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2.-7. Beginning of Consent Calendar - Consider adoption of the Consent Calendar
as presented or amended.
Teague: Could I get a motion to approve Consent Calendar, well actually we're gonna go
to items ... number 2 through 7, um, and could I get a motion to approve the
Consent Calendar as amended?
Salih: Move by Salih.
Weiner: Seconded, Weiner.
Teague: Okay, anyone in the public like to address anything that is on our Consent
Calendar? If you do, um, there is a raise hand button, um, at the bottom of your
screen and I will call your name, and if you're on the phone, you can press *9 to
raise your hand. Seein' no one.... Council discussion?
3.a. Community Police Review Board: May 12
5.a. Approving and Authorizing an Escrow Agent Agreement with US Bank -
Resolution Approving and Authorizing an Escrow Agent Agreement with US
Bank, N.A. with respect to the City's Parking Revenue Master Lease
Purchase Agreement.
Mims: I just have a couple things, just really quick. Um, on 3.a., this is from the CPRB
minutes. Um, wanted to express appreciation for some adjustment it looks like in
one of the standard operating guidelines that regards the use of soch... social media
in investigations. We had an issue, um, earlier in the spring that there was some
concern about. So evidently the CPRB has looked at that and discussed that with
police and made some adjustments. So was glad to see that, and then 5.a., uh, the
calling of the lease early on the Harrison Street parking ramp. That's something
that we've talked about in terms of, uh, giving us some flexibility with some
budgeting and moving some money, but um, I think if you look at like the last
paragraph of that memo, it's really important for all of us to keep in mind that
there's still, um, significant financial issues in the parking fund, um, due to the
COVID-19. So, um, thank you to Dennis and others on .... you know, and Geoff
and everybody on looking at that, um, getting rid of that lease early, but we still
have some major financial issues there that we need to keep in mind. So ... just
those two items. Thank you.
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Teague: Anyone else? And I do see Councilor Taylor has joined us. Welcome! All right!
If no further discussion, roll call please. Motion passes 7-0.
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8. Community Comment (items not on the agenda — not including Black Lives
Matter Movement/Systemic Racism/Police Policies, which will be taken at the
7 PM Special Formal meeting) [UNTIL 6 PM1
Teague: Movin' on to Item #8, which is our community comment opportunity for anyone
in our, um, that is ... here that would like to address Council on any item that is not
on our agenda. And if. ... I see two hands raised. I'm gonna call you, um ... in
order that I see them on my screen. So Nicholas Theisen, followed by Anthony.
Theisen: Hello, can everyone hear me?
Teague: Yes!
Theisen: Okay, uh, thank you, Mayor, and thank you, Councilors, for letting me speak
again this evening. Um, as always, I'm going to get back on my hobby horse of
affordable housing and Council's generally lackadaisical approach to the housing
issues in Iowa City. Um, I ran over a little bit last time, so I just wanna leave you
with a thought, since it's related to another item on your agenda, although I don't
wanna speak to that item. It's just related. So I've been communicating with, uh,
Tracy Hightshoe, who by the way I'd like to commend. She is a wonderful
person, especially since, um, her boss decided to, uh, ignore my questions and
have her answer them instead, but that's neither here nor there. Um, again and
again I keep hearing the number `a million dollars.' A million dollars, it sounds
like a lot of money The City is spending a million dollars on affordable housing.
A million dollars is not a lot of money (laughs) especially when it comes to
housing. I mean when you consider the fact that the median home price in Iowa
City is over $200,000. That's not even five homes. Not even five homes! And
then when you consider the fact that the City basically gives away 70% of that
money to another organization, a perfectly fine organization. It means that the
City itself actually isn't really doing that much. And, in relation to item later on
the agenda (laughs) the City is currently thinking about spending $1.23 million to
move a house. One house, an old house, a very nice house. Again, a fine project,
but you're not even spending as much on the totality of housing ... as you are on
moving an old house, from one location to another. So I would like you to keep
that in the back of your minds as you keep bringing up affordable housing in other
context, because... honestly I'm just gonna keep saying it: you're not doing
enough. The magnitude of the crisis is huge. You have the resources to deal with
it, so please, get off your tookis and do something about it and .... that's it. That's
all I have to say for tonight. Thank you!
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Salih: (garbled) Mayor?
Teague: Thank you, Nicholas. We'll have Anthony.... followed by Susannah.
Zarzycki: Hi, um, this is Anthony. Um, Kellie Fruehling, um, has materials that I ... I sent to
them. If they're able to screen share those.
Fruehling: Okay, are you able to see that?
Salih: No.
Fruehling: No. Let me move it here. Now?
Salih: No.
Taylor: No. No.
Fruehling: Okay. I should be able to share and I've got screen....
Teague: All right, I think it's starting. (several responding, garbled)
Fruehling: Okay.
Zarzycki: I've been speaking to a few, um, community members, um, about, um, different,
legislative priorities they had, um, and (mumbled) brought up was, uh, ballot
initiatives and referendum. Um, so I've been speaking with, um, the City Clerk
for a few days now, who's been very, very helpful in figuring this process out, um,
because, uh, there are only five, um, cities in Iowa with charters that allow for a
ballot referendum. Um, and we did come to, um, a finding, which I wanted to
bring to City Council's attention to help resolve, um, on the right here you can see
where, uh, ballot initiatives and referendum are ... are, sorry, ballot, uh, initiatives
and referendums are outlined in the City Charter. It's under Section 7.05, uh,
specifically under B. Submission to Voters. The first item says that the vote
(mumbled) of the City on a proposed measure should be held at the regular City
election or at the general election, which next occurs more than four days after,
um, and then there's a period which is elaborated on previously in that section.
So, uh, from a regular reading that we saw from this, it seemed that, uh, the
purpose of this was that initiatives would be able to be voted on by Iowa City, um,
electors, uh, every year, every general election. So November, uh, insert year
here. However, a bill passed last year, um, let me just pull out what section that
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was. House File 692 in 2019 passed, um, it has a measure that says for a city in
an odd -numbered year, the first Tuesday or the second Tuesday, or the first
Tuesday after the first Monday in November. That is for ballot initiatives. So
essentially there was a preemption, um, that now makes it so Iowa City could only
vote on ballot referendums and initiatives every two years, during regularly
scheduled City elections. Uh, under the current Charter, you could not actually
have any, um, general elections. So 2020, 2022, 2024, um, ballot referendum.
Um, it seemed to me that this, uh, wasn't expected, um, and not the original intent
of the Charter. So I wanted to bring that up through, um, whichever, uh,
amendment process that Iowa City has for adjusting its Charter and ... and would
recommend, um, trying to put in some language so that if any bill in the future did
change the timeline, um, hopefully it could .... it could fix it so, uh, this problem
doesn't come around again. Thank you very much!
Teague: Thank you. All right .... and, yep, so thank you Nicholas and now we will have
Susannah. And you're on mute .... there you go!
Middaugh: Okay! All right, I'm so sorry. This is really the first time I've been involved and
I, uh, I did vote though (laughs) for a lot of you guys sitting there, and it's so good
to see you. Um, I, urn ... feel like I'm a little tardy in bringing this up, but, um, it
was brought to my attention that there, um, is money that's been, um, that may be
available for, um, helping combat the coronavirus and I would just like to strongly
suggest, uh, some of it being used for, um, masks, as well as shields, um, and it
kind of can be seen as part of the 7:00 meeting, but I just think health -wise, um,
how .... just wondering how we can make it available to people, uh, somehow. I'm
not exactly sure on all the ... the thoughts on that, but I just think it would help,
urn .... just most, uh, us people, sorry, uh, those of us that are, uh, soon to be 65 or
older, um, be able to be more involved too, uh, in what's happening in our
community and feel better about being out and being able to talk freely with
people. Thank you.
Teague: Thank you. Is there anyone else that would like to address Council? Seein' no
hands raised .... we will move on to Item #9, Plannin' and Zonin' Matters.
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9. Planning and Zoning Matters
9.b. West Side Estates - Phase Two Subdivision — Resolution approving a
Preliminary Plat of West Side Estates — Phase Two subdivision, a 13.10 -acre
subdivision consisting of 39 residential lots located north of Rohret Road SW
and west of Yuma Drive.
Teague: Could I get a motion to approve?
Weiner: So moved, Weiner.
Mims: Second, Mims.
Teague: All right. Do we have a presentation by staff?
Sitzman: Yes, Mayor, I'd be happy to make one. If we can have the host or the City Clerk
enable screen sharing again. I do have some slides to show. I'm getting an error
message that says it's disabled. There we go! Just a sec. Okay! This is a
preliminary plat for land located in the yellow highlight here, just west of the, uh,
west of 218 on Rohret Road. Um, this is a request by the Watts Group, uh,
development for a single-family, uh.... subdivision consisting of 38 single-family
lots and one outlot. The subject property shown here on the zoning map and here
as the plat was previously platted in 2007 under a different name. Um, that plat is
expired due to inactivity, uh, in 2019, and they're requesting essentially the same
layout, uh, to be replatted under a different name at this time. Um, as you can see
here, the plat, hi .... circled in yellow, is an extension of the development that's
occurred to the east of it, uh, including the street network and generally the layout
of the lots. Again as I said, this is essentially the same subdivision layout that was
proposed two years ago, um, and at that time in 2017 a good neighbor meeting
was conducted. So in a review of preliminary plats, staff uses several criteria for
review, including any conditional zoning agreement, uh, stipulations that were
placed on that, uh, approval of the rezoning, as well as the comprehensive plan,
and our subdivision and other ordinances. Um, conditions that were placed at the
time of rezoning, um, we have tracked ones that have been met and continue to
track the ones that are unmet. The unmet conditions are items that need to be
fulfilled with the final plat, after this stage, and include a contribution of funds for
road improvements. So as I said, staff does review the, uh, components of the
plat, as well as conformance with the comprehensive plan. In this case it
continues to be in compliance with the comprehensive plan for the type and
density proposed, uh, when reviewed against the Southwest District plan. Also
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the streets and circulation are reviewed. Uh, this subdivision is providing
connections internally through loop streets and externally to the neighborhood
around it. Um, in the past Rohret Road has been improved to City standards
within the vicinity of this development. Um, there will be no additional
improvements made to Rohret Road at this time; however, additional land is being
dedicated by this developer to make way for future improvements, uh, should they
be necessary. Those improvements to Rohret Road would, uh, be installed
primarily on the, uh, northern portion of the right-of-way, so keeping the southern
right-of-way line as it is now and any improvements occurring within that right-
of-way. We also evaluated open space and, um, have notified the developed of
the requirement for open space. It can be met by fee in lieu. In this circumstance
we've also reviewed storm water and .... and infrastructure. Um, as I mentioned,
the developer will be required to pay 50% of the cost of improving the street, of
Rohret Road, uh, as they proceed through their final platting. So looking at this
application in the context of the development process, we can see we're here at
the blue highlighted stage, which is the preliminary plat for the renamed
subdivision. Um, and then (mumbled) through a final plat, uh, eventually, after
the preliminary plat is reviewed by you. The Planning and Zoning Commission
did, uh, vote 4-3 to approve this plat at their June 4a' meeting. Staff did
recommend approval, based on a review of the relevant criteria. Um, there were
comments received by the Planning Commission for the plat. Um, they largely
had to do with the widening of the right-of-way for Rohret Road and, uh,
additional information was provided at the Planning and Zoning Commission
meeting to the folks in the community who had concerns about that, and they
seemed satisfied at that time. Of course they're always welcome to present their
concerns to you again as well. So staff and the Planning Commission did
recommend approval. That's my presentation! Mayor, you need to unmute
yourself.
Teague: We're havin' fun with the Zoom tonight (laughs) Sorry about that! Um, any
questions for staff? For Danielle?
Bergus: I just had one question, uh, this is the first one that I've seen in my tenure on
Council where there's been kind of this delay of a few years from the prior steps
in the process until now. Um, can you just talk a little bit about if. ... if you feel
like that impacted this or, you know, I just warm make sure that like the people
who were ... would of received notice at different stages did and if you have any
concerns about that. I mean it looks like that was pretty well vetted at the
Planning and Zoning meeting, based on their minutes, but if you could maybe just
clarify that.
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Sitzman: So as I mentioned, a good neighbor meeting was held in 2017 at the time of the
prat ... prelim plat, under the other name. That was a totally voluntary step, that we
highly encourage folks to do. Regardless of that, staff does send out a notice to
property owners within a certain distance of the plat, letting them know there's
going to be a meeting regardless so that the word gets out, uh, that something is
occurring. We did get a lot of feedback that people had gotten that notice or had
heard from folks who got the notice and had concerns, um, but wanted more time
to discuss it, but they were, uh, aware of the project and did come to the Planning
Commission meeting and ... and make, uh, known their concerns at that time. So
there is a process, both voluntary and ... and the, uh, mailing the City does, to get
the word out.
Bergus: Thank you!
Teague: Great! Would anyone from the public like to address this topic? If so, please
raise your hand and I will call on your. We have Jon Marner, and please keep
your comments to three to five minutes.
Mamer: Mr. Mayor, uh, Jon Mamer with MMS Consultants. We're the civil engineering
company that's been working with Watts Development Group on this .... on this,
uh, application for the preliminary plat. Think Danielle covered all of the
comments and some of the things that we ... come up during this preliminary plat
process. Like she mentioned, it's a plat that was previously approved in 2017.
Nothing has substantially changed from that original plat that was approved. It's
the same number of lots, uh, same general street layout. It's got some smaller lots
out to the front, along Rohret Road. Uh, we have dedicated... there were a few
minor changes to the storm and sanitary, storm sewer and sanitary sewer, uh, that
we worked through those concerns with staff, uh, to get those revisions
incorporated as well. Uh, Rohret Road, I know that conversation has come up as
far as the additional right-of-way. All of that right-of-way is being dedicated on
the north side of Rohret Road for possible future improvements by the City. I'd
also point out that when the subdivision Westside Estates Phase One was
completed to the east, a portion of Rohret Road was improved at that time.
Uh.... if you ... if you note what took place at that time, we tried to maintain the
south edge of the pavement and we shifted the center line of the road to the north
and put all of the improvements on the north side there as well. I can't speak for
the City, but I believe the intent would be to do something similar, to try to
minimize the impacts on the south side of the road as much as possible. Um
(clears throat) I ... I think to address one of the questions from one of the
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Coun.... Council Members earlier, the subdivision was constructed in .... or was
started in 2017. They went ahead and built -out phase one. The preliminary plat
lapsed. The intent was always to go through .... uh, to follow through and build
phase two. It was just a timing issue. Uh, I think development's been moving
along fairly well out there currently, and there's good schools out there. It's a nice
area of town. It's a potential growth area for town, uh, moving forward and
....and they're ready to move forward with phase two and ... and continue to put
some more units out in that area.
Teague: Thank you so much! Would anyone else like to address this topic? Seein' no one,
Council discussion?
Weiner: It seemed that .... that much of the concern, um, brought up by .... petitioners to
P&G .... to P&Z have to do with the .... what they would potentially do with
Rohret, which sounds like it probably has been addressed now, since they just said
that this would be solely on the northern side instead of on the southern side.
They're also .... there also seemed to be a fair number of concerns with respect to
the timing. They wanted more time, they wanted the meeting postponed but, um,
I'm not seeing that there would have been any great difference.
Taylor: This is Pauline and I ... I think it was noted at the P&Z meeting that, uh, it was
going to come before Council and that folks could speak before the Council if
they had.... still had those concerns and it doesn't appear that we had any public
that wanted to comment on this tonight.
Teague: All right! Hearin' no further discussion, roll call please. Motion passes 7-0.
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9.c. Conditional Use Permit - 3037 and 3031 IWV Road SW —A letter of
recommendation to the Johnson County Board of Adjustment for an
application submitted for a Conditional Use Permit to allow for a commercial
storage facility at 3037 and 3031 IWV Road SW in unincorporated Johnson
County.
Teague: Could I get a motion to approve?
Taylor: Taylor, so moved.
Mims: Second, Mims.
Teague: All right, we have presentation by staff!
Sitzman: Thanks, Mayor. Uh, this is an application for a conditional use permit located in
Johnson County, submitted (mumbled) for the, uh.... construction of a, uh,
commercial storage facility, located in the yellow highlight here. For context, this
is the zoning map. The purple area is Iowa City landfill and green area is
agricultural zoning. Um, subject property is located in our fringe area C but
outside of the City's growth boundary. Um, this agreement with the fringe area
does allow for a review and comment by the City on this proposed, uh,
conditional use permit. Um, this is being heard by the, uh, County's, uh, sorry,
Board of Adjustment. So it's a little bit different process on their side, somewhat
similar to our process that we go through with our Board of, uh, Adjustment for,
uh, special exceptions. So, uh, what we do when we review these fringe area
agreements is consult with the comprehensive plan and the fringe area agreement
itself. Um, this is .... as it is a component of the comprehensive plan that we've
adopted. Uh, so while the City's preference is to locate commercial land uses
within the City of Iowa City limits. A conditional use permit's a little bit different
than a rezoning, uh, you've seen rezonings in the past where staff has taken the
stance that a commercial rezoning is not appropriate. Conditional use permit is
only changing the use for this one specific, uh, thing to be constructed, not giving,
uh, the permission for all kinds of commercial development to occur. So it's a
little bit more focused, uh, analysis and does also, because this is a commercial
development, include, uh, the site plan review steps by the Coun.... by the County.
So staff in this instance is, uh, is, um, comfortable with this particular proposed
conditional use permit because of those factors making this, uh, somewhat
different than just a blanket rezoning of land outside of our growth boundary for
commercial. Um, as I said, this is going before the County's Board of
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Adjustment, uh, so ... the letter that you would submit would go to them for their,
uh, consideration as they proceed through this process. Um, they would do also a
site plan review at the County level, and the County does also have the ability to
place the conditions they see fit for this development, uh, as they would through
their ...uh, consideration of the conditional use permit. So, based on the analysis
of the proposed project against the policies of our fringe area agreement, staff did
recommend approval, and at their June O meeting by a vote of 7-0, the Planning
and Zoning Commission also recommended approval. That concludes my staff
report and I'm happy to answer questions.
Teague: Any questions? Thank you, Danielle. Uh, would anyone from the public like to
address this topic? If so raise your hand and I will call you by name. And if
you're on the phone, press *9 to chime in. Uh, Sandy!
Steil: Hi, this is Sandy Steil with MMS Consultants. I'm Jon Marner's co-worker, that
you just heard from. I'm representing (mumbled) on the... storage facilities that
we're gonna do on IVW. I just wanna clarify for everybody, the term
`commercial' is something we have to use because that's what's in the County
ordinance. Um, these are going to be more or less for RV, boat storage
(mumbled) vehicles. They're not intended to ever be set up for commercial
contractor bays or anything of that sort, and the added bonus for the ... the two
residential properties that are there is that this building will block some of the
sights and smells from the landfill down to the southeast. So .... do you have any
questions for me?
Teague: Thank you for sharing, Sandy. Anyone else from the public like to address
Council? Seein' none, Council discussion? Roll call please. Motion passes 7-0.
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10. Public hearing to authorize conveyance - E. Market St. to the University of
Iowa — Resolution authorizing conveyance of approximately 0.20 acres of
land located on E. Market Street between N. Dubuque and N. Clinton Streets
to the University of Iowa.
1. Public Hearing
Teague: I'm gonna open the public hearing. And staff presentation!
Russett: Thank you, Mayor, this is Anne Russett with Neighborhood and Development
Services. I have a presentation I'll share here. So as the Mayor mentioned, this is
an item to consider conveyance of City -owned land on E. Market Street to the
University of Iowa, in order to preserve the Sanxay-Gilmore house. I'd like to
provide a little bit of background on this item, um, because there is a bit of history
to this. In 2018, the (garbled) Church sold the Sanxay-Gilmore house to the
University, and after that change in ownership there were many concerns
regarding the future of the building. There were particularly concerns regarding
the demolition of the building. Because of those concerns, staff, along with
former members of the Historic Preservation Commission, analyzed poten...
potential sites where the Sanxay-Gilmore house could be relocated. And based on
that analysis, the vacant lot across the street from the Sanxay-Gilmore house was
identified as the most appropriate site for relocation, um, and I have a .... I have a
map here I'll share shortly. Um, in addition to that, staff secured a grant to assess
the structure of the home and the final report concluded that the building could be
moved and rehabilitated. Since that report was finalized, staff worked with the
University to identify potential solutions to preserve the building. And staff has
reached an agreement with the University.....to move the building to the City -
owned lot, which is across the street, and that's the agreement before the ... the
Council tonight. Here's a picture of Sanxay-Gilmore house. It's located at 109 E.
Market Street. It was built in 1843. It's the oldest known residence that remains
in the City of Iowa City. Here's a map that shows the location of Sanxay-Gilmore
house with the red star, and, uh, across the street, identified in white, is the City -
owned lot. To summarize the draft agreement, um, the City would give the
(garbled) to the University to preserve the Sanxay-Gilmore house and the
University would be responsible for relocating the home and (garbled) all
consulting costs, any costs associated with that move would be the University's.
(mumbled) would also responsible for re .... remodeling the house, keeping the
Secretary of Interior standards in mind. And lastly, they'd be responsible for the
maintenance and preservation of the home, with sensitivity to the age,
architecture, and historic nature (mumbled) 40 years. If the University no longer
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has a use for the home within that 40 -year period, the home would revert to City
ownership and after that 40 -year period, the University would either preserve the
home on-site or on another suitable property. This item was discussed at the
Historic Preservation Commission's May meeting. There were some
representatives, um, in the community that came to speak on this item. There
were representatives from the Hillel house, which is on the property just to the
east of the City -owned lot on E. Market Street. They did express some concerns
and had some questions regarding the University's plan. Um, it's my
understanding that the University and the Hillel house have since, um, been in
contact to ... to, uh, address any of those concerns. There was also a representative
of the Friends of Historic Preservation that (garbled) support of the agreement,
and then lastly the .... the Commission requested that the City look at creative
ways to address parking in this area, particularly for religious institutions. And
lastly, um, the HPC did recommend that the City Council authorize execution of
this agreement. And that concludes my presentation!
Teague: Are there any questions?
Salih: Do you know how much it cost, uh, to move the house?
Russett: I .... I, we have estimates on that, but we don't have, uh, an actual amount .... at this
point (garbled)
Salih: How much estimate?
Russett: Um .... I would have to look that up.
Salih: Okay, and uh, they moving it because they want to build something else on that
area or what the reason?
Russett: That's correct.
Salih: Do you know exactly what's gonna be built there?
Russett: I do not.
Teague: Okay (mumbled) we'll open up the public hearing.... well, it's already open.
We'll get public discussion. Is that somethin' you can get for Mayor Pro Tem, uh,
potentially when we come back to speak?
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Russett: The estimates?
Teague: Yes.
Russett: Yeah, I can look at that now.
Teague: Okay, all right. Um, any more questions for staff? From Council?
Weiner: Quick question, is it .... will, if we're ... if we would be conveying the lot, is that...
even though lot is probably larger than the house itself, will any parking be
preserved or will the whole lot, um, simply be used for the house?
Russett: There will be, I believe, some spaces for parking, but it would be for the proposed
use that the University has. That may be a .... a better question for the University.
I don't know if they have, urn .... a plan in place, a site plan based on the size of
the ....the Sanxay-Gilmore house.
Salih: (unable to understand) Janice, uh, question, if we are giving away the whole land,
that's it. Period. They can use the whole thing as long as we are approving the
whole land. So it will be University used.
Russett: Correct.
Teague: Any other staff questions? Hearin' none .... public discussion? If there's anyone
from the public that would like to address this topic, I'm gonna ask that you keep
your comments to no more than three to ... um, I'm seein' hands goin' up, so there
could be quite a few. I'm gonna ask you to keep your comments to three minutes,
and I am going to start with, uh.... Ginalie, followed by Kevin.
Swaim: Thank you. Uh, my name is Ginalie Swaim. I'm currently the board president of
the Friends of Historic Preservation, and formerly the chair of the Historic
Preservation Commission. When a City Council and a community are squarely
facing racial inequities amidst a pandemic, one might well ask how important is
saving another old house? The Sanxay-Gilmore house was built in 1843 when
Iowa was still a territory, not yet a state. Iowa's population then included 172
"free colored" and 16 "slaves." The next year, only two blocks from this house, a
constitutional convention met in the half -finished stone Capitol, a few delegates
spoke up for equal rights, but Iowa's discriminatory black code prevailed. That is
how old this house is, when enslaved people lived in Iowa, when Old Capitol was
still being finished, when the University of Iowa existed only on paper. This
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house symbolizes our earliest years as we first then took the long, hard, and
ongoing work of building a community. Tonight, almost 180 years later, please
support the City/University agreement. This is a sound solution for these reasons.
First, location; although we preservationists wish the house could remain where it
is, across the street can also work. (mumbled) emphasize that moving the house
is a cost that the underta... the University will cover. Yes, up to 24 parking spaces
will be lost on this one-fifth of an acre. The problem of parking may always face
us. However, the opportunity of saving the oldest house in the original town is
before us now and should not be squandered. Reason two, preservation standards.
The U of Iowa (mumbled) consults such standards for any outside work or inside
renovation. Reason three, adoptive reuse. University agrees not only to save the
building, but also to use it. This aligns with preservation goals, who don't believe
old buildings should be just moth -balled, and it makes economic and
environmental sense. Adding the Sanxay-Gilmore house to the campus enriches
those who will use it and those who will walk by enjoying its architecture and
sensing its history, and finally reason four. The future, the U of I agrees to at least
40 years of stewardship of this house. Under this agreement, by 2060, 40 years
from us ... from now, some of us will be gone. Certainly I will be gone, but not this
fine building. Please vote yes and thank you for your hard work.
Teague: Thank you. Kevin Boyd, followed by Nicholas.
Boyd: Sorry, I had to unmute myself. Uh, Kevin Boyd, 622 N. Van Buren. Uh.... uh,
others will likely .... Ginalie has already kind of shared the .... the history of the
structure, and it's included in your Council packet, but I ... I wanna speak to two
additional reasons why you should approve this agreement. First, uh, the
agreement before you is really success in government operation and collaboration.
Preserving this oldest, uh, residential structure has been a priority for ...for the
Historic Preservation Commission since before I .... shortly after I joined. Lots of
ideas and iterations have been expressed and shared through conversations
between the previous owner, potential owners, interested citizens, the
Commission, the previous Council, um, but particularly the University, and
especially the City staff. Um, those last two have really worked hard to find a
solution here. Um, and ... and I wanna commend them for that work. And before
you tonight, uh, Council Members, is the result of that hard work. Um, it ... you
have a solution before you to approve, and I encourage you to do so. Second, if
approved, this would be the third project, um, with significant City leadership,
where a structure has been preserved and used for a different purpose than it was
built. Examples of adaptive reuse are important as we think about climate change
and how to minimize construction waste and value the embodied energy in
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structures. So, uh, I ... I just, I thank you for your time and consideration and I
urge you to support this agreement. Thank you!
Teague: Thank you. Nicholas!
Theisen: Hi, I just wanted to add a brief comment. I'm not really going to speak one way or
the other as to whether or not Council should approve this measure. I would just
like to add a little context, mainly the fact that, uh, this Council and city in general
have a really quite terrible history of simply giving away prime real estate for
purposes.... for, basically for others to use. Now, bear in mind this is a far more, I
guess you could say ...this project has far more public benefit than say like giving
away public lands to build a luxury apartment complex, but at the same time I
recall.... it was no less than two years ago ... in fact it was probably just two years
ago that City staff and Council Members were going on and on and on about the
importance of land banking and how important land banking is, that the City
needs to preserve land for future public uses, and now that seems to have just
gone poof! So I guess, I don't know, I'm really confused by what exactly Council
is doing. Do you just like come up with these decisions complete ad hoc now?
Like there's no real planning here. It's like you're giving it away, you're giving it
to the University. The University actually owns a wad of undeveloped land. So,
again, I'm not speaking for or against, but I'm curious.... as to why the City has to
give the University land for this and that's it. So, thank you!
Teague: Thank you. Would anyone else like to address this topic? All right, Susannah!
Middaugh: Yeah, I .... it sure would be wonderful if there was something in there about, um,
University groups, um, that had members with .... um, people of color could use
that house for special..... occasions or when their family visited or...I'm not sure,
but I just hope that there's a plague that really shares that history and that ... I hope
we see a lot of people of color going in and out of that house. Um, I think that's
real important. Thanks!
Teague: Thank you. Would anyone else like to address this topic? Joshua!
Moe: (mumbled) working?
Teague: Yes, we can hear you!
Moe: All right! Uh, just wanted to, uh, my name is Josh Moe. I live at 1036 Woodlawn
Avenue and I'm on the board of Friends of Historic Preservation and, um, as most
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of you know, we've been advocating to save this house for years and I just wanted
to thank you all for staying the course and staying with the many, many, many
challenging changes that have happened throughout.... the possible, uh, relocation
of this house, or saving of this house, and I think this is a good plan. I urge you tc
vote for it, and uh, as a response to previous person, um, discussing land banking,
I think the reason the City of Iowa City land banks is for exactly this reason .... so
that we have the space to preserve resources for our community, and uh, this is
just so fortunate that there is a location so close to its existing place, and such an
appropriate place to locate this house and something that'll really be an asset.
Even though it will be a University property for a period of time, it'll really be an
asset to our community. So, thank you, and again, I urge you to vote yes on this.
Teague: Thank you. Would anyone else like to address this topic? Seeing no one, I am
going to .... close the public hearing. (mumbled) Could I get a motion to approve?
2. Consider a Resolution
Mims: So moved, Mims.
Bergus: Seconded by Bergus.
Teague: Motion to approve by .... the resolution by, urn .... Mims and then Bergus. And....
Council discussion?
Mims: I'll just say .... this is Susan....I.....I will just say that I have found this project to
be .... urn (sighs) (garbled) problematic (laughs) concerning. There's so many
conflicts here with different things, um, giving up these parking spaces, um, that
are .... that are greatly needed, um, but the need to preserve, um, an incredibly
important, um, old house within the community, and so ... I, you know, I ... I wished
it could of stayed where it was. I wish ... that not being the case that we could of
found, uh, a different, um, and maybe better, uh, close -by location. I know staff
looked at all different kinds of locations, but the distance, the cost, there're all
kinds of logistics, etc. So I will support this, um, but I have to say it's ... it's, in
some ways it's not a wholehearted support because I'm really concerned about the
other issues in terms of giving up, um, a valuable piece of City property and
giving up that parking, um, but given the options, um, I am gonna come down on
the side of preserving this important house.
Thomas: This is John, and I'm also supportive of the project and, um, you know, do wanna
thank all the folks over the last several years who have contributed to the effort to,
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uh, to achieve this preservation, uh, and I ... I have to say there was a point in the
process, when we got some, uh, cost estimates for the relocation and the
rehabilitation, which as I recall were.... roughly $650,000. Um, it didn't look
good. Um, so I'm extremely grateful that the University has partnered with the
City on coming up with a concept, in a way of making this happen. Uh, this is a
very significant historic building and as we've mentioned, the fact that it will be
serving a purpose, uh, and remaining more or less in the same location, uh, it's...
it's a beautiful building. It will strengthen that particular part of town, as .... as we
move forward in history here. Uh, I think it will serve in .... in that way as a kind
of a catalyst, uh, potentially for future development in that general location. Uh,
I .... I think there are options with the parking, uh, that can be explored, um, so I...
I'm optimistic that we can solve the parking issues as well. (several talking,
garbled)
Taylor: Okay, uh, I just wanted to, uh, echo what John had said, and... and Susan! This
has been seemed like very long, uh, process for this project, so it .... so it's really,
uh, pleasing to see it come to a final resolution and I will be supportive of this.
Weiner: My question is more ... is .... is this maybe an object lesson for the importance
of...of protecting buildings early on through historic preservation and historic
preservation overlay because.... would, I mean I'm gonna end up voting for this,
but would we be in this position if the ... if the hou.... if the Sanxay-Gilmore house
had been protected and therefore the ... would the University have been allowed to
even consider tearing it down. That probably shows my ignorance on historic
preservation, but I'm really wondering if that .... if that .... if it turns, if it really is
an object lesson. Yes we've come to this agreement, but had things been different
a couple of years ago or several years ago before, um, before it was sold to the
University, what would be the (mumbled)
Bergus: I'm also supportive of this, um, this agreement with the University. I had some
hesitations, um, based on the ... the fact that this is valuable City property, um, but I
also agree that the agreement makes sure that this building will be used and the
City's plan, you know, couple of years ago when we were looking at the
possibility of. ... of moving it ourselves and then just mothballing it, not only was
very ...very expensive in terms of the upfront costs, but really didn't provide for
a ... a plan for continued use of the property. So the fact that the University,
through this agreement, is obligated to, um, maintain the property and if they
don't use the property, it reverts to the City, and the fact that they will be
remodeling it as well as, um, in the process after they move it, so it's not just
sitting mothballed. Um, that was really significant to me that.... that's, um,
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adaptive reuse for whatever, um, whatever it will hold for the future and many
decades to come.
Salih: Yeah, I just wanna say my comment is not by any mean to the Historic
Preservation Commission or the Friend of the Historic Preservation. Uh, my
comment actually to the Council Member and the City staff. Uh, I just for
the ... for the Commission and for the Friend of the Historic Preservation, I wanna
say I understand the important of preserving the first house in Iowa City. That's
very important. I understand that. There is no problem on that. And I'm
(mumbled) just to make you feel better, I will end voting yes for that, but I have to
say this. You know, I just wanna .... I have a concern. We always by giving like
one million, uh, you know, land (mumbled) one million just like that with a little
conversation to the University of Iowa, and when it come to affordable housing, it
take us forever to approve (garbled) to increase the .... from 600 to one million. It
took us long time to do so, and now we giving away land worth one million with
little conversation. This is really .... is just like ridiculous to me. And we need to
do more toward affordable housing, as Nicholas said. He said the area one
million is nothing. Yes, one million is nothing because I see how you give it away
like that. (mumbled) this is really one million nothing, but for affordable houses
thinks we need more than one million. That's true, but we need really to have a
serious conversation. Even just to add the word `plan,' create plan for affordable
housing on the strategic plan, it take us forever and you guys decide not to add the
word `plan.' You know, I just think about this when it comes, if I .... if I, if there is
no solution for housing the homeless or preserving the, you know, this house.
Giving one million to preserve this house or house the homeless. Of course I'm
going to choose housing the homeless. Just.... sometime I just feel like we are
doing some stuff that like make me just think how we think ... what is the priority,
what's the need, and what's the want in this city. But the .... the fact that the
people who need the affordable housing, they are not here to ... to advocate for it
because they work two jobs to make end meet, because they don't have time to be
on this kind of meeting so they can advocate. My advice to the preser...you know,
the Historic Preservation, Friends, yes — advocate for that and come out also and
advocate for affordable housing for those people, because those people cannot be
here. We always .... we struggle doing affordable housing for long town .... time,
even though I know every single Council are very passionate about affordable
housing, I know that, but (mumbled) you know like, uh, cautious, to really act
immediately on this issue because we don't see the people here and say `hey, we
want this; we are suffering; we are dying; we don't have houses; we are
homeless.' We don't see those people come to the Council meeting. We see the
people who came for .... to, you know, for historic preservation, for animals, for
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trees, for every thingle sings because those peoples they don't need houses! They
already living very good life. They have very good income. They don't need to
go and work (mumbled) They have time to come and advocate for this stuff. I'm
not saying this is not important. It is important, but to me as a Council Member,
it's a priority. What come first? I will be supportive of this, but hopefully we
need to have a serious conversation about affordable housing (mumbled)
especially during this time for black life matter. Thank you.
Teague: Well how do I follow that? (laughs) Afford .... I'll second it. Affordable housin',
I think, uh, you said it best. I do wanna make sure that Anne Russett had an
opportunity, um, if you have the answer to Mayor Pro Tern's question?
Russett: I do. Um, so these estimates were done over a year ago. So I just wanna qualify
it. Um, the building relocation estimate that we had was almost $242,000. Um,
that does not include, uh.... the rehabilitation and the adaptive reuse of that
structure. That .... that was around $662,000. Those costs will be the University's
costs.
Salih: I just ask you that question because, uh (mumbled) if we keep our parking lot, and
if the University donated the house, we can (garbled) and still at the end of the
day, the whole parking lot is us, is ours, and the University building is ours. You
know, that's what I was thinking. We can pay for the move and have .... put it on
our land and, you know, that was just an option, but I don't know. This is ... it
seem like done deal! And my vote is nothing. It's only one (garbled)
Teague: I have a question, uh, actually for anyone that knows this. Urn .... if after the 40
years the University has no use for the .... the house .... does the house revert back
to the City, and the land, or is it just the house only?
Dilkes: It's the house and the land. It's the land that's being sold. The .... the house will
become a .... a fixture on the land.
Teague: Okay. All right. Um, I think, you know, the comments that people have made
about the house, I think it's quite important to talk about .... preservin' this house
in particular, uh, because it's the original house. So I ... I find great value in doin'
that. Um, I am not a fan of. ... um, you know, givin' up the lot at this juncture.
Um, you know, I wish we had opportunity to navigate other things,
but .... (coughs) I think we did have an opportunity last year and we kinda, um,
kinds... didn't.... didn't act on it. I am gonna support this tonight, but I also have
to say that we have opportunity, um, movin' forward through action and moving
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quickly on other things that are human right related within our community. Um,
and I hope that our Council does .... act just as fast when we're actin' on somethin'
like this tonight. So .... um, I'm gonna be supportive of it. Any other comments?
Hearin' none, roll call please. Motion passes 7-0. Motion.... could I get a motion
to accept correspondence?
Mims: So moved, Mims.
Salih: Salih. Second.
Teague: All right! Uh, roll call please. Motion passes 7-0.
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11. Library Parking — Ordinance Amending Title 9, Entitled "Motor Vehicles
And Traffic," Chapter 4, Entitled "Parking Regulations," To Facilitate
Library Curbside Service. (First Consideration)
Teague: First consideration, could I get a motion for it?
Weiner: So moved, Weiner.
Thomas: Second, Thomas.
Teague: All right, can we have presentation by staff?
Carman: (mumbled) urn ... the Library started curbside pickup on June 4h as part of our
phased reopening. It's going really well. The plan seems to be working. Um, so
far we've served about 400 people through curbside pickup, and almost 2,000
items have been distributed through that (mumbled) Obviously a key part of
curbside service is having parking available for folks coming in to retrieve their
materials, and we're requesting that the change from our parking spots, to go from
20 to 10 minutes just to facilitate that quick turnover of curbside, um, pickup
time. We anticipate expanding the hours of curbside as we move closer to a full
reopening and we're asking for this to be from 10:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M., um,
Monday through Saturday. Um, and that .... when the Library fully reopened, we
would anticipate reverting back to the 20 minute spots, to allow people to come
into the building. With the 20 minute spots, um, now, people are more inclined to
park and then do other downtown business, um, thinking that they'll have time to
run out and do an errand and come back. So that's the request that we're making.
Does anyone have any questions?
Salih: That's good. My question is like the people who ask you for the name of the book
and how that ... and you go and give them or how that work?
Cannan: That's a great question. So this is done by appointment. Um, we start ... the first
rollout was only for people who had holds already placed when the Library was
closed. We've now moved into accepting new holds. So you place a hold. When
you get your notice it gives you all the details of how... schedule an appointment
and then how the process works.
Salih: Sure! Thank you!
Carman: Thank you.
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Teague: Any other questions? All right, thank you, Elsworth!
Carman: Thank you.
Teague: Is there anyone from the public that would like to address this topic? If so please
raise your hand. Seein' none, Council discussion? Roll call please. Motion
passes 7-0.
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12.
Teague:
Thomas:
Teague:
Mims:
Teague:
Adoption of City Council 2020-2021 Strategic Plan - Resolution adopting
Iowa City City Council 2020-2021 Strategic Plan priorities.
Could I get a motion to approve.....the resolution?
(both talking)
Thomas.
Second by Mims.
Mims. All right! Staff presentation?
Monroe: Certainly! Uh, hello, Council, good evening. I am Ashley Monroe, Assistant City
Manager. Uh, so tonight's resolution will adopt the 2020-2021 strategic plan
priorities. Uh, Council began this process in early March of this year and, uh,
summarized your .... your priorities and current issues, and resulted in seven, uh,
objectives. They were modified slightly from the prior strategic plan and I'll just
highlight the .... the main ideas of these strategic plan objectives and answer any
questions. So the seven objectives contained in your strategic plan will include
advanced social justice, racial equity, and human rights. Demonstrate leadership
in climate action. Strengthen community engagement and intergovernmental
relations. Invest in public infrastructure, facilities, and fiscal reserves. Foster
healthy neighborhoods and affordable housing throughout the city. Enhance
community mobility for all residents. And promote an inclusive and resilient
economy throughout the city. Um, this final, uh, strategic objective, um...
resulted in the need for us to .... to put it in the late packet, um, just missed a copy
and paste when creating the resolution. So ... I'll take any questions that you have,
uh, about adopting the plan!
Salih: I .... is this us where we can talk now (garbled) or?
Teague: You can ask, uh, questions. Yes!
Salih: I just wanted to read it again, because I really would like to propose before you
approve this .... since, uh, later tonight we going to, uh, have, uh, resolution and in
that .... in number two on the resolution we saying creation of new affordable
housing plan. I would like to suggest we add this to this ... to strategic plan where
we was talking about adding the word `plan' and ... last time. If you can read the
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part (garbled) I don't know how can we add this before approve it. I ... I really
don't know, but that's my .... my suggestion.
Monroe: Okay, so .... if I understand you just want me to repeat, um, the section header that
says foster healthy neighborhoods and affordable housing throughout the city, um
(both talking)
Salih: ....the section where say (both talking)
Monroe: Yes! Um, so then the .... the one sub .... sub, urn.... objective is to identify new
efforts to expand and adapt the City's affordable housing and neighborhood
improvement strategies to meet long-term needs throughout the community. That
was what was discussed in the ... in the meeting.
Salih: Yeah, I know that. That's why I'm just asking if the Council agrees, since we
have this anyway on the resolution that we going to pass tonight and you have
that sentence say `creation of new affordable housing plan,' why we don't add this
to the strategic plan?
Teague: I know that that was somethin' that I, um .... uh, did talk about at the ... at our last
meeting. Uh, addin' that we're (garbled) and what that really means, um, where
we're not .... where we really do look in-depth into what we're doing for
affordable housing and ... cause we have some things over here, some things over
here, which will probably continue, but if you have more of a solid plan, a
comprehensive plan, I think that there's.... there'll be more conversation that'll
guide our future acts with, uh, with tax dollars, so that we can really be informed
of how we're going to combat affordable housin' within our community. So I am
fully supportive of adding the word `plan.'
Weiner: Is this .... are we asking questions of, um, staff or are we talking among each other
now?
Teague: Yes, and actually you're exactly correct. What we're gonna do is we're gonna
hold further comments amongst us, um, after we have public discussion. Thank
you for that correction.
Salih: Thank you.
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Teague: All right! Um, if no other further staff questions then I'm gonna ask anyone from
the public, uh, to address this topic, and I see Meghan .... and please keep your
comments to no more than, uh, three to five minutes.
Marcelo: Okay, uh, yes, my name is, uh, Meghan Marcelo. I am at 2916 Sweetbriar. I just
wanted to (sighs) ask, uh, whether this is the appropriate time to vote on this...
adopting this resolution, considering the special meeting later tonight, and two of
the (mumbled) two of the points that are .... in the strategic plan seem to be
directly impacted by .... or could be, by community feedback at 7:00. (mumbled)
social justice, racial equality, human rights, uh, as well as .... the strengthening
community engagement and intergovernmental relations, and it seems to me that
passing this prior to the community discussion at 7:00, um, could indicate, or at
least would perhaps indicate to me, um, a show of. ... (mumbled) not getting off to
a good start, um, for the discussion at 7:00. And ... that's it!
Teague: Thank you. And we have Madonna.
White: Hello, uh, my name's Madonna White. I live at 125 Taft Speedway. I think the
Council needs to be applauded for the fact that you ... you put the strategic plan
together in March and you are addressing highly, uh, relevant issues in your
strategic plan, and that is what this is is a strategic plan. Tonight's special meeting
is hoping to address two of the items that you're listing in your strategic plan, but
I think the way the strategic plan is laid out is superb. Thank you very much.
Teague: Thank you, Madonna. Anyone else like to address this topic? Seein' no one...
Council discussion?
Weiner: Um, with respect to .... to adding the word `plan,' Maz, are you talking about
adding it into the Treader fost... uh, foster healthy neighborhoods and affordable
housing throughout the city or into the .... into the fust bullet under that, identify
new efforts to expand and adapt the City's affordable housing?
Salih: Yeah, on the bullet, you know. Just .... yeah.
Weiner: Because if we're talking about amending what you could.....just replace identify
with plan.
Salih: You know I really don't remember the wording now, but I remember last time
trying to do it, but uh, it wasn't kind of agreement, but now you are .... you are, we
have on the resolution coming tonight that we wanna be serious about it and we
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said that we gonna have creation of new affordable housing plan. Then if ..put
that in our strategic plan for next two year, that's... that's really look serious I
guess. And now we need to .... add that. (several talking, garbled) Can you give
us like some like sentence, if you can add the word `plan' and see how it look like
so the, you know, you can give them idea?
Frain: (several talking) ... Weiner's suggestion would be fine. You could swap identify
with plan and .... we ... we would move forward with ... with understanding that
Council desires a plan.
Weiner: So, Maz, the sentence would read, if you change that one verb out, it would read,
`Plan new efforts to expand and adapt City's affordable housing and
neighborhood improvement strategies to meet long-term needs throughout the
community.'
Salih: No! What about if we put plan (mumbled) like affordable housing plan? On the
header? (several talking, garbled)
Thomas: The way I'm reading this, Maz, uh, inserting plan there wouldn't make as much
grammatical sense as the way in which .... uh, Janice is suggesting to do it. To say
affordable housing plan is .... is a different use of the word plan, urn ... than I think
we're .... the language in that header is .... is structured.
Salih: Okay, hold on! What I really want is creation.... like we have create a solid, like
solid affordable housing plan. Like we need to know that, we .... we need to figure
out a plan for affordable housing, and we ... we will work, of course, the details is
later, because we can work with another like, uh, organization who care about
affordable housing, such as Habitat, such like Affordable Housing Coalition, all
those people. Maybe they can come together later and come out with a plan. But
like a serious plan to ... for this, because every year we have something here,
something there, 10% for 10 years, and we have like... those are small (garbled)
affordable housing. But what I mean when I say `plan,' we need to plan out like a
big project for affordable housing. Spending a lot money, maybe federal money
(mumbled) affordable housing, like we bond for the ped mall, we bond for
everything... if we don't have money we can just bond for it, like ... borrow money
for it. That's what I mean. We .... we need at least, uh, meaning of that. Just
come up with the language. That what I really mean.
Taylor: This is Pauline. I think ... I liked, uh, Council Weiner's suggestion that plan fits
best in that first bullet, rather than identify, and then I do like that, uh, Mazahir,
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about adding `create plan and create...' cause we could plan till forever, but we
actually need to create also. So I think ... I like your suggestion, plan and create
new efforts to expand and adapt the City's affordable housing. I ... I would agree
with that.
Salih: Yes, create, yes, that what makes sense to me too (laughs)
Weiner: I mean it could .... it's sort of a little bit odd but you could say... ere.... create a new
plan to expand and adapt the City's affordable housing.
Dilkes: Can I make a suggestion (laughs)
Salih: Okay!
Dilkes: How bout identify new efforts to expand and adapt the City's affordable housing
plan, and neighborhood improvement strategies, etc.
Bergus: I think that's .... I like that so that we actually have the word plan in there as our
Mayor Pro Tem is advocating for, but also it's .... it's saying here's where we are
now and we need to expand on ... on that. I think that's a good way to word it.
Teague: And I think especially since we have a few, um, things in the works, such as the
South District, um, the UniversityCity, you know, kinda just lookin' at all of that,
um .... broad picture and tryin' to figure out solutions, and .... and .... and new things
movin' forward. So, um .... I think that does meet .... uh, the intent of what
we're .... what we're wantin' to do as a Council.
Mims: I think that makes sense. I like Eleanor's suggestion. I mean we have an
affordable housing plan but basically we've accomplished 14 of the 15 steps, so
it's obviously time to update, um, add new steps as we move forward, and I think
that would get the word plan in there as, uh, Mazahir wants, and um, indicate that
we're not just going to pick projects here and there but we're going to develop a
long-term plan once again, um, that will probably encompass a lot of things we're
already doing, but possibly look at new and additional, uh, projects that we
haven't thought about yet.
Thomas: Yeah I (both talking)
Salih: Okay (both talking)
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Thomas: ....you know I've always viewed the affordable housing plan as a working
document, which we're constantly expanding and revising as we move forward.
So ... yeah, that seems fine.
Dilkes: Okay, then let's withdraw the motion and re ... if that's what you're wanting to do
and restate the motion to, um, add the word `plan' to that first bullet, after
affordable housing, and get a second.
Teague: Is there anybody that would like to redraw the .... the previous motion?
Mims: Who made the original motion? They have to withdraw it, don't they?
Dilkes: Yes.
Teague: So that (both talking)
Dilkes: Kellie, who made it?
Fruehling: Thomas.
Thomas: Okay, I will withdraw it.
Dilkes: Okay.
Teague: And could I get a second?
Dilkes: You don't need a second to do the withdraw (both talking)
Teague: Okay (both talking)
Dilkes: ....need a new motion (both talking)
Teague: All right! (both talking)
Dilkes: ....adopt the plan as amended (mumbled) by this discussion to add the word `plan'
in the first bullet under `foster healthy neighborhoods and affordable housing
throughout the city,' and you can just say so moved and get a second.
Mims: Moved by Mims.
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Salih: Second by Salih.
Teague: All right! Any Council discussion?
Salih: The only thing I wanna say, yeah, thank you for being patient and doing that!
This is great! And, uh, the ... the second thing is, I thinks (garbled) now and we
will be serious about this. We really want to create a plan to try to solve the
affordable housing, you know. Regardless of what the language is! But, you
know, that's the notion of this, and thank you again.
Teague: Any other discussion? Hearin' none, roll call please. Motion passes 7-0.
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13. Council Appointments —Applicants MUST reside in Iowa City and be 18
years of age unless specific qualifications are stated.
13.a. Historic Preservation Commission (Longfellow) Historic Preservation
Commission (Longfellow) - One vacancy to fill a three-year term, July 1,
2020 - June 30, 2023. (Term expires for Gosia Clore)
Teague: Council discussion on this item? Could I get a motion.... well, let's ... yeah, let's
talk about this item. Um, and I .... (both talking) we might talk about 13.a. and
13.b. together. Um .... but I think we'll do 13.a. separately today.
Mims: I was just gonna say, there's one, uh, one applicant, a male, and the requirement
for gender balance is male, and I think Carl Brown, uh, would certainly meet the
qualifications that we would want on that commission. So I would nominate Carl
Brown for that.
Taylor: This is Pauline. I .... I agree. I believe he lives in the Longfellow District.
Mims: Yeah, he's on Sheridan so he should be.
Teague: Any other discussion on that item or...are people... all right, so .... uh, we had
Councilor Mims make the motion and I'm gonna ... uh... um, Councilor Taylor
second it. Roll call please. Motion passes 7-0.
13.b. Telecommunications Commission Telecommunications Commission -
Two vacancies to fill a three-year term, July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2023. (Term
expires for Matthew Brenton, Kyla Paterson)
Teague: And this one .... is two vaca.... there's two vacancies, urn .... one female and one
none. So I do wonder, what are thoughts here? We could kinda delay the
appointment and .... wait until we get another applicant.
Mims: Well James Pierce, I think, is qualified. He's been on before and he could fill the
one that doesn't matter on gender. So I guess I would suggest that we move
forward with that appointment. We can appoint a female when we get a female
applicant.
Teague: Okay.
Taylor: This is Pauline. I agree.
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Teague: So we have a .... a motion by, uh, to appoint James Pierce by, uh, Councilor Mims,
seconded by Councilor Taylor. Any discussion, and I know James. I think he'll
do a great job. (both talking) Yep! Any other discussion? All right, we'll do roll
call. Wait .... I also wanna do, well we'll delay the appointment for the second
cause they're not there anyway so .... (laughs) so we'll do a mot ... uh, roll call
please for James Pierce. Motion passes 7-0. And we will keep, urn .... that other
vacancy will remain open till it is filled.
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16. Community Comment [IF NECESSARY] (ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA)
Teague: And we're gonna hear from Ryan Longenecker with UISG!
Longenecker: Hi, Council. Um, don't have too much tonight. Uh... to, um, kind of everyone at
the University's waiting for tomorrow, um, UIowa plans to announce their fall
COVID-19, um, plan for returning students to campus, um, and Iowa State and
UNI already announced theirs. It looks as though Iowa will, um, start August
24a', um, that is .... seems to be pretty set in stone and will not be, um, moving
earlier, uh, like Iowa State and UNI. Um, what's currently unknown right now to
students and what we're hoping for tomorrow is an announcement about what will
happen between Thanksgiving and, um, winter break, uh, whether we will be
brought back in person, whether it will be virtual, um, so that's kinda one of the
big things that students are waiting for now. Um, and outside of that I really don't
have anything. Um, tonight at the 7:00 P.M. meeting I plan to, um, let others
speak from the community. I think, you know, I've made statements to you and
USG has made its position pretty clear that we're supportive of protesters and
we're supportive of Black Lives Matter, and we are supportive of, um, you know,
changes in our community and progressing forward together as a community
together, um, to battle racial injustices, and so, um, all that I will offer, uh, tonight
is just that I encourage you to really listen to the people that are coming to speak
tonight from our community and, um, to listen to them tonight and outside of
Council, cause this is obviously going to be a ... a, not a one-week thing. This'll
be, you know, um, months if not years of, um, work to, um, tear down these racial
institutions and ... and make these fixes. So, um, that's all that I have tonight and,
uh, thank you for all the work that you're doing.
Teague: Thank you, Ryan!
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17. City Council Information
Teague: Any meetings or community events you wanna talk about?
Weiner: Um, there's a JECC meeting tomorrow afternoon at 2:00 for the first time since
I've been on Council. So it's by...by Zoom. They, I guess they've been a little
busy out there for the first few months of the year, so it'll be interesting ... to ... to
(mumbled) .....report back by next meeting.
Thomas: (garbled) ....I'll just mention (garbled) Hello? On (garbled) baseball (garbled)
Teague: All right! And I know that, uh, tonight at 7:00 P.M. we do have another meeting
and encouragin' the public to, uh, tune in to that meeting and be apart as well.
Um, I know that many of us have been, um .... really, um, contemplating, uh, the
meeting tonight, have been in a lot of conversations, and so, urn .... yeah, invite
people back at 7:00 P.M. tonight.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council
regular formal meeting of June 16, 2020.