University Heights public meetings in 2023

City Council

The University Heights City Council will consider Resolution No. 23-46 authorizing transfers totaling $23,315.29 from Special Revenue funds to the Debt Service Fund for bond payments. The agenda also includes reports from the mayor, city attorney, clerk, treasurer, police chief, and committees, plus discussion of the Melrose Avenue Complete Streets Design Agreement. Public input and approval of the November 14 minutes are scheduled.

• Resolution No. 23-46: transfer $23,315.29 from Special Assessments and Hotel/Motel Tax funds to Debt Service for FY2024 bond payments
• Discussion of Melrose Avenue Complete Streets Design Agreement Proposal
• Building permit issued for wood deck at 19 Leamer
• Rental inspection findings at 1144, 120 Koser, 1135, 1218, 1212 Melrose, and 107 Highland
• Payment of bills including $13,250 to Quality Care for leaf vacuuming and $8,540.12 to City of Iowa City

City Council

The University Heights City Council will consider several resolutions, including approving a $667,474 economic development tax increment payment to the One University Place developer, authorizing fund transfers totaling $243,113.83, and accepting completion of street and drainage projects. The agenda also includes routine reports and approval of minutes.

• Resolution 23-40: Approve $667,474 TIF payment to One University Place developer and $35,130 to the city
• Resolution 23-43: Authorize fund transfers totaling $243,113.83, including $23,700 for bond fees
• Resolution 23-44: Accept 2023 Oakcrest Ave & Mahaska Dr intersection improvements as complete
• Resolution 23-45: Accept 2023 Golfview Avenue drainage channel maintenance as complete
• Resolution 23-38: File annual urban renewal report for One University Place TIF

City Council

The University Heights City Council will consider a proclamation setting parking and tailgating rules for the October 15 Hawkeye Women's Basketball game at Kinnick Stadium, discuss ordinances requiring developers to reimburse city fees, and vote on a motion for reimbursement from 901 Hotel, LLC. The council will also consider resolutions to renew the city website contract with Civic Plus for $6,630.44 and a snow removal contract with Hawkeye Construction. Routine items include approval of minutes, public input, and payment of bills.

• Proclamation for Crossover at Kinnick on Oct 15: parking on yards with owner permission, police-directed street parking and traffic, sales restricted per Ordinance 81, signs allowed with permission, effective 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Discussion of ordinances requiring developers to reimburse city for professional and administrative fees; motion on reimbursement amount from 901 Hotel, LLC for 2023 hotel ordinance changes.
• Resolution No. 23-37: renew website contract with Civic Plus for $6,630.44 annually.
• Resolution No. 23-36: snow removal and sanding contract with Hawkeye Construction and Snow Removal.
• Building permits issued: 27 Leamer Ct (electrical panel), 333 Koser Ave (patio), 205 Ridgeview Ave (solar panels).

Zoning Commission

The University Heights Zoning Commission is meeting to continue discussions on several zoning issues raised by the City Council, including property use for tailgating, commercial activities on game days, garage size and rear setback, paving/patios in yards, and structure height. The commission will also discuss a process for soliciting community input and select additional meeting dates. The agenda includes approval of minutes from a prior meeting and an update on discussions with the Municipal Planning Organization of Johnson County.

• Discussion of property use/structures for tailgating
• Discussion of commercial activities on game days
• Discussion of garage size and rear setback requirements
• Discussion of paving/patios in yards
• Discussion of height of structures

City Council

The University Heights City Council is holding a public hearing and first consideration of an ordinance to require at least 196 off-street parking spaces in the CH Commercial Hotel Zone and to permit parking on yards and grass on Game Days. The council will also consider three resolutions to amend the PUD Development Agreement with University Lake Partners II, LLC (Hotel 901, LLC) to allow public and game-day parking, remove prohibitions on drive-through and walk-up service, and set the minimum parking spaces. Additionally, they will discuss parking for a women's basketball exhibition game on Oct. 15 at Kinnick Stadium and consider a resolution to ratify the city's insurance premium of $10,899.00.

• Public hearing and first consideration of Ordinance No. 253 to require no less than 196 off-street parking spaces in CH Commercial Hotel Zone and allow grass parking on Game Days
• Resolution No. 23-30: Approve Fifth Amendment to PUD Development Agreement with University Lake Partners II, LLC to permit public and game-day parking on yards and grass
• Resolution No. 23-33: Approve Sixth Amendment to PUD Development Agreement to remove prohibition on drive-through service areas and walk-up service windows
• Resolution No. 23-35: Approve amendment to PUD Development Agreement to require no less than 196 off-street parking spaces
• Resolution No. 23-34: Ratify application and payment for Municipal Insurance Package 2023-2024 with annual premium of $10,899.00

City Council

The University Heights City Council is meeting to consider several resolutions related to the hotel at 901 Melrose Avenue, including removing an occupancy restriction at 905 Melrose Avenue, allowing public and game-day parking on yards, and setting a public hearing for a zoning ordinance amendment. The council will also consider a second reading of an ordinance to establish automated traffic enforcement, approve liquor license renewals, and review street improvement payments.

• Resolution 23-29: Amend conditional zoning agreement to remove occupancy restriction at 905 Melrose Avenue
• Resolution 23-30: Amend PUD agreement to allow parking on yards and grass on game days
• Resolution 23-31: Set public hearing for Sept 12 on zoning amendment to allow 196 off-street parking spaces in CH zone
• Resolution 23-32: Reimburse city fees for hotel-related regulation changes
• Second consideration of Ordinance 252: automated traffic enforcement system with civil fines

The City Council approved an ordinance to implement an automated traffic enforcement system with civil fines. The Council also took several actions regarding hotel zoning and parking, including scheduling a public hearing for September 12.

• Approved Ordinance No. 252 for automated traffic enforcement and civil fines (5-0)
• Approved Resolution No. 23-29 to remove occupancy restriction at 905 Melrose Avenue (5-0)
• Approved Resolution No. 23-31 to set Sept. 12 public hearing on Commercial Hotel Zone parking (5-0)
• Approved Resolution No. 23-32 for professional fee reimbursement from Hotel 901, LLC (5-0)
• Deferred Resolution No. 23-30 until the September meeting (4-1)
• Approved Liquor License Renewal for Marriott Bistro (4-1)
• Approved Liquor License Renewal for The Heights Rooftop (4-1)
• Approved all bills for payment by unanimous consent

City Council

The City Council is considering Resolution No. 23-24, which schedules a public hearing for August 8, 2023, regarding proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance. The proposal seeks to change the parking requirement in the CH Commercial Hotel Zone from a maximum of 196 off-street spaces to a minimum of 196 spaces and to permit parking on yards during Game Days. The resolution only sets the hearing date and does not approve the zoning changes or alter the PUD Development Agreement with Hotel 901, LLC.

• Resolution No. 23-24 sets a public hearing for 7:00 p.m. on August 8, 2023, at the Community Center.
• Proposed amendment changes Zoning Ordinance (No. 79) to allow not less than 196 off-street parking spaces in the CH Commercial Hotel Zone.
• Proposal permits parking on yards, including grass, in the CH Commercial Hotel Zone on Game Days.
• City staff are directed to mail and publish notice of the public hearing as required by law.

The City Council voted to set a public hearing for August 8, 2023, to discuss proposed changes to Zoning Ordinance No. 79. The proposed changes concern off-street parking spaces and yard parking in the CH Commercial Hotel Zone.

• Approved Resolution No. 23-24 to set a public hearing on Zoning Ordinance No. 79 changes (3-2)

City Council

The University Heights City Council is meeting to consider several resolutions and an ordinance, including amendments to the hotel's development agreement to allow public and gameday parking and temporary signs, a new automated traffic enforcement system, and contract extensions for inspection services. They will also set a public hearing for a zoning change to increase hotel parking spaces.

• Resolution 23-21: amend PUD agreement to allow public and gameday parking at 901 Melrose Avenue hotel
• Resolution 23-22: amend PUD agreement to allow temporary signs at hotel on Easter and Mother's Day
• Resolution 23-23: amend conditional zoning agreement for gameday parking at 905 Melrose Avenue
• Resolution 23-24: set Aug 8 public hearing to increase hotel zone parking max from 196 to 250 spaces
• Ordinance 252: first consideration of automated traffic enforcement with civil fines; Resolution 23-25 with Traffipax, LLC

The City Council approved several amendments to the PUD Development Agreement with University Lake Partners II, LLC regarding hotel parking and signage. The Council also authorized the implementation of an automated traffic enforcement system and extended two inspection contracts.

• Approved Resolution 23-21A allowing game day parking at the hotel for non-guests/workers (4-1)
• Approved Resolution 23-21B allowing up to 25 daily parkers at the hotel who are not guests/workers (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 23-22 allowing temporary hotel signs on Easter and Mother’s Day (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 23-23 allowing gameday parking on the yard at 905 Melrose Avenue (5-0)
• Deferred Resolution 23-24 regarding increasing hotel off-street parking spaces to 250 (4-1)
• Approved first consideration of Ordinance No. 252 for automated traffic enforcement and civil fines (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 23-25 for traffic enforcement services with Traffipax, LLC (5-0)
• Approved contract extensions for inspectors Terry Goerdt ($20,000) and Brian Jensen ($15,000) (5-0)

City Council

The University Heights City Council is holding a special meeting to consider awarding a construction contract for the 2023 Monroe Street Improvements project to Vieth Construction Corp. for $155,640.50. The council will also discuss hotel-related issues including off-street parking, game day football parking, temporary signage, and letters received. The meeting is conducted electronically via Zoom.

• Resolution 23-20: Award contract to Vieth Construction Corp. for $155,640.50 for Monroe Street improvements
• Bid tabulation: Six bids received; Vieth Construction was lowest responsive bidder; engineer's estimate was $154,553.00
• Contract requires completion by September 29, 2023, with $500/day liquidated damages for delay
• Discussion of off-street parking, game day football parking, and temporary signage at hotel
• City Treasurer report and payment of bills

The City Council approved a contract for the 2023 Monroe Street Project and authorized payment of city bills. Members discussed parking and signage requests for the Marriott Hotel but deferred further action to the July meeting.

• Approved Resolution 23-20 awarding contract for 2023 Monroe Street Project (5-0)
• Approved all bills for payment by unanimous consent

City Council

The City Council approved city salaries for FY24 and a liquor license renewal for Maggie’s Farm Pizza. Council also gave first consideration to an ordinance for an automated traffic enforcement system. A request from a Marriott developer to change zoning and pave greenspace for parking was deferred for more public input.

• Approved City salaries for FY24 (unanimous)
• Approved renewal of liquor license for Maggie’s Farm Pizza (unanimous)
• Approved transfer of $157,565.76 from Special Assessments and Hotel/Motel Tax Fund to Debt Service (unanimous)
• First consideration of Ordinance No. 252 for automated traffic enforcement and civil fines approved (unanimous)
• Approved all bills for payment by unanimous consent
• Approved minutes of May 9 and May 23, 2023 meetings (unanimous)

Zoning Commission

The Zoning Commission is holding a discussion-only meeting to plan how to gather public input and which issues to bring before the community. Topics include possible changes to ordinance 79, such as garage size, paving/patios, and structure height, plus game-day and rental property concerns. No votes or decisions are scheduled.

• Discussion of public input methods
• Review of ordinance 79 changes: garage size/rear setback, paving/patios in yards, structure height
• Game-day issues to bring to community
• Rental property issues to bring to community
• Selection of additional meeting dates

City Council

The University Heights City Council is holding two public hearings at this special meeting: one to amend the Fiscal Year 2023 budget and one to consider the 2023 Monroe Street Improvements Project. The council will vote on resolutions to adopt the budget amendment and to approve plans, specifications, and estimated costs for the Monroe Street project, which will then go out for bids.

• Public hearing and Resolution 23-17 to amend FY2023 budget, with no tax increase
• Public hearing and Resolution 23-18 to approve plans for 2023 Monroe Street Improvements
• Monroe Street project: replace concrete panels from 216 to 406 Monroe St, install new 8-inch subdrain, estimated cost $148,756
• Bids for Monroe Street project due June 22, 2023; council to consider award June 27, 2023
• Budget amendment increases revenues by $397,846 and decreases expenditures by $935,042

The City Council approved an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2023 budget. Additionally, the Council approved the plans, specifications, and cost estimates for the 2023 Monroe Street Improvements Project.

• Approved Resolution 23-17 amending the Fiscal Year 2023 budget (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 23-18 confirming plans and costs for 2023 Monroe Street Improvements Project (5-0)

City Council

The University Heights City Council will consider resolutions for FY2024 transit agreements with Johnson County and Iowa City, and discuss a draft ordinance for automated traffic enforcement (ATE) with fines for speeding. The meeting also includes proclamations, a liquor license renewal, and committee reports.

• Resolution 23-13: FY2024 28E Agreement with Johnson County for SEATS paratransit at $30 per ride
• Resolution 23-14: FY2024 28E Agreement with Iowa City for transit services at $45,366 (7.3% increase)
• Discussion of draft ATE ordinance with fines from $25 to $750 for speeding
• Resolution 23-15: Accept bid for Oakcrest Ave & Mahaska Dr intersection project
• Resolution 23-16: Accept quotation for 2023 pavement marking project

The Council approved transit service agreements with Johnson County and the City of Iowa City. They also awarded contracts for a pavement marking project and the Oakcrest Avenue and Mahaska Drive intersection project. A mowing contract was awarded to Mow Bros.

• Awarded 2023 mowing contract to Mow Bros for $280 per month (4-0)
• Approved Resolution No. 23-13 for FY2024 SEATS Paratransit Services agreement (5-0)
• Approved Resolution No. 23-14 for FY2024 Iowa City Transit Services at $45,366.00 annually (5-0)
• Approved renewal of Stella’s liquor license (5-0)
• Approved Resolution No. 23-15 awarding contract for Oakcrest Avenue and Mahaska Drive Intersection Project (5-0)
• Approved Resolution No. 23-16 accepting quotation for 2023 Pavement Marking Project (5-0)
• Approved all bills for payment by unanimous consent

City Council

The City Council adopted the budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 following a public hearing. A public hearing was also scheduled for May 23, 2023, to discuss amending the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 budget.

• Approved Resolution 23-11 adopting the Fiscal Year 2024 budget (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 23-12 setting a public hearing for May 23, 2023, to amend the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 budget (5-0)

City Council

The University Heights City Council will hold a public hearing on the 2023 Oakcrest Avenue & Mahaska Drive intersection improvements and consider Resolution 23-10 approving plans and cost estimates. The council will also receive an informational presentation on the possible use of Automated Traffic Enforcement (ATE) in the city. Committee reports and routine administrative items are also on the agenda.

• Public hearing and Resolution 23-10 for Oakcrest Ave. & Mahaska Dr. intersection improvements
• Informational presentation on Automated Traffic Enforcement (ATE) possible use/impact
• Treasurer's report: March revenue $117,567.56; total bank balances $2,270,596.44
• Building permits: one electrical permit at 632 Grandview Court
• Rental permits: 209 in force; new permit at 124 Koser with multiple violations noted

The City Council held a public hearing and voted to consider Resolution 23-10 regarding intersection improvements at Oakcrest Avenue and Mahaska Drive. All bills for payment were approved by unanimous consent.

• Approved minutes from March 14 and March 28, 2023 (unanimous)
• Voted to consider Resolution 23-10 for Oakcrest Avenue and Mahaska Drive Intersection Improvements (5-0)
• Approved all bills for payment by unanimous consent

City Council

The University Heights City Council will hold a special electronic meeting to discuss the proposed fiscal year 2023-2024 budget and consider Resolution 23-09, which sets a public hearing on the budget for April 25, 2023. The budget summary notes challenges from inflation and lower property tax revenue, but the city has accumulated funds to cover projected deficits.

• Resolution 23-09 setting a public hearing for the FY24 budget on April 25, 2023
• FY24 budget includes $1,065,000 in capital projects, funded partly by $818,670.50 in unspent 2022A bond proceeds
• Street panel repairs: $55,000 set aside for contingencies, funded from Road Use Tax reserves
• Unspent ARPA funds of $69,000 may be used to cover assumed COVID revenue loss
• Property taxes increase by about $39,000 (less than 4%) from FY23

The City Council scheduled a public hearing to discuss the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 budget. Financial and street project information was presented prior to the vote.

• Approved Resolution 23-09 setting a budget public hearing for April 25, 2023 (5-0)

Zoning Commission

The University Heights Zoning Commission will hold an electronic meeting to continue discussions on zoning issues referred by the City Council, including property use for tailgating, commercial activities on game days, garage rear setbacks, paving/patios in yards, and structure heights. The meeting will also include public comment, approval of minutes, and scheduling of future meetings.

• Discussion of tailgating property use
• Discussion of commercial activities on game days
• Discussion of garage size and rear setback requirements
• Discussion of paving/patios in yards
• Discussion of structure height regulations

City Council

The University Heights City Council is meeting electronically to discuss routine reports, consider a resolution for the 2023 Street Sweeping Project, and receive updates on a school board request for preschool/daycare funding. The mayor recommends delaying a decision on the school funding request due to legislative uncertainty and an infeasible deadline.

• Resolution No. 23-08 accepting quotation for 2023 Street Sweeping Project
• School board contribution request of $9,881 from University Heights for preschool/daycare
• Mayor's report on Senate bill 1125 that may end LOST funding
• Building permit issued for remodel at 209 Koser
• Rental inspection findings at multiple properties (e.g., 121 Highland, 266 Marietta)

The City Council approved the minutes from three previous meetings and authorized all bills for payment. The council also accepted a quotation for the 2023 Street Sweeping Project.

• Approved minutes of February 14, February 21, and March 7, 2023 (Unanimous)
• Approved all bills for payment (Unanimous)
• Approved Resolution No. 23-08 accepting quotation for 2023 Street Sweeping Project (4-0)

City Council

The University Heights City Council is holding a public hearing and considering Resolution No. 23-07 to approve the total maximum property tax dollars for the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 budget. The resolution sets the maximum at $934,550 with a tax rate of $10.31342, an increase of more than 6% over the prior year. The meeting is conducted electronically via Zoom.

• Public hearing on FY 2023-2024 maximum property tax dollars
• Resolution No. 23-07 approving $934,550 maximum property tax dollars
• Maximum tax rate set at $10.31342
• Increase of greater than 6% over FY 2022-2023 maximum
• Next regular meeting scheduled for March 14, 2023

The City Council held a public hearing regarding the total maximum property tax dollars for the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 budget. No members of the public spoke during the hearing. The Council subsequently approved Resolution 23-07.

• Approved Resolution 23-07, approving total maximum property tax dollars for FY 2023-2024 (5-0)

City Council

The University Heights City Council is holding a special electronic meeting to discuss a potential Local Option Sales Tax and receive an update on the Horn Elementary School Addition. The council will also hear public input, receive the mayor's report, and approve payment of bills.

• Discussion of potential Local Option Sales Tax
• Update on Horn Elementary School Addition
• Payment of bills totaling $8,967.00, including $6,808.00 to Johnson County Refuse for recycling and trash
• Public input session

The City Council approved all bills for payment by unanimous consent. The council also received a proposal from the Iowa City Community School District regarding a preschool program and an update on Horn School addition plans.

• Approved bills for payment totaling $8,967 (unanimous)

Zoning Commission

The University Heights Zoning Commission will hold an electronic meeting on February 20, 2023, to discuss issues referred by the City Council. These include property use for tailgating, commercial activities on game days, garage size and rear setbacks, paving/patios in yards, and height of structures. The commission will also approve minutes from the January 25 meeting and select additional meeting dates. No formal decisions are on the agenda; this is an initial discussion.

• Discussion of property/structures use for tailgating
• Discussion of commercial activities on game days
• Discussion of garage size and rear setback requirements
• Discussion of paving/patios in yards
• Discussion of height of structures

The Commission discussed how to handle increasing commercial activities during Iowa football home games to provide data for City Council policies. No substantive zoning changes were decided. The Commission approved the January 25, 2023, minutes.

• Approved January 25, 2023, minutes (unanimous)

City Council

The University Heights City Council will discuss the proposed FY2023-2024 property tax levy and consider a resolution to set a public hearing for March 7, 2023. The council will also consider resolutions to ratify Tree Board appointments and appoint a new City Treasurer. Reports from the police chief, city clerk, and treasurer will be presented, including a list of bills for approval.

• Resolution 23-06 setting a public hearing on the proposed maximum property tax levy for FY2023-2024 (total levy $934,550, a 6.71% increase)
• Resolution 23-05 ratifying appointments of Bonnie Penno and Dave Conrads to the City Tree Board
• Resolution 23-03 appointing Jon Brown as City Treasurer at $35.00 per hour, replacing retiring Lori Kimura
• Police report noting $40,482.50 in recompensed services from UI events over the past 12 months
• Warrants for payment totaling over $80,000, including $18,031.90 to Shive Hattery for engineering services

The City Council approved a preventative maintenance and pedestrian improvements project for Sunset Street and Melrose Avenue. The council also appointed a new City Treasurer and confirmed appointments to the City Tree Board. A public hearing for the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 property tax levy was scheduled for March 7, 2023.

• Approved Resolution No. 23-04 endorsing the Sunset Street and Melrose Avenue Preventative Maintenance and Pedestrian Improvements Project
• Approved Resolution No. 23-03 appointing Jon Brown as City Treasurer at $35.00 per hour
• Approved Resolution No. 23-05 confirming Bonnie Penno and Dave Conrads to the City Tree Board
• Approved Resolution No. 23-06 setting a public hearing for March 7, 2023, regarding the FY 2023-2024 property tax dollars and levy
• Approved January 10, 2023 meeting minutes by unanimous consent
• Approved all bills for payment by unanimous consent

Zoning Commission

The University Heights Zoning Commission is meeting electronically to select a chair, approve minutes from June 2020, and discuss matters the City Council has asked the commission to review and recommend on. The meeting is largely procedural, with no specific zoning cases or decisions listed on the agenda.

• Selection of Commission Chair
• Approval of Minutes from June 4, 2020
• Discussion of matters referred by City Council for review and recommendation
• Selection of additional meeting dates

The Commission elected Pete Damiano as Chair. Members discussed potential revisions to building ordinances regarding garage height, setback measurements, and permitted uses of accessory structures. No formal votes on ordinance changes were taken.

• Selected Pete Damiano as Chair (voice vote)

City Council

The University Heights City Council will meet electronically to consider several items, including the third and final consideration of Ordinance No. 251 permitting golf carts on city streets, and a resolution ratifying mayoral appointments to the Zoning Commission and Board of Adjustment. The council will also accept the annual city examination report for FY22, which includes findings on budget overages, a deficit in the Capital Projects fund, and a payroll overpayment. The meeting includes routine reports from city staff and committees.

• Third consideration of Ordinance No. 251 permitting golf carts on city streets with rules and permits
• Resolution No. 23-02 ratifying appointments of Pat Yeggy to Zoning Commission and Sheryl Neuzil Beinhart to Board of Adjustment
• Acceptance of FY22 annual examination report from Kronlage & Olson with findings on budget overages, Capital Projects deficit, and $1,057 payroll overpayment
• Resolution No. 23-01 accepting 2022 Bus Landing Improvements Project as complete and authorizing retainage payment
• Conflict of Interest forms due from officials per Ordinance No. 193

The City Council approved a new ordinance regulating the operation of golf carts on city streets. The council also ratified appointments to the Zoning Commission and Board of Adjustment and accepted the completion of the 2022 Bus Landing Improvements Project.

• Approved Ordinance 251 permitting golf cart operation on City streets (4-1)
• Approved Resolution No. 23-02 ratifying Mayor's appointments to the Zoning Commission and Board of Adjustment (5-0)
• Approved Resolution No. 23-01 accepting 2022 Bus Landing Improvements Project as complete (5-0)
• Accepted Annual City Examination Report for FY22 (5-0)
• Approved December 13, 2022 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved all bills for payment (5-0)