December Council Meeting Summary

Dear fellow U-Heights citizens,

City Council held their regular December meeting tonight. Here are some highlights:

Potential Development Information
Jim Lane reported an update on One University Place/ St. Andrew site that the developer and the church are still negotiating over purchase details. When that is completed it would be expected that council would then be able to evaluate a PUD (Planned Unit Development) agreement and determine if the city would participate in possible financing (TIF or bonding or something else?) It was also reported that no one on council has heard anything from the GG Land Group since their October public meeting. It appears they may no longer be interested in pursuing a development.
 

Sidewalk Issues Discussed
Council approved Resolution 14-34 regarding sidewalk repairs. Much discussion ensued about how to make this easier for owners. This fall sidewalks east of Sunset and south of Melrose were inspected. Homeowners needing to make repairs will be notified by letter in January. Information will also be posted on the city website. Repairs will need to be completed by July 15, 2015. Also since snow will be coming again, it's a good idea to take a look at Virginia Miller's Winter Sidewalk Reminders.
 

Zoning Commission Work Continues
The Zoning Commission has met 8 times since council implemented the building moratorium in September. Chair Pat Yeggy talked about a possible change to limit the size of new construction and additions via a lot coverage method, such as is used in Iowa City and Coralville. Please look at the Zoning Commission Page. Agendas and minutes so far are listed there. If you have comments or questions, contact Pat at the above link. Zoning Commission will next meet 12/10/14 at 7 PM in the City Office, 1004 Melrose Ave.
 

New Year's Eve Luminary Event
Mayor Louise From and Councilor Silvia Quezada are working on "Lights in the Heights" on New Year's Eve by putting out candle luminaries along Sunset Ave and Melrose sidewalks. If you would like to volunteer to help with this contact silvia@university-heights.org.

For more information about tonight's meeting read Dec. 9th Agenda and attachments

Upcoming Events:
Dec. 10th– Zoning Commission 7:00 PM City Office
Dec 31st– 1st Annual U-Heights Light the Heights Walk Sunset and Melrose's lighted sidewalks!
Jan. 6th – Christmas Tree Pick Up 7:00 AM with regular garbage pick up.
Jan. 13th – Christmas Tree Pick Up 7:00 AM with regular garbage pick up.
Jan. 13th – City Council Meeting 7:00 PM Location yet determined

Please accept my warmest wishes for this holiday season, and for a wonderful 2015!

 

Follow University Heights on Twitter
Consider contributing to the University Heights Community Fund
I also write a blog covering U-H and other timely topics, with my opinions expressed UHForward.blogspot.com

As always it is a pleasure to serve as your city councilor. 

 

-Mike

November 2014 City Council Meeting Summary

November 11, 2014
 
Dear fellow U-Heights citizens,

City Council held their regular November meeting tonight. Here are some highlights:

Building Permit Moratorium extended.
Council voted to extend the current building permit moratorium through February. The Zoning Commission has met 5 times since council implemented the moratorium in September. The Commission has focused so far on accessory buildings and will also be addressing yard definitions and look at building size in relation to the lot size, known as floor area ratio. Please look at the Zoning Commission Page. Agendas and minutes so far are listed there. If you have comments or questions, all the zoning commission members emails are listed on the above link. Zoning Commission will meet 11/12/14 at 7 PM in the City Office, 1004 Melrose Ave.
U-Heights/Iowa City Boundary Issues Discussed
Council discussed a request from the City of Iowa City to allow them to enforce lawn care and snow removal on Iowa City property adjacent to U-Heights homes. More discussion with City of Iowa City will be held, but citizens and council both stressed tonight that U-Heights needs to help protect the rights of property owners.
Safety Concerns
New Police Chief, Ken Stanley reminded residents to keep their property secure. Unlocked cars have been entered this month, and about 6 unlocked, unattended bicycles have been stolen this fall from open garages or other open areas.

For more information about tonight's meeting read Nov. 11th Agenda and attachments

Upcoming Events:
Nov. 12th– Zoning Commission 7:00 PM City Office
Nov. 13th – Leaf Vacuuming If your leaves are raked to the curb early, trucks may pick them up as they pass through to the city landfill.
Nov. 16th– Tower Court Park renovation meeting 2:00 PM at the park
Nov. 20th – Leaf Bag Pickup Leaf bags are picked up free of charge.
Nov. 20th – Zoning Commission 7:00 PM City Office
Dec. 9th – City Council Meeting 7:00 PM Horn Elementary Library

September Council Meeting Summary

I'm doing a little clean up here, I neglected to post this to the blog earlier:

City Council held their monthly September meeting tonight below are some highlights. See more at September Agenda and attachments Police Chief Hired Kenneth Stanley, currently chief of the Village of Centuria, Wisconsin, has been selected by the University Heights City Council as Police Chief of University Heights, to replace the retiring Chief, Ron Fort.   Prior to his position in Wisconsin, Chief Stanley had a 30 year career with the California Highway Patrol. From 2003 to 2013 he served as a Sergeant and supervised in offices containing over 100 uniformed officers, as well as in an administrative capacity supervising a team of uniformed and non-uniformed personnel. Before that he worked in regional offices, public affairs, and the research and planning section of the patrol. ln the spring of 2013,he graduated from the School of Police Staff and Command at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, where he was elected class president. He holds a Bachelor’s of Arts degree from San Francisco University in Public Administration and Public Policy. Stanley is expected to begin his term on November 1. 2014.. Development Proposal Presented Thomas Galuski of GG Land Group presented an initial concept for an apartment development at 901 Melrose Ave. extrememe eastern edge of town) this would be a residential complex with 158 units housing 500 residents. Council directed him to hold open community meetings to present information to all interested citizens. Go here to see the proposal Building Moratorium Proposed Council will hold a special meeting on September 24th to continue discussing the possibility of a 90 day building permit moratorium to allow the zoning commission to discuss amending ordinance 79. Go here to read more about this.

Follow University Heights on Twitter Consider contributing to the University Heights Community Fund I also write a blog covering U-H and other timely topics, with my opinions expressed UHForward.blogspot.com As always it is a pleasure to serve as your city councilor. -Mike

August Council Meeting Summary

I'm doing a little clean up here, I neglected to post this to the blog earlier:

City Council held their monthly August meeting tonight below are some highlights. See more at August Agenda and attachments National Development Council Presentation Tom Jackson who is working for City of U-Heights shared information about the National Developoment Council, and his role as an outside third party evaluator of the One University Place project. He shared that has has worked with the City team as well as the developer's to assess the viabilty of the project and whether or not City financial participation is necessary. See his Powerpoint presentation here. New PUD Submitted That presentation was followed by a summary of a new Planned Unit Development (PUD) proposal submitted last  week. Major changes include a rear building only four stories tall with 44 residential units, and an increase of about 15 surface parking spots. See the new proposal here. Local Option Sales Tax Council approved LOST language for the November ballot . We will contribute 10% of revenue to retiring the courthouse annex bond, if passed. The other 90% would be earmarked for acquiring community center space, street repairs or any othter lawful purpose. Other Good Things Happening: Fourth Room Theatre presents William Shakespeare’s romantic comedy, Much Ado About Nothing, at 901 Melrose Avenue, a beautiful, secluded outdoor space near Kinnick Stadium, on August 15-17 (Fri-Sun) & 21-23 (Thu-Sat) at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are FREE. Fourth Room Theatre requests you make a reservation by calling or texting 319-214-3375 or emailing info@fourthroomtheatre.com with your name, preferred date, the number in your group, and number of vehicles in your party. August 23rd meet at Tower Court Park (adjacent to U-Hieghts) to discuss possible improvements. City of Iowa City has money to renovate but won't do so until community members come and take the lead. That day we will gather ideas and form committees for specific parts of the update plan, such as landscaping, play structures, etc. Please attend if you are interested in providing ideas or serving on a committee, or feel free to submit ideas and feedback to Silvia or I in advance of the meeting. Our main goal for this update is to expand the appeal of this park to a wider range of ages of children and adults. Contact Virginia Miller or Silvia Quezada.

Follow University Heights on Twitter Consider contributing to the University Heights Community Fund I also write a blog covering U-H and other timely topics, with my opinions expressed UHForward.blogspot.com As always it is a pleasure to serve as your city councilor. -Mike

October Council Meeting Summary

Dear U-Heights neighbors,

City Council held the regular October meeting on Tuesday. See the agenda and supporting documents here. Here are some highlights:

Presentation to residents: GG Land Group OCTOBER 16 7:00 PM University Club
It was brought up at council meeting that a mailing went out to residents Tuesday for a public meeting this Thursday evening. (I didn't see the letter until after the meeting) I strongly encourage anyone who can attend Thursday do so. City Council HAS NOT approved any plans. When GG group came to council last month we suggested they hold a public meeting.
Want a Street Tree?
Councilor Virginia Miller will submit  a 2015 Trees Please Grant. If you would like to receive a tree for planting in the city right of way at your property contact her at virginia@university-heights.org. She has lots of interest already so don't delay.
Farewell to Chief Ron Fort
Tonight was Chief Fort's final meeting as head of the University Heights police. Council and the public wished him well, and Mayor From presented him with a key to the city. Ron's final official day will be October 24th.

Two Other Items to Pass Along:

1.     LITTLE FREE LIBRARY is running low, please return books you've borrowed and read, or consider donating extra books. Adult and Children's boxes both would benefit from more material!

2.     Open House for newly appointed Police Chief Ken Stanley.  An Open House will be held, Sunday, Nov. 2^nd from 2:00-5:00pm at the City office next to Stella.  Chief Stanley will be sworn-in as chief at 4:00 pm.

Since you've got your calendars out here are a few more upcoming events:
Oct. 22nd – Zoning Commission Meeting 7:00- 9:00 PM City Office, 1004 Melrose
Oct. 27th – Leaf Vacuuming If your leaves are raked to the curb early, trucks may pick them up as they pass through to the city landfill.
Oct. 30th – Zoning Commission Meeting 7:00- 9:00 PM City Office, 1004 Melrose
Oct. 31st – Halloween Trick or Treating will be from Dusk until 8:30 PM
Nov. 4th – Election Day 7:00 AM- 9:00 PM St. Andrew Church MORE INFO HERE LOST Info HERE
Nov. 11th – City Council Meeting 7:00 PM site TBD
Nov. 13th – Leaf Vacuuming If your leaves are raked to the curb early, trucks may pick them up as they pass through to the city landfill.
Nov. 20th – Leaf Bag Pickup Leaf bags are picked up free of charge.