HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-05-21 Transcription Page 1
Council Present: Alter,Bergus,Dunn,Harmsen, Moe, Salih, Teague
Council Absent: None
Staff Present: From, Goers, Platz, Sydell-Johnson,Hightshoe,Welter,Jordan,Van
Dyke, Clark
Others Present: Monsivais,USG Liaison
1. Call to Order
Teague: Okay. It is after 6:00 pm On Tuesday,May 21, 2024, and I'm going to go to call the
City of Iowa City meeting to order. Roll call,please. [Roll Call] All right, I want to
welcome everyone to their City Hall that is here in person and to anyone that is joining
virtually. Welcome as as well. The fust item or the item number 2 is proclamations and
this is a proclamation for Older Americans Month. Oh,yes. Before we go there,just want
to turn it over to our City Manager just to talk about some severe weather things.
From: You probably all are aware there is some severe weather coming our way. If the sirens do
sound,we will move to three different locations. So the Mayor and Council are going to
follow me into the Finance Department where we have a vault there that you're going to
be in. The general public has two options. Eric will lead a group down the stairs into our
basement break room area. And then if anybody has difficulty traversing stairs,Ashley is
going to take you to the Clerk's Office where we have a vault room there as well. So if
those sirens sound, again,Eric will go downstairs for the public. Ashley will stay on this
level and head straight to the rear of the building, and we'll wait for the all clear,then the
police and fire department will give us an all clear when it's safe to excuse me,resume
the meeting. Thank you.
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2. Proclamations
2.a Older Americans Month
Teague: Great, and we hope nothing happends here,right? So we are moving on to item number
2 Which is Proclamation,. 2a Older Americans Month. (reads proclamation)And to
receive this proclamation is our Senior Center Commissioners Nancy and Warren.
Ostrognai: Thank you.
Teague: Great. And thank you as well.
Parris: Certanly.
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3.-7. Consent Calendar
Teague: Well,thanks to both of you. All right, we are moving on to our consent agenda items,
which is items 3-7. Could I get a motion to approve the consent agenda?
Dunn: Mayor, if I just may, I'd like to request separate consideration for 7.a.
Teague: Sure.
Teague: So, can I get a motion to approve consent agenda items 3 through 7 excluding 7.a.
Dunn: So moved.
Moe: Second.
Teague: Move by Dunn, Seconded Moe. And anyone from the public like to address any item in
our Consent Agenda? If you're in person,please raise your hand. Virtually raise your
virtual hand, so you're not one, Council discussion. Roll call, please. [Roll Call] All right.
Motion passes 7-0.
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7.a FY25 Utility Rates—Resolution setting a public hearing for June 4,2024 on
an ordinance amending Title 3, entitled "Finance,Taxation and Fees," Chapter 4,
entitled "Schedule of Fees,Rates,Charges,Bonds, Fines and Penalties" of the City
Code to increase or charge charges and fees.
Teague: Item number 7.a. Could I get a motion to approve,please?
Dunn: Move to defer to our June 18 meeting.
Teague: Okay. Motion to defer. Is there a second?
Eric: I'm sorry. The one point of clarification I'd make is the item sets a public hearing for June
4th. And so if we were to set- if we were to defer to something past that date,we would
just need to do something else just a different motion?
Dunn: Correct- correct.
Goers: Well, that we would just want to defeat this motion then tonight and then and or amend it
on the floor to a later date that would be appropriate given the- given the date that you
would move to defer to, if I'm making sense.
Dunn: Would folks support an amendment to change the date to I aprove the curing,however,
the proper length is so that we could vote on this particular consideration for the 18th.
Salih: Second.
Frain: June 18.
Teague: Okay. Any- so we're deferring it to the
Alter: Public hearing would be 18'.
Dunn: So we would have to amend it now and then defer, correct?
Goers: Yes. Yeah. Yes. I'd have to probably check to see what the July- 1st July date is. And
maybe we can just set that date now, and then you would move to amend it to whatever
that date is. And then we would have the vote on the motion to amend. And then
depending on the outcome of that,we would have a motion to-well,have the motion to
defer,presumably-
Salih:No,hold on.
Goers: Yes.
Salih: Can you explain that again because I don't understand it.
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Goers: Because what? I'm sorry?
Salih: Yeah, I don't understand what exactly you are saying.
Goers: Yeah.. Well, let me start again. It's my understanding that what Councilor Dunn is
intending to do is move this motion to set resolution, setting a public hearing presently
for June 4th to the meeting date of June 18th for a public hearing to be at the presumably
subsequent city council meeting. Um, am I correct so far Councilor Dunn?
Dunn: Correct.
Goers: And so in order to achieve that result,Um, if it's the will of council to do so,there would
be a motion to amend that fust, changing the June 4th date at which we would have the
public hearing to July,whatever it is. I'm sorry.
Fruin: 18th.
Goers: July 18th. And then if that passes,then it's my understanding that Councilor Dunn would
like to move to I'm sorry,move to defer the item. Although I would say in the alternative,
if you just want to have this. In July 18,we could just amend it now,vote on it now and
be done with it.
Dunn: So we would- so in that case,we would amend it to the public hearing on the fust meeting
of August, correct?First meeting of July?
Goer: Yes,which I'm told is July 18th.
Teague: July 16th. Sorry- sorry.
Dunn: So I would rescind my previous motion and motion to set the public hearing for July 16th.
Salih: I saw- I saw saw this is going to go to the agenda for tonight,just pull it out from the
consent.
Goers: He did. Councilor Dunn as any councilor can, asked to be withdrawn for separate
consideration. That's what we're doing now. And now we're,kind of,working our way
through what it is that the Council would like to do with it.
Salih: Yeah, can I ask why we're doing that?
Dunn: Yeah. I just think I want a little bit more time to go over numbers to talk with some folks
in the community. Uh,that's my biggest-biggest thing. So it has been motioned and
seconded.
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Teague: But the motion and the second was to defer.
Dunn: Oh,no, I made an additional motion, and Councilor Alter seconded it.
Teague: Okay.
Salih: And we can vote on that.
Teague: So that I'm clear. Your intent is for this public hearing to be on the 16th of July?
Dunn: Correct.
Teague: So then we would defer this until,uh,June.
Dunn: We would not be-we would not be deferring. So it's- it's now a vote on an amendment to-
to set the hearing tonight for the 16th of July. That's what the amendment would be for.
Teague: Got it. So the amendment. All right. So we got,uh, first and a seconded. Um,honestly,
anyone from the public like to address that. Well,yeah.
Dunn: Wouldn't be in order.
Teague: All right. Council discussion.
Harmsen: So just I- I just want to clarify. You-you just want more time to study?
Dunn: I just want more time to talk with various stakeholders,various agencies that deal with
people in this population.
Harmsen: Public hearing.
Dunn: Public works.
Harmsen: With a vote,the following meeting.
Dunn: Yeah.
Harmsen: A month from now wouldn't be enough time?
Dunn: I just- I, this is the timeline that I particularly am interested in, and I would appreciate,uh,
support in it.
Teague: Okay.
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Harmen: Does that-will that delay the implementation? I know this-when I read through this, it
looked very similar to the direction we gave last time to city staff.
Alter: Yes.
Dunn: Would it delay the implementation? I mean,we can do retroactive action if there's any
problem, so potentially,but,um.
Fruin: We- we would-the implementation date would be after the final reading. We-we would
have to work-work on a specific date. Um,we-we wouldn't want to do any retroactive.
Harmsen: Right.
Fruin: But there's not a-there's not a hard date that you have to meet. We would just tailor the
implementation date to whatever that final reading is.
Salih: I guess can understand,you know. I think this is the discount, am I right or reading it
wrong? This is the discount for 75 to give like low income people,uh,we used to give
them 65- 60. And now we increase 60 discount in their basic water bill. And last meeting
we approved it to be 75 discount from their basic use of water. And I don't understand if
we agreed, and this is for the benefit of public,why we're deferring this?
Dunn: We're not deferring it.
Salih: Why are we setting the public hearing on the other day,not today?
Dunn: I- I just think that it's best that we make the most informed decision with the resources
that we have, and I haven't had an opportunity to reach out to Public Works yet. That's
something that I want to do. I also want to reach out to a number of agencies that are
working with populations that deal with this particular issue. So this is just something
that I feel passionately about in this way.
Harmsen: I'm wondering,uh, question for City Staff, if we were to go ahead and move forward
with the June 4th public hearing, does that obligate us to vote on this-the following. Like
for instance, if,uh, at that point after that public hearing Councilor Dunn perhaps still
feels he wants to do more research. Do we have to vote on the next meeting,or could we
vote on it? There's no reason we have to set it.
Goers:No. If-
Harmsen: The gap between the public hearing and ordinance, I guess, is what I'm asking.
Goers: Right. So what we're setting today is for the public hearing on June 4th.
Salih: Yes.
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Goers: And presumably,the fust reading, of which there would be three unless you collapse,
would be on,um,June 4th. And could,uh, Council move to defer that fust reading?Yes.
Salih: Okay. I think we have enough time- for me, I think we have enough time from now until
June 4th. And, ah, I- I will prefer to stay for June 4th.
Harmsen: I'm inclined to agree because the third reading then, if we go by the normal path,
would still wouldn't be till July. Like,there would still be time,but there's no- I don't, I
guess- I guess I'm not inclined to delay this,um,because I still see that,you know, if we
do all three readings with a June 4th public hearing in a fust reading. Second meeting in
June a second reading, one meeting in July,would be third reading. I think there's still
time. So- and then we could all,you know,that's the reason why we have three readings
as we can change our minds between reading one and reading three if we-new
information comes to light. So I- I would be inclined to-to not support a delay or change
of date on this. That's just mine.
Teague: Yeah. Uh,this,uh, of course, is a sticky-well, it's not a sticky situation. I think a
Councilor is asking for some time to just go out and do some research. Uh, ah,you know,
I understand the timeline that Councilor Harmsen just talked about the three readings.
Um, I'm not in a position to question. You know,why does he need that,you know,that
much time. I'm inclined to just support the,you know,the amendment. Um, it does delay,
but I- I think I would give that courtesy to any of one of our Councilors.
Dunn: Thank you.
Teague: Roll call,please, for the amendment.
Alter: Which is the-
Teague: Uh, it is amended,uh, so the amendment for the public hearing is set for July 16th.
Goers: Correct.[Roll Call]
Teague: Motion passes 6-1.
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Teague: We are moving on to item number,um, let me make sure there's no correspondence.No.
Uh,we're moving on to item number 8. Uh,this is-
Dunn: Uh,mayor,we just approved the amendment. I think we still have to approve 7.a.
Goers: Oh,yeah. That's right. I'm sorry.
Teague: Okay. Great. Uh, can I get a motion to approve seven 7.a?
Dunn: So moved.
Bergus: Second.
Teague: All right. Moved and seconded. Uh,moved by,um.
Alter: Bergus
Bergus: Dunn.
Teague: And Bergus.
Alter: Both of them
Teague: And seconded by Bergus.
Goers: Well, Mr. Mayor,the motion originally was moved and seconded,uh, and we only need
to do that once. Uh, and then it was a- a- amended. So it's-whoever, I'd have to go back
and look at my notes if,uh,but-well.
Dunn: Yeah.
Goers: I guess I didn't have it written down. I'm sorry. I'm sure Ashley has it at- at any rate,uh,
we're ready to move forward.
Teague: Okay.
Goers: Having it done.
Teague: All right. Anyone from the public like to address this topic? Seeing no one in person or
online council discussion. Roll call please. [Roll Call] Motion passes 7-0.
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8. Community Comment
Teague: Item number 8 is community comment. This is an opportunity for the public to come
and,uh, speak to the Council. Um,because Community Comment is for items not
properly noticed on the agenda. Council cannot engage in discussion or debate due to
open meeting laws. And I'm going to allow,um, could I see the hands of individuals that
want to speak during this time?Yeah,we'll allow for three minutes. Welcome.
Ross: Hi,my name is Brandon Ross. I am,uh, from Iowa City. I am, uh,thinking globally, I'm
acting locally. I am Ukrainian American,um, also Jewish American. Half of my mom's
family is from Ukraine. Um, and right now,uh,the doomsday clock,which is the closest
to midnight it has ever been,which is the clock,which if it does hit midnight,that means
we're in a nuclear disaster, and we've been incinerated. Uh,because of the US meddling,
uh, in Ukraine,we are at a very,very,very bad time. I asked people to pay attention to
this and to,uh, contact their council people,not their council people,but their Congress
people. Although you can contact your council people. I'm sure they like to hear from
you. Uh,you know,that basically,what has happened is, after the US helped overthrow
democratically elected president in Ukraine in 2014,then armed right wing militias,
basically fascists for eight years, including the killing of 20,000 Eastern Ukrainians and
over 2,000 children. Hospitals were bombed, schools were bombed. UNICEF put out a
warning that over half a million children were at danger,mortal danger, over four million
people had fled Ukraine and East,uh,to go to Russia to take refuge. Think about that.
They went to Russia because those were Eastern Ukrainians. Then after the 3,000,uh,
3,000 UN Security,uh, cease fire violations by the Kiev regime in February of 2022,
Russia interceded on behalf of Eastern Ukraine. Then the,uh,talks were actually
discussed and negotiations were to be had in March of 2022, and they were scuttled by
the US,uh, through the proxy of Boris Johnson, and the US sent in appropriated $100
billion in arms. And then basically, it began,the real-the real murder and the-the
annihilation. There's over half a million,uh,Western Ukrainians,Kiev regime Ukrainians
that are casualties and the casualties in Eastern Ukraine and Russia are estimated
somewhere around 80,000. So we're in a devastating situation,but recently,the US had
appropriated weapons for Israel,Kiev,Ukraine, and Taiwan,which was reckless. And
then yesterday I heard Ex-State Department member,Victoria Newland,who worked
with Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld, and the W. Bush administration say that we
should bomb Russia if- if things go on. And right now,that is not really the way to go.
Uh,we could be incinerated. We won't have any elder people. Bob Dylan's,warning a
hard rain is going to fall, is really gonna happen. Please, contact your Congress people.
No more weapons.Negotiations, cease fire now.
Teague: Thank you. Welcome,please state your name and city you're from.
McCann: Currently, I'm from Tiffin, but on June 15th, I move to Iowa City. I did send everyone-
my name is Mary McCann. I did send everyone an email with a great deal of information
about my concerns,but I'll give an overview here. In December, I was present to watch
the challenge that the Tiffms mayor, city council, and Sheriff Kunkel faced when they
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presented the Tiffins five year law enforcement contract to the County Board of
Supervisors. I did attach a number of things for you to refer to -Should I continue?
[ Severe Weather Alert& Announcement]
Teague: So we're going to continue our meeting for now,but we're going to keep watching. And
I'm going to give you about an extra 15 minutes- I mean, 15.
McCann: And I'm so I can keep talking.
Teague: Fifteen seconds.
McCann: I practiced- I've practiced for 73 years to talk for very long periods of time. Ask my
grandchildren. At any rate,we'll go back to that I watched- I watched what they were
facing when they were trying to pass a five-year law enforcement contract with the Board
of Supervisors. And I sent you a great deal of information. As you know,the 911 calls
that come through the Johnson County Emergency Communication Center range from
11,000 per month to 12,000 per month. And I also have a great deal of detail that I sent to
you about those needs. When the Board of Supervisors voted,the three ayes were the
people that are up for election. Right now,the three nays-the two nays, excuse me. Uh,
we're V and John. People who I admire for the work that they do in our communities. But
under these circumstances,we have a conflict. Uh, Mandy Remington is running for a
seat, and she agrees that money should be pulled from law enforcement in order to take
care of social services. I would ask you to consider that perhaps the City Councils who
did all of the negotiations, especially in the unincorporated areas, are the people who
represent us. The people in Tiffin did not- do not feel represented by Des Moines. When
they look for representation and democracy,they look to their City Councils. They look
to the hours that they spent in negotiation for what our city needs. I feel the same way
when I move here,that I look to you to represent each of your constituencies of which I
will be part. And part of that is to have law enforcement. As we are right now,the
government in Des Moines has ended all liaisons to law enforcement. From social
services, it took Coralville,North Liberty, and the Sheriffs Department together to join
for a grant to get one social worker to help out one for the three of them to share. State
government is not going to have to dictate this to us, I would think. They have a reality
that we don't share. I know that people in Tiffin were very angry to think that any
contract that comes before the County Board is going to be treated with law enforcement.
As prejudiced,they're going to rule against it. They're going to find a way. And in a time
when we are facing extreme challenge for law enforcement in an election year where
there are more threats than anyone has ever seen before? I think that we need to
understand this is not the time. We do have to build community, and I admire the people
to do that. I like to think I'm part of that. But we have a long way to go to get society
ready for a 91- 911 less opportunity.
Teague: Yep. Thank you. Uh,will you please sign your name and on the desk here. There's a
sign in. Yes. Thank you so much. All right. Seeing and no one else for public comment
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9. Planning& Zoining Matters
9.a. Rezoning—302-316 E.Bloomington Street—Local Historic Landmark—
Ordinance resoning property located at 302-316 E.Bloomington Street from
Central Business Service(CB-2)zone to CB-2 with a Historic District Overlay
(OHD/CB-2)zone. (REZ24-0001) (Pass & Adopt)
Teague: We're going to move on to planning and zoning matters,which is item Number 9.a is
rezoning 302 through 316 East Bloomington Street, local historic landmark ordinance
rezoning property located at 302 through 316. East Bloomington Street from Central
Business Service Zone to C132 where the historic district overlay zone and- can I get a
motion to pass and adopt?
Dunn: Mayor, I'd move to defer to the June 18th formal meeting.
Teague: There's a movement to defer.
Moe: I'll second.
Teague: There's a second. So there's a movement by Dunn, seconded by Moe. Anyone want to
give some comments on why this is?
Dunn:No.
Teague:No. Okay. All right. So when we do a movement like for deferment,we- I guess we can
invite the public up to just give some discussion if they-
Goers: Sorry.
Teague: Yeah.
Goers: That's up to the presiding officer that's you in this context.
Teague: Yeah. I mean,there's people here that that want to-that came to be heard. So there's a
movement for deferment.
Dunn: Question real quick.
Teague: Yes.
Dunn: The applicant is HPC,right?
Goers: That's correct.
Dunn: Would the applicant support a motion to defer to the 18th?
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Sellergren: Yes.
Goers: My only concern is the chair of the HPC is here, I wonder if the HPC has actually
weighed in on that question.
Sellergren: They have not.
Goers: Then I think it's probably have- answer it has to be that there's no position taken.
Teague: Any members from the public like to address this topic?And this is the local historic
landmark consideration. Welcome,please state your name and city and firm and if I
could see just the hands of anyone that wants to.
Dunn: This is before we make a motion to defer, so the only thing they'd be able to talk about is
the motion to defer.
Teague: Which is true. I mean- I mean, I mean,but still the motion is on this historic overlay. So
I mean.
Goers: Yeah. The question was, do we accept public comment upon a motion to defer? Is that
your question, Councilor Dunn?
Dunn:No,the question,well, so I guess what I'm caught up in is normally when we deal with a
motion that's passed or that's made and then seconded,we then vote on it, and then that is
it. I'm wondering about making public comment on a motion to defer. We don't normally
do that.
Goers: Well, I mean, every resolution, of course,would be a motion to second public discussion.
Counsel discussion and so forth. As I mentioned to the Mayor earlier,whether to allow
public comment upon this kind of motion or, frankly,kind of any kind of motion is up to
the presiding officer. And so if the presiding officer wishes to just move ward with the
vote,that's fine. We can certainly do that. If presiding officer wants to welcome public
comment,that's fine too.
Teague: But I think I heard you say that you're thinking that the comments from the public
should only be related to the deferment?
Dunn: Yeah,yeah,because that is the item that we're now discussing.
Goers: Yeah, I would agree with that. Yeah. Yeah.
Teague: So you can really discuss if we should defer or not defer this item. So you really can't go
into a lot of comment on the merits of to landmark or not to landmark this position or this
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property. Okay. So if you are wanting to give public comment about this deferment, I
welcome you at this time.
Honohan: Well, I guess I'll say that you should probably defer it. All right. Thank you.
Teague: Okay.
Honohan: My name is Jay Honahan by the way.
Teague: Yep, and you're from what city?
Honohan: Iowa City.
Teague: And I'll have you sign in right there. Thank you. Welcome.
Agran: Hi. I just want be-My name is Thomas Agran. I just want to be clear that if I'm
commenting on the deferment now. So if you choose not to defer, I'll still have an
opportunity to speak about it.
Teague: Correct.
Agran: I didn't expect that this would be deferred. That surprises me a little bit, and I don't have
an opinion on the deferment specifically. All that I want to say on the record is that I had
a conversation with Maz before this meeting. And if you do choose to defer,I would
enjoy the opportunity to convey some of the things that we discussed to other people that
have strong feelings about this issue,but that's how I would use this time to as an active
citizen,but I don't personally support deferring it further. Thank you.
Teague: Thank you. Yeah. And you don't have to take it off the sticker. You can throw it in the
basket.
Dunn: There you go.
Teague: Thank you. Welcome.
Tassianry: Welcome,Lou Tassinary Iowa City. I also was surprised by the motion to defer. Um,
and I do, can't really have an opoin- I have opinions on the actual item on the agenda. But
I would hope there's going to be some discussion as to why there would be a motion to
defer because I think that's very important for the public to know why it would be
deferred at this point when it's already been a very, sort of, long involved process.
Thanks.
Teague: Thank you. Welcome.
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DeGraw: Hi. My name is Sharon DeGraw, and I support the motion to defer,um in part because
well,totally because of the week leading up to this. Uh, a friend who is in the business
community,who I know was aiming to talk to Maz to flip her vote said things that blew
me away that were untrue, and I think that's important to have further conversation and
clear those items up. It was a lot of hyperbolic talk, and it was just alarming, and I hope
that doesn't become the direction that Maz is persuaded to believe. Thanks.
Teague: Thank you. Welcome.
Sellergren: Thank you. Um,uh,my name is Jordan Sellergren and I would prefer to just proceed
with the vote. I think that I can address some of the concerns of councilors during public
comment, and I would say let's just do it tonight and get it done. Thank you.
Teague: Thank you. Welcome. Please state your city and your name.
Futrell: Susan Futrell, Iowa City. I did have some comments about,the-the original um,motion.
In terms of a motion to defer, I don't have a- I'm surprised also, I don't have a strong
feeling either way. I think I- I would only support deferring if that time on the council
could be used to discuss in informal meeting or with the staff some of the concerns that
have been raised. The Mayor Pro Tem, in particular,has brought up some important
issues about how we maintain older housing stock in the city that I think are worth
exploring. I don't think a vote against this designation would address those issues. I still
think the designation needs to go forward. But if the extra time were to be used to further
strengthen the benefits of that-um designation,then that seems useful. Otherwise, I think
if you don't have time to talk more about it in between, it's probably time to vote.
Teague: Thank you. And I'll ask you just to sign in there. Thank you. All right. I say no one else
for- comment on this item, Council discussion.
Dunn: I think it makes sense if the applicant is no longer wanting a motion to defer, I can resend
it. I think it makes sense if- if a representative,not actually speaking for the applicant is
not wanting a motion to defer. I think that that is appropriate so I will ask people fail this.
Teague: So,you- so you well-you want to rescind the motion?
Dunn: I think we have to vote on it, don't we? Can - can I rescind?
Goers: Yeah. My preference would be we just go ahead and vote it out there. That's it.
Teague: Right?Any other discussion- any other discussion by council?Roll call,please?
Goers: This would just be a voice vote as a motion.
Teague: So all in favor of a deferment,uh say aye. All opposed, say nay?
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All:Nay.
Teague: Motion fails,uh 0-6- 0-7 sorry. All right. Can I get a motion to pass and adopt?
Alter: So moved alter.
Moe: Second Moe.
Teague: Okay. Anyone from the public like to address this topic?And this is where you can
come and speak on specifics. I'm going to again,just,um let everyone know that this is
an opportunity to speak to council. Council will not engage in discussion or debate.
However, council may ask staff to respond to a concern or question posed by the public
or to follow up with the speaker at a later time. So we'll invite you at this time. We'll give
everyone. I just want to see a show of hands of everyone that wants to speak. Yep. And
so we'll give three minutes to everyone. Please state your name and city you're from.
Sellergren: Hi, I'm Jordan Sellergren. I'm the chair of the Historic Preservation Commission. I
live in Iowa City. Um, I prepared a speech,but I don't know if it's the weather. I am not
going to read it. Um, I am very aware of Mayor Pro Tem's concerns with regard to
Historic Preservation and how the culture of the Commission could be improved. There is
flexibility that could be introduced, I think, into the way we consider applications that I
will raise during commission discussion at our meeting tomorrow,which was
rescheduled due to agenda item things. Um, so that meeting is at 5:30 tomorrow. I would
invite anybody in the public to be present at the meeting and speak during public
comment,um so they can share input on how we can,uh move forward as a commission
and how city staff can improve Historic Preservation efforts in general. And um, I just,
um want the Councilors to know that as the chair, I- I um, I am definitely willing to work
toward any improvements that are suggested. And those are my comments. And I
appreciate everybody's time. Thank you.
Teague: Thank you. And I invite people to just kind of join and stand on the line and just come
forward. Yep. Welcome.
Honohan: I spoke to you. Good evening,Mr. Mayor. I spoke to you just a minute ago. So um-.
Teague: Please restate your name and city you're from.
Honohan: Everyone,my name is Jay Honohan and I live in Iowa City. I would,um ask you guys
strongly to vote this measure down tonight. Um, I don't believe that is it's really historic,
especially the -the building where the laundry mat is. And I would also - I don't think
that if the owner was going to sell it, I don't think you would be talking about this tonight.
Also, if you talk to other businesses, for example, St. Mary's Church that there has been
designated historic,they have to go through a lot of things to get things done on the
outside, and,um you are not providing enough help to the owners,um of their buildings.
I mean, 20- 25% from state tax revenues to restore a,um property building is not
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sufficient enough. And when he goes to sell the building, if it's designated historic,um
he'll take a loss a little bit on the building. And so I would encourage you guys to vote
this down and send it back to the historic commission,maybe see if they could divide the
property up for the owner. Thank you.
Teague: Thank you. Welcome. Please state your city and your name.
Agran: My name is Thomas Agran. Maz,thank you for our conversation and know that I will
strongly advocate for your concerns that you raised with me. Thank you. I've spoken at a
lot of meetings about this. So you know where I stand on this issue, and similar to Jordan,
I've made some last minute revisions to what I was going to say,but I,however, am still
going to read the majority of what I was going to say. You know,when we urge landlords
to reduce rent or require affordable units, it may well reduce their profit margins, and we
see the collective good that this does in our communities. And when we require higher
environmental standards, it cuts into the bottom lines of developers. When we zone, it
means a neighbor can't bulldoze their house,build a gas station, and cash the check. But
we all know why these things are right and appropriate. And this situation is no different.
Nobody in this town who owns a mult million dollar building or property is a victim.
Maintenance of buildings old and new is expensive and is a responsibility. In fact, for
newer buildings, even more expensive. Try building one. The motion has sailed through
our civic processes,HPC unanimous,P &Z basically unanimous support from City staff,
overwhelming majority of counsel,hundreds from the community have written or turned
out from all perspectives, including the business community. The building has been
identified in the comp plan forever to be designated. The owners themselves have
thoughtfully maintained and preserved this particular building, and for 100 years, seen
the dividends from that preservation work returned to them. It may be time for a new
owner and new ideas for the next life of this building,new investment,but there is never
a right time for demolition and more luxury condos in Iowa City.Nobody sends
postcards of five over ones. The process has been transparent,thorough, and fair. The
application checked every single box. Bruce, I voted for you because we share a lot of
values,but your peculiar waffling on this sort of slam dunk of an application is
disheartening to me. Everybody is watching how you guys vote. So vote in line with your
community,with your commissions, and with your staff because if our commissions,
codes,processes, and civic plans ultimately have no authority, do any. Put it to rest so
that all of those who have mobilized to save this building can instead be mobilized for
causes more dear to you. A vote in favor is not just right. It will mandate and empower
the HPC to overall overhaul and refresh how our preservation policies are communicated
and implemented. Even if there are any ambivalence left in your mind, I ask you to defer
with humility and respect to the unanimous opinions of those who have given this such
close consideration. Your vote is recorded,but not just in the dusty Leger books of City
Hall, it's also recorded in our community's consciousness. You as an individual represent
our council and the choice to send a message to our community about what our local
government is worth, capable of and values. Please do not use this particular building as a
pawn. Vote. Yes, show us that you listen to us that city- that Iowa City is still a city worth
fighting for and living in. I'm going to skip a little bit here at M time and show us that as
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our leaders and our neighbors,that you also want to live in a community guided by
collective values over personal profits. You have a big audience on this issue, and
spectators love a buzzer beater. So let's see one from you guy. Thank you.
Teague: Thank you. I'm going to call Jackie who's online. Welcome.
Biger: Hello. Can you hear me?
Teague: Yes,welcome.
Biger: Wonderful. Hi. My name is Jackie Biger, that's spelled B-I-G-E-R, and I am in Iowa City,
and I'm calling in favor of the zoning-the historical zoning of this property as well. I just
want to say that I live in a house that's 100 years old. I live in a conservation district, and
that was not something that came easy to us. We were lucky to be a recipient of a home
through the University Housing Program that used to exist where they would remodel
rentals, and we are so lucky to get to live in the neighborhood that we do, and we are so
proud of our neighborhood and we are proud when we get to remodel. And yes,we have
to follow certain stipulations,but that's because,you know,how a built environment feels
and what it looks like matters and part of why we love Iowa City and the Northside, and
what we've chosen to make our lives here is because of buildings like this one. And
because of the Northside neighborhood district,then the Northside businesses and the
way you feel in the space really matters, and saving history really matters. Once this is
gone, it's gone, and we have very little left in our town to look to-to remember what our
history was of and how far we've come as a community. So I just urge you to vote to save
it.
Teague: Thank you. Welcome. Please state your name and city you're from.
Tassinary: Yes. Lou Tassinary, Iowa City. So two final points from me anyway, for your
consideration. The first legal,the last speculative. When deciding whether to landmark
this Slexak Hall complex,the city should be guided by its own historic preservation as
ordinance and should bow neither to the hypothetical threat of a lawsuit nor to anecdotal
screeds from unrelated property owners. Any attorney- any attorney who has successfully
represented municipalities with respect to zoning and landmarking decisions will
confidently tell you that the decision to landmark historic private owned buildings
violates neither federal nor state law so long as the buildings in questions meet the
standards in the city's Historic Preservation ordinance and landmarking and is not done
for anti religious discrimination or misuse of position reasons. Federal and state courts
have consistently interpreted the law in a manner that allows municipalities to landmark
buildings owned by private individuals, as well as religious institutions. Unfortunately, it
is common for owners and armchair lawyers to raise the threat of a lawsuit in response to
land use and land making decisions as a way to intimidate city governments. Concern
over a potential lawsuit should not,however,persuade elected officials from following
Iowa City's own ordinances. The best way to protect the city from a lawsuit is for council
members to faithfully apply the city's guidelines for landmarking in a neutral manner
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concentrating solely the historic value and the significance of the building itself,neither
on building owners,promissory notes from developers,nor IR falsi citizens.Now,the
more speculative one. I just wonder because I hadn't done this. I wonder in the course of
your deliberations on this issue,have any of you asked yourself the following questions.
Who shopped at the dry goods store?Who stayed at the hotel, or perhaps more
importantly,who was prevented from shopping or staying at the hotel?As just one
example that hasn't yet emerged, consider the early Lebanese immigrants to our area at
the turn of the last century,mostly Muslim and farmers,the ones who built the Mother
Mosque in Cedar Rapids. The ones fleeing the breakup of the Ottoman Empire. Did they
shop or swap at Holub & Sons? I bring this up because as so clearly stated by the
National Trust for Historic Preservation, it is only by rallying around places that bring
stories to life that communities are not only empowered by their unique pasts,but also
safeguard a sense of identity, continuity, and vitality for the future. You simply don't ask
those kinds of questions without those landmark buildings. That's what those landmark
buildings do for a community. The Slezak Hall complex officially recognized.
Teague: Thank you.
Tassinary: Thank you.
Teague: Welcome.
Futrell: Thank you. I'm such a nervous speaker. I'm glad not to have to put this off again Um, I
wanted to fust of all, again,thank all of you on the Council for the votes so far that have
kept this process moving forward and the ones of you that have really articulately said
why you voted in favor and support this.
Teague: Will you state your name and set it for the record?
Futrell: Oh, sorry. I did it before. Susan Futrell and I'm from Iowa City. I live on the Northside.
Um, I know you all have a hard job to do balancing the needs of different perspectives
and individuals in the community,um, and that you can't always make everybody happy.
And I- I want to say, again, as has been said, I think you have an opportunity with this
vote either to make a few people happy over some,um, expected financial gain and- and
financial benefits or a lot of people all over the community, small businesses,neighbors,
visitors,happy because you've helped maintain and preserve a kind of quality of life and-
and,uh, culture in- in our town. Uh,the process going on this long has given me the
opportunity to think more about some of the other issues that came up at previous
meetings around affordable housing. And I also wanted to address the concerns that the
Mayor Pro Tem has raised. Um, I've been thinking about them a lot and also just walking
around the neighborhood,um,thinking about what it would be like to have another high-
rise apartment building in that area. I think, again, as I said in my earlier comment,taking
some time to really address those concerns is really important. This is- Historic
Preservation used to be about the elite and about the kind of big fancy buildings,but in
my experience in Iowa City in the last 25 or 30 years, it has really been about preserving
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the older parts of town,which in many,many cases are also the most affordable,
walkable family-friendly neighborhoods that we have over 50% of the units in the
Northside are rentals. They're almost all old,but not all of them. Some of them are eight
plexes and four plexes. A lot of them look like single-family houses,but they're really
apartments and rooming houses. I think these questions that have been raised about how
the Council and the Historic Preservation Commission could support owners of older
properties to help keep them among the more affordable parts of town are really
important. But I will say in closing that I think a vote against preservation for this
building doesn't do anything to address those concerns. It just lets a sacrifice of really
important resource in our community,um,that we can't-that we will never have back.
But addressing those concerns after voting to support the designation could make an even
more powerful statement going forward.
Teague: Thank you.
Furtell: Thank you.
Teague: Welcome.
Davies: Uh,my name is James Davies from Iowa City. Um, I'm here to voice support,um, for
the listing of this project. Um, I fust wanna just take a minute to commend the Skarda
Family. I think they've done a really excellent job at,um,preserving this building to this
point. I think they're leaving a really remarkable legacy of dedication and hard work that
they should be incredibly proud of Um, it seems to me that the discourse on this topic
has kind of centered around the assumption that the property is potentially more valuable
as an empty lot,um, as compared to its fully leased current state, and I- I just wanna state
that I think that's very speculative and potentially untrue. Um, given the C132 zoning,um,
you're fairly limited to a height that you could get on that building on that site,um, and
the-the investment needed to make a more dense,um, fully leased space would be fairly
large. Um, I've also heard a lot of talk about support from the city,uh, financially. Um, I
did want to take a moment to just highlight the other tax credit potential that is unlocked
by listing and building. Um, federal tax credits are a huge incentive structure to
incentivize the rehabilitation and the renovation of projects like this. Um, and I've looked
into seven projects in Iowa City that have qualified for federal tax credits,um, and the-
the incentive structures for those total over $17 million. Um, if you compare Iowa City,
uh,use of these funds,um, I think there are seven projects in Iowa City. Dubuque has 52
projects. Waterloo has 30. So it seems to me that Iowa City is doing something,um, a bit
of a disservice in not listing more of these buildings and unlocking these incentive
structures, so I encourage you to vote,uh,yes. Thank you.
Teague: Thank you. Welcome.
DeGraw: Okay. Sharon DeGraw again,just that.
Teague: Iowa City.
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DeGraw: Iowa City.
Teague: Yes.
DeGraw: Yes. Um, so my head has shifted in terms of what I thought I was gonna say. Um, so
one of the things I heard that come up is that it would help if, uh,the City Staff had more-
either more people or more time allotted to helping people with historic structures get,uh,
the information that they need so that they can get their buildings worked on and tended
to. And I think that's a great step forward if that were to happen, and that would be
positive. Um, I've also heard that some of the historic buildings can cost more to have
repairs made, and in some cases,that's true,but what I found at my house is like when I
had my roof painted the proper way, I have a metal roof. Uh, it's going to last 15-20
years, and the similar houses with the same kind of painting treatment, I've seen are
lasting really well. So it might be a little more expensive,but in the long run, it's less
expensive because it's a higher quality,uh,material that I'm going for instead of just
ripping off the roof and going with cheap,uh, shingles. Um,the people that have come
here for, like,the last three months or so,um,you've had over 100 positive letters in
support of the designation. Um,the vast majority of people that are living in the
Northside that own their homes, I think they're-they're happy,they're content. You don't
hear them coming here complaining about the process. But last week, I referred to a
friend who's a realtor who said that she was gonna try to contact Maz to flip her vote,uh,
the things that she was saying were shocking to me because she blowed so many things,
uh, out of proportion. To what my experience is explaining what she thinks the
experience she has had and what others will have. Um, I just have caution- I would give
caution to anyone being persuaded by that because it's business people who are trained to
make as much money as they can. And we've got this happy little neighborhood that
seems to be doing pretty well, and I haven't heard a lot of complaint about Historic
Preservation. Um, and going forward, I hope that the Preservation Commission staff can
all work together to make it a smoother process, and I hope that,uh,we have a six out of
seven vote. Thank you.
Teague: Thank you and welcome. Please state your name and city you're from. And the sticker
can go on the- on the list there. Yep. Thanks.
Prier: My name is Thomas L. Prier and I'm not here to speak about historic buildings tonight but
historic lives on the Southside. The Shelter House building. It's not on the agenda, sir, if
you tell me when I can come and speak about disenfranchising on the Southside, criminal
activity in a place. So which years? I will find out. I have to- I have gone to several
different agencies, and I am here in desperation to be heard. If I cannot be heard, if there
is a different date for this agenda to be heard I will make it.
Teague: Yeah. We just passed that item. So typically,that's towards,uh, the beginning of our
agenda for public comment on anything that's not on the agenda. So we're-we're back on
June,um, on June 4th.
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Moe: 4th or 6th?
Prier: June 4th?
Teague: On June 4th Yes. We're back on June 4th.
Prier: Thank you, sir. I will be back here on June 4th.
(weather announcement)
Teague: All right. That's great news. All right. All right. Any- so the public has spoken,we're
gonna move on to council discussion at this time.
Moe: I had notes to talk about the legality of landmarking and notes to talk about the financial
incentives, and I think that our community showed up and did better job than I possibly
could have. I have notes about case law that's 40 pages long about why preservation has
been tested over and over again, it's okay. But I think the actual lawyer who spoke will
believe you. Um, and as far as the incentives that the city currently provides that are
valuable,um, I'd love to do more,but we're in a budget-challenged position as a city. But
those state and federal tax credits are so, so, so big and important, and it's money coming
from outside into this community and I have personal experience with it. I bought a
house, 130-year-old home that had a lot of needs, and I did it as a historic tax credit
project. And,um, I was my personal home, so I couldn't get federal tax credits. Um, but if
it were a for-profit um, company,um, like a polyize restaurant or an apartment building,
they could get 20 plus 25% of money coming from outside of our budget, outside the
City of Iowa City's budget from the state into Iowa City, and the cool thing about
preservation is it creates tons of labor jobs because Historic Preservation is about
handwork and it's craftswomen and craftsmen who are paid pretty well and are skilled
people that I love having in this community, and we-um, I- I got to see that up close and
personal. So it's one of the reasons why I feel so- so positively about this opportunity for
this community. It is not just the aesthetic dimension of that cool building,but also it's
gonna create jobs. It's gonna create a sense of community. It's just- it's gonna be good for
us.
Alter: I second all of that.
Teague: I do have a question,uh, for staff. I- I heard in one of the comments that if this is voted
down now,this-we would never have this opportunity again for this to come before the
Council to make this project historic provided that is not torn down,right?Within a 10-
day, I understand there could be a 10-day request to tear down the building.Demolition.
There was an example of another project that it was done within about 10 days is what
we were told. So the question is, if this let's say it doesn't pass today, could this come
before the Council again?
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Goers: Well, it- this is a rezoning, an overlay rezoning. Uh, and so,normally,we don't like to see
the same,uh,proposal,uh, in substance come back in a short period of time. However, if
you're talking about,you know, 10 years from now, I know that this property has been at
least discussed a number of times over the years. Uh, I think that it could be considered
once more,whether it's just the single parcel or included in a broader parcel,perhaps,uh,
at some time that doesn't feel like it's just looking for a do-over next month,let's say. Um,
and I'm not saying it's got to be at most more than 30 days. I mean, I would wanna see
something more than that. But,yes, it could come back at some point down the road.
Teague: Okay.
Salih: You saying some time down the road. But you said at the beginning,we don't like to see.
Is that we don't like to see or there is a law will prohibit it from coming within the days
by the commission again?
Goers: Right. We wanna see a change in circumstances if not a change in the plan itself. Uh, that
is,uh,we don't wanna have the same,uh,motion for rezoning,uh, coming or ordinance, I
should say, for rezoning come kind of in surreal fashion over and over and over again.
That's inappropriate. But, again,with the great passage of time,usually,there's a change
of circumstance,maybe a change in comp plan or district plans,uh, community needs or
assessments. Um, again, like I mentioned, or part of a broader parcel that wouldn't be the
exact same parcel that's at issue before you today. Those would all be fair considerations
to bring it forth once more.
Dunn: So what you're saying is if there was something that could feasibly change the
circumstances of our standard of review, it would be appropriate to reassess.
Goers: Well, not just a standard review because,the-you know,the city's ordinance is what it is.
And,you know, even if that remains the same, let's say 10 years from now to use that
hypothetical. Um, if there are changes in circumstances,um,you know, community
needs and so forth,then. Even without a change in the ordinance, I think that would be
fair for a council to reconsider.
Dunn: Can you go over what our standard of review is today?
Goers: Sure. So there are,uh,two things that you need to find plus at least one of four things that
follow. The two things that you need to find are that the property is significant to
American and or Iowa City history, architecture, archaeology, and culture,you need to
have that, and you need to have that it possesses integrity of location, design, setting,
materials, and workmanship. You need to have those two plus of- at least one of the next
four. Those four are the property is associated with events that have made a significant
contribution to the broad patterns of our history or are associated with the lives of persons
significant in our past, or embody the distinctive characteristics of a type period method
of construction or represent the work of a master or possess high artistic values or
represent a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual
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distinction. Or have yielded or may likely yield information important to pre-history or
history.
Dunn: Can you tell us what does a standard of review typically mean for counsel's sake?
Goers: I'm sorry,what is-
Dunn: What does a-what does a standard of review mean?
Goers: I'm not sure- I'm not sure how to answer that. I mean, or you mean like beyond a
reasonable doubt you don't mean that-
Dunn:No-no. So,what is the importance of a standard of review?
Goers: I'm sorry. I'm missing your question. I'm sure it's clear, but I'm missing it.
Dunn: So for the public,what does-what does a standard of review mean?Like,what is our job?
Like, I understand that our job is to go through this to determine these criteria.
Goers: Right.
Dunn: But in a greater sense like, is the standard of review to say yes or no to those questions?
And if we get to a yes on multiple of those questions,then the answer is yes?
Goers: Yes. If you feel that all of these standards are met,then your vote should be yes.
Dunn: And that's classified by law, correct?
Goers: I'm sorry.
Dunn: And that's classified by law,right? Is it code?
Goers: Yes. Uh,the challenge would be if that decision is arbitrary or capricious. That would be
the standard that would need to be met by challengers of your decision.
Dunn: Thank you.
Goers: Sure.
Salih: You know, over the last- last week, I really visited more than 10, 11 historic like houses.
And I visited also the RISE building for the fust time. So to look at it like closely. I was
seeing it from far away. So I- I just believe it's really beautiful building. And yes, it needs
to be that. But it need to be preserved,but looking at the whole lot and looking around,
and it is really huge lot. It have another like buildings,not only that,um, I went and look
at and spoke to many owners who have currently own a historic house, and those people
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are saying they like,they love what they're doing. Uh, some of them are really will like
taking care of the building. But some people complain about how difficult to keep up
with,uh, like the building,to keep up with, for example,windows, like wood and all this.
And also, I saw some building like the Bloom. I think the Bloom house. That's what it
called on Summit and College Street. And I saw another- a yellow house. I- I believe is in
the corner of College, and maybe is that some, it has like Governor or maybe Church. I
don't- I'm not sure. But it is on the corner, and it is really falling apart. They are beautiful
houses, and they are historic. And I look up the Bloom house, and it is on the National
Register. And when I look at it, the pictures on the National Register is beautiful. If you
compare it with a picture right now, it's falling apart. And I think,uh,people complain
about they cannot keep up with those because it's like, expensive and all these kind of
things. And they think that the policy for the City of Iowa City, when it comes to historic,
is really-really restricted. And I went on, and I look at the national policy for a national
register as historic is way easy and flexible than the one that Iowa City have. And also
like tax and everything that Josh you talked about. People they heard about it,but they
didn't know how to navigate. We have a part-time staff. And I think the City used to have
a full-time staff, Geoff, am I right?Long time, and now it's part-time. As some point, it
was a full-time.
Fruin: Yeah. That sounds correct. It may have pre-dated.
Salih: Yes. And- and now it's part-time. We're increasing Historic Preservation, and we have a
part-time staff. And those commissioners,they're doing something else,just like the
council. You know,we have our own full-time job. And I understand that,you know,
many of you commissioner are moms and have full-time jobs, and you have also to take
care of. So you depend on the staff mostly just like us. We depend on staff most of the
time. So- and I feel like we need- fust,we need a full-time commissioner, if we want to
continue preserving buildings. So we need-not commissioner, I mean, a full-time staff.
And also,we need- I- I would love to see the commissioner will sit down with all the
Historic Preservations people and say, okay,how can we-we can become flexible? I
cannot imagine I don't know, like the terminology for those things in English,but I can
just like simple it. For example,there is a house, and,you know,the roof sometimes
come a little bit outside from the house like this. There is a wooden things here all around
the house. That person want to change it to a metal. And you cannot see it. Like if you
went like outside and see,this is hiding. And she being told no,you cannot change it to a
metal. It has to be a wood. So this is not even seen, and the wood is not- she cannot keep
up with it,but if they change it to metal, that will last. As you said,your roof is metal,
and it can last for a long time. Another thing that a door, like inside door, it covered by a
storm door. The storm door is beautiful,you know,the storm door from our side is really
beautiful, and it's historic,need to be kept. But the door behind the storm door that is
failing apart. And when they want to change it, can we become a little flexible?Because
this is this kind of inside is not our side. I know the topic today is not about changing the
policy of History Preservation, as many of you said. And what I'm saying now have
nothing to do with the building that we're supposed to do it tonight. But this big building,
it need to be like the person who owned it,you know, it is not only one building, it's a lot.
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That means if somebody have one house, and they complain about take caring of it,what
about this person who's gonna to take over about the whole block. So that's why I want to
see flexibility for- from the Historic Preservation commission and staff who can have
more time to explain to the people about those tax credit, about like all these things that's
like available for them, and they don't know maybe about they don't know how to
navigate. Even the language,by the way,you have to be architect or somebody to
understand those language on those paper that I read. I did not- some of them, I did not
understand. You know,what do you mean by this?And what-that's why those people
need to have access to the commissioner,to the staff, to come and talk about their needs
and what they want to see change. That's what I want to see really on the- if we're going
to continue doing this. I'm not against Historic Preservation at all. I would love to see the
building that it is really historic and have a story behind it or have a beautiful design to
stay so we can tell the story for years to come. And even for like a weekend when they
come,they can come and look at it. Yeah, I understand that. But why we're so restricted?
Why can't we become like a little flexible. You know,that's the thing that really hold me
back from voting for this because I don't want to put that person in like really,you know,
if the historic-the commissioner order,we are not going to have full-time staff,we're not
going to be easy. We're adding more buildings. We need a full-time staff. We need to be
easy on like when it comes to historic things. Yeah, a door behind the storm door. Come
on.No one is seeing that. And if that person,why should we ask them to have-to bring-
say like to pay more to keep up with that than just go and have same door,paint it, the
same color and have the same thing. Just to be honest,by going around, I just feel like a
lot of people told me, like,things make sense to me. Why we become so restrictive like
this? So that's what the thing that I would love to see if the Council can talk about it. And
if the commissioner will have, I heard from many people and I talked to them,by the
way,the people who was here, for example, Thomas,he is no longer with the
commission,but when he left the commission, I think he had a speech, and he was
talking about how he would like to see the commission become like some flexibility and
changing some stuff that's happening right now. So that was his recommendation to the
commission. But nothing happened after he left. So those is the thing that I really would
like to see happening.
Bergus: I just want to clarify a couple of,um, facts about where we are with this rezoning right
now. So if the property owner wanted to demolish the building and the zoning stays as it
is,they can do so, correct?
Goers: Yes, I'm sorry. It is, um,zoning fails, and it's present zoning. Yes,the property owner
could demolish.
Bergus: So if the vote fails tonight,the property owner could choose to demolish?
Goers: That's correct.
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Bergus: And so I think what I'm hearing from my colleagues is we think that there is value to this
building, as found by the Historic Preservation Commission, as found by the Planning
and Zoning Commission, as supported by so many members of the community.
(weather announcement)
Teague: I think we do need to,uh,take a break and it- I know it says nor these.
Salih:No it is not us. It's finishing for me.
Fruin: Generally,we would rely on the weather sirens,may all.
Teague: So we would just wait for the the sirens?
Fruin: Wait for sirens.
Salih: Yeah,we wait for sirens.
Teague: It says take shelter.
Bergus: I think we should vote yes on local landmarking is what I was trying to say. Because I
think if we believe that this particular property has the historic integrity and meets the
criteria that the Historic Preservation Commission recommended to us,that the planning
and zoning Commission recommended to us,that so many members of the community
and the business community have articulated so well that we know there are financial
incentives. This is a moment where we can actually preserve this building.And if we
vote no,there would have to be a change in circumstances before it would come back for
reconsideration for that protection. So I think this really is kind of like the core of
preservation when we have an instance where the re-zoning could mean such a
significant destruction on the property.
Alter: To say and to your point about initially the question about the property owner. If this fails
tonight,the property owner himself could raze that building and all of that. So and say,
hey,here's the land for sale. So if we value as Laura said, all that has been put before us,
as well as all of the comp and strategic plans in which it also meets. Um, I agree. I think
we have such a preponderance of evidence. The other thing is that this is an eminently
saleable parcel. A smart- I've seen this happen,not in Iowa City. I've seen it in Grand
Rapids,which actually also has a very significant Historic District, and property values
have skyrocketed. Smart investors have bought historic buildings,have used the credits
that have helped,you know,the edifice, and then have been able to turn a pretty penny,
both for the person who has sold it and for the person who's bought it. So, you know, I
mean,practically speaking, in terms of the economics for the owner, This is not a death
now. If anything,this is something that can be very -very salable so -
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Moe: One last thing to just the timing of this. And that would be not all building owners are good
historic building owners. Like, it takes a special,kind of,person to care for and love, and
I'm one of them who complains,but I still love my historic home. This is the right time to
do this because I think it behooves the whole community that the next owner of this
facility is somebody who knows what they're getting into. Who knows that it's historic.
They know how it needs to be treated. It's not something that I guarantee this will keep
coming back this building because it is historic.
Salih: Yeah.
Moe: It's just going to keep coming back. So this is - this is the perfect time to do it.
Salih: I agree. But I want to ask a question. Don't you think we have, like, increasing of historic
buildings. And we -we're going to have more coming by us because we want to preserve
all the historic buildings in town. Don't you think we need a full time person to take care
of that?
Moe: I believe it's a separate question,but yes. But I also like it's a separate - it's a separate.
Salih: It still that -
Moe: I agree with that sentiment that we -
Alter: I mean, for future, sure. But right now,we've only got the one thing to consider.
Salih: I think- I'm just asking - I'm just asking. We -we talk about many things,but I'm just
asking you guys, do you think really we need that?We're going to have this, and we
need, like,people really do. We need to take this serious as a full time job for somebody
to take care of our Historic Preservation.
Bergus: Mayor Pro Tem, are you conditioning your vote on the rezoning as to whether or not we
agree to a full time position right now?
Salih: I think I don't have to answer that question.
Bergus: That's what it sounds like so I'm unwilling to give that commitment right now. I don't
think that's appropriate.
Salih: Did I ask you to do that? I don't think so. I asked counsel Josh if he think. And he said he
think that. Yeah,true. I did not say that.
Harmsen: To move us forward on this, I think we've already talked as a counsel of having a
general discussion about this on a work session, and I think that's a-what I heard Mayor
Pro Tem was not- I didn't hear everybody must agree to this in order to agree to make a
decision on this particular issue,but wanted to raise that as an awareness. And I think
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that's something that I would absolutely be willing to continue talking about on a work
session and something that if we then after putting all of our seven wise heads together,
decide that's something to move forward to as we move into the budget. You know,this
fall,that's when we would start talking about priorities for the budget, and that would be
the time. I would think in the normal course of things if we decided that's a wise move to
communicate to City Staff that that was our desire. So - so I did not hear that connected,
perhaps is the same way that you did, Councilor Burgus.
Burgus: Thanks for that clarification.
Harmsen: Is that-
Salih: But thank you, even though I didn't ask nobody,but thank you.
Teague: All right. Okay. All right. Lots of conversations have been had over the past couple of
months on this. Just like many of my fellow counselors, I've been speaking to a lot of
people. On this topic,we've had a lot of correspondence on it. I'll tell you the thing that,
you know,has given me the greatest pause is that even the greatest what I would call
some of those champions of Historic Preservation. Initially,when I first started talking to
people before they even knew my position or anything like that on this,they were -there
was a lot of conversations and willingness to,you know, divide the property to figure out
if that could happen and when that can happen because they were most interested in the -
in the one building and not the I don't know if we're calling it the carriage house and the
laundry mat. But they -they could see and maybe that was more of a compromise for
those individuals,you know,to say,you know, if there's a possibility for this,you know,
this plat to be separated,then yes, I'm down for that. We now know, I think that it cannot
be split.Now, I want to ask one more time, can this property line at any point, even if it's
at the request of the owner to separate the properties,the buildings. Is that ever a
possibility?
Goers: I have two comments. One,remember,that's not the question before you.
Teague: Yeah.
Goers: You know that. It's hard to imagine how we would get there from here. But if your
question is purely hypothetical.
Teague: It is.
Goers: I could imagine a scenario in which portions of this building are demolished. This of
course would be dependent on a no vote from you, Counsel tonight. You know, and then
some replanting. I mean, it seems like it would be a near impossibility,but I- I can't say
that it's impossible someday in the future.
Salih: You said if it's no vote.
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Goers: Right. If- if Council votes yes tonight,then-then nothing can be demolished, and I think
the question is moot. Of course, it is a zoning matter, so zonings can be undone in the
future, and maybe that's your answer to the Mayor's hypothetical. Um,but if the question
is, could it be done at- following a no vote of the Council,um, it's hard for me to imagine
how it would be possible,but I can't swear that it is 100%possible.
Teague: Okay. Thanks for that. I- I just needed to once again hear that. I have maintained that
this property at 302 is absolutely historic. Um, and I've also,you know, spoke to
individuals that,you know, and I do recognize and respect the work of the person that did
the review and said the entire,you know,property is historic. I also read, our um,the
guidelines. I'll just say,where it's the entire property. The adjacent properties as well has
to be considered historic.Now,this is where I pivot, 302 absolutely is historic. And I
understand it's all connected and I've rode around there I think three times today,but I've
rode around there over the past couple of months just to take,uh, look at it. Given the
likelihood of,you know,this property possibly never begin bisected or anything, I am
going to vote in favor of this only because I really do believe it is historic and having it
totally lost. I don't think I'm willing to gamble that at this moment,but my vote last time
was really to let you know, I was not and still am a little like in the middle on this. But I
do believe that I'm compelled that this is historic. Without a doubt, I've never said it
wasn't and the entire connected,you know, it's all connected and that type of stuff. I'm
going to support it tonight,but I would like to see some of the discussions happening to
help those that want to really be a historic landmark property owner. Um, a successful
one in- in a property that they want to live in individuals that are renters,want to live in.
Um So thanks to everybody that have gone through this process,thanks to the owners of
this property. I know this has not been an easy road for you all to go down. And I'll just
leave it at that.
Salih: And also, I just like add to that if- if there is a way,we can do something in the future to
this historic building, like for I don't know. Maybe the commission will come with
unique situation to stilll after we preserve this. Something can be done about it. I don't
know. Uh,but yeah. Of course. I guess it still encourage the commission to review the-
the policies and make it easy on the people hopefully safe. Yeah, I will yes to.
Teague: Roll call,please.
Alter: Can I ask a very,very quick question? Is there room for, like any comments are have to be
done now as opposed to after the vote?
Taegue: Yes.
Alter: Is that correct?
Goers: I think so I'm not sure what comments- if you're talking about on this item,this would be
the time.
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Alter: It's more of a general observation for counsel.
Teague: I mean, if you want to talk to your fellow counselors, I mean,you can do that now. If it's
on this topic.
Alter: I'll leave it.
Teague: Okay. All right. Roll call, please. [Roll Call] Motion passes 7-0. We're going to move on
to.
Goers: We need a motion to accept correspondence,please.
Teague: Oh,yes. Could I get a motion to accept correspondence?
Dunn: Moved
Moe: Second
Teague: Moved by Dunn. Seconded by Moe. All in favor say Aye. (Voice Vote)Aye. Any
opposed motion passes 7-0.
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10. Regular Formal Agenda
10.a Asphalt Resurfacing 2024 Project—Resolution approving project manual
and estimate of cost for the construction of the Asphalt Resurfacing 2024 Project,
establishing the amount of bid security to accompany each bid,directing City Clerk
to post notice to bidders,and fixing the time and place for receipt of bids.
Teague: We are on to item number 10A,which is Asphalt Resurface 2024 Project. Resolution
approving project manual an estimate of costs for the construction of the Asphalt
Reservice in 2024 project, establishing an amount of bid, security to accompany each bid,
directing City Clerk to post notice to bidders and fixing time and place for receipt of bids.
I'm going to open the public hearing. And I'm going to- Oh,hello. Welcome.
1. Public Hearing
Van Dyke: Thank you.
Teague: I didn't even see you up there.
Van Dyke: I snuck in. Yeah. So good evening. I'm Mari Van Dyke. I'm with the Engineering
Division. So this is an annual maintenance project that's part of our pavement
management program. And the pavement management program is a program that we
have that focuses on rehabilitating our existing streets so that they can last as long as
possible before we have to reconstruct them. And so this project specifically focuses on
asphalt overlay. So the general process of asphalt overlays starts with milling the existing
layer of asphalt if there is one. Then we'll patch the existing pavement underneath and
we'll also replace any broken curb and gutter. And then we also replace sidewalk curb
ramps to make them ADA-compliant. And then the last step is adding that new layer of
asphalt. So it's generally two layers of each layer about a half- an inch and a half thick.
So with all of this, during construction,we're able to kind of keep the construction
confined to one lane at a time so that we can maintain at least one lane of traffic
throughout the project. So for this year's locations,we have Park Road,which would be
overlaid between Riverside Drive and Rocky Shore Drive. And then we also have East
Benton Street,which would be overlaid between Gilbert Street and Van Buren Street.
And then we would chip seal Taft Avenue between American Legion Road and Herbert
Hoover Highway. So the estimated construction cost is $1,350,000 and for schedule,we
have bid opening June 11th. We would award- award the contract June 18th, and then
construction would be from July to November this year. So that's the quick summary, and
I'm happy to answer any questions.
Dunn: Can you pull up the map again?
Van Dyke: Yeah.
Moe: Can you-how many times can you resurface?
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Van Dyke: Pretty much. I mean,you would just keep milling the layer and I think it's kind of
indefinite. And as long as the pavement underneath holds up, okay,because it needs a
decent base underneath of it to hold up.
Moe: Is the- I'm thinking about City Park Pool right now. Um, is the resurfacing, did you take
into account future large projects like City Park Pool? I see number 1, looks like it's about
at Hancher maybe?
Van Dyke: Yeah. Pretty much.
Moe: Okay.
Van Dyke: Right around there,yeah.
Moe: Is that a concern at all to engineering that there'd be a lot of construction activity in a year
or is that?No.
Van Dyke:Not so much. I mean, it would probably have some impact,but I think we really
wanted to prioti-prioritize Park Road just because of the shape it's in already
Moe: Yeah. Understood.
Teague: Okay. All right. Here are no more questions for you. Would anyone from the public like
to address this topic? Okay. Welcome-welcome.
Protheroe: I'm Sue Protheroe from Iowa City. I- I ride my bike on Park Road every day, and it's
really horrible. But I also walk my dogs on Park Road. And the sidewalks don't even-the
sidewalks don't- on Park Road don't come close to meeting the new standard. So I know
that-that you can't answer my questions,but I have the concern that,uh,we're just
kicking the sidewalk problem on down the road.
2. Consider a Resolution
Teague: Thank you. Anyone else like to address this topic? Seeing no one in person or online
with their virtual hand raised. I'm going to close the public hearing. Could I get a motion
to approve,please?
Dunn: So moved.
Salih: Second.
Teague: Moved by Dunn, seconded Salih. Counsel discussion.
Dunn: Do we have a plan to deal with the sidewalks? Or with.
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Fruin: With-with road,um,maintenance,um, I'm going to oversimplify things, and some of our
engineers can- can, ah, supplement what I'm saying,but you really have a couple of
options. We're talking about the overlay option here. And again, if you look at what we're
doing with a $1.3 million budget,that should tell you kind of the level of maintenance
that is to put that in context,you know,Rochester project,which is that full
reconstruction, looking at the sidewalks,basically ripping everything up. You're 6,7,8
million. We're getting ready for Court Street, which is now probably 9,10 million. So,
um,this project is not intended to be a whole scale fix of Park Road. Really, honestly, I
think we're buying probably 10 at 15 years of road maintenance with the project of this
scale. But again,that's what we're investing into it. To directly answer your question,no,
we don't have any,um,major road reconfiguration,um,projects on Park Road. Um,that
would include sidewalks. This one will-will include curb ramps,um,which we do,but it
won't address the-the kind of the mid block,um, sidewalks. Um, if there are deficiencies
with, like, cracking and things like that,that would get caught up in our sidewalk
inspection program. So every 10 years, every bit of sidewalk gets inspected by the City,
and we will fix or, um, compel property owners to fix those sidewalks. So I don't know
where Park Road stretch would be in- in terms of our inspection cycle,but we do have a
process in place to address the-the quality of the- of the payment-pavement,not the kind
of width.
Dunn: That was my next question, so thank you very much.
Bergus: Do we also address those on a complaint basis, Geoff?But every ten years is the normal
cycle.
Fruin: Yes. Okay. Yes. If there's - if there's complaints,we'll add that to that years.
Bergus: Okay. Thank you. Cycle.
Teague: All right. Here are no other discussion. Roll call, please. [Roll Call] Motion passes 7-0.
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10.b Landfill Equipment Building Replacement Project—Resolution approving
project manual and estimate of cost for the construction for the Landfill Equipment
Building Replacement Project,establishing amount of bid security to accompany
each bid, directing City Clerk to post notice to bidders,and fixing time and place for
reeipt of bids.
Teague: Item 10.b,Landfill Equipment Building Replacement Project. Resolution approving
Project manual and estimate of cost for the construction of the landfill Equipment
building Replacement project. Establishing amount of bids, security to accompany each
bid. Directing City Clerk to post notice to bidders and fixing time and plays for receipt of
bids. I'm going to open the public hearing. And welcome.
1. Public Hearing
Welter: Great. Joe Walter from Engineering.
Jordan: Jen Jordan Resource Management.
Teague: Great.
Welter: We're going to tag team here a little bit. So, ah, I'm going to start out just by showing
you where we're at on the site. So, ah,we have, ah,the scale house which is going to get
a little bit of work. I'm going to talk about that. We have two, ah, existing buildings
labeled building A and Building B, and then the new building,which you can see there.
Um, so generally,this project's going to involve the demolition of the Building B. And
sorry for that typo in the initial drafts. Ah, it's Building B. Ah,renovations to the Scale
House will include a new water service. So we'll be bringing potable city water into that
building. Ah,that water main was extended with the IWV project,which we completed
about a year and a half ago. Um, and then there'll be a backup power for the scale. One of
the biggest things,we can lose almost everything at the landfill,but you don't want to
lose the scale. So it- it creates a lot of paperwork for our staff if we lose the scale. Ah,
new building,that's a rendering of that building that's in the plan set,um, shown there at
the bottom of the slide. We're taking the opportunity to redo our utilities, gas, storm
sewer,water main. There'll also be a Belk water fill station, similar to the one that's at
Transit and Equipment on South Riverside Drive, similar to the one that's out on Eastside
recycling. So. And Jen.
Jordan: Thank you. All right. I'm going to talk a little bit about the timeline. And then show you-
show you some pictures of the existing buildings that was just coming down. A few of
you have been there. Thank you for visiting and seeing those. So,this project goes back,
a good handful of yours as you can see here. We started being-with being included in the
Public Works Master Plan many years ago. The landfill building was included in CIP in
2018. So we've been taking steps towards making this project a success-hopefully a
success in a reality. The biggest thing that came out of hiring SCS in 2021 was
determining the location for the new building. If you think back to that fust slide, it's
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actually adjacent to the north of where the existing building is,that's coming down. So
that's probably the biggest thing that came out of the study with SCS. Okay. Where am I,
there we go. Okay. So Building A again,this one is staying. So this has three equipment
bays and then a staff break room,which you can see here on the right,um, in two
different sections there.
[Severe Weather Alert]
Teague: You can continue.
Jordan: So you can see this building was built in 1989. You can see it's in a pretty bad state of
disrepair. I tried to get the most flattering photos. It's- it's- that was really challenging to
do. So this space is currently used by 10 staff, including I- I'm very proud to say,we
have-now have a woman operator. So we do have one bathroom and one shower space
for all 10 staff. At any given day, eight or- eight or nine of them are there. So this is
another side of the building. This is looking into the shower and into the single stall
bathroom. You get a sense of it's pretty decrepit at this point, and it's definitely a moral
issue for staff. Uh, this is Building A again,this is staying. So this is looking out into the
bay area. There are three overhead doors. The North end there,the far end is actually the
break room underneath the-the-um,the space up above there with the,um,what's what
I'm looking for?
Fruin: Mezanine.
Jordan: Mezanine. Thank you. Yes. So and then the next picture is showing from the mezanine
down. So again,this building is staying,we will continue to use the space. That break
room will actually be used as part of our compost operations, our lab that we have at the
landfill that'll move into the space. So moving on to Building B,this was actually the
building that's coming down built in 1992. You can see the great welcome it brings for
staff with that great door and everything's rusting out there. The area to the south is
actually kind of where the buildings come together in the L shape, so the South and East
side of the buildings. Um, any attempts or any concrete we had there at any 30 or 40
years ago is long gone, any attempts we've made to reinforce that space are long gone. So
it's pretty much a mid-mud pit. That is a space where the equipment comes into the
building. So we really need to look at that as well, and we have done so. Um, it's
obviously in really poor shape there. Um, so this is Building B interior. So again,this is
about three equipment bays and you can see, from a climate perspective,this is not a
great building. There's pretty much no way to climate control this. Um, there's also no
way to vector control. It is if you've heard me talk about vectors, are the polite way at the
landfill that we say rats, mice and birds. So there are no- and raccoons. Yes,thank you,
and skunks. There are no way to keep those creatures out of these buildings.And this is
where staff is working. This is where they're laying on- on the ground, cleaning the
material. You can see the piece of equipment on the left there. We have to clean that off
on a regular basis to make sure that we can pre-prepare or do proper maintenance for it.
So if there are any leaks or if any cracks in the equipment,we need to be able to clean it
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to see that. Staff is literally laying on the ground in this building, and we can't clean it. It's
not a great situation for them. So we are very excited,um,to be considering this new
building and replacing this current one that you're looking at here. And that's what Joe
will talk about next.
Welter: So that existing building is coming down is about 3,000 square foot. The new building
that we're putting up is over 12,000 square foot. So we're going to get substantially more
space to store equipment. Um, give you an idea of how this new building is laid out. So,
um,right now,we use the,um,part of one of the existing buildings if we need to do some
kind of washing of the equipment,uh,which is a regular occurrence coming out of the
landfilling operations with dirt, and trash, and all kinds of things all over it. So if we're
going to do maintenance, if we're going to do something on the equipment,we really
need to clean it on a regular basis. So this building is going to have a dedicated wash bay
that's in the bluish purple color. That'll be one bay. The center there in the green is going
to be three pull through bays. So we could park two dozers in a bay,two compactors in a
bay. We can get our- all of our trucks and our equipment into this building,um,to store it
and to maintain it. Um, they'll be two offices here. Uh, so all of our staff doesn't have
offices. Our senior operator doesn't have a place to have a private conversation with one
of his staff. Uh, and so that'll be a huge improvement,uh,there. Have a really nice break
room,uh,with a kitchenette and lots of storage. Uh, areas for us to dedicate,um,just
things like charging all of our equipment. Uh,we'll have dedicated spaces for that. So
nice windows outside some nice windows into,uh,the equipment base. Uh, and then
we'll have a dedicated mud locker room if you guys been down to public works, and it'll
be similar to that where guys can come in and wash their boots,wash their pants,wash all
their stuff, and have that space there so that we keep the mud and all of that out of the
space where people are having their lunch,having their meetings,having those kinds of
things. So you can see how that looks up in the, ah,upper left corner is the scale house.
Uh,the new building is sitting there in the center. Uh, we will have concrete on the west
side. Um,they'll be structural concrete on both sides of the building,but the dedicated
concrete for parking and for movements on the west side. On the south side and the east
side, it will be gravel. So to,uh, acknowledge the fact that that's our primary way to have
the equipment come in,um,that concrete would take a lot of abuse. So we're going to
have a- a surface there that we can maintain and replace. Um,the- in the lower left corner
is where that bulk water fill station is going to be. And again,we're redoing storm sewer
water mains. We're moving the LP tanks,we're putting in a backup generator, so quite a
bit to do there. Uh, I put a couple of sections This is an interior sections, so they'll be a
mezzanine up above the office spaces. All of the utilities will be up there,the IT room,
storage wall will be up above in that mezzanine. Um, and then these are exterior
elevations from the east and west sides of the building. This is the bulk water fill station
again. If you've been to east side recycling, it'll look very similar to that. Try to tell you
guys how we meet your strategic plan. So this falls into the economy part of the strategic
plan to ensure appropriate infrastructure is in place for future business growth and
development. Um,the landfill is vitally important to the operation of our community, and
having a safe space for our staff to work and being able to maintain our equipment and
being able to stay in service. Uh, I can't tell you what,uh,boost it will be. Um,the
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operators have been waiting for this building. I've been here for,uh, coming on six years-
a little over six years. And I've heard about this building since Day 1. So they're really-
really excited about this. And so,uh,we're looking forward to giving that opportunity to
have a nice space for them to do their work in,uh, invest in them and invest in our
community,4,650,000 is coming from the landfill fund. We have some tiers of dates
here. So the bid opening coming next month and the award after that,we do have early
and late start dates to accommodate some flexibility with the contractor. Obviously,we
want them to get in there and get going on it,but we also don't want to be so restrictive
with the schedule that we would discourage somebody from bidding. So we have an early
and a late start date, and we have some different milestones. So if they can't get the,um,
certain things done by a certain time period,there will be some penalties for them,both in
the,uh, fall and in the subsequent spring,but we won't be ready to occupy the building
until spring of 2025. So Shive Hattery did the work on this design, and we're really
pleased to work with them. They had a wonderful staff,uh, and we changed our mind
several times, and they went with it and did an excellent job. Questions for us?
Moe: Pretty sure I know the answer,but just confirming this is exclusively for city staff. There's
no Iowa City public function that would come into this space unless it was like a special
event, is that right?
Welter: We-we would continue to have the space in the scale house to host public events to have
people come and- and- and hear about what we do at the landfill and to entertain the
public,to meet with-meet with other colleagues that we're working with,whether it be
consultants or contractors,whatever. We continue to use that space primarily for that in
the scale house. This would be for city staff. And we'll be controlled access, like most of
our buildings are.
Moe: You might have public wanting to come see it if you have a nice new big building,though.
Welter: Uh, I'm sure Jen-Jen would love to host the next public,uh,public,uh, service-Public
Works Service week open house 2026 coming at you.
Harmsen: Excellent. Jen,thanks again. I got a chance to tour the facility out there last Friday. So
thank you for hosting me. Um,this is an impressive operation. One of the things I think
that I had learned the other day that wasn't mentioned,but it might be useful for council
to know, is that this new facility will allow- so the old facility doesn't have wide enough
doors or tall enough doors to fit all of the equipment.
Welter: We got as wide and as tall doors as the structural engineer would let us get. We were
pushing that envelope as much as we could so yes.
Harmsen: And that plays a big role because not only does that leave equipment outside when it-
it shortens the lifetime of lifespan of the equipment,but when they have to repair it. Some
of the repairs can't just be done in the dirt, or they have to wait for weather. Being able to
pull some of the equipment inside, if I'm remembering correctly,um,would save us time
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in terms of, like,having to actually ship equipment like big bulldozers and stuff on a
tractor trailer up to some other city. So this- this actually will have a couple of other cost
saving benefits,which if it was on the slides and I missed it, I apologize,but I thought
that was,um, I appreciate that because that also fits our strategic.
Welter: Sometimes staff is working on the equipment for 2 or 3 hours. So imagine if it's very
cold, or it's very hot, or it's wet. You know,those conditions if you're outside become
pretty unbearable quickly. So having a space indoor,that's controlled environment where
we can do that work is going to make a huge difference.
Harmsen: Thank you.
Welter: Thank you.
Teague: Thank you both. Anyone from the public like to address this topic? Seeing no one in
person or online. I'm going to close the public hearing. Counsel discussion.
2. Consider a Resolution
Alter: Long overdue. This is really-
Goers: I'm not sure we have a motion in second. I'm sorry. Oh. Can I get a motion to approve?
Dunn: So moved.
Alter: Second.
Teague: So moved by Dunn, seconded by Alter. All right. Counsel discussion. I would say,well
deserved,well-well needed just for the morale of staff.
Alter: Yes. A very least.
Teague: Yes. All right. Roll call,please. [Roll Call] Motion passes 7-0.
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10.c Fire Station 1 Apparatus Bay Slab Reconstruction Project-Resolution
approving project manual and estimate of cost for the construction of the Fire
Station 1 Apparatus Bay Slab Reconstruction Project,establishing amount of bid
security to accompany each bid,directing City Clerk to post notice to bidders,and
fixing time and place for receipt of bids.
Teague: Item 10.c Fire Station 1. Apparatus Bay Slab Construction Project. Resolution
approving Project manual and estimate of costs for the construction of the Fire Station 1
Apparatus Bay Slab Reconstruction Project. Establish amount of bid, security to
accompany each bid, directing City Clerk to post notice to bidders in fixing time and
place for receipt of bids. I'm going to open the public hearing. And welcome.
1. Public Hearing
Clark: Good evening. This is the public hearing for the Fire Station Number one Apparatus Bay
Slab Reconstruction Project.Not a terribly exciting project compared to that last one.
Um. So basically all we're doing is repairing the front slab of Fire Station 1, and we're
going to add in a code required sand oil separator and then make a connection to the
sanitary sewer. So those three things. Estimated cost is about 300,000. Our opening will
be June 12 with award June 18, and then we'll start after- start construction after 4th July
Celebrations downtown and then hope to be open. Before school starts. Questions.
Dunn: One thing that I would ask, and this is really just out of curiosity. I'm really curious how
deep the hole is. Yeah. So as we're tearing that up, I would love to hear.
Clark: Yeah,we'll measure that and get back to you. Yeah.
Dunn: We don't want that in the future. That should be the record.
Clark: Yeah. And we did-we actually did try to repair this with an epoxy and it didn't hold very
long. And it moves quite a bit right now when they drive the truck over it.
Alter: Wow.
Harmsen: How does fire operations continue while this is under construction?
Clark: So we'll do it- we'll do it in two- two phases, so we'll have one bay open at all times. And
then they may have to park a truck somewhere around the comer. Yes. But yeah,the fire
station is-.
Harmsen: Continuously operation throughout the entire process.
Teague: Okay.
Alter: Feed the meter.
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Harmsen: Okay.
Teague: Yeah.
Dunn: Prices these days.
Teague: Thank you. Anyone from the public like to address this topic? Seeing no one in person
or online, I'm going to close the public hearing. Can I get a motion to approve,please?
2. Consider a Resolution
Moe: So moved.
Salih: Second.
Teague: Moved by Moe, seconded by Salih. And counsel discussion.
Dunn: Yes.
Alter: You done yesterday.
Teague: All right. Roll call, please.[Roll Call] Motion passes 7-0.
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10.d FY25 Utility and Parking Rates Public Hearing- Ordinance Amending Title
3,Entitled "Finances, Taxation And Fees," Chapter 4,Entitled "Schedule Of Fees,
Rates,Charges,Bonds,Fines,And Penalties". (Pass & Adopt)
Teague: Item 10A,Fiscal year 2025 Utility and Parking Rates Public Hearing. This is an
ordinance amending Title 3 and entitled finances,taxation and fees, Chapter 4 entitled
schedule of fees,rates, charges,bonds, fines and penalties. Could I get a motion to pass
and adopt?
Harmsen: Go ahead.
Salih: Move.
Harmsen: Second,Harmsen.
Teague: All right. Anyone from the public like to address this topic? Seeing no one in person or
online. Counsel discussion.
Dunn: I- I was saying those parking rates, guys. That's all.
Teague: Roll call please. [Roll Call] Motion passes 7-0.
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10.e Adjusting Park Hours - Ordinance amending Title 10,entitled"Public Ways
and Property," Chapter 9,entitled"Parks and Recreation Regulations,"to adjust
park closure hours. (First Consideration)
Teague: Item 10.e. Adjusting Park hours, ordinance, amending Title 10 titled Public Ways and
Property. Chapter 9 titled Parks and Recreation Regulations to adjust park closure hours.
Can I get a motion to give fust consideration?
Moe: So moved Moe.
Bergus: Second,Bergus.
Teague: All right. And turn it over to our city manager.
Fruin: Yeah,this one's quick. This is just adjusting the,uh,park hours at Chauncey Swan and
College Green. This would have the parks close at midnight and then open up at dawn,
consistent with the opening times of other parks.
Teague: All right. Any questions?Hearing none. Anyone from the public like to address this
topic. See,no one in public or online. Counsel discussion. Roll call,please. [Roll Call]
Motion passes 7-0.
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10.f Bicyclists in Crosswalks and Using Sidewalks - Ordinance amending Title 9,
entitled "Motor Vehicles and Traffic," Chapters 1 and Chapter 6 to require drivers
to yield right of way to bicyclists at crosswalks and to require bicyclists riding on
sidewalks to obey pedestrian devices at signaled intersections. (First Consideration)
Teague: Item 10.f,Bicyclists and Crosswalks and Using Sidewalks. Ordinance amending Title 9
entitled Motor Vehicle In Traffic. Chapter 1 and Chapter 6 to require drivers to yield
right away to bicyclists at crosswalks and to require bicyclists riding on sidewalks to
obey pedestrian devices at signal intersections. Can I get a motion to give fust
consideration?
Dunn: To move.
Bergus: Second,Bergus.
Teague: Move by down, second by Bergus, and we'll turn this over to our city manager again.
Fruin: Yeah. Again, a quick one here. This is in response to House File 2568,that was recently
signed by Governor Reynolds, excuse me. Requires the drivers yield to the right away to
bicyclists in the crosswalks. Uh,this is,uh, ordinance that aligns our city code,uh,with
this,uh, and it also requires bicyclist riding on the sidewalk to obey pedestrian traffic
control signals.
Teague: Thank you. Any questions for Geoff?Hearing non, anyone from the public like to
address this topic.
Alter: Actually, I do.
Teague: Sorry.
Alter: Uh, so is there going to be some kind of,uh, I don't know,uh, signage that lets, uh, I
mean,you would hope that this is kind of self explanatory,uh,but like,requiring drivers
to yield right of way to bicyclistic at crosswalks. Would there be signage that alerts them
or it's just something that we should make sure everybody know.
Fruin: Yeah, I think it's more of a general public education.
Alter: Yeah.
Fruin: I think a lot of it- a lot of the public,hopefully,uh,you know,would already be doing
this,uh.
Alter: Wonderful.
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Fruin: But this was actually a big win for the bicycle advocacy, something that they've been
working for- for many years. Uh, I think some general public education is a good idea,
but I'm not sure that intersection signage at all the crosswalks is probably.
Alter: I mean,that would be costly. So, okay.
Harmsen: Just generally out of curiosity and,uh, at an unmarked intersection, so like residential
neighborhood, if somebody is bicycling on the sidewalk, and they're going to cross the
street from sidewalk to sidewalk,but go across the street. Do they have to stop 'cause it's
not marked?Like,what is the can they just shoot out? I don't say that cause I've seen that
happen with some of the kids in my neighborhood. And,you know, obviously, it's on the
driver to be careful,but is that I've seen older people do that too. I mean, seen adults do
this as well.
Goers: That might be one of those classic right away questions like -
Harmsen: In law school?
Goers: You're talking to your children and like,well,you might have the right away,but,uh.
Harmsen: Be dead right.
Goers: Yes, exactly. You mentioned bicyclists as opposed to pedestrians out of make [inaudible].
Harmsen: Yes,yes,bicyclists.
Goers: I think bicyclists probably need to-boy. I'd have to go back and look,Counsel. But I
think bicyclists need to,uh, defer,whereas the,uh,pedestrians, I think do get the right of
way in that circumstance, although, again, I would urge caution,uh,before they wander
off. And you mentioned it,uncontrolled intersections.
Harmsen: Yeah. I mean,there's no traffic signal.
Goers: Yeah.
Harmsen: You know,would then be covered by this ordinance. I just noticed that wasn't in,you
know,wasn't addressed specifically, and just having observed like near misses there
sometimes around- around Southeast Junior High in that neighborhood. So.
Goers: Sure.
Moe: For both our ordinance and House file 2568, is there any distinction for things that are like
bikes,you know,motor scooters and scooters.
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Goers: Right, so, I mean,the part of the definition of pedestrian conveyance here,which is what
we're trying to track in the State code does talk about things that it excludes bicycles to
get the Councilor Harmsen question. But it does include things that have a motor that is
less than 750 watts. Those are considered pedestrian conveyances. And so those who are
riding, let's say,kind of, I'll say razor style scooter that has a motor on it. That's a
pedestrian conveyance and that counts. And so they would get the rights that are
conveyed to pedestrians in this ordinance. Does that answer your question?
Moe: Yeah, our ordinance and the state covers it,but the University of Iowa might have slightly
different rules.
Goers: Of course,with on- on the University property,that's the control?Well,much like we do.
I mean, in the Downtown District within the,you know,we don't allow bikes on the
sidewalk period. And that would certainly be true of motorized scooters. Other than,you
know,motorized wheelchairs and stuff like that.
Moe: Okay. Thanks for clarification.
Goers: Sure.
Teague: Okay. All right. Any other discussion there?Roll call,please? [Roll Call] Yes, motion
passes 7-0.
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10.g City Park Pool—Selection of Conceptual Design A -Resolution selecting City
Park Pool Conceptual Design A and authorizing the City Manager to enter into
agreement with Williams Associates Architects,Ltd. to develop plans,specifications,
bidding and construction services for the City Park Pool Replacement Project.
Teague: Item 10.g. City Park Pool Selection of Conceptual Design A. Resolution selecting City
Park Pool Conceptual Design A, and authorizing the City Manager to enter into
agreement with the Williams Associates, Architects,LTD, to develop plan,
specifications,bidding, and construction services for the City Park Pool Replacement
Project. Can I get a motion to approve,please?
Dunn: So moved.
Salih: Second.
Teague: Moved by Dunn, second by Salih and welcome.
Seydell-Johnson: Hi. Julie Seydell-Johnson,Director of Parks and Recreation. I really hope we
get a round of applause by the end of the night.
Teague: Yes.
Seydell-Johnson: All right. Here I have about 11 slides to just take you through the summary of
the longer presentation you saw a few weeks ago. Just remind a few things and then go
through the recommendation from staff. Project goals,you've seen these lots of times,
just reminder that the goals of the project is a multi generational facility generally within
the fence line of the facility, cognizant of our climate action goals, cognizant of future
lifeguards and increased accessibility for everyone and welcoming from the time they get
out of their cars all the way through the pool experience. We had the design
considerations that were summarized after the fust round of public input, and they're very
similar. The one thing this adds was there was a strong desire to avoid overlapping
functions. So we heard this from all sorts of groups. We heard this from the teens when
we met with them at Southeast Junior High. They love to play in the water,they hate to
get yelled at by adults. So can they have some space to themselves?Lap swimmers like
to have their space. Families with kids like to have their space. So there was some real
intentional things done here to try to separate uses within one large facility. Also, once
again,preserving the history and the feel open feel of the facility,the tree line, focusing
on learned to swim and once again,that multi generational and safety.Notice lap swim
didn't make the top of this list. You've heard a lot about lap swim. We've heard from a lot
of other people as well. And this process had a huge outreach effort through all levels of
input. We had online,we had in person,we tried very much for equity. Swimmers and
non swimmers, all areas of the community. Just a whole lot of effort to make it as fair and
as informative for you as possible with 566 feedback touch points before we went into
the concept design phase, and then the survey between the random survey and the open
survey, 1,582 people participated in that. I only chose one slide from all the survey slides.
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You've certainly had all of those at the last meeting, and those are all available online on
the project site. But this is the interest level for the four concept designs. As you can see
that concept A was by far the most popular B is close thereafter with just separating the
pools,but C and D,not really receiving enough for us to move forward considering those
two. So Option A is the recommendation. However,remember, it is still a concept
design. So there's still some things that, I think,need to be worked out as we move
forward through full design. And some of those things are listed in the packet,we'll get to
those in a second. One thing that staff wants to still look at is the separating of the three
pools, so we do have a concept. The next one shows concept A,but in the three pool
design, so three separate pools. This gives us a lot more flexibility for operations and
staffing. So we want to still have that as possibly an option. But Option A is by far the
preferred one, going forward with the leisure pool area,the six slap planes,the diving all
the high dive and a low dive. You had asked at the last meeting about lifeguarding. So we
have kind of a comparison chart. The current pool,we do this in three different scenarios.
If we're open for just lap swim only takes route 2-4 lifeguards to manage that. And then
difference of that is if you have three lap swimmers or you have 30, so 2-4. If we have
light open swim. So being in the season end of season, it's 70 degrees out and kind of
rainy,but we're still open. Takes seven lifeguards to have the current pool open. And if
we're busy,then it's 10-12, and that really depends on the weather. It depends on how
many people are in the water. Option A is we're recommending about the same number
for light open swim,but it would take more. We hope that we have a busier pool once we
get through the new options. So we have 10-4. If you made that with eight lane 50 meter
lap lanes, instead of six,you would essentially add two lifeguards to both the light and
the busy time frames. That's because it's a wider area that makes its too wide for the,um,
zone coverage of the lifeguard scenarios. And then if you're going to have three-the three
separate pools in Option A,you actually have fewer lifeguards because you don't have
the transition from the leisure pool into the main pool. That's one of the high areas where
we need the most lifeguard eyes on the water. Without that area,with a break between
those two pools, it takes fewer lifeguards. This is all with a lot of-this is our best
guestimate at this point. This was done with lifeguards who have guarded at a number of
other pools in our staff. Lifeguard scenarios change, I don't think we're going to know the
exact numbers on any pool until it's actually built, and we're standing on the deck. But
that's our best estimate at this point. Okay. Let's talk a little bit about funding.
Fruin: I'm going to jump in on this one,um, so this is a project that the cost estimates has jumped
considerably from master plan to concept design to where we're at now. You current
budget anticipates $10.8 million, and if you remember when we did the RFP,the
language in the RFP asked for three concepts at around 10 million and one stretch one at
15, and when we started getting into developing the concepts,we realized that,that
budget was not going to deliver a pool that was going to be satisfactory to the public. So
we made the decision as staff to proceed with what we felt could meet the community
objectives,not wanting to sell Iowa City short for several decades to come. This is a- a
long-term investment that we're making, so we definitely don't want be-we don't want to
make a decision that we're going to end up regretting down the road. That said, our
intention from day one has to not incur debt-not incur significant debt for this project.
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The budget does include an anticipated 1.3 million dollar debt issuance,which would be
our- our limit for this project. Largely a cash investment here. It is also utilizing the
facilities reserve dollar. We created the facilities reserve back in 2019. At that time,we
were benefiting from some surpluses in our annual budget, and we were putting those
surpluses aside for investment in city facilities such as this,not exclusively this,but such
as this. We would have to reach this $18.39 million. Um,we are going to have to look at
nearly exhausting our entire facilities reserve. So over the years from 2019 to present,we
were able to amass approximately $17 million for our facilities reserve. This would take
largely all of that. But we would look also at doing some internal loans,which we've
done for facility projects in the past,Eastside recycle center,Harrison Street Deck, even
the Streets Equipment Building,we've done some internal loans to allow those to happen.
So what I'm delivering to you with this message is that the $18.39 is a stretch for us. We
can make it work. We will tell you if we really felt we needed to take a step back and
delay things,we would urge that we stay on schedule. But we also urge careful
consideration of this preliminary cost estimate, and that's something that Julie and I are
going to really have to work towards in that design phase. Once you get into the full
design phase,there are going to be some unanticipated challenges, and there's some
contingency built into that preliminary cost estimate. But we're going to have to make
sure that we don't grow much beyond that. If we grow much beyond that,then my-my
time would change pretty quickly to-to where we can't make this as heavy a cash
investment as we're planning right now. Again, I think we can at $18.39. It may mean
some sacrifices or some alternative funding approaches to other facilities we had
envisioned down the road. But in thinking through those, I think we can- I think we could
come up with some alternative financing plans for those items, so happy to answer
questions. So the big thing for you to know right now is that this project is just at the
preliminary cost number. We've got about an $8,000,000 gap that we're going to have to
cover.
Dunn: Can you.
Moe: Can you speak a little bit to the time frame moving forward of design.
Seydell-Johnson: Yeah. We have slides.
Moe: Perfect I'll wait.
Seydell-Johnson: We'll get there. Okay,we do want to mention there's still things that we'd like
to still be figuring out as we move into design, and these are some of the things we'd like
to still consider while staying under that budget. As I mentioned,the idea of detaching
the leisure pool from the lap lanes, going back to that idea of having separate functions
having if someone - if we have one of those mid afternoon accidents in the pool,we don't
have to shut the whole facility down,we can shut down one. We could heat one. There's
just a lot more flexibility if we could separate the pools. Enhancing the 25 meter and or
the 50 meter. We don't have the 25 meter lap lane figured out yet. We have options,but I
don't have a perfect answer for how people could swim 25 meters with a hard stop on
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each side. So we still want-we still want to work on some options to see what we can
come through on that. I want to look again,keep looking at that current channel as the
kids activity. We've had at least one commissioner with concerns about the safety of it.
We'd like to look at that versus other kids activities that maybe could be a part of that
zero depth area. And then adjusting the pool deck size,that's still a lot to be shuffled
around, so what you see in a concept design,things may move a little bit here and there,
to have less concrete, less cost with that,but that's still coming. Possibly some bathhouse
or filter house modifications, and then placement and number of shade structures. Those
are all things that I think are still to come as we move further into design. Um, so next
steps, so we would hope to move with some direction tonight to move into design from
now through the end of this calendar year, get bidding in February and March of next
year and then construction during the summer of 2025 with an opening around Memorial
Day on 2026, so two years from now opening. The pool is filled right now, by the way.
It's almost ready to open.Not holding the water all that well.
Alter: Just leaving the hose in there.
Seydell-Johnson: Yeah. Pretty much. So that, I think we can answer any questions you have.
Alter: Okay. I actually - Josh you wanted to talk.
Moe: I was curious about- in addition,this is what I wanted to see, and what the ideas that you
have for any additional checkpoints with council before we get to the February 25
moment?
Seydell-Johnson: Yeah, I don't know that we have that mapped out yet.
Moe: Okay.
Fruin: I would say, if all goes according to plan,there probably is not another checkpoint
between now and when we present to you the bid docs. If the budget becomes a
challenge,we'll have a checkpoint with you. If we feel like we have to scale something
back to meet that budget,we'll definitely have that checkpoint. We don't want to deliver
anything less than what is shown in Concept A. We're hopeful that we'll deliver more. So
that's probably not a satisfying answer,but it kind of depends on how that design phase
goes.
Alter: So this is kind of- I'm sorry.
Seydell-Johnson: Go ahead.
Alter: I was just going to ask. We will have,you know,because we are hearing from
constituency at the same time that you are. I think that in reading the resolution,the sort
of including but not limited to seems to really take into account. Like,these are the things
we need to figure out and that we know the public is interested in,which I heartily
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applaud. Um, is there continued opportunity for us as we're hearing more from people
about saying. Yeah, don't forget about this I mean,we don't-the last thing I want to do is
micromanage nor am I a designer,but at the same time,just to say, here's the resolution,
and then let us know what the final is. It feels like that's all there's so much input. Like is
there opportunity.
Seydell-Johnson: We've heard loud and clear the amount of input. We know that you've heard a
lot about lap lanes. We know that both 25 and 50 meter are important. Uh, we've also
heard from,you know,the other people that are involved in this entire process, don't
forget about kids and families. Don't forget about everyone else. So it's going to be a
huge balancing act. But yeah,we've heard and we-we understand that there's a lot of
constituencies in place. Our advocate group has been amazing sticking through this
whole process. We get that. Um, I don't think there's a perfect answer,but we-we want to
try our best to right size this pool, so it meets the most needs we can and- and last you for
the next 50 years.
Alter: Okay. Thank you. That's helpful.
Dunn: I just wanted to say,uh,thank you,uh,throughout this process. It's not been an easy one
for sure,uh,whether that means,you know,the-the whole gathering of opinions process
from the public or just,you know,the-the very public facing constant,um,job. This has
been for you. I want to personally thank you for,um,you know,taking on that position,
and also,um,just doing it really well. Um, and being able to manage many differing
interests and bring people together. Um, I think into something that's going to really be
beneficial to the greatest number of people in our community. So I just really wanted to
give you that,Julie.
Seydell-Johsnons: I appreciate that. I think I've told you this before,but I fust got into Parks and
Recreation because I was a 15 year old lifeguard. And it came into the field through
aquatics. This has been my fust love. So the fact that we get to do a project of this size, I-
I'm glad people are so interested and want to have so much say in it,but it's- it's going to
be amazing if we can get this done.
Teague: Any other questions for Julie? Thank you. We're going to move to anyone from the
public on this topic. Anyone want to talk about it. Please come up and we'll ask that you
state your name and city you're from?
Stefanick: I'm Mary Helen Stefanick and I live in Iowa City. I've lived in Iowa City for 42 years,
so in all those 42 years,um, I and my family made use of City Park Pool. So I feel as
though that gives you some kind of something, some kind of credit. Um, I-you all
recently,just a couple of days ago got an email from me. I don't know if you've all had a
chance to see it,but it's one of these such as you're describing Megan where you're
getting more. Well, what about the 25 yard lap lanes?And that's indeed what my letter
was about, if you recall. But I think,um, it's- and I should have actually probably brought
something to show,but,um,the 25 yard lap lane is not in any of the designs,you know,
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it's not there. And I know that in the work session, it was like, well, what could we do?
Could we divide it with a rope or something. Well, you can't really do that. And what- in
my letter, I wanted to stress that the 25 yard lap lane is a part of the pool that is probably
in the most constant use from one o'clock until the pool closes at eight than any other part
of the pool. Um,the people who use it for fitness swimming,they're there, even if the
water is cold. And so there's someone there when the rest of the pool isn't looking very
inviting to other people. Um,but where it's most important is when families come with
bigger kids and adults, and the kids are in the diving area or they're in the play area,the
wonderful. I like the shape of the play area in the concept A. Um, and where many of the
parents,what they like to be able to do is just swim, you know, a couple of times across
the pool,just swim,unobstructed. There is no place in any of the designs except the old
original one for that to happen. If you talk about not overlapping,um, areas. People who
come to-who would just like to be able to not just watch their kids,um, and not just,you
know, I'm not there just to lap swim for fitness. But just to be able to swim in the pool
without bumping into the teenagers who don't want to be bumped into or told where to
go. Um, and I-there's-there's a particular,um, if we haven't heard much from people
about the short course lines. I think it might be that the families and other casual
swimmers who buy a summer pass and regularly use City Park pool, can't imagine that
the city would approve a pool design that leaves no place for them to actually swim
unless they come to lap swim. And they're not,you know,they're not necessarily lap
swimmers, or they're very casual lap swimmers. I wanted to mention one. I'm almost out
of time, so I can't. But I hope that if you pass the resolution that you cut it off after
conceptual design A.
Teague: Thank you-thank you. Anyone else like to speak on this topic?Welcome.
DeGraw: Hi. Um,well, Sharon DeGraw and I love the current city park pool and understand that
it needs to change to some degree. Then the numbers that went by, I would just say,
notice how if the design A is fully staffed. There's a significant increase in lifeguards up
to 15 compared to the design of the pool right now. Um, and like Mary,just said, I do
agree. Like, I use the pool,not for lap swimming,but just to be in the pool, and I look for
spaces not to be kicked by kids. And I see the design A is going mostly in a little kid
direction, and I don't know that I'll be lap swimming because I don't do that. Um, it
sounds like when I spoke to the person who was the designer, and this is back in
February. He said that the beauty of this new design is that if we don't have staff,we'll
just close down sections of the pool. But to me,that says that's less pool. We get to see it,
but we don't get to use it and that's-that's sad. Um, so I wish that some variant of D could
come back. Perhaps, if you have to extend out a wing of the-the shallow end that would
work if you needed to slightly expand the-the catch all area of the swimming pool and
take out a couple trees that are over by the Gaga ball pit area that I don't think it gets used
a lot. That would be okay. And the designer once again said, one or two of those trees are
volunteer trees and not very valued. Um, one thing that I wanted to ask about. And
maybe Julie, at some point,we'll clarify it is, uh,when there was information about the
adult diaper changing station and wanting to increase usage of the pool by groups that
don't usually get to use the pool. The purpose of an adult diaper is to save an accident for
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a minute or two,but that basically means if something goes wrong,that whole pool water
has to be changed. So my question is, could something like D with a lot of flexibility for
the general public, and then another little expanded area for adult swimmers that maybe
have different needs,um, could that happen off to the side?And if an accident happened
there,that would just have a smaller catch all area. So save money on lifeguards, create a
pool space that accommodates the majority of people going back to D and then- and then
have a smaller,well, expand the kiddy pool,but make it not as big as the shallow version
that's in A. Um, okay,that's it. Thank you.
Teague: Thank you. Anyone else like to address this topic? See no one else. Council discussion.
Roll call, please.
Harmsen: Oh, I thought I was being polite.
Teague: I heard nothing.
Dunn: You think we're gonna let this go without comment?
Teague: I mean, I heard nothing.
Bergus: Yeah. Really?Are we good?
Alter:No.
Harmsen: I wanted to say thank you to members of the public who have spent a lot of their time
and effort to shape this process to Julie,members of the staff of the Parks and Rec
Commission, and other city staff for all the work. I think this started right around the time
we got on Council. Two year I'm going halfway through our third year. And so this is
probably the fust big project I've got to see from, like,very fust level all the way to this
point. Obviously,we're not done yet, so I don't want to, like, you know,break out the
champagne and whatever else,right?Um,but anyway, I want to acknowledge from so
many parties the work that went into this and to get us this far. And,you know, I will be
keeping my fingers crossed that the next design stage does actually address some of the
things,uh, and also for the budget stuff, I will definitely be keeping fingers crossed
knocking on wood repeatedly and all that kind of good stuff, so.
Salih: I just have a question. When we're saying like the-we mentioned here the 25 meter and
the 50 meter lap,we just think like design A can be-we can implement that on it in the
future like-we could be. And that means we're going to come back to this or?
Seydell-Johnson:No. We-we want to continue to look at other options. We've looked at some
options where we could either add some space to the diving tank that doesn't appear to be
the-the favorite option at this point, or ways realizing that you'd have the three 50 meter
lanes open all- all day long. Is there a way that we can adjust those to 25 meters? There's
still- we're just still trying to figure that out. There will be that quiet space. There will be
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that space available for lap swimming at all times when the pool is open. It's right now
it's 50 meters over shallow water. We have to determine if we can compromise to that or
if there's some other way that we can make it happen crosswise or some other way. We're
really knocking our heads against the wall trying to figure this out,but I give you our
attention that we are trying to figure something out.
Salih: I don't know,but I still don't understand, is this- if we approve this tonight,this means
we're going to add the 25 or not?
Fruin:Not necessarily. We're saying we need the time in the design- in the real design process,
the full design process to explore that,but we-we have budget constraints, absent,
alternative direction from you all. It could be that as we get into option A, it wouldn't be
unheard of, especially in the last few years,that it's 20%more than the preliminary cost
opinion just to build what was there and that's going to be a real challenge for us. So I'm
really hesitant to say that yes,we're going to make accommodations and be able to add,
you know,two more 50 meters or 25 meter lanes. I'm hesitant to say that right now
because we-we-we just won't have a more refined estimate until we're into the detailed
design phase. If it's a must for you,then-then by all means,tell us now. If you tell us we
have to have 25 meter fixed lanes,then we'll go at it. We may have to come back to you
with an alternative financing strategy. Hope not,but we may have to. As it stands right
now,you'd be approving option A, and what we're trying to say with the way the
resolutions worded is,we're going to look for ways to enhance both 50 and 25 meter.
We're hopeful that we can do that. We can't guarantee it,um,what we're saying is we
won't-we won't pull back,right?We're not going to present you with the plan that has
four 50 meter lap lanes going forward,um,we're going to stick to the six as shown and
hopefully enhance it,but we can't make- can't make that guarantee until we're into the
design.
Seydell-Johnson: And once again,to be clear,the current design would have three lap lanes
available. We think at all times, except during swimming lessons. And those are three lap
lanes over shallow water at the side of the pool away from the other activities. What it
doesn't offer is that touch point at the halfway point to turn around and go back. But
you're in shallow water,not deep water like you were in the old pool. It's not perfect,but
it is for that experience you talk about all day with being able to swim and be at the pool
when everyone else is there with the families. That will be there, it's just going to be in
the longer option,not the 25 meter option. We know that's not perfect,but just to be
really clear. We think the experience will be there in a different format.
Salih: I just believe that we are not doing this pool like every few years. This is going to be last
for long time. And we don't want to change it, so if there is any way we can do it right
now. Our also community is growing and more people will start using this pool. And I
just heard from a lot resident,the 25 lap is really important to them. I feel like if there is
any way we can just,you know, figure out money I know the money is tight, and but if
we can figure out something for that because we would like to have something really- it
gonna last forever, and it will accommodate everyone.
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Seydell-Johnson: I completely understand that you've had a lot of outreach on the lap lanes. I
would just remind you that the rest of the public input process that we had did not
highlight that nearly as much as what you're hearing in the one on one conversations. All
things important,we also don't want to forget about families and kids in their space too
and I would really urge you to think about we need to right size this pool so it's under a
budget we can get done. It's something that we can operate into the future,um,that we
can lifeguard into the future. And there's some trade offs with doing that,but I think we're
at a point where this is probably the right size, and we'll make it work for whatever
happens in the future. There's flexibility to the way it's just designed, it's not- it's not
going to meet everyone's exact stated wants,but I think it's going to give the experiences
that most people are looking for when they come to this outdoor pool.
Alter: I do think it's been extraordinary to think of where we started and seeing a sea of people,
you know,very,very passionate and in many cases,very unhappy about what,you know,
may or may not happen. And to be here tonight and seeing how close and how much
input is actually reflected in the concept is really amazing. And I hear the people loud and
clear also about the desire for 25,but I also remember from the presentation that within
the existing A,there are options for 25, some version of it,perhaps. So I guess I would
just encourage you to-to keep looking,um,but I'm mindful of- of defective like, if we
keep going at perfect,we're going to blow the budget up, and it's going to take forever
because then we're going to want to-we're going to want to have our hands in it. And I
think at a certain point,we've done absolutely everything that has been done in the right
way in an inclusive and very,very deliberate way,um,to get as close to something for
everyone, and I think that this is a really good representation of it.
Salih: Was it how much it cost extra if we add the 25?
Seydell-Johnson: We don't have an actual number on that,we know that to add the 2-50 meters
was more around 800 to I million. So probably in that same ballpark just depending on-
that's-we don't have those kind of answers for you tonight,though.
Salih: Go ahead.
Teague: Okay. All I wanted to just say is thanks to the staff and to the public for coming and
weighing in on- in so many ways on this item. Happy to be here at this point tonight. The
Design A is the one that is,um, you know,through the- it is the most favorite, and I do
trust that the staff is right here and,you know, a part of the language,you know,that
you're going to look at other opportunities,um,that had-that you just mentioned. So I'm
comfortable, er,moving forward with this tonight.
Salih: I like design A too, like, a lot of people, even the public said,you know,they agree for
design A. It is nice, but I hope,you know,the staff will figure out something for the 25
lap. And we are really-we- our financial is very good. Like for the bond,we can figure
out something. And I trust the staff that they can find something.
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Teague: Roll call,please. [Roll Call] Motion passes 7-0. Can I get a motion to accept
correspondence?
Dunn: So moved.
Alter: Second.
Teague: Moved by Dunn, seconded by Alter. All in favor say Aye. (Voice Vote)Any opposed
Motion passes 7-0.
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11. Council Appointments
ILa Ad Hoc Truth & Reconciliation Commision
Teague: Any opposed Motion passes 7-0. We're at item number 11, Council Appointments. l La
as Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission. I think we're going to just go one by
one with these. All right?
Dunn: Zach Palmer.
Teague: So we have one non-gender balance requirement. I want to mention again that Selina
Martin did move out of the community, so that is not an option for us.
Bergus: I think Kayla Rossi. That's her name?
Teague: Yes.
Teague: Kayla.
Bergus: Kayla.
Teague: Okay.
Dunn: I could support either.
Teague: Yeah. Okay. Sound like we got the majority for Kayla Rossi. Okay. Could I get a
motion to appoint Kayla Rossi to the Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Dunn: So moved.
Salih: Second.
Teague: All right. Moved by Dunn, second by Salih. All in favor say aye. (Voice Vote)Aye.
Any opposed motion passes 7-0.
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ILb Airport Commission
Teague: l Lb is Airport Commission. And this is one vacancy to fill a four year term July 1, 2024
through June 30, 2028.
Bergus: Just have the one applicant?
Teague: The one applicant. I was just noticing there's late correspondence.
Salih: What about commission it is.
Teague: Included.
Harmsen: Yes.
Teague: Yes. So can I get a motion to our people?What are people thinking?
Salih: Yeah.
Teague: Sure.
Bergus: Yeah. There was a letter supporting that applicant, so yeah.
Yes.
Teague: All right. So can I get a motion to appoint.
Josh: Helectra.
Teague: Helectra Orezanko.
Moe: So move Moe.
Bergus: Second,Bergus.
Teague: All in favor, say aye.
All: Aye.
Teague: Any opposed,motion passes 7-0. Can I get a motion to accept correspondence?
Dunn: So moved.
Teague: Moved by Dunn.
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Bergus: Second.
Teague: Second,by?
Bergus: Bergus.
Teague: Bergus. Okay. Sometimes, I don't know who it is. All in favor, say aye. (Voice Vote)
Aye. Any opposed?Motion passes 7-0.
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Me Community Police Review Board
Teague: l Le is Community Police Review Board. This is two vacancies to fill four terms. July 1,
2024 through June 30, 2028, and this is l Le. That's the item that we're discussing. There
is two vacancies, so one male required, and then one none.
Dunn: Franz.
Alter: And Collette Adkins.
Dunn: Agreed.
Goers: If I can interject, I'll make the same comment I made last time. There was an opening for
which Mr. Becker was available as an applicant. He's a public defender, and I continue to
be concerned whether he would feel torn between the confidentiality that he needs to
follow as part of the CPRB in terms of seeing videos and so forth,that are not generally
available to the public and his duties to zealously advocate for his criminal defendant
clients. I- I don't think it's disqualifying, I just want to raise that as a concern.
Bergus: And I think that attorney would have ethical obligations to recuse himself to avoid any
conflict of interest.
Goers: Right.
Bergus: And as I mentioned last time.
Goers: Yeah.
Bergus: There was an attorney who was a defense attorney who worked in my office,who was
the chair of the CPRB. So I don't think there's any problem with having a person who's
positioned that way.
Goers: I guess my response would be, I'm not sure which attorney you're mentioning,but.
Bergus: David Selmer.
Goers: Sorry.
Bergus: David Selmer.
Goers: Yeah. Someone at the public defender's office, of course, does nothing but criminal
defense, and I'm not sure how they would recuse in the sense of,you know, if you were
to recuse from anytime they're going to watch a video of a police officer. Yeah, and that
doesn't leave a lot of work for them to do.
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Bergus:No,but it would be if it was a conflict relating to a case that they had,which I heard as
your concern.
Goers: Oh,yeah,that's true. But of course,the problem would be you'd be watching a video and
you'd see some officers and so forth. And even if you don't have a case. I mean, certainly,
you're right if they had- if the video was related to a current case,that would be easy.
They would clearly need to recuse. My concern is broader than that. That is that they
would watch a video of an officer and so forth, and they have no case with that officer
right now,but,you know, six months from now,they do. And they've now seen, a video
of that officer from a case that is not theirs,but which they may wish to use as
impeachment on the case that is theirs.
Dunn: Wouldn't they have to disclose that?
Goers: Sorry.
Dunn: Wouldn't they have to disclose that?
Goers: Would who have to disclose that?
Dunn: The attorney Franz?
Goers: I'm not sure if- I can't think of any ethical rule that they would require them to disclose
that they had seen that video just in a situation,that hypothetical situation, it just seems
that that would put Mr. Becker in a difficult situation. He's made a promise to the CPRB
to maintain confidence in those videos that he's seen. Yet, of course,has a,you know,
very serious ethical obligation to zealously advocate for his client. Where does he come
down?
Bergus: They are also very strong evidentiary rules relating to the kinds of evidence that can or
cannot be used that would-that would implicate an officer's prior conduct or their,you
know,participation in any other incident?We have those rules in place.
Goers: Sure,you're right. My concern would be that let's say he was going through either a cross
examination or a deposition of an officer,he feels that the officer did not answer honestly
based on a video that Mr. Becker had seen what then?
Teague: We have on the floor two people that's been.
Harmsen: I would also add I would add David Schwindt to that.
Teague: Okay.
Harmsen: I think we have three.
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Teague: So we have two males that's been nominated as well as Collette, which,you know, I
guess is one male required, and then one none. You know, I guess,personally, I would
throw my support behind Collette and David.
Salih: (inaudible)
Dunn: Franz and Collette are where-where my boat's going to go.
Alter: Yeah, I guess. This feels like it's two parts of a coin since Dave Schwindt worked for the
ICPD for 22 years and I know that we've had that and I continue to have that sort of, like,
oh, someone who's retired,but I think within the fust couple of meetings that we had,we
had to deal with this, and ultimately, I couldn't go there. So I will not as much as I
actually respect Dave Schwindt I won't vote for him.
Harmsen: For me, I think I agree with you because that gives me pause as well. And we didn't
have that discussion soon after we started. But one of the things we-we as a counsel
decided was there had to be a period of time. And it's also one of those giving these three
candidates, I think I also agree with Collette. So I think that's probably going to be a
consensus. But between Mr. Becker and Mr. Schwindt, Mr. Schwindt isn't currently still
with the police department where Mr. Becker is still a public defender. And so you know,
who's going to walk into a job?And I think raising these-just the very fact that we have
two candidates that would allow for us not to have to have anybody.
Dunn: Question.
Harmsen: You know, question,have to recuse themselves on a- on who knows how often of a
basis. We would know that out of the gate that that would be an ongoing issue. I don't
think. And that also said, I'm also aware from other members of the Council of former
Officer Schwindt reputation as being very fair minded,being somebody who has done a
lot of good work in terms of the data. And so that-that also weighs into- into my decision
making process. And weighing those two things out, I agree,Megan,that was something
I had to give some real thought too,but I think I still came down with the Collette and
Mr. Schwindt-Ms. Adkins, Mr. Schwindt.
Alter: I can support Collette,but I'm.
Teague: Were you throwing your support behind Franz?
Alter: I am not sure.
Teague: Okay. All right. Yeah-no worries. Just wanted to see where other people are. We do
have four- four Collette already.
Harmsen: Yeah.
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Alter: Right.
Teague: David. Okay. So we had- so far we have three for David,two for Franz, and then four
for Collette.
Moe: And I would support Schwin and-Mr. Schwindt and Ms. Adkins.
Teague: Okay. So could I get a motion to appoint Collette Adkins and David Schwindt to the
Community Police Review Board?
Moe: So moved,Moe.
Harmsen: Second Harmsen.
Teague: All right. All in favor say aye. (Voice Vote)Aye. Any Opposed?Nay. Okay. So I think
I have three nays. Okay. So motion passes 4-3. Would you- I wonder if I should have
broke that out by Mel and-but.
Harmsen: I don't think we have one.
Salih: I think
Dunn: we did it.
Teague: Yeah. Yeah.
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ILd Historic Preservation Commission (College Green) -Historic Preservation
Commission (College Green) - One vacancy to fill a three-year term,July 1,2024 -
June 30,2027. (Term expires for Noah Stork)
Teague: Okay. All right. We are on two l l.d, so l l.d l Le and l l.f. Um, I think I'll do those all
at one well,no,we'll just do it. l l.d. Yeah.
Goers: Sorry, if I may,your Honor, it might be helpful to do them as a group, only because if
you do them one by one,you might be limited in the fust one, let's say,because of the
present composition of four males, and I'm sorry, four females and three males. This is,
um, one of the boards or commissions that's required by state law and thus until July 1,
we need to have gender balance.
Salih: Well, we still have a gender balance?
Harmsen: July 1.
Goers: We do need to have gender balance,uh,until July 1 on this board with this commission.
Dunn: First thing that I want to comment on, I'd like to defer consideration for the fust Historic
Preservation to our second meeting in June or second meeting in June?Yeah.
Salih: Is this really I don't know.
Goers: For all three?
Dunn:No. Just for the fust one.
Harmsen: The College Green?
Dunn: The College Green one.
Moe: The fust.
Goers: Okay.
Moe: Got a two meetings.
Bergus: I just have a general question. When we defer, are we then keeping the application
period open until, like,the packet time for the meeting immediately prior, is that the
intention?
Dunn: That would be what I want.
Bergus: Okay. Just want to make sure that.
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Moe: Thank you for clarifying. Yeah.
Dunn: Yes.
Teague: And is there a reason why we're deferring? Since we want to be a little transparent to the
public.
Dunn: Yeah. Um, I would just like to see other candidates, aside from just the one person, and I
know that the person has had some interesting interactions with the city in the past
relating to Historic Preservation. So I want an opportunity to talk with them, um, and
learn a little bit more about their interest,um, and see if other people are interested as
well.
Salih: But don't we have another one that have only one person of lie, and we move forward with
it?
Dunn: Mm hmm. I'm just saying that I'm not comfortable with the candidate right now.
Salih: But that's why we vote.
Dunn: Yeah.
Teague: I guess my question would be. Is there anyone, I mean, is there anyone else that wanted
to defer this?
Moe: Yes.
Teague: Yes.
Alter: Yeah.
Teague: Okay.
Bergus: Yeah. And I certainly think allowing for more applicants is a good thing when we have
just one or a small number.
Teague: Okay. So could I get a motion to it sounds like,um,you need to make a motion to defer
done?
Dunn: So moved.
Moe: Moe second.
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Teague: Moved by,Dunn seconded by Moe. Um, all in favor say aye. (Voice Vote)Aye. Any
oppose?Motion passes 7-0.
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Me Historic Preservation Commission (E. College St.) - Historic Preservation
Commission (E. College St.) - One vacancy to fill an unexpired term plus a three-
year term,upon appointment -June 30,2027. (formerly advertised as unexpired
term - Cole Eckhardt Resigned)
Teague: l Le. We'll go there. That's the Historic Preservation Commission. East College Street.
This is one vacancy fill unexpired term plus a three-year term upon appointment through
June 30th, 2027. And there is only one person. Um, and that's Ryan Russell.
Bergus: Should we just defer all three of these so we can-
Dunn: We can defer them all.
Bergus: Yeah.
Teague: You want to defer them all?
Dunn: Yeah.
Bergus: l Le and 1 Lf as well.
Teague: Okay.
Bergus: Because that we'd still-we'd still a point before the current term is up.
Alter: Well, 1 Lf has three applicants.
Bergus: Oh, sorry.
Alter: It's okay.
Bergus: I was just thinking about the gender balance comment that our attorney made that maybe
we want to consider them all together.
Alter: Yeah,there's.
Teague: But they also have to live I mean,the at large is probably not problematic because they
have to live in certain communities.
Dunn: I think we can take care of the at-large one.
Teague: Okay.
Alter: There's two women and one.
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Teague: Okay. So is there a motion to defer,um.
Moe: East College?
Teague: Yes.
Bergus: I want to defer l Le.
Teague: Okay. And this deferment would-be so moved by Burgus seconded by Alter. This
deferment would be until June 18th. Um- all in favor say aye of the deferment. (Voice
Vote)Aye. Any oppose?Motion passes 7-0.
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1Lf Historic Preservation Commission (At-Large) -Historic Preservation
Commission (At-Large) - One vacancy to fill a three-year term,July 1, 2024 -June
30,2027. (Term expires for Margaret Beck)
Teague: l Lf is Historic Preservation Commission at large. And there is no gender balance
requirement for this one.
Moe: Margaret, the archaeologist, like to I mean,that is a pretty cool skill set that not very many
Historic Preservation Commissioners go to have. I think the wrong?
Dunn:No. How long has she been on the commission?
Teague: So she served one full term. Um, I think you know, I think she's great. She's done a great
job. I would also put out the Gabriel,um,because we don't have,you know,on the
Historic Preservation any category that would require,um, a contractor or anyone that
does this,um, I guess,work to buildings. And so that's where I found Gabriel,uh,to be
of interest,um,because they do work on Historic Preservation properties. And I think at
this moment in time,that could be very helpful.
Moe: We do have contractors on the commission,but I still think applicant looks great,too.
[Severe Weather Announcement]
Goers: Mayor,the one comment I wanted to make about gender balance here is that again,with a
present composition of four females and three males, I think that because the term does
not begin until July 1, it's probably okay for you to appoint a female,but understand that
your hands would really be tied for the subsequent appointments, and you would need to
appoint at least one male so that you would.
Teague: I understand.
Goers: Yeah.
Teague: Yes. Okay. Thank you.
Dunn: I could go back and forth between the two of them,honestly. Margaret and,um, Gabriel. I
could go either way.
Moe: They both be great applicants. I just archaeology is such a specialized thing why I was
attracted to that because that is part of the umbrella of Historic Preservation.
Dunn: Yeah. I agree. I think in that way, I go a little bit more,um, for Margaret,but I can be
happy with anyone.
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Teague: So Dunn is up at Margaret. We have Josh at Margaret Bruce at Gabriel. Any other?
Okay. Alter at Gabriel.
Bergus: I'd say,Margaret.
Burgus: Okay. Burgus at Margaret.
Harmsen: I could go with Margaret as well. They're both great.
Dunn: So moved.
Teague: All right. Could I get a motion to appoint Margaret Beck? To the Historic Preservation
Commission at large.
Alter: Second.
Teague: Move by Dunn, seconded by Alter. All in favor, say Aye. (Voice Vote)Aye. Any
opposed. Motion passes 7-0
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II.g Housing and Community Development-Housing& Community
Development Commission - Three vacancies to fill three-year terms,July 1,2024 -
June 30,2027. (Terms expires for Becci Reedus, Kaleb Beining,Karol Krotz)
Teague: We are on to item number l l.g. This is Housing and Community Development
Commission. Three vacancies to fill a three-year term,July 1, 2024 through June 30th,
2027. So because this will happen on July 1,Eric, do we have to go with the one male,
one female, one none?
Goers: Well, that's a good question. Of course, at present,uh,that law is in effect the
appointment, of course,will be after it is no longer in effect. Uh, I think that since you're
making the appointment tonight,you need to continue to comply with the law as it is
present.
Teague: Okay.
Dunn: So I will say about this when we're doing,uh,Housing and Community Development,
right?Um, I've been reached out to by friends of Caleb. Um, and apparently- oh wait.
Never mind. Ignore me right now.
Teague: Okay.
Salih: I would like to suggest to appoint Dauda Baldi and George.
Teague: So there's a motion to appoint Dauda Baldi and George Kivarkis.
Dunn: I would support. Um, oh,wait,no. This is something. Sorry.
Harmsen: We already appointed Colette to something else.
Dunn: Yes. Okay, I would actually request a deferral on this to our next meeting. And the only
reason for that is because I got confused in my head. That's what I started to talk about.
Um, Caleb Bining is interested in continuing his term, and he,uh,mistakenly did not get
his application in. Um, so if people would entertain a deferral,that would be my
appreciation. I just- I don't know him personally. Um,but that was just a request that I
received from folks.
Teague: Yeah. The only thing I will say is that this has been announced.
Salih: Two times.
Teague: For a long time. You know, I-
Dunn: I'm just putting it out there.
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Teague: Yeah. I mean, and then the other thing is,you know,people that have served a full term,
you know, oftentimes,we don't. Um,we allow other people to have other opportunities.
So.
Dunn: Sure.
Teague: I hear-you know, I think Caleb does a great job. I like Caleb. I do know Caleb,but,um,
I would not feel comfortable.
Dunn: Okay.
Teague: Delaying for him missing his application date.
Dunn:No problem. I could also support Dauda.
Teague: Okay.
Harmsen: Yeah. I don't have any I could support Dauda or George is fine. For the-there's three
appointments. I would- I would be leaning towards either Carol Krotz or Becky Ritas for
the third appointment. Um,between those two would be my next.
Dunn: Becky works for community.
Alter:No.
Bergus:No.
Dunn: She used to.
Bergus: She's retired.
Alter: She's been retired for some time.
Dunn: Okay.
Alter: This would be her second term.
Harmsen: Two that I would entertain either of those.
Alter: And I think it's,um, Carol,um.
Harmsen: Is it Krotz?
Alter: She had been appointed to finish a term. I don't think that she has- So I would support
Carol.
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Dunn: I would agree.
Alter: On that.
Salih: Yes. She didn't finish her term, right?
Alter: Right. Exactly- exactly.
Salih: Yes.
Dunn: Yeah. I would have support Carol as well.
Salih: What can somebody tell me about ethnicity, like Assurance means.
Harmsen: Assyrian?
Salih: Assyrian means?What do that mean?
Dunn: Assyrian?
Salih: Yeah.
Dunn: That's great. I mean,Assyria Syria. Wait,where are we looking at this?Which person?
Syria starting to talk now.
Salih: That's George.
Dunn: Yeah.
Salih: That's George?
Dunn: Yeah. George?
Salih: Yes.
Dunn: Okay. Give me 1 second.
Teague: So I can support Carol. George, I- I did-I mean,there's other people that I would support
here. I think,you know,when we're you know,there's-there's applicants and given other
people opportunities to serve. So I would do George, Carol,then I'm okay with Baldi as
well.
Dunn: Mayor Pro Tem. I-I looked it up for you because I didn't know either it's an ethnic group
predominantly from Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Turkey.
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Salih: Yeah,that's what I thought. I just like really always think about diversity. That's why I'm
saying those two people, George and Dauda, and I'm fine with Carol to continue,but to
that right now,we don't have any like diversity on that.
Alter: True. In his own answer,he's-he's working within local- local non-profit and he just said
that this is a potential co- conflict of interest. I mean-
Dunn: Shoot I have missed that.
Alter: Um, I'm currently employed with a local nonprofit WONPO- World's Okayest nonprofit
organization that utilizes donated and raised funds to invest in a variety of care and
resources for veterans struggling with your mental health. This is the only potential
conflict of interest I have to report.
Goers: To be clear-
Salih: This is not like really like-
Dunn: Yeah.
Goers: Under 362.5,that nonprofit would be ineligible if he's appointed.
Dunn:No.
Alter: Okay.
Teague: Oh
Alter: Yeah,that's fine. I just want to- I'm just reading from his own application and it's,you
know,just something to-
Harmsen: I mean,we could still appoint him and make sure he knows that and he could decide
for himself And then worse comes to worse sets up for more appointment to make if he
decides.
Alter: True.
Harmsen: Kind of choose-
Alter: Although I-I will say that-yeah. I mean, I think it'll end up being a non issue. However, if
this were to come up,he would have to recuse himself from the entire batch of funding.
He can't just take himself off. So that's-
Goers: If I may, it's not just recusal,he would be you.
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Alter: I mean,he's-he's not.
Goers: He-he couldn't get it.
Alter: He can't do any business.
Salih: Yes, yeah.
Teague: And who are you referring to?
Salih: George.
Alter: George.
Teague: Yeah. So-
Alter: I had to present something. I mean,
Teague: I think we have other opportunities here.
Salih: But we-we've been seeing some commissioner recuse themselves sometimes. We don't
know for now.
Teague: Yeah.
Dunn: I thought- I thought it wasn't an issue. I mean, it's a veterans organization. Yes.Non-profit
in Tift"m.
Salih: Yes.
Alter: But
Salih:No, we don't do.
Goers: I'm not suggesting that I know that he would be applying. I have no idea.
Alter:No-no do I?
Salih: That's why. Yeah.
Alter: Yeah.
Dunn: It doesn't bother me personally. Sorry.
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Salih: I mean organization is not in Iowa City. He have to tell us that,but it is really not comflict.
Dunn: Yeah. He doesn't.
Teague: Want to hear other nominations or people to throw support behind names that have been
already spoken?
Harmsen: Who's on your list? I'm sorry.
Teague: Yeah. Yep I have Duabi,Baldi with Dunn and Mazz.
Salih: Dauda.
Teague: Or I would just say two people or maybe.
Dunn: Yeah, and I got Carol too.
Teague: Yes.
Dunn: Yeah.
Teaague: And then George Kivarkis has Harmsen and Maz and Teague.
Dunn: And me.
Teague: And Dunn. So that is four. Um, and then we have Carol Kratz with four already.
Salih: Yep.
Teague: Because is Harmsen and Alter,Dunn, Salih and Teague. So where it gets down to one
more appointee. And then there is Becky Redis with Harmsen?
Salih: We said Dauda.
Dunn: I said Dauda.
Teague: I did mention Dunn and Maz, and I did throw my name there. So it was three behind
Dauda Baldi.
Harmen: You can add my name to Mr. Baldi, Marcus and Krotz. To Miss Krotz.
Teague: Could I get a motion to appoint to the Housing and Community Development
Commission. Um,Baldi.
Salih: Blade.
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Teague: Dadry-Bla- Blade, George Kivarkis and Carol Krotz.
Dunn: So moved.
Salih: Second.
Teague: All right. So give it to Alter.
Dunn: Yeah.
Teague: She is sitting next to me and so moved by Alter, seconded by Salih. All in favor say aye.
(Voice Vote)Aye. Any opposed?Motion passes 7—0.
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14. City Council Information
Harmsen: Mr. Mayor. I just wanted to let the Council and the public know that Iowa City- City
Highs state champion jazz band will be performing this Friday night on the PED Mall
during the Friday night music series. Um,they are coming away from a state win. Um,
they also have and because I'm also a percussionist, I should mention that their-their
drummer,James Cardos,what like a statewide top,Jazz drummer and for those of you
that are into Jazz music. This is probably a kid that will see his name in the future. So if
you're a music lover,you might want to say I saw this guy once went back when?
Teague: Yes.
Harmsen: I would be worth going. That's I think the concert series. I think the performances all
start at 6:30. I think the Iowa City band might not prove-might not not take the stage
until about 7:45. So it's going to be a great- great show. I've heard them play before they
are phenomenal. You wouldn't know they were high school kids if you didn't,nobody
told you?
Teague: Yes. Awesome.
Moe: I just wanted to say big,big thanks. I know they're all gone,but to the public works,people
who were at the wastewater treatment plan on Saturday,the event was a huge success.
And the kids giggling and screaming at all of the jokes and the things was just really
wonderful to see. And the kids loved it. Like, and the staff just did a wonderful job
engaging everybody. So thanks to City for organizing that event.
Alter: I just want to say,yet another hearty and heartfelt thanks and love and gratitude to Angie
Jordan,who is the recently resigned director of South of 6. Just the work that she has
done to make that area and beyond known is incredible. And I just, I love her to death,
and I just I wish her all the best. And just so much gratitude. Yeah.
Harmsen: The work she's done and how she's done it, I think.
Alater: Exactly.
Teague: Absolutely.
Alter: Model in amazingness.
Bergus: Here-here.
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15. Report on Items from City Staff
Teague: All right. We're going to move on to our city Item number 15,report from our city staff,
City Manager's office.
Frain: Just a quick observation. Think of boxes that are kind of checked along the way. Historic
Preservation,road repairs,better staff facilities,new pool. You guys did a lot today.
That's just-that's just a sampling. So good work. We still have some work session left to
do. I'll live it at that.
Teague: All right. City Attorney.
Alter: Yeah.
Goers: I do have one. One of the attorneys in our office, Sarah Hecktone who's been with us for
17 years has announced her resignation/retirement. She wants to spend more time with
her kids. That time is well deserved. And we will miss her dearly. She has generously
agreed to stay on until June-the end of June so as to try to minimize the amount of time
that I'm without her expert services. Applications are due by May 31st, spread the word.
Teague: Also great. Our city- acting City Clerk.
Platz:Nothing to update.
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