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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-03-16 Info Packet-"N CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET CITY OF IOWA CITY www.icgov.org March 16, 2017 IP1 Council Tentative Meeting Schedule MARCH 21 WORK SESSION IP2 Work Session Agenda IP3 Information from Sr. Transportation Engineering Planner: Bike Master Plan Update IP4 Report from Assistant City Manager: Strategic Plan Update MISCELLANEOUS IP5 City Council Pending Work Session Topics IP6 Email from Airport Operations Specialist: Questions regarding Airport Expansion IP7 Civil Service Entrance Examination: Development Specialist IP8 Copy of News Release: Coffee with a Cop, Saturday, March 18 DRAFT MINUTES IP9 Planning and Zoning Commission: March 2 CITY OF IOWA CITY Date City Council Tentative Meeting Schedule �p� Subject to change March 16, 2017 Time Meeting Location Tuesday, March 21, 2017 5:00 PM Work Session Emma J. Harvat Hall 7:00 PM Formal Meeting Tuesday, April 4, 2017 5:00 PM Joint Meeting ICCSD Board ICCSD Adm Bldg. 1725 N. Dodge St. Work Session Emma J. Harvat Hall 7:00 PM Formal Meeting Emma J. Harvat Hall Monday, April 17, 2017 TBA Joint Entities Meeting North Liberty Tuesday, April 18, 2017 5:00 PM Work Session Emma J. Harvat Hall 7:00 PM Formal Meeting Tuesday, May 2, 2017 5:00 PM Work Session Emma J. Harvat Hall 7:00 PM Formal Meeting Tuesday, May 16, 2017 5:00 PM Work Session Emma J. Harvat Hall 7:00 PM Formal Meeting Wednesday, May 24, 2017 5:00 PM Joint Meeting JC Brd of Supervisors TBD Work Session �14 �-k� CITY OF IOWA CITY 410 East Washington Street Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1826 (319) 356-5000 (319) 3S6-5009 FAX www.icgov.org City Council Work Session Agenda Tuesday, March 21, 2017 Emma J. Harvat Hall - City Hall 5:00 p.m. - Update on the Bike Master Plan [IP#3 of 3/16 Info Packet] ■ Strategic Plan Status Report Presentation [IP#4 of 3/16 Info Packet] • Clarification of Agenda Items ■ Information Packet Discussion [March 9, March 16] Submitted by DarianNagle-Gamin, Sr. Transportation Engineering Planner CITY BICYCLE Project Update The Iowa City Bicycle Master Plan will serve as a planning and policy guide for city investments in bicycle infrastructure and programs. The Iowa City Bicycle Master Plan will include recom- mendations for off-street bikeways, like trails and greenways, and on -street bikeways like bike boule- vards, bike lanes, and separated bike lanes. When complete, these bikeways will connect to create a complete bicycle network that supports safe and comfortable bicycle travel and connects people to the places they want to go. The Bicycle Master Plan will also identify programs, events, and activities to educate residents about safe cycling and driving and to encourage more people to get out and enjoy life on two wheels. Project Schedule Community Engagement CITY COUNCIL UPDATE Completed Tasks ■ Existing Conditions Documentation & Analysis ■ Plan Vision and Goals ■ Draft High Demand Areas Analysis ■ Two Technical Advisory Committee Meetings ■ Two Bicycle Advisory Committee Meetings ■ An Initial Open House ■ Project Website • Online Survey • Online Mapping Tool Current Tasks • Survey/Mapping Tool Analysis • Bicycle Network Development ■ Programs and Policies Development Future Tasks • Additional Engagement Activities in March/April • Second Open House in May ■ Implementation Plan (Cost Estimates, Funding, Phasing, Maintenance, Performance Measures) ■ Draft & Final Plan & ■ Final Presentations D; Poh Bicyc_ Program_ Draft and FaciGry mplemen- Final Plan FI December January February March April May June 2016 2017 2017 2017 2017 2077 2017 1 IOW CITYIOW CITY PLAN Vision and Goals The Vision Iowa City is a bicycle -friendly community in which bicycling is a safe, comfortable, convenient, and preferred mode of travel and recreation for people of all ages and abilities. Iowa City citizens and leaders value bicycling as a means to support a strong and diverse economy, foster healthy and active lifestyles, promote transportation equity, advance environmental sustainability, and enhance quality of life. Plan Goals Engineering Implement safe, comfortable, and convenient travel for people of all ages and abilities through an inter- connected network of low -stress bicycling facilities. Education Provide educational opportunities that teach roadway safety for all roadway users in Iowa City, including practical skills for bicycling, awareness of bicycle facilities and how to use them, and the rules of the road for people driving and bicycling. Engagement by the Numbers Community participation in the planning process has been great and the input received through the open house, the online survey, online mapping tool, the advisory committees, and other channels has been instrumental to our understanding of issues and opportunities and the development of recommendations. As we move ahead with the planning process we will reach out to, and include, under -served and under -represented communities to find out what can be done to make bicycling safe, comfortable, convenient, and accessible for people of all ages and abilities. 2 CITY COUNCIL UPDATE. Encouragement Offer diverse and inclusive programs, events, and activities that encourage all Iowa City residents and visitors to enjoy bicycling. Enforcement Establish a shared understanding of and respect for bicycling among all road users through enforce- ment activities that promote responsible travel behavior and help educate the entire community on roadway safety. Evaluation Define measurable mobility targets and provide routine evaluation of the state of bicycling in Iowa Cityto monitor plan implementation progress, iden- tify opportunities for improvement, and address bicycling -related needs and issues as they arise. Equity Contribute to a more equitable, affordable, and accessible transportation system in Iowa City by ensuring bicycling is a viable choice for all people throughout the entire city, with special focus on underserved populations, including youth, the elderly, people with disabilities, racial and ethnic minorities, immigrants, and low-income households. Online Survey 0 Responses 81% Fully Completed January Open House Attendees Online Mapping Tool Map Users Points & Lines 2016-17 Strategic Plan Update City of Iowa City 410 E. Washington St. Iowa City, IA 52240 319-356-5010 icgov.org .. m 1:., ' ilk rE t March 2017 • • • 1Table of contents Tableof contents........................................................................................................................................................................................................2 Introductionand overview................................................................................................................................................................................. 3 - 7 Priority 1: Promote a strong and resilient economy................................................................................................................................... 8-13 Priority 2: Encourage a vibrant and walkable urban core................................................................................................................. 14 - 19 Priority 3: Foster healthy neighborhoods throughout the City............................................................................................................ 20 - 23 Priority 4: Maintain a solid financial foundation................................................................................................................................... 24 - 25 Priority 5: Enhance community engagement and intergovernmental relations................................................................................ 26 - 32 Priority 6: Promote environmental sustainability................................................................................................................................... 33 - 43 Priority 7: Advance social justice and racial equity..............................................................................................................................44 - 51 Page: 2 • • • Introduction and ovorviow City Council members are, from left: Terry Dickens, District B Pauline Taylor, District A Jim Throgmorton, At•Large, Mayor John Thomas, District C Kingsley Botchway II, At•Large, Mayor Pro Tem Susan Mims, At•Large Rockne Cole, At•Large Po ge: 3 City of Iowa City organizational profile City Council Iowa City is governed by an elected City Council of seven members: four Council members at -large and three District members. The Council is responsible for appointing the City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk. City Manager The City Manager serves as the chief administrative officer for the organization. The City Manager implements the policy decisions of the City Council, enforces City ordinances, and appoints City officials, as well as supervises the directors of the City's operating depart- ments. City staff Iowa City employs approximately 600 full-time staff members to execute the City Council's policies and provide public services to over 70,000 residents. These include utilities (water, sewer, stormwater, and garbage and recycling services), and public services (public safety, building and housing inspections, parks and recreation, street maintenance, engineering, development services, transportation, local cable television programming, and senior ser- vices). City accolades In 2008, Iowa City was designated as a City of Literature by UNESCO, becoming the third city recognized internationally and the first and only U.S. city to date. Since 2014, the City has been recognized in over 20 "Best Of" publications, including "The Best Small City for Educated Millennials" by Business Insider, "The Best City for College Grads" by the Huffing - ton Post, and "The Best City for Successful Aging" and "Number Five Best Performing Small City" by the Milliken Institute. • • • Introduction and ovorviow History and background The strategic planning goal -setting session focused on the following areas: Issues, concerns, trends, and opportunities r Ongoing or committed projects r Significant new projects, programs, policies, and initiatives Council further refined their top priorities and initiatives at subsequent work sessions. Specific programs, policies, and projects were identified to guide staff activities for the next two years and communicate Council's priorities to the public. The resolution on the March 1, 2016 City Council agenda formally adopted the Council's strategic plan priorities and reflected the language, goals, and intentions that were developed by the City Council in the work sessions and meetings held Nov. 30, 2015, and Jan. 14, Jan. 21, Feb. 2, and Feb. 16, 2016. Iowa City's 2016-17 Strategic Plan This strategic plan intends to foster a more inclusive, just and sustainable Iowa City. �0, 1. Promote a strong and resilient local economy 2. Encourage a vibrant and walkable urban core 3. Foster healthy neighborhoods throughout the City 4. Maintain a solid financial foundation r° 5. Enhance community engagement and intergovernmental relations �P, 6. Promote environmental sustainability �P, 7. Advance social justice and racial equity Page: 4 Introduction and ovorviow Page: 5 City Council -identified projects, programs, policies, and initiatives for the Strategic Plan Promote a strong and resilient local economy • Identify how the City and local partners can effectively market and grow the local foods economy Review and consider amending the City's Tax Increment Finance (TIF) policy • Promote neighborhood commercial districts and build stronger relations with business owners throughout the community • Work closely with the University of Iowa and Kirkwood Community College on future facilities and economic development opportunities, especially in the Riverfront Crossings District Work closely with the ICCSD, Kirkwood Community College, labor organizations, Iowa Works and others to explore the feasibility of an industrial arts/crafts facility in Iowa City • Proactively seek opportunities to facilitate development of our interstate entryways in a manner consistent with this strategic plan • Develop programs aimed to enhance small business development and retention with a focus on diverse communities Encourage a vibrant and walkable urban core • Consider creating a new City Council committee with a focus on the sustainable built environment • Support historic preservation efforts • Initiate public dialogue about the meaning and importance of a walkable neighborhood and how to achieve it • Encourage diverse housing types and price points for a variety of income levels Introduction and ovorviow Foster healthy neighborhoods throughout the City • Consider amending the City's Annexation Policy to require the provision of affordable housing in residential/mixed-use areas • Evaluate the implementation of a Form Based Code in one or two parts of the community • Develop strategies to diversify the membership of neighborhood associations • Substantially improve access and use of public spaces through improvements to sidewalks, streetscapes, parks, and schools Maintain a solid financial foundation • Continue to monitor the impact of the 2013 property tax reform and evaluate alternative revenue sources as determined necessary • Continue to build the City's Emergency Fund • Monitor potential changes to Moody's rating criteria and maintain the City's Aaa bond rating • Continue to reduce the City's property tax levy • Maintain healthy fund balances throughout the City's diverse operations Enhance community engagement and intergovernmental relations Provide timely and appropriate input on the ICCSD's planned 2017 bond referendum • Televise regular City Council work sessions Significantly improve the ability of Council and staff to engage with diverse populations on complex or controversial topics Promote environmental sustainability Raise Iowa City's Bicycle -Friendly Community status from silver to gold by 2017 and aspire toward a platinum status in the future • Evaluate and consider implementation of a plastic bag policy Undertake a project in FY 2017 that achieves a significant measurable carbon emission reduction • Set a substantive and achievable goal for reducing city-wide carbon emissions by 2030, and create an ad-hoc climate change task force, potentially under an umbrella STAR Communities committee, to devise a cost-effective strategy for achieving the goal • Collaborate with community partners on sustainability efforts Page: 6 Introduction and ovorviow Advance social justice and racial equity • Develop and implement a racial / socioeconomic equity review toolkit • Support the Housing First initiative and other local homeless efforts, including the temporary winter shelter • Consider creating a City Council committee with a focus on social justice and racial equity • Evaluate initiatives to effectively engage the community's youth • Identify and implement an achievable goal to reduce disproportionality in arrests • Create a racial equity grant program • Develop a partnership with the University of Iowa and other key stakeholders that will aid efforts to recruit and retain a greater minority workforce • Identify a substantive and achievable goal for the provision of affordable housing in Iowa City and implement strategies to achieve this goal Page: 7 • • • 1 Promote a strong and resilient local economy More than 200 people attended the inaugural Iowa City Farm to Street Dinner on Linn Street in late August. Tickets went on sale in advance, and were sold out within a matter of hours. Strategies to meet this goal: Identify how the City and local partners can effectively market and grow the local foods economy Op, Budgeted $25,000 for local foods initiatives I� Community meal project Developed a partnership between the City of Iowa City, Johnson County and Field to Family to hold a community meal to support local food producers, raise awareness of community-based food systems, and raise funds for Field to Family and the Iowa City Parks and Recreation Foundation. The City provided financial support in the amount of $5,000 for the event, called the "Iowa City Farm to Street Dinner." City staff helped plan and organize the dinner, working with fellow coordinating partners, and the City also provided operational support for permit applications, road closures, traffic control, recycling and clean-up. Op, Double Up Food Bucks The City created the "Double Up Food Bucks" program at the Iowa City Farmers Markets with $5,000 in sponsorship funds. Through the program, electronic benefit transfer (EBT) users can double their cash when making purchases at Iowa City Farmers Markets. Op, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Iowa City Farmers Markets began offering a centralized Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) program in 2016. Backyard Abundance Edible Classroom project The City partnered on the Backyard Abundance Edible Classroom educational project at the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center. This garden, a community partnership with several sponsors and supporters, including the State of Iowa Department of • • •I Promote a strong and resilient local economy Building the Backyard Abundance Edible Classroom Agriculture, was planted adjacent to the Recreation Center and is utilized in numerous Project at the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center recreational classes. A ribbon -cutting for the garden was held on Sept. 17, 2016. • • • Page: 9 Backyard Abundance plant sale and fundraiser Backyard Abundance, in partnership with the City of Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department, held an edible plant sale and fundraiser at the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center in advance of the growing season. The plants offered for sale to the public were grown as locally as possible, and were carefully chosen for bountiful yields and flavor. Farmers Market events: Taste of Market and Local Food Fair Two special events were held in September 2016 at the Iowa City Farmers Market. For Taste of Market, Farmers Market staff grilled and distributed free samples from local vendors. At the Local Food Fair, hosted by Field to Family, the work being done to support Iowa City's local food system was showcased. Review and consider amending the City's Tax Increment Finance (TIF) policy Ti F policy stakeholder meetings TIF policy stakeholder meetings are complete. Nine focus groups were held to solicit feedback on current policies and recommendations for improvement. Focus groups included past TIF recipients; affected taxing entities; nonprofit organizations including representatives from labor organizations; architects, engineers, and developers; community promotional organizations such as the Iowa City Downtown District, Chamber of Commerce, and the Convention and Visitors Bureau; environmental advocacy groups; and arts and cultural organizations. Council will receive the public input generated through this process as potential policy amendments are considered. • • • 1 Promote a strong and resilient local economy Economic development policy update The City's economic development policies were amended May 3, 2016 to include a requirement for the provision of affordable housing when residential projects receive public financing, including TIF. Fifteen percent of residential units must be affordable for a minimum of 20 years when a project receives City funding. Promote neighborhood commercial districts and build stronger relations with business owners throughout the community Involvement with business community City staff serve on the boards of the Chamber of Commerce, Iowa City Area Development Group, and the Iowa City Downtown District. Staff members regularly attend functions offered by these groups, such as the Chamber of Commerce roundtable lunches. Small business engagement Through the "So, you want to start a business?" program and Kirkwood scholarship partnership, staff is working to strengthen relations with Kirkwood Community College and emerging small businesses. Due to the success of the initial class, City staff is working on development of a one -day program held in 2017 for potential entrepreneurs. Work closely with the University of Iowa and Kirkwood Community College on future facilities and economic development opportunities, especially in the Riverfront Crossings District MERGE co -working space and prototype laboratory MERGE is a collaboration with the Iowa City Area Development Group, Inc. (ICAD), University of Iowa and the City of Iowa City for entrepreneurial co -working space and prototype laboratory. The facility is located in the City -owned Iowa City Public Library commercial space and is provided to MERGE at reduced rent. The City Council has authorized the City Manager to contribute up to $100,000 for build -out of the space. Other improvements are being funded by the University of Iowa and ICAD. MERGE is expected to open in spring 2017. Page: 10 • • • 1 Promote a strong and resilient local economy The workshops in the "So, you want to start a busi- ness?" series offered topics including how to turn your passion into profit, legal issues, licenses, taxes, tax structures, permits, and financial statements. • Renderings from MERGE co -working space and prototype lab Page: 11 Work closely with the ICCSD, Kirkwood Community College, labor organizations, Iowa Works, and others to explore the feasibility of an industrial arts/crafts facility in Iowa City No action to date. This topic will require additional Council discussions in the coming months. Proactively seek opportunities to facilitate development of our interstate entryways in a manner consistent with this Strategic Plan Private development projects Staff continues to have dialogue regarding development opportunities along the 1-80 corridor. Develop programs aimed to enhance small business development and retention with a focus on diverse communities "So, you want to start a business? workshop series The "So you want to start a business?" educational series was developed through discussions with Kirkwood Community College, Community CPA, and Sankofa Outreach Connection. Sponsors included Hills Bank & Trust Company, Mid West One Bank, and University of Iowa Community Credit Union. Five business development educational workshops were held at Kirkwood Community College's Iowa City campus during May and June of 2016 that were specifically Promote a strong and resilient local economy ConnorAlne, National College Gaming Association. A $10,000 loan was awarded to expand business in MERGE Space One. KW( '11<2"t% Page: 12 marketed to women, immigrants, and persons of color. Approximately 50 unique individuals attended the workshops providing information and technical assistance to those wanting to start their own business. PowerPoint slides are available on the City's website and the series was recorded and aired on City Channel 4. It, MicroLoan Program The City's MicroLoan Program was tweaked to offer better terms (3% interest, $10,000 maximum loan for a five-year term), leading to renewed interest in the program, especially after the educational workshops at Kirkwood. This program provides low- to moderate -income persons with access to affordable loans to start or expand a business in Iowa City. Our MidWestOne and Kirkwood Community College partners are actively promoting the MicroLoan Program, and City staff is promoting the program at the One Million Cups and other entrepreneurial work. The following four local entrepreneurs are being assisted: • Community Serving Community Daycare: This minority- and woman -operated non-profit received a $5,000 loan to double low-income daycare capacity. • College Gaming Series: A $10,000 loan was awarded to expand business in MERGE Space One. • Alfie's Beauty Supply: This minority- and woman -owned business received a $2,500 loan to purchase equipment and inventory. • ALMVGHTY: This minority-owned clothing business received a $10,000 loan to expand operations. Promote a strong and resilient local economy Big Grove project will encourage further investment in the Riverfront Crossings District. Funding was approved for Iowa City's non-profit organizations that provide arts and entertainment. Page: 13 Other initiatives Facade improvements Funding was approved for fagade improvements for Big Grove Brewery's Iowa City location. This redevelopment is an important first step in revitalizing the southern portion of the Riverfront Crossings District. The planned park development adjacent to the Big Grove site will also help encourage further investment in the area. The City Council is considering several amendments to the Riverfront Crossings Form Based Code for the Big Grove and surrounding properties. r Community support Funding was approved forthe EnglertTheatre, FilmScene and Riverside Theatre, three of Iowa City's invaluable non-profit organizations that provide arts entertainment. Funding was also approved for Entrefest, a conference for entrepreneurs and other business people held in downtown Iowa City. • • • 2 Encourage a vibrant and walkable urban core In May, apiece of local architectural history was saved when the Houser -Metzger House was moved from its original location on Iowa Avenue to its new site on College Street, where it overlooks College Green Park. Restoration continues on the house. r r Preservation efforts are also being made for the log cabins in Upper City Park, which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 4. f- Sy r Page: 14 Strategies to meet this goal: Consider creating a new City Council committee with a focus on the sustainable built environment Council considered this action at the April 5, 2016 work session and decided not to move forward with the committee as proposed. Support historic preservation efforts Houser -Metzger House move The City facilitated the move of the historic Houser -Metzger House from 422 Iowa Avenue to 623 College Street. As a result, approximately 45 tons of what would have been demolition debris were saved from the landfill, and a historically appropriate house was saved and moved to the College Green Historic District. Several departments and divisions, including Public Works - Streets, Parks and Recreation - Forestry, Police, and Neighborhood and Development Services - Inspections and Historic Preservation, devoted staff time and resources to guiding the move of the house across five City blocks. Rehabilitation on Upper City Park log cabins The City secured a $25,000 Historical Resource Development Program grant for rehabilitation for City Park's Old Settlers' Association of Johnson County Cabins. The cabins are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Cabin restoration bids anticipated in spring of 2017 and work completed in summer of 2017. Historical designation The historical designation of 716 N. Dubuque Street was approved at the April 19, 2016 City Council meeting. Encourage a vibrant and walkable urban core In order to address the need for African American housing, the Tate Arms building, located at 914 S. Dubuque Street, was established around 1940 and served as a private rooming house for male African American students until the mid-1960s. It was named after its owners, Junious ("Bud") and Elizabeth ("Bettye") Crawford Tate. Eq In 1920, The Iowa Federation of Colored Women's Clubs opened the Federation Home, located at 942 Iowa Avenue, to serve as a dormitory for African American women studying at the University. This dormitory operated until 1950. Page: 15 r National Register of Historic Places A home at 715 W. Park Road was nominated for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. Historic preservation The Council added funding to expand staff hours dedicated to Historic Preservation beginning in FY1 7, then budgeted to convert the Historic Preservation Planner position from a temporary, part time position to a permanent 1/2 time position beginning in FY18. The Council funded a historic survey of Downtown Iowa City to begin spring of 2017. The Historic Preservation Commission was awarded a $16,000 Civil Rights Grants from the National Park Service. The grant will be used to fund the nomination of Iowa City's Tate Arms rooming house and the Iowa Federation Home Dormitory to the National Register of Historic Places. The two buildings serve as landmarks associated with the struggle for housing equality for Black students at the University of Iowa. The FY18 Budget approved $40,000 for a new Historic Preservation Fund program. The program will financially help owners of historic properties rehabilitate and preserve exterior architectural features of their home. Irving B. Weber Days at Iowa City Public Library In May, National Historic Preservation Month, the Iowa City Public Library leads the annual Irving B. Weber Days to celebrate local history. Working with several community partners, the series schedules a variety of programs and events to promote the importance of local history and the Library's resources for researching local history. 2 Encourage a vibrant and walkable urban core • • • Zach Benedict r r r Jay Walljasper • • • Dan Parolek Page: 16 Initiate public dialogue about the meaning and importance of a walkable neighborhood and how to achieve it "Missing Middle: Responding to the Demand for Walkable Urban Living" public and staff presentations conducted by Dan Parolek Daniel Parolek is a nationally recognized architect, urbanist and leader in architecture, design, and urban planning who presented to City staff and the public in May 2016. "Missing Middle Housing" is a term Parolek uses to define the type of housing that falls between single-family homes and large apartment complexes or high-rises — duplexes, fourplexes, bungalow courts, mansion apartments, and live -work units. The Missing Middle provides housing for a range of incomes, ages, and lifestyles, and easily fits in with existing single-family neighborhoods, infill or urban renewal areas, or new construction projects. Zach Benedict presentation Zach Benedict is one of the leading voices in the "Lifetime Community" movement, focusing on the socio-economic benefits of age -friendly neighborhoods. Mr. Benedict discussed research that indicates successful cities consistently prioritize communal attachment through social offerings, openness, and aesthetics. Jay Walljasper workshops Two public presentations were conducted in the spring of 2016. The first, "All That We Share: A Discussion of the Commons," was focused on a discussion of how community resources must be actively protected and managed for the good of all. The second event, a workshop titled, "25 Ways You Can Create a Strong Community," focused on placemaking and the commons with an emphasis on community development in Iowa City's Downtown. • • • Jeff Speck Page: 17 Encourage a vibrant and walkable urban core i okh\ iiANiei_L10\ LEADING THE INCLUSIVE PLAck, M3 8D IN AO%ACION FOR A ROLNUF:U PLANF'I Jeff Speck presentation Jeff Speck visited Iowa City in October 2016 and held numerous events including interviews with staff, a staff tour of town, made a presentation to elected officials of Johnson County and a presentation open to the public at the Iowa City Public Library. Jeff Speck is a city planner and urban designer who, through writing, lectures, and built work, advocates internationally for smart growth and sustainable design. As Director of Design at the National Endowment for the Arts from 2003 through 2007, he oversaw the Mayors' Institute on City Design and created the Governors' Institute on Community Design, a federal program that helps state governors fight suburban sprawl. Mr. Speck is the author of Walkable City — How Downtown Can Save America One Step at a Time. Robin Hambleton visit: "Leading the Inclusive City" In March 2016, Professor Robin Hambleton, Professor of City Leadership in the Centre for Sustainable Planning and Environments at the University of the West of England in Bristow, presented "Leading the Inclusive City" at the Iowa City Public Library. The program addressed global inequality and how cities can take steps to minimize inequality, advance social justice, promote environmental responsibility, and bolster community empowerment. Encourage diverse housing types and price points for a variety of income levels Inclusionary housing code amendments Council adopted inclusionary housing code amendments for the Riverfront Crossings District on July 5, 2016. Affordable housing requirements for TIF projects Council adopted affordable housing requirements for projects supported through tax increment financing on May 3, 2016. Encourage a vibrant and walkable urban core • • Washington Street median planting project brought staff together to beautify the boulevard. Page: 18 Housing First/FUSE initiative Council supported the Housing First/FUSE initiative, including financial support of $275,000 and adopting the necessary zoning code amendments. The project will construct a facility that provides low -barrier housing for chronically homeless individuals. The zoning code amendments were adopted on July 5, 2016. Other initiatives Urban Core Sign Code Amendments Amendments to the Sign Code were adopted in November 2016. The code amendments were based on a study completed by the firm Kiku Obata, and was sponsored by the City of Iowa City and the Iowa City Downtown District. The amendments are intended to foster more pedestrian -oriented signs and variety of signage. Washington Street median planting project City staff from various departments volunteered to assist the Parks Division in replanting the Washington Street medians after the Houser -Metzger House move. � Washington Street Reconstruction Project The City Council approved the contract for the reconstruction of the two blocks of Washington Street between Clinton Street and Linn Street. In addition to upgraded underground utilities, the project enhances the accessibility and walkability through wider sidewalks, narrower vehicle lanes and crosswalks. The project will also evenly distribute parallel parking, enhance plantings and street trees, improve ADA ramps and slopes, and provide consistent cafe locations for predictable pedestrian paths. The construction work will be completed in the Spring of 2017. To increase the pedestrian friendly nature of the project, Council has directed the traffic signals planned for the Dubuque Street and Linn Street intersections be replaced with stop signs. Encourage a vibrant and walkable urban core First Avenue grade separation and road diets will improve walkability. Page: 19 Improved parking payment options A mobile app for parking payment options is currently being finalized. This is a University -led, cooperative project. ► Notable walkability projects outside the core • The First Avenue grade separation project is substantially complete and the remainder of the First Avenue road -diet, spanning from Mall Drive to Route 6 should also be completed by summer 2017. • Public open houses were held in preparation for the Mormon Trek and First Avenue road diets. Engineering is now working on design of the road diets for both Mormon Trek Boulevard (completion in 2018) and Clinton Street through downtown (completed in 2017 construction season). • Council also gave direction to staff (and preliminary budget authority) to hire a consultant to study the feasibility of a road -diet on Gilbert Street from Market to McCollister. • • • 3 Foster healthy neighborhoods throughout the City SOUTH DISTRICTNEIGHBORHOOD SOUTH NEIGHBORHOOD .v--- VISIONING WORKSHOP DISTR T VISIONING WORKSHOP Kick-oHmeebm 68 p.m. Feb. 15, 201] 8 p.m. Aleximmi, Elemmitary Scheel Meda Center 3571 Sycamore Street .1. n. AL rt s ymn ti's io17 NORTHSIDE yr} -ABA NEIGHBORHOOD .v--- VISIONING WORKSHOP Kmk-off meeting 11 mems Feb.IQ201] 530-]:30pm.@ Iowa Qry Publicibra12.LinnStreet 0ntt,� ymrrtt ton? • • • "What's Your Vision?" workshops kicked off neighborhood visioning projects for the Northside Neighborhood and South District in February of 2017. Page: 20 Strategies to meet this goal: Consider amending the City's Annexation Policy to require the provision of affordable housing in residential/mixed-use areas Revised annexation policy City Council directed staff to prepare a revised annexation policy as part of the Affordable Housing Action Plan. Evaluate the implementation of a form -based code in one or two parts of the community Concept plan Dan Parolek's firm, Opticos, has been hired to conduct an analysis of the Northside Neighborhood and the South District to assess the viability of a Form -Based Code and 'missing middle' housing for both areas. Missing middle housing is defined as duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes and even small apartment buildings that are designed to fit into a neighborhood. Opticos is also providing an analysis of and recommendations to address parking demand issues in near -downtown neighborhoods. Opticos made their first visit in February 2017 and met with staff, residents, developers and other stakeholders, and held two public presentations workshops. Ordinance amendments and rezonings The Council adopted the east -side mixed use form -based code on Sept. 20, 2016. yr} -ABA .v--- • • • "What's Your Vision?" workshops kicked off neighborhood visioning projects for the Northside Neighborhood and South District in February of 2017. Page: 20 Strategies to meet this goal: Consider amending the City's Annexation Policy to require the provision of affordable housing in residential/mixed-use areas Revised annexation policy City Council directed staff to prepare a revised annexation policy as part of the Affordable Housing Action Plan. Evaluate the implementation of a form -based code in one or two parts of the community Concept plan Dan Parolek's firm, Opticos, has been hired to conduct an analysis of the Northside Neighborhood and the South District to assess the viability of a Form -Based Code and 'missing middle' housing for both areas. Missing middle housing is defined as duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes and even small apartment buildings that are designed to fit into a neighborhood. Opticos is also providing an analysis of and recommendations to address parking demand issues in near -downtown neighborhoods. Opticos made their first visit in February 2017 and met with staff, residents, developers and other stakeholders, and held two public presentations workshops. Ordinance amendments and rezonings The Council adopted the east -side mixed use form -based code on Sept. 20, 2016. • • • 3 Foster healthy neighborhoods throughout the City Mercer Park improvements included an all-inclusive play structure. New amenities at Highland Park include a park shelter and playground equipment Rendering for a new playground structure Page. 21 at Pheasant Hill Park Develop strategies to diversify the membership of neighborhood associations The approved FY1 8 Budget expanded PIN Grants with the hope of broadening ap- peal to more neighborhoods and increasing neighbor engagement. Substantially improve access and use of public spaces through improvements to sidewalks, streetscapes, parks, and schools Mercer Park playground improvements The City's largest play area was installed at Mercer Park in the spring of 2016. The play structure is all-inclusive, allowing access for families and children of all abilities. Highland Park renovation This completed project features new playground equipment, shelter, sidewalk accessibility improvements, and a water fountain with a bottle filler and dog dish. Pheasant Hill Park playground improvements The neighborhood weighed in on the playground's design at a well -attended neighborhood meeting. Playground installation is expected in spring 2017. Park ADA access and facility master plan Council approved the contract for services at the September 6 meeting. The master plan is a 10 -year planning document that prioritizes providing equitable, accessible, and well-maintained parkfacilities throughoutthe City. Parkfacilities will be evaluated for accessibility and compliance with ADA regulations, assessment of current safety and maintenance needs, and recommendations for future facility needs. Other park improvement initiatives • Willow Creek Park — restroom and trails, 2016 • Happy Hollow Park — Restroom & Shelter, summer fall 2017 • • • 3 Foster healthy neighborhoods throughout the City • Mercer Park — Tennis Courts/Pickleball Courts Renovations, summer 2017 • Frauenholtz-Miller Park — Shelter, Paths, Playground, water fountain, summer 2017 • Hickory Hill Park — Trail Bridge Replacement, Summer 2017 • Cardigan Park — Master plan complete. Playground, fall 2017; paths, landscaping, shelter, fire pit, 2018 • Creekside Park — Park Master Plan being created to guide park renovation in FY1 8. Public meetings slated for late spring 2017. • Wetherby Park — Sport Court for basketball and futsol, summer fall 2017 • Park Planning — Planning processes are complete for Lower City Park and Eastside Sports Complex. Riverfront Crossings Park phase I design by Confluence is nearly complete and Hickory Hill Park design is underway with RDG. Each planning process incorporates a significant amount of public and neighborhood input. Expanded curb ramp projects in 2016 The City Council approved doubling the funds allocated to the dedicated curb ramp project in each of the last three years. In 2016, the program installed ramps near Grant Wood Elementary School, an area near the County administration offices, and other locations in the community as requested by residents. A significant portion of this work was funded by the City's CDBG allocation for infrastructure improvements. Also in 2016, pavement rehabilitation funding for asphalt overlay was increased significantly; for the next several years, the Capital Improvement Budget proposes continuing the annual increase for the pavement rehabilitation by $100,000 per year. The 2017 curb ramp project will be completed this spring/summer. Other public space initiatives ■ COMPLETE STREETS FUNDING Annual complete streets funding of $300,000 begins in 2017. An allocation of $150,000 has been included in the FY1 8 budget. ■ TREES A contract was awarded to Plan -It GEO for Tree Inventory/Emerald Ash Borer Response and associated street tree plantings Plan. The project is underway and to -date, approximately 13,000 trees have been inventoried. The Sycamore Street and Lower Muscatine Road Landscaping Improvements will be complete spring 2017. This project adds street trees along both streets and installs landscaping in the roundabouts in the Sycamore Street corridor. Over 300 trees have been installed in the corridor and another 170 shrubs will be planted in spring 2017. ■ NATURAL AREAS The City's Natural Areas Maintenance and Master Plan RFP has been awarded to AES (Applied Environmental Services). Page: 22 Foster healthy neighborhoods throughout the City ■ BIKE LANES A pavement marking project was completed in fall 2016 which restriped the traffic lanes on Sycamore Street from Langenberg Avenue to Highway 6. This project also included installation of bicycle lanes. This UniverCity program home is one of 56 homes renovated by the City for owner -occupied housing . °I 0 flE1 The Iowa City Public Library's new bookmobile will provide service to neighborhoods in all quadrants of Iowa City. Page: 23 Other initiatives Housing Exterior Loan Program The Housing Exterior Loan Program (HELP) offers financial assistance to help up- grade the safety and appearance of local housing stock, while preserving neigh- borhood vitality. Zero -interest loans are provided for 50% of the cost of eligible improvements, up to $10,000. Continued UniverCity Neighborhood Partnership investments To date, 61 homes have been purchased. Fifty-six homes have been renovated and sold for owner -occupied housing. Currently, two homes are completed with accepted purchased offers and pending closings; three houses to be bid this spring. ParkADAAccess and Facility Master Plan Council approved the contract for services to RDG Planning and Design at the Sep- tember 6, 2016 Council meeting. The master plan is intended to be a ten year plan- ning document that prioritizes providing equitable, accessible, and well-maintained park facilities throughout the City. Park facilities will be evaluated for accessibility and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, assessment of current safety and maintenance needs, and recommendations for future facility needs. Library Bookmobile The new bookmobile is expected to arrive spring 2017 with a full schedule of stops beginning in June that will cover all quadrants of the City, including more than twenty parks, schools, shopping centers, retirement residences and mobile home parks. • • • 4 Maintain a solid financial foundation Strategies to meet this goal: Continue to monitor the impact of the 2013 property tax reform and evaluate alternative revenue sources as determined necessary IP Refuse Collection and Recycling Fees to account for increases in current and new services; The yard waste/food waste fee added provides a steadier and more reliable funding stream for new and current services; Landfill Fee increases for miscellaneous charges to cover actual costs; 0 2017 Park Fee adjustments completed; 0 Water Rate adjustment planned for FY2019 budget proposal Continue to build the City's emergency fund The City has created an emergency fund in order to prepare for the effects of 2013 property tax reform. The emergency fund will give the City financial flexibility, given the uncertainty of future revenue, and maintain service levels in the event of a sharp decline in revenue or the loss of State of Iowa "backfill" payments. From FYI 3-16, the City has built an emergency reserve totaling $4,698,779 through annual transfers. The FYI transfer will be considered during the next budget process. 110� The City will transfer $500,000 for excess ending General Fund fund balance for FYI 6. Monitor potential changes to Moody's rating criteria and maintain the City's Aaa bond rating Moody's reaffirmed the City's Aaa general obligation bond rating with the 2016 bond issue. The rating report noted that, "The City's financial operations are expected to remain healthy, given strong financial management, significant operating fund reserves and sufficient revenue -raising flexibility." A Moody's scorecard analysis will be conducted by Speer Financial this spring. Additionally, the City plans to call 2009C GO Bond on June 1, 2017. Page: 24 • • • 4 Maintain a solid financial foundation Continue to reduce the City's property tax levy The fiscal year 2016-2017 budget reduced the City's property tax levy rate by 0.41 %, the fifth consecutive year of levy rate decreases. The fiscal year 2017-2018 property tax levy rate will decrease again, this time by $0.25 as of July 1, 2017. Maintain healthy fund balances throughout the City's diverse operations The City's funds currently have healthy fund balances. Utility rates and service charges are evaluated annually to ensure they are sufficient to fund operations and capital improvement needs. Maintaining adequate fund balances is a large component of Moody's bond rating criteria. Page: 25 I'd do _Is 1 I'll 11 u. Baa Pe, 2 _ted r. 2"'. o . � m,. _1..11 21 _2.. 1.1 — 1111 11 11 ti Iowa Ctty FY 20]H Budget Proposal Proposed % 5 Enhance community engagement & intergovernmental relations Strategies to meet this goal: Provide timely and appropriate input on the ICCSD's planned 2017 bond referendum This item is on Council's pending work session list for further discussion. Individual Council members have continued to communicate with Directors of the Board. Televise regular City Council work sessions This request has been implemented. Significantly improve the Council and staff's ability to engage with diverse populations on complex or controversial topics This item is scheduled for discussion on Council's pending work session topic list. Council and staff have participated in a number of panel discussions, forums, neighborhood meetings, and listening posts that will help inform the conversation. Some recent examples of public outreach on complex or controversial topics include: • City staff attended the "Disproportionate Minority Contact (DMC) Forum: The Impact of Racial Injustices on Youth" held at the Iowa City Public Library and sponsored by the DMC Youth Committee for Johnson County. • TIF stakeholder meetings were held with a broad range of community groups. • The Police Department participated in a panel discussion on Police and Public Safety at the "Relax:Talk:Grow" event held at the Iowa City Public Library. It was sponsored by the University of Iowa African American Council and the University of Iowa Public Policy Center. • Police officers participated in a community forum at a local church which highlighted a recent high profile stop of a minority youth. The interaction had generated thousands of YouTube hits and was seen as a positive example of how police officers should interact with minority community members during high stress events. • All sworn members of the department completed online training titled, "Fair and Impartial Policing." This was part of an online training series that officers complete every month and is beneficial for officers when engaging with the public Page: 26 • • • 5 iowa city coalition for racial justice Enhance community engagement & intergovernmental relations 0( City of Iowa City HUMANRIGHTS Commission 319-356-5022 www. icgov. orglhumanrights humandghts@iowa-city.org 1LACK VAI ES , Page: 27 • Council listening posts have been held at new locations, engaging a more representative sample of the community. • Staff created a budget at -a -glance document to convey key points of the FYI budget and will further refine that effort for the FYI 8 budget. • The Mayor initiated a new neighborhood walk program to engage residents in varying parts of the community. Other initiatives Several of these include activities related to recommendations from the Ad Hoc Diversity Committee and actions plans from the reports on racial equity. ► Staff roundtables The City Manager's roundtable conversations have continued to engage community stakeholders on issues of inclusivity and social justice. Community groups that attend roundtables include but are not limited to: Black Voices Project, the Coalition for Racial Justice, the Human Rights Commission, the Center for Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa, and Johnson County. The consultants conducting the Police Chief search also met with the roundtable to solicit input when developing the candidate profile. ► Crisis Intervention Team concept Council and staff have been working with several local agencies to explore the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) concept for assisting individuals experiencing mental illness or substance abuse crises. The working group includes law enforcement agencies, health care providers, community advocacy groups, social service providers, and elected officials. Several Council members and City staff members have traveled to San Antonio, Texas to observe the program's operations first-hand, and officers have received week-long training in the program. Local officer training programs are being developed. A curriculum has been set for local training, and each sworn officer on the Police Department will attend a 40 hour training session in CIT during • • • 5 Enhance community engagement & intergovernmental relations Ehelter ous e More than a roof and a bed Bruegger's 708 S. Riverside Dr. Wednesday November 23rd 9:30am - 11:00am Coffee with a Cop promotes dialogue between residents and police throughout the City. Page: 28 2017. This training will begin in April. On March 7, 2017, Johnson County presented information at a Council Work Session regarding a potential regional CIT concept. op, Shelter House donation drive The City celebrated National Community Development Week by sponsoring a donation drive for Shelter House to collect cleaning supplies and personal care products. City department and division initiatives - Outreach ■ COMMUNITY OUTREACH OFFICER A full-time Community Outreach Officer position was added in the Police Department. ■ RECREATION PROGRAM SUPERVISOR - SPECIAL POPULATIONS The Recreation Program Supervisor position was amended to include outreach to underserved populations. ■ COFFEE WITH A COP The Police Department continues to use the expanded "Coffee with a Cop" to promote dialogue with diverse populations in geographically dispersed locations throughout the community. A recent event held at the Neighborhood Center on Bartelt Road brought members of the minority community out to ask questions about immigration and policing of their neighborhood. ■ LOST PROGRAM The Police Department collaborated with several community organizations to launch the "Loved Ones Safe Together" (LOST) program to assist in identifying and locating community members who have been separated from their families or caretakers. ICPD hosted a community presentation to launch the project. ■ LIBRARY CARDS The Iowa City Public Library extended outreach on how to get a library card by creating handbills in several languages, including Spanish and Arabic. • • • 5 Enhance community engagement & intergovernmental relations • • •1 ■ AUTISM SPECIAL ACCESS HOUR -11 a9a —I HaYesi A bookmark project by the Iowa City Public Library and the Police Department encouraged reading, shared safety messages, and provided information in several languages on how to get a Library card. W W • Page: 29 The Iowa City Police Department took part in the Iowa City Public Library's Autism Special Access Hour and officers were available to help members of our community who have Autism to become more familiar with the police ■ SAFETY MESSAGES The Library teamed up with the Iowa City Police Department to produce cards that provide information on how to get a library card in English, Spanish, Arabic and French, along with a safety tip from the Police Department. The Library also worked with the Iowa City Police Department and Iowa City Fire Department to create bookmarks they use in their outreach initiatives. The bookmarks feature contact information for each department, encourages students to read, and shares "How to get a Library Card" and safety messages in English, Spanish, Arabic and French. lops City department and division initiatives - Participation in events ■ PUBLIC EVENTS ICPD officers attended many public events, including the Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Iowa; an RVAP open house; Juneteenth activities; a career day at Regina High School; participation on a domestic sexual violence panel discussion; participation in a dodge ball tournament to benefit Special Olympics of Iowa; construction work on a Habitat for Humanity house; City Manager's Roundtable; and attendance at various school sporting events. Evening watch officers also presented donated items, including a new television, to the Youth Emergency Shelter. ■ COMMUNITY PRESENTATIONS Iowa City officers participated in numerous community presentations, including a number of ALICE active shooter training sessions; a police K-9 presentation to elementary age children; presentations to Cub Scout groups, the Dream Center, a shoplifter diversion program and ICCSD summer programs; a lab tour and presentation to Kirkwood students on crime scene evidence collection and processing; ICPD Youth Academy and Citizen's Police Academy presentations; "What Police Do" The Iowa City Police Department encourages everyone to READ! pil rnu mow: wlrbyonrtb"en te"eyou can per Mof R[[ bm p+::e: each week. www.l"pl.o"pibou 5 a(@tb"n'al< How to Geta Library Card • Cl raidente de law puede recibir um tarieta tle bibliclera [ b pl. 1pa reecho been tl une c Pe I t tl tibl' hm. P oil I rqt tl bbl' hm =i. Zara tlentfi ftg �hayu hereon tatlRtl le. -11 a9a —I HaYesi A bookmark project by the Iowa City Public Library and the Police Department encouraged reading, shared safety messages, and provided information in several languages on how to get a Library card. W W • Page: 29 The Iowa City Police Department took part in the Iowa City Public Library's Autism Special Access Hour and officers were available to help members of our community who have Autism to become more familiar with the police ■ SAFETY MESSAGES The Library teamed up with the Iowa City Police Department to produce cards that provide information on how to get a library card in English, Spanish, Arabic and French, along with a safety tip from the Police Department. The Library also worked with the Iowa City Police Department and Iowa City Fire Department to create bookmarks they use in their outreach initiatives. The bookmarks feature contact information for each department, encourages students to read, and shares "How to get a Library Card" and safety messages in English, Spanish, Arabic and French. lops City department and division initiatives - Participation in events ■ PUBLIC EVENTS ICPD officers attended many public events, including the Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Iowa; an RVAP open house; Juneteenth activities; a career day at Regina High School; participation on a domestic sexual violence panel discussion; participation in a dodge ball tournament to benefit Special Olympics of Iowa; construction work on a Habitat for Humanity house; City Manager's Roundtable; and attendance at various school sporting events. Evening watch officers also presented donated items, including a new television, to the Youth Emergency Shelter. ■ COMMUNITY PRESENTATIONS Iowa City officers participated in numerous community presentations, including a number of ALICE active shooter training sessions; a police K-9 presentation to elementary age children; presentations to Cub Scout groups, the Dream Center, a shoplifter diversion program and ICCSD summer programs; a lab tour and presentation to Kirkwood students on crime scene evidence collection and processing; ICPD Youth Academy and Citizen's Police Academy presentations; "What Police Do" Enhance community engagement & intergovernmental relations sessions with preschoolers; a presentation on domestic violence to the Department of Corrections Women's Iowa Domestic Abuse Program; and information provided at a Community Involvement Project Homeless Connect at the Iowa City Recreation Center. The ICPD participated in the 2nd annual dodgeball tournament in North Liberty to raise money for Special Olympics, Iowa. @'1 L, M, �y� rAr r— Officer Faulkcon of the ICPD and K9 Rakker give demonstrations to South East Junior High students. e e • Page: 30 ■ UI TRAINING ICPD officers conducted five, one hour training sessions entitled, "Know the Law," to 459 University of Iowa students. ■ SCHOOL EVENTS Iowa City Public Library staff attended events at Mark Twain and Grant Wood Elementary Schools. In total, 201 students received new or replacement library cards through the Library's outreach programs to help students get library cards in time for summer and the Summer Library Bus program. The Library also worked with the Iowa City Police Department and Iowa City Fire Department to create bookmarks they use in their outreach initiatives. The bookmarks provide contact information and encourage students to read. ■ JOB FAIR The Human Resources and Police Departments participated in the "Center of Influence Tour, Lunch and Job Fair" with the National Guard and Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). The job fair was an opportunity to network with other area employers and to visit with job seekers. ■ JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION Council members and City staff of several different departments including the City Manager's Office, Police, Fire, Library, Neighborhood Services and Human Rights, participated and volunteered in events held as part of the Sixth Annual Juneteenth Celebration in Iowa City. The City was a co-sponsor of the event. r EARTH DAY Staff participated in Kirkwood Community College's Earth Day Event sponsored by Kirkwood's Ecology and Environmental Club. Enhance community engagement & intergovernmental relations • • • Twenty children were chosen to be apart of the annual "Shop With A Cop" day on Sunday, December 11, 2016. Page: 31 ■ SHOP WITH A COP The Iowa City Police Department took local youth shopping for the holidays at the Iowa City Wal-Mart as part of the Iowa City Police Association's Shop with a Cop Program. Durham School Services provided transportation for the event. ■ HISTORICAL DESIGNATION The historical designation of 716 N. Dubuque Street was approved at the April 19, 2016 City Council meeting. ■ NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES A home at 715 W. Park Road was nominated for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. ■ HISTORIC PRESERVATION The Council added funding to expand staff hours dedicated to Historic Preservation beginning in FY2017. ■ IOWA CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY WEBER DAYS This public educational series will celebrate local history. Other Initiatives ■ WET SHELTER The ICPD worked with the Local Homeless Coordinating Board to preventing homelessness in Johnson County. The WET Shelter subcommittee has successfully implemented a second annual temporary shelter to provide an alternate housing option for the winter months. This alternate housing provides shelter for individuals who are intoxicated or are otherwise ineligible to receive housing at Shelter House. ■ DATA -DRIVEN JUSTICE INITIATIVE The Downtown Liaison was invited to represent the Iowa City Police Department and participate in the White House's Data -Driven Justice Initiative. This is a coalition • • • of city, county, and state governments who have committed to using data -driven Enhance community engagement & intergovernmental relations • • • Page: 32 strategies to divert low-level offenders with mental illness out of the criminal justice system and change approaches to pre-trial incarceration. ■ FIRE DEPARTMENT STRATEGIC PLAN Following a yearlong collaborative effort between internal and external stakeholders, the Iowa City Fire Department finalized its 2017-2021 Strategic Plan. The plan incorporates and supports the initiatives of the Council's Strategic Plan throughout its seven goal areas. Immediate priorities include enhancing overall health and wellness of personnel and fostering community outreach and agency partnership efforts. ■ COUNTY COOPERATION Staff removed parking meters adjacent to the Johnson County courthouse and reserved parking for courthouse business at the request of the Board of Supervisors to help alleviate courthouse space issues. The City of Iowa City and City of University Heights agreed to terms for the Iowa City Fire Department (ICFD) to provide fire protection services to University Heights, effective July 1, 2016. An open house was held at Fire Station #2 to commemorate the long sought after agreement. In February 2016, ICFD entered into an agreement with Johnson County Ambulance Service (JCAS) to share space during the construction of a new ambulance headquarters. The repositioning of an ambulance and crew to Fire Station #4 has been of mutual benefit to both entities, as the location affords prompt response to emergencies in the adjacent fire districts. ■ CITY STAFF WELLNESS COMMITTEE INITIATIVES Staff representing various departments throughout the City take part in various fundraising events throughout the year, raising funds and awareness for various local non -profits including the United Way of Johnson and Washington Counties, the Crisis Center, and the Miracle Burn Camp of Iowa, as well as other social service initiatives. • • • 6 Promote environmontal sustainability L�ELEAGVr pFq� f9i �9 m to h ,t0 Page: 33 Strategies to meet this goal: Raise Iowa City's "Bicycle -Friendly Community" status from silver to gold by 2017 and aspire toward a platinum status in the future Bike master plan Proposals for consultant services to develop a new Bicycle Master Plan were due August 23, 2016. Alta Planning & Design was hired to complete the Plan. The planning process is expected to take approximately 8-10 months. The planning goals identified are as follows: • Articulate a clear vision and achievable goals to create a bicycle system and supporting policies and programs that address the needs and safety of all users. • Engage strong and diverse public participation in the planning process, including input from traditionally under -represented groups (e.g. economically disadvantaged populations, racial/ethnic minorities, youth) at all steps of the process. • Describe strategies and performance measures to: — Guide the planning, funding, implementation and maintenance of projects proposed in the plan; — Create a safe and seamless network of on- and off-street bicycle facilities and routes; and — Increase number of bicyclists of all ages, genders, income levels, and abilities. • Scope the highest priority projects to include: — An assessment of cultural and environmental constraints for the identified projects; — Written documentation of project issues and overall feasibility; — A complete preliminary cost estimate for further engineering, project Promote environmontal sustainability • • • Temporary construction of the bike boulevard demonstrated another safe -street possibility for Iowa City bicyclists. 0 0 0 Page: 34 administration, and construction; — Consider innovative design concepts and best practices, including wayfinding and identification of bikeways (actual design of wayfinding elements is not part of this process). • Develop a phased action plan to initiate improvements to the bicycle network to achieve gold level status as a Bicycle -Friendly Community in the short-term (in 2017), and build a foundation for a more comprehensive network that will ensure all residents access to a safe, low -stress route to serve their daily bicycling needs. • Alta has formed both a Technical Advisory Committee and a Bicycle Advisory Committee to lead the process. Both groups have met once and are expected to meet 6-8 times over the course of the project. A public workshop was held January 26 and had an attendance of over 120 residents. The consultant is now working diligently on developing the Plan. The Consultant expects to provide an update to the Council in the coming months. � Bike boulevard demonstration Graduate students from the University of Iowa College of Public Health demonstrated a bike boulevard, a low -speed and low-volume street that optimizes bicycling conditions to create safer, more sustainable, and beautiful community streetscapes. A bike boulevard creates more defined bike lanes and controls traffic flow to build a network of comfortable and safe streets for all community members. The City provided financial and logistical support for the 2016 demonstration, and acted as fiscal agent for a grant received by the event's organizers. Approximately 140-160 bicyclists rode the route on College Street from City High to the Saturday morning Farmers Market. Participants received informational materials and bike checks from World of Bikes and giveaways funded with a grant from People for Bikes. • • • 61 Promote onvironmontal sustainability lo, Bike share RFP Proposals for bike share services were submitted in September in response to a request for proposals issued as a collaboration between the University of Iowa and the City of Iowa City. The project also uses Iowa Department of Transportation funding. Proposals have been reviewed and are awaiting IDOT approval, with a launch expected in the spring of 2017. Bike parklet A bike parklet was fabricated and installed near the corner of Dubuque and Washington Streets in 2016. The design was selected through a request for proposals issued as a partnership between the Downtown District and Think Bicycles of Johnson County. The following goals were stated in the RFP: • • • Add a unique and imaginative on -street structure that enhances and activates the aesthetic of the street corner. • • • Community bike rides Page: 35 • Create additional safe and convenient bike parking Downtown. Provide an impactful visual cue of the community's ongoing commitment to bicycle usage and alternative modes of transportation. Bike amenities Bike fix -it stations and stackable bicycle storage facilities in parking ramps will be installed by the end of March 2017. Locations include the Iowa City Public Library, bicycle parking on Linn and College, at Clinton and College, and at Capital St. ramp. Additional bike racks are also budgeted. Support of local bike events Council members and City staff participated in and provided logistical support for several events, including the Family Ride with Mayor Throgmorton and the Old Pi to New Pi Ride. The City provided a $1,500 sponsorship for the events. Mayor Throgmorton also issued a proclamation supporting Bike Month. Promote onvironmontal sustainability • • • Page: 36 ® Bill Nesper presentations Bill Nesper, Program Director for the Bicycle -Friendly America for the League of American Bicyclists, gave two presentations in spring of 2016: "Becoming a Bicycle - Friendly Business" and "Bicycle -Friendly Communities." The talks were co-sponsored by the cities of Iowa City, Coralville, and North Liberty; Johnson County; University of Iowa Office of Sustainability; Iowa City Area Development Group; the Convention and Visitors Bureau; Chamber of Commerce, and other local organizations. The events were held at the MERGE facility in the Iowa City Public Library building. Trail, street, and sidewalk improvements Several upcoming capital improvements that support being a bike -friendly community are planned, including the Highway 1 trail extension, Riverside Drive pedestrian tunnel, and "road diets" on Mormon Trek, First Avenue, and Sycamore Street. • The Riverside Drive Pedestrian Tunnel is currently being designed. This project will include a multi -use path along the west side of Riverside Drive from Benton Street to Myrtle Avenue, a tunnel through the Iowa Interstate Railroad embankment and a traffic signal at Myrtle Avenue. The project will also install some street trees. The project is planned to be bid in the fall of 2017 with construction in fall 2017 and spring 2018. • The First Avenue four -lane to three -lane conversion project will be bid in spring 2017 with construction in summer 2017. The project will construct the conversion from Highway 6 to Mall Drive and ties into the First Avenue Grade Separation Project. This project was bid in the Fall of 2016, but due to the time of the year, no bids were received. • The Mormon Trek Four -Lane to Three -Lane conversion is currently in the design phase. The project is planned to be bid in the fall of 2017 with construction in fall 2017 and spring 2018. • There are two sidewalk/trail extensions at City facilities, including a sidewalk trail extension planned at the Parks Maintenance Facility on South Gilbert Street and a sidewalk/trail extension planned at the Iowa City Water Treatment Facility on Steve Atkins Drive. BIFID 1 , League of American Bicyclists 441, x -WITH Bill Nesper 71 Program Director for Bicycle Friendly American � Monday MAY 9th, 2016 ® V njra 1' At MERGE (Old Wedge Space) Voe Make our community more Bicycle friendly tLL_ k- t 1:Bb390pm B—mg,Bi[d,kientlly Buxim,,-prnemationto b[alWvmsx 40PIUOpm Bi[y[kFn¢ndlyCammuniri¢s- prex¢maliontogenerJpubli[ • • • Page: 36 ® Bill Nesper presentations Bill Nesper, Program Director for the Bicycle -Friendly America for the League of American Bicyclists, gave two presentations in spring of 2016: "Becoming a Bicycle - Friendly Business" and "Bicycle -Friendly Communities." The talks were co-sponsored by the cities of Iowa City, Coralville, and North Liberty; Johnson County; University of Iowa Office of Sustainability; Iowa City Area Development Group; the Convention and Visitors Bureau; Chamber of Commerce, and other local organizations. The events were held at the MERGE facility in the Iowa City Public Library building. Trail, street, and sidewalk improvements Several upcoming capital improvements that support being a bike -friendly community are planned, including the Highway 1 trail extension, Riverside Drive pedestrian tunnel, and "road diets" on Mormon Trek, First Avenue, and Sycamore Street. • The Riverside Drive Pedestrian Tunnel is currently being designed. This project will include a multi -use path along the west side of Riverside Drive from Benton Street to Myrtle Avenue, a tunnel through the Iowa Interstate Railroad embankment and a traffic signal at Myrtle Avenue. The project will also install some street trees. The project is planned to be bid in the fall of 2017 with construction in fall 2017 and spring 2018. • The First Avenue four -lane to three -lane conversion project will be bid in spring 2017 with construction in summer 2017. The project will construct the conversion from Highway 6 to Mall Drive and ties into the First Avenue Grade Separation Project. This project was bid in the Fall of 2016, but due to the time of the year, no bids were received. • The Mormon Trek Four -Lane to Three -Lane conversion is currently in the design phase. The project is planned to be bid in the fall of 2017 with construction in fall 2017 and spring 2018. • There are two sidewalk/trail extensions at City facilities, including a sidewalk trail extension planned at the Parks Maintenance Facility on South Gilbert Street and a sidewalk/trail extension planned at the Iowa City Water Treatment Facility on Steve Atkins Drive. Promote environmontal sustainability Page: 37 Downtown traffic model City Council reviewed and directed staff to pursue road diets on Clinton and Madison Streets in Downtown Iowa City. Evaluate and consider implementation of a plastic bag policy This project is on hold as staff monitors pending State legislation that would prohibit cities from banning plastic bags. Undertake a project in FY2017 that achieves a significant measurable carbon emission reduction AmeriCorps partnership The energy audits of the City's public housing stock are underway. $70,000 of the $100,000 Council budget for FY2017 will be used for conducting the audits and making improvements identified as needs. Approximately 75 percent of program audits are complete as of March 2017. Proposals for partnership Proposals for the $30,000 that Council directed to be used in a partnership with a local nonprofit for energy efficiency retrofits will be considered in March for spring early summer implementation. Applications are due in spring 2017. • Promote onvironmontal sustainability � IOWA CITY 1��� is a 4 -STAR community °� 2016 '°° n ;: 1 I� � IE m n:B _ RNn90aminun]es 484.8 Tm PolnlvmM w 1. araa1eomis �J a�mome soe n�no�vomi: 7I® T�111 1® +41 . Z Ewetling Ekp/epe�lw�¢ —Preasdlmpmvement- 59%: Tamm. Yg _-•� .. uaI m [ubi . h .� 1001(.-�5�.,�.._ a.. Page: 38 Set a substantive and achievable goal for reducing City-wide carbon emissions by 2030, and create an ad-hoc climate change task force, potentially under an umbrella STAR Communities committee, to devise a cost-effective strategy for achieving the goal Council approved a resolution creating the Climate Action Steering Committee in January 2017. At -Large Committee participants will be selected by Council and applications for these positions are due mid-March. The Climate Action Steering Committee is tasked with assisting the consultant selected for development of the City's first Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP). The CAAP will address emissions reduction and STAR community sustainability goals. Collaborate with community partners on sustainability efforts STAR Community Rating The City of Iowa City was awarded a 4 -STAR Community Rating for sustainability excellence on Wednesday, March 9 by being formally certified in the STAR Community Rating SystemTM (STAR). The City's approved final score is 484.8, the highest -scored city in the state. Iowa City is the fifth community in Iowa and 47th nationwide to achieve certification from STAR, a nonprofit organization that certifies sustainable communities. Other Iowa STAR communities are Charles City, Dubuque, Davenport and Des Moines. Information and data were gathered for the application throughout 2015 with the assistance of dozens of City staff members, community partners, state agencies, local and regional governments, and private sector employers. • • • 6 Promote environmontal sustainability Farm to Street Dinner 2016 Page: 39 ■ STAR WORKSHOP A full-day STAR workshop was held for staff and facilitated by STAR representatives at the Eastside Recycling Center. ■ STAR PUBLIC PRESENTATION A public presentation of the STAR program was held at the Iowa City Public Library for the public to learn about the program and to answer questions about the STAR rating system. Electric vehicle charging stations A request for proposals will be prepared jointly with the University of Iowa. It is anticipated that charging stations will be installed in one or more parking facilities. Local food partnerships Some examples of local food partnerships that have been completed in 2016 to help promote environmental sustainability include: ■ EDIBLE CLASSROOM The City partnered with Backyard Abundance, the State of Iowa Department of Agriculture and others on the Edible Classroom project, which provides an educational component for several classes offered by the Recreation Division. ■ DOUBLE UP FOOD BUCKS The City, Johnson County, Iowa's Healthiest State Initiative and the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) have partnered to enable low-income families to double the value of their SNAP dollars when purchasing Iowa -grown fruits and vegetables at the Farmers Market. ■ IOWA CITY FARM TO STREET DINNER Local food producers, restaurants and members of the community collaborated to celebrate local foods and food initiatives over a community meal. • • • 6 Promote environmontal sustainability 0 Other initiatives Monarch and 1 I01 chrysalis Page: 40 0 0 0 Waste minimization strategies Processes for multifamily building recycling, food waste processing, and an electronic waste ban were presented to Council in the fall of 2016. • Recycling services are now required for new multifamily developments. Existing multifamily units will be required to be in compliance at the point of the next rental permit renewal, which is in roughly two years. • Curbside food waste collection is scheduled to begin March of 2017. Accepted food waste materials will be collected with yard waste collection. • Electronic waste consisting of TVs and computer monitors was banned from being landfilled in fall of 2016. These materials are still accepted for processing, but can not be disposed of in the landfill. • Processes for single stream recycling and a corrugated cardboard ban will be presented to Council in spring of 2017. Proposed fees for these services will be included in the FY2018 budget. • The process for hauling services in downtown Iowa City has been adjusted by selecting one vendor to provide these services in dumpsters contained within the City right-of-way. This will include the enhancement of services to include additional recycling services, daily pick-ups and composting options. Online forms for improved customer service The City is working to increase efficiency and ease for community members completing applications and permit forms. The Clerk's Office and Communications are identifying and updating forms to be submitted conveniently online. Local monarch conservation efforts The wintering monarch population in Mexico has decreased more than 90%, which is thought to be due to habitat loss, pesticide use and climate change. Iowa City is committed to creating an environment that will allow monarchs to thrive and rehabilitate during the summer months. City initiatives include milkweed distribution, monarch waystations in several parks, local education and research activities, as well as signing the National Wildlife Federation's Mayors' Monarch Pledge. Promote onvironmontal sustainability Sustainable Iowa City from the City of Iowa City w e Page. News about sustolnabili Y Ha ng fro b1e1a� 9 misomaiizv t us onllue at August 20161 Visk't�o�prg�sustainability. pollinator garden 000 P planted at Fire Station 4 —mduy, oomNa ootha Oa •,'ore .,,,,a_i�dm20o60 771 held in Iowa t%tY STAR sustainabilitY workshop Islam cm/s • • • Page: 41 ■ IOWA CITY MONARCH FESTIVAL The Iowa City Monarch Festival was held at the Eastside Recycling Center and included several kids' activities, such as a Monarch scavenger hunt, a chrysalis giveaway, and information on raising caterpillars. The event was free and open to the public. More information on the City's Monarch efforts is available at icgov.org/ICMonarchs. Sustainability newsletter and social media presence The "Sustainable Iowa City" newsletter was launched, providing information to the public on a wide spectrum of sustainability topics from social justice initiatives to energy-related programming. The newsletter is intended to broaden awareness of the City's initiatives and extend the opportunity for public involvement, questions, and suggestions. ► Covenant of Mayors Mayor Throgmorton signed on to the Covenant of Mayors (formerly Compact of Mayors), the world's largest cooperative effort among mayors and city leaders to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It was launched at the 2014 United Nations Climate Summit. ■ GREENHOUSE GAS INVENTORY A greenhouse gas inventory is complete and was required by the Compact of Mayors to provide data to evaluate progress as emission reduction initiatives are completed. ■ ECOCITY FOOTPRINT TOOL Iowa City is the first U.S. municipality to participate in the EcoCity pilot program. The EcoCity Footprint Tool is designed to analyze community -wide emissions and consumption data. The City received a grant of $26,000 to be able to participate. Information will assist in the development of the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. ► Emerald Ash Borer public events Two public events were held in partnership with the Iowa State University Extension, Iowa Department of Agriculture, and Iowa Department of Natural Resources to educate the public and professionals from the green industry on emerald ash borer identification and responses. Promote environmontal sustainability Big Bellies, the solar powered trash and recycling compactors, have been extremely popular in Downtown Iowa City. Po ge: 42 Op, Big Bellies Additional solar -powered trash and recycling compactors will be installed in Downtown Iowa City. Evaluation of the initial units has been positive, with low contamination rates of recyclable materials. Op, Craft Your Environment Fair The Craft your Environment Fair was held at the Eastside Recycling Center. Dozens of artists showed how recycled goods can be used to create art, home decor, and other projects, keeping it out of the landfill. The fair was held in partnership with Friends of Historic Preservation, Salvage Barn, and Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity ReStore. Op, Million Gallon Challenge Parks and Recreation staff held a "Million Gallon Challenge" this summer to conserve 1 million gallons of water. Between April 12 and Sept. 1, the mix of cooperative weather, a three-minute reduction in irrigation cycles, removing some areas from irrigation plans, installing rain sensor irrigation equipment, and efficiently monitoring systems resulted in a savings of 1,425,654 gallons of water — 820,530 treated and 605,124 effluent. Staff expects the total to surpass 1.5 million gallons by end of the season. Arbor Day partnership Willowind School students planted a Skyline Locust tree provided by Parks and Forestry staff after a presentation and reading of the Arbor Day proclamation. Green Business recognition A recognition program for sustainable and green Iowa City businesses is currently being developed by City staff. Facilities improvements ■ HVAC STUDY A consultant has been selected for an HVAC study and Building Automation Systems (BAS) Design Project for three City facilities, including City Hall, Robert A. Lee Recreation Promote onvironmontal sustainability 0 Page: 43 Center and Mercer Aquatic Center (RALRC). The project involves cataloging all HVAC equipment in the three facilities and recommendations for systematic replacement and repair, in regard to building and energy efficiencies. The contract allows for design and bid out of the Building Automation Systems for all three facilities, allowing for enhanced control and monitoring of the HVAC systems. The project work will be bid this summer and installed in phases through summer of 2018. ■ BOILER AND HVAC REPLACEMENT AT MERCER AQUATIC CENTER Council approved funding in February for replacement of boiler and HVAC systems at Mercer Aquatic Center. These systems are original to the facility and have been operating since their 1988 installation. Four proposals have been received and boiler replacement will take place summer 2017. Greater efficiencies in water and energy use will be gained by a replacement of these systems. Due to significant potential energy savings, a rebate incentive may help fund this replacement. ■ ENERGY IMPROVEMENTS AT TERRY TRUEBLOOD RECREATION AREA In November 2016, the City removed the propane gas tank at the H2O Building at Terry Trueblood Recreation Area and installed a natural gas line. This is a safer, more cost effective and efficient energy supply for the facility. ■ DIGITAL CONTROL INSTALLATION AT RECREATION CENTER AND MERCER Digital regulating valves and an improved sensor were installed for the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center and Mercer Aquatic Center Pools. Digital controls will more efficiently release and regulate heat for the pool water. This project was completed at RALRC in October 2016 and in January 2017 at Mercer Aquatic Center. ■ BOILER REPLACEMENT AT ROBERT A. LEE RECREATION CENTER The Robert A. Lee Recreation Center boiler replacement project involved replacing the heating system with high efficiency boilers and installing high efficiency water heaters. Annual cost savings projected is $6,293. A $30,396 rebate from MidAmerican was received, along with a bonus incentive of $6,293 from the Commercial Energy Solution program. • • • 7 Advance social justice and racial equity Strategies to meet this goal: Develop and implement a racial/socioeconomic equity impact review toolkit Staff has initiated review of City procedures, policies, programs, and services using a pilot racial/socioeconomic review toolkit. Participating departments in the first review are Police, Transit, Human Resources, Equity and Human Rights, Finance, and Neighborhood and Development Services. Staff will report out on the results of the review in 2017. Support the Housing First initiative and other local homeless efforts, including the temporary winter shelter Council supported the Housing First/FUSE initiative, including financial support of $275,000 and adopting the necessary zoning code amendments. The project will construct a facility that provides low -barrier housing for chronically homeless individuals. The zoning code amendments were adopted on July 5, 2016. Consider creating a Council committee with a focus on social justice and racial equity Council considered this action at the April 5, 2016 work session and decided not to move forward with the committee as proposed. Consideration of creating an ad-hoc committee on social justice and racial equity is on the Council's pending work session topic list. Evaluate initiatives to effectively engage the community's youth Sports programs Parks and Recreation staff created a program that ran for eight weeks in the spring of 2016 to teach basic American sport skills. It was open to any youth who wished to attend, but was specifically marketed to members of the Sudanese community through community leadership. A total of 77 youth participated. A similar program started in June 2016 that focused on basic swimming skills. The goal of these programs is to help provide comfort levels with sports so that all children feel comfortable participating in existing sport association programs. Page: 44 • • • 7 Advance social justice and racial equity Summer Fun Program — play ball! • • • Ensuring the Arts for ANY,11 V ENCHILD Page: 45 Civil rights tour sponsorships The City provided sponsorships for two youths to participate in the "Civil Rights and Historically Black Colleges and Universities Tour," conducted by KoNec. Summer Fun Program The Summer Fun Program was designed in cooperation with a coalition of non -profits and community leaders to engage youth of color. The program served over 70 youth. A nightly meal was provided by the Iowa City Community School District at no charge. Participants were given discounted bus passes by the City's Transportation Division. A Recreation Program Coordinator was hired by Parks and Recreation to administer activities for youth between the ages of 12 to 18 for the summer months. Not a Box program The Iowa City Public Library, along with other community organizations, started the "Not a Box" parties for the summer months. These are family events planned for late Saturday afternoons at parks located in neighborhoods designated as being low- to moderate -income. The program is focused on children ages 3 to 8. Not a Box, a book by Antoinette Portis, is a story about imagination and creativity in which a young rabbit's imagination frees him from the constraints that he has just a box. Any Given Child program The Any Given Child arts program hired a program coordinator. This is a program of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts which assists communities in providing equitable arts education for all students in grades K-8, regardless of socioeconomic status. Support for the program that assists the Iowa City Community School District is provided by the cities of Iowa City, Coralville, and North Liberty, Hancher Auditorium, US Bank, and M.C. Ginsberg. Morld program The Iowa City Police Department visited with members of G! World at South East Junior High. Officers were invited to answer questions and provide feedback to the Advance social justice and racial equity Page: 46 group of 7th and 8th grade female students. G! World is an award winning mentoring program aimed at empowering girls of color ages 12-18. Holiday Storytime The Iowa City Public Library presented a Holiday Storytime ahead of Santa's arrival at a local homeless shelter and collected books to donate to the Iowa City Homeless Children's Trust Fund. Identify and implement an achievable goal to reduce disproportionality in arrests P Traffic stop study Dr. Chris Barnum of St. Ambrose University presented the data from his ongoing traffic stop study in Iowa City to the City Council in April of 2016 and this analysis continues. This topic is on Council's pending work session topic list. Staff has engaged in the following events that will help inform the discussion. ■ COMMUNITY DISCUSSION ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM City staff from Police and Equity and Human Rights participated in "Building a Foundation for Criminal Justice Reform in Iowa." The community discussion focused on criminal justice reform at the local level through individual, organizational, and community action. The discussion and efforts will inform a broader event in 2017. ■ GARE SUPPORT The City is a lead sponsor in an upcoming conference being held in April, Advancing Racial Equity: The Role of Government — Iowa. The Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE) will present the daylong conference which is open to City employees and the public. The conference is designed to deepen the understanding of racial equity and to teach participants to apply this learning to their work and lives. Advance social justice and racial equity RACIAL EQUITY REPORT The 2016 racial equity report was published in November. It is a way for the City to measure its progress as it relates to improvements for communities of color. The report published since 2014, provides the yearly racial demographics for police charges against youth and adults, the racial demographics of City staff, and the racial demographics of persons serving on City Boards and Commissions. Create a social justice and racial equity grant program The Social Justice and Racial Equity Grant (SJRE) is administered by the Human Rights Commission. It lists six priority service areas: Education, Building Community, Housing, Criminal Justice, Health, and Employment. Organizations whose programs, services or activities address one or more of these priorities are considered first for funding. Eight submissions were received during the application process. The Human Rights Commission has recommended to City Council that 5 of the eight submissions be funded for fiscal year 2017. As proposed, the five recipients would be: Organization I FY 17 Requests I HRC RECOMMENDATION Inside Out Reentry, Inc. 1$3000.00 1$3000.00 Iowa Legal Aid $2200.00 $2200.00 Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition $2500.00 $2500.00 City of Iowa City, World of Bikes, and Iowa City Bike Library $3250.00 $3250.00 Sankofa Outreach Connection $13,500.00 $13,500.00 Total Request: 1$24,450.00 1$24,450.00 Develop a partnership with the University of Iowa and other key stakeholders that will aid efforts to recruit and retain a greater minority workforce Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (HERC) The City joined the Central Midwest Higher Education Recruitment Consortium, which is administered through the University of Iowa. Diane Finnerty, Assistant Provost for Faculty at the University, is the Interim Director for the Central Midwest HERC. Other members include Kirkwood Community College, Coe College, Mount Mercy, Grinnell, and ICAD. Karen Jennings is the City staff contact for this initiative. Page: 47 Advance social justice and racial equity • • • Page: 48 Workplace Revolution sponsorship The City co-sponsored "Workplace Revolution," held at the Double Tree Hotel in downtown Cedar Rapids. The day -long event is designed to assist in retention, re- cruitment and employee engagement. Topics included investing in workplace culture. Other sponsors were Diversity Focus, the Iowa City Area Development Group and Kirkwood Community College. Youth academies Youth academies for students interested in public service careers were held during the summer as a partnership between the Iowa City Police and Fire Departments and Johnson County Ambulance Service. The academies were free to students and lunch was provided. Community meeting City staff attended a meeting to discuss next steps for diversity and inclusion in the corridor in light of Diversity Focus ceasing operations after 11 years. The meeting was organized by Mayor Ron Corbett of Cedar Rapids. Other participants included General Mills, ACT, University of Iowa, Rockwell Collins and the City of Cedar Rapids. The event was held at the Kirkwood Center for Lifelong Learning in Cedar Rapids. Identify a substantive and achievable goal for the provision of affordable housing in Iowa City and implement strategies to achieve this goal Affordable Housing Action Plan • At the June 21, 2016 work session, staff presented a summary of new and existing strategies for the provision of affordable housing, potential funding sources, and recommendations for future action. • The Housing and Community Development Commission, Affordable Housing Coalition, and the general public provided feedback on the recommendations in the Action Plan. • • • 7 Advance social justice and racial equity • A public open house was held at the Iowa City Public Library on August 24, 2016 to solicit feedback from the public and answer questions about the Action Plan. • Council held a work session on September 20, 2016 to consider public input and give staff direction on the Action Plan recommenda- tions. Diamond Senior Apartments The City Council approved funding City funding of $600,000 for the $7.4 million Low -Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) project that will construct 36 affordable units for seniors and 4 market rate units. The City also supported their application for IEDA Workforce Housing Tax Credits. This project meets a strong need of affordable senior housing and is located in a neighborhood with access to services. The existing building has been demolished and construction commenced this winter. 1 Affordable Housing Conference City staff from Neighborhood and Development Services, the Police Department and the City Manager's Office attended the Affordable Housing Conference sponsored by the Johnson County Affordable Homes Coalition. The event included several sessions with differing topics but the overall takeaway was that affordable housing is an engine of equity and growth. Other initiatives and events Human Rights Ordinance Housing Choice Voucher subsidies and similar rent subsidy programs were added to the definition of Public Assistance Source of Income under the City's fair housing laws. Discrimination by landlords based on source of income is unlawful. The Human Rights Commission's Fair Housing Law brochures were updated to inform the public of this change and were produced in multiple languages. Black History Month communityevents In 2016, A line-up of community events to celebrate and educate during Black History Month was programmed through a collaborative effort of Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County, Black Voices Project, Dream Center, Iowa City Human Rights Commission, Iowa City Police Department Community Outreach, United Action for Youth, City High - Gworld, New Creations International Church, and Johnson County Social Services. The Library also programmed Black History Month programs and displays in 2016 and 2017. Leading the Inclusive City Leading the Inclusive City program featuring Professor Robin Hambleton of the University of the West of England was held at the Iowa City Public Library. The event was sponsored by the cities of Iowa City, Coralville, and North Liberty, Johnson County, the University of Iowa School of Urban and Regional Planning, and the University of Iowa Public Policy Center. Page: 49 • • • 7 Advance social justice and racial equity 11111µ. Review of City job requirements INVESTHEALTH In an effort to expand the applicant pools for City employment, departments have Strategies for healthier Cities reviewed minimum education requirements to ensure that they are truly needed for the position or if reasonable skills and work experience can be substituted. MOBILE HOT SPOT z�, IOWA CITY a,,:grz PL BLIC-IBRARV The Iowa City Public Library offers many opportunities for outreach and engagement. Page: 50 Kingdom Center visit Councilmembers and staff were invited to a luncheon cit the Kingdom Center. Participants toured the facilities, learned about programming and partner organizations including the Dream Center, and had a robust discussion of building bridges to have meaningful conversations on difficult topics, de-escalation training, and the Crisis Intervention Team concept. Invest Health program Iowa City was chosen to participate in the "Invest Health" program, a collaboration between the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Reinvestment Fund to support new strategies to improve neighborhoods facing the biggest barriers to better health. Iowa City was chosen from a very competitive field. Safe, decent, affordable housing is a strong focus of the program. Iowa City's team is a partnership between the City, University of Iowa Colleges of Medicine and Public Health, and the Housing Fellowship. Great Stories Club The "Great Stories Club," a collaboration between Tate High School and the Iowa City Public Library, is sponsored through a grant from the American Library Association. The Great Stories Club gives underserved youth facing significant challenges the opportunity to read, reflect, and share ideas on topics that resonate with them. This year's theme is, "The Art of Change: Creation, Growth and Transformation." Seventy- five sites are in this year's program, including two in Iowa City. Lunch and learn events A series of "lunch and learn" events have been held for current City Board and Commission Members. The "Conversations on Diversity" were facilitated by Professor Katrina Sanders of the University of Iowa College of Education. • • • 7 Advance social justice and racial equity RIGHTS Hate Crimes CITY OF IOWA CITY HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION 410 E. Washington St. Iowa City, IA 52240 my .icgov.org/humanrighis 356-5022 or 356-5015 humane ghis®iowa-city.org EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND NON- DISCRIMINATION IS THE LAW AND YOUR RIGHT If you believe you have been discriminated against, or you want more information on types of prohibited discrimination, please contact the Human Rights Coordinator at 356-5022 or the Human Rights Investigator at 3564015. E2016 Page: 51 op, Mobile hotspots The Iowa City Public Library began lending mobile hotspots in February. The devices allow users without internet access to connect to the Internet anywhere on any wireless - enabled device such as a laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Resume assistance In December the Library held four sessions with Iowa Workforce Development to as- sist displaced International Automotive Components (IAC) workers to create a resume to use in upcoming job searches. Diversity awareness In November, the Library offered a display that raised awareness during Transgen- der Awareness Month featuring materials informing the public on What does it mean to be transgender?, and one featuring Native America authors and characters to raise awareness during Native American Heritage Month. Eliminating Racial Bias Conference The City is a co-sponsor of a March 24, 2017 conference, Accomplices in Eliminating Racial Bias, presented by the Johnson County Disproportionate Minority Contact Committee. The conference will host former Iowa educator and renowned anti -racism activist Jane Elliott. Law Enforcement Re -Affirmation and Rights Brochures Responding to bias and hate crimes the Office of Equity and Human Rights issued a, "Know Your Rights Hate Crimes brochure and a PowerPoint "Not In Our Town: Responding to Hate: The Role of Human and Civil Rights Commissions in Hate Crime Response." The brochures, as well as the recently passed resolution reaffirming the public safety function of local law enforcement are available in English, French, Arabic, Spanish and Chinese. w�mP��y CITY OF IOWA CITY UNUCOCIWOFUEEMMRE PENDING CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION TOPICS March 16, 2017 April 4E" 1. Joint Meeting with ICCSD (at ICCSD Offices) April 18" 1. Review the Equity Report and discuss strategic plan goals relating to disproportionate minority contact May 2nd 1. ICPL Bookmobile tour (May 2) 2. Neighborhood Stabilization Strategic Plan / Budget Related Topics: 1. Provide timely and appropriate input on the ICCSD's planned 2017 bond referendum 2. Significantly improve the Council and staff's ability to engage with diverse populations on complex or controversial topics 3. Identify a substantive and achievable goal for the provision of affordable housing in Iowa City and implement strategies to achieve this goal 4. Determine scope of Council identified complete streets study 5. Discuss expectations for working with the ICCSD, Kirkwood Community College, Iowa Works, labor organizations, and others to explore the feasibility of an industrial arts/crafts facility in Iowa City Other Tooics: 1. Review the Child Data Snapshot (IP2 2/18) and discuss related strategies with local stakeholders 2. Discuss creation of an ad-hoc committee on social justice and racial equity 3. Joint meeting with Johnson County (May 24th) 4. Joint meeting with the Telecommunications Commission From: Chris Guidry Sent: Tuesday, March 14, 2017 8:19 AM To: Michael Tharp; 'Laura Routh' Cc: Kellie Fruehling; Council Subject: RE: questions regarding airport expansion Thanks Mike! Best, Chris Guidry City Clerk I City of Iowa City 410 E. Washington St. Iowa City, IA 52240 P: 319.356.5041 Public Records Reauest Services & Forms Taxi Information t ! -a? CIT)' Or 101VA CITY UNISCOCII1*01 EIIERATURE From: Michael Tharp Sent: Monday, March 13, 2017 5:21 PM To: Chris Guidry; 'Laura Routh' Cc: Kellie Fruehling; Council Subject: RE: questions regarding airport expansion La u ra, Following up on our email conversation. The agenda packet for the next Airport Commission meeting can be found here: http://wwwS.iowa-city.org/weblink/0/edoc/1573370/Agenda%2003-16-17.pdf The packet does include a set of the plans for the taxiway extension project. If you have any other questions, please contact me at your convenience. Sincerely, Elik"- Michael Tharp, C.M. Airport Operations Specialist Iowa City Municipal Airport 1801 S. Riverside Drive Iowa City, IA 52246 Phone: (319) 356-5045 ext5 Fax: (319) 351-1290 Email: michael-tharp(@iowa-citv.org From: Chris Guidry Sent: Monday, March 13, 2017 10:30 To: 'Laura Routh'; Michael Tharp Cc: Kellie Fruehling; Council Subject: RE: questions regarding airport expansion Mike & Laura Will you please let us know when the agenda packet will be available? And please forward it to Laura. By law, the City must have an agenda posted 24 hours in advance of the meeting. That is the minimum requirement. Certainly, Mike may distribute the agendas earlier when possible. He may be waiting on something to add to the agenda. The plans were submitted to our office in hard copy, so that is how he have them stored. I am not sure how the board receives the plans. If Mike has the plans electronically, he may be able to forward them to you that way. Under law, the City Clerk's office receives the copies, and has them available for the public to view in our office. You have not received any resistance from the City Clerk's office in this matter. Our office is open from 8-5 Monday through Friday at the address below. We invite you to stop by before the meeting to look at the plans. You may take pictures of the plans if you like, or we can make copies for a fee. Please let me know if I may be of further assistance. Best, Chris Guidry City Clerk ( City of Iowa City 410 E. Washington St. Iowa City, IA 52240 P: 319.356.5041 Public Records Request Services & Forms Taxi Information t ! i Cm' or lows% CITY UASCOCIFYOT r111RATUAt From: Laura Routh [mailto:lauridi@hotmail.com] Sent: Monday, March 13, 2017 9:47 AM To: Chris Guidry; Michael Tharp Cc: Kellie Fruehling; Council Subject: Re: questions regarding airport expansion Gentlemen, I am frustrated to be told that an agenda is not yet available for a supposedly -public meeting that is being held in 3 days. I also don't think I should be required to subscribe in order to request a copy of said agenda (although I certainly can, and will). Finally, I do not understand why the plans requested are not available electronically. Surely, these were distributed to the members of the airport commission, directly, and they were not required to go to city hall to review them? I feel as though I am being given the run around. I don't appreciate it. I have made what I believe is a simple request. The resistance I am experiencing is making me wonder if there isn't something larger and perhaps more concerning, afoot. Please advise. Thank you. Laura Routh From: Chris Guidry <Chris-Guidry@iowa-city.org> Sent: Monday, March 13, 2017 1:37 PM To:'Laura Routh; Michael Tharp Cc: Kellie Fruehling Subject: RE: questions regarding airport expansion Laura, Thank you for your email. We do not yet have the agenda for the meeting. If you subscribe to airport commission agendas, you will receive a press release when that is posted. The link to subscribe is below. https://www.icgov.org/e-subscriptions E -subscriptions I City of Iowa City www.icgov.org The City of Iowa City has a number of electronic subscription lists so you can keep up-to-date on City information and news. Sign up so you can receive the news you ... 2. We have the plans and specs on file for review for the taxi lane extension project. If you would like to see them, please visit our office at the address below. Any questions about the plans, themselves, should go to Mike. Please let us know if we can be of further assistance in locating any other documents or records. Best, Chris Guidry City Clerk I City of Iowa City 410 E. Washington St. Iowa City, IA 52240 P: 319.356.5041 Public Records Request Services & Forms Taxi Information ! � T CITY Or 101VA CITY U%BCOCITYOT UTMATUR[ From: Laura Routh [mailto:lauridi@hotmail.com] Sent: Sunday, March 12, 2017 10:21 AM To: Chris Guidry; Michael Tharp Subject: questions regarding airport expansion Mr. Guidry, My name is Laura Routh, and i am writing to request information on the proposed expansion at the Iowa City airport. I contacted Michael Tharp, previously, but he directed me to your office. Specifically, I am requesting information on the meeting scheduled for this coming week. I'd like the agenda, and any information you can offer regarding what is being proposed as part of the expansion. I cannot find this information on the City's website. It appears that many of the airport's weblinks and documents are outdated. I appreciate your help. Thanks, Laura Routh 828 Dearborn Street Iowa City, Iowa 52240 785-979-3918 ' r ` IPS �4r"III- J4+ MIw®i@T CITY OF IOWA CITY 410 East Washington Street Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1826 (319)356-5000 (3191356-5009 FAX www.icgov.org March 15. 2017 TO: The Honorable Mayor and the City Council RE: Civil Service Entrance Examination — Development Specialist 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 Development Specialist. Ashley Lindley IOWA CITY CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION Lyra IV. Dickerson, Chair Join Police Officers for Coffee with a Cop ©©ME30 Receive Updates Enter Email Address Go Join Police Officers for Coffee with a Cop City of Iowa City sent this bulletin at 03/16/2017 11:29 AM CDT 0 SHRRE Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web nage. °�°,IOWA CITY FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: 03/16/2017 Contact: David Schwindt, Police Officer Phone: 319-356-5275 Join Iowa City Police Officers for Coffee with a Cop Page 1 IP8 Join neighbors, friends, and police officers for coffee and a conversation during the next Coffee with a Cop event. Iowa City Police officers will be at The Java House, 1575 S. 1 st Ave., Iowa City from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 18, 2017. There is no agenda scheduled. This is an opportunity to ask questions, voice concerns, and get to know police officers in a relaxed setting over a cup of coffee. Additional information about the Coffee with a Cop program is available at icgov.org/coffee. For other questions, or to schedule Coffee with a Cop in your neighborhood, contact Officer David Schwindt at david-schwindt(cDiowa-citv.org or 319-356-5275. Coffee with a Cop To learn more about the Coffee with a Cop program visit icgov.org/coffee. https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/IAIOWA/bulletins/i 8dddd9 3/16/2017 IP9 MINUTES PRELIMINARY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MARCH 2, 2017 — 7:00 PM — FORMAL MEETING E M MA J. HARVAT HALL, CITY HALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Carolyn Dyer, Mike Hensch, Ann Freerks, Phoebe Martin, Mark Signs, Jodie Theobald MEMBERS ABSENT: Max Parsons STAFF PRESENT: Sara Hektoen, Karen Howard, Bob Miklo OTHERS PRESENT: Randy Miller, Kevin Hanick, Mary Bennett, Alicia Trimble, Helen Buford, Ginalie Sawim RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL: By a vote of 6-0 the Commission recommends approval of SUB16-00013, a preliminary plat of The Crossings, an approximately 8.49 -acre, 7 lot, mixed-use subdivision located west of Gilbert Street, between 1st Street and Highway 6, contingent upon resolution of any deficiencies or discrepancies on the preliminary plat. By a vote of 6-0 the Commission recommends approval of REZ16-00008 an application submitted by Kevin Hanick for a rezoning of approximately 10.26 acres from Interim Development Single Family (ID -RS) to Low Density Multifamily (RM -12) zone for property located north of Scott Boulevard between Hickory Heights Lane and First Avenue with a maximum of 60 units. By a vote of 6-0 the Commission recommends approval of Table 513-4: Sign Specifications and Provision in the CB -2, CB -5 and CB -10 Zones as listed in Staff Report. 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 DEVELOPMENT ITEM (SUB16-00013): Discussion of an application submitted by 1201 Gilbert, LLC, 1225 Gilbert, LLC and 1301 Gilbert, LLC for a preliminary plat of The Crossings, a 7 -lot, 8.54 -acre commercial subdivision located west of Gilbert Street, between 1st Street and Highway 6. Howard showed a map of the properties and stated that they were recently rezoned to Riverfront Crossings South Gilbert and include the former Pleasant Valley Garden site, the building currently being repurposed for Big Grove Brewery, and the current Alexander Lumber property. The submitted preliminary plat creates a new lot and block Planning and Zoning Commission March 2, 2017—Formal Meeting Page 2 of 12 pattern and provides for dedication of land for a more pedestrian -oriented street network to support the proposed redevelopment of these properties according to the Riverfront Crossings Master Plan. The property is divided into seven lots, lot 1 will encompass the former Pleasant Valley Garden site and is proposed to contain a mixed-use building that will front on Gilbert Street and Highway 6. Lots 1, 2, 5, and 6 will have primary frontage along Gilbert Street. Lots 3 and 4 will have primary frontage along the private pedestrian street portion of 2nd Street and along the public Ralston Creek pedestrian street, represented as Outlet A and B. Lots 3 and 4 will contain multi -family buildings. 2nd Street will be platted as a private street (Outlet G) and will provide vehicular access from Gilbert Street west to a north -south private alley shown as outlots F and H, on the plat. The portion of 2nd Street west of the private alley will be platted according to the private pedestrian street standards in the Riverfront Crossings form - based code. The vehicular portion of 2nd Street will have an 80 -foot ROW to allow for angled or perpendicular on -street parking. The pedestrian street portion of 2nd Street will be 60 feet wide and include a 20 -foot wide sidewalk that will also serve as a fire lane for emergency vehicle access. This pedestrian street will also provide a public pedestrian route to the new Riverfront Crossings Park and to the public trail system along Ralston Creek. The 1 s` phase of improvements to Riverfront Crossings Park will commence this summer and include trail connections across Ralston Creek at Highway 6 and aligned with the new 2nd Street pedestrian street. Lot 7 has primary frontage on the Ralston Creek pedestrian street, but will likely need to rely on the extension of 1st Street, which will be located on the abutting property to the north and outside the boundaries of this subdivision, to provide adequate emergency vehicle access. Development of lot 7 will be restricted until adequate emergency vehicle access can be provided. Howard noted that with regards to compliance with the Comprehensive Plan, Staff believes that this subdivision does comply and is compatible with the future vision of this neighborhood and will likely be a catalyst for further development in the area. The proposed street design meets both the conditional zoning agreement and the Riverfront Crossings Plan. The developer will dedicate outlots C, D, and E along Gilbert Street so that adequate ROW is provided for pedestrian improvements to support the increase in residential density anticipated with this subdivision. New sidewalks and street trees will be required within the public ROW as properties redevelop along Gilbert Street or may be installed as a part of a larger City project to improve the Gilbert Street corridor according to the goals of the Riverfront Crossings Master Plan. Ralston Creek is a regulated stream corridor and a 30 -foot stream corridor buffer is required. This buffer (Outlets A and B), will be dedicated to the City and developed as a pedestrian street according to the Riverfront Crossings form -based development code. The developer will be required to provide the trail, sidewalks, streets, alley and other subdivision infrastructure (with the exception of the trail along Highway 6 which is part of the City's park improvement project). One of the goals of the Riverfront Crossings Plan is to improvement street corridors for all modes of transportation. One of the ways to improve traffic circulation and safety, including safety for pedestrians and bicyclists is to close unnecessary driveways along arterial street corridors, such as Gilbert Street. The proposed subdivision will result in fewer driveways along Gilbert Street and the new rear alley will provide for cross access between development lots within the subdivision. Howard also noted that the right -in / right -out driveway shown on the concept plan for the subdivision does not meet the City's access management standards. The City has a process to consider exceptions to these rules under certain circumstances. The City Engineer's office has not yet reviewed this request. Howard then discussed that subdivisions usually trigger a neighborhood open space fee. The formula is based on residential density of the underlying zoning district. Since in the Riverfront Planning and Zoning Commission March 2, 2017 — Formal Meeting Page 3 of 12 Crossings zoning districts residential density is not explicitly stated, staff will need to consider how this ordinance applies prior to the final plat of the subdivision. The developer is dedicating approximately 0.5 acres of land with the dedication of the 30 -foot buffer area along the east side of Ralston Creek. In addition, the developer will be constructing a 60 -wide pedestrian street (approximately .33 acres) that will provide public access and open space amenities along a main route to the new Riverfront Crossings Park. Final calculation of the open space requirement and any required fee will be determined at the time of final plat. Howard stated that the applicant has provided stormwater management calculations that indicate that there will be no net increase in stormwater run-off with the redevelopment of the subdivision. In addition, the developer has agreed to include green infrastructure within the 2nd Street pedestrian street, along Highway 6, and along the Ralston Creek pedestrian street to improve water quality before run-off enters Ralston Creek to meet the goals of the Riverfront Crossings Master Plan to use stormwater best management practices to control and cleanse run-off and to protect Ralston Creek and restore it as a naturally functioning waterway. All necessary storm sewer easements shall be delineated on the final plat. Staff received the most recent revision of the preliminary plat too late for detailed review by engineering and legal staff. However, as only minor discrepancies remain, staff recommends approval of SUB16-00013, a preliminary plat of The Crossings, an approximately 8.49 -acre, 7 lot, mixed-use subdivision located west of Gilbert Street, between 1st Street and Highway 6, contingent upon resolution of any deficiencies or discrepancies. Signs asked if lot 7 would remain open space or is there future development potential there. Howard stated the developer is still exploring what type of building might fit on this lot, but it will not be open space. Signs then questioned on lot 2, behind the brewery, he recalled a mention of an outdoor service area extending all the way to the creek. Howard said that 30 feet from the top of the creek bank is being dedicated to the City of Iowa City as a buffer area, which will be designed as a pedestrian street with a public trail, trees, and pedestrian -scaled lighting. The outdoor service area will be on the private property (lot 2) and will extend up to the new Ralston Creek pedestrian street. Signs also asked about driveway access to Lot 1. He remembered that in an earlier concept there was a new right -out driveway shown from lot 1 directly to Highway 6 and asked whether the developer intended to pursue that option. Theobald asked about the sidewalks on Gilbert Street, noting there is a temporary sidewalk where Big Grove is being developed, but the rest of the sidewalk won't be constructed until the rest of the area is developed. Howard explained that typically in a subdivision the developers don't put the sidewalks in until the building are built. In the case of the brewery, the City has agreed to allow them to continue to use the front parking area with the addition of a temporary sidewalk until Gilbert Street is improved. Freerks opened the public hearing. Randy Miller (representing the subdivision) answered the question from Signs about an exit from Lot 1 onto Highway 6. Miller explained that concept has been abandoned because it is a challenge to get the Iowa DOT to approve such an exit and it is also very expensive. The DOT Planning and Zoning Commission March 2, 2017 — Formal Meeting Page 4 of 12 will only approve if needed due to expected traffic volumes and Miller did not believe that the building being built on Lot 1 would generate enough traffic for the DOT to approve the exit. Hensch asked about the right-in/right-out driveway shown in outlot C. Miller stated that for a mixed use building like what is planned for lot 1, it is important to have a right Wright out driveway to access the commercial businesses there. Signs asked if there is still a potential for a building on the back of Lot 2 in the area along Highway 6. Miller said they are exploring that option, but it would be one of the last buildings they focus on. Freerks closed the public hearing Hensch moved for approval of SUB16-00013, a preliminary plat of The Crossings, an approximately 8.49 -acre, 7 lot, mixed-use subdivision located west of Gilbert Street, between 1st Street and Highway 6, contingent upon resolution of any deficiencies or discrepancies on the preliminary plat. Martin seconded the motion. Freerks noted that this area appears to be developing in the right direction Theobald did share her concern about outlot C and the right-in/right-out access drive, and the difficulty of getting out of there and back onto Gilbert Street. She noted that it was problematic for the Pleasant Valley Nursery to have a curb cut in this location. Howard noted that the driveway will not be approved with the plat. This right -in / right -out drive will be reviewed according to the City's access management standards. A vote was taken and the motion carried 6-0 ZONING ITEM (REZ16-00008): Discussion of an application submitted by Kevin Hanick for a rezoning of approximately 10.26 acres from Interim Development Single Family (ID -RS) to Low Density Multifamily (RM -12) zone for property located north of Scott Boulevard between Hickory Heights Lane and First Avenue. Miklo noted that the Commission recommended approval of the rezoning of approximately 10.26 acres located north of Scott Boulevard between Hickory Heights Lane and First Avenue from Interim Development (ID -RS) to Low Density Multifamily (RM -12), conditioned on general compliance with the concept plan showing 54 dwelling units, and it will be on the City Council agenda next week. Staff recommended the condition of 54 dwellings because with the RM -12 zoning it could be up to a 100 unit structure, however with the sensitive areas that it would be difficult to achieve that density without extensive grading of the steep slopes and woodland removal. The applicant has requested a modification to the condition to increase the number of units from 54 to 60. The additional units would be created by converting some to the 2 -bedroom units to 1- bedroom units. The overall exterior design and building placement is not proposed to Planning and Zoning Commission March 2, 2017 — Formal Meeting Page 5 of 12 change and it would not impact any of the wooded ravine area. Staff recommends approval of the update as it is in the spirit of the original application. Hensch asked if nothing has changed other than the interior layout and Miklo confirmed that is correct. Freerks opened the public discussion Kevin Hanick added that in developing this project they are still working on the exact floor plans and working with the individual buyers. The conclusion they've come to is that the first two buildings built will convert two units with two bedrooms and a study into two one - bedroom units. This will not affect the footprint of the building, they just realized they didn't have a one -bedroom product and feel they need to include that in their complex. Hensch asked if this change was due to market analysis and Hanick confirmed that when talking with people there is a market for one -bedroom units. Freerks asked that the change is stating from 54 units to 60 units and is wondering if it would be better to have language about a range so the applicant doesn't have to come back if there are future changes regarding units, but that would not impact building footprint. Miklo said that this will allow the applicant to do anything up to 60 units. Freerks closed the public discussion. Theobald moved to approve REZ16-00008 an application submitted by Kevin Hanick for a rezoning of approximately 10.26 acres from Interim Development Single Family (ID -RS) to Low Density Multifamily (RM -12) zone for property located north of Scott Boulevard between Hickory Heights Lane and First Avenue with a maximum of 60 units. Martin seconded the motion. Dyer noted the adding of one -bedroom units is a good idea. A vote was taken and the motion carried 6-0. CODE AMENDMENTS: Consider an amendment to Title 14, Zoning Code, Chapter 5, Site Development Standards, Article B: Sign Regulations, to allow fascia (building) sign size in the C13-2, C13-5, and CB - 10 Zones to be based on the length of the sign wall. Freerks noted that additional information regarding this item was distributed to the Commission earlier in the day. Howard agreed stating that the images that were supposed to accompany the staff memo were inadvertently omitted from the packet and were forwarded by email. The images provided an example of how the proposed amendment would address signage on a proposed building in Riverfront Crossings, the new Hilton Garden Inn. Howard noted that in October of 2016, The Planning and Zoning Commission considered and approved several amendments to the Iowa City Sign Regulations in order to Planning and Zoning Commission March 2, 2017 — Formal Meeting Page 6 of 12 better implement the recommendations of the Downtown District Storefront and Signage Guidelines and to bring the sign code into compliance with a U.S. Supreme Court decision regarding the regulation of signage. This was a significant revision of the sign code regulations. The new standard for fascia (wall) signs in the downtown area was based on best practices for storefront commercial buildings, which make up the preponderance of buildings in the Central Business Zones. On a typical mixed-use storefront building, wall signs are typically located on the ground level building fagade above the storefront windows. Since buildings are typically built lot line to lot line with little or no side or rear walls visible, the sign allowance was based on the width of the street -facing wall. Prior to the recent updated sign code, the fascia sign allowance was 15% of the sign wall area. With larger, taller buildings becoming more prevalent downtown, there was concern that this standard could allow very large signs on multi -story buildings. The new standard (which was recommended by the design consultants who wrote the Downtown District Storefront and Signage Guidelines) is 1.5 times the length of street facing facade. However, there are proposed buildings and buildings under construction in the Central Business Zones and in Riverfront Crossings that are not typical storefront buildings with only one visible street - facing wall. For example, the Hilton Garden Inn at 328 S. Clinton Street will abut an alley and is taller than adjacent buildings, making visible side elevations that are suitable for fascia signage. Other buildings that could be affected by this limitation are the Chauncey (currently under construction at 404 E. College Street), and The Park@ 201, 201 E. Washington Street. Howard shared renderings of the Hilton Garden Inn to show signage needs. In light of these issues, Howard stated that Staff discussed possible solutions. A simple solution would be to have each side of a building considered separately, with the new standard of 1.5 times the length of the wall apply to each wall rather than just the street - facing wall. In addition, some clarifying language would be added to the provisions for fascia signs to ensure that the location provisions for these types of signs relate to the specific location of the sign. This allows for each building wall to be treated separately (similar to the previous standard) but still controls the size so that overly large signs and signs not proportional to the building wall are eliminated as a possibility. The storefront buildings typical to the downtown area would not be affected by this change but it would allow for adequate and proportional signage on those buildings with more than one visible wall even if those walls are not street facing. Staff recommends that Table 5B -4: Sign Specifications and Provision in the CB -2, CB -5 and CB -10 Zones, is amended as follows: Fascia Signs 1.5 times the length of the sheet-fasiag facade building wall. No longer than 90% of the length of the fagade OF Sign ba sign wall, sign band, or storefront, whichever is most applicable. Back lit cabinet signs, where the entire face is illuminated, are prohibited. Planning and Zoning Commission March 2, 2017—Formal Meeting Page 7 of 12 Hensch asked if buildings on corners that want signage on both the front and the side, would this amendment limit their ability. Howard replied it actually increases their ability for signage. Each wall would have a separate sign allowance. Freerks asked about the lighting since the buildings are elevated. Howard said the lighting standard is the same regardless of height and sign size. Freerks opened the public hearing. Mary Bennett (1107 Muscatine Avenue) came forward to speak about the deterioration of the historic neighborhoods and some of these signs (such as on the bank on south Clinton Street) can been seen from quite some distance. The amount of light these signs cause is enormous and should be reconsidered. Pretty soon Iowa City will be full of towers of buildings with signs on all four sides and it will cause people to lose sight of the beauty and character of the city, especially the downtown district. There should be discussions on how bright the signs should be and what it will look like it. Will it obstruct the view of the Old Capital Dome, which should remain the focal point of the City. Freerks closed the public hearing. Hensch moved to approve Table 513-4: Sign Specifications and Provision in the CB - 2, CB -5 and CB -10 Zones as listed in Staff Report. Signs seconded the motion. Hensch noted that with regards to sign changes he is concerned about what the causation may be and the lighting issue is real and needs attention in future planning. Signs asked staff about the sign on the Midwest One bank (south Clinton Street) and agrees that it is quite large, and does it meet the proposed standards being discussed this evening. Dyer remembered asking Jann Ream and thought she said that it met the standard. Both Howard and Miklo did not know for sure, but would check and report back at the Commission's next meeting. Hektoen noted that this amendment is just about fascia signs, not about rooftop signs. Signs and Dyer noted the Midwest One sign is a fascia sign as well. Miklo said that sign was installed prior to the most recent amendments being established, so it might be larger than what is permitted today. Dyer asked what the difference was between the remote LED letterset illuminated from inside and internally illuminated plastic trim -cap signs, which are prohibited. Howard said there are technical differences and the plastic trim cap letters are larger and bulkier so are more appropriate for auto -oriented street and highway situations rather than the pedestrian - scaled signs more appropriate to the downtown area. Freerks stated she understands progress and things changing but feels it is important to keep an eye on these things so that there doesn't become sign pollution, or take away from Internally illuminated plastic trip cap letter forms are prohibited. Hensch asked if buildings on corners that want signage on both the front and the side, would this amendment limit their ability. Howard replied it actually increases their ability for signage. Each wall would have a separate sign allowance. Freerks asked about the lighting since the buildings are elevated. Howard said the lighting standard is the same regardless of height and sign size. Freerks opened the public hearing. Mary Bennett (1107 Muscatine Avenue) came forward to speak about the deterioration of the historic neighborhoods and some of these signs (such as on the bank on south Clinton Street) can been seen from quite some distance. The amount of light these signs cause is enormous and should be reconsidered. Pretty soon Iowa City will be full of towers of buildings with signs on all four sides and it will cause people to lose sight of the beauty and character of the city, especially the downtown district. There should be discussions on how bright the signs should be and what it will look like it. Will it obstruct the view of the Old Capital Dome, which should remain the focal point of the City. Freerks closed the public hearing. Hensch moved to approve Table 513-4: Sign Specifications and Provision in the CB - 2, CB -5 and CB -10 Zones as listed in Staff Report. Signs seconded the motion. Hensch noted that with regards to sign changes he is concerned about what the causation may be and the lighting issue is real and needs attention in future planning. Signs asked staff about the sign on the Midwest One bank (south Clinton Street) and agrees that it is quite large, and does it meet the proposed standards being discussed this evening. Dyer remembered asking Jann Ream and thought she said that it met the standard. Both Howard and Miklo did not know for sure, but would check and report back at the Commission's next meeting. Hektoen noted that this amendment is just about fascia signs, not about rooftop signs. Signs and Dyer noted the Midwest One sign is a fascia sign as well. Miklo said that sign was installed prior to the most recent amendments being established, so it might be larger than what is permitted today. Dyer asked what the difference was between the remote LED letterset illuminated from inside and internally illuminated plastic trim -cap signs, which are prohibited. Howard said there are technical differences and the plastic trim cap letters are larger and bulkier so are more appropriate for auto -oriented street and highway situations rather than the pedestrian - scaled signs more appropriate to the downtown area. Freerks stated she understands progress and things changing but feels it is important to keep an eye on these things so that there doesn't become sign pollution, or take away from Planning and Zoning Commission March 2, 2017 — Formal Meeting Page 8 of 12 the Iowa City charm. A vote was taken and the motion carried 6-0. 2. Consideration of amendments to Title 14, Zoning Code, Chapter 5, Site Development Standards, Article A: Off Street Parking and Loading, to allow the parking requirement to be reduced by the Building Official in certain circumstances, and to allow modification to the structured parking placement standards for non-commercial uses. Miklo stated that in conjunction with the potential development of the parking lot north of City Hall and the preservation of the Unitarian Church, the Council asked Staff to look into this amendment to allow more flexibility in waiving parking for residential uses in a situation like this. Miklo noted in the proposal when an historic landmark is part of the project and the proposal is to preserve that landmark, this amendment would give the Building Oficial the ability to waive parking requirements that would otherwise be needed for residential development. Miklo stated there are other criteria the Building Official would look at, such as proximity to grocery stores, public parking or transit. An earlier draft would have allowed the amendment under broader circumstance but that was thought perhaps too broad so it has been changed to only apply for preservation of a landmark. Miklo stated the second amendment is related to a liner building around a parking structure. Right now in the CB -5 zone the Code states that the first 30 feet of the property has to be devoted to something other than parking (so there is not parking right up against the street). There is a provision in the recent adopted CB -5 amendments that allows some waiver of that, but this amendment would go further to clarify that it doesn't apply for residential uses. This code requirement is meant to ensure a minimum depth for commercial uses facing the street, by ensuring any ground -level parking is at least 30 feet back from the setback line. Staff is recommending approval of these two amendments. Freerks noted her concern about these amendments, understanding the concept but thinks there needs to be tighter. She reviewed the City Council minutes where this was discussed to try to better understand as well. Freerks questions why this would not be under the purview of the Board of Adjustment, instead of the Building Official. It should be done in the public arena, as some things have impact on the neighbors and should have public comment. Freerks stated she has other concerns and perhaps to defer this item would be best. Hensch asked what the advantage this revised process versus how it is currently handled. Miklo stated that the current process would not allow a complete waiver of the parking, so the Council wanted to provide more incentive to preserve a landmark. Hensch asked if one had to go through the Board of Adjustment, how long would that process take. Miklo said from the time the application is submitted, it is generally a 30 -day process. Freerks questioned that the way the amendment is written, it seems that someone in a CB -5 could purchase a historical structure and have additional other land and be able to say they will keep the historic structure but state they will have no parking on the other land they will develop. Hektoen said it must all be part of one project. Freerks noted there is no limit Planning and Zoning Commission March 2, 2017 — Formal Meeting Page 9 of 12 stated, it is open ended, as to how much parking can be waived. Freerks also asked if there is a plan for mitigation such as bike parking and/or cover for a bus stop. Miklo said one of the criteria the Building Official would look at is if there are things such as Zip Cars, public transportation, or some means to address the lack of parking. Freerks noted there are five bullet points in the amendment, the first is preservation of historic landmark, which is in the end recommendation as a must, but then it is followed by four other bullet points. She asked if those all must be met as well. Hektoen said this amendment only applies if it is in relation to preservation of a historic landmark designation. Therefore the other bullet points are factors the Building Official will take into consideration if the historic preservation is met. Freerks opened the public discussion Alicia Trimble (Director of Friends of Historic Preservation) is here to speak in favor of this idea and in the case of the Unitarian Church waiving the parking was the only way to save that historic building. Her one concern as a citizen, separate from her job, she is always uncomfortable when power is taken out of a commission or committee and given to one person. Trimble agrees with Freerks that the wording of the amendment could use some tightening so it is clear what the conditions are but overall this is a good idea to have the ability waive all the parking if it is absolutely necessary to save a landmark. Helen Buford stated her main concern is suddenly introducing into an ordinance the right of someone internally to have jurisdiction over a decision that should be in the power of the community and be allowed public address. Mary Bennett (1107 Muscatine Avenue) appreciates the Commissions understanding that this amendment takes away from community involvement. It allows a City staffer to have unlimited and arbitrary power and if someone wishes to appeal the decision would have to pay a fee to do so, which also limits the ability of a property owner or neighbor to make a complaint. Bennett acknowledges that it is all in the language, language is very powerful. In the current Code, it says in specific terms that it will "preserve and protect its historic aesthetic cultural attributes" and that is much more than one building being an historic landmark. It is also important to recognize the surrounding area of that landmark and the context in which it exists. One precious building could be disturbed and therefore ruined of its historical value by something next door. Bennett shared a concern about the density of development currently underway in Iowa City and that is going to create a lot of pressure on the existing parking. She acknowledged that people have long tried to make Iowa City more pedestrian, but the cars are still here, and it is actually very treacherous with this high density to walk in certain areas. Additionally with the high density everyone will be fighting for limited parking spaces. Bennett views this as a 40 year setback to historic preservation of this town and all the old houses that are not in landmark status will be attacked once this provision is enacted. So it should not just be about preservation of an historic landmark, but conservation of aesthetics of the community. This is a very short sided solution to one very specific problem. Ginalie Swaim (1024 Woodlawn Avenue) is the chair of the Historic Preservation Commission and has two remarks. One, there is no getting around the problem of parking in Iowa City. Secondly, she appreciates the Commission looking at this carefully and working with City Staff on this, but as stated the City Council asked the City Staff to work Planning and Zoning Commission March 2, 2017 — Formal Meeting Page 10 of 12 more closely with the developer to try to come up with a better solution for the development and they did. Saving this landmark church is important to the historic preservation of Iowa City. Freerks closed the public discussion. Signs moved to defer this item until the next meeting. Martin seconded the motion. Freerks requested the following information from Staff prior to the next meeting discussing this item: • A map of areas this amendment could affect, with historic and potential historic structures noted on the map. • She stated she is interested in the Board of Adjustment taking care of these items, not just having it be the decision of the Building Official. These things need to have public input. • She asked if there could be limitations in numbers or percentages on parking spaces, as a governor on this for impact. • The language in the amendment needs to be more clearly stated on what criteria needs to be met for the waiver. • Need for mitigation, bike racks, bus stops, etc. • Need clarification on how this fits in with the Downtown/Riverfront Crossings parking plan. Howard noted that this is covered under the Downtown/Riverfront Crossings parking plan and typically a developer would pay a fee in lieu of parking. The fees are then used to support public parking structures. Freerks stated then with this amendment there would be no fees and therefore could result in a lack of funds to the City. Hensch stated his concern is that Iowa City is a community that wants to have lots of citizen participation and he doesn't want to do anything to impede that. Signs asked if an exception like this cannot be made under current regulations. Miklo confirmed it cannot. The Board of Adjustment could waive parking for the building itself, but not for adjacent buildings without charging the impact fee which then may make it financially unfeasible to save the church building. Martin agreed that it is a concern to have this decided by just the Building Official and having the Board of Adjustment conversation is worth exploring. Theobald agreed. Additionally would like to know what the City is looking at for future parking issues. Freerks noted that with the recent walkability session they all attended, there were ideas (such as rideshare within buildings or bus passes as part of leases) so there are options out there and need to be explored before just taking away parking. Dyer noted her concern is with the amount of development, the current parking structures are not enough to support it. Miklo suggested having the Director of Transportation Services come talk to the Commission about the City's parking/transportation plans and goals. He said it may not be possible to Planning and Zoning Commission March 2, 2017 — Formal Meeting Page 11 of 12 schedule that for the next meeting, but we could do it as work session when we have a light agenda. A vote was taken and the motion for deferment carried 6-0. CONSIDERATION OF MEETING MINUTES: FEBRUARY 2, 2017 Hensch moved to approve the meeting minutes of February 2 2017. Signs seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion passed 6-0. PLANNING AND ZONING INFORMATION: None. ADJOURNMENT: Theobald moved to adjourn. Martin seconded. A vote was taken and motion carried 6-0. PLANNING 8, ZONING COMMISSION ATTENDANCE RECORD 2016-2017 KEY: X = Present O = Absent O/E = Absent/Excused --- = Not a Member 3/17 4/7 4/21 5/5 5/19 6/2 7/7 7/21 8/4 9/1 10/6 10/20 11/17 12/1 12/15 1/19 2/2 3/2 DYER,CAROLYN X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X FREERKS, ANN X X X X O/E X O/E X X X X X X X X X X X HENSCH, MIKE X X X X X X X O/E X X X X X X X X X X MARTIN, PHOEBE X X X X X X X O/E X X X O/E X O/E X X X X PARSONS, MAX O/E X X I X X X X X X X X X X X X X X O/E SIGNS, MARK — — X X X X X X X X X O/E X X X X X THEOBALD, JODIE XX X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X KEY: X = Present O = Absent O/E = Absent/Excused --- = Not a Member