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2. Proclamations
2.a. Careers in Construction Month
Teague: (reads proclamation) And we don't have anyone here to accept this proclamation today.
2.b. Change Your Clock, Change Your Batteries
Teague: (reads proclamation) And here to receive this today is our Fire Marshal Brian Greer.
Greer: Good evening, uh, Mayor Teague and ... and City Council. Thank you for your service and ... and,
you know, this is one of those things that we, you know, we really wanna make sure that we
have people with smoke alarms. As ... as stated in there, it's really about three out of five home
fire deaths result in properties with no or non -working smoke alarms, and two out of every five
of non -working smoke alarms either are missing the batteries or they have `em disconnected.
So as we near the time to change our clocks back, we encourage you to change your batteries
too, whether it's a ... a battery operated smoke alarm or a smoke alarm hooked into your electrical
wiring that just has a battery backup. Let's ... on Sunday, November 1 st we want to change the
clock back an hour and while we're doing that, let's change our batteries in our smoke alarms so
we can all stay safe. Thank you for lettin' me, uh... um, havin' me on ... on (laughs) the Council
and I hope everybody stays safe.
Teague: Thank you. Thank you. Thanks to you and your dog (laughs) for your comments today.
(laughs) Great, all right!
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular
formal meeting of October 20, 2020.
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1-8. Beginning of Consent Calendar (Items 3 — 8) — Consider adoption of the Consent
Calendar as presented or amended.
Teague: Could I get a motion for the consent calendar, um, which is Items 3 through 8.
Mims: Can we pull out Item 6.e., please? I need to recuse myself on 6.e.
Teague: Okay. So then could I get a motion, um, for the ... for the consent calendar, uh, 3 through 8,
minus 6.e.?
Weiner: So moved, Weiner.
Teague: Could I get a second?
Salih: Second, Salih.
Teague: All right, uh, seconded by Salih, and then would anyone from the public like to address this
topic? If so, please raise your hand and I will call upon you, and this will be addressing any
item that is on the consent calendar, with the exception of 6.e. I do see one hand raised ... oh,
okay. I see no hand raised. Council discussion? Roll call, please.
6.e. Tamarack Ridge Subdivision — Resolution accepting the work for the storm
water, drainageways, sanitary sewer, water main, and paving public improvements
for Tamarack Ridge Subdivision, and declaring public improvements open for
public access and use.
Teague: Motion passes 7-0. Item 6.e. Uh, because we ... I think we're gonna have, um, Councilor Mims
recuse herself at this point. Uh, we'll call ya when we're done ... with this item. I mean, unless
you're okay ...I don't ... is Council just okay with her being a silent, but... typically they have to
leave.
Dilkes: Mayor, I think that should be okay. This item's gonna take ya about ... five seconds.
Mayor Bruce Teague: All right! All right. Are we okay with that, Councilors? Yes?
Taylor: Yes.
Salih: No.
Teague: We have one we have one Councilor not okay with it. I ... I do think that if it's a ... if it's a item
where a Councilor's involved, we really should (both talking)
Mims: That's fine (both talking) I'll leave! I'll just leave, that's fine. (both talking)
Teague: Thank you. Awesome! And well ... well call you when we're done! All right. So, could I get a
motion for, um, 6.e. please?
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formal meeting of October 20, 2020.
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Taylor: So moved, Taylor.
Thomas: Second, Thomas.
Teague: All right. Um, is there anyone in the public that would like to address this topic? If so, please
raise your hand and 6.e. is Tamarack Ridge Subdivision. Um ... seein' no one from the public
raisin' their hand, and if you're on the phone, again, press "9 and I'll be able to call you by your
number and you can identify yourself. Seein' no one, Council discussion? Hearin' none, roll
call please.
Teague: Yes. Motion passes 6, um, 6-0, with Councilor Mims recusin' herself, and if we can have
someone contact Councilor Mims. Uh... yes?
Fruehling: I'll get a hold of her.
Teague: Thank you.
Mims: I'm back!
Teague: All right, awesome. Great.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular
formal meeting of October 20, 2020.
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9. Community Comment (items not on the agenda) (UNTIL 8 PM)
Teague: And this is an opportunity for the community to address any topic that is not on the Council
agenda tonight. And I will call you if I see your hand raised. And again, if you're on the phone,
press *9. We're going to start with David, followed by Mayra.
Drustrup: Thank you, Mayor. Thank you, Council. Um, and thanks for, uh, going over the listening
post stuff during your work session. Uh, just wanna quickly respond to, uh, what City Manager
Fruin, uh, his summary. Um, I heard you say, I believe you said that "the co -responder model is
going to be necessary," um, and I'm not sure where that sentiment comes from. I was at all six
of the listening events and I didn't hear any, uh, any citizen say that. Um, the only people who
were in support of the co -responder model, uh, where police officers. So, uh, the fact that
you're following the police instead of the public when addressing issues of police violence, I
hope, uh, I hope that's obvious how problematic that is. Um, and earlier you addressed the
question, you know, how do we boost your mobile crisis, and then, uh, later you got into the
idea of...of dispatch and 9-1-1 routing and all that stuff. And I think that's absolutely the
answer, you know, that's, uh, that's what makes CAHOOTS very unique and, uh, that's what
separates them from a lot of the others that, uh, don't have as much reach or as much power, as
much longevity. Um, so, you know, if that is a long-term solution or answer, then ... then that's
okay, but I think we need to be moving in that direction, not just because that's what the
community wants, but that's also what, uh, what we have in place here in terms of, uh,
organizational professionals in the community and what the research shows is functional. Um,
and then to Councilor Mim's response to that, I think, Councilor Mims, your response was, uh,
that more training and outreach are necessary to make sure that all of this goes through, if I ... if I
understood you correctly, and, um, you know, like IFR has been saying all along, um, you
know, this is a question that Angela Davis recently responses to and she says that ... by asking for
more training and more outreach, that lacks the historical consciousness of the reality of
policing in communities, especially in the United States. Um, training and outreach are what
got us here, training and outreach are what led to us having tear gas shot at us on June 3`a,
training... and more training and more outreach for police is what led us to, uh, what ... what we
saw on the news today with how ICPD treated that, uh, black man from Chicago who was
crossing the street in Iowa City. So I ... I just implore the City Councilors to have that historical
consciousness when they're calling for these types of changes. Um, but then I do want to lift up
and totally support everything Councilor Thomas brought up, um, the idea of, you know, doing
some of that road infrastructure so that our roads become self -policing, um, and looking at more
options for the camera... cameras, um, I think the way Councilor Thomas framed that in the
Black Lives Matter movement and in that language was spot on. And I think we should, uh,
follow that and pursue that as much as possible. All right. Thank y'all very much.
Teague: Thank you. Mayra, followed by Amel.
Hernandez: Hi ... good evening. Um, so I would like to address the Council, um, an item .... that was
discussed last meeting. Um, so we ... at the oh, sorry. Uh, my name is Mayra Hernandez and I'm
the, um, Community Organizer at Center for Worker Justice, um, and I just wanted to say, um,
so we at the CWJ are really proud to be able to serve our community and those who are in need
of assistance. Um, since March we, along with other local nonprofit organizations, have shifted
our organization (both talking)
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular
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Panelist: (both talking) No.
Hernandez: Sorry! Um .... somebody else was talking. (garbled) we, along with other local nonprofit
organizations have shifted our organization's focus to help combat the COVID-19 pandemic
and provide relief to our members and the community as a whole, um, and through our
partnership with individual donors, um, national nonprofit organizations, and the City and
County, we have been able to ensure that emergency crisis funds have reached hundreds of the
most economically vulnerable families in our community. The need for housing, utility, and
food assistance has been intense and the work of publicizing, explaining, administering, and
translating applications, performing verifications, and arranging paym ... payments with vendors
has placed an enormous strain on our small organization. Um, our staff and volunteers have
regularly worked 12 to 14 hour days to meet the need, and we are committed to continuing to
work diligently to sustain the important work. Um, so thank you for your recent offer to
increase allowable administrative funding to help nonprofits with very small staff, like ours,
manage this enormous task. And while we sincerely appreciate this recognition of the extensive
organizational capacity that this relief effort requires, we decided to decline your offer in order
to focus all available funds towards families in crisis. So, on behalf of the community and the
Center for Worker Justice, I thank you for your attention and support for our neighbors in this
community, whose lives have been upended by this global pandemic. Thank you.
Teague: Thank you, Amel..., uh, Mayra, and we're gonna have Amel, followed by Cheryl.
Ali: Can you hear me now?
Teague: Yes!
Ali: Okay. Um, hi, my name is Amel Ali, um, I listened to the meeting a little bit ago and I just wanted
to, um, comment on some of the things some of the Council Members said, uh, specifically
when Janice was talking about, um, the, um, taillight situation. And I know that we already do
have a program here, um, that involves police pulling over someone. (clears throat) I think,
um, a good solution to that would be looking at nonprofits, um, in those neighborhoods that,
um, may have lower income, like the Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County. Um, a lot of
people who live in those neighborhoods tend to trust the people who work at their neighborhood
centers. Um, so I would think that maybe something, um, good to try would be to let them be
kind of involved on it, whether it be, you know, having police come there without uniform and
showing them how to change lights or things like that, but I think reaching out to community
members and community leaders who already have the trust would probably be a good place to
start. Um, and then also with the decriminalization of pot issue, I know that you guys had
mentioned, um, how important that is to bring up to your legislators, and I think that that is
important. Um, and I know that there's only so much that you guys can do as Council
Members, but I think, um, a lot more pressures needs to be put on the prosecutors who are
deciding to prosecute these mundane pot charges. Um, they're choosing to spend their time
prosecuting these people. So I think that, you know, um, we kind of should look at that
situation too. Um, and then the last thing, um, and David kind of brought this up and I kind of
wanted to bring it up a little bit more. Um, he talked about the situation with Officer Neeld
pulling over a guy for jaywalking. Um, if you Council Members haven't watched the body cam
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular
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video, I really think that you should. Um, it's ... it's really awful, um, and the fact that a federal
judge said one of our police officers is not credible, not ... and he still works for the force and
now is a community outreach officer is insane! I don't know how we can talk about making,
um, relationships with the black community better and things like that when we have police
officers like this in ... in our city that are patrolling. Noth.... the City of Iowa City Police
Department found nothing he did, um, violated policy! So I think that that's also something that
maybe you guys should think about when, uh, it comes to the first draft of the policy changes
that are due on December 15`x, because frankly, I think that an example needs to be made of this
officer that this is unacceptable. Um, a federal judge has already said he's not credible. How
can we trust him to pull over and ... have a gun and patrol our streets and not only that, he's now
working through community outreach. It's just ... it's mind baffling. So, um, I would encourage
all of you Council Members to watch that video, um, and the article from KCRG that came out,
because it is really disturbing and it's disheartening to know that this is just happening under
everyone's nose and nothing is being done about it. Thank you.
Teague: Thank you. We're gonna have Cheryl, followed by Lucas.
Miller: Hello. Uh, good evening, Mayor Teague and Council Members. This is Cheryl Miller and I'm
with the Johnson Clean Energy District. Um, I'm here to update the Council and the public at
large about a solar energy project, um, that is getting underway in Iowa City. Last April this
Council decided that it would not go ahead with a solar energy project at Waterworks Park.
That was a 3 -megawatt solar energy, uh... uh, project that was listed in the accelerated agenda of
the City's Climate Action Plan, um, but there was strong opposition to the project because of the
site that it was, uh, located in a public park, and the Council decided not to go ahead and instead
a number of Council Members called for a pause and to step back and to look at many other
options, uh, that Iowa City could be considering, um, for solar energy, whether it's rooftop to
build on the, uh, solarize Johnson County and do a lot more rooftop, uh, solar or solar farms,
community solar, uh, and ma ... many different ideas, um, such as being generated in other parts
of the country. So, that was an exciting, uh, idea to a number of us, and this summer, um,
inspired a conversation between myself and Craig Mosher of the Johnson Clean Energy
District. Urn .... uh.... Warren McKenna of the Farmers Rural Electric Cooperative, and David
Osterberg of the Policy Project. The four of us sat down and just started thinking about what
could a study of solar energy in Iowa City be like. We had a number of goals. Um, we wanted
to accomplish... we wanted it to be something that could be accomplished relatively quickly, um,
relatively inexpensively. We wanted some strong technical information, but also a very strong
public outreach component, so that, uh, what happened at Waterworks Park, uh, last spring
would not happen again, and we could really get back on track, um, of de .... of developing solar
projects here in town. So we reached out to Johnson County and Iowa City staff and local
officials. Uh, we talked to some experts. We talked to the University of Iowa, um, and various
other sta ... stakeholders, and came up with a draft concept and a plan, scope of work, that, um,
we, uh, that we think could accomplish, urn ... uh, our goals. Um, the different parts of this study
is to get a real good handle on what the energy lows in the city are in the residential sector, in
the business sector, in the industrial sector, to develop a map of the whole transmission and
distribution infrastructure, um, in the community and in the fringe area of Iowa City. Um, to
start looking for optimal sites for, um, for onsite solar, that's rooftop solar on buildings, um,
from some larger buildings, businesses downtown, um, wherever, um, and also to look for sites
in the fringe areas, uh, for utility -scale solar farms, um, and, uh, community solar projects. We
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also thought that the study really needed to include information about, um, the economic
benefits, the environmental benefits, and the social equity benefits, um, of a well-designed solar
program for the community. We thought that, um, it needed to present different financial
models and partnership opportunities for developing projects, an... and also the legal
framework. We would like to see all of this analysis done. This is in ... in cooperation with the
University, um, and we'd like to, at the end of the study, to be able to come up with at least one,
um, 3 -megawatt or larger project that could be, uh, undertaken in the very near term, so that we
don't get too far behind in that schedule that, uh, is laid out in the accelerated agenda. In August
we began meeting with the Climate Action Commission, uh, and brought this idea of a
collaborative study between Iowa City, Johnson County, the University, Mid American Energy,
and stakeholder groups, um, together, um, to conduct. They gave us very valuable insights, um,
and feedback on our proposal, and we made a number of changes, and then they recommended
that the study proposal go forward to the Council, um, and the City Manager's office for further
action. So that's where we are right now. Um, we are working with the City Manager's office,
and I just wanted the, uh, community to know that this is underway and that we will be pulling
together the study team in the next, uh, in the next month and, uh, look forward to coming back
and speaking to the Council about it. (both talking)
Teague: Thank you. Thank you, Cheryl. Yes, all right! We're gonna, uh, go to Lucas, followed by
Christina, and I'm gonna ask that people keep their comments three to five minutes. I should
have mentioned that in the beginning! Um, welcome, Lucas. You're still on mute. And while
Lucas is on mute ... and if there's anyone on the phone that would like to address Council, please
press 9 .... *9 on your phone. We'll come back to Lucas. We'll go with, uh, Christina
Canganelli.
Canganelli: Hello, Mayor, can you hear me?
Mayor Bruce Teague: Yes, loud and clear. Welcome.
Canganelli: Thank you. I didn't realize I'd signed in as Christina. I all of a sudden feel like I'm in a
little bit of trouble. (laughs) Good evening. Um, so I just wanted to, um, respond, um, and
acknowledge, uh, City Manager Fruin's very thoughtful consideration given to the proposed
responses and the attention given to you (mumbled) the fact that this needs to be a multi -
pronged response going through the steps of preven ... prevention diversion response and
stabilization, and also, uh, just advise extreme caution, um, when the public and members of
other coalitions begin to speak for providers. Um, the providers can speak for themselves.
While we are very much in favor of a co -responder, uh, situation, but also in...very much in
favor to the scenario that, uh, City Manager Fruin described, in going through a continuum of
responses. This is an incredibly, um, layered and sophisticated, uh, response that is re...
required. It is an incredibly layered, um, situation that we face in these kinds of responses. So,
um, I just wanna affirm, again, that the providers are very capable of speaking for themselves.
They have spoken for themselves, and, um, we should not be co-opted in being named as, um,
anonymous providers have given feedback. We ... we do not, um, I have a problem with naming
ourselves and our ...our positions in these situations, and, uh, again, I wanna affirm that we are
interested in evidence and data -informed responses and interventions, and are very grateful for
the support, the collegiality, the collaboration, and the partnerships that we have throughout
Johnson County. Thank you very much.
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Teague: Thank you. And I don't see Lucas anymore on here but, um, if for some reason Lucas do come
back, we'll allow Lucas to speak if he raises his hand. Is there anyone else, uh, from the public
that would like to address Council... about anything not on the formal agenda. Seein' no one.
thank you all for, um, sharing today.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular
formal meeting of October 20, 2020.
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10. Planning and Zoning Matters
10.a. 305 and 315 East Prentiss Street and 625 South Gilbert Street Level II design review
height bonus request — Resolution approving height bonuses for 305 and 315 E. Prentiss
Street and 625 S. Gilbert Street in the Riverfront Crossings — Central Crossings zone.
(DRC20-00005)
Teague: And could I get a motion to approve?
Mims: So moved, Mims.
Salih: Second, Salih.
Teague: Moved by Mims, seconded by Salih. And ... all right, we have staff presentation!
Sitzman: Good evening, Mayor, Council. Danielle Sitzman, NDS. Um, the application for tonight is
submitted by Axiom Consultants, on behalf of (mumbled) Communities, LLC. Uh, ca ... Axiom
(mumbled) representatives from Cleveland and their architecture are also with us this evening
and (mumbled) like a chance to speak as well. I'm going to walk through this project briefly
and give you the framework for the decision making and then let them give a more detailed
presentation on their actual request, if they choose to. Um, this request is for a Level II design
review for four additional stories of bonus height, for a new building to be constructed at the
location shown out ... in the outline in white here on the screen. This is three parcels that they
are planning to (mumbled) one for a development. It's located on the south side of Prentiss
Street, bounded by Ralston Creek on the west, and just in from South Gilbert Street on the east,
and also by the, uh (mumbled) south. (mumbled) presentation is gonna include several
elements, and we'll walk through those for you. Um just, uh... to put this into context of the
development process, highlighted in orange on the screen, this stage that we're at tonight. This
is located (mumbled) Riverfront Crossings master plan district (mumbled) process that the City
went through in 2013 and then implemen ... implemented the form based code to actually, um,
fulfill the ideals expressed in that plan. This particular property, as I said, uh, has ... is being
assembled for development. It's gone through a rezoning, uh, earlier last year, and also, um, as
the three parcels spanned different subdistricts within Riverfront Crossings, those had to be
altered and assembled as well. Um, Level I design review has been confirmed by staff and
completed recently. Um, because of the bonus height request, uh, exceeding staff's authority, it
has proceeded on to a Level II design review. At the conclusion of the determination of a bonus
height, there are some additional steps that would need to be, um, undertaken in the
development process, including planning, site planning, and building permitting. This plays out
the process, uh, in another way for your review of how the process goes. On the left-hand side
is the same sequence of events, uh (garbled) I just explained, showing you where the bonus
height request kind of pops over to a Level I design review by staff, and then because of the
extent of the request (mumbled) again to the right, to a Level II design review. Um, the bonus
height request request tonight is for (garbled) and each story will keep (mumbled). The total
maximum height with the bonus in this district that ... the sub -district (mumbled) is subject to the
discretionary review by City Council tonight. They're proposing to achieve that bonus height
using two of the criteria outlined in the form based code that allow for those heights to be
requested. Um, they're requesting one floor for a public art donation and the remainder of the
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular
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floors, six through eight, to be (mumbled)and energy and environmental design. Um, as I said,
this property was rezoned, and there are some conditions in the rezoning agreement itself,
having to do with access to the site. Um, there showing on the screen some areas in blue, green,
and hatched in black where, uh, additional (garbled) easements were requested, and that still
needs to be fulfilled as part of the planning process. There are some conditions for temporary
construction easements (garbled) project in the vicinity, and then, uh, requirements for some
basic (garbled) stabilization and (garbled). So as I said I'm going to go through the project
description, in general. Um, this is the current site plan. Um, shown on the left-hand side of the
screen is Ralston Creek. On top is the north (mumbled) Prentiss Street. On the east it's
bounded by a private alley (garbled) others, and to the south (garbled) bit of South Gilbert
Street (garbled) Primary vehicle access to this building would be to ... from the north on
(mumbled) Um, this is a cut through of the building, looking from east to west, with north on
the right-hand side of the screen and south on the left. The dark gray areas are the areas inside
the building where structured parking would be located. Light gray is the (mumbled) courtyard
spaces. Um, orange is the interior amenity lobby and leasing office space. In green is the
residential dwellings. So as you can see the residential, um, dwellings pick up on the third and
subsequently higher floors and the other areas are located, um, on the lower floors of the
building. The proposed eight -story building would include 211 (mumbled) units and three
levels of structured parking. On the top (mumbled) slide here is of (mumbled) northwest
(mumbled) southeast on Prentiss Street. That slide on ... the image on the bottom is the opposite
view looking back to (garbled) South Gilbert Street. As I said, the non-residential areas of the
building, um, are located towards the ground floors, um, and also (mumbled) This is a table
summarizing the required, uh, amounts of parking, um, and the provision of those, as well as
common courtyards. They are, um (mumbled) no more parking than is necessary by code, uh,
as well as the required bicycle parking. They are exceeding that open space and that common
courtyards, um, spaces. Again the ... a little more project detail, um, they're proposing two types
of brick on the exterior, metal mesh ... and the mesh parking stream... parking screen for the area
of the building and structured parking. Uh, several colors of fiber cement board (garbled) The
site is slightly sloping along the, um, Ralston Creek (garbled) terrace along the frontage of
Prentiss Street to address that sloping site. Um, as I said it's also adjacent to the Ralston Creek
and has a creek frontage and a flood plain. So the lower levels of the building, um, are sensitive
to the flood proofing requirements that, uh, the City (garbled) those areas. As far as design
review goes, there are several general design prerequisites for any (mumbled) site and then
specific ones for the criteria that the applicant might use for (mumbled) the site. Um, the
general design review criteria have to do with demonstrating excellence and building a site
design, using high quality building materials and designing the building in a manner that
contributes to the quality (mumbled) I'm kind of going in reverse order on those. Um, the
building is, as I said (mumbled) site. Um, the applicant will likely walk you through the
massive study then showing how it blends with the neighborhood. The building does include a
step -back, um, to reduce its overall mass... appearance of mass (mumbled) neighborhood. I've
already walked you through materials a little bit, and speaking to, um, excellence and building
(mumbled) um, the City did adopt the Climate Action Plan, as you're well aware of (mumbled)
crisis. Um, so as to the excellence in building and site design, we've (garbled) little bit about
what that means, and, uh (mumbled) the past (mumbled) conditions in other projects to express
what you mean by that. We've carried those conditions through to this project, as well
(garbled) And those include, uh, three conditions that staff has recommended (mumbled) this
application as well. To preview those, they have to do with the, um, number of points achieved
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in the (mumbled) standard, regarding optimized energy performance, improved energy
performance, um, provision. Second, the installation (mumbled) solar. Um, the applicant has
studied the potential for (mumbled) solar and proposed 42,000 -kilowatt hours annually, uh, as
appropriate for the shape of their roof. And third, the installation and maintenance (garbled)
common areas. Regarding the specific approval criteria that they re asking for, the first one
being public art. Um, this is a financial contribution o the City's public art program, equal to
(mumbled) percent of some of the construction costs in the building, as defined, um, by our
code. (garbled) used by the city for public art in the Riverfront Crossings District, not
necessarily on this site. However, the applicant has proposed that their site might be an
appropriate area for that. Ultimately that would be (mumbled) by the Public Art Committee.
Um, the applicant has agreed to make this contribution prior to the issuance of the building
permit. The second specific approval criteria regarding leadership in energy environmental
design (mumbled) um, there are two potential ways to achieve this criteria. One is through
energy efficiency. A] .... alternatively designed using best management practices to minimize
storm water runoff impacts, or (garbled) Those are expressed in the (mumbled) that we'd like
to fulfill. That criteria does require long-term (garbled) In this instance, the applicant is
proposing to meet this, um, criteria by using that second storm water, um .... proposal, um, to
satisfy the criteria (mumbled). Um, they have submitted a landscape plan, which has been
reviewed by Parks and Recreation staff, for its, uh, components (garbled) as well as the Public
Works Department for its overall design, um, and they have submitted a maintenance plan, uh,
to fulfill that landscaping, um. In addition, there are some open spaces, uh, that they have
designed on the west side of their building, between the building and Ralston Creek, which
would be accessible to the public because of those access easements that are required by the
zoning agreement, um, and they have, as I said, provided (mumbled) plan with a variety of
plantings and, um (garbled) the overall impact is a reduction in (garbled). As I mentioned, there
are some rezoning conditions. Those will be fulfilled later, but, um, just wanted to review those
as part of this project, just to ensure that they would be, um, incorporated into the ov...overall
design to ensure their ability to, uh, fulfill those obligations. (mumbled) temporary construction
easements have already been obtained (mumbled) is already under construction, and we've also
begun (clears throat) the basic Ralston Creek stabilization (mumbled). So, again, to come back
to the slide where we're at, this is the Level II design review (mumbled) Based on the
information provided by the applicant (garbled) staff, um, on the form based code committee
finds that the proposal meets the criteria to qualify for four stories (mumbled) on the site, and
recommends (garbled) subject to the three conditions that I mentioned earlier, having to do with
the specific provision of energy efficiency and the LEED program (mumbled) certain category,
vision of the (garbled) low flow fixtures. I think that concludes my staff report and I'd be
happy to answer questions. Again as I said, there are some additional panelists here tonight to,
uh, present as well.
Teague: (mumbled) like you're gettin' away...with no questions! All right! Would anyone from the
public like to address this ... item? If so, please raise your hand, and we ask that you keep your
comments three to five minutes. If you're on the phone, press *9. Mike Welch, welcome.
Welch: Thank you, Mayor Teague and Council. Again, my name is Mike Welch. I'm with Axiom
Consultants, and, uh.... tonight I guess I would, um, like to kind of walk you through a little
presentation and thank Danielle for doing a nice job of, um, summarizing the project and ... and
kind of getting us all, um, back up to speed. It's been ... been going on for ...for a while now
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through, um, through the rezoning process and then through design review with staff. So if we
can ... go through that presentation, that would be great. I'm not sure how to share my screen
with you.
Fruehling: Give me one second and I'll promote you to a panelist.
Welch: All right. Thank you, Kellie. That's probably better. So, um, as Danielle went through, um,
I'm presenting on behalf of Capstone Collegiate Community, um, in partnership with Niles
Bolton Associates, the architect (mumbled) is our landscape architect that's been assisting on
the project. You know, I wanted to kind of just give you kind of at a glance, um, just to look
at...at the building and ... and the features. So we have 211 units, um, comprised of 266
bedrooms, primarily, um, studio and one -bedroom units ... with a couple two -bedrooms and a
few three-bedroom units. Um, as Danielle mentioned, um, the parking (mumbled) is structured
parking. You know (mumbled) code requirement. We have, you know, two extra parking spots,
but pretty ideally parked and same thing, um, we're allowing for the req ... the required bicycle
parking inside the building. Um, as we look at the exterior of the building, this view would be
the facade north, so on Prentiss Street, looking at the face of the building. Um, as Danielle
mentioned, you know, we have the required 10 -foot step -back after the third floor. We have a
mix of materials on the building. I think the real important thing to recognize here is if you
picture that site today, it's the old City Electric site. Um, so there is one continuous curb cut
along Prentiss Stress. This project will actually create that ... that pedestrian space that starts on
the corner of Prentiss and Gilbert and continues down ... through, uh, Ralston Creek and then up
the hill to Dubuque Street, um, kind of getting that ... you know, meeting the requirements of...or
the intent of the Riverfront Crossings code to ... to create those pedestrian spaces, and that space
continues around on the west side of the building, as you enter the creek space. Here's kind of
another view of that. So now we're on the northwest corner of the building, and you can see,
um, that pedestrian plaza that we have on the front of the building and around the side, and
providing that access down Ralston Creek. And again, that step -back continues around the
corner... though, so a lower eighth... stories tall from the street. We kind of step that back, so
we ... we minimize that impact of the tall building. Again, here's the northeast comer, on down
the private alley that's owned by others. And again, you can see that step -back and how we're
kind of blending that in as you go across Prentiss. Um, we are adding street trees in, unlike this
rendering shows, and working with the City staff, it was requested that those trees be between
the curb and the sidewalks, so they'll kind of pull out to the street side and kind of shade... shade
the street and give that separation from the building (mumbled) Again focused on that
pedestrian experience as we walk down... Prentiss Street. Uh, here we are on Gilbert Street.
The property, because it's compri ... comprised of those three parcels, we do have a little bit of
frontage on South Gilbert. Um, not shown in the rendering, but right here would be where the...
the bridge is for the Iowa Interstate Railroad ... is right on the south side of this building. So here
we do kind of have that storefront, um, look (mumbled) front and the building does step back
behind that, again, to ... to accommodate for that additional height. Uh, here's the ... the building
in plan view, um, and this is the aerial image taken, uh, earlier or late last week, um, so we can
see the building at 225 East Prentiss is in here now. With their trail system on the west side of
Ralston Creek, our proposed trail on the east side of Ralston Creek, which continues around
behind the building, up to South Gilbert. Um, again, focusing on that pedestrian experience.
Uh, if you're a pedestrian and you're tryin' to go downtown, you don't need to go up the hill
necessarily on Gilbert street. You can get off a busy street and come back through this public
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space that we've created along Ralston Creek, between Ralston Creek and the building. We're
proposing ... we (mumbled) set of limestone stairs and ... and plaza area, again, down at the ... on
the bank of Ralston Creek. So that is... kinda combined some of that stream bank stabilization
and also, again, creating those opportunities for the public to interact with Ralston Creek or just
the outdoor space for building occupants and the general public. Um, again, this image is
current, so you can see the newly constructed culvert is in place and our sidewalk will just
continue straight across that, going west ,and match up to the east with the existing sidewalk.
And then right here is the entrance to the structured parking. Originally we looked at having
that off the alley, but with that alley being privately owned, we were kinda forced to put that out
on ... on to Prentiss Street and have just one curb cut on Prentiss Street. Again, as we look at,
you know, the site plan, I think a really important thing to ... to highlight here is that per the
zoning code, we were required to have 200 or 2,660 square feet of open space. Um, we've
exceeded that in ... by quite a bit. If we look at the conforming public occupied open space, uh,
that space, that 4,871 square feet, that meets all the code criteria. So there's some minimum
dimensions to avoid just having small unusable public spaces, um, but in addition to that public
space with the ... the three courtyards and the space alongside the west side of the building and
Ralston Creek, you know, we have more than half an acre of open space that's ... and most of it is
...is large open spaces. And I think that's a really important feature of this design of the site.
Um, as Danielle alluded to, you know, we're asking for eight stories of height bonus or eight
stories, for four stories of height bonus. Um, and that sounds really tall. Um, this site is kind of
uniquely situated in that we're down in Ralston Creek and, uh, South Gilbert Street and
Dubuque Street are both quite a bit higher than where we are. Once we put this graphic
together during rezoning, and I think it's important to revisit it, um, and this just shows our
building is shown in red. And then we had some of the adjacent buildings. So the 601 South
Gilbert Street is the building immediately east. Uh, the mansion is a ... is on the corner of
Prentiss and South Gilbert. Um, 225 Prentiss Street is the building directly west of us, and then
620 Dubuque Street is on the corner, and if you look and compare that, our building is up, even
though it's eight stories, is only six feet higher than the 620 South Dubuque Street and then
obviously if we look at it compared to the Rise, it...it doesn't compare at all with the Rise being
further up the hill and a taller building. Um, but all that to say that this building really does,
um, fit the space well. And is a nice space to use that ... that bonus height. Again, Danielle
alluded to the massing studies that we did. Um, in the picture on the left, we are looking...
we're at the corner of Dubuque Street and Prentiss. Here's the ... the sixth or the, yeah, the 620
Dubuque Street building I alluded to. Um, the gray building that's shown here is 225 East
Prentiss, which was just completed this past year, and then the white building is a representation
of...of our project, and you kind of can see from that ... that view, it doesn't... it doesn't stick out
and it does blend in. Similarly, if we turn to the intersection of Dubuque, or I'm sorry, of South
Gilbert and East Prentiss, you can see our building here and in this one we don't show the step -
back in that massing. So that piece'll even set back further, but again, it...it seems to fit in well
with its surroundings. The other parts I ... I would like to ... I think are really important to ... to
touch upon and kind of talk through are those items that Danielle alluded to that we're applying
for the height bonus with. Um, as she mentioned, we're looking at the public art contribution,
the 1% threshold value of the project. But in addition to that, and probably more importantly
for the community, is ... are the Leadership and Energy and Environmental Design, and the
Ralston Creek improvements that we're pursuing. Uh, we're lookin' at three floors of bonus
height with those, so we felt it was very important to, um, not just check the box but actually,
um, kinds meet .... think of what those meant and ... for the community, and ... and how we take
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this project and meet those for the City. Um, a big part of it is that Ralston Creek component,
stabilizing the banks of Ralston Creek, removing the invasive species that are there, and not just
taking that out and riprapping it, but coming back in with a ... a landscape plan that actually
creates, um, again, public space that people wanna use and potentially some habitat or
opportunities to interact with Ralston Creek. Um, the project as designed also eliminates, um,
or reduces the impervious area that's on the site currently. So, um, without doing bioswales and
without rooftop courtyards, we ... we've shrunk the footprint of impervious area ... just as it is, and
then kind of going above and beyond that, with the addition of bioswales on the west side of the
building, um, in the areas that are outside of the floodplain, and the addition of the rooftop
courtyards with ... with some green roof components on two of those courtyards. We're again
kinds going above and beyond that ... that basic requirement for ...for the building. Uh, in
addition, as we alluded to, uh, requirement from Public Works was access to the ... there's a
manhole for a trunk sewer ...on the southwest comer of the building, or just off the southwest
comer of the building. So we have an access easement for Public Works to maintain that sewer
on the south side of the building and the west side of the building. Um, we're working on that
to do it as a six-foot sidewalk and then with a grass pave system on either side of that. So we...
we meet the criteria for a 15 -foot wide vehicular access, but also, um, kinda soften that a bit
with using that grass pave system. So, again, that pedestrian experience is ... is kind of a nicer
experience. Um, on the west wall of the building, facing the creek, we have the parking
structure on the first three levels. Uh, we're looking at...at creating kind of a green wall in front
of that parking structure with some climbing... vines or other plant material, again, to kind of
soften that building and that facade ... with the idea that the ... for the people along Ralston Creek
or even the neighbor to the ... on the west side of the creek, when they look at the building they...
it kind of softens that look and gives a better visual. Um, on the building efficiency side of
things, um, as ... as was, uh, discussed previously, we are committed to low -flow fixtures in the
building and working with staff, and then just so everyone knows, a low -flow fixture is a fixture
that is ... exceeds code requirements by 20%. Um, so that would be in lavatories, in toilets and
urinals primarily, um, and looking at other spots to do that. Our mechanical system and design
will be kind of coordinated to reduce our energy demand. We'll be looking at...at working
closely with the architect and again the mechanical team, um, to develop an efficient building
skin. So we looked at reducing... heat loss through the building, reducing heat gain, um, and
kinda going above and beyond what code required for that. And then as we discussed, the solar
on the roof, we're committed to that 42,000 -kilowatt hours annually. And, uh, that actually will
... the ... the use on the house meter will ... will be covered by that solar, should say some of the
house meter, electrical, be covered by that solar on the building. Um, that's a good opportunity
for us to do that there. And I think that, um, really kind of hits the highlights of the building.
So I would welcome any questions that anyone on Council has at this time.
Thomas: I have ... I have a question related to the parking (clears throat) and it would be ... if we had a,
uh, if we did not have a minimum parking requirement, what ... would your... supply of parking
been less than what you're showing now?
Welch: Um, yes. Right now we are, if we compare number of beds to parking spaces, we're at about
(garbled) parked. Um, in talking with the development team on a project like this and this ... loca
....this proximity to campus and downtown, we ... in other markets we would probably be closer
to 30% parked.
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Thomas: Thank you.
Welch: Yep!
Teague: Any other questions? Thank you, Mike.
Welch: You're welcome.
Teague: Would anyone from the public like to address this item? If so, please raise your hand and I
will call upon you. Please keep your comments three to five minutes. Seein' no one ... and if
you're on the phone, again, just press *9. Council discussion?
Taylor: Uh, I'll go ahead. Um, they are requesting bonus height, uh, for leadership and energy design,
and ... and I'm pleased to see the plans, uh, to qualify for this bonus are, uh, by utilizing the
LEED silver standards; rooftop solar, which is very exciting; low -flow fixtures; as well as an
awareness of storm water runoff; uh, utilizing green features; and landscape plans that, uh,
include trees. John probably likes that, uh, and improvements along Ralston Creek, which
should be very nice. That's, uh, been a long neglected creek area. Uh, my hope is though that
they don't skimp on other energy efficiency kinds of items when it, uh, comes to using such
things as like LED lights, encourage that, and, uh, efficient appliances. Uh, I will support this
resolution. Uh, however, I have to admit, um, that it ... it, uh, I was disappointed that it was
billed as student housing, uh, although, uh, there is some need for student housing, uh, I would
like to ask all of the area developers, uh, out there, uh, when are we going to, uh, see you bring
to the table (garbled) that are offered as affordable to lower-income persons and small families.
Uh, this is what our community really desperately needs right now, uh, but again I ... I am in
favor of...of this resolution and would approve of the height bonus.
Mims: I'll support this. When we talked about it, um, in the past, I think the location, um, kind of down
in that dip, uh, really helps kind of ameliorate the height of this. Um, things that Pauline said
about energy efficiencies, etc., um, and the art money. Um, glad to see those in terms of getting
the bonus height, and just kind of as an aside to Pauline's comment, um, the problem is...
building the affordable housing that you're mentioning, Pauline, is not particularly profitable.
Sol...unfortunately I don't think we're going to see developers doing that on their own. Ifs ... it's
gonna take public money to help do that. Uh, new construction is very expensive and it's
understandable that they're looking to make a profit on what they're building, but I think this
is ... is a good location, um, and again, good location for that particular height, so I'll support it.
Thomas: (clears throat) I'm going to be supporting it as well. Uh, you know, my question, um,
regarding the parking. I ... I think it just speaks to me how we still ... I ... I ... I hope we can look at
this a little bit more carefully, because, uh, you know, the ... the height of the building, if we ... if
we had been able to reduce the parking requirement, that would have brought the building
height down. It also would of significantly reduced the cost of the project, which would have
addressed the... ultimately those ... those costs are passed on to the, you know, to the ... the
occupants. So if. ... if there's any way in which we can reduce construction costs, that can result
in a ... a lower rent, uh, for the units. Um (clears throat) I am quite pleased with the development
of Ralston Creek. I think this is one, in my recollection, one of the more developed plans for
access to the creek, and, uh, as was noted in the presentation, it's sort of in an interesting
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location because it provides an opportunity to use that alternative pedestrian way as an
opportunity to avoid climbing the hill on Gilbert, uh, or cut ... making a ... a cut through if you're
coming from Prentiss over to Gilbert, heading south. So I think there's some interesting...
pedestrian opportunities that this developed quick way, uh, will provide in that particular area.
Uh, also pleased to see the, as you noted, the ... the street trees are truly now street trees because
they're between the sidewalk and the curb. Um (clears throat) so there were a number of
moves, uh, large and small, I think with the landscape component of this project, uh, which...
which I think elevated considerably.
Bergus: I'm also supportive of this project with staff's, uh, additional recommendations that were set
forth, and am grateful to have at least, I think, been in on one of the decisions that ... that set
those criteria for prior projects. That wasn't all new to me as a new counselor, um, but since I ... I
wasn't here for the rezoning portion, um, I don't know if this is a question more for staff or for
the applicant, but the ... the Riverfront Crossings District, um, probably at the rezoning stage, I
think in the conditional zoning agreement it references the requirement for affordable housing.
Um, do we have a sense yet ... maybe if the applicant knows, what ... if they'll be selecting on-site
versus the ... the fee -in -lieu that would be allowed.
Sitzman: I can start. Um, I can't speak for the applicant, but they do still have the option to choose and
they will (garbled) keep that agreement till they get closer to the building permit. They can
answer for themselves (mumbled) at this point.
Teague: So, we'll ... we'll have Mike answer that one question please.
Welch: Yeah, so, um, at this time that decision has not been made ... as to whether that will be fee -in -lieu
or...or, um, provided on-site.
Teague: Thank you. All right, any other comments, Councilors? So I'm going to be supportin' this
project. Of course we deliberated on this quite a bit, uh, when we were goin' through the
rezonin'. The one thing I .... I have a question about the 42,000, uh, kilowatts for the solar.
How ...how much energy does that provide ... or how many ...what's the ... what are we looking at?
Sitzman: Mayor, I would defer to Mike to answer that one. (garbled) how many households (garbled)
power (garbled) be best for him to answer that.
Teague: Okay. And, Mike, we'll have you answer that please.
Welch: Okay. Yeah, so this is where, um, I'll ... I'll have to admit, uh, that as a civil engineer, I only took
one circuits class, and so, um, on a specific number of, you know, households or what that
equivalent would be, I don't really have a ... a number for you. We can get that, um, for Council
and ... and come back with that number, if you need it. Um, it is only, uh, for the ... the projected
demand of the house meters. That would be the ... the amenity spaces, the hallways, the parking
structure. Um, it is only a big portion of that usage and that number was kind of determined,
um, looking at the available space on the roof. Once we allow for, um, like the Edge set back.
So the fire department needs space to get up on the roof and then there's mechanical units, the
heating and cooling units will be on the roof. Um, so we kinda did the solar based on what was
left, um, for usable space on the roof and that's kind of how we got to that ... that number.
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Teague: Thank you. I would imagine that is not a, you know, is not a great impact on, um, but there are
some other things the conditional agreements that I think are great. Uh, it was mentioned about
the parking, um, you know, in this area parkin' probably is less, um, needed, especially when
we're considering, um, it bein' a walkable city (laughs) and so, um, I will support this project
and ... even though I understand that, um, it costs a lot of money for affordable housing to be in a
new development, um, I would also reiterate the importance of allowing, um, individuals that
qual... that would qualify to be, um, in this building, if they do choose to allow, um, and not take
the fee -in -lieu of the, the... the... the opportunity that people have to be in that space is much
more valuable in my own opinion than any fee -in -lieu of. So, that's what I would ... would
encourage you all to do, and so actual... actually allow students to experience, um, livin' in this
building and not doin' the fee -in -lieu of, but I will support it. Hearin' no other comments... roll
call please. Motion passes 7-0.
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11. Sludge Tank Masonry Repair - Resolution approving project manual and estimate of cost
for the construction of the sludge storage tank masonry repair project, establishing
amount of bid security to accompany each bid, directing City Clerk to post notices to
bidders, and fixing time and place for receipt of bids.
Teague: I'm gonna open the public hearing. Staff presentation please.
Clark: ... hear me? Hello?
Teague: We can hear you.
Clark: Hi, guys, this Ben Clark from, um, the Engineering Division, and I'm here to talk about the
masonry repair project. So for those of you that don't know, on our, uh, wastewater treatment
plant is on the far south edge of town, right next to Kicker Soccer Park. This is a 2017 image of
the wastewater treatment facility, and very generally speaking here, this is our, uh, our head
works. So that's where, uh, wastewater is pumped up into the plant. The ... the influent pump
station's about three or four stories deep. We're gonna have a project next year to replace an
influent screen, and we can talk more about that next year. Um, generally speaking, these
clarify or separate the liquid stream from the solid stream. Liquids are treated over here, solids
are treated over here in our digester complex, and this is where our projects gonna be. Zooming
in our digester complex, again very generally speaking, our ...our solids or we call `em sludge.
At this stage they flow from the east to the west. We heat `em up to about 130 degrees in these
tanks, cool them down to around 100 degrees, and that kills all the pathogens, and then we ... we
store `em in this sludge storage tank, and that's kind of a holding tank until we can press `em.
We compresses the sludge and we tum into a cake that then gets field applied. But our issue
here today is with the sludge storage tank. And one thing to notice here is that the cover on this
tank is a little bit different than the other covers. It's a pretty lightweight aluminum dome. We
can look a little bit more at that. So last ... last February we noticed that the ... the brakes started
to fail, and what had happened was the aluminum dome had had some flashing on it that was
leaking. It was allowing moisture back behind the ... the brick facade, and we also had a problem
with drainage that ... the water that was getting behind there wasn't draining out. So we had a ... a
failure on the brick wall. And I'll go to the next picture. This is this what it looks like today,
and I know this ... this looks a little crazy. But ... most of this came down by staff. Staff pulled it
down so it wouldn't fall down on anyone. So this project will, uh, completely rebuild the brick
facade on this tank, pretty straightforward. The one ... the two things we're gonna do to prevent
that from happening again is we're gonna put a ... a cavity wall flashing and it might be a little
hard to see here, but there's a ... there's going to be a little bit of flashing here and it's gonna be
sealed and that'll keep the moisture from getting behind the brick wall, and then we'll make sure
we have good drainage through the brick and behind the brick. So pretty straightforward
project. Are there any questions?
Teague: I think you're gettin' away with no questions!
Clark: All right.
Teague: All right. Thank you. Would anyone from the public like to address Council, address this
item? If so, please raise your hand, and if you're on the phone, press "9 and I'll call you. Seein'
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Page 19
no one, I'm gonna close the public hearing. Could I get a motion to approve?
Salih: So move, Salih.
Taylor: Second, Taylor.
Teague: Moved by Salih, seconded by Taylor. Council discussion? Roll call, please. Motion passes 7-
0.
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15. FY20 Annual Action Plan Amendment #2 — Resolution approving Amendment #2 Iowa
City's FY20 Annual Action Plan.
Teague: Could I get a motion to approve?
Salih: So move, Salih.
Weiner: Second, Weiner.
Teague: All right, do we have staff presentation?
Hightshoe: Hi, this is Tracy Hightshoe, Neighborhood Development Services. Um, this is an
amendment. This is your third round of CARES Act funding that is coming to us. As you
recall, the first round and the second round, we are dedicating 60% to eviction or foreclosure
prevention, 40% to nonprofit relief for them to respond to COVID. So the third round, which is
for 424,128, we propose to use as a small business assistance program. We are working with
our economic development partners to develop that program. This would provide the
amendment that we need to send to HUD to get approval so we can enter agreement for these
funds, and then we can develop that program, choose a program administrator, and then proceed
with, um, that economic development assistance to nonprofits, or sorry, to ... for small
businesses. We have had HCDC, the Housing and Community Development Commission,
review. They reviewed it. The only comment we received are the ones from Maria and then at
the meeting, HCDC, basically if the money was to be used for small business assistance
program, they wanted their comments were that they wanted to ensure the business provided
livable wages and benefits, there's a ... there's a preference for minority-owned businesses, and
that there's a preference for microenterprises, as well. So, those were the ... the commission's
comments. Um, and so now it goes to you for consideration. I'm here for any questions if you
have them.
Teague: I do have questions about the livable wages. Um, that's just a recommendation, but that's not a
requirement that you're ... that is in place right now, is that correct?
Hightshoe: No, there's no ... there's no federal requirement that would require that. That would have to
be a local decision.
Teague: Okay. I think one of the, of course we would love livable wages to be a criterium, but, um,
some of the, you know, businesses that we're hoping to be a part of this, such as the, um,
BIPOC population (mumbled) small business owners, they may not be at the level where they,
you know, are paying livable wages, and livable wages to me or across the country typically
means $15 or more Um, and I think that ... that will limit some of the individuals that would
benefit from this. So, um, I wouldn't be supportive of that part of it. Um, I just wanted to just
make that statement because it will, in my opinion, o ... omit some people that really could
benefit from this opportunity. No more comments, thank you!
Hightshoe: All right, thank you.
Teague: Yes. Is there anyone from the public that would like to address this topic? If so, please raise
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Page 21
your hand or on the phone, press *9. All right, Council discussion?
Bergus: I actually do have a quick question for staff. Sorry (laughs) Um, in the, I think I may just be
missing something, but in the proposed amendment there's kind of like the table and, um, it says
estimated number and type of families that will benefit from the activities and it says an
estimated two businesses will be assisted ... with at least one new job created or retained for
20,000. Is that ... am I missing something there?
Hightshoe: (laughs) Um, that's probably a typo, but is ... at minimum I think, um, it was getting at how
much money per assistance you have to provide for FTE, maybe a federal requirement. We are
anticipating that out of, um, 424,000 we probably assist about 27 businesses. Um, now micro -
enterprises, we can determine if we're going to have a preference cra ... category. We can have
preferences for BIPOC businesses, businesses who have not received any prior federal state
assistance. So we do estimate about ... if we have ... we've been .... we debate and we've been
talking to some of, like I said, our economic development partners. They probably provide up
to $10,000 for businesses that have no employees. Their microenterprise is up to 15,000 for
those businesses that have less than 25 employees, with sales of $1 million or less, and
they..they could get assistance if they have employees up to 15,000. So we're estimating 27 to
30 businesses that we'd be able to assist with these funds.
Bergus: Thank you.
Hightshoe: And I must say it's much easier to talk to guys when we don't have a 10 -second delay.
(laughs) (mumbled) nice.
Teague: All right (laughs) All right! No more comments for you. Any other Council discus... items?
No? Roll call please. Motion passes 7-0. Could I get a motion to accept correspondence?
Salih: So move, Salih.
Taylor: Second, Taylor.
Teague: Roll call, please. Motion passes 7-0.
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16. Assessment Schedule - Resolution adopting an assessment schedule of unpaid mowing,
clean up of property, snow removal, sidewalk repair, and stop box repair charges, and
directing City Clerk to certify the same to the Johnson County Treasurer for collection in
the same manner as property taxes.
Teague: Could I ... and actually, um, the prop ... well, could I get a motion to approve with the exception
of 1131 3rd Avenue, 203 Oberlin Street, and 1902 Kat ... Kathlin Drive to remove and defer to
the November 2 meeting.
Mims: So moved, Mims.
Weiner: Second, Weiner.
Teague: Okay. Um, is there any... questions for ...well, that's the motion to, um, do that. Are there any
questions, uh, for staff from the Council on any of the items that were listed? And ... and maybe
there's staff that wants to present.
Dilkes: The only thing I would say is just as a reminder to Council is the reason those properties were
removed is because we have received, um, correspondence objecting to them and what our
process is is to move `em to the next, um, Council meeting so ... giving them notice that that's
when they'll be, um, able to present and ... and then staff can respond as well.
Teague: Great ! All right, would anyone from the public like to address this topic? Seein' and hearin'
no one, Council discussion? Roll call please. Motion passes 7-0. Could I get a motion to
accept correspondence?
Salih: Move, Salih.
Mims: Second, Mims.
Teague: And ... roll call please. Motion passes 7-0.
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17. Council Appointments
17.a. Planning and Zoning Commission
Teague: There's one vacancy to fill an unexpired term upon appointment, through June 30, 2021 and
this is the only one that we have today to make a decision on, uh, should we get to a majority.
Uh, so Council discussion?
Mims: I'd like to suggest, uh, Crissy Canganelli. Um, as I looked through this list, the way that I
eliminated some was..., um,we already have a couple of retired folks on here. We already have
a couple realtors on here. So I was looking for people who didn't... individual who didn't fit in
either of those categories, so we have broader representation across the community, um, and
then when I looked at the remaining individuals, um, and looked at their experiences and skill
sets that they bring to the table, um, I thought Crissy's application was very compelling.
Teague: I would like to suggest, uh, Maggie Elliot and, um, though ... I ... I heard that you just mentioned
retired and I ... I believe that we have three retired individuals cause I ... I did look at who was at
the table, um, and you're exactly correct. There are some realtors, um, I think there's two
realtors, um, two retired individuals, one executive director. Um, so I ... I really looked at this,
uh, very intently and looked up applications and even, um, had two conversations with, uh,
individuals just, uh... urn, that reached out of course, but just to ... look at this and ... and I ... I really
suggest Maggie Elliot. Uh, when I do look at all the applicants, I do believe, um, even though
she's retired, when I spoke to her and even, um, just the ... the thoughtfulness and ... and how she
wishes to engage with the Plannin' and Zonin', and, uh, one key thing that I really appreciated
in the conversation that I had with her and that is really listening and lookin' at what are the
codes, of course, recognizin' when there's biases, um, or opinions, um, and taking that into
consideration and makin' sure that, um, what they're tasked to do is really look at, um, what is
allowed, what is really kind of, um, choice, you know, suggested by staff, and ... and make, um,
you know, make some, uh, recommendations to the Council from there. And so I really
appreciated the opportunity and the thought process that she would bring, um, as a voice that ... I
wouldn't say that she's an expert by any means when it comes down to, um, the things of our...
of our P&Z, except I believe her eagerness to learn, uh, a fresh eye on a lot of levels is
somethin' that I ... I think we would really appreciate being present.
Thomas: Well I'm gonna give my support, um, to Susan's recommendation. Crissy Canganelli. Uh, she
does have a background in, um, urban and regional planning and, um, you know, having served
on P&Z, it—it really is a challenging assignment. So having some background in ... in the work
that is done on P&Z, I think, helps, uh, anyone serving on that commission to be able to
contribute, uh, in a more, um, rapid fashion, so to speak, but I think what really, uh, struck me
in her application was mentioning the fact that she's experienced with and ... and deeply values
working with others to build consensus. Um, And, you know, that ... I hold that value very
dearly, uh, to my heart. I think it's extremely important as it relates to how we plan and zone
Iowa City. So that ... that certainly suggested that she ... she would be well, we would be well
served to have her on the commission.
Taylor: I certainly, uh, appreciate both Susan and John's recommendation of...of Crissy, and I ... I do
admire Crissy for the work that she, uh, does with the Shelter House, uh, but I do have concerns
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that especially now during, uh, we're continuing the COVID crisis and continuing to have folks
that ... that need, uh, her services and her help. Uh, I think that, uh, she kind of has her plate full,
uh, and I ... I agree with the Mayor on, um, Maggie Elliott. The one thing I liked, uh, did like
and appreciate about Maggie was that, uh, she reached out to me by phone, uh, to talk to me, as
she may have done others of you on the Council too, and I appreciated that call because I
believe that it's an indication of...of an applicant's true interest, uh, in the position, uh, when
they actually reach out and make contact. And ... and we had a very nice, uh, discussion about
why she would like to serve on that. And so, uh, I ... I would like to see, uh, Maggie Elliott.
Salih: I support Maggie too because I think she have, uh, she is retired. She have more time as, uh,
Councilor Taylor said and she can serve.
Weiner: So ... (both talking)
Mims: ... Janice and Laura to say what they warm say, but I think for ...I think for Council Members to
judge who has time and who doesn't have time is inappropriate. I think people (both talking)
Salih: I can say whatever I want to say, Susan Mims. She is retired. She have more time. She can
serve.
Weiner: Um, I was actually just going to say something, uh, something similar to what Councilor Mims
just said. I'm not going to prejudge people's time because it's often the busiest people who
manage to ... to make time for a whole variety of things. Um, there ... there are a couple of things
that, um, I've come to appreciate about Crissy Canganelli over the years, one of which is that,
um, she understands what it is to deal with NIMBYism, uh, and I think that's—that's a really
important skill to have when you're dealing with P&Z, uh, and also the need to look... essentially
to look outside the box, um, at what variances may be useful or necessary in order to create
different, um, and new uses that are valuable to the community.
Bergus: Well as I reviewed the applications, both Maggie and ... and Crissy, um, looked good to me. So
I really hate to be the ... the decider. Um, Maggie did reach out to me, um, and I know her. Um,
we both serve on a nonprofit board (mumbled) um, together, and, um, I know Crissy, of course,
from her work at...at Shelter House, so coin flip.
Teague: Oh, I don't think you froze. I see your mic is muted.
Bergus: Sorry, Mayor, I recommended we flip a coin.
Teague: Okay. (laughs)
Dilkes: Well...
Teague: It is legal.
Dilkes: We ... we can flip a coin for Laura's vote. We're not flipping a coin for the Council. If...if Laura
wants to flip a coin for her vote, we can do that.
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Teague: Sure.
Bergus: I didn't actually know that that was an option, um, but that would be a great way to get out of
making that decision. I would appreciate it.
Mims: That's what you got the votes for, is to make the votes. (several talking)
Dilkes: You'll have to flip the coin, Laura, for yourself is what I'm saying. (laughs)
Bergus: (laughs) Okay, I apologize. I don't mean to be wasting people's time. Um, I would go with
Maggie Elliott.
Teague: Okay, all right. So, we have, um, four for Maggie Elliott, and that is, um, the majority. Um,
and could I ... so we're gonna... could I get a motion to appoint Maggie Elliott to P&Z?
Salih: So move.
Taylor: Second, Taylor.
Teague: Roll call please, or discussion ... I think we just finished that. But well do roll call please.
Motion passed 7-0.
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19. Community Comment
Teague: I think I saw Ryan.
Longenecker: (garbled)
Teague: We had Anna on earlier.
Longenecker: Yes, I had to be on an election forum thing for a class. Um, so I had to miss the work
session earlier, but uh, just a ... really only one thing tonight, and I think, um, that's just to say to
encourage people to please vote. Um, early voting is happening this week, um, in the MU and
the Iowa Public Library, um, and you're able to vote at these satellite voting locations, uh, if
you're not able to make it to your polling place or if you haven't voted by absentee by mail.
Um, so just want to encourage all students. It's really easy to vote. Um, you can change your
registration right at the polls. Um, so please go vote and stay safe. That's all for me tonight.
Teague: Great!
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20. City Council Information and Updates
Teague: So, um, just jump in there wherever you want to give an update.
Taylor: I'll start them. Uh, we had our joint entities meeting yesterday. Uh, it was very brief, uh, but
had a lot of good information. It was, uh, very interesting to learn what an epinem is. Uh, it..
apparently it defines, uh, a person, after whom a place is named, and ... and you've hopefully
been following the news, cause in this case, uh, the term refers to Dr. Lulu Merle Johnson, who
was apparently the first black person to receive a PhD at the University of Iowa. So I ... I believe
the Board of Supervisors found a very fitting person to have behind the Johnson County name.
So that's something to look forward to and hear more about. Uh, it was also great to hear and
see the Guide Link Center, uh, update given by Matt Miller, um, who is the project manager.
It's coming right along. I believe he said it's about 80%, uh, finished and should be able to open
up (mumbled) planned date January, February, and that's so exciting. That's... that's gonna be...
it's a much needed service, uh, that we have. Um, last Thursday I attended the ribbon cutting
ceremony for the newly renovated Highlander Hotel. I believe the owner's name is Angela and
I want to applaud what she's done to maintain the iconic nature of the original Highlander, uh,
which has been a part of Iowa City since 1967. That's a long time to be a fixture of the town.
Many of us have a lot of great memories of the Highlander. Uh, she incorporated a large green
space courtyard that's been added, and the renovated pool area is a really beautiful. Um, these
are tough times to be starting a business, uh, which is technically what she's doing, uh, and they
are accepting guests now, so encourage people to stay there, and I wish them well in that
endeavor. Uh, so I also would encourage people to stop by there and ... and see for yourself. The
transporta ... the transformation of it cause it's truly remarkable, uh, what she's done to ... to
renovate that building. Let's see here. Oh, yes, and just a reminder of the other ribbon cutting
ceremony coming up. It was brought up earlier, uh, about the South District neighborhood
mural project, uh, remind ya again if...if you haven't seen it also drive by there to look at, take a
look at that, uh, 4,400 square feet of mural that was painted by the residents of that
neighborhood. It's very colorful, very beautiful, and again, the event is from 3:30 to 5:00 this
Friday, October 23d, uh, outside of the Faith Academy, 1030 Cross Park Avenue. Uh, you're
encouraged to park at the Pepperwood Plaza, uh, parking lot and please wear masks. That's all!
Weiner: I just add to Ryan's. Um, ask ... asking folks to vote. You can also vote at the, um, at the, from
your car. Uh, through ... up through the day before election day, in the parking structure next to
the County HHS building.
Thomas: I have kind of a light, uh, item to bring up and that is, uh, at least for me, um, the ... the football
season is about to start. The, uh, Hawkeyes will be playing this coming Saturday, uh, against
Purdue and the starting quarterback, uh, for the Iowa Hawkeyes is Spencer Petrus. And as it
turns out, Spencer went to the same high school that I went to in, um, Marin County, California.
Uh, so it's kind of a curious thing that Iowa City has the two of us here, doing our work in Iowa
City, and, um, I wish Spencer best of luck, uh, as well as to the whole team.
Teague: All right! Well I wanted to just mention that this past Saturday the Iowa Latino Hall of Fame,
uh, took place for their 2020 induction ceremony, and we are very fortunate to have someone
that, um, is here locally. Uh, actually they live in Washington, I believe, but, um, during this
Hall of Fame, uh, the induction of Gabriela Riviera, uh, was inducted. She's a University of
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Iowa employee, who has started several initiatives to recruit, mentor, and sponsor under-
represented populations, uh, in business, so we want to thank Gabriela for all that she's done. ]
actually was able to attend virtually, um, and was really moved by some of the words that she
said about her interactions in, um, and advocacy, and I know that she did some shout -outs to
CWJ, as well as some other organizations locally, um, and was really impressed with her
leadership and certainly it really, um, her .... her words resonated where you just knew that this
induction was something that was well deserved. So wanted to give another shout -out to her
and say congratulations. All right, hearin' no more comments from Council, then we will hear
from our City Manager.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular
formal meeting of October 20, 2020.