HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-10-01 Council minutesI �',p CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM
Date: October 8, 2019
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Kellie Fruehling, City Clerk
Re: Council Work Session, October 1, 2019, 5:00 PM in Emma J. Harvat Hall
Council: Cole, Mims, Salih, Taylor, Teague, Thomas, Throgmorton
UISG: Wu, Lenkaitis
Staff: Fruin, Monroe, Andrew, Dilkes, Fruehling, Bowers, Brotherton, Whitmore, Knoche,
Havel, Seydell-Johnson, Hightshoe, Laverman
(A transcription is available in the City Clerk's Office and the City website.)
Review Human Rights Commission Recommendations for the Social Justice and Racial Equity
Grant Program
Equity Director Bowers presented a power point and reviewed the Human Rights Commission
suggested changes to the FY20 Social Justice and Racial Equity Grant process as listed in the memo
of the 9/26 Information Packet (IP3). Individual Council members expressed their views.
Action: The Council accepted 14 of the 15 recommendations from the Human Rights Commission on
the Social Justice and Racial Equity Grant Program. The second recommendation was modified to
provide the Commission discretion to allow for a second year of funding to an organization. The
Human Rights Office will proceed with preparing the application for the next round of grants.
Clarification of Agenda Items
• [2]... Proclamations ... Mayor Throgmorton noted he would be spitting the proclamation readings
with Mayor Pro tem Taylor.
• [6.b, 6.c, 8.b, 8.k, 8.m]... Council member Salih stated she had questions but preferred to wait until
the formal meeting to ask them.
• [8.k]... Spencer Herman: Introduction to Boxcar — Parking Solution... Mayor Throgmorton noted it
looked like a good solution.
• [8.d]... Courtney Bork: Bike -sharing... Mayor Throgmorton mentioned the possibility was interesting
and staff should consider.
• [8.c]... Mary Gravitt: More trees less potholes needed on 2700 block of Wayne Avenue & truthful
official sign postings... Council member Thomas liked the motto.
• [10.a]... Regulating Plan Amendment - 625 S. Gilbert Street ... Mayor Throgmorton asked for
clarification of the process for items 10.a and 10.15. City Attorney Dilkes provided information.
Council Work Session
October 1, 2019
Page 2
Information Packet Discussion fSe_ptember 5, September 12. September 19. September 26
➢ September 12
1. (IP7, Memo from Community Development Planner: HCDC Feedback: Tax Exemptions
for Affordable Housing) Neighborhood and Development Services Director Hightshoe
provided a summary of the recommendations from the Housing & Community
Development Commission. Individual Council members expressed their views.
Action: Staff will publish the parameters of the new tax exemption program for affordable
housing. The program will include the HCDC recommendation for 40% AMI limits
2. (IP8, Memo from Community Development Planner: HCDC Feedback: City Low Income
House Tax Credit Funds) Neighborhood and Development Services Director Hightshoe
provided a summary of the recommendations from the Housing & Community
Development Commission. Individual Council members expressed their views. Ellen
McCabe, Housing Trust Fund, provided additional information.
Action: Staff will prepare a Council resolution to provide $200,000 in funding to the
Housing Trust Fund for LIHTC projects. The resolution will request the Trust Fund make
every effort to utilize the city dollars to increase affordability levels and/or the number of
units that are affordable with future LIHTC awards. However, such increased targets
beyond the State LIHTC parameters are not a condition of use of City funds.
➢ September 5
1. (IP5, Email from Anita Jung: IC Slum Lords) Council member Salih questioned if the
Police Department could investigate. City Manager Fruin and City Attorney Dilkes
provided information. Individual Council members expressed their views
2. (IP2, Article from Council Member Thomas: Interesting article about urban trees) Council
member Thomas noted the article.
➢ September 19
1. (IP2, Memo from City Clerk: Joint Entities Meeting Agenda Items for October 14) Council
members discussed topics of interest to add to the agenda.
Action: Staff will add the following topic to the October 14th Joint Entities meeting:
"Explore interest in a future discussion on the multi -family and hotel building expansion
in Johnson County communities".
➢ September 26
1. (IP5, Memo from City Clerk: Joint meeting with UISG) Council members discussed the
proposed meeting dates. UISG Liaison Wu provided additional information.
Action: The Council has agreed to a joint meeting with the UISG at 7:00 p.m. on
February 11, 2020.
2. (IP6, Memo from City Clerk: Proposed Council Meeting Schedule, January - April 2020)
City Manager Fruin noted the proposed budget work session dates in January and the
adjustment of the second meeting in March.
Council updates on assigned boards, commissions and committees
Council members reported on various assigned boards, commissions and committees.
Adjourn 6:32 p.m.