HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-10-03 TranscriptonPage I
Council Present:
Council Absent:
Staff Present:
Others Present:
1. Call to Order
Alter, Bergus, Dunn (via Zoom) Taylor, Teague, Thomas
Harmsen
Jones, Goers, Grace, Platz, Sitzmann, Russett, Lehmann, Knoche, Sovers,
Fleagle, Morris
LeFevre, USG Liasion, Monsivais, Alternate
Teague: It is now 6:00 PM on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, and I'm gonna call the City of Iowa
City meeting to order. Roll call please. (Roll Call)
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2. Proclomations
2.a. Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Teague: All right. Welcome to your City Hall, to everyone in the audience and to those that are
joining us virtually, welcome as well. Andrew Dunn, Councilor Dunn, is with us virtually
today. We're on Item number 2, which is Proclamations, 2a. is Domestic Violence
Awareness Month, and this will be read by Mayor Pro Tem Alter.
Alter: (Reads Proclomation) And here to accept is Alta Medea.
Madea: Um, I first want to thank all of you for all of your support of DVIP over all of the past
years, 44 years now, officially, um, as well as, ah, the support for finding Safety Building
Hope Capital Campaign for the new shelter. Um, I handed out some forms but just
wanted to highlight a couple numbers. The first being that we helped 969 Iowa City
residents in the past year, um, and we provided 15% more services to those individuals
than we have in previous years. Um, that indicates that the need of each victim is growing
as we would expect with all of the other social constraints, but, um, we are able to do that
because of support like yours. We also have a number of events celebrating, ah, victim
survivors, and providing their basic needs that I did want to draw the Council's attention
to. The first is on October 14. That's our Shop for Shelter and many of you have
volunteered and helped with that. Um, and we're also doing a panel discussion discussing
the effects of poverty on domestic violence victims and how those two, um, pieces really
impact economic abuse as well as the- the sort of traditional phy- physical and emotional
abuse that we think of when we think of victim survivors and that is on October 18. Um,
I'm happy to answer any questions about the numbers or about the campaign if you have
them. Um, we are nearly 80% of the way toward our fundraising goal, in large part,
thanks to the City of Iowa City and our community here.
Teague: Thank you so much for being here today and we just applaud all of the work that you all
do. So thank you again.
Madea: Thank you so much.
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2.b. Fire Prevention Week
Teague: Item 2.b., a proclamation is Fire Prevention Week, and this is read by Councilor Taylor
Taylor: (Reads proclomation) Accepting is Lieutenant Axel Swanson from the Iowa City Fire
Department.
Swanson: Thank you. Thank you Councilor Taylor, Mayor and Council members. If I may have
a few words. Fire Prevention Week is a reminder to learn and identify hazards in our
homes to keep ourselves, loved ones and others safe. We must actively take the steps
necessary to prevent fires before they start, to have working smoke alarms so that we may
get out safely in case of a fire, and take the steps necessary to prevent burn injuries from
cooking and other heat sources. To learn more about this, a good start is the National Fire
Protection Association website. They have a Fire Prevention Week website. It's fpw.org.
Pretty easy one. And of course, you can always visit the Iowa City Fire Department. We
have four stations. You can give us a call or email us. We'll be happy to help. So thank
you very much for the time to recognize Fire Prevention Week coming up October 8th
through the 14th. Thank you.
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2.c. Indigenous Peoples' Day
Teague: (Reads proclomation) And to receive this is Sikowis Nobiss of Greater Plains Action
Society.
Nobiss: Hi, that's Great Plains Action Society. Um, thank you very much. Ay -ay kitatamihin.
And it's always nice to see Indigenous Peoples and our issues and our movements being
recognized. And I hope that we can go beyond proclamations sometime soon and create
more partnership, stronger partnerships. I'm really excited this year that the Parks and
Recreation Department reached out to me and I'm working with them and the Office of -
why, we are, actually myself and Jessica Engelking from our organization, are working
with Parks and Recreation, the City or the Office of- of Equity and Human Rights, and
then the Human Rights Commission. So it's been really great. I recently had some talks
with the Human Rights Commission about the needs of the Indigenous community. And
so we're- we're doing what we can. And of course, all of you here know that I'm on the
Truth and Reconciliation Commission. So you know how I feel about a lot of those things
that need to be done here and everywhere actually on this stolen land, um, as we celebrate
Indigenous Peoples Day. Uh, and I want to tell a story because it's a really important
story. I want to talk about 2020. And, um, in Des Moines, when we were holding our
annual July 4th, uh, Abolish Monuments to White Supremacy, uh, Rally, uh, because it's
indigenous peoples celebrating July 4th can be difficult. And, um, you know, we'd like to
talk about the, all the monuments all over the state and the country that, um, are up. Not
just monuments, but, um, murals and- and other edifices that you see, um, that basically
depict, you know, white supremacy and colonial capitalism. And so we- we had our
typical rally that we have, which is always peaceful. Um, and we usually have it in front
of the, the two white settler invaders with the um, the natives sitting by their feet pointing
westward, showing them away to find a home. And about 100 white supremacists or
nationalists showed up with guns. And that's because they wanted to protect their
Columbus monument. They wanted to protect the bust of Columbus, which is over on the
other side of the, of the- the grounds. And, um, you know, we weren't there to destroy
anything. We weren't there to take anything down, but I know that there was tension in
2020, of course. And so, um, they were there and they told us not to bring our children
and we had a lot of threats ahead of time, but we showed up anyways. And I just want
you to know that this is the kind of sentiment that still, um, is here in this country. And
just celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day, just giving us a proclamation is not enough.
Like we need to do more, right? So that's why I'm happy that we're celebrating
Indigenous Peoples Day, fust of all, but also what we need to do is negate Columbus Day
because that's still celebrated. It's still on the books federally, and it's still on the books
here, um, statewide as well. So how do we actually truly celebrate Indigenous Peoples
Day if Columbus Day is still also, uh, being proclaimed? So I would ask that the City of
Iowa City maybe do something about that. Maybe be the fust city to, um, say, hey, you
no to like Columbus Day period, but also no to, you no, our administration- our state
administration, no to the federal government. Like let's get this off the calendar period
because we can't truly celebrate, uh, Indigenous Peoples Day if we're also still allowing,
uh, people to uplift, you know, a murderer, a rapist, a slave trader, whatever you wanna-
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he was all of those things. He was, you know, the worst of the worst. And, um, you
know, let's just- let's do better. So um, ay -ay kitatamihin. Thank you so much.
Teague: Thank you so much for coming today.
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6. Consent Calendar — Resolutions and Motions
Teague: We're gonna move on to our- our consent agenda, which is items 3 through 6. Can I get
a motion to approve, please?
Taylor: So moved Taylor.
Alter: Second, Alter.
Teague: Alright. And would anyone from the public who would like to address anything on our
consent agenda? If you're online, please raise your hand. I see no one in person or online.
Council discussion?
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6.e. Donation to Animal Shelter
Taylor: I just wanted to acknowledge uh, 6.e. Donation to Animal Shelter. I was just so highly
impressed and moved by this and- and would like to express my sincere thanks to- to her.
It was a don- donation to the Animal Shelter by Jacqueline Flake, who named the Iowa
City Animal and Adoption Center as a beneficiary in a life insurance policy. And it just
brings me to tears to even think about that. The Animal Shelter is a- a great part of Iowa
City and can always use as many donations as possible. It costs a lot of money, and as we
saw recently, they received over 130 something dogs and- and had to really scramble to -
to make ends meet to- to have shelter for those animals so thank you again to Jacqueline
Flake.
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6.d. Winter Shelter Agreement — Resolution approving agreement with Shelter House for a
Winter Shelter
Alter: And for my part, I just want to bring up actually notice of 6.d., just in passing here, but
um, it's exciting that the winter shelter agreement has gone through um, and that there
will be an emergency additional temporary overnight shelter during the winter months.
And much kudos to staff and Shelter House for working together to get this up and
running and to have this in place.
Teague: Any other comments? Roll -call, please. (Roll Call) Motion passes 6 to 0.
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7. Community Comment (items not on the agendas)
Teague: Item number 8 is Planning and Zoning Matters 8a, Zoning Code Amendment, housing
choice, supply and affordability.
Grace: Item seven.
Bergus: Community comment? Did we skip that?
Teague: For the past one?
Bergus: Uh, no, for the whole not on the agenda. Sorry.
Teague: We did. Typically it has its yeah, its own page and I'm like it- Yeah and I looked over it.
Alright. We are at item number 7, which is Community Comment. This is an opportunity
for your voice to be heard on any item that is not on our agenda and we are going to
allow individuals 3 minutes to speak during this time. And just for notification, we do
have sign -in at the podium, but also some stickers in the back that people can drop into
the box. And we're going to welcome. Welcome.
Ross: Hey, Brandon Ross from Iowa City. Good to see you at City Council. Um, I'm a
Democrat. I'm not against Republicans; you people are cool too. I'm anti -fascist though. I
uh, I'm anti -Nazi, anti -fascist. I want to bring up that on the day of Yom Kippur, which is
Jewish highest holiday --I'm Jewish on my mom's side, we're- we're Ukrainian Jewish and
some Polish Jewish --that in the Canadian Parliament tribute was paid and applauded by
Justin Trudeau and Volodymyr Zelensky to the Ukrainian Nazi Waffen-SS soldier from
World War II. On the holiest day of the year, tribute was paid to a fascist. And um, it was
appalling. It's appalling to me. It's appalling to my family. Um, and sometimes though
something is just what it is, the Canadian Parliament tried to back it up. It was not very
well done. Uh, Zelensky went to- back to Ukraine to Babi Yar, where 100,000 Jews were
killed in Western Ukraine to try to show that he was not a fascist. But unfortunately, the
government that is in power and is actually in Ukraine, is a fascist, Neo -Nazi
government. And this started in 2014 when Viktor Yanukovych was overthrown, he was
democly- democratically elected. Uh, the US had a part in that. And then fascist militias
actually attacked Eastern Ukrainians for over eight years. Zelensky came to power in
2019 with 70% popularity. By the end of 2021, he had 24% popularity. He had
opposition leaders who are more popular than the him imprisoned. He had opposition
parties closed down. He had opposition media closed down. He had Russian language
denied in public office. He also had closed down churches that were Russian Orthodox
within Ukraine. Russian is the second language in Ukraine, about two-thirds to three-
quarters of the people speak it, one-third, speak it as a fust language, and so too
Zelensky. Right now the United States is supporting a fascist, Neo -Nazi regime and we
should pull our money out. And I beg people in Iowa City, Johnson County to call for
negotiations within the Democratic Party of which I am a member. Call for negotiations.
No more weapons. Thank you.
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Teague: Thank you. Anyone else like to address a topic that is not on our agenda? Seeing no one
in person or online, I'm going to close the comm- uh, public comment time.
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8. Planning & Zoning Matters
8.a. Zoning Code Amendment — Housing Choice, Supply, and Affordability —
Ordinance amending Title 14, Zoning Code, to improve housing choice, increase
housing supply, and encouirage housing affordability (REZ23-0001) (Second
Consideration)
Teague: We're going to move on to item number 8, Planning and Zoning Matters. 8.a. is Zoning
Code Amendment, Housing Choice, Supply, and Affordability - Ordinance amending
Title 14, Zoning Code, to improve housing choice, increase housing supply, and
encourage housing affordability. This is the second consideration. And can I get a motion
to consider it please?
Alter: So moved, Alter.
Bergus: Second Bergus.
Teague: Alright. Anyone from the public like to address this topic? Yes. And we welcome you.
There is a sign in there. Yeah. And I'm, um, going to allow three minutes.
Slonneger: Right, um, I tried to keep my remarks to three minutes. Um, but, um, if I go over a
sentence or two, it's on here. But I wanted to pass these out because there are a couple of
photographs at the bottom that I- that are part of what I'm saying.
Teague: Great.
Slonneger: So I'll just leave I'll bring them up after. Okay. Um, I'm Marybeth Slonneger, and I'm
from Goosetown, so I'm just talking for myself tonight. At the end of July, I was
informed that a 40 some- page packet was proposed- with proposed changes to zoning
was underway. I was leaving on a three-week vacation, so it didn't have time to read
through this quite dense document, but a number of items stood out that raised concern.
When I got back, I took time to speak with some neighbors on both sides of Davenport
Street. None of them were aware of the document or of the proposed changes. Some
probably still aren't. It concerns me that this will impact homeowners in a big way and
they haven't received a notification letter from the City. The other concern is it is
happening very fast. Uh, personally, I think the process should be slowed down to be
absorbed by those who will be impacted. Secondly, because I recalled no letter from the
City, I felt I had to find out on my own who owned properties, who rented properties, and
who held them in some companies name. I came up with the following numbers for
Goosetown, including Dodge to Reno, Bloomington to Ronald's. By my count, there are
269 houses owned by 52 LCLLC management companies, trusts, and two housing
fellowships. For a total of about 30% of Goosetown already being rented and that doesn't
count unknown rentals by individual owners. That means that about every third house is
rented, creating great turnover, not knowing neighbors, lack of stability, and a fear that
some developers coming in to replace the house next door with a possible two -unit or
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third behind. Please try to imagine this happening in your own neighborhood. One
neighbor told me that she had meant to build a lovely matching garage to her home, but
found out that a developer had bought next door and was reluctant to invest now, not
knowing what he would build. Her concern is correct. In the last year, four nearby houses
have been demolished. A small historic cottage at 935 Bloomington was one of those. It's
rebuild, ah, sold recently for $536,220. Is this what is meant by affordable housing?
Please consider the profits for developers that this is creating or will create. Goosetown is
at their mercy and we had been forewarned at a Planning and Zoning meeting...
Teague: Thank you.
Slonneger: Alright.
Teague: You can pass it to our City Clerk.
Slonneger: Right, I hope you'll please look at-.
Teague: Thank you.
Slonneger: ... the last couple of sentences. Thank you.
Teague: Anyone else like to address this topic? Welcome.
Kubby: Well, thank you. My name is Karen Kubby. I live in Iowa City. And it was kind of
uncanny today that I sent an email to City Council because I've had lots of people ask me
questions and I was confused about whether this ordinance, um, embedded density
bonuses by right of the zoning or if it was triggered by providing affordable housing. And
then talked with some Council members today and found out that there was some
discussion about trying to do the latter. And, um, I'm hoping that you'll talk about that a
little bit. And, um, if, uh, I don't know what the plans are today, if this will be deferred so
that you can have that conversation so that density bonuses are provided when the- the
redevelopment or the increased density provides something that community sorely needs
and that's affordable housing. I love that the framework for that is income -based. I think
that's a really good framework. So I know there'll be some discussion about uh, is there a
precedent for that, which I think there is in the code, but- there- there is- it might decrease
how much increased density there is. And I think that's a policy decision versus a legal
one, although your City Attorney will guide you on all of that. And I'm hoping non-
profits will really be the entities that want to do this. And maybe if you move in this
direction, maybe it's a pilot program that's just in the University Impact Zone versus all
neighborhoods that have this zoning. So I'm hoping to hear some discussion about this
tonight and hope that you'll end up deferring so that you can really seriously consider this
option. Thanks.
Teague: Thank you. Anyone else like to address this topic? Seeing no one in-person or online,
Council discussion.
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Thomas: I would like to make a motion, uh, this evening to defer our second vote until October
17 to allow time for staff to explore ways to use the zoning amendment to further
advance the Council goal of creating income -restricted affordable housing, in addition to
increasing housing supply and choice?
Taylor: I would be in favor of that.
Teague: So moved by Thomas, uh, seconded by Taylor. Um, any further discussion on that item?
I would be in favor just to allow time- some, allow staff some time to get some
information to us.
Taylor: I would also agree with that because, um, hopefully, Councilor Harmsen will be with us
too, so we'd have a full Council to discuss it.
Teague: If no other discussion. Roll call, please and this is motion.
Goers: This is a voice vote so just all in favor.
Teague: Yep. So this is a motion to defer until our next meeting, October 17. All in favor say
aye. Any oppose? Motion passes 6-0. (Voice Vote)
Goers: Mr. Mayor, before we move on, just if there are any questions that staff may have about
what's being proposed, is it okay if we direct those questions to Councilor Thomas? He
and I've had a little bit of discussion, so I have a good idea about what he's uh, thinking
of, but just so staff comes fully prepared to uh, discuss the matter with you?
Teague: I'm comfortable with that. Are people comfortable with that?
Goers: Thank you.
Teague: Yeah.
Dunn: Could you please cc me on that as well?
Teague: Councilor Dunn wants cc'd on any other correspondence.
Goers: Certainly.
Teague: Yeah, alright. Great. Moving on to item number 8.b. which is -
Grace: Mayor, I'm sorry. Could we get a motion to accept correspondence?
Teague: Oh, sure.
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Bergus: So moved.
Taylor: Second.
Teague: Uh, moved by Bergus, seconded by Taylor, to accept correspondence. All in favor say
aye. Any oppose? Motion passes 6-0. (Voice Vote)
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8.b. Rezoning — 715 N. Dodge Street — Local Historic Landmark - Ordinance
rezoning property located at 715 N. Dodge Street from Medium Density Single -
Family Residential with a Historic District Overlay (OHD/RS-8) to OHD/RS-8 in
order to designate the property as an Iowa City Historic Landmark. (REZ23-0006)
(Second Consideration)
Teague: Item number 8.b. is Rezoning 715 North Dodge Street, Local Historic Landmark -
Ordinance rezoning property located at 715 North Dodge Street from Medium Density,
Single -Family Residential with a Historic District Overlay to OHD/RS-8, in order to
designate the property as an Iowa City Historic Landmark. This is second consideration
and staff is requesting expedited action.
Taylor: Mayor, I move that the rule requiring the ordinances must be considered and voted on for
passage at two council meetings prior to the meeting at which it has to be finally passed,
be suspended, that the second consideration and vote be waived, and that the ordinance
be voted on for final passage at this time.
Dunn: Second.
Teague: Move by Taylor, seconded by Dunn. Anyone from the public like to address this topic?
Seeing no one in person or online, Council discussion.
Taylor: I'm just really excited to see this. Emma Goldman is a gem for Iowa City, and it
mentions — and it mentions the health care for women. But it's my understanding that
men sometimes utilize the services too, so it's a - it's just a great thing, and it's wonderful.
It's hard to believe it's been that long, but designating the original building ass historic Is-
is a good step.
Alter: I agree with everything that you said.
Teague: Absolutely. Roll call, please. (Roll Call) Motion passes 6-0. Can I get a motion to pass
and adopt.
Taylor: So moved.
Bergus: Second.
Teague: Moved by Taylor and seconded by Bergus. Roll -call, please. (Roll Call) Motion passes
6-0.
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9. Regular Formal Agenda
9.a. Iowa City Senior Center Exterior Building Envelope Preservation, Restoration
and Rehabilitation — Resolution approving project manual and estimate of cost for
the construction of the Iowa City Senior Center Exterior Building Envelope
Preservation, Restoration and Rehabilitation 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 number 9.a. is Iowa City Senior Center Exterior Building, Envelope Preservation,
Restoration and Rehab - Rehabilitation. This is a resolution approving project manual and
estimate of cost for the construction of the Iowa City Senior Center Exterior Building
Envelope Preservation, Restoration and Rehabilitation 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. I'm going to
welcome staff up at this time. Welcome.
1. Public Hearing
Morris: Hello. Hello. I'm Kumi Morris. Actually, we have Peter Franks. He's with Franks group,
and he is the architect that we've been working with for the Senior Center project. He is
an architect that specializes in historic properties, and he has a small presentation for you.
Teague: Thank you and welcome. Welcome, Peter.
Franks: Thank you, everyone. Good evening.
Teague: Good evening.
Franks: I've been told if I just close out of all the warnings, everything will work just fine
Teague: Good luck with that.
Franks: Okay. So what we're going to talk about very briefly tonight, is, uh, everything that you
see up on- on the agenda here in this fust slide, we're going to talk a little bit about the
project background and also a little bit about the history of the Senior Center or the old
post office building. And then we'll get into, uh, the project scope and what we're doing
here today, which is formally the public hearing for the construction documents to be
able to be released for public bidding. Um, as Kumi said, my name is Pete Franks. So
Peter Franks, my firm is the Franks Design Group. We're a small firm based in southwest
Iowa. And we work state-wide history - primarily on historic building projects. We are a -
we're a small firm, we're a three-person operation and we're in a storefront on the
Courthouse Square and Glenwood and Mills County. And we've been in business since
2006. And as I said, we, uh, specialize in historic preservation work. Our role with the
Senior Center was, uh, initiated when we were preservation consultant to the local
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architect who was responsible for the Senior Center Master -Plan, initially anchored by
Rohrback Associates in 2020. And then we continued on as a preservation consultant to
OPN Architects in 2021 and 2022 as the preservation consultant on the exterior of the
building. I'm gonna real quick, just give you a little bit of what I think is interesting, and
hopefully you'll find it interesting, history of the building. So what we see here is an old
fire insurance map that shows the footprint of the original post office. It was a relatively
petite building, 50 feet by 90 feet, at the corner of Washington and Linn. And this is what
that building looked like in its first episode between 1904 and 1930. So in fronted
primarily Washington Street and had three big window openings, and the secondary
elevation was actually the Washington Street elevation — I'm sorry, the Linn Street
elevation. In 1929 to 1931, the building was substantially expanded and went from 90- 50
foot depth to 130 foot depth. So you can see there we've got the two colors of how much
the building grew over the course of that expansion in 1929-31. The other thing that was
added during that expansion was an entire upper level. So really what was kept of the
original building is just what you see highlighted here on the Linn Street elevation. Just
really the fust three bays, a section of lower wall, and the entire upper wall and the entire
upper story was added as part of the expansion, as well as more than doubling the
footprint of the building. Here's a construction photo from 1930. And what you can see
here is the very dark stone is the original stone that was built in 1904. So it's stained from
just the air pollution that we saw in those decades. On everything that you see is the
lighter stone is the newer stone that was quarried in Indiana and brought here for the
expansion project in 1930 and 31. Another construction photo from that same episode --
and what's interesting about this, um, I don't know what, you can't see my mouse here --t
The alley elevation, the north elevation of the building here is alhn it's very dark stone,
which leads us to believe that that entire wall was dismantled, moved 90 feet to the north
and then reconstructed as part of this massive expansion project that took place in 1929 to
1930. We had the benefit in studying the building and doing our work to have a partial set
of the original 1929 drawings to study in detail. It wasn't a complete set, but it was a
pretty complete set, which is very helpful to us. And as old building people we really
geek out on things like wall sections, and window details and things like that. So we
spent a lot of time studying those original drawings and our understanding, in compiling
our understanding of the building and the technical issues that we're trying to address
with this project. Some of the terms that we use as far as the building anatomy goes are
outlined here. The one that you're going to hear me mention in just a moment is the
parapet, which is the section of wall that extends up above the roof. And that's, uh, the
subject of a great deal of the effort that we're investing into the building with this
upcoming project. The other thing I want to mention here is that while the building was
in the process of being transitioned from federal ownership to city ownership, it was
listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and it's also designated as a local
landmark. The third episode of the building took place under the City's custodial care of
the building, and that was conversion to the Senior Center, which took place between
1979 and 1981. It was a major comprehensive project involving the insertion of fire
stairs, elevators, restrooms, new systems, and adapting the building to the use of the
Senior Center, where it's been in use since 1981. And what I will say is, um, a kind of
personal comment here is that it was a very sensitive restoration. When the building was
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converted to the senior center; it was done in a very- very thoughtful, sensitive way with
great attention to detail. So we look at this building as a survivor of one episode in 1904
and then a major expansion that was deftly done in 1930, and then an adaptive reuse that
was a comprehensive project in 1981. And there's every reason for us to think that this
building can see 150, if not 200, years if it's well taken care of, including the work that
we're proposing. So the major projects that have occurred to the building since that
conversion were fire sprinklers and ceilings, boiler replacement, and roof replacement,
with some assorted masonry repairs about 15 years ago. Part of our work with existing
buildings is we really get down and dirty with the existing building. And we try and look
for the things that need to be repaired, and we look for the signs and symptoms of things
that need to be corrected or addressed with um, proposed work that we're doing here. So
we look for signs of movement. This is actually one of the arches over top of one, and the
one- of the entries on the west elevation. We looked at the full exterior, uh, just to be able
to find all of those places where we see movement or signs of stress and strain. We've got
some panels of the stone veneer that are badly eroded along the north elevation,
particularly. But the thing that we really stumbled onto and noticed pretty quickly was
that the parapets that extend up above the wall that- are where the building meets the sky,
we saw a lot of movement really on all four elevations of the- uh, the building. And that's
a place where we don't want to see movement. So you can see here in the image here that
we've got movement of an inch to an inch and a half, if not two inches, which for a stone
building is a lot of physical movement. We've got parapets that we, uh in- in kind of
exploring this a little bit deeper, found that they were out of plumb by as much as four or
five degrees. And this is something that, uh, becomes al- almost on the verge of a safety
issue that we don't want that to go any further. So a big part of what we're correcting for
is that out of plumb, out of square condition. In our investigation of the building's
anatomy, what we discovered and- and uh, really uncovered was that the back face of the
parapets, which you see here on this image, are constructed of the same brick uh, that's
used for the interior of the walls of the building interior, and that brick has over time been
exposed to water; it's gotten saturated, and when exposed to freeze thaw deterioration,
which then leads it to become more porous, introducing more water into the wall,
ultimately, the freeze thaw action that we see there is what's responsible for those
parapets leaning outwards, as we see really across the board at the roof area. The other
thing that we're aware of, this is at the interior of the upper level above the lay -in ceilings.
So you can see the lay -in ceiling is kind of what looks like the floor here. So we see signs
of really incremental, long-term water infiltration above the ceiling there, also related to
the parapets, and the movement, and this brick and stone construction that we see up
above there. So we hope that the work that we're proposing here will also take care of any
water infiltration or moisture infiltration that's happening in the building or has happened
over time. The project scope of work that the public hearing is on tonight is the set of
documents that you had available for review prior to the meeting. Uh, it's basically to
dismantle and reconstruct the existing limestone parapet piers to correct for out -of -plumb
and out -of -square and reconstruct with reinforced concrete masonry unit cores. We're
using the stone wherever possible, as much as possible, except where it's damaged
beyond repair. At the baluster sections we'll be dismantling and reconstructing those.
We'll be re- uh, integrating the roof system and terminating the roof where all this
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perimeter work is going on at the parapet area. And then for the balance of the limestone
of the entire building, we will be doing a masonry veneer restoration, remove and replace
the panels that are damaged, uh, affect repairs of the damaged panels, and- and repoint
everything, and then give the building a good cleaning to get rid of a lot of the stain that
we see on it, uh, especially up by the main cornice. So a couple of pages from the
documents that are, uh, the exhibit to the public hearing tonight. Details, a- at the parapet
area. And this whole project has been vetted by your Historic Preservation Commission
and given a Certificate of Appropriateness. The estimated cost for the project; for our
construction cost is $1,910,000. Our schedule is to in two weeks have a pre-bid meeting,
assuming we're pro- we're approved tonight. Bid opening in about five weeks, we expect
on-site work to be next year, and then a phase 2 project that would be the windows and
the doors in 24 and 25. I'd be happy to entertain any questions.
Thomas: Thank you for that very detailed presentation and use of the word anatomy. That was- I
enjoyed that.
Teague: Thank you. Thank you. All right. Anyone from the public like to address this topic?
Seeing no one in person or online, I'm going to close the public hearing.
2. Consider a Resolution
Teague: Can I get a motion to approve, please?
Taylor: So moved, Taylor.
Alter: Second Alter.
Teague: Council discussion.
Taylor: By the looks at the photos; it's a much needed project and I appreciate your time and
effort and- and uh, your plans. Thank you.
Dunn: Mayor, if I make- may make a comment.
Teague: Yes.
Dunn: Uh, I- I hope that uh, folks in the community that, um, either do this or become aware of -
of the work on the Senior Center uh, are reminded of our Council, our community, and
our city's, overall uh, in- in investment and uh, value of- of the lives of seniors, uh of
their quality of life um, in the ability for uh, everyone regardless uh, of their- their place
in life to have uh, a really great uh, facility here by- by the community. So um, I want
people to know, uh, we believe in the Senior Center, we love the Senior Center, we want
it to uh, be good for folks uh, for many years to come. So I will be supporting, of course.
Teague: Roll call, please. (Roll Call) Motion passes 6-0.
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9.b. Utility Rate Public Hearing — Ordinance amending Title 3, entitled "Finance,
Taxation and Fees," Chapter 4, entitled "Schedule of Fees, Rates, Charges, Bonds,
Fines and Penalties", of the City Code to increase or change charges and fees.
(Second Consideration)
Teague: Item 9.b. is Utility Rate Public Hearing. This is an ordinance amending Title 3, entitled
"Finance, Taxation and Fees," Chapter 4, entitled "Schedule of Fees, Rates, Charges,
Bonds, Fines and Penalties," of the City Code to increase or change charges and fees.
This is second consideration and staff is requesting expedited action.
Taylor: Mayor, I move that the rule requiring that ordinance must be considered and voted on for
passage at two Council meetings prior to the meeting at which it is to be finally passed,
be suspended, that the second consideration and vote be waived, and that the ordinance
be voted on for final passage at this time.
Teague: Moved by Taylor.
Dunn: Second.
Teague: Seconded by Dunn. Anyone from the public like to address this topic? Seeing no one in
person or online, Council discussion. Roll call, please. (Roll Call) Motion passes 6-0. Can
I get a motion to pass and adopt?
Thomas: So moved Thomas.
Bergus: Second.
Bergus: Second Bergus.
Teague: Moved by, uh, Thomas, seconded by Bergus. Roll call, please. (Roll Call). Motion
passes 6-0.
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9.c. Water Code Update — Lead Service Lines — Ordinance amending Title 16,
entitled "Public Works", Chaper 3, "City Utilities", Article C. "Potable Water Use
and Service", Section 1, "Def►nititions", and Section 3, "Connection to Distribution
Water Main". (First Consideration)
Teague: Item Number 9.c., Water Code Update: Lead Service Lines. This is an ordinance
amending Title 16, entitled "Public Works", Chapter 3, "City Utilities", Article C.
"Potable Water Use and Service", Section 1, "Definitions", and Section 3, "Connection to
Distribution Water Main". This is the first consideration.
1. Consider an Ordinance (first consideration)
Teague: Can I get a motion, please?
Alter: So moved.
Teague: Moved by, uh, Alter, seconded by Bergus. And we're going to invite our staff, Ron
Knoche up from Public Works.
Knoche: Uh, good evening, Council. Ron Knoche, Public Works Director. Uh, May 2, at your
work session, John Dirst, or super- Water Superintendent, was here and talked about our
lead reduction program that we're looking at initiating uh, for our water system. Um, this
is kind of the fust phase, uh the fust leg of that three-legged stool, as he referred to. Um,
as- as- as you're aware, water service lines are privately owned underwater- underground
water pipes that connect homes uh, or buildings to the city's drinking water system. Uh,
some service lines are made of lead or galvanized iron that had been exposed to lead,
which leads to lead deposits. The EPA has found that lead in drinking water is known to
cause health problems. The proposed ordinance amendment will amend the city code to
promote the removal in lead of galvani- or and galvanized iron uh, contaminated lead,
from water service connections to the potable water system by prohibiting the repair of
lead service lines and requiring full replacement of lead service lines when they develop a
leak or other defect. Um, with this ordinance change, if it's approved, um, this would
become effective January 1, 2024.
Teague: Any questions?
Knoche: Thank you.
Teague: Thank you. Anyone from the public who would like to address this topic? Seeing no one
in person or online, Council discussion.
Bergus: I would just observe from our packet that the, um, intent here would be to, I think at the
time of passage and adoption of this, that we'll also have a- a proposal for a program to
help um, provide essentially an insurance coverage type uh, option that- that folks could
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uh, opt into to purchase so that they- um, to cover the expenses of this because it will be
the property owners expense to replace the service lines when it becomes necessary.
Teague: Then we'll get to that next. Any other comments? Roll call, please? (Roll Call) Motion
passes 6-0.
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9.d. Marketing Agreement — Private Water and Sewer Service Lines Repair Plans —
Resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign an agreement by and between the City of
Iowa City and Utility Service Patners Private Label, Inc., d/b/a Service Line
Warranties of America, to use the City logo for the solicitation of water, sewer, and
internal plumbing emergency service plans.
Teague: Item 9.d. is Marketing Agreement, Private Water and Sewer Service Lines Repair Plans
- Resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign an agreement by and between the City of Iowa
City and the Utility Service Partners Private Label, Inc., d/b/a Service Line Warranties of
America, to use the City logo for the solicitation of water, sewer, and internal plumbing
emergency service plans.
1. Consider a Resolution
Teague: Can I get a motion to approve, please?
Bergus: So moved, Bergus.
Alter: Second, Alter.
Teague: All right. And we'll invite Ron up just to kind of talk about this item as well.
Knoche: All right. Ron Knoche, Public Works Director. This resolution will approve of
marketing agreement between the City and the Service Line Warranties of America to
allow the company to use a City logo on mail solicitations for optional service line repair
plans to Iowa City property owners. The marketing, customer service, and repairs will be
managed entirely by the company. Um, the City will have- will- will have review
authority of the solicitations prior to mailing and will include information within the
solicitations to educate homeowners about service lines, the impacts of lead on human
health, and to consult with their homeowner's insurance providers. Uh, the timing of this
agreement is intended to make the existence of these optional repair plans known to
property owners before the effective date of the proposed service line ordinance
amendment on January 1, 2024.
Teague: Great. Uh, questions about the cost.
Knoche: Yes. So, um, the- the way that the agreement is laid out, uh, there, uh, they will solicit
two options. Um, the fust option will be, uh, $6.75 per month for the water service line.
Um, the section- second option, um, would be for sanitary sewer service lines and that'll
be $7.75 per month. Um, if somebody would decide to provide or go ahead and accept
those services or want to, um, buy those services, um, they also provide an interior
plumbing, um, warranty program, and that's $9.99 a month.
Teague: And all of the costs will be between the resident and, um, the Service Line Warranties of
America?
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Knoche: That is correct. This is a- it would be a direct purchase with that company.
Teague: Great. Thank you.
Taylor: Ron. I just had a question, um, kind of unusual like we approve of a certain company to -
to have business with- with the City and City customers, did someone like look into and
research different insurance companies that would provide the best service for- for our
city?
Knoche: Yes. So, um, the- the League of Cities, uh, is- is the company or the- the group that has
gone out and- and looked at this service line protection program. Um, and so, um, we're
utilizing them as- as that resource. Um, there are a number of- of communities in Iowa
that are utilizing this, uh, this service.
Taylor: Okay. Thank you.
Teague: Thank you.
Knoche: Thank you.
Teague: Anybody else want to bring him back? No. Anyone from the public like to address this
topic? Seeing no one in-person or online, Council discussion. Roll call, please. (Roll
Call) Motion passes 6-0.
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9.e. Assessment -91 Commercial Dr. — Resolution adopting an assessment schedule
for court ordered fencing at 91 Commercial Drive and directing the City Clerk to
certify the same to the Johnson County Treasurer for collection in the same manner
as property taxes.
Teague: Item 9.e. Assessment -91 Commercial Drive - Resolution adopting an assessment
schedule for court ordered fencing at 91 Commercial Drive, and directing the City Clerk
to certify the same to the Johnson County Treasurer for collection in the same manner as
property taxes.
1. Consider a Resolution
Teague: Could I get a motion to approve, please?
Bergus: So moved, Bergus.
Thomas: Second, Thomas.
Teague: All right. And we're gonna turn it over to our City Attorney, Eric.
Goers: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, I have an unusual request, uh, and that's, I'm gonna ask
Council to defeat this motion or this resolution. And the reason for that is rather late in
the day yesterday we received, um, payment- complete payment for this. So obviously
that's great for all parties concerned and thus we don't want to a, well, there's nothing else
to assess and so how I would ask Council to defeat this resolution.
Teague: All right. Anyone from the public like to make a comment on this? Seeing no one.
Council discussion.
Alter: Glad it came to resolution.
Teague: Absolutely. Roll call, please. (Roll Call) Motion fails 0-6. It's all so confusing.
Taylor: Something different all the time, isn't there? Thank you Eric.
Alter: Yes. Thank you.
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10. Council Appointments
10.a. Climate Action Commission — One vacancy to fill an unexpired position, upon
appointment — December 31, 2023.
Teague: We're at item number 10 which is- which is Council Appointments. 10.a. is Climate
Action Commission. One vacancy to fill an unexpired position, upon appointment
through December 31, 2023. There is no gender balance requirement. We've had quite a
few good applicants.
Taylor: I'll start by thanking all the applicants, I mean 12 for one position is- is amazing, but, uh,
looking at the list, there are some, um, that will be leaving the commission soon. So keep -
keep your thoughts in mind there, but, uh, the number of individuals who are
knowledgeable and informed about the importance of climate action in our community
was really impressive. With community members like these applicants interested in
climate action, I have no doubt that Iowa City can achieve our climate action goals and it -
it was hard to narrow down the list, but I'll start by putting forth just a couple of names
and see what others are thinking. Um, I liked Angie Smith, uh, she referred to the
challenge of shaping human behaviors, which is kind of what this is all about, uh, to help
tackle the climate change. And she is a psychologist and who knows more about shaping
human behavior than a psychologist. Uh, I also liked, uh, Robert Traer. He says he was in
training, but I don't know how long ago the application was, to be an Iowa- an Iowa
climate ambassador. He's a retired teacher and has actually given a number of
presentations about climate action, which is what it's all about, getting the education out
there but I'm open to what others think.
Dunn: I would offer uh, Michael Anderson. Uh, I think he's got a really good perspective, uh, of
the whole situation, climate crisis, uh, as a journalist. Um, and I also really liked a lot of
his activism. He, uh, reported on and participated in the Standing Rock anti-DAPL
Dakota Access Pipeline protest in 2016. And he's big on new urbanism is just something
I'm also big on. So, um, I would put him forth, uh, as well as Zach Haralson. But also I
don't- I don't really have any concerns with the- the people that were mentioned by
Councilor Taylor.
Alter: I would also add, um, Hannah Cargo to the mix. I had also flagged Angie Smith as well as
Michael Anderson. Um, what I liked about Hannah was actually, um, that she's a student
and that I think that given that, uh, the sense of urgency is hitting honestly, uh, the
student generation more and more, I think that she brings enthusiasm and, um, desire to
dig in and to reach as many people as possible. I jus- I felt that she had a lot of
qualifications and I thought honestly, um, the- her representation would be good on the
commission.
Thomas: Well, it really was an outstanding field, but I also, um, was impressed by Michael
Anderson and, uh, the background, um, that he- that he bring- would bring to the
commission. Um, he was- he was my fust- fust choice.
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Bergus: My short list was, uh, Abigail McCune, Angie Smith, and Michael Anderson.
Alter: I had also flagged Abigail so -
Teague: Okay. So I think this is a sign that we have a lot of great applicants.
Alter: Yes.
Teague: Um, and it- there's- there's a few that of course I could support. I think I'll go with Angie
Smith. And that will give us four for Angie Smith. Alright? Are we all okay with Angie
Smith? That works. Alright. Can I get a motion to appoint Angie Smith to the Climate
Action Commission.
Taylor: So moved, Taylor.
Alter: Second, Alter.
Teague: All in favor say aye. (Voice Vote) Any oppose? Motion passes 6-0.
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13. City Council Information
Teague: Item Number 13 is City Council information.
Taylor: All right. I'll start. Surely others have some information. But uh, one thing that I'm really
happy to report on was that yesterday, I had the pleasure of going on the Affordable
Housing Bus Tour, which was over three hours long, but it was well worth it. It was
hosted by the Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition and the Housing Trust Fund
of Iowa City. The tour which went through the cities of Iowa City, North Liberty, and
Coralville, featured 15 homes that are just a handful of the many affordable home
projects in the area. These were rentals, home ownership, and supportive rental units,
single and multifamily. We all know that affordable housing plays an essential role in the
social and economic development of our community. This tour highlighted the fact that
our communities are, and our county, are truly indeed have been working hard to provide
affordable housing over the past few years and plan to continue doing so. I'd like to thank
Jessica Andino and Alan McKay for planning this tour and for all that you do.
Alter: It was almost two weeks ago now, but the Mayor and I had an opportunity to go to the
Iowa League of Cities annual meeting- annual convention conference. Let me get three
words for the one, but it was...
Teague: Redmond.
Alter: And Redmond. Yes, that's right. It was incredibly illuminative. There are a lot of really
good sessions um, ranging from um, increasing mental health support in local
municipalities, drawing on actually some examples. I mean, the thing that was great
about this conference was honestly that it had to deal with practicalities and things that
are going on throughout the state of Iowa. Um, so it wasn't just abstract like we might do
this when we might do that. So um, there's some really interesting presentation about um,
a partnership between um, police departments and mental health professionals to um,
help divert um, and get people um, who are in um, not a criminal situation, but a mental
health crisis situation, the support and follow-up that they need. And so that was really -
really interesting. Um, and there are some additional sessions that were dealt with
finance, which we're, are going to be incredibly helpful. And then ultimately um, for my
own part, it was the first time that I've been to this conference, and it was really cool
because it was understanding the scope and the breadth of specific problems that
communities are facing, and realizing that um, a) we have a really- really great
collaborative um, community that is able to draw upon partners and whatnot, but also to
recognize the very specific problems that so much of Iowa has um, because the rural
communities were able to be there and have their voices heard and talk about not only
problems that they're dealing with but also solutions that they're finding too. So um, It
was just a really- really cool experience. It was my fust time. So that's why I'm kinda
pontificating on it.
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Teague: Yeah- Yeah. It- It was good. I think it does speak to the commonalities that big cities,
small cities have in common, and also, um, regardless of any one individual political
background, home rule is across the board, what communities want, because there is no
two communities alike.
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14. Report on Items from Staff:
Teague: All right, we're going to move on to Item Number 14, report from our City staff and we
are going to start in our City Manager's Office.
Jones: I was already to say pass but since you brought up the League of Cities, I did want to um,
let the Councilors know, I was also there to meet with the uh, Metro Coalition, which is a
coalition built up of the twelve largest communities in the state of Iowa, and our goal was
to sharpen our legislative message for the upcoming sessions. So as you also know, we're
going to be moving towards our practice of looking at our legislative priorities coming in
the next month or so. So this actually is a- is a good time to if there's any legislative
priorities that individual Councilors uh, have or would like to add a part of the pot, we're
kind of going through the process now of- of- of, bringing it all those ideas together with
all those communities at kinda start to narrow it down. So this is the perfect time to add
any ideas you may have. So um, just wanted to put that out there.
Teague: Our City Attorney's Office.
Goers: Uh, I'll offer this uh, time that Jennifer Schwickerath, one of the attorneys in our office,
the most recent addition to our office, had the opportunity and took it to attend the
International Municipal Lawyers Association Annual Conference, which was in
California. It cost her last weekend, but she thought it was a great uh, program. It is
certainly robust. IMLA, as we refer to it, has a number of interest groups that are of value
to the city and in my experience, including University City group than I participate in
quarterly calls um, I believe in IMLA enough that I've served as the chair for several
years. I've since given up that mantle um, proud as it may be. But it was a great
opportunity for her to get out and make some, uh, relationships with other city attorneys
from Iowa who tend to go as well, so I was really grateful for the opportunity.
Teague: And we're gonna go to our city clerk's office.
Grace: Nothing from the Clerk's Office.
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