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Home My WebLink About2025-12-09 Council minutesItem Number: 4.a. CITY OF IOWA CITY COUNCIL ACTION REPORT December 9, 2025 Work Session Minutes: November 18 Attachments: Work Session Minutes: November 18 t 1~ 4 CITY OF IOWA CITY MEMORANDUM Date: November 25, 2025 To: Mayor and City Council From: Kellie Grace, City Clerk Re: Council Work Session, November 18, 2025 — 4:00 p.m. at City Hall in Emma J Harvat Hall Council: Alter, Bergus, Harmsen, Moe, Salih, Teague, Weilein (via Zoom) Staff: Fruin, Lehmann, Goers, Grace, Caro, Hightshoe, Carter, Kubly, Rummel, Knoche, Havel, Sovers, McMahon, Cahill USG: Martinez, Coy (A transcription is available in the City Clerk's Office and the City website.) 1. University of Iowa Student Government (USG) Updates Ava Martinez, USG Liaison, and Eden Coy, USG Alternate Liaison, presented updates. 2. Clarification of Agenda Items No discussion. 3. Information Packet Discussion [November 6, November 131 ➢ November 6 — No discussion. ➢ November 13 1. (IP4 — Memo from City Manager: Sister City Appointment) Mayor Teague asked if the Council wanted to select a representative to serve until the organizational meeting on January 6t". Individual Council members asked questions and expressed their views. Action: Mayor Pro Tern Salih was selected to be the City's Sister City Council Liaison with a formal vote to come at the January 6t" organizational meeting. 2. (IP6 — Memo from City Clerk: Proposed Meeting Schedule, Jan -Dec 2026 [Direction needed for the Budget Review Work Session date]) Individual Council members expressed their views. City Manager Fruin and City Clerk Grace provided information. Action: Council and Department Directors should mark their calendars for the operational budget presentation on Saturday, January 24t", starting at 8am. 4. Update on Housing Authority Planning Neighborhood and Development Director Hightshoe and the following representatives from Baker Tilly: Caitlin Humrickhouse, Khala Stanfield, and Kaylin Nuss, presented a PowerPoint update on the Housing Authority's strategic planning and operating model. The project, funded through the Pro Housing grant, is evaluating organizational effectiveness, November 18, 2025 Page 2 financial sustainability, and pathways for the Housing Authority to internally develop and manage affordable housing outside of the traditional public housing program. Baker Tilly outlined their four -phase planning process —stakeholder interviews, operational and financial analysis, strategic planning workshops, and development of final recommendations. From this work, they drafted new vision and mission statements, identified five strategic goals, and created initiatives to support them, including expanding family self-sufficiency programming, using specialty vouchers more effectively, strengthening financial management, improving technology, and exploring rebranding. Individual Council members asked questions. 5. Food discussion Emily Meister, Director of Community Impact and Engagement, United Way of Johnson And Washington counties and Nicki Ross, Executive Director Table to Table, presented information on Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD), a coalition of nonprofits, local agencies, and governments that coordinate rapid responses during community emergencies. • Johnson County's COAD began after the 2008 floods, went dormant, and has been rebuilt over the past two years with a new shared leadership structure and specialized subcommittees. • The recent SNAP crisis, affecting 10,000 Johnson County residents and $1.7M in monthly food assistance, triggered a coordinated COAD and Food Access Network response. • The Food Access Network-18 local partners including major pantries and Table to Table —provided unified guidance, shared accurate information, directed donations, and coordinated large-scale food distribution. • During the three-week disruption, food partners saw: - 25% more food distributed - 15% more households served • Ongoing impacts include: - Households falling behind on rent and utilities after shifting money to food. - Expected long-term increases in pantry use. - Additional strain from new SNAP eligibility changes beginning Nov. 1, especially affecting immigrant and refugee households. • Partners will track data on rent assistance, utility shutoffs, and increased service demand in coming months. Shannon McMahon, Communications Coordinator, reported strong community engagement in the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Food Drive, created to support local food pantries during the SNAP crisis. • Collection bins were placed at multiple City facilities, including City Hall, libraries, recreation centers, and other public buildings. • Grocery store collection events and park pop-up events significantly boosted participation, allowing residents to donate during routine errands or community activities. • The drive gathered over 3,200 pounds of food, ranging from canned and shelf -stable goods to culturally preferred items requested by local pantries. • An additional $405 in monetary donations was received, enabling food partners to purchase high -demand items and fresh foods that are harder to collect through drives. November 18, 2025 Page 3 • Staff highlighted the strong turnout from both residents and City employees, noting that employee participation alone contributed a meaningful portion of the donations. 6. Council updates on assigned boards, commissions, and committees Council members reported on various assigned boards, commissions, and committees. Adjourn 5:45 p.m. Item Number: 4.b. I, CITY OF IOWA CITY COUNCIL ACTION REPORT December 9, 2025 Formal Summary of Minutes: November 18 Attachments: Formal Summary of Minutes: November 18 Subject to change as finalized by the City Clerk. For a final official copy, contact the City Clerk's Office 356-5041 Summary of Minutes November 18, 2025 - 6:00 PM Iowa City City Council formal meeting, held at City Hall - Emma J. Harvat Hall, 410 E. Washington St., Mayor Teague presiding. Council members present: Alter, Bergus, Harmsen, Moe, Salih, Teague, Weilein (via Zoom). Staff members present: Fruin, Lehmann, Goers, Grace, Caro, Knoche, Havel, Sovers, Hightshoe, Sitzman, Rummel, Kilburg, Fleagle. 1. Call to Order 2. Proclamations 2.a National Native American Heritage Month Marie Krebs, Great Plains Action Society, and Abigail Escatel, accepting. 3. Consent Calendar -Approval of Council Actions (subject to corrections, as recommended by the City Clerk) 3.a Work Session Minutes: November 3 3.b Special Formal Summary of Minutes: November 3 4. Consent Calendar - Receive and File Minutes 4.a Airport Commission: August 14 4.b Airport Commission: September 11 4.c Civil Service Commission: November 3 4.d Planning & Zoning Commission: October 15 [See Recommendation] 4.e Senior Center Commission: September 18 5. Consent Calendar- Permit Motions and Resolution (as recommended by the City Clerk) 5.a Liquor License — Refund Refund an unused portion ($609.37) of a Class C Liquor License for Los Amigos Grill Mexican Restaurant, Inc. (LC0051110), dba Los Amigos, 21 Sturgis Dr. 5.b Liquor License — New 1. Class E Retail Alcohol License for Mega Retail 2 LLC (App 0-009-369-878 ), dba Mega Retail 2 LLC, 2580 Moss Ridge Rd. 5.c Liquor License — Renewal 1. Special Class C Retail Alcohol License for India Cafe Corporation (BW0091614), dba India Cafe, 227 E. Washington St. November 18, 2025 Summary of Minutes Page 1 2. Class E Retail Alcohol License for Iowa CVS Pharmacy, L.L.C. (LE0003814), dba CVSIPharmacy #8539, 201 S. Clinton St. 3. Class E Retail Alcohol License for Hy-Vee Inc. (LE0003823), dba Hy- Vee Fast and Fresh #3, 1103 N. Dodge St. 5.d Resolution approving applications for retail tobacco, tobacco products, alternative nicotine products, vapor products, and device retailer permits, as required by Iowa Code 453A.47A and Iowa Code 453E.3. [Urban Fuel Express, 2580 Moss Ridge Rd.] (Resolution 25-265) 6. Consent Calendar - Resolutions and Motions 6.a Resolution approving the City Street Finance Report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. (Resolution 25-266) 6.b Resolution amending the budgeted positions in the Neighborhood Services Division of the Neighborhood and Development Services Department and the Administrative, Confidential, and Executive pay plan by adding one full- time Housing Financial Coordinator position. (Resolution 25-267) 6.c Resolution accepting the work for the 2023.25 Seeding — Dubuque Street, McCollister Boulevard, and Landfill Project. (Resolution 25-268) 6.d Resolution Approving Final Plat of Iowa City Industrial Campus — Part Two, a Resubdivision of Outlot "C" of Corrected Final Plat of Iowa City Industrial Campus Subdivision, Iowa City, Iowa. (SUB25-0004) (Resolution 25-269) 7. Consent Calendar - Setting Public Hearings 7.a Motion setting a public hearing for December 9, 2025 for an ordinance rezoning approximately 13.60 acres of property from Interim Development — Research Park (ID -RP) to Medium Density Single -Family Residential (RS-8) for 4.75 acres and Rural Residential (RR-1) for 8.85 acres for property located at west of Ava Circle and south of Kennedy Parkway (REZ25-0014). End of Consent Calendar Motion to approve consent calendar, items 3-7. Moved by Mazahir Salih, seconded by Joshua Moe. Motion Passed. (7 Ayes) 8. Community Comment [items not on the agenda (until 7 PM)] The following individuals appeared: Megan Vollenweider, Alejandra Escobar, Tom Martinez, Ed Moreno, Clara Reynen, Newman Abuissa, Erica Finken, Abigail Escatel, Kim Long, Mary Gravitt. November 18, 2025 Summary of Minutes Page 2 9. Planning & Zoning Matters 9.a Resolution Approving the Preliminary and Final Plat of Cole Hill Subdivision, Iowa City, Iowa. (SUB24-0005) Development Services Coordinator Sitzman presented a PowerPoint. Motion to approve resolution 25-270. Moved by Joshua Moe, seconded by Megan Alter. Motion Passed. (7 Ayes) 10. Regular Formal Agenda 10.aOrdinance amending Title 3, "Finance, Taxation and Fees" of the City Code, to re-establish the Iowa City Downtown Self -Supported Municipal Improvement District (SSMID) pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 386, Code of Iowa; and providing for the establishment of an operation fund and the levy of an annual tax in connection therewith. Economic Development Coordinator Kilburg presented a PowerPoint. Individual Council members asked questions. Betsy Potter, Executive Director Iowa City Downtown District and City Attorney Goers provided additional information. The following individuals appeared: Mary Gravitt, Clara Reynen, Karen Kubby, Cady Gerlach - Greater Iowa City Inc. Individual Council members expressed their views. Motion to give first consideration. Moved by Shawn Harmsen, seconded by Mazahir Salih. Motion Passed. (7 Ayes) Motion to accept correspondence. Moved by Megan Alter, seconded by Mazahir Salih. Motion Passed. (7 Ayes) 10.bOrdinance amending Title 9, entitled "Motor Vehicles and Traffic," Chapter 5, entitled "Parking Meter Zones and Parking Lots," Section 6, entitled "Penalties; Parking Tickets," to provide for an updated and streamlined process to appeal parking tickets and Chapter 9, entitled "Towing and Impoundment Procedures," Section 4, entitled "Impoundment for Accumulated Parking Violations," to increase the amount of accumulated parking fines that result in adding a vehicle to the impound list from $50.00 to $150.00. (Second Consideration) Motion to waive second consideration. Moved by Joshua Moe, seconded by Laura Bergus. Motion Passed. (7 Ayes) Motion to pass and adopt ordinance 25-4970. Moved by Mazahir Salih, seconded by Joshua Moe. Motion Passed. (7 Ayes) November 18, 2025 Summary of Minutes Page 3 10.c Ordinance amending Titles 15, 16, and 18 of the City Code to adopt and incorporate the SUDAS Design Manual and Specifications, General Supplemental Design Standards and Specifications, and City of Iowa City Design Supplement and Specifications. (Pass and Adopt) Motion to pass and adopt ordinance 25-4971, Moved by Joshua Moe, seconded by Laura Bergus. Motion Passed. Q Ayes) 11. Announcement of Vacancies - New (The Boards, Commissions and Committee Application can be found at the following: www.icgov.org/bccapp) 11.a Climate Action Commission - One vacancy to fill an unexpired term, upon appointment - December 31, 2027 (Robert Traer resigned). Correspondence included in Council Packet. Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 30, 2025. Motion to accept correspondence from Robert Traer. Moved by Laura Bergus, seconded by Oliver Weilein. Motion Passed. (7 Ayes) 12. Announcement of Vacancies - Previous (The Boards, Commissions and Committee Application can be found at the following: www.icgov.org/bccapp) 12.a Planning & Zoning Commission - One vacancy to fill an unexpired term, upon appointment - June 30, 2026 (Scott Quellhorst resigned). Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 2, 2025 Airport Zoning Board of Adjustment - One vacancy to fill a five-year term, January 1, 2026 - December 31, 2030 (Term expires for Andreas Wilz). Airport Zoning Board of Adjustment - One vacancy to fill a five- year term, January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2028 (Term expired for Heather Flynn). Board of Adjustment - One vacancy to fill a five-year term, January 1, 2026 - December 31, 2030 (Term expires for Nancy Carlson). Board of Appeals - One vacancy for a Licensed Electrician to fill a five-year term, January 1, 2026 - December 31, 2030 (Term expires for Gt Karr). (If a qualified trade representative does not submit an application within three (3) months of the announcement of the vacancy, a member may be appointed who is qualified by experience and training to pass on matters pertaining to building construction). November 18, 2025 Summary of Minutes Page 4 Board of Appeals - One vacancy for an HVAC Professional to fill an unexpired term, upon appointment - December 31, 2028 (Nicolas Yost resigned). (If a qualified trade representative does not submit an application within three (3) months of the announcement of the vacancy, a member may be appointed who is qualified by experience and training to pass on matters pertaining to building construction). Historic Preservation Commission - One vacancy for a Brown St representative to fill a three-year term, July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2028 (Term expired for Christina Welu-Reynolds). Historic Preservation Commission - One vacancy for a Jefferson St representative to fill a three -year term, July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2028 (Formerly advertised as an unexpired term and a full term - Lyndi Kiple resigned). Historic Preservation Commission - One vacancy for a Woodlawn Ave representative to fill a three-year term, July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2027 (formerly advertised as unexpired term - Kevin Larson resigned). Vacancies will remain open until filled. 13. City Council Information Council members reported on various meetings attended, upcoming meetings, community events, and items of interest. 14. Report on Items from City Staff City Attorney Goers provided information. 15. Adjourn Motion to adjourn 7:07 pm. Moved by Mazahir Salih, seconded by Laura Bergus. Motion Passed. (7 Ayes) Mayor I'�o: CC_ a 6 v C-e City Clerk November 18, 2025 Summary of Minutes Page 5