HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-02-27 Info Packet
Ci ty Council I nformati on P acket
February 27, 2020
IP1.Council Tentative Meeting S chedule
March 3 Work Session
IP2.Work S ession A genda
IP3.Memo from Senior P lanner: 2019 C ertif ied L ocal Government Annual Report
IP4.P ending City Council Work S ession Topics
Miscellaneous
IP5.2018-2019 Strategic P lan S ummary Report
IP6.I nvitation: J ohnson C ounty A f f ordable Housing Coalition: F ebruary 28
February 27, 2020 City of Iowa City Page 1
Item Number: 1.
F ebruary 27, 2020
Council Ten tative Meetin g S ch ed u l e
AT TAC HM E NT S:
D escription
C ouncil Tentative Meeting Schedule
City Council Tentative Meeting Schedule
Subject to change
February 27, 2020
Date Time Meeting Location
Tuesday, March 3, 2020 5:00 PM Work Session Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM Formal Meeting
Tuesday, March 10, 2020 1:00 PM Strategic Planning Work Session Eastside Recycling Ctr -
Education Center
2401 Scott Blvd SE
Tuesday, March 24, 2020 5:00 PM Work Session Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM Formal Meeting
Tuesday, April 7, 2020 5:00 PM Work Session Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM Formal Meeting
Monday, April 13, 2020 4:00 PM Reception City of University Heights
4:30 PM Joint Entities Meeting TBD
Tuesday, April 21, 2020 5:00 PM Work Session Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM Formal Meeting
Tuesday, May 5, 2020 5:00 PM Work Session Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM Formal Meeting
Tuesday, May 19, 2020 5:00 PM Work Session Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM Formal Meeting
Tuesday, June 9, 2020 5:00 PM Work Session Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM Formal Meeting
Tuesday, June 30, 2020 5:00 PM Work Session Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM Formal Meeting
Tuesday, July 21, 2020 5:00 PM Work Session Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM Formal Meeting
Tuesday, August 4, 2020 5:00 PM Work Session Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM Formal Meeting
Tuesday, August 18, 2020 5:00 PM Work Session Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM Formal Meeting
Item Number: 2.
F ebruary 27, 2020
Work S ession Ag enda
AT TAC HM E NT S:
D escription
Work Session A genda
Special Formal / Executive Session 5:00 p.m. - separate agenda posted
________________________________________
City Council Work Session Agenda
Tuesday, March 3, 2020
Emma J. Harvat Hall - City Hall
Following 5:00 p.m. Special Formal
• Historic Preservation Year-in-review [IP3]
• Police Department Outreach Update
• Clarification of Agenda Items
• Information Packet Discussion [February 20, February 27]
• Council updates on assigned boards, commissions, and committees
Item Number: 3.
F ebruary 27, 2020
Memo from S enior Plan n er: 2019 Certified Local G overn men t Annual Rep ort
AT TAC HM E NT S:
D escription
Memo from S enior P lanner: 2019 Certif ied L ocal Government A nnual Report
Date: February 27, 2020
To: Geoff Fruin, City Manager
From: Anne Russett, Senior Planner
Re: 2019 Certified Local Government Annual Report
As a certified local government, the City must submit an annual report to the State Historic
Preservation Office (SHPO). This memo pertains to the 2019 Certified Local Government
Annual Report [Attachment 1], which is due to the SHPO on March 6.
An amendment to the National Historic Preservation Act in 1980 created the Certified Local
Government program. The creation of this program established a formal partnership between
federal, state, and local governments and encouraged local governments to undertake historic
preservation efforts. The program has four primary purposes:
1. Encourage historic preservation at the local level.
2. Encourage local governments to follow the Secretary of the Interior's Standards &
Guidelines for Archaeology and Historic Preservation in the administration of local
historic preservation programs.
3. Provide technical assistance through the SHPO.
4. Provide funding opportunities for preservation activities.
In order to maintain the City’s certified local government status, an annual report must be
submitted to the SHPO. The report summarizes the previous year’s preservation activities,
meetings, and trainings. The Historic Preservation Commission reviewed the annual report at its
meeting on February 13. In addition to the review by the Commission, the SHPO requires that
the report be presented to the City Council at a public meeting. The report also requires the
Mayor’s signature.
At the City Council’s work session on March 3, staff will present a summary of the 2019 CLG
Annual Report. The highlights of the report are as follows:
• The Historic Preservation Commission held 13 meetings.
• Staff processed 98 applications for historic review that resulted in an approval either via
a Certificate of No Material Effect or a Certificate of Appropriateness.
• Intensive Surveys were completed for the following properties:
o 2040 Waterfront Drive, Richard B. Sanders and Jane Whitacre Sanders House
(1855-1868)
o 225 N. Gilbert Street, Hohenschuh Hervert House (1903)
o 229 N. Gilbert Street, Christian and Clara Hohenschuh House (1898)
• A National Register nomination was completed for the Clinton Street and Railroad Depot
Historic District – a small area located near the intersection of S. Clinton Street and E.
February 27, 2020
Page 2
Prentiss Street. Due to property owner opposition, the district was not listed in the
National Register of Historic Places; however, the district is eligible for listing.
• Five properties were designated as local historic landmarks:
o City Park Cabins
o Iowa City Post Office
o Ned Ashton House
o Hohenschuh Hervert House
o Christian and Clara Hohenschuh House
• Staff closed out a Civil Rights Grant from the National Park Service. The grant resulted
in the listing of two properties in the National Register of Historic Places – the Tate Arms
building at 914 S. Dubuque Street and the Iowa Federation Home at 942 Iowa Avenue.
Interpretative signage was also created and installed outside of these buildings as part
of this grant.
• Staff managed and successfully completed three Certified Local Government grants,
which pertained to the previously mentioned 2040 Waterfront Drive intensive survey and
the Clinton Street and Railroad Deport Historic District, as well as a project focused on
identifying options for the Summit Street Monument.
• Staff mailed out letters to property owners within the City’s local historic districts,
conservation districts, and landmark properties explaining the City’s historic review
process for exterior modifications.
Attachment:
1. 2019 Certified Local Government Annual Report
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Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission
yes
yes
35 NRHP properties are known to have been altered in 2019,
based on project approval by Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission
and/or staff. Most of these properties are located within National
Register Historic Districts. The list does not include repair projects
that were issued a Certificate of No Material Effect; list does not
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include interior alterations. The list does not include driveway or garage
alterations, demolitions or new construction, even when the garage is
historic.
1117 Seymour Avenue: new addition, siding and window
replacement;
217 East Davenport Street: porch roof replacement and
siding repair;
1011 Sheridan Avenue: roof shingle replacement;
317
Fairchild Street: rear deck and entry porch addition;
921 Burlington
Street: roof shingle replacement;
509 Brown Street: rear landing and
step reconstruction;
1121 Seymour Avenue: roof shingle replacement;
412 North Linn Street: roof shingle replacement on bay;
718 North
Johnson Street: front stair and railing replacement;
701 East College
Street: roof shingle replacement;
613 Ronalds Street: roof
replacement;
309 Fairchild Street: front stair replacement;
424
East Jefferson Street: front stair replacement;
502 Grant Street: rear
stair replacement;
603 East College Street: porch railing and skirting
replacement;
821 North Johnson Street: front railing replacement;
318 Church Street: rear opening modification;
829 Kirkwood Avenue:
porch repair and roof shingle replacement;
26 East Market Street: new
sign addition;
2460 Gilbert Street: rear addition conversion and
enclosure;
430 Brown Street: roof shingle replacement;
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104 East
Jefferson Street: roof replacement;
210-212 South Johnson Street:
porch floor and stair replacement;
515 North Van Buren Street: roof
shingle replacement;
117 North Linn Street: front awning replacement
and new sign installation;
513 Grant Street: second floor rear
addition;
601 Oakland Avenue: rear windows replaced with door, rear
porch and front stoop and stair reconstruction, deck addition;
411
South Summit Street: roof shingle replacement;
721 Rundell Street:
temporary access ramp;
116 South Dodge Street: front door replacement;
10 South Gilbert Street: alteration to existing addition;
811 East
College Street: rear step reconstruction;
123 North Linn Street:
entrance door and transom replacement;
430 North Van Buren Street:
roof replacement;
331 South Summit Street: roof shingle replacement
and other repairs
Yes
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City Park Cabins, Upper City Park Road, off 100 Park
Road;
Iowa City Post Office, 28 South Linn Street;
Ned Ashton House:
820 Park Road;
Hohenschuh Hervert House: 225 North Gilbert
Street;
Christian and Clara Hohenschuh House: 229 North Gilbert
Street
18 properties that are locally designated as individual
landmarks or as part of a local Conservation District are known to have
been altered in 2019, based on project approval by Iowa City Historic
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Preservation Commission and/or staff. The list does not include repair
projects that were issued a Certificate of No Material Effect; list does
not include interior alterations. The list does not include driveway or
garage alterations, demolitions or new construction, even when the garage
is historic
803 Church Street: front porch reconstruction;
738
Dearborn Street: front porch reconstruction;
809 South 7th Avenue:
front and rear landing and step reconstruction;
527 North Van Buren:
invasive rear 2nd floor entry and stair removal and wall repair, window
opening removal and wall repair;
1030 Bowery Street: side entry canopy
construction;
919 East Washington Street: front stair and railing
replacement, porch pier and wall enclosure replacement;
923 East
Washington Street: front stair and railing replacement;
718 East
Washington Street: window replacement for egress;
809 Bloomington
Street: porch floor and stair replacement;
1132 Burlington Street:
rear screen porch and deck addition;
430 Ronalds Street: demolition of
historic rear addition and new addition construction, window replacement;
112 South Summit Street: roof structural repair and shingle
replacement;
1037 East Washington Street: window size modification;
529 Church Street: window replacement;
225 North Gilbert Street:
rear porch opening relocations, deck and ramp addition, roof shingle
replacement;
229 North Gilbert Street: rear porch opening relocations,
deck and ramp addition, cellar door removal;
1026 East Washington
Street: new railing installation;
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424 Clark Street: porch floor
replacement
yes
a. Historic preservation planning. Examples include
the development or revision of an preservation plan, development of a work
plan for your commission, etc.|b. Provided technical assistance on
historic preservation issues or projects. Examples include working
with individual property owners, business owners, institutions to identify
appropriate treatments and find appropriate materials, research advice,
etc.|c. Sponsored public educational programming in historic
preservation. Examples include training sessions offered to the public,
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walking tours, open houses, lectures, Preservation Month activities,
etc.
A discussion of the Historic Preservation Plan Priorities
and annual work program was scheduled for the February 14, 2019 Commission
meeting but was deferred in order to give staff more time to prepare.
During the discussion at the March 14, 2019 meeting, it was determined
that the 2018 work plan was ambitious and many items were still in
progress. The Commission would proceed with the completion of these items
before discussing a work plan and setting new priorities.
• The Commission staff provides technical and design
assistance to applicants for Historic Review. The applicants are
encouraged to meet with the staff well ahead of time in the project
planning process, prior to submitting applications, to discuss their
projects. In 2019 we processed 98 applications for review that resulted in
either a Certificate of Appropriateness or a Certificate of No Material
Effect. This continues to be a 28% increase over 5 years ago when the
amount of staff time provided to the Commission was last reviewed. In
addition, staff regularly fields inquiries about potential projects. In
2019, staff received the most inquiries to date: 198 individual properties
(including the 98 applications). In 2018, the number of inquiries was
about 160 properties. The number of inquiries to staff increased 24% in
just one year.
• Staff continued to implement the Preservation
Fund which was launched July 1, 2017. The Preservation Fund provides
$5,000 matching grants or loans to property owners for eligible exterior
work on historic properties in Historic or Conservation Districts or on
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Local Landmarks. The budget provides funding for 8 projects per fiscal
year. While in 2017 (calendar year) only one project was approved, in 2018
(bridging two fiscal years) 12 projects were approved. In 2019, 7 projects
were approved. An overview of projects receiving funding by year is
attached.
• Staff attended the January 8, 2019 City Council work
session discussion on the Sanxay-Gilmore House project to answer questions
as needed.
• At the February 14, 2019 meeting, the Commission
held a public discussion of a Stone Railroad bridge not on the agenda at
the request of City staff. The bridge was the final remaining element of a
branch line between Elmira and Iowa City, called the Plug. The bridge is
located near a potential development and staff wanted input from the
Commission on this even though it was technically outside their
purview.
• The Chair of the Commission and staff worked
with a group of Graduate students from the University of Iowa School of
Urban and Regional Planning who are currently working on a capstone
project related to historic preservation in downtown Iowa City.
• Staff works internally as a resource for other City departments
on projects that would include historic resources. Staff educated fellow
staff at a quarterly department meeting on the scope of historic reviews
and the review process. Staff also reviewed and provided an opinion on a
development project that could impact several contributing buildings in
the Downtown National Register Historic District which is currently in the
nomination process.
• January 17, 2019, Historic Preservation Awards:
home owners, contractors, craftspersons, consultants, as well as members
of the community were honored for their historically appropriate work on
twenty historic properties in the 37th annual event celebrating historic
preservation.
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• January 30, 2019, staff was interviewed on radio
station KXIC about the downtown historic district
project
• October 9, 2019 staff participated in a downtown walking
tour as a part of the American Planning Association conference in Iowa
City
• December 10, 2019, staff was interviewed by the Daily Iowan
about rehab and ADA accessibility issues for historic properties
• Historic Preservation Commission Facebook Page: Staff maintains
a Facebook page for community education and outreach though in recent
years, the ability to post updates has been limited.
• In
conjunction with a Civil Rights Grant project through the National Park
Service, staff created a web page providing information to the public
about African American student housing in the first half of the 20th
Century. Signage was also created to provide information on-site about two
homes that provided this housing and were recently listed on the National
Register of Historic Places.
• The Historic Preservation Fund (a grant and
no-interest loan program) has allowed and will continued to allow property
owners to take the extra steps they might not otherwise take when
rehabilitating the exterior of their properties. It has been beneficial in
the effort to prevent the loss of historic materials and reduce landfill
waste.
• Staff and the Commission have been working on efforts to
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save the Sanxay-Gilmore House at 109 Market Street from demolition and
completed a grant project for the pre-planning of a possible relocation
for the house. The City was given a reprieve from the project when the
University notified the Commission in the spring that the house could
remain on the site for a period of about 3 years.
• While the
Commission had completed a grant project for the National Register
Nomination of the Clinton Street and Railroad Depot Historic District,
owner objection prevented the District from being listed despite its
eligibility. The possibility of a future local district in the area is
also unknown because of owner objections.
• The Commission
successfully designated three City-owned properties that are listed on the
National Register of Historic Places as local landmarks, illustrating the
City’s commitment to maintain these historic properties now and in the
future.
• While consultant, AKAY Consulting proceeds with the
National Register Nomination for Iowa City’s Central Business District,
the area continues to see significant development pressure. The recent
demolition of the 110-year-old Elks Club building at 325 E Washington,
designed by architect O.H. Carpenter and built by J.J. Hotz, removed a
contributing building from the edge of the future historic district and
reduced the size of the district
• Graduate students from the
University of Iowa School of Urban and Regional Planning are currently
working on a capstone project related to historic preservation in downtown
Iowa City. The project was inspired by an article that Patrice Rey,
President and CEO of the national Main Street Center, wrote in February
2019. She argues that historic preservation needs a new approach that
considers dynamic social issues to protect historic resources without
alienating the stewards of those resources. By researching best practices
in historic preservation; reviewing local, state, and federal documents;
and conducting stakeholder interviews, the students hope to explore how
the goals of historic preservation relate to or conflict with other
community goals, such as accessibility, mobility, sustainability,
affordability, community development, and financing mechanisms.
• While the Commission has been ambitious in its work plan over
recent years, shortages in Commissioners and staff time have both hampered
the ability of the Commission to move forward with new projects and the
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ability to complete current projects. The Commission is currently short
two Commissioners from small districts where recruitment of new
Commissioners is difficult. Current term cycles will result in the need to
recruit new Commissioners each year.
• For the 2018 annual report
the Commission was able to report that the 0.5 FTE Historic Preservation
Planner position had temporarily been granted an additional 10 hours per
week of additional staff time because of other staffing shortages that
reduced the assistance available from the Senior Planner who regularly
assisted. The temporary extra time ended as positions were filled and the
Historic Preservation Planner position went back to the original 0.5 FTE.
Although other staff assist on preservation related projects, this
assistance has been limited due to other planning-related case work and
projects. Also, new special projects continue to come up and reviews and
inquiries continue to increase. Although staff prioritizes historic review
applications and aims to respond to both applicants and potential
applicants in a timely manner, the amount of time that it takes from the
applicant’s point of view for staff approval on projects has increased
from a few days to an average of three weeks. For Commission review
projects, staff has had to delay projects from one month to the next
because of the lack of time to prepare the project for the meeting agenda.
These delays can have an impact on a residential project and also adds to
community frustration with historic preservation procedures. Due to
staff’s efforts to prioritize applications, staff has limited time to
comment, aid, or provide advice when requested on inquiries that do not
require historic review. In addition, staff has been unable to work with
homeowners who request assistance with project drawings and designs
required for historic review. Staff has also had to reduce the amount of
background research done on properties during the review process and the
amount of time educating homeowners on their properties and historic
preservation. Additional staff time continues to be one of the
Commission’s highest priorities.
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The Commission continued its partnership with the local
non-profit, Friends of Historic Preservation and began a partnership with
the local Iowa City Downtown District because of the recent work to
evaluate the Central Business District. The Commission also began a
project with the graduate students of the University of Iowa Urban
Planning Department
N/A
Yes
Yes
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January 10, 2019
February 14, 2019
March 14,
2019
April 11, 2019
May 9, 2019
May 23, 2019
June 13,
2019
August 8, 2019
August 19, 2019
September 12, 2019
October
10, 2019
November 14, 2019
December 12, 2019
$42,000 for staff salary and benefits, $450 for annual
mailing, $1,000 for miscellaneous consultations, $750 for travel and
training. The Historic Preservation Fund of $40,000 per year for
rehabilitation projects is not part of the Commission's budget.
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Neighborhood Development Service Department of City
Hall
Thomas Agran, Kevin Boyd, Zach Builta, Helen Burford,
Gosia Clore, Sharon Degraw, G.T. Karr, Cecile Kuenzli, Lyndi Kiple,
Quentin Pitzen, Jordan Sellergren, Lee Shope
The Commission’s most recent new work plan had been
created for the Calendar year 2018 and much of the work continued well
into 2019.
During 2019, the Commission completed work on six grant
projects that resulted in the following: Site inventory forms for 2040
Waterfront Drive, a pre-planning evaluation for 109 Market Street and the
Summit Street Monument, National Register Nominations for Clinton Street
and Railroad Depot Historic District, the Iowa Federation Home for Colored
Girls, and the Tate Arms, educational materials and signage for these two
properties that were investigated through a Civil Rights Grant, and a
study of the Central Business district.
The Commission completed a
goal to locally designate City property listed in the National Register of
Historic Places.
With new Commissioner recruitment as a continued
priority, the Commission has sent out mailings and spoken directly with
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residents in the neighborhoods they represent. While recruitment for a
Commissioner from one of our newest districts was successful,
Commissioners from our two smallest districts were not replaced, resulting
in open positions that will be difficult to fill.
Following the
completion of our grant-funded study of the Central Business District, the
Commission recommended to City Council to proceed with a National Register
Nomination that included the area of urban renewal. That Nomination is in
process.
For two years the Commission has created a newsletter to
accompany the annual mailing to owners of regulated properties. The
newsletter has provided necessary information in a friendly format while
also providing information about open Commission positions, the National
Register Nomination for Downtown, and other large projects. This
newsletter is part of a larger project to educate the public and provide
information.
Several projects where the Commission made less progress
are considered long-term or future projects.
First and
Last
Name
Mailing Address Phone
Number
Email
Address
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Bruce
Teague
410 E. Washington
Street, Iowa City, IA
52240
319 536
1200
bruce-teague@iowa-
city.org
First and
Last
Name
Job Title Mailing Address
Phone
Number Email Address
Jessica
Bristow
Historic
Preservation
Planner
410 E.
Washington
Street, Iowa City,
IA 52240
319
356
5243
jessica-
bristow@iowa-
city.org
First
and
Last
Name
Mailing
Address
Home
Phone
Number
Work
Phone
Number
Email Address
Kevin
Boyd
622 N Van
Buren Street,
(319)
400-2051
kevinmboyd@gmail.com
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Iowa City, IA
52245
At-large representative but resides in the Brown Street
Historic District
06/30/2020
Yes
First and
Last
Name
Mailing
Address
Home
Phone
Number
Work
Phone
Number
Email Address
Thomas
Agran
512 N Van
Buren St,
thomasagran@gmail.com
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Iowa City, IA
52245
319
541
4554
Representative, Northside Historic District
06/30/2020
No
First and
Last
Name
Mailing
Address
Home Phone
Number
Work
Phone
Number
Email
Address
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None
The Commission does not have a Secretary. The City has
hired an independent minute-taker for the Commission. All meetings are
recorded first.
01/01/2020
No
First and
Last
Name
Mailing
Address
Home
Phone
Number
Work
Phone
Number
Email Address
Helen
Burford
hsburford@gmail.com
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528 E College
St, Iowa City,
IA 52240
319
594
3715
Representative, College Green Historic District
06/30/2021
No
First
and
Last
Name
Mailing
Address
Home
Phone
Number
Work
Phone
Number
Email Address
gosiaclore@gmail.com
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Gosia
Clore
1133 E Court
St, Iowa City,
IA 52240
973 342
5599
Representative, Longfellow Historic District
06/30/2020
No
First and
Last
Name
Mailing
Address
Home
Phone
Number
Work
Phone
Number
Email Address
Sharon
DeGraw
519 Brown
St, Iowa
319 936
0021
sharondegraw@yahoo.com
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City, IA
52245
Representative, Brown Street Historic District
06/30/2022
No
First
and
Last
Name
Mailing
Address
Home
Phone
Number
Work
Phone
Number
Email Address
Cecile
Kuenzli
705 S
Summit St,
319 338
7362
cecile.kuenzli@gmail.com
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Iowa City, IA
52245
Representative, Summit Street Historic District
06/30/2022
No
First
and
Last
Name
Mailing Address
Home
Phone
Number
Work
Phone
Number
Email Address
Lyndi
Kiple
115 N Dubuque
St, Unit 1, Iowa
712 898
8174
lyndi-
kiple@uiowa.edu
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City, IA
52245
Representative, Jefferson Street Historic District
06/30/2022
no
First and
Last
Name
Mailing Address
Home
Phone
Number
Work
Phone
Number
Email Address
qhpitzen@hotmail.com
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Quentin
Pitzen
2040
Tanglewood,
Iowa City, IA
52245
319 330
5882
At-large representative
06/30/2021
no
First and
Last
Name
Mailing
Address
Home
Phone
Number
Work
Phone
Number
Email Address
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Jordan
Sellergren
1729 N
Dubuque Rd,
Iowa City, IA
52245
319 520
7701
jsellergren@gmail.com
Austin
Wu
422 S
Dubuque St,
Apt 21, Iowa
City, IA
52240
319-654-
4394 austin-wu@uiowa.edu
At-large representative (both Sellergren and Wu)
06/30/2022- Sellergren and 06/30/2020- Wu
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two vacancies- East College Street Historic District and
Woodlawn Historic District
Name of Event Sponsor
Organization Location Date
Names of
Attendees
ArtUp: Murals &
Other Ways to
introduce Public
Art into Your
Historic
Downtown
Iowa Arts
Council
web/conference
call
February
21,
2019
Jessica
Bristow,
staff
Government
Alliance on
Race and
Equity Training
City of Iowa
City
Hilton Garden
Inn
March 29,
2019
Jessica
Bristow,
staff
Window
Restoration
Workshop with
Bob Yapp
Heritage
Works
Dubuque
Dubuque, Iowa
September
6,
2020
Cecile
Kuenzli
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Staff, Jessica Bristow
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Item Number: 4.
F ebruary 27, 2020
Pen d ing City Council Work Session Topics
AT TAC HM E NT S:
D escription
Pending City Council Work Session Topics
PENDING CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION TOPICS
February 27, 2020
Other Topics:
1. Evaluate need for a Local Option Sales Tax (LOST)
2. Consider a plan for rubberized surfacing at park playgrounds and develop strategies to address equity gaps
noted in the Parks Master Plan and plan for the equitable distribution of destination parks within an easy and
safe distance of all residents.
3. Discuss alcohol usage policies in City parks
4. Discuss possible changes to residential zoning classifications to allow and/or require a greater diversity of
housing types (i.e. missing middle)
Item Number: 5.
F ebruary 27, 2020
2018-2019 Strategic P l an Summary Report
AT TAC HM E NT S:
D escription
2018-2019 S trategic P lan Summary Report
Iowa City 2018-2019
Strategic Plan
Summary Report
February 2020
Sunset over Linn and Washington Streets downtown.
Table of Contents
Strategic Plan
Goals
3
Vibrant
Urban Core
10
Community
Engagement
19
Introduction &
Overview
4
Healthy
Neighborhoods
14
Environmental
Sustainability
24
Economy
6
Social Justice &
Racial Equity
33
Solid Financial
Foundation
17
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Promote a Strong and Resilient
Economy
Encourage a Vibrant and Walkable
Urban Core
Foster Healthy Neighborhoods
throughout the City
Maintain a Solid Financial
Foundation
Enhance Community Engagement
and Intergovernmental Relations
Promote Environmental
Sustainability
Advance Social Justice and Racial
Equity
for a more Inclusive, Just and
Sustainable Iowa City:
Iowa City's 2018-2019 Strategic Plan
www.icgov.org/strategicplan
3
Introduction &
Overview
City Council members are, from left:
Mazahir Salih, At-Large
Bruce Teague, At-Large
Pauline Taylor, District A, Mayor Pro Tem
Jim Throgmorton, At-Large, Mayor
Susan Mims, District B
Rockne Cole, At-Large
John Thomas, District C
City Council
Iowa City is governed by an elected City Council
of seven members: four Council members at-large
and three District members. The Council is
responsible for appointing the City Manager, City
Attorney, and City Clerk.
City Manager
The City Manager serves as the chief
administrative officer for the organization. The
City Manager implements the policy decisions of
the City Council, enforces City ordinances, and
appoints City officials, as well as supervises the
directors of the City’s operating departments.
City Staff
Iowa City employs approximately 600 full-time staff
members to execute the City Council’s policies and
provide public services to over 75,000 residents.
These include water, sewer, stormwater, garbage
and recycling utilities, as well as public services like
police, fire, building and housing inspections, parks
and recreation, street maintenance, engineering,
development services, transportation,
communication, and senior services.
City of Iowa City
Organizational Profile
Executive Summary
Beginning in January 2018, City Council engaged in
a strategic planning process to define the City’s top
priorities, address significant new projects and initiatives,
and establish a broad vision for the City’s future. A
resolution to formally adopt the 2018-2019 Strategic
Plan priorities was approved on March 20, 2018 and
update reports were released in November 2018 and
June 2019. City staff has been responsible for coordi-
nating implementation and execution of these Council
goals over the two-year period. The following offers
highlights from recent Strategic Plan accomplishments.
4
Moody’s Bond
Rating retained
Aaa
Tax levy
$ 15.833City Emergency Fund
returned to
$ 5,000,000
Double Up
Food Bucks
$ 4,241
SNAP Benefits
$ 4,750
Opened “Simple & Free”
food pantry at Senior Center
FINANCIAL FACTS
SUSTAINABILITY
SOCIAL JUSTICE / RACIAL EQUITY
HEALTHY NEIGHBORHOODS
HISTORIC PRESERVATIONLOCAL FOODS
COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENTdedicated to affordable housing
efforts in FY2019 and FY2020$ 2,000,000
Economic Protocol
Agreement reached by
Iowa City, Coralville, and North
Liberty to establish positive
regional business recruitment
tactics
LIVE
45 attendees at 3 Household
Hazardous Materials collection
events (fall 2018 & spring 2019)
New starting
minimum wage
Effective July 1, 2019 for all City of Iowa City
hourly positions
$ 11.50/hr$ 644,000 Aid to
Agencies
Awarded in FY2020
Children’s and Teen
Library material late
fines waved
(As of June 1, 2019)
Trees planted
since 2016
1500
Electric vehicles4
Electric utility vehicle/truck13Electric hybrids
5 Charging stations
+2 more ordered
in Climate
Action Grants
$ 75,000
Awarded over three
fiscal years
Park and bicycle projects completed and
under construction22 (Between 2018 and 2019)
$ 1,000,000 Contribution to Englert
Theatre and Film Scene
capital campaignFor historic building upkeep
15 Grants/
loans
Issued for exterior home
preservation in historic
neighborhoods59Local
landmarks
2019 Farmers Market:
City
Council
Meetings
Greater
purchasing
power
Community
garden plots
212
Leased in spring
2019
Hours viewed
From July 1, 2018
to June 4, 2019
816
(Proposed FY2021
reduction to $15.77)
6
Promote a Strong and
Resilient Local Economy
a. Undertake a comprehensive assessment of the current public transit system
and implement changes to assure that the service best meets the needs of the
entire community
b. Effectively market and grow the local food economy
c. Through cooperation with the Iowa City School District, Iowa Workforce
Development, Kirkwood Community College, Iowa Works, and others, increase
opportunities for marginalized populations and low-income individuals to obtain
access to skills training and good jobs
d. Work with Procter & Gamble and impacted supply chain companies, local
economic development organizations, and labor unions to respond effectively to
the company’s decision to terminate its local production of beauty care products
Residents were able to give feedback on the future of the city’s transit system during an open house meeting for the Iowa City Area Transit Study
in late 2019.1
7
Accomplishment Updates
1a Bus Transportation
A Transportation Study officially kicked off on August 27, 2019 with the City of
Coralville and the University of Iowa as partners in a coordinated effort to
improve area transit services. Nelson Nygaard was selected to perform the study
and the process involves significant public engagement over the next year. The
first round of public meetings and a “Build Your Own Transit Service” survey were
completed by December 2019 and a second round of meetings were completed
in late January 2020. Further engagement and the final recommendations should
be complete in summer 2020. After the transit study is complete, possible
revenue streams that can enhance transit access and service will be identified.
Preliminary discussions about alternative revenues took place in August 2019
during the Council’s initial budget Work Session.
Enhancing current transit services
City staff added and replaced ten bus shelters along routes that will likely stay
within the system’s operating schedule regardless of transit study findings. These
shelters have expanded pads and seating, making them accessible to all riders,
and are lit with solar-power. Another six shelters are slated for installation or
replacement in spring 2020. Further shelter upgrades will take place after the
completion of the route study.
1b Community Gardens
Growing seasons were busy in the City’s community gardens. In the four gardens,
202 plots were rented in 2018, and all 212 plots were rented in 2019. A series of
public meetings were held with Backyard Abundance in summer 2018 to gather
input on a new configuration for garden plots at Chadek Green. Final designs are
complete which include additional paths, a gathering space, and varied garden
plot sizes. Improvements are expected in early 2020.
Transportation director Darian
Nagle-Gamm collects public feedback at
the first Transit Study open house event.
Promote a
Strong and
Resilient Local
Economy
Blossoming community gardens are shown in the heart of Chadek Green Park.
8
Accomplishment Updates
Supporting local food systems
Sustainability staff sought project requests from organizations promoting and
serving the regional local foods system. Of the four proposals received, the
City chose to fund $45,000 in startup costs for a local food hub run by Field to
Family. Council approved funding at the June 4, 2019 meeting. The food hub began
operations in mid-June 2019, providing high volumes of quality, local food to
regional institutions and supporting a market for local foods.
The City also continued support of the SNAP at the market and the Double Up
Food Bucks program. Use of these programs has grown over the last several
years, as Farmer’s Market sales have also grown considerably since 2017.
Additionally, the Farm to Street Dinner continues to perform well, year after year.
This quickly sold-out congregate meal raises up to $10,000 for local foods
organizations, builds community, and educates participants about local foods and
restaurant efforts to source locally. The City has contributed $5,000 each year of
the event, supporting event coordination and setup. Each year, event revenues
have also contributed $5,000 to the Parks and Recreation Foundation for support
of local foods projects, like installing water access at City community gardens.
Exploration of a community kitchen
The Center provided a summary of the needed improvements for its commercial-
grade kitchen. In early August 2019, Council agreed that waiting until a full building
needs analysis is complete in 2020 would be the best approach, rather than
making significant investments before knowing what other priority improvements
may be more urgent.
1c Workforce efforts
Economic Development staff has generated an inventory of local and regional
efforts to identify gaps in services and potential collaborations, and a summary of
findings was shared with Council in September 2019. Staff has continued to work
with private businesses to identify workforce needs and barriers to employment.
ICAD, ICR Iowa, and Kirkwood Community College are involved in this effort to
better connect minority and immigrant populations with small business and
general employment resources.
Promote a
Strong and
Resilient Local
Economy
Hundreds of diners, and many more plates of food, helped raise $45,000 for a local food hub at the Farm to
Street Dinner on August 15, 2019.
9
Accomplishment Updates
Staff has presented a variety of resources and opportunities for both job seekers
and potential entrepreneurs. Multiple job fairs, sponsored by the City of Iowa City
and Iowa Works, have been held at the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center. Each year,
one fair is directed at positions for young workforce and one is directed at entry,
part-time, and permanent work for unemployed and underemployed individuals.
A workshop called “So You Want to Start a Business?” was given in partnership with
Kirkwood Community College in 2018 to give individuals basic knowledge to turn
their business idea into a reality. This program is being evaluated for a change in
format in the upcoming year.
The City partnered with the Iowa State Building and Construction Trades Council
in 2019. The City contributed $5,000 to the development, printing, and distribution
of an inaugural Building Trades Apprenticeship Planning Guide. The guide
assisted high school students, their guardians, school faculty, and non-profit
organizations in raising awareness about apprenticeships in the building trades.
Thirty-five hundred students in the Iowa City Community School District and
Johnson County received the guide.
Reducing employment barriers
In summer 2019, Council agreed to support two years of an annual contribution
of $25,000 for Kirkwood Community College’s expansion of its English Language
Learner program. Enhancing the ELL program with additional course availability
will increase employment opportunities for community members and support
businesses seeking skilled workers.
1d Procter and Gamble transition
Since the news of Procter & Gamble’s announcement to transition a portion of
their operations out of state, staff has engaged with their officials and connected
them with local and state resources to assist with any employees that may be
displaced. Although this transition has slowed, staff has continued work with ICAD
to express strong support for growing Procter & Gamble’s remaining operations
and to position the community for attracting new lines of business within the
company. Collectively, these groups are also working to aid supply chain
companies, which includes helping to determine if new business partnerships can
be established to help overcome potential loss in Procter & Gamble business.
Opportunity Zones
In 2018, the State and Federal government approved two Opportunity Zone
designations which provide federal tax advantages for property investments. These
Census tracts encompass most of the physical locations of Procter and Gamble,
their suppliers, and the Towncrest area. The Chamber of Commerce, ICAD, and
ICR assembled and have been sharing promotional information about these areas
to spur investment interest.
Promote a
Strong and
Resilient Local
Economy
10
Encourage a Vibrant and
Walkable Urban Core
a. Collaborate with the University of Iowa on its redevelopment of University-
owned property located in the Riverfront Crossings District, and on improving
the quality, accessibility, and use of the Iowa River Corridor
b. Preserve important parts of Iowa City’s history by considering the designation
of additional buildings as historic landmarks, and, by considering the creation of
an historic preservation district for part of the downtown after consulting with
stakeholders
c. Evaluate existing strategies and consider additional actions to address the need
for reinvestment in the city’s existing private housing stock
2The house at 608 Rundell St. is shown after it was renovated with Historic Preservation funds (pre-renovation images follow on page 11).
11
Accomplishment Updates
11
2a Highlighting the Iowa River
Staff meets regularly with University of Iowa personnel to discuss planning topics,
including the RFC campus and the river corridor. Staff from Iowa City and City of
Coralville are working with the University of Iowa to align current master plans
along the rivers and identify ways to strengthen existing plans or fill missing gaps
between the three entities. Staff has continued to work with community partners
and the University of Iowa on the upcoming Big Splash event and Theme Semester
planning. The Big Splash activities and Theme Semester “Flow”, will include
education, outreach, and programs in 2020. The celebration will serve as pivotal
point in time for the community to come together to celebrate and care for the
river. Staff will work with the University and Coralville to further align river planning
efforts after the master plan compilation is completed spring 2020.
2b Historic Preservation Grants
In FY2018 and FY2019, the Historic Preservation Fund grant program has awarded
15 matching grants and no-interest loans up to $5,000. Of the 15, the City has
given 13 grants and two loans. The continuation of this popular new program was
included in the FY2020 budget and proposed again in FY2021.
Recognizing a historic downtown
The Downtown Historic Survey was completed and made available to the public
in October 2018. The Historic Preservation Commission invited public comment
on the survey that October and presented its recommendations to Council on
October 23, 2018. Council decided to pursue a national landmark designation
of the downtown. The City retained AKAY Consulting, a historic preservation
consultant, to nominate the historic downtown, for listing in the National Register
of Historic Places. The nomination submission is expected in spring 2020.
Encourage a
Vibrant and
Walkable
Urban Core
Damage is visible to the exterior of the house at 608 Rundell St.
before its renovation with Historic Preservation funds.
12
Accomplishment Updates
12
Local landmarking activity
Iowa City currently has 59 individual local landmarks including twelve that were
designated since January 2018. The Historic Preservation Commission designated
the City Park Cabins, the Ned Ashton House, and the Senior Center (28 S. Linn
St.) as local landmarks. Overlay zoning requests were brought to City Council and
approved in spring 2019. Landmark designation was approved for 225 and 229 N.
Gilbert. In summer 2019, the City sold these two properties to Public Space One
and provided down payment assistance. PS1 is in the process of transforming the
houses into a community arts campus.
City Park Cabins restored
City Park cabin restorations were competed in 2018. Historic Preservation and
Parks and Recreation will work together to showcase the restored cabins. The
landmarking of these structures came just in time to plan for a celebration
marking an anniversary of nearby City Park Pool in May 2020. The engineer, Ned
Ashton, whose home the City also landmarked was the designer of City Park Pool.
Sanxay-Gilmore House
Staff continues to work with the University of Iowa to understand their timeline
for the potential demolition of the Sanxay-Gilmore House. The City received a
small emergency grant to study the movability of the house. The City will continue
to work with the University to explore ways to preserve the structure in the future.
Preserving historic buildings through cultural arts support
Council approved a $1 million contribution to the Englert Theater and Film Scene
capital campaign that will in large part enable the historic renovation of the Englert
building and make key investments in the Packing and Provisions Building that
currently houses the original Film Scene ped mall location. Some of Film Scene’s
renovations are underway and Englert’s renovations are expected in 2020.
Building Change Program
Economic Development staff re-
viewed five and approved three
applications (total of $121,000)
for the Building Change Loan
Program. Building Change is a
cooperative effort between the
City and local banks to allow
commercial building owners to
update facades and improve
underutilized interior space to
allow for residential or office use.
The awarded properties (111-
115 E. Washington, 119-123 E. Washington, and 16 S. Clinton) are considered
‘contributing’ properties to the downtown historic district, therefore requiring
historic preservation review. The buildings were examined and ultimately due
Encourage a
Vibrant and
Walkable
Urban Core
A freshly painted entrance at 111-115 E. Washington St.
downtown.
Exterior signage is complete at 119-
123 E. Washington Street.
13
Accomplishment Updates
13
Encourage a
Vibrant and
Walkable
Urban Core
to the condition of the original historic facade, designs for the buildings on E.
Washington were altered to preserve historic elements. The project on S. Clinton
is complete and projects on Washington Street are underway, expected to finish
in 2020.
2c Rental properties renovated and sold as owner-occupied
Changes were made to the UniverCity program to allow for the purchase of
duplex properties. Although it has been more challenging to feasibly purchase
suitable homes for renova-
tion, the program renovated
and sold five homes between
2018 and 2019. In 2018,
Council directed staff to
identify rented duplexes on
Taylor and Davis Streets and
approach property owners
and current tenants who
may have interest in
homeownership. The City
successfully purchased a
duplex at 1232 and 1234
Sandusky Ave., selling in
early 2020, and at 2129 and 2131 Taylor Dr., currently under renovation. Staff
will continue to pursue opportunities to secure additional properties in
the area that meet desired criteria for this program. These projects encourage
homeownership by current District residents without involuntary displacement
of renting tenants. The proposed budget for this program in FY2021 will allow
for more duplex unit purchases.
Former duplex and UniverCity property at 522 N. Dodge St., sold
as owner-occupied in summer 2019.
Pedestrians cross in front of 16 S. Clinton, now for lease.
Foster Healthy Neighborhoods
Throughout the City
a. Modify the existing Affordable Housing Action Plan to include new strategies to
improve the availability and affordability of housing in Iowa City
b. Embed the “Missing Middle” concept into the City’s land development practices
by adopting a Form Based Code for at least one (preferably two) of our
neighborhoods
c. Ensure the next two budgets contain sufficient funds to make meaningful progress
toward achieving the goals of the Bicycle Master Plan and Parks Master Plan
d. Complete an analysis of traffic accident data and identify actions to improve the
safety of our roadways for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians
3Paths are in place and soil is prepped for planting in the new orchard and community garden area at Creekside Park.
14
15
Accomplishment Updates
15
3a Increased funding for affordable housing
For the last three fiscal years, Council increased proposed affordable housing
budgets from $650,000 annually to $1 million commitments. This increase in
dedicated funding has enabled greater leverage of dollars for affordable housing
by housing agencies receiving funding from the City. Since 2016, the City, through
federal CDBG/HOME, City General Fund, and other leveraged dollars, Iowa City
has contributed over $8 million towards affordable housing projects.
Policy direction supporting affordable housing
Council adopted an Affordable Housing component to the City’s annexation policy
in July 2018. Also that July, Council approved a development agreement for the
Foster Road extension and development area that leverages an estimated
$2-3 million in affordable housing funds over the next ten years. Construction
on part of this project and Foster Road began in 2019 and road construction is
complete. The City’s Affordable Housing Action Plan, presented to City Council
in 2016, recommended fifteen actions to further affordable housing in Iowa
City. 2018 and 2019 saw application or expansion of a majority of these actions,
including the incorporation of an affordable housing line item in the annual budget,
strategically allocating low-income housing tax credit funding, and pursuing
a form-based code in the South District. In 2019, new recommendations
supporting these efforts include a security deposit program and modified
eligibility requirements for rehabilitation assistance. The City has devoted a signifi-
cant amount of time and funding directed at housing affordability.
3b Form based codes and neighborhood planning
A form-based code for the South District is under development with Opticos. So
far, a market study was done, stakeholder meetings held, and draft code was
provided for review by staff, the development community, and the public. Opticos
will return to Iowa City in early 2020 to finalize the code draft. The project is
estimated for completion in spring or summer 2020.
Council directed staff to pursue an agreement for a “visioning” for the Northside
Marketplace, along with a parking study for the Northside neighborhood. The
agreement is being finalized and will commence in spring 2020.
3c Playground, park, and bicycle network improvements
Bicycle Master Plan and Parks Master Plan projects continue to be addressed
with each construction season. In 2018, accessibility improvements were finished
at Highland, Pheasant Hill, Tower Court, and Mercer Parks. College Green was
updated in 2019, and accessibility improvements are planned for Brookland and
Hunter’s Run Parks in 2020.
Significant progress was made at Willow Creek Park and at the site of the Lower
City Park Adventure Playground. Final improvements are anticipated in spring
2020, along with new playgrounds at Fairmeadows, Scott, Wetherby, and
Napoleon Parks. Creekside Park opened with a new playground, paths, and sport
court, and just finished the orchard and community garden path area, ready for
planting in 2020. Villa Park and playground improvements were finished in 2019.
Foster Healthy
Neighborhoods
Throughout
the City
The completed buffered bike lane
on Governor Street.
16
Accomplishment Updates
16
In 2018, Cardigan Park was outfitted with a new playground, shelter, and the
first fire ring in a City park. Phases 1 through 3 of Riverfront Crossings Park were
completed between 2018 and 2019. Phase 4 of the project, the last of near-term
stages for Riverfront Crossings, saw the installation of the Snelson sculpture and
park entry signage, paving,
and landscaping, and should
be finalized in spring 2020.
Several new bicycle facilities,
including Clinton, Mormon
Trek, Myrtle and Green-
wood, Camp Cardinal Blvd,
Dodge Street, and portions of
Governor, were completed,
between the 2018-2019
construction seasons. A trail
extension along Highway 1,
between Sunset Street and
Mormon Trek was also installed in 2019. With the completion of an asphalt
resurfacing project on Governor from Ralston Creek to Jefferson, bike lanes will
be added in spring 2020. The Gateway Project and Park Road Bridge was com-
pleted in 2019, with final touches and punch list items anticipated in spring 2020.
3d Traffic accident analysis
Staff presented community-wide traffic accident data analysis findings and
preliminary recommendations at the April 23, 2019 Work Session. At this session,
Professor Jodi Plummert, of the University of Iowa also gave a presentation on
traffic and child pedestrians. The MPO is nearly finished with an analysis of
countermeasures and intends to follow-through with appropriate corrections
in early 2020.
The relocated Snelson sculpture greets visitors at the entrance to
Riverfront Crossings Park.
Foster Healthy
Neighborhoods
Throughout
the City
Progress has been made on the new playground at Willow Creek Park.
Maintain a Solid Financial
Foundation
a. Continue to monitor the impact of the 2013 property tax reform and evaluate
alternative revenue sources as determined necessary
b. Continue to build the City’s Emergency Fund
c. Monitor potential changes to Moody’s rating criteria and maintain the City’s Aaa
bond rating
d. Continue to reduce the City’s property tax levy
e. Maintain healthy fund balances throughout the City’s diverse operations
4
17
18
Accomplishment Updates
18
4a Property Tax Reform impacts
Property tax reform is consistently monitored as the 2013 changes impact the City
tax base. Full implementation is anticipated in FY2024. Careful budgeting practices
will be needed to see the City through the end of the FY2013 tax reforms
measures. City Council added a discussion of Local Option Sales Tax to their
pending Work Session topics and plans to analyze it in 2020.
4b Emergency Fund spending
Since January 2018, Emergency Fund expenditures totaled approximately
$511,000 for the purchase of three properties in the flood plain adjacent to Lower
City Park. The Emergency Fund balance was returned to just over $5 million in
the FY2020 budget and fund use is continually monitored. In early February 2020,
Council approved a $329,251 Emergency Fund land purchase of a portion of the
Elks Club property south of Foster Rd. The acquisition of the land will support the
Idyllwild Stormwater Diversion project.
4c Maintained Moody’s Aaa bond rating
The City experienced third-party bond rating calls in spring 2018 and 2019 with
Moody’s rating service. From those calls, Moody’s maintained the City’s Aaa
rating. Within this Strategic Plan period, Moody’s began reviewing how
communities are addressing and planning for climate adaptation. Therefore, Iowa
City’s climate mitigation and adaptation strategies were included in the ratings
presentations. Moody’s is a premiere institution and earning the top rating of
Aaa is rare. Iowa City is one of only three Iowa cities with an Aaa rating, and one
of 238 (9.15%) of cities nationally, with this exceptional general obligation bond
rating. This top bond rating allows Iowa City to borrow funds at lower interest
rates, reducing the total cost of borrowing and debt service.
4d Continued reduction in total property tax levy rate
The City reduced the property tax rate in FY2019 and again in FY2020 primarily
through decreasing the City’s debt service levy. Responsible borrowing and early
repayment of debt, along with strong taxable growth, has permitted decreases
in the debt levy. Through FY2020, the debt service levy was reduced for eight
consecutive years and resulted in a combined decrease of $0.50 in FY2019 and
FY2020 property tax levy. A spike in property assessments and further debt
service adjustments will make it possible to make additional small debt service levy
reductions in the next couple of years. The FY2021 budget has proposed another
$0.06 decrease in the overall city tax rate.
4e Maintaining healthy fund balances
FY2018 and FY2019 year-end fund balances were positive and healthy for most
funds. In FY2019 and FY2020, the City implemented a 5% increase in water rates
to preserve a fund balance that keeps up with necessary annual capital infrastruc-
ture maintenance. In FY2020, a $0.50 monthly storm water increase was also
approved. Each year, the City reviews its fund balances to determine whether a
change in user fees is necessary; when an increase is proposed, the City attempts
to implement a modest increase to avoid a large jump in service fees.
Maintain a
Solid Financial
Foundation
Enhance Community
Engagement and
Intergovernmental Relations
a. Experiment with innovative ways of engaging with diverse populations in person
and on social media
b. Improve collaborative problem-solving with governmental entities in the region
on topics of shared interest
c. Improve relationships with the executive branch and legislature by reaching out
to legislators and other elected officials and working with City lobbyists
5
19
Communications staff began live-streaming City Council meetings and other events to new audiences on Facebook.
20
Accomplishment Updates
20
5a Exploring the digital frontier
In early 2018, the City began streaming City Council meetings and a variety of
other programs on Facebook Live. Making meetings and events accessible in
this way provides an additional way for folks to stay informed of the topics they
are interested in, even if they can’t make it to City Hall. Additionally, a podcast
series called “Iowa City Matters” was introduced in 2019. The new medium is
available 24/7 on major pod-
cast platforms. Iowa City
Matters has featured local
experts in focused discus-
sions on issues specific to
the Council’s Strategic Plan,
including historic preser-
vation, crisis intervention,
transportation and bicycling,
accessibility and inclusivity,
and housing rehabilitation.
Human Rights hired a Com-
munications intern to help
promote equity issues and provide educational information to the public. The
Human Rights Commission also added a Facebook page, Instagram account, and
newsletter The Lens, in 2019.
Budget transparency and engagement
In January 2018, staff elevated transparency in City budget planning and
education by holding events called, “Breakfast on a Budget,” and “Budget 101”
(a Facebook Livestream Q&A), and a summer event called “Chip In.” The three
new engagement concepts encouraged residents to learn about the budget
process, engage actively in question and answer with staff, and share their
priorities, ideas, and suggestions for community improvements and spending.
Breakfast on a Budget has become a staple activity before presentation of
the annual City budget, and a variation of Chip In was repeated with a wide-
reaching community survey and engagement at public events. Feedback about
resident priorities received from the Chip In activities were presented to Council
in August Work Sessions and considered throughout the development of the
annual budgets.
Grants supported community wellness and connection
Neighborhood PIN Grants were issued for programs like Friendsgiving in fall
2018, where neighborhoods in the South District gathered for a potluck meal.
Invest Health grants allowed for a small cultural music festival at the Pepperwood
Plaza in April 2018.
Police community outreach
In 2019, the Iowa City Police Department re-envisioned the role of its newest
Community Outreach Assistant. This staff interacts, educates, and relates to
community members who may be less familiar or comfortable with the Police
Enhance
Community
Engagement and
Intergovernmental
Relations
21
Accomplishment Updates
21
Department. They provide tours, speak with groups, and visit schools and
community venues, to encourage and build trust between residents and public
safety services. The value of this effort has been quickly recognized by the public.
Expanding social and educational connections
The Senior Center and Parks and Recreation Departments are developing
relationships and new partnerships with less-engaged community members and
groups. These efforts continue to broaden resident exposure and meaningful
access to recreational services.
The Senior Center has partnered with Film Scene, The African American Museum,
and other organizations to infuse current programming areas with more culturally
inclusive and relevant materials and displays. These events and educational
forums are sited in The Center and at City-sponsored events held throughout
the community. The Center has also been spearheading the gathering of Senior
Service directors and coordinators at local government entities to ensure that
efforts to reduce senior isolation and encourage community engagement are
effectively shared between agencies.
Parks and Recreation is expanding programming opportunities to a broader base
of community members with special needs, focusing on activating parks across
Iowa City neighborhoods with social gathering opportunities and special events,
and further developing its relationship with before-and-after-school programs to
provide free swim lessons to elementary students.
5b Intergovernmental cooperation
In 2018, a Council-initiated regional discussion on I-380 planning led to a meeting
on August 2nd. Iowa City and Coralville elected officials and leadership agreed at
Enhance
Community
Engagement and
Intergovernmental
Relations
Community Outreach Assistant Daisy Torres visits with the Friendship Community Project, a nonprofit offering free
English and life skills classes to Iowa City area adult immigrants and refugees.
22
Accomplishment Updates
22
the meeting to cooperate further on future corridor public transportation efforts.
Council continues to be active participants in the quarterly joint government
meetings. Council held a joint meeting with the Johnson County Board of
Supervisors in late 2018. Council also held a joint meeting with the University of
Iowa Student Government in February 2020.
Regional economic development protocol
A regional economic development protocol agreement was approved by City
Council in late 2018. The Cities of Iowa City, Coralville, and North Liberty agreed to
communicate with each other and avoid incentives encouraging developers and
businesses to relocate from one of the three cities to another.
Iowa City provides refuse billing services for University Heights
As of July 1, 2019, the City’s Revenue Division took on the billing activity for University
Heights residential refuse service. Iowa City already provides University Heights
utility billing for water and sewer, and due to a change in services provided by their
refuse hauler, it was agreed that Iowa City could assist by adding refuse billing to
approximately 360 existing customer accounts.
Renewed Fire Mutual Aid Agreement
Although a 28E fire mutual aid agreement has been in-place and exercised
regularly for decades, a new automatic aid agreement was approved early in 2019
and implemented April 1 between Iowa City, Coralville, and North Liberty. The
automatic aid agreement between the three communities allows the Joint
Emergency Communications Center (JECC) to automatically and simultaneously
dispatch partnered agencies to building fire incidents. It was acknowledged by the
leadership of all three agencies that the departments could reinforce one
another in challenging response areas, resulting ultimately in improved safety
for responding firefighters and more effective service to those requiring
emergency aid.
5c Activity with the Iowa State Legislature
During the 2018 and 2019 state legislative sessions, Iowa City worked with
lobbying firm Carney and Appleby to monitor and advocate the Council’s legislative
priorities in Des Moines. At the end of the 2018 session, most major concerns,
such as preserving the backfill had positive or neutral outcomes for the City. By
the end of the 2019 session, the legislature had taken away the City’s ability to
use rental permit caps and modified property tax laws which impact the way Iowa
municipalities budget.
Property tax reform legislation passed at the State in 2019 impacted preparation
for the FY2021 budget. State legislation limits annual property tax growth to 2%.
Any proposed levy that shows higher than 2% growth is required to give extra
notice, hold an additional public hearing and achieve a super-majority Council
approval. In a growing community, it will be very rare that the city would not
experience 2% growth in tax revenue. Therefore, for FY2021, City staff has
prepared for this altered time frame for approvals and public hearings.
Enhance
Community
Engagement and
Intergovernmental
Relations
23
Accomplishment Updates
23
Enhance
Community
Engagement and
Intergovernmental
Relations
Legislative relations
On Sept. 7, 2018, staff conducted an Iowa City tour with area legislators and
Council members. The tour shared the latest improvements to parks, facilities,
and notable development projects, related to State financial support and local
needs. Relationships with local legislators remain productive and several contacts
were made with current legislators as well as with district candidates during the
2018 campaigns. In 2018 and 2019, staff participated in Iowa League of Cities and
Corridor Chamber Day events at the Capitol. The City continues to build relation-
ships with newly elected legislators at state and federal levels, visiting with them in
town, Des Moines, and Wash-
ington DC. On a national level,
City Council stayed engaged
with other elected officials
through the U.S. Conference
of Mayors and the Mayors
Innovation Project. Ideas
and challenges presented
through the eyes of other
local leaders confirmed that
other cities have experiences
like Iowa City, and examples
can be explored.
Response to occupancy and rental legislation
In response to the 2019 approved rental cap legislation, Council approved a
moratorium on new rental permits in certain areas of the community while staff
explored additional approaches to maintaining the balance and character of
impacted neighborhoods. Changes to City Code were presented and approved
by City Council before the end of 2019. A few methods to help manage the health
and safety of concerned neighborhoods include expansion of the City’s rent-
al inspection program, required radon testing, altered parking area allowances,
and required open space. The moratorium was lifted early, in January 2020.
Exploring opportunities to secure grant funds
The City will release an RFP in 2020 to consider hiring a lobbying firm to work
on behalf of the City to help secure federal funds for a new transit facility and
generally build stronger relationships at the federal level.
Iowa City’s state legislative delegation tours Riverfront Crossings with
staff and council members.
Promote Environmental
Sustainability
a. Adopt an effective Climate Action and Adaptation Plan and ensure the next two
budgets contain sufficient funds to facilitate achieving its goal
b. Support efforts to increase the reach of the Parks and Recreation Foundation
6Two of the City’s four electric cars are shown in the Chauncey Swan Parking Ramp.
24
25
Accomplishment Updates
25
6a Climate Action Plan Progress
City Council adopted the Iowa City Climate Action and Adaptation Plan in
September 2018 which includes 35 actions for the community and municipality
to undertake to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These actions were identified
and quantified so when implemented, Iowa City can achieve the 2025 and 2050
greenhouse gas reduction targets set by City Council.
Following the adoption of the Plan,
community and Council discussions
pushed the City to revisit and set carbon
emissions targets at the International
PCC levels of 40% reduction by 2030 and
net zero emissions by 2050. City Council
adopted these new goals in summer 2019
and established a formal Climate Action
Commission to help the City reach these
goals. Council also requested a report
that would accelerate community and
City actions to address climate change.
City staff delivered a report within 100
days of the request, on November 14,
2019. Staff moved ahead with a FY2021
budget proposal that addresses needs
identified in the “Accelerating Iowa City Climate Actions” 100 Day Report, and
the City’s Climate Action Commission is reviewing it. The Commission will make
recommendations to Council prior to the formal adoption of report actions.
City staff care about climate action
A representative group of City staff meets regularly with a dedicated focus on
reducing waste, encouraging transportation alternatives, and improving the
efficiency of city facility operations. This committee is primarily
tasked with internal organization climate actions and supports
public-facing climate programs as appropriate. They began
development of a “best practices for city operations” guide in
late 2019.
Establishing a new City Division
With the FY2021 budget, a newly-created Climate Action and Outreach division of
the City Manager’s Office, is proposed. This three-person division will be focused
on implementation of the City’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, reducing
carbon emissions, and integrating climate action efforts throughout the
community and City operations. Positions will be staffed with current and new
hires, and work collaboratively with the new Climate Action Commission, City
staff, and the public. This dedication of resources will further the activities
proposed in the Climate Action Plan and the “100 Day Report”.
Promote
Environmental
Sustainability
26
Accomplishment Updates
26
Grants for community climate action projects
The City awarded 12 new Community Climate Action Grants in 2019 and
opened the FY2021 grant application period in early February 2020. Through
this program, organizations are provided up to $5,000 for projects addressing a
spectrum of Climate Plan objectives. These grants began in 2017, as a
positive way of engaging the community, supporting climate work, and funding
worthwhile projects in Iowa City. In July 2020, $50,000 is slated for funding
community group projects that will reduce carbon emissions and support the
City’s climate goals. Details about the awarded FY2019 and FY2020 projects
are included in the Climate Plan Highlights section in subsequent pages of this
report.
Celebrating climate action
Staff has been involved with event planning faculty and students at the University
of Iowa, along with other stakeholders to plan for the City’s first-ever Climate
Festival, scheduled in September 2020. This public festival will include
opportunities for educational forums, activities, and information sessions with
community organizations and businesses in support of climate action.
6b Furthering goals of the Parks and Recreation Foundation
Efforts to expand the reach of the Parks and Recreation Foundation have been
focused primarily upon working with individual donors. Staff has been building
relationships with those who express interest in park related improvements
and has been working with a group of swimmers for fundraising related to swim
scholarships. The department is currently updating a record of donations from
the past year. Additionally, in-kind work on a vision for the Foundation, including
graphics and branding have been in development.
Promote
Environmental
Sustainability
27
Implementation of the Iowa City Climate Action and Adaptation Plan is underway. Here are progress highlights from
the first sixteen months after adoption:
General Updates
►With the aid of oversight and guidance from the new Climate Action Commission, City staff is working to
communicate annual progress on implementation of the Climate Action Plan. Updates will include an annual
community-wide greenhouse gas inventory, progress on all thirty-five actions in the Plan, and materials will be
generated for public awareness.
►The City awarded twelve new Community Climate Action Grants in 2019. Organizations and groups will be
reimbursed up to $5,000 for projects addressing a spectrum of Climate Plan objectives. This program, started
in 2017, has been a positive way to engage the community, support climate work, and fund worthwhile projects
in Iowa City that will reduce our emissions. Details about projects supporting specific Climate Action Plan
objectives are below.
►Staff has been involved with event planning faculty and students at the University of Iowa, along with other
stakeholders to plan for the City’s first-ever Climate Festival, scheduled in September 2020.
Plan Progress
Action
1.1 As of February 1, 2019, participants in the City’s owner-occupied housing rehabilitation
program receive an energy assessment by the City’s affiliated Green Iowa AmeriCorps (GIA).
Participant homes also receive weatherization to improve energy efficiency and lower energy.
Between September 2019 and February 1, 2020, the City’s partnership with GIA performed 91
energy assessments. There have been over 300 audits conducted since 2016.
The newly formed Johnson County Clean Energy District organization was awarded a 2019
City Climate Action Grant for launching the planning phase of an initiative to increase
residential energy efficiency audits and retrofits in Iowa City over the next five years. This
group has identified a pilot neighborhood for weatherization and basic energy efficiency
improvements and is developing a website.
1.2 A Climate Action Grant was awarded to non-profit Old Brick for installation of digital,
programable thermostats and installing solar lighting in the parking lot. The projects are
expected to yield a 20% energy savings and be an example for commercial spaces.
1.3 A Climate Action Grant was awarded to Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity for providing high
efficiency, low emissions air source heat pumps for three newly constructed homes. One
house also received solar panels. This effort is a pilot to reduce emissions while improving
energy efficiency affordability for low-income homeowners.
1.5 Resulting from the solar feasibility study and direction from Council, staff is pursuing two
solar array projects. The Public Works facility, completed in late 2019, will have a rooftop
solar installation installed in 2020, along with an installation at the Terry Trueblood
Recreation Area. The projects are combined and sought proposals in February 2020.
Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Progress Highlights
City Of Iowa City Climate Action And Adaptation Plan 21
Actions are organized by the following areas that represent where the community can make an impact, while recognizing that some actions cut across sectors to deliver
multiple benefits:
Each of these areas is described in a separate section with background information included on the current status of the issue and Iowa City’s efforts. In the beginning of
each section, there is a short list of equity considerations that should be reflected upon and addressed during the ongoing implementation of each action. Further, many
actions tend to offer additional benefits to Iowa Citians. These co-benefits are highlighted by the following icons in each section:
In addition, each individual action is coded to describe whether action is needed at home, at work, at the government level, or a combination of these. This icon signals to
residents, businesses, and community-based organizations where they can take action and what programs, education, and support the City may lead. At the end of each
section, readers will also find suggestions for individual action and participation. Finally, the City has developed a Climate Action Toolkit as a companion to the Plan. The
Toolkit includes information, materials, checklists, and links to several valuable resources, and serves as a resource guide to inspire residents, businesses, schools, and
community-based organizations to take an active role in the shared objective of reducing the City’s GHG emissions. The Toolkit can be found online at www.icgov.org/
climateaction.
While it is not possible to predict the future with certainty, the information that is available on technology improvements and policy trends has been used to attempt to look
beyond the initial emissions reduction goal of 2025 and to identify what additional actions will be needed to reach the more aggressive 2050 goals.
Buildings Transportation Waste Adaptation Sustainable Lifestyle
Taking Action: How to Use This Plan
Reduced costs Improved health Cleaner
environment
Job growth
opportunities
Resilience/ability
to adapt
Increased
engagement/
awareness
$$$$$$
Buildings
28
On a related note, the City Manager’s Office and Sustainability staff met with both
MidAmerican Energy and Eastern Iowa Light and Power to talk about partnering on potential
opportunities for solar or other energy saving projects. MidAmerican Energy and the City are
working toward an agreement to install utility-scale solar in a portion of Waterworks Park,
near the Iowa City Water Plant. To move forward with a project like this, zoning changes were
needed in order to allow solar projects on one or more acres of publicly owned land. City
Council approved these changes in fall 2019.
1.7 Improvements implemented in City facilities include a Building Automation System (BAS)
at City Hall and the Robert A. Lee and Mercer Recreation Centers along with a new boiler
system and HVAC work. A BAS, now in 11 City facilities, allows staff to monitor and optimally
operate the building HVAC systems with the intent of lowering energy use and costs.
Approximately 2,400 bulbs at City facilities were converted to LED lights since September
2018. These projects include parking ramp stairwells and office areas, the Transit building, the
household hazardous waste room at the Landfill, Cable TV offices, an IT server room, the MPO
offices, and exterior lighting at City Hall, the Equipment shop, the Parks shop, the Napoleon
baseball fields, and the Refuse building. Additional indoor pool and outdoor LED lighting
conversion is planned at Mercer Recreation Center.
City staff have been tracking municipal natural gas and electricity utility data for the past 11
years, but a more effective software program was purchased in 2018 to analyze facility data
with the intent of prioritizing energy efficiency improvements. The City actively monitors utility
usage and prioritizes energy efficiency projects at City facilities.
Action
2.1 A community-wide Transportation study conducted by Nelson Nygaard is in progress. The
study has already incorporated significant community engagement in determining possible
routes, services, and other factors that could lead to greater use of the City’s transit services.
The consultant team and staff conducted several open houses and used digital platforms to
collect feedback and present route and transit amenities. The study will be complete in sum-
mer 2020, and staff is planning for how to roll out improvements selected by the community.
2.2 The City vehicle fleet now has three electric utility vehicles, five electric passenger cars with a
sixth arriving soon, and three hybrid vehicles, with two more on order. Free electric vehicle
charging stations are available for public use at Capitol St, Dubuque St., Court St, Harrison St,
and Chauncey Swan parking ramps. Further, Transportation Services spent 2019 researching
and actively investigating options for electric buses and applied for a grant for the purchase
of an electric bus.
Iowa City is leading other communities and planning agencies in Eastern Iowa in the im-
plementation of a grant from The Iowa Economic Development Authority to create a local
readiness plan for electric vehicles. The project includes the recommendation of practices
cities can undertake to promote the integration of electric vehicles in our community,
including policy and code changes and incentives. A request for consultant proposals was
released in January 2020 and the project should commence in spring 2020.
Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Progress Highlights (continued)
City Of Iowa City Climate Action And Adaptation Plan 21
Actions are organized by the following areas that represent where the community can make an impact, while recognizing that some actions cut across sectors to deliver
multiple benefits:
Each of these areas is described in a separate section with background information included on the current status of the issue and Iowa City’s efforts. In the beginning of
each section, there is a short list of equity considerations that should be reflected upon and addressed during the ongoing implementation of each action. Further, many
actions tend to offer additional benefits to Iowa Citians. These co-benefits are highlighted by the following icons in each section:
In addition, each individual action is coded to describe whether action is needed at home, at work, at the government level, or a combination of these. This icon signals to
residents, businesses, and community-based organizations where they can take action and what programs, education, and support the City may lead. At the end of each
section, readers will also find suggestions for individual action and participation. Finally, the City has developed a Climate Action Toolkit as a companion to the Plan. The
Toolkit includes information, materials, checklists, and links to several valuable resources, and serves as a resource guide to inspire residents, businesses, schools, and
community-based organizations to take an active role in the shared objective of reducing the City’s GHG emissions. The Toolkit can be found online at www.icgov.org/
climateaction.
While it is not possible to predict the future with certainty, the information that is available on technology improvements and policy trends has been used to attempt to look
beyond the initial emissions reduction goal of 2025 and to identify what additional actions will be needed to reach the more aggressive 2050 goals.
Buildings Transportation Waste Adaptation Sustainable Lifestyle
Taking Action: How to Use This Plan
Reduced costs Improved health Cleaner
environment
Job growth
opportunities
Resilience/ability
to adapt
Increased
engagement/
awareness
$$$$$$
Transportation
29
2.3 Between 2018 and 2019, bike lanes were striped on 1st Ave (Bradford to Hwy 6), Dodge
and Governor Streets (Burlington to Summit), Mormon Trek Blvd (Hwy 6 to Melrose), Clinton
(Benton to Church), Dodge (Governor to Kirkwood), Foster Rd (Dubuque to Prairie Du Chien),
and Camp Cardinal Blvd. McCollister Rd construction (Gilbert to Sycamore) will be started in
2020, with bicycle facilities installed at the completion of the project. The Southeast side of
Iowa City will see new bicycle facilities in 2020 on Keokuk, Southgate, Sandusky, and Taylor,
and due to significant University of Iowa construction, Madison St. (Burlington to Market) is
likely to be added in 2021. These new bicycle facilities continue to make safe pedestrian and
bicycle connections throughout town, reducing necessary car trips.
Two Climate Action Grants issued in 2018 encouraged bicycling and bicycle education.
Iowa City Bike Library and Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County partnered to offer 60
helmets, light safety equipment, and refurbished used bicycles to children who were enrolled
in after-school bicycle safety programming with the Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County.
Pedals for People was made possible through a partnership between United Nations Associ-
ation of Johnson County, Refugee & Immigrant Association, Bicyclist of Iowa City, University of
Iowa College of Public Health, and the Iowa City Bicycle Library. The project provided a bicycle,
safety equipment, and basic bicycle maintenance and bike safety for participants sent from
the Refugee & Immigrant Association.
2.7 Refuse and Engineering staff worked with the City’s GIS platform to devise a revised plan for
Refuse truck routing. Solid Waste, Recycling, and Organics pickup have had standard routes
for years, adding streets to routes as neighborhoods were built out throughout Iowa City. In
early 2019, staff modified all routes to rebalance the number of stops, and reduce excess
vehicle miles traveled, all while keeping resident pickups on the same day of the week. Staff
is monitoring impacts of this change. Additionally, City staff implemented an idling reduction
policy for non-emergency City fleet cars in summer 2019 and is monitoring fuel and carbon
emissions savings.
Action
3.1 Code changes made in 2017 require that recycling must be available to multi-family residential
buildings with 4 or more units. In some cases, groups of buildings may share nearby recycling
and solid waste locations but all must have it available near the building. City staff is working
on increasing proper use of these containers, and will be pursuing more clear signage and
additional recycling education.
3.2 Large, 95-gallon recycling containers were distributed to all Iowa City residential customers
in late 2018 and early 2019. The bulk of the 95-gallon organics carts requested by residents
followed after the recycling carts. Additional organics cart purchases were made during
2019 to keep up with high resident demand. In addition to increased communications with
residents, the larger carts also inspired a larger volume of recyclables and yard waste/
organics for pick up.
City recycling collection experienced an impressive 45% increase in curbside recycling
volumes between 2017 and 2019. Staff believes this surge in recycling is an outcome from
the 2017 ban on landfilled cardboard and from increased use of the 95 gallon containers.
Curbside organics collection saw even more growth with the use of larger containers,
Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Progress Highlights (continued)
City Of Iowa City Climate Action And Adaptation Plan 21
Actions are organized by the following areas that represent where the community can make an impact, while recognizing that some actions cut across sectors to deliver
multiple benefits:
Each of these areas is described in a separate section with background information included on the current status of the issue and Iowa City’s efforts. In the beginning of
each section, there is a short list of equity considerations that should be reflected upon and addressed during the ongoing implementation of each action. Further, many
actions tend to offer additional benefits to Iowa Citians. These co-benefits are highlighted by the following icons in each section:
In addition, each individual action is coded to describe whether action is needed at home, at work, at the government level, or a combination of these. This icon signals to
residents, businesses, and community-based organizations where they can take action and what programs, education, and support the City may lead. At the end of each
section, readers will also find suggestions for individual action and participation. Finally, the City has developed a Climate Action Toolkit as a companion to the Plan. The
Toolkit includes information, materials, checklists, and links to several valuable resources, and serves as a resource guide to inspire residents, businesses, schools, and
community-based organizations to take an active role in the shared objective of reducing the City’s GHG emissions. The Toolkit can be found online at www.icgov.org/
climateaction.
While it is not possible to predict the future with certainty, the information that is available on technology improvements and policy trends has been used to attempt to look
beyond the initial emissions reduction goal of 2025 and to identify what additional actions will be needed to reach the more aggressive 2050 goals.
BuildingsTransportation Waste Adaptation Sustainable Lifestyle
Taking Action: How to Use This Plan
Reduced costs Improved health Cleaner
environment
Job growth
opportunities
Resilience/ability
to adapt
Increased
engagement/
awareness
$$$$$$
Waste
30
resulting in an increase of 94.5% between 2017 and 2019. The diversion of these materials
from the landfill maintains future available space in the landfill, reducing some long-term
costs, and yard and food waste collection provides abundant fresh compost materials for use
in the community, reducing the amount of landfill-sourced methane
3.3 City Climate Action Grants were awarded in 2019 to Houses into Homes and to Salvage Barn,
for diversion of community-donated household items and donated housing construction
materials from the landfill. These items either furnish homes of families and individuals in
need and/or transitioning out of homelessness in Iowa City and nearby communities, or
provide a valuable resource for community members to find vintage, historic, or useful home
repair materials, rather than buying new. These grants supported storage and shelving space,
as well as technology to help organize donations, deliveries, and inventory. In late 2019,
Houses into Homes requested an additional $25,000 directly from City Council and was
granted funding to keep the organization in operation. A portion ($10,000) of these funds
will be paid from a state solid waste management grant, applied for by City Resource
Management staff.
Two Climate Action Grants were awarded in 2018 for diversion of waste. One small grant
went to a panelist addressing “fast fashion” for Flyover Fest attendees, and the other was
issued to partners STEAM Fab Lab, NISAA African Family Services and Home Ec. for a sewing
cooperative project that provided job skill training, childcare, transportation as participants
learned to reuse materials for grocery bags, feminine hygiene products, and others.
3.4 Work on an education campaign for diversion of construction materials is in progress.
Recycling and reuse workshops headed by the Resource Management Division were held
throughout 2019.
3.5 Staff rolled out compost programs at five City facilities and the program is popular. Adding
composting to additional facilities is in discussion.
3.6
3.7
Staff is engaged in a methane-capture study for the Landfill and Waste Water Treatment
Facility. An RFP for consultant study on the Landfill and Waste Water Facility was awarded in
fall 2019 with a completion goal by spring 2020. The study outcome will provide options for
the City to mitigate, harness, or productively use methane emissions from these two facilities.
Action
4.1
4.2
The Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN) awarded grant funding to hire a full-time
fellow over summer 2019 to further equity and sustainability work and Iowa City was one
of seven communities nationally chosen to host an Equity and Diversity Fellow. The scope
of work in Iowa City is focused on outreach and getting a better sense of the needs of
underserved and under-represented communities who may be disproportionally impacted
by climate change. A final report is anticipated in spring 2020.
4.4 The City approved the adoption of the Johnson County Emergency Management Agency
Hazard Mitigation Plan in May 2019. Staff provided information to the County and their
consultant as the Plan was developed to ensure inclusion of climate-sensitive issues. The City
will continue to cooperate with other agencies and communicate this through the planned
climate communications plan.
Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Progress Highlights (continued)
City Of Iowa City Climate Action And Adaptation Plan 21
Actions are organized by the following areas that represent where the community can make an impact, while recognizing that some actions cut across sectors to deliver
multiple benefits:
Each of these areas is described in a separate section with background information included on the current status of the issue and Iowa City’s efforts. In the beginning of
each section, there is a short list of equity considerations that should be reflected upon and addressed during the ongoing implementation of each action. Further, many
actions tend to offer additional benefits to Iowa Citians. These co-benefits are highlighted by the following icons in each section:
In addition, each individual action is coded to describe whether action is needed at home, at work, at the government level, or a combination of these. This icon signals to
residents, businesses, and community-based organizations where they can take action and what programs, education, and support the City may lead. At the end of each
section, readers will also find suggestions for individual action and participation. Finally, the City has developed a Climate Action Toolkit as a companion to the Plan. The
Toolkit includes information, materials, checklists, and links to several valuable resources, and serves as a resource guide to inspire residents, businesses, schools, and
community-based organizations to take an active role in the shared objective of reducing the City’s GHG emissions. The Toolkit can be found online at www.icgov.org/
climateaction.
While it is not possible to predict the future with certainty, the information that is available on technology improvements and policy trends has been used to attempt to look
beyond the initial emissions reduction goal of 2025 and to identify what additional actions will be needed to reach the more aggressive 2050 goals.
BuildingsTransportationWaste Adaptation Sustainable Lifestyle
Taking Action: How to Use This Plan
Reduced costs Improved healthCleaner
environment
Job growth
opportunities
Resilience/ability
to adapt
Increased
engagement/
awareness
$$$$$$
Adaptation
31
4.5 A new Stormwater Technician position is being recruited in early 2020. This person will
assist the Stormwater Engineer facilitate neighborhood stormwater projects and residential
stormwater management assistant programs. Additionally, in 2019, the City added an
Assistant Parks Superintendent to support management of natural areas maintenance. City-
owned natural areas, like Riverfront Crossings Park, sequester carbon, reduce runoff, and
help control flooding. The City has made and will continue to make progress in maintaining
these areas with help from the position changes.
A 2018 Climate Action Grant was issued to the Iowa Institute of Hydraulic Research (IIHR)
and University of Iowa College of Engineering for a comprehensive bathymetric survey of the
Terry Trueblood Lake bed geometry. This data makes it possible for engineers and scientists
to develop an adaptation plan that will enhance the lake as habitat for fish and other wildlife
and improve water quality.
4.6 In addition to the 1,500 trees that have been planted in the past three years, approximately
75 trees will be planted in 2020 to buffer the railroad along 420th St. By expanding the
public tree canopy, these trees will assist in eliminating CO2 from the air, reducing stormwater
runoff, removing air pollutants and providing shade for years to come. Additional discussions
with Project Green are underway, to establish programs to substantially increase public and
private tree plantings.
Action
5.1 Backyard Abundance was awarded a Climate Action Grant to fund “garden gurus” at the Edible
Classroom, Wetherby Park Edible Forest, and Chadek Green Community Garden. In summer
2019, gardening experts were available at regularly scheduled hours to assist gardeners and
answer gardening questions while educating about the benefits of climate-friendly gardens.
5.2 In 2019, the City rented 221 community garden plots in varying sizes. In 2020, Creekside Park
will add a community orchard of approximately 26 fruit-bearing plantings (6 trees; 20 bushes),
Walden Pond will add 10-15 plots, and Chadek Green will be reconfigured to include varying
garden sizes and additional pathways. In addition to increasing community gardens and
gardening programs, the City issued a $45,000 grant to Field to Family in support of starting
a local food hub.
The City awarded 2019 Climate Action Grants to the Women, Food & Agriculture Network
to match aspiring women farmers with seasoned farm mentors in the Iowa City area, to the
Iowa Valley Resource Conservation and Development for a “Community Food Sovereignty
Initiative”. The projects support local farmers in the Iowa City area and identify food preferences
of immigrant and low-income community members finding it challenging to access familiar
and affordable produce. The University of Iowa Student Governments were also awarded a
2019 Climate Action Grant for a “Local Foods Passport” project, encouraging students and
community members to try plant-rich menu items and get local produce at the Iowa City
Farmer’s Market.
5.3 A 2018 Climate Action Grant was awarded to a partnership between Iowa Interfaith
Power & Light, First United Methodist, First Presbyterian and Wesley Student Center. This
non-denominational educational and active-participant forum was held on a rotating basis at
Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Progress Highlights (continued)
City Of Iowa City Climate Action And Adaptation Plan 21
Actions are organized by the following areas that represent where the community can make an impact, while recognizing that some actions cut across sectors to deliver
multiple benefits:
Each of these areas is described in a separate section with background information included on the current status of the issue and Iowa City’s efforts. In the beginning of
each section, there is a short list of equity considerations that should be reflected upon and addressed during the ongoing implementation of each action. Further, many
actions tend to offer additional benefits to Iowa Citians. These co-benefits are highlighted by the following icons in each section:
In addition, each individual action is coded to describe whether action is needed at home, at work, at the government level, or a combination of these. This icon signals to
residents, businesses, and community-based organizations where they can take action and what programs, education, and support the City may lead. At the end of each
section, readers will also find suggestions for individual action and participation. Finally, the City has developed a Climate Action Toolkit as a companion to the Plan. The
Toolkit includes information, materials, checklists, and links to several valuable resources, and serves as a resource guide to inspire residents, businesses, schools, and
community-based organizations to take an active role in the shared objective of reducing the City’s GHG emissions. The Toolkit can be found online at www.icgov.org/
climateaction.
While it is not possible to predict the future with certainty, the information that is available on technology improvements and policy trends has been used to attempt to look
beyond the initial emissions reduction goal of 2025 and to identify what additional actions will be needed to reach the more aggressive 2050 goals.
BuildingsTransportationWasteAdaptation Sustainable Lifestyle
Taking Action: How to Use This Plan
Reduced costs Improved healthCleaner
environment
Job growth
opportunities
Resilience/ability
to adapt
Increased
engagement/
awareness
$$$$$$
Sustainable
Lifestyle
32
Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Progress Highlights (continued)
faith-based community spaces. The series focused on programs to assist Iowa City residents
in reducing their contribution to climate change, including reducing energy use through
commitment to a year-long program, examining how food choices can have an impact on
climate, and learning about how our “stuff” contributes to climate change.
5.5 Willowwind School has been awarded a Climate Action Grant for their “Children-to-Children
Climate Actions: Composting, Gardening, Infiltrating, and Growing Healthy” project. The
year-long program will further integrate environmental education. Kids at the school will
have learning experiences in the classroom and also create materials, productions, and
presentations to be shared with the public – primarily other children - in community spaces.
5.6 City staff has been developing a voluntary “Climate Action at Work” recognition and energy
benchmarking program for businesses and organizations in Iowa City. Efforts to pilot energy
tracking have started with several local organizations. These examples from a variety of
business and building types will provide support for further rollout of this important program.
5.7 In 2019, the City staff-led Climate Action Committee began development of an internal
sustainable operations guide. Ultimately, this guide will be available as a template for use by
outside organizations that want to establish their own sustainable operations plan.
Advance Social Justice
and Racial Equity
a. Support organizations and efforts that provide services to people experiencing
and recovering from trauma and crisis related to mental health and substance
abuse
b. Consider a policy to limit city business to vendors that pay all employees a wage
of $10.10 or higher
c. Explore expanded use of a racial equity toolkit within City government,
embedding it within city department and Council levels
d. Consider elevating hourly staff wages to $15/hour or more within two years
7
33
This summer, the Iowa City Public Library got rid of late fines from books in their children and young adult collections. That means young readers
like those shown above can checkout books without fear of incurring a late fee.
34
Accomplishment Updates
34
7a Activities supporting individuals experiencing trauma or
homelessness
Council budgeted funds to be
active partners in the Johnson
County Behavioral Access
Center planning. The County
has purchased land for the
project in Iowa City, and
zoning amendments were
approved by Council in 2019.
A 28E agreement is still
being finalized. Cross Park
Place, the FUSE housing first
initiative opened its doors to 24 low-barrier apartments in early 2019. The
project, backed with data from the Police Department’s Data Driven Justice
Initiative has provided stable housing for a population with challenges often
addressed through emergency services or detention. Continued use of the Police
Department’s crisis intervention training paired with health, counseling, and
housing services at Cross Park Place have led to a significant decrease in related
calls for service.
Aid to Agencies
City Council responded to a request from the Housing and Community Develop-
ment Commission to increase the FY2020 budget allocation to the Aid to Agencies
grant program. Council approved for a single year, $625,000, to fully fund
requests made by Legacy local service agencies. In summer 2019, the City Manager’s
Office held meetings with a group of Legacy agencies to discuss the needs of the
agencies to plan appropriately for the Aid to Agencies budget in FY2021. Council
reviewed the Legacy and Emerging Aid to Agencies funding process at a Work
Session and responded to HCDC’s request to meet jointly and discuss increasing
the base level of funding for the Aid to Agencies program. City Council met with
the Commission members during their January 21, 2020 Work Session and
subsequently approved FY2021 funds at $675,000.
The Social Justice and Racial Equity Grants program has grown in popularity and
funding amount. The Human Rights Commission was tasked in FY2020 to allocate
$75,000 in grants to community organizations furthering social justice and racial
equity. This year, sixteen groups, most of them requesting funding for the first
time, asked for over $186,000 in funding. Ultimately seven were awarded funds,
supports ranging from workforce and labor, immigrants, youth, and individuals
returning from incarceration.
7b Policy of preference for vendors paying above minimum wage
Staff provided an introductory memo to Council in May 2019, regarding options
for a vendor wage policy. Council concluded on May 21, 2019, that the City should
develop a wage preference policy that gives additional credit to local vendors
Advance
Social Justice
and Racial
Equity
Members of the Iowa City Police Department attend Crisis
Intervention Training.
35
Accomplishment Updates
35
paying an hourly wage of $10.10 or more. The Finance Department has addressed
this within a revised purchasing policy.
7c Equity Toolkit use
The Human Rights and Equity Office has led most City departments through use
of the equity toolkit. This resource took the departments through a process of
evaluating current and potential programs and services, to assess for equity.
Post-process, departments have continued to integrate these practices into daily
operations and decision-making. Examples include Revenue’s implemented
utility discount program, Neighborhood and Development Services’ assessment of
housing program options for the South District, Parks and Recreation evaluation
of community garden locations, and the Iowa City Public Library’s adoption of fine
waivers for late children’s materials.
Implicit bias trainings
City staff have been active participants in a variety of trainings, including Govern-
ment Alliance for Racial Equity (GARE), and police department trainings. The Iowa
City Fire Department took this interest a step farther and conducted three implicit
bias trainings led and for ICFD employees. Staff has been encouraged by open
dialogue on how they’re managing issues specific to the Iowa City community and
emergency services.
Increased City minimum wage
A cost analysis was provided to Council for a Work Session discussion on Sept.
18, 2018. Council gave direction to increase minimum starting wage for hourly
and temporary employees to $11.50 per hour, beginning July 1, 2019. The FY2021
budget proposes another hourly wage increase to $13.25. Further annual
increases will be reviewed each year, with an end goal of reaching $15/hr by July
1, 2021.
Approved new ordinance addressing hate crimes
In April 2019, the City Attorney’s Office was contacted by University of Iowa law
students under the supervision of Law Professor Daria Fisher Page. The students
had been retained by the Johnson County Interfaith Coalition (JCIC) “to work
with its Safe Communities Task Force to create ordinance proposals that could
address the increased frequency of hate crimes and hate incidents in Iowa City.”
Since April, the City Attorney and Chief of Police met with the students and JCIC
to discuss proposals and identify a solution that is supported legally and by law
enforcement. The ordinance, approved in summer 2019, was crafted using the
State of Iowa harassment statute and state hate crimes ordinance. As passed, the
ordinance makes a hate crime of harassment or trespass with intent to harass
because of a person’s protected characteristic. Hate crime under this definition
will be an enforceable offense which includes a fine and jail time for each incident.
Advance
Social Justice
and Racial
Equity
City staff participate in GARE implicit
bias training in March 2019.
Item Number: 6.
F ebruary 27, 2020
Invitation : J oh n son Cou n ty Afford ab l e Housin g Coal ition : F ebruary 28
AT TAC HM E NT S:
D escription
I nvitation: J ohnson C ounty Affordable Housing Coalition: February 28