HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-05-06 AgendaSubject to change as finalized by the City Clerk. For a final official copy, contact the
City Clerk's Office 356-5041
If you will need disability -related accommodations in order to participate in this
program/event, please contact Kellie Grace at 319-356-5041, kgrace@iowa-
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meet your access needs.
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City of Iowa City Land Acknowledgment can be found at:
icgov.org/landacknowledgement
Meeting Rules can be found at: icgov.org/meetingrules
You can watch the meeting on cable channel 4 (118.2 QAM) in Iowa City, University
Heights and Coralville, or you can watch it online at any of the following websites:
• httos,//citvchannel4.com/live
• hftl)s,//wviw.youtube.com/user/citychannel4/live
• ;ftl)s,//facebook.com/CityoflowaCity
Immediately following the 3:00 P.M. Special Formal Meeting
1. Rezoning - N. Governor St. (Joint meeting with the Planning & Zoning Commission)
2. Comprehensive Plan Update (Joint meeting with the Planning & Zoning Commission)
3. Clarification of Agenda Items
4. Information Packet Discussion [April 17, April 24, May 11
5. 21 S. Linn Discussion
6. Council updates on assigned boards, commissions, and committees
7. University of Iowa Student Government (USG) Updates
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City Council Supplemental Meeting Packet
CITY OF IOWA CITY May 6, 2025
Information submitted between distribution of the meeting packet on Thursday and 4:00 pm on
Monday.
Late Handout(s):
B.a. Rezoning - N. Governor St: See Council Correspondence from Tracy Barkalow
(x2)
IP• USG Senate Resolution (S.S.R. 1)
May 6, 2025 City d Iowa city
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Late Handouts Distributed
5-5-2-5
(Date)
S.S.R.1
Recognizing April as MENA
American Heritage Month
April 29th, 2025
Sponsor: Senator Shefa'a Tawil
Contributors: Director Anushka Gupta and Senator Charlie Silver
Community Sponsors: Iowa Democratic Party Arab Caucus and Iowans for
Palestine
Referred Committee: Justice and Equity
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Senate Action: _
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SECTION 1: DISCUSSION
G)
Short Title o
This resolution may be cited as "Recognizing April as MENA American Heritage Month.'
Whereas, the Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) region encompasses a diverse array of
cultures, languages, religions, and histories including, but not limited to, communities from
countries in the MENA region; and
Whereas, due to the history of, and ongoing colonization in the region, this MENA American
Heritage Month should be inclusive of any people belonging to an indigenous ethnic group from
the MENA region including, but not limited to, the Amazigh, Arabs, Assyrians, Ma'dan, Tuaregs,
Coptics, Druze, Jewish People and the Bedouins. MENA Americans have historically faced
challenges in representation, visibility, and inclusion. Recognizing their heritage helps foster a
more inclusive and equitable society; and
Whereas, the term MENA American is more inclusive than Arab American, as it encompasses a
broader range of cultural, ethnic, and linguistic identities, ensuring representation for
communities historically excluded from narrower classifications; and
Whereas, MENA Americans have made significant contributions to the cultural, economic,
academic, scientific, artistic, and political fabric of the United States throughout history; and
Whereas, MENA Americans have roots in the Midwest dating back over 130 years, MENA
Americans have played a prominent role in shaping Iowa's cultural and religious landscape.
Iowa is home to significant landmarks such as the Mother Mosque of America - the oldest
purpose-built mosque in North America - and St. George Orthodox Church both greatly shaping
community life in Iowa; and
Whereas, MENA American communities have enriched American society with their leadership,
societal roles, traditions, values, entrepreneurship, and resilience, and continue to play a vital
role in strengthening the social and civic landscape of our nation; and
Whereas, April has been recognized annually by the federal government and Linn County as a
time to honor and celebrate MENA American Heritage, encouraging communities, schools, and
institutions across the country to promote awareness, understanding, and appreciation of
MENA histories and cultures as shown in by this statement from the White House and a
proclamation from Linn County; and
Whereas, The city of Iowa City recognized April 2023 as Arab American Heritage Month,
acknowledging the contributions of Arab Americans to the local community; and
Whereas, in AAu ust 2023, the University of Iowa Undergraduate Student Government officially
established MENA as a recognized student constituency, affirming the unique identity and
representation needs of Middle Eastern and North African students within the university and city
population; and
Whereas, The University of Iowa, the city of Iowa City, and the Johnson County Board of
Supervisors have the authority and resources to adopt April as MENA American Heritage Month.
SECTION 2: ACTION
Therefore, The University of Iowa Undergraduate Student Government formally recognizes the
month of April as Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) American Heritage Month in order
to honor the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of MENA communities and commits to
annually promoting this recognition through outreach avenues such as social media; and
Therefore, The Undergraduate Student Government commits to supporting initiatives,
programming, and policies that promote awareness, inclusion, and equity for MENA-identifying
students and communities on campus; and
Therefore, be it resolved, A copy of this resolution shall be sent to the following groups and
individuals: President Barbara Wilson; Peter Matthes, Senior Advisor to the President and Vice
President for External Relations; Laura McLeran, Senior Advisor to the President and Associate
Vice President for Administrative Affairs; Dr. Angie Reams, Associate Vice President and Dean
of Students; Sarah Hansen, Vice President for Student Life; Diego Rodriguez and Kimberly
Castillo, Directors of MISSE, as well as to the Iowa City City Council and the Johnson County
Board of Supervisors; and
Therefore, be it resolved, the Undergraduate Student Government urges the University of Iowa,
the Iowa City City Council, and the Johnson County Board of Supervisors to recognize April as
MENA American Heritage Month.
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SECTION 3: ENACTMENT
Be it enacted by the Undergraduate Student Government upon the signature of the President.
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Pejrton Pemico
Speaker of the Senate
Thomas Knudsen
USG President
Approved on 4/29/2025
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