[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6153514,"mediaKeyId","5492721-de7a21849faef3d0f7afbb1d9b27bc01","parentId",5492721,"title","Think Iowa City presents Swisher Tract multi-use trail master plan to University Heights council","audioSeconds",4117,"startMs",103935,"endMs",4221000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5492721-de7a21849faef3d0f7afbb1d9b27bc01&start=103&end=4221","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5492721-de7a21849faef3d0f7afbb1d9b27bc01/thumbnail_103935.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6153514/Iowa-City/Johnson-County/Iowa/Think-Iowa-City-presents-Swisher-Tract-multi-use-trail-master-plan-to-University-Heights-council","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6153514-0a777aff175bef861822c0de228374df/orig.mp4?Expires=1770718383&Signature=kMSw2tyZnRrTDH4A0xDhrL1jgf3STnJ1yocSLmxqP5ePoDyB99AR42zt8ANn-3DVQqwJziO1FTA70y5IJdVY17x9uc6Ml9ltfKwXC7eWHfFLpSwJo~yYYKIDI32yJgDpDXzooPShJNcanFkw6dxA7wPuy3eiU7Lqtjjoztm1j2FLpWCAJSbCfShFfw6PNYfZr9k6LI3KQeesogY3x~q9klU0QH0XV5MGrfMLYoQImFkIm-tYE7SMunG-giKfDPUWcotZtqFxeL5JWraBx1zxlUCD1~AGnw-SmDN5jpKfnmWSfZoYJYkH9P4cfP-Edli55WdXVSLWlGjrHuu8mOKBfQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Iowa City, IA","date","2025-06-10T00:00:00Z","article","Think Iowa City consultants on June 10 presented a multi-use trail master plan for the Swisher Tract that would add walking and bike trails, a paved ADA-accessible loop and a small trailhead to connect about 36 acres of contiguous forested land near the University of Iowa.

Josh Schomburger, a Think Iowa City project lead, told the University Heights City Council the document is “really just, a vision and a plan, a proposed document.” He said the plan is advisory and that any construction or activation would be up to the city and residents.

The presentation by Ryan Anderson, a landscape architect with Bolton & Menk, and Ken Barker of Backyard Trails outlined two preliminary concepts and a preferred concept that blends elements of both. Anderson said the preferred plan includes about two miles of single-track trails and roughly a quarter mile of double-track or wider, accessible trail. “In our final concept, we have about 2 miles of single track, across the blue and the green, and then about a quarter mile of double track,” Anderson said.

Consultants said the combined forested area totals about 36 acres, of which roughly 12 acres in the southeast third are city-owned and the remainder is owned by the Board of Regents and used by the University of Iowa. The plan maps existing social trails, identifies viewshed points, and proposes sustainable alignments that minimize erosion and water crossings. A preferred design avoids the steepest ravines and limits highly technical features to keep most trails accessible to walkers and families.

The preferred concept includes an ADA-compliant paved loop near the northern residential building, a small trailhead with four parking stalls (one or two accessible), a stormwater detention basin to manage runoff from an existing steep driveway, and a mix of single-track dirt trails and boardwalk or rock-armored creek crossings where necessary. Consultants estimated ballpark construction costs at the master-plan level: earlier concepts ranged about $690,100 to $736,300; the preferred concept with an added trailhead and detention basin raised the estimate by roughly $100,000. The estimates include a 20% contingency and were derived from past bids and local trail-builder experience.

Schomburger and the consultants emphasized that the University of Iowa would need to agree to any uses on university-owned portions. Schomburger said he had discussed the plan with university officials and that the university signaled a willingness to pursue a use or lease arrangement, but he stressed formal agreements would be needed before implementation.

Public commenters largely supported developing safe, neighborhood-focused trails and expressed interest in invasive species removal, bench and sign installations, and avoiding lights that could affect bird habitat. Lisa Havercamp, chair of the Tree Board, noted invasive plants and asked the council to consider a management component. Resident David Giese asked whether additional amenities such as a pond had been considered; consultants said pond creation had not been part of the plan to date.

Consultants and councilors discussed phasing options. The team said the plan can be implemented in phases and that a phase limited to city-owned land (the double-track trail) could proceed without property acquisition. Schomburger said Think Iowa City would pursue grants and partnerships and estimated roughly 80% of the project cost could be sought from outside grant funding, leaving about 20% of costs to be raised locally or phased into the city budget if the council chooses to proceed.

Council members asked about maintenance, liability and lighting. The consultants said the design currently excludes permanent lighting and is intended as a low-impact, daytime recreational system, not a regional destination or commuter route. Anderson said trails are intended to be “socially sustainable” to reduce conflicts between walkers and faster-moving bicyclists and that several crossings would use engineered armoring or boardwalks to reduce erosion.

Next steps described were additional coordination with the University of Iowa, refinement of final design and cost estimates, grant-seeking for implementation, and optional public open houses for final design feedback. Council members suggested public meetings with exhibits to collect broader input on features such as banners, light pole styles, benches and wayfinding.

Consultants left the master-plan document with the council for review and said they would assist with grant applications and further design if the city elects to pursue the project.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Iowa City University Heights City Council Meeting of 06/10/25","oneSentenceSummary","Think Iowa City presented a multi-use trail master plan June 10 that envisions walking and bike trails, an ADA-accessible paved loop and a small trailhead for the Swisher Tract; implementation would require council direction and agreements for university-owned land.","taxTitle","Iowa City, Johnson County, Iowa","taxId",4187,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6153509,"Melrose Complete Streets advances; council hears sidewalk-inspection plan and maintenance questions",2265,6116900,8382000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5492721-de7a21849faef3d0f7afbb1d9b27bc01&start=6116&end=8382","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5492721-de7a21849faef3d0f7afbb1d9b27bc01/thumbnail_6116900.jpg","/articles/6153509/Iowa-City/Johnson-County/Iowa/Melrose-Complete-Streets-advances-council-hears-sidewalk-inspection-plan-and-maintenance-questions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6153509-2e398d2b1974fe359c9cea99f756060c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770718383&Signature=Hyb-J-lb4tasCDJRmgV-0gmBoCSX7ELKHYNVIkRwelZ~1-B-y08D3eJDT0jGFyyILazUyXXgrNH2uzwVSPNIp~iq6ZyCEJEf0PbIRXaYc9CQfSNKQwg0PH5ptKeIttb0ZhVsoLIwuOAjCxKHtr0p2BcaaqhSBirUNYwu12JBcoQapo-qPFkBERyUUCFEylRxPpOVh9yD2WeZmlZP-QenGLfAbJacUt9lxsSDYkCuk-JaQ4tFA8n0aYM3pbYJSGQR3i2MY-jKHBlNfvFIHUifeah7HoCjRrLTE61c1yVIvfjcA3ETglm9-l~qtQbwKZ-zMl9F~AhK2NcOCPUnGG55Iw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff and the city's engineering consultant updated the council on progress and coordination for the Melrose Complete Streets project and outlined a citywide sidewalk-inspection program during the June 10 University Heights meeting.

Ryan (last name Anderson in presentation) — the project engineer — reported that property-owner meetings and appraisals for easements and acquisitions are under way and that the schedule depends on acquiring those easements. He said crews began pavement milling and that a contractor relocating utility poles inadvertently struck and damaged a water main on Highland Drive; the water main was repaired and service restored the same day.

Ryan said the project team is coordinating with the electrical engineer on decorative light-pole options and that councilors and staff have expressed interest in community input on pole style, banners and other streetscape elements. He recommended an open-house format with exhibits for public comment to collect preferences on styles and streetscape elements before final design.

The council approved a contract amendment for pavement markings to use higher-build paint system-wide. The contractor L.L. Pelling submitted a revised estimate of $13,177.75 for painting the pavement markings using high-build paint, and the council voted to accept that amount.

City administrator Troy explained staff plans for a sidewalk-inspection program. Staff and an intern inspected the city and identified roughly 80 properties and about 130 sidewalk panels in need of repair. Troy said the notices to property owners will be prepared after a council resolution directing repairs; staff expects to return with a resolution for the July meeting.

Councilors discussed how to treat sidewalk panels damaged by tree roots in the public right-of-way. Ryan reported that 12 properties and about 30 panels would be associated with trees in the parkway; councilors debated whether the city should pay for repairs caused by public-right-of-way trees or require property owners to pay. Examples from nearby cities vary: Iowa City pays for some public-right-of-way tree impacts, while Coralville and Cedar Rapids do not. Staff advised the council it can adopt a permit fee for private repairs and may incentivize property owners to opt into the city-run repair program to ensure work meets city standards.

Ryan said the sidewalk program could be phased and timed so residents have months to complete repairs before the city bids the remaining work. He also recommended assessing potential impacts on trees and consulting the city arborist (Black Squirrel/tree specialist) to evaluate root issues before final walkouts and repairs.

On other construction items, Ryan reported the Highland Drive/ Ridgeview Ave. preconstruction meeting took place and crews have started work. He said the contractor planned compaction testing and paving sequences and that schedule delays remain possible while easement and acquisition tasks proceed.

Staff also told the council that work on permeable pavers by SLS had not met city standards; payment for that work has been withheld while SLS returns to remediate the installation.

","City staff reported construction activity and easement work on the Melrose Complete Streets project, approved a $13,177.75 pavement-marking contract using high-build paint, and outlined a sidewalk-inspection program that identified about 130 panels at roughly 80 properties.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6153504,"Council votes: zoning hearing set, conflict waiver and routine items approved",662,4849360,5511999,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5492721-de7a21849faef3d0f7afbb1d9b27bc01&start=4849&end=5511","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5492721-de7a21849faef3d0f7afbb1d9b27bc01/thumbnail_4849360.jpg","/articles/6153504/Iowa-City/Johnson-County/Iowa/Council-votes-zoning-hearing-set-conflict-waiver-and-routine-items-approved","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6153504-60fffe5bdf80b2236cf3003b4acb78c1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770718383&Signature=n8z4MmwZWENOQg~97M6qRp2w662HDwMeUtXF8C2ANaiJsHgkK-1kseUb8NnHmJK7y9q-DOk0E0D1IF2H6YNHeQzWWWiouNd4Y6ionprGZOWHktn1AI0jPhx~Leo-oVz43vldxSxKudGRy3WynS-bk8Ylw0tL79L7B2y1zH1jW1wjiymRD90eaRUNFPX8v11ehOJaJQbpFUND4a2X32EJaP6krzfWOs4s012jAHIkf8ZAeDSfRjLKeWehoY-08HVre~EDeXA-0BhQKfWfK9fkuo7ENbklFKjt1vyFJSgFgMbr9N7sNN3EuEYF-mGn9RbcqfpptBDwkboooj1L~bx1Fg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its June 10 meeting University Heights City Council approved several resolutions and routine items. Key votes and outcomes are listed below.

Votes at a glance

- Zoning ordinance: Council approved a resolution to set a public hearing on proposed changes to the zoning ordinance related to driveway access and related provisions (Resolution 25-22 as identified in staff discussion). Motion by Nick; second by Lisa. Roll-call: Sherry Boldt — Aye; Moore — Aye; Schroeder — Aye; Swails — Absent. Motion carries, 4-0-1 absent. Staff will publish hearing notice and provide materials to the public in advance of the hearing.

- City attorney conflict waiver: Council approved a waiver allowing the city attorney to continue on certain matters despite a firm conflict created by recent firm changes (Resolution 25-23 as listed in the agenda). Motion by Nick; second by Lisa. Roll-call: Warren — Aye; Schroeder — Aye; Swails — Aye; (roll-call recorded noted: motion carries 4-0-1 absent) (transcript roll-call phrasing varied). Staff noted the waiver is waivable and that the attorney will disclose if a non-waivable conflict arises.

- Johnson County paratransit agreement: Council approved the annual 28E agreement with Johnson County for paratransit services (Resolution 25-20 as cited). Motion recorded; roll-call: Schroeder — Aye; Swails — Aye; John Absa — Aye; Moore — Aye. Motion carries 4-0-1 absent.

- Staff compensation for upcoming fiscal year: Council approved a 3% across-the-board pay increase for non-contracted city staff as included in the budget. Motion by Lisa; second by Doug. Vote recorded as unanimous consent; motion carries 4-0-1 absent.

- Liquor license: Council approved a Class C liquor license renewal for Maggie's Farm Pizza after background and inspections were completed. Motion by Lisa; second by Nick. Approved by unanimous consent.

- L.L. Pelling pavement marking contract: Council approved a pavement-marking contract (Resolution 25-21) in the amount of $13,177.75 using high-build paint. Motion by Doug; second by Lisa; roll-call approved.

- Transfer of funds/debt-service: Council approved a bookkeeping resolution to transfer special-assessment money into the debt-service fund (Resolution 25-24). Roll-call recorded: Swales — Aye; Herbold — Aye; Moore — Aye; Schroeder — Aye. Motion carries.

- Warrants and routine payables: Council approved payment of warrants by unanimous consent after a minor correction to a L.L. Telling / permeable-paver invoice; staff withheld the paver payment pending final approval of the installation.

What the votes mean

Most actions were procedural or annual: the paratransit agreement renews service and the staff compensation implements already-adopted budget decisions. The zoning action sets a public hearing; no zoning text was adopted at the meeting. The conflict waiver permits the city attorney to continue certain real-estate related work while acknowledging the need to step aside if a non-waivable conflict arises. The pavement-marking contract and the withheld permeable-paver payment are operational matters in active city construction projects.

Recorded motions and tallies are transcribed from the meeting. If the council refers to ordinance or resolution numbers in formal minutes, those will be posted on the city website alongside meeting materials.

","The University Heights City Council on June 10 approved a public hearing on proposed zoning changes, granted a limited conflict waiver for the city attorney, and approved routine contracts and permits including a paratransit agreement, staff raises and a pavement-marking contract.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Think Iowa City presents Swisher Tract multi-use trail master plan to University Heights council

Melrose Complete Streets advances; council hears sidewalk-inspection plan and maintenance questions

Council votes: zoning hearing set, conflict waiver and routine items approved