HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-03-11 Council minutesr
2 CITY OF I O WA CITY
MEMORANDUM
Date: March 17, 2025
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Kellie Grace, City Clerk
Re: Council Work Session, March 11, 2025 — 4:06 p.m. (following the 4:00 p.m. City
Conference Board) at City Hall in Emma J Harvat Hall
Council: Alter, Bergus, Harmsen, Moe, Salih, Teague
Staff: Fruin, O'Brien, Lehmann, Goers, Grace, Vargas, Knoche, Havel, Sovers, Lyon
USG: Martinez
(A transcription is available in the City Clerk's Office and the City website.)
1. Clarification of Agenda Items
• No discussion
2. Information Packet Discussion [February 20, February 27, March 61
y February 20
1. (IP2 — Memo from Grants Specialist: American Rescue Plan Act Update) Councilor
Moe noted the remaining expended dollars in the ARPA funds and asked if those
funds have already been received or if they reimburse after the projects have been
completed. City Manager Fruin provided information.
v February 27
1. (IP4 — Annual Comprehensive Financial Report) Councilor Harmsen congratulated
staff on receiving a certificate of excellence for their accounting procedures,
emphasizing the importance of trust in financial reporting. Harmsen acknowledged
the annual comprehensive financial report and asked for clarification on the mix of
economic recovery since COVID-19 and ongoing economic challenges. City
Manager Fruin provided information.
> March 6 — No discussion.
3. University of Iowa Student Government (USG) Updates.
Ava Martinez, USG Alternate Liaison, presented updates. Mayor Teague presented a
certificate of appreciation to former USG Liaison, Matthew Monsivais.
5. Council updates on assigned boards, commissions, and committees
Council members reported on various assigned boards, commissions, and committees.
March 11, 2025
Page 2
4. 21 S. Linn Presentations and Discussion
Councilor Alter and Councilor Moe recused themselves from the discussion.
City Manager Fruin provided an update on recent developments. Initially, the project
emphasized transparency in the request for proposals (RFP) and selection process. All
related documents, including public input and proposals, are available online. Previously, all
three respondents were invited to present their proposals in person. However, two of the
respondents, Salida Partners and Iceberg, decided to merge their proposals into a single
submission. Fruin noted staff has not yet reviewed the details of the merged proposal, and a
thorough analysis is required, especially concerning financial aspects. The recommendation
is to receive only two presentations instead of three and defer the selection decision until a
full review is completed and made publicly available. The third team, Grand Rail - Urban
Acres - OPN, agreed to proceed as planned. The selection decision may be postponed to
April 1 or April 15 to allow for transparency and public input.
Salida Partners and Iceberg Development Group presented a PowerPoint. Individual
Council members asked questions.
Grand Rail Development and OPN Architects presented a PowerPoint. Individual Council
members asked questions.
Action: Staff will place the two 21 S Linn Street presentations on the project website and
request written detail on the merged proposal. Staff will work to have that analyzed and
presented to Council at a future meeting.
Adjourn 5:25 p.m.