The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About2020-07-30 Info Packet1 � t City Council Information Packet Alk July 30, 2020 i CITY OE i IOWA CITY www. cgov►.org IN. Council Tentative Meeting Schedule August 4 Work Session IP2. Work ion Ag ends IP3. BL &v mic Racism Detailed Status Report IN. Memo for Planner: 400 Block of N. Clinton t IPS. Pendinq 6& Ancil Work Session Topics IP6. Memo from Assistant 0 employees \ IP7. Memo from Neighborl Eviction Prevention U IPB. 2020-2021 Strategic F IP9. Human Riahts Comm Miscellaneo naaer: Summa l hnson CountvAY20 Y d � Mikelson Lula Palm r: Next process oorhis: James Alan McP eport: April - June 2020 Channel Lineuo Chanaes Draft Minutes IP18. Air or , mmission: July 9 IP19. Clim ction Commission: Julv 6 IP20. Hi§t6dc Preservation Commission: J IP21. S Or Center Commission: July 16 to temporary r House I( P4H IP11. Housing Trust Fund Affordable Housing IP12. Masks: Frank Blair IP13. Email from April C IP14. Email from JaneAr IP15. Quarterly Inves6eni IP16. Letter from iacoi IP17. Flver: Solar&John; Miscellaneo naaer: Summa l hnson CountvAY20 Y d � Mikelson Lula Palm r: Next process oorhis: James Alan McP eport: April - June 2020 Channel Lineuo Chanaes Draft Minutes IP18. Air or , mmission: July 9 IP19. Clim ction Commission: Julv 6 IP20. Hi§t6dc Preservation Commission: J IP21. S Or Center Commission: July 16 to temporary r House Ci ty Council I nformati on P acket J uly 30, 2020 IP1.Council Tentative Meeting S chedule August 4 Work Session IP2.Work S ession A genda IP3.B L M & Systemic R acism Detailed S tatus R eport IP4.Memo from Senior P lanner: 400 B lock of N. C linton S treet IP5.P ending City Council Work S ession Topics Miscellaneous IP6.Memo from A ssistant City Manager: S ummary of F Y 2020 cost related to temporary employees IP7.Memo from Neighborhood & Development Services Director: S helter House E viction P revention Update IP8.2020-2021 Strategic P lan Update IP9.Human R ights C ommission minutes: J une 16 – Council direction requested: Consider a Resolution on becoming F air Trade City [P reviously distributed in 7/21/20 agenda packet (3.e)] IP10.Memo from Parks & Recreation Director: Happy Hollow P ark Baseball Field I nfield Conversion [Previously distributed in the 6/25/20 I nf ormation P acket (I P 4)] IP11.Housing Trust F und of J ohnson C ounty: F Y20 Year-E nd R eport, I owa City A f f ordable Housing Fund IP12.Masks: F rank B lair, Gay Mikelson, L ula P almer IP13.E mail from A pril Cooper: Next process IP14.E mail from J ane Van Voorhis: J ames Alan Mc P herson IP15.Q uarterly I nvestment Report: A pril - J une 2020 IP16.L etter from Mediacom: Channel L ineup C hanges IP17.F lyer: Solarize J ohnson County Draft Minutes IP18.A irport Commission: J uly 9 IP19.Climate Action Commission: J uly 6 July 30, 2020 City of Iowa City Page 1 IP20.Historic Preservation Commission: J uly 9 IP21.S enior C enter Commission: J uly 16 July 30, 2020 City of Iowa City Page 2 Item Number: 1. J uly 30, 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 July 30, 2020 Date Time Meeting Location Tuesday, August 4, 2020 5:00 PM Work Session Zoom Meeting Platform 7:00 PM Formal Meeting Thursday, August 6, 2020 3:00 PM Special Formal Meeting Zoom Meeting Platform Tuesday, August 18, 2020 5:00 PM Work Session Zoom Meeting Platform 7:00 PM Formal Meeting Tuesday, September 1, 2020 5:00 PM Work Session Zoom Meeting Platform 7:00 PM Formal Meeting Tuesday, September 15, 2020 5:00 PM Work Session Zoom Meeting Platform 7:00 PM Formal Meeting Tuesday, October 6, 2020 5:00 PM Work Session Zoom Meeting Platform 7:00 PM Formal Meeting Monday, October 19, 2020 4:30 PM Joint Entities Meeting Zoom Meeting Platform Hosted by Johnson County Tuesday, October 20, 2020 5:00 PM Work Session Zoom Meeting Platform 7:00 PM Formal Meeting Monday, November 2, 2020 5:00 PM Work Session Zoom Meeting Platform 7:00 PM Special Formal Meeting Tuesday, November 17, 2020 5:00 PM Work Session Zoom Meeting Platform 7:00 PM Formal Meeting Tuesday, December 1, 2020 5:00 PM Work Session Zoom Meeting Platform 7:00 PM Formal Meeting Tuesday, December 15, 2020 5:00 PM Work Session Zoom Meeting Platform 7:00 PM Formal Meeting Item Number: 2. J uly 30, 2020 Work S ession Ag enda AT TAC HM E NT S: D escription Work Session A genda Item Number: 3. J uly 30, 2020 B LM & Systemic Racism Detail ed S tatus Report AT TAC HM E NT S: D escription B L M & S ystemic R acism D etailed Status R eport 1 City of Iowa City COMMITMENT TO ADDRESSING BLACK LIVES MATTER & SYSTEMIC RACISM Resolution No. 20-159 Status Report July 30, 2020 2 SUMMARY OF COMMITMENTS The City of Iowa City is committed to embracing the Black Lives Matter Movement and addressing Systemic Racism. The City Council unanimously passed Resolution No. 20-159 on Tuesday, June 16, 2020 which outlined seventeen initial actions. A copy of that signed resolution, along with other related resources, is available at www.icgov.org/BLM. The seventeen actions have been identified in this initial commitment and are summarized below. Click on an action to be taken to the status report page for that item: Policing & the Future of Public Safety • Develop a preliminary plan to restructure Iowa City Police Department (ICPD) towards community policing. • Receive a report of ICPD involvement in use of gas and flash-bang devices during a June 2020 Black Lives Matter protest in Iowa City. • Increase accountability and oversight authority of CPRB, where legally possible. • Improve transparency and accessibility of detailed ICPD budget expenditures. • Review inventory of military grade equipment in ICPD, evaluate federal contracts with the ICPD and express support for divestment of the Johnson County Sherriff’s Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle. • Enact ICPD General Order to expressly ban the use of chokeholds & any maneuver that cuts off oxygen or blood flow. • Continue ICPD policy and practice to be consistent with IA H.F. 2647, ensuring police officers in Iowa have not committed serious misconduct. • Investigate compliance and evaluate disciplinary action related to proper use of body cameras and vehicle recording devices. • Ensure the duty to intervene and stop excessive force, in both ICPD General Order and an MOU with area law enforcement agencies. • Prohibit use of tear gas, rubber bullets, and flash bangs against peaceful protestors. • Adopt 2021 state legislative priorities related to criminal justice reform, enhanced authority of the Community Police Review Board (CPRB), and decriminalization of small amounts of marijuana. Truth & Reconciliation • Create an ad hoc Truth & Reconciliation Commission to carry out restorative justice. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion • Commit $1,000,000 to local efforts promoting racial equity + social justice, including development of a new Affordable Housing Plan. • Increase opportunities for artistic expression by communities of color. • Establish Juneteenth as an official city holiday beginning in 2021. • Increase diversity of City employees, expand equitable recruitment efforts, and elevate organizational equity training, policies, and procedures. • Continue use of a racial equity toolkit use in all city departments, expand training to the City Council, and educate and train the local business community 3 PROGRESS SUMMARY Policing & the Future of Public Safety Truth & Reconciliation Diversity, Equity & Inclusion *Note: Actions showing multiple icons have some council directives accomplished and others underway; details are provided on each action’s page. $1m. committed to SJRE efforts + Affordable Housing Plan Equitable recruitment, hiring, staff training 2021 legislative priorities supporting racial/social justice Develop Truth & Reconciliation Commission Plan to restructure ICPD towards community policing Report on gas/flash bang use on protestors Increased oversight authority for CPRB Transparent and accessible ICPD budget details Military-grade equipment inventory review, MRAP Letter ICPD G.O.: Chokeholds and airway restricting maneuvers ICPD G.O.: Police misconduct related to IA H.F. 2647 ICPD G.O.: Body camera + car recorder compliance ICPD G.O.: Duty to Intervene & stop excessive use of force ICPD G.O.: Tear gas, rubber bullets, flash bangs in protests Racial & Equity Toolkit expansion of use + education Increase art + celebrations of communities of color Establish Juneteenth as official City holiday Awaiting City Council action Planning or action currently underway Some or all actions accomplished Action(s) completed Action(s) in progress Awaiting City Council action Last Updated: July 30, 2020 4 Resolution “By December 15, 2020, develop a preliminary plan to restructure the Iowa City Police Department (ICPD) towards community policing, including, but not limited to, reduction of the public’s reliance on police in non- violent situations through use of unarmed professionals, and consideration of community policing initiatives in other cities, including, but not limited to, Minneapolis, MN, Camden, NJ, Los Angeles, CA and San Francisco, CA.” (Res. 20-159, p. 1, #1) Status Summary Development of the preliminary plan is pending City Council discussion about the process for developing the plan. Next Steps Target Date Milestone Action Group(s) TBD City Council discussion on plan development City Council Dec. 10, 2020 Deliver preliminary plan to City Council Staff, City Council, public input Accomplishments ACTION 1: PRELIMINARY PLAN TO RESTRUCTURE ICPD TOWARDS COMMUNITY POLICING 5 Resolution “Allocate City funds in the amount of $1,000,000 during Fiscal Year starting July 1, 2020 for efforts to promote racial equity and social justice, including expansion of the Special Populations Involvement (SPI) program, creation of a new robust affordable housing plan, including, but not limited to, housing in the downtown and core neighborhoods, support of the to be determined efforts of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and hold a Council work session on or before August 1, 2020 to address specific allocations.” (Res. 20-159, p. 1, #2) Status Summary Allocation plans for these funds are pending further City Council discussion. Next Steps Target Date Milestone Action Group(s) TBD Hold City Council work session to address specific allocations City Council Accomplishments ACTION 2: COMMIT $1,000,000 TO LOCAL EFFORTS PROMOTING RACIAL EQUITY + SOCIAL JUSTICE 6 Resolution “Elevate the City’s commitment to racial equity and social justice, including expanding efforts to increase the number of minorities employed by the City including eliminating barriers to applications, increase resources devoted to those efforts as needed t o better train all city employees and coordinate and report on the use of funds dedicated for racial equity and social justice.” (Res. 20-159, p. 2, #3) Status Summary Staff is compiling comprehensive data on employee demographics. The report will includ e steps previously taken to reduce barriers to employment and outline additional measures that can be considered to further increase the diversity of the City’s workforce. Staff will further detail previous training efforts and recommend additional trainin gs that could benefit employees, board and commission members and the City Council. On July 29, 2020, approximately 60 City and County staff members participated in a virtual Cultural Proficiency pilot training conducted by Laura Gray, Iowa City Community School District Director of Diversity and Cultural Responsiveness, with the intention of expanding upon this pilot for future trainings and to reach even more staff. Next Steps Target Date Milestone Action Group(s) August 2020 Kick-off meeting of new internal Diversity, Equity and Inclusion employee committee Staff August 20, 2020 Publish report on city employee demographics, hiring processes and racial justice training Staff Accomplishments • July 29, 2020: Approximately 60 City and County staff participated in a virtual Cultural Proficiency pilot training. ACTION 3: INCREASE DIVERSITY OF EMPLOYES, EQUITABLE RECRUITMENT EFFORTS, AND ORGANIZATIONAL EQUITY TRAINING 7 Resolution “By August 1, 2020, receive a report from the City Manager on the ICPD’s involvement in the use of gas and flash-bang devices during the protest in Iowa City on June 3, 2020.” (Res. 20-159, p. 2, #4) Status Summary City Council held a work session on July 7, 2020, where they directed the City Manager and City Attorney to select an independent firm to conduct the review of the June 3 rd protest incident. Staff will choose a firm that has experience with reviews of similar law enforcement use of force incidents and has not had previous contractual relationships with the City of Iowa City. Next Steps Target Date Milestone Action Group(s) TBD Deliver report to City Council Staff Accomplishments ACTION 4: RECEIVE REPORT ON ICPD INVOLVEMENT IN USE OF GAS AND FLASH BANGS DURING JUNE 2020 BLM PROTEST 8 Resolution “By October 1, 2020, create an ad hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission to bear witness to the truth of racial injustice in Iowa City and to carry out restorative justice, through the collection of testimony and public hearings, with such work to include a recommendation to the Council of a plan for dedicating and/or renaming public spaces and/or rights of way in honor of the Black Lives Matter movement.” (Res. 20-159, p. 2, #5) Status Summary City Council held a regular formal meeting on July 21, 2020, at which they received public input on the development of the Truth & Reconciliation Committee (TRC). Additionally, council members began preliminary discussions regarding the committee’s membership. Council members Laura Bergus and Janice Weiner were directed to continue outreach with community organizations and collaborate with city staff to develop a proposal of the scope and composition of the TRC. Next Steps Target Date Milestone Action Group(s) Various City Council members Bergus and Weiner to work with community organizations and staff to develop proposal City Council, Staff, Public TBD TRC application process initiated City Council, Staff, Public Accomplishments • Council members Laura Bergus and Janice Weiner met with members of the Iowa Freedom Riders (IFR) to learn about their research and receive recommendations for the TRC’s development and charge. • July 21, 2020 – Public input opportunity at the regular, formal City Council meeting. ACTION 5: CREATE AD HOC TRUTH & RECONCILIATION COMMISSION TO CARRY OUT RESTORATIVE JUSTICE 9 Resolution “Make it a 2021 City Council legislative priority to advocate for and support our state de legation in enacting criminal justice reform, eliminating the war on drugs and making changes to state law that enable the City’s plan to restructure the police department, enhance the authority of the Community Police Review Board (CPRB) and reduce disproportionate minority contact, including support of state legislation decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana.” (Res. 20-159, p. 2, #6) Status Summary Prior to the start of the 2021 State of Iowa legislative session, the Iowa City City Council will adopt, by resolution, legislative priorities, and share those with our elected State delegation and the Governor’s Office. Staff are actively monitoring progress of the Governor’s FOCUS Committee on Criminal Justice Reform and the NAACP / Iowa Police Chief’s Association Equity Committee. Next Steps Target Date Milestone Action Group(s) December 1, 2020 Adopt 2021 Legislative Priorities City Council Accomplishments • Participated in June 19, 2020 work session between the NAACP and local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. Committed to working collaboratively on local and statewide reform and accountability measures through a new Equity Task Force co-chaired by the Iowa Police Chiefs Association and the Iowa/Nebraska NAACP. A summary of this first meeting is available here. ACTION 6: ADOPT STATE LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES RELATED TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM, CPRB AUTHORITY & DECRIMINALIZATION OF SMALL AMOUNTS OF MARIJUANA 10 Resolution “Continue use of the racial equity toolkit by city departments and expand such training to the City Council, and work with our local business partners to educate and train the business community on use of a racial equity toolkit.” (Res. 20-159, p. 2, #7) Status Summary Staff prepared a memo outlining the City’s use of the racial equity toolkit, which is included in the July 23, 2020 City Council information packet . City staff will continue to expand knowledge and use of the toolkit and update City Council as appropriate. Additional racial equity toolkit training will be prepared for both the City Council and the business community. The City also conducted a training session on July 22 with the local business community entitled, “Culturally Responsive Communication.” Due to overwhelming interest in this training, an additional 50 spots were added. This increased the maximum capacity to 150, which was quickly filled and the training was held via Zoom on July 23, 2020 . Staff will continue to curate additional training opportunities. Next Steps Target Date Milestone Action Group(s) September 9, 2020 Deliver initial implicit bias training opportunity for landlords/property managers. Staff Upcoming City Events Promoting Racial Equity + Social Justice • The Senior Center’s Summer 2020 Virtual Programs include several racial equity education and discussion opportunities. Programming includes films and discussions on implicit bias, white privilege, and structural inequities and a White Fragility book club. • The Iowa City Public Library has launched an ong oing Read Woke Program (all ages) and is providing a list of free movies about race, racism, and cultural identity available on Kanopy. Accomplishments • July 22, 2020: Culturally Responsive Communication training delivered to 100+ members of the local business community. • July 23, 2020: Staff completed a memo on the City’s use of the racial equity toolkit. ACTION 7: CONTINUE USE OF RACIAL EQUITY TOOLKIT USE AND EXPAND TRAINING TO CITY COUNCIL AND LOCAL BUSINESSES 11 Resolution “Request and receive, by January 1, 2021, a report and recommendation from the CPRB, in consultation with an attorney of its choice, regarding changes to the CPRB ordinance that enhance its ability to provide effective civilian oversight of the ICPD, including but not limited to those that address compelling the testimony of officers, with the report to include a summary of measures considered and rejected by the CPRB, whether it be for policy or legal reasons .” (Res. 20-159, p. 2, #8) Status Summary This action will be coordinated directly by the City Council’s Community Police Review Board (CPRB). The CPRB initiated discussion at their July 14, 2020 meeting with plans to gather information and suggestions for changes and discuss further at the August meeting. Next Steps Target Date Milestone Action Group(s) August 11, 2020* Continued discussion of action and recommendations by the CPRB CPRB December 31, 2020 CPRB to deliver report and recommendation to the City Council CPRB *CPRB meeting dates subject to a quorum of members Accomplishments ACTION 8: INCREASE ACCOUNTABILITY AND OVERSIGHT AUTHORITY OF CPRB, WHERE LEGALLY POS SIBLE 12 Resolution “Direct staff to provide a detailed expenditure summary of the police budget on the City’s website.” (Res. 20-159, p. 2, #9) Status Summary Additional budget information was added to the Iowa City Police Department webpage in June of 2020. That information is available on the Police Budget webpage. Staff will continue to increase transparency about the Police Department operations through revised web content in 2020-2021. Additional budget information will be added with the release of staff’s proposed fiscal year 2022 budget. Some items staff will be working on gathering to publish on the website include recent community policing/alternative policing efforts and investments, analyses of calls for service, past and future diversity efforts related to hiring and recruitment, and general improvements to the navigation and accessibility of the PD webpage. Next Steps Target Date Milestone Action Group(s) Dec. 15, 2020 Update Police Department website with additional budget and operational details Staff Accomplishments • Additional fiscal year 2021 budget information was posted in June 2020 and is available at: https://www.icgov.org/city-government/departments-and-divisions/police-department/police- department-budget. ACTION 9: IMPROVE TRANSPARENCY + ACCESSIBILITY OF DETAILED ICPD BUDGET EXPENDITURES 13 Resolution “Send the letter attached as Exhibit “A” to the Johnson County Sheriff supporting divestment of the MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) vehicle and obtain a report from city staff on the military grade equipment in the ICPD’s inventory and the federal contracts that provide support to the police department .” (Res. 20-159, p. 2, #10) Status Summary A written letter from Mayor Teague to the Johnson County Sheriff supporting the divestment of the MRAP vehicle was sent in June of 2020. City staff has initiated work outlining all military grade equipment in our inventory and compiling a list of all federal contracts fro m 2017 to the present that provide support for the Iowa City Police Department. Next Steps Target Date Milestone Action Group(s) August 27, 2020 Deliver a report to Council on military grade equipment Staff, City Council August 27, 2020 Deliver a report to Council on federal contracts supporting the Iowa City Police Department Staff, City Council Accomplishments • Mayor Teague submitted a letter to the Johnson County Sheriff on June 17, 2020 supporting divestment of the MRAP vehicle. A copy of the letter can be viewed here. ACTION 10: REVIEW ICPD INVENTORY OF MILITARY-GRADE EQUIPMENT + SUPPORT COUNTY DIVESTMENT OF MRAP 14 Resolution “Direct the City Manager to expressly ban, in the ICPD’s general orders, any use of chokeholds or any other maneuver that cuts off oxygen or blood flow.” (Res. 20-159, p. 2, #11) Status Summary Staff is currently updating the Iowa City Police Department’s General Order on Use of Force. In accordance with past practice, the updated version of the General Order will be forwarded to the Community Police Review Board for review and comment. Next Steps Target Date Milestone Action Group(s) August 14, 2020* Community Police Review Board to review updated Use of Force General Order Staff, CPRB *CPRB meeting dates subject to a quorum of members Accomplishments • CPRB last reviewed the Iowa City Police Department’s General Order on Use of Force at their October 8, 2019 meeting. The board recommended changes and those were incorporated by the Iowa City Police Department. The General Order was re-issued by the Police Department on October 23, 2019. ACTION 11: ADOPT ICPD GENERAL ORDER (G.O.) TO EXPRESSLY BAN CHOKEHOLDS & ANY MANEUVER THAT CUTS OFF OXYGEN OR BLOODFLOW 15 Resolution “Direct the City Manager to ensure the ICPD’s policy and practices regarding employment of officers is consistent with the goals of recently enacted Iowa House File 2647 to ensure that officers working in Iowa have not committed serious misconduct, as defined therein.” (Res. 20-159, p. 2, #12) Status Summary The Iowa City Police Department recruitment process already contains a robust background check process that includes a review of past employment history. Candidates with a history of serious misconduct are not considered for employment with the Iowa City Police Department. As the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy develops rules for the implementation of House File 2647, staff will adjust policies accordingly to ensure complete compliance with the new law. Next Steps Target Date Milestone Action Group(s) TBD – Dependent upon when the State of Iowa releases rules Update Human Resource policies as needed to ensure compliance with HF 2647 Staff Accomplishments ACTION 12: CONTINUE ICPD POLICY + PRACTICES REFLECT IA H.F. 2647, ENSURING OFFICERS HAVE NOT COMMITTED SERIOUS MISCONDUCT 16 Resolution “Direct the City Manager to review the systems and reporting mechanisms in place at the ICPD for evaluating compliance with the ICPD’s Body Worn Cameras and In -Car Recorders general order, ensure that such systems result in consistent compliance with the general order, revise as necessary to achieve that goal, include real consequences for non-compliance, and report back to the Council upon completion of the review.” (Res. 20-159, p. 3, #13) Status Summary Staff has initiated another review of the General Order on body cameras and car recording systems. Per past practice, such updates will be provided to the Community Police Review Board for their review and comment. A final report to the City Council will be issued. Next Steps Target Date Milestone Action Group(s) September 3, 2020* Staff to present updates to the General Order to the Community Police Review Board Staff, CPRB October 15, 2020 Staff to deliver final report to the City Council Staff, City Council *CPRB meeting dates subject to a quorum of members Accomplishments • The Community Police Review Board reviewed and approved the General Order on Body Cameras and In-Car Recorders at their February 11, 2020 meeting. ACTION 13: EVALUATE COMPLIANCE + DISCIPLINARY ACTION RELATED TO PROPER USE OF BODY CAMS AND CAR RECORDERS 17 Resolution “Direct the City Manager to revise the ICPD’s general orders to require officers to intervene and stop excessive force used by other officers and report the incident directly to a supervisor, and enter into a memorandum of understanding with other law enfor cement agencies regarding such intervention when the excessive force is being used by an officer of another agency such as that currently being discussed and circulated among area law enforcement attached as Exhibit “B”” (Res. 20-159, p. 3, #14) Accomplishments • June 19, 2020: ICPD staff participated in joint work session between the NAACP and local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. At the joint work session, Iowa City joined five area law enforcement agencies in signing a Duty to Intercede MOU. • On July 14, 2020, the Community Police Review Board (CPRB) approved, with no changes, the new Duty to Intervene and Report General Order provided by staff. An executed copy of that General Order can be viewed online and has been issued to ICPD staff/officers. ACTION 14: ENSURE DUTY TO INTERVENE & STOP EXCESSIVE FORCE, BOTH IN ICPD AND MOU WITH AREA LAW ENFORCEMENT 18 Resolution “Request and receive a report and recommendation from the City’s Public Art Advisory Committee, after input from and consultation with local Black artists, on measures Council should consider to provide opportunities for artistic expression by the Black Lives Matter movement and communities of color, including but not limited to visual arts as well as a public festival dedicated to the celebration of Black culture .” (Res. 20-159, p. 3, #15) Status Summary The Public Art Advisory Commission (PAAC) will consider a concept from local artists for a public art display dedicated to the Black Lives Matter movement at their August 6 meeting, with the intention of bringing a recommendation to City Council for approval at the August 18 city council meeting. Staff will continue to engage additional local arts organizations to further this objective. Planning of a public festival celebrating Black culture is on hold until further City Council discussion and di rection. Next Steps Target Date Milestone Action Group(s) Aug 6, 2020 PAAC to consider a BLM public art concept and prepare a recommendation to City Council. Public Art Advisory Commission, Staff Aug 18, 2020 City Council to consider PAAC recommendation for BLM art installation at their regular, formal meeting. City Council TBD Ribbon-cutting to unveil the new public art. PAAC, artists, public, staff, City Council Accomplishments ACTION 15: INCREASE OPPORTUNITIES FOR ARTISTIC EXPRESSION BY COMMUNITIES OF COLOR 19 Resolution “Prohibit the use of tear gas, rubber bullets, and flashbangs against peaceful protestors .” (Res. 20-159, p. 3, #16) Status Summary Immediate direction has been provided to the Iowa City Police Department. Any policy update on this item is on hold until the completion of the investigation in action item #4 of this resolution. Staff will use the report of the June 3, 2020 events and City Council’s related di scussion of these reports, to inform their review of all policies and ensure any relevant updates to policies are completed. Next Steps Target Date Milestone Action Group(s) TBD Receive and discuss report on June 3, 2020 protest response City Council Accomplishments ACTION 16: PROHIBIT THE USE OF TEAR GAS, RUBBER BULLETS, AND FLASHBANGS AGAINST PEACEFUL PROTESTORS 20 Resolution “Beginning in calendar year 2021, Juneteenth, June 19, shall be a city holiday and shall replace an existing city holiday.” (Res. 20-159, p. 3, #17) Status Summary Under State law, holidays are mandatory subjects of collective bargaining for public safety unions and permissive subjects of bargaining for non -public safety unions. The City Manager’s Office will be reaching out to all three unions representing city employees to request that Juneteenth replace an existing holiday. Next Steps Target Date Milestone Action Group(s) October 1, 2020 Obtain needed agreements from unions to replace an existing holiday with Juneteenth Staff Accomplishments ACTION 17: ESTABLISH JUNETEENTH AS AN OFFICIAL CITY HOLIDAY BEGINNING IN 2021 Item Number: 4. J uly 30, 2020 Memo from S enior Plan n er: 400 Bl ock of N. Cl inton S treet AT TAC HM E NT S: D escription Memo from S enior P lanner: 400 Block of N. C linton Street Date: July 28, 2020 To: Geoff Fruin, City Manager From: Anne Russett, Senior Planner Re: 400 Block of N. Clinton Street At the City Council’s February 18, 2020 work session, the concept for the potential redevelopment of the 400 block of N. Clinton Street was discussed. At that meeting, the City Council directed staff to continue to work with the property owner on the potential redevelopment of 400 N. Clinton Street and 112 E. Davenport Street in exchange for the local landmark designation of 410-412 N. Clinton Street. Since that meeting, the property owner provided a revised concept. The changes to the concept were significant enough that staff took the revisions back to the Historic Preservation Commission for their input. On July 9, 2020, the Historic Preservation Commission reviewed the revised concept. A summary of the Commission’s thoughts on the revised concept are as follows: - The majority of Commissioners supported the revised plans and requested the following: o Development of a rehabilitation plan based on the Secretary of Interior Standards for the 1860s historic building located at 410-412 N. Clinton Street. o Salvage of demolished buildings at 400 N. Clinton and 112 E. Davenport Streets. o Ensure that the proposed wall around the open space is not physically connected to the historic structure. o Substantial compliance with the concept plan and elevations to ensure the height is capped at 5 stories. - A few Commissioners wanted the following to be explored: o Moving 400 N. Clinton and/or 112 E. Davenport instead of demolition. o Demolition of the 1960s addition behind the historic structure. - One Commissioner expressed opposition to the project. A representative from Friends of Historic Preservation also attended the meeting and expressed that the plans have improved. Their main concern was addressing the rehabilitation of the historic property at 410-412 N. Clinton Street. After the Historic Preservation Commission’s meeting, staff reached out to the property owner who is willing to discuss the development of a rehabilitation plan for the historic property at 410-412 N. Clinton Street and is open to salvage. Attachments: 1. Memo to the Historic Preservation Commission, July 9, 2019 2. Preliminary HPC Minutes from the July 9, 2019 meeting Date: July 9, 2020 To: Historic Preservation Commission From: Anne Russett, Senior Planner Re: 400 Block of N. Clinton Street Background Information At the Historic Preservation Commission’s meeting on Thursday, January 9, the Commission discussed the 400 Block of N. Clinton Street. At the meeting, staff asked if the Commission was open to considering the redevelopment of 400 N. Clinton Street and 112 E. Davenport Street in exchange for the local landmark designation of 410 -412 N. Clinton Street. A summary of the Commission’s thoughts on this item are as follows: • Expressed concern that historic properties are being held hostage and that the history of the community is being leveraged for private gain. • Ideally 400 N. Clinton Street would also be saved; however, the Commission wants to work with the developer to achieve an Iowa City Landmark Designation for 410-412 N. Clinton Street. • Stated that the proposed design is out of character with the existing neighborhood. There is an interest in exploring the recommendations regarding changes to the design proposed by Friends of Historic Preservation (see their comments below). • Expressed a need to explore the rehabilitation of the historic structure as part of the local landmark designation. • Recommended transparency in the process in terms of public benefits vs. private gains. Concerned that certain features of the built environment, such as height, are easily agreed to without much thought to the impacts on the community. • Expressed an interest in exploring a more comprehensive solution. The Commission would like to see a city-wide policy framework established (e.g. transfer of development rights) rather than negotiate these situations on case-by- case basis. In addition, a representative of Friends of Historic Preservation attended the meeting. Their comments are as follows: • The house at 410-412 N. Clinton Street is too important not to try to landmark. • Expressed concern that the height and scale of the building, as designed, is out of character with the neighborhood. Recommended removing the 6 th story, but allowing the 5th story to be built without a stepback. • Recommended that the gabled roof be replaced with a flat roof to help reduce the perceived scale of the building. Despite the many concerns raised by the Commission, the main takeaway from the discussion was an interest in exploring solutions that will result in the local landmark designation of 410-412 N. Clinton Street. July 1, 2020 Page 2 In February 2020, staff shared the input from the Commission and the Friends of Historic Preservation with the City Council. The City Council generally agreed with the design changes recommended by the Commission. Specifically, the reduction in height to 5 stories and the flat roof. The Council stated that they were not concerned with the increased density and reduced parking, but were concerned with the lack of open space identified on the plans. Revised Plans In May 2020, staff received a revised concept from the property owner. This concept incorporated many of the suggestions from the Commission and Council. It reduced the scale to 5 stories, incorporated a flat roof, and added open space. However, the revised concept also incorporated a portion of the new building wrapping around the historic structure (see Figure 1). Figure 1. May 2020 West Elevation Staff reviewed the revised concept from May 2020 and requested some changes, including the removal of the portion of the new building that wraps around the historic structure. After receiving this feedback, the property owner made some changes to the proposal, which are shown in Figure 2. The full plans are included in Attachment 1. The July submission still shows a portion of the new building wrapping around the historic structure, but the height has been reduced to 3 stories. The July plans also removed the protruding elevator shaft, which staff requested. Staff also requested that the wall surrounding the open space be removed due to concerns with having a wall connected to or near the historic structure. The revised plans still show the wall. July 1, 2020 Page 3 Figure 2. July 2020 West Elevation Summary of Existing v. Proposed Development Potential As was discussed at the Commission’s January meeting, the proposal does not meet current zoning standards. In order to develop the building as proposed both a rezoning map amendment and text amendment would be required. Table 1 provides a general comparison of existing conditions, redevelopment potential, and the proposed development. Table 1. Existing Conditions v. Redevelopment Potential 410-412 N. Clinton 400 N. Clinton & 112 E. Davenport 400 N. Clinton & 112 E. Davenport Existing Conditions Re- Development Existing Conditions Re- Development Re- Development Proposed Development Zoning RM-44 RM-44 RM-44 RM-44 Rezoning to PRM Rezoning to PRM # of Units 18 units Max 24 1- bedroom units 11 units Max 24 1- bedroom units Max 27 1- bedroom units 32 units 71 bedrooms Open Space Unknown 2,400 sq ft Unknown 2,400 sq ft 2,700 sq ft 1,768 sq ft Parking 9 spaces 24 spaces 7 spaces 24 spaces 27 spaces 21 spaces Height 2 stories 35’ 2.5 stories 1 story 35’ 35’ (up to 65’ with bonus) 5 stories Input From the Commission At the July 9 meeting, staff would like the Commission’s input on the revised plans submitted by the property owner (Attachment 1). Attachments: 1. Plans for the redevelopment of 400 N. Clinton Street and 112 E. Davenport Street, July 2020 2. Memo to the Historic Preservation Commission, January 2020. Date: To: January 9, 2020 Historic Preservation Commission From: Anne Russett, Senior Planner Re: 400 Block of N. Clinton Street Background Information In early 2019, the City Council considered an Iowa City Historic Landmark rezoning for the properties at 410-412 N. Clinton Street (Figure 1). This historic landmark designation was initiated by the Historic Preservation Commission after a sub-committee of the Commission studied and identified several of Iowa City’s early brick houses for local landmark designation. The property at 410 N. Clinton Street, the Cochrane-Sharpless-Dennis House, was identified as a priority property. Attached is the staff memo to the Historic Preservation from December 2017 that outlines the significance of the property. Prior to the City Council’s consideration of this rezoning, both the Historic Preservation Commission and the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval. While a majority of the City Council supported the designation, the vote ultimately failed as a supermajority was required, but not reached. Figure 1. 410-412 N. Clinton Street January 2, 2020 Page 2 After the failed vote at Council, City staff reached out to the property owner to explore possible scenarios that could result in a voluntary local historic landmark designation. Through discussions, the property owner of 410-412 N. Clinton Street mentioned the possibility of acquiring two properties immediately to the south – 400 N. Clinton Street and 112 E. Davenport Street (Figure 2). Assuming acquisition of these properties, the property owner was open to exploring a scenario in which the City would grant extra development potential on those lots in exchange for the local landmark designation of 410-412 N. Clinton Street. The additional development potential would include a rezoning of 400 N. Clinton Street and 112 E. Davenport Street to the Planned High Density Multi-Family Residential (PRM) zone and potential text amendments to the PRM zone bonus provisions, which offer regulatory incentives for projects that provide public benefits. The properties are currently zoned High Density Multi-Family Residential (RM-44). Figure 2. 400 N. Clinton Street & 112 E. Davenport Street Prior to exploring this option with the property owner, staff presented this option at a City Council work session in March 2019. During this work session the City Council expressed a willingness to consider a rezoning and text amendments to allow a 4-story structure similar in height to Currier Hall, which is located across the street, with a high level of design review and historic preservation review to ensure compatible infill development. Friends of Historic Preservation also reached out to staff regarding the item on the Council’s work session. Staff’s understanding of the Friends of Historic Preservation position is as follows: January 2, 2020 Page 3 • They are displeased with the prospect of demolishing 400 N. Clinton Street; however, it is a tradeoff they are willing to consider to preserve 410 N. Clinton Street if an agreement includes some provisions for: o Ensuring that the rehabilitation/restoration of 410 N. Clinton Street is part of any agreement. o Ensuring that the rehabilitation/restoration of 410 N. Clinton Street is done in compliance with the Secretary of Interior Standards on the exterior. o Ensuring that the new use is a compatible use. o There is design review from City preservation staff and the Historic Preservation Commission of the 410 N. Clinton Street restoration work. o There is some discussion of listing in the National Register of Historic Places and historic preservation tax credits. o There is design review of the new building, which may include input from the Historic Preservation Commission. o Salvage is considered as part of any demolition. One item that staff would like to add to this list of suggestions is photo documentation of 400 N. Clinton Street should it be demolished. After the City Council work session and the Council’s willingness to consider a proposal, staff reached out to the property owner. Attached are the most recent plans received for the redevelopment of 400 N. Clinton Street and 112 E. Davenport Street. The plans show a 6-story, block-scale building with a total of 30 dwelling units. Twenty-one underground parking spaces are shown on the plans, which are accessed via a drive behind 410-412 N. Clinton Street off of the east-west alley. Input From the Commission At the Commission’s January 9 meeting, staff would like the Commission’s input. Specifically, staff would like the Commission to discuss the following questions: 1. Would the Commission be open to considering the redevelopment of 400 N. Clinton Street and 112 E. Davenport Street in exchange for the local landmark designation of 410-412 N. Clinton Street? Why or why not? 2. If the Commission is open to pursuing this, what aspects of the landmark rezoning or the redevelopment should be considered? Next Steps After receiving input from the Historic Preservation Commission, staff will share the comments received and the plans for the redevelopment of 400 N. Clinton Street and 112 E. Davenport Street with the City Council for their discussion and input. Attachments: 1. Memo to the Historic Preservation Commission on 410 N. Clinton Street, December 7, 2017 2. Plans for the redevelopment of 400 N. Clinton Street and 112 E. Davenport Street, November 2019 Item Number: 5. J uly 30, 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 July 30, 2020 Other Topics: 1. Evaluate need for a Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) and other alternative revenues 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) 5. Consider establishing a cost of development framework that can help guide decisions on how best to accommodate future growth 6. Discuss development of a new comprehensive plan to promote housing affordability throughout the City 7. Explore text amendments to facilitate more neighborhood commercial in residential areas Item Number: 6. J uly 30, 2020 Memo from Assistant City Manag er: Summary of F Y 2020 cost rel ated to temp orary emp l oyees AT TAC HM E NT S: D escription Memo from A ssistant C ity Manager: Summary of F Y 2020 cost related to temporary employees Item Number: 7. J uly 30, 2020 Memo from Neighborh ood & Devel op men t Services Director: S h elter Hou se Eviction Preven tion Up d ate AT TAC HM E NT S: D escription Memo from Neighborhood & D evelopment Services D irector: Shelter House Eviction Prevention Update Date: July 29, 2020 To: Geoff Fruin, City Manager From: Tracy Hightshoe, Neighborhood & Development Services Director Re: Shelter House – Local Eviction Prevention Program Update The City entered an agreement with Shelter House on June 8, 2020 to provide emergency rent and/or utility payments to households under 80% of median income who are impacted financially by COVID-19. The City allocated $50,000 for this program from the City’s Affordable Housing Fund. The program was designed to serve as a bridge program for those not able to access state relief and for those who could not wait for the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding the City was anticipating. The City received the grant agreement from HUD for the anticipated CDBG COVID-19 funds and on July 14, 2020 entered an agreement for $246,000 with CommUnity Crisis Services to provide emergency rent, mortgage and/or utility assistance for up to three months. CDBG emergency payments are not allowed to extend more than three months. This program became available to Iowa City residents on July 27, 2020. Flyers advertising the program were translated into Spanish, French (African), Arabic and Chinese. They will be included in our marketing efforts to encourage those with language barriers to apply. The City is still encouraging residents to apply to the State’s program first for rent and utility assistance as the State allocated over $20 million for this program. If not eligible for this program, staff is encouraging those in need to contact CommUnity Crisis Services. If for some reason CommUnity can’t assist or the household can’t meet the CDBG documentation requirements, CommUnity will refer the household to other programs such as the City funded Shelter House and Center for Worker Justice programs. The agreement with Shelter House provides emergency mortgage, rent and/or utility assistance, to up $3,200, for two months. The applicant must be in arrears for these expenses and documentation must be provided to verify what is owed. Funding consideration is through the Coordinated Entry system for homeless services with assistance entered in HMIS to avoid duplication of benefits by other Coordinated Entry agencies, including CommUnity Crisis Services. The requirements of the Shelter House agreement include:  Provide documentation of income and assets, if applicable, before and after March 17. Shelter House determines if sufficient documentation exists to determine if the household was impacted financially by COVID and they are under 80% median income. Shelter House reports they have used phone calls to document a loss if unable to get written documentation.  The home must be in Iowa City.  Undocumented residents are eligible.  A lease or mortgage must be in the applicant’s name. If not, they must submit documentation they are responsible for a portion of the payment.  The household must not be able to qualify for the State’s program. Undocumented residents and those receiving the $600 per week in additional unemployment benefits are not eligible for the State’s program.  Public housing and Housing Choice Voucher tenants are not eligible for rent assistance, but they are eligible for utility assistance. July 30, 2020 Page 2  Payments are issued to the vendor only.  Applicant must sign a release so that Shelter House may contact the landlord, utility provider and enter their application and assistance into HMIS.  Before payment is received, the landlord/property owner must sign a signed statement they will not evict tenant for non-payment of rent or any previous lease violation up to the date they sign the statement.  Shelter House must submit monthly invoices and provide a grant close-out report summarizing the total number of beneficiaries, amounts paid, household income, and head of household race/ethnicity. The City can request a sampling of tenant files to document compliance with the agreement. Since June 8th, Shelter House reports paying out $10,293.95 to assist 37 households to date. They have had over 240 inquiries, not counting calls that came from persons from other municipalities or out of state. They have referred a majority of these inquires to the State’s program as the household appeared eligible and many are not familiar with the program. They know 25 households followed up with them to say they received assistance; however, most do not call back to report if they received assistance. Shelter House reports that income verification is a challenge for people. They also note that the two months of assistance can be a challenge as some of the applicants have been behind on rent or utilities for more than two months. The total assistance available is $3,200, but for many two months of assistance is less than the amount available. Shelter House reports that they have been on site at Center for Worker Justice (CWJ) four different times to meet with applicants in person. Language has been a barrier. CWJ has assisted by scheduling appointments and helping translate so that they can remove that barrier. Staff would support self-certification of income and COVID impact, similar to the agreement with Center for Worker Justice. As mentioned previously, the City’s first preference is for the applicant to determine if eligible for the State’s program, if not to contact CommUnity Crisis Services. For these federal CDBG funds, an applicant must document their income and COVID impact. In cases where this proves challenging, the applicant can be referred to Shelter House. Staff would also support increasing the assistance from two months to three months, up to the same maximum of $3,200. An applicant, in theory, could apply to Shelter House for assistance for April, May and June and later apply to CommUnity Crisis Services for July, August and September providing up to six months of assistance. If Council is comfortable with these changes, staff will amend Shelter House’s agreement. If you have any questions, please contact me at 319.356.5244 or tracy-hightshoe@iowa-city.org. Item Number: 8. J uly 30, 2020 2020-2021 Strategic P l an Up d ate AT TAC HM E NT S: D escription 2020-2021 S trategic P lan Update Item Number: 9. J uly 30, 2020 Hu man Rig h ts Commission min u tes: J u n e 16 – Cou n cil d irection req u ested : Consid er a Resol ution on becomin g F air Trad e City [P reviou sl y distrib u ted in 7/21/20 ag en d a packet (3.e)] AT TAC HM E NT S: D escription Human Rights C ommission minutes: J une 16 – Council direction requested: C onsider a R esolution on becoming F air Trade City [P reviously distributed in 7/21/20 agenda packet (3.e)] Previously distributed in 7/21/20 agenda packet (3.e) Item Number : 10. J uly 30, 2020 Memo from P arks & Recreation Director: Hap p y Hol l ow Park B aseb all F iel d Infiel d Con version [P reviou sl y d istrib uted in the 6/25/20 In formation Packet (IP 4)] AT TAC HM E NT S: D escription Memo from P arks & R ecreation D irector: Happy Hollow P ark B aseball F ield I nfield Conversion [P reviously distributed in the 6/25/20 I nformation Packet (I P 4) Previously distributed in the 6/25/20 Information Packet (IP4) Item Number: 11. J uly 30, 2020 Housin g Tru st F u n d of Joh n son Cou n ty: F Y 20 Year-E n d Rep ort, Iowa City Affordab l e Hou sing F u n d AT TAC HM E NT S: D escription Housing Trust F und of J ohnson County: F Y20 Year-E nd Report, I owa City Affordable Housing F und Board of Directors Bob Dvorsky, President Former State Senator, 37th District Crissy Canganelli, President- Elect Shelter House John Warren, Treasurer Bergan KDV ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Simon Andrew, The Housing Fellowship Jerry Anthony, University of Iowa, Urban & Regional Planning Molly Brown, Hills Bank and Trust Company Kirsten Frey, Shuttleworth & Ingersoll Steve Gordon, AM Management Ellen Habel, City of Coralville Rachel Kilburg, City of Iowa City Steve Long, Eagle View Partners, LC Tracey Mulcahey, City of North Liberty Phil O’Brien, Urban Acres Real Estate Scott Schroeder, MidWestOne Bank Rod Sullivan, Johnson County Board of Supervisors Staff Ellen McCabe, Executive Director Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County 26 E. Market Street #123 Iowa City, IA 52245 Mailing Address: PO Box 2446, Iowa City, IA 52244 Email: emccabe@htfjc.org Website: www.htfjc.org Office: 319.358.0212 Date: July 30, 2020 To: Tracy Hightshoe, Neighborhood and Development Services Director From: Ellen McCabe, Executive Director Re: Report on City of Iowa City Affordable Housing Fund Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County FY20 Year-End Report, Iowa City Affordable Housing Fund The City of Iowa City allocated $1,000,000 in FY20 funds to their Affordable Housing Fund. 50% or $500,000 was allocated to the Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County (HTFJC) to support and invest in affordable housing in Iowa City. The City Council also directed another 20%, or $200,000, to the HTFJC for Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) projects. City of Iowa City funding, combined with the significant dollars that HTFJC receives from the Johnson County Board of Supervisors and the State housing trust fund program, as well as payments received on prior HTFJC loans, enables HTFJC to make substantial impacts in providing affordable, sustainable housing projects and programs. As of June 30, 2020, $157,046 was paid out for affordable housing located in Iowa City utilizing City of Iowa City funding for FY20. The Housing Trust Fund utilized the $35,000 made available for administrative project expenses. The table below provides information about the projects managed by the HTFJC. FY20 Allocation: $500,000 FY20 LIHTC Set-Aside: $200,000 Total FY20 Iowa City funds to HTFJC: $700,000 FY20 Projects: Project: NEX Apartments (LIHTC Project) Address: 671 Nex Avenue, Iowa City Total HTFJC Allocation: $775,000 Estimated Total Project Cost: $8,437,281 Project: NEX Senior Apartments (LIHTC), Application Submitted to IFA, Pending Approval Address: 670 Nex Avenue, Iowa City Total HTFJC Allocation: $490,000 Total LIHTC Set-Aside Allocation: $190,000 Estimated Total Project Cost: $11,113,789 Project Name: IC Allocation: Total HTFJC Spent As of 6-30-2020: Total # of Affordable Units: Income Targeted: Estimated Date of Project Completion: NEX Apartments FY20- $157,046 FY19- $380,000 $707,046 32 <30% to <60% AMI 6/30/2020 NEX Senior Apartments (FY20 LIHTC Set-Aside included) FY20- $507,954 $0 (pending) 41 <30% to <60% AMI 6/30/2022 HTF Administration FY20 -$35,000 NA NA NA 6/30/2020 Total: FY20 - $700,000 Sand Corporation completed their project at 671 Nex Avenue in June and immediately started to lease up the units. Total development costs were estimated to be $8,437,281. HTFJC’s funding was instrumental in the project receiving a Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) award. NEX Apartments has 32 affordable units with four (4) one-bedroom apartments, 11 two-bedroom apartments, and 17 three-bedroom apartments. There are four market rate units. Most of the units have been rented out and the remaining units are expected to be leased up very soon. Figure 1. NEX Unit Figure 2. Nex In Unit Laundry Room Figure 3. Nex Bathroom NEX Senior, with 41 two-bedroom apartments for those age 55 and older with incomes under 60% AMI, was awarded $507,954. IFA will announce funding awards in August. If awarded tax credits, HTFJC will enter into an agreement with NEX Senior for the development. If the project does not proceed, the funds will be carried over to FY21. Total development costs for the NEX Senior project are estimated to be $11,113,789. Additional HTFJC Affordable Housing Highlights in Iowa City: • The Del Ray Ridge project, receiving FY19 City of Iowa City funding was completed this June. Del Ray Ridge project has 29 affordable units: four (4) units for those with incomes below 30% AMI and 25 units for households with incomes below 60% AMI. Four units are market rate. Del Ray Ridge, in the core downtown area, is currently leasing up and the first tenants have moved in. Del Ray Ridge Project Information: Address: 628 S. Dubuque Street, Iowa City Total HTFJC Allocation: $800,000 Estimated Project Cost: $5,813,496 Del Ray Ridge Kitchen 1 Del Ray Ridge Accessible Shower 1 The following FY20 HTFJC activity was funded by sources other than the City of Iowa City. The projects, totaling $299,396 in grants and loans, advanced affordable housing within Iowa City: • $155,995 loan was provided to Shelter House for the purchase and renovation of a Fairweather Lodge in Iowa City to provide permanent supportive housing to five individuals with chronic mental health issues. • Grants to help move people out of emergency shelters and to help keep people from having to enter shelters during the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic were awarded to Shelter House ($40,000) and the Domestic Violence Intervention Program ($25,000) on April 6, 2020. Security deposit and rent payments have been reimbursed to the entities totaling $55,961 for 28 households assisted to date. 13 individuals assisted had a disability, and 40 individuals assisted were people of color. • On March 27, 2020, the HTFJC Board of Directors voted to offer a three-month deferral on loan payments to HTFJC Revolving Loan partners if they experienced an economic loss due to COVID-19. One organization with several loans took advantage of this accommodation and another with multiple loans has indicated that they may request a deferral. Depending on the level of impact experienced by our partner entities, HTFJC’s emergency reserves could be used to cover the deferred interest income which supports essential administrative expenses. • Eleven individuals with extremely low incomes received a total of $18,251 in rent and/or security deposit assistance for housing in Iowa City through a grant to Inside Out Reentry for individuals transitioning from incarceration back into the community. Five individuals assisted had a disability and nine individuals assisted were people of color. • $15,000 grant to the Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition for capacity-building and advocacy efforts. HTFJC was the first organization in Iowa to use part of the State Housing Trust Fund award for this purpose. • $8,250 in grant funding was provided to the Greater Iowa City Area Home Builders who helped a senior homeowner in Iowa City with an extremely low income to rework the configuration of the property to accommodate the new stairs that were built to allow the homeowner to enter and exit the home. • $36,900 loan was provided to Shelter House to rehabilitate the ten-year-old showers in the shelter facility serving roughly 70 people with extremely low incomes per night. It is estimated that the showers will serve 250,000 duplicated individuals in the next ten years. Item Number : 12. J uly 30, 2020 Masks: F ran k Bl air, G ay Mikel son , Lu l a Pal mer AT TAC HM E NT S: D escription Email from F rank B lair: Masks Email from Gay Mikelson: masks Email from L ula P almer: Wearing Masks Item Number : 13. J uly 30, 2020 Email from Ap ril Cooper: Next p rocess AT TAC HM E NT S: D escription Email from A pril Cooper: Next process Item Number : 14. J uly 30, 2020 Email from Jan e Van Voorhis: J ames Al an McPherson AT TAC HM E NT S: D escription Email from J ane Van Voorhis: J ames A lan McP herson Item Number : 15. J uly 30, 2020 Q u arterly In vestmen t Report: Ap ril - June 2020 AT TAC HM E NT S: D escription Quarterly I nvestment R eport: April - J une 2020 Item Number : 16. J uly 30, 2020 Letter from Med iacom: Chan n el Lin eup Ch anges AT TAC HM E NT S: D escription L etter from Mediacom: Channel L ineup C hanges Item Number : 17. J uly 30, 2020 F l yer: S ol arize Joh n son County AT TAC HM E NT S: D escription F lyer: S olarize J ohnson C ounty Brought to you by: Sign up and learn more at SolarizeJohnsonCounty.org FREE EDUCATIONAL SOLAR POWER HOURS Property owners throughout Johnson County and West Branch, Iowa, may participate in Solarize Johnson County, a group purchasing program to pool their buying power and secure discounts for residential solar. Regardless of where you live in Johnson County or West Branch, you can participate in any of the free informational Solar Power Hours throughout Johnson County. You’ll learn about the basics of solar, its financial implications for a household, and how the Solarize program works. After the session, get a free, no-obligation site assessment from the Solarize installer. You have until September 30, 2020, to decide whether to get solar through the program. WANT SOLAR FOR YOUR HOME, BUSINESS, OR FARM? Item Number : 18. J uly 30, 2020 Airport Commission: J u l y 9 AT TAC HM E NT S: D escription Airport Commission: J uly 9 Item Number : 19. J uly 30, 2020 Cl imate Action Commission: Ju l y 6 AT TAC HM E NT S: D escription C limate A ction Commission: J uly 6 Item Number : 20. J uly 30, 2020 Historic Preservation Commission : Jul y 9 AT TAC HM E NT S: D escription Historic P reservation C ommission: J uly 9 Item Number : 21. J uly 30, 2020 Sen ior Cen ter Commission : Ju l y 16 AT TAC HM E NT S: D escription Senior Center Commission: J uly 16 Late Handouts Distributed 9 -- a — 1;1-0 (Date) 1 r 1 � m � M CITY OF IOWA CITY 410 East Washington Street Iowa City. Iowa 52240-1826 (319) 356-5000 (319) 356-5009 FAX www.icgov.org City Council Agenda — August 4, 2020 — Regular Formal Meeting Information submitted between distribution of packet on Thursday and close of business on Monday. Late Addition(s): Consent Calendar Item 8 Correspondence: Item 8.h. Carol deProsse: Raising Monarchs Late Handout(s): Consent Calendar Item 6 Resolutions and Motions: Item 6.b Asphalt Resurfacing 2020 Resolution awarding contract and authormng the Mayor to sign and the City Cleric to attest a contract forconstructon of the Asphalt Resurfacing 2020 Project. (see revised CAR and resolution) Comment: Bids for this project were opened on Thursday, July 30, 2020, and the following bid was received: LL Pelling Company Engineer's Estimate North Liberty, IA $2,139,753.78 $2,150,000.00 Public Works and Engineering recommends award of the contract to LL Pelling Company of North Liberty, Iowa. The project will be funded with Road Use Tax Proceeds, Utility Franchise tax proceeds and General Obligation bond proceeds. Item 8 Correspondence: Item 8.a. COVID-19/Mask Mandate: Liz Willmore, Andrea Farrier Item 8.d. Maya Sims (x2): Community Transportation Committee Item 8.f. James Alan McPherson: Mark Levine 7/30 Information Packet IP Email from Councilor Thomas: Correspondence from Michael Muhlenbruch regarding Happy Hollow Park Baseball Field Infield Conversion J:7p Kellie Fruehling From: John Thomas Sent: Friday, July 31, 2020 7:23 AM To: Laura Bergus; Susan Mims; Mazahir Salih; Pauline Taylor, Bruce Teague; Janice Weiner Cc: Kellie Fruehling; Geoff Fruin; Ashley Platz Late Handouts Distributed Subject: Fw: Happy Hollow Park Baseball Field Infield Conversation Attachments: Happy Hollow Letter 070120.pdf 9 20 Fellow Councilors, (Date) Since almost a month has past since you received this correspondence from Michael Muhlenbruch regarding the conversion of the infield at Happy Hollow Park, I am forwarding it for your convenience. John John Thomas City Council - District C From: Michael Muhlenbruch <mmuhlenbruch@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, July 1, 2020 10:06 AM To: Council; Laura Bergus; Susan Mims; Mazahir Salih; Pauline Taylor; Bruce Teague; John Thomas; Janice Weiner Subject: Happy Hollow Park Baseball Field Infield Conversation I RI K City Council Members - Please consider the attached letter in your discussion of the baseball field at Happy Hollow Park. Also, here is a link to the petition mentioned in the letter: Change.org Thank you. Michael Muhlenbruch 4230 Morel Circle NE Iowa City, IA 52240 (319) 331-1582 mmuhlenbruch@gmail.com June 1, 2020 City Council 410 E. Washington St. Iowa City, IA 52240 Dear City Council Members, In a time when large sports complexes are being created across the midwest to draw hordes of visitors, parents and players, the ballfield at Happy Hollow had carved out a unique niche on the northside of Iowa City. The single field nestled within the Brown Street Historic District surrounded by homes, trees and other park amenities provided a sense of nostalgia that is so -often sought for baseball and softball players. The lime infield, chain-link fence backstop, lack of outfield fence and dugouts that consist only of an aluminum bench serve as a reminder to all that the game is about the opportunities for the players and the nostalgic memories of the spectators. As a life-long Iowa Citian, a former high-school baseball coach, a current youth baseball coach, a current parent of two youth baseball players, a husband to a youth softball coach and a parent to a youth softball player; I can attest to the importance and uniqueness of this field. This field had a certain right -of -passage quality for younger players and is looked back on fondly by families that have grown out of the park. With this experience, I can attest that a grass infield is in fact appropriate for Rec T Ball ,typically played by players aged 4-6, but it is not appropriate for older ages. To see that this field was re-classified by City staff to a recreational field and thus removing the lime infield and replaced with grass, was disheartening to say the least. I have previously discussed with members of City staff to determine why the field was re-classified. In conjunction with the memo from Juli Seydell Johnson on 6/24/20, 1 was told prior that there were not enough field reservations compared to the anticipated demand for open space activities. Does City staff measure the success of ball fields only by reservations received and fees obtained? Because Happy Hollow is a neighborhood park, physical reservations do not show a complete picture of the field's usage. In my experience, when arriving for a practice or game, the ball field was in use the majority of the time by people of all ages for activities such as slow -pitch softball, pickup games, batting practice or just running around the bases. This ball field is used regularly by the the LGBTQ community and University of Iowa academic groups, including the Writer's Workshop and their annual Poets vs. Novelists softball game. City staff added that Happy Hollow had field conditions that were less than optimal, that removing the turf infield will provide more recreational uses such as flag football, removal of the field will increase efficiency of resources and that the City has 16 ball fields with field dimensions the same as Happy Hollow. These statements are incorrect and/or misleading. The City does in fact have 16 other fields, however they are not equally accessible to baseball and softball teams. For instance, the Napoleon fields are not used for baseball and the City Park fields are not used for softball. A simple solution to increase flexibility and efficiency of resources seems to be to open all fields for both baseball and softball. Currently, flag football leagues such as RedZone use the outfield grass at Napoleon for their games. A portion of the playing field encroaches on the skinned infield at Napoleon and could similarly be done at Happy Hollow. The removal of the skinned infield does not add additional opportunities that had not already existed. would agree with City staff that the field conditions were less than optimal. There is a lot left to be desired in terms of field maintenance throughout the City, but Happy Hollow had become a sore thumb in recent years. There is a Facebook post by a local citizen on 6/13/19 that shows the condition of the field, during a paid reservation, with comments by other citizens and ultimately a member of the Iowa City Parks and Rec Commission. The love and adoration for this field is apparent as well as the lack of proper care. An improvement in maintenance to Happy Hollow and all ball fields would be greatly appreciated! If the maintenance of the field is directly a result of a budgetary issue, there are definitely more creative opportunities to save money than removing the infield. As stated in Juli's letter, the change in the park claims to support the Council's strategic goal of promoting racial and social equity. However this seems to directly contradict further comments in the letter. Acknowledging that Happy Hollow was an outlier compared to other neighborhood parks does not mean that it should be changed. Supporting racial and social equity means providing opportunities in the areas of need, not aggregating them into larger and fewer complexes. Removing features of parks and creating barriers for access to amenities is not supporting any standard of equity to our citizens. Combined with the removal of the fields at Kickers Park and the Eastside Sports Complex not any closer to fruition, the removal of the field at Happy Hollow further drops Iowa City below it's surrounding communities in terms of fields per capita. Coralville, North Liberty and Tiffin outpace Iowa City in terms of fields per capita by ratios of greater than 2:1 all the way to nearly 7:1! As previously mentioned, I have lived in Iowa City my entire life. I can distinctly remember my time at City Park as a young player with Howard Villhauer on the loudspeaker and Mary running the concession stand. I still remember spending my summer nights at Mercer Park playing and watching my friends play. And I can specifically remember the purity of coaching seven and eight year olds at Happy Hollow where the players could focus on having fun, learning the game and then run to the play structure and go down the slide as soon as practice was over. At the community meeting held on 6/11/19, all the community issues were addressed except the concerns over the conditions of the ball field. Changing the infield to grass did not address the issues, it literally covered them up. This meeting may have had input from the surrounding neighborhood but did not necessarily include the greater group of users. To highlight that point, I created an online petition to restore the ball field at Happy Hollow (change.org/restorehappyhollow), which as of today has surpassed 425 signatures. I urge you and other members of City staff to restore Happy Hollow to a skinned infield and implore an improved maintenance program for the 2021 season. It would be great for the City to add another hidden gem to their parks system. Sincerely, Michael Muhlenbruch