HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-10-26 Info Packet � r
rrr®��� City Council Information Packet
CITY OF IOvvA CITY October 26, 2023
Council Tentative Meeting Schedule
IP1. Council Tentative Meeting Schedule
Miscellaneous
IP2. Joint Entities Meeting Minutes: October 16
IP3. Civil Service Examination: Community Service Officer/Station Master
IP4. Civil Service Examination: Maintenance Operator - Water
IP5. Civil Service Examination: Mass Transit Operator
Draft Minutes
IP6. Economic Development Commission: September 25 [See Recommendation]
IP7. Senior Center Commission: October 19
October 26, 2023 City of Iowa City
Item Number: IP1.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
October 26, 2023
Council Tentative Meeting Schedule
Attachments: Council Tentative Meeting Schedule
City Council Tentative Meeting Schedule
nil Subject to change
CITY OF IOWA CITY October 26, 2023
Date Time Meeting Location
Monday, November 6,2023 4:00 PM Special Formal City Hall,Emma 1. Harvat Hall
Work Session 410 E.Washington Street
6:00 PM Formal Meeting
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
Tuesday,January 2,2024 8:OOAM Special Formal City Hall,Emma J. Harvat Hall
Organizational Meeting 410 E.Washington Street
Tuesday,January 2,2024 4:00 PM Work Session City Hall,Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:00 PM Formal Meeting 410 E.Washington Street
Tuesday,January 16,2024 4:00 PM Work Session City Hall,Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:00 PM Formal Meeting 410 E.Washington Street
Saturday,January 20,2024 8:00 AM Budget Work Session City Hall,Emma J. Harvat Hall
410 E.Washington Street
Monday,January 22,2024 4:30 PM Joint Entities Meeting City Hall,Council Chambers
Hosted by the City of Coralville 1512 7th Street
Wednesday,January 24,2024 2:00 PM Budget Work Session(CIP) City Hall,Emma J. Harvat Hall
410 E.Washington Street
Tuesday, February 6,2024 4:00 PM Work Session City Hall,Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:00 PM Formal Meeting 410 E.Washington Street
Tuesday, February 20,2024 4:00 PM Work Session City Hall,Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:00 PM Formal Meeting 410 E.Washington Street
Tuesday, March 19,2024 4:00 PM Work Session City Hall,Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:00 PM Formal Meeting 410 E.Washington Street
Tuesday,April 2,2024 4:00 PM Work Session City Hall,Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:00 PM Formal Meeting 410 E.Washington Street
Tuesday,April 16,2024 4:00 PM Work Session City Hall,Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:00 PM Formal Meeting 410 E.Washington Street
Tuesday, May 7,2024 4:00 PM Work Session City Hall,Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:00 PM Formal Meeting 410 E.Washington Street
Tuesday, May 21,2024 4:00 PM Work Session City Hall,Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:00 PM Formal Meeting 410 E.Washington Street
Tuesday,June 4,2024 4:00 PM Work Session City Hall,Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:00 PM Formal Meeting 410 E.Washington Street
Tuesday,June 18,2024 4:00 PM Work Session City Hall,Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:00 PM Formal Meeting 410 E.Washington Street
Tuesday,July 16,2024 4:00 PM Work Session City Hall,Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:00 PM Formal Meeting 410 E.Washington Street
Tuesday,August 6,2024 4:00 PM Work Session City Hall,Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:00 PM Formal Meeting 410 E.Washington Street
Tuesday,August 20,2024 4:00 PM Work Session City Hall,Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:00 PM Formal Meeting 410 E.Washington Street
Tuesday,September 3,2024 4:00 PM Work Session City Hall,Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:00 PM Formal Meeting 410 E.Washington Street
Tuesday,September 17,2024 4:00 PM Work Session City Hall,Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:00 PM Formal Meeting 410 E.Washington Street
Tuesday,October 1,2024 4:00 PM Work Session City Hall,Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:00 PM Formal Meeting 410 E.Washington Street
Tuesday,October 15,2024 4:00 PM Work Session City Hall,Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:00 PM Formal Meeting 410 E.Washington Street
Monday, November 4,2024 4:00 PM Work Session City Hall,Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:00 PM Formal Meeting 410 E.Washington Street
Tuesday, November 19,2024 4:00 PM Work Session City Hall,Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:00 PM Formal Meeting 410 E.Washington Street
Tuesday, December 10,2024 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
October 26, 2023
Joint Entities Meeting Minutes: October 16
Attachments: Joint Entities Meeting Minutes: October 16
Joint Entities Meeting Minutes
ICCSD Educational Services Center
1725 N. Dodge Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52245
Monday,October 16,2023
Present at Meeting:
Iowa City Community School District(ICCSD): ICCSD Board Members President Ruthina Malone,Vice President Lisa Williams, Molly
Abraham, J.P. Claussen, Charlie Eastham, Jayne Finch, and Make Pilcher Hayek, Superintendent Matt Degner, Executive Director of
Elementary Schools Eliza Proctor, Preschool Program Administrator Heather Stevens
City of Coralville: Mayor Meghann Foster, City Council Members Hai Huynh
City of Iowa City: Mayor Bruce Teague,Council Members Laura Bergus, Pauline Taylor, Megan Alter, Eric Sittig
City of North Liberty: Mayor Chris Hoffman
University Heights: Mayor Louise From
Johnson County Board of Supervisors: Lisa Green-Douglass, Royceann Porter,John Green,V Fixmer Oraiz
Clear Creek Amana Schools: Superintendent Corey Seymour
State Representative Elinor Levin
Johnson County Public Health: Danielle Pettit-Majewski, Director of Johnson County Public Health , Sam Jarvis, Community Health
Manager
A. Opening
Call to Order
ICCSD Board President Malone called the meeting to order at 4:30 pm.
B. Welcome and Introductions
President Malone welcomed everyone and introductions were made.
C. Childcare Initiative Update-City of Iowa City
Update from ICCSD on Preschool Initiative&Updates From those involved in local childcare coalition
Matt Degner reported that the most extensive work has been done with the child care coalition group and collaborating with community
partners. Cady Gerlach of the Child Care Coalition group provided a childcare solutions update.
Childcare Solutions: A Johnson County Community of Collaboration
. ICCSD Collaboration
o ICCSD and Childcare Solutions team started meeting in late April and early May
o Three opportunities identified: School Readiness Summit, Data Collection, Funding- long term
. School Readiness Summit
Saturday, November 4, 2023
• Training topics: various speakers
• Panels
• Education panels
• Resource panels
• Robust panel discussion
• Partners
. ICCSD administration
• GWAEA administration
• 4C's
• Johnson County Social Services
• Head Start
• Childcare center directors private providers
o Additional Johnson County programs
• Infant and Toddler Scholarship Program -$600 per month for families under 2SO%of FPL
• Child Care Assistance (CCA) Incentive Program - $100/month
• Starting Strong Expansion
• Wage Enhancement Program
o Fundraising Update
• Program Branding
• Challenge: Budgeting cycles of larger businesses
■ FY24 and FY25 are targets
• Private fundraising and outreach campaign
• 48 employees - 8 partner businesses
o State Funding
• Limited time match of only private funds
• Our program is one of the primary models, along with Hamilton County
• Iowa Women's Foundation facilitated with the State
• IWF is hosting an All Call for Johnson County businesses October 19 at 2:00 pm
Better Together 2023: A Shared Future for Johnson County
o What we need
■ Share the opportunity
s Make connections
s Champion the public-private partnership
o Ensure all neighborhoods have affordable child care
■ 4Cs opportunity at Oddfel lows-Affordable and Accessible Childcare for Neighborhoods
o The Location
s Child care"desert"
■ Bear bus line
r Between City and Tate High Schools
■ Zoning allows for this building to be a single family home, a church, or a childcare center
o The Scope
120 children
■ 51%(or more) of children on Child Care Assistance
■ High proportion of slots specifically for infant care
The Vision
o Credentialed teachers are paid a wage commensurate with education and experience
o This school becomes a training ground for future early childhood educators
a Collaboration between area school districts and Kirkwood for internship and other training opportunities
Matt Degner reported that the district currently has half time funding preschool programs at several elementary buildings as well as a few
Rclot sites for full day experiences. Heather Stevens provided an update on the district's preschool current state of affairs and work she
as been doing.
■ Met 1:1 with administrators regarding preschool
• Would like to meet with families, preschool teachers and the community for similar discussion
. Surveyed all preschool teachers regarding instructional materials and furniture
a Want equity among programs across the district
. Visits to two other districts
a Common theme is funding
• Currently 481 preschool students
o mostly 4 year old students but some 3 year old students with IEP's
• WRAP care is with Champions at Wickham, Shimek, Borlaug and Kirkwood
a 40 slots in each building
o Parents pay for WRAP care
• Construction at Horn will allow for two preschool rooms
Matt Degner stated the district will continue to work on existing pilot programs and make them accessible.There is a cost barrier inhibitor
for some and the desire it to eliminate as many barriers as possible.The vision is a full day experience at no cost. He stated he would like
to partner with municipalities for one site in Iowa City,one site in Coralvllle and one site in North liberty to see if the model works. The
cost would most likely be a per pupil cost.
D. Update from Johnson County Public Health
COVID-19 Uodate
Sam Jarvis provided a COVID-19 update.
• Updated COVID-19 vaccine available
• How has vaccine changed?
o Commercialization of vaccine - now a cost
o Bridge access program provided to uninsured and underinsured
s Walgreens, CVS, Johnson County Public Health
o Partnering with pharmacies in program for testing
No charge for testing
• Encouraging folks to get vaccine along with flu shot
. August and September saw uptick in illness
o Trending back downwards
■ Entering respiratory virus season
c New tools, vaccines and antibodies available
Imvlications of a potential ppvernment shutdown
Danielle Pettit-Majewski provided information regarding implications of a potential government shutdown.
32 days to November 17 when current resolution ends
• Conversations with state partners
o Can't tell if any back stock or additional funding for WIC program to continue services
r Preparing for there not to be
• Conversations to do a drive for diapers and formula
o Looking at different resources
o There is a lot of need
o Want to be prepare
o Planning to do the drive regardless of shut down or not
E. Other Business
There was none.
F. Discuss schedule and hosts for upcoming Joint Entities Meetings
The next loin Entities meeting is scheduled to be held on January 15, 2024, which is Martin Luther King Day. Coralville is scheduled to
host the meeting and will find and communicate an alternate date.
Future meeting dates include:
April 15, 2024-Iowa City
July 15,2024- North Liberty
October 21,2024- University Heights
January 13, 2025-Johnson County
G.Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 5:10 pm.
Item Number: IP3.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
October 26, 2023
Civil Service Examination: Community Service Officer/Station Master
Attachments: Civil Service Examination: Community Service Officer/Station Master
i
r
CITY OF IOWA CITY
410 EasL WashingLon Sircct
Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1826
(3 19) 3S6-5000
(3 19) 356-5009 FAX
www.icgov.org
October 24, 2023
TO: The Honorable Mayor and the City Council
RE: Civil Service Entrance Examination — Community Service Officer t Station Master
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 Community Service
Officer t Station Master.
1. Carley Crozier
2. Katherine Tucker
3, Gabrielle Williams
Iowa City Civil Service Commission
Rick Wyss, Chair
Item Number: IP4.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
October 26, 2023
Civil Service Examination: Maintenance Operator - Water
Attachments: Civil Service Examination: Maintenance Operator - Water
CITY OF IOWA CITY
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1826
(3 19) 356-5000
(319) 356-5009 FAX
WVVW.Icgov.org
October 19, 2023
TO: The Honorable Mayor and the City Council
RE: Civil Service Entrance Examination — Maintenance Operator—Water
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 Maintenance
Operator—Water.
Aya Fidal
Iowa City Civil Service Commission
Rick W ss, Chair
Item Number: IP5.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
October 26, 2023
Civil Service Examination: Mass Transit Operator
Attachments: Civil Service Examination: Mass Transit Operator
st
CITY OF IOWA CITY
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1826
(3 19) 356-5000
(319) 356-5009 FAX
wwwJcgov,org
October 24, 2023
TO: The Honorable Mayor and the City Council
RE: Civil Service Entrance Examination — Mass Transit Operator
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 Mass Transit
Operator.
Less Hultman
Iowa City Civil Service Commission
,"Az/� --
Rick Wys , Chair
Item Number: IP6.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
October 26, 2023
Economic Development Commission: September 25 [See Recommendation]
Attachments: Economic Development Commission: September 25 [See Recommendation]
r
� .� CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM
Date: October 20, 2023
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Rachel Kilburg, City Council Economic Development Committee
Re: Recommendation from City Council Economic Development Committee
At their September 25, 2023 meeting the City Council Economic Development Committee made
the following recommendation to the City Council:
Thomas moved, Alter seconded a motion to approve a recommendation to the full
council for $25,000 to Entrepreneurial Development Center, Inc. and $25,000 to the
Multicultural Development Center of Iowa. Motion passed (3-0).
Alter moved, Thomas seconded a motion to approve a recommendation to the full
council for$32,000 for FilmScene, $20,000 for Riverside Theatre, and $67,000 for Summer
of the Arts. Motion passed (3-0).
Alter moved, Thomas seconded a motion to approve a recommendation to the full
council for$70,000 for the Englert Theatre. Motion passed (2-0, Bergus recused).
Bergus moved, Thomas seconded a motion to approve a recommendation to the full
council for$60,000 for the Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature. Motion passed (2-0, Alter
recused).
All recommendations were made with the intent to revisit the recommended funding levels
during a future City Council FY25 Budget work session.
Additional action (check on
x No further action needed
_ Board or Commission is requesting Council direction
Agenda item was prepared by staff for Council action
EDC minutes September 25,2023-p.l
PRELIMINARY
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
September 25, 2023
EMMA HARVAT HALL, 8:00 A.M.
Members Present: Laura Bergus, Megan Alter, John Thomas
Members Absent:
Staff Present: Rachel Kilburg, Redmond Jones, Eric Goers,
Others Present: Beth Meyer, Entrepreneurial Development Center, Inc.; Michelle Higgins,
AugmENT; Tracy Jon Sargent, Multicultural Development Center of Iowa, John
Schickedanz, Englert Theatre; Andrew Sherburne, FilmScene; Adam Knight,
Riverside Theatre, Lisa Barnes, Summer of the Arts; Judith Leavitt, Iowa City
UNESCO City of Literature
Recommendations to council:
Thomas moved,Alter second a motion to approve the minutes of the November 29, 2022
meeting. Motion passed (3-0).
Thomas moved,Alter seconded a motion to approve a recommendation to the full council for
$25,000 to Entrepreneurial Development Center, Inc. and $25,000 to the Multicultural
Development Center of Iowa. Motion passed (3-0).
Alter moved, Thomas seconded a motion to approve a recommendation to the full council for
$32,000 for FilmScene, $20,000 for Riverside Theatre, and $67,000 for Summer of the Arts.
Motion passed (3-0).
Alter moved, Thomas seconded a motion to approve a recommendation to the full council for
$70,000 for the Englert Theatre. Motion passed (2-0, Bergus recused).
Bergus moved, Thomas seconded a motion to approve a recommendation to the full council
for$60,000 for the Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature. Motion passed (2-0,Alter recused).
Call_meetina to order:
Laura Bergus called the meeting to order at 8:01 A.M.
Consider approval of minutes from the November 29, 2022 Economic Development Committee
meeting
Thomas moved, Alter seconded a motion to approve the minutes of the November 29, 2022
meeting. Motion passed (3-0).
Consider FY25 budget recommendation to full City Council for Community Develo men#
Assistance funding for business development organizations:
Kilburg provided a brief introduction to the process, explaining these business development and arts
and culture organizations are invited to present their funding requests to the Council Economic
Development Committee each year. Kilburg shared that almost all of the organizations had expressed
EDC minutes September 25,2023-p.2
PRELIMINARY
a need for increased funding this year, and she in turn described the fiscal challenges and budget
uncertainties facing the City. She shared that staff's recommendation maintains stable funding levels,
but the organizations were encouraged to be candid in their requests.
Kilburg welcomed Beth Meyer, VP of Marketing, and Michelle Higgins, client, representing the
Entrepreneurial Development Center, Inc. (EDC, Inc.). Meyer explained that EDC, Inc. works with
interstate commerce entrepreneurs, start-ups, and matures business owners looking to scale. Meyer
introduced Higgins, a client of EDC, Inc. and founder of AugmENT to provide her perspective on how
EDC, Inc. supported her business'growth. Higgins shared that she came with the idea for ear, nose,
throat surgery simulators during her time in medical school and EDC, Inc. assisted her with developing
her idea, preparing to launch, product development, raising capital, marketing, and product packaging
and presentation. Meyer shared that most clients they work with are generated through referrals, but
they are always looking to work with more. Alter expressed her desire to see EDC, Inc. take a more
proactive approach to working with entrepreneurs and start-ups with diverse backgrounds and asked
Meyer to speak to their current efforts on that front. Meyer said a new focus of their organization is
increasing capacity to actively seek out and recruit more diverse entrepreneurs and business owners.
Bergus asked Kilburg when the property tax rollback rate will be set. Kilburg shared that those are
typically published in November, and that there is flexibility in the budget process timeline depending
on how they want to handle today's recommendations. Meyer expressed appreciation for the City's
support and the Committee thanked Meyer and Higgins.
Tracy Jon Sargent, Executive Director of the Multicultural Development Center of Iowa (MDC), was
invited to the microphone. Sargent shared they have assisted more than 60 businesses over the past
two years and are entirely volunteer-led so no funding is used for staff costs, which does introduce
some challenges with consistency and availability. Sargent noted a few highlights from the provided
impact report, mentioned their new micro-financing program, and described how MDC Iowa provides
ongoing support to clients to help them anticipate future needs and build connections and capacity.
Sargent shared that 85-95% of the organization is led by people of color and participants have shared
how appreciative they are to work with people who look like them and share similar cultural
backgrounds and perspectives.Almost of all of incoming revenue is returned to support businesses
through technical assistance. Alter asked how the organization is building capacity with such limited
volunteer staff. Sargent described a partnership with Iowa Community Capital and mentioned how a
few board members and volunteers have been able to step up as business coaches and mentors.
Sargent said they are trying to identify new resources but are sensitive to bringing in partners who
may circumvent the trust and relationship MDG Iowa has already built with clients. Bergus asked
Sargent about their process to become a CDFI. Sargent described challenges with being an affiliate to
another loan committee and the traditional approach to underwriting and explained that obtaining
CDFI status may help them overcome those barriers and tap into additional funding. In the meantime,
the organization is laying down the foundation to begin providing micro-loans.
Bergus asked Committee members whether they were inclined to support staff's funding
recommendation. Thomas stated he is but would like to revisit as some of the budget uncertainties
play out over the course of the budget process. Alter agreed. Bergus noted there may be some
overlap or collaboration as the American Rescue Plan Act (ABPA)funded underestimated business
support recommendations are rolled out. With the understanding that they will revisit the funding
recommendations during the City Council budget meetings, Thomas moved and Alter seconded a
motion to approve a recommendation to the full council for$25,000 to Entrepreneurial
Development Center, Inc. and $25,000 to the Multicultural Development Center of Iowa. Motion
passed (3-0).
EDC minutes September 25,2023-p.3
PRELIMINARY
Consider FY25 budget recommendation to full City Council for Community Development
Assistance funding for arts and culture organizations:
Kilburg welcomed John Schickedanz, Executive Director of the Englert Theatre. Bergus recused
herself due to a potential conflict of interest. Schickedanz noted that following the pandemic, the
Englert had reduced ticketed events by about 30% and offered more community and free events,
which reduced the organization's earned income. Meanwhile, the Englert assessed programmatic
needs in the community and centered their focus on diversity. As a result, the organization will be
prioritizing diversity in administration, leveraging partnerships, and hiring the first community
engagement position in partnership with FilmScene. Schickedanz also noted shifts in audience
demographics and how the organization is pivoting to support new, more diverse audiences and
programming. Alter asked Schickedanz to expand upon how the core audience has changed and he
noted how they largely lost an older demographic post-pandemic and when they do see that core
audience return, there are younger, and more diverse audience members intermixed. It has been a
learning curve to project performance and metrics of programming due to these new audience profiles.
Next, Kilburg introduced Andrew Sherburne, Executive Director and Co-Founder of FilmScene.
Sherburne noted his appreciation for the City's support and acknowledged current financial
challenges, and also felt an increased funding request was needed. Sherburne mentioned FilmScene
is ten years old and, like the Englert, programming has needed to shift significantly post-pandemic due
to changes in audiences. When faced with the fiscal need to either scale back or grow, they chose to
go bigger. FilmScene has increased payroll and staffing by about 15% since last year, including the
community engagement partnership with Englert. Overall attendance has increased nearly 50%, but
revenue has only increased approximately 33% since they are offering more pay-what-you-can and
free community programming in an effort to be more inclusive. This is particularly notable since
national box office trends have been flat year-over-year. Finally, Sherburne noted since they launched
ten years ago, FilmScene's budget has grown fivefold, increased from one to six screens, and added
a film festival; all of which is estimated to result in an over $2 million local economic impact each year.
Alter asked what budget changes FilmScene is making to address some of the challenges and
opportunities Sherburne described. Sherburne noted the hiring of a Membership & Development
Director and new changes to the membership model will help sustain the organization's financial
health while also maintaining the focus on inclusion of all. In light of the growth the organization is
experiencing, Bergus asked Sherburne what he projects the upper limit to be. He shared that the
industry overall is still recovering and there is more opportunity to expand reach into the community.
Thomas noted his appreciation for the organization's focus on public engagement.
Kilburg welcomed Adam Knight and Kathleen Johnson from Riverside Theater. Knight reported the
Theatre served around 10,000 patrons in 2022-2023 and highlighted some of the performances they
offered over the past year, including the free Shakespeare programming in Lower City Park. Knight
discussed Riverside's unique regional role in both production and employing union artists as well as
Riverside's priority to support diversity and gender parity among their local artists and performers. Last
year, BIPOC performers made up 30% of all hires and 57% were female identifying. Knight also
shared that 85% of all hires are local and out-of-town hires bolster the local economy by spending on
accommodation, dining out, and more. Knight explained how many community theatres are in crisis
and forced to close their doors, and described some of the operational budget cuts Riverside has
made alongside targeted investments in area education which will grow Riverside's reach. City funding
accounted for 5% of Riverside's annual budget in 2019 and now equates to approximately 2.5%.Alter
appreciated Knight's points about Riverside's ability to maintain the balance between advancing
economic impact in an inclusive, equity-forward way. Bergus asked how Riverside may affected by
some of the challenges other small theatres are suffering from. Knight shared that they are in a better
position than many theatres because they proactively made changes to their membership,
EDC minutes September 25,2023-p.4
PRELIMINARY
intentionally employed artists who are reflective of their communities, and benefit from an open-
minded audience in Iowa City. However, costs for supplies and materials are increasing without
proportionate audience and revenue growth.
Next, Kilburg welcomed Lisa Barnes, Executive Director of Summer of the Arts (SoTA). Barnes noted
2023 marked the 401h anniversary of the Arts Festival, 30th anniversary of the Friday Night Concert
Series, and 3211 year of the Jazz Festival. However, unlike other arts organizations, SoTA does not
sell tickets for revenue and face many financial risks with outdoor events and potential weather
impacts. They continue to offer free events and expand partnerships and programming into the
neighborhoods and new areas of the community. SoTA has also strived to diversify programming,
genres, and performers. Barnes explained the increased funding request would support a new,
ongoing concert series in Riverfront Crossings Park, in collaboration with Iowa City Parks &
Recreation.Alter expressed her appreciation for SOTA'S focus on continuous improvement to reflect
community needs and Thomas commented on how important the neighborhood programming is.
Finally, Kilburg introduced Judith Leavitt with the Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature. John Kenyon,
Executive Director, was not able to attend.Alter recused herself due to being on the Board of
Directors. Leavitt discussed the impact of the One Book, Two Book festival, Music IC program, Poetry
in Public, and the Iowa City Book Festival. She also reported that the City's UNESCO designation was
recently renewed and Executive Director John Kenyon serves as the coordinator for the UNESCO City
of Literature network and has conducted extensive networking with other locations sharing the
designation. Leavitt noted staff capacity is a challenge and that the organization will be embarking
upon a new strategic planning effort to evaluate local, state, national, and international partnerships,
areas of priority, and how to improve diversity and inclusivity. Bergus asked for information on how the
organization is extending programming out into neighborhoods and throughout the community. Leavitt
noted Poetry in Public is one way and will ask Kenyon to follow-up.
Given the two recusals, City Attorney Eric Goers suggested the Committee consider recommendations
for FilmScene, Riverside, and SoTA first, followed by the remaining two organizations with the
respective members recusing.
Bergus agreed and reviewed the funding requests for the first three organizations: FilmScene received
$32,000 last year and is requesting $40,000; Riverside Theatre received $20,000 last year and is
requesting $30,000; and Summer of the Arts received $67,000 last year and is requesting $70,350.
Thomas stated he is inclined to support staff's recommendation for stable funding levels, but would
like to revisit later in the budget process. Alter asked staff what ARPA funds had been dedicated to arts
and tourism and whether it had all been exhausted. Kilburg responded that 'Small Business,Arts,
Culture, and Tourism' was one of the initial spending priorities set by the City Council and some
expenditures have been made addressing these priorities, but there are not necessarily ABPA funds
assigned to the category and there are unspent ARPA dollars remaining.
Bergus noted that it is helpful to hear specific uses for increased funding requests. She also stated
there is an opportunity to evaluate this funding wholistically in the future and is inclined to vote with
staff recommendation at this time. Alter reiterated Bergus' comment that it is helpful if the
organizations can tie increased requests to a specific need or use and indicated her support to vote in
line with the staff recommendation. Similar to the business support recommendation, the committee
members expressed a desire to again revisit these funding levels later in the budget process when
more certainty on the City's financial position is known.
EDC minutes September 25,2023 -p.5
PRELIMINARY
Alter moved and Thomas seconded a motion to approve a recommendation to the full council
for$32,000 for FilmScene, $20,000 for Riverside Theatre, and $67,000 for Summer of the Arts.
Motion passed (3-0).
Bergus recused herself. Thomas brought forward the requested and recommended $70,000 for the
Englert Theatre.
Alter moved and Thomas seconded a motion to approve a recommendation to the full council
for$70,000 for the Englert Theatre. Motion passed (2-0, Bergus recused).
Alter recused herself. Bergus brought forward the requested and recommended $60,000 for the Iowa
City UNESCO City of Literature.
Bergus moved and Thomas seconded a motion to approve a recommendation to the full
council for$60,000 for the Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature. Motion passed (2-0, Alter
recused).
Staff Report
Staff provided an update on economic development-related ARPA investments. First, Kilburg reported
on the City's agreement with the University of Iowa Labor Center for a Pre-Apprenticeship Program
serving underrepresented populations in the skilled construction trades. The Center conducted
extensive outreach and engagement and have 32 people registered for the fall cohort, all of whom
represent populations which are considered underrepresented in the construction trades.
Next, Deputy City Manager Redmond Jones provided an update on the $4 million ARPA
Underestimated Business Support program. Jones reviewed the application process in which
applicants were invited to submit a statement of need in the areas of physical space or business
support serving underestimated businesses and entrepreneurs. He reported 31 applications were
received, totaling approximately $26 million in requests.A review committee consisting of City staff
and a City Council representative reviewed applications, met with applicants, and sought to encourage
partnerships.A preliminary funding recommendation is expected to be delivered to City Council by
November. Bergus asked whether the Council Economic Development Committee would play a role in
the process going forward. Jones responded that recommendations will go directly to City Council and
staff intend to remain involved with the awarded applicants to connect them with technical assistance
or other resources needed to implement projects and ensure sustainability beyond the exhaustion of
ARPA funding. Kilburg noted that if it is the Committee's desire, discussion of the overall inclusive
economic development strategy could be a future agenda item.Alter asked Jones how the push for
collaboration impacted final project recommendations. Jones explained that through the process, there
have not been major changes to initial project requests and that partnerships may continue to emerge
in the future, even if they were not able to materialize through this process.
Kilburg also noted staff are in conversation with the two SSM IDs to discuss how an ARPA award could
be used to benefit their district priorities.Alter noted some concerns had been raised about providing
equivalent funding levels due to the size of each and Kilburg said the use of funds may be very
different between the two districts and so appropriate funding levels will be fleshed out as uses are
determined.
Finally, Kilburg reviewed the projected process and timeline for developing the 21 S. Linn Street
property, which is a project that typically would come to the City Council Economic Development
EDC minutes September 25,2023-p.6
PRELIMINARY
Committee. This will kick off with a review of prior similar process with the full City Council in
November or December.
Other Business
None
Adjournment
Alter moved, Thomas seconded that the meeting be adjourned. Motion carried (3-0)
EDC minutes September 25,2023 -p.7
PRELIM-WARY
Council Economic Development Committee
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2020-23
TERM 12/09/20 10127/21 10119/22 11129122 9/25123
NAME EXP.
Megan
Alter 01/02/24 --- --- X X X
Laura
Ber us 01102/24 --- -- X X X
John
Thomas 01/02124 X X X X X
Susan
Mims 01102122 X X
Mazahir
Salih 01/02/22 O/E X
Key:
X = Present
O = Absent
--- = not a member
O/E =Absent/Excused
Item Number: IP7.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
October 26, 2023
Senior Center Commission: October 19
Attachments: Senior Center Commission: October 19
Preliminary Minutes
October 19, 2023
MINUTES
SENIOR CENTER COMMISSION
October 19, 2023
Assembly Room, Iowa City Senior Center
Members Present: Lee McKnight, Warren Paris, Jay Gilchrist, Nancy Ostrognai,
Angela McConville
Members Absent: Susan Mellecker, Tasha Lard
Staff Present: Kristin Kromray, LaTasha DeLoach, Sarah Gardner
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 SEPTEMBER 21, 2023, MEETING:
Motion: To accept the minutes from the September 21, 2023. Motion carried
on a vote of 510. Gilchrist/McKnight
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
None.
CLIMATE ACTION COORDINATOR PRESENTATION:
Sarah Gardner discussed several of the Climate Action office's initiatives and
programs including Iowa City's greenhouse gas audit, partnership with Americorp
for home energy audits, Spot the Hot, Energy Blitz, Solar initiatives on public and
private buildings, EV charging station grants focusing on apartment buildings, the
fare free pilot for buses, and the Climate Action newsletter. Gilchrist asked about
energy audits for the Senior Center. Gardner noted that as a historic building it
was one of the lowest ranking buildings in the City. Upcoming exterior projects
are anticipated to help with this. McKnight asked when the entire bus fleet will be
electric. Currently the City has 4 electric buses and soon due to grant funding will
increase to 8. The City is planning a new bus transit hub which will take some
years to complete, but it will be a zero carbon site and will allow for all buses to
be electric. Gilchrist asked about community solar. Gardner stated that it is not
1
Preliminary Minutes
October 19, 2023
currently allowable by the state and discussed ways to communicate the desire
for this type of solar.
OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW:
DeLoach noted the pre-bid for the exterior work occurred this week. The exterior
work has been split into two parts due to the bonding of the CIP funds. Masonry
work and tuckpointing will occur first. The second bid will be the buildings
windows.
The Senior Center purchased a balance machine and is partnering with the VNA
on working with members on using it to measure their balance.
There will be a new member lunch on November 81h. Commissioners were invited
to attend.
The Senior Center is starting a new volunteer program called Senior Center
Ambassadors. These volunteers will be greeters, give tours, and distribute
program guides.
The Senior Center has been given the go ahead to pilot evening and weekend
hours. There are currently two hourly positions being advertised. The extended
hours will potentially start in December.
DeLoach reported the music groups have grown significantly in recent months.
Additionally, the Queer Elders and Original Mature Groovers are continuing to
meet regularly. The Original Mature Groovers will be hosting a Black Iowans
Gala on February 3rd at the Senior Center. The inaugural Friends of the Senior
Center pickleball tournament held last month was successful.
Heather Shane was hired as the part time Development Specialist and started in
September.
COMMISSION DISCUSSION:
Gilchrist asked where the funds for the exterior project are coming from.
DeLoach stated that the exterior funds are all public funds through bonds or
funds the City has set aside for these projects. It is possible that there will be
fundraising for interior projects down the road.
Ostrognai reported that a community member approached her about the
possibility of the Senior Center utilizing the City owned vacant lot across the
street from the Senior Center. DeLoach noted the City Council will ultimately
decide what happens with that property. Ostrognai asked if it would be helpful to
encourage community members to write to the City Council. DeLoach said that
would be an option and stated that Commissioners could also choose to came to
2
Preliminary Minutes
October 19, 2023
a consensus for a suggestion and submit a memo to City Council. As a staff
member DeLoach noted that she does not have an opinion on this, but her role is
to support the Commission in this type of matter. Ostrognai stated that the idea of
the lot remaining green space is appealing and would like the Commission to
consider this. McConville asked Ostrognai to do research into what the City
Council is currently thinking regarding that space and report back. Once
additional information is collected Commissioners can discuss and consider a
formal suggestion to City Council. Paris noted the City will be using that location
as construction staging for the Senior Centers exterior work and other downtown
construction projects in the short term.
McConville noted Commission terms will be up at the end of this year for
Ostrognai and Melleker. According to the by-laws they will make up the
Nomination Committee for the Commission executive committee. Voting for
these positions should be put on the December commission agenda.
Meeting Adjourned.
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