Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-07-08 TranscriptionIowa City City Council Formal meeting of July 8, 2025 (audio and video recordings can be found at https:,[/citychannel4.com/city-council.html) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription through Verbit: AI -Based Transcription & Captioning Services. For greater detail please refer to the meeting recordings. [00:00:00] [MUSIC] [00:00:21] All right, it is 6:00 P.M on July 8th, 2025, and we're gonna get the City of Iowa City formal meeting. We're gonna call it to order. Roll call, please. [00:00:32] Alter. [00:00:33] Here. [00:00:33] Bergus. [00:00:34] Here. [00:00:34] Harmson. Moh? [00:00:37] Here. [00:00:37] Salih? [00:00:38] Yes. [00:00:39] Teague. [00:00:39] Here. [00:00:40] Wyline? [00:00:42] Here. Page 1 Iowa City City Council Formal meeting of July 8, 2025 (audio and video recordings can be found at https:,[/citychannel4.com/city-council.html) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription through Verbit: AI -Based Transcription & Captioning Services. For greater detail please refer to the meeting recordings. [00:00:44] 1 heard it here, but it was very vague. So if we can adjust your volume somehow. [00:00:50] 1 can send a text. [00:00:52] Thank you. [00:00:53] But Councilor Weilein, maybe you can try one more time, just so we can testify. [00:00:59] Can you hear me? [00:01:00] Yeah, we'll adjust your volume. You're awfully soft on this end. [00:01:04] Great. All right. Well, welcome to- everyone to your City Hall. And we're gonna get started with our first agenda item- our second agenda item, which is proclamations. We have two today, 2A, as Americans with Disabilities Act Awareness Day. Whereas the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed on July 26, 1990, to ensure the civil rights of persons with disabilities. And whereas July 26, 2025, marks the 35th anniversary of the signing of the ADA, which expanded access and opportunity for people with disabilities. And whereas the ADA has done this by reducing barriers and changing perceptions, and increasing full participation in community life. And whereas the full promise of the ADA will only be reached if we remain committed to continue our efforts to fully implement this act. And whereas Iowa City affirms the principles of equality and inclusion for persons with disabilities as set forth and embodied in the ADA. And whereas the Iowa City government and residents are proud to recognize the accomplishments and contributions of our residents with disabilities. And whereas throughout the year and on the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the city of Iowa City reaffirms principles of equality and inclusion for all community members and recommits our efforts to reach full ADA compliance. Now, therefore, I, Bruce Teague, Mayor of Iowa City, I do hereby proclaim July 26, 2025, as Americans with Disabilities Act Awareness Day and call upon all community members commemorate this day, celebrate the progress that has been made and renew our commitment to the Americans with Disabilities Act. And to receive this proclamation as Bri Swope and Jolene Sorenson, with the Disabilities Services Coordinator Committee accepting this so [APPLAUSE] [00:03:29] Hi. I'm Jolene Sorenson. I'm the Director of Development and Communications at Systems Unlimited. [00:03:36] Page 2 Iowa City City Council Formal meeting of July 8, 2025 (audio and video recordings can be found at https:,[/citychannel4.com/city-council.html) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription through Verbit: AI -Based Transcription & Captioning Services. For greater detail please refer to the meeting recordings. And I'm Bri Swope. I'm the Associate Professor of Instruction at the University of Iowa in Therapeutic Recreation and Child Life. [00:03:43] We are on the Iowa City Disability Services Coordinating Committee, and we are honored to accept this proclamation on the committee's behalf. When reflecting on the ADA, I would be remiss not to mention the founding parents of the ARC, who envisioned a better life for their children more than 50 years ago. At that time, there were only institutions that provided care for children and adults with disabilities. Treatment at the institutions varied, but many were not treated well, and no one can really replace your parents. Families, at that time, were pioneers in creating a more inclusive community where people with disabilities could stay in their homes, be educated at local schools, and can find gainful employment. Through their hard work, many local community providers, including systems were formed. It is hard to believe that it took until 1990 for the ADA to become law, but it is due to the years of work on the part of people living with disabilities, their families, and other advocates. As we look towards the future, nothing is guaranteed. Now, more than ever, it is important to acknowledge the ADA and celebrate it. With that, I want to thank the Iowa City City Council Mary- Mayor Teague and for this proclamation. And if you would like to be a part of celebration, Iowa City Rec Center is having an ADA birthday bash on Saturday, July 26, from 2:OOp4:00 P.M at the Ned Ashton House, and we hope to see you all there. And Bri also has another celebration we're gonna be doing. [00:05:05] We also have another ADA celebration that is in October. It's on October 10th down in the PED Mall 12:30-3:30, and it is in honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October. And as we know at the ADA that also gives that access to employment. So we celebrate the ADA in both of those celebrations. Thank you all so much. [00:05:27] Thank you. [00:05:27] Thank you. [LAUGHTER] [00:05:34] Item 2B proclamation is Democratic Republic of Congo Independence Day. Whereas the Democratic Republic of Congo declared its independence from Belgium on June 30th, 1960, marking a major milestone in the global movement for decolonization and self -governance. And whereas the DRC is one of the most resource -rich nations in the world, supplying over 70% of the world's cobalt, a critical mineral used in electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy storage. Approximately 60% of the global cotan essential for smartphones, computers, and medical devices, significant reserves of copper, ranking among the top five producers globally, and about 20% of global industrial diamonds, contributing to both commercial and scientific industries. And whereas these resources are vital to the global economy and play an increasingly important role in the transition to clean energy. Modern communication and advanced technologies, and whereas, beyond its mineral wealth, the DRC is home Page 3 Iowa City City Council Formal meeting of July 8, 2025 (audio and video recordings can be found at https:,[/citychannel4.com/city-council.html) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription through Verbit: AI -Based Transcription & Captioning Services. For greater detail please refer to the meeting recordings. to rich and diverse cultures, including world-renowned music, fashion, languages, and cuisines, with the Congolese Rambug recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. And whereas Congolese Americans living in Iowa City contribute greatly to the life of our community through business, education, faith, healthcare, public service, and cultural expression. And whereas observing Democratic Republic of Congo Independence Day provides an opportunity for all residents to reflect on the values of independence, resilience, and global interconnection and to honor the contributions of our Congolese neighbors. Now, therefore, I, Bruce Teague, Mayor of Iowa City, do hereby proclaim June 30th, 2025, to be Democratic Republic of Condo- of Congo Independence Day and Iowa City, Iowa and encourage all residents to join in recognizing the heritage, the achievements, and global contributions of the Congolese people and the Congolese American community. And accepting this proclamation, we have a group today, which is great. We have well -renowned to us, Biju Maliabo, Elaine Najibu, Albert Kekuni and Amar Sila accepting. [APPLAUSE] [00:08:40] Good evening, Mayor and City Council. I know I come here a lot. [LAUGHTER] And I always say that. On behalf of the Congolese community in Johnson County, especially in Iowa City, I extend our heartfelt gratitude for this proclamation, recognition of the Independence Day of the Congolese- the Democratic Republic of Congo. Your gesture is more than symbolic. It affirms our presence, celebrates our culture, and acknowledges the journey of our people. It means a great deal to be seen, valued and welcomed here in Iowa City. The Democratic Republic of Congo, once known as Zaire, is a nation of immense riches both in culture and natural resources. While our official language is French, we are also proud of our four national languages, Lingala, Swahili, Kikongo and Chiluba. In addition, over 200 local dialects are spoken across our land, each telling the story of a unique people and place. One of those dialects is Linga, spoken in my parents' village in Eastern Congo. There, the local language is Kirega, and we greet each other in a word saying Msaubeni, which means hello, a wonderful warm dignity and connection. Congo's culture is vibrant and deeply rooted in communities. Our music, Rumba, sukus and traditional rhythm connect to narrations. Our cuisine, fufu pondu, maybe. [00:10:26] Oh, yeah. [00:10:27] As well, Macayab and other is lovingly prepared and always shared. Our art and textiles like carved mask and colorful fabrics, carry generation of meanings and pride. We are also a land of remarkable biodiversity. Our forests are home to rare species like mountain gorillas or Kapis. There are global treasures just like our people. But while together we celebrate 64 years of independence, we must also acknowledge a painful truth. Millions of Congolese people cannot fully celebrate because of a war that has continued for more than 30 years, a war that has brought suffering, displacement, and silence where there should be music and joy. We ask that Iowa City not only celebrate with us but stand with us. Stand with the Congolese community here in Iowa City and with our brothers and sisters in Congo. Let us raise our voices together to say, "This war has gone far too long. It is time for peace. It is time for justice. It is time to let the people of Congo live in freedom and dignity." Here in Iowa City and Johnson County, Congolese people contribute in many ways as workers, students, parents, caregivers, Page 4 Iowa City City Council Formal meeting of July 8, 2025 (audio and video recordings can be found at https:,[/citychannel4.com/city-council.html) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription through Verbit: AI -Based Transcription & Captioning Services. For greater detail please refer to the meeting recordings. volunteers, and entrepreneurs. We are part of this community, and we are proud to be here. We believe in building bridges, not walls. We believe in power- in the power of sharing humanity and shared responsibility. Let us together as neighbors, as leaders, as global citizens, to leave out- to leave out the value that guide our nation, justice, peace and work, which is justice [FOREIGN]. These are not words on a banner. They are a vision for what we can achieve when we stand together. May this proclamation be a reminder that diversity strengthen our city and that every culture brings something beautiful to the shared table of Iowa City. Thank you for the- thank you for recognizing our culture, our history, and our hope. Thank you for reminding us that here in Iowa City, we are not alone. [FOREIGN] Thank you. [APPLAUSE] [00:13:34] Ladies and gentlemen, brothers and sisters, good evening. [00:13:37] Good evening. [00:13:38] I'm trying not to be nervous. [LAUGHTER] [00:13:42] You're at home. [00:13:44] Thank you. Today, we stand on a special and sacred ground, not only as an immigrant, but as sons and daughters of two proud nation, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the United States of America. It is with a deep emotion and gratitude that we welcome the honorable Mayor of Iowa City, Mayor Bruce Teague, who has chosen to recognize our independence and contribution of our community to the growth and well-being of this great state. This moment is more than symbolic. It is historic. It reminds us that our identity travel with us, that our values shine behind borders and that our presence here is not accidental but purposeful. Let this proclamation echo not just in Iowa, but in the heart of all Congolese around the world. We are people of dignity, of faith and of destiny. May this day renew our pride, strengthen our unity, and inspire us to continue building both here and for our beloved in Congo. May God bless the state of Iowa, may God bless the Democratic Republic of Congo. May God bless America. Thank you. [00:15:21] Thank you. [APPLAUSE] [00:15:30] Hello, guys. [00:15:31] Hello. Page 5 Iowa City City Council Formal meeting of July 8, 2025 (audio and video recordings can be found at https:,[/citychannel4.com/city-council.html) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription through Verbit: AI -Based Transcription & Captioning Services. For greater detail please refer to the meeting recordings. [00:15:32] 1 promise you, I don't have that big of a speech. But as a young man, all I can say is I am so proud of our city. This is my city. I came here so young. I went to elementary year, middle school, high school. And, uh, I didn't really get an opportunity to learn about my culture, my people, my food, my music until recently. So to see a decision or proclamation like this happening, it's something I wasn't expecting, but it feels so good, and so proud of my city to see that we are recognized. We are being seen because that's the hardest thing for us, black young men, to experience. So thank you so much, each and every one of you guys, and thank you, um, my big sister here to always involve me in stuff like this. Sorry, I'm getting a little emotional, but, uh, just my gratitude to everyone in this city. I love you guys. [00:16:35] We love you, too. [00:16:35] 1 just want to say, he also has a barber shop, he is a farmer, he is a- [00:16:50] 1 won't speak much as Will, but just like my brother just said, he just said it all, especially as young men and, um, immigrants. We came here as refugees, um, seeing our country and us being acknowledged is very- it is emotional, like he said, especially, um, as in tune as we are with our culture. Um, I know we're in a foreign country, so it's very heartfelt when we're recognized and, um, like, uh, my big sister say it, as Will. You know, let it not just be an acknowledgment. Let us also recognize what is going on back home because she mentioned that not everyone is able to be joyful and actually, um, celebrate as they should their independence due to an ongoing war. But we thank God, and we believe this is, you know, a step towards the right direction. So we give glory to God for that. And I thank you guys. And, um, also, yeah, we are very much involved in the community. I am a youth leader for youth called United Youth. Um, it is a faith, um, it's a faith group where we believe in God coming together unity and staying out of trouble. I believe there's a lot of distractions in the world today, especially with the young ladies, young man. And the youth is really- it brings the community together and pushes positivity. And, um, so I'm just thankful to be a part of that. I'm proud to be Congolese, and I'm proud to be a part of Iowa City, this community. Thank you. [00:18:27] Thank you. Well, thank you all for coming today. Absolutely. All right. We're gonna move on if we can. Alright. Can I get a motion to We're gonna move on to our consent agenda, which is items 3 through eight. Can I get a motion to move, please? [00:18:59] So moved. [00:19:00] Second, are there. Page 6 Iowa City City Council Formal meeting of July 8, 2025 (audio and video recordings can be found at https:,[/citychannel4.com/city-council.html) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription through Verbit: AI -Based Transcription & Captioning Services. For greater detail please refer to the meeting recordings. [00:19:01] All right. Anyone from the public like to address this topic? If you are online, please raise your virtual hand, and I will acknowledge you. And if you're present, please come up. Seeing, this is for the consent agenda. [00:19:24] You're not Item 7 yet. [00:19:27] Yes. Item 7 is a part of this. Please come up if you want to talk to Item 7. Please state your name and city you're from? [00:19:51] My name is Mary Gravitt, and I'm from Iowa City. At our last meeting, and I want to, uh, congratulate you. I didn't know that this was the ADA part of the ADA celebration. But one thing, we had protested during the last administration or some administration for bus shelters. We need bus shelters. And we had argued until we got $100,000. Now, I don't want to accuse anybody of taking our money, but I want to know where the money is. [00:20:24] And, Miss Mary, you know, that'll be at item number 9. You can talk about that next. [00:20:29] Oh, well, I want to talk- well, I'll get on to something. I've been thinking about the people from Hilltop Court the last time I was here. And the way that they were complaining was it reminded me of Kensington- Kensington, Philadelphia. It was a bunch of middle class working-class neighborhood. And now it's close to a slum, and whatever you can see. It's on to, uh, you can find it on YouTube. But what they came you got to satisfy their complaints. You have to install at least three portable toilets and two on a shelter property, and one on adjoining camper lot, like the people were talking about, and assign one police present, a man or woman, but I prefer a man and one dog on the property, similar to what happened down at Pepperwood Mall- Pepperood Plaza, and its problem straightened out, and it gradually went away and install a camera system there. This will cut down on 911 calls and show the residents that their complaints are listened to and respected by the police and by the comm- city Council. And it'll cut down on 911 calls. It's, you know, I can understand, but then when the person tells you, you can't, uh, don't call us anymore. We don't want to residents don't want to hear that. And lock that mail room up from dusk to dawn year-round. And people are acting up over there on Hilltop around the shelter. They're acting up because they can't get away with it. And the trail court owner must take some responsibility. He must hire some private security like they did at Tying campus. It worked for Tying campus. It can work for Hilltop. So, and, uh, some of these steps may already have been taken. I want to express myself. And the last thing I want to express firecrackers. Something has to be done about those. I mean, three days, 24, seven of those firecrackers is enough to drive anybody insane. If you have PTST or you have a dog, you have to hide the dog. And I don't know how people I know I can't Page 7 Iowa City City Council Formal meeting of July 8, 2025 (audio and video recordings can be found at https:,[/citychannel4.com/city-council.html) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription through Verbit: AI -Based Transcription & Captioning Services. For greater detail please refer to the meeting recordings. stand it. And, you know, and it's a matter of public concern and public safety. So those are my two main complaints. [00:22:59] All right. Thank you. I did just want to acknowledge that you spoke to items not on the consent agenda. I should have just been a little more clear that that would have been for item number nine, our next item, which is community comment. But I went ahead and allow you to finish, Miss Mary. Thank you. [00:23:19] 1 thought it was seven, 'cause it's usually seven. [00:23:21] The numbers change. Next time, I know. [00:23:24] Okay. And look for $100,000 for- [00:23:27] Thank you so much. Anyone else want to address anything on our consent agenda? Hearing none. Council discussion. Roll call, please. Weilein? [00:23:45] Yes. [00:23:46] Alter? [00:23:47] Yes. [00:23:47] Bergus? [00:23:48] Yes. [00:23:49] Moe? [00:23:49] Yes. [00:23:49] Page 8 Iowa City City Council Formal meeting of July 8, 2025 (audio and video recordings can be found at https:,[/citychannel4.com/city-council.html) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription through Verbit: AI -Based Transcription & Captioning Services. For greater detail please refer to the meeting recordings. Salih? [00:23:50] Yes. [00:23:50] Teague? [00:23:51] Yes. [00:23:52] Motion passes, six to zero. We're on to item number 9, which is community comment. This is an opportunity for the public to come on- comment on anything that is not on our regular agenda. And I just wanted to get a show of hands to see if anyone wanted to speak during this time. All right, great. I just wanted to mention that public -public comment is intended so that members of the public may be heard by counsel because community comment is for items not properly noticed on the agenda, and council cannot engage in discussion or debate due to open meeting laws. I'm going to invite you all up at this time to come and speak. You'll receive up to three minutes to speak. And there is a sign in right here at the desk, or if you got a sticker in the back, which I would encourage you to do, you can pre -fill it in and just drop it in the basket. At this time, I'll ask you all to come forth, and you're welcome to speak up to three minutes. Welcome. [00:24:58] Thank you. I can get the sticker. [00:25:00] Yes. And feel free to mosey to the back and get stickers. Please state your name and city you're from. Welcome. [00:25:12] Emily Meister, Iowa City. Good evening, Mayor and Council members. My name is Emily Meister, and I serve as the Director of Community Impact and Engagement at United Way of Johnson and Washington Counties. Thirty -plus years ago, I was a child growing up in rural northern Iowa with a single mother who lived with schizophrenia. She was loving and vibrant and deeply unwell. My sister and I were passed from household to household as our extended family member- members tried to keep us stable while she struggled to receive the care she needed. By the time I graduated high school, I had lived in 13 different homes. There simply weren't enough community supports where I grew up. The safety net was thin, and my mom and our family fell through it. Fifteen years ago, I was a 24-year-old mother and student living in Iowa City with two babies. When our rent suddenly doubled, we had nowhere to go, and then we found the housing fellowship and a home in the South District of Iowa City. We qualified for a housing voucher, and for the first time, I experienced stable housing, community programs and what a strong network of community non -profits can do. We received SNAP and WIC. I joined Nami family Page 9 Iowa City City Council Formal meeting of July 8, 2025 (audio and video recordings can be found at https:,[/citychannel4.com/city-council.html) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription through Verbit: AI -Based Transcription & Captioning Services. For greater detail please refer to the meeting recordings. support groups. We visited the food pantry, and my kid- my kids utilize programs like neighborhood centers and UAY. Our neighbors became our family. And because of that collect- collective support, my husband and I kept moving forward. And during the time that we lived in our housing fellowship home, we both completed our degrees at the University of Iowa. Three years ago, we bought our first home. And now my children, unlike me, will have lived in just three homes compared to 13, and that is what community investment can do across just one generation. It's one reason that I care so deeply about the process behind public funding decisions and why I want to thank you for the generous million -dollar allocation to non -profits, but also for engaging in real partnership to prove how we fund services. Over the past two years, United Way, Iowa City, Johnson County, Coralville, and now North Liberty have worked together to align funding cycles, application questions, outcome reporting and training resources. All with the aim of a more equitable, efficient process for agencies and funders alike. At United Way, we use that agreed -upon process this spring to allocate our own investments. And like many funders, our available dollars were lower this year. And unfortunately, that meant reductions for many of our partners. But every decision was made with a transparent community -led process that included site visits and careful scoring and review of applications. It wasn't easy, but it was grounded in fairness and accountability because we owe that to our partners and to the people that they serve. This is what system -level change looks like, collaborative. [00:28:12] Thank you- thank you. Yes. [00:28:15] Joining Saturday. [00:28:19] Welcome. Please state your name and city you're from? [00:28:23] Yes, I am Jennifer Banta, President and CEO of United Way. I am from Iowa City, Johnson County. Um, first, I wanted to thank you all for your service to our communities. This is an incredible time to be an elected official and to be leading our community in very difficult decisions on every level. So, thank you so much for your work. Uh, when I stepped into this role 2.5 years ago, one of my first priorities was to meet with every executive director of our partner agencies that I could. At the same time, we also launched a survey, an anonymous survey, so we could get feedback from our partner agencies about what their biggest concerns were. Overwhelmingly, they pointed to the grant -making process, not just United Ways, but many of our municipalities were listed in that concerns with the transparency and how those processes ran. Um, the message from our non-profit was very clear: the process needed fixing. So, using that feedback as a driving force, I took on that task through my role as the co-chair of Pillar Five of the All In Community Vision. Uh, the Pillar Five community vision is focused on reimagining social and human services. So our goal was to reduce the stress to nonprofit organizations and move towards a trust -based philanthropy. We know that our nonprofits are doing incredible work, and we wanted to move closer to, um, easing some of that stress. Thanks to Emily's leadership, Emily Mr., a deep collaboration with our municipal partners and feedback from our partner agencies, we've made Page 10 Iowa City City Council Formal meeting of July 8, 2025 (audio and video recordings can be found at https:,[/citychannel4.com/city-council.html) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription through Verbit: AI -Based Transcription & Captioning Services. For greater detail please refer to the meeting recordings. meaningful progress towards that goal. For the first time ever, all five funders, United Way, Johnson County, Iowa City, Coralville, and North Liberty, are all aligned under the same platform, utilizing the same bi-annual funding process. And tonight, I want to thank you for your role in that. It has been really impactful to our nonprofits. [00:30:40] Together, we revised the narrative questions to reflect community voiced priorities. We updated demographic and outcome tracking to include both agency defined metrics and shared indicators. And most importantly, we streamlined that darn budget section of our grant application with clear definitions, and we also built in training opportunities to ensure consistency across all of our municipalities. The United Way used that process this year to allocate our funds. And as Emily told you, we had reduced funding this year, which means it was even more important, uh, to have a transparent, equitable process that everyone could understand. Thank you for your time. [00:31:25] Thank you. Welcome. Please state your name and city you're from. [00:31:35] My name is Becky Rides, and I am from Iowa City. I am a past member of HCDCF appointed the commission July 2021, and I served for three years. I attended every meeting, and I performed every task that I was- that was requested of me, including the scoring and the recommendations of applications for funding. I advocated for the establishment of a subcommittee to recommend changes to the funding process. And when that was established, I chaired that subcommittee. I'm a former executive director of a nonprofit agency in Iowa City, so I participated on both sides of the funding process. During my term as a commissioner and my participation in the first, uh, funding process, this is what I observed. The application was extremely long and it could be streamlined without affecting quality. There was inconsistency in the information that was gathered and scored. Communication between the joint funding partners was not always shared, and it did affect scoring among the agencies which resulted in lower funding for them. Outcomes were not always consistent with the requested funding from the city, and there was not a correlation between scoring and funding recommendations. The subcommittee addressed these concerns that I outlined in addition to this question. Was HCDC the appropriate venue for the application process? We took that com- question to the commission, along with a recommendation of a new process. Staff was involved, and they voted to keep the process unchanged with the Commission. And yet, on the first opportunity to do so, as they requested, only two commissioners reviewed and scored the applications, and they failed to make quorum to recommend funding to counsel. I think we're now at a point where Council should re evaluate the process. I'd like to see Council commit to work already done by the subcommittee and to now develop a new venue for evaluating the applications. Whatever the steps are, commit to the process, evaluate that process, and please include agencies every step of the way. Their input is invaluable. Thank you. [00:34:08] Thank you. Welcome. Please state your name and city you're from? Page 11 Iowa City City Council Formal meeting of July 8, 2025 (audio and video recordings can be found at https:,[/citychannel4.com/city-council.html) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription through Verbit: AI -Based Transcription & Captioning Services. For greater detail please refer to the meeting recordings. [00:34:19] 1 am Missy Forbes, and I am from Iowa City. I'm also the Executive Director of Force's. I would like to wholeheartedly thank the Council for the fully funding that Forsys received last June- in June. And for the next two years, our scope of work would have been very limited without that bold decision of the Council at the June 3rd meeting. I have some long hard work ahead of me, finding more sustainable way to run this organization because it's not a way to do it. Um, but I can't thank you enough for the breathing room that you've afforded me while I do just that. Um, do you feel like I was partially responsible possibly for opening Pandora's box that was opened at the Council meeting. And so I do want to discuss some of that. Um, I don't know that my plea to you all would have been so desperate had I been able to present my concerns and my case at HCDC. The process, as you know, is one of feedback and discussion, which is key here, and it would have looked far different if I'd been given an opportunity to do just that. The problem is that after I responded to their initial questions and provided updated data, after doing all that I was supposed to do to fulfill my end of the proverbial bargain, HCDC didn't hold up their end of the bargain because they never did meet. Um, just a couple of things. I think that HCDC actually needs to meet in order for the process to work, because if they'd done their job, things probably would have looked a lot differently last month. So what in the future can be done to ensure that they understand what's at stake when they don't do their jobs? Um, I don't know that reducing the amount of members on the commission is enough to ensure that they understand the impact of doing or not doing their work. I also have concerns that HD doesn't understand or hasn't understood certainly the work that Forsys does. But even with all the data provided to them, I still have concerns that a random group of individuals is deciding the fate of my organization. So what measures do we need to be put in place for the future to ensure that not only are they doing the very important work, but that it ensures organizations like mine that they will join that I will and I will have to join the competitive funding round again, that they have an acute understanding of the work we do. I'm a very collaborative person by nature, and I hope that my leadership at 4Cs has demonstrated that. But when I feel like I have to step on the toes of city staff or my colleagues, which is definitely how I felt last month, leaves me in a very vulnerable position and one that I don't care to be, uh, the feel like that again. Um, I just want to say again, and I can't say it enough to reiterate that I am eternally grateful for the financial support that was allocated to 4Cs for FY 25 and 26. Um, and we have the opportunity to learn from this because while we're all grateful for the final outcome, the process that was trying to be perfected needs all of its parts to actually participate to actually work. Thank you. [00:37:10] Thank you. Welcome. Please state your name and city you're from. [00:37:20] I'm Jenny Schmidt. I'm from West Branch, but I'm here as the executive director of the Iowa City Free Medical and Dental Clinic. Um, like those before me, first, I need to thank you so much for the support for the free medical and dental clinic that you have given us this year and so many years. We are so proud to be in Iowa City since 1971. And when I talk to groups about the work we do, I make it clear that we would not exist without the tremendous support of the city. Um, also I want to state that the support that you gave us also comes to help us fulfill earlier support you gave us through the rpaGrants. We're about three weeks away from finishing this giant renovation, and you'll all be receiving invites Page 12 Iowa City City Council Formal meeting of July 8, 2025 (audio and video recordings can be found at https:,[/citychannel4.com/city-council.html) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription through Verbit: AI -Based Transcription & Captioning Services. For greater detail please refer to the meeting recordings. October 8th Open House shameless plug. Okay. As you can imagine, we were thrilled with the outcome of the funding round. We had previously been given $40,000 a year. Um, I went into this asking for what I thought we really needed, which was $100,000. As I stated in my application, I asked for the significant increase over what we had received, um, in the prior years for two major reasons. One, as some of you know, a few years ago, this process got to a point where agencies were asked to come and say, What do you really need? And agencies did. My predecessor, when she was teaching me to do this job, she said, I didn't know that people were going to really ask for what they really needed. So she was somewhat meek in what she asked. So even though that resulted in a much needed increase, each year, we were somewhat kind of behind where we might have been had she asked for something else. Secondly, it felt like a reasonable thing to ask as 3% of our budget prior was coming from you all, whereas 50% of our patients come from Iowa City, and that's been pretty stable over the years. So it really felt like asking for a fair share for some support for this important city service that we provide. Um, I don't- when I went to ask for that in the Fall, I debated a lot. I had a tummy ache. I thought, they're going to think I'm ridiculous. They're not going to take me seriously. They're going to think I'm flip and, uh, thankful. But I thought, No, this is really right. And I had gone to speak to other people about this need, and I just decided to go for it. So luckily for me, the risk worked out. Had I flipped and gone the other way, I would be really mad at myself right now, and the clinic would have a lot more financial struggles in the year to come. Um, that being said, I stand here today. Oh, my gosh, it's with my colleagues from all these outstanding organizations to support the request for a clearer process with more transparency. We all work in a world of crazy uncertainty and if having a little bit more certainty around how the process will work and a feeling that it will be fair and equitable and transparent, that would make a big difference. Once again, I want to thank you so much for the support, the ongoing support and this recent allotment, and I look forward to our continued partnership. Thank you. [00:40:25] Thank you. Welcome. [00:40:33] Good evening. My name's Nikki Ross. I live in Ely, but I'm here representing table to table as the executive director and, uh, a group of 15 funded agencies as the appointee to the application- as an appointee to the application subcommittee. We stand before you this evening as a community of nonprofit service providers. Two years ago you reached out to us for input on making the process better for everyone involved. It was a hopeful moment for redesigning a process that has been historically painful and divisive. The charge was clear. The process should be comprehensive, efficient, transparent, data driven, fair. You asked for our input. You asked for our time. We gave it. You said you were invested in a more participatory process and invited us to the table. We showed up, but that moment we hoped for, it never came. The subcommittee, which included staff, HCDC members, and agency representatives, took the charge seriously. We sought feedback from all funded entities throughout the process. We dedicated a lot of time to this endeavor. This is indicative of a nonprofit community that on the whole puts collective impact first. As a nonprofit community, we rely on each other. The work of each agency before you is possible and better because of our partners doing this work together. We support each other, rely on each other, lift each other, and hold each other accountable. This is the definition of partnership. It's not a rose colored viewpoint. We aren't all best friends. We don't always Page 13 Iowa City City Council Formal meeting of July 8, 2025 (audio and video recordings can be found at https:,[/citychannel4.com/city-council.html) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription through Verbit: AI -Based Transcription & Captioning Services. For greater detail please refer to the meeting recordings. agree what partners do. Still, we unequivocally want one another to thrive and flourish, particularly in unprecedented times. We urge you to recognize that unprecedented times call for unprecedented care, caution, and courage in all areas, but crucially in the area of resource allocation. To be clear, we were all winners last month, but we were also all losers. Each of these agencies will use the generous funds you provided to help our neighbors weather the difficult times ahead. Yet trust in this process has been eroded for nonprofit service providers and for our community members. Instead of awarding funding based solely on agency request, there were many ways Council might have better addressed the deep need of individuals of the individuals our agencies serve. You could have asked agencies for impact statements of changed circumstance, opened a second funding round or increased allocations by a blanket percentage or something else entirely that was thoughtful and considered. Needed a process that left our community reassured by the steadfast reason of Iowa City Council. We call on you to prioritize fairness over expedience and to engage partners in these difficult decisions. If we pair that with the kind of generosity you showed this year, it can create real change for real. [00:43:36] Thank you- thank you. Thanks to everyone that came to speak today. I'm going to close the public comment at this time, seeing no one else at this time? We're going to move on to Items Number 10, which is our regular formal agenda. 10A is Civil Service Commission. Ordinance amending Title 1 entitled Administration to establish the Civil Service Commission. This is the first consideration. Can I get a motion, please? [00:44:12] So moved. Mo. [00:44:15] Second, Alter. [00:44:18] All right. And I'm going to turn it over to our city attorney to get us started inonel second. City attorney. [00:44:35] Thank you, Mayor. At our work session tonight, the Council received an update from the city's lobbyist on a number of bills, including Senate File 311. That bill did a number of things, but one of the things it did was modify the required number of Civil Service commissioners who serve on the Civil Service Commission. Previously, it had been a minimum of three, and there was no need to set that number by ordinance, so the city did not. However, with the amendment, cities with more than $50,000, I'm sorry, 50,000 residents, uh, need to [00:45:23] have a Civil Service Commission [00:45:24] with at least five and no more than seven. Oddly, uh, the statute looks Page 14 Iowa City City Council Formal meeting of July 8, 2025 (audio and video recordings can be found at https:,[/citychannel4.com/city-council.html) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription through Verbit: AI -Based Transcription & Captioning Services. For greater detail please refer to the meeting recordings. [00:45:31] not at current population numbers, [00:45:33] but the census figures from 1980. Uh, so I did some checking to see, and it appears our population, according to the federal census in 1980 was 50,508. [00:45:46] So you're just barely over the threshold to require this move. I imagine in a lot of our growing communities in Des Moines, that will make a really big difference. In any event, we are now by the statute required to go from three to at least five, no more than seven. Staff is recommending the ordinance before you at five because it's closer to the three that we currently have and shouldn't be too burdensome to add members. And with that, I'd be happy to answer any questions that you folks have. [00:46:21] Was there any rationale given for using 1980 as the number? [00:46:27] It has been 1980 for a long time. Uh, perhaps since shortly after 1980. 1 didn't do that research, but it strikes me that given the comprehensive amendments that were made as part of Senate file 311, it's remarkable that they didn't choose to update that one, but they didn't. [00:46:46] Okay. Thank you. [00:46:51] There are no more questions. Anyone want to address this topic if you're online, which I can't see. Okay. [00:46:58] No hand. [00:46:59] If you're online, please raise your virtual hand. You just have to let me know, please. And if you're present, please step forward. Seeing no one in person or online. Council, discussion. Roll call, please. [00:47:16] Alter? [00:47:17] Yes. [00:47:18] Page 15 Iowa City City Council Formal meeting of July 8, 2025 (audio and video recordings can be found at https:,[/citychannel4.com/city-council.html) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription through Verbit: AI -Based Transcription & Captioning Services. For greater detail please refer to the meeting recordings. Bergus? [00:47:18] Yes. [00:47:19] Moe? [00:47:19] Yes. [00:47:20] Salih? [00:47:20] Yes. [00:47:21] Teague? [00:47:21] Yes. [00:47:22] Weilein. [00:47:23] Yes. [00:47:24] Motion passes 6-0. We're on to item number 1013, electric and gas franchise fees, Ordinance amending Title 12, Chapter 5, franchise fees to repeal the 1% franchise fee and enacted 2% franchise fee on the gross revenue derived from the distribution, delivery and retail sale of electricity. And natural gas by franchisees include a Mid American energy company or other natural gas providers utilizing the distribution system of Mid American to customers within the current or future corporate limits of the city of Iowa City and to describe the purpose for the revenue collected. This is the second consideration. Could I get a motion, please? [00:48:09] So move Salih. [00:48:11] Second, Moe. Page 16 Iowa City City Council Formal meeting of July 8, 2025 (audio and video recordings can be found at https:,[/citychannel4.com/city-council.html) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription through Verbit: AI -Based Transcription & Captioning Services. For greater detail please refer to the meeting recordings. [00:48:13] Anyone from the public like to address this topic? If you're online, please raise your virtual hand. If you're in- if you're present in Council Chambers, please come forward. Seeing no one online or in person. Council, discussion. Roll call, please. [00:48:31] Bergus? [00:48:32] Yes. [00:48:32] Moe? [00:48:33] Yes. [00:48:33] Salih? [00:48:34] Yes. [00:48:34] Teague? [00:48:35] Yes. [00:48:35] Weilein? [00:48:37] Yes. [00:48:37] Alter. [00:48:38] Yes. [00:48:39] Page 17 Iowa City City Council Formal meeting of July 8, 2025 (audio and video recordings can be found at https:,[/citychannel4.com/city-council.html) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription through Verbit: AI -Based Transcription & Captioning Services. For greater detail please refer to the meeting recordings. Motion passes 6-0. We're on to item 10C. Human Rights Grant Allocations for Fiscal Year 2025. Resolution Adopting the Human Rights. Grant allocation for fiscal year 2025. Can I get a motion to approve, please? [00:49:04] So move, Bergus. [00:49:05] Second, Alter. [00:49:07] And I just wanted to acknowledge that Mayor Pro Tern Salih is recusing herself from this item. And, we're going to ask for [00:49:18] commission comments at this time. [00:49:21] 1 think that's done. [00:49:30] 1 don't think we have a commissioner present. [00:49:32] Okay. All right. Anyone from the public like to address this topic? And there's no commissioner online? Hand raised? No? Okay, anyone from the public like to address this topic? If you're online, please raise your virtual hand, if you're present, please come forth. Seeing no one in person or online, Council discussion? [00:50:05] Sorry. Not having gone through this process with the Human Rights Commission, would it be prudent of us to wait until we get a commissioner's comment or should we just take the recommendation at its face value? [00:50:27] There are notes. [00:50:29] We have the notes provided and voted on it in a quorum. [00:50:34] Yeah. Page 18 Iowa City City Council Formal meeting of July 8, 2025 (audio and video recordings can be found at https:,[/citychannel4.com/city-council.html) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription through Verbit: AI -Based Transcription & Captioning Services. For greater detail please refer to the meeting recordings. [00:50:35] 1 just wanted to make sure that, um, it wasn't unusual that there wasn't someone here. But it seems like it makes sense to me. I just wanted to make sure. Though, thank you. [00:50:47] Okay. [00:50:47] 1 did have one question just regarding the lack of staff recommendation. I'm interpreting that as this is kind of political given everything we were just talking about and allocating funds to agencies, but we do get staff recommendations on other grant awards. I'm just curious if there's a reason for the lack of recommendation. [00:51:07] That's just an oversight on my review part. [00:51:09] O kay. [00:51:10] It should be a recommendation for approval. [00:51:12] O kay. [00:51:13] Yes. [00:51:13] Thank you. [00:51:16] Hearing no more discussion? Roll call, please. [00:51:23] Moe? [00:51:23] Yes. [00:51:24] Teague? Page 19 Iowa City City Council Formal meeting of July 8, 2025 (audio and video recordings can be found at https:,[/citychannel4.com/city-council.html) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription through Verbit: AI -Based Transcription & Captioning Services. For greater detail please refer to the meeting recordings. [00:51:25] Yes. [00:51:26] Weilein? [00:51:27] Yes. [00:51:28] Alter? [00:51:28] Yes. [00:51:29] Bergus. [00:51:30] Yes. [00:51:30] Motion passes 5-0. All right. We are on to item number 10D, Amendment number 1 to City Steps 2030 and Fiscal Year 2026, Annual Action Plan. This is a resolution approving substantial Amendment number 1 to City Steps 2030, which includes the Fiscal Year 2026 Annual Action Plan. Can I get a motion to approve, please? [00:52:07] So moved, Alter. [00:52:08] Second, Moe. [00:52:09] Right. And welcome. [00:52:12] Hello, Erika Kubly with neighborhood services. Back in January, City Council approved City Steps 2030, which is the city's five year consolidated plan that outlines goals and priorities for the use of CDBG and home funds. This allowed us to prepare for FY26 funding year as we awaited our funding allocations. We're coming back with a substantial amendment to this plan to incorporate our both our CDBG and home funding allocations to approve our FY26 annual action plan and ensure that we follow the changes in federal regulations and any applicable executive orders. We were bracing for the worst this year, with Page 20 Iowa City City Council Formal meeting of July 8, 2025 (audio and video recordings can be found at https:,[/citychannel4.com/city-council.html) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription through Verbit: AI -Based Transcription & Captioning Services. For greater detail please refer to the meeting recordings. our CDBG and home funding, there have been proposals to cut both of these programs at the federal level, but we ended up with a budget carryover from last year, so based on the formula allocations, we will receive about 741,000 in CDBG funds, which is a $25,000 increase over last year. And then our home allocation is 378,000, which is about 6,000 less than last year. So overall, we had a net increase of 19,000, and we're just happy to be here with our funds. So that was good news. So this graph shows our CDBG and home funding over the past 30 years. Our CDBG allocation is about average for the past 30 years at 741,000. Home is on the lower end of what we typically receive. Iowa City has been receiving CDBG and home funds from HUD since each program's inception. So this is our 51st year of CDBG funding and our 36 year of home funding. Many of our active affordable housing units in our community were funded in part with CDBG or home, and CDBG has also funded small businesses, park amenities, and nonprofit facilities. Um, in the past 30 years, what you're seeing, um, on this chart, these two programs have directly invested over $40 million in Iowa City. And both programs are at risk of being eliminated in the federal budget in future years. Um, this graph shows the same information adjusted for inflation because we are overall seeing smaller allocations over time. In our City Steps plan, we prioritize activities for the next five years in Iowa City to have the biggest impact. So these are our activities for next year for this year outlined in our annual action plan. We will use CDBG for public services or Aid to Agencies. This funding it's 124,000, 15% of our CDBG allocation we can use for public services. This will go to neighborhood centers as part of their Aid to Agency award. CDBG will also fund our rehab programs, both owner occupied and rental. And then we will also hold a competitive funding round for rental acquisition and public facilities, which would be like improvements to non profits. And that process opened this week and will be due on August 4th. For home funding, we will be funding our downpayment assistance program, our tenant based rental assistance, which is a rental subsidy. And then we will work with Housing fellowship for the community housing development organization for a project, we call it CHDO Reserve Activity, and they also get a little bit of operational funding for being a community housing development organization. Um, and then the last part is planning administration that covers staff costs here at the city. We can use 20% of CDBG and 10% of home. So that's in there as well. On the right column, we have beneficiaries. We aim low. We try to meet our targets, so the number should be higher at the end of the year, but this is the minimum of what we expect. So, Regulatory Updates. The Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing mandate has been rescinded. This mandate required entities to proactively take meaningful actions to overcome patterns of segregation, promote fair housing choice, eliminate disparities and opportunities, and foster inclusive communities free from discrimination. So this is no longer in place. This changes quite a bit throughout even my career. Every four years, it's a little bit different It's kind of always in limbo. So that is no longer a requirement that we have to follow with HUD. Um, the Fair Housing Act is still in place. This prohibits discrimination in housing, so we'll still follow that. Various executive orders have come out since January that affect federal funding. We have reviewed and updated our plan to ensure we are in compliance. That's part of this substantial amendment. Many of these executive orders are not applicable to the activities that we are funding with CDBG and Home. Others are reinforcing longstanding regulations that we've always complied with, so it's nothing new. We're still complying. We're going to continue to keep an eye on these changes at the federal level and make sure that we're able to access our funding and that we continue to be in compliance. [00:56:51] Page 21 Iowa City City Council Formal meeting of July 8, 2025 (audio and video recordings can be found at https:,[/citychannel4.com/city-council.html) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription through Verbit: AI -Based Transcription & Captioning Services. For greater detail please refer to the meeting recordings. Erica, I'm sorry, before you move on, the AFFH that had been rescinded, I think the way that you phrased it, said that we can continue those activities. [00:57:05] We no longer are required. [00:57:07] We're not required to, but we- [00:57:09] To include it in this report to HUD. [00:57:10] In the report to HUD? [00:57:11] Yes. [00:57:12] But the activities themselves can stand? [00:57:15] Typically, in previous plans, we were required to demonstrate how we're doing this. I don't know if there's specific activities, but currently, we're not including that information in the plan. [00:57:28] Thank you. [00:57:31] So our next steps, we did a 30-day public comment notice for this substantial amendment that ends today, right now. No written comments have been received to date, as far as I'm aware. We have our plan, our full plan has not been submitted to HUD yet, even the part that you approved previously. We're submitting all that, including our Annual Action Plan to HUD by the 18th. As I mentioned, the competitive funding process for CDBG, public facilities and rental acquisition is underway. Those are due on August 4th by noon. Funds for other activities will be available after the plan is approved, and we get our agreements in place, complete our environmental reviews, and all those steps. And that is all I have. Take any questions. Thank you. [00:58:19] Mayor, can I just make a note for the record that Mayor Pro Tern has chosen to recuse herself from this item, as well. [00:58:24] Page 22 Iowa City City Council Formal meeting of July 8, 2025 (audio and video recordings can be found at https:,[/citychannel4.com/city-council.html) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription through Verbit: AI -Based Transcription & Captioning Services. For greater detail please refer to the meeting recordings. Thank you. [00:58:28] Did the timing of this amendment align with the House resolution, big, beautiful bill at all? And did- can you tell us how that impacts this? I mean, we know there's changes to LI Tech tax credits and CDBG funds. [00:58:46] The timing of that didn't align with this. This aligns with when we got our allocations in May. We have sc many days to go through this 30 day process, figure out how we're using our money, and then prepare our amendment and submit the plan. The big beautiful bill does not outline CDBG and home funding. So it's not part of that bill. The president's proposed budget eliminates both programs. So that's kind of what I was referring to earlier, but it's early in the budget process for the upcoming year. [00:59:14] O kay. [00:59:14] The numbers that I showed you earlier are for our FY26 Fiscal Year. [00:59:20] Okay, thanks. [00:59:25] No more questions. Thank you. Anyone from the public like to address this topic? Seeing no one in person or online, Council discussion? Roll call, please. [00:59:44] Teague? [00:59:45] Yes. [00:59:45] Weilein? [00:59:47] Yes. [00:59:48] Alter? [00:59:48] Page 23 Iowa City City Council Formal meeting of July 8, 2025 (audio and video recordings can be found at https:,[/citychannel4.com/city-council.html) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription through Verbit: AI -Based Transcription & Captioning Services. For greater detail please refer to the meeting recordings. Yes. [00:59:49] Bergus? [00:59:50] Yes. [00:59:50] Moe. [00:59:51] Yes. [00:59:51] Motion passes 5-0. 10E is Citizen Participation Plan. Resolution approving a substantial amendment to the Citizen Participation Plan and rescinding resolution number 20-11. Could I get a motion to approve, please? [01:00:23] So moved, Moe. [01:00:24] Second, Bergus. [01:00:25] And welcome again, Erica. [01:00:30] Thank you. So our Citizen Participation Plan is tied to the last agenda item. This plan describes how we involve the public as we work through our various plans for CDBG and home administration. I want to note that federal regulations that outline this plan use the term citizen. But this plan is meant to allow and encourage all residents and stakeholders to participate. [01:00:53] So the Citizen Participation plan covers our three main plans for entitlement funding, um, our five year consolidated plan, which is city steps, our annual action plan and what we call a Caper which is our end of year report out on our spending and accomplishments. Um, it also covers any amendments we have to any of these plans and the Citizen Participation plan itself. Um, so most of these levels of participation that we have in this plan in front of you are determined by HUD or standard practice. These are minimum levels of engagement, and we can always do more outreach, depending on the activity and timeline. So any new consolidated plan, action plan, citizen participation plan or substantial changes to these plans that exist would go through a public process like this Council meeting. These items are Page 24 Iowa City City Council Formal meeting of July 8, 2025 (audio and video recordings can be found at https:,[/citychannel4.com/city-council.html) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription through Verbit: AI -Based Transcription & Captioning Services. For greater detail please refer to the meeting recordings. always on the regular agenda to allow comments rather than the consent agenda. Um, any minor changes to these plans can be handled at the administrative level. For example, yesterday, we learned that we had $2,000 extra in our home help fund that they miscalculated. Really small amount of money. We don't really need to come to Council to discuss how to use that. We're going to reprogram it into, um, our existing projects, no major changes. And then the city manager signs off on that type of thing. So the only difference is our caper, which, again, is our year end report out. Um, that has a shortened public process where it only goes to HCDC before it gets submitted to HUD. And this is because there's no decision making tied with that report. It's just a report of what happened. So we update the Citizen Participation plan at least every five years, along with city steps. Revisions in this latest version include modernized methods of input. The last update took place at the beginning of COVID, so we didn't have the same kind of remote opportunities that we have now. We wanted to include those. We added provisions for disasters and emergencies. If we happen to have another pandemic, we may need additional flexibility to get funds out into the community quickly. We've reviewed the plan to ensure consistency with current program regulations, and we've increased clarity on input and approval processes for each plan. One situation that you guys are aware of that happened in the past year was our inability for HEDC to reach quorum. Um, so we just updated the language to say, if that happened, we'd be able to come directly to Council. Our process will be to go to HCCC, make a recommendation, and then come to Council, but just in the event that that happens, we have language in our plan, outlining that process. And I think that's all I have for this one. I'm happy to answer any questions. [01:03:41] Hearing none. Thank you. Anyone from the public like to address this topic? If you're present, please come forth. If you're online, please raise your virtual hand. Say no one in person or online. Council, discussion. Roll call please. [01:04:00] Weilein? [01:04:02] Yes. [01:04:02] Alter? [01:04:03] Yes. [01:04:04] Bergus? [01:04:04] Yes. Page 2 S Iowa City City Council Formal meeting of July 8, 2025 (audio and video recordings can be found at https:,[/citychannel4.com/city-council.html) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription through Verbit: AI -Based Transcription & Captioning Services. For greater detail please refer to the meeting recordings. [01:04:05] Moe? [01:04:05] Yes. [01:04:06] Salih? [01:04:06] Yes. [01:04:07] Teague. [01:04:07] Yes. [01:04:07] Motion passes six to zero. We're on to items 11 Council appointments. 11A is Community Police Review Board. Community There is one vacancy to fill unexpired term. Upon appointment through June 30th, 2027, staff is requesting deferral to August 19, 2025. 1 wonder if someone would like to make a motion to defer or do we want to continue with discussion? I would make a motion to differ. [01:04:39] Second down Motion. [01:04:40] Move by Moe, seconded by Salih. Um, and council, discussion. All in favor say Aye. [01:04:49] Aye. [01:04:50] Aye. [01:04:51] Any opposed? Motion passes six to zero. 11 B is Historic Preservation Commission Summit Street. One vacancy to fill a three year term July 1, 2025 through June 30th, 2028. And, um, let's see, I believe we have just, well, we have an applicant who's. [01:05:20] Serving? Page 26 Iowa City City Council Formal meeting of July 8, 2025 (audio and video recordings can be found at https:,[/citychannel4.com/city-council.html) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription through Verbit: AI -Based Transcription & Captioning Services. For greater detail please refer to the meeting recordings. [01:05:21] Yeah. So just the one and what are folks thinking? Is only one. [01:05:28] She's finishing her first term, right? And it's not. So I think it would be regular for us to appoint for a second. So I would nominate her that's what's needed. [01:05:41] Agreed. [01:05:42] Yeah, I think when it comes down to some of these specific smaller areas is always a challenge. [01:05:49] Yeah. [01:05:49] To find a pool. So I can certainly. [01:05:53] Us about it. [01:05:54] Yeah. It sounds like there's a majority of support. So we will name Nicole Villanuva, er, for the appointment for the Historic Preservation Commission. All in favor, say- so it was moved by-. [01:06:12] 1 didn't think we got them all. [01:06:13] No, we did not. We just figured that I heard the majority, but it was moved by Moe. And who wants to second? [01:06:20] Second. [01:06:21] Seconded by Salih. All right. All in favor say aye. [01:06:25] Aye. Page 27 Iowa City City Council Formal meeting of July 8, 2025 (audio and video recordings can be found at https:,[/citychannel4.com/city-council.html) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription through Verbit: AI -Based Transcription & Captioning Services. For greater detail please refer to the meeting recordings. [01:06:26] Aye. [01:06:26] Any opposed? Motion passes. I want to make sure that Councilor Weilein is still there. [01:06:32] Yeah. [01:06:35] 1 am still here, yes. [01:06:36] Awesome. [01:06:37] All in favor say aye. [01:06:38] Aye. [01:06:40] Aye. [01:06:40] Any opposed? Motion passes 6-0. [01:06:43] Did we just vote twice on that? [01:06:44] Eleven. [01:06:46] 1 just- sorry. Did we just vote on the same thing? [01:06:51] 1 think the mayor was making sure that Councilor Weilein could hear us. [01:06:55] Okay. [01:06:55] Page 28 Iowa City City Council Formal meeting of July 8, 2025 (audio and video recordings can be found at https:,[/citychannel4.com/city-council.html) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription through Verbit: AI -Based Transcription & Captioning Services. For greater detail please refer to the meeting recordings. So it was the same vote. I just want to be sure I didn't just miss something. Okay. [01:07:01] You can't even give the excuse of a latent. [01:07:03] No, I can't. [01:07:04] No. You cannot. [01:07:04] No. All right. So motion passes 6-0. All right, we're on to 11 C. Human Rights Commission. One Vaca to fill unexpired term. Upon appointment through December 31, 2025, in Council discussion, there are. [01:07:22] A lot. [01:07:24] As normal, right? Which is great. Lots of interest. [01:07:31] I'm really dressing of Megan hell. You have really strong resume. [01:07:44] Any other? [01:07:47] 1 will say that, um, over the course of the last year, um, I w- I was glad to see that Jaden Bartlett, um, submitted an application. I think that he is, uh, he was a Executive Director of Hawk Devote at the university. He's like a young guy. And he- I don't know, through knowing him, I just feel like he'd be like someone who, you know, we'd have like HCDC and other missions, you know, sometimes we have, er, trouble with people maybe not showing up, but I don't think that would be the case for someone like him, who I see is like, extremely motivated to eager to go above and beyond. So I mean, I'll just say that for me, that's an application that stood out. [01:08:43] Any other nominations for consideration? [01:08:48] 1 just throw in Talia Miller. There's a lot of good- there's a lot of good people. [01:09:01] Page 29 Iowa City City Council Formal meeting of July 8, 202S (audio and video recordings can be found at https:,[/citychannel4.com/city-council.html) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription through Verbit: AI -Based Transcription & Captioning Services. For greater detail please refer to the meeting recordings. There are. [01:09:01] Yeah, I was going to say that this was extremely difficult, you know, it was a lot of fun reading through all the applications, and there's so many good people, so yeah. [01:09:11] 1 also like Megan Hale and Jaden Bartlett, too. Be fine with any of the names named. [01:09:21] All right. No, it's. That's the thing about our community. A lot of great people willing to serve. [01:09:32] There is a lot of interest for the human rights Commission all the time. [01:09:37] Yes, a lot of people for the HRC. They do great work. Um, you know, I guess I'm kind of with Councilor Burges, where, you know, the three nominated. So far, I can support. I guess, um, I'll just go through these real quick unless someone has there's so many good ones. I did have a chance to work with, uh, Talia on the trans advisory committee and the intersection of that population and housing was something that was very important to them. And I feel like maybe that's the moment for that. So- I [01:10:16] was kind of thinking that um, actually, along with, [01:10:19] um, I'm looking at it within the creative community building. [01:10:26] Yeah, they're all so good, and I just- I've had a chance to work with Talia. [01:10:33] Megan says she was volunteering with many organizations. I know I met her many times. She's good, too. She's very low, do the nice things. Social justice kind of person. She also do work with, like, the Center of Human right of University of Iowa. She, like, kind of the same area of human right. [01:11:13] You know, there are so many great- great characteristics and cont- well, just things that people can contribute. Um, I think I will support Talia. There is, I think, just a great opportunity, for that appointment for Talia. [01:11:43] 1 would s- I would support moving forward with Talia, if that's I would not be opposed. Page 30 Iowa City City Council Formal meeting of July 8, 2025 (audio and video recordings can be found at https:,[/citychannel4.com/city-council.html) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription through Verbit: AI -Based Transcription & Captioning Services. For greater detail please refer to the meeting recordings. [01:11:50] Okay. Sound like there is a majority for Talia Miller. Um, can I get a motion to appoint, please? [01:12:00] So moved? [01:12:01] Second. Move by Bergus seconded by Moe. All in favor say aye. [01:12:05] Aye. [01:12:05] Aye. [01:12:06] Aye. [01:12:07] Any opposed? Motion passes 6-0. We're on to number 12, announcements of vacancies previous. 12A is Airport Zoning Board of Adjustment, one vacancy to fill a five year term. Airport Zoning Commission, one vacancy to fill a six year term. Board of Appeals HVAC professional, one vacancy to fill an unexpired term. Historic Preservation Commission Brown Street. One vacancy to fill a three year term. Historic Preservation Jefferson Street, one vacant to fill a three year term. Historic Preservation Commission Woodlawn Avenue. One vacy to fill a three year term. Vacancies will remain open until filled. Item number 13 is city Council information. [01:12:56] For me. [01:12:57] There's a lot of stuff happening over there over the holiday weekend, jazz fest, fireworks and a lot of rain. [01:13:11] All right. [01:13:11] And just actually, that's curious to remind us when the Iowa City, we can shoot off fireworks. That's over now, right? [01:13:20] Page 31 Iowa City City Council Formal meeting of July 8, 2025 (audio and video recordings can be found at https:,[/citychannel4.com/city-council.html) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription through Verbit: AI -Based Transcription & Captioning Services. For greater detail please refer to the meeting recordings. That is over. [01:13:21] That is over for a reminder. [01:13:21] If you're watching this, that's over. I heard you last night. So- What is our time frame? [01:13:28] On Saturday. [01:13:29] Well, it's not allowed in within city limits. And again, this is one of those ordinances we need to come back to you. But we had previously just outlawed it within city limits at all, but then the state preempted us on July 3rd, July 4th, and December 31st. So we are done until the 31st of December. [01:13:51] Okay, thank great. [01:13:55] All right. I have no more reports by city Council. We'll go to item 14, city staff, city manager's office. [01:14:03] Nothing tonight. Thank you. [01:14:04] City attorney? [01:14:05] 1 do have something. I'm very happy to, uh, share with you the hiring and welcoming of a new attorney to our office. Her name is Alexandra Bright. She goes by Alex. She, uh, was born and raised here and went on her way, uh, to see other parts of the country, including undergrad at NYU, a master's at Oxford, and then graduated from the University of Chicago School of Law. She practiced there for three years in the city of Chicago but really wanted to come home. I I see this a lot. People go their way and so forth and see the world, but they like Iowa City, and they want to come home. And we are so lucky to have her, and we would never have gotten her, except for she really wanted to come back to Iowa City. So that's a real testament to the city and a real benefit to my office. Awesome. [01:14:55] Great. Well, welcome. City Clerk office. I have nothing after that. [01:15:01] Okay. All right. We're at item number 15. Can I get a motion to adjourn, please? Page 32 Iowa City City Council Formal meeting of July 8, 2025 (audio and video recordings can be found at https:,[/citychannel4.com/city-council.html) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription through Verbit: AI -Based Transcription & Captioning Services. For greater detail please refer to the meeting recordings. [01:15:06] Moved. [01:15:06] So moved. [01:15:09] All right, I would just have someone say move by. [01:15:11] Aching. [01:15:12] All right- all right. So I heard Council Alter first move by Alter, second goodbye Weilein. All in favor say aye. [01:15:20] Aye. [01:15:21] We are adjourned. [01:15:22] Have a wonderful morning. [01:15:23] Thank you. [01:15:24] Thank you. [01:15:25] Happy July night. [01:15:26] Have a good night. [01:15:27] Yeah. Page 33