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HomeMy Public PortalAboutMinutes_City Council Work Meeting_02182020CITY COUNCIL WORK MEETING IONA CITY BUILDING FEBRUARY 18, 2020 6:00 P.M. PRESENT: Mayor Dan Gubler, Council President Rob Geray, Council Member Michael Thompson, Council Member Peter Wadsworth, Council Member Kathy McNamara, City Attorney Andrew Rawlings, Public Works Director Zech Prouse and City Clerk Keri West. ABSENT: Treasurer Amy Sullivan. VISITORS: James West and Scott Kelly. ITEMS OF BUSINESS: Discussion with Planning & Zoning Commission Members regarding Iona City Code Commercial Zone, Main Street and Comprehensive Plan — James West, Chairman of the Planning & Zoning Commission (P&Z), discussed concerns regarding the Commercial Zone of the Iona City Code, after the City Council had asked the P&Z to review it. Mr. West referenced § 11-6-5(a) regarding the required front and side yards for commercial properties, stating the wording could use some improvement to make it easier to understand. Mr. West continued and stated the P&Z is requesting further clarification on § 11-6-6, regarding area requirements for Commercial lots. Mr. West also began a discussion regarding parking requirements for Commercial business in the City. Attorney Rawlings stated Title 11, Chapter 12 of the Iona City Code does address a lot of information pertaining to parking requirements. Council President Geray suggested the P&Z review the mentioned chapter and make suggestions to the City Council. Mr. West next referenced Iona City Code § 11-6-9- Landscaping/Buffering Required in the Commercial Zone: "If the commercial development abuts a residential area, a buffer of landscaping or fencing shall divide the commercial development from the residential area. No buffer shall exceed 6 feet in height. The City Council shall review and approve all landscaping plans." Mr. West stated the P&Z is concerned that trees are allowed to be used as a buffer, but trees typically grow higher than 6 feet. Council President Geray stated there are some types trees that wouldn't really reduce visibility, which is the point of a buffer. However, he stated he does not think the City Council wants to get into determining which trees should be allowed as a buffer. Mr. West stated the P&Z has reviewed the list of Conditional Uses currently permitted in the Commercial Zone. He explained that the City Council had requested the P&Z to review and recommend which uses currently listed should be removed because they would never be approved in the City of Iona. Mr. West continued and stated the P&Z is hesitant to remove anything from the list of Conditional Uses, because that could allow an incoming business to just obtain a business license and not be required to go through the same process as a Conditional Use. Council President Geray agreed and stated if certain businesses were removed from the Conditional Use list, they could fall under the "retail" category in the Permitted Uses section (11- 6-2) and not require additional City approval, beyond a business license. Attorney Rawlings 1 agreed and said it could cause an issue in the future if certain businesses were removed from the Conditional Use list. Mr. West asked the Council whether they should consider creating a list for prohibited businesses in the City. Council President Geray and Mayor Gubler both agreed and stated it would be a good idea to include a "Prohibited Uses" list in the Commercial Zone, in addition to the existing "Permitted Uses" and "Conditional Uses" sections. All Council Members agreed to have Attorney Rawlings draft an amendment to add "Prohibited Uses" section to the Commercial Zone chapter. Mr. West continued and stated his hesitation to move "Second-hand Sales" to the "Prohibited Uses" section, because this could eliminate antique stores, which add to the unique nature of a small town. Council President Geray agreed. He continued and advised Attorney Rawlings to draft the amendment for the P&Z to review and make comments on at their next meeting. After which, the City Council will review their recommendations and move forward with drafting an ordinance to present as a Public Hearing. Mr. West also asked the Council if they are considering adding a Historical District Conditional Use section, and if so, what that would entail. Council President Geray stated his hesitation to designate a Historical District, unless the Council also takes the necessary measures to revitalize the existing structures and properties in the area that would be designated. Mr. West stated the Council can set the standards and set the zone for new businesses to follow. In addition, the City can help the existing businesses and structures with possible grants to elevate them to the updated standards. Mayor Gubler agreed and stated he believes the process to improve Main Street starts with the City Council and with new businesses. Discussion of Country Haven Park — Clerk West stated this topic has been discussed numerous times over the last two years and it was last decided that the City would begin development in the spring of 2020. Clerk West continued and stated the outcome of their last discussion was to dedicate $20,000 towards Country Haven Park and have the City design and install it. Director Prouse said he believes the City can do a nice xeriscape park there for $20,000. Mayor Gubler instructed Director Prouse to design a plan and present it to Council at a later date. Discussion of Iona City Building and Park Improvements — Director Prouse stated there are some major improvements that need consideration for the City Building, including the foundation and the front steps. He continued and stated there are some structural issues in the City Building that may become compromised if they are not addressed soon. Council President Geray stated he understands the significance of the City Building, but he would like to see a cost benefit analysis performed on the scope of work the building requires to remain safe and functional. Mayor Gubler stated he does not want to create fear and suggested focusing on fixing damage as it happens. Director Prouse stated he believes there are preventative measures that can be taken to avoid costly structural damage in the future. Mayor Gubler agreed. Meeting Adjourned: 6:59 p.m. COUNCIL APPROVED: April 21, 2020 ATTEST: Keri West, City Clerk Dan Gubler,l'Glayor, 2