The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About2025-07-03 Info PacketCity Council Information Packet CITY OF IOWA CITY Council Tentative Meeting Schedule IN. City Council Tentative Meeting Schedule July 8 Work Session July 3, 2025 IP2. Work Session Agenda IP3. 2025 Legislative Session Report IP4. Memo from Assistant City Manager: Local Option Sales Tax Discussion IP5. Pending City Council Work Session Topics Miscellaneous IP6. Memo from City Manager's Office: Housing Information IP7. Memo from City Clerk: Joint Entities Meetings Agenda Items for July 21 IP8. June 2025 Building Statistics IP9. Civil Service Entrance Examination - Building Inspector - Mechanical IP10. Civil Service Entrance Examination - Mass Transit Operator Draft Minutes IP11. Airport Commission: June 12 IP12. Historic Preservation Commission: June 12 July 3, 2025 City of Iowa City Item Number: IP1. CITY OF IOWA CITY COUNCIL ACTION REPORT July 3, 2025 City Council Tentative Meeting Schedule Attachments: Council Tentative Meeting Schedule r City Council Tentative Meeting Schedule Subject to change CITY OF IOWA CITY July 3, 2025 Date Time Meeting Location Tuesday, July 8, 2025 4:00 PM Work Session City Hall, Emma J. Harvat Hall 6:00 PM Formal Meeting 410 E. Washington Street Monday, July 21, 2025 4:30 PM Joint Entities Meeting City of Coralville TBD Tuesday, August 5, 2025 4:00 PM Work Session City Hall, Emma J. Harvat Hall 6:00 PM Formal Meeting 410 E. Washington Street Tuesday, August 19, 2025 4:00 PM Work Session City Hall, Emma J. Harvat Hall 6:00 PM Formal Meeting 410 E. Washington Street Tuesday, September 2, 2025 4:00 PM Work Session City Hall, Emma J. Harvat Hall 6:00 PM Formal Meeting 410 E. Washington Street Tuesday, September 16, 2025 4:00 PM Work Session City Hall, Emma J. Harvat Hall 6:00 PM Formal Meeting 410 E. Washington Street Tuesday, October 7, 2025 4:00 PM Work Session City Hall, Emma J. Harvat Hall 6:00 PM Formal Meeting 410 E. Washington Street Monday, October 20, 2025 4:30 PM Joint Entities Meeting City Hall, Emma J. Harvat Hall 410 E. Washington Street Tuesday, October 21, 2025 4:00 PM Work Session City Hall, Emma J. Harvat Hall 6:00 PM Formal Meeting 410 E. Washington Street Monday, November 3, 2025 4:00 PM Work Session City Hall, Emma J. Harvat Hall 6:00 PM Formal Meeting 410 E. Washington Street Tuesday, November 18, 2025 4:00 PM Work Session City Hall, Emma J. Harvat Hall 6:00 PM Formal Meeting 410 E. Washington Street Tuesday, December 9, 2025 4:00 PM Work Session City Hall, Emma J. Harvat Hall 6:00 PM Formal Meeting 410 E. Washington Street Item Number: IP2. CITY OF IOWA CITY COUNCIL ACTION REPORT July 3, 2025 Work Session Agenda Attachments: July 8 Work Session Agenda Subject 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- city.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs. Iowa City City Council - Work Session , 1 Agenda Work Session July 8, 2025 - 4:00 PM CITY OF IOWA CITY Emma J. Harvat Hall 410 E. Washington Street www.icgov.org 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: * https://citychannel4.com/live • https_//www.youtube.com/user/citychannel4/live ■ hftps://facebook.com/CityoflowaCit 1. Clarification of Agenda Items 2. Information Packet Discussion [June 20, June 26, July 3] Council direction needed on the following items: 1. [IP7] Memo from City Clerk: Joint Entities Agenda Items for July 21 3. University of Iowa Student Government (USG) Updates 4. Recap of the State of Iowa legislative session 5. Local Option Sales Tax Discussion [Continued from June 17] 6. Council updates on assigned boards, commissions, and committees Item Number: IP3. CITY OF IOWA CITY COUNCIL ACTION REPORT July 3, 2025 2025 Legislative Session Report Attachments: 2025 Legislative Session Report 2025 LEGISLATIVE SESSION REPORT City of Iowa City Carney & Appleby, PLC. — Legislative Counsel The Iowa General Assembly adjourned on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 06:31 AM. The Governor, through the Iowa Constitution, is provided 30 days from adjournment to act on legislation received in the last 3 days of session or after adjournment. The Governor had until June 14th to act on outstanding legislation and signed the final bills on June 1 lth. The state's fiscal year begins July 1, 2025. July 1st is also the default effective date for any legislation that does not expressly state a different effective date. Although we discussed the following legislation with you in real-time throughout the legislative session, we wanted to provide you with a follow-up summary of the bills we followed for the City. The 2025 session is the first year of the 91 st General Assembly. All bills that were not acted on by both chambers and the Governor are still available for consideration in 2026. Issues that were of interest to the City during the 2025 session that we expect to have action again next session include: • Tax Increment Financing Reform • Property Tax Reform • Income Tax/Tax Credit Reform • Stormwater Changes • Franchise Fees (Caps and Prohibition) • Trash Service Suspensions • Land Redevelopment Trusts (Land Banks) We greatly appreciate the opportunity to represent the City and look forward to continuing to represent your interests at the Capitol. While we experienced a few disappointments, we also were effective in stopping multiple bad bills and affecting necessary changes in bills that advanced. Below we have included a list of key legislation we monitored and/or engaged in on behalf of the City. As always, we welcome any questions you may have about the session and any of the legislation we tracked for the City. Thank you, Doug, Jim, Jenny, and Clara Page 1 of 22 Budget and Funding Levels The Revenue Estimating Conference (REC) met on March 13 to review/update their estimates from their December 2024 meeting and to provide the revised estimates for FY 2025 and FY 2026. They also provided their initial thoughts on FY 2027. The Governor and Legislature must base their budget on the December estimates unless the March estimate for FY 2026 is lower than the December estimate, which in this case it is. Net Receipts Plus Transfers: FY 2019 Actual FY 2020 Actual FY 2021 Actual FY 2022 Actual FY 2023 Actual FY 2024 Actual FY 2025 March Estimate FY 2026 March Estimate $7.859 billion $7.931 billion (0.9%) $8.801 billion (10.97% or $870 million) $9.803 billion (11.4% or $1.002 billion) $9.845 billion (0.4% or $42 million vs. FY 22 Actual) $9.756 billion (-0.9% or -$89 million vs. FY 23 Actual) $9.135 billion (-6.4% or -$621 million vs. FY 24 Actual) $8.508 billion (-6.9% or -$627 million vs FY 25 Oct Est.) FY 2025 - The March REC estimate for FY 2025 net General Fund receipts, including transfers, totals $9.135 billion, a decrease of $-621 million (-6.4%) compared to FY 2024 actual. The estimated changes include an increase of 10.3% in gross personal income tax, an increase of 2.5% in gross sales/use tax, and a decrease of 11.9% in gross corporate income tax receipts. Inheritance tax receipts decreased by 24.1%. FY 2026 - The March REC estimate for FY 2026 net General Fund receipts, including transfers, totals $8.508 billion, a decrease of $627 million (6.9%) compared to estimated FY 2025. The estimated changes include a decrease of 13.7% in gross personal income tax, an increase of 3.6% in gross sales/use tax, and an increase of 4% in gross corporate income tax receipts. Inheritance tax revenue is expected to decrease by 70.2%. Net Appropriations for FY 2020 $7.819 billion Net Appropriations for FY 2021 $7.823 billion Net Appropriations for FY 2022 $8.124 billion Net Appropriations for FY 2023 $8.212 billion Net Appropriations for FY 2024 $8.547 billion Enacted Appropriations for FY 2025 $8.910 billion The approved budget is $9.425 billion (a 5.3% increase) which is $917 million above the revenues identified by the March REC for FY 2026. Based on the March REC the state has reserve funds in the following areas (FY 2025 Enacted): Cash Reserve Fund $721 million Economic Emergency Fund $240 million Taxpayer Relief Fund $3.65 billion <$463.6 million> Ending Balance/Surplus Carry Fwd. $1.61 billion <$463.6 million Total $6.220 billion Based on the March REC and the status of the reserve funds, the state budget for FY 2025 is in an adequate position and will not require a deappropriation. The FY 2026 revenues are below total appropriations for FY 2025. To sustain necessary government spending, the FY 2026 budget needed to take a total of $917 million from the ending balance and the Taxpayer Relief Fund to balance the budget. Page 2 of 22 Page 3 of 22 Key Legislation Signed by the Governor HF 856 — Banning DEI Efforts • Prohibits state entities in Iowa, including local government entities, from expending funds to support diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices or hiring DEI officers. The bill defines DEI as efforts to manipulate or influence the composition of employees or students based on characteristics such as race, sex, or ethnicity. It also prohibits state entities from promoting differential treatment or providing special benefits based on these characteristics. • The bill allows for exceptions, including funding for academic course instruction, research, and mental health services. It also permits state entities to maintain offices required by federal law or contract. • The attorney general may bring an action against a state entity for non-compliance, and individuals may bring civil actions for injunctive relief. • Effective date May 27, 2025. SF 311— City Civil Service • Prohibits cities with a civil service commission from establishing a board or entity for citizen review of officer conduct. • Modifies the number of civil service commissioners required in cities with a population over 50,000. • Updates standards and procedures for removing, discharging, demoting, or suspending city civil service employees, as well as appeals to the civil service commission and district court. • The scope of review for appeals to the district court is a trial de novo. • Allows for reasonable attorney fees, expert fees, and costs to be awarded to employees who substantially prevail in an appeal. • Effective date August 16, 2025. HF 706 — Open Meetings and Open Records • Increases the damages for violating open meetings laws, with penalties ranging from $500 to $2,500 for unintentional violations and $5,000 to $12,500 for knowing violations. • Requires a court to remove a member of a governmental body from office if they have engaged in a prior violation, regardless of whether damages were assessed. • Requires newly elected or appointed public officials to complete a training course on open meetings and open records laws within 90 days of taking office. • The Iowa Public Information Board will ensure that the training is made available, and at least one course will be offered at no cost. Failure to complete the training may result in damages. • Effective July 1, 2025. HF 969 — Cancer Presumption • Expands the definition of "cancer" for purposes of benefits associated with cancer diagnoses for members of certain public retirement systems in Iowa. The bill strikes references to specific cancers and inserts a more generalized description, thereby expanding the availability of accidental disability and death benefits to members with a cancer diagnosis. Page 4 of 22 • This expansion applies to the public safety peace officers' retirement, accident, and disability system (PORS) and the municipal fire and police retirement system (411 system). • Increases the employee contribution by 0.125% • Effective date July 1, 2025. SF 603 — Workforce Compensation, Training, and Unemployment Insurance • Division I strikes certain department duties, repeals code provisions for various programs, and transfers duties related to compiling an annual report on workforce training programs. It also modifies duties of the Workforce Development Board and local workforce development boards to align with federal law. • Division II modifies the definition of taxable wages for unemployment insurance taxes, eliminating wages paid to employees from other states from the calculation and specifying that only wages paid in Iowa can constitute taxable wages. • Division III prohibits political subdivisions from: o Mandating the use of apprenticeship training o Imposing additional restrictions, qualifications, or requirements on developers, contractors, subcontractors or apprentices beyond what is expressly authorized by state law. This includes incentives or contingencies. o Impose restrictions, qualifications, or requirements on developers, contractors, subcontractors related to developer's or contractor's employee compensation or training beyond what is required by state law. o Division III is effective upon enactment, March 28, 2025. SF 626 — Federal Block Grant Funding. • The bill appropriates funds for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 federal fiscal years from block grants available from the federal government. It also provides procedures for increasing or decreasing the appropriations if the amounts of the block grants are changed. Additionally, the bill makes standing appropriations for other federal and nonstate grants, receipts, and moneys. • The bill also amends a section of the Iowa Code to allow cities to regulate developers, contractors, and subcontractors' employee compensation or training if required by federal law. This provision takes effect upon enactment and is retroactively applicable to March 28, 2025. This addresses concerns raised by cities about complying with federal law tied to CDBG grants created by Division III of SF 603. SF 383 — Pharmacy Benefits Managers • Regulates pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) in Iowa. • Prohibits PBMs from discriminating against pharmacies or pharmacists and requires them to allow patients to choose their preferred pharmacy. • PBMs are also prohibited from imposing different cost -sharing or fees based on the pharmacy used. • Requires PBMs to reimburse pharmacies at a rate no less than the national average drug acquisition cost and to provide a professional dispensing fee of $10.68. • Establishes an appeals process for pharmacies to dispute reimbursement rates and requires PBMs to submit quarterly reports to the commissioner. • Applies to PBMs that manage prescription drug benefits in Iowa on or after July 1, 2025. SF 592 — Accessory Dwelling Units Page 5 of 22 • Regulates county and city oversight of accessory dwelling units (ADUs). • Requires counties and cities to allow at least one ADU on the same lot as a single-family residence, subject to certain conditions. • ADUs must comply with building regulations, not exceed 1,000 square feet or 50% of the primary residence's size and be prohibited or limited only by state historic building code restrictions, deed restrictions, or common interest community rules. • Counties and cities cannot impose more restrictive regulations on ADUs than on single-family residences, including those related to placement, appearance, rental use, parking, and utility connections. • Prohibits restrictions on occupants based on income, age, or relationship to the property owner. • Counties and cities must approve ADU permit applications without discretionary review or hearing, and provide written reasons for denial. • Effective July 1, 2025. SF 588 — Notice Standardization • Standardizes notice requirements for various local government actions in Iowa. • Currently, notice requirements vary depending on the specific action, ranging from 4 to 30 days. • This bill changes the notice requirements to a uniform period of not less than 4 nor more than 20 days before the date of the hearing or other action. The notice must be published at least once in a newspaper with general circulation in the city, or by posting in three public places if the city has a population of 200 or less or no newspaper. • The bill applies to various local government actions, including property tax hearings, bond issuances, zoning changes, and appointments of civil service commissioners. • Effective date July 1, 2025. SF 583 — School Safety Assessment Teams • Creates threat assessment teams and authorizes information sharing between certain governmental agencies. • Defines "covered entities" which includes cities and allows them to share records or information related to students who may pose a threat to themselves or others. • Multidisciplinary threat assessment teams are authorized to request and receive records or information and to communicate, collaborate, and coordinate efforts to best serve students. • Provides immunity from criminal and civil liability to certain persons who report information related to school safety. • Allows schools to establish multidisciplinary threat assessment teams and requires courts to disclose records to these teams upon request if necessary to ensure student safety. • Effective date July 1, 2025. HF 876 — Lead Service Line Disclosures • Requires the disclosure of lead service lines in real estate transactions. • Amends the state's real estate disclosure law to include information about the presence of lead service lines, which are pipes connecting the water main to interior plumbing made of lead or unknown materials. The bill defines "lead service line" and "service line" and requires sellers to disclose this information in the written disclosure statement provided to potential buyers. Page 6 of 22 • Effective date January 1, 2026. SF 659 — Standing Appropriations • Division X - Implements the state fire marshal study on fire protection consolidation (SF 594) o Requires the Iowa State Fire Marshal to conduct a study on consolidating fire protection services at the county level. The study aims to analyze whether a countywide fire protection service structure would maximize fire protection coverage and emergency response times. o The State Fire Marshal will consult with various stakeholders, including fire chiefs, firefighters, and local government representatives. The study will include a cost analysis, an assessment of current fire protection coverage, staffing needs, equipment requirements, communication challenges, and the need for city and township fire protection services. The report will also provide recommendations for implementing countywide fire protection services, with a focus on the potential impact on specific counties. o The study's findings will be submitted to the General Assembly by June 30, 2026. The bill takes effect upon enactment. • Division XII — 911 surcharge HSB 332/HSB 104) o Allows the department of homeland security to request reimbursement from each joint 911 service board for reasonable costs under section 34A.7A related to the delivery of 911 call traffic to public safety answering points. Upon request, each joint 911 service board shall reimburse the department of homeland security and emergency management for such costs within thirty days. HF 975 — IEDA and IFA Omnibus • Relates to matters under the purview of the Economic Development Authority (IEDA) and the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA). • Makes changes to various programs, including the Strategic Infrastructure Program, Brownfield, Grayfield, and Redevelopment Tax Credits, Community Attraction and Tourism, Vision Iowa, Sports Tourism Marketing, Historic Preservation Tax Credit, Homelessness, and Arts and Culture. • Key changes include: o Eliminating the Iowa Innovation Council's review requirement for Strategic Infrastructure Program applications o Repealing the Brownfield Redevelopment Program and Advisory Council o Modifying the Historic Preservation Tax Credit program ■ Cannot be a single family home unless it will result in two or more single family dwelling units that were not previously available in the preceding six month period and the dwelling are located in the same neighborhood. ■ Projects must be commenced withing a year of registration and must be completed in three years. Extensions may be granted by IEDA. o Eliminating the Title Guaranty Division Board o Creating the Arts and Culture Enhancement Fund o Making conforming changes to various Code sections • The bill also includes retroactive applicability provisions for certain divisions. • Effective date July 1, 2025. SF 657 — IEDA Incentive and Tax Credit Omnibus Page 7 of 22 • Modifies and eliminates various tax credits and incentive programs in Iowa. • Creates new programs, such as the Business Incentives for Growth Program, the Seed Investor Tax Credit Program, the Iowa Film Production Incentive Program, and the Research and Development Tax Credit Program. • Eliminates existing programs, including the High Quality Jobs Program, the Investments in Qualifying Businesses Tax Credit Program, the Employer Child Care Tax Credit, the Assistive Device Tax Credit, the Endow Iowa Tax Credit, and the Research Activities Tax Credit. • Sets limits on the aggregate tax credit amount for certain programs and establishes eligibility criteria for businesses to participate in the new programs. • Provides for the repayment of tax incentives under certain circumstances and requires businesses to enter into agreements with the economic development authority to participate in the programs. • Varied Effective and Applicability dates. HF 844 — Eligible Financial Institutions • Repeals Iowa Code section 12C.6A, which currently prohibits public funds from being deposited in financial institutions that do not demonstrate a commitment to serving the needs of the local community. • Eliminates the requirement for the treasurer of state to create a list of eligible financial institutions and the associated requirements for public comments and annual submissions. • Abolishes the process for challenging an institution's eligibility to receive public funds. • Amends other sections of the Iowa Code to remove references to section 12C.6A and makes conforming changes. • Effective date July 1, 2025. HF 860 — Regulation of Fuel Powered Equipment • Prohibits government entities, including state departments and local governments, from adopting or enforcing regulations that restrict the use of fuel -powered equipment based on its fuel source. • Defines fuel -powered equipment as any good that is manufactured to be operated with an engine or motor, regardless of whether it is self-propelled. • Specifically prohibits regulations that: o Prohibit the possession, storage, transfer, acquisition, operation, maintenance, repair, or reuse of fuel -powered equipment based on its fuel source. o Require sellers of fuel -powered equipment to sell or maintain an inventory of equipment based on its fuel source. • Effective date July 1, 2025 HF 297 — Emergency Services • Makes several changes to current law, including allowing city council members to serve as volunteer fire department chiefs with a majority vote from the council, as long as they abstain from the vote. It also permits lawful compensation, including nominal stipends and benefits, for volunteer firefighters and emergency medical care providers holding city offices or positions. • Allows cities to establish funds or reserve savings accounts to pay for major equipment for police, fire, rescue, or emergency medical services. Any payments or insurance settlements received for damaged Page 8 of 22 equipment or vehicles must be deposited into the relevant fund or account, unless the city has used general fund money to cover repair or replacement costs. • Effective date July 1, 2025. HF 901— Military Veterans and Federal Law Enforcement Transfers • Allows military veterans with active -duty military police experience and former federal law enforcement officers to qualify for lateral transfer to a law enforcement agency in Iowa without completing the academy training program. • To be eligible, veterans must have served at least four years of active duty, completed accredited military police training, and received an honorable discharge within three years of applying. • Former federal law enforcement officers must have served at least four years and completed accredited federal law enforcement training. • Eligible individuals must apply to the council for evaluation and complete a one -week Iowa -specific law enforcement orientation course. The council will review applications and issue a certificate of equivalency to those who meet the eligibility criteria. • Effective date July 1, 2025. SF 619 — Disaster Recovery Omnibus • Comprehensive bill that addresses various aspects of disaster recovery and insurance regulation in Iowa. • Creates a natural hazard mitigation financing program to provide loans to eligible entities for projects that mitigate the impact of natural hazards. It also establishes a disaster recovery housing assistance program to provide financial assistance to homeowners and renters affected by natural disasters. • Regulates post -loss assignment of benefits and the licensing and conduct of public, independent, and staff adjusters. • Provides for the suspension or revocation of adjuster licenses for noncompliance with child support or state debt obligations. • Effective dates vary. HF 248 — Adoptive Parents Equity • Requires Iowa employers to treat adoptive parents equally to biological parents in terms of employment policies, benefits, and protections for the first year after adoption. • Applies to employees who adopt a child up to six years old and defines adoption as the permanent placement of a child through various means, including licensed agencies and independent placements. Employers must provide adoptive parents with the same benefits and protections as biological parents, except for disability leave, which requires a qualifying disability. • Administered and enforced by the director of the department of inspections, appeals, and licensing, and violations are subject to a civil penalty of up to $500 per pay period. • Effective date July 1, 2025. SF 303 — Regulation of Fireworks • Relates to the regulation of consumer fireworks in Iowa. • Currently, state law allows counties and cities to prohibit or limit the use of consumer fireworks, display fireworks, or novelties. Page 9 of 22 • The bill prohibits counties and cities from restricting or limiting the use of these devices on July 3, July 4, and December 31. • Effective date July 1, 2025. HF 652 — City Regulation of Real Property • Grants counties and cities the power to regulate the character and use of real property under their jurisdictions. • The board of adjustment is appointed to hear appeals from property owners aggrieved by regulations and restrictions. • Allows the board to grant variances from ordinance terms related to area, dimensional, or numerical limitations if literal enforcement would result in practical difficulties for the property owner. • To receive a variance, the property owner must prove that the difficulties are unique to the property, not self-created, and will not alter the surrounding neighborhood's essential character. • Examples of restrictions subject to variances include minimum lot size, setbacks, yard widths, height, bulk, sidewalks, fencing, signage, and off-street parking. • Effective date July 1, 2025. SF 574 — Retainage on Public Improvement Contracts • Changes the retainage a city may keep from 5% to 3%. • Effective date July 1, 2025. HF 470 — ABD Omnibus • Contains language on open containers between locations. • A person holding a retail alcohol license to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on the licensed premises may permit a customer to carry an alcoholic beverage in an open container from the licensed premises to any of the following immediately adjacent locations: o A licensed premises authorized to sell the same type of alcoholic beverage for consumption on the licensed premises. o A temporarily closed public right-of-way. o A private place. • The licensee of the immediately adjacent licensed premises, or owner of the immediately adjacent private place, may refuse to allow the customer to enter the licensed premises or private place with an alcoholic beverage in an open container. • Effective July 1, 2025. SF 75 — County Election Plans • Requires counties with a population of 125,000 or more, or those with the main campus of an institution of higher learning governed by the state board of regents, to use plan three for the election of county supervisors. • Plan three requires individual members of the board of supervisors to be elected from single -member, equal -population districts. • The bill also requires special elections for selecting a supervisor representation plan to be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. Page 10 of 22 • Bill requires vacancies on the board of supervisors to be filled by special election in certain counties, while allowing for appointment in others. • The bill took effect upon enactment, April 10, 2025. SF 22 — Hands Free • Expands the current law to prohibit any use of an electronic device while driving, unless the vehicle is at a complete stop off the traveled portion of the roadway. • Exceptions are made for the use of devices in voice -activated or hands -free mode, for public safety officials, healthcare professionals, and certain other individuals. • A violation of this law is considered a moving violation and carries a scheduled fine of $100. • Effective date July 1, 2025, and a warning period will be in place until January 1, 2026, during which time peace officers will issue warning memoranda instead of citations. SF 418 — Gender Identity • Establishes rules for statutory construction regarding a person's sex, defining it as the state of being male or female as observed or clinically verified at birth. • Amends vital statistics laws to require birth certificates to include a designation of sex as defined in the bill. • Removes gender identity as a protected class under the Iowa Civil Rights Act. • Prohibits instruction related to gender theory in kindergarten through grade six. • Effective July 1, 2025. Key Legislation That Failed to Pass HF 1037 — Tax Increment Financing — House Version • Expands the definition of "economic development" to include the provision of workforce housing and adds development policies that advance workforce housing to the list of factors considered for public funding. • For municipalities of any size, the bill reduces the required amount of low and moderate income family housing in certain projects to 20% of the original project cost and extends the division of revenue for such projects to 20 fiscal years. • Defines "low and moderate income family housing" to include housing that meets workforce housing requirements. • Passed House in this form. Amended in Senate with SF 652. SF 652 — Tax Increment Financing — Senate Version • Expands the definition of "economic development" to include workforce housing and requires consideration of workforce housing development policies when using public funds for economic development. • Excludes school district foundation property taxes and emergency medical services taxes from tax increment financing. Page 11 of 22 • For perpetual TIFs the bill limits the amount of taxes that can be paid into urban renewal special funds. o No cap for the first 15 years. o Cap of 75% for the first six years after the property is under this act then cap is 60%. • Establishes a percentage limitation on the amount of property value that can be within urban renewal areas, which decreases over time. 0 2026 — 96% 0 2027-2046 — drop 3.75% annually 0 2047 - 20% • Passed Ways & Means. SF 651— Property Tax Reform — Senate Version • Revenue Cap o Cap growth at 2% of the actual property tax dollars certified under section 331.423. o Amendments considered adding a form of consumer price index if over 4% cities get the CPI less 2%. o Would take effect January 1, 2026 and applies to property taxes and budgets for fiscal years beginning on or after July 1, 2026. • New Valuation o Defined to include new construction, improvements, and boundary adjustments o Keep new growth but not defined to clarify how to handle TIF property • School Taxes and Budgets o Foundation Property Tax Rate: o The foundation property tax rate for school districts will be reduced from $5.40 to $2.97 ($4.00) per $1,000 of assessed value for budget years beginning on or after July 1, 2026. o Additional Levy is eliminated. • Phase out the Rollbacks: o Take Residential to 75% in assessment year 2027 ■ Increase 2.5% annually until at 100% ■ Homestead exemption created and Homestead Credit eliminated. ■ Exemption calculated at 25% of properties assessed value up to $125,000 exemption. o Reestablish the Multifamily Residential classification o Commercial, Industrial, and Multifamily Residential rollback to 100% o Modifies how agricultural property is assessed, particularly for structures built after January 1, 2026, which will not be included in the productivity and net earning capacity calculations. • Changes to Disabled Veteran Credits: o The definition of "homestead" for disabled veterans will be modified, and new applicants will have different eligibility criteria. • Military Service Property Tax Exemption o The veterans property tax exemption will increase incrementally from $4,000 to $7,000 over the next few assessment years. • Hospital and Emergency Medical Services Property Tax Levies o Levy Rate Limitations: o Property tax levies for county hospitals and emergency medical services will be limited similarly to other property tax levies. Page 12 of 22 • Elderly Property Taxes o Increased Income Threshold: ■ The income threshold for property tax credits for individuals aged 70 and older will be increased from less than 250% to less than 350% of the federal poverty level. • Transit Levy o Taken from $0.95 to $0.80 o Capped at 2% growth • SSMID o Potentially capped at 2% • Brucellosis and Tuberculosis Eradication Fund o The authority to levy taxes for the brucellosis and tuberculosis eradication fund will be eliminated for fiscal years beginning on or after July 1, 2025. SF 656 — Solid Waste Collection Opt Out • Allows residential property owners to temporarily opt out of solid waste collection and disposal services provided or contracted by a county or city. • To be eligible, the property must be an eligible homestead receiving a homestead credit, and the owner must submit a completed application requesting an opt -out period not exceeding five months. The application must be submitted at least eight weeks prior to the start of the opt -out period. • During this time, any fees associated with the services will be suspended. The property owner can opt back in by filing an amended application. • Only one opt -out application can be filed per 12-month period. • Passed the out of Senate Local Government and Ways & Means. SF 600 — Stormwater Charges • Creates exemptions for service charges related to storm water drainage system services in Iowa. • Prohibits counties, cities, and real estate improvement districts from charging for these services in two specific situations: o When the connected real property retains at least 1.5 inches of standing water at any point during a billing cycle. o When the connected real property contains a retention pond for storm water purposes that meets the requirements of the national pollutant discharge elimination system general permit No. 2, as issued by the Department of Natural Resources. • Passed Senate Local Government and subcommittee in Senate Ways & Means. SF 496 — Pet Licenses • Prohibits counties and cities from imposing annual pet license fees exceeding $40. • Requires that all revenue generated from pet license fees be allocated to animal control and animal welfare services. • Restricts counties and cities from requiring veterinarians to disclose pet records, including vaccination status, as part of a pet licensing program. However, pet owners applying for a license may be required to provide proof of vaccination. • Passed Senate Local Government Page 13 of 22 HSB 310 — Economic Development Moratorium • Imposes a three-year moratorium on economic development program funding for the four most populous counties in the state. • Restrict the economic development authority from administering programs and allocating funds to these counties from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028. • Applies to all economic development programs and their respective funds. • Passed House Ways & Means subcommittee SF 595 — Regulation of Construction, Contractors, and Stormwater • Addresses the regulation of construction in Iowa, including state building codes, contractor licensing, and stormwater management requirements. • Requires proposed rules affecting the state building code to consider housing affordability and submit a public report estimating the impact on construction costs. • Prohibits counties and cities from imposing licensing fees or charges on general contractors and subcontractors. • Restricts counties and cities from imposing more restrictive stormwater management requirements than those initially approved for a construction site, unless required by state or federal law. • Passed Senate, Passed House Local Government Committee. SF 579 — Local Civil Rights Commissions • Requires complaints filed with local agencies or commissions involving a political subdivision to be referred to the Iowa Office of Civil Rights for processing. • Complaints alleging a violation of the Iowa Civil Rights Act of 1965 that have not been resolved within 12 months can be transferred to the Iowa Office of Civil Rights upon request. • Local agencies or commissions must notify parties of their right to transfer the complaint and cross -file with the Iowa Office of Civil Rights within 300 days of the complaint's filing date. • Also establishes a two-year term for commissioners appointed to local agencies or commissions. • Passed Senate, Passed House Local Government Committee. SF 594 — State Fire Marshall Study — Consolidation of Fire Protection • Requires the Iowa State Fire Marshal to conduct a study on consolidating fire protection services at the county level. The study aims to analyze whether a countywide fire protection service structure would maximize fire protection coverage and emergency response times. • The State Fire Marshal will consult with various stakeholders, including fire chiefs, firefighters, and local government representatives. The study will include a cost analysis, an assessment of current fire protection coverage, staffing needs, equipment requirements, communication challenges, and the need for city and township fire protection services. The report will also provide recommendations for implementing countywide fire protection services, with a focus on the potential impact on specific counties. • The study's findings will be submitted to the General Assembly by June 30, 2026. The bill takes effect upon enactment. • Passed Senate, Passed House Local Government Committee. Page 14 of 22 • See SF 659 — Standing Appropriations Division HF 768/SF 386 — Complaints with the Iowa Public Information Board • Extends the timeframe for filing complaints with the Iowa Public Information Board (IPIB). Currently, individuals have 60 days to file a complaint after an alleged violation of open meetings (Code chapter 21) or open records (Code chapter 22) laws. This bill would increase the filing period to 90 days. • The IPIB would be required to adopt rules for the timing, form, content, and means of filing complaints. All complaints filed with the board would remain public records. • Passed out of State Government Committee in both chambers. HF 1018/SF 653 — Changes to Historic Preservation Tax Credits • Expands the preservation of existing rights provision from January 1, 2023, to July 1, 2023, for tax credits issued, awarded, or allowed prior to July 1, 2023. This means that taxpayers who were awarded tax credits before July 1, 2023, will not be affected by the changes made to the tax credit in 2022, which gradually reduced the refundability of the credit from 100% to 75% by 2027. • Passed both House and Senate Ways & Means. HF 1051— Self Supported Entertainment Districts »»> Self Supported Tourism Improvement Districts • Authorizes cities to establish self -supported tourism improvement districts in Iowa. • Allows for a levy on lodging businesses to fund improvements and activities that benefit these businesses within the district. • A district is created by the local governing body, which must establish specific criteria, including a map of the area, the rate and structure of the assessment, and the expiration of the district. • Assessments are based on the estimated benefit to the lodging businesses. • Establishes procedures for protests, objections, and modifications to the district. • Allows for the issuance of bonds to finance improvements and requires an annual report to be filed with the governing body. • A local governing body may repeal the district if there are law violations or malfeasance, and no indebtedness exists. • Passed House Local Government and House Ways & Means. HF 1023 — IPERS for Protected Occupations • Modifies the Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System (IPERS) benefits and contributions for members employed in a protection occupation. • Increases the employee contribution rate from 40% to 50% and decreases the employer contribution rate from 60% to 50%. • Increases the monthly retirement benefit for protection occupation members retiring on or after July 1, 2025, by 0.625% for each calendar quarter of service beyond 22 years, up to a maximum of 20 additional percentage points. • Allows members to retire at 50 years of age with 22 years of service and establishes a 1.5% annual cost - of -living adjustment (COLA) for active and inactive members, beneficiaries, and contingent annuitants. Page 15 of 22 To be eligible for the COLA, members must have 22 years of eligible service and be at least 50 years old at retirement. • Passed the House was not take up by Senate Ways but passed subcommittee. SF 655/HF 1008 — Land Redevelopment Trusts (Land Banks) • Establishes land redevelopment trusts in Iowa. • Grants land redevelopment trusts various powers, including acquiring properties through tax sales and foreclosures, but prohibits the use of eminent domain. • Trusts can receive funding from public and private sources and are exempt from state and local taxation. • They must submit annual reports to the governing body that created them and are subject to periodic audits by the state auditor. • The bill also creates a land redevelopment trust tax sale procedure, allowing these trusts to acquire properties through an exclusive tax sale. The trusts must file a verified statement and pay delinquent taxes before May 15 to participate in the tax sale. • Passed House and Senate Ways & Means. HSB 332/HSB 104 — Public Safety Answering Points — 911 • Updates Iowa's emergency telephone systems, including next -generation 911 (NG911) systems and public safety answering points (PSAPs). • Decreases the allocation of funds to joint 911 service boards from 60% to 50% until June 30, 2029, and then increases it to 55%. • Directs the 911 program manager to allocate surplus revenues to each PSAP equally starting July 1, 2029. • The bill changes the term "next -generation 911 network service provider" to "next -generation 911 core service provider" and eliminates a distribution option for grants to consolidating PSAPs. • Requires the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management to study and make recommendations on PSAP managed services, funding arrangements, and consolidation by January 1, 2026. • Implements federal regulations to expedite the transition to NG911 systems. • Died in subcommittee in both chambers. See Division XII of SF 659 — Standing Appropriations. SSB 1117 — Maximum Sewer Service Charges • Establishes a maximum yearly increase for sewer rates charged by counties, cities, and intergovernmental sewer services in Iowa. • Maximum increase is set at 2% more than the aggregate of rates and charges from the previous budget year or the percentage increase of the consumer price index for the Midwest region, whichever is lower. • Increases planned prior to July 1, 2025, for debt repayment are excluded from the limits. • If rate increases exceed the limits, they will be effective at the start of the budget year but must be approved by voters at the next general election. • If voters reject the increase, excess rates paid by customers will be refunded by January 1 following the election. • Passed Senate Local Government Subcommittee. SSB 1118 — Prohibiting Fines for Failure to Maintain Property & Sidewalk Liability Page 16 of 22 • Relates to the responsibility and liability of property owners for public places in cities, such as sidewalks. • The bill adds that an abutting property owner may be liable if they fail to use reasonable care in maintaining sidewalks or other property between the property line and the curb line if required by a city ordinance. • The bill prohibits cities from assessing fines against property owners for failure to remove snow and ice from sidewalks or maintain property from the property line to the curb. If a city performs a required action, it may only assess material and direct labor costs against the property owner. • Did not advance from Senate Local Government Subcommittee. HF 192 — Sidewalk Liability • Addresses the responsibility and liability of property owners for public places in cities, such as sidewalks. • Currently, property owners may be required by city ordinance to maintain public sidewalks or other property between their property line and the curb line. • This bill adds that property owners may be liable for damages if they fail to use reasonable care in maintaining such property, as required by ordinance. • Passed House Judiciary Committee Subcommittee. SF 310 — Residential Fire Sprinklers • Requires the state building code commissioner to adopt a prohibition on the required installation of fire protection sprinkler systems in attached single-family residences with fewer than seven units. • Prohibits local building regulations from requiring the installation of such systems in these types of residences. • Passed Senate Local Government Committee. HF 921/SF 362 — Peace Officer Bill of Rights • Relates to administrative investigations under the peace officer, public safety, and emergency personnel bill of rights, civil service disciplinary hearings and appeals, and communications in professional confidence. • Provides that upon written request, an officer or their legal counsel will be provided with the written complaint, witness statements, and the agency's complete investigative report in a timely manner. • Requires a prosecuting agency to fairly and impartially make decisions regarding placing an officer on a Brady -Giglio list or making a Brady -Giglio disclosure. • Provides that a peer support counselor or individual present for crisis intervention shall not disclose any confidential communication entrusted to them. • Allows for appeals to the Iowa supreme court. • The bill would take effect upon enactment and applies to part-time deputy sheriffs. • Passed House Public Safety and Senate Judiciary Subcommittee. HF 937 — Peace Officer Administrative Procedures • Relates to the revocation or suspension of law enforcement officer certification. Page 17 of 22 • Provides that the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy Council may revoke or suspend certification due to two specific grounds: o A law enforcement officer or reserve peace officer has been discharged for good cause from employment. o A law enforcement officer or reserve peace officer leaves, voluntarily quits, or has their position eliminated while disciplinary action is pending, under circumstances warranting discharge or removal for good cause. • No other grounds for revocation actions can be maintained, and any pending actions on other grounds must be immediately dismissed. This bill aims to clarify and limit the circumstances under which law enforcement officer certification can be revoked or suspended in Iowa. • Passed the House but was not taken up by Senate Judiciary. HF 523 — Peace Officers Emergency Protective Orders • Enhances protection for individuals experiencing domestic abuse. • The bill allows a peace officer to file a petition for a 72-hour emergency protective order on behalf of a person who claims to be in present danger of domestic abuse. • To initiate this process, the individual must request the peace officer to submit the petition. • Passed House Public Safety Committee. HF 946 — Enforcement of Immigration Laws • Provides that any law enforcement officer, including an elected sheriff, who knowingly and intentionally fails to comply with the requirements of Iowa Code chapter 27A (Enforcement of Immigration Laws) will be subject to investigation by the Attorney General. • If the law enforcement officer is determined not to be in compliance or if the law enforcement officer refuses to comply with Iowa Code chapter 27A, the law enforcement officer's case will be referred to the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) Council with recommendations for revocation of the officer's certification. • Passed the House but did not advance in Senate Judiciary Committee. SF 494 — Residential Garden Regulations • The "Freedom to Garden Act" • Prohibits state agencies and local governments in Iowa from regulating residential gardens. • Defines a residential garden as a plot of ground or elevated soil bed used to produce vegetables, herbs, fruits, and other edible plants for personal consumption. • The bill prohibits regulations that prohibit individuals from establishing, maintaining, or benefiting from a residential garden on their own property. • Excludes gardens used for commercial purposes, gardens that obstruct traffic or invade neighboring property, or gardens that pose a public health threat. • Does not preempt state regulations related to organic food production, noxious weeds, or pesticide use. • Passed the Senate but was not taken up by House Local Government. HF 981/11F 322 — Removal of Trespassers • The "Stop Squatters Act" Page 18 of 22 • Allows property owners to submit a complaint to law enforcement to remove unauthorized persons from their property if specific conditions are met. • Conditions include the owner's authorization, notification to the unauthorized person, and no pending litigation. • Upon receipt of the complaint, law enforcement must investigate and direct the unauthorized occupant to vacate if sufficient grounds exist. • Allows law enforcement to collect an hourly fee for services and provides for criminal penalties for unauthorized persons who fail to vacate and intentionally damage the property. Penalties range from simple misdemeanors (less than $1,000 in damages) to serious misdemeanors (over $1,000 in damages). • Passed House Judiciary Subcommittee. SF 493 — City Lobbyists • Prohibits Iowa's political subdivisions from using tax revenue to hire lobbyists or pay instrumentalities that employ lobbyists. • Defines "instrumentality" as an entity that serves a governmental purpose, operates on behalf of a political subdivision, and is controlled by members of the subdivision. Examples of instrumentalities include the Iowa League of Cities, the Iowa State Association of Counties, and the Iowa School Board Association. • Defines "lobbyist" as an individual who receives compensation to influence legislation or executive orders. • A person who knowingly and intentionally violates the bill is guilty of a serious misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in confinement and a fine of $430 to $2,560. Lobbyists who violate the bill may also face reprimand, suspension, or dismissal from their position. • Passed Senate Local Government Committee. SSB 1181— Franchise Fees • Cities can grant franchises for essential services and impose fees of up to 5% on gross sales, with cities over 200,000 population allowed to charge up to 7%. • Bill eliminates the ability of cities to impose franchise fees starting July 1, 2025. • Passed Senate Local Government Subcommittee. SSB 1195/HSB 286 — Homelessness • A comprehensive bill addressing homelessness from the Cicero Institute. • The bill prohibits unauthorized use of public land for sleeping, camping, or long-term shelter, with penalties for non-compliance. • Allows counties and cities to designate public camping areas for people experiencing homelessness, with specific standards and requirements. • Establishes drug -free homeless service zones, prohibiting the sale or transfer of controlled substances within these areas. • Requires coordinating entities and service providers to submit annual reports on their efforts to combat homelessness, including funding, services provided, and outcomes. Reports will be made publicly available on the Iowa Finance Authority's website. • Passed House Subcommittee but Senate Subcommittee tabled the bill. Page 19 of 22 HF 510 — Special Elections • Relates to petitions for special elections to fill vacancies in elective city offices. • If a city council chooses to fill a vacancy by appointment and eligible electors file a petition for a special election, the council can challenge the petition in district court if the remaining term is less than one year. • The court will determine if a special election would be unduly financially burdensome for the city. If so, the vacancy will be filled by appointment instead of a special election. • Passed the House but was not taken up by Senate State Government Committee. SF 498 — City Landscaping Regulation • Restricts the ability of Iowa counties and cities to regulate landscape design in commercial and multifamily residential zones. • Prohibits local governments from adopting or enforcing ordinances that establish standards for landscape design, including the use of specific products, materials, or aesthetic methods. • Local governments may still regulate landscaping to ensure public safety, conserve topsoil, and manage stormwater runoff. • Private property owners may establish their own landscape design standards through contractual agreements. • Defines landscape design as the arrangement of land and elements for public and private use, but excludes the design of structures, public streets, and utilities. • Passed Senate Local Government Committee. HSB 228 — Property Tax Statements • Modifies the individual property tax statements mailed to owners and taxpayers. • For fiscal years starting on or after July 1, 2026, these statements will include a comparison of the current year's property taxes and the estimated taxes for the upcoming budget year, along with the percentage change. • If the state percentage for supplemental state aid is enacted after March 1, the deadlines for filing reports and mailing statements will be extended by 15 days. This allows for more time to incorporate the updated growth percentage into the tax statements. • Passed House Ways & Means Subcommittee. SF 89/HSB 198 — Statewide Interoperable Communications System Access • Requires the SICS board to process all applications for access to the system and provide voice and data access to qualified public entities and public service organizations. • Eliminates the need for public service organizations to have a contract or agreement with a public entity to qualify for SICS access. • Defines four user levels for access to the system and allows public service organizations to specify their required user level. • States that equipment and programming costs associated with communications on the SICS are the responsibility of the public service organization, while the state will provide system access setup, training, and support at no cost. • House and Senate State Government Subcommittees recommended amendment and passage. Page 20 of 22 HF 72 & HF 78 - Possession of Small Amounts of Marijuana • Reduces penalties for possession of small quantities of marijuana. • Proposes that possession of 10 grams or less of marijuana that was not offered for sale be classified as a simple misdemeanor, punishable by a scheduled fine of $500. • Currently, penalties for marijuana possession range from an aggravated misdemeanor to a class B felony, depending on the quantity and circumstances. • Repeals a section of the Iowa Code that involves proving intent to deliver small quantities of marijuana. • Neither bill was assigned to subcommittee in House Public Safety. HF 895 - Regional Transit Districts • Modifies the requirements for creating a regional transit district. • Currently, a regional transit district can be formed by one or more counties with a population exceeding 175,000 and participating cities through a Chapter 28E agreement. • The bill eliminates the county population threshold, allowing any county and participating cities to create a regional transit district. • Passed the House but Senate Transportation Subcommittee did not meet. HF 533 - Interstate Rail Compact • Enacts the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Compact. • Establishes a commission to carry out the duties specified in the compact, with each member state represented by four members: the governor or their designee, a private sector member, and two legislators. • The commission's powers and duties include advocating for funding, developing long-term plans for high-speed rail, and coordinating with other agencies. • The compact also provides for administration and financing of the commission's operations and includes provisions for withdrawal, default, and termination. • Iowa would join eight other states that have already enacted the compact into law. • Passed the House Senate Transportation Subcommittee recommended passage. HF 702 — Consumer Fireworks • Modifies the regulations surrounding the sale and use of consumer fireworks. • Currently, the sale of fireworks from permanent structures is only allowed between June 1 and July 8 and between December 10 and January 3. This bill would remove these date restrictions, allowing the sale of fireworks from permanent structures throughout the year. • The bill prohibits local authorities, such as county boards of supervisors or city councils, from restricting the use of consumer fireworks on July 3, July 4, or December 31. • Bill was amended to be identical to SF 303 which was sent to the Governor. SF 137 — Law Enforcement Short Course • Currently, individuals who are not certified law enforcement officers can apply for a short course of study at an approved training program if sponsored by a law enforcement agency. They must submit Page 21 of 22 proof of completing a two-year or four-year police science or criminal justice program at an accredited Iowa educational institution approved by the academy. • The bill removes the requirement that the program must be from an Iowa institution, allowing individuals to complete the program at any accredited educational institution approved by the academy. This change provides more flexibility for individuals seeking law enforcement training and expands the pool of potential applicants. • Passed full Senate and House Public Safety Committee. Page 22 of 22 Item Number: IP4. a CITY OF IOWA CITY "QR T-4 COUNCIL ACTION REPORT July 3, 2025 Memo from Assistant City Manager: Local Option Sales Tax Discussion Attachments: Memo from Assistant City Manager - Local Option Sales Tax Discussion CITY OF IOWA CITY MEMORANDUM Date: July 3, 2025 To: Mayor and City Council From: Kirk Lehmann, Assistant City Manager Re: Local Option Sales Tax Discussion Introduction During the June 3, 2025 work session, City Council expressed interest in pursuing a 1% Local Option Sales Tax (LOST). At the June 17 work session, Council developed draft ballot language (Attachment 1) for further discussion at an upcoming work session. Council indicated a desire to place a LOST measure on the ballot for the November 4 general election. To meet this timeline, Council should adopt a resolution with final ballot language at the August 5 formal meeting. Background In Iowa, local governments may implement a 1% LOST on certain sales and services following voter approval. Many essential expenditures are exempt from LOST, including but not limited to rent, mortgages, groceries, vehicles, utilities, gasoline, prescription drugs, and medical services and devices. Most other sales or services must pay LOST if adopted locally. A complete list of goods and services subject to sales tax is available on the Iowa Department of Revenue website. LOST must be enacted through a public vote at a regular election or at one of the special election dates designated by State Code. A simple majority is required for passage. State law mandates that at least 50% of LOST revenue must be allocated to property tax relief. The remaining funds may be directed toward other community priorities. All uses of LOST must be specified in the ballot language. A LOST ballot measure can be initiated either by citizen petition or by a City Council resolution that includes the specified purposes. Financial Impact Staff estimates that a 1% LOST could generate approximately $8-10 million in annual revenue, depending on economic activity and consumer spending levels. Discussion At the June 17 work session, City Council made several preliminary decisions about a potential LOST ballot measure. Council supported placing the measure on the November 4 general election and developed proposed language (Attachment 1) which has no sunset provision. The draft includes the following allocations: • 50% for property tax relief (as required by law) • 25% for affordable housing • 10% for infrastructure and public facilities • 15% for community partnerships To support Council's interest in clear and accessible ballot language and given the tight timeline, staff prepared alternative ballot language (Attachment 2) to help facilitate this final discussion. This language is intended to be substantially equivalent in scope to Council's language while improving readability and comprehension for voters. Ballot language may still be refined, though staff will need final direction to prepare a resolution for consideration at the August 5 meeting. Attachment 1 Council's Draft Ballot Language "SHALL THE FOLLOWING PUBLIC MEASURE BE ADOPTED?" Summary: To authorize imposition of a local option sales and services tax in the City of Iowa City, Iowa at the rate of one percent (1 %) to be effective starting July 1, 2026. A local option sales and services tax shall be imposed in the City of Iowa City, Iowa at the rate of one percent (1 %) to be effective from July 1, 2026. Revenues from the sales and services tax shall be allocated as follows: 50% of such revenues to be allocated for property tax relief; and the specific purpose(s) for which the revenues shall otherwise be expended is: 25% of such revenues shall be used to preserve existing affordable housing stock, increase shelter and transitional housing supports, and increase access to and the supply of affordable housing for household with low incomes. 10% of such revenues shall be used for maintenance and construction of public streets, sidewalks, trails, parks, and facilities as designated by City Council. 15% of such revenues shall be used for community partnerships, including, but not limited to, partnerships that support intergovernmental, economic development, arts and culture, and social service priorities as designated by City Council. Attachment 2 Alternative Draft Ballot Language "SHALL THE FOLLOWING PUBLIC MEASURE BE ADOPTED?" Summary: To authorize imposition of a local option sales and services tax in the City of Iowa City, Iowa at the rate of one percent (1 %) to be effective starting July 1, 2026. A local option sales and services tax shall be imposed in the City of Iowa City, Iowa at the rate of one percent (1 %) to be effective from July 1, 2026. Revenues from the sales and services tax shall be allocated as follows: 50% for property tax relief. 25% for preserving and increasing access to, and the supply of, affordable housing for low income persons. 10% for maintaining and constructing public streets, sidewalks, trails, parks, and facilities. 15% for enhancing community partnerships with governmental, economic development, arts and culture, and social service organizations. Item Number: IP5. CITY OF IOWA CITY COUNCIL ACTION REPORT July 3, 2025 Pending City Council Work Session Topics Attachments: Pending City Council Work Session Topics � r 1 CITY OF IOWA CITY UNESCO CITY OF LITERATURE PENDING CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION TOPICS July 1, 2025 Currently Scheduled August 5, 2025: Update on the City's study of repositioning public housing units August 5, 2025: Public Art Advisory Commission (PAAC) Strategic Plan presentation FY23-25 Strategic Plan Action Item Topics Requiring Council Discussion: • Explore legal steps to discourage or prevent bad faith and predatory property investors • Advance prioritized recommendations in the 2022 Affordable Housing Action Plan. Work with partners to undertake significant -scale affordable housing efforts • Develop a vision statement for a singular regional transit system with metro Johnson County entities and obtain initial commitments to study a regional system from each entity's elected officials Other Topics: • Discussion of board and commission appointment process • License plate reader technology discussion • Historic preservation incentive discussion ■ University of Iowa update • Conference Board (Sept. 16, 2025) • Overview of the Iowa City Human Rights Ordinance • Sidewalk connection to Happy Hollow Park • Low Income Utility Discount Program (IP2 from 4.24.25) • Affordable housing discussion • Discuss land acquisition and/or banking for affordable housing development Note: Some items on the Pending List may require staff research and information gathering prior to scheduling. Item Number: IP6. a CITY OF IOWA CITY "QR T-4 COUNCIL ACTION REPORT July 3, 2025 Memo from City Manager's Office: Housing Information Attachments: Memo from City Manager's Office - Housing Information Memo from City Manager's Office - Iowa City Housing Authority Waiting List Update ► r 1 !ui1� CITY OF IOWA CITY MEMORANDUM Date: July 1, 2025 To: Mayor and City Council From: City Manager's Office Re: Housing Information At your October 15, 2024 work session you asked staff to provide you housing related information on a recurring basis prior to each City Council meeting. Staff intends to add to this memo with each Information Packet that is publicly released prior to formal City Council meetings. We welcome feedback on the type of information that you believe will be most informative and useful in your roles as City Councilors. Date Topic Source October HUD Point -in -Time Count: This is a required count Institute for Community 31, 2024 conducted across the country of sheltered and unsheltered Alliances (ICA) people experiencing homelessness on a single night in https://icalliances.org/pit January. In 2023, the count revealed 160 sheltered and 18 unsheltered individuals in Johnson County. In 2024, the count revealed 159 sheltered and 22 unsheltered individuals in Johnson County. November Housing Choice Voucher Utilization Rate: The HUD Housing Choice 14, 2024 utilization rate refers to the number of housing choice Voucher Data vouchers that are under lease as a percentage of total Dashboard vouchers available. As of July 2024, the national utilization https://www.hud.gov/pro gram offices/public indi rate is 86.23%. The State of Iowa utilization rate is an housing/programs/h 82.74%. The Iowa City Housing Authority utilization rate of cv/dashboard 92.85% exceeds both the national and state figures. December ICAAR Market Trends: ICAAR collects data about home Iowa City Area 5, 2024 sales monthly. In Oct. 2024, the median sales price was Association of Realtors $376,250 for single-family (up 29.9% from Oct. 2023) and (ICAAR): July 1, 2025 Page 2 was $274,000 for a condominium (up 8.5%). However, the https://icaar.org/market- trends/ median sales price per square foot only increased 8.3%, which suggests some of the increase is due to the size of homes. In addition, the active inventory has increased 37.7%, which can help slow inflationary pressures. January 2, 2-Bedroom Housing Wage: The National Low Income National Low Income 2025 Housing Coalition computes housing wages across the Housing Coalition Out country (the hourly wage rate needed to afford housing in of Reach Report. the selected geographic region). In Iowa, the 2-bedroom https://nlihc.org/oor/stat housing wage across the state is $18.86. For the Iowa City e/ia metropolitan area, the 2-bedroom housing wage is $20.81. January Cost Burden: A household is considered housing cost 2023 5-Year American 21, 2025 burdened if it spends more than 30% of its income on Community Survey housing expenses, including rent, mortgage payments, Data by the U.S. and utilities. In 2023, 59.3% of renters and 18.0% of Census Bureau owners were housing cost burdened. Households with https://data.census.gov/ table/ACSDT5Y2023.B2 lower incomes are more likely to experience cost burden: 91 % of households making less than $35,000 are cost 5106?q=iowa%20city% 20cost%20burden%20b burdened. v%20tenure&t=Owner/ Renter%20(Tenure) February Cost of Home Construction: The NAHB regularly Cost of Constructing a 4, 2025 conducts a national, non -statistically valid survey of Home-2024 by the builders about the cost breakdowns for a new single-family National Association of home. In 2024, the average finished area of a new home Home Builders (NAHB) was 2,647 square feet, and the average total sales price https://www.nahb.orq/- was $665,298. Construction costs accounted for /media/NAHB/news- approximately 64.4% of the sales price. Meanwhile, the and - finished lot cost was 13.7% of the sales price, while other economics/docs/housin overhead costs — including financing, general expenses, q-economics- marketing, and sales commissions — made up another plus/special- studies/2025/special- July 1, 2025 Page 3 11.0%. This left an average of 11.0% which constituted study -cost -of - profit. constructing-a-home- 2024-man uary-2025. pdf February HUD Point -in -Time Count: This is a required count Institute for Community 13, 2025 conducted across the country of sheltered and unsheltered Alliances (ICA) - 2025 people experiencing homelessness on a single night in not yet available. January. In 2023, the count revealed 160 sheltered and 18 https://icalliances.org/pit unsheltered individuals in Johnson County. In 2024, the count revealed 159 sheltered and 22 unsheltered individuals in Johnson County. The 2025 count of sheltered individuals is being gathered for submission to HUD. Unofficially, the 2025 count revealed 38 unsheltered individuals in Johnson County. March 6, ICAAR Days on Market Trends: ICAAR collects data Iowa City Area 2025 about how long homes are listed for sale on the market. In Association of Realtors Feb. 2025, the median Days on Market (DOM) in Iowa City (ICAAR): was 36 for single-family (up 38.5% from Feb. 2024) and https://icaar.org/market- trends/ was 28 for condominiums (up 24.4%). While DOM increased this past year, these numbers still suggest many homes are selling relatively quickly, and there is a strong demand for housing compared to supply. May 1, Utility Expenses: The cost of utilities is an important 2023 Iowa Water and 2025 component of monthly housing expenditures. The Iowa Wastewater Rates Finance Authority (IFA) recently funded a dashboard that Dashboard, allows public utility providers in Iowa to compare water and Environmental Finance sewer rates from FY23. For a residential customer using Center at the University 5,000 gallons of water and sewer service, Iowa City of North Carolina at monthly rate is $60.73 which is in the lowest 20% of bills Chapel Hill (UNC EFC): charged (the median in Iowa is $85.60). When a residential https://dashboards.efc.s og.unc.edu/ia customer only uses 4,000 gallons of water and sewer service, Iowa City's rate drops to the lowest 10% of bills July 1, 2025 Page 4 charged at $50.30 (compared to the Iowa median of $74.32). While Iowa City's rates have increased since FY23, this highlights the comparative affordability of Iowa City's water and sewer service. May 15, ICAAR Inventory and Sales Trends: ICAAR collects data Iowa City Area 2025 on several housing market variables by city. The April 2025 Association of Realtors data shows that active inventory of homes for Iowa City is (ICAAR): up 54.5% compared to April 2024 while closed sales are https://icaar.org/market- down 20% for that same period. This data suggests fewer trends/ buyers may be participating in the market. May 29, Household Size: Household size affects housing needs 2023 5-Year American 2025 within a community. For example, larger households may Community Survey require homes with more bedrooms and living space, Data by the U.S. whereas smaller households, such as singles or couples Census Bureau without children, can drive demand for smaller units. In https://data.census.gov/ 2023, 37% of Iowa City households consisted of 1 person, table/ACSST5Y2023.S2 35% consisted of 2 persons, 14% consisted of 3 persons, 501?q=iowa+city,+ia and 13% consisted of 4 persons. However, there is a reciprocal relationship: smaller units may attract smaller households rather than small households driving the demand for smaller units. June 12, Fair Market Rents (FMR): Every year, the U.S. FY 2025 Fair Market 2025 Department of Housing & Urban Development publishes Rent for Iowa City, IA FMRs which estimate reasonable rental prices for housing https://www.huduser.go v/portal/datasets/fmr/fmr in specific geographic areas. It is considered a benchmark s/FY2025 code/2025su for rent affordability and is used by many affordable housing mmary.odn programs to establish maximum rents. Effective June 1, 2025, the monthly FMR is $921 for a 1-bedroom unit, $1,105 for a 2-bedroom unit, and $1,548 for a 3-bedroom unit in Iowa City. Compared to 2024, FMR increased 4.2% for efficiency units, 2.1% for 1- and 2-bedroom units, 1.5% for 3-bedroom units, and 1.1 % for larger units. July 1, 2025 Page 5 July 3, Price -to -Income Ratio: Every year, Harvard University Joint Center for Housing 2025 publishes a State of the Nation's Housing report. One Studies of Harvard metric it uses to quantify affordability is the Price -to -Income University, Ratio which compares the median sales price of existing https://www.Ochs.harvar single family homes to the median household income within d.edu/son-2025-price- each housing market. A ratio of 3.0 (i.e. the median home to -income -map sales price is 3 times the median income) is traditionally considered affordable. Higher ratios are considered less affordable. In 2024, the ratio for the Iowa City metro was 4.25, which is the second year in a row above 4.0. Since 1980, Iowa City has been primarily in the 3.0 to 3.9 range. ► r 1 !ui1� CITY OF IOWA CITY MEMORANDUM Date: July 1, 2025 To: Mayor and City Council From: City Manager's Office Re: Iowa City Housing Authority Waiting List Update Data on the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) and Public Housing (PH) waitlists is provided monthly by the Iowa City Housing Authority (ICHA). ICHA prioritizes applicants using criteria reviewed and approved by City Council, with the top preference category consisting of households that live and/or work in ICHA's jurisdiction (Johnson and Iowa Counties, and Washington County north of Highway 92) and are elderly, disabled or have minor children. Waitlists are regularly updated consistent with best practice to ensure applicants remain eligible, are interested in staying on the waitlist, and are accurately classified in the appropriate preference category. The most recent waitlist update was implemented May 2025. Table 1: ICHA Waiting Lists and Homeless Counts Month HCV Waiting List (# in Top Preference Category) PH Waiting List (# in Top Preference Category) Homeless Count** Dec '24 10,091 1,205 Jan '25 10,087 1,204 1,627 570 Feb'25 10,035 (1,157) -- 1,688 of the 10,305, or 16.8%. have an Iowa City address -- 1,614 (573) -- 452 of the 1,614, or 28%, have an Iowa City address -- March '25 9,956 1,095 1,599 561 April '25 8,913 1,095 1,573 551 May '25 2,349 1,115 1,557 541 June '25 1 2,459 1,117 1,552 535 Jul '25 12,481 1,119 1,548 533 * Data source for monthly tracking is still being investigated. Item Number: IP7. a CITY OF IOWA CITY "QR T-4 COUNCIL ACTION REPORT July 3, 2025 Memo from City Clerk: Joint Entities Meetings Agenda Items for July 21 Attachments: Memo from City Clerk - Joint Entities Meetings Agenda Items for July 21 jr �•rrwnoi�_ *� CITY OF IOWA CITY MEMORANDUM Date: July 1, 2025 To: Mayor and City Council From: Kellie Grace, City Clerk Re: Joint Entities Meeting Agenda Items for July 21 The next joint meeting with City Councils of Johnson County municipalities, the Johnson County Board of Supervisors, the Iowa City School District and neighboring school districts will be held on Monday, July 21, 2025. The meeting will be hosted by the City of Coralville. Please come prepared to discuss agenda items you would like to include on that agenda at the next Council work session on July 8th. The following item(s) have been requested by the Council for the Joint meeting agenda: Discuss adding crisis counselors into Joint Emergency Communications Center (JECC) dispatch operations A complete agenda and meeting date confirmation will be available in your packet preceding the July 21st Joint meeting. Item Number: IP8. CITY OF IOWA CITY COUNCIL ACTION REPORT July 3, 2025 June 2025 Building Statistics Attachments: June 2025 Building Statistics Iowa City Building Permits Issue date between 6/1/2025 and 6/30/2025 PermltType Work Class PTrmet YP Pennit # Issue Date Address Description Applicant Value Building (Commercial) Accessory Structure Accessory Structure $0 Building (Commercial) - Accessory Structure Total $0 Addition Addition $0 Building (Commercial) - Addition Total $0 Remodel existing storage area into small office suite and Alteration Alteration BLDC25-0063 6/10/2025 1900 MORNINGSIDE DR renovation of existing offices into instructional space Sheets Design Build Benjamin Taylor Jansen $324,900 (Iowa City High School). Alteration BLDC25-0057 6/12/2025 1067 RYAN CT Interior renovation of dentist's office, Modern Design Architects Nathan Luzindya $698,552 Alteration BLDC25-0066 6/23/2025 1534 S GILBERT ST 400 Remodel of an existing tenant space into the new Can Shed facility. Total SQFT 4,954. Build to Suit, Inc. Corey Higgins $303,800 Alteration BLDC25-0073 6/24/2025 2701 ROCHESTER AVE Install Hummer bell outside of church (First Presbyterian Church). TMLD LLC Mary A Ruth $50,000 A remodel of the existing high school art room and Alteration BLDC25-0068 6/25/2025 2150 ROCHESTER AVE rework of (2) business wing offices into (1) larger room Build to Suit, Inc. Michael Villhauer $191,254 (Regina Catholic Education Center), Building (Commercial) - Alteration Total $7,568,506 New New BLDC25-0032 6/3/2025 1801 S RIVERSIDE DR New airplane hangar (Airport - City of Iowa City), Ryan Paul From $680,612 Building (Commercial) - New Construction $680,612 Building (Commercial) Repair Repair BLDC25-0061 6/16/2025 115 S DUBUQUE ST Masonry repairs on south wall of building (HPC25-0031). Evans Masonry Tracy Allen Evans $34,850 Patch & cleean roof. TPO membrane coming of one will which will be reattached. Reapir stucco siding on the north & west sides of the building & repaint area in existing building color. Repaint fire escape on west side Repair BLDC25-0065 6/17/2025 111 S DUBUQUE ST of building in the existing color. Replace damaged wood Shulffs Roof Renovations LLC Dan Shultz $74,000 on overhang/corbels/trin/soffit on east side of building (keeping same look) & repaint in the existing colors (HPC25-0034). Repair BLDC25-0072 6/20/2025 204 N DUBUQUE ST Remove and replace concrete sidewalk section in front of Mark Ralston $1,000 building for ADA ramp (Casey's General Store). Building (Commercial) - Repair $109,850 Tenant interior build -out of A new vacant shell space, Tenant Build -Out Tenant Build- BLDC25-0042 b/26/2025 21 STURGIS CORNER DR Work includes, but is not limited to, interior finishes, Wilkus Architects Kristin Just $385,000 Out bathrooms and modifications for a new Chipotle restaurant. Building (Commercial) - Tennant Build - $385,000 Out Total Building (Commercial) Total $2,743,968 Delivery & installation of a prefabricated detached, open - Building Accessory air gazebo. It will sit on a new concrete pad located on (Residential) Accessory Building Building BLDR25-0174 6/5/2025 340 HUTCHINSON AVE the east side of the property. Gazebo will be at least 5ft Gallagher Leach $35,000 away from property lines. Accessory BLDR24-0330 6/10/2025 121 DENBIGH DR New shed on south side of property. Concrete slab 16 x Rochelle Brannian $45,000 Building 24, Shed 16 x 24, Accessory 0LDR25-0139 6/17/2025 1553 WILD PRAIRIE DR New shed on west side of house 12' x 16'. Erin Shane $5,000 Building Building (Residential) Accessory Building Accessory Building BLDR25-0201 6/17/2025 329 BELDON AVE Demo existing garage and construct new garage in its place, Five star construction LLC Travis Dimmer $75,000 Building (Residential) - Accessory Building Total $760,000 Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) ADU $0 Building (Residential) - Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Total $0 Add a new deck to existing screened porch on south side Addition Addition BLDR25-0136 6/4/2025 310 TETON CIR of house, Also add new stairs & landing to screened Eicher Design Build LLC Henry H Eicher $34,000 porch. Addition BLDR25-0173 6/10/2025 1425 FRANKLIN ST Installation of a freestanding deck on the west side of house. Lovewell Fence and Deck Ryan Novak $15,351 Build new 25' long x 4' ADA ramp on west side (front) of Addition RLDR25-0190 6/12/2025 74 KENNETH DR house and add 191 x 6'W addition to driveway. Ramp Cedar County Concretre Jon Taska Winslow $10,925 slope 1" per foot. Addition BLDR25-0192 6/12/2025 1822 FRIENDSHIP ST Add ADA deck ramp on south side of house. Kingdom Construction Jason G Zook $13,400 Addition 6LDR25-0195 6/11/2025 1229 E BURLINGTON ST Front porch addition on north side of house. Doug Yansky $25,503 Addition BLDR25-0193 6/17/2025 1913 RIDGEWAY DR Add new deck on south side of house, Add new door on house leading to deck. Add exterior outlet and light, TRENT A YODER TRENT A YODER $14,533 Addition BLDR25-0215 6/18/2025 46 GOLDFINCH CIR Add exterior door to basement with concrete steps on the NE side of the house. Lisa Henkhaus $16,000 Addition BLDR25-0219 6/23/2025 934 E DAVENPORT ST Add a platform deck to north side of house. Michelle A Larson $4,800 Addition BLDR25-0189 6/17/2025 2345 NOR ST Building a new 15'x19' sunroom on the west side of the house with a new deck foundation, Home Town Restyling Brad Winn $99,450 Building (Residential) Addition Addition BLDR24-0347 6/24/2025 232 SEDONA ST Install new inground pool, 24'x16' ova 1.4 ft deep, aluminum side walls, fully submerged in ground with sand bottom and liner, Jacob Simmons $12,000 Addition BLDR25-0212 6/24/2025 148 PENFRO DR Addition of 16 x 20 detached garage in backyard (south side of house). Rachel Leist $25,000 Add two bedrooms to existing dwelling by converting current garage on NE side of house into a new bedroom Addition BLDR25-0166 6/27/2025 1106 N DUBUQUE ST and construct a second new bedroom off the converted Truconstruction Chad Crigger $280,000 bedroom (also on NE side of house). Build new 3-car garage on north side of house. Addition BLDR25-0202 6/27/2025 5 WOODLAND MOUNDS RD New attached deck on west side of house, Kara Frankman $5,000 Building (Residential) - Addition Total $555,962 Alteration/Remodel Alteration/ Remodel BLDR25-0137 6/3/2025 2229 ABBEY UN Finish part of the basement, by adding two bedrooms, one bathroom & family room. QUALITY HOME REPAIR LLC Perry Shawver $75,000 Alteration/ Remodel BLDR25-0168 6/4/2025 327 N JOHNSON ST A Add a 4th bedroom by adding a wall. Bedroom will be approximately 81" by 13'3". MARK NORTON $4,000 Alteration/ Remodel BLDR25-0176 6/6/2025 866 AIDEN ST Add new stairs w/ handrails to existing wood framed deck on west side of house. StraitBuilt Designs LLC Justin Strait $2,000 Alteration/ Remodel BLDR25-0177 6/6/2025 119 N GILBERT ST Tear off existing shingles & replace with new shingles, J&M Martinez Construction Inc Abel Martinez $6,954 Convert existing screened -in porch to 4-seasons room. Alteration/ Remodel BLDR25-0185 6/5/2025 1343 AVA CIR Install windows, a mini split, & interior trim with insulation. Installing siding &soffit coverings to existing Ridge Pro Exteriors Samuel Patrick Mondanaro $42,500 exterior walls. Replace old deck with new 12xl2 deck on north side of Alteration/ Remodel BLDR25-0149 6/9/2025 1630 VESTI LN house. Use original footings and 6x6 unless we can easily replace 6x6. Trex decking & Westbury Railing. Also O'Donnell Decking Mike O'Donnell $15,000 replace decking on front steps & landing. Building (Residential) Alteration/Remodel Alteration/ Remodel BLDR25-0162 6/10/2025 1087 MEADOWLARK DR Kitchen remodel -layout change. Project manager Tracy Lee Grecian $75,000 Alteration/ Remodel BLDR25-0181 6/10/2025 "0 SAMOA DR Rebuild existing deck on east side of dwelling. Westwinds Homeowners Association Bradley Mecham $4,500 Add two bedrooms & bathroom to lower level Alteration/ Remodel BLDR25-0184 6/10/2025 16 BROOKFIELD DR (basement)- Change gas meter from inside residence to exterior southside of building between egress windows Shannon Strelczyk $40,000 per MidAmerican Energy Company, Alteration/ Remodel BLDR25-0187 6/11/2025 1125 KIRKWOOD CT We are moving the kitchen wall less than 2 feet Wendy Zimmermann $20,000 Alteration/ Remodel BLDR25-0191 6/11/2025 900 N DODGE ST Convert Duplex to Single Family Dwelling remove one door to connect units Iowa Student Housing $100 Alteration/ Remodel BLDR25-0196 6/12/2025 410 HAWAII CT Deck rebuild in same footprint on southside of dwelling. Westwinds Homeowners Association Bradley Mecham $4,320 Alteration/ Remodel BLDR25-0197 6/11/2025 32 GOLDFINCH CIR Remodel of existing deck & addition of new sunroom on north side of house, Miller Builders Inc Terry Miller $55,042 Alteration/ Remodel BLDR25-0169 6/16/2025 1632 DOVER ST Foundation repair on northwest side of house. Midwest Reconstruction Desiree Slama $17,842 Alteration/ Remodel BLDR25-0203 6/13/2025 628 N JOHNSON ST Bathroom remodel McCreedy-Ruth Construction, LLC Kevin McCreedy $30,000 Alteration/ Remodel BLDR25-0206 6/16/2025 711 CHURCH ST Upstairs bathroom remodel & installation of new first floor W/D in main floor pantry. Forma Construction Aaron Kelly $24,000 Alteration/ Remodel BLDR25-0077 6/20/2025 1006 WYLDE GREEN RD Add bathroom in basement. ROBYN K BARON $2,000 Alteration/ Remodel BLDR25-0209 6/17/2025 510 LARCH UN Screened porch & deck on east side of house. Smith and Wood Construction Inc Mark Smith $28,000 Building (Residential) Alteration/Remodel Alteration/ Remodel BLDR25-0222 6/23/2025 4076 GRINDSTONE DR Replace existing wood deck w/ new deck (north side of house) using composite decking and aluminum railings. Deck footprint stays the same. T.C_ Handiwork L_L.0 Tim M Corbett $8,700 Alteration/ Remodel BLDR25-0180 6/24/2025 1229 DOVER ST Replace deck on west side of the house. New deck size is 1608'. Carson Kruse $5,000 Alteration/ Remodel BLDR25-0171 6/26/2025 748 OAKLAND AVE Replacing the existing front stoop with approved brick. Fiddlehead Gardens Alex Schmidt $25,000 Alteration/ Remodel BLDR25-0179 6/25/2025 515 N DUBUQUE ST Remove two existing garages and construct new deck W/stairs for access to upstairs apartment on west side of house. CAMPUS VIEW MANAGEMENT Bryan Svoboda $10,000 Remodel of the existing home and addition of a 12'x10' Alteration/ Remodel BLDR25-0213 6/26/2025 7 WESTGATE CIR deck on west side of house, Removing wall between kitchen and dining room, finishing basement and adding Troy's Plumbing and Home Improvement Troy Joseph Vittetoe $82,000 egress in bedroom, Alteration/ Remodel BLDR25-0228 45/25/2025 3158 HASTINGS AVE Adding egress window on west side of house. Timothy Martin Boudreau $8,883 Alteration/ Remodel BLDR25-0229 6/25/2025 526 TERRACE RD Enlarge basement window on west side (front) of house, Partner Home Advantage Joseph Frederick $4,000 Building (Residential) - Alteration/Remodel Total $589,941 New New BLDR25-0083 6/2/2025 1336 CEDAR ST New SFD, 4-bedroom w/ 2-car garage. Oak Tree Homes Travis Hugunin $2,167,691 Construction of new set of 5-unit townhomes, Two are 2- New BLDR25-0163 6/5/2025 940-942-944-946-948 DUBS DR bedrooms units & 3 are 3-bedroom units. All units have Navigate Homes Karl Bigger $1,090,617 2.5 bathrooms and attached 2 car garages. New BLDR25-0218 6/27/2025 372 SEDONA ST New SFD, ranch home w/ 5 bedrooms & 3-car garage WATTS GROUP Caleb Shield $350,499 New BLDR25-0225 6/30/2025 928 AIDEN ST New SFD, 4-bedroom w/ 2-car garage. SHG Builders Jason Dumont $352,000 Building (Residential) Building (Residential) - New Total $3,960,807 Repair Repair BLDR25-0183 6/10/2025 1312 KIRKWOOD AVE Replace porch on south side (front) of house. RON EASTON RON EASTON $30,000 Repair existing deck structure on south side of house. Repair BLDR25-0207 6/17/2025 2046 HANNAH JO CT Replace stairs, including stringers, steps, & handrail using Edward Gadelha $1,241 similar materials. Adding new stair risers. No change to structure/foundation. Structure sustained water damage and has been demoed Repair BLDR25-0221 6/23/2025 1131 ASH ST down to stud walls. This permit is to restore structure to Firstcall Restoration Mark McWhinney $85,000 pre loss condition. This is for house only, main floor & basement, Building (Residential) - Repair $116,241 Building (Residential) Total $5,382,851 Grand Total $8,726,819 Total Permits Issued 59 City of Iowa City 2025 Bulldina Statistics IValuartype of Construction Permits Issued 2023 I January I February I March I Aril I Ma I Juno I July I August I September I October I November I December) TOTAL I New Single Famfly Dwellings jIRCj -S Valuation SO 5636,554 11 174,732 S4 519,900 Si 109.099 SJ 960807 I i S 1 401,092 Number of Painils 0 1 3 10 31 41 21 New Duplex Owmilings (tRCt - S Valuation SO $0 $0 $2,696 793 $575,579 $01 $3,272372 Numberof Permits Of 01 01 4 11 01 1 1 5 New Multiple Unit Dwellings (IBC) - S Valuation 1 $01 Sol Sol s0 Sol Sol 50 Number of Permits 1 01 0 01 0 01 0 0 Number of Buildings0 0 0 0 01 ol I I II 0 I Number of Dwelling Units I. 01 01 0 21 0 0 0 New Commercial or Mixed Commercial Residential 1113C)-SValuation I $0 $01 S4000,0001 S530.0001 S480.D001 Sol I i$5010000 Numberof Permits 1 01 01 11 11 11 01 1 1 13 Numberof 806l gs 1 01 01 11 11 11 01 1 1 1 1 3 Numberof Dwelkrl0 Unils i 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 New lndnaaial)IBC) -S Valuatlon $0 $0 30 $0 $0 $0 SD Numberof Permits 0 0 01 0 0 0 I I 0 New Iowa City Public (IBCIRCHRe laces Public WorkslUtifiBss) - SValuation 1 $710000 $0 $0 SO $0 $680,6121 1 1 1 $1.390.612 Number of Pemxts 10 01 01 01 01 1 I 1 Schools IBC) All new and all addialtertrepalr)- SValuation $0 $3.0001 $30000 $0 $0 $191.254 1224.254 Number of Permits i oi 11 1 01 0 1 3 Misc. StructuresiFences liVsluallon $01 SO $0 $01 SO $01 1SO (Number of Permits 01 01 0f 01 01 01 I 1 I I I 0 RZ.o .Fiesldential (All addlaltedrepair IRC -S Valuation $538 594 S5728401 $768.698 $828.5911 $1.680.987 s1 262.044 $5 651 754 Numbarot Parmlls 141 13f 271 281 361 411 1 1 f I I 159 Remodel. Commercial (All addialterrre it IBC)-SValuation 1 $1787200 $454700 $588080 $5,386.604 $962,7931 $1,572.102 511051.479 mPermits 101 51 81 14 9 8 1 54 Remodel, Industrial(All addlaltedre it IBC)-$Valuation)Nsw Catspo In'22 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 SO Numberof Pem9ls oi 0 oi 0 0 01 0 Remodel Public Roolaces Public Works All addlalladre Ir IBC -S Valuation 1 $01 SO $0 $0 $21.000.0001 Sol 521,000,000 Number of Permits 1 01 01 01 01 21 01 1 2 Reaidantial Accessory Slruclures IRC - SValuation $0 $60.000 $140000 $54000 $135880 $160,0001i $549.880 Numberof Pemtds 01 11 31 31 11 41 12 Residential Accessary Dwelling Unll (IRC) -S Valuation Sol so s0 $0 $0, So $0 Numbs of PemPls 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 TOTAL VALUE f3,035,794 31,727,094 $6,701,510 f14,015.888 S25,944,3381 S8.126.8191 i I t $59,551.443 TOTAL PERMITS 1 241 211 431 601 531 59 260 Item Number: IP9. a CITY OF IOWA CITY "QR T-4 COUNCIL ACTION REPORT July 3, 2025 Civil Service Entrance Examination - Building Inspector - Mechanical Attachments: Civil Service Entrance Examination - Building Inspector - Mechanical � r CITY OF IOWA CITY 410 East Washington Street Iowa City, Iowa S2240-1826 (319) 356-5000 (319) 356-5009 FAX www.icgov.org June 30, 2025 TO: The Honorable Mayor and the City Council RE: Civil Service Entrance Examination — Building Inspector — Mechanical Under the authority of the Civil Service Commission of Iowa City, Iowa, I do hereby certify the following named person(s) as eligible for the position of Building Inspector — Mechanical. Tyler Klostermann Iowa City Civil Service Commission ick Wyss Chair Item Number: IP10. a CITY OF IOWA CITY "QR T-4 COUNCIL ACTION REPORT July 3, 2025 Civil Service Entrance Examination - Mass Transit Operator Attachments: Civil Service Entrance Examination - Mass Transit Operator r I ill L'JL� �1 CITY OF IOWA CITY 410 East Washington Street Iowa City, Iowa S2240-1826 (319) 356-5000 (319) 356-5009 FAX www.Icgov.org June 30, 2025 TO: The Honorable Mayor and the City Council RE: Civil Service Entrance Examination — Mass Transit Operator Under the authority of the Civil Service Commission of Iowa City, Iowa, I do hereby certify the following named person(s) as eligible for the position of Mass Transit Operator. 1. Jason McCall 2. Edith McGee Iowa City Civil Service Commission Rick W s, Chair Item Number: IP11. CITY OF IOWA CITY COUNCIL ACTION REPORT July 3, 2025 Airport Commission: June 12 Attachments: Airport Commission: June 12 MINUTES IOWA CITY AIRPORT COMMISSION JUNE 12, 2025 — 6:00 P.M. AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING DRAFT Members Present: Hellecktra Orozco (Via zoom), Ryan Story, Judy Pfohl, Chris Lawrence Warren Bishop (arrived late) Members Absent: Staff Present: Michael Tharp, Jennifer Schwickerath Others Present: Adam Thompson RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: None DETERMINE QUORUM A quorum was determined at 6:06 pm and Lawrence called the meeting to order. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Pfohl stated that she had given Tharp a couple of items to correct. Pfohl moved to approve the minutes as amended by Pfohl, from May 8, 2025, seconded by Story. Motion carried 4-0. (Bishop Absent) PUBLIC COMMENT - None ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION / ACTION a. Airport Construction Projects: i. FAA grant projects - 1. Runway 12/30 Displaced Threshold/Relocation — Tharp stated that there was no news there and they were just working on some close out documents for FAA. ii. Iowa DOT grant projects 1. T-hangar Building a. Iowa DOT Grant Application — Tharp stated that the Governor did sign the funding legislation near the deadline for action. Tharp said they would now be waiting on the state to complete their award recommendation list. Tharp stated that because this project was a revenue generating project the FAA was requiring a statement that airside needs were met for the next three years. This means that the airport would not be eligible for discretionary funding for projects during that time. Tharp stated that the airport would still receive its Airport Commission June 12, 2025 Page 2 of 4 entitlement allocations, and that the upcoming runway maintenance project was secure with entitlement funding. Lawrence asked Tharp for a summary of upcoming projects. Tharp stated that the next project was the apron parking expansion which would require several years of entitlement buildup to help fund and that because of that he believed. 2. Wildlife Mitigation Study — Tharp stated that he met with the USDA team and discussed the project and expectations. Tharp stated they talked about the process and scheduling. Tharp stated that at the end of the project they would be able to use the report to help justify potential mitigation funding. Tharp described some of the questions they had and topics they discussed during the meeting. b. Airport "Operations" i. Budget — Tharp stated that he put the solar comparison sheet into the packet to share the numbers that he's seeing. Tharp stated that as far as the utility bills they are down 86% when compared to last year. Tharp also stated that they are building up a credit as well. Tharp stated that Sarah Gardner, the City Climate Action Coordinator was putting together a solar education program, and they wanted to use the Airport's solar array for tours. Tharp stated they were coming up on the end of the fiscal year. He stated they had a couple of bigger hangar expenses recently for cables and things as the summer generates more hangar door issues with repeated usage. ii. Management — Tharp stated that a tent was observed over in the airport grounds across the river that they had cleaned up a couple of years ago. Tharp stated that the police department had been notified and they were I the process of moving the person along. Tharp noted that he hoped they would move voluntarily. Tharp stated that the Braeden and he completed the hangar inspections. Tharp noted that there were some aircraft that he believed would trigger the non -airworthy status clauses in the upcoming leases. Members discussed what the process they could do if that remained the situation. Schwickerath noted that they could also not offer a new lease to the tenants. Members discussed their options and asked to have a discussion item on the agenda for the next meeting. iii. Events — Bishop arrived at 6:16pm. Tharp stated that the next movie night was coming up this weekend. Tharp stated that there was one movie in July but then August would be a busy month. 1. Summer of the Arts Movies (June 21, July 19, Aug 9) 2. Young Eagles (Aug 16th) 3. Pancake Breakfast (Aug 24) 4. Autocross (Sept 14, Oct 19) c. FBO / Flight Training Reports i. Jet Air — Tharp stated that Wolford was on his way back from a sales trip to the Chicago area. Tharp stated that he knew the guys were cleaning up the front and he met with Matt and Lucas, Jet Air's "airport" guy, and talked about upcoming projects that needed to do like the maintenance list. Tharp also stated that he had planned to have the hangar door painted that Pfohl has commented on previously. Bishop stated that flight training was extremely busy. Lawrence asked about some running lights that might be out to which Tharp responded. Airport Commission June 12, 2025 Page 3 of 4 d. Commission Members' Reports — none e. Staff Report — Tharp stated there were a couple of upcoming vacation periods he'd like to have off. Tharp stated that when he did come back, he'd be out almost right away again on the 24t" for the IPAA Board of Director's meeting. i. 4 States (FAA Central Region) Conference — Kansas City (August 20-22) ii. Vacation Dates (June 16-20; July 29-Aug 6) SET NEXT REGULAR MEETING — Set the next meeting for July 10, 2025. ADJOURN — Story moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:28pm. Seconded by Bishop. Motion carried 5-0 CHAIRPERSON DATE Airport Commission June 12, 2025 Page 4of4 Airport Commission ATTENDANCE RECORD 2024-2025 TERM 0 0) 0 � 0 0D 0 c0 — 0 — — N o 0 N 0 W 0 0 cn 0 0) W C0 N 0) � N W W W O OD N NAM E EXP. � � � cn � cn � cn � cn � cn � Warren 06/30/26 X X X X X X X X X X X O/E X/E Bishop Christopher 06/30/25 O/E O/E X X O/E X X X O/E X X X X Lawrence Hellecktra 06/30/28 X X O/E X O/E X X O/E O/E X O/E X X Orozco Judy Pfohl 06/30/26 X X X X X X X O/E X X X X X Ryan Story 06/30/27 X O/E X X X 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: IP12. a CITY OF IOWA CITY "QR T-4 COUNCIL ACTION REPORT July 3, 2025 Historic Preservation Commission: June 12 Attachments: Historic Preservation Commission: June 12 MINUTES PRELIMINARY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION JUNE 12, 2025 —5:30 PM —FORMAL MEETING E M M A J. HARVAT HALL, CITY HALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Margaret Beck, Carl Brown, Kevin Burford, Ryan Russell, Jordan Sellergren, Deanna Thomann, Nicole Villanueva, Christina Welu-Reynolds MEMBERS ABSENT: Andrew Lewis, Frank Wagner STAFF PRESENT: Jessica Bristow, Anne Russett OTHERS PRESENT: Julie Arling, Bob Hardy, Miranda Johnson, Noah Johnson CALL TO ORDER: Sellergren called the meeting to order at 5:30 p m. PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANYTHING NOT ON THE AGENDA: None. CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS: HPC24-0077: 416 Reno Street -Local Historic Landmark (new garage construction): Russett stated this property is a local historic landmark located between Fairchild Street and Davenport Street. The house was built in 1898 as a two-story Queen Anne with free classic detailing and patterned masonry. The house has a main hipped roof with projecting gables to the two sides, north and south, with the similar gambled wall dormer on the front fagade. The house is brick with the stone foundation, and there's a full front porch, which has slender classical columns on stone piers. The request tonight is for the Commission to approve a new garage at this location. Regarding the background of this application, in August 2023 the owner did apply for a building permit for the garage, and the permit was issued prior to the historic review being approved. A year later, in August 2024 an application was submitted for historic review for the garage but at that time the application was incomplete because staff did not have drawings for the garage elevations. Therefore, staff notified the applicant of that. In September the applicant provided drawings, but what was provided did not reflect what was on the ground and built so staff requested drawings of what was built. Then, in April 2025 the owner reached out to staff and noted that historic approval for the garage was still needed, and staff again explained that the application was incomplete so on May 7 of this year the owner did provide that material and the application was complete and now before the Commission. Russett added one last detail, the property was sold last week so there is now a new owner. Russett reiterated the project is the construction of a new front gable two car garage with two single car overhead doors, lap siding and shingle siding in the gable, and a passage door to the south. The siding is LP Smart Side, and the door is a fiberglass door. The overhead doors are carriage house doors with composite overlay and a band of windows at the top. Russett shared a photograph of the northern facade of the building noting that the trim and the siding has a fake wood grain. She then shared a photo of the southern facade with the passage door shown. In terms of the guidelines, there are recommendations related to doors and siding including adding trim HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION June 12, 2025 Page 2 of 11 to garage door openings, installing two single car doors instead of one single double garage door, which the new garage does have two single car doors, substituting a material in place of wood siding only if the substitute material retains the appearance and function of wood. In terms of site and landscaping guidelines, Russett stated the guidelines recommend that the parking be provided behind the primary structure, which in this case it does however, there's no alley access so the access is from Reno Street. In terms of windows the guidelines state windows on out buildings should be relatively small and rectangular or square. The guidelines related to wood note that fiber cement board is an approvable substitute, but that there should be no simulated wood grain. On new outbuildings the guidelines recommend placing new outbuildings, including garages, to the rear of the primary building, which is the case with this garage, and outbuildings should reflect the style of the primary structure. The guidelines note that carriage style doors are appropriate for some properties and again, installing single car garage doors and incorporating windows in outbuildings. Russett stated with this garage there are some things that comply and others that don't comply with the guidelines. Regarding the items that don't directly align with the guidelines, first, garages should reflect the style of the primary structure. She noted the gable roof is acceptable here however, the slope doesn't reflect that of the house, it's much lower and it appears that there is shingle siding in the front gable end of the garage, but nothing like that exists on the historic portion of the house. The siding is LP Smart Side siding with a fake wood grain texture and while LP Smart siding is an acceptable material to use, but it should be smooth because historic lap siding never had an unfinished texture. Doors should be fiberglass, which it is in this case, and typically they would have a two panel door with a half-light and be trimmed to match the historic trim. New outbuildings should have windows, and this garage has no windows, additionally, the trim also has a fake wood grain. Russett did note that the location of the garage, the size, and the overhead doors all comply with the guidelines. The Commission does have the ability to approve projects that don't directly align with the guidelines through an exception if the intent of the guidelines are met and staff is recommending approval of the Certificate of Appropriateness for the project at 416 Reno Street as presented in the staff report through an exception to the guidelines for a new garage. Although there are aspects of the project that do not meet the guidelines, the intent of the guidelines is met. The garage does not substantially alter or destroy the defining architectural character of the site or neighborhood because the location of the garage, its general size, and the overhead doors all comply with the guidelines. Welu-Reynolds asked if this was replacing an old garage that was torn down. Russett replied there was no garage previously on the site, or at least no evidence that there was ever a garage. Burford asked if the paint scheme is the same as the house. Russett stated the color looks like it's the same as the trim. Brown noted they're talking about essentially ancient history at this point, but when the application was submitted for the garage and it got the building permit, was that a mistake on the City's part to issue the building permit before historic review had been completed. Russett confirmed that was a mistake. Welu-Reynolds asked if there was any discussion during that permit process about this needing to go to historic preservation. Russett explained there were conversations prior to this and the fact that it was a local historic landmark, and historic review would be required for exterior work. Julie Arling (previous owner 416 Reno Street) stated the garage was their first project and they quickly learned it's very overwhelming being under both local and national domain, but thought they were doing what was right. When they first bought the house, they met with Bristow to go over the process and she was very gracious and spelled things out about it. Arling noted it was just rather confusing at first, but HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION June 12, 2025 Page 3 of 11 they thought they were doing the right thing and had no ill intent whatsoever. They've done a lot of wonderful things in the two and a half years that they lived there. The shrubbery was really overgrown, the patio was caving in, the porches were rotting, they invested a lot of blood, sweat, tears and money in this and so there was no ill intent at all. Arling wanted to point out there are shingles in the back at the gable, kind of a scalloped shape, so that was one thing they asked about but to be honest she doesn't remember if she asked Claire Jones at the National Trust in Virginia, or Bristow about wanting to emulate that, but they were told not to try to emulate it too close, but to historically match it. Arling stated they felt they were dissuaded from using the same shingle scalloping. She also stated the siding is all wood and the trim is wood, they don't have any metal on it. Bob Hardy (previous owner 416 Reno Street) added the house had been abandoned for about two and a half years prior to their buying it and it was infested with squirrels, the two porches were rotted out, there was no garage, and the back patio was falling in. They had Amish guys come in to replace both porches exactly to historical standards. Regarding the garage, Bristow had told him 5, 10, 15, 20 times to apply and they met with Bristow 5-6-7 times, so he thought they were in total compliance. At no point in time did he have any idea that he really needed to apply for historical review because he had been in her office multiple times going over all the things that need to be done, lap siding, the type of shingles, the type of doors. The doors that they bought and installed were $7,200 and have the wood grain finish on them. Bristow had mentioned they needed lap siding, so he went to Menards and picked out the lap siding that he thought really matched the grain on the doors. When they talked to Bristow about the porches she had mentioned there's a couple open items on the garage, but Hardy stated they thought there was just a couple minor open items on the garage. As Arling mentioned, there was no intent whatsoever to go around historical standards at all. The shingles on the roof of the garage match the shingles on the house, the siding is actual engineered wood siding and there's no metal on the structure at all. The garage is all wood, all the trim is wood, the garage door and the wooden door are all in compliance. Hardy reiterated they took a home that was falling down, been abandoned for two and a half years and turned it into a show place and now found this wonderful lady who purchased it. He stated they were great stewards, took great care of it and it looks enormously better than it did two and a half years ago. Hardy stated they are hoping the Board will understand there was no intent here, if they had known it was supposed to be smooth siding they would have put smooth siding on it. Welu-Reynolds asked for clarification on the siding, is it wood siding. Bristow replied it's a manufactured wood siding. Miranda Johnson (416 Reno Street) and her husband are the new owners of this house and it was just at the closing on June 6, last Friday, that they heard about this situation for the first time, so they were not aware of any pending items. Johnson stated they were aware of it being a historical landmark and that was all explained very well, and they met with the national person, Claire Jones, and she has now since talked to Russett, who was very helpful and sent over resources. Johnson stated she understands the process now but is feeling very anxious because she came into this situation blind and feels a little deceived. She doesn't know if that was intentional or not, but that is not really the point, the reality is they're the new owners and are excited to take care of the home and do things in the right way. She is just hoping that they don't have to redo work on this garage as the new owners, because they were not aware of any of the issues. Johnson added when they did get communication on the garage on June 6, it was through realtors, she has never spoken directly with the previous owners. Through the realtors what was communicated to them was that worst case scenario was that bushes would have to be put in to cover something which doesn't sound like a big deal, but then she read through the agenda for today's meeting and that's when the anxiety came in because that is not what was told to them. Thomann noted when she saw this house for sale was there a component of needing to have public HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION June 12, 2025 Page 4 of 11 events at this house. Johnson replied yes, they told them that once a year they could do an open house, or other options, but to make it open to the public for a couple of hours. Arling stated they didn't find out about all of this until the very end either and was hoping it was going to be resolved prior to close but when this meeting was a week later that's when they found out that it was not going to be resolved. In talking to Claire Jones with the National Trust she had suggested mitigating it with some plantings on the street facing side which is confusing because it's cement. So she thought since the part that's the siding that is exposed is the north side that is what she had suggested. The realtor had asked her to write up a note to the new owners that the north side would need plantings and it would probably equate to approximately four shrubs or some type of plantings, and Arling and Hardy would assume responsibility for that. Regarding the open house, yes one of the stipulations, and it's one of the wonderful things being Carl Klaus' house, at one time the founder of the nonfiction writers workshop here at the university, it was their intent to have that open house, or to invite writers for a dinner or something, and then to celebrate and for them to see his office and his workshop up on the attic level. The house really needed a lot of work so they were not at the point of opening it up to the public and it wasn't safe for people to come to because they had to block off the stairs at one point because of the rotting wood. Russett stated to clarify for the Commission this site is a National Trust site and also a local historic landmark. So there's the local regulations that the Commission obviously enforces and then the owners are also working with a woman, Claire Jones, at the National Trust, because they also have to review these projects, but they're two separate processes. Arling noted therein lies the challenge and it's a learning curve. The garage was their first project and the National Trust also normally reviews a new garage build but that didn't happen. Claire Jones normally comes out once a year to visit but it didn't happen. Thomann asked if the new owner liked the garage. Johnson replied she thinks it looks okay. She just wants to follow the rules, but didn't have a choice in the matter and is hoping that she doesn't get penalized. MOTION: Thomann moves to approve a certificate of appropriateness for the project at 416 Reno Street, as presented in the staff report through an exception to the guidelines for a new garage proposal that meets the intent of the guidelines. Although there are aspects of the project that do not meet the guidelines, the intent of the guidelines is met. The garage does not substantially alter or destroy the defining architectural character of the site or neighborhood, because the location of the garage, its general size and the overhead doors all comply with the guidelines Villanueva seconded the motion. Burford stated a garage in an 1898 house is kind of an anomaly in the first place, since a car would be pretty exotic thing at that time, he feels the construction and design of the garage was well intentioned and in the understood spirit of historic construction, and with the words of Lady Macbeth what's done cannot be undone. He noted that's not always true but would speak in favor of the exemption. Sellergren noted there's a gazebo behind the garage and is curious how old the gazebo is and is it modern. Russett replied yes, the gazebo is only 30 years old. Welu-Reynolds agrees with what Burford said that there were no garages at the time the house was built so there was nothing there to begin with. It is behind the house and it complies, in spirit. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION June 12, 2025 Page 5 of 11 Thomann agrees there are good intentions there, the wood grain does bother her but it's so far from the sidewalk it's probably not really noticeable, the lack of windows also bothers her because historic structures usually have quite a few windows, but the reason she was asking about this public aspect of the house is because there was a mention of maybe wanting to keep some privacy within the garage and taking those windows out does give more privacy. Brown feels like in general there's a lot of process frustration with this one in that the City approved something they should not have approved. Additionally, often part of the conversation here is about precedent, and what precedent the Commission is setting with exceptions and if they ignore conversations long enough and just do it and it's going to be okay because it's built is not a precedent he wants to set. Sellergren feels there's different degrees of tolerance when it comes to setting and breaking precedent, and she thinks in the case of an outstanding structure, that doesn't actually change the historic structure. Brown wonders then can future applicants come and say the Commission approved this it will be harder for the Commission to say no to future exceptions. Beck noted situation mistakes are made in the permitting process, and they have a track record of continuing to interact with historic preservation the way those former owners have then she supposes they can ask for an exception on those grounds, but this does seem to be a somewhat unusual case. Russell noted they were told many, many times to apply and they didn't right. He stated he will vote for yes for this because it's what the staff wants. Brown will end up voting in favor of this because it's a complete disaster of a situation and has sympathy for the new owner who purchased this home without knowing all the details and that's terrible. It's a frustrating situation and there's culpability for the City for having approved the thing in the first place. A vote was taken and the motion passed 8-0. HPC25-0021: 514 Oakland Avenue - Longfellow Historic District (rear window to door alteration): Russett stated this home is in the Longfellow Historic District and shared a map of the district. The house is a Dutch Colonial Revival home which was constructed around 1914, it's a one and a half story home with a gambrel roof, the open porches have been enclosed in the front and aluminum siding was installed in the 1980s. The owner is requesting to alter a rear window and install doors to access a new deck. She noted the deck has been approved by staff already. The guidelines used for this review relate to doors and windows. One is that new door openings are to be trimmed to match other doors, substituting material in place of wood for doors is allowed if it's approved by the Historic Preservation Commission. Russett explained in this case they are requesting fiberglass, which the Commission has approved in the past. In terms of windows, if an opening of a window is to be relocated it should not detract from the overall window pattern. In staff's review the proposed alteration to the rear of the home does meet the guidelines. The proposed door is a full light fiberglass door and it will retain the head height and width of the existing windows. Additionally, the change to the rear of the house will have minimal impacts on the historic character because it's not visible from the street and it will allow access to the deck from the inside of the home, creating a more HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION June 12, 2025 Page 6 of 11 usable outdoor living space for the owners Staff does recommend approval of a certificate of appropriateness for the project at 514 Oakland Avenue, as presented in the application. Noah Johnson (514 Oakland Avenue) added that currently to reach the backyard, one has to exit out the side door, go down some steps, and open a gate to get in. The fence does enclose the backyard so this was also a way to make it so they would have a direct way to let their dog in and out. MOTION: Brown recommends approval or certificate of appropriateness for the project of 514 Oakland Avenue, as presented in the application. Villanueva seconded the motion. Burford noted it sounds like a pragmatic, functional use and quite reasonable. Sellergren added it's the back of the house which looks like it needs a door. A vote was taken and the motion passed 8-0. Section 106 Review - Hwy 6 Bridge at the Iowa River: Bristow explained they are introducing the this Section 106 project to the Commission to let them know about the process and to also initiate conversation about this particular project. This is regarding the Hwy 6 bridge over the Iowa River, and as part of a historic bridge study that was done in 2011, it was determined that this bridge, along with many others in the state, were eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. They do this type of review with all types of structures, it's not always pretty buildings. This bridge was built in 1956. Bristow stated what happens with Section 106 is when a federal agency has a project that will impact a structure, they go through a review process, and the first part of the process is will this project have an impact on a structure. Then they determine whether or not that structure is historic, and through the definitions it's either listed in the National Register or eligible. If it is historic, then they go through a process to determine whether or not the project will have an adverse effect on that property, basically meaning will it impact the historic integrity of the property. The DOT website talks about the bridge, the year it was built (1956 or 1958) and they talk about the type of bridge that it is. As they go through their process, the Federal Highway Administration also has specific guidelines about how to proceed and evaluate this bridge and project based on those guidelines. The first guideline would be to do nothing, which basically means that they would maybe repair the bridge in a way where they're not permanently changing anything. In this case, doing that kind of work would not solve the problem and the bridge needs repair so doing nothing is not an option. Some of the issues in regard to that are the fact that the surface had been replaced in 1979 and 2012 and each of those has reached the end of their life. The deck itself is thin and cracking, there's spalling the surface and actually underneath exposing metal that then rusts and deteriorates. There's also concerns about some girder cover plates, and part of the issue is the fact that since the bridge has been in service for 68 years, some of those elements have also reached the end of their structural life. Where the bridge meets the water and floating debris, there's been scouring, which basically undercuts some of the piers and chips away at them. The next option is build a new structure at a different location, bypassing the existing bridge. That would then make the bridge into maybe a pedestrian bridge or something like that but they would build another bridge. However, if they were to do that there are issues with grade changes and with impacting culverts. There is also a sidewalk that goes under the bridge that would be impacted as well HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION June 12, 2025 Page 7 of 11 as some of the neighboring properties. Also as part of this option is the economical discussion about maintaining that pedestrian bridge as well as constructing a new bridge and so it was determined that it was not feasible to do that either. The third option is rehabilitation and repair to make sure the bridge will last another 50 years. Bristow noted part of the issue with a rehab on a bridge is that nothing's going to be grandfathered in. There are sidewalk width requirements, there are width of approaches to the bridge and things like that which would all have to be brought up to the new bridge design guidelines if a rehabilitation took place. Also in the DOT report they talk about the condition index, it's less than 50, which means it's in only fair condition and because it's part of the national highway system, all of these things are negatives for its condition. The bearing piles, some of them are creosote coated wood because that's what they used years ago and they have a 20 ton bearing point value, where 90 ton is the current level. A rehab typically has a 20 to 30 year service life, and the rehab deck and everything would outlast the structure underneath, so that wouldn't be logical. Bristow noted in the way that the bridge was built, the interior beams, under the middle of the span or the middle of the roadway, are bigger than the beams on the outside, under the sidewalks. That's probably because at the time they just didn't need as much structure on the outside but now they would need to make a wider road bed with a wider approach, with wider sidewalks, and those small beams would be considered undersized for the road that would then go over them, and they would have to put new outer beams that would be as big as the others and that would impact the historic character of the bridge and that structure would be covered and modified. So it was the DOT's opinion that it is not possible to do a rehabilitation and maintain the historic integrity of the bridge. In the report they also talked about how the width of the channel and how it is also undermining some of the structure so they would like to actually make the bridge longer, so it spanned further, so as the channel widened it wouldn't be impacted. To recap, Bristow stated they have gone through this process and determined that, yes, they're going to have an impact on a bridge that is historic and listed in the National Register, and because it's now going to be a demolition it is definitely an adverse effect. Staff concurs with that opinion, but the Commission needs to be considered a consulting party because Iowa City is the certified local government in which the bridge exists. The State Historic Preservation Office is the group that takes charge of this, and they are the ones who actually respond to the DOT, and they also agreed with all of this process and the eventual determination. What that means is that the DOT must mitigate for the loss of the historic structure. Bristow explained that one example of this happening once before in the community was after all of the flooding which resulted in the destruction of the Saban School in the South District. With that FEMA was involved and it resulted in that building needing to come down and they mitigated the loss of that building by having that entire neighborhood surveyed so that they could determine if there were other properties that were eligible for the National Register and did come up with a small district that they started to try to get listed but then paused on that. Next steps include that the State Historic Preservation Office, the DOT and anyone else involved in the project will enter into a memorandum of agreement on how the DOT will mitigate the loss. Iowa City is considered a consulting party and will be signatories on that memorandum of agreement and what the mitigation is. Bristow is not sure how they come up with a scope, there are huge scope projects and small scope projects based on how the eventual dollar amount is determined. Generally, when a community has this coming up they look to their preservation plan and what are the goals for the community. Staff will need someone from this Commission to be involved, likely it will be Lewis as chair, but he is not back until July, so if anyone else felt like they were interested, to be the alternate person, that would be help. They will eventually meet with the DOT and State Historic Preservation Office at the site to look at the bridge and have conversations about it. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION June 12, 2025 Page 8 of 11 Bristow stated if a historic house had to come down because of some federal project, they would maybe so some documentation of it and public education but with a bridge, it's pretty well documented and not spectacular so as far as what they would want for a mitigation for a bridge like this might be a survey of an adjacent area or related structures, but it's not an historic area of town either. Maybe they can do a survey of a different area in town. Sellergren suggested the Kirkwood Avenue area as that is on the work plan. Bristow stated a concern with the Kirkwood Avenue neighborhood is that they have not even done a reconnaissance survey of that neighborhood and it's gigantic, but it is one of the things that they will talk to the State about. Bristow stated all the bridges had been studied in 2011 and there's actually a current study going on right now for the more modern bridges as well. She thought about the airport as it is nearby had been studied at one point in time, but it was done so long ago, so maybe a study of the airport because at one point it was considered National Register eligible and its at least transportation based, even though it's not related to the DOT. Bristow also noted the preservation plan and its goals was updated in 2008 so it's time to update it again so maybe updating the preservation plan is something that this project could help with. Another goal might be identifying historic resources of the past and there's objectives and neighborhood strategies. She was at the Preserve Iowa Summit last week and Muscatine has done a really good job at keeping their preservation plan updated, and have done their plan so that it can help guide them in things like this, they have come up with a list of what are the important topics or areas of research for their community, for example one was fruit and vegetable sellers. They listed different specific things that were part of the history of that city that they knew they wanted to investigate more over time and so when a project like this comes up, or if an owner suggests something, or the commission suggests something, they figure out if it will fit within one of their categories and then they start checking off those things that they want to do. Bristow would also suggest that this Commission start gearing up for trying to figure out how to get a preservation plan update, especially since the current one is from 2008 and there are a lot of goals in it that have been accomplished, but also a lot that are not even in the trajectory anymore. Beck volunteered to help with this project scope, as a backup for Lewis. Welu-Reynolds stated relating to transportation there was some talk a couple of years ago about doing some kind of plaque identifying where the railroad tracks were over in the Jefferson Street area or something like that. Bristow stated that doesn't seem big enough for this project scope. Thomann was curious about mitigation, would they ever just give a city a lump sum of money and say go spend it on something that's historic. Bristow replied, no, because part of it is that the agency gets it accomplished, if there's a survey it goes to the agency who submits it to the State Historic Preservation Office, Iowa City would be reading it and reviewing it over time as one of the signatories but it's not like a grant where they're going to go hire the people and set all of the terms. Thomann was thinking about projects like the park along the railroad tracks they've talked about, Oak Grove, and the Hispanic historical significance of that. Also, the house sitting by the waterworks park, maybe those are options. Sellergren noted that the Montgomery Butler House is in a good location and could be a little visitor center. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION June 12, 2025 Page 9 of 11 REPORT ON CERTIFICATES ISSUED BY CHAIR AND STAFF: Certificate of No Material Effect -Chair and Staff review: HPC25-0026: 604 E. Iowa Avenue - Local Historic Landmark (replacement of rear deck, repair of deteriorated siding and trim, and repair of deteriorated balcony railings): Bristow stated there is a modern garage and a deck at this house and they're replacing the deck, the railing, there's some deteriorated trim. HPC25-0029: 748 Oakland Avenue - Longfellow Historic District (demolition and replacement of brick front porch floor): This house is from the 1950s, and it has an original brick porch floor that is sagged and pulling away from the house. There likely isn't sufficient structure under this porch floor so it's being replaced. HPC25-0031: 115 South Dubuque Street - Local Historic Landmark (brick repair and replacement): 115 South Dubuque Street and 111 South Dubuque Street are under single ownership and both local landmarks. 115 has a storefront painted white now and is the oldest commercial building in town. It's the 1856 Franklin Printing house, and so it is National Register and local landmark. On both buildings there's some brick work that needs to be done as the brick is cracked and pushed in and all of that's going to be taken out and put back. Any new brick used will match. HPC25-0033: 602 Rundell Street - Longfellow Historic District (window repair and replacement): This house will have the windows repaired. Most of the deterioration was from trim outside, but there's also some damage in the jam and where the jam and sill meet. Minor Review - Staff Review: HPC25-0022: 514 Oakland Avenue - Longfellow Historic District (new rear deck, asphalt shingle replacement on garage): Bristow stated this is the other half of the project that was approved earlier. There will be a new rear deck and then they were also putting new shingles on the garage roof. HPC25-0027: 1029 E Court Street- Longfellow Historic District (asphalt shingle replacement): This house has changed significantly through probably a 1930s remodel to make it look like a colonial revival, but it had an interesting wrap around porch. This project is for new shingles. HPC25-0029: 416 Reno Street - Local Historic Landmark (asphalt shingle replacement): Bristow stated this is the approval for the shingles for the Reno Street house. HPC25-0032: 119 N Gilbert Street - Jefferson Street Historic District (asphalt shingle replacement): This house will also have shingle replacement. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES FOR MAY 8, 2025: MOTION: Thomann moves to approve the minutes of the Historic Preservation Commission's May 8, 2025, meeting. Beck seconded the motion The motion carried on a vote of 8-0. COMMISSION DISCUSSION: Outgoing Commissioners Farewell: Bristow noted two commissioners are leaving, one of their positions is filled and one is not and thanked Welu-Reynolds and Sellergren for all their hard work over the years. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION June 12, 2025 Page 10 of 11 ADJOURNMENT Welu-Reynolds moved to adjourn the meeting. Burford seconded The motion carried on a vote of 8-0. The meeting was adjourned at 6:42 pm. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION ATTENDANCE RECORD 2024-2025 TERM 7/11 8/8 9/12 10/10 11/14 12/12 1/9 2/13 3/13 4/10 5/8 6/12 NAM E EXP. BECK, 6/30/27 X X X O/E X X X X X X O/E X MARGARET BROWN, 6/30/26 O/E O/E X X X X X X X O/E O/E X CARL BURFORD, 6/30/27 X X X X X X X O/E X X X X KEVI N LEWIS, 6/30/26 X X X X X X O/E X X X X O/E ANDREW RUSSELL, 6/30/27 O/E X X O/E X O/E O/E X X X X X RYAN SELLERGREN, 6/30/25 X X X X X X X X X X X X JORDAN THOMANNN, 6/30/26 X X X X X X X X O/E X X X DEANNA VILLANUEVA, 6/30/25 X O/E X X X X O/E O/E X X X X NICOLE WAGNER, 6/30/26 X X O/E X X X X O/E X O/E X O/E FRANK WELU- 6/30/25 X X X O/E X X X X X O/E X X REYNOLDS, CHRISTINA KEY: X = Present O = Absent O/E= Absent/Excused --- = Not a member t r WISQi City Council Supplemental Meeting Packet IT CITY OF IOWA CITY July 8, 2025 Information submitted between distribution of the meeting packet on Thursday and 4:00 pm on Monday. Late Addition(s): IP. Memo from City Clerk: Listening Post Update July 8, 2025 City of Iowa City Z P t CITY OF IOWA CITY . MEMORANDUM Date: July 7, 2025 Late Handouts Distributed To: Mayor and City Council Members -7— 7 25 From: Kellie K. Grace, City Clerk Re: Listening Post Update (Date) In 2025 the following listening posts were held: • Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 5:30 — 7:00 p.m., Iowa City Public Library (Mayor Teague and Councilor Alter) • Sunday, May 18, 2025, 1:00 — 3:00 p.m., Public Works Open House at the Iowa City Landfill & Recycling Center (Councilor Harmsen and Councilor Moe) No additional dates are currently scheduled. Suggested quarterly posts are February, May, August, and November. Suggested sites include: o ZOOM meeting platform o LAY or Dream Center o The Center o Pheasant Ridge Neighborhood Center, 2651 Roberts Road o Farmer's Market (Saturdays, May - October) o Party in the Park (June — August) Dates and locations attached. o Environmental Education Center at the Eastside Recycling Center o Unity Exchange (Diversity Market) S:listenmgp.tllooetionmemo —July 2025.doc THURSDAYS 6:30-8 PM un of sown CIM June 5 James Alan McPherson Park June 12 Happy Hollow Park June 19 Fairmeadows Park June 26 Scott Park July 10 Hunters Run Park July 17 Mercer Park July 24 Willow Creek Park July 31 Frauenholtz-Miller Park August 5 Wetherby Park for National Night (rues) Out (5:30 - 8:00 p.m.) August 7 Court Hill Park August 14 Brookland Park