HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-05-06 Bd comm minutesItem Number: 4.a.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
May 6, 2025
Airport Commission: February 13
Attachments: Airport Commission: February 13
MINUTES
IOWA CITY AIRPORT COMMISSION
February 13, 2025 — 6:00 P.M.
AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING
Members Present: Warren Bishop, Ryan Story, Judy Pfohl,
Members Absent: Chris Lawrence, Hellecktra Orozco,
Staff Present: Michael Tharp, Jennifer Schwickerath
Others Present: Adam Thompson
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL:
None
DETERMINE QUORUM
A quorum was determined at 6:00 pm and Story called the meeting to order.
FINAL
Pfohf nominated Bishop to be Acting Chairperson for the meeting, seconded by Story. Motion
carried 3-0. (Lawrence, Orozco absent)
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Story moved to approve the minutes, seconded by Kohl. Motion carried 3-0 (Lawrence, Orozco
absent)
PUBLIC COMMENT - None
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION 1 ACTION
a. Airport Construction Projects:
is Consider a resolution approving Master Agreement with McClure
Engineering Inc. -- Tharp stated that this was a late handout due to some
last minute language updates to make the contract conform with city
contracts. Tharp stated that they updated some liability and insurance
language. Bishop moved resolution A25-02, seconded by Story.
Motion carried 3-0 (Lawrence, Orozco absent)
H. FAA grant projects
1. Runway 12/30 Displaced Threshold/Relocation — Tharp stated
they are moving ahead with the temporary installation of the REILs
from the manufacturer. Tharp also stated that they also trying to get
the FAA to do the flight checks for the 25 REILS and PAPIs so that
they can be turned on.
2. Solar Power Project — Tharp stated that they were doing a little
cleanup for the final punch list, and the system was running along
Airport Commission
February 13, 2025
Pago 2of 4
with the monitoring software. Tharp stated he was expected they
could accept the project as complete at the next meeting.
iii. Iowa DOT grant projects — Tharp stated that the Iowa DOT issued the call
letter for the next grant applications at 4:45pm. Tharp stated that the grant
applications would be due in May, and they would spend some time over the
next couple of meetings to discuss projects.
b. Airport "Operations"
i. Budget — Tharp stated that they had made it through the budget process
with the City Council. Tharp stated that there was a lot of discussion
regarding the city's general fund overall.
ii. Management —
1 . Iowa Army National Guard — Tharp stated that this was a
culmination of several conversations over the last few years. The
Iowa National Guard was preparing to take over the building and
was seeking a little bit more ground around the facility.
a. Public Hearing — Story opened the public hearing at 6:07pm.
No comments were received. Story closed the public hearing
at 6:08pm
b. Consider a resolution setting a public hearing on
February 13, 2025, for a ground lease. Bishop moved
resolution #A25-03, seconded by Story. Motion carried
3-0) (Lawrence, Orozco absent)
2. FBO Agreement —Tharp stated that following the completion of the
solar array and with the new billing they are adjusting the rent to Jet
Air because the Airport is directly paying the utility bill for Hangar D.
This rent increase would but for the use of the solar array by Jet Air.
a. Consider a. resolution approving an amendment to the
FBO Agreement Bishop moved resolution #A25-04,
seconded by Story. Motion carried 3-0 (Lawrence, Orozco
absent)
b. Annual Report — Tharp stated that he had completed the
draft annual report and would like members to review it
before it is submitted to City Council. Tharp stated that
the typical process is when they submit the report a
couple of members of the Commission will attend a
Council meeting and give a brief summary of the report
and thank Council for their support. Tharp noted that
Council was only going to have one meeting in March
so this might slip to April for scheduling purposes.
Tharp stated that if anyone had any edits to get them to
him.
iii. Events — Tharp stated that the events list was populated with those events
that were known. Tharp stated that he had reached out to the EAA Chapter
for Young Eagles Day. Pfohl asked about if there would be some updates
to handle the no-shows a little bit easier. Tharp noted that Jet Air and the
EAA chapter had worked together to bring the lord Tri-motor and B-25
aircraft to the airport.
1. Summer of the Arts Movies (May 17, ,tune 21, July 19, Aug 9)
2. Young Eagles (pending)
A!rportCcmmission
February 13, 2025
Page 3 of a
3. Pancake Breakfast (Aug 24)
4. EAA 33 Tri-motor/B-25 (April 4-6)
c. FBO 1 Flight Training Reports
i. Jet Air — Wolford noted that with some of the extreme cold he had the guys
do some inside work which was repainting the vending room. He also stated
that the received the brush for the tractor. Wolford noted that the shop was
a little slower as is typical for the time of year.
d. Commission Members' Reports — Story asked about the grass runway. Tharp
responded.
e. Staff Report — Tharp stated that he listed the upcoming events that he would be
attending and that if any of the Commission members wanted to attend they could
get registered as well.
i. IPAA Legislative Reception (Feb 26)
ii. State Aviation Conference Okoboji —(April 15-17)
iii. 4 States (FAA Central Region) Conference — Kansas City (August 20-
22)
SET NEXT REGULAR MEETING —Pfohl noted she might not be able to attend. Members set
the next meeting for March 13th, 2024, 6:00pm
ADJOURN
Story moved to adjourn, seconded by Bishop. Motion carried 3-0. (Lawrence, Orozco absent)
Meeting a rned at 6:20 pm.
2J&25—ay—Io
CHAIRPERSON DATE
Airport Commission
February 13, 2025
Page 4of4
Airport Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2024-2025
TERM
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EXP.
N
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Warren
06/30/26
Bishop
X
O/E
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Christopher
06/30/25
X
X
X
O/E
O/E
O/E
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
O/E
Lawrence
Hellecktra
06/30/28
X
O/E
X
O/E
X
X
O/E
X
O/E
X
X
O/E
O/E
Orozco
Judy Pfohl
06/30/26
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
Ryan Story
06/30/27
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Key.
X = Present
X/E = Present for Part of Meeting
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = Not a member at this time
X/S = Present for subcommittee meeting
O/S = Absent, not a member of the subcommittee
Item Number: 4.b.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
May 6, 2025
Airport Commission: March 13
Attachments: Airport Commission: March 13
MINUTES
IOWA CITY AIRPORT COMMISSION
March 13, 2025 — 6:00 P.M.
AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING
FINAL
Members Present: Warren Bishop, Ryan Story, Judy Pfohl, Chris Lawrence, Hellecktra
Orozco,
Members Absent:
Staff Present: Michael Tharp, Jennifer Schwickerath
Others Present: Adam Thompson, Eric Jans, Dick Miller
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL:
None
DETERMINE QUORUM
A quorum was determined at 6:01 pm and Lawrence called the meeting to order.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Story moved to approve the minutes from February 13, 2025, seconded by Pfohl. Motion carried
5-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT - None
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION / ACTION
a. T-Hangar Lease Language — Tharp stated that over the last few months, the
Commission has been discussing updating t-hangar language to encourage
turnover in the hangars to provide an opportunity for more active fliers to get
hangars. Tharp stated that he had sent the draft revisions to hangar tenants both
via email and postal mail. Story relayed comments on the hangar leases that he
received. Tharp responded to comments. Tharp noted there was no time limit for
construction or repairs. Story referenced general questions regarding enforcement.
Tharp noted that beyond the annual inspections that occur, enforcement would likely
be complaint based. Story asked about the process for enforcement and Tharp
stated that it would be an eviction process which would be brought to the
Commission. Story asked about home built aircraft. Tharp noted they did add
language for home built aircraft to have active process but it also isn't specifically
defined with a time limit. Schwickerath noted that they had discussed using a time
limit but it was also difficult to judge what limit would be adequate. Bishop noted that
they should stress they're not trying to kick anyone out, but they do understand the
wait time on the waiting list is long. Dick Miller asked about private hangar
development. Tharp noted they have extended taxiway infrastructure for private
Airport Commission
March 13, 2025
Page 2 of 5
hangar builds so that is also an option for folks. Lawrence asked if there were any
other comments regarding the language.
i. Consider a motion approving t-hangar lease template - Pfohl moved to
adopt the t-hangar lease template, seconded by Orozco. Motion
carried 3-0 (Story, Bishop abstain)
b. Airport Construction Projects:
i. FAA grant projects
1. Runway 12/30 Displaced Threshold/Relocation — Tharp stated
that there wasn't a lot of news for the runway project. Tharp said
they were waiting for the manufacturer to send the REIL
replacements for the contractor to install and they were waiting to
hear back from FAA on the flight check schedule.
2. Solar Power Project — Tharp stated that the project was complete
and the punch list was complete. Tharp stated that he was happy to
report that the portion of the array that was powering building D had
generated more energy than they consumed over the last billing
cycle. He said the runway lighting array had come close but didn't
quite get there and he hoped the next cycle would show a surplus
of energy.
a. Consider a resolution accepting the project as complete
— Lawrence moved resolution #A25-05, seconded by
Story. Motion carried 5-0.
ii. Iowa DOT grant projects — Tharp stated that over the last couple of weeks,
he had sent an email to the Commission regarding the situation at Marion's
airport and that if Marion did close, he wanted to do as much as possible to
capture some of those airplanes that would be looking for new locations.
Tharp stated that he had conversations with the Iowa DOT, the FAA and the
City regarding funding. Tharp stated that he was hoping to be able to build
something around 1500 square feet with 45 foot wide doors. Tharp stated
that he was also working with McClure on pricing. Tharp noted that they had
the money remaining from the infrastructure law funding, and that they had
Iowa DOT grant programs that would be available for funds. Tharp stated
that they had approximately $600,000 of funds from the federal side, and the
DOT grant programs would have up to $300,000 for the verticial instructure
program and uncapped dollars available through the state AIP program for
pavements. Tharp also stated that they could potentially have money from
the FAA AIP program but that also comes with strings because they have to
state to the FAA that their airside project needs are met for the next 3 years.
Lawrence stated that they would need to weigh current projects if they used
AIP and that even though they couldn't spend money, their allocations would
continue to be banked through the 3 years. Tharp stated that he also
discussed with the City a loan of up to $500,000 to be available as the last
dollars in. Bishop asked about the location and Tharp responded. Tharp
stated that the extension of the taxiway in the area is also part of his long
term vision for secondary access in the area. Tharp stated that the FAA was
on board using the remainder of the BIL money and potentially the AIP funds
with the restrictions. Tharp stated that the state was supportive with their
funding programs. Tharp stated that the triggering event was Marion
announcing they were planning to shut the runway down and that even if that
Airport Commission
March 13, 2025
Page 3 of 5
didn't happen, given the size of the waiting list he believes the market for
hangars is there regardless. Lawrence stated that if the Commission went
with this plan, they were using the funds that were planned for the 2nd phase
of the solar array and that project would be shelved. Pfohl asked what was
needed from the Commission. Tharp stated that he just needed their
approval to move forward. Tharp stated that the first real test would be the
state grant applications that are due in May. Bishop asked about how the
hangars would be treated with regard to the hangar waiting list. Tharp stated
that they had a couple of different options. Tharp noted that they had people
looking for larger spaces and it would likely be a targeted marketing setup
because they would be charging approximately 50% more than the currently
t-hangar price points. Tharp also noted that as they moved forward, they
would offer pre -leasing for the hangars. Lawrence stated that through the
development he would recommend they proceed with having the hangars
fully heated vs "heat capable". Members agreed by consensus to move
forward with Tharp's plan as presented.
iii. Grass Landing Ops — Tharp stated that this was just an update about how
they were planning on detailing the areas available for landing. Tharp stated
that he had discussed with Wolford options and that Wolford had showed
him how they marked their runway on the farm with white rocks. Story asked
about rolling it, and Tharp responded they want to roll it at least this first time
and walk it to make sure they were catching any dangerous conditions.
iv. Airport Terminal Building Modernization/Replacement — Tharp stated
that he, Chris and Hellecktra, had met with Adam and had a chance to talk
about the project and now that they weren't pressed by going after the FAA
terminal program grant, they had the option to take a step back and re-
examine ways to review the current building and expansion options and
continue to use the existing building. Tharp stated the process still had some
good results and the space needs study gave them confirmation on their
needs. Thompson discussed the process for moving forward with the
Commission and doing a deeper look at those alternatives.
c. Airport "Operations"
i. Budget — Tharp stated that they had a couple of hangar doors that had
issues over the last month that would have an impact. Tharp noted that one
door got stuck open during one of the deep freezes, and that it damaged
some of the water lines in the hangar.
ii. Management —
1 . Hangar Ground Lease — Tharp stated that over the last couple of
months he had been working with Matt and Jennifer to negotiate a
ground lease for the development of a hangar. The hangar lease is
a 50 year lease at $.35 per square foot per year. Pfohl asked if this
made them another FBO to which Tharp said it didn't. Story asked
about the length of the term at 50 years. Tharp noted that this was
a product of negotiations and the cost of the hangar to be built. Story
asked about the improvements versus the rent rate reduction. Tharp
stated that he did not have complete numbers but expected the
costs for improvements to exceed the costs of the rent reduction.
Story asked what the last ground rates rented where, and Tharp
Airport Commission
March 13, 2025
Page 4 of 5
responded that the last ground hangar build was $.25 per square
foot which was about 10 years ago.
a. Consider a resolution setting a public hearing with
Hangar 319er, LLC for a ground lease to construct a
hangar — Lawrence moved resolution #A25-06, seconded
by Orozco. Motion carried 3-0
iii. Events — Tharp noted that the EAA event at the beginning of April was
coming up before the next meeting. Tharp stated that the Young Eagles date
had been set for August 16t". Tharp stated the movie schedule and movie
lists had been published but didn't have the list with him.
1. Summer of the Arts Movies (May 17, June 21, July 19, Aug 9)
2. Young Eagles (Aug 16th)
3. Pancake Breakfast (Aug 24)
4. Autocross (April 13, June 8, Sept 14, Oct 19)
5. EAA 33 Tri-motor/B-25 (April 4-6)
d. FBO / Flight Training Reports
i. Jet Air — Wolford stated he didn't have a lot, but hoped they were done with
snow. Wolford noted the taxiway lights had been working since their repairs
were completed. He also noted that they would need to do some work on
door seals. Wolford stated that he was working on a door for Hangar M
which might need more work.
e. Staff Evaluation
i. Airport Manager - Members thanked Tharp for his work. Tharp stated that
he appreciated the vote of confidence and that if there was ever an issue
where they perceived he wasn't meeting expectations to let him know,
because he can't fix it if he doesn't know it's broken. Tharp stated that he
and Lawrence had talked previously and that he was asking the Commission
to hold his step increase payment for budgetary purposes. Tharp noted that
the Commission recently adjusted the pay scale and wages and that
knowing the budget gave him a better perspective on it.
f. Commission Members' Reports — none
g. Staff Report — Tharp noted the conference coming up and that if members wanted
to attend they could work with him to get registered. Tharp noted that IPAA hosted
their legislative reception but he was ill that night. Tharp stated that it wasn't as well
attended as in the past and that they were watching the budget conversations now.
i. State Aviation Conference Okoboji — (April 15-17)
ii. 4 States (FAA Central Region) Conference — Kansas City (August 20-
22)
SET NEXT REGULAR MEETING — Set the next meeting for April 101n
ADJOURN — Story moved to adjorn the meeting at 7:10pm. Seconded by Bishop. Motion carried
5-0
CHAIRPERSON DATE
Airport Commission
March 13, 2025
Page 5 of 5
Airport Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2024-2025
TERM
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NAME
EXP.
A
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A
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A
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CT1
CT1
CT1
Warren
06/30/26
Bishop
O/E
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Christopher
06/30/25
X
X
O/E
O/E
O/E
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
O/E
X
Lawrence
Hellecktra
06/30/28
O/E
X
O/E
X
X
O/E
X
O/E
X
X
O/E
O/E
X
Orozco
Judy Pfohl
06/30/26
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
Ryan Story
06/30/27
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Key.
X = Present
X/E = Present for Part of Meeting
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = Not a member at this time
X/S = Present for subcommittee meeting
O/S = Absent, not a member of the subcommittee
Item Number: 4.c.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
May 6, 2025
Civil Service Commission: April 21
Attachments: Civil Service Commission: April 21
Minutes — Final
City of Iowa City Civil Service Commission
Monday, April 21, 2025 — 8:15 a.m.
Helling Conference Room
Members Present: Rick Wyss, Ashley Jennings, Eleanor Dilkes
Members Absent: none
Staff to the
Commission Present: Karen Jennings, Tracy Robinson
Other Parties Present: Fire Chief Scott Lyon
Recommendation to Council (become effective only after separate Council action):
None.
Call to Order:
Wyss called the meeting to order at 8:15 a.m.
Entry level Firefighter testing:
After a brief discussion, A. Jennings moved and Dilkes seconded to approve the process
as proposed by staff in the April 17, 2025 memo. All were in favor.
Ad iournment•
A. Jennings moved to adjourn, Dilkes seconded, and the meeting was adjourned at 8:23
a.m.
Board/Commission: Civil Service Commission
Attendance Record
Last 12 months
(Meeting Date)
Name
Term
Expires
6/13/24
10/29/24
2/21 /25
4/21 /25
Rick Wyss
4/3/28
X
X
X
X
Ashley Jennings
4/6/26
X
X
X
X
Eleanor Dilkes
4/1/29
---
---
---
X
Chi O boko
4/7/25
O/E
O/E
O/E
---
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = No Meeting
--- = Not a Member
Item Number: 4.d.
I, CITY OF IOWA CITY
COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
May 6, 2025
Community Police Review Board: March 11 [See Recommendation]
Attachments: Community Police Review Board: March 11 [See Recommendation]
r
��.±®4
. CITY OF IOWA CITY
M E M 0 RA N D U M
Date: April 16, 2025
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Connie McCurdy, Community Police Review Board Staff
Re: Recommendation from Community Police Review Board
At their March 11, 2025 meeting the Community Police Review Board made the following rec-
ommendation(s) to the City Council:
(1) Accept CPRB Complaint #24-08 Public Report
Additional action (check one
® No further action needed
❑ Board or Commission is requesting direction from City Council
❑ Agenda item will be prepared by staff for City Council action
CPRB — Final Minutes
March 11, 2025
Page 1
Community Police Review Board
Minutes — March 11, 2025
Call to Order: Chair Mekies called the meeting to order at 5:31 p.m.
Members Present: Colette Atkins, Melissa Jensen, Saul Mekies, Jessica Hobart -Collis,
David Schwindt
Members Absent: Jerri MacConnell
Staff Present: Staff Connie McCurdy, Legal Counsel Patrick Ford
Others Present: Police Chief Dustin Liston
Recommendations to Citv Council:
• Accept CPRB Complaint #24-08 Public Report
Consent Calendar:
• Draft minutes from the February 11, 2025 meeting
• Correspondence from Mary McCann
• ICPD Policy #208 Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP)
• ICPD Policy #409 Crisis Intervention Incidents
• ICPD Policy #417 Field Training
• ICPD Policy #419 Contacts & Temporary Detentions
• ICPD Policy #505 Traffic & Parking Citations
• ICPD Policy #802 Evidence
• ICPD Procedure #802 Evidence Procedures
+ ICPD Use of Force Review/Report — October 2024
• ICPD Use of Force Review/Report — November 2024
+ ICPD Use of Force Review/Report — December 2024
Motion by Jensen, seconded by Mekies to adopt the consent calendar as presented.
Board member Schwindt had a question for Chief Liston regarding some language in the Use of Force
review/reports. Schwindt noted that in the October and December reports "superficial injuries" was the term used
and "injuries" was used in the November report. Chief Liston said he thought it was just a wording difference, but
he would check into it. Legal Counsel Ford asked Chief Liston if the ICPD policies were on the website and the
Chief said they are working with Communications to get them all on the website.
Motion carried 510. MacConnell was absent.
New Business:
• Identification of officers in public reports:
Board member Schwindt expressed concerns regarding discussing the police officer numbers in open session.
Legal Counsel Ford mentioned concerns pertaining to members of the public learning the identity of officers
mentioned in a complaint because of having numbers assigned to them in the Chief s report. Chief Liston said
CPRB — Final Minutes
March 11, 2025
Page 2
he would look into the reasons for using the numbers to identify the officers and depending on what he finds,
he may change from the numbers to letters such as Officer A.
Old Business:
• None.
Public Comment of Items not on the Agenda:
• Mary McCann appeared and mentioned concerns with members of the public wanting police officers to take
over for Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Board Information:
• None.
Staff Information:
• None.
Tentative Meeting Schedule and Future Agendas (subject to change):
• April 08, 2025, 5:30 p.m. —Helling Conference Room
• May 13, 2025, 5:30 p.m. — Helling Conference Room
• June 10, 2025, 5:30 p.m. — Helling Conference Room
■ July 08, 2025, 5:30 p.m. —Helling Conference Room
Schwindt and Atkins will not be at the April 8' meeting.
Motion by Jensen, seconded by Hobart -Collis to move the April 8' meeting to April 15'
Motion carried 510. MacConnell was absent.
Executive Session:
Motion by Jensen, seconded by Atkins, to adjourn to Executive Session based on Section 21.5(1)(a) of the Code
of Iowa to review or discuss records which are required or authorized by state or federal law to be kept
confidential or to be kept confidential as a condition for that government body's possession or continued receipt
of federal funds, and 22.7(11) personal information in confidential personnel records of public bodies including
but not limited to cities, boards of supervisors and school districts, and 22-7(5) police officer investigative reports,
except where disclosure is authorized elsewhere in the Code; and 22.7(18) Communications not required by law,
rule or procedure that are made to a government body or to any of its employees by identified persons outside of
government, to the extent that the government body receiving those communications from such persons outside of
government could reasonably believe that those persons would be discouraged from making them to that
government body if they were available for general public examination.
Motion carried 5/0. MacConnell was absent.
Open session adjourned: 5:54 p.m.
CPRB — Final Minutes
March 11, 2025
Page 3
Return to Open Sessiog.
Returned to open session: 6:27 p.m.
Motion by Jensen, seconded by Schwindt to accept the draft of the public report for CPRB Complaint #24-08 as
amended and forward to City Council.
Motion carried 510. MacConnell was absent.
Adio_urnment:
Motion by Atkins, seconded by Jensen to adjourn.
Motion carried 510. MacConnell was absent.
Meeting adjourned: 6:28 p.m.
Community Police Review Board
Attendance Record
Year 2024-2025
Name
Term
06/11/24
07/09/24
08/20/24
09/10/24
10/08/24
10/16/24
11/12/24
12/10/24
01/14/25
02/11/25
03/11/25
04/15/25
Expires
Forum
Colette
06/30/28
---
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
Atkins
Maurine
06/30/26
_
. _
._
_.
_.
- -
---
---
---
---
---
X
Braddock
Ricky
06/30/26
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
O/E
O/E
O/E
---
---
---
Downing
Jessica
Hobart-
06/30/26
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
Collis
Melissa
06/30/25
X
X
X
O/E
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
Jensen
Jerri
06/30/27
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
O/E
X
MacConnell
Saul Mekies
06/30/25
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
Amanda
06/30/24
X
---
Remington
David
06/30/28
---
X
O/E
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
Schwindt
Orville
06/30/24
X
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
Townsend
Key:
X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = No Meeting
--- = Not a Member
COMMUNITY POLICE REVIEW BOARD
A Board of the City of Iowa City
410 East Washington Street ` , rl i + ('r 6: 5 3
Iowa City, IA 52240-1826
(319) 356-5041
March 11, 2025
To City Council
Complainant
City Manager
Chief of Police
Officer(s) involved in complaint
From: Community Police Review Board
Re: Investigation of CPRB Complaint #24-08
This is the Report of the Community Police Review Board's (the "Board") review of the
investigation of Complaint CPRB #24-08 (the "Complaint").
BOARD'S RESPONSIBILITY:
Under the City Code of the City of Iowa City, the Board's responsibilities are as follows:
1. The Board forwards all complaints to the Police Chief, who completes an investigation.
(Iowa City Code Section 8-8-7(A).)
2. When the Board receives the Police Chiefs report, the Board must select one or more of
the following levels of review, in accordance with Iowa City Code Section 8-8-7(B)(1):
a. On the record with no additional investigation.
b. Interview /meet with complainant.
c. Interview /meet with named officer(s) and other officers.
d. Request additional investigation by the police chief, or request police assistance
in the board's own investigation.
e. Perform its own investigation with the authority to subpoena witnesses.
f. Hire independent investigators.
3. In reviewing the Police Chiefs report, the Board must apply a "reasonable basis"
standard of review. This means that the Board must give deference to the Police Chiefs
report, because of the Police Chief's professional expertise. (Iowa City Code Section 8-
8-7(13)(2))•)
4. According to Iowa City Code Section 8-8-7(B)(2), the Board can recommend that the
Police Chief reverse or modify the Chiefs findings only if:
a. The findings are not supported by substantial evidence; or
b. The findings are unreasonable, arbitrary, or capricious; or
c. The findings are contrary to a police department policy or practice, or any federal,
state, or local law.
5. When the Board has completed its review of the Police Cliwsl lr� j tt�Pe'� B&arTissues a
public report to the city council. The public report must include: (1) detailed findings of
fact; and (2) a clearty articulated conclusion explaining why and, Me, extent to' -which the
complaint is either "sustained" or "not sustained ". (Iowa City Code �S Ctioii
6. Even if the Board finds that the complaint is sustained, the Board has no authority to
discipline the officer involved.
BOARD'S PROCEDURE:
The complaint was initiated by the Complainant on November 18,2024. As required by Section
8-8-5(B) of the City Code, the complaint was referred to the Chief of Police for investigation.
The Chief's Report was filed with the City Clerk on February 3, 2025. As per Section 8-8-6(D) of
the City Code, the Complainant was given the opportunity to respond to the Chiefs report. The
Complainant did not further submit a response to the Chiefs report.
The Board voted on February 11, 2025 to apply the following Level of Review to the Chiefs
Report: on the record with no additional investigation, pursuant to Iowa City Code Section 8-8-
7(13)(1)(a).
The Board reviewed the complaint, the Police Chief's report, and the video footage of the body -
worn camera showing the interaction between the officers and the complainant.
The Board met to consider the Report on February 11, 2025 and March 11, 2025.
FINDINGS OF FACT:
In 2023 and 2024, the complainant filed two reports of sexual assault. Both were thoroughly
investigated.
On November 14, 2024, the complainant came to the Iowa City Police Department and
requested a copy of a report. The complainant quickly became agitated and unwilling to
participate in a productive conversation, as viewed on the body -cam footage. An officer
provided her with a copy of the report. The complainant asked if the officer was going to deal
with the individual she had complained about, and the officer stated he would not at that time.
The complainant continued to shout as she left the Iowa City Police Department.
The Iowa City Police Department made several attempts to contact the complainant about this
CPRB complaint. She did send an email to the investigator, but it did not address or provide
clarity to her reported concerns. She also scheduled a meeting with the investigator but did not
attend. She did not respond to any correspondence after the missed meeting.
COMPLAINANT'S ALLEGATION #1 - Violation of 320.5.9 Conduct. see pertinent part of
the policy below)
(f) Discourteous, disrespectful or discriminatory treatment of any member of the public or any
member of this department or the City.
Chief's conclusion: Not sustained
Board's conclusion: Not sustained
Basis for the Board's conclusion: Within the complainant's report, she indicates she
has been subjected to mental and emotional abuse by officers of the Iowa City Police
Department. She goes on to state that officers have laughed at and disrespected her.
Upon the Board's review of the body -cam footage, it is observed that the officer provided
her a copy of the requested report and did not laugh or disrespect her during the
interaction.
COMPLAINANT'S ALLEGATION #2 - Violation of 323.5, Required Reporting (see policy
below
In all of the following situations, members shall complete reports using the appropriate
department -approved forms and reporting methods, unless otherwise approved by a supervisor.
The reporting requirements are not intended to be all-inclusive. A member may complete a
report if he/she deems it necessary or as directed by a supervisor.
Chief s conclusion: Not sustained
Board's conclusion: Not sustained
Basis for the Board's conclusion: Within the complainant's report, she states that the
officers were unwilling to take a report from her and had not done an investigation. Upon
review of the body -cam footage, it is observed a report is provided to the complainant. In
review of the chiefs report, it is noted the complainant's reports of sexual assault were
investigated.
Item Number: 4.e.
a
CITY OF IOWA CITY
"QR T-4 COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
May 6, 2025
Council Economic Development Committee: January 8
Attachments: Council Economic Development Committee: January 8
Approved - p.1
Council EDC, 1/8/25
Minutes
City Council Economic Development Committee
January 8, 2025
Emma J. Harvat Hall
City Council Economic Development Committee
Members Present: Josh Moe, Laura Bergus, Mazahir Salih
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Geoff Fruin, Eric Goers
Others Present: Mackenzie DeRoo (Greater Iowa City)
Call to Order
Councilor Moe called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m.
Consider approval of minutes from the October 16, 2024 Economic Development
Committee meeting
Salih moved, Bergus seconded a motion to approve amended minutes of the August 16, 2024
meeting. Motion passed (3-0).
Review of 2024 Building Permit Statistics
Fruin noted the agenda packet included the 2024 building statistics by month, a ten-year
snapshot, and bar chart showing the data. Fruin began by reviewing the 2024 building
permits, the value of which totaled $130 million; the lowest it has been since 2011 (excluding
COVID-impacted year). One reason for the lower value is that 2024 did not have a major
student housing or senior living multi -family housing project, whereas each year for about the
decade prior had at least one or more such projects. Other notable highlights included:
• 110 single-family permits, which is on par with the 10-year average of 114.
• No significant difference in commercial permit numbers.
• Non-taxable projects are included in the school and public works categories.
Additionally, university and federal projects are not reflected in local permit numbers.
• The first half of 2024 saw significantly less permits and permit value than the second
half of the year, which signals development has picked up recently.
Bergus expressed surprise over the number of new build commercial permits versus remodel
projects. Moe asked about the split of taxable valuation between commercial/industrial and
residential compared to neighboring communities. Fruin responded that residential holds the
largest share and pointed out that the City's largest employer — the University of Iowa — is not
taxed, which is different from many communities.
Approved - p.2
Council EDC, 1/8/25
Fruin also noted that, going forward, the City will be watching the data to track the mix in type
of residential property permits, such as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Bergus suggested
collecting back -data on ADUs to help compare with future trends.
Staff Updates
Fruin provided an update on the Targeted Small Business Growth & Development Program.
The program paired technical assistance or business coaching alongside the one-time grant
funding. The intent was to fund five applications, however due to the strong response, 10
were funded. Of the recipients: 40% were service -based, 10% retail, and 50% food -based
and 40% self -identified as Black/African-American, 40% as Hispanic/Latino, and 80% as
women.
Bergus asked if there is any coordination between this grant program and the forthcoming
Johnson County and Greater Iowa City Inc. small business grant program. Fruin shared that
the City's grant program kickstarted outreach, and Greater Iowa City's program will help
provide continuity while feedback learned through both grant programs will help each
organization plan future opportunities.
Moe asked about timing for the Greater Iowa City grant program. Mackenzie DeRoo spoke
and shared that their grant program is being conducted in partnership with the Community
Foundation of Johnson County and is being offered in three funding rounds (winter,
spring/summer, and fall). The goal is that unsuccessful applicants in earlier funding rounds
could be provided feedback to re -apply in future rounds. Mazahir asked about the
requirement that applicants be impacted by COVID, and DeRoo clarified that if the business
did not exist prior to or during the pandemic, underestimated business characteristics, such
as minority- or women -owned, may also be used to qualify.
Old or New Business
Fruin noted that, absent a need to meet earlier, the next regularly scheduled EDC meeting
would occur April 2, 2025 and invited members to share any topics they would be interested
in prior to that meeting.
Adjournment
Salih moved, Bergus seconded that the meeting be adjourned. Motion carried (3-0).
Approved - p.3
Council EDC, 1/8/25
Council Economic Development Committee
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2021-2025
TERM
10/27/21
10/19/22
11/29/22
9/25/23
7/1/24
8/12/24
8/16/24
10/16/24
1/8/25
NAME
EXP.
Josh
Moe
12/31/25
---
---
---
---
X
X
X
X
X
Mazahir
Salih
12/31/25
X
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
X
Laura
Bergus
1 12/31/25
---
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
O/E
X
Andrew
Dunn
12/31/25
---
---
---
---
X
O/E
X
X
---
John
Thomas
01/02/24
X
X
X
X
---
---
---
---
---
Megan
Alter
01/02/24
---
X
X
X
---
---
---
---
---
Susan
Mims
01/02/22
X
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
Key:
X =
Present
O =
Absent
--- =
not a member
O/E
= Absent/Excused
Item Number: 4.f.
a
CITY OF IOWA CITY
"QF T-4 COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
May 6, 2025
Housing & Community Development Commission: March 24 [See Recommendation]
Attachments: Housing & Community Development Commission: March 24 [See
Recommendation]
r
zz---4 CITY OF IOWA CITY
�*�
� *;r
MEMORANDUM
Date: April 22, 2025
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Brianna Thul, Community Development Planner
Re: Recommendations from Housing and Community Development Commission
At their March 24, 2025 meeting, the Housing and Community Development Commission made
the following recommendations to the City Council:
By a vote of 5-0, the Commission recommends that City Council defer additional appointments
to the Commission to allow time for the Commission to review an amendment to the by-laws.
Additional action (check onel
X No further action needed
Board or Commission is requesting Council direction
Agenda item will be prepared by staff for Council action
MINUTES
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
MARCH 24, 2025 — 6:30 PM
FORMAL MEETING
E M M A J. HARVAT HALL, CITY HALL
FINAL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Horacio Borgen, Maryann Dennis, Amos Kiche, George Kivarkis, Kyle
Vogel
MEMBERS ABSENT: Daouda Balde, Karol Krotz
STAFF PRESENT: Erika Kubly, Brianna Thul, Sam Turnbull
OTHERS PRESENT:
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL:
By a vote of 5-0 the Commission recommends that City Council defer additional appointments to the
Commission to allow time for the Commission to review an amendment to the by-laws.
CALL MEETING TO ORDER:
Vogel called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM.
The Commission welcomed new member Kiche.
CONSIDERATION OF MEETING MINUTES: OCTOBER 21 2024:
Dennis moved to approve the minutes of October 21, 2024. Kivarkis seconded the motion. A vote was
taken and the minutes were approved 5-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT FOR TOPICS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
None.
DISCUSS POTENTIAL AMENDMENT TO THE HCDC BY-LAWS TO REDUCE THE SIZE OF THE
COMMISSION FROM NINE TO SEVEN MEMBERS:
Vogel gave some background on this topic, obviously the Commission hasn't been able to meet since
October from a combination of having a vacancy on the Commission and members not being able to
make scheduled meetings. Therefore, they have not been able to have a quorum. Vogel stated this
became incredibly relevant when they had Aid to Agencies work that needed to be done and
recommendations that needed to be made to Council, but since HCDC didn't meet, they couldn't make
those recommendations. One of the discussion items has been reducing the number of members from a
nine member commission to a seven member commission, so that a quorum will be four members. Vogel
noted they have been really successful in having four people be able to show up on a regular basis but
since last October it's been hard to get more.
Vogel introduced historic attendance data in the packet noting last year there was only one meeting
where eight people out of nine were able to attend, and at that time they didn't have a ninth because there
was a vacancy. Looking back to 2021 the average is six out nine members attending regular HCDC
meetings.
Housing and Community Development Commission
March 24, 2025
Page 2 of 5
Thul explained the process for the Commission to make an amendment to the bylaws. According to the
by-laws, the Commission will need to discuss it at one meeting and then would vote on the amendment at
the next meeting. If they were to vote in favor of the amendment, it would go to the City Council Rules
Committee next. Ultimately City Council decides on the amendment. She explained that today would be a
discussion and if the Commission wants to pursue the amendment, staff will add it on the next agenda. If
the Commission is not interested in an amendment, it would not be added to the next agenda.
Dennis stated with all the data that they have, it just makes sense to reduce the membership to seven.
She noted while she is not privy to know if the Council is not getting applications or why the people who
were appointed have not been able to attend. Maybe it's because the amount of work the Commission is
required to do, especially with Aid to Agencies, is huge. She stated the Director of Neighborhood and
Development Services sent out letters about lack of attendance and at least one person resigned.
Dennis stated it's not good that they haven't been able to meet since October and thinks it would be wise
to amend the bylaws.
Kivarkis agrees and noted they've delayed a couple of important votes because of it as well. He agreed
it's been easy to get four people in the room, but harder to get any more. Making an amendment, or at
least some temporary solution would help.
Vogel asked when someone submits an application to serve on a commission, do they have a rank
choice of which commission they're wanting to apply for or are they just applying to any commission and
then they're appointed to one? Thul explained each commission has its own pool of applications, but the
application lets someone select their top choice. Vogel asked if it's been an issue of people have just
been getting their second choice and that's why they aren't attending? Thul would have to look into that
specifically to get more information on that.
Thul noted currently they have seven people appointed to a nine -person commission and City Council will
be appointing two more people at an upcoming meeting. Thul explained that the Commission may
recommend that Council defer appointments, but it would be up to City Council if they decide to defer or
not. Additionally, there are three terms ending in June of this year.
Borgen stated that if there are seven people currently appointed, he feels it would be a good time to do
the amendment so there is no need to search for two additional people.
Vogel thinks it would behoove them to ask City Council to hold off appointing any new members until the
next meeting and until the Rules Committee has a chance to review.
Thul noted the last time this was considered, there were some things that the City Attorney's Office had to
look at as far as staggering the terms to make sure that they don't have too many terms ending at one
time. Staff will need to review that to determine the process if the amendment moves forward.
Kiche noted this problem seems like something that is related to the characteristic of the individuals
appointed because probably four or five years ago, the problem might have not been there. So, in that
case, it is not the problem of the numbers - it's the problem of the persons themselves. Ideally, they would
hope that could be solved by adding new persons. He noted to reduce the number of members might
introduce a new problem in terms of reducing diversity, skills, and other talents on the commission.
Sometimes one additional person might add ideas or contribute something.
Kivarkis agrees - while a quorum is important, are they disabling the ability to find more voices for the
committee in general? With two more seats they get two valuable perspectives that show up to these
meetings, which is more valuable than reducing the size of the committee.
Vogel doesn't disagree but what happens when it's time for CDBG/HOME or Aid to Agencies and they
can't have a meeting? They haven't had a meeting since October, even after an extra meeting was added
and they made it imperative to the current members that they needed people to show up. It was just the
four of them for three months that would show up. He doesn't disagree though and stated it's always nice
Housing and Community Development Commission
March 24, 2025
Page 3 of 5
to have a larger myriad of voices on any committee. The problem is there's no guarantee City Council can
appoint two more people and that it won't be the same situation they've already got, which is they don't
show up. Then they're still going through a process of two or three more months of not having meetings.
Dennis stated in her experience with this Commission, there are several months when they have
meetings and there's not a lot of what she would say is the most important work that this commission is
assigned to do. They have some meetings with presentations, but there's also a few times a year where
what they do is really important to Council, to the applicants, and to the community. That's what has
happened since October. They were not able to review and provide recommendations to Council about
the Consolidated Plan, which is a hugely important piece of whether or not this community is going to
receive federal money. Then also to have the agencies here in the room waiting to see a
recommendation from the results of the work that they did to request funding and to be told, sorry you
have to just go to Council because not enough HCDC members can be present. That leaves Council with
more work because they're not getting the recommendations from HCDC. There are certain times of the
year that these meetings are very important. Dennis stated in her experience, because she was on the
other side of this table for many years as an applicant, and in almost 30 years she never experienced
what happened in January where meetings are cancelled. She thinks they owe it to Council and the
community to follow through on what they signed up to do. If there were seven members, Council can
certainly appoint people that they think are capable and knowledgeable enough to do what this
Commission is supposed to do. She is in support of trying to reduce the number.
Dennis asked if there are other commissions on the City who have seven members. Thul doesn't have
the exact numbers for other commissions but believes Planning and Zoning has seven members.
Vogel would also argue they've not had nine voices in nearly the whole time he's been here. March of
2021 was last time they had nine people so even at the best, in the last four years, they've had eight and
even with that eight, there's been a constant rotating door of one or two members. They get three or four
months of activity and then nothing.
Dennis noted there's also a learning curve for this Commission and that's why they have the staff. The
staff are very helpful. If a member has questions, they can call the staff and they are willing to sit down
with members and talk to them about the Commission's function because there is a learning curve. It
takes time to learn things.
Kiche asked if staff is able to communicate with any habitual persons not attending. Obviously, somebody
can be sick or have an emergency, but if there's a pattern that a staff member can see — is it violating
anything to have staff have communication with that person? Thul confirmed that staff will reach out to
people who don't show up to meetings repeatedly. There are also meeting days where staff are calling
every member of the commission in the hours before the meeting to see if they have a quorum. As
Dennis mentioned, the Director of Neighborhood and Development Services also sent a letter to several
people who were missing meetings to acknowledge how important attendance is and to also note that if
they couldn't fulfill the attendance obligations, to maybe consider resigning from the Commission. Another
thing staff has been working on is the scope and the level of work for this Commission. As Vogel noted for
Aid to Agencies, staff do realize it can be an enormous amount of material. Staff are working on making
things easier for Commissioners.
Dennis moved to recommend that City Council defer additional appointments to the Commission
to allow time for the Commission to review the amendment to the by-laws. Kiche seconded. A vote
was taken, and the motion passed 5-0.
STAFF & COMMISSION UPDATES:
Turnbull gave an update related to Aid to Agencies. The Legacy Agencies submit quarterly reports in the
United Way portal and she pulled the data from those reports and summarized it in a table. The table
allows Commissioners to see what those agencies had set as their goals for the services for the current
fiscal year and what they have achieved to date. The Non -Legacy Agencies submit a paper form twice a
Housing and Community Development Commission
March 24, 2025
Page 4 of 5
year and Turnbull summarized those data points in the table as well. Turnbull did this to provide more
information to the Commission in a digestible way. She noted the agencies also submit narrative reports
to the City. Kivarkis thanked Turnbull for the report.
Thul stated that the only other thing in the packet was correspondence from Escucha Mi Voz. They were
a recipient of Non -Legacy funds and provided an update to share with the Commission.
Vogel asked if City Council voted on the Aid to Agencies recommendations for FY26 yet. Thul stated
they have not, and that staff are in the process of preparing a third set of staff recommendations to share
with City Council. Staff anticipate those being submitted to City Council in April. When they are included
in the information packet, she will forward those to HCDC and to the applicants.
ADJOURNMENT:
Kivarkis moved to adjourn. Dennis seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion passed 5-0.
4
Housing and Community Development Commission
March 24, 2025
Page 5 of 5
Housing and Community
Development Commission
Attendance Record 2023-2025
Name
Terms Exp.
10/19
11/16
3/21
4/18
5/16
6/13
8/19
9/16
10/21
3/24
Balde, Daouda
6/30/27
--
_
--
--
--
--
A
A
P
A
Borgen, Horacio
6/30/25
-
_
A
A
P
P
P
A
A
P
Dennis, Maryann
6/30/25
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Kiche, Amos
6/30/25
-"
-"
�`
`"
--
_
--
--
_
P
Kivarkis, George
6/30/27
--
--
_
--
--
--
P
P
A
P
Krotz, Karol
6/30/27
P
P
A
A
P
P
A
P
P
A
Patel, Kiran
6/30/26
A
P
A
A
P
P
P
P
P
Pierce, James
6/30/26
P
P
A
P
P
P
A
P
A
Szecsei, Denise
6/30/25
_
P
P
P
P
A
P
A
P
I Vogel, Kyle
6/30/26
A
P
P
P
A
A
P
P
P
P
Key:
P = Present
A = Absent
* = Resigned
-- = Vacant
Item Number: 4.g.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
May 6, 2025
Human Rights Commission: April 1
Attachments: Human Rights Commission: April 1
Approved Minutes
Human Rights Commission
April 1, 2025
Emma J. Harvat Hall
Commissioners present: Doug Kollasch, Emily Harkin, Elizabeth Mendez Shannon, Mark Pries, Kelsey Paul
Shantz, Viana Qadoura.
Commissioners on Zoom: Lubna Mohamed.
Commissioners absent: Roger Lusala, Idriss Abdullahi.
Staff present: Tre Hall, Stefanie Bowers.
Recommendation to City Council: No.
Meeting called to order: 5:32 PM.
Native American Land Acknowledgement: Kollash read the Land Acknowledgement.
Public Comment of Items not on the Agenda: None.
Approval of meeting minutes of February 25, 2025: Pries moved, and Mendez Shannon seconded. Motion
passed 7-0.
Updates on Outreach and Engagement by the Police Department: Community Outreach Assistant, Tre Hall
reported that the police department's presentation on domestic violence was canceled due to an illness
and has not yet been rescheduled. Hall also spoke on Jess Lang's work with increasing the spots available
for safety village and EMS training with hopes to increase involvement. It was also mentioned that a
Community Police Academy will take place with the Coralville Police Department and will be held on
Mondays throughout the month of September. The outreach group will be increasing their outreach to the
unhoused community as the spring and summer months come around. They will also be hosting a booth for
national crime victim rights at the public library at 10 AM on April 12'". Hall concluded with an update that
the group is preparing for the upcoming Pride parade in June.
Mendez Shannon spoke to Trey Hall about meeting with Joshua Dabusu and their conversation on doing a
panel on Knowing Your Rights. Pries shared his church has been distributing red cards. Mendez Shannon
clarified the red cards share policies or procedures you can use if you have an encounter with ICE.
Correspondence: The Commission received correspondence about a community reading of Martin Luther
King's Beyond Vietnam Friday, April 0 at the Robert A Lee Recreation Center.
Know Your Rights Event: Mendez Shannon updated the commission that she met with the Englert Theatre. It
was discovered that they are interested in supporting an event that supports the community. Mendez Shannon
shared that they are not sure of the scope of the event. For example, Escucha Mi Voz shared they have a need
to share more information about rights through a speaker. Mendez Shannon shared ideas to support these
groups. One idea was to create a collation so there are more voices at the table. Mendez Shannon requested
permission from the commission. Paul -Shantz spoke up with support in the matter. Pries agreed. Mendez
Shannon said she would keep the commission updated on future events and progress.
Paul -Shantz spoke about trans rights being revoked by the state of Iowa. Paul -Shantz suggested drafting a
statement that addresses the issue and to add this to a future agenda. Pries asked if this statement would have
something to work from which Paul -Shantz assured there is an existing draft of a statement. The commission
discussed a date for a special meeting to finalize the statement. It was suggested to have the special meeting in
the next seven days, with virtual attendance as an option. It was agreed that the special meeting would take
place on Monday, April 7th at 10:00 AM.
Second Quarter Project: Kollasch brought up the idea that as the commission moves away from working in
committees it could be replaced with a community event. Paul -Shantz shared the idea of community circles
and developing community conversations. Paul -Shantz shared it would be a good way to connect different
areas and resources within the Iowa City community. Issues mentioned were food, housing, conflict resolution,
supporting youth, community building, non-violent community action, and mental health. Qadoura agreed this
would be a positive way to openly discuss with different groups on what is causing fear, what to look forward
to, different resources, and what to do in certain instances. Pries was in support of the idea. Qadoura asked if it
would be an open invitation to everyone or how it would look. Paul -Shantz expressed that she would prefer to
hold off on deciding how it would work until they are able to get some more information and share ideas.
Elections: It was agreed to defer elections to take place during a later meeting due to the absence of two
commission members (Abdullahi and Lusala).
Human Rights Grant: Qadoura and Mendez Shannon discussed their work visiting with current grant
recipients. Qadoura spoke of her experience with Houses into Homes where she took the Mariam Girl's
Club to help and learn about the organization. Qadoura was happy to see the organization works with
individuals in their program on a personal basis considering ethnic backgrounds, language barriers, and
more. Mendez Shannon also shared her experience with the group and her takeaway was the passion
behind the work they do at Houses into Homes. Mendez Shannon shared during this outreach they were
able to connect the Welcome Center with Houses into Homes for language assistance. Mendez Shannon
also reported it was requested that the commission help promote Houses into Homes on social media. The
group also asked about applying for future grants as a previous recipient. Mendez Shannon shared she was
pleased with the personal approach the Iowa City Food Pantry takes to meet the diverse needs of those
who use their services. Paul -Shantz shared she was happy to see the Indigenous Art Alliance was
continuing to work through political shifts in our area.
Kollasch asked Staff for updates on the current cycle of Human Rights Grant applicants. Staff reported
application must be in by 11:59 PM on April 1st. Staff also shared that commissioners should look out for an
email containing access information pertaining to the grant submissions. Staff stated that a list of applicants
would be shared with commissioners to ensure there are no conflicts of interest when it comes time to
review applications. Qadoura requested to have a printed copy of each application for ease of review. Staff
also discussed the turn around for the grant applications. The commission's next meeting will take place on
April 22nd. As the application window closes and the commission is able to review those submitted, they will
have a better idea on dates. Pries asked staff if applicants are receiving grants from the City or other
organizations are they still eligible for the grant. Staff referred to a memo in the packet addressing the
matter. It was read that City Council requires staff to provide additional information to boards and
commissions that award funding about which organization have received funding as a way to give
opportunity to additional organizations.
Staff & Commission Updates: Staff requested the commission send a budget proposal for events or
expenses that pertain to the second quarter project and the Know Your Rights event. Staff also shared that
depending on commission preference their usual meeting room can be changed from Harvat Hall to the
Helling Conference Room.
Qadoura inquired from staff on the Neighborhoods Centers of Johnson County Gala requesting two tickets
for herself and commissioner Mendez Shannon.
Pries announced his congregation wrote a grant for Dream City to help them get furniture. He also went tc
the Bike Library and saw their organization and wrote them a grant through his congregation as well. Pries
met with Sikowis Nobiss about Great Plains Action Center and spoke on their recent purchase of land on
Maiden Drive to build a facility for their organization. Pries met with the director of the North Liberty Food
Pantry and discussed their struggles with losing support from FEMA.
Kollasch shared the impact that current legislation has had on friends and family. Kollasch also wanted to
raise awareness that the Iowa senate has passed, and sent to the House, Bill 507 which prohibits any city or
county from having diversity, equity, and inclusion offices.
Qadoura reassured that all is hopeful, and we have to keep going and voicing for the voiceless. Qadoura
shared she has been busy hosting the Ramadan dinner, Iftar, for ICCSD students. She also shared she is
grateful for the support from the Superintendent and the Board of Education who have now attended the
dinners, along with commissioner Pries. Qadoura shared the dinner is about being a community and
breaking bread together and being proud of who you are. Qadoura also shared her experience hosting Hijab
Day sharing it was successful. As a board member of the Coralville Food Pantry Qadoura is involved in the
Community Meal at the Coralville Library being held this Friday, April 4th and encouraged commissioners to
attend. The final event Qadoura shared is a conference called Palestine Hope for Change taking place on
April 26th from Sam to 5pm. The conference will acknowledge the suffering of Palestinians and the ongoing
genocide.
Harkin shared March 315T was Trans Day of Visibility and the importance of trans lives. Harkin also touched
on April being National Fair Housing Month and the importance of a right to fair housing. She also pointed
out she appreciated a sentiment from the meeting "What others may need, others may have." Harkin also
attended the Night of 1,000 Dinners and shared that the event was enjoyable to attend.
Paul -Shantz mentioned she was in Nairobi for a workshop with Peace in Our Cities Network. Topics at the
workshop included data in technology and how you can track reports to use data to improve issues reported
on. The trip also involved going into informal settlements of Nairobi and speaking with those working with
youth to improve conditions and work with community members. Paul -Shantz also wanted to take time to
recognize other areas around the world have fought harmful regimes and she takes inspiration from that.
Pries asked Paul -Shantz to speak on compassion fatigue. She spoke on the idea that the fatigue is the point
and part of the attack on everyone and by recognizing that you can use it to fuel your passion for change.
Mendez Shannon wanted to reiterate that those herself and commissioner Qadoura visited with wanted to
be seen on social media and that the groups are excited about the work they are doing. She also spoke about
the state of the world impacting the community and the commission's work. Mendez Shannon shared her
work on a paper that addresses the experiences of undocumented individuals. Through this paper she
learned about resilience and that what you go through is preparing you for something else. She was also
reminded of the strength she sees in Iowa City and the impact the commission makes on the community.
Adjourned: 6:34PM.
The meeting can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/@citychannel4/videos.
4
Human Rights Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2024/2025
(Meeting Date)
NAME
TERM
EXP.
1/23
2/27
314
3/26
4/23
5/28
7/23
8/27
9/24
11/26
12/12
1/28
2/25
4/1
4/22
5/27
JahnaviPandya
2024
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
A
A
-
-
-
-
Emily Harkin
2027
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
P
-
P
P
X
Doug Kollasch
2027
X
X
X
X
X
X
Z
X
X
P
-
P
P
X
Viana Qadoura
2025
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
P
-
A
A
X
Idriss Abdullahi
2025
-
-
-
-
X
Z
X
Z
A
P
-
P
A
A
Mark Pries
2025
X
A
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
P
-
A
P
X
Roger Lusala
2026
X
X
X
A
X
X
X
X
X
P
-
P
P
A
Kelsey Paul Shantz
2026
X
X
X
X
Z
X
X
A
X
P
-
P
A
X
Liz Mendez -Shannon
2026
X
X
X
A
Z
X
X
A
X
A
-
P
P
X
Lubna Mohamed
2027
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Z
A
Z
KEY: X = Present
A = Absent
Z = Present via Zoom
Item Number: 4.h.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
May 6, 2025
Library Board of Trustees: March 27
Attachments: Library Board of Trustees: March 27
Iowa City Public Library Board of Trustees
Meeting Minutes
March 27, 2025
2nd Floor — Boardroom
Regular Meeting - 5:00 PM
FINAL
Tom Rocklin - President Bonnie Boothroy
Robin Paetzold
DJ Johnk — Vice President Joseph Massa
John Raeburn
Hannah Shultz -Secretary Claire Matthews
Dan Stevenson
Members Present: Bonnie Boothroy, DJ Johnk, Joseph Massa, Claire Matthews, Robin Paetzold, John
Raeburn, Tom Rocklin.
Members Absent: Hannah Shultz, Dan Stevenson.
Staff Present: Elsworth Carman, Anne Mangano, Brent Palmer, Jason Paulios, Angie Pilkington, Katie
Roche, Jen Royer.
Guests Present: Matt Gilchrist, Luna Johnk.
Call Meeting to Order. Rocklin called the meeting to order at 5:01 pm. A quorum was present.
Approval of March 27, 2025 Board Meeting Agenda. Johnk made a motion to approve
the March 27, 2025 board meeting agenda. Matthews seconded. Motion passed 7/0.
Rocklin proposed a change to the board meeting agenda and said the director evaluation discussion
would happen at the April meeting and the agenda entry should not include board action. Johnk made a
motion to revise the March 27, 2025 agenda as Rocklin proposed. Matthews seconded. Motion passed
7/0.
Public Discussion. None.
Items to be Discussed.
Policy Review: 505 Volunteers. Carman said Roche and Helmick worked on the policy review. Roche
said there aren't a lot of substantial changes to policy. Roche said in practice, the way we work with
volunteers is an ongoing conversation, but the policy related to it stands. Boothroy noted 505.5 and said
since this is a policy that is applicable for multiple years, Boothroy wondered if the last sentence needed
the phrase "with an annual event". Boothroy noted perhaps one year wouldn't be possible and we have a
If you will need disability -related accommodations in order to participate in this meeting, please contact Jen Royer, Iowa City
Public Library, at 379-887-6003 or iennifer-rover@icpl.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to
meet your access needs.
variety of ways of recognition. Boothroy suggested the last phrase could be dropped. Roche agreed.
Carman shared it was practical. Paetzold noted the proposed change to 505.1 and asked why certain
groups were eliminated and others added.
Gilchrist entered the meeting at 5:04 pm.
Roche said in practice the library is not working with as many community service clients. Roche said there
are not many personal development classes implemented in the volunteer program because there are
minimum requirements that need to be met. Roche said volunteers in classes have one or two hours of
service as opposed to the multiple hours that are needed at ICPL. Roche believed the requirement was 20
or 30 hours over a couple months at ICPL. Roche said the committee considered that special needs
populations are already part of the volunteer pool and don't need to be called out. Paetzold asked if
historically underserved and marginalized communities are part of the volunteer pool already. Roche said
yes, but other ICPL documents specifically indicate support for those populations.
Raeburn said in 505.1 D the language "suitable jobs" makes it sounds like employees. Raeburn suggested
using "appropriate activities" or something to that nature. Carman suggested tasks and Raeburn agreed.
Carman asked if Paetzold suggested the policy language should be changed. Paetzold said she was
mulling it over but did not recommend a change. Massa asked if 505.1 D was needed. Carman said a
positive challenge with volunteers is there are more requests than can be accommodated. Carman said he
wasn't part of the policy committee but thought there was merit to calling out historically underserved or
marginalized groups to help communicate saying yes to one volunteer and no to another. Carman said he
understood Massa's question and does think the policy could function without 505.1.D. Massa suggested
"provide meaningful experiences for groups and individuals who desire to volunteer as staffing permits
and suitable jobs or tasks are available". Roche said she and Helmick felt they were honoring the historic
institutional commitment to underserved and marginalized groups.
Paetzold shared she was not sure it belonged there, noting we want to provide meaningful experiences
for all volunteers. Matthews shared she agreed section D wasn't needed as C covered it. Matthews said
she loved it as a value, but it wasn't needed in the policy. Rocklin said D adds the idea that we will have
limited availability to provide the experiences as staffing permits and suitable tasks are available. Paetzold
felt it minimized instead of advocating for. Rocklin said he wasn't taking a position on whether to do that
or not and acknowledged that not every person that wants to volunteer can. Matthews asked can you tag
the language "as staffing permits..." to section A. Roche referred to line 505.32 that gives additional
information that is pertinent to the line. Paetzold asked Roche to clarify if she was proposing the
adjustment that Matthews suggested or the inclusion of D altogether. Paulios said more to Rocklin's point.
Roche said we can only meet those requests if we have availability. Paetzold asked if Roche was
suggesting no adjustment was needed or if she was supporting the removal of D. Roche said she is
comfortable with D staying because 505.32. Roche guessed that D was introduced to the policy because
of the kinds of ongoing requests the institution receives, and it is helpful to have in policy directly. Carman
noted Matthew's point was important, sharing the library's value statement and strategic plan reinforce
those ideas. Carman said if the policy doesn't feel like the right place for it, the idea wouldn't be lost.
Rocklin asked if staff should bring back the policy. Matthews asked the committee to consider if D is
necessary as it is covered in library values and the work done at the library every day. Roche said if 505.32
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Public Library, at 379-887-6003 or iennifer-royer@icpl.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to
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covers it, striking D is acceptable, and Carman feels like it is covered by value statements we could
proceed.
Boothroy noted Raeburn's point about using the word tasks instead of job. Boothroy asked the committee
to bat around the idea of position because it sounds like a job too. Boothroy said consider talking about
assigned tasks instead of a position in 505.32.
Rocklin asked the staff committee to bring the policy back at the next meeting.
Staff Reports.
Director's Report. Carman said he was hopeful to have an IMLS funding update but there wasn't much
more to share. There were many responses to the executive order arguing that IMLS is already compliant
because the funding goes to statutory functions; it's already core projects and programs. As more
information becomes available, Carman will loop the Board in. Carman said there are general legislation
updates. The 2nd funnel deadline is April 4, so by that date policy bills need to be passed by their home
committee and the assigned opposite chamber. Carman said the bills he is watching the most are HF880
(Enrich Iowa bill) and HF521 (obscenity exemption bill). Both are still functionally alive.
Pilkington exited the meeting at 5:18 pm.
Carman said SF493 (prohibits local governments from spending tax dollars on lobbyists) is still alive.
Carman had a conversation with City Attorney, Eric Goers, about impacts of SF 503 (Expands criteria for
open records eligibility for cities) on ALA and ILA work. Carman said there aren't clear answers at this
point. Carman said this point in the session is always a waiting game. Raeburn noted that news from the
house gets more publicity than news from the senate. Raeburn asked if the bills are alive in both the
house and senate. Carman said some bills that came earlier in the session are companion bills. Carman
said he thought both 880 and 521 have a senate component bill. Carman agreed it still has to process
through both groups.
Pilkington entered the meeting at 5:23 pm.
Raeburn said there was an assumption that this was a done deal and that when Trump issued legislation
in 2020 and 2016, there were two different executive orders. Raeburn shared he would like to know what
the stature is of US Code Title 20 Educational chapter 72 signed by Trump 12/31/2018. Raeburn noted
there was a second bill he would also like to know about. Carman agreed it could be included in the next
packet.
Departmental Reports: Adult Services. Raeburn noted language about the summer library program
and suggested an edit, noting library programs are not for staff. Carman clarified the trainings are for
library staff and agreed it could be more clear.
Paetzold and Boothroy appreciated the details of the report.
Community & Access Services. Helmick absent. Paetzold noted the library website showed the
Bookmobile had a few down days and asked if it was for regular maintenance or lifespan issues. Carman
shared some of the recent closures were weather related. Pilkington said one of the closures was for
regular maintenance and it was determined the back breaks needed repair. Pilkington said the
maintenance coincided with spring break and a majority of schools being closed.
If you will need disability -related accommodations in order to participate in this meeting, please contactlen Royer, Iowa City
Public Library, at 379-887-6003 or iennifer-royer@icpl.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to
meet your access needs.
Development Report. Roche said 200tickets for Bright Future had sold so far. Roche said she has seen an
extreme amount of generosity in the community and was very pleased. Roche shared she was happy with
the advocacy newsletter and the press release about IMLS. Rocklin encouraged Trustees to attend Bright
Future. Raeburn asked if there was news on the meeting of the two Finance committees. Roche said there
was a great conversation, and she was tasked with finding more information to move forward.
President's Report. Rocklin shared that Royer notified him a letter was mailed to him as Board
President from a law firm. Rocklin shared the library was mentioned in a will but there were no assets to
be distributed.
Announcements from Members. None.
Committee Reports.
Advocacy Committee. Paetzold shared the committee worked on a statement they'd like to have posted
in the library reinforcing library values. Paetzold said it was written during a period when there was more
happening with legislation and we're in a slightly different period now, but it brings up the question of
how to do this in a timely way. Paetzold asked Trustees for their response from the statement of values to
be posted in the front of the library. Paetzold noted there were two values in creating it. The first being to
share it with the community and the second to stand firm with staff.
Matthews said it stemmed from the letter the Board wrote in 2022, noting the statement was a short and
sweet version of that letter which she hoped would have graphic design. Matthews saw value in having a
bulleted list of what ICPL stands for instead of an essay, to have the same impact with more readability.
Rocklin shared he thought it was quite wonderful. Rocklin noted the board can't adopt the statement
because it was not on the agenda. Johnk suggested striking the words "we support" from every first
sentence. Matthews said in her imagination, on a poster, the words "we support" were in big letters and
underneath were the statements in smaller letters. Matthews said the committee didn't want it to state
"Iowa City Public Library Board of Trustees Values" at the top and shared she was open to ideas. Rocklin
noted there are library values in the strategic plan that are different. Rocklin suggested the title "At the
Iowa City Public Library we Support:" and then list the statements below. There was consensus among the
Trustees.
Boothroy supported the idea of a short statement that people would read. Boothroy said the phrase
parental choice is used regularly with school vouchers, noting it is a red flag phrase, and asked if there is
another way to convey this. Rocklin asked Carman if there is language that is more inclusive that refers to
adults that care for kids. Carman suggested caregiver in lieu of guardians, it is used in youth services
materials to be inclusive. Carman didn't have a suggestion to replace parental choice with. Rocklin
suggested family choice. Paetzold advocated for keeping parental choice because it is the argument used
against libraries. Paetzold said it supported the standing that libraries agree with parental choice too and
this is what it means to us. Matthews said that was also how the committee landed on local control as
well, it's a word that is thrown around a lot and means different things depending on who said it. Helmick
was also involved in that conversation and recommended it. Matthews shared she saw where Boothroy
was coming from, it is a private school idea.
Johnk & Johnk exited the meeting at 5:39 pm.
If you will need disability -related accommodations in order to participate in this meeting, please contactlen Royer, Iowa City
Public Library, at 379-887-6003 or iennifer-royer@icpl.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to
meet your access needs.
Paetzold noted there were pros and cons to using parental choice. Raeburn asked if librarians are certified
in the way teachers are noting professors are not certified. Carman said yes and having certification is part
of the accreditation standards. Carman said to be a certified librarian you have to send in your transcript
and maintain continuing education credits that are reported to the state library. A library having certified
librarians impacts the library's tier status. Paetzold noted some libraries have lost accreditation over it.
Johnk & Johnk entered the meeting at 5:41 pm.
Carman said there is a new board photo in the library lobby and the committee could consider using it as
a base for a complimentary design. Carman suggested having graphics work on the design. Matthews felt
it was not yet ready, noting indecision on parental choice. Paetzold wanted to deliberate on parental
choice and asked if parental choice is advocating for the school voucher system. Mangano said context is
important and depending on who is reading it how do you know what they're coming up with. Mangano
said she thinks the second sentence explains it. Mangano said parental choice is a phrase that many
libraries are using now to explain how people should be making choices to their own communities.
Mangano compared it to going to a supermarket and where there are a variety of things and it is up to
families to decide what to get. Mangano said phrases that staff use inside the library are very different
than ones used with community members. Boothroy said that makes sense, saying her filter is through the
school and that is not what is pertinent to a library. Paetzold said it is because Boothroy was speaking to a
population in the community.
Matthews asked if guardians should be scratched and caregivers should be used instead. There was
agreement. Carman said both local choice and parental control are phrases he uses intentionally to speak
with legislators and said it felt significant to use both phrases. Carman said it is also used to talk about
policy regularly when deciding if things should be managed differently, noting the importance of parental
choice. Boothroy said she was not opposed to the phrases because she didn't think it could be
misconstrued to mean the Iowa City Public Library supports school vouchers. Matthews asked if the bullet
points were in the right order. Johnk didn't imagine it going any other way. Raeburn asked if the
statement would be the library's credo. Rocklin suggested bringing the statement back to the next
meeting.
Paetzold asked the trustees as a body how to have flexibility to respond immediately. Paetzold said we
need to be more nimble. Rocklin agreed. Paetzold asked how the foundation responded so quickly. Roche
said the library was working to interpret what was happening and that info was requested and was put
into a press release. Paetzold asked if it came about because a staff person brought this or did Roche
need to get the approval of the body. Roche said the foundation adopted an advocacy position two years
ago and it is a part of the work the foundation does, there aren't special permissions that need to be
sought. Carman asked as long as foundation members support it that are in an advocacy role it goes
through. Roche said there is not an advocacy role on the foundation board, but the foundation board
supports advocacy work. Rocklin and Paetzold asked if the foundation empowered Roche to do that.
Roche agreed. Matthews said the library board doesn't have that structure. Matthews suggested Roche
should be in the advocacy committee meeting. Paetzold said no, it's private vs public, so it is an
interesting issue. Paetzold said she would like to know if there are other city boards that can move quickly,
or if they need to vote approval before it goes out. Rocklin said it is just the library and airport in terms of
autonomy. Paetzold said we've been in this position a few times and have been more nimble in the past
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Public Library, at 379-887-6003 or iennifer-royer@icpl.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to
meet your access needs.
calling emergency meetings. Paetzold said a system should be in place to be active. Carman said he would
ask some director groups.
Finance Committee. Massa said Roche summarized the finance committee meeting well. Massa said he
was the trustee rep for the finance committee and the foundation's finance committee. Carman said a
member of the foundation board attended, as well as Rocklin. They met and will have some options for
the board to look at in April. Massa said they are looking specifically at the undesignated gifts account,
with more to come.
Foundation Members. None.
Communications.
News Articles. Matthews appreciated the full coverage from news sources, and shared many more books
were pulled than the Des Moines Register article indicated, far more than 3,400 books were pulled.
Matthews said as of yesterday schools can put the books back on the shelves for now. The injunction is
now back in place and high schools are putting materials back out until another unset court date.
Consent Agenda. Boothroy made a motion to approve the consent agenda. Johnk seconded.
Motion passed 7/0.
Set Agenda Order for April Meeting. The nominations committee will present a slate of
officers, appointments to the foundation board will be made, there will be a discussion on board
recognition, policies on copy right, circulation policies, and volunteers will be reviewed, 3rd quarter
financial reports and statistics, director evaluation, and advocacy statement will be reviewed.
Carman proposed moving some policies to May. There was discussion about which items to move. Rocklin
said to move policy 801 to May and keep 814 and 809 for the April meeting.
Adjournment. Rocklin adjourned the meeting at 5:57 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Jen Royer
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Public Library, at 379-887-6003 or iennifer-royer@icpl.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to
meet your access needs.
:`.i% IOWA CITY
rjW PUBLIC LIBRARY
Board of Commissions: ICPL Board of Trustees
Attendance Record
Name
Term
Expiration
4/25/2024
5/23/2024
6/27/2024
7/25/2024
8/22/2024
9/26/2024
10/24/2024
11/21/2024
12/19/2024
1/23/2025
2/27/2025
3/27/2025
4/3/2025
4/24/2025
Boothro , Bonnie
6/30/2029
X
X
OE
OE
X
X
X
X
OE
X
X
X
X
Johnk, DJ
6/30/2025
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
OE
OE
X
X
OE
X
Massa, Joseph
6/30/2027
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
OE
X
X
X
X
X
X
Matthews, Claire
6/30/2023
OE
X
X
X
OE
X
X
X
O
X
X
X
X
X
Paetzold, Robin
6/30/2023
X
X
OE
OE
X
X
X
X
OE
X
X
X
X
X
Raeburn, John
6/30/2027
X
X
X
X
X
OE
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Rocklin, Tom
6/30/2025
X
X
X
X
X
OE
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Shultz, Hannah
6/30/2025
X
OE
OE
X
X
X
X
X
X
OE
X
OE
X
X
Stevenson, Daniel
6/30/2027
OE
X
X
X
X
X
OE
X
X
X
X
OE
X
X
KEY:
X Present
O Absent
OE Excused Absence
NM No Meeting Held
R Resigned
TE Term Expired
Item Number: 4.i.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
May 6, 2025
Library Board of Trustees: April 3
Attachments: Library Board of Trustees: April 3
Iowa City Public Library Board of Trustees
Meeting Minutes
April 3, 2025
2nd Floor — Boardroom
Special Meeting - 5:00 PM
FINAL
Tom Rocklin - President Bonnie Boothroy Robin Paetzold
DJ Johnk — Vice President Joseph Massa John Raeburn
Hannah Shultz -Secretary Claire Matthews Dan Stevenson
Members Present: Bonnie Boothroy, Joseph Massa, Claire Matthews, Robin Paetzold, John
Raeburn, Tom Rocklin, Hannah Shultz (remote), Dan Stevenson.
Members Absent: DJ Johnk.
Staff Present: Elsworth Carman, Karen Corbin, Anne Mangano, Brent Palmer, Jason Paulios, Angie
Pilkington, Katie Roche, Jen Royer.
Guests Present: Eric Goers.
Call Meeting to Order. Rocklin called the meeting to order at 5:00 pm. A quorum was present.
Approval of April 3, 2025 Board Meeting Agenda. Massa made a motion to approve the
April 3, 2025 board meeting agenda. Paetzold requested to move agenda item C (discussion on
employing a search firm) to the top of the agenda as it would affect items A & B (reviewing the position
description & announcement). Boothroy seconded. Motion passed 7/0, Shultz abstained.
Rocklin requested the board reconsider the order of the agenda items by moving item F (open meetings
and open records law, Eric Goers) to the top of the agenda. There were no objections.
Public Discussion. None.
Items to be Discussed.
Raeburn entered the meeting at 5:03 pm.
Open Meetings and Open Records Law, Eric Goers. Rocklin asked Goers to give an overview as the
board will operate under new Iowa open meetings and open records laws when hiring a director, noting
things have changed a bit in that domain. Goers introduced himself as city attorney for the City of Iowa
City. Goers explained historical procedures and shared for decades in Iowa the way searches for
positions directly hired by governmental bodies has gone is applicants have requested confidentiality,
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Public Library, at 379-887-6003 or iennifer-rover@icpl.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to
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and the governing body went into closed session to consider those applicants. At some point, finalists
were revealed in a public process, but almost never early in the screening process. Goers said there are
several reasons for this. Folks who are working for another employer may not want their present
employer to know they are looking for a different position. They also may not want to expose
themselves to public consideration of their resume and qualifications if they could avoid it. Goers said
that process has been done for decades without qualms.
Goers shared that recently the Iowa Court of Appeals has come down with an opinion, and the Iowa
Supreme Court with another. The open meetings case was related to the hiring of the Cedar Rapids City
Clerk, and it was concluded that unless there were specific and articulable negative things that would
irreparably harm the applicant's reputation then they could not go into closed sessions to consider the
hiring and firing of those candidates. Goers said, to be clear, the statute has always said something to
the effect of, if there is risk of irreparable harm to the candidate or person requesting to go into closed
session, that is the basis for closing. Goers said the word necessary has always been there and the court
of appeals has decided to focus on that now. Their opinion was that you could go into closed session
initially for each candidate but only to then determine what the specific and articulable things are that
would irreparably harm their reputation, which is not the best way to open a job interview. As a result, it
doesn't seem very practicable. The court of appeals, specifically in their opinion, considered the
possibility that boards would go in and out of open and closed sessions several times during one
interview, which does not seem very practical. Every time the board goes in closed session everyone
present would know there is something out there that might irreparably harm the candidate's
reputation, which leads to speculation. Similarly with open records, the Iowa Supreme Court case
concluded that application materials were not to be considered personnel records, because they are not
employees yet of the governing body hiring. It was determined the internal applicants don't count
either and the outside applicants enjoy some protection because it is communication with the
governmental body that is not required, and they may be discouraged from doing so if their
communication were to be made public. That is a specific exemption to open records law 22.7.18 which
has been there for a long time and the court said that made sense. This led to the somewhat perverse
outcome that internal applicants had their application materials exposed, and external applicants did
not, which seemed unbalanced. Goers said those are the challenges that have come up earlier this year.
Goers said city attorneys in Iowa are struggling to figure out what to do. The court of appeals' opinion
on open records has been appealed by Cedar Rapids, and the Iowa Supreme Court has accepted it for
further review. Goers said maybe by the end of the calendar year there could be a different answer, but
we're stuck with the law as it sits for the library director search process.
Goers said the penalty for violations are serious, a regular violation for every board member that votes
to go into closed session when it turns out they should not have is $500-$1,000 dollars. If it is a known
violation, it is $1,000 to $2,500 per board member, plus the attorney fees of the person challenging the
closed session. Those fees are paid personally by the board members who voted to go into closed
session. There is a House file 706 that has been proposed by Iowa Legislature to change the penalties to
$2,500 for innocuous violations and $5,000-$12,500 per board member paid from their personal funds if
it is a knowing violation. Goers said if it is done more than once the trustee(s) are ordered to be
removed from the governmental body. Goers said it is not a law to be messed with. Goers said this leads
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to some problems, any search expert or consultant would tell you that the disclosure of candidacy in
hiring is going to discourage many applicants for the reasons Goers mentioned previously. Goers said it
is a similar problem for evaluations. Goers said city attorney's throughout the state are struggling with
what to do about that as well. Goers said there are some options:
• Option one is that there could be a fully open process with all materials publicly available, you
would want to communicate with anyone who applied up front in the application materials that
anything submitted would likely be public and any interview process, screening, or selection of
candidates would be done in an open session. Goers said this probably won't help the candidate
pool.
• Option two is to delegate the authority to winnow the field of applicants to just a few finalists
that would be public. The authority could be delegated to a single person such as the board
president or to a small group that is less than a quorum. However, it is important that the small
group is not an official subcommittee because there are arguments to be made that if you
officially appoint that body, it would be an official subcommittee, and that body would be subject
to open meeting laws which would defeat the point.
• Option three is the board could delegate the board president, who in turn could select a few
volunteers from the board (totaling less than a quorum) and folks from outside the board, if that
is valuable to the process, who would then winnow the field to deliver final candidates to the
board in an open session.
• Option four is that option 3 could be taken a step further and that group could choose the final
candidate and bring it to the board for approval.
Option five is to hire a consultant or executive search firm. They would solicit applications and
narrow them down to a chosen number of finalists. Application materials would be shared from
internal candidates and the final decision would be made in open session.
Paetzold noted the previous director's search and asked how the second and fourth options differ.
Paetzold said in the past the consultant would go through the list of candidates and break down the
pool to a manageable number and have a first round of interviews. Paetzold said the second round of
interviews was public presentations with the finalists. Paetzold said other than the first round having to
be open to the public now there wouldn't be a difference. Goers said he thought that was probably
right. Goers shared he was involved in the hiring process for Carman, noting it had been a number of
years and he couldn't recall all of the details, but he remembered a search firm was involved. Goers
wasn't able to recall on his own whether they had done an initial screening. Paetzold said the firm did an
initial screening and the committee did a second screening to ensure candidates were meeting the basic
qualifications. Paetzold said they then did a video round of interviews and brought it down to three final
candidates who then presented in public, though the discussion was not open to the public. Paetzold
said with the current options the process would be the same, but the discussion would have to be public
now. Paetzold asked Goers, does public mean public for viewing or can an attendant participate? Goers
said you wouldn't need to allow the public to participate but the meetings would need to be open to
the public. Goers noted there were no members of the public present at the current Board meeting but
there could be cameras rolling to share with news outlets. Paetzold said in the past there was a
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question -and -answer period during the finalist presentations. Goers agreed and said he would have
expected the committee to narrow the field to Carman in closed session.
Rocklin asked if that smaller group, which was called a committee last time but would not be called that
now, would be a conflict now anytime they got together. Goers said it cannot be an official committee.
Rocklin said it can be a group of volunteers. Goers said what he would want to see, if going the route of
having the president solicit volunteers, that would probably be not sitting around the board table, that
would be the president going home and getting on the phone and talking to people. Paetzold asked if
libraries follow the same category as city employers with this, noting the library is slightly more
autonomous than a city clerk would be. Paetzold asked if libraries have any additional flexibility. Goers
said the library is a governmental body, and it's because the library is semiautonomous that makes the
argument even more powerful that this should be open to the public. Goers said the library board is
entirely in control. Goes said this also applies to the city council and all 23 of the boards and
commissions. Goers said when there are two city council members on economic development or bylaws
committees, they are open and notice is posted. Goers said all these rules would apply to the library
board. Rocklin said if we had an official committee, it's not just that anyone can attend but there is a
notice required, and you've got to stick to the published agenda.
Carman asked if the board were to appoint a director in lieu of a traditional interview process how that
would change the process. Goers said he wasn't sure that it would change anything, if the board wanted
to discuss a particular candidate it would have to happen in open session. Goers said this is a tricky
thing and in the city there are only five employees to which this applies because they report to a
governmental body: the library director, airport manager, city manager, city clerk, and city attorney.
Goers said the City of Iowa City has around 1,000 employees and this only applies to 5.
Pilkington said if an outside group reviewed candidates and was not subject to open meetings laws,
could the leadership team narrow down the candidates for the library director and present it to the
board. Goers asked if it was Pilkington's vision that the board would delegate authority to the library
leadership team to do the winnowing in Pilkington's hypothetical scenario. Pilkington agreed. Goers said
he thought that could be done because the leadership team would not be part of the board, so it
wouldn't violate open meetings laws. Pilkington asked if that occurred if applications would not need to
be open to the public. Goers said he wouldn't agree with that, especially the internal candidates. Goers
said that the breakdown in the Iowa Supreme Court case was external applicants can remain private but
internal applicants is open to the public because they are not outside of government.
Boothroy asked when all of this went into effect. Goers said he believed January 2025. Goers said there
were two cases this calendar year and they are all recent. Boothroy said there wouldn't be people in the
state we could turn to and ask how they did it. Goers said he has been making those calls and there is
no silver bullet. Goers said everyone in Iowa is struggling and all are trying to choose the least bad
option. Goers said a lot of the conversations have been centered around evaluations, and the same set
of rules apply.
Paetzold clarified any conversation the board would have with a consultant would be public, and asked
but any conversation a consultant had with an applicant would not be public. Goers said he would want
the board to have buy in with the selection of the consultant. Paetzold agreed but said once a
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consultant is hired, conversations with a consultant would be had in a quorum and open, but a
conversation that a consultant would have representing the applicants would be within their own
domain. Goers said a lot of this comes down to subject matter. Goers agreed that meeting with a
consultant to share values, or candidate profiles the board would like to see that should be done in
public. Goers said a lot of it comes down to if there is quorum having the discussion. Goers said if it is
the governmental body having the discussion it would have to be public. Rocklin said if it is a smaller
group that is not a committee meeting with the consultant it can be done in private. Goers said he
believed that is correct.
Goers said there is another case, Hutchison v. Shull, that talks about agency in a serial meeting. Goers
said you can't have an agent, such as the board president, talk to board member #1 and ask what they
think, then go to board member #2 to see what they think. Goers said discussion through an agent is a
violation. Rocklin asked if there is a get out of a jail free card if the board is following city attorney's
advice. Goers said in years past, the city attorney's office has written a memo to the board stating their
belief that you can go into closed session based on Iowa Code and that is the get out of jail free card.
The board can say they relied on the opinion of counsel. Goers said they can't write that letter anymore.
Rocklin said if the board forms a group of volunteers on Goers legal advice, and someone says the
board was clearly evading the open meetings law in doing so. Goers said he understood Rocklin's point.
Goers said he thinks he could still write that memo if that would be valuable to the board. Matthews
asked if there were a small group of three in closed session to winnow the candidates down, and their
recommendation went to another small group to finalize the candidates could that be in closed
meeting. Goers said if it is not a governmental body no open meetings are required. If a governmental
body meets then open meeting laws would apply. Rocklin thanked Goers for his help.
Goers exited the meeting at 5:27 pm.
Search for Library Director: Discussion on Employing a Search Firm. Rocklin asked Paetzold to speak
to the group as the only Trustee who has been through a director hire. Paetzold said Mangano and
Paulios were also on the committee last time.
Paetzold said there are firms that specialize in library specific searches. Last time the Board put out a bid
for their services and received 8 bids with different specializations. Paetzold said they selected Bradbury,
which was not the least expensive but had excellent references and a menu of services. Paetzold said in
all honesty some mistakes were made, and the committee learned a lot. In the end the committee got a
lot of applicants. Bradbury helped to define thejob description, advertise the position, collect
applications, screen candidates, remove candidates from the pool who did not meet the minimum
requirements, and helped the committee select who to interview. The hiring committee had to be small
so as not to have a quorum. The committee discussed the initial interview and selected who to invite for
finalist interviews. The three finalist interviews were done on the same night and included a presentation
to the public. Finalists then later met with the board and library staff, and got a city tour. The consultant
helped negotiate with the final candidate and acted as their broker. The committee then brought a final
decision to the board for a vote and the entire process took 8 or 9 months. Paetzold said it was
expensive but other libraries who did not use consultants have affirmed they were at a disadvantage.
Paetzold said that former director, Susan Craig, warned the committee the public would want to be very
involved, they care, and the Iowa City community is very committed to their library. Paetzold said
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Paulios was the Union representative at the time and Mangano was the management representative.
Rocklin said there were three trustees and two staff members last time on the committee. Paetzold
shared HR and legal were there to advise and represent the city.
Carman said every director transition is complex, and that this situation is very different than when Craig
left because she was a legacy director. Carman said there was a lot of thought on how to transition from
a long-term director to a new director. Carman said that experience is an advantage this time around as
many staff are still around from the previous transition to help make it easier. Carman said ICPL is now
more nationally involved through groups like Urban Library Council, and the reach of the leadership
team has increased. Carman said Bradbury was exceptional to work with and was a positive experience
as a candidate in both Iowa City and Marion.
Carman said Craig's vacancy was planned far in advance and payment for the consultant came from the
operating budget. Carman said he did not plan for a hiring consultant in the operating budget. Carman
said there is some consultant money in the administrative budget. Carman said the library has
essentially committed, pending board approval, $45,000 of the NOBU Budget to the carpet replacement
CIP. Royer said there is roughly $20,000 from Enrich Iowa that was not spent during COVID. Carman
said there are no unallocated funds in the current fiscal year budget. There was further discussion about
travel costs and where Bradbury was based out of.
Paetzold said because of the attention on Iowa libraries, a search firm might be a good communicator
of the unique aspects of Iowa for out of state candidates. Rocklin said he was initially focusing on speed
which mitigated against a firm, but he shared he was becoming convinced of the need to accept it is
going to take time and get the help. Rocklin said it is a little different if you're embedded in an
organization that has staff to do these functions, but we don't have that. Paetzold agreed that was a
valid point, it would take a full time staff person to handle the logistics. Paulios agreed the public would
want to know and staff would as well. Paulios said he has been thinking about how tricky it was to
navigate, taking feedback and help stakeholders understand the process. Paetzold said the public
process was important because we have a lot of people who invest financially in the library and it gave
them an avenue to be involved.
Rocklin asked if the last committee brought a single name to the board to act on. Paetzold said they did
but there was an avenue for conversation. Paetzold said there were three finalists and two candidates
that were close and one candidate that fell out. Paetzold said the group came to a consensus in the end.
Paetzold said it was the process of the conversation that would be difficult now. Rocklin said he didn't
see a way around it, we're going to have to sit with the public present and say I prefer candidate A but I
could live with candidate B.
Roche said she heard about conversations with donors post interview process and came to the meeting
hoping to suggest that the Foundation have a seat on the hiring committee but asked if that made it
more complicated. Paetzold said it made it more complicated and said it is the responsibility of the
library board. There was discussion about how the staff representatives were chosen. Massa shared
there are library board members who are also on the foundation board for representation. Boothroy
said Trustees could solicit feedback from the foundation on their values.
Carman said centering the board decision from the beginning is wise and sets the tone. Carman said
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most director transitions are going to have some ups and downs and won't be super smooth. Having a
group that has ownership over the decision and working together to come to a conclusion is powerful.
Balancing an open process with the community and allowing the group to own the work is important.
Carman said the board is uniquely qualified for that and they are a diverse group united by a passion for
ICPL. Paetzold said the board has overseen strategy for last few years and they are responsible to the
staff for that strategy. Matthews asked if this is the final year of the strategic plan. Paetzold agreed.
Matthews said there will be an overlap of a new director and a new strategic plan. Matthews said that is
great but in the meantime it's an ambiguous moment, an incoming director would have ownership in
strategic process which is important, but there is a tricky gap there. There was further discussion.
Rocklin asked trustees their thoughts on using a search committee. Matthews said she felt strongly a
search firm should be used because of the open records, noting if one is not used early candidates
would be public information. Rocklin said external applications would not be open to the public, internal
applications would be available. Matthews said there was strength in getting that for the candidate pool
because a search firm would be able to maintain a level of confidentiality. Massa said a search firm
would cast a wide net and take care of organizational paperwork. Rocklin said the board's task would be
to create an RFP which would add time without a director. Matthews said if the money is reorganized to
pay for a search firm would it then fall on an interim director at the start of a new fiscal year to
determine the finances. Carman said there is time now, the leadership team could provide
recommendations. Boothroy said if using a search firm, it should include that they consult in advance
with the city attorney, so they understand the changes to Iowa law. Rocklin agreed. Paetzold asked if
Goers made a recommendation when Rocklin met with him as to whether to use a firm. Rocklin said no.
Stevenson made a motion to create a proposal for a search consultant to hire a library director. Massa
seconded. Motion passed 7/0, Shultz abstained. Rocklin said he will identify a small group of volunteers
to develop an RFP for a search firm to assist the board in the search for a library director.
Pilkington exited the meeting at 5:58 pm.
Paetzold asked Carman when his last day will be. Carman replied it is not confirmed yet but likely May
9tn or May 16tn
Search for Library Director: Review of Position Description. None.
Search for Library Director: Review of the Job Announcement Used in the Last Search. None.
Search for Library Director: Advertising Strategy. None.
Search for Library Director: Composition of the Search Committee. Rocklin asked what sort of
volunteers he should look for. Paetzold said continuity for the whole process was important. Matthews,
Rocklin, and Stevenson felt staff should be included. Matthews asked if it was valuable to have a
representative for the staff and for management last time. Pilkington said the union will want to be on it.
Mangano said last time staff selected a person to represent themselves and management did as well.
Mangano said to keep in mind, it's important to be up front with staff about what cannot be shared,
stating there is a lot of pressure on the two employees to share. Last time staff felt the two employees
on the committee were not being forthright when they both had to sign a nondisclosure agreement.
Paulios noted that peers saw the public interviews and had limited information, they did not see 1/4 of
the private interviews which informed the decision. Paulios said it could feel like a no -win situation.
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Rocklin said it is an unfortunate and unavoidable fact of these processes. Rocklin said for the
management representative that is a leadership function, for the non -management representative that
is hard. Roche said there are ways to build confidence in the process where you're not sharing details
but sharing how the process is advancing. Mangano said what we didn't have then but have now is a
communication committee. Mangano said if the board needs assistance in disseminating information to
staff they can help.
Rocklin said it always takes courage for an internal candidate to apply, and that will be especially true
knowing that everything submitted will be discoverable. Rocklin encouraged any internal candidates
who are considering applying to gird yourself and apply. Rocklin said it is a fantastic job and ICPL has
fantastic talent. Matthews said a lot will stay the same, but it is a very different library climate. This is the
post-covid years and we're in a whole new world. Carman said the intersection of everything being more
discoverable with the attempted nullification of library professionals in our state is complex and will
impact the candidate pool. Carman said that savvy candidates will have a lot of questions. Rocklin said
that is going to be an important conversation with the search firm.
Matthews noted the director job description does not include advocacy which has been a huge part of
the job. Pilkington said it will be interesting to see what can be done with the job description because
the city was adamant that we accept the job descriptions that they paid a firm to create. Pilkington said
the board should have a conversation with HR and the city manager before making changes. Rocklin
said there will not be a lot of latitude on changing the job description. Carman said the big pieces are
represented but the announcement is another place where more context about the position can be
shared. Rocklin said that it is a place to share great things about the Iowa City community and the
library.
Rocklin said there was no need to vote as there would not be a search committee. Rocklin said he would
be in touch with some trustees to ask them to work on this project. Rocklin will consult with Carman to
identify one staff and one management representative.
Process for Appointing an Interim Director. Rocklin said this agenda item does not need to be done
now as there is a library director through the April board meeting. Rocklin said Mangano regularly is the
acting director when Carman is out. Rocklin said Mangano is a logical person to ask to serve in that role.
Rocklin said he was open to discussion or could consult with Carman for suggestions. Paetzold and
Stevenson supported Mangano as Interim Director. Matthews said the Interim Director needs to be
someone who can support that role for a long time and can make sure operations are functional.
Paetzold said there will be savings from the director being gone. Rocklin said you can use that for
backfill. Carman said his directive from the city is that the bottom line of the budget must balance, with
an aspiration that the sections of the budget balance. Carman said he would advocate for the interim
director to have increased compensation.
Adjournment. Rocklin adjourned the meeting at 6:16 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Jen Royer
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:`.i% IOWA CITY
rjW PUBLIC LIBRARY
Board of Commissions: ICPL Board of Trustees
Attendance Record
Name
Term
Expiration
4/25/2024
5/23/2024
6/27/2024
7/25/2024
8/22/2024
9/26/2024
10/24/2024
11/21/2024
12/19/2024
1/23/2025
2/27/2025
3/27/2025
4/3/2025
4/24/2025
Boothro , Bonnie
6/30/2029
X
X
OE
OE
X
X
X
X
OE
X
X
X
X
Johnk, DJ
6/30/2025
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
OE
OE
X
X
OE
X
Massa, Joseph
6/30/2027
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
OE
X
X
X
X
X
X
Matthews, Claire
6/30/2023
OE
X
X
X
OE
X
X
X
O
X
X
X
X
X
Paetzold, Robin
6/30/2023
X
X
OE
OE
X
X
X
X
OE
X
X
X
X
X
Raeburn, John
6/30/2027
X
X
X
X
X
OE
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Rocklin, Tom
6/30/2025
X
X
X
X
X
OE
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Shultz, Hannah
6/30/2025
X
OE
OE
X
X
X
X
X
X
OE
X
OE
X
X
Stevenson, Daniel
6/30/2027
OE
X
X
X
X
X
OE
X
X
X
X
OE
X
X
KEY:
X Present
O Absent
OE Excused Absence
NM No Meeting Held
R Resigned
TE Term Expired
Item Number: 4.j.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
May 6, 2025
Parks & Recreation Commission: March 12
Attachments: Parks & Recreation Commission: March 12
IOWA CITY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED
MINUTES OF MARCH 12, 2025
THE NED ASHTON HOUSE
Members Present: Connie Moore, Brian Morelli, Missie Forbes, Michael Gaunt, Virginia
Hayes, Jeff Mallory, Rachel McPherson, Caleb Recker, Alex Stanton
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Juli Seydell Johnson, Brad Barker, Gabe Gotera, Malory Smysor
Others Present: None
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Moore called the meeting to order at 5:02 p.m.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (to become effective only after separate Council
action):
None
OTHER FORMAL ACTION:
Moved by Mallory, seconded by Gaunt, to approve the January 8, 2025, minutes. Motion
passed 8-0 (Haves absent).
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
None
REPORT ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF:
Parks and Recreation Director — Juli Seydell Johnson
City Park Pool: Dir. Seydell Johnson announces that the City Park Pool project is out to bid.
Seydell Johnson says that the pre -bid meeting, where contractors can ask questions, had a good
turnout despite there being a blizzard that day. There were nine general contractors and several
sub -contractors in attendance, asking a lot of good questions. The bid is open until Tuesday,
March 25, 2025.
Dir. Seydell Johnson says that earlier that morning, staff were at City Park Pool, confirming that
the facility could reopen if the bids are not good. Seydell Johnson explains that due to the
political climate and federal changes, contractor bids are in a sporadic state. Staff does not know
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
March 12, 2025
Page 2 of 7
how these factors will affect a project of this scale, from tariffs to construction companies not
having enough employees due to their reliance on employees with work visa.
Vice -Chairman Morelli asks how much the pool design has changed since the initial proposal.
Dir. Seydell Johnson explains that the design approved by City Council, was "Design A" with
the open option to split the large pool into two. Since then, the only major change to the design
was that the pool was split and flipped in the design, making it a mirror image of what was
initially shown as "Design A". Morelli asks if the size of the pool or the number of lanes offered
has changed. Seydell Johnson responds that the number of lanes has stayed the same since
Council approval and that the size of the pool has not changed by a significant margin.
Facilities: Dir. Seydell Johnson announces that the Ned Ashton House will be getting a new roof.
The construction crew has been given the go-ahead to start work, which is expected to last only a
few days. Seydell Johnson explains that staff are excited as they have been trying to get a new
roof for the Ned Ashton House for several years now.
Commissioner Hayes arrives at 5:05 p.m.
Parks: Dir. Seydell Johnson announces that the Parks & Forestry division has ten International
Society of Agriculture certified arborists on staff. This would include all of the division's
Forestry staff and several Parks staff. Three of the arborists were certified as recently as February
2025. Seydell Johnson announces that Alex Lorack, Assistant Superintendent of Parks &
Forestry, has become a Certified Parks and Recreation Profession (CPRP) through the National
Recreation and Parks Association. Seydell Johnson explains that these certifications raise the
quality, professionalism, and the significance of staff's decision -making regarding trees.
Dir. Seydell Johnson asks Commissioner Hayes for any context for being a Certified Arborists.
Hayes explains that there is a broad spectrum of education needed to pass the necessary exams.
Dir. Seydell Johnson states that Parks & Forestry staff have pruned around 2,000 trees during the
winter season. A common question from the public is "Why are newer trees are being trimmed".
Seydell Johnson explains that staff start pruning trees when they're young so that they grow in
the correct directions and avoid running into problems down the line. Seydell Johnson adds that
most of the trees in the Parks system have also been pruned.
Dir. Seydell Johnson says that most of the seasonal staff have been hired for Parks, Forestry,
Athletic Fields, and Cemetery. The seasonal staff will help with the increased workload for the
summer season.
Dir. Seydell Johnson announces that the prescribed burns in the parks have begun the previous
day. During the first day, there were burns in three small areas in Hickory Hill Park. On the
second day, there were burns in two different locations. Seydell Johnson explains that staff are
closely watching the Red Flag Warning. Seydell Johnson explains that it can be difficult to
scheduled burns for specific times at specific locations, as the burns are heavily dependent on
weather conditions such as wind. The weather conditions are changing daily and sometimes
hourly. With the capable staff and equipment on hand, a small burn can be done when there are
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
March 12, 2025
Page 3 of 7
limited hours of good conditions. Seydell Johnson says that the burns are helping the quality of
prairies across the city.
Park Projects: Dir. Seydell Johnson announces that the project for the Ashton House Grounds is
out to bid. Seydell Johnson reminds that this project is funded with a Resource and
Environmental Protection (REAP) Grant of $200,000. The project will see the installation of
several amenities to the Ashton House Grounds. Amenities will include but are not limited to:
• A bird blind installed by the Iowa River. This is the first bird bind in Iowa City Parks and
will be accessible by the nearby paved trail.
• A fire pit, accessible by the paved trail.
• A new trail entrance on Normandy Drive, adding a new accessible trail connection to the
back of the house. This should help relieve conjugation during drop-offs and allow for
street parking.
• A bike repair station and bike racks.
• Additional benches on the paved trail.
Seydell Johnson states that the projects bids are due the following week, reiterating that the
REAP grant will fund $200,000 of the project.
Recreation Superintendent — Brad Barker
Staffing: Supt. Barker explains that due to the uncertainty related to the City Park Pool project
bids, Recreation supervisors are in a holding pattern regarding hiring City Park Pool staff such as
lifeguards or front desk workers. Recreation is still receiving applications for such positions so
Caylea Housh, Aquatics Program Supervisor, is informing them of the tentative nature of the
2025 City Park Pool season and that more information will be known after the project bids are
complete. If the bids are not acceptable, and City Park Pool will remain open for one more
season. Recreation is positioning themselves to make a quick pivot and conduct a mass hiring to
have enough lifeguards on staff. Barker notes that currently, there are enough lifeguards to
complete year-round pool operations.
Supt. Barker states that Recreation is still on a holding pattern for the STEAM, Arts, and Nature
Recreation Program Supervisor position, who would normally oversee the Summer Camp
program. Adaptive and Inclusive Recreation (AIR) Recreation Program Supervisor Malory
Smysor has been assisting Barker and Assistant Recreation Supt. Matt Eidahl with planning for
the summer camp. Barker says that Summer Camp registration has been going well, firmly
capped at 240 campers. Across eight weeks, that entails a capacity of 30 campers per weekly
session. After a week of registration, there are 200 campers enrolled. Barker expects the program
to fill up within the next few weeks.
Recreation Programming: Supt. Barker says that the Recreation Division is wrapping up the first
half of the Winter/Spring season. Spring break will typically have less programming before
ramping up the number of sessions available for Spring. Barker has been working with Special
Events Recreation Program Supervisor, Bill Lane, and City Communication staff to make, for the
first time, a midseason program guide. This program guide would be much smaller than the
standard recreation guide and will include information on upcoming events and programs. The
standard Winter/Spring recreation guide is released in December, so many patrons only look at it
right away and forgot to keep the Spring events in mind. Barker says that the midseason guide
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
March 12, 2025
Page 4 of 7
will be made in-house and will be available to pick up at the Recreation Centers and the Public
Library.
Supt. Barker announces that summer registration will begin April 15, 2025, for Iowa City
residents and April 16, 2025, for non-residents. Staff have completed the final draft for the
Summer Recreation Guide, which is expected to release in the next few weeks, right before
registration opens.
Supt. Barker says that the Community Garden Plots have been open for renewal for several
weeks. Barker explains that the garden plots have always been very popular and that of the 271
plots available, 214 plots have been renewed. Trends show that annually, roughly 80% of the
plots are renewed. On March 18, 2025, the remaining 20% of garden plots will become available
for public registration. Barker expects the remaining garden plots to fill up very quickly.
Commissioner Mallory asks for more details regarding what the Community Garden Plots are
for. Supt. Barker explains that for people without the space for their own garden, these plots give
community members the opportunity to plant and harvest their own produce. Dir. Seydell
Johnson clarifies that the public rents individual plots and take their own produce as opposed to a
singular larger communal planting space. Mallory asks what parks have garden plots. Barker
responds that Chadek Green Park has 115 plots, Wetherby Park has 110 plots, Kiwanis Park has
30 plots, and Reno Street Park has 16 plots.
Dir. Seydell Johnson adds that recently, there were two unexpected closures of the Robert A. Lee
pool, both being fecal incidents during swim lessons. When this occurs, the pool must be closed
for at least 24 hours. This time frame allows time for the pool to be shocked and sanitized
sufficiently before the chlorine level is lowered back to an amount safe for swimming. Seydell
Johnson says that nothing can be done for this except for reminding parents to take their children
to the restroom before getting in the water. Seydell Johnson does note the advantage of having
three separate pools at City Park Pool, which would allow for two other pools to operate
normally, while one is closed for shocking.
CHAIRS REPORT:
None
COMMISSION TIME/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
Commissioner Recker, regarding the City of Iowa City website, asks if the city leads the way on
decisions of when the website is reviewed or when the website could be rebuilt using a different
platform. Recker explains that a common question heard from the community, is that the website
is not friendly to navigate or is effective as other websites. Recker's asks generally, what input
was gathered on the website, when was the website created, when could the website next be
overhauled.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
March 12, 2025
Page 5 of 7
Dir. Seydell Johnson explains that the city website is run by the City Communications division,
under the City Manager's office. The Parks and Recreation specific pages are updated by the
Parks and Recreation staff, while the content on the larger website is city-wide. Seydell Johnson
says that if there is specific content on the Parks and Recreation pages that people are having
trouble with, then department staff can edit/rearrange those webpages. Seydell Johnson recalls
that two to three years prior, there was a city-wide effort to completely overhaul the website.
Seydell Johnson says that currently, there is an ongoing process ongoing of looking through
every document to ensure that they are all ADA compliant, which will change a lot of websites
overall. Seydell Johnson expects there not to be another major overhaul of the website for at least
another five years. Supt. Barker adds that by April 2026, all municipal, state, and federal
websites must be fully ADA complaint. Because of this, the City's Communication division is
being proactive with getting all necessary items including, PDF files, images, linked documents,
and linked websites, fully complaint by the April 2026 deadline. Barker explains further that any
third -party websites that are linked from the city website, will also need to be complaint on their
end.
Supt. Barker asks Commissioner Recker if the troubles that the community members described
were more general or specific to Parks and Recreation. Recker responds that the issues seemed
more general but says that he can get more information on that. Commissioner Forbes says that
she uses the city website all the time and finds it generally to not be intuitive. Commissioner
Stanton, as someone who regularly works with the government, says that he hears similar
complaints about the Johnson County website. Stanton says that it can be difficult to refer a
specific piece of information to someone when it is six -clicks deep into the website. Stanton
affirms that the move to make a website ADA complaint is a major overhaul and that while it is
better, the website remains not easily navigable. Recker says that while he understands and
appreciates the difficulties with maintaining the website, he iterates that if website navigation is a
commonly heard complaint, then it's likely for people to get frustrated by the website design and
end up not registering for events and programs. Forbes asks if there are ways for community
members to register for classes physically or over the phone. Dir. Seydell Johnson confirms that
these are acceptable methods to register for programs. Recker says that his recommendation for
people having trouble with the website is to call the recreation center directly.
Commissioner Mallory asks if the Recreation division is Red Cross certified for lifeguard
training. Dir. Seydell Johnson affirms that the division is certified. Mallory says that while he
was looking at the Iowa Parks and Recreation Association website, he did not see Iowa City on a
list of American Red Cross classes. Seydell Johnson reiterates that the division is a Red Cross
provider. Supt. Barker says that he will investigate this.
Commissioner McPherson says that she was not in attendance for the January 2025 Parks and
Recreation Commission meeting, noting that she had missed the introductions of the new
Commission members. Chairman Moore asks Commissioners Gaunt and Mallory to detail their
favorite Iowa City park. Mallory says that his favorite park may be biased as he lives near both
the Pappy Dickens Preserve and Hickory Hill Park. Mallory says that he is amazed by the
number of parks and that he thinks the department is doing a great job regarding the parks. Gaunt
says that he lives near Wetherby Park, which is nice, but that when growing up, Hickory Hill
Park was his favorite by far.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
March 12, 2025
Page 6 of 7
Commissioner McPherson explains that recently, a community member that lives near James
Alan McPherson (JAM) Park had a child that passed away. McPherson asks if it would be
possible to install a bench in JAM Park, commemorating the child. Dir. Seydell Johnson
responds that the department does have a Memorial Bench program. Unfortunately, the program
is closed to applications after reaching its maximum capacity for the year. Seydell Johnson
explains that the department commissions five memorial benches a year, and that the memorial
bench would cost $1,500. Seydell Johnson recommends reaching out to Administrative
Coordinator Gabe Gotera, who is the contact for the Memorial Bench and Memorial Tree
programs.
Chairman Moore says that she has looked at the Memorial Bench application and noted that
there were only certain parks offered as options. Moore ask if someone can request for their
memorial bench to be in a park not listed on the application. Dir. Seydell Johnson explains that
someone can request for a specific park, but notes that memorial benches will not be considered
for the Terry Trueblood Recreation Area or for Hickory Hill Park. This is due to the number of
memorial benches at each of those locations. The Parks division is trying to spread the memorial
benches across the park system.
Chairman Moore, in lieu of a community member, asks why there are no tree swallow houses at
Waterworks Park this year and who can they speak to about it. Dir. Seydell Johnson explains that
there is a community volunteer who puts up the houses and that she is unaware of why he has not
done so recently. Seydell Johnson recommends for Moore and the community member to reach
out to the Parks and Forestry Superintendent, Tyler Baird, who can help to get in contact with
this volunteer.
ADJOURNMENT:
Moved by Gaunt, second by Mallow, to adiourn the meeting at 5:24 p.m. Motion passed
9-0.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
March 12, 2025
Page 7 of 7
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
NAME
N
o
N
0
N
0
N
0
N
0
N
0
N
0
N
0
�
N
0
kn
N
0
kn
N
0
kn
N
0
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
TERM
EXPIRES
Missie
12/31/25
O/E
NM
NM
X
O/E
X
NM
O/E
NM
X
NM
X
Forbes
Michael
12/31/28
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
X
NM
X
Gaunt
Virginia
12/31/27
X
NM
NM
X
X
O/E
NM
O/E
NM
X
NM
X
Hayes
Jeff
12/31/28
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
X
NM
X
Mallory
Rachel
12/31/26
X
NM
NM
X
O/E
O/E
NM
X
NM
O/E
NM
X
McPherson
Connie
12/31/25
X
NM
NM
X
X
X
NM
X
NM
X
NM
X
Moore
Brian
12/31/25
X
NM
NM
X
X
X
NM
X
NM
X
NM
X
Morelli
Caleb
12/31/26
O/E
NM
NM
X
O/E
X
NM
X
NM
X
NM
X
Recker
Alex
12/31/27
O/E
NM
NM
O/E
X
X
NM
X
NM
O/E
NM
X
Stanton
KEY: X = Present O = Absent O/E = Absent/Excused NM = No meeting
LQ = No meeting due to lack of quorum * = Not a member during this meeting
Item Number: 4.k.
a
CITY OF IOWA CITY
"QR T-4 COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
May 6, 2025
Public Art Advisory Committee: February 6
Attachments: Public Art Advisory Committee: February 6
Final, p.1
Public Art Advisory Committee Mtg, 21612025
Minutes
Public Art Advisory Committee
February 6, 2025
Emma J Harvat Hall
Public Art Advisory Committee
Members Present: Leslie Finer, Juli Seydell Johnson, Andrea Truitt, Scott Sovers,
Rachel Kinker, Nate Sullivan, Jeremy Endsley
Members Absent: Sophie Donta, Anita Jung
Staff present: Chris O'Brien
Public Present: none
Call to Order
Truitt called the meeting to order at 3.30 p.m.
Public Discussion of Any Item Not on the Agenda
None.
Consider minutes of the December 5, 2024 PAAC meeting.
Truitt noted Scott Sovers listed in minutes in place of Ron Knoche. Changes made for
final draft minutes. Johnson moved and Sullivan seconded that the amended minutes
from the December 5, 2024, meeting be approved. Motion passed (7-0).
South District Bus Stop Bench Project Update
O'Brien noted that the project is about 97% complete. Artist (Ethan Wyatt) needs to
return to finish a few touch-up items that need to hold off for warmer weather, There will
be a ribbon cutting held in the Spring after project is 100% complete. Wyatt has not yet
requested payment, however, project is substantially complete at this time.
Wyatt appeared later and spoke briefly about the project. He thanked everyone for
working with him over the past two years to complete this project. He also noted that it
was a difficult project but in the end it was worth it and happy with how it turned out.
Updated Public Art Input Strategic Plan: Review Public Input Survey Results
O'Brien stated that there were just under 400 responses to the survey with a wide range
of ages and areas within Iowa City. The survey identified trends such as likes and
dislikes, views on mix of permanent art installations vs. pop-up art, etc. Truitt was
excited with the number of responses and has seen growth while on the committee.
O'Brien stated that while 500 was the goal, the 400 that responded provided thoughtful
responses to the programs that are present in Iowa City.
Final, p.2
Public Art Advisory Committee Mtg, 21612025
Sullivan thought that the fact that some of the artwork was eliciting reactions was a
positive. Multiple committee members noted that fact that public facilities were called
out as places that should include public art due to the access it allows to the community.
Sullivan then noted that there were several mentions of art installations that were
University centric, i.e. Herky's.
Truitt and Sullivan noted comments about downtown vs neighborhood art and do you
put art where people are or place art to draw people to a location. Stated it may be
useful to look into some of the art installations in other cities highlighted in the survey to
get a feel for trends and what other communities are doing.
March Meeting
O'Brien noted that through discussions with Kilburg Varley and Truitt he will send out
the materials early due to the volume of items that need reviewed prior. The normal
packet will also be sent out at the regular timing.
Truitt highlighted that we want to keep the strategic planning process at the front of
mind as in April we will spend that meeting going through matching grant applications.
Wanted members to make sure to review the documents being sent out.
Staff Updates
O'Brien noted that he included the year-end report document in the packet but that no
action was needed. Also reminded the group that Matching Grant Program application
process closes March 14, 2025 and that there were currently zero submitted.
Seydell Johnson indicated multiple people had reached out to her about submitting
applications.
Seydell Johnson highlighted her artist talk at the Senior Center. Indicated 25-30 people
attended and that it was a fun talk.
Old or New Business
None.
Adjournment
Sovers moved to adjourn at 3.49 pm. Finer seconded. Motion passed (7-0).
Final, p.3
Public Art Advisory Committee Mtg, 21612025
Public Art Advisory Committee
Attendance Record
2023-2024
Name
Term
Expires
917/23
11/2/23
12/7/23
1/4/24
4/4/24
6/6/24
8/1/24
9/5/24
10/3/24
11/7/24
12/5/24
2/6/25
Ron Knoche
N/A
X*
X
X
X*
X*
X
X
O/E
X
X*
X
X*
Juli Seydell-
N/A
X
O/E
X*
X
O/E
X
X
X
X*
X
X
X
Johnson
Steve Miller
12/31/23
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
---
---
---
---
---
Eddie
12/31/24
0
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
Boyken
Andrea
12/31/25
X
X
X
O/E
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
Truitt
Anita Jung
6/30/23
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
0
X
X
0
Jenny
12/31/23
O/E
0
X
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
Gringer
Jeremy
12/31/25
0
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
O/E
X
Endsley
Nate
6/30/26
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
O/E
X
O/E
O/E
X
Sullivan
Leslie Finer
12/31/26
---
---
---
---
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Rachel
12/31/27
---
---
---
---
X
X
O/E
X
X
O/E
X
X
Kinker
Sophie
12/31/26
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
X
X
O/E
Donta
Key
X
= Present
X*
= Delegate attended
0
= Absent
O/E =
Absent/Excused
---
= Not a member
Item Number: 4.1.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
May 6, 2025
Public Art Advisory Committee: March 6
Attachments: Public Art Advisory Committee: March 6
Final, p.1
Public Art Advisory Committee Mtg, 31612025
Minutes
Public Art Advisory Committee
March 6, 2025
Emma J Harvat Hall
Public Art Advisory Committee
Members Present: Leslie Finer, Juli Seydell Johnson, Andrea Truitt, Ron Knoche,
Sophie Donta, Jeremy Endsley
Members Absent: Rachel Kinker, Anita Jung, Nate Sullivan
Staff present: Chris O'Brien
Public Present: none
Call to Order
Truitt called the meeting to order at 3.30 p.m.
Public Discussion of Any Item Not on the Agenda
None.
Consider minutes of the February 6, 2025 PAAC meeting.
Truitt noted she was listed in Staff Update as having been contacted by people about
Matching Grant Applications. It should have been Juli Seydell Johnson. Johnson
moved and Finer seconded that the amended minutes from the February 6, 2025,
meeting be approved. Motion passed (6 -0).
Discuss high -Level Public Art Strategic Plan Priorities
Truitt commented that she wants everyone to comment and to have discussion on the
priorities.
Seydell Johnson indicated she liked the idea of a less dense document and that a 5-
year plan makes sense. Suggested a theme of celebrating and engaging the
community as an overarching goal.
Finer felt a good goal of the strategic plan would be to thank about expanding locations
and the applicant pool for programs.
Donta also liked the idea of a shorter document and liked the sample structure
proposed. Suggested keeping it simple with a set number of goals. She was in favor of
a longer term such as the 5-year plan. After reviewing survey liked a goal of moving
past downtown and into neighborhoods with art as well as trying to find locations for
indoor exhibition space.
Final, p.2
Public Art Advisory Committee Mtg, 31612025
Truitt also agreed with having a shorter document. Liked the idea of a 5-year plan but
wondered if a 3-year would offer more flexibility for budgeting purposes or reflecting on
community needs. Would like more flexibility in what is funded or establish different
pots of money for programs. Liked the idea suggested on indoor exhibition space such
as a formal municipal space or empty business space. Truitt stressed the need for
ongoing care and maintenance of existing collections. Would like to look into revising
the programs we have and evaluate how we fund them. Agreed that there is a need to
expand art installations away from downtown as there are so many areas without art.
Finer, Seydell Johnson and Endsley discussed murals and if there is or needs to be a
timeline for them. Noted that in April a condition assessment of the murals will take
place.
Endsley stated that a goal should be to establish both exhibition space and studio space
for artists.
Knoche stated that he liked the 5-year plan concept as it brings consistency and that it
can always be re-evaluated and changed if needed. As a goal he felt engagement is
key and noted that we should use the relationship with the U of I to jointly discuss public
art.
Seydell Johnson, Truitt, Donta and Knoche discussed permanent vs pop up art.
Outlined the difficulties that occur when attempting to contract for a commissioned piece
while also noting the budgetary constraints that limit the ability to do commissioned
projects. Grants that create opportunity for short turn around projects have been more
successful and are easier to manage. Knoche noted that in order to afford
commissioned project, would have to look at cutting maintenance of existing collections.
The group noted that we need to prioritize maintaining existing installations.
Endsley, Truitt, Seydell Johnson, Finer and Donta discussed concept of finding indoor
space for art installations. The use of grant funds to lease space was discussed as well
as the use of temporarily vacant store fronts in downtown as potential locations. Finer
noted that this would be popular with U of I to have a place for students to have space
for their art after projects are completed.
Donta, Truitt and Finer briefly discussed process for establishing locations for art.
Should specific neighborhoods be targeted based on density of existing art installations
or should outreach be done to neighborhoods to get a feel for what if anything is desired
for an area.
Discussion wrapped up with the committee summarizing next steps. O'Brien indicated
staff would pull items together for May meeting and that we would check back at April
meeting to see if any other thoughts on the process came up. The group agreed in a
smaller document similar to the sample that had been sent out. Seydell Johnson listed
what appeared to be the five goals that came out of discussion; Continue Grant
Program, Keep a mix of short and long term installations, Expanding access and
Final, p.3
Public Art Advisory Committee Mtg, 31612025
establishing indoor space, Spread out installations into other areas of Iowa City,
Maintenance of existing collection. The committee agreed with these goals.
Staff Updates
O'Brien stated Matching Grant Program applications are due on March 14 and that
there were 0 applications submitted as of the meeting. Also indicated that Alexa Bell
from Midwest Art Conservation Center would be in Iowa City to complete assessment of
murals in April. Knoche discussed that 21 S. Linn project was progressing and that the
potential developers would be presenting concepts at the March 11 City Council
Meeting. Seydell Johnson highlighted a U of I project that would be taking place in
garden space as part of Community Gardens.
Old or New Business
None.
Adjournment
Knoche moved to adjourn at 4.10 pm. Donta seconded. Motion passed (6-0).
Final, p.4
Public Art Advisory Committee Mtg, 31612025
Public Art Advisory Committee
Attendance Record
2023-2024
Name
Term
Expires
917/23
11/2/23
12/7/23
1/4/24
4/4/24
6/6/24
8/1/24
9/5/24
10/3/24
11/7/24
12/5/24
2/6/25
3/6/25
Ron Knoche
N/A
X*
X
X
X*
X*
X
X
O/E
X
X*
X
X*
X
Juli Seydell-
N/A
X
O/E
X*
X
O/E
X
X
X
X*
X
X
X
X
Johnson
Steve Miller
12/31/23
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
---
---
---
---
---
---
Eddie
12/31/24
0
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
Boyken
Andrea
12/31/25
X
X
X
O/E
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Truitt
Anita Jung
6/30/23
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
0
X
X
0
0
Jenny
12/31/23
O/E
0
X
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
Gringer
Jeremy
12/31/25
0
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
O/E
X
X
Endsley
Nate
6/30/26
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
O/E
X
O/E
O/E
X
O/E
Sullivan
Leslie Finer
12/31/26
---
---
---
---
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Rachel
12/31/27
---
---
---
---
X
X
O/E
X
X
O/E
X
X
O/E
Kinker
Sophie
12/31/26
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
X
X
O/E
X
Donta
Key
X
= Present
X*
= Delegate attended
0
= Absent
O/E =
Absent/Excused
---
= Not a member
Item Number: 4.m.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
May 6, 2025
Senior Center Commission: February 20
Attachments: Senior Center Commission: February 20
Approved Minutes
February 20, 2025
MINUTES
SENIOR CENTER COMMISSION
February 20, 2025
Room 311, Iowa City Senior Center
Members Present: Nancy Ostrognai, Betty Rosse, Jay Gilchrist, Kate Milster,
Lee McKnight, Warren Paris
Members Absent: Mary McCall
Staff Present: LaTasha DeLoach, Kristin Kromray, Heather Shane
Others Present: None
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order by Gilchrist at 4.00 PM.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL:
None.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE JANUARY 16, 2025 MEETING:
Motion: To accept the minutes from the January 16, 2025 meeting. Motion
carried on a 5/0 vote. Lee/Paris
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
► rem
OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW:
Heather Shane, the Senior Center's half time Development Specialist spoke
about her role. She works closely with Friends of the Senior Center. Friends of
ICSC is a nonprofit 501 c3 and has its own board. Their goal is to provide a way
for people to donate charitable contributions that gives some flexibility to the
Senior. Shane noted she does two appeals each year and is the organizer for
events that Friends does each year. This includes the Pickleball Jamboree in the
fall and other donor events. She also works on securing sponsorships for events
like the Black History Ball as well as doing some marketing and social media.
Additionally, her role is comprised of the administrative work that goes into these
various pieces. Shane discussed upcoming goals regarding a planned giving.
Approved Minutes
February 20, 2025
DeLoach reported the new program guide will be out soon for March and April.
The Black History Ball was a sold -out event and went very smoothly. The art
auction brought in some additional funds. The fashion show, music, poetry, and
food were all well received. The AARP tax aide program is in full swing,
providing 15-20 appointments per day for low to moderate income community
members. This program guide will have some new programs including cardio
drumming, tai chi quan, personal training, and reiki appointments. Monday's
Table to Table food distribution is going well. The format has changed slightly
with entry by age and some limits on the amount people can take. A new
member lunch will be held on March 26rn
Senior Center membership is currently at 1628, which is the highest it has been
since the pandemic.
The window and door project is currently in pre -bid and is anticipated to occur
this fall. Staff is working on getting some new chairs on the ground floor.
Commission Discussion
Ostrognai asked if this was the last year the Black History Ball would occur.
DeLoach noted that it is a very large event that takes a lot of staff input. She has
been in communication with other community leaders who have expressed
interest in taking it on and the Senior Center has created a template for what is
possible.
Gilchrest asked if the Senior Center will be affected by federal funding cuts.
DeLoach noted that she can only speak about the Senior Center and that the
Senior Center is funded by local tax dollars.
The commission discussed the proposals for 21 S linn St. DeLoach noted that
the details regarding each of the proposals is on the City's website and she
encouraged commissioners to take a look. Gilchrist noted a memo to City
Council could be written if there was one proposal that the Senior Center
Commission would like to express support for.
The commission would like to hear from additional staff members as well as
TRAIL.
Meeting Adjourned.
2
Approved Minutes
February 20, 2025
Senior Center Commission Attendance Record
Term
3/21/24
4/18/24
5/16/24
6/20/24
7/18/24
8/15/24
9/19/24
10/17/2
11/21/
12/19/
1/16/25
2/20/25
Name
Expires
24
24
24
Betty
12/31/26
X
X
X
NM
NM
O/E
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
Rosse
Jay
12/31/25
X
X
X
NM
NM
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
Gilchrist
Mary
12/31/27
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
X
O/E
McCall
Angela
12/31/24
X
X
O/E
NM
NM
X
X
X
O/E
X
--
--
McConville
Lee
12/31/27
X
O/E
X
NM
NM
X
X
X
O/E
O/E
O/E
X
McKnight
Kathryn
12/31/27
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
X
X
Milster
Nancy
12/31/26
X
X
X
NM
NM
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Ostrognai
Ross
12/31/24
--
--
--
--
--
O
X
O
O
O
--
--
Taylor
Warren
12/31/25
X
X
X
NM
NM
O
X
O
X
X
O/E
X
Paris
Key: X =Present O =Absent O/E=Absent/Excused NM =No meeting -- = Not a member