Iowa City
City Council - Formal Agenda
Regular Formal Meeting
September 16, 2025 - 6:00 PM
Emma J. Harvat Hall
410 E. Washington St.

www.icgov.org

1. Class C Retail Alcohol License for Restaurante Mexicano El Senor Cactus Inc.(LC0042996), dba El Senor Cactus, 1534 S. Gilbert St.
2. Outdoor Service Area for Restaurante Mexicano El Senor Cactus Inc, dba El Senor Cactus, 1534 S. Gilbert St.
3. Class C Retail Alcohol License for Plated Table LLC (LC0050419), dba Plated Table, 625 S. Dubuque St.
4. Outdoor Service Area for License for Plated Table LLC, dba Plated Table, 625 S. Dubuque St.
5. Class C Retail Alcohol License for Josh & Bryan, Inc. (LC0050273), dba Dublin Underground, 5 S. Dubuque St.
6. Class C Retail Alcohol License for Paper Crane LLC (LC0051841), dba Paper Crane, 121 N. Linn St.
7. Outdoor Service Area/Sidewalk Cafe for Paper Crane LLC, dba Paper Crane, 121 N. Linn St.
8. Class C Retail Alcohol License for Gabe's Oasis, L.L.C. (LC0038662), dba Gabe's, 330 E. Washington St.
9. Outdoor Service Area for Gabe's Oasis, L.L.C., dba Gabe's, 330 E. Washington St.
10. Class C Retail Alcohol License for Cactus 3, L.L.C. (LC0044771), dba Cactus 3, LLC, 114 S. Clinton St.

1. Class C Liquor License (5-day) for Iowa City Downtown Self Supported Municipal Improve (Oktoberfest) (App-228364), dba Iowa City Downtown District, 200-300 Block Market St., and 100-200 N. Linn St.
2. Class C Liquor License for Storm Hospitality LLC (App-226895), dba 401 Oak, 401 S. Linn St.

1. Class C Retail Alcohol License for 138 S. Clinton St. (LC0052112), dba The Fieldhouse Bar & Grill, (former dba Karma Nightclub), 138 S. Clinton St.
2. Class C Retail Alcohol License for 118 S. Clinton St. (LC0052299), dba 118 Grill & Bar, 118 S. Clinton St.

Resolution approving applications for retail tobacco, tobacco products, alternative nicotine products, vapor products, and device retailer permits, as required by Iowa Code 453A.47A and Iowa Code 453E.3. [Pink Clouds Smoke Shop, 221/223 S. Gilbert St.]

Resolution approving an agreement with the Downtown District to allow the sale, consumption, and possession of beer during Oktoberfest on City streets.

The City Code allows non-profit corporations to permit persons consume and possess alcohol on public right-of-way under limited circumstances. The Downtown District would like to be able to sell beer in on City streets and City parking lot as shown on the map attached to the agreement during Oktoberfest on Sept. 20.  This resolution approves the agreement which is substantially similar to the agreement in past years.

Resolution approving the Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County's request for use of FY23 and FY24 Low Income Housing Tax Credit Funds.

The Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County has requested that the FY23 and FY24 funds set-aside for Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) projects be released and used for any eligible project identified in the FY23 and FY24 Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) for affordable housing.  The MOUs allow for the funds set-aside for LIHTC projects to be used for any eligible housing project upon request should the City not approve their use in a LIHTC project after two annual funding rounds.

Resolution of the City Council of the City of Iowa City, IA approving the application of Procter & Gamble to the Iowa Economic Development Authority High Quality Jobs Program.

Procter & Gamble is requesting approval of their Iowa Economic Development Authority High Quality Jobs Program application, which requires a local match.

Resolution accepting the work for the Court Hill Trail – Beech to Scott Replacement Project.

Work on the project was recently completed by All American Concrete of West Liberty, Iowa, in substantial accordance with the plans and specifications. The Engineer’s Report and Maintenance, Performance and Payment Bond are on file with the City Clerk.

Project Estimated Cost:   $265,283.50
Project Bid Received:      $211,747.47
Project Actual Cost:         $251,649.02

Resolution awarding contract and authorizing the Mayor to sign and the City Clerk to attest a contract for construction of the ADA Curb Ramps 2025 Project.

This agenda item awards the ADA Curb Ramps 2025 Project. Three (3) bids were submitted prior to the September 9, 2025 deadline:

Feldman Concrete of Dyersville, Iowa submitted the lowest responsive, responsible bid of $121,366.90. Staff recommends awarding the contract for the ADA Curb Ramps 2025 Project to Feldman Concrete.

Resolution awarding contract and authorizing the Mayor to sign and the City Clerk to attest a contract for construction of the 2025 Summer Sidewalk Repair Project.

This item awards the contract for construction of the 2025 Summer Sidewalk Repair Project. Three (3) bids were received prior to the September 10, 2025 deadline:

American Outdoor Services of Homestead, IA submitted the lowest responsive, responsible bid and staff recommends awarding the Contract for the 2025 Summer Sidewalk Repair Project to American Outdoor Services.

Resolution accepting payment of $1,500.00 civil penalty and waiver of right to hearing from Essentials Vape and Tobacco Shop.

This Resolution accepts a waiver of right to hearing and payment of a $1,500.00 civil penalty by Essentials Vape and Smoke Shop.  The civil penalty is required by Iowa Code Section 453A.22(2) due to a second instance of an employee selling or providing tobacco to a minor within a two-year period.

Motion setting a public hearing for October 7, 2025, on an ordinance amending Title 14, Zoning, related to the City’s Floodplain Management Standards to ensure the community’s continued participation and eligibility in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) (REZ25-0013).

On September 3, 2025, the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of REZ25-0007 by a vote of 4-0 (Miller, Elliott, Beining absent). Approval will amend Title 14, Zoning, related to the City’s Floodplain Management Standards to ensure the community’s continued participation and eligibility in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The proposed changes are attached to the staff memo as Attachment 1.

Resolution of Necessity to consider Amendment #18 to the City-University Project 1 Urban Renewal Plan and Set Notice of Consultation Meeting and Public Hearing.

Any urban renewal activities undertaken in an urban renewal area must be included in the respective urban renewal plan. Amendment #18 to the City-University Project 1 Urban Renewal Area adds additional projects and uses. Pursuant to the process required by State law, this Resolution adopts a Resolution of Necessity, sets the tax entity consultation meeting date, and sets the public hearing date.

Ordinance rezoning approximately 1.04 acres of land at 804, 810, and 824 Maiden Lane; 410, 416, and 418 E. Benton Street, and 815 Gilbert Court from Intensive Commercial (CI-1) zone and Medium Density Single-Family Residential (RS-8) zone to Community Commercial (CC-2) zone. (REZ25-0011) (Second Consideration)

At its August 6 meeting, the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of this rezoning by a vote of 5-1 (Davies dissent, Miller recused). Adoption of this rezoning will allow the Great Plains Action Society to reuse the existing buildings to create community-focused uses with small commercial spaces, community meeting space, GPAS offices, healing and therapy space, and green space and gardens. Applicant is requesting expedited action. Correspondence included in Council packet.

Ordinance conditionally rezoning approximately 9.9 acres of land located at 611 Greenwood Drive from Neighborhood Public (P-1) zone to Medium Density Multi-Family Residential Zone with a Planned Development Overlay (OPD/RM-20) (REZ25-0010). (Second Consideration)

At its August 27 meeting, the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the rezoning by a vote of 6-0 (Quellhorst absent) subject to conditions related to pedestrian improvements and lighting, screening, and limiting access to Greenwood Drive. Adoption of this rezoning will allow for the development of a 187-unit affordable housing project. Applicant is requesting expedited action. Correspondence included in Council packet.

A resolution amending the current budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.

This public hearing is being held to receive public comment on amending the FY26 operating budget. Information was available for public inspection on September 5, 2025.

1. Public Hearing
2. Consider a Resolution

Resolution finding an employee sold tobacco to a minor and assessing a $300.00 civil penalty against Almost Paradise Mini.

Iowa Code Section 453A.22(2) provides that, after a hearing, a civil penalty shall be assessed when an employee of a retailer violates Iowa Code Section 453A.2(1) by selling or providing tobacco to a minor.  This hearing is the time designated for the Council to determine if a violation occurred and then to consider whether to assess the civil penalty against Almost Paradise Mini, 125 S. Dubuque St., Iowa City.  The civil penalty for a first violation within a two-year period is $300.00.

Resolution supporting further pursuit of a partnership with Johnson County to meet long-term public safety needs of the community through a joint law enforcement facility aimed at maximizing cost and operational efficiencies for both the City of Iowa City and County of Johnson County.

The City's Strategic Plan called for the completion of a City Hall and Public Safety Headquarters space needs study and directed action to create a plan for implementation. As part of the implementation plan, City City Council authorized a joint study with Johnson County to determine potential cost savings associated with a joint facility. Preliminary results of the joint facility study indicates that a joint facility could save taxpayers approximately 10 million dollars in construction costs compared to building two standalone facilities. This resolution expresses continued support to move forward in partnership with Johnson County and directs the City Attorney and City Manager to work collaboratively with Johnson County to develop draft articles of incorporation for a joint law enforcement authority in such a manner that preserves City Council decision-making authority throughout the joint facility planning and execution process.

Civil Service Commission - One vacancy to fill a new member, upon appointment - April 4, 2027 (Due to the passage of Senate File 311).

Civil Service Commission - One vacancy to fill a new member, upon appointment - April 1, 2029 (Due to the passage of Senate File 311).

Housing & Community Development Commission - One vacancy to fill an unexpired term, upon appointment - June 30, 2027 (George Kivarkis resigned).

Library Board of Trustees - One vacancy to fill an unexpired term, upon appointment - June 30, 2027 (Dan Stevenson resigned).

Airport Zoning Board of Adjustment (IC appointment) - One vacancy to fill a five-year term, January 1, 2026 - December 31, 2030 (Term expires for Andreas Wilz).

Board of Adjustment - One vacancy to fill a five-year term, January 1, 2026 - December 31, 2030 (Term expires for Nancy Carlson).

Board of Appeals (Licensed Electrician) - One vacancy to fill a five-year term, January 1, 2026 - December 31, 2030 (Term expires for Gt Karr).

Climate Action Commission - Three vacancies to fill three-year terms, January 1, 2026 - December 31, 2028 (Terms expire for Angie Smith, Jamie Gade, Michelle Sillman).

Human Rights Commission - Three vacancies to fill three-year terms, January 1, 2026 - December 31, 2028 (Terms expire for Talya Miller, Viana Qadoura, Mark Pries).

Parks & Recreation Commission - Three vacancies to fill four-year terms, January 1, 2026 - December 31, 2029 (Terms expire for Missie Forbes, Brian Morelli, Connie Moore).

Public Art Advisory Committee (At-Large) - One vacancy to fill a three-year term, January 1, 2026 - December 31, 2028 (Term expires for Andrea Truitt).

Public Art Advisory Committee (Art or Design Professional) - One vacancy to fill a three-year term, January 1, 2026 - December 31, 2028 (Term expires for Stephanie Brunia).

Senior Center Commission - Two vacancies to fill three-year terms, January 1, 2026 - December 31, 2028 (Terms expire for Jay Gilchrist, Warren Paris).

Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 28, 2025.

Housing & Community Development Commission - One vacancy to fill an unexpired term, upon appointment - June 30, 2027 (Karol Krotz resigned).

Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 14, 2025.

Airport Zoning Board of Adjustment - One vacancy to fill a five-year term, January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2028 (Term expired for Heather Flynn).

Airport Zoning Commission - One vacancy to fill a six-year term, January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2029 (Term expired for Dennis Keitel).

Board of Appeals (HVAC Professional) - One vacancy to fill an unexpired term, upon appointment - December 31, 2028 (Nicolas Yost resigned).

Historic Preservation Commission (Brown St) - One vacancy to fill a three-year term, July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2028 (Term expired for Christina Welu-Reynolds).

Historic Preservation Commission (Jefferson St) - One vacancy to fill a three-year term, July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2028 (Formerly advertised as an unexpired term and a full term - Lyndi Kiple resigned).

Historic Preservation Commission (Woodlawn Ave) - One vacancy to fill a three-year term, July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2027 (formerly advertised as unexpired term - Kevin Larson resigned).

Vacancies will remain open until filled.