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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-08-21 Info Packet1k 00 ®, Mgo CITY OF IOWA CITY City Council Information Packet Council Tentative Meeting Schedule IN. City Council Tentative Meeting Schedule Miscellaneous IP2. Civil Service Entrance Examination - Application Specialist IP3. Civil Service Entrance Examination - Mass Transit Operator Draft Minutes IP4. Council Economic Development Committee: August 6 IP5. Public Art Advisory Committee: July 10 IP6. Library Board of Trustees: July 24 August 21, 2025 August 21, 2025 City of Iowa City Item Number: IP1. CITY OF IOWA CITY COUNCIL ACTION REPORT August 21, 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 21, 2025 Date Time Meeting Location 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. a CITY OF IOWA CITY "QR T-4 COUNCIL ACTION REPORT August 21, 2025 Civil Service Entrance Examination - Application Specialist Attachments: Civil Service Entrance Examination - Application Specialist CITY OF IOWA CITY 410 East Washington Street Iowa City. Iowa 52240-1826 (319) 356-5000 (319) 356-5009 FAX www.icgov.org August 20, 2025 TO: The Honorable Mayor and the City Council RE: Civil Service Entrance Examination — Application Specialist 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 Application Specialist. Andrew Beyea Iowa City Civil Service Commission �- Rick Wys , Chair Item Number: IP3. a CITY OF IOWA CITY "QR T-4 COUNCIL ACTION REPORT August 21, 2025 Civil Service Entrance Examination - Mass Transit Operator Attachments: Civil Service Entrance Examination - Mass Transit Operator I � 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 19, 2025 TO: The Honorable Mayor and the City Council RE: Civil Service Entrance Examination — Mass Transit Operator Under the authority of the Civil Service Commission of Iowa City, Iowa, I do hereby certify the following named person(s) as eligible for the position of Mass Transit Operator. 1. Tonya Hargrove -Slater 2. Mark Bischoff 3. Judy Kaley Iowa City Civil Service Commission Rick Wyss, Chair Item Number: IP4. a CITY OF IOWA CITY "QR T-4 COUNCIL ACTION REPORT August 21, 2025 Council Economic Development Committee: August 6 Attachments: Council Economic Development Committee: August 6 DRAFT - p. I Council EDC, 8/6/25 Minutes City Council Economic Development Committee August 6, 2025 Emma J. Harvat Hall City Council Economic Development Committee Members Present: Josh Moe, Laura Bergus, Oliver Weilein Members Absent: None Staff Present: Eric Goers, Rachel Kilburg Varley Others Present: Cady Gerlach and Mackenzie DeRoo (Greater Iowa City) Call to Order Councilor Moe called the meeting to order at 8.32 a.m. Consider approval of minutes from the April 23, 2025 Economic Development Committee meeting Bergus moved, Weilein seconded a motion to approve the minutes of the August 6, 2025 meeting. Motion passed (3-0). Arts Alliance Feasibility Study Update Rachel Kilburg Varley introduced the item sharing that since the Economic Development Committee has historically considered annual funding requests from arts and culture organizations, she wanted to update the Committee on an Arts Alliance Feasibility Study currently underway. Group Creative Services has been hired as the Consultant and the Study is sponsored by the City, Iowa City Downtown District, and Think Iowa City. Kilburg Varley presented a brief presentation outlining the Study's purpose, goals, timeline, scope, and stakeholders. Moe asked if the University of Iowa is represented on the Study Steering Committee and staff noted the various UI departments represented. Moe also asked how a proposed alliance could address collaborative needs. Staff stated that collaborative fundraising, large grant applications, and shared administrative support are a few examples. Moe also asked about public perception being listed as a challenge, and staff noted that could include both advocacy on the economic impact of the arts and elevating Iowa City to be viewed as a true arts community. Bergus asked what staff envisions for the outcome and how it will impact the annual arts & culture funding requests. Kilburg Varley stated the Consultant is now developing different scenarios and models and any changes would best be considered after the final report is available and a recommendation is made by the Steering Committee. Bergus also asked DRAFT - p.2 Council EDC, 8/6/25 about whether fundraising efforts led by an Alliance would impact individual organizations' campaigns and staff shared the Steering Committee is discussing this and aiming to protect individuality of the groups, while also looking for ways to cost -share or joint-fundraise in ways that are agreeable. Finally, Bergus asked how the "X Marks the Arts" Cultural & Entertainment District relates and Kilburg Varley shared that it's possible that branding could be encompassed under a future alliance and that there is a lot of overlap in the stakeholders, so it is a focus of that group right now. Kilburg Varley shared that as the Study is completed and a recommendation is finalized, the results or resulting requests may be brought before this Committee or the full City Council. Presentation of Think Iowa City's New Strategic Plan — Josh Schamberger, Think Iowa Citv Josh Schamberger, President of Think Iowa City, presented briefly on the history and focus of the organization and presented an overview of their new Strategic Plan. Weilein asked what data is used to track visitor spending and Schamberger explained the various software tools that enable their organization to collect visitor and spending data for conferences, athletic events, and other events. Weilein also asked about the process for attracting new route markets to the Cedar Rapids Airport and what the municipality's role is. Schamberger explained the history on the airport commission and how these markets can be secured and local entities can help financially invest to secure the route. Moe highlighted the importance of the focus on the River and asked Schamberger what he views the actionable steps are. Schamberger explained the need to expand upon the Pedal - Paddle initiative by convening a committee of key stakeholders and possibly a consultant. Moe asked if there is financial participation needed from the City and Schamberger stated they need to get further into the process to figure out what the next steps and associated costs will be. Bergus asked about the hotel/motel tax collections and Schamberger explained how the hotel/motel tax collection and revenue allocation currently works. Weilein asked about the possibility of increasing the hotel/motel tax rate cap and Schamberg explained the concerns about that held by many state legislators. He also pointed out new legislation that sets aside million in state funding that communities like Iowa City can apply to for major events that bring in significant tourism, such as the Panamerican wrestling championships. Finally, Moe asked about what happens next since the Pop-up Metro initiative has stalled. Schamberg views Think Iowa City as a support role in those efforts. Councilors thanked Schamberger for his time and presentation. Staff Updates None. Old or New Business DRAFT - p.3 Council EDC, 8/6/25 Bergus suggested engaging the Committee with developers and builders, especially in context of the City Council's focus on increasing housing supply across the board. Weilein noted that he is interested in the Sycamore Strategic Investment District process as that moves forward. Adjournment Bergus moved, Weilein seconded that the meeting be adjourned. Motion carried (3-0). DRAFT - p.4 Council EDC, 8/6/25 Council Economic Development Committee ATTENDANCE RECORD 2021-2025 TERM 11/29/22 9/25/23 7/1/24 8/12/24 8/16/24 10/16/24 1/8/25 4/23/25 8/6/25 NAME EXP. Josh Moe 12/31/25 --- --- X X X X X X X Mazahir Salih 12/31/25 --- --- --- --- --- --- X --- Laura Bergus 1 12/31/25 X X X X O/E O/E X X X Oliver Weilein 4/23/25 --- --- --- --- --- --- --- X X Andrew Dunn 12/31/25 --- --- X O/E X X --- --- --- John Thomas 01/02/24 X X --- --- --- --- --- --- --- Megan Alter 01/02/24 X X --- --- --- --- --- --- --- Susan Mims 01/02/22 --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- Key: X = Present O = Absent --- = not a member O/E = Absent/Excused Item Number: IP5. CITY OF IOWA CITY COUNCIL ACTION REPORT August 21, 2025 Public Art Advisory Committee: July 10 Attachments: Public Art Advisory Committee: July 10 DRAFT, p.1 Public Art Advisory Committee Mtg, 711012025 Minutes Public Art Advisory Committee July 10, 2025 Emma J. Harvat Hall Public Art Advisory Committee Members Present: Leslie Finer, Andrea Truitt, Ron Knoche, Sophie Donta, Rachel Kinker, Anita Jung, Nate Sullivan, Stephanie Brunia Members Absent: Juli Seydell Johnson Staff present: Rachel Kilburg Varley Public Present: Gary Sanders Call to Order Truitt called the meeting to order at 3.33 p.m. Introduction of New Member: Stephanie Brunia Brunia, appointed to the Art or Design Professional seat for an unexpired term vacated by Jeremy Endsley, introduced herself. Public Discussion of Any Item Not on the Agenda Gary Sanders provided public comment encouraging public art in Black Hawk Mini Park honoring Chief Black Hawk and a sign recognizing the area as a park. Officer Election: Vice Chair Anita Jung volunteered to serve as Vice Chair. Sullivan seconded the nomination and motion passed to appoint Jung as Vice Chair (8-0). Consider minutes of the June 5, 2025 PAAC meeting. Donta moved and Knoche seconded that the minutes from the June 5, 2025 meeting be approved. Motion passed (8-0). Arts Alliance Feasibility Study Presentation Kilburg Varley introduced Teva Dawson, founder of Group Creative Services, the consultant group hired to complete an Arts Alliance Feasibility Study. The Study is sponsored by the City, Iowa City Downtown District, and Think Iowa City and is being led by a Steering Committee formed of local arts and culture stakeholders. Dawson provided an overview of the process, explaining the purpose and goals, scope, timeline and phases of the Study and invited questions or comments from the Committee. Jung provided suggestions for other groups or connections to make during the input phase and expressed her support for the Study. Truitt asked when the Study DRAFT, p.2 Public Art Advisory Committee Mtg, 711012025 will be finalized and Teva shared that they are targeting early Fall and can continue to engage the Committee as desired. Teva asked the Committee for feedback on what needs they see in the arts community. Jung mentioned fostering community among the different arts groups and helping keep organizations sustainable. Sullivan shared that he hears many organizations struggle with promoting and marketing their events. Donta shared that the need for studio space, exhibition, and gallery space all emerged during the Strategic Planning process. Brunia pointed out Mindframe in Des Moines as a good example to look into. Staff thanked Teva for her presentation and invited Committee members to send any other feedback to her. Public Art Condition Survey & Report: Next Steps Kilburg Varley reported that her, Knoche, and Seydell Johnson met to refine the Condition Survey and Report provided by the Midwest Arts Conservation Center (MACC) to develop a plan to follow-up on restoration recommendations and plan annual maintenance activities. She recommended that the City contract with MACC to visit Iowa City to perform restoration on a sampling of the bronze sculptures and simultaneously train City staff to perform the maintenance in the future. She also noted that during the review it was discovered that a handful of artworks were inadvertently left off the survey, so MACC has agreed to perform a condition assessment on those during the visit for a small site fee. Finer made a motion to approve the recommendation for a contract with MACC for the bronze sculpture restoration and training, Sullivan seconded. Motion passed (8-0). Discuss FY26 Budget Priorities Kilburg Varley reviewed the memo in the agenda packet. She noted the FY2026 budget was decreased by $4,000 over the prior year. She asked the Committee to communicate their budget priorities for the coming year. Sullivan stated that maintenance should be a top priority due to recently completing the survey and several members agreed. Jung also stated that the matching grant should continue to be a priority and to also to maintain some flexibility within the budget to see what comes of the Arts Alliance Feasibility Study. Truitt suggested mapping gaps for public art and investment in the community. Finer also encouraged the Committee to consider opportunities for new requests, such as the idea in Black Hawk Mini Park suggested in public comment. DRAFT, p.3 Public Art Advisory Committee Mtg, 711012025 Kilburg Varley noted that the Sculptor's Showcase funding hits every other year due to timing, and it will need to be budgeted for in FY2027. Sullivan made a motion to approve the FY2026 budget priorities as follows, Finer seconded. Motion passed (8-0). FY2026 Public Art Budget Priorities Programs 2026 Matching Grant Program $15,000 Sculptor's Showcase* $0 Opportunity Fund** $15,000 Maintenance • MACC staff training for artwork maintenance • Restoration of 1-2 existing pieces $20,000 Misc. Longfellow Tunnel Mural —SEJH Project $500 Misc: events, printing, plaques, etc. $1,500 TOTAL $ 52,000 Staff Updates Kilburg Varley noted that she will begin including a Public Art Strategic Plan progress tracker in the agenda packet and invited the Committee to provide feedback on how it can be most helpful. She also noted that Truitt will be presenting the Strategic Plan to City Council at their August 5, 2025 work session. Finally, she also noted that a ribbon cutting was held for Uplift and was a successful event. Sullivan asked if a plaque would be installed and staff noted it is being manufactured but will be installed. Old or New Business None. Adjournment Knoche moved to adjourn at 4.22 pm. Sullivan seconded. Motion passed (8-0). DRAFT, p.4 Public Art Advisory Committee Mtg, 711012025 Public Art Advisory Committee Attendance Record 2024-2025 Name Term Expires 6/6/24 8/1/24 9/5/24 10/3/24 1117/24 12/5/24 2/6/25 3/6/25 4/3/25 5/1/25 6/525 7/1025 Ron Knoche N/A X X O/E X X* X X* X X* X X X Juli Seydell- N/A X X X X* X X X X X X* X --- Johnson Steve Miller 12/31/23 X X --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- Eddie 12/31/24 --- --- --- --- --- --- -- --- --- --- --- --- Boyken Andrea 12/31/25 O/E X X X X X X X X X X X Truitt Anita Jung 6/30/23 X X X 0 X X 0 0 0 O/E O/E X Jenny 12/31/23 --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- Gringer Jeremy 12/31/25 X X X O/E X O/E X X O/E --- --- --- Endsley Nate 6/30/26 X X O/E X O/E O/E X O/E X X O/E X Sullivan Leslie Finer 12/31/26 X X X X X X X X X X X X Rachel 12/31/27 X O/E X X O/E X X O/E X X X X Kinker Sophie 12/31/26 --- --- --- --- X X O/E X X X X X Donta Key X = Present X* = Delegate attended 0 = Absent O/E = Absent/Excused --- = Not a member Item Number: IP6. CITY OF IOWA CITY COUNCIL ACTION REPORT August 21, 2025 Library Board of Trustees: July 24 Attachments: Library Board of Trustees: July 24 Iowa City Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes July 24, 2025 2nd Floor — Boardroom Regular Meeting - 5:05 PM Robin Paetzold - President Dan Stevenson - Vice President Claire Matthews - Secretary Bonnie Boothroy Joseph Massa Kelcey Patrick -Ferree I DI 1101,1112 John Raeburn Cory Schweigel-Skeers Kalmia Strong Members Present: Bonnie Boothroy, Joseph Massa, Claire Matthews, Kelsey Patrick -Ferree, John Raeburn, Robin Paetzold (remote), Cory Schweigel-Skeers, Dan Stevenson, Kalmia Strong. Members Absent: None. Staff Present: Anne Mangano, Jason Paulios, Brent Palmer, Angie Pilkington, Amanda Ray, Katie Roche. Guests Present: Gary Sanders. Call Meeting to Order. Stevenson called the meeting to order at 5:08 PM. A quorum was present. Introductions were made for the new members. Approval of July 24, 2025 Board Meeting Agenda. Stevenson asked for approval of the agenda. Raeburn made the motion, Boothroy seconded. Motion passed. Public Discussion. Stevenson shared board policy on public comment. Gary Sanders approached the Board. He said he's been a resident since 1978 and has had lots of contact with the previous library directors. He urged the Board to appoint Anne Mangano as the permanent library director. Items to be Discussed. Strategic Planning Update. Mangano gave an update of the strategic plan, reviewing the last six months. This is a public document, but intended for the library board, and will be presented differently for other audiences. Raeburn passed out a document with changes that had not been sent out previously and is primarily grammatical errors and diction. Patrick -Ferree commented on hearing loop updates and asked if the library has reached out to local audiologists to inform their patients. Roche suggested the Foundation could assist with getting the word out. Mangano said we have the existing If you will need disability -related accommodations in order to participate in this meeting, please contactlen Royer, Iowa City Public Library, at 379-887-6003 or iennifer-royer@icpl.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs. technology available and will adopt improvements as they are developed. Library Board of Trustees Annual Report. Stevenson asked for feedback or thoughts. Paetzold said this was a collaboration between the Board and staff. Mangano said it will come back in August and changes can be adopted. Boothroy suggested adding collaboration between the library and other city departments. Stevenson passed to Raeburn for diction and usage suggestions. Raeburn discussed the requested changes from the shared document of edits. An edited report will be shared in the August board packet for approval. Staff Reports. Interim Director's Report. Mangano discussed open meetings and records training and will send new dates as they come up from Iowa Public Information Board. Matthews recommended the training. Mangano added city council may require it. Departmental Reports: Adult Services. Paetzold asked if Paulios is satisfied with the numbers from the Summer Reading Program. Paulios said completions are down, but it doesn't feel that way from the responses seen at the service desks. The biggest change was to the completion prize. We are no longer giving out paperback books for financial reasons. The library decided to put the Friends gift toward program experiences, and offering a coupon to the Book End as a completion prize. Paulios has ideas for tweaking it for next year. Roche said coupons have been redeemed very happily at the Book End, and also increased sales, so Friends are happy to continue offering it. Matthews asked if Book End differing from the Library's open hours was an issue. Roche responded that there aren't enough volunteers to keep it open the same hours. Paulios said the coupon worked really well during the weekend book sale. Program attendance is the same or higher than previous years. Community & Access Services. Helmick not present, addressing the United Nations (noted in director report), Pilkington was available to answer questions. Pilkington mentioned the upcoming public reception for Helmick. Boothroy asked for a rundown of the event. Development Report. Roche mentioned the gift for the snack program with more details coming in the next board packet. Matthews thanked the Foundation for all the work they do and that it was great to see budget lines increase. President's Report. Paetzold mentioned the open position on the board of trustees, and someone to join the Friends Foundation. Also mentioned the working group for hiring the new director and that there will be updates in August. Announcements from Members. Foundation Updates. FY26 Memorandum of Understanding between the Friends Foundation Board of Directors and the Iowa City Public Library Board of Trustees. This will be approved and signed later. Advocacy Updates. Paetzold and Matthews have no updates. Paetzold asked for the new members to be involved in the fall. Matthews said it's based on how the legislative session goes, and it's not a year- round commitment. They post value statements, advocate and support the staff. Roche added that the Iowa Library Association Government Affairs committee is working to turn around interpretation of If you will need disability -related accommodations in order to participate in this meeting, please contactlen Royer, Iowa City Public Library, at 379-887-6003 or iennifer-royer@icpl.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs. legislation in a more timely manner, and members can get on that mailing list for those communications. Paetzold asked when new board members get added to ILA. Mangano will discuss with Jen Royer. Mangano said there's an opportunity in December to talk to Johnson County officials. Stevenson is stepping down to run for school board effective August 1It. He thanked the staff for all the help, and the board for the collegiality and strong work. Paetzold asked if the library is reopening search or using previous applications. Mangano said they will post again on August 51n Communications. None. Consent Agenda. Stevenson asked for comments and approval. Motion to approve from Massa, seconded by Boothroy. Motion passed. Set Agenda Order for August Meeting. Continuing education on intellectual freedom, appointment of new vice-president and foundation board roles, and adoption of the trustee's annual report are on the docket for August. Paetzold said there may be an item on director position discussion. Matthews asked Paulios for brief updates on Summer Reading. Paetzold thanked Stevenson for his time served on the board. Adjournment. Stevenson adjourned the meeting at 5:50 PM. Respectfully submitted, Amanda Ray If you will need disability -related accommodations in order to participate in this meeting, please contactlen Royer, Iowa City Public Library, at 379-887-6003 or iennifer-royer@icpl.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs. a`r%t IOWA CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY Board of Commissions: ICPL Board of Trustees Attendance Record Name Term Expiration 8/22/2024 9/26/2024 10/24/2024 11/21/2024 12/19/2024 1/23/2025 2/27/2025 3/27/2025 4/3/2025 4/24/2025 5/22/2025 6/26/2025 7/24/2025 Boothro , Bonnie 6/30/2029 OE X X X X OE X X X X OE X X Johnk, DJ 6/30/2025 X X X X OE OE X X OE X X OE TE Massa, Jose h 6/30/2027 X X X OE X X X X X X OE X X Matthews, Claire 6/30/2023 OE X X X O X X X X X OE O X Paetzold, Robin 6/30/2023 X X X X OE X X X X X X X X Patrick -Ferree, Kelce 6/30/2031 X Raeburn, John 6/30/2027 X OE X X X X X X X X X X Rocklin, Tom 6/30/2025 X OE X X X X X X X OE X TE Schwei el-Skeers, Cory 6/30/2031 1 1 1 1 X Shultz, Hannah 6/30/2025 X X X X X OE X OE X X X TE Stevenson, Daniel 6/30/2027 X X OE X X X X OE X X OE X Strong, Kalmia 6/30/2031 X KEY: X Present O Absent OE Excused Absence NM No Meeting Held R Resigned TE Term Expired