HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-10-02 Bd Comm minutesItem Number: 4.a.
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
October 2, 2018
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Historic Preservation Commission: August 9
MINUTES APPROVED
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
EMMA J. HARVAT HALL
AUGUST 9, 2018
MEMBERS PRESENT: Thomas Agran, Kevin Boyd, Zach Builta, Helen Burford, G. T.
Karr, Quentin Pitzen, Lee Shope
MEMBERS ABSENT Gosia Clore, Sharon DeGraw, Cecile Kuenzli
STAFF PRESENT Jessica Bristow
OTHERS PRESENT: Kevin Hanick
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (become effective only after separate Council action)
CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Boyd called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANYTHING NOT ON THE AGENDA:
There was none.
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS - CONSENT AGENDA:
706 East College Street.
Bristow said there did not need to be discussion for this item. She showed a photograph of the
property. Bristow said the consent agenda works by having Commission members read the
material and then vote on a motion. She asked if anyone had questions about the project.
Burford asked what the window was for. Bristow said staff doesn't really know. She said there
is one on each side. Bristow said the window is metal -framed. She said staff doesn't know
when it was installed, although it is not in the historic photograph, which has a wide-ranging
date possibility of 1920 through 1966.
Pitzen asked if the window was operable. Bristow responded that it once was operable but is
not any longer.
Burford said she was not present for the original discussion of the changes to this building. She
asked if anything was said about restoring the palladium window and the fenestration details.
Bristow said that with the overall project, the owner removed all of the synthetic siding. She
said that some of the trim details above the palladium window will be put back. Bristow said the
owner is being very faithful to what he sees as the scars of the removed trim that are on the
house, and that is being replaced.
MOTION: Builta moved to approve a certificate of appropriateness for the casement
window removal at 706 East College Street as presented in the application. Karr
seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 7-0 (Clore, DeGraw, and Kuenzli
absent).
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CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
1154 East Court Street
Bristow said this property is in the Longfellow Historic District. She said the Commission has
never reviewed any work for this property Bristow said this house is a foursquare that is
covered in what is probably asbestos siding.
Bristow stated that there are multiple parts to this project. She said that the first part involves
the front step condition and treatment. Bristow said one can see that the front steps were pre-
cast concrete steps that were just put in, so they are not the original stairs for this property at all.
Bristow said, given that this is a wooden porch, it may have had a wooden set of stairs, She
said that there are some potential examples of similar houses and similar piers with concrete
stairs and block sidewalls that match the piers on the house,
Bristow showed an example from Ronalds Street. She pointed out that even though these are
concrete and block, they do deteriorate. Bristow said it is not known what was originally on the
Court Street house, because these do deteriorate as well. Bristow said it is not something that
can be determined by the Sanborn maps, as they do not show the steps or stoops.
Bristow showed an example from Iowa Avenue. She said that they all follow the similar idea
where the sidewalls come off flush with the inside of the piers. Bristow said that is what is
proposed.
Bristow pointed out the new drawings to Commission members. She said they were just
updated with a little bit thicker sidewalls - more constructible. Bristow said that the slide images
also show the new drawings, as the old ones were in the packet.
Bristow said this therefore involves two steps of a sidewall with limestone caps and a black
metal handrail that will be mounted to the steps themselves. She said staff finds this to be an
acceptable way to put on new steps that would be more compatible than the existing, non -
historic stairs.
Bristow said that another element of the project involves replacement of the rear stairs as well,
with a handrail that meets the guidelines. She said that the bigger part of this, on the back, is
converting the sleeping porch, which appears to be original, on the second floor to a bathroom,
which would mean enclosing it a little bit more than it already is. Bristow said that it is an
enclosed part of the house She said that it probably had an open porch below it, based on
some of the siding, but it is all enclosed now.
Bristow said that the plan is to retain the central windows in the sleeping porch but to replace
the glass with an obscure glass. She said that the side windows next to that and right around
the corner would be replaced with slightly smaller windows. Bristow said it fits within the scaling
of the original windows so that It accommodates the bathroom fixtures_
Bristow said that the windows that are closer to the house though would be removed, partly
because there is a shower in one corner and to balance it out. She said that since those are
against the house anyway, they will not be very visible, so it is an acceptable compromise to
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
August 9, 2018
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make for the bathroom. She said one would still have a lot of the language of the sleeping
porch. Bristow said that below the bead board there are three little openings across the bottom
from where the original porch was for drainage on the original open porch. Then below that
there is some of the newer siding that is not an historic siding. She said that the plan would put
a band board across the bottom of the beadboard to clarify that condition a little bit more.
Bristow stated that the siding would continue to be bead board like it is now, so this would keep
a lot of the same language that is going on with this property.
Bristow showed what the exterior would look like on one side. She showed where the window
next to the house would be removed and the window at the corner would be a shorter window.
Bristow showed the rear elevation of the house.
Bristow said that window product information still needs to be approved, so she recommends
including that in the motion. She said staff finds that all of the parts of this project are
appropriate.
Hanick, the owner of the property, referred to the rear elevation of the house. He said he has
looked into what windows would be available, including a wood, double hung window for the
larger, center ones. Hanick said he thinks he can get it so that just the bottom is obscure and
the top would be clear, which he thinks would be better for the interior. He said then the same
window would be partly obscure and partly clear.
Bristow said that brings up the question of whether or not those are the original windows reused
or if the owner plans to replace them. Hanick said they would be replaced. He said that the
current windows are rotten. Bristow said she was unsure if, since this was a screened porch
originally, they were actually windows or not. She said this house has probably not had much
maintenance on it for a long time. Hanick agreed.
Hanick said he thinks the new front porch drawing where the sidewall is thickened up will look a
lot nicer. He said there will be a limestone cap on that Hanick said he found a company in
Indiana that makes what they are calling authentic, rock -faced block, which he'll use. He said
he hopes the colors will be compatible.
Hanick said the ones on the foundation are slightly different He said he thinks the new block
will be more like those, and they will weather together over time and shouldn't be a problem.
Bristow said that some people doing this type of project have actually just stained the new block
to match, sometimes just a very slight gray stain.
Hanick said the only other thing that is not on the application involves an old coal chute that
currently exists on the west side of the house along the driveway He said there is currently a
piece of plywood over that Hanick said he would like to order enough block to fill that in to
make it a consistent rock face foundation.
Bristow said that could be added to the application. She said that is the kind of thing the
Commission would find acceptable, especially if there is not an original metal chute cover or
anything to put in its place. Bristow said that typically one likes to see holes like that repaired
with the block toothed in,
Karr referred to the window elevation for the porch. He asked about the plan to have the top
sash be clear and the bottom will be obscure. Hanick said that more natural light would be
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better than having it obscure all the way around, and this is for the back yard. He said he would
like to do that if possible
Hanick said that there is a little 1960s addition on the main level. He said there is one rotten
window there that he would like to replace with the same thing that is there. Bristow said that
should be pail of the application as well.
Bristow said it is up to the Commission whether it wants to add the coal chute and/or the other
window to the motion. She said that staff would find that appropriate. Bristow said that the
1960s addition probably has casement windows right now. She said that if all of the windows
were going to be replaced, she would say that using something that fit the house would be
better Bristow stated that for only one window, making it match the others would be an
appropriate way to go. She said that if the Commission did not want to add these items to the
motion, they could be addressed as minor reviews to be looked at by staff.
MOTION: Agran moved to approve a certificate of appropriateness for the project at 1154
East Court Street as presented in the application with the following conditions: window
product information for the sleeping porch renovation to be approved by staff; the repair
of the coal chute as discussed at this meeting to be approved by staff; and the repair to
the casement window in the 1960s addition, since it is not for all four windows, to be
approved by staff. Karr seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 7-0 (Clore,
DeGraw, and Kuenzli absent).
REPORT ON CERTIFICATES ISSUED BY CHAIR AND STAFF.
Certificate of No Material Effect - Chair and Staff Review.
1424 Center Avenue
Bristow said this project involves the replacement of shingles on a non-contributing property in
the Longfellow Historic District.
622 North Van Buren Street.
Bristow said this project involves the repair of column bases, storm window repair, and a little bit
of trim reconstruction.
1036 Woodlawn Avenue
Bristow said the carriage house at this address was damaged by a tornado, and most of the
foundation walls were replaced at that point in time. She said that now, because of drainage
and a collapsing wall issue on the south face, that wall is being replaced as well, as is the
concrete apron that goes into the carriage house.
423 Ronalds Street.
Bristow said this house has an addition on the back with casement windows that open out that
are being repaired and with screen windows that open in, She said the windows had water and
air leaking for awhile
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Bristow said that a conference she attended provided a sample of information of the Indow
product, which is basically a storm window that is flexible so that one can squeeze it in and put it
there and squeeze it out as well. She said that it does not have any fasteners and does not do
anything to the window opening itself.
Bristow said the owner was having difficulty finding a solution for these windows, because she
did not want to put any holes into the frame. Bristow said the owner found these, and so that
storm window has been approved as part of the preservation fund for this particular house. She
said the new product does not seem to be very expensive, so this will be a kind of test as to how
they work.
427 North Dodge Street.
Bristow said this house has a carport that had plywood siding all the way to the ground that was
wicking up moisture She said that was permanently removed, and a couple of structural
members were replaced.
701 East College Street.
Bristow said this project is to replace the wood shingles on the house.
Minor Review - Staff Review.
15 North Johnson Street.
Bristow said the site stairs on this building are being replaced to match the existing, and
hopefully the railing will be replaced with a black metal rail instead of the wood rail. She said
that will be done if the wood cannot be reused.
737 Grant Street.
Bristow said there is an attic window in the front of this bungalow, and the window on the back
was enlarged and did not match. She said the owners wanted to replace it and remove the
through -wall air conditioner next to it. Bristow said there will be some stucco repair. She said
the owners wanted to replace the window with that size but found the original window in the
attic, so they are just going to reinstall the original window.
1049 Woodlawn Avenue.
Bristow said this project consists of replacing the front wood steps and replacing the handrail
with a metal handrail.
Intermediate Review - Chair and Staff Review.
833 Rundell Street.
Bristow said that because of budgetary constraints, the screened -in porch on the back is being
replaced with a simple entry stoop and entry canopy with stairs. She included the drawing
which is marked -up, because there were some other changes that are under the Commission's
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Purview such as making the dormer the same height as the roof, which is not appropriate so it
will be lower like it is supposed to be.
727 Dearborn Street
Bristow stated that this house is not really contributing, because it has been remodeled. She
said it is unknown what is original on this house and what is not.
Bristow said the Commission approved an addition on the back, and the approval was
conditioned on matching the foundation material, rock -faced concrete block. She said the
owners :;ame back with asking to just use smooth, concrete block. Bristow said that typically,
one wants this to match, but it is also a factor to be able to tell what is original and what is not.
She said that chair and staff decided that using the smooth concrete would be fine in this
instance. because then it would be forever known that this is an addition.
Bristow said that as the owners got into the project, they removed the aluminum siding on the
house and were able to get in and realized that most of the windows had been replaced and all
of the sills had been cut down. She said that hopefully this will add some general clarity to this
house.
Karr asked about the application regarding the flexible from the inside storm windows. Bristow
confirmed that storm windows, even on the outside, do not require Commission approval. They
were reviewed because the project was using the Historic Preservation Fund.
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES FOR JULY 12 2018:
MOTION Agran moved to approve the minutes of the Historic Preservation Commission's July
12, 2018 meeting, as written. Shope seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 7-0
Clore. DeGraw. and Kuenzli absent).
COMMISSION INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION:
Commissioner vacancies
Bristow stated that the City Council has asked that staff and the Communications Department
work together to try to recruit someone for the Jefferson Street District, which staff has always
thought might be an empty seat, and for the East College Street Historic District. She asked
Commission members who know someone who resides in either district to find out if he/she
would be interested in serving on the Commission.
Bristow said the City will be putting out a mailing shortly that will go directly to every resident.
She said that a Commission member must be a resident of the district, someone who is an
owner of property in the district but does not live in the district would not be eligible.
727 North Lucas Street Garage Demolition.
Bristow said this is not coming before the Commission, because there is not currently a plan to
build a new garage. She said that the building official determined that the garage had to come
down. Bristow said she just wanted to let the Commission know about the situation.
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owa Citv-Hosted Preserve Iowa Summit Postponement
Bristow said there was a lot of debate last calendar year about the Preserve Iowa Summit and
holding off until 2020 or holding off until 2021, She said the decision was made to have it in
2020.. and staff was starting to compile information to apply for the grant that is due September
1 to start planning for that.
Bristow said that department directors and upper level staff decided that this should be
postponed, because of the fact that it will take more planning than just the Commission and
herself can complete. She said it will take assistance from some of the other urban planners,
who are all very new, so that the decision was made to postpone this.
Bristow said the State was caught off guard a little bit, because of the late notice to them as
well, She said this is being worked through, and staff will try to do this again at the next
available opportunity. Bristow said it may be 2021, although she assumes the State may try
again for a location in Western Iowa. She said staff will coordinate with the State on when the
next available tinie will be.
Iowa City Public Library Historical Iowa Citv Newspapers Website
Boyd said that the Iowa City Public Library added a really great feature - a searchable database
of all the Iowa City newspapers from the 1870s to 1925. He said it is searchable by words and
phrases and is a good resource for people looking into older homes.
Boyd referred to the two pages he found that were worthwhile for the Commission to know
about. He said that part of the Commission's job is to help people understand the shared
history of Iowa City. Boyd said the Library does a lot of that work also, and he wanted to make
sure people knew about the resource.
Clinton Street and Railroad Depot Historic District Update.
Boyd said that some of the City staff would like this to go to the City Council very soon. He said
that the Commission moved kind of quickly on this once the report came back. Boyd said that
often, for something like this, the proposed district boundary would go to the State Historic
Preservation Office, which would review the boundary because it would also be a boundary for
a National Register nomination.
Bi istow said that typically, not for every district but for many of the districts, they have been
National Register districts before being local districts. She said that means that the National
Register nomination goes to the State for review prior to the local process.
Boyd said the State had reviewed a previous iteration of this district and said that it would be
acceptable but has not had a chance to review the current district. He said that being on the
National Register is an additional benefit to the property owners. Boyd said that what staff and
the Commission wanted to do was to get feedback from the State Historic Preservation
Commission Office (SHPO) to make sure the proposed boundary would also be an acceptable
boundary for the National Historic Register.
Bristow said there is actually a grant to do that revised boundary National Register nomination
for this district. She said the consultants are working on creating their contract now so that
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revised nomination will probably be reviewed by the State in December. Bristow said it won't go
to their review committee until June, but they will review a draft in December,
Boyd said then there would be some sense and feedback as to whether this is on the right track,
He sad he would recommend that the Commission hold off on moving this nomination forward
to the City Council. Boyd said it is his understanding that the only way to do that is to withdraw
the nomination and then have it go through the process again.
Boyd said the Commission is trying to be responsive to making sure the owners have maximum
benefits and making sure the Commission is being thoughtful to the concerns raised before the
Planning and Zoning Commission. He said the timing of taking this to the City Council
sometime in the late fall or winter might be better. Boyd said there is a lot going on at the City
Council right now He said there will be a full City Council on October 6.
Boyd said this is being done because of the boundary issue. He said he thinks the Commission
should try to be sensitive to any concerns and work out as many of them as possible before
moving this to the City Council.
Boyd said that the upcoming grant will help move the potential district to the National Register.
He sa d that SHPO will kind of weigh in on the front end as to whether this is on the right track.
Boyd said that if SHPO says this is headed the right way, by the time it gets to City Council, the
Comm,ssion will be able to say that this is eligible to be on the National Register. He said the
Commission is really trying to tie those two things together, because there has been confusion
about rahy they are separate.
Burford asked when the Planning and Zoning Commission discussed this. Bristow said she
thought it happened in June or July.
Karr said that in this situation there is a property owner who owns a large portion of the
properties that is against this and asked if there is still a moratorium. Boyd replied that there is
not one currently. He said the moratorium starts when the City Council sets the public hearing.
Boyd said that what staff and the Commission are trying to do is to take care of this before that
starts. He said it would be communicated to the property owner what the timeline is and what
the Commission is trying to do. Boyd said it should also be made clear that the maximum
number of benefits are available to him, which would include a National Register nomination,
Karr said the downside, if one were in favor of having this as a district, is that there would be
several months with the possibility that buildings could be altered and changes could be made.
Boyd confirmed this. He said that all of the properties appear to be rented at the moment.
Bristow said that if the nomination is withdrawn, the Commission will have to start over. She
said there would be an owner meeting, an Historic Preservation Commission meeting, and a
Planning and Zoning Commission meeting again. Bristow said that the Commission could start
the process as soon as comments are received from SHPO.
2018 National Alliance of Preservation Commissions Forum - Des Moines.
Boyd said he and Bristow both went to this conference in Des Moines a few weeks ago
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
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Boyd discussed a presentation by Karcher, which is actually a power washing company. He
said that the company clears cultural resources for free. Boyd said the company has done a lot
of big projects and is now working on more and smaller projects to try to move into more places.
They clean historic stone with steam and a low-pressure sprayer. The steam kills organic
materials like moss and lichens.
Boyd said he e-mailed the University Facilities Department and Geoff Fruir to share this
information, as well as JUli Seydell-Johnson, the Parks and Recreation Director He said this
may or may not be an opportunity, but he thought it was very interesting and wanted to share
the information
Boyd said the City of Ottumwa has, through a public/private partnership between the City,
Wapello County, and private development, really restored a lot of its historic storefronts. He
said the work done there is really driving a lot in the community in terms of engaging in
downtown. a lot of community events, pop-up stores - some of which have become permanent
stores, etc. Boyd said they have added a lot of housing diversity to the community. He said it
was a great example of how historic preservation can help both build community and help with
economic development in a community like Ottumwa,
Boyd discussed the Dubuque Heart Program. He said that the non-profit Four Mounds in
Dubuque, through the Heart Program, works with the Dubuque School District to identify mostly
high-risk students Boyd said they attend a half day of learning techniques that are not taught
as much anymore to use on older homes, such as window restoration and plaster repair.
Boyd said they have been doing this long enough that some graduates of the program have
taken the knowledge and have businesses to provide these types of services. He said that the
neighborhood north of downtown has been historically troubled, but this program has taken
sometimes a whole block at once and rehabilitated it. Boyd said that a lot of these students in
the program are residents of the neighborhood, and this is reshaping the neighborhood and
reshaping the lives of these people.
Boyd said that at the conference there was a lot of discussion with other commission members
and people from around the country about the work they are doing to make sure historic
properties are celebrated. He said that Iowa City's Historic Preservation Commission is doing
that with the grant for the Tate Arms Building and the Iowa Federation Home.
Boyd said that some of the recognition consists of plaques, some is social -media driven, and
some of it uses mapping software, He said it involves the democratization of historic
preservation in that it gives people somewhere to share their own stories about places that add
to a richer history.
Bristow agreed that the mapping is an interesting concept. She discussed the Lucas Farms
Neighborhood, where neighbors are very active and engaged Bristow said that in some cases,
we have historic resources that we know nothing about. She said the first step for that is a kind
of windshield survey of what is there, what the ages are of the houses, and what the styles are.
Bristow said that volunteers ceuld do that type of work, with mapping applications that can be
done on a phone.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
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Bristow said there is also potential for tying together sustainability and historic preservation.
She said they work together well, and adding a little bit of sustainability to each section of the
guidelines could help a lot with that.
Bristow said there are also some opportunities for education. She said there could be sessions
for design reviews and other things. Boyd said that one city appointed a high school student
who was interested in historic preservation to its commission.
Bristow stated that there is a potential for an emergency project on a local landmark building
that is downtown. She said that it is a signage issue, which comes to the Commission
automatically, Bristow asked if Commission members would be able to attend a special
meeting if it is called for this project.
Boyd said the Commission is technically scheduled to potentially meet on the fourth Thursdays
of the month but has not needed to historically, He said this business is a downtown historic
landmark, and the Commission should try to be as responsive as possible. Bristow agreed but
added that an application has to be submitted at least 24 hours before a meeting to allow time
for it to be reviewed and to get it on the agenda.
Bristow said she will give the date of the 23rd as a potential option and let the applicant know
that consideration will be based on being able to have a scheduled meeting.
Agran said he has been asked about the status of the downtown survey and about whether
facade funds could be available from the City. Bristow said there have been some delays. She
said that the Commission's project creates a multi -property document, which is the long story of
downtown. Bristow said that it will create a report and site inventory forms.
Bristow said that part of the story is the City's urban renewal. She said this was submitted to the
State for comments, but it turns out that the State will not even be able to review it until October
3 Bristow said that the City has therefore pulled back and decided not to do that.
Bristow said that now it's a matter of figuring out the timing for a public meeting and having a
review of it coming to the Commission. She said the Commission will read the report and
review the documents to some degree. Bristow said then the Commission will make some
determination on a National Register as soon as possible, partly because that makes funding
available to people, although that process takes at least a year,
Bristow said then it would be up to the Commission or a Commission subcommittee to
determine local district designation and the timing for that. She said that it would probably
happen soon but likely after national designation process has begun.
Bristow said there is a potential for the report to come to the Commission for the September
meeting, but it may not be until October. She said the public meeting will also happen in this
time period from early September through mid-October.
ADJOURNMENT.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 p.m
Minutes submitted by Anne Schulte
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2017-2018
KEY
X = Present
O = Absent
OlE = Absent/Excused
-- = Not a Mec ber
TERM
I
9714
16112
1V9
12114
1111
218
3(8
4112
5110
6174
I
7112
819
NAME
EXP
--
ASEAN, THOMAS
6!30120
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
x
X 1
SHE
X
BAKER, ESTHER
6130118X
x
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
—
—
BOYD. KEVIN
6/30/20 ��
01E '..
X
x
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X '..
X
BUILTA, ZACH
6730119
X
X
X
X
X01E
X
X
X
X
BURFORD, HELEN
61302-1
CLORE, GOSIA
6730120
X
X
X
01Ek'XX
X
O!E
DEGRAW,SHARON
6730119
X
X
X
O/E
X '..
X
O!E
KARR,G. T.
6130120
X
X
X
X
JX
X
O!E
X
KUENZLI. CECILE
6130119 '.
X
CE !
X
X
X '..
O!E
DIE
MICHAUD, PAM
6130118
X
X (
X
X
X '�..
--PITZEN,
QUENTIN
6130127
--
X
X
SHOPE, LEE
613m21
--
--
--
--X
X
SWAIM, GINALIE
6130118
X
X
O!E
X
X
X
XWAGNER,
FRANK
6!30118
O/E
X
X
01E
X
X
X
—
—
KEY
X = Present
O = Absent
OlE = Absent/Excused
-- = Not a Mec ber
Item Number: 4.b.
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
October 2, 2018
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Historic Preservation Commission: August 23
MINUTES
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
HELLING CONFERENCE ROOM
AUGUST 23, 2018
APPROVED
MEMBERS PRESENT Thomas Agran, Kevin Boyd, Zach Builta, Sharon DeGraw, G. T.
Karr, Cecile KuenZh, Quentin Pitzen, Lee Shope
MEMBERS ABSENT: Helen Burford, Gosia Clore
STAFF PRESENT Jessica Bristow
OTHERS PRESENT
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (become effective only after separate Council action)
CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Boyd called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANYTHING NOT ON THE AGENDA:
There was none
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS:
115 South Dubuque Street - Franklin Printing House.
Bristow said this building is both listed on the National Register of Historic Places and a local
landmark. She showed where it is located in the downtown area
Bristow showed a corner shot of the building. She said it is a pre -Civil War Building, built in
1856. Bristow said the site inventory form discusses its Victorian/Renaissance style. She said
there is a metal cornice and there are metal hoods and little brackets above the windows.
Bristow said there are even metal sills on the windows.
Bristow said that back in 1984, the storefront was rehabilitated. She said that some cast iron
storefront was uncovered. Bristow said that this does not feel like any of it is cast iron, but the
owners apparently at least took cues from that cast iron storefront when they did the work. She
said that some of the detail on the pillars probably mimics what was there on the cast iron
storefront.
Bristow said the project is to add a sign. She said that the vinyl lettering on the window does
not really count as a sign, unless the owner were to block a certain square footage of the glass.
Bristow said the owner wants to have a projecting and illuminated sign to help draw in the
public. She said the guidelines do not really talk about signs at all, so both are referred to the
Secretary of the Interior Standards, which discusses maintaining historic signs, new signs on
historic buildings, the placement and where signs would be historically, taking cues from the
building for the design, and not damaging the building when the sign is installed.
Bristow stated that the Downtown District created its own storefront and signage guidelines.
She said that because preservation practices were taken into consideration to develop those,
staff has looked at those as well.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
August 23, 2018
Patic 2 ora
Bristow said staff sent the guidelines, as shown in the packet, to the signage designers, who
came back with a second version of a design. She said the previous design was very modern,
but the new one has a frame element to it. Bristow said it is painted on, but the black portion
around frames out the sign itself. She said this is different from the company's other signs in
that it takes cues from the building.
Bristow said that because this storefront really frames the opening with the plasters and the sign
board, it is really all about framing. She said that adding a frame element to the sign does
speak a little to the architecture itself. Bristow discussed the size that the sign would be and the
location. She said that it needs to be eight feet off the pavement, and that is met here.
Bristow showed some photographs of some other downtown signs. She said that it was
originally recommended to put the sign in the sign band on the building. Bristow said the letters
would end up very square, instead of linear and thin, so it didn't really fit proportionally within the
sign band. Bristow showed some other downtown signs that are very creative and reflect the
type of business. She showed the signs at Dumpling Darling, Daydream Comics, Prairie Lights
Bookstore, Moonrakers, the Rise, Moss, Ginsburgs, and Pancheres.
Bristow said the downtown is really going toward having these projecting signs. She said it was
seen historically as well, and it catches the pedestrian traffic. Bristow said this really fits with
what is going on downtown and said it is not out of scale.
Bristow stated that the only thing that came close to being objectionable with the building
officials was that signs are not allowed to be just a plastic box with letters painted on it that the
whole box is illuminated. She said that by covering the whole surface with the metal and cutting
out the letters, it is a step away from that. Bristow said they are therefore following the
guidelines
Bristow said, given the fact the owner is putting the sign in a recommended location and it
meets the guidelines for size and location and an effort was made to look at the building a little
more, staff recommends approval.
Kuenzli asked if the Dumpling Darling projecting sign is also electrified. Agran said that it is.
Kuenzli asked if all of that wiring would also be on the new sign. Bristow responded that it may
be possible for them to go through from the inside for the wiring on this one. She said that what
is there for the pillars does not seem original, and she guessed that it is not backed up with
brick.
Kuenzli asked if electrified signs are being encouraged, as none of the others seem to be.
Bristow said she believes it is something that has been okayed. Pitzen asked if it wouldn't be
dependent on the business hours, Bristow said that the representative of the store told her that
for their business, it is really mandatory that they have an illuminated sign.
Kuenzli asked if anyone else finds a lit sign to be objectionable. Agran said that he works for
the Downtown District, and although he is not speaking for them, he does have some
perspective. He said the perspective is that if a business is not illuminated - if the store
windows are not left on or the sign is not illuminated - the impression on people walking by
drops precipitously. Agran said that if one looks at the health of downtown and preserving
downtown as a retail environment, illuminated signs are something that the Downtown District
advocates for.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
August 23, 2018
Page 3 L)1'4
Karr asked if there is actually a code enforcement regarding signs through the Building
Department. Bristow answered that there is a square footage limit. Karr asked for clarification
regarding the plastic part. Agran said that if one thinks of an older sign where the plastic is clear
and the letters are vinyl, essentially backlit, that is the kind of sign that is not allowed.
Karr said he gets the lighting motivation, but was unsure about the plastic. Agran said he
believes it is about the quality of the light. He said it has to do with how much ambient light is
moving through it and how generic the sign is. Karr asked if the overall intent is for the sign to
be seen and look decent. Agran said that all of it is to encourage higher quality and more
innovative signage.
Bristow said on the round shape, it is only the letters that will glow, because it is actually a metal
that is covering the face. She said that the gray and the black is metal, with the letters cut out of
it. She said that it would only be the letters that would have the glow. Bristow said that the
lights above the sign band are actually just part of the building.
Boyd said that the preservation brief says that they kind of default to local ordinances and local
things He said that his take on it is that the default would be the Downtown District Guidelines.
MOTION: Agran moved to approve a certificate of appropriateness for the project at 115
South Dubuque Street as presented in the application. Shope seconded the motion.
Shope said this is a low-key sign. He said it isn't ostentatious or out of place. Shope said he
does not object to the lighting the way it is done. DeGraw said she believes it fits the guideline
criteria.
The motion carried on a vote of 8-0 (Burford and Clore absent
am►�nrar���e�
Bristow said the City is looking for a new minute taker, and she hopes to have someone in place
before the September meeting.
MAILING,
Bristow said that the City Council has directed staff to work with Communications to send out a
mailing for the Jefferson Street and East College Street Historic Districts, because there is not a
representative from either of them. She said that mailing was completed earlier In the day.
Bristow said that for the East College Street Historic District, there were 31 letters that went out
for 26 properties. and for the Jefferson Street District.. there were 37 properties but 111 letters
that went out, because so many of those houses are divided into apartments. She said that a
letter was sent to every occupant, in the hopes of finding someone to be a representative for
that district.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 5 51 p m.
Minutes submitted by Anne Schulte
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2018
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
CIE = AbsentnExcused
-- = Not a Member
TERM
NAME
EXP
10112
1119
12114
1171
2Bt3/8
k112
5110
6114
7112
815
8123
AGRAN, THOMAS
613720
x
x
X
X
X
X
X
X
CIE
X
X
BAKER,ESTHER
6/30116
x
x
x
x
X
X
X
X
BOYD, KEVIN
6130120
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
XXBUILTA,
EACH
6130119
X
X
X
x
OIE
X
X
x
X
ix
XXBURFORD,
HELEN
6130121x
WE
CLORE, GOSIA
613020
X
X
OIE
OIE
X
DIE
X
X
X
X
CIE
OtE
DEGRAW, SHARON
6130/19
X
X
01E
X
X
X
X
x (
X
x
CIE
x
KARR, G. T.
6130120
X
X
X
X
x
x
X
X
X
CIE
X
x
KUENZLI, CECILE
6130119
CIE
X
X
x
x
X
X
X
X
CIE
X
MICHAUD, PAM
6130118
X
X
X
%
X
X
X
X
--
--
--
PITZEN, C]UENTIN
6130121
--
--
--
—
'', --
--
!. ..
_
_
X
X
X
SHORE, LEE
sfa0121
--
--
—
-.
--
--
--
--
__
X
X
X
AIM, GINALIE
bWVAAG
6130178
XOlE
X
X
X
x
XNER,
FRANK
6130118
X
X
CIE
CIE
X
X
X
X
X
—
—
--
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
CIE = AbsentnExcused
-- = Not a Member
Item Number: 4.c.
tr
'cmgz�,
CITY OF IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
October 2, 2018
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Housing & Community Development Commission: July 10
r
CITY OF IOWA CITY
� ViOF�`HNr"UM
Date: September 21, 2018
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Kirk Lehmann, Community Development Planner
Re: Recommendations from Housing and Community Development Commission
At their September 20th meeting, the Housing and Community Development Commission
approved the July 10, 2018 meeting with the following recommendations to the City Council:
1. By a vote of 8-0 the Commission recommends that the final recommendations for the
Aid to Agencies process discussed in the meeting and summarized prior to the motion
be sent to Council for review and approval.
2. By a vote of 8-0 the Commission recommends the FY19 Round 2 HOME Investment
Partnerships Program funds be allocated as follows: $4,000 to The Housing Fellowship
for operating expenses, $87,034 to The Housing Fellowship for rental rehabilitation, and
$93,966 to Shelter House for the Fairweather Lodge project.
3. By a vote of 8-0 the Commission recommends to modify the sentence in the Annexation
Comprehensive Plan Amendment beginning "In determining the most desirable option"
to conclude with "preference shall be weighted toward options that support economic,
educational, and community building opportunities for all residents and help achieve
better socioeconomic balance among Iowa City neighborhoods and among schools in
the Iowa City Community School District."
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
JULY 10, 2018 — 6:30 PM
EMMA J. HARVAT HALL, CITY HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Megan Alter, Mitch Brouse, Charlie Eastham, Vanessa Fixmer-Oraiz,
Christine Harms, John McKinstry, Maria Padron and Paula Vaughan
MEMBERS ABSENT: Bob Lamkins
STAFF PRESENT: Kirk Lehmann, Erika Kubly, Tracy Hightshoe
OTHERS PRESENT: Sara Barron, Kari Wilken, Roger Lusala, Vicki Rush, Crissy Canganelli,
Erin Sullivan, Heath Brewer, Tracey Achenbach, Maryann Dennis
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL:
By a vote of 8-0 the Commission recommends that the final recommendations for the Aid to Agencies
process discussed in the meeting and summarized prior to the motion be sent to Council for review and
approval
By a vote of 8-0 the Commission recommends the FY19 Round 2 HOME Investment Partnerships
Program funds be allocated as follows$4,000 to The Housing Fellowship for operating expenses,
$87,034 to The Housing Fellowship for rental rehabilitation, and $93,966 to Shelter House for the
Fairweather Lodge project.
By a vote of 8-0 the Commission recommends to modify the sentence in the Annexation Comprehensive
Plan Amendment beginning ''In determining the most desirable option" to conclude with ''preference shall
be weighted toward options that support economic, educational, and community building opportunities for
all residents and help achieve better socioeconomic balance among Iowa City neighborhoods and among
schools in the Iowa City Community School District,"
CALL MEETING TO ORDER:
Vaughn called the meeting to order at 6'30 PM and welcomed the new members Alter and Brouse.
APPROVAL OF THE JUNE 21, 2018 MINUTES:
Eastham moved to approve the minutes of June 21, 2018 with corrections, Fixmer-Oraiz seconded the
motion. A vote was taken and the motion passed 8-0
PUBLIC COMMENT FOR TOPICS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
Sara Barron (Executive Director, Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition) first welcomed Alter and
Brouse to HCDC, second she wanted to announce that the Affordable Housing Coalition is starting its
membership drive, July through September, and wanted to extend the invitation to members of HCDC. I
HCDC members are worried about quorum issues, they can become a nonvoting member to avoid any
conflicts. Finally Barron stated she came today straight from a meeting in Des Moines where they were
Housing and Community Development Commission
July 10, 2018
Page 2 of 8
having a meeting for a coalition that is forming across the state that is called The Iowa Housing
Partnership and they provide a summary of housing costs across the state. Barron shared that right now
in Johnson County the average hourly wage necessary to afford an honest fair -market rate two-bedroom
apartment is $18.32 per hour. Barron closed by saying thank you to the Commission for the work they
are doing to create reasonable affordable housing options in Iowa City,
NOMINATE AND ELECT OFFICERS:
McKinstry moved that Paula Vaughn be nominated chair and Vanessa Fixmer-Oraiz be nominated as
vice chair, Harms seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion passed 8-0.
OVERVIEW OF HCDC PURPOSE, FUNDING SOURCES, AND SCHEDULE
Kubly and Lehmann gave an overview of the purpose and funding sources for HCDC. Kubly began
reviewing the City's Neighborhood Services Division, which is part of the Neighborhood and Development
Services. The Neighborhood Services Division in made up for four groups (1) Community Development
(2) Housing Authority (3) Housing Inspection Services and (4) Neighborhood Outreach. Most of the items
HCDC sees are through Community Development which administers CDBG, HOME and other similar
funding sources and policies (i.e. inclusionary housing, fee in lieu of, low income tax credits, etc.). They
also have housing rehab programs and the UniverCity Neighborhood Partnership. The Housing Authority
assists over 1200 low income families to acquire and maintain affordable housing with rental and home
ownership programs. They have Housing Choice Vouchers, Veteran's Housing Choice Vouchers, 81
Public Housing units, and also offer homeownership and family self-sufficiency programs. Housing
Inspection Services oversees rental permits and the Housing Code, inspecting over 4500 rental
properties and over 19,000 units. They also deal with complaints and nuisance issues (i e. tall grass or
snow removal) Finally, Neighborhood Outreach coordinates 30 -some neighborhood associations and
the Neighborhood Council program that seeks to improve neighborhoods.
Kubly explained that the CDBG program started with the Housing and Community Development Act of
1974, the goals include providing safety and sanitary housing, provide a suitable living environment and
expand economic opportunities, Iowa City receives these funds as an entitlement community because
we have a population greater than 50,000, so it receives annual grants from HUD One key with CDBG is
that recipients must meet one of the three national objectives (1) benefit low- and moderate -income
persons (2) prevent or eliminate slums or blight and (3) assist with an urgent need (disaster situation).
The HOME Investment Partnership is the other main source of funding and it developed out of the
Cranston -Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act of 1990 and it also provides formula grants to
affordable housing activities such as rental and/or homeownership acquisition, rehabilitation, or
construction, in addition to direct rental assistance, Households that receive HUD assistance must be at
or below 80% of the area medium income and 90% of those must below 60% of the area medium
income. There are also numerous other requirements. Regarding this year's funding, the City received
around $685,000 in CDBG and $585,000 in HOME funding, The City also contributes about $280,000 to
Aid to Agencies, which is enhance with CDBG funds, and they also contribute $200,000 to the GRIP
rehab program and $180,000 to the UniverCity program, While that is not all the City does, it provides a
few highlights. Kubly next shared the income and rent limits. Currently, a household of four in Iowa City
would have to make less than $69,600 to qualify for CDBG or HOME and a three bedroom home
maximum rent would be about $1400 per month,
Kubly noted they do a lot of planning and reporting related to the Federal funding, including the
Consolidated Plan (CITY STEPS) which is updated every five years, The most recent is CITY STEPS
2016-2020, and the City will begin updating that next year. It is a framework for community wide dialogue
to identify housing and community development priorities and is used to determine where the City will
allocate their federal entitlement funds. The priorities the Commission sees when they get applications for
funding (high, medium, low priorities) all come from Consolidated Plan, Kubly stated the Annual Action
Plan, which was just completed, is a summary of actions, resources and activities to address priorities
and goals in the Consolidated Plan each year, typically done 45 days before the start of the program
Housing and Community Development Commission
July 10, 2018
Page 3 of 8
year. The City is also required to do a CAPER which is a report at the end of the fiscal year that
assesses progress made towards achieving strategic plan goals and it is due 90 days after June 3D. A
couple additional documents Staff will be working on are the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing,
which reviews laws, regulations and administration of policies, procedures and practices and how those
may affect the location availability and accessibility of housing. This is done every five years. It also
assesses conditions, both public and private, affecting fair housing choice for all protected classes and
assesses the availability of affordable, accessible housing in a range of unit sizes. The other document is
the Citizen Participation Plan which lays out public hearing requirements, amendments and adoption
procedures, and public comment periods to assure the City allows residents, particularly low income
residents, an opportunity to participate in the planning of how the City uses the funds.
Lehmann stated this review of policies and procedures is important to understand all the factors that go
into the allocation decisions. He then reviewed the FY19 Commission calendar which was included in the
agenda packet.
Eastham requested that during the Analysis of Impediments process the Commission be kept informed of
what the Staff is discovering and including as they go through the process and perhaps have some
chance for input on the final report. Lehmann agreed and noted his plan is to involved a steering
committee for the process and include some members of HCDC on that committee to help direct the
process. Hightshoe added that in the past consultants have been hired to help with the process, five
years ago the City hired The University of Iowa to assist, this is the first time they will be doing it all in-
house so they are working out the process.
REVIEW AND CONSIDER FINAL RECOMMENDATION FOR THE AID TO AGENCIES PROCESS
Lehmann note the subcommittee drafted a memo to City Council (included in the agenda packet) that
HCDC can use to clarify any final items before the memo is ready to be sent to Council. In the memo,
highlighted items still need to be addressed. Some questions remaining include a discussion of emerging
agency funding and the size its set-aside, what the funding minimums will be, the criteria needed for
application materials, and finally what percentage to dedicate to high, medium, and low priorities.
Eastham stated the subcommittee recommended a set-aside for emerging agencies of $15,000 per year,
and he personally would be comfortable with that. Padron asked how many of last year's applicants were
emerging versus legacy. Lehmann said six of the applicants last year were new. Vaughn noted if they do
the $15,000 that is divided as $5,000 minimum then they would be able to fund three agencies. She
added they should perhaps put in a contingency that if there are not three emerging applicants in a year
than the leftover funds should be allocated to legacy agencies. Eastham agreed noting any set -asides
that are not used should go back to the main allocation purposes. Fixmer-Oraiz stated HCDC could also
recommend allocating more than $5,000 to an emerging agency if the application deemed appropriate
and funding was available. Padron suggested it should be a percentage rather than set dollar amount for
the set-aside because if the federal allocations could go up or down significantly. Lehmann noted if using
a percentage, $15,000 would have been around 3.8% of this year's funding allocation. Eastham agrees
that a percentage might be better. Fixmer-Oraiz said stating 5% would be fine, they just want to make
sure they are not taking a huge amount of funding away from the other agencies. Eastham noted it is
important to fund the emerging agencies so the community of agencies can keep growing.
The Commission next discussed if emerging agencies should have to have been funded for two years of
a five year period prior to being able to be considered for legacy funding. Or perhaps an agency must
have been in business for five years prior to being considered for legacy funding. Eastham feels it would
be hard for a new organization to maintain existence with unknown funding over a five year period.
Fixmer-Oraiz noted that the funding amounts for emerging agencies is not enough to make or break an
agency, it is just enough to help with a small project or simple things like office supplies, equipment, etc.
HCDC agreed on a 5% set-aside for emerging agencies, with minimum application amount of
$5,000. If not all set-aside funding is not used it will be used in legacy funding allocations.
Emerging agencies must be funded from emerging funds for two years prior to being able to apply
for legacy funding.
Housing and Community Development Commission
July 10, 2018
Page 4 of 8
Additionally the legacy funding will be guaranteed for a two-year period moving forward so they can plan
accordingly. Hightshoe noted that if funding is decreased significantly in year two, the allocations to each
legacy agency would be adjusted accordingly, that disclaimer would be made known to the agencies.
Eastham noted the amounts of federal funding haven't changed drastically over the past few years.
Fixmer-Oraiz stated that when the subcommittee met with the agencies it was noted that these funds they
receive from the City are unrestricted and very beneficial to the agencies, even in the smaller amounts, so
the overall good of what HCDC is doing is important and with the updated application process it is more
streamlined and she feels the overall process is improved and beneficial for the agencies and not a
burden on staff.
Lehmann suggested there be staggering of legacy allocations in the first two years of this process
so that all legacy funding is not on the same cycle. Additionally legacy funding could be prorated
accordingly if funding has significant increase or decrease. Agencies must exist for a two-year
period and have received Aid to Agency funding in the past five-year period to be eligible for
legacy funding. HCDC agreed.
The next highlighted area to discuss concerned the dedication of percentages to high, medium and low
priorities to spread funding throughout the groups. Lehmann said the subcommittee suggested 60% to
high, 30% to medium and 10% to low and he looked at what the allocations in the past had been and it
came out to be around 63% to high priorities, 36% to medium and 1% to low, so perhaps low and medium
priorities should be together in one percentage group and just do a 60140 split. Eastham suggested 70%
for high priority, there is a reason why they are listed in the high priority category. McKinstry agrees and
supports that suggestion. Fixmer-Oraiz also supports the 70% but would like to keep medium and low
priorities separated. Hightshoe raised the concern regarding setting these percentages and pigeonholing
allocations, perhaps there would not be a low priority application the Commission would deem
appropriate to fund in a given year, then what. Eastham said those percentages can be treated as set -
asides and if not used for medium or low priorities, could be used for high priorities. Brouse noted that
the historical allocations show this approximate percentage split so is there a need to set it. Fixmer-Oraiz
said the feeling was low priority applications would never get funded due to all the high and medium
priority applications and this was a way to acknowledge the low priorities are still priorities and should be
considered. McKinstry doesn't feel these need to be hard and fast percentages, but rather just guidelines
of what HCDC is trying to accomplish and have some flexibility to follow the vision of the citizens and
community needs. Padron noted that one of the comments from meeting with the agencies was it
seemed as if HCDC was just funding agencies that all do the same work, so by splitting up the allocation
it may help give funding opportunities to other types of agencies. Lehmann noted that when reviewing
applications staff will make a first blush on what category each application falls into and HCDC can agree
or move around the priority categories. By using language that these percentages are a guideline, then
they would not need the language regarding the number of points an application must have to be in
consideration.
HCDC agreed on setting a goal of an allocation split of 70% of funds to high priorities, and set-
aside 25% to medium and 5% to low priorities. If not all set-aside funding is not used it can be
used in other priority funding allocations.
The final area to discuss is the ranking criteria to be used. Eastham noted one change is Staff will be
making an initial recommendation of rankings of priority levels. Vaughn asked about "project will be
sustained after CDBG funds end", if the funds are used for a repair project, it is a one-time project.
Hightshoe said that would be a public facility project (such as a rehab) and these are just for public
service funding (staff, utilities, etc.). Other points on the application were discussed and reviewed by the
Commission for clarification. There was discussion on whether leveraging should be a deciding factor for
the legacy agencies. Eastham noted he is not in favor of keeping leveraging as part of the scoring
criteria, all agencies will be applying and receiving funds from multiple sources, no agency can exist on
the City funding alone. Harms thinks it is good to ask what other funding sources an agency has and
expect to receive any given year. Fixmer-Oraiz stated as agencies move from emerging to legacy it may
be informative to have this information and could be helpful in decision making. Vaughn said that is often
something HCDC asks of the agencies when they come to present their applications.
Housing and Community Development Commission
July 10, 2018
Page 5 of 8
HCDC agreed the funding criteria questions will be answered as such: number 2.1 will remain,
number 2.3 will be sustained and number 3.1 be clarified as it is the area medium income amount
Additionally the language will be changed from project to agency in the legacy application.
Eastham moved that the final recommendations for the Aid to Agencies process discussed in the
meeting and summarized prior to the motion be sent to Council for review and approval. Fixmer-
Oraiz seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion passed 8-0.
RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL REGARDING APPLICATIONS FOR THE FY19 ROUND 2
HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM (HOME) FUNDING — applications available online at
http://www.icgov.oro/actionplan :
Lehmann noted they had received two letters in advance, Habitat for Humanity as well as Mayor's Youth
responded. He said when reviewing the applications it might be easiest to start where there are federal
requirements, and in this care there is a requirement that at least $87,034 go to a community housing
development organization, and that in this round, the only eligible housing development organization is
The Housing Fellowship. The $87,034 allocation cannot be for operation expenses, it has to be for the
production of units, which would include rental rehabilitation.
Eastham stated he would support allocating $87,034 to The Housing Fellowship for rental rehabilitation.
All other Commissioners agreed.
Vaughn then asked about the operating grant. Lehmann said there is a maximum for that, but The
Housing Fellowship's request for the $8,000 for salary support is within that limit, This will be in addition
the funds already allocated to them for CHDO operating expenses.
Maryann Dennis (Executive Director, The Housing Fellowship) stated when discussing scoring the
application she thinks the CHDO operating score is used in the leveraging of the funds and for this project
The Housing Fellowship is putting in almost half a million dollars of their own money for operations. The
request for salary support for the CFO is because they have five separate audits each year to complete
each year and she doesn't believe there is any other agency in Johnson County that does what they do
and any other agency that receives HOME funds and has five separate audits each year. Having so
many audits means the financial officer has be skilled.
Alter noted her question was to understand how to apply the application criteria to a situation where the
funds were not going directly for a project and rather a salary. Dennis agreed that scoring these
applications can be very difficult.
Eastham recommends funding for two projects. One is The Housing Fellowships rehab and the other is
the Shelter House Fairweather Lodge project. He recommends an allocation of $97,966 to the Shelter
House, as the Shelter House program as a clearly established purpose and fits in very well with the
needs of the community for group living. With regards to The Housing Fellowships CHDO operating
application, it is meritorious but this is supplemental funding and The Housing Fellowship received
$21,000 in operation funding in the earlier funding round. Harms agrees and feels the Shelter House
should be allocated the remaining funds. Padron and Brouse also agree.
Fixmer-Oraiz agrees the Shelter House project has great merit and deserves the funding, however would
like to allocate some funding, not necessarily the entire $8,000 to The Housing Fellowship operating
costs. McKinstry agrees and suggests to fill in the additional $4,000 that wasn't part of the allocation in
the previous funding round.
Brouse moved that the FY19 Round 2 HOME Investment Partnerships Program funds be allocated
as follows: $4,000 to The Housing Fellowship for operating expenses, $87,034 to The Housing
Fellowship for rental rehabilitation, and $93,966 to Shelter House for the Fairweather Lodge
project, Harms seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion passed 8-0.
Housing and Community Development Commission
July 10, 2018
Page 6 of 8
CLARIFY REVIEW OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING LOCATION MODEL INTENT
Hightshoe stated as the subcommittee drafts the memo to Council they need clarification from the
Commission on the specific questions being asked, The Commission indicated a need for racial equity
analysis or tool kit for the Affordable Housing Location Model, but is there a specific question to be
answered.
Eastham noted he wrote a brief memo that he circulated to the Commission and the question he is
interested in having answered is with the population currently within the Affordable Housing Location
Model current map areas, are those areas disproportionately black, Hispanic, and Asian resident. He
pointed out in his memo the equity tool kit application that Stephanie Bowers describes in her memo
could answer his question and go a step further to identify the impact and to ensure any negative impacts
are mitigated.
Fixmer-Oraiz was on the subcommittee as well and noted it became apparent there are overlays of policy
that are contradictory and impact where affordable housing is being located. Lehmann said that has
some clarity that he was unaware of earlier, because the Affordable Housing Location Model only affects
new general rental properties (it doesn't affect projects for those with disabilities), there is also a fee in
lieu that developers can take for inclusionary zoning polices. This is in place because there is a lot of
land in southeast Iowa City that may be developed soon, but it is already heavily populated with low
income areas and the Affordable Housing Location Model won't allow new general purpose rental units in
that location.
Eastham noted that census data does not show that the southern part of Iowa City is predominately low
income, it shows it is a bit different than the rest of Iowa City, but not drastically different. Eastham feels if
there was a more in-depth analysis of distribution of lower income students within currently established
school attendance areas, is actually less than percentage of students in those schools, The
Superintendent of Schools has directed the School Board to change the school's enrollment policies so
families cannot so readily move from one attendance area to another attendance area. If that was done
then the free lunch program numbers at the schools would actually decrease, Eastham believes the
relationships between lower income residents and students in free lunch programs is not as
straightforward as it is portraying.
Hightshoe noted as staff that is not something they can change, the Council's directive is to look at the
free lunch program in attendance areas as an indicator for the Affordable Housing Location Model.
Hightshoe also noted the fee in lieu policy is only for the inclusionary zoning in the Riverfront Crossings
District, If a fee in lieu of is proposed in an annexation it has to be approved by Council and then the fees
go into the affordable housing fund.
REIVEW ANNEXATION POLICY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT:
Hightshoe noted staff took this amendment to Council at the last meeting with regards to the annexation
policy and affordable housing goals. It was brought up in HCDC last month that perhaps the statement
should be noting there was a sentence the should be revised to have a positive tone and not negative
(removing the word burden). Mayor Throgmorton suggested the following amendment to modify the
sentence to "In determining the most desirable option preference shall be weighted toward options that
help achieve better socioeconomic balance among Iowa City neighborhoods and among schools in the
Iowa City Community School District."
Eastham suggested an edit to the Mayors sentence and stated he feels it is important the wording
recognizes opportunities for people to live across the community as one and doesn't divide it into
neighborhoods,
Eastham moved to modify the sentence beginning "In determining the most desirable option" to
conclude with "preference shall be weighted toward options that support economic, educational,
and community building opportunities for all residents and help achieve better socioeconomic
balance among Iowa City neighborhoods and among schools in the Iowa City Community School
District." McKinstry seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion passed 8-0.
Housing and Community Development Commission
July 10, 2018
Page 7 of 8
STAFFICOM MISSION COMMENT:
Lehmann noted there is no meeting in August
Hightshoe announced the Best Health Symposium went well.
ADJOURNMENT:
McKinstry moved to adjourn. Alter seconded. Passed 8-0
Housing and Community Development Commission
Attendance Record
Name
Terns Exp.
8117
9121
10130
11116
12118
1123
2115
3115
4119
5124
6121
7110
Alter, Megan
6130121
--
--
--
--
--
—
—
--
--
—
--
X
Brouse, Mitch
6130121
--
--
--
--
--
—
—
--
--
—
--
X
Conger, Syndy
6130118
X
X
X
CIE
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
--
Eastham, Charlie
6130/20
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Fixmer-Oraiz, Vanessa
6130720
X
X
X
X
X
X
OKE
X
CIE
X
X
X
Harms, Christine
6!3jXX
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Lamkins, Bob
613
X
OIE
X
X
CIE
X
OIE
X
O(E
O1E
alcKinstry, John
613
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
OIE
X
Olmstead, Harry
613OIE
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
—
Padron, Maria
613
X
X
X
X
OIE
OKE
X
X
X
X
X
OKE
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Key:
X
= Present
O
=Absent
OIE
=Absent/Excused
--
= Vacant
tr
'cmgz�l
CITY OF IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
October 2, 2018
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Human Rights Commission: August 21
Item Number: 4.d.
Minutes
Human Rights Commission
August 21, 2018
Helping Conference Room
APPROVED
Members Present: Leff Falk, Cathy McGinnis, Eliza Willis, Barbara Kutzko, Tahuanty Perna,
Bijou Maliabo, Joe Coulter.
Members Absent: Adil Adams, Jonathon Munoz,
Staff Present: Stefanie Bova-ers.
Others Present: Debra Briggs.
Call to Order:
\\-'illis called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM.
Approval of JuIv 17, 2018 Meeting Minutes:
Coulter moved to approve the minutes with one amendment; the motion was seconded by Pena.
A vote was taken and the motion passed 7-0,
Correspondence:
Staff will send out a pdF of the social justice and racial equity awardccs horn fiscal year 2017.
Staff will also send out the link to the Council Work Session featti-ino Dr. Barnum discussing
Disproportionate Minority Contact and police traffic stops from 2016-2017. The work session
was held on August 21, 2018.
Iowa Finance Authority:
Affordable housing programs offered by the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) include mortgage and
down payment assistance as well as programs that assist in the development and preservation of
affordable rental properties. Debra Briggs is a Compliance Officer with the IFA and formerly
"Orked for the Iowa City Housing Authority.
Strategic Planning Subcommittees:
McGinnis`, Coulter. Maliabo (Public Safety); Adams*, Falk, Munoz (Community
Outreach/Support); Falk, Willis*, Kutzko, Pena (Education); Falk*, Coulter, Adams, Pena
(Housing). Asterisks note subcommittee chairs.
Public Safety: is working on arranging a walk through at the Police Substation.
Community Outreach: visited with the Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County, Director and
Youth Director. The nonprofit organization is strapped for cash and has had to cease evening
activity unless events are funded by an outside organization or agency.
Education: to build trust between students, parents, and administrators, a junior high will be
selected to work on regaining this needed factor in student achievement. The end goal is to
improve relationships and to create a model that can be implemented at other schools.
Minutes
Human Rights Commission
August 21, 2018
Helling Conference Room
APPROVED
Housing: staff will work with Falk on arranging meetings with Habitat for Humanity and other
providers of affordable housing including Neighborhood and Development Services at the City.
Request for Fundin4:
Roll Bounce: is a fundraising and skating event for the entire community. All funds raised at the
event go to an Iowa non-profit that is making strides in helping underrepresented and
underprivileged communities in the state of Iowa. McGinnis moved to decline the request, the
motion was seconded by Coulter. A vote was taken and the motion passed 7-0.
Empowerment Summit: will bring in diverse voices from all areas of campus and in the
community to present to students on campus to empower them with their own autonomy_ and
identity. Coulter moved to decline the request, the motion was seconded by Maliabo. A vote was
taken and the motion passed 7-0.
Staff will add a clause to the funding form to ask specifically about how the event supports
human rights in Iowa City. Coulter moved to approve the amendment, the motion was seconded
by Kutzko. A vote was taken and the motion passed 7-0.
University of Iowa Lecture Series: will bring rapper, actor, poet, Common to campus for a
cultural event. Coulter moved to decline, the motion was seconded by Falk. A vote was taken
and the motion passed 7-0.
Back to School Summer Jam: a community event with free food and school supplies for area
Youth. Coulter moved to fund in the amount of $350, this was seconded by Pena. A vote was
taken and the motion passed 7-0.
Proclamations:
Pena will accept the National Hispanic Heritage Month proclamation at the Council meeting of
September 18 on behalf of the Commission.
Coulter will accept the Indigenous Peoples proclamation in October on behalf of the
Commission.
Social Justice and Racial Equity Grant:
The Commission wilt hold two informational sessions on the grant on Tuesday, November 13.
There will be a session over the noon hour and another in the evening. Commissioners will assist
in spreading the word on the grant and these sessions to communities that they belong to. hhc
Council has asked that the Commission intentionally reach out to organizations that assist
persons with a disability or who serve an immigrant population. McGinnis, Coulter, Willis and
Maliabo will be available to assist at the sessions.
Minutes APPROVED
Human Rights Commission
August 21, 2018
Helling Conference Room
ADA Celebration Report:
Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon spoke at the annual event.
Human Rights Breakfast:
The event will be held on October 24. The keynote will be Tammy Nyden, a professor at
Grinnell College and an advocate for persons with mental illness. The commission would like
her to discuss the role mental illness plays in the school to prison pipeline.
Reports of Commissioners:
McGinnis noted the IIarm Reduction Summit is being held September 24-28, 2018 on the
University of Iowa campus. Some of the events are offered at no cost to attend.
Kutzko is on the University of Iowa's school of Social Work Diversity & Social
.Justice Committee. The Committee is working on doing more hands-on community events.
Palk is teaching a class at the Oakdale Medical and Classification Center on probability and
statistics.
Reports of Staff:
An Implicit Bias trainin, will he held in September that is open to all City board and commission
members as well as staff to those boards.
Adjournment: Motion to adjourn at 7:29 PM.
1 -he next Commission meeting will be on Tuesday, September 18, 2018.
Member Attendance Sheet
Item Number: 4.e.
tr
'cmgz�,
CITY OF IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
October 2, 2018
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Planning & Zoning Commission: August 16
r
= 1
CITY O F IOWA C1TY
`5 MEMORANDUM
Date: September 11, 2018
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Anne Russett, Senior Planner
Re: Recommendations from Planning & Zoning Commission
At their September 6, 2018 meeting the Planning & Zoning Commission approved the August 16
minutes with the following recommendation to the City Council:
By a vote of 6-0 the Commission recommend adoption of the following proposed amendment to
14 -2G -3B -2d of the Iowa City Municipal Code by the Iowa City Council
d. Residential uses are not allowed within required retail storefronts, as specified in the
riverfront crossings regulating plan, except in the Central Crossings subdistrict for
housing subsidized by a federal or state program that requires at least 60 percent of
the units to be rent and income restricted.
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
AUGUST 16,2018-7:00 PM—FORMAL MEETING
EMMA J. HARVAT HALL, CITY HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Larry Baker, Mike Hensch, Phoebe Martin, Max Parsons, Mark
Signs, Billie Townsend
MEMBERS ABSENT: Carolyn Dyer
STAFF PRESENT: Sue Dulek, Anne Russett
OTHERS PRESENT: Mary Ann Dennis, Sara Barron
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL:
By a vote of 6-0 the Commission recommend adoption of the following proposed amendment to
14 -2G -3B -2d of the Iowa City Municipal Code by the Iowa City Council:
d. Residential uses are not allowed within required retail storefronts, as specified in the
riverfront crossings regulating plan, except in the Central Crossings subdistrict for housing
subsidized by a federal or state program that requires at least 60 percent of the units to be rent
and income restricted.
Hensch called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA:
None.
ZONING CODE AMENDMENT ITEM (ZCA18-00001):
Discussion of Amendments to Title 14, Zoning of the Iowa City Municipal Code related to
Required Retail Storefronts in the Riverfront Crossings Central Crossings Subdistrict.
Russett noted this is specifically an amendment to the Riverfront Crossings Form Based Code
to allow affordable housing in areas identified as required retail storefronts on the Riverfront
Crossings regulating plan within the Central Crossings subdistrict.
The City adopted the Riverfront Crossings Master Plan in 2014. The master plan identifies
areas of the district for ground floor retail with the intention of creating a vibrant, active, and
pedestrian- friendly environment. These key retail nodes were selected due to existing or future
conditions that would enhance the streetscape. Furthermore, the plan recognizes that the
ground floor in these areas would initially be utilized for residential uses until the market demand
for retail increases. Riverfront Crossings Form Based Plan includes a regulating plan that
identifies locations where ground floor retail is required. Russett noted that unlike the Master
Plan there is no flexibility in the Form Based Code for residential uses in these areas.
Planning and Zoning Commission
August 16, 2018
Page 2 of 6
The Riverfront Crossings' form-based code includes an affordable housing obligation. Projects
that contain at least 10 dwelling units must provide affordable housing units in an amount equal
to or greater than 10% of the total number of dwelling units in the project. Currently there is a
City-supported housing project that is located within one of these areas where ground floor retail
is required. Russett highlighted several properties in the area, the first is 620 South Dubuque
Street. The project includes 36 residential units and received a height bonus to five stories due
to the owner's commitment to providing 15% of the units as affordable housing. The same
developer is proposing a future project at 225 East Prentiss Street and 10% of those units will
be required to be affordable. The developer would like to would like to transfer the affordable
housing obligation of these two sites to the property at 628 South Dubuque Street, the site of
the future Del Ray Ridge Affordable housing project. The developer is working with The
Housing Fellowship who will manage the affordable housing project. 620 and 628 South
Dubuque Street are both in the required ground floor store front retail area.
Russett gave some background on the Del Ray Ridge project. They are proposing 33 units
total, 29 of which would be affordable. 4 units affordable to households at or below 30% area
median income (AMI), 5 units affordable to households at or below 40% AMI and 20 units
affordable to households at or below 60% AMI. The affordability period would be for a minimum
of 30 years. The City has committed $330,000 to this project and the project was also awarded
low-income housing tax credits from the Iowa Finance Authority.
Staff is proposing an amendment to the Riverfront Crossings' form-based code to allow ground
floor residential uses within the Central Crossings Subdistrict in areas identified as required
retail storefront when they are part of an affordable housing project. More specifically, to qualify
for this exemption projects must be subsidized by a federal or state program that requires at
least 60 percent of the units to be rent and income restricted. Russett stated this amendment
would provide market flexibility for affordable housing projects and Staff is proposing it is only
limited to the Central Crossings Subdistrict. The South Downtown Subdistrict, the West
Riverfront and South Gilbert subdistricts have key commercial corridors and this flexibility may
not be appropriate as those corridor areas need to have a vibrant commercial presence and
streetscape. The Park subdistrict has one small node of required retail that is important to
maintain for the convenience of future residents. There are no required retail storefront
requirements in the University, Orchard, and Gilbert Subdistricts or the East Side Mixed-Use
District. Russett noted this proposal aligns with the Master Plan's vision of these areas
originally being residential and perhaps transitioning to retail in the future.
Staff recommends that the Planning and Zoning Commission recommend adoption of the
following proposed amendment to 14-2G-3B-2d of the Iowa City Municipal Code by the Iowa
City Council:
d. Residential uses are not allowed within required retail storefronts, as specified in the
riverfront crossings regulating plan, except in the Central Crossings subdistrict for housing
subsidized by a federal or state program that requires at least 60 percent of the units to be rent
and income restricted.
Parsons asked how Staff came to the 60% requirement. Russett replied that was discussed
with the affordable housing experts on staff and all projects that are State or Federal funded
require at least 60%.
Hensch asked about the number of units that will be at 225 East Prentiss Street. Russett noted
that project is currently in a preliminary stage but the developer is proposing 45 units on that
site.
Planning and Zoning Commission
August 16, 2018
Page 3 of 6
Townsend inquired what would happen to the tenants that may be in the ground floor residential
spaces that may transition to retail space in the future. Russett noted the market is always
fluctuating and while there might be a demand for residential at one point and then for retail in
the future. The idea is not to convert the area into retail if there are residential needs.
Baker noted that all of the affordable housing obligations from three buildings are being
transferred to one site where units will have a 30 -year guarantee to stay affordable. Russett
confirmed if the affordable housing is transferred to 628 South Dubuque Street. Baker asked
then if those units could not convert to retail space then for 30 years. Russett confirmed that
would be correct.
Hensch opened the public hearing.
Mary Ann Dennis (Executive Director, The Housing Fellowship) wanted to comment on the 30
year guarantee for affordable housing. Dennis noted The Housing Fellowship is a non-profit
and they enter into these types of partnerships and try to get the low-income housing tax credits
is because the investors get the tax credits for 10 years, they are required to stay with the
project for 15 years, but the units are required to be affordable for 30 years. This is based on
the IRS low-income housing tax credit, which also states a qualifying non-profit has the right of
first refusal to buy the project (for the cost of $1 per unit plus any debt) from the investor at the
end of the investors 15 year requirement. Once The Housing Fellowship is the sole owner of
the building their intention is to keep the units as affordable for the life of the building. Dennis
noted if this amendment doesn't pass this project will not move forward.
Townsend asked if this has been done with other projects. Dennis stated this is the fifth such
project The Housing Fellowship has been part of, they now own or manage 174 affordable
housing units (houses, duplexes, condos or apartments) in Johnson County. They have been
in business for 28 years.
Sara Barron (Affordable Housing Coalition) noted this amendment change is another step in the
City's process of facilitating the building of this project. This project will create 20 new
affordable housing units and contribute to the overall quality of the neighborhood. The City has
already informally acknowledged its willingness to participate in this project with the proposed
residential top to bottom, and therefore the Affordable Housing Coalition strongly supports the
Planning & Zoning Commission passage of this amendment
Hensch closed the public hearing.
Parson moved to recommend adoption of the following proposed amendment to 14 -2G -
31B -2d of the Iowa City Municipal Code by the Iowa City Council:
d. Residential uses are not allowed within required retail storefronts, as specified in the
riverfront crossings regulating plan, except in the Central Crossings subdistrict for
housing subsidized by a federal or state program that requires at least 60 percent of the
units to be rent and income restricted.
Martin seconded the motion.
Baker noted this is a very specific amendment for a very specific small zone, is there any
chance this will ever be applicable anywhere else in the district. Russett noted there are some
areas elsewhere in the subdistrict where it could be used if the need was presented.
Planning and Zoning Commission
August 16, 2018
Page 4 of 6
Signs agrees with the proposed change, he noted the reality is there is a lot of vacant retail
space on the ground floor of some of the developments. Adding this flexibility is nice especially
since it is tied to affordable housing which is needed.
A vote was taken and the motion passed 6-0
CONSIDERATION OF MEETING MINUTES: JULY 5, 2018
Signs moved to approve the meeting minutes of July 5, 2018.
Martin seconded the motion.
A vote was taken and the motion passed 6-0.
PLANNING AND ZONING INFORMATION:
Russett gave two updates. She spoke with the chair and they discussed amending the bylaws
so that will be coming before the Commission in the next few months. Also there is an implicit
bias training coming up and Russett distributed a flyer for the event.
Hensch noted the bylaws were last amended in 2004 so it is a good time for a review.
Signs noted there is a question regarding the impact of the decisions of zoning and code on the
affordability of constructing housing. He would like at some point for the Commission to have a
deeper conversation about that and perhaps establish some guidelines or expectations. Signs
stated the reality is there are things the Code requires or that Planning & Zoning require that do
directly impact the cost of construction. He has heard that anywhere from 25% to 30% of the
cost of a new home is due to Federal, State and Local regulations. Hensch agreed. Martin
noted it is not the purview of the Commission to worry about costs. Baker suggested having the
Building Association present to the Commission regarding costs.
Signs presented an example of a recent Commission decision, a project proposed off Camp
Cardinal Road, Because of the Commission requests and requirements the developer/applicant
had to redesign their plans three times which is thousands of dollars of work that will be added
into the total cost of the project. The developer works with Staff to meet City guidelines. Martin
noted in that case the applicant was asking for variances and therefore were not meeting the
zone or code guidelines.
Hensch stated this item should be tabled until set as an agenda item
Adjournment:
Signs moved to adjourn.
Townsend seconded.
A vote was taken and the motion passed 6-0.
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2018
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
OtE = Absent/Excused
--- = Not a Member
Item Number: 4.f.
tr
'cmgz�,
CITY OF IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
October 2, 2018
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Planning & Zoning Commission: September 6
r
�.®r CITY OF IOWA CITY
' M E IVl ° IN�J U U M
Date: September 21, 2018
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Anne Russett, Senior Planner
Re: Recommendations from Planning & Zoning Commission
At their September 20, 2018 meeting the Planning & Zoning Commission approved the
September 6 minutes with the following recommendation to the City Council:
By a vote of 4-1 (Baker dissenting) the Commission recommend adoption of the following
proposed amendment to 14 -2G -7G-6 of the Iowa City Code by the Iowa City City Council.
The proposed text would be:
Height Bonus For Public Art: One additional floor of building height may be
granted for a contribution to the city's public art program equal to one percent
(?%) of threshold value of the project. Threshold value is the sum of all
construction costs shown on all building permits associated with the project,
including site preparation. For alterations to existing development, the
threshold value is the sum of all construction costs as defined above plus the
value of existing improvements to the property, as listed in the city assessor's
records. Funds contributed shall be used by the city for public art within the
riverfront crossings district subjest b-Adi is - lee, afed
as approved by the public art committee.
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
SEPTEMBER 6,2018-7:OOPM—FORMAL MEETING
EMMA J. HARVAT HALL, CITY HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Larry Baker, Mike Hensch, Phoebe Martin, Mark Signs, Billie
Townsend
MEMBERS ABSENT: Carolyn Dyer, Max Parsons
STAFF PRESENT: Sara Hektoen, Anne Russett
OTHERS PRESENT: Thomas Agran
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL:
By a vote of 4-1 (Baker dissenting) the Commission recommend adoption of the following
proposed amendment to 14 -2G -7G-6 of the Iowa City Code by the Iowa City City Council. The
proposed text would be:
Height Bonus For Public Art: One additional floor of building height may be
granted for a contribution to the city's public art program equal to one percent
(1%) of threshold value of the project. Threshold value is the sum of all
construction costs shown on all building permits associated with the project,
including site preparation. For alterations to existing development, the
threshold value is the sum of all construction costs as defined above plus the
value of existing improvements to the property, as listed in the city assessor's
records. Funds contributed shall be used by the city for public art within the
riverfront crossings district subd+strsFs augers -the as
approved by the public art committee.
Hensch called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA
None.
ZONING CODE AMENDMENT ITEM (ZCA18-00002):
Discussion of Amendments to Title 14, Zoning of the Iowa City Code related to Public Art In -
Lieu Fees in Riverfront Crossings.
Russett noted this is a proposed amendment to the zoning code related to Public Art Fees in the
Riverfront Crossing District. When the Riverfront Crossings Master Plan was adopted it
included a public art framework element and identifies several locations throughout the
Riverfront Crossings District as possible Public Art locations. After the Master Plan was
adopted the City developed a form -based code to implement the Plan and included in the Code
Planning and Zoning Commission
September 6, 2018
Page 2 of 7
a bonus height provision for projects that provide various public benefits, one of which is Public
Art. Development projects that provide one percent of their project cost to the City's Public Art
Fund receive an additional story in height on their development projects. The Code requires the
funds to be spent within the same subdistrict as the subject building,
Russett stated that to date the City has had one project that has utilized this Public Art bonus
provision (at 707 S- Dubuque Street) That project contributed one percent of the project costs
to public art to receive a height bonus of one story. The total amount contributed to the City's
Public Art Fund was approximately $73,000. Currently the Public Arts Committee is working to
relocate the Snelson sculpture which is located on N. Dubuque Street to the Riverfront
Crossings Park and the Public Arts Fund would help with this relocation. Russett pointed out on
the map the proposed new location of the Snelson sculpture.
The proposed amendment is to amend the form -based code to allow public art funds received
for height bonuses to be spent anywhere in the district, including the park, as opposed to only
within the same subdistrict as the project that requests the bonus. The Riverfront Crossings
Master Plan identifies areas within the district appropriate for public art. The largest area
identified is the Riverfront Crossings Park, which is identified as "public parks and open space"
on the regulating plan — not a subdistrict and therefore excluded from public art bonus
provisions. The amendment would keep the funds within a defined area, but provides more
flexibility in the use of the funds for the benefit of the entire district.
Russett stated the Public Art Committee discussed this amendment at their meeting this
afternoon and unanimously recommended approval of the amendment. Staff recommends that
the Planning and Zoning Commission recommend adoption of the following proposed
amendment to 14 -2G -7G-6 of the Iowa City Code by the Iowa City City Council. The proposed
text would be:
Height Bonus For Public Art: One additional floor of building height may be
granted for a contribution to the city's public art program equal to one percent
(1%) of threshold value of the project. Threshold value is the sum of all
construction costs shown on all building permits associated with the project,
including site preparation. For alterations to existing development, the
threshold value is the sum of all construction costs as defined above plus the
value of existing improvements to the property, as listed in the city assessor's
records. Funds contributed shall be used by the city for public art within the
riverfront crossings district subdist,,ieis; where thesubject b uliding is 10 Gate as
approved by the public art committee.
Baker stated he has some misgivings about this proposed amendment. He asked if no public
arts funds could be spend in the park or just the funds generated by the height bonus. Russett
confirmed the funds generated by the height bonus provisions in the subdistricts cannot be
spent in the park. Baker asked if there were any other funds available to use for artwork in the
park. Russett stated she understands the City allocates a flat amount every year in the budget
for public art but is unsure of the exact amount but it would not be enough to move the Snelson
sculpture. Baker asked how much it will cost to move the sculpture and Russett replied there is
an estimate from a consulting firm for relocation at around $90,000. Baker asked the value of
the art piece and again Russett was unsure of the exact amount but knows it is one of the more
valuable pieces in the City's collection. Baker said in his research he does not find any high
figures for any of Snelson's art. Baker also inquired about the repair needed for the sculpture
Planning and Zoning Commission
September 6, 2018
Page 3 of 7
and who has been responsible for the maintenance of the art. Russett stated it is the City's
responsibility for the maintenance of the art pieces and the repair is due to the exposure to the
elements,
Baker asked why the amendment now. Russett explained that often regulations are adopted
when creating new Code and Districts and it isn't until those regulations are used that it is
understood it will not work very well and changes are needed. In this case, money was
generated from a project and the regulation says the money must be spent within a very defined
area and at this time there are no locations within that defined area to provide public art. Baker
questioned the idea that there is no location for any art within that subdistrict, yes the Snelson
sculpture may not fit but other art could be installed. Russett said the public art would need to
be located on public lands and there is no public lands currently in this subdistrict.
Baker asked if the Public Art Committee initiated this proposed amendment or City Staff.
Russett stated the Committee has been working on identifying funds to move the Snelson
sculpture and that is when it became apparent to City Staff on the Public Art Committee that
there were Public Arts Funds that had to be spend in the specific defined area. The Committee
wanted to relocated the Snelson sculpture to the Riverfront Crossings Park and but could not
use the funds available to do so due to the current Code language. Russett added the Public
Art Committee has stated they do not like the current location the Snelson sculpture is located, ii
is not in a prominent location and in the new location it would be more visible.
Martin acknowledged the area where the sculpture is currently located is very overgrown.
Hektoen reminded the Commission this particular sculpture and location is one specific
situation, the ordinance and proposed amendment is to acknowledge the City has this park
district and the Code was inadvertently drafted with the bonus height provision excluding the
park from being the beneficiary of those funds.
Baker asked if there was a location along N. Dubuque Street that the Snelson sculpture could
be given more prominence. He feels the N. Dubuque Street entrance to the City is to be a
highly prominent location and the artwork should be there. Russett reiterated that the Public Art
Committee feels this particular piece should be moved to the Riverfront Crossings Park. Baker
asked if there was any other discussion about having other art along N. Dubuque Street.
Russett can look into that question.
Baker asked when the original resolution was made, was it intended that the funds created by
the bonus provision were to be used for new art pieces to increase the art stock of Iowa City.
Russett said the ordinance does not state the art has to be new. Baker noted the City used to
have a fund based on a certain percentage of bonds sold to generate money for art purchases,
has that fund disappeared. Russett noted her understanding is the only money available for
public art is money generated from this height bonus provision and the annual allocation from
the City Council.
Hensch opened the public hearing.
Thomas Agran (512 N. Van Buren Street) is an artist and also works for the Iowa City Downtown
District as the Public Art Director for that district. Agran noted he was intimately involved in a lot
of the conversations with the Public Art Advisory Committee and can speak to how the
Committee came to this proposed amendment. He stated the Snelson sculpture is the most
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September 6, 2018
Page 4 of 7
valuable piece of public art in the City's collection, that may not be evident based on the current
location, especially now that Dubuque Street has been raised, and that is part of the reason the
conversation to have the sculpture moved began. When the sculpture was bought in 1975 it was
a joint effort with Project Art, the City and private donations and in today's dollars would have
cost $500,000. The sculpture is literally sitting in mud right now and appears to be neglected and
there has not been any funds established to maintain the art pieces.
Baker agreed the sculpture does appear to currently be neglected and asked if the Public Arts
Committee has approached the City to try to get funds for the repair. Agran is unsure, he does
not sit on the Public Arts Committee.
Agran notes there are spots designated in Riverfront Crossings for public art, one of which is in
the park, however the City allocated no funding for that location. Because there is no funding
allocated for the park the Public Arts Committee saw an opportunity to move a piece of art from
a location where it is being neglected and put it in a more visible location and celebrates the
piece. More so Agran wanted to use his time in front of the Commission to talk about public art
funding. From 1999-2001 the budget for the City's Public Art Fund was $100,000 per year, in
today's dollars adjusted for inflation that would be $147,000 per year. The population in 1999
was approximately 61,000 which averages out $1.97 spend on art per person in the City. Today
we have a population of almost $75,000 and a budget of $25,000 (which is actually a recent
increase, it has been lower) and that averages to $0.33 per person. He feels as the city
flourishes this is time to invest more in art and the community and public art returns tangible and
intangible values into quality of life which increases the tax base ultimately. Agran stated when
looking at the Zoning Code he sees bonuses as significant trade-offs and in every district there
is an agreed upon level of appropriate building size to encourage healthy communities, healthy
and productive development, reduces speculation of property values, and through bonuses we
trade away elements of those standards for something else. It is essentially a bride whereby
community assets (whether they be public art or historic properties) are held hostage and now
beg for those things not from the City but from developers, things we value as a community.
The wealth is given to the developers in the currency of square footage. The Code is to be the
rules and incentives are setup to break those rules. For some pittance we will forgo the rules.
Agran noted in this situation for $72,000 a developer could buy their way out of the rule of five
stories and get six stories increasing the square footage of a property by 20% - 20% rentable
every year for the life of that building. All of that said, Agran requested the Commission approve
the proposed amendment for flexibility of public art into Riverfront Crossings District and also
encourages the City to spread the wealth throughout the City to create a more robust art
program that can reach more people. Agran stated as the Code is currently written it is
basically a regressive art program, where the areas of highest investment and highest wealth
reap the benefits of the investment. Seattle is a city that a while back divorced it's one percent
for the arts program from the geographic requirement and as a result they can direct the funding
to areas of the city that are often overlooked and under resourced rather than as in this instance
the most resourced part of the city. All areas of the city are appropriate for public art. Agran
noted that lots of programs use a one percent of the capital improvements fund for public art
and if the City looked at fiscal year 19 capital improvement budget of $28.5 million in projects,
even at half a percent the Public Arts Fund would receive over $142,000. Agran noted the
Commission does not write the City budgets or fund the Public Arts but wanted to say those
types of changes can be started here in Planning and Zoning and they will use this moment as a
catalyst to a broader conversation of how public art contributes value to the community, if
Planning and Zoning provides the outlines of how best a city should develop to be healthy, a
place people want to be, then he encourages the Commission to draft one percent rules that
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September 6, 2018
Page 5 of 7
benefit all districts in the City. Agran understands that untying funding from its original
geography may be a complex thing to implement, but rather than shrug at the established law,
he hopes the bureaucratic challenge galvanizes this Commission and City Staff and Council as
a way to approach public art in a way equability. If one looks at what is proposed for the
Pentacrest Apartments, would send a million dollars into the Public Art Fund but only in this
district and if this proposal is not approved, only in this subdistrict. A million dollars could be set
up as an endowment to the Public Arts Fund. There are 171 potential development sites at the
time the Riverfront Crossings Code was written so there is going to be a lot that happens in this
area and could amount to an unbelievable windfall for public art funding.
Baker clarified he is not hostile to this amendment, in fact he also questions why not spend this
money anywhere, not just in the Riverfront Crossings Park He feels we should not be robbing
Peter to pay Paul for art. He also feels there should be more art throughout the City, not just
one area. He agrees the City is underfunding art in this community. He does not understand
why we are taking money to move old art when it could be used to purchase new art. Agran
said the sentiment from the Public Art Committee is to not spend more money on new art when
we cannot maintain the current art we have.
Martin asked why the Public Art Committee specifically chose this language for this district and
not all of Iowa City. Russett is not aware if the Public Art Committee was involved in the writing
of the language in the Riverfront Crossings Master Plan.
Hensch closed the public hearing.
Martin moved to approve adoption of the proposed amendment to 14 -2G -7G-6 as written
in the September 6, 2018 staff report.
Signs seconded the motion
Hensch remembers the Snelson sculpture being downtown at one time. He feels it was simply
an oversight during the draft of the original ordinance that parks and recreation areas were not
included in the subdistricts and therefore the money cannot be spent for them. He feels it is
reasonable to clean up that language for the one percent raised for art with the bonus height
because there is a serious need for art in the community, there does need to be greater public
funding of art, but this is a method to at least get some money. However, he does agree with
the idea of keeping it within the district because they are trying to focus improvements in certain
areas, his fear would be if it were allowed to be spent outside the district there may be some
preferred areas that would get all the art. He agreed there is definitely a problem in this
community that some areas do not get the attention that others do,
Martin agreed with Hensch and supports the amendment as written in the Staff Report
Signs is intrigued by the notion that the City is potentially generating a huge amount of money to
be spent in this one relatively small district but does see the risk of the other extreme and all
public art is put someplace else. He feels it is a bigger discussion than this Commission and
encourages those discussions to happen. He also agrees that the height bonuses appear to be
a bribe for money, the City spends a lot of time making plans and codes and then come up with
ways to get around them.
Hensch agrees and said they need to vote on the question at hand, all government progress is
incremental and this is a step in the right direction.
Signs also stated he likes the Snelson sculpture and does feel it is not in a great location
Planning and Zoning Commission
September 6, 2018
Page 6 of 7
currently and supports moving it. Hensch noted the location is not the question at hand.
Townsend asked if moving this sculpture to the Riverfront Crossings Park would leave enough
space for other functions of the park. Russett showed some diagrams of the park and how
everything is able to fit. Townsend's other concern is kids climbing on the sculpture since it will
be in a park space. Hensch doesn't feel it will be harmed and perhaps it was designed as
interactive art.
Hektoen noted those are concerns that will be addressed by the Public Art Committee and the
Parks and Recreation Division.
Baker noted he will be voting no against this amendment, he does not want the vote to be
unanimous as he wants the Council to understand there is an underlying larger issue about
funding art. He also prefers that art piece stay somewhere more visible then this park and this
is a problem created by limited resources.
A vote was taken and the motion passed 4-1 (Baker dissenting)
CONSIDERATION OF MEETING MINUTES: AUGUST 16, 2018
Signs moved to approve the meeting minutes of August 16, 2018.
Townsend seconded the motion.
A vote was taken and the motion passed 5-0.
PLANNING AND ZONING INFORMATION:
Russett gave one update regarding the discussion at the last meeting regarding the impact of
zoning regulations on the development community, financial impacts in particular, and she
informed the Commission this topic is something of interest to the City Council, the City Council
approved an affordable housing action plan and one of the items staff is tasked to look into is
regulatory barriers. Russett said the Neighborhood Services department is working with the City
Manager's office and she will bring any updates back to the Commission.
Baker invited the Commission to Prairie Lights next Tuesday to listen to a writer of a biography
of Leonardo DiVinci.
Baker also mentioned the movie reviews inside the planning magazine the Commission
receives, recently they reviewed a movie called The Little Pink House, which is a movie
regarding the controversy around imminent domain and he rented the movie and it was a good
dramatization of all the issues within planning and zoning of cities.
Adiournment:
Signs moved to adjourn
Martin seconded,
A vote was taken and the motion passed 5-0
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2018
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
-- = Not a Member
1/18
2115
3/1
(W.S)
3112
3115
(W.S.)
4/2
415
(W. S)
4116
4119
513
5117
617
6121
715
8/16
9/6
BAKER, LARRY
X
O/E
X
DYER, CAROLYN
X
X
X
X
OlE
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
O
O/E
FREERKS,ANN
OlE
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
---
----
---
HENSCH, MIKE
X
X
X
OlE
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
MARTIN, PHOEBE
PARSONS, MAX
SIGNS, MARK
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
THEOBALD, JODIE
X
01E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
--
----
----
TOW NSEND, BILLIE
X
X
X
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
-- = Not a Member