Davenport City Council Meeting: September 25, 2025

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.