Davenport City Council Meeting – February 12, 2026

The Davenport City Council held a regular meeting on February 12, 2026, at City Hall. Key topics included a detailed update on animal control contract negotiations with the Humane Society of Scott County (HSSC), public testimony from current and former HSSC employees and supporters, a proclamation for Black History Month, and council member reports on state legislative issues and ward meetings. The council approved the consent agenda, reappointments, and a motion to add a real estate transaction to the executive session.

Consent Calendar

• Approved city council meeting minutes from January 28, 2026 (voice vote).
• Approved reappointments: Carla Anderson to the Design Review Board; Vera Kelly and Tyla Sherwin-Cole to the Affirmative Action Advisory Commission; and former Alderman Paul Reinhardts to the Riverfront Improvement Commission (voice vote).
• The consent agenda (including all routine items) was approved via roll-call vote (10-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

Former and current HSSC employees (critical of conditions):

• Genevieve (Ward 5) – Former APS dispatcher (2022–2023): Described lack of training, unsanitary conditions, animals euthanized unnecessarily, employees bitten frequently, and supervisors unqualified. She reported HSSC to the state for safety concerns.
• Jasmine (via grandmother Nancy) – Former kennel staff (2021–2024): Recounted being bitten multiple times, including a severe attack that required 12 stitches; broken kennels held together with zip ties; insufficient PPE; and being told to skip cleaning dirty kennels.
• Yvette (Ward 2) – Former employee (2018–2023): Confirmed chronic drain backups, employees forced to dump chemical waste into city storm drains, and lack of supplies. Noted improvements under later director Bob but deterioration after his departure.
• Jessica (Ward 8) – Former APS officer (until ~3 weeks prior): Highlighted low wages ($12/hour), limited training budget ($500 per class per person), and that new leadership (Erica) has begun positive changes. Expressed hope for transparency.

Supporters of HSSC:

• Ruth (Ward 7) – Longtime volunteer: Acknowledged past problems but said conditions have improved significantly under current director. Praised recent purchase and renovation of the King’s Harvest building.
• Deanna (Ward 5) – Foster volunteer for 4 years, fostered over 400 animals: Noted HSSC’s foster program (1,465 animals in 2025) and that the organization works hard to avoid euthanasia for space. Called for a public meeting to review financial data.
• Ramsay Bleakey (Ward 4) – Foster volunteer: Said HSSC provided annual budgets, audits, and intake data. Asked for a public meeting to see what was actually provided vs. what the city claims was missing. Noted that low funding likely caused the past issues.
• Ian Stolkey (Cedar Rapids) – Board member of Adopt a Powell Animal Rescue: Praised HSSC for its commitment to avoid euthanizing for space, noting state oversight. Emphasized rising veterinary costs.
• Mindy Steele (Rock Island) – Foster volunteer: Stated up to 75% of HSSC’s animals come from Davenport. Argued that past underfunding (e.g., $300,000) led to duct-tape repairs and that proper funding is needed to ensure employee and animal safety.
• Stacey Shellberger (Bluegrass, Iowa) – Criticized the city’s Facebook post suggesting the contract was ending without notifying HSSC. Asked whether the city would put a price on individual animals, potentially leading to euthanasia for cost reasons.
• David Andrew II (Ward 5) – Shared past negative experiences with HSSC but expressed support for transparency and offered to help.

Discussion Items

City Administrator’s Update on Humane Society Contract Interim City Administrator Tim provided a lengthy presentation covering the history of the contract with HSSC (a private nonprofit, not a county agency). Key points:

• History: FY2023 contract was $391,000 with 3% automatic increases. In August 2021 (mid-cycle), HSSC gave notice of cancellation unless the amount rose to ~$1.4 million. After negotiation, the city added $250,000 and later reached a one-year $800,000 agreement plus $50,000 for a fundraising consultant, and a multi-agency task force.
• Collaborative work: Ordinance changes (reduced impoundment period, doubled claim fees, microchip requirements, online licensing – over 200% revenue increase, all fees go to HSSC; trap-neuter-release (TNR) program expected to cut cat intakes by 50% over 3–5 years, reducing cost per cat from ~$1,000 to $76). HSSC reported $150,000 in cost savings from impoundment changes and a 34% revenue increase from the fundraising study.
• Current negotiation (FY2027): HSSC initially asked for a 3-year agreement at $1.1 million operating + $300,000 capital + 5% annual increases. The city offered $840,000 base, 3% increases, $25,000 capital, and $75,000 for TNR. HSSC countered with “just below $1 million” at 5% annual increases, $300,000 capital, and $75,000 TNR. The city requested a one-year extension but received only a six-month extension. The current contract ends June 30, 2026. The city’s FY27 budget includes $840,000, so the higher amounts are unbudgeted.
• Disagreement on financial data: The city requested detailed cost breakdowns for animal control services (e.g., officer time, mileage, sheltering costs). HSSC provided three pages including a pie chart, which the city deemed insufficient. Assistant City Administrator Nicole Gleason and Tegan Trees presented the information.

Council Reactions and Proposed Actions

• Alderwoman Newton (Ward 3): Called for a public meeting with HSSC’s board and full council, requesting all communications, contracts, and financial documents from 2023 to present. Stated that no decision has been made, animal services will continue, and the 5% annual increase is incompatible with the state’s 2% property tax cap. Clarified that the city is not ending the contract; it is expiring.
• Alderwoman Burkholder (Ward 6): Supported Newton’s request and asked that HSSC’s board of directors also be present.
• Mayor Gordon: Emphasized the city’s fiduciary duty to understand costs, noting that any vendor seeking a 200% increase warrants scrutiny. Reported on his recent trip to Des Moines regarding property tax reform (likely 2% cap will remain) and potential mental health funding for more beds and extended stays.
• Other council members: Announced ward meetings scheduled for February 23.

Proclamation

• Mayor Gordon read a proclamation designating February 2026 as Black History Month in Davenport. Frank Holly accepted on behalf of African American residents.

Executive Session Amendment

• The council suspended rules (roll call 10-0) and then voted to amend the executive session to include a real estate transaction pursuant to Iowa Code §21.5(1)(j). The executive session also covered litigation strategy (Iowa Code §21.5(1)(c)).

Key Outcomes

• Minutes approved (January 28, 2026).
• Reappointments approved (see Consent Calendar).
• Consent agenda approved (10-0 roll call).
• Proclamation declared February 2026 as Black History Month.
• Council direction: Alderwoman Newton’s request for a public work session with HSSC and full council was supported by other members; no formal vote taken, but the administration will arrange the session. Newton also requested a list of specific financial documents the city says are missing from HSSC.
• Executive session amended to add a real estate transaction topic (two roll-call votes, both 10-0). Council entered executive session and adjourned without returning to open session.