HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-11-21 Transcription Page 1
Council Present: Alter,Bergus,Dunn,Harmsen, Taylor, Teague, Thomas
Staff Present: From,Jones, Goers, Grace, Platz,Knoche,Havel, Sovers,Harland,
Dumachi, Gardner,Hightshoe, Sitzman,Russett, Seydell Johnson.
Others Present: Monsivais,USG Alternate Liasion
1. Call to Order
Teague: It is 06:00 PM. on November 21, 2023. And welcome to your city hall. And this is the
City of Iowa City formal meeting. And I'm going to call this meeting to order roll-call,
please. [Roll Call] All right. Well, we want to welcome Councilor Salih who just won an
election and actually was taking over former Councilor Janice Weiner's spot. So welcome
back. And we acknowledge our colleague that just won another election Councilor Dunn.
So,welcome from the audience. All right, we're gonna move on and welcome to all of
you, and welcome to your city hall. Happy to see you all here. Those in-person and
online.
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2. Special Presentations
2.a SolSmart Designation Presentation
Teague: We're gonna move on to item Number 2,which is a special presentation by Sarah
Gardner on 2a, is SOLSMART designation presentation. So welcome.
Teague: Thank you so much. It's a pleasure to be here this evening with an awkwardly large
plaque. I'm here to talk about the SOLSMART designation that the city recently earned.
You may recall earlier this year, our planning staff came to you with an update to our
code to make it simpler for folks to apply for solar and to include some incentives,we
actually used that as a catalyst to enroll in the SOLSMART Program,which is a national
program that evaluates city operations in five key areas against national best practices.
And those areas are planning and zoning,building inspection,um, Government
Operations, community engagement and market development. And I'm quite pleased to
report that at the end of all that evaluation,we were determined to be in the gold tier
standard among communities. Uh,we now join over 500 communities in the US that
have gone through this program. Only 13 of which are in Iowa, and only about a third of
them achieve the goals,uh, standing. It's a program sponsored by the Interstate
Renewable Energy Council and the National City and County Management Association
and is under the Department of Energy. So it's just a really exciting development, and
we're quite happy to be presenting the plaque to,uh,you mayor and the council this
evening. And then we're going to take it back and hang it up in the lobby. Um,but I just
want to say that this designation is a testament to years of ongoing work across multiple
city departments to support residents and businesses and organizations that want to add
solar rays to their facilities. And I'm really proud to see this work recognized on a
national platform, and say that as staff,we really valued going through this program and
learning about practices in other cities that we can add to all the great work that's already
being done here. So,um, congratulations and thank you for your support of this work.
Teague: Thank you. Maybe stand up for a quick picture. Oh,you're welcome. Great honor.
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3. Proclamation
3.a National Injury Prevention Day
We're going to move onto proclamations, item Number 3, 3.a is national injury prevention day,
(reads proclamation)And to receive this is Sarah Nelson and Pam Harderworth,
accepting this proclamation.
Harderworth: Thank you,Mayor Teague and the rest of the City Council for supporting this
proclamation. It's very important to us at the Children's Hospital because we see way too
many kids arrive at our hospital with an injury that could have been prevented if a safer
behavior may have been chosen. And so it's the fourth year of this national and awareness
campaign and our children's hospital leads the efforts around our state. Um, Sarah is a
fourth-year senior student in Health and Human Physiology here and was the intern with
me working this year to help promote this effort around the state, and I think she did an
excellent job and represented the University of Iowa very well. So thanks again for
supporting this. I think the big takeaway that I want city council and certainly the
audience to hear is that most of these injuries that show up are absolutely preventable and
it is the leading cause of death, disability and hospitalizations. And so it's a big strategic
mission of our hospital to try to decrease those injuries. I always tease my pediatric
trauma surgeons, I want to put them out of business and the injury prevention world. So
thanks again for your support.
Teague: Thank you.
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3.b Transgender Day of Remembrance
Teague: 3.b is Transgender Day of Remembrance. (reads proclamation)And accepting this
proclamation is Luck Kiche form the Iowa City Pride and collage from the Iowa City
Human Rights Commission.
Kollasch: Thank you,Mayor Teague. On behalf of the Iowa City Human Rights Commission, er,
thank you for this proclamation. Hundreds- as you mentioned,hundreds of transgender
people die from violence in this country every year. And that violence is encouraged and
fomented by the hateful legislation that we are seeing across the country, and especially
in our state. Um, this proclamation is important because words matter and standing up
and make- and of making people aware of the problem matters. But-but actions are a
statement. Words matter,but actions show where our beliefs truly are. So I hope that in
the next year,we work here in Iowa City to help those transgender people who are being
robbed of their healthcare,who are being denied services and discriminated against, and
who are being erased by school boards and book bands across the state, across the
country. Thank you.
Teague: Thank you.
Kiche: Hi,my name is Luck Kiche. I'm a teacher in Iowa City School District. My pronouns are
he and they. I can't- it can't be said enough. You've already heard it from a couple of
people,but,um, in 20- in 2023, for the fust time in the 40-year history,the Human Rights
Campaign declared a national state of emergency for LGBTQ+Americans in response to
over 550 Anti LGBTQ+bills introduced across the country,more than 80 of which are-
were passed into law. This is a record high for Anti LGBTQ+ legislation enacted in a
single state legislative session. The previous record was just 25 enacted bills. In the last
12 months, 9 in 10, 90.9% transgender nonconforming victims where people of color.
Seven in ten, 69.7%were transgender women. More than 6 in 10, 61.8%were black
transgender women. Three-quarters, 78.8%were under the age of 35. Among those with
known killer, almost half,45.5%were killed by a friend, family member, or sexual
romantic intimate partner. More than half, 51.5%we're initially mis-gendered by the
police or- or in the news or reports. These statistics don't lie. We use this day and every
day to remember, celebrate and cherish our beautiful trans siblings who were taken too
soon and call upon all levels of legislation and allies to take a meaningful action to
protect our trans lives. So thank you.
Teague: Thank you. And thanks to everyone that came for a proclamation today.
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9. Community Comment [Items not on the agenda]
Teague: We're moving on to item number nine,which is community comment. This is
[INAUDIBLE]. Yes- yes.No,you're good. Yes. So we're moving on to community
comment, and this is an opportunity for people to speak on any item that is not on our
agenda. And I'll just wanting to see a raise of hands of how many individuals that want to
speak on items that are not on our agenda. Great. And if you're also online,please raise
your hand. Well, actually we won't go to online. Alright. So we're going to allow 3
minutes to everyone that is present here today. Welcome.
Dunn: Thank you. Andrew Dunn, Iowa City. I would just like to, fust of all, congratulate
Councilor Sally on her ascendance in taking of office. And I would also like to apologize
for not having my office or I might pardon me,my desk cleared out. I will take care of
that in short order. That being said, I'm just going to take this opportunity to bring up an
issue that I will be talking about quite a bit in the community and on council, er, come
January. And that is my concern with the-the district process that we have here in Iowa
City. I'm just basically be reading my op-ed. Uh, confusion has long been a staple of
Iowa City's local elections. The Iowa City- sorry, I'm going to call here. The Iowa City
Council has two types of councilors, all elected to four-year terms. First, we have four at-
large councilors that the entire city elects. Our four at-large councilors have no
restrictions on where they can live in the community. Second,we have three district
council members who each must live in their respective districts. The average person
familiar with government would reasonably believe that the only district-that only
district residents vote for their district council member. In Iowa City that's not the case.
District council members must be elected by the entire city,not just district voters. Every
Iowa City voter gets a vote in every city council race. We functionally elect every
councilor at large. This system strangely results in primary elections that also deviate
from expectation. One might think that if all city elections were functionally at-large,
primary elections would be the same in Iowa City, as many learned in the October 10th
district, a primary election only district residents can participate in a district primary. This
level of complexity is at best extremely confusing for voters and at worst, a systemic
barrier to change and minority representation on city council. According to the NAACP
Legal Defense Fund under an at-large system,the votes of voters of color are often
drowned out or submerged by voters of a majority white voter,majority white voting
population who often do not support the candidates which are preferred by black voters.
Iowa City appointed our fust black mayor in 2006. According to a 2018 University of
Houston report, at-large districts with the most common form of representation in most
local offices until the 1960s,passage of the Voting Rights Act in 1965. The system
doesn't just dilute the voting power of communities of color. In 2015, a study by the
Martin Prosperity Institute and the University of Toronto listed Iowa City as the 14th
most economically segregated community in America. Until my election this year, a 34
years had passed since a renter,Karen Kubby,was elected to Iowa City Council. As high-
rises keep going up, old homes get leveled,mobile home parks become investment
opportunities for blood-sucking out-of-state private equity funis. And the cost of buying-
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buying a home keeps-keeps rising. We deserve a city council that reflects our
communities diversity to address these issues. That's why I'm proposing a few different
things to it to address this problem. Path 1 would amend the city charter to allow for the
direct election of district seats. And that basically just means district C,A, and B would
be directly elected by the people within those districts. Path 2 would move everyone to an
at-large system- or pardon me,Path 2 and move everyone to a direct election by district
system. And Path 3 would allow us to address confusion by moving everyone to at-large.
Thank you for your time.
Teague: Thank you. It's never fun. Welcome.
Ross: That was an accomplishment. Yes. You're doing down here. You're supposed to be up
there. That's right. I know you're not,but anyway.
Teague: Please state your name.
Ross: Our new councilors. My name is Brandon Ross. Mazahir. Hey, good to see you up there.
Laura, good to see you up there. Pauline, I'll miss you. Ah anyway, I would like to bring
up that it's an important issue for Iowa City to be concerned with. With not only just what
happens in our city,but outside. And what happens outside does come home to us and
that we are now militarily involved in to especially to,but more than two, I can probably
about six,but two major ah situations of conflict. One is Israel, Palestine,the other is
Ukraine and Russia would say that I would like to encourage everybody to please-please-
please-please call your senators,your Congress people at the White House, write to them
being in the streets to tell our State Department or at least our elected officials, officials
to stop our State Department from just bombing everybody and sending bombs and not
being open to negotiating. And I believe that this is something that affects us locally as it
does the world. Those of you, I speak a lot about Ukraine, am Ukrainian. My mother's
side is Ukrainian. My monitor is first-generation. I would say that the Ukrainian
government that is in, it's a regime ah. We don't support it. Ukrainian people enlarge,
don't support it. I bring up a year 2019 after the overthrow of victory on a COVID who
was democratically elected president in 2014. In 2019 Petrol poor Shanker,who was the
US preferred president, left office with 9% approval rating. 9% approval rating was the
lowest in the world that regime was, it was not popular during this time. The US was
arming-arming malicious to attack people in Eastern Ukraine. 2019, I go again to
UNICEF,made a warning. They made a report and a warning that half 1 million children
were at risk in Eastern Ukraine being attacked by the Kiev regime. 2000 plus children
died in those attacks. 16,000 people from Eastern Ukraine had died in those attacks. That,
that-that should have been stopped,but the US was supporting the attacks on those
people. I will say also that in the run-up to Russia's intervention ah to this conflict,that
there were thousands of ceasefire agreements that were broken by the Kiev regime that
occurred on February 16, 2022,February 17th,February 18,February 19th,20th, 21st,
and 22nd,thousands of violations of ceasefire. And in response to this,russia intervened
on February 24th. This war is dirty. The US is wrong,just as wrong as it was in Iraq. And
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we have had the wool pulled over is and it's time to pull that will laugh arise. And to call
our people in Congress to write and to stand up and stop sending bombs.
Teague: Thank you. And if anyone else wants to speak during this time,you can startjust lining
up. If you're able to. Welcome,please state your name and city or from after you sign in.
Welcome.
Shoppa: Hi. I'm- I'm Vincent Shoppa and from Iowa City, at the September 19 city council
meeting, I made a public comment in regards to the trash found in Ralston creek. My goal
was to bring attention to the council members of the large amounts of trash that polluted
it. As the response I was given was a simple thank you. On October 7th,me and my
friends took to cleaning the creek ourselves. As we plan to clean the creek. We learned
from a parks and recreation employee that note apartment in our local cities government
is actually responsible for the maintenance of this creek. We additionally learned that
when the parks and recreation department does take the time to clean the creek,they are
doing so only in response to complaints of houses, secant lines along it. We were
astonished to learn the only time or city cares enough about garbage by the creek. That is
not garbage that's disrupting our ecosystems,but it is displaced people's personal
belongings that they do not want to be on display for the public. Here I will note that
while we were cleaning the creek,we found no more trash alongside these enchantments
than any other part of it. When I initially came to talk to the council,the demand was for
the city to clean the creek themselves. Upon learning that when the government cleans
routes and cricket is used as an excuse to displace our houses population. I come here
today with the demand that is much more clear cut. We need more waste management
downtown, a preventative measure to ensure that less garbage ends up in the creek in the
fust place. What we are officially demanding is a trash can place at every corner of every
bridge that Ralston creek runs through downtown. The only thing that stands in the way
of this is funding. Last council meeting, I spoke out, I noted how are $16,391,387 police
budget is more than a third of the public works and parks and recreation departments
budgets combined. Today, I wanted to compare this number to how cheap it would be to
place these trash cans. If we were to place a trash can and every corner of every bridge
that this creek runs through, a similar trash can to every other one that's found downtown.
It would cause the city, at most $25,000. This is 660 times less than our police budget.
When our climate is changing at the rate it is when the fust week of October temperatures
were in the 90s. Why does the department that has been increasingly infringing on our
citizens rights deserve this money more. The demand I made today is clear,we need
more trash cans downtown. We have shown you physically how much trash is plaguing
the creek. I've given you the math to show you how cheap placing these trash cans would
be. It is clear the city has this money and it's choosing to allocate it towards the police
department whose actions regularly imposed harm to our citizens. Me and my friends
calculated how much of our own personal hard work earned money that we spent on
cleaning this creek. It was $683.20. If a group of concerned citizens can risk their
financial stability to clean up this creek,then the government has no excuse to not
allocate a tiny fraction of their budget to do the same. Thank you.
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Teague: Thank you. Welcome. Please state your name and city or from.
Bryant: Quintin Bryant from Williamsburg. Hello. My name is Quintin Bryant, I am an Iowa
City employee here. And I'm here tonight in my capacity as president of asked me local
one or 23,the union that represents non-public safety and non administrative and
confidential staff here and I was City. I'm here today to talk about the proposal we came
to you with two months ago regarding the exhaustive inflation our employees have been
experiencing and lagging wages. I ask that you consider our proposal to open the wage
portion of the contract for this fiscal year. Due to the inflation we have seen over the last
few years, our wages have fallen behind approximately 10%. Our employees myself
included,have been struggling to make ends meet at home due to these unprecedented
times. We ask that you consider our proposal to help soften the impact this has had on the
city employees. I can tell you from speaking with many of our many of my co-workers,
that this would be a tremendous help to them,their families and their futures. With the
positive growth of the city,we are serving more people than ever. We take pride in our
work, in our ability to provide great service to the folks who are not in a city. We're also
experiencing the challenges of recruiting and retention,which results in heavier
workload. We're seeing our coworkers and friends seek out employee employment
opportunities elsewhere in search of better wages and seeing fewer applicants to fill those
positions. The impact of this-this isn't,the impact of this decision stretches beyond city
limits. Employees will be better able to provide for their families and home lives. And
management will be better able to recruit high-quality,talented employees and retain
them. Employees will have a boost the morale, leading to increase motivation,
productivity and overall job satisfaction. This aligns with the city's goal of becoming the
employer of choice in the region and building a diverse talent pipeline. I appreciate the
opportunity to speak with you today. Thank you for your time and support.
Teague: Thank you. Anyone else wants to speak during this time? If there's anyone else that
wants to speak, I want to see hands at this time saying no one. Welcome.
Hofmaier: Hi.
Teague: State your name and city or from.
Hofmaier: Thank you. My name is Ellie Hofmaier. I'm from Iowa City. My work at the Englert
Theatre and I am an active member in the music scene. That's basically all you need to
know about me. Um,recently, several of my peers and members of the trans community
where served arrest warrants regarding their presence at a protest on October 16th. Um,
and I'm glad we've approved Transgender Day of Remembrance but as was earlier
mentioned, actions speak louder than words or declared days. So I urge you as
representatives to leverage your voice and ask that these charges against trans folks and
our community artists in the greatest small city of the Arts be dropped. Thank you.
Teague: Thank you.
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10. Planning& Zoning Matters
10.a Ordinance amending Title 14,Zoning to reduce the maximum allowable
height in the Neighborhood Stabilization Residential (RNS-12)zone from thirty-rive
feet to twenty-seven (27) feet for single-family and duplex uses. (REZ23-0005)
Teague: We're going to move on -we're going to move on to item number 10,uh,which are
planning and zoning matters. Thanks to everyone that spoke today. Uh,today is Zoning
Code Amendment,reduction of maximum allowable height in the RNS-12 zone.
Ordinance Amending Title 14,zoning and to reduce the maximum allowable height and
the neighborhood stabilization residential zone from 35 feet to 27 feet for single-family
and duplex uses. And I'm going to open the public hearing and welcome Danielle S-.
Sitzman: Thank you,Mayor. Danielle Sitzman,Development Services presenting tonight on this
proposed amendment. As a way of background,uh, as you may recall,this was a task
given to staff by city council back in June as a priority to work on. In response to requests
from neighborhood,uh, groups,um,we presented information based on analysis that staff
performed between that June 6th direction and the August 16th planning and zoning
commission. Um, at the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting,uh,we were given
direction by the commission to actually delay that and do some additional analysis as the
goal of the - of the requested change had changed,uh, so taking that direction from the
Planning and Zoning Commission, staff proceeded to continue conversations with the
neighborhood group,the North Side neighborhood association, about the requested code
change in September, listening to,um,their feedback at that point,um in regards to the
requested height change,uh,that the 35 feet height max acts as a financial incentive for
investors to demolish older, affordable, owner-occupied structures that the 35 foot height
maximum encourages redevelopment and out-of-school buildings that harm
neighborhood prop -neighboring properties specifically example was that was provided
was the 319 North Van Buren street site,uh, and the requested a reduction in height from
that 35 feet to 27 feet for only new single-family and duplex structures. And we get again
met with P&Z in October 18th and the question was actually altered a third time at that
point to just consider single-family and duplex,not the just new single-family. Uh, so to -
what's presented here tonight is an amendment to the maximum height,uh, for just
single-family and duplex structures in the Ardennes 12 zone. As part of the research that
staff conducted based on city councils direction in June,uh,we did,um,review the
creation and application of the RNS-12 zoning district, it's a relatively new zoning
district. It was created in 1992 with the intention of stabilizing certain areas of the city.
Um, it was headed impetus with a redevelopment project in 1992 that brought that to the
intention of,uh,the city and the goal of neighborhood stabilization,uh,was researched
and created a new RNS-12 zoning district to address stabilization in single-family
neighborhoods. Step also did review how the zone, once it was created,was applied to
properties over 14-year timespan throughout,uh, certain parts of the city. So this map
shows where,um,the RNS-12 zoning district was applied once it was created as a
possible district to be used, starting in 1993 and proceeding through 2007. Over that
period of time, certain multifamily districts, the RM-12 zoning districts were changed to
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the RNS-12 zoning district,which just like I said,primarily a single-family neighborhood
stabilization district. In addition to understanding the history of the RNS-12 zoning
districts creation and its application, staff did and during that intervening time between
June and August. Um, also analyze the properties that are currently zoned RNS-12. We
did conduct fieldwork to understand,uh,the existing structures that are built and out in
those areas of the city. We also reviewed GIS data and took additional measurements.
This map shows the location of all property currently zoned RNS-12 in the city. It's the
yellow areas that are either hashed or not hashed. The red outline is the boundary of the
North Side neighborhood. This does show you where those properties are in relation to
each other and just for some basic statistics here,there's approximately 500 properties are
parcels. I currently holding -holding that RNS-12 zoning designation, 75% of those
RNS-12 properties are also regulated by an overlay district,which is what the hashing
indicates on this map. That overlay district would be for historic preservation or horse -
historic conservation. So the opposite of that,the 75%that are hash,that leaves 25%that
are not hashed. Um,to talk just about the properties within that red boundary, inside the
North Side neighborhood or Goose Town boundary, 85% of those properties are also
within an overlay district for conservation or historic preservation. Um, so that is slightly
higher than the average across the entire city. And then only 15% of properties that are
zoned RNS-12 in the North Side neighborhood do not have a designation of overlay on
them for historic preservation or conservation. This table, I think,which is included in
some of your materials, can also itemizes the number of parcels, so that leaves 47 parcels
in the North Side neighborhood that have only the RNS-12 stabilization zone applied to
them and no additional historic or conservation district overlay. Um, so talking a little bit
about historic conservation and preservation overlays,um, it's important to note that
because these properties are the ones that have these overlays applied to them, do have
additional rules and processes that add a large degree of protection to what occurs with
those properties. And that is based on their value as historic properties. So they are
regulated to additional standards. Those additional standards are developed in the historic
preservation handbook and then are reviewed by an additional,um, commission,the
Historic Preservation Commission, and applies to,uh, exterior changes,uh, significant
changes to those properties,but it also, um,prevents demolition, and it also regulates
when new construction does occur,that the new construction basically comply with,um,
the design requirements of those different,um,neighborhoods within historic
preservation boundaries. Uh, in short,the city has a very robust preservation program and
the overlays add a large degree of protection from future construction, demolition and
development as changes over time. And our discussions,um,with the neighborhood
groups about the reason for the request, one of the reasons articulated was concerned that
the existing height encourages redevelopment. So one of the things the staff did analyze
was,um,the amount of change or demolition going on in RNS-12 zones since the 1992,
1993- 1993 creation of the zone. Since that time,there have been 17 residential
demolitions in the RNS-12 zone. The data suggests that redevelopment pressure is not
great and redevelopment is not increasing. This may be due to the fact that so much of the
land, as I mentioned is RNS-12 is also protected by those overlaid zones for historic and
conservation. But we did also look,um, specifically at the heights of things as they were
being redeveloped and really nothing is maximizing out the current allowed 35-foot
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height. So when redevelopment is happening, it's not seemingly happening to take
advantage of a larger height or greater height. Allo- allo- allowance. Stabilization is the
main purpose of the RNS-12 zone and the Central District plan includes that as a value
for,um, land and the central planning district. Uh, it does say the preservation of single-
family residential character, she'll remain by preventing further densification and
conservation of single and - and conserving single-family residences. Really,this was the
1992, 1993 focus on slowing down redevelopment pressures and the creation of the RNS-
12 zone, it really seems to accomplish that. So in conclusion,um,while height limits are
intended to prevent domination of adjacent properties,the city has traditionally found a
three-story building heights,the 35-foot height are appropriate in all areas containing
single-family uses, including the RNS-12 zone. The purpose of the RNS-12 zone is to
maintain a single-family character,which has been interpreted as preserving single-
family uses and providing -preventing the spread of multifamily convergence and
redevelopment. And that's what we really saw with the application of the RNS-12 zone
changing the zoning districts from the RM zoning districts that they were putting them
into the RNS-12 zone. The current height limit is consistent with other single-family
residential zones throughout the city. That 35 feet- five-foot height limit is very
consistent throughout all of our single-family zones,thus serving the purpose of the RNS-
12 zone to maintain a predominantly single-family neighborhood character. The purpose
of height regulations or to promote a reasonable scale and relationship between buildings.
Land usage should be considered when establishing a height limit. A public purpose
justification must be identified for regulations imposed by the government such as
maximum heights that vary based on land use. Alleviation of perceived redevelopment
pressures and preservation of neighborhood character are not- are not served by allowing
uses to be constructed at varying heights. Implementation of the zoning code must also be
considered. The proposed change requires staff to implement different height
requirements for different uses built at different times. Staff does not recommend creating
unnecessarily complicated regulations. Zoning codes are already difficult enough, 75% of
the properties that I said zoned RNS-12 are located and an overlay zone,uh,for historical
conservation districts. Staff report outlined new construction would still be subject to the
historic preservation guidelines and require review and approval by Historic Preservation
Commission. In short, 75% of properties within the earnest 12 zone or are already subject
to additional review at that ensures new structures are not out of scale with the
surrounding neighborhood. Taking it a little bit deeper dive into some of those standards,
um,the historic guidelines actually take the contexts of each part of the historic districts
into account when outlining the requirements for new construction. Redevelopment
pressures do not appear to be mounting, an area zoned RNS-12. Since 1992,there have -
there have been 17 residential demolitions, six of which occurred prior-prior to the land
being rezoned. This is an average of approximately one demolition every two years. This
may be due in part to the large number of properties that are located within historic and
conservation zones,which already restrict demolitions. And finally,the purpose of RNS-
12 zone is not tied to historic characteristics or the scale of redevelopment or scale of
development. For that purpose,the city does have the more specific,um, overlay
standards and the historic guidelines that control those considerations. So again,this is
just the steps. So we've taken to- leading up to tonight's decision. And the Planning and
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Zoning Commission did meet, as I mentioned, and- on October 18th. Motion was made at
that meeting to maintain the current 35-foot-height maximum. That motion passed.
Therefore,the commission recommended denial of the proposed amendment to reduce
the maximum allowable height to 27 feet in the RNS-12 Zone. That is consistent with
staffs recommendation. I'm happy to answer questions.
Alter: Danielle, can you go back to-there was something about, and I know it's in the memo too,
about public purpose.
Sitzman: Sure.
Alter: Can you explain that a little bit further?
Sitzman: Sure. So in order to have an ordinance or law,the city should have a purpose and what
it's regulating in trying to regulate through that standard. At this point,we would say the
government told purpose of a height limit is, um, fine as is,that the 35-foot-height
maximum that we have for single family,um, is sufficient for all single family, and there
would be no governmental purpose of having a different height limit for single family in
different parts of the city. So there's no governmental purpose and a different height
standard for the same use.
Alter: I'm still,um, like just definitionally,what is a government purpose?
Sitzman: Anne do you have a better definition
Alter: for a [OVERLAPPING] government purpose
Sitzman: that you would like to share?
Russett: I would just call it a justification for the change, a rationale for in- if again, as Danielle
mentioned,this would be a change only for single family and duplex uses in the RNS-12
Zone. The other uses that are allowed in that zone would still be subject to 35 feet. So a
rationale for having,um, different standard- a different height maximum for different
uses within the same zone.
Alter: Okay. How does that then fit in with, um, I'm going to say is the comp plan for the
Northside?Because I know that there were,um, different characteristics that I'm trying
\to create sort of what-what is the character of this neighborhood, and what does that
look like, and so how do those two things work together?
Russett: So- so when we're looking at consistency with the comp plan,we were looking at the
future land use map which has a residential neighborhood stabilization land use category,
which really focuses on maintaining a single family uses and not allowing,um,
conversion and redevelopment of multifamily uses. So the conclusion that we came to is
that the focus is really on use and not scale.
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Alter: Okay. Thank you.
Teague: Any other questions?
Harmsen: Yeah. Could you,um, I was reading through the-the memos and I forgot exactly
where I saw it. How many existing,uh,homes would find themselves non-compliant?
Russett: So, that was something that we looked at originally,um,to kind of try to estimate
existing heights. We don't really have a good grasp of how many would become non-
conforming. Um,there would certainly be some but we don't know the exact number.
Alter: I think it said something, correct me if this sounds wrong,but something around 20%was
possible.
Russett: Yeah, and I would say too. That was we-when did that analysis,we weren't looking just
at single family and duplexes,we were looking at all uses. So even that number is
probably- it's probably different than 20%.
Harmsen: Thank you.
Salih: Yeah. I guess I had the city manager when you say like they're non-compliant,how many
is interesting,but I don't think- so we're gonna do- even if we can get to the 27th, and we
are not going to ask people those to combined,right? It's just going to go with the flow,
right?
Russett: Yeah. If they- if there was a situation where, let's say a duplex was higher than 27 feet,
it could just continue as is.
Salih: Yes.
Russett: Yeah.
Salih: That's just what I wanted to go over.
Teague: I don't hear any other questions,thank you. Anyone from the public like to address this
topic? If you're in person,please raise your hand, as well as online,raise your virtual
hand. So I see four in person,yeah, and none online. So welcome, and please state your
name and city you're from.
Shullaw: Hi, everybody. My name is Susan Shullaw. I live in Iowa City on the Northside. I'm a
member of the Northside Neighborhood Association's Steering Committee. In requesting
this height limit change,we're asking Council to prevent something from happening that
hasn't happened yet, and I know that's kind of a stretch. But we sincerely believe that
without this change to the zoning code, 35-foot tall, single-family and duplex residential
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structures will be built in RNS-12 Zones that are not covered by historic or conservation
district overlays. Such inordinately tall structures would further destabilize these already
fragile neighborhoods,violate the intent of the RNS-12 Zone and run counter to the
objectives of the stru- of the Comprehensive Plan and the central district plan. And here's
how. The RNS Zones in the Northside and adjacent neighborhoods fall within the
university impact area,which is subject to intense demand for off-campus student
housing. The vast majority of properties in RNS-12 neighborhoods are single-family and
duplex structures and very few, if any, of those structures exceed two-and-a-half stories
which is 27 feet. We believe the current 35-foot limit, which has essentially three stories,
provides a financial incentive for investors to demolish smaller, older and currently
affordable owner-occupied structures in these areas,making it very unlikely that
appropriately sized and affordable new structures will be built whether for students,
young families, immigrants, or retirees. It was this housing market pressure and the
vulnerability of the city's central neighborhoods that spurred Council to create the RNS-
12 districts in the fust place and to give it,uh, a unique public purpose,namely to
stabilize existing neighborhoods by preserving their predominantly single-family
residential character, end quote. Market pressure also lead city government to stipulate in
the central district plan as a matter of public policy that the city "will work to achieve a
healthy balance of rental and owner-occupied housing in the districts, older
neighborhoods",permitting new infill structures as tall as 35 feet will make that objective
much more difficult. In addition,the 35-foot maximum was originally adopted to allow
walkout basements on sloping lots. There are very few sloping lots in the RNS-12 Zones,
and none in the Northside's RNS-12 Zone, and that eliminates the need to allow 35-foot
residential structures in these parts of the city. Lastly,the compact lots found in the RNS-
12 Zones are among the smallest in the city, and 3-storey buildings could easily dominate
neighboring structures. The existing 30- 35-foot limit therefore contravenes the purpose
of the RNS-12 Zone,where the zoning code states that maximum height standards are
intended to "promote a reasonable building scale and interrelationship between buildings,
provide options for light, air and privacy. And discouraged buildings that visually
dominate other buildings in the vicinity". We welcome new infill residential development
in the RNS-12 Zone as long as these structures are appropriately sized, affordable, and
contribute to the neighborly residential character of these older parts of the city. Thank
you.
Teague: Thank you.
Throgmorton: Pretty impressive.
Teague: Welcome. Please state your name and city or from.
Throgmorton: Good evening. My name is Jim Throgmorton from Iowa City. The staff
emphasizes that 85% of properties in the Northside are located in historic or conservation
overlay zones, and it reports that guidelines and the Historic Preservation Handbook state
that "new structures must be one-and-a-half or two stories in height". This strikes us as a
very good reason to adopt the 27-foot height throughout the entire RNS-12 district. That
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way the guidelines and the zoning all would be consistent with one another. Moreover,
having a consistent 27-foot maximum height would protect buildings which are located in
the RNS-12 district,but on the outer edges of the historic conservation districts. The staff
also emphasizes that the Historic Preservation Handbook allows demolitions only when a
building is structurally unsound and irretrievable. Yes,but years of neglect and
disinvestment can make a building unsound and irretrievable. Moreover,the staffs
argument disregards the properties that are not located in historic or conservation overlay
districts. We count eighty-three such properties in the southeastern corner of the
Northside neighborhood. Seventy-two of them are single-family or two-family structures,
and all of them are one or two stories in height, eleven of them are assessed in the
$100,000 range. Imagine the development pressure on these largely affordable but
unprotected properties. Even more important,the past does not necessarily pre-stage the
future. Relying too heavily on past trends is like looking in a-the rearview mirror to
know where you're headed. Just two weeks ago,you approved amendments to the zoning
code which are explicitly designed to increase the supply of housing by making it easier
and more profitable to build new structures. How many of these new structures will be
35-feet tall if the code is not amended?Finally,we believe there are good public purpose
justifications for varying maximum heights by land use. The rationale for a 27-foot-
height limit for single-family and duplexes in RNS-12 Zones is to preserve the existing
quality of life in these neighborhoods by ensuring that new single-family or duplex
structures on these small lots do not dominate their neighbors. The few non-residential
uses allowed in the zone could still be up to 35-feet tall,yes, but the zoning code already
subjects these uses to greater setbacks that adequate we mitigate against any potential
harms. Thank you.
Teague: Thank you.
Throgmorton: Sure.
Teague: Welcome.
DeGraw: Hi. My name is Sharon DeGraw and I'm-I'm speaking on behalf of myself and for a
few friends that are unfair in the Fairchild area and have RNS-12 and protected, so not in
historic district or conservation district near them. The residents and property owners
affected by the potential for overly tall infill development live in homes that conform to
the height maximum or seeking. These are houses or duplexes that are under 27 feet tall
in the RNS-12 Zone, and this is mostly what you find in Iowa City's older neighborhoods.
I hope you agree that when zoning policy is well crafted,the advocacy work is minimized
and you don't find citizens showing up at council meetings or filing petitions. If a more
consistent height maximum were in place when that matched historic and conservation
districts in the RNS-12,much of the treble at lots like 319 North Van Buren street would
be cleared up. Imagine you're a young homeowner,homebuyer who's just purchased a
modest, older home in the portion of the RNS-12 district,not in a historic or conservation
district.Now imagine how upset you would be to learn that a 35 foot tall house was about
to be constructed next door,blocking your light,your air and your view, and you have no
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right to oppose it. Voting in favor of this amendment is smart for the consistency it would
bring to the RNS-12 zone. At the same time, 27 feet gives developers a lot of leeway to
build new homes. When the time comes for infill development. The amendment is is
simple and involves changing one number, 35-27. It will give a consistent maximum
height for developers when building houses or duplexes and the RNS-12,that's new infill
development. It will remove an element of unhappiness for homeowners who learned 35
foot tall building can be constructed next to them, especially on narrow lots. It will
reduce speculative land buying for development purposes,redevelopment purposes. It
will leave more opportunity for home buyers wanting a house near the downtown.
Because things will be more affordable. It will enhance the strength of the neighborhood
and business areas, such as the North side marketplace. There are shoppers and diners
there who walk around in the neighborhood and they say they appreciate what they see.
Please vote in favor of the Hyde Amendment and support the values of the residents and
homeowners living in RNS-12,who appreciate the human scale of the neighborhood they
live in. I have a couple of visuals, I don't know if it's possible to bring them up or I could
present handouts,but if they're on the screen oh, do I go here?
Platz: Yes.
Teague: Your 3 minutes are up,but you can submit things for correspondence at this time.
DeGraw: My handouts are being passed out.
Teague: Thank you, can I get a motion to accept correspondence?
Taylor: So moved, Taylor.
Alter: Second,Alter.
Teague: All in favor say aye. (voice vote)Aye. Any opposed?Motion passes 7-0. Welcome,
state your name and city you are from.
Thomann: I've got my name here, I'm putting it in the basket. I'm Deanna Thomann and I live at
208 Fairchild Street here in Iowa City. I'm the North side representative on the city's
Historic Preservation Commission. Just by way of introduction,mayor and councilors, I
emailed you earlier this month with my thoughts on the city's new zoning changes.
Tonight, I'm here to address this specific topic of allowable height and the RNS-12 zone.
As I mentioned, I live at 208 Fairchild Street, and that's in the North side district. I've
lived there for more than 20 years. My sister Dana and I bought the house when we were
in college, and the home,which was built in 1876 once belonged to my great, great
grandparents. I like my home and the neighborhood I live in. I like the vibrancy of living
near the downtown and the university. From the second floor of my house, I am able to
peer down at the flower beds that I keep in the front yard. Above this I see a layered
horizon to the Sout, and that includes church steeples, as well as new tall structures. We
know the trend in Iowa City is to build up. This trend makes good sense in the right
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places. Historic neighborhoods,however, are not the right place. In 2004, I stood at the
same podium and voiced my support for the creation of the North side historic district.
The plan,which included my block past,but some property owners objected so much that
they were left out of the district. Several non-protected properties sit across the alley from
my house, and two others are across Fairchild street. The two properties that sit across the
street from me were built in 1890 and 1900. These are solid homes. They're rentals,they
have large backyards. These structures are in the RNS-12 Zone. There is no conservation
overlay for these homes. Currently,they could be torn down and built tall, dwarfing the
surrounding homes and blocking sunlight and the skyline that my neighbors and I enjoy.
Tall structures would undoubtedly disrupt the scale and harmony of my block. As we
know,the RNS-12 was created to stabilize fragile residential areas. As was stated, I know
Robert Michelangelo,he stated that the 35 feet was meant to accommodate these walkout
basements on sloping lots. But we now know there really aren't many are in this 12th
structures that sit on sloping lots. Mic low stated in August that he felt the 35 feet was
excessive and should be changed to 27 feet,which is sufficient for two and a half story
houses that are common place in old neighborhoods. I agree with this, and I ask that we
changed to 27 feet. I'm just kind summarizing here.
Teague: Thank you.
Thomann: Okay.
Teague: I never liked to do that,by the way. Welcome.
Futrell: Hello,my name is Susan Futrell and I live on Fairchild street, also in the North side
neighborhood in Iowa City. I'm speaking on behalf of myself and my husband Will. I
support this amendment and I would urge you to do the same, even though you have
considered it for a long time, and I know there are a lot of mixed thoughts about it. I want
to urge you to truly listen to the people in the neighborhood and ask that you support this.
I think it makes complete sense to have a different height restriction for the same reason
that it makes complete sense to have the RNS-12 district in the fust place. I wanted to
speak to two particular points. One is the vulnerability of these neighborhoods and the
other is the affordability. We've owned our house on Fairchild for 27 years and have have
owned property in Iowa city for about 40 years. Young fust time home buyers who were
able to afford to buy in that neighborhood precisely because it's a mixed rental and
homeowner neighborhood. I think if you don't live in that neighborhood or these close in
older neighborhoods, it's very hard to appreciate how vulnerable they are to one or two
buildings and a block, completely altering the character of the neighborhood. These are
very,very dense neighborhoods to begin with. The houses are close together,they're
alleys,there's parking and access on all sides and to go beyond the height limits that the
neighborhood is designed for puts a pressure on the parking,the maintenance,the streets,
the character of the neighborhood. A lot of people in these neighborhoods in other parts
of the city as well have devoted ourselves over and over and over again for the last
several decades to supporting the visionary thing the city has done like historic districts
and the RNS-12 district. I would urge you not to undo and undermine all of those hard-
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fought efforts to stabilize what is now a really diverse and relatively affordable
neighborhood. I want to speak to the affordability as well. I'm a long-time advocate and
supporter of affordable housing. I was a founding member of the fust Tenants Union in
Iowa City, and I have never wavered in my belief that affordable housing is a right that
needs to be available to everyone in these neighborhoods, older, close to the university,
there is no amount of housing,no matter how tall,that is going to out-compete students,
particularly.Now that the state has taken away your ability to regulate the number of
people per unit. Again, I would urge you not to fall prey to the idea that the marketplace.
Teague: Thank you,thank you,thank you. I see one additional person that wants to speak. Is
there anyone else that wants to speak on this item?Please raise your hand at this time.
You want to speak at this time?Yep, so this will be our last speaker on this item before
we go to council deliberations.
Carlson: Hi my name is Nancy Carson, and in 1992 or 93,with the help of the city,RNS-12 was
enacted to stabilize our neighborhood. In the ensuing years,the city worked with six
other neighborhoods to also stabilize their neighborhoods. This zone has been very
successful,providing thriving popular neighborhoods. When our neighborhood passed
this zone,we understood this would protect our neighborhood from out-of-scale
development,which was our goal. The historic and conservation zones deal with exterior
modifications. Although these are worthwhile objectives,we were concerned only with
out-of-scale development,to hear the planning department say that in order to protect
yourselves,you have to have the zoning laws and then you have to be in a conservation
district, or you have to be in a historic district brings to my-my question is, are our
zoning laws not enough to protect people who buy homes in any zone in the city,to have
to keep adding things to protect ourselves?For 30 years,the development that occurred
in my neighborhood honored the one, one-and-a-half,two-and-a-half story height. But in
the last two years, it has come to our attention that some developers are interested in
building 35 feet,three-and-a-half story houses. These are truly out of scale with our
existing housing stock. Therefore, I am asking for a modification of the height
requirement to 27 feet. I hope the city will once more help us to maintain what has been a
successful,thriving neighborhood for decades. Thank you.
Teague: Thank you. All right Council,we're gonna go to Council deliberations. But before I
close the public hearing, so this one is a little tricky,because the item before us is,
reduction of the maximal allowable height from 35-27. But the motion that was made at
the P&Z meeting on October 18th was to maintain the 35 foot height maximum. So I
always have- I asked the question before I close the public hearing if we are inclined to
vote with P&Z. So P&Z voted to maintain the maximum-the current maximum 35 foot
height. So if you are inclined to vote for-with P&Z with that 35 foot height,then at this
point- I know it's confusing.
Alter: Are you saying 35 foot intact?
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Teague: Yes-yes. As it is currently. So that's what I want to know, if we're going to- if- if we're
inclined to vote with P&Z. Okay.
Harmsen: I'm not sure.
Teague:Not sure. Okay. Um, so I don't know that I saw enough votes to even get a majority on
either side.
Salih: But do we have to have enough votes right away to-
Teague: We just have to be inclined. I think-
Salih: If like at least two people are not inclined, is that not enough to go and discuss it?
Goers:No,we need- at this point,we're looking for an informal consensus,not a vote,but at
least for whether the consensus of the council as a whole, four out of seven of you are
inclined to vote in favor of P&Z's recommendation,which is to leave it at 35. If you're
not,that's fine,we just have to differ and go ahead and have a consult with P&Z. If you
are okay with 35 feet, as is,then let the mayor know and we'll move on with the vote- or
move on with the discussion, sorry.
Alter: I would- I would like to have a consult.
Harmsen: I think I agree a consult with P&Z and this would be-would be amenable to that.
Teague: Okay.
Taylor: Safe weren't a majority vote.
Harmsen: Yeah.
Teague: All right. So we are not going to close the public hearing. And then we haven't made a
motion,uh, for reconsideration. So at this point,we don't even need a motion for deferral
or-
Goers: Well, yeah,we do need a motion to defer,uh-
Teague: Okay.
Goers: -to have the consult.
Teague: Okay.
Goers: And- and we would-we normally-Kellie,we normally pick a day ahead of time or do we
just schedule it? I'm trying to recall.
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Grace: Typically try to do it at the next meeting if P&Z is available.
Goers: Right. So that would be the December 12th meeting.
Teague: All right. Can I get a motion to defer,please?
Salih: I will make the motion to defer,Mazahir Salih. [OVERLAPPING]
Taylor: Second, Taylor.
Teague: Moved by Salih seconded by Taylor. And council discussion. And again, I would just,
um, ask that we hold any,uh, substantive discussion until we meet with P&Z, and then
when we come back.
Salih: Sounds very good.
Teague: Any other discussion?Roll call,please.
Alter: Actually, can I?
Goers: Harmsen?
Teague: Uh, one second, I'm sorry.
Goers: Sorry. I just-this is not subs- substantive towards the-the situation at hand. I guess, I- I
just want to point out,um,unfortunately it's- it's- it's a side note of note. Don't worry, it's
not about P&Z per se. It's just- it has to do with the tenor of local disagreements. And in
reading this copious and- and intense, and rightfully so intense debate,the passion of the
neighborhood, and to be doing it through a mechanism that is quite literally cut and dry, it
is zoning, it is something that will be made into this as how future buildings are- are,um,
in apportioned. I get all that. But I- I- I'm very discomforted actually by the tenor of
disagreement. Um, I feel that there has been- at heart the disagreement has,uh,between,
say, staff, and between passionate,very well-informed residents. Um, at times is really,to
me,read that it's, um,kinda denigrating the professionalism of staff,um,that they're
looking to cut corners,um,that there's a disregard, or there's laziness. And in a larger
perspective,there is so much distrust of government all around, large, international, state.
And the only place really that we're able to get things done, and is it everything?No. But
where we can actually affect a lot of change is at a local level. And this is exactly how it's
supposed to work. We have disagreements,we have to conversations. But I guess I'm-
I'm just unsettled by where some of that creep is coming and that saying that somehow
staff is not doing the job that they're supposed to do. We may not like what they say,but I
don t think that it also serves anyone well to be dismissive of their perspectives, in the
same way that it's not right of us to be dismissive of what residents are saying. So I just
wanted to point that out. And it's not about P&Z about this issue, it's rather the way in
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which this conversation has started to take some shape, and it's really- it struck me today
in an uncomfortable way as I read through the entire packet. And- and I understand
there's a lot of passion,but I'm not okay with the tenor or the undertone that I got that was
dismissive of staff and the work that they've put into this, so I just wanted to say that.
Teague: Roll call,please.
Harmsen: Just to remind me, a yes vote is for deferral to get the consult.
Goers: Yes,motion to defer,yes is to defer.
Harmsen: Just want to make sure.
Goers: Yes. Good question. [Roll Call].
Teague: Motion passes 7-0. Can I get a motion to accept further correspondence?
Thomas: So moved, Thomas.
Salih: Second, Salih.
Teague: All in favor say aye. (voice vote) [OVERLAPPING] Aye. Any opposed,motion passes
7-0.
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ILa American Legion Road/First Avenue Landscapting- Resolution approving
project manual and estimate of cost for the construction of the American Legion
Road/First Avenue Landscaping 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 l La,American Legion Road,First Avenue landscaping and resolution
approving project manual and estimate of cost for the construction of the American
Legion Road,First Avenue landscaping project, establishing amount of bids security to
each-to accompany each bid, directing city clerk to note-to post notice to bidders and
fixing time and place for receipt of bids. I'm going to open the public hearing. And
welcome Justin.
Harland: Good evening,Mayor and Council. I'm Justin Harlan, I'm one of the senior civil
engineers on staff. Pull up this presentation. So a little bit of the background of this
project. These are recent roadway uh, construction projects. Um,project concept is to
provide some natural, aesthetic and environmental benefit to the interior of the
roundabouts and the streetscape. Um,the planting and landscaping architecture was
purposely left out of these roadway re- or construction projects. Um,what our staff has
seen is we've had better luck as a standalone project for landscaping than we have with
our construction contractors. This kinda gives us the chance to select a landscape specific
contractor,which we've had good luck with. Uh,this is a similar approach to what we've
done on the Sycamore Street Project with their roundabouts. So the project limits are the
fust Avenue and Scott roundabout. And then as you move onto American Legion Road,
that intersection and roundabout with American Legion and Scott and then moving
towards the east on Taft Avenue. The project includes street trees on American Legion
Road. Um,most trees are located in around the parkway. Uh,there's a variety of
plannings on the Scott Boulevard,American Legion Road,the roundabouts in general.
And there's also gonna be a little bit of grading work involved in those roundabouts. Um,
our parks and forests series staff were included in kinda design of this. They tried to use a
variety of species and also try to figure out a low maintenance solution to some of these
species. Um, locations of public and private utilities were considered. Obviously,we
don't wanna do plantings where our storm sewer, sanitary sewer, or other private utilities
uh, are located. So just as a project timeline,uh,we're holding our public hearing tonight.
Uh,we'll do our bid letting in December December 13th specifically. We'll award on that
fust meeting in January. Looking to start construction in May of'24 and then have a final
completion sometime in June of 2024 with a project cost opinion of$205,000. So we can
open up to any questions the Council has.
Teague: Thanks for presenting this and kinda given us the picture of what it could look like. I'm-
1'm not sure if that's the final design or not.
Harland: These are actually pictures from our final design [inaudible] so. [OVERLAPPING]
Teague: Okay. Yeah. So just the tall trees-
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Harland: We can go back to.
Teague: I'm just wondering about site when you're going around this roundabout in a way. It-
does that have any concerns?
Harland: So that is purposeful,um, sometimes driver comfort. If you see headlights driving at
you through the roundabout um, can kinda deter or scare some- some drivers, so sight
line is kind of a- an issue with these. Uh, it also deters large trucks or other vehicles for
that matter, for going through the center of the roundabout.
Teague: Understood. Thank you.
Alter: It's interesting.
Salih: It looks nice.
Harland: Thank you Council.
Teague: Any other questions?Hearing none,thank you. All right. Anyone from the public like to
discuss this topic? If you're online,please raise your hand and a virtual hand so that
anyone in public uh, or in uh, Council chambers, say no one. I'm gonna close the public
hearing. Can I get a motion to approve,please?
Bergus: So moved,Bergus.
Alter: Second,Alter.
Teague: Council discussion?
Thomas: Well, it'd be nice to see the um-the bones of this project landscaped uh,to-to finish off
the project.
Teague: Roll call,please. [Roll Call] Yes. Motion pass 7-0.
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ILb City Park Festival Stage Improvement-Resolution improvement project,
manual,and estimate of cost for the construction of the City Park Festival Stage
Improvements Project,establishing amount of bid security to accompany each bid,
directed and city clerk to post notice to bidders and fix and time and place for
receipt of bids.
Teague: Item Number l Lb is City Park Festival Stage improvements,resolution improvement
project,manual, and estimate of cost for the construction of the City Park Festival Stage
Improvements Project, establishing amount of bid security to accompany each bid,
directed and city clerk to post notice to bidders and fix and time and place for receipt of
bids. I'm gonna open the public hearing. And alright,welcome,Juli.
Seydell Johnson: Good evening. Juli Seydell Johnson,Director of Parks and Recreation,uh,here
to talk to you about this project. This is really just fixing up the stage for continued use.
Um, it provides free performances um, each summer to the public of Shakespeare,uh,
plays through Riverside Theatre. Um, a lot of substantial work we need to do to keep it
operational for years to come. Um, so what it does this project will improve the access to
the crown, so the upper level and improve some of the lighting. There's a lot of water
damage that will be fixed, some electrical. And nothing really exciting. These are all
things that just needs to be done to keep it standing and keep it operational. Uh, 256,000
is the estimated cost. I should mention that Riverside Theatre is giving the city $50,000
towards these-towards these repairs. Bid letting is December 12th, award on January
2nd, and hope that the project done this spring before they,uh, open their next season,
next summer. So I'm happy to answer any questions.
Alter: It did say start January 2024. Ah,what can be done?Just pure curiosity.
Seydell Johnson: Yeah. That's just getting the contract ready to go as soon as- and some of it is
interior work, so,you know,just depends on the timing of the contractor.
Alter: Okay. Thank you.
Teague:No other questions. Thank you. Anyone from the public like to address this topic? If so,
if you're online,please raise your virtual hand. And in person come on up.Welcome.
After you sign in,please state your name and city you're from.
Lindsley:Nick Lindsley with Iowa City. Um, I'm- I'm a architect in Neumann Monson
Architects. We worked with the City of Iowa City in Riverside Theatre. Starting last fall
to do a study for this project is understanding what was the needed improvements for the
space. Um,went after a grant-the city went after grant from the state of Iowa,but um,
with the-with the funds available,we tried to prioritize kind of,the-the main needs for
the building,um,which-which we deem to be some of those- some of those finishes that
Juli was talking about like some- some moldy areas where there had been water leakage
as well as safety issues,uh, especially access to the upper crown world ligand is. Right
now access to that area is just play this rickety ladder that's kinda tied off to a post and
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just-just being there on site, I would- 1 would say,you know, it's- it's- it wasn't fun for
me doing. I can't imagine being the one carrying stage lights up that ladder and- and
being up on that- on that unsafe balcony. So I think this is a much needed improvement
and- and will really help the-the space in the future.
Teague: Thank you. Anyone else like to address this topic? Say no one in-person or online? I'm
gonna close the public hearing. Can I get a motion to approve,please?
Salih: So move.
Alter: Second.
Teague: Moved by Salih, seconded by Alter. Council discussion. Roll call,please. [Roll Call]
Motion passes 7-0.
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II.c Dubuque Street Reconstruction between Iowa Avenue and Washington
Street—Resolution improvement project manual and estimate of calls for the
construction of the Dubuque Street reconstruction project,establishing amount of
bids security to accompany each bid, directing city clerk to pose notice to bidders,
and fixing time and place for receipt of bids.
Teague: Item number l Le,Dubuque Street reconstruction between Iowa Avenue in Washington
Street. Resolution improvement project manual and estimate of calls for the construction
of the Dubuque Street reconstruction project, establishing amount of bids security to
accompany each bid, directing city clerk to pose notice to bidders, and fixing time and
place for receipt of bids. I'm going to open the public hearing and welcome
Dumachi: Good evening,Mayor and Council. My name is Alin Dumachi and I'm a senior
engineer in the Public Work-Public Works Department. Tonight, I'll show you a brief,
uh,presentation regarding Dubuque Street reconstruction project upcoming in,um, 2024.
Salih: Would you please just speak to the microphone,please?
Teague: Yeah. I think we might need to turn up the volume a little bit. I've been hearing it. It's
not just you.
Dumachi: This project was designed by fought infrastructure and- and- and environment
engineers and genius,uh, landscape architects with active involvement of the city
engineering stuff, as well as the leadership of Iowa City downtown district and summary
of the arts. Uh, this project will be located in the center of downtown Iowa city,between
Iowa Avenue and Washington Street. As part of downtown street- streetscape master
plan,uh,this project will create a unified pedestrian friendly road section and a
memorable entrance to the heart of the city,which follows improvements previously
made on Washington Street and pedestrian mall projects. Uh,Dubuque Street
reconstruction projects will also replace critical public infrastructure that is in poor
condition as you will see in the following slides. As you can see here,the pavement on
this city blocks shows moderate joined the durations and random cracks which require
annual maintenance to prevent accelerated deterioration and pedestrian trip hazards. Of
note,uh,this street pavement was constructed in the early 1980s and is approximately 40
years old. As you can see in this slide,uh,the alley pavement is in very poor condition
due to significant deterioration. The uneven surface creates trip hazards and ultimately
makes it difficult for pedestrian do utilize the alley. Additionally,because of its current
condition,no preventative maintenance is being performed aside from filling potholes as
needed. Constructed in the- in the late 1990s,the sidewalk pavement has non ADA
compliant curb ramps and cross lobes, as well as faulted joints causing potential trip
hazards. There are structural concerns,not only above-ground but underground as well.
Unfortunately,uh, several portion-portions of the sanitary sewer,uh, sewer main contain
large longitudinal cracking and thus poses a risk of sewer collapse. Similarly,there are
several location where the storm sewer main contains offset joins in major cracks. This
has been caused by both private utility hits and roof drains apps. Additionally,many of
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the power outlets are either damaged or inoperable. Existing electrical circuits needs to be
operated to accommodate special events and vendors. Last but not least,uh, the street
lighting is old and outdated because of its age replacement fixtures,poles, and globes are
no longer available. Uh,this project generally includes the reconstruction of Dubuque
Street between Iowa Avenue in Washington Street. The reconstruction of a small section
of Iowa Avenue pavement that shows signs of settlement, and also the reconstruction of
the alley between Dubuque Street and Lane Street. Other improvements include major
utility upgrades, such as a new 12 inch water main, a new sanitary and storm sewer
system,the new ADA compliance sidewalk and curb ramps, a new pedestrian roadway,
and over the roadway lighting system. Additionally,there'll be new streetscape features
such as blenders, limestone blocks,bicycle racks, little receptacles,removable Ballards,
and the wayfinding task. This project will be completed in two main stages. The fust
stage involves the reconstruction of the roa-roadway along Dubuque Street and a small
portion of Iowa Avenue as seen here in red. The second stage involves the reconstruction
of the sidewalks and the alleyway, it's indicated in blue. Access to businesses,will we
maintain throughout the project. However,there-they may be short periods of time when
sidewalks in front of entrances will need to be replaced. The city will work closely with-
with each and every business or property owner to coordinate when this work can be
completed so we can minimize any impacts as much as the reason-reasonably possible.
In the following slide, I'll talk a little bit about the concept development. On May 26,
2022,we held our fust public information meeting in Open House format in which we
share exhibits illustrating the schematic design as well as proposed alternatives. Based on
feedback received from stakeholders, our design team was able to narrow down
alternatives and start working toward-towards a final concept. On January 23rd, 2023,
we held our second public information meeting in virtual format, in which participating
stakeholders are offered a fust glance at chosen design. Subsequent meetings with
property and business owners were held in private, one-on-one basis of that sensitive
information, individual concerns could be addressed with confidentiality and persona-
personalized attention. This is the plan view showing the overall,uh,proposed
improvements in this block. Uh,this project will not narrow the roadway, creating a more
pedestrian friendly environment and allowing for an enhanced,uh,retail areas. I- in the
following slides, I will show you the concept preview of the future improvements. While
proposing improvements includes three elements similar to ones already existing on
Washington Street such as pedestrian and roadway lighting and add grade planters. This
project also includes new elements such as removable Ballard and catenary lighting. Uh,
I would like to mention that the Ballards-the Ballards shown- shown in these renderings
are only meant to showcase their functionality. And Dubuque Street will remain open to
traffic except on rare occasions during special events such as street festivals when it
would be temporarily closed to,uh,vehicular traffic. Uh, additionally,this project will
include new aesthetic and functional elements such as beautiful limestone blocks at
planters, color changing, catenary lighting,uh,powered outlets for vendors and events,
benches,bicycle racks, and little receptacles. This is a rendering of the corner of
Dubuque Street and Iowa Avenue looking south. Again,the Ballard shown here are just
meant to show their functionality. Here we have a- a street view- Street View level
rendering so you can see what the future sidewalk elements will entail. Here is-here we
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have night time render of how the street will look like at night around Christmas
holidays, for example. When-after the project is completed. The anticipated schedule is at
follows- as follows. Construction is scheduled to start March 25th, 2024,with anticipated
completion on August 23rd, 2024. The estimated cost of construction is 3.75 million.
And with this, I would like to thank you so much for your time and I'm more than happy
to answer any questions you might have.
Alter: I just have one clarifying question because I wasn't- I didn't quite hear it. Did you say that
the rebuke is going to be narrowed or that it would not be narrowed.
Dumachi: The.
Alter: Fos- for um, sorry,vehicular traffic,.
Dumachi: We will have two- 11 foot lanes. Currently,we have at this- at the north end at Iowa
Avenue is pretty wide open. We have 50 foot width. Will be constructing a narrowing
similar to the one at Washington intersection. And we will have basically 211 foot lanes
and 29 foot wide parking lanes on each side.
Alter: Thanks.
Dumachi: Sure.
Salih: Can you go back to the way you have to kind of like, section utility upgrade and another
section?Yeah,this one. [INAUDIABLE] Do- do you have really estimation cost for each
one or you don't have breakdown of that?
Dumachi: We do have a breakdown,uh,that's in the engineer's estimate.
Salih: Yeah,but you don't know the what utility upgrade would cost us how much?
Dumachi: I don't have an exact.
Salih: That is fine.
Dumachi: Exact breakdown,but I can provide that to you.
Salih: Thank you.
Fruin: Generally,the utility upgrades require the removal of the street, so,um,you can't really do
one without the-the other.
Salih: Yeah, at least.
Fruin: You could do the streets without the utilities generally,but not the other way?
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Salih: Because yeah- it would be the street but if we get to the street landscaping like after we've
done the street, after that we do another landscapting like plant and all these.
Fruin: So the question would be as is all the landscaping in this contract or would there be any
additional landscaping like we saw on the American Legion and fust.
Dumachi: Yes. Landscaping is included in this contract. And we will have new plantings and
everything else that it entails.
Salih: Thank you.
Harmsen: And then so if I'm looking at this right, it looks like a six-month project has.
Dumachi: Yes,that is correct,uh,you will be-will be bid compete- competitively and we'll have
to finish this project before the start of the football season. August 23rd is the-the
deadline for substantial completion. When pretty much,uh, all work should be completed
except for minor,uh, landscaping items such as plantings. And so we expect that the-the
road and sidewalk will be opened to traffic by then.
Harmsen: I know you had mentioned something about working with businesses,um,to help with
traffic. Could you speak a little bit more about that?Like I'm thinking back to the last
project and- and,you know,the fencing and stuff like that.
Dumachi: Right. So I mentioned that we will work with businesses to coordinate when work can
be done in front of their doorways, during the construction Dubuque Street will be closed,
completely- complete,uh, Closed to vehicular traffic and pedestrian traffic will be
maintained on both sides. Maintain,uh, an eight-foot wide walkway. While the work is
being done in the street, once to work in the street is being completed,then the contractor
will be able to move,uh,move on to the sidewalk while maintaining some sort of
temporary access ramps to businesses. Only when the sidewalk in front of their opening
needs to be replaced. Then we will-we will coordinate with property or business owner
or the best time to perform that work.
Harmsen: And how will that work with like, I think there's a couple of businesses that open off
onto the alley when it gets to that point, same thing, or?
Dumachi: When it gets to the alley or be a little bit difficult because we have-we have certain
buildings that have only access through the alley. For example,the parking,at Studio 21.
We will work with them and find different ways to accommodate parking and- and access
as needed.
Harmsen: Thank you.
Dumachi: Sure.
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Teague: Questions about the sidewalk cafe,um, so I guess like future beyond the construction,
um,but during the construction,what is going to happen to those sidewalk cafes for next
year specifically?
Dumachi: Ah,very good question. Thank you. Um, for next week-next-next year. If construct-
if we're going through with construction,we are planning on waiving the sidewalk cafe
fees for next year. And hope,uh-we're hoping that the project will go through and
resume the fees next year after that.
Teague: So people will still be able to have access or use their sidewalk cafe.
Knoche: Ron Knoche,Public Works Director, so,um, as we go to award this project,will have a
resolution that the council will have to,um,waive those fees for the areas directly
impacted by construction, for this next year,um, as construction finishes up,they will be
able to set up their cafes. But at the beginning of the year they were brilliant, they won't
be able to have their cafes out,uh,until after the construction is done in front of their
businesses.
Teague: Okay. And then after that, sidewalk cafes will go as- as normal for the entire downtown?
Knoche: Correct,um, and what you'll see with the reconstruction and- and the layout of the new
Dubuque Street streetscape. Those businesses that now has street cafes will no longer
have those. So there'll be all on the sidewalks instead of being out in those parking areas.
Teague: Great, and ADA, of course,uh, compliance with the-with the sidewalk,with a cafe,
they're all that's being considered, of course,.
Knoche: Absolutely.
Teague: Great. Thank you.
Teague: Here are no other questions. Thank you.
Dumachi: Sure.
Teague: All right. Anyone from the public life to address this topic? If you're in person,please
raise your hand. If you're online. Raise your virtual hand. Seeing no one. I think 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.
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Alter: Hope for good whether yeah,
Bergus: We know it will be disruptive and it'll be hard,but it's gonna be an amazing
improvement when it's done.
Teague: Absolutely.
Alter: Shop small, shop local.
Teague: Yes.
Alter: Inspite of the inconvenience.
Teague: Roll-call,please. [Roll Call] Motion passes 7-0.
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ll.d Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission Presentation— presentation
on Phase One from the Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Teague: Item Number l Ld, is ad hoe Truth and Reconciliation Commission presentation. This is
a presentation on phase one from the Ad hoe Truth and Reconciliation Commission. And
this presentation is,uh,being given by our TRC members and we see our chair, Chastity
Dillard. Welcome.
Dillard: I'm- I'm not sure of Okay. Is it on here? I don't know where. Okay. Well,hi, everyone.
Again,my name is Chastity Dillard. I am currently serving as the Chair of the Ad Hoe
Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and this is-
Merritt: -Is Lauren Merritt and I'm Vice Chair.
Dillard: Um, if you all would give me some grace and patience because I am very nervous right
now,but I'm also excited to be here to,uh, share our progress report with you all. Um, so
I- I don't know if this is the protocol,but if you do have questions while I'm going
through this,please ask them. Um, sorry.
Platz: You're good,you're good.
Dillard: I didn't know that worked like that. Awesome. So,um, as you can see,um, it's been
about six months since we fust talked with you all. And so fust I wanted to just thank
you all for giving us the opportunity to move forward on our tasks,um, for- on our tasks
for the Truth and Reconciliation-Reconciliation Commission. Um, I want to focus on,
um,the logo here that we put together. Uh,we really,uh,when-when we were coming
together about to do this work,uh,we wanted to choose a lo- logo that represented hope.
Um, one of our commissioners,uh,really loved from childhood,um, Superman and
really wanted to find a way that we can make that uniquely ours. So this is the logo we've
created and this is how we want to-to share with the community,um, our goal of,um,
pursuing hope and truth,um, in this community,um,bold truth. And so just a reminder.
Um,this is the-the volunteers and the-the people in this community that have stepped up
to,uh,take on these tasks. Uh,we have several of them in the room, I want you to raise
your hand,um, and then several that unfortunately weren't able to join us tonight. Um,
we're going to go through just all the deliverables we've already talked about,uh, already
talked about,we're going to talk about. Um,but what we've done in the last three months,
um, since we hired and we're able to implement our facilitator plan. Um,we've really
focused on education and just learning as much as possible,um, in these fust three
months,uh, so that we can make sure that we can,um, eventually become the experts,
um,that can help deliver this process to our community. And I'm going to invite Lauren
to come up here just in case I'm forgetting anything. Um,but just a reminder that our-the
TRC is charged with fact-finding,truth-telling, and reconciliation. And so the fust thing
that we did with our facilitator team,which a reminder,um, is consists of four different
partners. Um, one is Kearns &West, another is Think Peace, another is our Native
Partners, and then our Local Healing Partners team. They all comprise of group of
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individuals who have more than,um,have an experience with about 20 different TRCs
throughout the world. Um, and so we started off with a three-day facilitator training
where they came in and really just,uh, set the tone of what truth and reconciliation means
throughout the world and in our country. Um, Truth and Reconciliation is unique to Iowa,
but it's also unique to the Midwest in this area and it's-um,we are able to set the tone and
shape how we're moving forward with this. Okay. Um, so we did three days, four hours,
um, learned about all different kinds of things with,um,within that area. And then the
next,uh, one of the other trainings that we-we jumped into was fact-finding. How do we,
um, as a community want to tell the truth? So fust we have to find the facts. And so we
all sat together,uh,with a four-hour training with one of our facilitators,um,to just dive
in what is important in this community. Um,we wanted to really talk about what is fact-
finding mean to us and what the community,um,what it means to the community. We
had community members come and join us with this conversation as well,uh,just to-just
talk about the standards about truth and reconciliation.
Merritt: And one thing about fact-finding,there's,um,there's an aspect of what's happened in the
nation,what's happening in,uh,the world, and how it can apply to Iowa City. And then
there's also gonna be a fact-finding that's local. It's like specific to Iowa City,you know.
and it gave us an example of how we can go to the community,how can we ask what is
important to you,what do we need to find out for you,what are the resources that we
have,um, access to get that information, and this was part of the training that we were
getting.
Dillard: So we,um, also came up with several different topics that, um,we believed along with
some of the community members would be,uh,the most important topics to really
explore,um,beginning with housing,health, education,public safety, economic
development, environmental justice,namings and rememberance,just how can we best,
um,un-uncover the truths in our community. Uh,the next deliverable is we did strategic
doing sessions. We did three of them. Um, and we started off by just pondering how do
we guide the community and created our North Star framing question and it reads, "How
can we strategically build capacity and amplify the voices of BIPOC and ethnically
oppressed peoples in order to express their truths all while addressing historical
oppression, genocide,racism, and the need to deconstruct colonial systems,ultimately
creating foundations for safer spaces for healing and empowerment?"Um, I want to back
up and say we- all the different elements that we've been,uh,working on in the last few
months have also been exploratory. How can we make- find the right system,um,to
build the perfect model for Iowa City?And so when we went into strategic doing,we
wanted to see how can we use this possibly for,uh, for a reconciliation or how can we
use this for truth-telling. So we went into this question and into the-the-the two
meetings,um,to try to use this question to frame that as we're engaging with the
community further.
Merritt: And what they wanted to talk about,um,we've all done strategic planning. We kinda
have an idea what that is and how many times we plan something and it has died and
never went anywhere. And one thing about strategic doing is actually is a different
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process where you look at the people you have,the resources that,you know, are
available to us,who can come to the table and help us go forward with what's important.
And like to the example that we were talking about,um,you know,housing,education,
things that are critical to Iowa City, important to Iowa City, and we have a plethora of
resources available to us that we want to bring them on board,help us community and be
stronger, and the-the training was talking about how do we go about doing this in a way
that it doesn't just fall to the backside. You know,we actually can go forward, step-by-
step and have people held accountable to make sure that it becomes a success.
Dillard: Um, so we did,uh,these trainings on- in September. Um, we had 23 attendees,um,with
facilitators, and we were able to come up with three Pathfinder Projects, and the beauty
of this is we were engaging with other committee members. And so,um, after these-this
test,this, um, exploratory option with strategic doing,we,um, alongside other members
of the community,went out and tried to figure out how we can get this done. And so all
three of these,um, groups have been meeting,um,to try to figure out how- how we can
move forward with this. There were a couple of other,um, ideas,um,that we can know-
circle around- circle back to at anytime,um,because we control the process in that way.
Um, and so these are,uh,this is- this was just a test. This is something that we are hoping
to expand upon or- or adjust in a way for the model that is going to best fit, um,the TRC
for Iowa City. And then the-the third strategic doing session was done in all Spanish to
give,um, Spanish speakers an opportunity to,uh, communicate in their own language,
um, and be able to just,how do I say this?
Merritt: Be able to engage.
Dillard: Yes, to just be able to engage and,um,be able to find Pathfinder Projects that really
resonate with them and not be limited by language, is what I'm trying to say. And then,
um, another deliverable is we did a two-day facilitator training with our Think Peace
partners who are in authority on truth-telling throughout the world, and they-they really
came in and sat with us and- and talked about different types of truth-telling experiments
that happened for decades. Um,we've learned about Greensboro,we've learned about
truth-telling in Peru. We've learned about the truth-telling that's happening in Canada.
We've learned about South-um, South Africa and many,many,many more
Merritt:: There are examples that are both,um,municipalities. There's ones that also were not as
structured under municipality but it's still very effective with engaging the community,
bringing,um, all parties together, and helping to go towards a resolution and a- and a
reconciliation. So we understand with yes, it's-we are a part of, and I guess the City of
Iowa City. However,um, a lot of times, you know,people aren't-nothing to be
comfortable dealing with the city so we going to-we want to work with communities,
neighborhoods, and figure out how they can also help themselves and we can also help
them guide them to come to the truth and help with,um,the healing and reconciliation.
Dillard: So looking ahead,um,we have jam-packed the last three months,um,with all these
activities,um, and we're looking for the next steps which is Phase 2. And we're going
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focus on what we've learned to transform into truth-telling event readiness,uh, learning
more with Eduardo Gonzalez from Think Peace on how we can effectively implement
some truth-telling sessions throughout our community. Uh,we're going to continue
working with Kearns &West who is leading the fact-finding and searching right now,
um, and then diving into all those topics I mentioned previously,um, and just how we
can gather all the- all the knowledge,but how-we also need to come back and just kinda
sift through it and- and- and pick and choose what-what this community is needing to
uncover as far as truths. Um,we are working with our- our Native and Healing partners
to develop a healing circle trainings within the community and also develop an- an Iowa-
based healing circle cur- curriculum,um,that can be used throughout this area if not the
whole state,um,that would really just invite people to find ways of reconciliation
especially when it comes to,um,racial injustice.
Merritt: I really wanted to stress,to get, we did a lot in the last three months and with helping to
train us. And this training is not going to just stop now when it goes into Phase 2 is going
to be continuing process. And also it's going to allow us to bring more of the community
in so that they also can be getting some of them are in the education and it's hard to bring
everybody in, in very short amount of time as we were like,you know, an a tight
calendar. But now going to- going into Phase 2,but we're also going to be continuing, er,
lot of the work that was from Phase 1, going on with the education and spreading on that
education.
Dillard: Another big piece that we're really focused on is really community engagement. We're
calling them people tests projects,um,where we want to take what we've learned and
implement them on,uh,within,um, events that are already going on in our community.
Um, events that the city is already investing in it as well. Um,the truths-truths giving
festival,MLK breakfast,black educators work groups, Civic Leadership Program,
housing initiative,black business wealth,um,the fihn of Iowa City's TRC, um,
Indigenous Peoples Day and more. And so,um,we're opening up to the public,uh,the
community to just continue to-to let us know what they want us to-where they wanted to
be, and how we can be collaborative in that way.
Merrett: We know that the city has been-has this budget going on and I want to know that we
have obviously come across projects that the city can engage in. Um,will fall under the
yeah
Dillard: the per view.
Merritt: Yes, Sorry. But,um, and as we engage more with the community and getting into the
neighborhoods,will be able to hopefully come up with some other projects that we can
test and see how it fits and how we can,um,best fulfill their needs.
Dillard: Um, and then further recommendations,um,will continue with our facilitate full station
team for our TRC, will continue discussing,reflects our trainings. Um, and just moving
on to the-the- our facilitator team is working alongside with us so that we are best
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prepared by the end of their contracts so that we can implement,um,the best model for
Iowa City or the fust of many tests,um, models for Iowa City. And so with that, I think
that's all we have. If there's any questions we'd love to answer.
Teague: Great.
Alter: I have one. Um, and this has to do. It's not too many slides before that. Um,but you were
talking about through,um,Phase 2 actually, I've got two questions both of which deal
with Phase 1, 1 was it was on yes. Truth-telling, event readiness,um, ground,truthing,
and fact-finding. Can you,um, explain a little bit more about what that is and is that
something that's focused still on the TRC receiving truth-telling readiness or is it for the
community?
Dillard: I would say that it's for the community. How do we make sure that we're taking care of
whoever is willing to come and tell the truth in whatever model that we decide is best as a
community,um,to interact with everyone. Um,we don't want to harm anyone as they're
telling their truths. Um, and we are still- our facilitators are working with city staff and
working with us to figure out the best way to,um, gather this information so that people
feel very safe and comfortable as we move forward.
Alter: So the information that you're gathering or.
Dillard: Sorry, did I say.
Alter:No. It's bring glitches. Um, that the information gathering that staff is helping you with is
to-to help create- about how to create a safe space?
Dillard: Yes. So since as you all know,we are,um,part of a city governmental entity, it's very
difficult to keep people safe,um, in a space where we are in public forum. So how can
we do that,um, in the right way?And what ways can we-what way-what mediums can
we do,um, for the right people? I don't know if that makes sense.
Alter:No, it actually completely clarified. And so in some ways,my second question-this might
be in process for you. But,um, I don't need it in the weeds,but,uh, I'm very interested in
finding out how are you going to reach out to the community. How do you know that?
Because I think it is going to take the outreach piece. It's not just as you know,we put a
flyer up. I mean,you're going to have to engage. So I just- am curious about
conversations at a high level,um,that you've had that would help that endeavor.
Dillard: So we have,um,we already have some actually commissioners who are part of some of
these people tests projects that we've listed. We have commissioners that already have
engaged and have had in-depth conversations with other areas, especially the WK
breakfast. Um,we have connections in the community and we want to continue to engage
with the people that have already reached out to us. We're reaching out to them as well to
further- further be out there,we want to be more visible. We have learned a lot and we're-
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we're definitely ready to go out into the community and just talk to people more and get
their opinions and get their knowledge on how we can work together to move forward. So
how are we going to do that is we're just going to go out there. Where we had the to tell
the truths giving festival. Ah, a few of us were there,um,this past- a couple of weeks
ago. So yeah.
Merritt: There's a lot of networking. Um, like I said,we have a lot of people who have contacts
in different areas, some more than others. Um,that we-now that we've gotten some
guidance as to these processes and actions, even with some of the strategic doing
whatever else and sitting down on table,we realizes how much information that we all
already have. You know, and I'll tell you in the last month-and-a-half much-lot more
people have been coming to us.Now the word is getting out a little bit more. And
actually, one of the things that we're hoping that our plan is more of the small group
neighborhood, community meetings,you know,reaching out to them, giving an area
where they can come to us and their neighborhoods,you know,where they-where they
are. Um,we can't expect that they're always going to come here when we have our little
meeting so that can happen. So it's matter of targeting particular areas that we already
know. People who've already reached out to us and then going out there,um,to do that.
Basically go on foot. That's how it's going to work. Yeah.
Salih: Thank you. Yes. I have a question. Just let me get like in the same line that was talking
about. What is it? It's not here. Truth-telling.. what it was?
Merritt: Ground-truthing or.
Salih: The one that for future.
Merritt: The Phase Two one?
Salih: Yeah. Truth-telling,what do you mean by that?Do you going to identify like certain thing
that you need the people to come and tell the truth about it or what happened to them? I
really don't understand exactly what the [OVERLAPPING]
Merritt: People already have things they want to say,they-that's-they've already come to us,
talked about issues that they've experienced. So when somebody talks about the truth-
telling, it's actually voicing their experience and what had happened. And that's when
we've talked about the truth-telling.
Salih: But how they will just come and tell you about something happen to them. How do they
know about you so they can come and just start speaking. They know that maybe you are
actually collecting data about what's going on,but you are not providing solution
immediately to that person to come forward and talk about that, am I right?
Dillard: Yeah, it's not in our charges to provide the solution.
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Salih: But you want the people-you want to hear from the people what their experience is,where
the thing that they harm,then how they feel about the treatment in this community or
anything else?You know,how the people will know what trouble they can come to you
to talk to you about?
Dillard: So,um, I appreciate that question because it's a great question. How-how are we going
to get people to come talk to us,how are they-how are they going to trust us?And that's
what we have spent the last three months learning. How do we-how do we work together
with the community and bring this model we had fust come together to understand what-
what truth-telling was,what it is, and what it can be, and what we've found is it can be
whatever we make it. And so what we have been doing is we have several people that
aren't on the mission that have already joined us. Um, like they're always coming that
have tons of people that they are ready to bring to us as long as we have that safe model
for them. So when we're ready to implement that model,working hand in hand with that,
whatever that looks like,we're-we're still in the beginning process,we're not there yet.
Um,we're going to be able to sit down with the right people. I mean,this is going to be a
process. We're not going to expect people to come into this room and- and tell us their
truths that would be uncomfortable. We're going to sit and have personal conversations
with people and ask them,um, questions about themselves. Tell us what have you been
through?Would you want to share it to the whole world?When we go back and look at
our- our-our charges, it doesn't have to be just people coming and testifying. We've
learned that that is a type of truth-telling,but that's not the only truth-telling. It can be a
play, it can be spoken word, it can be arts, it can be whatever people wants.Um,we have
just been learning to see what that could be.
Salih: Yeah. I- I just mean like it would be like if you have not planned it yet though,right?
Dillard:No.
Salih: Yeah. You are in the process of planning how you're going to do it. That's great to know I
saw it. Maybe you already have planned,but yeah, it would be really interesting to know
how that we will have, for example, I know where to come to you. Is this an office? Is
this like you're going to come to us and ask us or like- like really clear,you know,
programs for that. So that's number one.Number two,uh,talking about communication
and outreach. If you went back,you-you skipped through some mixtures very quick. I
was like really interesting to see you after you said you have,you know,you did
something with Latinos.
Dillard: Let me find it.
Salih: I like that picture. So even though this is like go back.
Dillard: One it's- is it this one?Yes.
Salih:No, go back. Go forward maybe. This is a Latino and after that there is one.
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Dillard: Oh after that,this one?
Salih: Keep going. Yeah. This one.
Dillard: Yes.
Salih: What's this?
Dillard: I think this is an ex- example of- of a triple.
Salih: I know that- I know the lists where I did a similar thing,that's interesting. Yeah. Yes,he's
speaking about, like,reaching out to the community,you did the whole Phase 1,you'll
finish from Phase 1,right?
Dillard: Mm-hmm.
Salih: And you're given us a report and how many languages did you do during that time?
Because I see only Latinos here. That, like,project then was Latino in their language,
which is great.
Dillard: Mm-hmm.
Salih: But my question,how many language you will have done?
Dillard: I mean,how many languages? I mean, go ahead- go ahead.
Merritt: If we- if we'd had the resources,we would have liked to have had many more you
realize,but part of it was an- amount of the time period. And what we would have had
access. That was what we had at the time. However,we've already talked about,there's
many in the community that different languages that are here and how, and that's one of
the things we wanna do is try to figure out how can we get translators to be able to talk to
the people in their own native language. It's- again, it's part of the planning and how can
we use that for Iowa City. But it's-we didn't-we didn't mean to, like, limited to just that it
was just what was available at that very time period,but we've already expressed that we
need many more.
Salih: Yeah,you're doing good job. I didn't say anything about it and I'm glad that I see- is- I see-
I see Latinos. But if you are doing something for the whole, it has to be for the whole
community,you've finished the whole Phase 1,without seeing French speaking people,
without seeing Arabic-speaking people you reach out to. I will be really interesting, I,
um, I belong to many organizations in the community with immigrant community, I will
be really interesting to see,who did you speak to beside the Latinos and African
American?
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Dillard: So, I mean, I- I appreciate that,you're just looking at our photos and seeing that,but we
actually have spoken to other,um, groups of people that have spoken different languages.
We have, a- a person who represents the African community that comes to every
meeting, every week. We-we do have people that we are working hard to with-within
the resources that we have,uh,within three months,which is 90 days to,uh,try to
squeeze and a bunch of information that we're also learning at the same time. So we
absolutely want to engage more people,we had lots of conversations about it in a- a
couple of our meetings and it's just going to take time. I- I don't believe anyone can
expect all of this to happen in- in three months when it took about three years to get here
and we're very excited about the success we have now and are looking forward to the
future, I would love to invite one of my commissioners, Chad,to just speak a little bit
more on that because he can give a little bit more context.
Simmons: Thank you very much, I want it to be able to answer a couple of the questions that you
had. The training process was really designed for us to testing. So it wasn't designed for
us to put things in action. We weren't quite sure again,what the model is going to look
like, so our goal was to test it. In the testing,we're testing the system to see if the actual
system works and how the system should be put together.Now we did do a test with
somewhat-with a group that again was not,uh,that-that was Spanish speaking,but that
was just an essence for the test. So that was one of the-the main purposes of that. The
second piece gets into the engagement piece. There are many things that we can't do as a
part of the city that makes it very difficult for people to be able to communicate and
they'll tell their truth. They may tell the truth it but then it may be in a public setting and
they may get upset or they may get concerned or they may be, or maybe in essence used
against them. What we were taught in the model we're says that you need to have these
conversations in a very confidential manner and then to select individuals that in essence
can be done from a public perspective. What this meant for us is, is that we need to work
with organizations to be able to have this versus it necessarily being resided within us as
a group. So the tests that we want to do in the future is not only making sure we work
well with the system,but also what we want to do is we want to make sure that we work
with the community like NAACP, or other organizations where we can partner with them
in order to do this truth-telling,to be able to share the fact-finding and then I want to
address one iss- one of the issue that you raised. Within the-the overall process of what-
what we're trying to,uh, again put together. It is really trying to put a puzzle together and
put all the pieces,uh,together. So we've been really in the process of doing that. So we've
been spending a lot of hours of putting these pieces together to make sure that everything
essense works. So the Phase 2 allows us to be able to move forward, it allows us to make
sure we have our system and make sure that we allow us to have a way that we're going
to engage with the community in such a way and then in that sense,what things would be
important. We find that some communities may be more engaged,more interested in the
fact-finding. Some may be more interested in a truth-telling,telling their story. Some may
be more interested in reconciliation,but that's going to be by the group. If we can find the
passion of the individuals,they will come to us. So we can't just open it up and say come
to us,we're going to have the general conversation. We have to say,we're going to have a
conversation around housing and within housing,this is what we found out from a fact-
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finding perspective.Now we want you to come to us to tell us your truth as relates to
housing. Then once we have that, once we put it in again,healing circles and we can even
talk about them what does resolution and how do we in essence resolve those issues? So
the way you find the people that you find them through the passion,not the passion of
what they do for work,but what really moves their soul and laughing,we-we gave an
example of an individual, as I've said,that he works in Iowa City,he plays in Iowa City,
but he lives in Cedar Rapids and the reason he lives in Cedar Rapids is because he cannot
afford to live in Iowa City. Now,this is a person that has two degrees,but he also has six
digit,um, debt when it comes to its education. And so if this is the type of individual that
we want this highly educated,that's highly motivated that loves to be in the environment
and the city,how do we in that sense give him to be engaged?Now what we did was we
found that we got them engaged through what his knowledge was. His knowledge was
around employment. But what was really important to him was housing. It was really
around how can he in essence build a life here? So passion is how we ultimately get to
people but you have to set up the-the system in such a way that people can then see
themselves in what they're-what we're working on, and then they will come and then
have those conversations.
Salih: I- I think you have a good plan,but my-my concern and all this is to reach out to
everyone. This is not for say if you are dealing with BIPOC community,BIPOC
community in this community, consider everyone who are whether immigrants,people of
color,whether they are born here or they come from somewhere else. So and also reach
the people where they are. You just said we would like to go to the people where they are
at. I think you said that,which is amazing because they are not going to come to this
setting, as you said,that's completely fact. So reach out to them and,you know, like,uh,
do this with them where they are at go to association and do this inside their association
center. So you can get a lot of feedback from different perspective. That's all I want to see
because I'm seeing like,uh, all this repeat to the same people like, I can tell in some of
the pictures, I'm not judge you by the picture by the way. But I want just to see like more
outreach as, like Megan said, like,the whole community,because this is a unique
opportunity for us to engage everyone. One I'm gonna find this after this end or maybe
over?But this is in your time,please reach out to everyone.
Alter: And this is just a suggestion,but,um,within your sort of,um, list of- of potential and or
locked in events, don't forget the ones that already exist too, I mean,you listed those out,
but I'm talking about the more I don't know,that-that are offered all the time, some of the
arts like music in the neighborhoods, or music on the move,the neighborhood park nights
out during the summer,the diversity market,you know, I mean,things that are like
longstanding and that's a way too to go to different neighborhoods and whatnot and then
that's,you know,just to have that presence and- and I know that there's a lot of people
who take advantage of that and put up,you know,the-the proverbial card table and are
like,you know,talk to me about blah,blah,blah, and it's like that's one of those ways
where it's like you going to where the people are and- and I know that that's not
exhaustive by any stretch nor is it meant to, but it would just struck me because like, oh
I'm like,these are, like,you know,there built-in people want to go there for a certain
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reason,but then it is community, it is neighborhood, and then there are ways to-to be
able to connect with people within those neighborhoods so.
Harmsen: Just kind of,uh,wondering about Phase 2. Um, so if- if I'm looking at a couple of
different things,but Phase 2 goes until March. Is that right from now till March,what
kinds of things-um, I do get some stuff up there,but in a practical sense,would probably
get another report in March or April or something like that?
Dillard: Yes.
Harmsen: What kinds of things should we expect to hear at that time,but and- and what will
happen between now and then?
Dillard: We're hoping,um,by the end of Phase 2 that we'll be able to report to you a successful
pilots of,um,the models that we are working to-to put together. Uh, that's what we're
hoping to showcase with you and-
Merritt: and implement.
Dillard: And implement. And also to return back,uh,to all of you that we have engaged,um, a
better majority of the community,um, in or have gotten that implemented into our- our
model research.
Salih: Amazing.
Harmsen: Do you have an idea for, like you said,uh, successful pilot, so actually be running
some of these things that you have been training towards,right? That's understanding that
I want. [OVERLAPPING]
Dillard: Yeah so like we want to like hopefully we have already done at least one truth-telling
session. Uh,we will have data gathered from at least so- some of the fact-finding,um,uh,
topics that I already mentioned and we will have navigated with our native partners on
how to effectively put that circle is training out. That is what we're hoping to come back
and share with you all.
Salih: What do you mean by the native partner?
Dillard: So the native partners are working on circles trainings. Um,they're working on a model
for- for it to be used by the TRC as a form of reconciliation using,um, circles. Um, I
don't think I'm explaining it right, go ahead.
Merritt: I mean,native-native partners of one of the facilitators.
Salih: One of the facilitator that they help you.
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Merritt: Exactly. Yeah. They're the ones who have experience with,um,yeah,the-the healing
circles and the like, it's just some truth-telling,whatever else and they're going to help us
with, as I said, it's like a, is a template and that we're going to test one of the models.
What are awesome to that?By the end of our, I guess the foregrounds,this will be able to
be applied to whatever-whatever community,whatever topic,whatever else. And then of
course have the ability to tailor it specifically to that. There's-thre's-nothing is gonna be
the same thing to be used in every- every community, every topic, it can. But we're gonna
be at least have the platform structured in a way that, okay here this is,we can get some
information from people tailored to what they need and they can go forward. And in these
four months,we're gonna at least have,you know, at least one if not two, from beginning
to end. And you can see the example of,um,the results, so that is the plan.
Dillard: Did that answer the question? Thank you.
Salih: Thank you.
Merritt: I guess, did that answer your question?
Harmsen: Oh about-yeah. Yeah. Just kinda one know when we're here next like what to expect
and- and what will be happening and, and how far along you expect to-to be. So that's
really helpful. Thank you.
Merritt: Yeah. Also had to exactly what it says in the contract to with what the expectation was
at the end of the phase do. That part. I'm not quite sure,but yeah.
Salih: Yeah.
Harmsen: Right. Juggling multiple documents on my-my laptop and stuff too trying to find all
the relevant materials.
Dillard: Thank you all. Are there other questions?
Teague: We'll get to Council deliberations,but,uh, any other questions for our TRC members?
Salih: Great job.
Dillard: Thank you.
Teague: Thank you all. We're gonna open it up to the public to who wanted to have a comment
on this?Anyone in public who want-uh,raise your hand if you want to come in on this.
And if you're online,please raise your hand-your virtual hand. Yeah,welcome. There is
a sign-in sheet here at the desk, so I'll ask you to sign in and then give us your name and
city you're from and you'll be granted up to three minutes to speak.
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Kiche: Thank you very much,Mayor and the Council.
Teague: Welcome.
Kiche: My name is Amos Kiche and am an immigrant from Kenya. I've been staying in Iowa
City for 33 years. I came here as a student. I also belong to the African Association. I'm a
board member of the African Association. So when it came to the questions of how are
people involved,we have an African Association that those who are members of that
association know what's happening here. I always update them. From the beginning of
the TRC through struggles with the commission,they're always trying to see how best the
two groups can work together. Some groups of Africans are not involved. Some groups
immigrants are also not involved,but majority know what's going on,what's happening.
Salih: So excuse me,would you please speak to the microphone.
Kiche: I'm sorry.
Salih: I- I don't know today I'm have hard-hearing or what's going on.
Teague: Here's the mic, sorry about that.
Salih: Yeah.
Kiche: Yeah. I'm very sorry.
Salih: That's great. Yeah.
Kiche: Yes-yes. So- so we are involved as the immigrant community. There are very many
African see here,there are very many people from the Latin American here. And as far as
I know, among the my group,they are involved. I'm very interested and they're just
waiting. All that has held them back is the struggles that have been going on with this tug
of war between the commission and the city. But I think as has been explained to you, all
those three areas that you envision, and we really applaud your wisdom in guiding the
commission with those three are fact-finding,truth-telling, and reconciliation. We're
ready. I attended meetings most of the times,the public meetings when they allow me to
attend. And I'm very hopeful that this is going to happen. Yeah, so they are good
facilitators and,uh, consultants who are ready to help them with any questions they have,
especially on the question that you ask about them. What are the Indian net is gonna do?
All this process sometimes it's not only fact-finding. Sometimes when you are giving
your facts,you need to be in a space because you can go through trauma. One time, it's
just that probably you are not watched. I have been testifying once in a while about some
traumas that probably I have experienced in housing with other bad interactions with
some communities. And the commission knows that because I've been testifying to them.
And that has been a form in itself of truth-telling,yeah. And so,we're just starting. All
those methodologies we're worried about,we're ready for them. We'll be reaching the
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schools,we'll be reaching the religious institutions, different groups to ask them if they're
willing. We will also be reaching the nongovernmental organizations who work with
different communities on how they can help us move on. So we are really,really ready.
We just ask you to help us move on. So keep supporting us.
Teague: Thank you.
Kiche: Thank you.
Teague: Alright. Uh,we have a hand up. Eduardo. Welcome.
Gonzolaz: Thank you so much,uh,Mayor Teague. I just wanted to see in a minute,that's
something that I have found that it's really fascinating in the case of Iowa City, is that
precisely because the research, large and,uh, diverse immigrant community,there is
already a lot of knowledge and experience about truth commissions. Many of the
countries from which the immigrant community comes to Iowa City some already have
processes of truth and reconciliation. During the session, so we have had-we have found
out that we have,uh,people who come from Mali where there wasn't a truth commission,
from Kenya where there wasn't a truth commission, from South Sudan when they are
planning,uh,to create a truth commission, from Colombia, Guatemala,many countries
where commissions have already happened. And so there is some knowledge or some
experience already. And it's going to be quite fascinating to see how this,uh,knowledge
this wisdom is used for a city like Iowa City. And I'm gonna say also that I really,really
find,uh, an increasingly useful,uh,piece,the resolution that you approved,uh,to create
the truth commission,because it really details the,uh, activities that the commissioner is
going to do and explains exactly what is understood by,uh,truth-telling, fact-finding, and
consideration. Thank you so much.
Teague: Thank you. Anyone else like to address this topic?Yes,please. Welcome.
Tucker: I can lower this. Great. Good to see you all. Um, I just wanted to add a bit,what a great-
what a great presentation to bring you up to date. I guess I wanted to remind us of a- a
few things about this.
Teague: Uh,please state your name and city.
Tucker: Oh,yeah. Thank you. Hi,Annie Tucker. I live in Iowa City. Anything else? Okey-
dokey. Great. Thanks. So- so the deal about the plan with seven months,that was
designed as kind of thing, education section and alert- and a synthesizing brainstorming,
create a plan and try some pilots section for four months. And that was designed that way
because at the time,the TRC didn't have much more time on their meter. They were-they
were scheduled to be ended just because of the way the resolution was, is my
understanding. But um, so when this plan was created, it was so that it could fit within the
remaining months of the commission. Then when the commission's lifetime got extended,
it didn't seem wise to come back to you all and ask to agree to read to change it, to redo it
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so that it had more time involved. So that is the current- current consultant um, contract,
seven months. And so- so they've spent three months learning a bunch of stuff and all that
information, all those learning sessions have been recorded. So any community member
can have access to that information. That's an ongoing resource,that's powerful.Now
they're going to-they've been doing all this learning and they're going to have more time
to actually talk amongst themselves, learn what they're doing, ask the consultants who
have been involved in 20 TRC in the country and around the world. What an incredible
resource. So talk with them as they began the community, as they begin to figure out
what would be a good way to approach your resolution-your amazing resolution,the-the
duties in the resolution,how to approach that best for Iowa City ans. And then when the
seven months is done and they can tell you how they use this for next four months,they
have more time on their charge and can continue offering truth and reconciliation
processes. Continue, excuse me,working with the facts that have been found. And,um,
so it's very exciting in that way. You know,this has been going on for more than 400
years and they will have gotten some experience of how to do-how to do truth and fact
finding and reconciliation in these- in these seven months and then move on.
Teague: Thank you.
Tucker: Thank you.
Teague: Anyone else? Seeing no one in person or online, Council discussion? I'll probably jump
out there and one when I appreciate the uh,the presenters from the TRC, I think you all
did a great job. Um, it came across very clear uh, and understandable. Um, so I appreciate
it that and of course they're the ones who are seemingly crabs that didn't speak.
Appreciate you being here and to all of the TRC members,um, appreciate,uh,the
collective work of this presentation today. So there,you know the-before it was
opportunity for questions,um, I actually didn't have any questions other-besides what
fellow councilors stated. Um,what I wanted to say is really related to my understanding
of the fust part being more gears towards training,which has come up,uh, several times
for the TRC members. Um, and then we just heard the seven month period is more
training, trial and error,uh, shall we say in a way,try to figure out what is the right,um,
methodology,what is the right processes that's going to be taken? So I appreciated
hearing that today in the presentation. Um, I think I heard it articulated that uh,bringing
in-making sure that we're involved in various aspects of the BIPOC community. Um,
and there's BIPOC community and ethnically oppressed peoples,making sure that we're,
uh, as much as possible because you're right,you can't reach every- everyone. I do
understand that,but just being very intentional,um, in a region, some of the communities
that have one been present or vocal,had wanted to be involved and wanting to be present.
Um, so just being a little intentional there.Not much more to say,honestly, I'm looking
forward to,um, see what's next. Uh, a part of the next phase sound like Phase 1. Um,you
all have been very busy. I do know that it's not been easy. I'm trying to get all of the
things in. So thanks for your time,uh,your dedication to uh,this purpose and looking
forward to the next phase.
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Alter: I just wanna say that it's- this is really,really informative presentation and I appreciate it a
lot. Um, I knew that the fust part was education of the commission themselves,
yourselves to,um,really get a scope and an understanding of what the work is. But what
really struck me through your presentation,um, is how the pieces are starting to fit
together. And it doesn't mean that they're not Legos. There's not a perfect match,right?
Or maybe they are like Legos because you can do a lot of different things with the same
pieces. But,um,what I find exciting is that, it's went from sort of atomized. I heard, oh,
there's this going on and there's this. And it's like it's all starting to take some form so that
you can move together and to know that it can be iterated. And I actually, I realize this is
like a pretty brutal schedule to do this amount of work in seven months,but then that
there's extra time extra-but there's time for you to iterate and say what worked,what
didn't. Let's see if we can try this differently. And to continue doing that, I think is really
exciting. So,um, I have to admit I was- if not skeptical, sorry, skeptical. I was a little
more like I don't know what's gonna-what am I-what am I going to hear?But I'm- I'm
very impressed with the amount of work that you've done, and also with the
understanding that that work is here to now do more of it and have it be more,um,
circular. And- and reaching out to the community and seeing what can work in that way
so that it can be co-created. And,um- and you can figure out what works and what
doesn't work. Um, and then you have time to-to-to do something with that. So I think
that that's exciting and I appreciate I know that these efforts have been extremely
difficult. So,um, I just continue to say it's like meet them-meet folks,meet people where
they're at and really,really be intentional and deliberate about outreach. And always
trying to find the people who want to engage but are gonna be maybe the-the hardest
ones to find or are the ones who are themselves saying you're representing the city. And
so the work that you've done to-to -to be able to mitigate some of that concern is super
important. So I'll end now,but thank you for your work.
Bergus: I'll just reiterate my thanks to the commissioners,um, for all of your effort and not just
the presentation this evening,but the last three years,uh,that folks have been working
and at times really struggling through. For my colleagues,um,thank you for,you know,
enabling the commission to continue. We've had some rough moments where that maybe
didn't seem like that's what was going to happen. But I hope that this evening really
solidifies for you how important this work is and will be for our community and for the
future of our community. And I think it's really remarkable just to see once the
commission had that facilitator in place as was contemplated from the very beginning,
uh,that once they had that facilitation assistance and support to be able to get so much
accomplished in such a very very short amount of time. And then just looking ahead,
thinking about what's been included in the contract with the facilitators and knowing that
there's much more that was alluded to this evening. And I think that we all can imagine as
we look at the resolution that the city can continue to support,that this will go beyond the
seven months,um, and certainly resources that we already can tap into within the city in
terms of that outreach and marketing, in terms of support for,uh, getting the word out
and multiple languages in terms of,um,just the educational components and helping to
spread, and iterate some of the things that we know the commissioners have been
receiving themselves and opening that information and education up to the wider
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community. So I just hope that we continue our support and that everyone here feels like
we're really moving in the right direction.
Salih: Yeah. I- I- I just wanna- I think you said it perfectly for the outreach and especially at the
translation. And I think says,you know I hear that you said like if you have like more
budget for that,you should have done it with as many language as you can. But I thinks
translation should be a priority in your budget. Because you are the people who are
dealing with, is people don't that English is not their first language. Some of them at least
half of the people,the community you're gonna be dealing with in this issue is people
who speak different language. So,uh, I didn't know how much money you have left or
anything,but,uh,you know, I want to see that I would really want to see what you're
budgeting for translation. Uh,because if you want to hit the thrust for many people, send
people comfortable telling it in their language. So you have to have translation and you
know all these kind of things. That's my own. I like your idea or advice. But you guys did
a great job. I think this is not an easy. And thank you for taking that like you know hard
job to navigate. It is not something any other things and I wish you the best.
Teague: All right. Well, thanks to all of you for coming and speaking today. Um,this has no
voting items so if there are no other comments,we're going to move on to our council
appointments.
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12. Council Appointment
12.a Housing and Community Development Commission
Teague: Which is items 12 and 12.a, is Housing and Community Development Commission.
Housing and Community Development Commission has one vacancy to fill and an
unexpired term upon appointment through June 30th, 2025. There is,um, a male
requirement, gender requirements, so council discussion.
Salih: I really want to say, I'm sorry to jump up fust. But I really wanted to say Clinton
Dimambu fust,because he is me, second he is an immigrant's a person of color. So that
what we need to add,we need representation. And if we look at the Commission right
now, I think we have only one person of color or am I? I don't know,but we need just
more representation of people of color to be on that committee and I am by looking to
that applicant, I think most of them are white color all of them.
Alter: completely agree that there needs to be more and better representation of people of color
on our commissions. And especially with the Housing and Community Development
commissions and incredibly weighty one. And it affects a lot of people in the- in the
immigrant community and lower income. And unfortunately there is a correlation of,um,
racial and economic not diversity but poverty. Um, sorry,um,my hesitation though with
this particular applicant was that he's in writing out the-,um, what do you know about
this commission?How are you qualified?As he said, I have knowledge. I mean,there
really was nothing for me to go on,um, and this has a whole lot of a heavy lift of reading
and sifting through a lot and I mean,he couldn't be perfectly fine. He could be fantastic.
But I cannot tell from the application that he's qualified.
Salih: But that's, I guess to your question. That's exactly why we need to give people
opportunity. This person he's immigrant and he is not a person who knows how much
you want him to write over there or,you know, something like that.Not like white people
who grew up here and they know exactly what you mean by that questions. And I- I
guess-think,uh, like you building a leader's you know he-the person will learn as they
go by involving in a commission or maybe joining a group. That's how we build leader in
the community. They start gaining some knowledge you know.
Alter: Are we setting him up for success though?Again, I'm not-
Salih: opportunity.
Alter: There's opportunity,but.
Bergus: Has anyone had the chance to speak with him? I usually try and reach out to people I did
not.
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Salih: I really-to be honest with you, I think kind of if I know him,but it may be like name
similar. Uh, but I don't know he said he's organizer. Organizer means like,uh,he's been
dealing with leader in the community and that means he's- I don't know, sometime
immigrants don't know how to answer the question on how much you want and I think
we don't have to take that against them comparing to like myself some time I feel like,
oh,well,how much you want me to say on that?And you know something-a question
can be easy for you guys, it's not gonna be easy for me and.
Teague: So what I will say as I do,um,hear you and I would agree that sometimes,um,the
applications that we get,um, from some individuals may not be very in depth and can
paint a clear picture of their desire to be a part. I really don't believe that people need to
be experts,um,to be a part of our commissions there is a balance that I think we need to
consider when we're looking at the overall makeup of a commission. I do also want to
know that,you know, in the application,the Human Rights Commission strives to ensure
the commission as a representative of the community. Therefore, appointment shall take
into considerations person-persons of various racial,religious, cultural, social, and
economic groups in the city.Now we do know that,um,there will be a slew of new
appointments that will be coming up,because some individuals appointments will be
expiring. And,um, so I think there might be more opportunities for us to look at
individuals. What I will say is, given the information that is before us tonight, I did not
make the call,which certainly I think that is probably some of the forests to consider
when we're seeing maybe an applicant that we want to get more information from,that
we make it a point to reach out to them to have that conversation and share-share it with,
uh,you know, our- amongst ourselves as to how they can serve. I- I- I do agree that,um,
you know,there are times when we need to just dig a little deeper into,um, someone's
desire to be on a commission. At this point I- I don't think that, um, I can make a decision
based on the information that I have tonight for this individual. But I do totally
understand what you're saying and I agree. I think there's a little more to wo- a little more
work that we can do on our end when we see anything like this.
Taylor: I agree with you make that up, I had noted two on- on Clinton's application that he-he
wrote. I have acknowledged,but yet another one of the applicants just wrote up
absolutely no knowledge. I have absolutely no knowledge,which was interesting,
although that person checked all the boxes,we don't always see all the boxes checked.
The HCDC has specific questions,knowledge of non-profits,property management,
rental assistance, construction experience, and financial experience. Um,we don't always
see any of those boxes checked and that person had all the boxes checked. But yet said
has absolutely no knowledge of-
Alter: The commission.
Taylor: So this, I mean to be quite honest,none of them really jumped out at me, although I did
see that this person-this young person Clinton,was Congolese and a person of color,
which would be good to have that balance on there,um, and perhaps this would be
helpful for him to get the knowledge of how the community runs. And he mentioned he
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had expertise in property management and non-profits, so he's got something going from
there that he knows a little bit about that. But-but to be honest,none of them really like
jumped right out at me.
Teague: I think overall,the comments were very short, in comparison to what we've seen with
other applications.
Harmsen: You know, if we don't-and then I know that it necessarily advocating this,but,you
know, in the past if we felt like,hey,we could use a few more,you know,put it off one
meeting to,to open up or reopen up for additional applications if we're not feeling
particularly powerfully inclined for any of the current. I know we've done that before.
Um,uh, so I mean, I'm just throwing that out there.
Thomas: You know, I- I too was not-no one jumped out at me in terms of the selection. Uh, I
think the idea of maybe leaving it open and perhaps reaching out to-to those who we-we
have my before us tonight to provide more information,uh, in their application.
Teague: I mean, quite honestly there were at least two that did jump out. But uh, if people are
more inclined to kinda pause, I can be supportive of that. But there are two names that I
was prepared to support or suggest.
Alter: One of the things that when I was on HCDC, I um,was struck by the candidates who have
had some,um, experience with property management or with construction, or with being
involved in that or even non-profit experience. Which usually means you're going
through grants. Um, all of those types of things I found were really,really helpful. Um,
and I learned from my own- from the commission that I was on with people who had
more of that expertise. There was uh, someone who had property management and it was
a whole other- it helped bring things to um,the conversations. So,um, it may be that we
want to wait or we can look,um, a little bit- in a little bit more depth at some of these,
um, candidates who did check some of those boxes uh,just to see-to check in with them
and get a little bit more because the application doesn't allow for a whole lot of.
Salih: Yeah, I really don't-whatever you want to do.No problem, sometimes there is an issue of
not only like about grant or anything come to the-before the commission. I remember
when we did the Section 8 housing and really completely immigrant issues because they
are the one who got outside the country and stay more than 60 days and we ask for that.
So I was glad that there is some members who are immigrants. There in that Commission
who can really find his heart related to this issue. That's what I mean by diversity. When
you diversify,the,you know,the commissioner,that means you have more people who
are,they this is problem for his hand. And,you know,not like just the people who are
born here and they will be the other one who's knowledable.
Teague: So I do want to bring us back to the task at hand,which is uh, a council appointment or
a commission appointment. Um, I did look to see what vacancies are coming up. The
HCDC is not on there. Uh, and so if because I know we had a lot of appointments uh,that
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we're gonna be making in which those applications closed on- a lot closed on November
14th. But HUD wasn't-HCDC wasn't one of those. So, um, if we I mean, if there's a
majority to kinda,uh,mole this over or one to,you know, contact,um, some of the
applicants because there was, I think, over all short answers uh,that we can explore and
have more conversations with those individuals. And of course, it is still be open to other
individuals to apply,well,yeah,we would have to-
Salih: I guess that's fine.
Teague: Do we have to reopen it?
Bergus: Yeah we can go through a process where we would still seek to a point next meeting,but
accept any applications before then, like on the December 5 deadline or how-
Grace: I mean,we've already advertised for the 30-day notice,uh,we can defer appointment to
the 11th, 12th. Uh, and still believed the vacancy notice out there and just do open until
filled. Uh, I think we've covered our- our 30-day requirements.
Teague: Obligation.
Goers: Right. Because I assumed that the notice that we posted did not say applications close on
X date.
Grace: Well, there was a deadline but we have in the past.
Goers: Just extended that they.
Grace: Extended it for whatever reason.
Goers: Yeah. Okay.
Salih: Okay. If that's doable, let's do it. Yeah.
Grace: So we-we would defer until the next meeting and then open- leave it open until filled?
Salih: I think so.
Teague: Entertain a motion to defer.
Salih: Okay. Second.
Teague: Second. Move by Salih.
Harmsen: Second,Harmsen.
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Goers: And so just so we're clear,we're deferring to December 12th?
Teague: Correct.
Bergus: Correct.
Teague: Moved by Salih, seconded by Harmsen. Council discussion. All in favor say aye. (Voice
Vote)Aye. Any opposed?Motion is,uh, deferred until-motion has passed 7- 0.
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14. City Council Information
Teague: We're at Item number 14,which is city council information.
Alter: I just want to say that in addition to the awesome list that um, our USG,uh,representative
brought up about women's basketball and football and all of that,that the inaugural
season of Women's University of Iowa wrestling kicked off and they smashed their
opponents. Um, it was amazing. Um, it was some great wrestling and uh,they are now
ranked number 1.
Teague: On November 30th,there will be a public library. Legislative session is gonna be held at
North Liberty library. So and that'll be Thursday,November 30th at 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM.
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15. Reports from City Staff
Teague: Hearing no other announcements,we're gonna move on to our city managers- our Item
number 14 and 15, Item 15,uh,reports from our city staff will go with our city manager's
office.
Fruin:Nothing tonight. Thanks.
Teague: City attorney's office.
Goers: I do have one this time. Uh, I had the pleasure of attending the Iowa Municipal Attorney's
Association annual conference,uh, in Des Moines on Friday. Uh, it was uh, one- one of
the most time-efficient,um, CLEs for we municipal attorneys because as their name
implies, it's all about municipal attorneys in Iowa. Sometimes we attend national CLEs or
more broad-based Iowa-based CLEs. But this is really kinda hits the sweet spot. And so
that's great. Even greater is the opportunity to reconnect with uh, a number of uh, folks,
uh, other metro city attorneys and other assistant city attorneys with whom we oftentimes
speak on the phone or exchange emails,but don't get to meet in person as often,
particularly over the last few years. And so it's delightful to be able to rekindle those
relationships. Is a true value, as I always tell my staff, you know, some of the most
important things you'll do with the CLEs is going and making in forming those
relationships with others. So you can pick up the phone and you know,run something by
him. So that was great.
Teague: Great. Thank you. Uh, City Clerk's office.
Grace:Nothing from me.
Teague: All right. We're at Item number 16. Can I get a motion to adjourn?
"Thomas: So move, Thomas.
Harmsen: Second, Salih. It's Salih. [LAUGHTER] [OVERLAPPING]
Teague: That is a hilarious. All right.
Harmsen: So used to hearing it.
Teague: All in favor say, aye. (Voice Vote)Aye. Any opposed?We are adjourned.
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