HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-13-2012 Ad Hoc Diversity Committeer
-0 = -4 CITY OF IOWA CITY
1 MEMORANDUM
Date: November 9, 2012
To: Ad Hoc Diversity Committee Members
From: Marian K. Karr, City Clerk
Re: Committee Packet for meeting on November 13, 2012
The following documents are for your review and comment at the next Committee meeting:
Agenda for 11/13/12 (page 1)
Minutes of the meeting on 10/29/12 (pages 2 -7)
Letter from Karen Kubby (page 8)
Materials from City Clerk:
• Draft agenda for Information Gathering Session (page 9)
• Proposed list of recommendations (page 10)
PUBLIC I THE
AD HOC DIVERSITY COMMITTEE
MEETING AGENDA
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Helling Conference Room in City Hall
410 East Washington Street
4:00 PM
1. Approve October 29 minutes
2. Information Gathering Session discussion
3. General Board discussion
4. Tentative Meeting Schedule
• November 15
• November 19
• November 26 (Markus, Dilkes, Karr absent)
• December 3
• December 10
• December 17
• January 7
5. Public Input
6. Adjournment
Ad Hoc Diversity Committee, October 29, 2012
MINUTES
DRAFT
CITY COUNCIL AD HOC DIVERSITY COMMITTEE
OCTOBER 29, 2012
HARVAT HALL, 4:00 P.M.
Members Present:
Bakhit Bakhit, Cindy Roberts, Joe Dan Coulter, Orville Townsend,
Sr. (4:07), LaTasha Massey
Members Absent:
Kingsley Botchway ll, Joan Vanden Berg
Staff Present:
Eleanor Dilkes, Marian Karr, Adam Bentley
Others Present:
Charlie Eastham, Stefani Bowers
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL:
None.
CALL MEETING TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order by Vice Chair Roberts at 4:05 P.M.
INTRODUCTIONS:
Karr asked that introductions be done as there were new participants present. Adam
Bentley was representing the City Manager's office. Others also introduced themselves
for the record.
I_ 1, 9: Z6,1W .1_R61AJ11:11:1111ll LOW, IIr;Djl **3
Coulter moved to approve the minutes of the October 22, 2012, Ad Hoc Diversity
Committee, as presented.
Massey seconded the motion.
The motion carried 4 -0; Townsend, Botchway and Vanden Berg absent.
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION DISCUSSION:
Roberts began the conversation by giving Bowers a brief history on what prompted the
Committee to ask her to meet with them. Basically the Members would like an overview
of what she and the Human Rights Commission do. Bowers then introduced herself to
Members, noting that she is the Human Rights Coordinator for the City. Her primary
responsibilities are to oversee, investigate, and ultimately make decisions on complaints
alleging discrimination that have been filed with her office. She is also the staff liaison to
the Human Rights Commission. Bowers continued, noting that the Human Rights
Commission is comprised of nine members. These individuals are appointed for three -
year staggered terms, so each year three leave and three new members begin. The
primary purpose of the Commission is to educate the community on human rights and
illegal discrimination. This is done through programming and activities within the
community, according to Bowers. The Commission also has the power to make
recommendations to the City Council as they see fit. Bowers shared that in fact the
Act Hoc Diversity Committee, October 29, 2012
Commission is who made the recommendation that the Council establish an ad hoc
committee to review the set up of the PCRB.
The discussion continued, with Bowers sharing what the Human Rights Commission has
been involved in over the past few years. She stated that in working with immigrant
committees within the city, the HRC has worked on making Iowa City welcoming to all.
The Commission has developed an immigration subcommittee in relation to this. This
subcommittee is attempting to establish whether there are ways the City can be more
easily accessible to all citizens, whether through signage, brochures in various
language, and generally helping citizens navigate City services when English is not their
first language. The Commission has also been taking a look at the African American
community within Iowa City, according to Bowers. She added that Diversity Committee
member Townsend is the Chair of the subcommittee working on this. She shared some
of the activities that the HRC has taken part in, noting that the overall goal is to make
newcomers to the community feel welcome and comfortable. Bowers stated that as
shown in the annual report, the HRC has been around for almost 50 years now.
Roberts asked how Bowers goes about prioritizing these goals with the Commission.
Bowers responded, stating that the goals are most likely prioritized according to what
initiatives the Commission has at that particular time. Roberts then asked how the public
generally finds out about the HRC and that they can file complaints of discrimination with
them. Bowers responded that the HRC advertises in several ways — twice weekly in the
Daily Iowan and the Press - Citizen classified sections. By doing this they hope that
anyone who has been looking for a job, looking for a home, or something similar and
feels discriminated against will know what the HRC can do to help them. Ads are also
run on City Channel 4, as well, according to Bowers. There are also notices posted in
City buses, at the Housing Authority, in the Building Inspection Department; and at the
Rec Center, Senior Center, and the Library. Most every City facility should have either
flyers or brochures available, according to Bowers.
Bakhit asked questions of Bowers regarding the immigrant communities within Iowa City.
She responded that a few years ago the HRC's focus was on the Latino community.
There were surveys done and public forums held to collect information. This was not
just a Human Rights' initiative, but part of a larger group from the community where the
goal was to collect information from the various immigrant communities regarding the
delivery of City services and suggestions on how to improve these. Bakhit asked
Bowers if the HRC has anything to do with Secure Communities. Bowers responded
that the Commission made recommendations to the Council late last year on this, but
that she does not remember what, if anything, has occurred with this. Dilkes added that
the Secure Communities program was reviewed but that the sanctuary city portion is
what stopped the Council from moving forward. She further explained why things turned
out the way they did, and Townsend interjected his thoughts, noting that they need to
better educate the public on why initiatives such as this have not moved forward.
Coulter stated that he would like to better understand how the HRC deals with
complaints or issues that involve the City, the County, or the State. He added that to
better understand the charge of the Diversity Committee, he believes they need to better
understand what the HRC has jurisdiction over when it comes to complaints. Dilkes
interjected that she believes Bowers should first give the Members an overview of the
complaint process. Bowers then explained to Members the steps that the Human Rights
Department takes when a complaint is received. First they check to see if the complaint
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Ad Hoc Diversity Committee, October 29, 2012
or issue would fall under the Human Rights ordinance. Secondly, did the person file the
report in the timeframe required. Once those two items are established, according to
Bowers, they can move forward. This means notifying the parties involved in the
complaint and making plans to meet with them to gather further information. Bowers
continued, giving Members a brief rundown of how each complaint is handled, ending
with a final recommendation that shows whether probable cause exists.
Coulter then stated that the Diversity Committee's charge has to do with complaints or
perceptions that there are problems with regard to law enforcement and public
transportation. He questioned whether or not the HRC has any jurisdiction to handle
complaints against any governmental entity, such as the City, the County, or the State.
Bowers responded that Title 2 (City Code) would give HRC jurisdiction over Iowa City
complaints; however, if such a complaint were received, she would tell the complainant
that the complaint would be transferred to the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, which is
the state equivalent of the local office. The reason for the transfer would be to eliminate
any appearance of impropriety. Bowers further explained how some complaints would
be kept local and not referred to the state level. Coulter then asked if there are any
educational programs for the public to better explain these processes and procedures.
Dilkes then clarified the role of the Human Rights Department. Townsend added that he
knows of several individuals who have filed complaints and were happy with the help the
Human Rights Department gave them. On the other hand, for those complaints against
the City, Townsend noted that people are glad that the City is not going to investigate
themselves, but that the State Civil Rights will do that instead. Bowers continued to
explain the functions of the Human Rights Department and how they conduct their
investigations. Many of these steps can take significant time to complete, due to the
sheer volume of information that is often received. Roberts noted that from her review it
appears that employment is the area where most complaints are received. Housing is
another area with a high complaint level, according to Bowers.
The conversation continued, with Coulter sharing his view of the issues they have before
them — police conduct and operation of public transportation. He asked Bowers if there
is any data in these two areas that she could share with the Members. Bowers
responded that she is unable to share whether or not complaints have been received,
and that the complaints themselves are confidential. Roberts noted that the reason for
having Bowers at the meeting was to explain the HRC and its role, and how it might play
into the issues the Committee is dealing with. Dilkes further clarified what the
Committee has been asked to deal with, and how they shouldn't assume that the HRC,
for example, has a complaint process that can handle these types of issues. Townsend
stated that the difference here is a 'complaint' versus a 'concern.' Each would be
handled differently. Roberts stated that this is basically what the Diversity Committee is
dealing with, the concerns that citizens have about these two entities — police and
transportation. Dilkes added that the difference too is these concerns typically do not fit
the legal definition of discrimination. Coulter asked if the HRC has had much contact
with the school system. Bowers responded that they have done programs in the past
with the School District, one being about the disproportional ity as it relates to African
Americans. Coulter then stated that one issue he has heard about is the
disproportionality of resources between the east and west sides of town within the
school system. He asked if this is the type of issue the HRC would deal with.
Ad Hoc Diversity Committee, October 29, 2012
Coulter reiterated his stance that he believes what they are looking for is real evidence
that there are disproportionalities in these issues. Bakhit stated that in his experience it
isn't just the complaint that is important, but that it is also important for the community to
be aware of such violations. Bowers responded that the Human Rights Department
does do outreach in the community by providing training on harassment, fair housing
practices, as well as City Channel 4 and web site resources. Roberts then asked a
question of Bowers regarding possible complaints against the Police Department. She
noted that the Police have their own complaint process, as does the PCRB. Roberts
asked if a complainant could also come to the HRC with this same complaint. Bowers
responded that if they received a call from someone wanting to file a complaint against
law enforcement, the Human Rights Department would let that person know of the
various complaint processes in place and how they could be contacted. Bakhit asked
Bowers what (City Code) Title 2 refers to. She responded that this is part of the City
Code, typically referred to as the Human Rights Ordinance.
INFORMATION GATHERING SESSION DISCUSSION:
Townsend stated that based on the discussion they just had with Bowers, he believes it
will be very important for them to let the public know that the upcoming information
gathering will only be dealing with issues related to law enforcement and transportation.
Otherwise he believes they could end up all over the board with areas of concern.
Roberts then spoke to how Botchway plans to make this very clear in his opening
remarks. By doing this he hopes to show the public that it is just these two topics —
police and transportation — that this Committee is concerned with at the public forum.
Coulter brought up the issue of schools and how this keeps playing into each of these
areas, and that if someone were to bring up schools at the public forum, he doesn't
believe they should consider this out of their scope. Townsend stated that he believes
the focus of this first forum should be on what their charge is. Other forums could be
used to address a wider range of issues.
Members weighed in on what they believe the upcoming public forum should be focused
on. Dilkes noted that it will be Botchway's role at the forum to stop those who talk about
other issues or concerns. Roberts brought everyone's attention back to the two drafts
they received concerning advertising for the upcoming public forum. Karr noted that
there are a couple of decisions the Committee needs to make this evening. One is if
there needs to be a deadline for comments to the Committee. Members agreed that
they would like to leave this date open and not have a deadline. Karr also discussed the
title of the handout, noting that Botchway had some concerns with it. Another issue
regarding the public forum is having interpreters at the forum. Karr stated that she has
been working with the University to get interpreters in Arabic and Spanish, but as of this
time they still do not have anyone lined up. She noted that this is one of those things
that they should not advertise if they are unsure of getting anyone. Townsend shared
his thoughts on this, stating that he believes they should definitely have a Spanish
interpreter at the forum, but that they don't need to advertise this on the handout.
Coulter stated that he believes they should be able to ask questions of the speakers that
night, to help clarify the person's complaint or concern.
The conversation continued, with Karr stating that she will add the 'special needs'
statement to the handout and will also ask Botchway if he would like to start formulating
his remarks so this can be shared with the other Members. Roberts agreed, stating that
they need to talk further about how they are going to handle the upcoming forum. The
—5®
Ad Hoc Diversity Committee, October 29, 2012
discussion then turned back to the handout, with Karr stating that from what she is
hearing Members want to go with #2, removing the interpreter availability and adding a
statement about contacting the City Clerk with any special needs there may be, and then
deleting the deadline for comments from the public. Townsend stated that if any of the
Members know of a specific language interpreter that will be needed that night, they
should speak up so this accommodation can be made. Karr then stated that the press
release for this event will be similar to the handout so whatever changes are made to
one will be made to the other. She hopes to get these two items out tomorrow. Karr
stated that in speaking to Botchway recently, he brought up his concern of having
identified separate times for police and transportation issues in the forum. She stated
that she shared with him the group's decision to be flexible and not to restrict times.
Karr asked if Members had information they wanted to share with Botchway regarding
his opening remarks, as he will be unable to attend the next meeting as well. Some of
the statements made included:
- Panel members may ask questions to help clarify the information that's being
provided;
- Giving a basic overview to the public that night, stating what the issues at hand
are and how the public can address the Committee;
- Summarize each issue after it has been shared;
- Repeat these comments throughout the meeting as new participants arrive;
GENERAL BOARD DISCUSSION:
None.
TENTATIVE MEETING SCHEDULE:
Karr then spoke to Members about upcoming meetings and possible conflicts. She
noted that November 5th, for example, two Members will be absent and that this is
potentially their last meeting before the public forum. The following Monday is a holiday,
and the forum is on Thursday. Members suggested a November 13 instead. Karr
continued going over the schedule, noting further conflicts in November. Members
discussed how they should handle this. Roberts stated that she believes they should all
meet as a group at least once before the public forum. November 13 at 4:00 P.M. was
chosen for a brief meeting. Karr noted that there was a Council meeting scheduled for
5PM that day and staff would be leaving the Diversity Committee meeting at 5PM.
Members agreed that an hour should meet their needs. Discussion continued on
upcoming meeting dates. Members agreed to tentatively schedule 2/7/13 for another
public forum at the Library.
PUBLIC INPUT:
None.
ADJOURNMENT:
Townsend moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:35 P.M.
Coulter seconded the motion.
The motion carried 5 -0; Botchway and Vanden Berg absent.
Ad Floc Diversity Committee, October 29, 2012
Ad Hoc Diversity Committee
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2012
Key:
X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = Not a Member
TERM
o
0
0
0
NAME
EXP.
"
"
-'
N
O
1
O
V
N
A
00
.l
Cn
N
N
N
O
(\)7
N
CP
Donna
03/10/13
O/
X
N
N
N
N
N
N
Henry
E
M
M
M
M
M
M
Cindy
03/10/13
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Roberts
Joan
03/10/13
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O
Vanden
/E
Berg
Bakhit
03/10/13
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Bakhit
Kingsley
03110/13
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/
O
Botchway
E
/E
Orville
03/10/13
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Townsend
Joe Dan
03/10/13
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Coulter
LaTasha
N
N
N
X
X
X
X
X
Massey
M
M
M
Key:
X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = Not a Member
Marian Karr
From: Karen Kubby <kubby @pobox.com>
Sent: Thursday, November 08, 2012 11:13 AM
To: Marian Karr
Subject: ad -hoc diversity committee
Marianne,
Below is a message I sent to the County Sheriff, County Attorney, and Supervisors Sullivan and Rettig. I believe they are
relevant to the feedback requested by the Ad Hoc Diversity Committee regarding law enforcement in our community.
Please share this with the committee. Many thanks.
Karen Kubby
I know there is much discussion going on about the next move to create an expanded jail and larger and more secure
courtrooms. I believe it would be a huge mistake to wait, change nothing, not collaborate with those opposed, and put
this back on the ballot in 6 months or so.
I don't believe it is only a matter of making sure people understand the reality data about who is currently in jail, for
what, and for how long. This is a grand opportunity to do the hardest work a community can do. That work is to be
willing to see if there are racial disparities in how laws are enforced and make systemic changes to prevent that and
coach /encourage personal work of each worker around race and privilege issues, as well as community members.
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Non - violence has a whole division of people who work on these issues in the law
enforcement area, with veteran officers who offer training and support for this sensitive and critical work. We have
local folks who do this work who can help the larger community.
The silver lining of not getting to 60% is that there is an opportunity to engage in this work with the support of the
community. If these efforts are made, on top of continued education about reality data and continued great work
started on mental health services and jail diversion programs, I believe the justice center can be built without larger
community support.
Thanks for reading through this. These words are offered with sincere appreciation for the issues involved and the hard
work ahead.
With great respect,
Karen Kubby
Beadology Iowa
Jewelry, Beads, Instruction
220 E. Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
(319) 338 -1566 ph
(319) 688 -2847 fax
www. beado logyiowa.com
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AGENDA
CITY OF I . SCI
AD HOC DIVE : '4" COM `TiEE
INFORMATION G I-1ERIf�G SESSION
NOV I Q#DER 15 §012
IOW1► CITY PUBLIC I' RA Y7 ROOM A
3 ; rsMth I* Street, IC
ITEM NO. "4 CALL Tji, QRD R &:.,ROLL CALL
eye ypti�y ..:.
ITEM NO. 2 4';,,INTROD.044ION OF BOARD, OVERVIEW OF SESSION AND
RVIEW C7F THE BOARD
ITEM NO. 3 PULL Q: ISCUSSION
ITEM NO. 4 CONSIDER MOTION TO ACCEPT CORRESPONDENCE AND /OR
DOCUMENTS
ITEM NO. 5 ADJOURNMENT
410 EAST WASHINGTON STREET • IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240 -1826 • (319) 356 -5041 • FAX (319) 356 -5497
PROPOSED LIST OF RECOMMENDATIONS
11 -13 -12
Police Citizens Review Board Education
Process
Procedure
Authority /power
Police Civil Service Recruitment Education
State & federal regulations
Barriers to testing
145,