Iowa City public meetings in 2023
23 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
City Council - Formal
The City Council will consider several contracts and resolutions, including wastewater facility improvements and data equipment procurement. The body is also deciding on liquor license renewals and the sale of a city-owned property. Public hearings are being set for January 2 regarding zoning and comprehensive plan amendments.
- Contract award to WRH, Inc. for $1,398,000.00 for Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvements
- Procurement of data communications equipment from DataVizion for approximately $219,024.69
- Approval of October 2023 disbursements totaling $15,787,663.29
- Sale of 320 N. Governor St. for $115,000
- Waiver of annual sidewalk cafe fees on Dubuque Street due to 2024 construction
City Council - Formal
The Iowa City Council will vote to accept completed construction projects and approve budget reports for the Downtown District and South of 6 Business District. The meeting also includes resolutions for a dive team agreement and a tobacco enforcement program.
- Orchard Street Reconstruction ($1,176,986.19)
- Asphalt Resurfacing 2021 ($2,208,613.19)
- Iowa City Senior Center Exterior Restoration ($1,187,513)
- ICDD FY25 Budget
- So.6 SSMID FY25 Budget
City Council - Formal
The Iowa City Council will set public hearings for November 21 on zoning code amendments and several construction projects, including a $3.75 million street reconstruction.
- Set public hearing for Zoning Code Amendment to reduce building height in RNS-12 zone
- Set public hearing for American Legion Road/First Avenue Landscaping Project ($205,000)
- Set public hearing for City Park Festival Stage Improvements ($256,000)
- Set public hearing for Dubuque Street Reconstruction ($3,750,000)
- Set public hearing for Zoning Code Amendment to improve housing choice and affordability
City Council - Formal
The City Council is considering zoning changes for accessory dwelling units and a $5.6 million grant application to address affordable housing scarcity. Other items include wastewater treatment facility upgrades and the sale of a city-owned home.
- Zoning amendment for Accessory Dwelling Units (REZ23-0001)
- $1,350,000 Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvements project
- Sale of single-family home at 2129 Taylor Drive for $147,600
- $17,677,414.28 in August 2023 disbursements
- $5.6 million PRO Housing grant application
City Council - Formal
The Iowa City Council will consider awarding contracts for the Gilbert Street Bridge replacement, parking garage maintenance, and a winter shelter agreement with Shelter House. The meeting will also include the approval of various liquor licenses and the filing of annual urban renewal reports.
- Gilbert Street Bridge Replacement contract awarded to Boomerang Corp. ($3,744,633.10)
- Winter Shelter Agreement with Shelter House ($100,000)
- Parking Garage Maintenance and Repair contracts awarded ($99,858.00 and $69,750.00)
- Taft Avenue Reconstruction consultant agreement ($1,035,886)
- Terrell Mill Skate Park Redevelopment consultant agreement ($248,100)
City Council - Formal
The City Council will hold a public hearing and consider first reading of a zoning code amendment (REZ23-0001) aimed at improving housing choice, supply, and affordability, including regulatory incentives for income-restricted units. Other actions include approving contracts for a Bus Rapid Transit feasibility study, landfill equipment building replacement, and park improvements, as well as setting a public hearing for utility rate changes.
- Zoning code amendment (REZ23-0001) to increase housing flexibility and affordability, with deferred accessory apartment provisions
- Bus Rapid Transit feasibility study contract with Felsburg, Holt & Ullevig not to exceed $254,785
- Sturgis Ferry Park improvements and Southside Recycling Center contract awarded to Streb Construction for $774,409.10
- Landfill equipment building replacement engineering services agreement with Shive-Hattery for $384,200
- Public hearing on ordinance amending Title 3 for utility rate changes
City Council - Formal
The City Council is meeting to approve July 2023 disbursements and several infrastructure contracts. The body will also consider funding for affordable housing projects and new liquor licenses.
- Approval of July 2023 disbursements totaling $18,328,990.83
- Contract award to McComas-Lacina Construction for Mercer Park and City Park Court Renovation for $1,082,697.10
- Contract award to Streb Construction for North First Avenue Improvements for $389,778.55
- Contribution of $500,000 to the Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County for affordable housing
- Agreement with The Housing Fellowship for $200,000 to construct an affordable home at 724 Ronalds Street
City Council - Formal
The Iowa City City Council will set a public hearing for the $4.375 million Gilbert Street Bridge replacement project, along with hearings for parking garage repairs. The council will also consider rezoning three Orchard Court properties for Riverfront Crossings development and award contracts for bus repair, ADA curb ramps, and a Carson Lake Park feasibility study.
- Public hearing set for Gilbert Street Bridge replacement over Ralston Creek ($4,375,000 estimated cost)
- Rezoning of 614, 622, and 630 Orchard Court from OPD/RS-5 to Riverfront Crossing – Orchard (RFC-O)
- Resolution approving engineering services agreement for Carson Lake Park feasibility study ($82,400)
- Resolution to authorize bus repair services contract with Cummins Inc. exceeding $150,000
- Contract award for CDBG ADA Curb Ramp 2023 Project to Feldman Concrete for $137,408
City Council - Formal
The City Council will consider consent calendar items including $17.3 million in June disbursements, approval of a new aerial bucket truck, a paratransit service agreement with Johnson County, and acceptance of completed projects. They will also set a public hearing for August 15 on a conditional rezoning of three properties at Orchard Court for redevelopment under Riverfront Crossing code.
- Set public hearing for conditional rezoning of 614, 622, 630 Orchard Court (REZ23-0004)
- Approve June 2023 disbursements of $17,275,819.17
- Authorize procurement of an aerial bucket truck for $236,177
- Authorize 28E agreement with Johnson County for paratransit service through FY2028
- Accept completed work for Mercer Aquatic Center Pool Dehumidification System ($645,590.16)
City Council - Formal
The Iowa City Council will consider a consent calendar including resolutions to authorize a Fleet Analysis and Electric Vehicle Transition Plan ($80,053), award an asphalt resurfacing contract to LL Pelling Company ($616,278.55), and reject over-budget bids for ADA curb ramp replacements. They will also set physical attendance requirements for city board members and approve May 2023 disbursements of $23.7 million. Public comment is allowed.
- Resolution authorizing $80,053 Fleet Analysis and Electric Vehicle Transition Plan contract with ICF Inc.
- Awarding asphalt resurfacing contract to LL Pelling Company for $616,278.55.
- Rejecting all bids for CDBG ADA Curb Ramp 2023 project (low bid $319,939 vs. estimate $155,000) and setting new bid date of August 3, 2023.
- Resolution requiring physical presence for quorum of city board and commission meetings.
- Approval of May 2023 disbursements totaling $23,665,432.73.
City Council - Formal
The Iowa City Council will hold a public hearing and consider a resolution to approve plans and bid documents for structural repairs at the Dubuque Street and Tower Place parking ramps, with an estimated cost of $185,000. The council will also vote on several consent items, including new liquor licenses, tax abatement requests for commercial properties, and a grant application for ecological restoration at Ashton House. Compensation for the city manager, city attorney, and city clerk for FY2024 is set for approval.
- Public hearing and resolution on $185,000 parking garage maintenance and repair project at Dubuque Street and Tower Place ramps
- Resolution approving FY2024 compensation: City Manager $231,046.40, City Attorney $174,886.40, City Clerk $120,286.40
- Resolution authorizing a $200,000 REAP grant application for ecological restoration of Ashton House (no local match)
- Three tax abatement applications under Highway Commercial Urban Revitalization Plan: 2419 & 2451 Naples Ave., 985 Highway 6, and 3 Escort Lane
- Budgeted position changes: replacing a Senior Systems Engineer with an ITS Support Services Manager, and adding a Maintenance Worker I at Landfill
City Council - Formal
The council will consider a consent calendar of routine items, including liquor license renewals and contract approvals. Key actions include awarding a $603,707 contract for Riverside Drive pedestrian improvements, approving a $132,254 water geological survey agreement with the University of Iowa, and setting public hearings for parking garage repairs and roadway seeding.
- Award $603,707 contract to All American Concrete for Riverside Drive Pedestrian Improvements
- Approve $132,254 agreement with UIowa for Water Geological Survey to inform Collector Well No. 2
- Approve $176,300 contract with Calhoun-Burns for Biennial Bridge Inspection and Master Plan
- Approve $62,500 agreement with Watersmith Engineering for Highway 6 East Water Main design
- Set public hearings for parking garage repairs ($185,000) and Dubuque Street/McCollister seeding
City Council - Formal
The City Council will consider the issuance of $9,105,000 in General Obligation Bonds and approve various infrastructure contracts. The body is also setting public hearings for building and fire code updates and road resurfacing projects.
- Issuance of $9,105,000 General Obligation Bonds, Series 2023
- Contract award to Rogers Construction for Hickory Hill Park Shelter and Restrooms for $424,697.00
- Procurement of one John Deere 627G Motor Grader for $363,860.00
- Change Order 2 for Landfill Cell FY23 Construction totaling $205,250
- Public hearing set for June 6 on 2021 International Building and Fire Codes
City Council - Formal
The City Council will consider a second reading of an ordinance increasing water usage fees by 4% as part of a broader fee schedule update. A public hearing is scheduled for this item. The consent calendar includes multiple contract approvals, including a $1.56 million engineering agreement for digester complex rehabilitation and a $156,880 tree planting contract.
- Public hearing on 4% water usage fee increase (Ordinance amending Title 3, Chapter 4)
- Rezoning at 2640 N. Scott Blvd. for a 16-bedroom assisted senior living building (first consideration)
- Engineering contract for Digester Complex Rehabilitation Phase 1 with Strand Associates ($1,563,400)
- Right-of-Way Tree Planting contract with Sustainable Landscape Solutions ($156,880 first year)
- Classification and compensation study for city staff positions with Austin Peters Group ($118,745)
City Council - Formal
The City Council will vote on several consultant agreements for dam repairs, renewable gas, and city facility studies. The body is also deciding on a new recycling truck purchase and rezoning for commercial and residential properties.
- Contract for Mercer Park Aquatic Center & Scanlon Gym improvements awarded to All American Concrete, Inc. for $366,373.18
- Procurement of one Labrie recycling collection truck for $314,705.20
- Agreement with Strand Associates, Inc. for the Renewable Natural Gas Project totaling $194,000
- Amendment for Iowa River Powerhouse Dam Repair engineering services for an increased fee of $52,300
- Rezoning of 13 acres between Mormon Trek Blvd. and Dane Rd. SE from Commercial Office to Intensive Commercial
City Council - Formal
The Iowa City Council will approve routine permits, disburse $10.6 million in February funds, and authorize a $300,000 loan for an alley improvement. The meeting also sets public hearings for utility rate increases and a park shelter project.
- Approves $10.6M February disbursements
- Authorizes $300,000 alley loan to Downtown District
- Approves alcohol licenses for 11 businesses
- Sets public hearing for utility rate increases
- Approves contract for Willow Creek Trail Replacement
City Council - Work Session
The City Council will consult with the Planning and Zoning Commission regarding Orchard rezoning. The meeting also includes presentations on mental health and historic preservation, as well as continued fiscal year 2024 budget discussions.
- Consultation with Planning and Zoning Commission regarding Orchard rezoning
- Presentation from local mental health providers
- Presentation of the Annual Historic Preservation Report
- Continuation of FY 24 budget discussions
- University of Iowa Student Government updates
City Council - Formal
The Iowa City Council will consider approving construction contracts for park renovations and energy efficiency grants for local businesses. The meeting also includes routine approvals for liquor licenses and tobacco penalties.
- Awarding $828,288 contract for 2023 Park Renovations
- Approving energy efficiency grants for Bluebird Diner and Neumann Monson
- Approving 13 new and 4 renewed liquor licenses
- Setting public hearings for April 4 on budget amendments and rezoning
- Accepting civil penalties from 10 businesses for tobacco sales to minors
City Council - Formal
The council will vote on a conditional rezoning of 3.87 acres at N. Dodge St. and N. Scott Blvd. from commercial office to community commercial and low-density multifamily with planned development overlay, allowing commercial uses, an 8-unit mixed-use building, and 9 attached single-family units. Other items include setting public hearings for up to $9.71 million in general obligation bonds, awarding a $541,552 contract for J Street sanitary sewer replacement, and authorizing a $294,370 contract for senior center exterior restoration. The council will also consider selling a home at 2021 Taylor Drive for $155,000 to an income-eligible household.
- Rezoning (REZ22-0016) for 3.87 acres at N. Dodge St. and N. Scott Blvd. to allow commercial and residential development
- Setting public hearing for up to $7,610,000 in general obligation bonds and three separate $700,000 GO bond hearings on March 21
- Awarding $541,552 contract to Dave Schmitt Construction for J Street Sanitary Sewer Replacement
- Authorizing $294,370 agreement with Franks Design Group for Senior Center exterior building envelope preservation
- Sale of 2021 Taylor Drive for $155,000 to an income-eligible household as affordable housing
City Council - Formal
The City Council will discuss a rezoning request for 3.87 acres to allow for commercial eating establishments and residential units. The body is also deciding on several liquor license renewals, public works contracts, and the sale of a city-owned home.
- Rezoning of 3.87 acres at N. Dodge St. and N. Scott Blvd. for commercial and residential use
- Approval of $10,506,787.08 in disbursements for January 2023
- Proposed sale of a single-family home at 2021 Taylor Drive for $155,000
- Estimated $3,475,000 for the Rohret South Trunk Sanitary Sewer Project
- Estimated $865,000 for 2023 Park Renovations at Kiwanis, Hunter’s Run, Happy Hollow, and Hickory Hill Parks
City Council - Formal
The City Council will set a public hearing for February 21 on a rezoning that would allow commercial and residential development on 3.87 acres near North Dodge Street and Scott Boulevard. The council also considers a rezoning on West Benton Street that was recommended for denial by the Planning and Zoning Commission. Additionally, the council will vote on consent items including the procurement of three fire trucks for $2.79 million and a property tax levy hearing.
- Rezoning for 3.87 acres at N. Dodge St and N. Scott Blvd (REZ22-0016) to allow eating establishments, an 8-unit building, and 9 attached single-family units
- Rezoning for 3.52 acres at W. Benton St and Orchard St (REZ22-0015) recommended for denial by Planning Commission
- Procurement of three Pierce Enforcer Fire Trucks for $2,786,079
- Acceptance of Melrose Court Sewer Improvements at actual cost $711,770
- Setting public hearing on maximum property tax levy for FY2024 budget
The City Council failed to give first consideration to a conditional rezoning of 3.52 acres north of W. Benton Street after a public hearing and protest petitions required six votes. The Council approved the consent calendar including $15.4M in disbursements, passed a rezoning for 31.2 acres east of Camp Cardinal Road, and approved resolutions for sewer and street replacement projects.
- Failed to give first consideration to conditional rezoning REZ22-0015 at W. Benton/Orchard (4 ayes, needed 6 due to protest)
- Approved consent calendar items 3-8 unanimously (7-0)
- Approved disbursements of $15,399,981.19 for December 2022 (7-0)
- Passed Ordinance 23-4895 rezoning 31.2 acres east of Camp Cardinal Road to OPD/RS-8 (7-0)
- Approved Resolution 23-38 for J Street Sanitary Sewer Replacement project (7-0)
- Approved Resolution 23-39 for Gilbert Street Replacement project (7-0)
- Passed Ordinance 23-4896 adding USA Boxing exception to amateur fighting rules (7-0)
- Appointed Andreas Wilz to Airport Zoning Board of Adjustment (7-0)
City Council - Formal
The Iowa City Council will hold a formal meeting on January 24, 2023, to consider several items including a rezoning for a large senior housing development, a comprehensive plan amendment, two infrastructure projects, and code amendments. The rezoning would allow up to 93 housing units and 32 assisted living beds on 31.2 acres. The council will also set public hearings for the J Street sanitary sewer replacement ($550,000) and the Gilbert Street bridge replacement ($2.84 million).
- Rezoning 31.2 acres east of Camp Cardinal Road and north of Gathering Place Lane from single-family to medium-density with planned development overlay for Western Home senior community (First Consideration)
- Gilbert Street Bridge Replacement Project over Ralston Creek with estimated cost of $2,840,000
- J Street Sanitary Sewer Replacement Project estimated at $550,000
- Final plat approval for Chickadee Subdivision creating three single-family infill lots on Kimball Rd
- Ordinance clarifying that observing police incidents on social media does not constitute personal knowledge for filing a complaint with the Community Police Review Board
City Council - Formal
The Iowa City Council will hold a formal meeting with consent and regular agenda items. Key decisions include a rezoning for a senior community, a $2.84 million bridge replacement, and a $550,000 sewer project. The council will also consider amendments to the police review board complaint rules and a boxing event exception.
- Rezoning 31.2 acres east of Camp Cardinal Road for Western Home community with 93 housing units and 32 assisted living beds (first consideration)
- Gilbert Street Bridge replacement over Ralston Creek, estimated cost $2,840,000
- J Street Sanitary Sewer Replacement project, estimated cost $550,000
- Liquor license renewals for Bluebird Diner, Hy-Vee stores, and Sumo Sushi & Bar
- Ordinance clarifying that social media observation does not constitute personal knowledge for CPRB complaints