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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-10-20 TranscriptionPage 1 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. Page 2 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? This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of October 20, 2020. Page 3 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. Page 4 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 formal meeting of October 20, 2020. Page 5 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 formal meeting of October 20, 2020. Page 6 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 This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of October 20, 2020. Page 7 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. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of October 20, 2020. Page 8 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. Page 9 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 formal meeting of October 20, 2020. Page 10 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 This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of October 20, 2020. Page 11 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 This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of October 20, 2020. Page 12 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 This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of October 20, 2020. Page 13 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 This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of October 20, 2020. Page 14 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. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of October 20, 2020. Page 15 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 This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of October 20, 2020. Page 16 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. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of October 20, 2020. Page 17 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. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of October 20, 2020. Page 18 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' This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of October 20, 2020. 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. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of October 20, 2020. Page 20 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 This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of October 20, 2020. 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. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of October 20, 2020. Page 22 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. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of October 20, 2020. Page 23 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 This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of October 20, 2020. Page 24 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. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of October 20, 2020. Page 25 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. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of October 20, 2020. Page 26 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! This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of October 20, 2020. Page 27 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 This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular formal meeting of October 20, 2020. Page 28 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.