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2b(1)
MINUTES APPROVED
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
May 9, 2018– 5:15 PM
EMMA J. HARVAT HALL, CITY HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Gene Chrischilles, Ryan Hall, Bryce Parker, Tim Weitzel, Connie
Goeb
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Susan Dulek, Sarah Walz
OTHERS PRESENT: Brian Boelk, Matthieu Biger, Jacqueline Biger, Thomas Agran,
Ryan O'Leary, Mark Seabold.
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 5:15 PM.
ROLL CALL:
A brief opening statement was read by Chrischilles outlining the role and purpose of the Board
and the procedures that would be followed the meeting.
CONSIDER THE FEBRUARY 14, 2018 MINUTES:
Goeb noted a correction to the attendance sheet—she had not been present at the February
meeting. Parker moved to approve the minutes of January 10, 2018, with edits. Hall seconded
the motion.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 5-0.
SPECIAL EXCEPTION ITEM EXC18-00003:
Discussion of an application submitted by Kum and Go LC application submitted by Kum & Go,
LC for a special exception to allow a gas station convenience store within the Towncrest
Redevelopment Area at 2303 Muscatine Avenue.
Walz began the staff report with an aerial view of the zoning of subject property, which had
recently been rezoned. A re-subdivision of a number of properties along First Avenue, Muscatine
Avenue, and Wade Street would create a new property that would combine two existing gas
stations along Muscatine. The new zoning designation is Community Commercial with an Design
Review Overlay (CC2/ODR). The CC-2 zone is intended to provide commercial centers for
businesses that serve large segments of the community population, including uses that generate
significant traffic and require access from arterial streets. The ODR refers to the design standards
associated with the Towncrest Commercial Area. Walz explained the goals of the Towncrest Plan,
which are to improve physical condition of the area, especially the streetscapes, sidewalks, and
Board of Adjustment
February 14,2018
Page 2 of 8
planting areas;to create a cohesive architectural character that brings buildings closer to the street
and sidewalk, with parking areas located to the rear; an emphasis on sustainability in building
materials and site elements. Overall the plan focuses on making the area more pedestrian friendly.
Walz explained the challenges presented by the site, which fronts onto three streets, and how a
what is by nature an auto-oriented use, such as "Quick Vehicle Service Use", can be more
pedestrian friendly.
Walz summarized the staff report, noting various elements of the development that improve
traffic and pedestrian safety, especially the consolidation and relocation of curb cuts and the
various improvements to the public sidewalk and pedestrian areas, and the relocation of the
building to the corner of Muscatine and First Avenues.
Walz, noted that 3-4 parking spaces shown adjacent to the convenience store are located within
a required 30-foot setback from the front building line—a standard of the CB-5 zone. She
explained that staff recommended waiving this requirement based on the overall site design,
which greatly improved the pedestrian environment and the level of screening for the parking
area close to the convenience store building.
Walz noted that staff had recommended two changes to the site plan:
1. The location of three parking spaces to the east of the fueling stations be
eliminated;
2. The design of the 20-foot landscaped setback along the Wade street frontage to
serve some level of stormwater infiltration.
Chrischilles opened the public hearing and invited the applicant to come forward.
Brian Boelk (HBK Engineering) noted the considerable effort of the applicant to meet the
standards of the Towncrest Design Plan. He asked that the Board preserve the parking spaces
on the east side of the paved area. He noted that the applicant has found that 25 parking
spaces represents the minimum that Kum and Go usually has on a site.These spaces would
service as employee parking and could be marked as such. He also noted that the requirement
for an area for infiltration had not been considered by the applicant and that, as an engineer, he
believed there was not adequate space. He suggested that a mechanical filter might be more
appropriate and that a landscape system might not be maintained and therefore might not
function as staff intended.
Board members asked for clarification on staffs recommendation to remove parking.Walz
clarified that in staffs view the location of the parking to the far side of the site did not seem to
meet the intent of the screening requirement.
Board members asked for clarification on the Towncrest Design standards with regard to
stormwater.Walz stated that it was not a requirement, but a recommendation of the Towncrest
Plan that strongly encouraged developers consider the sustainability of choices. Given the
amount of paving on the site and the 20-foot setback being proposed, staff believed there is an
opportunity in the landscaped area to create more opportunity for infiltration. The language of
the recommendation was intended to be flexible so that the applicant could design something
that would work.
Chrischilles closed the public hearing.
Parker moved approval of EXC18-00003, a special exception to allow a Quick Vehicle
Board of Adjustment
February 14,2018
Page 3 of 8
Service Use in the Towncrest Design District, subject to the following conditions:
• Substantial compliance with the site plan submitted, with the removal of three
parking spaces along the wade street frontage.
• Design Review Approval of the convenience store building.
• Light plan must meet code standards.
• Final approval of all landscaping materials by the City Forester.
• In consultation with the City Engineer, the applicant shall use the landscaped area
along the Wade Street frontage to improve stormwater quality.
Hall seconded the motion.
The Board discussed the staff recommendations and considered the wording of the
recommendation to require the landscaped area adjacent to the Wade Street right-of-way for
some sort of improvement related to stormwater. They were not opposed to mechanical filters
but concurred that more could be done with the green space.
The Board noted that they concurred with the findings set forth in the staff report of May 9,
2018, and concluded the general and specific criteria are satisfied and adopted the findings in
the staff report as findings of fact.
Board members noted that the proposed development would improve this area greatly and that
changes to curb cuts and streetscape would make the area much better, especially for
pedestrians. They noted that there is more and more pedestrian traffic in this area.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 5-0.
Chrischilles stated the motion declared approved, any person who wishes to appeal this
decision to a court of record may do so within 30 days after this decision is filed with the City
Clerk's Office.
SPECIAL EXCEPTION ITEM EXC18-00004:
Discussion of an application submitted by Matthieu Biger and Jacqueline Biger for a special
exception to reduce the rear principal building setback for property located in the Neighborhood
Stabilization Residential (RNS-12) zone located at 519 North Johnson.
Walz showed the location map, noting the relationship of 519 North Johnson to other adjacent
properties. She explained the purpose of the rear building setback standard. She noted that the
subject property has a smaller lot area than what is currently required by code and that this is
not unusual in this part of the community in historic neighborhoods. As a corner lot, the property
is required to provide two front setbacks, which pushes the limited developable area further to
the interior of the lot.
Walz showed where the proposed addition would be located on the lot and how this placement
related to the abutting properties. Walz also explained that the applicant was required to seek a
minor modification for a newly adopted rear open space requirement. She noted that the new
requirement allowed relief for properties such as this one—lots substandard in size, corner lots,
lots with opportunity for open space in other areas of the property.
Board members asked for clarification regarding the structures on adjacent properties.Walz
Board of Adjustment
February 14,2018
Page 4 of 8
pointed out the garages located on properties to the north and west. These structures basically
line up with the location of the addition. A question was asked about the lack of a sidewalk along
the south property line. Walz indicated that staff did not believe that there was a rational nexus
with the addition to provide one and also noted the unusual alignment of driveways and alley
just tothewest of the subject property. A more continuous sidewalk is provided on the North
Market Square Park. .
Chrischilles invited the applicants to speak.
Mattieu and Jacqueline Biqer explained that they had purchased the house through the
UniverCity Neighborhood Partnership and had made many improvements to it in the seven
years since, including a new roof and work to the garage. They now had children and wished to
stay in the house for many years to come but needed more space and the modern convenience
of and additional bathroom. They hoped the board would grant their request.
Chrischilles opened the public meeting.
Thomas Aqran (512 North Van Buren) noted that he is a neighbor and also someone who
purchase a home through the UniverClty program. He is supporting the proposal and thinks that
it was the intent of the program that people would make this kind of investment in their property
and that the space in which the addition will be located will be attractive from the street and the
park.
Ryan O'Leary (address ?) said that he was attending for the final application but is also in
support of the current application. He is a realtor who has sold several homes in the immediate
neighborhood and thinks the proposal will enhance the livability of the property.
Chrischilles closed the public hearing.
Goeb moved to approve EXC18-00004, an application for a reduction in the rear
principal building setbacks from 20 feet to 13 feet, subject to the following
conditions:
• The setback reduction applies to the proposed home addition only;
• Substantial compliance with the site plan submitted
• The applicant must secure a Certificate of Appropriateness for the addition from
the Historic Preservation Commission.
• The applicant must secure a minor modification for a reduction in the rear open
space requirement.
Parker seconded the motion.
The Board noted that they concurred with the findings set forth in the staff report of May 9,
2018, and concluded the general and specific criteria are satisfied and adopted the findings in
the staff report as findings of fact.
A vote was taken and the motion passed 5-0.
Chrischilles stated the motion declared approved, any person who wishes to appeal this
decision to a court of record may do so within 30 days after this decision is filed with the City
Clerk's Office.
SPECIAL EXCEPTION ITEM EXC18-00005:
Board of Adjustment
February 14, 2018
Page 5 of 8
Discussion of an application submitted by Ranshaw Limited Partnership for a special exception
to allow a vertical expansion of the existing building within the rear principal building setback for
property located in the Community Commercial (CC-2) zone at 424 Highway 1 West.
Walz showed an aerial view of the property, noting the 15-foot rear setback where a 20-foot
setback is required. The commercial property abuts residential properties along Douglass Court
and the building itself will not move any closer to the property line.
Walz explained the applicant wished to raise the ceiling height of the commercial building, which
is currently substandard.A higher ceiling height would allow the applicant to better market the
commercial space being vacated by Paul's Discount (a collective sigh from the board members
and other in attendance was audible).
Higher ceiling heights will allow for improved HVAC, lighting, signage, and other standard
requirements of commercial tenants. The additional building height space is not to allow a
second floor. Walz explained that the applicant could move forward with raising the roof height
on all of the roof except the rear 5 feet, which is within the setback. However, she noted, this
was not practical. The maximum building height limits in the commercial zone and the
residential zone are the same-35 feet. This will increase the height of the building to 24 feet.
In reviewing this staffs main concern was any potential changes to the rear of the property—the
area within the setback. Walz noted that any storage or active uses behind the building would
require the applicant to install screening. At a minimum staff felt that a fence and S3 landscape
screening would secure the site and minimize views of these activities, and had recommended
this as a condition of approval. The applicant has subsequently suggested a 6-foot solid fence
along the entire property line.
Hall asked about whether any residents along Douglass Court had solar panels on their roofs
and if the ceiling height would diminish their exposure.
Chrischilles invited the applicant to speak.
Mark Seabold (Shive Hattery) explained the need for the additional ceiling height. He noted how
currently the setback had functioned almost as additional yard space that with new commercial
tenants the applicant wanted to be sensitive about any changes to the rear of the property.
He noted that the change in ceiling height would not have an impact on any current or future
solar on homes.
Ryan O'Leary (Ranshaw) indicated that they had held a neighborhood meeting. Three
neighbors attended and they were generally supportive. O'Leary thought a rear fence would be
appropriate for security reasons.
Hall asked if solar had been considered on the rooftop. Seabold indicated no, but that they may
use the additional height to get more daylight into the buildings.
Parker asked about stormwater improvements. Walz suggested that since the building footprint
was not increasing, there may not be a rational nexus to require this. Seabold indicated there
would be a gutter system installed.
Board of Adjustment
February 14,2018
Page 6 of 8
Chrischilles closed the public hearing.
Weitzel moved for approval of EXC18-00005, a special exception to allow a building
height increase to 24 feet for an existing building in the Community Commercial (CC-2)
zone at 424 Highway 1 West, subject to the following condition:
• If the applicant proposed any changes within the rear setback,such as
additional rear exit doors, paving, or storage of any kind, a 6-foot high solid
fence (S-5) must be installed along the entire length of the rear property
line.
Hall seconded the motion.
The Board noted that they concurred with the findings set forth in the staff report of May 9,
2018, and concluded the general and specific criteria are satisfied and adopted the findings in
the staff report as findings of fact.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 5-0.
Chrischilles stated the motion declared approved, any person who wishes to appeal this
decision to a court of record may do so within 30 days after this decision is filed with the City
Clerk's Office.
BOARD DISCUSSION:
Dulek explained that the City Council had adopted an amendment to the City Code in response
to concerns from the Lusk Avenue neighbors. This change would allow the appointment of an
alternate board member in the event that a current board member had recused themselves due
to a conflict of interest. This would only apply in the case of an appeal and the alternate would
be a person who had served on the board during the previous 5 years—a retired board
member. Given the unique nature of the Board of Adjustment, staff had recommended having a
member who had previous experience and training with the board.
Parker noted he would be away for the August meeting.Weitzel noted he would miss the July
meeting.
ADJOURNMENT:
Hall moved to adjourn the meeting.
A vote was taken and the motion passed 5-0
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2017-2018
NAME TERM EXP. 4/12 5/10 6/14 7/12 10/11 12/11 2/14 5/09
CHRISCHILLES,T. GENE 1/1/2019 X X X X X X X X
GOEB, CONNIE 1/1/2020 X X X O/E X X O/E X
HALL, RYAN 1/1/2023 -- -- -- -- -- -- X X
PARKER, BRYCE 1/1/2022 O/E X X O/E X X X X
SOGLIN, BECKY 1/1/2018 X X X X X X -- --
WEITZEL,TIM 1/1/2021 X X X X X X X X
KEY: X= Present
O=Absent
O/E=Absent/Excused
—=Not a Member
07-03-18
Final/Approved 2b(2)
COMMUNITY POLICE REVIEW BOARD
COMMUNITY FORUM
April 23, 2018, 6:00 P.M.
IOWA CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY
123 South Linn Street, IC
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Orville Townsend called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Monique Green, Donald King, David Selmer
MEMBERS ABSENT: Royceann Porter
STAFF PRESENT: Legal Counsel Patrick Ford and Staff Chris Olney, Kellie Fruehling.
INTRODUCTION OF THE BOARD AND BRIEF OVERVIEW
CONSIDER MOTION TO ACCEPT CORRESPONDENCE AND/OR DOCUMENTS
None to accept.
STATE OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT BY CHIEF MATHERLY
Chief Matherly spoke about the department and the community working together. He
also reported on number of officers, average calls for service, number of arrests per
year as well as police training.
MEET THE NEW DOWNTOWN LIAISON OFFICER, COLIN FOWLER
Officer Colin Fowler gave a summary of the numerous responsibilities that the
Downtown Liaison Officer position includes and how it relates to the community. He
spoke about how the police department interacts with diverse groups within the City
such as the University students, business owners and the homeless population.
• PUBLIC
DISCUSSION The following individuals appeared before the CPRB:
Harry Olmstead 1255 Shannon Drive, Iowa City
Joe Coulter 1818 N. Dodge Street, Iowa City
Megan Alter 936 Aspen Court, Iowa City
Angela Winnike 1037 College Street, Iowa City
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 6:56 P.M.
(Forum Summary and transcriptions are attached)
COMMUNITY POLICE REVIEW BOARD
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2017-2018
(Meeting Date)
TERM 7/11 7/31 8/8 8/29 9/12 10/10 11/14 12/7 1/9/18 2/13/18 3/19/18 4/17/18 4/23/18
NAME EXP.
Marahir 7/1/21 X X X X X X X O/E -- -- --- --- ----
Salah
Donald 7/1/19 X X X X X X X X 0 X X X X
King
Monique 7/1/20 X O/E X X X X X X X X X X X
Green
Orville 7/1/20 X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Townsend
Porter
David 7/1/21 X O/E X X 0 X O/E X X X X X X
Selmer
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
O/E= Absent/Excused
NM= No meeting
= Not a Member
May 21, 2018
Iowa City City Council
City of Iowa City
410 Washington St
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Re: Community Police Review Board Annual Community Forum
The Iowa City Community Police Review Board (CPRB) held the annual Community Forum on Monday,
April 23, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. Board Members at the forum were Orville Townsend Sr. (Chair), Donald King
(Vice-Chair), Monique Green and David Selmer. Royceann Porter was absent. Staff present were; Legal
Counsel Patrick Ford, Staff Chris Olney and Kellie Fruehling. Guest speakers were Iowa City Police Chief
Jody Matherly and Community Liaison Officer Colin Fowler.
The forum opened with roll call and an introduction of board members. Chair Townsend read a brief
summary of the board's duties and responsibilities. The Chair then introduced Chief Matherly.
Chief Matherly presented an overview of the police department which includes four new officers for a
total of 86 sworn officers. Chief Matherly also spoke on the department and community working
together to reduce the crime rate and number of arrests. Chief Matherly introduced the new
Community Liaison Officer Colin Fowler. Chief Matherly noted the addition of a nighttime Liaison
Officer in the near future. Officer Fowler spoke on his responsibilities and how it relates to the
community. He also spoke on the interactions of the police department with diverse groups, business
owners and homeless population.
Chair Townsend then opened the forum to the public. The following appeared:
Harry Olmstead who addressed vehicles blocking handicap sidewalk ramps and need for enforcement,
Joe Coulter who spoke about opioids and fentanyl crisis in the US and local reactions,
Megan Alter spoke about reestablishing trust between the community and the police,
Angela Winnike spoke of her position as night mayor and its relationship with the night businesses.
At the conclusion of comments from the public,the Chair thanked the audience for their input and
announced that there were informational pamphlets on the back table.
Meeting was adjourned at 6:56 p.m.
Orville Townsend, Chair
Community Police Review Board
(Transcriptions are available at ICgov.org)
Page 1 Community Police Review Board Community Forum Transcription
Members Present: Monique Green, Donald King, David Selmer, Orville Townsend, Sr.
(Chair)
Members Absent: Royceann Porter
Staff Present: Legal Counsel Patrick Ford. Staff Chris Olney, Kellie Fruehling
Others Present: Police Chief Jody Matherly, Officer Colin Fowler
Call to Order & Roll Call:
Introduction of Board:
Townsend/Good evening. Why don't we call the meeting to order. I will start off with the roll
call.
Green/Green present.
King/King present.
Selmer/ Selmer present.
Townsend/Townsend present. And note that Porter is absent. Okay,urn, start off I'm gonna
give a brief summary of the, uh, C....CPRB and basically it was established as a tool to,
uh, allow citizens to....to share complaints, uh, concerns they had related to treatment by
our police officers. Currently the board, the process is there's a complaint. The,uh,
complaint is on file. The Police Chief basically will look at all the information and he
will make a decision as to whether treatment was fair or if there was an issue with unfair
treatment. He writes his final report, and that report is submitted to the Police Review
Board. We look at it, uh, each....each of us have access to information,which we look at
all the information and then we as a board will basically, uh.....come to a decision and
write a written report, and that is submitted to the City Council. The positive thing about
the process is that(unable to understand) which the public can feel assured that all efforts
are bein' made for fair treatment and to look at issues from all sides. Uh,havin'
public.... individuals from the public involved in the process is a great asset to assure
that. Uh, lot of people feel concerned about policing,police policing themselves, uh, this
is not the issue because of this board. The fact that we are citizens and we are involved in
the process does bring a totally different element that assures that all issues and all sides
are bein' looked at fairly. Um....with that I'd say, uh, if any of the board members have
anything they'd like to add to that.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Community Police Review
Board Community Forum of April 23,2018.
Page 2 Community Police Review Board Community Forum Transcription
Semler/That's a good summary.
Townsend/Okay!
Semler/There are, uh, some details and information also in the pamphlets if you haven't
received it (mumbled) front. Um, we'd encourage you to go ahead and review those.
Consider Motion to Accept Correspondence and/or Documents:
Townsend/Okay, uh, I will remind you that this is a public forum, which is public recorded, and
bein' recorded for rebroadcast on City Channel 4. At this point I would entertain a
motion to accept correspondence or any documents that have been presented.
King/ So moved.
Green/Second.
Townsend/It's been moved and seconded. All those in favor. Against. The ayes have it. Okay.
All right, now we're going to, urn.....move down to, uh, introduction of our Police Chief.
Uh, Chief Matherly, we'll turn it over to you.
State of the Police Department by Chief Matherly/Meet the new Downtown Liaison Officer
Colin Fowler:
Matherly/All right, thank you very much! Can everybody hear me? All right! Um, this portion
is just to kind of allow me to talk a little bit about the Police Department, uh, some of our
latest initiatives,uh, kind of the...the state of the Police Department, if you will. Um,
you're lucky, you're gettin' it before the City Council does, but we have a....a
Councilman here, Susan Mims, and uh, Mazahir Salih, so a couple Councilpeople are
here, and uh, then we have some folks from the, um, Human Rights Commission
and....and other folks from various committees with the City. So welcome everybody!
Uh, I wanna tell you about the....the structure of the Police Department itself. Some of
you are familiar with it, some not so much. Uh, we have 80, uh, 82 sworn police officers,
but we're swearing in four additional officers this Wednesday at 1:00 at City Hall. So if
you're interested in watching that, um, we'll be doing it then this Wednesday. But that'll
take us to 86. Urn, now two of those positions are grant positions, so those will....will be
gone through attrition in the next couple years because they're grant funded. Um, but....
but that's a fair amount of officers for a city of 74,000 folks. So, um, I will tell you with
that number though it keeps us very busy. We rely heavily on mutual aid through the
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Community Police Review
Board Community Forum of April 23, 2018.
Page 3 Community Police Review Board Community Forum Transcription
University of Iowa Police Department to assist us, uh, the Sheriffs Office, and State
Patrol, as well as surrounding agency. We have a very good working relationship with
those agencies and so we work as one really. Uh, when we're busy they come help us,
and when they're busy we go help them. Uh, so we can do more with....with a little less
money, which is important to the taxpayers. Uh, for calls for service, uh,we run 70,000
calls for service per year. Uh, now, uh, this year we were 700 calls for service, that is in
17, 700 calls for service fewer than we were in 2016. So....when you're talkin' those
kind of numbers, it was fairly, uh, this...fairly much level. Uh, for crime we only went up
1% in 2017 in overall crime, which is good! We....we don't like to see a big spike in
crime. Uh, we'd love to see a reduction but crime stats are somewhat like bell bottom
jeans—they....they fade in and our, depending on what's going on with society and with
reporting of those crimes. So when crime levels stay level we....we.....we like that.
We'd certainly like to see a reduction, but....but again, it's better than...than raising.
What we did see an improvement in in 2017 was a reduction in violent crime. If you
look at just the FBI violent crime statistics, which is homicide, robbery, uh, forcible
assault, sexual assault, and then aggravated assaults, we only had a reduction of 4%, but
if you throw in other sex crimes like forcible fondling and some of those,we actually had
a reduction of 12% for violent crime, uh, and we really like to see a reduction in....in
those numbers. It's one thing for your car to get broken into, but it's another thing when
your....when your personal well-being is attacked, and so we...we certainly like to make
sure that we're focusing on reduction in violent crime first, and then the....the property
crimes, uh, as well. Urn,but that reduction of violent crime was big for us.
Simultaneously it's important for the Police Department to be fair in our enforcement and
consistent in our enforcement, uh, when we are making the attempts to reduce crime.
That is, we have to get rid of the....the crime race association and connection. We have
to make sure that we're, um, being fair and...and, um,there aren't disparity and
disproportionality in our traffic stops when it comes to contacts with minorities, uh, and
we have to make sure that we're administering procedural justice out there. That is we're
being fair on the stops, we're listening to folks, we're being patient, and being respectful
and treating people, all people, with dignity, no matter what the circumstances. When we
fail to do that, that's where...folks like the CPRB can come in handy. They can take a
look at our incidents, our processes, um, our contacts with citizens and....and community
members and....and, uh, help guide us through those murky waters. Uh, our officers are
human. They're not robots. They do make mistakes. But I will tell you they're well
trained, and so their second nature is to rely on that training and be as professional as they
can, and we expect them to do that and we hold 'ern accountable for that. And the CPRB
holds us accountable for that as well. So it's....it's very important, uh, to have that
relationship and that level of transparency in everything that we do. Um....uh, for...for
numbers for crime, we have about,when we're lookin' at total crimes, and this.....this
doesn't count the alcohol possessions and things of that nature, but we have about 4,500
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Community Police Review
Board Community Forum of April 23, 2018.
Page 4 Community Police Review Board Community Forum Transcription
crimes per year that we deal with. Urn, so again 70,000 calls for service, that is 70,000
times we're out responding to calls and stopping cars and maybe writing a parking ticket,
but 4,500 of those are the actual thefts, robberies, criminal mischiefs, arsons, whatever
crimes there are, 4,500. And again, 1%raise in that. So we stayed fairly level
throughout the year. Urn, we do 12,000 traffic stops a year. That's a very high number.
Uh, to give you sort of a barometer for that, the City of Davenport, which is much larger
than us, does about 5,000 traffic stops per year. So we...we are very busy in stopping
cars. I will tell you my phone rings very often in Iowa City, to report speeding vehicles,
reckless vehicles, vehicles running stop signs, and I think it's because we have the
University here, Kirkwood. We're pedestrian-friendly, we....we encourage folks to be
out on their bikes, and so we expect motorists to obey the laws and not hurt anybody, and
that's why I believe because of the high amount of....of non-tra....uh, vehicular traffic,
urn, that we have, the....the pedestrians and bicyclists,the people do call that in, and so
we're starting to focus heavily, and I will tell you the City Council is focused heavily on
traffic safety, be it through engineering, uh, issues, uh, to....to help, uh, slow drivers or
enforcement efforts or technology, uh, we need to look at all of that to keep folks safe,
and so we're working hand-in-hand with other departments in the City, urn, our Traffic
Engineers, Street Department, and the guidance of the City Council to make sure we're
on top of that. Uh, it's very important for everybody. Uh, we're working very hard to
reduce disproportional ....disproportionality minority contact. A show of hands, how
many did not know that we measure ourselves for....for DMC, disproportionately
minority contact, that you had no idea we were even doing that. Okay. So it is well-
known. We've done it for 15, 20 years. Uh, most recently in the, urn, 2010 through now,
2018, uh, we look at that annually. We look at the numbers on.....on disproportionality.
Um, are there disparities? The answer's yes. Uh, do we have work to do? The answer's
yes. Uh, but we strive to work very hard to keep that reduction going, and not just the
amount of traffic stops, but the outcomes of the stops too. When we stop folks, urn, are
we asking more blacks to search their car than we are whites? Uh, are we, uh, writing
more tickets to blacks than we are whites? Are we, um....um, arresting more blacks than
we are whites? And those measurements are also, uh, counted as well. Um...once I stop
that car, I call it low-hanging fruit. We need to be extremely fair and consistent. Now I
may not know what color a person is when I stop the car, and if you've ever done a ride-
along with us, or... even without doin' a ride-along. At night when you're followin' a
car, try to figure out the race of the person driving, the skin color of the person driving is
not easy to do. Urn, but by and large, um.....just pure numbers, that....that should be a
one-to-one ratio, correct? It should be no disparity, no disproportionality. But we
haven't gotten there yet, but it's even easier for us to measure and control when we stop
somebody to say, `Don't write somebody, uh, of color more than you would, uh, a....a
white person.' That's a pretty easy decision, and whether it's, uh, you know, an implicit
bias thing or the officer thinks that they're gonna find more, that's a....that's an
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uneducated, uh,move on our part for that to happen, and we need to make sure that our
officers are well trained and well educated to know that,urn, if you stop a person for their
taillight, and they're a person of color, and you search their car more than you do a white
person's, you're not gonna find any more contraband than you do the white person. The
stats are real clear. So stop doin' it! Urn, we've sent that message very strong to our
officers, and we're gonna see improvements in that area. So it's important for us
to....while we're dealing with disproportionality, in...in the name of fairness, that we
concentrate on education and training for the officers and uh, I'll tell you how important
that is. We've gone from 200 hours total training in 2016 to over 1,100 hours in 2017 in
that area since I've been here. And I got here in January of 17. So I've put a lot of
emphasis on that and we will continue to do that. Uh, then the second thing is, uh, our
deployment of resources. You know, we're not deploying resources and trying to reduce
crime,uh,by targeting, uh, certain communities, communities of color. We need to
target crime trends and address the problem where it stands to reduce especially violent
crime, as I mentioned. And the other thing that we're doing too is to, urn, improve our
community outreach. Uh, community policing is, uh, one of the pillars of the 21'
century, uh,policing that President Obama had put into place, and uh, that means getting
out and earning the trust and....and the legitimacy of the community, to let them know
that, uh....Sir Robert Peel said, uh, 'The public is the police, and the police is the public,'
and so, uh, we need to make sure that...that folks, uh, appreciate what we do,understand
what we do,respect what we do, and trust that we're doing the right thing. Uh, and so
continually contact...continual contact with the public; in formal settings like our Citizens
Police Academy and National Night Out and...and the Hate Crimes Public Forum we just
did, and then informal, urn, as well. Again that procedural justice—every time we come
into contact with folks, whether we're meeting them in the ped mall or we're,urn, on a
traffic stop with them,that they're treated with dignity and respect. So those are the
things that we're workin' on, uh, for the disproportionality portion. Um.....with that, let
me introduce Colin Fowler. So Officer Fowler....is our,um,new, I say new. He's not
really new. It's been several months now, but downtown police officer. So, uh....David
Schwindt was the officer before him. Lot of folks called him Officer Friendly,but he
works, uh, quite often with Angela, from the Downtown District, and uh, and some of the
downtown businesses to improve quality of....of life downtown, quality of, um....of the
business community downtown, and the idea is to enhance everybody's experience down
here. Uh, I mentioned 70,000 calls for service. The downtown district is our number one
calls for service, 12,000 calls for service each year for the downtown district. So,
compared to the second district is like 5,000 in certain neighborhoods. So that tells you
how busy we are down here. When you're talkin' numbers that big, we need to focus on
that because there's a lot of activity down here, between residences, the University, the
businesses,urn, everything that's going on, so....very important. So I'm gonna give him
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the....the floor here in just a minute to talk a little bit about what he does and what some
of his goals are.
Fowler/Thank you. I'm Colin Fowler and took over the liaison spot late last year from Officer
Schwindt. He's moved on to the data driven justice project so he's still around,just not
seen very often. Before I took over his position, I worked in the downtown bike patrol
for about five years. So you may have seen me down there. I often get recognized. Um,
so I took over for his position. I already have a....a good understanding of the issues that
were downtown, the people that were down there, the transients, the students, uh, and a
lot of business owners. Some....one of the fun and challenging parts of my job is I try
and make the downtown, specifically the Northside, the ped mall area, uh, all those
different groups of people trying to use the same footprint, everyone tryin' to get their
own enjoyment out of it. So it's challenging and it's fun. In the winter, a lot of my job
shifts to homeless outreach. The homeless that we see downtown, uh, during the warm
months suddenly have to get inside at night, uh, otherwise it's dangerous. I getta work
with the homeless an awful lot. I inherited Officer Schwindt's big thing was the 'sock
police.' So I have a massive drawer full of warm socks and hats and scarves that I carry
around with me when I'm on patrol and I give 'em out, which gets me some teasing from
my co-workers,but I can take it, it's not too bad. It's really rewarding though. Also
since I work with the homeless so much, I'm involved in the new, uh, Housing First
project (mumbled) Cross Park. (mumbled) recognize people from groundbreaking
(mumbled) that's really exciting to me and since I've known the homeless for so long,
uh, hopefully I can....the people that are most at risk and need housing the most get the
top of the list. Uh, if you have any questions I'm always downtown. Usually have the
bright yellow shirt, I look like a....a walking highlighter and um, I also have a City-
issued cell phone if you have any questions too.
Matherly/Let me add one thing to that too. One of the positions that I talked about that we're
adding is going to be a....a downtown officer in the evening hours, uh,because he takes
off around 5 or 6 at night, as Schwindt did. Um, and talking to the Nighttime Mayor,
Angela, and Nancy from the Downtown District, some of the businesses, and....and my
officers, you know, we really need a downtown officer during those evening hours. So
the City Council supported us in, uh, hiring somebody to do that, and also spend half
their time out into the neighborhoods too. One of the problems with the....with the
neighborhood response unit for loud party patrol they call it, is, uh, a timely response. So
this officer would double as that as well. Um, if there's loud party calls going in...in the
neighborhood areas, which generally circle right around the downtown area, uh, to the
most...for the most part. Gonna be....he or she will be available for a quick response, uh,
and not delayed. Um, as we talk to our, some of our neighborhood, um, folks in....in the
Neighborhood Support Division of the City, they said that's one of the biggest problems
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—delayed response to those calls. So we wanna enhance that. So this person will be
working hand-in-hand with Angela, identifying issues, and identifying ways that we can
improve the quality of....of, uh, the experience of the downtown area. We're excited
about that position. You should see that right around July is when we'll get that goin'.
So I just wanted to add that.
Townsend/ I had a question, uh, the sub-station we have (mumbled) created, uh, what's your
feelings about that? Do you feel it's gettin' the results that we wanted?
Matherly/Yes, and thank you cause I was supposed to bring that up and I forgot(laughs) He's
keepin' me goin'! Um, how many here did not know that we had a sub-station in the
southeast side? Over by the....the, where K-Mart was located. Okay. Urn, you know,
it's in that plaza near....is it Stuff(someone speaking from audience) Stuff Etc., in that
area right off Highway 6, uh, behind Taco Bell and stuff. So....the sub-station, uh, has
been in existence for, uh, two or three years now, and we're using it more than we ever
have. Uh, we've assigned Henri Harper, our Community Outreach Assistant, who's a
civilian position, but wears a uniform. Drives a, one of the white pickup trucks that has
markings on it, and he works hand-in-hand with the schools. He works hand-in-hand, uh,
with, um, community members, does a lot of public outreach, the formal programs we
talked about, and he is actually housed down there now because we wanted more
presence down there. We also have a couple of our outreach police officers working out
of there too. Uh, Officer Cash is out of there part-time, and Officer Hayes is out of there
full time. Uh, now they're always out doing their duties as well, but that's their home
base. Uh, we're going to continue to enhance use of that. As a matter of fact, for
National Night Out this year, which is the first Tuesday in August, um, we actually want
to open the doors of the sub-station, have refresh....some refreshments, and make that a
focal point for National Night Out. Um, I was there for a Crime Stoppers' meeting the
other day, and a gal needed assistance off to the east of us, and she ran over there for
assistance, knowing that she could get help there. So important that people feel that
there's a....a place closer to them than havin' to come down here to deal with an issue.
So, uh, we like that spot. Uh, we think it's important. I will tell you I would love to see a
sub-station on the west side,uh, to serve some folks over in the Mormon Trek area. Um,
you know, the ....these come at a cost, obviously. Uh, you know, I haven't approached
City Council yet(laughter) but....but we will certainly (laughter) we....we will certainly,
um....um, keep ....I have talked with some landlords over there and, um, it's not
impossible to do. So, um, but these can be very successful, uh....we....we put a TV in
the sub-station because every night between about 4:30 and 6:00, um,there's kids that
come and hang out with some of the officers and Henri and watch TV and just....just get
to know 'em. So, that's the kind of environment that we wanna create, that...that sense
of,you know,urn, fostering relationships with our....with our youth and with...with the
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neighborhoods. And I think something on the west side would be equally as important.
So, urn....thanks for bringin' that up, Orville, and it's, uh, a....those sub-stations are great
and we wanna continue to enhance that experience.
Townsend/Okay, thank you, Chief. Okay, next we have a public discussion and community
input. Urn, an opportunity for you to come and share your concerns and speak. Uh, we
would ask that, uh, when you do come up that first of all you sign in. Uh, that you speak
into the mic and that you state your name, for public record and recording. So at this
point the microphone is open.
Public Discussion With Community Police Review Board:
Olmstead/ Good evening. I want to first thank you all,being community volunteers of
volunteering your time and being on the Police Review Board. It's a pleasure having
committed citizens like this, and I do appreciate that.
Townsend/Harry, will you state your name.
Olmstead/You just did! (laughter) I'm Harry Olmstead. (laughs) Urn, I had a couple concerns
I want to, uh, mention. Um, one thing that's starting to happen in our community and I
kind of believe it's more students than anybody, is cars blocking the, uh, what we call the
curb ramps, those ramps that come off the sidewalk, and I ran into one this afternoon that
was totally blocked. So I had to go out in the street to get around it. I did report it. But
the problem is, is it's only across the crosswalk and so the fine is only $25. The curb cuts
are required by ADA, and we are working on compliance with that, but I'd like to see,
and I'm going to be directing a, uh, letter to the City Council, uh, that we raise the rate,
uh, for those....that are blocking curb cuts, uh, so that really has an impact, uh, $25 I
don't think's gonna have much impact and I think we need to let people know how
important these are, because if it was at night, and with the poor lighting in this area,
someone certainly could get killed, whatever. So I would hope that you would join me in
directing a correspondence to City Council, uh, asking them to consider raising the rate.
The second issue that I wanted to address, um, deals with safety, not only in our schools
but in our community. We're seeing violence happening in communities throughout the
United States. Today there was one in Canada, with a van that, uh, mowed over, uh, 10
people, I think six were killed. Urn, I want to know what is being done to prevent having
these type of violent acts occurring in our schools and in our community. Chief!
Matherly/Sure! Well, let's talk about the school first. Uh, we're on a couple of different
committees with the, uh, Iowa City Community School District to address, uh, school
violence. Uh, one of them is more reactive in nature, that is if something were to go
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down, uh, what are the....what can they do about it, and so, uh,just as recently as
Saturday, uh, where we had, uh....uh, we talked ALICE training, uh, that is the training
to either run, fight, or hide, uh, if an incident were to happen, and not just to the schools
but also invited the parents and....and students, voluntarily. Uh, we don't like to teach it
right to the students. That can send the wrong message. Uh, it's really the schools'job
to direct their students, but we do train the faculty and staff; uh, of the School District
itself and when I say that, um, countywide, the whole School District has been trained in
that, and so they keep their thumbs on that and we give them reassurance that, uh, if it
were to happen, they'll....their second nature will kick in, they'll know what to do to
reduce the chance, urn, of....of, uh, more deaths or more injuries. Uh, also looking at the
school buildings themselves. Um, we have officers that are, urn, certified in crime
prevention by environmental design. I don't know if you're involved in that or not, but
we've got a few officers that....that are trained in that, and that's to look at the structure
itself and make a determination of how we can make it safer, as simple as numbering the
doors so when an event happens we don't say, well we're on the south side or a teacher
says south side. Well what is the south side? What, door 6? Door 9? Door 10? You
know, so it's clearly labeled. We all know which one we're talking about, and then also,
urn, the systems inside the school, be it security, video or whatever, urn, certainly
have....have talked to 'em about, you know, best cases for using those. So those systems
are in place as well. Um, you know, any time that the school has a....a problem with the
student that they can't quite handle themselves, it's repetitive, it appears it could get
violent,urn, they don't hesitate to contact us. Uh, we respond, and uh....and assist 'ern
with that. You know, our goal is not to put students in prison. It's not to, urn, you know,
to have the school a prison pipeline, if you will. It's to keep everybody sel...safe, and get
that student help, and so we can sometimes do referrals, and the school does a great job
with their counselors and their system as well, but....but we can help them with that too,
to keep everybody safe. Um, so those com....lines of communication are open,um, and
we do the best we can with that. As far as the community itself, again, we focus on
violent crime, uh, the ped mall shooting's a prime example. You know, um, that's
something where, uh, you know, when that situation occurred, uh, a lot of the names
involved weren't new to us, urn, we were familiar with it, urn, unfortunately things
unfolded downtown where you couldn't have picked a worse night or worse area for that
to happen, if it were to happen. Um,but the success there is we had a very quick
response. We made arrests that night and those folks have been convicted and they're in
prison that were held responsible. Uh, it's unfortunate that there were victims involved
as well. Um, so we....we have increased our intelligence database and try to make sure
that we...you know, if people are out doin' those violent crimes we've talked about—the
aggravated assaults, the robberies, the....the.....the, you know, murders, uh, we need to
know who those folks are and, uh, we need to do something about it, and we're
enhancing those databases, urn,the best we can. And we do that so we can be....so we
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don't have to do a shotgun effect. That is stop everything movin' and try to figure out
who's doin' somethin'. So communication and, urn, sharing of information, including
whether federal and state partners in....in area agencies is so important. Urn, that takes
the whodunit out of it and then lets us focus on, uh, reducing crime through contact with
those folks.
Olmstead/ Can I have one more quick question? We know the City Council has approved, uh,
the redevelopment of the ped mall, but one of the problems on the ped mall that I have
noticed over the last several years is vehicles, urn, parking on the ped mall. Um, on
Saturday there was a glass cleaning company that parked right on the side of the Library
and was there three, four hours! Um, I hope there can be something done,because
obviously the weight of those vehicles is what's also taking its toll on the ped mall, and
with new ped mall coming, we certainly don't want to damage that.
Matherly/Yeah, I think that's one of the goals for the new ped mall is to have that infrastructure
a little stronger and updated, um, so it can withstand the rigors of....of today's, you
know, activities and vehicles, versus, uh, before. As far as the vehicles on the ped mall
itself, unfortunately sometimes it's necessary for maintenance and upkeep, um, cause
you..... you have to have, uh, the vehicle or lifts or equipment to get the job done. It's
kinda like when a large semi-truck, uh, blocks Clinton Street when they're doing loading
and unloading to get freight in. So these businesses in a pedestrian-only area won't
survive if we don't allow some vehicle access, uh, and....and goods to get to their stores
in an efficient, safe way. Uh, it is up to the stores themselves, uh, the businesses
themselves, to make sure they're doing it as quickly as they can and as safely as they can,
uh, so we....if we see problems in an area we can certainly address those, but it does
come with the fact of having a pedestrian mall. You're going to have the two,
pedestrians and vehicles, inter-mix occasionally.
Olmstead/Thank you very much, and we do appreciate our Chief. He's, uh, anniversary of one
year I believe, and we look forward to him continuing.
Matherly/Thank you.
Olmstead/I have more questions, but I'll let somebody else have the floor.
Matherly/Thank you.
Green/Thanks, Harry.
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Coulter/I'm Joe Coulter. I'm with the Human Rights Commission here in Iowa City. I'm also
with the University of Iowa, College of Public Health, College of Medicine. Urn, as you
know, uh, we are potentially facing an opioid epidemic here. Uh, it's not gotten, uh, as
bad as it has....uh, say in Ohio and some other places. Uh, but the City, uh, and it very
much involves the Police Department, as well as other, uh, community, uh, functions, as
well as the County, urn, about.....where are we with regard to Naloxone training and
access, uh, to Naloxone, uh, to deal with the....the emergency situations. Uh, and what
are the board, as well as the Chief s, perspectives on the progress or lack thereof that
we're making on the Access Center, uh, and what roles do you see, uh, the police and
especially you (laughs) uh, because one of the populations are the....are the homeless, as
well as, uh, other, uh, groups, uh, including the elderly. Uh, and uh. the
contamination, if you will, with the Fentanyl and where is that coming from and how is
that getting into the ....to the medications. Uh, so there's a lot to talk about there, uh, and
uh, I'd like to just ask the board if they've begun to kind of open up a little bit, uh, to see
what their role as the review board might be in terms of this expanded, uh, functions of
the Police Department, as well as other aspects of the community.
Matherly/ So you had a couple of questions there. Let's talk about the....the opioids and...and
the Fentanyl issue, narcotics issues in our city. Um.....matter of fact.....it'll help if I just
throw a couple of stats at ya,just to give you an understanding of....of, uh, where those
drug cases set. So....drug violations last year, um, we had 367 drug cases last year, and
the year before, that is 2016, 424. So we had a....a big reduction in...in the amount of
drug cases, which is always a good thing. Equipment violation, which is paraphernalia,
things of that nature, also went down from 174 in 2016 to 151 in 2017. Uh, we are
members of the, uh, Johnson County Drug Task Force and we have grant funding in
place to...to assist us in offsetting those costs. And so we work with the State
Department's Narcotic Enforcement. We work with all the other agencies that have
somebody assigned to the Drug Task Force. Urn, that...that means we put a lot of efforts
into combating illicit drug use in our community. Urn, and the opioids are absolutely at
the top of that list. Uh, our most frequent thing is still methamphetamines. Those are the
things that we still struggle with. Labs have dropped down since we, um, have put
places, or mechanisms in place, I say we. The State law, to reduce the ability to buy
the....the, uh, over the counter drugs that you use to make methamphetamines. So that's
helped. So now 80-90% of it's being imported in, uh, from....from Mexico and other,
uh, states. Um, so that being said, that's helped reduce making it, but it still exists and
still causes a problem. Um, when we do run across somebody that has overdosed on an
opioid,pain killers if you will, heroin, whatever the case is, um, Johnson County
Ambulance carries, uh, NARCAN, the...the drug that counteracts that overdose and has a
immediate, um....assistance for that person. They're....we just did a study on this last
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year when I got here, the Fire Chief and I did at the request of the City Council. And, uh,
their response is quicker than ours when it comes to the medicals. They're usually
getting that initial trip and so they're getting there faster. (unable to hear person speaking
from audience) Well we don't, and at that time we evaluated whether we should carry it
or not, uh, along with the Fire Department, who also doesn't carry it. Urn, and it was
decided...but these....these things have a shelf life and our concern was if we buy this
stuff and it sits, uh, not being used it doesn't do anybody any good. Johnson County
Ambulance is just getting out faster than we are, able to take care of that. Everything's a
balance. So if we start to see that they're not getting there faster, then we could be on top
of it faster and administer it. The stuff's easy to use. Urn, so that wouldn't be a problem.
We wanna make sure that we're carrying the right things, uh, at the right time, for the
right reasons, and it's gonna be effective. Right now that balance hasn't happened, uh,
but I will tell you, urn, I've talked to the Mayor personally about this, and it's one of his,
urn, his.....big concerns is that when that balance needs to happen we will certainly
trigger that. Starting with the Fire Department, the Fire Chief said, you know, `Chief, we
should carry it before you do.' When we need to have it, we'll have it. And then the
police officers themselves. So...it's a good question. Fentanyl's a whole other issue. It's
a very powerful drug. It is interlaced with ...with some of the drugs we're seeing. We
have had a couple cases of it on eastern Iowa, not in the city here but on the, in the
eastern Iowa area. Urn, so....um, when.... when somebody gets hold of that, it's....is has
deadly effects because it's so powerful and urn.....we have put precautions in place for
our police officers so we don't get inadvertently exposed to it when we're dealing with
drug cases and, uh, that....that's very important to keep us safe as well. Urn....and,
uh.....you know, when....when it's ....when they're comin' across it, we're sharing that
instantly and....and figuring out, you know, where it is and, you know, if it's startin' to
creep into the area. Right now we've been pretty lucky. Um, same with opioid deaths,
you know, a few have occurred, but it's not the big spike that you're seein' in some of the
other cities to the east, and also some of the other states to the east, Ohio and....and
further east, it is out of control in those areas. We have a lot of it here, but it's not.....it's
not blown the lid off like some states and so we continue to monitor that as well.
Coulter/(mumbled) I think is very important is the....the expanse, urn, of incarcerating, uh,
individuals or sending them to the emergency room, to the ER. It's much greater than
what we would have to spend, urn, for an Access Center to keep people out of jail and to
give them the kind of treatment, uh, to address their problems. Um...where does the
board and the....
Green/Well I (both talking)
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Coulter/ .....(mumbled)
Green/I can't really speak to that as a member of the Community Police Review Board. I don't
really know if that's within our charter or purview, but in my other life as a Crisis Center
board member, I do, uh, support the Access Center. So, um, I....I'm glad they're, you
know, trying to have interventions before it goes to, you know, incarceration or, urn, you
know, emergency rooms. I think it's important to have those, um, interventions in place
but in terms of the Police Board I don't know if I can necessarily speak to that in this
regard.
Semler/I'd second, uh, Miss Green's statement there and my previous experience before this too
also allowed me to participate in Drug Court, which I thought was very valuable,uh,
downtown as well, and I wish we'd incorporate more of those, but as far as our Review
Board role, we're not in charge of overseeing the entire police procedures or policies.
We're, um, oversight is limited just to the occasions where there's a complaint made, and
even in that case it's just narrowly on those specific facts.
Coulter/(unable to hear) well how come I didn't get sent to the Access Center,they arrested me
and threw me in jail?
Townsend/Joe, I'd have to say basically,probably the only way we would get involved in that
is, you know, what you're talkin' about is something that if....if we get overwhelmed
with it,you know, uh, our....our officers are human and if they do make a mistake, and
it....it could be because of training, then our responsibility would be as we look at the
information to try to point that out and make recommendations to the City Council, to,
uh, put things in place to adequately address that need.
Matherly/ So, I'm gonna have Officer Fowler talk a little bit about our crisis intervention
techniques that we use, and that segues into the Access Center. (mumbled) tell you that
we are all for an Access Center. We're all for jail alternatives. Uh, if you talk to Lonny
Pulkrabek, and I have lunch with 'em all the time, his jail is full of folks that shouldn't be
there. And so we wanna do everything we can to divert that. So we hear you loud and
clear. I think our City Council and our....our County Supervisors and everybody that
I've talked to is on the same page with that, uh, cause it's the right thing to do and really I
wanna say there's.....you could use less of us at that point(laughs) We're gonna stay
busy doin' other things, but we should be doing things to reduce the....the crime that
matters and then get these other folks help that need it. So we...he's one of our
instructors for crisis intervention.
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Fowler/Yeah, so urn, are you guys familiar with CIT? Have you heard of it before? Anybody?
No? There's a short version, a long version. I'll give the medium version then. So CIT
started I believe, um, down south, maybe Tenn....or Nashville, I can't remember, one of
those cities, but I was lucky enough to (person speaking) Memphis, thank you!
(mumbled) Um....(mumbled) I went to the 40-hour instructor training in San Antonio.
San Antonio right now is regarded as....as one of the leaders in CIT. So that was a
fantastic training. Urn (mumbled) some of the training in St. Louis. The whole idea
about that is tryin' to have officers (mumbled) final (mumbled) other than jail, especially
when someone's, uh (mumbled) called for as a result of mental health or chemical,
instead of deliberate defiance or deliberate criminality. So part of the 40-hour training
that we do here in this county for all the officers is give them a body of knowledge about
mental health and training on how to recognize the behaviors that are being called for and
using something besides jail,maybe the hospital or the Access Center when it comes
online as an alternative. We're all aware that, at least I am, the Fuse study and how
expensive utilizers can be when they get into that rep of jail, ER, (mumbled), court, all
that, how expensive it is. So a byproduct of CIT is you use these other alternatives to that
system, you get a better outcome for the client and a better outcome for the community,
at a lower cost. So, we're only two 40-hour sess....sessions away from having every
officer in Johnson County, that's every municipal community, every sheriffs deputies, all
those folks, only two more 40-hour(mumbled) from having all training done. (difficult
to understand) now, so once you get everybody trained that hasn't been at Police
Academy in a while, every officer that's going to be in Johnson County is going to have
that training under their belt.
Matherly/You know, some....some municipalities and jurisdictions just choose to have a CIT
team that, okay, I'm an officer, I'm not trained but I'll call an officer who is. We have
chosen to train everybody. We want immediate response. We want knowledge, and it
gets supported by the City Council, who's actually been hands-on with this and went
down to....some of'em went down to San Antonio and, uh, actually participated in
that...in that training. So....there's a lot of buy-in. We're on the same page. It's an
excellent question, and we hope to see....not hope. We will see some results in that. It's
gonna... there's money involved. It's gonna take time, but until then, at least we're
trained up and we can start doin' the right thing early on and hopefully the....the facilities
and the actual infrastructure follows eventually. Great question!
Alter/Hi, my name is Megan Alter and, uh, I'm just a community member. Uh, I also volunteer
with a group that, um, is called the Black Voices Project, and uh, one of the areas that
the, uh, the groups are concerned with is actually,uh,re-establishing or furthering trust
between authority, specifically the police, and youth of color. Um, so that's kind of the
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Board Community Forum of April 23,2018.
Page 15 Community Police Review Board Community Forum
Transcription
background with which I'm coming to this question. Urn, I also attended the Hate
Crimes Forum, uh, not too long ago, and during a discussion afterwards, there...some
community members talked about the fact that on the one hand if you see something, say
something tends to be the sort of rule of thumb. However, there are many community
members who have been victimized who because the trust is not there do not feel willing
to come forward to talk about their trauma. Um, and so I was wondering in light of some
of the, um......literature that I was looking at earlier about formal complaints that come to
the board. Is there a mechanism in place, and it's a tough question, I recognize. Is there
a mechanism in place, urn, through the Police Department or other law enforcement
agencies to.....collect data on informal complaints, things that are not actually making it
to the board or not making it onto paper,but really are sort of things that perhaps police
officers who are in the neighborhoods are hearing about.....a colleague that the
neighborhood is talking about, or are there ways in which you can collect that informal
more anecdotal,but oftentimes extremely important preventative data, so that it ends up
that a problem is perhaps addressed before it reaches the board.
Matherly/So, yeah, the...the formal complaints are fairly easy to track, cause those are
documented. Um, you know we try to make it as easy as we can for folks to bring, uh,
improper conduct or alleged, uh, wrongdoings on our officers' part to our attention. We,
uh, recently through using a racial equita.....racial equity toolkit project last year, started
a system online. So someone can just jump online and you can commend an officer, but
you can also complain about an officer, and so that way it's the click of a button and you
don't have to, uh, to physically come in and, you know, like you said, sometimes the
Police Department's the last place somebody wants to be, but you can still lodge the
complaint online. You can do it by phone,um, you know, however you can....you could
write us a letter. However you can get that information to us. We wanna make it as easy
as possible and, um, and....and less intrusive. I can't get people to apply for jobs because
if they can't do it online they don't wanna do it. So we know where technology lies and
so we tried to match those two together. Uh, we have policies in place,uh, for officers.
If they get a, in passing in a neighborhood saying, you know what, I don't know about
that Jody Matherly guy. You need to watch him and...and there's somethin' goin' on
with him, and they get any information(laughs) that, you know, alleges that I might be
doin' somethin' wrong, they have to report that to us,the officer does. It's not anecdotal
at all. It's not just in passing. And so we also have a....uh, early warning systems, um,
policy in place. If our own officers are spotting a problem with an officer,um, they're
actin' a little out of character. They see somethin' that shouldn't a happened,they are
forced by rule to report that as well. So we're....by rule have to police each other, and
um, we have to report, you know, issues that are goin' on, even if it's just in passing with
the community, and that allows us to vet the officer. Now I've been doin' this 35 years.
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Page 16 Community Police Review Board Community Forum
Transcription
I will tell you that police officers don't like to work with other police officers who aren't
doin' their job, who are dishonest, or who are abusive. They don't like it! They didn't
get into this business to be that way. They didn't get in to....to be hated. They didn't get
into this job to be disliked. They did it to help the community. Certainly didn't do it for
pay, uh, we don't get rich, but....but it is a, you know, a good living, but they did it
because they want to be community-oriented and they want to help people. Period. And
so, you know, people talk about the thin blue line and....and how officers,you know, will
fail to report, urn, issues with other officers, and I will tell you, and I've worked for many
agencies in many capacities, that couldn't be farther from the truth. As a chief, I don't let
those folks work for me, and officers do not want their peers to....to be that, and they will
be the first one, and even our Union, our Police Union, will say we'll be the first one to
say if the person shouldn't be a cop. We don't want 'em to be a cop. So, I will assure
you that this agency is very well versed. We have good policy in place, and good
communication with our community to weed those folks out. Um....we've got great
people. People make mistakes. If it's a mistake of the head I can correct that, but if it's a
mistake of the heart, they gotta find another place to work.
Townsend/Any other questions? Okay, well if there....(person speaking from audience)
Winnike/ (unable to hear) Angela Winnike of the Downtown District and I also,uh,manage a
business downtown during the day. Uh, so I have a two-fold statement that I want to
make cause I think you probably only hear complaints or negative feedback, and I, um, as
a representative of the downtown businesses at night, urn, I would say the feedback in the
last six to eight months, um, as I've been in this position as Nighttime Mayor, urn, has
been extremely positive. Not everything, and it's not a perfect relationship between the
Police Department and our nighttime businesses, urn, but the perception of...of the
relationship that I think Chief Matherly and the nighttime officers have tried to develop
with the downtown businesses has improved significantly. Uh, which I think is really
important. Urn even the last few weekends as the weather's gotten nicer and I'm out
and about, talking to various, um....bar owners, bar managers, restaurant owners, urn, the
feedback is that they feel like the police are trying to be more a part of the downtown
community, rather than just enforcing, which I think is what the Police Department is
trying to do. Urn, and then as a daytime business manager down here, urn, we developed
a really great relationship with Officer....Offrcer Schwindt and now with Officer Fowler,
and it is, uh, such a positive relationship that I'm really excited for this evening, uh,
nighttime officer position to be created. Um, Officer Fowler creates a sense of security
downtown with a lot of the daytime businesses, that they know that he'll respond
immediately if they have a question or a concern, um, and we talk about this downtown
amongst the businesses and I think just as a person enjoying downtown,when Officer
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Board Community Forum of April 23, 2018.
Page 17 Community Police Review Board Community Forum
Transcription
Fowler is off doing training or isn't around downtown, it's a noticeable difference, urn, in
the ped mall, I think, for how safe people feel, urn, and how easily they think, you know,
an issue can be addressed. So, urn, we're really excited to have the evening officer
position, urn, the nighttime businesses really appreciate the sense of working with the
Police Department instead of being enfor....you know, having um....certain things
enforced within their businesses. So.....it's been an extremely positive feedback,uh,just
great for everyone I think! So, I just wanted to make that statement.
Matherly/Thank you, and while you're standing there, Angela, this Nighttime Mayor's position
isn't somethin' that we....we carne up with. We actually....I say we, the City and the
Downtown District, urn, modeled this after similar programs elsewhere,but what a great
idea, to have a liaison who's eyes and ears and....and feet on the ground, especially
during those evening hours, and have a voice, and....a good liaison and connection for
the Police Department, and....and with bars themselves and business owners themselves
and each other, so uh, it's very valuable and, uh, I think you're going to see with a
nighttime officer down here, you're going to see her position and this additional position
with the Police Department, uh, it's gonna flourish, and I think it's gonna.....you're
gonna find it's gonna be very valuable as a team, so we're lookin' forward to that too.
Winnike/ One other thing, one of the great things that Chief Matherly was a part of; uh, was
working with the UIDPS in the Shout program, and I just have to speak to it because this
past weekend, urn, I had a....a grad student job-shadow me, urn, from the harm reduction
program at the University of Iowa, and speaking to students just out in the streets, and
asking for their feedback about what they thought of Shout, and it all goes to this, um,
helping people instead of jailing people idea and concept, even amongst the students has
made a significantly positive impact, I think, on their perception between the Police
Department and the University DPS, from what it used to be even a year ago, and urn, for
those of you who don't know what the Shout program, it's students helping out and it is
kind of owned and driven by the University of Iowa with, urn, kind of help and
implementation betwe....with the Univers....sorry! With the Iowa City Police
Department, the Downtown District, um, and it is a....a layer of....of help and protection
for those who are downtown and on campus, um, before businesses or those who feel
unsafe call the Police Department, they can call Shout, um, and they can get, um, like a
ride home or someone to walk them home if they feel unsafe leaving the Library, um, and
even if it's like a Friday night and you're intoxicated and you're a community member,
you get separated from your friends and you don't have a safe way of finding your way
home or don't know how to, uh, Shout can help you instead of a police officer havin' to
take you to jail. So, it's a great program for our entire community.
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Page 18 Community Police Review Board Community Forum
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Matherly/And kudos to Director Scott Beckner at the University for, urn, getting that up and
runnin' and he's got a model that says if we're going to fight crimes, let's take the
victims out of the mix and so...these students are there to say, hey, you know, you're
walkin' alone. Well I got separate from my group. Let us help you. Let's take that
victim out of the mix and, um, it's so important. It also is a tool for the business owners
to say, I got a person that probably shouldn't be here. Well, you know, the back half of
our car unfortunately's not a taxi, and the front side is....is the police car, um, and so this
gives us a tool, and the officers absolutely love it, cause it gives them an alternative, a
diversion program, to get that person home safely and then they can go off and do their
job. Uh, yeah,thanks for bringin' that up and I think you're gonna see a lot of innovative
programs like that. Beckner's pretty good at that stuff(laughs) and uh, married with our
department and downtown, what....what a great program, so....yeah.
Green/Thanks, Angela.
Townsend/Thank you. Okay, at this point does any board members have anything they'd like to
share? Chris, Terry, staff, you guys have anything you'd like to share? Okay, well I'll
just kind of in closing I would just like to say that we think about police force in terms of
they, them, you know, and basically....where it's really at is they're all about to protect
and serve, but I think basically as a community and as a group, we can contribute to that
simply by thinkin' in terms of our, we and things that we can do to help and to get
involved, uh, our city, this is our city. We have a beautiful City. But we also have a
responsibility to make it better. So if there are no other, uh, input, I would entertain a
motion to adjourn.
Adjournment:
King/So moved.
Green/I second!
Townsend/ Okay, moved and second. All those in favor. We're adjourned, and thank you for
comin'. (applause)
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Community Police Review
Board Community Forum of April 23, 2018.
Final/Approved
COMMUNITY POLICE REVIEW BOARD 07-03-18
MINUTES — May 8, 2018 2b(3)
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Townsend called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Monique Green, Don King, David Selmer, Royceann Porter(Electronically)
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Staff Chris Olney, Legal Counsel Patrick Ford
STAFF ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: Iowa City Police Capt. Campbell
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
None.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion by King, seconded by Green, to adopt the consent calendar as presented or amended.
• Minutes of the meeting on 04/17/18
• Minutes of the Community Forum meeting on 04/23/18
• ICPD General Orders 99-05 (Use of Force)
Motion carried, 5/0.
NEW BUSINESS
None.
OLD BUSINESS
Proposed Ordinance Change Discussion - The Board requested to have Legal Counsel revise the
proposed ordinance changes memo to include additional language that states, in the event the Boards
final report differs from the Chief's report, that the Board could in its recommendation to the City
Council add a new provision invoking an external investigaton. The external investigation would be
subject to a deadline that is separate from the Boards final report deadline.
Legal Counsel agreed to amend the proposed ordinance changes memo to include the additional
language. The revised memo will be discussed at the next meeting.
Selmer stated that the memo on the proposed ordinance changes at the City Council level is a good
start, but they might in the future want to pursue changes at the State Legislation level. King mentioned
that if the Board wanted to look at trying to change legislation they could use resources available from
(NACOLE) National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement.
Community Forum Discussion —Townsend asked for a volunteer to a write a draft summary of the
Community forum meeting. King volunteered and will submit the draft summary to staff by June 5th to
then be included in the next meeting packet.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION
None.
CPRB
April 17, 2018
Page 2
BOARD INFORMATION
None.
STAFF INFORMATION
Olney asked for clarification on recording attendance, specifically the absent excused versus absent
unexcused policy. It was her understanding that an absence can only be excused by the Board or
Board Chair and that it is not the Staff that makes that determination. Legal Counsel Ford stated it is as
determined by the Board based on the By-Laws, Article 3. Section 4.
TENTATIVE MEETING SCHEDULE and FUTURE AGENDAS (subiect to channel
• June 12, 2018, 5:30 PM, Helling Conference Rm
• July 10, 2018, 5:30 PM, Helling Conference Rm -(Rescheduled to 7/23/18)
• August 14, 2018, 5:30 PM, Helling Conference Rm
• September 11, 2018, 5:30 PM, Helling Conference Rm
Motion by Selmer, seconded by Green to move July 10, 2018 meeting to July 23, 2018.
Motion carried, 5/0.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion for adjournment by Green, seconded by Porter.
Motion carried, 5/0.
Meeting adjourned at 6:25 P.M.
COMMUNITY POLICE REVIEW BOARD
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2017-2018
(Meeting Date
TERM 7/31 9/8 8/29 9/12 10/10 11/14 12/7 1/9/18 2/13/18 3/19/18 4/17/18 4/23/18 5/8/18
NAME EXP.
Mazahir 7/1/21X X X X X X O/E --- -- — — -- —
Salih
Donald 7/1/19 X X X X X X X 0 X X X X X
King
Monique 7/1/20 O/E X X X X X X X X X X X X
Green
Orville 7/1/20 X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Townsend
Royceann 7/1/21 I --- — -- --- — -- -- X O/E X O/E X
Porter
David 7/1/21 O/E X X O X O/E X X X X X X X
Selmer
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
O/E= Absent/Excused
NM = No meeting
= Not a Member
, _ .
2b(4)
MINUTES APPROVED
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
EMMA J. HARVAT HALL
MAY 10, 2018
MEMBERS PRESENT: Thomas Agran, Esther Baker, Kevin Boyd, Zach Builta, Gosia
Clore, Sharon DeGraw, G. T. Karr, Cecile Kuenzli, Pam Michaud,
Ginalie Swaim, Frank Wagner
MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT: Jessica Bristow
OTHERS PRESENT: Rebecca Conard, Barbara Schwartz, Alicia Trimble
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (become effective only after separate Council action)
CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Swaim called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m.
Swaim thanked Commission members who attended the joint session with the Planning and
Zoning Commission and the City Council.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANYTHING NOT ON THE AGENDA:
There was none.
NATIONAL REGISTER NOMINATION - UNITARIAN-UNIVERSALIST CHURCH, 10 SOUTH
GILBERT STREET:
Bristow said that Rebecca Conard, who worked on the nomination for the church, would have a
presentation.
Conard showed where the church is located on the corner of Iowa Avenue and Gilbert Street,
right on the edge of downtown. She showed two photographs: an historic photograph of the
church as it appeared around 1910 and a contemporary photograph of the church in 2016.
Conard stated that the church was built in 1908. On the historic photograph, she pointed out
where one can see, on the far right side between the church and the pole, that there is a house.
Conard said that is a parsonage that was constructed in 1909. She said that it was replaced in
1962 with the education/office building known as Worthley House. Conard said it was razed as
part of the current development project.
Conard said this property is significant at the local level under Criterion C, architecture and
design, of the National Register, along with criteria consideration A , a religious property that
derives primary significance from its historic architectural importance. She said this building
represents the coming together of two complementary strands of thinking about modern church
architecture, with modem referring to early 20th century.
Conard said the architect of the building was Edwin J. Lewis, Jr. from Boston. She said he was
a Unitarian and well-connected with the American Unitarian Association. Conard said that
Lewis had a very long career, during which he designed over 35 churches, most of them in the
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
May 10, 2018
Page 2 of 11
Northeast and Canada. She added that three of those churches are currently on the National
Register.
Conard said that a 1902 publication called Plans for Churches, which the American Unitarian
Association (AUA) commissioned and then issued, was intended to aid small parishes in
constructing modest but dignified churches. She said that one of those plans was suggestion
number two, one of the designs that Lewis contributed to the book. Conard said the church
bears a striking resemblance to that design. She said that based on the design, Lewis came up
with the plans for the Iowa City church, although there were separate plans, but she has been
unable to find them.
Conard said that all of the churches have a connection with the AUA, but a particular connection
came through Robert Loring, who the AUA sent to Iowa City in 1907, specifically to oversee the
building of this church.
Conard said there were some very specific recommendations in the plans for the churches.
She said that one of them was to not spend money on towers or steeples. Conard said the
feeling was that one could have a dignified church without a steeple, and there would be no
need for that expense.
Conard said that another suggestion was to use ordinary building materials, such as wood or
stone. She said that concrete or common brick laid in common mortar was acceptable. Conard
said that on the interior, the architects who wrote the publication recommended that the
constructional timbers be permitted to show-that it was less expensive than finishing the ceiling
and added visual interest.
Conard said that other suggestions were to use natural wood floors, carpeted only in the aisles;
wooden pews that were very simple and without cushions; and windows that do not reflect the
"ignorant" use of stained glass, by which they meant a kind of ostentatious use. She said the
booklet states that windows could be made things of beauty by using pale, amber-colored
cathedral glass cut and leaded in a diamond-shaped pattern. Conard said that all of these
things were incorporated into the Iowa City church.
Conard showed two historic photographs taken around 1910. She said they show the degree to
which the Iowa City church really followed all of the main recommendations in the booklet and
carried out in the design that Lewis created for the church.
Conard showed contemporary photographs of the church. She said they show how much of
that is left, including the original pews, all of the woodwork, the ceiling treatment, the exposed
trusses and rafters, and the leaded glass windows in the fireside room.
Conard said that another original feature is the organ, which was installed in 1909. She said the
church did not originally have an organ but had hoped to have one. Conard said that a $500
contribution from Andrew Carnegie gave the church enough money to purchase a pump organ.
She added that the mechanism for pumping is still in the closet to the right. Conard pointed out
the pipes arrayed above the organ and in the chancel and said there are more in the closet to
the right also. She said that this original organ was restored once, but she did not believe it is in
playing condition and did not know what would happen to the organ in the rehabilitation process.
Conard said that the second strand of significance comes through what is known as the
Western Sisterhood of the Liberal Churches, the Universalist and Unitarian churches. She said
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
May 10, 2018
Page 3 of 11
this was a small but very influential group of women ministers who were active in the Midwest
from about 1880 up until around World War I or a little after that. Cunard said this group of
women advocated, among other things, something called the church home idea. She showed a
photograph of two of the women ministers at the center of this group: Mary Stafford and Eleanor
Elizabeth Gordon.
Conard said that Gordon was the pastor in Iowa City from 1896 to 1900. Conard said that both
women came from Hamilton, Illinois, and their ministerial careers really intertwined throughout
their lives. She discussed the career history of the two women.
Conard said that Gordon eventually became the field secretary for the Iowa Association of
Unitarian and Independent Churches (IAUIC). Cunard said that in that capacity, Gordon really
oversaw the financing and construction of the Iowa City church. Cunard said the IAUIC really
had a financial stake in the Iowa City church, having pretty much owned the previous church
and being instrumental in securing the land for the present church and putting up most of the
money.
Conard said that Gordon worked closely with Loring, who was sent from Boston to be the pastor
while the church was being built. She said it all came together quickly in 1908, and Gordon
smoothed over ruffled feathers in the congregation to get this built.
Conard said that the term church home meant that the liberal church should be home-like,
should foster a sense of home life, and be the center of community work. She said that in
practical terms, this typically meant that the church was rather simple and did not have a
steeple. Conard said this is also a reflection of the arts and crafts movement of the early 20th
century.
Regarding the interior, Conard said these women felt that a church home should be designed to
create a domestic atmosphere. She said that when the church was dedicated on October 24,
1908, Gordon called the building a church home in her dedicatory remarks. Conard said that
the fireside room on the main level as well as the assembly hall on the lower level really reflect a
domestic feel with the fireplaces, the wood trim, the seating that is more comfortable than the
pew, and the large kitchen off to the left of the larger assembly room.
Conard said that in the bigger space, it is big enough to seat 80 people at table, so it was really
used a lot for social events. She showed a photograph of what that looks like today, with the
woodwork, the fireplace, and the double pocket doors that can be extended or closed.
Conard said there has been one significant alteration to the exterior. She said the entrance was
extended in order to enclose the steps going up to the sanctuary. Conard said that the
alteration was very well done and was designed by Bill Nowysz and built in 1987.
Conard said the plan shows the way the new roofline of the extension fits up under the roofline
of the original portico. She said that the original doors were incorporated, and a transom was
also created.
Conard said that there are some less sensitive alterations to the rear. She said that some
sections of wall were taken out in order to tie the church into the education office building and
now to install an elevator. Cunard stated that those changes are being incorporated into the
entrance at the back of the building in the rehabilitation.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
May 10, 2018
Page 4 of 11
Swaim said that the new development is named Augusta Place. Conard said that it is named
for Augusta Chapin, who came a little before the Western sisterhood group. Conard said that
Chapin was the minister for nine or ten years from 1869 to the late 1870s. She said that Chapin
is credited in the church history with building up the congregation at that time.
Swaim said that this is now being reviewed at the State office. She said the State National
Review Committee will look at this on June 8.
Bristow said this is before the Commission, because the State always requires that the local
CLG reviews and comments on any National Register nominations. She said there will be one
form, which she distributed, to be filled out by Swaim and the Mayor. Bristow said the
Commission needs to determine if the criteria, especially the main criterion C for architecture,
are met. She said that if there are additional comments, the Commission may include them on
the form or provide a letter if there are extended comments.
Swaim asked if the Commission would like to consider adding criterion consideration A. Bristow
said that the form does not have a location for that, but it could be written in the comments and
added to the form.
Michaud said that the Unitarian Church was the home of a lot of movements, including civil
rights, human rights, suffrage, anti-war, etc. She said that it was really a home for progressive
thought in Iowa City.
Conard said that is the whole purpose of criterion consideration A. She said that every church
is important for the work that it does. Kuenzli said that the National Register stipulates that to
list a church on the National Register, it pretty much has to be for architectural significance.
Conard said everyone recognizes that the Unitarian Church has been really quite important, and
that is very important to the congregation. She said, however, that it is not something that the
National Register would recognize, and that is why it is not in the nomination. She agreed that it
certainly could be put in the letter to keep it in the record.
MOTION: Boyd moved to approve the nomination that finds that the Unitarian
Universalist Church building is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic
Places in the following Criteria categories: Criterion C - Design/Construction - property
embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction; and
Criterion Consideration A -a religious property that derives primary significance from its
historic architectural importance. Wagner seconded the motion. The motion carried on
n
a vote of 11-0.
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS:
725 Linn Street.
Bristow said that staff recommended some changes, and the architect has sent new drawings
that were distributed to the Commission.
Bristow stated that this property is in the Brown Street Historic District. She said this looks like a
pretty pristine example of its type, but the house went through some changes to get to this point.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
May 10, 2018
Page 5 of 11
Bristow said that in 1994, the Historic Preservation Commission approved the construction of a
new front porch. She said that in 1997, the Commission approved the construction of the
screened porch and deck that will be altered with this current project.
Bristow said that the plan shows a screened porch and a deck on the back of the house. She
said that the screened porch will be enclosed in the new project and become occupied space.
Bristow said that a new screened porch will be built, mostly to match, on the back of it, and the
deck will be extended along the side of this new screened porch to tie it in.
Bristow said that staff worked with the architect and the owner early on with this project. She
said there had been some other locations for the addition and some other things. Bristow said
the basic idea is so that the owner can age in place by moving a bedroom and usable bathroom
to the first floor. She said the original dining room from the house will become a bedroom, and
the original bathroom under the stair will be able to be expanded to be a usable bathroom.
Bristow showed the plan for the project, pointing out the existing and the proposed. She
showed the new rear elevation, with the screened porch. Bristow said that all of the railing and
things that were faithfully done with the original screened porch project will be reused as much
as possible to be incorporated into the new screened porch. She said that the details of trim
and siding on the house will all match.
Bristow said she talked to the owner about the fact that if the screened porch were removed, the
back wall would be exposed. She said that the back wall therefore really needs to be like the
exterior of a house. Bristow said that is the reason that in the original report, staff
recommended not approving a sliding glass door, because a sliding glass door wouldn't be
approved on the exterior of a house. She said that is why that has been changed to a French
door. Bristow said that it has a transom over it, which staff does not have any issues with.
Bristow said the windows that would be incorporated from the new dining room into the
screened porch would match the existing windows on the house. She showed the north side of
the house and the south side.
Bristow said that there is a screened porch that is being enclosed, and the screened porch is on
piers; it doesn't have a solid foundation. She said that on the south side, however, that would
be exposed. Bristow said that it would not look quite right to have an enclosed portion of the
house that is just up on piers. She said the owner will be using panel and matching the
foundation texture to enclose that. Bristow said that would not be visible on the north where the
deck is or on the screened in porch.
Bristow said the application mentioned one of the windows on the front of the house being
replaced, but that is not currently under consideration. She added that staff will talk to the
owner about repairing the window instead of replacing it, but it is not being replaced at this point
in time.
Bristow said that she does not yet have door product information for where the French door will
now be. She stated that the windows are acceptable and have been approved on other houses
of this era and type. Bristow said that the only thing left to be reviewed is the French door, and
staff finds this to otherwise be an acceptable project.
Kuenzli said that all of the windows on the house are double hung, but the window on the back
of the house looks like a sliding window. She said it doesn't match the windows on the rest of
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
May 10, 2018
Page 6 of 11
the house at all. Bristow responded that the window is existing. She said she does not know
how that came about.
Schwartz said that she is the owner of this property. She said that there was a major remodel in
1982 before the Brown Street Historic District was ever designated.
Schwartz said that the room where the window is located was converted from a bedroom to a
master bath with a cathedral ceiling. She said that window was put in, because it was the only
way to bring in a steam shower.
MOTION: Agran moved to approve a certificate of appropriateness for 725 North Linn
Street as presented in the application with the following conditions: the rear sliding door
be changed to a French door and the French door product information is submitted for
approval from staff and chair. Clore seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote
of 11-0.
833 Rundell Street.
Bristow stated that this house is in the Dearborn Street Conservation District. She said that the
house has synthetic siding on it, and the front porch has been enclosed.
Bristow showed the two sides of the front. She said that the main part of this project is to add
dormers so that the upstairs would be completely usable space.
Bristow said that staff has worked with the architect. She said this project originally had big
shed roof dormers going along the whole side. Bristow said staff has worked with the applicant
to try to minimize the inappropriate addition look that kind of dormer has on some of these small
bungalow houses.
Bristow said that from the front, it will still have that dormer look to it. She showed the site plan,
which does not show the dormers but does show the other aspect of this project, which is a
screened porch.
Bristow showed the new plan. She said that off the back kitchen, there were a few stairs down
to a door that went out back and then more stairs down to the basement. Bristow said that in
order to have a rear door that enters onto the same level as the kitchen and to recapture some
of the stair space and because there will be better stairs up to the second floor, the basement
stairs would be moved to the front of the house. She said that therefore means that the rear
door will be raised and put on the first floor, basically above where it originally was.
Bristow added that on the front of the house, the front window will need to move over slightly to
allow for the run of the stairs coming down the house. She said staff does not feel that this is an
unacceptable change, because this window will actually look a little bit more centered from the
porch when it is moved and because it does not have any other windows above it to align with.
Bristow showed the second floor. She said that by adding the shed portion of the dormers, one
can see that they step in a little bit. Bristow said the elevation shows that some of the bulk of
the dormers has been reduced by having some gable roof projections with a smaller shed roof
area in between.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
May 10, 2018
Page 7 of 11
Bristow showed the front of the house with the dormer. She said that from the side, one can
see that instead of having that shed roof look all the way across the dormer, it has the ends with
the gable roofs that really are the way the dormers should be on a house. Bristow said the
guidelines discuss having small dormers in a scale that fits the house, with a wall that is
composed mostly of window.
Bristow said this house has those on the end, but in order to get enough usable space on the
second floor, it really had to be increased. She said that the shed roof section is recessed and
also has some windows. Bristow said that staff finds this to be an acceptable compromise to
allow usable space and also keep to the idea of the guidelines.
Bristow referred to the screened porch sticking out behind the garage on the side. She said that
the house has shingles that would not normally be accepted if the whole house was being re-
shingled. Bristow said that currently, the plan is to just match those with the new dormer and
the new screened in porch. She said that this is impacting quite a bit of the roof here, so if the
owners decide to reroof the whole house, they would use a shingle that would be appropriate.
Bristow added that the house has the synthetic siding with a fairly wide lap, but staff is assuming
that underneath there is a smaller wood lap. She said staff suggests that the new dormer use a
lap similar to what the original would have been. Bristow said staff is hoping that when the
owners remove some of the siding to incorporate the screened porch roof, they will be able to
discover what that lap was and match it. She said the hope is that at some point the synthetic
siding would be removed from the house.
Bristow showed the other side of the house where the dormer is a match to the south side. She
showed the screened in porch, saying that it would have skirting and otherwise meet the
guidelines as well. Bristow showed the rear view of the house.
Kuenzli asked if the second story is the same width as what is underneath it. She said that it
looks top-heavy to her.
Bristow said that it is typical for dormers to follow the line of the wall below up above the
roofline. She said that when the roof comes down and the eaves extend past the wall of the
house, that forms a visual break on the side where the dormer is. Bristow said that generally,
one wants the wall of the dormer to be above the wall of the house below. She said that
structurally, it is a lot easier to build that way, because it is bearing on the wall below. Bristow
said that is a typical way that a dormer would be built.
Bristow said that setting in the smaller part is an attempt to reduce the scale of that dormer.
She said that the ridgeline on the dormer is lower than the ridgeline on the main house on
purpose. Bristow said that is also to help with that sense of scale.
MOTION: Baker moved to approve a certificate of appropriateness for the project at 833
Rundell Street as presented in the application. Michaud seconded the motion. The
motion carried on a vote of 11-0.
REPORT ON CERTIFICATES ISSUED BY CHAIR AND STAFF:
Certificate of No Material Effect - Chair and Staff Review.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
May 10, 2018
Page 8 of 11
415 South Summit Street.
Bristow said this was an emergency call to approve the repair of the base of columns.
8 Bella Vista Place .
Bristow said there are concrete stairs running up to this house from the street. She said that
staff and chair approved replacing them to match with any code requirements.
Minor Review- Staff Review.
431 North Lucas Street.
Bristow said this house had a wheelchair ramp with an unacceptable, rotted railing. She said it
needed to be rebuilt, so the owners are rebuilding it to meet current codes. Bristow said that
instead of going straight to the driveway, it had to have a bend in it.
814 Church Street.
Bristow said this house with its porch is in a book that discusses Goose Town cottages and
what they look like. She said the original application was to remove this porch and make it
different, but that is not being done now.
Bristow stated that it is covered in synthetic siding, and the porch currently does not have any
real support under the porch floor; it is totally rotted away. She said it therefore needs to be
reconstructed, and she believes that the columns and the roof can be saved. Bristow said that
the rest of it will probably have to be rebuilt.
Bristow said that behind the synthetic siding, the original lap siding is there, but its condition is
unknown. She said it has been tentatively approved to be replaced, depending on what is
found. Bristow said that the new porch, except for the synthetic siding, will match what is there
currently.
Intermediate Review- Chair and Staff Review.
815 Brown Street.
Bristow said this project involves a metal roof that will be replaced with a new metal roof to
match it. She said that the condition of the roof is pretty bad. Bristow said that it has an
addition in the back with a new metal roof, so that will be matched. She said that the modern
metal chimney is no longer used, and staff and the chair approved its removal.
314 Summit Street.
Bristow stated that the porch railing that was approved by the Commission for this house was
spindles with a straight top rail instead of panels. She said the owners want to put a gooseneck
in it, and staff did not see a reason not to, since it is all un-original anyway.
Bristow said that it will have straight spindles. She said it was felt that having turned spindles
with the gooseneck was not really appropriate, because this house does not rise to the level of
some of the other houses on Summit Street that have that.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
May 10, 2018
Page 9 of 11
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES FOR APRIL 12, 2018:
MOTION: Agran moved to approve the minutes of the Historic Preservation Commission's April
12, 2018 meeting, as written. Builta seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 11-
0.
COMMISSION INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION:
Future Preservation Summit.
Bristow said that Iowa has a great preservation summit at which preservationists are brought in
and the host community gets to show off. She said that Iowa City has more designated historic
properties than almost anywhere else in the State but has never held the Preservation Summit.
Bristow said the Commission has discussed the 2020 summit and has also discussed it with the
State. She stated that if Iowa City hosts the 2020 Preservation Summit, it must apply this
August for a CLG grant to finance some of the work. Bristow said that the Chamber of
Commerce would help with some of the general work of setting up the Summit. She said that if
the City would wait until 2021, the State might consider holding the Summit in western Iowa
again, so the result might be hosting the summit in 2022.
Bristow said that staff is very busy and said that this might require forming a subcommittee of
the Commission. She said, however, that staff really recommends that the grant be applied for
to hold the 2020 Summit. Bristow said that it is well past time for Iowa City to host this event.
Bristow stated that this will take some organization. She said it will require volunteers to do
some of the work at the summit, but it will also bring about 300 or more people who all like
preservation into the community.
Swaim said it would be a day and one-half or two days of sessions, with possibly three sessions
at the same time. She said it would involve finding spaces for those and finding people to
introduce the speakers. Swaim said it would probably involve having some tours as well. She
said there is usually a dinner with a keynote speaker.
Swaim said this gets the host community to realize how much is here to see. She said it is a
way of building some capital within the community.
Trimble said it is also a way to let community leaders know that historic preservation is
important. She said that once they see how many people come for the summit, they tend to
value places that should be historic districts, such as downtown, a lot more. Trimble added that
the Summit will cost the City some money, but the current City Council would be likely to
approve those costs.
Karr asked if the cabins and the project next door would be done by then. Bristow replied that
the cabins should be done in October, but she did not know about the project next door.
Trimble said she believes it has a pretty reasonable timeline. Karr said he was particularly
interested in when the actual church would be done. Bristow said she did not know about the
church renovations except that the elevator/stair entrance addition will certainly be done by
then.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
May 10, 2018
Page 10 of 11
Builta asked about the process of applying for the CLG. Bristow said there is a lot of information
in the grant that is formulaic. She said that SHPO assists in the writing of the grant application.
Builta asked if the Commission would want to apply for the grant before doing anything else.
Bristow responded that the grant is required. She said it is something where SHPO decides
who will get the grant and then the grant is accepted to help underwrite the costs for the Summit
2 years later. Bristow said that the Summit has usually been held in June and July with one
held in September. She said that it is her understanding that generally the State selects the
speakers and what the sessions will be, and the City plays host.
Trimble suggested that Friends of Historic Preservation could hold its Parade of Historic Homes
on that Sunday. She said that for the Davenport summit, that brought several extra hundred
people to the tour of homes.
The consensus of the Commission was to apply to host the Preservation Summit in 2020.
Grant Committee -for Review of Quotes Received for CLG Grant Projects.
Bristow stated that the City received three CLG grants and has put out a request for quotes for
one and will be putting out requests for the other two shortly. She said she is hoping to have
multiple respondents. Bristow said she would like to have a small subcommittee of the
Commission to read the quotes and compare them against what the projects are asking for and
to help choose who the consultants will be.
Bristow said this will likely be local consultants so that she thought it should be a group decision.
Swaim said that it will probably involve about an hour's worth of reading material and then a
meeting of under an hour. Bristow said the grants involve: an intensive survey of the property at
2040 Waterfront Drive, known as Friendly Farm; taking the larger National Register nomination
for the Clinton Street and Railroad District and writing a National Register Nomination with the
smaller district; and the assessment and display design of the Summit Street Monument.
Clore, DeGraw, and Boyd volunteered to serve on the subcommittee.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 7:39 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Anne Schulte
•
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2017-2018
TERM
NAME EXP. 6/15 7/31 8/10 9/14 10/12 11/9 12/14 1/11 2/8 3/8 4/12 5/10 6/14
AGRAN, THOMAS 7/1/20 X X X X X X X X X X X X
BAKER, ESTHER 7/1/18 X X X X X X X X X X X X
BOYD, KEVIN 7/1/20 X 0/E X O/E X X X X X X X X
BUILTA, ZACH 711/19 X O/E X X X X X X O/E X X X
CLORE, GOSIA 7/1/20 X X O/E X X X O/E O/E X O/E X X
DEGRAW, SHARON 7/1/19 X X X X X X O/E X X X X X
KARR, G. T. 7/1/20 — X X X X X X X X X X X
KUENZLI, CECILE 7/1/19 X O/E O/E X O/E X X X X X X X
MICHAUD, PAM 7/1/18 X X O/E X X X X X X X X X
SWAIM, GINALIE 7/1/18 X X X X X O/E X X X X X X
WAGNER, FRANK 7/1/18 O/E O/E X O/E X X O/E O/E X X X X
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
--- = Nota Member
�^ I_.r. CITY OF IOWA CITY 2a�5�
tarse maily� MEMORANDUM
Date: May 25, 2018
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Kirk Lehmann, Community Development Planner
Re: Recommendations from Housing and Community Development Commission
At their May 24th meeting, the Housing and Community Development Commission approved
the April 19, 2018 meeting with the following recommendations to the City Council:
1. By a vote of 7-0 the Commission recommends approval of the Iowa City Housing
Authority 2018 Annual Report to City Council.
2. By a vote of 6-1 (Eastham dissenting) the Commission recommends approval of the
FY19 Annual Action Plan to City Council, subject to modifications as discussed (includes
typos, some sentence additions/modifications, and inclusion of the City's Affordable
Housing Plan).
Additional action (check one)
No further action needed
Board or Commission is requesting Council direction
_x_ Agenda item will be prepared by staff for Council action - Done
MINUTES APPROVED
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
APRIL 19, 2018—6:30 PM
SENIOR CENTER, ROOM 202
MEMBERS PRESENT: Syndy Conger, Charlie Eastham, Christine Harms, John McKinstry,
Harry Olmstead, Maria Padron Paula Vaughan
MEMBERS ABSENT: Vanessa Fixmer-Oraiz, Bob Lamkins
STAFF PRESENT: Kirk Lehmann, Tracy Hightshoe, Heidi Wolf, Patricia MacKay
OTHERS PRESENT: Carla Phelps, Ashely Gillette,Anthony Smith, Roger Goedken, Becci
Reedus, Mary Cannon
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL:
By a vote of 7-0 the Commission recommends approval of the Iowa City Housing Authority 2018 Annual
Report to City Council.
By a vote of 6-1 (Eastham dissenting)the Commission recommends approval of the FY19 Annual Action
Plan to City Council, subject to modifications as discussed (includes typos, some sentence
additions/modifications, and inclusion of the City's Affordable Housing Plan).
CALL MEETING TO ORDER:
Olmstead called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM.
Eastham moved to reorder the agenda by moving item 6 Discussion of projects that have not complied
with the 'Unsuccessful or Delayed Projects Policy'to after item 3 Public comment of items not on the
agenda. Vaughan seconded. Passed 6-0 (Conger not present for vote).
APPROVAL OF THE MARCH 15, 2018 MINUTES:
Eastham moved to approve the minutes of March 15, 2018 with edits. Vaughn seconded the motion. A
vote was taken and the motion passed 7-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT FOR TOPICS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
None
DISCUSSION OF PROJECTS THAT HAVE NOT COMPLIED WITH THE 'UNSUCCESSFUL OR
DELAYED PROJECTS POLICY:
Hightshoe explained the City has a policy to keep projects that the City awarded funding to moving
forward, spending the money, and getting the projects completed in a timely basis, especially for CDBG
funds. Our policy states that recipients must spend at least 50% of their award by March 15. If a project
has not done so, the Commission reviews, gets an update, and can decide to take no action or
recommend to City Council to reallocate any unspent funds.
Housing and Community Development Commission
April 19,2018
Page 2 of 7
Eastham asked if these were just updates or if action was needed. Hightshoe replied that the
Commission does not have to take any action unless they feel the applicant is not making sufficient
progress and could recommend to Council to reallocate the funds.
FY18 Little Creations Daycare (Pastor Anthony Smith, Little Creations Academy) came forward to give
an update. Eastham shared that he was on the Board of Little Creations Academy when it began and
remained on the Board until he joined this Commission. Smith shared that they have sent out bids for the
asbestos tile removal project, currently waiting for bids back on April 24. Once the contract is awarded
they will move forward,the biggest hurdle is moving the daycare during the construction phase. Smith
added that the playground that was originally in the bid has been funded outside of this project by the AM
Rotary and that project is already in progress. They are currently working to complete the second bid
document, containing all the other projects,for a general contractor. Those projects are to replace the
main entrance to the daycare, and the secondary entrance, and to put new door strips on for electronic
keypad access to the daycare. Also replacing some broken windows and replacing two of the HVAC
systems. They are adding a storage shed and installing room dividers and cubbies/lockers.
FY18 Crisis Center Remodel (Becci Reedus, Executive Director, Crisis Center) presented the update on
the project. They are in line with their timeline, they executed their sealed bids on time and anticipated
breaking ground around March 15, however delayed until March 19. They are four weeks into the project
and it is looking nice. So far they have staked the plumbing, erected walls, etc. They have been delayed
a bit due to the unseasonable weather but have worked around that with some interior work. Reedus
noted that construction is expected to last 8-12 weeks, and is on schedule. She noted they are facing
higher building costs due to the hurricanes last fall, the estimate from November 2016 was about
$285,000 and the bid came in at$345,000. They are doing fundraising for the difference.
FY18 Successful Living SRO CDBG Acquisition (Roger Goedken, Executive Director, Successful
Living)stated they have not spent their CDBG funds as they had some things that held them back last
year, they hadn't actually actively been looking for houses, they did put a bid in on one house but are
finding houses are selling for above asking prices. Their Board met earlier in the week and set the goal of
having the funds spent by July 1. They have requested to combine these funds with HOME funds for the
down payment amount to reduce debt. Hightshoe noted the Commission can vote on that request next
month, as it has to be a formal agenda item. The Commission indicated they would be okay with allowing
Successful Living to combine once formal process is determined.
REVIEW AND CONSIDER RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL ON APPROVAL OF IOWA CITY
HOUSING AUTHORITY 2018 ANNUAL REPORT:
Hightshoe noted this is a report that the housing authority has to submit to HUD basically reporting on
their accomplishments for the past year.
Eastham asked about section B.1 (Review of PHA Plan Elements) he asked what the Deconcentration
Policy was in reference. Wolf noted that deconcentration is if there is a concentration of participants in
the program and the City does not have that issue.
Eastham then asked about the total amount of housing assistance statements that are included in the
report and why there were two different numbers. There is a number listed on page 6 ($7.6 million) and
another on pager 16 ($7,052,127). Lehmann noted that the$7.6 million number might include TBRA
funds. MacKay was unsure why the numbers were different as she did not prepare the report but would
find out and report back to the Commission.
Olmstead asked if in the report they could spell out the acronyms when first used. He also noted that
instead of listing special needs, it should be stated as persons with disabilities.
•
Eastham moved to recommend approval of the Iowa City Housing Authority 2018 Annual Report
to City Council. Harms seconded and motion passed 7-0.
Housing and Community Development Commission
April 19,2018
Page 3 of 7
REVIEW AND CONSIDER RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL ON APPROVAL OF FY19
ANNUAL ACTION PLAN—PLAN AVAILABLE ONLINE AT http://www.icgov.orq/actionplan
Hightshoe stated the Annual Action Plan is a document the City has to submit 45 days prior to the
program year that tells HUD how the City plans to utilize and prioritize the funds. The most important part
of the report is the exhibit at the end showing how they plan to spend the money. Lehmann stated the
exhibit is on page 60 and those amounts are the ones the Commission reviewed and allocated.
Harms noted that the introduction and the conclusion really do go together and the priorities in this city
are so clear and admirable.
Olmstead noted again the need to change special needs to persons with disabilities and to spell out the
acronyms. Lehmann added he could send out a list of acronyms to the Commission as well. Olmstead
also pointed out on page 9 with the discussion of partners city transit is mentioned but there is also a
relationship with Johnson County SEATS.
Vaughn questioned if the principles from the 2016 Affordable Housing Plan been incorporated into the
principles of this Plan. Hightshoe said it is mentioned periodically as other steps the City has taken but
the focus on the document is what we are using CDBG/HOME funds for. Hightshoe noted we can add
as an Exhibit. Lehmann notes on page 52 they discuss the affordable housing, Hightshoe stated they will
look to see all 15 steps of the Affordable Housing Plan are included in the plan and if the Commission can
add to their motion that staff add them in.
Eastham noted that the Commission has asked the staff to prepare an inclusionary zoning policy, or
recommendations,for newly annexed areas in the City. Hightshoe explained that state law does not
allow the City to pursue"rent control." The Council is pursuing a change in the Comprehensive Plan that
addresses annexation and the goal of including 10% affordable when determining if land will be annexed
into the city.
Conger stated that transportation is a key issue for affordable housing and must be present in locations
where affordable housing is located. Olmstead noted though for elderly and people with disabilities the
transit system does provide off hours when they can ride for free. Eastham noted that Council is planning
a major review of the Iowa City bus systems. Olmstead suggested a recommendation to Council to enact
Sunday bus service. Hightshoe noted that while transportation is vital to affordable housing, when talking
about CDBG funds it is hard to fund because vehicles are under public services which means they have
to apply for Aid to Agencies which is an extremely competitive funding source.
Olmstead next discussed page 19, Salvation Army, it states victims of domestic violence and the
preferred term is survivors. That terminology is also seen under the DVIP section. Lehmann noted they
will search the document and change that terminology throughout.
Eastham noted on page 31,Annual Goals and Objectives, he would like to add information to that table to
show the initial rents for the units that have been produced as rentals and initial sales prices for those
being purchased. Hightshoe stated they would have to put that as a special exhibit as this is a HUD
specified form. Eastham said having an additional exhibit would be fine just so long as the information is
included in the report. Hightshoe also noted that the applications only state"fair market rent" so that
would just be what the fair market rent of a certain date is and for sales prices (like with Habitat for
Humanity)they will not know what the sales price is, they give a range but until the house is built they
won't know what they are selling it for. Hightshoe said rather than an exhibit it could just be a statement
explaining the fair market rents.
Eastham then referenced page 37 and the set of tables that describes the individual projects that were
approved and included in those projects is the City's project on the southeast side on Taylor and Davis
Streets and he would like to insert into that description after the statement"Housing units assisted will be
single or multi-unit affordable housing to be sold, rented, or leased/purchased as allowed by CDBG and
Housing and Community Development Commission
April 19,2018
Page 4 of 7
HOME regulations" a sentence that states"the racial equity impact of the sale of any affordable housing
will be analyzed and reported". Eastham reminded everyone that as the Commission was reviewing the
draft, they voted to recommend to the Council that the racial equity toolkit be used to examine the South
District Partnership.
Olmstead asked about rental relocation the City assisted with Rose Oak Apartments. Hightshoe said that
wouldn't be included in this plan as this is for the upcoming year. However the City did create a policy
that for site plans (if no rezoning is required)that greater notice must be provided to those that may be
displaced if more than 12 units are impacted. The City anticipates that most changes in land use (where
property is being taken down)will require rezoning. The City has more authority to require items like
relocation assistance, etc. if a rezoning is required.
Eastham believes this Commission, after some consideration, could make a recommendation to Council
to adopt a more adequate displacement relocation assistance policy that the City funds in cases where
the redevelopment doesn't require rezoning.
Hightshoe noted this document will be on the May 15 Council agenda and public comment is open until
that point.
Eastham asked if recommending to Council the approval of this plan indicates that the Commission wants
Council to approve all the planned activities in the action plan. Hightshoe confirmed yes. Eastham stated
he would vote against this recommendation then because it includes the purchasing and rehabbing of two
rental duplexes for resale on Taylor and Davis Streets.
Conger moved to recommend approval of the FY19 Annual Action Plan to City Council, subject to
modifications as discussed (including correction of typos, some sentence additions/
modifications,and inclusion of the City's Affordable Housing Plan). Harms seconded. Passed 6-1
(Eastham dissenting).
MONITORING REPORTS:
Mayor's Youth Empowerment Program: Lehmann supplied two reports in the Commission packets,
one from MYEP for CDBG FY18 Updates. The report states project 1 —parking lot resurfacing is
complete as of November 2017. Hanson Asphalt completed the resurfacing of the parking lot at 1208
Gilbert Court which allowed for increased parking spaces and off-street employee parking and more
importantly allowed for a loading and unloading area that is accessible for clients that use wheel chairs.
The grant budget was$31,000 and the project was completed under budget at$24,550. With project 2—
Mayor's Youth affordable rental, it is also complete, on February 1st they closed on a three-bedroom
home located at 1156 Downing Drive, one tenant moved in mid-February, the second is moving in on
April 21 and the third tenant is being sought through their normal referral process. The grant budget was
$50,000 and all$50,000 was put towards the down payment on the home.
The Housing Fellowship report is also in the Commission packet. The FY16 acquisition of Sabin
Townhomes was the purchase of three newly constructed two bedroom townhomes constructed in
Riverfront Crossings District on August 2017. Rents for the units are$869 and market rent for
townhomes'on the first and second story at$1750 and $1950 for townhomes on the third and fourth
stories. All 28 townhomes in the building are identical as far as size and amenities. The grant was
$300,000 and the Housing Trust Fund supplied $272,000 as a loan so total value of$572,000 and total
cost was about$574,000 and the appraised value is$775,000. Two of the townhomes are occupied and
The Housing Fellowship is aggressively marketing the remaining unit. Hightshoe noted that although
they are nice new units and downtown, they are having trouble finding tenants due to the added cost of
parking. The FY17 and FY18 rehabilitation of affordable rental units is the rehabilitation of five units
Housing and Community Development Commission
April 19,2018
Page 5 of 7
owned and managed by The Housing Fellowship for almost 20 years and the properties need substantial
improvements including windows and other remodels. The grant includes two years of funding from the
City of$144,000. They have also applied to The Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County to supplement
the rehab of three of the subject properties in the amount of$31,000. The properties are 700 S. 1st
Avenue; 2110/2112 Taylor Drive; 1226 Williams Street; and 105 Pine Street. All units were built in the
50's and 60's and The Housing Fellowship acquired them in the 90's. The agreement was signed
February 2018,they have done lead assessments, bid packets have been prepared for two of the
properties and advertised. Four of five of the properties are occupied. For FY18 CHDO operating the
City supplied $18,000 which was used to supplement the salary for their Chief Financial Officer.
Successful Living discussed earlier the delay in purchasing a property. With regards to the other project
in this fiscal year, Roger Goedken stated they had an engineer go out and survey some land around the
North Johnson house and they are now able to proceed with some of the fixes around that house.
DISCUSSION OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CELEBRATION:
Hightshoe stated that National Community Development Week is in April. Last year HCDC encouraged a
letter writing campaign, but they used to plan a summer celebration to highlight CDBG/HOME projects.
HCDC would help plan the celebration and staff would help execute it. Such a celebration has not
occurred in three or four years but wanted to ask this current Commission if this is something they wanted
to do again.
Eastham noted that given the statements everyone hears about the workload of City Staff he is inclined to
not add to the workload and do this a lightly as possible.
Vaughn noted that the letters written to legislatures from real people are important, people's stories speak
to them.
Olmstead noted that some organizations take out booth space at some of the festivals and that could be
used to educate the public on programs that are available.
Hightshoe noted they used to have signs they would place outside of projects to notify they were CDBG
funded projects so the public could see what their dollars are used for. They could begin to do something
similar with posters or plaques in places. Consensus was not to host a celebration this year and have
staff explore other(less staff intensive) means to show support to our legislators and community in
general for these programs.
STAFF/COMMISSION COMMENT:
Hightshoe stated the Building Business Basics workshops (meant for early stage entrepreneurs)will be
held Saturday, May 5 at Kirkwood from 10am to 3pm. This is the third year holding this workshop. The
workshop will have sessions for business ideation, legal and insurance, credit repair, marketing and
permits/other available resources. Lehmann stated they have around 46 people signed up for this
workshop.
Hightshoe next updated the Commission on the Invest Health initiative and what they heard from areas,
especially the Broadway neighborhood,was people wanted activities in their neighborhoods. So with the
remaining funds they are holding a gardening and food expo. Grow Johnson County will be at Weatherby
Park Sunday May 6 at 1pm to do a gardening demo on what can be gardened in Iowa. And then Global
Food Village will have tasty treats from items grown in gardens. The first 30 families will get a tomato or
pepper plant and a container to grow it in. Then on Saturday May 12 they are planning a music festival,
Off Broadway Music Festival, from 12-4 at the Pepperwood Plaza parking lot. The final event is
Wednesday May 23 at Wetherby they will host a sports night for soccer and basketball and around 50
Housing and Community Development Commission
April 19,2018
Page 6 of 7
basket and soccer balls will be handed out. On Friday June 22 they are hosting their first Invest Health
Healthcare Symposium on how to improve health together.
Lehmann noted that a few of the Commissioner's terms are expiring on June 30 (Conger, Pardon and
Olmstead). To reapply the application is online and due May 8. They also encourage new applicants and
City Council makes the final determination. Olmstead announced he will not reapply so his spot will be
open.
Hightshoe noted that staff and various Council members have received concerns about Aid to Agency
funding. On next month's agenda,the Commission will discuss funding. The City Manager's office would
like HCDC to consider a policy that provides continued/stable funding to agencies awarded funding while
also considering new applications. To be on the next agenda.
ADJOURNMENT:
Vaughn moved to adjourn. Eastham seconded. Passed 7-0.
Housing and Community Development Commission
Attendance Record
Name Terms Exp. 8/17 9/21 10/30 11/16 12/18 1/23 2/15 3/15 4/19
Conger,Syndy 7/1/18 X X X O/E X X X X X
Eastham, Charlie 7/1/20 X X X X X X X X X
Fixmer-Oraiz,Vanessa 7/1/20 X X X X X X O/E X O/E
Harms,Christine 7/1/19 X X X X X X X X X
Lamkins, Bob 7/1/19 X O/E X O/E X X O/E X O/E
McKinstry,John 7/1/17 X X X X X X X X X
Olmstead, Harry 7/1/18 X X O/E X X X X X X
Padron, Maria 7/1/20 O/E X X X X X O/E O/E X
Vaughan, Paula 7/1/19 X X X O/E X X X X X
Key:
X = Present
O =Absent
O/E =Absent/Excused
--- =Vacant
Minutes APPROVED
Human Rights Commission •
2b(6)
May 15, 2018
Helling Conference Room
Members Present: Jeff Falk, Joe Coulter, Adil Adams, Cathy McGinnis, Eliza Willis.
Members Absent: Jonathon Munoz, Barbara Kutzko, Tahuanty Pena.
Staff Present: Stefanie Bowers.
Call to Order: •
•
Willis called the meeting to order at 5:34 PM
Approval of April 17, 2018 Meeting Minutes:
Coulter moved to approve the minutes; the motion was seconded by McGinnis. A vote was taken
and the motion passed 5-0.
Funding Request from Refugee and Immigrant Association:
Funding in the amount of$400 is requested for an event to celebrate the courage, contributions,
and resilience of refugees. Coulter moved to approve the funding request for$400; the motion
was seconded by Adams. The motion was tabled until the June 19 Commission meeting. Staff is
directed to seek more information on the event; including number of performers, the time of the
event, and how many participants are anticipated.
Strategic Planning Report 2018:
Staff will send out a Sign-Up Genius to allow Commissioners to select what subcommittees they
wish to serve on based on the following areas of interest: Coulter (Public Safety and Housing);
Kutzko (Community Outreach/Support and Education); McGinnis (Public Safety, Housing,
Education); Pena (Education and Housing); Falk (Housing and Education); Adams (Community
Outreach/Support and Education); Munoz (Community Outreach/Support); Willis (Education
and Housing).
Collaboration/advocacy with the Iowa City Community School District:
Willis will set up times for the advocacy group of the Commission to meet to further develop
ideas on what Commission members could do to achieve this goal. Staff will send out minutes
and information on the Iowa City Community School District's Equity Committee and also for
the Board of Directors.
Lending Disparities in Federal Mortgage Data:
Falk, the City Manager, Assistant to the City Manager and the Equity Director & Human Rights
Coordinator will meet with representatives of Hills Bank and Trust in the next few weeks. In a
blog on its website, Hills Bank stated that it erroneously over-reported a significant number of
loan denials. This, in turn, led to Hills Bank "being named in the Reveal organization's report
and painted an inaccurate picture of our bank's lending practices. We have since corrected these
1
Minutes APPROVED
Human Rights Commission
May 15, 2018
Helling Conference Room
numbers, re-filed them with the federal reporting agency, and shared this information with
Reveal. " Falk requested the new information submitted to Reveal and was declined by Hills
Bank and Trust until after the joint meeting. He also requested the new information submitted by
Hills Bank and Trust from Reveal, but to date, has not received a response.
Youth Awards:
There were fewer honorees this year than in past years, but the event was well received and
enjoyed by the community.
Iowa City Pride 2018:
Willis, Coulter, McGinnis, and Pena will alternate times to staff a table at this community event
being held on June 16. Staff will send out a Sign-Up Genius once the time schedule has been
published.
Juneteenth:
The event this year will continue with the annual Trailblazers Awards on June 22, followed by
the community celebration on June 23. The Commission will sponsor an art and essay contest
like in past years for youth.
Human Rights Breakfast
The event will be held on October 24. Possible key-note speakers include: Cecilia Norris
(Director of the Free Medical Clinic), Tammy Nyden (Advocate for Children's Mental Health),
Maureen McCue (Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor in The University of Iowa Colleges of
Public Health and Liberal Arts and Sciences), and Melissa Shivers (Vice-President of Student
Life).
Reports of Commissioners:
Coulter will be attending a returning citizen re-entry simulation on May 18.
Adams spoke on illegal drug use by youth in the immigrant community.
Falk has been keeping a list of detainers in the Hardin County jail. There have been 23 new
detainees since the Mt. Pleasant ICE raid. He also attended the Community Police Review
Board's Annual meeting.
Willis has asked staff to invite the Police Chief to an upcoming meeting.
Adjournment: Motion to adjourn at 6:47 PM.
The next Commission meeting will be on Tuesday, June 19, 2018.
2
Member Attendance Sheet
Member Term 1/9 11/23 2/28 3/20 3/29 4/17 5/15 6/19 7/17 8/21 9/18 10/16
Exp.
Aron 1/2021 Present Excused Present Excused Resigned Resigned Resigned
McGinnis 1/2021 Present Present Present Present Present Present Present
Munoz 1/2021 Present Present Present Present Present Present Excused
Kutzko 1/2020 Excused Present Excused Present Present Present _ Excused
Falk 1/2020 Present Present Present Present Present Present Present
Pena 1/2020 Present Present Present ' Excused Present Present Excused
Coulter 1/2019 Present Present Present Present Present Present Present
Adams 1/2019 Present Present Present Present Present Present Present
Willis 1/2019 Present I Present Present Excused Present Present Present I
3
07-03-18
2b(7)
sk , it IOWA CITY
ilvpPUBLIC LIBRARY
123 S. Linn St. • Iowa City, IA 52240
aaac,o.Susan Craig.nae 319-356-5200•.„319-356-5494•wwwicpl.org
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Minutes of the Regular Meeting FINAL APPROVED
April 26, 2018
Members Present: Diane Baker,John Beasley, Kellee Forkenbrock (in at 5:08 pm),Janet Freeman, Adam
Ingersoll (via Skype), Carol Kirsch, Robin Paetzold, Jay Semel, Monique Washington.
Members Absent: None.
Staff Present: Susan Craig, Kara Logsden, Anne Mangano, Patty McCarthy, Elyse Miller, Brent Palmer,
Jason Paulios, Angela Pilkington.
Guests Present: None.
Call Meeting to Order. President Semel called the meeting to order at 5:06 pm.
Public Discussion. None.
Approval of Minutes.
The minutes of the March 22, 2018 Regular Meeting of the Library Board of Trustees were reviewed.A
motion to approve the Regular Minutes was made by Washington and seconded by Forkenbrock.
Motion carried 9/0.
Items for Discussion/Action.
Policy Review: 816: Library Access for Sex Offenders Convicted of Sex Offenses Against Minors. Craig
spoke with Eric Goers after the last meeting and he helped with the new language. The Iowa City Police
department has also reviewed the language. Kirsch is glad to see the single visit in the policy. Semel
asked if the policy should be tabled until there is a new director. Craig said if she were not comfortable
with the language, she would not have brought it to the Board for a vote. Ingersoll was pleased that the
police department was willing to be involved at the level suggested by the policy. A motion to approve
the policy with the changes made by staff was made by Paetzold and seconded by Kirsch. Motion
carried 8/1.
Policy Review: 803: Event Board.This is a regularly scheduled policy review. No changes were
recommended by staff. Logsden said the policy gives staff guidance on the kind of materials we can
place on the event board because it is a finite space and there are many, many community activities.
Not everything fits. Paetzold asked if we need to consider adding space to accommodate all of the
community needs. Logsden said event board items are cyclical; a few times a year there is a massive
amount of material for the board; other times the board has plenty of space. These boards are about
1
free speech, said Craig.If it is legal, it can be here as long as it follows our posting guidelines. We use
the policy to treat everyone fairly.
Policy Review: 804: Free Materials Distribution.This is a regularly scheduled policy review. No changes
were recommended by staff.
Policy Review: 805: Display Policy.This is a regularly scheduled policy review. Staff recommend minor
changes. Paetzold asked if we are responsible for holding onto display materials after the display period
is over. Logsden said our process is to call the person to let them know the display is down and ask
what they wish us to do with the display. Beasley suggests there be language in the policy about
disposition of the display materials after the period is over. The agreement signed by the person doing
the display may be updated.A motion to approve the policy with the changes proposed by staff was
made by Paetzold and seconded by Washington. Motion carried 9/0.
NOBU Funding Request. Craig described NOBU funds for the newest Board members. Staff request
funding to move forward on the strategic plan initiative to digitize the backfiles of the Iowa City Press-
Citizen. Craig believes this is a valuable historical resource and would like to do this project. Craig said
there is NOBU money;the Computer Lab cost less than we budgeted and we did not do the art gallery.
Forkenbrock asked if there are plans to make this a big event; Mangano said yes. Semel asked if the
Press-Citizen stores its newspapers. Mangano said that Advantage,the Cedar Rapids company doing
the work and the Historical Society have them.A motion to approve funding for digitizing the Press-
Citizen was made by Paetzold and seconded by Ingersoll. Motion carried 9/0.
Accept work on Computer Lab remodel project. Craig would like to defer this item to the May meeting
because two items have been ordered but not yet received or installed.We will accept the project then.
Election of Officers. Forkenbrock, representing the Nominating Committee, presented the slate of
officers for FY19: President, Robin Paetzold;Vice-President, Carol Kirsch; Secretary,Janet Freeman.
Semel asked if there are any nominations from the floor. There were none. A motion to approve the
slate of officers was made by Ingersoll and seconded by Forkenbrock. Motion carried 9/0.
Staff Reports.
Director's Report. Craig wanted the Board to be aware of the change to the building with respect to the
Pedestrian Mall and its drainage problem.The playground elevation and the fountain elevation cannot
be changed. The Ped Mall will be raised 5-6 inches to improve drainage,which made the door to the
MERGE space too low. A vestibule will be created, which the tenant prefers, and has no effect on our
budget. Craig said ICPL is participating in the City-wide equity toolkit this year. Staff have met to talk
about ways the library can contribute. Freeman asked what a toolkit is. Craig explained that the toolkit
is similar to a multi-year planning process. Policies and practices are reviewed, data gathered, and
changes made. Craig thanked Board members who attended the Volunteer Recognition event last
evening.
Departmental Reports:
Children's Services. Pilkington reminded everyone that next Friday and Saturday is STEAM Festival.She
noted that scheduling school visits to the event have been a bit challenging because of extra tests and
other school activities.There was great response on social media to the Fancy Nancy tea last week.
2
Collection Services. Mangano said New York Times is the first newspaper that has permitted us to
subscribe this way and we are partnering with North Liberty and Coralville libraries to provide free
access to the paper. On May 1, we will begin offering Kanopy, a movie service that will provide more
online streaming content for our patrons. We discussed online movie streaming last year when the New
York Public Library began offering Kanopy to its patrons. Kanopy is a pay-per-use collection; we are
charged each time someone uses the service. We hope this offers our patrons titles that are more
esoteric and adds depth to our movie collection without spending an unreasonable amount of money.
Patrons are limited in the number of times they can use the service in a month.The University of Iowa
offers the service.
IT. Palmer discussed changes to the blog and staff picks.
Development Office Report.Thanks to everyone who came to Looking Forward and the Volunteer
Recognition events. The Book End's own Eileen Robinson was Volunteer of the Year. Ms. Robinson is a
1,500-hour volunteer. McCarthy said this is the most successful Looking Forward in its four-year history,
and the event raised $26,500.The University of Iowa Community Credit Union (UICCU) is celebrating
their 80th year with 80 in 80 for 80.It will donate 80 items to a variety of charities over the span of 80
days. Charities receiving 80 items will be chosen by UICCU members. We submitted a request.There is
time until April 30 to vote.
Logsden said we are offering holds pickup through CHOMP delivery service beginning May 1. Patrons
will be responsible for paying delivery and convenience fees.
Spotlight on the Collection. No comments.
Miscellaneous. No comments.
President's Report. Semel congratulated the library on the Looking Forward event and speaker and
the Volunteer Recognition event.
Announcements from Members. As part of Irving Weber Days,John Beasley's father, Dr. Oscar Beasley,
has embarked on an historical project: Iowa City Then & Now - A Photographic Comparison of
Downtown 1970-2018. Current photos of downtown Iowa City are juxtaposed with photos of the same
locations he took in the late 1960's and early 1970's.The program is on 5/12 at 2:00 pm in Meeting
Room A.
Committee Reports.
Foundation Members. No meeting.
Director Search Committee. Paetzold said the consultants will be at the May meeting virtually.Trying to
confirm dates for their first visit, 7/12-13 is preferred but they have also proposed 7/18-19. Miller will
send a doodle poll to see who is available.
Communications. None.
3
Disbursements.
The MasterCard Expenditures for March, 2018 were reviewed. A motion to approve the disbursements
for March, 2018 was made by Ingersoll and seconded by Kirsch. Motion carried 9/0.
Quarterly Financial Reports. Craig said the library expenditures for the 3rd quarter is 73% spent and
believes this is a positive. Kirsch asked about the unemployment expense. Craig explained that some
personnel costs like unemployment and retirement payouts are not budgeted.The City puts money
back in for these expenses at the end of the year for all City departments.
Quarterly Use Reports. Craig noted that building use is down a little bit while bookmobile use is up.
Paetzold asked if there is a pattern with use of electronic materials since it is down. Craig said this
statistic is for equipment checked out and used inside the building. Circulation statistics show hotspot
use. Paetzold asked if the number of hotspots is meeting our needs. Craig thinks we are at a good
balancing point with the number we have circulating.
Set Agenda Order for May Meeting.
Contract for Computer Lab renovation.
Meeting Room Policy
Adjournment.A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Kirsch and seconded by Forkenbrock.
Motion carried 9/0. President Semel closed the meeting at 6:19 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Elyse Miller
4
Board or Commission:'CPL Board of Trustees
ATTENDANCE RECORD
12 Month
Meeting Date
Tenn
Name Expiration 8/24/17 9/28/17 10/26/17 11/06/17 11/16/17 12/4/17 12/21/17 1/25/18 2/22/18 3/22/18 4/26/18 5/24/18
Diane Baker 6/30/19 X X X X X X X X 0 O/E X X
John Beasley 6/30/21 X X X X O/E X 0 X X X X X
Kellee 6/30/23 O/E X X X 0 O/E X X X X X O/E
Forkenbrock
Janet Freeman 6/30/19 X X X X X X X O/E X X X X
Adam Ingersoll 6/30/21 O/E X 0 X X O/E O/E X O/E X X X
Carol Kirsch 6/30/23 X X X X X X X O/E X X X X
Robin Paetzold 6/30/23 X X X X X X X X X 0/E X X
Jay Semel 6/30/19 X X X X X X X X X X X x
Monique 6/30/21 0 X X 0 X X 0 X X X X 0
Washington
KEY:
X= Present
0=Absent
O/E=Absent/Excused
NM=No meeting
2b(8)
IOWA CITY PARKS &RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES APPROVED
APRIL 11,2018
RECREATION CENTER—MEETING ROOM B
Members Present: Steve Bird, Wayne Fett, Cara Hamann, Lucie Laurian,Ben Russell,Angie Smith,
Jamie Venzon,Joe Younker
Members Absent: Suzanne Bentler
Staff Present: Chad Dyson,Zac Hall,Juli Seydell Johnson,
Others Present: Gia DeBartolo; Luke Foelsch;John Jepsen; Scott Spak
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Younker called the meeting to order at 5 p.m.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (to become effective only after separate Council action):
None
OTHER FORMAL ACTION:
Two errors were noted in the March 14, 2018 minutes. Steve Bird was logged as being present and was
absent; Joe Younker was noted as absent and was present.
Moved by Fett,seconded by Hamann,to approve the March 14,2018 minutes as amended. Passed
8-0 (Bentler absent).
At the January 10, 2018 Commission Meeting, Brian and Brianna Wills were present to propose that the
Commission consider a motion to rename Hickory Trail Park as Calder Park in memory of their son.It was
not noted in the transcribed January minutes that Commission had made a motion to accept both proposals.
However, Neumann could find that there was indeed a passed motion noted on the original draft of the
minutes. Because the January minutes had been reviewed and approved, it was necessary to again make
that motion and have members vote on the proposal.
Moved by Felt, seconded by Smith,to recommend that Council approve the request proposed by
the Will's family to rename Hickory Trail Park to "Calder's Park"in memory of Calder
Wills. Passed 8-0 (Bentler absent).
PUBLIC DISCUSSION
None
RECREATION PATRON CONDUCT POLICY-CHAD DYSON:
Dyson explained that as part of the Human Rights Campaign 2018 Municipal Equality Index, City
departments that provide youth services have been asked to implement Youth Bullying Prevention
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
April 11,2018
Page 2 of 6
policies that prohibit bullying on the express basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in City
facilities and services.He said that staff is recommending the addition of the following to the current
policy: "Sexual, physical or other harassment including bullying youth or others on the basis of their
sexual orientation or gender identity", item#2, as prohibited conduct within Recreation Division facilities
and services.
Dyson requested that the Commission review the current policy as written including new language
suggested and give comments. Hamann had some concern with wording of the change as it seems to only
apply to bullying on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. While Dyson pointed out that it
does state in the introduction paragraph "but is not limited to the following," It was suggested to restate
this in#2 on the policy with the same wording.
Moved by Fett,seconded by Hamann,to approve the proposed addition to the Iowa City
Recreation Division Patron Conduct Policy with amendment request to add the statement
"including but not limited to"to item#2 within the policy.Passed 8-0 (Bentley absent).
U OF I STUDENT PRESENTATION OF TTRA PROJECT:
Students of the Urban&Regional Planning program created an environmental adaptation&management
plan for the Terry Trueblood Recreation Area and were at the Commission Meeting to show their
presentation.That presentation is attached.
REPORT ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF
Parks&Recreation Director—Juli Seydell Johnson:
• RAGBRAI Planning: Seydell Johnson noted that there will be an announcement on April 17
unveiling the Iowa City theme for 2018 RAGBRAI.
• Happy Hollow Park: The shelter has been removed from the park.
• Mercer HVAC: This project is in process.The on-deck restroom construction has begun. During
the project,the pool at Mercer will be shut down beginning the week of May 7 for approximately
one month as there will be no mechanism to heat the pool water.
• Cardigan Park: The footings are in place for the shelter construction and the rest of the path will
be poured this week.
• Creekside Park: The design plans are progressing. Staff has selected a playground so the bidding
can happen soon with construction slated to begin in early July. Trees have been removed for
placement of the parking area.
• Villa Park: The neighborhood meeting that was held in April went very well. Staff is currently
working on the paperwork necessary to receive federal funding. CDBG requires an
environmental study.The project is slated to take place this summer.
• Riverfront Crossings: Seydell Johnson stated that the second round of bidding for the shelter and
restroom was successful.This work will begin soon. She also stated that the playground should
be in place within a couple of weeks.
Recreation Division Superintendent—Chad Dyson
• Dyson noted that due to inclement weather,the preparation of City Park Pool is delayed. Staff is
hoping for a break in the weather soon.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
April 11,2018
Page 3 of 6
• Dyson said that along those same lines,prepping of athletic fields is also behind.They generally
open by April 1. However, due to the late snow, low temperatures and saturation of the fields,
they are not yet able to be utilized.
• Dyson announced that the Summer Activity Guide is now available. Commission Members
expressed their praise for the new size and design of the brochure.Dyson shared that Amanda
Opitz of the Recreation Department is the staff member that supervises this project.Registration
for activities will begin on April 25.He noted that this is the first year that the department will be
using"Peachjar",a third party digital format,to distribute information about recreation programs
to students and parents. Dyson will monitor and report on its progress.He also announced that
Hy-Vee stores will now distribute the activity guides.
• Dyson announced that STEAM Fest is scheduled for Sunday,April 15 from 1-4 p.m. at the Terry
Trueblood Recreation Area Park Lodge. Children and adults will experience hands-on
educational activities in Science,Technology, Engineering,Art and Math.
• The Strider Bike Race has been moved from Kiwanis Park to the Robert A. Lee Gymnasium due
to inclement weather.
Parks Division Superintendent—Zac Hall:
• Hall reiterated that the weather has delayed opening of facilities, including ball fields and soccer
fields.With a forecasted break in the weather tomorrow, staff hopes to be able to begin prepping
the fields.The weather has also delayed the turning on of water and restrooms at the park.
• Hall says that they are still having difficulty in hiring seasonal staff for the summer. Will continue
the process.
• Hall announced that there will be a prairie burn along the river in City Park tomorrow,weather
permitting.
COMMISSION TIME/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE ATENDA ITEMS
Venzon asked if this is the first time that summer camp registration has been offered online. Dyson
confirmed that it is and that staff was able to work with a company who could get that system up and
running for the department.
Laurian noted that if Commission or staff would like the U of I Urban&Regional Planning students to do
any additional projects in the future,to let her know.
Venzon shared that she has heard a lot of complements about all the work going into the parks.
Hamann asked when the bridge at Riverfront Crossings would be complete. Seydell Johnson said that it is
up to the development occurring on the east side.There is a waterline that must be placed before the
bridge can be complete. -
Hamann also asked who to contact if she is interested in assisting with the Free Wheels Program.Dyson
noted that the Recreation Division is the lead in this program. RaQuishia Harrington from the department
is working with the police department and World of Bikes on the project.Hamann is welcome to join.
ADJOURNMENT:
Moved by Fett,seconded by Hamann, seconded by Venzon,to adjourn the meeting at 5:44 p.m.
Motion passed 8-0. Gentler absent).
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
April 11,2018
Page 4 of 6
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
KEY: X= Present O= Absent O/E= Absent/Excused
ao 00
NAME N „r" .^. r •r• ` o c m °•r°
ti N
TERM U ,S4 N co a o o N o en a
EXPIRES '" '� - `, c 0 0
Suzanne 1/1/17 X LQ X X X X X X O/E X X O/E
Bentler
Steve Bird 1/1/22 * * * * * * * * X X O/E X
Larry Brown 1/1/18 X LQ X O/E X X X X * * * *
Clay 1/1/18 X LQ X X X X X X * * * *
Claussen
Wayne Fett 1/1/19 X LQ X X X X O/E X X O/E X X
Cara 1/1/20 X LQ X X X X O/E X X X X X
Hamann
Lucie 1/1/10 X LQ * O/E X O/E O/E X X X O/E X
Laurian
Ben Russell 1/1/22 * * * * * * * * X O/E X X
Angie Smith 1/1/18 X LQ X X X O/E X X X X O/E X
Jamie 1/1/20 X LQ X X X X O/E X O/E X O/E X
Venzon
Joe Younker 1/1/20 X LQ X X X X X O/E X X X X
NM= No meeting LQ= No meeting due to lack of quorum
*= Not a member at this time
-/ -
r_-- ® CITY OF IOWA CITY 2b(9)
'° '� ,, MEMORANDUM
Date: June 22, 2018
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Bob Miklo, Planning &Zoning Commission
Re: Recommendations from Planning & Zoning Commission
At their June 21, 2018 meeting the Planning & Zoning Commission approved the June 7 minutes
with the following recommendation to the City Council:
By a vote of 6-0 (Signs not present for the vote) the Commission recommends approval
of REZ18-00015, an application submitted by Allen Homes, for a rezoning from ID-RS to
RM-12 (3.19 acres) and RS-8 (4.83 acres) on 8.02 acres of property located at the
southwest corner of Lower West Branch Road and Taft Avenue subject to the following
conditions: 1) General compliance with the submitted concept plan in terms of number of
units and type of housing proposed, 2) Provision of approximately 12 feet of additional
right-of-way along Taft Avenue to be dedicated at the time of platting, 3) Detailed
landscaping plan to ensure adequate buffering along Taft Avenue and in the proposed •
RM- 12 area at the time of platting, 4) Creation of an outlot along Ralston Creek to
provide the trail connection at the time of platting, and 5) Provision of roadway access to
the single-family property to the south should it redevelop.
Additional action (check one)
No further action needed
Board or Commission is requesting Council direction
_X_ Agenda item will be prepared by staff for Council action - Done
MINUTES APPROVED
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
JUNE 7, 2018—7:00 PM —FORMAL MEETING •
EMMA J. HARVAT HALL, CITY HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Carolyn Dyer, Ann Freerks, Mike Hensch, Phoebe Martin, Max
Parsons, Mark Signs, Jodie Theobald
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Sara Hektoen, Bob Miklo, Anne Russett
OTHERS PRESENT: John Yapp, John Moreland
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL:
By a vote of 6-0 (Signs not present for the vote)the Commission recommends approval of
REZ18-00015, an application submitted by Allen Homes, for a rezoning from ID-RS to RM-12
(3.19 acres) and RS-8 (4.83 acres) on 8.02 acres of property located at the southwest corner of
Lower West Branch Road and Taft Avenue subject to the following conditions: 1) General
compliance with the submitted concept plan in terms of number of units and type of housing
proposed, 2) Provision of approximately 12 feet of additional right-of-way along Taft Avenue to
be dedicated at the time of platting, 3) Detailed landscaping plan to ensure adequate buffering
along Taft Avenue and in the proposed RM- 12 area at the time of platting, 4) Creation of an
outlot along Ralston Creek to provide the trail connection at the time of platting, and 5) Provision
of roadway access to the single-family property to the south should it redevelop.
CALL TO ORDER;
Freerks called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA:
None.
REZONING/DEVELOPMENT ITEM (REZ18-00013/SUB18-00006):
Discussion of an application submitted by North Dubuque, LLC for a rezoning of approximately
73.15 acres of land from Interim Development- Low Density Single- Family (ID-RS)zone, Low
Density Single-Family (RS-5) zone, and Planned Development Overlay/ High Density Single-
Family Residential (OPD/RS-12)zone to Planned Development Overlay/ High Density Single-
Family Residential (OPD/RS-12)zone for approx. 50 acres of property and Planned
Development Overlay / Highway Commercial (OPD/CH-1)zone for approx. 23 acres of property.
The applicant is also requesting approval of the preliminary plat of Forest View, a 73.15-acre
Planning and Zoning Commission
June 7, 2018
Page 2 of 7
subdivision, located north of Foster Road, south of 1-80,west of N. Dubuque Street, east of
Mackinaw Drive.
Miklo stated the staff is requesting this item be deferred until the June 21 meeting. He said that
the traffic study had just been submitted and needed to be reviewed by staff. He noted that the
stormwater management plan was also still being reviewed by the City Engineer and the wetland
determination had not yet been resolved.
Freerks opened the public hearing.
Seeing no one Freerks closed the public hearing.
Hensch moved to defer REZ18-00013/SUB18-00006 until the June 21 meeting.
Martin seconded the motion.
A vote was taken and the motion passed 7-0.
REZONING/DEVELOPMENT ITEM (REZ18-00005/SUB18-00005):
The application, submitted by Bedrock, LLC for a rezoning of approximately 18.03 acres from
Interim Development Multifamily Residential (ID-RM) zone to Planned Development Overlay/Low
Density Single Family Residential (OPD/ RS-5) zone and Planned Development Overlay/Low
Density Multifamily Residential (OPD-12)zone and a preliminary plat of Cherry Creek
Subdivision, a 17-lot, 18.03-acre residential subdivision located east of S. Gilbert St R south of
Waterfront Dr.
Miklo stated the applicant is requesting this item be deferred until the June 21 meeting.
Freerks opened the public hearing.
Seeing no one Freerks closed the public hearing.
Theobald moved to defer REZ18-00005/SUB18-00005 until the June 21 meeting.
Signs seconded the motion.
A vote was taken and the motion passed 7-0.
REZONING ITEM (REZ18-00015):
Discussion of an application submitted by Allen Homes, for a rezoning of approximately 8.02
acres from Interim Development- Single Family Residential (ID-RS) zone to Low Density Multi-
Family Residential (RM-12) zone (3.19 acres) and Medium Density Single-Family Residential
(RS-8)zone (4.83 acres) located at the southwest corner of Lower West Branch Road and Taft
Avenue.
Planning and Zoning Commission
June 7, 2018
Page 3 of 7
Signs recused himself from this item and left the room as his company had some interest in this
property.
Miklo introduced Anne Russett, Associate Planner, who recently joined the City staff. Russett
presented the Staff report noting this property was annexed into the City in 2000 and at that time
was zoned to ID-RS (Interim Development- Single Family Residential Zone). Russett showed
an aerial map of the property, most of the area around the property is undeveloped, the area to
the north and to the east is undeveloped in the unincorporated part of Johnson County, the
property to the south is an existing single family home in Johnson County, and the area to the
west, south of Lower West Branch Road, is in the City limits and is an existing single family
neighborhood. Russett showed the zoning map of the area, the current zoning of ID-RS is
typically used for areas where there is not existing City water and sanitary sewer service and
uses that are allowed in this zone are non-urban uses such as row crops. Rezoning at this time
is appropriate because there is access to water and sanitary sewer. In terms of the surrounding
zonings, most of the land in the County is zoned agriculture,the property to the south in the
County is zoned residential, and the area to the west is planned development overlay, also
zoned single family.
The applicant is requesting 4.83 acres be rezoned to the Medium Density Single-Family
Residential Zone (RS-8) and the 3.19 acres of the northeastern portion of the project site to the
Low Density Multi-Family Residential Zone (RM-12). The Future Land Use Map of the
Comprehensive Plan has designated this area for residential development at a density of 2-8
dwelling units per acre. The Northeast District Plan identifies this area for single-family
residential development; however, the plan encourages housing diversity and specifically
envisions the possibility of townhouses and small, multi-family buildings at major intersections
such as Lower West Branch Road and Taft Avenue. Russett noted the applicant has submitted
a concept plan for this property, the plan Russett is showing this evening is a little different than
the one that was provided with the meeting agenda packet. The applicant is proposing 32
residential units, on the western and southern portion of the site they are proposing 11 single
family homes and concentrating the townhomes and higher density area at the corner of Taft
Avenue and Lower West Branch Road. Staff recommends including a condition to the rezoning
that requires general conformance with the number and types of units identified in the proposed
concept to ensure compatibility with the existing neighborhood and development pattern.
In terms of traffic, access and street design, Russett stated Taft Avenue is planned as a future
arterial street and the City would need an additional 12 feet of right-of-way to make those
improvements. Therefore Staff is recommending the following conditions: (1)the additional
right-of-way be dedicated at the time of platting and (2) a detailed landscaping plan also be
provided at platting. Taft Avenue will be an important connection to the industrial area to the
south and future truck traffic is anticipated in this area so a sufficient landscape buffer needs to
be in place. Additionally the Northeast District Plan encourages an interconnected transportation
system and the City's Bicycle Master Plan identifies a future secondary multi-use trail along the
western portion of the project site that will connect with the existing off-street paved path to the
south. Therefore Staff is recommending two additional conditions: (1) a dedication of an outlot to
provide the trail connection at platting and (2) a provision of roadway access to the single-family
property to the south should it redevelop. Russell showed the revised concept plan and pointed
out some of the changes on this plan versus the one provided in the agenda packets are the
applicant has provided the outlot to provide for the trail connection. Additionally there is land to
Planning and Zoning Commission
June 7,2018
Page 4 of 7
the south of the subject property that was dedicated to the City for a park, it has yet to be
conveyed to the City but when it is complete there will be a park and trail connectivity up to
Lower West Branch Road. On the land dedicated to the City, there is also remnants of an
original stone railroad bridge that crosses Ralston Creek and the Northeast District Plan
mentions the possibility of incorporating this bridge into the trail system. Other changes to the
new concept plan include originally there was a connection between lots 5 and 6 which has been
removed, however Staff has requested the applicant add that connection back in to ensure
access for the residents to the park and trails. At the subdivision phase of development the
applicant would be required to meet the City's open space requirements, , Staff has calculated a
needed dedication of 0.37 acres. Depending on the amount of space provided for the trail
connection, the applicant may be able to meet all or a portion of the open space requirements
on-site. If not,fees in lieu of dedication would be appropriate.
Based on the analysis, Staff finds that the proposed rezoning with the identified conditions is
both in compliance with the Comprehensive Plan and compatible with the existing neighborhood
and recommends approval subject to the following conditions: (1) General compliance with the
submitted concept plan in terms of number of units and type of housing proposed, (2) Provision
of approximately 12 feet of additional right-of-way along Taft Avenue to be dedicated at the time
of platting, (3) Detailed landscaping plan to ensure adequate buffering along Taft Avenue and in
the proposed RM- 12 area at the time of platting, (4) Creation of an outlot along Ralston Creek to
provide the trail connection at the time of platting, and (5) Provision of roadway access to the
single-family property to the south should it redevelop.
Freerks clarified in the analysis of the proposed zoning where the number of units that could be
available in the 3.19 acres and the 4.83 acres is worded that the maximum density allowed in
this zone district is 15 dwelling units per acre, and it needs to be worded as "up to that amount"
because the maximum is not guaranteed.
Freerks questioned the sensitive areas and if any waivers would be requested. Russett
confirmed they are not aware of any waiver requests noting the one sensitive area is Ralston
Creek and on the concept plan the applicant is showing the appropriate buffer.
Parsons asked about the flood plain for the creek and the buffer. Russett said the applicant
could address that but the subject property is not within a flood plain. Miklo said the green lines
on the concept plan show the buffer line required for a stream corridor.
Hensch asked about the old stone bridge and if the Historic Preservation Commission has
reviewed it. Miklo said the old stone bridge was identified when the City created the Northeast
District Plan and was called out as something to be preserved which is why that land is called out
as being dedicated as future park land for the City.
Hensch asked what the requirements were for the buffering of Ralston Creek. Russett replied
the buffer must be 15 feet from the center of the stream when its outside of the floodplain.
Hensch asked about the landscaping plan. Russett said in addition to the buffer staff is
recommending the landscaping focus on the RM-12 area to buffer views from surrounding single
family homes. Hensch noted one of his concerns is with all the construction and disturbance of
agricultural area is the silt running into Ralston Creek. Miklo stated that all construction areas
must have an erosion control plan before there is any development activity. Hensch stated he
Planning and Zoning Commission
June 7,2018
Page 5 of 7
just wants to make sure the Creek is protected.
Freerks opened the public hearing.
John Yapp (Allen Homes) stated the applicants do agree with the Staff recommendations. He
showed some pictures of the subject property. The property is a remnant of the old Lindemann
Farms, Mr. Lindemann decided to stop farming last year and put this property up for sale and
Allen Homes acquired it. Yapp pointed out there is a wide sidewalk already along the north side
of the property that ties into the City's sidewalk and trail system. The proposal is for a mix of
single family and townhouses and Yapp showed a similar townhouse design concept as an
example and noted these townhomes will be different than the townhomes being constructed in
the Lindemann Part 8 subdivision to the west to avoid repetitiveness. Yapp noted they held a
good neighbor meeting and felt the results were positive, a summary was shared with the
Commission in their meeting agenda packets.
John Moreland (property owner to the west) stated he is in support of this project but would like
to make sure the specific number of units allowed on the site are spelled out on the conditional
zoning, it needs to indicate exactly how many townhouses and how many single family. With
regards to the land donated for the park and the old stone bridge, one of the local historians has
done a booklet on that old railroad bridge.
Freerks noted with the conditions that the rezoning is conditional on the proposed concept plan it
will make sure the number of units allowed on the site will stay as proposed.
Freerks closed the public hearing.
Hensch moved to approve REZ18-00015, an application submitted by Allen Homes, for a
rezoning from ID-RS to RM-12 (3.19 acres) and RS-8 (4.83 acres) on 8.02 acres of property
located at the southwest corner of Lower West Branch Road and Taft Avenue subject to
the following conditions: 1) General compliance with the submitted concept plan in terms
of number of units and type of housing proposed, 2) Provision of approximately 12 feet of
additional right-of-way along Taft Avenue to be dedicated at the time of platting, 3)
Detailed landscaping plan to ensure adequate buffering along Taft Avenue and in the
proposed RM- 12 area at the time of platting, 4) Creation of an outlot along Ralston Creek
to provide the trail connection at the time of platting, and 5) Provision of roadway access
to the single-family property to the south should it redevelop.
Theobald seconded the motion.
Hensch is in favor of the plan generally but is concerned as past projects have shown why there
is such a need for landscaping plans so need to be sure the landscaping plan is followed through
on and that the areas around Ralston Creek are maintained if not improved.
Freerks added at the platting stage she hopes some attention is paid to outdoor amenities for the
area.
A vote was taken and the motion passed 6-0 (Signs not present for vote).
Planning and Zoning Commission
June 7,2018
Page 6 of 7
CONSIDERATION OF MEETING MINUTES: MAY 17, 2018
Parsons moved to approve the meeting minutes of May 17, 2018 with correction.
Signs seconded the motion.
A vote was taken and the motion passed 7-0.
PLANNING AND ZONING INFORMATION:
Miklo noted the Commission requested a report on approved landscaping for the University of
Iowa Health Clinic on North Dodge Street and he went back into the files to review what was
presented to the Commission at the time of rezoning. Miklo showed an image of what was
presented by the applicant which shows some representation of landscaping on the Dodge
Street side of the building, however the actual site plan the applicant presented did not show the
landscaping. At that meeting there was considerable discussion regarding the landscaping on
the side that faces the single family homes and the Commission did ask for that plan to be
revised to take out some of the parking and put in additional landscaping. After Commission
approval of the rezoning a site plan was submitted for Staff approval with a slight change in that
the driveway was moved and some parking was removed. Miklo showed the site plan that was
approved by Staff, and there was landscaping shown on that site plan (similar to what was
shown on the elevation images). Miklo showed an aerial photo of the site taken about a year
ago and the landscaping that was shown on the approved site plan does exist however some of
the trees do not have leaves so obviously didn't make it through the winter. Miklo has spoken
with Julie Tallman (one of the City Inspectors) and she will review the site and inform the
property owner of any dead trees that will need to be replaced. So although the final approved
plan was not the same as the elevation drawings, it did meet the Code at that time.
Freerks thanked Miklo for taking the time to review property. She feels this can be a teaching
moment and while she remembers discussing the need for landscaping on this project and
maintaining existing trees, it must have not been conveyed onto the final approvals. She stated
the Commission will need to be more careful and diligent on conveying the need for thorough
landscaping plans.
Dyer noted there is room on the property to add street trees. Freerks asked if there was any way
to have that happen. Miklo said the City and DOT do control the right-of-way so it is something
he could check with the City Forester to see what is possible (there may be utilities or other
reasons why trees cannot be placed there). Dyer asked if the Commission would see a
landscape plan for the rezoning/concept they just approved. Hektoen said what was just
approved was just a rezoning however there will be a plat process that will go before the
Commission.
Miklo noted City Council has offered a consult on the rezoning of Riverfront Crossings at
Burlington, Capitol and Court Streets and the time available would be 3pm or 4pm on Tuesday
July 3. The Commission has a choice to decline the consult or to attend. Parsons noted the
afternoon right before a holiday may be difficult. Freerks stated the Commission was unanimous
about that vote and feels that a plan was put forth stating certain things can be done and that
proposal fit into that plan. Hensch is in favor of meeting with Council and reiterated the vote was
Planning and Zoning Commission
June 7,2018
Page 7 of 7
unanimous and feels there is some incorrect assumptions with this situation that should be
addressed. Dyer stated that one issue is the additive nature of the bonuses, you start with a
building that is supposed to be X number of floors and it then is almost doubled due to bonuses
given. Freerks added there is a 10% affordable housing portion of the project and if the project is
reduced than the affordable housing is reduced as well. Martin asked if all Commissioner's had
to be present for the consult. Miklo said no,just those that are able to attend.
Miklo introduced Billie Townsend and Larry Baker, two new commissioners beginning terms in
July. He also introduced Luke Foelsch, he is a new planning intern from The University of Iowa
Graduate Urban and Regional Planning Program.
Freerks thanked Theobald for her years of service to the Commission (as she will not be able to
attend the June 21 meeting).
Adiournment:
Theobald moved to adjourn.
Signs seconded.
A vote was taken and the motion passed 7-0.
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2017 - 2018
(W.S) (W.S.) (W.S)
10/19 11/2 12/7 12121 1/4 1/18 2115 311 3/12 3/15 4/2 4/5 4116 4/19 513 5/17 617
DYER, CAROLYN X O/E X X X X X X X O/E X O/E X X X X X
FREERKS,ANN X X O/E X X O/E X X X X X X X X O/E X X
HENSCH, MIKE X X X X X X X X O/E O/E X X X X X X X
MARTIN, PHOEBE X X X O/E O/E X X X O/E X X X X X X X X
PARSONS, MAX X X X X X X O/E X X X X X X X X X X
SIGNS, MARK X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
THEOBALD, JODIE X X X X O/E X O/E X X X X X X X X X X
KEY: X= Present
O =Absent
O/E =Absent/Excused
--- = Not a Member
APPROVED
Telecommunications Commission 07-03-18
04/23/2018 Meeting Minutes 2b(10)
Page 1 of 4
Minutes
Iowa City Telecommunications Commission
April 23, 2018—5:30 P.M.
City of Iowa City Cable TV Office, 10 S. Linn St. -Tower Place, Level 3A
Call to Order: Meeting called to order at 5:32 P.M.
Members Present: Derek Johnk, Paul Gowder, Laura Bergus, Matthew Brenton, James Pierce
Members Absent:
Staff Present: Ty Coleman
Others Present: Gerardo Sandoval, Chelsea Bacon, Bill Harshbarger
Recommendations to Council: None
Approval of Minutes:
Brenton moved and Bergus seconded a motion to approve the March 26, 2018 minutes as presented.
The motion passed unanimously.
Announcements of Commissioners:
The Commission and cable TV access channel representatives exchanged introductions with James
Pierce, the newly appointed member of the Telecommunications Commission.
Short Public Announcements:
Bacon provided an update on The Community Internet Project presented at an earlier meeting. She said
the group working on the project had tentatively decided to pursue an approach that features mesh
networks around schools. Bacon said the primary reason for the project is that only 80%of students have
reported they have Internet at home. She noted that in this statistic there is no differentiation between a
student who has an Internet service provider and one who simply has a cell phone with a data plan and
that it is likely even fewer students have service at home from a traditional provider.
Bacon said members of the group had met with Iowa City Community School District(ICCSD)
information-technology staff who expressed interest in the project. Bacon pointed out that the group's
long-term vision is for community-wide access to the Internet, but said working with the schools will
present fewer obstacles. She said the school district staff did not have concerns about security or
bandwidth. Bacon said that in order to ensure that the Internet service offered through the school district
would be used for school-related purposes, students would log into the network using their school logins.
Bacon said that a pilot school would be chosen based on population density and concentration of free and
reduced lunches.
Bacon said the group is developing a survey for students in order for the group to assess the status of
student Internet access. Gowder asked if the group had a sense about access to a computer for
students. Bacon replied that the survey asks whether a student uses a desktop, laptop, tablet, or other
mobile device to access the Internet.
Bacon said the group was encouraged to hear that the ICCSD staff with whom they met did not seem to
have any objections to the project and said that the ICCSD plans to purchase a backup Internet Service
Provider(ISP) in the future, which would not require the use of the service to be school-related and
therefore create the potential for use by the general community.
APPROVED
Telecommunications Commission
04/23/2018 Meeting Minutes
Page 2 of 4
Harshbarger commented that if Iowa City was considering a municipal Internet service, using the same
ISP that the ICCSD chooses for a backup provider would be ideal. Johnk said that there was not
currently a plan by the City to pursue a municipal network. Gowder said the Commission has offered to
be a resource to the City Council in the event that they would have increased interest in municipal
broadband. Brenton asked if the Commission would be able to suggest to the Council that they move
forward with investigating the idea of municipal broadband service. Gowder said the Commission could
take the initiative to provide information to the Council.
Bacon suggested that the Commission connect with the University of Iowa Student Government(UISG),
which is working on a plan to express interest in municipal broadband to the City of Iowa City. Brenton
noted that the more people who express an interest in the topic to the Council, the more likely the City
Council might be to investigate it.
Johnk said that one of the biggest logistical barriers is that the City does not own its own electric utility,
noting that many others who have started a municipal broadband utility already had its own electric utility.
Johnk said that the group's approach of using a mesh network gets around this issue.
Johnk said he liked the idea of getting information to the City Council and also said it would be good to
reach out to the UISG and to invite them to a Telecommunications Commission meeting. Pierce noted
that the leadership in UISG had recently changed hands and that this could be a good time to connect
with newly-elected officers to talk about interest in municipal broadband. Pierce said he is willing to
contact UISG.
Bergus said she wants to be sure that any initiative of the Telecommunications Commission does not
interfere with the progress the Community Internet Project group has made. She commented that she
would like to see the group's efforts succeed and hopes that it could be used as a model when the time
comes to approach the Council. Bacon said she would stay in contact with the Commission and would
continue to attend its meetings. Bacon said that the group will be getting the Internet access survey to
students before the end of the school year.
Bacon presented the survey questions to the Commission for its feedback. Questions included: the
student's grade, the student's race/ethnicity, the student's school, the number of hours per day spent
using the Internet, the amount of time spent per day using the Internet for homework, whether the student
has Internet access at home, what devices the student uses to access the Internet at home, and how
often the student goes to a location outside of his or her home to use the Internet. Brenton suggested
that a question be added to ask whether the student has homework that requires him or her to access the
Internet.
Bergus wondered if some students would understand what"the Internet" means, given that many now
think of things in terms of apps like YouTube or Snapchat. Gowder wondered if students would have a
clearer conception of"online"than "Internet." Harshbarger said that if a student does not have Internet
service at home, the group should be able to tell by the survey responses. Gowder suggested that the
survey could ask whether a student engages in particular activities using the Internet at home, such as
checking email or watching videos. Bacon said that a question could list several potential uses and ask
students to check all activities that apply.
Consumer Issues:
No discussion.
Mediacom Report:
Coleman said he had not received any information from Mediacom.
Local Access Reports:
APPROVED
Telecommunications Commission
04/23/2018 Meeting Minutes
Page 3 of 4
Sandoval said that in the past it had been a challenge to get PAW users and guests to sign in upon
arrival, but that PAW now uses a tablet to allow for easier counting of visitors. He reported that PAW
had 1,700 people come to its facility last year to be part of a show, to produce a show, to use the edit
bays, check out equipment, etc. Sandoval said that there continues to be an interest in and desire for
public access television here in Iowa City and across the nation.
Sandoval said PAW continues to have support from the community and that it recently held an "I Drag for
PAW"fundraiser at Studio.
City Cable TV Office Report:
Coleman referred to the report the Cable TV Office had submitted in the meeting packet.
Adiournment:
Gowder moved and Brenton seconded a motion to adjourn. The motion passed unanimously.
Adjournment was at 5:55 p.m.
APPROVED
Telecommunications Commission
04/23/2018 Meeting Minutes
Page 4 of 4
TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
12-MONTH ATTENDANCE RECORD
Gowder Bergus Kilburg Johnk
06/26/2017 o/c x x x vacant
07/24/2017
Meeting not held
due to lack of
quorum.
Brenton
08/28/2017 x x x x vacant
09/25/2017 x x x x vacant
10/23/2017 x o/c x x vacant
11/27/2017 x x x x vacant
11/30/2017 x o/c x x vacant
Special meeting
01/22/2018
Meeting not held
due to lack of
quorum.
02/26/2018 x x x x vacant
03/26/2018 x x x x vacant
Pierce
04/23/2018 x x x x x
05/21/2018 x o/c x x x
(x) = Present
(o) = Absent
(o/c) = Absent/Called (Excused)