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Item 2. Special Presentations
Item 2a Think Iowa City Presentation on the RUN CRANDIC Marathon
Throgmorton: I'd like to welcome Josh Schamberger from Think Iowa City to make a
presentation on RUN CRANDIC Marathon. Good evening, Josh!
Schamberger: Good evening! Thank you, Mayor. Thank you, Council. Just, uh, appreciate a
couple minutes of your time to really thank you, uh, the City Council and several,
uh, folks in particular, which Monica will thank just shortly here, uh, for your
support and assistance in the recent first ever RUN CRANDIC Corridor Marathon
that took place here on April 29h. Uh, it was a very successful event. We had
originally, uh, this .... this idea of a marathon between the two communities had
been around for .... for decades, and it took about 15 years and we finally got a
way to pull it off, thanks to really some.... some great support from the County
and Highway 965. Believe it or not that's the only road you can run on to actually
get from one community to the other in marathon distance. Other than 380, and
that .... that wasn't (laughter) uh, gonna happen! So, uh, in any case, it was a very
successful event. We had a full marathon, a half -K, a .... a half -marathon, and uh,
all the proceeds, uh, were split between the two school districts. We originally
hoped we'd get maybe a thousand, thirteen hundred runners. We ended up havin'
over thirty three hundred registrations. Uh, that represented runners from over 30
states, uh, 31 states, and three countries.... came here to run in this marathon. I
know the city manager from North Carolina, uh, came here with a bunch of
people and it was number 47 on their list. They were tryin' to do all 50 states.
Uh, again I mentioned all the proceeds went to, uh, the school districts in Iowa
City and Cedar Rapids, and we were really pleased, uh, that just this past Monday,
um, a week ago, we, uh, we were able to contribute over $55,000, uh, to the two
school districts, which is pretty incredible for a first-year event. Usually you try
and break even.
Throgmorton: Twenty-seven each, right? Or (both talking)
Schamberger: Twenty-seven thousand nine eight -five each, I think, was the grand total. So, um,
obviously bein' uh...... the face kind of. ... of Think Iowa City and the CVB for
quite a while now, I get a lot of credit more than I deserve. Monica Nieves is our
Director of Special Events and Communications, and has been in that position for
several years now, and really took the lead on making this possible. So, I wanted
to have her say a few words and actually present you with a small token of our
appreciation.
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Nieves: Thank you! So I just wanted to point out a few members, um, in Iowa City
community leaders that helped make RUN CRANDIC possible. Geoff Frain was
the only city manager to run in the marathon, so he won (clapping)
Throgmorton: He's number one! (laughter and clapping)
Nieves: (both talking) the city manager trophy! (laughter) Um, of course the Iowa City
Coun.... City Council. Juli Seydell-Johnson was a commu.... a committee
member and also led a pace group for the half -marathon. Captain Troy Kelsay,
uh, was also a community member and ran the, um, marathon, I believe. Officer
Ashton Hayes was a committee member and she was the lead cyclist for the
women's runner in the marathon. So she did it on a bike, um; and then Officer
Trai Bunch won the half -marathon and the public safety trophy that we handed
out to the Public Safety Committee, and of course the Police Department. So we
couldn't of done it without all of their support and all of your support. So thank
you so much! And I have a couple plaques to give you. You wanna.....take
(mumbled)
Schamberger: (mumbled) deliver one to the Police Department, Geoff, and (laughter)
Throgmorton: Great! Thank you!
Nieves: (unable to hear, away from mic)
Throgmorton: Very cool. Thanks so much!
Nieves: Thank you! (several responding and clapping)
Throgmorton: Great job! It was a terrific event. How many people in the room ran? Geoff did.
Anybody else? (several talking and laughing) It was a great event though and
once....once again, CVB, Think Iowa City, did a great job. Thanks so much,
Josh. Thanks so much!
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Item 3. Proclamations
Item 3a Juneteenth National Freedom Day
Throgmorton: I'm very pleased to read this! (reads proclamation) I think someone's here to, uh,
accept this. LaTasha, come on up please. (applause) (laughter)
DeLoach: Good evening! Thank you so much for the proclamation from the City Council,
um, as well as you all's continued support every year. I brought with me my ... oh,
you're right here! (laughs) ....my, uh, Community Partnership of Protecting
Children assistant. She can talk to you a little bit more about detail, but we're just
really grateful. Um, this is our eighth year. Um, and I've had the privilege of
doing this for eight years, so, um, we're excited this week, um, this year we took
it up a notch to do Freedom Week, um, and so we have a couple different things.
If you wanna find out more information, we can, um, Brooke will talk a little bit
about it, but you can also find our information at
www.iciuneteenth.wordpress.com.Urn, that way you can see the different
activities. We have youth activities, um, the City always brings folks down from
the Fire Department — it's hot so I'm really lookin' forward to Fire Department
coming with water games (laughs) um, as well as the Police Department and other
departments will also be represented, as well as other, um, organizations and
businesses locally. We'll have a health fair, um, as well as we will have kids'
activities and we have entertainment, and if you came last year, and you know
about the drill team, they are coming back! So, if you haven't had a chance to
check out the video that's on City Channel 4 from last year's Juneteenth, you will
see the amazing drill team. A .... a group of children who come down from
Waterloo. They will be back this year, performin' around 2:00, for people who
were like `I missed it.' It's 2:00 (laughter) Um, so they will be here. We're
really excited for them to come back, as well as all the many other amazing talent
that we have that day.
Throgmorton: Good evenin'!
Kimbrough: Good evening! Um, my name is Brooke Kimbrough. As LaTasha mentioned,
I'm an AmeriCorps partner, serving Johnson County in the Social Services
Department. And so this is my first time bein' in Iowa City celebrating
Juneteenth, so I'm really excited to see how it goes down. Um, but we decided to
expand it to a week of festivities as it was explained in the proclamation, and we
wanted to start out with a really good event and so in April, MFA graduate
Tameka Cage Conley and Derek Nnuro started a project called the Reclamation
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Workshop at the Englert. I attended it on a full scholarship because it was really
expensive, and I was like `This is awesome! I know a bunch of students who'd be
really interested in this. How can we expand this to a community?' Stayed in the
back of my mind. Didn't really know what we could do with it. Had the pleasure
of introducing the idea to the Juneteenth Planning Committee, ran with it, and
that's the first day of Freedom Week. We're gonna have the Reclamation
Workshop part two, so we can engage more aspects of the African identity than
Juneteenth normally reaches, because it is a distinctly African-American holiday.
We usually don't go out to our really east African community that we have, you
know, a large presence in Iowa City, and so what the workshop does is connect
people through literature and find ways to connect through a (mumbled) through,
you know, text. Second day, originally we were going to go to the Council, but
we found out there's not a Council meeting (laughs) We were gonna present a
bunch of really great information that was produced for the Sankofa Outreach
Connection, LaTasba's non-profit, the writer feature focus summit that occurred
at the end of March. There was a bunch of really great statistics about the kind of
differences in income disparities between racial and ethnic minorities just within
Johnson County that we thought it was important to advocate for in recognition of
this important and political holiday. However, we're moving our event that was
originally planned for Thursday to Tuesday, which was held at SugaPeach in
North Liberty, um, which is gonna be a networking event for black and brown
individuals, professionals, to connect with people in their field throughout the
county and wherever else we can get people to come. If you know people, invite
them to come! This is a community event. All of our events are open and free to
the public. Wednesday we're having a panel at the Iowa City Public Library and
it's gonna be exploring the theme for Juneteenth this year, which is `Other
Mothering.' If you're not familiar, which if you're not an academic in African-
American studies you're probably not. Other Mothering was a term coined in the
1990s to describe the separation between families on the plantation and the caring
or nurturing for children as a result of their parents being murdered or sold off
during slavery. Very brutal system. Children still had ... were children, and they
still needed to be nurtured. As a result, other mothering, i.e., the, you know,
takin' care of kids who are not biologically your own offspring was, you know,
born. And so we want to explore that and how it kind of had manifested in the
21' century, in the wake of the prison industrial complex, um, how families are
still being torn apart and children still need the kind of rearing that, uh, other
children need as well, but parents are far away, and perhaps you're in a system,
um, for oth.... for other individual reasons that you're not able to take care of your
children — who can step in in your absence? So we're having people within our
own community to be on this panel. Um, we're also having Inside -Out, the re -
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entry program to come to be a partner for this. We, as much as possible, we want
to connect people with internal resources for these things that are affecting the
nation structurally, but seeing about how it affects us locally. So, no Thursday
event probably because we're moving that to Tuesday, as I mentioned. And then
Friday is in partnership with Sankofa Outreach Connection. We do the
Trailblazers dinner. I don't know if you're been to it before, but you should. Um,
it's on our event, on the event (mumbled) All you have to do is type in
`Trailblazer' and it'll pick it up because it's local to, you know, wherever the
internet picks up your location. So this dinner kind of just recognizes people in
our community who have been trailblazers for activism in different needs for, um,
historically kind of marginalized groups and amazing people from the University,
but as well as the community, are often recognized and next year I encourage you
all to, you know, submit applica.... nominations for people to get these awards.
Um, then Saturday is our final event.
LaRoach: Yep! And that is from 12 to 5, so we hope that you are able to attend and we look
forward to seeing you!
Kimbrough: Thank you!
Throgmorton: Bravo! (several talking) LaTasha (mumbled) (several talking and laughing)
Thanks! (several talking and clapping) So, LaTasha, LaKimbra, I'd like to
apologize in advance, but Rockne Cole and I won't be able to attend any of those
events because we're goin' on the Civil Rights Tour. (response from audience)
Thank you so much!
Item 3c Pride Month
Throgmorton: (reads proclamation) So I think there.... there's someone who could accept this
proclamation please. Sean Finn, right, and I don't know.... others? Yeah.
(applause) Good evenin'!
Hawes: Thank you for the proclamation and we're glad to be here. We wanted to share
that this is the 481 annual event and, uh, it's growing bigger every year. Run by a
crew of volunteers, devoted volunteers, four of which are here tonight. Um, Sean
Finn is here, Founder of the University of Iowa Trans Alliance, and Meagon
Turner, our volunteer coordinator, is here. So, uh, we just want to encourage
everybody to .... and, uh, Nolan Peterson is also here, in charge of the, uh, oper...
festival operations on the .... on June Wi, which is the big festival. So we just are
doing a lot this year to make the festival bigger and better, and to serve the
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broadest array in the community that we possibly can and we appreciate being
here tonight. Um, I'm not sure if Meagon would like to say a few words. Okay,
so we're working really hard and we appreciate the support. Thank you.
(applause)
Throgmorton: Nice to see ya. Yeah! Meagon, nice to see ya. Sean, good (several talking in
background)
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Item 4. Consider adoption of the Consent Calendar as presented or amended
Mims: So moved.
Botchway: Second.
Throgmorton: Moved by Mims, seconded by Botchway. Discussion? Oh, Charlie, would you
like to address something? Go ahead!
Item 4d(3) American Legion Road Improvements — Resolution approving,
authorizing and directing the Mayor to execute and the City Clerk to attest
an Agreement by and between the City of Iowa City and Foth Infrastructure
and Environment, LLC to provide engineering consultant services for the
American Legion Road Improvements Project
Eastham: I'm Charlie Eastham, 953 Canton Street in Iowa City. I just wanted to, uh, ask a
question about Item 4d(3), which is, uh, has to do with improving, uh,
improvements to American Legion Road in connection with the opening of new
Hoover School. In, uh, previous discussions, uh, about the.... this..... these road
improvements, there was a discussion about (mumbled) making sure that a
sidewalk was installed during the constructional process on both sides of the road,
the north and the south side, so that the students who are living in Sunrise Village
and, uh, Modern Manor will have a .... paved access to the school, and I just
wanted to ask if the Council could assure us that that plan is still in place. Thank
you.
Throgmorton: It is as far as I know. Geoff, do you want to elaborate?
Fruin: That was the direction the Council provided. This is simply bringin' the
consultant on board so those designs can advance.
Item 4e(1) Comprehensive Plan Amendment — Affordable Housing
Annexation Policy — Motion setting a public hearing for July 3 on a
resolution approving an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan, Annexation
Policy, to add a section pertaining to affordable housing
Throgmorton: I would like to mention I .... that Item 4e(1) sets a July 3 .... July 3'd public hearing
on a resolution amending the Comprehensive Plan by adding a section pertaining
to affordable housing. So anybody interested in that topic should .... you know,
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show up and speak during the public hearing. Any further discussion? Hearing
none, roll call please. Motion carries 6-0.
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Item 6. Planning and Zoning Matters
Item 6a Rezoning between Burlington and Court Street — Pentacrest Garden
Apartments — Ordinance conditionally rezoning approximately 3.41 acres
from High Density Multifamily Residential (RM -44) zone to Riverfront
Crossings - South Downtown Subdistrict (RFC -SD) zone located at 12 E.
Court Street. (REZ18-00014)
a) Public Hearing (Continued from 5/15)
Throgmorton: I'll open the public hearing. (bangs gavel) Good evening (both talking) Bob.
Miklo: Bob Miklo, Senior Planner. Um, the Mayor's asked for some further information
from staff on this, uh, rezoning request. So I will try to provide that. One
question was when was the, uh.... um, Downtown Riverfront Crossings master
plan adopted, and that was adopted in January of. ... of 2013. Uh, the plan covered
Downtown, which is on the north on this, or excuse me, on the, uh, left on this
slide, as well as Riverfront Crossings, basically from Burlington Street to, um,
Highway 6, from roughly Gilbert Street to Riverside Drive. Um, one of the goals
of adopting this plan was to provide a, uh, an area of the city where, um, new
growth could occur, um, specifically higher density growth, to take pressure off
the historic buildings downtown and the historic neighborhoods located to the east
and .... and north of downtown. We followed the adoption of the, um, plan with
the adoption of the Riverfront Crossings form based code. Um, that, um, code has
specifications for how the eight sub -districts within the, urn .... uh, Riverfront
Crossings area should be, uh, developed. Um, the plan, or the, uh, code, um,
includes a provision for bonus points for affordable housing, and I'll get into that,
um, in a .... in a little bit, but this is an excerpt from the plan. Um, and it
specifically spoke of this particular property as an area that was suitable for
affordable housing at a fairly high density. The, uh, plan does include (both
talking)
Frain: Bob, just to clarify, did you ..... did you mean student housing? At high density?
Miklo: Right, excuse me. Yeah. Uh, the plan, uh, does, uh, set a base, urn .... um, height,
which, uh.... uh, it varies throughout the district, but it, uh.... um, in this particular
area, it allows a base height of eight stories, which means if ...if this zoning is
approved, uh, this property, as well as others that are already zoned, uh, for the,
uh, Riverfront Crossings South Downtown District are allowed to build eight
stories.
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Throgmorton: Bob, if. ... if I could interrupt for just a second please. So the map you're showing
us now is the code, the .... the form based code, right?
Miklo: Right, right.
Throgmorton: It's not the plan, the master plan.
Miklo: This is, uh, from the form based code and it shows the, uh, various sub -districts
and it, uh, represents the heights that are allowed in ... in tho.... by subdistrict. For
example, in the South Downtown subdistrict, um, eight stories are allowed, um,
two additional bonus, uh, floors are allowed to be approved by the staff Design
Review Committee, or the Form Based Code Committee, and up to five additional
floors, um, may be approved by the ... by the Council, for a total of 15 within, um,
this particular subdistrict. So a base of eight, with a maximum of up to, uh, 15.
Something that I, uh, would point out is that the bonus provisions are at the
discretion of the City. Uh, they're not automatic. If a .... if a .... a developer or a
person proposes a bonus and they (clears throat) even if they fulfill the
requirements of a bonus, it's the City's discretion to approve that bonus on that
particular property. Um, to be awarded bonus points, the project must
demonstrate, uh, excellence in design and a .... a high building quality. Uh, bonus
points, or bonus floors, can be granted for open space or the creation of public
parks within, uh, the Riverfront Crossings District. Uh, they can be, uh, granted
for historic preservation, uh, for example, uh, the, uh, this .... the owner of. ... of,
uh, this property, the proposed developer, um, also owns the Tate Arms property.
Uh, and when that was designated a landmark, they, um, or after it was designated
a landmark, uh.... um, they were able to transfer, or they're able to transfer the
development that otherwise could of cur.... occurred on that property to other
properties in the Riverfront Crossings District. Uh, just as an example in that
case, uh, the Tate Arms property is at 7,800 square feet, uh, the, uh, zoning which
it's in allows a four-story building. Uh, so the, uh, developer has 31,200 square
feet, or four times 7,800, uh, that can be transferred. Um, approximately 7,000 of
that was already transferred to the, uh, new building just to the north of Tate
Arms, leaving, um, approximately 24,000 square feet that could be transferred
elsewhere, including the property that's, uh, the subject of the proposed rezoning
tonight. Um, bonus provisions may also be granted for public right-of-way. In
this particular case, uh, the proposal is to reopen Capitol Street and dedicate, um,
right-of-way, uh, for that street to the City. Um, that would allow roughly 3,000,
or excuse me, 300,000 square feet of additional, um, floor area, uh, that could be
added to, um.....uh, the buildings on .... on these properties.
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Throgmorton: (both talking) sorry, could you state that amount again please?
Miklo: It's 300,000 square feet. Bonus provisions may also be granted for class A office
space, uh, contributions to the, uh, public art fund, um .... for LEED-certified
buildings, uh, for student housing, and that's not just any student housing. It has
to be student housing that meets the criteria of the code. Uh, it must, um, have
professional management and security, uh, and must provide amenities, such as
usable open space, either indoors or outdoors or a combination of. Uh, bonus
points can also be, uh, added, or achieved through, um.....um.....the use of hotel
space within a building. For every floor of hotel space, an additional floor of
building height may be granted. Um, bonus points are also available for
workforce housing and, uh, senior housing. Um, one question was if. ... if bonus
points are granted, do they have to be, uh, applied uniformly across the property,
and no, that's up to your discretion. So you could have multiple heights on the
same property, or buildings of multiple heights. Another question that came up
was the streetscape.....streetscape standards. Um, those will apply to Burlington
and Court Street, and also, uh, Capitol Street, um, as part of the site plan approval.
Be happy to try to answer any other questions.
Throgmorton: So just to be clear, the, uh.... the master plan was adopted in 2013.
Miklo: That's correct.
Throgmorton: And it lays out a vision for how that area could be developed. I know you
showed, um, a sort of birds' eye view, along with this map. So could you draw
our attention to what it is recommending or suggesting?
Miklo: Sure. Uh, this is the, uh, area that currently contains the Pentacrest Garden
Apartments, and the plan shows, uh, Capitol Street being reopened and then a
series of buildings. In this particular location they .... it shows a courtyard;
however, um, there have, uh, University owns part of, uh, the western part of the
block and there's a new building going up here. So the .... the full, um .... um,
building of this plan is ... isn't possible. Um .... and I do believe the applicant does
have some, uh, illustrations or massing studies to show how they might develop
the property, uh, based on this plan.
Throgmorton: Yeah, I know this is not a regulatory instrument, but I would just wanna draw a
couple... attention to a couple other details. I noticed there are four buildings. I
noticed there's an east -west, I'm so ... yeah, an east -west, uh, walkway between the
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buildings. I noticed there's a courtyard of some type between the eastern most
buildings and.....what has become the Music Building, the University's Music
Building. So I just noticed those things, along with the .... the north -south, um,
street or .... walkway or whatever that would be. And .... and the last .... clarifica...
clarifying question, the ... the form based code was adopted in 2014.
Miklo: Right (both talking)
Throgmorton: Is that right? Um, many months later. Correct? (both talking) Yeah. All right,
and they're two separate instruments — the form based code is, I don't know, the
regulatory tool and the master plan is the vision.
Miklo: Correct.
Throgmorton: That's the way I understand it anyhow. Okay. Any other questions for Bob?
Thank you, Bob. Anyone else? Good evening.
Decker: Hi! (clears throat) I'm Rob Decker with Axiom Consultants. I represent the
owner, the developer, um....
Throgmorton: Rob, can you make sure you're speakin' into the microphone (both talking)
Decker: Yeah, sorry! Getting my, uh, I had some visuals, as Bob indicated, um,
expanding on our, um, conversation from ..... the last time. (mumbled) get this to
go. All right! All right, urn .... (mumbled) real quickly what we're seeking is, you
know, mainly focused on, um, the massing and the general scope of the property
as we talked a little bit about the last, um, Council meeting, and I know all of you
raised some really good points, uh, a wide variety of points amongst the group.
Um, all very well taken, and um, wanted to expand upon some of those,
particularly related to the massing of the property and the scope and you guys
were tryin' to get a feel for ... for the ... the overall thought process that is going
behind that and so, um, the regulating plan, as Bob said, um, allows for eight.
Um, the intent on this, I do have them up there. Thanks. So the, um .... can you
hear me all right? Um, the intent on the property, I tried to break them into, or
our team did, trying to break them into sort of the street and the building, cause I
know those are sort of ....together obviously but also sort of independently, the
building is gonna be more sort of through the design review and the street's gonna
be in tandem workin' with Public Works, and ... and again with .... with Council
and P&Z most likely, so.....um, the intention would be to transfer.....this section
of town has 100 -foot right-of-way, uh, quite a bit wider than many sections of
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downtown, um, to transfer that 100 -foot right-of-way along Capitol Street. Um,
the developer would prefer to have vehicular traffic in there, um .... uh, a two-lane
with parking along the side. That being said, um, that process will .... it would be
our intention to proceed with .... with Public Works' staff and with .... with the
powers that be at the City to make sure that that, um, is completed in the way that
the City sees as the best fit for the...... for the corridor. Um, I have a .... a visual of
it we can.... we'll get to in a second, but the intent would be to do a similar, um,
obviously at a very conceptual level at this point, but to do a similar style of
streetscape through that, um, through that area as a block to the east. However,
that's pretty, um, impermeable heavy, I would say. I think we would have a lot
more, um, option for, um, some .... a little bit more creativity in terms of green
space, as you mentioned earlier, with some .... some kind of courtyard, some....
some collaborative spaces for... for students or residents or whoever, probably a
mix thereof, of whoever ended up in that particular space. So, um, the .... in terms
of the building, the plan would be, as we've mentioned, as Bob mentioned at the
last meeting, um, the intention would be to go to 15 stories, and to get that
through, um, through those credits that he just broke down in ... in a very nice way.
Uh, obviously the .... the right-of-way transfer, the Tate Arms, the historic
preservation would be .... would be the primary things. Um, affordable housing
and some of the other things that you're all familiar with would .... could provide
some of the additional, but there's quite a bit of. ... of square footage there
available for that transfer of...of the Capitol Street right-of-way. Um, the
stepbacks would be intended to be, um, on some of those kind of kickbacks on the
building that ... that were shown previously and that we'll show in a second. Also
roof areas, some of those setback terraces, urn .... uh, to provide the required green
space for the project. Um, obviously again, conceptual at this point, but we
believe that the.... the building with the 15 stories would be pretty .... pretty
similar to the HG ... if I put HGI, I think I did. That's Hilton Garden Inn. Um, and
I'll show you that on the .... on the aerial next, but the, um,t he height of that
would be similar to, uh, I tried at the bottom to put, I didn't try, but I put the .... the
heights of some of the surrounding buildings, and I can point some of those out to
ya as they .... it kind of kicks around from different viewpoints. Um, if you'd like
I think .... I don't know if my, yeah my laser pointer will work, so I can kind of
point those out to you, but the Hilton Garden Inn is a .... is a 12 -story building but
it's, by rights with the upper story, um, being pretty kicked up in terms of vaulted
ceiling. It's more representative of a 14 -story height, and it's gonna be about a
similar, uh, similar scale as .... as ours, as the topography drops off, as it heads
down the hill, even though this building would be a little bit higher, those heights
are gonna give ya a pretty similar.... similar view and stay under that, what we
would presume to be that FAA elevation. Obviously that's going to be .... it's
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gonna have to be regulated through the FAA, like anything over there. So, um, as
mentioned at the last Council meeting, it's gonna require a level two design
review, and it's our intent, obviously, as he just .... as Bob just mentioned, going
above that 10 stories is going to involve coming back here to .... to speak to all of
you, and to P&Z as well. So, urn ..... the, uh, again, just mentioning ut.... wanna
utilize that credit for the preservation of those previously preserved historic
properties, pull that density in from the .... urn, from the contiguous neighborhoods
into this, um, where it was prescribed in this Riverfront Crossings, uh, master plan
and .... and form based zoning, and then, uh, we mentioned that at the last meeting,
that the intent of these two buildings is to have a lot of amenities in those .... in
those buildings — pool, um, basketball court, uh, workout area, urn .... a number
of. ... of collaborative spaces for the residents. So, again, and I think you guys all
have .... have the handout, uh, hopefully, but the .... the, um, the heights of the .... of
the buildings are put there. So .... tried to label these today so that hopefully you
can kinda get your, um, your viewpoint but looking at....at the site from the
northwest, and there's.... there's some similarity to the plan, there's some changes
too, especially in that northeast corner, which'd be in the lower left in this
particular project, or on this particular, um, rendering but if you want .... me to,
I'm gonna go through these cause there's four of `em, relatively quickly, but if
you.....the northeast view, so this'd be ... we're gonna kind of swing around to the
northeast, um, looking at it, this ... School of Music (clears throat) For those who
are trying to get your frame of reference, the School of Music's here. The Hilton
Garden Inn, which I was mentioning, in terms of a very similar height, uh, is here.
We (mumbled) that kind of over top of the existing construction. The Courthouse
is here, and the new building, if you see that on your packet, it's called .... I think
it's called The Rise at 316 is ... is how I word it in there. That's this building.
They kind of look blobbed together there, but ... so you have the eight -story Rise
there, the...about 14 -story, urn ... uh, view here, that new, I believe it's a hotel or
two hotel buildings going here, and the School of Music here. Um, this is gonna
be kind of floating over the top of the Courthouse, kind of hovering over like in a
helicopter. So you're sitting at the .... the southeast corner and then southwest
corner. So you have, sort of have your four views there as you kind of swing
around it, um, and then I ... wanted, because I was referencing it earlier, getting
some pictures of....of some streetscape, um, some good streetscape elements from
up on Clinton, just a block up. Um, this collaborative space that sits along, um,
Clinton provides a good example of, um, potentially some storm water detention
and some ... some ....some areas where residents or .... or people visiting the area
could .... could hang out and if you look at these sort of kick -ins and this is .... this
is set, um, the min .... the maximum setback, I believe, is eight feet in that area,
and so, um, there could be some opportunities to .... to adjust, you know, that as
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we work through with staff, in terms of design review, in terms of those unique
spaces along that corridor, but ... and then this is shown with a .... a two-lane road
coming through here, similar to, uh, south of the project when you come down by
the Courthouse there's a two-lane road with then parking on the side, you know,
whether ... if there was parking allowed up here, whether that would be angled
or .... or parallel would be to ... you know, we would work through that with Public
Works' staff but..... because of the commercial that's gonna be, obviously, you
know, in line with the Capitol sitting right up here and opening this corridor up,
there's gonna be some really good opportunities for commercial here and then
kicking around on Burlington, and as you mentioned, uh, as Bob mentioned
previously, the streetscape will have to wrap, you know, these areas and those'll
be the very high value areas for .... for those, um, commercial opportunities. So,
that's, uh, the developer would like to put in parking there to sort of, um, service
those commercial.... commercial areas sittin' there. Hopefully that gives a little
more of a ... and I can, if you wanna see a bigger version or there's a particular
angle you wanna see, just let me know, if there's one of those that.....
Cole: Have you received any push -back at all or had any discussions from the
University of Iowa relating to, uh, Voxman Building, because it seems like at
least on the east side, that's really gonna block Voxman, in terms of their views.
Any discussion with them or .... (both talking)
Decker: We have had discussions with the University of Iowa. In fact I would say the
discussions that we've had, and it's been pretty.... relatively high-level and the
developers had a few more than .... than I've been involved in, but in the
discussions I've been involved in, they've.... they've actually been the opposite.
They're very, uh, proactive for this project. They really wanna see it. I think I
mentioned at the previous meeting, they have some future plans for some of this
stuff down here and opening up this corridor for them is a very important feature.
Um, they are also going .... I don't wanna get into all the University issues, but
I've heard them talking about not enough beds, and obviously you .... you're all
familiar with the fact that they built two additional dorms and are .... are looking at
a shortage of beds still, despite that, which are .... uh, it's a whole different series
of issues, but I think this .... this project is very appealing to them for a number of
reasons — opening up that corridor, new Engineering building, uh, in here
provides, you know, there's a lot of traffic going through that direction. So, my
particular interaction, I believe the developer's as well, has been overwhelmingly
positive with the University. In fact they have .... have expressed to me
personally, you know, how do we .... is there anything we can do to sort of
facilitate the project. So.....
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Cole: Thank you.
Throgmorton: (mumbled) Excuse me. Rob, you haven't said too much about.....uh, the internal
uses of the buildings, and I assume that it's almost entirely student housing -
oriented, but I don't know that. What .... can you say more about how many units,
roughly, would be involved, etc. (both talking)
Decker: Sure. I mean in terms of.....obviously I don't think it's going to come as any
mystery to anyone that units located in this .... in this area, and pulling the density
that the plan calls out, you know, that was mentioned previously by Bob and by
myself, and also the University's interest here, that's cause there's gonna be high
interest for student housing here. I think incredibly high. That being said, I think
there's also a lot to be said with the School of Music and some of the other, um,
things that are popping up in this area, especially with the hotels in the area, that I
think there's probably likely to be a mix in there of. ... of.....of non -student
residents and student residents. Um.....the, uh, sorry what was the
other .... (laughs) you asked a....
Throgmorton: What are the uses (both talking)
Decker: ...sorry, you asked about number of units! So obviously that .... it's very early to
say that, but I think figuring around 400 to 500 units, per side if you will, per sort
of west side and east side, you know, so.....
Throgmorton: Add the two together.
Decker: Yeah! So 800 to 1,000 units in there, a mix of. ... of all different type.... sizes
of.... of bedroom — one, two, three. So..... '
Mims: And you're looking at commercial on the first floor or two or something?
Decker: Just the first floor, yeah. Yep.
Taylor: How many, um, units are there currently in the Pentacrest Garden? Do you know
that off the top of your head?
Decker: Ninety-six, so just shy of a hundred.
Taylor: A hundred is all? Okay.
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Throgmorton: Yeah, 96 I think. Let's see ...... we're trying to figure out if we have any other
questions we wanna ask you (both talking) so why don't you just be patient with
us. I mean it's a major project, you know, one doesn't leap into such things in a
cavalier fashion. I think I heard .... uh, Bob, you .... where's Bob? Yeah. You
don't have to get up, but I .... I'm pretty sure I heard Bob say that the, uh, intention
would be that the, uh, first floor streetscape amenities would be.....required on
Burlington Street, but also on Capitol Street. Yeah, I just wanted to be clear about
that also. Instead of just Burlington Street.
Botchway: You mentioned housing, or student housing. Urn .... I don't know where Gustave
is. I don't know if he's gonna come up or Austin's gonna come up as well. Uh,
one of the things mentioned previously by Ben is the affordability of the student
housing, and so I'm, you know, you mentioned the University's overwhelmingly
supportive.
Decker: Uh huh.
Botchway: Um, what .... what can you say to that element in general.... about affordability?
Any conversation .... connection in relation to that?
Decker: Yeah, I mean I think that, urn ... I think that those discussions would happen in ... in
tandem with the City, obviously, to get the height bonus. Some of those, um,
requirements are gonna be there. Um, I think that's the intention, to provide those
requirements at a minimum. Urn ... you know, as .... as prescribed to get ... to get to
the height bonus. Um, those questions would be better.... sorry.....
Throgmorton: I .... I think with regard to affordable housing, the code requires ... uh, what's the
minimum percentage, 10% of rental units (both talking)
Decker: Right!
Throgmorton: .... must be affordable. This is .... has nothin' to do with bonus provisions.
Decker: Right and ... and then, you know, I don't know if you guys have .... wanna speak to
that, in terms of.....affordable housing portion. (unable to hear speaker in
audience) Sure! Yep! So, you know, we would provide, um, as the developer
said, we would provide what's needed for the affordable housing, per the City
code. Urn .... and, you know, work with City staff from there.
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Throgmorton: I'd like to clarify one point, uh, Kingsley, you said basically since the University
is strongly supportive of this project, or words to that effect....
Decker: Sure!
Throgmorton: I'd like to just note that we have not heard from the University, not to deny .... not
to claim you're sayin..... misstating anything, Rob, but it's pretty much hearsay.
If the University has a ... an opinion about this....
Decker: Uh huh!
Throgmorton:.... we need to hear it, from the University.
Decker: Sure!
Throgmorton:.... not from, if you will, the developer, or anybody else .... from the University.
Decker: Yeah, I mean I just wanna, obviously, you know... that, I wanted to make that
statement because of Rockne's questions.
Throgmorton: Sure.
Decker: So.....
Throgmorton: So .... we commissioned a, uh, a significant... well, with the University and with
Coralville, we commissioned a significant study of the .... current and projected
housing market, and I don't remember all the details now. I do remember that
there have been a large number of, uh, of, uh .... apartment buildings constructed
or planned for construction within the next few years. Uh, I do know that there,
uh, I've heard landlords speak about in ... uh, increasing, um ... urn .... vacancy rates
within the Iowa City area. So .... I wonder.....uh, to be blunt, why a developer
would want to build 800 to 1,000.... residential units in a situation where, in a
context where vacancy rates are already higher than they were just a few years
ago, projected to be higher in the near-term future, and knowing that, uh, some
landlords are worried about that. So .... I, can you help me understand that?
Decker: Yeah, I mean .... you know, in terms of, you know, speakin' to your question, I
would say vacancy rates, to my knowledge, are .... the levels that existed a number
of years ago were incredibly low. Uh... almost I would say outrageously low. Uh,
I heard some .... some estimates in terms of, you know, sub -1 %. Um, the .... the
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numbers that I've heard more recently are still in the single digits, which a
number of communities would.....would love to have. Um, I think that a
combination of. ... the ..... the regulating plan as we, you know, all the stuff that we
talked about earlier, attempting to pull the density down here to where it's .... it's a
better use, and pull it out of the neighborhoods. Also to reward, um, the
preservation of historic properties. I think this particular site, with its proximity
to the Old Capitol, proximity to the Wellness Center, Rec Center, whatever you
want to call it, and possibly a new one of those as they're talking about expanding
that, I believe, to the south, and all of the other amenities that are popping up in
this part of town, it's a very unique property, and I think that it's probably not ... I
think that it fits well with the student life that's going to exist in this particular
part of campus. There are not other .... I agree with you, Jim, that there are
par ... there are properties, um, whatever you want to call them — dime a dozen
properties or a number of these areas that are very similar. I would argue that this
property is incredibly unique. It's unique for a multitude of reasons. It's unique
because of what it is going to allow in terms of the open, as we mentioned at the
previous meeting, um, the opening of what I would call, uh, a mistake during
urban renewal, um, and allowing for the correction of that mistake, and getting a
world-class project at the same time, that can offer a lot of amenities, not just for
students, but also for people traveling through the corridor in this proximity to
downtown, um, I don't, you know, I think that, yes, assuming that there will be a
lot of students in this building is .... I don't think anyone is trying to....to disagree
with that, but I think this is a very appropriate spot for students. I think in
particular next to the Wellness Center, um, and.... potential future Wellness
Center, as well as other amenities that are going to come up for the University and
the City. Um, so I would say that the, um .... while I think your.....your point is
great. I think it's a question that we all ask, and I think that this property provides
a really unique opportunity to get the City a really.... maybe not world-class
project is a bit of an ... but a .... but a real unique project for the City, that's not
something you're just gonna see everyday, you know, in this part of town. There
just aren't that many of these spots left where you can do this type of thing. And I
think that's what the plan, I would argue, that that's what the plan that we talked
about early in the meeting was identifying. That this red south down.... subdistrict
provided for that particular opportunity. That .... answer your question, sort of?
Throgmorton: Yeah, sure! Uh.... uh, any other questions for Rob? We might ask you more
questions, uh, as we go along here, but thanks, Rob.
Decker: Okay!
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Throgmorton: Would anybody else like to address this topic?
Botchway: I forgot, Rob, one more (mumbled) parking, sorry! I was trying to type and look
at my notes.
Decker: That's all right!
Botchway: Parking.
Decker: Yeah, so the parking.....Bob, um, can probably speak to this a little bit too, but
the parking requirements for this, uh, structure are I believe half of what they're
normally ... is normally required. It's normally a half, um, parking spot, and it's a
quarter for the ... for the, oops, for these particular units it's a quarter. Um, because
of the footprint of these buildings, I don't think parking will be an issue for what
we're talking about in terms of scale. Should be .... should be fine, should be
very.... should be insular within the building itself.
Botchway: Thanks!
Decker: Underground, obviously.
Throgmorton: Good evening, Anna. Hadn't seen ya for a while.
Buss: Is that your benefit maybe (laughter) Well .... I've seen some of the issues with
this, and I think this would be a real diamond for Iowa City because .... it will
attract people who maybe are not students, who work at the University, who work
at the Hospital, who don't necessarily want to live in housing outside of town
anymore. We're seein' a lot of people that want to come back into the city. You
see that with a number of the condos that have been built. There's a good market
for this, and with all of the amenities that are in this building.... ooh! I wanna live
there too! I mean, yeah! I mean it's really pretty. There's parking, and ... I've
seen the work that these folks do, all over, and I think that the City would be real
miss if they didn't accept this as they want to build it. So, please consider it
because it would be a really pretty project. Thank you.
Throgmorton: Thank you, Anna.
Stewart: Hi, Gustave Stewart, uh, Student Liaison. Um, I just wanted to talk a little bit,
kind of briefly about the dynamics I see with this. Um, and first off, uh, that, um,
generally speaking, um, having higher density buildings in those areas will be
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beneficial. I mean that has been expressed through the Riverfront Crossings form
based code, um, the master plan, and that this could be a really good spot for
student housing. Um, that .... it will increase the housing supply, and .... um,
although this is just one, um, development, through accumulation of several
developments, by increasing the housing supply, we are, um, taking the pressure
off of traditional neighborhoods and we are, um, hopefully increasing, uh,
vacancy rates. So hopefully we will see more affordability for the overall, um,
person that is looking for housing, especially students, as this is an issue that we
have seen constant over and over again. I also want to mention that, um, for the
study, I believe it was around 3,000 units it was lacking, um, in supply for that,
uh, study that you're referring to, or give or take. Um.....but then that .... this
area's very close to campus, so increased walkability because you're right next to
campus. So, um ..... that means less people are probably gonna drive to campus.
Um, encouraging that walkability. In addition, the opening of Capitol Street, um,
is what I believe essential, um, because we're seeing further development in that
area. Um, the University is also looking at, from conversations I remember, um,
that they're looking at developing more stuff down there for potential housing
because, um, again, of that issue (mumbled) potential look at a two-year
(mumbled) requirement. Um .... because there are already a significant amount of
people that walk through there, whether it's to the parking lot or.....whether it's to
get off campus. So I think opening up the Capitol Street is gonna be great, um,
for both the University and the community. Um, so that being said, um, it's
always good to do substantial review, um, with a development of this size, but at
the same time.....I think it's important that we see a higher density, um,
development occurring, um, because it'll, again, it will increase the housing
supply for renters, and hopeful.... hopefully reducing the pressure off of those
neighborhoods, and increasing of ...the overall affordability. Um, yeah! Thank
you!
Throgmorton: Thanks, Gustave. Anyone else? All right. I don't see anyone else who wants to
speak to this. So I need to ask the Council if you are inclined to vote in
accordance with the Planning and Zoning Commission's recommendation, which
is to approve the, uh, proposed rezoning. Uh, if we don't, if we're not inclined to
do that, we'd continue the public hearing to allow time for a consultation with the
Planning and Zoning Commission. So ... uh, let's discuss that. I don't know what,
uh, you folks would like to do, so .... we need to find out. So, are you inclined to
support tentatively, we're not making firm decisions here yet.
Cole: I am at this point, because we're not making the decision, as I understand it,
especially on the basis of our detailed discussion from last meeting. We're not
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deciding 15 stories tonight. We are deciding step one, um, which has been talked
about before, um, which is a minimum of eight stories. So .... I'm supportive of it
at this time, and I'll further elaborate once we have discu... actual discussion,
but.....
Botchway: I'm supportive and I'm .... I'm gonna elaborate once you .... once we move on to
further discussion.
Mims: I'm supportive.
Thomas: I have concerns about, uh, the.....approving the.... this.... this step in the project. I
did, um.....uh, since our last meeting, look at the, urn .... the Comprehensive Plan,
which we talked about at our last meeting; and.... and tried to understand what
the .... the Downtown, Riverfront Crossings master plan had to say about this site.
Uh, the .... the emphasis on the .... staff s presentation was primarily on the .... the...
the regulatory framework, following the master plan, but I .... I wanted to get a
better understanding, um, of the master plan itself, the vision. And .... and so some
of the .... the factors, and Bob showed the ..... the plan image of that, uh, in looking
at the master plan, there were some development standards regarding building
heights for this particular site. Uh, you know, the building heights diagram, the
same diagram that we discussed when we were looking at the TIF standards, uh,
for the downtown. Uh, that building height diagram showed at the two corners of
Capitol and Burlington, uh, a seven to 15 -foot, uh, 17 to 15 level height, and that
was part of a .... a larger concept for the, uh, Burlington corridor where taller
buildings were placed at....at certain cor.... uh, corners along Burlington. Uh, the
remainder of the perimeter block was, uh, shown as four to six levels, and the
...the text referred to the fact that this building type is concentrated in the South
Downtown Central Crossings subdistricts where they would reinforce their
pedestrian -friendly intent. Uh, there also were in the development standards some
special requirements, uh, and there the master plan was .... was emphasizing
creating a well-connected urban fabric, and among the features contributing to
that goal, with respect to this project, were the, uh, its axial relationship to Old
Capitol and the close proximity to the County Courthouse building, which is a
prominent landmark in the area. It also recommended, um, enhanced facade
treatments at the comers of Burlington and Capitol, due to their high visibility.
Uh, some of the other considerations I would add was that the, uh, the pedestrian
network, uh, connectivity within the downtown, Capitol Street corridor which
would be re .... rein .... reinstated so to speak with this project would serve as a
major north -south pedestrian spine through the downtown, between the downtown
campus area and Riverfront Crossings. And then lastly I would say with respect
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to the context, uh, the School of Music is directly to the east and, uh, that .... that
building was, uh, important factor when we were considering the design of the
Hieronymus project on the comer of Clinton and Burlington, and it seems that it
should be considered now in the discussion of the project at 12 E. Court. So I ... I
then took those.... standards, um, as .... as indicated in the, uh, Comprehensive
Plan for the Downtown, Riverfront Crossings area, and tried to translate them, uh,
into more regulatory language. So with respect to building placement and form,
uh, the .... in terms of, with respect to building placement, four distinct buildings
would be placed as shown in the Downtown, Riverfront Crossings master plan,
and I .... I think actually the drawings we're seeing in a ... in a sense reflect that.
Um, with .... with respect to building height and facade stepbacks, uh, except for
the two Burlington, Capitol Street corners, maximum building height would be
seven stories. So I....took the four to six level concept as reflected in the master
plan and expanded it to seven to reflect some of the recent projects we've been
seeing where seven story buildings are being placed not only on the corners, but
through the .... through the block, and at the, uh, the two Burlington, Capitol
corners, a maximum building height of 10 stories. Uh, I also would .... noted that
the facade stepback requirements might be waived by the Design Review
Committee, uh, with consideration giving.... given to building designs which
show a visible base, uh, a middle no more than seven stories, and a top. And then
the last condition to be considered would be the treatment of the open space,
particularly the, uh, Capitol Street corridor and there that the, uh, the building
envelope would allow a minimum of five -hours of sunlight on that corridor from
March 21" to September 21'. So the idea there is that, uh, given the importance
of the Capitol Street corridor, uh, that there be a ..... a minimum amount of
sunlight penetrating to the ground floor, the street level, of...from the spring to the
fall equinox. So .... so those were, again, some of the, taking the master plan, not
the regulatory plan, uh, but the ... the master plan and trying to understand how that
would be, uh, applied to this particular site.
Mims: It seems ... I mean I've said I'm gonna vote yes on this, but .... while I appreciate
the concerns that you have, it seems like that's going way beyond ... the simple
rezoning to Riverfront Crossings, when so many of those details are things that
have to be worked out in the design review process.
Cole: That's what I was gonna say, like I viewed this as an opportunity to get the eight
in place, where they would then have the incentive to come back and invest in a
design that we could then ... impact.
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Taylor: We're talking.... potential 10, not the eight, plus the two, and the potential 10 and
then the five if they would want to come before us, and I .... I just find it a bit
ironic that .... it was mentioned of the historic preservation credit that would be
given .... when looking at those pictures, one of the most iconic, historical
buildings downtown besides the Old Capitol is the Courthouse, and it's just
dwarfed by those buildings, and .... and L....I find that to be sad, uh, for that height
bonus.
Throgmorton: So (both talking)
Mims: I'll try to .... think. I've been gonna do this in the past and I haven't done it. I
have some incredibly good pictures from Washington, D.C., of very modem
buildings built almost wall-to-wall with beautiful historic buildings. Some are
churches. And .... it's the way it's done in lots of place and they aren't even a
street or block apart. They are perfectly adjacent, and it's different, it's .... it's
certainly con.... contrasting in terms of the new and the old, but it works! And I
think when you go back and look at the Riverfront Crossings master plan, and you
look at the form based code, and even if you just look at the Riverfront Crossings
plan. I don't see how we can not move forward with this rezoning when we have
so many other steps in the process, in terms of any of the bonus height. I mean
the developer has agreed to a conditional zoning agreement that any design is
gonna get reviewed and have to be approved by P&Z. Um, and then certainly if
we go to the design two level, for the.....anything over 10 stories, it's gotta come
back to us as well. So there's plenty of steps further down the process to have
input on that, but this certainly meets that high density. I think Gustave spoke to a
number of the points I was gonna make, very, very well. So to me it makes sense
to go ahead with the rezoning.
Throgmorton: So I'd like to share some of my own views about this (clears throat) and .... I'd like
to begin by saying it's been, uh, really helpful to see these design images and the
text associated with it. So I wanted to thank Rob and ... the developer, uh, for
presenting this material to us. It helps me understand what you have in mind
better, and that certainly is something I really sensed we needed to have, and I
mentioned that in our last meeting. So anyhow, thank you for doin' that! So....
I'm gonna try to go ... go through a line of thought that is affected by what you've
presented to me tonight, rather than what I was imaging you were gonna present.
So, the first thing I wanna say is that rezoning the property would generally be
consistent with the Riverfront master plan, Riverfront Crossings master plan, and
as Susan said last meeting, that was a plan that was developed with a great deal of
input from the public, and which I like a lot. I think it's a .... really a terrific plan,
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but ... note, uh, I'm referring to the Riverfront Crossings master plan. I especially
admire the plan's call for four separate buildings, this is why I asked Bob to show
that birds' eye view, four separate buildings of varying heights and shapes,
divided north -south with an extended Capitol Street, and east-weth... west with a
pedestrian walkway, with a courtyard between the eastern buildings and what is
now Voxman Music, the Voxman Music building. So, I noticed that the ... the
renderings, not renderings — birds' eye views you've given us, massing studies
and so on, are generally consistent with .... in terms of footprint at least, generally
consistent with .... with that part of the master plan. And it certainly is a good
location for student housing, and Gustave's done a great job of, uh, articulating
that, so I won't go back through it. So my concern .... is not.....about a rezoning
that would be consistent.....it's not about a rezoning that would be consistent with
the master plan. I think we see that, that it would be. Rather my concerns have to
do with two things. First, the fundamental ways in which the development would
if we rezone without adding other conditions.... deviate from the Riverfront
Crossings master plan, and the way, the primary way in which it deviates is in the,
uh, cum ... well the cumulative ..... mass (laughs) the heights of the buildings.
Instead of four to six stories, and that ... that's what it called for, right, John? Four
to six stories?
Thomas: Four to six, except on the comers (both talking)
Throgmorton: Except on the corners..... instead of that, what we see is four 15 -story buildings.
So that's a big deviation, okay? So why .... why the deviation? The answer's the
form based code. That's why I referred .... I asked Bob about .... the fact that the
form based code was adopted a year, uh, many months after the Riverfront
Crossings master plan. The form based code .... was adopted at a moment when
....before a major action happened that affects my thinking about this project.
The form based code was adopted before we approved The Rise at, uh, Linn and
Court. A 14 and a 15 -story building. Two separate buildings, 14 and 15 stories,
with 350 or so student.....uh, residential units, student -oriented residential units.
So we developed a form based code under the assumption that we really needed to
have high density.... student housing in this location before we knew that a really
high density student -oriented housing development would be developed at Linn
and Court Street. So the .... the facts on the ground differ now from what the facts
were on the ground when we adopted the form based code. So.....I think.....
there's far ... it is far too dense. I have no objection to rezoning the property. I
have no objection to the footprints. I have no objection to virtually everything I
heard Rob say, except I think the cumulative mass, or hei.... the fact that they're
all 15 -story buildings, is far greater than what we need now. That's what I think.
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Sol...I believe we would need a .... a ..... another condition on the rezoning, to
affect that. That's my view.
Cole: Don't we already have the authority to make those modifications, to get it in line
with what your concerns are?
Throgmorton: How so? (several talking)
Cole: Cause that was exactly my thought process (both talking)
Throgmorton: How so!
Mims: Because they can't get .... they can't go over 10 stories without coming back to
City Council for approval.
Frain: I .... I would .... (clears throat) if I would on that topic, I ... I think it's important to
send a pretty clear signal to the developer on what you will be willing to consider
when it comes to height, because if you, uh, are only willing to grant that eight -
story right, if you will, um, my guess is the developer is not gonna move forward
with this project. Um, it's been clearly articulated to me, and mentioned again
tonight, that the developer's interest is to maximize density. It's not to say that
you ... would have to .... to say 15 stories, but, um, some clarity is probably needed,
uh, on behalf of the developer.....between eight and 15, urn..... bet.... better now
than just kicking that down the road, cause they're gonna be spendin' tens if not
hundreds of thousands of dollars on .... on design work, um, looking at that 15 -
story design.
Cole: But to that point, I think that's why in terms of the rezoning, that gives `em the
certainty that at the lea .... the very least, they're gonna get eight stories, and so the
finances of doing the design to get us the details are there.
Frain: That's fine but they won't move forward on eight stories. That .... that's what's
been said tome. I ... I just want (both talking) to know that.
Cole: No, I understand that, but then they're at eight. There's 15 and there's a process
in place.
Throgmorton: So remember, we're just tryin' to figure out whether tentatively we want to
express, uh, agreement with the Planning and Zoning Commission's
recommendation or not. So that ... that's the question we need to answer,
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ultimately. Uh, along the lines of the conversation we're having, I can tell ya over
the past several months I've had lots of people say to me why is Iowa City
building or approving the construction of so many new large apartment buildings.
Now to a degree I have an answer to that, and we've talked about it a lot in our
Council meetings. So I usually give the same answer. More housing's a good
thing. We have an affordability problem, and so on. I don't wanna go through
the details. But there are a lot of people out there who are just flummoxed about
the fact that we're approving more and more large new buildings. Uh, they're not
here tonight so I can't speak for them any more. So, uh.... let's see.....I.... I do, I
mean, given, uh, what Geoff was saying, Susan, and I understand your point, you
know, uh, we do have these .... there are two other review steps involved. But if
we don't signal now.....what.... what we would be willing to accept, then we'd be
unfair to the developer, I think.
Mims: I would agree with that, but I still think we can close the public hearing and have
the first vote, if we have a majority of people that .... that doesn't mean the
developers have to go forward.. I think at our next meeting, you know, we can
have more discussion and people can make their points clear about what they....
my sense is there are people on this Council who will not support anything higher
than eight stories no matter how good it looks. Um, that's just my sense. Uh....
Throgmorton: Yeah, I don't know that that's true.
Mims: I don't know, but that's my sense. There's been comments from people that they
don't like tall buildings, and so .... you know, I ..... I won't go through all my
reasons. We've spent enough time on that. I .... I think we can vote tonight, and I
think either tonight or at our next meeting, and .... and maybe even more tonight
once we.....close the public hearing and actually have `more discussion.' We're
still in the public hearing right now. Um, give `em an idea of what you think
you're going to support. I mean if. ... if ...if they're not gonna, if no matter what
they do they're not gonna be able to get the height that they want in terms of
going forward, then I think as Geoff said, we might as well signal that to them
tonight. It doesn't mean we can't go forward with the rezoning. They may want
to continue with the rezoning, but not pursue the project right now, but at least
they get the rezoning done.
Botchway: Yeah, I mean for me, I'm .... from a process standpoint, I'm just a little confused
on discussion. So ultimately the question before us is, as you articulated, Jim, is
whether or not we're interested in the rezoning. And so I mean from that
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standpoint (mumbled) think we need to answer that question and then move to the
discussion piece.
Thomas: I agree.
Botchway: I mean cause I have some stuff to say, based on comments that have been said,
but I've just waited cause I think that we need to .... focus on just the, whether or
not we're inclined to go ahead (both talking)
Throgmorton: Okay, so the question at hand is ... uh, are ... are you inclined to support the Planning
and Zoning Commission's recommendation that we approve the rezoning, with
the conditions, uh, specified by the Commission. (several responding) If...if you
are, please nod yes. (several responding) If you are not. All right, so it's 3-3.
That tells ... I mean I believe that means we really should offer to consult with the
Planning and Zoning Commission, given the fact that Mazahir is not here.
Dilkes: Well if would fail right now. So....
Throgmorton: Yeah, and I ... I (both talking) I don't want it to fail right now (both talking)
Dilkes: ...offer a consult.
Throgmorton: I would prefer to have consultation with the Planning and Zoning Commission,
and Maz isn't here. I mean to be fair to everybody we should have all seven
members present if. ... if we're (several talking)
Mims: She may not be back till August.
Botchway: Yeah, and she won't be here.
Throgmorton: Well that's true! Well I still think it would be wise to have consultation (both
talking)
Mims: Well we have to cause a 3-3 fails (both talking) So.....
Throgmorton: Yeah.
Botchway: So then my question is, is where do we ... where do we have an opportunity to
discuss?
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Dilkes: I can't hear you.
Botchway: Where do we have the opportunity to discuss, I mean if it fails, where do we have
the opportunity to discuss?
Dilkes: Well the (both talking) you're not voting right now. What you're trying to decide
is whether, um, the majority is .... is inclined to go with the P&Z's
recommendation. It does not appear that that's the case. So if that's not the case,
then you need to offer a consult to P&Z.
Throgmorton: So we have to offer a consult, given that fact.
Botchway: Yeah.
Mims: I guess I just still don't understand the reluctance of Council Members .... to vote
for the rezoning, when .... there are so many other steps that have to be done
before they can do anything over eight stories, even though we signal potentially
to them at this point, you may not get more than eight stories. What is wrong
with going forward with the rezoning?
Botchway: Yeah, I would agree. I mean I think Rockne articulated it, to me pretty clearly,
and this was some of my same, you know, not necessarily points, but why I felt
comfortable moving forward at our last meeting is ultimately, um, we're looking
at an eight -story building, and that's why I think I asked Bob again the clear .... the
clear kind of points of which Council has another shot at this or, you know, kind
of have a different outlook, um, because what we've done prior, um, in these
situations is, you know, if there is any type of height that's being discussed, we
have had that conversation as far as what we'd want to see and what we'd look
like, and the developer has come back and shared more information or changed
the building type. I, you know, I have some concern, and this is a different, you
know, a little bit different project, but you know again .... I was, you know, one of
the Council Members that, you know, focused on the Kum n' Go on First Avenue.
Um .... and I, you know, First Avenue and Muscatine, and I had, you know, stated
you know there's some things that are problematic from a community standpoint.
Um, there needs to be some changes here and changes there, and I think the
resounding notion I heard from Council at the time was this is a part of the
regulatory framework. If you have an issue with it, you know, come back before
us with, um, a different, uh, thoughts on design or talk about changes in the code,
and ultimately I understand that this is a different project as far as the density's
concerned, but to me it's a similar process from the standpoint of, you know,
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they're coming forward with a rezoning for eight stories. I feel very comfortable
with eight stories. I have some concerns about going up to the 15, um, story
height. With some of the comments that you've made, Jim, as far as the building
heights and whether building heights can be different. I do feel like that's a
conversation that we'll have when we're talking about the height bonus. From a
design review standpoint as, Pauline, you mentioned and the two additional
stories, I mean I have a lot of faith and confidence not only in our staff, but also
the Planning and Zoning Commission as that ... as it pertains to that, not
necessarily the .... the two stories have focused on the staff review level. I .... I get
the comments, and this ... this is interesting for me, cause I'm doin' a lot of
traveling now. I get the comments about height in rel ... in relation to the different
building types. And you know part of me, even as I walk by the Chauncey
project, um, you know, in .... in looking at it, I know I'm throwing out a bunch of
different projects and so, you know, bear with me, it's like `is it really that high,'
you know, I mean at the street level, am I looking up and really just staring at, you
know, how high the building is, in relation to all the different things that's
happening. I don't know that I am. I'm interested in setbacks and how that's
going to potentially alleviate some of the .... the height deficiencies or things that I
may see as I'm walking on, um, Court Street, or as I'm walking on Capitol Street,
or as I'm walking on Burlington Street, I mean but these again are all
considerations that I think are gonna happen later on in the process, and I plan on
signaling to staff these are considerations that I'd like to have, for them to think
about as they're going through, um, their own design review process. I .... I just
warm make sure we're .... we're having the right conversation, because I agree
with you, I do think it's appropriate for us to signal to developers if we're not
interested in a 15 -stories, let's not waste time and money. I totally understand
that. But I also think we need to get to a .... an understanding or at least a
standpoint, or at least my standards, and it may not necessarily be as articulated
as, uh, as John as far as, you know, introducing Comprehensive Plan elements or
introducing, you know, form based code elements and how those, um, cross-
reference each other, but I would say that in general when I talk to the folks that
are more interested in this particular building site, there's a high level of interest,
in relation to the CRWC, the Recreation Center down to the left comer, bottom
left of the page. In relation to, um, the University. In relation to the music
building. My biggest concern is the affordability, um, and, you know, I think
those things are gonna be articulated. I'll have the same questions, um, when we
talk about a potential height bonuses later on. So just know that, from that
standpoint. I .... I just think we have to be careful here, and I appreciate the
conversation about the topography as well, because that puts me in a different
state of mind than it does if we were talking about it in a different piece of
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property in the downtown area. This particular location, I agree with Rob or Ron.
Rob. I agree with what Rob said around it's uniquely located. If this was, you
know, closer to the.... president's house, I may feel uncomfortable, or in just any
other area downtown, but where it's located right now, it makes me feel a lot
differently about this property than wherever it's located, and so .... those are also
considerations that I'm taking in with this project, but ultimately, you know, the
question before me is the eight -story building. Do I have some comfortable or
concerns .... or some .... some general concerns and will I feel more comfortable
after maybe hearing more from the developer, after the next stage of the process?
Yes, but ultimately right now I feel .... I feel good about, and I mean I'm hoping
that with our conversation today, and potential support of the rezoning, the
developer can come back to us with more thoughts, along Rockne's lines, more
thoughts about what that setback could be, what are some of the other pieces that
we brought up around affordable housing. I know, Jim, you brought up different
building heights. Pauline, you, um, brought up, you know, the relative view as it
relates to the Courthouse. I think those are things that I ... I fully, full well expect
the developer to be heeding and taking that in mind, and then coming back to us
with a different product later on. I just think for right now, we just need to focus
on the rezoning and moving forward on the eight stories. Sony that was a long
elongated answer but I wanted to address some of the comments that have been
made (both talking)
Throgmorton: Okay, unless anybody else has, uh, comments to make, what we have is a 3-3
split. What we are required to do is offer a consult with the Planning and Zoning
Commission.
Botchway: Well before you move on, I thought I was pretty convincing and so (laughter) if
there's any changes (laughter) that people want to make in relation to that, I'm
....I'm interested to hear that as well.
Throgmorton: You were. You were very persuasive. You're a persuasive guy! So,
urn .... without objection, that's what we need to do.
Dilkes: Well you're gonna need a motion to defer the.....
Throgmorton: Could I have a motion to defer .... uh, let's see (both talking) continue the public
hearing, defer....
Dilkes: ....first consideration.
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Throgmorton:.... first consideration to our meeting in July, July the 3`d, and offer a consult with
the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Botchway: So moved.
Thomas: Second.
Throgmorton: Moved by Botchway, seconded by Thomas. Uh, we need a roll call?
Dilkes: Nope.
Throgmorton: All in favor say aye. Opposed.
Dilkes: I can't.....
Throgmorton: Motion carries 5-1. Rockne in the negative. All right. Could I have a motion to
accept correspondence please?
Botchway: So moved.
Thomas: Second.
Throgmorton: Moved by Botchway, seconded by Thomas. All in favor say aye. Opposed.
Motion carries.
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Item 6. Planning and Zoning Matters
Item 6b Rezoning 1705 Prairie Du Chien Road — Ordinance conditionally
rezoning approximately 1.89 acres from Planned Development Overlay/High
Density Single Family (OPD/RS-12) zone to Low Density Multifamily (RM -
12) zone for the property located at 1705 Prairie Du Chien Road. (REZ18-
00002)
a) Public Hearing (Continued from 5/1 and 5/15)
Throgmorton: I'll open the public hearing. (bangs gavel) Hi, Bob!
Miklo: I would like to point out the location of the property. It's on the west side of
Prairie Du Chien Road, just south of Interstate 80. Uh, Foster Road, uh, which is
proposed to be constructed, uh, beginning this year is just to the north of the
property, north and west. Um, the area to the west was recently rezoned with a
planned development overlay to, um, it's .... it's currently zoned, um, high density,
single-family. The planned development overlay, um, allows, uh, clustering of,
uh, the units into townhouses and a senior housing project. The area to the east of
Prairie Du Chien Road is zoned, uh, low density, single-family, as well as the area
to the .... to the south of this ... this property. Uh, the property is currently
developed with a manufactured housing park, um, I believe it has 11 units, nine of
them are ... are occupied. The, uh, Comprehensive Plan speaks, uh, specifically,
uh, to this property, um.....identifying it as an area that would be appropriate for,
uh, low density, multi -family if the manufactured housing park were ever to
redevelop. Um, it also noted that the construction of Foster Road in this area, um,
would support, um, redevelopment, uh, in this .... in this general area. The, uh,
Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed this application, and um, along with
staff did find it, uh, in compliance with the Comprehensive Plan. Uh, the
Commission did, however, uh, place some conditions on their recommendation.
Um, after viewing a, uh, concept plan submitted by the applicant, uh, where he
had indicated he was in agreement to liming.... limiting the, uh, development to a
two to two and a half story, A .... uh, building. Uh, although the underlying
zoning, as well as the surrounding zoning, allows a 35 -foot height limit, which is
a.....a three-story building generally. The remainder of the neighborhood, or
most of the neighborhood, is developed with one and two-story buildings
and ... and that's the reason for the, uh, the condition limiting it to two stories. Um,
the applicant did submit, um, some, uh, character illustrations of the, uh.... types
of buildings, uh, he would like to build; however, there was .... those are not
specific plans, and for that reason the, uh, Planning and Zoning Commission
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recommended that there be a design review process, uh, for the eventual
construction on .... onthis property. The Planning and Zoning Commission at
their first meeting asked the applicant to present a relocation plan for the .... the
current residents of the .... of the property. Um, at the next meeting, the applicant,
um, did indicate, um, that he would agree to a nine-month timeframe, or notice, to
the current residents that .... once, if the zoning is approved, uh, the occupants
would have nine months to, uh... um, to leave the property. He, um, also at that
time had offered a, uh, a ... a relocation assistance of $1,000, I believe per
household. That has since been amended to $2,000 and you have a, uh, new
conditional zoning agreement, um.....that includes that, uh, proposal. Um.....so
again, both Planning and Zoning Commission and, um, staff have recommended
approval with .... with conditions. Be happy to try to answer any questions.
Cole: So the conditional... the amount of the con .... of the assistance can be part of the
conditional zoning framework, is that correct?
Miklo: That's correct.
Cole: So for example.....
Dilkes: They've signed a conditional zoning agreement that has that figure in it.
Cole: Okay. (several talking in background)
Throgmorton: Bob, part of the record we have before us in our packet, uh, is, um, some
information that Eleanor and, I don't know, maybe Tracy put together for us,
concerning .... uh, relocation assistance and what the past actions of the City have
been, with regard to that. I don't know if you're in a position to talk about that or
Eleanor is or Tracy is (laughs) I don't....
Dilkes: I can talk about it.
Throgmorton: Yeah, could you please?
Dilkes: You know I think what Council asked for was just a review of relocation
requirements and when .... you know, there are federal relocation requirements, the
state relocation requirements. Those kick in when, um.....when there's federal
money involved, um, or when there's a condemnation. Um, and so they're not
applicable here. Unt .... I think we ga.... so we gave you some examples of. ... the
URA or the Uniform Relocation Act requirements, um, in projects that we've
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done and then we gave you a couple examples of when that's not been a
requirement and I think those two were the recent Rose Oaks one. That was
assistance provided by the City, not .... not by the developer. Um, and then we
also looked way back in ... for the, at the, um, Towncrest mobile home court, um
....assistance that was actually part of a conditional zoning agreement at the time.
So we're .... I .... I think what you need to keep in mind when you're looking at
relocation issue in connection with a rezoning is the Iowa code requires, or
allows, for the imposition of conditions to address public needs created by, um,
the rezoning.
Throgmorton: Yeah.
Dilkes: And so directly caused by the rezoning.
Throgmorton: Yeah. Okay.
Dilkes: So that's the focus that you need to have, I think.
Throgmorton: Yeah. Thank you. Uh, we may return to that, but could be somebody else wants
to talk to us about this. So anybody else want to address this topic? This
particular rezoning that is.
Eastham: Again my name is Charlie Eastham. I'll li.... live at 953 Canton Street, and yes I
do want to talk specifically about the relocation, uh, plan that's in part of the CZA
for this, uh, this project. And I (clears throat) want to, ub, ask the Council to
consider a .... a.....a more adequate relocation plan, which in my view the Council
can adopt as part of your discretionary, uh, rezoning power, because relocation of
people who are living in this, uh, parcel now, uh, their relocation definitely
creates a public need, caused by the rezoning. Uh (clears throat) I believe that the
model that's appropriate here is the one that's being followed in the Forest View
redevelopment, where (clears throat) after, uh, a negotiations by ... between
residents and the developers, they've, uh, put forth a relocation plan which
haven't .... (mumbled) which has not come to you yet, which will, uh.... uh, very
soon, and that relocation plan calls for up to $7,250 I think, in uh.... uh,
reimbursements, uh, for actual relocation costs for people who are .... decide to,
uh, leave Forest View mobile home park and go to another, uh,
some....someplace else and don't.... choose not to participate in the, uh, new
residences that are being created at Forest View. (clears throat) And that
relocation plan also has the developers buying at an appraised price any mobile
homes that are not able to ... to be moved from the park, and then the developers
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also agreed to pay the difference between, uh, any, um, if there's any difference
between lot rent, uh, for a new location and the current location over a period I
think of about four years. Those are all elements, I think the major elements of
the HUD guidelines, and I think they're appropriate for this, uh.... uh, this
instance. Uh, Jim .... you made a .... a comment earlier in the informal session, uh,
when you were talking about changing ... or street design, uh, policies and you said
if we continue doing things we have been doing for 30 years or not. We have that
choice to make. I would say that we have been rezoning and displacing people
who live primarily in mobile homes in this community in instances in the past, uh,
at an un .... and not compensating them completely for their, uh.... uh (clears
throat) for their having to move to a new location, and I think that's something we
should stop doing, and we should start doing things that are right for people that
are living in, uh, in this, uh (both talking)
Throgmorton: Charlie, would you please repeat the dollar amount of relocation assistance that's
being included tentatively in the Forest View (both talking)
Eastham: In the Forest View, uh, plan, I looked this up just a minute ago, it's $7,250 I think
for relocation costs. That's.... that's a reimbursement. It's not a payment. Uh,
the uh, owners purchasing at an appraised value any trailers that cannot be moved
from their present location, and then the owners agreed to pay a .... any, if there's
any difference in lot rent, uh, between the present loca.... the present park and a
new park, for a period I think of up to four years. (clears throat) The actual cost
of people .... of people's, uh, mobile homes in these, uh, instances is usually in the
few thousand, no more than $15,000 range, and as you know, there were five or
six letters from park, uh.... uh, park residents, uh, at a .... in the Prairie Du Chien
park, five or six le .... five or six letters in the, uh, before Planning and Zoning,
from park residents, and they talked about what money they have put into their
ho ... into their houses, and they're in the, you know, the few thousand to $15,000
range. And my point would be that the development process can .... the
developers and the owners can fairly readily absorb the amount of increased, or
the amount of a .... that amount of relocation, uh (clears throat) and charges for the
sale price of new houses or the rental price of new houses. It puts the cost of this
development, I think, where it should be (clears throat) on the new residents, and
it takes the cost (mumbled) where I think it should not be, which is off the current
residents.
Throgmorton: Thank you! Good evening, Ross.
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Nusser: Good evening. I'm Ross Nusser. I'm the applicant here. Um, I'd like to speak
briefly about the process. Um, we have .... we've been doin' this process since
probably January or February and we've held numerous meetings with the
residents of the manufactured housing community, and .... we have tried to
identify their needs and .... and one of those needs is .... is adequate time to move.
Um, and then there's absolutely a financial component here. Now this site in
particular is a very small site, relative to some of these other developments that
we've seen. Um, it's .... it's less than two acres. And .... and I don't know what
basis there would be to be able to absorb that .... you know, the cost that Mr.
Eastham just... just stated but we .... we are unable, 100% unable, to do it. Um,
throughout this process, myself and my business partners have worked with the
City to try and identify funds and .... and it's been frustrating, I mean, this is a
community that has been largely forgotten, largely, um, something that
there .... there just aren't resources available, and .... and we're trying
to .... we .... we doubled our, we doubled what we promised the Planning and
Zoning, um, and we are trying here but ... but this is about what we can offer,
and ..... and I'm .... I'm not .... I'm not saying that this is the best solution for
everyone, but this is a solution that we're able to present, and I'd like to answer
any questions that you have for me.
Botchway: Ross, what's been the, you know, so ultimately you, um, increased that by, you
know, 1,000.
Nusser: Uh huh.
Botchway: What has been the general viewpoint of the residents? I know we received some
communication but.....you know.....
Nusser: So I think that generally the timeline, urn .... for moving out has been acceptable.
The .... the nine months. I think that that's generally been acceptable. Um, we've
received, and I've received and forwarded on to Council, um, a couple of letters
where they're not happy with the amount of relocation money that is being
provided. But I.....I would say that that's generally..... a pretty good synopsis of
the timeline is right but the amount of money is .... is not up to par.
Taylor: Do you have any, excuse me, do you have any sense of, um, when you're talking
with these residents what their plans might be, where they would go, what they
would do?
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Nusser: You know there are a few residents here tonight, and I .... would think that they
might come up and .... and speak to that, but .... um, I .... one person has stated that
they have found a place already, but beyond that, you know, we're talking about
seven different units that are occupied right now. And .... and I don't, I cannot
speak for all of them.
Taylor: I think that just would make a difference for me as far as knowing what their
plans are, how much, uh, money could they be compensated for, to help the....
Nusser: Yeah.
Throgmorton: So I think the relocation assistance point is an inter .... is an important one, but I
want to ask you about a different topic.
Nusser: Sure!
Throgmorton: And it has to do with the nature of development all along Prairie Du Chien. As
you know, better than I do, uh.... uh, it's all one to two-story, single-family
housing, uh, pretty clearly of a generally.... well I don't warm say uniform
design, but it's sort of a.....consistent, compatible kind of design all along the
road. Uh, and I know the .... the Planning and Zoning Commission's, um, one of
the conditions has to do with what requiring no more than two stories for the
building that's closest to Prairie Du Chien.
Nusser: Uh huh.
Throgmorton: And that there'd be a design review component associated with that, right? (both
talking) Uh, so part of what I'm thinking, and I'd like to get your feedback about,
is that it would be important for the building to be designed architecturally to, that
building, to be designed architecturally to be consistent with the general sense of
design of the buildings all along Prairie Du Chien. Now I know there's detail
variation, so I'm not tryin' to push it too hard, but you know what I mean, so....
Nusser: I do, I do. I would agree with that. Um, the one thing that I .... so I live off of
Prairie Du Chien, and so this'll be a building that I'll be driving by every day.
Um, the one thing that I will state is that a lot of those buildings, right on Prairie
Du Chien, right in that area are post-war 1950s, um, housing, where they're pre-
fab housing and .... and so ..... I would agree that .... that the building design needs
to be compatible with the area, but I .... don't necessarily want to emulate some of
the immediate surroundings, if that ... if that makes sense. I mean just being able to
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meld well into that neighborhood, but .... but not to ... not to articulate, you know,
1950s very .... very shallow wall types.
Throgmorton: Uh, yeah, I ... I get that. There'd have to be .... yeah. I'm not .... I'm not tryin' to
demand some uniform thing.
Nusser: No, no! Absolutely.
Throgmorton: Compatibility ... with the existing neighborhood, I believe, is crucial.
Nusser: Agreed!
Throgmorton: For... especially with that building. I want to emphasize that point, yeah.
Thomas: Can I ... I'd like to .... build on what Jim just said because I .... I think, uh, this has
been an issue that I've been struggling with for many years in Iowa City, this
notion of compatibility. It's in our Comprehensive Plan. It's in our zoning code
and I ... I'd have to say sometimes it doesn't seem to quite... meet that expectation
once it's completed. Uh, but .... not too long ago came along the notion of the
missing middle. And the missing middle, urn .... I think has a more articulate
answer to this question of compatibility. Uh, and it...it refers to the notion of
housing having a house form, which I think gets at what needs to happen along
Prairie Du Chien. So what is a house form? House form might be a building type
such as a townhouse or perhaps a four-plex, you know, two units below, two units
above, but within a envelope that looks like a house. So unless you were looking
very carefully at the design of the building, you wouldn't even notice that it was
four units. You would just view it as a two-story house, in terms of its .... its
general mass. So ... so that level .... of refining, I think the....you know, the
conditions, we're moving in the right direction of two-story height limit. But I ... I
feel there's a need to better articulate and tie down what we mean, uh, or what we
intend to build along Prairie Du Chien.
Nusser: So if...if I may I'd like to address the missing middle. Um, the missing middle
was something that was articulated during the form based code discussion for the
Northside District plan.
Thomas: Right.
Nusser: And it was something that was very heavily influenced, you know, during the
discussions of that plan. And .... this neighborhood is not very far away from the
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Northside District. So I .... I would echo that. I think that that's exactly what is
needed there is .... is the missing middle, and I think that it would be consistent
with the Comprehensive Plan, as it calls out the low density, multi -family
housing. I think that this is a perfect opportunity for the missing middle.
Taylor: I think as John was talking I was thinking about the new Prairie Hill development
off of Miller Street, and if you haven't been there since it's been taking form, it's
absolutely beautiful, and it's kind of that missing middle concept, and something
designed along that way would .... would be nice for that location also.
Nusser: Uh huh.
Cole: -I .... I guess one of the questions I have (clears throat) are there any restrictions
that P&Z has placed upon you that could maybe ... make the project more viable in
terms of being able to give the assistance to the residents? Um, I ... I frankly think
that (mumbled) any .... anything that can make it more profitable for you?
Nusser: I ... I wish ... I wish that there were something. The problem is the site is relatively
small. And like Council Member Thomas stated, that we're trying to achieve the
missing middle here, and we're not trying to get this super -compact, high-density
housing right here on Prairie Du Chien. And so with that, the, um .... what you
cannot see on this aerial here is the back half, after that last, uh, manufactured
housing unit, it falls off, the grade falls off very .... very, very significantly. So it's
not buildable back there. So we're working with a very, very small basis of land.
Um, and .... we ... I mean, we ... we have .... we have spent months, literally months
and countless meetings with the City, countless meetings with the State trying to
pin down some sort of relocation package that .... that we were basically striking
out on, and ... and we came up with what we could best do, and .... and this is what
we can best do. Um, again.....we want to be able to provide as much as we
possibly can, but ... with this site it's just so restrictive in that. And the ... and the
developer just cannot absorb .... you know, a .... a very large amount of money per
unit because there's just no profit there.
Throgmorton: Any other questions for Ro... Ross?
Botchway: I guess, Ross, you say that, sorry, I mean ... um, you say that but then you jump
...you moved it up a thousand dollars.
Nusser: Yep.
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Botchway: And so what ... what changed?
Nusser: Um, the thing that changed is that.... we're.... that thousand dollars, we're still
....we're gonna be taking that basically in the shorts. I mean it's ... it's not gonna
be fun for us to absorb that, but .... we wanted to show a good faith effort on, you
know, doubling what .... what Planning and Zoning had recommended. It's ... it' s
not gonna be comfortable for us to do that. It's a .... it's a significant amount of
risk, urn .... you know, when we're talking about a thousand dollars here, we're...
we're really talking about $20,000. And we're also talking about, you know, the
majority of these units here are unable to move. Um, so we will be paying to
demolish and to discard of them, and so that will be affected within this. So it's
....it's a much larger figure than just the $2,000 that.....that we have here, but
um ... but .... but nothing's really changed except for the fact that we're .... we're
willing to stretch our .... our limit a little bit further.
Taylor: I .... I appreciate that you increased it, the $2,000 and also the nine months, um....
uh, notice as .... as commendable.
Nusser: Thank you.
Throgmorton: Any other questions? Thanks, Ross.
Nusser: Thank you.
Throgmorton: Who else would like to address this topic? Good evening!
Moore: Good evening, Curt Moore. I own the property. Just .... just a couple of notes.
Uh (clears throat) there are 10 units, not 11. Currently two are abandoned, one
person is moved, and we have an empty lot. So there's not .... not 11, there's
actually 10 units with six people left. And around.... around that area it's already
all zoned RM -12. We're not asking you for anything different than alrea.... that's
already there. Uh, ironically enough, Forest Hills, which is on the person that
owns, uh, Forest Hills also owns the lot to the south, um, Mr. Stintler. Uh, we just
signed an easement for him so that Foster Road could go through. That was
stalled because somewhere along the line it got lost. Needed a storm sewer put in.
That's gonna go in on the corner of the property there. So .... Forest Hills is on the
way. We helped `em along. Uh, as I said before, part of the problem with the
trailer court is, uh, the sewer system. It has orangeberg, if anybody's familiar
with that. It's like a cardboard sewer pipe. Uh, it's cast iron, galvanized. It was
pieced together starting back in the late 40s, early 50s. It's collapsing. I've
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already replaced 60 feet and more of it's failing. Same with the water system.
It's failing. There's no shut -offs, other than the main shut-off for the whole
trailer. So if it fails, that means nobody has water. And that's what's happening.
Unfortunately, you know, it could happen tomorrow, and the people are .... are
gonna be .... we're lookin', ya know. We're .... can't replace it all. Now is the
time to .... to fix this problem, tear it all out and start over. Some of the trailers
there, just the dates, uh, six of `em, the oldest one's 1960, the newest one's 1972,
which is one of the abandoned ones, uh, the other ones are 1969. Our lot rent is
$175 a month. That includes trash, sewer, and water. Nobody in Iowa City does
that. Nobody! Basically it amounts to $350 is what we should be charging. We
have .... we're subsidizin' the people, so when you look at, you know, $2,000 and
what we're doing, we're givin' right now. Other trailer courts, if your trailer's
over 10 years old, they kick you out! You're gone! It replaces .... in trailer courts
the same thing — you have 30 days notice. That's true everywhere. So it's .... it's
a unfortunate problem with older trailers, they just go into the ground. That,
along with the sewer and water, is a ... is an issue. I believe on the south side,
those people got $500. Mr. Nusser wants to offer 2,000. You know, that's a
significant, uh, jump for them to take. Urn ...... that's pretty much it, I think. Uh,
appreciate ya lookin' at this and considering the fact that..... it's gonna fail, and
it's no fault of ours, it's no fault of theirs. The fact of the matter is, the trailer
court's gonna close. And it could be tomorrow because the sewer line fails and it
could be tomorrow because the water line fails. And right now we're on
borrowed time, and we can rectify the situation here. Thanks for your time.
Throgmorton: Thank you, Curt. Anyone else?
Barron: Hi! I'm Sara Barron, Executive Director of the Johnson County Affordable
Housing Coalition. I shared this already with Planning and Zoning, but I want to
reiterate it for you all. Um, we're, um, very pleased to see discussion about
relocation assistance be a part of this rezoning request. Um, and we, um, we
real .... we cannot speak for the residents in this particular project, nor name a
specific dollar amount, um, we really encourage though as you're considering
these, um, these redevelopment plans to center the needs of the residents who are
being displaced, and again, wanted to show our appreciation for you all carefully
considering that, as well as the developer and other advocates for the project. So I
just wanted to say thanks for .... for your careful consideration of this part of
the ... the redevelopment plan.
Throgmorton: Thank you, Sara. Anyone else? Sorry, I'm a little bit surprised. I thought there
would be some neighbors from the Prairie Du Chien Road area. We've received
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quite a bit of material in one way or another from them. Okay! So seeing no one
else, are you folks inclined to support the Planning and Zoning Commission's
recommendation? Now, before you answer the question I want to ask you a
question, Eleanor. If. ... if we, if anybody on our Council, uh, wants to
recommend a fairly minor change in one of the conditions, would we have to
consult with the Commission?
Dilkes: It depends on what the condition is.
Throgmorton: Yeah. So we'll find out.
Dilkes: (laughs) Yeah!
Throgmorton: So .... I mean (both talking)
Dilkes: Generally if it's a substantive condition .... um ... I mean, we're gonna have to
continue the public hearing if you want to change the conditions, because we
don't have a .... we won't have a signed CZA. Regardless. So....
Throgmorton: Yeah. Okay. All right, so, uh, what are you inclined to do?
Botchway: I had a question for Curt. Jim, I had a question for Curt. Is now the appropriate
time (both talking)
Throgmorton: Curt, could you come back up, please?
Botchway: Sorry, I should have mentioned that. I didn't know if there was anybody else that
wanted to speak. You had mentioned that the trailer court, um, you know,
because of the sewage and because of the water would ... could fail, you know,
tomorrow. It could .... it's failing. What's the process? So you'd close the trailer
court, but ultimately what's the process by which.... residents would then be
displaced or what's that process?
Moore: Fortunately, this .... this is my opinion, cause I only know from what I've tore up
. so far and replaced, and because of, you know, are you familiar with orangeburg?'
Botchway: Yeah.
Moore: Okay. It .... it, when it goes, it's just non-stop. It just starts....the whole system
starts to fail. Unfortunately with this also, with .... with a lot of places that were
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built, uh, in the late 40s, early 50s, it's anything that was at hand. So you have
cast iron, you have galvanized, and you have, uh, orangeburg. It's all in there,
and it.....you start at one end. You probably have to dig up the whole place, I
mean completely around, and replace all the sewer, and when you replace all the
sewer you're gonna replace all the water. When you replace all the water, that
means you have to replace all your stand pipes also. So it's not just a matter of
running water, you know, pipe around and .... and hookin' it up. You have to, you
know, dig underneath each trailer, I mean it's a huge project. It's not .... it's not a
simple project.
Botchway: No, I appreciate that. Let me clarify, uh, the question a little bit more though.
I'm just focused on, so you (both talking)
Moore: What's gonna happen to them?
Botchway: Yeah. So you'd have to close the trailer court (both talking)
Moore: They would be.....well, there wouldn't be any water and sewer (both talking)
Taylor: Would they, oh! Sorry!
Moore: Yeah, I don't know, you know, what.... what happens to anybody else in this town
when somethin' fails? They .... they go out and find themselves someplace else to
live. And I .... I do property maintenance for .... for apartment buildings and things
happen. Sewer, waters break, you know, they have to go find a room someplace
else. You know, unfortunately, you know, I'm just .... I'm just givin' ya a .... a
heads up of what the facts are, and this is .... this is an unfortunate problem when
somethin's built that long ago, things fail. In this case, the whole place is failing.
Taylor: I think ... (both talking)
Moore: (both talking) ....right answer for what you want. Am I gonna dig into my pocket
and pay for everybody to go live someplace else for .... for who knows how long?
Uh, I don't have that kind of money. Remember, I only charge them 175 bucks a
month. You know, that's .... you know, I'm not.....I'm not, uh, the golden egg.
Taylor: I think what Kingsley might want to know and you may not know the answer to
this, uh, would there be any way that they would qualify for, uh, assistance, such
as like Red Cross that comes in when there's a fire in the building or tornadoes or
those kinds of things (both talking)
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Moore: (both talking) ....here that can answer that question than me if it's a, you know,
emergency situation.
Taylor: Right.
Moore: I just .... that I don't know, and there's plenty of people here who work for the City
that probably could answer that question. What's available, I don't know, you
know, when .... on the south side there was money showed up down there. So .... I
don't know.
Botchway: Okay. Thanks.
Moore: Wish I could .... wish I was a millionaire, but I'm not!
Botchway: Can staff speak to that? Like ultimately what happens in that sense?
Dilkes: I can't.... Kingsley, can you speak into (both talking, noises on mic)
Botchway: Can staff speak to that? Like ultimately what would happen in that sense, I
mean .... water and sewer, um, would, you know, would be, you know, done or
whatever the case may be, and what would be the next step?
Fruin: It wouldn't be .... there wouldn't be habitable units, uh.....
Botchway: Right.
Fruin: ...at that time and .... and we would try to connect them with social service
programs, you know, probably, uh.....do our best to connect them into those
existing programs but .... but I can't say whether they would qualify for those
existing programs or even be interested in `em themselves.
Botchway: Sorry!
Dilkes: Yeah, and I .... and I'd also tell you that the notice period for, um, on .... on the
mobile home lots themselves is typically 30 days. They're usually month-to-
month.
Botchway: Okay.
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Throgmorton: All right, can we return to the question I asked — are you inclined to support, uh,
the Commission's recommendations. Just to, uh.... uh, I'11.....I'll respond to my
own question. Uh, and this gets to the point I was referring to, Eleanor. Um, I ... I
noticed that the, um, the assistance that the City ... no, that the, yeah, the City
required the developer to provide, back in 1994, with regard to, uh, Towncrest,
the Towncrest mobile home court, as part of a rezoning, was $2,000 per trailer.
Uh, well I'm sorry, it was $150,000, and there was something like 66 units out
there. So I don't know, turns out to be something like $2,300 in 1994 dollars, per
trailer. Uh, so that's a pretty good precedent, seems to me. Uh, I don't know
what, uh, two .... $2,300 in 1994 dollars translates to in terms of 2018 dollars. I'd
be curious to know that. But, uh, I'd be inclined to support that as a condition on
rezoning. Uh, that's what I was asking about, Eleanor, whether or not that would
be a .... the kind of thing that would require a consult and a, you know...... and I
assume Ross would have to agree .... to that, and so on.
Dilkes: I would say that would not require a consult because the .... the condition that was
imposed by the Planning and Zoning Commission was a minimum of a $1,000.
So ..... I don't think that's a change from the conditions they imposed. Um, the
question is whether it's agreeable to the applicant.
Throgmorton: Yeah. Are there any experts here in, uh, translating 1994 dollars into 2018
dollars? (unable to hear response from audience) Yeah, it's (several talking and
laughing)
Nusser: 3888.
Mims: It's a lot higher than that. You talkin....... you're talkin' 22 years. What kind of
interest rate are you using? (laughter) (unable to hear response from audience)
It's .... it's gonna be at least.... it's.....
Nusser: This is just according to the world wide Google (unable to hear) calculator.
Mims: Okay! Well .... I, yeah, if I were .... yeah. I think it's .... I think you're gonna be up
to.....you're gonna be at least double, I think. I think you're gonna be at least
46,000 ... 4,600, 5,000 probably. I ... I would say this. I think the Towncrest project
was, one, a much, much larger project, um, with .... with a corporation with deep
pockets, um, that could .... could do that sort of thing. I think as Ross has
indicated, this is a very small parcel with relatively few units and to suggest that
they, um, would have the ability to pay on that same scale, I don't think is
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reasonable. Um, I'm willing to go ahead and support, uh, what P&Z has
approved.
Throgmorton: Ross, if you come up with a number out there, uh, it would be helpful for us in
this conversation. You know, 2,300 in.....in 2018 dollars. I .... I, just the number,
that's all I'm tryin' to pin down.
Nusser: The number that we came up with was the $3,800 and we would be unable to do
that.
Botchway: Yeah, I mean I would, um.....I'd be comfortable, um, moving forward with what
Planning and Zoning proposed. Uh, and it's not about .... so I'm ..... I'm gonna be
honest with you, I'm going to deviate a little bit cause this is not necessarily
focused on the design or building or whatever it is. It's really focused on the
relocation assistance. Um, I .... I do feel very uncomfortable right here making,
um, judgments on what particular relocation amount, um, should be provided.
Um, I .... I say, for me in this sense, and there's a couple of I guess .... let me start
off with the process. Ultimately, um, I see this as a problematic, um, property that
absent, uh.....us....us moving forward or absent the developer, I see a .... a really
problematic situation where nobody wins, and I don't.....I don't.....frankly I hate
that proposal. Um, I see an opportunity that I .... I, I'm not necessarily in love
with from, again, focusing on relocation assistance, not focused on the building.
Um, and I'm not absolutely in love with, but ultimately I'm .... I'm worried about,
again, potentially not moving forward and absent guidelines, um, that I .... I think
that we've clearly vetted.....um..... imposing something on the developer that, you
know, again is kind of throwing a dart into the air and not necessarily knowing
where it will land. I mean if another project comes up and that developer.... says I
can only do 500 or 3,000 or 6,000, I .... I don't like the kind of hodge-podge nature
of kind of, um, where we're at from this standpoint. I appreciate the Planning and
Zoning going through their deliberation and coming up with some type of number
for us to at least have discussion on. Um, but....I.....I would feel comfortable
moving forward. I mean this is an unfortunate situation, I mean I don't think that
that's not a part of my thought process. I just .... I do think this makes me think, as
we, you know I would say that initially, and I would .... you know, potentially kind
of upset about not ... my naivete from, you know, looking at the Rose Oaks'
situation and saying, you know, we've made a statement. This is, uh, I remember
Susan bringing up the fact of precedent and how we're gonna move forward on
this, and now we're looking at another project where we're talking about
relocation assistance, and I'm worried about the fact that we didn't set a standard,
and maybe we should have thought of that beforehand, so there's some type of
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standard that, um, can be used. I do understand that there's not necessarily the
need for a standard, but I do want us to have some type of thing that we would be
looking at from that (mumbled) developer can look at from that framework, to
have these conversations, because while I agree with Charlie's comments in
relation to the Forest View project or in relation to a larger -scale project, I do feel
like this is a different project, and the footprint is a lot different, and so because of
that, I feel a lot more comfortable in that, you know, smaller, uh, dollar amount
than I would, uh, moving forward. The other piece of it is I do agree with, uh, I
do like the adequate time to move, the nine months. Uh, I appreciate that, again,
um, availability to, uh, elongate the stay for residents who are, you know, gonna
have some substantial, uh, financial and moving problems, as we all have, trying
to figure out where they're going to live, um, especially at this time of year. So,
I'm supportive.
Throgmorton: So, Kingsley, just, A.... just to be clear, there's nothing in the code.....indicating
what kind of relocation assistance (both talking)
Botchway: Right!
Throgmorton:.... we should apply or anything. So what I was tryin' to do is find a precedent
(both talking) found aprecedent, and the precedent's Towncrest in 1994. And
(both talking)
Botchway: And to that point (both talking)
Throgmorton:... reason I tried to tag it to ....to that precedent.
Botchway: Well and I agreed with that, I mean I .... I like the fact that you did that. My issue
with it is is the footprint. I mean I think that's a different footprint, and .... I think
if that's what we're trying to tag it to, we need to have that conversation .... well in
advance, in just general discussion around relocation assistance. I don't want us
to just come up with it now.
Throgmorton: Okay, so remember we're tryin' to figure out whether we agree with the
Commission or not.
Thomas: Well, one question I have is with that comment I made regarding the, uh,
refinement of the, uh, concept related to the, um, the building design. Uh,
Eleanor, you know, if. ... is ... if ...is asking for a house -type of building along the
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Prairie Du Chien frontage something that if the applicant, uh, if Ross were to
agree to that, would that req ... require going through the process again?
Dilkes: I .... I think you'd probably wanna offer the consult in that case. Um, you'd
certainly have to continue the public hearing anyway, so .... you might as well
offer the consult because we don't have a CZA that says that, and the CZA has to
be signed before the close of a public hearing.
Cole: I ... I guess ... can we comment a little bit in terms of wh.... what we wanna do? Um
I would like to say no for now. I would like to have the consult. Um, you know, I
guess I don't care if we set a precedent for relocation assistance, because I look at
this as, in terms of the City paying part of it, I'd like to further evaluate that into
the future, um, this is economic development. I think this would be good for the
City of Iowa City, if this were rezoned, and this were redeveloped. I think
absolutely, but why should the residents bear .... the, almost the entire aspect of
this redevelopment? Um, we give economic assistance in all sorts of ways.
(clears throat) We give it for facade improvements. We give direct payments to,
um, structures. Um, we give upfront TIFs in the multi -millions of dollars. Those
are different projects and we have reasons to do that. I don't think there's any
problem with us setting some sort of precedent for direct assistance to match what
the developer.....I take Ross at his word in terms of the margins aren't that high.
Um, I think this would give us a lot more time to be able to evaluate this, um, but
I would like to vote no. I'd like to have the consult, and I ... at our next meeting on
the 3d, I'd like for us to have a discussion with .... staff input as to whether we
could match, um, a certain portion of what the relocation assistance is. I don't .... I
don't see why we can't do that. We .... we give money out in all sorts of contexts,
um, for needs that aren't as important as this! This is housing. We give it for
facades. We give it for structural improvements, to people that aren't nearly the
same financial situation that these folks are. Why can't we, and these don't
happen every day. You had mentioned 1994. Um, these, you know (laughs) I
don't necessarily think that we're opening up the spig.... spigots to the City
budget, um ..... this particular unit as we're talkin' about, you know, 10 units.
We're not talking about a huge amount of money here. Um, so that's what I
would like to do is vote no, have the consult, and then at our next meeting have a
discussion with staff about whether we could help match some of this, cause then
we get into that potential $4,000 to $5,000 number, which I'm a lot more
comfortable with.
Taylor: I'm gonna go against the grain a little bit here because I agree with ... a lot of what
you're saying, Rockne, cause I ... but I think that could be a separate discussion,
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amongst us, to, um, increase that or, uh, match it, uh, because I think, having been
married to a plumber, the, uh, thought of a sewer system collapsing and failing
just makes me cringe. So I think that we're kind of on a timeline here, uh, and....
on the clock and the sooner we can, uh, make this decision the better, and I think
that P&Z, uh, gave some very great conditions to this and .... of which they .... they
are, uh, addressing, the need for the housing relocation and the building height
and the design re, uh, review, uh, the outdoor amenities — I think they're.... they're
addressing those and I think, uh, as far as the time limit goes, we .... we need to
move on this.
Throgmorton: I like Pauline's suggestion. I don't think .... I don't see much merit in havin' a
consult, Rockne, because....I.....I don't know what we would talk to the
Commission about. Uh, the .... the point really has to do with how ... how large the
relocation assistance should be and who's gonna pay it, and I .... I don't think
that's really a conversation that we need to talk to the Commission about. So, uh,
what I .... what I am, will, uh, inclined to do is support the proposed rezoning.
I .... and I asked Ross about design of the building. I think I heard very clearly that
they'll make sure the building on Prairie Du Chien is compatible with the other
houses along that road. That's important, and we can have the conversation you
suggested.
Cole: So we would be able to still have the conversation then July 3`d, or in August,
about (both talking) whether we would do that (both talking)
Throgmorton: .... it's up to us, yeah. But that'd be separate (both talking)
Cole: Because I, I mean just for record purposes, I definitely want us to have that
conversation.
Throgmorton: Yeah. Separate from the rezoning. Yeah. So, are .... are there at least
four .... yeah, okay. So, we don't wanna consult with the Commission. All right.
Anybody else wanna address this in the public hearing? I'm gonna close the
public hearing. (bangs gavel) Could I have a motion please for first
consideration?
b) Consider an Ordinance (First Consideration) (Deferred from 5/1 and 5/15)
Botchway: So moved.
Mims: Second.
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Throgmorton: Moved by Botchway, seconded by Mims. Discussion?
Botchway: So I did want to make sure I brought up, urn .... so I would be in favor of what
Pauline said. I mean I .... ultimately I was, I mean I think Pauline articulated it a
lot more cleanly and succinctly as far as I'm... just worried about this property,
and ultimately if it .... if it gets to the point where it's, um, you know, the water
and the sewer's done, I mean there's ultimately nothing then, the residents would
be, um, given. I .... I just don't like that proposal at all. So, yeah I mean I'd be
in... generally interested in, you know, moving forward on this particular, um,
consideration and then, you know, if Council's interested in having that
conversation, I think that .... that's along the lines as far as standards and
discussion, because I do think a precedent would be set, Rockne. I actually
disagree a little bit because ultimately if I was a developer in a bigger complex I
would say, you know, you did this for the small development. Why wouldn't you
be willing to do it for a larger development, where more residents would be
associated. I'm not saying it's a .... a problematic discussion to have. I just think
that I want some standards for some type of a conversation around it. I would
also tell you that Maz, um, would agree with, um, Mr. Eastham, Charlie's, uh,
statement around, um, kind of the relocation assistance. She's not here but she
had text me that a little bit different number, um, than I think Charlie, um, was
looking at, but relocation assistance of up to 5,000 of reimburse actual moving
costs. The developer must agree to, um, purchase at appraised value any mobile
homes that cannot be moved due to their age or condition, and then residents
would move .... who move to another trailer park are to receive lot rental
assistance equal to the different between their current lot rent and the lot rent in
the new location for a period of at least three years, and so (several talking in
background) a little bit off the number but, um, I think in general along the (both
talking)
Dilkes: If you wanna see what that relocation plan is, it was part of the Comprehensive...
I mean it was part of the record in the Comprehensive Plan amendment. I'm not
certain that's completely accurate.
Botchway: And I .... I'm not saying it is. I'm just stating what I got from Maz from that
standpoint.
Dilkes: Yeah.
Throgmorton: Any further discussion?
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Cole: Well I think one of the reasons to go back to Planning and Zoning is I'd like to
have .... I think the developer can do a little bit more. Um, so if we get out of that
conversation with Planning and Zoning, I think that would allow us the
opportunity to do that. So.....
Dilkes: Planning and Zoning's condition was a minimum of 1,000. They were not
interested in having further discussion about that, so I think it's pretty clear
that....
Miklo: Yes, and just to clarify — Planning and Zoning did not come up with the 1,000.
They .... they asked the applicant to come up with a .... a relocation plan and he put
on the table a 1,000 and they recommended, um, a minimum of 1,000 and then on
to you.
Throgmorton: Okay, I think we're ready to vote. Roll call please. Motion carries 5-1, Cole in
the negative.
Fruin: Mayor, can I have some clarification on....
Throgmorton: Sure!
Fruin: ....your expectations for the next agenda, work session agenda. It sounds like...
do you want to have an item there to discuss City assistance?
Throgmorton: I don't know if it has to be on the next work session but soon? But it's about
whether the City should provide.....some form of relocation assistance for
situations, um, similar to this. And ... and this one.
Fruin: Okay.
Mims: And we do have at least three Council Members who want to do that. (several
responding) Just warm make sure! That's our policy.
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Item 6. Planning and Zoning Matters
Item 6c Rezoning Camp Cardinal Boulevard and Deer Creek Road — The
Grove — Ordinance conditionally rezoning approximately 7.84 acres from
Interim Development Research Development Park (ID -RP) zone to Planned
Development Overlay/Low Density Multifamily (OPD/RM12) zone located
west of Camp Cardinal Boulevard and east of Deer Creek Road. (REZ17-
00015) (Second Consideration)
Throgmorton: This is second consideration but the applicant has requested expedited action.
Mims: I move that the rule requiring that ordinances must be considered and voted on for
passage at two Council meetings prior to the meeting at which it is to be finally
passed be suspended, that the second consideration and vote be waived, and that
the ordinance be voted on for final passage at this time.
Thomas: Second.
Throgmorton: Moved by Mims, seconded by Thomas. Discussion?
Taylor: I'm again, uh..... expediting this. Uh, Planning and Zoning certainly took their
time considering this development, uh, expressing many concerns, uh, some of
which were resolved for them, and as John pointed out the last time, uh, there
were over 68 pages in our packet of documentation on this issue. So I think for us
to condense it, uh, and not take another meeting to thoroughly think about this
issue, uh.... would not be good.
Mims: I would disagree. I think .... I think P&Z took, I don't know, four or five meetings
to get through this. They .... they thoroughly vetted it. Um, I think put a lot of
extra requirements on the developer bes.... beyond what is in our design things,
and .... and we've talked about for legitimate reasons, um, and I've expressed my
concern about, you know, what that means in terms of, uh, of standards for
developers and what they can expect, but .... having said that, P&Z went through
all of that, which means this has been delayed, um, significantly by the number of
meetings that it took to get through P&Z. We've had an opportunity to look at it,
and I don't believe we've had anybody come to us, um, against it. And usually
if ...if something has been, um, controversial and we've had, you know, a number
of people from the public who, uh, were against something, then we've been more
inclined to not do the expedited, but when we haven't had that situation, when
(mumbled) had no one speaking against it, and it's been thoroughly vetted by
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P&Z, we've certainly had the opportunity, uh, we've had materials for at least
three weeks, um, in terms of looking at this, then I see no reason not to go ahead,
uh, for the benefit of the developer. We're talking that we're in construction
season.... that's limited in the state of Iowa, um, and to get this moving so that,
um, they can do what they need to do during this construction season, I think, is
important.
Cole: And I think we like the changes that P&Z made. So....
Mims: Correct!
Throgmorton: Anyone else? Well I'll say last time I voted against the proposal. It passed 6-1.
I'm inclined to vote no again, but I don't see any reason to oppose the
condensation of...uh, you know, of the readings. So I'll vote in favor of the
condensing of readings.
Dilkes: It will take six of you to condense.
Throgmorton: Oh, it would? Okay. Well, yeah that would have to be unanimous then.
Dilkes: Six of you here (both talking)
Throgmorton: Yeah. All right. Well we'll find out. So, uh, roll call please. Motion fails on a 5-
1 vote. Yeah. All right, so now we have a .... we need a motion for second
consideration.
Mims: So moved.
Botchway: Second.
Throgmorton: Uh, moved by Mims, seconded by Botchway. Discussion?
Mims: I think this is (both talking) another .... (both talking)
Botchway: I was gonna say the only issue I have with the not condensing, can we talk about
not condensing it now? The only issue I have with not condensing it is our
meeting structure.
Mims: Yeah, we don't meet again till July Yd (both talking)
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Botchway: ...July 3rd.
Mims: This sets..... people back a month in a short construction season in Iowa. I ... when
people wonder why developers and people in this community call us an `anti-
growth, anti -business' Council, these are the kinds of votes that do it. There's...
there's no reason not to condense this so they can get moving on this. There's
been no .... action .... come to this Council that people are against it. As Rockne
said .... we agreed with a lot of the changes that P&Z made. Um, I expressed my
concerns about that process, but they were good changes. It was the process I was
talking about, and we don't meet for another month, and, you know, you've got a
six to seven to eight month window in Iowa, depending on weather, and they
can't do anything until.... unless we have a special meeting they can't do anything
until after July P. There's just.... there's just no reason.
Taylor: I just .... I'd voted yes last time but I erroneously did. I meant to vote no, um,
because I....I still have concerns abou... regarding this development and just the
location and some of the, um, plans surrounding it, and I think that some of my
fellow Council Members really didn't look very thoroughly at this, uh, they're
considering it as affordable and suitable for families, and I don't.... didn't see
anywhere in these plans that it's going to be affordable as such. Uh, it may be
more affordable than say the Camp Cardinal, um, Kennedy Parkway area or the
Galway Hills, but uh, who do you want it to be affordable for? Uh, I .... I would
like to see what the affordability is and, um, I just didn't hear it described that
way and I just don't .... it doesn't seem to be family -friendly area. Yes, I know,
Rockne last time had mentioned it's great to see development in that area, but
who's it being developed for. I know, uh, Eleanor said we can't .... can't ask, you
know, what market you're ......... uh, building this for but it mentioned folks that
perhaps work at the Hospital or, um, commute to Cedar Rapids, work up in Cedar
Rapids. Uh, I don't see this as lower-income type folks that are going to be living
there. Uh, and that's what I would like to see, more of an affor, uh, truly
affordable units there and.... so I'm concerned about the pond. They're talking
about families — a pond is very close. There's no protection for that. I .... I just
don't see it as a very good area for development.
Botchway: Pauline, maybe those comments were towards me as far as the affordability piece.
I think when I think about affordability I don't do a good enough job as far as
clarifying kind of the .... the definition of affordability that I may be using in
regards to particular projects. Um, in general I try to clarify that by asking more
questions aro .... related around, you know, who this is for in the 80% median
income that I know we have tied, uh, 80% of the median income that I know we
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have tied to certain properties. When I say general affordability, um, I'm focused
on the nature of the varying types of hou.... diverse housing types that could lead
to just general affordability. I mean I would tell you that (mumbled) at the
University you spoke about are priced out of our market without the level of
varying housing types, and so I would agree with you it's not necessarily
affordable from the definition at we .... as we see from low-income, uh, workers
and families and I think we need housing in this, um, in this area for, but in
general when I think about affordability and having different housing types so
people don't have to buy a $300,000 home that's what I think about.
Throgmorton: What are you folks gonna do?
Cole: I'm supportive and I would like to have a special meeting. I don't know if that's a
separate topic, but....
Throgmorton: Special meeting about (both talking)
Cole: Well .... for third consideration!
Throgmorton: Oh!
Cole: So I just raise that.
Throgmorton: Oh, I see. All right, so, um .... I think, uh, we should have a roll call. Roll call
please. Motion carries 4-2. Uh, could I have a motion to accept correspondence
please?
Botchway: So moved.
Mims: Second.
Tbrogmorton: Moved by Botchway, seconded by Mims. All in favor say aye. Motion carries.
Uh, there is a suggestion about having a special.... session, special meeting about
this particular topic during third consideration. Is there, uh, are there four people
who would support doing that? (several responding)
Botchway: I would. I just don't know if I have the time, but I would.
Throgmorton: Well I certainly can do it. Uh, can we set up a time?
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Fruin: We'll try!
Mims: You gotta be here.
Botchway: I may have to call in.
Mims: I mean I'm .... I'm being literal because it's .... it's a 4-2 vote (both talking)
Botchway: Yeah, so I mean .... (mumbled) may have to call in, just because (both talking)
travel.
Mims: ...make sure (mumbled)
Throgmorton: Okie dokie. So we'll set that special meeting up.
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Item 6. Planning and Zoning Matters
Item 6d Rezoning Historic Landmark Designation 410-412 North Clinton
Street — Ordinance rezoning property located at 410-412 North Clinton
Street from High Density MultiFamily Residential (RM -44) to RM -44 with a
Historic Preservation Overlay (RM-44/OHP). (REZ18-00007) (Second
Consideration)
Throgmorton: This is second consideration, but the property owners have requested deferral and
have proposed an agreement to extend the moratorium during the period of
deferral. Wonder if, uh, is there any elaboration that we require from, uh, from
staff about this? But I should get a motion on the table I guess, a motion to defer.
Dilkes: Well....
Throgmorton: I don't know, how.... what.... how should I phrase this? It's pretty (both talking)
Dilkes: I think the developer's attorney was gonna....
Throgmorton: (both talking) ....Michael, do you wanna speak to us? (response from audience)
Yes, please. I don't .... it's not on the table yet though, is it?
Dilkes: No, but it does ... you only have to make the motion if you're inclined to do that.
Throgmorton: Ah, right. Yes. Thank you.
Taylor: (mumbled)
Throgmorton: Good evening.
Michael: Good evening, thank you, uh, my name is Bob Michael. As you may recall I
represent the owner (both talking) That's fine! Uh, happens all the time!
(laughter) I, uh, represent the owners of 410 — 412 South C1 ... or North Clinton.
Um, they're recent purchasers of the property, and I .... and I don't want to go
back and rehash what the previous owner said and what I had said, but um, the
uh... historic overlay would have significant affect on the property and their ability
to develop the property, and .... and as Bob Miklo had, uh, talked about, uh, the
Tate Arms house and the ability in the Riverfront Crossings District if a .... if a
property receives a historic landmark designation, the owner can take, uh, the
development rights for that property and transfer it somewhere else, uh, within the
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Riverfront Crossing District. Um, my client has asked me to ask, uh, you for a
deferral of consideration of the historic landmark designation for the North
Clinton property, to give the staff an opportunity to come up with a change to
your City code, have an ordinance which would allow the same type of thing if
it's not in the Riverfront Crossing District, and this, uh, would allow — if you
should pass such an ordinance — would allow then, urn .... the property owner to
transfer the development rights from the Clinton Street property to a different
property, which would lessen the impact of having the property designated as a
historic landmark. And of course, uh, I knew parties that were in support of
designating Clinton Street as a historic landmark would want to make sure that
my clients couldn't do anything during this period of deferment and .... and I came
up with the agreement and submitted it to Eleanor, and I believe she's okay with
the wording of the agreement, and it's been signed by my clients, uh, with a blank
date on when you would defer it to, uh, just to hold everything as a .... in a status
quo until that deferment date comes up and allow, uh, staff, if you should so direct
them, to consider an ordinance, uh, which would allow them to transfer
development, uh, rights, and I would, um, be happy to assist City staff. They
probably have other things to do, um, if I could be of some help or assistance to
them to come up with a, some language or similar ordinances, which would speed
the process along, I would, uh, be happy to do so. So, what we're requesting is a
deferral of your action tonight and, uh, authorize the Mayor to execute the
agreement that I've, uh, drafted, which would allow the moratorium to continue
during the period of deferment and then also direct the staff to look into, uh,
developing an ordinance which would allow property owners that have properties
designated historic landmark to transfer their development rights to other
properties, which I understand, um, the Historic Preservation Commission is ... uh,
may be in favor of such an ordinance and that the City staff is open to, uh, that
type of ordinance. If you have any questions, be happy to answer them for you.
Cole: If we've landmarked, maybe this is for Eleanor, I don't know. If we landmarked
we could still develop an ordinance in which we would retroactively allow the
transfer of development rights, or would we.....understand what I'm sayin' there?
I mean so if we landmark tonight, and we pass an ordinance in the future, would
we be then able to still say, hey, we will allow you to transfer the development
rights on the property. I mean so my .... my question is what's the advantage of
delaying, as opposed to landmarking now....
Dilkes: Well (both talking)
Cole: ....getting that in hand and then doing it, if that makes sense.
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Dilkes: I think you still could, but it .... but you haven't committed to that and so there
very likely may be an appeal to District Court of the....
Cole: Okay.
Dilkes: ....of the designation.
Throgmorton: But maybe not.
Dilkes: But maybe not.
Throgmorton: Yeah.
Dilkes: Um, it also does not look like you're gonna pass..... you're gonna landmark it
tonight cause it takes six out of seven you .... of you, and I think.....Council
Member Mims is a no vote.
Mims: I was, yeah, I was just gonna ask that. So with Mazahir gone.....
Dilkes: Yeah, it'll take .... it takes six Members of the Council. So it will take all six of
you to landmark this tonight.
Mims: Yeah, it won't happen cause I won't.... support it. So if we vote, then we're done
with it?
Dilkes: If there's a no vote, we're done with it, yeah.
Cole: So then (mumbled) (several talking)
Throgmorton: We could defer third consideration. We could defer the pass and adopt motion to
a meeting after Mazahir returns.
Mims: This is second consideration tonight.
Throgmorton: No it's third, isn't it? (several responding) I'm sorry. Well we can defer second
consideration .... till, uh, I don't know what Maz's schedule is, but something like
August, I mean just as an alternative, that we could do that, correct?
Dilkes: Yep.
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Throgmorton: All right, um, we....
Dilkes: But the moratorium expires on June 2nd
Botchway: What'd you say again? (several talking)
Dilkes: June 2nd
Tbrogmorton: Now if we defer, the moratorium still, I mean if we defer in the way I just
described, the moratorium still ends in June, whatever it is. Yeah.
Dilkes: Correct.
Cole: But isn't that their request is to defer so that they could extend the moratorium?
What am I missing here?
Dilkes: That's subject to an agreement. I think .... I think the Mayor was just talking about
a simple deferral, until, um, Mazahir returns.
Throgmorton: Yeah, what I was inclined to do, Rockne, is .... vote tonight on second
consideration, but now I .... I see there are consequence associated with doing that
(several talking) but that's what I was inclined to do, and then instruct the staff to
do exactly what Bob Michael has asked us to do, which is investigate the viability
of adopting a TDR, trans ... uh, transfer of development rights ordinance, that
would apply to this site and to similar sites.
Cole: That would require their consent, yeah.
Throgmorton: Yeah, but uh....
Cole: So I propose that we agree with Bob for tonight.
Throgmorton: I think what we need is a motion, uh, I don't know, do you have anything to a....
add to this conversation?
Fruin: Well, I just wanna make sure if you send this down the .... the path of transfer of
development rights, you .... you have to be comfortable with the fact that those
development rights will lead to taller buildings in whatever placement area we..
we pick. So it's one thing to grant development rights. It's another thing to
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receive them, and um, I just want you to give that a little bit of thought before you
send this down that path, cause it's gonna be a .... a time -intensive process to
develop a TDR ordinance and to vet that with Historic Preservation, Planning and
Zoning Commission, and ultimately the Council. Um, so again, if you think
about the mechanics of Riverfront Crossings, you transfer those development
rights within that district. Um, that district can be bigger or smaller. I ... I've said
to a few of you, I don't sense that the Council would want those development
rights to transfer in the Northside area, or perhaps even the downtown. I don't
know if you'd be comfortable transferring those in the Riverfront Crossings
District. Soto me .... that's something that you need to give some thought to
tonight is, are you willing to allow for higher density than what the underlying
zoning code would allow, in some part of town that would be of interest to .... any
....any developer.
Cole: If we reject it tonight though, which it seems like will happen, the, um,
moratorium on demolition will expire June 2nd.
Throgmorton: Yep!
Cole: In which case, by the time she gets back.... it's.... could be done.
Throgmorton: Yep. I wonder .... Bob (laughs) whether you would be willing to, um.....uh, ask us
to defer.....um, extending the moratorium, uh, but not include in that
deferral... have it .... have it a short-term deferral, so that what we would instruct
the staff to do is report back to us about the, um.....what's.... what would be
involved in adopting a TDR ordinance, applying to situations like this, what the
key issues would be, and I can think of two. One is what Geoff alluded to, it's
called receiving areas. Where would be the receiving areas? And the second
would be, what fraction of the property value would a .... an owner like the one
you're representing want to transfer (laughs) You know, the whole value of all
the property, or just the value of the building behind and what could be developed
there, or what, I mean I don't know. That, I think that would be an issue we'd
have to get at. So ... I'd be pretty eager .... to .... instruct the staff to report back to
us within a pretty short period of time. We could define that .... you know, like
one month or two months, some... mutually agreeable time. So that we'd have a
sense of what we'd actually be doing, and then if we agree that we want to adopt
an ordinance, then we could say, okay, we would agree with you beyond, you
know, to .... to defer for another, I don't know, six months or whatever's required,
to develop an ordinance. But I don't .... I don't think we're in a position to say we
want to develop a TDR ordinance right here, right now.
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Michael: Can I have a moment?
Throgmorton: Sure!
Michael: (mumbled) If you ... I would assume it would take six months at least to pass such
an ordinance. Maybe nine months.
Throgmorton: Yeah.
Michael: Something like that. If we just do the period of deferment for six or nine months,
nothing changes, uh, they can't do anything with the property. I mean everything
is .... I don't know that there's any benefit to only making it two months and then
extending it for another four months or five months or whatever. Can we just do
the six or the nine months now?
Throgmorton: Would we have a mutual understanding that by agreeing to defer for six to nine
months, we .... the Council would not be committing itself to adopting a TDR
ordinance?
Michael: That is correct.
Dilkes: The agreement does not .... include a commitment to a TDR ordinance.
Michael: You may decide that's not appropriate, and that .... that's fine, and then you go to
your second consideration then at whatever date you pick for the date of
deferment. Yeah.
Cole: Okay.
Throgmorton: Okay, that sounds like the thing we oughta do. So do ... we .... we (several talking)
Cole: Can we read the motion so (laughter) know what we're (both talking)
Dilkes: ....suggest a motion to approve the agreement as signed and presented by the
developer, um .... uh, and to defer until....
Michael: And I think we should pick .... pick a date, of a .... of a meeting, and insert that on
the agreement and .... and.....
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Dilkes: Yeah. I don't even know that we need a date of a meeting. I think we can .... we
can say six months from today and then we'll make sure and be at a meeting
before that happens.
Michael: Okay.
Throgmorton: So, six months from today.
Frain: I would suggest, um, eight months. I think with a ... with a .... with this type of
ordinance, not only is staff gonna have to work to pull together, but we would
probably start at Historic Preservation, uh, and get their input, and then go to
P&Z, and then to Council. So it's.... there's an extra step in there with Historic
Preservation review.
Throgmorton: Bob, would that be acceptable to the owner?
Michael: The eight months?
Throgmorton: Yeah.
Michael: Yes it would. I just need to make sure that ... our agreement to be subject to the
moratorium expires when you folks consider it, uh, for the final consideration.
I .... I don't want our moratorium to extend beyond our appeal rights, after the
third consideration.
Dilkes: Right, no I think (both talking) let me just look at it for a minute. No, the
moratorium by agreement only extends to the date of deferral.
Michael: Okay. So .... very good.
Throgmorton: Okay, so we're in agreement.
Michael: Yep!
Throgmorton: Could you please restate the motion for us, please?
Dilkes: Uh.....motion to approve the agreement for extension of the moratorium and
deferral, um, for a period of eight months, as executed by the developer and to
defer for eight months, from today's date.
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Throgmorton: Could I have a motion please?
Botchway: So moved.
Cole: Second.
Throgmorton: Moved by Botchway, seconded by Cole. Discussion?
Mims: I'm gonna vote no, simply because I would prefer to take the vote tonight. I've
already indicated.... my feeling in terms of when a property owner, um, protests
something like this, um, and the property owner's rights. So I'll be voting no on
the deferral.
Throgmorton: Any other discussion? Hearing none, roll call please. Motion carries 5-1. (starts
to read Item 7)
Fruehling: Jim, I'm sorry, there's a .... a correspondence (both talking)
Throgmorton: Oh, sorry! Could I have a motion to accept correspondence please?
Botchway: So moved.
Taylor: Second.
Throgmorton: Moved by Botchway, seconded by Taylor. All in favor say aye. Opposed.
Motion carries.
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Item 7. UniverCity Sale — 717 East Davenport — Resolution authorizing conveyance
of a single-family home located at 717 East Davenport Street
a) Public Hearing
Throgmorton: I'll open the public hearing. (bangs gavel) Seeing no one I'll close the public
hearing. (bangs gavel)
b) Consider a Resolution
Thomas: Move the resolution.
Botchway: Second!
Throgmorton: Moved by Thomas, seconded by Botchway. Discussion? I walk by it every day.
I'm glad to see it! Any further discussion? Hearing none, roll call please.
Motion carries 6-0.
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Item 8. FY19 Aid to Agency — Resolution allocating human services Aid to Agencies
funding for the Fiscal Year 19, July 1, 2018 — June 30, 2019
Throgmorton: Could I have a motion to approve please?
Botchway: So moved.
Thomas: Second.
Throgmorton: Moved by Botchway, seconded by Thomas. Discussion? Tracy, you wanna help
us out here?
Hightshoe: Hi, I'm Tracy, Neighborhood and Services.... Neighborhood and Development
Services Director. Um, Aid to Agencies is that fund you allocate funds and we go
through the joint funding process, so that means public service agencies apply to
the United Way joint funding process. During that process they apply for United
Way, Johnson County, and the cities of Iowa City and Coralville funds. HCDC
had that application round. We allocated funds in January, but it's an estimate
when we do it in January. Um, those funds are made up of 250,000 from your
general fund, 28,700 utility user funds, and approximately 100,000 in CDBG
funds. We received good news after we allocated our original, um, allocation. In
early May we were notified by HUD that our CDBG, um, allocation, our
entitlement, increased by more than 16%. Our Home funds increased by more
than 36%. So that forced HCDC to review the applications again, and allocate an
additional 16,000. So instead of just going 100,000, we went to the maximum
allowed under the CDBG rules. So we allocated that 16,000, so HCDC
recommended that that funds, or those funds, go to Prelude Behavioral Services.
Um, they're an organization in Iowa City that provides, um, substance abuse
treatment and mental health services. So that was the recommendation. So it's
the same recommendation you looked at, with the addition of 16,000 for Prelude.
Any questions about that? I know it's late so I tried to be brief! (laughter)
Throgmorton: Well done! Any questions for Tracy?
Taylor: Just glad to hear this.
Throgmorton: Thank you (both talking)
Hightshoe: It's a good problem to have.... always more money! (laughs)
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Tbrogmorton: Any Council discussion?
Mims: Yeah, I would piggyback on what Pauline said. I'm glad to see money going to
Prelude. I think .... I'm interested, at some point, in having a discussion. I think
there was something in ... in the packet here too, something about we have agencies
who have been long-time recipients of this money, um, and they absolutely
depend on this for their ongoing operations. So I'm really concerned when the
Commission starts .... while on the one hand it .... it's nice to be able to look at
new, uh, agencies or organizations, but we have long time organizations that are
doing great work in this community that we can't just all of a sudden cut out 15,
18, $20,000. So, um, I think we need to .... make that message clear. Um, I think
Tracy's aware of that and they've had some of that discussion.
Hightshoe: The Commission is .... I can address, right? The Commission is going to form a
subcommittee and look at how we can stable.... provide stable funding to core
agencies. It used to be really difficult to be a new Aid to Agency, um, so now
we're going to look at that process, about how we balance, how we provide stable
funding with an opportunity for new agencies to come on board. We don't know
what that will be but we are looking.... we're looking into that right now.
Mims: Thank you!
Tbrogmorton: Yeah, it's an important topic. Any further discussion? Hearing none, roll call
please. Motion carries 6-0.
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Item 9. Approval of the CDBG/HOME budget — Resolution adopting Iowa City's
FY19 Annual Action Plan which is a sub -part of Iowa City's 2016-2020
Consolidated Plan (CITY STEPS)
a) Public Input (Continued from 5/15)
Throgmorton: Let me open public input. (bangs gavel) Oh, it's you again!
Hightshoe: Hi! Urn ... we went through the same process. Well we took applications in
January. The Commission reviewed those applications, did a question/answer
session in February. In March we made a funding recommendation, which you
guys saw in the HCDC minutes. Got the increased funding. So we had an extra
51,000 that we could spend on CDBG-eligible activities. That 51,000 was HCDC
recommended that to go to the Arthur Street Healthy Life Center. Um, in the
original funding application, they were not funded. HCDC made a
recommendation for the Council to look at tax abatement. Um, after talking with
the applicant, they need their 50,000 now, not over 10 years, and it was not
something probably that might be that the Council might approve for it, for a for-
profit entity to get tax abatement over a certain amount of years, um, so they
allocated 51,000 for that project. Um, that'll be a project on Arthur Street that
provides a nurse practitioner -type of model in providing mental health and .... and
just general health services. So, um, nurse practitioner can treat both mental
health and physical ailments like diabetes, asthma, uh, sinus infections, stuff like
that. Um, then with those Home funds we also had an increase in Home funds
with a repayment from Builders of Hope. That increased our Home pot quite
substantially, so we have about 185,000. We can't do this in CDBG, but in
CDBG we can .... we allocated that money, you know, to Prelude with CDBG
funds and to public facilities for that .... that 51,000 for Arthur Street. In Home
there's a category called `Other Housing Activities.' We're gonna put that, or
we're proposing, is putting that 185,000, that Other Housing Activities, then
immediately starting a funding round for people to apply. Um, it goes through
HUD, gets approved. We have to have this annual action plan to HUD by June
30°i, but we can put that category in and so that means we do a funding round.
It'd go through HCDC. It'd go through Council, and then we can proceed with
those projects. So you would have probably a funding recommendation back like
in August, for those funds. Any questions?
Botchway: Yeah, I mean (both talking)
Throgmorton: No thanks (mumbled) Here's a question!
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Botchway: So, um, in general, um.....and this is some of Maz's comment as well that I'm...
questioning/comment, um, that I'm supportive of is going back to, um, the notes
here in relation to the projects being proposed at Taylor and Davis. Um, can you
speak to some of the concerns that were brought up during that time and kind of
what the thought process is in moving forward on this ... that particular project?
Hightshoe: Okay! Um, the City applied for those funds in order to do a university-esque type
project on Taylor and Davis. Lot of the same reasons for the University of why
we target the University to the nuisance complaints, um, neighborhood
stabilization are apparent in the Taylor and Davis, um, neighborhoods, so staff
applied for that 100,000 to do four units, two duplexes. Um, the concerns were
raised during the HCDC meetings, um, and one neighborhood resident about fear
of displacing people of color, um, in those .... those two duplex units. Um .... if
we're providing homebuyer counseling, um, what .... if we're providing relocation
assistance, um, will it have a negative impact on the neighborhood, is rental
rehabilitation a better use of funds. So there's a lot of concerns and HCDC
recommended that we do a racial equity analysis before we proceed, so our intent
was to have that done before July I", when technically funds become available
through this pot of money. (mumbled)
Throgmorton: Thank you, Tracy.
Eastham: I'm Charlie Eastham again, 953 Canton Street. I'm a member of the Housing and
Community Devel.... Development Commission and I, uh, opposed the project,
uh, Tracy's just describing. The City of Iowa City South District Partnership,
which is a project which'll be included in your draft, uh, FYI annual action plan,
and uh.... uh, I just wanna make a .... just inform you that the Commission did
agree to, um.....uh, ask the staff to make a racial equity impact analysis for that
specific project, uh, for many of the reasons that Tracy just, uh.... uh, informed ya
about. So I hope that when we, that equity impact analysis is completed, the
Commission will have a chance to review it, and you'll consider that, uh, when
you, uh.... uh, this comes back before you, uh, in making a decision about whether
this particular project should go forward or not.
Throgmorton: Thank you, Charlie. Anyone else? Seeing no one else, I'm going to close this
public input. (bangs gavel) Could I have a motion to approve please?
b) Consider a Resolution (Deferred from 5/15)
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Mims:
Botchway:
So moved.
Second.
Throgmorton: Moved by Mims, seconded by Botchway. Discussion?
Botchway: Yeah, in particular I mean I just brought up that concern around the racial equity,
um, you know, review tool kit cause, you know, obviously it's a concern,
especially in that particular neighborhood. I'm glad that the staff's looking into
that, and that will be reviewed again by us before the project. Is that correct?
Hightshoe: Once we finish the analy ... sorry! Once we finish the analysis we'll bring that
back.
Botchway: Okay.
Hightshoe: Whether .... I don't know what format, if it's a work session or a Council memo,
but yes, it'll come back.
Frain: We'd (clears throat) we'd probably just put it in the info packet and we wouldn't
proceed with the program until, you know, until the next meeting and you've had
a chance to comment on it.
Botchway: Thanks.
Frain: Give us direction at that time.
Throgmorton: Any further discussion? Hearing none, roll call please. Motion carries 6-0.
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Item 11. Creekside Park Improvements 2018 — Resolution approving plans,
specifications, form of agreement, and estimate of cost for the construction of
the Creekside Park Improvements 2018 Project, establishing amount of bid
security to accompany each bid, directing City Clerk to post notice to
bidders, and Fixing time and place for receipt of bids
a) Public Hearing
Tbrogmorton: I'll open the public hearing. (bangs gavel) Zac, it was great seeing you run up to
the podium there! (laughter)
Hall: Zachary Hall, Superintendent of Parks. Um, before you is the, uh, plans and
specs for the Creekside Park redevelopment. Uh, and then you'll notice, um, the,
uh.... the master plan, um, that Snyder and Associates, uh, did, um and .... uh,
we've refined that to our, uh, construction documents, uh, to go out for bid. Uh,
in the base bid package, uh, we're looking at community gardens, which we've,
uh.... uh, been working with Backyard Abundance on, as far as plans and specs
for that. Um, and uh, new basketball court, new, uh, shelter, restroom, uh,
playground area, uh, new trail system, parking, uh, primarily for the, uh, garden
area, and then, uh, creek access. Um, so, uh, that's the design for the new
playground. Um, this playground is, um .... um, fully accessible as far as, uh,
ramps and, um, and um.....uh, transfer stations and units within it. So this was,
uh, something that we, uh, moved forward at....at Council's request and
community members' requests, uh, as well. Uh, and the shelter system that, uh,
we are ... are looking at is a Romtec system, which is, uh, used in the national park
and state park system. Urn .... and our alternates, uh, for this project, uh, the first
two alternates, uh, one and two are specific to the .... to the facades of, uh, the
shelter/restroom. Uh, so the .... the first is the, uh, split face block at the base, uh,
the second is limestone, uh, veneer at the base. The third alternate is, uh, excuse
me, the third alternate is, uh, limestone veneer on the second, and then limestone
for creek access is the third alternate. Alternate four is, uh....uh, site amenities
such as grills, um, benches and then the fifth is for the, uh, contracted installation
of the playground. And, uh, timeline (mumbled) public hearing, hold a public
hearing then bid letting, uh, in June and so forth. So, I'd be happy to take any
questions at this time.
Throgmorton: I'm not hearin' any.
Hall: Okay!
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Taylor: Looks good!
Throgmorton: Thank you, Zac. Would anybody else like to address this topic? Seeing no one
else I'll close the public hearing. (bangs gavel) Could I have a motion to approve
please?
b) Consider a Resolution
Botchway: So moved.
Mims: Second.
Throgmorton: Moved by Botchway, seconded by Mims. Discussion? I'm very pleased to see
this. I look forward to seeing the park constructed. It'll be a great additional asset
for the Creekside neighborhood. Very pleased to see it. Further discussion?
Hearing none, roll call please. Motion carries 6-0.
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Item 13. Mormon Trek Boulevard Four Lane to Three Lane Conversion and Lighting
Improvements — Resolution approving plans, specifications, form of
agreement, and estimate of cost for the construction of the Mormon Trek
Boulevard Four Lane to Three Lane Conversion and Lighting
Improvements, establishing amount of bid security to accompany each bid,
directing City Clerk to post notice to bidders, and fixing time and place for
receipt of bids
a) Public Hearing
Throgmorton: I'll open the public hearing. (bangs gavel) Hi, Scott. Your turn!
Sovers: Uh, Scott Sovers, Senior Civil Engineer. Um, before we get into the details of the
project, I just wanna give a quick recap and the objective and purpose of the
project. Um, given the number of collisions we've had within the corridor, staff
determined that there's a need for a safety improvement. Uh, I guess I just want
to define what the corridor is. It's generally from Highway 1 to Melrose. Um,
that can be done through a four -lane to three -lane conversion, as .... as we heard
earlier this evening from Kent. I think we're, you know, in the range of 25%
reduction in crashes is typically what, uh, what to assume in a four -lane to three -
lane conversion. Um, with that, staff prepared a, uh, application for a traffic
safety improvement program grant through the Iowa D ... Department of
Transportation. Um, we were awarded a $500,000 grant, um, the ... the DOT in
going through the grant review process, they do their own review analysis to
make sure that it's a good candidate, and they did .... they did, um, think that it
was a great candidate. So, um, as a part of our design, uh, we also wanted to be
sure that, um, that it was the corridor, it makes sense to convert the corridor, so
we did do a traffic analysis, uh, study. Um, what we found from that .... from that
analysis was that traffic volumes are within acceptable limits for four -lane to
three -lane conversion. I think we're in the range of about, uh, 10,000 ADT. Um,
as Kent said, uh, earlier this evening, urn ..... anything below 18,000 is typically
good for .... for four -lane to three -lane conversion. Uh, we have a minimal
increase in corridor travel time, which is roughly 30 seconds. Uh, they actually
do a travel time study and they drive the corridor 10 different times for the peak
periods of the day, um, and they came up without 30 seconds of ...of delay. So
it's pretty... pretty insignificant. The intersection level service is at a C or better
for the current and future traffic, and the future traffic, um, timeline was for up to
20/40, so and I think at 20/40 we were still only at, um, like around 15,000 ADT.
So we're still well below that 18,000 ADT. And then the, a byproduct of the
conversion is the additional pavement width can be utilized for on -street biking
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facilities. So getting into the .... the details of the project, um, as I discussed,
we're proposing a .... a four -lane to three -lane conversion from Westside Drive to
Melrose, uh, we're proposing 10 -foot, uh, wide lanes for northbound, southbound;
11 -foot, uh, two-way left turn lane, and then a 7 -foot buffered bike lane and just
to give ya a breakdown, um, so from the curb you've got a ... a 6 -inch curb, then
you have a 5 -foot, uh, bike lane, and then an 18 -inch, uh, buffer between the
travel lane and the bike lane. Additionally we are doing, uh, for the sidewalk
ramps that are non -ADA compliant, we're replacing those. Um, we are adding a
northbound right turn lane at the Benton Street intersection. I included this, uh,
graphic just to kind of show how .... how this intersection lays out, but we have
a .... a through lane both northbound and southbound. Of course we have the
dedicated buffered bike lanes, and then we have a, um, left turn lane, dedicated
left turn lane, for, uh, southbound, urn .... Mormon Trek. Uh, overall, um,
continued on this, we're gonna be doing some pavement patching. There's some
sections of the pavement that need .... need repair and this is probably a good time
to do that. Um, we're, uh, replacing all the traffic signals within the corridor
(mumbled) at Benton and Walden Square, and then another thing that we're
doing, um, is some light pole replacements, and this is from Melrose, north of the
city limits, so I have a picture shown there (mumbled) gettin' into pretty bad
shape, so we thought we'd, um, tag on this project and also include that within the
project limits, so.... With that, I'd be happy to take any questions!
Cole: Um, back to the safety issue. What is the projected reduction in accidents
involving an injury or fatality? Do ... do you have that information?
Sovers: I don't have that information.
Cole: But in general it's about a 15 to 25% for accidents (both talking)
Sovers: Yep!
Cole: ...sub -category, accidents involving (both talking) injury or death, we don't have
that (both talking)
Sovers: Right. Exactly. So just for more information, I .... I asked Kent in the MPO to
give me the, uh, 2015 to 2017 crash history and .... and we're just between that
time period we're at 131 crashes. So we're kind of goin' up on that .... that crash
history. So getting those crashes down, doin' some .... some lane diet out there, I
think, would be .... would be good.
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Throgmorton: Could you remind us of what the, uh, anticipated construction schedule is?
Sovers: Um, so we would start construction, um, let's see here, we're going to accept bids
to late June. We'll award at the next Council meeting, and then start construction
probably late July, um, with the intent of getting most of the work done, except
ford the traffic signals, um, completed yet this year. The traffic signal lead time
on poles is astronomical, it's like six months to get poles right now. So, um,
we're pushin' that off into the spring, but tryin' to get most of the three, uh, four
to three -lane conversion done yet this fall.
Throgmorton: Okay. Great! Thanks, Scott. Any other questions for Scott?
Taylor: Just a quick one. You....
Throgmorton: Sure!
Taylor: ....you'd mentioned, I think you did say this, uh, and I talked to you about this,
the left turn....
Sovers: Yeah!
Taylor: ....for, uh, southbound at, uh, Benton (both talking) and Mormon Trek, to turn left
on Benton, and there will be a dedicated (both talking) and dedicated light for
that, uh (both talking)
Sovers: Yep! Yep!
Taylor: Good, and .... and also then, we had talked about, uh, the concern with that
convenience store that's there then, that has the two entrances. Is that going to be
changedthen?
Sovers: Nope, the .... they'll still have two entrances there. Yeah.
Taylor: Okay. Thank you.
Fruin: We would look to work with them if they ever redeveloped, but we....
Taylor: At this point (both talking)
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Frain: ....position to .... to force a closure.... right now. Um, they are, as you know, cause
you've seen a couple of those, um, Kum n' Go's come before you, uh, they are
redoing a lot of their stores. We .... we haven't been approached, um, about this
one, um, in recent years. I think they approached us three or four years ago, but,
uh, if and when they do we'll look at those access points and try to clean that up a
little bit.
Taylor: Thank you.
Sovers: Anything else?
Throgmorton: I don't think so.
Sovers: Okay!
Throgmorton: Thank you, Scott.
Sovers: You bet!
Throgmorton: Would anybody else like to address this topic? I don't see anyone, so I'm gonna
close the public hearing. (bangs gavel) Could I have a motion to approve please?
b) Consider a Resolution
Mims: Move the resolution.
Botchway: Second!
Throgmorton: Moved by Mims, seconded by Botchway. Discussion?
Taylor: Uh, living in this neighborhood I don't doubt those crash numbers at all. There's
constantly, uh, backup there and primarily people waiting for the light are rushing
the light, not seeing the people coming over the hill, so uh, I .... I believe those
crash numbers, and so this is a long time coming and glad to see it.
Cole: Well and ... and for people out there watching, um, that are worried about the
impact on traffic flow, I mean again, bears repeating that this is a DOT grant,
there are Iowa Department of Transportation studies on the four to three
conversion, so think we'll get that traffic (mumbled) plus we'll have the reduction
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and the safety. I mean for me it's a....a no-brainer in terms of the reduction of
those accidents, so....
Botchway: Yeah, I mean I think I've said before I mean I agree with the safety element and
the bike components and so I'll be supportive. I ... I would .... I would disagree
with this, uh, particular area, uh, as far as traffic flow. I mean, again, the area to
me is somewhat similar to, um, or was previously mentioned, somewhat similar
to, um, North Dodge, and the traffic there is awful! Um, at certain times. And so,
and that has actually a 35 to 45, um, speed limit to breeze through there. So I'll
be interested to see .... the complaints and comments. I mean I've already gotten
some complaints, but I'll be interested to see the comments. The .... the traffic, the
safety piece of it, is a no-brainer. So I mean I'm generally supportive of that, but
during certain times of the day, it's gonna be heavy, packed, and you have a huge
high school there. So there's some components that I'm .... I'm pretty concerned
about.
Throgmorton: Fair enough! Any further discussion?
Fruin: Just clarify one .... one thing or .... or reiterate one thing. When we had previously
brought this to you, we were not looking at buffered bike lanes. They were just,
um, your traditional 5 or 6 -foot bike lanes. Um, they are now proposed to be
buffered. We're working off the work session material from early April, um, and
really implementing what you saw in that work session, which is the 10 -foot
travel lanes, um, the 11 -foot center turn, and then the 7 -foot bike lanes. So if you
have been talkin' to people about this, um, understand or .... or let them know that,
um, the bike lanes are given a little bit more and the traffic lanes are given a little
bit less.
Thomas: Thanks.... thanks for highlighting that, Geoff. I think it .... (mumbled) this is an
interesting application of that idea where, you know, where the traffic lane is ... is
adjacent to a bike lane, that provides, um ... float, basically, with respect to the
traffic lane, especially when the .... the bike lane is not occupied. So it .... it's a
good situation, I think, in terms of, uh, you know, the app.... achieving that 10 -
foot traffic lane, while allowing flexibility for the driver, should.... should they
need more room.
Throgmorton: Yep! Okay. No further discussion? Roll call please. Motion carries 6-0.
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Item 15. Property Acquisition — Resolution approving a purchase agreement
Throgmorton: Do we have an official title? So this is a resolution approving the purchase
agreement for 889 Park Place and 735 Manor Drive. Could I have a motion to
approve please?
Mims: So moved.
Botchway: Second!
Throgmorton: Moved by, uh, Mims, seconded by Botchway. Discussion? Yeah, Geoff, why
(both talking)
Frain: ...brief overview? (both talking) This is, uh, two additional flood, uh, buy-out
properties in the Normandy Drive area. The addresses are 735 Manor and 889
Park Place. Uh, the proposal before you is to use local funds at 290,000 to
acquire, uh, both of those units. Uh, in addition to that, the Council should except
20 to 30,000 in demo costs, um .... uh, for an all -in cost of removal of those
structures of. ... about 320,000 or so. Um, this is a .... a unique situation where
we're recommending, uh, using local funds, um, all except one property that
we've acquired in that area has relied on, uh, the majority federal funds, uh, and
state funds, with a small local match. Um, we are recommending the purchase of
these two with local funds because there are no, uh, state or federal funds
available at the time, and they are both, uh, very close to, uh, City Park, and
matter of fact, 889 Park Place is directly adjacent to City Park. So, staff feels it's
best to be opportunistic while these are available. Um, and to, uh, purchase them.
Uh, the owner, it's the same owner that owns both of them and, um, they would
like to sell them as a pair, so again 735 Manor, 889 Park Place. Uh, the purchase
price of 290,000 is roughly 91% of the current assessed value.
Throgmorton: Thanks, Geoff. Okay, any discussion, Council Members?
Cole: I .... I just want to briefly comment. I am gonna vote no, um, in part it's because
of the amount of money that we're spending here .... out of the emergency reserve
fund (clears throat) coupled with the fact that these properties were acquired after
the floor, um, so at least in my view it's not a good use of City funds, um, at this
time.
Throgmorton: Yeah, I'm gonna support the resolution, um, partly because ... and for things Geoff
mentioned, but uh, the two properties are located immediately to the west of our
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current limits of City Park, and are bounded by other buildings, or former sites...
sites of former buildings, uh, that are now..... potentially all included within the
park. There's only one house left on that side of the street that, uh, will continue
for a while. And, uh, the price seems to me to be reasonable, for the houses. So
I'm gonna support it. Any further discussion? Hearing none, roll call please.
Motion carries 5-1.
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Item 17. Community Comment [if necessary] (items not on the agenda)
Throgmorton: Gustave, do you wanna address us in Item 17, Community Comment? All right!
Go for it! (laughter)
Stewart: Um, yeah, so this isn't particularly University related, but I just wanted to
mention two events I went to this past week. Um,the first one is I got to go to
Hamilton in Chicago (several talking and laughing) Um, it was amazing, uh,
definitely recommend as it ... it, you can draw parallels to like....what we are
currently going through nationally, um, and it was just great singing and I loved
it. Um, and then I also went to the Renaissance Festival, um, in the Amana
Colonies, um, and would definitely recommend, um, thinking about it for next
year if you wanna go.
Throgmorton: Thank you!
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Item 18. City Council Information
Throgmorton: Could we start with .... Mazahir's not here, could we start with, I don't know,
Rockne, and move to the right?
Cole: I, um, had the fortune of meeting Jean-Paul Mugamusi, um, he's one of the
leaders in the Congolese community, and he reminded me that there is a World
Refugee Day celebration, um, here in Iowa City. Um, that will take place
Saturday, June 16`h, 2018, at the Pentacrest. And it will run from 2:00 P.M. to
6:00 P.M. Activities will include cultural dancing, African food, singing,
speeches, community fellowship time, meeting with new friends. Um, had a great
conversation with him the other day and it's really, um, fun. We .... we talk a lot
about our wonderful Sudanese community, as, Jim, you've mentioned though we
also have a growing and emerging Congolese community, and I think the
numbers are all closely matching now with our Sudanese community. So, had a
great conversation. Um, I encouraged him to make ... to take advantage of
community comment, so I think you probably will see him, um, at one of our next
meetings to talk about that. Um .... so that's pretty much it. Um .... uh, I'll give an
update in terms of our boards and commissions related to City of Literature
at....at that time. Um, Jim and I are doing the Civil Rights Tour with Henri
Harper, uh, from June 16'h through the 24`h. Um, one of our dates I'd like to
really feature though is, uh, we're gonna be meeting with the Birmingham mayor,
uh, June 17`h. I think it's going to be like June 17°i through the 19' time period.
Um, it'll be essentially a full day of activities in connection with Birmingham city
officials, um, related to that. So we're really excited about that. Also related to
that too, I was, um, also going to ask for Council approval for at least two nights
of that component, if the Council has any objection to that. So .... any objection?
Throgmorton: Sorry, I must have been daydreaming. Two nights of that component?
Cole: Well I was just going to say, to be reimbursed for those two nights that we're
doing the trip.
Throgmorton: Oh!
Cole: Yeah.
Throgmorton: I .... I don't have any objection. How bout the rest of you?
Cole: Okay.
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Throgmorton: Guess we're fine. Yeah. Sounds like we're good, Rock. John?
Thomas: Uh, nothing.
Mims: Nothing.
Throgmorton: Pauline?
Taylor: Uh, like to congratulate the Iowa City Community School District. I had the
pleasure of attending their groundbaking .... groundbreaking for their new
elementary school there in North Liberty. Uh, so congrats to them and congrats
in, uh, selecting Dr. Christine Grant as the namesake for that school. She's
certainly a wonderful person to have, um, done that, and it was great to see her
there and speaking. Um .... let's see here, uh.... oh, June 23`d our block party.
Can't forget that! Uh, people should be sure to go to that. Uh, June 2nd and 3`d,
the .... is nationwide Wear Orange event. People are encouraged to wear orange,
uh, for the Moms Demand Action on Gun Sense, and they're having some events
in collaboration with the .... they'll be here at the, uh, Farmers Market, as well as
over at the, um, College Green Park, uh, so take .... take a look at that and wear
orange!
Throgmorton: Kingsley?
Botchway: Yeah, so I'll be at the event, speaking at it, um, I hope, uh.... should be interesting.
I haven't wrote it yet, or figured out what I was gonna say, so show up. I think
it's an important issue, uh, that needs to get talked more about. Um, I also will be
going to, uh, Pastor Smith appreciation celebration, um, later on that evening, at,
uh, New Creations International Church and many of you know Pastor Smith.
He's come up, um, a few times and talked around a variety of different issues, uh,
specifically in relation to, um, different hate and rhetoric that's been, um, you
know ..... a part of our community, um, not necessarily from all .... from our
community members, but .... from a broader within, um, ultimately doesn't matter
for the fact of some of the things being said. I would also tell you that in general
from a public standpoint, I've been a part of, um, some interesting conversations
in relation to our LGBTQ community, um, and I would say, uh, a .... a very, um...
interesting and, um, divisive rhetoric around, um, support for LGBTQ .
community, and I .... I just think it's, uh, it's unfortunate and it's a .... it's
frightening that these things have been kind of allowed to persist in this kind of
new creation of America, um, but I ... I just .... I just hope that there's a continual
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effort to talk about it and make sure that it's not, um, associated here. I say that
because I recently went to Seattle, um, you know, this past weekend, and um, it's
one of my, uh, one of my proposed destinations to live at, and I just was not
enthused. You know I was, you know, I do a lot of comparisons between any
place I go to and I'll be driving to a bunch of different places this summer, and I
just wasn't, you know, I just thought, you know, Iowa City was better! And I
know there's some Seattle people listening and I just did, so....
Throgmorton: Lot of people in Seattle are listening right now (laughter)
Botchway: I'm sorry (laughs) if I loose some Facebook friends over it, it happens (laughs)
but um, but yeah, uh, I just .... Iowa City's better, and so speaking in which, uh,
where I think there's a lot of things that we .... we have gotten from Seattle, um,
and the focus on racial equity and just general equity, um, I just hope that again
we're as pronounced as Seattle, because you know, I'm not gonna be movin'
there any time soon, um, and I think Iowa City, um, can do more in that respect,
just based on our size, and just based again on our .... our community and
population. And then last but not least, I'll do the Terry Dickens, um, part about
Summer of the Arts, um, coming up this weekend. It's going to be exciting.
There's gonna be food, so I'll be there, and uh, we'll go from there!
Throgmorton: All right, good deal. Well I'm .... I'll bring this formal meeting pretty much to a
close by mentioning several things. I had the opportunity to meet with two
visitors from Tanzia... Tanzania, uh, about employment of people with disabilities.
Uh, Maz, Kingsley, Ashley, and I toured the Airport several days ago. That was
fun. Pauline, Geoff, Ashley, Simon, and I met with Senator Bolkcom, uh, to talk
about the past legislative session. That was a pretty stimulating and informative
discussion. I attended a meeting of the Refugee Alliance. I think they're making
great progress in terms of getting a clear idea of what they want to accomplish as
a .... as an alliance of people. Interviewed on KXIC with Jerry Lawler. I heard
Geoff speak at the Noon Rotary, a few days ago, about, I don't know, 10 things
you should know about Iowa City. Great job, Geoff.
Fruin: Thank you.
Throgmorton: You did really well.
Fruin: Thank you.
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Throgmorton: And, let's see, I attended the Affordable Housing Coalition's meeting. Sara's still
here! My god .... (laughs) still here! It was a well -executed meeting, as I said to
you afterwards. The Crisis Center's `hunger banquet' is coming up. Has
somebody mentioned that already? (several responding) Yeah, so it's gonna take
place at the Radisson Hotel in Coralville on June the 7a'. There's also gonna be a
RAGBRAI event, uh, on June the 8' at The View in the Hilton Garden Inn. And
what else? Pride Parade June 16"'. Juneteenth celebration on June the 23 a. Both
of which Rock and I are gonna have to miss. But .... lot's happenin'! That's
enough for me.
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Item 19. Report on items from city staff
c) City Clerk
Throgmorton: Kellie?
Fruehling: The only thing I wanna mention, we had talked about the listening post at the last
meeting and the .... place did not really pan out, out at Cole's Mobile Home Park,
so Jim suggested the Washington Street Farmers Market on June 9d, which is a
Saturday. I think Rockne said he is available. John's gonna be out of town.
Maza will be gone.
Botchway: Out of town!
Fruehling: Kingsley's out of town (laughs)
Mims: Um .... I think I can probably do it (several talking in background) Yeah, I can do
that.
Throgmorton: Yeah, I cannot so .... yeah.
Mims: I can do it. Yeah.
Throgmorton: Okay, Susan and Rockne?
Fruehling: I think they start at .... is it 8:00?
Throgmorton: Hey, how early ya wanna get there?
Cole: 7:00 (several talking)
Fruehling: Do you wanna do like a .... (both talking)
Mims: Wanna do .... 9?
Cole: I'd say 9'd be good. (several talking in background)
Fruehling: Two hours or an hour and a half?
Mims: Hour and a half We can always stay longer if we want (several talking)
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Throgmorton: All right, good deal, we got that fixed, right? Thank you. (several talking and
laughing) All right, we're pretty much at the end here.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council
special formal meeting of May 29, 2018.