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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