HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-08-06 Bd Comm minutes Item Number: 3.a.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
August 6, 2024
Ad Hoc Truth & Reconciliation Commission: June 20
Attachments: Ad Hoc Truth & Reconciliation Commission: June 20
June 20,2024
Approved Ad Hoe Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Minutes
Emma Harvat Hall,City Hall
Commissioners present: Amos Kiche, Cliff Johnson, Louis Tassinary,Chastity Dillard, Lauren
Merritt.
Commissioners on Zoom: Lubna Mohamed, Wangui Gathua.
Commissioners not present: Chad Simmons, Kayla Rossi.
Staff present: Redmond Jones.
Recommendation to City Council: No.
Meeting called to order: 7:16 PM
Reading of Land Acknowledgement: Tassinary read the Land Acknowledgement.
Approval of minutes from May 16,2024: Tassinary moved, and Johnson seconded. Motion
passed 6-0.
Changing meeting schedule to once a month: Merritt suggested leaving the option of having two
meetings a month with the option to cancel the second meeting if it is not needed. Mohamed
suggested keeping two meetings a month for August then moving to one meeting in September.
Johnson agreed to test out the idea and revisit the discussion later on. It was agreed to cancel the
meeting scheduled for July 4`h. Kiche expressed the importance of the subcommittees putting in the
work to make up for the lost meeting time. The commission agreed to revisit the discussion at the
last August meeting.
Reflection on City Council Work Session held on May 21,2024: Dillard reflected on the
meeting with City Council sharing the presentation was met with a lot of questions and that there
were conversations had with other commissions and council members following the meeting.The
general consensus for the request to increase the commissions budget was "not right now."Kiche
shared his experience with the council sharing he voiced his concerns about the TRC's progress
and budget. Tassinary shared that the council wanted to "see more" before allocating additional
funds. Merritt asked if there was any mention of allowing a smaller amount to help the commission
continue hosting small-scale events. Dillard answered that there may be some allowance for small,
one-off events. The commissioners discussed what the future of additional events and budgeting
might look like, including submitting proposals for events and funds moving forward. Merritt
expressed the need for council to provide parameters to the commission in order for them to
perform successfully while working with little to no budget. Jones suggested to give council a
heads-up before submitting a budget proposal and provided advice for the time-frame in which the
commission would have to submit a request to council to then be included on the agenda of the
council's next meeting happening July 161.
Next steps for phase three and four: Tassinary shared his idea to regroup and rethink what is
possible for the commission to accomplish with the time they have left(until December). Tassinary
1
suggested to propose to council what is expected to happen in the commission's next phase (after
December), focusing on the topics of truth-telling and systemic racism. This new approach would
include a subcommittee or third party that would routinely collect information from the
community,working with experts to focus on Iowa City policies and procedures that are examples
of systemic racism, and the commission itself receiving this information and sharing it with council
on a quarterly basis to show first-hand what the community faces and what the commission is
looking to change. Tassinary also suggested that the commission help with names for public places
and monuments that acknowledge the origins of the commission(BLM and the killing of George
Floyd). Kiche and Johnson expressed support for the new approach suggested by Tassinary.
Johnson also spoke on the idea of small groups,broken up by specific topics to focus on, that can
later come together to compile information that can be broken down and presented to council in a
concise manner. Dillard spoke about having a model-group(the Black Community) for the
commission to focus its efforts on in order to show council how their work affects a particular
group and how it can continue to extend beyond one demographic,person, or group. Dillard also
brought up the future of the commission and what it would like to extend the life of the
commission past their December deadline and how to keep their efforts from fizzling out.
Gathua asked for more information on the connection of witnessing and the commission's charge
and more budgeting details. Dillard clarified the continuing efforts of the commission would be
without additional budgeting provided by council and to take a more grassroots approach by
focusing on community engagement.
Kiche spoke about expectations for community engagement moving forward and the need for the
willingness to act and listen. The commissioners continued to discuss ideas on how to compile
information moving forward and what communities they want to approach to gather information
while considering budget and timeline. Johnson commented that this approach allows the
commission to provide a detailed proposal to council and Gathua suggested providing specifics on
the timeline and activities in order to receive help from the council. Commissioners discussed the
possibility of hiring a writer or finding an intern that would be able to help with the new plan and
writing that into the budget proposal. Jones agreed to help look into hiring help.
Dillard expressed the importance of documenting the work of the commission and finishing the
work of the documentation the commission has already paid for. Tassinary suggested a
subcommittee meeting to finalize a budget proposal. Dillard asked commissioner willing to meet
outside of the scheduled meetings to be present and those who cannot make additional meetings to
send ideas and suggestions over email.
Annie Tucker spoke to the commission thanking them for their efforts.
Announcements of commissioners: None.
Announcements of staff: None.
The meeting adjourned at 8:46 PM.
The full meeting video can be viewed at this link.
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Item Number: 3.b.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
August 6, 2024
Airport Commission: May 9
Attachments: Airport Commission: May 9
MINUTES FINAL
IOWA CITY AIRPORT COMMISSION
May 9, 2024—6:00 P.M.
AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING
Members Present: Hellecktra Orozco, Ryan Story, Chris Lawrence
Members Absent: Warren Bishop, Judy Pfohl
Staff Present: Michael Tharp, Jennifer Schwickerath
Others Present: Carl Byers, Matt Wolford
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL:
None
DETERMINE QUORUM
A quorum was determined at 6:03 pm and Orozco called the meeting to order.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Lawrence asked if Pfohl had commented on the minutes. Tharp stated that Pfohl had submitted
some corrections. Lawrence moved to approve the minutes from April 11, 2024 as amended by
Pfohl, seconded by Story. Motion carried 3-0 (Bishop, Pfohl absent)
PUBLIC COMMENT - None
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION /ACTION
a. Airport Construction Projects:
L FAA grant projects
1. Runway 12/30 Displaced Threshold/Relocation — Tharp noted
that the project is a little behind due to the weather but otherwise is
going pretty well. Tharp stated they did have on the agenda to
approve a flight check agreement with FAA to perform the flight
check of the new lights once they are installed. Lawrence asked if
there would be any affect to the approaches to which Byers stated
he didn't believe there would be.
a. Consider a resolution approving flight check agreement
with FAA — Lawrence moved resolution #A24-11,
seconded by Story. Motion carried 3-0 (Bishop, Pfohl
absent)
2. Terminal Area Study—
a. Consider a resolution accepting project as complete —
Tharp stated they had submitted everything to the FAA
for the final time and it has been accepted. Tharp noted
Airport Commission
May 9,2024
Page 2 of 5
they have the study, and the preferred option and that
the Commission can accept the project as complete.
Lawrence moved resolution #A24-12, seconded by
Orozco. Motion carried 3.0 (Bishop, Pfohl absent)
3. Solar Power Project—
a. Consider a resolution accepting bids and awarding
contract — Tharp stated that the FAA waiver process was
taking a bit longer than he anticipated and he was asking the
Commission to defer this one more time. Tharp stated they
did have information submitted to FAA for the waiver.
Lawrence asked if they were up against any deadlines and
Tharp stated there was a 90 day hold period allowed per the
bid documents and that they had until July 8th to accept.
Tharp stated that he was hoping to have the approvals by the
end of the month and that the Commission should be aware
of a possible special meeting if that does happen. Lawrence
moved to defer, seconded by Story. Motion carried 3.0
(Bishop, Pfohl absent)
b. Consider a resolution authorizing chair to sign
renewable energy credit acknowledgements with
MidAmerican Energy— Tharp stated the solar project does
generate a renewable energy credit and that MidAmerican
Energy has 2 options for dealing with it. The first option is
they can pay MidAmerican for that credit to retain it.The other
option and his recommendation was to allow MidAmerican
energy to keep the credit which then also obligates the
company to purchase excess energy produced by the array
at retail value. Lawrence moved resolution #A24-13,
seconded by Story. Motion carried 3.0 (Bishop, Pfohl
absent)
ii. Iowa DOT grant projects
1. FY23 Program
a. Terminal Building Improvements — Tharp stated that the
brickwork project is completed and that if Commission
members hadn't seen it yet, they should take a look. Tharp
stated that the Commission can accept this project as
complete as well. Wolford asked about the logo sign and
Tharp stated they held off on the sign pending the attempts
to get funding for the terminal building.
b. Consider a resolution accepting project as complete.
Lawrence moved resolution #A24-14, seconded by
Story. Motion carried 3-0 (Bishop, Pfohl absent)
2. FY 25 application—Tharp stated that he had the application packet
in the project sheet in the packet. Tharp stated that his
recommendation this year is to not apply for anything. Tharp noted
that with the pending application this fall for the terminal building,
they really need every dollar they have to be available for it. Tharp
noted that if they don't get selected for the terminal building
replacement project, then they're going to have a good bit of dollars
Airport Commission
May 9,2024
Page 3 of 5
built up that they could go after a larger project. Commission agreed
with the recommendation by consensus.
b. Airport "Operations"
i. Budget—Tharp noted that they received the rent check for the farm ground,
but noted that it was going to be a really tight budget for the next couple of
months. Tharp stated that he had a conversation with the Army National
Guard as they've restarted the conversation on using the old reserve building
and expanding the footprint of the leased ground.
ii. Management—none
iii. Events—Tharp stated that this weekend was the Young Eagles event at the
airport. Tharp noted that the event is online registration only. Tharp noted
that last year they had several no-shows on the registrations and he was
concerned about it happening again. Tharp stated the next events are
another autocross event and then the drive in movie.
1. Autocross: April 14, June 9, Sept 15, Sept 29
2. Drive-In Movie: July 13 (Barbie)
3. Young Eagles: May 11
4. Pancake Breakfast (Aug 25)
c. FBO/Flight Training Reports
i. Jet Air—Wolford stated they had a group that came out and did some weed
pulling as a fundraiser. Wolford stated they had a couple of loads of mulch
that they put into the play area and it helped, but wasn't enough. Wolford
noted that they shop was busy and that flying was pretty active. Orozco
asked about traffic for graduation. Wolford stated that not a lot of traffic
comes in for graduation. Lawrence asked if they had done anything last year
for Oshkosh and if so would they do something again. Wolford stated that
he thought they had an email blast with fuel discounts.
d. Commission Members' Reports — Lawrence asked about upcoming vacancies
and Orozco stated that she had reapplied. Story asked about the grass runway
updates. Tharp stated he didn't have it on the agenda because he wasn't ready for
it but they were still working through the information. Orozco asked about the
meeting with the City Council. Story said that Pfohl did a great job with their
statement.
e. Staff Report— Tharp stated that there were going to be some upcoming dates that he was
taking time off. Tharp stated that May 231 and 241 and right after the meeting in June he
would have some additional time off.
SET NEXT REGULAR MEETING —Members set the next meeting for June 13th, 2024 at
6:00pm.
ADJOURN
Lawrence moved to adjourn, seconded by Story. Motion carried 3-0 (Bishop, Pfohl absent).
Meeting adjourned at 6:28pm.
Airport Commission
May 9,2024
Page 4 of 5
CHAIRPERSON DATE
Airport Commission
May 9,2024
Page 5 of 5
Airport Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2023-2024
TERMo 0 0 0 o a s o 0 0 0 0
Gor T � W rD o ® N r N W A to
s O
co OD W O 0 A f=1 W W i .i
t0 � W W A -� 60
NAME EXP. N N N N N N N N N N N N23
W
Warren 06/30/26
Bishop X X X X X O/E X X O/E X X 0/E O/E
Scott Clair 06/30/23 XIE O/E Not a member
Christopher 06/30/25 X X X X X X X X X O/E X X X
Lawrence
Hellecktra 06/30/24 X X X X X X X X O/E X X O/E X
Orozco
Judy Pfohl 06/30/26 X X X X X X X X X X X X OIE
Ryan Story 06/30/27 Not a X O/E X O/E X X X X X X X
member
Key.,
X = Present
X/E = Present for Part of Meeting
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = Not a Member at this time
X/S = Present for subcommittee meeting
O/S = Absent, not a member of the subcommittee
Item Number: 3.c.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
August 6, 2024
Airport Commission: May 22
Attachments: Airport Commission: May 22
MINUTES FINAL
IOWA CITY AIRPORT COMMISSION
May 22, 2024— 6:00 P.M.
AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING
Members Present: Ryan Story, Warren Bishop, Judy Pfohl
Members Absent: Hellecktra Orozco, Chris Lawrence
Staff Present: Michael Tharp, Jennifer Schwickerath
Others Present:
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL:
None
DETERMINE QUORUM
A quorum was determined at 6:00 pm and Bishop called the meeting to order.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION /ACTION
Pfohl moved to appoint Bishop as acting chair and Story as acting Secretary for the
meeting. Seconded by Story. Motion carried 3-0 (Orozco, Lawrence absent)
a. Airport Construction Projects:
i. FAA grant projects
1. Solar Power Project — Tharp stated they are ready to move
forward to award the project to Solar by Brandt. Tharp stated they
were waiting for the Buy-American waiver request to be approved
by FAA and it has been. Schwickerath stated that the resolution
also includes a waiver to the limiting the mobilization charge to 5%
of the bid price. Tharp stated that of the bids received from both
bidders exceeded this threshold.
a. Consider a resolution accepting bids and awarding
contract—Pfohl moved resolution#A24-15, seconded by
Bishop. Motion carried 3-0 (Orozco, Lawrence absent)
ADJOURN
Bishop moved to adjourn, seconded by Story. Motion carried 3-0 (Orozco, Lawrence absent).
Meeting adjourned at 6:02pm.
A&A -
CHAT PERS- DATE
Airport Commission
May 22,2024
Page 2 of 2
Airport Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2023-2024
TERM 0 N o N w k L" M
a a a a a a r O a s O N
: O W :F! a O N
NAMEEXP. N N N N N N N N N N N N
W W W W W W A A A A A A
Warren 06/30/26
Bishop X X X OIE X X O/E X X O/E O/E X
Christopher 06/30/25 X X X X X X X O/E X X X 0/E
Lawrence
Hellecktra 06/30/24 X X X X X X 0/E X X O/E X 0/E
Orozco
Judy Pfohl 06/30/26 X X X X X X X X X X OIE X
Ryan Story 06/30/27 X O/E X O/E X X X X X X X X
Key:
X = Present
X/E = Present for Part of Meeting
O = Absent
O/E =Absent/Excused
NM = Not a Member at this time
X/S = Present for subcommittee meeting
O/S = Absent, not a member of the subcommittee
Item Number: 3.d.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
August 6, 2024
Airport Commission: June 13
Attachments: Airport Commission: June 13
MINUTES FINAL
IOWA CITY AIRPORT COMMISSION
June 13, 2024— 6:00 P.M.
AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING
Members Present: Hellecktra Orozco, Ryan Story, Warren Bishop, Judy Pfohl
Members Absent: Chris Lawrence
Staff Present: Michael Tharp, Jennifer Schwickerath
Others Present:
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL:
None
DETERMINE QUORUM
A quorum was determined at 6:00 pm and Orozco called the meeting to order.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Tharp noted that Pfohl had submitted some grammatical corrections to the draft minutes. Pfohl
moved to approve the minutes from May 9, 2024 and May 22, 2025 as amended, seconded by
Story. Motion carried 4-0 (Lawrence absent)
PUBLIC COMMENT None
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION /ACTION
a. Airport Construction Projects:
I. FAA9 rant projects
1. Runway 12/30 Displaced Threshold/Relocation — Tharp stated
the contractor was still working on the project. The markings had
o le of spots left to
do.
hadacu
completed, but stillp p
mostly been p ,
Tharp noted that they should be done with the closure phases.
Tharp also stated that the new concrete was in and the electrician
was working on the new lighting
2. Solar Power Project — Tharp stated that they did get contracts
back from the contractor and they were signed. Tharp stated that
they had a pre-construction meeting with the contractor on the 24th
and that would give them a better idea of the schedule for the
project.
ii. Iowa DOT grant projects — Tharp stated that the projects they had were
the complete and that he was going to work on h closing documents. Tharp
noted that they did not apply for funding for the spring application as they
funds for the terminal building.
needing fu .9
were preparing for g
p
p 9
b. Airport"Operations"
i
Airport Commission
June 13,2024
Page 2 of 4
i. Budget— Tharp noted that the budget was going to be close and maybe a
little below stating that when the air handler shorted out that had an impact
and there was a hangar door that hurt the budget. Orozco asked how much
impact and Tharp noted that between the two items, it was about $12,000.
ii. Management
1. Grass Landing Operations—Tharp stated this was meant for more
of an update to acknowledge that he hadn't forgotten about it. Tharp
stated that there wasn't a whole lot of guidance on the process but
that he had begun talking with the Flight Standards District Office.
Tharp stated that his understanding was that they had to make a
request to the office, for a safety review. Tharp stated that it felt like
he was one of the first to formally ask and that he also had sent a
message to the professional group message board, but so far didn't
get any useful feedback. Bishop asked for a refresher on the
conversation because he missed the original meeting and Tharp
responded. Tharp noted that there were some other areas that
could have been used, but are going to be impacted by the work on
12/30.
ill. Events—Tharp noted that this was the first meeting since the Young Eagles
event. Tharp noted that rider numbers were down. Tharp stated that the
way the system works, they have early signups online, but then once those
slots are filled, they don't have a mechanism to fill any no-shows and that's
what happened this year.
1. Autocross: Sept 15, Sept 29
2. Drive-In Movie: July 13 (Barbie)
3. Young Eagles: May 11
4. Pancake Breakfast (Aug 25)
c. FBO/ Flight Training Reports
i. Jet Air—Tharp noted that Matt was not at the meeting. Tharp stated Matt
had offered to have someone from Galesburg fill in, but Tharp stated that
wasn't necessary. Tharp noted that the maintenance report was in the
packet and that the focus was on mowing and summer maintenance. Tharp
noted they had replaced some asphalt areas that were breaking up near the
taxiway and viewing area. Orozco asked about some of the trees that looked
dead. Tharp noted that at this point he was hoping they would be included
in the terminal project.
d. Commission Members' Reports — Story noted he would not be here for the next
meeting. Orozco asked about officer voting.
e. Staff Report— Tharp stated that he was going to be on vacation for the next week.
He also stated that he pointed everyone to either Matt or Jennifer for emergency
contacts. Tharp also stated that he had trip planned from July 30-August 6'h.
SET NEXT REGULAR MEETING — Members set the next meeting for July 11th, 2024 at 6:OOpm.
ADJOURN
Bishop moved to adjourn, seconded by Story. Motion carried 4-0(Lawrence absent). Meeting
adjourned at 6:19pm.
Airport Commission
June 13,2024
Page 3 of 4
�7i"107 - 1 I
DATE
CHAIRPERSON
i
Airport Commission
June 13,2024
Page 4of 4
Airport Commission
i
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2023-2024
TERM
C4'
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W o' a s ® s ® N
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NAME EXP. is `w. ry w N it ro`s 0A it m e> w
w w w w w w a Np ,gyp a A
Warren 06/30/26 --
13ishop X X X O/E X X O/E X X O/E O/E X X
Christopher 06/30/25 —
Lawrence X X X X X X X O/E X X X O/E O/E
Hellecktra 06/30/24 -- --
Orozco X X X X X X O/E X X O/E X O/E X
Judy Pfohl 06/30/26 X X X X X X X X X X O/E X X
Ryan Story 06/30/27 X O/E X O/E X X X X X X X X X
Key:
X = Present
X/E = Present for Part of Meeting
O = Absent
O/E =Absent/Excused
NM = Not a Member at this time
X/S = Present for subcommittee meeting
O/S = Absent, not a member of the subcommittee
Item Number: 3.e.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
August 6, 2024
Human Rights Commission: May 28
Attachments: Human Rights Commission: May 28
Approved Minutes
Human Rights Commission
May 28,2024
Emma Harvat Hall
Commissioners present: Roger Lusala,Jahnavi Pandya, Doug Kollasch, Mark Pries,Vianna Caduora,
Elizabeth Mendez Shannon, Kelsey Paul Shantz.
Commissioners present via Zoom: Idriss Abdullahi.
Commissioners absent:Sylvia Jons.
Staff present:Stefanie Bowers.
Recommendation to City Council: No.
Meeting called to order:5:32 PM.
Native American Land Acknowledgement: Lusala read the Land Acknowledgement.
Public comment of items not on the agenda:George Kwisnek spoke on the excess muffler noise that goes
on in the downtown area and the lack of enforcement preventing such noise.
Approval of meeting minutes of April 23,2024: Pries moved;and Mendez Shannon seconded.Motion
passed 8-0.
Updates on Outreach and Engagement by the Police Department:Tre Hall provided the update on
outreach and engagement. Including: a new intern (Perla Hernandez), involvement with houseless
encampments and providing them resources through the Shelter House,the upcoming Safety Villages,the
EMS Camp happening in July, a Kiwanis Noon club presentation, upcoming squad tours,and attending the
upcoming Pride Parade.
Support for a Community Transportation Commission:Jeremy Endsley of the Community Transportation
Committee spoke on the community engagement the committee has been involved in to gain more
information on the public transit system here in Iowa City. He stated that a commission being established
is a first step towards a comprehensive regional transportation authority and that it would fill the gap. The
current regional transportation planning organization oversees transit policy but does not allow for bus
riders to be voting members. He also believes that the creation of the commission will lead to social and
economic justice in mobility. Commissioner Paul Shantz requested more written details on how the
commission plans to enhance diversity,equity, and inclusion through their efforts. Commissioner Pandya
offered to lead to bring the committee's proposal to the City Council. Paul Shantz offered further ideas and
resources for the committee to consider.This project was assigned to the building bridges committee.
Human Rights Awards:Staff asked for commissioners to provide a placeholder for the event,which will be
held on Wednesday,October 23,2024.
Commission Committees' Update:
1
Building Bridges(Paul Shantz,Kollasch, Pandya): Reported that the committee is working on items to
recommend to City Council along with the newly added to bring to support for a transportation
commission.
Reciprocal Relationships(Lusala, Pries,Abdullahi):This committee will be reaching out to organizations
who received funding from the FY2024 Racial Equity and Social Justice grant.Commissioner Abdullahi will
be joining the committee.
Breaking Bread (Dr.Liz, Qaduora)The committee proposed the idea of a listening tour that would allow
them to communicate with individuals in the community to allow them to have a voice and speak about
the commission's mission.They would also offer this service to those who received the FY2024 Racial
Equity and Social Justice grant to see how the commission can deepen its interaction with the organization
and also how the commission can support organizations feeling like they have a voice at the table.
Vendor Opportunities
Friday,June 14,Juneteenth: Lusala, Pries, and Mendez Shannon.
Saturday,June 15, Iowa City Pride: Paul Shantz and Kollasch.
Announcements of Commissioners:
Shannon Mendez shared her experience attending the open house for the Wright House of Fashion and
encouraged those interested to check out what they have to offer.
Lusala spoke about his experience visiting with the Congolese community of Iowa at the first ever Mother's
Conference that addressed challenges mothers face balancing work and family while being an immigrant.
Lusala also shared the importance of sharing resources and inviting immigrant communities to events and
meetings like the ones the commission is involved in.
Pries shared his experience seeing the movie Civil War as well as the opera Fierce at Hancher which was
written and by a University of Iowa graduate.The show touched on the topic of women defining
themselves as opposed to societal expectations.Commissioner Pries shared he is no longer working with
the Johnson County Heartsafe Community Campaign. Pries is on the Common Future Committee for the
Rotary which will be involved in the Pride Parade. Pries is also part of the Consultation of Religious
Communities which he hopes to address Christian nationalism through. Finally, Pries shared the efforts of
Augusta Victoria Hospital and their work with/for Palestinian refugees and wounded.
Qaduora shared her feelings about the current state of Palestine as a Palestinian.Qaduora also spoke on
the stereotypes of Arabs and Muslims and a recent screening of the documentary Reel Bad Arabs:How
Hollywood Vilifies a People.The Mariam's Girl Club got a plot from the Global Food Project and will be able
to educate members about farming and connecting to earth.The Club also participated in the Coralville
Asian Festival. Qaduora wrapped her comments with her involvement with the school district and the
upcoming Anniversary of Nakba not being recognized in the district newsletter and the lack of diverse
literature in the school libraries.
2
Paul Shantz in relation to the impact of the events in Palestine, mentioned that one of the things genocide
scholars will talk about is how perpetrators use the projection of identity.And so, it's not really what you
yourself hold as one of your identities necessarily but more about how a perpetrator of violence would like
to weaponize a certain identity group and monolithically collect people within that category. And that
people have whole lives who they were before,who they are at present,and who they hopefully will be in
the future. None of us are monoliths.We all have multiple identities that we hold in any given point in
time,and no one should be subject to that level of violence ever. Paul Shantz also shared about her
experience doing a hike with the Bur Oak Land Trust,a private reserve.
Pandya shared her involvement with Project Hope working with children and students with diverse
background by holding a workshop on the topic of careers in mental health and diverse cultural ways of
dealing with mental health.
Abdullahi spoke about a shooting that occurred at the graduation ceremony of Theodore Roosevelt High
School in Des Moines and the importance of raising awareness and finding solutions for these occurrences.
Abdullahi also shared his company's involvement in partnering with Multicultural Development Center of
Iowa to create a collection space where people can bring plastic materials to be repurposed for them.
Kollasch shared he will be attending the Gala for One Iowa in Des Moines. Kollasch also spoke about Iowa
universities pulling back on DEI efforts and the complete removal of all DEI offices from the University of
Northern Iowa and Iowa State University.
Announcements of staff:Asked about the June meeting date and whether she would need to have the
Human Rights Investigator staff it.The commission decided not to hold a June meeting.
Adjourned:6:48 PM.
The meeting can be viewed at https:Z/citychanne14.com/videe.html?series=Local%2OGovernment.
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Item Number: M.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
August 6, 2024
Library Board of Trustees: June 27
Attachments: Library Board of Trustees: June 27
QWA IOWA CITY
r4W PUBLIC LIBRARY
Iowa City Public Library Board of Trustees
Meeting Minutes
June 27, 2024
1st Floor— Meeting Room D
Regular Meeting - 5:05 PM
FINAL
Tom Rocklin - President Bonnie Boothroy Robin Paetzold
DJ Johnk—Vice President Joseph Massa John Raeburn
Hannah Shultz-Secretary Claire Matthews Dan Stevenson
Members Present: Bonnie Boothroy, DJ Johnk, Joseph Massa, Claire Matthews, John Raeburn, Tom
Rocklin, Dan Stevenson.
Members Absent: Hannah Shultz, Robin Paetzold.
Staff Present: Elsworth Carman, Anne Mangano, Brent Palmer, Jason Paulios, Angie Pilkington, Katie
Roche, Jen Royer.
Guests Present: Christine Zabala-Eisshofer.
Call Meeting to Order. Rocklin called the meeting to order at 5:05 pm.
Approval of June 27, 2024 Board Meeting Agenda. Boothroy made a motion to approve
the June 27, 2024, Board Meeting Agenda. Raeburn seconded. Motion passed 7/0.
Public Discussion. None.
Items to be Discussed.
Adopt NOW Budget. Carman said this is requested annually and determines how the library will spend
Board controlled funds. Carman said the Non-Operating Budget (NOBU) is gift money from the Friends
Foundation and money allocated by the State. Carman said the income received from the State has not
yet been determined and he based the estimate on the previous year. Carman said this year the operating
budget will cover half of the full-time position that was previously paid for by NOBU. It took several years
to make this transition and will have a positive impact on NOBU funds. Carman noted he requested $6,000
more than anticipated and proposed using unspent direct state aid funds from 2020. Due to COVID-19
the state made an exception to funds being spent in the year received and there is an unspent balance of
$23,000. Raeburn noted Board Book Shelving in the NOW request and asked what it is. Carman said
board books are for pre-kindergarten readers and tend to be stiff. Matthews showed an example. Carman
said new shelving would allow for a better browsing experience. Mangano said the current shelves weren't
Ifyou will need disability-related accommodations in order to participate in this meeting,please contact Jen Royer,Iowa City
Public Library,ot379-887-6003 or%enni(er-ro, ey r0kpLorq Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to
meet your access needs.
Q*kt IOWA CITY
$jvW PUBLIC LIBRARY
built for this purpose. Pilkington said the veneer on the current shelving is falling off. Carman said the
current shelving doesn't work for very young readers. Rocklin asked if the $23,000 is from State funds.
Carman agreed and said that is the balance of Direct State Aid that was given to the library in 2020 when
an exception was made to have no end date on the spending. Carman said the balance has been held.
Rocklin asked if there is a balance in other gift fund accounts. Carman agreed there was and said
traditionally this has been held for capital campaigns. Boothroy asked when state funds are received.
Carman said October and Royer agreed. Carman said a balance of all library funds will be reported in
September when the fiscal year has ended. Rocklin noted the third issue of The Window in the NOBU
request. Rocklin said one of the functions of that issue is to do an annual appeal. Rocklin asked if it was
possible to state what that appeal generates. Roche shared she considers November through the
beginning of January to be the appeal period. Roche said the timing of The Window influences when
checks come in. Roche said donation envelopes are no longer being mailed out and the return is about
$80,000. Carman said the library is trying to determine the financial and environmental impact of print
mailers. Carman knows $16,300 in the NOBU request will not cover the price of previous mailers that have
been sent out. The library must either do smaller issues or fewer issues of The Window with this budget.
Rocklin said from a financial standpoint they receive a 400% return that is hard to walk away from. Carman
said it is hard to know if it would have the same return digitally only. Carman said in the most recent issue
there were OR codes which linked to full articles. Matthews asked if the QR Code data could be tracked.
Carman agreed it could be. Massa asked what is spent on three issues of the mailer. Roche said the year-
end mailer was $16,000. Pilkington said the summer mailer was quoted at $21,000 for 16 pages or $9,000
for 4 pages. Massa made a motion to adopt the FY25 NOBU Budget request. Johnk seconded. Motion
passed 7/0.
Staff Reports.
Director's Report. Carman thanked the Trustees for having their pictures taken before the meeting.
Carman said Policy 809 Library Use was moved to the August meeting as more time was needed on it.
Carman shared the Finance Committee normally meets in July but will likely meet in August when end of
year finances will be ready to review.
Departmental Reports: Children's Services. Pilkington said the Summer Reading Program is going well.
Matthews asked how attendance is going compared to last year. Pilkington said events have been well
attended and staff are happy with the turn out. Pilkington said staff saw major drop offs in the afternoon
when there would be a big performance in the morning and another event led by staff in the afternoon.
Pilkington said there were break dancers from Des Moines at the library that morning and in the
afternoon and they have had 200 patrons at each program.
Collection Services. Mangano said they have been doing a lot of data clean up.Johnk said it is not
glamourous, but it is a huge deal. Rocklin said Mangano's report was interesting. Matthews asked if staff
were changing the catalog away from Baker Taylor. Mangano said staff are using two catalogs
simultaneously, Baker &Taylor &OCLC, to compare data. Rocklin asked how long the comparison will
run. Mangano said one year to determine what is gained and lost by changing catalogs.
IT. Johnk said the vulnerability test results were great. Palmer said it was a good sign, and the person
testing was very good.
I f you will need disobility-related accommodations in order to participate in this meeting,please contact Jen Royer,Iowa City
Public Library,at 379-887-6003 or 'enni r roXgrQkpLar : Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to
meet your access needs.
4W,*IOWA CITY
WPUBLIC LIBRARY
Development Report. Roche said it has been a successful year and will have more to report at the end of
the fiscal year.
Miscellaneous: News Articles. None.
President's Report. None.
Announcements from Members. None.
Committee Reports. None.
Communications. None.
Consent Agenda. Johnk made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Boothroy seconded.
Motion passed 7/0.
Set Agenda Order for July Meeting. Rocklin shared the July meeting will have a Strategic Plan
update, the Trustees Annual Report, the MOU Agreement, and departmental reports.
Adjournment. Rocklin adjourned the meeting at 5:24 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Jen Royer
I f you will need disability-related accommodations in order to participate in this meeting,please contact Jen Royer,Iowa City
Public Library,at 319-887-6003 or ienn*r-royerOOL rg, Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to
meet your access needs.
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Item Number: 3.g.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
August 6, 2024
Parks & Recreation Commission: April 10
Attachments: Parks & Recreation Commission: April 10
IOWA CITY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED
MINUTES OF APRIL 10, 2024
MEETING ROOM B—ROBERT A. LEE RECREATION CENTER
Members Present: Alex Hachtman, Virginia Hayes, Rachel McPherson, Connie Moore, Brian
Morelli, Aaron Broege.
Members Absent: Alex Stanton, Caleb Recker, Missie Forbes.
Staff Present: Juli Seydell Johnson, Gabe Gotera, Tyler Baird.
Others Present: Jerry Protheroe, Sue Protheroe, Hal Ide,Mitzi Read, John Downer, Mary
Helen Stefaniak.
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Hachtman called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (to become effective only after separate Council
action):
None
OTHER FORMAL ACTION:
Moved by Broege,seconded by Moore,to approve the February 14, 2024,minutes. Motion
passed 5-0 (Stanton, Recker, Forbes, and McPherson absent).
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
Sue Protheroe introduces herself as the chairperson for City Park Pool: Back to the Future, and
tells the Commission that next month, when they meet with City Council,will be their last
opportunity to ask questions and voice concerns about the project. Protheroe asks the
commission to view the designs through the lens of safety, specifically for lap swimmers.
Protheroe describes the image of City Park Pool as disorderly, intimidating, and sometimes
unsafe. Protheroe explains that the current 9 lap lanes are being used by a variety of water
walkers, aqua joggers, and swimmers all trying to get individual exercise in a shared space with
no lane ropes. Protheroe says that the swimmers themselves are expected to instruct new
participants on how and why to circle swim. Protheroe says that if the lap lanes are reduced from
9 lanes to 6,there will be a time when only the strongest and fittest are able to use the lanes at
all. Protheroe says that is the opposite of the welcoming environment that City Park Pool: Back
to the Future wants the project to embrace. Protheroe says that the project's architects have said
that the cost of adding two additional lanes to any of the designs is a million dollars, which is
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
April 10, 2024
Page 2 of 6
money that needs to be spent. Protheroe says that 2-3 lap lanes being open all day is not enough
to offset the loss during high demand times, and that if the pool is being built for the next 50-70
years, then this cannot be ignored. Protheroe says that no matter the design chosen, lane dividers
must be purchased and used to keep people in the lane and avoid accidents. Protheroe explains
that the current lane dividers are only used by the Iowa City Eels, who add and remove them for
their morning practices. Protheroe says there is a need for lifeguards to be trained to
communicate with adults and actively be involved in educating people about circle swimming
and recommends placing one lifeguard on deck to help and instruct in the lap swim area.
Hal Ide says that whatever plan is selected needs to include 8-9 lap lanes. Ide says that the lanes
are very busy and usually have a line to use them. Ide fears that if there are only six lanes, then
only the most dedicated lap swimmers will be able to use them,where those learning how to
swim, or the elderly won't feel welcome. Ide has long thought that circle swimming should be
mandatory but understands that it may not be the best for everyone, explaining that the early
swimmers or the elderly can't exercise effectively, wondering if there is a speed demon coming
up behind them. Ide says that to be inclusive, there must be enough space for swimmers of all
capabilities. Ide recalls his fust encounter at City Park Pool and says that he had to be brave. Ide
iterates the need for both 25-yard and 50-meter lap lanes if the City wants to be inclusive and
merge with the rest of the swimming world. Ide says not to build a pool that doesn't work for so
many people.
Dir. Juli Seydell Johnson comments that 25 yard/meter lap lanes will be included in the drawings
shown at the May 7 Joint Council-Commission work session. Seydell Johnson explains that
project consultants have been working on multiple versions of the 4 different design options to
see how the short course lanes could be added, with some options having the lanes attached to
the diving well, while others will see the lanes attached to the main pool. Seydell Johnson
clarifies that the price tag would be $1,000,000 per lane rather than $1,000,000 per 2 lanes.
STATUS UPDATE FOR PARK PROJECTS—Hitchcock Design; Eric Hornig
TERRELL MH L ROLLER PARK
Eric Hornig with Hitchcock Designs presents the attached PowerPoint presentation.
Commissioner Biran Morelli asks if a park design of this level could have skating
communities/events to draw in people to the area. Hornig says that this would be the goal to be
able to have such events if this park is constructed to the designed target level.
Chairman Hachtman asks about the accessibility of the park. Hornig responds that all of the
walkways and connectivity would be accessible with less than 2% slope. Hornig says that the
topography of the site matches the proposed site, allowing ease of access to the features of their
abilities.
Vice-Chairman Moore asks if the pump track would be wide enough for a person with a
wheelchair to use. Hornig confirms that a wheelchair can be used on the pump track
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
April 10, 2024
Page 3 of 6
Hachtman refers to the flow of the lines on the design and asks how well the different areas
transition to each other. Hachtman asks if there is any feedback received addressing this yet or if
it is too early in the process. Hornig says that it is still too early to have feedback on this specific
design but explains that the elevation change between areas has been considered and that there is
intention in the shapes of the features to have proper momentum carried between events on the
tracks.
Commissioner McPherson arrives at 5:21 p.m.
Commissioner Broege asks what the dotted lines on the lawn area refers to. Hornig explains that
this would indicate elevation changes on the hill, specifically a 12 inches per line.
Commissioner Hayes asks if there will be picnic tables or places for people to gather. Hornig
explains that the areas designed to have shade structures would have benches for the public to
use. Hays says that she would like to see more trees. Hornig responds that trees are tricky to have
in a roller park as they can drop debris onto the track causing risk for skateboarders. Hornig says
that trees have been added to the design but strategically spaced from the track.
Hachtman asks if there are measures to ensure the integrity and safety of the park if the
floodplains flood. Hornig explains that there was a specific choice in the materials,using
concrete for its structural integrity. Hornig says that the placement of the roller park is on the
highest point in the park, giving the highest option for long-term success.
MERCER PARK& CITY PARK TENNIS/PICKLEBALL COURTS
Eric Hornig with Hitchcock Designs presents the attached PowerPoint presentation.
MERCER PARK ATHLETIC FIELDS
Eric Hornig with Hitchcock Designs presents the attached PowerPoint presentation.
Dir. Seydell Johnson explains that Fields 1 &4 will both be funded specifically by the Iowa City
School District while the rest of the project will be funded by the larger City.
Commissioner Broege asks if Fields 1 & 4 will be for public use after it opens or if it will be
solely for the school district. Seydell Johnson says that the entire complex will be funded by and
for the use of the public, but that Fields 1 & 4 will primarily be used by the two Varsity
programs,which has already been the case for the last 3-4 years.
REPORT ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF:
Parks and Recreation Director—Juli Seydell Johnson
Note on 2024 Park Projects: Dir. Seydell Johnson gives updates on park projects for the
playgrounds at Brookland Park& College Green Park, Calder Park Trail Access, and a new park
on Shannon Drive. Seydell Johnson says that staff were behind on getting the contracts to
consultants to begin the project, meaning that the construction for these projects likely won't
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
April 10, 2024
Page 4 of 6
begin this summer as anticipated but the following spring. Seydell Johnson announces that the
public input meeting for these projects will be held on Wednesday,May 8, 2024. Seydell
Johnson says that the new park will include a small playground and a shelter.
May 7 Joint Meeting: Seydell Johnson reminds the commission of the joint work session with the
City Council being held on Tuesday, May 7. Seydell Johnson explains that there is no formal
recommendation being made at that time, but that this is the time for discussion. The commission
will sit with the City Council and see a presentation from the project consultants, which will
include the information gathered from the Phase 2 public input, and the recommended City Park
Pool design based on said input. After the presentation there will be time for discussion between
the Council and the Commission. Seydell Johnson says that would be the time to talk about what
the Commissioners do or don't like about the designs. Seydell clarifies City Council will not be
making a decision that same day but will instead 2 weeks later at the next City Council meeting.
Seydell Johnson tells the Commission to expect to be present for the full 2 hours from 4-6
p.m. Seydell Johnson expects that the consultants will address all things heard at the current
meeting. Seydell Johnson adds that it is part of the design that lane line would be included in the
new pool. Seydell Johnson says that staff will do their best to teach patrons how to share lanes
and circle swim, but says that it will have to be a cooperative effort from everyone that gets in
the pool.
Parks and Forestry Superintendent—Tyler Baird
Parks: Supt. Baird announces that Restrooms and water are turned on in all of the parks. Baird
says that the lockers on all the restrooms have all been replaced free-of-charge due to the
consistent issues spoken on in a prior meeting. Baird says that there are still some problems with
the restroom's locks at Riverfront Crossings but that it is being looked at by staff.
Baird says that staff have been quite busy with mowing,noting that the athletic fields staff have
mowed 3 times already this year. Baird adds that the addition of seasonal staff helps,but that the
pace keeps the same as the season ramps up. Baird says that perennials and trees have been
ordered to be planted later soon, with preparations being made for the fall tree plantings as well.
Baird explains that one difference this year is that all of the tree plantings will be from inhouse
staff and not contracted out.
Icehouse Single Track Trail: Baird announces that the June Commission meeting will be the
grand opening of the Icehouse Single Track Trail at Terrell Mill Park. Baird explains that the
name is derived from the old icehouse foundations that are featured on the track. Baird says that
staff have been installing the track skill features this week, noting that the features will be fun for
the public to use.
Arbor Day: Baird invites the Commission to attend an Arbor Day planting of 77 trees in Oakland
Cemetery. Baird details the event to be held on Saturday, April 27 from 9 a.m. to noon. The
event will include a brief intro/demonstration, an Arbor Day proclamation, and celebration of the
44 years of Tree City, USA, and a recent Growth Award.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
April 10, 2024
Page 5 of 6
Commissioner McPherson asks what the Tree City,USA is. Baird explains that it is a world-
wide recognized certification, and that of the 46 years it has been around, Iowa City has been
certified for 44 consecutive years. The certification is determined by factors such as funds per
population associated with planting and a trained forestry staff. McPherson asks what kind of
trees are being planted at Oakland Cemetery. Baird says that staff worked with the University
forester and the County forester, Cemetery staff, and certain members of the North Side
Neighborhood to find a selection of species that will fit the local aesthetic and honor the Hickory
Oak Savannah of the Cemetery, while adding some needed diversity.
Commissioner Morelli says that there are still some downed trees in the parks from past storms,
asking if this will be addressed. Baird says that staff have been working and have cleared away
most of the downed trees, but that due to the huge, impacted area,there are some stragglers still
being found. Baird tells Morelli to email him any specific locations he knows about.
CHAIRS REPORT:
None
COMMISSION TIME/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
Commissioner Morelli asks if there are plans to have more established restrooms or water
fountains near the entrance of Waterworks Park. Morelli acknowledges that there are portable
toilets but explains that they receive heavy use. Dir. Johnson says that there are not any plans in
sight for the next years and adds that there are some restrictions due to proximity to the Water
Treatment Plant.
ADJOURNMENT:
Chairman Hachtman adjourns the meeting at 5:49 p.m.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
April 10, 2024
Page 6 of 6
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
tn en en en
NAME M M M M o 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
TERM N N N N N N N N N N N N N
I I I I I I I I
N O 7 N as M r 0, M O 7 M O
EXPIRES N O . . . . .
7 VJ b r W O� O H N H N M
O O O O O O rl rl rl O O O O
Aaron 12/31/24 X NM X X X X X X X O/E NM X
Broege
Missie 12/31/25 X X NM O/E X X X O/E X X X NM O/E
Forbes
Alex 12/31/24 X X NM X X X X X X X X NM X
Hachtman
Virginia 12/31/27 X X NM X
Hayes
Rachel 12/31/26 X X NM X X X X X X X X NM X
McPherson
Connie 12/31/25 X X NM O/E X X X X X X O/E NM X
Moore
Brian 12/31/25 X X NM X X X O/E O/E X X O/E NM X
Morelli
Caleb 12/31/26 X X X O/E X NM O/E
Recker
Alex 12/31/27 X X X O/E X I X X NM O/E
Stanton
KEY: X=Present O=Absent O/E =Absent/Excused NM=No meeting
LQ =No meeting due to lack of quorum * =Not a member during this meeting