HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-06-08 Info Packet=9 CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET
CITY OF IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org June 9, 2017
IP1 Council Tentative Meeting Schedule
MISCELLANEOUS
I1132 From the City Manager: Neighborhood Stabilization power point presentation
IP3 From the City Manager - Memo from Executive Board Iowa League of Cities: 2017 Annual
Conference & Exhibit
IP4 Article from City Manager: 5 Ways U.S. Cities can fight climate change without the Paris
Accord
IP5 Memo from Sustainability Coordinator and Community Dev. Planner: Update on Non-profit
Energy Efficiency Grant
IP6 Memo from Historic Preservation Staff: New Historic Preservation Fund Program
IP7 Memo from Deputy City Clerk: KXIC Radio Show
IP8 Civil Service Entrance Examination: Maintenance Worker 1 — Streets
IP9 Invitation from Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition: Don't Miss the Summer Mixer
- June 21"
IP10 2017 Building Statistics
DRAFT MINUTES
I1211 Board of Adjustment: May 10
IP12 Historic Preservation Commission: May 11
r
City Council Tentative Meeting
Schedule IP1
Subject to change
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
June 8, 2017
Date
Time
Meeting
Location
Tuesday, June 20, 2017
5:00 PM
Work Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Monday, July 17, 2017
4:00 PM
Reception
Johnson County
4:30 PM
Joint Entities Meeting
TBD
Tuesday, July 18, 2017
5:00 PM
Work Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Tuesday, August 1, 2017
5:00 PM
Work Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Tuesday, August 15, 2017
5:00 PM
Work Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Existing City Code - Occupancy
FAMILY: One person or two (2) or more persons related by blood, marriage, adoption or placement by
a governmental or social service agency, occupying a dwelling unit as a single housekeeping
organization.A "family" may also include the following:
° A. Two (2), but not more than two (2), persons not related by blood, marriage or adoption; or
B. Up to eight (8) persons with verifiable disabilities, as defined by the fair housing amendments act of
1988, who are occupying a dwelling unit as a single housekeeping organization.
Similar occupancy restrictions are commonly used across the county, particularly in university
communities, and have been held up by the courts.
In the past five years, enforcement of occupancy regulations has led to only 26 citations being
issued. The 26 citations represents less than .15% of all rental permits in the community.
HF 134
AN ACT RELATING TO THE AUTHORITY OF CITIES TO REGULATE AND RESTRICT THE OCCUPANCY
OF RESIDENTIAL RENTAL PROPERTY. BE IT ENACTED BYTHE GENERALASSEMBLY OFTHE STATE OF
IOWA:
Section 1. Section 414. 1, subsection 1, Code 2017, is amended to read as follows:
a. For the purpose of promoting the health, safety, morals, or the general welfare of the community or for the
purpose of preserving historically significant areas of the community, any city is hereby empowered to regulate
and restrict the height, number of stories, and size of buildings and other structures, the percentage of lot that
may be occupied, the size of yards, courts, and other open spaces, the density of population, and the location
and use of buildings, structures, and land for trade, industry, residence, or other purposes.
b. A city shall not, after January I, 2018, adopt or enforce any regulation or restriction related to the occupancy
of residential rental property that is based upon the existence of familial or nonfamilial relationships between
the occupants of such rental property.
Why this Matters?
• Balanced neighborhoods support a diverse economy and healthy downtown
• Housing affordability
• Over burdening of municipal services and public infrastructure
• Public and tenant safety
Preservation of the character of single-family homes, as well as the stability of
the City's remaining historic and core neighborhoods
Viability of neighborhood schools
Parking, congestion, noise, litter and other nuisance concerns
Overall property maintenance
Healthy Neighborhoods
Post HF 134
! . Ensure neighborhoods support both home ownership and rental opportunities
(regulation)
2. Prohibit investments that detract from neighborhood character and overburden
City infrastructure and services (regulation)
Make certain nuisance and criminal infractions are handled swiftly and efficiently
to preserve neighborhood character, and ensure stability and appeal to diverse
populations (enforcement)
4. Protect the health and safety of occupants in rental units (public safety)
5. Ensure City investments sufficiently preserve housing stock that supports
ownership opportunities (incenting balance in housing stock)
6. Encourage development of student oriented housing that meets modern demands,
has strong safety and management plans and is located in appropriate areas
walkable to campus (new housing opportunities)
Partner with stakeholders to engage, educate and empower neighbors (public
education)
Ensure Neighborhoods Support Both Home
Ownership and Rental Opportunities
Replace familial relationship code language with regulations that will effectively
manage market forces to help ensure a balance of rental and home ownership
opportunities.
Determine desirable mix of housing opportunities that support diverse
neighborhoods, public safety, and appropriate use of city services and infrastructure
Regulate the number of rental permits and associated occupancy levels to achieve
stability and ensure that the character of neighborhoods is maintained in a manner
that appeals to diverse populations
Prohibit Investments that Detract from
Neighborhood Character and Overburden City
Infrastructure and Services
• Prevent additions, remodeling projects and new construction that would
detract from the character of the neighborhood (infill design standard overlay
or form -based code)
• Prevent excessive paving of lot area that detracts from neighborhood
character and overburdens storm sewer utilities
• Limit occupancies of structures based on availability of off-street parking
spaces and lot area
• Require private waste hauling for high occupancy households and include strict
dumpster / waste receptacle screening requirements that do not detract from
the neighborhood character
Make Certain Nuisance and Criminal Infractions are
Handled Swiftly and Efficiently to Preserve Neighborhood
Character, and Ensure Stability and Appeal to Diverse
Populations
Increased enforcement of neighborhood nuisances most often associated with high
occupancy levels (including weekends)
• Litter
• Parking on unimproved surfaces
• Yard maintenance
• Snow Removal
Increased proactive Police Department patrols during evenings and weekends to
limit noise and disorderly complaints
Consider a 24/7 landlord response requirement to remedy nuisances on property
Evaluate effectiveness of penalties for repeat nuisance properties including
thresholds for suspension or loss of rental permits
• Require annual filing of Information Disclosure and Acknowledgement forms and
ensure landlords and tenants are made aware of penalties for nuisance behaviors
and landlord response requirements
Protect the Health and Safety of Occupants
in Rental Units
Higher occupancies can lead to greater public safety risks for occupants in
structures not originally constructed for high occupancy rentals
• Consider annual health and safety inspections for certain rental properties
• Require annual furnace and hot water certification to ensure safe operation for high
occupancy permits
• Require hard -wire interconnected smoke and carbon monoxide detectors upon
renewal of rental permit
• Increase Police Department efforts to reduce disorderly house occurrences
Ensure City Investments Sufficiently Preserve
Housing Stock that Supports Ownership
Opportunities
• Examine current housing investment programs to ensure they are helping to
achieve a long-term balance of housing in our neighborhoods
• UniverCity
• Rehabilitation Programs
• HELP Program
• Consider new programs that may help achieve desired balance in
neighborhoods
• Non -conforming buy-out
• CDBG targeted investments (e.g. down payment assistance)
Encourage Development of Student Oriented Housing
That Meets Modern Demands, has Strong Safety and
Management Plans and is Located in Appropriate Areas
Walkable to Campus
• Further examine existing codes to determine if additional steps can be taken
to direct or incentivize high-quality student housing in desired locations
outside of single-family neighborhoods yet still walkable to campus.
Work with the University of Iowa on their efforts to expand on -campus
housing options for students
Partner with Stakeholders to Engage,
Educate and Empower Neighbors
Engage impacted neighborhoods in discussions on the impact of increased
rentals and occupancy levels
• Educate the community on the importance of well-balanced neighborhoods
that appeal to diverse populations
Partner with the University of Iowa and student government to explore ways
to prevent and eliminate behavior not conducive to healthy, stable
neighborhoods — creation of a Neighborhood Action Team
Empower residents to explore private actions that could help preserve the
stability and character of their neighborhood (neighborhood associations,
covenants, etc.)
Moratorium Through
December 31, 2017
Time needed to study how best to mitigate the impacts of rental housing and
increases in occupancy levels on neighborhood stability, housing affordability,
public and tenant safety, urban congestion, blight, risk to public peace and
order, conflicts between rental and owner -occupied housing, and excessive
demands upon public safety, infrastructure and municipal services.
Staff recommends Council establish a moratorium until December 31, 2017 on
the issuance of new rental permits (i.e. not renewals of existing permits) and
building permits that would result in an enlargement of a rental dwelling, in RS -
5, RS -8 and RNS-12 zones within the area generally bounded by Scott
Boulevard on the east, 1-80 on the north, the Iowa River and Mormon Trek
Blvd on the west, and Highways 1/6 on the south in Iowa City, Iowa
Next Steps:
Refine Actions in Seven Focus Areas
I . Ensure neighborhoods support both home ownership and rental opportunities
(regulation)
2. Prohibit investments that detract from neighborhood character and overburden
City infrastructure and services (regulation)
Make certain nuisance and criminal infractions are handled swiftly and efficiently
to preserve neighborhood character, and ensure stability and appeal to diverse
populations (enforcement)
Protect the health and safety of occupants in rental units (public safety)
Ensure City investments sufficiently preserve housing stock that supports
ownership opportunities (incenting balance in housing stock)
6. Encourage development of student oriented housing that meets modern demands,
has strong safety and management plans and is located in appropriate areas
walkable to campus (new housing opportunities)
Partner with stakeholders to engage, educate and empower neighbors (public
education)
June 5, 2017 From the City Manager
TO: Cities in Iowa
FROM: Executive Board of the Iowa League of Cities
SUBJECT: 2017 Annual Conference & Exhibit
The Iowa League of Cities invites all cities to attend the Annual Conference & Exhibit, to be held
September 27-29 in Davenport. The League's Annual Conference & Exhibit presents a one -of -a -kind
opportunity for city officials in our state. Nowhere else will a city official from Iowa can experience such
a wide range of programming as well as the chance to problem -solve with cities facing similar issues.
Cities send their staff and elected officials to the League's annual conference because they can learn
from the workshops and general sessions and bring that knowledge back to their city. The conference
also provides an opportunity to meet fellow city officials and build beneficial relationships. A public
purpose is certainly met when information garnered leads to a better served community.
In addition to the many training events, the League is required by its Constitution to hold the Annual
Business Meeting in conjunction with the conference. During the business meeting member cities vote
on the coming year's legislative priorities, approve the nomination of officers and directors who
comprise the Executive Board, and take up other business of the League membership. By Constitution
the mayor is the voting member for each city, though a city may designate an alternative voting
delegate should the mayor be unable to attend the meeting.
For the workshops, training and problem -solving opportunities and the chance to help govern your Iowa
League of Cities, we encourage officials from your city to attend the Iowa League of Cities Annual
Conference. It gives officials an exceptional chance to broaden their knowledge and collaborate with
people that truly understand the challenges faced by city governments in Iowa. Attending educational
events, whether the Annual Conference & Exhibit or other seminars for city officials, is an investment in
the city and its future.
More information and registration is available at www.iowaleague.org, or contact the League with
questions at mailbox@iowaleague.org or (515) 244-7282.
"...without... highly trained, imaginative and courageously disinterested public officials, the democratic
aim of our society cannot be achieved..." --Late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Felix Frankfurter.
Minus the Paris Accord, Cities Can Fight Climate Change - Cityl-ab Page 1 of 6
From the City Manager
IP4
Mj
CITYFIXER
5 Ways U.S. Cities Can Fight
Climate Change Without the Paris
Accord
Build dense. Build near transit. Rinse and repeat.
LAURA BLISS I V @mslaurabtiss I May 31, 2017 1 * 20 Comments
Yeah, this won't work anymore. (Damian Dovarganes/AP Photo)
Love CityLab? Make sure you're signed up Email
for our free a -mail newsletter.
https://www.citylab.com/solutions/2017/05/five-ways-cities-can-fight-climate-change-witho... 6/5/2017
Minus the Paris Accord, Cities Can Fight Climate Change - CityLab Page 2 of 6
President Trump's decision to pull out of the Paris climate accord could
damage U.S. credibility in global diplomacy for years to come—that much
sure. But its impact on emissions, and our course towards climate -change
doom, is more debatable.
Federal climate action has long been stymied by the congressional puppet -
mastery of fossil fuel lobb)rists like the Koch brothers. Indeed, the Paris pact,
which aims to limit global warming to about 2 degrees Celsius, is not binding.
Some wonks have even argued that the treaty could even be stronger after the
world's second-largest emitter exits.
Well, I guess we'll find out. But one thing is evident: Public action in the near-
term has to come from states and cities. Cities in particular were in many ways
the s ars of the Paris climate talks; since Trump's election, it's been local
leaders around the country (plus the entire state of California) that have been
most vocal in pledging to continue to fight climate change.
The now -more urgent question: What are the most powerful ways localities can
act to make lasting reductions to their greenhouse gas emissions (GHG)? Here
are five crucial policy buckets. (Rinse and repeat the first two in particular.)
1. Build housing near transit
Here's a depressing finding: A 2016 B iild oom _study found that no U.S. city has
kept up with increased demand for housing through development focused in
dense urban cores since before World War II. "Cities where housing supply met
demand only achieved that balance by sprawling outward," writes the LA
Time. As more Americans settle further and further from where jobs and
shopping is, they're commuting longer distances, usually in cars.
Cutting GHG means cutting vehicle miles traveled (VMT), and that means
Americans have to walk, bike, and take transit to work and play a lot more
often than they currently do. Building more and tighter -packed homes near
jobs, shopping, and shared transportation options is the most effective way to
make driving the less -attractive choice. This requires a radical reset on land use
practices—undoing single-family zoning and incentivizing multi -family
https://www.citylab.comisolutions/2017/05/five-ways-cities-can-fight-climate-change-witho... 6/5/2017
Minus the Paris Accord, Cities Can Fight Climate Change - CityLab Page 3 of 6
developments—that few cities seem prepared to make. But the stakes are
higher than ever.
Upshot.' Research by the Urban Land Institute has found that compact
development cuts VMT by 20 to 40 percent, compared to average outer -edge
suburbs.
Leaders. Austi Texas. is laboring to encourage more density through zoning
revisions. Seattle is urbanizing more than anv other cite
2. Create transit options people like
Shared mobility: the cleaner option, no matter how you slice it. (l IS DOTI
Even if you Live close by, mass transit that doesn't function reliably or go where
you need isn't worth much. Years of calculated disinvestment sadly mean that
many urban transit systems can now be described that way, especially from the
point of view of low-income residents. The rise of cheap ride -hailing services
Like Uber and Lyft doesn't bode well for transit's future relevance in many
cities. Nor does the introduction of self -driving cars, which many believe will
hnps://www.citylab.comisolutions/2017/05/five-ways-cities-can-fight-climate-change-witho... 6/5/2017
Minus the Paris Accord, Cities Can Fight Climate Change - CityLab Page 4 of 6
a Esc i e VMT to spike. Public commitments to shared mobility options will be
critical to keeping urban emissions at bay.
Upshot., Public transportation reduces U.S. CO2 emissions by 37 million metric
tons annuall v—roughly half a percent of total annual emissions.
3. Make buildings more energy efficient
Electricity generation is the leading source of GHG in the U.S., and buildings
account for about half of all energy used. Cities with a big supply of large
buildings that enforce upgrades to heating and cooling systems—through
building codes, efficiency targets, financial incentives, and other tools—can
shrink carbon footprints and save on energy bills.
Upshot New York Citv's efforts to oreen its building sq tock are expected to cut
GHG emissions by 2.7 million metric tons—similar to removing more than
560, 000 cars from the road.
4. Rethink driving
Roads are a precious public commodity; charging drivers to use them in a way
that's commensurate with their value will signal people to drive less. So will
charging more for parking and eliminating parking minimums from zoning
codes. (The latter could also help bring down housing costs andbuilding
energy footprints).
Upshot London's congestion -pricing scheme cut citvwide car trafficO
emissions bvroughly 1 percent. Stockholm saw similar gains.
Leaders San Francisco, maybe. Props to the state of Oreo for testing the
country's first per -mile driving fee.
https://www.citylab.com/solutions/2017/05/five-ways-cities-can-fight-climate-change-witho... 6/5/2017
Minus the Paris Accord, Cities Can Fight Climate Change - CityLab
S. Invest in renewables and electric vehicles
The Rise of Electric Cars
BNEF sees more than 20 million sales by 2030
Millions ration
25 by 1. 1
35-470/6 of new
20
a Rest of the wo11d
t5
.Japan
■China
10 ■USA
0 _ _ - ■.,'''' a Europa
2018 2018 2020 2022 2024 2028 2028 2030
Alex Steffen
@AlexSteffen
This chart's conservative.
Industries don't turn on a dime, but when disrupted they can
move much faster than this.bloomberg.com/news/articles/...
6:50 PM - 30 May 2017
a V 7 r 10
Page 5 of 6
Dozens of U.S. cities have now pledged to move toward 100 -percent renewable
energy sources, bolstered by local utilities that have invested in solar and wind
thanks to Obama-era subsidies. Those subsidies may be out the door with
Trump's plans to tear up the Clean Power Plan, but the plummeting cods of
renewable energy generation have already far exceeded predictions; local
governments (and large companies) that make public commitments to
renewables can help send a signal to the energy market that renewables are
still the future.
Similarly, investing in electric bus fleets and charging stations for private
electric vehicles can wave a flag to carmakers that large urban markets
demand cleaner drives. Boosting the share of electric vehicles on the road can
slash auto emissions—but this has to go hand-in-hand with cleaner energy.
https://www.citylab.com/solutions/2017/05/five-ways-cities-can-fight-climate-change-witho... 6/5/2017
Minus the Paris Accord, Cities Can Fight Climate Change - CityLab Page 6 of 6
Upshot Converting all of New York City's public buses to an electric fleet
would reduce annual city emissions b y roughly 575 000 metric tons of CD2.
Bonus: Fight voter suppression in the 2018 midterm
elections
Minority voters are more likely than whites to express concern about climate
change and support policies to combat it; they're also routinely targeted by
tactics to block them from poLLing booths. Any hope of electing climate -friendly
Leaders to Congress—and seeing any federal climate legislation survive in the
near future—may hinge on all-out effort to uphold the basic act of our fragile
democracy.
About the Author
�- Laura Bliss is a staff writer at CityLab.
ALL POSTS I V @mslaurabliss I 1 Feed
https://www.citylab.comisolutions/2017/05/five-ways-cities-can-fight-climate-change-witho... 6/5/2017
_,---.r.®ga CITY OF IOWA CITY IP5
z'°=pMEMORANDUM
Date: June 6, 2017
To: Geoff Fruin, City Manager
Ashley Monroe, Assistant City Manager
From: Brenda Nations, Sustainability Coordinator
Kris Ackerson, Community Development Planner
Re: Update on Non-profit Energy Efficiency Grant
The City Council allocated $30,000 in the FY2017 budget for a grant to help non -profits lower
their utility bills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Staff created a grant program,
advertised the program to the non-profit community, and hosted an informational meeting
attended by fifteen interested non -profits.
Applicants were required to obtain an energy audit from MidAmerican Energy to verify energy
savings and payback periods. We received nine applications from five non-profit organizations.
The project cost divided by the annual energy savings, known as the payback period, is the best
measure of a project's cost effectiveness. The proposed payback periods for applicant projects
ranged from 1.3 years to 57 years. Due primarily to their anticipated short payback periods and
significant energy savings, three applications were accepted and scheduled for completion this
summer:
MYEP, 407 Highland Court: $4,067
Little Creations Academy, 2929 E Court Street: $1,460
Free Medical Clinic, 2440 Towncrest Drive: $3,789
Detailed analysis of project type, energy savings, payback period and costs shown below.
All three accepted applications proposed lighting improvements which are expected to result in
a total of savings of 56,700 kilowatts (kWh) per year. Equivalents of 56,700 kWh in greenhouse
gas emissions would be the amount of emissions created by eight passenger vehicles driven for
a year or the annual energy usage of four homes. The unfunded projects were not selected due
to long payback periods of thirteen years or more and proposed projects did not directly align
with energy savings or meet program objectives.
We plan to reallocate the remaining $21,000 of budgeted funds to FY18, adding it to the $150k
that is currently in the budget for future climate mitigation projects. This grant program is now
Improvement Annual kWh Annual Cost
Payback
Applicant Name
Address
Type(s)
Saving
Savings
period (yrs)
Rebate
Gnint
Tppllow
MYEP
407 Highland Court
Lighting
26,650
$ 2,665
1.5
$ 5,260
$ 4,067
$ 9,327
Little Creations Academy
2929 E Court Street
Lighting
14,474
$ 1,158
1.3
$ 3,361
$ 1,460
$ 4,821
Free Medical Clinic
2440Towncrest Drive
Lighting
15,641
$ 1,251
3.0
$ 4,231
$ 3,789
$ 8,020
$ 56,765
$ 5,074
$12,852&'
-
$ 22,168
All three accepted applications proposed lighting improvements which are expected to result in
a total of savings of 56,700 kilowatts (kWh) per year. Equivalents of 56,700 kWh in greenhouse
gas emissions would be the amount of emissions created by eight passenger vehicles driven for
a year or the annual energy usage of four homes. The unfunded projects were not selected due
to long payback periods of thirteen years or more and proposed projects did not directly align
with energy savings or meet program objectives.
We plan to reallocate the remaining $21,000 of budgeted funds to FY18, adding it to the $150k
that is currently in the budget for future climate mitigation projects. This grant program is now
June 7, 2017
Page 2
complete and staff is preparing a new community grant program requested by the City Council,
which will involve collaboration of community groups to initiate innovative projects.
CC: Doug Boothroy, Neighborhood and Development Services Director
Tracy Hightshoe, Neighborhood Services Coordinator
j�j au eaNlVan;C�']r.�lll Q���(llliip�;
Iowa City
HisltolCic Preservation Commission
City Hall, 410 E Washington Street, Iowa City. IA. 52240
Memorandum
Date: June 7, 2017
To: City Manager, Geoff Fruin
From: Jessica Bristow—Historic Preservation Staff
Re: New Historic Preservation Fund Program
The new Historic Preservation Fund Program will be implemented on July 1. The role of the
Fund is to provide owners of historic properties with financial assistance for the improvement of
the exterior architectural features of historic properties.
Two types of funding are available to property owners. In order to place importance on the
owner -occupied historic properties and owners with financial need, grants are available for
owner -occupied households with an income of 140% area median income or less. For landlords
and homeowners with incomes over the income limits, the fund would be in the form of a no
interest 5 -year loan. For both types of funding, the grant or loan pays for 50% of the total cost of
qualified expenses up to $5,000. With this limit and the current $40,000 budget, the fund would
be able to help S property owners this coming year.
The flyer which outlines the program and an application are attached. The application can be
filled out and submitted digitally or delivered to the Neighborhood and Development Services
Department.
cc: Doug Boothroy
John Yapp
Bob Miklo
Iowa City
Historic Preservation
Fund Program
The Historic Preservation Fund Program is designed
to provide owners of historic properties with financial
assistance for the rehabilitation and preservation of the
exterior architectural features of their property.
Two Types of Funding
Grants Grants are available for owner -
occupied homes where the household
income is 140% of the median income
or less. Grants provide funding for 50%
of the total cost of qualified exterior
rehabilitation or preservation projects
with a maximum grant amount of
$5,000 per project.
Loans Loans are available for landlords and
homeowners with household incomes
over the 140% median income limit
for the grants. Loans provide funding
for 50% of the total cost of qualified
exterior rehabilitation or preservation
projects with a maximum loan amount
of $5,000 per project.
Eligible Properties
• In a Historic District, or
• In a Conservation District, or
• A Local Landmark
Properties in Districts must be
• Key Contributing, or
Contributing, or
Non-contributing"
Non -historic properties are not eligible
- Non -Contributing properties are historic
properties that have been remodeled to remove
architectural features or have replacement siding
and windows or similar features that diminish
the historic character of the property. Funding to
restore historic features or remove non -historic
materials must improve the property so that it can
be reclassified as Contributing to its Historic or
Conservation District.
Eligible Projects
Funded work will only include exterior work
that meets the Iowa City Historic Preservation
Guidelines, the Secretary of the Interior's Standards
for Rehabilitation, and generally involve a
restoration or repair of original materials.
Eligible project examples
• repairing original windows and storms
• removing aluminum, vinyl, or asbestos siding
• repairing deteriorated trim
• repairing architectural details
• repairing internal gutters
• re -opening an enclosed porch
• re -pointing historic masonry.
Use of Funds
Grant and loan funds may be used for costs of
professional architectural services, materials, and
skilled labor. Homeowner and volunteer labor may
not be reimbursed. All applications must include at
least two estimates by contractors.
Funds must be used within 12 months of funding
approval unless a written request for extension is
approved. Receipts and photographs of completed
work must be submitted for reimbursement.
Any one applicant may receive one grant or one
loan per fiscal year (July 1 — June 30). Loans are no
interest and payments are due beginning the month
after the completion of the project for 5 years until
the loan is repaid.
Contact
For more information contact Historic Preservation:
(319) 356-5243 or jessica-bristow@iowa-city.org
Iowa City
Historic Preservation
Fund Program
Application
Information
Address: I I
District: I Classification:
Property is owner occupied? ❑ Yes ❑ No
Owner Information
Property Owner Name:I I
Email: Phone Number:
Address:
City: F State: 0 Zip Code:O
Type of Funding
❑ Grant Grants are available for owner -occupied
homes where the household income is
140% of the median income or less.
Family Size: 0 Income: 0
Submit documentation of family size and income
for application review including tax returns for the
household and documentation of non -wage income
❑ Loan Loans are available for landlords and homeowners with household incomes over the 140% median
income limit for grants.
Project Description Certificate of Appropriateness Acquired? ❑ Yes ❑ No
Add additional pages as necessary
Project Cost
Estimated Cost: Funding Request: 0
Funding for 50% of the total cost of qualified exterior rehabilitation or preservation
projects with a maximum loan amount of $5,000 per project.
Estimates received from at least two contractors? ❑ Yes ❑ No
Contact For more information contact Jessica Bristow: (319) 356-5243 or jessica-bristow@iowa-city.org
SUBMIT I
press submit to email application, or print and send to City of Iowa City, 410 E. Washington St., Iowa City, IA 52240Attn: Jessica Bristow
r
CITY OF IOWA CITY IP7
MEMORANDUM
Date: June 7, 2017
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Julie Voparil, Deputy City Clerk
Re: KXIC Radio Show
At your June 6 work session, Council Members agreed to the following schedule for the
Wednesdav 8AM radio show.
Wednesdav
June 14—Throgmorton
June 21— Mims
June 28 — Dickens
July 5 — Mims
July 12 —Thomas
July 19 —Taylor
July 26 — Botchway
August 2 — Cole
"* Please remember that KXIC is very flexible with taping the sessions ahead of the show.
SZk/Council KXIC Radio Schedule/radioshowasking.doc
08-17
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City. Iowa 52240-1826
(3 19) 356-5000
(319356-5009 FAX
www.icgov.org
June 6, 2017
TO: The Honorable Mayor and the City Council
RE: Civil Service Entrance Examination — Maintenance Worker I — Streets
Under the authority of the Civil Service Commission of Iowa City, Iowa, I do hereby
certify the following named person(s) as eligible for the position of Maintenance Worker
I — Streets
Robert Schulz
IOWA CITY CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
r
Lyr2lDN. Dickerson, Chair
N
O_
. 3-ry
s c i
ME
Julie Voparil CE
From: Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition
<jcaffordablehousing=gmail.com@mail215.atll71.mcdlv.net> on behalf of Johnson County
Affordable Housing Coalition <jcaffordablehousing@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 06, 2017 10:35 AM
To: Council
Subject: Time to Mix it Up!
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Don't Miss the Summer
Mixer!
We'll keep it short and sweet!
Please join Coalition members for our 2017
Summer Mixer at the Iowa City Area Association of
Realtors, 847 Quarry Road in Coralville, on June
21st from 5:30 to 7:OOpm. In addition to great
food, drink and conversation, we will have a short
presentation on "Re -Messaging Affordable Housing"
by Meghann Foster of Brand -Driven Digital, and a
musical performance by Dave Moore! Share this
flyer and spread the word.
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City of Iowa City
2017 Building Statistics
Value/Type of Construction
JanuaryFebruary
March
April
May June
July August September October November December TOTAL
NON-TAXABLE
Single Family -$
1,097,961
2,881,070
5,131,279
4,283,204
4,695,238
18,088,752
Number of Permits
5
11
20
17
19
72
Duplex-$
595,000
330,000
925,000
Number of Permits
1
1
2
Sororities & Fraternities- $
Number of Permits
Multiple Units
2,204,000
1,680,000
5,500,000
9,384,000
Number of Permits
4
3
1
8
Number of Buildings
4
3
1
8
Number of Dwelling Units
16
121
36
64
Mix- CommercialfResidential
4,985,00012,000,000
16,985,000
Permits Number of Pers
1(foundationM1,287,000
1
2
Number of Buildings
1
1
Number of Dwelling units
60
60
Motels, Hotels - $
Number of Permits
Churches - $
10,000
10,000
10,000
Number of Permits
1
1
Industrial -$
1,287,000
Number of Permits
1
Service Stations -$
Number of Permits
Hospitals & Institutions - $
Number of Permits
Offices, Banks, Prof. - $
Number of Permits
Public Works & Utilities - $
19,000
19,000
19,000
Number of Permits
1
1
Schools -$
Number of Permits
Stores & Customer Svc. - $
Number of Permits
Misc. StmctureslFences -$
65
579,000
110,000
1 689,065
Number of Permits
1
3
1
5
Remodel, Residential -$
6,384,201
462,198
602,534
1,106,023
733,542
9,288,498
Number of Permits
52
18
28
22
30
150
Remodel, Commercial -$
486,469
332,928
909,225
743,320
2,111,543
4,583,485
1,325,893
Number of Permits
10
6
4
8
12
40
Remodel, Public Works - $
Number of Permits
Accessory Structures
5,000
13,500
130,000 1
66,375
71,624
286,499
Number of Permits
11
11
11
31
3
9
Condo Conversion - No Value
1 1
11
i
2
TOTAL VALUE
12,958,631
7,180,761
21,627,038
6,318,92213,460,947
61,546,299
1,354,893
TOTAL PERMITS
1 70
431
61
521
671
293
Demolition: Residential units lost
1
21
1 2
MINUTES PRELIMINARY
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
MAY 10, 2017 — 5:15 PM
EMMA J. HARVAT HALL, CITY HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Gene Chrischilles, Connie Goeb, Bryce Parker, Becky Soglin, Tim
Weitzel
MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT: Susan Dulek, Sarah Walz
OTHERS PRESENT: Doug Bottroff, Dave McCauley
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 5:15 PM.
ROLL CALL:
A brief opening statement was read by Soglin outlining the role and purpose of the Board and the
procedures that would be followed the meeting.
CONSIDER THE APRIL 12, 2017 MINUTES:
Goeb moved to approve the minutes of April 12, 2017. Weitzel seconded the motion.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 5-0.
SPECIAL EXCEPTION ITEM EXC17-00003:
Discussion of an application submitted on behalf of Regina Catholic Educational Center to allow
the expansion of a General Education Facility in the Low Density Single -Family (RS -5) zone at
2140 Rochester Avenue.
Soglin noted that she lives on Rita Lyn Court, the cul-de-sac across the way from Regina, but has
no direct knowledge of the application and therefore there is no conflict of interest.
Walz began the staff report noting that the Board considered a special exception on this property
last month. She showed a site map of the area and noted the school is located in the RS -5 zone
and has RS -5 zoning on two sides (west and south), Hickory Hill Park is to the north, and multi-
family zones to the east. There is also some neighborhood commercial to the south and east of
the site. The Regina Catholic Educational Center is categorized as a General Education Use -a
use that is permitted in residential zones (similar to churches and daycares) by special. exception
only. In April, the Board of Adjustment approved a special exception to allow an approximately
12,900 square foot building to house an athletic training facility. The applicant is now seeking a
Board of Adjustment
May 10, 2017
Page 2 of 9
special exception to allow an 18,500 square foot addition to the school building and an expansion
of the parking areas north and south of the building. The School is requesting the special
exception first, and if approved then will begin raising funds. Therefore the expansion has not yet
been designed, but they have a basic footprint and a basic idea of what they would propose. The
addition will be on the back of the school, and not street facing. The school is also seeking to
expand its parking areas to provide 57 additional spaces -53 spaces in the south lot, which faces
onto Rochester Avenue; 4 additional spaces in the north lot, adjacent to the new athletic building.
This parking expansion will be beyond the minimum parking requirement and also as part of their
circulation requirement they are widening a curb cut onto Rochester Avenue. Walz reminded the
Board that at last month's meeting it was discussed designing a new secondary access drive to
First Avenue. The City has long encouraged Regina to provide this secondary access in order to
alleviate congestion at the intersection of First Avenue and Rochester Avenue during peak hours.
Walz noted there was a question from one of the Board members about this use, the applicant has
indicated that the goal of the expansion, and related renovations within the existing building, to
bring the school building up-to-date with modern standards for educational facilities and to allow
expansion of Regina's early childhood program. The early childhood program use is considered an
accessory use and does need a special exception, however since it will be part of this bigger
project, it is included in the overall special exception as the criteria for the expansion of a General
Education Facility exception is more strenuous than that of just having an early childhood program
in the zone.
Walz reviewed the standards required for a General Education Use facility. The first is regarding
setbacks. The Regina school buildings more than satisfy the required setbacks. Even with the
new addition they will continue to exceed the minimum required setbacks. The second specific
criteria is that the proposed use will be designed to be compatible with adjacent uses. The criteria
gives the Board a lot of latitude to look at various aspects. Walz did point out that she mentions
stormwater under the general criteria, but it probably fits better under this specific criteria. There
are some stormwater issues on the site that the City has been trying to resolve for some years, and
now is a good time with this special exception application to get those issues resolved. The City
Parks Department will work with Regina and prior to paving the south parking area, Regina will
need to come up with a plan to address the stormwater runoff issue and must be signed off by the
Director of the Parks Department.
Walz next discussed the parking issues. The applicant proposes to create 53 additional parking
spaces and have submitted a parking study to the Board. In addition to the special exception, in
order to have the parking between the street and the school building the applicant had to go
through the Minor Modification process, which they have done and secured the Minor Modification.
Walz continued by noting there are two matters to address, one is exceeding the minimum parking
and secondly the placement of the parking. Regina has indicated that they have a number of
events during which the parking demand outstrips the supply. That is pretty standard at all
schools, when there are events a certain number of parking must be accommodated on the
surrounding streets. The additional parking spaces requested are intended to more closely align
with actual current demand for parking on the site. Walz also noted that currently during large
events cars often park in the drop-off circle and fire lane and on grassy areas that line the parking
lots. Walz showed on the map how parking is accommodated on streets in the surrounding
neighborhoods. Woodridge Avenue and Winston Drive provide the nearest opportunities for on -
street parking with a pedestrian connection directly to the west edge of the Regina property, near
the athletic fields. Rita Lyn Court, an approximately 700 -foot cul-de-sac provides some additional
on -street parking capacity. Most other nearby streets are located no less than a quarter mile from
Board of Adjustment
May 10, 2017
Page 3 of 9
the school building, and some (especially those to the northeast) are not easily accessible to the
site due to topography. The additional parking is being proposed on the south side of the school
because other areas are needed for stormwater management and there are other topographic
constraints. Therefore Staff does believe some additional parking is appropriate, and it is
appropriate to have it in the front of the school. Staff has requested that Regina keep as much
green space as possible between the front property line and the parking area. The parking area
will have landscape screening and a retaining wall approximately three feet in height.
The next standard, the proposed use will not have significant adverse effects on the livability of
nearby residential uses due to noise, glare from lights, late night operations, odors, and litter.
Regina functions like other school sites, there are occasional evening events, but not late night
hours. In addition they will be providing the screening for the parking and with the addition of the
new access driveway they will be reducing the impact of the parking area in neighborhoods.
Walz next discussed if the proposed use is located in a residential zone or in the central planning
district, it must comply with the multi -family site development standards. Walz stated that because
the addition is on the back of the building they are not held to the standard for buildings. The multi-
family design standards do require that parking is behind the buildings but because this is an
existing site, and given the topography and constraints on the site, they secured a Minor
Modification to allow the parking.
Walz moved onto the General Standards. First, the specific proposed exception will not be
detrimental to or endanger the public health, safety, comfort or general welfare. There will be a
number of improvements to the site with new sidewalk connections through the parking areas.
Walz showed the pedestrian pathways and noted with the larger site there will be a new sidewalk
that will come up the access drive and that will need to be connected to the entrance of the new
addition. Walz reiterated that the goal is to maintain as much green space between the parking
screening and the sidewalks.
The second general standard, the specific proposed exception will not be injurious to the use and
enjoyment of other property in the immediate vicinity and will not substantially diminish or impair
property values in the neighborhood. By maintaining the 20 foot setback for the parking area will
assist with meeting this standard. Walz restated the stormwater runoff issue and how Regina is
working with the City to resolve that issues.
Next, establishment of the specific proposed exception will not impede the normal and orderly
development and improvement of the surrounding property for uses permitted in the zone in which
such property is located. Walz stated that the findings under the first two general criteria meet this.
She noted the City also discussed previously how Regina is an asset to the neighborhood.
Adequate utilities, access roads, drainage and/or necessary facilities have been or are being
provided. Once again the stormwater issues is being addressed, the access drive is addressing
the need to reduce congestion at the Rochester intersection.
General criteria number five is adequate measures have been or will be taken to provide ingress or
egress designed so as to minimize traffic congestion on public streets. Walz reiterated that will be
accomplished through the creation of the new access drive. Walz showed a picture of the area
and explained that the two driveways that are on Rochester Avenue have specific uses. The east
access drive is entrance only and the other is an exiting drive only. That is not a requirement of
the City, it is just what Regina has done for its own circulation needs. Regina is changing that to
Board of Adjustment
May 10, 2017
Page 4 of 9
have both drives entrance and exits and the applicant can address how that will change the
circulation on their site. Walz also explained the pedestrian crossings for access to the school, and
that crossing guards are provided.
Waiz stated with the final two general criteria, first except for the specific regulations and standards
applicable to the exception being considered, the specific proposed exception, in all other respects,
conforms to the applicable regulations or standards of the zone in which it is to be located, there
are a number of things Regina will have to bring up to Code standard (lightening on the building
and parking lot, parking area screening, screening required along driveways, improvement of
stormwater drainage, and sidewalk access to the rear entrance). And finally the proposed use
must be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan as amended. The Comprehensive Plan
encourages educational facilities in residential zones so long as they fit within the neighborhood.
Staff recommends approval of a special exception for the expansion of a general educational
facility to allow a school building addition of approximately 18,500 square feet and expansion of the
parking areas to allow up to 300 parking spaces, subject to the following conditions:
a. Completion of a secondary drive access to First Avenue prior to issuance of a building
permit for the new school addition;
b. Substantial compliance with the plans and elevations submitted with this application;
c. The parking area setback along Rochester Avenue should be set back no less than 20
feet from the street right-of-way line (south property line) in order to preserve as many
mature trees as possible, and mature trees that are removed should be replaced in
consultation with planning staff;
d. North and south parking areas and drives must be brought into conformance with all
parking standards, including paving, screening, shade trees, pedestrian access, and
lighting;
e. Bicycle parking must be provided in conformance with code standards; and
f. Prior to paving of the south parking area (near Rochester Ave), the applicant must submit
a plan to and receive approval from the Park and Recreation Director to address
stormwater runoff concerns at the north end of the Regina property; and
g. Prior to a permit being issued for the building addition, the stormwater plan must be
implemented, inspected, and approved by the Parks and Recreation Director.
The term of this special exception should be extended to 2 years to allow Regina the opportunity
to complete the fundraising for the school expansion.
Goeb asked about the sequence of events. Walz explained Regina would first like to construct the
parking area this summer that would allow them to stage things for both the athletic facility they are
building and for the eventual addition to the school. Then hopefully in the next year to two years
build the addition and once the addition is built finish the improvements to the rear parking area.
Goeb asked when the First Avenue drive is to be completed. Walz said the intent is to do the
access drive as soon as possible, before any other improvements.
Parker asked if Staff was recommending the curb cut be widen or if that was the Applicant. Walz
stated the Applicant was requesting it and to do so they must get a permit from the City Engineer
who will address safety and other issues. It is part of the exception because it is part of the
expansion.
Soglin asked if there would be room for three lanes of traffic with that expanded curb cut and Walz
confirmed there would. The Applicant will address the traffic circulations.
Board of Adjustment
May 10, 2017
Page 5 of 9
Soglin next asked about preserving as many mature trees but there is a notation that the
evergreens will likely be taken out. Walz said some would, but perhaps not all.
Soglin opened the public hearing and asked the Applicant to come forward.
Doug Bottorff (2005 Rochester Court) represents Shive Hattery and is a Regina parent. He stated
they did hold a neighborhood meeting (Soglin stated she did not attend that meeting so there
would be no conflict of interest) and received positive feedback at that meeting. Bottorff
acknowledged the questions about traffic circulation and will also speak about the south parking
lot. He first showed the existing traffic circulation, and explained the drop off points and where
there is congestion. He then showed the proposed new routing which will help alleviate the
congestion and less traffic through the preschool age areas of the school. Additionally there will be
a new dedicate bus drop off area. With the new site circulation they will have 150 cars on First
Avenue in the morning and 200 exiting cars onto North First Avenue in the afternoon, but that
alleviates all those cars from adding to traffic on Rochester Avenue.
Soglin raised concern about the intersection with three lanes (one going in, two out exiting either
left or right) because currently if someone is at the intersection of Rita Lyn Court and Rochester
Avenue they cannot make a left hand turn onto Rochester due to all the traffic exiting Regina. She
also stated concern about the other access point on Rochester Avenue and cars exiting to the east
right into a walkway.
Bottorff showed the traffic counts for the area and noted the new system will alleviate the
concentration of traffic from just one exit.
Soglin noted that widening the curb cut allows for more traffic at that entrance/exit and now there
will be three vehicles maneuvering through the area rather than the current two. Bottorff stated by
widening the curb cut they can accommodate the bus traffic as well. Soglin asked if after this is in
place for a bit and if problems arise they will revisit and Bottorff confirmed that would absolutely
happen.
Goeb asked about the sequence of all the projects. Bottorff said they will begin with the new
access road off First Avenue, then next is the south parking lot and they hope to accomplish both
this summer. The north parking lot modifications will happen with the construction of the addition,
which they plan to start designing this fall.
Bottorff addressed the south parking lot and acknowledged they worked very hard to keep the 20
foot buffer (from the parking lot to the property line) but there is one area on the far east side where
it will only be 19 feet. However by doing that they are saving some trees.
Soglin stated Bottorff has addressed what the preferred traffic flows will be, but there is no
prohibiting mechanism for someone to use whatever entrance/exit they wish. Bottorff confirmed
that was the case, but they will communicate with the parents, students and guests the preferred
traffic flows.
Parker asked if there was any signage for parking along Woodridge Avenue. Walz responded that
the only signage for parking would be what the City puts up, such as prohibiting parking. Parker
asked about special events, to let the public know they can park on Woodridge Avenue. Bottorff
stated they do not use signage to direct parking to Woodridge Avenue or any surrounding
neighborhood.
Board of Adjustment
May 10, 2017
Page 6 of 9
Parker also asked Bottorff to comment on the screening around the retaining wall. Bottorff said
they are required by Code to have 35 plantings with a third of them greater than four feet with no
requirement on where they are. Bottorff said they will meet that requirement. Walz noted that the
screening requirement is for lightening and to designate an area, it is not required to block the view
of the area, so it doesn't have to be a solid screen.
Dave McCauley (420 North First Avenue) and the driveway to his condominium complex will be
right across the road from where the new access road will be. His concern is that First Avenue is
already difficult to get on and off of certain times of the day. He also drives along Rochester
Avenue and feels it is much easier to deal with than First Avenue. On First Avenue traffic is often
backed up all the way down to Hickory Hill Park. He is concerned about adding more traffic to that
area. He questions where the approval for that new access road came from, as it appears to
already be done, but before additional parking is approved for this site it would be beneficial to first
see how the traffic on First Avenue will be affected by this new access road. McCauley referenced
a mailing he received that states the secondary access drive will alleviate the congestion at the
Rochester and First Avenue intersection as only north bound traffic may enter. Walz
acknowledged that was an error, and should read only south bound traffic may enter the access
road. This access road should help with the stacked southbound traffic on First Avenue as any of
the traffic to Regina can turn into Regina at the access road rather than going up to Rochester
Avenue to enter Regina.
Soglin raised the question of where the approval for the drive comes from, as it doesn't come
through this Board. Walz stated that throughout the years Regina has come before this Board for
special exceptions for smaller projects and at each of those meetings the City has stated their
desire for Regina to provide a secondary access as the only way to the site is off Rochester
Avenue. Regina finally has acquired the property needed to achieve the secondary access. Walz
explained that this is a City directive. Soglin asked if it were ever a condition placed on a special
exception granted and Walz confirmed it was not.
Soglin asked if McCauley was able to attend the Good Neighbor Meeting. He said he did not as he
felt that was not the place to state his concern about the driveway and it should be addressed to
this Board and the City not Regina.
Chrischilles asked if McCauley was concerned about peak time traffic in the morning only.
McCauley stated there was concern for afternoon traffic as well. Walz confirmed there is a period
of the morning where First Avenue is quite backed up and the idea is that the access drive will get
those people headed to Regina off First Avenue prior to waiting to turn onto Rochester Avenue.
Soglin closed the public hearing.
Soglin noted that Staff added conditions a -g on the exception and the Board could add another
condition regarding the sidewalk. Parker acknowledged that is covered by the Code. Walz stated
the Code requires either a four or five foot sidewalk but often schools decide to build a wider
sidewalk for their own convenience.
Goeb asked about condition c and if the Board needs to do anything about the "no less than 20
feet" to acknowledge the Applicant admitted one area is only 19 feet. Dulek stated the Board
should acknowledge the 19 feet so it is on record. Walz said it could say "with the exception of an
area on the east end of the parking lot" and that should suffice. Walz said the City is most
concerned with maintaining a sense of screening and separation, and it was more of a goal to
Board of Adjustment
May 10, 2017
Page 7 of 9
preserve the trees to the west. Weitzel pointed out that there aren't many trees at that corner and
being able to save the ones there is important.
Goeb recommends approval of a special exception EXC17-000003 for the expansion of a
general educational facility to allow a school building addition of approximately 18,500
square feet and expansion of the parking areas to allow up to 300 parking spaces, subject
to the following conditions:
a. Completion of a secondary drive access to First Avenue prior to issuance of a
building permit for the new school addition;
b. Substantial compliance with the plans submitted with this application;
c. The parking area setback along Rochester Avenue should be set back no less than
20 feet from the street right-of-way line (south property line - with the exception of a
small area on the east end of the south parking lot) in order to preserve as many
mature trees as possible, and mature trees that are removed should be replaced in
consultation with planning staff;
d. North and south parking areas and drives must be brought into conformance with
all parking standards, including paving, screening, shade trees, pedestrian access,
and lighting;
e. Bicycle parking must be provided in conformance with code standards; and
f. Prior to paving of the south parking area (near Rochester Ave), the applicant must
submit a plan to and receive approval from the Park and Recreation Director to
address stormwater runoff concerns at the north end of the Regina property; and
g. Prior to a permit being issued for the building addition, the stormwater plan must be
implemented, inspected, and approved by the Parks and Recreation Director.
The term of this special exception should be extended to 2 years to allow Regina the
opportunity to complete the fundraising for the school expansion.
Chrischilles seconded the motion.
Weitzel agrees with the motion and added that traffic is always a complicated issue.
Weitzel stated that regarding agenda item EXC17-00003 he concurs with the findings set forth in
the Staff report of May 10, 2017 as amended tonight in the motion, and conclude the general and
specific criteria are satisfied, particularly that the new access drive will help alleviate congestion at
the intersection of Rochester and First Avenues, the parking will be brought into compliance with
design standards, and the request to expand parking beyond the minimum is reasonable based on
information submitted to Staff. So unless amended or opposed by another Board member he
recommends that the Board adopt the findings in the Staff Report as our findings with acceptance
of this proposal.
Soglin added that the Applicant has reached out to the neighbors and neighbors have had
opportunities to share their views.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 5-0.
Soglin stated the motion declared approved, any person who wishes to appeal this decision to a
court of record may do so within 30 days after this decision is filed with the City Clerk's Office.
Board of Adjustment
May 10, 2017
Page 8 of 9
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT INFORMATION
Board update regarding a previously approved special exception (EXC16-00009) allowing
expansion of an existing Quick Vehicle Servicing use located in the Neighborhood Commercial
(CN -1) zone located at 2221 Rochester Avenue. At its April meeting a board member had
requested follow up regarding the site plan that was approved vs. what was actually installed.
Walz showed the site plan approved for the project and what the site looked like prior to the special
exception. The plan did call for reduction in green space but additional screening. Soglin raised
the concern that the screening didn't look correct, there was added rock to the site, as well as
concern about amplified sound from the site. Walz stated that inspectors went out to the site and
issued a violation, the Applicant is in the process of improving the area that was filled in with rock
as well as modifying the area with the dead vegetation. The Applicant has installed the compliant
bicycle parking and turned off the amplified sound at the gas pumps. Additionally the Applicant
moved the sign that was in violation.
ADJOURNMENT:
Goeb moved to adjourn this meeting.
Weitzel seconded the motion.
A vote was taken and the motion passed 5-0
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
ATTENDANCE RECORD
NAME
TERM EXP.
6115
7/13
8/10
9/14
9/21
9130
10/12
1119
12114
1/11
4/12
5/10
PARKER, BRYCE
1/1/2022
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
X
O/E
X
GOEB, CONNIE
1/1/2020
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
CHRISCHILLES, T. GENE
1/1/2019
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
SOGLIN, BECKY
1/1/2018
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
WEITZEL, TIM
1/1/2021
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
KEY: X=Present
0 = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
— = Not a Member
IP12
MINUTES PRELIMINARY
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
MAY 11, 2017
EMMA J. HARVAT HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Thomas Agran, Esther Baker, Kevin Boyd, Zach Builta, Gosia
Clore, Andrew Litton, Pam Michaud, Ginalie Swaim, Frank
Wagner
MEMBERS ABSENT: Sharon DeGraw, Cecile Kuenzli
STAFF PRESENT: Jessica Bristow, Bob Miklo
OTHERS PRESENT: Kate Corcoran, Dan Lammers
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (become effective only after separate Council action)
CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Swaim called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANYTHING NOT ON THE AGENDA:
Swaim stated that Friends of Historic Preservation is having a second garage sale. She said it
will be May 19, 20, and 21 at the Houser -Metzger House. Corcoran from Friends of Historic
Preservation said they are welcoming any items that people would like to donate. She added
that the Parade of Historic Homes will be held on May 28 from 12 to 4.
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS:
812 South Summit Street.
Bristow said this property is the Deluxe Bakery on the south side of the Summit Street Historic
District. She said the property began as a single-family home, and the grocer who lived there
had his grocery in the home. Bristow said the storefront was then built on the side, and the
grocery was moved there.
Bristow said that many things have happened with this property. She said that there was a fiber
arts store in this location, and it is now a bakery.
Bristow said that the current project is to move the circulation between floors to the exterior of
the building, making it easier, safer, and providing a little more room inside the kitchen. She
said this might involve the removal of the window on the back. Bristow said that the window on
the back will be located inside a cooler. She said that just blocking it off on the inside and then
using spandrel glass has been discussed, but she thinks the possibility of removing this window
in the application is a good call, just because this could end up with condensation and other
issues.
Bristow stated that the window is not really part of any kind of alignment or arrangement of
windows. She said it would not make much difference to the back of the house to just remove
it.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
May 11, 2017
Page 2 of 8
Bristow said that the little porch that is around the side also is not original. She said that is the
entry to the apartment on the second floor. Bristow said the proposal includes removing the
porch and the door that is there.
Bristow showed a photograph of the porch and door. She said the new addition will be coming
out of the building in roughly the area of the dashed lines (near the center of the north side).
Bristow showed the windows that will be removed and moved to the exterior of the new addition.
Bristow said the entry to the apartment will no longer be on the back of the building but will be
on the front of the addition. She said it will give the apartment kind of a street presence.
Bristow showed the plans and showed a drawing of the new addition on the side. She showed
the stairs coming in, the open porch, and where the tenant will go up to the second floor.
Bristow showed the area where some remodeling will be done, because of the fact that the
basement stairs are in the vicinity and need work. She said that a lot of the impetus for the
project has to do with the safety and ease of transporting products needed for the bakery.
Bristow showed where the coolers go and where the second floor entry is. She showed the
stairs going up that will be removed. Bristow showed how the basement under the bakery
would be accessed.
Bristow showed the view from the north. She said that only the next door neighbor will actually
ever be able to see this view, because of the proximity of the houses. Bristow said they have
worked on coming up with a T-shaped plan. She said the addition is just another gable end that
will be projecting off of the north. Bristow said it has been kept under the ridge of the main
house, because it looked too overpowering when it was the same height. She said that
changes the slope of the roof on the new addition, and that is acceptable because it is a
subordinate addition to the house.
Bristow said this would have the same lap siding that is found on the rest of the house. She
showed the two windows that will be moved out. Bristow said there will be some kind of shed
roof over the new apartment entry.
Bristow said the addition will be about 18 inches shorter than the main house. She said it will
have matching roof material. Bristow said that because of the stair arrangement, the door is off
to the side a little bit. She said this is acceptable in such a small projection.
Bristow said the materials should all match the existing. She said there is a change that the
owners might do some siding repair and fixing things on the main building as they go along.
Bristow said the recommended motion for this includes approval of the door product information
by staff and chair, as well as the design of the entry canopy roof at the new apartment entry.
She said they would not want to have something where the sloped gable end is flat and flush
with the fascia on the roof side. Bristow said that they could project it beyond a little bit, and
they are also looking at an example where it actually is open in the triangular area. She said
that working out exactly what the roofline does at this entry canpoy is something that could be
reviewed by staff and chair.
Michaud asked how many away feet away from the lot line the proposed stair tower would be.
Bristow said they have to maintain the three-foot setback. She asked Lammers if there would
have to be a minor modification approved for this.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
May 11, 2017
Page 3 of 8
Lammers stated that he works for Lammers Construction. He responded that this has to remain
at the five-foot offset from the property line. Lammers said that right now that allows them to
have approximately an eight -foot wide addition. He said he would like to pull it up as close as
possible so that there is adequate room inside.
As far as the setback from Summit Street, Lammers said that will kind of depend on where one
can enter the second floor and also where it goes down into the basement. He said those stairs
have to be set up, and it won't be centered on the north side but will be moved back toward the
east, probably about three feet off center.
Corcoran said she lives near this house in the same neighborhood. She said this request by the
owner was part of another request that was made to the Planning and Zoning Commission to
zone this commercial.
Corcoran said she believes this use was grandfathered in long ago. She said it was a grocery
store in the 50s and has always had a commercial use. Corcoran said the owner recently
requested that the property have a full zoning change to commercial so that she could put in an
accessible entrance. She said that overall the owner wants to improve the building. Corcoran
said it is really a neighborhood center for those who live in the area.
MOTION: Baker moved to approve a certificate of appropriateness for the project at 812
South Summit Street as presented in the application with the following conditions: door
product information for the addition to be approved by staff and chair and roof design for
the apartment entry to be approved by staff and chair. Clore seconded the motion. The
motion carried on a vote of 9-0 (DeGraw and Kuenzli absent).
8 Bella Vista Place
Bristow showed a photograph of the house with some of the recent front work done. She said
this application is for work on the back. Bristow showed a sketch of the plan.
Bristow said that in 2004, the Commission approved an alteration for this house that was looked
at when the Commission approved the work for the front. She said that included a low brick wall
and more extensive patio. Bristow said that some of that work will occur now, after many years
of delay.
Bristow said the current application is to remove the existing garage, which is on and possibly
over the property line to the south, and replace it with a two -car garage with a breezeway
connection to the house at the kitchen door. She said the application includes plans to reinstall
and rebuild the entry canopy over the central back door that goes down into the basement and
put a porch roof over the raised porch that is in the back.
Bristow showed a photograph of the garage as seen from the front of the house. She said the
garage was built about five years after the house. Bristow said it is an historic garage but does
not have much character and has been altered. She said the garage is very small and very
boxy. Bristow said the garage bricks do not match the house, and the garage roof overhang
and slope do not match the house. She said it does not share any combination of
characteristics that would make it work with the house. Bristow said the garage exists, but it
could be improved.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
May 11, 2017
Page 4 of 8
Bristow showed a photograph of the back of the house. She showed where the breezeway
would connect to the back kitchen door. Bristow showed where the new entry canopy over the
back door would be re -installed. She showed a roofline on the back of the house that
delineates where at one time there was a screen porch on the back of the house. Bristow said
the proposal is to put a roof back over the porch.
Bristow stated that the bricks would clad the concrete at the back porch. She said the design
will also include columns that would work with the design of the second floor porch columns so
that they are tied together.
Bristow showed a side view from the north, as one is looking back toward the garage and the
house. She said the new garage will be moved seven feet closer, and it will also be larger with
the breezeway connection.
Bristow showed a drawing of what is basically the same view but also showing the side of the
house. She said there is now a brick that was found when the front work was done that is a
pretty good match for the brick on the house. Bristow said on the garage there will be brick with
a stone band and stucco in roughly the same proportion as on the house.
Bristow said the breezeway would have a door to the north. She said it will be mostly open
windows and glass, following the language of some of the other windows on the house. Bristow
pointed out the columns on the porch again, which will be designed to kind of match the
columns on the second floor.
Bristow showed a view from the back, which shows the small garage and the garage clearly
going over the property line. She said the new garage will be moved a full seven feet off of the
property line, which will also be good for the neighboring property owners.
Bristow pointed out the new garage with some kind of painted wood, carriage -style paneled
door, but not paneled as modern doors would be. She said it is not yet known what the door
would be, so that would be one of the conditions - approval of the door and window product
information. Bristow said the applicant has talked about using Jeld-Wen Windows, which would
be appropriate here.
Bristow showed the railing and columns to be on the back porch, with the brick around the
bottom of the concrete slab.
Bristow said the conditions she would add to this include approval of the window and the door
product material. She said staff has been discussing the configuration of the canopy over the
rear entry. Bristow said that how the roofline is designed should also be approved by staff and
chair.
Agran said there have been discussions about people asking to remove garages in Goose
Town and in the North Side area. He said that it has been very difficult if not impossible for
them to remove those garages. Male said this project sounds great and he agrees that this
would be a nicer garage, but when people approach Commission members about trying to build
something nicer, there is a precedence of having to retain the garage somewhere else on the
property. He said this case sets up an interesting precedent.
Miklo stated that, over a longer period of time, the Commission has approved similar situations
where a one -car garage has been removed for a two -car garage. He said that for one particular
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
May 11, 2017
Page 5 of 8
case in Goose Town, the owners wanted to remove their garage and not replace it. Miklo said
the distinction there is that garages often add to the value of a property and make it more
attractive to owners as well as renters. He said that in some situations, garages kind of form a
demarcation and help divide properties, almost like a privacy fence.
Miklo said that approving this would not be a precedent. He said that in the long term, the
Commission has approved similar applications. Miklo said that some of the other garages the
Commission has looked at have had some unique or special characteristics, whereas this one
does not.
Agran said that is what he thought was important in this situation. He said that this garage did
not originally look this way and that the brick cladding happened much later. Agran said the
Commission usually discusses whether a structure is contributing so that rather than saying he
does not think this garage is all that great, it is important to use language to describe this based
on the kinds of determinations the Commission makes. He said that because of alterations to
the garage, it is not as much of a contributing structure, and the original, historic integrity of the
building is no longer intact so that this replacement seems like a logical change.
Michaud said she understands maintaining the proportion of stucco to brick on the garage
addition. She said, however, that the garage will be about the height of the brick on the main
house so that it might look more unified to have the brick all the way up. Michaud said it might
look more substantial.
Swaim said she disagreed in that she sees the stucco and the brick as a defining characteristic
of this house. She said it seems that the garage as proposed would have a similar proportion of
the brick and the stucco as the house.
Agran said he thinks that by connecting the buildings with the breezeway, it really puts them
much more in conversation with each other rather than having the garage be an independent,
subservient structure. He said he agrees with Swaim that it puts the garage in more of an
architectural conversation with the building.
Boyd asked Bristow to review what would be proposed for staff and chair review. Bristow
suggested that it would include doors, including the garage door, and windows; and the roofline
at the entry canopy. Miklo said there would likely be two motions: one to allow the demolition of
the garage and the second to approve the proposed work.
MOTION: Agran moved to approve the demolition of the garage at 8 Bella Vista Place.
Baker seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 8-0 (DeGraw and Kuenzli
absent, Wanner abstaining).
Wagner stated that the brick used for the repair work on the front is actually reclaimed brick
from a school house near Dubuque, Iowa.
MOTION: Boyd moved to approve a certificate of appropriateness for the project at 8
Bella Vista Place, as presented in the application, with the following conditions: all
windows and doors, including the garage doors; and the roofline at the entry canopy to
have staff and chair approval. Baker seconded the motion. The motion carried on a
vote of 8-0 (DeGraw and Kuenzli absent, Wagner abstaining).
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
May 11, 2017
Page 6 of 8
619 North Johnson Street
Bristow stated that this house is almost at the south end of the Brown Street Historic District on
Johnson Street. She said this was probably a Queen Anne house with that entry porch original.
Bristow said the house has been purchased by the University Partnership and will have some
work done on it.
Bristow said that as part of the current work, some windows will be replaced. She said the
sashes are not that bad, but the stud pocket between the two windows where the weights go is
so rotten that the City thinks it might go to the first floor. Bristow said that another window is so
far out of square that the sash, once the window is opened, requires a hammer to move it back
down. She said she therefore finds the replacement of this pair of windows to be completely
acceptable.
Bristow showed a location on the second floor where there is a window that also should be
replaced. She stated that the sill in the frame of the window is rotten. Bristow said that all of the
windows seem to be original and some will remain.
Bristow said that some of the railing is missing, so that will all be replaced. She said staff has
suggested using just square spindles so that they look a little more substantial.
Bristow said that the house has vinyl siding, which is going to remain at this point. She said that
on the north side, where there is a narrow driveway, it is possible that the applicants may want
to replace the window so that they can have something with a higher sill for a kitchen counter to
go under the window. Bristow said that work might not happen, but the applicants would like
approval for that, if possible.
Bristow stated that in the back of the house, there is a door, stair, and canopy that would go in
and go to a stair that goes up to the second floor. She said that this is completely unnecessary
now, so the proposal is to completely remove it. Bristow showed an entry that goes to the
basement and said that it will remain for now. She showed the other entry to the back of the
house.
Bristow said the applicants are surveying the property to find out exactly where the property line
is. She said there is a retaining wall here that is degraded and also a problem with the fence.
Bristow said that once the property line is determined, the retaining wall and the fence will be
rebuilt.
Bristow said she believes window materials should be approved by staff. Swaim asked to see
the image of the back of the property with the deck -like structure and asked if it will remain.
Bristow said that it will remain for now. She added that the back yard is paved with paver
stones; there is no grass.
Swaim asked about the deck near the fence on the far left and if that also needs to stay.
Bristow said the deck wraps all the way around. She said that currently, all of that is going to
remain.
Swaim said it is interesting that the fish scale is still there. Bristow agreed and said that there is
gable on all four sides with fish scale in that. Swaim asked if the shutters will remain. Bristow
said she suggested to the applicants that the shutters should be removed, since they are only
on two windows.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
May 11, 2017
Page 7 of 8
MOTION: Boyd moved to approve a certificate of appropriateness for the project at 619
North Johnson Street as presented in the application with the following conditions: door
product information to be approved by staff and window product information to be
approved by staff. Clore seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 9-0
(DeGraw and Kuenzli absent).
REPORTS ON CERTIFICATES ISSUED BY CHAIR AND STAFF:
Certificate of No Material Effect - Chair and Staff Review.
1132 East Burlington Street.
Bristow said that this project moved from minor review status to certificate of no material effect,
because windows planned for replacement will now just be repaired.
Minor Review - Staff Review.
640 South Lucas Street.
Bristow said the project involves a long railing and stair. She said the owner has a pre -cast
concrete stair with no landing. Bristow said there will be a wood stair with a wood railing, and
the lower railing will be replaced with black -painted aluminum railing that has a lot of the same
feel as a typical wood railing.
MOTION: Baker moved to approve the minutes of the Historic Preservation Commission's April
13, 2017 meeting, as written. Michaud seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of
9-0 (DeGraw and Kuenzli absent).
COMMISSION INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION:
Preservation Summit - Fort Dodge, IA - June 8-10, 2017.
Bristow asked any Commission members interested in attending to let her know.
Unitarian Universalist Church and the Augusta Place Development.
Bristow referred to the Press -Citizen article on the Unitarian Church. She showed a rendering
of the development with the church in place and another further down Iowa Avenue looking
straight at the townhouse.
Swaim said the article notes that the building will be called Augusta Place, named after Augusta
Chapin, a pioneer woman minister in the United States.
Bristow said that the first thing the developer has to do is to make this a local landmark, which
will come before the Commission at some point.
Bristow said that June 15 is a date change for the June meeting because of the Preservation
Summit. She said that the meeting will be in the Helling Conference Room.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:08 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Anne Schulte
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2016-2017
NAME
TERM
EXP.
5112
6/9
7114
8111
918
10113
11/10
1218
1/12
2/9
3/9
4/13
5/11
AGRAN, THOMAS
7/1117
X
X
O/E
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
BAKER, ESTHER
7/1/18
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
BOYD, KEVIN
711/17
--
—
—
—
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
BUILTA, ZACH
7/1119
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
O/E
X
CLORE, GOSIA
7/1/17
X
O/E
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
DEGRAW, SHARON
7/1/19
X
X
X
0/E
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
KUENZLI, CECILE
7/1/19
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
0/E
X
X
O/E
LITTON, ANDREW
7/1/17
O/E
O/E
X
O/E
X
X
O/E
O/E
X
X
X
O/E
X
MICHAUD, PAM
7/1/18
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
SWAIM, GINALIE
7/1/18
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
0/E
O/E
X
X
X
X
WAGNER, FRANK
7/1118
X
X
X
X
X
0/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
— = Not a Member