Good evening.

And welcome to Danport City Hall.

I would like to call the city council meeting for Wednesday, February 25th to order.

At this time, we will have a moment of silence.

Thank you.

Please join as Alderman Tim Dunn will lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

One occasional with the liberty houses for all.

Would the clerk please call the roll?

R done here.

Vaskins?

Here.

Holloway.

Present.

Leanan.

Present.

Grip?

Here.

Newton.

Here.

Blunk.

Here.

T Dunn.

Here.

Job Jin.

Here.

And Burkwilder.

Here.

President, Your Honor.

Thank you.

And good evening.

I'd like to welcome everyone to tonight's city council meeting.

Those of you that are with us in person and those also watching online or on a mobile device.

We value your comments and opinions.

Please remember that when you address the council, you are also sharing your thoughts with fellow Davenport residents and viewers throughout the region.

City Council meetings are live streamed, live streamed and recorded for later viewing on the City of Davenport's YouTube channel.

We appreciate your engagement in city government and ask that your participation reflects our shared goal of making Davenport an even better place for everyone.

Thank you for being part of tonight's meeting.

Before we begin, just a few reminders, please silence or turn off any cell phones or other electronic devices so they do not disrupt the meeting.

If you wish to speak on an item listed on the discussion agenda, you are encouraged to do so during discussion of that item.

There will also be an opportunity to address the council during the public with business portion of the meeting later this evening.

When speaking, please come to the podium, wait to be recognized by the mayor and address the council as a whole and not to any one individual.

Please limit your remarks to five minutes, and we thank you for your cooperation with that.

And moving on, will an alder person move approval of the city council meeting minutes from February 11th, 2026?

So moved.

Second.

All in favor say aye.

Aye.

The minutes are approved.

Is there a city administrator update this evening?

Yes, there is.

Uh mayor and council and to the community.

Uh no updates other than this is second cycle.

So we have the uh CFO finance director's uh report.

I would ask uh that uh our CFO approach the podium.

And again, more so for the community.

This is the second time that uh we've done this.

Uh we'll do this every second cycle.

This is a high-level conversation about our revenues, expenses.

Uh sometimes we'll add uh pertinent uh uh additional comments.

Uh but I'm gonna turn the floor over to you, Bosh.

Thank you.

Um this is um the CFO Finance Update, who as of February 31st, 2026.

Something that I'd like to um remind everyone that these are on audited numbers, so there's a potential that they can change depending on um what happens if we need to make any adjustments.

So the first slide we have is fiscal year 2026 major revenues.

Um this particular slide references major revenues across all funds and some of the revenues of note as we look through the slide.

Um property tax revenues collections are trending lower when we compare it to year-to-date budget, but the variance is about 400,000 across all funds, and that variance is well within acceptable levels and limits, so I'm not concerned about that.

Locumption sales tax continues to outperform projections, and with the city collecting three million dollars over the year-to-date budget projections, so that fund continues to outperform.

Um, to the budget variance is about 700,000 dollars.

So that what that particular revenue line is also doing well.

Hotemulted tax is trending more than 20 percent higher than the budgeted numbers.

Um, with a variance about 351,000 dollars when compared to year-to-date estimated budget numbers.

Um interest allocation revenues are allocated quarterly.

So we have allocated first quarter, second quarter, and we have not allocated third quarter.

That's not gonna happen until um April, and those numbers have not changed from last month's report.

Business property tax credit and commercial rollback numbers also have not changed because we received those uh revenues twice.

So those numbers did not change.

Some of the smaller revenues like development fees, building permits, cable TV franchise fees, and gambling profits are trending lower.

However, those budgeted items, line items are much lower than the higher items, and I am not concerned with them trending lower.

Overall, the city has collected an additional $8.7 million in revenues when compared to year to date budgets.

And that translates to a positive variance of about 12%.

Do we have any questions on major revenues?

No.

Perfect.

Next, we have general fund revenues.

The major revenue source for the general fund are property taxes.

To date, the city has received about 53% of all taxes in the general fund.

But this particular property taxes we only mostly receive twice a year, which is October, and then we're expecting to receive the second half in April.

And that includes our interest, and once again, that line item has already outperformed budget.

And as of January, we have collected about 57% of all of our revenues in the general fund.

Okay.

Next we have the fiscal year 2026 general fund and trust and agency expenses.

The first um table has the general fund numbers, and as you can see, we're about at 56.7% of expenditures, and seven out of 12, which we are in month seven, so we should be expecting to have about 58% of revenue of expenses or expense.

So we're below that number when it comes to the general fund.

And trust and agency, we're about 58.4%.

Um, so it's just barely over the 58% mark.

Okay.

Next, we have our enterprise funds.

Um enterprise funds are classified as business type activities.

Um, they operate similarly to private businesses.

Typically, in these funds, you charge peace for services provided, and you are expected to cover most of the costs through the revenues that you receive by collecting fees.

If you look at all of the funds, um the three funds that have asterisks on them is the sewer fund, the solid waste fund, and the clean water fund, um, especially the clean water fund and the um solid waste fund, they show that they have a loss year to date, however, that is due to timing.

So right now we have seven months worth of expenditures, but only five months worth of revenues at the end of the year.

We will build back two extra months to fiscal year 2026.

Um has two asterisks, and that loss is due to grant timing and not receiving that, and then golf, something to keep in mind that golf is seasonal and it has a um positive variance there.

The other ones to note is the um staff is working through revisiting River Center and trying to see how we can make that fund um self-sustaining as well as parking, and I believe we have made some changes to the airport fund that will make that particular fund um cover all of its operating expenditures.

Okay, something I would like to review today.

So this is kind of like a learning opportunity.

Um, as the state continues to look at our property tax reform, one of the things that they are proposing is kind of limiting our reserves.

So I thought I could explain why it's important to have a certain level of reserves within our funds.

So having a certain level of reserves in our funds uh creates financial stability, and it also covers risk management.

Um, so that means is we will have enough reserves if unforeseen events happen.

For example, like flooding, natural disasters, any emergencies or any revenue shortfalls, right?

As trying to think of what the economy is going to do and our revenues may dip.

I think we need to have those reserves in all in order to sustain our operations.

Cash flow management reserves provide liquidity, so they allow us to pay for our short-term expenditures and needs.

And the cash flow management is kind of important just because, like I mentioned before, tax revenues, we only receive those twice a year essentially.

We get a big payment in October and the big payment in April.

So we have to make sure that we have enough reserves to cover those cash flow, the cash flow during those times before we receive that revenue.

Budget stabilization, um, they help avoid drastic tax increases or services cuts during economic downturns.

And this is something that I'll bring up again back in 2011 when we did not have adequate reserves.

I remember having our revenue manager go upstairs to payroll and um accounting and see which bills we can and cannot pay because we did not have enough cash flow.

So having enough reserves avoids all of those issues.

Um the biggest one for me is credit rating protection.

Um credit agencies like to see local governments have high enough reserves to make sure that they can make their obligations, um, and they definitely take that into account when they issue their rating.

Um it also reflects good management and it reduces reduces borrowing costs.

So if we can demonstrate that we can pay our bills, that means our interest rate will be lower.

Just like at home, if you have a good credit score, you get to have lower interest rates.

Um future planning, airmark reserves allow governments to save for specific large scale or future capital projects and equipment replacement.

I think the city of Davenport has done a wonderful job with the sewer fund when it comes to future planning.

We have created enough reserves that we're doing a over 20 million dollar project.

I believe it's 26 million dollar project with cash because we have been able to build up those reserves.

Um, so the city of Davenport right now put its general fund has a um reserve policy of 17 to 25 percent of the general operating general funds expenditures, and we are currently at the max of 25 percent.

Okay, next we have liquidity.

So liquidity refers to how quickly an asset can be converted into cash without affecting its market price.

Um, so it is liquidity is important so that we can make our short-term liabilities and obligations and not having to be concerned about selling assets.

So most liquid assets would be your cash or um money market funds and those types of investments.

Eliquid assets would be real estate, art collectibles or vehicles, any equipment.

Um so obviously, we need to make sure that we have enough liquid assets to make our obligations, and we don't want to start selling our assets because at that point, if you need to start selling your illiquid assets, you're probably not gonna get market price for them.

So understanding liquidity is essential for assessing local government health, and it ensures that we can meet our obligations when they are due.

Um, the city of Davenport has a liquidity policy.

We have a separate one for governmental funds and a separate one for business type funds.

Currently, the current assets versus current liabilities are at 365% in governmental funds, and that number should be about our policy current fees is about 50 percent.

Um, it is a policy that I like to look at once we um figure out what the state's gonna do with property taxes, and if they're gonna actually limit our reserves, and then our business type funds um currently current assets over current liabilities are about 548 percent, and that policy is at 75 percent.

Any questions?

Any questions?

I don't think so.

You did a great job.

Thank you very much for that update.

We appreciate it.

All right, moving along.

Well, an older person move approval of the report on the committee of the whole for February 18, 2026.

Second.

All in favor say aye.

Aye, any opposed, same sign.

That is approved.

We do have one proclamation this evening, and I'll turn it over to Alder Woman Burke Holder to read that proclamation for Women at Construction Week.

Thank you.

The City of Davenport, Iowa proclamation, whereas National Association of Women in Construction, NAWIC, Quad Cities Chapter Number 50 has just distinguished itself for 65 years as the voice of women in construction in the Quad City area.

And whereas the work done by the NAWIC Quad Cities Chapter number 50 has benefited Davenport through community development and educational programs.

And whereas NAWIC Quad Cities Chapter number 50 has unceasingly promoted the employment and advancement of women in the construct construction industry, and whereas the construction community represented by NAWIC Quad Cities Chapter Number 50 has been a driving force in fostering community development through renovation and beautification projects, promotion of skilled trade careers, and a positive vision of the future.

And whereas NAWIC, Quad Cities Chapter Number 50 has sought to achieve successful results for Davenport, Iowa and surrounding areas in a cooperative spirit with other organizations.

And now therefore, we Jason Gordon Mayor and the City Council of Davenport, Iowa, do hereby recognize NAWIC, Quad Cities Chapter Number 50, and its many dedicated volunteers for its steadfast work on behalf and in support of women in construction and proclaim March 1st through 7th, 2026 as Women in Construction Week in Davenport and encourage our community to congratulate the organization on its many accomplishments.

Dated this day, 25th day of February 2026.

I move the motion or the proclamation.

All in favor?

Aye.

Any opposed.

I do have Sarah Colbries and Angie Searens to accept.

If you'll meet me at the podium, please ready.

One, two, three.

All right, if you'd like to say a few words.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Good evening.

On behalf of Naewick Quad Cities Chapter 50, I would like to thank the City of Davenport, Mayor Gordon, and the City Council members for this proclamation for our 2026 Women in Construction Week.

NAWIC's mission is to enhance the success of women in the construction industry.

We provide awareness of opportunities available for women and emphasize the growing role of women in the industry.

Wick week is a time for local chapters to give back to their communities.

Chapter 50 does so primarily through its construction education scholarship program, awarding several scholarships to students pursuing a career in construction.

Wick week includes giving to the community, whether it be through money and or time.

Our chapter has continued this tradition by supporting local organizations like Humble Dwellings, Humility Homes, Our Gross House, and various others for the last 60 plus years and plans to continue for years to come.

Thank you again for your support.

Thank you.

All right, thanks again for coming down for that.

We appreciate it.

Are there any petitions or communications for council members?

Alderman Holloway.

Thank you, Your Honor.

I would like to invite all the residents of the 7th Ward to a ward meeting on Monday, March 9th at 5:30 at the firehouse station number three.

So again, that's a Monday, March 9th at the number three fire station.

All the residents of the 7 Ward or Novid to a war meeting on that day.

Thank you, Your Honor.

Thank you.

Alderman Lena.

Thank you, Mr.

Mayor.

My next uh ward meeting in the eighth ward is next Thursday, March 5th at 6 o'clock at the Eastern Iowa Library.

Special guest uh interim uh city administrator Tim Gleason is a schedule to appear and I also have uh the park senior administrative service manager Becca Niles to appear.

She's going to present concepts for a new playground at Green Acres Park and facilitate a preferencing activity, whatever that means.

So we look forward to that.

Thank you.

Thank you, Alderman Lenin.

All right, moving along to our individual items on the discussion agenda.

The first resolution is a resolution approving the purchase of one Ford Interceptor and one Ford Expedition from Stivers Ford of Waukee, Iowa, in the amount of 104,752 using State of Iowa Department of Administration Administrative Services Contract number 24051A.

And before we go to the public with comment on this one, as you will recall if you were here last week, um, we did want to offer an amendment uh to this item, and I will turn it over to Alderman Dunn now to read that amendment.

Thank you, Your Honor.

First of all, I'd like to ask for motion to suspend the rules to amend this item.

So moved.

So we have a motion.

Motion and a second.

Uh we need a roll call on it, Brian.

Please.

Leanin.

Yes.

Grip?

Yes.

Holloway?

Yes.

Burkholder?

Yes.

Blump?

Yes.

T Dunn?

Yes.

Newton.

Yes.

Basquez?

Yes.

Job Jen?

Yes.

And Arda.

Yes.

That is 10.

Yeses.

Alderman R.

Dunn.

Thank you.

And I make the motion to amend the item to read as follows.

The resolution approving the purchase of two Ford interceptors from Strive.

Strivers Ford of Waukee, Iowa, and the amount of $95,130.

Using State of Iowa Department of Administrative Services contract number 24051A.

Is there anyone from the public wishing to address this item?

Council.

Second.

Oh, sorry.

We have a motion and a second.

Thank you.

Now is there any public with comment?

Council.

Seeing none, do we need a roll call on this item?

Yes.

And this is on the amendment.

On the amendment.

Yes.

Okay.

T Dunn?

Yes.

Newton?

Yes.

Blunt?

Yes.

R Dunn?

Yes.

Lenin?

Yes.

Vasquez?

Yes.

Holloway?

Yes.

Grip.

Yes.

Jobgen?

Yes.

And Burkholder.

Yes.

That is 10 yeses.

Alderman Ardunn.

Thank you.

Back to you, Your Honor.

All right.

Um we got a pass.

Yeah, now so now we have to actually pass the resolution.

It's been amended.

We approve that.

So is there any public with comment on the amended resolution?

Is there a motion to approve?

So move.

Second.

All right, but we'll call the roll on the amended resolution.

Is anybody on council who wanted to speak about the amended resolution?

We need to do that.

I know them so well that they are very comfortable with this.

So just no just call me a stickler for the rules.

I appreciate it.

So a roll call now, please.

No one would like to speak on this item.

So can I confirm who moved that motion?

And then Newton seconded.

Perfect.

Thank you so much.

Blunk.

Yes.

Lean in?

Yes.

Jobin?

Yes.

Grip?

Yes.

T Dunn?

Yes.

Burkholder?

Yes.

Holloway?

Yes.

Newton.

Yes.

R Dunn?

Yes.

And Bath.

Yes.

10.

Yes, is your Honor.

All right.

Thank you.

And thank you for your patience on that.

Um item number two is a resolution appointing Timothy A.

Gleason of the city as the City of Davenport City Administrator and approving a related employment agreement.

Is there anyone from the public that would wish to address this matter?

Anyone from council?

Is there a motion first to um move the resolution?

Second.

All right.

Anyone from council wish to address this?

Well, again, I I would just say I don't want to repeat what I said last week.

I thought the process was done well, and I think that process further solidifies you as the permanent city administrator.

Um, so I'm pleased to be able to remove interim.

We'll have to get a new sign.

We'll take it out of your budget, but um we'll get a new sign that says city administrator, and we're looking forward to moving forward with you.

So I don't want to belabor the point.

So um I would ask Brian to call a roll.

I am paying attention, but who moved and seconded that, please?

Move?

Second.

I really am paying attention.

Lean in?

Yes.

T Dunn?

Yes.

Burkholder?

Yes.

R Dunn?

Yes.

Holloway?

Yes.

Blunk.

Yes.

Grip?

Yes.

Newton.

Yes.

Jobin?

Yes.

And Basquez.

Yes.

That is 10 yeses, Your Honor.

10 yeses.

And again, congratulations, Tim.

All right.

Is there a motion for approval of all items on the consent agenda?

Move the consent agenda.

Second.

That was Grip and Newton if you're not kidding you, Brian.

I'm kidding.

So we got a motion in a second.

We'll take a roll call on that.

I actually got that one.

Okay.

R Dunn?

Yes.

Vasquez?

Yes.

Burkholder?

Yes.

T Dunn?

Yes.

Grip?

Yes.

Lean in?

Yes.

Newton.

Yes.

Holloway?

Yes.

Slunk?

Yes.

And Jobchen.

Yes.

10.

Yeses, Your Honor.

All right.

Thank you.

Uh the next area is other ordinance, resolutions, and motions, and we don't have any of those this evening.

Uh, so we're at the public with business portion of the meeting.

Is there anyone from public that would wish to address council this evening?

Yes, this is the time.

Um, I place these pictures in front of everybody and everything.

Having a little problem.

I went and uh called the city in February.

Oh, just Carlton, just say your name and ward, please for us.

I'm sorry.

Carlton Wills, third ward.

Resident in third.

Anyway, I place those up there.

I figured it'd just be short and sweet here, but this is the problem I'm having.

I've talked to public works, I've talked to uh the other gal, that's your secretary.

And the more I thought about it, I I they're not just moving fast enough on it because the people that moved in on the 18, 15, and 1817 are bringing in car loads of stuff.

There's a trailer there with a uh what do you want to call it?

An RV.

But that's come in and they just drop it and leave.

But it's adding up and it's adding up, and I'm afraid it's gonna turn into a junkyard if we let it go too long.

And I'm just asking for the will of the city to enforce some of this code up code violations here because it's all parked on grass, and it's just it's not only an ISOR.

The garbage is just overrunning and everything.

I hopefully they come by tomorrow and do something for the cars and the other property on 1823 and 25.

But I'm just down here to say that we're we can do better than this.

Everybody knows that.

But sometimes it just takes a little bit more, you know.

But I talked to my alderman about it and everything else, but I just wanted to put it out there that we need to keep an eye on this stuff because people runners come in, they don't care, you know, and they'll throw the garbage out there and then it's all over the neighborhoods.

So thank you, everybody that's a member.

You guys are doing a great job.

So thank you.

Thank you.

We appreciate it.

Is there anyone else from the public this evening?

All right, seeing and hearing no one else.

Are there any final comments from council?

Okay.

Um we will be uh is first I'll read the motion uh and then describe what's going to happen.

So there uh is there a motion to discuss strategy with council in matters involving involving litigation pursuant to Iowa code section 25.51c, and to discuss strategy and matters relating to employment conditions pursuant to Iowa Code section 2.19.

So moved second, all right.

Motion and second.

So uh after we take this vote, we will be adjourning into executive session on the second floor and uh won't be reconvening here.

Um so we're essentially done this evening, but just wanted to make sure the public was aware of that.

So we've got a motion and a second, so I'll take a roll call and adjourning into executive session.

Burkholder, yes, T Dunn, yes, Vasquez, yes, grip, yes, R done, yes, Holloway, yes, Jopchen, yes, lean in, yes, Newton, yes, and Blunk, yes, 10 yeses, Your Honor.

Thank you.

We're adjourned.