HomeMy WebLinkAbout10.28.2004• •
COUNCIL WORK SESSION
October 28, 2004
8:00 a.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Mayor Hurley, Greenwood, Clark, Schmitt, Gunderson, Welper.
Members absent: Kincaid, Cole.
Moved by Welper, seconded by Gunderson that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes:
Five. Absent: Kincaid, Cole. Motion carried.
Agenda items that have been placed on the council agenda of Monday, November 1, 2004 were
reviewed with Department Heads who have placed items on the agenda.
Mayor Hurley reviewed Standing Committee agendas for Monday, November 1, 2004.
Items discussed included:
1. Request from Willow Springs Estates to rezone from "R-2" One and Two Family
Residential District to "R-3,R-P" Planned Multifamily Residential District property
generally located at the northwest corner of Willow Street and Idaho Street for the
purpose of constructing a 60-unit affordable family housing development. Willow
Springs has also asked the council to adopt a resolution of support for Iowa Finance
Authority tax credit, It was suggested that they may not go forward with the project
if they don't receive tax credits for the project. Mayor Hurley stated that some of the
neighbors met with him, and they aren't opposed to housing but are concerned about
clustered buildings, but that could be some carryover from the My Own Home
Project. Councilperson Clark is opposed to the rezoning and resolution of support
and will have documentation for Monday's meeting showing the number of vacant
rental units in the area. Councilperson Greenwood opposes the project as it is one of
the last tracts on the Northeast side available for single family homes, with amenities
such as two golf courses, good schools, access to Martin Luther King Drive and Idaho
Streets. Councilperson Greenwood stated he feels it would be self-serving for
Willow Springs Estates to do the project if they get the tax credits. Rudy Jones
reported that some of the developers will be asking for HOME funds, and Community
Development will be evaluating the projects over the next few months. Don Temeyer
reported that the Comprehensive Land Plan shows Idaho Street and Martin Luther
King Drive suitable for rental and multiple family housing. Mr. Temeyer stated this
is a logical location for multi housing, and the neighbors opposing the development
live in Highland Park, which is %2 mile from the development. Mr. Temeyer
reminded the council that David Deeds is receiving HOME funds for his
development. Councilperson Schmitt supports the resolution of support because if
Willow Springs Estates receives the tax credit, they must complete the project within
two years. Mr. Temeyer stated that each project should be judged on its own merits,
and the tax credit application is separate from the zoning application. Council needs
to look at location, land use plan, etc. A letter was sent to the property owners within
250 feet of the project, and there were no objections, but Phillips Estates owns most
of the land.
2. An application for FY05 Economic Development Neighborhood Initiative grant to be
used for demolition of the Priority 1 Muffler and Brake Shop at 220 Jefferson Streets,
and an application for Community Policing and demolition, acquisitions and rental
rehabilitation in the Rath Brownfields area.
3. RFPs for the Airport Marketing Communications Agency and Airport Air Service
Consultant.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by Welper, seconded by Gunderson
that the meeting be adjourned at 8:25 a.m. Ayes: Five. Absent: Kincaid, Cole. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk