HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-06-20 Transcription Page I
Council Present: Alter,Bergus,Dunn,Harmsen, Taylor, Teague, Thomas
Staff Present: Jones,Kilburg, Goers,Fruehling,Platz,Barker, Sovers,Havel,Yoder,
Clark,Jordan
Others Present: LeFevre, USG Liaison
1. Call to Order
Teague: Well it is 6:00 PM on June 20th, 2023 and we welcome you all to your City Council.
We're going to get started. I-I'm going to call this meeting to order. Roll call,please.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular
formal meeting of June 20, 2023.
Page 2
2. Proclamations
2.a. Parks & Recreation Month
Teague: All right. Item Number 2 is proclamations, 2.a is parks and recreation month. (reads
proclamation). And receiving this uh proclamation today is Alex and yes. So great.
Hachtman: Thank you. Mayor Teague and City Council. So my name is Alex Hachtman and I
have the distinct honor and privilege of serving as part of the Parks and Rec Commission,
the City of Iowa City. And I humbly accept this proclamation on behalf of the Parks and
Rec Commission,the Parks and Rec department, and from on behalf of the citizens of
Iowa City. So a quote that I love is by Frank Lloyd Wright says, "I go to nature every day
for inspiration in the day's work."And I hope each day that you visit uh one of the many
parks in the City of Iowa City, with over 50 parks, green spaces, and nature areas. So the
Parks and Forestry Division provide and maintain adequate open spaces,parks and trails
for the residents of Iowa City. And over 99% of Iowa City residents live within a half-
mile of open space in this wonderful city of ours. So I invite you as well during the
month of July to visit a park,to go out and explore, and to maybe visit a park that you'd
normally haven't gone to before. And so we are extremely blessed in the Iowa City area
with so many parks as well as wonderful recreation programming as well, and encourage
you to take part in those as well. Also in celebration of the parks and rec month the City
of Iowa City Parks and Rec department will be launching a month long sporting
equipment drive throughout all of July. All new and gently used sporting goods received
from the public will be collected by staff and redistributed to individuals, families, and
organizations that need these types of items the most. And we understand that not having
access to proper sporting equipment can be a barrier to recreation. And this is one way in
which we can address the issue. So you can dust off any old gear that you may have and
look out soon for an announcement coming on that. But once again,thank you for all that
you do and helping preserve our natural and green spaces in Iowa City and for all that
you do in support of the Parks and Rec program. Thank you. .
Teague: Alex, and thank you for serving as chair of that commission.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular
formal meeting of June 20, 2023.
Page 3
2.b. Waste and Recycling Workers Week
Teague: 2.b, is waste and recycling workers week. (reads proclamation)And receiving this is a
Resource Management Superintendent Jennifer Jordan.
Jordan: Thank you Mayor Teague. Good evening council. As the mayor mentioned I'm Jen
Jordan the resource management superintendent for the City of Iowa City. Our division
within Public Works has about 36 employees and we pick up trash,recycling and
organics including food waste,which is a premier service in the state and across the
nation. We get called back for just a second. We get calls all the time from other
communities across the country asking how we do what we do. So we, I- I encourage,
um, all of us to look at the services that not only resource management provides but that
Public Works provides on a daily basis and be really proud of those. So thank you for this
honor. Have a good evening.
Teague: Great
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular
formal meeting of June 20, 2023.
Page 4
3.—8. Consider Adoption of the Consent Calendar as Presented or Amended
Teague: We're on to our consent agenda,which is items 3 through 8. Can I get a motion to
approve please?
Bergus: So move Bergus.
Taylor: Second, Taylor.
Teague: All right. Anyone from the public like to address this topic?Anything on our consent
agenda? Seeing no one in-person or online, council discussion?
Dunn: I, I actually have one thing. Um, I, I recently received,uh, a question about this that I
thought I knew the answer to,but I wanted to check with. Um, for our, uh, liquor
licenses, are we shall issue unless otherwise or what is the situation there?
Goers: Oh,no,we're not shall,uh,but we need to adhere to the standards set by the state. Um,
you know,we do have,uh,you know,we can consider whether there has been
compliance with local laws and- and that kind of thing,but,um,we have to be careful,
uh, over why we see no. In the past,there have been occasions when we have denied a
liquor license renewal and been overturned by the state because they didn't think our
reasons were sufficient. So that can happen.
Dunn: Is that it usually at an administrative review or is it a litigation?
Goers: Administrative. Well, I'm trying to think how to answer that. Uh,we litigate in front of an
ALJ and that can be appealed to the district court. Yeah.
Dunn: Thank you.
Goers: Sure.
Teague: Any other discussion?Roll call,please? (Roll Call) Motion passes 7-0.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular
formal meeting of June 20, 2023.
Page 5
9. Community Comment
Teague: Item number 9 is community comment. This is an opportunity for folks to come and
speak on any thing that is not on our agenda. You will be allowed up to three minutes at
this time so you're welcome. And also this is an opportunity for you all to speak to the
council. We are not able to engage with you. Yes.
Dunn: Mr. Mayor, is it okay if we talk to a little bit about why we are not able to engage?
Teague: Um,the-the main reason we're not able to engage with,um,public is because of,uh,we
have to notify the public on any topic that we're going to discuss.
Dunn: I just wanted to clarify. The reason I say that is,um,we've had a lot of people in the past
that I've been aware of that I've been wanting that and I think-.
Teague: We can't go into discussion now.
Dunn: Okay. Understood.
Teague: Yes. Welcome.
White: Welcome. Hi. Can I start now?
Teague: Yes.
White: Hi. Uh, good evening all. I would like to start off by reading Shelter's House mission
statement. Our mission is to provide safe shelter and help people improve the quality of
their lives as they move towards homelessness. And they do this by putting you in areas
where there's nothing but death and destruction. All they give us his death and despair.
Last week they found T-bone dead in his apartment. All they give us these drugs,
alcoholism and suicide, feelings of doubt,helplessness, grief, frustration, despair,
uncertainty and fear. They set us-they don't set us up for independence and prosperity.
They set us up for failure and doom. When some of us just want to live out the
remainders of our lives and be happy. I don't even feel good going home. When I leave
here I don't feel good going home. I just got a new water heater in April of 2023. The last
time my water heater was replaced was in 1963. In 1963, I was nine years old. I have
hole and molds in my wall where I can stick my finger to my wall,to the outside, in my
wall. With $11.1 million that was given to shelter house, I could cure homelessness
problem. But you will hold me accountable for every dollar. So why is Shelter House
with all their managers falling short?Homeless veterans should not be in our vocabulary
at all. There should be no such thing as a homeless veteran in America or anywhere. I
would take every family,man,woman, and child veteran off the street with counseling
and God. I mean,we are gonna need divine intervention and- and getting to where we
want to get in life. On May 28th, I lost a friend in Davenport when a building collapsed.
And my friend's son, and when they showed it, oh,you could see was Brandon's clothes.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular
formal meeting of June 20, 2023.
Page 6
His bed was gone. Since that incident happened in Davenport,more cities in Iowa are-
are taking heed to this. Iowa city are viewing these dilapidated condemned buildings
more seriously except Iowa city. And what this city is doing in conjunction with Shelter
House is similar to a building collapsing on us.
Teague: Thank you.
White: Thank you.
Teague: Anyone else like to speak on a topic that is not on our agenda? Seeing no one in-person
or online.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular
formal meeting of June 20, 2023.
Page 7
10. Regular Formal Agenda
10.a. 2023 City of Iowa City Parking Garages Maintenance and Repair -
Resolution approving project manual and estimate of cost for the construction of the
2023 City of Iowa City Parking Garages Maintenance and Repair Project,
establishing amount of bid security to accompany each bid, directing City Clerk to
post notice to bidders,and fixing time and place for receipt of bids.
Teague: we're going to move on to our item number 10.a, 2023, City of Iowa City parking
garages,maintenance and repair,resolution of proven project manual and estimate of
costs for the construction of the 2023 City of Iowa City parking garages,maintenance
and repair project, establishing amount of bid security to accompany each bid, directing
city clerk to post notice to bidders and fixing time and place for receipt of bids. I'm going
to open the public hearing and welcome.
Yoder: My name is Ethan Yoder. I'm with the engineering department and I'm here to talk about
the 2023 City of Iowa City parking garages maintenance and repair project for this year.
A little quick background for why we chose what you chose. The maintenance for this
year was chosen based on the five-year parking garage maintenance master plan that was
put together by THP. And this year we chose to do the stair towers at Buick Street and
tower place. Parking garages we're gonna be putting down some new membrane concrete
crack repair,painting the stairs, stair tread replacement and small repair. Some of the
mechanical and electrical items in Tower place in Chauncey Swan and Courts Street
Parking garages. The stair towers will be receiving getting new exhaust fans as well as do
thermostats go with the exhaust fans. And at Harrison Street we're doing an infrared
scanning of the electrical equipment. The estimated costs for the project is $184,500. The
bid letting is July 18th with award of August 1st, and it will start September 5th and
completion should be this fall,winter. Are there any questions? Thank you.
Teague: Thank you. All right. Anyone from the public like to address this topic? If so,please
come forth. Seeing no one, I'm going to close the public hearing. Can I get a motion to
approve,please?
Alter: So moved,Alter.
Bergus: Second,Bergus.
Teague: Council discussion. Roll call, please. (Roll Call) Motion passes 7-0.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular
formal meeting of June 20, 2023.
Page 8
10.b. 2023 Dubuque Street,McCollister Boulevard,and Landfill Seeding-
Resolution approving project manual and estimate of cost for the construction of the
2023 Dubuque Street,McCollister Boulevard,and Landfill Seeding Project,
establishing amount of bid security to accompany each bid, directing City Clerk to
post notice to bidders,and fixing time and place for receipt of bids.
Teague: Item 10.b, 2023 Dubuque street,McCollister Boulevard and landfills seeding. Whereas
illusion of proven project manual and a state- an estimate of cost for the construction of
the 2023 Dubuque street. McCollister Boulevard and Landfills seeding project has
established an amount of bids security to accompany each bid. Directed city clerk to pose
notice two bidders, and fixing time and place for receipt of bits. I'm going to open the
public hearing and welcome.
Sovers: Good evening,Mayor and Council Scott Sovers,Assistant City Engineer. Tonight I am
going to provide you a brief overview of the 2023-2025 seeding project. Starting off
there,three seating locations for this project. The fust one being McCollister Boulevard,
from South Gilbert street to Sycamore street. The second one is to Dubuque Street from
Brown Street to Taft Speedway. And then lastly,the third one is at the Iowa City in
landfill and recycling center. For some background information,McCollister Boulevard
and Dubuque Street reconstructed as a part of the city's capital improvement program in
2020 and 2016 through 2018,respectively. Both projects existing topsoil was stripped,
salvage,never used. Despite the seeding and are citing completed within the prescribed
spring and fall windows as per the product specifications. It didn't properly get
established and is in poor condition, as you can see by the photos on the slide. This could
have been from a variety of reasons. However, it is likely due to existing topsoil-the
existence of topsoil being overly compacted during placement, as well as the absence of
organics and nutrients. At the Iowa City landfill and recycling center,there are areas
within the cells FY09 and FYI that are no longer receiving waste and he'd final service
restoration and seeding. Additionally, a temporary material storage area for the
construction of the new FY23 cell,which is currently under construction,needs final
service restoration and seeding. For the project overview. The product generally includes
soil quality restoration overseeing and fertilizing and McCollister Boulevard from Gilbert
Street to Sycamore Street and Dubuque Street from Brown Street to tap Speedway. Also
included the project is seeding, fertilizing and mulching have disturbed areas of the Iowa
City landfill that are no longer being used for solid waste disposal or for the constructive
new FY23 cell. The estimated construction costs for the project is 240,000. We are
hosting the public hearing tonight,which is June 20th. The bid opening is July 5th. We're
planning to bring this back to you for award at the July 11th meeting, and then
construction is from August 2023 through December of 2025. That concludes my
presentation. I'd be happy to answer any questions.
Alter: I just have a question based on,um,when you were talking about potential reasons or
likely reasons why it didn't take um, is that mitigated in this iteration where they'll make
sure that there's more nutrients.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular
formal meeting of June 20, 2023.
Page 9
Sovers: Yes. That's the plan and that's why sorry. That-that's why the project is going to extend
over a couple of years.
Alter: Got you.
Sover: Can do some- some,you know,we're going to do the SQR one year and then the next-the
following years we're going to do a couple of applications of fertilizer to try to get it
where it needs to be.
Alter: Perfect. Thanks.
Sovers: Yeah.
Teague: Thank you.
Sovers: Yeah. Thank you.
Teague: Anyone from the public like to address this topic? Seeing no one in person or online, I'm
going to close the public hearing. Can I get a motion to approve please?
Harmsen: Moved,Harmsen.
Taylor: Second, Taylor.
Teague: Council discussion?Roll call,please. (Roll Call) Motion passes 7—0.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular
formal meeting of June 20, 2023.
Page 10
10.e. Pedicabs and Taxicabs Ordinance- Ordinance Amending Title 5,Entitled
"Business and License Regulations," Chapter 2,Entitled"Taxicabs,"to define
pedicabs separately from taxicabs. (First Consideration)
Teague: Item 10.e pedicabs and taxicabs ordinance amending Title 5 entitled Business and
License Regulations. Chapter 2 entitled Taxicabs to Define Pedicabs Separately From
taxicabs. Can I get a- get a motion to give fust consideration?
Alter: So moved,Alter.
Bergus: Second,Bergus.
Teague: All right, and we're going to invite our city clerk to give us some comments.
Fruehling: Good evening. So the ordinance that's on the agenda tonight and the city code review
for taxicabs and pedicabs was initially prompted by an email from a pedicab business
owner requesting changes to the code. And while staff was considering the recommended
changes,we concluded it would be more clear to separate out those two parts and have
pedicabs be in a separate section of the code. The ordinance moves all the pedicab
provisions to a new section, and we'll essentially not change those requirements except
for the following four changes. Pedi-pedicab businesses should not be required to
maintain manifest logs. They should not be required to have an office telephone number
answerable 24n. Drivers and training do not need prior approval of the city,but cannot
transport passengers while they're training. And businesses should not be required to have
a unique color scheme,but the pedicabs need to look alike for purposes of identification
by the public. The ordinance also prohibits the use of electronic cigarettes by drivers and
passengers in taxicabs and pedicabs. And I'd be happy to answer any questions.
Alter: I have an odd question. It had to do with the fourth point that- about not being required to
have unique color scheme,but they need to look alike for purposes of identification by
the public. Is it possible for there to be individual pedi vehicles that just some person
could use on the Pedmall. I guess. I'm just well.
Fruehling: They can't be on the PedMall
Alter: Right. Oh, I'm sorry, and I recognize that the pedicabs can't be either. Sorry about that.
Um, I guess I'm just- it's just a point of curiosity because it was sort of like to identify
that these are businesses as opposed to all my neighbors- [OVERLAPPING].
Fruehling: Oh I see what you are saying,Like a personal one.
Teague: I guess I want to add to that. What if someone wanted to,uh, a pedi,um,banana boat or
something. You know, is a pedicab,but it looks like a banana boat or something. So
because you're saying they need-they need to look alike.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular
formal meeting of June 20, 2023.
Page 11
Fruehling: Right. Within the-within the one business. So if they have two pedicabs,they should
look similar and they typically have signage and a phone number.
Teague: Okay.
Fruehling: Yeah.
Teague: Okay.
Alter: Yeah. I- I just truly was like so I didn't realize that it can be sort of like [OVERLAPPING]
personal use,pedicab
Fruehling: Sorry, for paying customers only.
Teague: Okay.
Dunn: So question. Um,this is also just a curiosity thing and like,uh,the-the-the-the vapes,uh,
where does that come from? That just seemed out of- [OVERLAPPING]
Fruehling: Eric can hop in on that one.
Dunn: Left field for me. At the vary end.
Goers: So we-we treat,um, as a City. We have generally treated,uh, electronic cigarettes,um,
vape products the same as tobacco for the same reasons as tobacco,right? I mean, it's
second-hand smoke and you don't want to have exposure. We don't allow them around
baseball fields, for example, in city parks and that kind of thing for all the same reasons.
And so there was as- as city staff was reviewing the pedicab ordinance amendment. You
know, oftentimes we look at them more broadly. There's some issue is brought to us to
consider and we say,well, as long as we're working on this ordinate, so let's think of
other things that we might add to it. And so this is one of those to be clear,the the
resident or the person who is interested in making the changes did not raise that,but that
was at the staff level that we decided like,you know what?We should probably address
this too. We address,you know,that with taxicabs. And- and so we thought it'd be
appropriate just to make that change across the board.
Dunn: A little bit of a follow-up question on that.
Goers: Sure.
Dunn: I mean, so when talking about using an e-cigarette and again,this is all curiosity. I mean,
I'm not pressing. But I mean, are we talking about,you know,using on their shift?Are
we talking about using while they're peddling which is clearly dangerous or what's-
what's your thought there like just for some clarity as to what we're doing here.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular
formal meeting of June 20, 2023.
Page 12
Goers: Sure. So the language says,no drivers shall smoke or use an electronic cigarette while
transporting a passenger. So I think that may address your fust question, is on their shift?
Well,no,not if- I mean,they can do it if they're not transporting passenger. Would only
be when there's someone else who could be unintentionally sucking in the second-hand
smoke, so to speak. And I'm sorry, I've forgotten the second part of your question.
Dunn: Uh, I think you answered.
Goers: Okay. Yeah.
Dunn: The second part was are we talking about while they're riding the bike?Which you clearly
answered.
Goers: Okay.
Dunn: Yeah
Goers: Great.
Taylor: So just another sort of clarification,Kellie, since this is fairly new to the area. And if
they don't have any sort of signage, do people hail them like the hail a cab in the bigger
cities, or how do they contact? There's-just as they're riding by and people will say,hey.
Fruehling: They can. There is- like I said, there is, uh,they do have to have signage. They have
to have a business name-
Taylor: Okay.
Fruehling: And a phone number on the sides of- of the pedicab. But yeah, I think a lot of them
are just hailed as they're-they're going by.
Taylor: Okay.
Teague: Any other questions for Kellie?All right, anyone from the public like to address this
topic? If so,please come forward this that- at this time. There is a sign-in sheet at the
table. Um, and just for future reference,there are assigned and stickers on the back that
people can place in a basket up here. Please state your name and city you're from.
Snyder: Uh,Ben Snyder. I live in Cedar Rapids,but I own Peddle Power, a pedicab company.
Sorry, I don't have my hearing aids in. So half of that was muffled my fault for not
wearing my hearing aids tonight,but,um, I'm standing here just in case you have any
questions or anything that I missed out on. Um,but I would say that,um, I'm licensed in
Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, Coralville, and Des Moines. And some of the variances in the
ordinances vary a little bit. I would say there's some municipalities. It probably could do
more and some that could do less. And so,uh, I sent the council just some of my
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular
formal meeting of June 20, 2023.
Page 13
recommendations that can make it easier on the city,um,but some things that wouldn't
make sense to separate us from,uh, traditional taxicabs that are cars that have different
capabilities or- or different sizes or,uh, in one instance, like just the lettering size that a
pedicab may not have room for compared to a traditional taxicab in,uh, other instances.
So,um, if you have any questions, let me know. But sorry, I missed out on half of that.
Teague: Thank you.
Snyder: Thank you.
Teague: Thank you. Yes. Anyone else like to address this topic? Seeing no one in-person or
online, council discussion.
Taylor: I think it just makes sense to separate them out and that kinda see it like a bicycle versus
a car,uh,to have separate ordinances and just-just kinda makes sense to me, I think.
Teague: Roll call please. (Roll Call) Motion passes 7-0.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular
formal meeting of June 20, 2023.
Page 14
10.f. City Park Pools Professional Servive Agreement-Resolution approving,
authorizing and directing the Mayor to execute and the City Clerk to attest an
Agreement by and between the City of Iowa City and Williams Associates
Architects,Ltd., of Itasca,Illinois to provide engineering consultant services for the
City Park Pool Project.
Teague: Item number 101, City Park Pool Professional Service Agreement,resolution
approving, authori- authorizing and directing the Mayor to execute and the City Clerk to
attest an agreement by in-between the City of Iowa City and Williams Associates
Architects,LTD of Itasca, Illinois, to provide engineering consultant services for the City
Park Pool Project. Can I get a motion to approve,please?
Alter: So moved Alter.
Harmsen: Second,Harmsen.
Teague: All right and welcome.
Barker: Hello. So my name is Brad Barker. I'm the Recreation Superintendent with the Parks and
Recreation Department. I'm here today to talk about this council action report before you,
which would be the authorization to proceed forward with professional consulting
services for City Park Pool. With City Park Pool having aged nearly 75 years,the current
condition of the pool's infrastructure and equipment necessitates a direction on whether
repair or replacement is needed in order to ensure a viable facility for the future of the
community. To provide some contexts on few of the issues currently experienced at the
pool one of the primary concerns there is the loss of water that we're experiencing. On
average,we're losing 30,000 gallons of water per day. Every year our staff takes
measures to cock the cracks and do basin painting and try to-try to do what they can to
hold off on all of that water being lost,but we still do lose an average of 30,000 gallons
per day. And mind you,that is treated water- chemically treated water as well so that is
some that's-that's a cost that we-that we have for that water. The main pool got our
grading, is worn and abrasive. Every year we get more complaints about,um,people
having minor scrapes and abrasions due to the- due to the gutters. And then the pool
house structure and mechanical equipment is deficient and not constructed to meet
modern employee safety and patron accommodation expectations. The bathhouse is just
older,wasn't initially designed with that in mind. So we-with this project, we,um,
interviewed for consulting teams,they submitted their proposals and we had interviewed
all four teams that submitted the proposals. And each firm had the opportunity to tour
City Park Pool prior to filling for the season. So they were all able to go out there and see
the pool and it's dry state as they were coming in for their interviews. The four funis were
narrowed down to two after the interviews, at which point some additional questions
were asked of those two funis and clarification side in order to fully assess each firm
sustainabil- er, suitability for the project. Based on this process is the recommendation of
city staff to proceed forward with Williams Architect Group for this project. They simply
were the most qualified due to their comprehensive experience with aquatic projects and
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular
formal meeting of June 20, 2023.
Page 15
the strength and depth of their sub consultant team. They were able to detail similar repair
projects to older pool shells and replacement projects where the new design was able to
pay homage even to the past history of the pools that they,um,were creating new. They
have a solid understanding of the public input received to-to date and they will bring the
awareness into the project and by helping to ensure success through finding common
ground with the community. The sub-consultants for the project are, in addition to
Williams Architect is Counsilman-Hunsaker Aquatic Design,Hitchcock Landscape
Architects. IMEG Engineers,BarryDunn Consulting, and the University of Illinois
should a statistically valid survey be needed in this project. I want to emphasize that this
consultant agreement is a two-phased agreement where the findings of the fust will
determine the direction of the second phase,the scope of service for the fust phase will
begin with the facility condition assessment phase. This assessment will take into
consideration patrons safety,maintenance operations,ADA compliance, and life cycle
assessments for the pool components including cost estimates for repairs. All systems
including pool shell integrity,pool filtration, sanitation and circulation,mechanical,
electrical,plumbing, and architectural systems will be evaluated. The cost required to
maintain or replace the system that fall short of Administrative Code, current industry
standards, operational challenges, or exceed life ex- expectancies will be reported. Some
of the evaluation tasks that will require dry conditions such as concrete core samples
we're already completed prior to the season and will be assessed by the consultant. All in
all,this fust phase is a very data-driven,very data-heavy phase. Based on the findings of
this Phase 1,the consultants will then recommend later this summer either repair or
replacement and will present the report of current conditions and analysis of viability to
you all. The City Council will then decide whether or not to proceed with this
recommendation, so then the ball will be in your court to decide based on the-the
guidance and the recommendations and the data that you receive on what the next step
would be. If and only if Council decides to replace rather than repair,the project would
move on to Phase 2 is outlined. This would be the conceptual design phase and a robust-
and a robust schedule of public input and a statistically valid survey are included in the
contract in order to inform your decision-making process regarding the design of a new
facility. The plan for public engagement is very similar to what was presented to the city
council in May during discussion of the RFQ that was to be advertised. However, an
additional public input open house to be held at the beginning of the design phase has
been added to this contract based on that guidance should council elect to replace the
pool. The timeline for the fust phase is investigate facility conditions in July,report of
current condition and analysis of viability,uh, in August, and then the city council
presentation in September. And then the- if that decision is to move forward into Phase 2,
the timeline for the second phase components would occur September through October of
this year. Repair or replacement through the construction of a new facility will be
targeted to occur after the 2024 season and is expected to require a full closure in 2025.
Do you have any questions for me?
Dunn: I guess I have- I have a question for you,um,which mostly stems from the-the concerns
that some of the members of that community that I've heard,um, and a repeated one is
this concern with,uh,the same consultants who are addressing both phases and how there
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular
formal meeting of June 20, 2023.
Page 16
can be a perception,uh,whether,you know,real or,you know,just in fact a perception,
uh,that a consultant would be incentivized to recommend a certain outcome,uh, for
financial gain. Um, I assume that you might be aware of those types of concerns. Would
you be able to speak to,uh,your concern in that regard,your lack of concern in that
regard and where that comes from?
Barker: Sure. Yeah. So,um,just as a reminder,the-when we-the RFQ is put out, it was put out,
um,to have one consulting firm complete that project in Phase 1 and Phase 2 if
necessary. So that-that is the way that it was advertised. Um, I- I personally don't have
any concerns about that. I think especially given the-the scale of the project here,the fust
phase is about 11,000, $12,000,um, and then the-the second phase would be about
$88,000. And there are six sub consult or one main consultant and five sub-consultants on
this project and so that would be divvied out amongst that. With that fust phase being so
data-driven and data heavy, it's are your pool- are your- are your pipes leaking?Where
are they leaking?How much water are you losing through them? Is your deck,um,
deteriorating?Where's it deteriorating?Um,what's the age of your mechanical
equipment?A lot of that s- vary, like,matter of fact. And so I- I don't- especially given
the,uh,professional standards of the engineering funis and when they bid on these
projects,the expectations that they are to uphold. I- I don't- I don't see any- any issues
with that.
Dunn :Thank you.
Alter: Just to follow up on that and thank you for the-the answer. Um,there was a suggestion
that,um,there would be an independent engineer apart from,um,these consultant funis.
Is that-has that ship sailed, is that something that is possible,um, to-to maybe even have
as a- I don't know, as an additional set of engineering data?Um-
Barker: Sure. Yeah. That- that could be a possibility. Um, in terms of,uh, costs for that project, I
would imagine it would probably be similar to the Phase 1 cost if you were to have two
funis come in,um, and kind of see how that data compares. So it would- it would
increase-
Alter: double.
Barker: Yeah. It would increase the cost of the project. But,um, I guess if you're looking for
certainty on the- on the data that you're seeing. If you have two funis that are reporting
back similar results or,you know, if they're way off then that's a different matter,right?
Alter: Right. Right.
Barker: But yeah,that-that could be a possibility.
Alter: Okay.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular
formal meeting of June 20, 2023.
Page 17
Taylor: Kind of in conjunction with Councilor Dunn's question. I mean, obviously there's no
doubt that there is an issue. I mean, 30,000 gallons a day is a lot so obviously there's an
issue there,um,but this-you're-you're saying that you-you don't see any issue with that,
that you think that this company would play equal weight to,uh,repair versus replacing,
and would they be basing that on the cost of- of how each of those would pa-pan out?
Barker: Right. So that would be-that would be the report that you would receive. So you would
get the list of deficiencies and then the cost to bring that up to code and compliance. Um,
so you would really have that data to compare. So even if their recommendation was, let's
build a new pool. Let's say they were to say that and that would be the recommendation
to you. You also would have that data to show,well,here's the alternative if we were to
repair the pool. Here's what it would cost,um, and where does that get you in terms of
what we currently have,kind of an upgraded version of that versus,uh,what a new pool
might cost us?Yep. So you would receive all that information in that report. Um, our
consultants would be,um,presenting on their findings here to you,um, and then you
would have that information to make your decision.
Alter: A really quick question. Can you remind us again of what the average lifespan of an
outdoor pool is, like a large Olympic size?
Barker: I don't- I don't have the specific numbers on that,but I would say probably 30 years.
Alter: Thanks.
Barker: Yep.
Teague: There are no more questions. Thank you.
Barker: Yeah. Thank you-thank you.
Teague: All right. So I know there's some folks that I want to respond,uh, from pump- from the
public. If I can get a show of hands in-person and online,who wants to speak to this
agenda item? Okay. Alright. I'm going to allow,uh, three minutes,uh, for comments, so
I'll ask that you come up and give your name,um, and the city you're from. Welcome.
Prothrow: Hey,Bruce. Jerry Prothrow with Iowa City. Um, you saw by the few hands that were
organizer organizing ourselves a little bit better. So, um,use your time efficiently. So I'm
representing City Park Pool Back to the Future, as you might guess. Um,we asked that
the members that came to please stand,um,just to show the representation. Thank you so
much for coming everyone. Just fantastic. Um,you might be seeing some blue signs
popping up around town and those keep coming that we're on our third order of those.
But fust, I wanted to start with some thank yous. Um, I'm- sorry to see that Geoff and Juli
aren't here, I wanted to thank them for meeting with us. Um, also, several council
members have met with the group as well. Thank you for doing that. You know we're
learning how to engage with you and,um, it's been sort of a fun process to be honest,um,
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular
formal meeting of June 20, 2023.
Page 18
we are learning. Um, and I also want to say that we're feeling heard. Um, I am seeing
wording that shows me that what we are saying is making its way into the-the contracts
and watch that time. I- I don't think I have to say this,but I'm going to briefly tell you
what,um, City Park Pool Back to the Future is about. So we looked at the current pool
and- and what communities were being served by that pool. And our vision details and
the City Park Pool Back to the Future group agrees,that a new or renovated pool at City
Park must at a minimum,meet the user needs of communities currently served. And that's
a pretty high bar. It's a pretty amazing pool that serves a lot of people, a lot of
communities. I'm going to turn over the floor now and save a little time to,um, one of our
members,Rick and he'll tell you his story.
Teague: All right. Thank you. And welcome.
Prothrow: Thank you so much.
Teague: Yes. Please state your name and city you're from and there's also a sign-in sheet there.
And for anyone else that wants to speak. There is a sticker in the back if you want to pre-
fill that out. Welcome.
Spear: Thank you for having me. My name is Rick Spear from Iowa City. Um, I'm here because
I've been swimming laps at City Park probably since the 80s. But in addition to that,um,
I'm now the father of,um,two young swimmers who,um,the youngest recently passed
the deep end test. So, um, I have two go on off the diving board this this year. Um, and
lifetime ago I started,um, swimming for fitness after being employed by my local
YMCA. And at that time,my duties included,um, driving the bus,being a site
coordinator for a day camp. And so I was the guy bringing busloads of kids to pools and
beaches,um, all over Polk County. And,uh, and I developed a great appreciation for- for
these spaces for our community, for the- for the young people and the people my age,
um,that they serve. And- and what we're talking about is- is so many different
community members who,um, appreciate what this pool offers us. And- and I think this
is more important now than ever,because we know in Iowa the water quality of our
freshwater is not what it used to be. If I was driving that bus today, I don't know if I'd
make the same stops. Um, and- and so having a safe,uh, clean place to swim and recreate
and just be a community is more important than ever. Um,we are advocating,you know,
just for,um, a continued role in the process and- and,um,having the opportunity to give
community input. Um,we, um,we have made some proposals about small group
meetings,um,being included with members of the consulting funis and the rec staff to-
to just make sure that as broad a spectrum of the-the population that uses and appreciates
and- and loves City Park Pool has-has a chance to,um,be at tables, small tables. We
hope small- small tables,um,but that- that's why we're here. We love City Park Pool. We
love being part of that community. And thank you very much for your time.
Teague: Thank you.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular
formal meeting of June 20, 2023.
Page 19
Katalinich: Good evening. My name is Dan Katalinich,418 5th Avenue. And, excuse me. First
off, I'd like to say I appreciate it, uh, and recognize the language that was in the agenda
that referred to public engagement as part of the scope of service. So,um,that-that is
what our group is all about and thanks Jerry and Sue for getting,uh,this going. Uh,
CPPB2F,uh, is- is our group and we're really focused on,uh,preserving,uh,the
wonderful City Park Pool. And I looked at Williams & Associates website and noted one
of the projects. I thought that was very similar,uh,to City Park Pool, it was, uh,uh,
facility that was built in the '60s in Morton Grove, Illinois,uh, Oriole Park Pool. And the
phrase that caught my eye that they mentioned about that project was honor the legacy.
And that's really what we're talking about with City Park Pool is honoring that legacy.
Uh,when Juli was hired, she- she was quoted in,uh, in the Press-Citizen in January 2016.
She said, "Parks and recreation facilities and services are a real extension of what the
community is all about." And I think what this community about- is about is preservation
and recognizing our history and we have an incredible aquatic legacy in the city. And I
think our own,uh,uh,Historic Preservation Commission really echoed what,uh,
Williams &Associates had to say,uh, about honoring the legacy when they said City
Park Pool is part of our shared heritage here in Iowa City, and that we should pursue
updates,uh, and repairs not an entirely,uh,new design. And we talked about-you-all
talked about repairing and replacing. But that does not exclude honoring the legacy and
recognizing that the design of City Park Pool,uh, I call it,uh, the big water in the Oak
Savanna. And I think that is the critical element that- that we're talking about. The facility
has served people very well and we do not need to change that design. It's an- it's an
incredible and iconic part of Iowa City. And,uh,we look forward to engaging,uh, in this
process,uh,with council and with Williams &Associates to honor the legacy,uh,that
was established with the original design of City Park Pool and serving our citizens far
into the future with that beautiful design that was created,uh, 75 years ago. Thank you.
Teague: Thank you. Saved by the bell?No. Well, okay.
Befeler: Hi, my name is Dennis Befeler and I've lived in Iowa City for 16 years and I'm an avid
swimmer. I see a lot of my friends here. So it's like the morning crowd at the pool. Um, I
just want to say a couple of things about how awesome our pool is. Um, one thing is
great. We have 20-30 swimmers most mornings,most-mostly as a lunch. Uh, if you don't
believe me, come by some time and check it out, I would actually,uh,really appreciate if
members of this group would come and see how the pool is used. Uh, some of the
proposals I've seen- I'm sorry, I didn't prepare any remarks, I'm going to just ramble. Um,
some of the ideas that I've heard presented don't have as many lap lanes and so that's just
one thing I'm really going to be pushing for is,hey,the pool gets used a lot. We-we need
space to swim. I loved the-the opening remarks about,um,the value of Parks and Rec
and how we're honoring Parks and Rec month. And I just thought it was so perfect like
we need to be outside,we need a clean place to swim. I- I recently injured myself and
swimming was like my huge rehab and I need a vitamin D so that I can heal my bones
and being outside and swimming since I can't run anymore has been just a huge,um,
help. I- I would also say that if we're going to be able to repair this pool,which-which I
believe is possible we wouldn't have to lose it for a season. I think if we're creative with
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular
formal meeting of June 20, 2023.
Page 20
the way that we did the work in the off-season,things can be repaired. We can look at
doing a second building to replace the older building. Uh,just like Kinnick Stadium,we
built a nort-North End Zone in the off-season. Uh,we could do the same- same thing
with the Park Pool there we could make it a priority,uh,makes sure that the work gets
done during the winter months when we can't be swimming outside and,uh,creatively
maintain that pool. So we don't have to not-not use it for a season. Uh, like I said, I didn't
prepare anything. So thank you for your time, I really appreciate.
Teague: Thank you. Anyone else like to address this topic? Seeing no one in-person or online
council discussion.
Taylor: I appreciated hearing the phrase honor the legacy and hearing that that came from this
company. I- I would hope that they would,uh,see that with our city Park Pool too that, it
truly is a legacy. It's like somebody asked about the lifespan of a- of a pool. Uh, it's been
here a long time and it does have a lot of history and I was cities full of history and- and
I- I believe we need to honor that. And I would hope that this company truly does believe
that about honoring the legacy.
Alter: One of the things just following on the heels of that is that,you know, I think of,um, I
think of these consultants. I mean,this is their professional reputation on the line,right?
And so I think that one of the things that reassures me is that something that has other
projects similar that they're touting on their website and that they are engaged in
nationally, I think should give us all a great deal of confidence. Um, I know that there's
been concern about the two phases. And depending on what the data-driven phases that
will drive than the other. And- and I know that there's the temptation. In fact, I was like,
Okay, I'm going to think this through and to say, Sure,maybe there's gonna be wanting to
put a thumb on that thing a little bit to-to drive. When I stop and backup a little bit. I just
think this is a national company's reputation on the line and their names would be mud if
they did that. So I just- I sort of thought this through and I was like,that's not how good
companies operate,right? So,you know, do I know them personally?No, frankly, I think
that's a good thing,right?. Um,but I just wanted to raise that because I think that this has
been a really fraught,um,process up till now. And I want to say thank you to each and
every one of you who are in the room. And then also I Know your numbers or even more
this and that you are merely representatives,um, for continuing to be part of the process.
It's been messy it's been painful at times,but I appreciate you continuing to reach out. I've
had some really good conversations and those are not one and done. Um,but I just
wanted to put this out there that I think that as we move forward with the consultants,um,
I think we can rest assured that their professional reputations are at stake about the kind
of investigation that they do. And therefore,than whatever they find,right? That they're
not predetermining what the second phase should be. This would really be bad for their
reputations. So I just wanted to put that out there. I was sort of for anybody who's had
coffee with me,you know, I processed out loud. So this was a little bit of that,right?But
I just wanted to share it in case there are people who that would be helpful to hear as
well. Um, the other thing too is just, I also was incredibly pleased to see that in fact,the
kind of language that your group is part of your mission statement about making it as,
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular
formal meeting of June 20, 2023.
Page 21
um, available and accommodating as it is now. Plus more,um,that it's going to exist for
for, for all users and to expand them,uh, for current use. And I think that that's a really,
um, interesting and- and good way to think about this. It's- it's a conceptual framework
for what our consultants can do. So I just want to say thank you for you being so
thoughtful about saying,there's all these different inputs. How can we get our vision and
our desires out there while also being inclusive of many other people who maybe aren't
using the pool yet. So anyway, I just wanted to say thanks for that. And I think that this is
a really good step forward.
Dunn: I just- I just wanted to take a second to address a couple of things,uh,regarding the pool
issue more broadly,um, and especially regarding the comments today. One of the emails
that I received in the past was that,uh,the group is trying not to be adversarial and not to
speak at so many council meetings that we shutter when we see your faces in the
audience. I really want to communicate and I think that I can speak on behalf of the entire
council,but I will not, uh, do so in this moment that that will never happen. Uh,you
know,we- democracy, everyone up here understands, is a very messy thing. It takes time
for people to figure out,uh, as- as you guys have developed your strategies for
communication with us I- I really want it to be understood that,you know,we're not your
adversaries in- in this,uh, decision-making process. And that certainly myself, I very
much appreciate,uh,the advocacies or the advocacy that you have,uh, among other
people in the community have brought to-to this council. So I want to thank you for that,
um, on my own behalf. In addition to that,just kind of speaking to a few of the
comments,um,you know,with regard- I wrote down four main points,um,honoring the
legacy. This one line, I just really liked big water and the oak savanna. Uh, and we want
to be at the table as well as we need to meet current needs. I really don't find any of that
stuff disagreeable. Uh, so,you know,just-just sharing that to-to this point. Uh,you
know, again, saying that I continued to appreciate your advocacy. Um,whether it's early
advocacy or not, it's all gonna be messy all the time. So thank you for being here and
being willing to,uh,wade through whatever that is with us. So thank you.
Thomas: Well, I too want to thank everyone for coming and speaking. Um, what one thought
that I had with regard to the big water and the oak savanna,which I think is interesting
way of thinking about city park pool. There's also a concept,um, called forest bathing. I
don't know if any of you familiar with it,you know, going to,uh, experience,you know,
the health benefits of simply bathing in the forests. And,uh, I think City Park pool in a
way is an interesting,uh, expression of that idea. We're actually in the water not walking
through Hickory Hill Park necessarily,but it's forest bathing nevertheless. Um,there are
a couple of things regarding the contract that I do want to talk about. And I am happy that
there-there have been included some open house opportunities with the,um, conceptual
design phase,uh,which consist of,um,you know, describing the proposal,um,
community Expo type experience where participants move from station to station to
inform their responses on an overall feedback worksheet. I- I would like to- to suggest
that we could amend this-this-the language here. Uh,what I would-what I would really
like to see, and it's in part based on my own experience working on projects like this, is
that after the expo type experience,uh,we would have a,uh,basically a community
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular
formal meeting of June 20, 2023.
Page 22
comment period where people would have an opportunity to speak and be heard as well
as listen to the comments and- and concerns of those in attendance. So everyone at that
meeting,uh,would have an opportunity to hear the various perspectives that might come
from such a process. Um, I'm a huge fan of Jane Jacobs,you know,the famous city- city
activist,urban planner from New York City,who said that cities have the capability of
providing something for everybody only because and only when they are created by
everybody. I- I really feel that should be the way we approached this project that,uh,
everyone be heard,uh,by everyone else so that we have a better understanding of where
we're all coming from. I'm concerned that with the focus groups which are more,kind of,
internally oriented,uh,we need some balance there. We need-we need for people to not
only sort of,you know,join together with like-minded folks,but also here what other
perspectives are in an in-person format. So that would be one suggestion I would make
to,um, amend the contract would be to add that language that,you know, after the expo
type experience, a community comment period shall be held for all in attendance. The
community comment period would be presided over by a professional facilitator who
would summarize the public comments. Um, so that's-that's one thing. And then the
second and does have to do with the facility condition assessment phase. Um, I feel it
would be prudent for a couple of reasons to,um, consider having that work done by an
independent engineer. Um,you know, one, it would, I think addressed any lingering
concerns we have about the influence that working on both the facility assessment and
the design phase,what could- could take place if they were all under the same contract.
The second is that it would be an independent,um, engineer is someone who would be
new to the project. Some of the,uh,part members of that consultant team were involved
in the earlier phase study as well. So this would bring,uh, a new- a new perspective from
an independent source,uh, doing that facility condition assessment. So I would- I would
ask you to consider the two changes, one, adding the community comment period as I
was describing, and then secondly that we delete from the scope of services,the facility
condition assessment phase,uh, and give that to an independent source?
Dunn: I think speaking to,um,the fust,uh,proposal to as I understand them in the contract to
add- a deliberate basically public forum. I- I think that's a good idea. I don't see any
reason why we wouldn't do that or wouldn't want to do that, I think it just makes sense,
but rather than just having people come into a room and look at stuff. We should
probably get their feedback in a- in a,you know,well-documented, concise way and
allow them to share it openly and honestly and also hear the feedback of other people. I
think that that's also something that's valuable that you don't get to really see,um, if
people are just filling out a survey like,what other people think? Oh, I'm concerned about
that too. I didn't think about that. There's- I think there's value there.
Teague: I'm not doubting that there is value,um,but I think we're one of the data,um,-
Alter: First.
Teague: First. And then once we,you know,hear both what the cost is based on the data to repair
the current or,you know,now we're gonna move towards replacement. I think that's
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular
formal meeting of June 20, 2023.
Page 23
where we get that information. Um, one, I want to say,um,happy to know that we're at
this part where we're going to be looking at,um,you know, do we replace or do we,um,
you know,kind of repair,you know,what we currently have?And so I fill this the ne-the
next appropriate step,um, I want to thank everybody for coming out. Uh,we heard you
loud and clear. Um, and I- I appreciate it,um,the love and the expressions of hope,um,
that you-all have for one year city,but also for this park and for swimming. I- I
personally am not an,um, confident swimmer. I can get to the edge of his not wide water,
um, and I was underwater yesterday,but I'm a life jacket type deep water swimmer. And
so one thing I will say as we're moving into who ca-will experience this pool,understand
um,you know,the need for some things such as lapse and all that other stuff,but this is
our only pool that is outside,um, in our community. And when I think of some of the
communities that are there, certainly want to-want to make sure that they feel welcomed
and- and- and can come into whatever is developed. But how I would dare us to dream a
little bit of how we can get other communities,um,people that aren't confident with
water,but it's the summer one that's open. How can we get them engaged and interested
to coming to something?And so I would just encourage us not to,um,be fully in,um, I
wouldn't encourage us to dream a little bit and to figure out how can we make sure that
there are other people that aren't swimmers- aren't competent swimmers to come and
experience life,um, changing,um, opportunities,just with the physical exercise. Um, and
so I would encourage us to,just to make sure that as we're moving forward to dream a
little bit as well. I appreciate all the words that were said today. And I'm going to support
this as it is. I do understand. I will tell you that the valid-the comments that were made
about,um,you know, concerns about,you know,the current people being,um,you
know,not persuaded you know. If they're the same ones that is doing phase 1 and phase
2, I get that I hear it. Um, it can be a real thing. Um, I'm going to put my trust and hope in
that this community words have been loud and clear,um, on what they're hoping for,uh,
which has really someone to come in and- and looking at this without their own agenda
and given us an honest opinion on what they see. And so that's what I'm going to put my
hope,um, and trust in. And I know as a community,uh,we will hear more, um, of what
the needs are and we'll move forward,uh,hopefully-no,we're going to move forward in
unity. So thank you all for being here today.
Bergus: I also want to thank everyone for continuing to stick with the process. I know that the
engagement has been messy and difficult, and-but I agree with Councilor Dunn that it is
what we signed up for, and,uh,you know, it is nice when we can turn that corner and get
to that point of like, okay,we do feel heard and know that. Yeah,no knows-nobody
knows how this works. I say that all the time. Nobody knows how this works. And it feels
like we should be able to lead something that's not quite as painful. So thank you for
sticking with it. I also wanted to just address the comments about the,um,proposed
changes to the contract. I think- and I just want staff to kinda check me on this,but this
contract,the whole scope under $100,000. This is really the, you know, if we move past
phase 1 of this contract into phase 2 of this contract, it is not the complete design from
which the pool will be built. And so that will be an additional RFP process and will be a
much larger scope in terms of the financial investment of the city, and we'll really get into
the details. So I feel confident that what the,um,what's proposed here as far as the level
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular
formal meeting of June 20, 2023.
Page 24
of engagement makes sense for the scope that we're doing. And if we move to phase 2 of
this contract,we know that after that will be much larger. I guess that's true even if we
just go with the repair. They'll be a much larger,um, actual,you know, schematics and
architectural design and that kind of thing. So just to make sure everyone understands
that there's will be continued process after that point. Um, and then also, I think
something that probably all of you have learned during this process is that you can
continue to provide input and comment and,you know,whether that's one-on-one or in
these meetings or via email, letter, taxed, anything,um, and that all counts. And so even
if,uh, a particular phase of the very structured public engagement, if that doesn't seem
satisfactory to you,then keep pushing,keep reaching out. You know, I think we can
really-that is something that the community builds,the community provides. So don't be
put off if a particular events or way in which feedback is collected, if that doesn't feel like
enough. I think now you,you know, all have a really good template for continuing to
engage and to provide that input. So I'm comfortable with this as it is. And I think,um,
you know, I also know that our city attorneys review-reviewed this contract and I guess
I'll just put you on the spot,Eric. Any concerns with a conflict of interests relating to the
phase 1 and phase 2?
Goers: Well, I guess I'm less qualified to address that. Um, I- I think,you know, comments have
been made about professionalism and so forth, and,uh,reputation to a consultant who is
seen to be putting their thumb on the scale,um, later, and I think that carries a lot of
weight in the field. Um, also has been- as has been mentioned,you know,this will be
coming back to you,to council, at a public meeting where others can comment,um, after
phase 1. And so if there's any,you know, appearance that the data has some time- I- I
think that data is largely objective. There is of course a recommendation at- at the end by
the consultant to say based on this data,which I'm showing you, and this data which I'm
showing you,renovate and repair,my professional recommendation is to do one of those
two,uh,then proceed to uh,phase,uh,B of the scope of services of the contract. Again,
all in full public view. There is one clarification I want to make, and- and that's in the
consultant agreement in one of the whereas clauses. It indicates that the city intends to
amend the agreement to include design bidding and construction phase services once the
final scope of the project has been determined.Now again,that's something that would
have to be done,but the resolution,uh, empowers the city manager to amend the contract
as needed. So I- I do want to be completely transparent about that part of it. Um,there
will be additional steps in public input, of course, as we go through the way,but it's not,
uh, crystal clear to me based on this contract that it'll be a brand new RFP or- or- or
something like that when we get to the design phase,whether that's renovation or
replacement.
Bergus: Thank you for that.
Teague: Okay. All right.
Harmsen: I think we're ready for-those- another 10 else to add, other than just to also add my
gratitude to all of the community members who have been wanting to share their voices
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular
formal meeting of June 20, 2023.
Page 25
and their perspectives on this. At the end of the day,we'll end up with- I think we all
want to end up with a really good city park pool that will last for years and years to come.
Whatever repair or replace that looks like,um, I think that's a shared goal that we all
have, and then just working out these details in a process like this with multiple, almost a
shotgun approach to getting that input,um, if it requires to move to phase 2,um, I think is
something that I was actually really happy to see. The combination of open house focus,
group meetings,um, surveys, and then of course,the public meetings in which,you
know, as- as you all are now very familiar and comfortable with,you can give us that-
that feedback that we need to hear up here on council, so also supporting it for those
reasons.
Teague: Great. Well, we're going to take roll call here in a second,but want to say thanks to all
everyone that came, even if you didn't speak,we saw you represent it. So thanks again.
Roll-call,please. (Roll Call) Motion passes 7 - 0.
Teague: And thanks again. All right. We're gonna move on to Items I IA.
Fruehling: Mayor, can we get a motion to accept correspondence?
Teague: Absolutely. Can I get a motion to accept correspondence?
Alter: So moved. Alter.
Dunn: Second,Dunn.
Taylor: Oh, go ahead.
Teague: Moved by Alter, seconded by Dunn because he was a little more louder.
Taylor: Yeah,yeah.
Teague: Um, all in favor say aye? (Voice vote)Aye. Any oppose?Motion passes 7 - 0.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular
formal meeting of June 20, 2023.
Page 26
13. City Council Information
Teague: Item Number 13, city council information.
Bergus: Probably everyone will say,what a great weekend.
Teague: Yes.
Bergus: This weekend and so I'll leave it at that.
Teague: Yes.
Thomas: I'll just mention because we won't be meeting next till July 11th. Uh,the weekend just
prior to that, I think it's the 8th and the 9th. Um, I submitted for the open gardens tour,
which is sponsored by Project Green,uh,Northside,North-North Market Square Park,
um,which is our park in the north side. So it will be,you know,public park,uh, on the
open gardens tour. So I'll be there,uh, from 4:00-8:00 PM on Saturday and 10:00-2:00
PM on Sunday. So drop by say hello. Um, it's-those are really fun events. Um, it's kinda-
hopefully the weather will be nice. Uh, as I was saying to Shawn before the meeting,
that's kinda nice that it's not the middle of the day because you'd never quite-you can get
hammered weather wise,um, in the mid afternoon sun. So early in the morning and later
in the evening, come on by.
Teague: I was,uh,trying to find the,uh, diversity market dates,but I know we're gonna be.
Alter: It is that,uh,the-.
Bergus: It's on the 8th- starts on July 8th. Yeah.
Teague: And we are gonna have six weeks.
Bergus: Sounds right.
Teague: Yeah. It's gonna be six weeks, so that's gonna be coming up this weekend, it's going to
be the downtown- Iowa City Downtown Block Party. Um, I would encourage people to
come out to that. It's Saturday starting at 5:00 PM, I believe. So lots of fun. This weekend
was awesome and amazing. Um, and of course, our city hall and our city celebrates
Juneteenth as and it's also a federal holiday. So there are lots of events,uh, surrounding
that and Pride was off the chains once again this year. Um, so that was really good. And a
reminder,that we're not going to be meeting,um,the fust Tuesday of next month,but
we're gonna meet the second Tuesday on July 11th, and that'll be the only meeting that
we'll have for council meeting in July. All right. We'll move on to
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular
formal meeting of June 20, 2023.
Page 27
14. Reports on Items from City Staff
Teague: Item Number 14, and we'll get reports from our city manager's office.
Jones: Mayor, I like to take a moment just to kinda catch the council up on some of our activities
with our underestimated,uh, and,um, entrepreneur support,um, grant program. So,uh,
as you may know,uh, already, and maybe the public,uh,hasn't heard,but we've had a
31,um, applicants,um,that put in requests,uh, for a total of$25 million. Um, and so,uh,
we have four million to work with,uh, so our task is a little daunting. So our committee
has been meeting diligently. Uh,we have,uh, actually,um, focused on the physical
space,uh,requests fust,uh,understanding that those are likely going to be the ones that
need more resources. So we wanted to kind of get those out of the way,uh,to begin with.
We-we knew-notice there's a lot of similarities in- in many of,uh,the applicants that we
received. Um, some of the high ranking more,uh,um-,um-,um-, common themes. We're
in,uh,business and,uh, in life coaching. Um,the next highest one was incubators and
accelerators,uh, and not surprising,um, also was community kitchen,uh,was we-we
had,uh, several there,um, as well as education workshops, and there were some others,
Mr Mayor. But those were the ones that ranked up really-really high. Um, and so we-we
sat down and- and looked at,um, and visited with,uh, eight, um, different,um-,um,
proposals. And,um, I think our next steps is going to bring-to bring them together and
have a round table,uh,with the,uh, idea of focusing on the potential for,uh, feasible
partnerships,um, and see if- if those things can come together into some type of,uh, a
joint,uh,process that,uh,we could then,uh, get behind and bring before council. Um,
and so,um,we'll probably wind up doing the same thing,uh, for the,uh,business support
activities. And there's also several,uh, similar,um,um, themes in the business support
activities as well that will probably,uh,mimic,um, some of the very same steps that
we've done,uh, initially. So just wanted to kinda share that with you. I know,uh,that's,
uh,been-been out there a little bit and we just wanted to let you know that there's been
some- some diligent work going on in that effort and trying to-to kind of get this down
so that we can have something for you in the next,um, several weeks as I would imagine.
Teague: Thank you.
Jones: That's all I have.
Teague: Great. Our city attorney's office.
Goers: Uh,nothing for me tonight. Thank you Mayor.
Teague: All right. City clerk's office.
Fruehling: I just wanted to say thank you to our cable division. If you haven't noticed the new
projector and you can actually see it with the lights on,uh, and should be a much better
picture on our live stream. Great.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular
formal meeting of June 20, 2023.
Page 28
Teague: Great. Awesome.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular
formal meeting of June 20, 2023.