Scott Lyon sworn-in as new Iowa City Fire Chief

Friday, April 8, 2022 - 2:45pm
Contact: 
Lee Hermiston

Scott Lyon was sworn-in as Iowa City Fire Chief during a ceremony Friday, April 8, 2022, in Emma Harvat Hall.

As Fire Chief, Lyon will oversee all fire department operations for the City of Iowa City. The Iowa City Fire Department consists of 64 personnel and four fire stations.

Chief Lyon previously served as Assistant Fire Chief of the Urbandale Fire Department. Prior to that, he was the Deputy Fire Chief for the City of Clive. Chief Lyon has a Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Service Administration and a Master of Liberal Arts degree in Organizational Leadership, both...

Protect your yard and garden from deer this spring

Friday, April 8, 2022 - 12:30pm
Contact: 
Chris Whitmore

With spring upon us, many members of the Iowa City community will soon be heading outdoors to return their hands to the soil and begin preparing their homes and gardens for another growing season. However, few things can be as frustrating for those with a green thumb than seeing the fruits of their labor become dinner for deer.

Here are some tips to help keep your plants from becoming an all-you-can-eat buffet:

Plant a diversity of plants. This will ensure that if deer find a particular species appealing, that plant won't be available in high numbers in your yard or garden...
Child swimming in a pool

Summer Activity Guide now available online; registration opens April 19

Friday, April 8, 2022 - 11:00am
Contact: 
Juli Seydell Johnson
Communications

Take a look at all the activities Iowa City's Recreation Division has to offer this upcoming season by checking out the 2022 Summer Rec Guide. The guide is now available online at www.icgov.org/Recreation .

Registration for summer classes and programs begins at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, both online and in-person, for Iowa City residents. Registration for non-residents begin Wednesday, April 20, 2022.

How to register

Online: Program registration is available...

City of Iowa City logo

Software upgrade to impact several City services April 21-22

Friday, April 8, 2022 - 8:15am
Contact: 
Shannon McMahon
Communications

An update to the City's payment software will have wide-ranging impacts on City services, mostly through Thursday, April 21, and Friday, April 22, 2022.

Water billing

The City's Revenue Office will be closed on both days. Residents will not be able to pay their water bill in person, on the phone, or online April 21-22, 2022.

Permits and Licensing

The City's Land Management, Permitting, and Licensing software, known as the Customer Self Service (CSS) Portal will be down during this time. These services are used for Building Inspections, Housing Inspections, Public Works, the...

Iowa City Police investigate reported assault

Monday, April 4, 2022 - 2:15pm
Contact: 
Lee Hermiston
Police

At approximately 1:46 a.m. on Sunday, April 3, 2022, Iowa City Police responded to the 400 Block of South Johnson Street for a report of an assault.

The female victim reported that as she was entering a residence she was approached from behind and attacked by an unknown male. The victim was transported to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for non-life threatening injuries. The victim described the suspect as a man with blonde hair.

The Iowa City Police Department recommends walking in pairs whenever possible and being aware of your surroundings at all times....

Video Update: Your Best Lawn, Sculptors Showcase, and more

Monday, April 4, 2022 - 7:30am
Contact: 
Jack Brooks
Communications

Iowa City Update is a weekly video featuring City of Iowa City projects, programs, and events. Topics this week include a rebate program to help residents develop a healthier lawn, a call for artists to submit to our Sculptors Showcase, and much more! Select the image below to watch Iowa City Update .

Iowa City Update: Your Best Lawn Your Best Lawn Program

Iowa City homeowners can get a healthier, greener lawn without...

A police badge

Iowa City Police Department personnel honored with annual service awards

Friday, April 1, 2022 - 4:00pm
Contact: 
Lee Hermiston
Police

Three Iowa City Police Department employees were honored for their contributions to the department in 2021 during a ceremony in Emma Harvat Hall on April 1, 2022.

Detective Mike Smithey received the 2021 Dick Lee Award, Station Master Tineke Melvin received the 2021 Civilian Employee of the Year Award, and Detective Jared Harding was named the 2021 Officer of the Year.

Dick Lee Award

The Richard “Dick” Lee Award was established in 1999 by several retired ICPD officers to honor the life work of Captain Dick Lee, who served as an Iowa City Police...

Office of Equity and Human Rights recognizes National Fair Housing Month

Friday, April 1, 2022 - 12:30pm
Contact: 
Stefanie Bowers
Equity and Human Rights

April is National Fair Housing Month and the Office of Equity and Human Rights is recognizing the month in a variety of ways.

Utility bills will include an insert explaining a person’s fair housing rights in Iowa City. A video training that is eligible for certification of one hour of fair housing training is available 24/7 online . Fair Housing Trainings for area landlords, property managers, and owners. Learn more...

City of Iowa City recognizes National Arab American Heritage Month in April

Friday, April 1, 2022 - 8:30am
Contact: 
Stefanie Bowers
Equity and Human Rights

April is National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM), a time for celebrating the history, culture, and contributions of Arab Americans. Over 3.5 million Arab Americans, all of whom represent a diverse array of backgrounds and traditions, live in the United States. Their countries of origin are numerous. Twenty-two countries form the official Arab League, but Arab-Americans may come from countries all over the world.

In the 1990s, various states started recognizing Arab American heritage throughout the year. An initiative in 2017 began encouraging all states to celebrate NAAHM...

Improve your lawn and save money by participating in the Your Best Lawn program

Friday, April 1, 2022 - 7:15am
Communications

Iowa City homeowners looking to make their lawns greener, healthier, and more environmentally friendly can have 50% of soil quality restoration costs reimbursed, up to $2,000, by taking part in the Your Best Lawn program.

Your Best Lawn is a partnership between the City of Iowa City, the cities of Coralville and North Liberty, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

The program helps residents enjoy greener lawns using fewer chemicals by providing funding for soil restoration projects on residential lawns. Improved soil quality leads to less ponding, greener lawns,...

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