HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-02-06 Bd Comm minutesItem Number: 4.a.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
February 6, 2024
Ad Hoc Truth & Reconciliation Commission: January 4 [See Recommendation]
Attachments: Ad Hoc Truth & Reconciliation Commission: January 4 [See
Recommendation]
-,� CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM
Date: February 1, 2024
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Stefanie Bowers, Equity Director
Re: Recommendation from the Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission
At its January 4, 2024, meeting the Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission voted and by
a majority requests the City Council to allow the TRC to be able to use $250.000.00 from the
Black Lives Matter fund. The funding will allow the TRC to fulfill its resolution. Simmons moved,
Tassinary seconded the motion. The motion passed 5-0-2, with Dillard and Gathua abstaining.
Additional action (check one)
No further action is needed
X Board or Commission is requesting Council direction
_Agenda item will be prepared by staff for Council action
January 4, 2024
Approved Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Minutes
Emma J. Harvat Hall, City Hall
Commissioners present: Lauren Merritt, Marie Krebs, Louis Tassinary, Chad Simmons, Wangui
Gathua.
Commissioners on Zoom: Chastity Dillard, Sikowis Nobiss.
Commissioners not present: Cliff Johnson
Staff present: Redmond Jones, Stefanie Bowers.
Recommendation to City Council: Yes. Simmons moved for the TRC to request $250.000.00
from the City Council to allow the TRC to fulfill its mission- the resolution; Tassinary seconded
the motion. The motion passed 5-0-2, with Dillard and Gathua abstaining.
Meeting called to order: 7:08 PM.
Reading of Land Acknowledgement: Merritt read the Land Acknowledgement.
Approval of minutes from the December 7 meeting: Simmons moved, and Tassinary seconded.
The motion passed 7-0.
To Public comment of items not on the agenda: David Sterling would welcome an opportunity
to have a dialogue on the definition of anti-semitism. Sterling is open to working with the TRC on
finding ways to engage with the Jewish community. The TRC can assist in bridging the gaps in
the conflict in Gaza.
Annie Tucker mentioned the persons in the community who want to be a part of the work that the
TRC is currently doing.
Next steps for Phase 2: Melinda Salazar, Think Peace, presented on the trauma -informed truth
telling and witnessing protocol. The overview of the presentation included the below key points.
Trauma Basics & Trauma -Informed Truth Telling
• Triggers, impact, post-traumatic stress syndrome, and somatic abolitionism.
Prepare Truth Tellers
• Pre -meeting and build relationships.
Conduct Testimony
Thank, affirm, and invite.
• Do not interrogate or impose.
• Allow space and offer support.
• Provide and encourage care.
Prepare Witnesses
Psychological, physiological.
Post Truth Telling
Follow up and maintain relationships.
Lang Schooler, Kearns and West, presented the roadmap. The roadmap includes completed
outputs, the role of each facilitation team, and goals for each week. The roadmap concludes with a
presentation to City Council on April 16 and then one final meeting with the TRC and facilitators
on April 18. The commission discussed whether the current roadmap is doable or should be
restructured. This will be discussed in more detail at the TRC's next meeting date.
Commissioners spent some time on their current workload, believing that to complete Phase 2 by
March 31 is feeling very rushed. Particularly considering members not receiving any financial
compensation. One suggestion is to break into teams to complete the work.
Request for an additional $250,000.00 from the City Council: Commissioners discussed whether
the facilitation team had met expectations in terms of services rendered and what the
Commissioners' role is in relation to the facilitation team --who does the work for the TRC.
Commissioners differed on their understanding of the relationship between themselves and the
hired facilitators. This included delegation of work. Some Commissioners believe staff should be
hired to complete the resolution's goals that established the TRC. Tucker noted that the city failed
to hire the TRC Coordinator requested by the facilitation team as a part of their proposal.
The discussion broadened into projects and opportunities to fulfill the objectives of the resolution.
There is additional work the TRC must do that cannot be performed by the facilitators.
People test projects could include the following:
• Truthsgiving
• Black Educator's Work Group
• Civil Leadership Program
• Housing Initiative
• Black Business Wealth
These projects would require additional funding from the City to the TRC. These projects would
allow the TRC to test the waters. The list would also need to be expanded to be more
representative of all persons. Simmons moved for the TRC to request $250.000.00 from the City
Council to allow the TRC to fulfill its mission- the resolution; Tassinary seconded the motion. The
motion passed 5-0-2, with Dillard and Gathua abstaining.
Commissioner Simmons requested that by the next TRC meeting date, he would request a written
letter by a City official, not the City Attorney, as to the authority of the TRC. This would include
the power they have to act independently in terms of financial and contractable decisions.
MLK Day: The TRC is a co-sponsor of MLK Day events that will be held on Monday, January 15
from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The TRC will have a vendor table and a room reserved where they
will give informational presentations on their work.
Native Partners Healing Circle training and events: A flyer has been created to advertise the
Circles. The circles will be held from January 26- January 28 at the Eastside Environmental
Education Session, 2401 Scott Blvd., SE. Discussion was held on the concerns of appropriation of
Indigenous practices and customs. The facilitation team will contact Commissioners to ensure the
training content is agreeable to them.
Announcement of Commissioners: Krebs spoke on a petition on the Great Plains Action Society
website on the recent recommendation by the Board of Regents to gut all DEI programming at
state universities. Gathua spoke on the Perry school shooting that occurred earlier in the day.
Nobiss mentioned the recent resolution by the City Council on the conflict in Gaza. Dillard asked
members to recommend Amos K.iche for the open seat on the TRC.
The meeting adjourned at 10:58 PM. To view the recording or listen to the audio of this meeting,
visit this link.
AD HOC TRUTH & RECONCILIATION COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2424
(Meeting Date)
NAME
TERM
EXP.
1/4
1/18
2/1
2/15
3/7
3/21
4/4
4/18
5/2
5/16
6/6
6/20
7/18
Dillard
12/31/24
Z
Gathua
12/31/24
P
Vacant
12/31/24
Johnson
12/31/24
A
Krebs
12/31/24
P
Merritt
12/31/24
P
Nobiss
12/31/24
Z
Simmons
12/31/24
P
Tassinary
12/31/24
P
P = Present in person
A = Absent
Z = Zoom
Item Number: 4.b.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
February 6, 2024
Airport Commission: November 15
Attachments: Airport Commission: November 15
MINUTES
IOWA CITY AIRPORT COMMISSION
November 15, 2023 — 5:00 P.M.
AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING
Members Present: Judy Pfohl, Chris Lawrence, Hellecktra Orozco,
Members Absent: Warren Bishop, Ryan Story
Staff Present: Michael Tharp (via Zoom), Jennifer.Schwickerath,
Others Present: Sam Brooks, Kevin Bailey, Carl Byers
Ifx�7i}iT,tirttff�I7i�C�7� F'i IIiItZ�Itl�LatRl
None
A quorum was determined at 8:00 pm and Orozco called the meeting to order.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
FINAL
Pfohl moved to accept the minutes of October 19, 2023, as amended, seconded by Lawrence.
Motion carried 5-0
PUBLIC COMMENT - Bruce Pfohl gave a picture of Judy's father taken in front of John
Ockenfels aircraft to the Commission as part of their donations to the art mural.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION / ACTION
a. Unhoused encampments (Stevens Drive/Sturgis Ferry) — Tharp stated this was
the last meeting before they started the formal action. Tharp noted that they didn't
want to file until the winter shelter was open which would be on December 0, so
that meant that the May notice period would start on Friday December 11.
Schwickerath noted that the west side of the river would be a joint filing with the City
as part of the ground was transferred to the city for the transit building area.
Lawrence moved to give Tharp and Schwickerath the authority to move forward with
the eviction notices and filing on December 4th. Seconded by Pfohl. Motion carried
5-0
b. Hangar A Mural Project— Tharp noted that the art mural project was complete and
that the artist had completed the requested changes and they were ready to accept
the project as complete.
I. Consider a resolution accepting project as complete — Resolution
#A23-18 moved by Lawrence, seconded by Orozco. Motion carried 5-0
c. Airport Construction Projects:
1. FAA grant projects
1. Runway 25 Threshold Relocation — Tharp stated that the
contractor was out and finished the light installs they were waiting
Airport Commission
November 16, 2023
Page 2of4
for and that the project was now complete. Tharp stated that they
would most likely have an acceptance resolution at the next
meeting.
2. Runway 12/30 Displaced Threshold/Relocation — Tharp stated
that this was still a Spring project and that they would discuss
scheduling with the contractor in January or February
3. Terminal Area Study — Tharp stated they had submitted the report
to the FAA and wereworking through comments FAA had regarding
the report. Tharp stated they had applied for the grant for
design/review and that he didn't expect the announcement of award
until February. Tharp noted that there was some concern with the
FAA declaring some of the areas as non -eligible because of the way
the program works, and they were working that. Byers stated that
they were looking for additional grant resources for any pieces that
might not be eligible for FAA funds.
4. Solar Power Project — Tharp stated that they had received word
from their congressional delegation that the next round of FAA BIL
funding was about to be announced. He stated that number was
$293,000 and that they'd have around $700,000 of BIL money for
the project. Tharp noted the project budget for phase 1 was
$500,000
5. FAA FY24 AIP Pre -Application- Byers shared the application
packet with members and Tharp stated that this was the AIP pre -
application for the FAA AIP Program. Tharp noted that with the
terminal and solar power projects, they did not actually have an AIP
project planned for FY24 in order to build up funds for the next
project in line which was the runway pavement maintenance. Tharp
stated the draft was due to the FAA tomorrow for comments.
it. Iowa DOT grant projects
1. FY23 Program
a, Terminal Building Improvements —Tharp stated they were
just waiting for the contractor to get their supplies and that
this was likely going to be a spring project. Bishop asked for
a project description and Tharp responded that this was the
project to replace the plywood baggage area with glass brick.
iii. Airport/Locally Funded Projects — none
Iv. Future Projects — none
d. Airport "Operations"
I. Budget — Tharp stated that he and Orozco had their budget meeting with
the City Manager and Finance staff. He stated that it could have gone better.
Tharp noted that between the time the Commission submitted their budget
and when all the numbers were finalized with other city departments, they
had an insurance cost increase of $10,000 that they didn't expect. Tharp
noted that they had made some other decisions as part of the budget and
the budget was showing a $20,000 deficit. Tharp stated that he, Orozco,
and Lawrence were able to meet after the budget meeting and refine the
proposed budget that it showed a $5000 surplus. Tharp noted they did this
by including the revenue generated from the fuel flowage fee increase, the
projected electricity savings with the solar power project, and also a
Ai rport Commission
November 15, 2023
Page 3 of 4
projected hangar rate increase. Tharp stated that they were also asked
about the airport fund balance because it was showing a negative balance.
Tharp noted that this was due to the way they funded the art project and
once the funds from the donors were received from the community
foundation, they'd have a positive balance again. Orozco asked about the
water bill. Tharp noted that they had the water department come out and
helped find a couple of leaks that were impacting the water bill.
it. Management — Tharp stated that the City Manager's office had sent out an
email update on the compensation and classification study. Tharp noted that
there were no recommended changes for the airport so he expected their
role in the study was complete.
iii. Events — Tharp noted that as the calendar was updated for 2024 he would
populate the list again.
e. FBO / Flight Training Reports
i. Jet Air — Wolford noted that he had just returned from a trip. Wolford stated
that he'd attended a couple of business conferences and collectively the
industry was seeing the same thing which was a downward trend of activity
and pricing.
f. Commission Members' Reports —Story asked about what the Commission could
do look at projects that benefit hangar tenants in relation to the price the Commission
charges for rent.
Stpff Report — Tharp noted that he was planning to take the week between Christmas
and New Years off.
SET NEXT RtGULAR MEETING — Members set the next meeting for December 14`h, 6:00pm.
ADJOURN
Story moved to adjourn, seconded by Bishop. Motion carried 5-0. Meeting adjourned at 6:25pm.
5`202_4
C H A I R P RSON DATE
Airport Comm Iasion
November 15, 2023
Page 4of4
Airport Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2022.2023
Key.,
X = Present
X/E = Present for Part of Meeting
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = Not a Member at this time
X/S = Present for subcommittee meeting
O/S = Absent, not a member of the subcommittee
TERM
i
'LN
N
w
£
ar
a
m
0OD
EXP.
3
N
Q
N
N
N
i
.Y
N
rj
i
i
N
i
NAME
N
N
W
W
N
W
N
ham!
W
N
W
W
fv
W
N
W
N
N
W
W
W
W
W
Warren
06130/26
Bishop
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
OIE
X
Scott Clair
06/30/23
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
' O/E
X/E
O/E
NM
NM
NM
NM
NM
Christopher
06130125
X
X
X
O/E
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
Lawrence
._
i Hellecktra
06!30/24
X
X
X
X
X/E
O/E
O/E
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
Orozco
Judy Pfohl
06/30/26
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Ryan Story
06/30/27
Not a member
X
0/E
X
OlE
X
Key.,
X = Present
X/E = Present for Part of Meeting
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = Not a Member at this time
X/S = Present for subcommittee meeting
O/S = Absent, not a member of the subcommittee
Item Number: 4.c.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
February 6, 2024
Community Police Review Board: December 12 [See Recommendation]
Attachments: Community Police Review Board: December 12 [See Recommendation]
CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM
Date: January 11, 2024
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Tammy Neumann, Community Police Review Board Staff
Re: Recommendation from Community Police Review Board
At their December 12, 2023 meeting the Community Police Review Board made the following
recommendation to the City Council:
(1) Accept CPRB 23-13 Summary Dismissal
Additional action (check one)
X No further action needed
Board or Commission is requesting Council direction
Agenda item will be prepared by staff for Council action
S:RECform.doc
FINAL/APPROVED
COMMUNITY POLICE REVIEW BOARD
MINUTES — DECEMBER 12, 2023
CALL TO ORDER Chair Melissa Jensen called the meeting to order at 5:30 P.M.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Ricky Downing, Jessica Hobart, Melissa Jensen, Jam 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
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
Accept CPRE 23-13 Summary Dismissal
CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion by Townsend, seconded by MacConnell to adopt the consent calendar as presented.
Minutes of the meeting on November 14, 2023
Office Contacts — November 2023
• Complaint Deadlines
Motion carried 7-0.
NEW BUSINESS
None
OLD BUSINESS
Follow-up Discussion — CPRB Meetino Flow & Processes:
Townsend asked what the issue was that was discussed at the previous meeting. Jensen explained
that there was some concern about the flow of the meetings. She believes the binders provided by staff
for each of the CPRB board members should help with this. Remington said she would put together a
summary of Robert's Rules to share at the January meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENT OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
No public comment.
BOARD INFORMATION
Mekies asked to discuss the Iowa City Police Department's policy on choke holds at the next meeting.
This item will be added as a new business item to the January 2023 agenda.
Townsend asked to discuss Iowa City Police Department recognition at January meeting. This item will
be added as a new business item to the January 2023 agenda.
STAFF INFORMATION
None.
CPRB
December 12, 2023
Page 2
TENTATIVE MEETING SCHEDULE and FUTURE AGENDAS {subject to change)
• January 9, 2024, 5:30 PM, Halling Conference Room
• February 13, 2024, 5:30 PM, Helling Conference Room
• March 12, 2024,5:30 PM, Helling Conference Room
• April 9, 2024,5:30 PM, Helling Conference Room
Jensen will be absent from the March 12, 2024 meeting. The Board agreed that no changes are
necessary to the existing meeting schedule.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion by Townsend, seconded by Remington, 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 7t0. Open session adjourned 5:38 p.m.
REGULAR SESSION
Returned to open session at 5:53 p.m.
Motion by Remington, seconded by Townsend, to set the level of review for CPRE Complaint 23-10 at
8-8-7(B)(1)(a) on the record with no additional investigation.
Motion carried 7-0
Motion by Mekies, seconded by Townsend, to set the level of review for CPRB Complaint 23-11 at 8-8-
7(6)(1)(a) on the record with no additional investigation.
Motion carried 6-0. Remington abstained.
Motion by Mekies, seconded by Townsend, to set the level of review for CPRB Complaint 23-12 at
8-8-7(B)(1)(a) on the record with no additional investigation.
Motion carried 6-0. MacConnell abstained.
Motion by Remington, seconded by Townsend, to summarily dismiss CPRB Complaint 23-13 per
8-8-3(D) "A Complaint to the board" is an allegation of misconduct lodged against a sworn police officer
("police officer" or "office") employed by the Iowa City Police Department, where the complained of
activity occurred while the officer was acting in the capacity of a sworn police officer.
Motion carried 7t0.
CPRB
December 12, 2023
Page 3
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Mekies, seconded by Townsend, to adjourn.
Motion carried 7/0.
Meeting adjourned at 5:57 p.m.
COMMUNITY POLICE REVIEW BOARD
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2022-2023
(Meetin¢ Date)
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent(Excused
NM = No meeting
— = Not a Member
TERM
01110k3
02/1423
014/23
NAM
44RO/23
MOM
WIN23
91111D
98123 1
9/12123
IW n3
MOM
11114/23
iNtS23
NAME
EXPIRES
Forvm
F.
W&Y
6130126
O/E
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Downing
Jnsice
6130126
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
X
x
X
x
X
Robvrl
Mtfln.
613WM
x
wE
x
x
x
x
X
X
X
x
WE
x
x
X
J¢...
Jerrl
6130129
x
X
x
x
x
It
x
x
Ole
X
X
x
X
X
MaeC... eH
Saw Mekka
6130/25
X
X
x
x
x
x
X
X
M
X
X
X
X
X
Amanda
61302A
wE
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
x
(WE
X
X
It mm.
Orvele
6/3024
O/E
x
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
T..d
slur)
6/3024
x
x
x
x—
Vander V,w
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent(Excused
NM = No meeting
— = Not a Member
CPRB REPORT OF SUMMARY DISMISSAL TO THE CITY
COUNCIL
Re: Investigation of Complaint CPRB #23-13
On December 12, 2023, the Community Police Review Board ("CPRB") reviewed
Complaint CPRB #23-13, filed December 12, 2023. The Board concurred with the
findings of the Chief of Police that the complaint did not concern the conduct of an
Iowa City police officer.
City Code, Section 8-8-3 (A) provides:
A "complaint to the board" is an allegation of misconduct lodged against a
sworn police officer ("police officer" or "officer a employed by the City of
Iowa City police wt _where the complained of activity occurred
while the officer was acting in the capacity of a sworn police officer.
(Emphasis added.)
City Code Section 8-8-3 (E), provides:
"...those complaints to the board which do not involve the conduct of an
Iowa City sworn police officer or are not timely filed may be subject to
summary dismissal by the board."
In accordance with these code provisions, Complaint CPRB #23-04 was summarily
dismissed.
DATED: December 13, 2023
Item Number: 4.d.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
February 6, 2024
Historic Preservation Commission: December 14
Attachments: Historic Preservation Commission: December 14
MINUTES APPROVED
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
DECEMBER 14, 2023-5:30 PM–FORMAL MEETING
E M M A J. HARVAT HALL, CITY HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Margaret Beck, Carl Brown, Andrew Lewis, Jordan Sellergren, Noah
Stork, Deanna Thomann, Nicole Villanueva, Frank Wagner, Christina
Welu-Reynolds
L I :11 LTi I:3A;W-1131A ZI
STAFF PRESENT: Jessica Bristow
OTHERS PRESENT: Barry Westemeyer, Laura Hansen
CALL TO ORDER:
Sellergren called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANYTHING NOT ON THE AGENDA:
None.
HPC23-0074: 738 Oakland Avenue- Longfellow Historic District (basement egress window and
window well):
Bristow began the staff report stating this property is in the Longfellow Historic District and is a
foursquare house. The project is to put in a basement egress window. Bristow explained the reason it's
not a staff approvable project is because of the location of the egress window, normally it would need to
be towards the back of the house or on the back of the house however, they have proposed that the
egress window would go towards the front of the house on the south side because that's where they're
putting the bedroom in the basement. There is an existing window there hidden by a shrub. The
applicants would install what is typically recommended, a casement window that on the top would look
like the existing basement windows, it will have a muntin bar across the middle so that it looks like a
double hung window from the outside, and additionally the window well will be a material that matches
the foundation, which in this case is a stucco coated foundation. The guidelines state if new window
wells are required the materials used must appear similar to the existing foundation, to add windows
that match the type, size and sash with trim, use of divided lights and overall appearance of the existing
windows. Bristow noted here they are just replacing an existing window and will be keeping the window
opening the same width and the head of the window will remain at the same location as the existing
head, they're just dropping the sill of that window to make it an accessible sized opening.
Staffs recommended motion for this project is to approve the certificate of appropriateness as
presented in the staff report with the following condition, that the window sashes are black. Bristow
explained that is something that staff recommends anytime they're using a metal clad window since it's
not as easily paintable as wood. In this case, the existing sashes are black as well but the window that
they presented was white aluminum so staff would recommend that condition is met.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
DECEMBER 14, 2023
Page 2 of 17
MOTION: Wagner moves to approve a certificate of appropriateness at 738 Oakland Avenue as
presented in the staff report with the following conditions:
• The window sashes are black.
Stork second the motion
Sellergren noted she has seen on other houses an egress window where there is a galvanized steel
dome that is set into the ground, is that how this would be. Bristow explained that's the portion of the
guidelines that states it is required that the window well matches the foundation so they would not
approve a galvanized steel window well, it could be either poured concrete or concrete block in this
case because it would be coated in stucco to match the foundation.
Lewis asked for clarification on the statement if a casement window is used here instead of a double
hung window. Bristow explained it's because an egress window has to have a certain dimension of
opening for accessibility and usually unless it's a very large double hung window, it won't provide that
size. A casement window when it opens fully can provide that size space as well so it's very typical to
also approve a casement window and add the muntin bars so that from the outside it appears like a
double hung window. Obviously, when it's open it will look like a casement.
Wagner noted if it's 5.75 square feet of opening as the minimum, is there still a portion under the
ground or below the soil level. Bristow confirmed there is and that's why the window well will be
required. The windowsill will drop below the ground in order to have enough space to get the right size
casement window installed and the reason the window well is required is to hold back the ground. She
added the window well has required dimensions as well. She also noted since it's holding back the
earth and would collect water it is best if they put a drainpipe in it as well, that is something that isn't
always done.
A vote was taken and the motion carried on a vote of 9-0.
HPC23-0002: 811 East College Street - College Green Historic District (mini -split installation
Bristow stated this property is a key property in the College Green Historic District, it has always been
considered individually eligible for the National Register or for local landmark status. It is the historic
Rohrbacher Sanitarium and was built in 1927. Dr. Rohrbacher had another large house on that property
that he used for a long time and then he built this building, and that house was dismantled with quite a
few trim details and other elements of that house used in this building. She showed images noting it
went through a major rehab by Mark McCallum quite a few years ago and is now apartments. It does
have a building in the rear that used to be a garage andlor carriage house. It also had a large boiler for
the property that was remote in the garage. This project is the installation of mini splits for air
conditioning and since mini splits require a mechanical permit it therefore requires a historic review.
Bristow noted this project was completed in the past and she was notified by several members of the
public that it had been done without a permit. Bristow showed an image from Google in 2022 that
shows some of the piping from the mini splits that sit on the roof. The piping then travels down the face
of the building, one enters in the decorative lintel above a window, another penetrates right through the
decorative arch above another window. The roof has big scuppers that take the water and channel it
into downspouts located on the far east side of the building likely because the builders of the building
considered that the less public side, and that's where the parking is as well.
Bristow stated when this project was reported to the City, they reached out to the owner, in July 2022.
They tried to contact them about several things and in the meantime, they had another project on
another building that they worked through and all the time trying to communicate about this building.
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Finally on January 6, 2023, the owners submitted an application for the project and staff provided a
comment about the fact that this piping did impact the historic character of the building but didn't get
any response. Staff had been working specifically with one of the owners, but in July 2023 they
reached out and said that it was the other owner who was the person in charge. Staff wrote to that
owner and did not receive a response. With then approach o the end of the year, staff decided they
needed to get the project reviewed. Staff reached out to the owner again and stated it would be put on
the agenda. The owner responded by providing a letter that stated the need for the mini split system
was to remove the exterior air conditioning units, which getting rid of those would help to not damage
the building. Bristow stated there was never any question about whether or not something like this
could be done, it's just that staff would have worked with them to make sure that the location of the
piping was appropriate. For instance, there is a house in Manville Heights, a local landmark, but before
it was landmark the owner installed mini splits for the whole house and there's absolutely no exterior
piping on that project, all of the mini splits are located in a place where they ran the piping down
through chases they made in the backs of closets and some soffits to run it horizontally through the
house. Typically, in a project like this, if the owner had reached out, staff would work with them and
their HVAC contractor to come up with a plan of how to do this work. Staffs recommendation would be
that piping that's exposed on the exterior should not be located on the front face of the building and it
should never penetrate any architectural details. Additionally, it should always be painted to blend with
the building and if the units were visible they would need to be screened as well.
Bristow stated the guidelines do not talk about piping per se so this is one of those areas where they
look to the Secretary of Interior standards and there are four standards that are related to this. The first
standard that applies to this is Standard 2, the historic character of a property shall be retained and
preserved and the removal of historic materials or alteration of features and spaces that characterize a
property shall be avoided. She stated this standard enforces they should not put piping through
important details because they should avoid altering those aspects of the building. Next is Standard 5,
distinctive features, finishes and construction techniques are examples of craftsmanship that
characterize a property and shall be preserved. This is a similar sentiment as the first standard. Third
is Standard g which states new additions, including piping, exterior alterations or related new
construction shall not destroy historic materials that characterize the property. And finally Standard 10
is new additions and adjacent or related new construction shall be undertaken in such a manner that if
removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the historic property and its environment would
be unimpaired. Bristow also noted this type of installation project is similar to radon mitigation systems
which have been approved for staff review so they don't need to come to the Commission and are
approved through staff review if they meet specific conditions. The conditions for radon mitigation
installation that could be considered a template for reviewing the installation of mini -splits include the
fact that the system is on a non -street facing elevation and located on the rear of the property if
possible and the exposed PVC pipe is painted to match the structure.
Staffs recommendation is that any piping on the north wall of the building and each side of the front
projecting bay is relocated, any additional piping is painted to blend with the building behind, and any
damage to the brick building caused by the project is repaired with matching brick and mortar so that
isn't it is not visible.
Bristow stated the initial recommendation from staff was to put it through the roof and run it straight
down through a chase, but the owner stated both their HVAC installer and their roofer don't think that's
a viable option. Staff would then suggest an alternate option to go in the eastside (or south side) and go
laterally through the building using chases or soffits. This does require work and they must then finish
that wall or ceiling, however, this does preserve the exterior of the building.
If this Commission were to approve the recommendation as staff has stated it, that would involve the
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owner working with staff on this, which they have not worked with staff in any way on this project
whatsoever to this point, but that would be a requirement. The alternative would be if the Commission
felt that it was appropriate to just leave them painted as they are they could decide to approve that as
well.
Lewis asked if the paint currently matches the brick color because it looks like a different color so what
is the actual distinction between matching and non-matching. Bristow acknowledged brick does have a
depth of color and some variation in color so it can be difficult to match as well.
Barr Westemever stated he and his wife both own this property together; he is the owner, the
secondary owner that was referred. He acknowledges ignorance is no way to work through this, but
they were working hard to restore this building and he wanted to give the Commission some
background. First when they bought the building every spring and every fall he installed and
uninstalled 15 window units that mounted to custom made storm windows that were basically
destroying those storm windows. Also the effervescence or the condensation was running off which
required them to re -tuck point that building and ended up spending close to $15,000 from the damage.
Westemeyer stated they were working with a credible local contractor, and just basically went at it from
the front side. The contractor had no idea and was a little mystified because he did not know if needed
to be permitted but they did end up getting it permitted and paid that substantial fee of 1000s of dollars.
Westemeyer has been trying to backwards engineer this to a certain extent, their HVAC guy said he
would never go through the roof and a roofing contractor said that is not an option and voids the
warranty of that roof. The roof is complex, it's not necessarily a flat roof, but there's some interesting
trusses and how water moves to the scuppers on the east side. He thought it was most viable because
they were getting the cartridges on the inside to bedrooms or living rooms, and that's where they were
removing window units from as well. Westemeyer admitted he didn't know the fine details of the historic
benefits that are derived and had to be concisely followed. They were just looking at it from the
standpoint of not only the window air conditioners but the boiler that was contained in the basement of
the carriage house was no longer viable because it was a steam system and was damaging the main
building from steam hammers, water hammers, losing plaster, and they had all sorts of issues based
upon that unit. Westemeyer stated they were in a bit of a time crunch to get this resolved because they
were not going to have that boiler unit for the winter of 2022-23. Regarding the color, they matched the
original color of the downspouts, that's the assumption they made with the color. From an ownership
standpoint, he just wanted to interject that his wife and he have owned this building for over a decade
now and continue to make improvements, they want that building to be the best building that it can be.
Yes, it's a rental property but they try very hard to attract good tenants, they have several retirees, they
have young professionals, and they have grad students, they try to avoid undergrads. They have quiet
hours after 11 o'clock in that building and one of their tenants is a master gardener so great pride is
taken on the grounds of that building. None of the work was done cheap, it's a building that they take a
lot of pride and put a lot of work into. He is there four or five days a week doing work for tenants, yard
work, maintenance and things like that so it's not an absentee landlord situation either. Westemeyer
stated they live here locally, and he's been in business here since 1996.
Sellergren acknowledged it's a gorgeous structure, and thanked Westemeyer for maintaining it and
asked when they did decide to do the HVAC system this newer way was there any discussion about
putting pipes through the roof. Westemeyer stated their HVAC contractor referred them to the person
that did the roof and he said the roof warranty would be voided because it's very interesting how the
roof is constructed, it's not a true flat roof, it has a membrane over the top of it and also has closed cell
foam with a coating over the top of that. So to be able to get through that, it's almost like there's a mini
truss system up there that moves the water in and ramps it to the scuppers on the east side, so coming
through the roof was going to be very complex and almost undoable based upon their opinions.
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Beck asked if there is a way to adjust this so that it would meet the guidelines for approval, per
Westemeyer's description of what they've tried and what seems to be unfeasible, is it is it possible for
him to meet the guidelines. Westemeyer stated it would be unfeasible, to go back and redo the line
sets that go into each cartridge into the bedrooms, they would have to be torn off the front, torn off that
the bay portion on the west side, and have to be rerouted back over the back side or the east side.
Additionally, on the inside standpoint, it's not like there are exact apartments stacked one on another,
every apartment is different so to be able to move through those spaces and find places in closets,
there's some of the places that the closets are half the size of this podium, so then to be able to hang
cartridges in the proper space, to both air condition and heat those spaces would be a challenge. That's
why they were placed where they were placed for optimization. Westemeyer stated also he's had this
discussion about a retro standpoint with his HVAC contractor and the cost was a consideration as well,
by the time that system was put in and wired and everything it was a six figure system, it was not
inexpensively done.
Lewis asked about specific guidelines for mini splits. Bristow reiterated they don't have specific
guidelines for those and instead follow the Secretary of the Interior standards.
Lewis asked again what the staff recommendation was regarding relocating the piping. Bristow stated
the staff recommendation would remove the piping from at least those locations where it penetrates
architectural details, so to either come in on the south, east or the west side. If they can't travel the
pipes vertically then it would be a matter of making a soffit and traveling horizontally at the roof level, or
the ceiling level in each floor.
Sellergren asked to what degree Historic Preservation staff would be able to provide guidance.
Westemeyer started with his contractor, and he had no idea that it had to be a permitted job. This
contractor does a lot of work in Iowa City and it's the first time that he has ever had to permit a mini split
system and he's never had an issue since. Westemeyer acknowledged obviously the ball was dropped,
but it wasn't an intention to mislead, and he has been trying to figure out options and running into dead
ends because if they start pulling all these line sets it's seasonal sensitive and these people will be
without their heat and/or their air conditioning for a substantial time, the install was probably over two
months. Then trying to find ways to come back into the building, going through other people's
apartments to get to those front apartments.
Bristow noted in 2016 the sorority on the corner of Burlington and Dodge were going to put in this kind
of system and that contractor knew that these do require permits across the City always. With that
project that contractor did reach out to staff and they worked with them about where they would go on
the outside, where the piping would run, and reviewed the location of the things on the inside to verify
locations of piping on the outside. She explained that's why staff has architectural training, to be able to
work through things like this. Obviously, the owner would be in that conversation but that's the kind of
project where staff would typically work with the contractor. Contractors who do this type of work often
want to do it in the easiest way possible, because that's easiest for everyone, but that's not always the
most appropriate installation and it is common for things like this to be worked through. Bristow stated
they have to hide the piping and it can be done in some way. No, they're not going to require that they
do it in the middle of winter, or in the hottest part of the summer, staff will work with owners on these
types of projects to come up with a solution that works for everyone but also preserves the historic
character of the building.
Stork had a general question and remark about the damage that was done from the window units and
the effort to have those there and remove them, it just seems like the obvious solution is the mini split
and the piping but where does it go and how to they make it work and preserve the aesthetics of the
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building. It is a balance of pros and cons but was Westemeyer and his wife happy with the aesthetics
of the white pipe. Westemeyer replied no, the intention was always to paint them. Regarding the
window units, there were no window units in 1927, but were needed in later years and when they're
hanging window units for six months out of the year, they're changing the look of that building,
aesthetically, and it doesn't look like it was when it was built.
Sellergren noted but that's not permanent. Westemeyer agreed but stated it's still there for six months
out of the year and it caused gradual permanent damage.
Sellergren asked if Westemeyer would be open to the idea of working with staff to approach these one
by one and find the best possible solutions. Westemeyer stated looking at it from the standpoint of a
sorority house, it's empty for three months out of the year, and over Christmas break, they have tenants
in there full time and their tenants are their customers.
Thomann noted Westemeyer stated they've had the property for 10 years, when they bought it did they
know that it was in a historic district. Westemeyer confirmed he knew but didn't know the guidelines
and the boundaries. They own other properties in town, but this was their first in a historic district and
first older building. There's been a lot of learning on the run with this particular property but again they
take a lot of pride and have done a lot of work there.
Thomann asked since they've owned this property, or others, have they had to go through the historic
preservation review for other items. Westemeyer replied when they replaced a set of stairs on the back
he did work with City staff, but again it was also something that required special timing because the
tenants weren't going to be able to get into their apartments, and they had to make a change.
Lewis noted when they've had situations where this has happened, where something has been done
and doesn't match the guidelines, the recommended motion is to say go back and make those changes
to make it be what the Commission would have approved to begin with correct. Bristow replied the
directive is whether the work is done or not the Commission always reviews as if it this is a proposal.
Just because the work is done, it was done without the proper review, and doesn't matter in the
Commission's review of it, they need to review it as a proposal.
Sellergren stated in her opinion she feels like this is a situation where some kind of compromise needs
to be reached, there needs to be some kind of alterations made to what is currently there and that will
require working with staff.
Bristow reiterated there's a motion that's recommended but the Commission can also approve keeping
them as they are, painted, or they could make it less relocating as well, maybe relocate some, not all,
it's the Commission's purview to determine what the motion is and what they want to approve.
Lewis asked if they approve this motion and there is a situation where they can't move one of the lines,
do they just work with staff on solutions. Bristow confirmed yes, staff will work through it with the owner
and if they can't find a way to remove it they would come back to the Commission because then the
alternative would be to remove that unit completely. Staff has recommended everything on the north
face, plus both sides of that front north bump out be moved, if the Commission wants to do less than
that, then they should state which ones they want relocated individually.
Westemeyer asked if the Commission makes that suggestion, and it can be passed, but then all of a
sudden a whole new set of problems evolve because once again they are going through other people's
apartments to make it to those front one, what will happen. Sellergren stated they are the owner and
the steward of a historic building that's in a historic district and so that is their job as the owner of the
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building to preserve the integrity of the historic building. Westemeyer responded that his job first and
foremost is to preserve the integrity of the building to serve his customers and the fact that he is the
steward of a historic building in a historic district he understands that goes hand in hand but doesn't
think it's his first job now. However, if he were to neglect that building, and let it fall to dust, that would
not be a very good steward.
Sellergren noted communication with historic preservation staff from the beginning of the project
probably is what would have been ideal but at this point it seems like it would be a good idea to open
up the discussion and move forward from there.
MOTION Brown moves to approve a certificate of appropriateness for the project at 811 East
College Street as presented in the staff report with the following conditions:
• Piping on the north wall of the building and each side of the front projecting bays is
relocated.
• All additional piping is painted to blend with the building behind.
• Any damage to the brick building caused by the project is repaired with matching brick
and mortar so that is not visible.
Beck seconded the motion.
Beck asked about the first bullet and the relocations, that's just looking at the options it doesn't
necessarily mean to go through the roof correct, they may be able to route another way.
Brown stated if they were able to mentally back up to the start of the project staff would have looked at
various ways to approach it and come up with options to see what works and what doesn't. It might be
that every apartment except for one can have HVAC if they follow all the guidelines and so they would
have approved it with an exception for the one that doesn't exactly follow the guidelines. If a property
owner goes forward with a project without following the proper process, then they should be required to
go back and follow the proper process. He understands then from all the different bullets of the motion
they are saying let's go back and think through what process should have been followed, there may be
some pipes that can't be moved.
Thomann stated the Commission could just call out the pipes they feel must be moved. Bristow
confirmed they could.
Brown noted if they can't be moved it's because had they done the process this way from the
beginning, this would be where they would have landed and would have made an exception.
Bristow stated if the Commission approves this motion staff would have to work with their HVAC person
to determine alternative routes for those included in the motion and then that's where it would come
back to the Commission if there's one that's unique and needs revisiting.
Stork wants to challenge the Commission to really ask themselves if this does ruin the spirit of the
historic architecture of the building and make sure that this is such an egregious act against the historic
character of the building that they can't allow it to stay as is.
Sellergren stated egregious seems like a strong word, she feels they just go back to the guidelines and
the guidelines say these shouldn't be there and had this come through the Commission first what would
the recommended action be.
Stork acknowledged the fact that this didn't come to them he is more curious why they have contractors
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working in the City that claim they didn't know that this is a permit thing. On a side note, this is the third
meeting in a row where they've heard tales of contractors.
Bristow stated that is definitely something they should be letting the building inspectors know that they
have a group of contractors who think they don't need permits. Anytime HVAC is done, a permit is
required.
Stork stated his only concern with the idea of is this egregious enough that they would object to it and
then essentially all it takes is for a contractor to claim that they don't know something and then it's up to
the Commission to always decide which of these things that didn't follow the guidelines are egregious,
that's the part that he doesn't like about it.
Brown agrees but really wants to try to encourage property owners and homeowners to work with the
Commission, get the word out there on the streets that they're not this fearsome group that's going to
be saying no to everything.
Lewis noted yes, they have guidelines, but they've given a number of exceptions to things, for instance,
the egress window, because they understand the casts of things and tend to be relatively lenient.
Bristow noted they did have multiple complaints about this installation as well from the general public
Sellergren noted it seems like they just need more information if they're going to allow for an exception
or not and what are the options. If staff and the contractors went through the conversation and tried to
find a compromise but found there was no other way to move these pipes would this suggestion be to
get rid of them completely.
Bristow stated she doesn't know the plans of this building and hasn't been inside it so for her to make
suggestions of things to happen she would need to know more information about the building.
Sellergren stated it would be nice if there weren't a pipe coming straight out of one of the more
prominent window arches but at this point staff needs to go in, work with the HVAC contractor, take a
look and figure out what's possible and go from there.
A vote was taken and the motion carried on a vote of 8-1 (Stork dissenting)
Bristow stated this home is in the Goosetown/Horace Mann Conservation District and she had a little bit
more time to explore the history of this building than what was shared in the November staff report.
This building used to be where Mercy Hospital built the pedestrian drop off on Market Street, right
under or right west of the skywalk that is there now. It was moved by Max Yocum in 1967 to this
current location. Before it was moved it had a full width front porch and a little open porch on the back.
When the house was moved the porch was truncated and the little porch on the back was not
reinstalled. She noted this was another project that was done without a permit and what ended up
happening is that they applied for a permit on the same day they started demo and it was reported to
her by a member of the public again that it was being done. Bristow reached out to the building
inspector at that time. They've received a citation and they're currently going to court, she believes
there's a court date next week. Within one week that work was done so staff was never given any
opportunity to review the work. The owner has stated that it was an emergency and a life safety issue
however the building inspectors and the building department are the ones who determine if a property
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is a life safety issue and they are the ones who will instruct an owner how to make a property safe for
occupants. That is already something set up within the City, it does not fall on the owner to determine if
it's a life safety issue and that they should therefore do work without a permit. The building inspectors
would have made that determination and helped the property owner make the situation safe.
Additionally, generally life safety is not something, especially with this project, that would preclude the
idea of going through historic review. Staff communicated with them several weeks later and provided
them with some options and it was at that point when she knew it would be coming to the Commission
for the project approval.
Bristow noted they have had two members of the public reach out and email, she will read those to the
Commission later as they were received after the agenda has been published.
The project was the reconstruction of the entire porch floor area, Bristow showed pictures of some of
the deterioration and noted this porch is different from most because there is a part of the basement
that extends out under the porch and it doesn't have typical piers. She pointed out some rotting in the
corner, a little bit across the front, and a lot on the outer corner.
Sellergren asked if the safety issue was one could fall into the basement. Bristow replied that is the
building inspector's purview, not hers and not necessarily the owners. They replaced several elements
of the porch floor structure, they put plywood over it and install a treated floor. They also rebuilt the
stairs, there are some requirements for stairs that the owners have agreed that they would go back and
fix. They also replaced two porch posts.
Bristow noted this does not meet the guidelines for several reasons. She noted porches are very
complex and when they reconstruct a porch they follow the guidelines and elements of a porch must
align in a certain way and have specific flooring and prescribe the installation of that flooring as well. All
these guidelines are in an effort to prevent the kind of damage that is seen on this porch. The
guidelines require vertical -grained, Douglas fir, but can approve an alternative material by exception,
and they can approve a different tongue and groove. The guidelines state a vertical -grained Douglas fir
because it's super hard, very insect and weather resistant, and historically used and still available. It's
tongue and groove so that it fits together well. It is installed so that the grooves are perpendicular to the
wall of the house and the porch floor slopes slightly down. Therefore, the grooves lead out away from
the house so that the water goes out. All historic porch floors are going to be installed that way and if a
porch turns the corner, it's mitered so that it still does that. This is why some of the original porch floors
that are over 100 years old are still structurally sound because they were installed and cared for
properly. Similarly, the porch has a floor structure, including a rim joist, with a piece of trim material
that's put over that (skirt board) and the floor is to overhang that so that the water drips off instead of
staying in the porch structure. Looking at the porch that was constructed, all the tongue and groove is
parallel to the house, they probably also made it a flat surface so any water's just going to stay there.
They did make the floor so it over hung the rim joist around but then they put the trim piece over that
(butted against the end of the flooring- instead of the flooring overhanging) and made it flush with the
top of the floor and filled that gap with caulk. Caulk deteriorates, it does not last long, so that's another
place where they're going to get water into that structure and so that's why the HPC doesn't approve
floors in this way.
Bristow explained the first guideline about porches has to do with columns and brackets and details: if
they have historic ones they need to replace them to match; if there are some missing then they install
new ones to match the others. In the guidelines about the flooring, most porches have porch piers but
this one does not and there is a way to deal with that which she will discuss later. The senior building
inspector told Bristow he has some concerns about the structure of this porch floor because they're
basically cantilevering onto a board that they didn't make into a beam so the entire roof load is going
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down on to the outer columns that are not potentially Supported as needed. Therefore, there will be a
staff recommendation that if additional structure is required piers are installed under the outer corners
of the porch. Those piers could be poured concrete or concrete block, the house has a brand-new
foundation because it was moved in 1967 so it's not like it would require stone or brick or rock face
block or any unusual material.
For the skirting required, using unpainted treated wood for elements that would have been painted in
their historic applications is disallowed in the guidelines. There is also another section on wood and it
recommends duplicating and replacing historic wood elements when they cannot be repaired and they
should be new or salvaged ones that match the historic ones. They don't approve vinyl elements and
It's disallowed to substitute something that does not have the paint ability and function of the wood.
Staff let them know that they couldn't approve a vinyl column and of the columns they suggested, none
of the columns match the historic columns.
Bristow explained there are a couple options, first since this house was moved the historictoriginal
porch columns were removed. This is a Foursquare and it would not have had turned Queen Anne
columns. They could approve those two columns on each side of the entryway to match the columns
that are there because the guidelines allow that. However, staff would recommend though that if they
could not match those columns and the proposal is to replace all of the columns, that they would be
replaced with a column that was appropriate for a Foursquare instead. The Commission could approve
replacing those two four-by-four posts with columns that match the existing or replace them with
columns appropriate for a Foursquare. Bristow noted with Foursquares they sometimes see tall piers
and short columns. On a regular full-size column there could be a simple square column, it would be a
true eight inches on each side and have mitered corners. Or it could have a round classical column and
those types of columns are available in an eight -inch size. So if the owner did not want to try to match
those columns to the outer corner ones staff would propose something like either the box column or the
round column, which frankly could give them the opportunity to potentially not need the central
columns, it will all depend on what the structure of the frieze board and the box beam is that they have
around the porch and if that could potentially be bolstered or increased in its structural carrying
capabilities on the inside, staff just wouldn't want to make it expand outwards any more than it does.
Regarding the porch piers, this house has a complete concrete basement and it fills some of the space
under this porch. They could use wood to create fake piers and then installed skirting in between. One
of the difficulties with the property is the fact that they have windows in some of their basement wall so
staff would recommend that skirting is still installed but framed openings are made in the skirting to
allow the light to penetrate to the window.
Sellergren asked what the columns are resting on now and where's the bottom of the column. Bristow
showed where they are resting and noted that's why the building inspector has questioned the structure
of the porch. The staff recommendation is just that in this case, with this type of property, if some kind
of structure is required below that floor structure that it's not just wood posts but some concrete block
piers so it would look more traditional.
Bristow noted the porch railing also didn't follow the guidelines and at first staff thought it would need to
be altered, but they did just set it aside and reinstall it so staff is not making any recommendations to
change the railing. It is reused instead. Its replacement with another railing was not part of the scope of
the project.
Staff does have a recommended motion and currently the motion reads that the porch floor is replaced
as described in the staff report which means:
• It would be vertical -grained Douglas fir, it would be installed perpendicular to the front wall of
the house, and it would overhang the skirt board. They'd have to replace the current floor.
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• the porch columns are to be replaced as described in the staff report, which means they would
either match the outer columns with the inner two or replace all of them with something more
appropriate for a Foursquare.
• that framed porch skirting is installed between false piers or true piers with openings for the
windows in the foundation.
Bristow stated she had an email from Daniel Kinney and he states "Dear Historic Preservation
Commission, I'm a neighbor of 610 North Johnson Street in the Brown Street Historic District. Recently,
I witnessed the porch get rebuilt with two by fours and four by fours without conforming to the
guidelines for historic preservation that I followed on my porch. I do not believe the owner of this
property submitted a plan to the Historic Commission for approval before being granted a building
permit and if not, why not? Why should anyone else living in a historic district bother to follow the steps
of review and approval?" Bristow stated she did follow up and clarified to him that they did not get a
building permit either. Continuing with the email "I'm writing to insist that the historic preservation
guidelines be followed and enforced for this property, in part to maintain the integrity of the Commission
and its guidelines. I fear that if we enforce the guidelines for private residents living in their properties,
but not wealthy property owners of rental properties within the district, the City is perpetuating an unjust
two-tiered system." Dana Harris also sent an email and wrote "Historic Preservation Commission and
city of Iowa City. As you know, the front porch at 610 North Johnson was rebuilt without a permit or
review by historic preservation. Even if I were not a homeowner in a historic district, I would be
dismayed that the City allowed the porch rebuild without either a permit or review by historic
preservation." Again, Bristow ensured her they did not allow it. The email continued "I hope that this
deceitful tactic is addressed and that corrections are made to the new porch to conform with the historic
preservation guidelines."
Laura Hansen (Prestige Properties) stated deceitful was a strong word. Mike Olivera, her colleague is
the owner of the property is not here. She would like to first address the timeline of when they did see
that there was an issue that was a little more severe than just a bouncy porch and then how that went.
Originally on that porch, they had got a certificate of approval for the black pipe rail. The original
complaint that came to them said that that wasn't approved but it was. After visiting they did notice that
the damage was more severe than just the corner and they knew the porch was a little bouncy but
didn't realize until they started opening a corner how bad it was. She showed a photo with the open
floor and noted that the porch isn't just open to a portion of the basement, there is basement
underneath the porch. So when they realized that those trusses were as bad as they were, and how the
water damage had come through and really affected the whole structure, they did do the demolition as
it did become a life safety issue. There are tenants that lived there, it was an occupied home and that
was a life safety issue to them specifically. Also by removing part of the porch floor that suddenly made
the house open into the living area as it's a basement of the house so they needed to get it closed up
as quickly as possible. What their builder did was a sister system in order to quickly add structural
stability to that porch and with those trusses, going already perpendicular, that's why they went ahead
and went horizontal again with the flooring. It is tongue and groove, and it is treated pine which is also
very durable and weather resistant. It is very similar to the staff recommendation as it doesn't
deteriorate as quickly as regular pine and it's still a nice material and painted it's really difficult to tell the
difference.
Hansen noted one of the things that is really important is that they did contact the City as an emergent
situation stating this was an emergency that they really needed to address, they were adamant about
that when they contacted the City for the building permit and the historic preservation certificate of
approval. She even reached out again and said this is an emergency and needed to hear from the City
quickly. The email she received back literally said the City does these in a first come first serve basis,
which was really hurtful because this was an important situation. So yes, they continued with the work
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
DECEMBER 14, 2023
Page 12 of 17
but as a life safety issue they really felt that they had to. She also wanted to address the work that was
done where those posts would sit. Their builder did do a lot of structural reinforcement on those corners
to bear the load of the columns for the roof of that porch. The contractor said it shouldn't be an issue
and that it'll hold an elephant. The two by fours that were there originally, and the posts that were there
originally on those corners sat between the joists and were sinking so that's why the two by fours that
were by where the stairs come up were took off there, they looked like a banana because they had
been bearing so much load. The porch definitely had some issues and they request an exemption on
the direction of the porch simply because they did try to reach out but had to do this because that is all
living space under there and they needed to close it back up. Also because of the nature of the way
those joists were rotted they just didn't feel that without going ahead and creating the structural stability
there that they could do anything different, they couldn't wait and take them out and make them
horizontal in order to make the floor perpendicular, so they do ask for an exemption to have the porch
the direction it is. They don't feel that it egregiously affects the aesthetic of the historical nature of the
home, especially since this is a house that was moved and the porch isn't an original historic porch.
Moving on to the skirting, the guidelines talk about skirting and say that it's to fill the space below the
porch floor and the grade but in this case there's no ground below that since it is open and part of the
basement below. Any pier that would be there would be false and she thinks it looks less aesthetically
pleasing having the entire foundation being monotone especially since it's so narrow between that little
overhang piece of the porch and where the pier would go. She stated they would also have to disrupt a
lot of the landscaping that's there, some of it is established, some of its newer, but aesthetically that
looks worse than just having that one monochrome color block. Therefore, they do ask for an exception
as well for the skirting. The installation around the window, that could be worked with, the piers they
would probably have to do something as their builder says there's just really not a lot of room to do
anything there, especially a pier. So on that basis that's why they are requesting an exception for the
piers. Regarding the posts, the existing two by fours posts were so bowed and they did extensive work
under there to see how it can bear the load and be nice and strong. They did consider just removing
the four by fours and going with just the two outside but one of the things that their builder said they'd
have an issue with is how to connect the rail because after a few years they can get wobbly, especially
being a rental, so he likes to have something to put the rail to and create more stability for the rail. That
being said, with the columns, one of the things that they are agreeable to is replacing either a matching
one or replace all four with other ones that match more of a Foursquare. She admitted she is not a
really huge fan of the railing at all and in the future that may be something that they address.
Hansen noted they have worked with this Commission many times before, over the past few years
they've had 10 projects, eight of them have been easily approved. They've applied, they've heard back,
and gotten the work done with a certificate of approval. One of them they scrapped and decided not to
do the project, and then there's this one. So it's not that they don't know the system, and it's not that
they don't agree with the system, it's that this was an issue of expediency and that's why they went
forward on this. She reiterated the house is kind of an anomaly since it was moved. They did apply and
did try and reach out and made it known this was urgent, they really had to go ahead with something.
Additionally during this time they were there on the property cleaning gutters for the winter, they also
check eaves for bats, and other maintenance in order to make sure the property was well taken care of
and protected. So the ask to the Commission is to understand the explanations of what they did, they
just want it to be fair and understood that with it being that open and with the instability of the trusses
the way they were, they just really didn't feel they had an option other than to go forward and make the
necessary repairs.
Welu-Renyolds asked how long Oliveria has been working on the building. Hansen replied he's owned
that house since 2010. Welu-Renyolds asked, then in 10 years inspecting it then suddenly it becomes
a problem? Hansen explained, no, they knew there was an issue with the porch and it was on their long
term project list, they just didn't understand until they went to check this complaint out how bad it had
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
DECEMBER 14, 2023
Page 13 of 17
gotten. She noted they are also trying to help keep affordable housing as well as beautiful housing and
to provide the alternative of obviously the cookie cutter high rise with tissue paper walls type of rental
experience. To do major repairs they would have to raise the average monthly rent per resident.
Henson noted that actually was presented at the Council meeting last night from the undergraduate
student group and they had that slide that shows where Prestige falls in accordance with some of the
other landlords in town and how Prestige's rent is more affordable than a lot of them and they don't
want that to change.
Welu-Reynolds asked what that has to do with the porch. Hansen replied the fact that when they have
expenses going up due to any of the repairs that they do, especially like if they have to tear this all back
out and redo it, they don't want to have to pass any additional expenses on to the residents. They are
also really trying to be good stewards of the property like the other gentleman said those are their
customers and they are trying to keep the goal of affordable housing and beautiful housing together.
Lewis noted this Commission is not the ones who they would come to for an emergency situation, that
would be a different group of people. Bristow reiterated it's the building inspectors 100% that have that
purview. If they tell her that a project is an emergency project, then she will review it in an emergency,
but if they do not tell her that she will review it like all other projects. She also reminded them that the
demo on this project was started the same day they submitted the application, they should have not
started demo, they should have just submitted the application gone through the review process. If it
was an emergency situation, the building inspectors would have prescribed a way to handle that, and
staff would have reviewed it and approved it. If it had followed the guidelines, it could have even been
approved as a staff review. Only if it wasn't going to follow the guidelines would it have come to the
Commission.
Hansen noted she did use the word emergency in both her applications, she made the application for
the building permit the same day she made application for historical approval.
Sellergren stated the historical preservation handbook is available online, if the property owner is aware
of the guidelines and had access to the handbook, and as somebody who owns 10 properties or more
should know that information was available.
Hansen stated they do own 102 properties and the property owner is pretty familiar with the guidelines
in most cases but again because of the emergent situation, the life safety issue of not knowing the
structural integrity of those joists and not having the time to change that whole structure and remove
the whole joist and change the joists from horizontal in order to have perpendicular flooring, there just
wasn't time.
Sellergren stated in a situation where a hurricane takes a roof off, one would respond to that
emergency situation by putting a blue tarp on the roof and that would be considered temporary. In this
case, because it's a historic property in historic district, this solution would be considered temporary
and would need to be replaced according to guidelines. That's the answer and that's what the
Commission is here to uphold. There was a solution that the property owner felt needed to happen but
there are reasons that there are guidelines and that is ultimately to protect the integrity of the house
and long-term safety issues.
Stork asked if there was a tenant living in the basement right under the porch area. Hansen replied no,
not in that area but it did leave the entire basement open and they had to do some work on that house
before where they've done a lot of moisture mitigation throughout that basement.
Wagner noted it looks like they have plywood OSB underneath that plastic under the flooring and then
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
DECEMBER 14, 2023
Page 14 of 17
it's probably insulated underneath there. Bristow added once the plastic was on it was effectively
closed in and they did not need to continue on by installing the floor, or they could actually install the
correct flooring in the correct orientation because they have the plywood on there so it doesn't matter
which direction the structure is installed. If there wasn't plywood there then yes, the floor joists have to
run the opposite direction, but in this case it does not need to go in the opposite direction of the floor
joists because of the plywood.
Sellergren asked if the joists would not need to be replaced, really the flooring would need to be
removed to fit the guidelines and then the flooring would be replaced.
Bristow confirmed the recommended motion would also have them install false piers if structural piers
are not required, it's basically wood trim for aesthetic purposes, not 100% aesthetic purposes because
it's required all traditional porches, and the guidelines require skirting if the gap between the bottom of
that joist and the ground is 18 inches or more.
Sellergren asked how the columns will be supported structurally according to the recommendation.
Bristow replied they are not getting into that; the building inspector had suggested that there was
potentially a problem with the structure but they will have to work that out through the permitting
process and whether or not whatever they've done is a fix that works for the building inspector. The
building inspector will determine if structural piers are required, and if so then staff would have a
recommendation for that because the guidelines are clear. If they're not required, false piers are fine.
Sellergren noted it's not terrible, enormous undertaking to follow the guidelines. Bristow confirmed
they'll just have to replace the floor and probably have to patch the nail holes that they put through the
plastic or replace the plastic.
MOTION: Wagner moves to approve a certificate of appropriateness for the project at 610 North
Johnson Street as presented in the staff report with the following conditions:
• the porch floor is replaced, as described in the staff report.
+ the porch columns are replaced as described in the staff report.
• framed porch skirting is installed between false piers or true piers with openings for the
windows in the foundation.
Thomann seconded the motion.
Bristow noted staff would like to make a comment on this because there was some discussion about
the columns. If all four columns are replaced, staff would only recommend two columns are installed,
not the center ones. They could have short ones or posts for the end of the railing. There could be
some need to reinforce the beam that is supported by the columns, but staff would not recommend
putting four eight -inch box columns across there, or even three because it would hit right in the middle
of the door. It would be the same with a classical column, it would only be four columns if it would
match the current installed ones.
Sellergren asked about the issues with the stairs. Bristow explained the issue with the stairs is it
requires a closed riser by Code. It is required on all porch stairs, and also required is a toe kick that
overhangs on the stairs. The owners have agreed to make those changes as well as painting the
exterior wood.
A vote was taken and the motion carried on a vote of 9-0
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
DECEMBER 14, 2023
Page 15 of 17
REPORT ON CERTIFICATES ISSUED BY CHAIR AND STAFF
Certificate of No Material Effect -Chair and Staff review
HPC23-0069: 230 Fairchild Street— Northside Historic District (roof repair and reconstruction
Bristow noted this house is a key property in the Northside District because it had special shingle siding
and brackets at the time the district was created. However, right before that owner sold it they put vinyl
siding on the whole thing and staff didn't know that until this project was investigated so under all that
vinyl siding is some really great trim and siding. However, the scope of this current project is the fact
that there was a fire here. Originally, they actually wanted to replace the entire roof and wanted to raise
the roof. They're working with insurance and it is just a limited replacement of an area of the roof that
was approved. Bristow stated they have not talked about the windows yet and this is another rental
property.
HPC23-0071: 515 Clark Street- Clark Street Conservation District (concrete sten replacement)
Bristow stated this house changed hands and they're replacing the concrete stairs. Staff is making a
point to have them not use brilliantly white modern concrete but concrete that matches at the entry
stoop.
HPC23-0076: 1033 East Washington Street- Col€_ege Hill Conservation District (outbuilding foundation
repair)
This property has an outbuilding that was historically a dairy and they're going to start a rehab project.
The first step is foundation repair which was easily approved.
HPC23-0072: 515 Rundell Street- Longfellow Historic District (siding and trim repair and rear basement
window replacement)
This is a Moffitt that originally was just a portion of the current structure with a garage. The garage was
filled in and a second floor was added. The owner might want to make it a garage again at some point,
but they will have to work through some zoning issues with that. Currently, the house is in a poor
condition and hopefully some historic preservation funds will be used to help the new owner with this
project. All the windows have been replaced already, they will keep the historic trim and historic siding.
Intermediate Review -Chair and Staff review
HPC23-0053: 614 Clark Street- Clark Street Conservation District (new garage construction
Bristow noted a new garage when there is no garage to demolish should be a minor review but this
project took a long time to review and they had to do it at intermediate review for a couple of different
reasons. The property is a former church owned by Mark Russo and he actually won an award and was
published in a magazine for the stunning interior flip that he did on it. It's not historic inside, it's modern
and very interesting. Anyway, there are some mobility issues and there's no garage. Bristow showed
the site plans and the driveway that leads to nothing, and the location of the curb cut. They're going to
move that and put the garage in another location in order to get the space distances required by
zoning. The reason this was an intermediate review is a garage approved by staff would have lap siding
or board and batten siding, but they're going to use stucco. The owner is a designer and he wanted
stucco because he has a brick house. They looked at the process that they're going to use and
approved it. The other aspect that really didn't follow the guidelines specifically was the whole
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
DECEMBER 14, 2023
Page 16 of 17
pavement area, the guidelines require an eight- to 10 -foot -wide driveway. Because of mobility issues
the owners wanted more paving which is totally understandable. At the same time, the fact that it was
coming all the way out to the sidewalk and there was a historic curb cut that used to be there that they
were going to remove, staff was concerned that it would just basically become another driveway_ So
what they have done is remove the portion of the paving between the sidewalk and the street and they
are creating a planter in between the driveway and the paving.
HPC23-0063: 1030 E Burlington Street- College Hill Conservation District (mini -split installation and
screening)
This is the other mini split that was approved. In this case, the air conditioning unit was haphazardly
located next to this pretty little bay on the west side so it was recommended to put it on the other side of
the house. The contractor however said that the fact that the property slopes meant he couldn't get his
lift in there and for a variety of other reasons they've decided to allow them to put it on the side of the
house with the air conditioning unit and are requiring that they screen it which also gets the air
conditioning unit screened. The screening will basically look like the porch skirting.
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES FOR NOVEMBER 9 2023•
MOTION: Villanueva moves to approve the minutes of the Historic Preservation Commission's
November 9, 2023, meeting. Beck seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 9-0.
COMMISSION INFORMATION
Bristow reported Sellergren and her had a pleasant meeting with the owner of 302 East Bloomington
last week, the Pagliai's building. He has been caring for that building exactly how a preservationist
would care for it forever. His family are the original builders of the building. He can no longer do the
work himself, so he's decided to sell it. His reason for not wanting to have it be a landmark is because
he wants to get as much money as possible and he is working with a realtor who does development
who helped him price it. Sellergren asked colleagues in the planning department for what the
development potential of that property is and it is very limited as parking is going to be their biggest
problem. They couldn't build the type of building that the Webster is in. Until they move forward with the
landmark designation they won't know if the owner will decide to submit a protest or not. Friends of
Historic Preservation is helping by having someone write up the site inventory form, the historic
description of the building, which is helpful. Bristow is expecting that it'll probably come before the
Commission at the February meeting.
Bristow stated in addition at the February meeting they will review the annual report. Next month they
will discuss the work plan and she'll put something in the agenda about what they've had in the past.
They will also have somebody from the Parks and Rec come and talk about where they are with the
City Park pool. In January, they'll have updates based on their focus groups, they've had public input,
and after that they'll start working on designs. This Commission doesn't have a purview beyond talking
about how it's a historic pool and trying to encourage them to save it and so once that determination is
made not to save it, they don't have any say in it. Parks and Rec staff are coming back because this
Commission has requested to talk about that and the public's interested in the historic nature of the
pool.
ADJOURNMENT:
Welu-Reynolds moved to adjourn the meeting. Thomann seconded. The motion carried on a
vote of 9-0.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 pm.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION ATTENDANCE RECORD
2023-2024
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
O/E= Absent/Excused
-- = Not a member
TERM
1/12
2/9
3/22
4113
5111
6/8
7/13
8/10
9/14
10/12
11/9
12114
NAME
EXP.
BECK,
6/30/24
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
MARGARET
BOYD, KEVIN
6130/23
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
—
—
—
—
—
—
BROWN,
6/30/23
O/E
O/E
X
X
O/E
X
X
OlE
X
X
O/E
X
CARL
LARSON,
6/30/24
KEVIN
SELLERGREN,
6/30/22
X
X
O/E
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
JORDAN
STORK, NOAH
6/30/24
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
THOMANN,
6130123
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
DEANNA
VILLANUEVA,
6/30/25
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
NICOLE
WAGNER,
6/30123
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
FRANK
WELD-
6130/25
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
REYNOLDS,
CHRISTINA
LEWIS,
_
—
_
_
—
X
X
X
XX
X
ANDREW
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
O/E= Absent/Excused
-- = Not a member
Item Number: 4.e.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
February 6, 2024
Human Rights Commission: November 28
Attachments: Human Rights Commission: November 28
Approved Minutes
Human Rights Commission
November 28, 2023
Emma J. Harvat Hall
Commissioners present: Sylvia Jons, Doug Kollasch, Kelsey Paul Shantz, Bijou
Maliabo, Roger Lusala, Viana Qadoura.
Commissioners on Zoom: Mark Pries.
Commissioners Absent: Jahnavi Pandya, Ahmed Ismail.
Staff Present: Stefanie Bowers, Tre Hall, Redmond Jones.
Recommendation to City Council: No
Meeting Called to Order: 5:33 PM
Public Comment of Items not on the Agenda: Amel Ali spoke on recent activities in the
last few weeks in the city relating to the University of Iowa. On October 16th, the
University of Iowa student group Young Americans for Freedom hosted Chloe Cole, an
anti -trans activist, at the Iowa Memorial Union. Subsequently, the University of Iowa
Police Department tracked down 6 protesters of the program, all of whom are trans
identity, to single out for charges. The maximum penalty for those charged is up to 13
months in jail and $3400.00 in fines.
The same day as the charges, the Iowa Board of Regents released a report to restructure
DEI offices and programs at state universities. Pursuing charges against these peaceful
protesters is an example of silencing protesting dissenters. This situation should be of
importance to the Human Rights Commission.
Updates on Outreach and Engagement by the Police Department: Outreach
Specialist Tre Hall provided updates on the Winter Clothing Drive for Youth and Adults
and the Community Police Academy, which runs from January through March. Other
activities that have been done are fraud prevention for members of the Congolese
community, Senior Center Coffee Connections, and multiple trunks and treats.
Racial Equity and Social Justice Grant: Staff provided updates for recipients for the
racial equity and social justice grants for FY23. Reports were provided for all
organizations except Great Plains Action Society — event — Truthsgiving just occurred,
and the Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County — asking for an extension request — will
be in the next meeting packet.
Page 1 of 3
Applications for FY24 will begin on December 1, 2023, and last through January 5, 2024.
Two information sessions were held earlier in the month to allow applicants to learn more
about the process. The slide deck and recording are available on the City's website.
Funding Request — Jewell Amos — Class t -shirts for all Grant Wood students moving on
to junior high. Currently, 75% of students at the school are from a minority group and 77%
are from families experiencing economic hardships.
Commissioners want more information on the contest associated with the t -shirts and
asked staff to contact the requester. Requesting more information for the Commission's
next meeting will be beneficial.
Commission Committees:
Breaking Bread — The committee will create concrete goals for moving forward.
Something actionable and more concrete. The plan is to do this in January and February
of 2024.
Reciprocal Relationships — This year is part of a pilot to engage with RESJ grant
recipients. Between now and January the committee hopes to create a guiding document
on what they have learned and how any new members to the committee can move
forward with grant recipients.
Building Bridges — Some members have met with the Mayor to update him on activities
and programs of the Commission.
Announcements of Commissioners:
Lusala highlighted some of the great things that have occurred since the Commission's
last meeting. One is the Awards ceremony. Another is the Truthsgiving event by Great
Plains Action Society.
Maliabo acknowledged her six years on the Commission. She thanked all her fellow
Commissioners and will continue to participate in Commission meetings as her time
allows.
Pries thanked Lusala, Maliabo and Paul Schantz for their service to the Commission.
Kollasch noted that the Daily Iowan reached out to him about the length of time it has
taken the Commission to recognize Kim Painter, and acknowledged it was a correct
assessment. There is also a new LGBTO Chamber of Commerce coming to Iowa City
and the Cedar Rapids area. They will hold a networking event at Tin Roost on December
7. Kollasch believes that January is too long to meet on the current charges against Trans
persons by the University of Iowa Police and will consider holding a special meeting.
Qadoura said that human rights are not restricted to a time or place. She is looking
forward to uplifting others along with other Commissioners and standing for the truth and
what is right.
Page 2 of 3
Paul Shantz thanked Commissioners for considering the statement at its last meeting.
The Human Rights Commission can hold the line and pull it back further to let folks
know we will stand up for their rights. A blog on authoritarian and playbooks features V
Fixmer-Oraiz of the Johnson County Board of Supervisors. Paul Schantz also spent a
week in Edmonton to learn more about their coordination of violence prevention.
Adjourned: 6:48 PM.
The meeting can be viewed at this
link https://citychannel4.com/video.html?series=Local%20Government.
Page 3 of 3
Human Rights Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2023
[Meeting Date]
NAME
TERM
EXP.
1n4
2128
3128
4125
5123
Gni
8122
9126
10/24
11/28
Roger Lusala
2023
P
P
P
P
P
P
A
P
P
P
Bijou Maliaho
2023
P
P
P
P
P
P
A
P
P
P
Kelsey Paul Shantz
2023
P
P
A
Z
P
P
P
P
A
P
Jahnavi Pandya
2024
P
P
A
Z
P
Z
p
P
P
A
Sylvia Jons
2024
P
A
P
P
Z
Z
P
A
Z
P
Doug Kollasch
2024
P
P
P
Z
P
P
P
P
P
P
Visna Qadoura
2025
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
P
P
Ahmed Ismail
2025
P
P
P
P
P
P
A
P
A
A
Mark Pries
2025
-
-
-
-
-
-
P
P
P
Z
KEY: P = Present
A =Absent
Z =Present via Zoom
Item Number: 4.f.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
February 6, 2024
Library Board of Trustees: December 21
Attachments: Library Board of Trustees: December 21
Iowa City Public Library Board of Trustees
Meeting Minutes
December 21, 2023
2°d Floor - Boardroom
Regular Meeting - 5:00 PM
FINAL
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, Claire Matthews, Robin Paetzold, John Raeburn, Tom Rocklin,
Hannah Shultz, Dan Stevenson.
Members Absent: Lucy Santos Green.
Staff Present: Elsworth Carman, Anne Mangano, Jen Miller, Jason Paulios, Angie Pilkington, Katie Roche.
Guests Present: None.
Call Meeting to Order. Rocklin called the meeting to order at 5:00 pm. A quorum was present.
Approval of December 21, 2023 Board Meeting Agenda. Johnk made a motion to approve
the December 21, 2023 Board Meeting Agenda. Shultz seconded. Motion passed 810.
Public Discussion. None.
Items to be Discussed.
Policy Review: 704 Use of Library's Cardholder Database. Raeburn asked if the policy was changed after
the Patriot Act in 2001. Matthews noted the policy was adopted in 1986 and revised in 2012. Johnk noted
revisions in March 2000 and January 2003. Johnk made a motion to approve the changes to policy 704: Use of
Library's Cardholder Database. Shultz seconded. Motion passed 8J0.
Review Draft of Finance Committee Responsibilities. Rocklin thanked Johnk, Paetzold, and Shultz for the
Finance Committee Responsibilities draft. Carman said the draft looked good and commented on the last
bullet point, "Work with director to draft models explaining how services may need adjustment in anticipation
of funding challenges". Carman wondered if a step back should be taken there to clarify this could include
both challenges and opportunities. Paetzold said the committee tried to recognize that current challenges
facing the library didn't rest solely on the Library Director. Matthews noted funding comes from the City and
asked if there is a need for that. Rocklin clarified the final draft should remove the word challenges and replace
it with changes.
Staff Reports.
If you will need disability -related accommodations in order to participate in this meeting, please contact len Miller, Iowa City
Public Library, at 379-887-6003 orJennifer-millerQa icpLorg. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to
meet your access needs.
Director's Report. Carman discussed Inservice day, which went well. The Communications Committee did an
extraordinary job and the whole Inservice day staff committee did a greatjob. Carman said it is a significant
decision to close the library to the public for continuing education and staff take it seriously. Carman discussed
the Legislative Reception, which was attended by several of the people at the meeting. Paetzold noted the
winter shelter and asked about the Library's status as a warming center. Carman clarified that last year ICPL
was not a warming shelter. ICPL did make the lobby, which is temperature controlled and has restrooms,
available in extreme temperatures. Carman noted if operating hours were to be extended he would need to
check in because it would require a different staffing model. Matthews asked if there is a city policy about this.
Carman said he could look into this but thinks decisions are made based on temperatures. Carman said the
winter shelter helps a lot with early morning and evening hours and is a no barriers shelter. Patrons who leave
the library are sometimes ineligible for the regular shelter but can go to the winter shelter because of this.
Johnk asked if warming stations require a dry policy. Carman said at the Library patrons would be expected to
follow Library policies.
Departmental Reports: Children's Services. Pilkington encouraged everyone to sign up for the Winter
Reading Program. Paetzold asked if alternative Black Friday was internal idea and thought it was a cool idea.
Pilkington said Children's Librarian, Anne Wilmoth, started the program last year and continues to work that
dayjust to run the program. Johnk liked the Winter Reading mugs. Matthews shared the link with ICCSD
Librarians.
Collection Services & IT. Rocklin said this is a huge project with a great committee that has done a lot of work.
Matthews said communication is a core functionality to any group or business, and is always a challenge.
Matthews said this is impressive and keep up the good work.
Development Report. Rocklin said the Arts and Crafts Bazaar was very successful. Roche shared it was a
successful event with over $7,500 raised. Roche noted it can be hard to measure good conversations with
patrons and the good will created by the event and shared everyone was happy to be there. Matthews asked if
the Friends Foundation table had interest. Roche said yes, there were conversations about book banning,
legislation, and library funding; it was a positive experience.
Miscellaneous: News Articles. Shultz said there are a lot of articles. Massa asked if the new Library Assistant
was in a fulltime position. Roche said yes.
President's Report. Rocklin thanked Trustees and noted everyone was either serving as an officer or on a
committee. Rocklin asked Trustees to check in with their committees and the work that needs to be done.
Rocklin encouraged Trustees to check in with Carman and be prepared to give updates at the January
meeting.
Rocklin said a resident sent some Trustees Christmas cards. Rocklin distributed the cards.
Announcements from Members. None.
Committee Reports. Stevenson discussed the Director Evaluation Committee. A tentative timeline was
set to complete work in January and be ready for February meeting. Stevenson emailed Miller who will send
out a survey to staff and the Board the week of January 8th. Carman will complete a self- evaluation. The data
will be compiled by the committee to be ready for the February Board meeting.
Rocklin encouraged Trustees to complete the survey and noted the Library Director evaluation is a
fundamental part of serving on the Board.
Communications. None.
If you 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 Jennifer-miller@icpLorg. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to
meet your access needs.
Consent Agenda. Matthews made motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Johnk seconded. Motion
passed 810.
Set Agenda Order for January Meeting. Rocklin said the January meeting will include a budget
discussion with City Manager Geoff Fruin, a Strategic Plan update, a policy revision, 2nd quarter financial and
statistical reports, and the Adult and CAS department reports.
Adjournment. Rocklin adjourned the meeting at 5:24 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Jen Miller
If you 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 jennifer-miller@icpLorg. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to
meet your access needs.
Beard of Commissims: iCPL Board of Trustees
ATTENDANCE RECORD
Name
Term Expiration
1/16/2023
2/23/2024
3/6/2023
3/23/2023
4/2712023
5/25/2023
6/22J2023
2/22/2023
8/24/2023
8/28/2023
9/2812023
10/26/2023
11/16/2023
12/14/2023
12/21/2023
1/25/2024
Johnk, DJ
6/30/2025
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
OE
X
X
X
X
X
Kirsch, Carol
6130J2023
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
TE
TE
TE
TE
TE
TE
TE
TE
TE
Massa, Joseph
613012027
X
X
%
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
OE
X
X
Ma0hre,%Claire
6130/2023
X
X
X
OE
X
X
X
OE
X
OE
X
X
X
X
X
X
Paetzold, Robin
6130/2023
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
TE
X
OE
X
X
X
X
X
X
Raeburn, John
6/30/2022
X
OE
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
OE
X
OE
X
X
X
Rocklin, Tom
6/30/2025
X
X
X
X
X
OE
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
S! Los Green, Lu
613012029
OE
X
X
OE
X
X
OE
OE
%
Shultz, Hannah
6130(2025
X
X
X
X
X
X
OE
X
X
X
OE
X
X
OE
X
OE
Stevenson, Daniel
1 6130/2027
1 % I
% I
%
I X
I X I
OE
%
I OE I
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
XNA
X
PRESENT
0
ABSENT
OE
EXCUSED ABSENT
NM
NO MEETING HELD
R
RESIGNED
TE
Term Expired
Item Number: 4.g.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
February 6, 2024
Public Art Advisory Committee: December 7
Attachments: Public Art Advisory Committee: December 7
Approved, p.1
Public Art Advisory Committee Mtg, 121712023
Minutes
Public Art Advisory Committee
December 7, 2023
Emma Harvat Hall
Public Art Advisory Committee
Members Present: Ron Knoche, Steve Miller, Andrea Truitt, Jenny Gringer, Anita Jung,
Nate Sullivan, Jeremy Endsley, Tyler Baird
Members Absent: N/A
Staff present: Rachel Kilburg Varley
Public Present: NIA
Call to Order
Miller called the meeting to order at 3:34 p.m.
Public Discussion of Any Item Not on the Aaenda
None.
Consider minutes of the November 2. 2023 PAAC meeting.
Kilburg Varley mentioned an error in the draft minutes with Endsley incorrectly listed as
absent in the November Attendance Record. Knoche moved and Sullivan seconded that
the minutes from the November 2, 2023, meeting be approved with edits. Motion
passed (8-0).
Discuss 2024 Public Art Matchinq Grant Program
Kilburg Varley reviewed the cover memo and draft program outline which were included
in the meeting agenda packet and invited discussion among the Committee members.
Committee members discussed and suggested the following edits: applicants must
obtain prior approval from a property owner (public or private) where the project is
proposed to be installed or performed; increasing the maximum matching grant amount
to $4,000; and some minor typo/word choice corrections.
The proposed review process was discussed and will proceed as follows: Committee
members would score applications using a rubric and provide comments independently,
return those scores/comments to staff, and staff would compile the scores and
anonymous comments for the Committee to review, discuss, and make funding
decisions during a regularly scheduled PAAC meeting.
Gringer made a motion to approve the 2024 Public Art Matching Grant Program with
edits, Sullivan seconded. Motion passed (8-0).
Staff Updates
Approved, p.2
Public Art Advisory Committee Mtg, 12/7/2023
Kilburg Varley provided an updated on the Lucas Farms Neighborhood Indigenous Art
project. A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was issued in December and promoted
through City channels, University of Iowa Native American organizations, Meskwaki
Nation media services, the Lucas Farms Neighborhood, and individual contacts. Two
applications have been received and the submittal period closes January 11, 2024.
Truitt suggested also promoting through the Iowa Arts Council newsletter.
Next, Kilburg Varley provided an update on the South District Bench Project. The artists
are developing an updated budget and timeline and will be establishing a regular
progress check-in cadence with staff. An amendment to the artist agreements will be
needed and will come before the Committee at an upcoming meeting.
Kilburg Varley also noted the recently released Arts & Economic Prosperity Study
conducted through Americans for the Arts with significant local data -gathering effort by
the Englert Theater. The study showed over $31 million in economic impact by non-
profit arts and culture organizations and their audiences in Johnson County.
Finally, she noted the three vacancies in the Public Art Advisory Committee and the
Committee thanked Gringer and Miller for their terms of service expiring at the end of
the month.
Adiournment
Knoche moved to adjourn at 4:17 pm. Sullivan seconded. Motion passed (8-0).
Approved, p.3
Public Art Advisory Committee Mtg, 121712023
Public Art Advisory Committee
Attendance Record
2022-23
Name
Term
X*
= Delegate attended
O
= Absent
O/E =
Absent/Excused
---
= Not a member
Expires
12/1122
115/23
212123
416122
5/4122
6/8/23
7/6(23
8/3123
917/23
1112123
1217/23
Ron Knoche
X
X
X
X*
X
X
X
X
X*
X
X
Juli Seydell-
X
X*
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
0/E
X*
Johnson
Steve Miller
12/31/23
X
X
X
0/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Eddie
12/31/24
X
X
0/E
X
O/E
O/E
O/E
O/E
0
Boyken
Andrea
12131/25
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Truitt
Anita Jung
6/30/23
0/E
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
O/E
X
X
X
Jenny
12/31/23
X
X
X
O/E
O/E
X
X
X
O/E
O/E
X
Gringer
Jeremy
12/31/25
X
X
O/E
O/E
X
X
O/E
X
0
X
X
Endsley
Nate
6/30126
—
—
—
—
—
—
X
X
X
X
X
Sullivan
Key
X
= Present
X*
= Delegate attended
O
= Absent
O/E =
Absent/Excused
---
= Not a member