HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-04-20 TranscriptionPage 1
1. Call to Order
Teague: Well good evening. Before we start tonight's meeting, I want to reach out to our community as
we grieve the death of George Floyd, and process this afternoon's verdict in the trial of officer
Derek Chauvin. We have all anxiously awaited the decision finding Chauvin guilty on all three
counts. We all saw the video of George Floyd, and I want to thank the members of the jury for
reaching this verdict. I support this verdict and hope that it serves as a clear message to law
enforcement that you will be held accountable for criminal and hateful actions. Our nation is in
a crisis on several fronts. Throughout the trial, we continued to see painful and heartbreaking
interactions between law enforcement and our community of colors. Our heart goes out to the
families, friends, neighbors, and members of our community of color who are grieving over
these terrible tragedies. While these incidents may be hundreds of mile ... miles away from Iowa
City, we must reflect and learn from these painful situations. We know the public expects better
here in Iowa City, and we know the people who serve on the Iowa City Police Department
expect better of themselves, as well. We have started the work that will continue to prioritize
the focus of our public safety response to serve all members of our community, enhance trust,
and serve with courage and compassion. This means continuing to rethink the response for our
calls for service and connecting victims and those in crisis with appropriate care.
Compassionate service is a key part of our Police Department's mission, and we must ensure
that value is always forefront and the center with each of our responses. Gun violence has
moved to an epidemic stage. On a daily basis we see senseless acts of killings across our
nation. Our state and our city are not immune to this wave of gun violence. We grow angry
together over the senseless mass shootings that claim lives of the innocent. Our prayers go out
to those in Boulder, Atlanta, Indianapolis, and numerous other cities that are coping with these
terrible tragedies. We implore our state and federal leaders to pursue sensible gun reform.
Finally, we stand with all persons of any race, religion, gender identity, citizenship status, or
other personal characteristics. We strongly support the #StopAsianHate and Black Lives Matter
movement. We stand up for all persons. On behalf of the Iowa City City Council, we loudly
and clearly express that you are welcome here in Iowa City, and pledge that we will continue to
work hard to ensure that this community embraces and celebrates our diverse population. Let
us take a moment to reflect one more time on the life of George Floyd. Today's verdict does not
provide us with a sense of peace or comfort, but does bring us together in our time of grief to
become a stronger community and one that understands the need for change. We will need to
lean on each other. As Mayor of this community, I know we have a lot of difficult work ahead.
I also know our residents will need space and time to process all of these tragedies. We are
stronger together, and I thank all of the residents for their shared care and compassion. And I
ask us all to join in a moment of silence for George Floyd. Thank you.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular
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2. Special Presentations
2.a. COVID Update — Johnson County Public Healthcare
Teague: ... and we're going to have that by our Johnson County Public Health, Sam Jarvis, who is the
Community Health Divisions Manager.
Jarvis: Good evening, uh, Iowa City Council and Mayor, uh, and everyone. Um, thank you for having
us. Um, happy to report on both fronts of the COVID-19 pandemic. I'll start off with, um, the
disease side of things and provide updates there, and then, um, do vaccine updates. For the
most part, many are probably very aware of our caseload. That can be seen on the State's
dashboard, but we're roughly seeing an average of 30 cases a day. Um, looking at kind of what
that disease profile is, we are seeing younger person's. The average age is ... is roughly someone
in their late 20s, you know, looking at just April cases alone, um, and total, uh, there's less than
about 20 persons who are 65 and older, and so, you know, I think most are aware and we've
reported out before that we have, uh, pretty high vaccine level in our older adult population, and
so that's wonderful to see. I ... I think again it just kind of points in that direction that, um,
vaccinations are doing what they're supposed to do, which is prevent illness, and then also on
the State's dashboard there are virtually (mumbled) there... there are no long-term care outbreaks
in Johnson County. I believe there's only one active outbreak in the entire state at this moment,
and we've really seen that trend continue downward, if not, uh, virtually non-existent since the
vaccine campaign had started in December for our long-term care workers and staff (noise on
mic) as we, um, were able to extend eligibility to those who are 65 and older. So, um, in terms
of other notable items, in terms of disease investigations, I know the State had sent out a press
release, I believe last week, that the P.1 variant was identified, um, as well as many are aware
that the B 117 variant has been identified as well and is likely the dominant strain. The CDC
had noted that as well. So in terms of mitigation measures, what we're asking and continue to
ask (mumbled) they're the same. Uh, to continue to ... to wear a mask in the presence of others
and physical distance, certainly stay home if you're ill. Uh, right now it's allergy season, and so
we're asking people to be vigilant and be mindful of those things and really be aware of what
their .... their symptoms are, even if mild. So, um, those things have not changed, and we hope
to continue to hear more good news about lower case loads in the future. On the disease side
of...or sorry, the vaccine side of things, we have come so far since December 14th and likely,
um, are meeting the demand of vaccines now and in the past couple weeks. Thinking
(mumbled) back where we were at a month ago, uh, this was not a reality. There was a high
demand, uh, persons were looking for vaccine appointments across the entire state, maybe even
out of state, but if you're watching Vaccine Spotter Iowa or other ones, you're noticing a lot
more availability of appointments, and many are lingering much longer, um, than once before.
Uh, in terms of the allocation that we're receiving as a county, uh, we received our largest
allocation last week, roughly 6,000 some doses and that's, uh, not including the doses that other
CEPS and network pharmacies and other retail pharmacies are receiving from the federal
government on that side. So we're seeing a lot of vaccines being supplied to our community,
and we'll continue to see that. Um, as many are aware, roughly half of the counties in Iowa are
declining doses, and will likely see those redistributed more populous areas. So we'll continue
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to meet that demand. Overall, the rate of vaccinations, on average this past month,
we're ... we're looking at roughly 5,000 some individuals getting vaccinated each week. So that's
tremendous progress, and we thank our partners at the University, at Mercy, Towncrest, and
HyVee (mumbled). Um, many of our COVID-19 providers have really stepped up. They're
doing off- site clinics, um, they're doing mass vaccination clinics, they're doing smaller clinics
across the community. Um, Johnson County Ambulance was able to help us, as well, and they
were helping, um, vaccinate other portions of our community too. So really it's been such a
tremendous effort on so many fronts, with so many partners, so we do want to express our
gratitude towards everyone, um, really collaborating and thinking outside of the box in terms of
vaccine. Um, at one point in time many thought, `Well I'll just go to my doctor's office or I'll
walk into a pharmacy,' but there's been so many creative ways to be able to provide vaccination.
So other than that, happy to answer any questions.
Weiner: Sam, just efforts underway to ... to reach folks who ... who may still be hesitant or not sure that
they ...that they... still that they want to get the vaccine? I mean I'm ... I'm ... I'm fully convinced. I
just got my secondary today, extremely grateful, but not everybody's in that boat.
Jarvis: Yeah, well, you know, so in terms of outreach, we've had staff who are going into different
places, um (garbled) reach out to other community partners to plan, um (mumbled) to address
questions. I know that Project Better Together is also planning on working to address hesitancy,
um, provide vaccine competence, and information going on in the future. So we're in step with
them as well and planning for the future. At this point, I know that our Vaccine Watch
Wednesday series, we're asking a lot of folks to share that. We're asking folks to be that word of
mouth, so that trusted insider, uh, to continue to share those stories. We often hear a lot of folks
say, `Well, I know someone who wasn't going to get vaccinated but then they found out I got
vaccinated. so they're going to do it too,' and so that ... that really does help. I think really
talking about it. Uh, we ... we hear that with a lot of community partners because a lot of other
staff and their family members, but, you know, we're roughly at ... I think we reported out last
night at the (mumbled) meeting that we're around potentially 60 -some percent of our
population being vaccinated, at least first dose or completing the series. So we're making great
progress, but every percentage point, um, getting closer to 100 will be a little bit harder to get.
Um, if not, we know some... impossible at times, we know that there are some people who just
cannot be convinced, but we'll continue to work on that.
Teague: Thank you, thank you, thank you.
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3. Proclamations
3.a. Arbor Day
Teague: ... and I'm going to ask that Councilor Thomas, um, present this for us. And if you'll turn on
your mic please.
Thomas: (reads proclamation)
Teague: And here to receive this proclamation is Juli Seydell-Johnson, who is our Parks and Recreation
Director.
Seydell Johnson: Thank you, Mayor and Council Member Thomas. Um, glad to talk about trees and
celebrate Arbor Day. It's a very popular topic here in Iowa City. But I want to make sure
people know that we've had a tough year for trees. We lost several through Emerald Ash Borer.
The derecho came through, and we estimate about 1,000 trees were lost with that; and then
other ones have been lost due to project work, utility work, stone water work. But ... we are
quickly replanting and that's the good news at this point. Um, we have several events between
now and Arbor Day where we are replanting trees along Court Street, uh, park and then in the,
um, Normandy Park neighborhood, along with lots of other areas. Um, we have a couple
contracts on the Council agenda later tonight that will bring us to a total of about 1,000 trees
planted, uh, planted during this planting season. So although we have lost a number of big
trees, we are actively working to ... to replant them. I also want to mention that a special honor
this past year, not only are we a Tree City USA, which we have been for a number of years, but
(mumbled; dog barking) our maintenance worker or senior maintenance worker in Forestry was
deemed Iowa's Outstanding Forestry Professional by the Iowa Urban Tree Council, so that's a
real honor statewide to be recognized for having professional staff in the area of forestry, so
proud of it, and thank you for recognizing Arbor Day for us.
Teague: Thank you, thank you.
3.b. Housing Trust Fund Week
Teague: ... and presenting this will be Councilor Weiner.
Weiner: Thank you, Mayor. (reads proclamation) ...and receiving the proclamation will be Ellen
McCabe, Executive Director of the Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County. Welcome, Ellen.
McCabe: Thank you, thank you, Councilor Weiner, Mayor Teague, City Councilors and City staff. It is
an honor to accept this proclamation on behalf of the Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County.
Housing that is affordable contributes to the health of our community. It impacts the health of
individuals and families, as well as the health of our local economy. The lack of housing that is
affordable is a complex problem. The root of the problem lies in wages not keeping up with the
rising house of co ... rising cost of housing, particularly in jobs at the lower end of the wage
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scale. We have here in Johnson County the highest housing wage in the state of Iowa and
someone needs to work a full time job that pays at least $19 an hour to afford a modest two-
bedroom apartment. Next slide please. Here in Iowa City, as shown on this table, there are
17,000 households with low incomes. That represents 58% of all households and a staggering
27% of our neighbors have incomes that are considered to be extremely low. Next slide please.
As shown in the first column of this table, almost 9,000 rental households are paying more than
30% of their income on housing, and they are considered to be cost burdened. Overall, 37% of
all households in Iowa City are cost burdened or extremely cost burdened, spending more than
50% of their income on their housing. The Housing Trust Fund holds four funding cycles per
year, encouraging applications from a variety of entities interested in creating and preserving
housing that is affordable. During our recent winter round, for example, we awarded $720,000
for the development of new rental units for people aged 55 and above. Next, senior apartments
is slated to have 46 one and two-bedroom apartments for people with low incomes and plans on
leasing those units in a little over a year, if it receives additional funding from the low income
housing tax credit program in August. The Trust Fund appreciates the opportunity to partner
with the City of Iowa City in carrying out the City's affordable housing plan. We are fortunate
to live in a community that actively addresses the lack of housing that is affordable for people
with low incomes. Next slide please. Please consider learning more about the Trust Fund's
investment in affordable housing. We have a web page and a Facebook page, and you can join
us when the Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition hosts our "Affordable Housing
Highlights" program at noon on Friday, April 23d. This program will be available on Zoom and
on Facebook Live. We will hear from four entities as examples that have developed and
preserved housing that is affordable during the past two years, with funding from the Housing
Trust Fund, much of which was made possible through the City of Iowa City. Thank you again
for recognizing Housing Trust Fund Week 2021.
Teague: Thank you and really appreciate you taking time to express to us the real situation here within
our community.
3.c. National Water Safety Month
Teague: ... and presenting this is Councilor Thomas.
Thomas: Thank you, Mayor.
Teague: And to receive this will be our Parks and Rec ... Recreation Director Juli Seydell-Johnson.
Seydell Johnson: And Mayor and Council Member Thomas, thanks again. This is why my job is so
fun, I get to talk about trees and now talk about swimming with you. Iowa City Parks and
Recreation has a huge commitment to water safety in the area. Our 2016 master plan includes
the vision that every child in Iowa City should learn how to swim and learn basic outdoor skills,
things like fishing and ... and kayaking and boating and those sorts of things. We want people to
enjoy the outdoors. We want them to have lifelong safety and swimming skills. And then, as
we mentioned in the proclamation, this is oftentimes a young person's first job. So we are
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a ... very much a job training program through our aquatics program, swimming lesson
instructors, cashiers, lifeguards, pool managers. A lot of opportunity to learn work skills there.
This is an important public health and lifelong learning skill, safety skill for people, and we
appreciate the support of having the three public pools, and look forward to having City Park
pool open again this summer. Thank you.
Teague: Thank you!
3.d. Workers' Memorial Day
Teague: ... and this will be read by Councilor Taylor.
Taylor: Thank you, Mayor. (reads proclamation) ...and accepting the proclamation will be Greg
Hearns, President of the Iowa City Federation of Labor. Welcome, Greg. Are you there, Greg?
Heams: Yes, thank you, Councilor Taylor, Mayor Teague, and the rest of City Council and also the City
of Iowa City. It is my honor to accept this proclamation on behalf of the Iowa City Federation
of Labor, including University of Iowa Labor Center and all those workers who had to go to
work over the last year during this pandemic and work on the front lines, when a lot of people
were able to work from home. OHSA has done a lot to keep our workers safe over the years,
but we also know that over the years, their budget's been cut to the bone and now our
investigators barely exist. The pandemic was hard on all of us, but it was exceptionally hard on
a lot of our workers so I acknowledge and I, you know, I think it's very important that the City
of Iowa City and the City Council... City Council and the Mayor Teague recognize Workers'
Memorial Day on April 28a'. Thank you very much.
Teague: Thank you so much, Greg, and so happy you were able to join us today.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular
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4. - 8. Beginning of Consent Calendar (Items 4 — 8) — Consider adoption of the Consent Calendar
as presented or amended
Teague: Could I get a motion to approve consent agenda please?
Salih: Move, Salih.
Taylor: Second, Taylor.
Teague: Moved by Salih, seconded by Taylor, and would anyone from the public like to address any
topic that is listed on our consent agenda? If so, please raise your hand and I will call upon you.
Counc... um, I do see one, Dan Kauble, and I ask people to keep their comments three to five
minutes. Welcome, Dan. You're on mute. Welcome.
Kauble: (mumbled) so,um (garbled)
Teague: Dan, we can't hear you. You're breaking up. We can't hear Dan.
Kauble: Okay. Um...
Teague: There's a poor connection. We cannot hear you.
Kauble: Um...
Teague: Dan, what I'll do is I'll ask that you, um, if you can maybe sign out and sign back in.
Sometimes that works to clear up any type of technological issues, but I'll go ahead with
Council discussion.
Mims: I wanted to just ask staff to address 7.b., the early call of the 2012D Taxable Urban Renewal
Revenue Bonds please. I think there's a lot of good information there for us and for the public.
Bockenstedt: Sure, um, this is Dennis Bockenstedt. I'm the Finance Director for the City and... and I
can give you a little background on these bonds. They were issued in the fall of 2012 and they
provided about $2.5 million grant for the Park at 201 building, and we began to actually plan
for this call back in 2014, after we called in the Plaza Tower bonds early, and if you were
around to remember that, and so we also had some strong valuation growth in the downtown, so
we began to set aside a little bit of increment, uh, over the last eight years or so, planning to call
these in early and (mumbled) actually would mature in 2032, but because we were able to
accumulate those funds, we have called them in now this year and save approximately $400,000
in interest expense on those bonds, and then also just to give an idea of the amount valuation
that was generated from that project. The original valuation on that parcel was just over
$500,000 and is now about $11.5 million and so, um, so we experienced quite a bit of taxable
growth on that spot and ... and because we were able to set some valuation aside, we're now able
to call them in early. And I can answer any questions if you have any.
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Teague: Thank you, Dennis.
Bockenstedt: Thank you.
Teague: All right, I don't see Dan back, but when we go to the next part I'll certainly have him speak
closer, uh, when we get there. All right, I'm gonna call for roll call please. Motion passed 7-0.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular
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9. Community Comment (items not on the agenda) [UNTIL 7 PM]
Teague: We ask that people raise their hand and I will call upon you, and as I ... and I'm going to
actually, um, advance Dan first to speak. And then we are seeing quite a few hands raised. I
wanted to just see how many we all have ... so that I can ... state the time. So I'm going to ask
people to keep their comments to two minutes, and I welcome Dan. Welcome, Dan. We can't
hear Dan. Welcome, Jennifer, followed by Katie.
Banta: Thank you, Mayor. This is Jennifer Banta, um, I am the Vice President of the Iowa City Area
Business Partnership, and I wanted to invite Council and our community to help us celebrate
teachers, administrators, and students this school year during our ninth annual Innovation and
Ed Award ceremony. This Innovation and Ed Award ceremony honors exceptional students,
volunteers, educators, and business partners in Johnson County. This event is co-sponsored by
the Business Partnership and the Iowa City Area Development Group in partnership with the
University of Iowa, Iowa City School District, Clear Creek Amana, Regina, and Willowwind.
Because the school year has been one for the history books, we've decided to recognize more
awardees than ever, and we believe that their contributions to the success of our schools and our
students has been epic during this last year. We hope the community will help us recognize
these award winners and all teachers, administrators, and students this school year. Starting
tomorrow, we will be announcing the winners of our ...on our social media page, so please keep
an eye out for that, and help celebrate these fantastic people as we announce them. The awards
include the Spark Award, given to an administrator who goes above and beyond to create a
positive learning environment for all students. The Inspire Award, which is the favorite, goes to
a teacher that inspires, excites, and influences students to learn through exceptional,
unprecedented, and ... or extraordinary programs and teaching methods. We have many more
awards, and we would just love to encourage you to help us celebrate. The celebration will
culminate with an award ceremony on Wednesday, April 28th at the English Theatre beginning
at 6:00 PM. Newly appointed Superintendent Matt Degner will be our keynote speaker and will
discuss the challenges that arose from the pandemic and his vision for the future of education in
our community. We invite all community members to join the Business Partnership in
celebrating the outstanding members of our education community by tuning in to the award
presentation through our Facebook page.
Teague: Thank you, Jennifer (both talking)
Banta: ... thank you so much (garbled) Thank you.
Teague: Thank you. Yes, so I know that the two minutes is short time for people, but we want to make
sure that we allow everyone that we can possible to speak. Welcome, Katie, followed by
Manny.
Biechler: Hi, my name is Katie Biechler. I am with SEN Local 199. 1 live here in Iowa City And I
am here tonight supporting the nine organization coalition demanding an excluded workers'
fund. More than $47 million is coming to Iowa City and Johnson County under the terms of the
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American Rescue... American Rescue Plan and we know that local ... local governments have
broad discretion to direct these funds to those that have been the hardest hit by the pandemic,
including workers and families. Many individuals, businesses, and professional nonprofits have
received relief aid in the past through stimulus checks through the federal government,
enhanced unemployment insurance, and the pap ... Paycheck Protection Act. So what we're
asking is that this round of relief needs to go to the essential and excluded workers who have
been hardest hit by the pandemic, but have been left out of previous release. This aid should be
distributed in the form of direct cash payments to undocumented immigrants, previously
incarcerated people, and those working in unofficial informal cash economy. Proof of name,
address, and self ..self -certification of need are the only documents that should be needed to
qualify, and grassroots groups from the impacted communities can build a database of recipients
and distribute disbursements to guarantee the money is given out appropriately and not
duplicated. We also want public sector workers who are in need of hazard pay raises and have
been on the front lines of the pandemic this entire last year to be included in these relief
payments. That includes public school teachers, other public school staff, healthcare workers at
the hospital, and those, uh, those merit staff at hospital as well, including other public workers.
Thanks so much for your time.
Teague: Thank you, Katie. Welcome, Manny, followed by Meg.
Galvez: Thank you so much, Mayor. My name is Manny Galvez. I am a resident from Johnson
County and I also part of the Catholic Workers, and I am here right now to support these relief
for us good workers and basically, for me, I want to say like this is really, really important, uh,
because in our county hundreds of workers without document, they have been working, uh, so
hard. However, they hadn't received like a support for any kind, many of them. So I think we
can send a message to the rest of the state, because Iowa is one of the states like, uh, has been
excluding the undocumented community, that all these workers are being like in front of the line
for all the pandemic time. However, Iowa has doing so practically nothing for these ... for these
families, for these workers (mumbled) recognize that Johnson County and Iowa City are doing
so many things in favor, but I feel like (mumbled) and we can do something else. I think this
issue is not a political issue, it's a human issue. We have it simple like (mumbled) Colorado,
Minneapolis, and another city like (mumbled) they had done something for these communities,
and I think we can find a way to support. The most important is to show not just to Iowa, but to
show to the rest of the country that we are in the situation together. And we can something, I
mean, I respond something and do something for all the people like they have been working so
hard during the most (mumbled) maybe in the last century. So thank you so much.
Teague: Thank you. Welcome, Meg, followed by Nancy.
Wagner: Good evening, my name is Meg Wagner and I'm an Episcopal priest serving up beloved
community initiative in Old Brick in Iowa City and a member of Johnson County Interfaith
Coalition, which is why I'm joining you to speak this evening. There are voices in our
community that frequently remain unheard and bodies who are repeatedly sacrificed upon, as
the previous two speakers, um, spoke to, and people whose presence doesn't promote economic
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return. We believe government has an important role in hearing, seeing, and caring for the
whole, not just the people in businesses with the loudest voices or most visible bodies. The
Iowa City strategic plan emphasizes this role of government, with its statement that they intend
to ... that you all intend to foster a more inclusive, just, and sustainable Iowa City by prioritizing
the physical, mental, and economic well-being of all of its residents. The first articulated goal,
to advance social justic,e racial equity, and human rights, resonates strongly with Johnson
County Interfaith Coalition's mission, that's working towards more social equity, first and
foremost for persons of color. Through the American Rescue Plan, Iowa City will receive over
$17 million, and while we understand that business leaders have been regularly meeting with
the City Manager and are eagerly looking for financial relief, as faith leaders with Johnson
County Interfaith Coalition dedicated to racial justice, we're here to ask three things of our City
Council and City Manager as you begin to plan how that money will be allocated. First, that
you schedule time to meet with people of color in the community most directly affected by the
pandemic, and leaders from the nonprofits who are serving those community members, and
hear their thoughts on how the $17 million in funds could be allocated for the greatest good.
We want you to hear from folks like Center for Worker Justice and Dream City and Open
Heartland, Inside Out, faith leaders, and other groups, um, about ... and include their wisdom and
experiences in your determinations. Two, we ask you to pledge that any direct assistance that
be set aside for households will be easily accessible, with an application available online in
multiple languages, with the lowest bar possible set for people to access, applying for, and
receiving those funds, If necessary, we encourage the City to consider hiring a temporary (both
talking) administrative assistant. Thank you.
Teague: Welcome, Nancy, followed by Nicholas. Welcome, Nancy (both talking)
Bird: ... Mayor Teague and Council Members. I hope everybody can hear me. My name is Nancy Bird
and I'm with the Iowa City Downtown District, and I'm here to show... share a couple updates
with you on ... on two particular items, so I'll try and keep them very brief. The first, we are
working on our downtime recovery brief and implementation of several of those items,
including the release of $15,000 build -out grants for new signed retail leases to help fill
vacancies related to the pandemic. It's going very well, I think the incentivization is a tool to
encourage what we would like to see is really working, and I'm sure we're going to have new
retailers as a result of this program, that may not have come to Iowa City without them. So
we're really pleased to see new interest and diverse interest for, um, as ... as it relates to that
program. We'll also have new projecting signs, um, 12 or 13 go up this summer, similarly,
because the businesses were able to reach a little bit when they knew they had a partner, um, in
the financial way to help support those... those measures. Second, I wanted to update you on the
exploration of a possible 2:00 AM restaurant exception. This has come up in the past, which is,
in short, a potential exception from the current ordinance for a restaurant with dining services to
stay open and serve alcohol until 2:00 AM, instead of 12:00 AM. This is something that we
were advocating for and trying to research whether or not that could work to help support the
restaurant community that was impacted by COVID. So just to kind of give you a real quick
synopsis, what we've discovered is that in this research that the exception for restaurants to stay
open till 2:00 AM with a food to beverage ratio, uh, just seemed to be very problematic as a
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solution. Establishing a high food to beverage ratio as criteria for the exception seemed to
create more challenges than it was attempting to solve. It also appears that there is a divide in
the approach as to how we support eating and drinking establishments under the current
regulations. So as an organization, this comes up often. I know Council Members hear a lot
about this a lot, but we're still committed to continue to explore ways to change the regulatory
framework, so that its simpler, creates a fair and transparent system, um, and more competitive
environment with other commercial areas of Johnson County for our restaurants. So we'll keep
you apprised of our thoughts on that direction, as we continue to research the next steps
available to us in the coming months, but we're staying in touch with staff, and I'd like to think
that we're working together to (both talking)
Teague: Thank you, Nancy.
Bird: So thank you for ...thank you for your time.
Teague: Welcome, Nicholas, followed by Dan.
Theisen: Uh, good evening, Council. Oh sorry, can you hear me, am I.
Teague: Yes.
Theisen: Okay. Thank you. Um, I just wanted to, one, I guess I'm pleased to hear, Mayor, that you are
pleased (laughs) or...I don't know. I guess I'm just kind of bewildered by your reaction to the
Derek Chauvin trial result, because you don't really seem to display the same degree of concern
for, well, let me just say black women in this community. And in fact, that was made
abundantly clear last Thursday when you showed up after the people's Truth and Reckoning
Commission to essentially prevaricate when you were confronted by a black woman about your
own silence to do anything about the situation that she was dealing with, and this is such a
recurring pattern. We've seen it with Naa, we've seen it with Chris Kelly, and I just want to say,
Council, the reason why she couldn't (laughs) deal with her situation is because of your political
entanglements. You, your businesses, your livelihoods, they are so entangled with each other
and as it turns out, with the wealthiest and most ruthless people in this community, that when
someone comes along who is not part of that club, you just don't know what to do. You throw
up your hands as if what's happening to Naa were simply a force of nature. Who can do
anything about it, but in reality, the problem is you. She had an impossible time finding legal
representation, despite being willing and capable of paying, because of the political connections
of opposing Council, and that's not speculation. The lawyers Naa went to said as much, and
while no one said the name Laura Bergus, no one had to because that's how this all works.
People just know, and the lawyers who just know knew it wasn't worth it for them to take this
case on because it had the potential to upset the precious equilibrium, where everyone says they
care about social justice, but when push comes to shove, will defend the interest of capital of
landlords, because their livelihoods depend on it, and you sit there acting as if planning and
zoning decisions were made strictly on their merits, when your primary function is to
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underwrite the wealth of the profits of those who own. (both talking) spin on it you want (both
talking)
Teague: ... followed by...I'm sorry, welcome, Dan. I'm gonna bring Dan up.
Kauble: All right, can you hear me now?
Teague: We can. Welcome.
Kauble: All right, sorry. I had ... I have a new mic, and I guess I don't have it figured out, but you know
what, Mayor, I am not going to accept you giving me two minutes because you have ignored
emails about this issue for over a year, as have the other Members of the City Council. Um, the
City Council and government of Iowa City do not care about the minority residen ... residents of
our community. This statement is nothing new, as many people have called you out for this
before. You all act like good -hearted liberals who oppose systemic racism, but in reality
benefit from and perpetuated in Iowa City. I would like to bring up a case which will show you
just how little your empty rhetoric truly means. Ever since she settled here from Ghana, Naa
Tackie has gone on to graduate from the UI College of Business and found NaNa's African
Boutique, which provides Iowa City's immigrant communities with African goods, which would
otherwise be hard to find in America. She has quickly become an Iowa City treasure. She
reached out for me to help because you all were doing nothing to help her. You weren't
responding to her emails, you weren't responding to her pleas for help. After seeing a Facebook
comment, a Facebook comment that I made calling you out for this bullshit, she thought that
she could help and she sent me a DM. For over a year, she has been dealing with the
unreasonable antics of Alan Marks, President of Midwest Development and Investment Group
and the landlord of Miss Tackie's store on Riverside Drive. He has been terrible to her and
failing his obligations to her, both as a landlord and a fellow human being. He has been
unethical, refusing to uphold his obligations according to the lease by not fixing code violations,
and he has retaliated harshly whenever she has pushed for her rights as a tenant. In fact, he
moved to evict her after she contacted the City to report the code violations he refused to fix.
Mr. Marks has been represented by the law partner of Iowa City Council Member Laura
Bergus. That guy's name is Joseph Moreland. He has been harassing Miss Tackie non-stop
with many contradictory legal notifications, and his conduct has been at best abusive and at
worst vengeful. Furthermore, Moreland's involvement has scared away every other lawyer
Miss Tackie has gone to, with ... with one of them even saying that he is too much of a shark to
go up against and they won't want to go up against his connections with you, the City
establishment. Many also imply that he (garbled) lawyer that he would be hard to beat. You
know what, Council Member Bergus, I think it's very (garbled) partner yourself with that kind
of human garbage. Um (both talking)
Teague: Thank you, Dan. Welcome, Kenn... followed by Taylor.
Bowen: Hi. My name is Kenn Bowen. My pronouns are he/him. I live in Iowa City, and I am a proud
member of Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement, Iowa CCI. Here are some of my
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thoughts regarding the ARP funds that will be coming to Iowa City. These ARP funds are
taxpayer dollars and should be returned to the taxpayers. They should not be given to
corporations or political cronies. Public money should be spent on the common good, with
attention given to infrastructure and relief aid. Money should go directly to the people impacted
by the pandemic, obviously. These... there are many ideas and opportunities concerning how
these funds should be spent. I will touch on two of them. Anyway, um, capital projects should
employ Iowa workers and pay a living wage; street repairs and public transportation are
essential to promoting economic and civic recovery. Expanding public bus services to include
more inclusive routes, adding Sunday services, and providing discounted or free fares for
students and seniors. I'm not sure how many of you have driven your car or ridden your bicycle
across Iowa City streets, but I have been on smoother roller coasters at Adventure Land.
Perhaps $2 million could be spent to eradicate the bumps, breaks, potholes, and poor pavements
all around Iowa City. Buses... every successful, responsible city or metro area has an efficient
system of public transportation, reducing fares and expanding routes by...and plus adding
Sunday service could make Iowa City a model for the rest of the state to emulate. Thank you
for your time.
Teague: Thank you. Welcome, Taylor, followed by Patricia.
Kohn: Hi there, I want to start out by saying that two minutes is not enough time. I'd also want to point
out that this is an issue that's gathering statewide attention given the conduct of the Des Moines
City Council, and I would urge you to kind of check that instinct to limit our time. You've had
to cut off nearly everyone tonight and that's not great. I also want to address the situation with
Naa. Mayor, you came to the people's Truth and Reconciliation Commission and you admitted
that the reason that you... and implied to be the the rest of Council with the exception of
Councilor Salih, have not so much as responded was because of conflicts of interest. I believe
that conflicts of interests were meant to be, uh, you know, dealt with in this kind of context, so
that you would be able to still act with integrity, despite conflicts of interest, but you ... if that's
the case, are deliberately not helping your constituent who needs your help. Because of your
conflicts of interest, you have chosen your interests over your constituent, um, and there's ... if
you can't act with integrity, why are you on City Council? If you can't, you know, put your
actions where your words are in the statement that you made at the beginning tonight's meeting,
what ... what are you even doing here? I am tremendously concerned with the fact that you ... you
have been aware of this and it just wasn't wasn't enough for you or for Councilor Bergus, or for
the rest of Council, to take meaningful action on. Uh, that's unacceptable.
Teague: Thank you, Taylor. Welcome, Patricia, followed by Barb.
Bowen: Thank you. Um, would it be possible for me to pass to Emily with the Catholic Worker
House?
Teague: Urn ... I will call (garbled) her shortly.
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Bowen: Okay, so I'll go ahead then quickly. I too am a member of Iowa CCI's community and a
member of Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement. I too want to speak about the America
Recovery.... Plan Act, and I'm here in support of the nine organization coalition demanding an
excluded workers fund. Public money should be spent for public good, to go directly to those
most impacted. No large or even small corporation should get any relief. Infrastructure
projects must benefit everyday people across this city and should be publicly owned. This
money should be spent in a way that advances anti -racism and creates equitable policies, both
for the short and long-term. Any capital projects need to employ Iowa workers and pay a living
wage. Relief aid should be overseen by grassroots organizations that have memberships in this
community, not funneled through big professional non -profits who already receive a majority of
their funding from the government resources. So let's seize this moment and do what's right for
all people, let's be transparent about it. I would also recommend an open forum opportunity for
others in the community to come before you with their ideas of how the City should spend their
money. Thank you.
Teague: Thank you. Welcome, Barb. I don't see Barb any longer. I'm going to welcome Joel,
followed by Harry.
Gilbertson -White: (clears throat) Hello, my name's Joel Gilbertson -White. I live on Iowa's west side,
and I am, um, following up on what (mumbled) was saying. I am with the JCIC. Um, I would
like to encourage the City to consider hiring a temporary administrative assistant to receive and
process applications, um, for the American Rescue Plan funding for timely distribution, and
also, uh, given that the provisions of the American Rescue Act allow for direct assistance to
non -profits, we would like for you to allocate some aid for those non -profits who primarily
serve people of color in our community, and who have not received a lot of financial support,
including the faith communities that have (garbled) black members in our area, two of which
have been forced to close during the pandemic, and others that are struggling financially
because their members... their members are struggling. Those black churches and the mosque
provide critical community care and support, and if more of them are forced to close, the quality
of life in this community for many black people will be decreased. We believe that this money
has potential to make a tremendous impact in Iowa City, and urge you to prioritize age, people
of color most impacted by the pandemic, and the non -profits and faith organizations that
provide essential services to those communities. And again, um, I want to make sure that you
schedule time to meet with people of color in this community who are most directly affected,
um, prioritizing meeting with the people, rather than meeting with the businesses, um,
recognizing that maybe there needs to be a balance, but also, um, that this community is
ultimately about the people and when the people are thriving the businesses also will thrive.
And then, of course, please make sure that the direct assistance that's available is easily
accessible for people, so that it's, um, in multiple language and people are able to get to it and
know about it, those who need it, um, to be able to get to it. Thank you.
Teague: Thank you. I'm gonna just mention that our public comments do end at 7:00. When we started
this I took a count and I'm going to call individuals in the following order. It will be Harry. I
will recall up Barb, and then Kathy, and last Emily. Welcome, Harry.
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Manaligod: Hello, I .... yes, I'd just also like to speak about the situation, uh, with Naa. Um, I just think
it's absolutely disgusting that the City Council like would know about this situation right here in
our community where somebody, a black woman and immigrant who owns a business in our
community, is being unfairly, unlawfully evicted by her ...by her ...by her landlord, and all this
like ... but that ... the City Council will do nothing. That ... that just absolutely disgusts me and just
shows me that like ... it shows me that this City Council and... doesn't really care about these
issues that they keep (mumbled) going on to claim about every time, like things like this keep
getting brought up. So with that I just ... I would just like to echo everything that's been said and
to also demand justice for Naa.
Teague: Thank you. Welcome, Barb, followed by Cathy.
Stanerson: Mayor, I (garbled) hear me?
Teague: Yes.
Stanerson: I would like to give my position to Emily (mumbled) She's on a really tight, uh, time limit,
so if I could let Emily speak on ... in my spot?
Teague: Um, welcome, Emily, and then we will hear from Cathy after, and that will end our public
comment time.
Sinnwell: Hi. Thank you so much for letting me go. My name is Emily Sinnwell, and I'm a family and
psychiatric nurse practitioner, and I'm a Iowa City Catholic Worker. I'm here with three
workers who would like to speak at the Council, and I'd like you to keep in mind that I'll be
interpreting, and so this takes a little extra time, and I do have three women here with me.
Technology is a ... is a barrier for a lot of folks and so, you know, I know there's limits placed,
but I ask the Council to please keep in mind that not everyone has access to computers and
internet, and so we are together today. So I'll go ahead and pass it on to the first person. (Rosa
speaks) (interpreter) Hi, my name is Rosa. I'm from Guatemala and I'm living in the Iowa
City Catholic Worker House. I'm going to tell you a little bit about what happened during this
pandemic. So I was working in a restaurant during the pandemic. They lowered her hours.
They let us go. They had me come back and works again. And then about two months ago they
let me go because there wasn't a lot of people and they didn't need my help anymore. So I was
left without work. I also have a son who's one -year-old and I'm fighting with him... I'm fighting
for us. Um, and I haven't received any help. It's just not me. There are several people and
workers that are undocumented in my position and it's not just because we're immigrants that
we should be treated differently. Thank you. Rosa. Okay, our next person. (Ingress speaks)
(interpreter) Hi, my name is Ingress and I work in a hotel cleaning. Um, I'm from Honduras. I
have ... I'm a single mother of four children who are all born here. So my per ...my question is,
um, why haven't we also received a stimulus chess... check. Just because we're immigrants
doesn't mean that we should be treated any different than other people here. We've all suffered
the same under the same pandemic, you know, we have to leave our houses and take the risk to
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go to work and we should all be treated the same. Um, move on to the last person. (Jacqueline
speaks) (interpreter) Hi, my name is Jacqueline. I am a single mother of two children, and
since the pandemic started they let me go and to this day I'm still not working. I was infected
by COVID. For two weeks I was at home with my children. I wasn't able to get health care. I
wasn't able to access health care, and I was at home this whole time. We believe that we should
be given the same rights as other people, even though we're undocumented during this
pandemic and receive the same support. Thank you for taking the extra time to listen with
interpretation taking longer. I just have a couple things to say myself. I would push for public
hearings and ask that you allow lots of public hearings and allow the people to speak, and when
you ... we need to think differently, um, because a lot of people cannot connect to the internet,
they cannot fill out online applications, they cannot ... they don't, you know, so we really need to
change our thinking, um, when we are deciding when to use this money. Thank you so much
for your time.
Teague: Thank you, Emily, and our last individual that we'll hear from today is Cathy. Welcome,
Cathy.
Glasson: Thank you, Mayor Teague and City Councilors. Can you hear me?
Teague: Yes.
Glasson: Great, thank you. My name is Cathy Glasson, and I use she/her pronouns. I live in Coralville
and I'm here as President of SEIU Local 199, where we represent the healthcare professionals at
University Hospitals, and I'm also a member of Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement. I
want to preface my remarks this evening by saying that we know and understand that cities,
counties, and states will have much discretion on how the millions of dollars of the American
Rescue Plan money coming from the federal government can be used. You know, Iowa City is
home to so many heroes, thousands of public workers, hospital and healthcare workers who've
risked their lives to provide care during this pandemic. We believe strongly that the citizens of
Iowa City and the people affected by the pandemic should have a voice in how the ARP funds
will be distributed. An inclusive way to do this is through holding a series of public hearings,
where community members can offer their input. The City of Iowa City should be thinking
boldly and broadly and plan now on how you'll improve the lives of those most affected. It's
that simple. It just takes a strong commitment from each of you. That's why SEN nationally
and locally stands in solidarity here this evening and in cities, counties, and states across the
country working with partner organizations like CCI to ensure ARP funds go to those most
impacted and affected. We believe the funds should be used for four broad purposes. One,
funds should be used to help create affordable housing in various forms, including community -
controlled and cooperative housing units, as well as funds to provide financial assistance for
those in need, many who are the invisible workforce, who are paid in cash and haven't been able
to access any of the relief funds thus far. Two, the fund should support expanding access to
public transportation for all who live and work in our community. Let's have transportation
seven days a week for those who work weekends, for example, some of our members. The
funds should also be used to provide hazard pay raises for the essential frontline heroes,
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including public employees, school district employees, and healthcare workers, and four, the
fund should provide aspiring citizens, excluded workers, and previously incarcerated people
with a portion of the economic stimulus, make sure that they have enhanced unemployment
insurance and other reparations that they've never received during this pandemic, and last but
not least (both talking) In closing, I hope you've actively listened. I hope you'll...
Teague: Thank you. Thanks to everyone that was able to partake.
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10. Planning and Zoning Matters
10.b. Fringe Area Rezoning — 4809 Rapid Creek Road NE — Motion to approve a letter to
the Johnson County Planning and Zoning Commission in support of a rezoning from
County (A) to County Residential (R) for approximately 13.07 acres of property located in
unincorporated Johnson County at 4809 Rapid Creek Road NE (CREZ21-0001)
Teague: Could I get a motion to approve please?
Thomas: So moved, Thomas (both talking)
Mims: (both talking)
Teague: Moved by Thomas, seconded by Mim's... and staff presentation please.
Sitzman: Good evening, Mayor, Council. Danielle Sitzman, Development Services Coordinator.
Kellie, it looks like my screen sharing is disabled so if you could... enable that for me I'll put my
slides up. There we go! Thank you. This is an application filed by MMS Consultants for the
area shown in white outline here on this slide on behalf of the, um, on behalf of the property
owner, requesting rezoning from one county zoning designation to another kind of zoning
designation for residential development. (mumbled) if the zoning is ultimately approved, the
applicants intend to divide the land into approximately two single-family residential lots. This
slide shows the current zoning of the property. Um, it's currently (mumbled) single-family
home, and the bulk of the land is, um, grassland and woodland cover. Um, the two lots that are
proposed to be adjacent to the Rapid Creek Road frontage. The subject property is located in
fringe area A, outside of the city's growth area. Because the property is within that two miles
distance of the current City boundaries, our fringe area agreement specifies the City makes your
recommendation on this to the County for their consideration. When we review these, staff uses
(garbled) regarding, uh, comprehensive plan compliance and compatibility with the existing
neighborhood. As I mentioned, this is subject to the fringe area agreement, which is (mumbled)
City comprehensive plan, uh, applying to land outside of our current City boundaries that we
may not have otherwise had the (garbled) long range plans for. As far as compliance with the
County's ... with the comprehensive plan, it is in compliance with the County's comprehensive
plan shown here, uh, the yellow being future residential, suitable for future residential
development, and (mumbled) line. As far as neighborhood compatibility, um, the requested
zoning is for, um, County zone (R), which allows single-family homes on lots with a minimum
area of 10,890 -square feet or essentially a quarter acre, with a maximum area of 1.99 acres. As
I mentioned, the two lots would be along Rapid Creek Road and the remainder of the property,
approximately 13 acres, would be placed into some sort of outlot, um, according to County
standards and would not be developable, uh, essentially at this time. The surrounding area is
largely comprised of farmland, woodlands, and natural open spaces, as well as other similar
overall residential development shown in the orange boundaries here. The proposed zoning is
in keeping with the character of the neighborhood. As far as steps of development, we're at the
rezoning stage here where the City makes a recommendation to the County. It would go
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through a platting process. It'd, uh, come back, um, to you as part of that platting process and
also recommendations (mumbled) Although the (garbled) does not directly align with the
policies outlined in the adopted fringe area agreement, staff did recommend approval of the
rezoning for the following reasons. Um, the proposed rezoning is consistent with (mumbled)
future land use map and the staff is working with the County Planning staff to update our fringe
area agreement, which as it is currently drafted, um, would be consistent with the policy
direction that is being proposed here with this rezoning. At its April 1st meeting, the Planning
and Zoning Commission voted 7-0 (garbled) recommendation and forwarded this to you with a
recommendation of approval. That concludes staff report, and I'm happy (garbled)
Teague: Any questions for Danielle? All right. Anyone from the public like to address this topic? If
so, please raise your hand and I'll call upon you. If you're on the phone line press *9, which I
don't see anyone on the phones right now. Welcome, Sandy, and we ask that you keep your
comments three to five minutes.
Steil: Hi, this is Sandy Steil from MMS Consultants. If you just have any technical questions, I can
answer them now.
Teague: I'm not hearing any from Council. Thank you, Sandy.
Steil: Thank you.
Teague: All right, Council discussion? Roll call, please. Motion passes 7-0.
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11. Sale of 2131 Taylor Drive — Resolution authorizing conveyance of a single-family home
located at 2131 Taylor Drive.
1. Public Hearing
Teague: I'm going to open the public hearing, and staff presentation. Welcome, Erika.
Kubly: Hi, Erika Kubly with Neighborhood Services. Um, 2131 Taylor Drive is the third home to be
sold through the South District Home Ownership Program. The City acquired the duplex for
$125,610 or 62,805 per unit in November of 2019, completed substantial rehab, and then
converted the property to a two -unit condominium to sell to income -eligible home buyers.
Improvements include a new roof, updated kitchen and bathroom, interior paint and trim, and a
new sidewalk. We also added a bedroom to the basement to make the home a three-bedroom
unit. Sustainability improvements include a high efficiency furnace and air conditioner, air
source heat pump water heater, Energy Star rated appliances, new windows and doors, and long
life cycle flooring. The sales price was set at 133,500, which is the acquisition cost plus
renovation costs, as well as any carrying costs that the City has incurred. Of that amount,
35,000 was funded by local dollars and will be provided as a conditional mortgage on the
property. that will be forgiven over 10 years, as long as the buyer continues to live there. Um,
the buyer's also eligible for up to 25,000 in down payment assistance and closing cost
assistance through the Federal Home Program. The remainder will be financed by a local
lender. Monthly housing payments are expected to be around $600, which is well below the
home fair market rent. It's actually about ... it's actually less than half of the home fair market
rent for a three-bedroom unit, and then the family has lived in the neighborhood for two years,
and they are first time home buyers. Thank you.
Teague: Thank you. Any questions for Erika? Anyone from the public like to address this topic? If so,
please raise your hand. Seeing no one I'm going to clo... oh, welcome, Sara.
Barron: Hi, Council and staff, I just wanted to weigh in ... this is Sara Barron from the Affordable
Housing Coalition ... to say that this continues to be an exciting program, looking forward to
future investment in this neighborhood, and hopefully growing it to other places, especially
through partnerships with other non -profits, as we continue to grow, and also just remind you
that this program is what it is today because you did get great feedback from the neighborhood
about what they needed and wanted, um, and looking forward to incorporating more of that
feedback into our affordable housing plans going forward. Thanks so much.
Teague: Thank you. Anyone else like to address this topic? If so, please raise your hand. Seeing no
one, I am going to close the public hearing. Could I get a motion to approve please?
2. Consider a Resolution
Salih: Move, Salih.
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Weiner: Second, Weiner.
Teague: Moved by Salih, seconded by Weiner, and Council discussion.
Taylor: I'm really excited to see this and first of all I'd like to offer congratulations to the new home
owners, the buyer this property. I've been excited about this program all along and and my hope
is for continued success and positive results for other of our South District program properties.
It's great to see.
Teague: All right. This is an exciting project, so very happy to see it. Roll call please. Motion passes
7-0.
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12. Establishing Urban Revitalization Tax Abatement Area — Resolution adopting Highway
Commercial Urban Revitalization Plan.
3. Public Hearing
Teague: I'm going to open the public hearing, and welcome, Wendy Ford.
Ford: Good evening, Council. I'm Wendy Ford, the Economic Development Coordinator. The
proposed Highway Commercial Urban Revitalization plan designates areas of the city along
Highway 6 and Highway 1 (mumbled) corridors in which certain building improvements or
new construction may be eligible for limited property tax exemption for a period of three years.
The plan uses an economic development tool called `urban revitalization tax exemption,' which
would allow for a 100% property tax exemption on new value created by improvements to
existing or new buildings on qualifying properties for three years. Neither the value of the land
nor the original value of the building is eligible for this exemption, and only improvements
generating at least a 15% increase in building value are eligible. The areas in the plan are
generally older commercial areas along Highway 6 and Highway 1 with local, usually small
businesses that have not had access to economic development incentives in the past, and
generally do not attract the kinds of projects that would be appropriate for tax increment
financing. I'm going to try and share my screen to show you a map ... and presentation view.
Okay. So this is not a very legible map, um (laughs) and I'm going to move from this one to
one that actually is a little more legible, but I wanted to show this one to you to give you a
scope of the the width and breadth of the areas. The urban revitalization zones would be in the
red areas, as you see here, beginning at the left with about the intersection of Highway 1 and
218, and then, uh, that's west, and then moving east, all the way over toward the ... what we've
called the Sycamore and First Avenue area, but let me move into a more defined map here. This
is the far west area where you can see the intersection of Highway 1 with 218, and these
commercial areas that surround that intersection here. Moving to the middle of that wide swath
of area, this is zone E, as we call it, which is around the Walmart area and Ruper...Rupert Road.
Lots of small businesses and small parcels in that area as well, and then finally these two areas,
which are ... which encompass the Highway 6 area south of Riverfront Crossings and, by the
way, not including any of the Riverfront Crossings for urban renewal area. So this is a
completely separate area that would offer incentives to businesses that don't necessarily, uh, that
can't enjoy them otherwise, and then finally to the far east on the right, zone Q that is the Iowa
City Marketplace area as it's known now, and several commercial lots in that general
neighborhood. So I'll move back to the big picture while I talk. You can just kind of take a
look at that. This economic development incentive is only available to commercially ...would
only be available to commercially -taxed properties. In the case of a multi -residential property,
where a portion is taxed commercial, only the commercial portion of the building would be
eligible. Before beginning any improvements which may qualify for the tax
exemp ... exemption, property owners must apply online through the City's website. And I do
have that website in the lower left corner of this slide. It is ic-gov.org/highwaycommercialurp,
and that URP is urban revitalization plan. To be considered eligible for property tax exemption,
the Council must approve the projects and all improvements must increase the actual value of
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the property, not including the land value, by at least 15%. The City Assessor determines
whether a project meets this threshold once improvements have been made. Questions about
whether proposed improvements will meet the 15% increase or not should be directed to the
City Assessor, Brad Comber. The Highway Commercial Urban Revitalization plan would be in
effect for 10 years after its implementation, should you do that tonight. Prior steps to
establishing this Commercial Urban Revitalization plan include the adoption of a resolution of
necesd... of necessity, which was done March 2nd in a mailing of the notice of this public
hearing to all property owners and occupants of those properties, which was done the week of
March 15th. Staff recommends approval of this plan because it aligns with the IC 2030
comprehensive plan and the 2021 strategic plan, which both promote an inclusive and resilient
economy throughout the city, in part by encouraging healthy, diverse, and sustainable economic
activity, taking steps to reinvigorate neighborhood commercial districts, and supporting the
growth and promotion of locally owned businesses and women and minority owned businesses.
Those are the extent of my comments, and I'd be happy to answer any questions if you had
them.
Thomas: Wendy, with this program, this is John, are there examples of its use in any other cities in
Iowa? I'm ... I'm just not clear how actively (garbled) implementing this program, but if they
have, uh, are there some excess... success stories already out there?
Ford: Uh, well, in answer to the first question, yes, it is being used in other cities. Um, Davenport it's
used widely across the community and also in Dubuque. However, I can't cite specific success
stories. This is an incentive that is geared toward folks who would make investments in their
buildings that would not necessarily qualify for larger incentives. It just exempts the tax that
would be due on the improvements, because of the improvements they made, and maybe
enough for somebody to make the decision to go ahead and do those improvements that they
had been considering for a while.
Teague: All right, thank you. All right, anyone from the public like to join in on this discussion? If so,
please raise your hand and I'll call upon you, and I ask that you keep your comments three to
five minutes. Welcome, Charlie, followed by Dan.
Eastham: Thank you, Mayor Teague. Just very briefly, uh, is, uh, the property taxes that are exempt, or
would be exempt under this proposal, that's the City assessed property tax, is that correct, not
the School District or County or other assessments. Am I correct about that?
Teague: We ask that you just speak to the Council.
Eastham: I'm sorry, Bruce. Uh... okay, perhaps the staff or someone could get back get back to us at
some point in the future to let us know, okay?
Teague: Yep, we'll reach out to you. Thank you so much. Welcome, Dan, followed by Ala.
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Kauble: All right, so, um, if I understand correctly, the point of this resolution is to use the power of
City government to benefit the businesses and business owners along Highway 1 and 6. So,
since we're discussing helping businesses in that area, let's discuss how the City Council and
City officials are ignoring business owners there, who have already reached out for help,
specifically the case of Naa Adjeiwa Tackie, who runs NaNa's African Boutique along Highway
6. I find it disgusting that you sit here talking about, `Oh, let's give been business owners tax
incentives for improving their businesses,' after you have continually ignored pleas from a
black female immigrant business owner trying desperately to save her business in that area. If
you're so concerned with revitalizing businesses along Highway 6, we need to talk about the
ways this body has failed those businesses first. Also, I would be remiss if I didn't mention how
the Mayor's opening statements about how we embrace diversity, that's not true, and this case
illustrates that perfectly. Um, Naa has been dealing with a landlord trying to evict her for
standing up for her rights as a tenant. The landlord, Alan Marks of the Midwest Development
and Investment Group, moved to evict her after she reported code violations to the City that he
was refusing to fix. Furthermore, he is accusing her of failing to pay rent, despite the fact that
he refused to accept her payments, (both talking)
Teague: Thank you, Dan. (both talking) No! This is relevant! This is relevant (both talking) because
we're talking about business (both talking) This is how to improve businesses, Mayor (both
talking)
Teague: (both talking) Welcome, Ala. Welcome.
Mohamed: Well I'm just gonna go over what Dan was just trying to say. So hello, City Council. I'm
here again to remind you all, day in and day out, that you do not intend to serve, and my first
case will be demanding justice for Naa, and sad to see that Naa has reached out to you all and
nothing was done to help her except Mazahir (both talking) was the only one who reached back
(both talking) and then I also want to talk about (both talking)
Teague: This is a public hearing (both talking) Yeah ifs ... it's (both talking)
Mohamed: (both talking) ...it's a business. Is it a business or not?
Teague: This is... (both talking)
Mohamed: ... business on Highway 1 or is it not?
Teague: (both talking, garbled) ...abatement area.
Mohamed: Is it a business on Highway 6 or not, Mayor? Cause I just want to know if I'm incorrect on
it. Is it a business on Highway 6 or (both talking)
Teague: Do you want to speak on this?
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Mohamed: I am speaking on a business that's on Highway 6. And as I'm continuing, I want to say that
her landlord has continued to violate her, and even when reporting him and trying to exercise
her right (both talking) Yes. It is because it's a business on highway six.
Teague: (both talking) ...to address this topic.
Mohamed: It is because it's a business on Highway 6.
Teague: Thank you, Ala. Would anyone else like to address this topic? Seeing no one, I'm going to
close the public hearing, and could I get a motion to approve please?
4. Consider a Resolution
Mims: So moved, Mims.
Salih: Second, Salih.
Teague: All right, and Council discussion?
Bergus: I was curious about, I guess this is a question, but the question that Charlie raised about the,
um, which taxes that it is abating, if staff has an answer to that?
Ford: Hi, my understanding is that it is all of the taxes.
Fruin: Just to clarify that, um, it's ... it's the taxes on the new improvement. So if you have a ... a building
that's generating $100,000 in taxes, uh, say, and the improvements take that to $150,000, we're
just talking about a three-year abatement of that 50,000, but it is ... it would impact all of the
taxing bodies for that period of time. So this ... the State, and that was one of the factors that we
weighed internally, the State Code allows to up to 10 years of abatement, and you can do that on
various scales, sliding scales if you wish, but we opted to keep that term as short as possible, to
where we thought it would incentivize the reinvestment in those properties, but also return a
higher base to all the taxing bodies in as quick as time as possible.
Bergus: Thank you.
Mims: I'm supportive of this. I think one thing we hear frequently from business owners is they put a
lot of money into their building. You know, they may be struggling and trying to improve their
building and their place of business, so they can employ people. And then they put l Os or
hundreds of thousands of dollars and then immediately the taxes get jacked up. So the idea of
potentially up to a three-year abatement, if they're doing enough improvement in that facility, I
think is a good way to incentivize that improvement and hopefully to keep those businesses and
that employment here.
Teague: All right. Hearing no other comments, roll call please. Motion passes 7-0.
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13. Alcohol in Park Shelters — Ordinance amending Title 4, entitled "Alcoholic Beverages,"
and Title 10, Entitled "Public Ways and Property," to allow alcohol in park shelters.
(Second consideration)
Teague: Could I get a motion please?
Bergus: So moved, Bergus.
Thomas: (both talking)
Teague: So, uh, moved by Bergus, seconded by Thomas. And would anyone from the public like to
discuss this topic? If so, please raise your hand. Welcome, Dan, please keep your comments
three to five minutes.
Kauble: Hi, um, so I was drinking... drinking a beer in City Park the other day, talking with my friends
about the case of Naa Adjeiwa Tackie and we were just talking about, number one, how cool it
is drinking alcohol in the park at shelters, and number two, how messed up it is that City
Council is refusing to help their constituents who reach out for help. And that groups like the
Freedom Riders have to get justice for those people while the City Council does nothing. So
while we were sipping our beer in the park shelters, talking about how that should be legal too,
um, we were also discussing the fact that it's really messed up that political connections
between a lawyer, landlord, and the City Council is allowed to exist. So, um, anyways I had ... I
was drinking Blue Moon, which I mean should be totally legal in park shelters, and it's... it's... the
most astounding thing that my friend and I agreed on about Naa's case is the fact that, Mayor
Teague, you showed up to the TRC and were talking... you're the most powerful person in the
City and yet we knock in front of you. You said, `Oh, I can listen with empathy,' but you
basically said that was the extent that you could do. She reached out to you, over a year ago,
and you ignored her emails. And you didn't even check out ... check on her to see how she was
doing. She messaged me out of the blue. She was a total stranger, Mayor, and yet I wanted to
make hearing her story, what she reveal... shared with you in her email. That ... I don't understand
how someone could read that and not reach out and do anything in their power to help her. It
technically... it's a City issue, so you should be able to do it because it was about City code
violations. (both talking)
Teague: Thank you, Dan. All right, so, public ... we have to have topics... from the public, discussions at
hand. If you wish to talk to City Council about something, there's other avenues to do that.
We're going to continue. Anyone else from the public like to address this topic? Seeing no one,
Council discussion? Roll call please. Motion passes 7-0.
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14. Cable Franchise — Telecommunications Comm. - Ordinance amending Title 12, entitled
"Franchise," Chapter 4, entitled "Cable Television," to repeal the cable television
franchise ordinance. (First Consideration)
Teague: Could I get a motion please?
Weiner: So moved, Weiner (both talking)
Bergus: (garbled) Bergus.
Teague: Moved by Weiner, seconded by Bergus, and welcome Ashley Monroe. Are you going to speak
to us?
Monroe: I will. So in 2007 the State established a statewide franchise for cable TV providers, and in
2018, the City's cable franchise or...or local franchise agreement with Mediacom expired. They
operate per ...they operate now pursuant to the State franchise. It's unlikely that they will return.
Um, part of the State franchise requires the establishment, as well, of a table, uh, Cable
Television Commission, and the Council in recent years has asked of the Telecommunications
Commission, after the Mediacom franchise expiration, to look into, for example, community-
wide broadband and other funding mechanisms, and they've done so. Their report is included
with the information packet and with this repeal and the ordinance, they ..it would disband the
Telecommunications Commission, as well as the cable franchise. I'll take any questions.
Teague: Hearing no questions.
Bergus: Mayor, I did have one quick question. Um, in the memo that was presented, Ashley, in
mentioning the ... the purposes of the ordinance and then the role that the Commission served,
one of those things was resolving disputes between the cable operator and consumers. Will our
cable TV people still be taking complaints, helping resolve those, or is that also going away?
Monroe: That ... that function stays with staff. Um, it's a regular duty of theirs. We frequently send any
concerns by..by residents or...or anyone with concerns about telecommunication services to our
staff, and they have various connections and other resources to help work through those issues.
Bergus: Thank you.
Monroe: Yeah! Of course!
Teague: All right, thank you, and would anyone from the public like to discuss this topic? Please raise
your hand and I'll call upon you, and we ask that you keep your comments three to five minutes,
and we ask that it also be based on this topic. Thank you. Welcome, Patricia, followed by Dan.
Bowen: Yes, I'm a little bit confused. I'm sorry, I did not read the ... any information about what was
going to be on the agenda, but ... so the Telecommunications Commission is going to be
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dissolved, Mediacom, your.. your.. thing with Mediacom is going to go away. So what does
that really mean to the public?
Teague: And we can reach back out to you, Patricia. Maybe we can have staff... (both talking)
Bowen: Nobody can answer that right now?
Teague: This is a time for you to speak to Council on your concern on this item.
Bowen: Well I'm concerned that ... that we're losing something and nobody can explain to me what's
going on. I find that a little bit odd.
Teague: Anything else you would like to say, Patricia?
Bowen: Nope!
Teague: Thank you. Welcome, Dan.
Kauble: Hi, so, um ... you, Mayor, can open up public comment at the end of this meeting to allow us to
discuss the case ofNaaAdjeiwa Tackie (both talking)
Teague: Is this ... are you ... thank you, Dan (both talking)
Teague: Thank you, Dan. (both talking) Anyone else like to address this topic? Seeing no one,
Council discussion?
Bergus: Maybe if we could, uh, I don't know, I just want to acknowledge this is sort of an end of an era,
right? Um, I was actually on the task force in 2007 before the statewide franchising bill was
adopted and part of that was what spurred me to want to go to law school when I sort of saw
how ...how all that went down, and and I think as far as the impact of the public, you know, it's,
um, we haven't had a local franchise with Mediacom for three years, coming up this summer,
and so we have ... we lost all regulatory authority at that point in time. Most of it had already
been stripped away in, um, with the statewide franchising legislation, and so I think that, you
know, as staff also pointed out in their memo, should a cable operator seek a City franchise in
the future, it could do so, but the current ordinance, um, wouldn't really be applicable to the
technologies that would be offered at that time and the federal regulations that have changed, as
well. So this is kind of a legacy thing, as far as I understand it. Yeah, it is ... it's ... it's kind of too
bad to see it go certainly, but it's not ... it's not letting go of something that we actually can
maintain any control over.
Teague: Thank you for that explanation. Any other comments? Hearing none, roll call please. Motion
passes 7-0.
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15. 2021 GO Bonds Bidding Procedure — Resolution directing the advertisement for sale of
$11,325,000* (subject to adjustment per terms of offering) General Obligation Bonds,
Series 2021, and approving electronic bidding procedures and distribution of the
preliminary official statement.
Teague: Could I get a motion to approve please?
Mims: So moved, Mims.
Salih: Second, Salih.
Teague: All right, staff presentation.
Bockenstedt: And I'll just have a brief explanation of what this is. This resolution approves the sale
documents, uh (mumbled) the primary official statement, and this is the documents that are sent
out to potential bidders on the City's general obligation bonds, and it also improves the bidding
procedures that will be used to bid those bonds and that sale date will be May 4th and that night
of May 4th we'll bring those results back to the Council for approval. And this resolution
basically sends these documents out to begin that... beginning, uh, bidding process. And I can
try to answer any questions if you have any.
Teague: Hearing none. 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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18. Community Comment [IF NECESSARY] (ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA)
Teague: We're going to have UISG, Ryan .... yes, welcome!
Longenecker: Good evening, Council. Uh, first I have just a couple of updates. Um, the Presidential
Search Committee continues to host the candidates for the University of Iowa. The three
candidates have been announced and visited campus so far are Hari Osofsky, Dean of Penn
State Law in the Penn State School of International Affairs; Barbara Wilson, Executive Vice
President and Vice President for Academic Affairs for the University of Illinois System; and
Wendy Hensel, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Georgia State
University. The fourth and final candidate will be announced tomorrow morning and will visit
campus starting Thursday morning through Friday. You can find their bios at
presidentialsearch.uiowa.edu and if you're interested in attending a forum for the fourth
candidate, it will be available online and it'll be Thursday at 3:30 PM. You can also access the
recordings of the first three forums as well. Now, I wanted to recognize that tonight is my last
Council meeting as the USG City Liaison. I started as deputy city liaison over a year ago in
February of 2020, and little did I know that I would enter the City liaison position at the
beginning of a global pandemic. Council meetings took to Zoom and the University shut down
Since that time, I've had the honor to work on a variety of City issues on the behalf of students,
a few of these included asking the City to provide utilities relief for student renters, voicing
student concerns on issues of racial justice and policing, working to keep students safe during
COVID-19, sustainability requirements in new developments, and affordable housing for
students. I've worked with Councilors and City staff on these issues and I'm honored to have
had that opportunity. This position has taught me just how important local government is, and I
am grateful for all that I have learned. I will continue to be a part of the Undergraduate Student
Government this coming year, and I hope to be able to stay involved in a lot of these issues.
My deputy city liaison, Anna Van Heukelom, will take over my role come M I", and I am so
excited for her to continue our work from this last year. She will do an excellent job. I will
send a letter to Council in the next week, announcing both the new city liaison and deputy City
liaison, as the executive positions are interviewing this week. I thank you all for the lessons and
knowledge that you have given me, and for the kindness and respect you have shown Anna and
me, and USG overall in all the issues we have worked on. Students are a major part of Iowa
City and our voices are important when it comes to so many City issues. I wish you all the best
of luck going forward. USG is excited to continue its work with the City. Thank you all very
much.
Teague: Thank you, Ryan, for all your hard work, um, and wish you the best in your endeavors as you
move on, so thank you so much.
Longenecker: Thank you very much.
Teague: Yes. (several talking, garbled)
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Mims: Ryan, I just ... I'm sorry that you came in at the beginning of a pandemic. And you know... and
have had to have this kind of experience, where we couldn't all get to know you and you to
know us a lot better when we could visit before meetings and after meetings, and (mumbled)
because I know that's been really I think helpful to the UISG liaison in the past and have more
direct interaction with staff, etc., so it's unfortunate, but I think you have certainly done an
excellent job and made the best of the circumstances, and thank you for your service and all the
best to you as you go forward.
Longenecker: Thank you very much.
Weiner: Thank you in particular, Ryan, for your ..for working together on pandemic issues over ...over
Zoom, uh, really... really consequential to be able to co ... to coordinate between Council, Student
Government, and so many other entities here, so thank you very much for that. Um, and I also
wanted to mention, I think that maybe we as a Council should consider reopening community
comments.
Salih: I don't think we all (mumbled) this is a public common now, uh, you know, I guess usually from
my understanding, if the City (mumbled) can correct me, that people can speak during this time
as well.
Teague: Yeah, I think it's always been based on the Council. It is at our discretion. So if people are
supportive of it, we can certainly open it up.
Salih: Yeah, because it (mumbled) Mayor, I just mean like on the agenda say public comment, and I...
maybe we don't have this, have any (garbled) remember, uh, you know, our previous mayor, he
was allowing some folks during this time to speak.
Mims: (garbled) worked is if we have run out of time (mumbled) earlier comment, then we have
allowed comment at the end ,and I do believe that we may have run out of time earlier tonight,
so I would agree that if there are people still on who want to comment, then I think we should
open it back up for a little bit.
Teague: Great (garbled) (both talking)
Taylor: Yeah, Susan, that was my understanding too, that I think that's ... in the past years that we've
always done is overflow if there ... if not everyone had a chance to talk at the earlier public
comment time, this could be some additional time for those who haven't had a chance to talk.
Teague: Great, so I'm gonna ask for anyone who haven't had a chance to speak to raise your hand. That
was during the public comment section at the beginning of our meeting, and I'm gonna
we ... welcome David, and we ask that everyone keep their comments to two minutes.
Goodner: Hi, Mr. Mayor, can you hear me?
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Teague: Yes.
Goodner: Thanks, everyone. My name is David Goodner with the Catholic Worker, speaking on behalf
of the excluded workers fund. We're in receipt of the downtown COVID-19 recovery brief plan
written by the Downtown District and the City Manager. This plan better not have been put
together with the federal recovery aid money in mind, as the Downtown District lobbyist
indicated earlier in this meeting that it was. Because how public money is spent needs to be
decided in public, after an inclusive and transparent citizens' input and review process, not
negotiated between government and big business behind closed doors ahead of time. We
shouldn't have to wonder who City government works for. It's also hard to take the Downtown
District's plan to allegedly support BIPOC businesses seriously, given the disgraceful eviction
issue facing an African refugee business owner that the Iowa Freedom Riders lifted up today
and yesterday. It's a slight of hand to steal public relief money meant for the working poor and
funnel it to the same business interests that always get it under the ruse of helping people of
color. But the key line in the Downtown District report is worth reading out loud, and I quote.
"It's highly likely that while the economy will return, there may be a significant over supply of
built space for second -story commercial downtown with this trend." End quote. In other
words, we can throw money at downtown businesses until we're blue in the face, but it's not
going to create any new jobs if economic behavior is permanently changed because of the
pandemic. It would be far better spent on direct aid to those who have been left behind, not on
more tax breaks for business owners and homeowners who don't need it. Thank you.
Teague: Thank you, David. I'm going to call, ub, Barb, I can't remember, did you speak during the
public comment or did you give your opportunity to Emily?
Weiner: Well, she gave her time to Emily (mumbled)
Teague: Okay. Welcome, Barb.
Stanerson: Thank you, Mayor. I will speak this time. Um, so I'm Barb Stanerson. I'm a physical
therapist that works for UIHC and also a proud member of SEN and CCI. And I'm going to try
to speak to a real specific group of people for the excluded workers fund, and that's the essential
workers, um, at the hospital, because that's.... that's me, and that's where I've been for the last
17 months during this pandemic, and I've got, um, just three things I wanted to mention about
what it's been like, um, working as an essential worker through all of this. Um, there's been,
first of all, financial stresses. Um, we were forced to take furloughs, we gave up vacation time,
we've been working... many, many people there have been working very long hours and often
working in areas they aren't even comfortable with because people were moved around without
any consideration for their area of expertise, and, second of all, there were physical stresses.
Um, working with COVID patients is very time-consuming, um, especially so many of them are
so critically ill, you know, putting on this PPE and taking it off. I just... I can't even explain to
you what a day is like wearing that garb and and trying to work with it on also. Um, also the
staff was, um, there was a staff shortage and even though it ... which the furlough added
to ... added to, and so it was very difficult to find people, you know, to help with a lot of the tasks
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that we would do as a physical therapist up on the floors. The last thing was emotional stress,
and that is something that's still going on. Death, I mean one of the reasons I became a physical
therapist is that I, you know, usually... predominantly work with people who are getting better,
and it was just a day in and day out of people dying, young and old, and I just ... I don't know
really how to even stress what that... that does to workers over time.
Teague: Thank you, Barb. Thank you, Barb. I'm gonna welcome Ala.
Mohamed: Hello, um, once again I also want to like clarify like what's the thing with the two minutes
cause before you said two minutes, and then you said three minutes to five minutes, and then
you said two minutes. So I just want to know if there's going to be any clarification in the
future, and again I want to bring attention to Naa and her case again. And I also want to make it
clear that the government does not intend to serve, so you all are more than welcome to come
show up at the people's Truth and Reckoning Commission, hosted by IFR, for the people, by the
people, and run by the people. Um, I also want to take into consideration to also say that, um,
the City Council has also ignored Chris Kelly's case as well. So it's two black people and it
took until Mazahir...to actually open up this discussion too, so it was like up to a black woman
again to open up a space for people to speak. Um, it's just so sad that black women just have to
do everything and showcase everything just to showcase that they are here for the people. And
again, I do want to also talk about the Iowa (mumbled) the Iowa CCCI and the money. I'm so
confused as to how this money is used and no one's even like talking about it outside of how it
could be used for the people. Like that makes no sense to me how everyone, like you all
decided that you wanted to do whatever y'all wanted to do with the money, but we cannot
decide, and we are the ones who are actually like your constituents, aren't we not? So, I just
want to also say that you all have taken a lot of time (mumbled) not taking accountability for a
lot of things that you do, especially going back to Naa's case and the Chris Kelly case, and
people have been wanting... people have been searching and looking elsewhere to find help
because the government is not serving. You guys have not been doing your purpose. That's all
I had to say, and again, just clarify the timing, because it makes no sense how some people can
speak two minutes and some people can speak three to five. Thank you.
Teague: Thank you. Welcome, Charlie, followed by John Does.
Eastham: Thank you, Mayor Teague. I just wanted to follow up with the Johnson County Interfaith
Coalitions group's recommendation or ask that the Council engage primarily with the people
affected by the pandemic and non-profit organizations that have been working with people
affected by the pandemic in devising your ideas and your plans about how to use the City's
allocation of the American Rescue Plan funding. I, uh, admire the work that City Manager
Geoff Fruin has done and the Council's done in many areas. I think it's a bit perplexing about
why the .... why there would have been steps taken at this point to work with a, uh, with a
segment of the community, the business community in developing an actual plan to use these
funds, before consulting widely with non-profit and people directly affected by the pandemic
and their ...their ideas about how to use these funds. So I think that that can be corrected easily
by going ahead with ... with engaging with these two groups, people directly affected by the
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pandemic and the non-profit community that have been dealing with ... with the effects of the
pandemic, and I'm sure you will make good decisions. Uh, thanks very much.
Teague: Thank you. Welcome, John.
Does: Hi, my name is John Doe. Um, part of the reason why you've been pushed tonight so hard is
because, um, Naa turned to you for help and you turned your back on her. Um, she was ignored
by you and turned away by the legal system, because of the fact that her landlord is represented
by a member of this body. You are the people who should have been there for her and it didn't
happen, and you need to be called out for it, and you've been... all night you've been suppressing
talk about this, from the two minutes to the discussion about Highway 6. You have been
suppressing this discussion, and even with the public comment at the end, you've been saying,
`Oh if you've talked before during public comment, you can't talk again.' Well, the thing is, you
haven't allowed people to fully talk about the issues that they came prepared to talk five minutes
about. It's ridiculous, um, so I'm going to just go and Dan is my cousin and he gave me his
statement, um, so the lawyer for Naa's landlord is Joseph Moreland, who is (both talking) a law
partner of (both talking)
Teague: Excuse me. Are you Dan?
Does: No, I'm John, um, but so ... the law partner of Council Member Laura Bergus. It's incredibly
ironic that this part ... that this Council is working on an item to improve businesses along
Highway 6, when the law firm of one of your Members is profiting from the destruction of a
business along that stretch of road. Um, as was said at the last meeting, Laura Bergus, you are
the worst kind of neo- liberal. On one hand you claim to oppose racism... racism and support
racial equality and injustice, but on the other hand your law firm enables racist and predatory
landlords to go after minority businesses. It was very big of you to provide Naa a list of
lawyers who she could hire. However, if you had followed through with her, you would have
realized that they were too scared of your scumbag law partner and his political connections to
take up Naa's case. However, you never checked up with her to see how she was doing. This
applies to the rest of the Iowa City Council too, the majority of whom ignored Naa's email.
Mayor Teague, thank you for showing up to the people's TRC on Thursday night, but that's
about the best thing that can be said about that. (mumbled)n front of you, and asked about why
you hadn't reached out to her and you said that you were "aware of it." It's good to be aware of
something, but given that you didn't reach out to Naa or do anything substantive to help her up
until the time she confronted you, I must say that your awareness is pretty worthless. You are
one of the most powerful people in this city and yet you ... the most you could offer Naa was
listening with empathy. Let me tell you, Naa reached out to me because she saw a Facebook
comment I made describing how the Iowa City government (both talking)
Teague: Thank you. Welcome, Mohamed.
Traore: Hello, Mayor Teague. Thank you very much for recognizing me. I wish I'd been able to come
to the meeting earlier, uh, was just kind of doing some extra work, but, um, anyways so I'll
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make this as quick as possible. When it comes to Naa's situation, it came to my attention last
week on Monday. She had reached out to my mother, who's ... we have known her since 2015,
2016. And my family has purchased many goods from her and my mom's closest friends have
as well, and I know many others that are in the same boat, and when my mom told me that she
needed to speak with me, I wasn't really sure what it was going to be about, but then when she
did talk to me, we spent probably close to an hour on the phone, and just hearing about the
situation, which is very disheartening to know that something such as this was going on in our
community, and I don't know exactly why the situation has played out the way it has, because I
can't infer anyone's intent, and in terms of Councilor Bergus' involvement, I know that she
obviously cannot speak on the case or also speak more directly with Naa as well without
consent, because she also is the representative of the other person involved, and -just from what
I know so far, I've reached out to multiple people in the City, who have told me that they will be
sure that this is prioritized and properly looked into and handled, and I do trust that they will do
so, as they have contacted Naa and are going through that process, but I will also be working to
ensure that all of that is followed through with and that we just get as much clarity on the
situation as possible. In addition, I've been hearing about other businesses in the area that are
facing eviction from landlords, as well, from their buildings being bought out by new
ownership. And that ownership then jacking up rent prices, sometimes as high as 140% and
while I do understand the current economic landscape and the rise in property values due to,
you know, the actions of the fed and the money printing and things of that nature, what I just
don't understand is why this is all being passed off to all of these hard working small business
owners that helped to make Iowa City what it is (both talking)
Teague: Thank you. Thank you. Anyone else like to address? All right, seeing no one, we are moving
on. We are ... I do see one. All right! Welcome, NaNa. You're on mute.
Tackie: Hello, can you hear me?
Teague: Yes.
Tackie: Okay, so my name is Naa Adjeiwa Tackie and I'd like to take this time to first of all thank each
and every one of you who has spoken out for me. I really do appreciate this. I reached out to
the City, City Council, uh, City Mayor, City Manager, about 15 different people on the 18th of
March and reported my story. I've been persecuted by this landlord, by Joseph Moreland, and I
can't imagine that Laura Bergus has not seen any of the communications, and for you to sit there
and just act like this doesn't matter or it's a conflict of interest. The ... the only conflict of
interest is that I'm not able to access my Mayor, my City Manager, Assistant City Managers,
City Attorney. I can't access any one of you just because of this connection, so it's not fair to
make us think that you're there for us and the constant exploitation, using the words social
justice. Look it up and actually practice that. This ... the exploitation of the immigrants and just
people of color, it's just ... it's too much, you know. You.... you've never ..none of you have been
a young African woman. Mazahir has, but the rest of you haven't, so you don't know what it
feels like. The community is looking up to you. I have to keep a bold face every single day,
knowing that is Joe going to send another email lying about things, is my landlord going to send
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular
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another email lying about things. Currently they're saying that I have not paid rent. There's an
article on CBS that says, and I quote, "Tackie didn't pay her rent." I have attempted to pay rent
five times. I've made over 44 different rent payments, when I'm in China, Dubai, Ghana,
Sinegal, wherever in the world, I've paid this man and Joe boldly says that I have failed to pay
rent and, Laura, you can't just sit there and pretend it's a conflict of interest. This is about
ethics, this is about just human, you know, just ... just being human. You know, how do you go
ahead and watch this happening in your office, but then you ... on your Facebook you're saying
things about (garbled) quoting Dr. Martin Luther King saying things about we ... we remember
the silence of our friends, and you know, not remembering the voices of our enemies, and that's
what... that's what was just so surprising, you know, you're quoting all these things. You're
marching. You're saying you support diversity, all... all these things that all of you say, but this
was a perfect opportunity. At least you could have responded to my email and just said thank
you for your email. We really don't care about your situation and all the best. I would have
actually respected and appreciated that versus (both talking)
Teague: Thank you, Naa. All right, anyone else like to address this topic, and actually I had just closed
that ... that opportunity, so I'm going to move on to the next item.
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19. City Council Information
Teague: And this is Council Member reports on various meetings attended, upcoming meetings,
community events, and items of interest.
Mims: I would just mention with our Friday `Better Together' meetings, there was a question earlier
about COVID vaccines and kind of where we were headed with that, and one of the
announcements last Friday was Dr Rick Dobbins and Dr. Brian Kirschling are working to really
organize a marketing, public outreach campaign as it gets harder to fill some of these COVID
vaccine appointments. Um, really trying to, you know, to get that message out to people in our
community the importance of getting vaccinated, um, you know, the safety of the vaccines, etc.,
and really trying to encourage that. So I think you'll start seeing some stuff coming out from
`Better Together' and others in the community that are combining with this effort to really
increase the people getting out to get these vaccines, as we as ... as (mumbled) earlier, you ... those
final percentages are harder and harder to accomplis, and so we'll be working really hard to get
that last 30 to 35%, whatever we can get vaccinated. So, please feel free to, you know, reach
out and help in any way you can with your own networks and certainly to promote the
marketing when you start seeing it. Thank you.
Bergus: I just wanted to mention this Sunday is the South District Neighborhood Association's `Team
up to clean up' event, which is an annual neighborhood beautification effort. And everyone is
welcome and encouraged to come help. We're picking up trash along roadways, as well as
weeding and planting flowers and seeds adjacent to the mural on Broadway Street, and also just
picking up all around the South District. So southdistrictneighborhood.org is the website too, if
anyone would like to learn more or to sign up.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council regular
formal meeting of April 20, 2021.