HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-06-23 Info PacketCITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET
CITY OF IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org June 23, 2016
IPI Council Tentative Meeting Schedule
MISCELLANEOUS
IP2 City Council Listening Post Reminder
IP3 Email from Darrell Hansen and Bob Elliott: Proposed Road Diet for First Avenue
and Mormon Trek
IP4 Letter from Interim Eide Bailly: Notification of Auditing Standards and Uniform
Guidance
IP5 Letter from Mediacom: Addition of Foreign Language Standards
IP6 Civil Service Entrance Examination — Utility Billing Coordinator
IP7 Civil Service Entrance Examination — Maintenance Worker 11, Transportation Services /
Central Business District
DRAFT MINUTES City Council
IP8 Planning and Zoning Commission: June 2
City Council Tentative Meeting Schedule IP1
^�
Subject to change
June 23, 2016
CITY OF IOWA CITY
Date
Time
Meeting
Location
Tuesday, July 5, 2016
5:00 PM
Work Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Monday, July 18, 2016
4:00 PM
Reception
Coralville City Hall
4:30 PM
Joint Entities Meeting
Tuesday, July 19, 2016
5:00 PM
Work Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Tuesday, August 2, 2016
5:00 PM
Work Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Tuesday, August 16, 2016
5:00 PM
Work Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
5:00 PM
Work Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
5:00 PM
Work Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Tuesday, October4, 2016
5:00 PM
Work Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
5:00 PM
Work Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
5:00 PM
Work Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Tuesday, November 1S, 2016
5:00 PM
Work Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
5:00 PM
Work Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
5:00 PM
Work Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
CIty Council Listening Post Reminder Page 1 of 2
IP2
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CIty Council Listening Post Reminder
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City o, IOWA CITY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: June 23, 2016
Contact: Marian Karr
Phone: 319-356-5041
City Council Listening Post Reminder
City Council reminds the community of a City Council Listening Post from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on
Wednesday, June 29, 2016 at Forest View Trailer Park located on Laura Drive north of Foster Road.
Two council members attend each Listening Post and report back to the full Council. Members of the
community are encouraged to stop by and meet council members and to discuss community topics
and concerns. No formal agenda or presentation is planned.
For additional information, questions, or suggestions on future locations for listening posts, contact
City Clerk Marian Karr by e-mail at Marian-Karr(a�iowa-city.org or call 319-356-5041 or contact Equity
Director Stefanie Bowers by e-mail at Stefanie-Bowerst7a.iowa-citv.org or call 319-356-5022..
'i'+�►t 1
�I Questions?
Contact Us
CITY OI IOIVA CITY
U%4KO(ingr InlRArua
STAY CONNECTED:
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/IAIOWA/bulletins/1513076 6/23/2016
IP3
From:
Darrell Hansen <dohjkh@yahoo.com>
Sent:
Wednesday, June 22, 2016 2:23 PM
To:
aldavis@press-citizen.com
Cc:
Bob Elliott; Bob Roelf; Jim Neades; Gary & Marcy; Jason Havel; Scott Sovers; Ron Knoche;
Marian Karr
Subject:
Proposed Road Diet for First Avenue and Mormon Trek
Attachments:
Streets Concerns-8.docx; IMG_0187.m4v
Hi Andy,
This is feedback, as requested, to your article of June 6, 2016, titled "Iowa City Strives for Bike Friendliness,
Road Diet, Bicycle Parklet Service as Steppingstones."
Several of our friends have discussed the proposed road diet for the designated portions of First Avenue and
Mormon Trek. We have met with Jason Havel upon first hearing of this proposed change in August 2015. We
have been to the City Council meeting in March 2016 to expressing our concerns for this proposed
change. Attached is a copy of the email, dated February 15, 2016, sent to Jason Havel and City Council prior to
us attending the council meeting. This highlights our concerns for this proposed change and questions safety
improvements by a traffic study by the Federal Highway Administration (FHS) on "Road Diets."
Serious consideration for major changes in our city streets must involve legitimate studies of traffic patterns and
accidents, as well as population figures. Meaning, are such infrastructure changes needed to move traffic better
and reduce accidents, while addressing an almost certain increase in future traffic.
Thus, a "road diet" study by the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) and USA census data for Iowa City
need to be primary sources of relevant data.
When considering changing four lanes of traffic (2 each way) to only three (1 each way, with center turning
lane) FHA traffic movement and accident statistics require knowledgeable interpretation. While FHA's studies
reveal about a six percent decrease in accidents, other aspects of the study appear to question relevance of the
accident findings.
Meanwhile, census data reveal the Iowa City metro area (Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, U -Heights)
population has nearly doubled over the past 50 years, from 37,246 in 1960 to more than 102,000 in 2010.
The logical assumption is Iowa City area's exceptional population growth will continue, as will resulting
increases in diverse traffic on our streets. Thus, cutting capacity for traffic movement by going from 4 lanes to
2 lanes and a center turning lane is highly questionable at best.
Last August, when I (Darrell) first learned of this change I went to the top of the hill north of Mormon Trek
about a block and half before Melrose Avenue to video the traffic just before 8:00 a.m. to see how many trucks
and cars were in a single lane going north on Mormon Trek --- see attached video. (There was road
construction at this time the allowed only one lane of traffic instead of two lanes in one direction.) In August,
this is the lowest amount of traffic as city schools & university are not in session, people are on vacation. I
believe this shows our concerns for traffic build up. This video and others were shared with Jason Havel.
3) Road diet conversions did not result in a significant change in crash types.
Conclusions and Recommendations
This study found that a significantly lower (approximately 6 percent) proportion of crashes
occurred at road diets. However, no significant change was found in crash rate decrease between
comparison road sites. Thus, one may expect that converting a roadway segment from four -lane
undivided to three lanes likely would reduce total crashes by 6 percent or less. Road diets were
no better or worse than comparison road sites with regard to crash severity.
Additional research is needed to determine whether the crash reductions observed on road diets
can be attributed to lower speeds, fewer conflicts, or possibly other factors. There is a need for
future safety and operational studies, under a range of traffic volumes and other conditions, to
help identify the situations where road diets would be appropriate. In addition, traffic operations
and capacity must be considered fully at a given site before implementing road diets and other
lane reduction measures.
Thanks!
Dawx& Waa4m (83 Durango Place)
OW $l" (1108 Dover Street)
ow Res( (403 Elmira Street)
�6 71=46 (4016 EI Paso Drive)
February 15, 2016
To: Ron Knoche, Public Works Director; Jason Havel, City Engineer; Marian Karr, City Clerk
Cc: Scott Sovers, Senior Civil Engineer; City Council members
Subject: Streets Concerns
It's our understanding Iowa City is seriously considering a "road diet" project that would alter
sections of First Avenue and Mormon Trek from four to three lanes, in order to provide a center
turning lane and bicycle lanes on each side.
We have serious concerns that such a plan might become reality.
We're aware that our local government has the responsibility of enabling Iowa City's streets to
move a variety of vehicles as smoothly and as safely as possible.
Unfortunately, our streets service vehicles ranging from large trucks, buses, and cars to
motorcycles and bicycles. That combination is not even reasonably compatible. But it's a
reality with which we must deal.
Clearly, riding bicycles for recreation and/or transportation is healthy both for individuals riding
them and for our environment. Thus, we believe it's important for our city to promote bicycle
riding and the safety of those riding them.
Our understanding is a "road diet" that reduces four lanes to three is at least intended to serve
those purposes of moving traffic more effectively and safely.
We're concerned, because it appears to defy both math and common sense to believe reducing
the number of lanes on some of our more heavily traveled streets increases either traffic mobility
or safety. And data from a recent "road diet" traffic study by the Federal Highway
Administration (FHA) appears to support our concerns.
Further, while safety for bicycle riders is a vitally important concern, it must be taking into
consideration that bicycle riders represent about one percent or less of the traffic on our streets.
Our bottom line is we'd like the City Council to be more involved in the "road diet"
considerations, and slow down progress to provide for further relevant study and to give citizens
a chance to be heard on this issue.
Following is based on data resulting from the FHA summary report of its Evaluation of Land
Reduction "Road Diet" Measures and their Effects on Crashes and Injuries. The entire report
can be found at: http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/road_diets/info_guide/rdig.pdf (you may need to
copy and paste this into your browser).
Summary of Study Findings
1) Crash frequencies at road diets were approximately 6 percent lower.
2) Road diet conversions did not affect crash severity.
3) Road diet conversions did not result in a significant change in crash types.
Conclusions and Recommendations
This study found that a significantly lower (approximately 6 percent) proportion of crashes
occurred at road diets. However, no significant change was found in crash rate decrease between
comparison road sites. Thus, one may expect that converting a roadway segment from four -lane
undivided to three lanes likely would reduce total crashes by 6 percent or less. Road diets were
no better or worse than comparison road sites with regard to crash severity.
Additional research is needed to determine whether the crash reductions observed on road diets
can be attributed to lower speeds, fewer conflicts, or possibly other factors. There is a need for
future safety and operational studies, under a range of traffic volumes and other conditions, to
help identify the situations where road diets would be appropriate. In addition, traffic operations
and capacity must be considered fully at a given site before implementing road diets and other
lane reduction measures.
Thanks!
Dawx&Va4wa (83 Durango Place)
W rriUOX (1108 Dover Street)
Ow(403 Elmira Street)
%6 (4016 El Paso Drive)
Eid�Bai lly�
CPAs & BUSINESS ADVISORS
June 1, 2016
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
City of Iowa City
RECEIVED J", E 1016
We are engaged to audit the financial statements of the governmental activities, the business -type activities, each
major fund, and the aggregate remaining fund information of the City of Iowa City for the year ended June 30,
2016. Professional standards require that we provide you with the following information related to our audit.
Our Responsibility under U.S. Generally Accepted Auditing Standards and the Uniform Guidance
As stated in our engagement letter dated March 1, 2016, our responsibility, as described by professional standards,
is to express opinions about whether the financial statements prepared by management with your oversight are
fairly presented, in all material respects, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Our
audit of the financial statements does not relieve you or management of your responsibilities.
In planning and performing our audit, we will consider the City's internal control over financial reporting in order
to determine our auditing procedures for the purpose of expressing our opinions on the financial statements and
not to provide assurance on the internal control over financial reporting. We will also consider internal control
over compliance with requirements that could have a direct and material effect on a major federal program in
order to determine our auditing procedures for the purpose of expressing our opinion on compliance and to test
and report on internal control over compliance in accordance with the Uniform Guidance.
As part of obtaining reasonable assurance about whether the City's financial statements are free of material
misstatement, we will perform tests of its compliance with certain provisions of laws, regulations, contracts, and
grants. However, providing an opinion on compliance with those provisions is not an objective of our audit. Also
in accordance with the Uniform Guidance, we will examine, on a test basis, evidence about the City's compliance
with the types of compliance requirements described in the "U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
Compliance Supplement" applicable to each of its major federal programs for the purpose of expressing an
opinion on City's compliance with those requirements. While our audit will provide a reasonable basis for our
opinion, it will not provide a legal determination on the City's compliance with those requirements.
Generally accepted accounting principles provide for certain required supplementary information (RSI) to
supplement the basic financial statements. Our responsibility with respect to Management's Discussion and
Analysis, Budgetary Comparison Schedule, Schedule of Funding Progress for Health and Dental Plans, and RSI
related to pension plans reported under GASB 68, which supplement the basic financial statements, is to apply
certain limited procedures in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. However, the RSI will not be
audited and, because the limited procedures do not provide us with sufficient evidence to express an opinion or
provide any assurance, we will not express an opinion or provide any assurance on the RSI.
www.eidebailly.com
1545 Associates Dr., Ste. 101 1 Dubuque, IA 520022299 1 T 563.556.1790 1 F 563.557.7842 1 EOE
We have been engaged to report on the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards and Combining Fund
Financial Statements which accompany the financial statements but are not RSI. Our responsibility for this
supplementary information, as described by professional standards, is to evaluate the presentation of the
supplementary information in relation to the financial statements as a whole and to report on whether the
supplementary information is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the financial statements as a
whole.
We have not been engaged to report on the Introductory Section and the Statistical Section, which accompany the
financial statements but are not RSI. Our responsibility with respect to this other information in documents
containing the audited financial statements and auditor's report does not extend beyond the financial information
identified in the report. We have no responsibility for determining whether this other information is properly
stated. This other information will not be audited and we will not express an opinion or provide any assurance on
it.
Planned Scope and Timing of the Audit
An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements; therefore, our audit will involve judgment about the number of transactions to be examined and the
areas to be tested.
Our audit will include obtaining an understanding of the City and its environment, including internal control,
sufficient to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements and to design the nature, timing,
and extent of further audit procedures. Material misstatements may result from (1) errors, (2) fraudulent financial
reporting, (3) misappropriation of assets, or (4) violations of laws or governmental regulations that are attributable
to the entity or to acts by management or employees acting on behalf of the City. We will generally communicate
our significant findings at the conclusion of the audit. However, some matters could be communicated sooner,
particularly if significant difficulties are encountered during the audit where assistance is needed to overcome the
difficulties or if the difficulties may lead to a modified opinion. We will also communicate any internal control
related matters that are required to be communicated under professional standards.
We expect to begin our audit in June 2016, and issue our report no later than December 20, 2016. Brian Unsen is
the engagement partner and is responsible for supervising the engagement and signing the report or authorizing
another individual to sign it.
This information is intended solely for the use of the City Council and management of City of Iowa City and is
not intended to be and should not be used by anyone other than these specified parties.
1X1107:7:\Ir1rva it,
J-0� /L7'
Dubuque, Iowa
Medi acorn '
June 16, 2016
Ms. Marian Karr
City Clerk
410 E. Washington St.
Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1826
Dear Ms. Karr,
2016 JUN 20 PH 12: S I
Mediacom is pleased to announce the addition of the below listed premium foreign language channels
to the channel lineup in your area on or about July 20, 2016. These channels are available individually by
subscription at the price of $9.95 per month. A digital cable subscription is required to receive these
channels.
RAI International (Italian)
RTL International (German)
Russian TV Network (Russian)
Channel One (Russian)
TV 5 Monde (French)
Star India Gold (South Asian)
Star India Plus (South Asian)
The Filipino Channel (Filipino)
TVK1(Korean)
Saigon Broadcasting (Vietnamese)
If you have any question contact me at 319-395-9699 ext. 3461 or email lerassley@mediacomcc.com .
Sincerely,
d 4 AAJT
Lee Grassley
Senior Manager, Government Relations
Mediacom Communications Corporation
4010 Alexandra Drive Waterloo, IA 50702-6118
319-232-8800 Fax 319-232-7841
P.1
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„OZ@iq-� ab
CITY OF IOWA CITY
410 East Wash I ngton Arcct
Ione GI)% Iowa 52 240 1 526
(3 191 3S6-5000
(3 19) 356-5009 FAX
wtvty. icgov. o IS
June 17, 2016
TO; The Honorable Mayor and the City Council
RE: Civil Service Entrance Examination— Utility Billing Coordinator
Under the authority of the Civil Service Commission of Iowa City, Iowa, I do hereby
certify the following named person(s) as eligible for the position of Utility Billing
Coordinator.
Amie Kelley
IOWA CITY CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
Lyra)y. Dickerson, Chair
IP7
®�met
CITY OF IOWA CITY
4 10 East lWashinglor. Sheet
Iowa City-. lova 52240-1326
(3 19) 3 56- 5000
(319) 356-5009 FAX
%V1VW. Cgov.org
June 16, 2016
TO: The Honorable Mayor and the City Council
RE: Civil Service Entrance Examination — Maintenance Worker II — Transportation
ServiceslCentral Business District
Under the authority of the Civil Service Commission of Iowa City, Iowa, I do hereby
certify the following named person(s) as eligible for the position of Maintenance Worker
II —Transportation Services/Central Business District.
Matt Kelley
IOWA CITY CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
Lyr - Dickerson, Chair
0
MINUTES PRELIMINARY
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
JUNE 2, 2016 — 7:00 PM — FORMAL MEETING
EMMA HARVAT HALL — CITY HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Carolyn Dyer, Ann Freerks, Mike Hensch, Phoebe Martin, Max
Parsons, Mark Signs, Jodie Theobald
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Sara Hektoen, Bob Miklo, Marti Wolf
OTHERS PRESENT: Mark Seabold, Ken Rew, Judith Crossett, Peter Hendley, Duane
Musser
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL:
By a vote of 6-1 (Signs voting no) the Commission recommends approval of the Comprehensive
Plan amendment for property located north of Benton Street and west of Orchard Street to be
included in the Downtown and Riverfront Crossings Master Plan.
By a vote of 7-0 the Commission recommends approval of VAC16-00001 a vacation of the
Cottonwood Avenue public right-of-way east of Yewell Street, a 7,441 square foot area located
immediately south of 1420 Yewell Street subject to an access easement being created for the
shared driveway, and creation of any necessary utility easements.
By a vote of 7-0 the Commission recommends that the County consider rezoning approximately
5.51 -acres of property at 4394 Sand Road SE from County Residential (R) to County Agri -
Business (C -AG) Zone with a conditional use permit to allow the retail sales associated with
greenhouses and nursery.
CALL TO ORDER:
Freerks called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA:
There were none
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ITEM:
A public hearing for discussion of an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan for property located
north of Benton Street and west of Orchard Street to be included in the Downtown and Riverfront
Crossings Master Plan.
Miklo stated that since this item was last discussed Staff has met with the applicant who has
Planning and Zoning Commission
June 2, 2016— Formal Meeting
Page 2 of 8
submitted a revised concept plan in an attempt to address some of the concerns that were raised
by the public and the Commission. In Staff's evaluation the applicant has made a good attempt to
address the transition by moving the driveway for the northwestern building from Benton Street to
Orchard Court. This will move traffic away from existing single-family homes and will provide more
open space and landscaped area. Additionally the applicant does have a purchase agreement to
buy the house 330 Orchard Court so there will not be an isolated house in the area. Miklo showed
an image of a concept for the property. He said this could be be included in the Comprehensive
Plan if approved, however the development would still be subject to a rezoning, and need to come
back before the Commission with opportunity for public discussion.
Staff is recommending approval of the Comprehensive Plan amendment as discussed in the staff
report.
Freerks opened the public hearing.
Mark Seabold (architect for M & W Properties) thanked the Commission and the public for their
comments at the last meeting, noting it really helped modify the design and concept for this
property. Seabold acknowledged that this is a Comprehensive Plan amendment, this project
would need to come back before the Commission for rezoning in the future before development
occurs, but having the amendment would give some nice opportunities that currently don't exist.
Seabold showed pictures of the area and the properties that would be included in the amendment.
He stated that all the properties on the west side of Orchard Street south of the cul-de-sac are
currently are owned or have a purchase agreement in place with M & W Properties. The other
properties in this area are predominately rentals, and not permanent residences. So M & W
Properties is looking at ways to not only get more rentals but more permanent residents into this
area.
Seabold showed the previous concept plan, noting that some of the comments at the last meeting
showed concern about the parking lot on the north side and the paved area to reach that parking
lot. Therefore they have relocated the driveway to the north, which allows for more green space
and the removal of the gravel driveway that used to go back to the houses. Also with the redesign
of the concept they have tucked some of the parking underneath the building allowing again for
more green space and opportunities for the residents of the development to perhaps have garden
space. There will be a private plaza space between the two buildings that could be utilized for
private events. Seabold explained that the landscape buffer that will be going around these
buildings, as well as lighting, will comply with the zoning codes. Seabold also discussed the
Orchard Street side of the building that will face the new Kum & Go, each unit will have a privacy
wall with a private front yard area to shield from the convenience store.
Martin asked about the units, and if they were multi-level. Seabold confirmed they would be two-
story townhomes, each with its own private entryway. The units on the top are accessed from the
interior of the building and the parking structure below.
Seabold compared what is currently in the area versus what they are proposing. Currently there
are two-story houses there with pitched roofs. They are proposing three-story buildings. So it will
be a bit taller, but not significantly. The third story will be stepped back. He pointed out an area of
large mature trees that will be maintained.
Planning and Zoning Commission
June 2, 2016 — Formal Meeting
Page 3 of 8
Signs asked if they are anticipating these to be owner-occupied units. Seabold confirmed that is
their intent for the townhomes, the back building may be some rental.
Ken Raw (302 West Benton Street) questions why this neighborhood needs to be so changed to
make it more owner-occupied, it has been fine for 40 years and has been largely the same as it is
now. Raw acknowledged the new concept has some improvements but just does see the need for
this development.
Freerks closed the public hearing.
Hensch moved to approve an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan for property located
north of Benton Street and west of Orchard Street to be included in the Downtown and
Riverfront Crossings Master Plan.
Martin seconded the motion.
Freerks noted her appreciation that the comments and concerns from the Commission and public
were taken by the applicant and incorporated into an improved concept. She feels this could be
good for the neighborhood and appreciates the set back of the third story. This concept will be a
nice transition from the projects along Riverside Drive to the neighborhood to the west.
Parsons agreed and likes that the parking was moved underground so there will be more green
space and less parking lot lighting.
Martin likes this and the opportunity for future projects it will allow.
Theobald feels the concept shows some very positive changes, but does fear that the units won't
be owner-occupied but purchased and then rented.
Signs said he is struggling with this application. He appreciates the changes the applicant
incorporated since hearing from the public and Commission, but is not convinced this project
belongs at this location. It is a great urban look which is what the Riverfront Crossing District is
about, but rather than building this project in Riverfront Crossings, we are moving Riverfront
Crossings District to this project. He is concerned about scale with the houses that sit nearby. The
proposed buildings still appear to be quite large.
Hensch said he likes the idea of expanding the Riverfront Crossings District to include this area
and hopes this will bring more stability to the area with owner-occupied homes.
Hektoen noted that in light of the recommendation that the Commission made at the last meeting
with regards to affordable housing in the Riverfront Crossings Zone that would then apply to this
area if the amendment is approved by City Council.
A vote was taken and the motion passed 6-1 (Signs voting no).
VACATION ITEM (VAC16-00001):
Discussion of an application submitted by Judith Crossett for a vacation of the Cottonwood Avenue
public right-of-way east of Yewell Street, a 7,441 square foot area located immediately south of
1420 Yewell Street.
Planning and Zoning Commission
June 2, 2016 — Formal Meeting
Page 4 of 8
Wolf began the staff report stating the Judith and Laura Crossett applied for a building permit at
1420 Yewell Street with plans for an addition. Through that process they realized that the property
was abutting this portion of Cottonwood Avenue right-of-way. Therefore they are applying for a
vacation to lift the right-of-way designation. This right-of-way has functioned as a shared driveway,
maintained by both owners, and is the only off-street parking that is provided for both those
properties. This portion of the Cottonwood Avenue public right-of-way appears to have been
designated as such to allow for future extension through to Franklin Street. However, directly to the
east, the Highlander Development Addition subdivision plat, submitted in 1953, does not include a
right-of-way to allow for the extension of Cottonwood Avenue. The right-of-way has never been
developed and does not currently allow vehicular traffic, as it currently dead -ends at the rear
parcel line for 1421 Franklin Street and is not used for general traffic or pedestrian circulation.
There is a Mid -American pole that runs east -west on the property, and they will let the City know
what utility easement they will need. The area of the lot is 60 feet and the addition at most would
need 20 feet, so there will be area for the utility easement. Wolf explained that both abutting
property owners have been willing to discuss a purchase offer as long as the utility easement
doesn't span the rest of the area. There would also need to be a shared access easement so the
abutting property owner still has the gravel parking area.
Staff recommends approval of VAC16-00001, a vacation of the Cottonwood Avenue public right-of-
way, 7,741 square feet east of Yewell Street, subject to an access easement being created for the
shared driveway, and creation of any necessary utility easements.
Miklo added that it will be likely that the right-of-way would be split in half with the southern
property owner buying the southern half and the applicant buying the northern half.
Freerks opened the public hearing.
Judith Crossett (1504 Grand Avenue) stated she currently lives in University Heights and it is her
daughter's property at 1420 Yewell, but this is a joint project so she speaks for both of them. What
they want to do is add a bedroom and bathroom to the south end of the house where she will move
into. It will not be a grandiose addition and they definitely don't want anyone to lose their driveway
access, and they will conform to paving the end of the driveway that is required.
Peter Hendley (1502 Yewell Street) lives to the south and is concerned about maintaining the off-
street parking.
Freerks closed the public hearing.
Parsons moved to approve VAC16-00001 a vacation of the Cottonwood Avenue public right-
of-way east of Yewell Street, a 7,441 square foot area located immediately south of 1420
Yewell Street subject to an access easement being created for the shared driveway, and
creation of any necessary utility easements.
Martin seconded the motion.
Freerks feels this will not cause any issues and the right-of-way will still function for the needs of
the abutting property owners.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 7-0.
Planning and Zoning Commission
June 2, 2016 — Formal Meeting
Page 5 of 8
COUNTY REZONING ITEM (CZ16-00001):
Discussion of an application submitted by Pleasant Valley LP for a rezoning from County
Residential (R) to County Commercial (C) for approximately 5.51 -acres of property located in
Johnson County at 4394 Sand Road SE in Fringe Area B.
Miklo noted that this property is in Johnson County but is within the two mile fringe of Iowa City and
the State Code gives the City the ability control subdivisions within that two miles. The City has an
agreement with the County with regards to zoning in the fringe area where the City makes a
recommendation to the County and the County will not act on the rezoning until they have heard
from the City. The Fringe Area Agreement states clearly that the City and the County should be in
agreement on rezonings in the fringe area. Although this property is not in the growth area it is
very close to the boundary of the growth area on the north and east. While it is not anticipated that
this will be annexed into the City anytime soon, it is very close to what may end up being in the City
someday and may have some bearing on future neighborhoods in this area.
Miklo stated that the proposal is to rezone the property from County Residential (R) to County
Commercial (C) to allow a greenhouse, nursery, florist business to relocate to this area. After
reviewing the County Code and proposal Staff does not have a concern with the particular use that
is being proposed, however the zoning they are asking for does allow for a wide variety uses and
some can be fairly intense. There is a concern because property owners and businesses can
change over time. Additionally the Fringe Area Agreement states that all rezonings must conform
to the Johnson County Land Use Plan, which currently shows this area as residential or
agricultural.
Staff recommends that the requested rezoning from Residential to Commercial be approved only if
it is found to be consistent with the County Land Use Plan and conditions are placed on the
rezoning to assure that potential commercial uses do not have negative effects on the residential
and agricultural uses. As an alternative to Commercial zoning staff would recommend that the
County consider rezoning the property to Agri -Business (C -AG) Zone with a conditional use permit
to allow the retail sales associated with greenhouses and nursery.
Freerks asked if Staff has discussed this application with the County Staff. Miklo replied that yes
they have spoken to County Staff who said they would look into placing conditions on the
Commercial zoning.
Hektoen pointed out that the position the City has right now is that this application to rezone the
area to Commercial does not comply with the County Land Use Plan
Freerks opened the public discussion
Duane Musser (MMS Consultants) spoke representing the applicants. He noted the applicant has
been working with the County for several years to relocate the garden center, retail center, to this
site and it was designed with that in mind. The golf course next to this area opened in 1989 which
has a retail business and restaurant established. Due to the creation of the Riverfront Crossings
District and revitalization of that area the existing business on Gilbert Street must move. They
have met with the County zoning officials many times and they have directed them to the straight
Commercial zoning designation because of the retail use. A greenhouse is allowable in the current
zoning of the land, but having the retail component is why the commercial zoning is needed.
Planning and Zoning Commission
June 2, 2016 — Formal Meeting
Page 6 of 8
Musser said the concern about a County Agri -Business commercial zoning designation is there
permitted uses for that is farm grounds, farm excavation, fertilizer plants, grain elevators, livestock
marketing, and well -drawing businesses and therefore Musser does not feel those businesses
would be a good fit with this area with the residential components of the area whereas a retail
garden center is a good fit.
Dyer asked about parking for the retail business and Musser said they are working on the site plan.
The tree line to the south will be maintained.
Parsons asked why a two story building is being proposed and not just a one story. Musser said
they are working through the site plans but their current location has storage and office space
upstairs and they like that set-up and thought to build similarly. The current design is barn shaped
so it will blend into the agricultural feel of the area.
Hensch asked if the Commission were to recommend the County Agri -Business zone would that
affect the site plans being developed. Musser said he would have to go back and look at the
requirements to see if he would need to adjust setbacks or building or parking needs based on that
zone. He noted that the County suggested Commercial Zone because of the retail sales and the
County Agri -Business Zone is too agricultural intensive.
Freerks noted that the concern is not the retail aspect of this particular application, it is the potential
future uses of a property that is zoned Commercial.
Freerks closed the public discussion.
Theobald moved to recommend that the County consider rezoning approximately 5.51 -acres
of property at 4394 Sand Road SE from County Residential (R) to County Agri -Business (C-
AG) Zone with a conditional use permit to allow the retail sales associated with
greenhouses and nursery.
Parsons seconded the motion.
Hensch is concerned that if the County will be reviewing and updating their Land Use Plan he
would hope that wouldn't delay this project as he feels is should be allowed to move forward. He is
just confused on what is the appropriate zone to move forward.
Parsons noted he would feel better about this application if the City Staff and the County Staff were
on the same page.
Freerks is concerned about the potential future uses of the area if zoned straight Commercial.
Some of the uses allowed in that zone would not be appropriate here.
Signs agreed, this seems to be more of a residential flavor of an area, so to add commercial space
to that area seems extreme. A garden area is a great use, but the other possibilities are
concerning.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 7-0.
Planning and Zoning Commission
June 2, 2016 — Formal Meeting
Page 7 of 8
CONSIDERATION OF MEETING MINUTES: MAY 16 & MAY 19,201
Parsons moved to approve the meeting minutes of May 16 & May 19, 2016.
Hensch seconded the motion.
A vote was taken and the motion passed 7-0.
PLANNING AND ZONING INFORMATION:
Miklo reported that Dan Parolek, the person that coined the term "missing middle", was here last
week. It was well attended and received and he may do some future consulting for the City. He
suggested that the Commission watch a video of his presentation at a future meeting.
ADJOURNMENT:
Martin moved to adjourn.
Parsons seconded.
A vote was taken and motion carried 7-0.
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