HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-01-05 TranscriptionPage I
2. Proclamations
2.a. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Teague: (reads proclamation) And to receive this proclamation today is our Human Rights
Commissioner Bijou. Welcome, Bijou.
Fruehling: And I'm having issues again, so Lily is going to have to assist.
Teague: Great. One second, Bijou, and we'll get you over to speak. There you are, welcome!
Maliabo: Thank you, Mayor Teague. The life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. continue to
inspire and impact all of us to build a just community, build a community in which diversity of
community and idea is valued, and in which all members of...of the community are committed
to the highest standards of ethical conduct and integrity. As we pause to remember Dr. King's
legacy, let us not forget his famous quote, "The time is always right to do what is right." On
behalf of the Human Right Commission, I would like to thank Mayor Teague and Council
Members for this proclamation, and also for your leadership this year. Thank you.
Teague: Thank you, and thanks for all the work that you and the commissioners do in our Human
Rights Commission.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular
formal meeting of January 5, 2021.
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9. Community Comment
Teague: This is a time for community comment, and we ask that people raise their hand, and we ask
that you keep your comments three to five minutes. The other thing is if there is any item that
is on our agenda, we ask that you wait for that agenda item to speak. So I'm going to start with
Amel, followed by David. Welcome.
Ali: Can you hear me?
Teague: Yes, we can.
Ali: Okay, perfect. First, since I didn't get a chance to do this the last time, I want to share my
gratitude,with the Council for electing me to be on the Truth and Reconciliation (mumbled)
mission. I'm really excited to get to know and work with you guys. So just to get that out of
the way. The views that I'm speaking just represent myself. So I was listening to your work
session earlier and I really agreed on ... a lot of the stuff that Mazahir specifically said, regarding
the translating of the police document. And there was another Councilor, who mentioned
maybe not translating it all, just doing like the important key function, key stuff that we want to
work on. I think that's a really good idea. Coming from an immigrant family, I can say that if
my parents were a little bit more knowledgeable about the laws that went on in the city and how
the police department kind of moves and works, I think they would have been able to educate
me a little bit better. Also a large portion of the Sudanese population and the Congolese
population have young boys and girls that are probably going to live here for a while since the
city is pretty great to raise a family, and so I think you should really take that into consideration.
I also really liked what Laura said about kind of making it ... each listening topic, kind of a focus
on what specific things, and I really hope that you guys can get the ball running on that because,
um, I think once it gets going, it'll ... it'll be a lot of help. Um, I also heard you guys discussing
COVID and having the Department of Public Health come speak, maybe in the future. I also
think something to think about in regards to COVID right now, especially since getting the
vaccine is coming up and a lot of people are kind of worried, I think it would mean a lot to the
black community, especially in Iowa City, if let's say when Mayor Teague got his COVID shot,
if you could, you know, post a picture or something, or we have our, you know, Johnson County
Supervisor first black woman Royceann Porter. If she ends up getting it, if she could take a
picture, and same with Mazahir. She could help a lot of the Sudanese community kind of
understand and maybe lose the fear with that, because those populations are the ones that aren't
sure about it and don't trust the health system, and that's all right. They have every right not to
trust the health system, but I think that it's very important because COVID is disproportionately
killing and affecting that population a lot more. So that's all I have to say. Thank you so much
for giving me this time to speak.
Teague: Thank you, Amel. We'll have David, welcome, followed by Nicholas. Welcome, David.
Drustrup: Thank you, Mayor. So I'd just like to talk about both the proposal for police changes that the
City Manager put out and ... and the budget proposals that he put out within the last couple
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weeks. Um, so, you know, first I'd ... I just felt sick and sad in reading the City Manager's
proposal. After the traumatic summer that we had, the traumatic summer that black people in
Iowa City had, after hearing hundreds and thousands of the most vulnerable citizens in Iowa
City resist the ... the bloated police budget and the incomprehensible spread of police power the
City Manager proposes increasing their budget and increasing their power. After he saw the
police force shooting tear gas and flash grenades into a group of young people standing still,
with their hands in the air, his response is to give those shooters more money and more
influence. And there's no morality in the City government that looks at this past summer and
decides that those that did harm to other humans, deserve more money and more power. And
the problems with the proposal itself are ... are vast. And so there's really nowhere to start, but
I ... I sent my feedback in already, and really what this proposal is doing is expanding the reach
of the police, the power of the police by adding partnerships between police and community
organizations, and adding cops in civilian clothing, by adding these outreach officers in similar
positions, and whether they're employed by the City or the police department is not terribly
consequential because they're not addressing structural issues. And so ... if there's one thing I can
say it's ... ifs that it's insulting and offensive that the City Manager started his presentation by
proposing that Iowa City is somehow a leader in any of this, and during the work session Laura
Bergus just challenged us to find communities who have approached change more
comprehensively. And I'm offended by this because the document goes on to propose dozens
of things that have already been tried for decades. And there's absolutely nothing new in this
proposal. Maybe it's new to some of you, but it's not new to the black and brown scholars and
activists who have been doing this work for decades. And the majority of these things have
only expanded police power, surveillance, abuse, and violence. And it's insulting because
looking at this document as progressive is thumbing your nose at the black and brown women
and families who have quite literally dedicated and given their lives to struggling against police
violence in communities across the country for many decades. And so the City Manager is
looking at those ... at those black and brown people and rejecting their work and their
intelligence as less than his, and I'm offended by his rejection of their work in favor of his,
because he's new to this and has not done his homework outside of consulting his friends in the
police department and consulting the local social groups that he knows already agree with him.
And at this point, it's no longer an innocent ignorance, because we've come to you dozens of
times with offers to help you consult the black scholars and organizers of the last six decades.
We have investigated what's necessary for community safety and .... and by the way, we're still
here and happy if you want to discuss resources, but from the evidence I've seen personally,
only Mayor Pro Tem and Councilor Thomas have ever really respected us and earnestly worked
with us. We haven't even gotten an email response from our own Mayor since June. And we
know you're not interested in IFR's feedback at this point, and you're intentionally leaving our
name out of these lists and documents of people whose feedback you're interested in, but at
least consult someone who has organized around this before last June, because it's clear that
that's not happening right now. So when we're begging you to consult experts in their work
around the country, what we're saying is if people like Ruth Wilson Gilmore feel inaccessible,
please tell us and then we can help. Like if Angela Davis feels inaccessible, please tell us and
we can help find materials and guides on how to apply these complex social themes to our city.
But we won't let you co-opt the Black Lives Matter movement. It's a movement that was
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started by three queer black women in 2013 that specifically was in opposition to state power.
And to this day is fundamentally about defending the police and moving those resources into
life-giving institutions, like housing, food, education, job training. Study those women and
study what they spent the last several decades fighting for. But when you say Black Lives
Matter out of one side of your mouth and then you empower and increase funding to the police
force, you're not only attempting to steal and co-opt a movement, but you're spitting in the face
of those three black women who are fundamentally dedicated to defunding the police and what
every BLM activist is fighting for at the core of the movement. Thank you.
Teague: Thank you, David. We'll have Nicholas, followed by Oliver.
Theisen: Thank you, Mayor. I just wanted to address ... well first of all, I would actually like to second
everything. David just said. He put it far more eloquently than me, so I'm not going to rehash
what he said. Listen to what he said. It's there. It's been recorded. You can go back and hear it
all again if you want. I want to address something that was brought up near the end of the work
session, and it has to do with ... I can't remember if Councilor Mims brought it up or if she was
responding to it. Apologies. But it's this issue of only really focusing on the...the public
comments from people who "live in the Iowa City city limits," and I would like to present to
you a case for why that's actually an extremely bad idea. I don't know if you're aware of this,
but the largest employer in the entire state is located in Iowa City, which means that most of the
people who work there and thus are directly affected by the policy decisions that you all make,
don't actually live within the city limits. And in fact, your housing policy decisions over the
past 10 or so years, I say your meaning Council, not necessarily specifically each of you. But
collectively your decisions regarding housing policy have actually shunted working class
people out of the city. I am actually one of those people. I was a longtime resident of the city.
I live in Coralville now, so I guess you get to disregard my opinion now too, Councilor Mims,
although you've always disregarded my opinion. So, I don't see how that would be different.
But anyone who (laughs) makes less than $40,000 a year and lives in the area knows how they
have been steadily pushed out of the city, and they've been pushed out of the city by the way in
which you all have gentrified it. So to sit there and act like, well, we only care about the
opinions of the people who live in the city limits, you're basically just saying that you only care
about the opinions of the boochie, white people that you hang out with all the time. That's it.
That's all you're really saying. I mean, you may not think that you're saying that, but that's what
the working class people in this community actually hear, because they all know what you're
doing to them. But you don't care. So I guess this is the last time I'm going to have anything to
say on really any issue because you all have made it abundantly clear that you just don't give a
crap about what people in the surrounding area think. You don't care about what people who've
been excised from the community think. So I guess I'll just take my leave. Thank you.
Teague: Thank you, Nicholas. Oliver, welcome, followed by Annie.
Weilein: Um, hello, can you hear me okay?
Teague: Yes, we can.
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Weilein: Thank you so much. My name is Oliver. I'm an Iowa City resident. I'm a caretaker for, um,
for seven years now. I've been a caretaker for individuals with autism, working groups
home... group homes. I specialize in those with some maladaptive behaviors. Um, I just wanted
to start this off by giving a few ...a few cases around the country that really, you know, weigh on
my mind every single night when I go to sleep, and I think about my clients and their needs.
Just a few months ago, there was a 13 -year-old boy named Linden Cameron. He lived in ... he
lives in Salt Lake City, and he was shot 11 times while unarmed. He has autism and his mother
called for help when he was having an emotional crisis. Um, he was shot in the back 11 times.
I want to talk about Ricardo Linnaeus, 27 -year-old man, black man, with mental illness from
Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He was shot after his sister called for help during a mental health
crisis. Willie Henley, a 60 -year-old man with mental illness from Buffalo, New York. He was
shot after a mental health crisis call. One that really gets to me, Daniel Prude, a 41 -year-old
man suffering from a mental health crisis. He was killed by police after they put a hood over
his head and forced his face into the pavement for over two minutes, and this one really gets
me. This ... this man, Charles Kinsey, he is a caregiver of people with behavioral
health ... maladaptive behaviors exactly like myself. He was shot by a police officer trying to
receive his patient... retrieve his patient who had run away from the group home. The patient
was holding a toy truck and the officer said that he thought that it was a weapon, and in
attempting to shoot his patient, the officer accidentally shot Charles Kinsley, the therapist, like
myself...similar to myself. Like I said, this particular case keeps me up at night the most
because I could easily see myself in that exact same position, out in the community with one of
my clients who is in a bit ... who enters a behavioral crisis and the police show up. Um, and
could hurt potentially him or me. Um, these are just a handful of examples of the absolute
epidemic of police needlessly maiming and murdering people with mental illness,
disproportionately those people are people of color. The only way ...the only way that you can
force police to stop needlessly responding to situations where they are not needed, and where
their very presence can escalate the situation, is to take away their funding and give it to
unarmed, trained professionals that have no ties to law enforcements, and police departments,
they show time and time again that no matter what toothless guidelines or policies that they're
given, no matter how much money we throw at them for "trainings," th... they continue to just
do whatever they want anyways, because they have no reason to believe that they'll be held
accountable for their actions, and ... why should we believe that the City of Iowa City will hold
police to any form of accountability when the Iowa City Police Department Officer Travis
Neeld, who racially profiled and brutalized a black man and was condemned for doing so by a
federal judge, still has his job and still patrols our streets. Why would we believe the City will
hold the ICPD accountable when we still haven't gotten so much as a public condemnation for
the ICPD attacking hundreds of mostly young people with chemical weapons this summer,
without provocation. And even in us asking for that body cam footage to be released, so we
could understand what was going on, the City Manager Greg Fruin released alongside with that
body cam footage unrelated security camera footage of some protesters breaking windows. And
the disgusting comparison of broken window to the health and safety of hundreds of young
people aside, that (laughs) that shows that the City government is scared of the police, and
they're so scared of the police that you can't even release neutral footage without making some
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular
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weird both -sides argument, and you want to narrow the scope of policing. You cut their budget,
you fire officers, you invest in your community, you invest in non -law enforcement crisis
intervention. Not more cops wearing different uniforms. You invest in public housing, not
wealthy real estate developers who are driving up our cost of living. You invest in mental
health, schools, food co-ops, public transportation, mental health care, community pantries,
harm reduction programs, not more tasers. Come on, y'all. To ... to pass a budget that gives
more money to the police, to not even make an attempt to step in the right direction, you are
choosing to ignore the desperate pleas of all who participated in the largest civil rights protest
movement in the history of the country. You are choosing to ignore the pleas of these frankly
bad ass and brave young, black organizers in the city, and you're choosing to continue with the
status quo, that brutalizes and oppresses innocent black, brown, indigenous, euro divergent
working class people, and you can lie to yourselves and continue to grasp at excuses as to why
you can't do it. You can say, oh, it's too late. We have to try again next year or yada yada or
whatever helps you all sleep at night, or you can do something courageous, historic even. You
can do something that will actually mean tangible improvements to the lives of poor and
marginalized people in the community. So ... I really ask that the City Council reconsider and
listen and basically everything that Dave said as well. Thank you very much.
Teague: Thank you, Oliver. Annie, welcome, followed by Maya.
Annie G: Hi, um, so first I would like to ... can you hear me.
Teague: Yes.
Annie G: Okay, so first I would like to commend everything that people have said in the public
comment before me. Um, it's really scary to speak to a City officials that are actively
suppressing our voices and ignoring our seat at the table. So thanks for that. And I would like
to add, so City Manager Geoff Fruin's budget proposal for the Iowa City Police Department
often suggests pairing the police with potentially life saving organizations in the community,
which is completely tone deaf to the demands of Iowa City's constituents. What we have told
you time to do, time and time again as our representatives is to reduce the presence of the police
in our town. Instead you're asking for police to take a larger role in interfacing with vulnerable
people that need support and resources, without the threat of criminalization based on their
class, race, or citizenship status. Instead, the City Manager is proposing to follow the trend of
increasing the police budget. Already there has been a $5 million increase in ICPD since 2010,
and that does not include the presence of UIPD or State Patrol. Please consider putting the
police's inflated budget towards building quality, low-income housing, rent assistance, or
through meaningful public institutions in the community, like the Library. Geoff Fruin in June
said, "I have not done enough to seek out the voices that have been suppressed. I have not
pushed hard enough for our local government to proactively address racial inequities. It should
not take a murder or protest to demand change. As City Manager these responsibilities fall on
my shoulders and I accept accountability." Clearly there has been absolutely no progress since
then. Reformism has been present in our city and country for decades, and has led to increased
police discretion and surveillance of its citizens, especially black and brown people. As a
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constituent I am demanding that the Council rejects Fruin's disastrous proposal and replace him
through democratically elected means. Future proposals of the budget for ICPD should defund
the police. as influenced by the demands of the Iowa Freedom Riders. The Council's calls to
end systemic racism are purely lip service. Meanwhile, you are all continually threatening the
well being and lives of the most vulnerable in our town. We all see it and we will all continue
to pressure you until you listen to us. As Miss Maliabo quoted earlier, Martin Luther King, Jr.,
"The time is always right to do what is right." Thank you.
Teague: Annie, will you let us know what your last name is please?
Annie G: Do I have to?
Teague: Um, we ask that you do, but if you don't want to, that's up to you.
Annie G: I'll pass today, but thank you.
Teague: Thank you. All right, Maya, followed by Harry.
Sims: Good evening. My name is Maya Sims and I am speaking in support of the Iowa Freedom
Riders and their efforts. As a young person in this community, it's devastating to see the City
Council tell us that they're going to work to make things more just, and then turn around and do
the exact opposite of what your constituents are asking for, and what we're asking for is a just
and a safe community. In your emails and in the way that the Council has advertised this
restructuring, you act like you have listened to the community and are making changes based on
that. But the problem is you're not listening. You've managed to give the police department
even more funding and resources, despite evidence given to you by the Freedom Riders that
suggests this is not the solution. If you're not going to do the work to find out how
transformative justice and accountability can be used in our community, at least listen to the
people who have been doing the work. Listen to the people who will determine if you stay in
your elected office when it comes time to vote. How can you possibly proca... proclaim MLK J
Day and consider increasing police funding in the same breath? I cannot believe that after the
year we've just had, we still have to beg you not to give this ineffective and discriminatory
institution more money. Do your part, protect your constituents, and please do not approve a
budget that seeks to give the police more resources. Just as IFR is doing, there are many
incredible community organizations doing the work, filling in the gaps where the City does not
fund them, and don't support state violence. This is not a matter of a few changes and our
voices will go away. This is a matter of systemic change. Increasing police involvement in
community orgs is the opposite of what we've asked for. Police need to step aside so that the
professionals can do their job. Council, please reject this budget and these proposals that seek
to give more power to an institution that has terrorized our community. I stand in complete
support of the Iowa Freedom Riders' efforts. Thank you.
Teague: Thank you. Harry, welcome, followed by Amelia.
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Manaligod: Hi, my name is Harry Manaligod and I'm here to address the absolute joke of a proposal
brought forth by Geoff Fruin. This proposal is quite frankly disgusting. This community,
people of all races, ages, gender, and class, people from all walks of life came together this
summer to tell you that we need to significantly divest from the police and instead spend money
on fighting crime with social programs that get to the root of the problem. And what do you
tum around and do? You propose that we give the police more money for weapons. The fact
that this plan is even been considered shows me that my government, my city, does not
ultimately care about black people, homeless people, trans people, and everybody that feels an
inherent guilt, rather than safety when a police car drives down the streets. I've lived in Iowa
City for just about my entire life, and like ... I know that racism and police brutality happen here.
I remember when I graduated high school, a police officer by the name of Travis Graves
assaulted a 15 -year-old black boy for being too loud in a public space. And you continue to pay
him for years. That was five years ago, but this City Council, specifically Susan Mims and
Janice Weiner, refuse to fight this problem with any sense of urgency. Instead you whine about
property damage and the structure of our governments and appeal to proceduralism, because
deep down, you don't really care about us. I was there when police tear gassed your citizens.
There were high schoolers in that crowd, and the police committed a war crime on us. It left me
with a trauma that I'll never forget, and it left me with an anger that will only get worse if you
give the police more money. How can you watch your constituents get attacked and brutalized
and draw the conclusion that the guys with guns and chemical weapons need more resources.
I've called this place my home for my whole life, and this proposal is a betrayal to the people
you're supposed to protect.
Teague: Thank you, Harry. I'm going to have Amelia, and we ask if you've already spoken... we ask
that you take your hand down. We only really request that people speak one time to the
Council. So, Amelia, welcome.
Roberts: Hi, can you hear me?
Teague: Yes, we can.
Roberts: Awesome. So I would like to start off by a quote by Senator Nina Turner that says we have
two dragons we have to slay. The dragon of neo -fascism and the dragon of neo -liberals... neo -
liberalism, and in this case, you, City Council, are the neo -liberals that were talked about.
Upholding and enabling neo -fascism, such as the police department.... so I'd ... such as
upholding and enabling fascism, such as the police department. So I really don't know how any
more obvious IFR and their supporters can be about their stance on police funding. We've made
it abundantly clear that we want ICPD to be defunded, and those funds reallocated and
redistributed to many underfunded social and community services. Iowa City has such ... as
such ... as quarter... corridor community care number at the Shelter House, affordable housing,
public schools, new mental health clinics, public housing, and public transportation, etc, etc.
The list can go on. So it really is like you're spitting in our faces with this proposed budget that
you have. There is more than enough research why police reform does not work specifically
this type of police refor...reform, which is funding the police even more. It will not ever work.
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You can't reform racism and white supremacy. I don't know why this isn't clear to some of you
City Council Members. Not only that, but bad policing isn't because of a few bad apples, as
people say. It goes all the way into the roots, and those roots hold the last 200 years of slavery,
police brutality, white supremacy, and classism, etc, etc. So, therefore, there are no good cops
in a racist system. There's no way to reform. Another thing is ... that I would like to remind you
all is that you are public servants elected to serve your constituents, and your constituents are
IFR and the hundreds of people that came over ...came to protest, came together over the
summer, demanding ICPD be defunded. So I think it would be wise to listen to your
constituents, specifically IFR that you all ignore, and do your jobs. It's also just a fact that the
safest communities have the most resources and not the most cops. So I urge you to reject the
bloated police budget that they're proposing, and I also second everything that everybody has
said in public comment, David, Nicholas (mumbled) etc. I think they made some really good
points, specifically about affordable housing. I've lived here my whole life. I was born here,
and there's no way possible at all that I could afford a one -bedroom here in Iowa City, and I
think that's really disgusting, considering that I see all these skyscrapers and shit tall buildings
being built. So I think it's, yeah, just a disgrace. And I think that we need to do a better job at
that. And I also would like to bring to attention, I'm not sure what street it is on, but it's outside
like Hamburg Inn and ... Hamburg Inn and Oasis. There's these large outdoor dining type house,
mini houses, and I just think that's really weird to be doing, one, in a pandemic and doing that
on that closed off street, especially when our unhoused community members go unhoused, and I
think it would be really smart to do something like that for our homeless community here, and
also just step it up in general for our homeless community here, and use those reallocated funds
from the Iowa City Police Department to really help our unhoused community members. So
yeah, I urge you all to vote no on this police budget. Thank you!
Teague: Thank you, Amelia. We're gonna have Megan, followed by Leticia.
Hester: Can hear me?
Teague: Yes, welcome.
Hester: Hi. Thank you for listening to me tonight. I've been watching the ... the meeting tonight and I
have some concerns and I felt like I needed to express my lack of confidence of the proposal for
the expansion of the police budget. Um, I really don't believe that in police... increasing the
police budget is going to solve our current problems. I'm a long-term resident of the city, and I
feel that ... it actually may exacerbate them, and especially after hearing, you know, more people
tonight, I feel that there's a segment of the population that doesn't feel heard, clearly, and you
know, if they're so angry, the way they're talking to the Council tonight. I ... I do believe that the
money could be better allocated, and you could increase spending for expansion of social
programs that would aid your constituents. People have talked about expanded mental health
care, which I think won ... is so important, especially during this time of crisis that we have here
in this country, you know. This ... it's unprecedented, and expansion of...of housing and food
banks, I feel, would be helpful to deter the crime that... that... that I think that you're afraid of I
think that ... that there's this fear that we need to have expanded police force in order to deter
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crime, when in fact if people were motivated to remain in the community because they felt safe
and they felt, you know, taken care of in a lot of ways, I think that there wouldn't be as much
crime. So I appreciate that you're listening to me tonight, and I just want to reiterate, I ... I don't
support the expansion of the police budget in its current form. I don't support the proposal.
Thank you.
Teague: Thank you, Megan. We're gonna have Latisha, welcome.
McDaniel-Grife: All right, can you hear me now?
Teague: Yes.
McDaniel-Grife: Good evening. Um, I'd like to support everything that has been said so far about
making sure that we don't increase the police budget, but actually allocate that money to other
resources. As a member of the Community Police Review Board, you have ... the City Council
has asked us to come up with a bunch of recommendations for making our board more... more
effective, to have more teeth, to make sure that we ... make sure that the police are accountable to
the community, and some of the recommendations you're going to see are going to include for
more resources for mental health providers, more resources for... for making sure people know
about the board, and just more resources in general for... especially for mental health, mental
health providers, and for people who help people who are in crisis. So for us, for ...in order for
some of the recommendations that the board is going to bring to you, in order for those things to
occur, we're going to need some funding, and adding more funding to ... as far as ... especially
patrolling or hiring more police, that's not going to help us as a board to ... to reach the goals that
we want to do, to reach some of the recommendations that we are going to bring to you. So
I'm ... I'm asking you to reconsider the budget that you are now trying to propose to the
community, as far as increasing the amount of money to the police. I know that you consider
the CPRB to be part of...maybe part of the police, but I ... but some of the recommendations that
we're making actually involve decreasing money to the police and adding that money to the
community. So thank you.
Teague: Thank you, Latisha. I do see some hands raised that have already addressed the Council. I'm
not sure if...they're still raised for some reason. Welcome, Bailey Baker.
Baker: Can you hear me?
Teague: Yes.
Baker: Hi. So ... sorry, this is my first time ever talking at something like this. But, um, I would like to
reiterate what everyone else has said tonight, um, that I do not support at all this further funding
the police. Um, I was reading on the Iowa City website today that your new ...sorry, the
strategic plan to foster a more inclusive, just, and sustainable Iowa City by prioritizing the
physical, mental, and economic well being of all residents is being taken seriously by this
Council at all. I took a look at the City budget today and I took a note that 87.85% is funded by
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our property taxes, which also makes me question who is being listened to, um, because
obviously there are many people that are not okay with, um, for their proposed or further
funding the police. The ACLU of Iowa said that black youth in Iowa are 6.5 times more likely
to be charged with a simple misdemeanor and enter the juvenile justice system than a white kid.
And Iowa black people are 7.3 times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than
white people are. And the ACLU national... nationwide said that black girls are 8 -plus times
more likely, which means it's at the very top. There's only about ... there are some with ... I think
it's we're in the top four states, that black girls are 8 -plus times more likely to be arrested than
white girls in Iowa. And so it's kind of disappointing to see ... not kind of. It's very
disappointing when we like to act like Iowa City is this place that doesn't have these problems
and that we can take them any less seriously. We saw this summer what the police will do to
protesters. I was there, I was tear gassed, and along with you refusing to give IFR a seat at the
City Council table, um, yeah, I just ... I am very disappointed and I do not believe that you are
going to follow through with your strategic plan at all, if this is what ... what is going on. Thank
you.
Teague: Thank you, Bailey. Is there anyone else that would like to address this topic that haven't
already spoken? If so please raise your hand. I do see Oliver and Megan hand raised. If you've
already addressed this, and Amelia .... Amel, you'll... you've already addressed this... addressed
Council during this time. Is there anyone else that would like to address this topic? Seeing no
one else new ...I see Mark Nolte. Welcome, Mark.
Nolte: Good evening. I just really appreciate listening tonight and ... and many of the comments that are
made. I ... I just want to say I'm proud to live in this community. What happened this summer
with the murder of George Floyd was horrible and wrong. And so many other senseless
tragedies around the country that were brought into the nation's attention, where the police
killed black Americans. It was horrible and wrong. I'm proud that our City Council and our
Mayor and so many people in the community came out and marched against these atrocities and
called them for what they are. I'm proud that our community does work to house the homeless,
when most don't. The new GuideLink Center is a huge improvement in serving those in need.
And I'm excited for that to open. And I'm proud that our community has been taking steps to
improve policing for years. And I think this plan is a strong continuation of that tradition. It's
not perfect but change never is. I'm also proud to be friends with several members of the Iowa
City Police Department. I know them to be good, kind human beings who got into these careers
because they just want to serve, because they want to keep people safe, and they want to work
for justice. They know that there are problems systemically with the way America has
traditionally handled policing. They know that many times they are called into situations that
would be best handled by mental health professionals. They know firsthand that many crimes
are committed out of the realities of income inequality or people are just trying to find a way to
survive. They also know that every day that they go to work, they are in danger. There is
violence in every community and when there's trouble, it's their job to put their life on the line
for others. They go where they are called, no questions asked. And for that they deserve our
appreciation. Every community needs law enforcement. They know that there's a problem of
racism in this country. We all do. And we have to continue to find ways to come together on
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that. So our community needs the right kind of policing from the right kind of people and I
trust that these changes are one step in making sure we are on that path. And there will be a
consistent ... a constant need to evaluate and improve every day. We know that. Anyway, I want
to thank the activists who've made their voices heard to demand change. I'm excited for the
future with ... with these young people, and their passion will do. I thank the good men and
women who became police officers for the right reasons. And I thank you, as the Council, for
the spot you're in. You can't make both sides happy in this, no matter what you do. It'll be too
much for some and nothing at all for others, but that's the job, and I think you're all up to it, and
I think you're doing your best. Thank you.
Teague: Thank you, Mark. Jaylen, welcome.
Cavil: Hi, my name is Jaylen Cavil. I just ... I wasn't even going to speak. I've just been listening. But
after hearing what Mark just said, I just had to raise my hand because I think it's, um, you know,
kind of wild for a white man to come on here and tell folks that we should be appreciative of
cops and that every community needs law enforcement. I think that's completely misguided.
And for him to use the trope of I know good cops and these cops want to help people just lets
me know that he really has no full understanding of what systemic racism is and what people
are talking about when they're talking about systemic racism in policing. For y'all to be
considering raising the budget of the Iowa City Police Department I think is abhorrent. I think
any City Council Member and the Mayor that vote yes on this is showing people exactly where
they stand, if they have not already shown that. You are completely disrespecting IFR and the
organizers and the activists. We've been fighting all summer long. And now to get this ... to get
the police department defunded. If you do vote yes on this, it will be a slap in the face of every
organizer and activist, and IFR specifically who deserves praise, who deserves to have a seat at
the table always, who deserves to be running these conversations and really be leading things.
You (garbled) need to reconsider disposition... and I really, really hope that you vote no on this.
Thanks.
Teague: Thank you. Is there anyone else that would like to address this topic? If so, please raise your
hand, and if you've already addressed this topic, we only ask that you address us once tonight.
Seeing no one, we are going to move on to item number 10, Planning and Zoning Matters.
10. Planning and Zoning Matters
10.a. Carson Farm Annexation — Resolution to annex approximately 196.17 acres of land
located west of Highway 218 and south of Rohret Road. (ANN20-0001) (Deferred from
12/1/20 and 12/15/21)
Teague: Could I get a motion to approve?
Salih: So move.
Mims: Second, Mims.
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Teague: Moved by Salih, seconded by Mims. And is there anyone in the public that, well, we're going
to go to staff presentation!
Sitzman: Good evening, Mayor. I really don't have a presentation on this one. If you'd like a recap, I
can give it to you quickly, but (mumbled) gave a presentation with the first reading back in
December.
Teague: I just noticed that we had a (laughs) a display, which (mumbled) totally used to that (laughs)
Sitzman: Sorry, I ... I can take those slides down for the ones where I won't give a presentation, if that's
helpful tonight.
Teague: No, you're fine. Yes, you're totally fine. Is there anyone from the public that would like to
address this topic? If so, please raise your hand. Welcome, Sara Baron, followed by Jon.
Barron: Hi, Council, thanks very much for the opportunity to speak tonight. I wanted to reiterate what
was discussed at your last Council meeting, which is that this annexation is a significant
opportunity for you all to put some guidelines and policies in place that will secure the type of
housing development you want to see in this area. It's not the only step in the process, but it is a
significant one, and if you are considering making changes to your affordable housing
requirements, I believe that you want to strongly consider waiting on this annexation until you
have a firmer idea of what that might look like. You'll be giving up a significant amount of
leverage if you move forward with the annexation tonight, without considering additional
changes you want to ... might want to make in securing affordable housing for the area. I know
you've had compelling arguments from both sides. But I also know that you're building a really
strong vision for what affordable housing should like... look like in this community and the
ways that should be integrated into our new neighborhoods, and I encourage you to think
carefully about the power that you have in this decision moving forward. Thank you.
Teague: Thank you. Welcome, Jon.
Mamer: Sorry, I was muted. Thank you, Mr. Mayor and Council Members. Jon Mamer, with MMS
Consultants. I want to take a moment first to thank you for your time and consideration of this
application. I know there's been a ... a healthy amount of discussion about this site, as the
previous speaker alluded to. There's been a lot of concerns raised. I believe that you all should
have a letter in front of you or should have received a letter dated December 9th from Jesse
Allen, that tried to address a lot of the ... some of the concerns that had been raised with some of
his responses. I'd like to take a moment to just briefly run through a few of those, and then I'll
be available for any questions if there's any questions from the Council Members. As you
know, it's ... the northern portion of this property is already annexed into the City, so that the
annexation is for the southern portion of the property and that's already listed in the City's
growth area. There's a current district plan for the area that was adopted in 2002. I know
there's additional work being started by staff, and has been in discussion with P&Z and staff and
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some stakeholders in the area for a ... updated comprehensive plan for the area. The previous
one identified areas of mixed-use, medium density, lower density, park areas, pedestrian trails,
neighborhood commercial areas. Right now as everyone knows, as you all know, there's no
commercial areas west of the interstate along Rohret Road. So anybody ...any of the
development on that side of town has to go across the interstate to get to some of those areas.
That master plan that was previously approved allocates some of this area to be neighborhood
commercial. So that would help alleviate some of that stress. There's been discussions from the
very beginning on the site with the School District about a new elementary school and possibly
middle school for the site. This would help alleviate some of the overcrowding issues at Weber
Elementary. It would help handle some of the more recent development just west of here on the
north side of Rohret Road for West Side Estates, along with any future development with this
subdivision, as well. Both of those would provide additional services. There's been discussion
about possibility for a fire station on the site. Again, that would be something that
would ... would be able to serve the area west of the interstate that currently that traffic has to
come all the way from Melrose and Benton, through a ... a heavier area on some arterial streets
and collector streets to get to the area. I alluded this already, there's... there's already
development that goes further west than this property. It extends further west along the north
side of Rohret Road, for another... about a mile and then another half mile out to Weber
Elementary. So this is already in a growth area, as I ... as I mentioned before, and we don't feel
it's a ... a situation of urban sprawl, but more an ar...opportunity to capitalize on some of the
infrastructure that's already in the place along Rohret Road, with the understanding that there
would have to be additional infrastructure put in to serve this area. Right now it's zoned
residential in Johnson County, and if you look at Johnson County, what they would allow.
Typically the lot size of it would be no smaller than a quarter acre in size, with an overall
density no less than one house per acre. It tends to favor a little bit larger development than
what's in the current comprehensive plan discussions with City staff about the... incorporating
the form based code for the project. This developer has experience in providing affordable
housing. They've agreed to the ... and are willing to work with the minimum 10% affordability
requirement that's already in place. We believe, they believe that it's in the City's best interest
to ensure higher density, mixed -income housing in this area, as opposed to developing under
Johnson County, where you would tend to have a little more ... lower density and ... and less
opportunities to provide a very ...varied mix in the housing types. And last, we understand that
there's still a lot of work to do on the site. It's... sewer isn't going to be available to the area
into ... until 2023, per the City's current plans. There's still significant opportunities to work with
City staff during the zoning process to address some of the concerns about the the types of
housing and the ... and the densities that would be allowed, as well as open space and some other
things of that type that have been proposed and discussed for the area. The annexation just is
that initial step to get the ball rolling and gives them the assurance that they can continue to
work with the City and City staff on that updated plan to try to meet the City's goals. Th ... they
have considered developing... the applicant wanted me to mention that they have ... they've
considered developing the southern portion within the county. They feel it's best ... in the best
interest for all parties involved to work with the City to develop the site, in a way that
complements existing growth in the area, and in a way that meets both the City's and the
applicant's concerns. We feel there's a lot of opportunity to do that in the area and provide
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something that the City and the developer can... can take pride in. And lastly, I'd say if the
Council does not feel there's going to be sufficient support for the resolution, we would request
that they defer the resolution indefinitely. Thank you.
Teague: Thank you. Nicholas, welcome.
Theisen: Hello, um, I just want to reiterate that, I mean, I've made my thoughts on this issue known
many times before. But I would add that it's interesting to me how it's always seems to be in the
City's interests to underwrite the profitability of some developers investment, cause that's really
what's going on here. Like, this annexation is about taking land that someone else has
essentially made a bet on and now wants you to actually make that bet good. That's what's
going on here. I mean, we can get into all sorts of issues about sort of like, you know, this just
gets the ball rolling or, you know, there will be Planning and Zoning issues down the line and if
there's already (mumbled) etc. None of that matters. The primary issue and the reason why
things like this (laughs) are so problematic is because what this developer is asking you to do is
to underwrite their investment. It's as simple as that. It has nothing to do with affordable
housing, because they always find a way around the the affordable housing requirements. Plus
the affordable housing requirements aren't that great to begin with. So what this really is about
is them asking you to make sure that they make money. That's really it. Thank you.
Teague: Thank you. Would anyone else like to address this topic? If so, please raise your hand, and if
you're on the phone, press *9. Seeing no one, Council discussion?
Salih: Susan, you are muted!
Mims: Thank you. I'm sorry. I haven't supported the annexation at this point in time and, this area has
been in the City's ... within the City's growth boundary for a long time. The trunk sewer has
been in our long-range CIP plan for quite some time. And I have never heard a single Councilor
question that, and I've been here for 11 years. Some people have been here for five years and
some less, and I don't recall anybody speaking against the plan to extend the ... the sewer out
there, which to me has meant that we have all believed in the fact and accepted the fact that this
at some point was a rational place to expand the city. We got information last time from staff on
how little land there is left within city limits for infill. We have certainly showed our concern
for lack of affordable housing within our community and as new land for development
decreases, and decreases within city limits, it is only going to push those numbers higher
because you can't add any housing. There is plenty of opportunity and I won't be here, but I
would strongly, strongly encourage Council, um, if this moves forward that you start very
quickly and get very actively involved in what do you want this area to look like. This
annexation does not define anything. It does not define housing types. It does not define the
density. It does not define open spaces. As they said, all of that will be part of the rezoning and
any other negotiations that they have with City for fire, with the School District for land for
schools. I do not see this, I mean, we as a city have said for a long time that we plan to expand
out here. There is no underwriting of a developer, any more than we have ever done when we
have expanded City infrastructure. I ... I don't believe that we are giving up leverage on
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affordable housing, unless the goal of this Council is to change that annexation policy, and I
don't ... I don't agree ... I would not agree with changing that annexation policy that requires the
10%. But I think this ... I think this developer is very interested in doing a lot of mixed- use
housing at different price points with a much higher density. Obviously the comprehensive plan
that's in place needs to be updated. Danielle talked about that last time. Staff is already starting
to look at that. And I think that's something that this Council very much wants to do. As I said
last time, I don't think any of us, and I certainly don't, want to see almost 200 acres of single-
family homes out there. I don't think that's in the best interest of our City at all, and certainly
not in helping to develop affordable housing. I don't see any reason that we need to delay the
annexation piece. We still have ample time to do all of the planning that we need from a new
comp plan, looking at zoning, all those kinds of things, and new affordable housing plan, etc.
and get those in place before that trunk sewer is out there in 2023. I think the annexation shows
good faith to the developer and the landowner that the City does want this in the City. We don't
want it developed under County standards, and that we're willing to move forward with them.
Thomas: Well, I'11...I'll start my ... my thoughts on this. You know, from our last meeting, uh, I ... I had
never really ...I stated at that meeting that I'm not in any way opposed to developing in this
particular area. My concern at the time was, you know, the question of meeting the cri ... all
three criteria, one of which had to do with the financial burden that such development might
incur for the City of Iowa City. Since ... since that discussion, you know, and the discussion has
really been kind of framed as this notion that, you know, it's the first step. There's plenty of
time to ... to look at the rezoning and all the rest of it. But what ... what came up at our last
meeting, and I ... I did spend some time during our break to follow up on this was the ... the fact
that this was an opportunity for revisiting or modifying our annexation policy. When that was
said, I thought, well that's interesting, and actually reached out to Sara Baron and had a
conversation with her, uh, looked up some codes in other cities to see what might be done. I
wasn't necessarily focusing on the 10% rule. You know, there are lots of other aspects to
annexation policy that I saw on some of these examples that I thought would be useful moving
forward, and I had hoped that we might be able to consider them. You know, I did talk today
with Eleanor through email, uh, Center... the... the example that I had found and felt, you know,
there was in her opinion some ... some elements there that we might want to consider. However,
we're in the ... in the midst here now of considering an annexation and that this is not really the
appropriate time. And then went on to say, you know, if the Council were to decide to defer on
this decision and take it up with, you know, through the ... through the ... all the various steps that
might be involved, going through Planning and Zoning, that that would be the way to do it.
And, you know, I, as I said, I am not opposed to developing this project. There's no one as a
developer I would like to work more with than Jesse Allen. I think Jesse Allen is a developer in
town who is actually willing to take chances, if that's the right word. (laughs) Maybe not the
right word. Willing to ... to look at development from different points of view than the
conventional subdivision. So in terms of achieving some of these things that we spoke about, I
think I like ... I would like working with Jesse on that ... on that process. But I ... I, you know,
in ... in thinking about this just over the last few hours, what ... what I would ... the scenario that I
would like to pursue would be an accelerated review of our annexation policy. Again, I'm not
really looking at radical change. I'm not interested necessarily in, you know, changing the
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percentage that would be affordable. But there are a whole range of other issues which could be
considered, and I think we have time to do that. I ... I would hope that Jesse would understand,
maybe I'm just speaking for myself, but I ... I'm interested in good faith, pursuing this project.
I'm not interested in voting no on it. I'm interested in trying to have in place those things which
will make it ... truly help better address our issues that we have with equity, as well as the other
factors that we talked about. So I don't particularly like the term defer indefinitely. I really
want to put a, you know, a time frame on it. But at this point, it does seem we are ... we are
missing an opportunity. The ... the annexation as it relates to the affordable housing component
of the annexation will be missed if we don't defer it at least for a brief period of time.
Bergus: So I ... I looked into the annexation policy after our last meeting and reviewed the ... the
resolution when it was adopted and the memos that went along with that, and that annexation
policy has only been in place for two years, and we've had one annexation under it. It's been
within the last year, and we celebrated it. We said this is a phenomenal step. This is what we
want. This has the affordable housing component, and while yes, we had discussions about
maybe fee in lieu is not exactly what we want. We have an agreement in front of us relating to
this annexation that includes the provision that if the resolution regarding the fee in lieu is
rescinded, it should be replaced with whatever is in place at the time ... that the ... that the
affordable housing component goes forward. So I really, really hesitate to defer on the idea that
we should revisit a well researched comprehensive policy about bringing land into our
community for development. I don't, I mean I ... I (laughs) I think this is our opportunity to
make it a part of the community that lives ... that expresses all of the things that we want. The
missing middle, the smart growth principles, the fact that if we have concerns about the cost of
this development not being sustainable or not being what, you know, not ... not making sense in
terms of the City's budget, we can influence that, right? We can make sure that the development
is in the zoning process and in ... in the regulatory overlay, if we do a form based code for it. We
can ensure that its done in a way that makes affordable housing as ... as appealing as possible,
as ... as ... as normal as possible for what this developer can do, right? As well as ... it's planned in
a way that is walkable, that has the school, that has the parks. I mean, we have all of these
opportunities in front of us, and I really just don't ... I don't want us to forego ... 200 acres of
expansion of our community when the applicant is telling us to defer indefinitely. I mean
that ... we don't get to say when it comes back ... if it's deferred indefinitely. That's up to them,
and we can say yes, and we can implement the policies that we've just recently adopted to ... to
go forward with that, or we can say no.
Teague: I guess for me, when this came up and I made mention of us pausing for a little bit, and I think
after hearing what Councilor Thomas just talked about it, and that's what I think he's asking for,
um, is a .... is a pause ... for some time just to review the annexation policy, and I understand that
you're exactly correct. This was just done in 2018. I ... I think where I am is just for us to.. just
take a look, pause, and see what we can create, if there is anything that can be created. Um, we
know that this ... this past year has brought about it, even with the climate change, and some of
that I know we can't get into. We can't get into the form based code. That's ... I know that that
takes time, and just like Councilor Mims talked about, there'll be much opportunity to ... to weigh
in on what's going to be proposed. So I'm fully aware. I think I would just go with Councilor
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Thomas and just say, let us defer this. As far as like deferring it indefinitely or deferring it with
a date. For one, I think we just heard it from the developers that they would ask us if we're
going to defer it, defer it indefinitely. I would probably go with their ...if...if we're going to
defer, I would go with what they've asked. Um, so for me, I would support deferring this item
and really looking at an accelerated review of the annexation policy.
Mims: Can I ask Eleanor a question, please? Eleanor, if we defer indefinitely, is it up to us or is it up to
the develop... developer to get it back on the agenda?
Dilkes: I think the developer could ask to put it back on there. I think that you could put it back on.
And, I mean, and ... then it would be up to the developer to either proceed with it or withdraw it.
Mims: So technically it's live for one of us put it back on the agenda, unless they said we're not
willing ... we don't even want to proceed with it.
Dilkes: Right.
Mims: Okay.
Dilkes: Yeah (both talking) I mean obviously the developer is going to have to be ... is going to have to
be interested in proceeding.
Mims: Right.
Salih: My question would be for the developer, why they said if you want to defer it, defer it indefinite.
What that supposed to me? I really don't understand. If that means like ... because we decide to
defer it or...I really don't know. I don't want to say like make up an answer for that. But
normally when we defer something, we defer it just to discuss it and come back, uh, talk about,
you know, like ... just like bringing more information or maybe just doing something and come
back to it, but their ask to me is where ... like if you defer ...if you want to defer it, like do it or if
you decide to defer it, defer it indefinitely. What that mean?
Frain: I may be able to shed some light on that and then certainly Jon can jump back on maybe and
correct me if I'm wrong, but you know, the ... the issues the Council's talking about are ... are not
likely to be solved in one meeting. If you have a discussion on the annexation policy, short of
you saying the current policies fine, let's get this back on the agenda and approve it. You're
going to be into a ... a layered process in order to resolve whatever issues that you set out to
resolve. Remember the annexation policies is part of the comprehensive plan. It's not just a ... a
simple policy that you change. There's a ... there's a whole comprehensive plan amendment
process. There's Planning and Zoning Commission meetings. There's public input meetings. I1
will be really hard for the developer to suggest deferral to a specific date, knowing that you
want to amend this ... this policy. Same with the form based code, you know, we're getting close
to being able to present that to you and to the Planning and Zoning Commission, but as staff I
can't give the developer a hard date and... and say the annexation policy or the form based code
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will be decided by then. So that's probably my guess the reason for the ... the indefinite deferral,
because there's really no set timeline on ... on the resolution to whatever concerns you have.
Mamer: If I may, Mr. Mayor and Council, I ... I'll echo what Geoff stated. It's not a ... it's not a ... attempt
to just push it out indefinitely, as much it is ... an uncertainty about what that process would look
like, and trying to ... to allow time to try and get it moving as quickly as possible, I think.
Council Member Thomas alluded to trying to fast track that process a little bit. So the indefinite
time frame is more a ... a nod to the fact that there's a lot of steps that need to take place. We'd
have to work through them, you know, ideally as quickly as possible. But to put a time frame
on it is ... is, I think, challenging at best, especially right now without having some of those initial
conversations, maybe in a work session about what that ... what that might look like from
the ... from the Council standpoint about some of their expectations. Again, Council Member
Thomas alluded to some ideas, you know, having an opportunity to hear some of those ideas
and maybe that frames a little bit ... does a little bit better job of framing how quickly things
could move forward, as opposed to being indefinite.
Mims: Can I (garbled) if we're looking ... a comp plan amendment, a zoning process, and then back to
Council, we've got to be looking at least six months, don't we, or longer?
Sitzman: Three to four months would be the normal process with this. I'm ... wasn't involved in ... in the
initial adoption, but I'm sure it had steps before Planning Commission that we would want to
check in and see if we need to go back even maybe a step closer to the grassroots and do some
other stakeholder engagement, rather than just starting with Planning Commission.
Fruin: I think one of the things that Council needs to remember about the policy is that the policy kind
of...it sets the broad base numbers, that 10%, that 20 years, but it gives the City and... and, you
know, staff and ... and the Council really the ability to shape that however you want it. So if
ifs ... if it's, you know, an emphasis on fee in lieu, you know, that can be communicated to staff.
If it's an emphasis on avoiding fee in lieu, that can be, you know, emphasized to staff and we
can work that into the eventual affordable housing agreement that has to be signed. So if it's a
matter of execution of..of.... and ... and you're comfortable with that I0 ... uh, 10%, 20 year
framework, then you don't need to amend the plan. You probably need to have some
discussions between now and 2023 or 2024, when that ... when that zoning comes back, on what
your expectations are. Now if you're ... if you want to throw out the 10% in 20, uh, 20 years, if
you want to throw that out and start completely over, that's when you're starting to talk about a
half a year's process and ... and you can't accelerate public meetings, the public meeting
schedule. So that's just what you're... that's the path you're going down.
Dilkes: I'd add to that too, that the ... the policy also, um, contemplates ownership by an affordable
housing provider, and we are in a far better place to frame what that affordable housing looks
like than we are, you know, in the rezoning context with ... with RFC. I think another thing
that ... that you really need to ... to give some thought to is the legislature is back in session, and
we don't know what proposals might be made when they come back in session ... in terms of
what the authority of a city is with respect to affordable housing.
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Taylor: Well I'm going to be kind of the odd man out on this because my...my decision on this really
doesn't even lie on ... on annexation, the annexation policy and revisiting that. It's more on my
belief that ... and this is coming from west side, where I live on the west side, that expansion to
the western outskirts of our city just doesn't seem to be what our community needs right now.
Looking down the road, we've talked about some of our departments are taxed as it is for
equipment and for personnel, and you're looking at needs for police and fire and transit and the
parks maintenance and the streets maintenance, you know, all of these things. And granted,
that's further down the line, but that's still going to come out of our budget, which, you know,
we're talking about this, and ... and it's kind of tight and could get even tighter. As (mumbled) as
you mentioned, Eleanor, about the the legislature. We don't know what's going to come out of
that either as far as funding to the cities and those kinds of things. So it just concerns me, and I
think that the developer has some kind of lofty ideas of what ... what would be in this
development, as ... such as like the commercial aspect of it. I ... I just can't see that.
Dilkes: Hey, just to clarify. I was referring to something more, such as what happened in the legislature
with the rental permit caps.
Teague: I wonder if Councilor Weiner wanted to chime in, um, and any more comments from Counc...
Mayor Pro Tem?
Weiner: (mumbled) what to say or what not to say ...at this point. I tend ... I'm on, having listened to
everyone, it still strikes me as an opportunity and essentially I'm looking for—if I'm looking for
a metaphor, sort of clay, which we can work with and put our imprint on, and in some senses
to ... to mix my metaphors, it's when I think about what Councilor Taylor just said. It's a little bit
of chicken and egg because as ... if we expand ... as we expand our city and expand housing
opportunities and expand mixed housing and denser housing, that also increases the tax base,
and so the tax base also allows for expansion of services. So that's not a particular ...I mean, yes,
we want to find out what it would cost, but that ... as ... as we move along, but that's not so much a
concern of mine. Actually as someone who lives on the west side, I would welcome the
potential for ...for more commercial. I worry that as Councilor Mims said earlier, that if we ... and
I think Councilor Bergus said that if we turn .... if we turn this down or...or push it off
substantially, that ultimately what ... what we may be doing if we don't ... if we don't get around to
finishing whatever project, the project with either the annexation policy or...or affordable
housing, that ... that we could end up with a bunch of...with ... with a number of county lots there
instead, which I don't think is what we want on that end of the city. So, I mean, I ... I come down
right now on the side of bringing it into the City and have ... and us having the opportunity to ... to
mold this, and work with City staff and work with a developer and make it into the the portion
of the community that ... that we want to see, rather than sort of potentially closing off
opportunity.
Salih: Yeah, I haven't really talk about my opinion on this. (mumbled) asking about the deferring, but
thank you, Mayor. I would like just say this is the .... this is almost 200 acres in the west side. It
is not like really small amount of land, and, you know, the west side right now become very
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expensive, by the way, for like houses (mumbled) rent. If you rent over there, they are always
high and, you know, if you buy or anything is still high. So I ... I really don't want to see our city
(mumbled) become segregated by income, where like the wealthy people would live on that
area and with .... that's why for me, it is very important to have affordable housing in this
project, is this almost 200 acres (garbled) have affordable houses, because we won't be able to
be ... like certain people to live in this (mumbled) We need like a lot of people who can afford it.
How people can afford it to have affordable house there. I understand that the 10% is new for
the annexation, for affordable housing for 10 year, but just we talked about it last year during
Black Life Matter, and one of the thing that we talk about was affordable housing... changing the
affordable housing plan, and the ... the 10% that we have for annexation and for 10% of
affordable housing for new building. I always was saying is not enough. And even though it is
new and we have to celebrate that. We have it. You know before, like if we look up like many
years ago, we don't even have this. Yeah, you know, thank you for... for... for at least we
implemented, but this is not enough. That's why I believe we need to wait on this until we
change our annexation policy, and try to figure out what we want to do exactly, since we
already committed to (mumbled) to do affordable housing plan, and that's will be one of them.
I would rather defer it, and... but I'm going to be just like, you know, Councilor Thomas. I'm
not (mumbled) this at all ,you know, I want this to be developed. I will support the
development here and the annexation, but (garbled)
Taylor: Mayor Pro Tem Salih, you... actually hit a raw nerve for me, and ... and almost am ... am changing
my opinion on ... on this piece, because you talked about the wealthy and ... and we are seeing
that, you know, homes 350, $400,000 and my fear then is, it's been mentioned, if...if we don't
annex it and it goes to the County and the County approves a development there, that's quite
likely what'll be there, more ... more of these 350, $450,000 homes for the wealthy, and there
goes the divide in our community again. So in that respect it...it would be a good thing for us to
annex it, and as I think... who... who said that? Oh, Janice I think, talked about molding and, you
know, being able to have this piece of clay and mold that area to what we would like to see it.
So you almost convinced me on that when ... when you talked about that and the wealthy.
Teague: I can't tell you what the County would do, but I ... I don't think this is a likely... personally that's
something that the County would take up, but I don't know that. I don't know that. I ... what I do
hear so far is, Councilor Taylor, you're not certain where you are. Um, I hear three
deferrals... that actually support the project (laughs) with a little pause, with a little accelerated
review, and that ... that may not mean, um, a ... a real policy review or ..or a real policy change. It
could mean something different. I don't know that. So I hear those three, and then I hear kind
of three yeses, but Councilor Taylor, I'm not sure if we ... we could either, um, defer
it ... indefinitely or if...if Councilor Taylor (laughs) It would be nice for me to know. Um, I
guess that's not right for me to put you on the spot, but...
Taylor: Mayor, I guess I was more strongly the last time and going into today, uh, not in favor of the
annexation. So it probably wouldn't... wouldn't be really fair, especially not truly knowing. I
can't second guess the County either in what they would ... if they would even choose to approve
development there. So I would probably go with ... with not approving it.
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Teague: Okay. So I guess I...
Dilkes: I'm sorry, can we just get some clarification? Is ... is it already zoned in the county or is a
rezoning required?
Sitzman: Let me check, Eleanor. I was just going to put up the map, but I didn't want to accidentally
show everybody my(both talking)
Dilkes: I mean, I want to make sure your (mumbled) information.
Sitzman: Yeah, I believe it's zoned residential, and I can also look up for you whether it's in their
growth plan. Just a second.
Mims: The other thing I would just mention, and I have no idea what the agreements are, but, Eleanor
mentioned this last time. Lots of times in these situations, there are, you know, contracts in
place to purchase based on ... like based on an annexation, and you never know when those
expire. You know, since they're asking for indefinite deferral, my assumption probably is they
do have some time to work on ... for us to work on this, but I guess when I hear that from John,
that you're not necessarily talking about changing that 10%, then I guess I don't ... I guess if we're
not going to change... necessarily change that piece of it, change that 10% for 20 years, which is
what the current annexation policy is, then I guess I question can't we work on the rest of that
once we've gotten it annexed because we still have those agreements to negotiate and put in
place as we work with the developer. I ... I just, you know, we have no more land in Iowa City to
develop. We always talk about how affordable is so important. We need to expand out there. I
think you keep delaying, you also increase the cost of development. People talk about how hard
it is to develop with Iowa City sometimes. I ... I guess I'm not sitting here really seeing
how ...what we are really gaining with the wait, and I think Councilor Bergus put it really well. I
mean, we've got a ... we've got a policy that we put in place just two years ago after significant
research and significant discussion. Community felt really good that that was a change that we
got in place. And we've done all of one annexation, and now we're saying we need to change it
again. And ... I don't know. I guess I'm just questioning the need for the delay.
Thomas: In response to that, as I ... as I mentioned I did speak with Sara, and also forwarded to ... at least
the one example I had that I was looking at in terms of an annexation policy, to Eleanor and,
you know, I think the sense I had from ... from Eleanor and even probably to a larger extent you
heard Sara this evening, was while what we have in place, I think we all felt pretty good about,
uh, it could be better. And so that's... that's kind of where I ended there. It seemed to me that,
uh, yes, we could try to negotiate those things. As I said, I ... I have enjoyed, you know, in my
time here working with Jesse Allen on projects. I think he's one of the more open-minded
developers we have in terms of working with ... whether it's the neighborhood or staff, on ... on
coming up with creative solutions, but it does seem to me we have time, um, to have, you know,
to have, as Bruce called it, that pause and ... and call for, you know, an accelerated process, as I
was suggesting, to see how we can improve the policy, um... within a reasonable time frame,
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and that ... frankly it give ... may give us more time to also, not that it's... its necessary, but I ... I see
this project moving forward on all fronts. I ... it's not as if, you know, I ... as I said at the ... at the
outset, I ... I would like to see this project move forward. I would like to see it... frankly I wish
we had a better comprehensive plan. That's another one of my frustrations is we're working
from an outdated comprehensive plan. To ... to have a little bit more conversation about what the
vision for this development might be, but I think, yeah, specific to the annexation and
affordable housing, it did seem that this is not simply a formality in this regard. Ifs ... it is
the ... the best opportunity we have to try to identify how we can improve our affordable housing
policy, as it relates to annexation.
Dilkes: John, I'm gonna have to clar...I'm gonna have to clarify my comments to you. I ... I was not
commenting on ... on the substance of the ordinance that you sent me at all. I did not review that
ordinance, other than to see that it was an annexation ordinance. The point of my comment was
simply that ... the time to do that is not in the context of a pending annexation. When ... that that
needs to be reviewed... under the current comprehensive plan, and that if you...you wanted to
take up that discussion you could, but it certainly was not my intention to review that from a
substantive perspective and give you any opinion on that.
Thomas: No, I didn't ... I didn't, as I said, sense that ... that you were strongly supporting what was in that
ordinance. I think the word you used may be useful ... I don't recall your exact language, but in
any event, you know, the stronger point that you were making was that if Af we wanted to do
this, here's... here's what we would need to do. And so that's what I'm discussing tonight, and
I ... I do hope we can, if we were to go down this route, you know, take an aggressive,
accelerated approach toward coming up with the language, so we ... we can then approve the
annexation.
Teague: I wanted to have Danielle respond. Thank you.
Sitzman: Thank you, Mayor. I have had a chance to double check. It is currently zoned Johnson
County (R) district, which is up to four units per acre, and it's actually on their future land use
map. So their intention for this long-term planning wise is that this area would develop as
residential. So they've identified it as an area that's appropriate for county residential
development.
Salih: Eleanor, I have a question for you. I really don't know yet where we are landing and if it's going
to move forward or not, but that's question just for you, Eleanor (mumbled) the current policy is
for annexation, which is the 10% and everything, but if the developer come up with their own
plan for affordable housing that the Council like, even though the current policy, they have the
right to use the current policy. I understand that. But if they come with like more thing or
more, um, ideas, because they talked about the mixed -income housing and all this, while I guess
the developer was presenting. I just want to know if they came up with this kind of like
proposer, can we still move for it and that's will be something that we can do for affordable
housing?
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Dilkes: Well I ... I think the whole form ... I think the whole form based code provides an opportunity to
review what other types of strategies you can use to make housing affordable. There's been talk
about allowing duplexes, not just on comers, but in other places, etc. I ... and clearly, if the
developer chose, you know, when they ...when they get down the road and ... and have ... have
penciled all this out and then figured out exactly what they're going to do. That they wanted to
provide more affordable housing than what they were obligated to provide under... under the
annexation agreement, they could certainly do that.
Teague: So I did want to maybe just chime in, at least here, to figure out ... I think we either need to hear
a deferral, a motion for deferral, and if there is going to be movement during this time to do
some review, maybe we should at least assign two Coun... I don't know if Council is
comfortable... assigning maybe two Councilors, uh, with the City Manager to have a discussion,
because I think the challenge the last time was ... there was no movement. We deferred it and
there was no movement.
Mims: Well (both talking)
Fruin: I think if you defer it because of the split on Council, you need to have those deliberations,
probably in a work session with the whole group and not ... not just two. If...if...it's a little
different if there seems to be a unanimous feeling on an issue, but when there's a split like this,
it's ... it's probably best to have a special work session or...or just dedicate one of your regular
work sessions to the topic.
Teague: Okay. So then I ... go right ahead, Councilor Mims.
Mims: I'm sorry. I guess, you know (garbled) thought came to me as Eleanor made her comments.
I ... I almost feel like ... here we are in the middle of a process. Somebody has spent the time and
energy to bring a proposal to us, and we're at the point of having to vote on that proposal, and
now all of a sudden we're saying, oh, wait a minute, we want to change the rules before we vote
on the proposal. I guess I don't feel like that's ... I don't think it's a good way to do business. I
don't think that's a good way to work with our constituents within our community, when
we've ... we've had no discussion about changing that. I realize we need to get a new affordable
housing plan put in place. It's going to take time. That's not going to happen overnight. And so
the question is do you ... do you almost put all of your development on pause while you're trying
to do those things? I don't think that's a positive thing for this community. And as much as we
talk about an expedited approach to this, again, depending upon the kinds of decisions that have
to be made, as the City Manager said, you ... you can't rush public input and public hearings and
things like that. So I think it's really hard to know the length of time that it's going to take. We
still have, you know, three plus years to negotiate an awful lot of stuff before they can get the
rezoning that they need to actually start doing the development. And so I think ... to me it's like
we're changing rules in the middle of the game when somebody's already brought a proposal to
the table, like, oh, wait a minute. We want to change the rules before we vote on this proposal.
And I just don't see that as a particular, I guess I won't say it's not ethical, but I just don't see it
as a good way of doing business with our constituents.
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Salih: I think, Councilor Mims, you are completely right, uh, that we cannot change the rule in the
middle of just somebody... like just bring something and we decide, you know
what ... hmmm... let us change the rules so you're going be the first to apply to it. That's could be
right if we really did not decide this to be change long time ago, even before we know
(mumbled) We decide to look into our affordable housing policy and annexation policy during
this Black Life Matter, and we said this is one of our priority. We already said that. Why is not
the opposite? Because they knew that going to be change, they hurry up and bring this. How
about that? I don't want to put anything like this side or this side, but we already talked about
this, and we already said this is not enough. We've been talking about affordable housing
forever. That there is not enough affordable housing here. So I don't think we are changing this
because they just brought. We talked about this before, and that (mumbled) the reason we have
it on our master plan ... our, um, strategic plan that we need to change the affordable housing
plan. So we had this already (mumbled) been written... before we ... we did not show up today
and decide just to do that.
Teague: So I wonder if, um, if we're ready to take either a motion or a vote on this item. And it sounds
like we ... I know that we've had discussions about comp plan (laughs) form based code, and all
this other stuff. And so I feel like it would be appropriate to have it on a work session in the
future, if people are in agreement with that, uh, regardless of what happens here. But I would
entertain either a ... either a motion to defer... otherwise...
Mims: Before we get the motion, I think ... I mean I think if this is gonna ... if this can pass, I think we
need to vote to pass it. So I think everybody needs to commit to how they would vote if we
have a motion -we have a motion on the floor to pass it. So I think we need (garbled) from
everybody of how they're going to vote before we vote, cause the applicant has said if we're not
going to pass it, they want ... they would prefer that we do an indefinite deferral. So I would vote
yes.
Teague: So I think ... so I think ... are there ... we know Councilor Bergus is supporting this, and we know
Councilor Weiner is supporting this. Is there anyone else supporting this? To ... to move in its
current state. So there isn't. And if we do vote it up or down, it ... I mean, it leaves, it's done. It
doesn't come back ... unless it go through the entire ... I think it has to go through the process of P
& Z again.
Mims: Well, they've got to change it too. So no, I mean I think if (mumbled) votes to pass it, to me we
honor the developer's request and vote for deferral.
Bergus: I agree.
Salih: I would put a motion to defer it ... indefinitely, as, uh, by the request of the developer.
Teague: Can I get a second? And that ... Mayor Pro Tem made the motion.
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Thomas: Second, Thomas.
Teague: And we'll do a roll call on this. Roll call please. Motion passes 7-0.
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10.b. Carson Farm Rezoning — Ordinance conditionally rezoning approximately 196.17
acres of land located west of Highway 218 and south of Rohret Road from County
Residential (R) and County Urban Residential to Interim Development Single -Family
Residential (ID -RS) zone.
Teague: I'm going to open the public hearing, and is there anyone in the public that would like to
address this topic? If so, please raise your hand. Welcome, Jon.
Mamer: I thank you, Mr. Mayor and Council Members. We would request this be deferred indefinitely
as well, based on the previous resolution.
Teague: Okay.
Dilkes: Um ... the ... the indefinite deferral of this is a little more complicated cause the public hearing
hasn't been closed. We can do that, just understanding that we're going to have to re -notice the
public hearing.
Teague: So I will close the public hearing and then ... we'll have to re -notice it. Is that correct?
Dilkes: Actually you can ... you can close the public hearing and then we don't even have to,...there's not
an issue. Just close the public hearing and then just defer the first consideration of the
or...ordinance indefinitely.
Teague: Okay. All right. Um, I think I should allow anyone else to speak on the public hearing. If
anyone else would like to address this topic, please raise your hand at this point. Hearing no
one, I'm going to close the public hearing. And could I get a motion to defer this indefinitely?
Weiner: So moved, Weiner.
Thomas: Second, Thomas.
Teague: Roll call, uh, Council discussion?
Frain: Mayor, if I may. Whether tonight or not, staff is going to need some direction on ... on how to
respond, if you want something scheduled at your next work session or if you're looking for
staff research on a particular issue. We're going to need some direction.
Mims: I guess for me, I'd like to hear what Council Members are thinking too, so whatever you're
looking at, John, so the rest of us can see it. And then we ... yeah, we need to have some
discussion.
Thomas: Well I .... I can certainly send you what I found. I ... I think it would be important, and I was,
you know, just in the beginnings of the process of discussing this with the Affordable Housing
Coalition. So, you know, identifying... and I thought the, you know, the process that we saw
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with the Community Police Review Board, their recent recommendations, you know, that kind
of format where we do a, you know, best practices analysis quickly with the Affordable Housing
Coalition and staff, uh, to identify opportunities for improving, you know, our annexation,
affordable housing policy would be a strategy to ... to pursue.
Mims: And I would suggest developers are included in that as well (both talking) We did that with
Riverfront Crossings and ... and we've got to make sure they're still going to be willing to build
and they can still make a profit (both talking)
Thomas: (both talking) ...Affordable Housing Coalition has builders, but also sure ... be sure to include
the builders.
Frain: So we're going to run this parallel but separate from the affordable housing plan that we're
kicking off this year, is that correct? Then we'll try to move this policy review faster than
everything else we're doing with the affordable housing plan. Is that what I'm hearing then?
Teague: I personally... I'm comfortable with that. Because we'll have stakeholders there. That...
developers, afford .... you know, affordable housing professionals ... a ... a few! I'm not saying we
need the whole gamut. But...
Salih: If you believe that this is going to take long time to do the whole plan and it will be shorter time
for us just to do (mumbled) and was conduct with the Affordable Housing Coalition, of course.
Why not, lets do it because we really don't want out ... our aim is not delaying their project at all
because we would like to support it (mumbled) project. (mumbled) is the better.
Frain: Yeah, I guess and I don't want to ... I know it's been a long time on this topic. I don't want to
belabor it, but it ... it's hard for ...it's hard for staff to ... to go and just approach, in this case the
Affordable Home ... Homes Coalition and ... and developers and say we need to redo this
annexation policy, without really knowing what the shortcomings are and Council's views. You
know, what is it ... what is it that you want to see improved. IVs ... it's kind of...ifs just a little
unclear now. I think a ... a group discussion from Council, and ... and allowing you to articulate
your ...your goals, your hopes for the policy, might be ... might be helpful. Otherwise I'm just
afraid we're going to get a group together and everybody's going to be sitting in one of these
Zoom calls staring at each other, trying to figure out what the City wants.
Mims: I would agree. I think we need to start with a Council discussion (garbled) session.
Salih: But to be honest with you, Geoff, like for me, I would like to see affordable housing. I would
like to see like lowest price housing and everything, but I'm not expert. I don't have any
experience on that. So first I need to hear from the people who have experience to give us
ideas, and after that we can bring this ideas. I ... I really believe that I can just say, Hey, you
know, Geoff, we want to have 50% of this affordable housing. It's not realistic. You know, I ... I
just believe that we really need to conduct with the people who really ...if they can bring us
recommendations to start with, the discussion with the Council, and after if...if we ... if we agree
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with that, that's will be good. But before we get some recommendation from people who have
this experience, how can we just talk about it?
Bergus: Do we have reason to believe that ... that the process that happened in 2018 didn't do what we're
talking about, or I mean... that's... that's what I'm missing, like being familiar with who was on
Council at the time and kind of what the priorities were. I'm ... I'm concerned about us spending
a lot of energy doing the same thing and maybe coming up with the same conclusions. I would
ask at the very least that we review the... the... the work product that was considered and
approved by the last Council, um, in the context of our conversation.
Salih: Laura, the last (garbled) they start the basement. They really... before then, it wasn't like that
heavy of affordable housing policies, and they just started, and when we come with the need of
the community and all this Black Life Matters and all the people come and speak about it. We
just start thinking that this is not enough. We need to do more. That's all. I don't say by any
means they did not do a good job. They did amazing job by starting like this kind of policy, but
that's my own opinion. We would like to see ... I would like (garbled) let me put it that way.
Mims: Well, I think this is getting really mixed up with just changing an annexation policy and then
trying to get the whole affordable housing policy updated before we do this. I mean, I'm
hearing both messages and so, I mean, maybe I'm misunderstanding the Mayor Pro Tem, but I'm
getting the sense that you're talking about a more comprehensive ... getting the more
comprehensive affordable housing policy done before we do .... okay, then I'm misunderstanding
you.
Salih: No, I (mumbled) Geoff said that if...like doing that would take long time, let us just focus on the
annexation only.
Dilkes: At the same time though I'm ... I know you need input from other people, but I think just in terms
of getting some basic direction from the ... from the Council. For instance, are we talking about
substantively in terms of the 10% threshold and the 20 -year threshold, or are we talking
about ... or is it an and, or are we talking about the ways in which that affordable housing
obligation can be ... can be met. I mean, just some basic ... we could look at ordinances in other
cities for ...from now until eternity, but we need some direction from the Council as to where
you want this to ... to go.
Teague: So I ... I think I'm hearing overall there being a work session, uh, from Council. We can
certainly invite anyone that is a .... a affordable housing specialist to weigh in, and we can
certainly reach out between now and the next Council meeting. So I think people are amenable
to putting this on the work session, and so let's just go with that for a future work session, and
we'll try to get it on as soon as possible.
Salih: And, Mayor, I really would like, yeah, I agree 100%, but I would like to encourage all the people
have experience like affordable housing (mumbled) and Habitat for Humanity, any people who
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really have experience with this to send us something about this topic, and, you know, I really
encourage you to do that.
Teague: Great! All right, any other comments from Councilors? Roll call please. Motion passes 7-0.
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10.c. Rezoning — 410 and 412 N. Clinton Street — Ordinance rezoning property located at
410-412 North Clinton Street from High Density Multi -Family Residential (RM -44) to
RM -44 with a Historic District Overlay (RM-44/OHD). (REZ20-0009)
1. Public Hearing
Teague: And I'm going to open the public hearing.
Sitzman: Good evening, Mayor. I'll give a brief presentation on this one for you tonight, and I'll take
the slides down so they're not in your way. This is a request for a historic overlay rezoning of
the property located... indicated in white on the slide at 410, 412 North Clinton Street by the
current owners, Jeff and Brian Clark. See if I can advance my slides here. This is the existing
zoning, with the underlying zoning would not change. It would still be RM -40, sorry, PRM.
I'm sorry, it would be RM- 44 with the overlay zoning district over top of it. There are
additional applications that coincide with some property to the south of this, which would be
changing its zoning designation. This property would only be having the historic district
overlay applied to it. This is for a house that's been before the Council before and talked about
frequently in the past, but it's a stately two-story brick Italianate style house that's been
reviewed by the Historic Planning Commission. As you'll recall, the designation was attempted
previously under the application submitted by the City in 2018, which failed. After that failure,
staff began working with the applicant to find a way to get the historic designation made. As I
mentioned, there are some other applications in conjunction with this, dealing with the PRM
text amendment and rezoning of adjacent property to a PRM zone. Because this is a landmark
designation applied through zoning overlay, it is reviewed both by the Historic Preservation
Commission and the Planning and Zoning Commission. As well as in 2018 and with this
application, the Historic Preservation Commission has conducted their hearings and evaluated
the historic significance of the property and found that it meets requirements for landmarking.
The Planning and Zoning Commission did also look at the required requirements for the
rezoning application itself and has found that the historic preservation is well within the goals
and vision of the comprehensive plan. As I mentioned, there's other applications that have
started and are awaiting this case to catch up with it before they are completed. There .... the
following agenda items on your agenda tonight. This is the first reading of this case. It would
have at least one or two more if condensed, not condensed, and then all three of the rezoning of
the adjacent property, the text amendment for the PRM zone, and this rezoning would conclude
at the same time. So based on the applicable review criteria staff did recommend designation,
the Historic Preservation Commission concurred with that and made their own findings as to its
landmark significance, and the Planning and Zoning Commission is recommending it to you
tonight for approval. That concludes my staff report.
Teague: Thank you. Any questions for Danielle, Councilors? All right, is there anyone in the public
that would like to address this topic? If so, please raise your hand.
Salih: I'm sorry, my ... you know, my internet connection wasn't good when she was talking about why
did we deny this last time, if you can just give me overview for that very quick.
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Sitzman: The last application was forwarded ... uh, the applicant was the City and the property owner
objected to the designation, and so the Council did not designate it at that time.
Mims: It required a super -majority, and you and I voted against it, Maz.
Salih: Yeah, I was thinking about that and (mumbled) or not. I was like yeah.
Teague: All right. No other questions for Danielle? Is anyone in the public ... would you like to address
this topic? If so, please raise your hand. Seeing no one, Council, are you inclined to support
P&Z's recommendation? I'm seeing the majority of -all right! So I'm going to close the public
hearing. Could I give a (garbled) could I get a motion to give first consideration?
2. Consider an Ordinance (First Consideration)
Mims: So moved, Mims.
Salih: Second, Salih.
Teague: Council discussion?
Mims: I'll just ... as the Mayor Pro Tem just asked, you know, what happened last time. This was
brought forth by the City. The owner at the time was opposed. It required a super -majority by
Council, and speaking for myself, but I believe the Mayor Pro Tem kind of felt the same way,
that with a rezoning for historic preservation and the property owner opposed to it, we were not
inclined to ... to kind of go against the property owner's wishes. I ... I know that's how I felt. I
believe that's how Mayor Pro Tem felt. In this case with the owners being in support of it, then
I will certainly support it.
Salih: Well said, yeah.
Teague: All right. Hearing no other comments, roll call please. Motion passes 7-0.
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11. Scott Boulevard Trunk Sewer Extension — Resolution approving project manual and
estimate of cost for the construction of the Scott Boulevard Trunk Sanitary Sewer
Extension Project, establishing amount of bid security to accompany each bid, directing
City Clerk to post notice to bidders, and fixing time and place for receipt of bids.
1. Public Hearing
Teague: I'm going to open the public hearing ... and welcome.
Sovers: Good evening, Mayor and Council. Scott Sovers, Assistant City Engineer. Just have a couple
quick slides for you in regards to this project. As Jason had mentioned this afternoon during the
CIP budget meeting, this project generally includes the extension of a 24 -inch, excuse me,
sanitary sewer from the Iowa Interstate Railroad, northerly along the north branch of the Snyder
Creek, to the American Legion Road. The main purpose of this project is to support existing
and proposed growth within the sewer shed. And then as well as to decommission the Windsor
Ridge sanitary sewer lift, which is located just north of American Legion Road. The graphic
that I'm showing to the lower right, basically shows ... I know it's kind of hard to read, but it
shows the ... the sewer shed itself, that the ... the sewer would service, which is outlined in orange,
which is basically bound on the west by Scott Boulevard, north by Court Street, east by Taft,
and then the railroad to the south. The estimated construction cost for this project is roughly 1.6
million. Schedule, we're hosting a public hearing tonight. The bid letting is scheduled for
January 26`s. We'll award it ... the February 2nd Council meeting, and then construction may
start as soon as February, and then continue through most of the construction season through
September of 21. That concludes my presentation. I'd be happy to answer any questions you
may have.
Teague: Thank you. Any questions by Council?
Bergus: I'm just curious on that aerial photo where the city limits are in relation to ... that ... is that easy to
point out?
Sovers: Sure. Let me go back to that. So the city limits in terms of over here on Taft, is that what
you're asking?
Bergus: Sorry! I was just looking at how far outside of the sewer area and ... as far as the sewer shed,
the city limits are.
Sovers: So ... (both talking)
Bergus: Is it like in the red line on that? (laughs)
Severs: This right here?
Bergus: Yeah.
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Severs: So no, the ... that would be outside of the city limits.
Bergus: Okay. And the ... the area that the sewer's being installed itself.
Sovers: The area where it's being installed is right ... right here on the red line, or this black line that
falls kind of the red area up to American Legion Road. So American Legion Road is
right ... right along this line here.
Bergus: Okay.
Fruin: Ifs ... it's in the county. This is not city (mumbled) this isn't within our jurisdiction. This is being
built in the county. The mobile home parks, which you see to the left of your screen there, the
West. Those are in the county as well. So you can think of our city limits as ... as Scott
Boulevard. All the farm fields that you see predominantly are going to be county property,
that ... that we presumably will annex over time. And then Windsor Ridge, of course, is in the
city, which is most of what you see towards the top of your screen.
Severs: Yeah, and then the school.
Bergus: Perfect! Okay. Thank you, Geoff and Scott. I was just wanting to be really explicit about that,
given our trunk sewer extension discussion for other areas outside of the city limits. Thank you.
Teague: All right, any other questions? Anyone from the public like to address this topic? If so please
raise your hand. I'm going to close the public hearing. Could I get a motion to approve?
2. Consider a Resolution
Bergus: So moved, Bergus (garbled)
Taylor: Second, Taylor.
Teague: All right, moved by Bergus, seconded by Taylor. Council discussion? Roll call please.
Motion passes 7-0.
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12. Human Rights Ordinance Update — Ordinance amending Title 2 of the City Code, entitled
"Human Rights," to update methods of service allowed. (First Consideration)
Teague: Could I get a motion please?
Weiner: So moved, Weiner.
Salih: Salih, second.
Teague: Moved by Weiner, seconded by Salih. And staff presentation. Welcome, Stefanie.
Bowers: Thank you. Good evening, everyone. So this is a simple amendment to the Human Rights
ordinance to allow staff to send documents to parties involved in a complaint of discrimination
via email or via personal service. During this pandemic we have found that people are reluctant
or hesitant to pick up certified mail. And also many of the parties, particularly the respondents,
are working remotely, which has resulted in delays of them receiving documents that we're
sending them. So this change would simply allow us to investigate complaints and make
decisions on complaints in a more timely manner.
Teague: Any questions for Stefanie? All right, anyone from the public like to address this topic? If so,
please raise your hand. Seeing no one, Council discussion? Roll call please. Motion passes 7-0.
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13. Purchase of 2021 Taylor Drive — Resolution approving a purchase agreement for a duplex
property located at 2021 Taylor Drive for the South District Home Investment
Partnership Program.
Teague: Could I get a motion to approve?
Taylor: Approve, Taylor.
Salih: Second.
Teague: Moved by Taylor, seconded by Salih, and staff presentation. Hello, Erika.
Kubly: Hello, Erika Kubly with Neighborhood Services. The City is proposing to purchase a duplex at
2021 Taylor Drive for 150,000 as part of the South District Home Ownership Program. The
property will be rehabbed, converted into a two -unit condominium, and then sold as owner -
occupied homes for buyers under 80% of the area median income. The property is currently
vacant. Each unit has two bedrooms and one bathroom on the main floor, with additional living
space in the basement. One of the units was recently damaged by fire. So we know that unit
will require more substantial rehab. We haven't developed the rehab scope of work at this point,
but we are working with sustainability staff to determine what green features we can
incorporate into the project. We do intend to do this rehab internally with City staff. We have
funds allocated to do additional units in partnership with Habitat, but due to COVID, that
process has taken a little longer than expected. We hope to move forward with an agreement to
partner with Habitat on a project in the near future. This will be the third property acquired as
part of the South District program, and we will continue to prioritize residents of the project
area for the purchase of these units. Qualified buyers will also be eligible for up to 24,000 in
down payment assistance. Thank you.
Teague: Okay. Any questions for Erika?
Salih: Yes, Erika. I understand that you are working hard on, you know, advertising this and you want
to recruit people who live in the area to buy it. I know that the staff is doing like a lot of good
work (mumbled) this to happen. But it just like some people talked about this, like kind of...we
need like some people of color to apply for this. I don't know if you already have, you know,
people of color, but one of the (mumbled) that you have or not, because I know that they have
challenges when they come and apply, uh, because ... they are not qualified because of certain
things, and I really would like to see how can we help them, uh, to, you know, improve that. I
know that when we talk to Habitat for Humanity, they said that even they can do something
called rent -to -own and all this kind of thing, because those people, they live there. They pay
their rent. That means they paying ... that person mortgage and taxes, because since they
are ... they can pay the rent. I don't know really if my question will be ... do you have people of
color already bought one of the two duplex that we sold, or what can you do to
adversi ... advertise this heavily and help the people of color to buy.
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Kubly: Sure. So we ... right now we have a property available that has been rehabbed at 21...I believe
2129 Taylor, and we do have some people of color who are on our applicant lists, um, who
haven't quite gotten through the application process, but we have staff who will work with them
and kind of, you know, if they need help going to a lender, staff will help them through that
process. I think our biggest way that we're getting applicants to the program right now is just
through word of mouth in the neighborhood or, you know, people in the community. But we do
have ... we have ... we do have staff available to help people through. Um, we have resources with
Horizons to offer home ... home buyer education. We do see some applicants who are having
difficulty getting financing and that's a barrier. So helping them through that is one of our
goals.
Salih: And is ... I know that also there is program that our Housing Authority and (mumbled) Section 8,
I mean programs. They have that opportunity, where if you have Section 8, you can buy the
house through them, you know, and they pay for you like for 15 years. Do ... like do you
advertise this also to the Housing Authority so they can tell the people who have Section 8 or
most likely (mumbled) because they know who's working and who is not. Because that's also
another thing, but the challenge will be do they live in the (garbled) South District (unable to
understand) Yeah.
Kubly: Yeah, we specifically, um, specifically participants in the family self-sufficiency program. We
work with the Coordinator Mary Abboud and kind of advertise our program and let her know
about opportunities, so that she can reach out to potential candidates, and if you're in FSS but
you don't live in the neighborhood, you're also kind of the third priority level.
Salih: Sure. Thank you.
Weiner: I just want to find out if you had any idea what the timeline is for ...for getting these rehabbed,
assuming we approve this.
Kubly: I would anticipate it this summer being, you know, starting in the spring through the summer,
and it being for sale in the fall. I think if -depending on some of the sustainability criteria that
we add on to the project, it could take a little longer, but my...my expectation would be that we
could do the rehab through the summer.
Weiner: Thanks.
Teague: All right, any other questions. Would anyone from the public like to address this topic?
Welcome, Angie.
Jordan: Can you hear me?
Teague: Yes.
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Jordan: Okay. Hey everybody. Happy New Year. Angie Jordan. I just want to take a moment to just
say how exciting as a South District resident who does a lot of outreach, that this program is
prioritizing people who live in the neighborhood. Just want to say, that's awesome. And just
keep doing it. And let's do more of it and bring in more entities and parties that know how to do
this stuff. It's just really exciting. It can sometimes be really challenging, having bought my
forever home on Broadway, to see people come and go for different reasons. But this is just a
really cool way to encourage folks to stay who already live here. So just want to say thanks for
doing this and I'm excited to be part of or to be helpful to, as a resident, keeping this alive and
making it so that everybody who lives and remains in the South District can own as well.
Teague: Thank you. Would anyone else like to address this topic? Welcome, Sara.
Barron: Hi, everyone. I'm terrified because Angie's camera was on. I don't know how that happened.
But please Lord, don't let that happen to me (laughter) Um, anyway just wanted to say to you
all thanks for continuing to pursue this project. It's been great to see Neighborhood
Development Services build their understanding of...of how they can make this program as
accessible as possible for South District residents, and we continue to be really optimistic about
the future partnership with Habitat for Humanity expanding the base and the equity of the
program even fiuther. So thanks for your continued commitment to this. It's an important piece
of our affordable housing puzzle. We appreciate it.
Teague: Thank you, Sara. Anyone else like to address this topic? All right, seeing no one, Council
discussion?
Mims: Well, I would just like to say, as I'm sure the rest of the Council feels, this is just, you know, a
great program that we've gotten started. I want to thank, you know, staff for the work they've
done on finding new places that we can buy. I know, you know, not displacing residents was a
concern at the beginning of where we, you know, were we going to be able to find, you know,
enough units that we were going to be able to make much proce... progress.
Unfortunately ...unfortunately, it seems like some fires have actually made it possible for us to
get some units, but really excited to see this continue to grow and in a way that really can get
some people into some very, very affordable units, and like Angie said, really help and
encourage people who want to stay in the neighborhood and can ... not have to be so transient in
their life and have much more stability. So really happy to see this program, and thanks to
everybody involved.
Salih: I think well said, yeah. I want to just second that. This is really make me feel excited and
sometimes make me feel like tear when I remember the first day we discuss this and how upset
I was and it (mumbled) and that was the election day for our Mayor Bruce. I cannot forget that
day. I went to (mumbled) while I was like almost absent for this, but (mumbled) tell me a lot of
thing. If we find the right programs with good ideas from the people who really know about
this, you know, the (mumbled) come along and we can do together, if we just sit down and
discuss things and just start like listening to each other opinions, bring in people who have
experience. We can come to a common ground. I really just believe it on this project. How
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with only one vote and after that everybody weigh in and just understanding that because they
have new ideas to bring in. They talked (garbled) and they talk to people who have experience.
I'm very excited. I'm very excited for the South District, and thank you, Angie Jordan, for
(garbled) You will be a very good advocate to advertise this program to the South District and
recommend people to come and apply for this. This is great. Thank you, staff. Thank you,
everyone. Thank you, Erika and Tracy Hightshoe, everybody. And I guess we need to see more
of this in the South District. Thank you, City Coun... all the Council Member of doing this. I
really appreciate that.
Taylor: I've been supporting this project since day one, since Tracy Hightshoe first presented it to us.
It's such a wonderful idea, Tracy. It was then, and it still is now and so excited to see that now
there's a third, a third unit. And hopefully more to come, and ... and thank you to Angie. As
Mayor Pro Tem said, for helping to promote it out there cause it's only successful if we can get
people to...to live there!
Weiner: (both talking) And I'm excited for when we can get Habitat for Humanity, as a move forward
on that and ... and expand the horizons of it.
Thomas: There... there are a lot of virtuous cycles going on here and it's so gratifying to hear from
Angie, you know, a resident in the neighborhood. So, this is ... this is a Frank Capra kind of
story that is really a song to my ears to hear tonight. Thanks.
Teague: So ditto to everybody. I ... I ... I think this is a great collaboration between staff and the
community, because this was something that was brought up I think through joint efforts and
created this program, and I would agree. Once Habitat, you know, maybe have some
involvement in trying to help with another option of doing that rental -to -own. I think
we'll... that'd be a benefit as well. So if nothing else, I think we're ready to vote. And roll call
please ... wait, yeah. So roll call please! Motion passes 7-0.
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14. Homeless Outreach Services Agreement — Resolution approving and authorizing the
Mayor to sign and the City Clerk to attest an agreement with Shelter House for Street
Outreach Services.
Teague: Could I get a motion to approve?
Thomas: So moved, Thomas.
Salih: Second, Salih.
Teague: All right, and staff presentation on this.
Fruin: Thank you, Mayor. I'll be brief on this. We'll be able to answer any questions, and I believe the
Shelter House staff will also be available to answer questions, but this has been something that
we've been discussing through my office and the police department, with Shelter House, for a
few months now and I think as you all are very aware, our police department has had a very
positive and collaborative relationship with the Shelter House over the last couple of years, and
we've been involved in those planning efforts to advance some homelessness services in our
community during those past few years, and I see this really as another critical step forward. So
currently our community, when I say community I'm not just talking about our City
organization, but our community does not have dedicated street outreach workers. Certainly
there are staff at the Shelter House that are... that perform that service from time to time. But
frankly a lot of that work is done by our officers, and it's ... its oftentimes necessitated by calls
for service that they get, related to individuals that are homeless. And so what this agreement
would do it would commit $35,000 annually from the City to the Shelter House. They would
then combine those funds with grant funds that they have secured, and they would hire a Shelter
House street outreach and engagement specialist position, so it would not be a City position. It
would be a position that they would manage and supervise, but that would perform a lot of that
outreach work. And as you're aware, as I mentioned in the preliminary plan, I see this very
much as a... a step to prevent calls for service by...by having somebody out in the community
that can proactively connect those that are in a housing crisis with available resources. We hope
that that will eliminate calls for service, eliminate the need for someone from the public to call
the police department and ask them to respond. It will also reduce the ... the pressures on ... on
our officers to perform that basic homeless outreach service to the community. So, again, very
excited about this with Council's approval tonight. I think we'll be able to move forward on that
pretty quick and ... and get the agreement signed with the Shelter House and allow them to go out
and recruit for this important position.
Teague: Thanks, Geoff. Any questions for Geoff? All right. Would anyone from the public like to
address this topic? If so, please raise your hand. All right, seeing no one, Council discussion?
Salih: I think this is really good. I just appreciate the City support of the homeless, and I know that we
going like far and beyond, try to like figure out a way to solve homelessness in our community.
And this is one of the thing, especially if the police was the one who dealing with those, that
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what I don't want to see. And providing this money for a civil person to do it, that's what make
like really trust and like, you know, good communications with the public, rather than the police
dealing with those people (garbled) can create a fee or something like that. But I really
thanking the City for doing that, that's a great idea, and also thank you for the Shelter House
with the great job that they always do.
Weiner: This is ... I think it's a wonderful idea. It's, from my understanding, it is a best practice that it's
employed in other communities. While we've been ahead in some areas, like in pushing
housing first and permanent supportive housing, this is something we've been behind in. And if
the City can partner with Shelter House to make this happen and... and... and ,you know, short-
term health... short-term caseworkers and sol ... and help resolve problems before they become
potential law enforcement issues, I think that's a real positive.
Mims: I would just say ditto. I think this is great, really... will really help a lot. It's... we've had a lot of
pressure on some of our officers and certainly start out with Officer Schwindt downtown,
dealing with a lot of the homeless population that was down there, and he made great
connections. But that's not the best use of our law enforcement resources. In terms of, you
know, the economics of it and in terms of the professional experience. And so this is a much,
much better way to go and glad to see it.
Taylor: I'm very much in favor of this also. I think it sounds like an excellent position to have out there
to help like building relationships with these folks that are homeless, but also they're reaching
out to any folks in ... in, that might be in an emergency situation. Those affected by some
domestic abuse and finding shelter for those folks. We certainly saw a great deal of success
with the Cross Park Place and then soon to come the ... the 501 Project and those prove very
successful in getting those individuals into a housing situation and jobs and to their medical
appointments, and ... and I just think this is ... this is going to be a wonderful thing, and ... and
there's some confusion about the funding of it, but just pointing out that it's more of a funding
diversion, diverting funds to this. We talked about that earlier today. There was so much talk
about diverting funds away from police, and that's exactly what this is. So it's a ... it's just a
perfect win-win situation.
Teague: I think it's a great opportunity for our city. And when I think about the unhoused and the
availability of services, who better to kind of have that knowledge than someone that's affiliated
with the Shelter House, and so I think it's great ... and I support it. All right, we are ready to cast
our votes. Roll call please. Motion passes 7-0.
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15. Council Appointments
Teague: And we have 15.a through 15.c. We have two appointments for Parks and Recreation
Commission and then a Senior Center Commission. Um, I wonder if we'll do this like we've
done them all. We'll ... we'll go about this as we've done it all before. We'll go through each one
and kind of determine who's going to be the selected individuals. So we'll start with Parks and
Rec's. We have one vacancy to fill a four-year term. And we'll probably handle both of those
together, because we have a one vacancy to fill unexpired term. Um, we have two applicants.
One person that's been here for three, wait about eight months now, and then another one that's
been here six -plus years. There are no gender, if I remember correctly.
Fruehling: Mayor, 15.b., that one hasn't quite reached the date for the gender balance, so that one you'll
want to readvertise due to the gender balance.
Teague: Okay.
Fruehling: That way then it'll just remain open until filled until we get...
Teague: Yeah, so we have one ... yeah, so the second one has one female. The 15.b. and we have two
male applicants. So yes, so we're probably going to read ... well we'll readvertise that one. So
we only have 15.a and 15.c. that we'll discuss, and then we'll do a motion to defer for 15.b., and
sorry I didn't pick that up, that gender balance. I didn't pick that up. Um, so 15.a, um, Council
discussion on ... on this?
Bergus: I actually had some correspondence with Christopher Odinet. I'm maybe saying his name
wrong, and also was impressed with his application. So I'd be supportive of his appointment.
Teague: I would as well. I ... he's only been here eight months and I think h would be a great addition
and sometimes I know we don't like, well, it's not that we don't like. We tend to go with some
longer term residents that seem to be committed and invested in our community, but I ... I've met
Christopher and he's very committed to this community. And I think he'll be great addition to
the Parks and Ree Commission.
Salih: I would support Chris too.
Teague: So I'm seeing a lot of head shakes. All right, and then we'll go to 15.c. There's one vacancy to
fill a three-year term there and there is no gender balance, and we have one applicant, Susan Eberly.
Salih: One applicant?
Teague: One applicant, yes.
Salih: Okay (garbled)
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Teague: All right, everybody's in support of Susan. All right. So for 15.a., Parks and Recreation
Commission, could I get a motion to approve Christopher Odinet? And then for the Senior
Center Commission we will ... in the same motion. Could I get emotion for Susan Eberly?
Salih: Okay, motion for Chris and Susan Emily. That what you said? I'm sorry, what's the last name?
(both talking) Susan and Chris for Park and Recreation (garbled) and Senior Center. Yeah.
Teague: Commission. Great.
Salih: That's enough (laughs)
Teague: Yep, moved by Salih.
Weiner: Second.
Teague: Seconded by Weiner. All right. Roll call please.
Dilkes: You can do a voice vote if you want me.
Teague: Yeah, that works for us. All in favor say aye. Any opposed? Motion passes 7-0.
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17. Community Comment
Teague: Welcome, UISG, Ryan Longenecker, hello and happy 2021!
Longenecker: Happy 2021 to you too, Mayor. Good evening, Council. Not really much for me as
school is still not in session, but students will return starting probably pretty soon. We have an
extra week of winter break this year because spring break was canceled so they gave us an extra
week. So school will return on January 25th, and it will look much like it did this last fall, with
most classes being online, but some being in-person, social distance, masked, of course. But
yeah, that's about all for me tonight, and thank you, Council.
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18. City Council Information
Taylor: I'll start. Just a quick little thing. (garbled) met her or talked to her. She's ... she's really pleasant
and very intelligent, but she and I before the holidays toured the wastewater treatment plant
there in south... southeastern part of Iowa City. And as we saw in the capital projects
presentation, there's a lot entailed into that and a lot of equipment, and ... and those projects are
much needed and very necessary funding for that. But I was impressed with the numbers.
They said we have 300 miles of sanitary sewer piping throughout Iowa City. And of course,
more to come now, cause we've approved some spending on that, and they process over nine to
10 million gallons of wastewater per day they are in that facility and it's staffed 24/7, just a very
busy place. It kind of took me back to my chemistry days because we talked about how
important is the ... the removal, the process of removing nitrogen and phosphorus from the waste,
so that was very interesting to learn about that. So I would encourage everybody to ... to, if you
haven't been there, to arrange a tour, cause it's very fascinating, but I'd also like to point out that
be cautious what you flush (laughs) cause it ... some of these things that say they're flexible, they
really aren't, and ... and they wreak havoc there at that ... at that facility. That ... that's all!
Teague: All right. Anything else?
Mims: Well, I just real quickly. I don't have any announcements, other than to wish everybody a happy
new year. I think we're all happy to have 2020 in the rear view mirror and things aren't going to
change immediately, but hopefully we're on a better path. I would encourage people to really
get all the information they can about the vaccines, if they're concerned about taking them. And
certainly, I understand why many people and many populations are, but I would encourage them
to, you know, reach out and get information. I know I certainly will take it as soon as it's
available to me, which I don't expect to be very soon, um, and I just, you know, everybody to
continue to be kind and wear your masks, and social distance and, you know, hopefully we can
get the economy opened back up safely so people have some paychecks in hand. So ... best
wishes for the new year!
Teague: Yes!
Weiner: Please continue to mask up even after you have your vaccine. And so we can see the light at
the end of the tunnel, but we'll get there if we all continue to do what we need to to stay safe.
Teague: So I'm happy to say that next Friday of the ... if the date doesn't change, I will get a vaccination
and I do appreciate Amel Ali that was on earlier that challenged (laughs) (garbled) to do it
publicly and so I am going to take her up on that challenge and I'll figure out a way to do that
publicly. I think it's great. I'm in healthcare, and so I am moved up the ladder, not because I'm
Mayor, but it's my agency, Caring Hands and More. So our entire agency will be, those that
want to get vaccinated, will be doing that next Friday. On another note, I did want to mention
that tomorrow I'm very excited about this opportunity. There will be kind of a press conference
that will be Facebook Lived, and this is going to be really talking about, Io ... why Iowa should
regulate marijuana like alcohol, uh, here in the state of Iowa. And so it's going to be some local
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular
formal meeting of January 5, 2021.
Page 46
officials, as well as some throughout the state. Representative Mary Wolfe from Clinton. We
have some accounting supervisor from Black Hawk, uh, Supervisor Stacey Walker from Linn
County, who we all know. A Des Moines City Councilor, a State senator from Sioux City, and
our old mayor of Iowa City, Representative Ross Wilburn from Ames, Iowa. They'll all be on
this and this was really (mumbled) the great hard work of our own Senator Joe Bolkcom, who
lives right here in our Iowa City area, and so thanks to him for pulling this together. This is just
a step to really say that in our state we really need to look at marijuana and how it has
disenfranchise so many throughout our community, and so anyone that is interested, I'm going
to post something on my Facebook page so that you can tap in through Facebook Live on
tomorrow, but any of our elected officials that want to be a part of that, there was an email sent
out and you can sign up to register to be a part. So I'll leave it at that. All right, seeing no other
announcements.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular
formal meeting of January 5, 2021.
Page 47
19. Report on Items from City Staff
a. City Manager
Teague: City Manager Geoff Fruin.
Fruin: I do have one today ... or tonight, Mayor. On next Monday, January 11th we'll be welcoming
Dustin Liston into our City organization, as he'll assume the role of Chief of Police, and I
would be remiss if I didn't take an opportunity to publicly thank Denise Brotherton, and Bill
Campbell, for their leadership over the last 10 months during this interim period. You all know
the challenges that 2020 brought and it was ... it was just so heartening to have the opportunity to
work with both Bill and Denise, uh, through those... through those tough 10 months. They
showed incredible leadership in the organization, and I thank them for their ...their dedication to
the City and to this community. But beginning Monday, they'll... they'll get a break from the
daily phone calls and emails and text messages from me, but thank you to Denise and to Bill for
your ...your service over the last 10 months.
Teague: I see the Councilors shaking their heads. So I'll just say thanks to them from all of the City
Councilors.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular
formal meeting of January 5, 2021.