Politics & Government
More Iowa City Council News from Tuesday Night
Moped permits for Ped Mall parking and park improvements in the works.
- The Iowa Çity Council unanimously passed a resolution to set a public hearing for Tuesday, July 5 on an ordinance amendment that would prohibit mopeds from parking on downtown sidewalks and bike racks and create moped and motorcycle permit parking areas throughout downtown Iowa City. The ordinance would free up more space to provide bicycle parking and is intended to address the Council’s goal of ensuring pedestrian safety, according to council comment.
- The council also set a hearing for July 5 to replace the entire lighting system in College Green Park. The estimated construction cost is $114,200 and will be funded with General Obligation bond proceeds.
- The council unanimously approved plans for the North Market Square Park improvement project and directed the city clerk to open up the project for bids. The project involves park redevelopment work, including grading for a new sidewalk, foundations and lighting. The estimated construction cost is $325,000 and will be funded by General Obligation bond proceeds.
- Despite objections from Iowa City landowner Roger Hurt, who owns 17 acres of family farmland included in the proposed area the city plans to purchase through negotiations or eminent domain, the council voted unanimously to approve the city's acquisition of property rights for the 2011 landfill buffer and groundwater monitoring property acquisition project. Public Works Director Rick Fosse also addressed the council, noting the city of Iowa City must acquire right-of-way, fee title, permanent easements and/or temporary construction easements to construct the 2011 Landfill Buffer and Groundwater Monitoring Property Acquisition Project, as required by 2008 Iowa Department of Natural Resources regulations coming into effect now.
- The council unanimously passed a stand-alone code provision that will prohibit the use, possession, public display or sale of fireworks without a permit. Certain types of sparklers, caps and "snakes" that do not contain mercury do not fall under the firework definition. The ordinance will also simplify fireworks charges, which are currently prosecuted through the city’s adoption of and amendments to the International Fire Code.