Michael Tharp

The City Council meeting included proclamations recognizing International Human Rights Day, noting the date of December 10th and the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. A special presentation was given by graduates of the Iowa City Construction Pre-apprenticeship Program, highlighting the program's success in placing graduates in skilled trades such as carpentry, iron work, and electrical work, and emphasizing its role in creating equitable pathways for underrepresented workers. The council also addressed the consent agenda (items 4 through 9), with separate consideration requested for item 7D.

The meeting agenda for this Regular Meeting included several key discussion items concerning the Board of Trustees' operations and strategic direction. Primary topics involved a Policy Review of the 101 Bylaws, which included extensive proposed revisions regarding plain language, open meeting laws, membership, officer selection, and electronic participation. The board also planned to review the draft language for the updated FY24-FY26 Strategic Plan and discuss the current Strategic Plan update progress, which focused on Goals for Access, Communication, Education, and Staff Wellness, detailing specific progress points like accessibility enhancements (hearing loops, facility updates) and collection development (World Languages collection, digital data analysis). Other agenda items included a review of the second-quarter financial and statistical reports, staff reports, and the setting of the agenda order for the subsequent February meeting.

The Strategic Plan for the City of Iowa City, covering FY2023-2028 (CY2022-2028), outlines the City's vision, values, and strategies to foster a more inclusive, just, and sustainable community. It prioritizes the physical, mental, and economic well-being of all residents. The plan is structured around key values such as Climate Action, Racial Equity, Social Justice and Human Rights, and Partnerships and Engagement. Impact areas include Housing and Neighborhoods, Mobility, Economy, and Safety and Well-Being, supported by resources in Facilities, Equipment, Technology, People, and Financial management.

The public meeting focused on gathering feedback for the Burlington Street Bridge project, which is in a very early planning stage without any design decisions made. Key discussion points included the planned removal of the existing Eastbound and Westbound bridges to be replaced by a single structure, multimodal and geometric improvements, and the conversion of Melrose and Bingington streets to two-way traffic. The evaluation of modifying or removing the Burlington Street Dam was also a topic, considering its critical role in providing pool head for the water plant and flood mitigation, alongside existing safety hazards. Participants discussed current bicycle and pedestrian stress levels, noting that existing conditions, especially around the Riverside Drive intersection, are stressful and not ADA compliant. Concerns were also raised regarding traffic impacts on Iowa Avenue during the future construction phase of the bridge.

This progress report details the Iowa City Strategic Plan for FY2023-2028 (CY2022-2028), which aims to foster a more inclusive, just, and sustainable city by prioritizing the physical, mental, and economic well-being of all residents. The plan is structured around core values including Climate Action, Racial Equity, Social Justice and Human Rights, and Partnerships and Engagement. It addresses impact areas such as Housing and Neighborhoods, Mobility, Economy, and Safety and Well-Being, supported by strategic resources in Facilities, Equipment, Technology, People, and Financial management.