University Heights public meetings in 2024

City Council

The City Council will review amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and a proposal to enforce city ordinances as municipal infractions rather than criminal misdemeanors. The body will also consider fund transfers for debt payments and the completion of the George Street Repairs Project.

• Ordinance No. 256: Transitioning ordinance enforcement to municipal infractions with fines of $250 for first offenses and $500 for repeats
• Ordinance No. 255: Zoning amendments including a new 'Public and Civic' district and updated rules for RV occupancy and rear yard patios
• Resolution No. 24-45: Transfer of $21,588.98 from Special Assessments and Hotel/Motel Tax funds to Debt Service
• Resolution No. 24-46: Approval of George Street Repairs Project as complete and release of retainage
• Re-investment of Hills Bank CD maturing on 9/21/2026

The University Heights City Council approved Ordinance No. 255, amending the Zoning Ordinance as recommended by the Zoning Commission and staff, and Ordinance No. 256, allowing city ordinances to be enforced by municipal infractions. Both ordinances passed unanimously. The council also approved all bills for payment, a fund transfer for debt service, and accepted the George Street Repairs Project as complete.

• Approved Ordinance No. 255 amending the Zoning Ordinance (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance No. 256 for municipal infraction enforcement (unanimous)
• Approved all bills for payment (unanimous)
• Approved re-investing Hills Bank CD maturing 9/21/2026 (voice vote)
• Approved Resolution 24-45 transferring $21,588.98 to Debt Service (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 24-46 accepting George Street Repairs Project as complete (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will consider resolutions appropriating tax increment financing (TIF) revenues for One University Place, including a $600,929 payment to the developer and $31,628 to the city. They will also have second consideration of an ordinance allowing municipal infractions for code violations, and first consideration of zoning amendments regarding Game Day definitions and temporary structures. Other items include accepting a land patent from UI, a snow removal contract, and a sidewalk right-of-way discussion at 1482 Grand Ave.

• Resolution 24-42: appropriation of $600,929 in TIF rebate to One University Place developer and $31,628 to city
• Second consideration of Ordinance 256: enforcement of city ordinances by municipal infractions
• First consideration of Ordinance 255: zoning amendments (Game Day definition, temporary structures, Public and Civic district)
• Resolution 24-44: snow removal contract with Hawkeye Construction and Snow Removal
• Discussion of sidewalk right of way at 1482 Grand Ave

City Council

The council will hold a public hearing on proposed zoning ordinance amendments, then consider hiring Troy Kelsay as the city's first administrator effective November 1 at $40/hour for up to 20 hours per week. They will also give first consideration to ordinances establishing municipal infractions for code enforcement and amending the zoning code. Several financial reports and fund transfers are up for approval.

• Public hearing on zoning ordinance amendment (No. 79) as recommended by Zoning Commission
• Resolution 24-35 approving hiring of Troy Kelsay as City Administrator, effective Nov 1, 2024, at $40/hr for 20 hrs/week for 6-month term
• First consideration of Ordinance 256 allowing municipal infractions for code enforcement
• First consideration of Ordinance 255 amending the zoning ordinance as recommended by Zoning Commission
• Resolution 24-38 approving Urban Renewal Report for One University Place TIF development agreement

City Council

The City Council will consider Resolution 24-35 to hire Troy Kelsay as City Administrator on a part-time basis (up to 500 hours over six months) at $40 per hour. Other items include approving a sound permit for a Food Pantry fundraiser concert, renewing liquor licenses for two venues, and authorizing the DNR MS4 storm sewer permit renewal with a $1,250 fee. Discussion items include sidewalk inspections and zoning commission recommendations.

• Hiring Troy Kelsay as City Administrator, effective September 11, 2024, at $40/hr, max 20 hrs/week for six months
• Sound permit for Food Pantry fundraiser concert on September 22, 4:00-7:00 p.m.
• Liquor license renewals for Marriott Bistro and The Heights Rooftop
• Resolution 24-36 authorizing submission of Iowa DNR MS4 5-year permit renewal (2025-2030) with a $1,250 fee
• Approval of Lori Kimura to reconcile bank statements at $35/hr

City Council

The City Council will receive Zoning Commission recommendations on tailgating, garage use, paving restrictions, and golf carts, but will not take action at this meeting. The council will also consider change order #1 and pay application #1 for George Street repairs (Lynch Excavating) and Resolution No. 24-34 accepting the 2023 Monroe Street Improvements Project as complete. Routine reports from the mayor, city attorney, clerk, treasurer, police chief, and committees are also scheduled.

• Zoning Commission recommendations on tailgating, garage use, paving, and golf carts (presented, no action taken)
• George Street Repairs – Consideration of Change Order #1 (Lynch Excavating)
• George Street Repairs – Consideration of Pay Application #1 (Lynch Excavating)
• Resolution No. 24-34 accepting completion of 2023 Monroe Street Improvements Project and releasing retainage

The University Heights City Council approved Resolution No. 24-34, accepting the 2023 Monroe Street Improvements Project as complete and authorizing release of retainage. All other items were routine, including approval of minutes, payment of bills, and receipt of reports. No public comments were made.

• Approved Resolution No. 24-34 accepting Monroe Street Improvements Project and releasing retainage (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of July 9, 2024 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved all bills for payment (unanimous)

Zoning Commission

The Zoning Commission is reviewing recommendations to be sent to the City Council. These items concern residential property standards and a specific land re-zoning request.

• Accessory Dwelling Units
• Proportion of backyard allowed for outbuildings
• Proportion of yard allowed to be paved
• Side yard setbacks
• Swisher tract re-zoning

Zoning Commission

The University Heights Zoning Commission will discuss recommendations for the City Council. Topics include accessory dwelling units, side yard setbacks, and paving proportions. The commission will also address the Swisher tract re-zoning.

• Accessory Dwelling Units
• Swisher tract re-zoning
• Side yard setbacks
• Proportion of backyard for outbuildings
• Proportion of yard that can be paved

City Council

The City Council will consider Resolution No. 24-33 to approve an amended site plan for Hotel 901, LLC at 901 Melrose Avenue. This amendment proposes changes to the configuration of the hotel's off-street parking lot. The meeting also includes committee reports and updates on rental permits.

• Resolution No. 24-33: Amended PUD Site Plan for Hotel 901, LLC at 901 Melrose Avenue
• Finance Committee update regarding the Swisher Tract
• Annual rental permit renewal process beginning July 15
• Public records request received from Jacob Hall

City Council

The Council will hold the third consideration of an ordinance to establish a City Administrator position. They will also review a resolution to confirm staff salaries for fiscal year 2024-25 and authorize a $169,470.43 transfer to debt service.

• Third consideration of Ordinance No. 254 establishing the City Administrator position
• Resolution No. 24-30 authorizing a $169,470.43 transfer to Debt Service
• Confirmation of FY 2024-25 staff salaries via Resolution No. 24-31
• Presentation on proposed parking lot changes by Courtyard by Marriott owners
• Class C Liquor License renewal for Maggie’s Farm Restaurant

Zoning Commission

The University Heights Zoning Commission is holding a public forum to discuss several zoning topics, including accessory dwelling units (ADUs), building setbacks, land coverage, and pavement proportions. The agenda also includes a discussion of the Swisher tract, covering a playground, gazebo, beautification, and university land. This is a discussion forum, not a final decision-making meeting.

• Discussion of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) height and width
• Setback requirements: attached vs. non-attached structures
• Proportion of land covered and pavement in yards
• Swisher tract: playground, gazebo, beautification, university land
• Other zoning issues

City Council

The University Heights City Council convened a special meeting to consider amending the Fiscal Year 2024 budget and to schedule a special election for a local sales and service tax on September 10, 2024. The proposed budget changes reduce total expenditures by $70,970 while increasing police overtime allocations by $54,306 and adjusting capital project funding downward. Council members also discussed appointing Kronlage and Olson to conduct annual five-year budget reviews from FY2024 through FY2028. These adjustments impact how city funds are allocated for public safety, road maintenance, and future tax measures.

• Public hearing and consideration of Resolution 24-28 to amend the Fiscal Year 2024 budget
• Resolutions 24-26 and 24-27 setting a special election for September 10, 2024, on a Local Option Sales and Service Tax
• Resolution 24-29 appointing Kronlage and Olson to conduct annual city budget reviews covering FY2024 through FY2028
• Budget adjustments increasing police overtime and payroll by $54,306 and reducing capital projects spending by $636,742
• Hotel/motel tax revenue increased by $100,000 to reflect higher-than-expected receipts for the fiscal year

City Council

The City Council is proceeding with resolutions to hold a special election on September 10, 2024, regarding a 1% Local Option Sales and Service Tax. If passed, the tax would provide property tax relief and fund city services starting January 1, 2025. The council is also considering the establishment of a City Administrator position.

• Special election on September 10, 2024, for a 1% Local Option Sales and Service Tax
• Second consideration of Ordinance No. 254 to establish a City Administrator position
• Vehicle leasing agreement with Fleetwood Finance Leasing LLC for the Police Department
• Acceptance of quotation for the 2024 Pavement Marking Project
• Class C Liquor License renewal for Stella Restaurant

City Council

The City Council is holding a public hearing to consider adopting the Fiscal Year 2025 budget. The council will also discuss establishing a City Administrator position and appointing a new Police Chief.

• Adoption of the Fiscal Year 2025 budget
• Establishment of the City Administrator position via Ordinance No. 254
• Appointment of Christopher M. Akers as Police Chief with a $90,000 base salary
• Acceptance of quotations for the 2024 Asphalt Patching Project
• Setting a public hearing for May 28, 2024, to amend the FY 2024 budget

Zoning Commission

The University Heights Zoning Commission will meet to discuss how to gather community input, hold public meetings, and collect citizen feedback on zoning issues. They will also approve the previous meeting's minutes and select additional meeting dates. The agenda is largely procedural and planning-focused.

• Discussion of details to solicit community input and hold public meetings on zoning issues
• Approval of minutes from March 20, 2024
• Selection of additional Commission meeting dates

City Council

The City Council will consider joining a multi-jurisdiction agreement for joint underwater search and recovery operations. The council will also review quotations for George Street repairs and the 2024 street sweeping project. Additionally, the agenda includes a liquor license renewal for Sidekick Coffee & Books.

• Approval of regional underwater search and recovery agreement
• Acceptance of quotation for George Street Repairs Project
• Acceptance of quotation for 2024 Street Sweeping Project
• Liquor license renewal for Sidekick Coffee & Books
• Ratification of Curtis Schoenthaler to the Tree Board

City Council

The University Heights City Council will hold a public hearing on April 2 to consider the proposed property tax levy for fiscal year 2024-2025, allowing taxpayers to present objections or arguments regarding the levy. The council is also considering Resolution 24-15, which proposes setting April 23, 2024, as the date for a separate public hearing on the full city budget. Staff indicate the proposed tax levy increase from $1,056,901 to $1,091,539 is intended to cover higher insurance, payroll, and inflation costs.

• Public hearing on the proposed FY 2024-2025 property tax levy at 7:00 p.m. April 2 at 1302 Melrose Ave.
• Consideration of Resolution 24-15 setting an April 23, 2024 public hearing for the FY 2024-2025 budget approval.
• Proposed total city regular property tax increase from $1,056,901 to $1,091,539 (tax rate changes from 11.78755 to 11.83591).
• Residential and commercial taxes per $100,000 of assessed value proposed to decrease from $644 to $549.

Zoning Commission

The University Heights Zoning Commission is meeting to discuss how to gather public input, review Iowa City's Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) ordinance as a model, and plan future meetings. The agenda includes a presentation on ADUs and a discussion on soliciting community feedback.

• Meeting with MPOJC staff on holding public meetings and gathering citizen input
• Presentation on Iowa City Accessory Dwelling Units and model ordinance by Sarah Walz/Kent Ralston
• Discussion of process to solicit community input
• Selection of additional Commission meeting dates

City Council

The City Council will consider several service contracts and transit agreements. Items include leaf-vacuuming services and transit provisions with Johnson County and Iowa City. The council will also address the recruitment of a new Police Chief.

• Leaf-vacuuming contract with Quality Care for $19,875.00
• Annual transit service agreement with Iowa City for $47,135.27
• Johnson County SEATS Paratransit Services at $30.00 per ride
• Swisher Tract improvements for $12,917.34
• Motion to begin the hiring process for a new Police Chief

City Council

The City Council will discuss the fiscal year 2024-2025 budget process, including a proposed general property tax levy of $8.20589 per $1,000 of taxable value. The meeting also includes consideration of an agreement with ER Assist, Inc. for disaster recovery funding related to the January 2024 winter storm.

• Resolution No. 24-05: Setting a public hearing for April 2, 2024, regarding the FY25 property tax levy
• Resolution No. 24-06: Authorizing an agreement with ER Assist, Inc. for disaster response and recovery funding services
• Proposed general property tax levy of $8.20589 per taxable $1,000
• Discussion of approximately $20,000 from the Swisher Tract Bond

City Council

The City Council will review the FY23 Annual City Examination Report and consider resolutions regarding the Automated Traffic Enforcement System. The meeting also includes discussions on professional services for Melrose Avenue improvements and a change order for Monroe Street.

• Resolution 24-02: Approving installation and locations for the Automated Traffic Enforcement (ATE) System
• Resolution 24-03: Authorizing a Pole Attachment Contract with MidAmerican Energy Company for camera equipment
• Resolution 24-04: Authorizing a Professional Services Agreement with Shive-Hattery Architecture & Engineering for Melrose Avenue Complete Street Improvements
• Change Order #1 for the 2023 Monroe Street Improvements project involving Vieth Construction
• Acceptance of the FY23 Annual City Examination Report from Kronlage & Olson