HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-04-21 Info PacketApril 21, 2022
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CITY 0E IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
City Council Information Packet
IPI. Council Tentative Meeting Schedule
Miscellaneous
IP2. Letter from Center for Worker Justice: Wage Theft Proposal
IP3. Joint Entities Meeting Minutes: January 24
IP4. 2022 Building Statistics - March
IP5. Press Release: Change of date: City's Electric Bus Bash on May 6
Draft Minutes
IP6. Board of Adjustment: April 13
IP7. Library Board of Trustees: March 24
April 21, 2022
City of Iowa City Page 1
Item Number: 1.
CITY OE IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
April 21, 2022
Council Tentative Meeting Schedule
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Council Tentative Meeting Schedule
A
CITY OF IOWA CITY
Date
City Council Tentative Meeting Schedule
Subject to change
Time
Meeting
April 21, 2022
Location
Tuesday, May 3, 2022
4:00 PM
6:00 PM
Work Session
Formal Meeting
City Hall, Emma J. Harvat Hall
410 E. Washington Street
Tuesday, May 17, 2022
4:00 PM
6:00 PM
Work Session
Formal Meeting
City Hall, Emma J. Harvat Hall
410 E. Washington Street
Wednesday, May 18, 2022
9:30 AM Work Session - Strategic Planning
East Side Recycling Center
2401 Scott Blvd SE
Monday, June 6, 2022
4:00 PM
6:00 PM
Work Session
Formal Meeting
City Hall, Emma J. Harvat Hall
410 E. Washington Street
Tuesday, June 21, 2022
4:00 PM
6:00 PM
Work Session
Formal Meeting
City Hall, Emma J. Harvat Hall
410 E. Washington Street
Tuesday, July 12, 2022
4:00 PM
6:00 PM
Work Session
Formal Meeting
City Hall, Emma J. Harvat Hall
410 E. Washington Street
Monday, July 18, 2022
4:30 PM Joint Entities Meeting
Hosted by City of Coralville
TBD
Tuesday, August 2, 2022
4:00 PM
6:00 PM
Work Session
Formal Meeting
City Hall, Emma J. Harvat Hall
410 E. Washington Street
Tuesday, August 16, 2022
4:00 PM
6:00 PM
Work Session
Formal Meeting
City Hall, Emma J. Harvat Hall
410 E. Washington Street
Tuesday, September 6, 2022
4:00 PM
6:00 PM
Work Session
Formal Meeting
City Hall, Emma J. Harvat Hall
410 E. Washington Street
Tuesday, September 20, 2022 4:00 PM
6:00 PM
Work Session
Formal Meeting
City Hall, Emma J. Harvat Hall
410 E. Washington Street
Monday, October 3, 2022
4:00 PM
6:00 PM
Work Session
Formal Meeting
City Hall, Emma J. Harvat Hall
410 E. Washington Street
Monday, October 17, 2022
4:30 PM Joint Entities Meeting
Hosted by City of Iowa City
City Hall, Emma J. Harvat Hall
410 E. Washington Street
Tuesday, October 18, 2022
4:00 PM
6:00 PM
Work Session
Formal Meeting
City Hall, Emma J. Harvat Hall
410 E. Washington Street
Tuesday, November 1, 2022
4:00 PM
6:00 PM
Work Session
Formal Meeting
City Hall, Emma J. Harvat Hall
410 E. Washington Street
Tuesday, November 15, 2022
4:00 PM
6:00 PM
Work Session
Formal Meeting
City Hall, Emma J. Harvat Hall
410 E. Washington Street
Tuesday, December 6, 2022 4:00 PM Work Session City Hall, Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:00 PM Formal Meeting 410 E. Washington Street
Item Number: 2.
CITY OE IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
April 21, 2022
Letter from Center for Worker Justice: Wage Theft Proposal
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Letter from Center for Worker Justice: Wage Theft Proposal
7FOR64IM
KE'
JUSTICE
04/18/2022
Center for Worker Justice of
Eastern Iowa
1556 S. 1st Ave #C, Iowa City, IA 52240 1 319-594-7593 1 info@cwjiowa.org
Dear Mayor Teague, Geoff Fruin, and Iowa City Councilors:
Johnson County is processing ARPA funding to include support for the Center for
Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa (CWJ) in order to adequately address the growing issue of wage
theft in our community. Due to the pandemic, conditional and unanticipated working conditions
have only intensified this matter and driven a greater need for assistance in resolving wage theft
cases, especially with low wage and marginalized workers. We are asking the cities in Johnson
County to support this effort and provide a multi-year commitment from their ARPA funds. Our
budget for the proposal is $322,755.81. Johnson County has only approved $130,000 in county
funds and sent CWJ to the municipalities within the county to seek additional funding for our
proposal. With North Liberty and Coralville authorities agreeing to their respective financial
commitments to our proposal, CWJ is asking for Iowa City to accept the proposal so we can
continue with our progress and make the Johnson County area a truly "fair labor" community.
Should the City of Iowa City accept the proposal, CWJ will have a greater chance of receiving
all necessary funds to turn the proposal into a reality and impact all Johnson County workers in a
meaningful way.
The Center for Worker Justice has provided many resources to low wage workers and
marginalized members of the Eastern Iowa area since its founding in 2012. With our reputable
and trustworthy relationship to the labor force as well as our long standing record of successful
wage theft cases, CWJ has proven to be an appropriate organization to restore unpaid wages and
enforce worker rights throughout Johnson County. We have successfully recovered over
$170,000 in unpaid wages to deserving workers over the years from a multitude of employment
areas. As a nonprofit organization focused on workers' rights, we offer various programs to
empower people as members of the workforce. We prepare clinics that assist those in need of
rent and/or utility coverage; we organize workshops that provide resources for participants to
successfully enter the workforce, seek advancement in their economic enterprises, or receive
economic justice regarding different issues; and we support translation opportunities for
programs and applications in many languages to combat the language barrier we see in working
communities. We were one of the only places open throughout the entirety of the pandemic that
could provide such resources for low wage workers during this time of uncertainty and rising
employment contingency. Due to our lack of labor funds along with the increase of such
7FOR64IM
KE'
JUSTICE
Center for Worker Justice of
Eastern Iowa
1556 S. 1st Ave #C, Iowa City, IA 52240 1 319-594-7593 1 info@cwjiowa.org
inequities in the workforce, CWJ has not been able to promptly address the wage theft cases in
Johnson County.
As a result, CWJ has proposed a plan to the cities in Johnson County that uses expanded
resources to combat wage theft systematically. This 5 -year plan will include a full-time wage
theft organizer working at CWJ to enforce economic justice and educate both employees as well
as employers about workers' rights and the consequences of denying such rights. With the
implementation of our proposal, we will be able to foster lasting change in Johnson County
regarding wage theft by empowering low wage workers and inspiring responsible employers.
The assistance we offer low wage workers is critical to uplifting the community as a whole
through systematically holding employers accountable and informing employees of their rights
as workers, and this proposal provides CWJ the monetary assistance needed to carry out a project
with long lasting effects on Johnson County's labor community.
We welcome your careful review of the plan, along with the budget we propose for
carrying out this work. We hope that the City of Iowa City can partner with North Liberty and
Coralville to provide funding for this proposal. Should Iowa City join in this effort to provide
sufficient funding for the proposal, we expect that the county will raise its contribution to
$162,755 instead of $130,000, allowing us to adequately cover our budget. We will be happy to
discuss it with you and answer any questions you may have, and we look forward to having the
support of the county and its municipalities in this campaign for labor fairness.
Sin erely,
Mazahir Salih;
Executive Director
Center for Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa
Center for Worker Justice of
Eastern Iowa
1556 S. 1st Ave #C, Iowa City, IA 52240 1 319-594-7593 1 info@cwjiowa.org
04/18/22
Proposal: Addressing wage theft and making Johnson County a "fair labor" community
The Center for Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa (CWJ)
Overview
The crisis posed by chronic "wage theft" has compounded the wider economic impact of the
COVID-19 pandemic and the human costs of the economic recession it produced, particularly
within marginalized communities. Johnson County has not been immune to these costs.
Indeed, the local economy—heavily dependent on hard hit economic sectors in
leisure/hospitality and construction—has been slow to recover. As low wage workers have
desperately sought to find employment, the persistence of wage theft in its various forms has
only intensified, with businesses seeking their own paths to recovery by cutting costs,
enhancing their competitive position, and restructuring their employment practices, many by
making use of subcontractors who flagrantly take advantage of their contingent employees.
Since its founding in 2012, the Center for Worker Justice has been a leading voice for the rights
of low wage and immigrant workers seeking a secure footing in the community. Through
effective organizing for a community ID, a higher minimum wage, affordable housing, workers'
rights, and pandemic relief for the most marginal, CWJ has earned trust among low wage,
immigrant, and refugee workers, as well as respect in the wider community. In no area has its
work been more important and stunningly successful than in advocacy for the victims of wage
theft. CWJ has helped workers recover more than $170,000 in wages unfairly denied them in
restaurants, on construction sites, in landscaping firms, and in manufacturing enterprises.
Through quiet mediation, negotiation, and, when necessary, public pressure, CWJ has helped
workers recover the wages they have earned and defend against retribution. These efforts have
been a lifeline for workers and their families, boosted the local economy, and helped to define
standards of fair employment that have ripple effects in the community.
At this critical moment for low-wage workers in our county, American Rescue Plan funds have
the potential to advance a recovery with renewed respect for the dignity of all workers. CWJ
proposes to undertake an expanded campaign to confront wage theft and promote worker rights
in Johnson County that promises additional economic benefits to the whole community and to
essential workers who are subjected to shocking rates of wage theft. This 5 -year initiative would
build on the successful outreach, education, and empowerment strategies CWJ has developed
in the past five years and would launch a new strategic enforcement
Center for Worker Justice of
Eastern Iowa
1556 S. 1st Ave #C, Iowa City, IA 52240 1 319-594-7593 1 info@cwjiowa.org
partnership to make Johnson County and its municipalities a "fair labor" community. In doing so,
this campaign would promote the collaboration of workers, worker advocacy
organizations, attorneys, enforcement agencies, and responsible local employers, and would
contribute to making Johnson County a magnet for workers seeking employment where their
rights and their earnings are protected.
The wage theft problem and the pandemic
Long before the world came to know COVID-19 and began to understand the devastating
economic impact of a pandemic, many low wage workers experienced unfair treatment from
employers and the denial, in various ways, of the wages they had earned. Whether they simply
saw their earnings confiscated by their employers, were denied overtime or tips, were paid "off
the clock" or by debit card without a pay stub, or had unreasonable deductions made, they knew
"wage theft" and suffered the consequences of lost income. The data are stunningly revealing.
In the most recent survey of 300 workers in Johnson County, 25% reported having experienced
some form(s) of wage theft in the previous year. 69 respondents had been denied overtime they
were due; 59 reported late or unpaid wages; and 24 had been denied pay altogether for some of
their work. Nearly a decade ago, the Iowa Policy Project estimated that Iowa workers lost nearly
$600 million in stolen wages annually with a corresponding shortfall of $120 million in unpaid
state sales, income, and payroll taxes. Individual cases flesh out the human dimensions of
these abuses of low wage workers and the wider consequences for the community. (See
attachment: "Struggling Just to be Paid: Stories of Wage Theft in Iowa.")
The pandemic and its economic consequences have only intensified the problems low wage
workers face. The labor market has become more casualized, with employers turning
increasingly to temporary employment arrangements or staffing subcontractors with widely
fluctuating hours of work and high rates of wage theft. A recent National Employment Law
Project report highlighted results of a survey of frontline workers in the pandemic. Among
workers with the highest level of concern about maintaining steady employment in the next year,
22% were victims of wage theft—versus only 3% of workers with the least concern about
potential job loss. Prior to the pandemic, a survey of Johnson County low wage workers found
that nearly a quarter worked for subcontracting employment agencies, most in manufacturing.
Since the pandemic, CWJ members report an increase in temporary and "gig economy" work in
retail, food services, hotels, construction, and delivery and distribution jobs.
During the pandemic, frontline workers from marginalized communities reported high rates of
wage theft. According to the National Employment Law Project, "the share of Black workers
(14%) who reported that an employer had not paid them at the correct wage rate or for all
Center for Worker Justice of
Eastern Iowa
1556 S. 1st Ave #C, Iowa City, IA 52240 1 319-594-7593 1 info@cwjiowa.org
hours worked, had stolen tips, or had deducted the cost of personal protective equipment from
their pay during the pandemic was more than twice that of white workers (6%), and more than
the 8% of workers overall." Desperate low wage or immigrant workers insecure about their
status in the community, or fearing deportation, were hesitant to complain or to quit in the face of
employer abuse. Only a small number would take the risk of coming forward to complain.
Seeking solutions
The Center for Worker Justice, with its track record of helping low wage workers win restitution
of wages and defending workers against other forms of abuse, is well-positioned to expand its
work to address the problems exacerbated by the pandemic. During the past year through its
"From My Home to Yours" program CWJ has stepped forward—with funding from its supporters
and the county and municipalities—to address the pressing need for material support of over
1,000 local immigrant and low income families excluded from federal aid. This expanded
network of relationships enhances CWJ's ability to educate workers who are statistically most
vulnerable to wage theft. State enforcement of labor laws is virtually non-existent with Iowa
Workforce Development having a single employee designated to investigate wage theft in all 99
counties, which in turn has led the agency to implement a policy of rejecting all wage theft cases
over $6,500. At the federal Department of Labor, the nomination of David Weil brings new hope
and opportunity for CWJ's ability to collaborate with DOL wage and hour enforcement efforts.
Weil has been a leading advocate for increased wage theft enforcement, protections against
retaliation for workers regardless of immigration status, and partnerships with local workers'
centers.
CWJ proposes an expanded initiative to address this critical need with support from American
Rescue Plan funds designated for Johnson County and its municipalities. CWJ would hire a
full-time, experienced organizer who would devote their full energy and expertise for five years
to expand existing efforts and pilot a new program to stem the tide of wage theft in this
community. A five-year commitment is essential in order to fully expand and build support for
this initiative.
Because of the trust CWJ has won in the community and its reputation for effective organization
it is well-positioned to carry this work forward. Its methods are also well -tested and effective:
conducting outreach and education that reaches workers in dozens of languages, interviewing
workers who report unpaid wages, investigating the details and gathering evidence, contacting
and seeking mediation with the employer, and, if necessary, supporting the worker in filing
agency complaints, connecting with attorneys, or going public to seek cooperation of
intransigent employers. These efforts have provided workers the wages
they have earned and which their families need, have put money back into our local economy,
have restored unpaid tax revenues, and have protected responsible employers from being
CENTER '�1
FOR
ORKE' -:
,JUSTICE
Center for Worker Justice of
Eastern Iowa
1556 S. 1st Ave #C, Iowa City, IA 52240 1 319-594-7593 1 info@cwjiowa.org
undercut and underbid by unscrupulous competitors. An expanded program of this sort could
become a model for other counties and municipalities going forward.
Plan of work
The CWJ wage theft organizer hired for the position would undertake a series of initiatives
laying the groundwork for an expanded campaign against wage theft and other abuses of
workers' rights.
• Develop and print updated educational materials in English, Spanish, French, and
Arabic that address the forms of wage theft most prevalent today.
• Train 20 more CWJ members and allies to assist with wage theft intake in each of the
languages listed above.
• Engage in worker outreach and education through community and neighborhood
meetings, presentations in churches and English Language Learner classes, phone calls
and text messages to CWJ's contact lists, and targeted canvassing in low wage
communities.
• Network with other community organizations, small businesses, and cooperatives,
neighborhood associations, churches, legal aid lawyers, enforcement agency staff, and
unions to build support for the campaign.
• Collaborate with the University of Iowa Labor Center and Common Good Iowa to
conduct a new survey of low-wage workers that focuses on wage theft and labor rights.
• Educate the wider community on labor rights by speaking to community groups, writing
op-ed pieces, holding media interviews, and disseminating information through social
media.
• Seek resolution of wage theft cases that come to light, assess the most prevalent
patterns and trends, and publicize the results.
• Recruit key stakeholders to join a local strategic enforcement partnership, modeled from
successful initiatives across the country, that brings together workers, worker advocacy
organizations, policy analysts, employment lawyers, elected officials and
enforcement agency representatives to increase the effectiveness of enforcement efforts
and promote fair labor standards.
Center for Worker Justice of
Eastern Iowa
1556 S. 1st Ave #C, Iowa City, IA 52240 1 319-594-7593 1 info@cwjiowa.org
In these efforts, the wage theft organizer would have the assistance of other CWJ staff, interns,
and volunteers who already have considerable experience in support of resolving past
wage -theft cases. Because of its strong base of support in the community, CWJ is
well-positioned to make optimal use of a new, funded staff position.
Building a "fair labor" community—the path forward
In the past ten years, a growing number of cities and states have experimented with innovative
approaches to protecting and improving labor standards in low-wage industries through a formal
partnership involving workers, worker advocacy organizations, responsible business leaders,
and governmental enforcement agencies. From an enforcement perspective, this concept is
often known as "co -enforcement" or "co -production." While the statutory landscape in Iowa
creates some barriers to this approach, there are elements of these initiatives that could be
implemented as a pilot project in Johnson County. This pilot project could build the basis for
developing a sustainable and more systemic approach to addressing the root causes of wage
theft and workers' rights abuses in targeted industries.
These community -wide discussions could also be the means for developing "fair labor
standards" proposals based on the experiences of low-wage workers, unions, and responsible
businesses who seek protection against unfair competition, ensure a healthy more equitable
local economy, and promote recruitment and retention in hard -to -fill jobs. By attracting workers
seeking jobs where their rights and their earnings are protected, it would also bolster the local
labor market and address the shortage of workers faced by many businesses.
Budget
Because continuity and sustained effort are required to meaningfully address the problem of
wage theft in our communities, CWJ has proposed a five-year initiative to address the problem.
This will require outreach to low-wage workers, building collaborative networks of support with
other community organizations, educating the wider community, and directly resolving wage
theft cases that arise. The work requires a full-time dedicated community organizer with a
competitive salary and full benefits and the support of other CWJ staff, volunteers, and
community allies.
The budgeted costs for this position over the 5 -year period of the initiative will be $322,755.
The Johnson County Board of Supervisors has tentatively agreed to use $130,000 of ARPA funds
to initiate this program. We expect that with additional support from the municipalities in the
county, the county will raise its contribution to $162,755, or $32,551 annually for the five years.
CWJ is asking the city of Iowa City to make a commitment to provide $17,000 annually for five
7FOR64IM
KE'
JUSTICE
Center for Worker Justice of
Eastern Iowa
1556 S. 1st Ave #C, Iowa City, IA 52240 1 319-594-7593 1 info@cwjiowa.org
years, for a total commitment of $85,000. The City of Coralville has committed to $8000
annually for five years, or a total of $40,000, and the City of North Liberty has committed an
additional $7000 annually, or $35,000 over five years.
This level of support and commitment will enable CWJ and its community allies to make
significant progress toward rooting out the problem of wage theft and advancing the objective of
making Johnson County and its municipalities "fair labor communities." Such progress will
redound to the benefit of low wage workers seeking better and more secure lives, responsible
employers eager to attract more workers to the community, and the overall community and its
economic health. These funds will enable us to fully fund the 5 -year program.
Category
Staff Salaries
Staff Benefits
SS, Medicare
Total
Five years Budget for a Full -lime Wage Theft Oragnizer
Year 1 Budges Year 2 Bud Year 3 Budge Year 4 Budge Year 5 BudgiTotal Notes
$220,860.04 Salary plus 3% increase starting the 2nd year according to the Teamester
$85,000.00 Teamster Union health Insurance( it vairy with family member, Between $1700-;
$3,182.40 $3,277.87 $3,376.20 $3,477.49 $3,581.81 $16,895.77 SS and Medicare Payment by CWJ
$61,782.40 $63,125.87 $67,402.97 The Yearly cost of the Full-time wage theft orgnizer
$41,600.00 $42,848.00 $44,133.44
$45,457.44
$46,821.16
$17,000.00 $17,000.00 $17,000.00
$17,000.00
$17,000.00
Respectfully,
Mazahir Salih
Executive Director
Center for Worker Justice
Item Number: 3.
reTartigAiE,,,
CITY OE IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
April 21, 2022
Joint Entities Meeting Minutes: January 24
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Joint Entities Meeting Minutes: January 24
JOHNSON COUNTY IOWA
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MEETING MINUTES
MONDAY, JANUARY 24, 2022
Second Floor Boardroom
Joint Entities Meeting 4:31 PM
JOHNSON COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
913 SOUTH DUBUQUE STREET
IOWA CITY, IA 52240
Chairperson Porter called the Johnson County Board of Supervisors to order in the
Johnson County Administration Building Boardroom at 4:31 p.m. Members present: Jon
Green*, Lisa Green -Douglass, Pat Heiden, Royceann Porter, and Rod Sullivan*.
*Denotes electronic participation.
Welcome and Introductions
Elected officials introduced themselves as follows:
Coralville City Council Members Laurie Goodrich, Jill Dodds*, Mike Knudson*, Hai
Huynh*, Coralville Mayor Meghann Foster*, and Coralville Mayor Pro Tem Mitch Gross*,
Hills City Council Member Emily Hudacheck*, Hills Mayor Tim Kemp*,
Iowa City Mayor Bruce Teague, Iowa City Council Members Pauline Taylor, Laura
Bergus*, John Thomas, Janice Weiner*, and Shawn Harmsen*, Iowa City Mayor Pro Tem
Megan Alter*.
Meeting participants said they were having difficulty hearing one another so Porter called
for a recess to restore order. Recessed at 4:35 p.m.; reconvened at 4:49 p.m.
Introductions resumed as follows:
Lone Tree City Council Member Dave Wageman*,
Oxford Mayor Heather Johnson*,
North Liberty Mayor Chris Hoffman*, North Liberty City Council Members Brian Wayson*,
Brent Smith*, and Erek Sittig*,
Swisher Mayor Christopher Taylor*,
Tiffin City Administrator Doug Boldt*,
University Heights Mayor Louise From*, University Heights City Council Member
Stepheny Gahn*,
Clear Creek Amana Interim Superintendent Joseph Brown*,
Iowa City Community School District (ICCSD) Vice President Ruthina Malone*, ICCSD
President Shawn Eyestone*, ICCSD Board Members Maka Pilcher Hayek, Charlie
Eastham, Lisa Williams*, and Jayne Finch*.
Porter announced that agenda item number four, "American Rescue Plan Act Updates
from Municipalities" will be moved to last place on the agenda.
Clear Creek Amana Community Schools Update: March 1, 2022 Bond Referendum
Clear Creek Amana Interim Superintendent Joseph Brown presented a PowerPoint about
the March 1, 2022 bond referendum for $65,000,000 for the purpose of building a new
600 -student elementary school in Coralville, a vocational addition to the high school, and
expansion of fine arts facilities at the middle and high schools. Officials discussed the
Johnson County Iowa Submitted by the Auditor's Office
Minutes Joint Entities Monday, January 24, 2022
placement of the vocational wing in relation to the flood plain and Brown spoke on the
matter.
COVID-19 Update from Johnson County Public Health
Johnson County Public Health Director Danielle Pettit-Majewski provided statistics about
COVID-19 infections in Johnson County and spoke about face coverings, COVID-19
vaccinations, testing, and contact tracing. She said 78.6% of Johnson County's population
is vaccinated, but staffing shortages among healthcare providers has not waned. She
announced how each household can secure rapid antigen tests that are now available at
no charge.
Nomi Health, Inc. COVID-19 Testing Clinic
ICCSD President Shawn Eyestone said the Nomi Health, Inc. drive-thru COVID-19 testing
clinic at Liberty High School has administered over 1,100 tests. He announced plans for
additional clinics within the Iowa City Community School District.
Interest for a Childcare Presentation and Discussion at Next Joint Entities Meeting
Iowa City Mayor Bruce Teague asked if there is interest to bring in area experts who could
provide knowledgeable information about local, state and federal childcare. Green -
Douglass and Coralville Mayor Meghann Foster suggested Lynette Jacoby, Deb
Dunkhase, and Jennifer Banta would be good resources for such a presentation.
Sustainability Working Group of Johnson County Update
Johnson County Planning, Development, and Sustainability Department Sustainability
Coordinator Becky Soglin* presented a PowerPoint about the Sustainability Working
Group of Johnson County. The PowerPoint is contained in the agenda packet of this
meeting.
Proposed Dates and Hosts for Future Joint Entities Meetings
Board Office Executive Director Mike Hensch suggested the joint entities follow a
proposed schedule for future meeting dates and designated hosts. He displayed a
schedule on the monitor and via Zoom; absent any objection, the next meeting is
scheduled for April 18, 2022, and to be hosted by ICCSD.
American Rescue Plan Act Updates from Municipalities
Johnson County Grants Coordinator Donna Brooks* reviewed the history and timeline of
the development of the American Rescue Plan Act Direct Assistance Program. She noted
that the final rule, released by the U.S. Treasury on January 6, contained expanded
guidance and flexibility that affected the Direct Assistance Program. Teague, Eastham,
and Special Projects Manager Ray Forsythe provided additional information.
Adjourned at 5:34 p.m.
Attest: Travis Weipert, Auditor
Recorded by Kyle Phillips, Auditor's Office Administrative Secretary
Finalized by Nancy Tomkovicz, Deputy Auditor
Johnson County Iowa
Submitted by the Auditor's Office Page 2 of 2
I
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CITY OE IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
April 21, 2022
2022 Building Statistics - March
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
2022 Building Statistics - March
Item Number: 4.
City of Iowa City
2022 Building Statistics
'Value/Type of Construction Permits Building issued
2022
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
TOTAL
New Single Family Dwellings (IRC) - $ Valuation
51.775,000
52,456,904
54,170,936
58.402,640
Number ofPermits
3
6
12
,
23
New duplex Dwellings (IRC) -5 Valuation
$0
50
50
$0
(Number of Permits
0
0
0
0
New Multiple Unit Dwellings (IBC) -5 Valuation
$0
$0
5700,000
5700,000
Number of Perm4s
0
0
1
1
Number of Buildings
0
0
1
14
Number of Dwelling Units
0
0
4
New Mix- Commercial/Residential (IBC) - $ Valuation
$0
50
50
50
Number of Permits
0
0
0
0
Number of Buildings
0
0
0
0
Number of Dwelling Units
0
0
0
0
New Industrial (IBC) - $ Valuation
$0
50
525,000
525.000
Number of Permits
0
0
1
1
New Iowa City Public (IBCIIRC)(Replaces Public
WorksRllilltles) -5 Valuation
$0
$0
5420,444
5420444
Number of Permits
0
0
1
1
Schools (IBC) (All new and all addlalter/repair) - $
'Valuation
51.200,000
50
53.126.200
54,326,200
of Permits
1
0
1
2
_Number
Misc. Structures/Fences - $ Valuation
50
$0
50
50
of Permits
0
0
0
0
_Number
Remodel, Residential (All add/alter/repair IRC) $
Valuation
5393,993
5644,647
5678,894
$1.717,534
Number of Permits
9
21
15
45
Remodel, Commercial (All add/alter/repair IBC) - $
Valuation
5909,000
$1,265,958
51,211,700
$3,386,658
Number of Permits
7
10
6
23
Remodel, Industrial (Alt addlalterlrepair IBC) - $
Valuation (New Category in '22)
$0
50
5140,100
5140.100
Number or Permits
0
0
1
1
Remodel Public (Replaces Public Works) (Alt
add/alter/repair IBC) -5 Valuation
50
$0
50
50
Number of Permits
0
0
0
0
Residential Accessory Structures (IRC) - $ Valuation
50
50
$0
$0
Number of Permits
0
0
0
0
TOTAL VALUE
54,277,993
54,367,509
510,473,274
$0
$0
50
$0
50
50
50
50
50
519.118.776
TOTAL PERMITS
20
39
38
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
97
Iowa City Building Permits
Building Permits Issued between 3/1/2022 and 3/31/2022
•
rmit #
Issue Date
Address
Descriation
Applicant
Value
Building
(Commercial)
Alteration
,BLDC21-0172
3/10/2022
2545 N DODGE ST
Tenant finish for Caravel Autism Health Center.
Work includes adding walls, doors, ceilings, lights
andfull MEPFP scope for the new layout. Exterior
wnr4 inrr,,Rae naerrnni,pl.y are.
Burnham Nationwide John Chwedyk
$200,000.00
IBLDC22-0016
3/30/2022
2501 BRADFORD DR
SE Jr High renovation of existing kitchen and
cafeteria. Freezer/cooler addition to kitchen and
cafeteria expansion addition. Project includes
ao-htt.r tont on.rtr.rnl id CUT ..-,1 rivll
Farnsworth Group Sarah L Huston
$3,126,200.00
IBLDC22-0019
3/2/2022
2340 HEINZ RD
IReplace an existing set of restrooms with upgraded
restrooms in the same location.
Miron Construction Frank Hayes
$140,100.00
IBLDC22-0020
3/14/2022
401 E MARKET ST
John's Grocery-demolition/removal of existing
drywall and plaster on walls and ceiling and wall
cladding and stainless on walls. Replace with new
5/8th gypsum drywall on ceiling and exposing
John's Grocery DJ Matthews
$2,500,00
BLDC22-0024
3/24/2022
209 SCOTT CT
Tenant space alteration -remove drop ceiling, add
washer/dryer, paint, finish drywall seams and texture,
huiirl ttnIf wok} far rahIfl le.
Nicole Conover
$5,000.00
BLDC22-0025
3/31/2022
1401 S GILBERT ST
Hill Bank -Enclose existing space to create a new
10411' Office
TD BUILDERS LLC Timothy Hanna
$4,200.00
BLDC21-0174
3/10/2022
158 HAWKEYE CT
Outdoor amenity improvements at west side of
Aspire at West Campus apartment complex - paving
and utilities for improvements to seating area and
ground surfaces, extension and improvements to
dog park, addition of a playground and sand
volleyball court to the east side of the project site.
(McComas-Lacina Construction Phil Keppler
'$400,000,00
BLDC22-0022
3/22/2022
404 E COLLEGE ST Suite 405
Tenant finish of offices for Black and Gold
Chiropractic on fourth floor of the Chauncy building
Super Sweet Construction John Michael
Ries
$600,000.00
Building (Commercial) - Alteration Total $4,478,000.00
New Construction
BLDC21-0129
3/28/2022
1854 5 RIVERSIDE DR
Addition to north building for electrical room at
existing concrete Plant (Iowa City Ready Mix)
McComas Lacina Construction Rob
Mrcornas
$25,000.00
BLDC22-0005
3/14/2022
3800 NAPOLEON LN
New Material Storage Bin - Public Works Campus
$420,444 00
Building (Commercial) - New Construction
Total
$445,444.00
Building (Commercial) Total
$4,923,444.00
Building
(Residential)
Residential Buildings
Addition
BLDR22-0098
3/24/2022
2318 JESSUP CIR
Replace existing rear deck with new 14x14 vinyl
decking with steps and a alum. railing and a 14x14
..atonal sunrnmm Lap,powu fruinrlatinn
Home Town Restyling Brad Winn
$41,102 00
Addition Total
$41,102.00
,Alteration/Remodel
BLDR21-0487
3/16/2022
4707 CANTERBURY CT
(Remove and replace existing rear deck - similar size
and shape deck, new framing, new footings, railing
ianrJ stairs
Fager Framing, DBA Deckworks Cedar
Valley Pat Weiland
$26,035.00
.Alteration/Remodel
Alteration/Remodel
BLDR22-0030
3/14/2022
710 WALKER CIR
Enclosing existing screened porch by adding
windows and adding heated tile floor. Area will
Y -main yirirruariitioamael hir HLAC swaww
Elevation Home Builders Nate Knause
$15,000.00
BLDR22-0057
3/1/2022
2046 ROCHESTER CT
IRemode of the primary bathroom.
(Modern Roots Design Build John Norman
wlartinek
:$52,000.00
Alteration/Remodel
BLDR22-0055
3/3/2022
718 OAKLAND AVE
Kitchen and Bath Remodel
(Lammers Construction Service, Inc Katie M.
Lammers
$22,000.00
Alteration/Remodel
BLDR22-0060
3/2/2022
802 WEST SIDE DR
Kitchen and bathroom remodel, Convert 3 seasons
TMLD,LLC Mary Ruth
'$175,000.00
Alteration/Remodel
BLDR22-0058
3/3/2022
710 S SUMMIT ST
Kitchen Remodel
(Elevation Home Builders Nate Knause
$54,000.00
Alteration/Remodel
BLDR22-0072
3/10/2022
1314 SANDUSKY DR
Replace existing rear deck with new deck of the
same size & location.
City of Iowa City David Powers
$3,700.00
Alteration/Remodel
I3LDR22-0068
.3/16/2022
1210 KEOKUK ST
Basement Finish And Frame Exterior Walls For
Sheetrock
Lammers Construction Service, Inc. Katie M.
Lammers
$2,000.00
Alteration/Remodel
IBLDR22-0074
3/23/2022
1338 PRAIRIE GRASS LN
Full house remodel including bathrooms and convert
screened -in porch to interior room. (kitchen
fahinets. fInnripn Trim naintl
Skyler Shield Design Skyler Shield
$130,000.00
Alteration/Remodel
IBLDR22-0075
3/28/2022
343 BELDON AVE
Kitchen remodel
Jean C Wiley & Sons, Inc. Ted Wiley
$57,873.00
Alteration/Remodel
IBLDR22-0080
3/30/2022
205 DARTMOUTH ST
Kitchen remodel, including plumbing, existing
window enlargement, demo partition wall between
kitchen and dining room, moving a HVAC vent &
ducting, and electrical updates inc. new sub -panel in
Holland Gilmore
$6,000.00
Alteration/Remodel
BLDR22-0094
3/24/2022
1330 KESWICK DR
(Kitchen and bathroom remodel, relocation of
kitchen-
Sueppel's Siding and Remodeling GT Karr
'$80,000.00
Alteration/Remodel Total
$623,608.06
INew
IBLDR21-0462
3/15/2022
4101 UNBRIDLED AVE
New SF, detached, 5 Bedroom, 3 bath, 3 car, ranch
style dwellino
Brian Goerdt
$425,000.00
New
BLDR21-0505
3/15/2022
440 CHERRY AVE
Townhome style attached multifamily 4 units
Bedrock Builders LLC Alex Carrillo
$700,000.00
New
BLDR22-0037
3/14/2022
4580 ROHRET RD
New SF, detached, 4 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car, ranch
style dwellina
WATTS GROUP Caleb Shield
5244,484.00
New
BLDR22-0034
3/14/2022
4522 ROHRET RD
New
BLDR22-0036
3/14/2022
4560 ROHRET RD
New SF, detached, 4 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car, ranch
,style dwellina
New SF, detached, 4 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car, ranch
style dwellina
WATTS GROUP Caleb Shield
5244,484.00
WATTS GROUP Caleb Shield
5244,484.00
New
BLDR22-0035
3/14/2022
4542 ROHRET RD
New
BLDR22-0041
3/3/2022
157 TOBY CIR
New SF, detached, 4 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 Car, ranch
j3tyie dwellino
New SF, detached, 4 bedroom, 3 bath, 2 car, ranch
stele dwellina
WATTS GROUP Caleb Shield
$244,484.00
Bedrock Builders LLC Alex Carrillo
5450,000.00
New
BLDR22-0042
3/3/2022
173 TOBY CIR
New SF, detached, 5 bedroom, 3 bath, 3 car, ranch
,tyle dwellina
(Bedrock Builders LLC Alex Carrillo
5400,000.00
New
BLDR22-0047
3/10/2022
1247 TIPPERARY RD
INew SF, detached, 4 bedroom, 3 bath, 2 car, 25
dwellina
(Lee Homes Jason Lee
5455,000.00
New
BLDR22-0073
3/21/2022
864 SILVER LN
New SF, detached, 5 bedroom, 3 bath, 3 car, ranch
style dwellina
$535,000.00
New
BLDR22-0065
3/14/2022
748 AIDEN ST
New
(BLDR22-0076
3/21/2022
1308 Aiden ST
New SF, detached, 3 bed, 3 bath, 2 car, ranch style
4wellino
New SF, detached, 4 Bedroom, 3 bath, 3 car, split
foyer
Urban Fuel LLC Carrie Westcott
5320,000.00
Urban Fuel LLC Carrie Westcott
5320,000.00
INew
IBLDR22-0070
3/22/2022
787 AIDEN ST
New SF detached, 4 bedroom, 3 bath, 3 car, 1.55
Urban Fuel LLC Carrie Westcott
$288,000.00
New Total
$4,870,936.00
Repair
BLDR22-0054
3/10/2022
920 N GOVERNOR ST
Foundation wall repair -bracing system
IMidwest Reconstruction Ashlee M Ward
$9,984.00
Repair
BLDR20-0158
3/11/2022
516 GRANT ST
Storm damage repairs on roof and porch
(Lammers Construction Service, Inc. Katie M.
Lammers
$4,200.00
Repair Total
514,184.00
Building (Residential) Total
$5,549,830.00
Grand Total
$10,473,274.00
Total Permits Issued
38
Item Number: 5.
CITY OE IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
April 21, 2022
Press Release: Change of date: City's Electric Bus Bash on May 6
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Press Release: Change of date: City's Electric Bus Bash on May 6
Kellie Fruehling
From: City of Iowa City: Do Not Reply <CityoflowaCity@public.govdelivery.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 19, 2022 12:01 PM
To: Kellie Fruehling
Subject: Change of date: City's Electric Bus Bash on May 6
SI -ARE
Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.
sillY2! IOWA CITY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 04/19/2022
Contact: Darian Nagle -Gan -1m, Transportation Director
Phone: 319-356-5156
Change of date: City's Electric Bus Bash on May 6
MIDAMERMAN
ENERGY [OMPA r l •
Due to forecasts calling for thunderstorms this Friday, the Iowa City Transit's Electric Bus Bash has
been moved to 2 to 4 p.m. on Friday, May 6, 2022, at Riverfront Crossings Park, 1001 S. Clinton St.
The celebration of the City's four new electric buses will feature tours of an electric City bus,
speakers, light refreshments, e -bikes, educational EV information, giveaways, and more fun!
1
Join Mayor Bruce Teague and other leaders as we celebrate this exciting step forward in
our mission for zero carbon emissions by 2050. To learn more about Iowa City's climate action
goals, visit icoov.orgtClimateAction.
Iowa City's Climate Action and Adaptation Plan identifies shifting 55% of vehicular trips to more
sustainable methods of transportation such as biking, walking, EVs, or transit as a key strategy to
reducing emissions. The electric buses, which were funded through state and federal grants, as well
as through a partnership with MidAmerican Energy Company, will help make these goals possible.
Last year, Iowa City Transit began service improvements to create faster, more frequent, more
reliable, and more affordable transit service with a goal of improving service for those that rely on it
most, and making it an easier choice for others. To learn more about our Transit system, visit
icgov.orcllTransit.
In case of adverse weather on May 6, the event will be held on the first floor of the Chauncey Swan
Parking Ramp, 415 E. Washington St., at the same time and date.
-,►sir_
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CITY OE IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
April 21, 2022
Board of Adjustment: April 13
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Board of Adjustment: April 13
Item Number: 6.
MINUTES
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
FORMAL MEETING
EMMA HARVAT HALL
APRIL 13, 2022 — 5:15 PM
PRELIMINARY
MEMBERS PRESENT: Nancy Carlson, Gene Chrischilles, Amy Pretorius, Mark Russo
MEMBERS ABSENT Bryce Parker
STAFF PRESENT: Sue Dulek, Kirk Lehmann
OTHERS PRESENT: Mike Oliveira, Peter Speltz
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 5:15 PM.
ROLL CALL:
A brief opening statement was read by Chrischilles outlining the role and purpose of the Board
and the procedures that would be followed in the meeting.
CONSIDER THE MARCH 9 2022 MINUTES:
Pretorius moved to approve the minutes of March 9, 2022, Russo seconded.
A vote was taken and the motion carried 3-0 (Carlson absent for vote).
SPECIAL EXCEPTION ITEM EXC22-0002:
An application submitted by Mike Oliveira (Prestige Properties LLC) and David Ginger
requesting to convert a two-family (duplex) use to a detached single-family use in a Central
Business Service (CB -2) zone at 311 N. Gilbert Street.
Chrischilles opened the public hearing.
Lehmann noted the owner is asking for this exception on both this property and the property
directly to the north and pointed the properties out on the location map. Both properties share a
common driveway. The property is in a CB -2 zone but there are some residential uses around it
as well as some commercial uses. To the north are more residential uses and then Office
Commercial to the east. This property was originally built as a detached single-family home
more than 100 years ago and was converted to a duplex around 1977 based on rental permit
information. The duplex has a one -bedroom unit on the main floor and a two-bedroom unit on
the second floor. The property has two conforming parking spaces, however, it does have a
rental occupancy of eight with four rental occupants per unit. The occupancy was determined in
a study that was done around 2000, where they reviewed rental properties with non -conforming
parking spaces and looked at residential occupancy, square footage, and then determined the
rental occupancy and that's been carried forward since that time. Therefore, the legal rental
permit for this property is up to eight occupants, four in each unit. Lehmann stated the CB -2
Board of Adjustment
April 13, 2022
Page 2 of 13
zone does not allow detached single family or duplex uses, but there is a provision where a non-
conforming use can be granted a special exception to convert to a different non -conforming use
of the same or lesser intensity, provided all the approval criteria are met. Lehmann explained
they typically see this where there's a commercial building in a single-family zone, so this is a bit
of an unusual circumstance. Both of these uses would be non -conforming, and it would be less
intense. The applicant has indicated a desire to transition the second -floor kitchen and living
room back into bedrooms so that would increase the number of bedrooms to five. Again, based
on the current onsite parking that there is, which is two conforming spaces, that would limit adult
occupancy to three adult occupants based on the zoning code. That being said, the applicant
has requested to use two offsite parking spaces to allow an additional two adult occupants,
which is allowed per the zoning code at 14 -5A -4F-1 and could be approved by the Director of
Neighborhood Development Services. At this time, staff has received a complete application,
but is still reviewing it and the potential for additional occupancy is a decision that's independent
of this special exception and does not affect staffs recommendation regarding the conversion
from a duplex to a detached single family use.
Lehmann showed the site plan noting the property is about nine feet from the front lot line. He
also stated the CB -2 zoning doesn't have that many dimensional standards so there really are
no complications there. He pointed out the open space in the back, the parking area and the
shared driveway to the north. The parking is one space in the driveway and one in the garage
at the back of the site. The applicant also submitted proposed floor plans that show the five
bedrooms proposed where there would be four on the upper story and one on the main level.
The Board's role tonight is charged with approving, approval with conditions, or denying the
application based on the facts presented. To approve the special exception the Board must find
that all applicable approval criteria are met which includes specific standards for the waiver
requested and then also for general standards, which apply to all special exceptions.
The specific criteria are found at 14 -4E -5B-2 which are for non -conforming uses and the Board
of Adjustment may grant a special exception to allow a non -conforming use which is located in a
structure not designed for a use allowed in the zone to be converted to a non -conforming use in
a different use category or subgroup that is the same or lesser in intensity than the existing use
provided the following conditions are met. The first condition is that the proposed use will be in a
structure that was designed for use that is currently not allowed in the zone, for example a
storefront commercial building located in a single-family residential zone. Lehmann noted in this
case, 311 North Gilbert was constructed as a detached single-family use more than 100 years
ago. It was subsequently converted into a duplex and CB -2 zones do not allow two family uses
nor do they allow detached single family uses but the use is a legal non -conforming use.
The second criterion is that it is the same or lesser level of intensity and impact than the existing
use. Lehmann explained there's some commentary which is that the Board of Adjustment will
make a determination regarding the relative intensity of the proposed use by weighing evidence
presented by the applicant with regards to such factors as anticipated traffic generation, parking
demand, hours of operation, residential occupancy, noise, dust and customer and or resident
activity and the Board may also consider qualitative factors such as whether proposed use will
serve an identified need in the surrounding neighborhood. Regarding intensity, Lehmann stated
generally a detached single-family use, which is one dwelling unit, is considered a lesser
intensity than a duplex use, which is two dwelling units, and the two dwelling units in the duplex
Board of Adjustment
April 13, 2022
Page 3 of 13
do have a combined rental occupancy of eight with four occupants in each unit. With the
conversion to single family, the structure will only be able to have three adult occupants due to
the property only having two parking spaces and that is exclusively with onsite parking. The
impact of a single-family use will be of a lesser intensity than the impact of the duplex staff
believes based on the reduction in the legacy rental occupancy. Additionally, once a duplex is
converted to a single family use it may not be converted back to a prior non -conforming use.
The third specific criterion is the proposed use is suitable for the subject structure and site.
Lehmann stated it was originally constructed as detached single family and returning the duplex
conversion to a detached single family is appropriate, so staff believes that this is met.
The final criterion is the structure will not be structurally altered or enlarged in such a way as to
enlarge the non -conforming use. Ordinary repair and maintenance and installation or relocation
of walls, partitions, fixtures, wiring and plumbing is allowed as long as the use is not enlarged.
Lehmann stated no physical changes will be made to the exterior of the house as part of the
conversion. If approved, the applicant is proposed converting the second -floor kitchen and living
room back into two bedrooms and removing the permanent separation between dwelling units.
Staff recommends that converting the second -floor kitchen into a bedroom and removing the
permanent barrier between units be conditions of approval because that would complete the
transition from a duplex to a single family home. Increasing the number of bedrooms is an
enlargement under the code which is typically not allowed for non -conforming uses but that
would occur after it is converted into a non -conforming single-family use, and it may be enlarged
provided the expansion does not increase other non -conforming situations on the property.
Consequently, occupancy could be increased if the Board of Adjustment approves the
conversion but staff does not consider the conversion itself to be an enlargement.
Lehmann moved onto the seven general criteria for all special exceptions, found at 14-4B-3.
The first is that the specific proposed exception will not be detrimental to or endanger the public
health, safety, comfort or general welfare. He noted the property is already a non -conforming
use in a commercial zone and it would be converted into another Tess intensive non -conforming
use. He also noted there are no physical changes to the exterior structure. Currently the two
dwelling units in the duplex have a combined rental occupancy of eight with four occupants in
each unit, and with the conversion to single family, the structure will be restricted to three adult
occupants as the property only has two off street parking spaces.
The second criterion is that the proposed exception will not be injurious to the use and
enjoyment of other property in the immediate vicinity and will not substantially diminish or impair
property values in the neighborhood. Staff finds that the conversion of the property from a
duplex to detached single family is changing it back to its original use. The area has a mix of
residential and commercial uses which includes single family homes, so staff anticipates no
impacts on the surrounding property values.
Third criterion is that the establishment of the exception will not impede the normal and orderly
development and improvement of surrounding properties for the area. Lehmann stated the
surrounding area is already fully developed with a mix of residential and commercial uses,
including some established businesses. There are no proposed physical changes to the exterior
of the structure and the property complies with setbacks in the CB -2 zone.
Board of Adjustment
April 13, 2022
Page 4 of 13
Fourth, adequate utilities, access roads, drainage and/or necessary facilities have been or are
being provided. It's an already developed property with all utilities access roads, drainage and
necessary facilities established. Lehmann noted pedestrian access is available along North
Gilbert Street to the east and vehicular access to shared parking is provided in conjunction with
the adjacent property to the north, which is 315 North Gilbert Street, and access will not change
due to the proposed exception. Also, because there are no impacts to the exterior of the
structure, it won't impact stormwater at all, so staff believes that this criterion is met.
The fifth criterion is that adequate measures have been or will be taken to provide ingress or
egress designed to minimize traffic congestion on public streets. Again, there are no changes to
the proposed driveway, sidewalk or streets and the property has two conforming parking
spaces, but it will need to continue to share access with 315 North Gilbert Street to ensure
access to that parking. As for traffic, it's anticipated that it would be similar to other single family
uses in Iowa City.
Six is that the special exception complies with all other standards in the code. Lehmann noted
the property meets all dimensional standards for the CB -2 zone and all single-family site
development standards including open space requirements. As noted earlier, to ensure
adequate access for the properties two parking spaces, it has to continue to share access with
315 North Gilbert Street. Finally, because the property would convert to a single-family use with
two parking spaces, the maximum occupancy of property would be restricted to three adult
occupants.
The final criterion is that it must comply with the Comprehensive Plan of the City. The future
land use map designations for this property in the Comprehensive Plan shows it as mixed use
and the Central District Plan shows it as urban commercial. The zoning is consistent with these
categories and will not change as a result of special exception. Also, a nonconforming use in a
structure not designed for a use allowed in the zone may be converted to a different, less
intense nonconforming use. In addition, the Central District plan has goals to maintain and
improve older housing stock and encourages reinvestment in residential properties throughout
the District, so returning a duplex conversion back into single family home better reflects the
original use of the property until such a time as the property is redeveloped.
Staff recommends approval of EXC22-0002, to convert a two-family (duplex) use to a detached
single-family use for the property at 311 N. Gilbert Street subject to the following conditions:
1. The physical, permanent separation between dwelling units within the duplex must be
removed prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
2. The kitchen on the second floor must be converted to a legal bedroom prior to issuance of a
rental permit.
Staff did receive several inquiries, and also a late public comment which for those in the
audience is available near the door. It was a letter from Don and Dorothy Fowles, and a few of
the highlights from the letter are, first they note the staff report notes that only three adult
occupants can reside there based on parking but the applicant has requested offsite parking,
which could affect the findings. They also note that the single-family use with five bedrooms
being requested is more intense than the current use on the property and that the owner would
like to allow a larger number of non -familial individuals live there so the term single family is
inaccurate. Also that the rental permit numbers are so high that they lead to false conclusions.
Board of Adjustment
April 13, 2022
Page 5 of 13
With regards to the adult occupancy and offsite parking, in looking at single family uses,
Lehmann stated the parking that is currently approved for the property, which is all staff can
make a determination on at the current time, would restrict it to three adult occupants. The
applicant has requested two additional offsite parking spaces and if that's approved, they could
increase that to five adult occupants. Even with five adult occupants staff sees that as being a
reduction just based on that legacy rental occupancy where they could have eight occupants.
Whether that's a reasonable number of occupants doesn't factor into staffs determination,
because legally they could have a duplex with eight adult occupants so staff would still see five
as reduction based on that occupancy. The Board can make their own determination.
Russo wondered what the parking requirement for an occupancy of eight people would be.
Lehmann replied the parking doesn't factor in because it's a grandfathered situation and the
study in 2000 looked at all rental properties within the City that had non -conforming parking and
that's when the determinations were made as to what those occupancies were. So the
occupancy that they currently have is allowed regardless of the parking. Because they're
converting the use, they would lose that grandfathered status, and then they have to comply
with the zoning code.
Dulek explained just for a little background, for the study in 2000, Council appointed a
neighborhood task force to make sure everybody understood what the occupancy was for every
rental unit. Some were obviously easy like a brand new two-bedroom apartment, but these older
homes that had been divided up over the years were a little harder to determine. They went
through every one of them and put a number on and allowed the owner to comment. This was
maybe a two-year process on the renewal of all the rental properties looking at the last 20 years
and it noted eight people living in this house, and they will probably have eight people living in
this house, regardless of the parking. So that was some of the type of standards used to try to
determine parking for all rental units, but in particular those that are non -conforming with respect
to parking, were just assigned at that time and grandfathered since then.
Lehmann noted additionally, there are also some grandfathered parking spaces that would not
be considered conforming parking spaces under the current zoning code. For example, they can
only have two cars stacked and have that count as conforming parking for properties with long
driveways, even if three or four cars might fit.
Russo asked if they convert to single family, they lose that grandfather status, but then they can
climb back towards eight occupants. Lehmann explained to do that they have to find
conforming parking spaces and there's a provision that allows offsite parking with certain
standards, and there has to be a special plan. The applicant did submit a plan that was included
in the packet, but the parking has to be within 300 feet from the entrance in a commercial zone,
which is what this property is located in. It would have to be on top of whatever other parking is
required there, they can't just swap out parking and say they have additional spaces when they
don't. In terms of approval criteria, the Director of Neighborhood Development Services would
consider the desirability proposed off street parking and stacking spaces location, pedestrian
vehicular traffic safety, any detrimental effects on adjacent property, the appearance of the
streetscape as a consequence of the off street parking and in the case of non -required parking,
the need for additional off street parking. And then it also requires a written agreement between
the property owners so that they can continue to be used as parking for whichever property has
the offsite parking. Therefore, this isn't really a reduction in parking, it's just offsite parking.
Board of Adjustment
April 13, 2022
Page 6 of 13
Pretorius asked Lehmann to confirm that the rental occupancy would also be based on the
number of bedrooms, which is now five. What if somehow they figured out in the future the
remodel has eight bedrooms and they need much more off street parking, could they get back
up to that number again. Lehmann confirmed the rental occupancy with the current exception
proposed allows for three adults due to parking, it can go up to five adults if the off-site parking
is granted, but it would never approach eight again.
Chrischilles asked if the exception is granted, and they get the parking spaces, and the property
can go to five occupants, what happens if the property is sold to someone else other than
Prestige and does not have access to the additional parking, does the property go back to only
two spaces and back to three people. Lehmann said it could go either way, depending on how
the covenant is written. Typically, they would expect it to be a permanent covenant, but it
doesn't have to be so it could be a situation where it reverts back because it no longer has
offsite parking. Anytime a new rental permit is issued, that would be when they would determine
the parking and occupancy.
Chrischilles asked if the Board can stipulate that if the property is sold, and they don't have
access to the additional two spaces, it automatically be reverted back to three. Lehmann stated
the Board can only place conditions that would tie into the approval criteria that they have
before them. The offsite parking will be decided by the Director of the Neighborhood and
Development Services and the covenant will be reviewed by the City Attorney. Lehmann stated
the Director will make the determination as to whether to approve the parking based on the
approval criteria and qualifying factors where it's 300 feet, the same zones, those sorts of
things. Those all appear to be met. She will also review the desirability of the proposed off street
parking space location, safety, detrimental effects on adjacent property, appearance,
streetscape, and a need for additional off-street parking. It is an independent decision and not
based on the Board's approval tonight because there are already two conforming spaces.
Carlson asked if the Board is just voting tonight on converting it to a single-family house, taking
the kitchen off upstairs and removing the wall between the two units. Lehmann confirmed that
is correct but noted the Board can propose any conditions that they may believe are needed to
mitigate any negative impacts that that apply to the approval criteria. Lehmann noted the two
conditions, the separation and the conversion of the second -floor kitchen, are staff's
recommended conditions based on if they're going to convert it from duplex to single family, it
makes sense to get rid of the vestiges of a duplex.
Dulek noted the standards themselves in the special exception do not address the offsite
parking, and they can only add it as a condition if they feel that offsite parking can be tied to one
of the standards.
Russo asked if this offsite parking is common. Lehmann stated typically, they see more offsite
parking in larger uses, generally they don't see it with single family uses. The 300 feet can be
challenging, because that basically means that the parking has to be within a block, and
especially downtown parking can be pretty tight. Additionally, it's often tied up with the
occupancy of the properties.
Mike Oliveira (Prestige Properties) stated they have successfully converted duplexes into
single-family homes before. Their last conversion was at 527 North Van Buren, which was an
Board of Adjustment
April 13, 2022
Page 7 of 13
older home that was a duplex and in disrepair, so they converted it back to a single-family
rental, met all the criteria, all the green space requirements and completed all the massive
amount of paperwork it takes to get through that process with the City. They have now
purchased 311 and 315 North Gilbert Street and they own eight properties adjacent to this these
properties. Therefore, he is a currently vested stakeholder in what happens in these properties
and has personally lived two houses away. When they purchased these properties, they had
the option to take a look at tearing it down right away to do redevelopment, or put a placeholder
in place, which is what they currently think that they should do and convert it back to a single-
family home. The duplex conversion that was done many years ago really cuts up these houses
and makes them very hard to live with in and has been a disgrace to these wonderful older
houses. They are looking at converting 311 and 315 back to single family, they have already
begun work in the houses, have them all painted, got them all fixed up, they're just waiting to
decide on what's going to happen with the kitchens. There's 10 foot high ceilings in these old
houses and they're really beautiful. Oliveira did want to address the issue that was brought up
with the letter that was submitted, they're actually reducing the occupancy on these homes but
the parking situation in that neighborhood is difficult. It's difficult because of the university,
university staff park there every day as well as students. Because Prestige is fortunate enough
to own the surrounding properties within the same commercial zone it will allow them an
exception to convert these back to single family and use the other buildings to meet the parking
requirements. He is confident that they will meet those parking requirements but for some
reason if staff comes up with some things that his legal staff cannot see then they'll just leave it
as a duplex and will lease them out as they see fit according to the rental permit. Oliveira noted
his company is putting a lot of money to try to fix these houses up, they could tear them down,
but that would not be good for the neighborhood. These homes would make nice single-family
rentals, they're easier to manage than duplexes, and they get better quality tenants.
Pretorius noted Oliveira mentioned they've already done a lot of work to the property so if the
Board grants this exception to allow the removal of the kitchen and whatnot, is there anything
else as far as rehabilitation of the interior or exterior to be done. Oliveira replied the lady that
owned this building for last two years was moved into a rest home, but she was a hoarder, so
the house was full. There is a tenant that lives in 315 who's been there a long time but he's
been given all the proper notices about fixing up the building and converting the inside. They
have gone through all the buildings and painted, patched up, fix the bathrooms, they are just
waiting to do the kitchens based on if there will be one or two kitchens. Their philosophy when
they go through one of these renovations is if they make the rental units nice, the tenants are
nice. There was a lot of original woodwork and the electricity is good, the furnaces are good, it
was just a lot of cleaning up as they had almost $1,000 with the dump fees.
Chrischilles asked if they are planning on any extra exterior improvements. Oliveira stated they
are not going to change the outside, but they'll fix the siding and gutters this spring as those are
things they can't do during an Iowa winter. So far their focus has been on the inside.
Peter Speltz (Fairchild Street) is a neighbor that just moved here recently and lives on Fairchild
Street and owns rental property on North Gilbert, a very nice single-family home with two
parking spaces and three bedrooms. He walks by those houses every day and they're really
Board of Adjustment
April 13, 2022
Page 8 of 13
beautiful houses so he really hopes they preserve them, and not tear them down. He hopes
whatever the Board can do to help would be great as he would love to see more families move
into the neighborhood. Right now it's all college kids, like when they tried to rent their house,
only college kids applied but maybe as a single family, maybe more families will want to move
into the area. He also added the rental permit will handle the parking.
Carlson asked when the house was originally built how many bedrooms did it have. Oliveira
stated the floor plans he submitted is originally how the house was laid out so it will be exactly
like the house when it was built.
Chrischilles closed the public hearing.
Russo noted apparently the writer of this letter just really doesn't understand the intricacies of
what's involved in the offsite parking spaces.
Pretorius agreed, it looks like they're making some assumptions and the Board simply has to go
with the facts that are given to them.
Russo stated however their concern would be his concern as well, that if ownership changes,
that the offsite parking stays with the property.
Pretorius stated it sounds like there will be a covenant where that will be decided, but it sounds
like if he was to sell the property at some point in time to somebody else, and they didn't have
access to that off street parking that it would revert back to three adults.
Chrischilles agreed that's really the crux of the importance if this exception is granted, and if the
additional parking is granted, thus allowing them to do this conversion and go to five bedrooms,
if it's sold and the parking somehow goes away, then it reverts back to occupancy of three
adults. But how the best way to do that is or if it's automatic is where he is confused.
Pretorius noted to her it sounds like the other department and the City are going to come up
with language that specifically states how that will happen.
Chrischilles agrees with some things in this letter but thinks their initial complaint that whether or
not the occupancy in this property of eight is realistic is not relevant, because the City allows
eight. But if this exception goes though then the occupancy will be five and that's a reduction.
Chrischilles wanted to know why the letter writer feels this is poorly impacting the neighborhood
and how does it affect their property, they don't live there, they own and rent the property at 310
North Gilbert, but they're not here to tell us so the Board has to base their decision on the
information they have.
Carlson added one thing, the floor plan looks like a family house, now whether it will be rented
to a family or be rented to students they have no control over that. But there's only one
Board of Adjustment
April 13, 2022
Page 9 of 13
bathroom on each floor, there is not a bathroom for each bedroom, which really pushes directly
to students. Therefore hopefully this rental will be more conducive to actually have a family.
Pretorius recommends approval of EXC22-0002, to convert a two-family (duplex) use to a
detached single-family use for the property at 311 N. Gilbert Street subject to the
following conditions:
1. The physical, permanent separation between dwelling units within the duplex must be
removed prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
2. The kitchen on the second floor must be converted to a legal bedroom prior to
issuance of a rental permit.
Russo seconded the motion.
Pretorius stated regarding agenda item EXC22-0002 she does concur with the findings set forth
in the staff report of this meeting date, April 13, 2022 and concludes that the general and
specific criteria are satisfied, so unless amended or opposed by another board member she
recommends that the Board adopt the findings in the staff report for the approval of this
exception. Russo seconded the findings of fact.
A vote was taken and the motion passed 4-0.
Chrischilles stated the motion declared approved, any person who wishes to appeal this
decision to a court of record may do so within 30 days after this decision is filed with the City
Clerk's Office.
SPECIAL EXCEPTION ITEM EXC22-0003:
An application submitted by Mike Oliveira (Prestige Properties LLC) and David Ginger
requesting to convert a two-family (duplex) use to a detached single-family use in a Central
Business Service (CB -2) zone at 315 N. Gilbert Street.
Chrischilles opened the public hearing.
Lehmann noted this obviously will sound pretty similar to the last case so he'll try to just
highlight the differences rather than go over all the intricacies again. They did require two
special exceptions because they're independent properties that just share a driveway. This
property is just to the north, it's right on the alley. Again, it's surrounded by a mix of uses,
including single family homes, commercial, multifamily, and zoned CB -2 as well. This property is
across the alley from the RNS-12 zoning designation, unlike other property, but otherwise, it's in
similar circumstances. This property was similarly built more than 100 years ago, in terms of
when it was converted into a duplex it was done by at least 1977 based on the earliest rental
permits. This property has a one -bedroom unit on the main floor and then a one -bedroom unit
on the second floor as well. It also has two conforming parking spaces though the rental permit
says that it has four parking spaces so it's grandfathered for four and its rental occupancy is
actually higher than the other property with a total of 10 or five for each unit. Again, it was
determined through that same process whereby non -conforming parking was allocated for rental
properties. Again, it's in the CB -2 zone so that doesn't allow detached single family or duplexes
Board of Adjustment
April 13, 2022
Page 10 of 13
and the applicant would like to convert it back into single family. Because this property actually
has one fewer bedroom, it would be converted to a four-bedroom unit but it would be subject to
that same three person adult occupancy due to the two conforming parking spaces on the site.
Lehmann noted the driveway is approximately long enough to fit three spaces in the driveway
but the other property didn't have that because it's a narrower driveway on that property and it
gets pretty tight between the buildings. But for the purpose of the exception, it goes back to two
parking spaces so the applicant has requested one offsite parking space, similar to the other
property, and that would let them have four adult occupants, which would equal the number of
bedrooms. In the correspondence staff received, they noted that in the application they actually
requested two parking spaces for this site, but Lehmann believes that that was an error on the
part of the applicant, because based on every conversation he's had, they want to be able to
have four adult occupants. Lehmann reiterated however that the determination is not really
being considered by this Board.
Lehmann showed some pictures of the property and the submitted proposed floor plan. There
would be three bedrooms on the upper story and one bedroom on the main level. The main
level would also have the living room, the dining room and kitchen.
The Board is charged with approving, approving with conditions, or denying the application
based on facts presented from both specific and general standards. The specific standards
found at 14 -4E -5B-2 for a non -conforming use not allowed in the zone had the four specific
criteria. The first is that it's in a structure designed for use not currently in the zone. Again, this
was also constructed as a single-family home and subsequently converted to a duplex. Neither
of those uses are allowed under the current zoning. Second is the proposed use will have a
same or lesser intensity than the existing use. Again, one unit is less than two units and 10
occupants between the two units would be reduced to three adult occupants with two parking
spaces and even with offsite parking the use would still be limited to four which is less than it
currently has. Third, is it a suitable use for the subject structure. Lehmann reiterated it was built
as a single-family home and was converted, so returning it to a single-family home seems
appropriate. Finally, it will not be structurally altered or enlarged in any way. Again, no exterior
changes to the outside of the house are currently proposed. Internally they would convert the
second floor kitchen and living room back in two bedrooms and remove the permanent
separation between dwelling units. Staff does again recommend those be conditions of
approval.
The general criteria found at 14 -4B -3A are one, whether it's detrimental to health, safety or
welfare. Again, the same comments as the last application other than it's got an occupancy of
10 in this one with five occupants in each unit and that would be reduced with the conversion.
Second, that it won't injure property in the vicinity and it's changing it back to its original use so
staff anticipates no impacts. Third, that it will not affect development on surrounding properties.
The area is fully developed and there are no physical changes and it complies with the setbacks
in the zone, so staff anticipates no issues. Fourth, that it has all applicable infrastructure, again
it's already developed and there is pedestrian access on the east. Lehmann noted this one does
have a wider driveway access that is shared with the one to the south but because it's wider it
allows easier access to parking at the rear. If these properties were split at any time, the
Board of Adjustment
April 13, 2022
Page 11 of 13
property to the south would have some issues with access, but this property would not. As far
as the fifth criteria regarding ingress and egress, there are no changes being proposed.
Anticipated traffic is expected to be similar to other single-family houses in Iowa City and it has
two conforming parking spaces. Six, that it meets all other standards in the code. Staff believes
that this criterion is met. And finally, that is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. This
property is also shown as mixed use and urban commercial like the property to the south and
the zoning is consistent with that, but the zoning code does allow some non -conforming uses to
convert within that zone. The Central Planning District has goals related to maintaining and
improving older housing stock and encouraging reinvestment in residential properties so staff
believes that the conversion meets this criteria until such time as the property is redeveloped if it
ever is.
Staff recommends approval of EXC22-0003, to convert a two-family (duplex) use to a detached
single-family use for the property at 315 N. Gilbert Street subject to the following conditions:
1. The physical, permanent separation between dwelling units within the duplex must be
removed prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
2. The kitchen on the second floor must be converted to a legal bedroom prior to issuance of a
rental permit.
Lehmann noted as for public comments, this property was also addressed in that same letter,
the only difference that applies to this property that didn't apply to the other one was that
comment about the applicant had requested two off-site parking spaces for this property, but
based on the rental permitting process, they would only be allowed four occupants because
they have four bedrooms and based on conversations with the applicant staff only anticipates
that they would want one off-site space. Staff believes that it's a non -issue with this proposal.
Mike Oliveira (Prestige Properties) noted 315 is a unique building because it's a little bit different
than the other one, it's a smaller footprint with four bedrooms rather than five. They have
additional offsite parking within 300 feet so there shouldn't be a problem getting this one
approved.
Chrischilles noted in previous exceptions, the Board had stipulations that they build according to
the site plans submitted, does that apply here. Lehmann replied typically, staff recommends
that where there are changes to the site, such as with drive-throughs, but when it comes to
converting a duplex to a single-family house staff did not see a reason to require that.
Oliveira also wanted to address a comment by the speaker in the last item, he made an
interesting comment and because Oliveira also lives in that neighborhood, and invested a lot of
money in converting the 331 North Gilbert back to a single family use, the challenge he has
impressed upon the City Council and some of the Northside Neighborhood people that live there
is if they're going to convert housing stock back to single family, the City needs to have a way to
incent the homeowner to do that, because it's not going to have happen naturally. People ask
why aren't the single-family people moving back in there, well it's because it's too expensive.
Chrischilles closed the public hearing.
Board of Adjustment
April 13, 2022
Page 12 of 13
Chrischilles wanted to say that if the City goes through another process of assigning occupancy
limits to non -conforming properties, don't hire that same company because it's crazy how they
came up with those numbers.
Carlson stated the proposed exception will be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan of the
City and also really appreciates that the Central District Plan mentioned to maintain and improve
older housing stock.
Pretorius recommends approval of EXC22-0003, to convert a two-family (duplex) use to a
detached single-family use for the property at 315 N. Gilbert Street subject to the
following conditions:
1. The physical, permanent separation between dwelling units within the duplex must be
removed prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
2. The kitchen on the second floor must be converted to a legal bedroom prior to
issuance of a rental permit.
Carlson seconded the motion.
Pretorius stated regarding agenda item EXC22-0003 she does concur with the findings set forth
in the staff report of this meeting date, April 13, 2022 and concludes that the general and
specific criteria are satisfied, so unless amended or opposed by another board member she
recommends that the Board adopt the findings in the staff report for the approval of this
exception. Chrischilles seconded the findings of fact.
A vote was taken and the motion passed 4-0.
Chrischilles stated the motion declared approved, any person who wishes to appeal this
decision to a court of record may do so within 30 days after this decision is filed with the City
Clerk's Office.
BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Lehmann noted there won't be May meeting as there are no applications, the next meeting will
be June 8.
Lehmann also announced there are fair housing training sessions that the Office of Equity and
Human Rights in the City are doing, the training is going to be on Wednesday April 20 from
10am to noon. The training will cover best practices, discriminatory advertising, and a couple
things related to fair housing. If interested in attending, let him know.
ADJOURNMENT:
Russo moved to adjourn this meeting, Pretorius seconded, a vote was taken and all approved.
Board of Adjustment
April 13, 2022
Page 13 of 13
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2021 - 2022
NAME
TERM
EXP.
7/14
8/11
9/8
10/13
12/8
3/9
4/13
CHRISCHILLES, GENE
12/31/2022
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
PARKER, BRYCE
12/31/2024
X
X0
X
X
X
O/E
PRETORIUS, AMY
12/31/2023
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
CARLSON, NANCY
12/31/2025
X
X
X
0/E
X
X
X
RUSSO, MARK
12/31/2021
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
Key: X = Present
0 = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
-- -- = Not a Member
Item Number: 7.
I
CITY OE IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
April 21, 2022
Library Board of Trustees: March 24
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Library Board of Trustees: March 24
.411Wit IOWA CITY
INk DUBL C; LIBRARY
123 S. Linn St. • Iowa City, IA 52240
319-356-5200 • icpl.org
LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
March 24, 2022
DRAFT
Members Present: Derek Johnk, Noa Kim, Carol Kirsch, Claire Matthews, Robin Paetzold, Tom Rocklin,
Hannah Shultz, Dan Stevenson.
Members Absent: Daniel Keranen.
Staff Present: Elsworth Carman, Anne Mangano, Patty McCarthy, Jen Miller, Brent Palmer, Jason
Paulios.
Guests Present: None.
Cali Meeting to Order. Kirsch called the meeting to order at 5:01 PM. A quorum was present.
Approval of March 24, 2022 Board Meeting Agenda. Matthews made a motion to approve the
agenda. Shultz seconded. Motion passed 8/0.
Public Discussion. None.
Items to be Discussed.
Policy Review: 505 Volunteer Policy Matthews made a motion to approve the policy revisions. Kim
seconded. Motion passed 8/0.
Policy Review: 814: Library Copyright Policy Kirsch appreciated the background information included
with policy changes. Johnk made a motion to approve the policy revision. Rocklin seconded. Motion
passed 8/0.
Staff Reports.
Director's Report. Carman announced Keranen will be resigning from the Iowa City Public Library
Board of Trustees. Kirsch asked Carman to reach out to the City Clerk to determine next steps. Carman
shared Keranen's replacement will hold a partial term and must be male applicant. Carman will
forward Keranen's resignation to the City Clerk. It will be advertised as a vacancy and will go in the
council packet. Previous applications are kept on a file for a year and will be included in the pool of
applicants unless they wish to be removed. City Council will decide the next trustee.
Paetzold believes the vacancy should be announced with Iowa City neighborhood services and
outreach groups to diversify. Paetzold recommended offering bus fare to applicants to encourage a
stronger pool of applicants. Shultz believes the 5:00 pm meeting time is a hardship and might
discourage applicants to apply. Many trustees agreed but acknowledged no time is going to work for
everyone. Paetzold is willing to discuss structural hurdles that may impact our applicant pool to be
more inclusive. Johnk stated to have a quorum a majority of trustees must be in person. Johnk asked
if offering remote meetings might address some of those barriers. Kirsch believes it is best to expect in
person attendance for a quorum. Paetzold wants to make sure we are doing everything we can to
attract a diverse applicant pool.
Departmental Reports:
Adult Services. Kirsch noted that ICPL borrows more inter -library loans than it lends. Paulios stated
many inter -library loan requests from other libraries are for new materials. Paulios believes it is
important to serve the Iowa City community first when patrons place holds on new titles. Matthews
said small town libraries tend to borrow more inter -library loans and wondered if ICPL lends book club
kits. Paulios replied, yes. We have de facto kits on the shelf and digital kits. Paulios wishes there was a
way to share digital kits with small libraries but our software doesn't allow that. Paulios highlighted
Stacey McKim's great feedback from patrons in his report.
Community & Access Services. Helmick was absent. Johnk asked if there are social media posts
scheduled to announce going fine free. Carman said the PR staff recommend holding the
announcement until closer to the new fiscal year, when the change goes into effect for adults.
Matthews believes it will be a great addition to the Summer Reading Program. Kirsch confirmed that
children's fines are already permanently removed.
Development Office Report. McCarthy reminded all to Eat Out to Read at Micky's Irish Pub, a portion
of proceeds will benefit Iowa City Public Library. McCarthy shared she received an email from a
patron who "fined" themselves and donated to ICPL because there are currently no fines on materials.
McCarthy shared Foster Appliance sales in May will benefit ICPL. Matthews inquired about the wine
tasting fundraiser. McCarthy said 70 people attended and Hy -Vee donated 5% of proceeds.
Miscellaneous. No comment.
President's Report. Kirsch asked Rocklin if he received feedback on the Intellectual Freedom letter.
Rocklin met with the Daily Iowan but did not meet with the Library Journal. Kirsch said House File
2176 which would penalize teachers and librarians for disseminating obscene materials failed to pass.
Announcements from Members. Matthews may not attend the next meeting in April due to planned
leave.
Committee Reports. None.
Communications. None.
ICPL Board of Trustees Intellectual Freedom Statement. Kirsch thanked everyone for their work on
the intellectual freedom letter.
Consent Agenda. Johnk made a motion to approve the consent agenda. Matthews seconded. Motion
passed 8/0.
Set Agenda Order for April Meeting. Kirsch is looking for one person to appoint to the Friends
Foundation Board. Stevenson offered to assist.
Adjournment. Kirsch adjourned the meeting at 5:32 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Jen Miller