HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-08-14 Info PacketCity Council Information Packet
CITY OF IOWA CITY
Council Tentative Meeting Schedule
IN. City Council Tentative Meeting Schedule
August 19 Work Session
August 14, 2025
IP2. Work Session Agenda
IP3. Memo from Assistant City Manager: Background Materials on Affordable
Housing Initiatives
IP4. Pending City Council Work Session Topics
Miscellaneous
IP5. Memo from City Manager's Office: Housing Information
IP6. Civil Service Entrance Examination - Maintenance Worker I - Parking Systems
IP7. Civil Service Entrance Examination - Maintenance Worker I - Streets
Draft Minutes
IP8. Airport Commission: July 10
IP9. Senior Center Commission: July 17
August 14, 2025 City of Iowa City
Item Number: IP1.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
August 14, 2025
City Council Tentative Meeting Schedule
Attachments: City Council Tentative Meeting Schedule
r
City Council Tentative Meeting Schedule
Subject to change
CITY OF IOWA CITY
August 14, 2025
Date
Time
Meeting
Location
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
August 14, 2025
Work Session Agenda
Attachments: August 19 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 + t
Agenda ;; D�
Work Session "'��
August 19, 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://citvchannel4.com/live
• https://www.youtube.com/user/citychann_el4/live
• https://facebook.com/CityoflowaCity
1
2
3
4
5
Clarification of Agenda Items
Information Packet Discussion [August 7, August 14]
University of Iowa Student Government (USG) Updates
Overview of the Iowa City Human Rights Ordinance
Discuss land acquisition and banking for affordable housing development / affordable
housing
Council updates on assigned boards, commissions, and committees
Item Number: IP3.
a
CITY OF IOWA CITY
"QR T-4 COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
August 14, 2025
Memo from Assistant City Manager: Background Materials on Affordable Housing Initiatives
Attachments: Memo from Assistant City Manager - Background Materials on Affordable
Housing Initiatives
l � i
CITY OF IOWA CITY
CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM
Date: August 14, 2025
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Kirk Lehmann, Assistant City Manager
Re: Background Materials on Affordable Housing Initiatives
Introduction
At a previous work session, City Council requested a discussion about the City of Iowa City's land
banking and affordable housing initiatives. This memo provides an overview along with three key
reference materials related to the City's efforts in advancing affordable housing to help facilitate
this conversation.
Background
Iowa City has implemented multiple strategies to help address the community's need for
affordable housing. These strategies include proactive policies, ongoing budget allocations, and
strategic partnerships and actions to support housing development. The following materials
provide important background for any discussion related to this work.
1. Land Bank Guidelines: In 2017, City Council adopted a land bank policy framework
which included several considerations for the City to utilize when acquiring and/or holding
land to support affordable housing development. While the City no longer has an active
land bank program, staff used these considerations when recommending the purchase of
the North Summit Street property for its pilot development project.
2. Affordable Housing Funding Overview Presentation: At your October 15, 2024 work
session, Neighborhood and Development Services provided a high level summary of the
revenue streams the City uses to implement affordable housing initiatives. The slide deck
provides an excellent overview of the City's funding that supports housing needs.
3. Affordable Housing Funding and Demand Memo: During FY26 budget discussions,
staff outlined fund balances that were available for affordable housing development. While
some of the balances are restricted to certain areas and/or uses, it demonstrates that the
City has financial capacity to support a substantial investment in affordable housing.
Discussion
These materials provide a comprehensive picture of the City's financial resources and
commitment to affordable housing, in addition to how staff approaches the acquisition of land for
future housing development. They should provide a good background to inform the work session
discussion scheduled for August 19, 2024.
Attachments
1. Land Bank Guidelines, dated August 1, 2017
2. Affordable Housing Revenue Streams Presentation, dated October 15, 2024
3. Affordable Housing Funding and Housing Demand Memo, dated January 21, 2025
Exhibit A
City of Iowa City Affordable Housing
Land Bank Guidelines
The City of Iowa City's operating budget contains an Affordable Housing Fund that
provides financial resources for land banking. The following guidelines were approved by
the City's Housing and Community Development Commission on June 15, 2017 and
adopted by City Council on Aug I 2017.
Program Objective
The purpose of this program is to enable the City to acquire land/property for the purpose of
increasing the supply of affordable housing for households earning up to eighty (80) percent
of annual median income (AMI).
All purchases must be approved by the City Council. The Neighborhood and Development
Services Department will administer this program.
Property Acquisition Considerations
The following criteria will immediately disqualify a property from consideration:
• More than an incidental portion of the site is in the 100-year floodplain
• The site cannot be serviced by utilities
• The site is not in the City's designated Growth Area.
• There is environmental contamination on the site that prohibits residential
development
• The site is not in compliance with the Affordable Housing Location Model
Answers to the following questions will help the City determine whether or not to purchase
a property with land banking funds.
1. Comprehensive Plan: Is the site designated for future residential development in the
Comprehensive Plan? Yes or No. If yes, what type:
Plan shows rural residential or non-residential development
Plan shows single family/duplex development
Plan shows low to medium mixed residential
Plan shows mixed -use development
Plan shows multifamily development
2. Zoning: Is the site zoned for residential development? Yes or No.
If yes, what type:
Zoning allows for up to 8 units per acre
Zoning allows for up to 9-15 units per acre
Affordable Housing Land Bank Guidelines 1IPage
Zoning allows for 16-24 units per acre
Zoning allows for more than 24 units per acre
If no:
What zoning classification would likely be determined to be consistent with the
Comprehensive Plan? Please explain.
3. Proximity to planned or existing transit: Is it likely the site will be or is anticipated
to be served by public transit?
Within 1/ mile
Within 1/ mile
Over 1/z mile
4. Proximity to neighborhood services: Will the site be within safe walking distance
to existing or planned schools, parks, bike paths, or neighborhood services? Please
explain.
5. Pre -Development Costs: Is the site currently served by utilities? Yes or No.
If no:
Utility installation programmed in the 5-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) or
anticipated through private redevelopment in next 5 years
Utility installation expected in 6-10 years
Are the costs to bring utilities to the site reasonable? Please explain
Are there other barriers to redevelopment/development (holding costs, remediation,
demolition, etc.)? If yes, please explain.
6. Floodplain: Is there more than an incidental portion of parcel in the 500-year
floodplain? Yes or No. If yes, please explain.
7. Acquisition of blighted structure/nuisance: Is the property blighted? Yes or No. If
yes, is the site suitable for an affordable housing project? Please explain.
8. Project leverage: Is the site well suited to leverage federal, state or other funding?
Yes or No. If yes, please describe.
9. Are there other considerations? Please identify.
After careful analysis of the above factors and upon the opinion of the City Attorney, staff
will discuss property acquisition with the City Council in closed session pursuant to Section
21.50) of the Iowa Code. The City Council will formally authorize any acquisition by
resolution in open session with public comment welcomed.
Affordable Housing Land Bank Guidelines 2 1 P a g e
City of Iowa City
Affordable Housing
Revenue Streams
October 15, 2024
Tracy Hightshoe
Director, Neighborhood & Development Services
City of Iowa City
71
66
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
UNESCO CITY OF LITERATURE
Sources of funds
Types of Funding
Description
Funds Received
Examples
Annual Allocations &
Regular recurring funding;
Annually
CDBG, HOME, HCV
Entitlements
Amounts vary based on
Affordable Housing
annual budgets
Fund
Special Allocations
One-time special grants
Sporadic, not
ARPA, PRO Housing,
awarded to the City
guaranteed
HOME -ARP, CDBG-
CV
Project Generated
Revenues generated over
Project Based,
RFC and TIF Fee -in -
Revenue
time as a result of local
amount varies
Lieu
housing policies.
Reserves
Excess revenue from
Carried over
ICHA Public Housing
program operations or sale
from year to
Program reserves,
of property.
year
Opportunity Fund
Annual Allocations and
entitlements
US Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD):
Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) & HOME
FY25 CDBG Funding of $919,719
FY25 HOME Funding of $634,281
Total FY25 CDBG/HOME funds available $1,554,000
(includes entitlement, program income and returned funds)
FY25 Approved housing projects:
• $325,000 Owner Occupied Housing Rehabilitation
• $300,000 Tenant Based Rent Assistance — ICHA
• $19,000 CHDO Operations to The Housing Fellowship
• $420,000 Rental Acquisition — The Housing Fellowship
• $48,000 HOME Administration
HOME funds can only be used for housing related activities.
CDBG funds can fund a wide variety of community needs: public
3 services, public facilities, economic development, neighborhood
amenities, and housing related activities.
DVIP — New Shelter
Annual Allocations and
Entitlements
Historic CDBG and HOME Funding
$1,200,000
$1,000,000
$800,000
$600,000
$400,000
$200,000
$0
1990
4
CDBG Funding FY95-FY24
1995 2000 2005 2010 2015
HOME
$800,000
$700,000
$600,000 -
$500,000
$400,000
$300,000
$200,000
$100,000
F4-
$0
1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030
Annual Allocations and
Entitlements
Housing Choice Voucher Program (HUD)
Approximately $11,331,190 to support 1,595 vouchers.
Form of Assistance -q�� �
Housing Choice Vouchers
Veterans Supportive Housing (VASH)
Mainstream
Emergency Housing Vouchers
Project Based Vouchers
Stability Vouchers
Total
1,286
95
78
69
60
7
' S9�
Public Housing Program (HUD)
Approximately $838,090 in operating, capital improvements,
and rents to operate 86 public housing units.
5
o
94.88/0
ICHA voucher
utilization rate
(82.33% statewMdC
average)
Annual Allocations and
Entitlements
Aid to Agencies (Combined with CDBG)
FY25 Budget of $770,444
($646,444 in General Funds, $124,000 in CDBG funds)
Average of 26% of funds allocated for housing, shelter or housing
services over last three years.
Housing Related Funded Agencies:
• Domestic Violence Intervention Program (DVIP)
• Eschucha Mi Voz
• HACAP
• Houses into Homes
• Inside Out Reentry
• Iowa City Sober Living
• Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity
• Shelter House
6
103.4% increase in funding since FY16
$378,700 to $770,444
Aid to Agency Funding FY16-25
$900,000
$800,000
$700,000
$600,000
$500,000
$400,000
$300,000
$200,000
$100,000
$0
FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 FY22 FY23 FY24 FY25
Annual Allocations and
Entitlements
City General Fund
$200,000 General Rehabilitation Improvement Program (GRIP)
$1,030,000Affordable Housing Fund
Affordable Housing Fund
49% Housing Trust Fund (HTF)
$500,000
19% HTF - LIHTC Projects
$200,000
FY17
$
1,000,000
2% Opportunity Fund
$25,000
FY18
$
650,000
FY19
$
1,000,000
4% Healthy Homes
$45,000
FY20
$
1,000,000
11 % Housing Placement Services
FY21
$
1,000,000
($80,000 Security Deposits/
$110,000
$30,000 Landlord Risk Mitigation)
FY22
$
1,000,000
5% Emergent Situation
$50,000
FY23
$
1,000,000
FY24
$
1,000,000
10% Winter Shelter
$100,000
FY25
$
1,030,000
Total $1,030,000
Total:
$
8,680,000
End of year balances from Healthy Homes and Emergent Fund transfer to
7 the Opportunity Fund. Opportunity Fund amount available: $265,428.
Annual Allocations and
Entitlements
Annual Entitlements and Special
Allocations
HUD:
FY25 CDBG (dedicated to housing) $ 477,719
FY25 HOME $ 634,281
HCV Program $11,331,190
Public Housing Program $ 838,090
Subtotal: $13,281,280
City General Fund:
Aid to Agencies
GRIP
Affordable Housing Fund
8
$ 646,444
$ 200,000
$ 1,030,000
Subtotal: $ 1,876,444
Total: $15,157,724
9
Special Allocations
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
Awarded FY21, fund expenditure deadline of Dec. 31, 2026
Dedicated $2.85 million of total $18.3 million award to housing:
• Acquisition of 4673 Herbert Hoover Highway — 3, 3-bedroom condos.
$957,939
• Land Acquisition of 1002 & 1006 N. Summit St. to construct up to 36
units. $750,000
• Shelter House Stability Pilot Project for Coordinated Entry, Housing
Stabilization Services, and Eviction Prevention and Diversion.
$1,137,710
Housing Related Assistance Provided Through Other ARPA Set -Asides
totaling $1,646,500:
• Forest View Relocation: $1,071,500
• DVIP Operations: $45,000
• Houses into Homes: $10,000
• InsideOut Reentry: 20,000
• Lead Reduction — service lines of private homes: $500,000
■
■`'�■ l�■ ■�■■
IN
ems:`
Special Allocations
HOME ARP - $1,789,981 Awarded FY22, fund expenditure deadline of September30, 2030
• $650,000 DVIP for non -congregate shelter
• $681,981 Shelter House for supporting services and operating expense
• $200,000 Iowa Legal Aid for supportive services
State HOME ARP - $294889733
Announcement by IFA 9124. Construction complete 2 years after agreement entered, services spent by
December 31, 2029.
Partnership with DVIP. DVIP will purchase lot on Kenneth Drive previously purchased by the
City with Opportunity Funds through the Affordable Housing Fund. City will issue grant funds
for the land acquisition.
IFA award to DVIP includes:
• $1,740,508 - Development funds for up to six townhomes
• $608,225 - Supportive services
• $140,000 - Operating funds
10
11
Special Allocations
PRO Housing Funds - $3,752,000
Awarded FY25, fund expenditure deadline of Sept. 30, 2029
• $150,000 Comprehensive Plan (updated Land Use Plan)
• $300,000 Parking Study
• $100,000 City initiated rezoning to increase multi -family zones
• $200,000 Housing Counseling (focus on our 1,595 voucher
holders + community workshops)
• $100,000 Technical assistance to establish a development arm
within the Housing Authority
• $2,256,800 Affordable Housing Pilot Project (requires local match
of at least $1,876,000)
CDBG-CV $623,620
Awarded FY24, fund expenditure deadline of Dec. 31, 2025
Iowa Finance Authority awarded Shelter House funds for
improvements at their shelter including design, reconfiguration of
existing dormitory restrooms, adding a workstation for increased
security, and related improvements. State is contracting with the
City to administer the award.
PRO HOUSING
duivvays iu n+�f(;uvi;,b vu5�ai�iLS
Special Allocations
Special Allocations
ARPA
HOME ARP
State HOME ARP
PRO Housing
CDBG-CV
12
Total:
Fund Expenditure Deadline
218451649 12/31 /2026
15789,981 9/30/2030
2,488,733 Construction 2 Years; Services 2029
31752,000 9/30/2029
623,620
1114999983
12/31/2025
Project Generated Revenue
Riverfront Crossings Fee In Lieu
Payments of $5,841,714 + interest of $442,400.
Total available: $6,284,114 (Must be used in RFC)
Foster Road Tax Increment Financing
(10-year Residential TIF)
Generated $393,759 to date. Year 3 of 10-year TIF.
(Can be used citywide)
Tailwinds TIF — Fee In Lieu
Paid $1,805,648. Purchased 8 duplexes for South District Program.
Available balance of $317,459 (dedicated to rehabilitation)
South District Program
Renovated duplex, sold to
income eligible homebuyers.
13,
Project Generated Revenue
Project Generated Revenue
Riverfront Crossings F IL
Foster Road TIF
Tailwinds TIF Balance
9
9
Total: $
14
6,284,114
3937759
317,459
63995,332
Reserves
Public Housing — Restricted Funds
• $1,380,388 available for affordable, income and rent restricted housing projects (can be used within
the ICHA jurisdiction — Johnson, Iowa and parts of Washington County).
Note: Eligible activities include acquisition and rehabilitation of City owned affordable housing.
Public Housing Capital Reserves
• $2,827,944 reserved for capital improvements or acquisition of new units into the Public Housing
Program.
Opportunity Fund
• $265,428 Balance in fund Reserves
Public Housing Restricted Funds $ 133803388
Public Housing Capital Reserves $ 2,827,944
Opportunity Funds (Prior year carryover) $ 265,428
Total: $ 474739760
15
Funds Available for Affordable Housing
in Iowa City
Annual Allocations and Entitlements total: $15,157,724
Sources of Funds
Uncommitted
Total Funds Funds Fund Restrictions
PRO Housing Pilot Project, CDBG rules apply.
Special Allocations $ 11,499,983 $ 2,256,800 Needs project match of at least $1.88 million.
Project Generated Revenue $ 6,995,332 $ 6,677,873 $6.3 million must be used in Riverfront Crossings
Reserves $ 4,473,760 $
Total: $ 22,969,075 $
Total Funds Dedicated to
Affordable Housing: $ 38,126,799
16
$4.2 million restricted to City owned affordable
4,473,760 Housing or Public Housing program.
13,408,433
Affordable Housing Goals
• Ensure efficient and effective investments through planning efforts.
• Encourage increased supply of housing by reducing regulatory barriers.
• Improve diversity of housing stock to ensure all types of households are available for
all income levels and stages of life in Iowa City.
• Enable and expand the construction of affordable, subsidized housing by creating a
development arm within the Housing Authority.
Recent Successes
• Second Ronalds Street home in partnership with
ICCSD, Greater Iowa City HBA Vocational Training
Council and The Housing Fellowship.
• DVIP's new shelter expanding total beds from 40 to
70 and partnership to build six permanent supporting
housing units for those transitioning out of shelter.
• Acquired three new townhomes for permanent, City -
owned affordable housing, operated by the ICHA.
• Acquired 1002 & 1006 N. Summit for a future
affordable housing project.
• Awarded $3.7 million in PRO Housing grant to
support housing, especially affordable housing.
• Supporting Shelter House- Housing Stability Pilot
project underway and securing annual funding for the
Winter Shelter.
• Approved housing text amendments to zoning code,
November 2023
Next Steps
• Work with Mullin & Lonergan Associates to:
✓ Develop 5-year Consolidated Plan — guides our federal funding to assist low-income
residents based on prioritized needs.
✓ Complete a Regional Housing Market analysis to guide both our Comprehensive
and Consolidated Plans.
• Reposition the Public Housing Program to a Voucher platform to stabilize funding and
create a sustainable model:
✓ RFP for Public Housing Repositioning and technical assistance to develop the City's
capacity to develop and manage affordable housing to be released in November.
• Continue to make strategic investments in housing and pursue funding opportunities in
alignment with the City's Strategic Plan:
✓ Applied for PRO Housing II Grant this month which includes a comprehensive
update of the Zonina Code.
Next Steps
• PRO Housing Actions:
✓ Begin providing housing counseling services.
✓ Update Comprehensive Plan (land use plan): Consultant agreement in November.
✓ Increase land zoned for multi -family development and initiate parking reform.
✓ Develop affordable housing through the pilot development project.
• Create a development arm of the Housing Authority to manage existing housing and
continue growing our affordable housing portfolio
✓ Evaluating suitable property for affordable housing, including in the RFC District.
Cautionary Note: Developing affordable housing is a complex process taking significant investment of
time and resources. Numerous stages:
Feasibility study/review, identify site (assemble parcels), zoning and land use approvals, community
engagement, securing financing (multiple layers), and actual construction.
Ensurina reaulatory compliance and mandatory reportina throuahout.
"The right to a good home is one of the noblest motives in the American way of life — it is inherent in
the heart and soul of every American and should be the cornerstone of all public policy. Yet we are
today facing the gravest housing shortage in our country's history."
Remarks of John F. Kennedy in a Campaign Speech on the National Housing Crisis, Boston,
Massachusetts, June 1946
Thank
you!
CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM
Date: January 21, 2025
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Kirk Lehmann, Assistant City Manager
Re: Affordable Housing Funding and Housing Demand
Introduction
The Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposal presented to City Council on January 13, 2025,
recommended shifting City support for future Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) projects
from the General Fund to alternative sources. These may include funds generated by Tax
Increment Financing (TIF) districts, fees in -lieu of affordable housing, or other options. Shifting
the $230,000 from the General Fund support helps reduce the projected Fiscal Year 2026 General
Fund deficit, currently estimated at $2.6 million.
In light of these proposed changes, Council requested that staff lay out the funding available for
affordable housing initiatives to ensure the goals of City Council's FY23-FY28 Strategic Plan can
be met. Council further requested an estimate of the number of housing units needed to meet the
anticipated demand for housing to help guide future decision -making.
Funding for Affordable Housing Development
The City began developing alternative revenues for affordable housing following adoption of its
first Affordable Housing Action Plan in 2016. Since that time, the City has built significant financial
capacity to undertake affordable housing development projects, and the recent award of $3.8
million in PRO Housing grant funds will help the City identify the best way to directly develop new
affordable homes. Figure 1 illustrates the balances of funds currently available for affordable
housing development projects.
Fi ure 1: Available Funds for Affordable Housing Development
Source
$
Amount
2,827,360
_Funding
PRO Housing Grant - Affordable Housing Pilot Project*
Affordable Housing Fund - Unallocated Opportunity Funds
$
258,508
Affordable Housing Fund - Unallocated LIHTC Support
$
200,000
TIF - Unallocated Funds for Affordable Housing
$
397,080
Black Lives Matter Fund - Unallocated Funds
$
620,485
Iowa City Housing Authority - Unallocated Reserves*
$
1,456,425
Iowa City Housing Authority - Capital Reserves**
$
2,813,539
Riverfront Crossings Fee In -Lieu Funds***
$
6,413,105
Total
$ 14,986,502
* Restricted to City use for development of publicly owned affordable housing
*" Restricted to City use for Public Housing Program capital projects
*** Restricted to use within the Riverfront Crossings District
In addition to the fund balances noted above, the City has additional leverage that may help
facilitate future affordable housing projects. These include the $750,000 lot at 1002-1006 N.
Summit Street, the $4.5 million lot at 21 S. Linn Street, and potential equity in other properties.
Ongoing funding sources such as annual CDBG and HOME allocations, contributions to the
affordable housing fund, and income from new fee in -lieu and TIF projects also provide
opportunities for investment.
January 21, 2025
Page 2
Furthermore, the City is investing considerable resources in planning efforts and regulatory
reform. In December 2023, the City adopted zoning code changes to improve housing choice,
increase the housing supply, and encourage housing affordability. At the January 21 meeting,
City Council will consider a new Consolidated Plan with revised policies to better focus funding
for affordable housing projects. Staff are also in the process of updating the City's Comprehensive
Plan as part of its PRO Housing grant award. This will set the stage for an overhaul of the City's
zoning code to further reduce barriers that restrict the supply of housing.
Demand for Housing
The Metropolitan Planning Organization of Johnson County projects that Iowa City's population
will reach 85,070 residents by 2030. As such, the City can expect approximately 10,240 new
residents from 2020 through 2029. Based on these numbers, Iowa City will require just over 4,610
new dwelling units within that same timeframe to meet the projected demand.
The City produces an annual Residential Development Report which analyzes current
development patterns in Iowa City. From 2020 through 2023, the City issued building permits for
1,421 dwelling units. This suggests that another 3,189 dwelling units are needed by 2030, or
around 532 new units per year starting in 2024. Should trends in the 2023 report continue, staff
estimates a deficit of 1,060 dwelling units by 2030 (Neighborhood and Development Services
includes this as a performance measure in the FY2026 budget). Staff is in the process of updating
the report to include numbers from 2024, but preliminary numbers are below recent trends due to
the lack of multi -family building permits.
While the annual residential development report does not look at housing costs, it notes that an
insufficient housing supply can increase the cost of housing. The City is working on a housing
study in conjunction with the Consolidated Plan update to better understand the market dynamics
of the region and housing needs by price point. Completion is expected in March 2025.
Summary
The City of Iowa City currently has financial capacity to support substantial investment in the
acquisition or development of affordable housing. However, the City is experiencing a large deficit
between the number of housing units needed each year and the number that is being produced
in the current economic environment. To tackle this problem, the City will continue to work closely
with the private and nonprofit sectors to increase the supply of housing, while strategically
leveraging City funds to develop housing that is affordable to those with low -to -moderate incomes.
Item Number: IP4.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
August 14, 2025
Pending City Council Work Session Topics
Attachments: Pending City Council Work Session Topics
� r
CITY OF IOWA CITY
UNESCO CITY OF LITERATURE
PENDING CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION TOPICS
August 13, 2025
Currently Scheduled
September 2: Update on the City's study of repositioning public housing units
September 16: City Conference Board
FY23-25 StrateLvic Plan Action Item Topics Reauking 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
• Sidewalk connection to Happy Hollow Park
■ Low Income Utility Discount Program (IP2 from 4.24.25)
• Affordable housing discussion
Note: Some items on the Pending List may require staff research and information gathering prior to scheduling.
Item Number: IP5.
a
CITY OF IOWA CITY
"QR T-4 COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
August 14, 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: August 12, 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):
August 12, 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-
August 12, 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
charged at $50.30 (compared to the Iowa median of
August 12, 2025
Page 4
$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.
August 12, 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
d.edu/son-2025-price-
single family homes to the median household income within
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.
July 31,
Income Limits: Each year, the U.S. Department of
FY2025 Adjusted
2025
Housing and Urban Development publishes income limits
HOME Income Limits
for federally assisted housing based on the Area Median
for Iowa,
Income (AMI) for each metropolitan area. Households
https://www.huduser.go
v/portal/datasets/home-
earning less than 80% AMI are classified as low income,
while those earning below 60% AMI are often prioritized for
datasets/files/HOME In
federally assisted rental housing. As of June 1, 2025, a 4-
comeLmts State IA 20
25.pdf
person household in Iowa City is considered low income if
their annual income is below $94,550 (80% AMI). The 60%
AMI threshold is $70,920 for a 4-person household. These
limits represent a 3.1% increase from 2024.
August 14,
Resident Mobility: Resident mobility shapes housing
2023 5-Year American
2025
markets by influencing demand, turnover, and
Community Survey
neighborhood stability. Younger adults, including university
Data by the U.S.
students and early -career professionals, move more
Census Bureau
frequently, while older adults tend to pursue more stable
https://data.census.gov/
table/ACSDT5Y2023.B0
housing. In Iowa City, only 45% of adult Gen Z'ers (aged
18-29) lived in the same house the year before, compared
7001?q=iowa+city+pop
ulation&t=Residential+
to 79% of Millennials (aged 30-44), 89% of Gen Kers (aged
45-59) and 93% of older generations (aged 60+).
Mobility
► r 1
!ui1�
CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM
Date: August 12, 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
2,459 1,117
1,552 535
Jul '25
2,481 1,119
1,548 533
Aug '25
2,492 (1,121)
1,548(535)
Data source for monthly tracking is still being investigated.
Item Number: IP6.
a
CITY OF IOWA CITY
"QR T-4 COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
August 14, 2025
Civil Service Entrance Examination - Maintenance Worker I - Parking Systems
Attachments: Civil Service Entrance Examination - Maintenance Worker I - Parking
Systems
� r
!sic �i'
CITY OF IOWA CITY
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1826
(319) 356-5000
(319) 356-5009 FAX
www.icgov.org
August 8, 2025
TO: The Honorable Mayor and the City Council
RE: Civil Service Entrance Examination — Maintenance Worker I — Parking Systems
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 Maintenance Worker
I — Parking Systems.
1. Calvin Wiggins
2. Joshua Knighten
Iowa City Civil Service Commission
Rick W ss, Chair
Item Number: IP7.
a
CITY OF IOWA CITY
"QR T-4 COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
August 14, 2025
Civil Service Entrance Examination - Maintenance Worker I - Streets
Attachments: Civil Service Entrance Examination - Maintenance Worker I - Streets
� r
"`
CITY OF IOWA CITY
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa S2240- 1 826
(319) 356-5000
(319) 356-5009 FAX
www.icgov.org
August 6, 2025
TO: The Honorable Mayor and the City Council
RE: Civil Service Entrance Examination — Maintenance Worker I — Streets
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 Maintenance Worker
I — Streets.
1. Antonio Ochoa-McIver
2. Dakota Kessler
Iowa City Civil Service Commission
11
Rick ffyss, Chair
Item Number: IP8.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
August 14, 2025
Airport Commission: July 10
Attachments: Airport Commission: July 10
MINUTES
IOWA CITY AIRPORT COMMISSION
July 10, 2025 — 6:00 P.M.
AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING
DRAFT
Members Present: Hellecktra Orozco (arrived late), Ryan Story, Judy Pfohl, Chris Lawrence
Warren Bishop
Members Absent:
Staff Present: Michael Tharp, Jennifer Schwickerath
Others Present: Adam Thompson, Fred Gerr
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL:
None
DETERMINE QUORUM
A quorum was determined at 6:04 pm and Lawrence called the meeting to order.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Lawrence nominated Story to be Chair, and Bishop to Secretary, seconded by Pfohl. Motion
carried 4-0 (Orozco absent).
Chairperson Story took over conducting the remaining meeting.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Tharp stated he received a couple of corrections from Pfohl. Lawrence moved to approve the
minutes as amended by Pfohl, from June 12, 2025, seconded by Bishop. Motion carried 4-0.
(Orozco Absent)
PUBLIC COMMENT - None
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION / ACTION
a. Airport Construction Projects:
i. FAA grant projects —
1 . Runway 12/30 Displaced Threshold — Tharp stated they were going
to be waiting for a bit for the manufacturer to get new equipment
certified by the FAA. Bishop asked about what that mean and Tharp
responded that because the manufacturer had issues with the
system at several airports, the equipment was de -certified by the
FAA and the manufacturer has to go through the certification
process again.
Airport Commission
July 10, 2025
Page 2 of 5
Iowa DOT grant projects
1. T-hangar Building — Tharp stated that they did not make the
recommendation list for grant awards. Tharp stated that he had
spoken with Shane Wright, the Program Manager for the state.
Tharp stated that then they filled out the grant application they used
the lowest local match (15%) because they weren't sure exactly how
the money was going to end up. Tharp stated that the state awarded
4 projects for the entire infrastructure program and that the
competing hangar projects were at matches of 30% and 50% which
awarded bonus points for those airports. Tharp stated that he would
recommend the commission hold and reapply next year and they
would utilize a higher local match. Tharp stated that the main
reason they didn't get the AIP grant award recommendation is
because when airports apply for what is effectively a combined
project like the hangar and taxiway. If the airport doesn't get the
hangar portion, then the need to building the pavement supporting
it doesn't exist, so they don't get that portion of it either. Tharp stated
they would want to talk about other projects that would be delayed
because of the delay in the hangar project. Lawrence asked about
the FAA and the wait time for the use of discretionary funds. Tharp
stated that even with this they shouldn't have an impact on the FAA
dollars. Tharp noted they are still eligible this year for the dollars.
2. Wildlife Mitigation Study —Tharp stated he hadn't seen the guys out,
but they were supposed to have started. Story stated that he had
seen the USDA truck at the airport.
b. Airport "Operations
i. Budget — Tharp stated that they are finishing up the fiscal year and that he
did put in the FY26 budget that was submitted to the city. Tharp stated that
they had a budget surplus anticipated to be about $30,000. Tharp stated
that they will have a few large bills at the beginning of the year saying he
ordered a large quantity of seal material for hangar doors. Tharp also stated
that the AC in the terminal building went out briefly.
ii. Management —
1. Enforcement of T-Hangar Lease (2025-2026) requirement to house
an aircraft that is operational or under active construction or repair -
Tharp stated they he put a copy of the T-hangar lease in the packet
and that he had talked with Lawrence and Story about the leases
and Tharp suggested that in order to avoid having airplanes or parts
of airplanes on the ramp and in the way, they address the hangar
lease issues with the renewals and send personalized letters with
the hangars stating that this would be the last lease unless those
lease conflicts were resolved. Members discussed that and sending
out letters via certified mail. Lawrence asked about when to
reevaluate the conditions and to refresh the Commission. Tharp
noted that new leases would be sent out in late August and
suggested that January would be a good time for that check.
Members discussed notification options for the hangars. Members
agreed to update information in January.
Airport Commission
July 10, 2025
Page 3 of 5
2. Motion to authorize Chairperson to sign Hangar 319er LLC
memorandum of ground lease — Tharp stated that this agreement
was a result of the need to plat out the ground that was part of the
lease so that if for some reason the bank needed to repossess the
building and ground per the mortgage, they had something tangible
to repossess. Schwickerath also described the agreement to the
members. Lawrence moved to authorize the Chairperson to
sign the memorandum, seconded by Orozco. Motion carried
5-0
3. Iowa Open Meeting/Record Law Updates — Tharp stated that the
state updated the laws around the open meeting rules and that there
was a new requirement for training of people that would be
appointed or elected to a public role. Schwickerath further
described the details of the law and the process as it was still being
developed by the Iowa Public Information Board. Schwickerath
stated that as they found out more information they would inform the
members.
iii. Events — Tharp stated that next weekend was another Summer of the Arts
movie and that August was going to be busy. Tharp also stated that
September 22nd was going to be Climate Fest at the airport and they would
have information and tours of the solar array.
1. Summer of the Arts Movies (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 — Wolford stated that flight training was as busy as it had been in a
long time. He also stated that he flew the Cub and tried out the grass landing
area for the first time. Wolford noted that the guys had painted the light cans
and the drains white so they were more visible. Wolford noted that he was
a bit more nervous of publicly advertising the area but also was more
comfortable with it being local use only. Wolford noted they had hired a weed
sprayer to help with the weed control.
d. Commission Members' Reports — Orozco asked about the intern. Tharp stated the
intern had completed their time. Tharp stated that they helped with the hangar
development plan, updated the hangar wait list, and worked on some social media
posts for the airport. Story asked about putting the hangar waiting list online or
having an online setup so that people could check their position on the list. Members
discussed and Tharp asked if Story could send examples of airports that were doing
that and he would see what could be done to do that here.
e. Staff Report — Tharp noted that he was planning a vacation at the end of the month
and that the FAA Conference was in August
i. 4 States (FAA Central Region) Conference — Kansas City (August 20-22)
ii. Vacation Dates (July 29-Aug 6)
SET NEXT REGULAR MEETING — Set the next meeting for August 14, 2025.
Airport Commission
July 10, 2025
Page 4of5
ADJOURN — Pfohl moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:45pm. Seconded by Bishop. Motion
carried 5-0.
CHAIRPERSON DATE
Airport Commission
July 10, 2025
Page 5of5
Airport Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2024-2025
TERM
0
�
0
0D
0
c0
—
0
—
—
N
o
0
N
0
W
0
0
cn
0
0)
0
�
C0
N
0)
�
N
W
W
W
O
OD
N
O
NAM E
EXP.
�
�
cn
cn
cn
cn
cn
cn
cn
Warren
06/30/26
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X/E
X
Bishop
Christopher
06/30/29
O/E
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
Lawrence
Hellecktra
06/30/28
X
O/E
X
O/E
X
X
O/E
O/E
X
O/E
X
X
X/E
Orozco
Judy Pfohl
06/30/26
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
Ryan Story
06/30/27
O/E
X
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: IP9.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
August 14, 2025
Senior Center Commission: July 17
Attachments: Senior Center Commission: July 17
Preliminary Minutes
July 17, 2025
MINUTES
SENIOR CENTER COMMISSION
July 17, 2025
Room 311, Iowa City Senior Center
Members Present: Nancy Ostrognai, Jay Gilchrist, Kate Milster, Lee McKnight,
Warren, Betty Rosse
Members Absent: Mary McCall
Staff Present: LaTasha DeLoach, Kristin Kromray
Others Present: None
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order by Gilchrist at 4.00 PM.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL:
None.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE MAY 15,2025, MEETING:
Motion: To accept the minutes from the May 15, 2025 meeting as amended.
Motion carried on a 6/0 vote. Paris/Ostrognai
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
1► •17T�
OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW:
DeLoach highlighted a number of programs including the various social walking
opportunities, making a gourd nightlight, upcoming summer concerts for New
Horizons Band and Voices of Experience, intergenerational puzzle competition,
and speed friendshipping. Looking into the fall there will be the Soul Train Block
Party on September 20t", Pickleball Jamboree in October, and a new
collaboration with the library called Grandbabies.
SHIIP counselors are gearing up for open enrollment period this fall. One
challenge this year is that the University of Iowa has a plan for its retirees that is
no longer going to be an option. The SHIIP counselors have been working with
the University and these people, so they are prepared to switch to a different
Preliminary Minutes
July 17, 2025
insurance plan during open enrollment. There are around 900 people who this
change will affect.
The window and exterior door replacement project will begin the second week of
August. The HVAC digital control project will occur this fall. There will be a
request for proposal for the design phase of the interior project later this year.
DeLoach reported there are new open meetings laws at the state level. All
members in appointed commission positions will need to attend an education
course when they are appointed.
COMMISSION OVERVIEW:
McKnight asked about what DeLoach envisions for the interior design. DeLoach
recapped the general plan but noted that the master plan was finished in
2020/2021 and many things have changed since then. The interior design phase
will be about what parts of the plan still work and what items might change.
Milster asked about the elevator, which is scheduled to be updated in the future.
Ostrognai asked about the possibility of reopening the grand staircase. DeLoach
explained the concerns about it being open to the public, which include the step
irregularities and that there are not railing on both sides, and none at the bottom.
People have fallen on these stairs, which is why they will remain closed.
Milster noted the trip to Davenport was fun.
Meeting Adjourned.
2
Preliminary Minutes
July 17, 2025
Senior Center Commission Attendance Record
Term
8/15/24
9/19/24
10/17/2
11/21/
12/19/
1/16/25
2/20/25
3/20/25
4/17/25
5/15/25
6/19/25
7/17/25
Name
Expires
24
24
24
Betty
12/31/26
O/E
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
NM
O/E
X
NM
X
Rosse
Jay
12/31/25
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
NM
X
X
NM
X
Gilchrist
Mary
12/31/27
--
--
--
--
--
X
O/E
NM
X
O/E
NM
O/E
McCall
Angela
12/31/24
X
X
X
O/E
X
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
McConville
Lee
12/31/27
X
X
X
O/E
O/E
O/E
X
NM
X
X
NM
X
McKnight
Kathryn
12/31/27
--
--
--
--
--
X
X
NM
X
X
NM
X
Milster
Nancy
12/31/26
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
NM
X
X
NM
X
Ostrognai
Ross
12/31/24
O
X
O
O
O
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
Taylor
Warren
12/31/25
O
X
O
X
X
O/E
X
NM
X
X
NM
X
Paris
Key: X =Present O =Absent O/E=Absent/Excused NM =No meeting -- = Not a member
3