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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 MJ^� 'O%'U" 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 r 1 APs ®6c I `m13 `i wr®IIT 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! News and Updates from the Johnson County Is this email not displaying Affordable Housing Coalition! correctly? View it in Your browser. 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. A huge THANK YOU to our sponsors! Copyright @ 2017 Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you signed up at an event or meeting. Our mailing address is: 1 0 Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition 205 Black Springs Circle Iowa City, IA 52246 Add us to Your address book unsubscribe from this list I update subscription Preferences I view email in browser 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