Public Meetings - North Liberty, Iowa

The North Liberty City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers. Mayor Chris Hoffman presided, with all five councilors present (Tonja Fortney, Brian Leibold, Paul Park, Brent Smith, Brian Wayson). The meeting covered a consent agenda, multiple rezoning approvals, a presentation of the draft Art & Culture Plan, an urban renewal area expansion, and several resolutions for infrastructure projects. The council also discussed principles of public process and public discourse. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously the following items: City Council Minutes (October 27, 2026); Liquor License Renewals for J&A Tap and Andale Cantina (with discussion on inspection timing – administrator noted licenses are issued before final corrections and follow-up inspections are scheduled); FY 2026 Annual Urban Renewal Report; South Fiber Project pay application 4 ($10,959.30) and final completion; Water Supply & Treatment Improvements Project pay application 2 ($488,823.78); Forevergreen Road & Jasper Avenue Improvements pay application 7 ($1,037,722.42); Easement Agreements (Resolution 2026-124) for Ranshaw Way Phase Six; Delinquent Amounts Assessment (Resolution 2026-125); and the list of Claims. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were offered during the open comment period or during any public hearings (urban renewal, Holiday Lodge, North Ridge Trail). Discussion Items - Engineer Report (Josiah Bilskemper): Provided an update on the Forevergreen Road and Jasper Avenue roundabout project. The contractor aims to open the roundabout by the end of November 2026. Some work (cones, safety barriers) will remain after opening, with final plantings and touch-ups planned for spring 2027. Councilor Smith commented on the removal of the DOT construction shoot on I-380, calling the design unsafe. - City Administrator Report (Ryan Heiar): Highlighted the Strategic Goals progress report – 21 active projects with progress, 8 goals with little movement expected to be addressed during FY28 budget preparation. Announced a budget check-in discussion at the next council meeting (November 24). - Mayor Report: Proclaimed November 12, 2026 as Philanthropy Day. Reported on countywide digital infrastructure meeting (water availability discussion), library strategic planning, ICCSD boundary committee, and upcoming MPOJC meeting. Paid tribute to former councilor Glenn Siders (passed away), noting his four years of service and community leadership. Also noted that November 10, 1913 was North Liberty’s incorporation – 190 residents, 61 votes cast (31 for, 28 against). - Council Reports: Councilor Wayson recognized Veterans Day, CCA sports teams, new EMA building in Tiffin. Councilor Smith reported on Better Together 2030 strategic planning. Councilor Park attended Coffee Connections and Iowa City Area Sports Commission (received Hayden Fry memorabilia). Councilor Leibold attended Coffee Connections and data center discussion. Councilor Fortney attended a ribbon cutting for Tracy’s Deli and Coffee Shop and served as a poll observer. - Art & Culture Plan Presentation: Siobhan Spain (Group Creative Services) presented the draft Art & Culture Plan, a “live” story map emphasizing community connection to nature, outdoor spaces, and neighborhood identity. Key themes: activating ponds and water features, establishing “Old Town” interactive art, a “282 Challenge” bird migration scavenger hunt, and integrating art into city projects (e.g., Cherry Street Firehouse). Councilor Park praised the community listening process. Mayor Hoffman noted the plan captures history, outdoors, and wayfinding. Next steps: council adoption, forming an arts commission, and identifying funding – not solely city budgets. Council expressed excitement about economic and community impact. - Urban Renewal Plan Amendment: Public hearing opened and closed at 6:38 PM with no comments. Approved Resolution 2026-126 (declare necessity and establish urban renewal area) and first consideration of Ordinance 2026-18 (tax division) – both 5-0. - Holiday Lodge Rezoning & North Ridge Trail Rezoning: Staff and Planning Commission recommended approval. Public hearings held (no comments). For both rezonings, motions to waive the two-reading requirement failed (3-2, with councilors Wayson and Leibold voting no on principle of public process). Each first consideration passed unanimously (5-0). Holiday Lodge rezoned from R-FB to R-MH; North Ridge Trail rezoned from R-FB to P Public Use. - Waiving Readings Discussions: Councilors debated the practice. Councilor Leibold and Wayson consistently voted against waiving readings, citing state law requiring three considerations for public input. Councilor Smith and others favored waiving for minor map corrections. Motions failed on Holiday Lodge, North Ridge Trail, 515 Carlyle Court, and Golfview rezonings. - Old Business: Councilor Fortney expressed disappointment over personal attacks on social media following the Flock camera vote, appealing for respectful discourse. Mayor Hoffman and councilors affirmed the collaborative nature of the council. Key Outcomes - Approved Resolutions and Ordinances (all votes unanimous 5-0 unless noted): - Resolution 2026-124 (Easement Agreements for Ranshaw Way Phase Six) - Resolution 2026-125 (Delinquent property tax assessment) - Resolution 2026-126 (Urban Renewal Area expansion) – 5-0 - Ordinance 2026-18 first consideration (tax division for Urban Renewal) – 5-0 - Ordinance 2026-19 first consideration (Holiday Lodge rezoning) – 5-0 - Ordinance 2026-20 first consideration (North Ridge Trail rezoning) – 5-0 - Resolution 2026-127 (Cherry Street Firehouse Project agreement with Miron Construction) – 5-0 - Resolution 2026-128 (Solomons Landing Part 6 Final Plat) – 5-0 - Resolution 2026-129 (Stoner Court Storm Water Facilities Maintenance Agreement) – 5-0 - Resolution 2026-130 (Wastewater Treatment Plant Phase 3 design amendment with Strand Associates) – 5-0 - Resolution 2026-131 (Partial release of escrow for Sunset Prairie) – 5-0 - Ordinance 2026-16 second consideration (515 Carlyle Court rezoning from P to RS-4) – 5-0 - Ordinance 2026-17 second consideration (Golfview rezoning from R-FB to R-MH) – 5-0 - Failed Motions (to waive two-reading requirement): - Holiday Lodge (3-2: Park, Fortney, Smith yes; Wayson, Leibold no) - North Ridge Trail (3-2: Park, Fortney, Smith yes; Wayson, Leibold no) - 515 Carlyle Court (2-3: Park, Smith yes; Wayson, Leibold, Fortney no) - Golfview (3-2: Park, Smith, Fortney yes; Wayson, Leibold no) - Next Steps: City Administrator to present FY28 budget update at November 24 meeting. Draft Art & Culture Plan to be adopted by council, with action steps including formation of an arts commission and funding strategies.

The North Liberty City Council met on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers. Mayor Chris Hoffman presided with Councilors Tonja Fortney, Brian Leibold, Paul Park, and Brian Wayson present; Councilor Brent Smith was absent. The meeting included public comments on several topics, approval of consent agenda, engineer and administrator reports, a proclamation, and key decisions on Ranshaw Way Phase 6, two rezoning ordinances, automated license plate readers (Flock cameras), and TIF appropriations. Consent Calendar - Unanimously approved: City Council minutes from October 13, 2026; September Revenues and Treasurer's Report; Centennial Park Event Complex Phase 2 Change Order No. 1 ($40,267.44) and Pay Application No. 4 ($204,141.23); NLCC Parking Lot Phase 1 Change Order No. 3 ($3,403.23) and Pay Application No. 4 ($121,380.42); and the list of claims. Public Comments & Testimony - Ardi Stoner expressed concerns about the proposed Urban Renewal Area amendments, questioning the justification for extending a TIF agreement for two more years and the city's financial exposure, including $20 million in debt and a $7.5 million TIF extension for the same developer. - Charlene Jones described a near-miss incident with electric bikes and scooters on Front Street and the North Ridge Trail, urging the city to increase police patrols after school, work with schools on safe riding, and evaluate trail safety at blind corners and hills. She noted the issue affects older residents and pedestrians. - Chris Van Pelt criticized how the Flock contract was signed by a city employee without council approval or bidding, and urged termination of the contract, calling the process troubling. - Daniel raised concerns about the Axon contract, noting that AI transcription tools may introduce racialized language (e.g., labeling clients of color as "articulate") and that police lack a consent policy for using such technology. - Shareef Dabdoub argued that Flock cameras violate Fourth Amendment rights (citing US v. Jones, 2012), provide surveillance data to a private company with poor security (referencing a recent hack exposing 1.6 million images), and should be removed. - Kyle Gardiner noted bipartisan opposition to Flock at the federal level, including a proposed ban and a federal judge ruling warrantless Flock searches unconstitutional. - Evan Palechek emphasized that technology, policy, and law change rapidly, that Flock data is not secure (citing an FBI hack), and that the cameras are Orwellian and easily skirted by criminals. - Robert Todd warned that Flock technology is amenable to AI abuses, cited a swarm of AI agents committing felonies, and noted that many neighboring Iowa communities lack transparency pages for Flock data. - Max Kelberg observed that no public comment has supported Flock cameras and suggested community safety could be better achieved through officer interaction. - Charlie Bui stated that in multiple public comment sessions, zero residents spoke in favor of Flock, and urged council to honor public trust and discontinue the program. - Brynn presented a petition with 490 signatures opposing Flock, also raised concerns about the Iowa City Community School District's financial issues and the need for a pool partnership between North Liberty and Coralville. - Nicole Burr Bui asked council to note the visual majority of audience members holding anti-Flock signs. - Catherine Staib stated this was her first city council meeting, driven by concern about Flock. Engineer Report - City Engineer Josiah Bilskemper provided updates: Forevergreen Road Extension Phase 1 (east site substantially complete fall 2026, west site completion in 2027); I-380 southbound on-ramp at Penn Street now open; Community Center parking lot substantially complete with punch list due by November 20, 2026; Splash pad foundations curing; North Stewart Street design nearing 100% review with January 2027 bid; Cherry Street Firehouse schematic design complete, design development nearing completion, with move-in expected summer 2027. Council discussed a raw water line project on Front Street (bore rig delayed, completion expected November 20, 2026, with sidewalk repairs). City Administrator Report - Ryan Heiar reported on the Greater Iowa City economic development grants: $85,000 funded 10 recipients, including five new businesses. He also announced a Muddy Creek cleanup project (Phase 1: clearing invasive species, starting next week) and noted that the program was funded with ARPA dollars and sustainability is being discussed. Mayor Report - Mayor Hoffman reported attending Iowa City Community School District Building Committee and Financial Oversight Committee meetings, Joint Entities meeting, early voting, and a Digital Infrastructure meeting. He proclaimed the week of November 2, 2026 as Election Heroes Day, and Karen Franklin of the League of Women Voters accepted the proclamation. Council Reports - Councilor Wayson reminded about harvest season farm equipment safety; reported EMA meeting postponed. Councilor Park attended Coffee Connections, spoke to a class in Cedar Rapids, and attended Joint Entities. Councilor Leibold thanked the public for engagement on Flock, noted he reviewed all emails and spoke with Police Chief Venegar. Councilor Fortney reported on Women's Build for Habitat for Humanity, Legislative Champions, and serving as a poll observer. Discussion Items - Ranshaw Way Phase 6 (6:59 PM public hearing, no comments): Resolution 2026-120 approved 4-0 to proceed with the improvement project. Resolution 2026-121 approved 4-0 establishing fair market value and just compensation for property acquisition from 17 property owners. This is the final phase of the project. - 515 Carlyle Court Rezoning (7:02 PM public hearing, Megan Franks from Arlington Ridge HOA asked for clarification): Staff explained the parcel was a remnant piece split off from park property, still zoned P Public Use but privately owned. First consideration of Ordinance 2026-16 (rezone to RS-4) approved 4-0. - Golfview Rezoning (7:05 PM public hearing, no comments): Staff explained the zoning category change from R-FB to R-MH to reflect prior code updates. First consideration of Ordinance 2026-17 approved 4-0. - Automated License Plate Readers (Flock Cameras) : Council voted 4-0 to remove the item from the table. After discussion, the motion to terminate the Flock contract (as originally made on October 13, 2026) passed 3-1 (Wayson voted no, Park, Leibold, Fortney yes). The contract had a 24-month term automatically renewed in July 2026 at an annual cost of $36,000, already paid for 2026-2027. Termination via non-appropriation would be effective 30 days after the FY2028 budget is approved (expected March 2027), after which Flock must remove cameras within a commercially reasonable time. Council discussed data sharing, security, and community trust. Chief Venegar confirmed the department can control access and will decommission cameras upon termination. - FY 2028 TIF Annual Appropriations and Urban Renewal Request : Resolution 2026-122 (Diamond Dreams) approved 4-0; Resolution 2026-123 (Solomon's Landing) approved 4-0; FY 2027-28 Urban Renewal Request approved 4-0. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved unanimously. - Ranshaw Way Phase 6 resolutions approved (4-0). - First considerations for both rezoning ordinances approved (4-0 each). - Flock camera contract terminated (3-1); cameras to be decommissioned upon contractual end after budget approval. - TIF appropriations and urban renewal request approved (4-0 each). - Meeting adjourned at 7:35 PM.

The North Liberty City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:24 PM. Agenda items included consent calendar approvals, public comments, department reports, a public hearing on park and water maintenance additions, and extensive council discussion on automated license plate readers (Flock cameras). Several site plans, resolutions, and appointments were approved. Consent Calendar - City Council Minutes, Regular Session, September 22, 2026 - Liquor License Renewal, Mirabitos Italian - Forevergreen Road & Jasper Avenue Improvements Project, Pay Application Number 6, CJ Moyna & Sons, Inc., $758,916.75 - Water Supply and Treatment Improvements, Division 1, Pay Application Number 1, Wynn Company, LLC, $403,806.15 - Claims list Public Comments & Testimony - Chris von Feld questioned a consent agenda item from a previous meeting that included a payment for Axon body cameras with AI and ALPR capabilities, noting he could not find details about the contract or previous council approval. - Sheriff Brad Kunkel spoke in favor of the Johnson County jail bond (94.5 million, 12-year bond, estimated average increase of $20–22/month), urging support and reminding of early voting. - Daniel, a North Liberty resident and member of Johnson County Deserves Better, opposed the jail bond, citing the risk of increased ICE arrests originating in county jails and mentioning the deportation of a community member. Reports - Engineer Report: City Engineer Josiah Bilskemper reported substantial completion of the Community Center Parking Lot, progress on Forevergreen Road and Jasper Avenue (roundabout south side), repair of Goose Lake Pond outfall structure, and abandonment of Fox Valley Lift Station. - City Administrator Report: Ryan Heiar updated on Front Street water main boring (contractor delays) and the Joint Entities meeting scheduled for October 19 at 4:30 PM at ICCSD Educational Service Center. - Mayor Report: Mayor Hoffman read a proclamation declaring September 15 through October 15, 2026 as Hispanic Heritage Month. He also reported on the Digital Infrastructure committee, his appointment to the ICCSD boundary advisory committee, and recognized Councilor Smith’s promotion to Chief of Cedar Rapids Fire Department. - Council Reports: Councilors reported on EMA meetings, volunteer activities, community events, League of Cities conference, jail bond presentation, manufactured housing legislative forum, and Coffee Connections. Parks Building and Water Maintenance Additions - At 6:25 PM, Mayor Hoffman opened and closed a public hearing with no oral or written comments. - Council unanimously approved Resolution 2026-112 (plans, specifications, contract, and estimated cost) and Resolution 2026-113 (preliminary site plan for Auditor's Parcel Number 2007087). Automated License Plate Readers (Flock Cameras) - Chief Diane Venenga presented changes made after the previous discussion: reduced agency sharing from 60 to 28 (only those with public transparency portal and policy), limited officer searches to in-state, and reduced data retention from 30 to 7 days. She stated the system costs $36,000 per year, has assisted in locating missing persons and stolen vehicles, and is used with strict policy and training. - Public comment (11 speakers) was overwhelmingly opposed to the cameras, citing privacy, security, vendor trust, potential for misuse, and the existence of other important community issues (e.g., school budget cuts). Several speakers questioned the security of Flock’s cloud infrastructure, the ability to audit searches, and the risk of AI features expanding beyond license plate reading. One speaker (Dawson) recommended a full security assessment of city infrastructure. No member of the public spoke in favor of the cameras. - Council discussion: Councilor Park moved to remove Flock cameras from North Liberty (seconded by Fortney). Councilor Leibold then moved to table the motion to the next council meeting to allow time to review contractual obligations and digest public input (seconded by Smith). The motion to table passed 4-1 (Park opposed). The item will be revisited at the next regular meeting. Site Plan Approvals (Resolutions 2026-114, 2026-115, 2026-116) - Lot 2 Resubdivision of Lot 10, I-380 Industrial Park: 9,000 sq. ft. building for expansion of existing business. Unanimously approved. - Lot 4, Forevergreen Estates (Part One): 32 townhouse units in four-unit buildings. Unanimously approved. - Lot 11, Water Tower Place: Amended preliminary site plan for a self-storage facility. Unanimously approved. Other Resolutions - Water Supply Treatment Project Acquisition Value (Resolution 2026-117): Unanimously approved to establish fair market value and just compensation for property acquisition, enabling negotiation under eminent domain timeline. - Urban Renewal Area Plan Amendment (Resolution 2026-118): Unanimously approved, setting a public hearing date for the expanded North Liberty Urban Renewal Area and plan amendment. - Water Revenue Loan (Resolution 2026-119): Unanimously authorized a loan and disbursement agreement for the issuance of $1,809,301 Water Revenue Bonds, Series 2026. - Library Board Appointment: Unanimously confirmed the mayor’s appointment of Ann Johnson to the Library Board. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda and all resolutions passed unanimously, except the Flock camera motion which was tabled 4-1. - Flock camera contract to be discussed further at the next council meeting; council to receive contractual obligation details. - Site plans for I-380 Industrial Park, Forevergreen Estates, and Water Tower Place approved. - Property acquisition for water supply improvements to proceed under established appraised values. - Ann Johnson confirmed to the Library Board. - Several project updates noted: Community Center Parking Lot substantially complete; Forevergreen Road/Jasper Avenue work continuing; Front Street water main project expected substantial completion by end of November.