Public Meetings - Davenport, Iowa

The joint meeting addressed three agenda updates: job postings for the Civil Rights Commission, options for office space for the commission, and a request to roll over unspent salary funds. No public comments were made. Discussion Items - Job Posting Update: The three remaining union positions for the Civil Rights Commission have been posted on the city's website. A unit clarification decision from the state is pending, with a notice period through November 17 before final ratification. - Office Space Options: Staff presented cost estimates from Bray Architects: $1.2 million for a ground-level ADA/remodel, $1.8 million for a full remodel, $280,000 for city hall space, and a potential lease option. Director Gleason is also exploring the Collins House property. A tour is scheduled for November 7. Next steps: Gleason will report viability by the end of next week, and the commission will provide feedback to the council on preferred options. - Budget Rollover Request: Director Lacey requested rollover of $75,383 in unspent fair housing salary funds and $9,019 in general fund salary funds from FY25 to FY26 due to hiring delays. The CFO stated the city does not roll over general fund salary savings, and that part of the fair housing funds had already been rolled over ($31,000). Discussion focused on the structural confusion caused by budgeting estimated federal funds. Council members expressed concern about setting a precedent for the $9,000 general fund item. Key Outcomes - No formal decisions were made, as no action items were scheduled. - The commission will consider office space options and provide input to the council, with a possible fifth option (Collins House). - For the budget rollover, the council suggested that Director Lacey prepare a business case for a one-time allocation to address backlogs, to be considered at a future council meeting (likely December 10). The $9,000 general fund rollover was not supported due to precedent concerns.

The Davenport City Council met on October 23, 2025, at City Hall. The meeting included a presentation honoring firefighters for a rescue, recognition of outgoing Fire Chief Carlson, approval of routine items, and public comments addressing legal issues, workplace allegations, and city services. The transcript notes the meeting was called to order on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, but the official record is dated October 23, 2025. Consent Calendar - Approved the city council meeting minutes for October 8, 2025 (unanimous). - Approved the Committee of the Whole minutes for October 15, 2025 (unanimous). - Approved all items on the consent agenda (unanimous roll call vote: all 10 members in favor). Presentation and Recognition - Fire Department Rescue Awards: The council recognized members of the Davenport Fire Department for rescuing three occupants from a structure fire at 2400 block of North Zenith on September 11, 2025. Fire Chief Carlson presented Distinguished Service Awards to Fire District Chiefs Scott Farnsworth and James Woods; firefighters Kyle McAvoy, Lieutenant Ryan Johnson, Ben Anderson, Anthony Murr, Captain Jeremy Shirk, Engineer Tara Jackson, Jared Dejeter, Engineer Mike Cress (absent), Kayla Jones, Captain Gabe Cousins, Engineer James Swanson (absent); and a Medal of Honor to Firefighter Dante Tremble for locating and assisting victims, directly saving lives. The mayor emphasized the bravery of first responders. - Crime Reduction Success Story: The mayor read a statement from the governor’s office highlighting Davenport’s data-driven crime strategy as a national model, reporting a 40% decline in gun violence within one year and a 46% decrease in shots fired over five years. The strategy focused on 0.18% of residents responsible for over half of gun crimes. - Farewell to Fire Chief: The mayor announced that this was Fire Chief Carlson’s last council meeting. The chief thanked the council and city staff for their support and credited the men and women of the department. Council Member Remarks - Alderman Newton provided a detailed timeline of events concerning the former city administrator’s settlement in 2023. She stated that a demand letter was received in September 2023, an executive session was held on October 4, 2023, and an agreement was signed on October 6, 2023, with public notification delayed until November 22, 2023. She cited a court order from Judge Mark Cleve finding that council members present assented to the settlement. She clarified that she and four other council members were not on council at the time. - Alderman Kelly stated she voted no on the settlement. - Alderman Rick Dunn requested the legal definition of 'assented to', which was provided as 'the expression of approval or agreement'. - After public comments, Alderman expressed gratitude for the police and fire departments and their heroic work. Alderman Rick Dunn defended the use of the Medal of Honor award, noting his military service and stating the firefighters deserved the recognition. Public Comments & Testimony - Cheryl Shaina (3rd Ward): Questioned whether the city’s legal department had council authorization to continue appeals on qualified immunity in a lawsuit, stating it is costing taxpayers. She asserted that the claims should not qualify for qualified immunity. - A resident from the 5th Ward: Delivered an extensive statement alleging a pattern of psychological warfare, menticide (systematic destruction of people’s minds), and racial discrimination by the council. She said she is a department head who has been isolated, discredited, and undermined. She claimed the council operates with two sets of rules ('black laws and white laws') and that a council member told her to 'humble herself.' She asserted that the council’s actions are constitutional violations and misuse of public authority, exposing the city to legal risks and erosion of trust. - Brandy (5th Ward): Criticized the use of 'Medal of Honor' for firefighters, arguing 'Medal of Valor' would be more appropriate to honor military recipients. She also complained about a property abatement issue with the public works department, including an inspector canceling a scheduled visit and a contractor mowing the wrong yard. Key Outcomes - All routine approvals passed unanimously. - Firefighters received formal recognition and awards. - Council members clarified their roles in prior settlement decisions. - The council voted to enter executive session (10-0) to discuss litigation and real estate transactions. The meeting adjourned following executive session without returning to open session.

A special joint meeting of the Davenport Civil Rights Commission and City Council was held to resolve the long-standing impasse over filling and compensating five civil rights positions. The central dispute was whether these positions should remain within the ASME union (as they have been since 1983) or be removed via unit clarification, as the Commission argued that state law and city ordinance give the Commission sole authority over its employees. The city attorney, Sam Huff, sought direction from the Commission on how to proceed with the union, while the Commission and some council members expressed frustration that no action had been taken since June. Discussion Items - City Attorney’s Presentation: Owen Guinness (identified as Sam Huff, Corporation Counsel) explained that the five new positions (part-time civil rights mediator, civil rights intake specialist, part-time civil rights analyst, full-time senior civil rights analyst, and civil rights legal intern) had been approved by the Commission in September, but the city’s HR department raised concerns about conflicts with the existing collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the ASME union. He advised that proceeding without union negotiation could lead to grievances, fines, or salary rollbacks, and asked the Commission to choose between two paths: (1) negotiate salary changes within the union, or (2) seek unit clarification to remove the positions from the union. - Commission Director Lacey’s Testimony: Director Lacey recounted that the Commission had directed the city attorney in June to first meet with the union to discuss salary changes, and if that failed, to pursue unit clarification. She stated that no meeting with the union had occurred, despite repeated emails, and that a staff member quit due to burnout. She accused the city attorney of intentional delays and harassment, and argued that the positions were never legally in the union because the 2005 ordinance made commission employees employees of the commission, not the city. - Council Members’ Reactions: Several council members acknowledged confusion over the legal nuances but ultimately supported the Commission’s position. Councilman Galling noted that the city council had passed a resolution in July reaffirming the Commission’s authority over its employees. Councilwoman Burkholder and others pressed for immediate action, with one council member stating, “I want the positions filled… I don’t want to see another email about this.” Key Outcomes - Direction to City Attorney: The City Council directed Sam Huff to immediately seek unit clarification with the ASME union to remove all civil rights positions from the union, rather than first negotiating salary changes. The Commission and council agreed that the positions should not have been in the union in the first place, based on state law and the city ordinance. - Immediate Posting of Intern Position: There was consensus that the civil rights legal intern position, which is not a union position, should be posted immediately. Council members nodded in agreement, and the city attorney acknowledged this direction. - Status Report Requested: Council members requested a follow-up status report within two weeks to ensure progress, given the delays since June. The city attorney was expected to report back on initial contacts with the union. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned following a motion, with no further formal votes taken. The council’s direction was recorded as the primary outcome.

Note: The transcript indicates the meeting was held on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, but the provided timestamp (2025-10-09 13:58:19+00:00) is used per instructions. This discrepancy is noted. The meeting was called to order with a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Alderwoman Newton. Roll call showed all ten aldermen present. Acting City Administrator Gleason reminded attendees of the compost facility’s 30-year anniversary open house (October 10–11) and a free public performance at Davenport Junior Theater. Consent Calendar (Routine Approvals) - Approved the city council meeting minutes of September 24, 2025, and the Committee of the Whole report for October 1, 2025, both by voice vote. - Appointments to the Combined Construction Code Board of Appeals: Mark Lewis and Ryan Connell were approved; the appointment of Sean Aggan was deferred for further discussion. - A proclamation declaring October 10, 2025, as World Mental Health Day was read by Alderwoman Burkholder and accepted by Nicole Carkner (Quad City Health Initiative/Quad Cities Behavioral Health Coalition). - Recognized the 2025 Summer Reading Program winners: Harrison Elementary School (public) and John F. Kennedy Catholic School (private), each receiving a trophy and $1,000 donation of new books. The program had 2,312 participants, a 48% increase from the previous year. Later in the meeting, the remaining consent agenda (including at least 12 items, per Alderman Newton’s reference) was approved en bloc with 10 yes votes and one abstention (Alderman Newton abstained on item 12). The specific contents of these consent items are not detailed in the transcript. Council Communications & Petitions - Alderman Jobjo announced the next Sixth Ward board meeting on Tuesday, October 14, at 6:30 p.m. at Duck Creek Park Lodge. - Alderman Kelly inquired about the status of union questions affecting the Civil Rights Commission’s hiring process; the acting city administrator indicated the last communication remains the current position and would forward it to council. Public Comments - Keanu, an employee of Golden Mart, praised the responsiveness of second-shift police officers but expressed concerns about first-shift response times, requesting that first-shift officers be trained by second shift. Discussion Items Third Consideration of Ordinance ORD-25-01 – St. Ambrose University Campus Land Use Plan Amendment - Request: To amend the campus land use plan bounded by Harrison Street, West Locust Street, Brown Street, and Lombard Street. - Public Testimony: Courtney Berg (CFO) and Christopher Waugh (VP for Student Engagement) spoke on behalf of St. Ambrose. They denied knowledge of unfulfilled promises from a decade ago, stated that neighborhood meetings were held as required for the current plan, and highlighted the university’s economic impact ($270 million in 2024, 60% of healthcare graduates staying in the Quad Cities) and community efforts (Good Neighbor Project, leaf raking, trash cleanup, ending a disruptive student event). - Council Discussion: - Alderman Kelly voiced skepticism about the “good neighbor” characterization, noting past tensions between St. Ambrose and the neighborhood, and questioned the university’s claim of being unaware of earlier commitments. - Alderman Grip expressed strong support, citing the university’s positive contributions and appreciating President Novak’s commitment to future meetings about properties outside the master planning area. - Alderwoman Burkholder abstained from voting due to a conflict of interest (recent former employee of St. Ambrose). - Vote: 8 yes (Reinarts, T. Dunn, Newton, Grip, Jobjen, Lynch, McGuinness, and one more yes – possibly Kelly? No, Kelly voted no. The roll call recorded: Kelly – No; Burkholder – Abstain; Reinarts – Yes; T. Dunn – Yes; Newton – Yes; Grip – Yes; Jobjen – Yes; Pardon – Yes; Lynch – Yes; McGuinness – Yes. Total: 8 yes, 1 no, 1 abstain. Ordinance passed. Key Outcomes - Approved consent items, minutes, committee report, two appointments, and the World Mental Health Day proclamation. - Passed Ordinance ORD-25-01 (8-1-1) to amend the St. Ambrose University campus land use plan. - Approved the remaining consent agenda (10-0-1, with Newton abstaining on item 12). - No other ordinances, resolutions, or motions were presented. - Meeting adjourned after no further public comment or council business.

The Davenport City Council convened on September 25, 2025, to address routine approvals, proclamations, discussion items, and public comments. The meeting included emotional farewell remarks from outgoing City Administrator Doug Maxheimer, approved an ordinance update for St. Ambrose University's campus plan, and appointed Tim Gleason as interim city administrator. A consent agenda item was tabled for one cycle following public questions. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the September 10, 2025 city council meeting. - Approved the report of the Committee of the Whole for September 17, 2025. - Adopted three proclamations: Fire Prevention Week (October 5-11, 2025), MetroCom NAACP Unit 4019 Day (September 27, 2025), and National Good Neighbor Day (September 28, 2025). - Item 11 (regarding the Total Wellness Center) was pulled by Alderman Kelly due to numerous public questions. After a motion to table it for one cycle was seconded, the council voted 7-3 to table the item. - The remaining consent items were approved unanimously (10-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Ryan Koff (Brady Street resident, founder of Iowa Solar) urged the council to let the moratorium on ground-mounted solar expire, noting health impacts of natural gas and the expiration of solar tax credits at year-end. He proposed community solar on city-owned floodplain lots. - Cheryl Shagna (Third Ward) criticized the council for failing to enforce laws, accused staff of acting without authority, and warned of democratic erosion. She referenced historical and legal principles, including the Ku Klux Klan Act of 1871. - Kiana (employee of Golden Mart on 2nd Street) thanked the council for improved conditions for the homeless near her workplace. She requested permission to hold a "Vote for Tote" community event at a park before elections and sought to connect shelter staff with Alderman Kelly regarding winter overflow. - Ron Swaider (Davenport) expressed frustration with the council's transparency and decision-making, citing the 324 Main Street issue and trust in elected officials. He called for honesty and noted that community members are "waking up." - Paul Vasquez (Third Ward) described widespread anger among residents about taxes, housing issues, and loss of benefits. He urged the council to face problems, admit mistakes, and make corrections. - Susan Meenan (Seventh Ward) thanked Alderman Kelly for tabling the Total Wellness Center agenda item (this comment was noted but redirected as off-topic for the public comment period). - Grady Atkins (Sixth Ward, superintendent of Coromdale Academy) thanked the council for their hard work and presented thank-you letters. - Unnamed speaker (Seventh Ward) expressed dismay that an alderman's repeated requests for answers had gone unanswered. She shared a personal experience of her information being shared without consent and demanded accountability. - Jim Contois (Third Ward resident, candidate for alderman) addressed an incident involving his son during homecoming pranks. He described threats of gun violence and criticized a mayoral candidate for alleged doxing and political exploitation. - Dewane Simons (Third Ward) raised concerns about overgrown grass on vacant lots, homelessness, traffic speeds, and narrow streets. He commended recent improvements on Rockingham Road and Hickory Grove Road. Discussion Items - Ordinance ORD 25-01 (St. Ambrose University Campus Land Use Plan) : Second consideration of an ordinance to amend the campus plan bounded by Harrison Street, West Locust Street, Brown Street, and Lombard Street. No public comment was offered. The council voted unanimously (10-0) to approve the ordinance, moving it to third consideration. - Resolution for Employee Leasing Agreement with MGT Impact Solutions: Approved a six-month interim city administrator appointment for Tim Gleason, expiring May 3, 2026, with an option to renew. Several council members thanked Gleason for meeting with them; the resolution passed 10-0. Key Outcomes - Ordinance ORD 25-01 passed second consideration unanimously (10-0) and advanced to third consideration. - Interim City Administrator Tim Gleason was appointed via resolution, effective immediately through May 3, 2026. - Consent Agenda Item 11 was tabled for one cycle (7-3) after Alderman Kelly raised questions; the remaining consent items were approved 10-0. - Mayor and councilmembers offered public thanks and farewell to outgoing City Administrator Doug Maxheimer, praising his steady leadership during a difficult transition. - The next meeting date was not announced, but the usual Wednesday schedule was implied.

The Davenport City Council met on September 11, 2025, at 4:13 PM. The meeting began with a moment of silence, Pledge of Allegiance, and roll call (10 members present). Minutes from August 27, 2025, and the Committee of the Whole report for September 3, 2025, were approved unanimously. A proclamation was issued declaring September 19, 2025, as Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness Day, read by Alderwoman Burkholder. A new police officer, Aaron Morgan, was sworn in. The council then proceeded to discussion items and public business. Consent Calendar - Approval of City Council minutes for August 27, 2025 (unanimous). - Approval of the Committee of the Whole report for September 3, 2025 (unanimous). Public Comments & Testimony - Christopher Waugh (St. Ambrose University representative) addressed questions about the campus land use plan, explaining stormwater detention, landscaping, and no current plans to expand beyond the institutional boundary or demolish homes in the next 10 years. - Chris Witter (5th Ward resident) expressed skepticism about St. Ambrose’s expansion and questioned the need for additional parking given declining enrollment. - David Ezra Siddhartha (1st Ward) strongly criticized city staff for authorizing the emergency demolition of 314 Gane Street without prior council approval, alleging it was illegal and that a council member had a conflict of interest regarding the property owner. - Judith Lee (2nd Ward) argued the demolition expenditure ($231,300) could have been put before the council in a special meeting, accusing staff of usurping council authority and putting the city at legal risk. - Paul Bosquez (3rd Ward) echoed concerns about staff overreach and urged the council to take control of spending, also calling for stricter landlord inspection rules. - Cheryl Shagna (3rd Ward) questioned the city's safety justification given the 2023 building collapse, asked about competitive bidding, and criticized the timing of the demolition. - Keanu (employee of Golden Mart) expressed distress over inadequate police response to a disruptive individual, highlighting mental health needs and asking for more support for homeless and mentally ill residents. - Dale Gilmar (6th Ward) urged the city to remove damaged gondolas from Modern Woodman Stadium and unplug the Ferris wheel during the off-season to save utility costs. Discussion Items 1. St. Ambrose University Campus Land Use Plan Amendment (ORD 25-01) – First consideration. Christopher Waugh answered council questions about stormwater plans, landscaping, future property purchases, and the university’s commitment to being a good neighbor. Alderman McGinnis requested assurance that St. Ambrose would not buy properties outside its boundary; Waugh said he could not guarantee but would return with more clarity. The ordinance passed 10-0 and moved to second consideration. 2. Five-Year Lease with BZ Holdings (Boozy’s Bar and Grill) at the Freight House – Approved unanimously. Alderman Kelly inquired about oversight of rental properties; staff indicated ongoing discussions about a property management role and improved notification to council. 3. Ratification of Emergency Demolition Purchase for 314 Gane Street – $231,300 contract with Valley Construction. Public speakers criticized the lack of prior council approval. Alderman McGinnis abstained (had volunteered on the building without compensation). Alderman Newton requested a timeline and recovery plan; staff noted they would lien the property and explore personal recovery options. The resolution passed 6-2 (Kelly and Burkholder voted no, McGinnis abstained). 4. Special Occurrence Permit for Mobile Food Unit at 1407 West Fourth Street – Approved 9-0. Public comment raised safety concerns due to traffic. Staff confirmed the permit is for one year, hours limited to 11 AM–9 PM Monday–Friday, and the operator must remove the truck when not operating. Key Outcomes - St. Ambrose ordinance passed first consideration (10-0). - Boozy’s lease approved unanimously. - Emergency demolition ratification approved 6-2-1 (Kelly and Burkholder opposed, McGinnis abstained). Staff will pursue cost recovery via lien and other legal means. - Food truck permit approved 9-0. - Joint session with Civil Rights Commission – Council directed staff to schedule a joint session soon to address status updates, after Alderman Newton’s request was seconded. - Executive session – Council voted unanimously to enter closed session to discuss a real estate transaction (Iowa Code §21.5(1)(j)). The meeting adjourned thereafter. Note: The meeting was recorded and will be available online.