City Council Minutes August 24, 2011
Joint Meeting
Johnson County Board of Supervisors
City of Iowa City
City of Coralville
City of North Liberty
City of Tiffin
Iowa City Community School Board
Clear Creek Amana School Board
August 24, 2011
Minutes
The joint meeting was called to order at 4:30 p.m. Johnson County Supervisors present: Janelle Rettig, Rod Sullivan, Pat Harney, and Terrence Neuzil. City of Iowa City elected officials present: Matt Hayek, Susan Mimms, Connie Champion, Terry Dickens and Raj Patel. City of Coralville elected officials present: Mayor Jim Fausett, Bill Hoeft and John Lundell. City of North Liberty elected officials present: Gerry Kuhl, Tom Salm, Brian Wayson, Terry Donahue, Coleen Chipman. City of Tiffin elected official present: Chris Ball. Iowa City Community School Board members present: Patti Fields and Tuyet Dorau.
Supervisor Rod Sullivan announced the passing of Linda Severson. Linda had worked for the MPOJC for the last ten years, but was a long term human services advocate in Iowa City/Johnson County.
Supervisor Janelle Rettig spoke regarding the pending federal legislation that might limit the size of areas that can become MPOs. If this change occurs, Iowa City would lose their federal designation and federal funding. Several cities have sent letters. Rettig encouraged all local entities to send letters of support to their legislators regarding this matter. The letter writing campaign for food pantry funding was also encouraged. If all member institutes participate, it makes the likelihood of attention better.
Iowa City Assessor Baldridge and Johnson County Assessor Greazel presented the impacts of the Supreme Court decision on the classification of condominium/rental property from commercial to residential through the filing of paperwork to deem the property as a co-op. The actual numbers won’t be determined until the actual number of units declare co-op. Iowa City could have $360,000,000 in valuation affected. Coralville could have $60,000,000 and North Liberty $10,000,000. All will be watching to see how this turns out.
Supervisor Harney updated the group on the Justice Center project. The supervisors have requested qualifications for the design of the facility. A referendum is possible in Fall 2012.
Iowa City School Board member Patti Fields presented an update on the successful start of the school year. The official student count will be taken in October.
Fields provided information on Borlaug Elementary opening next fall. The district has been working with parents and families regarding the boundary changes. The plan is to address the unhappy transitioning families to make the move as smooth as possible.
Paul Bobek from Iowa City Schools updated the group on the move of the Central Offices to the new building on North Dodge Street. The plan is to be relocated into the new facility in mid to late September.
Tracey Mulcahey from North Liberty provided information about the City’s unveiling of their sustainability plan at a community event, Taste of North Liberty, on September 11 at the Community Center from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Supervisor Neuzil added that something special was being planned at the federal level for noon on Sept. 11. The event plans to incorporate that special time into the event.
The next Joint Meeting will be held at the Iowa City Community School District in their new North Dodge facility with an open house and tours at 4 p.m. and meeting starting at 4:30 p.m.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:15 p.m.
