HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-09-04 Council minutes k
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM
Date: September 11, 2018
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Kellie Fruehling, City Clerk
Re: Council Work Session, September 4, 2018, 5:04 PM in Emma J. Harvat Hall
Council: Cole, Mims, Salih, Taylor, Thomas, Throgmorton.
UISG: Stewart, Wu
Staff: Fruin, Monroe, Andrew, Dulek, Fruehling, Seydell-Johnson, Hall, Schepers,
Bockenstedt, Fleagle, Hightshoe, Sitzman, Russett, Nagle-Gamm, Knoche, Havel,
Weinard
(A transcription and PowerPoint are available in the City Clerk's Office and the City website.)
Discuss parameters of a possible Transfer of Density Rights Ordinance
Development Service Coordinator Sitzman and Senior Planner Russett presented a power point to
discuss the parameters of a possible Transfer of Density Rights Ordinance. The presentation covered
the following 5 areas relating to policy questions for Council guidance: Eligible sending sites, Transfer
Formula, Priority of preserving historic resources compared to other public benefits, Review and
approval process for transfers, and Eligible receiving sites.
Action: The following direction was given: (1) Sending sites will include only future local historic
landmarks. (2)A new density formula will be developed by NDS staff. (3) For purposes of the draft
ordinance, TDR bonuses will be treated in a manner similar to the current bonus provisions. Council
and/or staff may wish to revisit this topic at a later date. (4)Application of TDR bonuses to receiving
sites will require City Council approval. (5) Options for receiving sites will include the Riverfront
Crossings District and sites that allow multi-unit development citywide. At a later date, staff will consider
the possibility of adding underperforming commercial areas and the South Johnson/Van Buren area to
the list of eligible receiving sites.
Review Emerald Ash Borer Response Strategy
Parks & Recreation Director Seydell-Johnson and Parks & Forestry Superintendent Hall presented a
power point and gave an update on the Emerald Ash Borer, the approach the City has been using and
a recommended strategy for continuing forward. Mike Kinter, with the Iowa Department of Agriculture
and Land Stewardship also presented a power point with additional information on the Emerald Ash
Borer.
Action: The following direction was given: (1) Parks will proceed with removals of Ash Trees that pose
a public safety risk or that are needed to facilitate public improvement projects. (2)Additionally, staff will
also move ahead with a chemical treatment plan for the Ash Trees identified as the best candidates for
treatment. Each of the 400 trees will be re-assessed prior to treatment to ensure that the most viable
trees will be prioritized. Further, the focus of treatment will be on street corridors with heavy Ash
populations. Healthy trees that do not play a significant role in a block's tree canopy may not be
treated. Staff will report back to the Council in a future Information Packet on our treatment plan.
Council Work Session
September 4, 2018
Page 2
(3) Further discussion on the possible treatment of some trees identified as 'marginal' in the tree
inventory will take place at a work session in October. (4) Communications will assist Parks staff with
an enhanced public information campaign regarding EAB and the City's plan to manage and treat Ash
trees. Information will be resident-centered and provide information about the City's approach as well
as how residents can manage concerns with trees on their own property.
(Break to Formal meeting 6:49 p.m. - Returned 9:39 p.m.)
Consider elevating hourly staff wages to $15/hour or more within two years
Discussion deferred to the September 18th work session, immediately following the joint meeting with
the Johnson County Board of Supervisors.
Clarification of Agenda Items
• [8.a]... Deer Management Correspondence ...Council member Salih asked about the current
deer management policy. City Manager Fruin stated there was no current policy and recapped
where the City is currently at with the State for sharpshooting authorization.
• [8.b]... Kinnick House Correspondence ... Council member Salih stated she agreed with
Council member Cole's previous statement at the formal meeting during City Council
Information.
• [8.d]... Mary Gravitt: Time Traffic Lights ...Council member Salih asked if the timing of the lights
could be looked at. City Manager Fruin stated staff was already looking into it and they had also
contacted Mary Gravitt.
• [8.b]... Kinnick House Correspondence ... Mayor Throgmorton commented on his visit to the
house while City inspectors were on site and asked for a report back to the Council on the
inspection. City Manager Fruin stated there will be a response to the neighbors that had
questions and a copy of the response will be included in an information packet. Individual
Council members expressed their views.
Action: The City Manager will share staff's response to the Manville Heights neighborhood
related to the Lusk house in a future Information Packet. Related to this item, a work session
will be added to the pending list.
Information Packet Discussion [August 23, August 301
> August 23
1. (IP2, Iowa City Traffic Stop Analysis Power Point) Mayor Throgmorton thanked staff for
including the power point in the information packet. Council member Salih stated she would
like to have more discussion regarding traffic stops. Mayor Throgmorton suggested
including the strategic plan for the police department in a future packet.
Action: The Police Department strategic plan shared by Chief Matherly in 2017 will be
shared with Council in a future Information Packet along with his response to questions
raised at the August 21st work session.
2. (IP4/IP5, Memorandum from City Clerk: Listening Post Update and Listening Post
Summary Report—August 16) Mayor Throgmorton suggested having the next Council
Listening Post at Weber Elementary. The Mayor and Council member Salih volunteered to
attend the event. Suggestions were made for other future listening post sites.
Council Work Session
September 4, 2018
Page 3
> August 30
1. (IP2, Work Session Agenda) Council member Cole asked for an additional 15 minutes at a
work session to continue the Council discussion on the Emerald Ash Borer. City Manager
Fruin suggested a work session in October.
2. (IP5, Pending Work Session Topics) Council member Mims for clarification on the special
work session that was to be held in September. After discussion, it was decided to wait
until after the election when Council would have 7 members. Individual Council members
expressed their views. Council member Mims commented on road diets and asked about
timeframes for project completions. City Manager Fruin gave a brief update on
Clinton/Gilbert and Mormon Trek. Individual Council members expressed their views.
Action: The special work session planned for a discussion of 12 Court will be postponed
until mid-October, after a seventh member joins Council. Staff will prepare background
information on the Riverfront Crossing Master Plan and form-based code to help facilitate
discussion on the project.
3. (IP5, Pending Work Session Topics—cont.) Council member Mims commented on road
diets and asked about timeframes for project completions. City Manager Fruin gave a brief
update on Clinton/Gilbert and Mormon Trek. Individual Council members expressed their
views.
Council updates on assigned boards, commissions and committees
Council members reported on various assigned boards, commissions and committees.
Adjourn 10:21 p.m.