dumpster fees during meets.
However, they don't see the increase as anything they can't handle. They increased their equipment fees
in the past to cover costs. Dyson said that this group is the only affiliate group that does pay. They pay a
flat fee of $1000 a month regardless of usage. Staff has talked about looking at their actual usage to see
how it compares to their flat fee.
As far as the proposed affiliate fees, Eels are looking at ways to decrease costs and are okay with proposal
with enough notice.
Elliott asked how kids get into the program. Loria said that they advertise in the Parks and Recreation
activity guide. They also will be present after a swim lesson sessions are complete and talk to those
families who have kids that have passed level 4 or 5 to see if they are interested. There are also bulletin
boards with their info at both Mercer and Coralville. They have some ideas in the works to increase
membership.
Younker asked what kind of trends they have seen in their membership numbers. Loria noted that the
club hit some rough patches in the past where there was some turnover on the board and that during the
transition. Once getting a board in place, membership has slowly increased. They expect to have some
seniors that will sign on in the fall.
Brown asked what the age of distribution is within their club. Loria said that most are 12 and under (8
and under has 25 and 9-10 year olds also have 25). Bentler asked what percentage of the members are
nonresidents. Loria said that while he does not know the exact number, he would guess about 10%.
Claussen asked if they had any access to the kids through the school district. This has been a challenge for
them. They have not talked about this avenue recently.
Loria expressed his appreciation for being invited to come and speak with the Commission. The
Commission likewise thanked him for taking the time to come meet with them.
NEIGHBORHOOD OPEN SPACE REVIEW:
Prairie Hill: In summary this is a proposal to develop a cohousing community. The property is adjacent
to Benton Hill Park. The Planning and Zoning Commission did not approve the proposal. Subsequently
and for unrelated reasons, the group has revised their plan. There will be no land swap. Parks will
maintain the space as they have in the past. Moran noted that the easement that has always been there will
have to be reviewed. Laurian relayed her concern about the parking that would be necessary for the
cohousing development. Dell Holland, member of the public present at tonight's meeting and a member
of the Board of Managers for the cohousing project, noted that that is regulated by the City.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
February 11, 2015
Page 3 of 8
RECREATION DIVISION REPORT
Recreation Projects Update
• City Park Pool: This project will be closed out very soon. There were two change
orders; 1) tree damage during construction and 2) liquidated damages due to delay in
construction.
• Fairmeadows Park: Restroom to be placed adjacent to the splash pad. This is set to finish
by May 1.
Winter/Spring Program Update: Programs are off and running. The new session for swim lessons started
this past week. The department has consolidated swimming lessons into one night per week over six
weeks, rather than the previous two nights a week over four weeks. This has been very well received.
Affiliate Update: Dyson explained that he had created a joint flyer with affiliate group information to go
out to the schools. However it was not approved for distribution He was able to get some fliers directly
into the secretaries' hands and it has been approved to be placed on bulletin boards. He was also referred
to the Virtual Backpack. Moran and Dyson are discussing whether to pursue.
Brown asked if there had been any more discussion about potential grant applications for the affiliate
groups Dyson said that this has been discussed at both the Girls Softball and Kickers board meetings.
Both groups are interested in pursuing this option. Brown also asked if staff felt it would make sense to
have other affiliates pay a flat fee similar to what Iowa City Eels currently does. Dyson thinks that this is
worth looking into.
Claussen asked what the future relationship between the Parks and Recreation Department and the two
new schools being constructed in Iowa City. Dyson noted that the department will be entering into 28E
agreements with both new schools for gym use on evenings and weekends, similar to the one that is in
place between the department and Grant Wood Elementary.
AFFILIATE GROUP FEE DISCUSSION:
Dyson reviewed his summary of major points written for athletic affiliate groups. He has listed various
avenues from cost reductions to revenue enhancements and lastly affiliates usage fee options.
Cost Reductions:
1) Decrease operational expenditures:
• Labor hour reductions: Dyson noted that the new Affordable Care Act is going to affect the
department's employee process rather significantly and we will likely experience a reduction in
labor due to these changes. The majority of labor hours impacted comes from weekend
tournaments when staff is called back in to work these weekends. The department is trying to
compensate for this by increasing the rental rate for ball diamonds and soccer fields.
• Volunteer Maintenance: Staff does not recommend this option. While the department has
contracted out some of its operation, which has proven to be a viable option, a volunteer program
for such duties has not proven successful.
2) Participant Scholarships
• Seek Grants & Sponsorships: Staff recommends this option and would like to pursue these grants
and sponsorships.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
February 11, 2015
Page 4 of 8
Revenue Enhancements
1) Facility Scheduling:
• Consolidate Scheduling to open facilities for additional rentals: Staff recommends this option.
Kickers have moved all their games to Saturday, thereby opening the fields on Sundays for
additional rentals.
• Increase tournaments: Staff recommends
2) Rental Rate Increases
• Staff recommends this option and implementation is in progress. Rental rates proposed are listed
in the revenue spreadsheet that was included in the commission packet. The FYI fees reflect a
rather significant increase.
Affiliate Usage Fees
1) 10% of actual usage: This idea is based on the 2010 policy that was written but was never put into
action. At that time we could not determine the best way to handle those groups who had contributed
money to the department. This time, however, it is a budget issue so has become necessary to review the
policy. Younker asked if that would be based on average use and when it would be paid. Dyson said it
would be reconciled at the end of the season. The department would look at the total number of games
and practices and determine the average cost and charge them 10% of the respective fees at that time.
Dyson will bring back a draft policy in April for Commission to review and act on.
2) Set percentage of City costs — This idea was based on our 28E agreements; however, this doesn't give
the affiliate groups any control.
Moved by Younker, seconded by Bentler, that Parks and Recreation staff prepare a draft policy
consistent with the recommendations included in the February 2015 Commission packet. Passed 8-
0 Bourgeois absent).
Laurian wondered if staff and commission were introducing some inequity, for instance, could there be a
sudden increase if the City were to build a new pool. Moran noted that the criteria would remain the
same for all affiliates, giving the affiliate control of how much they use the facility. Dyson also noted that
these expenses come from different budgets. This is a cost recovery effort of operations only. The policy
will give Moran the authority to review and revise on annual bases.
Dyson noted that it has been very beneficial having the opportunity to talk with all of the affiliate groups.
It has been nice to hear their ideas and get their input during this process. Dyson would like to have them
present to the commission on a more regular basis, perhaps monthly or quarterly. Jones expressed her
appreciation to the affiliate groups as well.
Laurian would like the Commission and staff to continue to pursue the school district in getting
information out to the students and their parents.
Bender noted that there are online neighborhood group newsletters that may be worth reaching out to.
Dyson will contact Marcia Bollinger in Neighborhood Services.
Jones asked if there were other ideas mentioned that were viable, such as sponsorships or naming rights.
Dyson said that these ideas are more viable than in they have been in the past. Hiatt was asked if Iowa
City Girls Softball had been approached about a possible donation. Hiatt said that she was not aware of
such an offer.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
February 11, 2015
Page 5 of 8
APPROVAL OF PARKS & RECREATION FEES & CHARGES:
Moran noted that the projected revenues for the department were included in this month's commission
packet. These will go to Council on March 9 for approval. The most significant increase is the park
shelter fees. After Laurian's class completed a survey, it was determined that Iowa City shelter fees were
quite low.
Moved by Elliott, seconded by Younker to recommend to City Council the approval of Parks and
Recreation Department fees and charges and proposed for FY16.
IZ1911431] ►i/ R1 CONS 7A 131
Hall noted that he attended the 81s` Iowa Turf Grass Conference and Trade Show held in Altoona in
February. Joe Wagner, a Parks employee, was awarded the 2015 Meritorious Service Award by the Iowa
Turf Grass Institute for his "outstanding leadership and vision, efforts to improve educational
opportunities for those in the industry and the mentoring he has provided other turf managers across the
state." Wagner is the turf grass specialist in parks and oversees maintenance of all City sports fields.
Hall said that the new winter trail maintenance pilot program has been implemented with mixed reviews.
In summary, City crews will remove snow only from trails that are used by commuters or that connect to
schools and other essential service areas. The other trails will be left snow covered to increase winter
recreation activities while also reducing park maintenance costs. Staff will continue to monitor the
program.
Hall reported that staff is working to prep the water for skating at both City Park and Teary Trueblood
Recreation Area. The weather has proven to make it challenging, as the melting and then refreezing
causes the ice to be too rough for skating.
Hall stated that staff is over -seeding the prairie along the trail at TTRA and then on the north end between
the lodge and the parking lot. In total they have seeded about 10 acres.
Staff will be attending the annual Shade Tree Conference in Ames in two weeks. Emerald Ash Borer
(EAB) will be a big topic of discussion. A professor from Purdue, who has created an EAB model, will
be presenting. Younker mentioned an article that was in the Gazette that states that the Cedar Rapids
Parks and Forestry Department have decided to inject an insecticide into the trunk of 1200 to 1900 good
quality, city -owned ash trees in an attempt to save them. Hall says that staff will explore this option to
determine if it is feasible. His thought is that treating the trees in this manner only prolongs the life of the
tree and that it will still likely die from EAB eventually. Brown noted that he at one time had an oak tree
that was diseased and he was told by a commercial company that injecting a tree is like throwing your
money away.
DIRECTORS REPORT:
Budget Review: The City budget will be reviewed at the March 9 council meeting. Moran said he does
not expect there to be many comments or questions about the Parks and Recreation Budget, although,
there might see some affiliate group members at this meeting.
Lower City Park Master Plan: RFP has been written. Staff will evaluate and interview three of the
bidders. Once contractor is selected staff will hold two public meetings for this project.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
February 11, 2015
Page 6 of 8
Willow Creek/Kiwanis Parks Master Plan: Moran reported that about 25 people attended the latest public
meeting and gave the plan rave reviews. HBK will go ahead with the design process and run this through
council. City will start taking bids in March with construction beginning in April.
Tower Court Park: A spray pad will be placed in the park. There is some concern about extra drainage
and staff will work with the contractor to eliminate this issue. A new playground will be added to the park
as well. The City is working with Oaknoll about a proposal to add senior fitness equipment to the park.
Highland Park: Moran met with Thomas McInerney, Architect, (the architect for the Ashton House
renovation) who has volunteered his services for this project as he lives in the Highland Park
Neighborhood. The shelter has arrived and will be installed this spring along with some other cosmetics.
Timing, of course, depends on weather.
TTRA: Staff is working on plans to provide more water to Sand Lake. One idea is to tie into a large
effluent pipe from the sewer plant. This plan should increase the water level by 1 to 2 feet. Laurian asked
if there was a concern about the quality of this water. Moran noted that the DNR approved this water.
City currently uses this water on soccer fields and are also looking at capping into a pipe that goes along
Gilbert Street to provide water to Napoleon ball fields. Signs will be placed to inform the public.
Riverfront Crossings: Moran noted that staff forwarded to the designer the comments and suggestions
gathered at the recent Riverfront Crossings public presentation. RDG is looking at these and will
reevaluate the plan based on those comments. The designer will present this plan to Commission for
review in April. Laurian asked if there is talk of potentially saving the old wastewater treatment building
and if there had been any thought of moving the building. Moran said that it is not conducive to moving.
Jones noted that it is her understanding that the building is not ADA compliant. Laurian asked if it is
worth Commission pushing towards saving the building. Moran stated that there is no money in the
budget to save the building, it was not budgeted for within the project
Chadek Gardens: The plan is to place community gardens in the southeast corner of this property. Moran
will be talking with the neighborhood about the parks development plans and about planning a grand
opening for the park. Claussen agreed that this would be a great way to honor the Chadek Family.
Staff Changes: Moran announced that Sheri Thomas, the departments Central Business District (CBD)
Supervisor, has retired. The department is going to transfer the CBD maintenance to the
Parking/Transportation Division. One Parks employee will be transferred to that division. The City will
contract with ABM to clean the pedestrian mall. They will likewise contract with the Shelter House to
clean before, during and after festivals held in the downtown area. The CBD Supervisor position will be
advertised as a Senior Maintenance Horticultural Specialist. This position will be in charge of flower
beds, prairies, medians etc. throughout the City.
Moran noted that he will be out of the country for the March 11 Commission Meeting. It was determined
by all to cancel this meeting. Commission will meet again on April 8.
CHAIRS REPORT:
Claussen noted that the Riverfront Crossings Public Presentation was well done. Although, he believes it
to be odd that the Parks and Recreation Commission is not being asked for more input. He stated that it
appears that the white water park is off the table. Laurian noted that she would like to see the zip line idea
eliminated as well. Brown noted that his grandchildren were quite excited about the possibility of a zip
line. Moran noted that if a zip line is part of the development the management of such will be contracted.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
February 11, 2015
Page 7 of 8
Brown asked if there was any plan for the Doug Paul property which was the site for New Pioneer Coop
Community Gardens. Moran said that he and City Manager Tom Markus met with Paul who has plans in
place for that property.
Claussen asked about the progress on The Chauncey. Moran noted that the Planning and Zoning
Commission failed to approve two motions that would have allowed rezoning of three city blocks
including this site. The first motion was to defer a decision on the proposed rezoning and the second
motion was to recommend that city council approve the addition of the three blocks to the Downtown and
Riverfront Crossings plan. Because these motions failed, the Downtown and Riverfront Crossings plans
will be considered by the city council. The council will likely vote at its February 9 meeting. Laurian
asked if we are going to lose Chauncey Swan Park due to the shadow. She noted that there are other
groups out there protesting the building, but that this commission hasn't today voiced any opposition.
She said she spoke with Jim Throgmorton who said that they could build this without using the park for a
staging area, that there are ways to stage onsite. Moran said that a lot of money will be committed to
redeveloping the park so that the department will not have to bear the burden of cost.
COMMISSION TIME/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
Laurian noted that a group working on a biodiversity policy will present to council on March 9 asking
Council to write such a policy. Laurian's students are working on an assignment that includes creating a
biodiversity plan for Chadek Green Park, prairie plantings, butterfly gardens etc. Another group of ,
students will be working on a project plan for Lower City Park. She thought this might be useful when
writing the RFP for City Park. Their project will include flood management.
Jones noted that Cedar Rapids is adding an ADA portion within Noelridge Park. She asked if there was
anything in Iowa City. Moran noted that all parks have to be partially ADA accessible.
Elliott wanted to make sure that staff is aware of a United Way/Johnson County Foundation scholarship
program for summer activities.
ADJOURNMENT:
Moved by Elliott, seconded by Bentler, to adjourn the meeting at 6:47 a.m. Motion passed 8-0
Bourgeois absent).
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
February 11, 2015
Page 8 of 8
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
NAME
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er
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TERM
EXPIRE
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�°
r
°°
°�
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S
Suzanne
1/1/17
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Bender
David
1/1/15
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
Bourgeois
Larry Brown
1/1/18
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
Clay
1/1/18
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Claussen
Maggie
1/1/17
X
X
O/E
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
Elliott
Cara
1/1/16
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
Hamann
Katie Jones
1/1/18
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
Lucie
1/1/15
O/E
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
Laurian
Joe Younker
1/1/16
X
O/E
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
KEY: X = Present O = Absent O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = No meeting LQ = No meeting due to lack of quorum
* = Not a member at this time
Ib
=00-
'.S CITY OF [OWA CITY
MEMORANDUM ww5mb'"'
Date: April 17, 2015
To: Mayor and City Council
From: John Yapp, Planning & Zoning Commission
Re: Recommendations from Planning & Zoning Commission
At their April 16, 2015 meeting the Planning & Zoning Commission approved the March 19
minutes with the following recommendation to the City Council:
The Commission moved by a vote of 7-0 to recommend approval that the blocks generally
bounded by Clinton Street, Jefferson Street, Bloomington Street and Dubuque Street (AKA the
North Clinton/Dubuque Street District) be included in the Central Planning District.
A. The North Clinton /Dubuque Street properties be added to the Central Planning District
Land Use Map, as shown on Exhibit A
B. The Central District Plan be amended to add the following goals:
a. Housing and Quality of Life Goal #1(h): Review the Multi Family Design
standards to ensure they meet the goal of an attractive streetscapes in gateway
corridors
b. Transportation Goal #3(k): Invest in the streetscapes of Dubuque Street and
Clinton Street to highlight their function as gateways to downtown Iowa City and
the University of Iowa east campus
c. Transportation Goal #3(h): As Dubuque Street, Clinton Street and other area
streets are redesigned/reconstructed incorporate complete streets principals into
their design
d. Improve east/west connectivity between Dubuque Street and Clinton Street
corridor and north side neighborhood
The Commission moved by a vote of 7-0 to recommend approval of updating the Central District
Planning map in the IC2030 Comprehensive Plan.
Additional action (check one)
No further action needed
Board or Commission is requesting Council direction
_X_ Agenda item will be prepared by staff for Council action
MINUTES APPROVED
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
MARCH 19, 2015 — 7:00 PM — FORMAL MEETING
E M M A J. HARVAT HALL, CITY HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Carolyn Dyer, Charlie Eastham, Ann Freerks, Phoebe Martin,
Paula Swygard, Jodie Theobald, John Thomas
MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT: Sara Hektoen, Robert Miklo, John Yapp
OTHERS PRESENT: Stephen Trefz, Bob Richardson, Dave Biancuzzo, Pam Michaud,
Nancy Carlson, Helen Burford, Alicia Trimble, Duane Musser,
David Dunlap, Jo Dickens, Terry Dickens
CALL TO ORDER
Freerks called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL
The Commission moved by a vote of 7-0 to recommend approval that the blocks generally
bounded by Clinton Street, Jefferson Street, Bloomington Street and Dubuque Street (AKA the
North Clinton/Dubuque Street District) be included in the Central Planning District.
A. The North Clinton /Dubuque Street properties be added to the Central Planning District
Land Use Map, as shown on Exhibit A
B. The Central District Plan be amended to add the following goals:
a. Housing and Quality of Life Goal #1(h): Review the Multi Family Design standards
to ensure they meet the goal of an attractive streetscapes in gateway corridors
b. Transportation Goal #3(k): Invest in the streetscapes of Dubuque Street and
Clinton Street to highlight their function as gateways to downtown Iowa City and
the University of Iowa east campus
c. Transportation Goal #3(h): As Dubuque Street, Clinton Street and other area
streets are redesigned/reconstructed incorporate complete streets principals into
their design
d. Improve east/west connectivity between Dubuque Street and Clinton Street
corridor and north side neighborhood
The Commission moved by a vote of 7-0 to recommend approval of updating the Central District
Planning map in the IC2030 Comprehensive Plan.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA
None.
Planning and Zoning Commission
March 19, 2015 — Formal Meeting
Page 2 of 25
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ITEMS
Freerks explained that the Commission would discuss the two items separately. Martin stated
she sits on the Board of Directors for the United Action for Youth, and they have just announced
publically they are selling their buildings on Iowa Avenue so Martin will not be part of the
discussion on item two.
Discussion of proposed amendments to the Comprehensive Plan for the blocks generally
bounded by Clinton Street, Jefferson Street, Bloomington Street and Dubuque Street (AKA the
North Clinton/Dubuque Street District).
Yapp showed a map of the area, and stated that staff is recommending that this area be added
to the Central District Plan. At the Commission's work session Monday night the Commission
asked Staff to add to the goals to improve east/west pedestrian connectivity between the
Clinton/Dubuque Street corridor and the north side neighborhood and staff has added that to the
complete streets goal. The Commission also had a question about updating the IC2030
Comprehensive Plan and the language Staff was focused on refers to the desire to initiate a
process to address how the area is redeveloped over time. Upon completion of this process,
when City Council considers these areas, Staff would recommend that would include removing
that language from the IC2030 Comprehensive Plan and amending the Central District Plan map
in the Comprehensive Plan to identify these areas as part of the Central Planning District.
Yapp continued with the staff report to state that regarding historic preservation, at the last
Commission meeting the Commission had asked that the Historic Preservation Commission
review this area, the North Clinton/Dubuque Street District, and the Historic Preservation
Commission found that the Sanxay-Gilmore house at 109 East Market Street would qualify for
historic landmark status and should be given attention for historic preservation. Staff notes that
the Central District Plan already includes a goal of supporting the goals and objectives of the
Historic Preservation Plan which includes identifying and designating of historic buildings. Yapp
stated that regarding the remainder of the North Clinton/Dubuque Street District the Historic
Preservation Commission did not find there was a concentration of historic properties that would
quality that area for a conservation or historic district. Yapp noted that the Historic Preservation
Commission's review was limited to this specific area and later this year they will be conducting a
survey further north on Clinton Street, Dubuque Street and the side streets that could
subsequently be considered for landmark status. Yapp noted that City Staff member Bob Miklo
was at the Historic Preservation Commission meeting and could answer any Commission
questions.
Yapp stated that Staff does recommend for the blocks generally bounded by Clinton Street,
Jefferson Street, Bloomington Street and Dubuque Street (AKA the North Clinton/Dubuque
Street District) be included in the Central Planning District.
A. Staff recommends the North Clinton /Dubuque Street properties be added to the Central
Planning District Land Use Map, as shown on Exhibit A
B. Staff recommends the Central District Plan be amended to add the following goals:
a. Housing and Quality of Life Goal #1(h): Review the Multi Family Design standards
to ensure they meet the goal of an attractive streetscapes in gateway corridors
b. Transportation Goal #3(k): Invest in the streetscapes of Dubuque Street and
Clinton Street to highlight their function as gateways to downtown Iowa City and
the University of Iowa east campus
Planning and Zoning Commission
March 19, 2015 - Formal Meeting
Page 3 of 25
c. Transportation Goal #3(h): As Dubuque Street, Clinton Street and other area
streets are redesigned/reconstructed incorporate complete streets principals into
their design
d. Improve east/west connectivity between Dubuque Street and Clinton Street
corridor and north side neighborhood
C. Staff recommends the IC2030 Comprehensive Plan text and map be amended for
consistency with this proposed change to the Central District Plan
Freerks asked if the area around this is surveyed and it is determined that there might be
properties that are in this outlined area in discussion this evening that might eventually be in part
of a conservation or historic district, how would that be handled. Miklo asked if Freerks meant
the areas farther to the north and outside the North Clinton/Dubuque Street District being
discussed this evening. Freerks confirmed that was correct and wondered how it would be dealt
with. Miklo stated the Historic Preservation Commission plans to evaluate properties where they
already have surveys or information and identify properties that are eligible for the National
Register. Once that work is done they will decide whether to move ahead with proposals for
conservation and historic districts or more likely, individual landmarks. Miklo stated this area was
surveyed and as a result of those surveys they did identify the Northside Historic District and the
Jefferson Historic District. For the area along Clinton Street, the Historic Preservation
Commission has already determined there is no historic district, maybe a conservation district,
but more likely scattered individual landmarks.
Freerks reiterated her question of if there were some property in this area that would be worthy
of conservation, can it be included in the conservation area, or would the vote tonight prohibit
that from happening. Miklo stated it would not prohibit that option, although he felt that it is just
unlikely that a conservation district will be proposed there.
Hektoen stated that once this amendment to the Comprehensive Plan is adopted and the
boundary goes away as the new area is all part of the Central Planning District.
Eastham asked for clarification on the first goal of reviewing the multi -family design standards
since there are no design standards that accomplish that purpose at this time will there be
enough time to review existing standards or create new standards so the purposes of that goal
can be realized. Yapp confirmed they would add that to the Staff work list, although was not
clear on the question of time needed to accomplish this, it would just depend on other priorities
for the Commission. Yapp stated there are multi -family design standards that Central District
Plan properties are subject to. He noted that does include some street tree and screening
standards but they are not necessarily designed for streetscapes. Yapp stated a lot of the public
comment that was received early in this process emphasized the importance of these streets,
particularly Dubuque Street, as a gateway to the area. So the recommendation is to review
those design standards and propose amendments to them to improve the goal of attractive
streetscapes particularly in gateway corridors.
Miklo added that by adding this area to the Central Planning District, the standards that are
already in place for multi -family uses would apply. They currently do not apply to this area.
Freerks asked if there was a plan for the Sanxay-Gilmore house, or other possible landmark
buildings. Miklo stated that the Historic Preservation Commission is in the process of identifying
individual buildings that could be landmarks and once those are identified they will come up with
a strategy on how to proceed that may include working with the property owners to try to
voluntarily get them listed as landmarks.
Planning and Zoning Commission
March 19, 2015 — Formal Meeting
Page 4 of 25
Eastham acknowledged that currently there are no mechanisms for providing for height bonuses
or density bonuses for owners of properties that have historic properties or are up for historic
designations, so there are no incentives. Yapp replied that it depends on the zone; there are
bonuses in the PRM zone which much of this area is. Yapp said it allows for transfer of
development rights which states if you don't develop a historic property you can sell or transfer
what otherwise would fit on that property to a nearby property.
Freerks opened public hearing.
No one came forward.
Freerks closed public hearing.
Thomas moved to recommend that the blocks generally bounded by Clinton Street,
Jefferson Street, Bloomington Street and Dubuque Street (AKA the North
Clinton/Dubuque Streetreet District) be included in the Central Planning District.
C. The North Clinton /Dubuque Street properties be added to the Central Planning
District Land Use Map, as shown on Exhibit A
D. The Central District Plan be amended to add the following goals:
a. Housing and Quality of Life Goal #1(h): Review the Multi Family Design
standards to ensure they meet the goal of an attractive streetscapes in
gateway corridors
b. Transportation Goal #3(k): Invest in the streetscapes of Dubuque Street and
Clinton Street to highlight their function as gateways to downtown Iowa City
and the University of Iowa east campus
c. Transportation Goal #3(h): As Dubuque Street, Clinton Street and other area
streets are redesigned/reconstructed incorporate complete streets
principals into their design
d. Improve east/west connectivity between Dubuque Street and Clinton Street
corridor and north side neighborhood
Swygard seconded the motion.
Eastham clarified that the Commission is accepting all three staff recommendations that were in
the March 17 memorandum.
Thomas stated his motion does not include the third recommendation from the March 17
memorandum regarding the IC2030 Comprehensive Plan text and map be amended for
consistency with this proposed change to the Central District Plan.
Swygard confirmed that was her understanding for her seconding of the motion.
Freerks questioned why they wished to keep that recommendation out of the motion.
Thomas felt that item should be treated separately and not as a part of this motion. If that
was to be included in the motion, he would later ask to amend a motion.
Eastham said the Commission could vote on the motion as stated, if voted down then a new
Planning and Zoning Commission
March 19, 2015 — Formal Meeting
Page 5 of 25
motion could be made. Or take the current motion and add to it if the majority of the
Commission believes that should be the case on how to deal with the recommendation of
how to amend the IC2030 Comprehensive Plan.
Thomas stated the IC2030 plan is something he prefers to separate out and the language
as it stands should remain. Eastham clarified that the language in the IC2030 plan as it
currently stands calls for additional study of this area. Thomas agreed, the current language
says a lot, and doesn't believe that approving the staff recommendations one and two is in
any way inconsistent to what is in the IC2030 plan.
Freerks believes the change in the Comprehensive Plan was so that it stays consistent and
notes that this area is added to the Central District Plan. Yapp agreed with that and also to
remove the reference that this area needed further study. Freerks asked Thomas if that was
the part he was referring to, the area needing further study. Thomas said the introduction
focused on both areas, and the Commission has not yet discussed the second area (east of
Van Buren and north of Iowa Avenue).
Eastham asked for clarification from the staff if the recommendation is to remove language
from the IC2030 Comprehensive Plan only for this area, the Clinton St/Dubuque Street.
area. Yapp confirmed that is correct, only changing the language for this area on this
agenda item. Eastham stated that the language in the IC2030 Comprehensive Plan mainly
addresses how these areas appropriately develop over time. Yapp confirmed that was
correct. Miklo stated that staff would recommend amending the IC2030 Comprehensive
Plan to add this area to the Central District Plan map.
Eastham asked Yapp why the staff feels there needs to be no further process for planning
on how these areas should be redeveloped over time. Why take out that recommendation.
Yapp replied that staff has started the process, they have recommended goals related to
this area for how it redevelops over time and once this area becomes part of the Central
Planning District, it will be subject to all the policies and goals embodied in the Central
Planning District.
Freerks stated that if they do not make this change to the IC2030 Plan, then there would not
be the proper map in the plan. Thomas said they could add the map change into the
motion. Hektoen stated the Commission could pick up item three in a subsequent motion.
Freerks noted that she would like to see the Commission pursue the single property in some
fashion that is contributing historically in this area, looking carefully about how this is being
redeveloped, and feels this change needs to be made.
Swygard asked when the multi -family design standards are revised, would they come before
the Commission. Yapp confirmed they will.
Eastham affirmed he would like to pay close attention to how the Historic Preservation
Commission decides on the designation of the one property discussed in this area that has
historical significance. He also shares in the wanting to have a good effort made in
developing multi -family design standards that are appropriate to a gateway street.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 7-0.
Freerks asked for a motion to clarify what to do with point 3, the cleaning up of IC2030
Comprehensive Plan map for consistency with this proposed change to the Central District
Plan.
Planning and Zoning Commission
March 19, 2015 - Formal Meeting
Page 6 of 25
Hektoen stated the Commission should make a recommendation on both parts of number 3, the
text and the map.
Thomas asked for clarification, stating recommendation number one corrects the land use map.
Yapp stated that recommendation one does not change the Comprehensive Plan, it only refers
to the map in the Central District Plan.
Freerks stated that if the Commission were to make recommendations on both parts of Staff
recommendation three, the text and the map, that would need to be broken into two
recommendations. Eastham agreed and said logically there are two parts to that
recommendation, to update the text and to update the map.
Thomas moved to recommend updating the Central District Planning map in the IC2030
Comprehensive Plan.
Eastham seconded the motion.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 7-0.
Swygard move to recommend updating the IC2030 Comprehensive Plan text to amend
and remove the text regarding further study of this area.
Martin seconded the motion.
Thomas stated that the language in that paragraph seems to have the two areas in consideration
combined and as it stands now, the Commission does not have the precise language and he
feels he needs to see the precise language to approve. Thomas stated that with respect to the
IC2030 Plan they are moving forward in this particular area, the two areas referenced in the
introduction, but that language in the last paragraph speaks of them together and in so far as the
Commission does not have that language in staffs proposal he cannot accept it.
Freerks stated that when the Commission met on Monday at the informal meeting they had
stated Staff recommends the IC2030 Comprehensive Plan text and map be amended for
consistency with this proposed change. What is being proposed this evening is removing text
regarding further study so that is different from what was discussed Monday, which is the point
Thomas is narrowing in on. Freerks agreed, saying that if there would be studies of the
surrounding areas, and knowing there would be growth in this area, it needs to be looked at
collectively and as a whole.
Eastham asked for clarification that this motion was to remove text regarding further study of this
area only, and Freerks confirmed it was for this area only. Eastham agreed that the language in
the staff memo applies to both areas.
A vote was taken and the motion was denied 0-7.
Martin recused herself and left the meeting room.
Discussion of proposed amendments to the Comprehensive Plan for the portions of blocks north
of Iowa Avenue and east of Gilbert Street; and east of Van Buren Street and north of Burlington
Street, which are not in the Central Planning District.
Planning and Zoning Commission
March 19, 2015 — Formal Meeting
Page 7 of 25
Yapp began the staff report with a map showing the areas on the north side of Iowa Avenue and
along the east side of Van Buren Street and stated that one of Staffs recommendations was to
review the CB -5 and CB -2 zoning standards as the properties in this area are either zoned CB -5
or CB -2 and are adjacent to residential properties. The Commission requested more detail and
the factors Staff recommend considering when there are commercial zoning on residential blocks
would include setbacks adjacent to residential properties; side, rear and front setbacks. Yapp
noted that the City Code does currently include setback requirement for the side and rear
setback and that setback for the commercial property be the same as what is required on the
adjacent residential properties.
Freerks asked Yapp to confirm that the new building on Washington Street near the Civic Center,
that was built where the Red Avocado had been, was an example of what would happen in this
area being discussed tonight. The language is already in place regarding setbacks, which the
building on Washington Street followed, that building followed the current requirements. Yapp
noted that Staff is recommending that those requirements be reviewed, for the side and rear
setbacks. Currently there is not a setback requirement for the frontage in situations where there
is commercial property adjacent to residential properties, or on a residential block.
Eastham asked if the Staff recommendation would apply to situations where property is adjacent
to residential property and also where there is residential property on the same block. Yapp said
the Staff recommendation states that where there are commercial properties on the same block
as residential properties.
Yapp noted it is difficult to get into specific standards because right now they are discussing a
goal, the next step should this goal be approved, would be to develop the specific standards.
Secondly, landscaping and streetscaping within that setback area and thirdly step-down in
heights adjacent to residential properties, the commercial zones allow a taller height than
residential properties on the same block, one way to address that would be stepping down height
on properties adjacent to residential properties. In reviewing the first floor land use, the
commercial zone properties require commercial land use on the first floor and that is a typical
requirement in a central business district and the intent is to encourage first floor commercial
activity, street life is the term used, but that may not always be appropriate on a residential block.
Yapp discussed reviewing building articulation standards; currently the commercial zones require
a modulation of the building which is a breaking up of the building into modules of 50 feet in
width. The residential properties on these blocks, the typical width is between 24 and 40 feet, so
different scale than the 50 foot modulation. Multi -family design standards in the Central Planning
District require a building module of 30 feet which is more in scale with residential properties.
Lastly, applying multi -family design standards to the structures on these commercial properties
would be another way of helping ensure the residential character of those properties.
Yapp stated that Staff did review other options as a goal for the CB -2 and CB -5 zoned
properties. These options included developing a new zoning classification, creating an infill
overlay zone, rezoning the properties, or doing nothing and accepting the CB -2 and CB -5
classifications as they have been for decades. Ultimately Staff recommended the goal of
pursuing zoning code amendments to the CB -2 and CB -5 zones for the reasons that
amendments embodied in the zoning standards are more predictable for property owners and
designers. Amendments to the zoning standards would not just apply to the properties in this
particular area being discussed tonight, but would also apply to other CB -2 and CB -5 properties
in similar situations when they are on residential blocks. The options of creating a new zone or
creating an infill overlay zone would take far more time to be integrated into the zoning
Planning and Zoning Commission
March 19, 2015 — Formal Meeting
Page 8 of 25
ordinance. Properties would still need to be rezoned if that was the goal, and the process of
rezoning would have an unpredictable outcome. Staff notes that rezoning the CB -2 properties in
this area, on the east side of Van Buren Street, was proposed in 2005 and was strenuously
opposed by property owners and was defeated.
Yapp noted the Commission asked about a timeline for such a code amendment if this goal is
approved. Staff encourages the Commission to recommend this is a high priority if that is the
Commission's desire. At the work session, the Commission also asked about the possibility of
adaptable reuse. Staff reviewed the Central District Plan and it does include two existing goals
for adaptive reuse. One for investigating incentives for property improvement and rehabilitation
of residential properties and the City does have several rehabilitation programs for residential
properties both for low and moderate income households. And secondly, encouraging
investment and reinvestment in commercial areas that provide goods and services to Central
District Neighborhoods. The City does also have a program for commercial properties
specifically a fagade improvement program.
Yapp stated that regarding the City Code, Iowa City is very flexible in reuse of non -conforming
structures in that any non -conforming structure may be reused for any permitted use. A non-
conforming structure may also be enlarged provided degree of non -conformity is not increased.
Yapp noted that several years ago the City amended its non -conformity use section to allow non-
conforming development to be invested in and enlarged without having to come into full
compliance with site development standards and a 10% rule was adopted that is embodied in the
Code that any site improvements should not exceed 10% of the cost of the project. Staff
believes those things do encourage reuse of non -conforming structures as opposed to tearing
down and rebuilding in order to meet code requirements. Ultimately though it is up to the
property owner.
Freerks noted that depending on the base zone the potential for redevelopment at a much larger
scale wins out most of the time. Yapp agreed, that is an economic factor.
Staff recommend on the proposed Comprehensive Plan amendment for that portion of these
blocks north of Iowa Avenue and east of Gilbert Street and East of Van Buren Street and north of
Burlington Street, which are not in the Central Planning District (AKA portions of the Civic
District)
1. Staff recommends that the Central District Plan be amended as follows:
A. Adding the portions of blocks north of Iowa Avenue and east of Gilbert Street; and
east of Van Buren Street and north of Burlington Street to the Central Planning District
as shown in Exhibit B
2. Add a Housing and Quality of Life Goal to the Central District Plan to consider amendments
to the CB -2 and CB -5 Zones related to design and land use compatibility issues on
block faces with residential development to require setbacks, building height step-downs,
landscaping and other techniques to promote compatibility with other residential properties
on the same block and to develop a mechanisms to provide an exception for the
requirement for commercial land uses on the first floor and to provide for multi -family design
standards to apply.
Planning and Zoning Commission
March 19, 2015 — Formal Meeting
Page 9 of 25
3. Staff recommends the IC2030 Comprehensive Plan text be amended for removal of further
study of this area and map be amended for consistency with this proposed change to the
Central District Plan.
Freerks questioned the use of the language building height step-downs and feels it will not help
in that tiny area, what needs to be looked at is building height. To allow for the maximum height,
but requiring a step-down is not the answer and has not worked in other areas. The idea is to be
able to walk along the area and not have it seem so jarring and blend into the neighborhood.
Dyer asked if by step-downs it means that upper stores would be indented further than the
ground floor. Yapp clarified that it would mean that where the property is adjacent to a
residential property the first section of the building adjacent to the residential would be lower in
height and as you get further away from residential one could build to the height allowance in
that zoning classification.
Thomas believed there would have to a consolidated lot for that to be effective. Freerks still
believes the area is too small for step-downs to be effective at all. Yapp said the key would be
what is the distance of the step-down, 20 feet, 30 feet, 40 feet etc. Freerks believes it would
have to be substantial. Yapp noted that is the level of detail that would be developed. However
Freerks reiterates the height is key, and should add to the height limitations.
Thomas questioned exhibit B and if that was being shown as mixed-use. Yapp confirmed it was
mixed-use. Thomas asked if mixed-use was the language in the Central District Plan and Yapp
also confirmed it was. Thomas noted there seems to be a disconnect in the language for mixed-
use in the Central District Plan and in the CB -2 and CB -5 zones. Freerks agreed, having
brought that point up in Monday's work session meeting. Yapp stated from Staff perspective the
land use map should show the future desired land use for this area. Thomas stated that mixed-
use description under the Central District Plan states it is intended for low to medium density
residential uses including single family duplexes, townhouses and multi -family and small scale
retail uses, etc. and what CB -2 and CB -5 seem to fall under would be the urban commercial
rather than the mixed-use.
Freerks opened public hearing.
Stephen Trefz, Executive Director of the Community Health Mental Health Center (CMHC),
stated that the CMHC is a not-for-profit mental health provider that has provided services for the
past 45 years, meeting the needs of the community, behavior health care needs. Currently they
serve approximately 2600 individuals per year. The CMHC is located in four buildings on three
separate parcels on the corner of College and Van Buren Streets, in the area designated for
possible changes. His goal tonight is to discuss what they do, what the plans are for the property
and affect the changes to the Comprehensive Plan could have on their ability to continue those
services. Trefz stated that their annual budget has been reduced by over $200,000 a year with
recent MHDS redesign and the loss of county funding. Their income has further been reduced
by becoming primarily a Medicaid provider. They are redesigning their agency to meet the
changes which are occurring at an unprecedented rate and magnitude. Part of their plan
requires that they operate more efficiently than they can in their current four separate buildings.
Planning and Zoning Commission
March 19, 2015 — Formal Meeting
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They are in a survival mode as a result of budget cuts and a need to find a way to stay afloat.
That means they are being forced to utilize their most valuable financial asset which is the
existing downtown property. They are putting that property on the market because they can no
longer afford to leave a financial asset un -utilized while being forced to cut staff and services.
They are in the due diligence phase of purchasing the old Towncrest dental building on Arthur
Street which will allow them to operate much more efficiently out of a single building. The
proceeds of the sale of the downtown properties will be used for substantial remodel on the new
property including several expensive improvements, elevator, restrooms and things directly
related to the Americans with Disability Act. Whatever is left over will be used to fill the gap in
the budget and expand the number of those they serve. Trefz said they are looking forward to
being part of the Towncrest redevelopment and a revitalized medical neighborhood. They
believe for many reasons this location will help them provide outreach services and a new health
care model which is based on keeping individuals well. The proximity to the Free Medical Clinic,
Southeast Junior High, and Mercer Aquatic Center provide excellent examples of the array of
opportunities.
All of this planning is premised on being able to maximize the value of their current assets and to
continue to provide care. CMHC has enjoyed an excellent relationship with their neighbors over
the past 35 years and want to continue to be a good neighbor throughout this process however it
is vital that they make the most of this one-time opportunity to maximize the value of the
property. What they have heard from City Staff is some folks in the surrounding neighborhoods
have expressed a concern about large commercial spaces overwhelming residential properties
immediately next door. This concern seems to align with the feedback they have received from
interested purchasers of the property who would rather not build commercial spaces which have
traditionally been difficult to lease. Those developers have told CMHC that their property would
have more value if the ground floor property could be developed as residential units without
increasing the overall density. Therefore the interests of the CMHC align with the concerns of
the surrounding neighborhoods and developers therefore support the Staffs recommendation to
develop a mechanism to provide an exemption from the requirement for commercial land use on
the first floor of CB -2 and CB -5 zones provided it does not decrease the density. They believe in
making these changes it will allow appropriate and compatible infilling of a great near downtown
neighborhood as well as allow for not-for-profit to move to a medical neighborhood and continue
providing behavioral health care. They look forward to being a good neighbor as the City makes
plans for the Central Planning District, as well as the redevelopment of the Towncrest Center.
Bob Richardson stated he has been a resident of Iowa City since 1970 and wanted to share his
concern regarding how everything has changed around what Irving Weber, a great historian in
this town, and taking everything he held precious and turn into these big glass boxes and false
fronts that have no really appearance of family life to them. He has looked at the maps and feels
the green space on the map is too little and why there is a need for so many high density places
that don't have any areas where people can congregate. Richardson stated that next to the Co-
op is a good example of where there was a space that used to have really nice front porches and
open eating areas, people could sit outside and talk, and the new building has dominated the
area and it is just jarring against the other houses that are left in the neighborhood. There are
storefronts there but if one wanted to have an outside eating area that is not available. There is
just one little spot of green, but the whole back yard is paved, the neighbors used to have space
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for the kids to go out and play, that is no longer there. These downtown areas are turning into
just brick and mortar concrete messes. Yes we have a pedestrian mall, which is nice, but once
outside of the downtown area it's getting rubber stamped and looking really boring. Richardson
feels the City could do better and have a city that is appealing. For example, Lucas Street, back
in the 70's it was Victorian homes, every single one of them had a porch and now it's just
apartment blocks and there is no place for anybody to sit out on a front porch and talk to
passersby.
Dave Biancuzzo, commercial real estate agent with Caldwell Banker in Iowa City, a seven year
member of the Board of Directors of the Iowa City Association of Realtors, and is representing
the Community Mental Health Center and the sale of their property. He began by thanking the
City Staff for working with him and the CMHC with questions regarding this area and particularly
John Yapp who has been very generous with his time in answering questions and his knowledge
of the plan changes that are happening. Tretz already shared a lot of the reasons that led up to
the reason the CMHC wishes to sell their property, and with working with developers and talking
to the City we hear some of the same concerns that were just raised about these large
commercial spaces that are looming over single family residential spaces. That is obviously a
concern of the staff and as they are working through how to get around that they realize there is
not a way around that in the CB -2 and CB -5 zones and there is not a mechanism by which they
can change that. The way the code is written now it essentially mandates that those types of
buildings go into the CB properties. Biancuzzo reiterated that developers do not really seem to
care for having to build a commercial property in the main floor because the further you get away
from the core of the downtown the more difficult they become to lease and tend to languish a bit
and you end up with these expansive open spaces that no one seems to like. So the issue is
how we create a mechanism then that we can build a product that is going to more along the
lines of what the neighborhood would like to see. Biancuzzo stated the developers would be
happy to build it if they didn't have the commercial space and it helps the owners of those
properties too because they recover their value by being able to build residential on the main
floor which has more of market. Therefore you can get the density of residential you need in
order to preserve value without having to go to the height. Biancuzzo supports the
recommended changes but also shared a concern about the step-down in height because that
would be a little bit difficult to build and could create some danger for the people living in the
highest floor, but other than that supports the changes that Staff is recommending, they are good
changes for the neighborhood, the marketplace would accept them and it would be good for the
owners of the property.
Hektoen asked Yapp to clarify the exemption and that Staff is not contemplating proposing a
complete exemption for commercial on the ground floor. Yapp confirmed that is correct, it would
be a partial exemption; it would be a mechanism to consider exemptions. Freerks believes it
could be a possibility in this case and that is why they are discussing why maybe mixed-use is a
better zone here. Yapp agreed and said he is looking into what the actual code language might
look like. Hektoen asked Yapp to clarify that point earlier today and they discussed that if it will
be a commercial zone perhaps it needs commercial in it. Yapp said that some of the things they
have discussed at the staff level, for example, parts of Van Buren Street are commercial
frontages along those blocks so depending on the frontage type, if it is a commercial frontage it
is appropriate and desirable for commercial uses on the first floor but along a residential block
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March 19, 2015 — Formal Meeting
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face it may not be appropriate. Hektoen stated that is a goal in the Comprehensive Plan, it is not
recommending any particular language.
Pam Michaud, her home is 18 feet to the side of the Washington Plaza that people refer to
bleakly these days. It's the 500 block of Washington Street that replaced the Red Avocado and
three bed and breakfasts and a chiropractic health center. As they were knocking down those
four Victorians and excavating 20 feet undermining her 80 foot fence, so that is precariously
balanced now and has not been fortified since, there are underground parking spaces and a
totally underutilized service parking space that should be made into a park, or a pergola or some
sitting space in the back. Michaud noted she is glad everyone is so concerned about their
property values, she is currently a member of the Unitarian Church and they have the same
argument that they are growing and how to accommodate it. The funding for the CMHC should
come from a county and state level, they should not have to look for destruction and move to the
east side. That is a financial matter however she has talked to the building departments over the
past three years concerning the excavating next to her house and her concerns. She was
repeatedly reassured that there would be setback to the property, the house next to it (520
Washington Street). However what happened was the commercial was on the sidewalk and
then the residential is setback. So there is this box sitting out on the sidewalk next to a 1950
architect design house and then you have a steep rise. Michaud stated she appreciates the City
is trying to control that steep rise but agrees that all residential would be good because the first
floor of the 500 block of Washington Plaza has been unoccupied largely for the last 18 months.
It has been argued many times that downtown Iowa City needs first class office space and that
could have been first class office space but no one chose to rent it. There is still empty space in
the Washington Plaza building. A beauty salon is going in, but how feasible will that be with high
rents. Michaud stated the other issue with the commercial floor is that they require a 14 foot
ceiling height and that is a huge jump from an 8 foot ceiling height. So the expectation, yes there
are commercial spaces on Van Buren that include a mental health office but those spaces are
human scale walkable, they might have an 8 foot ceiling or a 10 foot ceiling but they don't have
14 foot ceilings. There might be empty space there but it doesn't have the vaulted look or empty
useless space. Michaud also questions why everyone has dark windows because that just
dissuades people from even thinking it's open. Michaud stated that her property value is another
issue. She has been in her home 24 years and it looks like she has an addition on the back of
her house, and it's a huge one, a four story addition. It was not carefully added onto that block
and her fence is still undermined and she has received no satisfaction from the builder. Michaud
believes he should not get any more permits within Iowa City because he did not answer her
certified letter two years ago. Michaud reiterated the setbacks should be the same as the front
wall of the adjacent residences regardless of whether it's commercial or residential.
Nancy Carlson stated in her copy of the 2030 plan she looked through to see what the citizens of
Iowa City were very interested in, what concerns they had, and what kept popping up over and
over again was that they liked the small town feel of Iowa City. From one paragraph of the plan
"preserve the resources and reinvest in established neighborhoods. Adopting strategies to
ensure the stability and livability of Iowa City's historic and established neighborhoods helps
preserve the culture, history, and identity of Iowa City". Carlson stated that Iowa City's identity is
that of a small Midwestern town with a vibrant cultural atmosphere. We need to remember once
we lose that small town atmosphere we will be like a lot of other places we will lose our
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March 19, 2015 — Formal Meeting
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uniqueness which has made us what we are. One of Carlson's concerns is the fact that the CB -
5 on the north side of Iowa Avenue abuts the Jefferson Street Historic District. And then farther
to the east it abuts a conservation district. In CB -5 the height can be up to 75 feet but to
encourage developments that contain features providing a public benefit a bonus in floor area
ratio or dwelling unit density may be granted. So how big can these buildings be? And if you
look at what happened to Michaud's house and the surrounding houses, with a CB -2 building
right around the corner, the question is with the CB -5 what is going to happen to the rest of the
area. Carlson stated her other concern was Iowa Avenue. Iowa Avenue is a boulevard that was
planned by the founders of this city. The original intention was Iowa Avenue was to be the
boulevard from the State Capital to the Governor's mansion (which was never developed). The
boulevard is still there and is an area that could have great potential. She is concerned about
putting in additional large scaled buildings would do to that boulevard. She understands the
concern about historic buildings and historic districts but Freerks made a comment at one of the
meetings regarding the ambiance and context and the boulevard on Iowa Avenue, it is one of the
features that define Iowa City.
Helen Burford began by thanking everyone for taking the time to address the needs and the
compatibility between CB -2 and CB -5 and how it can interface with residential development.
Burford questioned whether the proposed amendment and adding the housing and quality of life
goals which address setbacks, building heights, and other regulations to build framework to
ensure any of these blocks in question will protect the integrity of the existing detached homes
and reinforce their role in the Central District Plan. So the question is without looking at rewriting
the code, this is an opportunity to do what was done with the Riverfront Crossing Plan, and
introduce form -based zoning. What assurances will we have by making these amendments that
we really will step towards a way of communicating to both the landowner and the interface with
the city and how it adjusts amendments by making this one amendment? What are the
assurances that there will be the next steps to have more clarification? Freerks replied that her
understanding is that making it a goal puts it on track as something that needs to be done soon
and the outcome is decided upon from the public input. Burford asked if there would be any sort
of timeline. Freerks stated that there is no specific timeline and no assurance. Adopting an
amendment or goal is better than nothing. Burford stated that the form -based zoning was used
to as an insurance policy for the Riverfront Crossing development because it articulates
everything very quickly. Freerks stated that involved a consultant and years of work.
Yapp noted the elements that were discussed, the setbacks, the landscaping, the residential
appearance of the facades, the articulation of the building are form -based requirements. It may
not be called a form -based code, and that is to be determined when the ordinance language is
written, but they are form -based type regulations. Freerks also noted the whole area is not CB -2,
just areas of the block, some areas are still residential.
Burford appreciated the response and said it did answer her question but wanted to ask again if
anyone could put any timeline on this. Freerks stated they could not at this time. Eastham
agreed saying some would like to, but there is no mechanism for that. Freerks said the
Commission will can state soon and this is important to them and they want to make sure the
correct and successful decisions are made.
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Alicia Trimble, Executive Director of the Friends of Historic Preservation, said a lot of what she
wanted to ask has already been addressed and thinks that while discussing some of these
amendments, even for public comment, there needs to be something more concrete. If there are
to be height limits, or step-downs, the public needs to know what those are so they can have all
the information available to comment on. Freerks stated that will happen when the code is
changed. Yapp agreed, right now it is a general goal to pursue this, if accepted ultimately by the
City Council, the next step would be developing the specifics. Trimble stated her other concern
is the breakup between buildings. Washington Street development kind of has those breaks, but
it really doesn't, it seems too artificial. So her concern about these types of buildings next to
residential is even if they have some type of break, if they don't have an open courtyard they
dwarf the adjacent houses. Trimble also commented that it does make sense to have some
exceptions for residential to be allowed on the ground floor. As you move from a commercial
district downtown to a residential district it would make sense to have a transitional area where
not everything had to be commercial on the first floor.
Baincuzzo wanted to address the comment about the mixed-use zoning. The mixed-use zoning
is actually a great idea in theory, the problem with a mixed-use zoning is it has a much lower
density than the CB -2 or CB -5 so from a developers standpoint you are much better off just
building the commercial space almost as a lost -leader to get the additional density then you are
to down -zone to a mixed-use zoning. Looking at the map and seeing how much CB -2 and CB -5
there is along the residential areas what you will end up with is developers and property owners
saying they can get better density and better property values from the CB properties, so they
would not want to voluntarily down -zone to the mixed use. In theory mixed-use is best to
address the issues discussed this evening, but the goals of this amendment are a good
compromise and he fully supports it. Freerks noted that some of the things in the goals of this
amendment may have an impact on density. Setbacks and green space that are requested to
have a better transition will affect the density. Baincuzzo agreed but stated that from a developer
or property owner standpoint if they can make up for the loss of density with more residential and
less commercial, as the amendment exemption would allow, then that is a great compromise.
Richardson brought forth a suggestion for the Commission to put a statue of Irving Weber on a
rotating pedestal and require all the buildings that are above two stories to have an Irving Weber
statue in front of them, spinning, because Richardson is sure Irving Weber is spinning in his
grave right now.
Michaud asked about a complete street concept for this area, she has been to many of these
meetings but hasn't heard about a complete street concept. Yapp explained that a complete
street is a corridor that has facilities for pedestrians, bicyclists, public transit and streetscape
elements to make it a street corridor that can function for all modes of transportation. Michaud
explained that for a while she was at peace with the Washington Street Plaza until they took
down the last full grown 50 foot tree and replaced it with cute little crab apple trees that will
always look like weeds in front of a huge building. Preserving the parkway and the full grown
tree canopies over the streets, College Street in particular, is necessary for the street ambiance
and they should not remove full grown trees. Michaud said she has received all kinds of excuses
from the forestry department and other inspectors saying it was a 50 year old tree, well a maple
tree is not dead at 50. Twelve huge trees were lost on her block, all different species, so she
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March 19, 2015 — Formal Meeting
Page 15 of 25
advocates for keeping the mature trees. Additionally the Red Avocado was a quaint restaurant
with a contemporary crowd, not college students, and it closed at 10 p.m. The D.P. Dough is
open until 4:00 a.m. so if there is to be commercial in residential areas, there needs to be a
scale. The City needs to be sensible about the distance between the commercial and the
residences and no bars next to residential if you cannot get rid of the commercial. Right now it is
limited to 500 feet from the nearest bar, which is Gabe's. If there was a bar east of Gilbert Street,
there would be demonstrations at City Hall.
Freerks closed public hearing.
Eastham made a motion to defer this item until the next meeting.
Swygard seconded.
Eastham stated he would like to spend another meeting on this issue due to receiving the staff
memo today that included more details. Freerks noted the Commission did ask for those
additions at the work session on Monday and Staff obliged. Eastman thanked Staff for
responding so quickly but stated he needed more time to absorb the information.
Thomas agreed that having just received the memo today he needs more time. Additionally he
is not advocated for mixed-use, that was not his point, but there was a reference to what
happened in 2005. The loss of the Red Avocado, that block, happened subsequent to 2005. In
2005 Thomas does not feel anyone was aware, even Council, what that CB -2 zoning could do.
But now that we do know, it is a huge difference. Thomas feels they are making good progress
and have a better idea of the areas that need special attention. To consider whether they really
need commercial in this area makes a huge difference in the building sizes and the streetscapes
effect, to have residential on the ground floor is extremely important and feels it will affect how
the value of the building can be preserved. However, if the goal is to keep the zoning the same,
which is the path of least resistance, he needs more confidence that it will work and to have
some idea in massing if this form -based code is to get it right. It is not a large area, but it is an
important area. With all the backlash of the building on Washington, this area needs to be
completed correctly and contribute to neighborhood stabilization and revitalization. Thomas
believes they are making progress, but needs a better sense of what the outcome will be.
Yapp noted that Staff will not have any ordinance language by the next meeting. Freerks and
Thomas both commented they understood that.
Thomas stated that Riverfront Crossings gave them an idea that there was a lot in the master
plan graphics that gave a good idea of where they were going. So that when the Commission
was endorsing the master plan there was a physical form to the master plan, it wasn't simply
language.
Freerks stated that perhaps what was missing from what the Staff has put together is scale, and
scale is so important in these areas. Keeping it at human scale, a walkable area, green space,
those types of terms to showcase the mixed-use.
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March 19, 2015 — Formal Meeting
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Swygard agreed and is very cognitive of the setback piece, especially for this area but it has
happened in other parts of town, such as the Oakknoll Facility addition and Dyer was particularly
concerned with that back northwest corner and everyone should go take a look at that and how
close it is to those homes on Oakcrest Street and we need to do better than that. Swygard is in
favor of not requiring the commercial on the bottom floor for all the properties. A lot of other
cities are facing a lot of empty commercial spaces in their mixed-use buildings (Minneapolis and
San Francisco) because they can sit empty while the residential supports the buildings.
Freerks had a question on Iowa Avenue, it is an important corridor and with properties coming up
for sale, and if that -area was considered changing within what was being discussed this evening.
Is it a residential block because of where the UAY homes are. It appears to be the same thing
there. Yapp replied that the State Historic Building is public the remainder of the block is CB -5
with non-profit office uses and a mixed-use building on the corner of Iowa and Van Buren.
Freerks asked for Staff and the Commission to look at that block.
Eastham agreed that block should be used as an example of what the amendment will do.
Eastham asked if CB -2 and CB -5 currently do not allow for residential use on the ground floor.
Yapp confirmed that is correct. Eastham said comments from the folks from the CMHC was a
preference for residential units for the resale of the buildings they are trying to sell and right now
they don't have that as an option. Yapp confirmed that was also correct. Eastham noted that
does show the need for a timeline and need to get code language in place sooner than two years
from now.
Thomas noted that his hope is that CMHC project could be a catalyst for moving along the
zoning code language.
Dyer asked if there was a reason for doing this amendment rather than doing the rezoning. It
seems backwards, because the concerns are with zoning. Hektoen stated the zoning code has
to be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. This is a large task, so it is being presented as a
change to the Comprehensive Plan first, and then the code changes will be next. Hektoen said it
is all a public process that will come back before the Commission for further review in the future.
Eastham noted that he thought the Staff at one time has broached the idea of making changes in
the CB -5 and CB -2 zone provisions that would apply specifically to this area and some other
areas and don't have to apply to every area. Freerks stated that was correct. Yapp agreed that
was the intent.
Yapp stated that a comprehensive plan goal of not requiring commercial on the first floor is quite
a change and having that kind of goal go through the public process is important before a lot of
time is devoted to developing actual code language.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 6-0
Martin rejoined the meeting after a recess.
Planning and Zoning Commission
March 19, 2015 — Formal Meeting
Page 17 of 25
REZONING / DEVELOPMENT ITEM (REZ15-00002/SUB1_5-00004
Discussion of an application submitted by Focus Commercial Real Estate, LLC for a rezoning
of 4.26 -acres of land located at 1406 and 1506 N Dubuque Road from Low Density Single -
Family (RS -5) zone to Mixed Use (MU) zone and for a preliminary plat of Pleiades First
Addition, a 2 -lot, 7.15 acre subdivision.
Yapp explained that this is a two part application, both a rezoning and a subdivision. He showed
a map of the 4.26 acres proposed for rezoning from RS -5 Single Family Residential to Mixed
Use zone. The next map showed the preliminary plat of Pleiades First Addition, a 2 -lot, 7.15
acre subdivision located at the northeast corner of Dubuque Road and N. Dodge Street. The
area between Prairie du Chien Road and Dubuque Road currently contains commercial uses,
including the old and new HyVee grocery stores, along the north side of N. Dodge Street and a
mix of residences, offices, and a cemetery along the south side of N. Dodge Street. The North
District Plan land use map indicates the corner as a Mixed Use development. Yapp showed a
map of the proposed subdivision, a two -lot subdivision, Lot 1 of the proposed subdivision
consists of the southwestern 4.26 acres of the property and Lot 2 consists of the northeastern
acres. 0.32 acres will be dedicated as a right-of-way along Dubuque Road. The applicant has
requested a rezoning for Lot 1 t the MU zone to allow for the development of a medical clinic.
The applicant has requested rezoning to Mixed Use (MU) zone for Lot 1 which provides a
transition from commercial areas to less intensive residential zones. Permitted uses in the MU
zone include lower scale retail and office use, and a variety of residential uses. Medical offices
are permitted uses in the MU zone. Special consideration of building and site design is required
for developments in the MU zone. Lot 2 is adjacent to existing single family homes; low density
single family development on this property will be compatible with the surrounding neighborhood.
Lot 1 of the property contains steep slopes and Lot 2 contains steep, critical and protected
slopes as designated in the Sensitive Areas Ordinance. Both lots together also contain 4.29
acres of woodland. The Sensitive Areas Ordinance indicates that a property zoned MU is
required to retain 10 percent of the woodlands and that property zoned RS5 must retain 50
percent of the woodlands. Additionally the retained woodland area must be surrounded by a 50
foot buffer. The applicant has indicated that all of the required woodland retention will occur on
the eastern portion of Lot 2, to retain a contiguous approximate 58,000 SF of wooded area. Staff
notes that the critical and protected slopes also occur on the eastern portion of Lot 2, and will be
undisturbed.
As the applicant is meeting the requirements for a Level I Sensitive Areas review (critical and
protected slopes are not proposed to be disturbed, and the required woodland retention
requirement is being met) therefore a Sensitive Areas rezoning is not required. Conformance to
the Sensitive Areas Ordinance will be reviewed administratively.
Access to the proposed medical clinic on Lot 1 is off of Dubuque Road, opposite the access
drive to the HyVee site. Expected traffic generation from a medical clinic of this size is in the
range of 1,300 vehicles per day, using the Institute of Transportation Engineer's Trip
Generation Manual. Staff notes that for a clinic use, the majority of this traffic is spread
throughout office hours (typically during the day and early evening) . N Dodge Street and the
short segment of Dubuque Road that is affected are easily able to accommodate this traffic.
N Dodge Street already has left- and right -turn lanes at Dubuque Road, and Dubuque Road
has a left tum lane onto N Dodge Street. Traffic generation on Dubuque Road from a single
family dwelling on Lot 2 will be minimal.
Planning and Zoning Commission
March 19, 2015 — Formal Meeting
Page 18 of 25
Yapp noted that regarding the parking area one comment staff had, and which was brought up
at the Good Neighbor meeting, was the proposed size of the parking area. The full size of the
parking area would be 223 stalls. While the design and mix of exam rooms in the proposed
medical clinic is not yet finalized, 223 stalls are in excess of what the City would require for
parking. Staff has discussed 'land banking' rows of parking along the north and north-east
sides of the parking area (shown as 'Phase 2 Parking' on the concept plan) and not paving
this parking initially. Staff recommends a condition of zoning that the 'Phase 2 Parking' be
permitted to be paved only K approved by the Director of Neighborhood and Development
Services based on evidence of need.
Yapp explained that S2 screening is the generally required buffering treatment that uses
distance and low level screening to separate uses from the public right of way, from other
zones, to define edges and separate vehicular areas from pedestrians. Staff recommends
that for the parking area of Lot 1, S3 screening be implemented. The S3 standard is a buffering
treatment that uses dense landscape screening to provide a visual and physical separation
between uses and zones. The S3 screen requires enough shrubs and evergreens to form a
continuous screen or hedge which matures to at least five feet to six feet in height more than
50 percent solid year round. Berms may be used in conjunction with a hedge to achieve an
overall height of six feet. Staff recommends S3 screening be implemented along the west and
north sides of the parking area for Lot 1. Staff also recommends that the parking area be set
back at least 15 feet from the Dubuque Road right of way -this setback is equivalent to the
minimum setback for a structure in a residential zone. These conditions help address one of
the concerns expressed at the Good Neighbor meeting regarding screening of the parking
area.
Stormwater management is provided in the regional Hickory Hill stormwater facility. No on-site
stormwater management is required, provided the applicant can show stormwater runoff can be
handled by the existing stormwater pipes under N Dodge Street. This will be confirmed as part of
the site plan review process for Lot 1.
Staff recommends approval of REZ15-00002, a rezoning from Low Density Single Family (RS -5)
to Mixed Use (MU) for 4.26 acres of property located at the northeast comer of Dubuque Road
and N. Dodge Street subject to a Conditional Rezoning Agreement requiring:
1. Staff approval of a landscaping plan in conjunction with the site plan for Lot 1 showing a
minimum S3 screening along the west and north sides of the parking area, and a
minimum 15 foot setback of the parking area from the Dubuque Road right of way.
2. Parking along the north and east property lines of Lot 1, identified as'Phase 2 Parking' on
the. Site Concept Plan, remain unpaved unless approved by the Director of the
Department of Neighborhood Services based on evidence of need.
3. General conformance with the site concept plan dated March 5, 2015.
Staff recommends approval of SUB15-00004, a preliminary plat of Pleiades First Addition, a 2 -
lot, 7.15 acre subdivision located at the northeast corner of Dubuque Road and N. Dodge Street
Freerks asked if there were trees along Dubuque Road constitutes a grove. Yapp said the
applicant's engineer has reviewed that and can address that question.
Planning and Zoning Commission
March 19, 2015 — Formal Meeting
Page 19 of 25
Theobald noted it looked like the remnants of an old windbreak.
Freerks also had questions about the landscaping overall, and asked if it meets requirements
along the streetscape. Yapp noted this is just a concept plan and not a full site plan so it does
not include all the landscaping and streetscape details, but would be required to meet all City
requirements.
Theobald had a question regarding the screening as well. If S3, 5-6 feet with 50% solid year
around is required, she reviewed the list of shrubbery listed with that requirement, and it seems
outdated. She believes because the list of acceptable shrubbery is outdated, it explains why
some of the plans that come before the Commission are incorrect, because developers are using
that list and requests that list be updated.
Freerks noted it would be important to maintain some of the mature trees as the portion that was
slated for Mixed Use in the North District Plan is much smaller and is being extended quite a
ways from what is shown in the Comprehensive Plan and it is closer to the residential area and
needs a better transition.
Eastham asked about the number of parking spaces would exist with the staff recommendations.
Yapp noted they received an updated site concept today from the applicant that did increase to
180 spaces; staff's recommendation is still based on what was in the staff report, which is 161
spaces. Eastham asked if that would be clear, as there are not a number of parking spaces
listed in the recommendations. Yapp replied that the recommendation refers to the graphic, the
site concept plan.
Eastham asked what the building will look like. Yapp showed drawings and said it is conceptual
for example the window coverage is not included in the sketch and the building will have lots of
windows. Eastham asked then what the process would be to give some assurance that the
building will be compatible with other buildings in the area. Yapp said the building will have to
follow the Mixed Use design standards embodied in that zone. It will also be reviewed as part of
the site plan review stage.
Freerks opened public hearing.
Duane Musser, MMS Consultants, spoke representing the applicant. He stated they do have an
updated parking count, and are looking at 180 spaces, and includes the land banking on the
northeast side. The applicant is also willing to do the S3 screening along Dubuque Road and the
northeast edge, along lot 2 with the berm and the evergreen trees. They are questioning the 15
foot setback, unsure why that setback in the staff recommendation is critical; they are providing
the S3 screening. He noted that the grove of trees, they do not believe that single line of
windbreak trees would constitute a grove. A grove of trees is usually a larger, broader span of
shade trees that cover a greater area.
Freerks asked if the applicant would be willing to keep that line of windbreak trees there stating
that there is way more parking on the plan than is necessary, and required. Musser replied that
he believes the applicant's choice would be to remove those trees, if you look at them closely
they are limbed up quite a bit and from an eye view they would not screen any of the cars. So
they feel it would be better to remove those trees, put in the S3 screening and berm and give the
property screening and shade along that area.
Musser noted that as far as the parking banking, their numbers are being estimated from the
Planning and Zoning Commission
March 19, 2015 — Formal Meeting
Page 20 of 25
architect based on the number of exam rooms, physicians, and staff for the medical clinic is 180
spaces are needed for the first phase of parking.
Freerks noted she is not satisfied with the landscaping shown, and is leaning towards deferring
this application until there is more detail. Musser noted that a landscaping plan is not part of the
requirements for a rezoning application and the concept plan does have enough detail on it to
meet the requirements for a site plan. Freerks noted it just is a lot of parking, more than is
required.
Dyer noted it seems like more parking than is at the Iowa River Landing parking for a four story
medical building. Musser could not speak to how many parking spots were in that ramp.
Eastham questioned how the architect is proposing there will be 180 cars in the parking lot.
Musser answered that the applicant believes based on the employees and the patient needs that
would be the appropriate number of spaces. Eastham then asked what would happen if there
were 180 cars in this lot at 5:00 p.m. and wanted to all leave at the same time, this area has a
concern regarding the traffic Dubuque Road. can handle or that intersection. Yapp explained
that for a clinic use the patient traffic is spread out throughout the day. Eastham noted then
perhaps 180 parking spaces is not needed. Musser noted the client has a right to estimate what
their needs are based on the type of business. Eastham asked Yapp that when the traffic study
was done for this plan, did they figure 180 cars at one time. Yapp replied they did look at peak
hour traffic, but it would not be 180 cars at one time.
Dyer questioned again the need for 180 spaces if 180 cars would not be there all at one time.
Musser could only state this is what the client is estimating they will need.
Freerks noted again that perhaps this needs to be deferred and developed a bit more. The idea
of the development is a good one, however there needs to be a better transition.
Hektoen noted that they should continue with the public hearing.
David Dunlap, said he lives across the street from the area, across from the grove of trees. He
likes what he hears regarding the Commission's concerns, since he lives across from this area,
he is concerned as well. He feels those windbreak trees do go a long way mitigating this
development. He questioned the existing line now behind HyVee that is the boundary between
his house and HyVee, he doesn't agree why this project needs to go further north than the Hy -
Vee. The parking lot could go to the west, as opposed to going to the north.
Jo Dickens, lives on Dodge Street, stated she is a big proponent of this project and thinks there
could be something much different that no one would like in this place. She likes that they are
leaving so many of the trees in that protected area, and it's great that a medical office wants to
stay in Iowa City, so many are moving to Coralville and North Liberty. She feels the area can
handle the traffic, there is an office currently in a similar neighborhood, Pediatric Associates is on
Jefferson Street and they empty in and out of there all the time. She does not foresee a problem
with traffic; her driveway accesses Dodge Street and goes in and out of there all the time. The
only time there has been a problem is during a flood and everyone has to come off the interstate
on Dodge Street. She noted the lighting was discussed at an earlier planning meeting and she
feels that will not be an issue due to rules and regulations and also is happy there is that 150 foot
residential area that backs up to the trees, it will be a nice lot especially with the berms and trees.
Dickens reiterated she is a big proponent of this and hopes to see this project develop through.
Planning and Zoning Commission
March 19, 2015 — Formal Meeting
Page 21 of 25
Terry Dickens (noted he would not be voting on this issue at any future City Council meetings
because he is a neighbor of the project), stated he has only lived up in this area for six years, but
a lot of the neighbors have been there 50 or 60 years, his grandparents lived in the area and sold
the land that was their old farm to the Friends of Hickory Hill. He wants to see this area grow,
and this project, which he feels is a good project, is needed in this area. There will be new
housing going up in the middle of the block. Dickens noted that at the Good Neighbors Meeting
he did talk to the applicants and discussed the berm and the applicants were agreeable to
including the berm. He also noted he would like to see this project move forward.
Freerks closed public hearing.
Thomas moved to approve REZ15-00002, a rezoning from Low Density Single Family
(RS -5) to Mixed Use (MU) for 4.26 acres of property located at the northeast comer
of Dubuque Road and N. Dodge Street subject to a Conditional Rezoning Agreement
requiring:
1. Staff approval of a landscaping plan in conjunction with the site plan for Lot
1 showing a minimum S3 screening along thewest and north sides of the
parking area, and a minimum 15foot setback of the parking area from the
Dubuque Road right of way.
2. Parking along the north and east property lines of Lot 1, identified as 'Phase 2
Parking' on the- Site Concept Plan, remain unpaved unless approved by the
Director of the Department of Neighborhood Services based on evidence of
need.
3. General conformance with the site concept plan dated March 5, 2015.
Additionally Thomas moved to approve SUB15-00004, a preliminary plat of Pleiades First
Addition, a 2-11ot, 7.15 acre subdivision located at the northeast corner of Dubuque Road
and N. Dodge Street.
Martin seconded the motion.
Theobald noted that the trees that are already there are called red cedar, but they are actually a
juniper and were often used as windbreaks and they do have a certain look to them. They
maybe aren't as valuable of a tree, they can be invasive, and Iowa is full of red cedars. They are
large trees and have a really interesting shape and she noted she would also like to see
something more interesting than this concept plan with one long row of shrubs. She said the S3
screening does require more height than is shown on the concept plan, a mix of trees and a mix
of shrubs would be more appropriate. She suggested that the landscape plan include something
native, some good shrubs that may or may not be on the list provided by the City.
Eastham asked if the developer could put in shrubs that are not on the City's list. Yapp believed
they can, with the City Forrester's approval.
Freerks stated the devil is in the details, but it seems like if the details aren't discussed at this
point, they come back to haunt at another time. We need to remember that there are people that
have to live by this area, and if there are a few things that can be done, a few trees saved, it can
make a difference.
Planning and Zoning Commission
March 19, 2015 — Formal Meeting
Page 22 of 25
Thomas noted he is enthused by what he sees in the project, it is a good project that could be a
better project, and would stress it's not just the neighbors but also the people that will be going to
this facility. To have some signature trees, there seems to be some float in the parking lot
design, and could use some of that float to save some of the landmark trees on the property.
Dyer stated that one option would be to preserve the area containing the parking along Dubuque
Road for later on if needed. She noted she is disturbed by the amount of parking when in this
day and age of sustainability, and it is on a bus route with a bus stop right there.
Theobald can see the need for enough parking, because it is a medical office, and it's not always
convenient to get to a medical facility by bus.
Yapp noted Staff did discuss with the applicant of land banking the parking along Dubuque
Road, it is important to the applicant to have parking closer to the front door and the concern was
that some of the parking be closer to the entrance rather than in the north and northeast corner
given the type of use this is.
Eastham noted that on Dubuque Road there are parking spaces adjacent to the road and there
are parking spaces that are close to the building that are just adjacent to the one larger island
that is shown in the concept plan. Therefore, to not have parking in that area does not mean
there would not be parking adjacent to the building, or close to the building.
Freerks stated there is a motion for approval, and a second. The Commission needs to have a
goal of what to do here, either approve as is or request some changes.
Martin asked if the Commission agrees to this, will they see the project again. Yapp replied that
they would not. Martin then agreed it is important to figure this out now then as it this is part of
the gateway to the city.
Eastham asked if there was any way this building could have a featureless wall along Dodge
Road. Yapp said Mixed Use designs to require a percentage of windows, so it won't be
featureless wall.
Eastham made an amendment to the motion to preserve the cedar trees along Dubuque
Road
Yapp requested a minute to talk with the applicant.
Hektoen noted that the applicant has already waived the 45 day period.
Yapp stated the applicant would rather defer at this time to address some of the issues brought
up this evening.
Thomas withdrew his motion.
Theobald made a motion to defer this item, as requested by the applicant.
Swygard seconded.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 7-0.
Planning and Zoning Commission
March 19, 2015 — Formal Meeting
Page 23 of 25
CONSIDERATION OF MEETING MINUTES: February 3, February 5, and February 19
2015
Eastham moved for approval of the meeting minutes from February 5, 2015 with
the corrections and additions that were submitted to Staff regarding remarks
made by Thomas and Eastham.
Martin seconded the motion.
A vote was taken and motion carried 7-0.
Thomas noted he submitted some comments regarding the February 3 minutes and has
not seen those updates. Yapp said he made those corrections
Thomas moved to defer the February 3 and February 19, 2015 meeting minutes.
Eastham seconded the motion.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 7-0.
PLANNING & ZONING INFORMATION
Hektoen noted that the rezoning associated with Silver Slope on Muscatine and Scott,
because it has been replatted, they vacated the original plat and there is a conditional
zoning agreement on that property that was tied to construction of a street that was
subsequently vacated. Therefore the Commission considered rezoning some of the land,
just a little sliver to conform it to the new property lines. Council is now being asked to
consider a conditional zoning agreement to tie in construction of a new sidewalk to the
new street name. So it is just essentially just swapping out the street names, but it
requires a new agreement, which is different that the Commission's recommendation. If
that is what they wish to do, does the Commission want to have a consult? Freerks
asked if it was only about a sidewalk, Hektoen confirmed, the only thing changing is the
name of the street essentially. The Commission agreed they did not need a consult on
this topic.
Eastham asked to add to the next meeting's agenda consideration of the Comprehensive
Plan amendment that is for the Civic District portion that was voted on at the February 5
meeting. He would like to put them back on the agenda since those blocks are in "no
man's land". Yapp asked legal counsel if they would need to reset the public hearing.
Hektoen confirmed they would, at the next meeting the Commission would set a public
hearing for the Comprehensive Plan amendment and if you have something you wish to
propose, the Commission can do that. Staff has already made their recommendation
with regards to those blocks, so they need further information from the Commission on
what they would like to see there. Eastham asked if they could arrange to have that
discussion then. Hektoen said the public hearing had to be set at a future date. Freerks
suggested an informal meeting to discuss the topic. Thomas thought they could consider
a meeting to confer with City Council to discuss where the Commission is coming from
on this topic He feels there are many issues to share with the public and common ground
can be attained regarding this amendment discussion. Freerks agreed, whatever would
propel the Commission forward in a positive way. She asked Staff to check with City
Planning and Zoning Commission
March 19, 2015 — Formal Meeting
Page 24 of 25
Council to see who they feel about the amendment before they all meet and figure out
the best way to continue this process. Thomas wants to discuss the Civic District as a
whole, feeling even the discussions tonight are near the affected area. There was the
comment the Council voted it down in 2005, with regard to the CB -2 and CB -5. Eastham
stated he is not interested in rezoning, he is interested in finding the commonality in what
the Commission thinks of those three blocks and what Council thinks. Freerks stated she
is not prepared to talk about the Civic District as a whole, and feels it would take a couple
of pre -meetings to discuss further. Eastham requested that the Commission move
forward with at least an informal meeting to keep the discussion moving.
ADJOURNMENT
Thomas moved to adjourn.
Martin seconded.
Motion carried 7-0.
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM
Date: April 17, 2015
To: Mayor and City Council
From: John Yapp, Planning & Zoning Commission
Re: Recommendations from Planning & Zoning Commission
At their April 16, 2015 meeting the Planning & Zoning Commission approved the April 2 minutes
with the following recommendation to the City Council:
A. The Commission moved by a vote of 7-0 to recommend Council approve REZ15-00002, a
rezoning from Low Density Single Family (RS -5) to Mixed Use (MU) for 4.26 acres of property
located at the northeast comer of Dubuque Road and N. Dodge Street subject to a Conditional
Rezoning Agreement requiring:
1. Staff approval of a landscaping plan in conjunction with the site plan for Lot 1 showing a
minimum S3 screening along the west and north sides of the parking area, and a
minimum 15 foot setback of the parking area from the Dubuque Rd right of way with
additional setback where shown on option 3.
2. Parking along the north and east property lines of Lot 1, identified as 'Phase 2 Parking' on
the. Site Concept Plan, remain unpaved unless approved by the Director of the
Department of Neighborhood Services based on evidence of need.
3. General conformance with the site concept plan known as option 3 shown at the April 2,
2015 meeting.
Additionally approve SUB 15-00004, a preliminary plat of Pleiades First Addition, a 2 -lot, 7.15
acre subdivision located at the northeast corner of Dubuque Road and N. Dodge Street.
B. amendments to the Comprehensive Plan for the portions of blocks north of Iowa Ave and
east of Gilbert St; and east of Van Buren St and north of Burlington St, which are not in the
Central Planning District.
1. The portions of blocks north of Iowa Ave and east of Gilbert St; and east of Van Buren
St and north of Burlington St, which are not in the Central Planning District, be added to
the Central Planning District as shown in Exhibit B.
2. The Central District Plan be amended to add the following goals:
Housing and Quality of Life Goal #1(i): Develop Zoning Code standards in the CB -2 and
CB -5 Zones when CB -2 and CB -5 properties are on the same block as residential
properties to require setbacks, building height step-downs, landscaping, open space and
other techniques to promote compatibility with residential properties on the same block.
Develop a mechanism to provide an exemption from the requirement for commercial
land uses on the first floor in the CB -2 and CB -5 zones, and provide for multi -family
design standards to apply to CB -2 and CB -5 multi -family properties.
April 17, 2015
Page 2
3. The IC2030 Comprehensive Plan be amended to update the Central Planning District
Map.
4. Consider creating a form based code for the commercial properties in this portion of
the Central Planning District.
Additional action (check one)
No further action needed
Board or Commission is requesting Council direction
_X_ Agenda item will be prepared by staff for Council action
MINUTES APPROVED
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
APRIL 2, 2015 — 7:00 PM — FORMAL MEETING
E M M A J. HARVAT HALL, CITY HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Carolyn Dyer, Charlie Eastham, Ann Freerks, Phoebe Martin,
Paula Swygard, Jodie Theobald, John Thomas
MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT: Sara Hektoen, Robert Miklo
OTHERS PRESENT: Jason Harder, Duane Musser, Nancy Carlson
CALL TO ORDER
Freerks called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL
A. The Commission moved by a vote of 7-0 to recommend Council approve REZ15-00002, a
rezoning from Low Density Single Family (RS -5) to Mixed Use (MU) for 4.26 acres of property
located at the northeast comer of Dubuque Road and N. Dodge Street subject to a Conditional
Rezoning Agreement requiring:
1. Staff approval of a landscaping plan in conjunction with the site plan for Lot 1 showing a
minimum S3 screening along the west and north sides of the parking area, and a minimum
15 foot setback of the parking area from the Dubuque Rd right of way with additional
setback where shown on option 3.
2. Parking along the north and east property lines of Lot 1, identified as'Phase 2 Parking' on
the- Site Concept Plan, remain unpaved unless approved by the Director of the
Department of Neighborhood Services based on evidence of need.
3. General conformance with the site concept plan known as option 3 shown at the April 2,
2015 meeting.
Additionally approve SUB15-00004, a preliminary plat of Pleiades First Addition, a 2 -lot, 7.15
acre subdivision located at the northeast corner of Dubuque Road and N. Dodge Street.
B. amendments to the Comprehensive Plan for the portions of blocks north of Iowa Ave and east
of Gilbert St; and east of Van Buren St and north of Burlington St, which are not in the Central
Planning District.
1. The portions of blocks north of Iowa Ave and east of Gilbert St; and east of Van Buren
St and north of Burlington St, which are not in the Central Planning District, be added to
the Central Planning District as shown in Exhibit B.
2. The Central District Plan be amended to add the following goals:
Housing and Quality of Life Goal #1(i): Develop Zoning Code standards in the CB -2 and
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 2, 2015 — Formal Meeting
Page 2 of 14
CB -5 Zones when CB -2 and CB -5 properties are on the same block as residential
properties to require setbacks, building height step-downs, landscaping, open space and
other techniques to promote compatibility with residential properties on the same block.
Develop a mechanism to provide an exemption from the requirement for commercial land
uses on the first floor in the CB -2 and CB -5 zones, and provide for multi -family design
standards to apply to CB -2 and CB -5 multi -family properties.
3. The IC2030 Comprehensive Plan be amended to update the Central Planning District
Map.
4. Consider creating a form based code for the commercial properties in this portion of
the Central Planning District.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA
=I -
REZONING / DEVELOPMENT ITEM (REZ15-00002/SUB16-00004
Discussion of an application submitted by Focus Commercial Real Estate, LLC for a
rezoning of 4.26 -acres of land located at 1406 and 1506 N Dubuque Road from Low
Density Single- Family (RS -5) zone to Mixed Use (MU) zone and for a preliminary plat
of Pleiades First Addition, a 2 -lot, 7.15 acre subdivision.
Miklo explained that the Commission received the staff report at a previous meeting regarding this
application, however the applicant has since provided some photos showing the relationship of
the cedar trees to Dubuque Road and how they would not necessarily screen the residential
across the street. The applicant has also submitted three options for landscaping along Dubuque
Road, which the applicant will address.
Staff reiterates their recommendation of approval of REZ15-00002, a rezoning from Low Density
Single Family (RS -5) to Mixed Use (MU) for 4.26 acres of property located at the northeast
comer of Dubuque Road and N. Dodge Street subject to a Conditional Rezoning Agreement
requiring:
1. Staff approval of a landscaping plan in conjunction with the site plan for Lot 1 showing a
minimum S3 screening along the west and north sides of the parking area, and a
minimum 15 foot setback of the parking area from the Dubuque Rd right of way.
2. Parking along the north and east property lines of Lot 1, identified as'Phase 2 Parking' on
the- Site Concept Plan, remain unpaved unless approved by the Director of the
Department of Neighborhood Services based on evidence of need.
3. General conformance with the site concept plan dated March 5, 2015.
Staff recommends approval of SUB15-00004, a preliminary plat of Pleiades First Addition, a 2 -
lot, 7.15 acre subdivision located at the northeast corner of Dubuque Road and N. Dodge Street
Freerks questioned if all of these options had a 15 foot setback, noting it appears some are more.
Miklo said the applicant could address that but believes that options 1 and 2 have a 15 foot
setback and in option 3 for the portion across from the single family homes, it is increased to to be
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 2, 2015 — Formal Meeting
Page 3 of 14
several feet wider.
Eastham asked if there would still be a berm along Dubuque Road. Miklo said the applicant could
address that as well, it is not clear from the plans the Staff received.
Thomas asked if there were any detention on the stormwater. Miklo answered that it was
addressed in the staff report that this area is within the area that is served by the detention
facilities in Hickory Hill Park so no onsite detention is required.
Freerks opened public hearing.
Jason Harder (2004 Crestline Drive, Muscatine Iowa) with Focus Commercial discussed what
they had done with this project, from the beginning to now. They chose this property, although it
was expensive and more than they needed, because they think it is a great project not only for the
area and Iowa City but for this neighborhood to bring a service oriented clinic to the
neighborhood.
The building started as a rectangle, and to be efficient started out in the middle of the lot, so the
distance from the parking to the front door was not too long. They worked with staff on possible
zoning options, as there was more than one, with the intent of trying to be a good neighbor and
wanted to do the opposite of the old HyVee across the road, to not butt the building up to the
residential with all the parking out front. Therefore they designed the building to not just be a big
rectangle, to pull it as far away from the residential areas as possible, which creates a building
that is not an efficient layout and creates parking issues, but chose these options anyway to show
they are trying to be good neighbors to the residential surrounding areas.
Next, they looked at the lot, and discussed their client's needs, and attempted to figure out the
accurate parking needs. They would rather err on the side of having too much parking, because if
they did not have enough parking people would be parking on the street or the HyVee parking lot,
which is not being a good neighbor. They have reduced the number of parking spots from 223 to
the 160's now though. They don't want to put in more parking than necessary, but also don't want
to have a situation where there is not enough.
They have agreed to S3 screening, which is called out in the City Code as not required; only S2 is
required. S3 is fairly dense and tall and will try to accomplish that through berming and
vegetation, not just vegetation alone.
Harder noted there is tree preservation on lot 2, they created the balance when they chose to
shrink the parking lot, and also wish to design the building with as many doors into the building as
the developer will deem appropriate. They could have chosen to drive the cost of lot 2 up to
counter the high costs of the lot 1 needs, which would result in having duplexes or multifamily on
lot 2, but that would not result in being a good neighbor. So they made it a single family lot to
create more buffer, there is at least a 150 foot buffer in the narrowest part of lot 2 from the existing
single family to the edge of the S3 screening.
They have worked with Staff, from a 10 foot required setback along north Dubuque Road to 15
feet (Staffs request) which created more space. It does impact more trees but it creates more
space for screening along Dubuque Road.
Harder said they took note of what the Commission said at the last meeting and have developed
three options, specifically looking at the northwest corner of the property, trying to protect the
residential area from the parking lot. Option one is the applicant's preferred option, it is 15 feet
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 2, 2015 — Formal Meeting
Page 4 of 14
back, the sidewalk jogs out towards the street, and leaves plenty of space to create berming and
create the S3 screening through trees, vegetation and maybe some planting beds. The berm will
allow for permanent screening year round, it doesn't come and go with the vegetation. The S3
screening is so dense that from the street, with a 6 foot high screening requirement you won't see
what's on the other side of it. They would prefer to keep the parking close to the front door, on the
backside, because it really cannot be seen with the berming and vegetation.
Harder noted there was conversation last time also about the cedar trees, but this option does not
keep those trees. So they created option 2, which would keep the cedar trees, but does not have
a berm. Keeping the cedar trees takes up valuable real estate that a berm could be built on.
Additionally it will be harder to add vegetation around the cedar trees due to the roots so that
would mean the headlight shielding vegetation would be pushed right next to the edge of the
parking lot. The cedar trees provide zero screening from the parking lot. Additionally the cedar
trees will not protect screening of the building, as the building is not at that end of the lot. So
keeping those trees does not contribute to the goal of screening the parking lot.
Harder introduced option 3, which shows the best way to screen the parking lot (from option 1
with the berm and vegetation) but also to lose the parking lot on the backside which creates more
green space. There is not enough space without becoming too intrusive into the lot to create a
berm with the adequate headlight screening and save the cedar trees. So if they were to
eliminate those parking stalls on the backside of a 6 foot high screening for the protection of the
residential areas, then option 3 is the best. However, they do believe strongly that after already
shrinking the parking spots from 200 plus down to 160 they would need to forgo the landbanking
of spots and include all the spots in the first phase. He said this option would lose the cedar
trees, but gain a berm where they could plant new trees.
Freerks noted that there are various types of screenings, even within the categories of S2 and S3
and it's not always just about headlights.
Harder agreed, saying headlights are the hardest thing to scree, parking lot lights can be
controlled with timers.
Theobald asked for clarification on options 1 and 3 - seeing there is more greenspace on option 3
but otherwise what is the difference or point of option 3? Harder noted that at the last meeting
there was concern about there even being parking spots in that area, so close to existing
neighbors, so that is why they are introducing option 3. He stated that option 3 is not their choice,
but wanted to show that they did listen to the concerns brought up at the last meeting.
Thomas asked how the vegetation was different on option 3 as it looks similar. Harder answered
that the vegetation in options 1 and 3 are the same. As S3 screening it creates a very solid
screening. Thomas said they were the same with the exception of the expansion of the planting
area. Harder confirmed that was the case, and that option 3 would lose parking which is not as
desirable to the applicant.
Eastham asked if option 3 would then add a dozen or so parking on the north border next to lot 2.
Harder replied yes, because that would be closest to the building front door.
Theobald asked if both option 1 and 3 included a berm and Harder confirmed that was the case.
Theobald asked if there are any plans looked at saving the Norway spruce or the white pine that
are actually more valuable trees than the cedar. There is a large white pine located alongside the
building. Harder answered no, but was unsure exactly where all those trees were located.
Theobald noted the large Norway spruce looks to be located about where there is a green space.
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 2, 2015 — Formal Meeting
Page 5 of 14
She noted on the preliminary plat map approximately where the trees she was questioning were
located. Harder said that in all honesty they did not look at saving those trees, but with some
more homework they can look and see where those trees will fall in the footprint and see if they
might fall into greenspace and be able to be saved.
Harder said he is happy to answer any of the commission's questions, he has team members with
him tonight that can address specific items as well, they really want to work towards moving this
project forward.
Dyer asked if they had elevations of the building. Harder believed those were shown at the last
meeting, however noted the building is in programming with the architects, it is a budgetary 14
million dollar building, it will be a high-end attractive building.
Miklo showed the concept drawings of the building and pointed out that the mixed use zone
requires some articulation of the building so there won't be blank walls.
Freerks stated that normally they require 20 feet buffer from commercial parking across from a
residential area, mixed use is the only situation where only 10 is required. She appreciates that
they expanded to 15 feet. Mixed use is only 10 feet because that is usually in the downtown area,
and that might be something the Commission will need to revisit in the future. Miklo pointed out
that option 3 would result in more than 20 feet setbacks for the portion of the property directly
across from the single-family zone.
Theobald corrected a previous statement, there are two Norway spruces and the better looking of
the two is more in the corner where the crabapples are, so it might be a nice focal point for
whatever landscaping is done at that end.
Eastham commented regarding his appreciation to the applicant for trying so diligently to put a
good project together that does meet the need for medical space as well as neighborhood
compatibility. He noted he was not aware there might have been an option to put the building
more in the center of the lot, which may or may not have worked out very well, but appreciates
them looking at all possibilities.
Freerks noted that Harder has addressed previous questions and concerns and sees no reason
not to try to move this forward this evening.
Hektoen noted that the staff recommendation requires substantial compliance with the March 5
site plan, and that has now changed, so if the Commission makes a motion, they need to pick one
of the options. Miklo agreed that the Commission would need to pick an option (1, 2 or 3) and tie it
to that site plan.
Eastham asked if they could discuss the options before having a motion.
Freerks replied that yes, they can.
Freerks noted that are three options available, and there is a home directly across from where
that green space has been placed in option 3 so that is a nice option perhaps if it is landscaped a
bit more in some fashion that does not need to be outlined in any detail this evening. Freerks
noted this project will be a lovely addition to Iowa City and that neighborhood.
Martin noted that having the berm is what is really important in her opinion.
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 2, 2015 — Formal Meeting
Page 6 of 14
Thomas agreed that the berm from a screening standpoint is most important. He also
appreciated Freerks mentioning that in the mixed use having more space, more landscaping on
option 3; in this situation has some value.
Martin is not opposed to option 3 but it seems awkward with just grass there. Thomas noted it just
looks unfinished in the current plan. Freerks noted they could say the additional green space
needs to be landscaped in some fashion. They do not need to outline it exactly, it is always a
given to try to maintain any trees that can be saved and are beneficial to a design.
Eastham stated that option 1 seems to have the advantage to him at least in that the applicant
prefers that option which is not inconsequential. Additionally option 3 does put 10 or 11 parking
spaces on the north boundary which is next to a residential area.
Freerks noted that would initially be a vacant lot, there currently is no home there. It is quite a
large lot and the residential would be far enough away. Her bigger concern is for the residential
already in the area, across the street.
Martin asked for clarification that lot 2 is not to be built on.
Duane Musser, MMS Consultants, stated that lot 2 would be placed for sale for a residential
home. With option 3 those parking spaces that would no longer be landbanked could potentially
be right next to a single family home versus along Dubuque Road and separated by the right-of-
way.
Freerks noted there is a lot of space on lot 2 and feels that the land banked area shown in options
1 and 2 will become parking spaces in the future anyway.
Musser noted that lot 2 will be sold as a single family home lot, and they will have no control over
where they place the house.
Martin noted the parking lot would be in place first, so the buyer of lot 2 would know what they are
getting into.
Freerks closed public hearing.
Theobald made a comment about the landscaping, stating she did not have an objections with
either option 1 or 3, she prefers option 3, but would like to see exploring saving those two lovely
trees.
Miklo asked Theobald for more clarification where the trees were on the property.
Freerks stated she was uncomfortable having the trees noted as a requirement, but to request
that it be explored.
Eastham made a motion to approve REZ15-00002, a rezoning from Low Density Single
Family (RS -5) to Mixed Use (MU) for 4.26 acres of property located at the northeast comer
of Dubuque Road and N. Dodge Street subject to a Conditional Rezoning Agreement
requiring:
1. Staff approval of a landscaping plan in conjunction with the site plan for Lot 1
showing a minimum S3 screening along the west and north sides of the parking
area, and a minimum 15 foot setback of the parking area from the Dubuque Rd right
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 2, 2015 — Formal Meeting
Page 7 of 14
of way with additional setback where shown on option 3.
2. Parking along the north and east property lines of Lot 1, identified as 'Phase 2
Parking' on the- Site Concept Plan, remain unpaved unless approved by the
Director of the Department of Neighborhood Services based on evidence of need.
3. General conformance with the site concept plan known as option 3 shown at the
April 2, 2015 meeting.
Dyer seconded the motion.
Freerks noted it will be a wonderful addition to Iowa City, the architecture would be nice along that
area as well, and to have a medical clinic in that part of Iowa City.
Swygard questioned the motion Eastham made, noting that the subdivision portion was not
included.
Eastham amended his motion to also approve SUB15-00004, a preliminary plat of Pleiades
First Addition, a 2 -lot, 7.15 acre subdivision located at the northeast corner of Dubuque
Road and N. Dodge Street.
Dyer seconded the amendment.
Thomas noted it was nice to see at a gateway into Iowa City a project that looks like it's raising
the bar in terms of architectural design.
Freerks stated she was happy to see the applicant put in some effort and give options and that
the end result will be better.
Dyer noted she was concerned about the excessive amount of parking at the last meeting and
wanted to say she appreciated the applicant's consideration of that by removing some of the
parking.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 7-0.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ITEMS
Martin recused herself from the discussion of this item and left the room.
Discussion of proposed amendments to the Comprehensive Plan for the blocks north of
Iowa Ave and east of Gilbert St; and east of Van Buren St and north of Burlington St,
which are not in the Central Planning District.
Miklo noted again this was an item the Commission has discussed at previous meetings so he
would not go into a lot of detail on the staff report. He will address some key items, staff had
outlined some zoning options that might be explored in the future and implementing amendments
to the plan and finally to explore height step downs for the commercial zones where they are
adjacent to residential zones. Staff did point out that they did not have time to do a detailed
analysis to come up with specifics, but they did look at how other cities deal with building heights
when higher density area and lower density areas are adjacent to each other. They will do that
analysis at the next level, when they actually draft the code language but the concept is where
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 2, 2015 — Formal Meeting
Page 8 of 14
there are shorter buildings, the two story buildings on Washington Street, you would require that
the buildings next to that for a certain number of feet be limited in height to either two or three
floors and then as you move away a certain distance you could move up to the four floors that
are allowed in the CB -2 zone or the five floors allowed in the CB -5 zone. The details, the actual
numbers, would come back to the Commission as a code amendment. What the Commission is
being asked tonight is to amend the Comprehensive Plan to accept that concept to allow Staff to
go along to the next stage.
Miklo stated secondly Staff feels in the long term a form -based code might be a solution for this
area as well as other areas around downtown. However to implement a form -based code would
take a considerable amount of time and Staff feels there will be some redevelopment activity
within this neighborhood before they will be able to get that done. That is why Staff is suggesting
doing something fairly soon in terms of amending the Comprehensive Plan now and then having
to come back to the Commission with code amendments to CB -2 and CB -5 zones.
Miklo pointed out this area includes the properties on the north side of Iowa Avenue, and then
everything east of Van Buren Street. He also stated in the long-term they would be looking at a
form -based code for the CB -2 and CB -5 zones, but in the short-term they would come back to
the Commission with perhaps revised standards regarding setbacks, a step-down in height
adjacent to residential, and then the possibility of not requiring the commercial on the ground
floor when it's in the same block face as a residential zone.
1. Staff recommends the portions of blocks north of Iowa Ave and east of Gilbert St; and east of
Van Buren St and north of Burlington St which are not in the Central Planning District be added
to the Central Planning District as shown in Exhibit B.
2. Staff recommends the Central District Plan be amended to add the following goals:
A. Housing and Quality of Life Goal #1(i): Develop Zoning Code standards in the CB -2
and CB -5 Zones when CB -2 and CB -5 properties are on the same block face as
residential properties to require setbacks, building height step-downs, landscaping, and
other techniques to promote compatibility with residential properties on the same block
face. Develop a mechanism to provide an exemption from the requirement for
commercial land uses on the first floor in the CB -2 and CB -5 zones, and provide for multi-
family design standards to apply to CB -2 and CB -5 multi -family properties.
3. Staff recommends the IC2030 Comprehensive Plan text be amended to remove the text
regarding further study of this area in the last paragraph of the Introduction Section on pages 1-
2, and update the Central Planning District Map.
Dyer asked about the language difference between block and block face, for example on College
Street where the Community Mental Health Center is, would that mean the side facing College
Street could be residential and the side facing Van Buren would be mixed use? Miklo stated that
was a possibility. He also noted that when referring to block or block face that also applies to
height, whether you want lower heights where there is residential on the same block, even
though it's not on the same block face.
Freerks felt that is something that could be changed, to have the second line changed from block
face to just blocks because otherwise Iowa Avenue could be affected by that because block face
means you must have a residential structure along that face and not in the same block.
Miklo explained that block face means the frontage from street corner to street corner, whereas
block is the whole square block.
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 2, 2015 — Formal Meeting
Page 9 of 14
Eastham noted that at the last meeting they heard from the director of the mental health center
about their plans to relocate and the real estate person that was with them indicated that those
properties would have more value to them if there was not a requirement to do commercial
zoning on the first floor. So as Eastman understands the Staff recommendations there will be
code revisions eventually that would potentially address those issues but wonders what could be
done in the meantime. Miklo said other than amending the code, the other option to remove the
requirement for commercial on the ground floor is to rezone the property to a residential zone.
Eastham noted it is important to let the director of the community health center know the
Commission heard his concerns.
Swygard noted that the rest of that block is all residential.
Freerks said that when thinking of stepping down from College Street, to move more towards
Burlington Street where there is a more natural lower grade where the stories could be used to
create more density while maintaining and keeping the homes as they are along College Street.
Miklo agreed but noted that they cannot be that precise without a form -based code.
Freerks also noted she is interested in adding in open space under recommendation 2. A.
because that is something they discuss over and over. The need for space between structures
and around structures, not just setbacks from the street.
Eastham asked whether the phrase in the staff recommendation regarding "other techniques to
promote compatibility" would achieve that. Freerks did not think that phrase was speck
enough.
Freerks noted that she feels the Commission needs to move forward on this so code can be
written as properties will be selling and there needs to be a direction with best possible
outcomes.
Freerks opened public hearing.
Nancy Carlson stated she has one comment regarding the IC2030 plan where it talks about
parks and open space goals and strategies and it states "develop a system for collecting open
space fees as land is rezoned for higher density development in the Central Planning and
Downtown Districts, areas underserved by parks and open space". Carlson stated they have
been underserved by open space for years and years, the big goal now is to increase the density
downtown which means to put more people in downtown, but no discussion of increase in open
space for these people. She questions if they are interested in more than quantity of life in the
downtown area, are they interested also in quality of life and having a nice environment for
people to live downtown. That is very important to her. Carlson also stated her appreciation for
the Commission, as they have been dealing with this issue for two months. She feels there are
some areas in the City government that are dysfunctional and that have their own agenda, but
she does not feel the Commission is one of them. She noted that when people come to the
Commission, you listen, you attempt to come to a conclusion that takes everybody's concerns
into consideration, and wanted the Commission to know how appreciative she is of their time and
effort.
Freerks closed public hearing.
Eastham moved that the Commission recommend approval of the Staffs
recommendations in the Staff memo of March 27, 2015 with regards to the portions of
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 2, 2015 — Formal Meeting
Page 10 of 14
blocks north of Iowa Ave and east of Gilbert St; and east of Van Buren St and north of
Burlington St which are not in the Central Planning District be added to the Central
Planning District and to include all three staff recommendations into this motion.
Dyer seconded the motion.
Eastham moved to amend the term block face in item 2A to just state block. He support
that change.
Theobald seconded that amendment.
Swygard asked if they wanted to add in item 2.A. something regarding open space after
landscaping and before other techniques.
Swygard moved to amend the item 2.A. to add the term open space after landscaping and
before other techniques.
Martin seconded the amendment.
Freerks wished to point out that in item 3, the Comprehensive Plan text be amended to remove
language regarding further study of this area and questioned the meaning of that item because
they did ask to have it studied further in the plan earlier.
Miklo clarified that what has been done over the past several months is that further study, after
this point they would not be studying the plan anymore but as noted in the staff report they would
go into more detail regarding the area when drafting amendments to the zoning code to
implement the plan.
Eastham asked for more discussion on that point. Noting Thomas made some comments at the
last meeting regarding item 3.
Thomas said that he questioned what the actual language was in the 2030 Comprehensive Plan
text, and asked for that to be stated in the recommendation. Thomas did research and find the
actual language and brought a copy to the meeting, and passed it out to the other members of
the Commission. His thoughts on the text is that clearly they are no longer two areas, and if they
do address the area east of Van Buren and north of Iowa Avenue, what is still left is the 3
municipal block area, that would still be outside the area of agreement. He said that there is
language in the IC 2030 plan that is relevant to the unanswered questions they are facing in the
Civic District area. It states the areas have the potential to redevelop at higher density due to
their proximity to the downtown and university. While they both have potential to redevelop and
comply with policies and goals of the Central District Plan in order to assure quality design and
appropriate transition to the lower density residential neighborhood areas that border them.
The text then goes on to state Staff recommends a process to appropriately address how these
areas redevelop over time. And then it ends with once a redevelopment plan is completed both
areas should be added to the Central District Plan area map. Therefore Thomas feels that the
Commission is working towards completion of that but are not completely there. While the area
has potential to redevelop at higher density there is still the issue of transition and quality design.
He noted there is also the mention of a process that be initiated to appropriately address how
these areas redevelop overtime. He feels that discussion hasn't really yet taken place. He has
listened to the discussion at Council regarding the proposed Comprehensive Plan amendment
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 2, 2015 — Formal Meeting
Page 11 of 14
that the Commission voted down, that was the first time there was discussion of the Recreation
Center being a potential development site. Thomas said his expectation when he read this, the
notion of a redevelopment plan, that there would have been a more robust analysis of the
potential of the area. It is an area where the land is basically all consolidated under one
ownership so it has enormous potential with regards to moving forward with a plan that wouldn't
have the snags as properties with multiple ownerships would present. It would put out on the
table what the City's plans there with facilities; it would have been an effort more similar to what
was seen with the Downtown Riverfront Crossings Master Plan. Then there would be a better
idea what the direction would be for those three blocks.
It could present an opportunity to address the issue of affordable housing, what to do with
Ralston Creek as an open space in that area, a number of issues that he feels they were not
given much opportunity to have anything of substance with what this area will become.
Freerks asked if Thomas' recommendation would be to just remove that copy at this time, since
they are just talking about the area around those 3 municipal blocks.
Thomas is suggesting they could edit item 3 to acknowledge the progress they've made, they've
addressed the area west of Dubuque Street, and addressed the peripheral area to the Civic
District, but still have left the three municipal blocks and there is language in there that pertains
to those blocks.
Freerks questioned that before they would add that to the Comprehensive Plan they would have
to have some public discussion. Thomas noted that it is already in there and it needs to be left in,
not as part of the text noted to be removed in Staff recommendation item 3. Freerks feels there
needs to be more public hearing and public notice on the three municipal block area.
Thomas questioned clarity then on what was being recommended by staff as he thought there
would be changes to the text. Freerks answered that they would just be removing the text
regarding the three block area discussed this evening. And therefore she does not feel
comfortable tonight changing language on an area they are not even voting on.
Eastham noted that in the IC2030 Comprehensive Plan it says on the two pages Staff
references, the last sentence of the partial paragraph on page 2 reads "once a redevelopment
plan is completed both areas" and the areas the paragraph refers to are the entirety of the Civic
District as well as the Dubuque Street/Clinton Street district. It goes on to state "both areas
should be added to the Central District map" and as Eastham sees it right now they are just
looking at one part of one of those areas. So his recommendation would be to just add that part
of the Civic District to the Central District map. He also noted he is not comfortable with
changing the language in the 2030 plan.
Freerks agreed and thought perhaps they need to remove that item from the staff
recommendation, not from the comp plan. She believes more discussion needs to happen in a
public forum.
Eastham said if they were to remove item 3 from the recommendations then are they saying they
don't think this portion voted on this evening should not be added to the Central District map.
Freerks disagreed and said it was important to add the area voted on this evening to the Central
District map, so the wording on recommendation 3 needs to be changed.
Swygard moved to amend the item 3 so there is a reference to creating a form -based code
in the district for commercially zoned properties in this portion of the Central District.
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 2, 2015 — Formal Meeting
Page 12 of 14
Eastham seconded the amendment.
Eastham moved to amend item 3 to state to recommend the IC2030 Comprehensive Plan
be amended to update the Central District Plan map as shown on exhibit B.
Dyer seconded the amendment.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 6-0.
Martin rejoined the meeting.
Set a public hearing for April 16, 2015 for discussion of amendments the Comprehensive
Plan to change the land use designation from Mixed Use to Multi -family Residential for
property located south of Court Street, west of Taft Avenue.
Miklo noted the Staff memo explains the proposed amendment and it will be available to the
public over the next couple of weeks. The Commission will hold the public hearing at the next
meeting and there may also be a zoning change associated with this amendment on that agenda
as well.
Eastham moved to set a public hearing for April 16, 2015 for discussion of amendments
the Comprehensive Plan to change the land use designation from Mixed Use to Multi-
family Residential for property located south of Court Street, west of Taft Avenue.
Theobald seconded the motion.
Hektoen noted that she owns property in that area and will not be advising the Commission with
regards to this amendment.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 7-0.
CONSIDERATION OF MEETING MINUTES: February 3, February 19, March 16 and
March 19,201
Miklo noted that the March 16 and March 19 minutes were not available at this time.
Eastham moved to approve the February 3 and February 19 meeting minutes as amended.
Martin seconded the motion.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 7-0.
Eastham moved to defer the March 16 and March 19 meeting minutes.
Swygard seconded the motion.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 7-0.
PLANNING & ZONING INFORMATION
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 2, 2015 — Formal Meeting
Page 13 of 14
Theobald asked about plans for a University power plant on the westside. Miklo
answered that he was not aware of the plans. Theobald had read in the paper that the
University was planning a new westside power plant. She feels it could have an impact
on evelopments to the west, as it will be across from West High School.
Eastham noted that at the Council meeting last week they were considering
appointments to the Commission and there was a discussion where the word
dysfunctional was used to describe this Commission. Freerks and Eastham agree that is
not an accurate term to describe their Commission. Eastham noted that perhaps the
Council used the term dysfunctional as a positive term and that he would do his best to
live up to their dysfunctional standards.
Freerks noted that she has received many positive comments on the way the
Commission conducts business in the most open fashion possible and prides themselves
in that very much. She said perhaps the reason it might seem dysfunctional to others is
because they work to do all their business out in the open and that means things don't
happen quickly and swiftly, they explain things and talk about things, and then get them
done eventually and hopefully in the right fashion. She noted that perhaps City Council
and others do a lot of work not during public meetings. They are a political body, the
Commission is not. Additionally they no longer have informal meetings on the Mondays
prior to the formal Thursday meetings that was taken away with some budget cuts, so
they use the Thursday meetings to discuss and talk through some of the points. Freerks
agreed with Eastham that she was slightly offended, but thinks it is naive for someone to
say that.
Eastham agreed and noted that if any Council member wants to meet with him
personally, or talk to the Commission as a whole, they are welcome. He noted that this
Commission is the best group he has ever been a member of that diligently tries to follow
the rules, all have read the zoning code, all have read the Comprehensive Plan, the
elements they are responsible for implementing, and he feels they do a better job of
following the zoning code and following the Comprehensive Plan and are not second to
any other government body in that regard.
ADJOURNMENT
Swygard moved to adjourn.
Theobald seconded.
Motion carried 7-0.
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MINUTES APPROVED
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
MARCH 16, 2015 — 5:30 PM — WORK SESSION
E M M A J. HARVAT HALL, CITY HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Carolyn Dyer, Charlie Eastham, Ann Freerks Paula
Swygard, Phoebe Martin, Jodie Theobald, John Thomas
MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT: Sara Hektoen, John Yapp
OTHERS PRESENT:
Freerks called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ITEMS
Discussion of proposed amendments to the Comprehensive Plan for the blocks generally
bounded by Clinton St, Jefferson St, Bloomington St and Dubuque St (AKA the North
Clinton / Dubuque Street District).
Discussion of proposed amendments to the Comprehensive Plan for the portions of blocks
north of Iowa Ave and east of Gilbert St; and east of Van Buren St and north of Burlington St,
which are not in the Central Planning District
Yapp noted the Commission has raised concerns regarding the interface between existing
commercial zoning along the same block face as residential zoning, particularly on the blocks east
of Van Buren Street and asked Staff to consider adding language to the Comprehensive Plan and
Central District Plan to indicated a goal that would be sensitive to this interface. In looking into
this further, Staff summarized some of the issues within infill redevelopment which includes
physical restraints, regulatory issues, and economic issues. Regarding physical restraints,
redevelopment of infill properties on small sites requires a successful melding into the fabric of the
other structures on the block in order to be perceived positively. Issues such as setbacks,
building heights, land use, appearance of the front of the building, and the street scape are some
of the typical concerns with infill redevelopment within the blocks.
Opposition to infill redevelopment can center on design compatibility issues, increased density,
and different housing types and land use types from what existed previously. Regulatory
requirements can work against consistency with existing structures on the block. For example, in
terms of setbacks, the CB -2 and CB -5 zones have a maximum 12 foot front yard setback. The
intent of that is to encourage buildings closer to the sidewalk and more accessible from a
pedestrian standpoint. However in residential zones, east of Van Buren Street, residential zoning
Planning and Zoning Commission
March 16, 2015 — Work Session
Page 2 of 8
in the same block face, setbacks are a minimum 15 feet or 20 feet depending on the type of
structure. So one is a maximum of 12 foot and the other is a minimum of 15 to 20 foot and these
are inconsistent with each other if not incompatible.
Similarly in the central business zones, they require commercial or office use on the first floor of
the commercial building. This is an inconsistent land use with residential structures along the
same block face.
Part of the issue with infill redevelopment is economic; redevelopment land costs are often higher
with infill sites and construction costs can be higher due to working with a much smaller site than
a similar site on the edge of town in an undeveloped area. It's more complex in staging materials,
dealing with the existing infrastructure. Yapp noted the code does have some special exceptions
or modifications to code requirements for things like setbacks or parking reductions, but those
take time and the results can be uncertain. This can lead a property owner to just build what they
can under the existing zoning classification.
The benefits if infill development in general terms can include the redevelopment of underutilized
property, establishing new land uses, redeveloping functionally obsolete structures, and
increasing densities within a walking distance to downtown. In general, infill development can
reduce the need to new development on the fringe of the city, and infill development reuses
existing city structure. To be successful these things should be balance with compatibility with
other structures on the same block face.
Yapp stated that Historic Preservation Commission did discuss these areas. In the North
Clinton/Dubuque District, the one property they identified as being eligible for landmark status in
the North Clinton/Dubuque area was the Sanxay-Gilmore House at 109 Market. They did not find
sufficient properties to constitute a historic or conservation district in this area. Yapp noted the
Historic Preservation Commission's review was limited to this area that is under consideration in
the Comprehensive Plan; however they do intend to do a larger study around this area later this
year. There may be additional historic properties located in the larger area.
In the Civic District, the Historic Preservation Commission determined the properties at 410 and
422 Iowa Avenue (the United Action for Youth properties) have some architectural significance
but they did not rise to the landmark status that the Commission recommended at this time.
Additionally they did not find properties to constitute a historic or conservation area. The
Commission was sensitive to the need for an interface between properties in the historic district
and conservation district around College Street Park and the properties between Van Buren
Street and Johnson Street and did discuss the idea that Staff is recommending in reviewing
setbacks, landscape standards, etc., for CB -2 and CB -5 zoned properties.
Regarding the area east of Van Buren Street, north of Iowa Avenue, staff recommends that those
properties be added to the Central District Plan and that a goal be added to consider amendments
to the CB -2 and CB -5 zones regarding design and land use compatibility issues on block faces
with residential uses. Yapp noted that if that code amendment were adopted, it would apply to all
CB -2 and CB -5 properties on block faces with residential uses, not just this area.
Planning and Zoning Commission
March 16, 2015 — Work Session
Page 3 of 8
Eastham asked Yapp to restate the recommendation for more clarity. Yapp said Staff is
recommending a goal be adopted make amendments to the CB -2 and CB -5 zones related to
design and land use compatibility issues on block faces with residential uses.
Yapp also said Staff is recommending updating the IC2030 Comprehensive Plan for consistency
with this amendment change.
Freerks thanked Staff for reviewing all the issues, but still feels there is an issue that this is
labeled as mixed use on the plan. In the Central District Plan piece, on pages 62 and 63 there is
a map that shows the areas urban commercial, even though we talk of them as mixed use. They
are not zoned mixed use; they are zoned CB -2 and CB -5. Is the right thing to do rezone the
area? Freerks noted that she knows that was tried in 2005 and was not approved.
Yapp agreed, Staff and the Planning and Zoning Commission did recommend this area be zoned
mixed use in 2005, which was defeated by the City Council due to property owner objections.
Yapp said the question could be if a property owner applied for a mixed use rezoning that would
be consistent. Yapp said this plan should show the long-term goals for these properties, which is
not necessarily the current zoning.
Freerks thinks a rezoning is in order. Yapp stated that CB -2 and CB -5 zoning designations are a
type of mixed use zoning and would allow many uses. Freerks disagreed and thinks the Central
District Plan needs to be reviewed, especially pages 60 — 64. Freerks concern is they are trying
to find a way to make something work and mask the real issue of what should be done in the
area.
Eastham agreed with Freerks and would much prefer having a comprehensive plan vision, use
statements, scenarios, for this area that match available zoning or have zones available that
actually do what that comprehensive plan calls for. Freerks stated it seems as if they are trying to
find a way to make CB -2 and CB -5 work when that is not what the area needs.
Freerks noted her desire is for adaptive reuse and so that is what could be successful in this area
as well.
Yapp asked if showing the area as mixed use on the maps is inappropriate. Freerks said mixed
use is the correct thing to show; therefore a rezoning is more appropriate than trying to make the
urban commercial fit. Yapp said those zones can be amended on a residential block.
Hektoen noted this discussion should be more for the meeting on Thursday. This evening's
meeting should be questions for staff to address to clarify issues before Thursday's meeting.
Eastham said his request for Thursday would be under the Staff recommendation is for staff to
outline what they feel those amendments to the zoning might actually be. Yapp agreed and said
those are outlined in the memo as setbacks, height, landscaping, etc. Eastham also said he feels
Staff needs to suggest a timeline, as this should be done within three to four months.
Planning and Zoning Commission
March 16, 2015 — Work Session
Page 4 of 8
Hektoen said the timeline could be discussed at Thursday's meeting as well.
Thomas agreed that it is hard to approve without better understanding of looking at the setbacks,
looking at the massing, setbacks not only related to the front, but also the sides, and the
amendment language related to design and land use compatibility issues on block faces with
residential development needs to clarify if that is frontages, what describes block face. Yapp said
that was not the intent, the intent is along the entire property, front, sides, rear setbacks.
Hektoen stated there are already side setbacks for CB zones but Freerks questioned if that was
compatible and said maybe lot coverage might be a better way to term it.
Dyer stated her concern regarding the back, rear setbacks, when going up against Johnson
Street historic properties. That big building on Washington Street just encroaches on the
properties and is offensive. And if we are discussing abutting properties against historic districts
we need to be considering the entire block.
Yapp said he is happy to add more detail to the staff recommendation but they are not writing
ordinance language at this time. Thomas noted that they need to try to anticipate what this
provision will lead to however. Dryer agreed and said this process leads to the other problems
arising or identifies them.
Thomas noted that with respect to an issue he raised at an earlier meeting, a transportation goal,
with respect to Dubuque Street in particular, there is language in there regarding it functioning as
a gateway to the downtown and the University. Thomas is concerned about the east/west
connectivity. Yapp noted that in the Central District Plan there is an existing goal that states,
"provides functional connections between commercial areas and surrounding neighborhoods to
ensure good access to pedestrians, bicycles and vehicles". So it is not specific to east/west.
Thomas asked if that could be amended. Yapp replied that if there is a consensus of the
Commission. Thomas said that because in the central areas, because of these major arterials,
there are connectivity problems, even in the neighborhoods, not just the transition from
commercial to residential. Staff will look into that issue for Thursday's meeting.
Eastham said that in both staff recommendation it states to make amendments to the IC2030
Comprehensive Plan, he would like the specific text of what those amendments. They show the
map changes, but do not show what the new text would be. Yapp replied it would be to remove
the text regarding these areas being added to the Central District Plan. Hektoen said there is a
paragraph in the IC2030 that states these areas need to be studied further, that is the language
to be removed.
Freerks reiterated her concern that if this area was better used as mixed use, then that is what it
should be zoned as and not just amending the current zoning to fit. She is unsure of how that
will really work. Thomas agreed, they need to see what the amendments will translate to in land
use and rezoning. Freerks recalled at one time they discussed rezoning the area and perhaps
that is the best path, a form -based code type.
Planning and Zoning Commission
March 16, 2015 — Work Session
Page 5 of 8
Hektoen noted it is difficult to remember exactly what can be done with a comprehensive plan
amendment and amendments to the CB -2 and CB -5 zone would have an immediate effect.
Eastham asked what were the property owner's objections to the mixed use zone. Yapp replied
it is a significant reduction in allowable density and size of building and would devalue the
property. It reduces the residential use, potential use.
Eastham noted they have to get back to the three blocks in the Civic District that was deferred
last time. Hektoen said Eastham can make a request to add something to the agenda at
Thursday's meeting, for the next meeting.
REZONING / DEVELOPMENT ITEM REZ15-000021SUB15-00004
Discussion of an application submitted by Focus Commercial Real Estate, LLC for a rezoning
of 4.26 -acres of land located at 1406 and 1506 N Dubuque Road from Low Density Single -
Family (RS -5) zone to Mixed Use (MU) zone and for a preliminary plat of Pleiades First
Addition, a 2 -lot, 7.15 acre subdivision
Yapp presented the background on the application. This is a property at the northeast corner of
Dubuque Road and North Dodge Street, this property is currently zoned RS -5. The applicant has
submitted a two lot subdivision; lot one would be on the corner, fronting on Dubuque Road, lot
two would be to the north. The applicant has applied for mixed use zoning designation on lot
one, lot two would remain RS -5 single family.
The North District Plan does identify that corner as mixed use, the southern portion, the
applicants application for mixed use does go a bit further north than what is on the
comprehensive plan. What they are proposing is a medical clinic on lot one.
Staff has recommended some conditions of the rezoning because the mixed use zoning
boundary would extend further north. The Code normally requires what is called S2 screening
around a parking lot which is a mixture of low shrubs and canopy trees. Staff is recommending
S3 screening along the Dubuque Road frontage and along the north property line. S3 screening
is a denser evergreen screen that grows up to five or six feet in height because there are single
family homes in the area.
The access point for this property will be opposite of the driveway to HyVee. Staff has also
recommended 15 feet between the property line and the beginning of the parking lot along
Dubuque Road. They are also recommending land banking part of the parking lot. The applicant
doesn't have final building designs yet so it is unsure how much parking will be needed, but it is
clear the amount of parking indicated well exceeds what the minimum requirement would be.
Therefore Staff is recommending that not be allowed to be paved initially and only be allowed to
be paved on evidence of need such as parking lot is full and people have no place to park. The
mechanism of land banking the parking is after discussions with the applicant who really wanted
a lot of parking but admitted they were unsure if they really needed it.
Eastham asked if they would do the lighting in the proposed parking area and then if extended,
add the additional lighting. Are there any issues with that? Yapp doesn't believe so; all
Planning and Zoning Commission
March 16, 2015 — Work Session
Page 6 of 8
regulations regarding lighting will be followed. City lighting standards do require that lighting be
down cast and shielded.
A Commissioner asked if there were any parking lot maximum limitations due to business sizes.
Yapp replied not in this zone. The only zone where the City has maximum parking limitations is
Neighborhood Commercial (CN -1) zone.
Freerks asked about the grove of mature trees along north Dubuque Street that could buffer
headlights there from the house across the street and is asking if there is a way to bank that row
of parking along where those mature trees currently are. She would like to know if that line of
trees is considered a grove by City standards. Yapp said they would look into that prior to
Thursday's meeting.
Thomas agreed with that idea, and also it appears that the most critical issues with adjacent
properties would be along the Dubuque Road and whether in the wider setback berm would help
with that. Yapp is working with the applicant on these issues.
Eastham asked if the landscaping proposed in this parking area is similar to the landscaping that
was required for the HyVee parking lot. Yapp would have to refer to the HyVee parking lot plans.
Freerks noted the Commission did work there to preserve some of the existing mature trees.
Eastham asked if there was a concept plan for the building. Yapp replied that he does have a
rough concept plan for the building, and the applicant has indicated there will be a lot more
windows than what is shown on the concept plan. Freerks noted that the design standards will
address building issues.
Dyer noted again the parking lot seems too large. Freerks agreed and likes the compromise that
the full parking lot will only be built if needed. Especially since they are extending the area of the
lot that should be considered mixed use. Eastham asked what the number of parking spaces
being proposed, Yapp replied 223, but just the first phase would be 161. Staff is recommending
not paving 62 of the spaces.
Thomas asked if the landscape plan would change before Thursday's meeting, as this time he is
not seeing any trees or screening shown. Yapp noted this was the applicant's concept plan, not
the full site plan, but they will have to meet right-of-way requirements. Thomas noted it would be
nice to see the whole picture at this time.
Eastham asked if the applicant has already waived the timeline once, and Yapp replied yes, this
application came in last January and they waived it to this Thursday. )
Yapp noted that Staffs interest in the landscaping was on the northern border along the
residential. Dyer noted if there is going to be residential in lot two of this plan that needs to be a
concern as well. Freerks agreed it would be better to have a more specific site plan to view all
this.
OTHER AGENDA ITEMS
Swygard submitted changes to the February 19 meeting minutes.
Planning and Zoning Commission
March 16, 2015 — Work Session
Page 7 of 8
Eastham and Thomas also submitted some corrections to Staff.
ADJOURNMENT
Martin moved to adjourn.
Eastham seconded.
Motion carried.
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APPROVED
IOWA CITY TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING
MONDAY, MARCH 23,2015--5:30 P.M.
PUBLIC LIBRARY MEETING ROOM A
MEMBERS PRESENT: Alexa Homewood, Nick Kilburg, Bram Elias, Laura Bergus, Matt
Butler
MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT: Ty Coleman, Mike Brau
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON PATV PERFORMANCE
Mathew Wiegard said he has made use of PATV's services for 20 years beginning when he was
16 years old. The skills he acquired at PATV gave him the confidence to pursue a degree at the
University of Iowa in cultural anthropology where he is engaged in making ethnographic videos.
The quality of public access opportunities is one of the things that makes Iowa City unique and
contributes to the quality of life enjoyed here. PATV staff are very helpful and do a very good
job.
Judy Worth said she is a social worker working with people with disabilities at University
Hospitals in partnership with Goodwill and the Iowa City Community School District for the
"Career Connections" program. "Career Connections" has developed a relationship with PATV
in which at risk and students with disabilities can learn video productions skills at PATV. The
staff at PATV is very patient and helpful. The caliber of the equipment is quite good. The job
skills and social skills the students learn help them develop and grow as independent individuals.
Worth said she also works with the animal shelter and has collaborated with PATV staff to
produce a training video for them. The people who utilize PATV are making valued
contributions to the community.
Rene Paine said PATV brings rich and diverse voices to the community. PATV is a valuable
enterprise that allows community members to learn and share. Every effort should be made to
sustain PATV as a community resource.
Ronnie Jacobs with the Steam Room Fab Lab said PATV staff is very tolerant and do a
remarkable job. The Fab Lab enables community members to take and idea and create a product
for their own use or to build a business. PATV was one of the first organizations he sought out
to partner with. Both seek to give people a place with the tools and education to enable their
ideas to come into fruition. PATV is a community resource that the Steam Room wishes to
model itself upon.
David Supp-Montgomerie said PATV is more than a media organization—it is a hub of our
community. Supp-Montgomerie said he moved to Iowa City a little over a year ago to teach in
the University of Iowa Communications Studies Department and was referred to PATV as an
organization that could help him interface with other community organizations. With the
assistance of PATV staff Supp-Montgomerie's "Media and Democracy" class has produced
public service announcements for 10 local organizations.
Tom Nothnagel said he has worked with PATV since its creation. He has produced over 1000
programs and during that time has processed hundreds of interns and volunteers. Over the yeas
he has seen many people of all ages, nationalities, and abilities gain experience in media. PATV
is an important community resource. Nothnagel is the president of the PATV board and noted
that PATV is well managed. PATV is frugal. PATV is working to reinvent itself over the next
three years in preparation for the expiration of the timeframe in which they receive funding from
Mediacom.
Paul Meyer said he has been working with PATV for only a short time and is interested in the
types of programs and content that serves the larger community that will not be produced on
commercial television. There are topics such as domestic violence or eastern European politics
that are going to offend someone who is a sponsor of that program. A public access channel
provides venue for news programs or discussion programs that can deal with topics that will not
be discussed in the mainstream media.
Tom Gilsenn said PATV is an important community partner for Up Town Bill's, which he
manages. PATV has strengthened and expanded their work in numerous ways. In addition to
PATV recording and playing back numerous performances that were held at Uptown Bill's, they
helped them on a program called "Hello, It's Us." PATV is a great gift in the community.
Holly Berkowitz said she has been .a producer at PATV for about 20 years. The staff at PATV
does a great job. PATV has helped her grow as a person in a number of ways.
Pasi Jouhikainen said when he came from Finland 20 years ago PATV served as the first place
where became engaged in the community. PATV is unusual in the quality of its equipment, the
range of activities one can become engaged, and the level of expertise of the staff. Jouhikainen
has visited cities 10 times the size of Iowa City that don't have public access services nearly as
good as those at PATV. PATV provides an equal opportunity for all community members.
While technology has made it easy for someone to shoot a video on a cell phone and use a
computer to upload it to YouTube, there is still a cost associated with the equipment to do so.
While PATV does charge dues for membership, that cost can be earned by volunteering time.
PATV offers an opportunity for users to develop tangible, marketable skills. PATV helps make
Iowa City is a richer community.
Alan Stroh said the mass media has been undergoing corporate consolidation concentrating
more and more power as well as more control over the message and content. Those at the top
have the ability to instantly transmit their point of view in a mass way. People do not have a
sophisticated way to present their messages—that's where PATV comes in. The modern
television studio is the equivalent of the printing press. Iowa City has access to a modern studio.
That is rare and takes a sacrifice on part of the community. PATV gives a voice to the voiceless.
Ava Su Gum -Wei (sp?) said PATV enables community members to express themselves. PATV
enhances community communication and promotes education.
Bill Albert said that he has been a producer for 4 years. Iowa City is proud to be a "City of
Literature". Now days literature includes film and video. Iowa City should be proud of the rich
community of literature of the spoken word and theater. PATV provides one more part of the
"City of Literature" and it should be preserved.
James Minims said he is a member of the PATV staff. Until other speakers mentioned it, he had
not considered all the communities PATV serves. Among those are youth from the
Neighborhood Centers, boy scouts and cub scouts, the City Recreation Department's summer
camps, disabilities groups, over 30 different religious organizations, artist and musicians, the
Iowa City Community School District, and Arabs and Muslims. These voices will only find a
voice on a public access channel. PATV is a valuable resource for the city.
Ray Pearson said that PATV has a good staff and good producers. It is important for community
for PATV to continue to provide service. Pearson said he is a minister and has worked with
PATV for about 5 years. The programs produced have an effect in the community. There are
many people who cannot get out to go to church and PATV fills that need.
Lyle Harris said he started working with PATV in 1990. His first program was a children's
program produced by children. The children were involved in all aspects of the program and at
one point even interviewed the president of the University of Iowa. PATV was a positive
influence in those kids lives and contributed to their later success. Harris said his work at PATV
helped him overcome his shyness. Harris also produced a talk show for adults. PATV has made
a positive impact in many kid's lives and should be maintained.
Marc Bauer said he is an intern at PATV. His learning experience at PATV is invaluable and
would not be available in many other places. PATV enables many voices be heard that would
not otherwise.
Megan Hopkins said is an intern at PATV for a few weeks and has already learned many new
skills. The impact PATV has in the community and with its clients is easy to see.
Homewood thanked everyone for their input.
ADJOURNMENT
Homewood moved and Kilburg seconded a motion to adjourn. The motion passed unanimously.
Adjournment was at 6:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Michael Brau
Cable TV Administrative Aide
IOWA CITY TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION APPROVED
MONDAY, MARCH 23,2015--6:30 P.M.
IOWA CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY MEETING ROOM A
MEMBERS PRESENT: Alexa Homewood, Nick Kilburg, Bram Elias, Laura Bergus, Matt Butler
MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT: Ty Coleman, Mike Brau
OTHERS PRESENT: Josh Goding, Bond Drager
SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION
Coleman reported the City Channel 4 live stream is now available in a format that is accessible on
tablets and iPhones. Homewood said that Coleman sent an email earlier to Commissioners with some
updates to the proposed PATV contract. Coleman said the draft contract is now being reviewed by the
City Manager's office. The legal department has reviewed the contract and made some suggestions.
The section that had dealt with renewal has been altered to reflect the elimination of funding but allows
for possibility for continued use of existing resources. This section has not been approved by the City
Manager's office. Once PATV and the City Manager's office have approved the form of the contract
it will be made available to the public. Several members of the Commission have been involved in the
process of reviewing the draft contract. It appears the contract is on track to get before the city council
by the end of April. The Commission agreed that they wished to send a letter and minutes of the
PATV public comment meeting to the city council urging approval of the contract prior to the city
council meeting at which the contract is addressed. Brau reported that a first draft of the local access
channel survey was included in the meeting packet. More analysis and context will be added shortly.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Bergus moved and Kilburg seconded a motion to approve the amended February 23, 2015 minutes.
The motion passed unanimously.
ANNOUNCEMENTS OF COMMISSIONERS
None.
SHORT PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS
None.
CONSUMER ISSUES
Homewood noted the complaint report in the meeting packet and that all issues were resolved.
MEDIACOM REPORT
Coleman said Mediacom informed him that they had nothing to report.
LOCAL ACCESS CHANNEL REPORTS
Homewood noted that PATV sent a report to Commissioners by email and the City Channel had a
report in the meeting packet. Coleman reported the City Channel 4 live stream is now available in a
format that is accessible on tablets and iPhones.
PATV CONTRACT
Homewood said that Coleman sent an email earlier to Commissioners with some updates to the
proposed PATV contract. Coleman said the draft contract is now being reviewed by the City
Manager's office. The legal department has reviewed the contract and made some suggestions. The
section that had dealt with renewal has been altered to reflect the elimination of funding but allows for
use of existing resources. This section has not been approved by the City Manager's office. Once
PATV and the City Manager's office have approved the form of the contract it will be made available
to the public. Several members of the Commission have been involved in the process of reviewing the
draft contract. It appears the contract is on track to get before the city council by the end of April. The
Commission agreed that they wished to send a letter and minutes of the PATV public comment
meeting to the city council urging approval of the contract prior to the city council meeting at which
the contract is addressed.
LOCAL ACCESS CHANNEL SURVEY
Brau reported that a first draft was included in the meeting packet. More analysis and context will be
added shortly.
ADJOURNMENT
Kilburg moved and Homewood seconded a motion to adjourn. The motion passed unanimously.
Adjournment was at 6:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
6r,&4-
Michael
Brau
Cable TV Administrative Aide
TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
12 MONTH ATTENDANCE RECORD
(X) = Present
(0) = Absent
(O/C) = Absent/Called (Excused)
Elias
Ber us
Kilburg
Butler
Homewood
3/24/14
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6/2/14
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7/28/14
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8/25/14
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11/24/14
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1/26/15
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2/10/15
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2/23/15
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3/23/15
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Johnk
4/27/15
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(X) = Present
(0) = Absent
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