HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-08-20 Transcription Page 1
Council Present: Alter, Bergus (via Zoom), Dunn (via Zoom), Harmsen, Moe, Salih,
Teague (via Zoom)
Staff Present: Fruin, Dulek, Goers, Grace, Knoche, Havel, Ralston, Nagle Gamm,
Rummel
Others Present: Monsivais, USG, Martinez, Alternate
1. Roll Call
Salih: It is 6 O'clock on August 2024. 6:00 P.M. I'm calling Iowa City-City Council formal meeting in
order. Roll call,please. [Roll Call]
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2.—6. Consider Adoption of the Consent Calendar as Presented or Amended
Salih: Okay. Uh,now I'm going to through Item 1. It is Item 2,Consent Agenda.May I have a motion
first I think we need.
Alter: Is it a motion to.
Moe: You want to pull out?
Salih: Do you want to pull out first?
Alter: Yes I do. Is that how it works?
Salih: How would you work to pull out first?
Alter: I would like to pull out item 6C. Traffic control on Russell Drive?
Salih: Six C. Okay, I would like to have a motion to approve the consent agenda Item 2 thru 6 with taking
6c out. Okay.
Alter: So moved.
Moe: second,Moe.
Salih: Second by Alter and.
Moe: Moved by Alter.
Salih: Moved by Alter Second by Moe. Okay.And now,public discussion.
Moe: None.
Salih: Anyone online,none online. Council discussion on the consent agenda.
Alter: I simply wanted to pull it out because um,this is a section in the South district that goes to
Alexander and is pretty well traversed. And since there's a traffic change, I want folks to know
about it and to talk about it a little bit. Um, so I don't really have any more than that other than the
yield signs are going to turn to stop signs, so that's a really big thing.For that road. um,is there
um,a sense of timeline on that?
Dulek: Well,we've got the consent calendar.
Alter: Without that. That's it. Oh,right. I'm so sorry. Moe was right.
Salih:No-no,right now. I'm just saying like any-any discussion on the consent agenda.
Alter: Right.My bad.
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Salih: If there is none roll call please. [Roll Call] Motion passes 7-0. Okay,now we are going to Public
Comment.
Grace: Mayor Pro Tim.
Salih:No,I will-we need to discuss Item 6c. That being pulled by.
Alter: Yes. And so I just will restate,
Grace: I'm sorry. You need to have a motion second and then.
Alter: Sorry.
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6.c Traffic Control on Russell Drive-Replace existing "Yield" signs with "Stop" signs along
Russell Drive from Tofting Avenue to Dickenson Lane.
Salih: Yeah. Can we have a motion to move Item 60
Harmsen: So moved,Harmsen.
Dunn: Second.
Salih: And anyone you can.
Alter: Okay.Now, I will-first of all, let me say Mayor Teague makes it look so easy.Um, second of all, I
just want to reiterate that um,this is about a section of street going to Alexander that's moving
from yield signs to stop signs.And so my question is um,whether there's a timeline already
planned.
Fruin: I can jump in and take that. It typically takes about two weeks uh,for us to install a sign weather
permitting, so roughly that's what you should expect.
Alter: Sure. Thank you.
Salih: Okay. I was preparing myself without taking anything from the consent I need. So let us go to item
7. It is community common.
Grace: We need a vote,Mayor Pro Tim.
Salih: Okay. Can I have a motion to approve item number 60
Dulek: I think we have the motion second. I think if there's no other discussion,we can go right. Right to
the vote. [Roll Call] Okay.Motion approved 7-0.
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7. Community Comment [Items not on the Agenda]
Salih: And now,public comment and this is only in-person comment. I'm not going to allow no one
online.And we will be allowing community public to speak on this item or any item that is not on
the agenda, and please keep your comment to 3 minutes.
Ross: Hey, good to see all of you.A few of you.Actually, a lot of you missing. Um,you know, some
things in the world aren't fair, as I see it. Why is it that,you know, during the mis uh,universe
contest,that the winner always comes from Earth.You know,that always strikes me as kind of
odd. Uh,that about the other planets in the universe,right?Now,that may not be such a useful
question,maybe. I don't know. It's just typipe of question you ask when you're a kid,right?Your
kids ask these questions.My kids ask these questions.But then there are other questions that may
be more important. Like,for instance,why is it-why is it that we get to bomb, invade, change
regimes, get rid of leaders,meddle in elections all over the world,with our tax dollars without
even voting on such.No proposals of war. Without even a vote.But we have 72%of our country
wants national health care, and we can never get that. We doesn't seem to get it. Even though we
want it,but we don't get it. A lot of people in Iowa City,they vote Democrat,I never voted
Republican.But even when the Democrats are voted in,they always say,we're going to do all
this good stuff.But instead,we bomb,we invade,we meddle in elections,we get rid of leaders.
But we don't get national health care. We don't get affordable housing,we don't get raised
minimum wage,we don't get a maximum wage.And right now, I mean,we're involved in so
many things. We're meddling in Venezuela,we're bombing in Syria and Yemen. We are arming
an apartheid state in Israel, destroying lives in Gaza. We are arming a fascist Rogue state in Kiev
in Ukraine to attack its other side of Ukraine and Russia?Yet,we want the basic things for
ourselves here. We don't want to bomb anybody. I don't want to bomb anybody. I vote,I pay
taxes. I want to do good things. So why if 72%,for instance,want national healthcare, and the
same percentage doesn't want to arm Israel or Kiev,or do other things in Syria,why is it we only
get that and we don't get what we want. This City Council is connected, locally,we're connected.
And I think that we think of ourselves as a liberal city,right?Liberal town? Whatever that might
mean. Well,maybe we'll get Kamala Harris. Whatever we get,we should demand that we get the
stuff we need, and we stop bombing and invading other countries.And thank you so much for
your time.
Salih: Any one from the public would like? Okay. Go ahead.
Masser: My name is Charlie Nasser. I'm with Han Jewelers in Iowa City. I just want to comment and say,
thank you to all of you who are at least considering-reconsidering the decision,whatever the
outcome may be. I think that speaks a lot towards all of you.Uh,also,just want to make a point
quickly about metrics,which I completely agree with metrics are a great thing. I believe Iowa was
brought up that,you know, one of the metrics could be businesses going out of business.
Unfortunately,waiting enough time for-to see what metrics are can lead to businesses going out
of business, and just wouldn't want to see that. So. Thank you.
Woodburn: Hi. My name is Amy Woodburn. I don't know if this is the right time to speak. I'm just
speaking in regards to the parking,downtown Iowa City. Is this not the right time to bring up that
issue?
Salih: I think it's the right time.
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Woodburn: Okay,that is wonderful. So I've been a part of the downtown business for 31 years now.And
the parking issue that is going on is, I think, creating a lot of chaos and a lot of difficulty for
people that are working very hard to support their families and keep businesses going.And I was
wondering, if any of you have any ideas of a way that we could make parking more accessible,
make the $3 an hour that it just went up to become more reasonable to make it more accessible to
elderly people that want to come dine in our restaurants. Um,like I said,I've been working
downtown for 31 years. I bring a bag of coins every day to work with me, so that when people
come in and they don't understand the parking system and they want to park on the street, I just
say I gotcha.And so I bring my money in, and I go out and I plug their meters. Um, and then
sometimes people get really confused, and they don't understand, and they don't have the coins,
they don't understand the app. I don't understand the app. Um, and even the credit card swipe,
sorry,the system that is installed is subpar. I work downtown every day. The system is not really
that great. Um, so I'm just thinking that it's really driving people out of downtown to come dine
and shop, and I'm friends with a lot of owners downtown Iowa City.And I think there should be a
way that we could make it more practical, affordable for people to enjoy downtown Iowa City.
For instance,you can park downtown Des Moine for$1 an hour.You can park in Cedar Rapids,
some places for$0.50 an hour.You can park in Ames for$0.50 an hour if you park 10 hours or
$1 an hour. Why is Iowa City $3 an hour to park downtown, if you just want to have lunch at
these wonderful restaurants and wonderful shops. So I was wondering if anybody had any
thought on why that's happening.And maybe you could reach out to some of these business
owners downtown,like all of us work downtown. You know?And why is this happening? So,I
don't know if this is time that you can give a response.
Salih: Actually,no,we don't engage.
Woodburn: Oh,I don't know. I've never done this before. I'm obviously kind of nervous.
Salih: Thank you.
Woodburn: Thank you.
Salih: Okay. Anyone else?I think now I'm going to close a public comment. Do we do the hammer?No.
Dulek: Just go on to item 8.
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9. Regular Formal Agenda
9.a Water System and Wastewater System Charges,Deposits, and Fees- Ordinance
amending Title 3, entitled "Finances, Taxation and Fees," Chapter 4, entitled "Schedule of
Fees, Rates, Charges,Bonds,Fines and Penalties".
Salih:Now we're going in to the regular former agenda. Item 9a, Water System and Westwater System
Charges, Deposit, and Fee. Ordinance amended, Title 3 entitled Finance, Taxation and Fee.
Chapter 4 entitled Schedule of Fee,Rate,Charge,Bond,Fine and Penalties. And I'm going to
open the public here. And we have our staff run to lead us this.
Knoche: Good evening Mayor Pro Tem,Council. Ron Knoche, Public Works Director. In the past,the
water division has reviewed and approved administratively,the fees charged for water meters,
water taps,water meter connections, and usage and the wastewater division has reviewed and
approved administratively,the fees charged for testing services and sand load disposal. With the
latest review of the fees and to be more transparent, staff has determined these fees should be
listed in the schedule of fees. These are fees that are already being charged and this ordinance will
add them to the list of fees in the city code. There is an increase in the water tap and water meter
fees,but this is due to an increase in material and meter costs.And these fees were last updated in
November of 2021. Thank you for your consideration.
Salih: Any question to Ron? Okay.Public discussion.Anyone in the public would like to speak on this
item. I don't see no one in line. Okay,I will close the public hearing.And now,may I have a
motion to give first consideration.
Moe: Motion moved,Moe.
Teague: Second by Teague.
Salih: Move by Moe, second by Teague. Council discussion. I see no one. Roll call please. [Roll Call]
Motion passes 7-0.
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9.b Ordinance prohibiting on-street parking within ten feet of a "Yield" sign -
Ordinance amending Title 9, entitled "Motor Vehicles and Traffic", Chapter 4 entitled
"Parking Regulations", Section 1, entitled "Parking Prohibited in Specified Places" by
prohibiting parking within 10 feet of"Yield"signs.(First Consideration)
Salih: Item 9b,ordinance prohibited on-street parking within 10 feet of a"Yield" sign.An ordinance
amended Title 9 entitled Motor Vehicles and Traffic,Chapter 4 entitled Parking Regulation,
Section 1, entitled Parking Prohibit in a specific place by prohibiting Parking within 10 feet of the
"Yield" sign.And this is the first consideration.May I have a motion to give a first consideration.
Harmsen: Motion moved,Harmsen.
Moe: Second,Moe.
Salih: Moved by Harmsen, second by Moe. Staff now,are you thinking.Yeah.
Ralston: Good evening,Mayor Pro Tem,Council,Kent Ralston Transportation Planner. Currently,the
city code prohibits on street parking within 10 feet of a stop sign or a traffic signal. The reason for
the prohibition is,of course, so that cars parking at these locations don't interfere with the
motorist visibility of said stop sign or traffic signal. And while the same principle should apply
equal to "Yield" signs,they do not currently have the same protection in the city code.You can
park within 10 feet of a"Yield" sign currently. That said vehicles parking beneath "Yield" signs
have recently become problematic in several locations around town,creating unsafe situations at
several intersections. This ordinance will allow necessary traffic enforcement when vehicles are
parking within 10 feet of a stop sign and of course,then a"Yield" sign if the ordinance passes.
And in my mind,this ordinance really just closes a gap in the current code,thereby making our
intersections safer for motorists bicycles, and pedestrians.
Moe: For the areas where this is a problem, is there any,kind of, like, signage or communication effort or
a first infraction free,kind of,thing, so people get trained that this is a change because there's
probably people who've done this for years illegally and wouldn't maybe aren't listening to this
meeting.
Ralston: Right.
Moe: You have better things to do tonight.
Ralston: Right. We were not anticipating on any sort of public education,just because right now currently
you cannot park within 10 feet of a stop sign.Now you wouldn't be able to park within 10 feet of
a"Yield" sign. I don't know that it-I think it may be common knowledge that you can't in most
cases. And in fact, I think the State code requires you to not park within 10 feet of"Yield" sign
now.By Iowa City Code doesn't. So we weren't planning on it,but I think we certainly could do
some outreach and some education.
Moe: Say that again,you said it is required by the-
Ralston: I think the state code.
Moe: The state code.
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Ralston: Already disallows parking within 10 feet of a"Yield" sign.
Moe: This is just enable-
Ralston: The City code does not.
Moe: Okay.
Ralston: Correct.
Alter: So,in essence,this is just codifying what is-would be enforced anyway by state.
Ralston: It wouldn't be enforced now because-
Alter: Okay.
Ralston: It's mostly just, sort of,posing a gap. And that's why we weren't really anticipating a lot of public
education. But it certanly wouldn't hurt.
Moe: Okay,I think it's a good idea. I'm just,you know,people who've been doing it lawfully for a long
time,consider that.
Ralston: Yeah. I do think the- the community service officers in place will be-
Moe: Generous
Ralston: Lenient.Yes,I would say for some time.
Salih: Okay. Thank you.
Ralston: Thank you very much.
Salih: Public discussion. Anyone online?No one online. Anyone in the public. Okay. Council discussion.
Moe: Makes sense to me.
Salih: Okay. Yeah. Roll call,please. [Roll Call] Motion passes 7-0.
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9.e Parking and Traffic Engineering Cameras- Ordinance amending Title 9, entitled
"Motor Vehicles and Traffic," Chapter 11, entitled"Traffic Cameras,Drones, and License
Plate Recognition Systems,"Section 2, entitled "Definitions,"to allow Transportation
Services to use automatic license plate recognition systems or devices for parking purposes,
and to clarify the definition of"Automatic Traffic Surveillance System or Device." (Pass &
Adopt)
Salih: Item 9e Parking and Traffic Engineering Camera. An Ordinance amended Title 9 entitled Motor
Vehicles and Traffic, Chapter 11 entitled Traffic Camera Ts and License Plate recognition
system. Section 2 entitled definition to allow transportation services to use automatic license plate
recognition system or device for parking purposes and to clarify the definition of automatic traffic
civilian system or device. And this is-I need a motion to pass and adopt.
Dunn: I have an amendment for this one.
Salih: I think-yeah. If you have amended.
Dulek: Let's get them of the ordinance on the table.
Salih: Yeah,we need just a motion to put it on the table,right?
Moe: Motion moved,Moe.
Alter: Second,Alter.
Salih: Move by Moe, second by Alter.Now I think we can do the amendment now.
Harmsen: I can propose. Or discussed.
Dulek: Yes. Have discussion.
Salih: Discussion just in general.
Dunn: Yeah, so I mean, I can just go over what I will procedurally propose after I discuss it. I think you
all should see a late handout that includes or for Councilor Bergus and Mayor Teague,it'll be in
your e-mail. I sent the-the suggestions that I had relevant to our discussion at our prior Council
meeting for amendment. That is based on our discussion, I believe reaches the goals that majority
of Council agreed upon.Apologies for the late. I've been having some- some family issues that
I've been dealing with. That's why I'm not there today.But I-I'm hopeful that Council will
consider the-the requests. And so the-just for the sake of the public and folks that are there in
person, I am happy to read those amendments. So specifically,with relation to the automatic
license plate reader-license plate recognition systems,the text that would be amended is the same
as is proposed by the City Attorney,except for the following, automatic license plate recognition
systems or devices installed in city parking ramps or on city parking department vehicles,
primarily used for parking enforcement are not included in this definition.As I detailed in that e-
mail,I'm also open depending on the City Attorney's office sensibilities,um,you know,primarily
through or not necessarily exclusively. I know that was a discussion from our-from our last
meeting,but I thought that the use of primarily would address that as primarily would not
generally be used for something that is exclusive. The other section relating to automatic traffic
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surveillance systems or devices,you'll see that there were two e-mails sent about that. There was
a typo in the first one.But again,the language is consislOt with the City Attorney's office, except
for the following. Specific streets and traffic engineering division cameras installed at
intersections with traffic signals or roundabouts used primarily,though not exclusively for traffic
engineering and study, shall not be included in this definition only by authorization,by
resolution,passed by the Iowa City City Council. If there's any discussion on that,well, I guess
we would probably have to-a motion to amend. So I would- I would motion to amend the
proposal based on the follow on that language.
Alter: I'm sorry,I have basic questions about where exactly-I mean,you do signal,um,about like, okay,
at the automatic traffic surveillance system or device.But I'm-I'm really not sure where you want
to see that inserted.
Dunn: Yeah. So that's- so the-the language is at the end of each of those sections. So if you look at the
red-the red line document that was included at the end of each of those paragraphs where they
include language where it has,like,the-the carve out that says,this is not that. These are just
slightly changed versions of that language that was in the red line document.More in line with-
with what I was thinking about and specifically,not carving out broad swaths for entire camera
systems. So this is towards the bottom of that,where-where it has detailed a paragraph where,
you know,we're giving an exception.
Alter: So-so this is not in reference to the ordinance that's in our packet, as it's written right now. This is-
Dunn: No, so this-this is an amendment to the ordinance in the packet.
Alter: That I do understand. I'm trying to find where in the ordinance you would have these things
inserted. And you're saying at the-
Dunn: So it's at the-it's within here. Let me pull it up here one second. I can be more specific.
Moe: I'm struggling too, I am looking at the memo from a City Attorney or City Council from August
15th. Is that what you're amend-
Salih:No.
Moe: you're not amending that memo? You are-
Dunn: No, so- so the-the section where it says,neither transportation services department,license plate
recognition systems,or devices,nor streets and traffic engineering division cameras are included
in this definition. Under the automatic traffic surveillance systems or device that,uh, on Page 2 of
the proposed ordinance that's in the packet,that would be replaced with the second paragraph that
I read, and that is detailed,um,in your-your late handout,uh,whereas the same line,which is
under the automatic license plate recognition system,neither transportation Services Department
license plate recognition systems,or devices nor streets and traffic engineering division camera
systems are included in this definition. That would be replaced with the first item that I read.
Sorry,to go backwards. That might be confusing,but that-that line of text is what I am proposing
to be amended to what is detailed in your late handout.
Salih: And- and how's that work- Sue, if there is a motion on the floor already?
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Dulek: Well,he's moving to amend. And so there'll need to be a second, if there's a second to, um,
Councilor Dunn's motion to amend.
Harmsen: So before we discuss his amendments,there needs to be a second to his amendments.
Salih: Okay, I second.
Dulek: And also,Mayor Pro Tem, I know the-the City Attorney is on,um,the tour, and he will-
Salih: That's what I'm asking.
Dulek: Right.
Salih: Do we let the City Attorney first talk to us about the amendment he made, and after-that's what I
how-I was trying to do it that way.
Dulek: Sure.Now we have a second, sure.
Salih: Yeah. Can we give a chance to the City Attorney to talk about this,please?
Goers: Sure. Can you folks hear me okay?
Salih: Yes.
Goers: All right. Excellent. Well,um,per your discussion on your August 6 meeting, I prepared on
August 7,uh,what I perceived to be,uh,the Council's,uh,will for,uh, I should say,uh,
Councilor Dunn's,uh,will for a motion to amend, and then sent that around.Um,based on the
communication we received today, it sounds like Councilor Dunn would like to,uh,alter that
language that I had prepared somewhat,uh, and has now moved that the ordinance amendment to
be amended in the way that he described. I'm afraid we don't have,uh,a fully clean version to my
knowledge of what he's proposing,but,uh, I believe if you look at the email that he sent to
Council,I believe at 3:28 PM today,as modified in an email sent at 3:33 PM today,you can see
the language that he's,uh,advancing to,um,al-alter or amend the original ordinance amendment
that has passed for two readings. The two things I would comment on,are as follows. One,um,in
the description of the automatic license plate recognition systems,Councilor Dunn used language,
primarily used for parking enforcement,uh, and then indicated that primarily,though not
necessarily exclusively would be fine with him too. I think the first version,primarily used for
parking enforcement is fine.Um, I think that primarily makes it clear that it's,you know, at least
51%of it's use is for traffic enforcement. Uh, so I think the-though not necessarily exclusively is
implied. Uh,but if we use that language,we would want to mirror that language with the specific
streets and traffic engineering division cameras below.At present, as I understand it,he offers
language that includes the phrase,used primarily,though not exclusively for traffic engineering
and study. I would suggest that we just use the language used primarily for traffic engineering
and says traffic engineering and study,uh-
Dunn: I'm happy with that.
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Goers: Yeah. Okay. Great. The second thing I would note is that I believe that all of the,uh, changes,uh,
including the ones that came via email this afternoon would be non substantive, and thus,Council
could move forward with the third reading with one exception, and that's the last sentence under
the,uh,traffic camera definition. And that's the reference to only by authorization by a resolution
and passed by the Iowa City,City Council. I believe that would be a substantive change. If this
Council were to adopt that,I think you would need to move forward with the first reading today
and then have two subsequent readings in order to,uh,finally adopt and,uh,pass that change.
Dunn: Can-can you kind of detail as to why it's a substantive change?
Goers: Sure. The first reason is that it adds an additional step for Council approval. The original
amendment that put forth or that was put forth just ascribed all traffic engineering cameras. Um,
and at this point, if you were too adopt-if Council were to adopt this as Councilor Dunn has,uh,
offered this amendment,there would be no cameras exempted at this moment because there has
been no resolution approved by Council detailing the intersections and roundabouts upon which
traffic cameras could be used. Um,I'm not suggesting that I've got any reason to believe that
Council wouldn't at some later date,uh, adopt every intersection,but-but I don't know that.And
because of that additional,uh,requirement and the lack of certainty that,um, all traffic
engineering cameras would, in fact,be listed in such a resolution, I think that would have to be
considered a substantive change.
Dunn: Okay,I think that makes sense. I'd be- I'd be willing to strike that last line,um,not the last line,
you know,but that-that substantive change from the proposed amendment, so it would read,um,
something to the effect of,you know,the-the intersections,um,are-are excluded,but, you know,
keeping the non system wide language and- and the primarily used language.
Goers: Why don't-why don't I read through it, as I understand,you are now proposing it just so we're all
on the same page. Uh, I think it would read, and please,correct me if I'm wrong,because this is
ultimately your motion.Uh, six specific streets and traffic engineering division cameras installed
at intersections with traffic signals or roundabouts,used primarily for traffic engineering and
study shall not be included in this definition,period.
Dunn: Correct.
Alter: Eric,this is Megan. Does this change,um, any of the intent?Um, I mean,this still-I'm-I'm circling
all the way back to sort of the-the-
Goers: For ordinance amendment put forth.
Alter: Yes. To the 30,000 foot. Um,the intention of this is to allow the police when there has been a
crime committed to be able to access footage from traffic cameras or I'm sorry,from parking and
traffic cameras to help aid that-their investigations.
Goers: Yes. To lend clarity to what has otherwise been a bit,um, ambiguous language at present. Yes.
This would make it clear that that would be permissible.
Salih: Okay. I don't know. Can you just tell us what direction so we should go on this?
Harmsen: Procedurally, I think.
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Salih: Like would we proceed with the Motion too.
Dulek: Well,I think maybe a friendly amendment-well, let the City Attorney chime in then.
Goers: Well,yes, I would first want to hear,uh,that Councilor Dunn is,uh, okay with the friendly
amendment. I-I think I understood him to confirm,yes,that was all right. I would want to also
get confirmation from the second. I- I can't recall, I think Mabor Mayor Pro Tem made the second
that that's okay with her.
Salih: Yes.
Goers: I see you're nodding your head. And then finally, I would think that we would want to invite
public comment at this point.
Salih: Okay.Now,public discussion. Okay.No public discussion. Council discussion.
Harmsen: Just want to make sure before I vote on this,I'm crystal clear because,uh, and obviously trying
to digest this,you know,just in the last,uh, since 3:30 this afternoon and then incorporate that
new thing. So I'm looking at the ordinance that's proposed in our package,just to make sure
everybody knows what I'm looking at. I'm looking at,uh, Section 1 amendment. Um,the
paragraph that starts off with the- all in bold automatic license plate recognition system. At the
bottom of that paragraph,the proposed changes,uh,that came to us from city staff are underlined,
and they read neither transportation services department,license plate recognition systems,or
devices nor streets and traffic engineering division camera systems are included in this definition.
If I-just making sure I'm understanding Councilor Dunn is saying,remove that part,correct?And
then replace that with specific streets and traffic engineering division cameras- camera systems
installed at intersections with traffic signals or roundabouts used primarily,though not
exclusively for traffic engineering and study, shall not be included in this definition,period. Am I
understanding that we're swapping out those two things, and then same thing swapping out
similarly in the following paragraph that begins,automatic traffic surveillance system or device.
Is that-have I got that right?
Dunn: Correct.
Alter: Yes.
Dunn: Correct.
Alter: There were a few changes within-excuse me,that Eric had suggested of after used primarily strike,
though not exclusively,um, in [inaudible].
Goers: Right. If I may,Council. I think it's probably best thought of in a couple of steps. One was the,uh,
version that has passed two readings. That's with the underlying language that begins with neither
transportation services,department,license plate,etc-etc. Uh,but then,uh,I proposed following
last,uh,Council discussion on behalf of Councilor Dunn, some language that changed instead
from saying,neither transportation Services Department to just start with, automatic license plate
recognition systems or devices, etc.And that has further been,uh, amended as part of his motion
to amend this evening,um,by Councilor Dunn in the way that I read earlier, such that the license
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plate- automatic license plate recognition system language that we were changing would now
read automatic license plate recognition systems or devices installed in city parking ramps or on
city parking department vehicles,primarily used for parking enforcement are not included in this
definition,period. That would be the only change to the definition of automatic license plate
recognition systems. The second part of the,uh,ordinance amendment, as originally proposed
included language,uh,that we were adding that read neither transportation systems,department,
license, etc,etc,would now read instead, specific streets and traffic engineering division cameras-
cameras installed at intersections with traffic signals or round-a-bouts,used primarily for traffic
engineering and study shall not be included in this definition,period. And those are both,uh,new
additions that his language that would just be added onto the end of,uh,that definition of
automatic traffic surveillance system or device.
Harmsen: Thank you for that clarification. I have another question,but I've been monopolizing time. Did
somebody else want to jump in?
Moe: I'm-this is more of a procedural question. We have an option to pass the ordinance says it has
already been passed in two meetings. We have an option to pass an ordinance with an amendment
as presented by our city staff, or we have an option to pass this with amendments by Councilor
Dunn,is that correct?
Salih: Yes.
Moe: And we're only talking about the amendments presented by Councilor Dunn right now. Just to be
real crystal clear on where we're at.
Goers: Well-
Moe: There's three-there's-
Goers: To be-well,to be clear,right now there are only two options. There is the original version that
you've passed for two readings or the, I'll say final version from Councilor Dunn. The version that
I proposed,uh,was intended to be from Councilor Dunn,but Councilor Dunn amended it before
he made his motion to amend. So that version is not on the table unless someone else wishes to,
um,move and second it after the decision on this motion to amend.
Moe: Thank you.
Harmsen: So then my last question then, and this comes to mind. Um,in our discussion,just want to be
crystal clear. I know- and this was brought to my mind just here a few days ago,we had a
member of our community, an older member of our community, and a search was initiated out of
concern for their health,um, and safety.And I'm guessing that in a situation,that would be one of
the situations,although I know city staff hasn't had time to prep for this question.But that would
be something that-that law enforcement and other public safety would use cameras if they had an
idea of where this person might have been to try and-try and find them. I want to make sure,um,
and I bring that up because that-that made it in the forefront of my mind again. Want to make
sure that for public safety reasons and criminal investigations,that underneath the policies that
our City Manager's office already has in place,that we will retain that ability,because I just think
those are critical public safety considerations. So City Attorney, is that-will Councilor Dunn's
amendment leave those public safety functions in place?
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Goers: Those functions would be in place either under the version that has passed to readings or under
Councilor Dunn's version.
Harmsen: I think the City Manager was going to speak and I may have interrupted. I'm sorry.
Fruin: Uh,no. I agree with the City Attorney.
Moe: And I'm struggling to understand the difference between the amendment crafted by our attorney
versus the one crafted by Councilor Dunn. What's-what's the difference?
Dunn: Yes.
Moe: What's the effect that you're trying to make.
Dunn: So the-if you recall from our conversation,the really big thing that I wanted to avoid was
excluding entire camera systems. This excludes cameras used for a specific purpose,uh,in a
specific way,uh,primarily,uh,but it does not exclude every single camera that is operated by,
you know,the Traffic Services Department. I believe that functionally, it has the same effect as
is desired by staff.Um,I think that that is demonstrated by the-the responses from the City
Attorney and the City Manager.But it does not exclude an entire system.And that is what,you
know,the four Councilors,um,you know,at our last meeting, indicated that people were
comfortable with doing uh, so long as the law enforcement functions, as Councilor Harmsen,um,
you know, so aptly indicated,uh,were preserved,which is the intent of the-of the amendment.
Harmsen: Right, satisfying.
Salih: We have a motion now on the floor. If you there is no more discussion.
Harmsen: On the amendment?
Salih: We have a first and second.
Dulek: On the amendment.
Harmsen: On the amendment.
Salih: On the amendment that provided by Council Dunn. Yeah. [Roll Call] Motion passes, 7 - 0. Okay.
And what else we do then now? We have another motion right in the floor also. The first one that
we adopt.
Dulek: it's moot. So-
Salih: Okay.Now.
Goers: Well-well,hold on. So we passed the motion to amend the ordinance,uh,but I think you still
need to have the third and final reading. I think that that motion is already on the table.
Sallih: That's what I said. Okay. Sorry.
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Dulek: I'm following.
Salih: Yeah. We have a motion. We have a second uh,public discussion. Council discussion. Roll call,
please. [Roll Call] Motion passes 4- 3.Yes,4-3,then Yeah, I guess. Can I have a motion to
accept corresponding?
Moe: So moved Moe.
Salih: Second.May I have a second?
Alter: Second.
Salih: Okay.Move by Moe, second by Alter.And all in favor, say aye. [Voice Vote] Aye. Again the same
sign. Okay,motion passes. Seven to seven. Yeah, 7 -0.
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9.f Adopting Tax Increment Finaning Policy—Resolution adopting City of Iowa City
Tax Increment Financing(TIF)Policy.
Salih: All right. That was weird. Okay. Item 9f,adopting tax increment, financial policy. Resolution,
adopting City of Iowa City Tax Increment Finance TIF policy.And yes,this is-I would like to
have a motion.
Alter: So moved.
Salih: Okay.
Moe: Second by Moe
Salih: Second by Moe. And now we have Rachel to address us if you have any comment. I think we
speak about this many times, and you presented last time was the changing that had been made
and I encourage the Council to vote on this if you don't have any another discussion. So I will
open it for the public-public discussion.And now,Council discussion.
Harmsen: Did we do motion and second?
Salih: Yeah.
Moe: Councilor Alter moved and I second. I'm sorry. And we did public comment. And I just to say that,
um,the policy that you guys have before you just really modifies the sustainability section. I
think we've maintained a very clear signals our strong commitment to climate action,but added
flexibility for staff to have some judgment calls. Think we gotten a good place there, and then we
added a small portion to be very-very clear about this is the policy,not actually the agreement
language that would be ironed out during that agreement, and every single TIF agreement would
come before Council for approval.
Alter: Two things that um, I was struck by. One was that I really liked that clarifying language, and I
cannot remember whether it was specific in that or if it was in the climate sustainability. I believe
it was in the climate um,action piece,but about having to demonstrate over time. I mean,the-the
climate action needs to be sustainable, and then-that's an expectation. So I appreciated that
language as well in the climate action because part of it.
Moe: The Climate Action Section 2,I think got more robust to acknowledge the growing number of TIF
projects that we are doing that are small things that are really meaningful,um,you know,putting
in LED lights,maybe having a high-efficiency air compressor. There's all kinds of really positive
things we're doing in the vein of climate action that are exactly 21 South Ln Street,you know,
Like there's a lot of cool stuff we're doing,that's not just this pretty special once every five or 10
years kinds of projects. So I think we're at a much better place today than we were before. Thank
you for all the work the economic Committee and staff put into this and the revisions. Thanks.
Salih: I go there. Yeah.Any another discussion?Okay. Roll call,please. [Roll Call]Motion passes 7: 0.
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II. City Council Information
Salih:Now,the item Number 11,City Council Information.
Harmsen: Just wanted to send a great big welcome back to all of the University of Iowa students who start
class on Monday uh, and a big,uh,you know,happy new school year to all of the students and
teachers in the Iowa City School District,uh, and other schools in town that start on Friday, and-
and you know,good luck to all of the parents with all of the running and moving and last minute
school shopping and everything else. Exciting time of year.
Moe: I just like to say that last week,I had a chance to go to Pennsylvania and look at a train.Um,we are
currently uh, studying an option to do a thing called pop-up Metro,which is very interesting. It
would be a use of the Crandi line. There's also an ongoing study being conducted by the MPO
um,that's mostly done or done um,for bus rapid transit using that same uh,train line as a
dedicated bus line, and there's also a previous train study. So I think in the very near future,we'll
um,have three really interesting regional transportation things to consider.And it's my goal to
write up some notes for Council on that trip to Pennsylvania Um,very-very cool looking train,
and it's quiet, and I got to drive it.
Dunn: Uh, Councilor Moe and I also uh,attended the Iowa City Farmers Market for a listening post. Last
Saturday,that was great.Uh,it was great to hear from folks about a variety of issues,including
plenty of- of road issues. Uh, so we've-Councilor Moe has been in contact, and I've been CC on
those emails, so I don't want to say,uh,you know,credit where credit is not due,but we're
following up with those as a city entity and trying to figure out some things there. Uh,but as
always, it's a great time.Um,KCRG actually came down and,uh,you know, sniped me.For an
interview about the tobacco ordinance. Uh, so more information is going out about that.
Teague: Well, I want to say thanks to Mayor Pro Tim for presiding over the meeting today. Thank you so
much. And for all you've done over the past,while I've been busy attending a few other things
and representing the city at different places. I wanted to mention that this weekend on Saturday,
12:30-8:30 is the Latino Fest, so encourage everybody to come down to the PD mall in the South
district. We have from 1:00 P.M. To 6:00 P.M.Back to school. This is uh, a kind of a partnership
with the Black Voices Project.And I know our police department to kind of give some back-to-
school backs to students that need it.And then as we did here,the Housing Trust Fund of Johnson
County is celebrating their 20th year, and that is going to be Wednesday the 28th, 5:00 P.M.to
6:30.And they do such great work and really appreciate all that they do.And then,of course,next
weekend,we'll be the first home football game, so definitely plan your routes.
Alter: Um,It seems like everybody's sort of reactivating because I actually have some notes from the
Better Together 2030 board. They have been very assiduous in looking at five different pillars
that are important through the city or through the county and the region.Um,Number 1 is
actually,there's an initiative. They have gotten behind passing the conservation bond that will be
coming up in November through the county,um, and they have raised almost all the money they
want to begin their um, advocacy and education campaign for this.But one of the things that they
wanted to remind is that um,the first$20,000,000 of the last bond that they did supported 15
different projects throughout the area, including a number of,um, all of the trails that are around
here,particularly connecting out into Coralville. Um, so anyway,that was one pillar that they are
working on. Another pillars two,three, and four. Um,They're really looking at strategic
investment districts,um,identifying places throughout the county where um,they can really lend
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their strength and their advocacy and their expertise to emerging commercial markets and,um,to
emerging commercial markets and merging it with affordable housing.Um,they are going to
have them identified by September,um, and they are across Johnson County,um,but they also
believe in not having to work from scratch, and so their model is invest De Moines. Uh, and so it
seems like there can be some really exciting and interesting possibilities. Um, and they've also
been doing some really great business supports in the IT legal and HR kind of arenas to help with
walk-ins from entrepreneurs and small businesses.And additionally,they're connecting these
entrepreneurs and business-small business owners to um,grant opportunities um,that they are
putting out. There's $425,000 in grants available to under estimated business community. So
that's um, as I find out more,I will let you all know. They're continuing their work on broadband
infrastructure, and um, childcare,there is um,kind of a discussion and conversation combined at
the public library, September 17, 5:00-6:30, Laurie Nash is going to provide an overview and
then there will be a panel discussing um, sort of the needs that they see in the city or sorry,in the
region. Um, and my gosh, I have tons of notes,but I think I've hit the high points. And if I have
missed them,my apologies,Katie.
Salih: Any another Councilor?
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