HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-04-18 Info Packet � r
City Council Information Packet
CITY OF IOwA CITY April 18, 2024
Council Tentative Meeting Schedule
IP1. Council Tentative Meeting Schedule
Miscellaneous
IP2. Civil Service Examination: Cashier - Parking
Draft Minutes
IP3. Climate Action Commission: April 1
IP4. Public Art Advisory Committee: April 4
April 18, 2024 City of Iowa City
Item Number: IP1.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
April 18, 2024
Council Tentative Meeting Schedule
Attachments: Council Tentative Meeting Schedule
City Council Tentative Meeting Schedule
nil Subject to change
CITY OF IOWA CITY April 18,2024
Date Time Meeting Location
Tuesday, May 7,2024 4:00 PM Work Session City Hall,Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:00 PM Formal Meeting 410 E.Washington Street
Tuesday, May 21,2024 4:00 PM Work Session City Hall,Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:00 PM Formal Meeting 410 E.Washington Street
Tuesday,June 4,2024 4:00 PM Work Session City Hall,Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:00 PM Formal Meeting 410 E.Washington Street
Tuesday,June 18,2024 4:00 PM Work Session City Hall,Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:00 PM Formal Meeting 410 E.Washington Street
Monday,July 15,2024 4:30 PM Joint Entities Meeting TBD
Hosted by the City of North Liberty
Tuesday,July 16,2024 4:00 PM Work Session City Hall,Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:00 PM Formal Meeting 410 E.Washington Street
Tuesday,August 6,2024 4:00 PM Work Session City Hall,Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:00 PM Formal Meeting 410 E.Washington Street
Tuesday,August 20,2024 4:00 PM Work Session City Hall,Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:00 PM Formal Meeting 410 E.Washington Street
Tuesday,September 3,2024 4:00 PM Work Session City Hall,Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:00 PM Formal Meeting 410 E.Washington Street
Tuesday,September 17,2024 4:00 PM Work Session City Hall,Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:00 PM Formal Meeting 410 E.Washington Street
Tuesday,October 1,2024 4:00 PM Work Session City Hall,Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:00 PM Formal Meeting 410 E.Washington Street
Tuesday,October 15,2024 4:00 PM Work Session City Hall,Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:00 PM Formal Meeting 410 E.Washington Street
Monday,October 21,2024 4:30 PM Joint Entities Meeting TBD
Hosted by the City of University Heights
Monday, November 4,2024 4:00 PM Work Session City Hall,Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:00 PM Formal Meeting 410 E.Washington Street
Tuesday, November 19,2024 4:00 PM Work Session City Hall,Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:00 PM Formal Meeting 410 E.Washington Street
Tuesday, December 10,2024 4:00 PM Work Session City Hall,Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:00 PM Formal Meeting 410 E.Washington Street
Item Number: IP2.
CITY OF OF IOWA CITY
COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
April 18, 2024
Civil Service Examination: Cashier - Parking
Attachments: Civil Service Examination: Cashier - Parking
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1826
(3 19) 356-5000
(319) 356-5009 FAX
www.tcgov.org
April 10, 2024
TO: The Honorable Mayor and the City Council
RE: Civil Service Entrance Examination — Cashier— Parking
Under the authority of the Civil Service Commission of Iowa City, Iowa, I do hereby
certify the following named person(s) as eligible for the position of Cashier— Parking.
Megan Imhoff
Iowa City Civil Service Commission
Rick Wyss, 6hair
Item Number: IP3.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
April 18, 2024
Climate Action Commission: April 1
Attachments: Climate Action Commission: April 1
MINUTES PRELIMINARY
IOWA CITY CLIMATE ACTION COMMISSION
APRIL 1, 2024 -3:30 PM — FORMAL MEETING
EMMA J. HARVAT HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Michel Eynon-Lynch, John Fraser, Jamie Gade, Ben Grimm, Zach
Haralson, Wim Murray, Brinda Shetty, Michelle Sillman, Angie
Smith, Gabriel Sturdevant
MEMBERS ABSENT: Michael Anderson
STAFF PRESENT: Sarah Walz, Daniel Bissell, Sarah Gardner, Diane Platte
OTHERS PRESENT: Quin Kitterman, Alex Viner, Abdullah Elbuytari
CALL TO ORDER:
Sturdevant called the meeting to order.
APPROVAL OF MARCH 4. 2024 MINUTES:
Fraser moved to approve the minutes from March 4, 2024. Shetty seconded the motion, a vote
was taken, and the motion passed 9-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
None.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Action Items from last meeting (Staff):
• Staff contacted Sarah Walz, transportation planner, who agreed to attend the April
meeting as a follow up to her presentation in March
Air Quality Council Work Session:
• Staff have requested clarification as to how City Council would like the Commission to
engage with the Proctor& Gamble rezoning request, whether by participation in a future
work session or other means, and will update the Commission as more is learned
Upcoming Events:
• Earth Expo (AmeriCorps, April 6) -will showcase a secondhand fashion show
• Neighborhood Energy Blitz (April 20) - volunteers are needed
Angie Smith joined the meeting at 3:36.
• Commissioners' Other Events in the Community:
o Climate Solutions Surround Us with UI Office of Sustainability(April 22)- Dr.
Heidi Roop is presenting at 3pm and 7pm
o Repair Cafe at Environmental Education Center(April 21) - bring items in need of
repair
Climate Action Commission
April 3 2023
Page 2 of 5
UNFINISHED/ONGOING BUSINESS:
Discussion of Bicycle Master Plan
• Sarah Walz from Johnson County MPO continued the discussion on the Bicycle Master
Plan and addressed commissioners' questions. Walz described projects to be completed
this year and noted completion of the Highway 6 Trail is expected in a couple years.
• Reconstruction of Burlington St. bridge will include major improvements to bicycle, bus,
pedestrian, and vehicular traffic.
• Projects are planned 5 years out through the Capital Improvements Program. Upcoming
projects include improvement of Highway 6 bridge and improvement of the Riverside
Dr/Highway 6 intersection
• Nearly all the projects from the 2017 Bicycle Master Plan are complete. Complete
Streets federal funds will enable new projects and public input will be sought for those.
• Budgets: $150k each year is allocated for bicycle projects. It is used for bike lane striping
and signage as well as other construction or reconstruction projects.
• E-bike programs would not fall under the responsibility of MPO; those would come
through City Council. Gardner added that a-bikes rebates were previously considered by
the Climate Action and Outreach Division as a potential use of ARPA funding but
deemed them a lower priority due to unresolved equity questions. She also noted e-
bikes are to be included in the regional climate action plan.
• Eynon-Lynch asked for clarification between a bikeway and a side path. Walz explained
that bikeways are low-volume streets with no designated bike lanes; these are marked
with signage and monitored for needed improvements. Side paths are wide sidewalks
where driveways and curb cuts are limited.
• Eynon-Lynch asked how a-bikes fit on trails with pedestrians and kids. Walz noted that it
is an ongoing process to work out how everyone shares those spaces.
• Fraser asked what's the best message commissioners can convey. Walz reported that
people think it is not safe to walk in Iowa City, whereas really our city is rich with
sidewalks. Highway 1 and Highway 6 are examples of areas where pedestrian facilities
could be improved. Walz noted that getting cyclists comfortable at intersections
especially is key.
• Smith asked about plans for protected bike lanes. Walz noted that such lanes work best
in locations with long blocks and few curb cuts, such as protected bike lanes in Madison
Wisconsin. Driveways pose a challenge. Keeping the bike lanes clean is another
challenge.
• Smith asked about the adoption of a Complete Streets policy. Walz noted that the
reconstruction of American Legion Road reflected the City's adoption of Complete
Streets policy.
• Sturdevant asked for clarification on buffered bike lanes. Bike lanes have a single line.
Buffered bike lanes have double lines. Protected bike lanes have a barrier within the
buffer.
• Murry asked if residents are responsible for clearing side paths. Walz said the City
removes snow in some but not all areas.
• Fraser noted that "Bike Lane Ends" signs pose a challenge to less-confident cyclists.
• Gardner shared that a bus bike rack will be affixed to Chauncy ramp as part of the City's
Bike to Work Week activities.
• Walz noted that the Bike Library and Bike Iowa City are great ways to get people out and
comfortable on bikes.
2
Climate Action Commission
April 3 2023
Page 3 of 5
• Sturdevant asked about snow removal from bike trails and side paths. Walz explained
that the commuter parts of bike trails are plowed by Iowa City. Different communities in
Johnson County may have different policies. Sturdevant asked if there is a way to find
out which trails are cleared. Walz said MPO publishes a map of trails that are cleared.
• Gade added that she used the ICGovExpress app to report glass in the bike lane and it
was fixed promptly.
• Fraser asked if there are helmet requirements for cyclists. Walz noted there are not.
Fraser suggested that giving out free helmets may be a good way to encourage cycling
and less expensive than giving out free bikes.
Climate Pollution Reduction Grant
• Gardner summarized the ongoing work:
o The Priority Climate Action Plan was submitted to the EPA March 1. Iowa City
and Cedar Rapids submitted a coalition grant for methane capture systems.
ECICOG was charged with submitting a grant application to further energy
efficiency projects, including EV charging at multi-family housing. Stage 1 of a 4-
year process is done.
o Stage 2 involves developing a Comprehensive Climate Action Plan. An Equitable
Engagement Toolkit is in development in collaboration with University of Iowa
researchers to make sure rural and small communities and Environmental
Justice communities have their priorities included.
• Gardner asked commissioners for suggestions on defining good green jobs and
workforce development related to the green economy.
• Bureau of Labor Statistics defines green jobs as those that help contribute to the green
economy(producing wind turbines, solar panels, bicycles, etc.) or those that make
processes for existing businesses more environmentally friendly (waste reduction,
conservation, etc.). Gardner asked commissioners to consider whether that definition is
adequate and whether those two halves should be weighted equally.
• Gade asked if this would include an assessment of the current workforce makeup.
• Fraser noted that there is a danger of defining green jabs too narrowly: ideally there are
many jobs that would include a green component.
• Sillman proposed she would like to have time to look at definitions and then discuss it.
• Gardner offered to email out the Bureau of Labor Statistics definition and plan a
discussion for the next meeting.
Visioning indicators of success in climate action
• Gardner asked if any additional metrics should be added to the list.
• Haralson offered that distributed generation and storage can be measured by total
capacity and cumulative ongoing total.
• Gardner noted that the City has recently selected the Fare Free pilot as an example for
reporting meaningful metrics, thinking about what the metrics can and can't tell us and
what alternatives might be worth considering.
• Commissioners were asked to think about how frequently numbers should be reported,
and how would numbers be used.
NEW BUSINESS:
Iowa City/Ul Pledge Project Recommendations
• University of Iowa students Quin Kitterman, Alex Viner, and Abdulla Elbuytari have been
3
Climate Action Commission
April 3 2023
Page 4 of 5
creating a Climate Pledge activity for Welcome Week as part of a class project for their
Sustainable Systems course.
• The project strives to include both new students and current students living off campus.
• The students envisioned an implementation idea of infographics including QR code that
would appear on digital signs throughout campus and printed as paper copies. Figuring
out the measurable impact of someone taking the pledge is the next step for the class.
• Sturdevant asked if collaboration across university programs is already taking place.
Quin answered that the Office of Sustainability has been helpful for reaching out to
various departments.
• Sillman noted that the number fact related to water savings was impactful; similar facts
for other actions would be recommended.
• Fraser asked if they had considered where the greatest resistance might be.
• Smith asked if information would be collected from those who sign up to take the pledge,
and whether follow-up would occur.
• Gade asked if there were incentives for signing the pledge. Shetty noted "Buy Local'
could be part of it.
• Shetty also asked if a social media campaign was planned.
RECAP:
• Confirmation of next meeting time and location:
o Monday, May 6, 3:30-5 p.m., Emma J. Harvat Hall
• Actionable items for commission, working groups, and staff:
o Discuss green jobs in the next meeting
o Tyler Baird will present about City forestry efforts
ADJOURNMENT:
Grimm moved to adjourn, Sillman seconded the motion. A vote was taken, and the motion
passed 10-0. Meeting adjourned 4:52.
4
Climate Action Commission
April 3 2023
Page 5 of 5
CLIMATE ACTION
COMM ISSI ONATTENDANCE
RECORD
2023-2024
NAME TERM EXP, n, ti o N K3 `�'
W W W W W W W W A A A A
Michael 12/31/2025 NM 0/ X O/
Anderson E E
Michel Eynon- 12/31/2024 X NM X X X X X X NM X X X
Lynch
Elizabeth 12/31/2025 X NM 0/ X
Fitzsimmons E
John Fraser 12/31/2024 O/ NM X O/ X X X NM X X X
E E
Jamie Gade 12/31/2025 0/ NM X X X 0/ X X NM X X X
E E
Ben Grimm 10/31/2023 X NM X 01 X X X X NM X 0/ X
E E
Zach Haralson 12/31/2025 NM X X X
Matt Krieger 12/31/2023 X NM . X O/ X 0/ X 0/
E E E
Jesse MidAmerican X NM X
Leckband Rep
Wim Murray MidAmerican X X X X X NM X X X
Rep
Michelle 12/31/2002 0/ NM X X X X X X NM 0/ X X
Sillman 5 E E
Brinda Shetty UI Rep X NM X 0/ X X X 01 NM X X X
E E
Angie Smith 12/31/2025 X X NM X X X
Gabe 12/31/2024 X NM X X X X O/ X NM X X X
Sturdevant E
Matt Walter 12/31/2023 X NM X X X X 0/ X
E
KEY:X= Present
0 =Absent
O/E =Absent/Excused
NM= No Meeting
No longer on Commission
5
Item Number: IP4.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
April 18, 2024
Public Art Advisory Committee: April 4
Attachments: Public Art Advisory Committee: April 4
Draft, p.2
Public Art Advisory Committee Mtg,41412024
Minutes
Public Art Advisory Committee
April 4, 2024
Emma Harvat Hall
Public Art Advisory Committee
Members Present: Ben Clark, Steve Miller, Andrea Truitt, Jeremy Endsley, Rachel
Kinker, Leslie Finer, Nate Sullivan
Members Absent: Anita Jung, Juli Seydell Johnson
Staff present: Rachel Kilburg Vadey
Public Present: None
Call to Order
Miller called the meeting to order at 3:36 p.m.
Public Discussion of Any Item Not on the Agenda
None.
Introduction of new members: Leslie Finer and Rachel Kinker
Committee members introduced themselves and welcomed new members, Kinker and
Finer.
Officer elections: Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson
Per the PAAC by-laws, officers must be elected annually in February or the first
possible meeting thereafter. Sullivan nominated Miller for the role of Chairperson, Clark
seconded. Miller nominated Truitt for the role of Vice-Chairperson, Endsley seconded.
Miller made motion to approve these nominations, motion passed (7-0).
Consider minutes of the February 1, 2024 PARC meeting.
Truitt moved and Endsley seconded that the minutes from the February 1, 2024,
meeting be approved. Motion passed (7-0).
Determine Awards for the 2024 Public Art Matching Grant Program
Committee members individually scored 2024 Public Art Matching Grant applications
using a scoring rubric prior to the April PAAC meeting. Kilburg projected the compiled
scores and anonymous comments for Committee review and discussion. Kilburg shared
that $15,500 was available to award and approximately $46,505 in funding was
requested. She noted that a few applicants (Open Air Media Festival, Public Space
One, Family Folk Machine) were previous recipients of Public Art Matching Grant funds,
though that does not disqualify them from being funded again. Kilburg also mentioned
that after several Committee members had commented that two applicants' proposed
project budgets were incomplete, she reached out to those applicants to seek
Draft,p.2
Public Art Advisory Committee Mtg,41412024
clarification. Kilburg provided budget clarification received back on one of those grant
proposals.
Finer asked whether other Committee members felt the Open Air Media Festival
submission was different enough from the past to warrant funding. Miller mentioned it is
an annual event and that they are continuing to grow and invite new artists each year,
but suggested the Committee consider allocating less than the amount requested. Finer
asked whether there was a minimum funding requirement the Committee had to follow
and Kilburg said the Committee has the discretion to make an award at any amount
they desire.
Sullivan noted that Open Air Media Festival, Quicker than a Ray of Light, Summer
Groove Dance, This Too Shall Pass, Refocus Film Festival, Illuminating Excellence, and
the Writing Garden proposals received the highest scores and suggested the
Committee decide whether and how much to fund each of these top proposals. Miller
suggested maxing out grant awards at $3,000 in order to fund all of these proposals.
Committee members deliberated briefly. Several Committee members mentioned they
liked the Englert's grant application and were disappointed it fell just outside of the top
scores.
Kilburg pointed out that, if funded, Open Air Media Festival will have been a top scoring
application and funded for five years in a row. She suggested that, in the future, the
Committee could consider funding that annual event as a sponsorship, rather than
continuing to put it through the grant program, which would make more funding
available for other projects. The Committee decided to discuss that possibility in the
future before the next grant cycle.
Sullivan made a motion to approve the following Public Art Matching Grant allocations,
Finer seconded:
• Open Air Media Festival - $3,000
• Quicker Than Ray of Light Then Gone - $1,725
• Summer Groove Dance — $555
• This Too Shall Pass— $3,000
• Refocus Film Festival — $3,000
• Illuminating Excellence - $3,000
• Writing Garden - $1,500
Motion passed (7-0).
Discuss Sculptor's Showcase Program for 2024-2026
Kilburg Varley reviewed that the Sculptor's Showcase has been being offered annually,
in which the Committee issues a Call for Artists to submit sculptures for consideration
Draft,p.3
Public Art Advisory Committee Mtg,41412024
and selection for placement on one of 8 pads throughout the community. For the next
round, staff recommended the following changes:
• Transitioning from a one-year to two-year display period, which would lessen
burden on both artists and City staff and open up additional budget flexibility in
the "off' years;
• Increasing the artist honorarium due to a longer display period; and
• Streamlining the application form and imposing a maximum limit of 3 artwork
submissions per artist.
Committee members agreed with the proposed two-year cycle and discussed the
amount of the honorarium and directed Kilburg to research stipends paid to artists in
similar programs in other communities and establish a competitive rate based on that.
Sullivan made a motion to accept the memorandum and increase the honorarium rate to
no more than $2,500 for two years, Finer seconded. Motion passed (7-0).
Discuss Lucas Farms Neighborhood & MeskwakilSauk History Project
Kilburg shared that, after the Call for Qualifications for this project was unsuccessful,
she contacted faculty at the Meskwaki Settlement School to discuss a possible
partnership on a public art installation that involved students through art and trades
curriculum. The students would have the opportunity to develop a design based on
neighborhood input, fabricate the installation through their coursework, and install the
project under the leadership of the faculty. Kilburg shared a proposal letter the faculty
drafted which included a couple of concept ideas to demonstrate how they would
approach the project. She clarified that the Committee was not selecting one of these
concepts but should indicate whether they wish to move forward with this process. A
concept would still be developed by the school faculty and students in partnership with
the neighborhood, with final concept approval by the Committee.
Discuss South District Bus Stop Bench Project
Kilburg reminded the Committee that, after several delays due to budget issues, the
Committee increased the project budget in September 2023 and has been waiting for
an updated timeline and budget from the artist and artist mentor in order to amend the
initial agreements. They artists submitted an updated budget just prior to the April 4,
2024 PAAC meeting, which was below the established $24,000 maximum budget (just
under $20,000). Miller asked about the responsiveness and timeliness of the
artist/mentor on previous milestones. Kilburg shared that she had established monthly
check-in meetings with the artist/mentor and there had been some difficulty with seeing
progress be made over the last few months. Committee members discussed setting
specific and firm project milestone deadlines to ensure the project stays on track.
Kilburg suggested signing a first amendment to their agreements which would deliver
the 4:1 scale metal model by May 15th. If that deliverable was met, then the Committee
could consider signing a second amendment with the artist/mentor to complete the
project in full, with those firm and specific milestone deadlines included. Truitt
Draft,p.4
Public Art Advisory Committee Mtg,41412024
suggested the Committee invites the artisttmentor to provide more frequent progress
updates at PAAC meetings, and not just with staff. She also asked whether making
smaller, more incremental payments to the artisVmentor is possible to ensure the
deliverables are being met. Miller asked Kilburg to work with the City Attorney's Office to
determine the right contract language that accomplishes the Committee's interest in firm
deadlines and fiscal responsibility. Kinker made a motion to authorize an agreement
amendment with both the artist and mentor for the completion of the 4:9 scale metal
model, Sullivan seconded. Motion passed (7-0).
Outreach & Engagement Subcommittee Updates
Miller mentioned a draft agenda for the Arts Stakeholder Meeting was included in the
agenda packet and asked for any comments or feedback. The Committee members
discussed possible dates and Truitt and Finer encouraged staff to consider a guest
speaker who would be a fresh voice for attendees. Miller also suggested lengthening
the period for discussion and that the agenda timeline overall felt a little rushed. Kilburg
agreed to incorporate these suggestions and continue planning the event.
Staff Updates
Kilburg shared that the Downtown Iowa City Cultural & Entertainment District launched
a new marketing campaign, "X Marks the Arts," and encouraged Committee members
to subscribe to the newsletter.
Kilburg Varley also shared that she is unable to attend the May PAAC meeting and will
have another staff member lead the meeting in her absence.
Miller and Truitt shared their experiences and thoughts on the Regional Arts Summit
which they attended in March.
Adjournment
Clark moved to adjourn at 4:39 pm. Sullivan seconded. Motion passed (7-0).
Draft,p.5
Public Art Advisory Committee Mtg,41412024
Public Art Advisory Committee
Attendance Record
2023-2024
Name Term 212123 416/22 514/22 618123 7/6/23 813723 9/7123 1112/23 12!7/23 114124 2/1124
Expires
Ron Knoche X X* X X X X X* X X X* X
Juli Seydell- X X X X X X X 0/E X* X X
Johnson
Steve Miller 12/31/23 X O/E X X X X X X X X X
Eddie 12/31/24 0/E X OIE 0/E O/E O/E 0 — — —
Boyken
Andrea 12/31/25 X X X X X X X X X 0/E X
Truitt
Anita Jung 6/30/23 X X X X O/E O/E X X X X X
Jenny 12/31/23 X O/E 0/E X X X O/E 0/E X —
Gringer
Jeremy 12/31/25 0/E O/E X X O/E X 0 X X X X
Endsley
Nate 6/30/26 — -- — — X X X X X 0/E O/E
Sullivan
Key:
X = Present
X* = Delegate attended
0 = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
— = Not a member