HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-08-17 Info PacketAmp
-wI ,
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET
CITY OF IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org August 17, 2017
IP1 Council Tentative Meeting Schedule
MISCELLANEOUS
IP2 Copy of article from City Manager: A professor who's also a mayor examines the issues
surrounding off -campus housing (essay)
IP3 Memo from Neighborhood Services Coordinator: Flood Buy -Out Summary, 100th
Property Purchased
IP4 Bar Check Report: July, 2017
IP5 Civil Service Entrance Examination: Maintenance Worker I — Streets
DRAFT MINUTES
IP6 Planning and Zoning Commission: August 3
CITY OF IOWA CITY
Date
City Council Tentative Meeting Schedule 08-17-1
IP1
Subject to change .1 J
August 17, 2017
Time Meeting
Tuesday, September 5, 2017
5:00 PM
Work Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Tuesday, September 19, 2017
5:00 PM
Work Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
5:00 PM
Work Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Monday, October 16, 2017
4:00 PM
Reception
Emma J. Harvat Hall
4:30 AM
Joint Entities Meeting
Tuesday, October 17, 2017
5:00 PM
Work Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
5:00 PM
Work Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Tuesday, November 21, 2017
5:00 PM
Work Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Tuesday, December 5, 2017
5:00 PM
Work Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Tuesday, December 19, 2017
5:00 PM
Work Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
A professor who's also a mayor examines the issues surrounding off -campus housing (ess... Page 1 of 5
08-17-17
From City Manager MIP2
(https://www.insidehiahered.com)
A professor who's also a mayor examines the issues
surrounding off -campus housing (essay)
Submitted by Kate Rousmaniere on August 10, 2017 - 3:OOam
It's the end of summer, and residents of college towns across the country are bracing
themselves for the onslaught. Within a few weeks, the population of my town will more than
double. Our now peaceful streets will be clogged with cars and bicycles. The gentle sounds
of cicadas and chirping birds will be replaced by student parties and the deep bass from
students' cars. Lawns and sidewalks will become adorned with discarded furniture, moving
boxes and empty beer cans. The local police will begin their annual patrol for underage
drinking and noise violations.
Thus continues another academic cycle. But one aspect is sorely underreported and widely
misunderstood by observers of contemporary higher education: the story of off -campus
student housing.
As mayor of the college town of Oxford, Ohio, as well as a 25 -year resident of the town and
a professor at Miami University, I have seen the breadth of this topic, particularly in my past
six years serving on city council and two years as mayor. The problems of off -campus
housing are comparative in seriousness to any other crucial issue concerning college
campuses and municipalities and speak directly to the relationship of higher education
institutions to their communities.
Two-thirds of all college students live in off -campus housing. They live in large groups in old
family houses; in smaller groups in refitted apartments in such houses; in modern apartment
complexes complete with swimming pools, mini theaters, exercise rooms and party
clubhouses; in rooming houses where they rent individual rooms; and in modern condos that
they or their parents buy for the duration of their college career. Students choose to live
near their gym, their lab or the local strip of college bars. In many college towns, like my
own, they live in densely populated regions of town where virtually all of their neighbors are
their peers -- living, partying and enjoying a community of their own making.
At many colleges and universities, students live off campus their entire four years. At others,
like the one where I work, residency requirements keep students on the campus for their
first two years, and then they are all but required to live off campus. Due to the shortage of
residence hall housing, there simply is no room for juniors and seniors. Those students, who
have spent two years under the watchful eye of trained student affairs hall directors, are now
https://www.insidehighered.com/print/views/2017/08/1 0/professor-whos-also-mayor-exam... 8/14/2017
A professor who's also a mayor examines the issues surrounding off -campus housing (ess... Page 2 of 5
sent out to sign their own lease, do their own housekeeping, uphold the law and learn how
to live with neighbors.
And they do this largely on their own, joining a century -long tradition of higher education
neglect.
This phenomenon is not new: American college students have always lived off
campus. Indeed, well through the mid -20th century, most college students did, as few
institutions had the economic capacity to develop residence halls. Furthermore, the concept
of college as a total institution of social and personal growth did not exist. Only with
enrollment booms in the years after World War II did most colleges develop purposeful on -
campus residential programs, aided in large part by increased state and federal funding for
housing and by the emerging student affairs profession.
As on -campus residence life programming increased, colleges and universities largely
ignored the many students who still lived off the campus to the extent that in 1959, the newly
organized Association of College and University Housing Officers called off -campus housing
"the neglected stepchild of university life." The 1960s and 70s saw an explosion of off -
campus housing, due to high interest rates and decreasing state and federal funding that led
to the virtual freezing of residence -hall construction, and students' increased interest in
social freedom. As students flooded the local housing markets, universities developed a
tricky dance of claiming that off -campus housing was not their responsibility, even if they
provided recommendations and guidance for housing rentals through small off -campus
housing offices.
Myriad Issues
Today, off -campus housing remains largely a neglected stepchild, raising a legion of issues,
circling around the main question of institutional responsibility beyond the campus. Who
supervises students in an environment designed for limited adult supervision? What is the
legal and moral responsibility of the institution over the student who attends class on
campus but lives in private housing off campus? Who should bear the cost of city services
such as garbage pickup and police and emergency services demanded of high-density off -
campus student neighborhoods, particularly as the institution's property is tax-exempt?
In a college town, one of the most contentious community issues is the saturation of the
housing market with student -oriented housing at the expense of family and moderate -
income housing. Common concerns in my community include the deterioration of lovely old
homes now packed with student renters and the increased litter and noise in high -student -
density areas. In recent years, large for-profit student housing development corporations
have entered college towns to take advantage of broad zoning codes to build housing that is
by definition "single family" but designed with college students as the primary audience
(small bedrooms, small kitchen, large living room and youth -oriented services like weight
rooms, pools and buses to the campus). My city's housing market is unnaturally shaped for
college students: a four-bedroom house often lists its rents by semester, and a single room
in that unit may cost as much as $1,000 a month.
In addition, off -campus house parties have become a significant health and safety issue in
college towns. While bars are considered the favored coin of the realm of college drinking,
huge and unsupervised house parties have proven to be more dangerous and costly in
human life as well as institutional reputation.
https : //www. insidehighered. comlprint/views/2017/08/ 10/professor-who s -al so -mayor -exam... 8/14/2017
A professor who's also a mayor examines the issues surrounding off -campus housing (ess... Page 3 of 5
The increasing danger of off -campus house parties may be the crisis that lurches colleges
and universities into paying more attention to off -campus life. According to the National
Institutes of Health, almost 2,000 college students between the ages of 18 and 24 die every
year from alcohol-related unintentional injuries, including car crashes. While the national
data do not distinguish location, a simple search of news sources reveals that many student
tragedies happen at unsupervised off -campus parties (including an increasing number of
shootings, stabbings and serious injuries from party brawls).
While such behavior on campuses leads to strong administrative responses, off -campus
student behavior is largely left to city first responders to manage: after all, legal violations in
the city are the city's responsibility, whoever the violator is. Although students are held
accountable for off -campus actions under federal guidelines, such as the 1990 Clery Act,
and many college and university codes of conduct, the organization and supervision of off -
campus student housing remains legally tenuous. Institutions are often hesitant to get
involved with the off -campus housing process for fear of appearing to endorse off -campus
properties, thereby putting the institution at risk for liability or appearing to favor any
particular landlord.
In staffing matters, too, institutions maintain a hands-off attitude. At my university, the off -
campus office consists of a single staff member, half of whose time is assigned to other
duties in student affairs. That person helps 8,000 students coordinate their off -campus
housing, while the on -campus residence life offices that supervises the other 8,000 students
who live on the campus consists of 12 full-time professionals, plus residence hall assistants
and full-time directors in each residence hall.
The work of off -campus housing staff is more than just managing housing issues for
students but also involves reaching across the institution and the community, working with
the student judicial and health and wellness offices, campus security and local police, city
officials, landlords, and lawyers and psychologists.
Fortunately, colleges and towns have begun to address what many see as the Wild West of
off -campus housing. At the annual International Town and Gown Association meeting earlier
this summer, over 200 institutional and city representatives from college towns across North
America and England met for three days at the University of Oregon to pick one another's
brains for strategies for addressing these and other problems.
Some suggested common strategies specifically for off -campus housing issues include:
• Back -to -school walkabouts when community members and local police visit off -
campus housing with information about parking, garbage, safety and residential
courtesy.
• Off -campus housing webpages hosted by the university that provide advice to
students as they prepare to move off campus, including education in tenant rights and
city safety codes.
• Party registration practices where off -campus party hosts might receive donated
water and snacks and a pass from the police on their first violation in exchange for
preliminary training in health and safety measures.
• Community ambassador programs such as a joint "party patrols" of student and
community volunteers to visit off -campus parties, offering advice, an adult face and
ideally a calming presence at parties that often surge to hundreds of students and are
fueled by free drugs and alcohol. Some universities identify off -campus student
https://www.insidehighered.com/print/views/2017/08/10/professor-whos-also-mayor-exam... 8/14/2017
A professor who's also a mayor examines the issues surrounding off -campus housing (ess... Page 4 of 5
senators who provide neighborhoods with information about theft prevention and
housing safety, and sponsor ice cream socials for permanent residents and local
renters to meet.
Rezoned neighborhoods that adjoin the university to higher density, with specific
guidelines to encourage student housing to concentrate in certain neighborhoods,
leaving other areas free for the development of single-family home ownership.
The challenges that off -campus housing raise for both institutions and college towns can
only be solved by the development of positive relationships between the college or
university and the city. Both formal and informal arrangements ease some of this strain:
some universities, like my own, make PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) payments for a
specific city need -- for example, an ambulance or fire truck -- and share expenses on town -
gown events and staff. In our city, university employees pay a city income tax that
contributes to the bulk of the city budget.
In fact, the relationship between Oxford and Miami University is becoming a model of best
practices. As mayor, I work closely with the university president on issues of student
conduct, economic development of the city and other partnerships. We have nurtured an
active town -gown team, with a core group consisting of the city department heads and
university deans and directors, focused on building relationships between the city and the
university. The group expands to include participants from our local hospital, school district,
chamber of commerce and university athletics department, as well as the city and university
police forces.
A significant result of our work is what we call the Good Neighbor Policy for students who
live in the city. It links police reports with the dean of students so that, after continued
violations of city ordinances, students must meet with city and university officials and a
community member to discuss the challenges of off -campus living and design solutions.
Some of those are as simple as directing students to the local hardware store to buy more
garbage cans or to designate a house member to monitor a party's noise level. In such
meetings, students often express relief for some guidance, as student house parties can
easily get out of control and prove costly to the hosts who might have originally just wanted
a few friends to come over to socialize.
The work of town -gown relations recognizes that the presence of students in off -campus
housing extends the boundary of the campus in ways that city and college policy and law
are still trying to formulate. Both entities share a role in reframing the story of off -campus
housing, which cuts to the heart of the purpose of higher education: how to educate young
adults in independent and responsible living inside and outside the classroom and campus.
Kate Rousmaniere is a professor of educational leadership at Miami University and mayor of
the city of Oxford, Ohio.
Editorial Tags:
Town -gown relations pi
Image Caption:
Oxford, Ohio
Is this diversity newsletter?:
Is this Career Advice newsletter?:
https://www.insidehighered.com/print/views/2017/08/1 0/professor-whos-also-mayor-exam... 8/14/2017
A professor who's also a mayor examines the issues surrounding off -campus housing (ess... Page 5 of 5
Source URL: https://www.insidehighered.com/views/2017/08/10/professor-whos-also-mayor-examines-issues-
surrounding-campus-housing-essay?width=775&height=500&iframe=true
Links:
[1] https://www.insidehighered.com/taxonomy/term/342
undefined
undefined
https://www.insidehighered.comlprint/views/2017/08/ 10/professor-whos-also-mayor-exam... 8/14/2017
08-17-17
® CITY OF IOWA CITY IP3
MEMORANDUM
Date: August 11, 2017
To: Geoff Fruin, City Manager
From: Tracy Hightshoe, Neighborhood Services Coordinator
Re: Flood Buy -Out Summary, 100th Property Purchased
Following the devastating floods of 2008, the City implemented a long term plan to mitigate
future flood damage along the Iowa River floodplain. The City purchases property or vacant,
but developable lots, and deed restricts the land to public green space for perpetuity. Property
acquisition and demolition is the most permanent form of flood hazard mitigation. On August 3,
2017 the City purchased its 100th property, 608 Normandy Drive, as part of the City's efforts to
permanently remove residents in flood -prone areas out of harm's way.
Working with various state and federal agencies the City contributed a little over $300,000 in
City funds to leverage over $25 million in state and federal funds to purchase and demolish
floodplain properties. The buyouts are completely voluntary. The property owner must consent
to the sale to qualify for federal and state funds. To date, 90 homes in Parkview Terrace, 6
homes and/or vacant lots on Taft Speedway and 4 homes adjacent to Creekside Park (Ralston
Creek floodplain) have been acquired through Community Disaster Grant, Hazard Mitigation
Grant Program and Community Development Block Grant funds. All acquired homes have
been demolished except for the most recent two and the Ned Ashton House. The two recently
acquired homes will be demolished by November. The Ned Ashton House, listed on the
National Register of Historic Places, has been preserved by the City. It is now used as an event
center, accommodating up to 100 people for meetings, reunions, parties, weddings and
receptions.
All the homes and lots acquired on Taft Speedway and adjacent to Creekside Park were in the
100 -year floodplain. Eight homes on Taft Speedway remain in the floodplain. In Parkview
Terrace, the City purchased 90 homes in the floodplain. Approximately 11 homes remain in the
100 -year floodplain and 30 remain in the 500 -year floodplain. The two attached maps identify
the purchased properties and the source of funds used.
The City recently signed a purchase agreement for 881 Park Place. The City will acquire this
property and demolish the home with City general funds due to its proximity to City Park's
entrance off Manor Drive. The City will continue to seek grant opportunities that allow us to
mitigate potential losses on the Iowa River floodplain, while expanding and enhancing City Park.
08-17-1
Iowa City Police Department and University of Iowa DPS IP4
Bar Check Report - July, 2017
The purpose of the Bar Check Report is to track the performance of Iowa City liquor license establishments in
monitoring their patrons for violations of Iowa City's ordinances on Possession of Alcohol Under the Legal Age
(PAULA) and Persons Under the Legal Age in Licensed or Permitted Establishments (Under 21). Bar checks are
defined by resolution as an officer -initiated check of a liquor establishment for PAULA or other alcohol related
violations. This includes checks done as part of directed checks of designated liquor establishments, and checks
initiated by officers as part of their routine duties. It does not include officer responses to calls for service.
The bar check ratios are calculated by dividing the number of citations issued to the patrons at that
establishment during the relevant period of time by the number of bar checks performed during the same period
of time. The resulting PAULA ratio holds special significance to those establishments with exception certificates,
entertainment venue status, or split venues, in that they risk losing their special status if at any time their PAULA
ratio exceeds .25 for the trailing 12 months. Note, while the resolution requires that bar checks and citations of
the University of Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) be included in these statistics, the DPS ceased performing
bar checks and issuing these citations to patrons in May of 2014.
Previous 12 Months Top 10
Under 21 Citations PAULA Citations
Business Name Visits Citations Ratio Business Name Visits Citations
Union Bar
Summit. [The]
Eden Lounge
Sports Column
DC's
Bo -James
Pints
Martini's
Fieldhouse
Airliner
Union Bar
100
85
Summit. [The]
64
31
Sports Column
68
25
Fieldhouse
59
16
Airliner
31
7
Eden Lounge
43
6
DC's
59
7
Martini's
30
3
Brothers Bar & Grill, [It's]
92
7
Blue Moose—
25
1
Only those establishments with at least 10 bar checks are listed in the chart above.
Current Month Top 10
Under 21 Citations PAULA Citations
Ratio
0.8500000
0.4843750
0.3676471
0.2711864
0.2258065
0.1395349
0.1186441
0.1000000
0.0760870
0.0400000
Business Name
Visits Citations
Ratio
Business Name
Visits
Citations
Ratio
Summit. [The]
3
5
1.6666667
Airliner
3
3
1.0000000
Bardot Iowa
1
1
1.0000000
Fieldhouse
7
5
0.7142857
Martini's
2
1
0.5000000
Martini's
2
1
0.5000000
Vine Tavern, [The]
2
1
0.5000000
Vine Tavern, [The]
2
1
0.5000000
Union Bar
6
2
0.3333333
Sports Column
6
2
0.3333333
Fieldhouse
7
2
0.2857143
Summit. [The]
3
1
0.3333333
— exception to 21 ordinance Page 1 of 5
Iowa City Police Department
and University of Iowa DPS
Bar Check Report - July, 2017
Possession of Alcohol Under the Legal Age (PAULA) Under 21 Charges
Numbers are reflective of Iowa City Police activity and University of Iowa Police Activity
Business Name
Monthly Totals
Bar
Checks Under2l PAULA
Prev 12 Month Totals
Bar
Checks Under2l PAULA
Under 21 PAULA
Ratio Ratio
(Prev 12 Mo (Prev 12 Mo)
2 Dogs Pub
0
0
0
2
0
0
0 0
Airliner
3
0
3
31
5
7
0.1612903 0.2258065
American Legion
0
0
0
Bardot Iowa
1
1
0
9
1
0
0.1111111 0
Baroncini—
0
0
0
Basta
0
0
0
Big Grove Brewery
1
0
0
4
0
0
0 0
Blackstone—
0
0
0
1
0
0
0 0
Blue Moose—
0
0
0
25
2
1
0.08 0.04
Bluebird Diner
0
0
0
Bo -James
1
0
0
11
3
0
0.2727273 0
Bread Garden Market & Bakery
0
0
0
Brothers Bar & Grill, [It's]
4
0
0
92
11
7
0.1195652 0.076087
Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar'
0
0
0
Cactus 2 Mexican Grill (314 E Burlington)
0
0
0
4
0
0
0 0
Cactus Mexican Grill (245 s. Gilbert)
0
0
0
6
0
8
0 1.3333333
Caliente Night Club
1
0
0
2
0
0
0 0
Carl & Ernie's Pub & Grill
0
0
0
2
0
0
0 0
Carlos O'Kelly's—
0
0
0
Chipotle Mexican Grill
0
0
0
Clarion Highlander Hotel
0
0
0
Clinton St Social Club
0
0
0
Club Car, [The]
0
0
0
2
0
0
0 0
Coach's Corner
0
0
0
1
0
0
0 0
Colonial Lanes—
0
0
0
— exception to 21 ordinance Page 2 of 5
Business Name
Monthly Totals
Bar Under2l PAULA
Checks
Prev 12 Month Totals
Bar Under2l PAULA
Checks
Under2l PAULA
Ratio Ratio
(Prev 12 Mo) (Prey 12- Mo)
Dave's Foxhead Tavern 0
0 0
DC's 1
0 0
59
18
7
0.3050847 0.1186441
Deadwood, [The] 0
0 0
1
0
0
0 0
Donnelly's Pub 0
0 0
Dublin Underground, [The] 0
0 0
3
0
0
0 0
Eagle's, [Fraternal Order of] 0
0 0
Eden Lounge 5
0 0
43
22
6
05116279 0.1395349
EI Banditos 0
0 0
EI Cactus Mexican Cuisine 0
0 0
EI Dorado Mexican Restaurant 0
0 0
EI Patron 0
0 0
1
0
0
0 0
EI Ranchero Mexican Restaurant 0
0 0
Elks #590, [BPO] 0
0 0
Englert Theatre— 0
0 0
Fieldhouse 7
2 5
59
13
16
0.220339 0.2711864
FilmScene 0
0 0
First Avenue Club— 1
0 0
3
0
0
0 0
Formosa Asian Cuisine— 0
0 0
Gabes— 0
0 0
8
0
0
0 0
George's Buffet 0
0 0
Givanni's— 0
0 0
Graze— 0
0 0
Grizzly's South Side Pub 0
0 0
1
0
0
0 0
Hilltop Lounge, [The] 0
0 0
2
0
0
0 0
Howling Dogs Bistro 0
0 0
IC Ugly's 0
0 0
4
0
0
0 0
India Cafe 0
0 0
Jimmy Jack's Rib Shack 0
0 0
Jobsite 0
0 0
3
0
0
0 0
Joe's Place 0
0 0
15
0
0
0 0
Joseph's Steak House— 0
0 0
Los Portales 0
0 0
exception to 21 ordinance Page 3 of 5
Business Name
Monthlv Totals
Bar Under2l PAULA
Checks
Prev 12 Month Totals
Bar Under2l PAULA
Checks
Under2l PAULA
Ratio Ratio
(Prev 12 Mo) (Prev 12 Mo)
Martini's
2
1
1
30
7
3
0.2333333
0.1
Masala
0
0
0
Mekong Restaurant—
0
0
0
Micky's—
0
0
0
Mill Restaurant, [The]—
0
0
0
Moose, [Loyal Order of]
0
0
0
Mosleys
0
0
0
Motley Cow Cafe
0
0
0
Noodles & Company—
0
0
0
Old Capitol Brew Works
0
0
0
One -Twenty -Six
0
0
0
Orchard Green Restaurant—
0
0
0
Oyama Sushi Japanese Restaurant
0
0
0
Pagliai's Pizza—
0
0
0
Panchero's (Clinton St)—
0
0
0
Panchero's Grill (Riverside Dr)—
0
0
0
Pints
0
0
0
28
7
1
0.25
0.0357143
Pit Smokehouse
0
0
0
Pizza Arcade
0
0
0
Pizza Hut—
0
0
0
Quinton's Bar & Deli
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
Ridge Pub
0
0
0
Riverside Theatre—
0
0
0
Saloon—
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
Sam's Pizza
0
0
0
Sanctuary Restaurant, [The]
0
0
0
Shakespeare's
0
0
0
Sheraton
0
0
0
Short's Burger & Shine—
0
0
0
Short's Burger Eastside
0
0
0
Sports Column
6
0
2
68
21
25
0.3088235
03676471
Studio 13
0
0
0
3
0
0
0
0
exception to 21 ordinance Page 4 of 5
Business Name
Monthlv Totals
Bar Under2l PAULA
Checks
Prev 12 Month Totals
Bar Under2l PAULA
Checks
Under2l PAULA
Ratio Ratio
(Prev 12 Mo) (Prev 12 Mo)
Summit. [The]
3
5
1
64
48
31
0.75
0.484375
Sushi Popo
0
0
0
Szechuan House
0
0
0
Takanami Restaurant—
0
0
0
TCB
2
0
0
22
0
0
0
0
Thai Flavors
0
0
0
Thai Spice
0
0
0
Times Club @ Prairie Lights
0
0
0
Trumpet Blossom Cafe
0
0
0
Union Bar
6
2
0
100
132
85
1.32
0.85
VFW Post #3949
0
0
0
Vine Tavern, [The]
2
1
1
5
1
1
0.2
0.2
Wig & Pen Pizza Pub—
0
0
0
Yacht Club, [Iowa City]—
0
0
0
3
0
0
0
0
Yen Ching
0
0
0
Z'Mariks Noodle House
0
0
0
Off Premise
Grand 1
Monthly Totals Prev 12 Month Totals
Bar
Checks Under2l PAULA Checks Bar Under2l PAULA
Under 21 PAULA
Ratio Ratio
(Prev 12 Mo) (Prev 12 Mo)
Totals
46 12
0 0
13
1
720
0
291
0
198
94
0.4041667
0
0.275
0
otals
14
292
exception to 21 ordinance Page 5 of 5
r i IP5
CITY OF IOWA CITY
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1826
(3 19) 356-5000
(319) 356-5009 FAX
www. i cgov. org
August 16, 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.
Kyle Hermsen
IOWA CITY CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
Lyra .Dickerson, Chair
MINUTES PRELIMINARY
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
AUGUST 3, 2017 — 7:00 PM — FORMAL MEETING
E M M A J. HARVAT HALL, CITY HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Ann Freerks, Carolyn Dyer Mike Hensch, Phoebe Martin, Max
Parsons, Mark Signs
MEMBERS ABSENT: Jodie Theobald
STAFF PRESENT: Sylvia Bochner, Sara Hektoen, Bob Miklo
OTHERS PRESENT: Brita Russell, Kristi Waite, Chelsea Eldeen Alex Waite, Jenny
Carhoff, Tanya Myers, Andrew Deivernois, Chris Harvena, William
Knabe, Diane Hamer, Angelique Johnson, Paula Ingalls, Susan
Burlingame, Russell Johnson, Ted Potter, Richard Campagna,
Andrew Hamer, Annie Potter, Roxanna Curto, Judith Knabe,
Rodney Lanaghan, Duane Musser, Barry Matsumoto, Roxanne
Walder, Ginalie Swaim, Kristin Wildensee , Alicia Trimble, Grant
Finch , Kim Broadhurst
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL:
By a vote of 6-0 (Theobald absent) the Commission recommended denial of an amendment to
the Comprehensive Plan for the Southwest District to change the land use designation of
property located at 1160 Highway 1 from Single Family/Duplex Residential to General
Commercial.
By a vote of 6-0 (Theobald absent) the Commission recommends to approval of REZ17-00013
an application submitted by Jesse Allen with Aspen Ventures, for a rezoning of approximately
.20 acres from Central Business Support (CB -5) zone to Central Business Support with a
Historic Preservation Overlay (CB -5 I OHP) zone located at 10 South Gilbert Street.
By a vote of 6-0 (Theobald absent) the Commission recommends to approval of SUB17-00013,
the preliminary plat of Brookwood Pointe Fifth Additions, an 18 -lot, 4.92 -acre residential
subdivision located on Terrapin Drive and Covered Wagon Drive.
Freerks called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA:
None.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ITEM (CPA17-00002):
A public hearing on an application for a Comprehensive Plan amendment to amend the
Southwest District Plan to change the land use designation of property located north at 1160
Highway 1 from Single Family/Duplex Residential to General Commercial.
Planning and Zoning Commission
August 3, 2017 — Formal Meeting
Page 2 of 15
Miklo began the Staff Report noting that the property is north and west of Highway 1, east of
Weeber Street and at the end of Edingale Drive. Miklo showed some photos of the area. The
property is located within the Southwest District and is covered by the Southwest District Plan.
The applicant is requesting that the Plan's land use designation be changed from residential to
commercial. Other properties along this side of Highway 1 are zoned residential (either single-
family duplex or multi -family). Miklo noted there is some open space designated to the north of
the property.
Miklo explained that the residential land use designation recognizes the current use of the
property as a single family dwelling and the potential for the property to be subdivided into
additional residential lots. When the Apple Ridge subdivision, which is located directly to the
west, was developed Edingale Drive was platted to provide access to this property so that it
could be divided into lots in the future. Miklo stated that the intent of the Plan and the
subdivision design was to allow a cul-de-sac to be extended onto this property with residential
lots built around it. The developer of Apple Ridge Subdivision created an escrow to pay for the
future construction of Edingale Drive.
Miklo said that the applicant notes that since the Southwest District Plan was adopted in 2002
several mostly commercial developments have been built along Highway 1, the Hawks Ridge
student housing complex has been built to the east of the subject property, and commercial
traffic has increased along the highway. Additionally there have been improvements to Highway
1 to help traffic flow and a bike and pedestrian trail has been built along the Highway.
Miklo said that staff agrees that considerable development has occurred along the highway.
However, staff does not believe that the development that has occurred along Highway 1 is
sufficient reason to change the designation of the subject property from residential to
commercial land use. The commercial development that has taken place was in areas
designated for such development by the Comprehensive Plan and it has taken place in areas
where it is designed not to interrupt nearby residential areas.
Miklo said that the subject property is surrounded on three sides by residential development and
wooded open space. The highway right-of-way of 320 feet provides considerable separation
from the commercial development located to the south and east and the residential located to
the north and west. There is no commercial development along the north side of Highway 1,
from Sunset Street to Hawk Ridge Drive, a distance of approximately 3,400 feet. Allowing
commercial development on the subject property has the potential to disrupt this residential
section of the city, and would likely have some negative effects, such as noise and lighting, for
the adjacent single- family residential properties.
Miklo said that commercial development in this location may also be a counter to another goal
of the Comprehensive Plan, which is to improve and enhance the entranceways to the city. The
City has attempted to enhance the commercial development along the southeast side of
Highway 1 through conditional zoning agreements requiring landscaping and limiting signs.
Although that has had some success, most would agree that residential development generally
has more trees and green space when compared to commercial development. He showed
photos of the current landscaping along this portion of Highway 1.
Staff finds that the proposal to change the land use designation of this property from residential
to commercial does not meet the criteria that should be met before an amendment to the
Comprehensive Plan is approved. The criteria state that (1) circumstances have changed and
Planning and Zoning Commission
August 3, 2017 — Formal Meeting
Page 3 of 15
the proposal is in the public interest. Staff finds that even though there has been commercial
development elsewhere on Highway 1, on the northwest side there has been no commercial
development and are concerned that introducing it may have negative effects on the adjacent
neighborhood. (2) The proposed amendment will be compatible with other policies or
provisions of the Comprehensive Plan. In staffs view, development of this property for
commercial uses could be counter to the principle of preserving and stabilizing
neighborhoods. The Comprehensive Plan's policies for commercial development states:
• Use the District Plans to identify appropriate commercial nodes and zone accordingly to
focus commercial development to meet the needs of present and future population.
• Discourage linear strip commercial development that discourages walking and biking
and does not contribute to the development of compact urban neighborhoods;
• Provide appropriate transitions between high and low-density development and
between commercial areas and residential zones.
• Continue to protect our community's historical, environmental, and aesthetic assets.
• Preserve and enhance the entranceways to the city. Consider the appearance of new
development from major entranceways at the time of rezoning.
Staff recommends that an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan, Southwest District Plan, to
change the land use designation for property located at 1160 Highway 1 from Single
Family/Duplex Residential to General Commercial be denied.
Hensch asked if the open space to the north of the subject property is public or private property.
Miklo stated that is currently private property but could possibly be made public in the future.
The current property owner has stated an interest in keeping it as a natural area.
Freerks opened the public hearing.
Brita Russell (3150 5th Street, Marion, Iowa) is the new owner of 1160 Highway 1 West. Her
father passed away in 2011 and her mother passed in March 2017. The reason she is bringing
this rezoning to the table is because her parents had always wanted to have this property
developed as some sort of restaurant or bank or small office building and have that be
accessible to the neighbors. She has talked with the neighbors and they do not a want to have
Edingale Drive extended because it would disrupt the neighborly flow and they currently have a
very nice view of trees and privacy. Russell submitted a concept plan that showed structures
away from the neighbors and also stated she would sign an agreement to say there would be no
convenience store or strip mall. She would not want something that high traffic in that area.
She has been approached by some banks and restaurants that are interested in the area. She
noted that there is a stoplight at the intersection of Highway 1 and the property to help with
traffic flow.
Miklo clarified that the plan that was developed when the Apple Ridge Subdivision was
approved, was for Edingale Drive to be extended for residential development of this property,
and the driveway onto Highway 1 to be closed so this property would not have access to
Highway 1. This would prevent traffic coming through the neighborhood from Highway 1. The
traffic signal was put in to accommodate the traffic to Walmart on the other side of the Highway.
Kristi Waite (1688 Burns Avenue) is supporting the rezoning of 1160 from residential to
commercial.
Chelsea Eldeen (18A East Street, Tiffin, Iowa) also supports the rezoning.
Planning and Zoning Commission
August 3, 2017 - Formal Meeting
Page 4 of 15
Alex Waite (1688 Burns Avenue) supports the rezoning.
Jenny Carhoff (440 Lilac, Tiffin, Iowa) supports the rezoning.
Tanya Myers (510 N. Ohio Avenue, Oxford, Iowa) supports the rezoning from residential to
commercial.
Andrew Deivernois (3150 5th Street, Marion, Iowa) supports the rezoning.
Chris Harvena (400 1St Avenue, Coralville, Iowa) supports the rezoning.
William Knabe (1101 Weeber Circle) said that he owns the four acres that are adjacent to the
subject property. He sent in a letter, which was shared with the Commission, stating the
objections he has regarding this proposal. First he would like to voice his appreciation for the
Commission to take these matters into consideration, and would like to say a few things about
the Weeber-Harlocke neighborhood. It is one of the oldest established neighborhood
associations in Iowa City. They have tried as a neighborhood to maintain their boundaries and
their neighborhood as a single-family neighborhood. Over the years they have faced many
serious problems trying to keep people aware of the fact that they are trying to operate as a
single-family neighborhood. There have been many offers of multi and high density dwellings
in the neighborhood and on Benton Hill.
The neighborhood was very thankful that in 2002 the City saw fit to ask all the people of the
west side to join together in the development of what is now called the Southwest District Plan.
There was a series of meetings concerns were hammered out and one of the things that came
out very clearly was the commercial development should be restricted to the south side of the
highway. There has been a long concern regarding traffic issues in their neighborhood with a
lot of high density on Benton Hill. The cooperative housing is now being built on Benton Hill,
which will add to the challenge of getting up and down Benton Hill in the winter time.
Nevertheless the main concerns are that they are trying to preserve their neighborhood.
His wife and he have always had this four acre tract of land and have kept it green and hope to
someday make that into park for the neighborhood to always have. Many people in the
neighborhood expect them to keep that space green and they will do so. The subject property
is also heavily wooded, even though it has a house on it. They would like to continue to
preserve the green space on that hill, they are open to discussions with the City along those
lines, and this is an opportunity to keep the proposed property also green and not commercial.
The objections listed in the letter submitted speak for themselves however Knabe wishes to say
in closing that it is nice that Russell had many of her friends come here tonight to support her,
but none of them live in the neighborhood. There are problems in the neighborhood already
with traffic and don't feel this idea of spot zoning is for the best interest of the neighborhood.
They hope the Commission will vote with the recommendation from Staff and oppose this
particular rezoning.
Hensch asked about the four acres and if Knabe's intention was to not develop it anytime in the
future. Knabe confirmed that would never be developed. He said that it is in a trust.
Diane Hamer (1140 Weeber Street) lives on the corner of Edindale and Weeber Street and
have a large vested interested to not have that street extended. She respects that her neighbor
should have the ability to do with her land what she wishes, It would be better to not affect the
Planning and Zoning Commission
August 3, 2017 — Formal Meeting
Page 5 of 15
rest of the neighborhood with traffic coming through the neighborhood, and absolutely opposes
the proposal before the Commission today.
Angelique Johnson (1024 Weeber Street) stated her home is one of the single-family homes at
the end of the portion where the green space is located. She has a teenage daughter and has
already noticed with the construction on Benton Street they are experiencing a heavy amount of
traffic on Weeber Street. Johnson also opposes the request to rezone this area, she feels like it
will create excess traffic. If the commercial area was a restaurant she is concerned about what
might occur during football season, if there were to be drinking during football games and her
teenage daughter driving in the area.
Paula Ingalls (936 Weeber Street) stated her opposition to the proposed change to zoning and
thinks it would be devastating to the neighborhood, especially for the nearest neighbors. She
would like to see the neighborhood stay a single-family neighborhood and does not want any
commercial buildings where she lives.
Susan Burlingame (1200 Edingale Drive) she is also opposed to this plan and feels it would be
the beginning of the neighborhood turning from single-family owned homes to rentals. She said
that it is currently one of the few moderately priced close -in neighborhoods where one could
afford to buy a home.
Russell Johnson (1024 Weeber Street) stated he moved into this neighborhood because it was
a quiet neighborhood and one night when he heard someone talk about a restaurant and he
worried about drinking and football games. He used to live at 800 Longfellow Place and one
night his doorbell was ringing crazily and when he opened his door it was a drunk student who
started fighting him at his door trying to get into the house. He was in a panic, calling for his
wife to call the police. Eventually he was able to remove the guy from the door and called the
police and found the guy sleeping in Johnson's truck out front. Johnson went told his neighbors
about what had happened as he was very fearful of this type of thing happening again. He then
moved over to Weeber Street because it is a quiet area and is opposed to redeveloping the
area and feels the people who live in the area should have more say than those who don't.
Ted Potter (1124 Weeber Circle) stated that after reading through the report that was with the
meeting agenda the arguments that are related to the Comprehensive Plan, he feels this
proposal is very much opposed to the goals of the Comprehensive Plan. It makes no sense to
him to change this particular parcel. The neighborhood has a really good feel to it and is a great
single-family neighborhood and it ought to be kept that way.
Richard Campagna (1135 Weeber Street) stated he has lived in his home about 18 years. They
have lived in many parts of the US and all over the world and is happy to say this is the place
they have lived the longest. He believes the reason for that is particularly the neighborhood, it is
what first attracted them to the area. He reiterates everything the others in the neighborhood
have said. He particularly likes when his New York family comes to visit and always comment
on the same aspects of this neighborhood, the tree lined area, the friendly feel of the
neighborhood, and the basketball court at the end of Edingale. They love the neighborhood just
the way it is and hopes no changes of this nature are introduced.
Andrew Hamer (1140 Weeber Street) stated his home is the triangle property that pretty much
butts up to property that the proposal for. They bought their property in 2004, it is a lot with a
huge detention basin in it, and they worked with the City closely because there were certain
Planning and Zoning Commission
August 3, 2017 — Formal Meeting
Page 6 of 15
limitations to what they could do with the lot but they wanted to be in this neighborhood. They
take care of the detention basin and the surrounding area. He is opposed to this proposal
because they moved into this area because it was a nice quiet area.
Annie Potter (1124 Weeber Circle) stated she is very sensitive to security issues and the idea of
this area being rezoned and more people being in the neighborhood is intimidating her. The
thought of people going through the neighborhood to get to a bank or restaurant is too much.
She has raised her children in this neighborhood, people are out walking their dogs, people can
be outside and not feel intimidated and she is concerned this change would make it more
difficult for them. Additionally rezoning may be a gain to somebody but believes those in the
neighborhood would lose property value.
Miklo clarified that if this property were zoned commercial, which Staff is not recommending,
Staff would recommend against Edingale being extended so the only traffic would be to
Highway 1. Staff still feels this area is not appropriate to zone to commercial, but wanted to
clarify the traffic concerns.
Roxanna Curto (1034 Weeber Street) is the mother of a five year old and a two and half year
old and bought their house when her five year old daughter was still a baby. The reason they
chose this street was because it was so quiet and there wasn't a lot of traffic and it seemed like
a really nice neighborhood and a great place to raise kids. Curto stated they are extremely
concerned about these changes because they are fully expecting to stay in this home and raise
their kids there and want them to be able to play safely outside. She is very much opposed to
these changes.
Judith Knabe (1101 Weeber Street) remarked about one comment that was made she found
interesting, the comment about not being concerned about people in their neighborhood
because if this proposal was allowed the entrance would be from Highway 1. She wanted to
say that even if people aren't driving through their neighborhood there would be increased foot
traffic around the area if it were commercial.
Rodney Lanaghan (1215 Edingale Drive) noted that even just in the last few months the
transition of traffic on Edingale Drive has become much more dramatic than it used to be simply
because Benton Street has been closed. It has forced a lot of the apartment dwellers to come
down our way and many do not adhere to the speed limits in the area. When Lanaghan backs
out of his driveway onto Edingale he needs to watch out because he could be run into. What
needs to be recognized in this situation is the fact of where are we forcing all the traffic if they
are to go to Highway 1. They will take Edingale down to Sunset to Highway 1.
Duane Musser (MMS Consultants) is representing the applicant and wanted to touch on a few
points. As Miklo stated if this proposal was approved the access would be off Highway 1 and
only off Highway 1, so concerns about increasing traffic in the residential neighborhoods are not
really valid. If this proposal is denied and the development goes through as residential that
would increase the traffic in the neighborhood because the access would be off the end of
Weeber Street. Duane asked Miklo what kind of residential development could occur on this
property.
Miklo explained the options available under the current Comprehensive Plan and zoning. The
property is zoned RS -5, so Edingale could be extended to end in a cul-de-sac on this property.
He estimated that five or six single-family lots could be built there. Another option would be for
Planning and Zoning Commission
August 3, 2017 — Formal Meeting
Page 7 of 15
the applicant to apply for a planned overlay zone, which would still be residential but would
allow the dwellings to be clustered, perhaps into townhouses or a small apartment building.
Miklo noted that would be a zoning process however that would go through the Commission for
approval. Another option might be to up -zone it to a multi -family zone, but again that would
have to go before the Commission for approval and a Comprehensive Plan Amendment. Miklo
reiterated that as of today, without going through a zone change, this property could only be
developed with single-family homes.
Musser added that any of the options that Miklo stated would use the existing access of Weeber
and Edingale, none of those options would have Highway 1 access. Musser then showed a
concept they drafted to preserve the trees and have the commercial building up close to the
highway with parking behind. He stated they are open to a conditional zoning agreement with
regards to hours of operation, etc. If this commercial use is not approved, to develop the land
into five or six single-family lots will cause removal of trees and grading to allow for the
construction of new homes.
Parsons asked how many square feet does Musser anticipate a commercial space being.
Musser said without an actual tenant it is hard to say for sure, but he drafted the concept on a
standard business size with adequate parking and fire truck turnaround.
Miklo noted that Staff didn't spend time reviewing the proposed concept plan as they felt the first
step is the Comprehensive Plan Amendment and decision on whether this property should even
be commercial and Staff felt it should not.
Freerks asked if this area would be considered a grove of trees and if so the replacement rate
for clearing the trees is very different for residential and commercial. Miklo said they currently
do not have enough information about the quality or character of the trees to determine if it
would be a grove.
Barry Matsumoto (1027 Weeber Street) is speaking in opposition to the proposed zoning
change and is concerned about the access to the property and impact to Edingale. Additionally
if this proposal goes ahead, there will be an adverse effect on the residential properties that
abut the commercial property. Matsumoto noted in a former life he was a lawyer and
represented developers and probably would have been on the other side of this issue. He has
participated in rezoning projects that did put commercial properties abutting residential and
there was always concern by the neighbors of the impact. It is an understandable concern.
Roxanne Walder (1027 Weeber Street) has lived in her home for over 22 years and the reason
she chose that house was location, location, location. It is one of the nicest west side
neighborhoods that is in close proximity to the University and (at that time) to Roosevelt School
and Horn Elementary School. On football Saturdays there is an increase in traffic already due
to the location. Walder stated she has enjoyed this being a residential area and would like to
see it remain residential.
Alex Waite 0688 Burns Avenue) noted he was just informed that a Comprehensive Plan never
expires, it just gets amended and changed as time goes on. He admits he doesn't live in the
neighborhood but has been in the neighborhood many times. He noted a lot of us want to keep
our neighborhoods the way they are and have been forever but that is not realistic, cities grow
and change. It seems to him that the land right along Highway 1 is going to become immensely
valuable as Iowa City grows and changes. People are going to want to exploit the value in that
Planning and Zoning Commission
August 3, 2017 — Formal Meeting
Page 8 of 15
land and who has the right to tell them they can't. The fact is someday that land is going to be
developed and the little forest along Highway 1 will not be there for eternity. Some neighbors at
some point are going to have to be willing to make that change. Russell's parents left her that
land for the purpose of allowing her to exploit the value of it as their legacy. Waite questions
why the public has the right to tell her she can't and she just has to sit on it and keep it a forest
because her neighbors want to keep their neighborhood the way it is right now forever. That is
not fair and it is not right. Therefore he supports rezoning the land to commercial.
Kristi Waite (1688 Burns Avenue) listened to everyone speak and understands. Iowa City is
categorized into neighborhoods but as a resident of Iowa City she likes to look at the town as a
whole. Listening to the residents talk about just the west side is a bit off-putting. She
understands their concerns but doesn't think they were listening well enough because there will
be no traffic going through their neighborhood. Russell is not a developer that is planning to go
onto the land and rip out all the trees, this area is her land and her legacy, and she has the best
intentions for this project.
Diane Hamer (1140 Weeber Street) had a question about how close the driveway to this
property was to her property line. Miklo stated he estimated that it was at least 100 feet from
her house, but he did not know how far from the property line.
Susan Burlingame (1200 Edingale Drive) noted that even if this were approved and the access
was on Highway 1 it would still add traffic to their streets because people would go through their
streets to get to Highway 1 to get to the restaurant or whatever business it is. She feels a lot of
neighborhoods have been ruined by having this type of thing incorporated into them. She feels
there aren't that many moderately priced, well -kept up neighborhoods like this left in the City. If
this proposal is approved, people will sell and it will become student rental properties and there
will be a lot of development along Highway 1.
Chelsea Eldeen (18A East Street, Tiffin, Iowa) understands the concern about commercial
property being close to residential properties however questions that literally right across the
highway from this location is one of the biggest department stores. So if there isn't currently a
bunch of traffic going through the neighborhood to get to Walmart she doesn't understand how a
tiny little bank or tiny little restaurant would increase the traffic flow through this nice
neighborhood to such a degree it would be unbearable. She does not understand that logic.
Paula Ingalls (936 Weeber Street) stated that she believes the landowner is not a fault for trying
to exploit this land for her purposes however doesn't believe it should be exploited at the
expense of the neighbors. While many have lived in that neighborhood for a long time (she has
been there almost 25 years herself) the developer cannot even say what type of industry might
be going into the property if this is approved. It could be a gas station, a bar, a half -way house
or anything else and while it might seem very benign to approve something like this it could
have very adverse effects that are unforeseen at the present time.
Signs asked for clarification that the proposal for the commercial use would have access solely
off Highway 1. Miklo stated that is what Staff would recommend. So the alternate is if it stays
as residential is to extend Edingale into a cul-de-sac for residential purposes. Freerks
confirmed that it could be up to five or six single-family homes.
Martin asked if there were any good neighbor meetings held. Miklo believes the Brita Russell
did visit some of her neighbors but there was no written report about a good neighbor meeting.
Planning and Zoning Commission
August 3, 2017 — Formal Meeting
Page 9 of 15
Duane Musser (MMS Consultants) said they discussed holding a good neighbor meeting and
were going to set one up but based on the Staff report decided not to do so with anticipation if
they have to go a different route and rezone it for a possible higher residential density a good
neighbor meeting would be held then.
Richard Campagna (1135 Weeber Street) stated that the point made by Signs was that neither
of these proposals are desirable because the residential plan almost definitely seems to have
more access from Weeber and off Edingale. He also noted that over the years since Walmart
and other commercial developments came in on the other side of the highway home insurance
and auto insurance for their residents are slowly but consistently creeping up and he is told it
has to do with the commercial development in the area.
Ted Potter (1124 Weeber Circle) added one more point that if this property is developed into
single-family homes they will have a vested interest in keeping the property kept up and keeping
the neighborhood quiet and desirable. He added there is nothing against neighborhoods on the
east side, but noted others have said when commercial came in close to neighborhoods on the
east side it changed the character of those neighborhoods. Due to the proximity to the Hospital
and University it is very desirable to keep this as a single-family neighborhood.
William Knabe (1101 Weeber Circle) noted in the letter he wrote the Commission he discussed
spot rezoning, and this is definitely an example of spot rezoning, and the definition states that
one engages in spot rezoning only for the purpose of improving or gaining the neighborhood
support. That is very important. Even though it was mentioned that Walmart is across the
highway, it is not adjacent property and this is a single isolated piece of property. He also
pointed out that the only proposal before the Commission has to do with commercial
development even though the conversation has been clouded by talk of multi -family and high
density that will require another day and another speech from him.
Chelsea Eldeen (18A East Street, Tiffin, Iowa) added that having been a property casualty
insurance agent, licensed in ten different states including Iowa, she can confidently say that
insurance rates go up for multiple different reasons, not just want is around someone, including
inflation. So having a small bank in one's backyard is likely not going to contribute to rates
going up.
Freerks closed the public hearing.
Hensch moved to approve the amendment to the Comprehensive Plan for the Southwest
District to change the land use designation of property located at 1160 Highway 1 from
Single Family/Duplex Residential to General Commercial.
Parsons seconded the motion.
Hensch noted that the Commission just spent several meetings discussing the amendment to
the Comprehensive Plan for the Dubuque Street area and focusing on having an entry to the
city that is beautified and takes a positive advantage of the natural resources. During those
discussions it was noticed a shortage of attractive entryways that express the positive view of
Iowa City. For decades he has driven down Highway 1 and admired the trees along the road
and wished that would be extended and lamented the fact that was destroyed to create certain
neighborhoods and feels they shouldn't allow any more loss.
Freerks read through the application carefully and with Comprehensive Plan items it is important
Planning and Zoning Commission
August 3, 2017 — Formal Meeting
Page 10 of 15
to look at them carefully because lots of discussion, thought, and community interaction went
into creating these Plans originally. To create a change, what they really need to look at is if
circumstances have changed. She doesn't feel that any of the requirements that are outlined
for a Comprehensive Plan change have been met. Yes there has been some additional
development in the area but if we say that is enough to create a change like this then such a
change could happen anywhere. The Commission has to look at what is right for this particular
space. Of course the owner has the right to develop their property, but for now she agrees with
what the Comprehensive Plan has outlined and to keep this area residential.
Signs stated that this is a small piece of land surrounded by residential. He is unsure if this
crosses the threshold of spot zoning but it certainly is a small piece surrounded by residential
and the Comprehensive Plan calls for it to be residential. However he always cautions people
who move into areas that back up to green space that unless you own that green space you
have no control over what is going to happen to space. The reality is whether it is commercial
or something else this piece of property is going to be developed. That being said, his
inclination is that this is a small piece of property surrounded by residential and should stay
residential.
Martin agreed with Signs and added that once zoning is changed to be commercial, no one can
really dictate what goes on that property as long as it falls into what is allowed in the commercial
zone. There has been so much thought by staff and the community on the Comprehensive Plan
and these issues are not taken lightly. Martin feels there would need to be some very
compelling argument as what would happen to this area with a commercial zone, what the
benefit would be, is it for the good of Iowa City.
Dyer stated there is very little close -in property on the west side that can be developed for
residential and to give it up is something she feels they are not prepared to do at this time.
There are large multi -family developments in that neighborhood and this parcel has managed to
stay relatively undeveloped and should be kept residential.
Parsons agrees that he just doesn't see enough of an argument to make a change to a
Comprehensive Plan.
A vote was taken and the motion was denied 6-0.
REZONING ITEM (REZ17-00013):
Discussion of an application submitted by Jesse Allen with Aspen Ventures, for a rezoning of
approximately .20 acres from Central Business Support (CB -5) zone to Central Business
Support with a Historic Preservation Overlay (CB -5 / OHP) zone located at 10 South Gilbert
Street.
Bochner presented the Staff report, noting that the property is located at the corner of Gilbert
Street and Iowa Avenue and is the former Unitarian -Universalist Church. The zoning is
currently Central Business Support (CB -5) and the applicant, Jesse Allen, has applied for
Historic Landmark Designation for this building. Designation of the property as a landmark will
require Historic Preservation Commission approval of any significant changes to the exterior of
the building. It also makes the property eligible for some zoning incentives.
Planning and Zoning Commission
August 3, 2017 — Formal Meeting
Page 11 of 15
Landmark Designation is a zoning overlay and therefore requires a recommendation from the
Planning and Zoning Commission to City Council. The Commission's role is to review the
proposed designation based on its relation to the Comprehensive Plan. On July 31 the Historic
Preservation Commission reviewed the significance of this property and they found that the
property met the criteria for Landmark Designation based on its significance to Iowa City, its
integrity of location and design, and its distinctive architectural characteristics. The Unitarian
Church was built in 1907 and it is a Tudor -Revival style. Following Unitarian -Universalist beliefs,
the church is built in a residential style and does not include ecclesiastical exterior elements
such as a steeple. A circa1954 addition to the south of the original building was removed in
2016 and the historic part of the building has retained a high level of historic integrity. Bochner
showed a couple of photos of the building.
This property is located within the Downtown District of the Downtown and Riverfront Crossings
Master Plan. One of the objectives of this district is to protect its historic character and preserve
historic buildings. The Downtown and Riverfront Crossings Master Plan indicates that density
bonuses, waiver of parking requirements, and other incentives may be appropriate to encourage
preservation of historic buildings in the Downtown District. Development of the property to the
east, currently the City's parking lot, may receive a density bonus in exchange for preservation
of the Unitarian -Universalist Church.
Staff recommends that REZ17-00013 an application to designate 10 Gilbert Street as an Iowa
City Historic Landmark and rezone from CB -5 to CB-5/OHP (Historic Preservation Overlay) be
approved.
Parsons asked if the Historic Preservation Committee approved this at their meeting and Miklo
confirmed that they had.
Freerks opened the public hearing.
Ginalie Swaim (1024 Woodlawn Ave) is the chair of the Iowa City Historic Preservation
Committee and they did vote unanimously for the overlay zone and landmark designation. She
added they wished to thank Jessie Allen, City Staff, and City governing bodies for carefully
working over many months to find a solution to a problem that is becoming common. What to
do when a congregation outgrows their historic building downtown. She feels this is an
opportunity and an ability to take pride in this downtown church building at 10 South Gilbert
Street. It does not look like a typical church but that is actually its significance. Cynthia Grant
Tucker, a professor in Tennessee, has studied this church and has identified a clerical
sisterhood of Unitarian -Universalist women ministers including Eleanor Gordon from Iowa City
who championed viewing a sacred space from a women's perspective. They wanted
economical buildings, buildings that were not ecclesiastical looking or hierarchical and that
would symbolize and support women's work in the Church. This includes women's work in
church kitchens, guild groups, planning and organizational administrative positions, and deacon
and the pulpit as well. Swain reiterated that Iowa City is very fortunate to have this real gem in
our city, it is a small building but with a big story and is grateful for everyone trying to preserve it.
Kristin Wildensee (1710 Ridge Road) has been a member of the Unitarian -Universalist
congregation since the very early 1970's. Her family has always been very involved in this
Unitarian congregation and her parents have a history of leadership and committee work in the
Unitarian -Universalist society. The congregation has left this building at 10 South Gilbert Street
and is nearing completion on the new congregation building in Coralville. It will be the greenest
church in Iowa with many many sustainability features incorporated. She wanted to speak
Planning and Zoning Commission
August 3, 2017 — Formal Meeting
Page 12 of 15
today about the historic character of the building and is thankful there is support to preserve
historic buildings in Iowa City.
Alicia Trimble (Friends of Historic Preservation) added that some of the earliest settlers in Iowa
City were actually Unitarians, which was rare back then, and may be a reason Iowa City has
been forward thinking. As Swaim stated there is a long history of women ministers in this
Church, some who were the first in the United States, and this Church also architecturally
represents a change in Unitarian thought (and other religious thought) or moving from a top-
down hierarchy to more of a community setting. This building represents that, it looks like a
house and not a church and people began to meet on an equal basis here. This entire
development showed great work between the City, developer, the Church, the community and
the result will save a historic building and build a great development.
Freerks closed the public hearing.
Hensch moved to recommend approval of REZ17-00013 an application submitted by
Jesse Allen with Aspen Ventures, for a rezoning of approximately .20 acres from Central
Business Support (CB -5) zone to Central Business Support with a Historic Preservation
Overlay (CB -5 / OHP) zone located at 10 South Gilbert Street.
Martin seconded the motion.
Hensch stated that he has long admired this building and appreciates learning more about its
history.
Parson noted that last year when the application came through to develop the land around this
building had two options, be designated historical or be demolished. He is glad to see the
historical designation come to fruition.
Signs and Freerks both comment on the cooperative process to make this development and
historical designation happen.
Dyer voiced her disappointment at the scale of the building being constructed in the new
development. She added she was involved in a feminist reunion at this church a few weeks ago
and learned that the Unitarian Church was the only place women could gather to dance in the
70's.
A vote was taken and the motion passed 6-0.
DEVELOPMENT ITEM (SUB17-00013):
Discussion of an application submitted by Steve Kohli Construction, LC for a preliminary plat of
Brookwood Pointe Fifth Addition, a 4.92 -acre, 18 -lot residential subdivision located on Terrapin
Drive and Covered Wagon Drive.
Miklo stated this is the final addition of the Brookwood Pointe subdivision and was initially
approved in 2005. Since then parts 1-4 have been final platted and are mostly developed with
single family dwellings. There are a few vacant lots remaining in part 4. The preliminary plat for
Brookwood Pointe Fifth Addition, has expired (preliminary plats expire after 24 months unless
the applicant seeks an extension from the City Council). The expiration provision is in the
subdivision regulations to help assure that subdivisions comply with any significant changes to
City policies or regulations. In this particular case there have been no significant changes to the
Planning and Zoning Commission
August 3, 2017 — Formal Meeting
Page 13 of 15
zoning or subdivision regulations that would affect the design of this subdivision.
The subdivision would include the extension of Terrapin Drive and Covered Wagon Drive to
eventually connect to Sandhill Estates. The preliminary plat is the same as the original
submitted and approved in 2005, there may be a few lots that need special attention due to
Hydric Soils and drainage (and that may also apply to the streets) but there are no other
sensitive areas on the property. There is a stormwater basin in Part 1 that was designed to
handle stormwater for the entire subdivision. There are some infrastructure fees that will need
to be paid to the City before a building permit is issued, however the neighborhood open space
fees were paid with the initial subdivision fees.
Staff recommends approval of SUB17-00013, the preliminary plat of Brookwood Pointe Fifth
Additions, an 18 -lot, 4.92 -acre residential subdivision located on Terrapin Drive and Covered
Wagon Drive.
Freerks opened the public discussion.
Grant Finch (VJ Engineering) came forward on behalf of Steve Kohli Construction to answer any
questions the Commission might have.
Freerks asked how quickly he thought the construction would move along. Finch replied as
soon as possible.
Kim Broadhurst (1437 Wetherby Drive) stated that the RS -5 portion of section 5 is directly in her
backyard and commented on how parts 1-4 have already impacted their neighborhood. With
the development of Terrapin Drive on up there has been a dramatic increase in traffic.
Additionally with the addition of Russell Drive going all the way down to Langenberg it is a
complete throughway - it is a lot of traffic. At the intersection of Wetherby Drive and Russell
Drive, there are yield signs on Russell Drive (north/south road) and Wetherby Drive (east/west)
has the right-of-way but a lot of people really don't pay attention to the yield signs. Somebody
will get t -boned there someday and it would probably benefit being converted to a stop sign.
She also wanted to say she is not opposed to this development and would actually like to see it
developed sooner rather than later because now her view is four feet high weeds in her
backyard.
Miklo commented that Staff received an email earlier in the week also with concern about the
intersection and the yield signs. That email was passed along to the transportation planners.
Freerks closed the public discussion.
Dyer moved to approve SUB17-00013, the preliminary plat of Brookwood Pointe Fifth
Additions, an 18 -lot, 4.92 -acre residential subdivision located on Terrapin Drive and
Covered Wagon Drive.
Parsons seconded the motion.
Hensch noted his disappointment with the cul-de-sac design.
Martin commented that it was good the traffic issues and stop sign was brought up.
A vote was taken and the motion passed 6-0.
Planning and Zoning Commission
August 3, 2017 — Formal Meeting
Page 14 of 15
CONSIDERATION OF MEETING MINUTES: JULY 20. 2017
Parsons moved to approve the meeting minutes of July 20, 2017 with edits.
Hensch seconded the motion.
A vote was taken and the motion passed 6-0.
PLANNING AND ZONING INFORMATION:
None.
ADJOURNMENT:
Signs moved to adjourn.
Parsons seconded.
A vote was taken and motion carried 6-0.
Z
O
N
O
V
z
Z
O
N
C7
Z_
Z
Q
J
CL
O
U
W
w
W
U
Z
Q
D
Z
w
H
H
Q
ti
T
0
N
co
T
0
N
co
X
X
x
X
x
x
0c
N
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
ti
XXXXXXX
Lo
X
X
X-
X
X
X
co
X
X
0
X
X
X
X
to00
XXXXXXXco
�-
xxxxxx
N
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
CD
X
x
X
O
X
X
X
CD
C4
X
x
X
�
X
X
X
,.
X-
X
X
X
X
X
to
X
X
x
X
X
X
X
M
cm
X
X
X
X
�
X
X
N
XXXXXXX
rn
Z -
X
X
x
x
X
X
X
T
ui
N
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
T
j
X
X
X
O
X
X
X
T
z
LU
Cow
O
Z
Y
O
Y
�aRIL
V
Y
2
Z
Z
Q
O
m
CIE
w z=
Z
w
cLL=�dv)�
a�
L) o
U -0
W E
� N
c�
c
0o��
(D o
z
w
XOO ;
w
Y