Eric Fisher

The Board reviewed and approved the agenda. Discussions included the approval of bills for December, noting a payment for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program. The Board also considered the FY27 Proposed Library Budget, which included a 5% increase in the materials budget, increased funding for infrastructure repairs, and significant expenditure for the public computer system replacement. Officers were elected for 2026, with Turnquist nominated as president. The Friends of the Library reported on a successful book sale and goals for improved communication. The Library Director reported increased statistics for new cards, total checkouts, and hotspot usage. Funding reimbursements from the State Library for Open Access transactions were noted, along with a donation from Scheels. Operational updates covered the resolution of most heating issues following the new boiler installation, with temporary fixes underway for roof issues pending further investigation and future repair estimates. Upcoming events included a Volunteer Fair, a community reading for MLK Day, and WARM kickoff.

Key discussions during the work session included an update on the Iowa legislative session, noting key deadlines for policy bills and per diem payments. The City Attorney provided counsel regarding the contract with Flock, stating that policy adjustments or termination would be required by the subsequent City Council meeting. Significant discussion centered on the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget, specifically the relocation plan for the Drive-Through Recycling Center, which is estimated to cost $370,000 plus fees and is proposed to be funded by the CIP. Additionally, projections for the FY2027 Capital Improvement Plan bond amount were reviewed, and staff noted a remaining operating fund gap exceeding $400,000 based on current hotel/motel tax revenue trends.

Key discussions during this work session included a detailed review of the Fiscal Year 2027 Capital Improvement Project planning document, outlining numerous scheduled projects such as road extensions, roundabouts, infrastructure upgrades, and vehicle replacements. The session also covered information on the Local Option Sales Tax revenue projection and its application to bond payments for the new recreation center. Furthermore, the Council discussed the proposed Electronic Meeting Participation Policy, noting the State law requirement for electronic options, and addressed updates from the City Administrator regarding subdivision approval processes and mobilization for the Gather Iowa project. There was also a brief discussion on the policy for plowing snow on city trails.

The regular meeting agenda included several significant items. Key discussions involved a public hearing and consideration of a resolution for the Heartland Drive and Commerce Drive Roundabout project, including setting the bid opening date for March 3, 2026. The Council was also scheduled to consider the second consideration of Ordinance No. 2026-1002 regarding the rezoning of the Lucky Pete Subdivision property to a Commercial Planned Unit Development District, which will feature a multi-phased commercial campus including an eSports arena. Other items included consideration of an ordinance amending parking regulations to enforce 15-minute zones, approving the City of Coralville Electronic Meeting Policy, actions related to the Clear Creek Stream Mitigation Bank construction and seeding contracts, approval of addenda and agreements for the Brown Deer Golf Club personnel, and resolutions to reject proposals and enter into a Guaranteed Maximum Price Contract for the Coralville Recreation and Aquatic Center Project. The consent calendar covered various payments, alcohol license approvals, and staff travel approvals.

The meeting commenced with the proclamation of February 14, 2026, as "National Organ Donor Day," which was accepted by a representative from the Iowa Donor Network. The Council received updates on recent awards, including the Bravo Pillar Award for the Clear Creek Stream Mitigation Bank and the Tom Cilek Community Sizzle Award for the Local Makes Sense Committee collaboration on the local option sales tax. During community comments, several residents voiced concerns and requested the cancellation of the agreement regarding Flock cameras, citing data privacy and surveillance issues, particularly in light of recent State Attorney General directives and proposed legislation concerning federal agency cooperation. A public hearing was held regarding the Heartland Drive and Commerce Drive Roundabout, followed by the approval of related plans, specifications, and the ordering of bids. An ordinance was introduced and passed for the rezoning of the Lucky Pete Subdivision from C-2 to C-PUD 1. An ordinance regarding parking regulations was adopted, establishing 15-minute parking zones, the penalty for which is a parking ticket. The Council adopted the City of Coralville Electronic Meeting Policy, which permits electronic participation only for governing body members, not staff or the public, though Council members expressed a desire to revisit public electronic participation later. Significant discussion and action occurred regarding the Clear Creek Stream Mitigation Bank, including approvals for change orders and final pay applications for construction, seeding, and trees, as well as accepting the work as completed. Agreements related to personnel changes at the Brown Deer Golf Course were approved, reclassifying the Maintenance Coordinator position to Golf Superintendent and approving a Golf Assistant Superintendent Agreement. In discussing the Coralville Recreation and Aquatic Center Project, the Council chose to reject all proposals to incorporate additional elements identified during the design phase, such as geothermal heating/cooling and expanded park work into the primary contract scope, and authorized a Notice of Intent to enter into a Guaranteed Maximum Price Contract. The Consent Calendar, which included numerous financial approvals for various projects and departments, and the December 2025 Treasurer's Report, was approved.