HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-12-10 TranscriptionPage 1
Council Present: Bergus, Dunn, Harmsen, Moe, Salih, Teague
Staff Present: Fruin, Dulek, Goers, Grace, Knoche, Havel, Ralston, Nagle Gamm,
Rummel
Others Present: Martinez, USG Alternate
1. Roll Call
Teague: Councilor Alter isn't able to join us. She was here virtually at our work session, but she
won't be here for our meeting tonight. I wanted to welcome everyone to your City Hall.
And to those that are joining us virtually, welcome, as well.
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2. Special Presentations- Iowa City Climate Action Office Home Engergy Rating
Systems (HERS) Grant Program
Teague: The second item on our agenda is an update by special presentation by Sarah Gardner,
our Climate and Outreach coordinator. Welcome you at this time. And that item is the
Iowa City Climate Action Office Home Energy Rating Systems grant program.
Welcome.
Gardner: Thank you very much. This is a real treat for me to be here tonight and to recognize so
many partners in this program. Our HERS grant program is one that was almost two
years in the making and involved a number of conversations with builders, realtors,
energy aiders, and our own inspection staff to bring it into being launched in June, and
we've had more success with it than we could have anticipated, which we're happy to
share with you tonight. This program incentivizes building to a higher standard than the
state code currently. Um, it uses a system known as the HERS Energy rating system,
which not only helps us gauge using third -party verification, the performance of the
home, but also gives realtors and home buyers an easy -to -understand metric to
understand what they're going to be spending on energy costs or what they're going to be
saving in energy costs when they purchase these particular homes. Every point in the
scoring system, it represents being 1 % more efficient. So I have been telling people all
year long it's like golf, the lower the score, the better. Um, and our award, which set the
threshold at 52 or better to receive the grant, represents a 20% efficiency over homes that
are built to the current Iowa State code. I want to start by saying critical to the success of
this program has been the Home Builders Association, which partnered with us to help
launch the program during the Parade of Homes earlier this year. Here tonight is Ali Sallo
executive officer of the HBA, so a big thank you to Allie, both for her ongoing support
and for coming out tonight. Um, during the parade of Homes, two outstanding parade
homes actually qualified for the award. One was our housing fellowship student build
project, which got a fantastic score of 46, and then Advantage Homes, which received a
score of 43. So both of those homes exceeded our expectations in the parade, which gave
us a really strong start. Advantage actually has since been in contact with us, and has told
us they intend to submit every home that they construct going forward for this award, and
that the small grant amount, um, of $1,800 actually is enough to help them further their
electrification goals for their properties, which is really wonderful. Uh, since the parade,
the program has just continued to pick up momentum. In September, we gave out our
first repeat Builder Award, a builder who submitted for Award once before and then got a
second home in. And that was Navigate Homes. We're joined tonight by Gina Landau
representing Navigate. So we were very excited to get a repeat performer so early in the
program. Thank you, Gina for that. And then in October, we gave an award for our first
multifamily residence. We had a townhome built by Bedrock Builders qualify. And what
was so great about that particular townhome is that the builder, Andy Bockenstedt, had
actually tried to submit for the award once before, and that property didn't quite qualify,
but he took what he learned in his conversation with the energy rater and applied it to the
next property that he completed and was able to get an award for that. Actually, just this
week, he became our first three -peat participant. So that's four different properties that he
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tried to engage with this award and three that got the awards. He also told me that he has
since started working with a younger builder who he's been coaching and what he has
learned working with the energy raters and is encouraging the builder he's working with
to apply for the award in the future, as well. So just wonderful. But tonight, we're here to
recognize the builder who achieved the best score in 2024. And I should say, in some
ways, this could not have come as a surprise because when we announced the program in
June, Steven Christopher of ICH called up our office and said, I am going to win the best
scoring home in the community, and boy, did he? As a reminder, we asked for homes to
achieve a score of 52 or better to qualify. His home got an amazing score of 32. So we
were asking for 20% better than Iowa- Iowa State code. He got 20% more efficient even
than that. Um, and he did it using a truly revolutionary construction technique that we
haven't seen here in the city before of using insulated concrete forms, which create not
only an incredibly efficient home, but one that is also very resilient in the face of
increasing climate charged extreme weather events. So I am so tickled to call Steven to
the podium tonight and present him with an award for achieving the best score. And I
know he had a word or two he wanted to say to you as well.
Teague: Great. Welcome, and congratulations.
Christopher: Yeah, thank you. My project, it took a little bit of planning. Um, I think to achieve a
score like this, it does take a lot of planning from the onset actually before the project
even starts. So it needs to be a goal, I guess, is what I'm getting at, and took a lot of work.
I know the grant helped, um, supplement some of the extra work. Um, I'm looking
forward to do the next project and would be willing to help anybody that has any
questions about how I achieved, you know, the score that I did. So that's about it.
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3. Proclamations
3.a Human Rights Day
Teague: Great. Thank you. And thanks to Sarah and all the work that you and your staff and
Commission do. We really appreciate that. And thanks to all of them that join today as
well. We're on to item Number 3 Proclamation 3.a is Human Rights Day. (Reads
Proclamation) And to receive this proclamation, as Barbara Eckstein, board president of
Johnson County UNA Association.
Eckstein: Thank you for this. Uh, it means a lot to us, and this stay means a lot to us. Um, we're
actually commemorating Human Rights Day next Tuesday, uh, with a roundtable
discussion about the state of human rights locally, and I want to invite you all to this
event. We have invited a number of nonprofit organizations that over the last few years,
Johnson County UNA has fundraised for through our Night of a 1000 Dinners event. I
want to tell you who those non -profits are, who've accepted our invitation, so I might
entice you to join us next Tuesday at the public library. They are the Center for Worker
Justice, Community Food Bank, the Coralville Food Pantry, Domestic Violence
Intervention Program, Field to Family, Houses and to Homes, inside out, Re -Entry
Community, Open Heartland, Sankofa Outreach Connection. So I do hope you'll join us
for this conversation. Uh, our intention is to listen to these partners and help uh help them
do the work that they need to do to protect human rights here at home. So 6:00 o'clock
next Tuesday, public library here. Thank you very much.
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4.-9. Consent Calendar
Teague: Thank you all for coming, and you have some people back there, so thanks for joining
as well. We are going to move on to our consent agenda, which is items 4-9. Can I get a
motion to approve the consent agenda, please?
Bergus: So moved, Bergus.
Salih: Second Salih
Teague: Anyone from the public and person I'd like to address anything on our consent agenda?
See no one in person or online. No hands raised online. Council discussion? [Roll Call]
Motion passes 6-0.
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11. Planning and Zoning Matters
ll.a Zoning Code Amendment — Tobacco Sales Oriented Retail Uses
Ordianance amending Title 14, entitled "Zoning Code", to address tobacco sales
oriented reail uses. (REZ24-0006) (Pass & Adopt)
Teague: We're on to item Number 10, which is Community Comment. This is an opportunity for
folks to speak on an item that is not on our agenda. If you're in person and you want to
speak to a item that is not on our agenda, will you please raise your hand at this time? See
no one in person. We're going to move on to Items 11, Planning and Zoning matters,
1 La, Zoning Code Amendment, Tobacco sales oriented Retail uses, Ordinance amending
Title 14 title Zoning Code to address Tobacco sales oriented retail uses. Could I get a
motion to pass and adopt?
Moe: So moved, Moe.
Bergus: Second Bergus.
Teague: All right. Anyone from the public like to address this topic? If you're online, please raise
your virtual hand. Seeing no one in person or online. Council discussion- Council
discussion. All right. [Roll Call] Motion passes 6-0.
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12. Regular Formal Agenda
12.a Prohibited conduct on public buses- Ordinance amending Title 6, entitled
"Public Health and Safety," Chapter 8, entitled "Prohibited Conduct on Public
Buses," Section 1, entitled "Definitions," to remove "for a fare" language; and
Section 2, entitled "Prohibited Acts," to update language and add additional
prohibited acts. (First Consideration)
Teague: We are onto item Number, uh, 12, which is our regular formal Agenda 12.a, Prohibited
Conduct on public buses. Ordinance Amendment Title 6 entitled Public Health and
Safety. Chapter 8 entitled Prohibited Conduct on public buses, Section 1 entitled
definitions to remove for a fair language, and Section 2 it Prohibited Acts to update
language and add additional prohibited acts. This is the first consideration. Could I get a
motion, please?
Moe: So moved.
Salih: Second.
Teague: Moved by Moe, second by Salih. And welcome our staff, Darian.
Nagle -Gamin: Good evening, Mayor. Good evening, counsel, Darian Nagle-Gamm, Director of
Transportation Services. The item before you tonight is we're seeking to amend the city
code sections that outline prohibited conduct on public buses. And we're really doing this
in an effort to make sure that our passengers and our operators or our drivers operate
within a safe, clean, and comfortable environment. You may be aware that transit
agencies across the United States are seeing an uptick in, I would say, concerning
behavior or prohibited conduct. And it's probably not just affecting transit. You're hearing
it from the service sector as well. It's really been a kind of a societal shift post pandemic.
So we've been really looking for ways that we can help better support our staff and better
support our passengers on board. We've done a number of things. Um, we've been
focusing on de-escalation training, incident response protocols to make things more
predictable and reliable for our staff. We're looking at some other different measures,
such as driver barriers between the driver's cab area and passengers and handheld radios
for kind of more private phone conversations. Another thing that we've been looking for
is to better educate the public about what the expected behavior is and what the code of
conduct is on board. So we've been looking to work with our communications team to
help post some new signage. If you've been on our buses, you'll see kind of, um, there's a
lot of signs that have some of that code of conduct posted, but they're, um, kind of black
and white. There's a lot of words. It might actually be hard for people to read, um, from -
from their seats. So we've been looking into refreshing that signage, and while we did so,
we realized that our code of conduct within the actual city code could use a refresher.
Some of the language needs to be modernized, and, um, we're also proposing a few
additions. Um- uh, to- so that we can, again, better take this information, update the code
and then publish it in a way and educate the public, um, on what the standards of conduct
are. In terms of the enforcements of these mechanisms, how these rules are generally
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enforced on board, as- as our drivers will- will give a warning. If somebody is, you know,
boarding a bus with playing music out loud or if there's some other code of conduct
violation. Um, the driver does reserve the right by code to- to tell someone to leave the
bus if they continue to violate, um, the code of conduct, and they've given them proper
warning. Um, what happens more often than not is they will call a supervisor to come
assist and the supervisors can help take the passenger off board and kind of take the time
to explain the- the rules, um, of the road, the rules of riding on board, the code of
conduct. And then, you know, if it's, um, something that rises to a more serious level,
sometimes we reach out to PD for assistance. So that's really how the enforcement piece
works. Um, tonight, in terms of the code sections, we're proposing, um, for updates. First
off, Section 681, um, a small tweak to that section. Um, it does specify currently that
public transportation services are sort of, defined by services, um, that are provided -
transportation services that are provided with a fare. So because of our unique
environment- unique and wonderful environment here in Iowa City, we propose to delete
for a fare. So that just, um, it just, um, ensures we all have the understanding whether it's
a fare or not what public transportation is and that this applies to public transportation. In
terms of the outlined acts, I just wanna briefly walk through, um, the proposed changes
with you. First off, is expanding the smoking prohibition, um, to include the use of
smokeless tobacco, electronic cigarettes, and vaping devices. Vaping is what we would
probably be enforcing most often on buses nowadays. We rarely see somebody, you
know, walk on board with a cigarette nowadays or light a cigarette on board, but we do
see vap, uh, vaping violations. So we wanted to modernize and update that section of the
code. We also want to and need to update the language regarding, um, the prohibition of
sound amplification devices. We really want everybody to be able to have, uh, kind of a
peaceful traveling environment. And, um, you know, if- if you're playing music- your
own music out loud, it can be disruptive for the driver and for other passengers. Um, to
give you a- an idea of when this code was first written, um, we referenced tape players,
record players, and CDs weren't even mentioned. So it was- must have predated the CDs,
which are now kind of gone by the wayside. But really, we want to focus mostly on
phones, which is really where most of the music amplification comes from. We also
wanted to clarify that pets or animals are not allowed, um, but we've always indicated
that animals trained to assist persons with disabilities were exempted, but we wanted to
clarify that service animals, um, are exempted. We just want to be, uh, we wanna be in,
uh, we want to make sure we had that word in there. We also want to expand the
definition of prohibited conduct to include harassment and bullying. We think it's very
important to outline those. Those are things, I would say it's more of a modern focus on
those two items. We want to be clear about that those are not acceptable on board transit.
And then the last two items are really adding language. So the first is adding language
that indicates that loitering is prohibited on the bus and we define that as remaining on
the bus for more than one continuous trip or riding on tra- the transit system continuously
in excess of two hours without exiting the system. Now this is, um, this is as long as I
guess, I would say our longest tenured employee has been with Iowa City Transit this has
been a policy- an internal policy that we have enforced. And we've, um, done this to
prevent people from, um, literally just riding transit- to ride transit all day. It's really more
of a capacity issue than it is anything else, um, to encourage people to- encourage us to
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connect people to their destinations, but not necessarily be that destination where people
are riding all day. Um, sometimes we've- we've had to enforce this with let's say
teenagers. Um, there's, um, been occasions where people have been sleeping on the buses
and this gives our drivers, um, some confidence that they can address, um, people who
are clearly riding just to ride. So it's been a longstanding policy that we have, um, been,
um, using amongst our staff. And- and honestly, this was probably the thing that our- our
drivers were the most, um, concerned about or apprehensive about with going fare free
and it hasn't proven to be a serious issue. I would say we occasionally need to, um, to
enforce this policy. Um, that isn't the case in all communities that have fare free. So I
think that, um, our community does a good job of providing, um, services or making sure
people have places to go- say places to go. So it's not something that we, um, have to
enforce probably more than occasionally.
Salih: Can you just tell me again, if you can repeat it again because I wanna know exactly, you
said if they ride and they did not get in the final destination, that's what you're talking
about?
Nagle-Gamm: Yes. So it's- it's defined as remaining on the bus for more than one continuous
trip. So if we- for example, if we pick up- somebody boards at the interchange and they
rode the whole route, came back to the interchange, then our driver might say, hey, do-
do you have another destination to get to? We have a policy that pre- if they were- if they
were basically gonna take another trip on the- on the same route? Does that make sense?
So you can ride one trip from start to finish, but, um, we don't allow for more than one
trip from start to finish. Now, if that person got off the bus and went in to the next bus
over and- and did a route on that bus. So let's say there was two hours in a row, then if
they tried to ride a third time then a driver might say to them, hey, I notice that you've -
you've been on the system for the last two hours. We do have a policy against, um, you
know, remaining on this transit system consecutively for more than two hours. Does that
make sense?
Duren: How do our drivers even know? Like-
Nagle-Gamm: For -
Dunn: Not the- the obviously, like, staying on the bus, but, like, if you're moving from route to
route to route to route, how would they even know?
Nagle-Gamm: It would be difficult for us to know if, um, if they're switching between drivers. I
think it's- it's been very rarely- I would say that in terms of the enforcement of this policy
it's usually people staying on the same bus for more than one trip. It's very rare that we
have enforced, um, people, um, switching between trips all day. Unless there's some
problematic behavior and then that's likely- that might bring our attention to it, but it's
usually then that problematic behavior that we're enforcing.
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Salih: How we tried to address or figure out why that is happening. When I see somebody
staying in the bus did not get off and ride again. As I don't have just, like, cold days,
homeless. Somebody like keep like warm inside the bus or with the reasoning I thinks
before we can, like, just, I don't know, is this a fine or what it is, if the- if they've done
that.
Nagle-Gamm: So it- let me look at the- there is a enforcement mechanism. So the- the violations
could be enforced by police issuing a simple misdemeanor citation or filing of a
municipal infraction, but I don't know if I know of any time in history that that's ever
been done for these situations. It's usually talk to the person. Again, find out, uh, can we
ge- help- get them where they need to go? That's usually the conversation that is had.
Um, and if we can connect 'em to services, if it's something that the street outreach team
can help us with and that's- that's- that's our go to if it's- sometimes people do fall asleep
on the bus and they're, you know, they been awake and where am I, and this is where I
need to get. They help to connect 'em to where they're going. Or if it's, um, you know, if
it's somebody who's underage, we might offer to connect them to a parent, or they might -
this driver might call a supervisor and have a supervisor try to locate, um, or get this
person where they need to go. So those are the type of ways we- we try to address it when
it does happen.
Salih: Yeah. You mean, I know, like, if they stayed on the bus and the bus reached the final
destination, they were asleep. They did not get off because they missed their station.
That's easy. They can come back.
Nagle-Gamm: Yeah.
Salih: With the same bus.
Nagle-Gamm: Yes.
Salih: Say, oh, I missed my destination so I will get off maybe another two destinations or
something like that.
Nagle-Gamm: Yeah.
Salih: But I- I really guess, like, feel we need- if something like this happened, even though it's,
like, it's really weird, but if something like this happening, we need to address it. We
need to know why it's happening. You know, right now, we have a lot of people on the
street and it's cold.
Nagle -Gamin: Yeah.
Salih: So I don't know if the people just riding on the bus because they don't have homes and
they just stay there. And I don't thinks like, really, um, our buses, like very, very full to
the degree that we have to get off- we have to force people to get off, so we can have
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somebody. But this is- this law or this policy will be implemented regardless of the bus
like, empty or half full and that's- that's a problem to me.
Dunn: I guess-
Salih: I don't know.
Dunn: I- I kind of also share a- a little bit of concern from that, you know.
Teague: We're asking questions at this time. I just -
Dunn: Yeah.
Teague: - wanted to con- confirm.
Dunn: Yeah. Yeah.
Salih: Yeah. Yeah.
Dunn: And- and my-
Salih: We -
Dunn: So I'm just sharing that and then asking -
Teague: Yes.
Dunn: Asking a question about that. So, um, what- what would be the expected procedure if
someone were to just, like, miss their stop on accident? Like, I guess, like the concern for
me is like, this makes it misdemeanor. If it's an honest mistake, like, why are we wanting
to elevate this from an internal policy to a crime?
Nagle-Gamm: I think the- the- it seemed to- it seemed to be the best fit for the code of conduct
versus administrative rules, which is the next item, um, because we want to- and we
wanna be public facing with it. Um, we don't have it posted in our bus. Actually, I take
that back. We do have it posted in our bus. We have an old version posted in our bus that
was more applicable under our old system, but we want to, um, we want to make it, um,
we want to make it, um, we want to impress upon- upon the public that it's, um, which -
sorry. Um, we think it's important. We think it is best fit for the code section versus the
administrative rules. Ultimately, we want to- because it's public facing- it's a public
facing policy, we wanna be upfront and communicate it to the public. Like I said, it
doesn't happen very often, um, but we want to make sure that it's- it's codified either in
our administrative rules or in our code of conduct.
Dunn: But why is this the best place for us?
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Nagle-Gamm: Well, in theory it could be- it could be in our policies, which is where it's been.
Um, it could be- it could be in the, uh, administrative rules, which are just now being
established. We haven't had the administrative rules. That is an option for us, um, or it
could show up in the code. So those- those are the three options that we have.
Dunn: But why are we choosing this one?
Nagle -Gamin: That was the decision when we discussed this with our representative from the
city attorney's office that seemed like the best fit in terms of the content of -
Dunn: Okay.
Nagle-Gamm: - that administrative rule.
Dunn: So contextual.
Nagle-Gamm: Administrative- excuse me. Our administrative rules are more specific to less
things you'd see in the code, more things like, um, the size of ca- the number of carry on
bags. Like that's kind of the level of detail in the administrative rules.
Dunn: Sure.
Nagle -Gamin: And then usually in the code sections, it's more kind of, the high level. That's my
understanding if I got that right there.
Fruin: I think the short answer is just to be transparent. This is- this is what- this is what the rule
is and let's just be transparent with it. It's not a change in practice. It's, um- uh we're not
looking to issue citations. I would be shocked if we ever issued a citation, uh, for that
particular item, really for any of these. As Darian mentioned, um, you know, for those
who've been- some of you've been on council for- for some time, I don't think you've ever
had a complaint from somebody getting a citation for loud music or for even bullying or
harassment. We generally can take care of those, uh, without getting to that level. Um,
but we're trying to be transparent. We're trying to let the public know what the rules are
and ultimately protect the other passengers and the- the drivers from some of the
escalating behaviors is the intent of this.
Bergus: I just have a quick question for the City Attorney to clarify something that Councilor
Dunn said as far as this question of escalating it to a crime. My understanding from
reading this is that anything in what we may be approving a violation thereof, just like
any code violation could be enforced by the police; is that correct?
Goers: Yes. The, uh, penalty and violation provision is in, uh, 684. And as Ms. Nagle -Gamin
mentioned, uh, it's either a simple misdemeanor or a municipal infraction. Uh, much like
nearly everything.
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Bergus: Every other part of the code.
Goers: Yeah.
Bergus: Yeah. Okay. Thank you. So it's just- it's not different than any other code violation that
the police could enforce. Is that not -
Goers: I think
Bergus: - any other, but it is the -
Goers: That is largely true.
Bergus: - typical code -
Goers: Yes.
Bergus: - violation enforcement.
Goers: I agree with that. Yes.
Bergus: Thank you.
Salih: And that's consider crime.
Bergus: Yes.
Goers: I didn't hear the question. I'm sorry.
Salih: I said, is that considered a crime, like criminal crime.
Goers: A simple misdemeanor is a criminal offense, a municipal infraction is a civil penalty.
Yes.
Salih: Okay.
Goers: Just like speeding is a simple misdemeanor, any number of other things in our code.
Salih: Yeah, but we cannot compare this to speeding. Like, even if we talked about, you know, is
speeding or driving violations, for example, like, we'll give you one example for -
Teague: Is it a question?
Salih: - immigrants. Oh, it's not a question, but we can talk about that -
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Teague: Yes.
Salih: - during discussion. Thank you.
Teague: Great. Thank you.
Salih: Yeah.
Teague: Any other questions? Hearing no other questions, thank you.
Nagle -Gamin: Thank you.
Teague: Anyone from the public like to address this, uh, item? If you're online, please raise your
virtual hand. In person, please step up to the mic. Seeing no one in person or online,
council discussion.
Salih: Yeah, for me, I really just concern. You know, like talking about bulling, talking about
harassment, talking about all this. You know, yeah, I'm fine with them, but and also, um,
you know, as the city manager said, this is happening really. I have- I never had
somebody complain about that happened actually or being enforce. And I also could have
like some kind of, yeah, trusting that, you know, the city will take everything that in their
toolbox. Before they can make it, like, call the police or before they can. As you said
earlier, you called the supervisor first, and you try first to talk to the person. And after
that, if things escalate called the supervisor supervisor might make him calm down and
things will be resolved. And also, like,uh, you know, the last thing that if something
really, really big. After that, we involve local enforcements, which is great. We are using
all the tools in our toolbox. But you come to, like, just person sitting there without doing
anything. And for example, if I don't find any place to stay and I don't have money and
now buses fully, just have it in the bus. So it was very raining or it was, like, snowing or
anything, just to protect myself and sitting there quietly and after that, get like this. I- I- I-
I guess I'm not feeling comfortable putting that code. And like putting that, I don't know.
On the code. Uh, Anyway, I don't know. Putting that on the code. That's what I- I mean.
If we can take that out, will be great. So, and- and- and you just said is not happening. It's
rarely happening why we have it there. Let us, like, solve our, like, problem of
homelessness. I think that's the only cause will cause somebody to ride around and
because they don't have a place to stay during that time. I don't know, but I just don't feel
comfortable leaving that there. And especially if they are peaceful, because if they are not
peaceful, you're going to do everything else, like calling the supervisor, doing that's not
going to be concerned about, like, riding in the bus to just stay in the bus.
Dunn: I- I share your feelings. Uh, pretty much completely, um, I don't think that it makes sense
if- I- I don't think that there's a justification for this to need to be here to be a
misdemeanor or municipal infraction. If it's not something that we're already pressing
right now, if it's something like a policy that I- Iagree with the intent of the policy to
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make sure that we have people, you know, rotating on our services. But I have not been
given to a satisfactory degree a reason for me to believe that it should be elevated to this
extent to allow interaction with like law enforcement, personally. I mean, I understand
the argument that it makes sense to be here, but there's no substantive or material change
to how it would be enforced aside from potentially getting law enforcement involved.
And given that it's not generally happening now, I just don't see it as necessary.
Everything else totally cool. Also want to keep enforcing the policy the way it is now.
But in terms of, like, adding it to this particular code section, I don't support that.
Teague: I have a question, um, for both of you. So if- if it's not in the administrative rules and it
is more kind of internal, how can we share that with the public for transparency?
Dunn: I think we just- we have it posted that this is an internal policy. And you're not allowed to
do that.
Salih: And I guess I'm- I'm very, you know, like, concerned about things become like criminal
record for people. Do you know that, you know, talking about speeding, you know, yes,
speeding, but, for example, immigration, when you apply for the citizenship, they will
ask you everything I say, like, exclude driving volition. So they will exclude that, but
everything else, we are not going to give you the bus to citizenship. And why we add
those simple things for our resident to be like criminal record? And especially like this
time, there is money thing well, you know, if you have small misdemeanor, which is
criminal record, now you can be deported. You can a lot of things, going to be really bad
on the next year. If we can minimize, like, making people having criminal record will be
great. So, and who is going to have this? Our vulnerable population. The people who are
in the street, the people who are immigrants, the people who are undocumented, the
people who are just really vulnerables. That's why they will be, like, fall into this. So I- I
guess I don't like if the people are peaceful to be just giving ticket because they riding the
bus twice.
Bergus: I also I'm not in favor of elevating things to crimes or criminalizing peaceful behavior.
And I just think if- if anyone wishes to offer an amendment to this, two things. Number 1,
the second part in here is establishing that any violation of the administrative rules would
have the same impact, right? That is subsection n, failure to comply with administrative
rules established by the transportation director. So that would catch. It's just yes,
everything else that's not part of the ordinance. And if overall, as the city attorney just
spoke to, there are so many more things that if we are not wanting to allow law
enforcement to enforce through making something a simple misdemeanor, that's a, much -
much bigger issue that I'm grateful to hear you talking about, and I hope that if my
colleagues are on board with- with that, that it would be a different kind of approach,
because I think, um, I think it speaks to the fact that most of our community would not
understand that code violations could be criminal, right? And I completely appreciate
what our transportation director said, and, you know, we've had these conversations
around, ah, policing as well, but that's not going to be the first option, right? To enforce
through making, you know, charging a crime. But I just want to make sure everyone up
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here understands that that's the status quo for a lot of what's on the books. I think we
would probably want for consistency sake, some kind of justification for our
understanding of making it different or exempting it somehow.
Salih: I agree.
Dunn: Question, do we have- I guess this was something unclear to me. Do we have
administrative rules right now, or is this creating the ability to create administrative rules
and are those separate from the policies that we operate currently under?
Goers: Well, it's, perhaps, Miss Nagle-Gamm would be better equipped to answer this than me,
but it's my understanding, we presently have administrative rules and- and I'll offer my
agreement with Councilor Bergus in both of the last points she made. The first being that
if you were to delete, uh, Section M,uh, speaking about the more than one continuous
trip, but the, you know, not engaging in more than one continuous trip remained in the
administrative policy, someone could just still be prosecuted, not that I think that's ever
likely to happen, but could still be prosecuted under what is presently labeled N would
then be probably, uh, amended to M if you were to eliminate M. And, uh, I agree with
Councilor Bergus second point to, and that we've got a whole bunch of things that if you
violate, um, city code, that, you know, there's one of two remedies. It's either municipal
infraction or a simple misdemeanor. That's just the underlying foundation of our- our
code. And so if you were to decide that that as a council, we didn't like that, that would
require wholesale, uh, revisions to our city code.
Moe: I appreciate your perspective, um, on who these people and giving a sort of idea of who
these people who might be riding the bus longer than what who would expect are, and I'm
very sympathetic towards that specifically in the context of immigration. So I would
support, um, just getting rid of, um, the Section M. Striking that. And then our
transportation director is here. She hears this conversation. Our city manager and attorney
is here. I think they understand, yes, the purpose of transportation our buses is for buses,
and there are situations where we might need to do more, and I think they will. So I'd
support getting rid of M. I would not support getting rid of N.
Dunn: So I moved.
Salih: Yeah. Second the amendment.
Teague: So move by Dunn, second by, Salih to remove M.
Moe: But not N.
Teague: But not N.
Dunn: Just M.
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Salih: You can see it.
Teague: And council discussion on this amendment. [Roll Call] Motion passes 6-0. All right. So
we are now back to the original with the amendment, and that is our vote at this time.
Any other comments?
Dunn: We've got a weird administrative comment. Do we have to change it from N - M?
Goers: Yeah, that would be a non substantive change that we would look at the second reading.
Yes.
Teague: [Roll Call] Motion passes 6-0.
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12.b Dimensions for New Patios in Rental Housing - Ordinance amending Title 17, entitled
"Building and Housing," Chapter 5, entitled "Housing Code," to clarify the dimensions of
new patios in Section 17-5-18Q and to clarify parking is not allowed on patios. (First
Consideration)
Teague: We are on to item number 12.b. Which is Dimensions for New Patios and Rental
Housing. Ordinance submending Title 17 entitled Building and Housing, Chapter 5,
entitled Housing Code to clarify the dimensions of new patios in Section 17517-518 Q,
and to clarify parking is not allowed on patios. This is the first consideration. Could I get
a motion, please?
Dunn: So moved.
Bergus: Second.
Teague: Move by Dunn, second by Bergus, and we're going to welcome Stan, our Senior
Housing Inspector. Welcome.
1. Public Hearing
Laverman: Thank you, Mayor, Council. Um, the ordinance before you amends the Housing code
to establish size limits for newly constructed patios and clarifies, as you've heard, that
parking is not allowed on patios. Um, the original section of the Housing code that we're
proposing amending was originally enacted in 2017 to- to preserve open spaces and rear
yards. If you remember, that's when the state changed or removed our ability to regulate
occupancy based off a familial status. Um, while the original ordinance allowed, um,
paved patios, it did not specify size restrictions. Um, we've had a recent challenge to
that,uh, where the courts decided that we are a little ambiguous in what constitutes a
patio. Uh, this amendment addresses the gap while reinforcing the prohibition on parking
on patios. Any questions?
Dunn: I do. Um, what's the purpose of the language that they cannot be constructed contiguous
to parking spaces?
Laverman: Yeah. So enforcement is always a problem. And you run into the issue of if you have
concrete that's parking, and then a current concrete patio, uh, and this is dealing
specifically with rental property. The concern is tenants aren't going to have that
information? What is parking? What is a patio? If there is a delineation between the two
of those, it's a lot easier for enforcement that this is obviously parking. This is separate
from the parking, and that's a patio.
Moe: What is the purpose for the, uh, there's a game day exemption tailgating exemption. What's
the purpose of having an exemption for that?
[00:43:25]
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Laverman: Sure. Because enfo- enforcement on game days for this is a nightmare, and it just
isproblematic to make that distinction, and we allow tailgating.
Moe: So practical.
Laverman: Practical, yes.
Moe: Got it. Thank you.
Laverman: Yep.
Teague: All right, hearing no more questions. Thank you. Anyone from the public like to address
this topic. If you are online, please raise your virtual hand. If you are in person, I will call
upon you. Now, I do see just one person online, but I don't see no option for a mic or a
video, like I normally would.
Grace: Again, that would be something they'd need to turn on on their end.
Teague: Okay. So anyone online that wish to speak, you have to turn on your, um,.
Grace: I'm sorry. If they raised their hand, I would allow them to speak, and then they would
have those options.
Teague: Okay. You would have to raise your virtual hand first, and then I'll be able to
acknowledge you. Last call for anyone in person or online to speak. I'm going to move on
to council discussion at this time.
2. Consider a Resolution
Dunn: Makes sense?
Teague: [Roll Call] Motion passes 6-0.
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12.c Lifting Tobacco Moratorium - Resolution lifting the moratorium on the issuance of new
tobacco permits in Iowa City, Iowa adopted May 7, 2024 via Resolution 24-129.
Teague: 12.c is our next agenda item. Lifting one, that motion passed 6-0, if I didn't. I think I
said it. We moved on to 12.c Lifting Tobacco Moratorium. This is a resolution lifted the
moratorium on the issuance of new tobacco permits in Iowa City, Iowa, adopted in May
7th, 2024 via Resolution 24-129. Can I get a motion to approve, please?
Moe: So moved.
Salih: Second.
Teague: Moved by Moe, seconded by Salih and staff is going to be Eric Goers on this one.
Goers: Thank you, Mayor, council, uh, earlier this evening passed the final reading for the
tobacco zoning and separation requirements. And you will recall that we began that
discussion earlier this year with a moratorium on the issuance of new tobacco permits, so
that we could make some decisions at the council level as to what kind of regulations you
wanted to see. Well, you folks have ended that process, and excuse me. And- and passed
a new ordinance. And whereas the moratorium ah, is scheduled to end on December 31 st.
We are aware that there are a number of uh, sales of properties and other things like that
where folks are anxious to move ahead. And so uh, we had earlier discussed that upon the
passage of the final reading of the zoning ordinance, we would lift the tobacco
moratorium. It will coincide with the publication of the ordinance, not tonight, but the
publication of the ordinance, because that's when the ordinance takes effect. And do we
want to have those uh, line up, not have a- have a- a gap in the lifting of the moratorium
and the application of the new law? So that's what's before you tonight. I'd be happy to
answer any questions if you have any.
Teague: Hearing none. Anyone from the public like to address this topic? If you're online, please
raise your virtual hand. Seeing no in person or online, council discussion.
Moe: That's what we discussed.
Teague: [Roll Call] Motion passes 6-0.
12.d Iowa City 2025 State Legislative Priorities — Resolution establishing the City of Iowa
City's 2025 state legislative priorities.
Teague: Item 12A, Iowa City 2025 State Legislative Priorities, resolution establishing the City of
Iowa City's 2025 State Legislative Priorities. Can I get a motion, please?
Salih: Move, Salih.
Moe: Second, Moe.
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Teague: We're going to welcome Geoff Fruin back.
Fruin: Yes, thank you. So uh, at your work session in November, you had a look at these draft
legislative priorities. Uh, you directed a couple of changes, which are now incorporated.
That includes encouraging the state to consider regulation of Kratom, and also to
eliminate or lower the threshold in which cities can come together to form a regional
transit district. There are only two uh, eligible metropolitan areas in the state of Iowa that
are eligible uh, based on the population threshold of 175,000 right now. And we would
like the state to consider lowering that. So Iowa City, er, Metropolitan area, and other uh,
mid sized metropolitan areas could engage in those discussions on whether a transit
district is appropriate for their communities. Uh, the rest of the legislative priorities are as
you reviewed them in uh, November, and are largely the same as they have been the last
few years, with one exception, that is, uh, we have modified uh, to match USG's
legislative priorities. As those have changed, we have updated ours to reflect their
priorities as well. Happy to answer any questions.
Teague: Hearing in no questions. Thank you. Anyone from the public like to address this topic?
If you're in person, please raise your hand. Online your virtual hand. Seeing no one in
person or online, council discussion. [Roll Call] Motion passes 6-0.
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12.e Update City Council FY2023-FY2028 Startegic Plan - Resolution adopting an update
to the Iowa City City Council Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2023 through 2028.
Teague: Item 12.e update of City Council Fiscal 2023 through Fiscal Year 2028, strategic plan.
Resolution adopted and- and updated uh, to the Iowa City City Council Strategic Plan for
fiscal years 23 through 28. Can I get a motion to approve, please?
Bergus: So moved, Bergus.
Salih: Second. Salih.
Teague: Moved by Bergus, seconded by Salih, and we'll invite Geoff Fruin again.
I
Fruin: Another quick one here, at least as far as my- my report goes, the current strategic plan
was adopted in December of 2022. And uh, just last October, you all spent several hours
in this room reviewing that ah, strategic plan and considering some updates that were
suggested to you by the staff. Most of those updates, I- would- I would characterize as
um, clarifying or uh, trying to account for um, new uh, things that we did not anticipate
back in the original adoption. A good example might be the Pro Housing Grant Award or
the acquisition of 21 South Linn downtown. We've incorporated those types of items.
Um, our council did direct uh, that we uh, include an update to the climate action plan
with an additional focus on resilience. And that is now listed in the strategic plan, and is
something that we will consider uh, in the coming years. Um, the strategic plan is
attached to the agenda item, and I'm happy to clarify or answer any questions on the
changes that were made. You can see the staff report that Kirk put together uh, that
summarizes them in each of the categories.
Teague: Any questions for Geoff? Hearing none from the council. Anyone from the public like
to address this topic? Seeing no one in person or online, council discussion.
Bergus: I just want to say that every time I look at the strategic plan, I'm really proud of us, and I
hope that members of the public do take the time to go to icgov.org/strategicplan. I'm
sure the new one will be updated shortly in the next, you know, sometime soon um, with
the amendments that we're making to update it. Um, and also, just we- I've been really
impressed with the process and the fact that we all, you know, came back together and
had input from new councilors that weren't involved in the 2022 plan, and that we were
right at the two year mark in doing that. So that's just congratulations to us. It's a good
feat.
Moe: Thanks to the City Manager's office and to EC Cog for facilitating that day where we got
around and thanks to my fellow counselors for having us do this, you've already been
through it once, but for the benefit of new councilors, I strongly support doing that, so
we're all on the same page and sort of rowing in the same direction. So thanks to
everyone.
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Harmsen: With those comments in mind, I'd just say we should put a pen in our little memories
to maybe think about 2026 doing this again, because we'll have council elections next
year, potentially some new faces again. Um, plus we'll have a special election. So I guess
we can you know- definitely we'll have at least one new face, and so like every other year
might be- might be a cycle that- that would be productive. Just a thought.
Salih: I'm very excited too because of the metric that we have some metric there, so we're going
to measure our progress in certain stuff. So this is amazing. Thank you for everybody
who work on this.
Teague: [Roll Call] Motion passes 6-0.
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12.f TRC extension- Resolution extending the timeframe for the Ad Hoc Truth and
Reconciliation Commission to complete its final report.
Teague: Yes. Motion passes 6-0. Item 12.f TRC extension. Resolution extending the time frame
for the Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission to complete its final report. Can I
get a motion to approve, please?
Bergus: So moved.
Teague: Moved by Bergus.
Salih: Second Salih.
Teague: Seconded by Salih. And I'm going to invite the TRC Vice Chair Lauren Merritt. Um,
and Lou Tassinary is also here um, from the TRC as well. So welcome to both of you.
Merritt: I need to sign in.
Teague: Yeah. Oh, no- no. You don't need to sign that.
Merritt: Okay, good.
Teague: No- no. Yes. Welcome.
Merritt: It's been a long time coming.
Teague: Yes.
Merritt: Um, as you- you know, it's been, quite some time. We've been working on this. Um,
we're getting the final stages, and we recognize that um, as much effort that the
commissioners have put into this, we are limited and to the ability to actually write. This
report especially to the caliber that we would like to present for the City of Iowa City.
Um, so we agreed that having someone who can dedicate all the time to writing the report
we select to somebody, but we also know that- that person would have to have a contract
set up with the city attorney, and not knowing how long that part would take. And then
actually writing the report, we realized that um, we needed some more time, which is
why we had requested this additional time just for writing the report.
Teague: Great. Any questions for the TRC members? Hearing none thank you both. Anyone
from the public like to address this topic? If you're in person, please step up to the mic. If
you're online, please raise your virtual hand, and I'll acknowledge you. Yes. Welcome.
And we ask that you uh, sign in and state your name and city you're from, and you'll be
granted up to 3 minutes to speak. Welcome.
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Tucker: Great to see you. Good. Great to see you all. Well, I'm- calling- I'm here to support the
TRC getting an extension.
Teague: And please state your name and city you're from?
Tucker: Oh, thanks. Annie Tucker, Iowa City.
Teague: Thank you.
Tucker: I'm- I'm already using up my time. So, when George Floyd was murdered in June 2020,
that was considered the largest most diverse movement in US history. And those protests
has raised issues of systemic racial inequity to all America and to the world and initiated
changes. For example, initially, we saw corporations offering DEI and making sure that
their customers knew that. We also had you all, sorry, let's see. You all created a TRC
here. And to the public who has not read your resolution 22-28, it is like one of the most
inspiring things, that you can read about any place, but it's about this place. And three of
you were on the council at that point and voted for it. So you want to raise your hand to
get acknowledged for voting for it?
Teague: You can speak to the council.
Tucker: Okay, great. So- so information is power. And when the American people saw the
murder and found out more about systemic racial inequity, they were angry and they
wanted change. And now fast forward to now, there are people who want that baked in
inequity, and they are wanting to erase people's understanding of it by getting rid of DEI.
So, um, it's hard to know whether to read or free- to kind of free flow. Um, so that's the
climate in which we're living. So um, the work of the Iowa City TRC is more important
and more at risk than ever for you all to take a stand to want to know what's happening in
this community, where the inequity is, and when then- and then charge yourselves with
figuring out what to do about that. That is powerful. And so I just want to remind you that
in Section C of the TRC duties that are laid out in Resolution 22-28. One of the- one of
the duties is to identify and recommend to the city council institutional and policy
reforms. That's where racism lives in the law in policies and practice. Please let them
have an extension to give you.
Teague: Thank you.
Tucker: Recommendations. Thank you.
Teague: Anyone else like to address this topic. If you're online, please raise your virtual hand.
Seeing you no one in person or online council discussion. So I want to say thanks to
Commissioner Merritt and for Commissioner Tassinary, being here today. Uh, really
appreciate you all coming uh, before the council and just having this discussion. Iwant to
first give gratitude for all of the commissioners past and present. And as we just heard
from the comments, Iowa City in 2020, we were the ones in our community that made a -
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a bold statement um, that we wanted to ensure that we have something in place to help us
to facilitate the change that we want to see. And so to all the TRC commissioners that are
ever served, we- I want to personally say, thank you for your service. In this moment, I
know that the TRC, um, as it was mentioned, their last task is to write, um, or submit a
final report to the council. Um, and, um, I think it was stated that that's something that
they need to contract for fully understandable and was totally expected. And so, um, what
I would say to my colleagues at this time, as well as to the TRC, I fully want to see that
final report and, um, for the council to have that, um, but I do believe that this can be
achieved with the person that TRC members have already mentioned that they want to
hire. And at this moment, I think, um, if the council desire just to kind of give a thumbs
up to that final report, the person that is, um, you know, need to sign some contracts to
present that, but I- I would be fully supportive of it, and I would ask my colleagues to be
fully supportive of it. Now, I do want to say, um, that because that is the last step, um,
extending the TRC, I won't support at this time beyond December 31 st, but the good
news is, is that we'll still if this passes, um, or if we give the thumbs up by all of the
commissioners or council, I do believe that the final report can be finalized and should
the, um, members wish to contribute to that, because I know that's a part of it, um, you
will be absolutely able to contribute, um, to that final report without some of the
governmental restraints of quorum and all of that stuff. I know that there is no more
activities scheduled, which we appreciate you all kind of, um, navigating some of that. So
at this point, I just wanted to talk to my fellow, um, colleagues to see if you all would be
amendable to the TRC members submitting, um, or this person being hired for the final
report. Um, even if the commission, um, you know, ended or allowed their present, um,
time to end and expire on December 31 st, 2024. I'm wondering if people would be
amendable to that, um, individual, still working on the report and submitting that to the
council. Okay, so, do see some agreements there, and other than that, I really do want to
say thank you to all of the commissioners, especially the ones that are here currently. Um,
I see you everywhere, so, really appreciate you all being very visible and engaged in the
community. And I am almost certain that we'll continue to see that and really appreciate
what you all done. Again, the item that's before us is really the TRC extension. To be
clear, um, I won't vote for the extension, I'll allow the time to expire, but I am fully in
support of receiving that final report from the person that is hired, yes.
Bergus: Mayor, I just want to echo the gratitude that you voiced for the Truth and Reconciliation
Commission. It's four years have been tumultuous and difficult, and at times, so inspiring
and so incredible, and at times, so hard and even harmful. And I know that the work the
Commission did, and particularly for those who had the opportunity to serve on the
commission, it has left a significant imprint on their lives. I struggle with the idea of
having the TRC sunset because of its importance, because of the the promise that we
made to ourselves at that time in 2020. I do in understanding from the commissioners that
they don't have additional activities planned, that the intention is to- would be to finish
out the final report. I would be in favor of what you're presenting, Mayor, I think it's a -
there's a lot of- I could see a lot of benefit in being able to have the end of the formal
commission and the opportunity then to have the report and recommendations written
from that perspective, that the commission existed in this time, in this place, in these
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circumstances, and from that, ah, these are the policy recommendations, and also just
memorializing the work of the Commission, what happened in the Commission. And I
think we have acknowledged here publicly, and I've heard it numerous times at the
Commission that the work that we tasked them with was largely impossible and often
unsupported and at times undermined. And so I do think that what you propose, Mayor is
a reasonable way to acknowledge all of that and allow for the sunsetting of this project,
and knowing that Iowa City remains committed, as it says in our every document on
every screen to social justice and racial equity, and that we will not forget what the
Commission was tasked with and all of its accomplishments.
Salih: Yeah, I think the mayor and Council Bergus, you guys said, said it beautifully. And of
course, I will share the same thing that, yeah, this was not, you know, easy for you guys.
It was tough, but also just, like, a lot of gratitude to the president and the previous
commissioner, it wasn't easy, but you navigate it through, and thank you so much for
your work. I will be in favor also of, like, you know, maybe not extend it, but let rep -
know, the person who write the report continue. And I believe this is also not a- unless
somebody's really insisted to do that, maybe we can talk, but I think this is reasonable
now since as, you know, Council Bergus said, there is no more activity has been like set
to be done, then- yeah, this is a reasonable way to end it.
Moe: Echo my fellow councilors and say, thank you. This is or was an historic commission and
deserves to be memorialized in a document. So I appreciate that we'll have someone
synthesize all of the content because there's a lot of it, because you guys put in a lot of
time. It'll be good for all of us to have that synthesized and saved for the record, but then
also we can look back at it and use it in the future, hopefully. So thank you for your time,
and I also will support allowing the TRC to sunset, but continue on the work of
documenting all of your work.
Harmsen: Just, kind of, one extra plug, so everyone else said, thank you. One of the things that I
have been impressed with is the number of people on the TRC who, um, were community
members who gave of themselves because they care about this community and the things
that are important to the people of this community. Um, I would just throw out there as
an idea, take a well deserved break or rest. And then we have a lot of other commissions
and boards, um, that do all kinds of good work in this community. And having had that
experience, um, you know, I'm kind of hoping in the future, I'll see some names on board
and commission applications, ah, come across my desk. And so- so I just want to
encourage, with a well reserved break, I wouldn't want to force anybody to jumping right
back into to the melee, but, ah, certainly when people are ready, I will look forward to
that, so -
Dunn: Thank you all.
Teague: We've actually ended that opportunity.
(can't hear): It's just clarification of the date.
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Teague: So I think I hear clarification of date?
(can't hear): Yes.
Teague: Yes. All right, that would be helpful.
(can't hear): yes.
Teague: So I guess the question is, clarification of date of when the final report is expected. Um,
I think at least from my perspective, um, we know that there will be some, um, contract
working out. We don't know how long that'll take, but I heard from the commission that
they needed the person needed two months to work on the report. And then about, um, a
month, I think for the commission to kind of finalize it or the for input, I guess, from the
public or whomever, want to finalize it. So, um, you- I would say three months from
when the contracts are signed, because we know that can take some time, too. So let's be
very clear that from the date of the contract three months. And I know that the
commissioners have one more meeting before the year is out on 19th of December. And
so that'll be something you all can certainly discuss, all right?
Bergus: I just maybe offer that if in the negotiating of the contract, you know, not knowing the
details of it, if if the individuals who are doing the work think it may be more time. I
mean, I hate to limit it to 90 days, but within reasonableness, I think the commission said
six months on the outset or on the outside. And so we do want a deadline, but I think
nothing too strict, if that, like -
Teague: Sure.
Bergus: Since we're not voting on it anymore -
Teague: Yeah, we're not, I wouldn't on it. So I think if we're comfortable, I hear the six month
that they suggested, if we're comfortable, if we, really throw it back to the Commission,
they'll be listening to this, and I'm sure the- two that are here today will take it back from
the date of the signing of the contract around 90 ish days is what?
Salih: Because I think that when the commissioner said six months, they include that the time of
looking for someone on signing the contract and everything. Like you just said from the
date of signing that. So I think the commissioner when they said six months, they include
everything. Like, from now, it is the date that the Commission end until the date that, you
know, they finished date said six months. So reasonable three months, shift three months,
that ish- if that is needed. Okay.
Teague: All right.
Bergus: The City Attorney will love that.
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Goers: I mean, you assurance, maybe ish in the contract, but I will convenient, so as practicable.
Teague: Well, it will be 60 days for the individual to kind of submit the initial report. All right,
anything else from my fellow colleagues, hearing nothing else? All right, just so that the
folks that are present know, the vote that we're taking is for the TRC extension. And from
what we've heard from myself and my colleagues, we're going to allow that date to
sunset. And so the item before us, should it go through, it will be a no vote for the
extension. So I just wanted to make that clarification. All right, [Roll Call] 0-6, all right.
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Teague: Again, thank you all for coming here tonight and representing all of your fellow
commissioners. And you get to hear us a lot of gratitude to you all directly, so thank you,
thank you, thank you. And please share our sentiments and our discussion today, thank
you.
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12.g Setting Special Election- Resolution setting a special election to fill the Council
vacancy created by Andrew Dunn's resignation.
Teague: All right, we are on to Item Number 12.g, setting special election. This is a resolution
setting a special election to fill council vacancy created by Andrew Dunn's resignation.
And he is going to recuse himself.
Dunn: Can I just abstain and just sit and watch because this is a less formal thing, less formal
meeting agenda item of mine.
Goers: You may, actually, I don't think you have any legal conflict for, that's was worth, but, um,
yeah, that's fine.
Dunn: I want you to abstain.
Goers: Okay.
Dunn: Yeah.
Teague: And forgive me for not acknowledging this, we celebrated Councilor Dunn earlier
today, but this is his last meeting as a city councilor for the City of Iowa City. And so you
can sit right there.
Dunn: Thank you.
Teague: All right. Can I get a motion to approve?
Salih: So move. Salih.
Harmsen: Second, Harmsen.
Teague: All right, move by Salih, second by Harmsen, and we're going to invite Eric to, kind of,
lead us in this discussion.
Goers: Thank you, Mayor. As you recall, at your last work session, the Council decided by
consensus that you would be moving forward with a special election as opposed to an
appointment to fill the vacancy that will occur at midnight on December 31st of 2024.
Um, the dates for the special election would likely be March 4th for the special election
with a February 4th, primary election, if a primary election is needed. That is if there are
three or more candidates, uh, then a primary would be needed. Um, utilizing the new
favorite vocabulary word, I say March 4, because it is as early as practicable, as required
by state code. Um, I think Council is also aware that, uh, the town of Swisher is also
going to be having a special election on March 4th, and the county auditor's office has
asked, uh, requested, uh, that Council seek special election on the same day.
Unfortunately, there is no cost savings because, uh, there would be different ballots in
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different polling places from Swisher, of course, for the Iowa City election. Um, so those
dates are included in the resolution, and I'd be happy to answer any questions Council
may have.
Harmsen: Real quick. Um, do we have? I was trying to look through here again real quick. So I
see if I missed it, but we have the dates for the primary and the actual election set on this.
Do we have other details about, like, when they have to turn in a petition, uh, how many
signatures would be needed? And a reminder of those signatures need to come from this
district?
Goers: Yes. Those are all excellent points. Um, as my memo indicated, if Council selects the
March 4th special election date, then candidacy petitions are due by January 1 Oth, uh, 53
days before that election. Those petitions would need to have at least 144 signatures. And
as you said, all those signatures would need to be from eligible electors from District C,
which is, of course, Councilor Dunn's position that is to be filled. And obviously,
candidates would need to be from District C too. I should probably state that, although I
think everyone understands that.
Teague: Any other questions for Eric? All right. Anyone from the public like to address this
topic? If you're online, please raise your virtual hand. If you're present, please come up.
Yes. Welcome. Please state your name and City you're from, and you don't have to sign
in because, uh, we know that you're here.
Merritt: Lauren Merritt, Iowa City and actually from District C, and I just want to say, thank you
for all that you've done.
Teague: Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. All right. Anyone else like to address this topic?
Hearing no one in personal online Council discussion.
Bergus: I guess I would just urge people who are thinking about running to get on it. There's 30
days to get 144 signatures from District C, which probably requires going door to door
because we don't have a whole lot of events where you would know people are from
District C. So this is a very quick turnaround. And I think we all have been talking and
listening and saying, who might run? And I don't think there's people who've actually
announced yet. So as far as I know. Anyway, that- that- beside the point, but for those
listening note the timeline, it is very fast.
Salih: Agree.
Teague: [Roll Call]
Goers: If you wanted to have the opportunity to abstain, please do.
Teague: Okay.
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Goers: Dunn.
Dunn: Abstain
Teague: Okay. All right. It's not very often that you be quiet. I was gonna use the word. I was
going to a use a different word.
Dunn: Right.
Salih: I you feel?
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13. Council Appointments
13.a Climate Action Commission - Climate Action Commission - One vacancy to
fill a three-year term, January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2027 (Katie Byriel declined
appointment). Correspondence included in Council Packet.
Teague: Alright. We are on to item Number 13 Council Appointments. We have 13.a climate
action Commission is the only appointment for the night. And we have one vacancy to
fill a three year term, January 1 st, 2025 through December 31 st, 2027. And we'll just kind
of go through. Well, can I get a motion to accept correspondence?
Dunn: The moved.
Salih: Second.
Teague: Move by Dunn, second by Salih. And then let's just go through and,uh, talk about who
folks want?
Bergus: I like Jinx Havel Sturvedant-Surdvan. You probably mispronounce it.
Dunn: Emma Bork.
Salih: Emma Bork.
Harmsen: Yeah, I thought Emma Bork was interesting to us to throw her name out. It's a her.
Teague: Um, well, I guess we have three for Emma. I can support Emma. Although Sturtevant
was also good. Yes, I.
Salih: Yeah I support that. How many we need?
Bergus: Just one.
Salih: Just one. Okay. Emma.
Moe: I'll support Emma.
Teague: Okay. So could I get a motion.
Grace: Mayor, could we get a vote on the correspondence?
Teague: Yes. A motion to accept correspondence was, uh, passed and seconded. All in favor, say
Aye. (Voice Vote)
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Teague: Any oppose? Motion passes. 6-0. Now, we are on to council discussion, which we're
returning back to. And could I get, uh, motion to appoint Emma Bork. So moved. Yep.
So move by Dunn Second by arms. Harmsen. All right. All in favor say Aye. (Voice
Vote) Any opposed? Motion passes 6-0.
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14. Announcement of Vacancies — New
14.a Housing and Community Development Commission - Housing &
Community Development Commission - One vacancy to fill an unexpired term,
upon appointment - June 30, 2025, plus a three-year term (July 1, 2025 - June 30,
2028) (Denise Szecsei resigned). Correspondence included in Council Packet.
Teague: Now we're on to Items number 14. Announcements of vacancies new. 14.a
announcements of Housing and Community Development Commission. One vacancy to
fill an unexpired term upon appointment through June 30th, 2025 plus a three year term.
Applications must be received by 5:00 P.M. Tuesday, January 14th, 2025. Can I get a
motion to accept correspondence?
Salih: Move.
Bergus: Second.
Teague: Move by Salih seconded by Bergus. All in favor, say Aye. (Voice Vote) Any opposed?
Motion passes. 6-0.
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16. City Council Information
Teague: Item Number 16 is City Council information. And, of course, again, this is Councilor
Dunn's last day. Um, and at least for a council meeting, you still have work to do until the
I think it's the January 1 st.
Dunn: Just before.
Goers: I think midnight. I mean, of course, it's up to his resignation, but I believe it was the
midnight, December 31.
Teague: All right. Now midnight December 31 st. Yes.
Salih: So I still a council member?
Teague: Yes.
Dunn: I'll give you my parking pass after. No -no, I really thank you for that acknowledgment,
Mayor. I have really appreciated the time to work with you all and to, uh, serve the
community in this way. Um, I'm incredibly proud of everything that we've been able to
accomplish over my two years on council. And, uh, I really leave this position with a lot
of, uh, security and really, uh, happiness. Um, I know that our community has an
incredible team at the dias aside the dias. And, you know, in all of our incredible other
public servants. So I'm not too worried about how things are going to go. So yeah, I
would just encourage folks to get involved. If people are interested in, you know, taking
this spot. Feel free to reach out to me. I've had a couple of people do so. I'm always
happy to meet and talk about the obligations. But truly just trying to re emphasize also,
my- my great appreciation for all of you, uh, the incredible work that we've been able to
accomplish and, uh, are going to continue to accomplish.
Salih: Yeah, really, thank you for your service. You know, we might disagree sometime, and we
agree a lot of time, but still at the end of the day, you still underturn friend. Yeah. And
we're going to continue that. Thank you for your services. Thank you.
Dunn: Absolutely and I would actually talk, you know, just to that and, you know, about
disagreement. I think Something that I think people should know, is -is that's really true.
You know, when I first got on council, we had a few meetings before there was
something that was truly controversial where we were, like, butting heads or, like, it was
unclear, uh, as to what way something was going to go. Um, we had that disagreement.
One side came out on top. I don't even remember what the issue was. And I was worried,
like, is there going to be tension next- next meeting? There wasn't. This is truly an
incredible group of- of professionals, uh, and people who truly love this community. Uh,
and like you said, we can disagree, but then the- the point of the job is to get stuff done,
exactly. And that's what this group does. So, again, very confident in the future.
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Salih: I wish you the best.
Teague: Absolutely.
Salih: Thank you.
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17. Report on Items from City Staff
Teague: Thank you -thank you. All right. We're going to move on to item Number 17, reports on
items from our city staff, City Manager's office.
Fruin: Andrew, thank you from- from staff. You're a fierce advocate for the employees of Iowa
City, and they appreciate it, and I appreciate that. It's always good to have somebody
advocating for staff, um, and you all do, but- but you in particular, Andrew have been a -
a strong voice for employees. So please know that that's appreciated from the staff.
Dunn: Thank you.
Goers: For my thanks as well for your passion that you bring to this office, um, and your
creativity and your ideas. Those are all welcome.
Dunn: You can say insanity. It's okay.
Goers: I would not say insanity. Uh, you brought a lot of vigor to our discussions, and I
appreciate that.
Teague: He is a lawyer, right? All right. That was our city attorney, no our city clerk.
Grace: I would just say it's been great getting to know you and working with you and thank you
for your service and best of luck.
Dunn: Thank you, Kellie.
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18. Adjourn
Teague: All right. We are at item Number 18.
Harmsen: I'm sorry. I- I didn't jump in quickly enough, and I didn't want to interrupt because
echo, everybody else is. But I want to switch topics just slightly because we are in for a
cold snap tonight. And so we're going back to Item Number 16 City Council Updates.
And I was actually going to kick it over to our city manager just to remind people about
what service. And we had this discussion earlier about in the bus conversation, but what
services are available now that the winter weather is going to be upon us again. And so I
apologize for not giving more of a heads up, but I -I have faith.
Teague: Alright.
Salih: You got item 18, Andrew.
Dunn: You know, well, if you gave remember in the press, they were like, when I was first
appointed, they pointed out the fact that I was the one who moved to adjourn that
meeting. I joined the dias. So you we're on the same.
Teague: Alright -Alright. City manager.
Fruin: You may recall. Um, last year, I believe, was the first year we entered into a contract for
service for the winter shelter. We always historically had made a- a donation, uh, that
helped the Shelter House,uh-uh. Stand up a winter shelter, but we increased our
contribution about five fold from about 20,000 per year to 100,000 per year. Um, and
now have specific dates in which the shelter operates. So I'm looking at last year's report,
and I don't have the exact dates for this year, but we- we contract to have that shelter
open in- in early December, and it goes through the middle of March. It's a total of 105
days of operation. And to give you an idea of the scope of that service. Last year, we had
283 unique individuals, uh, take advantage of that winter shelter, and that accounted for
over 6,400 nights served. So, um, uh, we'll happily report on that throughout this winter,
but with the cold spell coming, we do have the winter shelter open, uh, for those evening
stays. And during the day, we always welcome people to take um, uh shelter and enjoy
our rec centers, our libraries, our senior centers, if they need a place to stay warm during
those daytime as well. Thank you.
Moe: Thank you.
Teague: That was worth pausing for. We are on to item Number 18. Can I get a motion to
adjourn?
Dunn: So moved.
Salih: Second.
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Teague: Moved by Dunn, seconded by Salih. All in favor, say aye. (Voice Vote)
Teague: All oppose. We are adjourned.
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