HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-06-06 Bd Comm minutesItem Number: 3.a.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
�--'°�'��� COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
June 6, 2023
Historic Preservation Commission: April 13
Attachments: Historic Preservation Commission: April 13
MINUTES APPROVED
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
APRIL 13, 2023 —5:30 PM—FORMAL MEETING
E M M A J. HARVAT HALL, CITY HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Margaret Beck, Carl Brown, Jordan Sellergren, Deanna Thomann, Nicole
Villanueva, Frank Wagner, Christina Welu-Reynolds
MEMBERS ABSENT. Kevin Boyd, Noah Stork
STAFF PRESENT: Jessica Bristow
OTHERS PRESENT. Councilman, John Thomas
CALL TO ORDER:
Vice Chairperson Sellergren called the meeting to order at 5:30 p m
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANYTHING NOT ON THE AGENDA:
None.
CITY COUNCIL STRATEGIC PLAN PRESENTATION:
City Councilman, John Thomas joined the Commission to talk about the Iowa City Strategic Plan and
how it relates to the Historic Preservation Commission. He acknowledged the Commission has already
come up with some strategies (short and long term) as to how the Strategic Plan fits with their mission
and work plan. He stated the Strategic Plan which was a very long process and took a considerable
amount of time and they tried to incorporate the work of Think Iowa City and other entities for more
coordination and consideration rather than just the viewpoint of City Council.
The Strategic Plan provides a good framework of the values such as racial equity, social justice and
human rights, climate action and partnerships and engagement. Council acknowledged those are
important values that should inform everything they do and the way in which it connects with impact
areas. Thomas stated there are four impact areas, first being the economy (reinforcing Iowa City as a
premier community to locate and grow business), and second updating the Comprehensive Plan and
zoning code (to encourage compact neighborhoods with diverse housing types and land uses), he
noted other cities that have gone down this road of form -based coding noted it's a very challenging
process and the interest in historic preservation or neighborhood preservation will be a critical issue in
how to apply that form -based code with emphasis to create more affordable housing. Thomas noted
with a form -based code it's more about the form of the building and how it relates to the street, but the
beauty of historic preservation is so many of the historic houses really present them well to the street
and the form -based code is much more sensitive to building size or building footprint in relationship to
the street as opposed to the use which can change over time.
Bristow read a paragraph that Commissioner Kevin Boyd wrote in the work plan for the impact area of
housing and neighborhoods. "Many older neighborhoods that are now historic districts were designed
with mobility, neighborhood commercial nodes and a variety of housing types for all income levels in
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
April 13, 2023
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one neighborhood. One of the key pieces of our work is protecting healthy neighborhoods, many of the
districts were developed out of a response to unhealthy developments in these areas that motivated the
neighborhoods to take action. We help provide stability and provide a platform for reinvestment. Some
of our ongoing work is the fact that we do have our historic preservation fund that we can use to help
people maintain their houses, especially if they are income qualified. We also have been considering
the interest in doing survey work south of the railroad tracks in the Kirkwood Lucas Farms
neighborhood. We are ready to partner with them if they ever want to do that and then we have our
long-term goal to help the formation of a form -based code, especially for areas that are adjacent to
historic districts."
Thomas noted one of his personal anecdotes coming into Iowa City in late 2009 was that he lives up on
Brown Street and was very impressed with all the historic districts and conservation districts and then
he began to realize the longer he was here why there were so many of them as it was a preservation
effort in part because they were seeing demolitions and whole neighborhoods disappear south of
Burlington Street and so the historic preservation played a significant role in trying to stabilize the
neighborhoods when they were under threat. Thomas also noted in his view the City is still under
threat with ongoing issues that have a potentially destabilizing effect, one most recently was the State
deciding to longer allow occupancy caps. It is important to understand the core neighborhoods were
built for change and they have to do everything they can to direct it in the way that protects the
neighborhoods. Thomas stated he did try to get the form -based code worked into the Strategic Plan,
but it didn't make the cut. He also suggested that when they make improvements on housing in the
legacy neighborhoods can really affect the assessment so they could at least consider some kind of
rebate program where for a period of time after making those kinds of improvements the assessment is
kept at its current rate to incentivize people to make improvements.
The next impact area is mobility as it relates to historic preservation. Sellergren noted she thinks bike
lane access and stuff like that is important. One example would be the buildings between Bowery and
Burlington on Gilbert Street and the general access to those buildings, there's no parking, there's really
not safe bike lanes, so maybe there could be a street diet reducing to three lanes or even two lanes in
that stretch so there could be diagonal parking and a bike lane. Thomas said he doesn't know the
current status but the plan has always been that Gilbert Street would go from four lanes to three to
broaden the downtown pedestrian area and calm traffic because there would no longer be jockeying
between lanes.
Thomas stated some of his initiatives did make it into the Strategic Plan and they tend to focus in the
center of town and this Commission is involved in the center of town with the downtown itself and then
the historic neighborhoods. Some of the projects would be reverting Market Street and Jefferson Street
to two-way traffic instead of one way and reducing the lanes on Burlington Street from five to three and
converting the curb lanes to parking. Thomas cited Jeff Speck who wrote Walkable City and there's a
lot of effort in that book talking on mobility issues like this. Cedar Rapids has done quite a bit of work in
this area promoting walkability and one of the great advantages of living in the core in the historic
districts is the walkability. So if they improve the walkability in terms of neighborhood stabilization and
the desirability of living in the center of town in one of the beautiful historic homes, dealing with the
traffic issues in the core and these initiatives could help over time if implemented. Thomas also
reiterated he is concerned about bike safety and making the bike lanes safer. Also one of the benefits
for two-way traffic on the streets is the appeal of the homes, especially historic homes, on those roads
would increase so much.
Thomas next talked about partnerships and engagement and the Strategic Plan and he is looking for
allies on the form -based code to help ensure they consider these things and this Commission,
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
April 13, 2023
Page 3 of 6
especially Kevin Boyd has been active with things. They now have a Strategic Plan that can be a focal
document to center the Commission activity on.
Also regarding streets, Thomann wanted to acknowledge the restoration work done to the brick streets
in the North Side Neighborhood. It's been beautifully done and part of that project is expanding the
sidewalks again looking at the walkability. Perhaps narrower sidewalks fit the old neighborhood look but
at the same time to be more pedestrian friendly wider sidewalks are better.
The final impact area is safety and well being and Thomas has been personally interested in is the idea
to create community gathering places that are easy to get to and no more than a 15 -minute walk or bike
ride from neighborhoods. Some neighborhoods are really well designed for connectivity and lots of
public open space for conversations is a very important piece of the social life of the neighborhoods.
With Covid it was noticeable which neighborhoods in Iowa City did not have any open spaces and now
with the crisis of climate change and social isolation they need those places. Additionally it's an indirect
benefit that would serve the historic communities as well, there's already a lot of sociability built into the
most historic homes, and it's one of the charms of the older neighborhoods, with the porch parties and
people coming out of their houses and socializing. Other neighborhoods need places to go so he has
been trying to push that initiative City-wide and identify where they don't have those things and address
them as best they can.
Bristow noted another way form -based code can help with the historic neighborhoods is they used to
sometimes have local stores, or corner shops, and with the development of a form -based code looking
more at the form instead of the use, suddenly those types of places where people also might gather
could start developing in some of the neighborhoods.
Bristow reiterated the bulk of the work plan actually focused on the values in the beginning section, and
the value with climate action and historic preservation started nationally because of sustainability and
stopping demolitions. The work plan with climate action is ongoing for adaptive reuse and reducing
landfill waste and demolitions. She noted one of the things that they struggled with in historic
preservation circles is embodied energy as something that's been commonly discussed since the 60s
and 70s when preservation originated but a lot of time development is just talking about emissions and
insulation quality and stuff like that. When talking about climate action and the energy used to grow
and truck and create all of those historic elements and all those historic houses and then demolishing
that, putting all of that material in the landfill and then trucking in all of the materials that it takes to
make a new house is a negative impact on the environment. The reason they see a lot of value in the
masonry buildings downtown is in preventing all of that energy waste from creating new buildings when
they can use the existing buildings. So there is a line in the work plan to continue to advocate for the
fact that embodied energy is something that they can calculate and value that embodied energy already
exists in the historic buildings.
Thomas stated there have been a fair number of demolitions in the core neighborhoods recently and he
would prefer trying to come up with a strategy where they can preserve them, especially if they're on
large lots. There was recently a house over on east Davenport Street that was landmarked and when
the homeowner presented to Council she said the reason she was doing it was there are a number of
houses in her neighborhood that are scheduled for demolition. Thomas noted that the preservation
aspect of historic preservation is literally trying to save buildings from being torn down and especially if
it's a large lot with a small home which is a formula for demolition to increase the density there. He
would like to see more of these pocket neighborhoods with smaller homes on lots large enough where
they can create a composition of cottages or arranged around a common space and parking would be
on the alley. The Prairie Hill co -housing is as close as they have to a pocket neighborhood.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
April 13, 2023
Page 4 of 6
Sellergren noted she has always also been fond of the juxtaposition of the modern and historic
neighborhoods, the Cottages (on South Dubuque Street) being one example and while there were a lot
of reasons behind that demolition it would have been cool to find a way to incorporate the new structure
with the old like the Unitarian Church on Iowa and Gilbert or that house on Prentiss across from
Trumpet Blossom between South Dubuque and Gilbert Street that was kept in place and then they just
built a L shaped building around it.
In terms of locally core neighborhoods and preservation Thomas noted the additions to Longfellow and
Horace Mann (schools) are two of his favorite projects, it speaks to the idea of continuity. Dan
Solomon's book Housing and the City: Love vs Hope talks about infill work and of honoring the
character of historic places and he talks about the continuous city which speaks to the mission of
historic preservation by continuity. Solomon talks about continuity and if they can preserve buildings,
they're preserving history and preserving all that memory. A brilliant expression of continuity was in
the school district we're they've preserved the past while at the same time incorporated the educational
needs of the present time. Solomon is also very keen that historic buildings and other non -historic
buildings create a spatial continuity to the public realm and public right-of-way rather than in contrast
the disrupted city with parking lots and auto -centric land use patterns of a building surrounded by
parking lots which loses that spatial continuity. Thomas believes historic preservation is the long
history of preserving the continuous city.
Bristow stated one other note on climate action related to demolitions and another thing that they had
been looking into are a number of communities across the U.S who have been slowly limiting
demolitions. Some make certain areas where the buildings would have to be actually deconstructed
instead. For example, Portland requires deconstruction of anything built before 1920 which not only
saves the better -quality materials for use in new construction or repair and captures those extremely
valuable materials instead of putting them in landfill, but it creates a deconstruction economy because
they need the professionals who can do that work, need a place to store material, and need a way to
disseminate the materials to the public or whoever uses them. Bristow said they have a calculator they
can put real-time information in about a new development construction and demolition of a building and
compare it to rehabilitation of the historic building and come out with actual numbers that say what that
value is based on what the architect's current drawings are and what they know about the existing
building.
Bristow talked about the values of social justice, racial equality and equity and human rights and
historical preservation is trying to tell the whole story of the community and all the different groups of
people who have been there and their impacts. One current thing on the work plan is the Montgomery
Butler house and they've found documentation about the history of the family and how they would
support new black residents to coming to town. Finding a way to make use of the Montgomery Butler
house is an important goal tied to issues with heritage, social and racial equity, as well as preventing
demolition and making use of buildings that the City owns.
Villanueva noted that values of social justice, racial equality and equity and human rights could be
fostering social connections and developing safe accessible public spaces.
Thomas thanked the Commission for developing the work plan and for all they do.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
April 13, 2023
Page 5 of 6
REPORT ON CERTIFICATES ISSUED BY CHAIR AND STAFF:
Certificate of No Material Effect -Chair and Staff Review
HPC23-0014: 332 East Davenport Street
This house is have having some brick work done, and it is being assisted by the historic preservation
fund.
HPC23-0016: 518 Ronalds Street
This house originally had a full width porch in the 70s but it was reduced to this entrance and has some
damage to the foundation and at the roof connection with the main roof.
Minor Review -Staff review
HPC23-0010: 109 South Johnson Street
The attic window is on the very back of the house and about four stories above ground level. It is only
accessible when using a very tall cherry picker. Staff did approve it with an alternative material, it will
be a fiberglass material, partly because nobody's going to get up there to keep it painted regularly and
because it's on the back of the house. The window is also an unusual shape and the way these
windows are manufactured they can almost make any shape and so they're able to make the triangular
shapes and then they'll have the operable rectangular section and put it all together in one frame.
HPC23-0001: 603 East College Street
This is a door replacement for this house which is non-contributing to its district because of the age of
the rest of the houses. It's colonial revival 1930s and probably the open porch was enclosed at one
point. They're replacing it with a door appropriate for a colonial revival house and it's salvaged.
HPC23-0005: 410 Church Street
This is a rental house and the front stoop was replaced without a permit and so the railing should
change to one with actual posts. Right now there's a rail and it's just suspended on the posts which are
nailed to the side of the stringer and that's not an approvable condition so it will be replaced.
HPC23-0015: 721 North Linn Street
This is the Phillips house, it's a colonial revival house and a key property in the Brown Street District.
On the south side of the alley and behind the house is a garage owned by the people in this house
and they use it for parking. The project is garage roof shingle replacement.
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES FOR MARCH 22, 2023:
MOTION Wagner moved to approve the minutes of the Historic Preservation Commission's March 22,
2023; meeting, as written. Welu-Reynolds seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 7-0
(Boyd and Stork absent).
COMMISSION INFORMATION:
Bristow asked if the Commission would be interested in a presentation on synthetics siding removal for
a future agenda. Members of the Commission were interested in the presentation.
ADJOURNMENT:
Thomann moved to adjourn the meeting. Beck seconded The motion carried on a vote of 7-0.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:35 pm.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION ATTENDANCE RECORD
2022-2023
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
O/E= Absent/Excused
--- = Not a member
TERM
4/14
5/12
6/9
7/14
8/11
9/8
10/13
11/10
1/12
2/9
3/22
4/13
NAME
EXP.
O/E
X
BECK,
16/30/24
O/E
X
O/E
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
MARGARET
BOYD, KEVIN
6/30/23
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
BROWN,
16/30/23
X
O/E
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
O/E
O/E
X
X
CARL
DEGRAW,
16/30/22
X
X
X
—
—
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
SHARON
ECKHARDT,
16/30/24
--
--
--
--
--
X
X
-
--
--
--
--
COLE
KUENZLI,
6/30/22
X
X
X
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
CECILE
LARSON,
16/30/24
O/E
X
X
X
O/E
O/E
O
--
--
-_
KEVIN
SELLERGREN,
16/30/22
X
X
X
O/E
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
JORDAN
STORK, NOAH
6/30/24
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
THOMANN,
16/30/23
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
DEANNA
VILLANUEVA,
6/30/25
--
--
--
X
X
O/E
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
NICOLE
WAGNER,
16/30/23
O/E
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
FRANK
WELU-
6/30/25
--
--
--
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
REYNOLDS,
CHRISTINA
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
O/E= Absent/Excused
--- = Not a member
Item Number: 3.b.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
�--'°�'��� COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
June 6, 2023
Housing & Community Development Commission: April 20 [See Recommendation]
Attachments: Housing & Community Development Commission: April 20 [See
Recommendation]
r
A= -W-4 CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM
Date: May 19, 2023
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Brianna Thul, Community Development Planner
Re: Recommendation from Housing and Community Development Commission
At their April 20, 2023 meeting, the Housing and Community Development Commission made
the following recommendation to the City Council:
• By a vote of 6-0 the Commission moved to recommend that City Council approve the
FY24 Annual Action Plan.
Additional action (check one)
No further action needed
Board or Commission is requesting Council direction
X Agenda item will be prepared by staff for Council action
(FY24 Annual Action Plan was approved by Council May 2, 2023)
MINUTES FINAL
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
APRIL 20, 2023 — 6:30 PM
FORMAL MEETING
THE CENTER ASSEMBLY ROOM
MEMBERS PRESENT: Kaleb Beining, Michael Eckhardt, Jennifer Haylett, Karol Krotz, Kiran
Patel, Becci Reedus
MEMBERS ABSENT: Maryann Dennis, Nasr Mohammed, Kyle Vogel
STAFF PRESENT: Brianna Thul
OTHERS PRESENT: Mayor Bruce Teague
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL:
By a vote of 6-0 the Commission moved to recommend that City Council approve the FY24 Annual Action
Plan.
CALL MEETING TO ORDER:
Beining called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM,
PRESENTATION OF IOWA CITY STRATEGIC PLAN:
Mayor Teague came to the HCDC meeting to talk about the City's Strategic Plan. The City started this
process in January when they started talking about the budget. The process was interesting because
there's a lot to try to figure out for what they want to put in a five-year plan. First up is the introduction and
environmental scan of strategic values, strategic impact areas and action steps, resources and how to get
it done. Through this process they identified some challenges as well as some opportunity. They knew
coming out of COVID there are some definite impacts on people finances and also at the City level there
are some COVID impacts as well. Staffing the workforce is an issue across the board. He acknowledged
the social service aid providers that HCDC work with are feeling those challenges as well. There was
however a significant influx of funding opportunities through the federal government and the City wants to
try to take advantage of those. One thing they want to do this fiscal year is hire a grant writer specialist
so that was put it in the budget, and they will be advertising for that individual to come and be a part of the
team. Because of the opportunities out there the City needs somebody to do the work to bring those
opportunities here to our community. Regarding challenges, one is the state property tax reform and
they're still waiting for the final word on how that looks but those funds impact the City and also impact
the school district. They will need to figure out how to make up some of that lost revenue and still meet
the strategic goals of this community. HCDC is a commission that sees the needs firsthand, they see
some great projects of course want to fund 100% of all of them, but there's a challenge as there isn't
always enough money to meet those needs. Mayor Teague stated the community is growing and they
anticipate that growth will continue so how do they make sure that they capture it in the best way and this
plan really does help set the stage for the next levels within the community. As Peter Drucker said "The
best way to predict your future is to create it". The City sees the Strategic Plan as a guiding document to
lay out the priorities for the next six years, in a transparent and accountable way. By clearly stating the
priorities, they can then align their time, budget, and resources with these priorities to make sure they're
moving forward with a vision of Iowa City's future at the forefront. Mayor Teague acknowledged they
know not everything within the Strategic Plan is possible, and the bulk of the work will still be in the same
order to provide essential City services, but the vision and the values in the Plan should inform the how
they carry out the work and frame the decision making.
Housing and Community Development Commission
April 20, 2023
Page 2 of 8
The Strategic Plan has three distinct components, the light green is the values, the blue is the impact
statement, and the dark green is the resources. The values are partnerships, engagement, climate action,
racial equity, social justice, and human rights. These values should be familiar to many through the work
they do, and the value should be embodied in every element of this Strategic Plan and day to day work.
The impact areas are the housing, mobility, economies, safety and wellbeing and this is how do they see
the mission really fulfilled and also represents the focus of our government. This is where they'll
collaborate to move the community forward through new partnerships with new and existing strategies
every step of the way. The last one is the resources which is the building blocks that will be needed to
support the Plan. This includes facilities, equipment, and the staff to make this all work.
First Mayor Teague discussed the values. There are three values of focus: racial equity, social justice,
and human rights, climate action, partnerships and engagement. With the racial equity, social justice, and
human rights value he showed a few examples, one is they identified is our community celebrates and
welcomes cultural diversity. There's a lot of things they're doing now, throughout the community to
showcase this. He has been very impressed to see the Asian community and some of their celebrations
that they've been doing downtown. Latino fest happen every year and Juneteenth is also now a City
holiday. While they're seeing a lot of diversity and celebrations within the community, they know that there
is more to also be captured and celebrated. Another example is that every resident understands how
systemic inequities have disadvantaged some populations and have skills to disrupt biases. So, they
have identified some things to keep in the forefront of their minds so they can reach these goals as a
community. The next value is climate action. The City has a climate action commission with 11
commissioners who are experts in the world of climate action, and they make recommendations to
Council. They have brought experts in areas of climate action because the commissioners are not experts
in everything, but they do know how will affect themselves and can speak to that. So how will they know
when they've achieved this goal, first would be for the world to look to Iowa City to copy our innovative
carbon reduction strategies. At least to have cities in the state of Iowa do that. The Strategic Plan has
made very bold statements that will take everyone in the community to make them a reality. Individual
homes make a huge impact on climate action, so they have to get out there and educate folks about the
things residents can do to take climate actions, such as riding the bus, shopping locally, and conserving
energy. They have to ensure that people in the community know that they can be a part of achieving this
goal. Which leads into the final value, partnerships and engagement. Again, the Strategic Plan shows a
few examples for what the City looks for to achieve that value. Every resident is routinely reached by the
City in a way that aligns with their preferred method of communication. There are all types of platforms a
municipal body can use to reach residents and so the City is going through the process of wanting to
make sure that they're doing their best to be intentional at meeting and making sure they have
partnerships and engagement. Mayor Teague acknowledged the work HCDC does as a commission is
certainly ensuring that some of these partnerships have the support to be viable in order for this Strategic
Plan to really meet the needs of the community. He next discussed some of examples of how HCDC can
carry out this work. HCDC has had a meeting to connect some businesses, but he encourages the
commission to look at the City's Strategic Plan and how it illuminates what they do. Use the Strategic Plan
as a guiding document to guide decisions, especially when looking at some complex things. When things
get presented at Council he will look to the Strategic Plan to see where does it fit in and if it doesn't fit in
as a priority then it is not something they should focus on.
Mayor Teague next talked about the roadmap they've developed for what they're going to do within the
next five years, the impact areas, and action steps. There are four: neighborhood and housing, mobility,
economy, safety and wellbeing. The impact areas within the Strategic Plan are broken down into three
sections: vision, strategy, and action steps. Vision is the why. Why do they do what they do, and the type
of community that they aspire to be. Strategy is the what. What are the top priorities they will focus on in
order to move the community forward? He noted that's where they can get distracted a little bit because
there's a lot of needs and they try to prioritize based on what they're sensing is going to be the greatest
impact so that is why they have to really narrow the focus and keep it in line with the Strategic Plan.
Finally, the action steps, the how. How will they implement the specific projects within these next few
years? He stated the City did receive ARPA dollars, which has been phenomenal. The City got $18.3
Housing and Community Development Commission
April 20, 2023
Page 3 of 8
million and have been doing some great things with those funds. They have been taking some bold steps
with those funds to really make an impact.
Regarding neighborhoods and housing, this commission is the champions for the support services that
are happening within the community. HCDC deals with housing all the time and they make some
recommendations for affordable housing in neighborhoods. They also have the parks and rec
commission that does a lot of work in neighborhoods. Mayor Teague stated they want to make sure that
the Strategic Plan has impact within the neighborhoods and permanent, affordable housing is an
essential need so how do they get there and also make sure that people have choices of the housing that
they would like to live in and the neighborhoods that they would like to live in. He acknowledged Iowa City
is not the easiest and the cheapest place to live in, and the property taxes are really expensive. They
need to make sure they are doing this in a strategic way and seeing real impact. Council wants to take
bold actions towards affordable housing within the community.
Another impact area is mobility. There are all types of mobilities, scooters, bicycles, the City busing
system, the Cambus system, and also SEATS, so there's a lot of modes of transportation as well as
vehicles. They know that there's a move towards more electric vehicles and they are going to continue to
see that throughout the nation. Some car dealerships are already saying by 2025 they may have to be
ready to just sell all EV vehicles.
Safety and wellbeing is another impact area. Mental health and physical wellbeing is something that
they've been hearing about and is really heightened from the community. In the past five to six years this
has been a conversation by more of the experts that have sat around the table and evidence of this work
is the Guide Link Center. That was a 10 year plus project and Commissioner Reedus was a part of that
conversation and also a part of Community Crisis Services. Mayor Teague acknowledged how valuable
Community Crisis is, especially for individuals that are in the middle of a mental crisis. The work these
mental health professionals do, which is a little underestimated at times within the community, is really
saving folks lives and giving people hope. So again, mental health is an impact area.
Regarding resources Mayor Teague stated the City is going to focus on the facilities, equipment, and
technology to ensure people get reached in the community via their preferred communication style. They
will have to make some investments to make sure that they can do that. Regarding facilities, they just
went through a parks and rec study and a lot of folks had comments on what they want to see in facilities.
They also know that there's a next generation to come and a larger population, so how are they going to
meet those needs as the City is starting to grow a little bit on the edges? When they're talking about
mobility and making this a walkable city, that means to make sure that there are certain amenities within a
15 -minute walkable distance for someone. That is going to take some real strategy, as well as some
funding to achieve. Another resource is people. The City staff can only do so much, so they really do
have to rely on the people in the community. They need to make sure people are engaged and that it
feels like an inclusive space where they can share their ideas. He believes one of the greatest things is
when they can get different types of folks in the room, all having a different lens. Different perspectives
should be welcomed. Another resource is financial. Mayor Teague noted believe it or not, financially the
City is in a good position, but they know across the nation there are financial challenges looming, so they
have to make sure to grow the tax base to keep up. Everyone knows prices are rising and as a city they
are also feeling those impacts. Lumber isn't the same cost anymore, fixing roads is very expensive and so
as they're seeing those costs rise, they still need to make sure needs are met. They have to grow the tax
base to keep up with changing costs, so when they looked at the Strategic Plan, they needed to align
higher costs with the Strategic Plan. When COVID happened in 2020, there was a group that came
together really quickly (Better Together) around the table, social service agencies, that were able to make
true change in an urgent crisis moment. From that came some of the visions for the Strategic Plan, not
only for the City of Iowa City, but for Johnson County, to bring resources together to work for the entire
Johnson County Community. There are also individual plans for affordable housing and that action plan
will be zoning in on affordable housing.
Mayor Teague discussed what's not in the Strategic Plan - 99% of what they do won't be reflected here as
the bulk of the time and resources go to delivering basic service levels within the City. While they don't
Housing and Community Development Commission
April 20, 2023
Page 4 of 8
show up in the plan, they are extremely important and if they don't deliver the core services in a way that
aligns with their values, nothing else in the Strategic Plan is going to be possible. He acknowledged they
expect some unexpected challenges. COVID happen and everyone's lives changed in a moment. So
there are going to be some unexpected changes, but the goal is to deal with those by keeping the
Strategic Plan in mind.
In closing, Mayor Teague stated a Strategic Plan keeps Council on target when making decisions and it is
also an opportunity to think long term. They really want communication and community involvement to
take these things through fruition.
Krotz stated the 2022 report from the housing office had a statement in there that for low-income folks the
median rent is $800 a month. That's the standard, but there's a huge percentage of people who only get
$700 a month from Social Security, so how can they make up for that, and does the City have a
responsibility? Mayor Teague understands the concern because most times they hear people at 30%,
60%, 90% - there'll be housing projects created for those individuals and they have certain rent brackets
they would be within.
Krotz asked how can the City really make sure that those needs are being met for those individuals? She
stated from her own experience that the least expensive places are really uninhabitable and those she
can find that will pass the Section 8 inspections are at the $800 rents. Her income on Social Security
Disability makes that rent a big chunk. She is grateful that she received some help from the Section 8
program. One of the issues is the City engaged with some developer who put up some projects in return
for tax incentives and the workforce housing program came into effect and there are a certain number of
units that they would need to rent to low-income folks. While that's all good her experience - the rent with
the workforce housing program is still $800 because they're charging the maximum allowed but not taking
into consideration what the renter's income might be. She doesn't know if the City has any ability to help
regulate that or not.
Mayor Teague agreed that is something that the City finds challenging. They have projects that come
before them and because they do need some affordability, and because the projects are within the
guidelines, they are approved. They do hear that all the time "affordable to who" so he stated when they
go through this next affordability process as a Council, they're going to have to answer that and ensure
that it's affordable to make sure that they meet the impact in the Strategic Plan.
Krotz noted a lot of people in Iowa City live here for a number of reasons - the University, health care and
etc., and one of the things she has noticed when she's talked to people who are in a lower income
bracket is they tend to not fill out the census forms because they don't think it's going to help them. But
the census forms are what HUD uses to establish the basic rents or various programs. Maybe the City
can get involved in helping people get their census filled out as a way to help make things more
affordable.
Mayor Teague noted this Commission has their lens on affordable housing on a lot of levels an that also
the Planning & Zoning Commission is dealing with this topic as well and within the CDBG. Program. As
this Council has these hard conversations, they're going to have to make sure that all this comes in the
mix, because in their statement they said they need to be bold and to ensure that they have the impact.
Reedus noted it is great to see the decision to invest ARPA funds in public facilities for Free Medical and
NCJC. They also invested in some projects at Shelter House to address homelessness, because they
invested in mobile crisis, which is something that we all agree was a long time coming. Will the Strategic
Plan address keeping those programs going after the ARPA money is gone? Is that an issue and a
challenge to the City? Mayor Teague replied that part of the rationale for using ARPA funds was to make
sure that they do some once in a lifetime impacts that they otherwise as a municipality have not been
able to do. They wanted to make sure that whatever they did, it was set up for longevity, for maybe even
setting up an entity to have the ability to serve someone so that they can have the impact that they need.
They know if they stay stagnant with some things and don't raise the tax levy, they will have little change
within the community. They have to have more income and there are several ways to do that. They can
Housing and Community Development Commission
April 20, 2023
Page 5 of 8
bring in more development. The City of Iowa City, in comparison to others, has been maybe a little on the
slower side in bringing in development, but bringing in development adds funds towards the tax base and
funds to social services. He stated even through the majority of the programs that are funded right now,
the City didn't proceed with funding a project unless it can continue funding, and he believes they are
going to get more opportunities to do some bold stuff. After ARPA they would be looking towards the
regular funding opportunities like CDBG.
Reedus noted last year's Commission talked about the policy with those that receives Section 8 housing
and she was surprised that there was a question about when the last time the bylaws were updated
(which was in 2000). They need to take a look at obstacles they may have in their current policies and
current rules, that's low hanging fruit. Mayor Teague recognized that reviewing policies can be an issue,
but they certainly do look at a lot of the policies and procedures based on the item that is before them and
they will review. There are some overhauls that need to be done with the Comprehensive Plan for the
City and they are making changes along the way, but looking at the entire document is something that
they do plan to do. The City is also moving into form -based codes, which is changing a lot of what they'll
be doing anyway. He appreciates her point but be aware that they are making changes but yes, they do
need to look at everything comprehensively as well.
Reedus also noted one thing about climate action is the newer electric bikes which are about a third of
the total bike sales in the country and that type of electric vehicle is much easier to obtain. She'd love to
see more incentives and things like that for people to buy E -bikes. Mayor Teague stated that is in the
Strategic Plan, they need to figure out how to get that impact. He stated the staff is really good but
there's a lot of opportunities that are coming up, but they have limited staff time, because that staff are
human.
Eckhardt is wondering what the role of this Commission is regarding the Strategic Plan because if their
role is to advise on different policies, are they in a position to discuss or suggestion possible policy to
address things? Mayor Teague replied absolutely, if they want to put on their agenda and have a
discussion of this Strategic Plan and come up with some examples of how they can carry out these
values through this Commission, certainly they can have that discussion amongst themselves.
Haylett noted she works at the University and engages with students a lot so that is one population that
she is concerned that falls through the cracks. Sometimes the students are treated with what she calls
predatory practices because they are only here for a short period so has there been any discussion in the
strategic plan about connecting with that group in particular and engaging them like it is discussed to
engage the public. Mayor Teague stated the University of Iowa students have a student government and
they come to the Council work sessions every first and third Tuesday of the month. They definitely
engage in conversation with Council and have been very vocal about their needs and challenges with
landlords. They used to, once a year, although stopped because of COVID for a few years, go over to
the University as a body, all of Council, and discuss anything that they wanted to talk to us about, from
their perspective, and that was always at the top of the list.
Mayor Teague thanked the Commission and acknowledged all the work that they do. He reminded them
to refer to the Strategic Plan when they make decisions.
CONSIDERATION OF MEETING MINUTES: MARCH 30.2023:
Haylett moved to approve the minutes of March 30, 2023. Eckhardt seconded the motion. A vote was
taken and the minutes were approved 6-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT FOR TOPICS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
None.
REVIEW AND CONSIDER RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL ON APPROVAL OF THE FY24
ANNUAL ACTION PLAN:
Housing and Community Development Commission
April 20, 2023
Page 6 of 8
Thul noted the Action Plan is a section of the City's Consolidated Plan which is the five-year plan. There
is the Action Plan, the Consolidated Plan, and then CAPER which are all HUD required documents. The
public comment for this plan opened on April 1 and there is a 30 -day public comment period before it
goes to City Council for approval on May 2. The public can make any comments and those are included
in the Plan, and they will also include a staff response to anything that might require a response. She
noted they haven't received any comments to date.
The Plan includes the HCDC budget that was recommended to Council at the last meeting, Appendix B.
Thul also discussed how this Action Plan is different from other City plans. First, it is a HUD requirement,
and they have very specific questions they want answered and in a very specific format. Everything is fed
into the federal database called IDIS. While the format and questions are a little bit different than other
City plans, there are a lot of the common threads seen in other City plans as well. Affordable housing is a
huge issue, that is seen throughout the City's Strategic Plan and the Action Plan. Also in the appendix
they included the 2022 update to the City's Affordable Housing Action Plan.
Thul pointed out the main focus of this Plan is CDBG and HOME funded activities which is why they don't
talk at length about Emerging or Aid to Agencies funds. This Plan's focus is HUD wanting to know what
the City plans to do with their federal dollars. Staff do include other things where they can like local
initiatives, or ARPA funds. ARPA has definitely been a hot topic in the last year or so. Thul stated ARPA
funds were issued by the Treasury, so they have separate reporting requirements, and they are not
necessarily reported through these specific documents to HUD. The City did receive some HOME -ARP
funds - those were federal funds received from HUD and allocated in the FY22 Action Plan. HOME -ARP
activities will be reported on through the CAPER which report accomplishments of the past year. HCDC
has already voted on the budget recommendations, but staff is asking for a recommendation to Council to
approve the entire Action Plan.
Reedus had a question about GRIP. Thul replied GRIP is a locally funded rehab program. With the City
rehab programs, there are certain budget line items that are set aside each year. $90,000 of HOME is set
aside for homeowner or rental rehab. They also use a portion of the CDBG funds. $235,000 of CDBG is
set aside by Council every year to do rehab here in Iowa City. There are also some local dollars allocated
towards the GRIP program. Having the different funding sources and programs definitely helps because
depending on the homeowner's eligibility, they're able to find a good fit between the different funding
sources.
Krotz asked about how low-income people access applications and program. Thul replied all the
applications online but if someone contacts the office staff can give them a hardcopy and they are offered
in multiple languages. Staff also does a lot of flyers that they can advertise in the Housing Authority which
is a part of City Hall.
Reedus noted they are seeing similar types of agencies requesting funds for very similar projects. One of
the concerns that she has is it is like Christmas charity fatigue, having multiple groups with multiple toy
drives and everybody's collecting stuffed teddy bears so some kids get five different stuff bears rather
than working together for money to buy something else. She would like to see them try to be able to
identify where alliances and collaborations or partnerships could happen. Thul can't comment on every
area program but with rehab specifically, they do work really well with other agencies. For example,
Johnson County offers rehab to people outside of Iowa City. Another example would be Habitat, they
have some similar rehab programs, but where maybe someone can't meet the federal requirements,
Habitat might be able to help. Partnerships are super helpful when they are seeing applicants that maybe
don't meet the threshold for one program's requirements, so it is really nice to see the different agencies
working together.
Thul noted they are also approaching a point where they are going to start the process for the next five-
year plan and that it will be interesting to see what has changed from the last planning cycle that was
done before 2020. Part of the consolidated planning process is a huge effort to get community feedback
0
Housing and Community Development Commission
April 20, 2023
Page 7 of 8
through all different sources. The City usually hires a consultant to help with that because it is such an
undertaking.
Reedus moved to recommend that City Council approve the FY24 Annual Action Plan. Krotz seconded
the motion, a vote was taken and the motion passed 6-0.
STAFF & COMMISSION UPDATES:
Reedus noted the first subcommittee meeting for the Aid to Agencies group is on May 1 at 2:00pm.
Thul noted there's three terms ending in June. Patel filled a term that was expiring, so she may reapply
online. Mohammed and Vogel also both have terms expiring in June and if they want to reapply they can
do so online as well. The FY24 budget is going to Council on May 2. April is Fair Housing Month and
there was a press release that went from the Office of Equity and Human Rights. There's also a video
training online about fair housing that's available anytime. They're also doing a film screening and panel
discussion for the A Matter of Place documentary, the film that shines a light on housing discrimination.
That is sponsored by Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition and Iowa Legal Aid and will be
Wednesday, April 26, on Zoom, and you can register online if interested. The next HCDC meeting will be
May 18.
ADJOURNMENT:
Haylett moved to adjourn, Reedus seconded the motion, a vote was taken and the motion passed 6-0.
Housing and Community Development Commission
April 20, 2023
Page 8 of 8
Housing and Community
Development Commission
Name
Terms Exp.
7/21
9/15
10/20
11/17
1/19
2/16
3/30
4/20
Beining, Kaleb
6/30/24 X
i
O/E
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
Dennis, Maryann
6/30/25
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
Haylett, Jennifer
6/30/25
X
X
O/E
O/E
X
X
O/E
X
Krotz, Karol
6/30/24
O/E
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
Mohammed, Nsar
6/30/23
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
Reedus, Becci
6/30/24
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Vogel, Kyle
6/30/23
O/E
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
O/E
Eckhardt, Michael
6/30/25
--
--
X
X
X
X
X
X
Patel, Kiran
6/30/23
-
--
--
--
--
O/E
X
X
Attendance Record 2022-2023
Resigned from Commission
Key:
X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
--- = Vacant
H
Item Number: 3.c.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
�--'°�'��� COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
June 6, 2023
Human Rights Commission: April 25
Attachments: Human Rights Commission: April 25
Approved Minutes
Human Rights Commission
April 25, 2023
Helling Conference Room
Commissioners present: Bijou Maliabo, Jahnavi Pandya (via Zoom), Roger Lusala, Ahmed Ismail, Doug
Kollasch (via Zoom), Kelsey Paul Shantz (via Zoom), Sylvia Jons, Suyun Channon.
Commissioners absent: Badri Kuku.
Staff present: Stefanie Bowers.
Recommendation to City Council: No.
Meeting called to order: 5:35 PM.
Native American Land Acknowledgement: Ismail read the Land Acknowledgement.
Public comment of items not on the agenda: Mark Pries asked that the land acknowledgement be called
the First Nations Acknowledgement.
Approval of meeting minutes of March 28, 2023: Kollasch moved, and Ismail seconded. Motion passed 8-
0.
City Council Strategic Plan presented by Councilmember Shawn Harmsen: Harmsen summarized the
process of creating the Council's Strategic Plan. Harmsen noted the legislative, socio-economic, and
climate change challenges facing Iowa City while also noting the continued impact of Covid-19. Harmsen
listed racial equity, social justice, human rights, climate action, and partnerships and engagement as the
values of the City Council when crafting the plan. Harmsen next spoke on the Impact Areas portion of the
presentation. Harmsen presented the council's goal of creating more walkable neighborhoods and
affordable housing by updating the City Comp Plan and Zoning Code. Harmsen presented the economic
goals of the council, emphasizing the council's desire to support local businesses while creating
opportunities for marginalized populations. Harmsen described the council's goal of supporting the safety
and well-being of Iowa City's community members. Harmsen noted that the council will consider the plan
to restructure the City's Police department as proposed in December 2020. Harmsen listed the resources
available to the council, noting the facilities, technology, dedicated staff, and funds available. Harmsen
expressed the council's desire to diversify large businesses as revenue sources in the community.
Better Together 2030 and Inclusive Economic Development Presentation by Cady Gerlach and Kate
Moreland: Gerlach and Moreland introduced themselves. Gerlach described the creation of Better
Together. Gerlach described collaborating with Astig Planning to create an Inclusive Development Plan and
All -In Vision Plan. Gerlach described Better Together's team, and then introduced a video describing the
initiative. The video endorsed the plan as one geared toward sustainability and community building.
Moreland and Gerlach listed their partners before describing the structure of the group. The pair described
Better Together's goals and accomplishments which include working toward the creation of 3D Printed
Affordable Housing, the staff's involvement in the Childcare Wage Enhancement project, and the
development of the Youth Community Leadership Program. Gerlach and Moreland presented the
proposed implementation of the plan. Gerlach and Moreland asked the commission to review and support
the All -In Vision and Inclusive Economic Development plans. Lusala praised Better Together 2030.
Racial Equity and Social Justice Grant: The commission reviewed the updated budget presented by
Natural Talent Music. Jons moved to approve, and Channon seconded. Motion passed 5-0. Maliabo,
Pandya, Ismail, abstained due to conflicts of interest.
Committee Updates:
Breaking Bread —Kollasch recounted meeting with Ismail and discussing the visibility of the commission.
Kollasch briefly discussed the goals of Breaking Bread. Kollasch mentioned the group considering the
possibility of virtual education sessions as well as community park gatherings. Kollasch suggested creating
a promotional video for Breaking Bread.
Reciprocal Relationships —Channon announced the committee will cohost the AAPI Awareness Festival
alongside the local Chinese community with support from the Parks and Rec department. The event will
take place May 20th from 2-4 at the Robert E. Lee Rec Center. Channon asked for help with marketing and
Jons offered to step in. Channon asked staff to work on a news release for the event.
Jons recounted discussing the Racial Equity and Social Justice Grant and briefly described the process of
working with recipients. Jons will be responsible for Great Plains Action Society, and the Neighborhood
Centers of Johnson County. Channon will be responsible for the Natural Music Talent, Houses to Homes,
and the AI-Iman Center of Iowa. Lusala will be responsible for Wright House of Fashion, the Center for
Worker Justice, and the CommUnity Crisis Services. Lusala expressed the committee's desire to work
directly with grant recipients. Lusala inquired about the possibility of a ceremony to offer the recipients
the chance to accept the money and meet their liaisons. Jons further described the need to build
reciprocal relationships with grant recipients.
Building Bridges — Paul Shantz described the committee's first meeting. Paul Shantz recounted Building
Bridges reviewing the committee template as well as working to identify shared goals and interests. Paul
Shantz described the committee's goal of uplifting communal leaders and fostering community.
Announcements of commissioners: Maliabo recounted her recent visit to the state capitol. Lusala
recounted presenting a plaque at a local Kenyan event. Maliabo invited the commission to an African
Community Network event on youth incarceration. Channon announced the affinity graduation for
international University of Iowa students. Kollasch announced the Rainbow Graduation for LGBTQ+
graduates of the University of Iowa. Pandya recounted working with the Catherine McCauley Center in
Cedar Rapids.
Announcements of staff: None.
Adjourned: 7:59 PM.
The meeting can be viewed at https://citychannel4.com/video.litml?series=Local%2OGovernment.
Human Rights Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2023
(Meeting Date)
NAME
TERM
EXP.
1/24
2/28
3/28
4/25
5/23
6/27
7/25
8/22
9/26
10/24
11/28
Roger Lusala
2023
P
P
P
P
Bijou Maliabo
2023
P
P
P
P
Kelsey Paul Shantz
2023
P
P
A
P
JahnaviPandya
2024
2024
P
P
P
A
A
P
P
P
Sylvia Jons
Doug Kollasch
2024
P
P
P
P
Suyun Channon
2025
P
P
P
P
Ahmed Ismail
2025
P
P
P
P
Badri Kuku
2025
P
A
A
A
KEY: P = Present
A =Absent
R = Resigned
Item Number: 3.d.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
�--'°�'��� COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
June 6, 2023
Library Board of Trustees: April 27
Attachments: Library Board of Trustees: April 27
Iowa city Public Library Board of Trustees
Meeting Minutes
April 27, 2023
2nd Floor - Boardroom
Regular Meeting - 5:00 PM
FINAL
Carol Kirsch - President Joseph Massa John Raeburn
Tom Rocklin - Vice President Claire Matthews Hannah Shultz
DJ Johnk - Secretary Robin Paetzold Dan Stevenson
Members Present: DJ Johnk, Carol Kirsch, Joseph Massa, Claire Matthews, Robin Paetzold, John
Raeburn, Tom Rocklin, Hannah Shultz, Dan Stevenson.
Members Absent: None.
Staff Present: Elsworth Carman, Anne Mangano, Jen Miller, Brent Palmer, Jason Paulios, Angie Pilkington,
Katie Roche.
Guests Present: Pauline Taylor.
Call Meeting to Order. Kirsch called the meeting to order at 5:00 pm. A quorum was present.
Approval of April 27, 2023 Board Meeting Agenda. Matthews made a motion to approve the
April 27, 2023 Board Meeting Agenda. Johnk seconded. Motion passed 9/0.
Public Discussion. None.
Items to be Discussed.
City of Iowa City Strategic Plan. Pauline Taylor presented the City of Iowa City Strategic Plan.
Shultz entered at 5:05 pm.
Rocklin asked what excites Taylor most about the strategic plan. Taylor is a retired nurse and the wellness and
safety of the community is very important to her. Taylor hopes for mental health funding, affordable housing,
and free bus fare. Taylor wants to do what she can to help Iowa City continue to be a great place to live.
Kirsch asked how long is the plan? Taylor said it is a five year plan. Matthews asked if there are partnerships
Taylor is looking forward to or would like to strengthen. Taylor said she thinks of the nonprofits in the Iowa
City community and Council would like to see them be more active and discussed potential grants. Taylor
thanked the Trustees for their time. Rocklin thanked Pauline for serving on council.
Taylor left at 5:20 pm.
FY24 Iowa City Public Library Strategic Plan Draft. Carman shared a draft of the Iowa City Public Library's
Strategic Plan. Kirsch noted the plan was for FY24-27 and wondered if it should go to FY26. Carman noted the
suggestion for editing later. Raeburn suggested language changes to the document. Raeburn noted the use
If you will need disability -related accommodations in order to participate in this meeting, please contact Jen Miller, Iowa City
Public Library, at 319-887-6003 or Jennifer-miller@icpLorg. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to
meet your access needs.
of the word community in goal one and felt it referred to the internal structure of the library but felt people
will read it as the group surrounding the library. Raeburn suggested changing to our enterprise or our
undertaking. Raeburn rewrote this line and suggested, 'Tell our story and the story of our undertaking
employing multiple channels that celebrate our successes, acknowledge our challenges, and invite the
people we serve to participate with us in ongoing deliberations about library services'. Carman liked the edit
and felt the intention of community in this sentence was trying to convey the broader community and the
Iowa City Public Library. Raeburn, Kirsch, and Rocklin interpreted it as the city. Rocklin thought it was
interesting to think about telling the story of our community as a communication goal. Rocklin understood
the purpose of telling Iowa City Public Library's story but wasn't clear on explaining Iowa City's story. Rocklin
wondered if it was the library's responsibility to tell the story of greater Iowa City on social media. Carman felt
in some ways yes but mostly in the ways of our work in the bigger pictures. Staff might do a social media post
about an environmental festival we're attending for example.
Paetzold said it's important to think about the literacy level of the language used in the strategic plan so it is
accessible to everyone in the community. Paetzold felt if the language is very academic it will be disconnect
many community members. Carman agreed that is a challenge when creating a document with many
audiences. Carman explained the Strategic Plan is used for internal and external purposes. It needs to be
operational and read pleasantly. Matthews said Iowa City is unique. In many places the library is the local
history archivist but in Iowa City we have partners that are already doing some of these pieces. Rocklin agreed
the library stores parts of the community story but it isn't part of goal one. Raeburn felt it was important to
emphasize that this goal is for two way communication and not simply one. Raeburn felt the document
should state that we invite civic participation in the goals of library. Paetzold agreed. Mattew said it would be
a great way to tie into city and county plans. Raeburn asked if there will be a place for particular actions in the
document and discussed the importance of noting the challenges facing library ebooks in the strategic plan.
Carman explained the tactic section is a part of this document where departmental goals are. Carman shared
the tactics are a work plan that can be included in reports as needed. Carman explained this part tends to be
lengthy and include jargon so they can be used with staff and don't always translate well as a public
document. Raeburn felt it was important to know in three years what succeeded and what didn't. Rocklin
noted the word assess appears twice and usually this term insinuates we haven't figured it out yet. Rocklin
noted assess resources allocated to communication and wondered if it should state increase resources.
Rocklin encouraged boldness. Paetzold asked if resources in this instance are money or quantity and felt
increase might not be appropriate. Rocklin agreed and encouraged clarity. Paetzold suggested evaluate or
streghthen.
Paetzold said we need to think about audience of the strategic plan and asked Carman who the target of the
plan is. Carman said it has multiple audiences. ICPL has a history of using this as a work document internally
and it is also widely shared in public communication. Paetzold felt it was important that the words selected
streghthen us and are accessible to general users. Carman said that has been top of mind for the committee,
it is still a draft but staff tried hard to keep jargon out. Carman said typically when the Strategic Plan is used
for promotion or fundraising the goal and objective are parts are used. Matthews wondered if "I can" or "I will"
statements could improve the document for the use of the public. Shultz agreed and thought it would help
those who haven't been involved in the process internalize the document and help with communication
points. Carman said the staff committee discussed using language in the goals. Raeburn noted the word
impacting in the second goal. Raeburn quoted the American Heritage Dictionary, stating the word impacted
ranks among the most detested of English usages. Raeburn said impacted as a noun is okay but as a verb it's
taboo. Raeburn suggested changing impacted to affected.
Rocklin noted goal 4, develop second amendment audits, and wondered what this meant. Carman explained
amendment audits are when people come to libraries and film staff and push them on their interpretations of
If you will need disability -related accommodations in order to participate in this meeting, please contact Jen Miller, Iowa City
Public Library, at 319-887-6003 orjennifer-miller@icpl.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to
meet your access needs.
user rights in the library. Staff want to create informational packets proactively to hand to patrons when this
happens. Raeburn asked Carman to explain the strategy in goal four, reinforce concept of iterative
improvement as opposed to a culture of busy. Carman said staff at ICPL, like many libraries, like to add more
projects without sunsetting other projects. We have very talented staff that end up facing burnout because of
over commitment. Carman said the concept of iterative improvement is to build on your successes while also
considering if there is time or resources available. Carman agreed this could be clarified.
There was further discussion of language used in the policy. Carman shared the staff committee that crafted
the draft represents a diverse group of library staff and has been rewarding to work with. Committee
members are currently getting feedback from their departments. Both sets of feedback will be used to create
another draft to include in the packet next month with the aspiration to have a final draft ready in June. Kirsch
asked if the Board voted on the strategic plan in the past. Carman said yes. Matthews said to thank the staff
team.
Election of Officers. Kirsch shared the Nominating Committee consisted of Raeburn, Paetzold, and Kirsch.
Kirsch, representing the nominating committee presented the slate of officers for FY24: President -Tom
Rocklin, Vice President- DJ Johnk, Secretary- Hannah Shultz. Stevenson made a motion to approve the slate.
Massa seconded. Motion passed 9/0.
Review 3rd Quarter Statistics and Financials. Kirsch shared the Finance Committee met and had no
profound questions. Carman apologized for not adding category headers to the memo. Paetzold asked how
overages are covered and wondered if there were timing issues. Carman said some are timing issues and
some lines are over and underspent. Carman said the bottom line is the biggest concern and discussed fuel as
a nonnegotiable overage. Paetzold asked if ICPL will balance. Carman said yes, the hardest piece in balancing
is the personnel line. This is currently underspent due to vacancies and there will be a balance there at the
end of the year. Massa asked under personnel who makes up temporary employees. Carman explained there
are two kinds of part time staff, permanent and hourly/temporary. Carman said the temporary positions have
an hour cap, are entry level, and don't receive benefits. Mangano and Miller agreed there were sixty and
explained these positions include Library Aides, Interns, and Maintenance Aides. Carman explained the term
temporary isn't reflective, we might have a temporary employee who could work at ICPL for 30 years. Massa
asked how overtime is controlled. Carman shared overtime is given an allotted budget for permanent staff in
the union. Examples include Sunday work, holidays, and traditional overtime. Raeburn asked for clarification
on the replacement fund. Miller said a portion of the Admin budget is transferred into an equipment
replacement fund for IT equipment and technology needs of the library.
Massa asked if many people check out dvds and noted it is an aging collection. Mangano said the collection is
trending down but we have a sizeable group of people who check them out. Carman said it is important to
follow the trends of the field. If ICPL was the only library with a dvd collection our use would go up and you
may have to decide to cut a collection that has high circulation. Matthews noted the dvds are an equity and
access collection for people that can't afford streaming. Matthews believes it's a public service. Mangano said
the market will decide for us at some point when dvds are no longer available for purchase. Matthews asked if
dvds are going the way of cds. Mangano believes it is going that way and shared there are times staff can't
get dvds because they are only available through streaming. Carman felt streaming is becoming part of the
digital divide. Matthews noted Netflix is cracking down on multi-logins and thinks there are many people who
might need services. Massa noted the footprint the dvd collection takes up in the library. Mangano shared
libraries are being shut out of the market with audiobooks.
Paetzold asked if there are trends in circulation that stand out. Carman said things are norming and noted
children's stats are down a little. Pilkington said children's circulation typically trends down in the third
quarter and picks back up in the fourth. Mangano shared staff are seeing more holds on blockbuster hits with
authors publishing their covid novels, nonfiction is doing well now.
If you will need disability -related accommodations in order to participate in this meeting, please contact Jen Miller, Iowa City
Public Library, at 319-887-6003 orjennifer-miller@icpl.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to
meet your access needs.
Staff Reports.
Director's Report. Carman shared the hearing loop installation is on track in Meeting Room A and the
Children's Room. The old carpet is out in Meeting Room A, the floor is cleared, and the wiring has been laid.
Carman is optimistic all will go smoothly. Raeburn asked who installed the hearing loop. Pilkington said they
were out of Des Moines.
Carman said staff are optimistic about FY24 Enrich IA funding but there is no way to know until we get closer
what funding will look like. Carman is hopeful this year will be the same as last year.
Rocklin left 6:15 pm.
Departmental Reports.
Children's Services. Matthews asked if there will be school presentations on the Summer Reading Program.
Pilkington said staff will come if they are requested. Pilkington shares the Summer Reading Program video
each year with teacher librarians.
Collection Services. Shultz noticed the Bookmobile collection in the catalog and thought it was a cool new
feature. Matthews wondered if it would affect Bookmobile traffic.
IT. No comments.
Development Report. Kirsch asked about profits at the Hy -Vee wine fundraiser. Roche said we don't yet
know but were able to make $11,000 on a match challenge. Roche was pleased with public response.
Miscellaneous: News Articles. Johnk was impressed with the strength of ICPL voices in the media and felt it
was great to have super stars working on the library team. Kirsch agreed it was impressive.
President's Report.
President Appoints to Foundation Board. Kirsch appreciated Stevenson's service on the Foundation Board
over the past year. Kirsch appointed Raeburn and Johnk on the Foundation Board in FY24. Kirsch said the
Volunteer Recognition event is on May 6th and invited Trustees to attend.
Announcements from Members. None.
Committee Reports. Johnk shared the Foundation Board met and Johnk was unable to attend. Kirsch shared
the Finance Committee met but didn't create a report. Kirsch shared the Finance committee has been
experimental and has been meeting quarterly. Kirsch and Matthews terms will end for the next quarterly
meeting and the Board needs to decide if the committee should continue. Carman said eliminating the
committee would mean more conversation at Board meetings. Matthews said the Committee has mostly
discussed Carman's financial memos. Kirsch said the Trustees can decide next month or Rocklin can decide in
July as newly elected Board President.
Communications. None.
Consent Agenda. Johnk made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Matthew seconded. Motion
passed 9/0.
Set Agenda Order for May Meeting. Kirsch noted there are two policy reviews due in May.
Adjournment. Kirsch adjourned the meeting at 6:26 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Jen Miller
If you will need disability -related accommodations in order to participate in this meeting, please contact Jen Miller, Iowa City
Public Library, at 319-887-6003 orjennifer-miller@icpLorg. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to
meet your access needs.
Board of Commissions: ICPL Board of Trustees
ATTENDANCE RECORD
Name
Term Expiration
5/26/2022
6/23/2022
7/28/2022
8/25/2022
9/22/2022
10/27/2022
11/17/2022
12/15/2022
1/16/2023
2/23/2024
3/6/2023
3/23/2023
4/27/2023
5/25/2023
ohnk, DJ
6/30/2025
X
X
X
x
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Kim, Noa
6/30/2027
X
OE
X
X
OE
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
Kirsch,
6/30/2023
X
OE
X
X
OE
OE
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Carol
Massa,
6/30/2027
X
X
X
X
X
X
Joseph
Matthews,
6/30/2023
X
X
X
X
OE
X
X
X
X
OE
X
X
Claire
Paetzold,
6/30/2023
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Robin
Raeburn,
6/30/2027
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
OE
X
X
X
X
John
Rocklin,
6/30/2025
X
X
OE
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
OE
iom
Shultz,
6/30/2025
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Hannah
Stevenson,
6/30/2027
X
x
X
X
X
X
OE
X
X
X
X
X
Daniel
KEY:
X
PRESENT
0
ABSENT
OE
EXCUSED ABSENT
NM
NO MEETING HELD
R
RESIGNED
TE
Term Expired
Item Number: 3.e.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
Z%--_ �=Pa COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
June 6, 2023
Parks & Recreation Commission: April 12 [See Recommendation]
Attachments: Parks & Recreation Commission: April 12 [See Recommendation]
®, CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM
Date: 05/15/2023
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Staff Member of Parks and Recreation Commission
Re: Recommendation from Parks and Recreation Commission
At their April 12, 2023 meeting the Parks and Recreation Commission made the following
recommendation to the City Council:
To remove Commissioner Boniface Penandjo Lemoupa from the Parks and Recreation
Commission due to unexplained absences.
Additional action (check one
X No further action needed
Board or Commission is requesting Council direction
Agenda item will be prepared by staff for Council action
IOWA CITY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED
MINUTES OF APRIL 12, 2023
ROBERT A. LEE RECREATION CENTER—MEETING ROOM B
Members Present: Alex Hachtman, Brian Morelli, Melissa Serenda, Connie Moore, Rachel
McPherson, Doloris Mixon, Missie Forbes,
Members Absent: Boniface Penandjo Lemoupa,
Staff Present: Tyler Baird, Matt Eidahl, Gabe Gotera
Others Present: Sue Protheroe, Jerry Protheroe
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairman Hachtman called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
RLCOiMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (to become effective only after separate Council action):
Moved by Moore, seconded by Forbes to recommend removing Commissioner Boniface Penandio
Lemoupa from the Parks & Recreation Commission due to unexplained absences. Motion passed
7-0 (Lemoupa Penandio Absent) —
OTHER FORMAL ACTION:
Moved by Forbes, seconded by Serenda to move Item 7. "Consider the recommendation to remove
Parks & Recreation Commission member due to unexplained absences" & Item S, "Election of Vice
Commission Vice Chair" to the top of theagenda. Motion passed 7-0 enand'o Lemou a absent).
Moved by Mixon seconded by Serenda to approve the February 8 2023 minutes as written.
Motion passed 7-0_(Penand go Lemoupa absent).
Moved by Mixon, seconded b►- Morelli to elect Connie Moore as Vice -Chairman of the Parks and
Recreation Commission. Motion assed 7-0 Penand'o Lemoupa absent).
CONSIDER RECOMMENDATION TO REMOVE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
MEMBER DUE TO UNEXPLAINED ABSENCES — Chairman Alex Hachtman
Chairman Hachtman explains that according to the Commission bylaws, if a commission member has had
several unexplained absences in a row, the opportunity arises to recommend removing that member.
Hachtman recalls the lack of quorum at the attempted March 2023 meeting for consideration.
Commissioner Morelli asks if attempts to reach out to Commissioner Penandjo Lemoupa have been made.
Hachtman and Acting Director Baird confirms this and adds that the last meeting Penandjo Lemoupa had
attended was March 2022.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
April 12, 2023
Page 2 of 8
Moved bv Moore, seconded by Forbes to recommend removing Boniface Lemoupa Penandio
Lemoupa from the Parks & Recreation Commission due to unexplained absences. Motion „passed
7-0 (Lem oupa Pena ndio Absent]
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
Sue Protheroe introduces herself as a City Park Pool user since 1979 and makes the point that while she
loves the pool as is, she welcomes updates to the tub design and to the surrounding area. Protheroe recalls
listening to the podcast Watts Happening by local developer Gary Watts, who on April 4, 2023
interviewed Iowa City City Manager Geoff Fruin. Protheroe quotes Fruin as calling City Park Pool "truly
a unique gem here in Iowa City". Protheroe describes Fruin as talking about the pool's age and issues
before quoting Fruin as saying,
We'll be moving into a design phase because we anticipate the reconstruction of that pool in
2025. We need to find a balance between preserving the unique character while also making sure
that we're welcoming all types of swimmers and all types of users of different abilities. Right
now, the pool is really fantastic if you are a lap swimmer. For people just beginning, just
becoming swimmers, that pool is not as welcoming. We'll be going through a design process here
probably in the next year.
Protheroe discusses two concerns. The first concern being that Fruin has skipped over the first four steps
in the City's RFQ. These steps are to review data, evaluate the current conditions of the facility, prepare a
report of current conditions, and present the report to City Council, letting City Council decide whether to
renovate or rebuild. Protheroe questions whether City staff view the process laid out by the RFQ as words
on paper or as a process created to find the best outdoor pool for the community. Protheroe's second
concern is that both Fruin and Juli Seydell Johnson are pushing a narrative that City Park Pool isn't
welcoming and are pitting lap swimmers against other users. Protheroe says that while the pool entrance
and bath house have issues, the City's own data does not support the claim that the pool itself isn't
welcoming and goes further to say that she rejects this narrative. Protheroe says that when the claims of
[City staff] aren't data driven, the entire process feels disingenuous. Protheroe closes by saying one of the
reasons that City Park Pool is a gem is because the design allows many groups of users, including non-
swimmers to happily co -exist. Protheroe says that while moving forward in the repair process, she would
love to see City staff working with the community to arrive at a solution that works for everyone.
Jerry Protheroe introduces himself as a fan of City Park Pool before thanking the Commission for their
volunteer work. Protheroe says that he's heard talk about the pool being intimidating, and acknowledges
that even sometimes he, an accomplished strong swimmer, can be intimidated at City Park Pool before
asking for recognition of the fact that this is describing 50 -meter lap swim hours. Protheroe does make a
point to recognize and thank the City for the expanded morning lap swim hours. Protheroe describes this
time as being well attended with 2-3 people swimming per lane which can sometimes make swimming a
bit chaotic. He makes the distinction that City Park Pool does not have ropes which can add to any
feelings of intimidation, but also that there are no instructions about how to swim in the facility, no depth
instructions, and no instruction from staff. Protheroe adds that the usual swimmers are very welcoming
and teaches new swimmers how to circle swim and how to properly use the pool during lap swim hours.
Protheroe says that all his points do not point to a pool design issue, but rather a programming problem,
and that while some may be intimidated by the design, a 50 -meter lap swim should be, by nature,
challenging. Protheroe closes by passing out a handout regarding City Park Pool - Back to the Future
Vision, a fast-growing group that wants to engage with the community in a positive way, and to not
always be complaining.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
April 12, 2023
Page 3 of 8
PRESENETAION OF IOWA CITY STRATEGIC PLAN —
Me an Alter: At -Large. Mavor Pro Tem
Megan Alter: At -Large, Mayer Pro Tem, presented the attached PowerPoint presentation to the Parks and
Recreation Commission regarding the City's Strategic Plan for FY23-FY28.
Commissioner Morelli asks where the Strategic Plan is currently in the process, specifically if the plan
has been approved and finalized. Alter replies that that Strategic Plan was approved in December of 2022
and has been finalized into the document that the City can be held to.
Commissioner Forbes asks how projects that are currently being funded by the American Rescue Plan Act
(ARPA) are anticipated to be sustained after funds are run dry. Alter says this can be seen by looking at
some of the commitments that are on the Strategic Plan. Alter says that applications are being taken in for
underestimated business entrepreneurs and small business folk, being funded with four million dollars of
ABPA funds for brick -and -mortar projects but also for programming. Alter adds that this would not be a
one -and -done deal and that the City is looking for projects that can be sustainable in their own right. Alter
continues that there is an awareness present now that the City must be able to support the projects that are
funneled through ABPA. Alter makes the clarification that this is not the case for all, as some projects are
end capped, but that discussions will take place on how projects can be more sustainable and how much
will the City be willing to commit.
Commissioner Morelli asks how the Strategic Plan will come to fruition and be measured against
decisions made by the City Council for accountability. Alter responded that while there is no rubric, the
trick would lie in working hard to get the Council to stick to the plan, especially when there are so many
different perspectives to consider during meetings. Alter says that the plan will be used as a prioritization
guide to determine how to adapt as something important crops up. The Plan will be used to guide what
projects will move forward, what kind of give-and-take must happen between projects to make something
happen, and deciding what projects get moved out of the way for the time being. Acting Director Baird
comments about how the Strategic Plan can be used for daily work, announcing that the plan has been
seen by all of the Parks Staff, who appreciate having the Plan as a long-term roadmap that can be used as
a lens for daily decision-making.
RECREATION DIVISION GOALS —Assistant Recreation Superintendent Matt Eidahl:
Assistant Recreation Superintendent Matt Eidahl introduces himself having worked for the City for 23
years with the last several years worked as the Assistant Recreation Superintendent. Eidahl explains how
the Recreation Division Goal Setting and Performance Measurement Plan is derived from the 2022
Recreation Masterplan through which, vital feedback and information was received from stakeholders,
community members, and staff regarding current and future programs. Eidahl adds that information was
also received regarding barriers that may prevent people from participating recreation programming.
Eidahl says that over the past 4 months, Recreation staff has used this feedback to create the framework
for this plan by establishing 5 different strategical themes oh what they want to accomplish in the next 10
years. Within these five strategical themes, staff came up with measurable goals. Eidahl says that when
goals are measured, it can be seen what goals are accomplished, ultimately helping keep staff on task
while making sure that they are held accountable and transparent.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
April 12, 2023
Page 4 of 8
Eidahl describes the first strategic theme, Community Connections which would connect new audience
and enhance public awareness of the Department's programs, facilities, and amenities. Eidahl says that
Community Connection goals would include,
• Utilize language translation staff and technology to provide welcoming facilities and programs
that reach a broader community base.
• Provide equitable access to information through various channels to engage the community in
fresh and innovative ways.
Eidahl describes the second strategic theme, Recreation Programming, where staff would engage with the
community through programming, activities, and events that are intentionally designed to best align with
their needs. Eidahl lists the Recreation Programming Goals as,
■ Consistently deliver high-quality programs and services that are in -touch with the needs of the
community.
• Grow participation in and access to learn -to -swim opportunities.
• Develop educational and skill -developing programming that focuses on lifelong benefits of
outdoor exploration, bicycle safety, and STEAM
Provide adults the resources. Program opportunities and equipment access that promote active
living, lifelong fitness, and healthy lifestyles.
• Provide satisfying, positive experience through quality recreation programs, and services that
meet or exceed customer expectations.
Eidahl describes the third strategic theme, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion which would promote
community well-being through facilities, programs and services that instill a sense of belonging, inclusion
and are accessible to all. The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion goals would include,
• Provide ongoing training and tools to increase employee skill and ability in applying equity best
practices and services.
• Deliver recreation experience that are accessible to various neighborhoods to reduce the need for
transportation
• Ensure that needs -based financial support for program and services are readily available,
promoted, and utilized.
Eidahl describes the fourth strategic theme, Partnerships and Outreach which would work to strengthen
community relationships and partnerships Eidahl says that the goal will be strengthen outreach and
engagement relationships with community-based organizations.
Eidahl describes the fifth strategic theme, Team Development would maintain a well-trained, high -
performing, and cross -capable division team. Eidahl says that the goal will be to ensure that staff have the
opportunity to learn through continued education and training.
Chairman Hachtman appreciates the work put into the plan, saying that when performance is measured,
performance is improved. Hachtman asks what opportunities are planned for reporting back. Eidahl says
that update reports will be given to the Commission and the City Council annually but that if
Commissioners want reports on seasonal accomplishments, that could be worked out as well.
Chairman Hachtman leaves the meeting at 5:58pm.
Commissioner Morelli leaves the meeting at 6:03pm
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
April 12, 2023
Page 5 of 8
MECER PARK ATHLETIC FIELDS PROJECT — Eric Hornig; Hitchcock Design
In a pre-recorded video, Eric Hornig of Hitchcock Design presents the proposed designs for the Mercer
Park Athletic Fields Project in the attached PowerPoint presentation. Hornig explains how the project is
meant to address the aging infrastructure of the athletic fields at both Mercer Park & City Park while
maintaining a key focus on safety and accessibility. Staff had met with stakeholder groups, including
those involved with Pickleball/Tennis and Baseball in the area, to determine what would be desired in the
renovation.
Hornig details how the proposed plans for Mercer Park Field 1 would include updates to the lighting,
bleachers, spectator areas, edge drainage, and potential improve the grading. Mercer Park Field 4 would
see updates to the fencing, pathing, dugouts, bleachers, spectator areas, and improvements to both the
grading and drainage. Hornig says that the Mercer Park Tennis & Pickleball courts would receive updated
aisles, nets/posts, fencing/windscreens, asphalt surfacing, color coating, striping and a backboard in the
project. Hornig explains that to accommodate the regular use of the courts, the number of Tennis Courts
would be reduced to 2 while the Pickleball Courts would increase to 9. Hornig says that the Core Area of
the fields and courts would receive a new concrete basing while reworking the existing stairs/ramps for to
create a more accessible space. Hornig adds that space for the Memorial in the Core Area would be
preserved.
Hornig explains that the City Park Tennis Courts would receive the same updated amenities as Mercer
Park and would include 6 Tennis Courts, including the striping for a single pickleball overlay per court.
Hornig details that Basketball Court would remain a half court with new surfacing and standards. Hornig
adds that there would be minor walkway adjustments to the nearby area.
Hornig wraps up his presentation, explaining the schedule of the project. Design development and input
gathering took place, October - February. Construction Documentation, the current phase started in
February and would end in April. The Bidding process would begin sometime in the late -spring early -
summer with construction beginning potentially as early as July.
Acting Director Baird explains that he will answer questions on the project in lieu of Hornig.
Commissioner Forbes asks if there is any worry that there will be no bids on the project. Acting Director
Baird explains that while this would always be a possibility, he does not see it as likely in this case as past
park projects always have a decent amount of interest and multiple bids from bidders.
Vice -Chairman Moore refers to Pickleball Players interest in additional seating and asks if these would be
included in the proposed designs. Acting Director Baird explains that the aisles were a larger focus than
seating in the actual design, but that enough space would be added to the aisles to create the opportunity
to add seating after the project is complete. Baird adds that the aisles also allow more fencing in between
the courts to allow more ball control and stop balls from rolling into other games.
REPORT ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF
Assistant Recreation Superintendent — Matt Eidahl
Programming. Acting Rec Supt. Eidahl announces that the Summer Activity Guide is out, with Summer
Registration for programming opening on April 18 for Iowa City residents and April 19 for non-residents.
Vice -Chairman Moore asks hiring for summer programs is coming along. Eidahl says that Recreation
Customer Service is at a stable amount, Aquatics could use more swim instructors, but that the main areas
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
April 12, 2023
Page 6 of 8
where staff is lacking would be Summer Camps and possibly the Famers' Market. Commissioner Mixon
asks what kind of work staff at the Farmers' Market would do. Admin Coord. Gabe Gotera explains that
work would involve looking over set up & tear down of the market, making sure that vendors are in their
correct spots, and managing the token exchange.
Vice -Chairman Moore asks when water will be turned on at the Dog Parks. Baird says that water was
turned on at the Thornberry Dog Parks that day, April 12. Baird explains that Rita's Ranch Dog Park is
being reseeded and aerated due to the amount of turf damage over the winter but makes that point that the
water will be turned on when the dog park is open for the year.
Parks & Forestry Superintendent— Tyler Baird
Parks & Trails: Acting Director Baird says that nearly all restrooms and drinking fountains in the parks
are open. Baird explains that this process is heavily weather dependent and can be delayed by recent snow
fall. Baird says that work is continuing this spring on the single stack off-road bike trail system, which
would be in the Terrell Mill Park area. Baird details that mowing will take place soon, and that a lot of
recent focus has been on the athletic fields due to the large number of events this spring.
Tree Planting: Baird details 3 different planting events that are planned at James Allen McPherson Park,
Napoleon Park, & City Park with Commissioners getting a closer look at the process during the next
Commission Meeting at James Allen McPherson park. Baird says that while staff does handle some of the
planting projects, there will be a large contract that would regard planting around 300 trees this year.
Baird explains that the contract for the tree planting projects is close to being finalized.
Vice -Chairman Moore asks what types of tree are planned to be planted. Baird explains that across the
city, there are about 30 different species of trees, all spread out across the genus level. Baird details the
importance of this diversity and not just planting 15 different types of Oaks and Maples, pointing at the
Emerald Ash Borer which targets and kills all species of Ash Tree.
Commissioner Serenda explains that there are many utility flags still planted from last years contracted
tree planting and asks if this is something that the contractors can remove as soon as they are not needed.
Baird says that the contractors should be removing them as they are done to not confuse homeowners.
Baird make the point to share this note with the contractor.
Commissioner Serenda asks if there are any future plans to convert more land into prairies. Baird
responds that any upcoming plans would involve small pieces and enhancements to some that were
recently established. Baird says that a lot of the larger areas have already been covered but that the
department is open to suggestions and working with the neighborhoods to. Baird mentions that there was
a recent request to add prairie near Scott Park, to the opposite side of the road from the dam
Intercultural Development Inventory Assessment: Baird talks about the Intercultural Development
Inventory (IDI) assessment that is recommended for Commission Members to take part in. Baird adds
that staff involved with the Commission are already signed up. Baird describes the IDI as a 50 question
self-assessment to determine any biases that an individual may have. Baird continues that after the
assessment, there would be a private debrief with a member of the contracted company to explain your
results, what they mean, and how to work moving forward. Baird says that the Human Rights
Commission all took part in the assessment and found it valuable enough to suggest that it be made to
other commissions.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
April 12, 2023
Page 7 of 8
CHAIRS REPORT:
None
COMMISSION TIME/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Commissioner Serenda invites others to the South District Neighbors Association annual team up event
on Sunday, April 23 at l Oam. Serenda describes the event as the neighborhood coming together to clean
up trash, refresh flower beds along Broadway St, and working on the Edible Forest in Weatherby Park.
Commissioner Forbes asks where people would meet up for the event. Serenda responds that the
Neighborhood Centers location is along Broadway St. Commissioner Mixon asks for clarification on
what the Edible Forest is? Serenda explains how Backyard Abundance has fruit trees and various other
vegetation in Weatherby Park for people can forage freely from.
ADJOURNMENT: Vice -Chairman Moore adjourns the meeting at 6:26 p.m.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
April 12, 2023
Page 8 of 8
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
NAME
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
M
N
M
N
M
N
M
N
M
M
en
O
N
C�
.--
00
00
N
TERM
qvkn
qv
In
�
t--00
00
O�
't
EXPIRES
Missie
12/31/25
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
NM
X
O/E
LQ
X
Forbes
Alex
12/31/24
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
NM
X
X
LQ
X
Hachtman
Rachel
12/31/26
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
X
X
LQ
X
McPherson
Doloris
12/31/26
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
X
X
LQ
X
Mixon
Connie
12/31/25
*
*
*
X
X
X
X
NM
X
X
LQ
X
Moore
Brian
12/31/25
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
NM
X
X
LQ
X
Morelli
Christopher
12/31/24
O/E
X
O/E
X
O/E
O/E
O/E
NM
X
O/E
LQ
Odinet
Boniface
12/31/23
O
O/E
O
O/E
O/E
O
O
NM
O
O
LQ
O
Penandjo
Lemou a
Melissa
12/31/23
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
NM
X
X
LQ
X
Serenda
KEY: X = Present - O = Absent O/E = Absent/Excused NM = No meeting
LQ = No meeting due to lack of quorum * = Not a member during this meeting
IM'"llkiM171MmaliA
CITY OF IOWA CITY
-'°�';%.
ca 7R4 COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
June 6, 2023
Senior Center Commission: October 20
Attachments: Senior Center Commission: October 20
Approved Minutes
October 20, 2022
MINUTES
SENIOR CENTER COMMISSION
October 20, 2022
Assembly Room, Iowa City Senior Center
Members Present: Tasha Lard, Angela McConville, Karen Page, Paula
Vaughan, Paula Vaughan
Members Absent: Doug Korty, Jeannie Beckman
Staff Present: Kristin Kromray, LaTasha DeLoach
Others Present:
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order by McConville at 4:00 PM.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL:
None.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE SEPTEMBER 15, 2022 MEETING:
Motion: To accept the minutes from the September 15, 2022. Motion carried
on a vote of 5/0. Vaughan/Vogal
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
None.
OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW:
DeLoach reported the feedback from the new logo and rebrand has been
positive. The commission discussed putting the word senior back into the Iowa
City Senior Center's name. She noted that she and staff felt it was both important
to include the location since it is where we are located (but not limiting to who the
Senior Center serves) and to be descriptive. She also noted that many people
have thought that "The Center" was not descriptive enough. This change clears
up any ambiguity.
DeLoach noted the ongoing work in Senior Center programming related to
diversity, equity, and inclusion. Recently she has looked at offsetting cost for
programming to low-income members to make it easier for people to participate
in classes that might have associated costs for materials. DeLoach noted that
Approved Minutes
October 20, 2022
Tamarack school, located next to the Senior Center has been utilizing space in
the building recently. Next year a small Spanish language school for elementary
aged children will be renting space in the building.
Staff has been working on submitting the budget for FY24. The exterior building
renovations is in the planning phase and work is anticipated to begin late
spring/summer. The community wide survey discussed last month will be coming
out shortly. The feasibility study for a capitol campaign will begin in the spring.
Kromray reviewed the minor change to the policies in this month's commission
packet.
Motion: To accept changes to the Budget, Revenue, and Expenses Policy.
Vogal/Page 5/0
Motion: To accept changes to the Code of Conduct Policy. Vaughan/Lard
5/0
Motion: To accept changes to the Community Use of Senior Center Space.
Vogal/Vaughan 5/0
Motion: To accept changes to the Discounted Parking Options and
Restrictions. Lard/Vaughan 5/0.
COMMISSION DISCUSSION:
McConville noted that there will be two commission terms expiring at the end of
the year. She encouraged people to reapply if they are interested in continuing
on the commission.
Motion: To Adjourn.
2
Approved Minutes
October 20, 2022
Senior Center Commission Attendance Record
Key: X = Present O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused NM = No meeting -- = Not a member
11/18/21
12/16/21
1/21/22
2/17/22
3/17/22
4/21/22
5/19/22
6/16/22
7/21/22
8/18/22
9/15/22
10/20/22
Name
Term Expires
.Jeannie Beckman
12/31/22
X
O/E
X
NM
X
X
NM
X
X
NM
X
O/E
Victoria (Susan)
12/31/24
--
-
X
NM
X
—
—
Carroll
Lorraine Dorfinar
12/31/21
X
X
Zach
12/31/21
X
X
-
--
-
—
—
Goldsmith
Douglas
12/31/24
—
O/E
NM
X
X
NM
X
O/E
NM
O/E
O/E
Korty
Tasha
12/31/24
-
—
—
-
__
—
O/E
X
Lard
Angela
12/31/24
X
X
X
NM
X
X
NM
X
X
NM
X
X
McConville
Karen
12/31/23
--
X
O/E
NM
X
X
NM
O/E
X
Page
Paula
12/31/22
X
X
X
NM
X
O/E
NM
X
X
NM
X
X
Vaughan
Linda
12/31/23
X
O/E
X
NM
X
X
NM
X
O/E
NM
X
X
Vogel
Key: X = Present O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused NM = No meeting -- = Not a member
Item Number: 3.g.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
�--'°�'��� COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
June 6, 2023
Senior Center Commission: March 16
Attachments: Senior Center Commission: March 16
Approved Minutes
March 16, 2023
MINUTES
SENIOR CENTER COMMISSION
March 16, 2023
Assembly Room, Iowa City Senior Center
Members Present: Tasha Lard, Angela McConville, Susan Mellecker, Lee
McKnight
Members Absent: Jay Gilchrist, Warren Paris
Staff Present: Kristin Kromray, LaTasha DeLoach
Others Present:
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order by McConville at 4:00 PM.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL:
None.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE OCTOBER 19, 2022 MEETING:
Motion: To accept the minutes from the October 19, 2022. Motion carried on
a vote of 5/0. McKnight/Lard
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
►=
PUBLIC POLICY CENTER SURVEY PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION:
DeLoach reported the Senior Center started the building master plan about two
years ago. The estimated budget for all of the building renovations came in at
about 15 million dollars. The City Council asked the Senior Center to do a
community survey and public input sessions to ask if the current Senior Center
location is best serving the community.
DeLoach introduced the Tessa Heeren and Elis Cooper who work for the
University of Iowa's Public Policy Center. They assisted the Senior Center is
sending out and interpreting the community survey regarding gathering feedback
on the Senior Center's location. In addition to location, programming and facility
Approved Minutes
March 16, 2023
questions were also asked to get a comprehensive understanding of what the
community is interested in.
Cooper presented data showing an overwhelming number (73%) of respondents
want to stay in the current location. Of the 23% who indicated they were
interested in other locations, 55% were interested in an eastside location, 35% in
a westside location, and 11 % in a different downtown location. Cooper went over
various demographic information based on how people answered the question
regarding moving the Senior Center. This information may be helpful in
determining what types of where outreach programs could occur. They also went
over some of the qualitative data obtained from the survey.
Commissioners asked how the survey was distributed. DeLoach noted the
survey was available in person in the Senior Center and other public locations,
online, and mailed to a random sample of Johnson County residents who are
over the age of 40 with self-addressed and stamped envelopes.
DeLoach will send a memo and executive summary of the survey to the City
Council soon.
Mellecker asked about the renderings that were available some time ago.
DeLoach noted the initial renderings are available on the Senior Center's
website. These renderings are only initial ideas, and a more concrete plan will be
created during the design phase that should occur later this year or next year.
OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW:
DeLoach noted that the programming cycle continues to be two months. She
reported the Senior Center will have a member, volunteer, and donor
appreciation event at Terry True Blood in May. In June the Senior Center will
have an Open House. A couple of upcoming classes being offered in partnership
with other organizations include Walk with Ease, which will take place in North
Liberty and a U of I college of nursing nutrition class.
COMMISSION DISCUSSION:
NOMINATION FOR CHAIR, VICE CHAIR, SECRETARY_
McConville noted the nominating committee was unable to meet at the end of
last year and the other members are no longer on the commission. She handed
out nominating and election ballots for the chair, vice chair and secretary
positions. McConville was nominated for chair, Lard was nominated for vice -
chair, Mellecker was nominated for secretary. Kromray collected and tallied the
ballots.
2
Approved Minutes
March 16, 2023
Results for officer elections are as follows:
McConville elected Chair. 4 Ayes
Lard elected Vice Chair. 4 Ayes
Mellecker elected Secretary. 4 Ayes
McConville announced she will be in the Iowa City Community Theater show,
Follies.
Motion: To Adjourn.
3
Approved Minutes
March 16, 2023
Senior Center Commission Attendance Record
Key: X = Present 0 = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused NM = No meeting -- = Not a member
4/21/22
5/19/22
6/16/22
7/21/22
8/18/22
9/15/22
10/20/22
11/17/22
12/15/22
1/19/23
2/16/23
3/16/23
Name
Term Expires
Jeannie Beckman
12/31/22
X
NM
X
X
NM
X
O/E
NM
NM
—
—
--
Jay
12/31/25
_
_
_
_
_
__
NM
NM
O/E
Gilchrist
Douglas
12/31/24
X
NM
X
O/E
NM
O/E
O/E
--
—
-
Korty
Tasha
12/31/24
-
—
--
O/E
X
NM
NM
NM
NM
X
Lard
Angela
12/31/24
X
NM
X
X
NM
X
X
NM
NM
NM
NM
X
McConville
Lee
12/31/24
—
—
--
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
X
McKnight
Susan
12/31/23
—
--
--
-
-
—
NM
NM
X
Mellecker
Karen
12/31/23
O/E
NM
X
X
NM
O/E
X
--
--
--
Page
Warren
12/31/25
-
--
-
_
NM
NM
0
Paris
Paula
12/31/22
O/E
NM
X
X
NM
X
X
NM
NM
--
Vaughan
Linda
12/31/23
X
NM
X
O/E
NM
X
X
NM
--
--
-
Vogel
Key: X = Present 0 = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused NM = No meeting -- = Not a member