The meeting was called to order by President Devin van Holsteijn.

 

Members sang “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow,” led by Rtn. Ray Mustin, in honor of Pete Wallace, who was recently recognized by the University of Iowa Center for Advancement as one of their “8 Over 80.” Pete was celebrated for his dedication to the community and his intentional support of organizations benefiting children in Iowa.

 

Dennis Reese, guest of Rtn. Margaret Reese and Mark Cudry, guest of Rtn. Sean MacIntire.

 

Michael Kaestle, from Rockenhausen, Germany; Lesley & Steve Dankin, from Boone, Iowa and Stephanie Urchik, Past Rotary International President from Pennsylvania.

 

President Devin reminded members that club dues are now due.

 

Rtn. Eric Johnson thanked all who participated in the tree planting at Riverfront Crossings this past weekend. He also encouraged members to consider volunteering for upcoming Iowa City festivals and community projects. Additional information was made available on the tables.

 

Rtn. Anna Barker announced that at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5, representatives from the City of Iowa City will dedicate a new sign at Napoleon Park—designed by Anna—to honor the city’s French heritage and Napoleonic history.

 

Rtn. Margaret Reese introduced guest speaker Geoff Fruin, Iowa City City Manager and fellow Rotarian, who has served since August 2016. He provided updates on growth trends, development, infrastructure, public facilities, transit, and public safety.

 

Iowa City’s estimated 2024 population is 76,710, reflecting steady growth even as other communities decline. International immigration has contributed to this trend. Several private development projects are underway, including redevelopment of the former ACT campus along the I-80 corridor, expansion at Oaknoll East, and repurposing of the Pearson campus and northeast side, now home to office tenants, a future youth volleyball facility, and University of Iowa Health Care services. Additional retail development is planned off Foster Road, along with city-wide new housing projects focused on both senior and residential living. Oral-B is also investing in a $150 million expansion at the former Kirkwood Community College site.

 

Infrastructure improvements continue across the city, including work on Court Street, the ACT Circle/Dodge Street intersection, Highway 1/6 trail construction, and Washington Street. Beginning in 2027, the road budget is expected to double, with future projects planned for the Burlington Street Bridge, Dodge Street reconstruction, and conversion of Market and Jefferson Streets to two-way traffic.

 

Public facility upgrades include refurbishment of the Senior Center, relocation of the transit center, a new police headquarters on Dodge Street, fire station modernization, and a library interior refresh. The new City Park pool is expected to open in mid-July, along with updated park shelters and an expanded skate park.

 

The city’s fare-free transit system continues to perform well, with increased ridership and improved on-time performance. In public safety, the fire department responded to just under 10,000 calls last year, including 75 building fires, with most calls related to falls. The police department handled approximately 63,000 calls for service in 2025.

 

 

NEXT WEEK: At next week’s meeting, May 7, 2026, Dean Jill Kolesar, Dean of the UI College of Pharmacy, will present ‘From Discovery to Community Impact: The College of Pharmacy.’

 

Program: Rtn. Margaret Reese; Attendance: Rtn. Nancy Droll

 

Please forward any newsworthy items and/or photos to Janice Baldes to include in the weekly slide decks emailed to members prior to each meeting and shown just before Rotary meetings at the Club. You can send information to: Rtn. Janice Baldes janicebaldes@gmail.com

 

For questions related to Club administration, please contact us at secretary@iowacitynoonrotary.org.