University Heights public meetings in 2025

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing and consider a resolution to borrow up to $4,370,000 for street, water, sewer, sidewalk, and storm water projects. The body will also review fund transfers for debt payments and the completion of a road improvement project.

• Resolution No. 25-38: Proposal to borrow up to $4,370,000 for infrastructure improvements
• Resolution No. 25-40: Transfer of $23,571.50 to the Debt Service Fund
• Resolution No. 25-39: Approval of 2025 Highland Dr and Ridgeview Ave Improvements Project as complete
• Swearing in of Mackenzie E. Dwyer as City Council Member
• Public hearing on General Obligation Corporate Purpose Loan Agreement

The council adopted Resolution No. 25-38 to borrow a principal amount not to exceed $4,370,000 for infrastructure projects. It also passed Resolution No. 25-40 to transfer funds from several revenue sources to the Debt Service fund, and Resolution No. 25-39 to declare the Highland Drive and Ridgeview Avenue Improvements Project complete and release retainage. Mayor Louise From appointed Council Member Mackenzie Dwyer as Community Protection Chair.

• Approved borrowing up to $4,370,000 for infrastructure (Resolution 25-38, unanimous)
• Approved transfer of funds to Debt Service for non‑levy debt payments (Resolution 25-40, unanimous)
• Approved completion of Highland Drive and Ridgeview Avenue Improvements and release of retainage (Resolution 25-39, unanimous)
• Appointed Mackenzie Dwyer as Community Protection Chair (unanimous)
• Approved all bills for payment (unanimous)

City Tree Board

The Tree Board will discuss a proposal for a residential tree survey and a timeline to apply for 'Tree City' designation in 2026. The board will also hold a budget conversation regarding appropriations for tree maintenance, purchases, and an Arbor Day celebration.

• Proposal regarding residential tree survey
• Timeline for Tree City application and supporting documentation for 2026
• Budget discussion for tree maintenance, replacements, and Arbor Day funding
• Review of MidAmerican Energy invoices and signage
• Planning for an Arbor Day event on or around April 25, 2026

City Council

The council approved a tax‑increment financing payment of approximately $633,844 to the One University Place developer and $33,360 to the city for fiscal year ending June 30 2027. It also authorized a consulting engagement up to $13,500, set a public hearing date for a $4.37 M loan, and approved several filings and fund transfers. All actions were carried by a 3‑0‑1 vote with one member absent.

• Approved Resolution 25‑33 authorizing $633,844 tax‑increment payment to developer and $33,360 to city (3‑0‑1)
• Approved Resolution 25‑29 authorizing consulting engagement with fees not to exceed $13,500 (3‑0‑1)
• Approved Resolution 25‑31 setting public hearing date for $4,370,000 loan agreement (3‑0‑1)
• Approved Resolution 25‑32 authorizing internal advance of funds for urban renewal projects (3‑0‑1)
• Approved Resolution 25‑34 filing Urban Renewal Report with Iowa Dept. of Management (3‑0‑1)
• Approved Resolution 25‑35 filing IDOT Annual City Street Financial Report FY2024‑2025 (3‑0‑1)
• Approved Resolution 25‑36 filing Annual Finance Report FY2024‑2025 (3‑0‑1)
• Approved Resolution 25‑37 authorizing and confirming fund transfers (3‑0‑1)

City Tree Board

The University Heights Tree Board will consider documentation for a grant from MidAmerica Trees Please and a possible continued funding opportunity that is due December 31, 2025. The board will also approve the October 2025 minutes, review invoices for trees and services, and discuss a survey of residential trees. An announcement will be made about a new board member who will start in January 2026.

• Approval of minutes from October 2025
• Review of documentation for the MidAmerica Trees Please grant
• Discussion of possible continued funding opportunity due December 31, 2025
• Review of invoices for trees and services
• Announcement of new Tree Board member starting January 2026

City Council

The University Heights City Council will vote on Resolution No. 25-28 to accept Council Member Stepheny Gahn’s resignation effective September 18, 2025. The meeting also includes a presentation on urban renewal bond financing for projects such as the Melrose Avenue Complete Streets Project and the Swisher Tract Trails Project. Additional items are a resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign a snow removal contract with Hawkeye Construction, and consideration of a change order and pay application for the Highland Drive and Ridgeview Avenue improvements by Eastern Iowa Excavating & Concrete.

• Resolution No. 25-28: Accept resignation of Council Member Stepheny Gahn
• Resolution No. 25-30: Authorize Mayor to sign snow removal contract with Hawkeye Construction
• Change Order #2 (2025) for Highland Dr and Ridgeview Ave Improvements – Eastern Iowa Excavating & Concrete
• Pay Application #3 (2025) for Highland Dr and Ridgeview Ave Improvements – Eastern Iowa Excavating & Concrete
• Presentation on bond financing for Melrose Avenue Complete Streets Project and Swisher Tract Trails Project

The council accepted the resignation of Council Member Stepheny Gahn effective Oct. 14, 2025. It authorized the mayor to sign a snow removal and sanding contract with Hawkeye Construction. It approved Change Order #2 for improvements on Highland Drive and Ridgeview Avenue. All warrants and bills were approved for payment by unanimous consent.

• Accepted Council Member Stepheny Gahn's resignation (Resolution 25-28) – Carried 3-0-1
• Authorized Mayor to sign snow removal and sanding contract with Hawkeye Construction (Resolution 25-30) – Carried 3-0-1
• Approved Change Order #2 for Highland Dr and Ridgeview Ave improvements – Carried 3-0-1 (voice vote)
• Approved minutes of Sep. 9, 2025 meeting by unanimous consent
• Approved all warrants and bills for payment by unanimous consent

City Tree Board

The University Heights Tree Board will meet at 7:00 p.m. on October 13, 2025. The agenda includes approval of the April 2025 minutes, an update on tree planting decisions, and discussion of the planting team. The board will also announce the need to select a new Tree Board member who would begin service in January 2026.

• Call to Order and Roll Call
• Approval of minutes from April 2025
• Update of planting decisions (tree lists, locations, planting plan, watering)
• Identify team to plant
• Announcement: need to identify potential Tree Board member for January 2026

City Council

The University Heights City Council will hold a third consideration of Ordinance No. 257, which would amend the zoning ordinance to permit paved parking in the rear yards of 1007 and 1009 Melrose Avenue for the Complete Streets Project. The council will also consider the city treasurer’s recommendation to open a new Certificate of Deposit and discuss proposed rapid flashing beacon crosswalk signs at Sunset and Oakcrest. Additional agenda items include the mayor’s report, city attorney report, and committee reports on finance, police, streets, building, and e‑government.

• Third consideration of Ordinance No. 257 to amend zoning for rear‑yard parking at 1007 & 1009 Melrose Avenue (Complete Streets Project)
• City Treasurer recommendation to open a new Certificate of Deposit
• Discussion of proposed Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) crosswalk signs at Sunset & Oakcrest Intersection
• Finance Committee Report
• Police Chief Report & Committee Report

The council carried Ordinance 257, amending the zoning code to allow paving and parking in rear yards for the Melrose Avenue Complete Streets project (vote 4‑0‑1). All outstanding bills were approved for payment by unanimous consent. Council members agreed to have Engineer Foley gather bid information for a pedestrian‑activated flashing beacon at the Oakcrest/Sunset intersection.

• Approved Ordinance 257 to permit rear‑yard paving and parking for Complete Streets (4‑0‑1)
• Approved all bills for payment (unanimous consent)
• Approved minutes of the August 12, 2025 meeting (unanimous consent)
• Directed Engineer Foley to prepare bid information for a pedestrian‑activated flashing beacon at Oakcrest/Sunset (consensus)
• Adjourned the meeting (unanimous consent)

City Council

The City Council adopted Resolution No. 25-27, adopting the 2025 Countywide Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. It approved Ordinance No. 257 amending the zoning code to allow paving and parking in rear yards for the Melrose Avenue Complete Streets project. The council also affirmed insurance carriers, instructed staff to begin property acquisition talks for the project, and approved all bills for payment.

• Adopted Resolution No. 25-27, the 2025 Countywide Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance No. 257 amendment permitting rear‑yard paving and parking for Melrose Complete Streets (unanimous)
• Affirmed Iowa Home Football Game Day Regulations (unanimous)
• Affirmed Relion Insurance as carrier for workers‑comp policies and Travelers Insurance crime/theft bond (voice vote)
• Instructed city staff to proceed with property acquisition discussions for Melrose Complete Streets (voice vote)
• Approved all bills for payment (unanimous consent)
• Approved minutes of the July 8, 2025 meeting (unanimous consent)

City Council

The council adopted Ordinance No. 257, amending the zoning ordinance to permit paving and parking in rear yards for the Melrose Avenue Complete Streets Project. It also passed Resolutions 25‑25 and 25‑26, requiring property owners to repair sidewalks and establishing an administrative fee for sidewalk repairs. The council approved reinvestment of two $70,000 certificates of deposit with Green State Credit Union and renewed Class C liquor licenses for the Marriott Bistro and Marriott Heights Rooftop.

• Approved Ordinance No. 257 amendment (5‑0)
• Approved Resolution No. 25‑25 requiring sidewalk repairs (5‑0)
• Approved Resolution No. 25‑26 setting sidewalk repair fee (5‑0)
• Approved reinvestment of $70,000 CD (6‑month) and $70,000 CD (12‑month) (unanimous)
• Approved renewal of Class C liquor license for Marriott Bistro (voice vote)
• Approved renewal of Class C liquor license for Marriott Heights Rooftop (voice vote)

City Council

The council adopted several resolutions, including a fund transfer to debt service, approval of the SEATS contract with Johnson County, and a public hearing schedule for a zoning amendment related to the Melrose Complete Streets Project. Staff pay raises for FY 2026 and a Class C liquor license renewal for Maggie’s Farm Pizza were also approved. Additional actions included authorizing a conflict‑of‑interest waiver for Leff Law Firm, accepting a quotation for the 2025 pavement‑marking project, and setting a public hearing date for the zoning amendment.

• Approved Resolution No. 25-24 transferring funds from Special Assessments and Hotel/Motel Tax Fund to Debt Service (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution No. 25-20 authorizing the City’s SEATS contract with Johnson County (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution No. 25-22 setting a public hearing for July 8 2025 on a zoning amendment for the Melrose Complete Streets Project (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution No. 25-23 authorizing Mayor to sign conflict‑of‑interest waiver for Leff Law Firm (unanimous)
• Approved staff pay raises for Fiscal Year 2026 (voice vote, unanimous)
• Approved Class C liquor license renewal for Maggie’s Farm Pizza Restaurant (voice vote, unanimous)
• Approved Resolution No. 25-21 accepting the quotation for the 2025 pavement‑marking project (unanimous)

City Council

The University Heights City Council met on May 27, 2025. A motion to consider Resolution No. 25-19 amending the fiscal year 2025 budget was made and carried. Council members Gahn, Schroeder, Swailes, and Moore voted aye; Herbold was absent. The amended budget was approved.

• Approved amended FY 2025 budget (Resolution 25-19) (4-0, 1 absent)

City Council

The University Heights City Council approved several proclamations, a transit‑services agreement, a liquor‑license renewal, and a memorandum of understanding with Iowa City. It also accepted the bid and awarded the construction contract for the 2025 Highland Drive and Ridgeview Avenue Improvements Project, and approved related sidewalk and appraisal actions. All bills for payment were approved, and the minutes of prior meetings were adopted.

• Approved Resolution 25-11 proclaiming Older Americans Month, May 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 25-18 proclaiming first Friday in June as National Gun Violence Awareness Day (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 25-16 agreement for transit services with Iowa City (unanimous)
• Renewed Class C liquor license for Burch LLC, Stella Restaurant (voice vote 3‑0, 2 absent)
• Approved Resolution 25-12 MOU with Iowa City for shared oversight of Highland Drive and Ridgeview Avenue improvements (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 25-13 award of construction contract for 2025 Highland Drive and Ridgeview Avenue Improvements Project (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 25-15 sidewalk inventory and repair/replacement program plans (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 25-17 acceptance of quotation for appraisal of Melrose Avenue Complete Streets Project (unanimous)

City Council

The council unanimously adopted Resolution 25‑09, approving the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. It also unanimously approved Resolution 25‑10, scheduling a public hearing on May 27, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. to consider amendments to the Fiscal Year 2025 budget.

• Adopted FY 2026 budget (Resolution 25-09, unanimous)
• Scheduled public hearing for FY 2025 budget amendment on May 27, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. (Resolution 25-10, unanimous)

City Council

The council unanimously approved the plans, specifications, contract form and cost estimate for the 2025 Highland Drive and Ridgeview Avenue improvements. It also extended City Administrator Troy Kelsay’s employment agreement and renewed the Class C liquor license for Sidekick Coffee & Books (4‑0, one abstention). Additionally, the council accepted quotations for the 2025 street‑sweeping and permeable‑paver cleaning projects.

• Approved Resolution 25-06 for Highland Drive and Ridgeview Avenue Improvements (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 25-05 extending City Administrator Troy Kelsay’s employment agreement (unanimous)
• Renewed Class C liquor license for Sidekick Coffee & Books (voice vote 4‑0, Herbold abstaining)
• Approved Resolution 25-07 accepting quotation for 2025 Street Sweeping Project (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 25-08 accepting quotation for 2025 Permeable Paver Cleaning Project (unanimous)

City Council

The council held a public hearing on the tax levy rate for FY 2025‑2026; no public comments were made. In a special meeting, members approved Resolution 25‑04, scheduling the budget public hearing for April 22, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. The motion carried unanimously. An announcement noted that spring leaf vacuuming will begin on April 7, 2025.

• Approved Resolution 25‑04 setting FY 2025‑2026 budget hearing for April 22, 2025 (unanimous)