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April 7, 2020
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Climate Action Commission: February 10
Item Number: 4.a.
MINUTES FINAL
IOWA CITY CLIMATE ACTION COMMISSION
FEBRUARY 10, 2020-3:30 PM — FORMAL MEETING
MPO CONFERNCE ROOM, CITY HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Madeleine Bradley, John Fraser, Stratis Giannakouros, Kasey
Hutchinson, GT Karr, Matt Krieger, Jesse Leckband (via phone),
Katie Sarsfield, Becky Soglin, Eric Tate
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Grace Holbrook
STAFF PRESENT:
Brenda Nations, Ashley Monroe, Darian Nagel-Gamm
OTHERS PRESENT:
Ben Grimm, Adriana Morales, Tina Nedbalek, Lisa Stark
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL:
None
Krieger called the meeting to order.
APPROVAL OF JANUARY 6, 2020 MINUTES:
Soglin moved to approve the minutes of January 6, 2020 with revisions that will be sent to
Nations. Soglin noted on page seven, third paragraph on the bottom where it is attributed to
Soglin there's a word missing but that doesn't matter too much but at the very end where it says
outreach through an equity lens comma equity meaning separate, she feels she said something
more like instead of equity being separate, so it was the opposite, like the equity will be infused
into everything. And then on page 10 of 12 in the second paragraph the sentence says there
was discussion on non -economic benefits as all benefits have economic benefits. Not is missing
between as and all as not all have economic benefits. Finally, as just a little procedural thing on
page 11 of 12 at the very bottom right before where it says Soglin made the motion to change
the meeting, there should be a sentence saying that many on the committee said they did not
want to meet on caucus day so therefore Krieger made the motion.
Fraser seconded the motion.
A vote was taken, and the motion carried 8-0. (Giannakouros and Sarsfield were not present for
this vote).
PUBLIC COMMENT OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
Ben Grimm (representative Iowa City Community School District) gave a brief update of what's
going on in the school district. The Climate Action Plan went to the Board and the Board really
gave feedback and wanting more specific clear objectives and targets around carbon footprint
and curriculum. It's a tricky one, because they're trying to implement more curriculum dealing
with climate action. There was also a brief discussion on leveraging legislature as far as holding
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February 10, 2020
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these power companies accountable for their promise to reduce carbon emitting energy
production. The District is working with a couple different solar companies to look at the
infrastructure of the buildings and try to figure out the maximum solution as far as how many
solar panels can go on the property or onto the roofs and those reports are expected to be back
in about a month or so.
Nedblaleck (?) noted she is a student and also works downtown at a coffee shop and just had
like the general inquiries or comments regarding composting type stuff, as in none of the
downtown restaurants have compost bins in the alleyways and from just their one coffee shop
they go through so many coffee grounds and loose leaf tea and that kind of thing so she was
who to talk to about that.
(Katie Sarsfield arrived)
Adriana Morales (education and outreach coordinator, Green Iowa AmeriCorps) stated that in
the school district they are working with Ben Grimm and with Green Iowa AmeriCorps and their
sustainable schools branch. They just started in November during their service block to increase
sustainability across the school district with increasing recycling efforts and establishing green
teams in three key schools to help us carry those out and hopefully expand within the District.
She noted if the Commission has any ideas on ways to collaborate, they would be very happy
and are open to suggestions and ways to collaborate. She also noted during their summer
programs they're going to be developing they'd love to partner with the community as well. She
stated they just started their term with the District and will be working with them for 11 months.
They're trying to develop a model recycling program within the District starting with the three key
schools, an elementary and middle school and high school and then branching out and hitting
all the schools once that model program has developed. It has started with cafeteria
composting at one school and increased recycling within the school district as a whole because
currently they're only recycling paper and cardboard and they'd like to expand that to plastic and
metal. This is all very student driven and they have partnered with Iowa City Community School
District, it was from high school students striking and walking out of school every Friday for
about a year and a half, they demanded action from the school district. So, the Board took it
upon themselves to work with Eric Giddens based out of UNI and developed the Climate Action
Plan. They came in to all this to help facilitate some of the initiatives for the school district. One
of the other things that they're doing with their green teams is behavioral changes, especially
around energy conservation and efficiency, and that's one big target that the Climate Action
Plan highlighted for the District, energy emissions coming from the buildings. So, they're trying
to change behavior and create a new culture within the schools to turn off lights and unplug
things when not using them. They are hoping that the administration at each school will develop
a policy and that staff, teachers and students can all come together.
Nations stated she has one message from somebody who wanted to be here during the public
comment point and wanted to send over a message. It is from Austin Wu, he's the City liaison
from the UI student government. He wanted to let the Commission know that Think Bicycles is
currently planning this year's Bike Month activities in May and if any members of this group are
interested in a brainstorming meeting over lunch or sometime in the next few weeks to let him
know. The meeting will be at Merge with free pizza. He thought the transportation working
group might be interested.
(Stratis Giannakouros arrived)
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REQUEST FROM COUNCIL FOR COMMISSION TO RESEARCH AND ADVISE COUNCIL
ON THE CARBON FOOTPRINT OF BUILDINGS OF VARYING DENSITY AND SCALE:
Krieger noted this item has been tabled in the past and recommends that they table it again as
the building's working group has been focused on the 100 -day report first.
ADDRESSING SCHEDULING ISSUES:
Krieger wanted to put on the table a discussion about the meeting times for this group. They
currently meet from 3:30 to 5:00 but it can be a challenge for students, professors, other people
who may be appointed to the Commission and even challenges with people who are attending
work events or at work. A lot of other commissions meet in the evening so just wanted to put on
the table for discussion what people thought about maintaining this time and if that becomes
unavailable for people, how should they address that going forward.
Karr asked if there was a driving interest other than other commissions being held in evenings.
Tate noted it was the student issue with the classes, such as Holbrook missing meetings due to
conflicting class. Krieger agreed and noted it could happen next semester to others so it
potentially could be an ongoing issue. Karr is fine with whatever but noted there will always be
issues or conflict, students could have night classes as well.
The Commission agreed the consensus is to keep the time the same going forward. Krieger
stated then so if it does become a challenge for a member, like it is currently this semester for
Holbrook, then is the Commission okay with the excused absences for those individuals. He
noted they're still participating in other means, through the working groups and things like that,
so going forward the approach is an excused absence and then as soon as that schedule
changes back they can be fully involved.
Nations noted that part of the question is that Holbrook isn't going to be here all semester
because she has a conflicting class and in the bylaws it says a member can't miss so many
meetings in a row unexcused so the question is if school semester class excused or not. Fraser
noted that when they were making those bylaws the unexcused part was for not showing up
without contacting someone, or someone who's lost interest and decided not to continue.
Sarsfield noted the other question is there someone who would step in and filling for a person
missing due to conflict. Should they consider in the future having an alternate for students, or
any member having a hard time getting to meetings. Krieger noted that could be potential
revision to the bylaws in the future.
UPDATE AND DISCUSSION ABOUT THE TRANSIT STUDY:
Darian Nagle-Gamm (Director, Transportation Services Department) noted her department
encompasses both transit and downtown parking operations and Ped Mall maintenance and
operations. She wanted to give a high-level overview of the transit study and will try to be brief
and save some time for questions.
First, she stated who's all involved in the transit study, and that it's really been led by the City of
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Iowa City but the transit partners in the metro area of Coralville and University's Cambus are
also on board. There has been a number of stakeholders in the community that have been
involved in the transit study; the public, crucial key, probably the most important part of the
transit study, and Nelson -Nygaard Consulting Associates, the transit consultant team, which is
helping guide the City over the course of this year to reimagine the entire transit system. Nagle-
Gamm next discussed the goals with the transit study. First and foremost, they're looking to
increase ridership and have an explicit goal of doubling ridership over the next 10 years.
Additionally, they really want to make transit more dependable for those that rely on transit and
also want to make it an easier choice for those who have more mobility options. Regarding the
goal to increase ridership, they also want to work better across all agencies, they really are a
three -transit agency system that all works together. For example, they are looking at ways to
improve cross metro area ridership and that is why it is important all three transit systems are on
board. They are specifically focusing on is how to build trust and remove barriers to transit.
That's anything from improving service levels to improving trip planning, making it easier so that
one doesn't have to have the whole system memorized before they decide to take transit,
provide better route information, provide better arrival prediction information. They want to make
the transit steps more comfortable, so people don't mind using them. Overall really looking at
simplifying the systems.
Nagle-Gamm also noted the big impetus behind this is really to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions as they all know transportation is a large contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.
The Climate Action Plan specifically calls for a shift of 55% of vehicle trips to more sustainable
modes such as walking, biking, or transit by 2050 in the greenhouse gas reduction goals. In
order to do that the City needs to invest in each one of those more sustainable modes. They've
seen through the bike master plan in the last couple years and now investing in the transit
study, how to help improve and optimize that system.
Of course, they also want to better support the local economy, better connect people to jobs,
people to shopping, people to recreational or social activities, overall do a better job than they
have been able to do today with the current system. And last but not least, leveraging emerging
technology. Nagle-Gamm noted it's really an exciting time to be in transportation in general and
thinks we're going to see the world a lot different in the next 20 or so years with electrification,
no or low emission vehicles, and autonomous technologies. They have asked the consultants to
help leverage the technologies that are available currently to help support the transit system in
ways that weren't possible before.
Fraser was curious how they pick doubling, is it in order to reduce to 55% they have to double
current ridership. Nagle-Gamm stated doubling was backed out of the Climate Action goal so in
order to meet those climate action goals, they had to estimate what they would need to see from
a from a ridership perspective in order to help facilitate that 55% reduction goal and that's where
they came up with the doubling of ridership. They really hope they more than double ridership
and really build a system that people can rely on.
Fraser asked if the City has such low ridership that the City can double ridership and not buy
any more vehicles. Nagle-Gamm replied that's one of the things they're looking at in the study
and the consulting team is helping them see what type of ridership they can maintain with their
current system if they optimize it and if they rethink all of the routes today, and what additional
resources may be needed.
Tate asked if it is possible that doubling ridership on the bus can reduce 55% of vehicle trips.
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Nagle-Gamm agreed and said the doubling ridership is to support that goal, not complete it.
They also need to encourage walking or encourage biking, it's not a one to one, it's just going to
help them get towards the end goal, which is reducing those greenhouse gas emissions.
Nagle-Gamm continued with noting what the study includes. They've had public outreach
throughout the project, one of the first steps was conducting a market analysis, they did analysis
of existing service, what does the service look like today, they developed some service options
and scenarios and then ultimately, they will be developing recommendations based on what
they hear back from public.
Regarding the public outreach, phase one happened basically September through December,
they held about 20 or so stakeholder meetings, individual meetings with advocacy groups,
people interested in transit, people who either work to support the business community or folks
with transit dependent populations. They also held three open house meetings. The question
they were posing to the public, is what works well today and what doesn't. Before the
consultant team comes up with some service scenarios, they wanted to hear what's working and
what's not working. They also did an onboard survey, where they had a team of people come
and actually sit down and do a survey with over 1000 riders while they're on the bus. They had
another survey, which had a slightly different angle and kind of a designer on transit system
survey, a preference survey, giving different options for improving transit in the community, how
would they rank them more or less, where would they put their investments at, a way to
understand what the community's priorities are, and the City had excellent response with about
1300 surveys. They also had operator and staff interviews with the drivers who are out there
every single day, they're a wealth of information about what works, what doesn't work currently,
where they see potential improvements to the system, etc.
The City developed a transit study website as a place they direct everybody to for updates,
information, etc. They have also developed an email list for folks who are interested in the
study. Nagle-Gamm has been giving presentations such as this to anybody who wants to listen,
to the social service agency and advocacy partners, and other underserved communities.
Some of the community advocacy partners have taken Pads out to social service agencies and
work individually with people to help get those surveys completed, which was great. They've
had posters on buses to let people know what's going on, they've had an extensive social media
campaign, City media campaign, the creative folks on the City communications team has come
up with all kinds of neat videos and whatnot to really help get the word out. The sustainability
newsletter highlighted what they're doing, and they've had some legacy press as well.
Nagle-Gamm next summarized what people are saying about transit service. The most
requested service improvements they're hearing for the community is better weekend service
including Sunday service and earlier and later Saturday service. Also having better and more
route and schedule information at stops, better lighting at stops, more benches and shelters,
more frequent rush hour service, so if a rider misses a bus it not going to take too long until the
next bus comes. There were requests for later weekday service, and better service in the
evenings including direct service from outlying areas.
Krieger noted one of the items wasn't questioned or asked as part of this that came up at the
last Commission meeting was, are there notable points of interest or stops that are important to
people. Is there a way to try to drive information that might help increase ridership? Nagle-
Gamm replied she believes so. In the onboard survey they did one of the questions asked was
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where do you use transit to go to and where are you going with right now? We also ask what
else they use transit for to help understand priorities of destinations.
Soglin asked with the onboard survey, or the online survey for the individual services, was there
a specific question of if they have a car? Nagle-Gamm confirmed there was. They may be able
to get many more people on the bus who could drive but then there's also a need for that being
the primary mode of transit for some folks. Nagle-Gamm stated they did ask that on the
onboard survey. They asked what a person has to have in order to make their transportation
trips every day and if they have options. As part of that market analysis the consultant team put
together some census data to help indicate where in the community folks or households that
have less vehicles, 0 vehicle households or whatnot, so that they can identify those areas that
need service.
Karr noted that people were asked where they were going and where they use transit to go to,
was there anything about where they would like to use transit that they can't right now. Nagle-
Gamm replied that yes, that was asked on the onboard survey as well they wanted to hear from
their current transit users and also wanted to hear from people who don't use transit today and
really understand what will make them get out their car and leave the car at home and use the
bus as an option.
Nagle-Gamm state out of all that feedback that they received, and all the surveys and all that
information that they got over the fall, they've come up with three different scenarios for transit
service and each one sort of has a different theme. All three scenarios are using existing
funding levels, it's a way to reimagine the system in three different ways using the current
funding levels. The first scenario is the theme of increased frequency. There would be a lot of
15 minutes service routes which is pretty incredible compared to the service today. The second
scenario is simplified coverage, currently there are some routes that run just nights or weekends
and it can be difficult for people to understand, so this was to simplifying coverage. And the third
scenario, again, based on all that feedback, was to provide service really focused on improving
and restructuring weekend and evening service. Nagle-Gamm said they brought these three
scenarios back to the public in January and are now in the process of compiling all the
feedback. They also published all the materials online and so far, have had 800 responses to
these scenarios, and feel ultimately they are going to be able to come up with a scenario that
some combination of all three.
Another big question that they asked for the consultant team to help determine is since the City
has an existing set of resources for transit how they can optimize the current system with the
current money. There's also a greater question, which is, what could the City do with the transit
system if they had additional resources dedicated towards transit service. Ultimately once they
get all the recommendations they can optimize the system with the current resources that they
have and then have some options for the future that are likely going to have price tags
associated with them but can lay those options in front of the decision makers and determine
what could potentially be done in the future if there were additional resources dedicated towards
transit.
Nagle-Gamm also noted the transit system design is not the only thing they're reviewing. They
are also evaluating the fares and the number one thing they're looking at is a zero -fare transit
system. If fares go away that is the money that they would need to make up but on the flip side,
ridership would increase substantially, and the consultant team is estimating 40 to 60% based
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on other communities doing the same thing. Kansas City just decided to go zero fare and they
are the first major metro but other communities, Iowa City size, are doing it, and they're seeing
ridership increases. Zero fare would be potentially huge in terms of getting ridership increase.
Also, there's equity considerations as well, it takes on average about $10,000 a year to own and
operate a vehicle just to get yourself around town, to from work, grocery shopping, all of that.
Not everybody has that option, and this would be potentially a great equalizer. The consultant
team is helping them understand if they increased ridership 40 to 60% what are the costs
associated with those increases? How many more buses would we need? How much more staff
would we need? What kind of pressure would that put on our system? How would we have to
adapt? The consultants are helping us walk through these questions and there should be more
information on that this summer. The goal is to have all the tools and all the information needed
so the elected officials can make a decision about how to move forward.
City staff has been evaluating no and low emission vehicles pretty heavily over the last year.
They're also looking at interchange improvements to help the interchange downtown between
Old Capitol Mall and Shaffer Hall. How do we make it a better place for people to ride transit?
There are some limitations at that location, but they are trying to reimagine it. They can also
look at bus stop improvements in general, making transit more comfortable for people at the
stops, benches, trash cans, some cover up sort of thing. They're also looking at policies and
procedures, all of the fare policies and if they remain in a fare system what are the transfer
policies, and all those sorts of things that affect riders. They are also looking for what else is out
there with all this exciting app -based technology and how can they use that technology to make
the system better.
Karr is curious regarding the equity considerations, that is something they've been discussing in
the Commission about how to incorporate it better into our own plan. Other than cost, are there
other dimensions to increase equity. Nagle-Gamm stated the consultant team developed what
is called a transit propensity index and it's a way they can evaluate transit demand or potential
transit demand throughout the community. That's one of the tools that the City relied on to help
understand where they need transit service to be. Also, through the stakeholder meetings that
they held and the individual meetings with the social service agency groups and advocacy
groups, and some folks from the business community they got a clear sense for where the
demand is and not. She noted if one looks closer at the three scenarios, that feedback was
incorporated and making sure that, again, the places that had the greatest need for transit have
good access to transit. Then again, the zero fare is just another potential game changer for
making transportation more equitable for the community.
Fraser stated he is not trying to be negative but his first thought when she mentioned free transit
is what the opportunity cost is that could be put into something else. If transit could be so highly
appealing that people are willing to pay for it and then spend the free money on something else
that's going to be even more benefits relative to cutting carbon emissions. Nagle-Gamm stated
that zero -fare transit is not the end all be all but fares are a barrier, whether someone can afford
the dollar or not, it's another thing people have to do to go to the office, they have to figure out
how to get the fare, they have to figure out how to get the pass, there's so many different ways it
can dissuade people from using transit. So, it's more the ease and use of people stepping on.
There are absolutely equity considerations too but if talking about the rest of the population that
say have more mobility options, it removes a big barrier to them stepping on that bus because
they don't have to think about paying, they just have to think about how to get from A to B. She
added knowing how to get from A to B is infinitely easier this year than it has ever been in the
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history of Iowa City transit, because they have a new app that offers predictions and is used like
Google Maps. The app knows where you are, and you just tell it where you are going, and it
tells you how to get there and closest location. So that could potentially get more ridership as
well. However, zero -fare has garnered a lot of attention across the United States because it's
been instantly effective at the goal of increasing ridership. The consultant team worked on a
zero -fare analysis helping out another community work to zero fare, they just switched over
January 1, so they have one month in their 25% up in ridership instantly in just one month.
Fraser noted he just spent a couple weeks working in Washington and every time he's in DC he
lives on the Metro, he loves the Metro. He had choices, he could rent a car, use an Uber, take a
cab but because the Metro is such an advantage it was a no brainer. He does get old guy fares,
so it is a bargain, even though it wasn't free. Nagle-Gamm acknowledged that and stated the
most efficient vehicle in their current infrastructure that they could have today in Iowa City is the
bus. The most efficient bus they could have is a no or low emission vehicle and if MidAmerican
backs up their promise to have renewable energy powering the buses, or they have a new
transit facility with solar and other ways to produce that electricity, that is the greatest
opportunity for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. There is no other option, unless they got
some passenger rail. In terms of the current street network and how they could potentially
transform transportation here, transit is the best option they have. The mission is how to knock
down the barriers one by one until people say they really don't need a car to get around or it's
better to not have a car, and for those that can't afford a car, the service is so great they don't
need a car.
Nagle-Gamm moved onto next steps, phase two of public input ends in late February and from
all of that they're going to end up developing a preferred transit system scenario with final
recommendations coming this summer. The earliest the community would see any changes in
fall 2020 and it's quite possible it could be a phase implementation plan,
Leckband asked if they had looked at any partnership with the schools if any of the bus routes
can be combined, similar to what the Des Moines Public schools and Regional Transit Authority,
the Dart system, where they have a partnership where there's secure funding between the
schools and bus system. School staff get free fares and students get reduced or free fares if
they are on an assigned bus route. Nagle-Gamm stated they don't have an explicit agreement
with the school district, but they do have a proposed route that serves the east side schools, it's
also open to the public. She noted they have heard from multiple people in some of the
feedback that schools are not only a place where children go but also employees that would not
be able to get there without buses.
ELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE -CHAIR:
Nations noted the election of chair and vice -chair will be in January each year (it was forgotten
on the agenda last month).
Karr nominated Krieger as Chair, Fraser seconded the nomination, a vote was taken, and the
motion passed 10-0.
Krieger nominated Soglin as Vice -Chair, Sarsfield second the nomination, a vote was taken,
and the motion passed 10-0.
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DISCUSSION OF DRAFT LIST OF NON -ECONOMIC CO -BENEFITS FOR CLIMATE
ACTIONS:
Nations stated the next item she was going to cover because she said she would work on the
co -benefit checklist that was discussed at the last meeting. Soglin put together a checklist that
she brought to the equity committee and they decided not to use it, but Nations is wondering if
the Commission still wants a checklist and is there something she should help with or does the
Commission just want to talk about it next time. Nations noted the discussion began because of
equity and they were going to have an equity toolkit that had some questions, but they were
also talking about co -benefits that weren't economic and looking at those.
Krieger stated the reason for trying to quickly review the 100 -day report was initially because
Council was looking for some immediate recommendations or feedback. He feels this is one of
those items, along with getting overall public input, is a more detailed process that they need to
explore and is going to take more time.
Soglin clarified she quickly put that list together because she thought they needed it to apply to
the document, but what they have today is a draft. Maybe it still has a use for later if it's refined
and maybe used primarily perhaps by staff as they go through each action. The checklist would
be the things perhaps the Commission wants them to consider. Soglin is fine with tabling it but
then thinks they need to have a clear discussion about what the use is.
Krieger agreed noting that everything outlined in the 100 -day report are actions that are going to
be driven by City staff, or potentially other groups that are not being directed by the Commission
and not everything will come to the Commission for review. Therefore, it's important to develop
what are the evaluation tools or methods or whatever that process looks like to help.
Soglin developed this checklist from items that she got from conferences and in different
sessions, she was trying to use what is best practice but at the same time she was not aware
the City had its own eight -page equity tool, which is a little bit different from something that
would also consider non -economic.
Krieger suggested getting this out to members in draft form and start having conversations in
working groups.
Tate stated in the Equity and Adaptation group they spent most of their time focusing on more
specific comments on the 100 -day report. He thinks it is a good idea but it is something that's
going to require some thought and reflection so he would suggest that they add it to committee
or working groups just to think about it and have Commission discussion at the next meeting.
Nations will send it out to everyone, and they can discuss in the next working group meetings.
COMMISSION FEEDBACK OF THE 100 -DAY REPORT, "ACCELERATING IOWA CITY'S
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CLIMATE ACTIONS":
Krieger stated notes were sent out to the Commission members for review. He asked if there
were overarching comments that anybody would like to start with. He reiterated the goal is to
provide feedback to Council.
Nations stated her feedback would be that although it is great to have the one page memo, is
there any way that they could get it in a more consistent format and instead of by working group
be by the category in the 100 -day report, buildings, transportation, waste, etc., so it would be
easier for them to read and relate to the report.
Krieger said potentially yes, they could take everybody's comments, and put them in order of
priorities or suggested revisions.
Nations wondered if it was even possible to fit this information from the working groups into the
buildings and transportation because there was so there's a lot of overlap.
Krieger is hoping to facilitate the discussion based on how it was laid out in the 100 -day report,
highlighting the ones that were prioritized and providing comments that came up within specific
groups. And then the ones that were suggested changes were highlighted.
Stansfield liked what Krieger was doing by putting it into a consolidated format easier to read.
Fraser noted that ultimately, they still need a non -consolidated format for individual working
groups correct.
Krieger agreed but maybe not for the Council, having a checklist may help walking through it
like to facilitate discussion as a group. Each working group is working and stating what they see
as important but may help everyone focus. He noted in his group they aren't going to look at
every single one, there were a lot of actions. They will try to say of all these actions these are
the ones that they recommend be a priority, or not, or they recommend change or recommend
new actions. Overall, they're just providing the feedback they're getting on the report on all the
actions that were presented.
Soglin said it didn't seem like there were many sections that needed to be integrated into other
sections, but she would like to see the general recommendations from each group.
Fraser asked how do they avoid duplication of effort if they had two requirements. Is there any
way the proper format for Council could be the same format that working groups would be able
to use when educating a public audience, because it seems to be the same information?
Nations said that a lot of what's in the general letter and the feedback in a general way is really
useful, like for instance, that education is important and generally, you think the City should do
all the actions. She feels the over the large overview will be really helpful to Council and they
will probably read and understand that more than the details unless there's additions or
something that can be highlighted or should move up. The Commission's recommendations are
that they shouldn't take out any of the actions, they should focus on education, they should
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focus more on equity specifically, etc. There were some additional things in planning,
transportation, urban planning and transportation design. She asked how many other additional
actions were there. Tate noted in adaptation there were three additional ones.
Nations noted the buildings report had all the recommendations at the beginning listed which
was really nice and everything could be easily presented in that format and everything would be
consistent.
Krieger state this is the initial draft, everybody's met now so they're reviewing it. He would like
today if are there comments that people want to make, or statements, after having reviewed it
that they need to work into final draft. So not just discussion on formatting but also the content.
Karr asked Nations and Monroe what would be the best way for this to be consumed. Nations
said they were talking about that today. Monroe stated the emphasis is that City Council clearly
asked for recommendations from this body and whatever is agreed upon as something that
should be moved forward. So, for the group, the one page summary thing for all these actions
with adjustments to the following would be really helpful to Council in understanding that there's
general buy -in or acceptance to the ideas that are included within the report, and also there are
additional recommendations or considerations where the City needs to follow through on. With
talking about individual actions that had been proposed, Monroe thinks there's a very good
chance that that a lot of things will come back to the Commission or in some form of the working
groups to make sure that there's some type of engagement factor, consideration of equitable
standards when they're applying certain projects or programs. Staff can work with whatever
type of format that is created, and then as they define what those projects or programs look like
that have buy -in from this group, it's either going to come from this group or the working groups
or staff they can define what those things look like as they progress. Staff will make sure it gets
to the Commission for comment or review, opening that feedback channel.
Sarsfield asked if what they have so far should go to Council now with a big overview the detail
for 66 actions. Monroe feels they need to summarize what the major changes would be or
newly proposed items would be.
Fraser suggested putting new items in green, so they are noticed, the context changes in red or
to color code the document. Krieger stated it has a color coding already, so they don't want to
confuse. Monroe suggests pulling them out as noted if there is a significant change, or
recommendation.
Krieger suggests for Council they put it back in the original format, like what transportation did,
but with the comments, the feedback, maybe at the beginning of each section, there is a
summary or overview like buildings did and just put that into the front of each section.
Karr stated Council has already seen the 100 -day report, so they just need to see the
recommendations somehow delineated, maybe in color code pieces, or an executive summary.
Krieger stated it sounds like they agree they want to highlight changes and recommendation
over priorities. Monroe state they could do both if this is the priority agreed upon by the
Commission and the main areas to concentrate first based on the recommendations.
Climate Action Commission
February 10, 2020
Page 12 of 13
Nations reiterated Monroe is saying this isn't the only time the Commission will be asked for
input on this report.
Krieger noted he put together that summary letter, it was his synthesis after looking through all
the compiled working group notes, so that needs some revisions as well. Any Commission
members who want to send him edits please do so. This is just the first draft, at some point
they will need to make a motion to approve it to be presented to Council, probably at the next
meeting.
Stansfield noted Krieger has already started a format that provides easy presentation so
everyone can go back to their working groups and put their comments back into the same
format and give that to Krieger with an overview.
Nations wonders if it would just be easiest for staff to compile the report based on the feedback
and then send it back out to them review before it goes into the next meeting packet. The
working groups would have to create the overview but the content in here that address specific
items staff can put into the master document. It can be done via email and to staff by the end of
next week.
STAFF/COMMISSION ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Nations asked if anybody heard about a phone survey this gone around or is anybody got called
a phone survey about climate. Apparently, a lot of people are getting calls and getting long
questions asked by somebody. It sounds like it's from the City but it's not.
Monroe wanted to make this group aware just in case anybody has an encounter with this
group. Apparently, they were not very willing to share the group that was conducting the survey,
even though multiple people have tried to ask who is conducting it. It's coming from the Iowa
Area Association of Realtors. Geoff Fruin, the City Manager, presented to the Realtors
Association about a week or two ago specifically about the budget and they were curious about
the upcoming tax levy. The City is adding a 24 -cent emergency levy to the property tax levy on
the on the City's portion. So there was concerned about that particular issue from the Realtor
Association but they also had a list of questions, some addresses the mayor's performance,
some specific to climate and climate crisis and what people would be willing to sacrifice, that's
how they've pronounced it, kind of phrasing things as an either or as you can do this emergency
tax levy or you can get the lost sales tax, which would you prefer. The City just found this out
today and just wanted to address it.
Krieger suggested the City send out a brief email regarding what they are hearing about once
they find out more information. Monroe said it came to City Council's attention or will in their
next upcoming packet of information. They also had an email that was sent from a resident
with concerns about this. The initial concern was that these people were being addressed in a
way that was asking for personal information or financial information, so they were directed to
the police department, but then multiple City Council members were getting polled as well so
they had to find out who was trying to seek this information. They were trying to compile
information, but she doesn't know exactly how they're playing to use it.
Climate Action Commission
February 10, 2020
Page 13 of 13
Krieger noted the buildings working group has been trying to reach out to the Relators
Association as well to set up a meeting to talk through things but have not got through yet.
They are attempting to create an open line of communication with that organization as well.
Monroe said the City will issue a press release saying questions can be directed to the Realtor
Association.
ADJOURNMENT:
Krieger made a motion to adjourn.
Giannakouros seconded the motion.
A vote was taken, and the motion passed unanimously.
CLIMATE ACTION COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2019-2020
Meetin
Date
AME
TERM EXP.
N
0
K5
N
N
O
O
CO
CO
co
O
O
ine Bradley 12/31/22
--
--
X
X
X
aser
12/31/20
X
X
X
X
X
UI Rep
X
X
X
X
X
kouros
olbrook
12/31/21
X
X
X
O/E
O/E
utchinson 12/31/22
--
--
X
X
x
12/31/20
X
X
X
X
X
ieger
12/31/20
X
X
X
X
X
eckband
MidAmerican
X
X
X
X
X
Re
arsfield
12131/20
X
X
O/E
X
X
o lin
12/31/22
--
-- I
X I
X
X
e
12/31/21
X
X I
X
X
X
KEY:
X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = No Meeting
-- -- = Not a Member
Item Number: 4.b.
CITY OIF IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
April 7, 2020
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Historic Preservation Commission: February 13
MINUTES APPROVED
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
EMMA J. HARVAT HALL
February 13, 2020
MEMBERS PRESENT: Kevin Boyd, Helen Burford, Gosia Clore, Sharon DeGraw, Cecile
Kuenzli, Quentin Pitzen, Jordan Sellergren, Austin Wu
MEMBERS ABSENT: Thomas Agran, Lyndi Kiple
STAFF PRESENT: Jessica Bristow
OTHERS PRESENT: None.
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:
Kuenzli asked about the demolition of the commerce center. She said she didn't know anything
about it until she drove by and saw a pile of bricks.
Bristow said the building, itself, would have been a contributing structure in the National
Register Downtown Historic District.
Bristow said it was not a regulated property so they could take it down. The developer took out
the demolition permit July 6th and had to do something within six months or apply again, so they
took it down. The developer did not have any tenants and did not feel the building could be
rehabilitated into a use that would get regular tenants. She said currently the developer has no
plans so the site will be empty.
Boyd noted this is the same owner as the owner of the 410/412 North Clinton Street.
REVIEW DRAFT CERTIFIED LOCAL GOVERNMENT ANNUAL REPORT:
The Annual Report was reviewed.
Bristow said with the old report the Mayor would receive a copy and sign it. Bristow and Boyd
would also sign and then it was sent to the State. The State has changed their procedure, so
now it is an online form. It was just discovered that the report must also be presented to Council.
Bristow said she is working on a visual way to present the Commission's work to Council on
March 3, 2020.
Kuenzli asked that Bristow emphasize the increased number of referrals and consultations
compared with last year.
Bristow said she would explain to Council that a Certified Local Government Program is a
formal partnership with Federal, State, and Local governments, and there is an annual reporting
requirement.
Bristow said Commission meetings must be listed; there were 13 meetings.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
February 13, 2020
Page 2 of 8
98 applications were processed for review. Bristow said the number had increased 28% from
2015 to 2019. She said all applications for review result in either a denial, a Certificate of No
Material Effect, or a Certificate of Appropriateness.
Bristow explained this report also goes to governments, counties, and programs that do not
have a local component, so they are only dealing with the National Register. That's why some of
the questions are phrased the way they are. For instance, one of reporting items is how many
National Register Properties, in a district or individual, were altered, destroyed, removed, or
moved. Every time Staff and the Commission do something that's not a Certificate of No
Material Effect, it's an alteration. Those are listed in the report. Simple repairs are not counted;
neither are garages and outbuildings. That's why the 98 applications resulted in only 35. That
also doesn't count the ones in conservation districts, because those are not National Register -
listed properties.
In the conservation districts there was the same level of work on 18 properties. The Commission
approved seven projects in the calendar year for funding from the Historic Preservation Fund.
Kuenzli mentioned the 98 applications with only 35 properties altered makes it sound as though
the Commission said no to 60 -some applications.
Burford pointed out there were 198 inquiries, even though it only resulted in 98 applications.
Kuenzli thought the number of inquiries should also be included in the presentation to Council.
Bristow said in another section of the report, it would be noted that Staff provides technical and
design assistance. There were 98 applications for historic review and inquiries from owners of
198 different properties, up from 160 inquiries last year.
Bristow said Council could be given a visual representation with red marks noting properties
reviewed that are listed in the National Register. The 18 conservation district properties could be
marked another color. The other 40 -some, to equal 98, could represent Certificates of No
Material Effect or a garage or something that wouldn't count. This will show how expansive and
extensive the Commission's work has been.
Boyd suggested Bristow explain the categories to Council and give examples, such as: Here's
something of no material effect. Here's what an inquiry means. This means these folks are just
repairing their windows as opposed to tearing them out. The examples will help Council
understand that 198 inquiries isn't just somebody calling, it's Staff helping them figure out they
don't need to tear out all the windows. They can just be repaired and here's how the
Commission can help.
Bristow agreed that the presentation should be clear so new members of Council or those not
familiar with historic preservation would understand the work the Commission does. She
believed the best inquiry example would be a person who says I'm going to buy this house, can
Staff come look at it and tell me all the things that we can do, and time is spent doing this.
Boyd & Kuenzli felt efforts to save windows should be pointed out.
Burford asked if there was a way to quantify public contact hours.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
February 13, 2020
Page 3 of 8
Bristow said it was hard to log everything and amounts of time vary. She said there was a
misconception that a major review that comes to the Commission would take the longest
amount of time, when sometimes it's the Certificate of No Material Effect that took the longest
because of time spent convincing the property owner to go from making some major alteration
like removing all of their windows to repairing all of their windows instead. Sometimes it can take
a lot of time for that.
Burford believed there should be some measurement or some statement about the investment
that is made in the community and what the community gets back, especially since this
Commission only has a part-time Staff member. She believed this would help validate the
Commission's work and need for more staff time.
Bristow said there is a section in the report about difficulties encountered. Staff time is noted in
that section.
Kuenzli advised Bristow to note the number of inquiries was up from 160 to 198, whereas staff
time for addressing all these things was not increased so that limits how much the Commission
can serve the public.
Bristow said there were five Local Landmarks added: The City Park Cabins, the Post Office, the
Ned Ashton House, the Hohenschuh-Hervert House, and the Christian and Clara Hohenschuh
House. These were the local only, not National Register.
Bristow said the report asked if the community passed any ordinances that directly or indirectly
affect historic preservation. There were two. There is now a requirement in regard to paving and
distance between a parking pavement and another paved area, that is part of an ordinance.
This has a very indirect effect on historic properties. If someone wanted to add a driveway, this
could have an impact. The other ordinance will require radon testing and mitigation in single-
family and duplex rental units. This will have a direct impact on historic properties. It is not
something we consider negative, but it will increase the number of reviews. There is a large hole
for piping that goes through the exterior wall of a building. Staff will review and approve these. It
is a Staff -level review because someone won't be denied the ability to mitigate their radon, but
Staff can help make sure it is not on the front or readily visible and that they know they can paint
them so they are less visible.
Bristow said there is a report section on finding and investigating, and then protecting historic
properties. The next section is how the process is managed. Then there's an education section.
A new work plan was not created last year. In the report it is noted that the Commission was so
ambitious the year before that we continued in 2019 to work on progress from the 2018 work
plan, which was the case. There were six grants to finish, and those were completed. Bristow
said she would have a slide on the Historic Preservation Fund for the Council to help tie that in
with landfill diversion and how it has helped people keep their windows.
The Commission aided Council in the beginning of last year on the Sanxay-Gilmore House and
the development impact on the stone railroad bridge.
Bristow will report on the Historic Preservation Committee budget. There is a mailing, a travel
and training budget, a small budget for miscellaneous consultations, Staff salary and benefits,
and then the Historic Preservation Fund. She wants to keep the Historic Preservation Fund
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
February 13, 2020
Page 4 of 8
separate from the budget because they are different things. In the report there is only one place
to list all the money available for use.
Burford asked if Historic Preservation awards have any budget.
Bristow noted the City Manager has graciously offered multiple times to fund a more permanent
award instead of a certificate. There is some desire to recognize the fact that our awards are a
good thing for the City and for the Commission, and to put some money in that.
Kuenzli said if the Commission could obtain funding for blowing up photographs of the prize
winners, the before and afters, to make an exhibit in the Library, it would be educating the public
and applauding preservation, making people aware of it, because that's expensive to do.
Bristow thought it might be possible to include that kind of a number next year, but there were
no costs like that in last year's awards.
Boyd thought it would be worth talking about the awards during the Council presentation, noting
there are now fewer Staff hours devoted to it, so more volunteer time from Commission and
Friends, and the Johnson County group. He suggested a save -the -date for the upcoming
awards ceremony.
Bristow asked the Commission to provide suggestions and let her know if anything was missing
from the report. She said it would be presented to Council on March 3rd and must go back to
the State on March 6th.
Kuenzli noted the report instructions say please be specific. She wondered if all addresses
should be included for reporting on the Historic Preservation Fund.
Bristow said she was hesitant to list people who received grants although it is public information.
DeGraw wondered if just the districts could be listed where the Historic Preservation Grants
were awarded.
Bristow also noted the Commission is required to have some education. She said she would be
speaking at the Preservation Summit in Dubuque this summer so her registration would be free.
Boyd asked Bristow to send the details to the Commission so they can check their calendars
and plan ahead.
Burford asked if some of the City Council or other City officials should attend since tax
incentives will likely be discussed.
Bristow said a notice could be sent out.
Kuenzli noted she had attended a window restoration workshop in Dubuque.
REPORT ON CERTIFICATES ISSUED BY CHAIR AND STAFF:
Minor Review — Staff Review.
619 Ronalds Street — Brown Street Historic District (deteriorated window replacement).
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
February 13, 2020
Page 5 of 8
Bristow noted all the other windows in this house have replacement windows in the frames. A
tiny attic window is deteriorated and will be replaced, as well as another window along the stairs
that has had a lot of deterioration.
710 South Summit Street — Summit Street Historic District (sleeping porch window
replacement).
Bristow explained that through a second -floor remodel, this sleeping porch will become a wet
room portion of a bathroom. There will be a shower in the middle of the room and there will be a
clawfoot tub in front of the back windows. It is a porch, so it has screens and storms. These will
be replaced and the storms that are on the side will be replaced with windows.
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES FOR JANUARY 9, 2020
MOTION: Burford moved to approve the minutes of the Historic Preservation Commission's
January 9, 2020 meeting. Clore seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 8-0.
COMMISSION INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION:
Annual Work Plan.
Bristow said there would be an internal meeting about how to logistically move through a
process to review the Summit Street Monument and have the Commission decide what to do. It
will start with Staff involved. The recommendation will come to the Commission for review. She
said a local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) reached out and want
to be involved. Their chapter apparently did the original plaque a long time ago.
Bristow reminded the Commission their maps need to be updated.
Boyd noted the City has declared a climate crisis, and that preservation work is a lot about not
adding to landfills. He thought there was an opportunity for the Commission to add their
perspective to the climate discussion.
One idea was to make demolition of any historic building more difficult, as well as considering
salvage and recycling to divert material from landfills. He said it is very easy to get a demolition
permit in Iowa City compared to other cities. Cities like Cedar Rapids require a 60 -day notice on
anything that's over 50 years old. The Historic Preservation Commission can lift that faster if
they want, or they can put a two-month hold on it to try to draw some attention. It has helped
them save one or two buildings.
Boyd suggested the Historic Preservation Commission bring policy recommendations to a future
meeting that could be moved on to City Council or the new Climate Commission. G.T. Karr is
now part of that committee. Boyd noted the City is offering incentives to build new green
buildings, but the greenest buildings are those that already exist.
Sellergren asked if interior situations, such as maintaining plaster, would be in the
Commission's jurisdiction.
Boyd said it would not but said the Commission could certainly suggest there be more funds to
keep stuff out of landfills, like windows.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
February 13, 2020
Page 6 of 8
Wu wondered if the Commission could use that climate lens to promote how historic
preservation could keep buildings in those walkable core neighborhoods instead of just turning
everything into patches of grass or parking lots. Preservation keeps buildings closer together in
that denser development that the City is at least ostensibly looking toward.
12 East Court Street.
Kuenzli asked if the Commission could express concerns to the City Council regarding
proposed 15 -story towers at 12 East Court Street that would block the view from Old Capitol to
the Courthouse.
Bristow said the 410/412 North Clinton Street project will be a part of the Council Work Session
and a written statement from the Commission has been submitted. 12 East Court Street will be
part of the regular Council meeting and a statement from the Commission could be sent to
Council if Commissioners cannot be there in person.
DeGraw believed planning went into the view from Iowa Avenue, where you can stand at the
east end and get a clear view of the Capitol, as well as north to south, from the T. Anne Cleary
Walkway. She said the view should be maintained.
Pitzen also noted the view when driving north on Capitol Street.
Kuenzli explained originally the developers wanted the City to extend the street through to
Burlington. That changed and, in exchange, the developers will put the street through but,
somehow, they get bonus space so they can add more floors than zoning currently allows to the
project. Between the credit they would transfer from extending the street themselves, plus the
credit they accrued when they did the Tate -Arms business, the developers will have 300,000
extra feet of credit to be applied to this project, which would bring the towers up to 15 stories.
Wu believed it was zoned for a maximum of eight stories, with the additional stories coming
from the right-of-way transfer, plus the Tate -Arms, plus student housing.
Kuenzli pointed this out as another example of destroying one section of town to save one little
section. She thought it was time to re-examine the transfer of rights. Preservation is being held
hostage to this sort of thing. The transfer of rights would allow the developers to go up to 15
stories, obliterating the vista of the Old Capitol from the Courthouse.
After some collaboration, the following statement was drafted, which will be sent to City Council
regarding the proposed project at 12 East Court Street:
The early City planners understood the layout of the City gave us our historic sight lines of the
Old Capitol and, later, the Johnson County Courthouse. We believe the proposed skywalk and
the height bonus negatively impact those historic vistas.
MOTION: Kuenzli moved to approve the statement drafted by Boyd and to have it sent to
City Council for the February 18, 2020 meeting concerning the 12 East Court Street
project. Seconded by DeGraw. The motion carried on a vote of 8-0.
Downtown:
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
February 13, 2020
Page 7 of 8
Bristow said she did not have all the details but advised the Commission the National Register
nomination for Downtown Iowa City was delayed.
400 Block North Clinton Street:
Regarding 410/412 North Clinton Street, Bristow said she would attend the Council Work
Session in case Council had any questions. She advised Commission members to send any
additional comments, beyond their previously prepared statement, directly to the Council or City
Clerk's Office. She also noted the owner took out a demolition permit for the potential
landmarked property.
Bristow was told by the developer that their goal, and in order to make the whole thing feasible,
was to come up with 90 bedrooms by taking down 400 North Clinton and 112 East Davenport
and retaining 412 and 410 North Clinton.
Bristow said if 400 Clinton and 112 Davenport are combined with existing zoning, they can get
24 bedrooms. If 410 and 412 Clinton are taken down, on that lot they could get 24 bedrooms,
for 48 across the whole development. They want 90. They are working with the City to retain
410 and 412 Clinton in order to further develop 400 Clinton and 112 Davenport to get more
units.
Boyd reminded the Commission the reason they are in this position is because two City
Councilors failed to vote for the landmark of 410/412 North Clinton — Susan Mims and Mazahir
Salih. He said you need six votes when the property owner objects. There are seven members
of the Council. Five voted for it. Two voted against it. He urged Commission members to
continue to communicate to the Council directly via email or calls.
2020 Census.
Bristow explained the purpose of including the Census information was to remind anyone who
happened to have neighborhood contact that there will be a Census in 2020, and it is very
important for Federal, State, and Local funding for a variety of reasons because it relates to the
City's population in different areas. The benefits to the community are immeasurable and a
complete count of people will better prepare and preserve our community into the future.
ADJOURNMENT: Clore moved to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by DeGraw.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Judy Jones
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
February 13, 2020
Page 8 of 8
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2019-2020
TERM
NAME
EXP.
3/14
4/11
5/09
5/23
6/13
8/08
8/19
9/12
10/10
11/14
12/12
1/09
2/13
AGRAN,
THOMAS
6/30/20
X
O/E
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
BOYD, KEVIN
6/30/20
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
0/E
X
O/E
X
X
BUILTA, ZACH
6/30/19
X
X
X
X
X
BURFORD,
HELEN
6/30/21
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
CLORE,
GOSIA
6/30/20
X
X
O/E
X
O/E
O/E
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
DEGRAW,
SHARON
6/30/19
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
O/E
0/E
X
O/E
X
X
KARR, G. T.
6/30/20
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
--
--
--
—
_
KUENZLI,
CECILE
6/30/19
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
O/E
O/E
X
X
X
X
KIPLE, LYNDI
6/30/22
__
_
—
__
__
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
O/E
PITZEN,
QUENTIN
6/30/21
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
SELLERGREN,
JORDAN
6/30/22
--
--
--
--
--
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
SHOPE, LEE
6/30/21
X
X
X
X
O/E
WU, AUSTIN
6/30/20
__
__
__
__
__
__
__
_
_
O/E
X
Item Number: 4.c.
CITY OIF IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
April 7, 2020
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Parks & Recreation Commission: February 12
IOWA CITY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED
MINUTES FEBRUARY 12, 2020
ROBERT A. LEE RECREATION CENTER — MTG ROOM B
Members Present: Stephen Bird, Alex Hachtman, Ben Russell, Melissa Serenda, Angie Smith, Jamie
Venzon, Brianna Wills, Blake Winter,
Members Absent: Boniface Penandjo Lemoupa
Staff Present: Brad Barker, Zac Hall, Juli Seydell Johnson
Others Present: Craig Gustaveson, Pam Smith, Emily Ware
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairman Bird called the meeting to order at 5 p.m.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (to become effective only after separate Council action):
None
OTHER FORMAL ACTION:
Moved by Smith, seconded by Winter, to approve the January 8, 2020 meeting minutes as written.
Motion passed 8-0 (Lemoupa absent
PUBLIC DISCUSSION
None
INTRODUCTION OF COMMISSION MEMBER:
New commission member, Alex Hachtman was introduced to other members and staff. Hachtman's term
runs through 12/2020.
DOG PARK OPERATIONS — BRAD BARKER & ZAC HALL:
Barker introduced Craig Gustaveson to Commission and staff. Gustaveson explained that he was a
Commission member from 1998 to 2010 and served as chairman for six of those years. During
Gustaveson's tenure, the commission worked with Johnson County DogPAC to develop the dog park. He
and Emily, another member of the audience, have been walking their dogs in the park since it opened. He
said that Thornberry Off Leash Dog Park is truly one of the best in the state and, in fact, he often hears
that from visitors who visit from out of state. However, he and others have noticed some issues over this
past year. He pointed out that he understands the challenges for Parks staff being spread thin at times.
Therefore, he and a group of morning dog park users began discussing ways in which they could help.
They have created a plan and are at the meeting this evening to present that proposal to the Commission
and staff. The proposal states that a group of them would meet the first Saturday/Sunday of each month,
therefore, calling themselves the First Saturday/Sunday Club. The volunteers help in cleaning the park
including picking up and removing any dog waste left behind, filling in holes on the grounds, assist in
maintaining gravel around the park where needed, and clean up any safety hazards that are a risk for the
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
February 12, 2020
Page 2 of 6
dogs and their owners. The volunteers would provide shovels, wheelbarrows, buckets etc. while staff is
being asked to provide sand, gravel, dirt, mutt mitts, latex gloves and flags to mark holes in need of
filling. The volunteers will sign waivers releasing the City from any liability from injuries they might
incur while volunteering at the park. Gustaveson then addressed some other concerns/suggestions with
those present. That list included the algae issue in the pond, protruding railings on the dog dock, and the
need for posting signs that would include park rules such as only one dog on the dock at a time and
another sign including a statement reminding parents that they are responsible for their children when
present in the park. The groups proposal is attached.
Barker then presented budget information for both dog parks. He directed Commission to the handout
included in their agenda packet that that provides that information. He explained that the budget was run
based on a calendar year for 2019 as the annual dog tags run on this same schedule. He pointed out that
the budget includes two different revenue line items. The Parks & Recreation line item is titled
admissions while revenue from Animal Services is labeled as entry fees. The 2019 revenue for the dog
parks totaled $116,000. He noted that this is quite a jump from the previous two years sharing that 2018
revenue totaled $91,000 and in 2017 it totaled $90,000. While part of this is likely due to the increase in
annual tag fees from $40 to $52 in 2019, staff has noticed a sharp increase in daily tag sales, even during
the winter months. In past years, attendance usually dwindled during this time, however, with this year's
milder winter, the parks have remained busy. Naturally, this leads to more wear and tear, especially in the
areas where the ground is soft. With a revenue surplus, staff will budget for park improvements in the
next fiscal year as well as adding year-round staff. While dog park staff are present to oversee the parks,
they also provide an important role as advocates. Hall thanked Gustaveson for his report, stating that it is
great to receive input from the users. Bird asked if it would be necessary for a Parks staff member to be
present to supervise the volunteers.
Seydell Johnson said that Saturday mornings would be doable but likely not possible on Sundays.
Gustaveson said the group would like to form its own dog park board at some point that would meet with
the Commission and/or staff on a regular basis. Serenda asked if there are similar issues at Rita's Ranch.
Pam Smith, from the audience and staff member of the dog parks, stated that because Rita's is a water
retention area, it does flood and can become very wet.
Seydell Johnson explained to the commission that it would be appropriate for them to encourage this
relationship but would it be not necessary for them to make a formal motion. Bird responded that he
thinks the plan presented is a great idea and that he is pleased with their enthusiasm. All commission
members are in support of the group's proposal.
Gustaveson said the next step will be working with Parks and Recreation staff. The groups is planning an
April kick-off. Ware asked if it might be possible to add a warming house to the park. Seydell Johnson
said there is nothing planned now but perhaps they could consider the idea in the future. All thanked the
group for coming to the Commission with their proposal.
REPORT ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF:
Parks & Recreation — Juli Seydell Johnson:
Recreation Center Temporary Closure: Seydell Johnson announced that due to necessary repairs
in the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center, the water needs to be shut off to the building on Friday,
February 14. Therefore, the Recreation Center will close on Friday, February 14 at 10 a.m. and
will reopen upon completion of the repairs, likely around 4 p.m.
Deer Management Update: Seydell Johnson noted that White Buffalo has been placing bait in
various locations and will begin their sharpshooting measures again on Sunday, February 23
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
February 12, 2020
Page 3 of 6
through Sunday, March 15, 2020. The following park closures will be in affect (signs will be
posted at various points in each park):
■ Waterworks Prairie Park 3 p.m. to dawn
■ The Ned Ashton House
3 p.m. to dawn
■ Terrell Mill Park
3 p.m. to dawn
■ Oakland Cemetery
3 p.m. to dawn
■ Crandic Park
3 p.m. to dawn
■ Hickory Hill Park
3 p.m. to dawn
■ Thornberry Off -Leash Dog Park and Peninsula Disc Golf Course will close every
day from dusk to dawn
Bird addressed a letter that was recently published in Little Village Magazine that stated two deer
were shot and left at Terry Trueblood Recreation Area. The assumption was that they were shot by
White Buffalo. Both were evaluated by Iowa City Police and parks staff. It was determined that
one of the deer was hit by a car and the other was pieces of carcass that had been dumped in the
park. Hall noted that this is not uncommon, however, it is uncommon that they were dumped at
TTRA. Seydell Johnson pointed out that White Buffalo did no shooting at TTRA. Seydell Johnson
also reported on another deer that was reported to have been shot and left behind at Hickory Hill
Park. Again, the police department evaluated and determined that it too was hit by a car. Wills
noted that it is good for commission members to be up-to-date in the process in case they are asked
questions. Seydell Johnson also directed members to the website for updates at
www.ic og v or /g depMroject
Tree Removal at Court Street & Scott Park: The department has received calls from concerned
residents regarding tree removal at these locations. Seydell Johnson explained that the trees
removed were those that run along the creek towards the north and to the Lindemann Subdivision,
then to Lower West Branch Road and south to Muscatine. She said that a couple of years ago the
development cleaned out several scrub trees to open the area for flood water. Many scrub trees
were again removed during this most recent process to also open the creek for storm water flow.
More will be removed as necessary. Larger trees will be left in place. It is also necessary to remove
these smaller trees to prevent choking out of the large ones. Serenda asked if notifications were
sent out. Seydell Johnson reported that a media release was sent out prior to the holidays, however,
because this was all done on park property, notification is not required. Hall noted that a prairie is
also being established in this area. Seydell Johnson said that a similar process is taking place at
Willow Creek Park at this time. There has been a significant amount of erosion seen in these areas
for which staff will now be able to address.
Communications & Marketing: Seydell Johnson reminded Commission that over the past couple
of months members have asked for a communications and marketing report for Parks & Recreation.
Seydell Johnson suggested that this be the main topic of discussion on the March commission
agenda. Commission members agreed and look forward to further discussion. Morgan Gerdes, the
departments Recreation Program Supervisor for Communications and Event Planning will be
present as well.
Recreation Division Superintendent:
• Makers Space at the Recreation Center: Barker announced that the Maker Space began operating
on Thursday, January 25. The Makers Space is "a place where children and families can come
together to build, create, tinker and discover." The space will be open from 2-4 p.m. on
Thursdays and Saturdays from January 25 through April 25, 2020. The space is free and open to
the public. Barker said that 19 participants attended this past Saturday.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
February 12, 2020
Page 4 of 6
Learn to Swim Program: Barker explained that one of the department missions is to teach every
kid to swim. The aquatics staff, Kate Connell and Sydney Stodola, have been working hard to
share this opportunity with those in the community. Recently staff has started coordinating with
before and after school programs in the area. One of the biggest challenges has been
transportation for the kids to get to and from the Recreation Center. Staff is happy to announce
that the department has been able to hire a third -party service to assist in the transportation. With
that obstacle removed, 95 kids have signed up for lessons. These kids are from Grant Wood
Elementary and Fifth Ward Saints (a before and after school program that is not tied to the Iowa
City School District). Wills suggested a similar program be offered for sports programs. Bird
asked if Parks and Recreation Foundation funds can be used to help in the cost of transportation.
Seydell Johnson explained that the funds for the lessons are run through the Parks and Recreation
Foundation which is managed by the Community Foundation of Johnson County. She further
explained that the John Geerdes family have set up a memorial fund in John's honor that is
designated specifically for transportation costs. Sadly, John Geerdes was fatally injured in a bus
accident while attending college in Canada. Wills asked if staff is tracking how many of the kids
are progressing through the different levels of swimming. Barker explained that most of these
kids have never participated in lessons before. This program will introduce them to the water in a
safe environment where an instructor will teach them how to tread water and to paddle their way
out of a dangerous situation if ever necessary. Staff is keeping track of rosters and will continue
to monitor these year after year. Wills stated that these stats will be important when speaking to
potential donors.
Parks Division Superintendent — Zac Hall:
• Willow Creek Park: Parks staff is currently working on cleaning up the creek area at Willow
Creek as mentioned earlier. There will be 10 -acres of new prairie added to serve as a buffer
between the new playground and the creek. The plan is to mow a path through the prairie
allowing access to the creek and should provide a new experience for park patrons. He further
noted that staff hopes to add over 100 acres of prairie to the parks in the next year. Seydell
Johnson said this is all part of the sustainability plan. Not having to mow these areas and creating
more prairies provide more habitat for wildlife and will also cut down time spent mowing by staff
thereby allowing them to work on other projects.
• Windsor Ridge: Staff is also working in this area near a lift station structure that is near the south
end of the pond. Staff is cleaning up already downed trees in this area. This is being done in
anticipation of the underpass to the school.
• Hiring: Staff is gearing up for the hiring season. Positions have been posted and applications are
coming in. Interviews will begin soon. Staff will also be participating in a job fair at Kirkwood
Community College. Wills asked what the positions entail. Hall explained it is mowing, clean up,
and trash pickup for the parks positions. The horticulture positions include plant care at City Hall,
downtown, medians and right-of-way's in the city. Two natural areas positions work in tandem
with horticulture to do invasive species removal and prairie burns. Several ball field staff will be
hired for the season as well. All positions start at $11.50 hour; however, those rates will jump to
$13.25 an hour on July 1 as part of the councils' initiative to raise the minimum wage.
Serenda said that she is very pleased to see so much prairie establishment within the parks. She asked
about the diversity of species planned for these areas. Hall said that there are 25 areas that are being
established on hillsides so will be working with contractors to determine the species that will help in
stabilization. Staff will be looking at various mixes for creek areas. Hall said that diversity will
depend on the areas and what will work best for the desired outcome.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
February 12, 2020
Page 5 of 6
Bird asked if there were any updates on playground accessibility recommendations that had been made to
the department. Seydell Johnson said that this topic was bumped for other items on the council work
session agenda. The City Manager has stated that he will give staff a months' notice prior to this item
being placed back on the agenda.
COMMISSION TIME/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
Wills asked for an update on the potential development of an eastside sports complex. Barker noted that
he met with Think Iowa City staff and a consultant that they have working on the project. There were two
different plans that were presented. One of the plans did not include an in -door complex while another
one did. All plans were to be completed in a three phase process. The plan that did not include a building
was estimated to cost between $15-$26 million. With a building included the cost is estimated at $37
million. Seydell Johnson, along with the Convention and Visitors Bureau, brought in a consultant to
complete an economic impact study. Unfortunately, it did not bring in the numbers they were hoping for.
Wills asked to look at the documents. Barker will get those to her for review.
ADJOURNMENT:
Moved by Hachtman, seconded by Russell, to adiourn the meeting at 5:49 p.m. Motion passed 8-0
(Lemoupa absent).
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
February 12, 2020
Page 6 of 6
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
NAME
a
ON
0%
N
o
Mro
O
N
N
O
~
01
N
N
N
TERMM
EXPIRES
to
c
t-
o0
0,
^�
~
N
~
N
Suzanne
12/31/20
X
O/E
X
LQ
X
X
LQ
X
X
O/E
Bentler
Steve Bird
12/31/21
X
X
X
LQ
O/E
X
LQ
O/E
X
X
X
X
Lucas
12/31/22
X
X
O/E
LQ
X
Foelsch
Alex
12/31/20
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
X
Hachtman
Cara
12/31/19
X
X
X
LQ
X
X
LQ
X
O/E
X
Hamann
Boniface
12/31/23
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
X
O/E
Penandjo
Lemou a
Ben Russell
12/31/21
X
X
X
LQ
X
X
LQ
X
X
X
O/E
X
Melissa
12/31/23
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
X
X
Serenda
Angie Smith
12/31/21
X
X
X
LQ
X
O/E
LQ
X
X
X
X
X
Jamie
12/31/20
X
O/E
O/E
LQ
X
O/E
LQ
X
X
X
X
X
Venzon
Brianna
12/31/22
X
X
X
LQ
X
O/E
LQ
X
X
X
O/E
X
Wills
Blake Winter
12/31/22
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
X
X
X
X
X
Joe Younker
12/31/19
X
X
X
LQ
X
X
LQ
X
X
X
KEY: X = Present O = Absent O/E = Absent/Excused
NM= No meeting LQ = No meeting due to lack of quorum
* = Not a member now