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Home My WebLink About2016-10-06 Info Packet� _ a CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET CITY OF IOWA CITY www.icgov.org October 6, 2016 IPI Council Tentative Meeting Schedule MISCELLANEOUS I132 Information from City Manager: Johnson County Public Health Partners I Health Newsletter — October 2016 IP3 Civil Service Entrance Examination — Custodian, Government Buildings IP4 Civil Service Entrance Examination — Special Projects Inspector IP5 Civil Service Entrance Examination — Maintenance Worker 1, Water Customer Service IP6 Press Release: Iowa City Police Department introduces two new outreach initiatives I137 Press Release: Crews to paint dedicated bike lanes on Sycamore Street IPS Press Release: Now accepting applications for City's Housing Rehabilitation Program for owner -occupied home repairs DRAFT MINUTES I139 Planning and Zoning Commission: September 1 r CITY OF IOWA CITY Date Tuesday, October 18, 2016 City Council Tentative Meeting Schedule IP1 Subject to change MJ October 6, 2016 Time Meeting Location 5:00 PM Work Session Emma J. Harvat Hall 7:00 PM Formal Meeting Monday, October 24, 2016 4:00 PM Reception Johnson County Health 4:30 PM Joint Entities Meeting Human Services Bldg. Tuesday, November 1, 2016 5:00 PM Work Session Emma J. Harvat Hall 7:00 PM Formal Meeting Tuesday, November 15, 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, January 3, 2017 5:00 PM Work Session Emma J. Harvat Hall 7:00 PM Formal Meeting Tuesday, January 17, 2017 5:00 PM Work Session Emma J. Harvat Hall 7:00 PM Formal Meeting Tuesday, February 7, 2017 5:00 PM Work Session Emma J. Harvat Hall 7:00 PM Formal Meeting Tuesday, February 21, 2017 5:00 PM Work Session Emma J. Harvat Hall 7:00 PM Formal Meeting Tuesday, March 7, 2017 5:00 PM Work Session Emma J. Harvat Hall 7:00 PM Formal Meeting Tuesday, March 21, 2017 5:00 PM Work Session Emma J. Harvat Hall 7:00 PM Formal Meeting From: Geoff Fruin Sent: Friday, September 30, 2016 10:24 AM To: Marian Karr Subject: FW: Johnson County Public Health Partners in Health Newsletter Attachments: October 2016.pdf Info packet please. thanks - From: Kathryn Edel [mailto:kedel@co.johnson.ia.us] Sent: Friday, September 30, 2016 9:08 AM To: Kathryn Edel Subject: Johnson County Public Health Partners in Health Newsletter Dear Johnson County, Waking up in the middle of the night to close the window and find a blanket has come as a stark reminder that we are now officially in Fall. Can you believe it?! It is a wonderful time of year, though, when we see the harvest begin, students returning to school and other activities aimed at preparing for the future. Speaking of being prepared, I must take a moment here to express my observations and congratulations to all those involved in the recent flooding events. While Johnson County was able to escape widespread flooding this year, our neighbors in Linn County were facing the second highest crest of the Cedar River in recorded history. But, in traditional Iowa fashion, rather than panicking or looking to someone else to do something, residents of Linn County, with ample and robust support from Johnson and other counties, responded to the call for preparations. To make a long story short, the response and its outcome is nothing less than a success story of such magnitude that it should be talked about and taught nationwide for many generations to come. All the pieces came together (warnings, planning and response) to avert what would otherwise have been another widespread disaster. So, why do I mention this event? Well, it's a great metaphor for public health. Medical science has sent out the warnings about things we can do to avert certain illnesses and health conditions. If we heed the warnings and take action, we can avoid many of the major health problems which seem to be so prevalent and use up so many of our resources today. Public Health is about taking action today, at the individual, community and policy level, to prevent problems in the future. In this edition of Partners in Health, we explore some additional ways we can live healthy lifestyles today and enjoy healthy lives in the future. I hope you enjoy these informative and interesting articles and that you'll provide us your feedback on other topics of interest or in ways that Johnson County Public Health can better serve the community. Have fun and enjoy the pumpkins and warm apple cider. Douglas E. Beardsley, MPH, Director Johnson County Public Health 855 S Dubuque St., Ste. 217 Iowa City, IA 52240 319-356-6040 dbeardsleya co.johnson.ia.us Our Vision: A healthful and supportive environment where all people of Johnson County can achieve optimal physical, mental, and social well-being. --------------------- Oo------------- PUBLIC HEALTH Promoting Health. Preventing Harm. Partners in Health October 20 Making Public Health Public HEALTHIEST STATE WALK: STEPPING TOWARDS A BETTER AND HEALTHIER IOWA BY: KATHRYN EDEL, HEALTH EDUCATOR Join us for a culture -changing, lifestyle -inspiring walk! Come together;A*'� with neighbors, fellow community members, and hundreds of thouFV - sands of other Iowans to support the Healthiest State Initiative on October 5th! The Healthiest State Initiative's goal is to make Iowa the; healthiest state in the nation. The walk on October 5th brings commu- nities together by having an organized Healthiest State Walk, present- ed by Delta Dental of Iowa, in all.of Iowa's 99 counties. This year's walk aims to "Step It Up" and get people together to walk ' for 30 minutes. Just thirty minutes of physical activity each day im- proves physical, social, and emotional health. Johnson County is excit- ed to partake in the Healthiest State Walk as it represents a commit- INSIDE THIS ISSUE ment to our residents' wellbeing. We look forward to not only walking Healthiest State Walk ........... I together on October 5th, but also initiating a culture shift towards more activity. Flu Season & Great American Before the walk, we also encourage community members to participate Smokeout .............................. 2 in the #WhyIWalk pledge by writing down their own reason for incor- Corridor worksite wellness.3 porating walking into their daily routine in the long run. These pledges can be shared via photos on social media using the hashtags Health Benefits of WIC ......... 4 #StepItUpIowa and #WhyIWalk. Johnson County Public Health hopes you'll "Step It Up" with us at JC's Administration Building, 913 S. Dubuque Street, anytime between 11:45am-12:45Pm on October 5th! Even if you are not able to join our Partners in Health is a walk, we encourage you to go for a 30 minute stroll sometime during quarterly newsletter the day to support the goal to make Iowa a healthier state! published by Johnson County Public Health. FLU SEASON IS HERE: GET VACCINATED BY: JENNIFER MILLER, DISEASE PREVENTION SPECIALIST According to the Center for Disease Control and Preven- tion (CDC), routine annual influenza vaccination of all persons 6 months and older, without contraindications, continue to be recommended. However, the CDC recom- mendations also state that the nasal spray flu vaccine (FluMist) should not be used this year. Research has shown it has been significantly less effective in preventing flu infection than the inactivated vaccine, which is availa- ble by injection only. A little more ouch for a lot more protection!! "Research has shown A Mist has been significantly less effective in pre- venting flu infection than the inactivated vaccine, which is available by in- jection only." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GREAT AMERICAN SMOKEOUT BY: SUSAN VILETA, HEALTH EDUCATOR The American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout takes place nationally on November I7, 2o16. Each year the event encourages smokers to use this date to make a plan to quit, or to plan in advance and quit smoking that day. By quitting—even for one day—tobacco users will be taking an important step toward a healthier life. Quitline Iowa is here to help you on that journey to a tobacco -free life. They have expert, caring coaches to guide you and support is available through the web, text messages, and email. Enroll now to create a quit plan that works for you. Call I.800.QUIT.NOW(I.800.984.8669) or visit www.guitlineiowa.org FREE WORKSITE WELLNESS ASSESSMENTS PROVIDED FOR THE CORRIDOR WORKSITE WELLNESS AWARDS The workplace is an important partner to address chronic dis- ease and promote healthy behaviors both on and off the job; re- sulting in healthier employees, fewer injuries, less absenteeism, increased productivity, and reduced employee turnover. The Corridor Worksite Wellness Awards is offering free work- place wellness assessment services to all employers in Linn and Johnson Counties. Nominations may be submitted by an out- side individual or agency, or by the workplace themselves. Nom- inations are being accepted now through November 23, 2oi6. The awards will be presented at the Corridor Business Journal's Health Care Summit on February io, 2017. Nominated workplaces receive a free assessment, examining the work environment and wellness policies. Changes were made to the assessment process this year that now allows worksites to nominate and complete the assessment online with the option of an onsite meeting. There are a few new questions on the assess- ment this year as well. A report of findings, recommendations and worksite wellness resources are provided to every participat- ing worksite after the assessment. Smaller worksites and worksites that are just beginning their worksite wellness pro- grams are encouraged to participate and take advantage of the free assessment and technical assistance. The awards recognize workplaces that foster a supportive envi- ronment for employee health. Forty-eight worksites participated in last year's awards ceremony. Awards are divided into five cat- egories based on employer size. Nominations can be submitted at http://bit.ly/Corridor20l by calling 319)$92-6074, or emailing wnidomorksiteweuness@gmau.wm . The deadline for nominations is November 23, 2016. Assess- ment appointments will be made on a first-come, first served basis. About the Corridor Worksite Wellness Committee: The assess- ment process is overseen by the Corridor Worksite Wellness Committee, which includes leaders from a number of organiza- tions in Linn and Johnson Counties. The committee consists of members from the Area Substances Abuse Council, CarePro Health Services, CBJ Worksite Wellness, Health Solutions, Johnson County Public Health, Linn County Public Health, and Mercy Medical Center, Cedar Rapids. The committee meets reg- ularly to plan the Corridor Worksite Wellness Awards and over- see the assessment process. P Z COST EFFECTIVENESS & HEALTH BENEFITS OF WIC FOR PREGNANT WOMEN & THEIR INFANTS BY: MICHELLE MAYHEW, RN Today, approximately 1 in 3 pregnant women in Iowa are enrolled in the WIC program. Numerous studies have shown that pregnant women who participate in WIC have: • Longer pregnancies leading to fewer premature births • Fewer low and very low birthweight babies • Experience fewer fetal and infant deaths • Seek prenatal care earlier in pregnancy • Consume more of such key nutrients as iron, protein, calcium, and vitamins A and C "The WIC Program aims to educate and provide best outcomes for mother and infant." JOHNSON COUN-1I' PUBLIC HEALTH OUR VISION A healthful and supportive environment where all people of Johnson County can achieve optimal physical, mental, and so- cial well-being. Contact Phone: (319) 356-6040 Fax: (319) 356-6o44 Address Health and Human Services 855 South Dubuque St. Suite 217 Iowa City, IA 52240 It costs approximately $7o8 a year for a pregnant woman to par- ticipate in WIC, but this prenatal care saves money: Prenatal WIC benefits reduce the rate of low birth -weight ba- bies by 25% and very low birth -weight babies by 44% • Prenatal WIC participation is associated with an increase of 6.6 oz. for low birth -weight babies • Every dollar spent on pregnant women in WIC produces $1.92 to $4.21 in Medicaid savings for newborns and their mothers Data source: The Iowa WIC Story, 2010. Iowa Dept. of Public Health, Bureau of Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. The WIC Program aims to educate and provide best outcomes for mother and infant. Mothers enrolled in WIC are encouraged to breastfeed their infants. Formula -fed babies are at higher risk than breastfed infants for ear infections, diarrhea/constipation, pneumonia, and SIDS. In addition, formula -fed babies are more likely to struggle later in life with obesity, diabetes, asthma, aller- gies, and cancer. Overall, breastfeeding will increase the health of children and decrease the money spent on health care. Please continue to refer pregnant women with whom you work to WIC by calling (319)356-6042. WIC is a federally -funded income - based program available to every county in Iowa. ' r 1 IP3 • wlr®r�� CITY OF IOWA CITY 410 East Washington Street Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1826 (3 19) 356-5000 (319) 356-5009 FAX www.icgov.org September 29, 2016 TO: The Honorable Mayor and the City Council RE: Civil Service Entrance Examination — Custodian — Government Buildings 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 Custodian — Government Buildings. Justin Hendrix IOWA CITY CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION Lyra . Dickerson, Chair r IP4 CITY OF IOWA CITY 410 East Washington Street Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1826 (3 19) 356-5000 (319)356-5009 FAX www.icgov.org September 28, 2016 TO: The Honorable Mayor and the City Council RE: Civil Service Entrance Examination — Special Projects Inspector 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 Special Projects Inspector. Brian Ward IOWA CITY CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION Cf, A Lyr W. Dickerson, Chair ' r 1 IPS �IIIl CITY OF IOWA CITY 410 East Washington Street Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1826 (319)356-5000 (319)356-5009 FAX www. icgov.org September 30, 2016 TO: The Honorable Mayor and the City Council RE: Civil Service Entrance Examination — Maintenance Worker I — Water Customer Service 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 I — Water Customer Service. Kennith Gatlin IOWA CITY CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION Lyr W. Dickerson, Chair From: City of Iowa City <CityoflowaCity@public.govdelivery.com> Sent: Monday, October 03, 2016 4:17 PM To: Marian Karr Subject: Iowa City Police Department introduces two new outreach initiatives 0 SHARE Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. 10WACITY FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: 10/3/2016 Contact: Sgt. Scott Gaarde Phone: 319-356-5293 Iowa City Police Department introduces two new outreach initiatives Henri Harper, Community Outreach Assistant (COA) for the Iowa City Police Department (ICPD) is a familiar face in the Iowa City Community and plans to become even more familiar as he takes on two new projects aimed at building relationships between local youth and ICPD officers. Lunch with the PD COA Harper is working with the Iowa City Community School District to facilitate a once -a -week lunch visit with local elementary schools. During these lunchtime visits, grade schoolers will have the opportunity to interact with ICPD officers in a comfortable environment while they enjoy their lunches. Different schools in the district will be visited by the officers throughout the school year. The first "Lunch with the PD" will take place Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016 at Alexander Elementary School. Sit and Chat In addition to lunchtime interaction, COA Harper will be available from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Substation located at Pepperwood Plaza. "Sit and Chat' will begin Monday, Oct. 3. Harper encourages residents to drop by, say hello, and feel free to engage in dialogue and learn more about the ICPD and resources available. For additional information on these programs, contact Community Outreach Assistant Henri Harper at 319-356-5275. From: City of Iowa City<CityoflowaCity@public.govdelivery.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 04, 2016 9:10 AM To: Marian Karr Subject: Crews to paint dedicated bike lanes on Sycamore Street O SHRRE Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. 10WACITY FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: 10/4/2016 Contact: Scott Sovers Phone: 319-356-5142 Crews to paint dedicated bike lanes on Sycamore Street Crews will begin work on a pavement marking project that includes creating dedicated bike lanes on both sides of Sycamore Street. The work is set to begin the week of Oct. 10, 2016, weather permitting and is expected to last roughly two weeks. The project will narrow the two-way, left turn lane as well as the northbound and southbound lanes to make way for a 5 ft. dedicated bike lane on both sides of the street. The bike lanes will stretch from the City limits to Highway 6 on Sycamore Street. Traffic will be maintained during the work, but drivers should plan for some delays during the painting or take an alternate route. The project will not involve the instillation of pavement. The street has enough width that crews will only replace the markings on the pavement. The project will also connect the bike lanes that were included on the Sycamore Street reconstruction work that the City completed last year. This pavement remarking project is part of the City of Iowa City Complete Streets Policy and its road diet work, an effort to improve safety by reconfiguring or reducing traffic lanes. For updates on this and other projects, be sure to sign-up for e-mail alerts and follow the City of Iowa City on Facebook and Twitter. Questions? Contact Us CITY OF 101YA CITY tMscocrtr or UTtuTwe M Marian Karr From: City of Iowa City<CityoflowaCity@public.govdelivery.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 04, 2016 3:01 PM To: Marian Karr Subject: Now accepting applications for City's Housing Rehabilitation Program for owner -occupied home repairs SHARE Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. �;��°� 10WACITY FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: 10/4/2016 Contact: Tracy Hightshoe Phone: 319-356-5244 Now accepting applications for City's Housing Rehabilitation Program for owner -occupied home repairs The City of Iowa City is accepting applications for its Owner -Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Program, an initiative that provides various financing, with limited grant availability, to homeowners needing to make necessary repairs. Qualifying work includes items such as plumbing, electrical, siding, roof, windows, heating, air conditioning, mobile home repair and accessibility improvements. To receive funding, homeowners must meet the following requirements: • Your home must be located in Iowa City and must be your primary residence • You do not have the financial means to make one or more qualifying repairs • Your household income meets guidelines for assistance • You have enough equity in your home to support the loan program Financing is available through the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) as well as local funding through the General Rehab and Improvement Program (GRIP). Income eligibility and financial terms vary across programs. To obtain an application and to learn more about the program, visit icgov.org/housingrehab or e- mail neighborhoods(a Iowa-citv.ora. Information is also available by calling 319-356-5246 or visiting City Hall, 410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City. Need a hand with some home repairs? ROOFS & GUTTERS HEATINGIAIR CONDITIONING MOBILE HOME REPAIR ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS If your home needs essential repairs but you can't afford to make them, the City of Iowa City Housing Rehab Program may be able to help. You may qualify for financial assistance to repair or rehabilitate your your home if_ ❑ You are a resident of Iowa City, and own and live in Your home. ❑ Your home needs one or more essential repairs, but you do not have the financial means to have the work done. O Your household income meets guidelines for assis- tance. 0 You have enough equity in your home to support the City's loan. PLUMBING ENERGY EFFICIENCY PAINTING & SIDING RESIDENTIAL ACCESSIBILITY The CRys housing rehabilitation program offers various financing through federal CDBG and HOME funds, as well as local funding through GRIP resources. Income eligibility and financial terns vary across programs. For an application and info rnallon about the program, contacts Iowa City Housing Rehabilitation www.icgovo%thousingrehah I omit; ncigidwrhooda@�iowa-cityorg 410 E Washington Street 319356-5246 Iowa City, IA 52240 1 Questions? Contact Us CITY OF IOWA CITY ts6AXOCItra tnturM Income Guidelines llmwhdd She Maximum lawme for CUI1G1110Mh propranro Maxlmam inwme For Chy4 GRIPpngram S16U,Ki $66.55,' 2 $52hw $76,12u 3 OUR] $115,580 4 $65.700 $95040 5 $71000 $102.47t' 6 $76250 $110.330 The CRys housing rehabilitation program offers various financing through federal CDBG and HOME funds, as well as local funding through GRIP resources. Income eligibility and financial terns vary across programs. For an application and info rnallon about the program, contacts Iowa City Housing Rehabilitation www.icgovo%thousingrehah I omit; ncigidwrhooda@�iowa-cityorg 410 E Washington Street 319356-5246 Iowa City, IA 52240 1 Questions? Contact Us CITY OF IOWA CITY ts6AXOCItra tnturM MINUTES PRELIMINARY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 1, 2016 — 7:00 PM — WORK SESSION HELLING CONFERENCE ROOM — CITY HALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Carolyn Dyer, Mike Hensch, Ann Freerks, Phoebe Martin, Max Parsons, Mark Signs, Jodie Theobald MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Sara Hektoen, Bob Miklo CALL TO ORDER: Freerks called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM. VIEWING AND DISCUSSION OF MISSING MIDDLE VIDEO ABOUT HOUSING DIVERSITY: Miklo introduced the video of Dan Parolek's presentation of the Missing Middle housing concept that occurred at the Iowa City Public Library in May. He noted that some of the Commissioners had attended that event. He said that the Commission is familiar with the Missing Middle as it was discussed in the recently adopted South District Plan. The video may be viewed at: http://view.earthchannel.com/PlaverController.aspx?PGD=iowacity&el D=1518 After the video the Commission discussed the presentation. Martin asked if the type of housing that would be behind the old Brueggers on Riverside Drive could be considered the Missing Middle. Miklo stated those would be a larger scale that the Missing Middle concept generally consists of buildings that are 2 to 8 units. Freerks said the conversation was about a scale of apartment buildings being the same scale as a house, so it depends on what the scale of a house is. She believes this form of housing is very important especially in the South District. Because this is a new area, the City has to learn to create a mix of housing in new areas. Currently we are only seeing single-family homes and then large apartments complexes further away. Dyer noted that co -housing is a new form of housing being introduced to the city and that it has characteristics similar to the Missing Middle. Martin noted that there used to be a lot of houses on the north side that had been converted to stacked duplexes. For example 711 Gilbert Street was recently a UniverCity Neighborhood Partnership project that was converted from a stacked duplex into a single-family home. Freerks noted she has lived her in neighborhood for 20 years and is concerned about the balance of single family homes and multi -unit building in some of these "near neighborhood". She doesn't see how adding more density to some of the older neighborhoods really works with Planning and Zoning Commission September 1, 2016 —Work Session Page 2 of 6 the goals of stabilizing the neighborhood. Freerks noted one of the key quotes Dan Parolek made in his presentation was "the builders will show up". Freerks believes that is the bottom line, people have worked in these neighborhoods where there is a great deal of pressure from the University for housing students to try to open up some spaces for single-family homes. Some of the inner neighborhoods have some of the greatest diversity in housing types and higher density than any other type of housing anywhere else in the city. Miklo noted that some of these areas already have the Missing Middle. Freerks agreed and therefore doesn't see applying something that would open up more development in those areas. Freerks feels however there are areas in Iowa City where it could be applied with a great deal of success but the key is it needs to create redevelopment where the City wants redevelopment. Theobald noted that redevelopment in the right way is the key. Freerks stated that she can't see how increasing density in certain areas would be a good thing. Theobald agreed, but said the concept states no larger than a house. Freerks agreed but stated that people know the value of the lots in these neighborhoods by the University and close to downtown. Therefore to start the "missing middle" idea in an outer area where it can be applied more evenly and easily is absolutely key and important. She has a great deal of hesitation of applying this concept to near neighborhoods. Martin asked about carriage houses. Miklo noted that those are allowed currently as accessory apartments for owner occupied single family homes in the RS -5 and RS -12 zones. Hensch questioned that if the 12-plex behind Freerks' house burnt down what would happen to that lot. Freerks said the owner would just build another 12-plex. Theobald felt they would not be able to under this concept. Miklo said if it were destroyed by more than 75% then whatever the current zoning (form -based or lower density) would be applied. The issue is the foundation generally has to be destroyed for it to be considered more than 75% destroyed. Freerks noted she doesn't really mind a 12-plex in her backyard, it offers a certain type of affordable housing for people who don't want to live in a 4 -bedroom unit with other people. Martin said she made notes while watching the video of places in the city where she felt may already fit into this concept. The Peninsula was mentioned at the start of the conversation but also Court Street and Scott Boulevard have a lot of little apartment buildings (four-plexes in a row) and townhouses that are either four or six units in a row. But also was thinking that Saddlebrook also provided a variety. Miklo noted that the buildings in Saddlebrook are either 12-plexes or larger. Martin agreed in the apartment parts, but they also have the Belmont area out there that has the 4-plex and the duplexes. Miklo agreed and noted that was a planned development where this concept was applied, before it was known as the "missing middle" concept. Martin feels then that the City has already been having this conversation for a long time about transitions. Signs said he sat in on the session with the developers the day Dan Parolek gave his presentation and part of it is that it looks at the form and provides some consistency. Right now those types of projects are done through Planned Development zones. That is because it is the only way they can overlay it if they want those types of projects. Miklo confirmed, because the underlining zoning is single-family. Miklo explained that the "missing middle" is to write a code. Signs said that developers hate planned developments because they are very time intensive and cost intensive to create. The developers would rather see this predictability of a form -based code. Then they would know if they meet a certain criteria they are good to go. Miklo stated that a form based code would be like having a pre -approved planned development. Freerks Planning and Zoning Commission September 1, 2016 — Work Session Page 3 of 6 agreed but noted that space has something to do with it because it is best to have a big space that is starting from somewhat fresh which is why it is very different to have this concept in certain areas of the city. Martin noted that the concept also talks about walkability, but truly some areas are only walkable to maybe a Casey's, no other necessities. Signs noted that the Comprehensive Plan calls for some areas for small businesses. Freerks also noted that with greater density than just single-family homes there would be more opportunity for bus services. Martin noted that the term walkable means different things to different people. In the video when someone brings up the question of accessibility Perolek's answer is to look at universal design or accessibility as the same thing and she felt that was a mixed message. Parsons also noted that everyone's definition of a house is different. Dyer noted that in most co -housing communities there is no concern about privacy on the first floor. Houses are close together intentionally. In other developments it seems like they want to be further and further apart. Miklo said the difference is in the co -housing the pedestrian routes are not through routes, but for the people in that housing community. Freerks stated that co - housing also consists of very nice green spaces for the community and other amenities. Martin said she found it interesting that Perolek talked about a couple of different communities. For example, Richmond California. Martin stated it was not a place she would get off the train with her children, it is a very different community. Additionally, New Orleans, she would not want to emulate what they do there. Iowa City is such a different community. Signs noted that when he lived in Des Moines he lived for a while In the Sherman Hill district, it feels exactly like Iowa City. It is a pre -1940's neighborhood six by six blocks just west of downtown and the hospital district. The neighborhood is made up of 4-plex, 6-plex, 12-plex and single-family homes. The mix of housing worked great in that neighborhood, and there were also some small shops in the neighborhood. The West Grand neighborhood in Des Moines is also similar. Freerks said the challenge is that close to a university it becomes overrun with student housing. Signs agreed and said that is a challenge he wished someone had an answer for. Freerks noted that she has observed the neighborhood stabilization efforts over many hears and doesn't want all the positive work that the neighborhood associations and the Commission have done be undone. It is difficult to keep stability in neighborhoods, even with the UniverCity partnership program. There have been four homes in her neighborhood that have recently gone to rentals. Therefore adding more density and development to areas, especially conservation zones, is not the best solution. Signs said he was not suggesting converting the older neighborhoods but rather how this concept could work to create new neighborhoods. Freerks agreed, it would be a good concept for creating new areas. Theobald noted that her neighborhood was undergoing the same transition. Homes are being turned into rentals, and it's not just one or two people living in the rentals, but five guys plus their girlfriends. So the idea of having new neighborhoods with a balanced mix of housing is enticing. Signs stated that while he does not know the exact historical preservation language there Planning and Zoning Commission September 1, 2016 — Work Session Page 4 of 6 seems like there could be a way to protect the neighborhood but yet to allow opportunity. Hensch agreed, noting that eventually the structures would become old and unrepairable and someone would have to tear them down and rebuild something. There are many houses and apartment complexes that were not constructed with quality construction and were thrown up quickly and they will come down someday. Miklo said those are probably more in the conservation districts and not the historic districts. When the historic preservation did the evaluations for the historical district those were based on National Register of Historic Places. They tend to be more solid houses and that is why they qualify. Freerks said there are stipulations put in place already through the conservation district and the replacement and how it is dealt with. Miklo agreed and said that in the conservation district they can get to the level where there are buildings that are non-contributing or modern (40 or 50 year old buildings that were not built all that well) and there may be an opportunity for redevelopment. If this concept were to be applied to conservation districts the City would need to go back and reevaluate each building. He noted that one of the theories of the conservation district is it is made a conservation district and over time buildings are improved and fixed up so that the district can become historic. So each property would have to be evaluated to know which ones should be preserved and which ones could be redeveloped. Freerks asked what leads to stability in a neighborhood then. Miklo feels that is another question aside from the historical value of a neighborhood. It is a valid concern and the City will need to involve the neighborhoods as this process moves forward. Freerks noted that if the goal is to redevelop and reinvent and renew and make sure the builders show up, perhaps the conservation districts in the neighborhoods are not the places to start with that. Perhaps to start elsewhere and see if there is success. Signs feels that is the plan. The plan is not to run into the Northside and make changes. Freerks noted it is on the list however. Miklo referred to a memo that says the Council decided to look at the Northside as one of the areas. Miklo said Staff feels that perhaps the southern area of the Northside that is not in historic or conservation districts. He also noted the key to the ,'missing middle" is it is not all multi -family or duplexes, there are single-family houses in those neighborhoods. Freerks said that the single-family are a rarity in certain neighborhoods near downtown and while they may look like single family homes they are really duplexes and triplexes so there is already a variety of housing types. And there needs to be a variety of housing types for a variety of income levels. If older structures were torn down and replaced by new structures the cost of living in those structures would likely increase as well. Dyer noted that the Miller Orchard area might benefit from this concept. She noted there are 27 restaurants within walking distance, there are grocery stores, and one can do almost anything they need to do commercially within walking distance. Parsons stated that most of this is focused on permanent housing and not rentals. Miklo said that the City cannot prevent someone from renting a property. Martin asked then how would more duplexes create more stability. Freerks said that because in certain neighborhoods the diversity of housing types is not missing. In other neighborhoods it is missing so they could benefit from some duplexes and other housing types to give more people options of living in those neighborhoods. Planning and Zoning Commission September 1, 2016— Work Session Page 5 of 6 Martin asked about neighborhood commercial and what is allowed. Miklo said the City does allow neighborhood commercial zones but the issue is in today's market it is hard to compete with the larger commercial entities such as HyVee. It is more to do with the market than to do with zoning. Signs stated that his understanding of form -based code is that the idea is more how the building is designed and what it looks like rather than what is inside the building. Therefore there could be an office open in what looks like a single family home. Miklo confirmed that was the case and an example is the Peninsula Neighborhood. Miklo summarized the conversation stating that applying this "missing middle" concept will be a lot easier to green fields rather than to existing neighborhoods. He noted the Council has directed Staff to draft a Request For Proposals (RFP) to seek a consulting firm to draft a code by working with the neighborhoods, beginning with focus on the south districts, and some of the north district. He feels the south districts will be easier because it will be working with a blank slate. As this moves forward, Freerks reiterated that the key is if neighborhood is found to be "missing" housing diversity. If not, then don't mess with that neighborhood. Theobald said that depends on how "missing" is defined. If it's in aesthetics and style than even if there is already diversity in housing it still might not be the aesthetics or style the City wants. CONSIDERATION OF MEETING MINUTES: AUGUST 4, 2016 Hensch moved to approve the meeting minutes of August 4, 2016. Parson seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion passed 7-0. ADJOURNMENT: Martin moved to adjourn. Hensch seconded. A vote was taken and motion carried 7-0. PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION ATTENDANCE RECORD 2015-2016 KEY: X = Present O = Absent O/E = Absent/Excused --- = Not a Member 10/1 10/15 11/5 11/19 12/3 1/7 1/21 2/19 3/3 3/17 4/7 4/21 5/5 5/19 6/2*7177/21 8/4 9/1 DYER,CAROLYN X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X EASTHAM, CHARLIE X X X X X X X X X X X X FREERKS,ANN X X O/E X X X O/E X X X X X X O/E X X X HENSCH, MIKE X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X MARTIN, PHOEBE O/E X O/E X X X X X X X X X X X X X X PARSONS, MAX X X X O/E X X X X X O/E X X X X X X X X X SIGNS, MARK — — I -- 1 -- I -- I — I -- I -- — X X X X X X X THEOBALD, JODIE X X X X X I X I X I X I X I X I X X X X X X X X X KEY: X = Present O = Absent O/E = Absent/Excused --- = Not a Member