Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-09-28 Info Packet � r rrr®��� City Council Information Packet CITY OF IOwA CITY September 28, 2023 Council Tentative Meeting Schedule IP1. Council Tentative Meeting Schedule October 3 Work Session IP2. Work Session Agenda IP3. Iowa City Pedestrian Collision Analysis, 2013-2022 IP4. Pending City Council Work Session Topics Miscellaneous IP5. Memo from City Clerk: Joint Entities Meeting Agenda Items for October 16 IP6. Memo from City Clerk: Proposed Council Meeting Schedule, January - December 2024 IP7. Civil Service Examination: Systems Engineer Draft Minutes IP8. Climate Action Commission: September 11 IP9. Community Police Review Board: September 12 IP10. Library Board of Trustees: August 24 IP11. Library Board of Trustees: August 28 IP12. Senior Center Commission: September 21 September 28, 2023 City of Iowa City Item Number: IP1. CITY OF IOWA CITY COUNCIL ACTION REPORT September 28, 2023 Council Tentative Meeting Schedule Attachments: Council Tentative Meeting Schedule City Council Tentative Meeting Schedule nil Subject to change CITY OF IOWA CITY September 28, 2023 Date Time Meeting Location Tuesday,October 3,2023 4:00 PM Work Session City Hall,Emma 1. Harvat Hall 6:00 PM Formal Meeting 410 E.Washington Street Monday,October 16,2023 4:30 PM Joint Entities Meeting TBD Hosted by Iowa City Community Sch Dist Tuesday,October 17,2023 4:00 PM Work Session City Hall,Emma J. Harvat Hall 6:00 PM Formal Meeting 410 E.Washington Street Monday, November 6,2023 4:00 PM Work Session City Hall,Emma J. Harvat Hall 6:00 PM Formal Meeting 410 E.Washington Street Tuesday, November 21,2023 4:00 PM Work Session City Hall,Emma J. Harvat Hall 6:00 PM Formal Meeting 410 E.Washington Street Tuesday, December 12,2023 4:00 PM Work Session City Hall,Emma J. Harvat Hall 6:00 PM Formal Meeting 410 E.Washington Street Item Number: IP2. CITY OF IOWA CITY COUNCIL ACTION REPORT September 28, 2023 Work Session Agenda Attachments: Work Session Agenda Subject to change as finalized by the City Clerk. For a final official copy, contact the City Clerk's Office 356-5041 If you will need disability-related accommodations in order to participate in this program/event, please contact Kellie Grace at 319-356-5041 , kgrace@iowa- city.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs. Iowa City City Council - Work Session r Agenda #A " t� Work Session E74 October 3, 2023 - 4:00 PM CITY Or IOWA CITY Emma J. Harvat Hall 410 E. Washington Street www.icgov.org City of Iowa City Land Acknowledgment can be found at: icgov.org/landacknowledgement Meeting Rules can be found at: icgov.org/meetingrules You can watch the meeting on cable channel 4 (118.2 QAM) in Iowa City, University Heights and Coralville, or you can watch it online at any of the following websites: • https://citychannel4.com/live • https://www.youtube.com/user/citychannel4/live • https://facebook.com/CitvoflowaCity 1. Discussion on traffic safety in Iowa City with staff review of ten-year Pedestrian Collision Analysis report 2. Clarification of Agenda Items 3. Information Packet Discussion [September 21, September 28] Council direction needed on the following: 1 . (IP5) Memo from City Clerk: Joint Entities Meeting Agenda Items for October 16 2. (IP6) Memo from City Clerk: Proposed Council Meeting Schedule, Jan - Dec 2024 4. University of Iowa Student Government (USG) Updates 5. Council updates on assigned boards, commissions, and committees 1 Item Number: IP3. CITY OF IOWA CITY COUNCIL ACTION REPORT September 28, 2023 Iowa City Pedestrian Collision Analysis, 2013-2022 Attachments: Iowa City Pedestrian Collision Analysis 2013-2022 • . City PedestrianCollision 2013-2022 1 1 Metropolitan • I • Organization • Johnson County Metropolitan Planning Organization of Johnson County Published July 2023 Kent Ralston, Executive Director Emily Bothell, Senior Associate Transportation Planner Sarah Walz, Associate Transportation Planner Hannah Neel, Associate Transportation Planner Tunazzina Alam, Associate Transportation Planner Analysis Completed By: Sarah Walz, Associate Transportation Planner Hannah DeBruin, Transportation Planning Intern Table of Contents Introduction 1 Pedestrian Collision Trends 2 Pedestrian Collision Location Rankings 7 Location Characteristics 9 Traffic Control 10 Road Classification 11 Environmental Factors (Time of Day) 12 Driver and Pedestrian Actions and Characteristics 13 Driver Age 14 Alcohol or Drug Impairment 15 Pedestrian Collisions Involving Minor Children 17 Highway 6/ 1 Commercial Corridor 19 What is Working 20 Next Steps 21 This page intentionally left blank. Introduction This report analyzes pedestrian-involved collisions in Iowa City for the years 2013 through 2022. While Iowa City performs quite favorably in comparison with nationwide and statewide pedestrian collision statistics, this report was undertaken in the interest of continuous evaluation and improvement intended to reduce both the pedestrian collision rate and the severity of collisions that occur. The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) "Spotlight on Highway Safety: Pedestrian Traffic Fatalities by State, 2020" report served as a guide for identifying the leading factors that contribute to pedestrian collisions, injuries, and fatalities on a local level. National pedestrian safety studies, such as the GHSA study, focus on pedestrian fatalities. However, because there are few pedestrian fatalities in Iowa City, this report also considers collisions that resulted in serious injury. One purpose of this report is to identify locations where pedestrian collisions are frequent and/or severe and to determine where infrastructure, signage, or other physical changes may be appropriate or necessary to improve pedestrian safety. A second purpose is to consider contributing roadway, environmental, or other characteristics associated with pedestrian crashes. While some of these characteristics may be addressed by changes in infrastructure, others require public awareness and education. The data used in this report was sourced from the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT). Iowa DOT obtains copies of collision reports from local jurisdictions to compile a database called the Iowa Crash Analysis Tool (ICAT). This report relies upon the most complete and current data available for 2013-2022. A total of 237 pedestrian-involved collisions occurred from 2013 through 2022. A total of 8 collisions were removed from the analysis. This includes pedestrian-involved collisions on Interstate 80, US Highway 218, and others located on University of Iowa parking areas or service drives. These locations are outside of City control and are not areas where pedestrian safety countermeasures would be applied. I � _ J Crosswalk at Clinton and Washington Streets in Downtown Iowa City. 1Page Pedestrian Collision Trends Over the past decade, U.S. pedestrian fatalities increased by 54%. The year 2020 experienced the largest-ever annual increase in the rate at which drivers struck and killed people traveling on foot since the Governors Highway Safety Administration (GHSA) began collecting data in 1975. Between 2019 and 2020 pedestrian deaths nationwide increased by 5%while other traffic fatalities increased by 8%. From 2020 to 2021, the GHSA projected an increase of 11.5% in pedestrian fatalities. Factoring in a 13.2% decrease in vehicle miles traveled (VMT) in 2020, the pedestrian fatality rate was 2.3 per billion VMT, a 21% increase from 1.9 per million VMT in 2019. At the local level, the number of pedestrian collisions in Iowa City Iowa City Pedestrian Collisions by Year trended downward after 2013 (see Figure 1). This is somewhat surprising given that Iowa City's population grew by 12% and vehicle miles traveled increased by 1% during the 10 years from 2011 to 2020. Moreover, the Im low numberof dwelling units also increased VV in neighborhoods near the Downtown and University Campus, where pedestrian activity is highest, including 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2016 2019 2020 2021 2022 the addition of Elizabeth Catlett Hall and numerous student-oriented Figure 1. Number of Pedestrian Collisions Per Year, 2011-2022 apartments south of Burlington Street. The low number of collisions recorded Reported Pedestrian in 2020 is likely attributable to the Injury/Fatality by Year shutdowns and closures associated Suspected Minor Injury ■Suspected Serious Injury ■Fatality with the COVID-19 Pandemic, however, pedestrian collisions had already dropped sharply in 2019. Between 2012 and 2022, Iowa City recorded 3 pedestrian fatalities and 20 suspected serious injury pedestrian collisions (see Figure 2). While there were no pedestrian fatalities between 2017 and 2022, the total number of injuries in 2021 and 2022 was higher than in the previous 4 years. Data for 2022 indicate that pedestrian collisions 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 have increased to their pre-2019 levels with a similar increase in collisions Figure 1. Reported injuries and fatalities resulting from pedestrian resulting in injuries and serious injuries. collisions, 2011-2022. 21 Page According to the GHSA Report, the state of Iowa has one of the lowest pedestrian fatality rates in the U.S. along with Wisconsin, Nebraska, and Minnesota. Pedestrian fatalities are infrequent in Iowa City. During the 5 years from 2017-2021, a total of 7 traffic fatalities occurred in Iowa City, 1 of which was a pedestrian fatality. Using the 1 pedestrian fatality in 5 years to compute the average of 0.2 fatalities per year leads to an average of 0.27 Pedestrian Fatalities per 100k Population. The chart below compares Iowa City's pedestrian fatality rate to peer cities in central and eastern Iowa and the state based on population. (The national rate for 2021 is 2.26 deaths per 100,000 population, up from 2.02 in 2020.) Pedestrian Fatalities (2017-2021) per 100k population 'JAI SFS CD Q- AFP 3�PG G Figure 3. Pedestrian Fatalities per 100,00 Population Fatality rates are based on collisions from 2017-2021. Interstate fatalities are not included. Data is from the Iowa DOT Crash Analysis Tool Iowa Crash Analysis Tool (ICAT) (iowadot.gov). Crash data for this table was retrieved on April 5, 2023. Population data is a 5-year average based on U.S. Census 2017-2021. 31 Page The total vehicle miles traveled (VMT) for Iowa City in 2021 was approximately 276,254,000 vehicle miles. (Because this study excluded interstate collisions, interstate VMT is also removed). Using the same 0.27 annual pedestrian fatality average,the number of Pedestrian Fatalities per 1 Million Vehicle Miles Traveled was 0.72. The chart below compares Iowa City's pedestrian fatality rate per VMT to peer cities in central and eastern Iowa and the state. (According to the GHSA report, the national rate for 2021 is 2.32 deaths per billion miles VMT, up from 2.30 in 2020.) Pedestrian Fatalities (2017-2021) per Million Vehicle Miles Traveled 3.1:3 Pik' �P�9 PQ\05 Q��� 0\��9 JQJ� G� ��a \��P G�OPP G�oP�P OPJ�� \OSP Figure 4. Pedestrian Fatalities per 1 Million Vehicle Miles Traveled within each community and the state. Interstate fatalities and Municipal Interstate VMT are not included in this data. Collision data is from the Iowa DOT Crash Analysis Tool. Crash data for this table was retrieved on April 5, 2023. VMT is a 5-year average based on data from the Iowa DOT CityVMT2021.xls (iowadot.gov) 41 Page U.S. Census American Community Survey data indicates Iowa City has the highest pedestrian commuting level among peer cities in Iowa and the second highest rate of transit commuting (second only to Ames). Iowa City collision data compares especially well to other communities in the state given its high level of pedestrian activity. Note that Iowa's three university communities have the lowest pedestrian fatality rates by population despite having the highest percentage of workers who commute to work on foot or by transit bus. Percentage of Workers Traveling to Work by Walking or Bus ■walktowork ■bustowork e e 0 o e e N N moo Q' G�OP�F G�OP�Qy- oP�F� O���O oJeJ \OSP Figure 5. Percentage of workers 16 years of age and older who walk or take transit to work. [Source: 2020 American Community Survey 5-Year Data] 5Page Map 1 (below) shows the locations of pedestrian-involved collisions from 2013-2022, along with the severity of the collisions. Because severity is correlated with speed, the map also shows the speed along arterial streets (the speed limit on all local streets is 25 MPH). Note, two fatalities occurred along the Highway 1 /6 corridor where speed limits are higher. J z0 z 21 I o� 0 a E s �6 u N O O N 00 NCN O Q wv T40 a y c Y _ m N 3v C �m O U U J In C ' Q V n N_ i O €€€€€€ - U a E m 0 N C e2 0 d t 0 U n @ N L IM S CLs ON 6Page Pedestrian Collision Location Rankings Evaluation Procedure Collision information was summarized for intersections and mid-block locations within the Iowa City municipal boundary. Locations with at least one pedestrian-involved collision were evaluated for this report; summary tables can be found in the Appendix.The analysis looked at 226 pedestrian-involved collisions in this ten-year study period, and the total number of locations (both intersection and midblock locations) was 122. Each location was ranked using a modified version of the Iowa DOT Office of Traffic Safety weighted formula with a point assignment modified for the smaller quantities of pedestrian-involved collisions. The formula has three data inputs: number of collisions (weighted at 25%), crash rate (weighted at 25%), and severity of the collisions (weighted at 50%). The three inputs are discussed in detail below. 1. Number of Collisions—This is the total number of collisions per location obtained from ICAT during the years 2012-2021. Based on the number of collisions, each location is given a score. Points are assigned as shown in Table 1. 2. Crash Rate—Crash rates allow each location to be evaluated with a common denominator. Intersection crash rates are calculated using the number of collisions per million entering vehicles divided by the Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT), which is the total number of entering vehicles at a given location over a ten-year time period. (#collisions) * 1,000,000 (#Days) * (Total AADT entering intersection) Mid-block location crash rates are calculated using the number of collisions per million vehicles divided by the total entering vehicles at a given location and segment length over the ten years. These crash rates are assigned points as shown in Table 1. (#collisions) * (1,000,000) (#Days) * (Total AADT) * (Segment length in miles) Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT) is used because pedestrian counts are not available at every location. The exclusion of pedestrian average annual daily traffic may be a shortcoming in this analysis, as locations with high pedestrian volumes inherently have a higher chance of pedestrian-involved collisions occurring. However, because the crash rate is only 25%of the total point weight, crash rates were all relatively low compared to total vehicular, the rankings presented may still reliably communicate specific locations to focus on. 3. Severity — Collisions are categorized by property damage only, possible/unknown personal injury, minor personal injury, major personal injury, and fatality. These types of collisions are given a weight of 1, 1, 3, 5, and 12, respectively, and then totaled to give each location a severity raw score. These raw scores are converted to a severity score as shown in Table 1. 71 Page Table 1: Evaluation Points Number al'Pedestrian Collisions Pedestrian Crash Rate Severity Severity Collisions Points Rate PointsRaw Score Poirds >14 15 >1.4 15 >14 15 14 14 1.3-1.4 14 14 14 13 13 1.2-1.3 13 13 13 12 12 1.1-1.2 12 12 12 11 11 1.0-1.1 11 11 11 10 10 0.9-1.0 10 10 10 9 9 0.8-0.9 9 9 9 8 8 0.7-0.8 8 8 8 7 7 0.6-0.7 7 7 7 6 6 0.5-0.6 6 6 6 5 5 0.4-0.5 5 5 5 4 4 0.3-0.4 4 4 4 3 3 0.2-0.3 3 3 3 2 2 0.1-0.2 2 2 2 1 1 <0.1 1 1 1 After points are assigned for the three categories, points are then entered into the Iowa DOT weighted ranking formula as shown below. Total Score = (Collision Points« 0.25) + (Crash Rate Points« 0.25) + (Severity Points«0.5) All locations were organized from highest to lowest rank. These tables are provided in the Appendix. Collision Location Rankings The 10 Iowa City locations with the most pedestrian-involved collisions and/or severe injuries are listed below. These are also shown on the location map on Page 5. No location averaged more than one collision per year. Note that the 61 ranked location includes a fatal pedestrian collision that resulted from a medical emergency experienced by the driver of the vehicle. Table 2: 25 Locations with Highest Frequency/Severity of Pedestrian-Involved Collisions, 2013-2022 PointsLocation Intersection or Location Collision Rate Severity Weighted Rank MidblDck Points Points 1 Intersection Burlington Street&Gilbert Sired 8 15 15 10+00 2 Intersection Burlington Street&Clinton Street 8 2 15 10.00 3 Intersection Washington Street&Cllnton Street 5 4 15 9.75 4 Middock Jefferson Street between Madison&Clinton Streets 5 3 15 9.50 5 Intersection For the Kids Way&Hawkins Drive 2 1 17 925 6 Intersection Burlington Street&Dubuque Street 6 1 14 8.75 7 Middock Highway 1,between Orchard Street&Hudson Avenue 2 2 15 8.50 8 Intersection Fairmeadows Boulevard&Highway 6 3 1 14 8.00 9 Middock Riverside Drive between Highway 6&River Street 4 1 13 7.75 10 Intersection Jefferson Street&Dubuque Street 4 2 11 7.00 11 Intersection Gilbert Street&Market Street 4 2 10 6.50 11 Intersection Sycamore Street&Highway 6 3 1 11 6.50 11 Middock Highway 6 between Sturgis Corner&Gilbert Street 1 1 12 6.50 14 Intersection Burlington Street&Dodge Street 5 2 9 6.25 15 Intersection Burlington Street&Linn Street 4 1 10 6.25 16 Intersection Hawkins Drive&Evashevski Drive 3 1 10 6.00 17 Middock Clinton Street between Washington&Burlington Streets 4 2 8 5.50 18 Intersection Highway 1/Highway 6&Riverside Drive 2 1 9 525 19 Intersection Burlington Street&Governor Street 2 1 8 4.75 19 Intersection Burlington Street&Madison Street 3 2 7 4.75 19 Middock Court Street between Raven&Dartmouth Streets 2 1 8 4.75 20 Intersection Washington Street&Madison Street 3 1 2 1 4 325 Rows shaded yellow indicated public streets under University of Iowa ownership. 8Page Location Characteristics While the majority of 46016 atqlkl pedestrian collisions in 54% at Intersection Iowa City occur at intersections, 54% of Locations collisions that resulted in Locations serious injury or fatality occurred at midblock (non-intersection) locations. Figure 6: Pedestrian Suspected Serious Injury or Fatality by Location, Iowa City, 2013-2022 (Midblock or Intersection) According to the GHSA's 2020 study, nationwide approximately 74%of pedestrian fatalities occurred at midblock locations. Iowa City data for 2013-2022 show that 54% of collisions that resulted in serious injury or fatality occurred at midblock (non-intersection) locations. This includes two pedestrian fatalities that occurred at locations along the Highway 1/6 corridor where pedestrian facilities were not provided and where drivers would not have anticipated pedestrians in the roadway. While it is safest for pedestrians to walk on sidewalks and cross at established intersections, people traveling on foot will follow routes and choose to cross at mid-block locations if it is more convenient to do so. "Pedestrians will rarely go out of their way to cross at an intersection unless they are rewarded with a much-improved crossing most will take the most direct route possible to get to their destination, even if this means crossing several lanes of high-speed traffic."' It is therefore important to consider the need or desire for people to walk and to cross in areas where there are important destinations (e.g. shopping, employment, school) or where the distance between intersections or controlled crossings is excessive. Properly located and marked mid-block crossings address an important safety issue and provide a quality of life benefit for pedestrians. Mid-block crossings are located based on several factors, including roadway width, traffic volume, traffic speed, and sight lines. Where traffic volumes and/or speeds are relatively low, establishing midblock crossings on local roads may be as simple as installing pedestrian or trail crossing signs and painted crosswalks. Along arterial streets, pedestrian refuge islands, advanced pedestrian crossing signs, and in-street yield-to-pedestrian signage may also be warranted. 'Federal Highway Safety Administration(FHWA)course on bicycle and pedestrian transportation-safety.,Federal Highway Administration. Safety. (n.d.). Retrieved August 18, 2022,from https:Hsafety.fhwa.dot.gov/ped bike/univcourse/instrtoc.cfm _ 91 Page Traffic Control Traffic Signal No Traffic Control Lhllliiiiii�_ —..Mom Figure 6: Traffic Control Method and Suspected Serious Injury or Fatal Pedestrian Collisions, 2013-2022 Of the 26 Iowa City collisions categorized as suspected serious injury or fatality, 62% (16 collisions) occurred at locations that are not signalized or stop-controlled. This stands to reason as 54% of serious/fatal collisions occurred at midblock or non-intersection locations where signs, signals, and other controls or markings would not typically be located. In Iowa City,traffic signals are provided at most arterial street intersections. In high pedestrian areas, such as Downtown, a leading pedestrian interval (LPI) provides pedestrians the opportunity to enter the crosswalk 3-7 seconds before vehicles are given a green signal. The LPI enhances safety by allowing pedestrians to establish their presence in the crosswalk in advance of vehicles, making them more visible to drivers. This helps to reduce conflicts between pedestrians and vehicles, especially turning traffic. In addition, "Turning Traffic Yield to Pedestrians" signs are posted on traffic signal mast arms to remind drivers of the potential presence of pedestrians in the crosswalk. The City is upgrading signalized intersections to include audible commands as signals are replaced. Intersections of local streets are typically stopped or yield controlled depending on the traffic volumes of the intersecting streets. Assignment of stop control at intersections is based on traffic warrants to ensure safety and compliance with the assignment of right-of-way. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) considers roundabouts a "Proven Safety Countermeasure" because of their ability to substantially reduce the types of crashes that result in injury or loss of life. Roundabouts are designed to improve safety for all users, including pedestrians, by reducing speeds and conflicts and shortening crossing distances for pedestrians. Studies by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety show that roundabouts provide a 90% reduction in fatal crashes; a 76 percent reduction in injury crashes; a 30 to 40% reduction in pedestrian crashes; and a 10 % reduction in bicycle crashes.2 Iowa City recently installed single-lane roundabouts at several intersections, including First Avenue and Scott Boulevard; American Legion Road and Scott Boulevard; Sycamore Street and McCollister Boulevard; and Sycamore Street and Lehman Avenue. z Elvik R. Road safety effects of roundabouts:A meta-analysis.Accidental Prev. 2017 Feb;99(Pt A):364-371.2017. 101Page Road Classification Highways 1 City Streets LL a Figure 7: Suspected Serious Injury or Fatal Pedestrian Collisions by Road Classification, 2013-2022 Of the 26 Iowa City pedestrian collisions that resulted in suspected serious injury or fatality, 7 occurred along Highways 1 and 6. While much of this busy commercial corridor does not have the density of pedestrian usage of the Downtown or campus areas, pedestrians are consistently present. According to the GHSA's 2020 data, nationwide about 63% of pedestrian fatalities occur on non- freeway arterials—roadways with 4 or more lanes and speed limits of 30 MPH or higher. In addition, a landmark study published in 2021 found that 70% of the most deadly roads in America for pedestrians had 4 lanes or more, and 75% had posted speed limits above 30 miles per hour. The study identified "hot spots"as those having 3 lanes or more, speed limits over 30 MPH,and segments flanked by retail, groceries, or other essential services.3 These characteristics match the Highway 1/6 corridor that runs along the south side of Iowa City. Pedestrian facilities are lacking along long stretches of the corridor and considerable distance separates signalized crossings. Two of Iowa City's pedestrian fatalities recorded during the study period occurred between Gilbert Street and Hudson Street. Of the 18 collisions that included pedestrians under the age of eighteen, 4 took place along the Highway 1/6 corridor Separated crossings, such as the pedestrian overpasses on Riverside Drive at Burlington Street and at Iowa Avenue, as well as access over Highway 6 near the Public Health Building on the University of Iowa Campus, eliminate conflicts between pedestrians and motorists along the busy multi-lane corridor, where the speed limit is higher. Average daily crossings at these intersections are over 1,400/day at Burlington Street/Riverside Drive and over 2,200/day at Iowa Avenue/Riverside Drive. On other multi-lane roads, Iowa City has recently initiated 4- to 3-lane conversions. These include portions of Keokuk Street, Sycamore Street, Mormon Trek Boulevard, First Avenue, Clinton Street, and Madison Street. The three-lane cross-section makes crossing easierfor pedestrians as they have one less travel lane to cross and are exposed to moving traffic for a shorter time. Where warranted, the addition of pedestrian refuge islands or "yield to pedestrians in crosswalk" signage can also help to make crossing streets safer. 3 Schneider, R.1., Sanders, R., Proulx, F., & Moayyed, H. (2021). United States fatal pedestrian crash hot spot locations and characteristics.Journal of Transport and Land Use, 14(1), 1-23. https://doi.org/10.5l9Mtlu.2021.1825 111Page Environmental Factors Darkness 38% Daylight D. Figure 8: Light Conditions & Suspected Serious Injury or Fatal Pedestrian Collisions, 2013-2022 According to the GHSA's 2020 nationwide data, 75% of pedestrian fatalities occurred in dark conditions. In Iowa City, approximately 40%of all pedestrian collisions occur during darkness, dawn or dusk. Isolating the 26 pedestrian-involved collisions that resulted in suspected serious injury or fatality shows that approximately 42% occurred during darkness, dawn, or dusk. Notably, two pedestrian fatalities occurred at night at midblock locations where overhead street lighting is not provided. It is the City's policy to provide street lighting at all intersections to improve visibility for vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists entering the roadway to see and react to conflicts. Midblock lighting is provided in neighborhoods where block lengths are 600 feet or greater. Additional midblock street lighting is also provided in many Downtown and high-pedestrian locations. The City also evaluates specific locations for midblock lighting upon request. Street lighting is typically brighter (higher wattage) along major traffic corridors. Many areas provide additional pedestrian scale lighting to illuminate the sidewalk or path in areas of high pedestrian usage, including the University of Iowa Campus, Downtown, Northside Marketplace, Towncrest, Olde Towne Village, and portions of North Dubuque Street. Example of lighting in the Downtown along Iowa Avenue. 121 Page Driver and Pedestrian Actions and Characteristics To get a sense of the ways vehicular and pedestrian traffic conflict, data were analyzed for all 229 pedestrian-involved collisions that occurred from 2013-2022. The most common vehicle movements that precede a pedestrian collision are traveling straight (44%) or turning left (30%) and turning right (15%). Isolating the 26 collisions that resulted in serious injury or fatality, traveling straight is the dominant vehicular movement preceding a serious or fatal collision, accounting for 74% of serious- to-fatal pedestrian collisions. P" Right 9 Turning Left Essentially Straight I Figure 9: Vehicle Action Preceding Pedestrian-Involved Collisions, 2013-2022 Speeding/too fast Ran signal or for conditions stop sign rFailure 4% Other • yield ROVVLI No improper Figure 10: Contributing Driver Circumstances in Pedestrian-Involved Collisions, 2013-2022 As shown above, in Figure 10, the most commonly reported contributing driver circumstance for pedestrian collisions is Failing to Yield the Right of Way to the pedestrian. Of the 26 collisions classified as serious injury or fatal, 50% are indicated as "no improper action" on the part of the driver. This includes two of the pedestrian fatalities that occurred at midblock (non-intersection) locations. 131 Page Unknown) Inattentive/(texting, unreported eating,etc.) 12% No Improper 8% Action 15% OtherFrFailure to obey 15%signs • Improper Crossing • . • Dashing Figure 11: Pedestrian Collisions by Contributing Pedestrian Circumstance The most reported contributing pedestrian circumstance leading to a collision is improper crossing, which includes jaywalking; darting/dashing into traffic; inattentive or distraction; or failure to obey traffic signs, signals,or officers. When considering the 26 pedestrian collisions that resulted in serious injury and fatality, 48% are attributed to improper crossings, darting or dashing, or disobeying signs or signals; 15%are indicated as having no improper action. IMMA Driver Age Driver Age and Collisions 7% SO/. MM I B-71M 16-19 YEARS 20-24 YEARS 25-64 YEARS 65 AND OVER ■Percent of Total Collisions ■Percent of Driving Population Figure 12: Pedestrian Collisions by Driver Age, 2013-2022 Driver age was analyzed for the 201 records that included age information and are presented in Figure 12 to determine any patterns in driver age and pedestrian-involved collisions. While approximately 21% of collisions involved a driver aged 20 to 24 years old, this age group accounts for 28% of the driving population in Iowa City. The percentage of collisions involving a driver aged 25-64 years old was approximately 63% though the age group represents 53% of the population. This is likely because this age cohort does the most driving in terms of miles and trips. The 16-to 19- year-old category also accounts for a disproportionate percentage of collisions. 141 Page Alcohol or Drug Impairment Impairment Iowa City vs National Data 0/0 PERCENT OF REPORTED PEDESTRIAN PERCENT OF REPORTED DRIVER IMPAIRMENT IMPAIRMENT ■ Iowa City ■ Nationwide Figure 13: Pedestrian Collisions Involving Drug/Alcohol Impairment, Iowa City vs. National Data Alcohol or drug impairment has the potential to impact the behavior and responsiveness of both drivers and pedestrians.According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, alcohol was a factor in nearly half(45%) of crashes that resulted in a pedestrian death nationally in 2019. In these crashes, about 13% involved a driver who met the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration for adults; 32% involved a pedestrian who met the legal BAC limit° At the local level, 2 (0.87%) of all reported pedestrian-involved collisions from 2013-2022 involved an impaired driver, and 19 (8.3%) involved an impaired pedestrian. As shown in Figure 13, these ratios are compared to the GHSA's reported trends for pedestrian fatalities nationwide. Of the 26 pedestrian-involved collisions that resulted in serious injury or fatality, more than 25% (6) involved an impaired pedestrian. This includes one of the fatalities that occurred along the Highway 1 corridor. 4. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Overview of motor vehicle crashes in 2020. U.S. Department of Transportation,Washington, DC; 2022.Available at httl)S7Hcrashstats.nhtsa.dot.aov/Aoi/PublicNiewPublication/813266external icon. 151 Page Nighttime Of the collisions that involved impaired vriiuwrdq Nighttime pedestrians,most 16 PF occurred over the weeked in dark conditions. La.— —.A I Figure 14: Pedestrian Impairment Trends by Time of Day Of the 19 collisions involving an impaired pedestrian or driver, 12 took place at locations in the Downtown area between Court Street to the south, Gilbert Street to the east, Jefferson Street to the north, and Madison Street to the west. Of the 3 pedestrian-impaired collisions that occurred during the daytime, 2 happened on a University of Iowa Hawkeye football home game day. In total, 45 pedestrian-involved collisions occurred on weekends,and 11 of those occurred on a University of Iowa Hawkeye football home game Saturdays. J J �� oo� � p o -11 o0 0 0 tI 0 0` o 000 �� °�" � � r a r Legend M. A l x r +ry ..ioWoxx EJv -r.��u�E ni l Map 2: Collision locations involving impaired pedestrians, 2013-2022 16Page Pedestrian Collisions Involving Minor Children Pedestrian collisions involving children are particularly concerning as children are typically more vulnerable to serious injury and are often more reliant on walking as a form of transportation. Map 3 shows pedestrian ages as well as collision proximity to schools in Iowa City. In all, 16 pedestrian collisions involved a pedestrian minor(<18 years old); of those, 4 involved children under age twelve. None of the collisions were classified as serious injury or fatal. The only collisions near a school are 3 involving youth under age twelve located in the vicinity of South East Junior High. This is an area with fairly high pedestrian activity at the beginning and end of the school day. To facilitate safer crossing along Muscatine, a pedestrian refuge island is planned at the intersection of Wade Street and Muscatine Avenue. This is a location where many South East students cross to travel to the adjacent commercial area. Also worth noting are the 4 collisions involving children over age twelve years of age in locations along the Highway 1 and 6 commercial corridor. All were at signalized intersections, however, the intersection at Highway 1 and 6 and Riverside Drive and the intersection at Lakeside and Highway 6 currently have no pedestrian facilities. Once completed, the Highway 6 Trail will provide a pedestrian facility along the entire south side of the Highway 6 corridor. A project to design pedestrian facilities at the Highway 1/6 Riverside Drive intersection is included in the adopted Capital Improvements Plan. The City reviews routes to school and provides School Crossing signs and painted crosswalks at appropriate locations. To make signs more visible, retroreflective tape was added to all signposts at pedestrian crossings. School speed zones are established on streets directly adjacent to elementary school property. The School Speed Limit in Iowa City is 20 MPH. 171 Page \ � - ' $ / y § } , 04 04 CO 04 Cd CL ( < 5 G )CD _ 3 -63 c _ co & / } @ ) r !~ : � 0 c / Ir E�An 4P } S 18 Page Highway 6 and 1 Commercial Corridor According to the GHSA As noted throughout this report, two pedestrian fatalities occurred study, in 2020, 67% of US along the Highway 1 /6 commercial corridor—one on Highway 6 in pedestrian fatalities took 2013 and another on Highway 1 in 2017. Both fatalities took place place on roads where ther at midblock locations in dark conditions. One serious injury collision were no designated also occurred along this portion of the highway corridor between facilities for pedestrians. Gilbert Street and Miller Avenue. Highways 1 and 6 on the south side of Iowa City serve as a main commercial corridor for the community, carrying an annual average of 34,600 vehicles per day between Gilbert Street and Riverside Drive. On the west side of the Iowa River, a sidepath extends along the north side of the road from Orchard Street to Mormon Trek Boulevard. East of the river, a sidepath extends from Gilbert Street to Broadway Street along the south side of the road. While the bridge over the Iowa River includes narrow (approximately 3 feet wide) pedestrian passages separated from the vehicle lanes, pedestrian facilities are not provided on either side of the highway between Gilbert Street (on the east) and Orchard Street (on the west) and no pedestrian crossings or signals are provided at the intersection of Hwy 1 and 6 and Riverside Drive. Pedestrians regularly use the highway shoulder (where provided) or grassy area along the highway between Gilbert Street and Riverside Drive. During dark conditions, those walking along the shoulder or adjacent to the travel lanes are even harder to see due to the absence of street lighting. The Iowa DOT has scheduled the bridge replacement over the Iowa River in 2026-2027. A project to design pedestrian connections around the Riverside Drive and Highway 1/6 intersection is included in the adopted Capital Improvements Plan to ai A`.. q,J1Frontage lacking pedestrian T r Map 4: Missing Pedestrian Facilities Along Highway 1/Highway 6 and Riverside Drive 191 Page What is working? In addition to the features described earlier in this report, Iowa City's speed limits and the provision of sidewalks are significant factors that influence the number of pedestrian collisions and their severity. Speed Limits: According to the GHSA report, speed management may offer the greatest potential for preventing pedestrian injury and fatality. Lower speeds provide motorists more time to react and a wider field of vision. Lower speeds also help to reduce the likelihood of serious injuries when crashes do occur. Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit on Iowa City streets is 25 MPH. As shown on the map on page 4, speed limits above 30 MPH are limited to portions of Highways 1 and 6 and to segments of arterial streets near the edge of the city, where residential density is lower and popular destinations are fewer. Sidewalks: It is hard to overstate the important role sidewalks play in enhancing pedestrian safety and preventing collisions. As noted elsewhere, in 2020 more than 2/3 of the pedestrian fatalities in the U.S. occurred along roadways where pedestrian facilities were not provided. This also applies to two of the three pedestrian deaths in Iowa City. Iowa City requires sidewalks on both sides of the street as part of its Complete Streets Policy and subdivision standards. New construction and re-construction of streets require the installation of sidewalks wherever feasible. This has made sidewalks ubiquitous in most parts of the community. Providing sidewalks on arterial or collector streets where they are not currently present should be a high priority. While this occasionally requires disturbance of landscaping or trees, the safety benefits and opportunities to facilitate walking throughout our community should, in nearly all cases, be prioritized over aesthetic concerns. The lack of pedestrian facilities along Iowa City's highway commercial corridor is noted elsewhere in the report. Projects to construct pedestrian facilities along the Highway 1/ 6 corridor as well as on Old Hwy 218, are currently listed in the Capital Improvements Program. The sidepath along Highway 6 from Broadway to the eastern city limit is scheduled in two phases—the final phase to be completed in 2026. These facilities will greatly improve mobility and safety for pedestrians traveling along Iowa City's main commercial corridor,which is also a major employment corridor and a route that connects lower-income neighborhoods to the educational and recreational destinations in the community. 201 Page Next steps What follows are the steps staff are taking to address pedestrian collisions: 1. Evaluate the top intersection crash locations to determine whether signals, signage, pavement markings, lighting, and other safety features are in place and if sight lines and visibility are satisfactory. A more detailed review of the nature of crashes at multiple-crash locations will be undertaken to determine whether there is a pattern to these collisions. 2. Evaluate corridors with multiple midblock collisions to identify where crossings may be warranted or where efforts should be made to discourage crossing. This may be especially useful in the Downtown and Campus area and near schools where pedestrian usage is high. 3. Assess all arterial streets for signage, marked crosswalks, curb ramps, etc. This will ensure that marked and signed crossings are in the appropriate locations and that other signage such as speed limit, advance-warnings signs, etc., are in place wherever needed. This is also an opportunity to remove unneeded or excessive signage. This is a process that is already occurring as staff have reviewed all signage in anticipation of major road reconstruction projects on West Benton and Court Street. 4. Review all trail crossings to ensure signage, lighting, and other facilities are in place. As part of this review, identify locations where special features such as pedestrian refuge islands or in-street yield to pedestrian signage may be appropriate. 5. Pedestrian counts are essential for calculating accurate crash rates. The collision location table rankings on page 8 of this report rely on vehicle AADTs only. Adding pedestrian trips to the formula will allow for more valid identification of high-crash locations. Pedestrians are counted as part of all intersection analyses. Overtime,the accumulation of this data will allow us to get an estimate of pedestrian traffic along main travel corridors. 211 Page Item Number: IP4. CITY OF IOWA CITY COUNCIL ACTION REPORT September 28, 2023 Pending City Council Work Session Topics Attachments: Pending City Council Work Session Topics CITY OF IOWA CITY UNESCO CITY OF LITERATURE PENDING CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION TOPICS September 27, 2023 FY23-24 Strategic Plan Action Item Topics Reauirina Council Discussion: • Explore legal steps to discourage or prevent bad faith and predatory property investors • Initiate a Comprehensive Plan update and subsequent Zoning Code review to more broadly incorporate form-based principles with emphasis on growth areas first and infill areas next,expanded missing middle housing allowances, minimum density requirements, and streamlined approval processes(Suggested Joint Meeting with Planning and Zoning Commission) • Advance prioritized recommendations in the 2022 Affordable Housing Action Plan.Work with partners to undertake significant-scale affordable housing efforts • Develop a vision statement for a singular regional transit system with metro Johnson County entities and obtain initial commitments to study a regional system from each entity's elected officials • Explore opportunities to utilize the CRANDIC right-of-way for passenger rail,bus rapid transit,or pedestrian usage • Evaluate with the State of Iowa reverting Dodge and Governor to 2-way streets • Utilizing American Rescue Act Funds,execute on agreeable recommendations in the Inclusive Economic Development Plan with a particular focus on actions that build long-term support and wealth-building opportunities for systemically marginalized populations • Work collaboratively with Johnson County and other stakeholders to launch a community violence intervention effort in close cooperation with local law enforcement(Tentatively scheduled for October 171h) Other Topics: • Quarterly American Rescue Plan Act(ARPA-SLRF)update • Consider a strategic plan decision-making framework • Develop strategies to address equity gaps noted in the Parks Master Plan and plan for the equitable distribution of destination parks within an easy and safe distance of all residents. • Review of Chauncey and RISE processes to inform future 21 S.Linn plans • Discussion on the impact of land use decisions on long-term City financial health Note:Some items on the Pending List may require staffresearch and information gathering prior to scheduling. Item Number: IP5. CITY OF OF IOWA CITY COUNCIL ACTION REPORT September 28, 2023 Memo from City Clerk: Joint Entities Meeting Agenda Items for October 16 Attachments: Memo from City Clerk: Joint Entities Meeting Agenda Items for October 16 r - '- --,® CITY OF IOWA CITY IT MEMORANDUM Date: September 26, 2023 To: Mayor and City Council From: Kellie Grace, City Clerk Re: Joint Entities Meeting Agenda Items for October 16 The next joint meeting with City Councils of Johnson County municipalities, the Johnson County Board of Supervisors, the Iowa City School District and neighboring school districts will be held on Monday, October 16, 2023. The meeting will be hosted by the Iowa City Community School District. Please come prepared to discuss agenda items you would like to include on that agenda at the next Council work session on October 3rd. A complete agenda and meeting date confirmation will be available in your packet preceding the October 16th joint meeting. Item Number: IP6. CITY OF OF IOWA CITY COUNCIL ACTION REPORT September 28, 2023 Memo from City Clerk: Proposed Council Meeting Schedule, January - December 2024 Attachments: Memo from City Clerk: Proposed Council Meeting Schedule, January - December 2024 CITY OF IOWA CITY �lc=Qq,m`, MEMORANDUM DATE: September 25, 2023 TO. Mayor and City Council FROM: Kellie Fruehling, City Clerk RE: Proposed Council Meeting Schedule, January— December 2024 Below is a proposed meeting schedule (January through December)for discussion at your work session on October 3. Please check your calendars and let me know if you'd like to make any changes in the proposal. Tuesday, January 2, Special Formal (Organizational Meeting), 8:00 AM Tuesday, January 2, Work Session, 4:00 PM January 2, Formal 6:00 PM Tuesday, January 16, Work Session, 4:00 PM January 16, Formal 6:00 PM Saturday, January 20, Budget Work Session, 8:00 AM Wednesday, January 24, Budget Work Session (CIP), 2:00 PM Tuesday, February 6, Work Session, 4:00 PM February 6, Formal, 6:00 PM Tuesday, February 20, Work Session, 4:00 PM February 20, Formal 6:00 PM Tuesday, March 19, Work Session, 4:00 PM March 19, Formal 6:00 PM Tuesday, April 2, Work Session, 4:00 PM April 2, Formal, 6:00 PM Tuesday, April 16, Work Session, 4:00 PM April 16, Formal 6:00 PM Tuesday, May 7, Work Session, 4:00 PM May 7, Formal, 6:00 PM Tuesday, May 21, Work Session, 4:00 PM May 21, Formal 6:00 PM Tuesday, June 4, Work Session, 4:00 PM June 4, Formal 6:00 PM Tuesday, June 18, Work Session, 4:00 PM June 18, Formal 6:00 PM Tuesday, July 16, Work Session, 4:00 PM July 16, Formal 6:00 PM Tuesday, August 6, Work Session, 4:00 PM August 6, Formal 6:00 PM Tuesday, August 20, Work Session, 4:00 PM August 20, Formal 6:00 PM Tuesday, September 3, Work Session, 4:00 PM September 3, Formal 6:00 PM Tuesday, September 17, Work Session, 4:00 PM September 17, Formal 6:00 PM Tuesday, October 1, Work Session, 4:00 PM October 1, Formal 6:00 PM Tuesday, October 15, Work Session, 4:00 PM October 15, Formal 6:00 PM Monday, November 5, Work Session, 4:00 PM November 5, Formal 6:00 PM Tuesday, November 19, Work Session, 4:00 PM November 19, Formal 6:00 PM Tuesday, December 10, Work Session, 4:00 PM December 10, Formal 6:00 PM S:ciklTENTATIVESCHEDULEISCHEDULE PROPOSED 2024(JAN-DEC.).doc Item Number: IP7. CITY OF OF IOWA CITY COUNCIL ACTION REPORT September 28, 2023 Civil Service Examination: Systems Engineer Attachments: Civil Service Examination: Systems Engineer CITY OF IOWA CITY 410 East Washington Street Iowa City. Iowa 52240-1826 (319) 356-5000 (319) 356-5009 FAX www.tcgov.org September 22, 2023 TO: The Honorable Mayor and the City Council RE: Civil Service Entrance Examination — Systems Engineer Under the authority of the Civil Service Commission of Iowa City, Iowa, I do hereby certify the following named person(s) as eligible for the position of Systems Engineer. Travis Kaalberg Iowa City Civil Service Commission l Rick W ss, Chair Item Number: IP8. CITY OF IOWA CITY COUNCIL ACTION REPORT September 28, 2023 Climate Action Commission: September 11 Attachments: Climate Action Commission: September 11 MINUTES PRELIMINARY IOWA CITY CLIMATE ACTION COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 11 , 2023 -3:30PM—FORMAL MEETING EMMA J. HARVART HALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Michal Eynon-Lynch, Jamie Gade, Wim Murray, Michelle Sillman, Gabriel Sturdevant, Matt Krieger, Brinda Shetty, Ben Grimm MEMBERS ABSENT: John Fraser, Matt Walter STAFF PRESENT: Sarah Gardner, Daniel Bissell, Megan Hill, Diane Platte, Tracy Hightshoe, Danielle Sitzman, Ron Knoche, Ben Clark, Tim Wilkey OTHERS PRESENT: Randall Wirtz (Strand Associates) RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL The Climate Action Commission recommends proceeding with the Renewable Natural Gas and High-Strength Waste Codigestion project at the Wastewater Treatment Facility, as detailed in the attached memo. CALL TO ORDER: Eynon-Lynch called the meeting to order. APPROVAL OF AUGUST 7, 2023 MINUTES: Gade moved to approve the minutes from August 7, 2023. Sillman seconded the motion, a vote was taken, and the motion passed 8-0 PUBLIC COMMENT OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA: None. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Action Items from last meeting (Staff): • Attendance sheet in the previous minutes was corrected. Commission members have volunteered to participate in Climate Fest events and Fleet Transition Plan. Staff included an invitation in the September Climate Action newsletter for community members to participate in the visioning exercise planned for today's meeting. Working Group Updates: • Energy Benchmarking (Krieger, Fraser, Shetty): Included in the agenda packet was a memo prepared by the group outline the voluntary benchmarking program for businesses to enter their data in Energy Manager. From this, City staff, business owners, and the utility will be able to work together to reduce energy usage. Bissell thanked the group for their work. Eynon-Lynch asked if there is a goal for the number of participating entities. Bissell responded the goal is to work with 12 properties in the first year, 9 properties in the second year, and provide energy-saving recommendations to at Climate Action Commission April 3 2023 Page 2 of 6 least 3 properties as noted in the memo. Climate Fest: • Hill thanked commission members Eynon-Lynch, Gade, and Sillman for volunteering to serve as hosts for Climate Fest events and noted the times, dates, and locations for the events were included in the agenda. Hill described the Climate Fest mailer and Goldie sticker sheet and offered copies to any interested Commission members. UNFINISHED/ONGOING BUSINESS: Wastewater Digester I Methane Capture (Strand Associates): • Gardner summarized the project background as follows: Results of the methane capture feasibility study were previously presented to the Climate Action Commission in March 2021. At that time, the Commission felt the high cost was a barrier to implementation. Recent developments, including the rollout of IRA incentives and a computational error discovered in the previous assessment, have led staff to reevaluate the project as potentially viable. Staff wanted to provide the updated information to the Climate Action Commission and a chance to ask any questions about the findings to determine whether or not to recommend a methane capture project at the wastewater facility proceed. • Wirtz gave a project history and described the factors involved with re-evaluating the digestion facilities plan. The Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) Conceptual Design contains more detailed cost evaluations. High-strength waste (fats, oils, grease, high-carbon waste) comes from local industries such as breweries, restaurants, etc. • Wirtz noted four items from the 2018 Climate Action and Adaptation Plan that would be addressed by the RING and high-strength waste project. • The payback period could vary from 10-15 years to 20-30 years. • Grimm asked what the original payback period was. Knoche answered 45 years. • Shetty asked how the digesters are powered. Krieger asked how the City would pay for the upfront cost of the project. Knoche answered revenue bonds • Grimm asked about the capability to make money. Wirtz estimated the net revenue is around $1 million per year, with the expectation that amount would go up. • Shetty asked about drivers in the Renewable Identification Number(RIN) market. Wirtz noted drivers are mostly political. The federal government created the market in 2005, with the goal to replace transportation fuel with renewable fuel. Prior to 2020, a lot of waivers were granted, driving prices lower. Worldwide, green energy market includes big corporations which are strong drivers. • Gardner noted that other programs the City operates, including recycling programs, are subject to market fluctuations as part of their operating costs, and staff are able to manage those programs accordingly. • Wirtz also noted private equity interest in the RIN market. • Sturdevant asked if the$15 million cost was with or without rebate. Wirtz clarified that is the pre-rebate number. Sturdevant asked if more trucks could be expected on that road. Wirtz noted that traffic would increase somewhat and that should be budgeted for. • Commissioners asked about tipping fees and a possible preference for consistent, local source for feedstock. Wirtz noted "the viability of the project is there with or without trucked waste." If the City wants to be sure the project is actually reducing GHG emissions, it would need to only accept trucks from a certain radius. • Eynon-Lynch asked for the end goal of this discussion. Gardner explained that a Commission member could move to recommend that this project proceed as aligned 2 Climate Action Commission April 3 2023 Page 3 of 6 with the goals of the Climate Action Plan and fitting with the climate action values of the community. If the Commission voted in support of the project, staff would then prepare a memo to city council expressing that support. • Sturdevant asked about other impacts to the site. Wirtz explained the equipment would sit on a pad with screening around it and not a lot of construction would be required. Krieger noted that there is an improvement to the nearby community because the flare would go away. • Krieger moved that the Climate Action Commission's position is that the RNG and high- strength waste project fits with the goals of the CARP. Grimm seconded. Opportunity for additional discussion was given. Murray asked if she was allowed to vote as the MidAmerican rep; Gardner recommended that Murray recuse herself. A vote was taken, and the motion passed 7-0. Neighborhood and Development Services Report(Hightshoe, Sitzman) • Hightshoe described the makeup of Neighborhood and Development Services (NDS), which includes housing inspection, housing authority, community development, and Metropolitan Planning Organization of Johnson County, and summarized a portion of the NDS report, noting projections of population growth and the need to maintain affordable housing. Hightshoe also described NDS programs related to radon mitigation, neighborhood stabilization, zoning changes, housing rehabilitation, transportation. • Sitzman summarized the other portion of the NDS report, focusing on the urban planning part of development services. Annexation is the process by which land is added to the city. When land comes in, it needs to be designated with a use (zoning). Once something is rezoned, it undergoes a subdivision platting process. Cost of land is the largest overall factor for cost of housing. • Sitzman explained developing a Comprehensive Plan is a multiyear process. The first steps for a Comprehensive Plan update will begin early in 2024. • Sitzman noted that relaxing regulation on duplexes might spur development of duplexes. • Krieger asked what is our vacancy rate for rentals in Iowa City. Sitzman responded the City does not track that, but realtors report that it is usually under 10%. • Hightshoe noted that Affordable Housing Action Plan in 2016 prompted a look at zoning codes to increase housing flexibility to encourage smaller development at different price points. • Eynon-Lynch asked how climate action fits into the planning undertaken by NDS. Hightshoe and Sitzman responded that increasing density, a planning goal, relates to several climate action goals, and that sustainability is an underlying goal of many urban planning principles. • Shetty asked about incentivizing multiuse. Hightshoe and Sitzman described strategies that were effective in the past. • Sillman asked for details on Planning &Zoning recommendations currently under consideration. Sitzman listed the following, noting these do not require a comprehensive plan update to implement: o Allow duplexes in mid-block locations o Allow town-home style multi-family where single family townhomes are allowed in RS-12 single family zones o Simplify the approval process for ground floor residential uses in Commercial distorts o Regulate nursing homes ie. assisted group living like housing and allow it in more multi-family and commercial zoning districts 3 Climate Action Commission April 3 2023 Page 4 of 6 o Modify design standards related to multi-family exterior foundation materials and duplex entrances o Simplify the approval process for town-home style multi-family interior parking design for end units o Reduce lot area, widths, and frontages for single-family duplex, and townhomes in several residential zones o Make changes to the Accessory Dwelling Unit regulations o Add a density bonus to convention zoning districts for affordable housing o Waive the parking requirement for affordable housing units in conventional zones using the bonus o Add a reasonable accommodation request application o Reclassify long-term housing operated by non-profits as a residential use rather than a community service. Visioning indicators of success in built environment Gardner proposed to move the visioning exercise to the next meeting, due to this meeting running overtime, noting the advantages of discussion both land use and transportation together. NEW BUSINESS: SolSmart Zoning and Land Use Best Practices Review • Gardner explained that the City had recently initiated a SolSmart certification process that, similar to the LEED program, allows the City to submit documentation related to solar practices and policies for review by an outside entity to verify that the City is following nationally established best practices in terms of planning and zoning, permitting and inspection, government facilities, community engagement, and market development. The program is through the Department of Energy. She shared an initial report on the City's planning and zoning that affirmed the City is aligned with best practices, noting one exception related to a statement of purpose or intent. Gardner explained this is due to the way Iowa City's code is written, with solar regulations spread throughout several sections rather than being in a standalone section that would begin with a statement of purpose. Gardner noted the PZ-1 report along with additional information about the City's participation in the SolSmart program was included in the agenda packet for this meeting and encouraged commissioners to reach out with any questions. She said staff would update the Commission when the certification process was completed with the designation level achieved. RECAP: • Confirmation of next meeting time and location: o Monday October 2, 3:30-5 p.m., Emma J. Harvat Hall • Actionable items for commission, working groups, and staff: o Gardner will include "state of local climate planning" report in the next agenda packet. o Commissioners will continue visioning indicators of success in built environment (and transportation). 4 Climate Action Commission April 3 2023 Page 5 of 6 ADJOURNMENT: Krieger moved to adjourn, Grimm seconded the motion. A vote was taken, and the motion passed 8-0 at 5:10 p.m. 5 Climate Action Commission April 3 2023 Page 6 of 6 CLIMATE ACTION COMM I SSI ONATTEN DANCE RECORD 2023 s ro ON C4 m W NAME TERM EXP, N N �' 0 0 0 N n3 NCD 0 ^) O N N N N N W W W 0 N N Michal Eynon-Lynch 12131/2024 X X X X X X X X NM X X X Elizabeth Fitzsimmons 12/31/2025 X X X X X NM O! X E John Fraser 12/31/2024 X X X X X X X O/E NM X O/E O/E Jamie Gade 12/31/2025 X X X X O/E NM X X X Ben Grimm 10/31/2023 O/E X X X X X X X NM X O!E X Clarity Guerra 12/31/2022 x x X Kasey Hutchinson 12131122 X X X Matt Krieger 1213112023 X X X X X X X X NM X O/E Wim Murray MidAmerican X X Rep Michelle Sillman 12131/20025 X X X OlE OtE NM X X X Brinda Shetty UI Rep X X X X O/E X X X NM X O/E X Gabe Sturdevant 1213112024 O/E X X X X X X X NM X X X Matt Walter 12/3112023 X X X X X X OtE X NM X X O/E KEY:X= Present 0 =Absent O/E =Absent/Excused NM= No Meeting No longer on Commission 6 CITY OF IOWA CITY � � M E M O RA N D L,I M Date: September 12, 2023 To: Mayor and Council From: Climate Action Commission Sarah J. Gardner, Climate Action Coordinator Re: Recommendation to proceed with the Renewable Natural Gas and High-Strength Waste Codigestion project at the Wastewater Treatment Facility The purpose of this memo is to express the unanimous support, as determined by vote, of the Climate Action Commission for the proposed Renewable Natural Gas Production and High Strength Waste Codigestion project for Iowa City's wastewater treatment facility. Said project was deemed by the Commission to be aligned with the City of Iowa City's Climate Action and Adaptation Plan and in keeping with the city's climate action values. This vote followed a presentation during the September 12, 2023 meeting of the Climate Action Commission by Randy Wirtz of Strand Associates, who was joined by Public Works staff, including Ron Knoche, Ben Clark, and Tim Wilkey, to assist in answering questions. The presentation was followed by lengthy discussion in which Commission members asked Wirtz and the Public Works staff a number of questions, including as to the potential impacts to the surrounding area, funding mechanisms, market fluctuations, and feedstock sourcing. At the conclusion of the discussion, one member of the Commission, an employee of MidAmerican Energy, recused herself from the vote as representing a company with a potential financial interest in the project. The remaining members of the Commission voted unanimously to proceed with the project subject to the assumptions and conditions outlined in the presentation, which include a recognition that although the project will not directly reduce the City's greenhouse gas emissions, it contributes in an important and meaningful way to reducing greenhouse gas emissions globally. Details of the presentation can be found in the agenda packet for the September 12, 2023 Climate Action Commission meeting and details of the discussion can be found in the subsequent meeting minutes. The Climate Action Commission is happy to elaborate further on this recommendation upon request from the City Council. Item Number: IP9. CITY OF IOWA CITY COUNCIL ACTION REPORT September 28, 2023 Community Police Review Board: September 12 Attachments: Community Police Review Board: September 12 DRAFT COMMUNITY POLICE REVIEW BOARD MINUTES — SEPTEMBER 12, 2023 CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Jerri MacConnell called the meeting to order at 5:32 p.m. The Board welcomed new Board member Jessica Hobart. MEMBERS PRESENT: Ricky Downing, Jessica Hobart, Melissa Jensen, Jerri MacConnell, Saul Mekies, Amanda Remington, Orville Townsend MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Staff Tammy Neumann, Legal Counsel Patrick Ford OTHERS PRESENT, ICPD Chief Dustin Liston, City Councilor Laura Bergus RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL None CONSENT CALENDAR Motion by Remington, seconded by Jensen, to accept the consent calendar as presented. • Minutes of the meeting on August 8, 2023 Motion carried 610, Hobart Abstained. NEW BUSINESS Select Nominating Committee: MacConnell asked for two volunteers to be on the nomination committee for the election of new officers at the October meeting. Mekies and Downing volunteered. They will report back to the Board at the October 10, 2023, meeting. Discussion of CPRB Member Duties: MacConnell reminded members that as a member of the CPRE, it is their responsibility to come in to watch videos regarding complaints in a timelier fashion. Newspaper Ads: Remington suggested placing a newspaper ad for the Community Forum at the August 8, 2023, meeting. Motion by Remington, seconded by Jensen, to run an ad in the Iowa City Press Citizen announcing the upcoming Community Forum on October 3, 2023. Motion carried 7t0. The Board agreed that they would like a news release to go out regarding meetings now being offered for online participation. Neumann will work with the Communications Department to create an ad for the Press Citizen regarding the upcoming forum and will send out a news release regarding the online option for CPRB meetings. CPRB Meeting Minutes September 12, 2023 Page 2 OLD BUSINESS Discussion of Community Forum on October 3, 2023: The Board discussed the format of the Community Forum. Chairperson MacConnell will begin the forum by explaining "who we are and what we do." She will then open the meeting up for public discussion. Mekies volunteered to write the meeting summary following the forum. PUBLIC DISCUSSION None BOARD INFORMATION MacConnell asked to discuss the possibility of changing the number of board members participating in the nominating committee for board chair and vice-chair from two to three members beginning in 2024. Mekies asked if Chief Liston could address the policy regarding an arrestee being placed in a holding area. These items will be added to New Business on the October 10, 2023, meeting agenda. STAFF INFORMATION None MEETING SCHEDULE and FUTURE AGENDAS • October 3, 2023, 5:30 PM, Community Forum, Iowa City Library, Meeting Room A. • October 10, 2023, 5:30 PM, Helling Conference Room • November 4, 2023, 5:30 PM, Helling Conference Room • December 12, 2023, 5:30 PM, Helling Conference Room EXECUTIVE SESSION Motion by Remington, seconded by Jensen, to adjourn into Executive Session based on Section 21.5(1)(a)of the Code of Iowa to review or discuss records which are required or authorized by state or federal law to be kept confidential or to be kept confidential as a condition for that government body's possession or continued receipt of federal funds, and 22.7(11) personal information in confidential personnel records of public bodies including but not limited to cities, boards of supervisors and school districts, and 22-7(5) police officer investigative reports, except where disclosure is authorized elsewhere in the Code; and 22.7(18) Communications not required by law, rule or procedure that are made to a government body or to any of its employees by identified persons outside of government, to the extent that the government body receiving those communications from such persons outside of government could reasonably believe that those persons would be discouraged from making them to that government body if they were available for general public examination. Motion carried 6(0. Hobart abstained. CPRE Meeting Minutes September 12, 2023 Page 3 Open session adjourned at 5:54 p.m. REGULAR SESSION Returned to open session at 6:14 p.m. Motion by Remington, seconded by Jensen, to set the level of review for CPRB Complaint 23-07 at 8-8- 7(B)(1)(a), on the record with no additional investigation. Motion carried 610, Hobart abstained. Motion by Remington, seconded by Mekies, to set the level of review for CPRB Complaint 23-08 at 8-8- 7(B)(1)(d), request additional investigation by the Police Chief or request police assistance in the Board's own investigation. Motion carried 610, Hobart abstained. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Remington, seconded by Jensen, to adjourn the meeting at 6:16 p.m. Motion carried 710. 2 � � • \ q * * ; ) ; * x . . . o ! § k § ) ) ] ! / ) ) es � q / 0 ` ©\ # . " ) a ■ 2 CZ 12 k $ / § ! ( ` ` ) o \ / � / 2! *! Item Number: IP10. CITY OF OF IOWA CITY COUNCIL ACTION REPORT September 28, 2023 Library Board of Trustees: August 24 Attachments: Library Board of Trustees: August 24 r Iowa City Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes August 24, 2023 2nd Floor- Boardroom Regular Meeting -5:00 PM DRAFT Tom Rocklin - President Lucy Santos Green Robin Paetzold D1 Johnk -Vice President Joseph Massa John Raeburn Hannah Shultz-Secretary Claire Matthews Dan Stevenson Members Present: DJ Johnk,Joseph Massa,Claire Matthews,Robin Paetzold,John Raeburn,Tom Rocklin, Lucy Santos Green, Hannah Shultz,Dan Stevenson. Members Absent: None. Staff Present: Elsworth Carman,Anne Mangano,Jen Miller,Jason Paulios,Angie Pilkington,Katie Roche. Guests Present:John Kenyon. Call Meeting to Order. Rocklin called the meeting to order at 5:00 pm.A quorum was present. Approval of August 24, 2023 Board Meeting Agenda. Raeburn made motion to approve the August 24, 2023 Board Meeting Agenda.Johnk seconded. Motion passed 9/0. Public Discussion.John Kenyon,Executive Director of Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature,addressed the Library Board. Kenyon discussed recent legislation that put school librarians in a predicament.The City of Literaturewrote a letter in response to the legislation. Helmick entered at 5:41 pm. Kenyon presented the letter to the Board and stated that the City of Literature was hoping to get other organizations to endorse the letter with the intent to present a united front against the legislation. Kenyon would like to get the letter out sometime next week for the start of school. Rocklin said this item was not on the agenda and so the Board could not take formal action on it.Rocklin said he would bring this up in his President's report to discuss further possibilities. Rocklin introduced new trustee, Lucy Santos Green.Santos Green introduced herself as the Director of the School of Libraryand Information Science at the University of Iowa.The Trustees introduced themselves to Santos Green.Library coordinators introduced themselves to Santos Green. Items to be Discussed. Review 4eh Quarter Financials and Statistics.Raeburn asked if the library has a sinking fund for repairs and Iryou will need disability-related accommodations in order to participate in this meeting,please contact/en Miller, Iowa City Public library,at 379-887-6003 orjennifer-miller@icptorg. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs. scheduled replacements. Carman said yes,there are replacement funds. Carman offered one-on-one appointments with trustees for a deeper dive into the budget.Massa asked when the July 2023 receipts and expenditures would be available.Carman said the disbursements are included in the back of each board packet,and there are also quarterly budget updates with year to year comparisons every three months. Policy Review:816 Library Access for Sex Offenders Convicted of Sex Offenses Against Minors.Raeburn asked about the legal document in the board packet with Iowa code that said Library Directors could overturn permission. Raeburn noted that it has been removed in the library's policy and wondered why.Carman agreed that was accurate, ICPL's policy is more conservative than the code.Carman said his understanding is that the policy helps define whether someone falls into the category of a sex offender convicted of a sex offense against a minor.According to policy Carman would deny that request while the individual could appeal that decision with the Library Board. Raeburn recommended a novel by Russell Banks,"The Lost Memory of akin",about a group of sexual offenders in Miami living under a bridge.The central character is a young man in his twenties who was convicted of sex crimes because he had a girlfriend who was 17 years old.Raeburn said if that person came to the library to appeal,good sense would probably say yes,they could come to the library. Raeburn said people in these circumstances have a life trajectory theywill never be free of,they will never atone for it.Raeburn felt the Board should remove the policy language and make it possible for someone with good reason to be able to use the library. Carman said that was a valuable comment and shared people who fitthat definition are able to have library cards and use all of the other library services except using the building. Paetzold said in the past there has always been the issue of using the meeting rooms vs going pastthe library gates,or accessing a public meeting vs going into the stacks. Paetzold said someone once appealed who wanted to attend political meetings as a voter.Paetzold said library materials are accessible butthe abilityto congregate is harder. Johnkasked if current policy prohibits the use of the Bookmobile. Carman said the Bookmobile is included in this policy.Stevenson asked if a case had ever been brought to Board.Paetzold said yes. Stevenson said making that decision would require major judgement and felt it should be undertaken by the group of Trustees. Paetzold said when an appeal was made to the Board previously,the meeting was attended by the City Attorney,the patron's attorney, and a representative of the prison system. Paetzold said the ability to appeal is possible but it is also complex.Carman said patrons have made inquiries to him but no one has followed up with an appeal to the board.Carman said in all but one instance the ability to get a proxy card satisfied the need of the patron. In that instance the person wanted to access the library's used book store and Carman's decision was not to grant permission because there are other used bookstores in the community. Rocklin discussed the policy with Carman prior to the meeting and considered input from the City Attorney's office. Rocklin had concern there wasn't a definition for criteria in an appeal process,it would be free floating. Rocklin shared he has become more comfortable with that and acknowledged it would be a difficult decision to make. Paetzold said decisions aren't always black and white but could be a yes under certain situations. Rocklin shared he had experience hearing student appeals as part of the discipline process at the University of Iowa,his anchor in those moments was to apply policy.Rocklin noted the library policy is ambiguous but noted these events are rare. Matthews asked about accessing meeting rooms remotely. Carman said livestreaming library events began during the COVID closure.Matthews asked if staff livestreamed non-library programs.Carman said staff do not but thought that was an interesting idea. Paetzold asked if staff livestreamed League of Women voters events. Paulios said yes,cosponsored events are livestreamed. Matthews noted 2024 is an election year and the need to access to the meeting rooms may become higher.Rocklin suggested individual meetings could become virtual. Ifyou will need disability-related accommodations m order to participate in this meeting,please contact len Miller, Iowa City Public Library,at 374-887-6003 orlennifer-miler@icpl.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs. Raeburn said no other category of citizen is excluded from the Iibrary.Carman agreed but noted patrons who have been suspended by the Iibrary also may not enter.Raeburn said felons of other kinds can walkout of jail and come to the library.Carman said that is correct. Raeburn said there are people in this category that probably shouldn't be in the library but felt patrons who try to appeal may sincerely want to use facilities and may have paid their debt to society but will be punished for the rest of their lives. Paetzold said historically the library has asked other city facilities for their sex offender policies to be considered too and they also had limitations.Raeburn was concerned the library had gone further than the Iowa code goes,and asked why.Shultz said to protect the Library Director. Shultz said a Board meeting can be called in 24 hours and a decision to appeal could be made quickly. Rocklin agreed there shouldn't be lifetime punishments for most crimes but struggled to determine what guidelines to give to the Library Director. Santos Green said the more you spell out criteria the more meat you give someone to argue criteria.Santos Green can understand the importance of ambiguity in policy as it creates space for a more thorough consideration. Santos Green instead proposed creating a process. Rocklin said the policy without any details is the process.Rocklin was reassured by the prior appeal Paetzold mentioned as that person brought representation and got their due process at that meeting.Matthews said you have to stick with the code whether you like it or not,there is only so much you can do, Carman discussed the unattended children policy which states that children under six need an adult with them,children over six can use facilities on their own, Carman emphasized that adult caregivers need to care for children.Carman said patrons don't have to show an IDfor very much to be in the building,the policy only works if staff recognize an individual or the individual communicates their status to staff.Carman felt it was hard to decide where to put the line in a way that allows access, protects vulnerable populations,and protects the library mission in a fair way. Massa made a motion to approve Policy 816.Stevenson seconded. Motion passed 811. FY23 Board Annual Report.Rocklin said this item was prepared by staff and is returning from last month.The document goes to the City of Iowa City. Shultz asked why the report was brought backfrom last month. Carman said several Trustees were out at the July meeting.Johnk made a motion to approve the FY23 Board Annual Report.Shultz seconded. Motion passed 9/0. Staff Reports. Director's Report.Carman will be away September 13-October 4, 2023. Departmental Reports;Children's Services. Pilkington shared two new staff started this week in the Children's Department,one of which is the new Spanish Bilingual Library Assistant 111.This is the first position at the City of Iowa Citythat requires language fluency other than Fnglish. Carman said Pilkington did a lot of legwork advocating for language testing. Pilkington said other City staff are interested and hope to see more positions likethis in the city. Collection Services.No comment. IT.No comment. Development Report,Roche said it will be a merchandise-heavy couple of months.There is a T-shirt store open with Old Capital Printing through September 8.When that store closes,a Raygun store will support the Friends Foundation. Roche doesn't expect sales to be earth-shattering but it is great promotion forthe Library. Stevenson asked Roche to send the links to the Trustees. Rocklin asked Roche about the budget passthrough reference and asked where that was going from and to. Roche said this is a placeholder number that could be any number, it is representative of funds that are for distinct projects for the library. Roche gave the example of a grant specifically for books. Rocklin asked if the Foundation was spending reserve funds. Roche said the organization has been digging into reserve funds for a number of years and Roche wanted to make sure that practice was clear in her reporting.Roche wanted to if you will need disability-related accommodations in order to participate in this meeting,please contact/en Miller,Iowa City Public Library,at379-887 6003 orjennifer-miller@icptorg. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs. present a budget that was realistic. Roche is hopeful that efforts will go well and the Foundation won't need to use reserve funds next year.Rocklin noted there wasn't a reserve sheet and asked how big is the reserve fund. Roche said that information will be reported next month.Roche said the Foundation is investing in new things that haven't been done here before.The Foundation Board discussed reducing spending to increase profit but felt to advance the organization it needed to take on more spending. Rocklin was in support of spending moneyto make money. Roche said ICPLFF radio ads will be on Iowa Public Radio soon.Johnk would love to see T-shirt sales get reported next month if possible. Miscellaneous:News Articles.None. President's Report. Rocklin said the City of Literature letter couldn't be endorsed at the August 2411' meeting but could at the next meeting. Rocklin said if Trustees felt strongly a special meeting could be scheduled but it would need to be shared 24 hours in advance.Carman said a quorum would need to be present. Santos Green suggested having a special meeting.There was discussion about when to schedule a special meeting.Trustees selected Monday,August 28th at 5:00 pm for a special meeting. Rocklin suggested Trustees should review policies in advance to provide input to staff. Rocklin encouraged Trustees to reread current policies to be aware of them and be a good library advocate. Announcements from Members. Shultz noticed the new clocks in the library and was excited to see them.Carman said they have received positive feedbackfrom the community.The clocks were quoted at $30,000 but the final invoice came in lower than expected.Rocklin noted there were multiple positive comments from patrons. Paetzold shared many bus riders depend on the clocks. Santos Green said the School of Library and Information Science and Iowa City Public Library are collaborating to have Dr.Andre Brock speak on Black Online Culture,Blackfishing,and (digital Black Face.The event is on September 20th from 6-8 pm at ICPL. Stevenson will be presenting with a friend on September 15 on the West Liberty citizenship program at 6 pm. It is part of the Welcoming America event. Committee Reports. Foundation Members.The FY24 Memorandum of Understanding between the Friends Foundation Board of Directors and the Iowa City Public Library Board of Trustees. Roche said the MOU is done and the ICPLFF Board approved it.No changes from year to year. Matthews made a motion to approve the FY24 MOU.Johnk seconded.Motion passed 910. Communications. None. Consent Agenda. Matthews approved the Consent agenda.Johnk seconded.Motion passed 910. Set Agenda Order for September Meeting. Rocklin said there will be department reports,a budget discussion,and two policy reviews.Rocklin said the October meeting will review free materials distributions if Trustees want to look ahead. Adjournment. Rocklin adjourned meeting at 5:54 pm. Respectfully submitted, Jen Miller If you will need disobility-reiated accommodations in order to participate in this meeting,please contact Jen Miller,Iowa City Public Library,at 3 r9-887-6003 orjennifer-miller@icpl.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs. Board of Comm-ions:I0Laoard afiruslees ATTENDANCE RECORD Name Term Expiration 9/2212032 10/23/20R 11/17/2022 12/15/202 111612023 212312024 3/6/2023 3/23/203 4/27/2023 5125/2023 6/Rf1023 7/27/2023 8/m/2023 8/2812023 X0.0,Tel 6/3D/2025 X X % X % % % % X X % X % X Cim,Noa 6/30/307 OE 3 R R R R 3 R R R R R R R X0e[h, 6/30/2023 OE OE % X % % X X % X X TE TE TE nrw Massa, 6160/2027 % X X % % % X X % % n h Matthews, 6/3012023 OE % OE X % X % OE % % X OE % GE :W,e pae[z01q 6/30/2023 % OR X % X X % X X % X TE % OR Rob n RaeOurn, wnn 6/30/2027 X % X X X HE % X % % X X % % RocNlin, 6/3012025 X % % X X % X X X OE X X X X 5.11.1 Green, 6/3012029 Of % % 6n00z, 61308025 X % Hannan X % X % X X X X OE X X % 6[evenson, 6/30/2021 X % % OE % X % % X DE % HE % % KEY: X PRESENT 0 ABSENT OE EXCUSED ABSENT NM NO M EEH NO HELD R RESIGNED TE Term Expired Item Number: IP11. CITY OF IOWA CITY COUNCIL ACTION REPORT September 28, 2023 Library Board of Trustees: August 28 Attachments: Library Board of Trustees: August 28 Afts IOWA CITY rjw PUBLIC LIBRARY Iowa City Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes August 28, 2023 2n1 Floor - Boardroom Special Meeting - 5:00 PM DRAFT Tom Rocklin - President Lucy Santos Green Robin Paetzold DJ Johnk— Vice President Joseph Massa John Raeburn Hannah Shultz-Secretary Claire Matthews Dan Stevenson Members Present: DJ Johnk,Joseph Massa,John Raeburn,Tom Rocklin, Lucy Santos Green,Hannah Shultz, Dan Stevenson. Members Absent: Claire Matthews,Robin Paetzold. Staff Present: Elsworth Carman,len Miller,Brent Palmer. Guests Present: None. Call Meeting to Order. Rocklin called the meeting to order at 5:02 pm.A quorum was present. Santos Green entered at 5:02 pm. Raeburn clarified the letter couldn't be edited.Rocklin agreed,Trustees should either endorse the letter or not endorse. Approval of August 28, 2023 Board Meeting Agenda. Raeburn made a motion to approve the August 28,2024 Board Meeting Agenda. Shultz seconded. Motion passed 7/0. Public Discussion. None. Items to be Discussed. Review and Endorse Letter from Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature Letter.Rocklin said Trustees couldn't expect to make suggestions and see them implemented.Rocklin said it could be endorsed with suggestions to pass along to the City of Literature.Santos Green approved endorsing the letter with suggestions.Santos Green was in strong support of presenting a unified front but felt the language was vague and had concerns it opens us up to a quid point of return speech.Santos Green felt it was very simple for someone to come back and say we're not banning books.The term banning books is ambiguous.Santos Green said it is simple to say we're not banning books because you can buy it on Amazon or on your own.Santos Green suggested using clear terminology with the example of book challenges,an attempt to remove or restrict materials based upon the objection of one person or one group.Santos Green said book censorship practices is the preferred clarification because you can then describe terms in four distinct categories: redaction, relocation, restriction, If you will need disability-related accommodations in order to participate in this meeting,please contactJen Miller,Iowa City Public Library,at 379-887-6003 orjennifer-miller@icpLorg. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs. L%Wt IOWA CITY a,4W PUBLIC LIBRARY and removal. Santos Green referred to the proposed letter and said by saying we are not for book banning we are still open to redaction,relocation,and restriction.Santos Green said generally most people associate book banning with removal.Santos Green said it was important to request the City of Literature clarify their language and be more specific about defining what it is exactly they are endorsing and what we're asking the public to understand in the library's role. Raeburn asked Santos Green if it would help if the letter used the legislation language,as it is the enabling act. Santos Green said it would be helpful if they clarified,defined,and explained that the legislation language is vague. Santos Green said consistent messaging is what our coalition is struggling to get across;just because someone grows up in a library does not mean they understand the language and terminology.Santos Green would like to see the term book banning replaced in the letter with book censorship practices to strengthen through clarification. Shultz asked if other organizations have endorsed the letter.Carman said John Kenyon is in the process of inviting support from other organizations.Shultz proposed taking a vote and suggesting a footnote be added with clarifying language.Santos Green said people don't read footnotes and felt it was worth doing it right,a rushed job is not the bestjob.Carman said he is happy to bring any feedback to John Kenyon.Rocklin said these are very helpful distinctions. Massa agreed the letter was vague.Massa said the letter is not preemptive as the legislation has passed and questioned the purpose of writing it now.Santos Green said it is to clarify the ambiguity and purposeful vagueness of the legislation, it is copycat legislation that has been passed by other states.Santos Green said when language is purposefully vague people fill it in with their own definition and nine times out of ten it is a more severe interpretation.Santos Green felt we could align ourselves with the law and also respond with what we know is best practice.Stevenson agreed and said the law passed but there were no guidelines or rules set forward by the Department of Education.Stevenson said that is not the purpose of the letter but felt it wouldn't hurt to have another voice speaking up in the absence of guidance. Massa noted paragraph three,"The legislation also bans written materials and instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation"and clarified that was for grades K-5.Santos Green said it was extended.Johnk said the rainbow at Twain Elementary school was painted over.Santos Green has asked for clarification on what the legislation looks like in terms of collection development and curriculum.Santos Green said the way it is worded right now you can't say"man and wife"at an elementary school because those are gendered roles. Johnk said the Iowa City School District is interpreting this as against anything that validates LGBTQIA. Rocklin said Trustees should give feedback to the City of Literature that Senate File 496 needs to be addressed accurately in the letter.Massa quoted the letter, "Senate File 496 prohibits books with written and visual depictions of sex acts from school libraries."Massa said when reading that sentence he felt parents might wonder what is your point?Santos Green disagreed.Stevenson appreciated this part of the letter as it gave an affirmative reason for the inclusion of age appropriate sexual education in literature.Santos Green said collection development is a targeted aspect of librarian training,people don't go into the profession choosing materials at random.Santos Green said the assumption this legislation is making is erasing expertise,erasing what has been there for many years,and erasing that people come to library with different experiences and needs.Santos Green said that parents have always had the right to say they aren't comfortable with their child checking something out,making sure those choices are honored and kept by families and not communities. The Librarians expertise is to purchase materials for all families.Massa said he was trying to get to a yes. Santos Green felt his feedback about the age range was valuable.Carman said if you read the legislation in isolation it sounds reasonable, using terms like sex acts is intentionally provocative.Carman said there are many people who haven't heard of this legislation and this letter might be the first exposure to it.Carman said we need to respond in a way that is easy to understand, intentional,and clear.Carman said he is on the UNESCO Board but was not on the subcommittee that wrote the letter.The committee was hoping for guidance from the State but felt back to school time was a good release time as parents will be experiencing the impacts of this now for Ifyou will need disability-related accommodations in order to participate in this meeting,please contact len Miller,Iowa City Public Library,at 379-887-6003 or jenni fer-miller@icpLorg. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs. ,IMP594 IOWA CITY .'tw PUBLIC LIBRARY the first time.Carman said clarity on what the senate file really says is paramount to the credibility of the letter. Rocklin said there is nothing wrong with a non-unanimous vote on the Board,the Bylaws state Trustees operate on a majority vote.Stevenson said ICPL is not on the letterhead,the Library Board would just be endorsing it,there is value in saying Trustees support this concept. Rocklin suggested endorsing the letter and conveying to the City of Literature that they be more specific about redaction language and the scope of Senate File 496.Raeburn made a motion to approve endorsing the letter from Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature.Johnk seconded.Motion passed 611. Adjournment. Rocklin adjourned the meeting at 5:22 pm. Respectfully submitted, Jen Miller If you will need disability-related ocmmmodotions in order to participate in this meeting,please contact len Miller,Iowa City Public Library,at 319-887-6003 or jennifer-miller@icotorg. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs. Ream or Commis,IOes:i[Pt soars rrr trustees ATTENDANCE RECORD Name Term Expiration 9/22non 20/27GOLLP 11/12/2022 22/15(2022 1/16/2023 V2312024 3/6/2023 3/23/2023 4/22/2023 5/25/2023 6/22/2033 7/27/2023 0/24/2023 0/20/2023 ohek,01 6/3012025 R X % % X % % % X N X % X % m,%.. 6/30/2D27 OE R It R R R 3 R R R R P R R KuscF, 6/30nmU OE OE X % % % X % % N X TE TE TE Vr Massa, 613x/2027 % % % % % % X % X % J,,,h ryta[1Fews, 6130/2623 OE X DS Llaire N % % X OE % X % X OE Reb. o, 6/30/2033 X OE X N X X X % % X % X —' Rae6urn, 6/30/2027 % x X % % DE X % % x x x phn Rpckpn, 6/30/2025 X f m. X % % % % X % % OE X % X Santos Green, 6/30/2029 OF. % SFultz, 6/30/2025 % X % % x % x x % % OE x X STie.,F H.Rm oq 6/30/2027 x X % OE % X % X % OE X OE % KEY: % PRESENT 0 ASSENT OE EXCUSED ASSENT NO NO MEETING HELD R REIGNED TE Term Explree Item Number: IP12. CITY OF IOWA CITY COUNCIL ACTION REPORT September 28, 2023 Senior Center Commission: September 21 Attachments: Senior Center Commission: September 21 Preliminary Minutes September 21 , 2023 MINUTES SENIOR CENTER COMMISSION September 21, 2023 Assembly Room, Iowa City Senior Center Members Present: Lee McKnight, Warren Paris, Jay Gilchrist, Nancy Ostrognai, Susan Mellecker, Tasha Lard, Angela McConville Members Absent: None Staff Present: Kristin Kromray, LaTasha DeLoach Others Present: None CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order by Gilchrist at 4:00 PM. RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE August 17, 2023, MEETING: Motion: To accept the minutes from the August 17, 2023. Motion carried on a vote of 5 in favor, 0 against and 2 abstentions. Gilchrist/McKnight PUBLIC DISCUSSION: None. OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW: DeLoach gave an update on the Original Mature Groovers (formerly Elders of Color group) upcoming programs. They include a partnership with the City's Human Rights office on a presentation on affirmative action and a Black Iowan Diaspora Gala that will occur in February as well as a 70's dance party in May. Other upcoming activities at the Senior Center include a new watercolor class, participation in the One Iowa IGBTQ health and wellness conference. The Friends of the Senior Center fundraiser, Pickleball Jamboree is this Sunday at the Green State Fieldhouse. There will be clinics, tournaments, games, and a raffle. 1 Preliminary Minutes September 21 , 2023 McConville noted the Senior Center programs that are occurring in North Liberty that include caregiving support group, practical planning for end of life, and death cafe. Gilcrest reported how beneficial the Honoring Your Wishes advanced care planning service is. Gilcrest noted the Coffee and Conversations meeting this Friday as well as the Climate Fest presentation highlighting the Defeat the Heat results. Ostrognai expressed appreciation over how busy the Senior Center has been lately. DeLoach reported the pre-bid meeting for the building exterior project will be occurring soon. A temporary sign will be installed at the Washington St entrance. Staff is looking into ways to make the Washington St loading zone safer for passenger drop off. There is some new lighting on the first floor and ground floor. The resistance training room has been painted. COMMISSION DISCUSSION: McConville volunteered to take point on a presentation for the Board of Supervisors. She asked if anyone else would be willing to assist her. Mellecker asked if the 2022 location survey was on the City website. Staff stated they would add it to the website and share with Commissioners. McConville noted the DEI workshops she has been attending through the City's human rights office. Ostrognai requested the City owned lot across the street from the Senior Center be added to the next agenda. McConville brought up the VNA presentation for a future meeting, as well as a presentation from the City's climate action office. Meeting Adjourned. 2 M N N 01 n M M M D T N d � m N M N U CUC U0 z N b O U U U U O Q � � M M N 'may" 'may" '`may" 'may" 'may" VUi z O � � y N N 0 M O N L mA cq O 'may" 'may" 'may" O � rA p cq N Q O N N O � N m U L' N Vl M M Vl N M LL NN N N N N N M N N N N ry cq cq cq cq cq cq cq cq cq � � N N N N N N N N N N N H N Q raj �Uy U R � y., y N f❑�❑ �U to R O N CUji O to to b-0 y,, r�i �a fC f3 ^� O a z O r3 W U ti