October 2015 Council Meeting Summary

Fellow U-Heights residents, City Council held their regular October meeting tonight, below are some highlights. Lots of important things happened tonight. For more information please look at the full agenda and attachments. But before I talk about the council meeting, here are three important upcoming events:   Trick or Treating Trick or Treating will be Saturday 10/31 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM UNLESS the Iowa-Maryland football game kicks off at 2:30 PM or later. If that occurs, Trick or Treating is the same time on FRIDAY 10/30.   LEAF VACUUMING See the 3 dates for vacuuming below in the calendar. Please rake leaves only to the curb. Often Johnson County refuse comes by to pick up leaves early as they travel through town. Even if they pick up early they will still pick up on scheduled dates too. 2015 Municipal Election All council seats and the mayor's office are up for election this fall. In person early voting is available at the County Administration Building, 913 S. Dubuque St. M-F from 7:45 AM to 5:30 PM through Nov. 2.  University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Fountain Lobby 200 Hawkins Dr. Thursday, October 29 and Friday, October 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Election Day, Nov. 3 vote at St. Andrew 7 AM to 8 PM. One University Place Construction has started, and there was a great deal of discussion regarding work done so far and how a major amount of rubble was discovered in the east ravine. For more information see the Engineer's report item #7 at the above agenda link, there is a very good summary of what has occurred. Minimum Wage This was actually discussed in September, but council will not take any action, which will allow the County minimum wage ordinance to take effect. My personal comment is that I believe that minimum wage should be a livable wage.  Community Visioning 2016 University Heights has been approached about participating in the Trees Forever Community Visioning program, and council thinks we should pursue it.  The program works with small towns in Iowa to develop plans for improving their pedestrian, bicycle or car transportation systems using engineers and landscape architects from Iowa State University. Community Center  There was discussion of having a community committee plan what amenities will be needed in the community center, and help decide such issues such as public use policies and layout. If you are interested in participating in this committee please let Mayor Louise From know.  Upcoming Events Leaf Vacuuming Oct. 19 Leaf Vacuuming Nov. 2 Election DAY Nov. 3 Poll Site St. Andrew Church 7 AM to 8 PM City Council Regular Meeting Nov. 10, 7 PM Place TBD Leaf Vacuuming Nov. 19

Follow University Heights on Twitter Consider contributing to the University Heights Community Fund I also write a blog covering U-H and other timely topics, with my opinions expressed UHForward.blogspot.com Join the community at Nextdoor University Heights! As always it is a pleasure to serve as your city councilor. -Mike