Iowa City public art committee reviews bylaws, confirms officers and welcomes new member

The Iowa City Public Art Advisory Committee on Jan. 8 opened with introductions, a bylaws review and routine officer elections as members kicked off the calendar year.

Staff reviewed Article 2 of the committee bylaws and reminded members that the committee’s purpose is to develop and administer the public art program. Staff described a recently approved bylaws amendment to add a University of Iowa ex officio member, reduce the number of art and design professionals to two, and create three ex officio seats and four at-large seats; staff said that amendment must still go through the council rules committee and then the full City Council for final approval.

Leslie Feener moved to approve the minutes of the Dec. 4, 2025 meeting; members voted in favor. The committee conducted nominations for officers: Anita was nominated for chair and Sophie Donta for vice chair. After members expressed willingness to serve, the committee voted to confirm the officers.

Staff also reminded members about attendance expectations (three unexplained absences could trigger a request to resign), three-year terms and the city clerk’s vacancy-posting timeline for expiring terms. Staff told members that annual reports are required under the bylaws and that staff will prepare a draft report for committee review to submit to City Council.

New member Aaron Mosley introduced himself, noting he grew up in Cedar Rapids and works with adults with special needs through Equality Through Community. Staff invited members to participate in senior-center events, and the director of the senior center, Latasha Deloche, invited the committee to the community mural unveiling.

The committee adjourned after a brief meeting.