Davenport City Council Meeting: May 14, 2026

The Davenport City Council convened on May 14, 2026, for a regular meeting. The agenda included employee recognitions, a financial update from the CFO, adoption of FY2026-27 strategic priorities, four proclamations, the swearing-in of six new police officers, and public comments. The council also approved prior meeting minutes and entered executive session for a real estate transaction.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: City council meeting minutes for April 22, 2026, were approved unanimously.
• Approval of Committee of the Whole Report (May 6, 2026): A correction was made to include executive session attendance details (Aldermen Tim Dunn and Rick Dunn stepped out from 6:27 PM to 6:57 PM). The amended report was approved by voice vote.
• Consent Agenda: All items on the consent agenda were approved on a roll call vote of 10-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Judith Lee (2nd Ward): Expressed concerns about the 227 LeClaire development, noting that deadlines set by the council and Iowa DNR (December 31, 2025, and May 5, 2026) had not been met and that contamination sampling had not started. Also questioned the Quad City Night Meet event at the Harrison Street ramp, citing unaddressed questions about liability, alcohol licensing, and cleanup. Criticized the council for not discussing these matters publicly and for not answering her prior questions.
• Terry Bush (3rd Ward): Requested increased enforcement of handicapped parking violations, especially on private property (e.g., Walmart parking lots). Asked whether the police can issue citations on private property and suggested towing for violators.

Discussion Items

• Employee Recognitions: The city administrator presented new hires across departments (Public Works, Library, Police, etc.) and acknowledged several retirements, including Lenny (44 years of service in the signs division).
• CFO Financial Update (March 2026): CFO Basha Girl reported:
  • Property tax revenues are within 0.5% of budget ($350,000 variance).
  • Local option sales tax, road use tax, and hotel/motel taxes are outperforming conservative budgets.
  • Investment income: $6.9 million earned in the first three quarters, far exceeding the $1.3 million budget.
  • Some revenues (development fees, building permits, cable franchise fees) are lower than expected.
  • Overall revenues are 13.5% higher than budget.
  • General fund revenues: 75% of fiscal year complete; property tax collections at 59% (second half due in April).
  • General fund expenditures in line; interdepartmental expenses higher due to 100% booking in July.
  • Enterprise funds: Most performing as expected; River Center fund continues to show loss (improved from last year); management company VenueWorks submitted a new plan under review.
  • Property Tax Reform (Bill 2472): Passed both chambers and awaits governor’s signature. Key provisions (effective FY2028):
    • Combined General Fund Levy (CGFL) growth capped at 2% for FY2028-2030, excluding new growth.
    • From FY2031 onward, growth limited to lesser of 2% or $8.10 per $1,000 valuation.
    • Only two levies affected: general fund (2% cap) and transit levy (3% cap, max $0.95).
    • Homestead credit converted to exemption ($5,500–$20,000, indexed); state reimbursement eliminated.
    • TIF districts: 23-year sunset; perpetual TIFs limited to 60% increment use after 20 years; school foundation share limited.
    • Cities prohibited from issuing property tax-backed debt for operating expenses (city already compliant).
    • General fund unassigned fund balance capped at 34% (city policy at 25%).
    • Commercial/industrial property tax backfill eliminated FY2028 (city has zero budgeted).
  • Alderman Grip asked about revisiting the 25% unassigned balance policy; CFO affirmed it remains appropriate.
  • Mayor commented that the legislation is manageable given the city’s strong financial footing.
• Proclamations:
  • Affordable Housing Month (May 2026): Read by Alderman Blunk. Accepted by Leslie Kilgan (Quad Cities Housing Council), who noted 1 in 7 households nationally spend over 50% of income on housing; rents up 27% since 2020; emphasized collaboration and solutions.
  • Mental Health Awareness Month (May 2026): Read by Alderman Jobjin. Accepted by Rich Whittaker (Vera French Community Health Care), who highlighted improved societal awareness and the importance of support.
  • Bike Month (May 2026): Read by Alderman Grip. Accepted by Mike Schertz (Quad Cities Bicycle Club), who noted 20 free bikes at Union Station and the upcoming North-South Trail opening.
  • Public Works Week (May 17-23, 2026): Read by Alderman Rick Dunn. Accepted by the public works director, who announced a staff meal and plans for a 30-year building anniversary open house next year.
• Swearing-In of New Police Officers: Interim Chief Greg Benning presented six new officers as part of National Police Week: Amadou Ndaye, Joseph Sylvia, Abram Warner, Travis Coleman, Robert Clark, and Seth Solis. Each took the oath and were pinned by family members.
• Strategic Priorities Resolution (FY2026-27): The council adopted the resolution by a roll call vote of 10-0 after brief discussion.
• Council Communications: Aldermen announced upcoming ward meetings and a River Street neighborhood meeting (May 14, 2026, 5:30 PM, council chambers).

Key Outcomes

• Approvals: Minutes, corrected committee report, four proclamations, consent agenda, and FY2026-27 strategic priorities resolution all approved unanimously.
• Police Swearing-In: Six new officers officially joined the Davenport Police Department.
• Financial Update: Council received the March financial report and property tax reform briefing; no formal action taken.
• Executive Session: Motion passed (roll call 10-0) to enter executive session to discuss a real estate transaction pursuant to Iowa Code §21.5(1)(j). Council adjourned thereafter.